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knifemonopoly) wrote2023-08-19 02:43 pm
knifemonopoly) wrote2023-08-19 02:43 pm
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FINAL DISPATCH FROM THE DEADMAN'S SWITCH PROGRAM - NOA KAIBA'S LAPTOP
[THIS MESSAGE GOES TO THE FOLLOWING MONSTERS: RYOU BAKURA, CHIAKI NANAMI, NAGITO KOMAEDA, MUKURO IKUSABA, JAVERT, MAYA FEY, RACHEL GARDNER, SPARKLING COOKIE, HAJIME HINATA, BRUNO MADRIGAL, LUST PIERSON-PIERCE, FIDDLEFORD MCGUCKET, MARCO EVANGELISTI, TRISH UNA, VINEGAR DOPPIO, FARAMIR, JOSHUA KIRYUU, BEAT (hes like beyonce), STEVEN GRANT, SAINT-GERMAIN, SONIC, ALFRED VAMPIRES, DR. FLUGSLYS, REIRA AKABA, RING-SPIRIT, CRASH BANDICOOT, AND JONATHAN JOESTAR.]
Yo! If you're getting this, I guess I'm gone!
(Check the graveyard, though. If my name isn't there, then I'm definitely in trouble somewhere, so please come find me!)
But if my name IS there, then...
...I've gone back to the Sea. Or wherever people actually go when they disappear, if the stories about the Sea aren't actually true. They might not be. Anyway, don't be too sad! I wanted to stick around as long as I could, to see if anyone could find a real way out, if they had enough time. It's a shame I couldn't...but that's no reason to believe I won't see it. After all, I'm not dead, and at any time, I could come back!
I don't mind not being here, though. It wasn't an easy place for me to be. I made a lot of mistakes...I did a lot of terrible things, that made a lot of people rightfully angry at me. I felt like, as long as I held onto the power I gained from it, it wouldn't do any good to apologize...
But I am sorry. I'm sorry I let things get as bad as they did...and I'm sorry I made the mistakes that drove me into a corner, and left me with no good options, that would keep everybody from harm. All I ever wanted was to prevent the people closest to me from getting hurt, and to not do harm myself that I did not choose to do. At least I succeeded at the second part.
I wish I had been better. Wiser, from the beginning. Then, maybe things would have been different.
But I really don't mind being in the Sea. I don't have to worry about what's going to happen next...or how I'm going to live with myself if things get bad again.
I think things here can be changed. I just think it's going to take time. I think we can either find a way out, or make the bad things each month stop happening. It wouldn't be such a bad place if it didn't torture us, and all we had to worry about was each other. I hope you guys figure out what it takes to do that.
Really, don't be sad! Look after yourselves, and look after each other. Stay alive, strong, and healthy. Protect your hearts. Don't forget me!
Maybe I'll see you soon.
Atem
[There are a few customized postscripts that follow, and gifts for a few people not sent a message: namely, Artemis DuBois and Quentin Beck.]
To Ryou: The house and Tybolt are yours. They always half were! You can decide what you want to do with it all...except for the stuff Noa's going to collect. Sorry I couldn't hang on longer. It's not because I didn't want to. I love you! [Ryou is specifically left the pharaoh regalia, Atem's copy of knockoff Betrayal at House on the Hill (Betrayal at Manor in the Mist) with a note on the box that says, "Invite some of your friends over to play!" Artemis's hashish from last Christmas, and the gently hypnotic naga rattle. The game girl necklace from Nanami and the Monster Reborn card are not among the inventory.]
To Nanami: You're the next best hope for beating the people who made this place at their own game. Stay true to yourself. Don't lose yourself. Never do anything for the Fog that you wouldn't have done for yourself. Do your best to live without regrets! You're the best Player Two anyone could ask for. Good luck, "partner"! ["Partner" is in English. She gets his headphones in multiple sizes and collection of calming music.]
To Komaeda: Sorry we didn't have more time. It's selfish to want you to not forget me too fast, isn't it...? But you're the only person who ever made me feel selfish...and who I was willing to be selfish for. I know you'll be happy here. Protect that happiness, okay? [Noa is given a knife that used to belong to Celeste and a familiar, thumbed-through copy of Henry von Ofterdingen, which Atem has kept for two and a half years, to pass on to Komaeda.]
To Mukuro: May we never forget. [Noa will have a deck of cards made by Celeste for Mukuro. She's the best person to have it.]
To Javert: Don't forget what I said. Look in the mirrors around you. Good luck! Give Elias a kick in the teeth for me. [Javert gets some lotus tea bags, labeled "Careful! They're strong!".]
To Maya: You deserve to have the power to shape the world. Never be afraid to take it for yourself. I believe in you. [She gets a beaded collar.]
To Rachel: Our promise will always be real to me. Never say never. Be careful with yourself. I trust you. You can give these back when we meet again! [She gets the tooth earrings and god plushes she made for him.]
To Sparkling: Thank you for trusting me when a lot of people didn't. I never forgot it, and I'll never be able to repay it. Keep your friends close, and you'll be all right. You're a good guy! [Sparkling gets some very nice board games of all sorts for his bar.]
To Artemis DuBois: Break a leg! [attached: a bag of dried blue lotus flowers.]
To Hinata: Take care of them. Good luck. Here: playing this made me feel better, when I couldn't get my mind off things. [Hinata gets a copy of Tetris and a handheld console to play it on -- Atem's own, which he used to calm himself down.]
To Bruno: You're a true friend. I haven't forgotten that you forgave me. It's always mattered. Take care of yourself! [LOTUS EATER SUBSTANCES FOR BRUNO ALSO.]
To Lust: Thank you for everything. [attached: a beaded broad collar.]
To Fiddleford: I owe you a lot! For the plans, and for the memory advice. Thank you!
To Trish: I really hope you're okay. I tried to find you, but the smell went cold...if this reaches you, know that I remembered you until the end. [For her, Noa will have a solid gold cuff bangle, with the word SERENITY embossed on the inside, where it can be felt when worn.]
To Doppio: I've got no idea what to leave you. You're one of my oldest acquaintances here, you know...but I still feel like I hardly know you! Try not to forget about me too fast, okay? Keep the note, if nothing else. And make sure that Boss of yours treats you right!
To Faramir: Don't forget, everything comes with a cost. Just because you're willing to pay it doesn't mean it's right to ask others to.
To Joshua: I'll miss having you as an opposite number! Don't get into too much trouble. If you do, make it worth it. [As promised, Joshua gets a chess set -- but it's unique, and gorgeous.]
To Beat: You'll already have your button back by now...take this to go with it, to remember me by! [Noa will have a gold bracelet with a bat-charm on it to present to him.]
To Steven: [His Senet board, and a broad collar. That shit's a compliment. There is no bird motif.]
To Beck: [A bisexual flower crown, with a note pinned to it that just says, Thank you. It's not signed.]
To Saint-Germain: Don't forget to be cautious.
To Sonic: Hang in there. This place CAN be better. [Sonic gets a whole crate full of puzzle boxes. Maybe it'll keep him busy for a minute.]
To the Ring-Spirit: Sen, I'll never forget. At least, I hope not! Barring any unfortunate spells, but really, what are the odds? Anyway, take something from my house to remember me by. It's trapped, of course. Call Ryou if you can't get out. [He figures that's more RS's style than willing anything to him anyway. If he had to make a guess, he'd say RS will take the Millennium Puzzle, the Sog Cards, or the crown...he's fine with any of them!]
To JoJo: Your capacity to be kind and try to understand in the face of cruelty and confusion is one of the strongest weapons against strife Ryslig has. Never lose it. I'm proud to call you my friend. [HONOR. COLLAR.]
And, finally, there's a handwritten note for Noa, in an envelope. Inside is a pretty ordinary looking key, and the magic necklace Noa gave him the last coin they needed for. The note reads:
Yo! If you're getting this, I guess I'm gone!
(Check the graveyard, though. If my name isn't there, then I'm definitely in trouble somewhere, so please come find me!)
But if my name IS there, then...
...I've gone back to the Sea. Or wherever people actually go when they disappear, if the stories about the Sea aren't actually true. They might not be. Anyway, don't be too sad! I wanted to stick around as long as I could, to see if anyone could find a real way out, if they had enough time. It's a shame I couldn't...but that's no reason to believe I won't see it. After all, I'm not dead, and at any time, I could come back!
I don't mind not being here, though. It wasn't an easy place for me to be. I made a lot of mistakes...I did a lot of terrible things, that made a lot of people rightfully angry at me. I felt like, as long as I held onto the power I gained from it, it wouldn't do any good to apologize...
But I am sorry. I'm sorry I let things get as bad as they did...and I'm sorry I made the mistakes that drove me into a corner, and left me with no good options, that would keep everybody from harm. All I ever wanted was to prevent the people closest to me from getting hurt, and to not do harm myself that I did not choose to do. At least I succeeded at the second part.
I wish I had been better. Wiser, from the beginning. Then, maybe things would have been different.
But I really don't mind being in the Sea. I don't have to worry about what's going to happen next...or how I'm going to live with myself if things get bad again.
I think things here can be changed. I just think it's going to take time. I think we can either find a way out, or make the bad things each month stop happening. It wouldn't be such a bad place if it didn't torture us, and all we had to worry about was each other. I hope you guys figure out what it takes to do that.
Really, don't be sad! Look after yourselves, and look after each other. Stay alive, strong, and healthy. Protect your hearts. Don't forget me!
Maybe I'll see you soon.
Atem
[There are a few customized postscripts that follow, and gifts for a few people not sent a message: namely, Artemis DuBois and Quentin Beck.]
To Ryou: The house and Tybolt are yours. They always half were! You can decide what you want to do with it all...except for the stuff Noa's going to collect. Sorry I couldn't hang on longer. It's not because I didn't want to. I love you! [Ryou is specifically left the pharaoh regalia, Atem's copy of knockoff Betrayal at House on the Hill (Betrayal at Manor in the Mist) with a note on the box that says, "Invite some of your friends over to play!" Artemis's hashish from last Christmas, and the gently hypnotic naga rattle. The game girl necklace from Nanami and the Monster Reborn card are not among the inventory.]
To Nanami: You're the next best hope for beating the people who made this place at their own game. Stay true to yourself. Don't lose yourself. Never do anything for the Fog that you wouldn't have done for yourself. Do your best to live without regrets! You're the best Player Two anyone could ask for. Good luck, "partner"! ["Partner" is in English. She gets his headphones in multiple sizes and collection of calming music.]
To Komaeda: Sorry we didn't have more time. It's selfish to want you to not forget me too fast, isn't it...? But you're the only person who ever made me feel selfish...and who I was willing to be selfish for. I know you'll be happy here. Protect that happiness, okay? [Noa is given a knife that used to belong to Celeste and a familiar, thumbed-through copy of Henry von Ofterdingen, which Atem has kept for two and a half years, to pass on to Komaeda.]
To Mukuro: May we never forget. [Noa will have a deck of cards made by Celeste for Mukuro. She's the best person to have it.]
To Javert: Don't forget what I said. Look in the mirrors around you. Good luck! Give Elias a kick in the teeth for me. [Javert gets some lotus tea bags, labeled "Careful! They're strong!".]
To Maya: You deserve to have the power to shape the world. Never be afraid to take it for yourself. I believe in you. [She gets a beaded collar.]
To Rachel: Our promise will always be real to me. Never say never. Be careful with yourself. I trust you. You can give these back when we meet again! [She gets the tooth earrings and god plushes she made for him.]
To Sparkling: Thank you for trusting me when a lot of people didn't. I never forgot it, and I'll never be able to repay it. Keep your friends close, and you'll be all right. You're a good guy! [Sparkling gets some very nice board games of all sorts for his bar.]
To Artemis DuBois: Break a leg! [attached: a bag of dried blue lotus flowers.]
To Hinata: Take care of them. Good luck. Here: playing this made me feel better, when I couldn't get my mind off things. [Hinata gets a copy of Tetris and a handheld console to play it on -- Atem's own, which he used to calm himself down.]
To Bruno: You're a true friend. I haven't forgotten that you forgave me. It's always mattered. Take care of yourself! [LOTUS EATER SUBSTANCES FOR BRUNO ALSO.]
To Lust: Thank you for everything. [attached: a beaded broad collar.]
To Fiddleford: I owe you a lot! For the plans, and for the memory advice. Thank you!
To Trish: I really hope you're okay. I tried to find you, but the smell went cold...if this reaches you, know that I remembered you until the end. [For her, Noa will have a solid gold cuff bangle, with the word SERENITY embossed on the inside, where it can be felt when worn.]
To Doppio: I've got no idea what to leave you. You're one of my oldest acquaintances here, you know...but I still feel like I hardly know you! Try not to forget about me too fast, okay? Keep the note, if nothing else. And make sure that Boss of yours treats you right!
To Faramir: Don't forget, everything comes with a cost. Just because you're willing to pay it doesn't mean it's right to ask others to.
To Joshua: I'll miss having you as an opposite number! Don't get into too much trouble. If you do, make it worth it. [As promised, Joshua gets a chess set -- but it's unique, and gorgeous.]
To Beat: You'll already have your button back by now...take this to go with it, to remember me by! [Noa will have a gold bracelet with a bat-charm on it to present to him.]
To Steven: [His Senet board, and a broad collar. That shit's a compliment. There is no bird motif.]
To Beck: [A bisexual flower crown, with a note pinned to it that just says, Thank you. It's not signed.]
To Saint-Germain: Don't forget to be cautious.
To Sonic: Hang in there. This place CAN be better. [Sonic gets a whole crate full of puzzle boxes. Maybe it'll keep him busy for a minute.]
To the Ring-Spirit: Sen, I'll never forget. At least, I hope not! Barring any unfortunate spells, but really, what are the odds? Anyway, take something from my house to remember me by. It's trapped, of course. Call Ryou if you can't get out. [He figures that's more RS's style than willing anything to him anyway. If he had to make a guess, he'd say RS will take the Millennium Puzzle, the Sog Cards, or the crown...he's fine with any of them!]
To JoJo: Your capacity to be kind and try to understand in the face of cruelty and confusion is one of the strongest weapons against strife Ryslig has. Never lose it. I'm proud to call you my friend. [HONOR. COLLAR.]
And, finally, there's a handwritten note for Noa, in an envelope. Inside is a pretty ordinary looking key, and the magic necklace Noa gave him the last coin they needed for. The note reads:
Noa,
I know it's a lot to ask, for you to do this for me. It can't be easy. I wish this collar helped with emotional pain, too, instead of just the physical kind...but it'll have to do. Don't keep it to yourself. Use it if you have to, but lend it out, too -- even if it's just to new monsters having a hard time with their changes. Meet new people with it. Maybe some of them will turn out to be new friends.
I'm also leaving you the key to my workshop. It's the door at the bottom of the stairwell, on the corner of 4th and Fleet Avenue. Everything I built with what Amanda taught me is there, and so is her reverse bear trap. It's yours now.
You were the first person to tell me the score, and your advice has always been good. I know it hurts when people go, but don't shut yourself up too much. You're a really good friend - one of the best!
If this is how it has to be, and this is how we have to say goodbye, then I guess that's that...but thank you, for being my friend!
Atem