✖ IC CONTACT #3

Well, I suppose it's because you aren't very trustworthy. After all, you've tried to kill me, you've stolen from me, and you still wish me dead.

But I am so cute.

You certainly know how to pretend to be.

Don't I just?

As I've no interest in flattering you and feeding your ego, I'm going to get back to what I was doing before you interrupted.

Oh, very well.

I'll get back to playing with myself, then.

[!]

[Disconnect!]

Isley,

If you're reading this, then I guess the Door finally came for me. I was starting to wonder if it would ever happen, but I remember you said once that endings were inevitable or something like that. I don't remember the exact phrasing to be honest, but I remember you said it, and ever since then I thought... the longer I'm here, the less time I have.

Because you're right: it is inevitable, isn't it?

I was also thinking. I'm really from two different times - the moment when I originally came here, when I was kneeling in the dirt at Teres'as feet. And then the time my mind remembers - years later, after you and Raki and all of those beautiful and horrible things. To be honest, I'm not really sure which place I'll be going back to, but... I was thinking that I'd rather it were the first one. Because even if, in that moment, I was scared and angry and confused, I know I'll get through that time and then wander North, and meet you.

I want to meet you again. Even if I won't remember who you are and even if it means just repeating the same things over again. I still want that time. And it's strange, if you think about it, too... because if I go home and meet you again, then after some years, the you I meet will end up here, too, and you'll meet me the way I am now, when I'm writing this. And then I'll go home and meet you again, and then... you'll come back here.

It's like a cycle, really. Strange and sad and full of tears and blood, but even so it's nice to think that in some way, I'll always be with you, or on my way back to you... and you'll always be on the road back to me.

That's supposed to be romantic but maybe it sounds kind of grim considering all the things involved. Sorry about that.

There are a lot of things I wanted to do with you. And if you're reading this then you probably don't know about them because if I do get to do them, I'm going to change this letter so it isn't misleading. I'm saying this because I want you to know... i think about the future, and I want to stay. So please... keep working on researching the Door. Because I want to come back. More than anything else, I don't want to let go. And I'm glad I chose you over my comrades, and everything else I ever had to make a choice about.

Please take care of my pets. I want to see their faces when I come back. And my memory recorders are in the vault in my closet - please take care of them because I'll need them, too. I believe I will come back - just like Arthur did, and just like Senji. And if I don't remember you, or this place, I need you to make me remember. So please try.

And if I do - when I do! - I promise to hold on even harder.

Love (always, always),
Priscilla

Hey, this is Akihiko Sanada. I was directed to you because you might know more about Erebos. I'm interested in checking it out but want some more information before I do.

If you could help me out that'd be a big help.

Akihiko. You want to check out Erebos, do you?

The best way, with that place, is to jump in head first. I don't say that to be dismissive or cruel, only that knowing much of anything with regards to Erebos is tricky business. I know all about the things that don't change, for example, but there is a lot there that does, and those things...are unpredictable.

Sanada is fine, and yeah, I've been looking into it.

Head first, hey? [A small laugh, made through smirking lips.] Well I tend to be well adjusted to that sort of attack style. A time limit was mentioned to me though, I can only be in there for a brief amount of time before it starts to have negative effects? if so, not a problem, I'm actually used to that.

Sanada, then.

[Isley chuckles.]

Do you often rely on the things you're used to, Sanada?

Well yeah, all you have to go on is your experiences. But I'm not one to shy away from surprises either. I'll take whatever comes my way.

This is true, but your experiences will become unreliable sources in Erebos. It is a dimension that will inevitably surprise you.

You sound like someone who might actually be anticipating that, however.

Heh- yeah, you could say that. I really don't mind a challenge.

Besides that, is there anything else I should know? What types of enemies will I encounter there. Someone I spoke to not long ago mentioned shadows.

There are many things dangerous to be wary of. Monsters from your world, some from others, creatures of shadow, and so on. They tend to be stronger there, faster, more powerful, but whether or not that's due to how you remember them, how others remember them, or if it's due to the Black Mist, I can't say.

Ah...and the Black Mist is deadliest of all. It rolls in from the fringes of the dimension at nightfall, but don't think nightfall there happens the same as it does here. Time is distorted in Erebos. As a matter of fact, a week here may be a second there, or the reverse.

Should you be lost in the Black Mist without being near enough to the exit to escape before it kills you, you may see a rider clad in black upon a carriage drawn by ghoulish horses. He'll offer you a safe ride to the exit. For a price. Better not to stay that long, though. Some things aren't worth losing, Sanada.

Then again...some things are.

I'm pretty used to the monsters end, shadows included, especially if they're the ones from my world, but I don't have enough information to know that yet. Guess I will once I head in.

A week could be a second? So bring supplies I assume. Otherwise I'll keep my eyes out for a rider, though if you could give me more information on this price I'd be thankful. I'm guessing it's safe to assume it won't be ivories.

Heh- well, if it's going to be something to test my strength? Make me better? it's worth it.

Some supplies, yes. Better to be over prepared than not prepared enough, although one doesn't want to weigh themselves down with unnecessary items, either.

The rider won't ask for ivories, you're right. He rather likes to ask for more personal things, at least in my experience. A bit of life, a bit of energy, sometimes a limb...you get the idea? He's not a pleasant creature, but then, the Black Mist is even more unpleasant, so take your pick.

[Isley sighs.]

Is that what this is about? Testing yourself? Becoming stronger? I wonder what your reasons for that are.

Personal things- [Grows quiet, then gives off a small sigh. Akihiko says nothing more about it, but he can't help but compare the Rider to shadows, who often attack you in a much more personal way too.]

It's always about bettering yourself and becoming the best of what you can be. Using all that potential.

We all have our reasons.

Thank you for your help with this.

That we do, and it would seem some are more inclined to speak of them than others.

[He waves a hand.]

I'm glad I could lend some insight. Providing you return alive and well from Erebos, I'd like to hear of your expedition.

✖ IC CONTACT #3

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Voice; Apologies on how late this is.

Not to worry, I've been a bit slow myself due to hiatus, so apologies in advance!

Heh, slow all around. And it happens.

Thanks for understanding! <3