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

audio; un: dawnlord | dated to 11/25

[cartridgerefill]

Are you not overjoyed to know your truest self? None left to be a mystery. You know who you are now, my friend.

I cannot fault you for your retribution of me. I only wish I had been more prepared. To have the thrill of doing battle with you proper would have been exhilarating, but you had an understandable response.

For the record, I spell my name "B-O-N-D-R-E-W-D" but I never have an issue with a nickname, I suppose.

PRIVATE AND TEXT BECAUSE RYOJI IS SHAKING

[luneminary]

It might be better for me to know rather than for it to be left shrouded in mystery, but must it be in such a manner? Even discounting what you've done to me, did everyone else also have to suffer?

You...wanted to fight me? Why? Why are you like this, Bondrewd-san? You would call me friend despite everything that you have done? Despite the fact that I killed you?

SO LEGIT THO....

[cartridgerefill]

Sometimes in order to find the deepest truth of ourselves, pain must happen. At the time, I didn't know exactly what I was looking for, merely the knowledge that you are special. A mystery to unravel. Even so, are we all not stronger for it? To emerge on the other side of it all, we harbor more information and resolve alike.

It would have been interesting to hold a proper fight with you, to know all of what you are capable of and how I could manage against you. It is a thrilling idea, no? It would have been wonderful.

My affection for you has not changed in the slightest, Ryoji. Why would it? I know you so well now. When I think of you, I hold pride. You are singular. As I said: special. Truly splendid.

1/2

[luneminary]

Yes, pain is indeed a necessary facet of life, and humans can grow as a result of it. But there is no reason for one to inflict it on purpose! At least, not in the manner you did. There has to have been a better way to restore my memories.

I do not know why you admire my wretched form so much, or why you are so proud of me. I only know one thing -

2/2 switching to voice -

[luneminary]

[- And he sounds so cold, colder than anything he has sounded before.]

Do something like that again, and I would give you more than a proper fight.

I will crush you. No matter how many times it takes.

[cartridgerefill]

[How the chill might have done much to make any standard man hesitate or be frightened. Alas, Bondrewd is such an individual that not even the Abyss sees him as human anymore.

Perhaps for good reason.]

Do something like that again? Ryoji, what reason would I have to do that again? [Bondrewd sounds sincerely perplexed.] We have discovered your true self, memories and all. To repeat that operation would benefit neither of us.

There are no questions left to be asked. Rest assured, my curiosity is most sated.

[luneminary]

I'm not talking about myself.

[Slowly, his fear gives way to anger. Especially when Bondrewd is completely unrepentant of his actions.]

You wouldn't stop your experiments, would you? The mysteries surrounding me may have been answered, but who knows that test subject you might set your eyes upon next?

[cartridgerefill]

Who knows indeed. There are so many mysterious people to understand, aren't there? That, and to better know the nature of Aldrip and this simulation.

It's quite impressive how they simulate death. It's quite like the real thing. Do you know that for yourself? I certainly can claim that.

[luneminary]

...Death has never died before. I can't tell you anything about that.

Do not do to others what you have done to me, Bondrewd. It's a shame...I really thought we could have been friends.

[cartridgerefill]

Truly a conundrum. I wonder if there is a way to have you experience it? Though I wonder if it would only make it all the more difficult for you to function as a form of death if you knew what it was like.

Know that I have never stopped viewing you as a friend. My feelings about you have not changed. If anything, I am all the more pleased to know who you truly are.

[luneminary]

It won't, no matter how many times I die - whether here or in reality. Because it is my duty, and I am always beholden to uphold it.

[Even though he does not like being death. He is helpless against his own fate.]

I... [And he chokes on his own words here, thanks to remaining sentiment.] I don't think I can anymore. Not after what you have done. This...This is what disappointment feels like.