snaggletooth: (pic#17934131)
Ivan ([personal profile] snaggletooth) wrote in [community profile] cultmirror2026-01-01 08:22 pm

001 - Hello, World - Week Two | CW: insects

[ A buzzing besets the wearers of masks, building and building. Then, the moment it seems impossible for it to become any louder, it stops. Like an approaching swarm that's ceased all aggression in an instant. There's still something sitting there behind this sudden cessation, however, hidden in the shifting blackness of the mind. A presence, just arrived, awaiting a turn to speak. ]

Hello, please pardon my intrusion. My name is Ivan. I'm standing at the entrance to Grand Central Station.

Before I head below, there's something I believe I should do for my own safety. With an appearance like mine, it would be easy for those of you I've yet to meet to mistake me for one of those other mindless things that live down there, in the dark. That's why I'm going to show myself to all of you now. It may be startling, so I apologize.

Please, brace yourself.

[ There is movement in the mind's eye. There is a light that switches on, illuminating an oily mass that goes on and on, disappearing off in the depths of the dark plane. Nothing gives it scale except for the distinct sense that it is looming, this terrible silhouette that terminates in the pale, placid face of a young man. It looks like a porcelain doll's head has been torn off and placed atop a nightmarish effigy.

He sways softly before allowing himself to fade away once again.
]

There, ahaha... if you're still hearing this, then I have to thank you for at least humoring me.

I realize that my gesture doesn't give anyone a reason to trust I'm not as bad as the next abomination you run into. I won't begrudge you, whatever your decision. There is one piece of guidance I can offer though. It doesn't even require dealing with me in person, fortunately for all.

Just concentrate with me — for one more moment.

[ He's not usually the one to do this. That person has concerningly not been present. At the end of the moment he requested, your thoughts are pulled along, beyond anywhere you thought to direct them. You can resist and the sensation will simply dissipate, but allow yourself to be lead and all will also be well. At the end of the line is a susurrating knot of voices speaking over one another. Echoes that, with just a bit of focus, become clearer. Individual. ]

If this information proves useful, send your regards to the young man named Megumi.

( NOTE: This message will be sent out once the Veteran's nightmares begin leading them to the tunnels. Ivan will be actively searching while communicating and can be intercepted by other characters in the area. His close companion Till may also respond and/or can optionally appear if a conversation thread is converted to action. )
untilldeath: (till122)

[personal profile] untilldeath 2026-01-05 02:59 am (UTC)(link)
[Ugh. Called out on things. He is simply not going to comment, other than to start drawing the softly glowing circle around Ivan. What he will say, is-]

Let us know if it hurts or something.
sacral: (pic#15343086)

[personal profile] sacral 2026-01-05 05:31 am (UTC)(link)
[ Noting the palpable shift in his body language, the cadence of his smile, Subaru's one good eye glimpses between the two and then back down to his work. Each line he scribes carries that notice in it. ]

With this, sensation might feel even more dulled. But you won't feel heavy.

[ As with armor or other outfitting. With the two sigils in place, Subaru steps away and waits for the circle to be completed. ]
untilldeath: (till149)

[personal profile] untilldeath 2026-01-05 07:53 pm (UTC)(link)
[Dulled sensation, huh? Well, if he doesn’t feel as heavy while they travel, that won't be a bad thing. Ivan says his weight doesn’t bother him, but Till doesn’t exactly think he is light. Maybe to a giant bug, he is though.

Either way, it doesn’t take long for Till to complete the circle and step back.]


There.