Think of it more as a bonus? Nothing in particular happens to those who don't win. Once we're done, everyone will be sent back home.
[ they shrug, their tone light. ]
Provided all goes well with gathering nova, I imagine it'll be as if nothing had happened, except now you'll have memories of a very incredulous adventure in another world.
[ she may also have a huge soft spot for foxes, we just don't know. but as fox gives her more information, she'll just hum along. seems too wholesome to be true, but she'll lengthen that chain everyone's on momentarily. ]
Lucky us.
[ a beat. ]
Is there a known number of novas that we need to collect or do we just collect until we're done? [ so many things are so vague; it's not something that she's particularly fine with, honestly. ] And, what do you mean protect our memories? Aren't they safe?
their tone gets more serious, and this is where it becomes obvious that fox has a very practiced Customer Service voice that they've been using all this time, because they almost sound like a different person now. ]
Not entirely. We managed to delay the loss--otherwise, your memories would've been completely shattered upon arrival--but some of them may still disappear over time. However, gathering nova will restore them, so it should only be temporary.
[ hm. that change in tone and this is unfortunate news given her situation with shima. now she's going to have to feel like reassess everything that has happened between the two of them since arriving. wonderful.
unless..? ]
Wait. Are you saying that we may have some memories missing already?
[ SOMETHING'S GONE NOW? GREAT!!! but she won't get too upset with fox by pure nature that...they're rep'ing a fox and she needs answers. ]
But there was someone else I know—they remembered things I didn't. [ she's totally committed to the fact that he's a dirty backstabbing liar but...? truth..? ] How do you explain that?
[ a beat, before they speak again. they're somewhat back to Upbeat Professional Voice again, for the record. ]
Ever heard of alternate timelines? I realize it sounds fantastical--even to me--but that's probably what's going on.
... That or he's pulling your leg? [ because. he knows she's talking about shima. ] I'm afraid I don't know your circumstances before arriving here, so I can't say whether what he says is the truth or not.
[ she can't tell if she likes that voice better than the last. ]
I've heard of them.
[ if this is supposed to give her any kind of comfort, it really doesn't. if anything she wilts with a chuckle and looks down at her feet. they're a stranger and doesn't need to see her like this but sometimes... ]
...but if you know who I'm talking about. [ ... ] Are we allowed to share what team we're on? Or is it a secret for a reason?
[ their smile takes on a somber edge at the way izumo wilts, though they don't comment on it. ]
There are reasons for it, which were beyond our decision. In order to keep this world relatively stable, it doesn't hurt to err on the side of caution when it comes to following the rules, for now.
Though strictly speaking, I don't think it would cause problems if you told a close few.
Not that I'm aware of, though it's possible that could change down the line. [ a beat. ] Haha... please don't wish for anything like world domination, though.
They weren't bad and I wouldn't have minded either.
[ probably? ]
But I...grew up around foxes. Fox demons. [ another beat as she tries to fumble through. ] They took care of me, so it's nice to be around one, even if it's a uniform.
[ izumo does not talk about her family...apparently it's fine to talk about demons but not your own flesh and blood?
and...while she doesn't exactly want to share, it might be good for whatever happens in the future. maybe. ]
There were a lot them and it was hard to move around sometimes for how many there were. Noisy, too, but they took care of the laundry and helped out around the house.
[ the next part comes out after a long pause and a bit awkwardly. ]
[ she cares very deeply for her familiars if it isn't obvious. but them standing up takes her by surprise for a moment...are they taller than her or shorter than her? either way, that and the combo take her out of her head. ]
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Think of it more as a bonus? Nothing in particular happens to those who don't win. Once we're done, everyone will be sent back home.
[ they shrug, their tone light. ]
Provided all goes well with gathering nova, I imagine it'll be as if nothing had happened, except now you'll have memories of a very incredulous adventure in another world.
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Lucky us.
[ a beat. ]
Is there a known number of novas that we need to collect or do we just collect until we're done? [ so many things are so vague; it's not something that she's particularly fine with, honestly. ] And, what do you mean protect our memories? Aren't they safe?
[ did she miss something else? ]
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their tone gets more serious, and this is where it becomes obvious that fox has a very practiced Customer Service voice that they've been using all this time, because they almost sound like a different person now. ]
Not entirely. We managed to delay the loss--otherwise, your memories would've been completely shattered upon arrival--but some of them may still disappear over time. However, gathering nova will restore them, so it should only be temporary.
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unless..? ]
Wait. Are you saying that we may have some memories missing already?
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Yes. I'm sorry. [ a beat. ] You shouldn't have lost anything before this morning, however. Your memories would've been intact the past few days.
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[ SOMETHING'S GONE NOW? GREAT!!! but she won't get too upset with fox by pure nature that...they're rep'ing a fox and she needs answers. ]
But there was someone else I know—they remembered things I didn't. [ she's totally committed to the fact that he's a dirty backstabbing liar but...? truth..? ] How do you explain that?
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Ever heard of alternate timelines? I realize it sounds fantastical--even to me--but that's probably what's going on.
... That or he's pulling your leg? [ because. he knows she's talking about shima. ] I'm afraid I don't know your circumstances before arriving here, so I can't say whether what he says is the truth or not.
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I've heard of them.
[ if this is supposed to give her any kind of comfort, it really doesn't. if anything she wilts with a chuckle and looks down at her feet. they're a stranger and doesn't need to see her like this but sometimes... ]
...but if you know who I'm talking about. [ ... ] Are we allowed to share what team we're on? Or is it a secret for a reason?
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There are reasons for it, which were beyond our decision. In order to keep this world relatively stable, it doesn't hurt to err on the side of caution when it comes to following the rules, for now.
Though strictly speaking, I don't think it would cause problems if you told a close few.
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Good enough for me. I just wanted to know that if telling someone would end up with getting into trouble immediately.
[ give her a moment to regain her composure and she'll clear her throat before standing straight. ]
Do you know if there's some sort of limitation on the kind of wish we can make?
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You don't have to worry about that from me, I'm not that ambitious.
Do you know why you're wearing the fox mask? Is there a reason that you can remember?
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It's our designated work uniform. You're not supposed to take off your uniform while at work, right?
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[ ... ]
Well, I'm glad you're a fox. It's...kind of comforting.
[ look, she made a fool of herself like a moment ago. she wants to put something else there. please forget how she had A Moment. ]
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Aw, you mean you weren't hoping to be on Wolf's team instead? [...] Favourite animal, or...?
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[ probably? ]
But I...grew up around foxes. Fox demons. [ another beat as she tries to fumble through. ] They took care of me, so it's nice to be around one, even if it's a uniform.
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[ also. fox demons. ]
What were they like? [ also, "what about your parents", but that's probably too personal. ] If you don't mind me asking.
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and...while she doesn't exactly want to share, it might be good for whatever happens in the future. maybe. ]
There were a lot them and it was hard to move around sometimes for how many there were. Noisy, too, but they took care of the laundry and helped out around the house.
[ the next part comes out after a long pause and a bit awkwardly. ]
All of them cared for us.
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they hold a hand up to their mouth. ]
I have to say, I didn't think I'd be picturing demon foxes doing laundry and chores. Were they cute?
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[ there's a bunch more that she was about to run off and say but she catches herself and clears her throat to address the "cuteness" factor. ]
There were small ones—less fox demons—that were no bigger than a baby rabbit. They'd help with the simpler chores. So, of course, they were cute.
[ for you, mods! ]
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Haha... I wish I could see them. [ bitty foxes... ] But there were bigger ones too, then?
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[ she stumbles over her words in both embarrassment and in hesitation because, well, this might have been a step too far. ]
There were—two in particular that spent a lot of time around the house.
[ and..she'll shut up about that. a bit tender this one. ]
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[...
they watch her for a moment, and when it becomes clear she isn't saying anything more, they stand up. ]
Speaking of which, have you eaten yet?
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[ she cares very deeply for her familiars if it isn't obvious. but them standing up takes her by surprise for a moment...are they taller than her or shorter than her? either way, that and the combo take her out of her head. ]
Eaten? [ ... ] No, nothing yet.
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in an amused tone, ]
Well, that's no good. Haven't you heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day?
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