Video

[terminally_clever]

[After spending some time looking around town, talking with locals, and efficiently gathering information, Fumi's ready to introduce herself to the network.  Except it's not so much an introduction as a combination lecture / interrogation.  She doesn't have time for idle pleasantries - there is a new research topic afoot.  Her face is expressionless as she launches right into her diatribe.]

Persona.

A concept first introduced by Swiss psychologist Carl Jung in the early twentieth century, described as 'a kind of mask, designed on the one hand to make a definite impression upon others, and on the other to conceal the true nature of the individual.'

[Dry and pedantic, just like she likes it.  Although at this point, her features take on a hint of frustration.]

I have vague memories of having heard this word shortly before waking up in this city, and given the rather abrupt nature of my arrival, I feel safe in assuming the word holds a more significant meaning in this place than would normally be suggested by traditional psychological terminology.  I've also gathered that I'm far from the only person to have arrived in this way, or to have experienced that vague dream upon arrival.

So, Hinoto-Ri, what can you tell me about the Persona phenomenon, and what is the most efficient way to awaken one?  Please make your responses as brief and concise as possible.  I may have found my next research topic.

[The woman smiles before ending the feed and waiting for responses.]

Comments

[operationbox]

I can still feel it, but so far I haven't been able to use it again. I'm not sure I have the same connection to it.

[terminally_clever]

Unfortunate, but not entirely unexpected.

[operationbox]

After all, this not being our reality, it's likely that there's an alternate version of Lugh here.

[terminally_clever]

Interesting theory. I wonder if you'd be able to establish a connection with him if there is.

[operationbox]

And there could be a Persona of Lugh independent of the possible demon one. I wonder if that would do it.

Either way, it sounds like it could be worth a try.

[terminally_clever]

You'd be willing to put yourself through something like that a second time?

[operationbox]

Well, the first time you do something is supposed to be the hardest...

...although, I'd probably only do it if it's absolutely necessary.

[terminally_clever]

I agree. Trump cards shouldn't be called upon lightly.

[She does seem quietly impressed with Io's resolve, though.]

[operationbox]

Although, since I might have to prepare it again before I can use it again, I might want to get at least that out of the way.

[terminally_clever]

True. It never hurts to be prepared.

[operationbox]

[She'll just nod at that one.]

Although... I'd heard some people had gone crazy and started attacking each other back in October, and from the amount of apology posts that went up around then it's probably true. It apparently had something to do with the western zodiac.

[terminally_clever]

The zodiac? That's a new one. I take it you weren't around for that.

[operationbox]

You're right about that, I wasn't.

In particular, the sign Scorpio. Nothing along those lines has happened since but I wouldn't rule out the possibility.

[terminally_clever]

And nothing since then? You'd expect the trend to continue through all twelve signs month by month after something like that.

[operationbox]

It could be on a more unusual cycle, like once every five months or once every seven months.

...Although, if that was true it would have to be at least seven, since it's already been five.

[terminally_clever]

That's a rather irregular cycle, to say the least.