network text; un: ryojikun, a day or two after the 18th!

[luneminary]

Hello everyone, my name is Ryoji Mochizuki.

Some of you must have been left bewildered or affected by the past week. I am here to apologize, because I am the one responsible for what has happened. A man named Bonedrewd did something, and as a result I ended up losing control of my powers. Please, be careful around him — he is a dangerous man. I only wish I realized it sooner.

I really am sorry!

The result is the long night known to those from my world as the ‘Dark Hour’. You might have encountered someone who looks like you during that time. They manifested from a repressed side to ourselves. They are parts that we are ashamed of showing to others, or secrets we don’t want to tell. Please do not be harsh to them — do not be harsh to yourself — as it is only natural for all humans to have such a facet to their personalities.

If anyone has questions, I will do my best to answer them.

Comments

voice!

[luneminary]

Don't worry, Aether-san. I...I'm fine enough.

[Physically, yes. Mentally and emotionally, however...that's going to take a while for him to recover.]

I just need rest, I think. And some time to process everything.

[startraveler]

That's good. If you need some company, let me know, okay?

[He doesn't want to push. Ryoji did say he needs time.]

That man called Bonedrewd... I spoke to him once. He called himself a researcher. [There is no sympathy for that man in Aether's voice.] Did he hurt you?

[luneminary]

[...There is a long silence that follows Aether's question.

A part of him thinks of Bonedrewd as his friend, despite everything. He wants to be friends with Bonedrewd still. But after what he has done, after what has happened...Ryoji isn't sure if he wants to do that anymore.

This must be what sadness feels like. It's more painful than anger.]

Yes. [His voice is quieter at the admittance.] He did.

[startraveler]

[The way Ryoji says it, along with his earlier message tells Aether that he viewed that man as a good person, perhaps even a friend considering Ryoji's nature. Aether lets a small, helpless sigh, feeling his blood boil with anger that someone manipulated and hurt his friend.

Bonedrewd seems like he would get along with Dottore.]

He'll pay for that sooner or later.

[He's words are spoken quietly. Even a star holds grudges sometimes. And definitely against people who cause harm to those close to him.]

Don't worry, I won't be asking any more questions. You need to rest. I'll visit you sometime later, alright? Or in a few days, if you prefer.

private;

[luneminary]

[He recognizes that tone - it's the same protective way Kotone also sounded when he told her about happened, the same way his other friends are more concerned than curious for him.

Ryoji really is surrounded by good people, he thinks warmly. But he doesn't want them to commit murder just for him.]

It's okay, Aether-san. He already paid for it...I killed him.

[He has yet to admit that to someone outside of Minato and Kotone.]

He was in the vicinity when I lost control, after all. So you don't need to make him pay anymore.

[startraveler]

[Aether listens, silent for a moment. He can't even begin to imagine how much Ryoji went through and the more he hears about the entire thing, the more he wishes he could've done something for his friend.]

Even so... Death isn't permanent here.

[And he would argue it's rarely enough of a punishment anyway.]

I'll keep an eye on him. I don't want him to ever hurt you again... or anyone else.

[luneminary]

[So Aether can be dangerous too. It's something he never expected from his friend, but if there's anything he could learn from all of this it's that people are often more than meets the eye.]

Okay. But please, Aether-san...Don't do anything rash.

[startraveler]

[Back in Teyvat he was well known for defeating monsters, dragons and other powerful beings. He would face anyone who causes harm to his friends.

But he knows this is not what Ryoji wants.]

Don't worry. I promise I won't do anything like that.

[luneminary]

...Thank you, Aether-san.