The Silent Pair (Gabby)

It would be a mellow day for the time being. Ruo had not only not gotten contacted at all today, she did not find much fruit in taking a stroll around Ueitawa and other areas. So it was only worth it to return home via the station and continue on home. She would walk off the train, taking looks to her side and behind her until the door would close her, and again until the train left, and she would walk down the steps onto a street that would lead down a short distance before breaking into a road that cars might drive down. It seemed a bit quiet minus the construction equipment that Ruo would hear from time to time around the area. It was as though Iwaigodai was always a work in progress, and had all the time in the world. Though Ruo knew that not to be true, given the absolute mess with the Shadows and Limbo. Was there really any way to stop it? Sometimes she would get in this mode, where she just kept thinking. Not negatively per se, just weighing out the bad first before the good. It seemed that not even Naito knew too much beyond why it was all happening. Would finding the Masked Man solve it all? Probably not, as there was another incident roaming around. The Killer at the local Kizuna Academy was also a threat. Was that supernatural at all? Maybe she would run across that in time, but for now, she had to focus on the current matter with the Mask.

The sky looked twilight, as always when one goes into Iwaigodai. She would walk to the edge of the street that turned into the road and make looks in front of her, to the road, and naturally behind her. Nearby was a bench where people could wait for the next train, and Ruo would take a seat on it, and crossed one leg over another. She had seen other people do it, so maybe she would give it a shot herself. She had her jacket zipped up, and her legs would be mostly revealed, her gray skin even being fairly visible in this light around the area. In her thinking, she realized there were also good things. She had recently found places to look for a job, and even found an ad offering a job to those willing to take certain excerpts of various writings and translate them. Ruo’s intensive knowledge made that pretty easy for her, and she could work on some when she returned home. Soon she would earn money in order to buy some clothing perhaps, as she was perfectly comfortable with her current living quarters. But that didn’t stop her from picking up every little thing she found. Maybe they would have uses. In the meantime, she would focus on what to do next. As she realized her strength was rather lacking, she would have to find a way to train up. Perhaps contacting Hibiki or one of the other Users would suffice. It was also worth trying to meet new people, either outside or maybe even more Users in the Velvet Room. Other possible allies would help greatly. She remained in the bench pondering the thought. Not many people were around this time of dusk, so Ruo would be fairly noticeable to people who walked by. Ruo knew this, and her fears did as well. She would be looking around and ahead, as well as behind her just in case. She practically looked like a muskrat, taking a look every ten seconds or so around the area. But it was the only thing that kept her sane for the moment, and she needed a moment to think without walking, so it would be easier to keep watch while she remained in her thoughts.

Gabby was on her way home from another trip into the world outside her house. As much as she was getting used to going out, she still had to go back eventually. The skies of Iwaigodai were always darker than everywhere else, making it seem like an endless night at times. She didn’t mind though. Actually, right now she could really use a break. She had walked most of the way, instead of just taking the train. She saw a bench in the corner of her eye, but someone was already sitting there. At the moment, she didn’t mind sharing the spot. She was too tired to care, that is. She went up to the girl sitting on the bench and stared off to the side as she noticed her skin was not normally colored. Gabby had to wonder if she was ill. Instead of asking, she just sat down on the bench. She would look over at the girl every now and again, only to see her looking around just as often. Still, the only thing she could think was that the girl was sick. She wanted to speak up, but instead went back to minding her own business. It was already strange enough that they were taking up opposite sides of a single bench, but talking to a stranger would make it even more awkward. Though, she could say the silence was just as bad.

It would not be long before Ruo noticed someone sit at the bench with her. It was actually a few minutes between the time she sat down and the time this apparent woman sat down. What timing she seemed to have. Despite her masculine looks, or lack thereof, Ruo could tell with her optimal vision she was female. This was almost the second time she has had trouble with that situation. The first time she had looked at one person that was with Ruo’s new comrade Naito and it was in fact impossible for her to determine her actual sex. Ruo’s thoughts did not drift from the matter at hand though. She had to remain focused and vigilant of her surroundings. Though what had happened instead was a jolt in the back of her neck, causing her to feel a large case of shock. Her personality had gone haywire again, and the next time Ruo by chance locked eyes with her, she suddenly inched rather noticeably to the end of the bench away from her. She would have a look of more surprise than fear, as though she just realized she was there. She would grab the back of her neck, trying to get herself under control, but it only got even worse, when the jolt seemed to move up her neck in a different direction. Suddenly she seemed very regretful and apologetic.

She would put her hands together and lower them lightly then bring them up again, still away from her in the bench. “Forgive me! You startled me and I didn’t even realize you were there for a second. Caught me off guard,” she said. Her left arm would return to her neck and squeeze it lightly as though inspecting it to see if it had sustained any damage. Ruo was being sincere, it was just her hardware was getting the better of her and she was not able to figure out a way to change it. Strangely enough, it still had not gotten under her control just yet. She still felt a bit of regret and may have apologized again if this woman seemed any bit not forgiving. She would have to just hold on as long as she could and try to get control of her emotions back.

Weaknesses:

The silence continued for a bit longer, until the girl next Gabby seemed to snap. She could only stare in puzzlement, as the girl seemed to snap mentally. She wondered if she should say something, but decided against it, since it would be rude to ask. She still had to respond to the girl though, “It’s no issue. I suppose I should have asked to sit down before I actually did.” She nodded her head, “I apologize for doing such a thing. I could leave if you’d like. I do live nearby, after all. I don’t necessarily need to be here.” That, and she was starting to get afraid of being with this woman. She didn’t know if it was safe to be with someone who was prone to such outbursts.

((Life is getting in the way again. Sorry for the delay.))

Ruo, suddenly regaining control of her emotions, softened her posture as if finally calming down. She didn’t breathe, so she didn’t sigh or anything when easing up to her sudden freak out. She would shake her head lightly, her face now in a more calm demeanor as she looked back at the girl. “Forgive me. I overreacted. It is how I am sometimes,” she said as carefully as possible. She did not want this woman to be scared off so easily by this. She would lean her back towards the seat itself and brush the hair that had fallen in front of her eyes to the side and look at her. The woman lived in Iwagodai as well? Interesting enough. It had only occurred to her just now that this was the first time in a while she spoke to another human woman apart from Destiny. It was worth checking out for the time being unless something came up, as she did not have much else to do. “Feel free to stay. It was just my own fault, I am alright now,” she said, though she did grip her left arm lightly out of reflex. She will have to be calm about this and try to make some semblance of talk. “Are you faring well?” she began. Lately she had been meeting new people so talking to them was becoming a bit less difficult bit by bit. That was a decent plus for her.

“You said you live around here? I do not meet many people around here, at least, not people that seem to be your age,” she said with a tone with interest. What could she be here near the station for? She would give the girl her moment to respond while she held her arms crossed over her lap.

((No problem. Life happens and it is a pain.))

Gabby nodded slowly as the girl calmed down and explained herself, “Everyone over reacts at some point in their life. It’s no problem.” Inside, she was judging this woman as clinically insane. She was sincerely hoping this woman would tell her to leave, so it wouldn’t seem rude of her to just go. She didn’t get the response though, “Oh thank you.” She wouldn’t leave her seat, but moved back ever so slightly. When asked how she was doing, she would think for a moment, “I suppose I’m doing well.” She didn’t know this woman well enough to expand on that thought, “How are you doing?” She questioned in Gabby lived around here, “Yes. I’ve lived here for a long time. Honestly, there don’t seem to be a lot of children my age, but I’m okay with that. A city covered in smog is no place to raise a child.”

Ruo seemed much more calm at the moment and was thinking mostly on what she was talking about. Smog covering Iwaigodai. It was seemingly common enough to see smog around. Was it unhealthy to live in this kind of atmosphere? It would be for humans she would ask, not herself. “Is that so? Are you not the talkative type?” she asked curiously. Ruo was not that type herself and did not pay much attention to conversation with others nor respond well. She has met very few who also had that trait. “I am rather familiar with this town. I hope it is safe for you. There are plenty of places to get lost or hurt in here," she said looking to the side as if pondering the thought. She had recently heard of a large Shadow that had been taken a stroll around the town, and soon got defeated by a few Persona-Users. She did give a sincere chuckle when she said what she said about the smog and children however. Was she meaning to be humorous? She had been laughing at certain things lately, but she still could not tell completely when someone was inending to be serious or not.

She could only nod, “That’s right. Talking isn’t a hobby of mine, but I’ve been getting better.” The girl would begin talking again. It was clear to her that neither of them was going to be giving a speech anytime soon. She nodded once again, “I’ve lived here long enough that I don’t get lost. I know where most places are. How long have you been here?” She hadn’t really seen the woman around before. Not that she knew everyone who lived in the area. She just thought it was strange that she had never seen a person so… unique before. Then she laughed. Gabby didn’t think she’d said anything funny. Maybe she was just malfunctioning again. She cleared her throat, “So, what is your name anyway.” It struck her as odd that they hadn't even gotten to that step in the introductions yet. Maybe this way, the conversation would seem less awkward.

Well it’s good she has most likely been making progress, which was more that can be said for Ruo. For some reason she felt that she just hardly got any better with talking to others. But the woman has been here a while? Most likely longer than her, who had only recently as of a month or so ago came here and done so little. But this woman seemed to know enough about the area. “Really? I only just came here. Ueitawa is rather new to me at the moment. I take it you probably know more about Iwaigodai than I, since there does not seem to be much to do around this area,” she said looking to one of the buildings as if getting confirmation that indeed there was not much around Iwaigodai besides the big construction company. Maybe she should take another day to explore the area, especially after learning that the Shadows are breaking out of Limbo.

Looking back at Gabby, she would give a comfortable smile. “My name is Ruo,” she said. Ruin, her name was ruin. She would offer a handshake that would actually not be jittery should she take it. The woman would find her hand rather smooth if she took it before Ruo would nod if she took the shake. “I take it you go to school around here?” she would start the conversation off. She knew recently a suspect was taken in as the likely killer for those people, but was he really the culprit? Ruo would not be the judge of that, cause she knew so little. It seemed to make enough sense him showing up, but would the Killer make such a novice mistake? Questions like that would only confuse Ruo, as she only asked the girl about it to start a conversation. Surely if she went, she may be a bit upset at what was going on. She would lift a knee lightly in a sort of casual position for sitting for her as she put her hands on her knee, her face still visible in await for the girl’s reply. It also would help if she gave her name too. Ruo felt comfortable saying her name, at least to normal humans, as ever since that battle with the dragon, she could not be too sure anymore. But nothing could be helped if they knew, so she would just remain cautious as she spoke.

"Hello. I apologize for the interruption. -I said with a mature expression."

A young girl with a popsicle, that apparently came from nowhere, stood a few meters from the two females conversing. She stared at them with a blank expression as the icy treat melted in her hand. It didn't seem to faze her, as she tilted her head to the side and continued to stare without blinking.


"I am new to Ueitawa. Could you happen to know? Would you happen to know? ...Is this Shibakuzoi I am currently in? -I asked with a mature expression." She licked her popsicle not once, but twice. Her blank stare and oval eyes didn't leave the two, and she almost appeared lifeless. Like a doll you would find accompanied by a matching set Doll House. She was quiet unless needing to speak, and posed unless broken. Even her attire seemed quite doll like, with rubber orange boots, and frilled orange lolita dress, and a small orange hat that belonged on a cartoon character.

“I know the way from my house to the next town over. I actually don’t get out as much as I should.” That was all the could say on the matter. She still didn’t know this person well enough to say more. She was impressed with herself enough as it was. She could never had just had a normal conversation a few weeks ago. Her mother would be proud of her. Once Ruo introduced herself, she held out her hand. Gabby would take it and give her a quick shake, “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” When asked if she went to school around here, Gabby shook her head, “Not exactly. I go to Kizuna. It’s a bit far away, in my opinion. Where do you go…” As she asked the question, she noticed another girl walked up to them. The way she spoke was strange, to say the least. She kept ending her sentences with what sounded like a stage direction, “Well, this is actually Iwaigodai. Shibakuzoi is very far away from here.” How did this girl get lost that easily? She assumed even children knew how to read a map. The two places were not close to each other. Not only that, the girl looked like she was part of the walking dead, “I’d suggest getting a train pass. It can get expensive if you get lost so easily.”

The woman didn’t seem to be very social. Even more so, she also went to Kizuna which was the very school of the events going on. Before she could respond to the girl; who still had not introduced herself, she would suddenly hear another girl’s voice not too far from them. Turning a bit, she would look upon an odd girl in rather colorful attire that seemed to go with her….appearance. Ruo did not know what to make of this girl, the way she suddenly seemed to come from the unknown and the way she seemed to stare at the two of them. But Ruo would not give any expression of fear or suspicion. What was this girl wearing out in this environment for? And why did she speak as though she was narrating her own life and actions? The girl wasn’t even blinking when she spoke which made Ruo suspicious of her nonetheless. Was she like her in any way? Whatever the case, she would shake her head. “That’s alright. What did you need?” she said to the orange girl with the ice cream which was now melting. She seemed more interested in her and the girl next to her apparently if she wasn’t worried about the ice cream melting. She would wait in silence in a calm demeanor, lightly tapping her left hand at the girl.

She didn’t get any closer to them, but Ruo inched slightly back to the bench subtly and not really noticeable to the two girls. This girl was practically a statue which unsettled the naturally paranoid Ruo. But for once, she was finding herself able to control it a bit as she looked at her while the girl next to her responded. She would nod in agreement when she said this was Iwaigodai. However, her suggestion was not even necessary. There was a free option. “Actually, there is a bridge that connects here and Shibakuzoi to each other. If you exit town this way…” she said pointing to the direction in which the bridge would be, looming over Yoro. “….You will be able to make it to Shibakuzoi if you do not have the money to a train pass. If you need help, go ahead and say so. It can be daunting to learn a new area entirely. Did you want help getting to it?” she said. The girl herself was still narrating herself either way. What was the occasion? Did something happen to her? So many possibilities would be going through Ruo’s mind, but she couldn’t be sure on any of them.

"I see. Thank you. I am fine on my own. -I replied with a mature expression." The Doll like girl turned and began to walk towards the direction she was told to go. She licked her popsicle not twice, but three times.


She did not stop her stride nor she seem upset she was that far away from the desired city. "Good Bye, Aithne-Hippo and Ruo_06-Maya. -I said mysteriously with a mature expression." The mysterious doll like female continued to walk at a steady pace before disappearing into the fog of Iwaigodai. She was apparently going to walk all the way to Shibakuzoi.

Gabby had to admit, Ruo had the more sane plan. Well, sane in the sense of least expensive. Gabby had always thought that it was too far to walk, but this girl seemed like she could do it on her own, “Are you sure? It’s not the shortest walk.” She hated to admit it, but she respected that. Then again, she had thought this girl may have a serious issue not only a few moments ago, since she seemed to get lost so easily. As she left, she spoke, and Gabby’s eyes widened. Had this girl just called her Aithne and mentioned Hippocamp in the same sentence? That raised a very large red flag. Almost no one knew her birth name, let alone used, and the only ones who knew about Hippocamp were the other children. This girl, knew about both, somehow. Then, there was Ruo… she addressed her the same way. Did that mean… She shook off the thought. Now wasn’t the time to worry about that. The girl was still walking away, “Hey. How did you know my name?” But, she was gone before the question could be answered. Gabby bit her lips, “Who was that girl?”

She would nod to the girl who respectfully denied her request to help, still talking in that odd manner. Was she foreign? But despite even the other girl’s idea of taking the train seemed more optimal than walking if she did not want to. Whatever the case, the girl seemed to be content and turned to leave, finally beginning to really enjoy the treat of hers. Though what she said as she was walking made her eyes shift at the girl.  "…..Good Bye, Aithne-Hippo and Ruo_06-Maya…. " ending it the same way before she eventually walked away. She knew her name?! Not just her name, but the name she was given in creation, as well as the name of her Persona. The thought caused panic to swell up in her as she gripped the bench a bit tightly when she gave that name. She even seemed to know this girl’s name; Aithne it seems. She had never introduced herself. And “Hippo”…it had to be her Persona. It had to be. Ruo would stand up and make a small dash in the girl’s direction to see she had already vanished into the fog. “Wait….” She would say. “Wait!” she called out a bit louder. How did she know this? This was just like what happened with that man who turned into that metal dragon.  But it seemed like this girl would not be found. After a few moments, Ruo would turn to look at Aithne, with a look of study, gauging what to do next. Surely Aithne thought Ruo had a Persona as well. What would she say?

Without a word during, Ruo would return to the bench with her arms crossed with a look as though she was lost in thought. She would hesitantly sit in the bench next to Aithne, for the circumstances have now been changed. She asked who that girl was, and she shook her head. “I do not know….” She said looking in the direction that the girl left in. She would quickly return the look to her. “I am not the type to be blunt, but if our suspicions are correct…” she said, not really hiding the fact that she knew Aithne had a Persona, and hinting that she knew Aithne probably guessed the same. Ruo hoped she would catch what she meant by what she said. Her face would just be in a state of neutrality, and yet have a sort of panic, like what the girl said hit her harder than she thought. Her eyes would be slightly off-center as if a bit distracted by what the girl had said. Ruo had braced herself however. If this woman was intending to fight her, then Ruo would be ready. The sense of panic did not leave her, and she did not know what to think of Aithne, until her next reaction came. If she tried anything funny, Ruo may have to enter fight-or-flight and work it out from there. Anything could happen, and all Ruo could do is wait. She would have her feet on the ground in case she needed to immediately stand up, but she had to keep her image up in case Aithne didn't catch what she was saying and blew it off. Too much suspicion would be even worse on her.

Weakness: