ratherbelocky | .007 Δ [Audio]

You know, I never thought I'd be that guy, but I guess I'm that guy.

[He is the Jewish guy. It's him.]

Back home, the past week or so would've been a holiday for some people. I'm not gonna get into the whole story--well, unless you want me to and you've got some time--but the short of it's that it's a celebration of freedom, and of the end of generations of oppression, death, and slavery.

[That is, hag pesach sameach, Route. Happy Passover.]

Now, there are a lot of traditions that go along with the holiday, most of 'em about food, but the important one's the retelling of that story. Figured I'd open it up to everyone, though, especially now that the big sit-down dinner parts of the celebration are over.

What I mean is, you guys got any stories you want to share about...deliverance, I guess? Of getting free from something that was bringing you down, or worse. I know turning up here in Johto's been a huge breath of fresh air for me, personally, and I want to know about you all, too.

[Later, another text comes from that 'Nathaniel' character.]

Hey, all. After a few weeks of testing out how it works, I'm happy to say EXCH△NGE is completely up and open to anyone who needs to talk.

EXCH△NGE is an anonymous, text-based peer-to-peer support network created as a space for those seeking help, but who are unwilling to reveal their identities, to have safe, understanding conversations from likewise anonymous volunteers. The idea is to provide a listening ear and coping tips from other transplants to Kanto and Johto who may have gone through similar experiences, come from similar worlds, or share other common ground, so that no one feels that they have to deal with their burdens alone.

For more information, you can read the introduction here. If you'd like to volunteer or you want to be paired with one of our volunteers, please contact me here.

Have a good one, guys. Nathaniel out.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Does the time when me and my ghoulfriends were trapped in a ghost school count? Oh, or when my ex-boyfriend tried to steal my heart so he could break it? Or when I was almost made the vampire queen?

Sure, all of those count! What was that about your ex, though? I don't think I've heard that one.

Well a long time ago, I used to date this super romantic guy named Valentine. He made my birthday into a holiday - Valentine's Day! ... Um, I didn't realize for a while how selfish it was that he named it after himself... But my dad made us move because he was always so paranoid about normies hunting us down.

Anyway I hadn't seen him in FOREVER, until he suddenly showed up at my school one day. But I was already dating Clawd! Valentine kept trying to win me back over, and he even used Cupid's love arrows to force me to love him instead of Clawd.

Whoa. Okay, pardon my Sangheili, but I hope you kicked that guy's ass.

Don't worry, he was dumped into this super smelly pit. Now no one can stand to be near him, no matter what romantic things he says!

That's what I like to hear. A good comeuppance goes a long way. You'd think Cupid would learn eventually he shouldn't leave his stuff lying around, though. They lead to a lot of trouble, those arrows.

Two things? Cupid's a girl, and it wasn't like she left them laying around. They were stolen from her.

Oh, my bad. Cultural discrepancy. She look into tighter home security?

Actually, she had to transfer to a different school! I don't even know where she is now.

That's a shame. Mt. Olympus, maybe? I wonder if that's a thing where you're from.

I really don't know. It's sooo sad, 'cause I miss her sooo much. I just hope she's happy wherever she is.

Well, you live a long time, right? I'm sure you two'll run into each other again someday. Good friends usually do.

Aw, thanks Yorkie! That does make me feel better.

[He snorts inelegantly.]

"Yorkie"? Really, D.L.?

What's wrong with Yorkie?

Well, it's a kind of little yappy dog, for one thing.

You're thinking of a Yorkshire!

Right, a Yorkie. Yorkie Terrier. That's what some of my...let's say less mentally acute squadmates used to call me, when I first got the name.

Oooh.

[Pause.]

How about, Boo York? It's a famous city where I'm from!

Haha, oh man. Sure, D.L., that's cute. Though I'll point out I don't actually mind if you want to call me Yorkie, long as you're not actually comparing me to something that wets itself with excitement when the mailman drives by.

Then how about Boo Yorkie! Heeheehee!

[She... might just be teasing. maybe?]

Only 'cause I like you, D.L. Only 'cause I like you.