tvklogs | Empress Full Moon Log

[Typical Asch move. One that didn't surprise Luke one bit. It actually just irritated the replica more, and he reached up to grab the hands that were grabbing his collar and shaking him.]

It's called being 'sick', Asch. [Hell, he's only started to feel better more recently. AND NOW.

His original was shaking him.]

Then why the hell did you never answer me? I've knocked before!

[Asch let out a breath, before letting Luke go. Okay, okay, chill out.]

...are you feeling better, at least?

I got released from the hospital this week, Asch.

[Look at that annoyed face turned to utter surprise when Asch's concern hits him.]

Yeah, a lot better. What's up?

[He was sick enough to be in the hospital? Asch let out a disgruntled noise, folding his arms over his chest.]

Tell me next time, will you?

[He let out a breath.]

Focus a moment. Feel that outside?

[That demeanor of Asch's... That was definitely different from what he's accustomed to seeing on an average basis. Quite frankly, Luke was worried that Asch was sick now.]

I will, I will. [Dismissive handwave, followed by a sigh in place of a laugh.

If only for a moment before he looked serious.]

... Something weird happening to the city again? [Oh man. He remembers the last time something weird happening to the city, and he did not want a repeat of that.

Ever.

Again.]

[You know that one scene where the two guys are having an important conversation and the camera slowly pans out to show a shaded figure listening right around the corner? That's where one might find a certain princess. She honestly didn't plan on this, although she was going to see if Luke was in his room - to ask him something. Now Natalia is torn between curiosity and tact, between remaining where she is so that she might better understand the situation with the shadows, and leaving because, well, eavesdropping is an absolutely disgraceful hobby.]

[Princess, it's totally okay if you want to reveal yourself. Just expect a lot of hugs from Luke and relief from her being safe and sound. Also, he can sense that someone is there... But he just can't seem to figure out who it is exactly, and if they're dangerous...]

[Luke, you should be well aware that the entire point of eavesdropping is to not admit that you are, in fact, eavesdropping.]

[Still, nothing critical has been exchanged, merely food for thought. It really does seem as though the two of them are getting along. What could have happened between Asch and Luke?]

[Okay, so Asch was a little worried. Worried enough to put a post up about it on the network. ...okay, he was really worried. Don't expect him to admit to it any time soon.]

[He nodded to Luke's question.]

Seems that way. I want to head out, but after the last incident, I don't want to go alone.

[He gave Luke an expectant look, half hoping he would be able to put two and two together quickly enough.]

[And that's when everyone else starts telling Luke that Asch made a video -- Only not really. He didn't think that Asch was too concerned, but one could never be too sure, you know? Him and Asch had... become... slightly friends. Or whatever you term you use. Their relationship confused Luke, but it wasn't all that bad.

Which is why Luke would always have Asch's back so that the same thing that happened in Eldrant didn't repeat in Prospero.

Without a hesitation, he grabbed the Key of Lorelei from the side of his room.]

Let's go.

[It sounds as though they're about to leave to go somewhere, and Natalia, thanks to being unfamiliar with the layout of the hotel, happens to be between them and the nearest exit.]

[Well then.]

And just where are the two of you planning to go?

[... Well then.

He was only aware that Asch was here. Not... Natalia. Which surprised him more than Asch banging on his door. Because. There she was. Standing there at the exit.]

Natalia...

[Asch stiffened, an almost comical look of worry flicking across his face for a brief moment. He coughed, forcing himself to relax and be casual. He glanced at Luke, the expression on his face clearly stating, "Don't you tell her anything or you will die a horrible death."]

...by the way, Princess Natalia arrived while you were away.

[She's trying not to look too pleased with herself at having caught them before they made a quick get-away. But there she is in all her princessy glory. ...Or not. She remembered her bow at least.]

I don't believe that either of you has answered my question. And Asch, I seem to recall asking that you withhold formalities.

[She glances from one to the other, trying to gauge their reactions when all of a sudden she lets out a dismayed gasp.]

Luke! What have you done to your hair?

[Well. There's a tone he hasn't heard in awhile. The nostalgia hits him hard, so whatever she's doing just kind of makes him smile and linger in his memories. ... That is, well. Until she comments on his hair, and he subconsciously reaches up to see if it looked any different.]

We ah... [Laughing nervously. He'll evade that question for now...]

Natalia, I think we're from both from a different time. [Again, he laughs nervously. Unsure whether or not this may or may not confuse her...] I cut my hair when I was back at Yulia City.

[She can easily see that he's cut it. What she doesn't understand is why. But at least the reception is better than the usual "ugh", and she takes that as an invitation to study Luke's new do more closely, arms crossed, trying to decide whether it looks respectable and where in the world the rest of it might have gone to.]

"Yulia City"? And where is that? I specifically remember that our destination was Akzeriuth.

[Asch cleared his throat. It would be better if he stepped in before Luke opened his big mouth and got himself in trouble. And by trouble, that was trouble with his fist, because if he spilled on his real identity, even by accident, he was going to knock him flat.]

I forgot to tell you, Natalia. This place sometimes draws people from different periods in time. You were at the Zao Ruins, but for me that was several days ago, and for Luke...

[He paused, glancing at his replica.]

...a few months?

[Geez, Asch! Ah. Well. Luke would have said something wrong at some point, if Asch did not interrupt him. So he's kind of glad that Asch did, and he just stays quiet until he finishes his speech.]

...

[Hm. Was it a few months ago...? It felt like so long, he wasn't sure. He'd just go with Asch's answer for now. To avoid any... you know. Unwanted questions and unwanted answers.]

That's right. [He smiled at both Natalia and Asch.]

At least we're together as a group.

[She considers this. Different timeframes... If this mysterious being can somehow draw in people from other planets and worlds, she supposes it might be possible for it to bring them from other times. It would explain Luke's hair. It would explain a few things about Asch as well. Why the two are no longer fighting, and how they've been here for some time.]

...So I see. I suppose that would explain a few things.

[A "group" though? Natalia glances from Luke to Asch. Well, she doesn't have any objections to that. If Luke's going to include her then all the better, and Asch... Natalia doesn't think he's a bad person. Quite the contrary, there is something noble about him. Perhaps. At least that's her opinion on the matter.]

[Still having gotten no direct answer, Natalia pounces on this opportunity. It's an excellent excuse!]

Yes. And since we are, as you say, a group, I see no reason why I shouldn't be able to accompany you.

[Asch tried, he really did, but he still let out a surprised noise, his eyes near popping out of his head for a moment, before he shot a glare at Luke. Nice going, dreck. Want to try that one again? Actually, better yet, he better get a hold on this before the idiot makes it any worse.]

We can handle it. Besides, you haven't learned how to summon your Persona yet. It's too dangerous.

[He didn't want to mention they were dead-weighted enough by the fact that he didn't have a proper weapon. Piping shadows to death wasn't very effective, and he was hoping that one of the damn monster would cough up a sword tonight.]

Maybe it's better if you stay here, Natalia. We don't want you to get hurt.

[Asch's inner thoughts were pretty correct at this point. They were kind of dead weight with their powers sealed. And with Natalia along... It could put her in grave danger.

He didn't want that. Especially with the scare at the Inista Marsh.]

[That pleased and hopeful expression shifts rather quickly into something unamused. Offended almost. It might even be called a pout.]

How can I be expected to learn such a thing without proper experience? I haven't even seen one of these so-called Personas up close before.

And even if our fonic artes don't work in this city, I'm still in possession of a bow. I won't hold the two of you back. Besides, do you really expect me to benefit from remaining here?

[Her mind's still at work, trying to think of something, anything that might somehow convince them. If they still say "no", well, she supposes she can investigate on her own... but that really would be dangerous. And she's not certain she wants to risk it. Natalia crosses her arms.]

Did the two of you learn to summon yours by waiting around indoors?

[...oh god, Natalia. Why do you have to pout? It's like... the ultimate weakness for Asch, even after all this time.]

[Asch tried to let out an irritated sigh, but it sounded so forced that it was obvious he wasn't actually irritated.]

Fine. You can come along.

[...he gives in way too easily when Natalia's involved. Dammit!]

But Asch --

[Oh no. Oh no no no, this was way too risky, now that Luke thought about it. Considering that him and Asch were almost killed the last time? He doesn't want to throw Natalia in the line of fire. Much less have her get hurt in any way.

But knowing Asch, there was no way to stop his word. That could have been that stupid inferiority complex thinking and all. EITHER WAY, Luke sighs in complete and utter failure.]

Just stay behind us. Okay, Natalia?

Empress Full Moon Log

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[[Inner Asch]]

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