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]

[ dextera has no idea she’s stolen anything and wouldn’t judge her for doing it anyway, so the offer is merely well-received. ]

I didn’t look very much. I should have.

[ he’s easing up with a goal set in front of him, evident even through text. there’s a little relief filtering through—his confidence is bolstered, by even just this small exchange. ]

Please let me come with you. I don’t know how much I can help, but I’ll try.

[traversal]

It can't be helped. Everyone's focus is on getting things cured, which was initially the reason why I was searching for past events similar to what happened.

[ and then stumbled upon books that made her ask far too many questions about this world, about the guy they're supposed to be fighting again. ]

How do you feel about, uh [ there's a long pause here, hm. ] Breaking into private property?

[passio]

If there’s something we need in there, it can’t be helped.

[ dextera has done much worse than break into a place to get what’s inside, after all. ]

[traversal]

Just asking in case you're hesitant about potential criminal activity.

I'll ask around for the best way to get back to Venera without being detected. If the Regent was indeed spreading rumours about us, it would be best to arrive without amassing attention.

[ she'll also have to check if ryu is up for breaking and entering ... ]

[passio]

…

[ there’s, surprisingly, a ghost of amusement at her ‘just asking.’ maybe he doesn’t physically react in any way, but with communion helping him along, it’s the closest thing he’s expressed to a positive emotion since he made this post. ]

You’re right. I don’t know how many people paid attention to our faces. But it’s better to be cautious.