pc catchall for shess (nonbelligerent)

[foodbin]

Comments

[foodbin]

[She tilts her head.]

Why wouldn't you remember it?

[nonbelligerent]

... Like my mother said: she was an "error" to be corrected. She was effectively written out of existence, and with her, all memories of her.

I only began remembering her a few weeks ago, when Miki and I shared memories.

[foodbin]

That's...

[She doesn't have a word for it for a long moment, but her expression says enough.]

That's horrible.

[nonbelligerent]

... Well, that's how things are. Whether it's this world, mine, or another's, we're at the whims of the universe.

In any case, it really was a long time ago—I think I was around Ookurikara's age back then...? While losing my memories and regaining them has affected the process, there was never any choice but to move on. She would've wanted that, as well.

[foodbin]

[There’s a few seconds of hesitation, but...]

You don’t have to act like it’s okay, you know. It’s okay to be upset.

[nonbelligerent]

[he just smiles, even if there's something melancholy about it.]

It was millions of years ago, Emma. While I won't say it hasn't left lasting effects, I've already given myself the chance to mourn here.

The fact of the matter is that if I held onto every bit of grief, eternal life would be little more than a living hell.

[foodbin]

...I guess so.

[She pauses, though.]

It seems pretty lonely, though.

[nonbelligerent]

I won't deny that.

[foodbin]

Well... You're not alone here, at least.

[nonbelligerent]

... I know. I'm very appreciative of everyone's kindness here.

[foodbin]

I think it's kind of... basic decency, rather than something you need to be appreciative of.

[nonbelligerent]

Consider it something of a cultural difference.

[foodbin]

...That's kind of a horrifying cultural difference.

[nonbelligerent]

I suppose. We're not a wholly uncaring race, but compared to humans, we're not very... affectionate? Empathetic?

[foodbin]

...Right, I kind of got that. Not from you, obviously, but - you know.

[nonbelligerent]

I know what you mean. In any case, it's just how things are.

[foodbin]

Do you ever think about changing it...?

[nonbelligerent]

Changing an entire race's culture that has lasted for billions of years is a highly unrealistic goal—and it's not as if there aren't reasons for it. Besides, we have far bigger things to worry about.