[backdated to late Thursday] - audio

[jasminebloominginshadow]

... Hey everyone. I figured now was a good time to talk about this, given I just realized it's been over a year since I first became a numbered.

It feels like a lifetime ago, you know? I was a completely different person, it feels like. I didn't care about other people, but then something clicked and... I was part of something. Even if the memories I got back were terrible, I finally had people who weren't out of my life before I could get to know them. I wanted to get to know people.

It's been difficult, but... I... I'm happy I became a Numbered. I wish I didn't have someone like Dark Precure to gain the memories of, but everything else... I wouldn't want to go back to how I used to be.

...

I just wanted to get that off my chest. Thank you. Everyone. Again.

Comments

[audio]

[originaloddcouple]

That can't be right!

You just didn't know how to show that you cared yet!

Re: [audio]

[jasminebloominginshadow]

... Heh. For a bunch of thieves, you two really do try to see the best in everyone, huh?

Re: [audio]

[originaloddcouple]

I don't think so!

We just find it easoer to see people's true selves!

...Not that we're thieves.

Yeah, we're not. That.

[audio]

[jasminebloominginshadow]

Right. Just respectable citizens.

... Thanks, heh. But in a way we're both right. I didn't have people I cared about until I met people like you guys... but I guess I would never have been able to show it if I didn't have it in me all along.

[Voice]

[charcoalfeather]

Dark Precure.... so she's your past self?

[Voice]

[jasminebloominginshadow]

... Yeah, that's right. I guess I never told you, huh?

[Voice]

[charcoalfeather]

No.

[Rakka looked for the right words.]

But, that doesn't matter. That's not you.

[Voice]

[jasminebloominginshadow]

... Yeah, I know. It's something I have to keep reminding myself all the time.

[Voice]

[charcoalfeather]

I understand... I still don't know what my other self was really like. But, I don't want that to change who I am.

[More than it already has, at least.]

So, don't worry, okay?

[Audio]

[scarlet_devil]

Hmm, interesting. I was much the same when I first became Numbered. Oh, I cared about my family, but they were the only people I had any consideration for.

Back then, nobody else mattered that much.

[Audio]

[jasminebloominginshadow]

... did they drag you all over creation too...?

[audio]

[scarlet_devil]

Yes, indeed they did. I ended up seeing more of Europe than I expected to.

Re: [audio]

[jasminebloominginshadow]

Oh... Europe, huh? My dad took my sister and I there once. Something about an exhibition of rare masks from around the world.

[voice]

[peacefulwinter]

You were a different person, from how you acted then, and from what Lily tells me. You've changed, Jasmine, and for the better. I don't think you could have said something like this in the open, then, and you're more comfortable with yourself, I think. Even the "you" that doesn't have anything to do with Dark Precure.

[There's a pause, and there's a certain change in her voice; is she embarrassed?] It might be a little presumptuous of me, but I'm proud of you. You've come a long way, and I hope you keep going like this.

[voice]

[jasminebloominginshadow]

... Thank you, Winter. That really means a lot to me.

It's kind of strange to think about, but... even if she did terrible things, if she never existed, I never would have found my way to all of you. I'd just be some normal girl.

[peacefulwinter]

You don't have to thank me, Jasmine. It's what friends do. And even then... you proved it to me, in a way I hope I can repay someday. Have faith in yourself. You've become more than who you were, and even more than the "other you" was - more than Dark Precure. But you're right, that you need to remember she's there. Remember her, respect her for what she is, and continue to move forward.

Dark Precure is, on your end, what helps us understand each other, when things happen that we don't understand. Or when we have to fight. But it's our friendship, our bonds with each other, that keep us together. I sincerely hope that nothing ever comes between us to test those bonds. I like you too much for that.

[With a completely straight face, in as serious a tone as she can manage at the moment. She's getting better.]

[jasminebloominginshadow]

[Jasmine just sits there, listening to this with her jaw hanging open a bit]

... How... how were you not the pink one? I swear to god, you should have been the pink one...

Action

[dragon_blossom]

[ Not long after the message goes out, Marina just slips up behind Jasmine, wraps her arms around her, and clings a bit. ]

...glad we both are. [ Whatever position they're in who knows it might be an awkward one. ]

Re: Action

[jasminebloominginshadow]

[Jasmine is taken by surprise when Marina's arms wrap around her. She turns quickly in her arms, and stares at her for a moment...

... before drawing her closer with her own arms and kissing her as hard as she can.]

[dragon_blossom]

[ Jeeeez it's not like a monster's gonna grab you Jasmine right? Marina just smiles and leans in to kiss back. ]

[jasminebloominginshadow]

[Jasmine held the kiss for as long as she could, until... well, her lungs demanded she come up for air]

... Thank you, Marina. Thank you for everything.

audio;

[alilyinthemoonslight]

Considering all that's happened, it's kind of amazing we can both say we're much better off with having found the Network than without.

It's been responsible for the most terrifying and best things in my life. Sometimes those were one in the same, but... We're better off for it, aren't we?

audio;

[jasminebloominginshadow]

There's that old cliche about things that kill you making you stronger. Is it just as much of a cliche to say we're living proof?

But yeah... I think we really are.

audio;

[alilyinthemoonslight]

Well, if it's true, right? No matter what happens, we've both had experiences I don't think either of us would ever replace... not to mention people.

Even with all of the terrible things that have happened... this is certainly the most important year of my life so far, and not for the reasons I'd originally thought it would be a year ago.

[Graduation, college... those are distant in her mind at the moment.]

audio;

[jasminebloominginshadow]

I don't think any of us could have seen this coming, heh.

That said, I can't imagine you without Winter attached to your side anymore.