(no subject)

[undyingcrow]

[A message appears on the network one morning, not long after a certain Ren appears.

Not long after it goes up, some parts are edited out.]

Attention, "Crow" and "Joker."

With the arrival of my Ren, we formally challenge you over your precious codenames. Let us prove to you that we are the ones worthy of the titles, while you are mere variations from a simpler, happier world. despite the power you wield.

You may have seniority within this space, but we were forged in the fires of our hardships and have emerged on the other side of Maruki's reality.

You two have likely grown soft from your domesticity. Perhaps you'll find us worthy opponents after all this stagnation. They say the spirit of competition can bring out one's best and their worst.

[Is it bold to proclaim the challenge over the network? Yes. But he'd have it no other way, really. Everyone deserves to know how serious they are.]

As for the rest of you, I'd like to start a little bonding exercise.

Tell me something about yourself, and I'll tell you something about me in turn. Won't that be fun?

[It should be a simple way to start and prove that he's just as capable of "bonding" as Ren is.]

[ooc: Original parts of the message in strikethrough, with the edits after, if you want your character to have seen the original version.]

Comments

[undyingcrow]

Rather hard to forget what a miserable mess I was at the time.

[minipancake]

[No kidding.]

But you got better, right? I mean, after all the Magpie stuff.

[undyingcrow]

[How does he even explain this to a child?]

In a sense, but I'm certainly no "Crow."

If I can give him one thing, he's certainly better equipped as a caretaker.

1/2

[minipancake]

He's great, isn't he? Well deserving of his codename, I'd say.

2/2

[minipancake]

[Ahem.]

But you don't need to do kid stuff. Just don't talk down to us.

Most of us even have Personas already, and you're probably not a cop.

[undyingcrow]

Ha. I've worked with the police, but I hold no love for them.

But fair enough. If you're anything like I was, then you likely had your fair of being talked down to well before you came here.

[minipancake]

I'm glad we agree.

Now, about Crow and Joker.

[undyingcrow]

You take issue with our challenge?

[minipancake]

I wouldn't go that far. But isn't it a little bit childish?

[undyingcrow]

[...Damn it.]

It was Ren's idea. I simply chose to issue the challenge in the most efficient fashion.

[minipancake]

Imagine if we acted like that.

[undyingcrow]

[Ugh. This is so humiliating.]

I fail to see the harm in a little competition.

[minipancake]

Really?

Crow's been here as long as anyone. He's done loads of work, helping with everyone's problems and looking after all of us. People respect him. They like him. He *is* "Crow".

I know you were a big deal at home, but here you're just new.

Are you jealous or something?

[undyingcrow]

I won't deny he has seniority. I'm well aware that he's taken on his fair share of responsibilities, and I even warned my Ren that the two of them would prove a competent challenge.

He wanted to challenge them anyway, and who am I to turn down a challenge?

It's as simple as that.

1/2

[minipancake]

You should fight where I can see.

2/2

[minipancake]

I am serious, though. Even if you win, it won't mean anything. People won't think of you as Crow. They'll think of you as that guy who stole Crow's codename.

[wicked_plan]

First: Akechi, you're arguing with a 12 year old version of yourself.

Second: little Akechi, you're taking this way too seriously. It's just for fun, y'know? A challenge with some people we know are strong. Adding stakes like a codename just adds to the excitement.

No need for either of you to get so worked up.

1/2

[minipancake]

I'm *THIRTEEN*

2/2

[minipancake]

I don't mind if you want to fight. I think that would be cool, especially because Joker and Crow will win.

But even if you guys win, you won't ever be the real Joker and Crow. I think you should know that.

[wicked_plan]

*thirteen year old.

You care an awful lot about them, don't you?

[minipancake]

[Uh... shit, uncertain territory.]

I guess I do. Yeah.

[wicked_plan]

Haha, you certainly act like it! Don't worry, that's a good thing.

I promise we're not trying to step on anyone's toes. Well- I'm not. Not so sure about Akechi, though.

[minipancake]

I'm glad. Because if you were, you'd have to deal with Raven, and he's way bigger and stronger than me.

Magpie would be cross too. So you should tell your Akechi-san that.

[undyingcrow]

I will give the fight everything I have. They'd be fools to underestimate us.

But if the matter of codenames is truly such a divisive topic, then fine. We'll still have our battle regardless.

[minipancake]

Excellent. Then we can all stop worrying, and enjoy your loss.

[Kids, eh?]