personavelvetroomdr | (no subject)

[A message appears on the network one morning, not long after a certain Ren appears.

Not long after it goes up, some parts are edited out.]

Attention, "Crow" and "Joker." With the arrival of my Ren, we formally challenge you over your precious codenames. Let us prove to you that we are the ones worthy of the titles, while you are mere variations from a simpler, happier world. despite the power you wield. You may have seniority within this space, but we were forged in the fires of our hardships and have emerged on the other side of Maruki's reality. You two have likely grown soft from your domesticity. Perhaps you'll find us worthy opponents after all this stagnation. They say the spirit of competition can bring out one's best and their worst.

[Is it bold to proclaim the challenge over the network? Yes. But he'd have it no other way, really. Everyone deserves to know how serious they are.]

As for the rest of you, I'd like to start a little bonding exercise. Tell me something about yourself, and I'll tell you something about me in turn. Won't that be fun?

[It should be a simple way to start and prove that he's just as capable of "bonding" as Ren is.]

[ooc: Original parts of the message in strikethrough, with the edits after, if you want your character to have seen the original version.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

A moment ago, you said you were friends. I'm simply puzzled by the discrepancy.

Oh, it's not Raven-kun I question. More the getting used to things. As a general principle.

Rather difficult, when it's so different from what you're accustomed to, I imagine.

Difficult when you struggle to remember things, is more like it. People find it quite distressing.

It's not your fault. Anyone who says otherwise is a fool.

It doesn't have to be my fault, for people to find it offputting. Of course, it isn't that important.

[That might be the most alarming thing he's said. The idea of one of their memories being damaged? That could happen. But the idea that they might just not care?]

It really doesn't bother you, not remembering vital information?

[That's... deeply concerning, to say the least. How can he be so at peace with it?]

It would be nice if I could remember. Certainly it would be more convenient for my Ren, and would make it easier to make friends. But I can't say it affects my life, day-to-day. And it really only happens here. When I go home, I'm sure it will be fine again.

[How ... philosophical. Or it would be, if that was what it was.]

Have you used your wish yet? I ended up with a star, in the end. Still, it's possible you could use it to gain some clarity and retention.

Do you think so? I do have a star. It's quite pretty. I was wondering if I should use it for this, but then you never know what might happen.

[Like Ren dying. It fades in and out, dependent on how close he is to the hive, but right at this moment, he remembers it acutely.]

Use it to fill the gaps, and so many doors will open to you. You'll be able to connect with others more easily, and you'll be able to grasp whatever truth that previously eluded you. In a place like this, so "peaceful" on the surface, I can't think of a finer use of the star. And unlike me, you have a need that warrants wishing. I have the one thing I wanted that Igor refused to give.

[Hm. It's an attractive thought. Shiny, like the star.]

I'd like that. I mean, I think I'd like that. I'm surprised you didn't say I could use it to go back to "normal".

[Woah, curveball.]

Edited 2025-01-06 03:16 (UTC)

It's not my place to judge who you "should" be. I'm not an especially pleasant person. I wouldn't want to be me, but I am who I am.

I couldn't possibly judge. But, having met some of the rest of us, I don't particularly want to be you. And I don't want to come from the worlds you describe. Perhaps you think I should be otherwise, but I'm not.

I chose a path that suited my principles. That doesn't make it the right path for you. But this isn't about changing who you are. It's reclaiming the autonomy that you've lost within this place. You have a chance to finally see and perceive what you never could before. Think of it as a learning opportunity, just like all those fascinating facts about birds you gained through your own curiosity and interest.

You were reading my bird facts? Is that something we also have in common?

It's a fascinating subject. Even the most unassuming birds can harbor fascinating secrets. But if you frame this as a learning opportunity, surely it won't be so bad. You can fill in the blanks, broaden your horizons...

It's not that I'm afraid to face things. Truly not. It's just that it's difficult to remember to.

Would it help to make a note to yourself? Or even to make the wish while the idea is fresh.

I should talk to Ren first, I think. Before I do anything else.

[But, of course, by the time he sees Ren, he will have forgotten.]

Why don't you give me his contact information? I can message him, so he knows to talk to you.

[That should help, if nothing else. Someone closer, who knows him better.]

That's a good idea. Ren needs more friends. If it's not too much of a presumption to say so, that is.

[He sends the information across. It doesn't occur to him that Ren is distinctly unpopular, and might not appreciate having his contact information spread about.]

Edited 2025-01-06 03:35 (UTC)

I am willing to reach out, for your benefit. I see little sense in hostilities.

[At least, where this subject is concerned, there is little reason to attack.]

Then, thank you. I appreciate it. I'm sure he will, too.

[Let's hope so.]