Goro Akechi (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
undyingcrow) wrote2025-02-27 10:46 am
undyingcrow) wrote2025-02-27 10:46 am
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
route666rp IC Inbox
[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.
Add a new hypothesis to our situation. I have strong reason to believe this is my planet, or some alternate version of it.
[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.
It's funny. A few times, I've encountered Husk monsters remarkably similar to the Shadows within the cognitive world. Those Anzu, for instance.
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.
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?
[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?
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.
[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.
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.
[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.
[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'?
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'?
Edited 2025-05-20 21:42 (UTC)
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.
[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.
'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.
[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.
[Akechi quiets, letting Sephiroth make his case. And he does raise many valid points, of course. It could very well be a reach...
And he's right that there are more oddities to consider.]
I've encountered a handful of familiar monsters. Pisaca, Anzu, and Mothman all look identical to the versions of them that lurk in the Metaverse, yet it's difficult to say whether or not that's due to them being from my world when they're all mythical creatures given life in the collective unconsciousness.
What you're describing sounds more distinct and tangible, so perhaps it would be worth inquiring if others recognize the wild monsters here and what significance they hold.
And he's right that there are more oddities to consider.]
I've encountered a handful of familiar monsters. Pisaca, Anzu, and Mothman all look identical to the versions of them that lurk in the Metaverse, yet it's difficult to say whether or not that's due to them being from my world when they're all mythical creatures given life in the collective unconsciousness.
What you're describing sounds more distinct and tangible, so perhaps it would be worth inquiring if others recognize the wild monsters here and what significance they hold.
If they are precisely the same, something else may be at work. I have intention to put it to the test once I have secured a means of safer, faster overland travel. Those domestic creatures gone feral.. if a pup can be found and raised as it is meant to be, and becomes what it should be and not a wild beast, then the domestication lingers in its genes and it is not merely coincidentally similar. But they are now a ways behind us, and getting further.
There's also the fact that the Husk monsters may well have been human at one point, which further muddies the waters...
If they are breeding true then what they were is no longer relevant, what they are is strong enough to pass on to the next generation, and the next, for who knows how long. The monsters we face are likely generations removed from any potential human ancestor.
I wonder if they are breeding, considering the vast majority emerge from the Husks themselves. We also don't have a clear timeline for when this world truly descended into chaos.
[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?
Are you busy?
Not particularly.
[And they do need to talk, clearly. A lot happened last month, taking its toll o n Ren.]
[And they do need to talk, clearly. A lot happened last month, taking its toll o n Ren.]
I needed to talk to you about something. In person. Is now a good time?
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.]
[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.]
[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.]
So, what do you wish to discuss?
[He has his suspicions, but best to let Ren speak for himself.]
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.]
[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.]
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.
[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.
It wasn’t beyond my control, though.
[Ren straightens, shaking his head.]
I may not have been in my usual mood, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t still myself. I wasn’t possessed or brainwashed. The moon didn’t put thoughts in my head that weren’t already there.
[Which is one of the worst parts of that episode - Ren believes he should have been strong enough to keep holding those negative thoughts inside himself, buried deep where nobody else need know they exist. That’s how Ren has always done it, after all. He makes himself who he needs to be for other people, and nobody needs him to be insecure or self-critical.]
My mind wasn’t wiped of what you told me about your mother, either.
[Akechi may never have said the exact words to indicate he blamed himself for his mother’s death, but the hints he gave were enough for Ren to infer he might hold that belief. Calling himself a cursed child after explaining his mother’s outlook deteriorated after he’d been born was difficult to read any other way.
And that’s the other root of why Ren finds his behavior so reprehensible - he’d asked Akechi to kill him. And it seems to Ren like doing so is adjacent to Akechi’s past pain, like ripping a dagger through stitches that haven’t healed, and he genuinely feels sick for hurting this boy he loves so much in such a cruel manner, without even trying.]
[Ren straightens, shaking his head.]
I may not have been in my usual mood, but that doesn’t mean I wasn’t still myself. I wasn’t possessed or brainwashed. The moon didn’t put thoughts in my head that weren’t already there.
[Which is one of the worst parts of that episode - Ren believes he should have been strong enough to keep holding those negative thoughts inside himself, buried deep where nobody else need know they exist. That’s how Ren has always done it, after all. He makes himself who he needs to be for other people, and nobody needs him to be insecure or self-critical.]
My mind wasn’t wiped of what you told me about your mother, either.
[Akechi may never have said the exact words to indicate he blamed himself for his mother’s death, but the hints he gave were enough for Ren to infer he might hold that belief. Calling himself a cursed child after explaining his mother’s outlook deteriorated after he’d been born was difficult to read any other way.
And that’s the other root of why Ren finds his behavior so reprehensible - he’d asked Akechi to kill him. And it seems to Ren like doing so is adjacent to Akechi’s past pain, like ripping a dagger through stitches that haven’t healed, and he genuinely feels sick for hurting this boy he loves so much in such a cruel manner, without even trying.]
[Akechi quiets while Ren speaks, but he doesn't move away. Instead, he steps closer, his face slightly downcast.]
There is a difference between the thoughts existing and the thoughts being amplified to the point of overtaking you. I'm hardly in a position to judge, especially when I implicitly asked you to do the same.
[However indirectly, the decision to face Maruki would have sealed his fate under normal circumstances. That he lived is nothing short of a miracle.]
There is a difference between the thoughts existing and the thoughts being amplified to the point of overtaking you. I'm hardly in a position to judge, especially when I implicitly asked you to do the same.
[However indirectly, the decision to face Maruki would have sealed his fate under normal circumstances. That he lived is nothing short of a miracle.]
It was different with Maruki. He was playing god, and you didn’t want to be controlled anymore.
[True, it would have amounted to Akechi’s death, had he not survived the engine room. Ren’s subconscious previously made it clear that he felt like choosing to honor his rival’s wishes amounted to killing him.
But that’s part of the overall issue here - Ren holding himself to impossibly high standards when he’s so quick to give anyone else grace and forgiveness. After all those times he’s encouraged Akechi to forgive himself for his past missteps, he can’t show himself the same compassion.]
Refusing Maruki’s deal was the right thing to do. For everyone.
[Well. Maybe not everyone. Almost everyone.]
[True, it would have amounted to Akechi’s death, had he not survived the engine room. Ren’s subconscious previously made it clear that he felt like choosing to honor his rival’s wishes amounted to killing him.
But that’s part of the overall issue here - Ren holding himself to impossibly high standards when he’s so quick to give anyone else grace and forgiveness. After all those times he’s encouraged Akechi to forgive himself for his past missteps, he can’t show himself the same compassion.]
Refusing Maruki’s deal was the right thing to do. For everyone.
[Well. Maybe not everyone. Almost everyone.]
Edited (weird space) 2025-08-10 03:32 (UTC)
Page 1 of 7