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[crystalbraves]

 
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[crystalbraves]

...

While you've played coy with the subject, suggesting I instead play a game of subterfuge and chance — with either combing through mine eighteen summers of memories or seeing if your ally can broken, I'd extend our contract to ask just what it was I stood against the you for. If we became enemies, I'd like to know the line that was drawn.

[firstworldproblem]

Ah, yes. 'Twas only a matter of time before this came to light.

To lay it out in detail would take hours, and would be something shown rather than told. But you aren't ready. Or perhaps I'm not ready to take you to that place. Not just yet.

And so a summary, I will provide. The core reasoning.

Simply put, what you hold dear is only a fragment of what could be. Through great .... misfortune did our star break, shattering into shards, into pieces of what it was before. You can't recall that day nor the gifts you have lost. No amount of prodding or storytelling will change that --- believe me, I have tried. It has been taken from you. Simple as that.

In restoring what was, you and yours thought of the loss you would partake --- in your ways, your customs, how you would live your lives.

[Or not live them. But.....]

And so we did come to conflict. Try as I may, I could not convince you that our paths aligned. Of the gains you would claim. Your shortsightedness which is not to be mistaken for selfishness, your unwillingness to part with that which was in front of you is what caused the great rift between us.

[crystalbraves]

[ he listens as the story is told, letting there be a few beats of digestion once it's finished. ]

As a summary, I can only imagine that there are key parts in this missing, showing why we were so against you. What this loss would entail, in how what we would gain weighted against it.

It would be a lie, should I say that I fully understand your ... our story, though the picture has become clearer.

1/2

[firstworldproblem]

Much there is left to explain. Groundwork that was forged before our first encounter. Primals. The Source. Even to some extent Allag. Years of experience laid the foundation for our encounter. This is not easily replicated.

And above all, there is the concern you will merely forget again before the full story is told to which would be a wasted effort.

[firstworldproblem]

And with that, I hope you can gleam some small matter of satisfaction.

[crystalbraves]

I must say, there is a sense of shame that all of those words mean nothing to me. Mayhaps it's time I finally regain a memory or two.

[firstworldproblem]

If that is your desire. I simply request you don't be too hasty until you can see the entire picture. I brought more than one revelation to your attention as is the wisdom of one who remembers.

And above all, our personal quarrels are just that --- ours. I would prefer to leave your unit and mine out of this even if they do get incited by the memories you might expose.

[crystalbraves]

Yes, I would like that as well. The other members of Taisho Roman Revolution are far too caring — I'd not like them to be caught up in a fight that is not theirs.

For now — It may be best to regain memories either in private, or within your presence.

[firstworldproblem]

At long last... Perhaps we are finally coming to an understanding.

1/3

[crystalbraves]

Let us not waste any time, then.

[ he takes out his phone -- and, he purchases two memories. ]

[crystalbraves]

[ the first is innocent enough, if ... incredibly embarrassing. it's of his time in the Studium, where he's used the art skills he gained purely to flirt with college girls to ... flirt with college girls. ]

[crystalbraves]

[ the second is the cutscene before the dying gasp. ]

[firstworldproblem]

[Any amount of mirth that was on his face is now gone.]

Of course. Of course.

[Folding his arms and staring at him, calculating the multitude of ways to ensure no one would find the body.]

And?

[crystalbraves]

[ and, apparently I have a sister ]





... "Hades", then?

[firstworldproblem]

I'm afraid you haven't earned the right to use that name. Or speak of any of this for that matter.

[Raising his hand and snapping his fingers ---- does he need to? No. Is it a force of habit, absolutely. He bought the pupeetering ability for Kohime, but its use seems to be fine enough to use here.

Reaching over to mimic picking up a book. Auracite will find himself selecting one of those overdue books he was just about to return.]

You have a pen on you, correct.

[crystalbraves]

[ as he moves against his will, his gaze tightens. ]

—I can only assume you intend to force me to write a contract for my silence?

[firstworldproblem]

I never said you were unintelligent, simply short sighted.

[And he does indeed make him beginning scrawling a contract on the back page of that artbook. It is as thus:

- Neither will utter any new information learned during the acquisition of memories recently taken to anyone but the involved parties in a private setting.
- Neither will mention the parties involved or the contract to non-involved parties.
- Failure to comply will spawn a disease and hunger within the guilty party requiring them to feast on flesh and blood of another live, active idol in Imeeji. Failure to comply will kill said guilty party in 2 IC days. (He's stealing the idea from Monster Bingo + Absinthe, okay?)
- This contract becomes null and void should either party no longer be participating idols in the production.]

Forgive me for my lack of trust, but as stated I would have you hold judgement until you see the entire picture. When you have, I should no longer be here, thus relieving you of any contractual obligations.

[crystalbraves]

[ wow, he sure absolutely hates the results of this contract. he didn't intend to spread the business, but having his fears played on to get him to not -- he grits his teeth. ]

You've gone to- ... quite the lengths. I can assume, then- that this memory is of the most incriminating that I have of you? Or, do you intend for your contract to extend through all of my future regainings?

[firstworldproblem]

'Tis simply the most personal. Do what you will with the rest.

[Dropping the puppeteering ability once the contract is finished, and heading towards the door. Not the most dramatic exit, but...]

I leave you to think and consider.

[crystalbraves]

—Consider what, exactly? I've not been left with much room on this leash.

[firstworldproblem]

You do not require the council of others to reflect on your own memories. Lean on your own internal wisdom.

[crystalbraves]

[ ... and, just before he can leave - ]

... Our prior contract. Does it still stand?

[firstworldproblem]

Of course. By contract my word was given. Such a vow I will not break.

[crystalbraves]

I see. Farewell, then - ... "Alexander".

[firstworldproblem]

[He doesn't even give his customary wave as he leaves.]