Voice.

[closedmarket]

This is repetitive, aru.

[a short silence. levelly,]

... I have found Ash Ketchum's hat. What a sad thing to lose. Aa--

Dawn, was it? If you would, do come and collect it.

[aaand another, longer ensuring silence. sharper,]I have a question, again. How long will it be before those here would be willing to think these people dead? Or those

Comments

[video]

[lavenderglasses]

Perhaps the kidnapping victims are in danger of it, but those from the Madness are not dead.

voice ----->

[closedmarket]

Do you say that out of faith or fact? It would be more believable the other way around.

video ----->

[lavenderglasses]

I say it because those kidnapped were obviously attacked, and a struggle was involved. What happened during the Madness wavelength was just an accident of power, without any hostile intent.

[A pause, and he adds:]

Besides, Yuuri will not die so easily.

[closedmarket]

A struggle, but no bodies, and hardly any blood. They were taken with a purpose.

The accident of power - they could have ended anywhere. Anytime, if Lotto's time record is to be considered. Or perhaps they were torn apart.

[all said in the tone of speculation.]

[lavenderglasses]

But still, taken by hostiles. At the very least it was someone they did not want to go with, and that doesn't bode very well at all.

In comparison, just being dropped anywhere or anytime hardly seems so dangerous. And whether they're together or apart or whatever, that at worst they're just lost and alone. But he -- they aren't dead.

[closedmarket]

Still, yes. Something is probably happening to them now. [slow exhale.]

[with a pause.]

What if they were lost and alone in the middle of a battlefield? There are many instances of war in this world. [wavering - then, solidly,] Your faith is good to have, however.

[lavenderglasses]

Between the two, which do you think is more dangerous?

[closedmarket]

Between time travel and kidnapping?

[lavenderglasses]

Yes.

[closedmarket]

Time travel.

[lavenderglasses]

I don't agree.

[closedmarket]

Very well. Why?

[lavenderglasses]

Because even if they aren't planning to kill them, it's doubtful that the kidnapper has innocent intentions. Even if they don't die, they're still most likely going to be hurt. Time travel or whatever the situation is...there's just as great a chance they they're stuck somewhere safe as there is that they're in danger.

[closedmarket]

Less of a chance for them to return, however, which is as good as them dying. [a beat.] In your opinion, aru, what is worse - to be hurt, or to die?

[lavenderglasses]

To die, of course. One can be hurt and still emerge victorious, and at times it might even be necessary to take a bit of pain in order to succeed, but if one dies then that's the end.

But even if Yuuri and them are unable to return, that doesn't make them dead. Is any friend that you must be separated from for a great length of time dead to you? There is nothing that could keep him away forever, and there's no way he'll die so easily.

[closedmarket]

Dead, in a metaphorical - and perhaps soon to be literal - sense. He... is a odd and strong person, but he cannot live forever, can he?