[itsuki nodding because he's pretending he knows what a blow dryer is, but it's the thought that counts]
Two years huh? That's a long time to go without dreams. [the environment really is Bleak, and it's not conducive to romance like. at all, but for once Itsuki's not trying to hit on Marie in her time of need....
he is curious about her though, she seems like a normal girl and yet]
Funnily enough it's pretty common back where I'm from. Then again most are brainwashed and don't even remember the concept of dreams, trapped inside their ideal world.
[ She's looking out into the distance and for a moment she's silent, as if she's contemplating what to say next -- or how, really. ]
The world that I remember isn't real, it's a virtual one.
In the real world I've been in a coma for the past four years.
The world I can remember vividly is called Redo. It was… created specifically for me after the previous world, Mobius, fell apart.
[ Her arms cross in front of her middle, loosely wrapping themselves around her. She doesn’t know if it’s due to the cold or because she suddenly feels as if something — or someone — is trying to pull her back.
It’s too much. Just forget it. In the end you won’t matter much anyway. ]
I know I was truly happy in Redo, even if a majority of my memories were made so that I would be. A father and mother who loved me; a home that was always warm and caring; friends who depended on me.
… The reason I was in that situation to begin with was all because of her — my past self.
[Itsuki's eyes follow her movements, but instead of reaching out to touch her, he gets just close enough so that his arm is next to hers, hopefully radiating some warmth -- and also to distract her a little,]
...Was she the one who wanted that kind of world for you?
[if he thinks it's strange that Marie's referring to herself this way, then he doesn't mention it. can she really say that it was herself if she had different memories at the time?]
[ Something is clawing at her — is it rage or fear? She can’t quite put her finger on it. ]
She — …
Maybe there was a piece of her did. What I can confirm is that she wanted everything — virtual and reality — to disappear. She wanted to watch everything break and drown in despair.
[Wanting to destroy the world -- isn't an emotion that's completely foreign to Itsuki, but in his experience that's the kind of rage that comes on the heels of living in a world that means nothing to you. But wanting to destroy a world that you're happy in?
He wonders what it means that he doesn't find that notion as strange as it should be. It's different, because it's Marie who's lived that life, and yet,]
A group of people stopped her and the people responsible of bringing the end. As everyone was being returned to reality... there was nothing for her to go back to. [ Because it wasn't like she'd wake up from her coma -- no, that would mean life going easy on her. Even Marie could feel the bitterness that comes with returning to reality; she would remain hospitalized, unable to walk or even speak to the people around her. Completely hopeless.
And there's no doubt in her mind that her grandfather would rather she had died long ago. ]
μ erased the memories of all her trauma in order for me to live a happier life in Redo.
[It's really too bad that there's no moonlight or even stars. Walking with Marie in this dreary place, listening to her tell him about her past... He wishes he could do more, but at the same time he does his best to listen.]
And that's why you have the nightmares.
[no dreams for two years, and then having to cope with all of these terrible things at once?]
The life you lived in Redo. What do you like best about it? Which memory comes to mind first?
[ She won't say that this didn't expect that from him out of respect -- considering her party of friends she really isn't one to judge. Apparently anyone can go out and save the world... even an eighty-six year old woman and girl in a coma. ]
[he raises a hand and ruffles his hair a little, it feels a little weird to explain if only because Itsuki was on a ship with a bunch of other people in the same position as him. they hadn't needed to explain because it was something they were expected to know.]
Mm, it's hard to say... Not because I don't want to tell you.
[he looks a little -- sheepish? for a moment,]
I'm supposed to wait until I get assigned to a country, and then do whatever they tell me to do. I was in the middle of getting my orders before I got here.
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[ Nope! But she smiles and leads them outside -- wow, so bleak. Even the virtual world had better graphics than this place. ]
It's odd. I had spent about two years without dreaming at all, and now it's like this.
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Two years huh? That's a long time to go without dreams. [the environment really is Bleak, and it's not conducive to romance like. at all, but for once Itsuki's not trying to hit on Marie in her time of need....
he is curious about her though, she seems like a normal girl and yet]
Would you prefer to go back to that time?
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[ She's looking out into the distance and for a moment she's silent, as if she's contemplating what to say next -- or how, really. ]
The world that I remember isn't real, it's a virtual one.
In the real world I've been in a coma for the past four years.
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...he manages to pull himself together, glancing over at Marie]
...So you were in that -- virtual world the entire time? And you were there against your will?
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[ Her arms cross in front of her middle, loosely wrapping themselves around her. She doesn’t know if it’s due to the cold or because she suddenly feels as if something — or someone — is trying to pull her back.
It’s too much. Just forget it. In the end you won’t matter much anyway. ]
I know I was truly happy in Redo, even if a majority of my memories were made so that I would be. A father and mother who loved me; a home that was always warm and caring; friends who depended on me.
… The reason I was in that situation to begin with was all because of her — my past self.
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...Was she the one who wanted that kind of world for you?
[if he thinks it's strange that Marie's referring to herself this way, then he doesn't mention it. can she really say that it was herself if she had different memories at the time?]
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She — …
Maybe there was a piece of her did. What I can confirm is that she wanted everything — virtual and reality — to disappear. She wanted to watch everything break and drown in despair.
And she came very close.
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He wonders what it means that he doesn't find that notion as strange as it should be. It's different, because it's Marie who's lived that life, and yet,]
...What happened?
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And there's no doubt in her mind that her grandfather would rather she had died long ago. ]
μ erased the memories of all her trauma in order for me to live a happier life in Redo.
But of course it came back.
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And that's why you have the nightmares.
[no dreams for two years, and then having to cope with all of these terrible things at once?]
The life you lived in Redo. What do you like best about it? Which memory comes to mind first?
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I guess it would be spending time with my friends... even just a regular school day was enough because they were around.
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I was the class president for some time -- maybe one day we can play pretend? Though I'd be surprised if a school building suddenly appeared.
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Itsuki laughs,]
I'd be happy to play along, but only if you want to. It does make me happy that you're willing to humor me though.
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I'm surprised though? I would've thought that what you're wearing is a school uniform. Though our school would've had a fit over your shirt...
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Huh, really? It is an official uniform, but not for school.
[yes marie itsuki has a job]
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Eh? What is it for?
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Ah. [okay this is hard to explain] It's just to show people that I'm working for 'The World'.
[the fck is that]
The World pretty much controls everything. They're peacekeepers, diplomats... Police... So you gotta look snazzy if you work for them.
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Oh.
[ She won't say that this didn't expect that from him out of respect -- considering her party of friends she really isn't one to judge. Apparently anyone can go out and save the world... even an eighty-six year old woman and girl in a coma. ]
So what is it that you do?
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Mm, it's hard to say... Not because I don't want to tell you.
[he looks a little -- sheepish? for a moment,]
I'm supposed to wait until I get assigned to a country, and then do whatever they tell me to do. I was in the middle of getting my orders before I got here.
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Ah, then we should definitely try to get you home as quickly as possible before you get in trouble.
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Itsuki smiles,]
That would be the responsible thing to do... But I can't see them really losing sleep over me.
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But there's someone that is, isn't there?
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Maybe my soulmate...?
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Oh.
[ That's cute, though... soulmate!!! Romance!!!!! Itsuki must have a partner... good for him! ]
Maybe?
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