levelshift | Etraya Inbox

A 2nd network has been built for the heroes who fight for all people and all worlds to survive. Its purpose is to connect and unify everyone in the field, especially during mission separations and for the quick relay of information in emergencies. Your actions have shown you to be one of these people. Once you have acquired a second earpiece through your requests, leave a message here and I will connect you.

Pass the message to anyone else you consider trustworthy and similarly dedicated.

[Accelerator reads this message and quickly comes to three possible conclusions:

1. This is spam. If it is, either Aurora needs to have a serious look at her security measures in place for herself, or someone around here is really bored.
2. This is a prank. Not unrealistic, because it's pretty embarrassing to get a message like this, though he figures if this is meant to embarrass him, bringing up his villain phase would be more effective.
3. It's serious, which is still embarrassing but also bewildering??? Oh god, is this his reputation around here?]

Fuck off.

[He isn't a hero, and the thought of talking to more people is not appealing to someone so antisocial.]

It is within your perogative to refuse.

If so, I will inform the member who nominated you.

[Nominated? The fuck?]

What the hell do you mean, 'nominated'? Who the fuck are you talking about?

Divulging specifics on Aurora's open, public network is not something I do.

Someone I trust chose you because you act to keep others safe, regardless of their age.

Then they're talking out of their ass. My priorities are making sure my own universe isn't destroyed by that piece of shit Echo, and making sure the kids around here stay as safe as possible. That's it.

[If there's an adult who needs help right in front of him he might do something, but claiming he wants to keep people safe regardless of their age is too much. He's tired of them screwing things up for kids and then bouncing or worse, making him clean their mistakes up, so he doesn't have a ton of sympathy for them.]

The latter is likely the trait for which he chose you.

[Okay, well he only knows one person who is calling himself a hero. That means it was either Robin who said something, or some observer who saw their message to the kids around here.

The latter is creepy, the former is annoying. It's a lot harder for him to turn down a little kid, even if this whole thing is dumb.]

Fucking hell.

I'm going to talk to him.

Presuming you didn't die between there and here?

[ she tries to give the kids their space and not worry about them, but she's a chump and she does care about their general well being so she would like to know how he's faring. ]

[..................................... What is this text.

He'd respond to her with a lie, but he doesn't see any real reason to. And this can't be a joke since he's pretty sure she doesn't actually know, so he answers seriously.]

I did. [Died, that is.]

Well

Hm

Not entirely sure how to come back from this and one would think I'd have experience.

Are you well now?

What do you mean? You've died before?

I'm fine. It turns out there's a fucking cost to being brought back to life since it's violating scientific laws, but it's whatever.

[It absolutely not whatever, but he's going to act like it is.]

I've died many times. Death doesn't make its home with me but it certainly visits more than I'd like

What was the cost?

That's a really fucking flowery way of saying 'yes.' Do you always come back if you die? Is that just something you do?

Some memories, that's all.

I always come back but as a different person

Reincarnation, starting over every time

The fuck. You must retain your memories, right? Otherwise how would you even know?

Yeah they come back, usually when I'm a teenager

Adolescence has to be the worst fucking time for that to happen. Is puberty a trigger for it, or is it just bad luck?

Bad luck

This time I remembered when I was 6, I was a very weird kid

I think I know what you mean.

[Last Order is mostly 10, but sometimes she busts out some weirdly mature nonsense he assumes comes from her being the administrator of thousands of additional, older clones.]

Is it magic that causes this?

Yeah

Don't make a blood pact on ancient ritual grounds, I'll give you that pro tip for free

[Well...........]

Back home I already made a contract with an artificial demon that was created using the tree of evil, so no promises there.

[He's capable of joking! A little. He isn't exaggerating about that.]

Ha!

I mean

Fuck

Go big or go home, I guess

She's a good employee, I don't regret doing it.

What kind of magic was involved in your blood pact? I'm still new to all this shit, I've only known about magic for a few months.

[So he's curious!]

That I'm afraid I do not remember. Or know? There's thirteen of us and all of our magic was probably imbued into to the accidental pact

Shit, so you wouldn't even know how to reverse it? Why'd you make the pact, anyways?

To fix a mistake we made so not all of us would be even willing to reverse it

[ some of them have lost more than others, but willa and emmet, at least, aren't willing to let the world come to ruin for their mistakes. the others would probably disagree. ]

[Oof.]

That sounds like a big fucking mistake.

Sometimes you trust the wrong people

[Accelerator's response comes a minute or two slower than normal, because reading that is making something click in his brain and suddenly he feels very pensive.]

I think I get it. Some piece of shit completely fucked you over and now you're stuck dealing with the ramifications of what they did.

I wouldn't give him all the blame

[ but she's a fucking chump who can't helped caring about him still. ]

We were foolish

Being foolish doesn't mean you deserve to die and come back over and over again.

It is mine to bear anyway, whether I deserve it or not

It's shitty.

[And it reminds him of the Sisters having to live with the memories of over ten thousand deaths, even though none of them deserve it.]

Do you know what'll happen if you die here?

Aurora will take care of it probably. I doubt they would let the rebirth happen considering someone would have to

Have a baby

Presumably Aurora and Echo would intervene

Ugh, yeah. I'd hope they would step in before that could happen. The robot babies in Moorcroft were a big enough of a pain, that'd be really fucking screwed up.

I'm trying very hard not to put it to the test

At least it hasn't been all that hard to avoid it. Not that I'm expecting the missions to continue being mostly harmless, but so far you either need to be stupid or totally helpless to get killed.

Well there was the Saw trap in the labyrinth

The what trap?

[He never saw the movies, okay.]

Nightmare torture trap, two people strapped to chairs back to back with a drill coming toward both of them. It was super

Okay, first, that's fucked up and I'm not sure what the point of that would be aside from giving someone lifelong trauma. Second, what the hell does that have to do with saws?

There's a movie franchise called Saw where people get put through similar traps. I've never seen them

It was fucked up though, you're right

That's a shitty premise for a bunch of movies.

Did you have to go through it?

Yeah

Ben took the drill, I healed him after but it doesn't really make it less horrific.

I can imagine. It's shitty you had to go through that [He's tortured people before, he knows how horrific it can get.]

Is there a limit to your healing? Can you heal yourself?

If there is still functional life in a body I can heal it — brain function, breath, a heartbeat, something like that and maybe a bit after

Can't heal a corpse from being dead but I can make them aesthetically look better

But no, not myself

Edited 2024-08-23 16:54 (UTC)

I see. And is it magic you're using? Or something else?

Presumably

I've been able to do it since I was young and back then everything out of the ordinary was considered magic

What's the actual process you use? Is there some kind of foundation to it, like how natural phenomena follows scientific laws?

[This nerd, asking about magic instead of talking about dying.]

The foundation is water. I can touch a person and feel where they're hurt and then fix it, so long as I have some water on me.

[ and when she doesn't because guess what the human body is made out of :) she tries not to use herself as a source though, as a general rule. sylvie gets stroppy about it. ]

That's it? Are you attaching any cultural or religious significance to it to make the whole process more efficient?

No?

It's pretty efficient as is

I'll be honest, you are putting way more thought into this than I have ever done

Seriously? I've only known about magic for a few months but it can't be that weird to be questioning how a power like that works.

And don't give me any mysterious "it just works because it does" nonsense. That's bullshit.

I've had this power since I was a little girl, hundreds and hundreds of years ago. They were considered gifts and they weren't questioned back then and I haven't bothered to since

[ she really hasn't! she suffers from a deplorable lack of curiosity. willa doesn't even know if her power is actually some kind of hydrokinesis or some kind of healing or both! ]

Unrelated, have you met Riz Gukgak? I think you two would get along well

You've never questioned them even once?

[What the hell, Willa?????? This is going to drive him nuts. She is going to drive him nuts.]

What the fuck, that's an incredible way to limit yourself.

Yeah, I have. I met him in detention. He was part of this curfew break a bunch of kids organized in Moorcroft.

Sorry, buddy

[ she's not shocked they were both involved with rule breaking. or that they met in detention, adorable. ]

[A couple of delinquents, these kids.

He clicks his tongue at being called 'buddy.']

Well, now that we're talking about it are you at all curious?

[ no ]

Sure

But how am I to know?

You could run some tests. It's not like there's much else to do in between missions.

Okay.

How?

You'd want to create some proper hypotheses first, that'll allow you to come up with the right variables that can be tested. Since we're talking about healing they'll be biological, like amount of blood or speed of cellular division. Then once you have the variables, you just need to come up with ways to change your independent variable, measure the impact of that change on your dependent variable, and make sure the experiment can be run consistently a few times.

After all of that it wouldn't be hard to analyze the resulting data, adjust your hypotheses, and re-run any experiments as necessary.

[Did he just describe the scientific method? Yes.]

Hm

I will be honest

That sounds so boring I could cry

[He's rolling his eyes so hard, because he's a big nerd who thinks it'd be interesting.]

Maybe you can ask around and see if someone knows a magical equivalent of the scientific method. Or some way that's less boring.

Maybe

[ it's gonna be a hard pass, buddy. ]

[.........................................]

You're not going to.

Probably not, no

Sorry

If someone else did all the work, I would volunteer but that doesn't seem likely, does it?

I would.

[This nerd.]

I'm still new to magic. This would be a good opportunity to learn.

[ he is fully adorable ]

Sure, whatever you want to do

[This is very serious!!]

Okay. I'll start thinking, and when I come up with some ideas for experimentation methods.

Keep me posted 👍

01101001 00100000 01100011 01100001 01101110 00100111 01110100 00100000 01110011 01110100 01101111 01110000 00100000 01101001 01110100

[Well, it isn't every day you get a very concerning text message in binary! Give him a second to translate, he's rusty --]

The hell are you talking about? Are you okay?

Hey.

You make it through that mess without dying again?

[Hi to you too, Asuka.]

I'm fine. What about you?

Tired, mostly. Wondering when they're gonna stop throwing this bullshit at us.

Echo isn't, so quit wasting your energy on it.

Knew I shouldn't have started hoping.

Always stick with pessimism. Then you'll never be disappointed, only pleasantly surprised.

first sensible thing i've heard in a while.

Edited (html bork) 2024-10-13 23:24 (UTC)

I'm a sensible person.

sometimes. maybe.

More than 'sometimes.'

ONLY sometimes.

You're being a brat.

This after I graciously ask after your well-being.

You're a well-rounded brat.

I'm gonna take your stupid walking stick.

No way, you're not that much of a brat.

try me!

No thanks. Not interested in finding out if you'd seriously mess with a disabled person.

Only a particular disabled person.

So I'm special, then.

you should feel flattered!

Anyone who would feel flattered is an idiot when we're talking about stealing a crutch.

you'd fit right in then.

[ Bullying (affectionate). ]

[Wow, rude.]

Shut the hell up.

never~

Uh huh.

I'm going to take a nap.

at least you're actually resting now.

I get plenty of rest.

[So much of his free time is spent sleeping. So much.]

yeah you'd better.

[ As if she had anything to do with that. ]

( for the most part, 37 understands very little about the city, and she's come to realize that one thing that stays the same about this place is everyone has this same little earpiece.

she doesn't understand it!

while she could figure it out if she sat down and looked over it, but she finds that she could just ask for help. to be ignorant would mean limiting herself from knowledge, and the only person that can give her what she needs happens to be the person who informed her of it in the first place.

that's why at the apartments she's peeking through the windows to try and see which one possibly belongs to accelerator. she stops, knocking on the surface of the glass to see if anyone will come to it, if it's not the correct house, she moves to the next. )

[Accelerator is currently sprawled on the couch, reading some sci-fi YA novel he picked up at the bookstore. His apartment looks very standard, he's done no decorating since he moved in, so the only additions are a couple books and a laptop on the coffee table.

He starts at the knocking, sitting up with a confused look. That melts into a scowl when he sees 37 at the window, and after he grabs his crutch he gets up and goes over to it and opens the window.]

What the hell are you doing out here? Go back inside for the front door.

Oh...!

( she's already knocking on the next window when he calls out to her, and she's surprised to see him talking out another window. was she lucky in her choice!? )

Is this where you live? ( actually, she extend her hand to him. )

I can come through the window. Do not worry.

( believe in her, she truly believes she can make it happen. )

..............

[He stares for a few moments. Well, maybe if she fails or falls on her face, she'll learn to use the door and he won't have to argue with her about this.....

With a sigh he takes a step back.]

Fine. Come on.

( she is a climber, she will do her best to go through the window and come out on the other side... this is easy for her, she's done this many times as a child.

that doesn't mean when she comes through that she isn't going to collide with accelerator, you know... she put a little force in this. )

[He should have gone with the argument, that would have been the better decision.

She seems to be doing alright to begin with, but then she's miscalculating and he isn't quite far enough away from the window and they're both ending up on the floor. Accelerator lands flat on his ass, and after he processes the shock of it he's doing what seemed to be effective before.

He's shoving his hand in her face, while trying to scoot out from under her.]

Off.

Edited 2024-11-04 01:37 (UTC)

Stop that!!

( she tilts her body to the side so that she can remove his hand from her face, and she's pouting a little as she sits on him. smacking his hand away, she shakes her head, hair a little messy and her bangs split in front of her face as she makes it known why she's here. )

I need your help. You said I could come to you to ask questions.

( 37 remains sitting. she is NOT moving. )

Do you have time?

[He grumbles but drops his hand, still moving away from her so he can properly sit up. Right, he had said that......]

Is that why you were knocking on windows? [Rhetorical question, clearly she was looking for him and didn't know where to start outside of the apartment block. Such an inefficient way to hunt him down is a little funny, so he lets out a huff as he moves to climb to his feet.] Yeah, I wasn't doing anything important. What do you want?

( with her knees on the floor, she looks up to him with wide eyes as though trying to figure something out.

how to ask, what to do. )

Hm... The device. I do not understand it.

( which is obvious because if she did, she could have messaged him that she was on the way for something else. unfortunately, this thing must be important to have if everyone has it. )

[Stepping back over to the window, he'll close it so the cold doesn't get in. It only takes him a second to catch onto what she means. There aren't many things around here that could be defined as a 'device', and the fact that she was knocking on windows instead of just texting him --]

The earpiece? I can explain it.

[He waves a hand over to the couch, indicating she can go sit, while he turns to head towards the kitchen.]

You need me to start from the beginning, or do you have specific questions?

Is it true that I can talk to anyone with it?

( she watches him close the window, then leave to go towards the kitchen. rather than getting up to go to the couch, she stays on the floor as intrigued as she was when she first crawled herself in.

waiting patiently, she pulls out the earpiece with a curious look at how to operate it. she wonders if she's supposed to open it in some way to view the insides, or maybe it really is as simple as clicking buttons. )

[This is going to require coffee, so he's going straight for the fridge to grab a can. As he does he raises his voice, answering her.]

Yeah. As long as they've got an earpiece and use it, too. It specifically allows for two-way communications, as well as synchronous and asynchronous conferencing.

[Wandering back into the living room, he raises an eyebrow upon seeing she's still on the floor. He goes over to the couch, dropping down onto it and cracking open his can of coffee.]

But if the other person doesn't use theirs, there isn't much you can do.

( when he returns, she raises her head in alert as she looks to him now make himself comfortable on the couch. his can, she can't tell what it is, but she isn't thirsty enough to ask for one.

instead, she wants to know about the earpiece.

a safe space... )

I want to use it to message 6, will you teach me? I'm sure he's learned how to use his already.

( 37 isn't sure, but she's already pulling at the ear piece to try and tug it apart. it doesn't budge yet, but she is trying to put her arm into it. )

[Accelerator leaves his crutch next to the couch, putting his feet up on the coffee table as he watches her. That's nice of her, though he isn't sure if 6 has actually figured it out, either. He seems smart and capable of doing so, with him there's just the issue of motivation.]

....... I'll help as long as you don't break the damn thing. [Please don't give the companion bots extra unnecessary work.] Put it in your ear and press the button.

[He digs around in the pocket of his jeans, pulling his earpiece out. It gets placed in his ear and he hits the button to demonstrate.]

So they can break, that's interesting.

( she doesn't see a need to break it, but it makes her wonder if having these things in the long run is good. privacy is what she knows best having been from a small island hidden from the outside world, so she would be a little worried if someone could hear her conversations no matter how silly they are.

what if a time comes that she needs to break it herself... good, good!

getting up, she walks over to the window to use the light that shines down to get a better look at the earpiece. )

Does it have to be in my ear? Can I click it in hand..

[Good question. He hums a little at that.]

I guess not, but it's more convenient to use when it is. That place puts the interface at eye level and keeps it steady. It can also function as a translation device if you need it, so having it in your ear makes it easier to hear the audio.

[The shape of it doesn't seem practical for using it in your hand, but if she wants to try it that way he won't stop her.]

I see, so I do this.

( she brings it up to her ear, fingers fiddling around to look for what she needs to click to turn it on.

can't help but be little impressed by this device, walking over to accelerator to show him that she is trying. )

What do I click to send live feed?

[When she walks over he takes another sip of coffee and moves to sit up.]

First, you need to know the difference between sending a message out to fucking everyone, and sending one just to 6.

[This is important, she doesn't want to accidentally make something private public.]

You need to pick out a username for yourself, then once you do that look through the contact list to see if 6 is on it.

I am 37, so it will be 37.

( she comes to sit down next to accelerator, her body tilting in one direction away from him as she triesnto figure out how to maneuver this thing. )

Do I shake my head 37 times to input? Or hm...

( she's turning to accelerator now, her eyes mostly on his device than her own. she only has to mirror what he does to be able to work this thing. )

Okay. [He's not the type to go for a username that's a pun or anything, so in his opinion a number is perfectly fine!]

You use your hand. It's got voice controls too, if that's easier. [But he's using his hand to flip through his own HUD, trying to show how to to get to the username setup, and then to the contact list so she can find 6 if he's on there.]

Wow! ( she's actually impressed, innocence and joy in her words. and like she said, she makes herself 37 in the username set-up since that's the only way to do it by this means. ) Does it show everyone?

( 37 follows the same method of navigation that accelerator takes to scroll through the names which...

wait! )

I could bother anyone and they have to answer? I want to call 6 in case he's sleeping, and then I can call someone else.

No and no. Only people who've set up accounts will show up, so if they never touch their earpiece they won't be on the list.

[It's opt-in, basically. Chances are there are a few people around who don't want anything to do with the network, or don't understand the technology and haven't asked anyone for help.]

You can call him, but he can choose not to answer. We've all got digital inboxes though, so if he doesn't you can still leave him a message.

That is mean, why wouldn't they answer if they're available! Hmph.

( she starts, but this is starting to get easier with time and accelerator's help. the safest option sounds like leaving a message, so instead of video calling him, she'll attempt to leave a message in his inbox. )

H. I. No!! Lowercase I. Accelerator, fix it!!

( there it goes... )

[Somehow, he isn't surprised she'd take that stance instead of accepting people have their own lives going on....

Accelerator sits back, waiting for 37 to compose her message, and -- well. She tried, that's the important thing.]

..... I can't if you've already sent it. There's no recall feature.

[It's kind of basic for a messaging network, honestly.]

What do you mean? With pencil and paper, you can erase even if someone replied! This is faulty, fix it!!

( she doesn't understand why this isn't working properly, she's going to pout until there is a reply, and she looks to accelerator... she wants to point and show him. )

Look, look!! Do you think that is the real 6 and not a fake one?

( anyone could use his name!! ) He said, "Hello 37, Accelerator."

It's not faulty, Aurora just hasn't added that feature. I can ask her about it later.

[She'll likely be fine with adding it. Meanwhile, he leans over to look at her HUD and read the message.]

It's him. There aren't enough people around here to make catfishing a worthwhile hobby.

[He sighs a little and sends his own message to 6, hopefully to clarify things.]

You can reply to his message, if you want.

There is no prototype nor did you attempt to make one? Surely, you speak as though you're on such good terms, you should try.

( the encouragement does help, but she wants to vocally do everything and so she attempts to send another message to 6. )

H E L L O 6! No!! It wrote his name incorrectly, Accelerator what do I do about that?

( this is such a complicated device, even she feels a little lost when the words go in and are wrong! maybe she should take a minute before automatically sending it. )

I wouldn't say that. Anyone could ask her.

[Um, but maybe not 37. Not until she gets a hang of this.

Which... might be a while, at the rate she's going....]

You need to tell it to backspace, or just erase the whole message. It'd be easier if you started with the keyboard instead of the speech-to-text function.

[That's also the one he prefers, anyways.]

Then we will make new additions for this is not good! Horrible.

( she doesn't like it, and she will ask for better modifications because why does it not say what she wants it to say in the manner that she wants it to be when this earpiece is catered to her!?

... )

Keyboard?

( her eyes are so big like he's said something so different. )

Show me.

[Accelerator gives her a little shrug in response, half-wondering if this is how boomers stumble around with new technology. Or just even normal people. His view's skewed, coming from a city so advanced.]

Here -- [He's reaching over to poke at her HUD, quickly pulling up the settings menu to switch her earpiece from verbal controls over to something more manual. This means more control are popping up, including a keyboard for her to type with.]

Oh! This thing? I have something like it within my Laboratory.

( she didn't know this is what they were working with, a sort of mini computer that she can mess with. she wants to continue using voice commands due to 6 possibly being able to master them with his message, but having the chance to use the keyboard, she types with relative ease.

a little too excited, her words running together and there's a small "oh" from between her lips, shocked by her mistake, and then she corrects it. )

This is much easier, I didn't know we had something of the same to work with.

[Oh what, that surprises him.]

You have a laboratory?

[She is not the kind of person you'd think would have one of those. But then, her idea of what a laboratory is might be vastly different from what he's picturing. For one, he isn't sure if she means a computer, or something more like a typewriter.]

Mhm.

( she nods as though this is the easiest thing to explain. )

An Irrational Number called it an IDM Computer, this one is very different.

( enough about that, she'll return a response to 6, she's not sure if he's picking with her or not... but she's smart! a little goes a long way. )

Where this one is small, the one in my laboratory was bigger, and had various cords coming out from it and ...the serves behind. As for the keyboard, the buttons clicked underneath your fingers. My mother is the co-author of it back home, she is very skilled at using it hence why the data inside was very important. It was her laboratory before it became mine.

[Definitely not a typewriter, then! It sounds like it was a pretty big computer, maybe something old-fashioned, though it's hard to tell by her description alone. Either way, her being familiar with a computer helps a lot, it should make it easier for her to grasp the concept of the earpieces.

He leans back against the couch, sipping his coffee. This is raising a few questions in his mind, so he's starting with the one that makes him the most curious.]

What kind of data's on it?

Perhaps it is not important data for you.

( he'd know nothing about it, really. he doesn't even respect the ways of the island despite not being on the island, but for some reason he's curious.

she thinks it over, her head bent into the phone as she reads 6's message. nothing bad could come from telling him, but what good comes from it either? then again, if the emanation is part of this place, maybe it's better to explain. )

Which years the Emanation appeared, when the waves of pneuma engulfed those caught within.

[Dismissing her data as unimportant would be utter insanity. He's learned that data, any data, has the potential to be important. Maybe not today or tomorrow, maybe years down the road, and that makes it worthwhile.]

Hm. I don't know about important, it could be. And regardless of that, it's interesting.

[He wants to know more!]

How do you define pneuma, and what happens when people are caught in the Emanation?

[Nothing good, he's assuming, thanks to their previous conversation and the comparison between the Emanation and Im'mari that was made.]

Pneuma is pure energy not yet tamed.

( there's so many developments in what the outside world views it as and what she sees it as. pneuma is what it has always been, something akin to one's metaphorical skin that supports them, and in a way also needing to be protected against.

no matter how she tries to coat her answers into something positive, the question of what happens causes her fingers to slowly tap... as if she's contemplating what answer to say. she parts her mouth, then closes it, parts it again, and somehow her throat feels dry as she thinks about what it should have happened and what she saw. )

Everyone died, Mama did too. ( she swallows down the saliva in her throat as she lifts up one leg on the couch to hug one arm around it against her chest. ) They left behind their true Form on the beach, so I could visit them every day. But this time... the recent Emanation was different...

[Pure energy, alright. That's a definition he can work with, having been exposed to energy beyond what normal humans are familiar with. Hell, even his own body is constantly giving off of AIM. Some new energy (or a familiar energy with a new name) isn't hard for him to understand.

Her next answer though, that's the hard one. It makes logical sense... be exposed to unrestrained, chaotic energy, and what do you think is going to happen? Thermal energy burns and freezes, radiation damages molecules and DNA, why wouldn't pneuma also kill? It's perfectly logical.]

........

[It's also really personal, and a part of him regrets asking for that reason. At the same time, he's getting more unsaid answers to some of his other questions out of that one statement: why her mother handed her laboratory over, if her mother had moved on to some other laboratory or facility, that sort of stuff.]

.... Sorry.

[He isn't sure what to say, that's obvious from his awkward tone as he lowers his can of coffee. There's a beat of silence as he decides whether to change the subject or keep pushing for information and, well....]

How was it different?

It was different.

( that's the answer or what she wishes could have been, pnuema was a much better topic, she could go on and on into it, but sometimes when she thinks about what her life was before the emanation struck again, it was a more naive and innocent take.

it's such a better subject than explaining the differences between her mother and the recent one, she tries to recount. )

We could prepare for the Emanation without technology, predict when it would appear and where. Mama was very good at that, but... calculations were off.

( she remembers that day when the island was in uproar at the event, and the geometric bodies that had flowed their way to the beach as if returning home. 37 smiles only a little, just a fraction as she looks down at the ground as she recalls the joy in her heart, the instant understanding, and she wonders why the same couldn't be said as of recent. )

My Mama, 6, Hugh, many integers and fractions were taken by the Emanation, but it was a joyous moment to leave the World of Matters, and return to your true form.

( the corner of her mouth twitches, that smile breaking into a small frown as she tries to keep her voice from cracking. instead, she stops, swallows down the saliva in her throat, and tries to make sense of what she doesn't understand.

even her words sound confused as she continues. ) That's why... this time I don't understand why. I calculated everything, I told them where the safe zone was on the island, where we would throw a celebration to finding a piece of the Truth... but...

( not long ago were they arguing about whether or not to hand over apeiron's wisdoms to outsiders, and she doesn't know what changed, or what happened. )

[37 doesn't need to finish that sentence, he can do it for her.]

.... But they didn't listen to you.

[They - whoever 'they' are - ignored her and picked death through the Emanation instead. Even though she referred to it as a joyous moment, the fact that they had a safe zone, the fact that calculations were off means to him that no one is normally supposed to suffer through the Emanation. That seems fairly clear, which means they must have chosen to die.

The experience must have been harrowing for her. He shifts a little on the couch, not making any attempt at physical comfort, because that's kind of a foreign thing for him. He wouldn't know where to start.]

I don't know why they would pick that option. [He really, really doesn't.] But I know what it's like to screw your calculations up that badly.

[It's what had gotten him killed, after all.]

( she had calculated everything to ensure everyone was safe, so was it her fault? she doesn't think she miscalculated, even though her mother before her had, and that's why that joyous moment didn't hurt 37 as much. however, hearing accelerator say it that they didn't listen makes it sound like a choice they made, and that eats her up inside. she feels sick, something in her stomach is turning as she tries to figure out what it was that they didn't want to listen.

they are a small island, all they had was each other, but even through the death and bloodshed... 37 had promised she would find the truth and fix it all.

but even with the truth, she has found herself here with a threat looming over her head. what if she can't save what's left after all, what if this place is to mock her having already witnessed her friends joyously celebrate in the rain? it's like she can see the rain again in the forefront of her mind, but no, that's only tears swelling up in the corner of her eyes as she tilts her head down to avoid being seen. her hair, like a waterfall, hangs down like a curtain to keep her expression hidden.

she hears him and she fears for him, one miscalculation has intense consequences and she finds herself exhaling a shaky breath. her cheeks warm, something wet rolling down one as she sniffles just a little bit. and what if one day he dies and does not return? what if he's much like her recent experience with the emanation because she doesn't recall any geometrical shape left behind when her friends, who didn't listen, allowed it to take them.

instead of grabbing for her hair, she wraps her arms around herself, palms resting at the curve of her upper arms where her nails dig into flesh there. )

I... I don't want to put you in danger. I don't want to put 6 in danger, either. I don't know what to do if I make a mistake or if someone changes their mind.

( those were her friends, those were the people she laughed and smiled with only days ago until.

she had already cried, but when she thinks about it, how fresh it is to her memory. within her equations, she's never thought she would have to take away important individuals in her life, or they would personally factor themselves away from it. )

Please don't die, please don't leave. I'll try to... understand every equation.

[Oh, geez. Her hair is hiding her face, but he's been around girls like Qliphah and Last Order enough to know what that means. That tiny sniffle confirms it.

Accelerator sits up, moving his coffee to the coffee table, resting his elbows on his knees. He doubts he's ever going to get used to this, and he's mentally getting himself prepared to deal with a bawling girl on his couch, when instead she says that and he stops.]

....................

[This reminds him, clear as day, of Asuka getting angry with him after he died and came back. Or Last Order being worried every time he went off to do something reckless and dangerous. Or Qliphah when that Magic God was able to injure him by controlling her.

Oh, he doesn't like this. Not at all. They barely know each other, he hasn't even gotten around to telling her about what a monster he is. This isn't entirely about him, but there's enough there that it makes his insides twist uncomfortably. She shouldn't be worrying about him this much.

He sucks in a deep breath, choosing his words carefully instead of defaulting to a bunch of hostile cursing meant to push her away.]

You can't control the choices other people make. Sometimes they're going to make some stupid ones, or it's going to look like that to you, and all you can do is accept what they decide to do. It's fucking awful, but it's the truth.

[Like all those times that Level 0 was doing something insane - protecting an internationally wanted terrorist god, running around with so-called diplomats who were committing crimes and causing havoc in Academy City, facing down a resurrected walking force of nature - and he wanted to take a different route. And he did, sometimes, but he always accepted the decisions Kamijou Touma had made, and trusted he knew what he was doing. It always worked out, in the end.

He can't say the same for 37's people. It likely won't, given what happened to them, but she still needs to accept their decision.]

You can chill. I don't have a death wish. Especially around here.

[Asuka drilled it into his head, don't be an idiot a second time. He's going to try his best on that front. And... he's also not very good at abandoning people, but that's too sappy for him to say out loud. Instead he sighs heavily.]

I'm also really fucking good when it comes to calculating anything you throw at me. I can always double check your work, or if you don't understand something, chances are I will. I've got a lot of crap shoved into my brain, the whole fucking world is basically one constant stream of data I'm constantly committing to memory, and it's a huge waste if I don't put it all to good use once in a while.

[He's got your back, 37! And not just mathematically speaking.]

I run it over and over in my mind. ...They wanted me to find the Truth, and when I did... they still.

( to hear that their choice was possibly a stupid one, or maybe it was... something, but this is a cruel truth. it's enough to make her shoulders fall slack and 37 feels even more miserable. sure, the truth hurts, but 210's ego was too inflated to just die, 888's beliefs were hardened, she wouldn't let anyone alter her thoughts as she was committed to what was right.

if what she had chosen was stupid, or even right, then why couldn't 37 have...

...

37 should be happy for them, she should have the same thrill that she had for her mother, and yet...

even both those feelings have dulled, they bring upon an ache in her chest.

she exhales, and she sniffles, there's a hitch of her breath as tries really hard not to just break down. it's the dam keeping the water behind, but there are cracks, there's wall that chips away with every word even if they're meant to be reassuring or the truth.

part of her wishes she had finished that day before leaving the island, but to recall, to even explain to someone who shouldn't care. it's embarrassing, they have just met, but everything has happened so fast. if she did not find 6 here, she would be alone, she would navigate this world alone with vertin or sophia, and she latches to anything that can keep her from running out into her doom. )

Why is it even if the fucking answer is found, it's not enough to make things go right.

( maybe she was unlucky, perhaps her answer was for another problem, but not their problem. if only she knew what, but the issue was they were happy in that moment, it appeared like that was the best choice they could have made, and the expression showed no regret. )

Be wise, uninvolved, and look on or be practical, involved, and suffer... what does that stream of data think, what do you... think?

[Part of him wishes these people of 37's hadn't ended up dying, because it prevents him from being able to tell them off for making her cry. The same as he did with Nepthys after she messed with Qliphah. He doesn't know her very well, but she doesn't deserve to be forced to go through all of this.

He can't give her an answer. It sounds like she had figured things out, or was on her way to doing so, and they still chose the Emanation over her. He has no idea what their thought process was, only that they made that decision. However, he can give her a bit of insight into his own mindset regarding her question.]

I've tried both options throughout my life. [When he was ten years old and facing down the military he willingly chose to surrender, to go along with the city's decision to essentially remove him from society. At the time he had thought it was the best option for everyone, because it meant he didn't have to hurt anyone, and look where it got him.]

Being uninvolved was bullshit. People still got hurt.

[He still hurt people. It never actually stopped, despite his desperation, and now after everything he's done he doesn't have the right to choose the easy way out ever again. He doesn't get to have a simple life.]

I got tired of that, and it's why I accepted the offer to run my city. I don't care if it means I have to suffer, being involved means I'm making a goddamn difference in people's lives. That's all that matters.

( it still hurts to think about, even if she didn't miscalculate and they chose to do that... she still believes it to be her fault. even now, in a new place, she cannot find the answer to what she had done wrong to cause such an unfortunate situation. it's these moments that she wishes that vertin and 6 didn't hold her back, but that would have the uninvolved option.

she chooses not to say anything on it, even while being involved, she watched them die and it feels worse. or maybe it's the fact she's crying on some guy's couch that she doesn't know, and she doesn't know how to save face.

for once, 37 is thinking that crawling out the window is her only option from how much she's embarrassed herself, for what she's said so far. would that be horrible to do to him considering he's telling her his mistakes, he doesn't tell her in detail, but he does let her know. he's miscalculated, he's been involved and uninvolved, and she sniffles, and one hand lifts up to wipe at her already red cheeks as she bites down on her bottom lip to keep in any sob.

she won't do it, she won't let a sound slip through.

that is the choice that apparently she had chosen to be practical, involved, and suffer. that option allows her into the phenomenal world to learn the truth that will help prevent others from being taken away by the emanation, and then afterwards she can go home to what she knows.

but why is the outside world so difficult to understand, and why can't her friends be there when she returns. she can't ask him that, but his choice tells her a lot that something comes from being involved, to suffering, because it makes a difference in some way. at first, she didn't want to leave, the outside world is foggy, it's hard to see the truth with the pile and pile of bacteria that covers it... but...

it's at this moment that she realizes she's bit down on her bottom lip too hard to keep herself from sobbing, and the taste of blood manages to hit her tongue. it's like a sobbing cough comes from out her mouth, and she breathes in through her nose. )

....What about here, ( her voice cracks, and she pauses trying to get force the sadness out, but it doesn't work as her tone drops down to a whisper. ) ...what did you choose here?

[... Maybe it would be better if he told her to just get it all out instead of pushing it down. It would certainly be better if he could manage to offer her a hug or something - if Last Order was here that's what she would do - but the very thought makes him want to crawl out of his skin. Still, he's seeing 37 bite down on her lip way, way too hard, and can only think that bottling everything up is only going to lead to an explosion later on.

(Nevermind the fact that he's a complete hypocrite thinking that.)

Accelerator hesitates, his hands curling into fists.]

.... I don't know if any of this is bullshit. It's possible we're being lied to by Echo.

[He isn't going to sugarcoat that. While he likes Aurora, he still hasn't seen proof that they're saving their universes by completing these missions. It's all very vague, and like many people here he's skeptical.

Another thought comes to him, and he pauses his answer. Grabbing his crutch, he gets to his feet, walking over to the bathroom briefly to retrieve a box of tissues and a damp washcloth for her. Sitting back down, he holds out both of them for her to take. He might not be good at comforting someone, but he can at least do that before continuing his answer to her.]

But I'm responsible for 1.8 million kids back home. I'm not going to endanger them on a hunch, so I've been taking part in these damn missions.

[Those circumstances are unique to him, he doubts there are many people who are considering the wellbeing of the people in their universe so strongly. He's seen a lot of complaints on Aurora's network that suggests that's the case.

Of course, that's only his decision. He isn't the one having a crisis over what to do, and he looks over at 37 calmly.]

What do you want to do?

( that reminds her... linhardt had also said something familiar of how he didn't want to expose 37 to his thoughts, he wanted her to build her own perspective and then return. the general consensus is that there's lies weaved around what's meant to be the truth. he doesn't believe they're reason for being here is true, accelerator doesn't know if all of this is real. it's only two people, but people who have been here longer than her, really it's something she should bring up to 6. he would know what to say on that matter, but he'd probably confirm that their experiences will help them paint a better understanding.

when he leaves, there's that chance to escape where she looks over to the window she had crawled in. she's such a silly girl, she knows she would be scolded from making this decision if it were back home. then again, back home before there was nothing to cry about at all, the most she'd do was sulk if 210 won against her in an argument, or if she didn't understand something.

what she doesn't expect is the box of tissues and the wash cloth. as much as she doesn't know how to verbally respond, she instead lifts her hand to grab them one at a time to sit in her lap.

the shadows on the wall flicker too much, this world is different from the world they lived in before, and so as long as they go out and understand then they can make judgements. then there it goes again, what they're working for in another world is the building block of what they do in this one. same equation that has never changed, and accelerator's goals remain what they were.

37 pulls one tissue out from the box, the shape is of a frail rhombus in her hand, and knowing how thin and flimsy it is that it will break soon enough. she brings it to her face to wipe away at the tears, she's managing so well. )

I... can't. ( she starts off as her hands tremble, and she exhales a deep breath as the same tissue comes to her lip. the faith taste of her tears there on her lip too when she tries to wipe away the blood. ) I can't let everything be in vain, the circle may have shrunk, and the Transcendental law is in disarray, but... I can't let 210, 888, my mother...

( oh, through all her mother's teachings, she can't let it all wash away just like that. that's when she finds herself tilting emotionally, the whole world starting to blur as tears drop faster than before. drops fall to her lap and onto the warm fabric of the cloth, )

I promised 6, I promised him I would do something and... ( she wants to make herself stop, she doesn't want to cry here, but when she talks she feels like... that sobbing breaks through, and she has to stop even trying.

please apeiron, keep her composed. unfortunately, even if she begs, she just breaks down over the technicalities. ) and... if I don't... It's all my fault. He won't say it, but I should have been faster in figuring it out, I should have done something more and... if I don't do something here, everyone who died, and my new friends, and... Sophia...

( would their last meeting really be like that, would she never see her again, she feels almost sick. that she switches for the warm rag to bring it up to her eyes, the warm compress to soothe and catch the tears as she cries. )

6 is all I have, and everything... everything is gone if I don't fix this, and if I fail... he'll leave me too. Then...

( what's left? what's left? )

[He's at least grateful when she accepts the tissues and cloth. It's a small gesture and nowhere near enough to help her, but it's something. He'd like to hope it's better than nothing.

Is it better than nothing? She's crying, and he can only that'll end up helping, too. It's hard to sit here though, he feels useless. All this dumb strength and he can't do a damn thing to help her. There's too much responsibility on her shoulders, she's been through too much for someone so young. He really hates this.]

..............

[He should call 6. He could claim 6 wouldn't leave her, but it'd be a bald-faced lie. He isn't 6, he doesn't know him all that well, he can't reassure her that 6 would stay. And even if 6 would stick around, the guy is so passive that it might come across in a way that 37 misunderstands due to her emotional state. He doesn't want to make things worse, and he doesn't want to inadvertently cause 6 to make things worse.

.... He's going to have to message him later about this, though. Have some words with him in private so he's aware of what's going on with 37, in case he already isn't.

For now he's just quiet for several long moments. There aren't any words coming to mind that feel appropriate. He's already said he'll help her, he can't give her any answers about the choices of her people, and he doesn't know hot to comfort someone who's experienced so much death despite having gone through it a lot himself.

So what the hell is he supposed to do?

Last Order comes to mind. In Russia, after she had been fixed from whatever the hell Aleister had been doing to her. She had been okay, and he had hugged her for the first time.

37 isn't Last Order, he still can't bring himself to engage that much physically. But....

But he awkwardly reaches a hand up, gently settling it on her shoulder.]

( when he touches her shoulder, she lifts her head in alert, an instant flinch and her eyes widen as she looks at him. it's not the fact that he touched her, it's more so that she's realizing the situation of how she's been crying, and how her cheeks are stained by her own tears. 37's eyes are blurry, they burn, but her smile is weak, and it trembles as she attempts to show how grateful she is—

...

it falls as easy as it comes, her eyes soon fall too from no longer looking at accelerator to down at her hands. she lifts it to rest one hand over his own, the touch lingers in a way to reassure him in a different way if her smile is unable to cover it. it's funny, she's crying over her friends that are long gone, and even though accelerator said he would help her before... maybe she should be grateful they're not friends like he said... that makes it so she has nothing to lose.

what can you lose that you never had? )

I'm sorry...

( she whispers, shaking her head and using one hand to wipe away at her eyes to dry them. it doesn't work so much, but she's already pushing herself up from the couch so accelerator's hand is removed from her shoulder.

part of her wishes that she didn't have to get up, a comforting hand does a lot, it assisted in grounding her... making her realize that if she wants to do these things then she can't sit here and cry. she wants to, this isn't something he has to deal with because in the end he's only a stranger who is living in a peculiar world much like she is. )

I should go... I didn't mean... ( that seems to be the right choice, she won't put him in this position... she'll find somewhere to cry and she'll think these things over. accelerator has been through his own ups and downs, but he isn't sitting here crying, so... it feels wrong to do this. ) Thank you... for helping me with...

( she tilts her head to indicate the earpiece as she takes a step back, then another so she can properly go to the door. )

[There's still an uncomfortable knot in his stomach when 37 settles her hand atop is. As far as he can tell he isn't making things any worse, which is... good? Is any of this good? It doesn't feel like it is. She deserves a hell of a lot more than some monster trying to help her through this. She especially shouldn't be apologizing to him.

When 37 stands Accelerator lets his hand drop.

He gives her a small shrug. Normally he'd follow up with something like "whatever" or "it's not a big deal," some dismissive statement that makes him look indifferent. Except this was a big deal, and Accelerator doesn't want to downplay what happened to her and what she's still going through.]

Next time don't go around knocking on windows. You can use the door. Alright?

[That he can easily offer. He's used to Last Order and Qliphah getting in his space, and Asuka shows up to hang out pretty often, so he doesn't mind at all if 37 does the same. It'd be better for her if she did, instead of shutting herself away alone.]

( the door, oh, she could if she remembers, but she feels a little dizzy at this point as she makes her way to the door. her eyes fall to the knob to turn, another audible sniffle as she turns it. )

I- I'll try my best.

( it comes out as a mumble that she can't quite promise, if anything, she wants to sit in her room and think about if there's something wrong with her. she should be used to this feeling that those taken away by the emanation are in a happier place, that's how she should feel...and yet, apeiron did speak up on her doubts.

her heart sinks a little more as she shakes her head to try and get rid of it.

not now, not right now. her sleeve lifts to her face to wipe away the tears from her face knowing she can't return home to 6 like this. it's not his place to even ask what's wrong, but if he knows, then he'll be able to tell what the issue is. she won't let him think she's weak or will make mistakes or anything... part of her wishes she could have done that for accelerator too... but he knows that she too struggles. staring at the door, she manages to turn around just a little to acknowledge accelerator one last time— blue meets red. )

Um... Goodbye.

( she doesn't wait for a response, she doesn't really want one, but she does leave with the door shutting behind her. )

Hello, Accelerator :)

I wanted to let you know that my partner, Lieutenant Hank Anderson, is here. If you could please look out for him, I'd appreciate it.

What?

Wait, Hank? That old fuck? That guy's your partner?

[But they're like, complete opposites????????]

And quit using emojis, it's creepy.

Yes. So you've met?

I was under the impression emojis were used to indicate emotion. Is that not the case?

We've talked, yeah. I wouldn't have pegged him for a cop.

Yes, but the way you just used it is creepy.

He doesn't fit the usual stereotype.

Oh. :(
Is that "creepy"?

You like working with him?

No, that looks insincere.

I do, he's a good person.

I like using them, and my intention wasn't to be insincere.

He seemed pretty fucking relaxed about me being a criminal.

[He basically opened with that, because of course he did.]

Eomjis are stupid. [Except the one that flips the bird but --] You can get intent across well enough with just text.

[What a killjoy.]

I know you don't see yourself this way, but Lieutenant Anderson does have incredible empathy, especially when it comes to the younger population. I can't speak for him, but you'll probably be surprised by the type of person he is.

I will keep that in mind. :)

[is he.... being sarcastic.]

[Ugh, no. Not this again.]

As long as he directs that emotion towards other kids and not me.

... Right.

[Wow Connor, wowwww.]

You can't control how other people feel. You might just have to accept it.

[Ugh, he's right.]

That doesn't mean I have to like it.

No, it doesn't. I'm glad we could reach an agreement.

:)

[akljfklsjflk Fuck you too, Connor :'(]

Hey, so, you were among those who found out that stuff about the hospital a while ago, right?

I was gathering parts for my group's vehicle, and while I was doing so, I noticed all the parts the bots were carrying came out of the hospital. Just thought you should know. I can't quite piece it together yet, but it's obvious that hospital is central to whatever Etraya really is.

[ A beat. ]

Have you been doing alright?

[He isn't the least bit surprised to hear that. One of the lower floors had construction materials for the buildings that have gone up around here, so it tracks it'd also be the place where the bots come up with equipment and resources for missions.]

We wake up there, and before Aurora had her body the hospital was where she was stationed, so that's a logical assumption. Did you need me to confirm your conclusion or something?

[He isn't answering her question, clearly her wanting whatever is more important than his mental state.]

Edited 2024-12-07 01:00 (UTC)

[ Wow, Accelerator. Friendly as ever. ]

Well, yes. And I figured I should tell someone. I know you've been investigating the hospital before and I trust you.

[He really isn't something she should be trusting. She barely knows him.

There's a big sigh from him at that before he responds.]

Are you planning on looking into it further?

I want to. Didn't you say something about special equipment being needed?

Yeah, and even with it you're still going to die if you go down there. There's no point.

But I would come back.

And lose something. Does everyone around here have a selective fucking memory when it comes to that?

But wouldn't it be worth it if we can make some progress? Whatever's down there seems to be key to whatever's going on here, don't you think?

Do you seriously think you're going to find something down there when a bunch of us already looked and didn't find anything? You're not. Connor and I have senses beyond that of a normal human, and Yuri and Dimitri have magic, and we didn't find anything. We also could've easily fucking died.

Know your goddamn limits. Being stubborn doesn't benefit anyone.

[ ... well, if she's honest, she can't deny he's right.

Know your limits is something people have told her before, so it's a bit awkward. ]

Right.

So you don't want to follow that trail anymore at all?

I want to keep an eye on things. More might come of it, but there's no point in rushing in and getting killed.

[It's important, that's for sure, but he isn't sure if that importance is due to Aurora's brain or what. Since her brain is what she and Connor know about, that's what he wants to keep safe.]

Right. Well, now you have that piece of information. I know it's not much, but do with it what you will.

Yeah, I'll keep it in mind. Thanks.

Hank hates the RoboCops, but one thing they’re good for?

Helping deliver Christmas presents, because Hank has no idea where most people live, or are currently dwelling, or whatever.

A note atop a package reads:

Hey, kid.

Don’t rip up this note yet. I’m old. Let me talk.

Connor said something to me once that stuck with me. It was about not being able to change the past, but learning to live again for yourself. And for those you’ve lost, too. You think about that, okay?

Now you can get mad and rip this up if you want.

〰️ Hank 🎄

He drew a little Christmas tree just to be an asshole.

Inside the package is an assortment of different coffees: some instant, some not. Citrus! Bold flavors! Hopefully something out of the bunch will be enjoyable.

Accelerator spends Christmas in bed, so he doesn't find the coffee and note until the following day.

He should be used to receiving gifts after getting a copy of Dune from Harold. But even though he had ultimately accepted it it was awkward, and he hates the idea that Harold thinks he's worthwhile enough to be considered during the holidays. It's awful, he isn't and Harold is wrong for thinking that. He didn't deserve the book, and he doesn't deserve the coffee.

That's why he's put in a sour mood when he finds the gift, bringing it into his apartment before reading the note.

It hits him, hard. There's no way Hank could have the full story of the Sisters, even Connor doesn't have that, but his words still hit too close to home. Months ago, when he was home, another esper had helped him come to the realization that half of the Sisters are dead and gone, that there's nothing he can do to change that. All he can do is be there for the remaining ones, and serve as proof that the first ten thousand existed. He can't bring the dead back, but he can live for them regardless.

It's been months since he's seen any of the remaining Sisters, or Last Order. The note reminds him of them, and before he can stop it he's hit with a wave of homesickness.

He crawls back into bed for a little bit, until he feels an overwhelming urge for canned coffee. At the very least, he makes some of the instant stuff Hank gave him. Then he sends a text.

Hey, old man. I don't fucking celebrate Christmas. You were wasting your time getting me something.

I was thinking of you and in a POSITIVE way so you’re just gonna have to deal with that, kid

I know certain days of the year can just fucking suck so I hope you got through okay

[Christmas especially will never be easy for Hank, but then there’s his son’s birthday. And Easter, and Halloween. Fathers’ Day, in its own way.

Basically, a lot of days just kind of suck. Hank gets it.]

Don’t be too hard on yourself

Fuck you.

[He isn't sure what else to type, so Hank gets that. He doubts the guy will get offended, he's just having a lot of bad feelings right now and it's making him aggressive.]

I'm not going to easy on myself. I've done a lot of rotten shit in my life, that would be fucked up.

Fuck you too, kid

[Hank types this entirely without animosity. It’s kind of just becoming something oddly endearing for him to say to Accelerator.]

You sure do like assuming shit about what I say, huh

Said don’t be too hard on yourself. Didn’t say anything about easy. Life isn’t easy

[He almost leaves the conversation at that. Taking off his stupid earpiece and setting it down. But he’s got another think coming, so he adds:]

Don’t know what you’ve heard about me, but I spend half my time here drinking.

About made a damn fool of myself at Heather’s party

[Hank is a hypocrite. He knows this. But he keeps going.]

Hating yourself is easy. The easiest thing in the world, maybe.

But finding a reason to live? Finding a reason to WANT to live? That’s the hardest fucking thing

[He knows from experience how hard it is, and he knows it won’t be today, nor any day soon... but Hank hopes he’ll be around whenever Accelerator finds that thing.

And he hopes Accelerator won’t be as hard as Hank is on himself in the meantime.]

Edited 2024-12-26 03:40 (UTC)

[Weirdly enough, it feels somewhat normal for an adult to be cursing back at him. Maybe it's because the adults here have been too nice (Vincents excepted).

He reads through all of this, hating all of it. He didn't attend that party so he isn't sure what Hank is talking about (ew, socialization), but given the amount he's claiming he drinks Accelerator can guess. Yomikawa drinks, even though he can't picture her doing it anymore it's still a fact in his mind, though he's always avoided the stuff himself. After seeing that Level 0 get hammered he figured it wouldn't be a good idea for someone as strong as himself to lose that much control.

He supposes Hank must do it for exactly that reason. It'd make hating yourself a lot easier in the moment... though, he isn't sure what reason Hank would have to feel that way about himself. He wants to ask, but that would be an incredibly personal question and he doesn't want to bring up bad memories.

Ugh, what is he supposed to say? He doesn't want to talk about himself, he's trying to project a very specific image when it comes to the Sisters and he doesn't want to ruin that.]

Connor said you're a good and empathetic person.

[Let's just... go with talking about Hank, instead of himself.]

He holds you in high regard. It'd probably be hard for him to hear you talking about this shit.

[Hank’s initial contrary thought is “yeah, well, Connor’s wrong.” But it kind of aches, thinking that now. He doesn’t want Connor to be wrong, but Hank’s been spiraling as of late.

Accelerator’s good. Shifting the conversation back to Connor.]

That’s why I’m talking to you and not Connor.

Connor is [god, where to fucking start?] different. Not just because he’s an android. He’s a hell of a lot stronger than me and I don’t just mean when he’s out there whacking guys

It’s not like me drinking is some big secret I’m keeping from him either. He knows I hate myself too

But that’s not something you can just shut off overnight. You find your reason to keep going and you work on shit. You keep at it

[Again: “do what I say, not as I do.”]

[Look, Accelerator would totally get it if Hank texted back "Connor's wrong" in response to all of that. He likes Connor, and he also thinks Connor is way too nice. Actually, it would probably be easier to commiserate over Connor being Connor than having this conversation. But they aren't and he drags his hands through his hair, slumping on the couch.

This sucks. This sucks so much.]

That's not the kind of thinking I'm used to doing.

[He's sure that isn't the least bit surprising to Hank.]

What's your reason?

I get it. Trust me, I do.

But it’s something to keep in mind, all right? Even if it’s too hard to actually do right now

The whole finding your reason thing

Just try to keep it in mind when you can.

[Hank almost leaves it at that. He isn’t sure whether Accelerator would push him for an answer to his question, anyway.

But it means something — his willingness to answer.]

Connor

Connor’s my reason.

[Hank imagines typing out: And my son, too.

But that’s a whole other can of trauma he’d rather not pry open today.]

[He almost, almost types out that he has nine thousand nine hundred and seventy-one reasons - nearly two billion if he wants to count all the students in the city - but he doesn't want to talk about the Sisters. It hurts too much to do so with people around here.]

If you've got him, does that mean you're working on not drinking anymore? Or at least as much?

[It seems like a reasonable question. Hank's made it clear he hasn't completely stopped, which does bother Accelerator, but it does make him curious as to how he's handling having someone good in his life. Accelerator has people, even if they aren't here, and this is something he thinks about a lot. He knows he isn't the best person to be around Last Order, even though he tries, and there have been plenty of days where he's thought she'd be better off without him in her life, despite her stubbornly insisting otherwise.]

It’s a process

[Which is an absolute non-answer, yeah, and also Hank’s way of saying “kind of.”

Sort of.

Yes and no.]

It’s like Connor helped me turn on a light but the switch got stuck halfway

And it’s all flickery and shit

Like I said. A process.

This place has been

Not good for me

[Obviously. But:]

I thought I wouldn’t give a shit about anyone I met here but that hasn’t been the case

Which is fucking strange. Makes the whole “battling for our worlds” or whatever kind of weird

But there are people here who I think about when I do stupid shit. Sometimes it keeps me from doing the stupid shit. Sometimes it doesn’t.

But they still make me want to be better

[A process. That makes sense. You don't just completely change a habit that affects so much of your life, not only is that potentially dangerous but rewiring the brain by sheer willpower is an incredibly difficult thing to do. It's unfortunate to hear Hank hasn't been able to kick his addiction, but Accelerator understands why.

That's why he chooses to drop some really shitty information. It's better that Hank is aware.]

A lot of people leave. Not that I've sat down and done a whole survey to figure out the statistics, but people only usually stick around for a couple months before disappearing.

[Which his detached way of saying people disappear sometimes, and it's really painful.]

I guess one good way of looking at it is that even if this place is dogshit, you might not be here very long.

That’s kind of why I was getting fucked up at Heather’s party.

Was drinking anyway but Gorgug got to talking about missions and he was saying if I don’t wanna do them so badly, maybe they’ll just send me back

[Gorgug was saying Aurora or whoever might’ve given him a robot baby for a past mission, which was another horrifying thought.]

I guess it’s one thing to be sent here without our consent y’know, then a whole other to be kicked out for whatever reason

Never really thought about it honestly

Figured I’d just be a fuck up here and they’d blow up my world, then I’d be stuck here or they’d figure out a way to really kill me

Don’t know if I’d wanna go back now. Who knows if the world’s all fucked up??

I didn't go to it. I'm not a party kind of person.

[Sounded like a horrible time, so he's very glad he skipped it.]

I guess it makes sense to think like that if you don't have anyone you're responsible for back home. If there's nothing to go back to, what's the point?

[Asuka thinks similarly, having made it clear that her universe is completely fucked and that she doesn't want to go back, so he can't really fault Hank for this.]

Connor is gone.

[........................................ Oh fuck.]

Are you sure?

Goliath has been unable to track him down. If Goliath can't find him, he isn't here.

Who's Goliath?

My dragon bat.

[Sure, why not.]

And it's got a good nose, I'm guessing?

I'll introduce you.

Yeah, fine.

I'm going to doublecheck the computer in the hospital, just to make sure.

[If Robin's sure of this though, he doubts he'll find anything different.]

Goddamnit. His cop partner is here, and he isn't going to take this well.

Connor is a resourceful ally. No decent partner would take his loss well.

[He supposes it's lucky Hank's admitted he's an alcoholic, he can plan for it....]

Yeah. I'll send him a message later.

What about you?

I have personal complications to manage.

Message me when you're available.

What are you talking about?

We can discuss it in person later.

Fine. I'll let you know when I'm done. Where do you want to meet?

Nova City.

Okay.

[And now he has a very unfortunate text to send to Hank.]

Well, hi, Accelerator. Want to gamble on something with me?

[Ugh, what on earth. What the hell is he doing, inviting him to poker game or something?]

Don't you know any adults for shit like that?

I do, but I owe you one and not them.

So, want to hear my proposal?

[Sigh. That 'debt' will never not be ridiculous in his eyes.]

Fine. What is it?

Those points that we can give the bots allow us to acquire a wide variety of things. [ Dramatic pause. ] I'd like to see if we'd be able to return to you what you've lost when you died.

[There's a long moment of silence as Accelerator takes the offer in.]

.......... Are you fucking with me?

Why would I be? And what would be the benefit?

This isn't something that can be found out overnight, mind you.

If I'm understanding this little point system, it'll take a few months to acquire the points necessary to test this out. However, I don't want to be slaving away without having someone to gamble this thought on.

[Okay, point. Maybe he's just loathe to be a part of another experiment, he had thought he was done with being a test subject.

... Though it's better that it's him and not some other kid.

He clicks his tongue.]

I guess the worst that can happen is the robots reject your request and you have to spend your points on something else.

Fine, I'll be the fucking guinea pig.

Indeed.

[ S M I L E ]

I appreciate your willingness to join me in this endeavor. The only thing I'm sorry for is the wait to find out if it's possible or not.

I can be patient when I need to be. I doubt it'll work, anyways.

[He's going to go ahead and refuse to even entertain the idea that this will work, he doesn't want to get his hopes up.]

Not a terrible way to think... best not get our hopes too high on this one.

[ SIGH ]

You know those thoughts you get of... "if only I hadn't spent those five points on porn to fulfill a request, I'd be five points richer than what I am now."

It won't really change the amount of wait that we have ahead of us, but I still can't help but have a little buyer's remorse.

........................................................................................................................................................................

[What.]

[There is just. So much silence. Does he even want to touch that?]

[He's probably going to regret this.]

Why the fuck are you spending points on that?

For Christmas, I suppose.

Oh, you're asking for me personally, hm?

[ Hm. ]

Because no one else was offering and seemed like a small investment to make toward a larger payout later.

Not that kind of payout.

Just to be clear.

Anyway, guess that's about why.

[The regret is overwhelming.]

So you bought it for some other freak. You know there's adult magazines at the convenience store, right? If someone was really interested in that garbage they can just go there.

Yes, but for five points, I was able to acquire adult entertainment specifically suited to that person's tastes instead of guessing. Which leads us to where we are now... me curious about what else the bots are capable of acquiring with enough points.

Going from requesting porn to returning memories is a big leap.

Isn't it just?

But one small step for man and all that...

I'm surprised you're comparing it to scientific discovery. Aren't you a priest? Shouldn't you consider this more like playing god?

I am a priest, but this isn't playing god.

Honestly, I'd think playing god would more be like... killing someone and then returning what I took from them after they come back.

And, fun question: do you think the person has any right to be mad at their murderer in that case?

[What a question....]

Well, even if the person comes back fully intact, they still have the memories and experience of having been killed. That'll fuck a person up.

But more important than that is why they were killed. If they deserved it then no, they don't.

Guess that is what it always comes down to, hm? Whether the person deserved it or not.

Although, I think there is probably someone who would say no one deserves to die, but... I suppose they haven't a good and proper psychopath yet.

A person like that's led a really cushy life. I'm sure there are a decent amount of them stuck here.

Do you feel sorry for them? Pity them? Or look down on them, I wonder?

[He clicks his tongue.]

I'd say I think they're mostly irritating for being so sheltered and naive.

[Also, there's a little envy for getting to have a good life where psychopaths weren't a problem, but he's not saying that out loud.]

What about you? What's your opinion on those kinds of people?

They're a reasonably safe investment to make for any beginning endeavor. Until any market fluctuation -- [ He pauses ]

[ INCORRECT BUZZER. ]

They're a safe bet to work with until they experience betrayal.

.....

[He can't ignore it anymore....]

Okay, what's with the fucking financial talk? Normal people don't even like thinking about finances unless they're filthy rich or work in the field.

Well, there you have it... I used to work in that field. I used to think so much about money and finances and investments that it was all I talked about to anyone.

On the positive, I made quite a bit of money... enough to retire comfortably... before I became a priest.

[This answers one question and raises so many others.]

How the fuck do you go from finance to being a priest? That's an even bigger leap than the jump from porn to death costs.

Edited 2025-01-15 19:56 (UTC)

[ Rude. ]

It's more like I went back to my roots than leapt from finance to priesthood.

[Roots, huh.]

So you grew up in a religious household?

That's right.

A very, very religious household.

What was that like?

[ What was it like?

Vincent can say with confidence he was lucky to not have been born special. Their households were worse than his. Not that spared him the psychological, emotional, or physical abuse but it could have been much worse. It could have been like the children at Wish House. They simply disappeared without anyone caring. No one would look for them and if numbers were off from what they were before, no one said anything.

There was an article written about the treatment of some of the children, but the reporter soon disappeared. Vincent believes the Order had something to do with it, and can only imagine the torturous existence that man lived before his end.

But for him, what was it like?

He keeps it to himself -- not because he feels ashamed or wants to protect his parents' good name, but because he doesn't want to be pitied. He doesn't want to be sympathized with; he doesn't want someone to look down on him because he was treated poorly when he was young.

What right do they have to do that to him? What right do they have to feel sorry for him?! What right do any of them have to treat him like his life was a pitiable existence?! ]

About the same for anyone else with religious parents, I suppose.

Occasionally stifling and irritating with threats of going to Hell mixed in.

[Is that what it's like having religious parents? God, how annoying.]

Growing up religious sounds shitty.

[Yes, he is aware he's saying that to a priest.]

They certainly can make life more difficult than it needs to be.

But enough on that... regardless of my upbringing, I chose to be a priest.

Why?

[A really blunt question, but it doesn't seem like it's worth it, in his opinion.]

Why?

Because I love God and feel more comfortable in the Order than out of it.

[.... Huh, wait.]

The Order...? I assumed you were Catholic or Christian or something. Or is that just the name of your sect, or whatever the fuck it's called?

[Religion is not his strong suit.]

Guess there is no point in hiding it.

We do ... hide ourselves by pretending to be Catholic... but we are our own religion.

A cult, if you will.

...............................

[He can't be serious.]

Okay, now you're really just fucking with me.

Again, why would I?

I thought about lying but I have a few people here who would call me out on it.

That's an insane thing to openly admit. 'Cult' isn't a term people usually give positive connotations to.

It's a religious organization not openly accepted or recognized by the government of my world. Cult is unfortunately the word to use but if you ask me, it is the one true religion of my world.

My god exists and I have witnessed Her glory. But trying to explain that to anyone from any other religious group and they call me insane...

So there is no point in covering up what outsiders believe. That's what I mean.

Edited 2025-01-16 07:09 (UTC)

[One true religion sounds like a wild claim....]

What do you mean, you've witnessed Her glory?

I've seen miracles.

You wanna be more specific than that?

Would it have you believe in my God if I am?

I'd dealt with gods before. I'm not about to start fucking worshipping any of those bastards, but I know for certain they exist in my universe. I'm open to them existing elsewhere.

So, nothing else needs to be said, right?

I'm still curious at what those miracles were, shithead.

All right. I'll stop teasing, then.

She created multiple realties on top of one another.

You mean that paradise phase stuff you were talking about before? You worship that person?

No.

That person is a lunatic. She's -- it doesn't matter. What she is doing is nothing more than recreating a nightmare from her past. [ He clicks his tongue. ] God has created a truly separate world from others.

It's not a phase shift, but a constant barrier over my town. It's always there. There's nothing to shift to because that is the state of things... unless you are a non-believer or one of the guilty.

Paradise has not yet come to the world, but one day, it will.

[This is all sounding more and more complicated. It gives him a headache, and Accelerator wishes he could either see all this for himself or have Qliphah around to parse it out. He has a lot of questions about how this works.]

By 'guilty' do you mean someone who's sinned or something?

It could be a literal sinner or someone who has extreme sense of guilt.

So it's subjective?

It can be.

But not necessarily? How the hell does that even work?

Sometimes a sinner is a sinner and sometimes they're not.

[God what an annoying --]

You're being cryptic on purpose.

And also for fun.

[Goddamnit Vincent. He's very tired.]

Uh huh. Was that all you wanted to talk about?

Yeah, I think I said all I needed to say.

Fine. Let me know when you have an answer.

Might end up being months from now... I'm sorry that we won't know until then.

That's fine. I can wait.

Until then, Accelerator.

What have you learned about the train thus far?

Mostly the physics equations on how it works. It's similar to my ability.

[Quantum mechanics baybeeee!]

The locomotive is also off-limits to everyone, which is complete bullshit.

What about you?

The Conductor has a key embedded into his arm.
Langstrom is more annoying in this iteration of him than the one I am familiar with back home.

Huh.

The locomotive needs a key and a passcode from what me and this guy Viktor could see. Fucking bizarre to hide it in someone's arm, if that's what that key is for.

You knew him back in your universe?

Hiding things within someone's body helps to ensure no one else will get their hands on it.

I did. But he was much different.

Unless they find out it's there and are willing to injure or kill the guy for it. It works, I guess, but that begs the question as to why the fuck it's being hidden.

How so?

He was usually significantly more bat-shaped.

Are you serious?

[He's picturing.... a teeny little bat. A normal little guy.]

He invented a serum that was meant to assist the deaf and the blind, but instead, it turned them into massive Man-Bats.

Yes. I am serious.

How massive are you talking? Like, people-sized bats?

Yes.

People-sized bats. Usually on the larger side.

[Pfffffffffft he's picturing that, it's very silly.]

That's ridiculous.

And yet not even close to the most ridiculous thing I've seen.

As long as the bat version of him isn't here. I doubt anyone wants to deal with that.

No.
Now he's just a metahuman.

What the hell is a metahuman?

It's a blanket term meant to describe humans who have developed extraordinary abilities.

Okay, so what can he do?

I'm still investigating that. But he can fly.

Maybe he's still part bat.

He does answer to Batman.

Then assume he has echolocation and eats bugs until proven otherwise.

Gross.

Yeah, but as long as he doesn't hassle anyone just let him eat all the bugs he wants.

He is a nuisance, but Langstrom is, when he is in control of himself, generally not inclined to harm others.

When he's in control of himself? That's an issue with him?

Due to the Man-Bat serum. Whether this one suffers the same affliction or not is still unclear.

I take it you're keeping an eye on him, then? Even outside of your job on the train.

I monitor all possible threats.

That's a yes, then.

I guess let me know if he ever presents a danger to anyone here.

[Well, presents a danger to the kids and a few adults.]

You are aware I am capable of taking on threats like Langstrom by myself, yes?

Can you say that with certainty when you aren't totally sure what he's capable of?

I have taken on gods.
I am not afraid of Langstrom.

What about contingency plans? You're a fan of those.

Isn't that why we're talking?

Yeah. I don't care if I'm a contingency plan for this guy, too.

I was told that you may be able to repair me. My name is Connor. I'm an android.

Hey. We met in the library, I'm the kid with the white hair and the crutch.

I might be able to help. Some guy said you fell down fucking stairs?

Of course. Apologies.

I did. I fell down several flights.

Uh huh.

[That sounds so fake.]

Where?

Here.

Which building?

The hospital.

[The hospital has stairs, but that explanation still feels wrong.]

Okay. And you can't repair yourself? Have you run any self-diagnostic tests?

Not from damage like this. I need replacement plates.

I have run diagnostic tests and come up with a list of the missing parts.

That's all? What about software instabilities? Are you processing things okay? Are the missing parts impeding any major functions?

I have been facing some instabilities, but I'm not a deviant.

I was jumped by what appears to be a ten year old.

What kind of instabilities?

[Oh, goddamnit....]

A boy or a girl?

Questions on my purpose

A boy. Black hair. Wore a domino mask.

Do you mean working as law enforcement, or Echo's whole 'saving our individual universes' thing?

[He immediately knows who that is, of course.]

That's Robin. Don't worry about him. He's a good kid, he just has a different way of doing things.

No. Another task.

I'll keep that in mind next time.

Which is...?

I'm not permitted to tell you.

How come? I don't have that level of security clearance?

[He's only half-joking.]

No, you don't.

That's fine. Who does?

I can't tell you that either.

Edited 2025-02-23 16:50 (UTC)

[That's so fucking concerning.]

Okay. Even if you can't tell me about your mission, do you want to tell me?

I don't know you very well.

But if I did, yes.

Right, yeah.

Okay, send me the list of parts that you need. I think I want to take a look at the results of your diagnostic tests too, if you don't mind sharing that. I've got a laptop here I can use. If it's proprietary information and you can't, then don't worry about it.

I'll talk to Aurora about getting those parts. [He has a lot of points, so that's no big deal.] Are you going to need help installing them?

> > Transmitting parts list

> > Transmitting diagnostics

[Between the parts list and the diagnostics, it's clear that Connor is missing more than a few plates, as well as a part to help manage pain. What's also apparent is that there are a few diagnostics missing. Mostly surrounding his programming.]

I can install most of the parts on my own, but there are a few plates I won't be able to reach.

[Accelerator will go and get his laptop out, doing a cursory check to make sure he's received everything.]

Got it.

Alright, I can help you with those.

There's materials available here?

There's a garbage dump, but I think it's unlikely there will be parts that work for you in there. I'll ask Aurora for them.

Does she had a repository of her own?

Something along those lines. Give me some time to get them.

How much time, if I could ask?

I don't know, it depends on how quick Aurora can get to my request.

Why? Are you okay to wait a little bit for them?

There's something I need to do. Sooner rather than later.

Okay. I'll try to get them sooner rather than later.

Thank you. I appreciate it.

Think we need to talk about Connor.

[Again. Also: understatement of the century.]

Somewhere safe.

[Not that Hank thinks anywhere in Etraya is necessarily safe, but… over their little ear-doohickies sounds like a terrible idea.]

[This isn't a surprising message to receive, given Connor doesn't remember him and apparently fell down some stairs....]

Yeah, fine. Where?

[Hank breaths out a sigh of… relief? Concern? Glancing over at Connor sitting on his couch.

He’s really gonna do this, huh? Risk Connor? But what the hell else is Hank supposed to do?

God-fucking-damn.]

Corrine’s Cafe.

Hank’s standing outside the cafe, some ways away from the entrance. His dog’s leash is attached to his belt — precariously, seeing as how if Sumo decides to take off, the cups he’s holding in his hands are crashing to the ground.

When Accelerator arrives, Hank offers him one of the coffees: black.

“Here.”

Accelerator sends out a quick Okay. before grabbing his crutch and heading out. When he arrives he gives Sumo a confused, almost wary look, and steps around him to take the coffee.

"Thanks. When the fuck did you get a dog?"

An especially big one, to boot. He isn't used to dogs, so this is weird.

Hank looks down at Sumo. Back to Accelerator.

“Got him after the last Connor — y’know. Meant to get him before, but… I especially needed him then.”

He sips his coffee. Inundated with hazelnut creamer, because why the fuck not? Vincent told him a while back to embrace his goddamn whimsy, so here Hank is.

“Connor’s” — god, where to even fucking start? — “different. Have you met him?”

"....." He stares down at the dog like he's offended him, taking a slow sip of his coffee. He hasn't, Accelerator is just bad with animals.

A moment passes and he glances back up. Okay, yeah, might as well get right to it. "He doesn't remember me," he replies flatly. Saying that out loud hurts given how close he was to Connor when he was here previously, and he tries to cover that up with hostility, sounding aggravated. "I can't tell if this is some version of Connor from a different universe from the previous one, or if he's the same one and simply from a different point on his fucking timeline."

“He’s not gonna bite, y’know.”

Sumo’s tongue lolls out of his mouth — as if to emphasize that he is a very good boy — before Hank unhelpfully elaborates: “The dog. Not Connor. Can’t speak for that guy.”

But back to the serious topic: Hank sighs, cup pressed to his lips.

“I’m sorry. Real fucked up way for a reunion to go.” Hank pauses as Sumo goes sniffing around Accelerator’s feet, then: “This is… a different Connor, yeah. Not the one I knew, either. He’s from earlier — before he realized he was a person. Before he let himself be a person.”

Before Hank had fully accepted such, too, but he doesn’t add that. He can admit to his faults later — now is about Connor.

“Which is one of the things I wanted to talk about. I gotta help get Connor back to that point. We called it ‘deviating,’ back home; when androids got to that point of self-realization. We have to get him there, or else he might…”

Hank squeezes his eyes shut. Shakes his head.

“He might do something really fucked up if we can’t help him.”

Okay, Hank is probably right. Upon further inspection the dog looks more like he'd drool all over someone before biting them. Accelerator is just going to stay very still so Sumo can sniff him, sipping his coffee. Sadly, Sumo will not be getting any pets, and he's going to use the excuse that his hands are taken up by the crutch and the coffee rather than any awkwardness on his part.

He listens quietly, mentally filing all of this information away. The previous Connor had given him a rundown on deviancy, so he's got a basic understanding of it. When Hank explains that this Connor hasn't been through that (yet?), this Connor's behaviour makes a hell of a lot more sense. Connor has always been kind and helpful, but this one is a lot more.............

Well. Robotic.

All of that checks out in his mind. Connor hasn't deviated yet, explaining his behaviour, and Hank wants him to become fully sentient because he's a good person and any artificial being deserves that agency. Perfectly reasonable.

What's concerning is that ending, what'll happen if Connor doesn't deviate. Accelerator feels like he's missing something, and furrows his brow. "What are you talking about? What do you think he might do?"

“It’s not what I think, exactly — he flat-out told me. Connor’s here on a mission.”

And here Hank is, betraying that confidence, because he has to. But it’s not like he’s going and blabbing to the whole of Etraya. Accelerator knew the Connor before, and if there’s anyone Hank can trust with this…

“This Connor’s from a different” — there isn’t anyone around, but Hank still lowers his voice — “world? Solmara. I figure it’s something like Etraya, but it’s fucked. Dying. They’ve lost whatever it is that their AI overlord needs to keep the place running all smooth-like. That’s why Connor looks the way he does: they can’t just magically whip up parts to fix him over there.”

Sumo does, in fact, drool on Accelerator’s foot. For the lack of pets, or because he’s just a silly boy? Who knows.

“So Connor’s come here. With some others. To get whatever Aurora-Echo-whoever has. Which would end up with Etraya just like Solmara, if you catch my drift.”

Hank lets that soak in for a few seconds before continuing.

“That’s why we need him to deviate — I mean, because I want him to be free, of course, but this too. And I told him, if I can’t help him… then he’s gotta take everyone with him to Solmara. And he said he would. He said he’d do the right thing. If he can’t deviate, then he can’t fight his programming — but he won’t just let everyone here die.”

He had pressed that with Connor until he agreed, because fuck his programming.

A mission.

Of course, Accelerator knows that Connor was built to investigate crimes and support law enforcement. He's programmed to do forensic analysis and other stuff, so combine that with their supposed mission from Echo and it shouldn't be surprising to hear Connor is on a mission.

The rest, though. Woof.

He keeps on drinking his coffee, shock settling in the pit of his stomach as he listens. Solmara - not a word he's ever heard before, despite being multilingual. It sounds as if it's similar to Etraya and Eos's city. He makes a mental note of that as concern bubbles up.

"... I heard Connor needed some repairs. I was going to help him out with that," he murmurs quietly. Somehow, that feels like only a minor detail in the face of the rest of all this nonsense. At least Hank knows now, so he doesn't need to worry about Connor remaining broken.

When Hank finishes he's silent for several moments. This is a lot to take in. Frankly, it's insane. They just got off a multidimensional transport functioning using quantum mechanics and serving as a makeshift home to a heavily classist and unstable society, and now this.

He pauses drinking his coffee to draw in a deep breath. It's fine, it's fine.

"Right." Another sip of coffee. "Get Connor to go deviant, stop whoever else wants to steal some shit that'll destroy Etraya, and deal with this Solmara world. That everything?"

“Thanks — about the repairs. I was freaking the fuck out when I saw him. Saw how much pain he’s in. Didn’t know what to do, who could help. Asking Aurora...“

Hank takes another sip of his coffee as he chews over his thoughts.

“Wasn’t sure if talking to Aurora would be our best bet. Was worried that might put Connor on her radar, y’know? But I guess he probably already is.”

She knew the last Connor, to some extent. And seeing the new Connor like this... maybe Aurora was unsettled, too.

“That’s about all. I could try and get more out of Connor, maybe, but it’s... a process.”

And Connor gets sad — his smile always drops — whenever Hank brings up the mission. Which is necessary sometimes, but goddamn is Hank tired of seeing Connor hurt.

"I'll deal with it if there are any problems," Accelerator replies firmly. He doubts there will be issues, he trusts that Aurora will provide the parts that Connor needs. She's a good person, she wouldn't want him to be in disrepair or pain. It seems a lot less worrying than this supposed mission.

"You've gotten a lot of information already. I doubt anyone else would've gotten half of that out of him," he says slowly. It's enough to work with, or at least provide some initial steps to stopping any disasters. He looks upwards, his brain analyzing the data points, evaluating possible options forward.

"... I agree about making him deviant. He's a good person, he wouldn't want to see any of us get hurt if he could control himself." He's never actually seen an android go deviant, but he has an idea. "I think there's someone here who can help. He'd want to see Connor do the right thing instead of just shutting him down or worse."

I got bad news.

How do you want to receive it?

[Why has he been getting so much bad news lately?]

I don't really care. Do what you want.

Great.

I'll just tell you.

If you told me to meet, I'd have to agree, but since you're letting me do things, I'll do what's most convenient.

[ LISTEN. He has to explain it this way to avoid fault later even if he's trying t avoid fault with a teenager or people friends with a teenager. ]

There is no way to get back what is lost from death.

[You're a weirdo, Vincent. Anyways!

This is disappointing to hear. Not that Accelerator had much hope to begin with, but still....

It means there's no way for him to remember what his guardians look like. That... hurts.

He's quiet for a few moments, disliking all the emotions welling up in him at this news. He doesn't want to deal with this. He doesn't want to deal with any of this.

A reply quickly gets hammered out, and he sends it, glad he's sticking to text.]

Well, now we know.

It does.

[ Vincent isn't even sure what he lost when he died. Did Accelerator know about it? He isn't sure, but well, he made a point of saying he wasn't going to whine if he died.

What he can say, however -- ]

Sorry that I'm unable to repay you for what you've done for me.

[ A hum. ]

It just means I'll have to think of something else.

Don't fucking apologize for something that isn't your fault. It's annoying.

[People keep apologizing to him and he's never going to get used to it.]

If you can't it isn't the end of the world. We've usually got more important shit going on.

It's called being polite, Accelerator. Even if I don't mean it, apologies are required and mean something. It creates a bridge between people regardless if they want it or not. You should keep that in mind going forward.

[ Hm. He didn't like being told not to do something and said a bit more than he meant to, but isn't that his life? ]

Personal grievances are personal grievances. If we don't settle them, we'll end up causing issues for others. So, I can't help you with that matter, let's find another.

Is that what you want to do? Create a bridge with me?

[People keep trying to do that kind of thing with him around here and it's low key kind of terrifying.

Not that he'd ever, ever admit that.]

There isn't anything I need help with. It's not like it's hard to survive around here.

You're a reliable person. Whatever I ask of you, I'll give the same in return.

[ A Blue-Chip investment as of right now. ]

Survival is its own thing, but what about living?

'Reliable' isn't a word most people think of when they have to describe me.

[... He supposes it isn't inaccurate, though.]

Oh, don't tell me you're going to get all fucking sappy on me with a line like that.

Well, I think that you are. So, accept the compliment.

[ Someone who will have reasonable returns so long as he gives something of equal worth back, at least. Maybe not even that? But he doesn't like the idea of charity even in the way of actions. ]

No. We're not friends. We're just working together. Don't get it messed up in your head.

No thanks.

[Is he just being a petulant teenager? Maybe.]

I know, I know. It just sounded like you were going in the direction of some overly sentimental proclamation about engaging with people and living life to the fullest or some shit.

Whatever.

[ He's gonna be a petulant adult. ]

No. How could you think of me like that, Accelerator?

Yeah, okay. In hindsight, it's ridiculous to think of you as the kind of person who would talk like that.

[He knows Vincent isn't that nice.]

I'm starting to wonder if people are getting too comfortable around me.

[ Gonna have to fire figurative shots in the air to lower his own stock price. ]

Maybe. Getting too soft can be a problem, huh?

[Do it Vincent, find a way to express your inner jerk.]

I don't think that I am.

I think people just are getting the wrong impression of me.

What kind of impression do you want people to get?

A terrible person who does good things.

For the most part, I think you're an asshole. Does that help?

It does.

That gives me a sense of relief.

You're welcome.

[If this was audio or face-to-face his tone would be very dry.]

I'm guessing it's a lot harder with other people around here, since most of them are really nice.

[And they tend to think the best of everyone, even when that wholly incorrect.]

What are you talking about?

People aren't nice. They're opportunists like everyone else. It's easier to get others to go along with your decisions if you've been "kind" to them before.

Everyone's simply attempting to gain enough points with others in order to say that they're secure here.

[Wow, where has he heard this before? Oh, yeah.]

There's someone else here who thinks kind of like that. He said the worst monsters are the ones who hide behind congeniality.

[Accelerator, meanwhile, stands by what he said.]

Well, then, he'd be right.

[Sounds like Silco and Vincent would get along.]

You think there are people like that around here?

Yes.

We're a smaller group but yes.

You talk to any of them, or is this a generally speaking thing?

I talk to people and dislike a majority of them on principle.

Including me, right?

Right.

We're associates.

Right. The feeling's mutual.

Glad we got that settled.

[Some time after their last conversation...]

Hey, Ace.

[Oh, he wasn't expecting this message. Their last conversation had gone bad enough that Accelerator assumed Jayce wouldn't want to talk to him again. Especially when it had ended with Jayce using his full name.

... He assumes some shit must be going down. That would explain this.]

What do you want?

[Okay, he deserves that response.]

To talk?

Why? Is some shit going down?

[It would not surprise him, even though he'd really prefer taking a nap than being responsible and putting out fires.]

No? Not yet, anyway.

[Squinting!!]

Then why do you want to talk to me?

To

Okay, hang on.

[He switches to audio. It wasn't going to sound as genuine if he just texted it.]

I didn't handle well what we talked about last time we spoke, and I apologize for that.

[.....

Ugh, he isn't a fan of voice messages, and he really isn't a fan of people apologizing to him, but this is clearly pretty serious, so he'll switch over as well.]

You're not a fan of dictators who run cities that experiment on kids. I don't see why you need to apologize for that.

I judged before I had the whole picture. If you tell me, right now, that you love everything happening under your watch as Board Chairman, then we'll know where we stand.

[Well, if he's asking....]

I don't. The city is a complete shithole. The only reason why I took the position was because that was the only way to meaningfully change anything.

[He scoffs a little.]

Do you seriously think a fifteen year old wants to be spending all their time gutting an entire society because half of it's made up of corrupt shitheads and criminals, restructuring the both the justice and correctional systems to make sure those criminals are actually caught and tried fairly but don't just end up rotting away in some cell for the rest of their lives, on top of managing foreign diplomacy with other nations and groups that would love nothing more than to pillage every fucking piece of research and development that comes out of the city, including the kids?

[The answer is 'no.']

That isn't even getting into all the normal day-to-day shit that comes with running an entire nation, like making sure the national budget is balanced.

[Only way to meaningfully change anything was from within. A tale as old as time. Jayce believed that too, at one point.

As Accelerator explains, the pieces fall into place, but at the same time, so does Jayce’s rising frustration.]

…Then why didn’t you say this?!

[He sighs, rubbing his face in his hands, relieved that this is the circumstances— it was all a miscommunication— but kicking himself for not seeing through the obvious facade Accelerator was putting on. He just took it all, once again, at face value.]

I can’t read minds, Ace! The way you talked about all of it was— how was I supposed to know?

[He wasn't, and Accelerator gets he should have been more clear. But having people hate him was his goal back home, and he doesn't see much reason to change course just because he isn't in his own universe.]

I still have no plans to shut the Power Curriculum Program down. You had an issue with that.

[He's blunt about that, even if it's going to frustrate Jayce even more. There are bigger priorities than the Program.]

Besides, there are still plenty of reasons to hate me.

[There's also all the self-loathing but, you know, details.]

This is why you didn't explain it better, isn't it? You wanted to sound like an ass on purpose.

[It makes sense now.]

For some reason, you're trying to make me dislike you.

[Do not start figuring him out, Jayce. He won't allow it.]

Well, I'm an asshole and a monster. I'm not a good person, so by all rights disliking me is what any reasonable person should be doing.

[He just started figuring out Damian, he's on a roll.]

All this time...

It was teen angst.

[??!!!????]

I'm a convicted felon, you bastard! Teen angst has nothing to do with this!

They let a convicted felon run a city?

What part of 'totalitarian dictator' do you not understand? That piece of shit founder had rules and contingencies in place so he could keep running the place even if he was ever put in prison, and I inherited all of that.

[He clicks his tongue.]

But the point is, I'm a fucking terrible person.

[Maybe it's a good thing it's not video because he's rolling his eyes at this point.]

Oh, please. I'm not buying this anymore.

You took on a role you didn’t want. With the original leader who let problems get worse and fester over the years gone, you decided to try and make the best of it by using your status as unquestioned leader to make sweeping changes for the better, cut out the corruption, end the shady deals, but then it turns out you can’t do all that so easily. There’s pushback you can’t get around, and so you have to make some concessions. All the while, there’s other nations at your door trying to get a hold of what put your city on the map— the advancements, the research— by whatever means necessary.

Did I sum that up right?

[Fuck you too, Jayce.

There's a few beats of silence, before Accelerator grudgingly replies.]

... Mostly. I'm not making any concessions for people, that's why I was convicted. If I allow for any kind of exception then I'm no different than all the other bastards with the privilege to get away with things worse than murder. I have to lead by example.

[Among other reasons, but he doesn't want to talk about the Sisters right now.]

Yeah, well...

What I described was actually my last week in Piltover. Beat for beat, concessions included. So maybe you don't get to call yourself a monster, unless you want to call me one too.

[Wait, hold up.]

... What the hell are you talking about?

I was pushed into joining the Piltover Council- our highest form of government. Only a few days in, I had the acting Council head, my former professor, removed. He had been there for decades. So... I became the leader of the Council. I had been trying to fix things- suspicious shipments, enforcer corruption- but if I didn't cut deals with the elites, I would have lost control of everything. So I cut deals; turned them around to my own benefit... for Hextech. Meanwhile, Zaun's throwing riots because I shut down access between our cities, and a Noxian army arrives to gently persuade me to make weapons.

Sick of me yet? There's still more.

[Oh, what the fuck. Accelerator thought this guy was a scientist! He never mentioned anything about being governmental before!

Then there's a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach, because he gets what it's like to be thrown into the deep end of politics. When you have the best intentions but absolutely everything goes to hell, and it feels like the world is on fire and it's all your fault.

God, he hates it when he empathizes with people. He drags a hand down his face, glad this is only audio.]

... Okay, keep going.

[Jayce doesn't keep going just yet. All that happens for a few seconds is a long inhale and a shaky exhale.]

This is the part where... I'd understand if you don't want to speak with me again.

Pressure's building up. There had been a theft of my research and gemstone- that thing I had told you about, harnesses magical energy? We know the thief- Jinx. She works for Silco. No one seems to want to take action against who we know is responsible, who dodged investigation for years because of that same enforcer corruption. They want a peaceful negotiation, and I... I'm tired of the back and forth. Of no solutions working. So I'm convinced to lead an illegal strike on Silco's factories, and... I made a weapon. I used it. I lost control of myself.

[Another pause. He feels the acid rise up in his throat. It still doesn't get easier to talk about.]

He looked around your age.

[Jinx, whom he met on the train, and Silco, whom he met when that weird goat kidnapped them. He'd seen some of the bickering on the network, but he never bothered paying it much mind. Guess that was a dumb assumption to make.

Accelerator is silent as he listens and, well, he's sure there's now tons of gaps in his knowledge. Jinx seemed pretty smart, but he wouldn't have guessed she's... what? A terrorist? If she's working for Silco, then maybe. That guy is a whole other kettle of fish. He was clearly running something, maybe Zaun? Both Jayce and Jinx mentioned it before, and Jayce just now said he's part of Piltover's council --

So the two - nations? Cities? Whatever - were in conflict - he doesn't know what the hell Jayce means by 'factories' - there's a lot he still doesn't know, but his brain is going ahead and sliding what pieces he has into place, making all of that connections like it normally does. It all takes less than a second, though he's silent for a few moments after Jayce finishes. All of that stuff, understanding Zaun and Piltover, it's easy compared to the emotional aspect of this story.

Namely, that Jayce has apparently committed murder.

Not something Accelerator would have ever pegged him for. He's practically the human version of a golden retriever, for crying out loud, and his gut instinct is to be pissed off that some poor kid died because an adult couldn't control himself. That's the easy option, just be pissed off at Jayce, but he knows it wouldn't be the mature one.

He draws in a deep breath. This is going to suck, he can't even remember the face of the person he's thinking of.]

One of my previous legal guardians is a teacher and works for law enforcement in my city, and even though the majority of the criminals she encounters are kids, she won't ever raise a weapon at a child.

[Now that he's saying that out loud, it really sounds like he's going in a certain direction with this. He continues.]

There's a reason for that. She follows that rule because she wants to pay back a debt for something she did. Sounds like you're in the same boat.

[It does sound like Accelerator's going down a certain path with that comment. Jayce holds his breath, swallows hard. He's only told Caitlyn about this. She knows him— would know it was an accident. He didn't have the courage to tell anyone else, until now. It felt... important to admit, here. Even if it means he's going to lose someone.

Jayce waits for the other shoe to drop, but then it doesn't. It's not... blame. It's understanding.]

Yeah.

[Why he reacted so strongly about kids being hurt, mangled, killed. All the guilt he feels spread through every single cell, he could never do something like that again. How could anyone do it over, and over, and over?]

[Jayce's reaction to the child experimentation makes a lot more sense now. It goes beyond just being appalled at such a horrific use of science, it's having to relive the memories of what sounds like one of the worst days of his life. He was inadvertently digging up fresh trauma by explaining Academy City, and he didn't even realize it.

There's a twinge of regret in him for doing that, he knows damn well to be confronted with your trauma when you aren't prepared for it.

... Still.]

That said.

[Yeah. Accelerator knows he isn't a nice person. He's offered some understanding and he doesn't hate Jayce for what happened, but he isn't about to roll over and be some sappy, compassionate softie.]

That's really fucked up. You couldn't control yourself enough to avoid killing some kid? Come the fuck on, you're an adult. You should know better than that!

[There's a growl in his voice.]

When you have power, whether that's fucking political power or a weapon or whatever, you have a responsibility to not be a complete shithead with it! You don't get to indulge yourself, because when you do this kind of thing always happens.

[...And there's the other shoe.]

Y— You think I don't know that?! There were- a dozen ... horrible, chemtank zombies, and they moved so fast, I-I just kept firing—

[He sounds like he's on the verge of tears again.]

So?? [He has no idea what chemtank zombies are. He knows what zombies in general are, and this makes them sound like some kind of souped up version.] If you aren't prepared for the consequences of killing anyone then you don't fucking pick up a weapon!

[Accelerator can hear the tremor in Jayce's voice. Maybe it's a good thing, emotional catharsis or whatever.]

What the hell did you think would happen?

I didn't- think there'd be children there!

[His voice cracks, and he turns off his audio channel. He shouldn't have said anything. He fucked up.]

[Accelerator bites back the urge to ask if he thought at all. It's tempting to say that, but he isn't trying to make the guy have a break down. He draws in a slow breath, taking a moment to choose his next words and let his tone calm down.]

Well, there was. That guilt you're feeling? It doesn't go away. Congratulations, you're stuck with it for the rest of your life. Even ten years down the road, after you've put some distance between yourself and what happened, or even if you talk to people about it. I don't know, people might tell you it'll get better eventually, but they're fucking liars. It's always going to be there.

[He knows this from personal experience.]

It's up to you what you want to do with it. No one else.

[And just like when he tried to speak to Vi about this, that same reaction. Of course you should feel guilt. You've always been responsible for this. Whether you do it yourself, or just by putting your head in the sand, you're responsible for this.

If Accelerator meant for this to be reassuring, it does the dead opposite. When Jayce eventually turns his audio back on, he's quietly furious.]

I didn't tell you all this so you could psychoanalyze me.

Edited 2025-03-07 02:52 (UTC)

I'm not trying to.

[Gross man, he isn't a psychiatrist. He'd be more offended if this was a normal conversation.]

That was the first time you killed someone, right?

And this is where you say you did it, too? Do you want me to berate you for it too, like you just did to me?

I don't play these kinds of games. Say you can't stand me, and we just part ways. I'm not looking for lesson from the more experienced murderer on how to feel guilt until the day I die.

[He almost wishes he could go back to yelling at him. That would be so much easier than trying to help.]

... I'm pissed off, but I don't hate you, Talis. You're not some monster, you just fucked up really badly. [There's an awkward pause before he adds:] I don't want you getting your hopes up that it gets better. That's all.

[Because, in his experience, it doesn't.]

Then why are you trying to make me feel like one? Do you think you're helping when you say that shit?

Forget it. Sorry I said anything at all.

......

[Yeah, he thought he was. He isn't sure why he's bothering trying to help, he knows he's total dogshit at this.

When he replies he's a little quieter.]

... Sorry. I'm not sure what you wanted to hear from me.

I wanted to find common ground, so we could talk again. Now? I don't know. Feels scorched.

If you still care about me at all, please don't tell anyone this. I can't deal with the idea everyone might look at me the same way you will.

[A disappointment.]

You get used to it.

[He's saying that dully, even though it isn't totally true. Yeah, this has happened often enough that he expects it, but if he were truly numb to it then he wouldn't be feeling bad right now.]

I won't tell anyone. I get it, this is personal and nobody else's business.

[I don't want to get used to it.]

Thanks.

[And now this time, he doesn't answer further.]

i need your esper stuff for a hot second. help a girl out

What do you want? I'm not a work animal, I don't fucking help people when they need it.

[Not entirely true, he'd help a small child if they asked.]

this was a REQUEST

they got one of the stuff i built at home in pieces. the faster i get this done the faster i can not ask sevika to get me food. trust me it takes forever to put this together.

you don't wanna help then don't. ugh

[He has no idea what's going on.]

Why the hell are you asking me? I don't do requests that take forever.

[Shouldn't she ask whoever this Sevika person is? Or any of the dozen other nice Etrayans who would be happy to help? He isn't one of them, and he's completely useless when it comes to challenges that aren't extremely short term due to his narrow time limit, so he's a bad choice for whatever this is.]

you were cooler on the train, accelerator.

fine, fiiiine.

hey, you good? i have something to give you from aurora when you're free. it's important but it can wait if the mission sucked

[ Even if he and Accelerator have talked... a little, it doesn't mean he hates talking to people out of the blue any less!! Maybe he should have gone with a 'sup?'? Would a 'sup' have been better?? ]

[The mission hadn't gone great and he'd love to just sleep for a week, but if there's something important going on with Aurora then he can motivate himself enough to get up and deal with whatever this.]

I'm free right now.

okay. where do you want to meet?

Corrine's works. I'll meet you there.

[Since it's near the apartments he'll be able to get over there quick, and grab himself a coffee before finding a table and waiting.]

sure

i'll take 10 to get there

[ The trip takes Gorgug longer than just popping over, but he's got a vehicle to make crossing the distance easier, and the fact that Etraya isn't that big. He pulls the van up by the side of the café, and he comes with his head ducking as he comes in through the doorway, looking around before he spots Accelerator.

A good thing he recognises the guy. He puts a hand in his jeans pocket as he walks over, pulling out a slim card and placing it on the table when he first reaches it. ]

Hey, this is what I'm here to give you. It's, uh-- emergency access. [ ... ] To the hospital elevator.

[ He lowers his volume a notch when he shares that part, voice awkward, but nothing particularly new for Gorgug. He takes a seat opposite Accelerator, figuring he should explain more than just that. It would kinda help! ]

[He doesn't really care if he needs to wait a bit. There aren't enough people in Etraya to ever make the coffee shop busy, so it's nice to sit there in an empty cafe, drinking coffee and not having to be social.

When Gorgug arrives and puts the card on the table, he looks down at it curiously.]

So she actually restricted access to the lower floors?

[He'd recommended it, but it was ultimately Aurora's decision to make. Having been off on the mission he hadn't checked in with her about that.]

Yeah. But she helped me make these when I said that she should, uh, pick some people to help her out, if she ever needs it.

[ And so, she picked Accelerator. Gorgug doesn't know their relationship, but considering his name came up and someone called Yuri, and he remembers their names from being the people who saw her brain, he sees a reason why from there.

Neither of them have tried to fuck her up so far. ]

Right.

[If anything like Im'mari happens again a keycard is a lot better than having to break into the lower floors. He doesn't want to have to deal with that.

Picking up the card, he shifts and puts it away in his back pocket.]

It's a smart idea. Who else has one?

[ Hmm. He thinks about it for a second, but- ]

You know a Yuri?

Yeah, a little.

[Long-haired guy with wind magic, who went with him into the lower floors.]

Oh. [ Oh. ] Well, that guy. Him, you, and me.

[ And he points at Accelerator and then himself. ]

And if you want to help her up security, or do something else, she's okay with that. If you wanted.

[ Since. She let him, so! ]

Hm.

[He'll keep that in mind. It's probably good that multiple people have cards, that means multiple redundancies in case one of them disappears or somehow ends up out of commission.]

Okay, I'll consider it.

[Something to think about. Or talk to Harold about.]

Okay.

[ And he sits there for a second, there being a question he kinda wants to ask, but-- it's awkward, and Gorgug is awkward enough, so-

He sits his hands on the table, and pushes his chair back. ]

That was it, so I'll go now.

[ Unless Accelerator has anything to say or ask! ]

[Accelerator assumes that passing the keycard off was the only reason Gorgug wanted to meet up, so he nods, grabbing his coffee and taking another sip.]

Yeah, yeah. Thanks for this.

[ Gorgug nods back. If there's anything else to be said, he doesn't really know. He's no good at this...! ]

Bye.

[ So he'll take his leave! ]

I wanted to apologize for our interaction after the VR event. I wasn't in a good place after seeing my kids like that again, and I took it out on you.

[God how was he still shit at this after all these years? Maybe he just did better in person? Nah, he'd fumble through as he always did.]

I hope we talk again at some point. I assume you have questions. V.

[Oh, he wasn't expecting a text like this. He was (is) annoyed, but at the same time he doesn't see a need for Vander to go as far as apologizing.]

It's fine. You should've just told me to fuck off.

[.... Well, this is Vander he's talking to.]

Or said you wanted to be alone. That would have been fine.

All of that shit was really personal. You don't owe me anything.

I'm not looking for suggestive correction of my behavior. I'm apologizing, whether you can accept the apology or not is up to you.

[He didn't consider "It's fine" as acceptance or denial. He wouldn't accept it in his own children, and he wouldn't accept it here.]

I didn't want to be alone. I chose to be alone because it would have been a misery for anyone else dealing with me, and I prefer to spare people that kind of pain.

[He can understand that. Most of the time he's miserable to be around, regardless of whether or not he wants to be alone.]

Okay. Then you should know I'm not a good person for that kind of thing. I'm not empathetic, and I'm not good at talking shit out.

[He isn't totally sure if he wants to accept the apology, it still doesn't feel needed to him.]

[He'd been around Accelerator enough to know the kid was probably speaking truth. There were still enough similarities at this point for him to make the connection.]

It wouldn't have been what you could or couldn't do. Just not being alone is usually enough, but that moment has long passed. You should potentially give yourself more credit than you do when it comes to your empathy.

Don't start. I don't want to hear it.

[Read it, whatever.]

You're doing better, anyways?

You’re such a teenager. I doubt you care, but it does make you more endearing, just so you know.

[Yeah, yeah he was going to poke the bear a little. Teens!]

In a manner of speaking. If I’m not, you going to take me out gaming?

[Endearing? Endearing????????????? Oh god, what does he do with that???]

Oh, fuck off.

Absolutely not. Find someone else if you want to play video games.

[There's no way he can do something nice after being called endearing. It's too much.]

[Classic teen move. Kid was only making this worse on himself.]

And where would you like me to 'fuck off' to exactly? Fine, I'll just sit here all alone contemplating my emotional state.

[This was both a tease and a play.]

Don't know, don't care.

Great, you do that.

[He knows he's being teased, that seems pretty obvious. He isn't going to fall for it.]

Come on, you're going to order me off, may as well give specific instructions as to where. Keep at it, Accelerator. Make yourself more endearing.

[God, he reads that and nearly texts back with explicit, curse-laden instructions on where Vander can shove it.

Buuut that'd be a bit immature. He realizes that, so instead he opts to leave him on read.]

Hey. How are you?

[Accelerator squints at this text. John isn't a small talk kind of person, nor is he, so he chooses to ignore the question.]

What's going on?

I'm asking how you are.

Yeah, and I'm asking what you want.

Is it inconceivable that I might care how you're doing?

Yes.

[What a little shit.]

Sorry to say, I'm actually asking.

That's fucked up.

I'm whatever.

[ Sorry, Accelerator. ]

I'll let it slide this time.

Oh, lucky me.

[The sarcasm, it's palpable.]

So what's going on with you.

[You know, there's the whole Harold stuff. The really, really big Harold stuff that he doesn't want to directly name, because he doesn't want to come across as caring about all of it.]

Hey asshole, I can tell that's sarcasm.

[ Throwing Accelerator's exact words back at him. ]

Things are better. Thanks for being there for Harold.

[Good! He's glad the sarcasm is being appreciated.]

You talked to him?

Yeah, we talked. I got myself together.

You did? Good.

[Harold deserves that.]

It would've been annoying if you hadn't.

[ Harold has long deserved better than what John can give him, but John is working on that and Harold has chosen him anyways. ]

No promises on not being annoying in the future.

[ He could tease Accelerator about implying that he cares, but it's neither the time nor the place. ]

Yeah, well. I've learned you can't expect much from adults, so that won't surprise me.

[He's just glad things worked out, even if it took extra time.]

Are we all so bad?

Most of the time, yeah.

I'll try not to disappoint too often.

I may need your help retrieving a dangerous weapon.

[Normally he'd be like 'don't involve me I'm tired' but sadly Damian is very smart in mentioning a dangerous weapon. Kiiiind of hard to ignore that thread.]

How dangerous are we talking?

Talis said it is capable of dissolving someone into particles. He also stated the girl who has it is "on a crazy amount of drugs".

What the fuck?

[Part of him doesn't want to know, honestly. He hates being responsible.]

Okay, fine. That sounds fucking dangerous.

He's too scared to retrieve it himself, but has requested it be returned to him so he can experiment with it.

I am of the mindset that it should be kept out of both of their hands.

[... Hmm, he's thinking back to previous conversations he's had with Jayce. The guy mentioned working on magic, the gemstones, it being stolen back home and that leading him to creating a weapon that --

Caused him to do something he really, really regretted.

There's a minute or two as Accelerator considers the small amount of history he knows, and what Damian wants to do, then types out a question.]

Why do you think it shouldn't be returned to Talis?

He couldn't keep track of it to begin with. I don't see anything having changed to fix that.

[He can't imagine Jayce just left it in a dresser drawer or something if they're talking about the same gemstone that can apparently function as a nonpolluting renewable energy source.....]

Did you ask him about increased security measures?

I questioned him on his plan to give it to a trusted friend unless he was experimenting with it.

From his response, I doubt that trusted friend has the ability to keep it safe, nor would I want him experimenting with something so dangerous without a containment plan, which he did not seem to have.

[He's having a lot of thoughts about this, many of which he's sure Damian would disagree with. Picking a fight isn't a good use of time though, when there are more important things to be concerned about.]

Then what's your plan afterwards if you can take it back?

That is partially why I reached out to you. You can manipulate vectors. If my scanners can't pick up what's within the gemstone, I was hoping you would be able to discern what it's power source is and render it harmless.

Okay. That would essentially be destroying it, huh?

If it's as dangerous as Talis implied, yes.

Well, I could probably do that. Destroying things is what my ability is best at.

[He isn't totally sure he wants to, but he's keeping that to himself for now.]

Destroying it would be used as a last resort, if it isn't something we can contain. From what I've heard, Talis could obtain more of them from Aurora but is choosing not to due to how dangerous they can be. I'd prefer that we not invite him to bring more here, but it also feels prudent to take it out of hands that may abuse it.

I asked first, if I could take a look at it. And was met with extreme opposition, so this is likely something we'll need to do as quickly as possible.

Alright, it's a last resort.

[Note to self: talk to Jayce about this at some point.

He kind of wonders how Damian asked, but it's a moot point by now so he doesn't bother. Better to just focus on the situation that's unfolding rather dwelling on how it came to be.]

Before they can come up with a plan to stop you, I get it. I'm not busy, so whenever the hell you want to move on this is fine with me.

Red Hood decided to call in another party to hinder me. I'll take care of it, then get back to you.

Sure, that's fine.

Etraya Inbox

Backdated ;; 1 Week Ago || un: oracle

un: Accelerator; text

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

text — un: willa

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

un: aurora | text

no subject

un: asuka

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject