thank you, liar. goodbye, and... i'm sorry

sayo yasuda affiliated with isola radiale // dwarf // condo 457

[epitaphriddle]

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So, I’d like to develop more relationships for Sayo. She’s a complex character who changes dramatically over the course of her relationships with others, and I’d like to have an outlet to explore that! If you’re interested please read more and like this post for me to dm you!

First, it’s important to understand the depth of Sayo’s personas and how they change the way she may treat your muse.

Shannon: 

Shannon is the first persona Sayo ever took on. She began as an imaginary friend, and evolved into someone Sayo presents herself as. Shannon is basically Sayo but without the bitterness and emotional turmoil- she’s demure, feminine, and kind to everyone. Sayo is generally more easy to interact with and befriend when acting as Shannon.

Kanon:

Kanon is the second persona Sayo took on, and is Shannon’s brother since they both supposedly grew up in the same orphanage. Kanon exists as an outlet for Sayo’s confusion about her gender identity, and acts as what she thinks a boy should be like. He’s cold, distant, but far from mean. He also serves as a reminder to Sayo that she is “furniture” who cannot fall in love. It’s more difficult to befriend Sayo when acting as Kanon, but there’s no wall that can’t be knocked down.

Beatrice:

Beatrice is the final persona Sayo took on, and is based on the legend of the witch ‘Beatrice’ on Rokkenjima island. When acting as Beatrice, she will claim to have great magical abilities. Beatrice exists as a power fantasy for Sayo- as she is a representation of all the power and happiness that was denied her. She is cruel and childish, but charismatic and entertaining. It’s possible to get close to Beatrice, but it takes a special kind of person to keep up with her.

In all of these personas, it’s possible to see a little glimpse into the personality of Sayo Yasuda. It’s possible for your muse to meet all of Sayo’s personas in different contexts, but know that it’s near impossible to figure out that they’re all the same person right away.

With that out of the way, here are some relationships that can be forged with her!

1. Friends

Sayo is a deeply lonely person, so making friends with her isn’t very difficult. If your muse shows her even a shred of kindness, she’ll probably remember it. Sayo is a supportive friend as all of her personas, and will definitely treat your muse with kindness. 

2. Close friends & found family

The same as above, but on larger scale. Sayo may be more quick to tease your muse if they become close friends. Found family is also a likely option with her, because she lacked that kind of support system growing up. She’ll be sure to give back as much as she gets. Furthermore, if she gets really close with your muse, it becomes more likely that the truth of her identity will be revealed to them. She may not share her whole backstory, but your muse may learn the name Sayo Yasuda. 

3. Romance

At this point in her life, Sayo is not capable of entering a healthy relationship. She is far too dependent on other people to give her happiness for this to occur in a healthy way. However, the reason I apped Sayo is because I wanted to make her healthier and happier! Things may change over the course of her development! However, entering a relationship with one of her personas is different. It’s possible for her to fall in love with a character and become close to them as a different persona. Like I said, unhealthy. 

4. Enemies

This is the part where I put out the disclaimer that Sayo is not a good person. She planned to kill an entire family, after all. If Sayo really and truly hates your muse for whatever reason, she’ll make their life miserable whenever she sees them. Although it’s unlikely that she’ll resort to extreme violence. Odds are, enemies of Sayo will end up seeing the Beatrice persona more.

5. Other

If you have something specific in mind, tell me!

[epitaphriddle]

goldenchance​:

“Yes. This island brought us together, like this, so I’m sure… I’m certain that even more miracles can happen here. I promise.”

Perhaps, even more from Rokkenjima might appear on Spirale, but… who? And how would Sayo feel about it? Depending on the person, would she be alright with their arrival, or would they shatter the bliss she had found here? Despite everything, Lion wanted Sayo to be happy. The two of them… they deserved to be happy. Neither of them deserved their fate, to die miserably, so…

So, perhaps, they had been blessed.

“You’re right. We shouldn’t take such blessings for granted.”

Lion had already made a similar mistake once, out of sheer ignorance, and had learned from it in the most painful of ways. The two of them had endures more than enough pain and sorrow and tragedy for two life times. This place, this island, it had to be a turning point. They couldn’t be alone anymore, so long as they were by one another’s sides.

“Eh? Really? That’s… well, I guess that makes sense how you and I can co-exist here… sort of.” Lion tapped a finger to their chin, thinking. “So… What sort of things have been invented? Do you know what country this island is near? Maybe, it’s its own country…?”

Things only grew all the more curious.

“You.... Promise? You shouldn’t make promises that might not come true.”

Even though that’s a sore subject for her, she doesn’t seem offended or sad. Rather, she’s resolved. If she took too much faith in Lion’s words- the words of a mere human- she would be making the same mistakes. So, she responds light heartedly. 

If she can do that, then she can tell herself that things really have changed. 

“There are many, many amazing things here. For example... Music is almost entirely digital now. It’s a lot more convenient. Television is also a lot higher quality here. Oh.... There are machines that can heat up water and make coffee in under a minute! I wish I had that on Rokkenjima, ehehe...”

Talking carelessly, happily. Like a normal person. Even though the topic of conversation is relatively boring, she looks like she’s experiencing the most joy she’s ever felt. To find joy in just being normal... That speaks of a sad existence, doesn’t it?

“......... I’m not sure. This feels like a world completely separate from our own. I haven’t heard of any other countries-- in fact, the culture seems to change depending on which ward you go to.”

[epitaphriddle]

bubonem​:

Eto took note of it all, the way the other woman smoothed out the fabric of her skirt, the way her expression shifted, and how her eyes glanced downward. Eto wondered just who it was that her newest acquaintance was thinking of. Were they as interesting as Shannon?

“I understand.”

She reached out, giving one of Shannon’s hands a gentle touch. Takatsuki Sen, the older sister type of woman, showed through even now. It was so easy to use her, even when Shannon already knew her real name. That was fine, though. This was just one of the many perks of this island.

“Golden Land? Hmm, what’s that?”

Eto leaned in, just a little more.

“I’m sure you’re right, this place offers us so many amazing things… though, I’ve never heard of a golden land before. Do you mind explaining it to me?”

Sayo noticed it--- the way Eto gently touches her, the interest she shows in her life, her thoughtful expression.... It’s been a long time since she’s experienced such genuine emotion. She almost wants to pull back, to scream-- but she stays put. Unmoving. 

“F-Forgive me, I said something strange....”

She turns her head away from Eto, as if she was a child who had just been caught in a lie. 

“The Golden Land is... Another thought of the afterlife. A place where, after death, all the pains of life are healed. All the love that has been lost over the course of ones existence is restored, and you can live happily. You can be who you want, love how you want... Live again, just as you want. That’s the kind of place it is.”

[epitaphriddle]

gentlelxllaby​:

Mariko hadn’t meant to startle the other like she did, so there’s a moment of an apologetic look on her face. “It’s no worries at all,” She then replies with a smile. 

She decides to take a seat right next to the other, feet that no longer have shoes on them dipped onto the clear water. “I usually come here to look at the artwork. The whole area is very relaxing, but the art….I feel like the arts here speak volume of the person who drew them. What kind of person could they be and what were their thoughts when making such masterpiece.”

If she wasn’t so insecure about her appearance, Sayo would probably have joined her in taking her shoes off. Instead, she pretends not to notice and gazes at the artwork. 

“I...... Feel the same way.” She says after a long pause, staring thoughtfully into the distance. “Art and writing are both like that. They’re not just tools to bring us satisfaction. It’s like... Giving up a part of yourself, and sending it away to share it with others. It’s a beautiful thing.”

[eliminatorleck-deactivated20221]

epitaphriddle​:

“For you, it must be.”

He doesn’t feel comfortable sharing a space with someone so clearly violent- but it’s not as if he has a landlord to complain to, so he slumps down in his seat and sighs. In the end, Sayo doesn’t value her own life enough to try and protect yourself.

“At least, we can make a deal about that.”

“…. Should you see my nee-san, don’t talk to her either.”

― At least they have found a common ground on two things. Yes, for him it is disappointing he can’t get rid of a rather unwanted roommate. But at least they’re going to avoid each other in respect of their privacy. That’s an agreement he can work with, even though he would prefer to be alone. They both seem to feel the same as far as that goes. “I don’t know what a nee-san is supposed to be, but I assure you I have no particular intentions talking to anyone about anything when I’m returning to my abode anyway. I come here for rest.”

He ambles over to the door to their townhouse and studies it quietly. He’d have to look for a security system next time he’s in Fibonacci. He doesn’t like the idea that he’s living in a house that has barely any security installed. Wouldn’t want someone to break into his ― well, their house.

“But since we’re conversing already about our mutual comfort, I’m sure you won’t mind improved security?” A door viewer and just one lock is questionable at best.

[epitaphriddle]

That’s a relief. With this, she can avoid having anyone find out about her secret. If she was forced to live with a random person and have to divulge all her secrets to them, she probably wouldn’t last very long in this world. For once, she’s glad to have met a disagreeable person.

“Good. Then none of us will bother each other.”

She can probably let her guard down a bit here--- she doubts that this person would care about small slips in her personas. In other words, she’s free to do whatever she wants. 

“Security? Do as you wish with locks and such, I couldn’t care less. But--- what exactly are you thinking about? I object to any installment of cameras.”

[gentlelxllaby-deactivated202111]

@epitaphriddle​

Even on her day off, Mariko will sometime visit her cafe. Listen, it’s always nice and helpful to order food from your cafe to see which one is the most seller. On top of that, she can better whatever needs bettering. It’s important to know which item was recommended the most. With Pandora Cafe not entirely packed but still busy, Mariko waits in line to order her cup of coffee and a sandwich. She decides that she’ll eat this outside. She’ll enjoy her stroll while she takes a bite from her sandwich and a sip from her Americano. 

Mariko doesn’t realize that she’s traveled a bit, but here she finds herself at the Water of Styx. “Mmm,” And here she finds someone sitting alone, “The artwork is beautiful isn’t it?”

[epitaphriddle]

She had been lost in thought for a while, listening to the flow of the water. It’s not an ocean-- she doesn’t here the crashing of the waves like she would on Rokkenjima. It’s relaxing. If she was laying down, she could fall asleep listening to it.

When she heard the voice of someone else, she jolts up and squeaks.

“A-Ah...!”

She almost expected a scolding for slacking off, but no such thing came. That’s right... She’s not working in this world. 

“Y-Yes. It’s beautiful. I got so wrapped up in the ambience that I completely forgot to appreciate the artwork... If you hadn’t reminded me, I might not have taken in this moment. So, thank you.”

[epitaphriddle]

eliminatorleck​:

― “That’s a shame.” He’s genuinely disappointed. Stop making such a racket, though? He could ask them the same. “As far as hearing goes…” He shrugs and just points to his ears to say ‘I hear better than you’. Then he closes the cupboard again, carefully now though, and puts the knife into his jacket. He needs a belt and a case for the knife later.

He ambles over to the fridge and opens it.“I don’t care who you are but I like privacy. Stay away from my room. I stay away from yours, and you won’t even know I’m here.”

“For you, it must be.”

He doesn’t feel comfortable sharing a space with someone so clearly violent- but it’s not as if he has a landlord to complain to, so he slumps down in his seat and sighs. In the end, Sayo doesn’t value her own life enough to try and protect yourself.

“At least, we can make a deal about that.”

“.... Should you see my nee-san, don’t talk to her either.”

[epitaphriddle]

goldenchance​:

“Why does that not surprise me?” Lion sighed. “Well… I’m glad you’ve become more accustomed to it, at least.”

That meant Lion had even more to get used to. Wonderful.

The way that Sayo described this island, though, it sounded so lovely. Perhaps that was how she saw it, and if so, who was Lion to disagree? They had only just arrived, so, there was plenty that Lion had not yet been able to discover. Hopefully, the two of them could explore Spirale together.

“Yes,” Lion nodded with a wide smile. “I’m sure we’ll be able to meet other people and make all sorts of allies.”

“You must have been here for a while, huh? I hope that it wasn’t too difficult for you…”

Though, compared to Rokkenjima, this island was probably preferable to her. Lion could not blame her for that, either.

“You’ll have to catch me up as well. I get the feeling that we’re not even in the year 1986, are we?”

Sayo is unable to understand these parts of Lions feelings, because she’s too wrapped up in her own momentary bliss.

Unlike Sayo, Lion has something to lose. A family, a life, and a future. Sayo, who threw that away, could never understand the feelings of someone who suddenly got snatched away from the world and forced to restart from the ground up. Because, for her, a restart button is hardly enough to even begin her journey to happiness.

“Let’s promise that too. That we’ll both make plenty of friends. It wouldn’t be good if we only relied on each other.”

She won’t make that same mistake again. She won’t trap Lion too. 

“I’ve been blessed. To be taken to an entirely new world, and to be granted a friend like you... That must be a blessing, right?”

..... She can never understand.

“I’m not sure what the year is here. Everyone comes from so many different points in time, and I haven’t asked a local about the history either. You should hear about all the things that have been invented after the 1980s, though! It’s really amazing!”

[epitaphriddle]

bubonem​:

Eto nodded quite enthusiastically in tandem, causing her wild hair to frazzle even more. It was almost comical, given the shape of her… well, nearly her everything.

“You’re exactly right! Sharing books, talking about our favorite authors… It’s really the best, isn’t it?”

“I used to have a friend who was like us– ah, but he liked manga more than literature, but… things were never boring with him.”

A pause, a softening of her smile.

“That’s why I do enjoy this place, you see. How else would you and I have met other wise?”

Eto certainly isn’t like most people, and Sayo both loves and loathes it. She’s jealous of it- Eto’s ability to be herself. 

“Mm... I used to have a friend like that as well, but it’s been quite a while since we last discussed a novel together.”

She smooths her hands over her skirt, her expression softening at the thought of Battler. It seems they’re both remembering something bittersweet.

“... I think that’s why I’m glad to be speaking with you, Eto-san.”

Because she misses him so dearly.

“I feel the same way. Even though I’ve probably lost many things, I’ve gained so much more. I never get bored, I don’t have to worry about anything... In some ways, this may be my Golden Land.”

[epitaphriddle]

eliminatorleck​:

― Leck is equally unhappy about having to share his personal habitat with a complete stranger. A human at that, as it seems. He continues with not losing a word though, out of spite and because he has nothing to say. But he starts to have a look around the kitchen now, which is causing all kinds of audible noises.

Opening a few drawers, he stumbles over a set of kitchen knives. His expression brightens immediately over his discovery. And as he now finally speaks up, he sounds so happy, you’d think he offers Kanon a cupcake… but the message itself is of course quite a different one. “If you’re so displeased about this all, I can put you out of your misery if you like~?” He is presenting a fillet knife to go with his questionable offer.

He crosses his arms and taps his foot with an annoyed expression. Of course, there is another reason that he’s annoyed with all of this. ‘Kanon’ is someone who values privacy. And Sayo Yasuda is someone with many secrets.

Sharing a living space with anyone puts both Kanon and Sayo in a difficult position. 

“I have no intention of dying, let alone being killed by you.”

He speaks for both of them. She made a vow to live, after all. 

“All I ask is that you stop making such a racket.”

[epitaphriddle]

eternity-breaker​:

It took a moment for Zynnia to tear her attention from the book in her hands. “Both have their charms, but I think it’s no mystery why I prefer the former.” she said, matching Sayo’s smile with an identical one.

A kindred spirit. Even she can’t resist the excitement- she always feels this way when someone relishes in the same hobby as her. 

“Hoh-? You’re a fan of mystery, are you? Though, you don’t look like someone who enjoys tradition. I doubt you’re thrilled by boring, formulaic novels that most humans are drawn to.”

[epitaphriddle]

@eliminatorleck​

“I dislike people who lurk without saying anything.”

Unlucky, to be around Kanon when he’s in a bad mood. Whether this person had bad intentions or not, they’ll fall victim to his foul tongue. Annoying. 

It’s possible for someone’s mere presence to be loud. In this case, when it’s interrupting his solitude, the additional presence is deafening. He can’t ignore it.

“You’re quite the eyesore. What do you want?”

[epitaphriddle]

@eternity-breaker​

How strange. This part of the library is usually empty. She enjoyed that solitude, even when dressed as Beatrice. Even so, she won’t complain or shun this stranger. She’s feeling confident today.

“Is it mystery, or is it fantasy?” A refined voice calls out. She seems pleased with herself. Although she smiles, nothing about it is polite. It’s almost challenging. “The book you’re looking for. Is it mystery or fantasy?”

“And if it’s neither? Well, all stories have elements from at least one of the two. So which is it? Which are you interested in?”

[epitaphriddle]

goldenchance​:

Lion had never been in any predicament to doubt their family before; and yet, that funeral occurred, that particular conference happened, and… 

Things could never go back to what they once were. Lion could never return to their previously ignorant self. Perhaps they and Sayo could empathize with such facts. They were the same, but different.

So, the sudden compliment takes Lion by surprise.

“Ah…”

“Well– there’s no need to thank me… I’ve lost my composure several times recently…”

How could they not, after all they had been through? Sayo was the same– how could she not have reacted terribly in an even more horrible situation? Even so, she was more than willing to at least try and make amends for the sins she actually committed, not the ones that were out of her control…

She, despite it all, was so admirable. That was what Lion thought.

“You’re right.” A pause, a beat. Lion’s smile widened. They almost wanted to chuckle, but refrained. Sayo’s words, they reminded Lion not just of Claire, but of Will, too. Lion wished that he was here for a moment, thinking how nice it would be for all of them to get along pleasantly.

“I was just thinking the same thing… even if you and I only have one another in this place, then I’m sure everything will turn out alright.”

Ignoring isn’t the same as ignorance, you have to work at it. She read that in a book once. She had spent so long trying to ignore it- pretend it wasn’t there. She had learned how to ignore the painful loneliness she felt.

And because of that, nothing changed. Because she ignored everything, she allowed everything to get worse for her. She’s thankful that Lion didn’t ignore the sins of the Ushiromiyas, no matter how terrible it is to accept.

“That’s to be expected. This is a strange place. When you think you’ve gotten used to it, something else happens and you get flipped on your head. ... Well, I don’t mind it.”

This is her salvation- a place where nobody knows of her sin. It’s not perfect (she is still herself, and that won’t change), but it is something better. 

“A place where you can’t get bored, and where there are other people like you. Even if you hate it... You can at least be comforted by some things.” 

If they’re given a vast world like this, they can certainly become happy.

“.... We won’t only have each other. I’m sure... We’ll both make plenty of wonderful friends.”

[epitaphriddle]

bubonem​:

Eto cupped her hands and almost seemed to blush– why, she even giggled.

“Oh, Shannon-chan, you’re adorable! Too sweet!”

How could Eto spoil the surprise now? It would be a shame to tell Shannon the truth about her occupation. She might even stop being so formal! So, Eto supposed she would have to keep that secret for a little longer… oh, well.

“Ah, please do! Swapping books is so much fun!” Eto rarely did it, though, so perhaps that was why she was so genuinely eager to do so.

“Yes, yes! Do you mean ‘The Metamorphosis’? That’s his most famous short story! I love it so much!”

Her eyes held a certain sparkle, the kind that only came from talking and enthusing about favorite topics of discussion. Literature, and Kafka, were at the top of that metaphorical list for Eto. In fact, if Shannon would let her, Eto would easily ramble on about Kafka for hours…

She hadn’t expected to get this kind of reaction out of her--- Eto is a really lively person. She could continue this conversation forever.

“E-Eh...? Thank you...! You’re far too kind.”

She remembers when she would swap books with Battler. Being able to do so again would be a great experience. Ah... What kinds of books should she share? What would Eto like? These are the kinds of things she has to figure out.

“You really are knowledgeable, Eto-san. It’s rare to find someone who is both a good reader and a good writer. How should I put it...” She pauses. “... It’s nice to find someone with the same hobbies.”

[epitaphriddle]

Starter call! Capping at 2, but people Sayo has interacted with before are exempt!

[epitaphriddle]

goldenchance​:

To be grateful, to enjoy the things they had, to have hope for the future… these were all the things Sayo had been denied for circumstances she had no control over. It was the truth, yes, but it was still a difficult thing to swallow, even if Lion had heard part of it before.

The things she said, it reminded Lion of Claire more and more. Was it fair to compare the two of them like this? Sayo was who Claire truly was, and yet…

It just wasn’t that simple, was it? Not either of their situations, not Sayo herself. She was complex, she was full of feelings that Lion could not empathize with despite the desire to. All Lion could do was listen, and try to understand. No one else had done that for her, so showing her this kindness felt like the least Lion could do for her.

“I am grateful for it all, but… it still hurts me to know that you endured so much pain. I can’t easily forgive the people who hurt you, even if they are my family.”

Lion tries to smile, too, but it proves too difficult in the moment. 

There were countless factors that either of them could have come up with, but it all boiled down to their different circumstances, didn’t it? Whether they had been accepted or rejected by Ushiromiya Natsuhi, or the very fact that they had Ushiromiya blood in their veins. Either way, nothing could change what had already been done.

“I don’t think that you’re entirely blameless, but… at least you’re more willing to take responsibility for your actions.”

“That’s probably more than most of our family can say…”

The feeling of her hands tightening upon their own brings them back to a sense of relief. Sayo was here, with them, smiling. Lion tried to smile again.

“Yes, you’re right. If we could do that, well, I suppose there isn’t anything we couldn’t do.” A pause. “It’ll be fine, so long as we’re together, don’t you think?”

Lion really is an admirable person. She assumed that an Ushiromiya would forgive an Ushiromiya-- that they would stand by their family no matter what. But... That wasn’t the case. Sayo didn’t have to worry about being scorned by them.

Maybe she was projecting. Her desire to verbalize her self hate made her think that Lion would share those feelings. Instead, all she got was acceptance and tenderness. Closure.

Even if she’s the more unfortunate of the two- the ‘absolute worst outcome’ - she’s glad that they were able to meet like this. 

“I see... Thank you. Lion, you really have a clear head. If only I was able to think about them that calmly, maybe that tragedy could have been avoided.”

If the wind had blown a little bit softer that day, then the Rokkenjima massacre wouldn’t have happened. She knew that. She rolled the die of fate, and landed on all ones. She often speculates about what would have happened if the dominoes were set up differently.

“If I didn’t own up to everything, that would be unfair... I would be repeating the actions of the person who put me in this position.”

Because Kinzo couldn’t acknowledge his sin, Sayo was born. She won’t forget that. 

“Yes... We should be together from now on. From one child of Rokkenjima to another, we should become allies in this world.”