The Park
Yes, imagination is a subset of your thoughts.
The Streets
That's already one way your life's changed.
You helped people out, you were there, and ready to fight.
You had the power to do so, when you could have run away. You could've even run away faster than you could before.
1.5 imperial gallons of tea were consumed during the writing of this postPark (108)
-Oh...-
"Okay."
-Imagination is a sub-set of thoughts.-
"I—'ll do my best to imagine...!"
-He looks down at his Akane doll and his deck with a smile.-
-He's going to try to imagine them doing things!-
-...Doing what? He doesn't know, but he'll imagine something!-
—
Streets (Jean)
-Well, she wouldn't say she was ready to fight...-
-She was afraid the whole time. She wasn't up and ready to go. The whole thing began suddenly, and there was part of her that begged to get out of there.-
-And then the things were rats, and she hates rats.-
"...I was tempted to run..."
-That proves that she's not that strong yet.-
"When you gave me that choice, I actually thought about running... If I really changed then I would have stayed and fought without hesitation."
-She knows that fear is natural, and that even heroes can be afraid...-
-...But it seems like it's so much easier for them to ignore that fear and move forward.-
Edited by CrystalMemoria on Dec 3rd 2018 at 3:38:40 AM
The Streets
If there's anything I've figured out about bravery it's this:
If you never hesitated, it means you might be reckless in your bravery.
And that just means you can be easily baited into a fight.
But hesitating, and then deciding on consideration that you should fight? That's still being a little courageous.
You took the time, thought about it, weighed up the pros and cons, and decided "No, I'm not gonna run."
The Park
That's the spirit, kid.
You'll be having fun in no time, I'm sure.
1.5 imperial gallons of tea were consumed during the writing of this postStreets (Jean)
-...She guesses that's true...-
"...I guess when you put it like that, it's not so bad."
—
Park (108)
-Fun...-
"Will I know when I—'m having fun?"
-He still doesn't know what it's like to have real fun.-
-It relates to happiness though, right?-
-He's able to be happy, but fun's still something he doesn't quite understand...-
The Park
Well now that's a weird question to ask, honestly.
You don't have parents do you, kid?
Like me, you don't have a mom & dad?
The Street
See? It's all about perspectives. When you beat yourself down, you can't see where you're improving.
1.5 imperial gallons of tea were consumed during the writing of this postPark (108)
-He actually begins to look a little sad. It's as much sadness as he can really show.-
"...No, I do—n't."
-He doesn't have parents...-
-He didn't have anyone before he appeared in the Room.-
"I did—n't have a family before I met Leos and Sthesia..."
-...Oh dear...-
—
Streets (Jean)
-Yeah. Yeah, Xenos is right!-
-She has to try harder not to beat herself up. She has to try harder not to listen to her own insecurities, and instead look from an objective angle!-
-She did fight.-
-She did help people.-
-She didn't run.-
-She did survive.-
-That never would have happened if she hadn't changed, and she needs to drill it into her own head.-
"...You're right. I guess my pessimism gets the best of me..."
-She smiles just a little.-
"...Thanks, Xenos."
—
Streets (Away from Xenos and Jean) (Ai)
-Ai is walking down the sidewalk, and thinking about everything going on.-
-It's almost Christmastime...-
-She wants to celebrate with everyone, but she's not really sure what to do.-
-She doesn't have the money for nice gifts, she doesn't have a sketchbook to draw in like her male counterpart, and she can't cook a nice meal like him either...-
-She... can't do anything...-
"..."
-She really wants to get everyone something nice...-
-...Especially Leos...-
-What's she supposed to do...?-
-Someone might find a sad Ai walking down the sidewalk.-
The Park
I'm not going to assume it's the same for you.
But I never knew my creator. I'm a clone, I was made in a machine.
In this life, I haven't really had anyone yet. The only things I know are the things that I had implanted into my head by the machine's programming. All injected into my head like memories while I was speedily grown.
That's why I know things. I know how to disassemble a gun, re-assemble it, organise a campaign, set up perimeters: I know a lot about that stuff, but I've never lived it.
The Streets (With Xenos)
-goes to offer a re-assuring pat on the shoulder for a moment, before stopping- Yeah, you see.
And it's good you're using the term pessimism rather than realism. All too often, pessimists consider themselves realists.
1.5 imperial gallons of tea were consumed during the writing of this postStreets - Ai
-Antisanta watches, lurking from behind a street lamp-
Oh oh oh... what's this? A youth driven into depression by the evil holiday of Christmas?? Perhaps she will help me destroy that infernal holiday...
-she approaches Ai from behind the streetlamp, smiling maliciously-
Oh oh oh! What is the matter, little child? You seem saddened by something... but what could it BE
UN JOUR JE SERAI DE RETOUR PRÈS DE TOIPark (108)
-Aichi listens to Cappro, and... he empathizes.-
"I see..."
-...-
"...I—'m an artificially created human that was once known as 'Number 108'. Before I appeared in that building, I knew nothing but my superiors and what they taught me."
-He realizes now that they kept him away from so many good things.-
"I know many things including reconnaissance, manners of communication, and technology. They taught me these things, and they taught me in many ways."
-Training, drilling it into his head with 'lessons', and there are other ways that have all blurred together in his memory...-
-...But...-
"...They did—n't teach me emotions, family, friendship, and what people are like. I did—n't know any of this while I was in the facility."
-...-
"...I was isolated, and not allowed to know what they didn't want me to know... I was only meant to fulfill the missions they assigned to me."
-What Isabela said before really is beginning to sink in. They didn't want him to betray them, and they didn't want him to know anything for the sake of making sure he never left.-
"I realize now that I did—n't know so many important things... It—'s thanks to the people around me that I have learned..."
-...And...-
"...I—'m thankful. I have a brother and sister now. I—'m... happy."
-He is. He's happy that he's learned so much, and that he's...-
-...He's free.-
"I—'m happy to learn, to become more human, and to be away from my superiors."
-It has finally been decided.-
-He doesn't want to go back.-
-He wants to be free.-
-...Seems like the kid's had a pretty rough life...-
—
Streets - Xenos (Jean)
-She has to admit that being pessimistic does feel realistic...-
"They don't equal the same thing, but I have to admit that it feels realistic sometimes..."
-But...-
"...Optimism might seem unrealistic, but it brings out the best in someone."
-Mia is always so cheery and optimistic... and honestly, Jean couldn't begin to imagine her not being that way.-
-It always brought a smile to her face, even when she was down...-
"I might not be optimistic, but I know that it's not a bad thing."
-...She just wishes she could be that optimistic...-
—
Streets (Ai)
-Ai wasn't expecting the sudden company, and can't help but jump.-
-She quickly turns to look at Anitsanta, surprised.-
"O-Oh, um... Hello..."
-She's wondering what's bothering Ai, but she can't trouble a stranger with something so petty...-
"No, I'm fine... You don't need to worry about me..."
-...She's got a bad poker face. It's clear that something's bothering her...-
-Perhaps you should push a little more?-
Streets (Ai)
-Well...-
"I-It's, well..."
-She awkwardly begins twiddling her fingers.-
-...She supposes she could probably use some advice...-
"...I-I... can't get any of my friends nice gifts... I don't have money and I can't cook a nice meal for them either..."
-Antisanta might notice that Ai looks pink as she says this next part:-
"...L-Leos deserves something really nice, and I..."
-...She can't get him something as nice as he deserves...-
-Seems like she might have the hots for this 'Leos' guy... evidently she's sad because she can't give him something nice for Christmas!-
The Streets
-nods- Yeah.
I mean, I tend to go through life not caring, so I don't have to deal with the problem.
The Park
-nods- I didn't have a name. I gave my name to myself, Cappro.
But yeah, I figured you had that kinda story.
1.5 imperial gallons of tea were consumed during the writing of this postPark (108)
-He didn't have a name...?-
"My name was given to my by my handler. He was the only one to use it until I appeared at that place..."
-Before that...-
"...I was just a number before then..."
-...But he should introduce himself.-
"I—'m Aichi. Pleased to meet you, Cappro."
-He says that with a small smile. It's nice meeting new people, and it's nice meeting someone else that has a similar story to himself.-
-He wouldn't want someone else to go through it, but at the same time it's... comforting? Is that the word?-
—
Streets - Xenos (Jean)
-Right... Xenos doesn't really care about anything like that...-
"I wish I could just let things go sometimes... It seems like it'd make things a lot more simple..."
-That's not to say she wouldn't want to stop caring about everything. It's just that she wishes she could honestly let some things roll by without affecting her at all.-
"I still don't know how you do it."
Edited by CrystalMemoria on Dec 3rd 2018 at 4:49:25 AM
Streets - Ai
-tsks sadly, placing a hand on Ai's shoulder-
I truly understand your pain... a holiday that only serves to make you feel terrible and sad... feeling inadequate because you cannot provide expensive things for a friend. What a rotten holiday! Don't you agree with me that Christmas only brings stress and sadness!
UN JOUR JE SERAI DE RETOUR PRÈS DE TOIThe Streets
It's not easy, I can tell you that much.
Eventually though, it just becomes easier to not care, than to care. And that's when your mind switches.
And y'know. My advice isn't universal, 'cause I'm not a universal guy.
The Park
Nice to meet you too, Aichi.
And good to hear that you've got people.
I guess I've got someone looking out for my back now, though it was weird and wizardy.
Some feckin' like... deal with servants, masters, wizards, and some such shite.
1.5 imperial gallons of tea were consumed during the writing of this postStreets (Ai)
-Ai wasn't expecting the hand on her shoulder, and suddenly she gets a good amount more awkward and sheepish.-
"I-I wouldn't say that..."
-Christmas has a lot of positives as well!-
-Friends and family all come together...-
-...And...-
-...Boyfriends and girlfriends get together...-
-She's a bit red as she thinks that last part, but seems to snap out of it.-
"T-There are a lot of good things Christmas has to offer..."
-It makes people happy.-
—
Park (108)
-???-
"...Come again?"
-All of that stuff seems to completely fly over his head.-
—
Streets - Xenos (Jean)
-So it's similar to the idea of 'fake it 'til you make it' then?-
"So I pretty much have to pretend things aren't bothering me to the point that it won't bother me anymore?"
-...Ah, that's true. The advice might work for some, but not others.-
"...Yeah, I might have to find my own way to cope with things..."
The Park
Well. More contractually I have someone.
But either way.
They're this Archer fella, I met them a few days ago when they appeared in front of me, and called me Master.
It was weird, I have to say.
The Street
Yeah, see.
The confidence is probably what made me such a leader among others.
1.5 imperial gallons of tea were consumed during the writing of this postStreets (Ai)
-What?!-
-Christmas isn't evil!-
"W-What? It's not—"
-Wait, what?! She's going to do WHAT?!-
"'D-Destroy Christmas'?!"
-Ai seems worried and confused now.-
"What are you talking about? What are you planning?"
-It lives in the hearts of people... It can't easily be destroyed!-
-Just what is she wanting to do? Is it something serious?!-
—
Park (108)
-'Master'...?-
"You are his handler and he is your agent?"
-Or at least that's what this sort of translates to in his mind.-
—
Streets - Xenos (Jean)
-That makes sense...-
"In all of those games and shows it always seems like confident people get others to swarm around them..."
-...Honestly, Jean can't help but be envious.-
The Street
Thing about leadership: you become the scapegoat for anything that goes wrong.
People look to you and your responsibility.
"Grand Emperor Xenos, the bankers are committing Fraud- this is your fault for not stopping them!" Like they expect me to know these things are happening.
And of course you can't say that you can forgive a leader for not knowing because it's their job to know.
It's why I think leadership's overrated for my tastes. All these responsibilities that you gotta have.
But yeah, confidence otherwise? Good to have.
The Park
Yeah, I guess ye could say that.
1.5 imperial gallons of tea were consumed during the writing of this postStreets - Rooftop
-Standing atop a roof of a random building is Dante, staring intently through a pair of binoculars-
...Hmm...
-One would think that he was scouting out the malicious factory, currently filled with all manner of evil-
....Heheh...Oh yeah~.....
-This is not the case-
....Ooooh, yeah, you stuff the cheese in that crust. Oh, baby, that's the good stuff....

Streets (Jean)
-Would the old her have been able to?-
-Of course not. That'd be ridiculous. She was just a lanky teenage girl that couldn't put up any kind of fight.-
-She would have ran... or heck, she probably would have died there.-
"...No, she wouldn't have."
-Jean can't argue against that.-
—
Park (108)
-Aichi's confused about why Cappro's tapping his head, but he says nothing about it.-
-Yes, the brain is what allows humans to function as they do.-
"Imagination and thoughts are the same?"