OPEN POST ♞ HOT DAMN

[tarotcards]

WHO: Souji and youuuuuuuuuuu
WHERE: Apprassage
WHEN: 05/15 - 05/19
WHAT: Souji can now set things on fire. You're on fire, he's on fire, everything's on fire. It's great.
WARNINGS: Fire??
ONE

Souji hasn't been feeling easy since the night of the prom. It wasn't the prom itself that got him feeling so disembodied with himself (in fact, he had a great time being crowned Prom Princess and all) but rather, it was something else entirely. It was this feeling of "something" residing within him, as if he suddenly wasn't just Souji Narukami anymore but instead, Souji and who knows what.

Obviously, he hasn't spoken a word about this to anyone. Why would he? No need to bring on unnecessary concern and besides, this is something he should handle on his own. It can just be another one of his secrets, just like the strange voices in his head and the floating cards that he sees...

As a result, Souji has been trying to be as secretive as possible about his newfound powers. Well, as secretive as you can be with another being living in your soul, but you know, you make do. You make do by going to a semi-secluded area behind a few building and try to figure out how to summon said new monster. It's honestly just as hard as it sounds.

The first few times, almost nothing happens at all. A card engulfed in blue fire appears, Souji crushes it, there's a brief half second of an oversized monster, it disappears, rinse and repeat. Thanks to a certain memory, there is a faint sense of familiarity with the summoning process, but it doesn't suddenly endow him with the experience or knowledge that he needs to continue. All he can do right now is to practise with what he knows and that is to just summon the damn thing.

Sure would be a shame if someone walked around that corner and saw Mr Blue and Flaming Demon...

TWO

... or it'd be a greater shame if someone turned that corner at the wrong time and accidentally got hit by a spell.

Over the next few days, Souji has been diligently practising with summoning Mada, slowly learning the type of skills it possessed and how to direct it to use said skills. It certainly isn't an easy task, quickly draining Souji out and having him nearly pass out a few times. One doesn't simply become a Persona master in just a couple of days and for someone as inexperienced as him, there's bound to be some accidents.

Accidents involve fire or silencing spells.

Don't worry, the fire might just barely miss you or just catch a tiny bit of your clothes so don't worry about any serious injuries, but that silencing spell... don't worry, it'd probably wear off.

... eventually.

THREE

Remember how Souji nearly passed out from draining himself of all energy with this whole Persona nonsense? Well, it just about happened now.

Souji at least had the common sense to try and sit up against the wall right before he just suddenly dropped dead from exhaustion, but he slumps over to the side, actually kind of looking like a murder victim. It's quite terrifying, really, but hey, if you're looking for an opportunity to take his wallet then now is a good time.

WILDCARD

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Comments

[tarotcards]

[ At least Souji didn't get back a Persona of the Death arcana or there'd be a lot more unconscious people around. ]

Just a bit. I can call it then call it away, but for its actions...

[ He trails off as he just looks at Lucian, referring to just happened just a few moments ago. ]

[accordance]

[ Well, it's better than nothing. ]

With practice comes greater success, I would think.

[ He's known Souji for a while now and the boy certainly seems like the studious type. ]

[tarotcards]

[ A nod. ]

Yes. I've been trying to practise on my own, to avoid hurting anyone, but I need to find a more isolated space.

[ Seeing as how he almost just hurt Lucian but now he will change the subject, try to divert this to the doctor. ]

... May I ask about your wings?

[accordance]

[ Now that the cat's out of the figurative bag, might as well. It'd make Souji feel better too, hopefully. ]

They appeared on my person without explanation a while back. I use my jacket to hide them to avoid arousing suspicion.

[ He looks like an angel, which has been told to him by multiple people. The attention is not welcome. ]

[tarotcards]

[ So it's the same as Souji, sudden weird things appearing out of nowhere. ]

Do you remember when you've received them?

[accordance]

At the start of this month. I would say about the time where the shrinking happened, though it has clearly persisted past that time frame.

[ It's been inconvenient, to say the least - which is the reason why he allows himself a slight sigh. ]

[tarotcards]

I see... I've only gotten this power two days ago. I was wondering if there would be some sort of pattern to people receiving these strange changes.

[ Nothing that he could really spot out right away. ]

[accordance]

[ The old man puts a hand to his chin in thought. ]

From what I have observed, it seems more related to the development of the individual than related to the population at large.

[ And also because of the speed at which their players earn points. ]

[tarotcards]

[ Souji tilts his head slightly, moving his hand onto his hip. ]

What sort of development?

[accordance]

The resurgence of visions. [ Or hallucinomemories, but that's too complicated something to be throwing out in casual conversation. ] The more you see, the more strange things you will find happening to you... or so goes the trend.

[ He's had quite a couple, but never told anyone since they weren't something he thought worth bothering others about. ]

[tarotcards]

[ Souji now moves his other hand to his chin. ]

I see. I've received visions of any changes before they happened, such as the change in hair colour or this power. It would make sense that the more visions we receive, the more changes will occur.

[ He then looks up at Lucian. ]

Then I'm assuming that you've received a number of these visions before your wings?

[accordance]

[ Ah, the rare double chinhand. ]

That is correct.

[ He'll glance around to see if anyone is within hearing range. Satisfied that there are no eavesdroppers, he can continue. ]

Were you aware of any other supernatural species when you had your visions, other than humans?

[tarotcards]

[ Even without any eavesdroppers, Souji feels... almost uncomfortable talking about his visions with someone else. He's been trying to keep as much as this to himself, sharing it with only one or two other people, as if he's trying to deal with everything by himself, but it seems like he can't avoid it now. ]

... Yes, once. It was foggy so I couldn't make it out, but I summoned one before. Not this one specifically, but something similar.

[ Would that mean that he'll be able to summon more of these? ]

[accordance]

[ So, definitely summonable spirits. Souji is still human, thankfully. ]

I see. I would think this particular vision would be the prelude to you being able to bring that spirit forth.

[tarotcards]

[ Is he really human if he has all these demons and gods within him, though? ]

And if I do, then we can trust that there are a concrete pattern and link between the visions and our changes.

But asides from that... I'm sorry, doctor, about earlier. I should have been practising somewhere more secluded than here.

[accordance]

[ If his body is human, then he probably is. ]

It is alright. No damage was done. [ He can fix his jacket later, it's a small issue compared to having a fire pit follow you around. ] I would suggest perhaps somewhere with water, but secluded is a hard criteria to pin along with it.

[ Bringing Mada to the woods is a really bad idea. ]

[tarotcards]

Please, at least let me get you back for the jacket. It was my fault after all.

[ Souji's got $$$ ]

[accordance]

Do not worry about it.

[ Since it's stopped smouldering, he can pick it up again. It doesn't feel right to get money from a teenager. ]

Dealing with all these changes takes a toll on everyone. I would rather you focus on mastering your own abilities than burden you with monetary matters. Fixing it would not incapacitate my income.

[ He may be a frugal doctor, but he's still a doctor. ]

1/3

[tarotcards]

[ He still feels bad about all this, especially that he practically revealed the doctor's secret because of the fire blast, but if Lucian insists, then Souji shouldn't push it. ]

Thank you, doct--

You sense Lucian's thoughtfulness and care...

[tarotcards]

Thou art I... And I am thou...
Thou shalt have our blessing when thou choosest to create
a Persona of the Aeon Arcana...

The Social Link has reached level 3.
Your power to create Personas of the Aeon Arcana has grown.

[tarotcards]

[ Oh boy, here they go again... It's been a few months since Souji started this whole Social Link nonsense but he's still not used to the whole flashing lights, seeing random floating cards, and hearing voices, so sorry, Lucian, he's just staring off into space right now. ]

[accordance]

[ It seems like the boy is looking at a spot behind him, so Lucian turns. But there's nothing there. ]

Souji? Are you alright?

[tarotcards]

[ It takes Souji another second or two to snap out of it, still staring off into space and waiting for everything to calm down. When it does, he looks like a fish out of water and he just shakes his head. ]

... Yes, I'm sorry, I just...

[ He places a hand to his forehead. Why is this happening to him? He's already troubling the doctor with his Persona nonsense and now this? This really isn't his day. ]

[accordance]

[ Is he dehydrated from all the fire? Or just mental strain? ]

Perhaps you could take a break soon. Some water to rehydrate yourself might help.

[ If using firepit man is taxing Souji so much, he should definitely take it easy for a bit. ]

[tarotcards]

[ And a nod. ]

I guess I'll call it a day for now...

[ Go home and lie down for a bit, get his thoughts in order as well. ]

Thank you for your concern, doctor, and again, I am sorry for everything.