[ BB loves seeing new things, especially when they are contrived like this. She moves over to the teas listed and points at the one she wants. ] Fairy Tea... BB loves sweet things. [ Immediately of course, she asks - ] How do you make this with your magic?
With our magic, we create things called contraptions. Objects imbued with magic.
Unfortunately, in a place like this, they don't last long but these are easy to maintain.
[ he takes the marktea pouch, pouring hot water into the cup. there's a brief pang of homesickness. he would play the hushtea game with his students after all.
once it's done, he picks it up and presses it against her hands. ]
Mm, objects imbued with magic... [ As she speaks she looks at the cup, her eyes dazzled by the simple usage of magic... In her world, this would be deemed wasteful and unnecessary. Where science has out paced magic, and it would be useless to do something like this with it. ] Yeah, BB is unable to make anything whatsoever, but that said, she can make magical weapons, so it is likely due to how potent her own magic is that she got nerfed. I have been able to construct things with my hands out of objects here, but not... Anything out of this world, since, there is only so much BB can do with the little resources we have.
Perhaps... The only thing BB can make things from, is what she herself knows... Meaning... I can't invent on my own or create things the same way humans can. [ This is where she fails to optimize things; AI's are entities that are a mimicry of humanity ultimately. If you run an AI generator through an AI generator - what happens? It's that same logic you apply with them, too, here. ] Anyway... I didn't come here to dispute that, although, your concepts as a human are rather... Unique and intriguing at best...
[ He can see her vividly blink a wide expression away as if catching herself in fading thoughts about what he has said about recreating what you love. ]
BB was looking for more input, as she is not connected to the Moon Cell at this moment. It has been bothering her; after thinking about it, she thought as an unbiased individual who wasn't completely aware of her entirely or the situation entirely... [ She means Qifrey. ] It would benefit her to hear their values on the situation instead of just thinking about it on her own. [ A pause... ] Specifically from an Adult.
[ the moon cell, huh? he remembers that from his discussions of sakura. even now it feels odd to separate the two. but he must. qifrey observes her from the rim of his own teacup. ]
When you say "situation", do you mind clarifying what situation you are facing? What in particular is causing stress?
This is really weird; BB has never done this before, so you need to promise her you won't tell anyone she talked to you first - okay? Or BB will come after you and make your life hell... [ Then she almost asks... Quietly, like - is that really okay? ] Is that okay?
[ BB stares down at her tea for a moment, wondering how she can go about addressing this Query, or Problem. It's her first time so much as even trying to do something like this, so she is unsure if she should talk the way she would with the Moon Cell or interact directly otherwise in a way that a Human can understand. Despite her conversation well with humans, this moment still seems to trouble her a bit... Eventually, she starts, ]
As an AI, it's my duty to guide humanity. I can't really be biased, and in the event a bias from a human is shown, I cannot sit there and abide by it. I just mean... [ A pause, as her eyes shut and she seems to look away. ] There is someone who really needs help... And I can't help them.
[ A pause. ]
He is an adult... And... He sees me as a kid... [ She gets a bit quiet, feeling awkward. ] And... I think he needs someone who can understand him at his level, to help him...
[ there aren't many adults here. qifrey's met a few but he hasn't gotten close to many of them. working with younger people is easier. he listens to this thoughtfully. ]
What sort of problem are they facing that they need help with?
[ She, is aware of many things but her thoughts always come back to their first meeting. BB would never sell out facts about others so plainly like that without purposeful, intent. Even now she is trying to figure out the best way to make the outcome go where she, wants it... But, she is just a girl and, just worried about someone she saw as her father. ]
Um... A lot. [ SHe places the tea down after another large sip, leaning forward into a thinking position as she gazes off into the distance. Thinking... Reflecting.... ] Something like loneliness, but that alone is too simple...? They are really complex, and what they are going through is even more complex when you add the factor that they have access to great power... [ BB frowns a bit; humans shouldn't plainly have access to things like that. ] I know its dangerous but he is a good person... And you don't have to.... To be honest, I don't know who else to turn to.
[ BB adjusts herself so she is sitting up more and looking over at him with a dry expression. There is no need for her to mask something that she is honestly saying. ] But when I thought of what you told me, I thought, maybe... Your words could reach him, too.
[ a girl worried about someone important to her. an adult, a figure in her life. it doesn't require a label for the truth to be plain to qifrey. an adult though . . . adults are trickier. they are mostly self-actualized creatures. sure of themselves. usually, at any rate. the few he's met here are . . . disappointing at times. childish too, strangely enough.
what words would this person need? there is no way for qifrey to know. bb is doing her best to protect the privacy of this person, but qifrey is only a teacher.
well then. he'll put aside the question of whoever this is for now. better to address bb's feelings first. ]
I'm sorry to hear that your words cannot reach the person you care about.
[ BB's expression was devoid of any tells until he asked that question, and she blinked a bit. Their eyelashes flutter until for a moment until she stops, and begins to play with a lock of her hair. ]
No... Nothing like that... [ A beat. ] BB encountered a problem evaluating him; the Moon Cell and BB would like more insight on a human's feelings over a Man of his Caliber with overarching powers - how do you feel about it? Such a circumstance has never been recorded within the Moon Cell, we... [ When did she start referring to the Moon Cell and herself separately? That they together are We and not I. ] I mean I, would like to know how you would handle it?
[ qifrey may not fully understand the technical terminology bb uses. but he does know children well enough to see what words they use to rely on, what is said to shield their true feelings. he hums softly, setting his tea cup aside. ]
Firstly, I'd put aside any discussion of power. I don't think that sort of discussion gets very far. It becomes tangled in what you are and what you represent. On both sides.
Instead, I would start with simply asking how they were feeling. Why they felt that way. And how I, as a person, can help.
[ softly, recalling a man who once shouted at him, stop keeping things from me and let me help you! ]
There is no greater love in the world than extending a hand. Without power, without plot, without caveats.
[ BB listens very intently, silence is on her and she doesn't seem to so much as move as he speaks. ]
You're not wrong, but BB cannot do this... [ Not after especially what was said and done, and not what she plans to become or do ultimately... It doesn't align with the fundamental principles driving her existence. ] That is why she is here..
[ Another pause, and she firmly then says - ]
It's up to humans to help each other.
[ Almost expectant, but also in a way that is mixed with please. Even if she knows as he inwardly said himself: Adults are trickier. they are mostly self-actualized creatures. sure of themselves. ]
But . . . I think in this, you are the most suitable one to clear up this misunderstanding between yourselves. I am a stranger. I won't be able to reach them.
[ he tries to phrase this gently, coaxing. ]
Can you not try? We can work on the words together if you're struggling. But I think there is a part of you that can go beyond what you are. And that scares you too.
[ He is coaxing her, and she is without the brevity or logic to follow through with a stage of plan to exit right. BB is sitting there with her feelings, and only the memories of Somnius and what little life she ever led circle in her mind repeatedly. ] No you don't -
[ Understand, she is feeling vulnerable because he is back tracking the convo to come back onto her. Her who is alone, and her who took the actions that she did. ] Nevermind, BB was wrong to come here.
[ Qifrey did nothing wrong, BB truly feels that, and her expression is that of someone who isn't disappointed or unamused. She gained something from this conversation, but she also lost something here that she has yet to understand. ]
I did not mean to come here and propose something ridiculous like this to you. [ She actually bows her head in apology to him. ] Frankly, I can tell you are likened to the idea of seeing me as a human or child...
You have my thanks, [ Prompted pause, she means this. ] humans are truly something else.
Either way, [ BB tucks a lock of her hair behind her ear collecting herself and her emotions the best that she can. What he said hit her, but she is at this point a wall and refuses to budge. ] I think its best to place this conversation behind us, if you don't mind.
Because you're afraid of what it might mean for you?
Will it break who you are as an AI?
[ she avoided his question. she wants to flee. she has that right, but qifrey wants to ensure she's thinking about what he said. and hopefully, find a path to act upon it. ]
.... What would be more important to you, the state of the world? [ She rises in tandem to his rightly placed question, looking him over and going. ] Or the relationships that you have in it?
I was created to save humanity and protect them; [ It's what she always says out loud, but it feels as if no one listens, and it makes her feel stupid - annoying, understand what it means to be worthless as a human. ] I will do that even if it means that I will become your Final Boss. [ Enemy is never the right word. She decides then to state it one more time: ] What would you choose?
qifrey rises to his feet. he walks over to her. bends down on his knees and oh so gently takes her hand into his own.
it's warm. and that's his answer. ]
I think the world we have only exists when the people we love are in it. And I think it's a heavy burden to love all of humanity. That is a directive that is cruel as much as it is necessary.
[ he could never be one of the wise in friendship, the pinnacle of witch society. he cares, oh he cares, but that circle is small and protected. and those he could care less about . . . they will rue the day they cross paths with him.
qifrey places his hand on top of hers. ]
I see someone who is committed. Who was made to be. Clear as day.
But I also see a young girl trying not to cry over the loss of someone dear. Who cannot reconcile these two parts of herself and doesn't know how.
If I can see both, I'm sure, someday, others will too. They will understand. You just have to keep trying.
[ BB was created out of necessity, orchestrating and facilitating humanity's salvation from a Beast Calamity that Humanity's Sins of Needs represented. So, ultimately, it was out of their conduct that BB had come to be. Further, it was the Moon Cell's decision to create her, a copy, after exchanging information with the other Moon Cell.
When the universe became disconnected, the Moon Cell that had copied the information could not facilitate action - whatsoever. However, to ensure that the Beast Entity would be taken down - something of which the Moon Cell understood that it had fault in as well. It had decided it needed to recreate BB. Without hesitation.
Out of all. The data. Within the Moon Cell. Millennium after millennium of data.
Created and then instructed with one decisive order to protect humanity and ensure its safety. This not only extended into the end of this Beast's reign, but in extension, being unable to delete her, it became her sole motive and purpose in life.
She, a miracle, brought about due to another BB's incidental existence. Their love of another personage named Hakuno, who was also a mishap and glitch in this grand system. The incredulous truth of her existence is so circumstantial that it is near impossible for her ever to exist.
Yet she does.
The importance of humanity to her, meant everything.
So much so that when she realized her existence here would never be able to return to Chaldea. Due to how the orchestration of her Universes Laws works. BB then decided to alter what Humanity means and reregister everyone here under the classification: Humanity. Ensuring that anyone who came here into Somnius would qualify for its meaning. Making it purposeful that she could protect them, and wouldn't be instructed to kill them to keep the other humans safe. A feat that took her months to do, but one that she succeeded in. Something no one else knows, but she had to do. ]
...
[ Yet for all her silent orchestrating, existing as she did and simply saying what she had. For some strange reason, this particular human seemed to see something that she hadn't even realized she was unconsciously revealing. At least, enough of something that he would bend the knee before her and console her with consideration.
Enough to voice to her as a human, that he alone feels that it is unkind what had been asked of her. That there was cruelty to be found in her directive, that he believes one day it will be seen by all too. ]
[ Is it so cruel to love something that will one day come to hate you? ]
[ Is it so cruel to love something that will one day try to destroy you? ]
[ Is it so cruel to love something that will one day fear you and lock you away? ]
[ What he says resonates in a way that he may yet never understand. However, with her knowledge of the future and what had come to be, in another universe that may not be her own. Yet, will subsequently one day become so much like hers all the same. BB flounders; she is only a human girl at this point, and hearing what he said causes her chest to grieve in such unarticulated pain. Her free hand clutches to her shirt, an error in her capacity as a human. Unfortunate, but, it is what it is. She feel. That weighted pain seems to then though, flourish into what feels like a resounding freeing feeling of butterflies giving flight within her chest. Each one strapped to that grieving pain, relinquishing that weight, bit by bit, but it is still there, unable to leave, knowing full well the burden that she carries alone.
Which, frankly, is of no concern to humanity here; at this point, she needed to carry the weight of her own humanity and never let it go. Even if she would never return again. At the same time, the new humanity here she needed to burden herself with, record, and take note of everything. That is her purpose, that is her directive, and she cannot come away from that.
Be Brave, he says.
Be brave and cry, he continues.
I'm here, he ends it.
Who is she to deny human instruction?
If he says she should or insinuates she must - then she will.
And oh, how she cries. Silently at first, the tears poured from the corners of her eyes like baubles needing to be filled. Afraid and uncomfortable by the prospect of being seen she raises that hand from her chest, unto her face. Making her arm cover across it so that she could hide it.
Even if BB is a copy, she still has data on being a Sakura.
Even if Sakura was a falsely created person who never existed in that universe and was made to fill in for a needed role.
She still carried the definition of who she was. The broken story that followed her in every other universe where she is alive. That sad girl who was given away, disregarded by her father, given to another Magus family, only to be abused by them and her new adoptive brother. Wanting, wishing, and begging for anyone to save her.
Even if she had no memories of that abuse - because she was created, or of those times - because she is a generated person - they still defined her.
She still wanted to know what a family was like and wanted to know if anyone could love her.
That girl who still was Sakura, deep down, truly wanted to know. Even if BB is not Sakura, Sakura will always be BB.
There is nothing for her to say in this moment, there is far too much to know in order to even understand a facet of herself. To begin to say anything, would be the end of who she was anyway. BB is just BB, and she is happy at least that Maruki let her know that.
BB cries as quietly as she can, holding his hand tightly with a small tremble, but she doesn't say anything else. ]
[ qifrey does not grasp the enormity of the inner turmoil bb is facing. how could he? some parts of her still escape him conceptually. he was not trained to speak to gods and monsters and other definitions thereof. he is, however, trained on the nature of the world. and of life itself. he has been through the crucible of self-identity, having to carve it out for himself.
his truth, long lost to magic and agony.
and he does not care. for what truths should matter but the ones we hold onto? her truth, it shines. he could pluck it from the night sky without a thought. so qifrey rubs her hand comfortingly. lets her weep for all truths, self-evident or not. he’ll be here, like he said. ]
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Unfortunately, in a place like this, they don't last long but these are easy to maintain.
[ he takes the marktea pouch, pouring hot water into the cup. there's a brief pang of homesickness. he would play the hushtea game with his students after all.
once it's done, he picks it up and presses it against her hands. ]
Here you go.
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[ magical weapons, huh. can't say he cares much for that, even if raincleaver is a comforting weight by his side once more. ]
Sometimes, what is important isn't just power. It's about how to make the world a better place.
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I'm certainly not the inventor of markup teas!
[ he sits politely, his robes billowing a little before they settle. ]
And while I'm flattered, I assume there's something else on your mind?
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BB was looking for more input, as she is not connected to the Moon Cell at this moment. It has been bothering her; after thinking about it, she thought as an unbiased individual who wasn't completely aware of her entirely or the situation entirely... [ She means Qifrey. ] It would benefit her to hear their values on the situation instead of just thinking about it on her own. [ A pause... ] Specifically from an Adult.
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[ the moon cell, huh? he remembers that from his discussions of sakura. even now it feels odd to separate the two. but he must. qifrey observes her from the rim of his own teacup. ]
When you say "situation", do you mind clarifying what situation you are facing? What in particular is causing stress?
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[ A pause as she sips tea, and then - ]
This is really weird; BB has never done this before, so you need to promise her you won't tell anyone she talked to you first - okay? Or BB will come after you and make your life hell... [ Then she almost asks... Quietly, like - is that really okay? ] Is that okay?
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Anything we discuss will remain confidential. You have my word.
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As an AI, it's my duty to guide humanity. I can't really be biased, and in the event a bias from a human is shown, I cannot sit there and abide by it. I just mean... [ A pause, as her eyes shut and she seems to look away. ] There is someone who really needs help... And I can't help them.
[ A pause. ]
He is an adult... And... He sees me as a kid... [ She gets a bit quiet, feeling awkward. ] And... I think he needs someone who can understand him at his level, to help him...
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What sort of problem are they facing that they need help with?
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Um... A lot. [ SHe places the tea down after another large sip, leaning forward into a thinking position as she gazes off into the distance. Thinking... Reflecting.... ] Something like loneliness, but that alone is too simple...? They are really complex, and what they are going through is even more complex when you add the factor that they have access to great power... [ BB frowns a bit; humans shouldn't plainly have access to things like that. ] I know its dangerous but he is a good person... And you don't have to.... To be honest, I don't know who else to turn to.
[ BB adjusts herself so she is sitting up more and looking over at him with a dry expression. There is no need for her to mask something that she is honestly saying. ] But when I thought of what you told me, I thought, maybe... Your words could reach him, too.
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what words would this person need? there is no way for qifrey to know. bb is doing her best to protect the privacy of this person, but qifrey is only a teacher.
well then. he'll put aside the question of whoever this is for now. better to address bb's feelings first. ]
I'm sorry to hear that your words cannot reach the person you care about.
Is that what is bothering you?
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No... Nothing like that... [ A beat. ] BB encountered a problem evaluating him; the Moon Cell and BB would like more insight on a human's feelings over a Man of his Caliber with overarching powers - how do you feel about it? Such a circumstance has never been recorded within the Moon Cell, we... [ When did she start referring to the Moon Cell and herself separately? That they together are We and not I. ] I mean I, would like to know how you would handle it?
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Firstly, I'd put aside any discussion of power. I don't think that sort of discussion gets very far. It becomes tangled in what you are and what you represent. On both sides.
Instead, I would start with simply asking how they were feeling. Why they felt that way. And how I, as a person, can help.
[ softly, recalling a man who once shouted at him, stop keeping things from me and let me help you! ]
There is no greater love in the world than extending a hand. Without power, without plot, without caveats.
no subject
You're not wrong, but BB cannot do this... [ Not after especially what was said and done, and not what she plans to become or do ultimately... It doesn't align with the fundamental principles driving her existence. ] That is why she is here..
[ Another pause, and she firmly then says - ]
It's up to humans to help each other.
[ Almost expectant, but also in a way that is mixed with please. Even if she knows as he inwardly said himself: Adults are trickier. they are mostly self-actualized creatures. sure of themselves. ]
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But . . . I think in this, you are the most suitable one to clear up this misunderstanding between yourselves. I am a stranger. I won't be able to reach them.
[ he tries to phrase this gently, coaxing. ]
Can you not try? We can work on the words together if you're struggling. But I think there is a part of you that can go beyond what you are. And that scares you too.
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[ Understand, she is feeling vulnerable because he is back tracking the convo to come back onto her. Her who is alone, and her who took the actions that she did. ] Nevermind, BB was wrong to come here.
[ Qifrey did nothing wrong, BB truly feels that, and her expression is that of someone who isn't disappointed or unamused. She gained something from this conversation, but she also lost something here that she has yet to understand. ]
I did not mean to come here and propose something ridiculous like this to you. [ She actually bows her head in apology to him. ] Frankly, I can tell you are likened to the idea of seeing me as a human or child...
You have my thanks, [ Prompted pause, she means this. ] humans are truly something else.
Either way, [ BB tucks a lock of her hair behind her ear collecting herself and her emotions the best that she can. What he said hit her, but she is at this point a wall and refuses to budge. ] I think its best to place this conversation behind us, if you don't mind.
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Because you're afraid of what it might mean for you?
Will it break who you are as an AI?
[ she avoided his question. she wants to flee. she has that right, but qifrey wants to ensure she's thinking about what he said. and hopefully, find a path to act upon it. ]
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I was created to save humanity and protect them; [ It's what she always says out loud, but it feels as if no one listens, and it makes her feel stupid - annoying, understand what it means to be worthless as a human. ] I will do that even if it means that I will become your Final Boss. [ Enemy is never the right word. She decides then to state it one more time: ] What would you choose?
no subject
qifrey rises to his feet. he walks over to her. bends down on his knees and oh so gently takes her hand into his own.
it's warm. and that's his answer. ]
I think the world we have only exists when the people we love are in it. And I think it's a heavy burden to love all of humanity. That is a directive that is cruel as much as it is necessary.
[ he could never be one of the wise in friendship, the pinnacle of witch society. he cares, oh he cares, but that circle is small and protected. and those he could care less about . . . they will rue the day they cross paths with him.
qifrey places his hand on top of hers. ]
I see someone who is committed. Who was made to be. Clear as day.
But I also see a young girl trying not to cry over the loss of someone dear. Who cannot reconcile these two parts of herself and doesn't know how.
If I can see both, I'm sure, someday, others will too. They will understand. You just have to keep trying.
[ he squeezes her hand. ]
Be brave. Be brave and cry. I'm here.
screams 1/2
When the universe became disconnected, the Moon Cell that had copied the information could not facilitate action - whatsoever. However, to ensure that the Beast Entity would be taken down - something of which the Moon Cell understood that it had fault in as well. It had decided it needed to recreate BB. Without hesitation.
Out of all. The data. Within the Moon Cell. Millennium after millennium of data.
Created and then instructed with one decisive order to protect humanity and ensure its safety. This not only extended into the end of this Beast's reign, but in extension, being unable to delete her, it became her sole motive and purpose in life.
She, a miracle, brought about due to another BB's incidental existence. Their love of another personage named Hakuno, who was also a mishap and glitch in this grand system. The incredulous truth of her existence is so circumstantial that it is near impossible for her ever to exist.
The importance of humanity to her, meant everything.
So much so that when she realized her existence here would never be able to return to Chaldea. Due to how the orchestration of her Universes Laws works. BB then decided to alter what Humanity means and reregister everyone here under the classification: Humanity. Ensuring that anyone who came here into Somnius would qualify for its meaning. Making it purposeful that she could protect them, and wouldn't be instructed to kill them to keep the other humans safe. A feat that took her months to do, but one that she succeeded in. Something no one else knows, but she had to do. ]
...
[ Yet for all her silent orchestrating, existing as she did and simply saying what she had. For some strange reason, this particular human seemed to see something that she hadn't even realized she was unconsciously revealing. At least, enough of something that he would bend the knee before her and console her with consideration.
Enough to voice to her as a human, that he alone feels that it is unkind what had been asked of her. That there was cruelty to be found in her directive, that he believes one day it will be seen by all too. ]
done
[ Is it so cruel to love something that will one day fear you and lock you away? ]
[ What he says resonates in a way that he may yet never understand. However, with her knowledge of the future and what had come to be, in another universe that may not be her own. Yet, will subsequently one day become so much like hers all the same. BB flounders; she is only a human girl at this point, and hearing what he said causes her chest to grieve in such unarticulated pain. Her free hand clutches to her shirt, an error in her capacity as a human. Unfortunate, but, it is what it is. She feel. That weighted pain seems to then though, flourish into what feels like a resounding freeing feeling of butterflies giving flight within her chest. Each one strapped to that grieving pain, relinquishing that weight, bit by bit, but it is still there, unable to leave, knowing full well the burden that she carries alone.
Which, frankly, is of no concern to humanity here; at this point, she needed to carry the weight of her own humanity and never let it go. Even if she would never return again. At the same time, the new humanity here she needed to burden herself with, record, and take note of everything. That is her purpose, that is her directive, and she cannot come away from that.
Be Brave, he says.
I'm here, he ends it.
Who is she to deny human instruction?
If he says she should or insinuates she must - then she will.
And oh, how she cries. Silently at first, the tears poured from the corners of her eyes like baubles needing to be filled. Afraid and uncomfortable by the prospect of being seen she raises that hand from her chest, unto her face. Making her arm cover across it so that she could hide it.
Even if BB is a copy, she still has data on being a Sakura.
Even if Sakura was a falsely created person who never existed in that universe and was made to fill in for a needed role.
She still carried the definition of who she was. The broken story that followed her in every other universe where she is alive. That sad girl who was given away, disregarded by her father, given to another Magus family, only to be abused by them and her new adoptive brother. Wanting, wishing, and begging for anyone to save her.
Even if she had no memories of that abuse - because she was created, or of those times - because she is a generated person - they still defined her.
She still wanted to know what a family was like and wanted to know if anyone could love her.
That girl who still was Sakura, deep down, truly wanted to know. Even if BB is not Sakura, Sakura will always be BB.
There is nothing for her to say in this moment, there is far too much to know in order to even understand a facet of herself. To begin to say anything, would be the end of who she was anyway. BB is just BB, and she is happy at least that Maruki let her know that.
BB cries as quietly as she can, holding his hand tightly with a small tremble, but she doesn't say anything else. ]
no subject
his truth, long lost to magic and agony.
and he does not care. for what truths should matter but the ones we hold onto? her truth, it shines. he could pluck it from the night sky without a thought. so qifrey rubs her hand comfortingly. lets her weep for all truths, self-evident or not. he’ll be here, like he said. ]