aionchat | to the pleroma (text)

[ it’s not an intentional attempt at anonymity. dextera just has no experience with this kind of broad communication, and to him, there’s little point in introducing himself anyway. those who have met him may be able to recognize the emotional “signature” attached to the words newly displayed in their minds, and may be able even to attach the soft sound of his breath or the perpetually-uncertain expression he wears to the message he knows is about to be contentious.

but, it’s been bothering him since the events in venera. perhaps the seed was planted even before that, from his very first experience with the kenoma and having the pleroma overtake it to save him in the end. ]

Are we wrong?

[ it’s… actually not what he wanted to open with, but the panic of broadcasting a message so publicly has him blurting things out even through what should be the most temperate of mediums. ]

The Regent said it was the Pleroma that caused the disease in Venera. That force wanted us to live forever in delusion. I don’t want to destroy the world. I don’t want to make a new one either. I was happy there. I would have been happy there.

The distilled Kenoma tried to manipulate our thoughts. Didn’t you all feel that power when we escaped? The Hope that allowed us to fight? Are we still being manipulated?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ does it sound like he’s all right ]

No. I’m frightened.

[Oh... :(

Ryunosuke is surprised by how quickly the admission comes, which in turn also makes it all the more worrying.]

Ah... Well I can certainly understand that... There are a lot of things to be frightened of in our situation.

Is there something in particular that's upset you in this case?

[ dextera is far from accustomed to people worrying about him, and ryunosuke’s gentle concern goes remarkably far in getting him to calm down from his frenzy. it takes him a moment, but he gives an answer that looks less panicked than before. ]

I’m afraid of being used. I don’t think the Regent is right. But maybe we’re not right either.

Used by the Pleroma... I see.

[He doesn't say anything for a moment, but his presence can still be felt; he's thinking it over.]

Admittedly, I'm still rather new to this world... And I'm sure I still have much to learn of how things work here. But the Kenoma and the Pleroma-- not the Aions that are aligned with them, but the forces themselves... That is how I've heard them described by locals: as 'forces'. Like the sea, or the wind, or gravity. I don't think they're capable of such complex manipulation on their own. The Kenoma just happens to have the Regent to direct and abuse its power... While the Pleroma doesn't have anyone equivalent, at least as far as I'm aware. Unless that's your worry...?

[ dextera takes ryunosuke’s words slowly, with consideration. it helps to hear someone talk through it—because of his own limitations in daily conversation, he rarely gets to communicate all that’s on his mind, and he’s out of practice phrasing things on his own terms because of it.

ryunosuke may merely be presenting facts, but having them lined up is incredibly useful. ]

You’re right. But I’m still worried.

Where I come from, God can’t control herself anymore. She isn’t good or evil. She’s only trying to fulfill her purpose. But because she can’t control anything she does, people have gotten hurt. They’ve been distorted into things beyond comprehension.

Are we going to suffer the same thing here?

[He's just gonna have to take the whole 'god' thing in stride because at this point, it sounds like everyone else's worlds are at least 2000% weirder than his own, and he just has to accept that they're not all collectively trying to pull his leg by making shit up.]

...It's hard to say for sure. Each of us is as much in the dark as the other, since we're all newcomers to an extent. I know for my own part, I was granted the fortune of having a choice in which side I took. I can say with certainty that I felt no outside influence at that time; I simply chose to come here because I knew without a doubt that what the Regent is working towards is wrong. Anyone who has made it this far must agree with that notion, yourself included.

I believe in that commonality between us. Wanting to protect life on a cosmic scale-- Or even just refusing to play a part in ending it... There's no way that desire could possibly play into something more sinister. And even if that somehow did wind up being the case... We have each other to rely upon. We can fight that fight together, if it comes to it.

[ dextera is as faithful to god as one person can possibly be, considering his circumstances, but the way he talks about god means that he wouldn’t be offended by anyone considering him fully out of his mind. he might be, after all. ]

You’re right. You’re right.

[ it’s repeated, as if he’s trying to convince himself. so are his next words. ]

There are people who have been through everything. There might even be someone who’s fought this battle before. It doesn’t have to be impossible.

Yes! Exactly!

[He's putting as much warmth and encouragement behind that thought as he can. You're not alone in this. Even if all the Pleroma have different opinions and different motivations between them... Even though they may come from many different worlds. They have each other, as long as they care to reach out. Maybe not every Pleroma feels the same sense of camaraderie from it that Ryunosuke does; he knows that's very likely the case. But he believes in it, and that commonality is the means by which he's able to keep on moving forward in this fucked up situation he's found himself in.]

It's alright to be afraid; goodness knows I've had my moments like that. Sometimes, the only thing for it is for someone from the outside to come and help lift you out of the gloom. From the sound of things, you've already found yourself several good friends here who are willing to help you by doing just that.

[ friends?

he doesn’t know about that. there are people of whom he thinks fondly, but he doesn’t expect that any of it is reciprocated, or that any of it wouldn’t be thrown away under the right circumstances. however, compared to the present issue, he’s not so worried about the perceived instability of friendships. ]

I’d like to find more.

Hah... That's a sentiment I certainly can relate to.

[Despite being shounen protagonist af, Ryunosuke's a bit too reserved to just outright say 'I'll be your friend', but. Dextera can perhaps feel the emotions associated with it. The longing for connection and support. Faint loneliness... Ryunosuke cherishes his friends and family so much, and he's felt so unmoored by their absence ever since he arrived here.]

Perhaps this is a bit forward of me to say, since we scarcely know each other, but... If you ever find yourself troubled with these sorts of thoughts in the future and find yourself in need of an ear to bend... I'd be happy to listen. As I said, we need to support one another if we're to succeed.

[ dextera has passively absorbed enough goodwill from the people who have come to him following this message that he can believe ryunosuke’s intentions are pure, and he can even accept what he says. although it’s a gamble whether or not he’ll take up that offer, the knowledge that it’s there is reassurance enough. ]

Thank you. I promise I won’t bother you, but I’d like to speak again.

[He laughs warmly, if a bit awkwardly.]

I promise it's no bother at all. I'd like that as well, Dextera.

to the pleroma (text)

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject