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[charmpagne]

WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, CHARACTER NAME/ALIAS. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 018.07.154.55 *** Sparkling has joined 018.07.154.55 <Sparkling>Hello there! You have reached the inbox of Sparkling Cookie. Unfortunately, I am currently unavailable, but if you leave a message I'll make sure to get back to you real soon!

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[charmpagne]

[Sparkling is still trying to take everything in even as Joshua explains that, craning his neck back as if that will give him a better view of just...the absolutely towering buildings that look over them from where they're standing.]

Wait, if...if this room is just a certain amount of space-

[He turns to look behind him, and the disorientation of having been in a room only to now feel like he's just...in a whole other world is starting to start to kick in a little bit, woof.]

Can we actually walk around here? Or...?

[leggierissimo]

We can, though I'm not exactly sure how it works. Perhaps moving floors...

[Maybe he'll ask Elias one of these days, when he thinks about it. For right now, his curiosity takes a back seat to the fact that - even though he isn't truly in it - he's surrounded by the visual of his city. It always does a lot to elevate his mood.]

I'd be happy to show you around a bit, though. There's a lot to see. But, first--

[A brief gesture at Sparkling.]

Would you like to change your appearance? All you have to do is think about it.

[charmpagne]

[Changing his appearance...yes, that is also part of why he came here, isn't it? He has to admit that he's still a bit nervous to try, not...entirely sure what might happen when he does, or if it will even work properly...and then how he'll feel once all has been said and done. He remembers how he felt when he saw that cookie representation of himself, and it wasn't what he'd call great. Not unbearable, just...very surreal, very strange.]

...alright. Let me try it then...

[And so he does. And...really, even after months as a human and then two different monsters, Sparkling isn't sure he could ever forget what it was like to be a cookie. And just like the way their surroundings had rippled into being, so too does Sparkling's appearance begin to change.

It's a little hesitant at first, clearly because he's nervous more than anything, but once he has an actual image for himself in mind, it's as instantaneous as the rest of it was. Fortunately, since Sparkling never had any proper scale of cookies versus humans in his own world, he doesn't actually shrink to the size of a cookie when he changes, which...may be more or less of a shock for Joshua to see. No, instead, what appears to him is a life-size, actually flat cookie. Except it's not just a solid...cookie, but a creature that's able to blink, breathe, shifting their limbs as the dough that covers his body acts the same as skin and muscle would on a human.

Sparkling lets out the breath he didn't know he'd been holding as he opens his eyes, and to his perspective nothing's changed. But Joshua will see Sparkling in clear detail, exactly as he appears back home. Down to the literal icing that makes up the lines of his mouth, eyes, and eyebrows as he brings his rounded hands up to look at them, a breathless laugh escaping past his lips. It's then that he realizes he can even hear the subtle fizz happening in his ears that tells him that he's no longer furry or haired (thank GOD), but instead exists with a head of "hair" that bubbles and bounces when he moves, popping audibly even if it's not really there, persay.]

...it worked. It worked, didn't it?

[leggierissimo]

[The change itself is... interesting to watch. It's not disturbing or unsettling in any way, at least not to Joshua, but he's not used to seeing the holographic transformation on anyone else. Not in this way, at least.

When he thought "cookie", it hadn't been a person-sized cookie. It's difficult to say whether that's because Sparkling has always been this size, or if it's because he's been this size for so long that it's tainting the memory. Either way, he finds himself tipping his head in curiosity, ears perked solidly forward.]

Well. You certainly weren't kidding.

[It's not weird, though. Not any weirder than his own reality. Compared with what he's seen in this place, frankly, he wouldn't be surprised if one day they aren't all cookies for a week.

Josh shakes his head with a smile, though. That hair definitely reflects his name, doesn't it?]

Well? How does it feel?

[charmpagne]

[How does it feel? That's...hard to answer at first, mostly because Sparkling is still left somewhat speechless after the change. He wasn't sure how it would all go down in the end, but now that it's happened, it's just...]

It feels...I feel like...me again.

[That's simply the best way he can describe it to him, even if it's not entirely accurate. Sparkling definitely shouldn't be this large but instead small enough to easily fit in Joshua's palm, but that's definitely a side effect of him just not having a proper sense of scale, here. If he thinks too hard about the museum version of himself, though...]

I only wish I could see myself.

[leggierissimo]

[It's a similar feeling to how Joshua felt the first time, even though he didn't have his abilities back. Only the appearance, none of the power behind it. Still, it had felt comfortable, and considering Sparkling's unique situation, he doesn't really blame him for enjoying it in the same way.]

If you really want to see yourself, I know a place. Follow me.

[It's funny, how the crosswalk signals going across the scramble just so happens to be conveniently chiming with its little jingle. All traffic stops, and foot traffic begins. Joshua isn't heading to either side, though - he's headed straight across, to the opposite corner where the large, black-glass home of Q-Front. The first two floors may be dedicated to business instead of a giant television display, but that's fine - it doesn't much matter anyway.

Rather than go inside, he simply gestures at the glossy, reflective glass.]

It's not a mirror, but it'll do in a pinch. Have a look.

[charmpagne]

[It's still a little weird to be walking on the actual (for a given measure of "actual", anyway) streets of Shibuya, but he imagines he'll get used to it with some time being inside the simulation proper. He follows along after Joshua while subconsciously sticking close as if to avoid bumping into the people near them, despite knowing in the back of his mind that any attempts to interact would fall on deaf ears anyway. Once they make it to the street corner, however, all of his attention lands on the glass as he steps tentatively forward to get a good look at himself.

It's one of the last times Sparkling will see his own reflection unless he returns here, unbeknownst to him now. If seeing his cookie-hands was shocking enough, seeing the rest of him leaves him totally speechless for a good while as he just looks at himself, touching his face, his hair...and for all intents and purposes, everything feels real. He can't feel his fur anymore...his long rabbit ears, or his snout. At first, he'd been smiling so hard it was actually hurting his face, but now it starts to...fade somewhat, his mouth quirking downward at the corners just slightly. It's not a sad expression at all, but more Sparkling trying to keep his emotions level. It wouldn't do for him to just have a breakdown in front of Joshua, especially not during something that's supposed to be a good time for him.

It's a moment that lasts very briefly at least as he picks himself back up and adjusts his tie, exhaling on another half-disbelieving chuckle.]

I do clean up pretty good as a cookie, don't I?

[It's said jokingly, but it's obviously his attempt to cover the thick way his voice sounds right now.]

[leggierissimo]

[Joshua doesn't need to be able to read minds to know exactly what that expression is. It's bittersweet, finally seeing yourself as the real you after so long as something you're not. He's felt it, too, to some extent. Not quite as severely, but the first time he'd come in here, the first time he'd been able to see Shibuya again and see himself as himself again...

Very gently, he sets a hand on the cookie's thin shoulder, smiling at Sparkling's reflection in understanding.]

Surprisingly well, yes. Admittedly, I wasn't quite sure what to expect.

[charmpagne]

[That earns Joshua something of a chuckle, a bit of a shaky one at that. It's no less genuine though, even as he feels Joshua's hand on his shoulder.]

Neither was I. I have to imagine that if any one of you were to visit the kingdom, I would be...well. Much smaller to you.

[He's trying not to think about that TOO hard though, lest he just pop into that size all of a sudden. That might be a bit inconvenient.

Sparkling turns to face Joshua again after saying that, giving Joshua a clearer view of just how strangely he exists in space currently, literally a somewhat 2D form that's capable of interacting with the world as easily as any person might. It shows moreso as he turns his head, his dough twisting along with the rest of his body even as he doesn't take a step. It's as if he were made of soft putty than some sort of hard cookie substance, yet the surface Joshua touched was in fact quite firm.

It's. Very strange.]

[leggierissimo]

[Very strange, indeed. It's like Sparkling is a living, breathing 3D model of something that is normally entirely flat and two-dimensional. Joshua watches the movement in interest, ears perked forward.]

So, you are normally cookie-sized, then. I was beginning to wonder. Though, I suppose that would make for an awfully interesting movie. An average-sized human, walking among a cookie-sized world like some sort of kaiju...

[Is he going to explain? Of course not. Though, he does retract his hand, sliding it once more into his pocket.]

At least you have a place here that's safe to reminisce in.

[charmpagne]

Normally. I could probably imagine it, even...but I don't want to make traveling through this place with you inconvenient.

[And being a cookie sized cookie, well...Joshua would have to carry him in his pocket, or something.]

Alright, it's only fair- you have to show me you, now. The real you.

[leggierissimo]

I've walked around with Beat in my pocket before. I'm sure I could manage a cookie, if I had to.

[Ah, he did promise, though. Not in so many words, but it was a term he agreed to, and now it's his turn to keep his end.]

If you insist. Fair warning, though: it may be hard on your eyes.

[And that's all the warning that Sparkling will get. Joshua allows the hologram to wash over him, altering his form with a rippling effect. Not only does he lose his more vulpine features, but he also gains height - at least a foot more, almost as if he's a Nephilim again. His features become blurry and difficult to distinguish, and his entire body glows white, the edges of it snapping and shifting like none of it is tangible at all.]

[charmpagne]

[Oh.

Joshua did warn him, at least...but what ends up happening to him is actually a little bit startling.

In the Kingdom, Cookies have a concept for other Cookies that is known as "Legendary Cookies". These Cookies surpass all others in power...and they are capable of existing immortally thanks to the unique properties of their souls. Well, Soul Jam, as it were. And to see this sort of transformation, a form that he can barely keep his eyes on...it's the first thing Sparkling can really compare it to, even if it's not a proper comparison at all.

But...what does it mean, then? Joshua had been giving him slight little hints and clues that he wasn't exactly just a normal human, but this...he isn't sure what to make of it.]

Joshua...that's really you?

[leggierissimo]

[The reaction is hardly surprising, but it gets a laugh out of Joshua nonetheless. His voice still sounds the same, though, despite everything else being so different.]

Yes, it's really me.

[It's a form not many get to see. Usually, it's only his Conductor and Sanae. More people have seen it here at this point than ever actually saw it back at home.]

[charmpagne]

[Of course this is still just a hologram, so in essence Joshua hasn't changed, just his appearance. But Sparkling knows he wouldn't just make up some crazy look just to try to impress him or something. Not when they've looked much stranger in Ryslig itself.]

You know, somehow...this both is and isn't like what I was expecting to see. I mean...not that I knew what to expect, of course...

[he shakes his head a little, a bit of his hair bubbling audibly with the movement.]

You cut quite an impressive figure this way, I must say.

[leggierissimo]

[The bubbling is fascinating, honestly. For a moment, Joshua finds himself wanting to press his fingers to it, wondering what would happen. Would they pass through, or would they meet resistance like the outer shell of a bubble?]

Thank you for the flattery. If my appearance is at all impressive, then it's working as intended. After all, intimidation is the first line of defense.

[One hand lifts, a finger winding an ethereal curl around itself.]

This place makes it far easier to see, of course. Unless you're particularly talented, you wouldn't be able to perceive me at all.

[charmpagne]

[Sparkling...probably wouldn't stop Josh from trying, if he wanted. He just can't promise him that he knows what he'd feel if he did. This hologram is damn realistic, but how far does it go, truly...but if it's able to process such one-to-one sensations, he would feel that his "hair" has a funny almost jelly-like consistency to it. Enough mass to be able to hold its own shape, yet perfectly capable of having fingers pulled through it. You know, if you wanted to do that.]

In that case, I'm honored to get to see you like this. It feels like a special treat, in a way.

[Especially knowing that Joshua is, uh...not only not exactly human, but also something quite beyond his comprehension. Maybe it's exclusive to his world, but even without knowing for sure, he can tell he's something special.]

Do you prefer this form?

[leggierissimo]

You're lucky that I trust you enough to show you. Unless you have some designs on my position yourself...?

[For a moment, it sounds like a genuine question, blurred expression sobering... until his lips spread back into a smile, and he laughs softly. Sparkling definitely does not seem the type, and it doesn't matter here, anyway.]

It's my natural form, so yes, to an extent. It's difficult to get out and do things when you can't be perceived, though. The form you're more familiar with is nothing more than a convenient avatar that I can put on and take off like a coat. It just so happens that I can't exactly take it off in this place.

[charmpagne]

[Sparkling laughs too, but it's of the good-natured kind.]

Me? I have barely enough time to handle my own affairs as it is. Your position is safe.

[Joshua seems to have more of a knack for this sort of thing, so Sparkling is content leaving it to him.]

I see...I'm glad that you have access to a place like this as well, then. I hadn't realized just how much it means to just...feel like normal again.

[And it's not going to REALLY hit him until he steps back outside.]

[leggierissimo]

There's always a comfort to feeling normal, when the world makes you feel anything but. It's human nature to seek that comfort - and, I suppose, cookies as well.

[This place may be a comfort in just a small amount of ways, but it's a comfort nonetheless. It's one that he doesn't mind having, and that's what matters.

To be easier on Sparkling's eyes, he lets the hologram alter his appearance again - but this time, he's just in his older form. Similar enough to the Nephilim form that Sparkling is familiar with, but without the horns and wings and extra eyes.]

It's a shame that we're unable to eat anything in this place. Shibuya has quite the culinary scene going on these days.

[charmpagne]

[The change gets Sparkling to tilt his head as it happens, but he looks more amused than anything that he's chosen to revert to that older version of himself. He's going to be thinking about this now when he sees Joshua out and about on the peninsula...the fact that all of the ways he's seen him aren't quite the correct version of the Joshua he's always known.]

You could still show me the area though, can't you? I would still very much like to see it, even if I can't enjoy the food just yet.

[Who knows, maybe that's something that will be improved upon if there's somebody out there working on advancing Cube hologram technology.]

[leggierissimo]

[Call it a habit. He'd taken on this form to match Neku's older form, back at home, but he's found he rather likes it. Besides, different forms come with different wearable outfits.]

I don't see why not. After all, there's quite a lot to see. Just follow my lead.

[And with that, Joshua turns away from the Tsutaya building, headed for the nearby tall building marked with a large, neon "104".]

If this were the real Shibuya, you could do quite a bit of shopping. The city is known for it - and for the dog statue just behind where we appeared, of course.

[charmpagne]

[And Sparkling will follow, careful to stick close even though the people they pass won't ever see or pay them any mind. It's hard for him not to get caught up in the sights though...there's so much to see, it's mind boggling.]

It's like the entire city itself is a giant mall... [With entire buildings dedicated to each individual store. And he thought the actual mall in Bavan was a lot.] What is the significance of the dog statue, do you know?

[leggierissimo]

Welcome to life in the big city. Shibuya is only a part of the urban sprawl that is the Tokyo Metropolis, of course. We're one of the 23 special wards, and in any direction you look, you'll find more like it. Shibuya is best known for fashion, but just north of us, Shinjuku is known for its nightlife. Each one has its specialties, but none are quite like this one.

[He may be biased. He loves this city, even if events three years ago made it appear otherwise.

104 is, thankfully, not far - just a quick skip past the entrance to Center Street and around the corner of the book store. As they walk, Joshua explains.]

The statue is of a very loyal dog called Hachiko. He was the pet of a professor at a nearby university, and Hachiko would meet him outside of the station every day when he returned home from work. However, the professor suffered a hemorrhage while at the university and passed away - and yet, Hachiko continued to return to the station every day until his own death ten years later, awaiting a return that would never happen. The statue sits right outside that station, and nowadays, it's used as a place to meet up with friends.

[charmpagne]

[He loved it so much even that he decided to bring the city to Ryslig days from now, how thoughtful-]

Oh, poor thing...

[That's actually quite the tragic story that he wasn't at all expecting, but it's a touching one nonetheless. No wonder they made a statue in his honor.]

To think that the people living here would have thought to make a statue for a dog.

[It's said fondly, though still with just the slightest hint of surprise as they walk, Sparkling still taking in the buildings passing them by.]

I only ever knew human beings for being cruel, terrible creatures back home...but things like this remind me that my world had it very wrong. Even this city itself is a testament to that.