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[undyingcrow]

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[firstsoldier]

[It's Sephiroth! And his voice is a bit more tightly controlled than usual. By the faint sounds in the background he's still prowling the mess outside the convoy.]

Add a new hypothesis to our situation. I have strong reason to believe this is my planet, or some alternate version of it.

aww yeee, Sephiroth is in the HOUSE

[undyingcrow]

[A fascinating theory, to be sure...]

It's funny. A few times, I've encountered Husk monsters remarkably similar to the Shadows within the cognitive world. Those Anzu, for instance.

[firstsoldier]

And the zu, levikron and others are well known to me. But these.. particular creatures I encountered in the hospital are no natural monster. They're creations at the hand of a very specific scientist dabbling in experiments with living things.

[undyingcrow]

That is odd.

[It's so much more specific than the Shadows born of human myth and cognition. It's tied to specific events in Sephiroth's history...]

It would be hard to dismiss as coincidence. The question is, what does it mean?

[firstsoldier]

It means that parallel worlds exist, and mine is not the worst possible outcome of the Company's ambition.

[Is that the faintest sound of disgust in his otherwise even tone? Yep.]

This one is more advanced in ways than mine, destroying a moon is far beyond us, as is mutation on this scale.

[undyingcrow]

But there's something else that I find odd.

[He hums, soft and contemplative.]

The events of this world overlap significantly with Serph-san's. A broken moon instead of a blackened sun, humans turned into stone rather than encased in metal, but transformations to monsters and horrific experiments remain a common element, along with a search for "Nirvana."

To say nothing of the items I received from home a few months ago, calling cards that had no business being here. So, even if we take parallel realities into account, there could be more to it.

[firstsoldier]

[There is a low noise that sounds like disagreement.]

The sun and moon have little in common besides being in the sky and to human gaze looking about the same size. In reality they are nothing alike, and one being reduced to rubble is not similar to another being black. Furthermore, there is a significant difference between total petrification and the husks that unleash monsters. I acknowledge that both seeking a place called Nirvana is a commonality, as are horrific experiments .. which are hardly isolated to this world, my own and Serph's.. but the other two test the limits of what counts as 'significant overlap'.

[In spite of the words, his tone is polite.]

Items being here from your own planet and time are a far more significant thing to make note of. That should be pursued. You seem perfectly sensible; think about it longer than vague surface similarity. In any other setting would you even begin to weigh as the same something as absurd as, forgive me for putting it this way, 'two unexplained and completely different alarming things happened in the sky on different planets, but since it's a celestial body in the sky it's kind of the same thing'?

[undyingcrow]

Were it only that, I'd be inclined to agree, yet Serph-san's world, and the state of the sun, also are the result of an angered god. The parallels are there, just with a few details shifted. If you were writing a story about one, it might be seen as plagiarism of the other.

[Perhaps that's a better way of putting it. Symbolically, rather than the literal nature of stone versus metal, or sun versus moon.]

Moreover, humans had to transform into monsters to survive, branded not unlike our own sigils. I could have clarified initially, so I will apologize for that. You're certainly right that there are more pressing details, like the aforementioned items.

[firstsoldier]

'An angry god' is the focus of endless apocalypse stories. Additionally, we have not been transformed in order to survive, it has made survival more difficult. Petrification as divine punishment is common in old stories on my planet as well. It is human nature to attempt to draw parallels and find patterns, I don't fault you for it. It may prove useful, but in this case I ... feel it is a reach.

[Only now does his tone darken by degrees, some distant mostly-buried anger that doesn't seem at all directed at Akechi, but something older.]

The comparison is not the same as knowing these are many of the same species I know from my world. Their behaviors, their habits, their appearances and abilities .. including ones created by the reach of scientists better off dead, including at least one that is a feral offspring of once-domestic species created by those same scientists. Should Serph, or anyone not of my planet, begin directly recognizing species and technology, I would like that information to be shared widely. More knowledge on the creatures we face or are becoming would be exceptionally useful.

text.

[phantomshow]

[After Ren’s got his head back on straight and no longer affected by Infernal traits, there’s something very important he needs to say to Akechi.]

Are you busy?

[undyingcrow]

Not particularly.

[And they do need to talk, clearly. A lot happened last month, taking its toll o n Ren.]

[phantomshow]

I needed to talk to you about something. In person. Is now a good time?

[undyingcrow]

Yes.

I'll meet you outside the van.

[phantomshow]

I’ll be there.

[He’s already there, in fact - leaning against the side of the van, staring down at his shoes, hands resting in his pockets. Waiting. Anxious.]

[undyingcrow]

[Akechi approaches with a calm, neutral expression. He's in his chimera form currently, even if he could have shifted at any time.]

So, what do you wish to discuss?

[He has his suspicions, but best to let Ren speak for himself.]

[phantomshow]

Hey. [Ren glances up hesitantly and offers a weak smile.] Um, it’s not so much a “discuss” as it is an apology. As in, I owe you one.

[A really big one. Ren pushes off the side of the van and takes a few steps closer to Akechi, mouth pulled tight with worry.]

I want to apologize for what I did, back in the subway … it was inexcusable. And I’m very sorry.

[And Ren is so deeply sincere about it, Akechi’s getting an apology bow as well.]

[undyingcrow]

You weren't entirely yourself.

[It may seem like he's making excuses, but it's true. Ren wasn't fully in control of his emotions. His perception was heavily skewed, not unlike a Palace Ruler's.

It's a sobering thought, and his ears fold back at the mere thought.]

Still, I do appreciate it. Just know that I hardly begrudge you for actions made beyond your control.

text.

[phantomshow]

[On one of the last days before the Convoy leaves the mountains, Ren slips away to spend some time exploring the terrain. When daylight fades into moonlit night and Ren hasn’t yet returned, Akechi will receive the following message from him:]

Kotone’s gone.

[undyingcrow]

I see.

[...]

Where are you?

[phantomshow]

Would you be mad if I said I don’t know?

[undyingcrow]

Not angry, no. Merely concerned.

[Damn it, Ren. How did you even get lost?]

I'll just have to follow your scent.

[phantomshow]

[Yeah, that “scent following” thing will never not be weird.]

I can try making a spotlight? But it probably won’t be very big.

[undyingcrow]

Feel free to try. Whatever gets you back to 'civilization' in a timely manner.

[Yeah, sorry Ren. He is putting that sniffer to work. Beware...]

[phantomshow]

OK, I’ll give you a minute, then I’ll light up.

Sorry about this, btw.

[Akechi will find him in a clearing about five miles to the east of the Convoy, sprawled out on his back among the tall grass and clusters of silvery flowers growing there. Ren’s eyes are closed in concentration as he holds his hands just above his chest, palms upturned to the sky to create a column of light to indicate his location.]

[undyingcrow]

[Akechi lands with a dramatic flourish, peering down at Ren.

Being Goro Akechi, he doesn't mince words as he approaches.]

You look terrible.

[But, rather than dwell on it, he crouches beside Ren.]

I can carry you back if need be.

[Something tells him that Ren isn't in any shape to walk long distance.]