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]

[ 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.

[locumstudentesquire]

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.

[passio]

[ 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.

[locumstudentesquire]

[He laughs warmly, if a bit awkwardly.]

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