THOU ART MAIDENLESS, AND THUS THOU ART ALONE

[darknesshotpot]

⭐ Who: Ango and YOU
⭐ When: Throughout February
⭐ Where: Mostly around Yumemigaoka, but also the Dream Sphere
⭐ What: Dumb shenanigans

Comments

[darknesshotpot]

Honestly, this is the longest I've ever managed to hold a steady job. When you cause enough trouble, the DU has to keep you around because you're less likely to cause a reality-warping disturbance in the fabric of the universe when they can keep an eye on you.

[Ango laughs and starts putting together a little cellophane bag of chocolates for Mari to take back to her desk.]

So is that why you're here?

[pleonexy]

[At that she simply smiles, crisp and genuine.]

Sounds like you've got it all figured out.

[It definitely suits her that he's so willing to be upfront about it, not to mention interesting that anyone could be, rather than consumed by embarrassment and shame about causing such a thing.]

Are you asking me if this is really a chance encounter, or if your exploits were enough to drag me out of retirement?

[darknesshotpot]

[Conjuring his own imaginary waifu and causing a near-catastropic break in the Dream Sphere doesn't even crack the top ten most embarrassing things Ango has done in his life. Self-destructive depression-fueled binges are kind of his thing.]

Ooh, are you some kind of stalker?

[He sounds a little too pleased by that idea. Mentally unstable women are also kind of his thing.]

You don't look anywhere near old enough for retirement, though... wait, you mean you're a retired Dreamer, right?

[pleonexy]

[Where Ango sounds a little too pleased, Mari simply gives no comment. Just a smile.

His second question, she actually gives a response to.]

That's right. I used to be known as Dreamer Echidna.

[Having given up on that triggering any kind of recollection in Ango's mind, she says it in a rather flat tone - not wistful, not proud, just a statement of facts as it is.]

Though it's been many years since anyone called me that. Now I just watch over you all as Mari-chan.

[She lets out a small laugh.]

I'll still be taking your comment as a compliment, however.

[darknesshotpot]

Echidna, huh? Isn't that like, some kind of platypus hedgehog thing?

[Now he really wonders what her Dreamer form was like...]

Haha, I feel like I probably oughta recognize you, but to be honest, I wasn't paying much attention to Dreamer stuff until I became one. It ain't a bad gig so far, though.

[It would probably be rude to ask why she quit being a Dreamer... but Ango can't help being curious. Do magical girls suffer from burnout the same way 9-5 office workers do?]

[pleonexy]

[She smiles with some amusement.]

Haven’t you heard of the Echidna of Greek myth, the demonic she-viper that birthed many of history’s greatest monsters?

[She stops herself with a giggle. Look at her, getting carried away. She turns her attention back to the tea she was in the middle of making.]

Well, I suppose I can’t blame you for not paying attention. [It dulls the pain somewhat…] Though, now I am curious what could’ve been so interesting to draw your attention away from Dreamers.

[Because, to her, she can’t think of anything more interesting than that.]

[darknesshotpot]

Hey, I went to a second-rate Buddhist college. You're lucky I know what a platypus is.

[An ancient Greek monster mommy is definitely a weird inspiration for a Dreamer, though... aren't they supposed to be fighting the monsters? Unless Mari-chan could command Torments to do her bidding... it's not that much of a stretch. Ango would probably do whatever she asked, too.

Before he woke up from the worst dream of his life with a Sandglass in his hand, Ango thought about Dreamers the same way he thought about idols - they were a cutesy marketing gimmick designed to cover up blatant child labor law violations. But beyond that, he really didn't give them much thought at all.]

Honestly... a whole lot of stupid crap, most of which I brought upon myself. I used to be a writer, and I dabbled in the movie business for a while. Being a Dreamer is a bit like the entertainment industry, I guess... they're both a lot less glamorous behind the scenes.

[pleonexy]

A writer, hmm?

[Her interest is piqued as she pours out the tea for them both. Setting down Ango's cup wherever she can find free space on the counter beside him, she hovers beside him.]

That sounds like quite the exciting life. Why give it up?