♟ [video/voice] ♟

[vermicompost]

[The video feed comes on first, for an instant showing Kariya's gaunt, haggard face. The left half of it is badly scarred, wasted away, the muscles slack, his left eye dull and pale. He blinks, then frowns at the screen, and the video cuts off as he switches to voice. He didn't mean to show himself.]

Hello. My name is Kariya Matou.

I know so many of you have been suffering, and I'm sorry. I'm sorry for everything that's been done to you. If there's anything I can do to help, I'll try to do it. Even if you just want someone to talk to. I don't think we should be alone here.

[He pauses to catch his breath, a little winded. He's not really sure how to broach his next subject, but he forges ahead.]

There's a question I want to ask, too. If someone could help me-- I have a condition, and I was wondering... If any of you know anything about magical healing, can you contact me? Thank you.

Comments

[Text]

[firstofthefallen]

That isn't very informative.

What kind of parasite is it? Natural, magical, some kind of alien or demonic entity? Does it harm you physically or in some other way?

If you hold back details, how might one think of a way to help?

[Text]

[vermicompost]

You're right. I can tell you.

They're not natural. They're magical parasites. Familiars. They feed on my body and my energy, and they force my body to produce more energy to feed them.

[Text]

[firstofthefallen]

I see.

Are they a curse then, placed by an enemy? Or if they're familiars, did you take them upon yourself by your own volition.

If they were placed their by another and they aren't here, it might prove even more difficult to remove, if I can at all. I make no guarantees.

[Text]

[vermicompost]

They're not a curse. I took them on voluntarily.

I don't want to remove them. I want to stop them from killing me. To make them hurt less.

[If they're removed, maybe he won't have them if he returns home. He can't take that risk. He hates them, but he needs them.]

There is someone else who's responsible for them. He isn't here.

[Text]

[firstofthefallen]

That is something I am uncertain I can do. If you took them on then the pain you receive from them may be part and parcel of the power they give to you.

One cannot receive something for nothing. Nor may I condone someone receiving such.

This was your burden you took upon yourself, and now must deal with.

[Text]

[vermicompost]

I know that. I knew what would happen, but I had to take them on.

I only want to slow them down while I'm here. I know they'll kill me eventually, no matter what. They've already done enough.

I don't care if it takes away the power they give me. I only want to be able to help people here. I don't want them, but I'll need them when I go home.