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

[dragon_rider]

I get it. I do.

[ For as long as it may have taken Dextera to respond, Hiccup's is near immediate. Trusting yourself-- Losing faith in yourself. That's something he knows all about, even before everything in Horos. It's almost too easy to picture: ]

It's okay to take your time; Like I said, we shouldn't trust what we're told just because someone else says it to us... But. I mean, I guess, just know if you ever need someone to listen there's a lot of us here.

I can't speak for them, but I'm always here. For whatever you might need.

[passio]

[ dextera is unaccustomed to these sentiments given so freely, and although he doesn’t distrust what’s being said, he can’t help but carry the feeling that many of these people wouldn’t be so supportive if they knew what he had done. ]

It’s lucky. That you were chosen to come here.

[dragon_rider]

[ That's not a comment he was expecting at all. He can't even help the sudden wave of confusion and instant disagreement that manages to come over; He doesn't see it like that (he's not the most helpful here is he?). It's the confusion that's most prominent when he responds: ]

Why do you say that?

[passio]

[ confusion and disagreement, yes, but at least it’s not offense. ]

Not everyone is so kind. Or so willing to help. Of all the people that could have arrived in your place, I’m glad it was someone like you.

[dragon_rider]

[ That's really not an answer he expected in a way — Which is perhaps why it earns a sheepish laugh, something bone deep in the feeling of the exhale that follows: ]

Yeah, but some people would call that a pretty big weakness. Especially around here.

[passio]

Some people. But not all. I wouldn’t.

[ there’s no hint of a smile accompanying these words, but that doesn’t mean they’re insincere. he’s just speaking his mind. ]

[dragon_rider]

Thanks. That means a lot.

[ There's no lack of sincerity in Hiccup's return, either. Seeing others so quickly turn to war and fighting has been something he's struggled with — Given his preference was avoid if you can (literally moving his entire people to avoid one)... It's hard not to feel out of place.

It's why he'd prefer to dedicate his time to reach out to people. ]

I don't know if your answer will come easily or be the one you want... But I hope you find it.