I dreamed of a world so far from here that's not on the map

[matchbreaker]

To my Fellows,

What is "good" and what is "evil" is something that can be debated for longer than most of you will ever live, as is the nature of men. These debates are without meaning in my eyes. Despite that man's belief, men are not born to be good or evil, and what flaws they have in personality or character are things that can be overcome through their choices. Both for better and, as we've seen, for worse.

Life is not without suffering, but I should hope that every one of you is loved by someone. Loves someone. Many of you probably know that some of those loved ones are entering into an experience similar to our own. The terror of that is an undeniable sword which hangs above our heads.

Do not isolate yourselves, and hold onto what belief will best inspire you. And if you wish to join us for another one of these gatherings, meet us in the dining hall at 8PM.

Sincerely yours,
Elda Marker

PS: Those who can taste will once more provide food.

[ Well that sure is a lot of words which is being put under your doors, put on the fridge, and generally distributed around. It... uh, sure is a letter? It's in the same impossibly perfect cursive as last week, and is written with an almost angry bravado. Because even if she was vindicated at the end there, she was vindicated by a (by his own admission) evil priest. So. That feels bad.

Anyway, with some effort, the dining hall (which now has a lot of candles at Cabanela's little shrine, even with adding the two more here) is filled with food: Susan's got the booze as usual but also a big pot of mac and cheese. Adelina's done her noble best with some finger sandwiches. Yuri's brought some sweets that Estelle might've made. As for Elda, well, she still basically can't cook, so what she provides instead is:

A few board games including a Settlers of Catan, Sorry, and Candyland knock off. I guess we're playing games. Or at least she's suggesting it, who knew? ]

Comments

[notaccurate]

[Oh look at those red things fly. He'll be nice and not comment on that, though.]

Are you sorry for what you did? Would you do something different if you had the chance?

[destage]

...It doesn't change the fact that I already did it, though. If anything, it just means that I shouldn't have the chance to change in the first place.

[She hates being aware of everything she's done, and she...knows it's not the answer Luca's looking for. She can't bring herself to try.]

It doesn't matter if I could change it, or if I'm sorry. We all wish things could change if we don't know their impact. The thing that matters is ones actions, not...wishy washy stuff like that. Right...?

[notaccurate]

Yes and no. Your actions do matter, as they speak more about yourself than your words ever could. However, who you were back then and who you are now are two very different people. You shouldn't be judged for the choices you made then unless you would make them a second time.

People make mistakes. But so long as you learn from those mistakes and show remorse for what has happened, then it's alright. Because the most important thing is to not make the same mistake again.

[destage]

...Luca-san...I worry you're way too nice sometimes.

[...despite her words, though, Sayaka...actually manages the smallest of smiles at that. She sighs a bit, looking down at the red stones in her hand again before just...]

...I don't know if I could. I couldn't...even succeed the first time, and after seeing everyone else die, I... [...] It's...a bit of a heavy story, Luca-san. Do you want to hear it...?

[notaccurate]

[Well, that's because she doesn't know about all of his terrible secrets, but he won't mention those. He needs to focus on helping Sayaka right now.]

Of course, tell me.

[destage]

...In that school, I...got a motive, of my fellow idols collapsed on the stage. You were there when I destroyed that disc, right? They're...pretty much my entire world at home. I don't have a lot, there--just my work, my friends, and...well, I can't really even say my family, because those girls are the closest thing I really have.

[Sayaka doesn't quite look at Luca when she talks. This sort of thing, she's...been telling more people, and it's never easier, each time she does it.]

The boy in my motive...Naegi-kun. He tried to comfort me, when I ran away from the room we were all in. Later that night, I...put on my best act, that I was scared someone was trying to get me...so he'd switch rooms with me. He didn't know it, but I'd sent an invitation to another boy to come to 'my' room. I was...going to kill that boy there, and switch rooms back. So I could frame him, and...get out of there...

[There's clear disdain in her voice when she says that, and she shudders.]

...He managed to kill me. I...only lasted four days, in that school. That's awful, isn't it?

[notaccurate]

It sounds like an awful situation to be put in, yes.

[He's definitely not blaming Sayaka for what happened.]

It probably wasn't the best choice, no, but it was made under duress when someone was trying to force you to do something. It's hard enough to face as an adult, I cannot even begin to imagine how hard it is as a teenager.

But still, look how you have grown here. You received similar motives, yes? And yet you haven't tried to kill anyone. You're more than that one action, Sayaka.

[destage]

[...She doesn't understand these people. It's something she's not sure of it, but this...they just accept this stuff, and try to tell her she's better for not being that person?

No 'you monster' or anything like that. Jesus, she's...either the greatest manipulator known to man, or really just...lost in her head.]

...It wasn't. I couldn't trust a single person over there, the second that was put on the table. Now look at me...an entirely different place, and I've...gained so much. Friends...a parental figure who's leagues above my own...even a girlfriend...

I'd...I'd fight for all of them, you know? Until the bitter end. [Sayaka smiles a bit, idly.] ...Kotomine-san's words, they just...hit really close to something I've been battling, for a while...

[notaccurate]

He had a way of getting under people's skin. It's not too surprising, he liked to hurt people and all. You saw how he used his words to hurt Rin, right? That's what men like him do.

Perhaps it can serve as a reminder that you are more than what you once were, hmm? The fact that he got to you, that is proof that you have grown. If you hadn't, then you would not be bothered by what he said.

[destage]

[...Somehow, that's not surprising. Considering the dig he made at everyone who didn't act, at everyone who's been trying to keep their hands...you know, free of blood? Maybe she shouldn't have been surprised by that.]

...Thank you, Luca-san. [She says that sincerely.] And...I apologize, for allowing myself to sink that far in the first place. It was quite unbecoming.

[notaccurate]

[Luca smiles a little at that.]

We all have our moments. I suppose it's good we have others to pull us back up when we sink down, hmm?

[destage]

...It really is. It's not something I really ever expected to have in this place.

[Sayaka grins a bit.]

I'm...glad you're here, Luca-san. You're really great to talk to, in times like these.

[notaccurate]

Then I am glad as well, to be here and help.

[He's being honest too. It's not one of those hollow platitudes like he always gave out at the university when asked to do some inane task. He actually wants to help.

Funny, how a few weeks in closed quarters with people will do that.]

[destage]

[It really is, honestly. Sayaka smiles a bit, looking down at the stones in her hand again with a smile.]

...I made a promise, you know? That I wouldn't succumb to something like this. I...guess I'm just glad that I'm able to keep it, after all of this. I think he'd be happier with it.

[notaccurate]

[Luca nods.]

Even if you stumbled at first, you have kept to that promise now.

So, ah, did you want to come out of your hiding spot?

[destage]

...I probably should, shouldn't I? I'm gonna get in people's ways...

[Let her just get up and adjust the stuff over so she can walk through, just...kind of smiling a bit, even if her eyes look red from crying.]

Sorry. About that, I mean, Luca-san.

[notaccurate]

It's alright. And speaking honestly? I think your disappearance would worry people more than their ability to reach art supplies.

[PEOPLE CARE ABOUT YOU SAYAKA, GOD.]

[destage]

[SHE'S...STILL LEARNING THAT...it's hard after spending your time in a place that only cares about image okay.

...In hindsight, this is probably why she's so gungho about the relationships she does have, and putting names to them.]

I know, I know...I'll be better about that, okay? Promise.

[notaccurate]

Well, since you are promising, I will trust you with that.

[Damn kids, growing on him and making him care about all of you.]