iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

I... can't really say I understand it fully myself... but I know there are alternate universes. I've traveled to them myself. I think in one universe, we all met much sooner... and I'm simply receiving these memories, for some reason...

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Something to do with the multiverse... (He sits down again, sighing softly.) I have memories of Yijun photographing my family, us becoming penpals, the two of you finding me in the hospital, and taking me in before I could move to the states... I would paint with you at times, Xia...

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

(He sucked in a breath at the sight of the cut, having not noticed it sooner.) Ah, I should've worried more about that, of course you wouldn't notice that until it's staining through your shirt... Ah, but don't worry. These memories... might not even be my own, in truth...

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

(He watches her fuss over Yijun quietly before laughing softly.) I don't mind the mess, honest. I'm just happy to see you both again. *Are these memories my own..? Or a different Simon's memories..?*

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

(His gaze is drawn to the stairs following Xia's voice. All he can do his hope she'll come downstairs to check on Yijun. He wipes at his face with another weary chuckle.) Except you've aged like fine wine, because you're in your 50s and hardly look it.

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

(The absurdity of the moment makes him pause, then he lets out a soft, teary laugh and reaches down to help Yijun up. He sniffles weakly.) Please... j-just Simon is fine... I-I'm younger than you, after all...

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

(Once it sinks in this won't stop on its own, he turns his head slightly to keep from staining any papers on the floor. His shoulders sink as he lets out a shaky breath.) I'm s-so sorry... I... I'm s-sorry...

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

(He sobs weakly, covering his mouth shortly after in an attempt to hide it.) I-I won't trouble you a-anymore... I'm s-sorry...

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

I-I'm sorry— (He sets the water aside and stands, keeping his head low so his hair covers his face. The tremor in his voice doesn't hide much though.) Thank you f-for your help... I-I should go h-home—

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

... better, I think... (He sips at his water again before his eyes begin to burn as he's overwhelmed. An entire friendship, lost... the memories don't do much if they aren't really his own.)

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

... you supported me when I had to move to America... mailed me headlines of my family... (He chuckles again, albeit much weaker than before.) Threatened to burn my nice stationary to get me out of bed...

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

... did you have the courage 20 years ago..? Visiting a London hospital and happening upon a boy you photographed with his family? (He chuckles softly.) A boy so plainly gay, you noticed without asking and offered advice?

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

... In that other world, it seems you... saved me from myself, essentially. ... (He looks up, surprised.) Wait, you don't think I've completely lost it?

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

No, I haven't... ... I think we have met before... in... another world, perhaps...

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

I do have some... memory issues, but... nothing that would cause this... *He probably already thinks I'm losing my mind...*

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

(He jumps in at the same time as the voice upstairs.) There's no need to mess with the stove— (— before wincing and sipping at his water again.) I-I'll be okay, the water is a good place to start... we'll see how I feel shortly...

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

No, no, you're not far from my house, don't worry... (He glances up, gaze still fogged slightly.) I-I don't understand... what's happening, but I should be okay soon... *I was going to hire them... for the wedding, wasn't I..?*

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

(The sounds are almost relaxing, in a way. As if he's heard them talk like this dozens of times. He accepts the glass and takes a small drink, still looking weak.) I don't mind, thank you...

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Thank you, Yijun... I won't go anywhere... (He just clutches his head, not noticing the bewildered look.) *What happened... where are all of these memories coming from..?*

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

(The dark does seem to help some, and he chuckles weakly as he sits.) Doesn't Xia remind you to tidy those every day..? (Xia, that's her name... he loves her paintings.)

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

S-sorry to... pull you away... (She... she paints... what was her name... when they met, he was surprised by the spelling, and she sternly reminded him more of the world existed beyond London.) That sounds good...

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Th-that... sssounds wise... (He grips his cane tightly, almost looking like he's developing a migraine. More memories. Sister... she always evened out her brother, accepting payment when Yijun wouldn't... what was her name...)

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

That you do! (He chuckles, then blinks, surprised. When he prepares to respond, his eyes glaze over. Memories return in snippets; a man he met in the hospital, being carried in a camera bag while cursed. Small pieces. His hand goes to his forehead as he stumbles back slightly, dazed.)

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

An even older man with a bum eye, perhaps? Haha..! (While he normally would still be uncomfortable under such scrutiny, this feels strangely normal. Like a common occurance.) Only the best from the best photographer in Monte d'Or, right? (He... shouldn't know that.)

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Ah, there's no need to act like I'm a celebrity..! I'm just an old man with a bum leg. (He smiles again.) I've heard we have the same eyes as well, and she often says she wishes the freckles had gotten her too.

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Ah, it's quite alright, I'm sure there are at least a dozen blonde women around at any time. Angela Ledore, now Pechthold again.

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

I believe my sister returned to her maiden name after all of the hullabaloo died down, but perhaps we really have reincarnated.

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Perhaps so... *Maybe I'm just overthinking this...* (He offers his hand for a handshake, smiling again.) Simon Pechthold. It's good to meet you, Mr. Guo.

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

I... sorry, I just... you seem so familiar. I feel like we've met before. *I feel like I need to give this man a hug and tell him it's been too long...*

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Oh..! My bad, I suppose I shouldn't just speak up from behind, should I? (He stepped around Yijun, smiling warmly.) I'm— ... (He stops in his tracks. That face...)

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Perhaps we're just in for a long winter this year. ... ..? Is everything okay?

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

It does, it's far too cold for Monte d'Or. (The voice sounds familiar... so much so there's an ache in his chest.)

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

It is quite cold indeed. Strange for the season, it's barely autumn.

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

(He glances around for a moment before furrowing his brow slightly.) ... both..?

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

(He tosses the blanket over their legs and leans back.) I do hope you've been feeling better after earlier today... even if marginally.

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

I HAVEN'T HAD MY WEDDING YET WHAT DO YOU MEAN RAPTURE—

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

No, nono, you know I'm only teasing..! Please, you should rest.

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

(He returns the hug as soon as it's initiated, practically engulfing the boy.) It's alright, Luke, it's okay, I'm not upset with you... deep breaths, let it out if you need...

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

(He set a gentle hand on his back. He was certain the boy needed a hug, but didn't want to rush him headlong into physical contact.)

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

I... I don't know... (He sat on the bench beside Luke, worried.) I... truly wish I could help, then...

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Oh, dear... I'm... terribly sorry, Luke, I had no idea...

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

That's not— (He deflates slightly, looking worried.) What's happened to your Professor Layton..?

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

No, I wouldn't..! But my best friend is not someone at least 20 years my senior!

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

(He recoils slightly, surprised at his outrage.) I am not suggesting you give up on him, I am saying is not the job of a young man, gentleman or otherwise, to bear the burden an adult carries..!

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Whoa, hey, hey..! (He stands and approaches, hoping to comfort Luke.) It's okay, I promise..! You're still young, and your Professor Layton has a large group of people that can be there for him..! This should not be your responsibility, Luke..!

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Perhaps he does, but you're still quite young... this shouldn't fall onto your shoulders to fix everything...

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(Older) Simon Pechthold @fabricatedfatality.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Well, what about your family and friends? I'm sure they've been worried about you...

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