songerein | { flower festival 2023 }

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{ flower festival 2023 }

FLOWER FESTIVAL 2023

It's the annual Flower Festival! More details on everything can be found here.

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Battle for Dream Island: The Power of Two: Puffball
Dr. Stone: Gen Asagiri

I. MAIN FESTIVAL

The Flower Festival is in full swing the entire weekend! All over town there are numerous food stalls, music stands for dancing, flower swings in the trees, and a plethora of flower gardens to walk through. All the shops are decked out with flowers with a lot of sales going on. But this year there seems to be a lot more flowers than usual…

A. Flower Viewing. There will be numerous designated flower viewing areas around and outside of town, making it a perfect opportunity for a picnic. Food and beverages will be provided by numerous restaurants and food stalls. Flower crowns can also be made or received by some fairies that will fly around to drop them on anyone's heads who don't have one already.

B Ambient Pollen Effects. There is a lot of pollen flying around through the festival and inhaling enough of it could affect a person's mood. The effects will eventually wear off, but a good "cleansing" (ie, splash with water) will clear them up pretty quick. Possible effects include:

🌹 Rose Tinted Glasses. Rose pollen will make everything seem nostalgic and seem better than it actually is.
🌿 Green with Ivy. The flowers of some ivy are giving off some green pollen that will cause one to feel more envious than usual. Possibly to the point of wanting to wrap their target with said ivy instead….
🌻 Sunflowers and Rainbows. Pollen from sunflowers will cause one to be either extremely happy and hyper…or become so sensitive they cry at anything, be it a touching or sad thing.
🌺 Violent Violets. Inhaling too much violet pollen will cause someone to become so impassioned about something they will be quick to defend it—with violence.

C. Games. Of course it wouldn't be the Flower Festival without any number of games to entertain! Try your hand at some of these! Work together with a friend or compete for prizes! There's also a simple, easy going flower maze if a classic is preferred.

🖌 Flower Chalk. The Plaza has been converted to a giant "chalk zone," where chalk made from various flowers are scattered all over and everyone is encouraged to get in and paint to their heart's content. Some creations may burst into flower petals and fly up into the air, briefly animating the image before dispersing into the wind and creating a new space for the next creation.
💐 Flower Arrangement. Just a nice, relaxing crafts activity where participants can create whatever kind of flower arrangement they want. While dreamotion may help give it extra effects, it's not needed. There are also paper flowers available that can be dyed and used in lieu of real ones. Perfect for gifts!
🌸 Bouncy Flower Pad. Ever just feel like having fun and bouncing around giant flowers? Because this is exactly what this is. No special gimmicks or anything, just giant flowers to bounce around in.
🌱 Make It Grow. A contest for individuals to use dreamotion to grow the largest and brightest colored flower. Some are capable of growing to be as large as a house…and some flowers become rather animated. Might need to help take care of that.
🏇 Topiary Races. A cousin of the "Make It Grow" activity (or perhaps created because of it), the objective here is to use dreamotion and perhaps some gardening skills to grow a special plant into large topiary animals. The form is random, influenced by whatever dreamotion is used. They will be large enough to ride and can be entered into a special race, where at that point it's all dependent on skill and dreamotion to keep it moving! Can't grow one? That's fine, too, they have a few that one can just hop on and try to ride on.
🐝 Bee Herding. A lot of bees were used to help pollinate the flowers for the festival, and now they need to be returned to the fruit orchards out on the various farms. As part of the celebration and to promote bee awareness, the beekeepers hold a little contest to help bring the bees back. Participants must lure the bees with special fruits AND they must protect the bees from birds.

II. SPECIAL BUSINESS PROMOTIONS

There are a few special businesses that have their own stalls up during the festival, so be sure to stop by and check some of them out!

A. The Wild Harvest. The Wild Harvest is coming up on a year and a half of serving Reverein! The staff can be seen handing out floral cupcakes along with origami flowers in the color of the passerby's choosing. On the back and probably on the cupcakes' wrappers, there is the Harvest's logo. They will express that the cupcakes will look and taste better to someone in good spirits, meaning the staff are especially inclined to put on their best customer-service face. There also small samples of their new drinks called Spring Dreams, which give patrons a small view and taste of home.

In addition, if you're so inclined, a little fishing game has been set up at their stall using live koi fish of varying sizes from their pond. Nets are provided and winners can keep the koi if they wish. There are colorful jars made of tinted glass available for transport, and they also get a prize based on size of the koi caught. These range from small keychains, to glass trinkets crafted by Susato, which can be anything from glass flowers, small animals, or more useful items like glassware.

B. The Songerein Wikki Archives. The archives are here to advertise! Its one year anniversary is nearing, and Trahearne, along with his four staff members, are here to spread word of its services and answer questions about its function in the community. A few books have been brought in as examples, such as an outdated, but detailed map of Reverein. One large tome sits open in the middle of the table, acting as a guest book of sorts--anyone who drops by is more than welcome to write whatever they like in its pages.

But it isn't a festival without food or drink! The nine-foot-tall woman is handing out massive portions of freshly-roasted moa leg, and the two imp-like creatures with big ears are handing out shots of Rata Sum rum, but they're being oddly stingy about how much they're giving out. A little taste of Tyria in Reverein!

C. The Starflower Café and Sanctuary. The newly opened Starflower Café is here for all your cute food cravings! They have brought some of the animals along as well: Flutter the fairy cat, an autumn dog, and some of the corgis, so people are free to meet and play with them around the stall! While there is plenty of food to choose from at their starflower-covered stall (such as dango, crepes, and cakes, as well as alcoholic beverages for the adults in the evenings), they do have a special featured item:

The various flavours of boba tea with themes fitting with the animals. Upon drinking them, customers will sprout a new set of ears to match the drink as well as gain the following temporary traits: Milky Fox drinkers will have the sudden urge to cause a little bit of mischief. Matcha Cat enjoyers will want to search for a sunny, quiet place to nap. Chocolate Bunnies will be granted a burst of energy, and the only way to expend it is to talk someone up. Caramel Dogs will chase anything that is shiny or moving.

However, there is one more thing: drink any of these, and you will be an instant attraction for animals of all kinds. The only way to get rid of the effects is to cuddle and play with the animals. Be warned, too much of the teas and you may have bigger problems—like the Ents wanting cuddles—to deal with.

D. The Music Studio. The music studio has been open for a year in Songerein and have set up a small performance area nearby! Phantom is sometimes at the stall, and it is staffed by various talking animals as well as people with noticeable animal features (ears, tail, etc). Members of the studio will be playing an assortment of spring-themed and relaxing songs, though they'll also take requests. The stall offers various snow globes as souvenirs - the globes contain a miniature landmark from one of the dream walkers' many worlds and will play a short song from the source world when shaken.

The studio staff will also be advertising their lessons in music, composing, singing, as well as welcoming people to just hang out at the studio. They will also encourage people to attend the basic dreamotion how-to lessons that are held every weekend afternoon; they'll be taught through acting simple plays, so everyone is welcome to join in and have fun.

III. NIGHTSCAPE

On the first night of the festival, the fae will host a special dreamscape for their own version of the festival. Anyone is welcome to come on their own will, but some may find a special door appear either awake or in their dreams that will "lure" them in. And once inside, they will themselves in a dark, mystical forest and have taken on some form of a fae. Full details can be read here.

A. Fake Names. To go with the theme, everyone has a "fake name" as giving one's real name would be taboo. These can be completely new, something based on a canon nickname, or just simply shortening their first real name. Everyone will still be able to recognize each other, but no one will be able to immediately say the person's name, at most just the first letter or syllable. Only after the person says their own name can someone else say it, and if another person does say it, the named will now owe them one favor or must do some kind of task.

B. Fae Dining. The fae love to eat and drink, and within a dream, one can do so to their heart's content with little to no consequence. Well, one may feel a bit hungover or bloated upon waking, but better than the real thing, right? There's a delectable feast and an unlimited amount of alcohol available that is surely too good to pass up.

🍷 River of Dionysus. The river that runs through the forest is made of fruity alcohol. Just grab a chalice, dip it in, and drink to your heart's content. Because this is a dream, it takes a bit more to get drunk…but it's still possible. And, well, drunk shenanigans.

🍲 Careful What You Eat. Upon seeing the food one will feel a very strong pull towards it to the point that food will be in their hand and in their mouth before they even realize it. While a lot of the food is harmless, some will have physical effects. There's no tell, no specific food that does what, which makes it even more troublesome to figure out. From changing size, to colors, to growing another pair of horns or wings, gaining invisibility, turning into an animal or a random plant or object—anything. The effect can either naturally wear off over time or someone can try and help find or try to create an antidote to get rid of it.

C. Dream Egg Mosaic Hunt. Everyone is also given a white, crystal egg and are tasked to find and visit certain locations throughout the forest that have special mosaic glass just floating around. Each location has a theme, and if one can have one of their dreams manifest and reflect onto the glass, a piece of the mosaic will break and attach to the egg. Create as many pieces to decorate the egg and upon leaving the dreamscape, the egg will appear next to them and will hatch into a surprise creature. What could it be? Hmmm~ The mosaic glass will affect their future personalities.

D. A Tale of Two Stags. There is a pair of stags, one white and one black. These are legendary entities that have manifested into the dreamscape and can risk imbalance…though the fae don't seem too worried. In fact, they will reward those who are able to "stabilize" the deer with a "favor," though they're ambiguous as to what that is. The white stag must have nightmare energy used against it. The black one must have dreamotion energy used against it. Rather than killing or destroying them, just some brief encounters will help. Traps, tricks, even giving it food somehow will work.

E. Lost Your Voice. Oh the fae love their tricks and pranks, and this one is quite "harmless." Little blue wisps will suddenly ram into the back of their target's head and then giggle way—with their new voice. After stealing their target's voice, they fly off, giggling and blabber away in a poor imitation, leaving the now voiceless victim to chase after and try to signal for help. The wisp will eventually return the voice; they get bored easily enough and will want to mess with another person sooner than later. But it's possible to catch the wisp in a special glass jar that can be found growing off a tree. If caught, the person must "swallow" the wisp by pouring it into their mouth. No wisps are harmed, they'll pop back out after returning the voice.

IV. FINAL DAY

At the start of the final day of the festival, the winners of the Flower Royal Court contest are announced. Just like last year, everyone will find themselves in various costumes and with varying effects. Fortunately, they are a bit more "lenient" this time in letting people modify and take them off after a certain time has passed. But there's going to be just as much silly chaos, especially as the royal court members have a more "commanding" and "persuasive" aura that will make anyone feel swayed to obey and serve them to some degree.

Then at the end of the day, the flowerworks show will be held by the riverbank the moment the sun sets. Instead of explosive fireworks, canisters filled with flower petals will burst in the air, illuminating the night sky. Those who are touched by the glowing petals that drift and float down will be blessed with good dreams for the next few days, dreams filled with hope and leave them feeling refreshed in the morning.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Okay his hair isn’t going to catch on fire anymore. Gokudera’s holding a hand to his hair, and it only got a little shorter and black at the tips. He gets up takes a box from his belt, pointing it at the kitten.

Uri turns entirely into flames and is sucked up in there, then he’s putting the box back on his belt and brushing himself off.

The kitten would be content to have just stayed gnawing at Gen’s hair, but now it’s put away, and Gokudera’s staring down at the other.

“It’s made out of the same fire that’s in my blood.” Or well, something like that. It’s not actually fire, but super condensed energy and because of the type of ‘flame’ Uri is made of, it’s particularly destructive.

“Didn’t hurt you too badly, did it?” He crouches down, looking Gen over without touching him.

Gen would be fascinated if he didn’t feel a bit humiliated by the whole thing. Not that he wanted to admit to that. And he still had some kind of fervent desire for those flowers. Why would that be? He could simply make his own, just like the one in his hair. He could make better ones, even. Ugh, this entire situation was ridiculous.

“Usually that’s a metaphorical thing to say, my dear,” Gen can’t help but quip, and uncurled a bit. He gave Gokudera a sheepish smile, hoping if nothing else, this convinced the kid he’s not a threat to anyone. “I’m very sorry for spooking that poor kitten. I certainly didn’t intend to - is your pet all right?”

It looked like the brunt of the damage received was to his yukata sleeves, getting some scratches. Gen might not have tried to hurt anyone, but it’s clear he had quick reflexes to defend himself.

“I’m being serious!” Gokudera says, “And I’m not your dear!” Weird!

He doesn’t think this guy is a threat, and now that Uri’s put away, he seems offended that a person who was just curled up in a little ball is concerned for the weapon that attacked him in the first place.

“Uri is a weapon made of my Dying Will. It’s fine. You want me to bring him back out?” The young man’s hand lights up with those red flames again. He can demonstrate with a different part of the system. Doesn’t have to be Uri.

Gokudera will finish sizing the right flower crown just for this guy once they get off this topic.

Gen held up his hands once more, still more or less crouched on the ground with this kid looming over him. “No, that’s quite all right! I like not being on fire. It’s pretty great, I’m not ire-fay proof after all!”

At least Gokudera wasn’t going to punch his face in. So, uh, that’s one thing he successfully managed to convince him not to do? What was his life, seriously. Part of his brain was looking at those flames, wondering how they worked, wondering if it’s something he could learn.

It’s really not present in his expression, shocked begging not to be set on fire. Gen thought it’s a convincing sell being this was true, he would really not like being set ablaze.

“Maybe we could start over, my friend?” Gen asked him, hands still up in surrender. “I certainly never meant you harm.”

Gokudera had been crouched down to check on him, but sure, he’s looming over Gen. Probably doesn’t think he is, but that may definitely seem like what’s going on to any onlooker.

“Hm.” The flames go out, and Gokudera’s left looking a bit tired. He’s not going to set this person on fire, or blow them up. Is just… a bit extreme. Maybe he went too far?

“Fine.” He takes a little breath, dismissing his anger, and offers a hand down to help Gen up, or shake.

“You can call me Gokudera instead of friend, or my dear, alright?”

Gen could smoothly get to his own feet, perhaps surprisingly graceful after all of the flailing and curling into a ball earlier. He accepted the hand to shake it, the grip gentle and light.

“All right, if you insist, Gokudera-chan,” Gen truly couldn’t help himself. He gave him an innocent, silly little smile. He’s friendly because he’s harmless! “It’s a pleasure to meet you after all that, in better circumstances. Non-fiery circumstances. Please, call me Gen.”

Gokudera cringes a bit at the honorific tacked on to his name. “That’s too informal…” too friendly right off the rip!

“Tch! I was just giving Uri the ones to destroy I knew wouldn’t fit you! You didn’t have to imply I was inadvertently putting it in danger. That’s pretty fucked…” he grumbles and pulls off another of his crowns, holding it out and up as if fitting it. There’s a variety of flowers that make it up, and he’s fond of it, but… it’ll probably look better on Gen.

“Hm? Gen, was it?” Does he know that name?

“I don’t well with formalities - I’m a bit allergic to them,” Gen claimed with a little giggle. This was more usual ground for him.

Gokudera pointed out his recent flower crown obsession, though, and he hid a wince. Just why was he so obsessed with them? The smile he put on was apologetic and sheepish. “I’m terribly sorry, I didn’t mean to imply you’d do it on purpose! That’s why I was trying to warn you - most people are oblivious to the danger posed toward pets. Though maybe a fire-breathing kitten is immune …”

Gen thought he saw a flash of recognition. “Ah, have you heard of me? I am quite famous internationally, after all. Though I’ve never seen anyone with literal fire in their blood …”

So he didn’t think they’re from the same world. Probably? What if he existed in multiple places? It’s possible, wasn’t it?

“Fine half n’ half… if that’s how you wanna play it.” He’s not sold on his current mocking nickname. Gokudera can come up with something better, but it’s not going to be an immediate thing.

“Uri is made of the fire, not breathing it.” Gokudera corrects and shakes his head. “And was not eating them, anyways. I wouldn’t let him have them otherwise.”

Gokudera shrugs. “I don’t know exactly. Maybe, if you’re famous or something I saw a poster.” But he feels like maybe he’s heard the name somewhere? Who knows.

He pulls out a cigarette and lights it, deciding he doesn’t want any more tension. Back to figuring out why he has so many flower crowns on his head still. What an odd mood he was in before…

It'd be far from the most insulting thing Gen was called - and usually, the person who insulted him on the regular did so affectionately at this point. It'd been a while since someone teased him for his hair, though. Last happened when he was around that kid's age, which made him think it was kind of adorable.

"Posters, television, I've written a few books ... all before the petrification, of course," Gen remarked casually, like it was no big deal. He thought it would spark a great many questions, letting him eventually talk up Senku's genius. If his scientist was going to study this place, he'd need willing volunteers. "Mm. Maybe I should write another, it's been a long time."

Discretely, he'd move so he's upwind of the cigarette smoke, not wanting to breathe it in - but also not wanting to be obvious about it. Gen was usually (when not filled with jealousy-inducing pollen) good at being subtle.

Gokudera will come up with something better eventually or may just call Gen “Halfsies” to make it even more casual a nickname.

“We’re probably from different worlds… What are the topics of your books?”

The Petrification?!

Huh what is this weird sense of deja vu?

Gokudera’s considerate enough to not blow the smoke towards the other, exhaling off to the side before speaking to him. He’s not offended even if he were to notice Gen moving.

“Do you know… what year it was back home before you got here or what you were doing?”

"We probably are, but now I wish I somehow could've gotten copies of my old books again, to share," Gen said wistfully. "Mmmm, mostly self-help and entertainment things - my most popular one was Magic Psychology. It gave you the basics so you could entertain or even fool your friends - all in good fun, obviously! - with psychological tricks. It included some personality tests ... they were pretty popular at the time ... as well as some helpful tips to spot someone tricking you in turn."

Gen tucked his hands into his sleeves. "Of course I do - I hope people don't usually come here with their memories scrambled. That'd be quite distressing for them."

Otherwise, why would Gokudera phrase his question like that? "The year is 5756. Is that in your past, or future? While I once was a world-famous Mentalist - now, I'm a world-famous diplomat. Though this time, my fame is largely due to the efforts of others - I represent the Kingdom of Science, a force that helped rebuild our civilization from collapse. Our leader is an incredible genius, you'd be amazed at all he's done, I'm certain!"

Gokudera nods his head, following along and raising his eyebrows. He’d love to read some of this man’s writing, sounds like a super interesting subject! Personality tests too? That’s fun. The teen looks softly amused, then blinks and turns a bit sheepish.

“No I don’t think so…”

Stupid fucking time travel.

“Future. I was from some time in… two thousand… nine… teen?” He doesn’t really want to explain.

“There’s another person from the Kingdom of Science in this dream world. Has white hair that’s green at the tips? Like a daikon radish?” Gokudera puts his hands but the sides of his head and pushes up, jostling his crowns.

“Mm! It was a good year. I was quite enjoying 2019 before I was petrified,” Gen lamented with a sigh.

But then Gen brightened, his whole expression lighting up. “You’ve met my dear friend Senku-chan! Marvelous. I’ve run into him here, it’s proof that this is the best kind of dream. He is the greatest scientist, inventor, and humanitarian you’ll ever meet - he is the genius leader I referred to.”

Though, after a moment, he giggled. “Even if he’s not technically our leader any longer. I can’t imagine Ryusui-chan saying no to him on anything.”

“When were you petrified?” Gokudera is confused as to how he got un-petrified. Note to self: ask about that later.

“He was one of the first people I met when I arrived here.” Gokudera nods, but doesn’t seem very convinced. Just listening, nodding along.

“Yeah I think he’s a good person, and he’s helped me out before.”

Gokudera shakes his head. “I don’t know who Ryusui-chan is.”

It's a date that Gen knew by heart, considering everything. "June 3rd, 2019."

Though, he considered for a moment. "The first time, anyway. That lasted the longest - I certainly am glad I was like most people, and fell asleep after fifteen minutes or so ..."

Gen smiled with clear fondness. "He's a good person to know if you suddenly find yourself in a strange situation, not knowing what's going on, hm? I'm glad you're getting along well with him. Senku-chan has become a good friend to many of us."

Giggling, he explained, "Our dear Ryusui-chan has started to lead the Kingdom of Science in the waking world. It's always been his ambition. And yet he still defers to Senku-chan, that's very urious-cay, hm?"

“You’ve been petrified multiple times?!” That sounds awful! Maybe? Gokudera would hate that, but… falling asleep doesn’t sound bad. What if he were to miss something important, though?!

“To be fair, I think a lot of people ended up here not knowing what’s going on…” Gokudera hums thoughtfully as he smokes. “I don’t know if I’d call anyone around here a good friend, but-“ he shrugs. “Whatever.” Gokudera isn’t looking to make friends. It can’t hurt, but… he doesn’t know who to trust and just keeps ending up in difficult situations. Just getting a better understanding of what noctaere are was insanely difficult and he’s not even sure if he still understands.

“Doesn’t that bother Senku, though?”

"It's unfortunately ... just as terrible as it sounds?" Gen smiled sheepishly. "Better than being killed, of course! And now the threat of being petrified is gone for good, so, you don't have to worry about us, Gokudera-chan."

He hummed, and tilted his head. "Everyone could use someone in their corner. And if you haven't found that person yet ... well, I'm sorry to inform you, but you won't be alone anymore."

Gen was the type of person who would be a menace of a friend, just watch him. The kid could likely use someone on his side, anyway. He certainly remembered what it was like to be that age and feeling alone in the world.

Shaking his head, Gen explained, "Senku-chan never really wanted to be in charge of anything. And even now, people always coming to him for answers - it can be exhausting for anyone. It does help he's a workaholic - but my job is to get him to relax sometimes, you know what I mean?"

“I wasn’t worried!” Yes he was.

Gokudera’s had Mei similarly plan to make him friends, gain him some popularity. He really doesn’t think he should have any, and knows he’s probably a dangerous and problematic person to be around. Gokudera is skilled at putting in all of his effort into the wrong things, hoping for an unlikely and successful outcome. If he works hard enough, something good will happen, right?

“Are you sorry, really?” Because he has a suspicion Gen is offering himself as friendship-tribute. Gokudera doesn’t have any of his family here, isn’t sure what he’s supposed to do, but… he’s not the only one without family or friends, right? Especially with people like Gen and Mei around… Nico, Shinjiro, and Anya too. They don’t know him well… maybe Shinjiro does, but… he doesn’t seem to want to grow closer. Neither of them seem to. Gokudera’s okay with that. He’s not used to having friends, anyways.

“He told me as much, yeah.” Good that Senku has someone to help look out for him. Gokudera doesn’t know what that’s like, isn’t going to think too hard on it.

"Ah, if you weren't worried, I suppose you can just accept that humanity has been restored out of mere curiosity," Gen mused. What was the term? Tsundere? He's rather familiar with the type, even if his scientist was a somewhat different variety of one.

Gen smiled innocently. "Do I look like a liar, my friend?"

Yes, of course he did. And of course he's offering himself up as a friend-tribute. He's befriended rather awful people, of course - provided Gokudera wasn't a mass-murderer, he wouldn't even be double-crossed later. Gen was loyal to those who earned it.

"Told you about all his responsibilities ..." Gen tilted his head, "... or told you about me?"

“Why was it petrified in the first place?” Technically, that would be his future too, right? Though… they’re from different worlds. Neither Gen or Senku seem to recognize Dying Will flames, and the teen wonders if that’s just specific to his world’s mafia or if it’s just… his world.

“That’s not something that can be determined by looking at a person.” Gokudera says. He’s a pretty bad judge of character, anyways.

“Not all his responsibilities, but some… and a good deal about how you nag him.”

"That ... is a very long story," Gen said, smile faltering slightly. Because, how to summarize it all? "But, ah, in short - aliens wanted to entice with immortality, and being alien, thought that petrifying everyone for four thousand years would help convince us?"

He made a helpless little shrug, as if to say, I know exactly how crazy that sounds.

"Then you'll just have to trust me," Gen told him with a wink. He had to giggle. "Reminding him to eat and actually sleep isn't nagging him, but I suppose he's entitled to see things that way~"

“Does it look like I have anything important to do?” Gokudera has time. He’d just been enjoying the flower crowns the fairies were putting on him, a bit giddy from the pollen effects. It’s worn off, but he doesn’t remember what he came out this way for, anyways.

“Convince you of what? That four thousand years would suck so that’s better than forever? They had a different take on immortality of something?” Aliens. Gokudera would LOVE to understand them. Even if what Gen tells him sounds crazy, the teen doesn’t think he is crazy. It’s believable. Gen could convince Gokudera that he’s actually just a rubber chicken, and the bomber would hesitantly just… go with it.

“Don’t know if I want to.” He exhales smoke away, rolls his eyes. Gonna have to mull this over.

“He the only person you have to remind?”

"Fair enough," Gen agreed, and sorted through all the information he knew for the most concise story. His lips quirked. "Petrification kept us from aging. It healed wounds we had before we were turned to stone."

It even brought people back from death, but that's not something he'd share with a stranger, 'friend' he's just made or not. "It was immortality, in the eyes of the aliens. They thought we could be smart enough, that by thinking hard enough - thinking burns a sort of energy - we could break free from the stone whenever we wanted. In return, they would use us and our supposed smarts to help keep their technology going. They're parasites."

He shrugged again. "They have no idea how terrifying immortality is, or how it'd destroy society as we know it. Because, aliens."

Gen had to laugh softly, and playfully asked, "That depends. Have you eaten a healthy meal today, Gokudera-chan?"

Gokudera listens, folds his arms, and decides he’d maybe not like to meet those aliens/parasites Gen’s describing. It makes sense, but it sounds so awful, but… of course the aliens wouldn’t understand.

“I imagine those thousands of years didn’t feel so long to them, either?”

He scoffs at the question, “No. And you can drop the honorific.”

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