[EVENT] Memory Tapes

[vrdr_mods]

On the morning of November 21st, denizens in the Velvet Room will awake to a message on their phones or by their bedsides in an envelope. Perhaps even on their computer screens.

Greetings! If you've received this message, then you've been selected as a participant in a new activity to strengthen bonds within this community.

In order to facilitate connections with your fellow residents, we advise you to watch this video. Watch it and return the tape to its rightful owner. If you lacked the means to watch VHS tapes before, we have provided you with the necessary equipment.

Failure to do so may put your own memories at risk. Do not be selfish, lest you find yourself struggling to recall crucial moments of your life. You have no way of knowing which memories have been shared, so ask yourself if it is worth the risk to selfishly hoard another's secrets.

They will soon find a VHS tape, with a case that gives off a soft, blue glow to symbolize its importance. If they lack a TV or VCR, they will find one in their living space.

What they do is up to them, but they should heed the warning, if they value their own memories.


[For links to characters' memories, please see this post in the OOC comm. Have fun!]

Comments

[vampirethief]

So there's a possibility that he could be alive?

[Man he doesn't want to get his hopes up, but a part of him can't help but hope his Akechi is out there somewhere.]

No. Especially when it's all a lie. Even if he was able to somehow make my friends human again while they were under his spell. He even offered to make me human again too if I accepted his reality.

[Which while tempting, he had to refuse.]

[fogboundcrow]

I wouldn't rule it out, though obviously, I don't want to instill false hope.

[It wouldn't be fair, especially when so many other factors could be at play. Still, throwing in humanity adds another wrinkle.

His scowl deepens.]

Even if Maruki had good intentions, it's unfair of him to dangle such things over your heads. Your autonomy matters more.

[vampirethief]

[Ren nods. It's understandable.]

Seriously. That one week he had me wait, just to "see" how my friends "enjoyed" his new reality, sucked. I tried to wake them all up, but they were too deep in. Even Yusuke not only didn't wake up, but it had the side-effect of him forgetting that we're dating.

[Having a then-human Yusuke introduce him to Madarame as his "dear friend" really hurt him. Luckily not only did Yusuke eventually wake up and apologize, but even stay a night to give Ren some much needed comfort.]

I'm just glad they did eventually wake up and came to the palace in time before Akechi and I could get killed. Again.

[He's willing to tell Raven about his death and awakening if asked.]

[fogboundcrow]

There's a Maruki here now, apparently, and I really hope he doesn't try anything that absurd.

[Hrmph. Imagine... Granted, Igor would likely limit his abilities.]

I imagine it would be difficult, forgetting an entire relationship. It's not his fault, but it would still sting.

[vampirethief]

[Well crap. He should have seen that coming.]

Well he'll have an uphill battle trying to have anyone on his side. Other than that one version of Sumire anyway.

[Aka the one that tried to put Pro-Maruki propaganda on the board.]

It did hurt at the time, but once he was back to himself, he did apologize to me and we made up. All of them apologized too.

[fogboundcrow]

That's... apparently the Yoshizawa-san from my world.

[He grumbles.]

Well, Crow's. But still, it's troubling. At the very least, it sounds like Maruki's brainwashing can be undone...

[vampirethief]

Yeah but the question is how. Without a palace, there's nothing to work with. And it would be very difficult to convince him to undo it.

[And given her state, reasoning with her is impossible.]

[fogboundcrow]

Really, it must be difficult for Joker and Crow. They're the ones closest to her, yet there's an undeniable rift due to her... condition.

[Which in turn must isolate her from people who should be familiar and safe.]

[vampirethief]

I imagine it would have been. Back home, I was pretty much in the dark and thought she was Kasumi. It wasn't until Maruki's palace that I learned the truth.

[But had he known, it would have been difficult. Confidant link or not. There would have been a rift that he wouldn't have been able to cross.]

[fogboundcrow]

I'd have to ask Crow what their story is, as I'm sure there are details I'm not privy to. I think he's wary of divulging too much, even though our paths have diverged by this point...

[But Raven simply shrugs. He can't blame Crow for being cautious, despite the differences in Raven's growth.]

[vampirethief]

Well if things have already diverged timeline wise, he might as well tell you. Though I understand not telling you who the serial killer in Inaba.

[Assuming Raven hasn't already figured it out. Ren remembers hearing about the Midnight Channel Killer when he was younger, though of course not knowing much details for obvious reasons.]

[fogboundcrow]

The culprit is one piece of information where I'm... conflicted, because on one hand, it would make it easier to mitigate future killings, but on the other hand, we wouldn't arrive to the conclusion organically, and it might make us miss something crucial along the way.

[It's a tricky dilemma, and he leans back, eyes fixed on the TV, even though nothing's currently on the screen.]

[vampirethief]

[Ren nods.]

Right, potential time paradoxes or at least possibly accidentally making things worse.

[fogboundcrow]

Things are going to be strange regardless, though, not the least because I've grown so much stronger here, but also...

[His cheeks take on a slightly rosy tint.]

Well. Other developments, let's just say.

[vampirethief]

[Oh he knows that kind of look and Ren couldn't help but make an amused grin at that. He may not be a detective, but he can spot things fairly well.]

Oh? Have you found someone? Or at least have a crush?

[fogboundcrow]

[Oh, that blush isn't going anywhere at all. Damn it!]

Ah, well. The Ren from my world... and not Joker, so we're clear. He and I are sort of... together in a very informal capacity?

[vampirethief]

[At this point, Ren's gotten used to how a lot of versions of himself are with Akechis, even though he himself is dating Yusuke. His smirk changes to a simple smile as he decides to drop any teasing, and be more sincere.]

Congratuations, even with it being informal. Everybody has to start somewhere and have different paces. Or they just want one thing or the other, or not at all.

I'm sure over time your Ren will get more comfortable. Just give him some time and patience.

[fogboundcrow]

He's just not used to being attracted to another boy, so I've tried not to put too much pressure on him. Not to mention, I'm slightly older, so I need to be responsible.

[Sure, the difference between their ages isn't that severe, but it's still his duty to lead by example!]

[vampirethief]

Ah so he's still poking his head out of the closet. It's good that he's taking small steps at least.

[Which is fair. Leaving the closet is not an easy to do. Especially given how Japan is.]

[fogboundcrow]

Yes, but it does mean I need to be careful in terms of romantic advances. He's not quite ready for kisses, for one, nor is he fond of the term 'boyfriend.'

[Which is fine. They can find their own label, or use none at all. Though there's a slight crease in his brow and a touch of reservation in his voice, it's nothing too severe.]

[vampirethief]

Oof, that does seem rough, but it should be okay with time. I know it's hard to unlearn toxic shit our society teaches us.

And if his parents are anything like mine...let's just say he'll be ready to leave them behind when he's older. Regardless of what ends up happening to him in the future.

[He's ready to as well. As soon as he finishes high school, they will be dead to him.]

[fogboundcrow]

I worry about his parents, honestly. Not just because of us, but because he seems to have a... difficult relationship with them. Then again, so does Akira-kun with his parents.

[He droops over a little as he thinks about it. It's unfair, really. They shouldn't have to suffer. Parents should be better than that.]

[vampirethief]

Seems to be a theme among us Rens and Akiras. I'm not on speaking terms with mine, and I doubt they would react well if they somehow found out I'm a vampire and could see my actual appearance.

[He starts to move a hand towards one of Raven's shoulders to give comfort, but stops himself when he remembers that his touch is ice-cold, and something he should warn beforehand.

Better not do that.]

At least we're not alone in the Shitty Parents Club.

[fogboundcrow]

It's just a shame that it's so common. You all deserve so much better.

[But then, given his own circumstances...]

Then again, I suppose I'm living proof that an adoptive or chosen family can be just as real and meaningful, if not more so.

[vampirethief]

[Ren makes a small smile at that.]

Thanks. Honestly I'm pretty over it by now, and regardless of how they will act when I get back home, I already have a plan to get out. Hell if they decide to lock me out and disown me anyway when I'm back in my home town, I have my friends to help me out.

[Sure it might mean either he can't finish school or has to delay going back to school, at least he has Sae to help him legal wise, as well as other adult confidants.]

Exactly. Real family isn't sharing blood, but by being there and caring for each other through even the toughest of times.