[IC] Persona 4 - Black Carnival

[akirashadow]

Akira awoke to a dimly lit room, the walls merely added to the darkness as they'd been scattered with darker browns, black and purple colours. Stretching his arms and legs out he turned onto his side to look at the room bewildered by it. This was a lot different to what he was expecting to wake up to. Certain items appeared to be missing and others moved, the bookcase seemed a lot larger than he could remember and was jam packed with books and tomes. Aside from this there didn't appear to be many personal affects.

Still confused from his surroundings Akira got up from the bed, walking over to the most obvious furnishing of the bookcase. Tales and Titles that he knew of but did not own, and others that he'd not heard of albeit intriguing populated the shelves as Akira run his fingers across the spines. There was a particular book that grabbed his attention as he stopped and pulled it from amongst the others, there was no title or cover, it was just blank. With a sign Akira opened the book to see nothing but blank pages through out. "What's the point?" He questioned as he shut the book once more. As he put the book back he thought he noticed a flicker of text on the spine 'Your Story' however its fleeting existence only made Akira believe he had imagined it up.

Despite the strangeness of it all everything seemed to be positioned in a way that Akira would probably have things were he to have the choice, clutter furniture that served no purpose was gone, a small table by the bed containing photo's from his past in small frames. But leaning against those frames appeared to be a mask. Akira picked it up, yet another confusing item this was something he definitely did not own. It was definitely interesting, Akira felt somewhat drawn to it as he lifted it up to his face, it felt weirdly comfortable fitting perfectly against his face. It was almost as if someone had been following him and had made the room specifically for him to occupy.

Akira pulled the mask away, as the clock finally drew his attention. Sat beside the door, in this near silent location the chime of its operation had finally worked its way into Akira's tired head. He approached the clock tilting his head to the side, this wasn't something he'd choose to own... wait is that, music? Akira went to open the door only for his foot to kick against it and his head to softly bounce off of its surface as it refused to budge. He grunted in annoyance of what had just transpired as he took a step back. All he could do now was wait right? To see if the situation would change maybe? Akira contemplated to himself as he sat on the floor next to the clock, as close he could get to the door as he just continued to observe the room, waiting to see if anything were to change once more.

[vancexentan]

A few moments past by the trio in their rooms when suddenly a quiet knock on the door was heard. The knock wasn't mean spirited, or menacing more polite than anything. It was followed by the voice of a young male "Excuse me I'm coming in if you're not prepared I recommend getting prepared." the voice said as there was a brief interval before the door, without a click of a lock, opened and in came a young man in a fancy white suit. He wore a black tie which fit snugly around his neck and went down to the middle of his chest. The buttons that adorned the person's shirt were also black. His dress pants were white and his shoes were also black. He had somewhat pale white skin but it was unblemished and clean as if he was a drawing. His eyes where beautifully blue and he had short trimmed but well cut platinum blonde hair. He was definitely not of Asian descent and he had spoken without any indicator of an accent. He was smiling politely at the individuals in their rooms when he came in. He gave a bow to them and introduced himself, "Hello there I hope you've found your room to be accommodating. We did our best to match it to your own personal tastes. I have no name, I find such things to be a bit boring and needless anyway, but if you must call me by something than you may call me....Michael. Yes I suppose that will do for now."[/color] Michael stated as he broke from his bow and leaned up making his body perfectly straight. He looked at them and explained further what was happening, "I suppose you have many questions? Well I would advise you to wait until you meet the Ring Master of this carnival. However if you must have something answered immediately I suppose I can do so. And before you ask yes this is a 'dream'. If you can call something that is actually happening though a 'dream' is up for debate. Extensional crisis aside though you are not in the physical world you know." Michael calmly stated.

=====

He walked over towards Tomomi and smiled at her. "I've been told you have quite the interesting story waiting to unfold. The quicker you decide to get prepared young miss the quicker you can see that unfold. Though there is no rush." Michael stated to the young woman as he looked over to the mask and back to her again. "Though you may want to put that on first." commented young Michael as he waited for the young woman's response.
====
As the boy walked over to Akira he frowned slightly as if he had been expecting more. He didn't patronize him however and merely offered him his hand. "Are you alright? I know this is a lot too take in but I hope we haven't caused you any more problems than you already have." Michael said plainly but politely as he kept his hand out towards Akira.
====

Will stopped his investigation of the room to listen to the new man enter the room his whole speech was weird and confusing. He was in a 'dream' but he wasn't? Who the hell is the ring master? "You know what I don't want to know what's going on here. It's probably going to go right over my head. So what's up with this room though? Blank pages? Being tailored to me personally? How and why did you get all of this set up?" the young American asked of Michael who simply chuckled quietly and shook his head. [color=fff200]"Suffice to say that the world you know it is different than the actual nature of this place. It's more of a paradox really. Things simply are, aren't, and could be. They formed to fit you personally as they would form to fit others. This is a world of desires and knowledge. If you need something you can find it here probably. Or you could find nothing. It's all dependent on what you know" stated Michael to Will who looked over to his own Mask which had blue and red lines coming down from the top and across the eyes and two black stars to either side of the cheeks. "You'll be needing that before you can leave the room."

[Lasrever]

Tomomi Katayama

When the guy walked in, Tomomi was looking at the mask in her hand curiously. She stood up off of the bed, looking ready to defend herself from the potential threat. Didn't seem like he was gonna do anything, though, so she just watched him as he spoke to her.

So, this really was some kinda dream - but she felt completely awake. Weird. The description was a little confusing, but whatever worked. She didn't ask any more about it for a couple of reasons. First, she figured most of her questions would get answered by whoever this 'Ringmaster' character was, and second, whatever answers she ended up getting would probably raise more questions than anything. Besides, knowing more about what was going on wouldn't change anything. Seemed like things were gonna happen, no matter what she ended up doing.

Once he'd finished talking, she just gave him a look. "No rush? I'm trapped in some freaky dream world with no clue what's going on or why - I'm basically awake right now - and you're saying there's no rush? I'd hate to see when you do hurry." she laughed, then glanced at the mask again. "So if I put this thing on, I get to go out? Count me in. Besides, I'd like to see what you mean by interesting."

With that, she walked over to the door, and after a second, put on the mask. "So, we gonna get this started or what?"

[akirashadow]

"Not in the physical world." Akira mumbled to himself as he glanced over to the man who had just entered the room. Their attire was definitely those of someone who would be associated as a businessman, but what use would such a person have in this situation. "So Michael, if you're not the ring master then who are you in this place? Your appearance definitely sells you as someone of importance." Akira reluctantly accepted the hand that was offered to him as he used the support to pull himself back up onto his feet.

As Akira waited for his answers he once again lifted the mask up to his face, the single tear drop beneath the left eye being the only real distinguishing features, though the mask was also adorned with straight red lines that looked like slash marks. "... and what is the point of this thing?" His voice slightly distorted from the masks material given the small mouth piece to allow sufficient air to pass through to stop the wearer sweating profusely behind its surface. It seemed to be of some importance, after all it felt as though it was specifically made for him to wear.

This place was extremely confusing, Akira's head was filled with questions and curiosity, though he was asked to save the questions for the 'Ring Master'. What relevance did being in a carnival hold in this situation? It appeared the rooms decor had been deliberately chosen to fulfil a purpose so surely the area beyond this room was built or designed for the exact same reason. The music had become at least slightly clearer with the door no longer acting as a barricade, carnival music.

The chime of music in the distance was slowly making Akira accept his current situation, almost as though encouraging realisation as he glanced around the room once more. A mirror hanged as a single wall ornament, as Akira walked over to it. Carved into its wooden frames phrases scattered as though written by different people 'See your true self', 'Who's the real you?', 'accept who you are' were only a few of them. Akira stood in front of the mirror, seeing... well seeing just the room around him, even the reflection of what was directly behind him as if he wasn't even there. The boy pulled the mask off with another sigh. "This room has some really fascinating trinkets. Does it all really serve a purpose?"

[vancexentan]

Tomomi's Room:

"Yes you're 'awake' in the sense that you're mentally conscious of the events happening around you. You can make choices, decisions, and rationalize things. I wouldn't call this really being conscious all too much though. This state of being is different and hard to explain. I don't even believe I have the words for it. But yes when I do hurry things tend to get...messy for all intents and purposes. That's why I don't like being rushed." Michael stated calmly as he brushed a lock of blonde hair out of his eyes and chuckled. "I suppose I should be glad you're so eager to get going. However I am confused. I expected...more if you would. No questions about this room? Who I am? Just acceptance? Hm...all the same to me in the end I suppose. What should I expect from a girl your age?" Michael said as he turned around turning his back to Tomomi and holding for a moment before sighing. "It would seem our other guest is being a problem. You'll have to wait a moment longer or otherwise you may end up getting a headache. It's a side effect from one of my abilities." Michael stated more annoyed than upset that he'd need to prologue this meeting. He patiently tapped his hand on the wall waiting.

====

Akira's room:

"I wouldn't say my attire is meant to display my rank or something of importance. It is simply how I like to dress. Nothing makes a statement more than a suit. And for the other part of your question about who I am....I guess if we keep going by job terms like in a circus than I guess you could call me the accountant. Or more aptly a librarian or chronicler I keep track of the who's, the what's, and the how's. The why's and when's are not a part of my job. It's a tiring and almost thankless job but I enjoy it none the less. After all I wouldn't be much if not for it." Michael chuckled as he looked around the room and make a clicking song with his tongue and shook his head as he looked around some more. "As for that thing...I believe would be a work around. A useful device made for you by my boss. The one who called you here today. It will give you a facade. A very useful thing for protecting yourself from the lies you've built around your psyche. More will be told once you are ready to go and meet him." Michael stated as he then thought for a moment before responding to the last question. "This room serves it's purpose just like anything else does. This room is just as much a a part of your mind as your personality. It was crafted in a way that speaks too you personally. One could say you made this room as an extension of yourself. Now if that would be all perhaps you'd like to continue and put on that mask. Once you do you won't be able to take it off until you meet the ring master of this carnival. It is to protect your identity from the other guests tonight AND as I said it is useful for defense as well."

[Lasrever]

Tomomi Katayama

Tomomi shrugged at Michael's surprise. "It's not that I'm not curious or anything, I'm just really bad at listening to lectures. I figure I'll pick up on more by getting out there and living it instead of sitting here while you talk at me." she said, hoping she was making sense. Eh, if she was gonna be stuck here for a while, might as well find something to ask.

"What's your name, then, since you want me to ask something? And how'd you end up doing... Whatever it is you do here?" she said, glaring at the door impatiently. If this was some kind of freaky dream world, she wanted to see it! Things were happening, and she was finally getting an opportunity to have a part of it. As far as Tomomi cared, it didn't matter if there was some kind of man-eating dragon out there, she wanted to see it for herself. If it took much longer, she'd probably try and leave on her own, headache or no headache.

[vancexentan]

"I thought I told you my 'name' it's Michael. While I know now that you don't like lectures you can at the very least listen to someone's introduction." Michael said annoyed that he had to repeat himself as he put his on her shoulder. "Calm yourself. You're not going too see anything amazing out there. In fact I'd dare too call what's outside that door average in comparison to some of the other things out there. The world outside that door is merely the domain of my boss. It's a reflection of whatever he wants it too be. Though I'd be fair in noting it's not a reflection of himself as this room is of you. As for who I am precisely and how I came here...well let's just put it at I don't know you well enough to confide in you what and who I am. Nor if I told you would you properly understand. Suffice to say I am no more than I look. A simple boy who does as he's told who just happens to have powers that he shouldn't. That should hopefully suffice. I have no intentions on divulging sensitive information on myself and others who have come here. If they wish to remove their mask and open up themselves too you them they will do so at their own peril." Michael commented as he put his hand on the door. "If you want a preview of what is too come...I think you should imagine a Japanese fair with a bit of whimsical childishness too it. That's an apt description I believe. Except the difference is there are no guests other than you at this fair."

[akirashadow]

Akira continued to pace slowly as 'Michael' explained the rooms purpose to reflect the inhabitant of that room. It was definitely an interesting thing to contemplate, though it would appear there was not the time to do so. Although subtle it would seem there was some rush to provide some form of progress into the area beyond this room. "Fine..." Akira says with a sigh as he raises the mask once more and releases it as it rests against his face. He shuffled his way over to the door with a a lack of urgency stopping by it as he rested his hand against it.

"... why me? What is it that interests your master so much?" Akira asks as he glances back to Michael, he was willing to move on without an answer if necessary. However he felt a certain degree of curiosity of what had brought him here and the reason for it.

[vancexentan]

"You're a somewhat special snowflake if you get my meaning young man. The world itself has many flakes of snow you just happen to have the potential to be more than that. There are others like you here today who have similar designs in them that match you. It will give you power to march forward. It's not that you're all alike in personality, gender, or otherwise you all just happen to share that one property that is deemed greater than others. Some people go their whole lives without realizing this potential. Some have none at all Others have it but lack the power to awaken to it. Think of it this way if it suits you? What seperates a feudal peasant for their Samurai overlords? Talent, skill, and the circumstances regarding birth. Though in this case it's not who gave birth too you or how it's that you simply were born with a innate talent that few others have. That power will be explained to you later. Now then are you ready?" Michael asked as he walked up to the door and put his hand on the door knob as he looked with his deep blue eyes directly at Akira without blinking.

[Lasrever]

Tomomi Katayama

Tomomi at least had the decency to look a little sorry about forgetting Michael's name, although she didn't sound like it when she spoke. "What can I say, magic man? Looking at all this, listening wasn't exactly priority number one. If I had to make a list, I'd put it at like number six. Besides, Michael? I was expecting you to be called something more... Magic-sounding."

She looked genuinely put off by the whole concept. "I mean seriously. You come in here, you're walkin' around in my head like it's nobody's business, and you're the servant to some magical 'ring master', who I'm guessing is some sort of powerful, other-worldly type of deal - and your name is Michael?" she shrugged. Hey, she felt like it was fair comment. Wasn't Michael just a normal American name? It was a bit strange, seeing as she was in Japan, but she'd still expected something a bit flashier.

At least the whole 'fair' thing sounded neat. She was a little bummed out that there wouldn't be any people, though, seeing as that was the best part of a fair anyway.

"So, do I get some kind of freaky magic dream food at this fair? Prizes? One of those giant stuffed animals?" she said, with a look at Michael that was just sincere enough to make it hard to tell she was joking. She was, but if there was an expression Tomomi had mastered in her time on this Earth, it was false sincerity. While she was stuck here, she might as well mess with the guy a little. There wasn't anything better to do.

[vancexentan]

"I told you I have no 'name' what I am, and who I am is much more difficult question to answer than what you could imagine. I am a lot of things. Besides the origin of the name Michael is something you may want to look up Miss. And it's not so much as this is your mind so much as this is a reflection of you personally. In other words this is part of your mind but we're not IN your mind if you would follow me drift. Now let's go shall we? If you want to try your luck at eating something in a incorporeal world than that's your problem. I wouldn't personally it would be bad for your health." Michael commented as he went to the door and wrapped his hand around the door knob and opened it slowly. As he went outside a dull blackness permeated the rooms he had been in before. It was if it was light leaking in through a crack in the window but instead only blackness seemed to come from it. As all three of the participants in the game left they had been told too put on their mask before hand in case they hadn't already. When Michael stepped out of the door he seemed to shimmer in and out of reality for a moment until he became solid and stood out in the middle of a flat rocky ground. Oddly enough the ground seemed to be lit dimly and there were all sorts of things around them.



Will stepped out grasping his pure white mask to his face and as he let go of it it seemed not too fall from his face. He had been waiting patiently for the time to come to leave and he had no questions for Michael. As he looked around he saw a Ferris wheel off in the distance. All sorts of booths without any shop keepers however there seemed to be shades running back and forth through the area between the booths. They had no features, no similar body structures, and they seemed to be made of pure shadows it was unnerving. But he looked around even more and saw there were indeed three other people here besides him. two boys, and one girl it appeared. Will decided not to say anything to them and instead look back at Michael. "Welcome to my home if you would be so kind as to follow me now and not get lost we'll be getting onto meeting your reason for being here. Trust me he is a patient man but you wouldn't want to get lost in a place like this would you?" Michael stated too everyone there as he threw his arms to either side of him to show off the oddly lit world around them. Michael at this point had stopped shimmering and seemed to not care to explain how he had led them all out of their rooms at once. The sky seemed to change color between dull black, and purple. There were no clouds in the sky and the world itself seemed like a twisted adventure. However there was laughter out around them but it was echoing and it seemed like it was coming from far away. There was mumbling and talking but none of it was intelligible. In the distance one could see a big tent put up in the middle of the area, and a merry-go-round with horses, and unicorns, and elephants going around and around in a endless circle. The music coming from it seemed to be like anything else you'd hear at a normal carnival. Though it did seem to go on an endless loop. The 4th individual in the group was wearing plain green PJ's and spoke in a very quiet tone. His mask was half black, and red with a pink diagonal line going down the middle. "W-where are we?" the boy asked in an almost whimpering tone as Michael chuckled. "Trust me you don't want to know. If you must call this place by a name to help your mind adjust just call this place...Scarecrow's Carnival. Or Wonderland."

[akirashadow]

Akira, after giving acknowledgement to Michael's request watched as the rooms door was opened and he stepped out into the open world, if you call it such a place. Though Michael had given him food for thought, his answer had merely raised more question. A circumstance that would be on level with what separates a Samurai from a Peasant... Well there could be endless reasons out of what Michael had listed, the interesting part to Akira is that not everyone would see the same reason. A subordinate, a peasant, a relative, all might give a different reason for what would separate their Daimyo to them.

The music that filled the air around him seemed somewhat off, sure it sounded like carnival music but it was almost as though it was orchestrated in a way to cause discomfort to some of its guests. As Akira thought of this he almost missed Michael's disappearing act. When he had reappeared Akira continued to step forward as he gazed around at the strange goings on of the grounds. As he noticed the others in the area Akira spoke up, his voice still muffled by his mask "More Samurai's I presume?" Aside from that comment Akira had taken little interest.

The area surrounding them, well that what was truly most interesting. Creatures both real, and mythological appeared to inhabit the grounds of the carnival. Everything however seemed to fit neatly in place with what could be expected of a carnival, though the dim lighting made it kind of difficult to really pick out any of the more precise details. Michael called this place Wonderland, though if it were it was certainly one of the lands expected dark secrets. "Not to be rude, but when will this Ring Master be making his appearance?" Akira asked. The whole place messed with his head a little, not enough to cause outright panic, but enough that he didn't want to particularly stick around any longer than necessary.

[vancexentan]

"You are under the assumption that these shades are actually sentient. They exist but they don't acknowledge your presence. It would be in your best interest not to do so for they are things that may, could, and shall be in the future. Essences of people that have been, were, may be, and shall be born. Their real selves. Quite fragile shells really. People are so fragile really that they hide their real selves. Not unlike your mask you're wearing right now. It protects and shelters you and you hide behind it hoping that it will allow you to survive, and it will, this alien landscape. And as for my Ring Master good sir he is not going to show himself. YOU are going to show yourself. Well to more clear he is expecting you and the whole reason you are here is because of your potential. He will explain more later of course. Questions upon questions are building and some will find answers while others will not. Trust what you will there are many truths and lies in this world young sir." Michael said simply as he started to walk as Will raised his hand. "Wait a second! Do you want us too follow you?" Will asked confused as he raised his hand as if to reach out to Michael. He was feeling uncomfortable and he wanted to get out of this place but he knew too do so he'd probably need to go and talk to the Ring Master first. "Of course. Unless you want to be lost forever in this carnival of fun I'd recommend not leaving my side. It would be an awful thing...to die in your sleep forever trapped like these shades in this endless place." commented Michael with a chuckle.

[Lasrever]

Tomomi Katayama

Okay, this was pretty strange, she had to admit. Not that the rest of this wasn't, but the whole carnival full of creepy shadow people was really reaching the threshold of what was okay. She was kind of surprised that there were other people here - guess it really wasn't in her head after all - but found herself curious to know who the people behind the masks were. They all seemed to be guys, and a particularly timid-sounding one was the first to speak up.

It had taken her longer than it should have to realise that she was wearing the stuff she'd fallen asleep in, although it made sense. A horrifying thought rushed through her mind, and she muttered under her breath as she followed Michael. Sure is lucky I don't sleep naked. That coulda been a little awkward."

After listening to Michael's speech, Tomomi decided to stick a little closer, although she was a little creeped out by the guy's chuckling. "Seriously? You choose that to laugh about? Man, you're just a comedian and a half, Mikey." she grumbled. Looking around at the carnival, she shrugged.

"Anyway, is that laughter from your boss? Or did he just add it to make things feel more authentic? Have to say, looks like he's a fan of carnivals. Don't know what else I'd expect from a guy called the Ring Master, mind you." her tone exuded confidence, and she was eager to meet this mysterious Ring Master. Whatever was going on, this whole place kind of seemed like an adventure.

[vancexentan]

"A bit of black humor never hurt anyone no?" Michael commented simply as he made his way around some stalls. "But in this case it may very well do so." Michael shrugged it off quickly as he continued "Getting my master too laugh is harder than you think. The laughter you hear is emanating from the shades and from the world itself. Think of it simply to say that he is more fond of them than most people simply because they're more welcoming than other places. It's a home for freaks, and weirdos and what have you. There is no judgement here there simply is...well what there is for lack of a better word. You don't go to a carnival and expect something normal now do you Miss?" asked Michael politely.

[Lasrever]

Tomomi Katayama

Tomomi shook her head in irritation. "Listen, there's not normal, and then there's freaky carnival dream world full of constant laughter, shadow people, and inedible food not normal. Do you blame me for being a little curious?"

She was pacing around, clearly getting restless and wanting to run off ahead. Luckily, even Tomomi had the sense to remember Michael's earlier advice, although she was getting more reckless about straying the more time went on. It certainly didn't stop her from moving in circles around him like an anxious toddler, or from running her mouth.

"So, other than my stunning talent, incredible personality and striking good looks - you guys'll have to take my word for that one with this mask on - I don't see what I could help this Ring Master guy with. Don't get me wrong, this is cool and all, but if he's got enough power to make this world however he wants, can't he sort out his own problems?" she looked over her shoulder at Michael with a little chuckle.

[akirashadow]

Akira followed the others more intent on listening and taking in his surroundings, he wasn't too keen on the idea of staying behind, whether this Michael was bluffing or telling the truth was not something he want to test. However, unquestioning acceptance was proving to be a comfortable way of coping with whatever this was. Dream or illusion this place was as weird as it was interesting, there was what is to be expected and that which was not. There was a nervous boy in the group who just seemed to also be keeping to themselves, and of the other two... well the chatterbox was piquing his interest a little bit but that could just simply be because they were speaking in an open minded matter, though it would seem they were firing off questions as soon as they pop to mind.

"Acceptance is a strong concept." Akira said turning his head to look at the pone asking all the questions. "You cannot see, which you do not partially believe. Even if the eyes do dictate what the mind perceives." He then turns to look back to Michael. "Honestly, I'd be more concerned if I saw something what I considered normal. Akira watched as the shades in the distance flickered across the dimly lit floor. The idea that all of them were someones 'true self' struck him as a bit odd. "So, if all of them are the essence of is, was and will be... are we going to end up running into ourselves out here?" Akira shrugged softly as he found himself giving in to an element of curiosity.

[vancexentan]

"There is no such thing as 'normal' there is only what your society believes is normal. Do you have the same normal as someone from South Africa? The same normal as a man from Belgium? No. There is only norms and what society views norms within their bubbles that you call home. Is that not incorrect Miss?" Michael commented simply brushing off Tomomi's concerns as the quieter man spoke up, "What if he can't? What if the guy we're going to meet needs us because he can't leave here or something? Perhaps he can't risk leaving this space for one reason or another." the boy commented as Will spoke up. "It's a strong possibility. I mean it could be a 'king in his castle' sort of deal. He needs people to do what he is unable to do, or otherwise incapable of leaving something else that only he could do. This probably will make more sense once we actually meet the guy." Will commented further as the boy nodded in agreement. "Oh you seems to be more easily be grasping the concept of this place sir. Yes you could end up running into yourselves here. Though that'd be bad for your health and counter-productive. Besides as long as those masks guard you they can't recognize you and you're guarded by a far more powerful presence. It'd be unwise for any shadow too come and fight you as long as you're here. And especially when I'm nearby. Though don't get me wrong. I won't always be here for you."

[Lasrever]

Tomomi Katayama

Tomomi just sighed, shaking her head. "Sure, I get it. Or at least I get that I don't get it, and that I probably won't for a while. I'm the type that learns from experience, you know?"

Clasping her hands behind her back, she laughed. "Point is, I think I'm gonna stop asking questions. Unless there's anything super important you want me to know, I think I'll just try and figure things out." she looked around at the shadow people. Her expression wasn't visible because of the mask, but the way she carried herself it seemed as though she genuinely wasn't afraid of them despite the warnings. If anything, she just seemed curious.

The only idea that she was worried about was of running into her own shadow-person in here. As for the rest, she wasn't bothered. Whether that was an indication of bravery or stupidity remained to be seen.

[akirashadow]

"So in that case then the idea of Daimyo and Samurai would a close comparison..." Akira commented following on from the other two male mask wearers as he recalled what Michael had said to him earlier. Then there was the matter of shadows attacking them, it was made clear that the 'Shadows' were unlikely to attack whilst they were 'here'. An interesting choice of words, Akira's trail of thought branched off 'So if not here then there's somewhere that these will be a threat to us'. Akira decided to keep this to himself rather than raise any concerns about it.

"I'm more interested in moving along then staying here." Akira commented to Michael as the continued to walk the grounds. "As such, I don't feel there's anything more worth asking at this time." Akira looked to the other two mask wearers who hadn't expressed their disinterest in trying to sap more information from their guide. "Unless of course there's anything further they need to know?" Akira asked with a sigh. As far as Akira could tell this Michael appeared to sort of side step an actual depth worthy answer and rather simply touch on the matter. They would likely get more direct answers from the Ring Master, or so Akira would hope.