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

[passio]

Yes. I do.

[ he believes it’s a noble purpose even if less-than-noble actions are taken to see it through. it’s not as if his hands are clean. ]

Do you think you can do it?

[snakeandfangs]

[ it's heartening to hear it from someone else. a goal that more than one person can have. something that transcends worlds, alive or not. ]

Yeah. I do.

[ toge's heart is full. his chest, warm. ]

If I don't, who will? So I'll try and try until I can't try any longer.

[ his power comes from his lineage, but his will... that's all him. ]

[passio]

It’s good to have a goal like that.

[ dextera… is not happy, but he’s calming down. ]

Wanting that. Wanting to see something through. It’s a powerful tool.

You’re right. That’s why people are here.

[snakeandfangs]

[ he doesn't have to be happy. there's nothing happy about their shared situations.

but... it doesn't have to be something bad, either. ]

Whatever I can do to help, I'll do it.

That means for you too.

[passio]

[ … ]

Thank you. I’ll try not to be a burden.

[snakeandfangs]

Me too.

Let's do our best together, okay?

My name is Toge. I apologize if I don't respond to you in voice the same way that I do here.

[passio]

My name is Dextera.

You can’t speak, either?

[snakeandfangs]

No, I can...

However I have to be careful with my words. My cursed speech compels any listeners to do what I ask.

In order to get around possible mishaps, I use a very specific set of words if I need to communicate with others.

[passio]

[ it sounds like a baroque—a curse, indeed. concern for toge gets dextera distracted from his earlier worry. ]

I see. It might be easier to have no voice at all. I wouldn’t be able to control myself.

[snakeandfangs]

It might be, but what I have is a gift. It makes me strong. It's how I protect people.

So even if it means being alert at all times... to not abuse or overuse my power? I'll gladly accept that sacrifice.

[passio]

[ … ]

Did you always think of it that way?

[snakeandfangs]

[ a complicated question, but he has to be honest. ]

No. Not always.

When I was younger... I knew what I had was important though I didn't understand.
But when I used it in the way I knew I'd have to?
It became obvious.

[passio]

[ dextera envies him, in a way. he’s obviously had a lifetime to come to terms with his power and find a way to use it to the world’s benefit—and dextera has nothing but an apocalypse and miserable direction to show for his own powers. ]

I see. I hope that moment will come for me, too.

[snakeandfangs]

It will!
And like I said, if there's anything I can do for you, Dextera?
I'll do my best!