Can you really prepare yourself for something like... what this place does to you?
[she still can't say "turning into a monster." partly out of respect to those who have already turned, partly because there's still a small bit of her that doesn't want to think about the inevitable.]
...Not entirely. [He's met a few newbies who seem keen on trying to prepare themselves as best they can. And in their shoes, Riku would probably do the same.]
It helps to know things though. To gather as much information as you can. [A beat and he looks down, tails thumping against the ground. It's frustrating to even think about.]
I don't think you can ever be fully prepared, but it's better than nothing.
It's a good start. [He gives a crooked smile and a shrug, making the mass of his broken wing shake awkwardly.] There is a library in Bavan you can look at, but it won't have a lot of information on this. [He wiggles a furred paw and a few of his fingers at her.]
...Be careful who you ask if you go to this world's inhabitants though. Not all of them can be trusted.
You haven't done anything yet to make me think otherwise. Does that make me naive?
[she's clearly playing around too at this point. she supposes there's a chance of him lying to her, playing her on, but she gets the feeling he's not like that. or if he is, he doesn't lie maliciously; she knows the difference, having been there herself many times before.]
I don't think so. If it does, it makes a lot of other people naive too. Not just you.
[Naivity could get them all killed, even the already changed ones, but the newcomers have to rely on someone. Just like how him and others had to rely on some of the kindness of the locals here. It wouldn't be right to betray the ones that need to rely on you.]
[Sadly, his thoughts on the matter differ completely from hers. No. He'd rather be a lone monster trapped here if it meant the safety of others. No one deserves to go through this.
He doesn't respond for a moment, though his tails flick wildly about before he does speak. Sorry, Vanille. He just feels strongly about this.]
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Is there anyone who isn't?
[she finds no reason to lie, this time.]
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Guess not. If you know what's coming and can prepare yourself... that might be all that any of us can do.
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[she still can't say "turning into a monster." partly out of respect to those who have already turned, partly because there's still a small bit of her that doesn't want to think about the inevitable.]
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It helps to know things though. To gather as much information as you can. [A beat and he looks down, tails thumping against the ground. It's frustrating to even think about.]
I don't think you can ever be fully prepared, but it's better than nothing.
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What would you suggest doing, then? Go around and ask people?
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...Be careful who you ask if you go to this world's inhabitants though. Not all of them can be trusted.
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[then she pauses, regarding him carefully. she holds no ill will toward him, not at all; but still, she finds herself asking...]
You're one I can trust, right?
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That doesn't mean he can't have fun with it.] If I said yes, would you believe me?
I'll leave that up to you to decide.
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[she's clearly playing around too at this point. she supposes there's a chance of him lying to her, playing her on, but she gets the feeling he's not like that. or if he is, he doesn't lie maliciously; she knows the difference, having been there herself many times before.]
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[Naivity could get them all killed, even the already changed ones, but the newcomers have to rely on someone. Just like how him and others had to rely on some of the kindness of the locals here. It wouldn't be right to betray the ones that need to rely on you.]
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Thank you, Riku.
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He doesn't respond for a moment, though his tails flick wildly about before he does speak. Sorry, Vanille. He just feels strongly about this.]
I didn't do much, but you're welcome.