[Video]

[truthdecided]

[An 'unfamiliar' face projects through the Pearls... except if you look closely, it's not that unfamiliar. The shape of the plumes on his head carry the same general silhouette as a certain Rookidee...

But now he's larger, longer, and has a noticeably bigger beak. In fact, he looks far more like a crow than he did before!

And so Akechi fluffs up his feathers a bit and addresses the Pearl at last.]

Greetings. This is Akechi. I realize that this transformation may be a bit alarming, but I thought it best to announce my recent evolution so that no one believes I've disappeared.

This new form is far more suitable, though I wish it hadn't been so overdue. Still, it seems that being put into highly dangerous situations is one way to provoke evolution.

I suppose this does bring up a curious question, though. To evolve, or not to evolve. For me, it was a no brainer, but others may be less enthused about changing their physical forms yet again. Evolution is, after all, irreversible.

So humor me. Do you wish to evolve, or are you content as you are?

Comments

[truthdecided]

...You raise a valid point.

[He chuckles bitterly.]

Some would argue I should get therapy. Unfortunately, the last therapist I knew tried to rewrite reality, so it's not exactly on top of the priorities list.

[...]

I wonder if this place even has qualified mental healthcare.

[sharpjustice]

Eh??? [That's... something to unpack another time.]

They use berries as medicine here. I think we're out of luck.

Anyway, don't carry everything yourself. At least you have Ren-kun.

[She sounds a bit jealous that she doesn't have someone like that to share her worries here.]

[truthdecided]

Ha. Whoever invents therapy within this world shall have a most fascinating niche...

[It won't be him, obviously. Hell no. Even so...]

But yes. Frankly, I doubt I'd be alive without his persistent sentimentality.

[sharpjustice]

[Ren had gushed wholeheartedly to her about Akechi. And here, all Akechi can say about him is that he has 'persistent sentimentality'.

Mayaka giggles to herself. Hopefully Akechi doesn't think she's laughing at him.]

You two make quite the pair.

[truthdecided]

Indeed. Frankly, I think he could do much better, but I am... flattered that he chose me.

I've never been anyone's first choice.

[With anything, really. Familial love, friendship... So many disappointments. It's no wonder he's so jaded.]

[sharpjustice]

[Mayaka frowns. If Akechi thinks she's going to join is little pity party, he's totally off track!]

When you aren't the first choice, isn't it all the more satisfying when you're able to show them them why they should've picked you?