video; @r.peril

[nikolaievich]

[This is actually Illya’s first post on the network, ever. He already doesn’t trust any kind of open communication, he knows how easily it can be bugged- and that’s not even taking into account the fact that they have to depend on a method of communication given by those who have basically kidnapped them. It’s useful, and he uses it to communicate with people but he sticks to one-on-one conversations.

...But, wouldn’t you know it, forgetting the main reason why he’s so careful apparently made him lower his guard. Who knew?]

Hello.

[He also looks way, way more relaxed, and one could almost call the way his lips seem to be twitching up a smile. Almost.]

Name is Illya, for those who don’t know me. Illya Kuryakin. I know most of us are dealing with.... Whatever is happening, with the loss of memory. But I think that’s all the more reason to be prepared.

[He goes on, unaware that he’s just… revealed his actual name to everyone over the network. Because since he forgot he’s a spy, he also forgot all about his secret identity. He’ll be pissed, but that’s apparently going to be a problem for future Illya.]

So I’ve been thinking about giving self-defense classes, to anyone who would be interested. I am most experienced in SAMBO, but I know many fighting styles. If you are looking for a sparring partner I would be interested, as well.

Thank you.

Comments

text; un: stranger.things

[potentialed]

I wouldn't mind a sparring partner.

[ He wants to keep his physical training going, not just magical. However: ]

But I need to ask: why does your Friendr say "Alexei"?

text;

[nikolaievich]

[Illya takes a moment to reply as he checks, frowning to himself.]

I'm not sure, actually. Perhaps I had a reason for that but I've forgotten it, it would make sense with what's happening. I'll fix it as soon as possible. [He's always liked that name, it has ties to his family but he doesn't really remember why he was using it.]

What kind of sparring would you be interested in?

[potentialed]

[ He seems pretty calm for someone experiencing memory loss when knowing others are, too. But then there's not much use in panicking about it (right now). ]

The kind where punching isn't one of the main moves?

[ He's willing to use the rest of his body but he can't rely on his hands in that way. ]

[nikolaievich]

[He seems calm, yeah. He's also tapping the table with his fingers in a nonspecific rhythm. Illya's anger is... explosive, but it's hard to tell how close it's getting until the volcano actually erupts.]

We could meet and figure out what would work out best for both of us, maybe.

[potentialed]

That would probably be for the best. When is a good time for you?

[video - private - un: nat]

[unmakeme]

Your Friendr says Alexei because you're a spy, which I'm guessing is a part of your life that you don't remember? You haven't told anyone except me your real name. Until now. I think we can consider your cover officially blown.

[ She made a promise, and she is going to keep it. Even though she kind of doubts that he's going to care much given his current state, and it's not actually her responsibility. ]

private;

[nikolaievich]

[There's a long pause as Illya... processes. That would actually make a lot of sense, but at the same time it doesn't make any sense at all.]

You are the spy, Natalia. Not me. I am simply an athlete.

private;

[unmakeme]

Natasha.

[ She's correcting him in case this is part of what he forgot. ]

Or Natalie, I suppose. Just... never let it be said that I didn't warn you. Birds of a feather sticking together and all that.

[ Beat. ]

So. Athlete, huh?

private;

[nikolaievich]

Natasha. [He remembers the warning about Natalie and how cold she could be. He has apparently forgotten a lot about their conversation, he isn't sure if the memories he has are actually true, but he remembers that.]

Athlete, yes. Or that's what I thought. I'm a rowboat champion. And also a SAMBO instructor.

private;

[unmakeme]

[ She chuckles a little, shakes her head. ]

Of course you're a rower. Of course you are. How else is your mind supposed to explain, you know--

[ Her fingers trace a severe triangle in the air, point down. ]

video; @fromTV; private

[spellslots]

Hey, bubbale, I'm getting the feeling it's way too late now and the cat's already outta the bag, but you've never used that name before.

[It doesn't worry Taako, he just wants to warn Illya so he can avoid spilling anything he wouldn't want to.]

private;

[nikolaievich]

I am getting that from people, yes.

But that's my name. I don't really know who Alexei is. Is that the name I used with you as well?

private;

[spellslots]

Sure was, but uh, maybe there's a good reason for it that you've forgotten, seems like there's a bunch of that going around.

private;

[nikolaievich]

I suppose so. I knew it was probably I'd forgotten something, but... [There's a tap-tap-tapping sound in the background, if Taako pays attention. But he really is doing his best to stay calm despite of the feeling he just made an irreversible mistake.]

I'm sorry if I lied to you. I hope you won't be mad at me when I... remember?

private;

[spellslots]

Oh, no, I don't give a shit. We're good.

[It's not dismissive, just an attempt at reassurance. Names are just that, names. Once Illya remembers everything, Taako might ask if it was just the name that he lied about, but now isn't the time for his insecurities.]

Anything else you feel like you're missing? Any blank spots in your memory?

Video - un; katie.kate

[littlemisskate]

I could use some self defense training. If you're alright with teaching a beginner.

[She doesn't know nothing but it's pretty close.]

[nikolaievich]

I am alright with that, if you're alright with me being pretty strict. I take self-defense seriously and I am not the most patient of teachers.

[Better than she knows what she's getting into, no?]

[littlemisskate]

That's fine. No one is going to hold back if I run into trouble.

[nikolaievich]

That's my approach to it, so that's good to hear. What made you want to take up self-defense classes?

castironbitch » video

[redoublement]

It's Illya now, is it? Fascinating. You never looked much like an Alexi to me, anyway.

[ Laurent's voice is smooth and lilting, his lips curving in amusement as his sharp blue eyes study the screen. Leaning back, Laurent uses a long, fine boned hand to tap his cheek, blowing out a breath as his smile grows. He'd had a feeling that "Alexi" had a thing or two he wanted to hide, but that part of Laurent's life was left at home. He has been trying not to get too... involved with that sort of thing. It isn't easy, exactly, to shut it off, but. As far as he's concerned this is something he can tease the other with, rather than use it for anything illicit. ]

I do so hope you haven't forgotten about our little date. A name change isn't going to let you off the hook that easily, Kuryakin.

video;

[nikolaievich]

[Illya’s lips twitch downwards slightly- someone else that knew him as Alexei. Laurent doesn’t seem to be mad at him, though, so that’s a plus. He just wishes he could remember why he was using a fake name, but he’s definitely drawing a blank. Maybe when he remembers he will be able to explain himself.]

Not Alexei, no. You can call me Illya from now on, it’s my real name.

[He tilts his head a little bit.] You did win my bid. But I won Damen’s, so I assumed you would rather give up on your teasing than let me go on a date with your fiance.

[LITTLE DID HE KNOW.]

voice; un: ilikehorses

[shoplifter]

Why are people losing memories?

[She clearly paid little attention to everything else.]

[nikolaievich]

[She sounds... young, so Illya adopts his more gentle demeanor.]

We don't know the cause yet. I think it's not magical in nature, some people that know about that have told me as much. Do you know anyone that's lost memories?

[shoplifter]

[She's quiet for a moment.]

No. I don't know very many people.

Do you?

[nikolaievich]

I know some. But I don't really like this... network so this is the first time I've used it.

[To post, anyway. He follows it religiously to check who gets here.]

What's your name?