[mingle] the space (april).

[fracturamods]

interim mingle

( WELCOME BACK, TRAVELERS. )

There's nothing but the clatter of train tracks, and the odd feeling of almost floating.

When you wake, it's hard to tell exactly what it is that you're missing - only that you are. There are pieces that aren't quite right, even if you're not sure where those pieces would normally be. Pieces of what, exactly....? Well, if you had to put a word to it, it would be - yourself, probably. Or did you get something back recently? In addition, characters will find that they've been allowed to bring back souvenirs from this most recent trip - trinkets, nothing violent, but items that can fit in your character's pockets, whether that be sentimental or otherwise.

The place you've found yourself in is strange, certainly. It's probably worth exploring a bit. For those who have been here a while, they might notice some expansions. Though it just as easily seems that the only form of welcome or explanation that you have, comes from nothing more than a slab of marble.

It might've changed since the last time you saw it. Today it reads:

(*´ω｀)o That wasn't so bad, was it?
Hey, you know how that old song goes?
Do you believe in magic? (☆▽☆) Do ya?

Hope you found what you were looking for!

You might have changed since the last time you saw yourself too - perhaps with a new emblem on your clothes, or a portrait on your skin. In addition to that, it seems like Home Base is on the fritz again…?

It seems that suddenly and at random, characters will be able to suddenly see visions of memories that aren't their own flash before their eyes. Pieces of your lives or where you were before this will suddenly slam into other's heads, as clearly as if they experienced the event and the feelings themselves. You might have an inkling of where your memory went and what it was - but you'll need to talk it out with that person in order to recollect it in all its strength back to yourself. Don't you want to keep those precious parts of yourself? It's best if you don't fall more to pieces while you're here. (Memories that have been lost in fragments cannot be sent to others - that's more fun for the future!)

There's no need to fret that much though. You've already gone through the ordeal once, and you might be able to see results from it. Or maybe you'll get a glimpse of where you're going next. Even so, it's best that you don't get too comfortable, because there is still the unshakeable feeling:

There's still much more ahead of you.

Comments

[deadened]

[wen ning nods at that, slowly. he's trying-- he's done what he can in those other worlds, as well, something that just seems kind of inherent to every version of him. he tried when he was dead, too, but there are just... things he never would have had a chance to experience, had he stayed that way.

a little indulgence in being alive isn't so bad, maybe.

he bites his lip, though, at that last question.]

It- shouldn't be a problem, now that I'm not a fierce corpse. But I couldn't... I wasn't really aware in the moment, no.

[wisterin]

You aren't a fierce corpse now, but you could become one again, and if you do, is it something we should think about?

[ Shinobu's compassion can run miles long, but she lost her naivete long ago.

She wants to be able to protect him as much as everyone else. If he isn't aware, there has to be a plan. ]

I don't want to needlessly worry, but I also don't want to not be prepared.

[ There's a balance somewhere. She wants Wen Ning to live as unburdened as possible, but neither of their lives have been fair. ]

[deadened]

I-- I understand. But to tell you the truth, I don't know. It hasn't been a problem since I was re-awakened...

[but that doesn't mean it won't be, if he does end up a corpse once more. it's not like it was an easy transition the first time, so if it happens again... there's no telling what it could be like.

he's quiet for a few moments, there, before he speaks again.]

Young master Wei really would be better to ask.

[he made wen ning what he was, after all, and is much more skilled than wen ning has ever been. if anyone would be able to prepare for it, he's the one.]

[wisterin]

You... seemed very compelled to go to him.

[ In that memory, it seemed like there was a single-minded determination to find Wei Wuxian. How much of that was that due to the circumstances of their connection, and how much of that was natural? ]

You were very focused on him, but... outside of that, what do you want to happen? If something happens outside of your control?

[ Even if Wei Wuxian can mitigate it and do something about it, what does Wen Ning want to happen? ]

[deadened]

I... I don't know.

[another, deeper furrow of his brow.]

What's best for everyone, whatever that might mean. I've-- already hurt a lot of people, before.

[he doesn't want it to repeat here. he's not sure he could handle the people he's become friends with here shrinking away from him, or treating him like he might harm them, now that he's gotten used to things being so normal.

for certain values of normal, all things considered.]

[wisterin]

Your remorse means more than you know. If that is what you truly wish, I'll keep it in mind.

[ If that's his will with his happiness and the safety of others in mind, she won't ignore it. As a demon slayer, she is mentally prepared. As herself, she is also prepared to a point.

For any certain value of normal, Wen Ning receives this memory. On this rooftop, as he sits next to this boy with a kind soul, he feels a simmering anger that ebbs and flows but is never gone. Even through his surprise at being called out, even through the solemn gravity of recalling the sadness of reality for people's lives ruined at the hands of demons, despite or in fact because of the bottomless grief that comes with the memory of his sister's death, the anger remains.

He wants to honor his sister's wishes no matter what, but it won't erase the resentment. ]