[At the least, Byakuya manages to retain his calm as he looks at his roommate.]
It's obvious that this is not a normal occurrence at all. But abnormal is the new normal, when it comes to living with Retrospec.
There's no sign of it doing any damage to you. And if you don't feel anything from it at all, then it may simply be some sort of benign cosmetic effect. Or a power that you have control over.
[Things have indeed become abnormal ever since he became connected to the Retrospec network. He's read the information guides people provided and he's had things explained to him, so none of this should be a surprise! But yet, actually experiencing one of these physical changes is something else...
He's had a couple of memories already, but Ishida doesn't think he'll ever get used to this. It's not something he wants to admit to Byakuya, but it's the truth.]
Everything is just for a cosmetic effect...? [He frowns, the fire in his eyes diminishing just a bit.] So you're telling me that my past self dangerously placed some sort of fire tech in his eyes to look like a pyromaniac?!
[THE MORE HE HEARS ABOUT HIS PAST SELF, THE LESS HE WANTS TO KNOW. Because apparently, he was some sort of pervert as well! Asking Naegi to bare his body with him...]
That's what the physical evidence seems to suggest. Still, it is quite puzzling...
[Byakuya taps his chin thoughtfully as he looks towards Ishida, trying to piece it together.]
From what we've been able to tell, our world may have more than its fair share of... eccentricities... but this goes beyond that. It's almost like something magical or superhuman in nature, concepts that don't seem to fit in with what is known so far of our world. I suppose that some sort of bizarre optical pyrotechnics may be the most realistically plausible answer...
[It's very perplexing and odd, though Byakuya's expression remains serious.]
You don't happen to have any memories that relate to this, do you?
[If magic or superhuman things don't fit in their world, then it must be something more technological! As far as he knows, everything seems normal about their world, even with people having 'SHSL' titles. But admittedly, he's the one with the fewest recovered memories...
But if Byakuya thinks that pyrotechnics is the most plausible answer, it's something to definitely keep in mind.]
I do not! [He seems vaguely uncomfortable and looks away for a moment, almost like he's trying to hide his eyes from his roommate. The fire is all about gone by now, although his eyes are as red as ever.] But. Perhaps you'll remember something. I found out recently that I'm in the same class as Professor Naegi and you said before that you were part of both classes.
[Byakuya stands calmly as he continues observing Ishida, even with the eyes facing away from him.]
Correct. That's a conclusion that we reached by comparing facts from our memories. While it's possible that this sight will help me to remember something relevant, it's far from a certainty. After all, keep in mind that I spend a lot of time with my cousin, and yet I haven't received a single direct memory of her to this day.
[He raises a finger to poke at his glasses.]
There's no way to anticipate a coming memory for sure, to control the process. We can do what we can to try to trigger further memories, but in the end we can do little more than wait and see what comes next.
[Ishida slowly turns his gaze back to Byakuya, a lot more calm now than before. Perhaps he doesn't have to worry about people getting more memories of his former questionable self! Still, that plausibility is always going to be there and he's not exactly fond of the idea.
Maybe he can make it even more difficult by covering his eyes up?
Although, would it be selfish of him in trying to prevent more memories from coming up, even if it's only a potential trigger? Even if he personally doesn't want to know more about his past self, it's probably not the same for his roommate, the SHSL Heir.]
Byakuya, can I ask you something? Do you want to learn about your past self as much as possible?
[He pauses for a moment as he contemplates that and taps at his glasses, his eyes momentarily concealed by a gleam in them.
His other life... Byakuya Togami, the Super High School Level Heir. While he's quite fond of his current life and identity, he can't help but be intrigued by that other life. It seems that Togami accomplished what Byakuya Kirigiri had wanted with much more ease. He took control of a corporation and acted as a great leader of men.
He even prevented a murder. Byakuya Kirigiri wouldn't want to become Byakuya Togami; that would be cheating, and a betrayal of his current self. But rather...]
Yes, I do want to. It seems that there's a lot that I can learn from the example of my other life. Of Byakuya Togami, the Super High School Level Heir. And there's always a chance that connecting with our past lives can help us to be better equipped to deal with the strange phenomena that occur in the city - and maybe even to take on Retrospec itself.
[He about expected that sort of response, but it's fully understandable. There's probably a lot to learn from someone that was named the SHSL Heir.
Ishida frowns a bit, thinking carefully about his response to Byakuya's inquiry. His first gut reaction is to say 'no, there's nothing to learn from a pervert.' But... maybe Byakuya brings up a good point about being better equipped to deal with the city if he knew more about his past self.
Still, that's just a big maybe!]
No. [He finally answers, trying to look like he's made up his mind about this.] I do not wish to learn more about my other life! It seems to me that he's a delinquent that made his classmates uncomfortable! Completely immoral!
[He listens carefully to Ishida's reasoning with a frown.]
Turning away from your other life is fair decision to make. Though that won't stop your memories from reaching you. And even beyond that... What makes you so sure that your other life could be so hopeless? I have trouble imagining a delinquent version of you, Taka.
How else would you describe someone that places dangerous tech in their eyes and asks a fellow classmate to get naked with them in the middle of a hallway! He was completely joyous asking that too!
[NO SHAME AT ALL... and he made Naegi really uncomfortable because of that! Even if he doesn't hold it against Ishida, it's probably not something he's going to forget.]
Our past selves aren't necessarily similar to how we are now, right? So it's possible he's completely different from me!
It's possible, yes. But so are a great many other possibilities. You are only getting glimpses of your other self. You shouldn't judge him so swiftly. We don't know the origin of your fire, and nudism is proudly celebrated in many cultures.
[He taps at his glasses thoughtfully.]
No matter what caliber of person your other life may have been, you could learn a lot from him.
[Nonetheless, Ishida actually seems to consider Byakuya's advice, as troubled he may be over it. Maybe there is still something he can learn from his past life?
He's still in no rush triggering more memories, however.]
But I could try and understand him! Even a delinquent deserves that much! Maybe his talent is something I can look into as well!
...Well, that much may be true, at least. [He says about the nationality.] It is a Japanese school, after all.
But it's good that you're starting to see reason. There's no harm in trying to understand your other self, and your own mental fortitude seems substantial enough to prevent losing yourself to a potentially different personality.
[Now that's impressive and dramatic. Byakuya can't help but chuckle in amusement as he pokes at his glasses.]
Heh... That's good. I have to commend that resolve of yours. It reveals an unbreakable will grounded in innocence, much like that of a shounen character. I can't help but believe that you'll live up to those words.
Did you just compare me to an anime character? [He's doing his best to not be judgmental about this!! He knows how important anime is to Byakuya for one thing! Still, he's not quite enthusiastic about being compared to one, at least not yet.]
[He manages not to exclaim that anime and fine literature are on completely different levels. Ishida closes his mouth and tries to keep an open mind about this.
...Especially since Byakuya is only complimenting him. What sort of person would he be if he waved all of that off just because he may not like anime?]
I-I'll try to live up to your favorite anime hero then!!
[He presses a finger against his glasses for a moment.]
To be clear, I never said that it was my favorite type of anime hero. But it is still a noble role to assume. I know you'll do nicely. And should you need my aid, you know where to find me.
I'm glad that you asked. [He smirks and presses at his glasses, with a glint practically shining in them.]
I happen to match my overall favorite type of anime character. The megane, or "glasses" character to be crude. A character prized for his intellect, sharp wit and calm demeanor. An ideal leader type, wouldn't you agree?
Those traits are indeed admirable, especially in a leader! They must always be ready to lead and it's easier when you have those qualities!
[And now, he's going on a slightly different tangent.]
However, they also must be dedicated and headstrong, ready to take on multiple responsibilities even if the pressure is too much sometimes! But that's what a leader must do, because people are counting on them!
Hmm... Well, I happen to have those qualities as well. It's all part of the path that I follow... It is good that understand the path of an ideal leader, Taka.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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It's obvious that this is not a normal occurrence at all. But abnormal is the new normal, when it comes to living with Retrospec.
There's no sign of it doing any damage to you. And if you don't feel anything from it at all, then it may simply be some sort of benign cosmetic effect. Or a power that you have control over.
no subject
He's had a couple of memories already, but Ishida doesn't think he'll ever get used to this. It's not something he wants to admit to Byakuya, but it's the truth.]
Everything is just for a cosmetic effect...? [He frowns, the fire in his eyes diminishing just a bit.] So you're telling me that my past self dangerously placed some sort of fire tech in his eyes to look like a pyromaniac?!
[THE MORE HE HEARS ABOUT HIS PAST SELF, THE LESS HE WANTS TO KNOW. Because apparently, he was some sort of pervert as well! Asking Naegi to bare his body with him...]
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[Byakuya taps his chin thoughtfully as he looks towards Ishida, trying to piece it together.]
From what we've been able to tell, our world may have more than its fair share of... eccentricities... but this goes beyond that. It's almost like something magical or superhuman in nature, concepts that don't seem to fit in with what is known so far of our world. I suppose that some sort of bizarre optical pyrotechnics may be the most realistically plausible answer...
[It's very perplexing and odd, though Byakuya's expression remains serious.]
You don't happen to have any memories that relate to this, do you?
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But if Byakuya thinks that pyrotechnics is the most plausible answer, it's something to definitely keep in mind.]
I do not! [He seems vaguely uncomfortable and looks away for a moment, almost like he's trying to hide his eyes from his roommate. The fire is all about gone by now, although his eyes are as red as ever.] But. Perhaps you'll remember something. I found out recently that I'm in the same class as Professor Naegi and you said before that you were part of both classes.
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Correct. That's a conclusion that we reached by comparing facts from our memories. While it's possible that this sight will help me to remember something relevant, it's far from a certainty. After all, keep in mind that I spend a lot of time with my cousin, and yet I haven't received a single direct memory of her to this day.
[He raises a finger to poke at his glasses.]
There's no way to anticipate a coming memory for sure, to control the process. We can do what we can to try to trigger further memories, but in the end we can do little more than wait and see what comes next.
somehow i lost this tag, sorry for the lateness!
[Ishida slowly turns his gaze back to Byakuya, a lot more calm now than before. Perhaps he doesn't have to worry about people getting more memories of his former questionable self! Still, that plausibility is always going to be there and he's not exactly fond of the idea.
Maybe he can make it even more difficult by covering his eyes up?
Although, would it be selfish of him in trying to prevent more memories from coming up, even if it's only a potential trigger? Even if he personally doesn't want to know more about his past self, it's probably not the same for his roommate, the SHSL Heir.]
Byakuya, can I ask you something? Do you want to learn about your past self as much as possible?
No worries!
His other life... Byakuya Togami, the Super High School Level Heir. While he's quite fond of his current life and identity, he can't help but be intrigued by that other life. It seems that Togami accomplished what Byakuya Kirigiri had wanted with much more ease. He took control of a corporation and acted as a great leader of men.
He even prevented a murder. Byakuya Kirigiri wouldn't want to become Byakuya Togami; that would be cheating, and a betrayal of his current self. But rather...]
Yes, I do want to. It seems that there's a lot that I can learn from the example of my other life. Of Byakuya Togami, the Super High School Level Heir. And there's always a chance that connecting with our past lives can help us to be better equipped to deal with the strange phenomena that occur in the city - and maybe even to take on Retrospec itself.
[With that, he glances towards Ishida.]
Now I wonder what you feel about the matter.
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Ishida frowns a bit, thinking carefully about his response to Byakuya's inquiry. His first gut reaction is to say 'no, there's nothing to learn from a pervert.' But... maybe Byakuya brings up a good point about being better equipped to deal with the city if he knew more about his past self.
Still, that's just a big maybe!]
No. [He finally answers, trying to look like he's made up his mind about this.] I do not wish to learn more about my other life! It seems to me that he's a delinquent that made his classmates uncomfortable! Completely immoral!
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Turning away from your other life is fair decision to make. Though that won't stop your memories from reaching you. And even beyond that... What makes you so sure that your other life could be so hopeless? I have trouble imagining a delinquent version of you, Taka.
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[NO SHAME AT ALL... and he made Naegi really uncomfortable because of that! Even if he doesn't hold it against Ishida, it's probably not something he's going to forget.]
Our past selves aren't necessarily similar to how we are now, right? So it's possible he's completely different from me!
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[He taps at his glasses thoughtfully.]
No matter what caliber of person your other life may have been, you could learn a lot from him.
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[Nonetheless, Ishida actually seems to consider Byakuya's advice, as troubled he may be over it. Maybe there is still something he can learn from his past life?
He's still in no rush triggering more memories, however.]
But I could try and understand him! Even a delinquent deserves that much! Maybe his talent is something I can look into as well!
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But it's good that you're starting to see reason. There's no harm in trying to understand your other self, and your own mental fortitude seems substantial enough to prevent losing yourself to a potentially different personality.
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I'll never lose myself to him, that I assure you! [His voice raises as he speaks with complete conviction, fully confident about this part at least.]
I am Kiyotaka Ishida!! What I've dedicated my work and life to will not be affected! I wouldn't be worthy of anything if I was that weak!!
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Heh... That's good. I have to commend that resolve of yours. It reveals an unbreakable will grounded in innocence, much like that of a shounen character. I can't help but believe that you'll live up to those words.
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Did you just compare me to an anime character? [He's doing his best to not be judgmental about this!! He knows how important anime is to Byakuya for one thing! Still, he's not quite enthusiastic about being compared to one, at least not yet.]
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It's no different than being compared to a type of literary hero. It speaks volumes of your virtues, Taka.
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...Especially since Byakuya is only complimenting him. What sort of person would he be if he waved all of that off just because he may not like anime?]
I-I'll try to live up to your favorite anime hero then!!
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To be clear, I never said that it was my favorite type of anime hero. But it is still a noble role to assume. I know you'll do nicely. And should you need my aid, you know where to find me.
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He can't stop himself from deflating just a little, but it doesn't last long. After all, Byakuya just said it's still a noble role to have!]
So... what sort of anime character are you, Byakuya? [The closest to a normal conversation he's had?? Maybe.]
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I happen to match my overall favorite type of anime character. The megane, or "glasses" character to be crude. A character prized for his intellect, sharp wit and calm demeanor. An ideal leader type, wouldn't you agree?
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[And now, he's going on a slightly different tangent.]
However, they also must be dedicated and headstrong, ready to take on multiple responsibilities even if the pressure is too much sometimes! But that's what a leader must do, because people are counting on them!
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[Byakuya folds his arms in consideration.]
Hmm... Well, I happen to have those qualities as well. It's all part of the path that I follow... It is good that understand the path of an ideal leader, Taka.