{Perhaps he may notice, while taking a last glance towards, that a spot of moisture on the note seems to reveal more letters.}
...
It had been just a little slip-up a few days after receiving this mysterious note. He was prepping himself some coffee and, haphazardly, had spilled a few droplets of water while filling the pot to be brewed.
Curiously, he did a double-take. Something was different? Something hidden. A twist of fate, once more.
Deciding to, quite literally, take the plunge: Specchio grabbed a plate from the cabinet and laid the note out flat before gently running it under the faucet to see what other secrets this tale may hold...
Do you ever use Hemispheres for mundane stuff and if so, what’s your favourite little convenient use for it?
"Ha!" Specchio grinned, scratching at the back of his head. "Before I joined Bucciarati's team, I really only used it for mundane stuff. I mean, it isn't exactly proficient for fighting, so it only makes sense I'd find simpler uses for it, right?"
He tilts his head back, humming in thought as he listed off the many conveniences he's found. "It's a good way to stay out of the limelight, that's for sure. That means it was, eh, exceedingly easy to shoplift - which given I was on the streets for a couple of years... y'know, very much necessary. I've done even more useless things though - I can preen and make sure I don't have shit in my teeth on the go without needing, like, a pocket mirror or anything."
After a pause, he adds more conspiratorially: "It makes lookin' out for any tails more subtle, too... just glance and you'll see if you're followed or not."
Another pause, and then with more humility, he adds, "Or just... looking at people without being noticed in general. But not in a way that's like... creepy, right?"
So, like... where'd you get that outfit? Doesn't seem like the kinda thing you just buy... Someone make it for you or you make it yourself, or...? Just curious.
Specchio took a moment to look down at himself, pinching the fringe of his shawl between thumb and forefinger as if to inspect what he was wearing. He supposed that it was rather... gaudy to some - hopefully not extremely so. Wasn't like it had some obnoxious floral pattern or sequins.
"Uhm... I mean, there's just some fancy shops that Passione likes to frequent, I guess," he mumbled, having not quite considered how... different the taste in fashion was in the mafia. Not like he cared much about clothes, anyways.
"I got some of these tailored to keep my tattoo showing, but it's otherwise pretty normal clothing, I think. Probably the most expensive my taste gets," Specchio now shrugs. "I think most of the guys just buy their stuff as-is, too. With some minor alterations here and there to fit their size, y'know? Though Fugo just opts not to wear the undershirt that's supposed to come with his stuff. Leaves it breathable, or whatever excuse he wants to use..."
He looked down, regarding his outfit again.
"Is this-- I don't know, is this not just normal clothing? It's not casual by any means, but..." he trails off. Seems he was putting much more thought into this, walking off as the gears started to turn.
[ OOC ] : These are old questions I never got around to answering on main when I first posted Specchio's sheet, so let's take a look!
Hemispheres is a rather versatile stand, so it can be a little confusing! Most of its abilities center around reflection, and I try not to overdo it in terms of how much it can do. My main idea behind Hemispheres is that it would be a sort of jack-of-all-trades, and more of a "support" stand since a majority of Team Bucciarati is more on the offensive side in regards to their abilities. (To me, Moody Blues and Gold Experience are the more "supportive" there... but even then, GE could still pack a punch - especially with the retconned ability vs. Bucciarati!)
To help with a quick overview, let's narrow down Hemispheres abilities to these four: Reflexive, Disorientation (CQC), Reflective (Ranged), Absorption (Healing).
Full explanation of each under the cut! Always happy to answer more questions, and that ask box is open! :]
Reflexive
Hemispheres was an untamed stand when it first manifested to Specchio. While not as dangerous as Purple Haze, it still made growing up a stand user who was unaware of their own abilities very difficult. Consider Hemispheres' reflexive ability to be like an unconscious aura surrounding Specchio - a radius that only effects non-stand users and drives them away subconsciously. It's basically the "bad vibes" circle. Hemispheres did this as a way of protecting Specchio since he was a bit of a loner and anxious around strangers, but this ended up adding on to the issue because it made it very difficult to socialize. While stand users can perceive this aura, they usually have the fortitude to pass by it completely. I suppose if a non-stand user was very bold, they could bypass it as well... but, well, Specchio was never so lucky to have that happen.
As Specchio honed his talents under Bucciarati's training, he was able to deactivate this ability - like a switch... though, this may have also come with him learning to be more comfortable around people. The only times it ever really shows through is if he's especially fearful, but it no longer holds the same power it once did.
I suppose you can consider this ability defunct.
Disorientation (CQC)
Hemispheres is especially weak in close-quarters, even though that's the limit of it's physical range. It isn't a punch stand, nor is it extremely durable, being perhaps only a little more well-off than Specchio is (given it isn't, well, fleshy). However, there is one ability that Hemispheres can only activate via contact: disorientation. With a quick swipe of it's palm, Hemispheres will touch an adversary and activate this ability, which will only last within a certain range of Specchio. The adversary will have the hemispheres of their brain swap, switching lefts and rights, ups and downs... in layman's terms, consider this similar to a game mechanic that swaps your control scheme.
One who is especially in-tune to their surroundings and body may be able to overcome the effects of this disorienting swap, but it can be especially bad for those who have to worry about verticality as well, such as vs. Secco when he dives beneath the ground.
Reflective (Ranged)
This could be considered Hemispheres' main ability. While not offensive, it relies on trickery to aid Specchio or his allies in a fight. 1-2 reflective panes can be summoned within a formidable range of Specchio (basically, so long as he can see it at the time of creation). These panes have no border, and sort of blend in with its surroundings to be indiscernible as its own shape until you're right up against it. They take around 2-3 hits to break, but will crack with just one. The shape of it can also be altered, but this requires significant focus from Specchio to keep maintained, lest the illusion warp and become more easy to discover (such as in his vs. Formaggio fight with Narancia, when he turned the mirror somewhat concave in order to create a mirror-magnetizing effect to fool Formaggio).
Specchio usually uses these in order to make a getaway by concealing himself, or to buy time by making a barrier between him and the enemy. It's also worth noting that these mirrors are one-way, meaning that Specchio or an ally could see through them from the other side.
Absorption (Healing)
Now, this is an ability I actually never got to use in Filo Aureo (Specchio's AU)! I never really used it because I wondered if it would be too much, but I think it might have it's place in the right scenario, so I still keep it around. It's hinted at in Specchio's backstory with how he survived his house fire, with his burn wounds being halved and reflected across his body - which while this lead to more scar tissue, prevented him from losing his left arm entirely. In short, Specchio can reflect wounds across the median of his body, OR reflect wounds from someone else's body to his own. I believe this fits in with his self-sacrificial mentality... and could also probably lead to some angsty situations of trying to convince him not to take a wound for you.
This ability could be considered more theoretical in a sense, since he never really utilized it in his "canon".
Asking for a reason I'm not going to elaborate on. What's your favourite colour
"Ciao! Ooh, that's a hard one." He's tapping at his chin as his eyes roll back, scanning the ceiling in thought as if he would find the answer up there.
"Obviously, I'm very particular to red, but I am quite the fan of blue as well. You could mix 'em and get purple, but... I don't know, not as big on purple. I like my reds with a blue-ish tint, but not my blues with a red-ish tint... maybe I just like cooler shades of each?"
He's rambling. This happens often.
"Sorry, this is my first question. Uhm. Let's just say, cool tones of red, or a royal or aqua blue. Is that too many to have?"
I mean, it's not like it's bad or anything just uh. I mean, I'm pretty plain as far as things go. I haven't quite been able to find cool stuff like that but I see people wearing it... I kinda assumed it was just, like, specially made or something... So I figured I'd ask. Sorry if it was a weird question?
Normal interaction is... not my strongest suit.
Specchio stops as he overheard the next bit of questioning, tapping his chin. "Well, Italian fashion is pretty, uhm, different sometimes... I guess?"
He turns around, hand on his chin before waving his hand dismissively towards the... person? figure? spectre? He was going to have to get used to these apparitions, given the new faults they'd become aware of.
"Boh, don't worry about it. Interaction isn't my strongest suit either," he hums. "Just check around some of the higher-end stores until you find something you like... though I can almost promise that you'll find cool-looking outfits at cheaper stores, too. Narancia doesn't get too fancy, and he looks about the same as the rest of us... -ish."
Hi howdy! Hope you're well! Just spreading some positivity and good vibes around and about because WHY NOT (also trying to be a bit more social hahaha shh--)
Anyways, here, have a cookie, and have a great day/night! 'ŎuŎ>🍪
"Ah-- oh!" Another encounter! This individual has a bit more of a... form than the last! And also sounds a lot more bubbly. Specchio still felt nervous about these apparitions, but before he could consider dodging out of the conversation...
... A cookie. So they could produce things? That could be concerning, but insofar, he hasn't felt threatened.
Though carefully, he did take the cookie and turn it over to inspect it. It was solid - definitely tangible... and best of all, still warm. It appears to have manifested as a classic chocolate-chip type. Just touching it brought a sense of comfort.
"Uh... grazie. Grazie!" He finally brought himself back to attention. "This has definitely brightened my evening." Specchio then raised the cookie as if in toast before nibbling at it, looking pleased.
{ I hear a story, I feel the whim to write.
You may well never read it. That is alright.
I will leave this letter where it can be found.
Read if you wish, or if you prefer, let it drown.
Many days a solitary child,
But convince yourself the intentions are for the best.
When life becomes strained and wild,
Imperceptibility gives you a simple chance to rest.
But have you heard what paves the road to Hell?
And was it satisfying to live upon a shelf?
Out of reach, out of mind?
Named such that you live a lie?
Did you ever feel a need to leave that shell?
Was there enrichment in living a life by yourself?
Misery loves company; does joy seek isolation?
Is your solitude a deprivation or consolation?
Are you your own genuine representation
Or are you up to anyone's interpretation?
They may not suffice, mere good intents,
When protection comes at such expense.
It's not strange to feel somewhat distressed,
Imagining a childhood you never would get.
Do you wonder about the friends you may have lost,
To the defence that had such a high cost?
Or is it hard to mourn that which you never had,
When you can focus instead on the fellowship at hand?
Is there now regret in the process of being known,
Or have you satisfaction with this self you've grown?
Should you choose to pursue a truth alone,
Or focus on the joy inside this life you chose,
I wish you health and luck in life,
To overcome whatever knife.
With sincerity,
~ I.I.I. ~ }
...
Luckily, he had found the envelope and the note hidden within. Given the lack of a return address, or even an address to begin with, he wondered how it managed to find its way to his apartment... especially when very few knew where he lived to begin with.
But fate usually had funny ways of putting things into place like that.
"Of course it was hard," Specchio chuffed, turning the note over in his hands repeatedly as if expecting there to be more, or something hidden that he couldn't quite find. "No child wants to grow up in isolation, especially not after the loss I'd dealt with."
...
"But I'm happier as I am. I think I was able to find myself through those trials," he shrugged, laying the note back down on the counter.
"And with who I have now, I'd do it all over again."
