Rindo Kanade | 奏 竜胆 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
worldisyours) wrote2023-03-13 07:06 pm
worldisyours) wrote2023-03-13 07:06 pm
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WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, RINDO KANADE. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 4.28.13.9 *** rindragon has joined 4.28.13.9 | ||||
[Shoyo's… actually crying? Oh no…]
its okay
im okay [Physically, at least…]
id be down for bday pizza sometime [He owes Shoyo that much for making him worry so much, and it'll be a good excuse to go out instead of moping…]
[…]
sorry shoka didnt tell you what was up with me
she was going through a lot
its okay
im okay [Physically, at least…]
id be down for bday pizza sometime [He owes Shoyo that much for making him worry so much, and it'll be a good excuse to go out instead of moping…]
[…]
sorry shoka didnt tell you what was up with me
she was going through a lot
[Rindo mimics Gladion, staring into the middle distance.]
Mmh… I actually met someone who came from the same city, but in a different world. Guess it's a common thing, then.
Maybe there's not much for me to explain, if you're already familiar. My life was just… normal.
Mmh… I actually met someone who came from the same city, but in a different world. Guess it's a common thing, then.
Maybe there's not much for me to explain, if you're already familiar. My life was just… normal.
"Familiar" is a stretch. I know some of the parallels between those worlds and mine. Broad strokes.
…Fair enough.
[Rindo assumes that his and Akira's worlds are extremely similar, but there could well be something extremely different between them that neither of them bothered mentioning.
…He has an idea.]
Maybe we should go to the Cube sometime? You could show me your world, and I'd show you mine. It'd be way easier than trying to explain all the little details.
[…And hopefully he can keep it together in front of Gladion, because seeing Shibuya again knowing he can't go back is, to say the least, a fraught experience.]
[Rindo assumes that his and Akira's worlds are extremely similar, but there could well be something extremely different between them that neither of them bothered mentioning.
…He has an idea.]
Maybe we should go to the Cube sometime? You could show me your world, and I'd show you mine. It'd be way easier than trying to explain all the little details.
[…And hopefully he can keep it together in front of Gladion, because seeing Shibuya again knowing he can't go back is, to say the least, a fraught experience.]
well, good! and thanks
i'm just happy that i get to talk to you again, rindragon
there's nothing you can do to make me regret that
[But maybe she will regret admitting that much—that even just a small, selfish part of her would be glad that he's here, trapped in the hellish monster freakshow with her, devoid of any memories that might better prepare him for that.]
right back at you though
i hope i'm not a complete letdown lol
i'm just happy that i get to talk to you again, rindragon
there's nothing you can do to make me regret that
[But maybe she will regret admitting that much—that even just a small, selfish part of her would be glad that he's here, trapped in the hellish monster freakshow with her, devoid of any memories that might better prepare him for that.]
right back at you though
i hope i'm not a complete letdown lol
[Recognizing this particular cat, Shoka is prepared to give Rindo the same warning she's given other customers in the past—but ultimately, to her pleasant surprise, it isn't needed. He's careful and patient, and the usually testy Umbra waltzes right up to him like they're old friends.]
Well, look at you, Mr. Cat Whisperer! [He already looks smug about it (earning an amused little laugh from her), but after a moment, she decides that he probably deserves to be.] Low-key, I'm actually impressed... That's definitely the warmest reception I've ever seen her give a stranger.
[Meanwhile, she's apparently been chosen by another resident of her own. Once she notices the (also familiar) tom slinking his way toward her, she quiets, waiting patiently for him to reach her. When he does, she'll offer out a cautious hand for him to sniff, too, as she greets him in an unusually gentle voice.]
Hey, you. Miss me much?
Well, look at you, Mr. Cat Whisperer! [He already looks smug about it (earning an amused little laugh from her), but after a moment, she decides that he probably deserves to be.] Low-key, I'm actually impressed... That's definitely the warmest reception I've ever seen her give a stranger.
[Meanwhile, she's apparently been chosen by another resident of her own. Once she notices the (also familiar) tom slinking his way toward her, she quiets, waiting patiently for him to reach her. When he does, she'll offer out a cautious hand for him to sniff, too, as she greets him in an unusually gentle voice.]
Hey, you. Miss me much?
[—A cold feeling in his gut. Trepidation and surprise.
Gladion blinks.]
...It's safe?
[At the same time, he thinks: of course it is, otherwise people wouldn't use it.]
Gladion blinks.]
...It's safe?
[At the same time, he thinks: of course it is, otherwise people wouldn't use it.]
[Rindo blinks twice and shoots a dumbfounded glance at Gladion. The question echoes his own from a few weeks back.]
Swa… Er, Shoka would never have taken me there if it wasn't.
[It's said with complete, uncharacteristic confidence, without even a second's pause to think.
Then a few moments later, the nature of Ryslig catches up with Rindo and makes him wince, because of course there has to be a reason for Gladion's reaction, and it can't possibly be anything good.]
…Did… something happen with it, or…?
[…or what? There's a sheepish tone to the inquiry, an indication that Rindo has no plans to push the matter if it makes Gladion uncomfortable, despite his curiosity.]
Swa… Er, Shoka would never have taken me there if it wasn't.
[It's said with complete, uncharacteristic confidence, without even a second's pause to think.
Then a few moments later, the nature of Ryslig catches up with Rindo and makes him wince, because of course there has to be a reason for Gladion's reaction, and it can't possibly be anything good.]
…Did… something happen with it, or…?
[…or what? There's a sheepish tone to the inquiry, an indication that Rindo has no plans to push the matter if it makes Gladion uncomfortable, despite his curiosity.]
[Upset about more than just Rindo, to say the least. Painful fondness creeps into his heart at Shoyo's message. Of course Swallow would still help, even despite that.
…Help with what, though? Once again, the timestamp is evocative. Did the changes hit Shoyo while he was out and about…? If that's the case and Swallow found him, then Rindo can at least take solace in knowing Shoyo must have been in good hands. After all, she had been there for him during his own transformation, an unfailing stalwart presence.
Rindo's terribly curious what Shoyo is going to turn into, in a morbid sort of way, if only to know the exact flavor of horrors he will be subjected to and how to best advise him… But a deep sense of sympathy keeps him from outright asking, as he understands all too well the potential reluctance to talk about something so fraught.]
yea im not surprised. shes a rly good person
and sure
i dont rly have anything going on
[…Besides staring ineffectually at the pod Gladion is encased in. The twins have been doing a fine job looking after him; Rindo isn't needed.]
…Help with what, though? Once again, the timestamp is evocative. Did the changes hit Shoyo while he was out and about…? If that's the case and Swallow found him, then Rindo can at least take solace in knowing Shoyo must have been in good hands. After all, she had been there for him during his own transformation, an unfailing stalwart presence.
Rindo's terribly curious what Shoyo is going to turn into, in a morbid sort of way, if only to know the exact flavor of horrors he will be subjected to and how to best advise him… But a deep sense of sympathy keeps him from outright asking, as he understands all too well the potential reluctance to talk about something so fraught.]
yea im not surprised. shes a rly good person
and sure
i dont rly have anything going on
[…Besides staring ineffectually at the pod Gladion is encased in. The twins have been doing a fine job looking after him; Rindo isn't needed.]
Edited (YOU EVER POST TOO FAST) 2023-06-25 14:28 (UTC)
[Composure returned:] I've never been. I just know it's one of Elias' inventions.
[...Looks back out at the yard.]
So is the network, to be fair.
[...Looks back out at the yard.]
So is the network, to be fair.
You don't trust Elias?
[It's a very matter-of-fact question, its tone anything but accusatory. Rindo himself doesn't know much about the gods beyond what was in the Lighthouse guide, vague mentions of past events on the network, and whatever facts the household volunteered.
Swallow is one of Elias's followers, but she doesn't seem… invested in the whole god thing. He's wary on principle, of course—it would all sound sketchy even if they weren't in Ryslig. But between the Cube and the earplugs, he couldn't deny that Elias had been a positive influence (so far, at least).]
[It's a very matter-of-fact question, its tone anything but accusatory. Rindo himself doesn't know much about the gods beyond what was in the Lighthouse guide, vague mentions of past events on the network, and whatever facts the household volunteered.
Swallow is one of Elias's followers, but she doesn't seem… invested in the whole god thing. He's wary on principle, of course—it would all sound sketchy even if they weren't in Ryslig. But between the Cube and the earplugs, he couldn't deny that Elias had been a positive influence (so far, at least).]
Not for an instant. [Gladion doesn't say this vehemently. It's very...plain.] Felfri was another of his inventions. He's not any friendlier than the Fog, just less influential. A useful evil at best.
Oh…
[…Should he avoid the Cube, then? But Swallow said it was okay…
He'd ask about Felfri, but… it can't be anything good. Gladion surely doesn't need to be reminded of bad memories, and he doesn't need more things to be worried about. The same reasons they didn't talk about the Pale Fog, really.]
For what it's worth, nothing bad happened at the Cube when we went, but if you don't want to go, that's… I get it.
[He sounds a little disappointed, but he’s not holding it against Gladion or anything.]
[…Should he avoid the Cube, then? But Swallow said it was okay…
He'd ask about Felfri, but… it can't be anything good. Gladion surely doesn't need to be reminded of bad memories, and he doesn't need more things to be worried about. The same reasons they didn't talk about the Pale Fog, really.]
For what it's worth, nothing bad happened at the Cube when we went, but if you don't want to go, that's… I get it.
[He sounds a little disappointed, but he’s not holding it against Gladion or anything.]
...No, it's safe if it's safe. I don't have any secret knowledge about it that your friends don't. I haven't even been there.
[Though he's thinking now about what he wouldn't have noticed at the time, ignorant of Ryslig as he was...for others, Felfri returned them to what they were. There's a connection there.]
It's impossible to avoid the influence of those gods entirely, between the network and the changes. Even their followers aren't necessarily dangerous to anyone and everyone. You just can't trust them or underestimate them.
[Though he's thinking now about what he wouldn't have noticed at the time, ignorant of Ryslig as he was...for others, Felfri returned them to what they were. There's a connection there.]
It's impossible to avoid the influence of those gods entirely, between the network and the changes. Even their followers aren't necessarily dangerous to anyone and everyone. You just can't trust them or underestimate them.
[Hah, Gladion chuckles voicelessly, wry and quiet to bleed off his discomfort. Look how bad he is at this, sitting here with the right choice being handed straight to him and still struggling against it.]
Alright. [Alright. If for nothing else, then for Rindo's sake, because he's who's here right now. Gladion looks back up, and seems to fortify himself again, breathing in through his nose and banishing some of the uncertainty from his posture.] Then I should start with what I'm actually concerned she might do. Right?
Alright. [Alright. If for nothing else, then for Rindo's sake, because he's who's here right now. Gladion looks back up, and seems to fortify himself again, breathing in through his nose and banishing some of the uncertainty from his posture.] Then I should start with what I'm actually concerned she might do. Right?
um its kinda late rn so
tomorrow ig? lunchtime sound good?
[Lo, a minor miracle: Rindo making a decision in a timely manner!
…Because he feels guilty about making Shoyo cry, and if all it takes to make him feel better is to see him, then how can he not oblige?]
tomorrow ig? lunchtime sound good?
[Lo, a minor miracle: Rindo making a decision in a timely manner!
…Because he feels guilty about making Shoyo cry, and if all it takes to make him feel better is to see him, then how can he not oblige?]
[A rather solemn nod from Rindo, who can tell Gladion is trying his best despite being far out of his element. …It feels strange to be in the helper position, for once. The pressure to do right by Gladion weighs heavily on his mind.]
Right.
[And, seeing an opportunity, Rindo seizes it:]
…What did she actually do, back home? Just so I know what she's… capable of, I guess.
[…Hopefully that's not an obnoxiously redundant question.]
Right.
[And, seeing an opportunity, Rindo seizes it:]
…What did she actually do, back home? Just so I know what she's… capable of, I guess.
[…Hopefully that's not an obnoxiously redundant question.]
[It's a perfectly cogent question in Gladion's eyes. It's kind of the crux of the whole issue: what she's done isn't what she'll do, necessarily. But they're related. And the space between the two things is so much to explain. It requires a lot of context. It also reveals a lot about her, and a lot about him.
(...And part of him is still apprehensive about inviting questions he won't be able to answer, the same as it always was.)
But that's a whole lot of excuses.]
...This might be a long story. [With the disclaimer handled, he...stops perching on the edge of the bed. Pushes himself back onto it properly, then backs up to the wall, so he can stretch his legs out a little. Lean his head back, cross his arms. Get...not comfy, but a little more settled, appropriate for a "long story".]
My mother is...or was, rather, the president of an international organization known as the Aether Foundation. The Foundation's operations were—are, very...diverse. But for context for any of this, they include...various human and Pokemon welfare activities, as well as research, largely in that same area. Environmental conservation, biomedical science. Among other things.
[It is so much to explain.]
My mother... [No, wait. Grimace. Backtrack for additional, even more So Much Context.] Years ago, one of the Foundation's less public projects found— [GRIMACE. COMPRESS.] —effectively, another world. Or a space between worlds, because it was much...closer to ours than this one or anything else—I don't know the fine distinctions. They called it Ultra Space. And there were creatures that could fall through into our world from it, if a wormhole formed under the right conditions. Knowing what I know now, they're far more like Pokemon than like anything from [finally glances up at Rindo for a moment] actual other worlds. But they're not Pokemon, and from where they were standing—where we were standing—Ultra Beasts were very...alien. And dangerous.
(...And part of him is still apprehensive about inviting questions he won't be able to answer, the same as it always was.)
But that's a whole lot of excuses.]
...This might be a long story. [With the disclaimer handled, he...stops perching on the edge of the bed. Pushes himself back onto it properly, then backs up to the wall, so he can stretch his legs out a little. Lean his head back, cross his arms. Get...not comfy, but a little more settled, appropriate for a "long story".]
My mother is...or was, rather, the president of an international organization known as the Aether Foundation. The Foundation's operations were—are, very...diverse. But for context for any of this, they include...various human and Pokemon welfare activities, as well as research, largely in that same area. Environmental conservation, biomedical science. Among other things.
[It is so much to explain.]
My mother... [No, wait. Grimace. Backtrack for additional, even more So Much Context.] Years ago, one of the Foundation's less public projects found— [GRIMACE. COMPRESS.] —effectively, another world. Or a space between worlds, because it was much...closer to ours than this one or anything else—I don't know the fine distinctions. They called it Ultra Space. And there were creatures that could fall through into our world from it, if a wormhole formed under the right conditions. Knowing what I know now, they're far more like Pokemon than like anything from [finally glances up at Rindo for a moment] actual other worlds. But they're not Pokemon, and from where they were standing—where we were standing—Ultra Beasts were very...alien. And dangerous.
Edited 2023-06-27 03:35 (UTC)
[It's a good thing, then, that Rindo's grown used to long stories. He leans back, chin resting on his palm, and listens attentively.
Perhaps contrary to Gladion's expectations, he doesn't react with confusion at the mention of, essentially, Pokémon aliens. He knows better than to doubt the tale, and frankly it's much easier to follow than Beat's explanation of the Reapers' Game and its many tangents.
…He does remark to himself the odd coincidence that his two closest friends are both kids of rich parents who've done wrong by them.
His question is more of a way for him to nudge Gladion to continue, rather than something he's concerned the other Nymph won't address:]
So something had to be done about them, right?
Perhaps contrary to Gladion's expectations, he doesn't react with confusion at the mention of, essentially, Pokémon aliens. He knows better than to doubt the tale, and frankly it's much easier to follow than Beat's explanation of the Reapers' Game and its many tangents.
…He does remark to himself the odd coincidence that his two closest friends are both kids of rich parents who've done wrong by them.
His question is more of a way for him to nudge Gladion to continue, rather than something he's concerned the other Nymph won't address:]
So something had to be done about them, right?
[Ah, well, here it is… If Shoyo's so nonchalant about this, he must not have been hit by changes too hard yet, right? Rindo knows he wasn't in the mood for guessing games after his own, rapid transformation… And to be frank, he isn't in the mood for it now either—not with something as heavy as monster types, not when that dictates the terms of the whole cannibalism thing…
So, sidestepping the question it is.]
do u know what youre turning into yet?
So, sidestepping the question it is.]
do u know what youre turning into yet?
[…Oh. Okay.]
Well, if you ever feel like checking it out, I can show you how it works.
[The comment on god followers puts Rindo on edge, though. You can't trust them? But he trusts Swallow… Rindo understands being wary of the whole thing—he certainly is—but… Ugh. How is he supposed to figure out the correct course of action if the two people he trusts the most in this place are in disagreement with one another?
…Then again… Gladion hadn't seemed to take issue with Swallow. Does he even know she's a follower of Elias?
He's going to need to give this some more thought.]
Um… are there, like… red flags to look out for with god followers?
[…He figures that's just useful to know, in general.]
Well, if you ever feel like checking it out, I can show you how it works.
[The comment on god followers puts Rindo on edge, though. You can't trust them? But he trusts Swallow… Rindo understands being wary of the whole thing—he certainly is—but… Ugh. How is he supposed to figure out the correct course of action if the two people he trusts the most in this place are in disagreement with one another?
…Then again… Gladion hadn't seemed to take issue with Swallow. Does he even know she's a follower of Elias?
He's going to need to give this some more thought.]
Um… are there, like… red flags to look out for with god followers?
[…He figures that's just useful to know, in general.]
[ it is all a manner of how one copes, and games does it for shoyo. any kind of game or competition can have something tense feel just a touch better, and when that attempt is rejected (without ill meaning or intent), shoyo feels it like a sinking anchor against his doggy paddling to keep swimming.
there’s still a lot to learn and plenty of new, startling information that has been given but has yet to really sink in. he retreats, types an answer, ]
no
joseph thinks werewolf
[ lays back-flat against his bed, and sets his volleyball over his head rhythmically. it’s the middle of the night, but it’s a game. the laptop screen feels like a nightlight. how many times could he bounce before the next message?
one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, (he doesn’t think about it, and feels a touch better). ]
there’s still a lot to learn and plenty of new, startling information that has been given but has yet to really sink in. he retreats, types an answer, ]
no
joseph thinks werewolf
[ lays back-flat against his bed, and sets his volleyball over his head rhythmically. it’s the middle of the night, but it’s a game. the laptop screen feels like a nightlight. how many times could he bounce before the next message?
one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, (he doesn’t think about it, and feels a touch better). ]
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