御曹司

Walking through Cotes’ bamboo grove, Togami isn’t exactly surprised to see a young woman standing amongst the stalks, pointed ears atop her head and a tail poking out from beneath her skirt. After all, he had met a kitsune here several months before, though this girl’s ears and tail were much more feline in nature. Curious, but even more curious was the bow she held in her hand, arrow in the other -- though they may be a child’s toy, he can’t help but notice her natural talent as she threads the arrow and shoots it directly into one of the bamboo stalks, right in the middle of an invisible target. Bullseye.

    This newfound place was hardly Tokyo, but she saw it to be pointless if she were to sit around in her living corridors all day without exploring around. Someone as analytical and observant as Makoto wanted to take in her surroundings and learn more about it. Perhaps it was unrealistic to assume she could do so in a simple stroll, but it did have its benefits. Besides, it wasn’t like she had any sort of specific inkling as to why she was here. For now, though, looking was her biggest aid.

    She happened to come across a rather large campus that looked like a university. The priestess was someone who had been trying to get into a good school– Still, she knew nothing about it. She walked near its front entrance and turned to face the closest person she interlocked eyes with. “Ah, excuse me? You.. wouldn’t happen to know anything about this place, would you?”

    “I was only curious about its acceptance rates and academic standing. That’s all.” Makoto held high expectations both of herself and for her future career– She had been working hard this whole time in her studies for that goal. However, even here, she didn’t want to let her studies slack off.

Having visited Spirale University a few times now (albeit just the library), Togami has found himself at a standstill. Admittedly, he is rather curious about what classes are offered, and as someone with a passion for learning and a neigh unquenchable thirst for knowledge, he doesn’t think he’d mind going back to school -- after all, the private tutoring he had received before attending actual schools had been more than enough to qualify him for college level material. On the other hand, he has to wonder if it’d be best to focus on creating a business and establishing his name here, which would most likely require most of his time and energy. Of course, he could always attempt both, balancing work and school as perfectly as he had at home, but as it is now he can’t quite make a decision without knowing more about the university, now, can he? 

That’s how he’s ended up here once again, and in the brief moment that he’s hesitated before the university’s entrance a girl has come up to him and asked him about the school -- and to both their chagrins, he is completely ignorant. He isn’t going to admit to that, but he also doesn’t want to give her misleading information; spurred on by her honesty and similar dedication to a good education, he decides to be frank in his reply. 

Since Kokichi newly arrived to this city, he had nothing. The only thing he carried around with him, were his lockpicking tools… And not even he wanted to steal from strangers right on his first week here. However, there was this one vending machine selling his favorite kind of soda, grape panta… A good carbonated drink would help him and his brain juices actually a lot now. And there surely was some idiot around, that would give him the needed money for free! As soon as he thought that, some rich looking dude passed by, and of course, the prankster took his chance!

“Heeey, four-eyes over there! You look like you have some cash with you, would you mind helping a kind soul like me out here? I just need some coins for that vending machine over there, no big deal, riiight?”

It wasn’t as though Togami had never seen a vending machine before; both the Conglomerate building and Hope’s Peak had had multiple. However, he had never purchased anything from them before; while he had glanced at them, they were almost always filled with sugary drinks and junk food, neither of which he was interested in. However, next to this soda machine was one that sold canned coffee -- and while he doubted the taste of it, the novelty was there. A closer look showed him that not only was there black coffee, but that the vending machines scanned one’s phone instead of taking money -- which made sense, if the heir could figure out how to do so. He had figured out how to access his Spirazon Wallet, so this shouldn’t be too difficult...

    ≪❀≫ WHEN THE YOUTH asks his question, for a moment the Magus of Flowers finds himself confused, before laughing a little – oh yes! That was what humans had taken to calling their legend nowadays, wasn’t it? He’d heard it in his observation of humanity, but he’d never had it asked towards him before… What a day!

       “I suppose you might say as such, yes.” He replies, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. “Unfortunately the legend is rather… inaccurate as far as some things go. But, yes. You can say me and the wizard from those stories are one and the same. Rather, I am the inspiration for him.” Of course – his age is different then those stories. Truth be told, Merlin was far older then the stories say. After all, after his imprisonment on the Reverse Side of the World, he never aged or died. Instead, he simply continued to exist for the years to come. Unchanged. Then again, as only half of him was human, he somehow suspected he would never age any further appearance wise.

       Though, he was grateful for his title and his reputation this once. It seemed the other was willing to overlook his transgression on the grounds of his reputation – for once it appears being famous (infamous, perhaps?) was helpful for him.

       “A pleasure to meet you, Byakuya Togami.” Merlin continues, a brilliant smile overtaking his lips. He was happy that things worked out – he hated to leave people with a bad impression, despite not overly caring for his reputation… he did think that humans were something to be taken care of. “Now, young scholar, would it be bad for this wizen old magus to ask what you’ve come to learn about?” He inquires, curious. “Perhaps I could be of some use? I’ve always had a knack for those sorts of things.” After all: He was under the firm belief that the only thing humans shouldn’t be greedy about was knowledge – and had always happily and freely helped train others who hoped to better themselves. Here, he would be no different. Especially after nearly barreling the boy over with his pile of books.

Suspicions confirmed, this trip to the library has become worthwhile: coming in for some books, Togami will leave having met a man of myth and legend. If nothing else, that was one of the few perks of living here in Spirale; while back home he would meet with powerful men who ran the world from behind the scenes, here he can meet the powerful men (and women) who had a hand in shaping it. Listening to Merlin speak, he has countless questions -- but he decides to latch onto what has been said, to compare fact and fiction right from the source. Never one for tact, the heir bluntly asks, “Inaccurate? How so?”

Slowly but surely, he is letting his guard down, annoyance from earlier long dissipated. The magus’s cheeriness is infectious, and while Togami isn’t one to smile and chuckle with ease, he can’t help the slight tinge of a smirk pulling at his lips, aided by the flattery that comes with being called young scholar. Even if he doesn’t realize it, Merlin is doing everything perfectly when it comes to interacting with the heir: having good manners, paying him (heartfelt) compliments, and just being genuinely pleasant and interesting. 

     He repeats the knowledge she’s come across so far - that is, the lack thereof existing in this world, about this world. She couldn’t lie that the news is saddening, but in a way it’s reassuring that she could cease her search, or at least not feel obliged to a constant stress over the matter. The young man’s gaze is confident as he speaks, and that alone gives her the confidence in herself - at least, in that she isn’t alone in the struggle.

     His words are interesting - that fictional words are reality here, in some way, and that may even include her own. It’s a broad concept to understand, but Cardia will have to take time to digest this one.“Fictional, huh… Lupin is very real, at least he is to me. But, in a place like this, anything is possible, isn’t it…” Although, none of this changes her sentiment toward Spirale; on one hand, her poison seems far less potent than before, but on the other, she is still far away from anything she knows - a far more lonely feeling than any she’s known before. Putting on her best smile, she acknowledges his introduction. After all, this is the first person who has shared any useful information, let alone held a conversation with her. She follows him to one of the tables, likely to sit down with books in hands and furthering the discussion. “It’s nice to meet you, Togami. Thank you for telling me all this… It’s nice that it isn’t just me who can’t find out anything about Spirale.”

     Part of her feels guilty, for this is only a chance meeting, and she’s taking up a stranger’s time - but in another way, she senses a kinship with him, as if they’re walking on the same trail with the same destination. While firm and fast, it’s clear that he is genuine as he speaks and shows interest in what she says, something rare to come across. Seated now at one of the tables, crystalline gaze glances at the novel titled after one of her companions once again. While he states he wants to learn more about her - and Lupin, naturally - she can’t help her own curiosity. “Is Lupin also famous in Tokyo? Um, I mean, fictionally. I’ve never heard of such a place, by where is it?” Her knowledge of the rest of the world outside Europe is limited, only learning of it and the geography, social customs, and history from Saint Germain - everything else is vast and void as far as she knows. Togami already has shown he’s well-read and knows many things of the real world, even if their idea of the ‘real world’ is not the exact same one.

Glad that she is following suit, Togami takes time to study the girl as she sits down, trying to remember if there had ever been someone named Cardia who might have resembled her in any of the stories about Lupin (there hadn’t). He’s not sure what her relation to the gentleman thief may be, but he’s eager to find out; after all, her reality might not be exactly based on the fiction Leblanc had penned. Though it’s obviously something he had never encountered before in his own world, the link between reality and fiction is endlessly fascinating for him; she had best be careful when she mentions her other companions based upon fictional heroes, lest the heir endlessly question her on what they were like. 

He ponders her question but for a moment, pushing the book towards her so that she can take a closer look at it as he speaks. “Yes, but not exactly in the way you’d think. I don’t believe many people have read the original stories about him, like this one, as they’re French; however, there have been several films and plays about him, including an anime about one of his supposed descendants. How accurate they all are to the actual man himself, I have no idea, but you’re welcome to read one of the stories for yourself and find out.” Nevermind that she might not even know French; they’ll cross that bridge when they get to it. 

° • ? ( QUESTION SENTENCE STARTERS. | accepting!

It’s soft. As though he’s holding a cloud, the robe seems to instantly trap the heat from his hands, keeping them nice and toasty -- perhaps he’ll never let it go, then. The matching slippers are just as plush, and he almost wants to change back into his pajamas so he can put it all on. It’d be a bit ridiculous for him to walk around with a robe on on top of a full suit, after all. 

As he unfolds the robe so he can view its full glory, he’s reminded of the perilous events of a couple months ago, when Halloween went horribly awry. Of how he had spent so long wrapped up in a blanket because his clothes were stained with blood and gore. Had that been why she had bought him this, so that he never had to be without some kind of coverage again? Perhaps, perhaps not, but he appreciates the thought all the same. 

It starts with the coffee, bitter and aromatic; though it may not be Luwak, it smells wonderful all the same (perhaps even better, but he’d never admit it). Then comes the mug, completely adorable, hitting his sweet spot exactly -- he’s needed a good mug for coffee for a while now, and, completely unashamed of his unabashed love for cats, knows that this will most certainly get some good use. Everything is going perfectly, a most wonderful gift...and then at the bottom is...well. Well. 

He doesn’t know what to say. The heir who always has a snappy retort is quite literally at a loss for words as he takes out the oversized stapler, garishly purple and teethed. If nothing else, it’s functional. It will staple papers, and that...is a relief. Soon enough it will inconspicuously find its way to his desk, where it will sit and occasionally be used, not only by Togami himself but by Mukuro and possibly even Cardia as well -- for while it is certainly obnoxious, it was picked out with care, even if that care is laced with mischief and sarcasm.

Honestly, he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Opened with care, Togami certainly hadn’t expected to receive a gift from Motoori -- to the point where he hadn’t purchased her one, as he simply hadn’t thought it necessary. He’s not one to give out gifts willy-nilly, after all...but Motoori had proven herself worthy of his attention (and affection) time and time again, so he’ll definitely find a way to repay her for this -- subtly, of course; he’s not going to trip over his feet and make a fool of himself.

A wry smile tugs at his lips as he sees the notebook and pens; a notebook (to fill with adventures) is just what he’s wanted, and he can tell that it was handmade, not store bought. What else can this girl possibly do to amaze and impress him? And the pastries, and the card on top of it all...it’s truly heartwarming, and he’s glad no one else is around to see the growing grin on his face. Perhaps meeting new people and making new friends...wasn’t so bad after all. 

This isn’t the first time he’s heard about magic, and this isn’t the first time he’s been confronted with the fact that yes, mythical creatures existed -- both are things he’s encountered in Spirale so far, the former being in the form of a young magus and the latter an actual demon. However, Togami’s just as enraptured with Motoori’s tales as he had been with Rin’s; though they both came from worlds that were extraordinary, they differed on a fundamental level. How intriguing, that while the concept of magic was a constant in many worlds, it came in different shapes and forms. And how boring it was for him to be from a world with none of it, a world where the most extraordinary were his fellow students, talented beyond any other. 

Well...that and Enoshima bringing about the end of the world -- but he hadn’t witnessed it firsthand, so it didn’t count. (Did it?)

As they talk over books and drinks at a small cafe -- checked out from the library, the two are very careful not to damage the texts in any way -- Togami almost wishes that he had a notebook to take notes in, so that he could gather up all the data he’s learning from Motoori and compare it with what Rin (and other residents of Spirale) had experienced in their own worlds. Perhaps he’ll have to do so soon... 

His amazement only further serves to boost her ego. While she has encountered those who were curious about her abilities never had she met someone so earnest as Togami. That he would sit and listen to her go on and on about how magic operated is enough for her to consider someone worthy. Plus, he was easy enough to talk to and it didn’t feel as though she were looking down on him. They were equals; two sides of the same coin, both having gone through their own experiences that made them the people they were today. While not a magus, he is surely capable in his own right, that much she can acknowledge. “Hoho…impressed, are you? I would be too!” A triumphant smile graces her features.

“That’s right. While normal humans can develop the necessities to make miracles happen, it’s such a rare thing that most consider it impossible. A friend of mine is a good example of that! Maybe you’ll get the chance to meet him one day?” Not that she’s expecting them to cross paths anytime soon but the thought is nice. “That said, a person typically needs magic circuits which people are born with. My family is quite revered for our circuits, I’ll have you know.” In other words, a fancy way of saying that she sat on the very top of the hierarchy and a lot of weight had been pushed on her since her birth.

As for the gems on the table…Rin pockets the sapphire once more but keeps the ruby out on the table. “As much as I’d love to give you a proper demonstration as to how exactly my magic in particular works, I don’t think the city officials would appreciate me destroying this library.” So, that only means one thing. “Why don’t you keep that one? If you’re ever in trouble, simply throw it and it’ll do the rest.” Nodding in affirmation, she’s made up her mind about him being a trustworthy peer.

“Enough about me, though. Tell me more about your family, Togami-san. Magic doesn’t exist in your world but clearly, you had something going for yourself.”

Rin is completely correct: he is impressed, and that is no mean feat. To impress Byakuya Togami takes incredible effort, and she’s managed to do so simply by existing; if anyone else were to display such confidence and attitude, he’d brush them off as an annoyance. Of course, it helps that she can back up her words, show proof of her accomplishments. Though she may not be able to display her magic prowess at this time, an ordinary person wouldn’t be able to speak this way, with such utter conviction in their words. “I see. I don’t think I’d mind meeting him, especially if he’s done the impossible as you say.” Slipping the gem into his pocket with a nod as thanks, he adds, “Alright. Perhaps another time...though I’ll certainly keep that in mind.

“Unfortunately, you’re correct; magic doesn’t exist in my world. However, I suppose you could say that my family’s magic is money.” At this he laughs, a brief, breathy chuckle that mostly comes out his nose. “Though we started out as a small shipping company in the late eighteenth century, the Togami Conglomerate is now one of the largest companies in the world, let alone Japan. We own a countless number of subsidiaries, and that number only continues to grow. While I was set to inherit it once I turned twenty, I still did quite a bit of work while I attended school; in fact, in middle school I earned over forty billion yen through day trading.” Hesitating for a moment, he continues, “Most people think I was simply born into wealth, but make no mistake -- I earned every bit of it. Mine was not a typical inheritance...”

Not only Byakuya got really confused by this encounter, Sonia did as well. Who even is this, if he’s not aware of what ‘Future Foundation’ is… How very confusing, did she mistaken him again? No, that couldn’t possibly be. He definitely was the Byakuya Togami she saw back then next to Makoto Naegi and the others. 

“Excuse me, but now you are the one not making any sense to me. You are from a time before that? My, so what you are trying to say is, that even before we reached this place, we were from two different universes? That truly is quite confusing, but I do think I slowly am starting to understand…” Even though it gave her a little headache. There were so many unsolved mysteries, not only about their pasts, but about the Island they live in now, too. However, the best thing to do, was not seeking an answer to each one of these questions, at least for now. 

“M-Mukuro Ikusaba is here as well?” Frankly, Sonia did only hear from her before, and never met her directly. Or at least she wouldn’t remember if she did. But she was the twin sister of Junko Enoshima herself, and alone that was enough, to let her feel rather uncalm about that piece of information. “You could talk to her? Normally? Was she not also part of the Ultimate Despair? My apologies if I ask too many questions at once, Togami-kun. But do you think we are safe here…?” The last time Sonia stranded on an island without knowing how she got there, a killing game started shortly after. And even though she doubted this would be the case here as well, there unfortunately always was the possibility. 

It’s not surprising that Sonia is confused; to be honest, Togami himself is still shaky on the details as well. Though after speaking to Mukuro he’s come to believe in the existence of different timelines or something similar, it’s still hard for him to think about a world where he still exists, a world where he had to endure the very end of it. Perhaps this is why he doesn’t grow quite as impatient as he normally would -- for not only does he not mind informing the princess of their current plight, but the more he talks about it, the more he grows accustomed to the idea of it all. “Admittedly, I don’t quite understand it myself. Before arriving here, the last thing I remember is sitting in class, so I never experienced Enoshima’s delusional killing game. And as Ikusaba didn’t survive it, my knowledge of what happened afterwards is essentially nonexistent.” Pushing up his glasses, he continues, “Ergo, if you experienced all that, then you must come from a different point in time than I do.”

Surprised at how shaken she appears at the mention of his friend, he’s quick to clear the air; perhaps it’s because he didn’t experience despair firsthand, but he can’t imagine being afraid of Mukuro -- even if she’d like him to be. “Yes, she is, and yes, I do. Though I suppose it depends on what you mean by normal,” he adds, his lips turning up into a smirk as a slight chuckle is breathed out his nose, as if he’s laughing at a joke only he (and one other) would understand. “She was, and it’s my firm belief that she was coerced into it. Of course, you could always ask her yourself if you’d like to clear things up.”

     “No wars as far as I know, but you’ll know where to find me if one does break out.” Her sense of humor flies over most normal people, although she’s sure Togami will understand her frank humor. He follows along anyway, hardly any small talk between the point they discovered each other and to the apartments - not that it is at all necessary for them, as silence can pass comfortably between each other as it did before. A very comforting experience for the disoriented soldier.

     He questions the location as they pass from one ward to another: indeed, it is similar to Tokyo. “Correct, to both of your questions. There’s also a place here, Cotes, that you might like… Well, it’s kinda like Japan, and it’s not far from here. They have kickass ramen, if you needed some fine cuisine.” She’ll likely show him the real dining experiences if he doesn’t first discover it on his own, since she could only guess his tastes are particular and refined (not at all like her own scavenging survivalist palate). Carefully eyeballing the address, the soldier halts upon seeing the numbers and looks over to the Togami. “It looks like this is the place. I’m guessing it has everything you need to get by, but I’m just down the way if you ever need assistance. Oh, if you have a phone, let’s exchange numbers in case anything ever comes up.” Cellphone in one hand now, she is ready to swap digits and let her former classmate figure out the lay of the land. Like herself, he’ll surround himself with other people when needed, and leave them be if not necessary - and, of course, it’d be in his best interests to first-hand figure things out in Spirale, so that he too may survive.

“I see. I’ll have to keep that in mind, then.” And he will -- but not at the moment, not when they’ve stopped in front of their destination. Following her gaze to the apartments themselves, he raises an eyebrow at how tall they are, towering above the two of them; just like everything else in this city so far, they look as though they’d be right at home in any big metropolis on Earth. Would they be the same inside, then, or is there something unpleasant and unexpected waiting for him? Well, Ikusaba would have let him know if that was the case -- or so he thinks -- and in the end he’s left with more questions than answers. It would almost make more sense if this place was eerie and alien, not pristine and shining...there must be a darker secret lurking within.

Before he can think of what this secret might be, Ikusaba pulls out her cellphone and he does the same, trying not to show that he has absolutely no idea how to use the thing. “I haven’t had the chance to check mine, so go ahead,” he says as he hands it over to her, knowing in the back of his mind that she’ll see right through him -- after all, she hadn’t hesitated in making fun of his old flip phone back home.

Numbers exchanged, phone back in pocket, there’s nothing left to do but venture inside. Though he’d never show it, never admit it, he’s nervous. Not only is this place, both the apartment and Spirale as a whole, completely new and foreign to him, but he’s never had to share a living space with other people -- at least not in such close quarters. However, he is Byakuya Togami, and he can’t let this fear of the unknown overtake him: he must dive in headfirst, with his usual smirk and cocky attitude. Ikusaba would expect no less of him, of course, and it is with this confidence that he turns to face her before going in: