✵ 002; [text/anonymous x2] | future dated to the 23rd

[jumyouboshi]

[Today, the network is greeted by yet another anonymous text message. Or rather, anonymous text messages, plural. At first, the memory merging wasn't too bad, but when the 21st happened, it was as if a switch had been flipped for the floodgates to be opened, except instead of water, it was memories. Emotionally engaging and possibly traumatic memories, at that. By then, it was much more painful for the both of them, and very clear that something was wrong.]

Greetings, Hinoto-Ri. Though I understand this may be a confusing time, we have questions we wish to ask of you humans. Or rather, it is because it is confusing that we wish to ask you all.

[There's a pause, and the typing style completely changes to one more rough and commanding. It's as if the COMP...was handed off to someone?]

Refrain from using "human", fool, you're being too obvious.

[And back again. ...Yes. Surely nobody can tell that it's those two. Surely.]

My apologies. But, does it truly matter?

[And again.]

That's irrelevant.

Hinoto-Ri, to be frank: my associate and I have observed an unusual peculiarity relating to memories within this city, and are asking if any others have noticed this as well. How many of you suffer from memories that do not belong to you? Are you aware of the cause?

Comments

text;

[doesasordered]

I will admit I am one. The memories I received are confusing at best. I wonder if it's an even exchange, and my memories are in this person.

text;

[jumyouboshi]

Have you tried contacting the other to find out?

[He's assuming that Nikolai knows who his memory swap partner is, though.]

Video [LOCKED]

[terminally_clever]

Working on it.

[For as clipped as her responses are, she doesn't seem to be irritated. Just... very brief. Her face is as unexpressive as ever, possibly even somewhat more so.]

[otakuro]

You know, if you're standing next to each other, you could... talk to each other. Instead of passing it back and forth and... typing to each other.

But anyway, are you asking if we know the cause for real, or are you asking so you can tell us? ...It'd be nice if you could tell us! ヽ(*≧ω≦)ﾉ

Video [LOCKED]

[jumyouboshi]

[He nods. He knows that Fumi's capable...which is why he got his demon to possess her. His own face is rather inexpressive, due to his newly acquired habit of deadpanning whenever given the opportunity. But still, even he can muster up a bit of...gratitude? Of some sort.]

...The information you have provided is appreciated.

[jumyouboshi]

He took it out of my hands.

[Suddenly, at that. Hotsuins are rather demanding, after all.]

I'm afraid to say that we are not certain either. Hence, our inquiries.

Video [LOCKED]

[terminally_clever]

[A small nod.]

I'll be in touch.

[otakuro]

Ah, that's too bad... I don't think any of us have the answers, either.

Whatever's happening seems to be more... annoying than anything. I guess it could be worse!

Video [LOCKED]

[jumyouboshi]

[Another nod, and he promptly disconnects the feed.]

[jumyouboshi]

Hm? Does it not disturb you? That's a rather optimistic outlook.

[Memory merging isn't all too pleasant.]

[otakuro]

Hm... It's not too pleasant, no. But since panicking about it wouldn't do any good -- actually, I think it might make things worse, since we're already having... mental issues, it's best to try and look on the bright side.

I can play the piano now, for starters.

Text | Anon

[echo_of_a_jedi]

How can anyone who's had their mind altered be sure of it? The mind suppresses memories all the time. Perhaps some of us are just remembering terrible things we'd chosen to forget.

[jumyouboshi]

[Well, he has a point.]

I see. But, skills can learned from another's memories as well? Interesting. How proficient are you in your newfound skill?

Text | Anon

[jumyouboshi]

You have a point. The line between human consciousness and subconsciousness is not one I am familiar with, I admit.

In our particular case...I believe I can say that minds of us two, at the very least, have been altered.

[It's weird to get two perspectives of the same moment, if rather enlightening.]

[otakuro]

I don't really have a good gauge, but... maybe lower intermediate? I can do better than Twinkle, Twinkle.

[jumyouboshi]

"Twinkle, Twinkle"?

[Scarily enough, it's hard to tell if his confusion is from the memory merge, or him being...himself.]

[otakuro]

How I wonder how you are.

[Because even Japanese music started off with that classical favorite.]

...It's a human song.

[jumyouboshi]

I understand. And you had no experience prior to this, at all. ...Is your skill solely based on muscle memory? Or do you have memories of practicing, and draw upon those?

[Normally, he'd be gushing about the whole ~human culture~ and ~music~ thing, but for some reason, he just isn't feeling it. Instead, he's much more businesslike and straight-to-the-point.]

[otakuro]

No... I mean, I've played with a piano before. But never anything like normal lessons.

I remember practicing, but... isn't the point of practice to build up muscle memory? A little of both, probably...

text;

[doesasordered]

Yes, but I'd be surprised if anyone responds. I have no idea if this theory is at all correct.

[jumyouboshi]

[...Hm.]

Then, do you think you would be able to retain your skill when this ends?

[He's assuming it'll end. At least, it better.]

[otakuro]

I don't know... It depends on what exactly this is, doesn't it? If it's just some kind of... 'magical memory swap', to be crude, then everything should swap back the way it was. But if we're actually integrating these memories into our neural circuits somehow...

[A short pause.]

Actually, it can't just be as simple as swapping back. The act of obtaining these memories will mean that we'll have memories about these memories, right? Even if they weren't ours in the first place, we've been able to dwell on them long enough that we've formed new connections about them... They might just be with us for good.

text;

[jumyouboshi]

And that is why a theory is to be tested.

At the very least, I will say that such a statement holds true for us.

[jumyouboshi]

When put that way...you have a point. Admittedly, I am rather unfamiliar with the workings of the human mind. Unless our memories of this entire time are wiped as well, then yes, the memories we have formed about the memories of others will remain as well.

It seems that the strings are related to this phenomenon.

[otakuro]

The strings?

[Because heck if he remembers a plot point that came up all of once ever back when they were first introduced to this place.]

What do you mean, strings?