phantasmalrift inbox

[daughterofthemark]

Hello! You have reached Arianna Wakasa of Caledonia. It seems I am unable to answer you at this time, for which I must sincerely apologize. If you would leave a message, however, I will contact you at the earliest opportu--BEEEEP

Comments

after the meeting

[nojohnyouare]

You asked earlier. What I meant. Do you want to talk.

[daughterofthemark]

Yes, please. I wish for there to be no misunderstandings between us.

[nojohnyouare]

[A pause.]

I know you all said it wasn't my fault. And sometimes it even feels like that. But... If I hadn't died. The second time, with all of you. None of that would have happened.

I don't want to fail you all like that again.

[daughterofthemark]

[maaaaaaaai]

I know mere words will not be enough to erase this feeling, no more than they were for me, but they are all I can offer you.

You did not fail me, or any of us.

[nojohnyouare]

You're a kind person. ...I'm sorry. I didn't want you to feel like that, too.

[daughterofthemark]

It is not your fault. My doubts are my own.

[nojohnyouare]

You deserve better. Even if you don't think you do. You always work hard. And you've done better for anyone than I ever did.

[daughterofthemark]

It often does not seem that way to me, when even my best efforts at something I should know how to do accomplish nothing.

text; luciferskylight

[burninglight]

Arianna-

I did something careless that you and the others need to know about. It's fine if you're angry or don't want to speak to me, but I found a copy of Airlocked on a tablet in that last fissure. I didn't tell anyone because I feared what sort of argument might result, but--I let my brother borrow it. I was being selfish and stupid, but I need him to understand who he's actually dealing with when it comes to me.

I'm sorry. I should have consulted all of you first. If you wish not to speak to me, I accept that and should think you right for it.

text; ariadne

[daughterofthemark]

[The delay before Arianna's response is longer than the content would seem to mandate, as she thinks about what he's said and tries to understand it.]

Father,

I love you.

Arianna

[burninglight]

I love you too, Arianna.

Really, it's fine if you're upset. Just let me know, so I can give you space if you want it.

[daughterofthemark]

I wish you had consulted us before, but I am not upset with you.

The others may differ. Have you spoken to Rii-san yet?

[burninglight]

I should have. I was just. Afraid, I guess.

I talked to Yuuri first. She's angry, of course--asked for time to cool down and think about it.

[daughterofthemark]

Afraid of what we would say?

Do you think I should speak with her? Or would it make things worse?

[burninglight]

I didn't want it to turn into a tremendous argument. Airlocked's done enough damage to our family, I didn't want to continue the trend. Though I suppose I've done that regardless.

You've no need to speak to her on my behalf. She wants time to think the matter over, and that's the least I can give her.

nebulously forward dated to You Know When

[serrata]

[ apparently unprompted, a message from Yuuri comes through; ]

Arianna, can I ask you something?

[daughterofthemark]

[IN MERE SECONDS]

What is it?

[serrata]

[ and in contrast, Yuuri's reply takes a little while to come back through. Partly because she has to rewrite it so many times. ]

How did you know for sure that Touko-chan left? How long did it take?

[daughterofthemark]

Who is it?

["She didn't answer the question!" Yes, that's true.]

[serrata]

Junpei headed out to explore on his own a few weeks ago.

I haven't been able to get in touch him him the last few days.

[daughterofthemark]

[This response takes a longer time.]

I began to worry after not seeing her for a week, but I wasn't certain until I said it aloud to you.

[serrata]

[ Right. That's what she was afraid of. ]

If he was here, he'd respond, wouldn't he? He must know how worried I'm getting. But maybe his phone got broke? Or maybe he lost it? What do you think?

[ denial: not just a river in Egypt. ]

[nojohnyouare]

If we were to have a party. For multiple things. Do you think I should get people presents. Church doesn't know.

Speaking of presents. Birthday. What do you want.

[A second text, when Mai is reminded that gifts are hard in a jamjar:]

What do you not want.

[daughterofthemark]

You've no need to get me anything, and if you do, it need not be anything special! Just knowing you thought of me is enough.

[...]

In any event, it depends on how many people you would be getting presents for. If it would be all of us, I don't think anyone could expect that.

[nojohnyouare]

Probably. A lot of people. But you should still get something you want. ...I think I have some ideas. So I hope they're good.