IC Inbox (Imeeji)

[firstworldproblem]

[It just goes directly to the beep.]

Comments

[deicider]

[Ears go red a bit.]

That was a game effect, not a habit!

[firstworldproblem]

It seems I've misunderstood. Well, that is good to know.

[deicider]

Please don't say things like that, if it happens to anyone, it will be me.

[Before Cardinal's life goes further out of control,]

You were saying, a realization. [again like they're trying not to sound hesitant.]

[firstworldproblem]

You do enjoy your thrills. Not that I blame you.

My most promising avenue for Rejoining has fallen through. A path of lesser bloodshed. But it cannot work if all are not in alignment.

[deicider]

There's no chance...?

[firstworldproblem]

Outside of wishing someone in the Production away. Or being very clever to get rid of them, but if the tracks were not perfectly cleansed another piece would fall out of place.

[deicider]

[tips their head mildly.]

That seems like a surmountable problem.

[firstworldproblem]

It is too risky to try now even if it was. Easily would I be identified or accused with no evidence.

'Tis a proposition that must wait.

[deicider]

[Cardinal nods.]

It's must be hard, to have it so close.

[firstworldproblem]

We were hardly near its completion, but it was the most promising path. It is truly regrettable and has been plaguing my mind of late.

And has put me in a sour mood besides. So I might have been more harsh in my judgements.

[deicider]

[glances at him, observing him.]

You keep going easy on me.

[firstworldproblem]

That's because I like you. I see no reason to be upset.

Though I am beginning to feel I do see a side of you that most others do not. Where some would see overbearingly righteous, I see an idealist.

[deicider]

[Cardinal seems to have finally relaxed back to normal emoting. They rub a hand briefly over their face.]

An ineffective idealist.

[firstworldproblem]

You foe is quite at an advantage. Consider it a setback.

And perhaps your reach is too broad. I doubt all of us could come together, but perhaps you could make a small pocket and call it your own.

[deicider]

You're right. I'm trying, but... [Cardinal makes a noise, amused but with a bitter edge.]

My reach used to be the whole world. [They flex their hand, fingers spreading out.] Now it feels like I'm missing a limb.

[firstworldproblem]

The laws of reality have changed for you. For everyone. Perhaps you simply need to grow a few extra set of limbs to replace the ones you've lost.

[deicider]

[Cardinal nods. Their expression is troubled, but mostly thoughtful, as if trying to feel the shape of those limbs now.]

You're right.

[firstworldproblem]

Do not be discouraged. The path you are looking for will find you of that I have no doubt. You will settle for nothing less.

[deicider]

[Smiles at him, a bit - bashful?? As if Emet-Selch had gifted them a significant compliment.]

Thank you, Emet-Selch.

[firstworldproblem]

[He reaches out and pats their shoulder.]

Follow your heart, for while it may lead you astray, well there are worse things. But do remember to keep an open mind. 'Tis a complex existence we live and we should not be bound by preconceptions.

[deicider]

[Another serious, studious nod. Cardinal reaches their own hand to lightly brush against Emet-Selch's, a tacit appreciation.]

[firstworldproblem]

[He takes a step back with a laugh. Making a motion with his hand to wave off the heavy topic.]

Though I do believe you've further soured your relationship with Five.

[deicider]

Oh, well. He had already given me an earful about how he doesn't like me or trust me. So he can just keep doing that.


You know the worst part? The game host, Yasuragi. He's the reason I have bad blood with Shu in the first place.

[firstworldproblem]

A graduate?

Do go on.

[deicider]

Yeah. One of Taisho's original members.

There was a hostage game, but the hostages were public. Everyone was together in the same room, and everyone had to work together to solve a puzzle in order to save both hostages. The catch was, there were two hostages up at any given time, and either unit could save their own hostage by crying uncle and killing the other one. The hostages underwent some escalating torture while everyone else worked on the puzzle.

The game had been going so-so, we'd gotten a couple puzzles right, but in the round before me one of the teams had to cry uncle at the last second. I was put up with Taisho's hostage, a kid, and we were rigged up to bleed to death.

[pausing briefly for questions.]