The last thing Accelerator remembers is coming back home from England, barging into a secret meeting of the board of directors to announce his takeover and then, after leaving the building, some kind of gothic carriage in the streets. After that everything was a blur until he found himself stumbling out of a goddamn coffin, in some big room with an even bigger mirror, to the shock of some weirdo in a crow mask. It's just the two of them, and after some yelling and threats Accelerator calms down enough to listen. Crow Mask has no idea what's going on and seems sincere about it, and while he remains suspicious, decides to believe him for the moment.
This isn't Academy City, it's some magical school he's never heard of before on an island he's also never heard before, and it keeps on going until Accelerator quietly realizes the many-worlds interpretation must be true, or at least m-theory or the twin-world models. Something like that. He can dwell on the physics of it later, after he's back home. As cool as it is to learn other universes exist, he literally just took control of his own city. Disappearing right after doing so would allow the board, those slimy fuckers, to act, and while he knows people there who may be able to prevent anything bad from happening, he isn't sure how effective that Level 0 could be against people with administrative power.
He's in a precarious position, and he can't be in another damn universe.
Unfortunately, there isn't any science he knows of that allows movement through universes. Dimensions? Sure, but not universes, and according to Crow Mask (Crowley, he can't be serious with a name like that) there's no magic that can do it either. It can be looked into, but in the meantime....
In the meantime, the mirror assigns him a dorm. He's the right age for the school and he's already accomplished when it comes to using magic. Not many teenagers can say they've altered their world's cosmic law, let alone any adults, so school it is. It's far from Accelerator's first choice but it at least him offers food, shelter, and access to a library to do some investigation. It's his best option, and since the mirror is willing to assign him a dorm he grudgingly goes along with it. So, after getting a rundown of the school and being given a school uniform and map of the campus, he heads off to the hall of mirrors. It's still early in the school year so the headmage is confident he can be slotted in as a transfer student, and that the transition shouldn't be difficult.
It sucks, all of it sucks, and that feeling only increases when he heads to the Octavinelle dorms. He's never been a strong swimmer, even before the need for a crutch, and being under water makes his head feel fuzzy. He has to chalk that up to the water messing with the signal of his choker (how that's still working he isn't sure, but he's grateful the connection is being maintained), yet another irritation to deal with. He's grumbling under his breath as he makes his way down the hall to his assigned room, glaring at any students he passes by.]
[What sucks just as much (not really) (not at all, actually) is going through one's coin collection and being interrupted by one's vice housewarden. Although the year's just started, all of the new students should have long been sorted into their houses, and to find out that he has to make an especial effort for this one guy, this one student who'd ended up in his clutch, is...
A pain in the ass. Nothing huge, mind, just a pain that a rare moment of free time to himself should be interrupted so. And without a word to him personally from that bird-faced bastard, either.
So it goes that Azul is still pulling on the rest of his dorm uniform, Jade kindly putting his hat on for him and Floyd trailing along after him with a giggle. Might as well look somewhat put together for the new kid, show him to his dorm, so on and so forth. Never hurts to make sure that all fresh meat knows exactly who the hell they're answering to, too. Except--]
You!
[That was the newbie right there, storming on past, right? The guy without the uniform. Understandably pissed off, of course. Even a little delay can make things awkward...Jade doesn't even have time to pass on what little intel Crowley had given him before Azul's off, chasing after Accelerator with a soft wheeze.]
[Accelerator indeed storm on past, the feet of his crutch clacking on the floor as he doesn't slow down. For a second he debates just ignoring whoever that is, because chances are they aren't even talking to him. He's been here all of five minutes, so unless someone disliked getting glared at and wants to pick a fight, they probably are just trying to get the attention of someone else.
... Then again, that is a possibility when it comes to him, and if someone wants to fight he needs to avoid an ambush....
It's depressing that he has to consider a fight on his first day, and he decides not to dwell on it. Slowing down slightly, he shifts his uniform so it's under his arm, giving him the leeway to reach up and settle a finger against the switch of the choker around his neck. He doesn't switch modes quite yet -- he's trying to be better about jumping the gun these days -- and he glances over, still scowling.
Some guy (wait, is this a boys' school? It's only just occurring to him now) with a pretty face, slightly taller than himself, and behind him two... twins? Whose teeth remind him of Qliphah. Sadly, it's clear that the shortest one is talking to him. Accelerator isn't sure why, and he decides to leave his hand on his choker as he narrows his eyes.]
Fuck off.
[And then he turns and keeps on walking. First impressions, he's so good at them.]
Now now, is that any way to talk to your new housewarden when he tries to welcome you into your new home? How rude.
[He taps his cane against the floor, smirk sneaking into his tone; as tempted as he is to let the Leech brothers loose, that's not a good first impression at all.
Instead of getting the Floyd Squeeze, Accelerator's going to end up facing...A puddle on the floor. Too big to step over. And even if he doesn't slip, which let's be real, Azul's not counting on or hoping for, the volume of water's going to grow unnaturally soon as one foot steps within. Almost like shackles, dragging him back to said housewarden slowly but surely.
Or like, trying. That's his goal, anyway. Get back here, frosh.] Introductions are in order, don't you think? Don't hurry away now, Headmage would be so disappointed in us all if you bunked in the wrong room tonight.
[Accelerator takes note of the puddle and plans to just walk through it, his shoes be damned, but he makes it all of one step before finding himself stuck. And when he starts being dragged backwards he stumbles, using his crutch to maintain his balance, very nearly switching modes on his choker. This isn't an actual attack though, it isn't hurting him, so he tries to hold off on that for the moment. Instead he settles for glaring daggers at the source of what he assumes is magic, and tries to analyze the situation.
Housewarden? Oh god, is that like some souped up version of class representative? Or even worse, student council? He's been here all of five minutes and that's the kind of person he has to deal with right off the bat?? There's a sinking realization as he puts these pieces together that he actually has no idea what to do here. The last time he had classmates he was still in elementary school, which also meant he was too young to be exposed to the whole class rep thing outside of random manga and books. Socialization has never been his strong suit, so this is going to be a complete nightmare.
His best option here is to bury that anxiety as deeply as possible under a mountain of hostility. Make sure everyone is terrified of him and they'll leave him alone, and maybe he can get through this. So he does the reasonable thing, which is to bristle and flip the three of them off.]
Just show me where my room is. Then if you leave me alone, I'll leave you alone.
Thank you for your co-operation. However, given that you're now my responsibility and your conduct will reflect on me, you'll understand if I can't leave you alone. It's the charge of any housewarden worth his sea salt to nurture, to guide, to mould into the image of that enterprising benevolence which sees us sorted in here in the first place.
[He taps closer to Accelerator, smile glib and eels pressed tight against his shoulders, smiling serenely all the while.] What's your name? If you please. I've decided to take a personal interest in you, now.
[It's taking an incredible amount of willpower not to switch choker modes and knock all three of them through a wall. He can be better than that, he knows he can, and he's inwardly proud of himself for resisting the easy, violent response even though after he drops his hand his fingers still twitch.]
Accelerator. [That's it, a dumb word and no last name. There's a quiet 'goddamnit' under his breath before his raises his tone back to a normal level.] None of that is necessary. In fact, any time you spend on me is gonna be wasted, so don't fucking bother.
Accelerator. I see. I'm Azul Ashengrotto, and this is Jade Leech, my vice housewarden, and his brother Floyd Leech.
[Jade bows slightly, eyes crinkling from his polite smile, and Floyd waves jauntily over Azul's head.]
I'm telling you this because I refuse to let some little firecracker determined to act the martyr ruin what the rest of us have worked so hard for. And I will not be the only one to discipline you, of course. My dearest friends here will also take up the mantle of education, should you need it...However, it really would be best if you'd work with us all.
For everyone's sakes. Step one; your language. This is an esteemed institution, and we can't have that sort of talk. Use it again in public and I'll have that tongue tied into a knot. Now-- if you will. Your room, Accelerator. [The water refuses to let go of Accelerator's ankles, even though Azul marches ahead with a jolly little whistle and lets the twins flank their current project, instead.] Please, I'd really hate for us to stay on the wrong foot. Your late transfer doesn't mean you have to suffer academically; I'd be pleased to tutor you if you only behave. Doesn't that seem like a marvellous deal to make?
[His eyes flick over at the twins briefly as he commits everyone's names to memory. Not that he wants to, but he isn't going to deny the usefulness in knowing something so simple, especially when those names are attached to people who are acting so sinister. The urge to curse Azul out some more for some of these threats (even the criticism towards said language, despite it being a minor thing compared to everything else) rises in his mind and he has to bite down on his tongue as he takes the more strategic route of considering the situation.
Maybe if he still had constant access to his esper ability he could tell them all to fuck off again, but he doesn't. He has thirty minutes and no other means of offence or defense. Not even his handgun. Meanwhile, everyone and everything here is basically one big unknown. His ability works best when he has data to analyze, and right now he has a dearth of it.
Clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth in irritation, he does his best to ignore Floyd and Jade moving to either side of him, instead staring down at the water still binding his ankles. Is this the same kind of magic as home? Do the trees of Sephiroth and Qliphoth exist here, too? Or does he need to come up with entirely new formulas to deal with the magic that exists here?]
Is that what you'd be getting out of this? Maintaining your dorm's appearance?
[He glances back up and is going to try lifting a foot.]
Not the only thing. But we all work hard to fit the standard of Night Raven College in areas other than just study alone. The student body as a whole includes world-famous actors, princes, fae nobility-- just because we mightn't have anyone like that in Octavinelle, that doesn't mean that we get to slack off. We have to work hard so that we can share classes with people like that.
Perhaps even outshine them. If you want to aim for the stars.
[A pointed tap of his cane, all for show; the water certainly doesn't need reinforcing of its original task, but by golly will Azul provide it and force that foot back down.
Just to be safe. Jade will give him the rundown later, but for now this is enough. And one of the open rooms is nearby anyway. Hang in there a little longer, Accelerator...!] Once you settle in, I might relax my standards; after all, Floyd here likes to tout the uniform standards and the like, and if it makes you feel more comfortable, then you don't need to hear about it from me.
All I'm asking is a little give. Knuckle down, work hard-- ah, speaking of that, we'll add you onto the Lounge roster in the morning-- and become your best self. And rely on your senpais, won't you? That's what we're here for.
[Finally, they all come to stop in front of a rather unassuming door; given that it's for freshmen, the empty room within is built for four students instead of just one, but what can you do? Besides, sweetening the pot with a little extra space never hurt, if they can spare it.] This is your home away from home, for now. Do you have any questions?
[The water still isn't letting go just yet. Azul's not letting a runner happen on his watch.]
[Does running a sovereign city-state means he should be counted among those kinds of people? If it doesn't, then his status as the strongest esper probably does. That's a bizarre, surreal thought. Being in school again is bad enough -- being in school with a bunch of important people that he should fit in with but won't is just --
It's tiring. He's already very tired. He doesn't bother trying to fight Azul as he mulls this over, listening quietly.
When Azul finishes there are a lot of questions rolling around in his head, and he peers into the empty room. It's a lot more like a Western dormitory than his previous dorm, which was more like a Japanese-style apartment. At least he doesn't seem to have any roommates? And it looks accessible enough, though he hasn't seen the bathroom.
Ah-- Well...We run a little business here. Entirely above board, approved by the Headmage, all of that sort of thing. A gentleman's lounge for the student body to mingle between houses, drink, eat, and relax.
It functions marvellously for future job experience, and instills a strong work ethic in Octavinelle students besides. If you work on the floor, you keep your tips besides. A little motivation. Though...Hm. [His eyes flit to Accelerator's crutch, before he looks over his shoulder and murmurs in Jade's ear.
"Of course, I'll take the liberty of blocking out your first appointment as a consultation with Accelerator instead. Your first client won't mind if I let him know immediately of the change."]
Thank you. We'll decide what role would suit you best then, mm? I wouldn't want you to be run ragged in something that's completely unsustainable for everyone involved. Perhaps think about what role you'd like to take in our house's illustrious business, even! Bring that, and any queries you have, to the meeting in the morning. Let's say...Right after breakfast. Get things organised before class. And don't worry about your classes; there are plenty of other freshmen still learning their way about, so just ask one of your peers for help as you need it. Or us, if you see us in the hallways.
Is there anything else you need before you get to sleep?
Edited (loung. what the fuck) 2025-07-25 10:54 (UTC)
[Alright, that explanation makes sense. Of course, Accelerator's train of thought follows Azul's, and he glances down at his crutch, too. It's something he needs to look into, he supposes, since he doubts he has access to his bank account in this universe, but he isn't exactly a good candidate to work in a lounge. Not only does the crutch make doing things like bussing and serving difficult, but his personality is awful and he doesn't know how to cook.
Ugh, he's going to need a source of money, so he's going to have to give this some thought. This still sounds sketchy (what the hell kind of lounge has clients?) but he isn't seeing many options here.
He sighs a little.]
... No, nothing I can think of right now. I'm sure I'll have more questions tomorrow.
[It's been a long few weeks. Running an entire city during periods of stability is an enormous amount of work, doing so while trying to investigate corruption within an entirely separate company is like climbing Mount Everest. A regular person would likely just give up and focus on what's in front of them (especially so since there is still a sizable amount of shady practices that haven't been stamped out within Academy City), but Accelerator is only more motivated to mark this as a success. Maybe it's naive, maybe he's only being stubborn, but he refuses to give up. If this company is committing the same kind of inhumane experimentation that certain Academy City institutions then he can't just ignore it. As the #1, the Board Chairman, and someone with an absurd amount of power, he's obligated to use that power responsibly.
That's why those few weeks have been spent running investigations into Peil Technologies. Thanks to his city being focused on the research and development of various kind of science Accelerator has been able to make use of multiple avenues — electronic surveillance of Peil employees, forensic accounting of the company's financial records — but he's come to realize that the really shady stuff is locked down within the physical research facilities. There's only so much he can do from Earth. If he wants to expose Peil then going to the source is his best option.
That means a field trip into space is in order. Thankfully, Academy City has its own space program, so procuring a small shuttle and getting off the planet isn't difficult for him.
After a good amount of planning he settles on a Peil-owned facility that had very little presence in the records he was able to examine. It had stuck out to him as suspicious, so after a little (less than legal) acquisition of the place's schedule, Accelerator heads out when there should be a minimal employee presence. With him is a small flash drive containing a trojan virus that, if downloaded into their computer system, will open a network and start feeding data back to Earth. If he has enough time he'd like to do some hunting of his own on their systems, but at the bare minimum installing the virus and letting it work will be enough.
It's surprisingly smooth sailing. A little hacking to Peil's main scheduling systems by one of his own employees (a computer scientist who, prior to coming to the city, specialized in this kind of thing) and the shuttle is arranged as arriving to do some routine maintenance on the facility, so landing is surprisingly easy. And once he's off board it's even easier to knock the docking bay crew using his esper ability. They aren't dead, so it's fine. By the time they wake up he'll be back on Earth.
After downloading a map to his phone and ditching his space suit he heads in, crutch in one hand and a gun in the other. He doesn't want to use it if it isn't necessary, but his ability is on a time limit and he won't let this mission end in failure. Carefully, he heads down a hall that leads away from the docking bay, and when he hears footsteps approaching from around the corner he quickly ducks through a nearby door.]
[ While Accelerator is occupied with his intel-gathering, the Enhanced Person he spoke to has also been busy. Five's latest scheme to obtain Suletta Mercury's gundam involved the age-old method of sneaking into the hangar and taking off with her mobile suit...only for him to discover the machine could apparently kickstart itself and defend against intruders by whipping up a data storm stronger than any he's had the misfortune to experience. Needless to say, he aborted the task empty-handed, every nerve of his body on fire, and with one hell of a migraine to boot.
Shortly after, Peil has him called back to the lab to run diagnostics as if their poking and prodding could clue them in on what's so special about Mercury's devil-machine. Though he loathes to be back between its sterile walls, Five maintains his usual flippant attitude and puts on a cheekily clueless act throughout their questioning. He keeps tight-lipped about what he really saw. He's starting to believe the machine Suletta Mercury calls 'family' is actually sentient, and the last thing he needs is to give Peil's scientists more crazy inspiration for their experiments. That, and Five's not exactly eager to recount the story of how he got his ass kicked by the ghost of a little girl.
Anyway, he's currently shut inside one of the facility's many rooms, in between tests. Due to the highly sensitive (aka illegal) nature of their research, the lab is sparsely manned by humans. Most of the staff is made up of Haro-powered worker bots plugged into the Peil Grade - the company's proprietary AI trusted to calculate the most efficient way to run the business. The robots' round, smiling faces would almost be endearing if one security drone didn't currently have its beady little eyes on Five this very minute, watching him to make sure he stays put.
The footsteps Accelerator hears belong to two scientists strolling down the hall, holding binders full of data. He might catch snippets of conversation about their research, complete with jargon like permet levels and data storm tolerance. They appear to be discussing how the last subject's body gave out, and how the current subject is still in good condition despite the recent mishaps. Something fishy is definitely going on. ]
[On the other side of the doorway, Accelerator holds his breath, clutching his gun. The idea of knocking them both out is tempting, but when they get close enough for him to pick up on their conversation he holds back, instead deciding to listen. He is only able to catch a few snippets, but it's enough to cause him to freeze up.
Subject? Their body gave out? Fuck, he's definitely in the right place. He slips out of the room and back into the hall, intending to continue onwards away from the two researchers, but as he does he catches sight of the binders.
Shit. Fuck. Goddamnit.
Holstering his gun, Accelerator hits the switch on his choker and quickly lunges. It only takes a take to their heads to rattle their brains enough to knock them out, and after dragging both of them into that room he takes a few minutes to steal and access card from one of them, and skim through the binders. There isn't enough time for him to go through them in detail, but he does take some photos of the pages as additional evidence for later. Right now, he has other priorities.
Namely, this test subject.
Ducking back into the hall, Accelerator makes his way further into the facility, following the map and avoiding any other employees until he thinks he's reached the area where those two scientists had been working. Swiping the card, he heads in.]
[ In the binder, Accelerator might come across a familiar face...or faces. The charts of each Enhanced Person and the results of their tests are among the files. A brief skim will reveal Peil's attempts to engineer a human capable of piloting gundam, only the science has not been perfected and several of the earlier subjects had their health succumb quickly. There's plenty more incriminating details in the photos to pore over, but that can wait.
The employee's access card takes him right to where Five is being held. The inside is dark and lit by the blue glow of a monitor screen. The room resembles a small medical office, with cabinets, a sink, and the standard examination chair, except this one's got a whole lot more wires and sensors attached. No one is sitting on it. The subject happens to be kicked back in the doctor's chair instead, hands behind his head, looking like he doesn't belong in the white medical gown he's wearing.
Five swivels around at the sound of the door opening, and when their eyes meet, he questions if the data storm had fried his brain and he's now seeing things. Because he finds it hard to believe that the kid from before had actually found his location, that he would be suicidal enough to break in alone, and that he had somehow succeeded in his mad plan. He jumps to his feet, shock all over his face. ]
[Everything in that binder brings up memories Accelerator had been intent in shoving into the very back recesses of his mind. It reeks of the Special Esper Dual Modification Technology Research Institute, the place where he had grown up, far more than he had ever expected. It’s sickening the kinds of things these adults are willing to do to kids in the name of science. Normally a very pragmatic person, it’s pushed him to the point of doing something potentially reckless and definitely very stupid.
But hey, he’s still a teenager, and sometimes teenagers do dumb things. At least he has the intellect of a super genius and some very handy powers backing up his idiocy.
He steps into the room, the door sliding closed behind him, and he quickly takes in his surroundings. That includes one familiar face, whom he gives a sight shrug to (his free hand is taken up by the gun and access card, so he can’t exactly wave.]
Yo.
[It’s an incredibly casual greeting, as if they currently aren’t in the belly of a horrific research laboratory and just passing by each other on the street or something. Accelerator is actually worked up, and when he sees - Five? Does he even have his own name - his grip on the gun tightens.
But he tries to keep a lid on his emotions. Getting upset and breaking something it in space is dangerous, and he doesn’t want to risk killing the entire facility. The long term consequences wouldn’t be worth it.
Looking around, his eyes settle on a computer terminal near that chair. The chair causes more indignant, dark feelings well up in him, and he tries to ignore them. He steps over to the terminal, focused, and after shoving the gun into his belt he starts to type rapidly.]
You know if this thing has full access to the facility’s database?
[ Five opens his mouth, then closes it again. Nothing he says will change the fact that now two of them are stuck in the belly of a horrific research laboratory. Better to roll with the punches. Sighing out, his eyes go to the gun in Accelerator's hand and the access card in the other. He's got a whole lot of questions, but most of them can wait until they're out of this mess. ]
I don't know about full access, but they're sending the data somewhere. Problem is, it's password-protected.
[ He's checked. What was he supposed to do while waiting around, twiddle his thumbs and not snoop? ]
Did anyone see you? When I said go digging, I didn't mean the breaking and entering kind!
[ Whatever else he has to say is interrupted by the Haro bot on duty whirring to life, having processed the unexpected visitor and detected an anomaly. Its eyes flash red with each beat of its robotic voice. This area is restricted to authorized personnel! Please identify yourself. ]
[Password protected, huh? Accelerator keeps on typing, his attention mostly on the screen. It'd be easiest if he could hack the damn thing and load the malware from here, but the noise from the Haro makes his gaze snap up. He stares at it for a moment in silence.
Shit, he might not have the time.]
Plans change.
[For a split second he debates shooting the Haro, but breaking it might set off some alarms. Letting it run through its security protocol will at least buy him a little bit more time. Pausing, he pulls out the flash drive and plugs it in, then resumes typing. As he does he speaks up again, his tone matter-of-fact.]
[ Five exhales, exasperated. Peil already thinks he's more trouble than he's worth, and after this? He wouldn't be surprised if they ordered him disposed of, or decided a rebellious but otherwise healthy research subject should be restrained and put to use in other ways. Either way, he sure as hell doesn't want to stick around to find out. He would have preferred to bow out more discreetly, though!
The Haro continues to beep and repeat its request with added warning. Five pulls off his medical gown and tosses it over the bot, deliberately blocking off its camera. While it rolls around trying to process the interference, he quickly changes into Elan's uniform, not bothering to do up the tie. No point dressing like a prim and proper heir. Going back to school is out of the question. ]
[Instead of doing the reasonable thing and apologizing, Accelerator clicks his tongue. Maybe he's screwing things up for the other boy, but it's a situation that he can at least improve. That he has to improve, because the thought of leaving and letting himself be complicit in the experimentation of yet another child isn't an option.
The thought causes him to pause typing for a few moments, and he stares down at the screen in silence. He doesn't even know this person, but no one deserves a life in a facility like this one.
Exhaling slowly, Accelerator focuses his mind, and resumes typing.]
There's a shuttle waiting in the launch bay. The problem isn't getting out, but making sure nothing important gets broken in the process.
[His ability isn't really made for stealth, and it takes a lot of effort on his part to keep it constrained. As large as this laboratory is it's still in the middle of space, so one wrong move and they're all goners.
He's fairly sure he has the malware downloaded, so he finishes up and unplugs the drive, putting it back into his pocket.]
Yeah, but I prefer not sticking around until they start shooting.
[ Being a good shot is a requirement for being an Elan Ceres double! Not that he was aware of what he was getting into when his scores came back with top marks in piloting and marksmanship. ]
If it's important to them, all the more reason to break it, but we don't exactly have time. The launch bay is the first place they'll lock down once they realize we're trying to escape. So let's scram.
[ Five has no love lost for the lab, and having no idea what Accelerator is capable of, he thinks busting up their precious machines would feel pretty damn good, actually, but if given the choice, he'd pick escaping over getting back at Peil.
The Haro is going to sound the alarm any minute now, and Five gives it a pat on its covered head and and nudges it out of the way as he moves for the door. ]
So it looks like my labs have been moved up the schedule! Dr. Winston authorized it, and this fellow is going to escort me.
[ Dr. Winston did no such thing but while its robotic little programs are validating that, they'll be on their way, and if Belmeria Winston catches flak for letting them escape, he won't feel too sorry about it. ]
[This is excellent news! While there is only one gun between them Accelerator isn't bothered at all. He has his ability he can rely on, which means he can free the gun up and give — Elan? — a means to defend himself. In turn, that gives them a slightly better chance of getting out of here unscathed.
He clicks his tongue as he walks over to the door, eyeing the covered Haro briefly. It sounds like the launch bay will be the most dangerous part of this escape, then. Makes sense, and he keeps that in the back of his mind, ready to plan appropriately.]
Here. [Removing the gun from his belt, he holds it out.] I won't let you die, so stay behind me and you probably won't have to use it.
[Accelerator's expression is one of fixed determination. There isn't any immediate danger right now, but they aren't out of the woods. He knows that it's likely things are about to get dicey because of him, so keeping the other boy safe is entirely his responsibility and he is taking that very seriously.]
[ Taking the gun, Five checks it's locked and loaded. Although now he's wondering what Accelerator will defend himself with, because unless he's concealing a weapon in his clothes, it doesn't look like he's armed. The teen sounds so sure of himself though, and it's no fluke he made it this far, he must have something up his sleeve.
Five can't help but grin at how seriously he's taking it. Like he's said something funny. He adopts a casual tone in comparison, despite the severity of their situation. ]
Want to fill me in on something? Why stick your neck out for someone you don't know?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
For nouveaueldrich
The last thing Accelerator remembers is coming back home from England, barging into a secret meeting of the board of directors to announce his takeover and then, after leaving the building, some kind of gothic carriage in the streets. After that everything was a blur until he found himself stumbling out of a goddamn coffin, in some big room with an even bigger mirror, to the shock of some weirdo in a crow mask. It's just the two of them, and after some yelling and threats Accelerator calms down enough to listen. Crow Mask has no idea what's going on and seems sincere about it, and while he remains suspicious, decides to believe him for the moment.
This isn't Academy City, it's some magical school he's never heard of before on an island he's also never heard before, and it keeps on going until Accelerator quietly realizes the many-worlds interpretation must be true, or at least m-theory or the twin-world models. Something like that. He can dwell on the physics of it later, after he's back home. As cool as it is to learn other universes exist, he literally just took control of his own city. Disappearing right after doing so would allow the board, those slimy fuckers, to act, and while he knows people there who may be able to prevent anything bad from happening, he isn't sure how effective that Level 0 could be against people with administrative power.
He's in a precarious position, and he can't be in another damn universe.
Unfortunately, there isn't any science he knows of that allows movement through universes. Dimensions? Sure, but not universes, and according to Crow Mask (Crowley, he can't be serious with a name like that) there's no magic that can do it either. It can be looked into, but in the meantime....
In the meantime, the mirror assigns him a dorm. He's the right age for the school and he's already accomplished when it comes to using magic. Not many teenagers can say they've altered their world's cosmic law, let alone any adults, so school it is. It's far from Accelerator's first choice but it at least him offers food, shelter, and access to a library to do some investigation. It's his best option, and since the mirror is willing to assign him a dorm he grudgingly goes along with it. So, after getting a rundown of the school and being given a school uniform and map of the campus, he heads off to the hall of mirrors. It's still early in the school year so the headmage is confident he can be slotted in as a transfer student, and that the transition shouldn't be difficult.
It sucks, all of it sucks, and that feeling only increases when he heads to the Octavinelle dorms. He's never been a strong swimmer, even before the need for a crutch, and being under water makes his head feel fuzzy. He has to chalk that up to the water messing with the signal of his choker (how that's still working he isn't sure, but he's grateful the connection is being maintained), yet another irritation to deal with. He's grumbling under his breath as he makes his way down the hall to his assigned room, glaring at any students he passes by.]
thank you kindly for this immaculate meal ;Q;7
A pain in the ass. Nothing huge, mind, just a pain that a rare moment of free time to himself should be interrupted so. And without a word to him personally from that bird-faced bastard, either.
So it goes that Azul is still pulling on the rest of his dorm uniform, Jade kindly putting his hat on for him and Floyd trailing along after him with a giggle. Might as well look somewhat put together for the new kid, show him to his dorm, so on and so forth. Never hurts to make sure that all fresh meat knows exactly who the hell they're answering to, too. Except--]
You!
[That was the newbie right there, storming on past, right? The guy without the uniform. Understandably pissed off, of course. Even a little delay can make things awkward...Jade doesn't even have time to pass on what little intel Crowley had given him before Azul's off, chasing after Accelerator with a soft wheeze.]
You. Get back here before I make you.
nppp they're off to a good start
... Then again, that is a possibility when it comes to him, and if someone wants to fight he needs to avoid an ambush....
It's depressing that he has to consider a fight on his first day, and he decides not to dwell on it. Slowing down slightly, he shifts his uniform so it's under his arm, giving him the leeway to reach up and settle a finger against the switch of the choker around his neck. He doesn't switch modes quite yet -- he's trying to be better about jumping the gun these days -- and he glances over, still scowling.
Some guy (wait, is this a boys' school? It's only just occurring to him now) with a pretty face, slightly taller than himself, and behind him two... twins? Whose teeth remind him of Qliphah. Sadly, it's clear that the shortest one is talking to him. Accelerator isn't sure why, and he decides to leave his hand on his choker as he narrows his eyes.]
Fuck off.
[And then he turns and keeps on walking. First impressions, he's so good at them.]
as expected, very normal of them
[He taps his cane against the floor, smirk sneaking into his tone; as tempted as he is to let the Leech brothers loose, that's not a good first impression at all.
Instead of getting the Floyd Squeeze, Accelerator's going to end up facing...A puddle on the floor. Too big to step over. And even if he doesn't slip, which let's be real, Azul's not counting on or hoping for, the volume of water's going to grow unnaturally soon as one foot steps within. Almost like shackles, dragging him back to said housewarden slowly but surely.
Or like, trying. That's his goal, anyway. Get back here, frosh.] Introductions are in order, don't you think? Don't hurry away now, Headmage would be so disappointed in us all if you bunked in the wrong room tonight.
SO normal
Housewarden? Oh god, is that like some souped up version of class representative? Or even worse, student council? He's been here all of five minutes and that's the kind of person he has to deal with right off the bat?? There's a sinking realization as he puts these pieces together that he actually has no idea what to do here. The last time he had classmates he was still in elementary school, which also meant he was too young to be exposed to the whole class rep thing outside of random manga and books. Socialization has never been his strong suit, so this is going to be a complete nightmare.
His best option here is to bury that anxiety as deeply as possible under a mountain of hostility. Make sure everyone is terrified of him and they'll leave him alone, and maybe he can get through this. So he does the reasonable thing, which is to bristle and flip the three of them off.]
Just show me where my room is. Then if you leave me alone, I'll leave you alone.
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[He taps closer to Accelerator, smile glib and eels pressed tight against his shoulders, smiling serenely all the while.] What's your name? If you please. I've decided to take a personal interest in you, now.
[Like some Wicked shit.]
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Accelerator. [That's it, a dumb word and no last name. There's a quiet 'goddamnit' under his breath before his raises his tone back to a normal level.] None of that is necessary. In fact, any time you spend on me is gonna be wasted, so don't fucking bother.
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[Jade bows slightly, eyes crinkling from his polite smile, and Floyd waves jauntily over Azul's head.]
I'm telling you this because I refuse to let some little firecracker determined to act the martyr ruin what the rest of us have worked so hard for. And I will not be the only one to discipline you, of course. My dearest friends here will also take up the mantle of education, should you need it...However, it really would be best if you'd work with us all.
For everyone's sakes. Step one; your language. This is an esteemed institution, and we can't have that sort of talk. Use it again in public and I'll have that tongue tied into a knot. Now-- if you will. Your room, Accelerator. [The water refuses to let go of Accelerator's ankles, even though Azul marches ahead with a jolly little whistle and lets the twins flank their current project, instead.] Please, I'd really hate for us to stay on the wrong foot. Your late transfer doesn't mean you have to suffer academically; I'd be pleased to tutor you if you only behave. Doesn't that seem like a marvellous deal to make?
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Maybe if he still had constant access to his esper ability he could tell them all to fuck off again, but he doesn't. He has thirty minutes and no other means of offence or defense. Not even his handgun. Meanwhile, everyone and everything here is basically one big unknown. His ability works best when he has data to analyze, and right now he has a dearth of it.
Clicking his tongue against the roof of his mouth in irritation, he does his best to ignore Floyd and Jade moving to either side of him, instead staring down at the water still binding his ankles. Is this the same kind of magic as home? Do the trees of Sephiroth and Qliphoth exist here, too? Or does he need to come up with entirely new formulas to deal with the magic that exists here?]
Is that what you'd be getting out of this? Maintaining your dorm's appearance?
[He glances back up and is going to try lifting a foot.]
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Perhaps even outshine them. If you want to aim for the stars.
[A pointed tap of his cane, all for show; the water certainly doesn't need reinforcing of its original task, but by golly will Azul provide it and force that foot back down.
Just to be safe. Jade will give him the rundown later, but for now this is enough. And one of the open rooms is nearby anyway. Hang in there a little longer, Accelerator...!] Once you settle in, I might relax my standards; after all, Floyd here likes to tout the uniform standards and the like, and if it makes you feel more comfortable, then you don't need to hear about it from me.
All I'm asking is a little give. Knuckle down, work hard-- ah, speaking of that, we'll add you onto the Lounge roster in the morning-- and become your best self. And rely on your senpais, won't you? That's what we're here for.
[Finally, they all come to stop in front of a rather unassuming door; given that it's for freshmen, the empty room within is built for four students instead of just one, but what can you do? Besides, sweetening the pot with a little extra space never hurt, if they can spare it.] This is your home away from home, for now. Do you have any questions?
[The water still isn't letting go just yet. Azul's not letting a runner happen on his watch.]
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[Does running a sovereign city-state means he should be counted among those kinds of people? If it doesn't, then his status as the strongest esper probably does. That's a bizarre, surreal thought. Being in school again is bad enough -- being in school with a bunch of important people that he should fit in with but won't is just --
It's tiring. He's already very tired. He doesn't bother trying to fight Azul as he mulls this over, listening quietly.
When Azul finishes there are a lot of questions rolling around in his head, and he peers into the empty room. It's a lot more like a Western dormitory than his previous dorm, which was more like a Japanese-style apartment. At least he doesn't seem to have any roommates? And it looks accessible enough, though he hasn't seen the bathroom.
He sighs a little, then speaks up.]
... What the hell do you mean by 'Lounge roster'?
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It functions marvellously for future job experience, and instills a strong work ethic in Octavinelle students besides. If you work on the floor, you keep your tips besides. A little motivation. Though...Hm. [His eyes flit to Accelerator's crutch, before he looks over his shoulder and murmurs in Jade's ear.
"Of course, I'll take the liberty of blocking out your first appointment as a consultation with Accelerator instead. Your first client won't mind if I let him know immediately of the change."]
Thank you. We'll decide what role would suit you best then, mm? I wouldn't want you to be run ragged in something that's completely unsustainable for everyone involved. Perhaps think about what role you'd like to take in our house's illustrious business, even! Bring that, and any queries you have, to the meeting in the morning. Let's say...Right after breakfast. Get things organised before class. And don't worry about your classes; there are plenty of other freshmen still learning their way about, so just ask one of your peers for help as you need it. Or us, if you see us in the hallways.
Is there anything else you need before you get to sleep?
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Ugh, he's going to need a source of money, so he's going to have to give this some thought. This still sounds sketchy (what the hell kind of lounge has clients?) but he isn't seeing many options here.
He sighs a little.]
... No, nothing I can think of right now. I'm sure I'll have more questions tomorrow.
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For gundemn
[It's been a long few weeks. Running an entire city during periods of stability is an enormous amount of work, doing so while trying to investigate corruption within an entirely separate company is like climbing Mount Everest. A regular person would likely just give up and focus on what's in front of them (especially so since there is still a sizable amount of shady practices that haven't been stamped out within Academy City), but Accelerator is only more motivated to mark this as a success. Maybe it's naive, maybe he's only being stubborn, but he refuses to give up. If this company is committing the same kind of inhumane experimentation that certain Academy City institutions then he can't just ignore it. As the #1, the Board Chairman, and someone with an absurd amount of power, he's obligated to use that power responsibly.
That's why those few weeks have been spent running investigations into Peil Technologies. Thanks to his city being focused on the research and development of various kind of science Accelerator has been able to make use of multiple avenues — electronic surveillance of Peil employees, forensic accounting of the company's financial records — but he's come to realize that the really shady stuff is locked down within the physical research facilities. There's only so much he can do from Earth. If he wants to expose Peil then going to the source is his best option.
That means a field trip into space is in order. Thankfully, Academy City has its own space program, so procuring a small shuttle and getting off the planet isn't difficult for him.
After a good amount of planning he settles on a Peil-owned facility that had very little presence in the records he was able to examine. It had stuck out to him as suspicious, so after a little (less than legal) acquisition of the place's schedule, Accelerator heads out when there should be a minimal employee presence. With him is a small flash drive containing a trojan virus that, if downloaded into their computer system, will open a network and start feeding data back to Earth. If he has enough time he'd like to do some hunting of his own on their systems, but at the bare minimum installing the virus and letting it work will be enough.
It's surprisingly smooth sailing. A little hacking to Peil's main scheduling systems by one of his own employees (a computer scientist who, prior to coming to the city, specialized in this kind of thing) and the shuttle is arranged as arriving to do some routine maintenance on the facility, so landing is surprisingly easy. And once he's off board it's even easier to knock the docking bay crew using his esper ability. They aren't dead, so it's fine. By the time they wake up he'll be back on Earth.
After downloading a map to his phone and ditching his space suit he heads in, crutch in one hand and a gun in the other. He doesn't want to use it if it isn't necessary, but his ability is on a time limit and he won't let this mission end in failure. Carefully, he heads down a hall that leads away from the docking bay, and when he hears footsteps approaching from around the corner he quickly ducks through a nearby door.]
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Shortly after, Peil has him called back to the lab to run diagnostics as if their poking and prodding could clue them in on what's so special about Mercury's devil-machine. Though he loathes to be back between its sterile walls, Five maintains his usual flippant attitude and puts on a cheekily clueless act throughout their questioning. He keeps tight-lipped about what he really saw. He's starting to believe the machine Suletta Mercury calls 'family' is actually sentient, and the last thing he needs is to give Peil's scientists more crazy inspiration for their experiments. That, and Five's not exactly eager to recount the story of how he got his ass kicked by the ghost of a little girl.
Anyway, he's currently shut inside one of the facility's many rooms, in between tests. Due to the highly sensitive (aka illegal) nature of their research, the lab is sparsely manned by humans. Most of the staff is made up of Haro-powered worker bots plugged into the Peil Grade - the company's proprietary AI trusted to calculate the most efficient way to run the business. The robots' round, smiling faces would almost be endearing if one security drone didn't currently have its beady little eyes on Five this very minute, watching him to make sure he stays put.
The footsteps Accelerator hears belong to two scientists strolling down the hall, holding binders full of data. He might catch snippets of conversation about their research, complete with jargon like permet levels and data storm tolerance. They appear to be discussing how the last subject's body gave out, and how the current subject is still in good condition despite the recent mishaps. Something fishy is definitely going on. ]
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Subject? Their body gave out? Fuck, he's definitely in the right place. He slips out of the room and back into the hall, intending to continue onwards away from the two researchers, but as he does he catches sight of the binders.
Shit. Fuck. Goddamnit.
Holstering his gun, Accelerator hits the switch on his choker and quickly lunges. It only takes a take to their heads to rattle their brains enough to knock them out, and after dragging both of them into that room he takes a few minutes to steal and access card from one of them, and skim through the binders. There isn't enough time for him to go through them in detail, but he does take some photos of the pages as additional evidence for later. Right now, he has other priorities.
Namely, this test subject.
Ducking back into the hall, Accelerator makes his way further into the facility, following the map and avoiding any other employees until he thinks he's reached the area where those two scientists had been working. Swiping the card, he heads in.]
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The employee's access card takes him right to where Five is being held. The inside is dark and lit by the blue glow of a monitor screen. The room resembles a small medical office, with cabinets, a sink, and the standard examination chair, except this one's got a whole lot more wires and sensors attached. No one is sitting on it. The subject happens to be kicked back in the doctor's chair instead, hands behind his head, looking like he doesn't belong in the white medical gown he's wearing.
Five swivels around at the sound of the door opening, and when their eyes meet, he questions if the data storm had fried his brain and he's now seeing things. Because he finds it hard to believe that the kid from before had actually found his location, that he would be suicidal enough to break in alone, and that he had somehow succeeded in his mad plan. He jumps to his feet, shock all over his face. ]
You've got to be kidding me. How did you—?!
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But hey, he’s still a teenager, and sometimes teenagers do dumb things. At least he has the intellect of a super genius and some very handy powers backing up his idiocy.
He steps into the room, the door sliding closed behind him, and he quickly takes in his surroundings. That includes one familiar face, whom he gives a sight shrug to (his free hand is taken up by the gun and access card, so he can’t exactly wave.]
Yo.
[It’s an incredibly casual greeting, as if they currently aren’t in the belly of a horrific research laboratory and just passing by each other on the street or something. Accelerator is actually worked up, and when he sees - Five? Does he even have his own name - his grip on the gun tightens.
But he tries to keep a lid on his emotions. Getting upset and breaking something it in space is dangerous, and he doesn’t want to risk killing the entire facility. The long term consequences wouldn’t be worth it.
Looking around, his eyes settle on a computer terminal near that chair. The chair causes more indignant, dark feelings well up in him, and he tries to ignore them. He steps over to the terminal, focused, and after shoving the gun into his belt he starts to type rapidly.]
You know if this thing has full access to the facility’s database?
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I don't know about full access, but they're sending the data somewhere. Problem is, it's password-protected.
[ He's checked. What was he supposed to do while waiting around, twiddle his thumbs and not snoop? ]
Did anyone see you? When I said go digging, I didn't mean the breaking and entering kind!
[ Whatever else he has to say is interrupted by the Haro bot on duty whirring to life, having processed the unexpected visitor and detected an anomaly. Its eyes flash red with each beat of its robotic voice. This area is restricted to authorized personnel! Please identify yourself. ]
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Shit, he might not have the time.]
Plans change.
[For a split second he debates shooting the Haro, but breaking it might set off some alarms. Letting it run through its security protocol will at least buy him a little bit more time. Pausing, he pulls out the flash drive and plugs it in, then resumes typing. As he does he speaks up again, his tone matter-of-fact.]
You're coming with me, so get dressed.
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[ Five exhales, exasperated. Peil already thinks he's more trouble than he's worth, and after this? He wouldn't be surprised if they ordered him disposed of, or decided a rebellious but otherwise healthy research subject should be restrained and put to use in other ways. Either way, he sure as hell doesn't want to stick around to find out. He would have preferred to bow out more discreetly, though!
The Haro continues to beep and repeat its request with added warning. Five pulls off his medical gown and tosses it over the bot, deliberately blocking off its camera. While it rolls around trying to process the interference, he quickly changes into Elan's uniform, not bothering to do up the tie. No point dressing like a prim and proper heir. Going back to school is out of the question. ]
I hope you've got an escape plan.
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The thought causes him to pause typing for a few moments, and he stares down at the screen in silence. He doesn't even know this person, but no one deserves a life in a facility like this one.
Exhaling slowly, Accelerator focuses his mind, and resumes typing.]
There's a shuttle waiting in the launch bay. The problem isn't getting out, but making sure nothing important gets broken in the process.
[His ability isn't really made for stealth, and it takes a lot of effort on his part to keep it constrained. As large as this laboratory is it's still in the middle of space, so one wrong move and they're all goners.
He's fairly sure he has the malware downloaded, so he finishes up and unplugs the drive, putting it back into his pocket.]
Do you know how to use a gun?
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[ Being a good shot is a requirement for being an Elan Ceres double! Not that he was aware of what he was getting into when his scores came back with top marks in piloting and marksmanship. ]
If it's important to them, all the more reason to break it, but we don't exactly have time. The launch bay is the first place they'll lock down once they realize we're trying to escape. So let's scram.
[ Five has no love lost for the lab, and having no idea what Accelerator is capable of, he thinks busting up their precious machines would feel pretty damn good, actually, but if given the choice, he'd pick escaping over getting back at Peil.
The Haro is going to sound the alarm any minute now, and Five gives it a pat on its covered head and and nudges it out of the way as he moves for the door. ]
So it looks like my labs have been moved up the schedule! Dr. Winston authorized it, and this fellow is going to escort me.
[ Dr. Winston did no such thing but while its robotic little programs are validating that, they'll be on their way, and if Belmeria Winston catches flak for letting them escape, he won't feel too sorry about it. ]
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He clicks his tongue as he walks over to the door, eyeing the covered Haro briefly. It sounds like the launch bay will be the most dangerous part of this escape, then. Makes sense, and he keeps that in the back of his mind, ready to plan appropriately.]
Here. [Removing the gun from his belt, he holds it out.] I won't let you die, so stay behind me and you probably won't have to use it.
[Accelerator's expression is one of fixed determination. There isn't any immediate danger right now, but they aren't out of the woods. He knows that it's likely things are about to get dicey because of him, so keeping the other boy safe is entirely his responsibility and he is taking that very seriously.]
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Five can't help but grin at how seriously he's taking it. Like he's said something funny. He adopts a casual tone in comparison, despite the severity of their situation. ]
Want to fill me in on something? Why stick your neck out for someone you don't know?
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1/2
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this seems like a great time to get shot
it's never a good time to get shot! also sorry about him
I loled
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