Eclipse's Heart Game ☉ Session #2

[idolpro]

You drift like you're floating in water. It's almost relaxing, actually. As long as you don't think too hard that what you're floating in may be bottomless, because under you lies only a deep darkness that only the ocean can provide.

Then something grabs you and drags you deeper, down, down, down into the abyssal depths. You can't breathe, but that's not on the forefront of your mind now, is it?

There is a mounting sense of anxiety and dread.

Who do you want to become? Will you even get to see tomorrow? What if all roads lead to ████████? Can you still stay '███'? If people see the ████ you, will they think less of you? Will they feel cheated?

You want to live. Even if it's a ███, even if your hands must be covered in █████, you want to live. You want to be '███'.

Finally, a voice pierces through the darkness. It a woman's voice.

"My, how unfortunate. Your journey ends before it even begins."

"... Just kidding. That would be terribly boring! I suppose I can do the boy a favour just this once."

You feel someone grab your arm and pull you up to the surface.

...

When you come to, you are standing somewhere else.

Comments

[intheshade]

"Unfortunately, that's what happened when he was wearing the same colour as them. It was hard for him to argue with them too, since a lot of them were motivated by not wanting to harm others. He just wanted them to try and not eat shit, even if it meant someone else would end up hurt."

"... Well, they aren't the only reason why he feels that way, but they certainly didn't help."

[featherbeaned]

Oh, so that's how it was ...

[ Frown! Intensifies! ]

Well, AlcheME's here for him now. We've got his back.

[intheshade]

He smiles, just a little.

"I can tell you he's much happier and more comfortable with you witches and wizards, at least."

[featherbeaned]

Good! I'm glad to hear it. He means a lot to me, and I bet the others feel the same way.

[intheshade]

"... He'd be happy to hear it, too."

[featherbeaned]

Ooh, he's gonna hear it, don't worry about that.

[ And off she goes, heading back to Perception! ]

[intheshade]

The room is simple, and somewhat less cluttered. Several paintings are hung up on the walls: one of the city outside, in all of it cramped; sprawling glory; one of the beach and the sea, one of a starry sky; and another of a lark perched on a branch.

There's one large table in the centre of the room, which has a huge writing slate laid on it, along with some pieces of chalk. Next to it is a piece of paper with a cat's pawprint (a contract...?), a book with an olive drab cover, and a glass eye.

Various writings are scattered here and there on the slate, like some work-in-progress collection of thoughts. You could take a closer look.

There are two exits: The door to the main library, and the door to 'Principles'.

[featherbeaned]

[ She investigates the slate! ]

[intheshade]

Written in fairly large handwriting, on the slate.

You aren't kind, gentle or good. Don't ever lie to yourself about that.

And beneath that is:

Even if it isn't kind, you should tell things as you see it.

If you're going to be an asshole, at least have the decency to own it.

If someone tries to hurt you, you stab them.

There are other messages written on the slate. These seem to be more like quotes:

"Well, you're clever, insightful, and a devoted friend to those who have earned your trust.

Perhaps it's one of those."

"You're clever, insightful, a quick wit, often very funny, and a constant friend. Or, you know, I'd hope he sees that in you."

"It sounds like you were just what she needed.

I can see why you'd be so good at it. You've helped me think through a number of things as well."

"...I underestimated you. I didn't think you would remember all of that.

No, I wouldn't say it's a bad habit. Honestly I should be grateful you felt it was important to remember something like that."

"I don't want to become the sort of person who says they care for others, but then doesn't think about how what they do would actually affect those people. That's all."

"Knew you'd bounce back quick though. That's what I told D.Va. You're a survivor.

Why not? You're pragmatic, you take things for what they are. I'm sure you've been through shit - but you still got a good head on your shoulders. Even made it outta that fucked up ghost house."

And in one corner, there's something like a pros and cons list:

Eclipse:
Wow I sure set myself up for this punchline ten months ago like a godsdamn idiot
Fuck ████████
On the other hand it's MY name
Mildly troublesome to tell people about a new name besides this but that's nothing
There was a Skylark here before but, eh, whatever

Gracious Skylark:
It's from my mom
It'd match Crane and Shrike and honestly that's so much better
It's not like the present me and the past me are all that different, apart from the baggage
It's MY name
I don't know how many people already know it but it'd make transitioning less awkward I guess

[featherbeaned]

[ that's a lot! ]

[ but also ... she looks around for something else that she can write on, she's not sure she should just go ahead and scribble directly on what looks to be a really important Thing ]

[intheshade]

Unfortunately, there isn't really anything else to write on. There are pieces of chalk and a lot of empty space on the slate, but not much else.

[featherbeaned]

[ hmm ]



[ picks up a piece of chalk and scribbles in a corner: ]

hi its tea here is it ok if i write on this???