02.50 - week two, saturday

[afflictionmods]

W2 SATURDAY

Like last Saturday, everyone will get an announcement on their tablets; this time, the announcement is preceded with a bell of some sort before Lorelei appears on the screen again.

"Good morning, everyone. This is an announcement to let you know that today's lesson will take place starting at 8:15 tonight. Again, today's lesson will be starting at 8:15. Please meet at the lower campus exit near the lecture by 8:00pm; Florence will be waiting for you there.

If you have a bag for some snacks and, perhaps, an item you can use for self-defense in the case of an emergency, please arrive with those things on you. We will provide you with an overview of what to expect when you arrive at 8pm.

Thank you."

The alert ends.

You have the day to prepare, ask each other what the hell is happening -- Florence and Lorelei do not seem to be available, strangely enough. There's a lot to take in with the information you have now. But before you know it... night falls.

FULL NAV

(CODE)

Comments

[cloudalike]

[ ... It must be the same thing that was happening to Xingqiu earlier. And he really, really doesn't like what it's doing to Shizuku, who has never found him bothersome. Who has always, always been the personification of kindness.

He thought they were here to fight and save people, but he didn't expect the fight to be an emotional and mental one. And he's not sure how to handle that. ]

I'm sorry if it's bothersome, but do you really not care? What about - oh. [ He digs into his pocket and takes out one of his talismans - the one with the washi tape. ] Here, look. Do you remember this?

[cheerfuldays]

Is there a reason to?

( emotional... it'd be easier if she felt anything in her empty heart to start with, wouldn't it.

the washi tape is... recognizable. )

... Yes. I do.

[cloudalike]

[ He smiles at her. That's good. If he can continue to make connections, maybe he can find her true self in all of that hollowness. ]

I don't think there needs to be a rational reason, no... Once you care, you just do.

[ He holds out the talisman to her. ]

When you told me about this - when you told me about what you planned on writing, you kept saying you wanted to help. And at the time, I didn't think much of it - well, that's not true. I thought a lot of it. I - it's more that it was so natural for you, so like you. Even though we don't know that well, but the way you carry yourself - I don't know. It just made sense?

[ He's rambling, trying to find any words to reach her. ]

[cheerfuldays]

( he can hold it out, but she doesn't take it. she stands there listlessly, watching... or maybe simply looking in his direction. )

... That's not in me anymore. It sounds bothersome and draining. I'm empty enough.

( at least she's admitting it, instead of simply not caring to say anything. )

[cloudalike]

No, it's still in you. But something else is in you, too - and that thing is bothersome and draining.

[ He doesn't want to just slap a talisman on her - though he'll do it if she doesn't break free of this thing's hold on her own. For now, he keeps talking. ]

You're the opposite of empty.

[cheerfuldays]

... It doesn't feel like it. I think that's supposed to upset me, but... that's not there either. It's all gone away. There's nothing left.

[cloudalike]

[ He thinks he prefers possessions where the ghosts are more violent because then he can fight back with thaumaturgy, with his sword, with his strength. He doesn’t feel helpless exactly, but he’s definitely still lacking.

There’s more training to be done after this. ]

No, I promise it’s still all there. Some things just can’t disappear so easily. Like… the joy when you were talking about strawberries - you kindly shared that with me.

[cheerfuldays]

... Did you like them?

( the milkshakes.

she doesn't understand why he needs cold things. but... )

[cloudalike]

It was impossible to hate them when you seemed to like them so much. I’m - not good with my emotions, you know. But your delight was certainly infectious.

[ He smiles down at the washi tape on his talisman. ]

It was sweet, but not too sweet. And a little tart, but on the mild side. And icy - that was good, too.

[cheerfuldays]

..... That's good. I wanted them to help.

[cloudalike]

[ Small acts of kindness, but as selfless as any grand gesture. ]

I... want to help you, too. Could you let me know how?

[cheerfuldays]

I... ( a pause- ) I don't feel anything. Not fear... or sorrow. Or joy. Nothing. It's all... hollow. But I know I should be upset by this.

[cloudalike]

Earlier something similar happened to Xingqiu. It seemed to help him fight the spirit possessing him when we disproved the lies it was whispering. I think... we should try to make you feel something. Joy, sorrow...

[ Though he would feel terrible if she were to cry over this. ]

Maybe anger? Uh - let's see... I actually really hate the strawberries! And I think it has a terribly unappealing name. And - um - washi tape is childish. And your hair makes you look... like a hag...

[ He peers up at her to check her reaction. ]

[cheerfuldays]

( no reaction, except maybe something like... the aftertaste of confusion? ... unfortunately for chongyun's plan? shizuku is not someone who gets angry. determined, maybe. but not angry. )

... I don't understand what's happening right now.

( like. logically? she gets the idea but. chongyun?? )

[cloudalike]

[ Alright, that didn’t seem to work. Disappointing, but he’ll explore other options. ]

That’s fine because none of that was true anyway. And I’m sorry I said those things. Forgive me…

[ If they rule out anger, then… ]

What if - you tell me about one of your happiest memories?

[cheerfuldays]

I...

( a happy memory...? happy... it's. )

When my little sister first started to speak... she said my name first. It made me cry, but in a good way... she'd look at me with those big, beautiful green eyes and reach for me.

[cloudalike]

Whoa - that's incredible! Your sister must be quite the genius. It is no small feat for a toddler to speak that many syllables.

[cheerfuldays]

She tried! She said, "Shiku". I think I told my mom I wanted to change my name to that... My Shii is wonderful though- she's so cute!

[cloudalike]

[ He grins. That sounds more like the usual Shizuku. ]

Indeed, that does sound wonderful. Shii's love for you and your clear love for her.

[cheerfuldays]

You know... she's not the best with her emotions either. But she has music... and watching her grow every day is the best feeling. I- I don't know what I'd do without her...

( is that a ghoul loosening its grip more? it sure is. )

[cloudalike]

[ He blinks, confused. ]

Do you really think you're not good with your emotions Shizuku? It seems like the opposite to me.

[cheerfuldays]

Ah- no, I was referring to when you said you weren't good with them yourself!

[cloudalike]

[ He's apparently also not good at connecting the dots sometimes. ]

Ah, so I did! Wow, it's incredible that, even through you're not completely yourself, you're still paying close attention to our conversation.

[cheerfuldays]

Why wouldn't I?

( you're close, chongyun. but the confusion sort of... lets her slip back to the hollowness. my d20 is bullying you. )

[cloudalike]

[ She wouldn’t ever think to not pay attention is his impression, even under these conditions. So he tilts his head and considers his answer. ]

In cases where someone is possessed, the evil spirit can cloud their mind so much that they overpower human thoughts. That person’s personality can completely change. What’s simple becomes abstruse. But Shizuku, the parts that are you still shine through.