to the pleroma (text)

[passio]

[ 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?

Comments

[aquaveiled]

But do you? That's what's important.

And before you answer...I think it's okay not to know the answer to that right now. We're figuring it out together.

[passio]

Then I don’t know.

[ he’s honest, but there’s some relief in the ability to say it. ]

Thank you, Himeka. I just can’t see the next step in front of me.

[aquaveiled]

We don't really have a lot of direction, do we? That's the good and the bad if it's all up to us.

What is it that you did back on your star?

[passio]

It was something like this. Something with too much responsibility. I was running away there, too.

[aquaveiled]

[ Ah...relatable. It seems like they have more in common than just an un-discerning palate and adventurous spirit. ]

It is important to get away when it feels like too much sometimes. Or else you'll just burn yourself out.

[ She's definitely speaking from experience there. ]

Do you like fishing?

[passio]

[ the question catches him so off-guard that he whispers a little ‘huh?’ into the darkness of his room, which even filters through the shard. he remains on text, however, worried about presenting too much with his voice. ]

I don’t know. I like fish.

[aquaveiled]

[ Don't worry, this makes perfect sense. (To her, at least.) ]

Fishing is how I clear my mind.

Would you like to try?

[passio]

Yes. I would.

[ the emotion behind his text is akin to a turtle tentatively peeking out of its shell. he’s tempted by the offer of something new. ]

[aquaveiled]

Great! We can find what method suit you best. There are a few rivers and streams near Greentruth that would do well to start, I think. Would that work for you?

[passio]

Yes.

[ the answer is short, but the word is full of restrained eagerness. he likes greentruth, but his own hesitance toward the cause at large has kept him from making a home there. visiting is almost like going on vacation. ]

Thank you.

[aquaveiled]

[ She can feel that and--...it's sweet. Promising, and sweet. And Himeka loves sharing things that are important to her with others. Maybe this can be something he enjoys too? ]

Oh no, I should be thanking you. It's always more fun to go fishing with a friend.

Just let me know once you're in town, okay?

[passio]

Okay. Thank you.

[ she’s rewarded with the distinct sense of peace from him, when he closes the connection. ]