Function (2) - Anonymous Text / Action for Violet City

[ladywithnovoice]

Text/

What do you think is worse:

Someone who hurts other people for their own selfish reasons and admits it?

Or

Someone who hurts other people but says it's for a good cause?


- Starly

Action/

[It's been a long treck to get here, and one can find Red by Sprout Tower just sitting by the water and tossing bread out to the local Duckletts. Two Growlithe and an Electrike are napping around her. They've just finished a long journey so they're allowed to relax.]

[It's a rather peaceful scene, if you can ignore the Kricketot that might suddenly run up to you with its antennae clicking together.]

Comments

text

[ladywithnovoice]

It is.

You know, you're the first person to say that group is worse.

[nolongerachild]

[................]

I can understand why.

Perhaps I'm biased.

[ladywithnovoice]

[don't you ellipses at her]

It's a new view. If you want to explain, I'll listen.

Or read, at any rate.

[nolongerachild]

[BUT HE HAS NO IDEA WHAT TO THINK

At least, until now. Since he's in a different world... well, maybe he can talk about it. And the fact that Red's anonymous actually gives off a strange effect that makes him a bit more talkative.

He's definitely not moping, though. Haha, nah. Just discussing-- he wouldn't be caught dead trying to pity himself.]

My land is at war, with three different kingdoms all fighting for their views for how the land should be governed and their own peace.

It would not be a stretch to say I have been in the second category before, as well as everyone else serving in the armies. And while I can say I believe wholeheartedly that everyone in the same kingdom as I am is fighting for a land of benevolence, I cannot convince everyone.

[ladywithnovoice]

I see... I've never had to deal with something like that before- "war".

Sorry you had to deal with that.

[nolongerachild]

It's a good thing you've never had to, however.

[Always nice to know some worlds are free from war. Just that... war is replaced by numerous other troubles.]

How was your world like? [Xing, that defeats the purpose of anon text...]

[ladywithnovoice]

[Anon text is anon for a reason, Xing, and that's probably why there's a bit of a pause before any answer comes through.]

It was busy. There was always something going on somewhere. At the same time, the busyness could feel calm too.

I guess I felt that way because I was so used to it.

[nolongerachild]

It sounds similar to mine. But I think the busyness we feel is quite different.

[ladywithnovoice]

Because of the war?

[nolongerachild]

Yes.

[It's something of a constant fear. 'If we just sit around, the enemy will gain the upper hand.' 'If we don't move quickly enough, people will die.' 'Even if we move, people will die, and it's never possible to be fully prepared.' 'If I fail, everyone close to me will--'] It kept you on your toes at all times.

[ladywithnovoice]

Being here must really be different for you.

[nolongerachild]

[It would, if he actually let it be different. Instead, Xing's still paranoid- looking out for traps, keeping his new animal friends close, eyes always searching for a way back home so he can get- to- those two-

But. He's also walking on a grass pathway with more (unwanted) freedom than he's ever had in his whole life, and fearing for his life a lot less in outside territory. So, no matter how his mindset is, this place is ultimately... different.] If only my allies could experience this too.

It feels wrong to enjoy the peace here while they're still in my world.

[ladywithnovoice]

I know that feeling.

There are a lot of people I wish could be here too. Especially someone I miss a lot.

But... I feel like we'll find each other again.

[nolongerachild]

[There's two people he misses a lot.

And someone he's about to start missing.]

I have that feeling, as well.

But I can't meet them until my duty back home is done.

[ladywithnovoice]

The war?

[nolongerachild]

Yes.

[When the war ends. Or when he dies. Whichever comes first.] I've heard time does not continue in your home world when you are here, but I still don't want to leave anyone behind.

[ladywithnovoice]

I don't think anyone here wants to leave the people they care about behind.

[nolongerachild]

[Well, technically--

Okay, no. Not now.] Sorry, I didn't say my name, did I? I'm Guan Anguo.

Should I call you Starly, then?

[ladywithnovoice]

It sounds a lotnicer than just "Anonymous", I think.

[nolongerachild]

Indeed. Most people where I come from only hide their identities so they can say things without being executed.

[He does not mean that in a good way. They say things that makes them deserve a very good swipe to the neck. With a knife.] Starly, then- is that a Pokémon?

[ladywithnovoice]

[No comment on that first bit. Jeez what is with you people from such violent places?]

Yes. It's a really common kind of bird. Maybe you'll see them around.

[nolongerachild]

[But execution is totally normal...?]

It's a nice name. Do they have anything to do with the stars, then?

[ladywithnovoice]

Not that I know of.

There's a white pattern on their face, but ti's more like a clover than a star.

[nolongerachild]

Do you like the stars, then?

[ladywithnovoice]

Don't you?