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.
Very well. Then rest up as much as you can; tomorrow's going to be quite the day. And again, welcome to Night Raven College.
[He dips into a small bow, still smiling away, before turning and leading the peanut gallery away. Floyd's walking backwards though, watching Accelerator as if he's thinking on something, before--
"Seeya, Blenny-chan! Be good, or you'll get a squeezin'!"
And then they're gone. At least until 8am the next morning, when Jade knocks politely on Accelerator's door to collect him for that meeting. If the knocking isn't a reminder of who it is, the raspy giggling of Floyd at his side probably does.
"Accelerator, it is time for the meeting. Azul is waiting for you, if you'll let us show you to his office."]
[Accelerator has to resist the urge to flip all three of them off again. And 'Blenny-chan'?? Seriously, what is that even supposed to be????
(He's going to be very annoyed when he inevitably hits up the library to research what a blenny is.)
For now, anyways, he tries to put that out of his mind and go collapse into bed. He thankfully does consider what he could do for some student lounge to make a bit of extra money, but otherwise he's passing out for the night.
The knock at the door drags him out of his sleep, and it takes him a few moments to remember what the hell is going on. It's an oh, goddamnit kind of moment where he seriously debates just burrowing under the covers and staying there, but he knows he can't. Schools run on a schedule, and unless he wants to get kicked out into a completely unfamiliar world he needs to play along.
He yells at Jade to give him a few minutes, then hauls himself out of bed and gets dressed. It doesn't bother him that he's going to be late for this meeting with Azul, his sleep schedule was a complete mess before showing up here so this is the best he can do. Throwing his uniform on, he at least spends a few extra minutes making sure he looks presentable (blazer buttoned, tie tied properly, he actually looks like a student who gives a shit) before opening the door.
The twins get half-asleep scowls, but otherwise he'll follow them to the lounge without complaint.]
[Thankfully, Accelerator doesn't have to deal with too much nagging or sniping from his escorts; they're quite content to play the silent guards (barring occasional murmuring or giggling to each other over their guest's head). And the trip to the Lounge's office isn't long enough to get much playing in besides; another polite knock on the door, before Azul cuts through Jade's announcement.]
Come on in, you've already brought him here late. I'll take that from your wages.
["Aw, c'mooooon! It was only five minuuuuutes~"
Azul shoots Floyd a withering glare for that one, as if it has any effect on him whatsoever, before motioning for Accelerator to sit.] Apologies for the early hour, but I thought it'd be best for us all to get this sorted right away. Now. Did you have any suggestions on what position you'd like within the Lounge? I'm willing to work with you to make it tenable long-term, within reason. Otherwise, I might simply suggest that you can assist Jade and I with matters off the floor.
[Accelerator sighs heavily, dragging a hand through his hair, still groggy.]
That was on me, not them. I'm not used to a normal class schedule.
[He isn't doing this out of kindness, but rather a preference in admitting his own faults. Either way he moves to sit down, retracting the cane portion of his crutch into the arm cuff.]
Yeah, I thought about it. If you give me the Lounge's financials I can probably do some accounting. I've never done it before but I doubt it's hard to figure out.
[Azul raises his brows a little at Accelerator going to bat for the brothers, even if it's not particularly impassioned by camaraderie or anything. ...And then his brows raise even higher at the offer to take on the accounting.]
Get out.
[Said sharply, though his gaze flits over Accelerator's head and to Jade and Floyd instead; while the latter lets out a groan at being shooed out so abruptly, the former bows and shuts the door behind them both all the same. Once they're gone, Azul's attention returns to his precious frosh, to the gently steaming teapot on the coffee table between them.]
Do you want some tea, first? To warm you up a little, perhaps wake you up a touch more. [A little flick of his housewarden cane, and the teapot pours itself steadily into both empty cups. Why ask at all if you're going to pour the tea anyway, dickhead?] What, might I ask, drew you to accounting over say...More general management of staff, whilst learning from the best in the school there is? Jade would prove a fine mentor to you, if you wanted to take that path.
Accounting, however, would leave you in my hands. And I would not tolerate any nonsense; anyone who tries to treat my money like their own pays in other ways.
[For a few seconds, Accelerator thinks he's somehow screwed up. Accounting (really, any data analysis) seemed like the natural choice for him, so he didn't think much of it when he decided on it. This reaction from Azul is unexpected and he blinks in confusion, turning a little to watch the twins duck out of the office.
Er... should he be worried? His gaze settles back on Azul and he inwardly wonders if he should switch modes on his choker.]
It's just math. [Not a big deal, he can do it in his sleep.] Math is a fucking cakewalk compared to managing people. Accounting is just a branch of economics, right? Economic theories were some of the shit I learned before I dropped out of school, so it wouldn't be a problem to learn more of that.
[He eyes the tea. Not his first choice, but he'll drink it if there's nothing else.]
[For a good few seconds, Azul just keeps on smiling serenely at Accelerator. The teacups are filled, and then one is dismissed duly to go hover its way over to the desk instead. He'll deal with it all later. Got bigger fish to fry right now.]
...You really want to learn more about the theory behind it? And you'd prefer not to work with people?
[Another few seconds of staring, before he gets to his feet and stretches out a hand.] Very well. I trust that you at least mean that much, and perhaps that you don't realise what a grand opportunity I'm giving you right now, which is why you'd dare shoot for it in the first place. You and I are going to work together from now on; I'm going to ask for your help brainstorming promotions as well, by the way, but you won't have to actually interact with staff outside of myself and the Leech brothers. Come here after lessons are done, and we'll get you set up.
[Promotions? That's something he has even less experience with, but he supposes it's just a matter of inputting data and analyzing various metrics about the lounge to see what's appealing to the customer base. It'd just be substituting his brain for a computer, so it seems doable.
Despite that he feels somewhat uncertain. He's never held anything close to a real job before, he's rarely worked with a peer. Hell, he's still feeling off-balance at the idea of attending classes like a normal goddamn student. This is the best option he can see to provide himself with some extra cash, but it's still difficult.
Ugh, he really wants a cup of coffee.]
Yeah, fine.
[He reaches up, grabbing hold of Azul's hand to shake, his own expression tight.]
Pleasure doing business with you. I'll draw up a contract before we meet up again, and we can discuss further terms.
...You also have an employee discount at Mostro Lounge, now. If you still want that coffee, find Floyd-- you know which one's Floyd by now, surely-- and ask him to make you one. If he's in the mood, it'll be the best thing you've ever had. Might even carry you through to tomorrow, if he's really happy.
[At last, he lets Accelerator's hand go, instead using that hand to adjust his glasses as he turns to the side. Any questions get effectively cut off, at least for now.]
Ah-- a word to the wise, too. I'd ingratiate myself with fellow Octavinelle students, as well as...Pomefiore students, perhaps, if I were you. Maybe Heartslabyul, if you can handle a little roughness around the edges. Purple magestones, or red. They'll be good influences. The other houses are a little...Interesting. Do what you will with them.
[On both the contract and the coffee. Actually, he perks up a little at the mention of coffee. He could really use one right about now, even if it tastes terrible.
Especially if it tastes terrible. The strength of his caffeine habit does not extend to quality.
He drops his hand, moving to get up, pausing at Azul's suggestion. Oh, socialization, he hates it so much, and he answers gruffly.]
I'd rather keep to myself. It's better for everyone if I do.
...Very well, as you wish. Then Jade, Floyd, and I...We'll be your companions. He'll be at the bar, if you're lucky.
[Really, Floyd could be anywhere he so pleased, but Azul's hoping he's at the bar cleaning glasses in preparation for the afterschool rush. ...And at least once he's done showing Accelerator through the door of his office, Floyd's there. Though he's more...
Slumped on the bar, glass cloth in hand and posture definitely not saying 'hey, I'd love to make you a coffee, frosh!' Azul grimaces in the doorway when he sees it, and rummages in his pockets for a few madol.]
--Actually, just find one of the vending machines or something. Have a good day.
[Sorry Accelerator. No bombass coffee just yet, only the canned stuff for now. Or something from the cafeteria if it's still open?]
[Companions? Oh, God, he doesn't need that. Accelerator tenses, swallowing thickly, and follows Azul quietly. Having a boss and coworkers is bad enough, he isn't sure how he's supposed to deal with... companions. Whatever that even means. Senpai? He hasn't had those before.
His spiralling thoughts are momentarily distracted by the sight of Floyd, the prospect of missing out on coffee. This is quickly becoming the worst day ever
And then Azul is pulling some change out and Accelerator, absolutely baffled, can only stare at him like a deer in headlights as it's offered to him.]
.......................................
[Give him a second to stop bluescreening. Reluctantly, he'll take the change.]
Uh. Thanks.
[And he quickly turns and leaves the Lounge as quickly as possibly, looking for the nearest vending machine with canned coffee. Once he finds one he's buying himself one, downing it, and sighing heavily at the feeling of relief that floods him. This may be another universe (or whatever) but canned coffee still tastes the same. Its familiarity prepares him for the day ahead.
It... doesn't go well. Classes are the easiest part; even though he's behind when it comes to magic he's still intensely focused, and he feels like he's actually learned a lot. P.E. is the one class he's exempt from thanks to his crutch, so no issues there.
No, it's the classmates. Kids his own age. People he has absolutely nothing in common with.
He can't even get through to lunch without nearly provoking a couple of students into a fight. By the end of the day he's pissed off more than a few classmates, and he's sure at this rate he's going to have a reputation similar to the one he had back home. He's exhausted, and wants nothing more than to crawl into bed. Unfortunately, he drags himself to the Lounge, remembering the deal he made that morning, and makes his way directly to Azul's office, knocking loudly.]
[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?
[Meanwhile, at that question Accelerator's already serious demeanour takes on a somber edge. He has a reason, a very good one, and he's reluctant to voice it. It's deeply personal, and despite everything he's been doing they're still practically strangers. It would be easier to just dismiss the question, claiming that it isn't the time or the place.
At the same time, he deserves an answer. Accelerator knows that. He rests his hand against the switch to open the door, refraining from doing so as he hesitates. Biting his lip for a moment, his voice is quiet.]
... I've been in your situation before. I know what it's like. You don't deserve to go through this.
[ Well, that recontexualizes everything Five knows about the guy and shuts him up. The intensity behind Accelerator's every action starts to read a lot like anger, a feeling he understands too well. It's just that Five has always concealed how he really feels behind a flippant and mocking attitude...but now there's a subtle shift in his expression, his grin less facetious and more grim.
The Haro's alarm cuts through the silence. Time to go. ]
...You should have taken your freedom and run for it. It'd be a pointless if you escaped one lab only to wind up dying in another! Come on, I know the way.
[ He hits the switch and steps through the door, side by side with Accelerator. It wouldn't be fair to let him take on all the risk after learning they were the same. ]
[While Accelerator has already made peace with the likelihood that his eventual death will be horrible (and probably deserved), having it happen in another laboratory is something he would like to avoid. This is dangerous, yes, and there's a chance he could die here, but his stubborn desire to help someone else out of a situation he's all too familiar with is overriding his desire for survival. It's reckless, and Accelerator is prepared to be on the receiving end of a lot of smarm for the choice he's made. There's a little, but less than he's expecting.
That could be because the Haro's alarm is interrupting any more. Either way, he takes the sincerity for what it is and nods. After stepping through the door, he reaches up to switch modes on his choker. The limited amount of time he has to use his esper ability should be more than enough to make sure they get to the launch bay safely, and as vector data floods into his brain he automatically begins sorting and analyzing it. Beginning with the movement of air molecules in the hall, to pick up on any unnatural shifts that would indicate bodies moving towards them.]
[ Five moves quickly and quietly down the hall. He's kept tabs on the lab's layout over the course of his stays, having entertained thoughts of making a getaway as early as the day he'd woken up with a new face and muddled memories and decided the sketchy company he signed on with was damn creepy. Unlike the Enhanced Person before him, he possesses a keen sense of self-preservation.
Before turning the next corner, he checks the coast is clear before waving them onwards, though he won't know what's happening beyond his line of sight. The Haro would have alerted every drone in the facility to come looking for them, and the guards can't be far behind. ]
[Accelerator follows quietly, this attention split in several directions: his immediate surroundings, the air in the hall behind them, and the air down the hall ahead of them. Mathematical calculations run through his brain and he adjusts and re-adjusts them as they move down the hall.
Further down and around several corners something large, dense even, causes an unnatural movement of the air molecules he's sensing, and he freezes.]
Hold on. [He reaches out, quickly running the calculations to whitelist Elan(?) from his reflection, so that he can grab his shoulder without accidentally breaking any bones or causing any internal organ damage. Keeping his voice quiet, he shakes his head] Something's coming this way. Likely a security drone. Is there another route we can take?
[ He stops in his tracks when he's grabbed, glancing at Accelerator and murmuring sharply under his breath. ]
We can take the stairwell to the lower level and keep out of the way, but are you sure? How do you know it's coming?
[ They're on the quickest and straightest route and Five sounds reluctant to take detours. Plus, it's not apparent to him where his buddy is getting his second sense from. ]
[A stairwell puts them in tighter quarters, but it's better than running headfirst into a security drone. Accelerator gives a nod, and at the question his answer is blunt.]
I'm psychic. [Super helpful, not offering any further explanation.] And I'm sure, so let's take the stairs.
[ Five doesn't sound convinced, but he starts towards the stairs anyway. More of an explanation would have helped, but there's no time to argue. He can choose either to trust him or not, and he's pretty sure Accelerator isn't trying to get them killed. If the guy really had been part of some messed up experiment, it wouldn't be impossible his senses were sharpened or something. Hadn't he called himself an esper? Five didn't believe it at the time, but he also didn't believe the kid would come looking for him.
The stairwell is thankfully clear on their way down a level, though the stairs stretch even deeper, down to the lowest levels where Peil tinkers with their mobile suits. Five hits the switch to open the door and peers around it to check the floor. ]
[If he wants to remain skeptical that's fine, they aren't exactly in a position for Accelerator to give a full explanation anyways. That can happen once they're somewhere safe.
He follows him down, splitting his attention even further. It's harder to track any potential enemies in the stairwell, the doors block a lot of molecular movement he can sense and the stairs split off into way more levels than a hallway, giving security more routes to ambush them. Accelerator does his best, retracting the cane portion of his crutch into the forearm crutch so it's easier to move down the steps, his gaze constantly glancing around.]
I think we're okay —
[Aaand a door above them in the stairwell opens and the high-pitched beeping of a security drone can be heard. Spoke too soon! Without hesitation Accelerator grabs the other boy and with a surprising amount of strength shoves him through the doorway, at the same time stomping his foot on the floor. Doing so allows him to manipulate the metal comprising the stairs, and there's a hideous crunch and screech of metal as the entire stairwell starts to twist and crush itself unnaturally, like a piece of paper being balled up.
RIP to that security drone, it doesn't stand a chance.]
[ Although he's safe where he is, Five still takes an inadvertent step backwards when the metal begins screeching. He watches incredulously as the stair is ripped off its hinges and crumpled, taking the drone with it. ]
[ He exclaims in a low voice. Okay. Well. Cool. What the hell, but cool. Having an esper on their side is definitely an advantage. He can almost believe they'll make it out of here in one piece. ]
And here I thought chairmen only pushed papers! Got any other tricks I should know about? [ His face flicks from shock to amusement, his go-to attitude when uneasy or caught off guard. ...but not to get distracted from the task at hand! Five motions down the hall. ] There should be another set of stairs to the bay. Try not to crush that one or we'll have to take the long route!
[Okay, it's kind of satisfying getting to bust up a little bit of the facility, even if it's only the stairwell. Accelerator allows himself a brief grin before turning away to follow.]
If we weren't out in space I'd just punch a hole through the roof, that'd be a hell of a lot easier than this.
[Being careful sucks sometimes, but they both still need to breathe so the endless vacuum of outer space isn't an option. And unfortunately, destroying part of the facility is going to cause alarms to start going off in the halls, which makes Accelerator click his tongue in annoyance.]
Guess the entire place knows something is up. Be on your guard.
Not that I don't like the idea, but yeah, save it for when we find ourselves a ride!
[ As satisfying as it would be to blow a hole in the place, he agrees it wouldn't be the wisest course of action right now. Five starts moving again, not bothering to tiptoe anymore now that the alarms are blaring overhead. The stairs are a straight dash down the hall, only —
A metal gate comes down, sectioning off the corridor ahead and behind them and stopping them in their tracks. Figures a space station would have airlocks as a failsafe against equipment failure, or in this case, unprecedented esper attacks. ]
Think you triggered more than just the alarm! Can you bust it open?
[Well, maybe this is better than having to sneak around? More dangerous, sure, but Elan(?) seems to be handling all of this remarkably well. Credit where credit is due, he isn't freaking out or terrified.]
Yeah. Stay behind me, there might be some shrapnel.
[He steps up to the gate and taps it. It's a light motion, but it may as well have been the equivalent of a punch from the way the gate is ripped from its locking mechanism and sent flying down the hall. The calculations for that are simple for Accelerator, so he looks a bit smug as he glances back.]
[ You don't have to tell him twice. After seeing what the esper did to the stairs, Five is quick to steer clear of the way! ]
Show-off.
[ He remarks after the dust has settled and Accelerator stands looking smug in the gate-less corridor. The calm Five projects is mostly a mask. His heart hasn't stopped pounding since he broke out, but he would sooner make light of things and pretend this escape is mere entertainment than let anyone catch on to his fear.
Anyways, time to book it. As he breaks into a run, his gaze shifts back to see that Accelerator is keeping up on his crutch, because damn. It's reckless enough he stormed the place. Even more so to do it at a physical disadvantage. ]
[Accelerator can only give a small shrug. Yeah, he probably could have broken through in a less flashy way, but where's the fun in that? If he can't crush everyone associated with this damn laboratory then he can at least break the place a little.
Sticking close isn't an issue, now that he's using his ability. Running more calculations in his brain, he takes control of various vectors in his body to enhance his muscles and keep up.
The alarms blaring are irritating, and he tries to ignore them as he glances over.]
Are we close? They're probably going to concentrate a bunch of security at the bay.
[ The stairs lie ahead, but so does trouble. Turns out, the lab's already shored up security and three guards spill from the stairwell before they've reached it. The guards train their gun on Five, since he's the one visibly armed, yelling 'freeze' and 'hands up!' Considering their numbers, and the fact that they've incorrectly identified him as the real threat, Five actually lowers his gun and makes to slowly put his hands out in a feigned gesture of surrender. ]
[Accelerator skids to a halt at the sight of the guards. Guns aren't an issue for him at all, but Elan(?) is, unfortunately, very squishy and susceptible to being injured, and when he sees the guards training their weaponry on the other boy he doesn't hesitate to act.
He lunges at the guard closest to him, moving at a speed that should be impossible for someone who needs a crutch. Grabbing the barrel of the gun with one hand, he proceeds to twist the metal until the entire thing snaps in half. The guard barely has time to react to that before Accelerator beans him in the head with the broken half, because fuck this guy.]
[ Unfortunately, being made into an Enhanced Person did nothing to change his squishiness, and Five is not eager to get into a shootout. If he could simply talk shit and lie his way out of here, he would!
Like he'd been anticipating, Accelerator gets the jump on the guards, taking one head on with surprising strength for a skinny teen. The guards turn their attention on the esper, and that's when Five raises his gun and shoots one of them. Right in the heart, with cold precision. It's life or death and he is not fucking around. The guard staggers but doesn't drop, protected by a bulletproof vest under his uniform. ]
[Accelerator glances over in time to see the guard get hit, and from that and the disruption of the molecules in the air he can tell that would have been dead on if not for the bulletproof vest. He doesn't have time to contemplate it though, thanks to that vest, so before the guard can retaliate he lunges.
With a tap to the chest he sends the guy into the nearest wall, hard. It isn't something he'll be getting up from anytime soon, which gives him time to glance over at Elan(?).]
Thanks! How do you think I was picked to become Elan Ceres?!
[ It's a knee-jerk response, the bitterness leaking from his voice when he's usually good at keeping it under wraps, but he's a little tense right now. Normally he would appreciate the compliment, but not when committing near-murder while high on adrenaline and fear. He's thinking that could have all gone poorly if not for Accelerator's powers.
The third and last guard is backing away after seeing his partners go down, looking at them like these kids are fucking crazy. Five turning to threaten him with a twisted grin probably does nothing to help his impression. ]
You've seen what my 'friend' can do. How about you call off your drones and let us walk out?
[That bitterness doesn't go unnoticed, and Accelerator's expression grows more serious. The comment is flippant, but it's a sobering reminder of why they're both here.
He shifts his attention to the final guard, narrowing his eyes. It'd be easy to knock him out (or worse), but he's trying to be better, so he gives the guy a chance instead. And... that is a mistake. The man, backing away several more steps, taps his ears and speaks into his comm link with the facility's security.
He doesn't call the drones off, he calls in for reinforcements and to lock down the facility. Accelerator clicks his tongue and a second later launches himself at him, but he's too late. As he knocks him into the wall the lights go out, leaving only the alarms and emergency lighting. Further down the halls noise can be heard as doors slide closed and lock themselves.]
[ For a split second, Five thinks the guard is going to call the hunt off, but of course then they go on to summon the whole damn circus. He can hear the facility coming alive and the doors locking down behind them. ]
Give me a break!
[ His immediate reaction isn't to bolt or to panic, but to grimace and give Accelerator a helpless shrug like yeah, that bluff kind of backfired...geez, must everything be so dramatic? He waves them towards the stairs, calm in the way of someone who has accepted shit's fucked can be calm. ]
You don't say! Sure, yeah. I have a feeling it's going to be a party up there.
[ In the stairwell, Five doesn't get more than a few steps up before a drone from the landing above shoots at them causing him to pull back. At the same time, that thing's on wheels and seems to be having trouble coming down the stairs after them? Which is hilarious and gives him a chuckle despite everything. He'll leave this one to the guy with psychic powers, gesturing for Accelerator to do his thing. ]
[Accelerator clicks his tongue in irritation. He's never been very good at being stealthy, and he's kind of new to information-gathering, but this is ridiculous! At this rate they're both going to get killed. After giving the guard another scowl, he turns to follow Elan(-not-Elan, he really needs a better moniker than that) to the next stairwell.
The appearance of the drone isn't much of a surprise at this point, though it's still unwelcome.]
Your development must be really fucking important to them.
[Maybe not him personally, but all the time and money and resources put into him. Trade secrets, all of that shit. Accelerator has seen it before, and it's really pissing him off. God, if they weren't in space he would have started smashing walls down. It's still tempting due to his increasing frustration, and he has to put extra effort in keeping himself in check. He already screwed up by underestimating the security around here, he doesn't need to do it again.
He steps into the stairwell, ignoring that he's being shot at (anything dangerous just bounces off him harmlessly and hits a wall), and waves a hand lightly. In his brain he runs the calculations to move and condense the air in front of himself, sending it upwards at the drone to lift and smash it around a bit. At least enough to take out its gun.]
I doubt it. I'm replaceable to them— the fifth in a series of Enhanced Persons, actually! They're being heavy-handed because they can afford to. I mean, we're talking about a company who schemed up a whole body doubles program just so their precious heir wouldn't have to fight his own battles!
[ He can't resist taking a dig at his original for the ludicrous plan. What's it like to have a level of wealth and power where you can just throw resources at a problem until it ceases to be? It didn't escape his notice the guards from before had been authorized to use lethal force. Five wouldn't be surprised if the crones higher up had given them the orders. They're probably preparing his replacement as they speak. If anything, he thinks it's Accelerator that has them worried. Anyone able to track down their lab and break into it can be no simple intruder.
And the guy isn't! Five's expression changes from one kind of shock to another when Accelerator steps in the path of the freaking bullets, only to have them glance off him because oh, of course, psychics are also bulletproof! Five rakes a hand through his hair but rolls with it. ]
How do you want to do this? [ He says while they're making their way upwards, his gun held at the ready and on the lookout for any other drones. ] I can probably figure out how to get the shuttle going, but we'll need to keep them off of us.
[That sounds like something a research lab in the shadier parts of his city would get up to, though that doesn't lessen the horrific nature of it all. To be willing to throw literal bodies all in the name of some rich asshole is galling, and Accelerator finds himself wishing the head of Peil was here right now.
......... It's probably for the best that he isn't. Right now he's inclined to rip the guy's head off.]
That would be better than relying on only the autopilot. [As far as technology has come he'd rather take a real pilot over an autopilot any day of the week, especially one who has gone through specialized training for this kind of thing. Piloting, or driving of any kind, is something Accelerator hasn't actually learned himself, so he's reliant on the fifth not-Elan.
It isn't something he's particularly bothered by. Having someone else with piloting expertise frees him up to be the offence. Or defense, whichever.]
I can handle whatever additional security they throw at us, you focus on the shuttle. [Probably. Hopefully. As they move through the stairwell Accelerator reaches up to fiddle with his choker, checking on the battery that he has left. This mission has already run longer than he was expecting, but he should still have enough juice to make sure their take off is a relatively safe one.]
Oh, the autopilot will work just fine...as long as we're not being shot at.
[ He intones cheerfully (ominously?). He's a mech pilot, not a spacecraft pilot, and in a normal scenario he wouldn't be so rash as to commandeer a shuttle, but sometimes you're required to buck a few protocols in order to make the quickest getaway. Let's hope that he won't have to take the reins at all, or it means they have to floor it. Ideally, they're long gone by the time Peil brings out the big guns. Five can feel his heart racing as they near the top. ]
[ His last attempt to jack someone's ride didn't go so well, and this time, there's no do-overs.
He pockets the card, then his hand hovers over the door at the top of the stairs. This is probably the moment where people steel themselves. Give a pep talk, maybe, if either of them were the type to give pep talks. Instead, he makes eye contact and remarks dryly. ]
Try not to die.
[ Five hits the button and the door slides open. Good luck to them. ]
[Not being someone who is all that great at pep talks, all Accelerator can do is scoff lightly.]
You too.
[He steps out into the next hall, and lucky them not only is this hall full of guards, but also drones! To his annoyance, as soon as they catch Accelerator's movement they all start firing. Of course, everything bounces harmlessly off of him thanks to his reflection, and he makes a point of ensuring his calculations don't accidentally send any stray bullets into the stairwell.
It's irritating, seeing all this security. He can't just carelessly throw them through a wall, since that would undoubtedly kill the guards and possibly cause damage to the lab itself. Having to hold back is rough.
Accelerator lunges at one of the drones first, grabbing and digging his fingers into its metal casing before tossing it at one of the other drones, letting them crash into each other as he turns his attention to the third, hoping that his disruption to the drones is enough to keep the guards occupied and that they don't do for the stairwell.]
[ Well, he'll let Mr. Bulletproof draw fire while he hides hangs back in the interest of not eating a ricocheting bullet. He's very okay not being the heavy-hitter here. Five sticks his head out just enough to peer down the hall, watching drones go flying and one stunned guard taking a stray bullet to the leg still not comprehending what he's seeing. He gets it, he thinks it's pretty absurd himself!
Another guard looks similarly bewildered but presses on towards them. Five shoots at the man, pulling back into the stairwell when return fire puts holes in the walls. He calls out to Accelerator. ]
[The shock from the guards helps a hell of a lot, it means they're more prone to making mistakes and gives Accelerator more of an opening to take out all the drones. Too bad those things don't suffer from human emotions, it would be helpful if they could feel surprise, too.
Regardless, he thinks he's doing a pretty good job. In the back of his mind the minutes are ticking down, and he can see more drones arriving at the opposite end of the hall to cut them off, but he's got this! He just needs to get not-Elan to the shuttle bay, then onto the shuttle, and make sure the damn thing takes off safely.]
Got it!
[Accelerator turns and, waving a hand, sends a blast of air at the guard to knock him into a wall, before stepping towards him and wrenching his gun out of his hands to help clear the way. After a split second of though, he also stomps down on the floor, sending out a shockwave and ripping a section of it out to act as a makeshift barrier against more bullets. Not ideal, but it's better than nothing.]
[ Five hums in amusement, impressed when Accelerator clears the hall for them with one clean shockwave. ]
Whatever the hell that was, keep it up!
[ Ducking past the disarmed security guard, he swipes into the shuttle bay. At last. The dock stretches out before out him, spacious and thankfully free of guards on the inside. It's still and almost peaceful, like the vastness of space...were it not for the ruckus he can hear behind him as he runs up to the control panel overlooking the parked shuttles.
He really should have paid more attention in space traffic control class, but in his defense, someone else's grades weren't his biggest concern at the time!
After a bit of trial and error, he hits the right buttons. Metal creaks and one of the shuttles begins to slide into launch position, nose pivoting 180 to align itself with the track. The whole process can't take more than a few minutes at most, but right now, that few minutes feels like an eternity! ]
[Accelerator allows himself a small, smug grin at not-Elan's remark, watching him duck into the shuttle bay. This mission may have gotten a little complicated, but it hasn't gone sideways, and it's looking like they're going to get out of here in one piece.
Hanging back a moment longer, he reaches up to fiddle with his choker and check on his battery, and as he does his smirk fades. Under his breath he mutters a curse, realizing that his timing has been off slightly. He doesn't have a few minutes left, it's more like a few seconds. Despite the two of them not fully being in the clear yet, he doesn't have a choice: he needs to switch his choker back to normal mode so he has enough battery to get to the shuttle.
Clicking his tongue, he re-extends his crutch and hits the switch. The light on it changes from red back to green. And a split second later, pain explodes in his side.
Letting out an abrupt, strangled cry he stumbles and hits the wall, next to the entrance to the shuttle bay. Glancing around wildly, his gaze settles on a guard and his gun. The guy's hands are shaking, but he still has the weapon aimed directly at him. Turning his gaze downwards, Accelerator sees red bloom over his shirt.
Fuck.]
it's never a good time to get shot! also sorry about him
[ You've got to be kidding. After all those impossible stunts, the esper goes down after making it this far? Five hears Accelerator cry out and sees him slump against the wall just as the escape shuttle clicks into place, the doors sliding open invitingly. They were so close. He glances between the bay doors behind him and his ticket out of here sitting just within reach.
For a split second, he considers taking off without him.
Please understand, this is not his proudest moment! Out of all the selfish choices he's made and every shitty thing he's done for the sake of survival, it's the first time he's ever struck by shame. That he could even think to abandon someone who had risked everything for him feels like a new low, even for him. Cursing, he turns away from the shuttle and bolts. ]
Hey, asshole! Over here!
[ The guard looks up, switches targets, but Five's already got his own gun lined up. Two shots ring out and only one finds its mark. Look away, because the guard is getting graphically headshotted. Sorry about your pacifist run.
He reaches Accelerator's side and— shit, that can't be good. Maybe he had been too cocky to think the guy's special powers made him untouchable. ]
[The reflex to reach up and switch modes on his choker, to take control of the flow of his blood and shut off his pain receptors, is nearly overwhelming. Accelerator's fingers even twitch at the urge, but instead he forces his hand to his side. If he uses his esper ability his battery will run out and he'll essentially be catatonic, and catatonic and bleeding out is a hell of a lot worse than being in control of his mental faculties and bleeding out.
He doesn't expect Elan or whoever he is to come back and help. Why should he? Getting him out of here is the goal, and he's in the bay with the shuttle. He can get the hell out of here and this mission will have been a success.
That likely means he'll die here, and... while he isn't exactly fine with it, there is too much pain shooting through his body for him to want to complain too much. It isn't as if he wants to die, he doesn't want to leave the clones or Last Order. He's sure of that. But if someone like him goes out helping someone who needed it, then that isn't so bad. It's more than he deserves, so he's fine with it. He has to be.
Spots start darkening his vision as his legs struggle to keep himself up, and those thoughts are running through his mind when another voice filters in. For a second he assumes it's the guard that shot him, but no — that guy's head is exploding in a spray of blood. He blinks fuzzily and looks up to see... oh. Seriously? He has to stare for a moment, processing that he's actually seeing the other boy, and when he manages that he mutters:]
............. My timing was off.
[Don't mind him he's just going to be sliiiiding down the wall to the floor. Standing is hard when you've been shot.]
No shit. You couldn't have picked a better time to get shot!
[ He doesn't know anything about the time limit Accelerator is on, but he knows how close they were to safety. Five grabs him by the shoulders and drags him inside before quickly shutting the bay doors and shooting the switch to disable the mechanism and buy them some time. Then he takes Accelerator's arm around his shoulder and, supporting his weight, he pulls him up and begins to make the painstaking trek to the shuttle. He doesn't want to agitate the guy's injuries too much, but unfortunately, there's not really a gentle way to haul ass. ]
What were you even thinking, coming here alone?! Aren't you supposed to be some big shot back home? Most CEOs I know order other people around to do the real work! I told you, didn't I, that I was colluding with Peil. I wasn't in any danger until you busted in, you know.
[ He's kind of yammering, because that's what he does and because his nerves are still heightened from before. If the guard's hand hadn't been shaking so much, maybe the both of them would be bleeding out on the floor. Anyway, is Accelerator even listening? Say something, buddy. ]
[Okay, he definitely deserves the scolding he's getting. It's getting to be a little too difficult to muster up an answer, so he only lets out a small sigh as he tries to keep his hand on his side. He doesn't even complain when he's dragged, though he does wince as the motion jostles his injury. Thankfully, it doesn't hurt as much as he expects.
.... Thankfully? It may be because his consciousness is fading in and out. When he's hauled onto his feet he doesn't feel much of anything, and vaguely he's aware he's getting scolded some more. His head lolls and he's definitely beyond being able to stand on his own, though at least he doesn't weigh very much.]
Five hauls the unconscious teen the rest of the way as fast as he can, staggering into the shuttle and finding somewhere to lay him down. He engages the autopilot and shoves the ship into top speed, then returns to Accelerator's side to apply pressure to his wound and brace the both of them for takeoff as the shuttle rumbles and surges forward. Normally, they're supposed to be seated and strapped in for this part, but given the emergency he's electing to skip a few steps!
Despite his efforts, blood keeps pooling, and Five gets the idea to tear through the ship's compartments until he comes across what he's looking for: a first aid kit. It takes every last roll of gauze to stem the bleeding. At this point, he's tracked enough bloody footprints around the place that it looks like a goddamn murder scene. The sight of Accelerator's ghostly pale face haunts him as he returns to the controls to check their flight path. He had never been privy to the lab's location and he doesn't recognize where they are, but he sets them on a course closer to civilization. After a moment's hesitation, he hits the distress signal. While he would have liked to lay low and disappear, there's no chance Accelerator can pull through without treatment. It still hasn't sunk in that he's free, but then again, he could never have imagined freedom would look like this. Him sitting alone in a stolen ship, in the far reaches of space where there is no sound save for Accelerator's labored breathing and his own troubled thoughts.
They're picked up by a cargo ship, whose shocked captain speeds them off to the nearest planet. A medical team rushes out with a stretcher as soon as they touch ground and Accelerator is rushed off to surgery. Five loses track of how many hours pass after that. The exhaustion finally catches up to him, but he's feeling too wired to rest. So he sits in the waiting room, turning over the whole mess in his head and wondering why some people have no ounce of self-preservation.
He ends up passing out in the chair. When he wakes next, it's to the nurse informing him that it had been a close call, but the patient is in stable condition and expected to recover. He lets out a sigh he didn't know he was holding and falls back into his chair. Good grief. How stupid would it have been if he'd died? The guy owes him some answers. There's still a lot he doesn't get about his mysterious rescuer. ...but first, he's going to catch some shut-eye himself. ]
[By the time the two of them get into the shuttle Accelerator is out cold. He is absolutely no help in the last steps of the getaway, and is little more than a slowly bleeding out weight. Thankfully, the first aid helps, and he remains mostly stable until they can get picked up by the cargo ship and eventually to the planet. Because of the time it took to get him to the hospital the surgery is long and complicated, but he's a tough kid and makes it through.
When he finally begins to wake his head feels like it's stuffed with cotton and the harsh lighting of his hospital room makes everything blinding. It takes him way too long for his brain to start processing things properly, push past thoughts of confusion and piece together where he is. Of course, he can't tell if this is a hospital or some research facility, but that is thankfully cleared up when a nurse enters the room for their routine rounds. Once they can confirm this place has nothing to do with Peil (thank god) Accelerator, fighting the brain fuzz, starts prioritizing.
The first thing is to get his choker charged. By now the damn thing is running on fumes, so with the help of the nurse he's able to get it plugged in. Charging it is a pain but necessary, and by the time that is finished his head is feeling clearer. He's exhausted and sore, and most importantly he's alive. It seems unreal. Not-Elan actually got him out of there?
As much as he wants to go back to sleep he knows he needs to talk to the other boy. After the nurse has finished assessing his physical state and gotten him some ice chips to chew on he insists on seeing the other boy, so the nurse will be heading out into the waiting room, gently rousing Elan(?) by gently shaking his shoulder.]
[ A chair isn't the most comfortable place to nap, but Five sleeps pretty deeply for someone who was just in imminent danger. They'll want to keep moving, eventually, but he's not going to sweat the possibility of pursuers right now. It'll be a lot harder for Peil to seize them in broad daylight, anyways. When the nurse shakes him awake, it takes him a moment to remember where he is. Then it all comes crashing back—the breakout and the esper—and he's on his feet the next second.
He follows the nurse down the hall and past several rooms. She knocks on the door before opening it, her voice bright as she announces, 'Asher, your friend's here!'
Five flashes a smile at 'Asher', who is Accelerator, apparently, and shrugs silently behind the nurse's back as if to say yeah, uh, just roll with it. For all the harrowing trouble they've been through, he looks relaxed as he strolls up to the bed, hands in his coat pockets. He wears new clothes, his bloodied uniform discarded for a clean shirt and cargo jacket emblazoned with the logo of the shipping company that had picked them up.
The nurse checks the monitors and fusses over Accelerator a minute longer, then says she'll let him and 'Ian' catch up. Five responds by thanking the nurse and keeps up the good boy manners until the door's shut and they're alone before his pleasant smile turns sharp. ]
I didn't have a lot of time to get creative with aliases! Not that Elan was my real name...but you've already figured that out, haven't you?
[While he has a minute or two to himself he sucks in a deep breath, rubbing his temples. Focusing is hard, and he's going to need to do it until they can get back to Earth. Even though they're away from the facility neither of them are safe here, and it's his responsibility to get them back to Academy City in one piece.
When the door opens again he drops his hands, steeling himself despite his exhaustion. The name gets a bit of a look but he's silent, letting the nurse check him over, and it's only when she leaves that he lets his shoulders drop. He clicks his tongue.]
It's not the worst thing I've been called. [That remark is coming with an unsaid air of 'You couldn't have come up with something better?' It's a pretty minor thing considering everything else though, and it isn't as if he goes by whatever his legal name is anyways. His expression shifts, turning serious. He looks the other boy over, inwardly glad that he at least doesn't seem to be injured at all.]
I read some of your file at the facility. [Not all of it, he didn't have the time for that, but it was enough.] Is there anything you want to be called?
Oh? What did you learn? Besides that Peil and I didn't get on well.
[ He's never seen his own files. He can only imagine what kind of notes they keep on him. If they said he was a pain in the ass or something, he'd take it as a compliment! Five drops into one of the chairs and kicks back in the seat. It's funny, he had been annoyed that no one at Asticassia had a clue what was really going on with him, but having his file read and the truth come out conversely makes him feel somewhat uncomfortable, actually. So this is the mortifying ordeal of being known.
As for what to call him...that's a good fucking question. He knows what he doesn't want to be called, but what he wants to be called is trickier when he can't remember his old name or anything else about himself. Coming up with an identity on the spot is difficult, otherwise he wouldn't have blanked and gone for the lazy choice when the nurse asked him for their names. ]
About that. I don't have a name of my own, and I don't want that asshole's name either. [ He says evenly after a pause, his jaw tight. He's not bitter at all. Not one bit! ] Enhanced Person Number Five is a mouthful, so I guess Five will do for now. I mean, it can't be weirder than Accelerator.
[ Not a day out of surgery and he's already giving him cheek... ]
[Sheesh, even when the subject is serious this guy is still being smarmy. Accelerator supposes Peil deserves a lot worse than this, though if he were in this position he'd be cursing them out. Hell, he has been, and even now he still doesn't hesitate to call the scientists that developed him shitheads and bastards.
Well... chances are he's thinking it, anyways.
Accelerator's expression remains serious as he mentally files through the information he had gathered from the binders back in the facility, giving a small nod at not-Elan — Five's conclusion about his name. Or alias, if you want to get specific.]
It isn't. It's not like Accelerator is my name either, so Five works. [It actually reminds him a little of the clones, too, since they go by numbers rather than names. Most people might balk at it, but this is significantly better than continuing to use 'Elan.'
With that settled, he shifts back to what he had read in Five's file. Being so desensitized to it all he can answer without hesitating, though he's well aware of how horrific it all is.]
I only had time to skim. Most of what I read was about the surgeries and experimentation you underwent in order to be able to pilot mobile suits that use GUND technology. You know, the kind of shit that any non-corrupt court would deem war crimes.
[ Trust him, he wouldn't be calling himself 'Five' if he had anything better. He has no attachment to a name that reduces him to a number on a spreadsheet, but sometimes, it's not the name that matters so much as the attitude you wear it with. Like how Accelerator admits his own name is weird without flinching. That gets a faint, amused smirk from Five. He thinks the guy's too serious for his own good, but he's got the attitude going for him. Anyways, moving on... ]
That's about the gist of it, though I see they failed to mention the part where their experiments didn't succeed! Us enhanced pilots might be able tolerate a higher permet score, but the strain will still kill us in the end.
[ Maybe he's desensitized as well because he says it all very casually. It's not that he isn't angry about what was done to him, but he doesn't see the point in getting worked up about it. Besides, it had been his decision, presumably. There had been something in it for his past self, some reason to shed his identity. He had struck a deal, changed his face, and if he had nothing else—no name, no memories, connections, past or future—he would like at least the dignity to own his own damned choices. ]
So that's it, huh? Nothing else exciting in there? I had been hoping to hear something I didn't know. [ A detail about his old life, maybe? He looks smug as usual but, just briefly, there's an odd note of disappointment in his voice. ] I expect they're going to be busy covering their tracks now that they know someone's snooped on them.
[Cool, great. Not only was he experimented on, but Five gets to live with the fact that he was considered a failure through no fault of his own. Accelerator doesn't know what that's like, being the strongest esper and all, but growing up he witnessed plenty of other Child Errors fail. A not-insignificant number of those children wound up dissected, or just corpses. Accelerator didn't have time to look up what happened to Enhanced Person Numbers One through Four, but... he doesn't feel a need to ask.
He doesn't bother hiding the way his lip curls in disgust. Fuck, he should've just destroyed the whole facility.
Either way, Five is right. Peil will have begun scrambling to deal with the break-in by now, so they'll need to prepare for that.]
Yeah, most likely. I left a worm in that computer, so hopefully it'll transmit some useful data before they wipe everything. Who knows, maybe it'll even pull something that will surprise you.
[AKA something he doesn't know, since he brought that up. It doesn't quite sound as if that was a joke, so he wants to raise that as a possibility. He sighs heavily, and looks around at the hospital room.]
We also need to consider the chances that covering their tracks means coming after us. As soon as I can move without bleeding out onto the damn floor we need to get out of here.
Aren't you just full of surprises. You still plan on going after them after nearly getting killed?
[ If the look of disgust on Accelerator's face is any indication, he already has his answer. While Five has no appetite for another confrontation, not gonna lie, he's curious what else might be buried in those files. Wouldn't anyone in his position naturally want to know more about themselves? But his past can wait. Securing their future comes first. He pivots sideways in his chair and folds his arms behind his head, facing the hospital room instead of the teen. ]
The good news is, they'll have a hard time tracking us down! While you were out of it, we ditched the shuttle and hitched a ride here. There won't be any records of an unauthorized ship making a stop on this planet.
[ He figures they've got a pretty good head start. Space is an enormous place to search. But! ]
The bad news is, we're stuck without a ride and the nurses are going to start asking questions.
[Hell yes he's planning on going after them. There is no way he can just give up after all of this. No matter how difficult it may be it's the right thing to do, and when it comes to taking down a bunch of corrupt shitheads who ruin the lives of kids he can be very stubborn. Accelerator sets his jaw and gives a firm nod, before he blinks at Five's explanation.
So that's how they got all the way here? Ditching the shuttle has bought them a little time, that's good.]
Hmm. That was smart.
[And then he falters. A compliment is one thing, but the sentiment floating around in his mind is a lot more difficult for him to express openly. His hands, currently settled in his lap, curl into fists so he can dig his nails into his palms, and he practically spits his words out.]
... Thanks for getting me out of there. I'm sure you could've just left on your own, and you didn't. [It would have been a lot easier for Five. In the chaos of everything he probably could have disappeared into space, reached some other planet, and started a new, anonymous life.
But he didn't, and that's worth the gratitude Accelerator is awkwardly stumbling through.]
Hold on. Do I need to call the nurse back to get your head checked? Because you've got it backwards.
[ Getting thanked is taking him through a whole new guilt trip. While the execution may have been heavy-handed and quite the mess, he's pretty sure Accelerator was the one who did him a favor. He should be the one expressing his gratitude, except that kind of conversation doesn't come easily to him either, so he's here making jabs instead. ]
Save that gratitude for someone who deserves it. I did in fact think about ditching you back there.
[ He won't bother hiding it. It was shitty of him, and it would stick with him uncomfortably if he doesn't come clean about it now. He could probably stand to sound less shameless and unapologetic while admitting it though.
If circumstances had been slightly different, he would have taken off and saved himself. He's that kind of self-serving bastard, and he doesn't lack for self-awareness. Knowing how short the lives of Gundam pilots are, Five resolved from the beginning to survive no matter what he has to stoop to. It's practically the one principle he lives by! So why didn't he ditch him in that harrowing moment?
Maybe it's because he had been shocked that someone actually gave a shit about him? Maybe he's even a little touched by the gesture. What comes out of his mouth is: ]
If you're wondering why I didn't, it's because I still have questions for you.
[Don't mind his little snort and eyeroll. He knows what he said, damnit! The fact that he's gone as far as to say it aloud shows just how serious about it, even with Five's admittance that he had debated leaving. That isn't surprising to hear at all, and maybe it's just his own self-deprecation creeping him, but he doesn't blame him for considering it.
And in the end it didn't happen. Having those thoughts is one thing, acting on them is another. That needs to be taken into account, too. It's a little surprising to hear the reason why he didn't ditch him though, and Accelerator raises an eyebrow. Questions, huh?]
What are they?
[It's not as if there's much for them to do right now, so he can answer a few questions.]
[ Five's only response is to grin. He knows what was said, and he's making light of it. That's just how he is, deflecting when things start feeling uncomfortable or get a little too sincere.
Now, for a welcome change in subject... ]
Let's start with you being an esper. What's up with that?
[That's a reasonable question. It's not as if espers are common outside of Academy City....]
My city does research into espers. Since not many naturally exist, the best way to do that is to develop a bunch of them to be test subjects. That's why I'm an esper, just about every student in my city is one.
And like, they got away with that? Did you all actually agree to be test subjects or is this one of those 'hidden in the fine print' kind of situations?
[ Maybe the pros of becoming espers as strong as Accelerator outweighed the risks or something, but damn...we're talking a whole city of kids being experimented on! He thought Peil ran a good scam, but what he's hearing sounds on a whole different level. ]
No, it's public knowledge. Parents sign their kids up. In exchange for going through the program, the kid gets registered at one of Academy City's schools. They're supposed to be guaranteed an education that'll have them set for the rest of their life.
[And they usually follow through on that offer, so it's one step up from Peil's practices.]
Okay, [ he says slowly, turning the information over. ] So what's the catch? The experiment was a success and you're set for life, congrats. Seems like a shame to waste it dying halfway across the galaxy!
[ There's more to the story. He doesn't buy that anyone would go to the lengths Accelerator did for no good reason. Something about the lab ticked him off, hit a nerve, and Five will needle him until he finds out what. ]
It does, doesn't it? But that's Academy City's propaganda at its finest.
[The marketing department has done an excellent job making the Power Curriculum Program seem like a great option for families.]
The way the system is set up makes it easy for parents to abandon their kids once the kid is in the city. It's easy for Child Errors and kids who don't have family they can rely on to fall through the cracks, and end up being part of unethical experiments serving some researcher's fucking ego. [He waves a hand for emphasis as he continues.] Some shithead or an entire research facility decides that doing experiments on esper organs is a great idea, or they think they can replicate a unique ability in other espers by messing with brain chemistry, or that by repeating the Curriculum's medical procedures they can find a way to give espers multiple powers instead of just one.
No one is around to notice if some Child Error goes missing when an experiment goes wrong, so they're prime candidates for that kind of shit. They get chewed up and spit out. Usually the ones who wind up dead are lucky, since they don't have to live with whatever the hell they went through.
[ Now this is the good stuff and what he's been waiting for...if any of it can be called good! Hearing about the enterprise's dark side makes Five's skin crawl, but none of it comes as a real shock to him. In fact, the story is all too familiar. Peil had been doing the same thing, picking kids that had no better options and no one looking for them if they disappeared. It's the kind of shit the rich and powerful can get away with, although in this case, he thinks these scientists may have accidentally created something more powerful than themselves. ]
Let me guess, you were one of them?
[ Five shifts in his chair, glancing sideways at Accelerator. The esper had told him, when he first appeared back in the treatment room, that he understood what he was going through. Did he really? ]
[After everything he's gone through Accelerator is more than happy to get a chance to bash the unethical adults that exploit the kids living in his city. What's more difficult for him is talking about himself — yes, he's been through some awful shit, he can admit that, but he's doled out that awfulness in equal parts to other kids. He isn't some innocent victim, he's just as much a monster as the researchers who experimented on him.
He stares down at his hands as bad memories float through his mind.]
The second one. I grew up in a research facility that thought they could develop espers with more than one ability. Early on they realized it wasn't possible, but they kept going anyways.
[A lot of kids got hurt, and a lot of them died. He supposes that being alive and being able to talk about that facility can be done in service to their memories, even if he didn't know most of them or get along with those he did. Absently, he shifts a bit, his voice low.]
There were always rumours that the place had somewhere on site to dump corpses, but the reality was that it was just a garbage dump for living humans.
[ Five notices the shift in Accelerator's demeanor but doesn't comment on it. There's nothing to be said. If their experiences were anything alike, whatever he's remembering can't be good. It can't be easy to talk about either, but Five's not about to let up just because of that. ]
Sounds like they pulled off a scheme even bigger and shadier than Peil's! I've got to hand it to them.
[ He doesn't really mean what he's saying, but if Accelerator is expecting a more candid reaction, he won't find it. When every day is a new horror, you learn to put up emotional walls quick. ]
[Honestly, Accelerator is just grateful there isn't some misguided outpouring of sympathy. That would be incredibly undeserved and only the guilt that still looms over him even worse. Five being casual about it all makes this easier to keep talking; his understanding means they can skip over the abject horror a regular person would be feeling.
He sighs, closing his eyes for a moment.]
I think a part of me always knew.
[Kids disappearing when he was younger, being separated from his classmates when his ability fully manifested, trying to talk to the Sisters when there was absolutely no point in him doing so.... Of course he knew. How could he not?]
But at some point you must have decided it was enough. I know people who would rather lie down and accept their fate, and they're not around anymore! Unsurprisingly.
[ He can see how it might be difficult for a kid who's not known anything else to start questioning what's happening around him. Honestly, good on him for breaking away. If he hadn't, he'd probably have ended up the same as Four. Disappeared without a trace. Five could never figure that guy out, not what made him so resigned nor why he had no will in him to fight. It was pathetic to watch. They may have shared a face but they were nothing alike. ]
[Five's conclusion isn't wrong. At one point he decided it was enough, one very particular point that he isn't going to forget for the rest of his life.]
Yeah. This third string knocked some sense into me. [Literally. He's never going to have any regrets over Kamijou Touma punching him out that night in the train yard.] And then....
[And then a little girl needed his help, and he didn't help her until it was nearly too late. But she's okay now, and that's what matters.
Of course, he falters when it comes to explaining Last Order. The words get stuck in his throat, and he isn't sure if he wants to keep going. He isn't sure if he should, so he switches gears, glancing over.]
[ He arches a brow when Accelerator trails off and turns the question around, but he ultimately shrugs and answers. ]
What? You mean when I caught on? They weren't exactly subtle when they were threatening me with execution.
[ His situation was a little different. First, he wasn't a kid brought up in their system who didn't know any better. Second, they told him he was dead if he failed and they didn't stutter! That kind of thing should set off alarm bells in anyone...unless you were Enhanced Person No. 4, apparently. But not to speak (too) ill of the dead. Four might have had the personality of a wet mop, but he deserved better. The witches in charge are the real villains here. ]
You wake up with no memories, somebody else's face, and get told you agreed to have your body messed with? It was fishy as hell from the beginning. I only went along with their plans because I thought it could benefit me.
[ There was no sudden or slow dawning moment of realization for him. He had been too perceptive to fall for it and too unscrupulous to refuse cooperation, but the simple heart of the matter is he'd been afraid of winding up dead. ]
[The frown already creasing Accelerator's face only increases as he listens, though he supposes he shouldn't be surprised. Peil made sure that their bases were covered so that any test subjects would have a near-impossible time backing out. How could any of them do that without their memories? They'd have no option but to believe the damn company. It's infuriating knowing all of this was going on.
He exhales roughly, giving a slight wince when that jostles his side.]
They really went to extremes to make sure you had no other options.
[It's going to take a lot of self-control to avoid going to Peil headquarters and trashing the place when he's healed up. For now he tries to put any violent thoughts at the back of his mind, focusing on another question.]
Did you ever try to come up with a plan to get out?
[Not that one would have been successful, but he's still curious.]
Who knows. Maybe Peil was the better option at one point. [ He holds up a finger and waggles it. Hear him out. ] I can't know what my past self was thinking, but from what I can piece together, it was worth changing my face for.
[ There's no guarantee his life had been any better before the experiments. The lab did away with most of his memories, but not all of them, and what vague glimpses remained pointed to one thing: he needed that new identity. Would it be odd to say he trusts himself to have made the best call he could at the time? Sure, maybe Peil had left out crucial details and misled him on what the job entailed, but he doesn't like thinking of himself as a victim in their schemes. That makes him seem helpless when he believes he's always been resourceful. ]
If you didn't step in, I would've given them the slip one way or another, but I wasn't planning on such a dramatic exit.
[ He shoots Accelerator a look. Indeed, in some other universe where he continued to botch his job, he would've quietly leveraged what he knew and gone into hiding, but this isn't that universe. ]
If I had fancy powers, maybe it would've been a different story. Is that how you got away?
[Objectively, Accelerator knows that logic is sound. Some people's lives are so horrible that this option, as awful as it is, is the better choice between the two. But subjectively it's easier for him to quietly disagree, to just keep on thinking Peil only manipulated some poor kid into being a test subject.
Accelerator shifts a little at the smarminess, briefly glancing away. Yeah, he can't really argue that exit was dramatic. As much as he refuses to admit it, he's the kind of person who can get very theatrical when he gets going. Maybe that's part of the reason why he chose to help in this way? Of course, saying that would mean acknowledging his inner theatre kid and that is so uncool, so he only clears his throat a little.]
They helped, yeah. [Honestly, if it wasn't for his ability he'd have likely ended up in some Child Error corpse pit years ago.] The higher ups and other people tried to get around it, so sometimes I had to get creative, but I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for my esper ability.
[ Five probably won't let that go anytime soon. Not because he has a real problem with their exit (minus the getting shot and almost dying part), but because he likes giving people a hard time. He can be pretty theatrical himself.
But Accelerator gets spared any further teasing because he doesn't quite follow his next words. ]
Get around it in what way?
[ He could, like, exercise his imagination because whatever went on in that lab most certainly wasn't good, but consider him morbidly curious. ]
[There are several beats of silence where Accelerator seriously considers simply not answering that question. But... as much as he'd like to say the answer is a personal one, it isn't. Not really. A lot of people back home know about the choker and limited use of his ability. It may not be common knowledge, but all the powerful people know, so keeping it to himself is kind of pointless.
Drawing in a slow breath, he reaches up to tap the small black device around his neck.]
This thing. It fills in for some missing brain function and lets me use my ability, but it's limited and can be screwed with if you know what you're doing.
[He looks a bit pissed as he continues his explanation.]
For a while the higher ups could limit its function remotely or shut it off entirely, so if I did something they didn't like they could shut me down. It was a huge pain in the ass.
[ Five had mistook the choker for an accessory and had been a bit preoccupied during the escape to notice Accelerator fiddling with it, but now that he's seeing it with fresh eyes and understanding what it was really designed for, his stomach turns. It's fucked up, someone having that kind of control over another person's body. For once, he has no snarky or dismissive comments to make. He looks genuinely disgusted. ]
They not only messed with your head, they installed a twisted little off-switch, too? That's not an assistive device. That's a leash.
[Up until now Five has been pretty smarmy, so to see him actually drop that in favour of sincere disgust is interesting. He understand where he's coming from, especially since he doesn't know about the positives of the choker (that the Sisters came up with the idea, that they cared enough to be willing to support him even after everything he did to them). The corners of his lips tilts upwards a little, and he drops his hand.]
Guess so. I've taken care of that, though, so it isn't a problem anymore. [Sort of. Other people have been able to mess with him, but it mostly isn't a problem these days.]
I guess it's fine if it can't knock you out anymore... just be careful that tech doesn't get into the wrong hands.
[ Five's usually pretty perceptive, but he doesn't know what to make of Accelerator's expression. If it were him, he wouldn't want to keep a dark reminder of his past like that around, much less something that could potentially compromise him, but if it doesn't bother the guy to keep wearing it, then all the more power to him, he supposes?
His tone then takes on that familiar smarmy edge again as he adds with a grin: ]
It would be a pain if you tapped out on me again. We're not out of the woods just yet.
[Thankfully the technology isn't commonplace, even in Academy City, and as long as he has his crutch around for the built-in signal jammer he should be safe.]
Yeah, you're right.
[He sighs heavily. At least the two of them are used to life not being easy, though it's still a pain that neither of them can let their guard down quite yet.]
You got somewhere to stay while I'm stuck in here?
[Splitting up isn't ideal, though they have an entire planet to hide on.... Maybe the nurses would take pity on two kids and let Five hang around here past visitation hours.]
[ He replies breezily. After their harrowing escape, navigating an unknown planet feels infinitely easier. Even if it means sleeping on the streets or something, he'll still sleep easier than when he was in the company's clutches. ]
Besides, I want to have a look around and do a little digging.
[ If he needed to skip town, then it was better he knew where to disappear to. Moreover, he's curious whether Peil has made any moves. Would they report the intruder or keep the incident hushed? Drawing too much scrutiny to the lab would only spell trouble for them, and it's not like they can put up a wanted poster for their own poster child. That's probably the only benefit to not having an identity and wearing someone else's face!
And if they were too far away for any news to reach the planet? That wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing either. ]
Depending on where we ended up, it might even be possible to put you in touch with your people. Unless your title's just for show, you've got to have some contacts willing to pick you up, right?
[As dangerous as that sounds, digging up some additional information (or rather, dirt) sounds pretty damn useful. So while Accelerator can feel some mild concern welling up he only nods, understanding that the risk is worth the potential reward. The more information they have, especially on Peil's next moves, the better the position they'll be in to avoid some early deaths.]
Alright.
[They've got the beginnings of a plan, which is encouraging!]
Of course I do. [Now that they're in a hospital, it shouldn't be difficult to contact his administrative team back on Earth to arrange for a ride and payment for any and all bills they incur. He does give a momentary pause before continuing, though.] ... There's a chance Peil could intercept the transmission and trace it back to this hospital. We'll want to wait until we're prepared to deal with any potential shitheads showing up.
Then let's make the next move when you're on your feet again.
[ Because one esper versus whatever the company can throw at them? He's feeling fairly confident in the odds. That gives them a few days where they just need to lay low and not attract too much attention. Five rises to his feet, pausing only to share one more thought that occurs to him. ]
I didn't want the authorities involved and told the staff what happened to you was an "accident", so try to stick to the story!
[Accelerator makes a little huff at that. Once he's on his feet, which ad better be sooner rather than later. He's spent more than enough time in hospitals, thank you, and he's already feeling anxious about being stuck in here.]
Yeah, yeah. I'll try my best.
[A good medical professional would be skeptical of that reason, but as far as anyone knows they're just a couple of kids, so anyone who might be doubtful is probably giving them a lot of leniency. He can work with all of that until they can get out of here.
He shifts a little, tired, and a little hesitant to vocalize the other thoughts in his head.]
Don't do anything stupid.
[They're both in a risky position right now, and doing any investigating will put Five in an even more vulnerable state, so... that's just a bit concerning.]
Funny to hear that from a guy who decided it was a good idea to break into a secure facility alone.
[ Please, he's not the one lying in a hospital bed! That was a reckless decision as he's already pointed out. Will he ever stop giving him crap about it? Probably not anytime soon. The unfortunate downside of being acquainted with someone like Five.
He understands what Accelerator's really saying, though. He waves his hand in the air, dismissing the other's concern. ]
Worry more about yourself.
[ With that, he exits the room as nonchalantly as he arrived. ]
[Despite being used to spending time in them, hospitals have never been places Accelerator has particularly liked. He can admit it's several steps up from being dead or apprehended by Peil security, but only a few days pass before he's completely over the white walls and sterile smell and medical professionals constantly in and out of his room. The gunshot wound is healing nicely at least, and that means it isn't long before he's allowed to get out of bed and stretch his legs. As long as he isn't pushing himself, the doctor and nurses don't have a problem with it.
So he wanders around when he can, memorizing the layouts of different floors, remembering where emergency exits are located, noting any potentially dangerous chokepoints. It isn't that Accelerator is a paranoid person, but he and Five aren't out of the woods and it's better to be safe, just in case. He's had to deal with organizations like this in the past, and he wouldn't put it past them to pay some scumbags under the table to attack the hospital. Besides, this gives his brain something to do. It turns out recuperating is incredibly boring, and since he doesn't have access to any of his board chairman work he needs something to keep himself occupied.
That also means he finds himself looking forward to Five's visits which, for him, is pretty fucking strange. He isn't a sociable person but having Five as company is kind of... nice? He isn't boring, and only occasionally aggravating. Maybe it's because he has more in common with the other boy than he does most other teenagers, but it's easy to talk to him. At the very least, Five's presence makes things a lot less boring, and he can appreciate that.
Today is one of those days where he's feeling overly restless, so he's itching to go do some exploring. The hospital has issued him some pyjamas and slippers, and he's already sitting on the edge of his bed as he impatiently waits for Five to show up.]
[ Five, on the other hand, has had plenty to occupy himself with, starting with getting the lay of the land and chatting up the locals for information. Luckily, the city they landed in turns out to be a large enough international hub that a displaced kid hardly sticks out and he can move about without issue. Being broke, however, meant a lot of scrounging around for food to eat and places to sleep, but he'll take being a vagrant over being locked up any day.
Eventually, he happens on a university campus where he can blend in with the student population and make use of their facilities. It gives him a sense of deja vu, but more importantly, it means he can access the public network. He skims what's in the news and runs a few searchs for Peil, their current distance from Earth, and what travel ordinances are in place. Because he has no shame when it comes to snooping, he also looks up Accelerator and Academy City. What turns up tracks with what he's been told, but public records paint a rosier picture. There's no mention of the dark side of esper experimention, which doesn't surprise him in the least. The student lounge also happens to be a great place to catch a nap without anyone asking questions. By the time he heads back to the hospital for his daily visit, he's looking well-rested.
Five arrives sipping complimentary coffee from the hospital lounge. He casually tosses a tourist guide to the city onto the bedside table. He can tell someone's been getting restless being cooped up over the days. ]
[It's a subtle shift, but when Five arrives Accelerator perks up slightly. The next while, at least, won't be as boring as this morning was, so he's happy about that. He eyes the coffee for a moment before turning his attention to the book.]
... Seriously? [Reaching over to pick it up, he scrutinizes the cover. A tour guide? It's hard to tell if this is a joke or meant to be useful for their current situation, or a weird combination of both of those things.] I'm not the kind of person who takes vacations.
[He adds in a dry tone, despite the fact that he's immediately starting to flip through it. Reading is Accelerator's only real hobby and a book's a book. There's no reason not to read it, especially since he doesn't have much else to do while recuperating.]
[ He parrots back with no small amount of judgment. A teenager who's already a bigwig and workaholic at his young age. Can't relate. Five would rather be on vacation. The way Accelerator says it with a straight face makes Five's lips curl in amusement, and even moreso when Accelerator begins to flip through the book. He'd grabbed the guide because he figured he would either appreciate having something to do with all his spare time or it would drive him mad being stuck inside seeing the city through its pages. Either outcome is acceptable. His sense of humor might be a little twisted.
Five drags a chair over and turns it backwards to sit on, folding his arms over the head. ]
You should try hiring a body double and skipping town sometime! I hear CEOs are doing it.
[A regular person would likely balk at the joke, and a small portion of Accelerator's brain that understands common sense quietly goes what the fuck, but overriding that is his own sense of black humour. Instead of being appalled or concerned (isn't humour a coping mechanism? Therapy would probably be a good idea), he merely sighs.]
I'll pass, thanks. Making someone else wear my face and take over my fucking job is a level of cruelty even I can't stoop to.
[ Consider this. Instead of therapy, Five gets his kicks from making other people uncomfortable. ]
Must be a real shitty job! Can't imagine why anyone would want to tie themselves down with it.
[ He grins when Accelerator doesn't recoil at the innate horror in his joke but instead leans into it. It's not the kind of humor that can land with just anyone. Five takes a sip of his drink. In any case, he doesn't see the point in skirting around his past or sanding down the uglier parts to make it easier for others to handle. He's not looking for pity or consolation, either. It's enough to finally say it out loud and have someone get it without making a fuss. ]
[Sadly, Accelerator is aware of just how satisfying it can be to openly talk about something horrific without having to brace for pity. That's something he isn't a fan of, whether it's giving it or receiving it.
He snorts lightly, setting the guide on the bed and grabbing his crutch.]
It's called being responsible. [As if this was a completely normal level of responsibility for someone his age.] It's better that I deal with it than let someone else suffer through it. Or worse, let one of those sharks on the board of directors take over.
[The city isn't in a great state for kids who have been abandoned or fallen through the cracks, but ones with families get along just fine. He can't imagine how bad things would get if one of the directors took over.
Getting to his feet, he only needs a moment or two to make sure his side isn't going to cause him any unnecessary pain, then gives Five a pointed look. He can smell that coffee, man.]
There isn't a single responsible adult you can put in charge...?
[ He regards him skeptically, not doing much to hide his smile at how funny he finds that kind of overly serious response. Not that Five can name a single adult he trusts in his life, much less one to appoint the leader of a city, so he can sort of understand how things ended up the way it did.
He watches Accelerator get to his feet. He looks way better than when he was wheeled into the hospital on a stretcher, but from what Five's seen, the guy can be exceptionally stubborn. Probably better to go along to make sure he doesn't collapse in the halls or something. So even though he just made himself comfortable, he rises from his chair with a sigh. ]
Coffee's in the lounge, but don't expect too much. What they've got here is pretty bland.
[ It's hospital food. But it's free, so maybe he shouldn't complain. ]
Did they say how much longer they're keeping you for?
[No one he can trust, whom he's sure could handle the amount of work and backstabbing without crashing out. Maybe one day, after the city has been cleaned up... but that won't be for a while. It feels egotistical to think all of this, but Accelerator chalks it up to his own experiences with the absolute worst in adults. He can't risk even the smallest chance of one of those kinds of people taking over.
Taking a few experimental steps, he clicks his tongue before heading for the door and out into the hall. Lounge, okay. That's close by. He'll be moving more carefully to avoid messing with the injury, but otherwise he's doing okay. At least, okay enough to make the effort for bad free coffee.
He glances over at Five at they make their way to the lounge.]
No. They said the bullet didn't hit any important organs, but they want to observe me for at least a few more days to make sure everything is healing properly.
[It makes him tired and anxious at the same time, and that is a terrible combination of moods to be caught between. Sighing, he keeps his voice low so no one overhears.]
I don't need to be well enough to be discharged to arrange for a medical transfer, though. If they want to keep me for too long I should be able to arrange that with my damn city.
[ Five can't say the answer surprises him. He falls in step alongside the esper, walking a little slower than he would have by himself. Accelerator's lucky his injuries weren't worse. Maybe he doesn't remember the part where he almost bled out in front of Five, but for a while there, Five wasn't sure if he was going to make it. ]
Come to think of it, won't they be wondering where their chairman is? You would have been back by now if you didn't have to take this little detour.
[ Hopefully someone had the foresight to leave them instructions, seeing as he doesn't like the idea of substitutes doing his work. ]
Speaking of phoning home, you might want to start planning ahead. [ Five opens his mouth again to add. ] This hub is nowhere near your planet, so even if you called them up now, it could take days for your ride to get here.
[ It's not the best news, but he'd said he'd go digging and that's what turned up. ]
[Accelerator, intent on acquiring some coffee, makes a beeline straight to the lounge. He can smell it just outside the door, though he pauses as he considers Five's observations.]
... That's true.
[Fuck, do they think he's gone and died? Only a few days of no communication probably isn't too bad, but the directors are probably wondering what's going on by now. The slimier ones are likely starting to arrange their plans for a not-so-hostile takeover, though with most of the board being that way chances are they'll descend into attacking each other like jackals fighting over a corpse. As strange as it is, that would be preferable over only one or two having those kinds of ambitions, since it would buy him some time.
All of that runs through Accelerator's head very quickly, and he grimaces as he considers his options.]
Fuck. [He needs to get that out, there's no point in trying to be professional right now.] I'll contact them today. I should be well enough to transfer by then.
[He's guessing. He isn't a doctor and something could always go wrong, but he doesn't see any other options. This would give them the best chance of getting out of here before Peil finds them and if he dies or gets worse during transport, so be it.
He heads in and goes straight to the coffee machine, going through the whole process to get himself a mug.]
[ Five follows him into the longue, eyebrows raised. ]
Hold on, are you telling me you didn't even leave them a note? Like 'Hey, I'm running off to attempt an illegal and highly dangerous break-in, don't bother looking for me! I've left no contingency plans because I'm sure it'll all work out. Somehow!'
[ He adds generally unhelpful commentary as Accelerator makes his coffee. He's probably being a little loud and obnoxious, but he doesn't know that the directors are apparently so corrupt that he should be concerned. ]
[The chiding causes him to focus more and more on his coffee, to the point where he's glaring at the cup like it murdered his family and gripping the carafe like he wants to break it. But it's just a cup and his grip strength is pitiful, so it's all just a reaction to Five pointing out how dumb his plan was.
He is, in fact, a bit embarrassed about this.]
.................... I didn't expect to be gone this long.
[He's muttering that under his breath, the best argument he can muster. It's really pathetic and he knows it, so he tries to plow the conversation forward so he doesn't have to dwell.]
Anyways, the timing should still work, so it's fine.
[ The glaring doesn't slip past Five's notice. Accelerator isn't particularly expressive, but from those small gestures it's like he's watching someone grind their teeth in slow motion. ]
You sure? You're looking kinda stressed there. Need to sit down?
[ He leans against the counter, a shit-eating grin growing on his face, his tone one of mock-concern. Five's not above giving him a hard time about it. Maybe he's being unfair, considering the guy just nearly died and all. ]
[Accelerator doesn't answer that right away. He gets that Five is teasing him, and he's getting under his skin, so in the interest of not destroying the entire lounge out of anger he instead grabs his cup of coffee and takes a very long drink. Five was correct, the coffee is kind of garbage, but it still hits that caffeine itch and makes him feel a little better. At least, it calms him down enough that he can growl out.]
I'm fine. [He's saying that through gritted teeth so you know, not actually fine, but goddamnit if he is going to admit that.] Worry about yourself, bastard.
[ Five takes a sip of his coffee, savoring the reaction he's getting far more than the drink itself. He's enjoying needling the other boy, especially when Accelerator's so stiff and serious about everything. In contrast, Five throws his free arm out and gestures animatedly. ]
Don't look so dour. Hindsight's 20/20, they say! Besides, I did a little digging on you, too. [ Yes, he'll just admit that casually. ] There's no news of Academy City in a panic over missing its chairman...yet.
[ With what they came for in hand, he pushes off the counter and heads for the exit. Rather than heading back to the hospital room, he takes them down a different hall to an outdoors space he'd glimpsed earlier. A small courtyard garden sits in the middle of the hospital where staff and recovering patients go to stretch their legs. ]
[Grabbing his coffee, he'll follow him down the hall and out into the courtyard. As he does he does he sips his coffee, trying to get the (admittedly bad) taste to temper his mood. At least what Five says next is a good distraction, and he blinks, mildly bewildered.]
... You have? [Wait, no. He sighs heavily, shaking his head.] What am I saying? I shouldn't be surprised.
[Of course he's done some digging on him, why wouldn't he? It's not as if they one another beyond a stupid title and a bunch of classified experimentation documents. Digging would be the smart thing to do in this case.
It hasn't been much walking, but he's already a little tired so he makes for a small table to sit.]
[ Rather than sitting down with him, Five moves to slouch against a nearby tree with his coffee. His eyes sweep the courtyard to check their conversation won't be overheard before he turns his attention back to Accelerator. ]
You're not very popular back home! Seems like your board preferred the last guy in charge.
[ Heck, that man even had some kind of royal send-off and dozens of articles written about him. What a tough act to follow. He can't imagine Accelerator's less-than-charismatic personality is doing him any favors when it comes to PR...
But that's not the end of it. Five's learned other interesting tidbits that he would be remiss not to zero in on. ]
There are even people who see you as dangerous. Of course, some of the rumors trying to discredit you sound completely exaggerated. Unless... [ Five shoots him a look of suspicion, the intonation of his voice turning dramatic with emphasis which is a clue to not take what he says next too seriously. ] You really are running a secret underground lab that I should know about? I mean, you could be trying to collect me as a guinea pig for your experiments... Permet has plenty of practical applications that could benefit a science-forward city like yours, and I bet my physiology would be fascinating to study!
[Accelerator's eyes narrow at the mention of the last guy, though he doesn't argue. Aleister Crowley was a bastard for sure, and he's the reason why all the corrupt assholes in the city were able to get away with it for so long. He allowed illegal dealings to go on and made zero effort to stop it. Accelerator isn't sad that guy is no longer in control, even if this is a position he himself doesn't want to be in.
Then again, maybe complaining about Aleister is a better alternative to the rest of this. Accelerator falls quiet as he sips his coffee, listening as Five continues. It's clear from his tone that this is just more teasing and that he isn't serious about believing any of it, but Accelerator's expression is sober, and a little troubled.]
That's never going to happen. [He's surprisingly firm in his tone.] I can't fucking complain about that assessment of me and there may still be some shady research facilities operating in the city, but I'm not going to let that happen to you.
[ If there's one pattern that's starting to stick out, it's that Accelerator feels strongly about not letting anyone else suffer at the hands of mad scientists. Five gets the impression that if it were possible, he would have already torn down every shady lab in the city. Guess the corruption must be hard to completely root out. ]
I don't know, I'm still on the fence about visiting...and I'm getting mixed messages from what I read. [ He says slowly and questioningly, but his exaggerated tone falls away at his next words. ] What would it really be like there? Why should I even go with you?
[ He's only half-kidding now, because the pragmatic side of Five has been trying to suss out what would be his safer move. Chalk it up to his sense of self-preservation, but not going to a city where people are still disappearing and being experimented on is a valid option. ]
[Having some misgivings is reasonable, so Accelerator doesn't fault Five for having them. When you think about it, it's kind of a miracle that he's even stuck around for this long instead of just ditching him at the hospital.
He stares down at his coffee, taking this seriously. Maybe a little too seriously? The look he's giving his coffee is one you'd expect to see in some hugely important meeting about the fate of the city.]
You don't have to if you really don't want to. I'm not gonna make you do anything.
[He's going to make that clear first before continuing.]
But if you did, the city is closed to the rest of the world. People need permission to enter and exit Academy City, so you'd have an additional level of security protecting you from Peil until shit dies down. [So at least a temporary visit would be a smart move.]
Since you're a minor you could register to attend one of the schools. You wouldn't necessarily need to go through the Power Curriculum Program and become an esper to do that, the previous board chairman would make exceptions on occasion if the individual could bring something to the city. [He sits back, sipping his coffee.] We've got a few geniuses working as researchers. If you've got relevant skills I doubt it'd be hard for you to get hired at a facility.
[ Five just sips his drink while Accelerator contemplates. It's his future on the table, so he can't really complain that serious thought is being put into it. He doesn't need the reassurance that he can back out if he wants, because who has he ever let tell him what to do? ...Still, it's nice to hear it said.
After being under Peil's thumb, the freedom almost feels strange. It's the first time he's had to ask himself where he wants to go and what he wants to do. Gundam pilots were never supposed to live for long. Now that he can afford to imagine a future for himself, he's having a hard time picturing it. Five crosses his arms and sighs out.
He'll just choose whatever's less of a pain to start. He doesn't have any real interest in school, but it may be worth enrolling just to keep a roof over his head. Especially if the city is as secure as the guy says. ]
What's the school like? I'll pass on the research facility, thanks. I've had my fill of scientists. Besides, if you were looking for a kid 'genius', you made off with the wrong Elan.
[ He's pretty sure he doesn't have the qualifications to be hired unless they're specifically looking for giant robot pilots. Though when Accelerator says the prior chairman 'granted exceptions', what Five hears is that he can bend the rules if he feels like it, so it may not be a bad idea to stick close to him... ]
[Accelerator gives a small shrug, not surprised that Five wants to pass on the research facilities. School is probably the better option, anyways, since it would give him a chance at a somewhat normal life and the chance to build up official records of his existence with school transcripts. That isn't even getting into the benefits of socializing normally with other students his age.]
It depends on which one you get into. Normally that's dependent on your esper level and your test scores. Nagatenjouki Academy is one of the top high schools, if you get into there you're pretty much set for life.
[If anything, Academy City provides an exemplary educational background for its students.]
All of the schools have a focus on science, but if there's another academic field you want to go into for a career it isn't hard to find an institution that teaches it. Hell, we have an entire district that focuses on cultural and religious studies.
[ Sounds like they're big on science in Academy City. Great. When Accelerator says that Five makes a face like he bit into something sour. Even if he picked another subject, what would he even pursue for a career? Having to think about mundane things like an education is a good problem to have over trying to escape execution on the daily, but it feels like all of a sudden, life is coming at him fast. Sure, he'd attended classes at Asticassia, but it hadn't been anything close to a normal experience. Suspended in a limbo state of nonexistence, he had no real accountability and spent his days more preoccupied with how to manipulate Suletta Mercury than with learning. Socialization and other benefits of school didn't cross his mind then, and they don't now. ]
I don't have academic records or telepathic powers, you know. It doesn't have to be a top school, or even a real degree, just somewhere low-key I can blend in for a while.
[Schooling hasn't been something Accelerator has considered all that important until very recently, having been coloured by his own extremely isolated experience. But now that he's trying to be more responsible he understands how important it is to attend school. It isn't just the tests or grades, it's learning how to socialize with others and how to fit into a (relatively) normal society. He never had that, and look how he turned out.
Sighing a little, he sighs back.]
There are more typical schools. The curriculum is still gonna be beyond a regular Earth one and they'll all have specific activities espers need to do, but it wouldn't be hard for you to get into one of those.
[ Esper activities? That hardly sounds like a 'typical' school to Five, and who knows if a curriculum from another planet will make sense to him. Thanks to his memory being wiped, he can't even tell what level of schooling he's supposed to be at! But it's not like he needs to graduate, he just needs a place to tide him over until Peil's stopped looking for him. It could be months, but it probably won't be years. They'll have moved on to the next subject by then. ]
Let's say I get in. Won't I just stick out for not being an esper? That's kinda the opposite of what I'm going for here. It'd be better if I didn't make any waves.
[ School just isn't that important to him. At least to someone who hasn't flipped the switch from survival mode back to civilian life yet. ]
[Thankfully, Accelerator has an answer to that. He gives a small shrug.]
Most of the espers in the city are Level 0 or Level 1. That means they're either too weak to manifest any kind of ability, or their ability is so weak that it's practically useless. Even though a Level 0 will still read an esper on certain medical examinations, they're functionally the same as a regular person.
[So even though everyone goes through the same process to become an esper, more than half of those kids don't end up with a super cool power.]
If your medical records were faked it'd be easy for you to pass as a Level 0. That would also mean you're more likely to get placed in a regular school, instead of one of the top ones.
[ So you're telling him powerful staircase-crunching psychics aren't the norm? Since Accelerator is the only esper he knows, he kinda assumed they're all nuts... ]
Okay...I can work with that. [ He says slowly, like he's turning the idea over in his head. So far, it checks out, and it might not be bad to start over somewhere new where his past can't catch up to him. If it doesn't work out, he can always bail. He's pretty good at that. ]
Why not? [ He throws his hands out. ] It's not like I have anywhere else to go.
[ A statement like that might have come off kind of depressing if he didn't deliver it with a wholly nonchalant attitude. ]
[It's a bit of a relief to hear Five agree with this option. Accelerator isn't about to make him do anything he doesn't want to, but his choices right now are extremely limited and from what he can see, this is the best one. At least, it's the only one guaranteed to put a roof over his head and ensure he can eat. As long as they can get back to Academy City safely, it won't be difficult to fake some medical records and get him registered as a Level 0.
Accelerator gives a little snort.]
Not unless you wanna be homeless. [His tone is dry. Thankfully, he doesn't add "or go back to Peil."]
Yeeaah, about that. Can't say I'm a huge fan of sleeping on the streets, so hurry up and recover.
[ He's had a taste of homelessness over the past few days and it sucks. Sleeping on benches and library couches, not knowing where his next meal will come from... He'll adapt, as he always does, but considering the effort for the gain, of course he'll accept free stuff handed to him. Five shakes the now empty cup in his hands. ]
Speaking of homelessness...sneak me a meal. Tell them you want extra helpings.
[However casual Five is about his situation on this planet, Accelerator feels a little pang of guilt for putting him in it. If he hadn't gotten shot they would've avoided all of this and been back in Academy City by now.
There's a brief, troubled shift to his expression before he forces something more neutral, and sighs.]
... You're desperate enough to go for hospital food, huh? [Really, it isn't great, even if it's better than starving.] Any preferences?
[ While Five isn't above a little guilt tripping for a nice meal, don't take his words too seriously. He likes to talk shit. ]
Got any slop that's not bland?
[ He replies with emphasis, staring into the tasteless coffee cup. He's not sick. He could use some flavor in his meal, but honestly, he's not picky at this point. What's the saying. Beggars can't be choosers. ]
[Accelerator mulls over their options as he sighs.]
No, sorry. It's all flavourless garbage. It wouldn't be hard to sneak you some sandwiches, though if there's some way to take some cash out using my bank card without it being too noticeable you can use it.
[He's kind of loaded so cost isn't an issue, the (digital) paper trail is.]
[ He can do a whole lot with a card. Get himself a nice place to stay, even a ticket away from here... He doesn't think like someone with integrity would. The temptation is there, but he lets it pass. Five would already have lifted cash if he thought he really needed it. ]
Sandwiches are fine.
[ He sighs. It's fine. Eating slop won't kill him. As nice as it would be to have money on hand, the bank might flag it suspicious if someone suddenly started withdrawing money from the other side of the world. They don't need to take unnecessary risks. ]
[Accelerator's response is a short nod. Lucky for him, money has never been that big of a deal and he doubts his bank account will ever go down in any measurable way. More importantly, the goal here has always been to get Five out of the scientific guinea pig life, so while he'd prefer seeing him come back to Academy City (for a bunch of reasons) if he was to successfully take off and start a new life... well, that wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
It's good he's picking the sandwiches over the bank card, though. Accelerator takes another sip of his coffee.]
Then we can both suffer through hospital food together. [What a way to build camaraderie.]
[ He complains, but after surviving mad scientists, terrible food is a minor gripe compared to everything else they've had to deal with. With that settled, he crumples his cup and looks down the length of the courtyard, opting to change the subject. ]
You want to hang out here or head back in?
[ He hasn't asked, but he guesses Accelerator's still not feeling 100%, but he could also be tired of sitting in his hospital bed. ]
[It could be infinitely worse. Bad sandwiches are a small price to pay for freedom.
Accelerator's gaze trials over to the entrance back into the hospital, a little reluctant. While he's pretty tired, the fresh air and getting to stretch his legs with some company has been nice.]
... I should head back in. I don't need the staff hassling me about being out of my room for too long.
[ Spouting off this kind of idle chatter, Five accompanies Accelerator back to his room. He hangs around long enough to have his fill of bland hospital food, which despite his complaints he digs into without problem. He had understated just how hungry he is. When visiting hours conclude, he bids him goodbye and ducks back out into the city to... do whatever he wants to do. He's free now. ]
[He can't really argue with that, and he's pretty sure he's never going to get over the embarrassment of getting shot. They eat some sandwiches and by the end of visiting hours he's legitimately exhausted.
The next day, as they discussed, he contacts the city to arrange for transport home. It isn't difficult to do given he's the person in charge, though he imagines when the board of directors hears there is going to be a lot of grumbling. Oops, the board chairman isn't missing or dead, and in a couple of days he'll be back in power. The only real threat are information leaks, Peil learning what's happened, and them trying to interfere. He makes it clear in the call that the company is likely out for blood, so Academy City needs to plan accordingly for this retrieval as well as send the hospital his bank details to cover whatever bills he's racked up. Once he's explained things and knows one of his employees will contact hospital administration for his medical records and to organize everything all that's left to do is wait.
It's a tense couple of days, but no Peil mercenaries or assassins show up. Only the Academy City transport that takes the two of them back to Earth. By then Accelerator is well enough to travel, so while it isn't a pleasant trip for him it isn't dangerous. They reach Earth without any major incidents, and even though Accelerator is transported to the city's best hospital he gets to work immediately arranging for Five's registration. He's enrolled into an unremarkable school, medical records are fabricated to make him an unremarkable Level 0, and he's given an unremarkable apartment and stipend to live off of. That gives him enough to settle in while Accelerator finishes recovering and gets back to work.]
[ It's not until Five sets foot in Academy City does it start to sink in that he's really escaped and can cautiously begin to look towards the future. What follows is a whirlwind of change. Accelerator wastes no time whipping up papers for him - medical records, a place to live, even a legal name. So far "Ian" doesn't feel any more like his name than "Elan" had been, but it raises fewer questions, gives his teachers something to call him by, and is easy enough to tune out.
School life in Academy City turns out... painfully mundane, or so it feels when he's surrounded by peers whose troubles are as trivial as schoolwork and relationships. Still, Five keeps his impressions to himself and makes an effort to blend in. That part comes naturally. Putting up an act and talking his way around his secrets, it almost feels like attending Asticassia again, just minus the element of coercion and plus a whole curriculum around cultivating esper powers.
Knowing he won't be developing psychic abilities anytime soon, Five's elected to skip out on today's exercise, deciding to take a walk around the vast city instead. He dons a beanie and sunglasses before heading out, both purchased with the stipend. He doubts he'll be recognized for some CEO a galaxy away, but it doesn't hurt to obscure the resemblance now that he doesn't have to live as a clone. ]
[Getting back to work feels kind of surreal, but it's a good distraction. Just because he was gone for a bit doesn't mean the city stopped running, and it hasn't even while he recovers from the gunshot. After the two of them get back to Earth he's transported to a nearby hospital, and from there he dives straight into paperwork. Once he has Five's finished and has him registered with a school he turns his attention back to the other crap that's piled up. That includes some incredibly irritating politics with the board of directors, several of whom try to use his less-than-legal trip as a way of undermining his control. Thankfully Academy City is essentially a totalitarian dictatorship, so the threat doesn't seem all that serious to him, but it's still irritating.
It takes less time than normal to release him from the hospital thanks to the city's advanced medical offerings, and once he is he immediately heads back to the office. The Windowless Building is gone, but he has some replacement office space in District 7, the same district as many of the middle and high schools. It's strange jumping back into being in an office for most of the day. He hasn't been the board chairman for very long, and prior to that he had dropped out of school (which had technically been a classroom containing only himself), so this is still an experience he's getting used to. He doesn't know how adult office workers do this every fucking day, and in a cubicle. At least he has his own office with a nice desk and a view of the rest of the district.
He's in the office today, pouring over reports that have come in over his recent actions. Unsurprisingly, Peil wasn't thrilled, and in order to maintain the safety and security of Academy City there are a mass of intel and surveillance he needs to review. It isn't exciting work, and by the time the afternoon rolls around he's downing his umpteenth can of coffee to get through it.]
[ While Accelerator's hard at work, Five is the exact opposite. He spends his day wandering and doing whatever he feels like: sightseeing, trying new foods, reading the news for any mentions of a certain company on the other side of the world. Sometimes he does nothing at all but simply hang out at the park, watching clouds roll by, feeling the grass at his back and the breeze on his skin, proof that he's alive.
By and large, he finds himself bored. Logically, he should be able to appreciate student life now that he's free from the constant threat of death, but scheming for Peil and improvising one conniving plan after another had been far more engaging than playing the good kid, whatever that says about him. At school he puts in just enough effort to keep his teachers off his case, but it feels like going through the motions. Another performance under another fake name. Accelerator had nothing but good intentions setting him up with a normal life, but now that Five's had a taste of it, he finds himself strangely restless and without direction.
Perhaps it's those feelings that compel him to stop by the board chairman's place at the end of the day. Whatever Accelerator's been up to has got to be more interesting than what's going on in his own day-to-day right now. Five doesn't expect to actually be allowed in the building, but he's recognized and waved through without questions, which makes him raise an eyebrow. A short while later, he steps breezily into Accelerator's office, pulling off his hat and sunglasses because going incognito was obviously a bust. ]
Don't you think the VIP treatment defeats the purpose of getting me a new identity? Or do you make it a habit to talk to every high school kid who drops by?
[Accelerator's office is kind of a bizarre sight. It looks like what you'd expect for a CEO, but there's a fifteen year old in a suit sitting behind the large mahogany desk. His blazer has been tossed haphazardly onto a nearby sofa and there's a pile of paperwork taking up most of his desk, shoved in and behind his computer monitor. He looks up from the report he's been leafing through, one hand pressed to his forehead.
Ah, right. He had told all the relevant security and administrators that Five has access to him regardless of what he's doing, though he didn't exactly mention it and he's a bit surprised to see him actually here. It takes him a moment to process this before he responds.]
.... Most Level 0s don't have a giant conglomerate after them.
[That doesn't actually explain why Five has access to the most powerful person in the city, but he can't very well say, "I'm concerned and want to keep a close eye on you." Emotional vulnerability is not his forte, and acting like this is just a matter of practicality is a lot easier.
He sighs heavily, sitting back in his chair and running a hand through his hair.]
Did you need something? [Why else would he be here?]
[ Despite impersonating a CEO, Five has never actually set foot in the office of anyone important before. He takes in the drab corporate aesthetics and the kid sitting at the desk with stacks of paperwork towering over him. The sight is almost comical. Without asking, he picks up a sheet from the top of one stack and idly skims over its contents. Hope that doesn't contain confidential information.
To Accelerator's point, he shrugs and answers without looking up from the paper. ]
I doubt they're looking too hard for me when they can have me replaced with another Enhanced Person. We're all the same to them—just bodies to put in a mobile suit! You didn't think making off with me would put an end to the program, did you?
[ By now, they've probably written him off as a business expense and moved on to shoring up their security and preparing the next subject. He's but a cog in a machine far too massive to be stopped. Since the start, Five has held no illusions that Peil will ever be held accountable for their crimes. Not to be a downer or anything, but the deeply cynical part of him thinks the company too powerful to be touched.
[The paper Five grabs is the beginning of an extremely dull report on the security of one of the gates out of the city. Accelerator scowls, but there isn't any particularly secretive information on that one, so he doesn't bother trying to reach for it (and risking a very childish game of keep away). Instead he turns his gaze back down to the other paperwork he was going through.
Ugh, this is not a conversation he wants to have, and his curt answer makes that obvious.]
... No, I didn't.
[He wishes it were that easy, but the crushing weight of reality won't let him deny it. There are probably dozens of other Enhanced Persons still out there, and honestly, kidnapping one and breaking one laboratory likely did very little aside from pissing off Peil. As much as he dislikes it, in the grand scheme of things nothing he did really mattered.
It pisses him off a lot, and his sullenness makes him fall quiet for a few moments.]
How's school?
[That has to be an easier subject of conversation.]
[ Five hopes the silence that follows isn't the silence of someone contemplating a new operation, one more reckless than last time. He considers how he might talk him out of it, eyes glazing over the report the moment he sees it's all legal jargon about the operation of a door.
So much for thinking Accelerator's day must more interesting than his own. He doesn't envy the guy and his mountain of paperwork. If there's a couch or another chair in the room, he'll sink down into it. If not, he settles for leaning against the desk. ]
I get a lot of questions for showing up in the middle of the year. The rumor mill has it that I'm the disowned son of a rich quasi-aristocrat from halfway around the world. Or was it a diplomat's kid? It's a pain trying to keep my cover story straight! Who knew mysterious transfer students stoke so much imagination.
[ If it sounds like he might be messing around, he probably is. A guy's got to get his entertainment from somewhere. Besides, he can't very well out and say he finds normal school tedious and misses his villain era. ]
[There is a very nice, very expensive couch some director ordered to furnish the office that gets very little use. Accelerator figures it was meant to be a way to suck up to him, so when he isn't annoyed by it he mostly ignores it.
He snorts as he rubs the bridge of his nose.]
It sounds like you aren't doing much to stop those rumours.
[Which is actually a good thing. Escalation is a possibility and a risk, yes, but layers of rumours also serve to obfuscate the truth. It certainly helps right now, so he can't complain. Whether it's a good long term plan or not remains to be seen.]
[ Fantastic. Five sinks onto the fancy-ass couch and makes himself comfortable. It certainly feels like an expensive piece of furniture, the sort the real Elan Ceres might be found lounging on. Atop its fine leather seats, the imposter flashes a sly grin. ]
It's fine, isn't it? It's not like I can tell them the truth. I'm not sure anyone would even believe me if I told them the real story!
[ Their guesses may be wild but the truth is even wilder. If he has to invent a backstory either way, it's easier when the lies practically spin themselves. He idly waves the paper in the air, eyeing Accelerator from across the room. ]
You look like you've made a full recovery. [ Besides his inability to lighten up, but that's a chronic ailment. ] So, what's the news? Brief me on what I've missed while I've been impersonating some diplomat's kid.
[Five has a point. As ridiculous as some of the things that happen in the city are, his situation is even beyond that. Besides, most of the students here have fairly normal lives. Chances are they'd assume he's lying or exaggerating to make himself seem more interesting.
He sighs a little, setting his paperwork aside for the moment. His gunshot wound is still pretty sore, but it's getting better by the day. As far as anyone is concerned he's fully recovered.
Resting his elbows on his desk, he threads his fingers together with a serious expression.]
They're keeping most of what happened out of the public eye. There're reports of an incident at a Peil research facility, but they're downplaying the damage so it isn't front page news.
[Which means no information from official channels. Less-than-official ones, however....]
I shut down a lot of Academy City's surveillance, but from what we've got left those shitheads are scrambling to keep the Enhanced Persons experiments, which means you're now a rogue variable they can't account for. It goes without saying they want you dead or in a lab somewhere for dissection. [What a nice mental image.] They're certain you're here, but they're holding off on making any big moves. Chances are they're either going to try and sneak an assassin in, or work with someone already in the city to get to you.
[ Damn...To think Peil had found his location already. Accelerator had access to networks and channels he didn't have, and if what he's saying is true, it's not good news. Up to this point he had thought being expendable would work in his favor. That they wouldn't care enough or search too hard. After all, he wasn't even a successful experiment...just one who knew too much. Five sits forward and sighs. Suddenly, the report he holds in his hands no longer feels like an irrelevant security detail. ]
If they know where I am, they've probably figured out who it was I got help from. Haven't they said anything? 'Return what's ours and we'll pretend it never happened!' and so on.
[In hindsight, Accelerator is wishing he had done things differently. Breaking a door down and barging in worked when he was just the #1 Level 5, the previous head of the city could clean up after him, but with all this added responsibility he has other things (people) whose safety he needs to consider.
He shakes his head slowly.]
No. They might be biding their time, trying to make me nervous. Or they might think I'm a lost cause, since I'm the one who went up there. Besides, not many adults take a kid seriously, even when said kid has all the fucking power.
[It wouldn't surprise him at all if they decided that even attempting to negotiate with him isn't worth the time and energy.]
I'm trying to decide whether I should start poking and prodding at the Board of Directors and see what falls out, or if I should confront them about any potential conversations they've been having with Peil directly.
[ Five crosses his legs and shifts in his seat. His mind is racing with the implications of the news, but outwardly, damned if he doesn't project his usual fuck-all attitude. ]
While they're biding their time, maybe you should start getting your alibi together! With your level of... [ He shoots him a side-eye. ] authority, it shouldn't be difficult to pull some strings. Get the Board to vouch for you. Fake a travel record. Come to think of it, who else have you told about me? Don't tell me they actually bought the cover story.
[ He's not sure how Accelerator has been explaining away his absence, not to mention his injury, but he would be surprised if his peers weren't a little suspicious of what he's been up to. Peil coming and knocking at this time would probably raise even more questions. ]
Ah, shit. He hadn't really thought about that in detail. He just kind of... left. And came back. And everyone had to deal with it.
Accelerator's mouth forms a thin line as his shoulders tense. It's fine, it's okay, it's probably not too late to come up with some fake documents like Five is suggesting as long as he gets on it.]
I only told the relevant people. The ones needed to get your documents and registration in order, and your school.
[He turns slightly and starts rapidly typing on his computer, sending some very pointed emails to get everything rolling.]
I have no idea if anyone bought it. They have to do what I say, so it's not like I stopped to ask them how suspicious they were. [The likely answer to that is no one bought it and they're just going what their boss ordered them to do.]
[ As Accelerator clacks away on his keyboard, Five mulls over their options. There's probably one too many people in the know to keep information from leaking eventually, even if he believes the majority aren't paying as much attention as you would think. He was pretty much Peil's worst kept secret, and still no one had bothered to question him. ]
If it's just a matter of time until they dig up the truth, why bother hiding me? Use me instead.
[ He doesn't like the feeling of being on the back foot, waiting for the company to make the next move against him. ]
Just thinking out loud here. You have shady research facilities. I'm of scientific interest. It wouldn't be a complete stretch to convince them you're both after the same thing. Then it's simply a matter of business. Research in exchange for research, and each other's silence along the way. I'm sure any grievances can be smoothed over with the right amount of money. If you know how to negotiate, maybe they'll even let you hold onto their asset. Namely, me.
[Five's thought causes Accelerator to abruptly stop typing. Use him? Use him? Is he serious? His gaze is dragged away from the computer monitor and he stares in silence.]
...................
[As much as he dislikes it, it isn't a bad idea. Making a deal could placate Peil and make it easer to gloss over the illegalities involved in bringing Five here. Of course, that would potentially come at the expense of Five's wellbeing, and that's what makes him unsure. Fuck, he hates it when emotions get in the way of being practical.
Accelerator frowns, curling one hand into a fist.]
Wouldn't they expect some actual documentation to back up that deal? They'd want the reports and shit that come from experimenting on you.
Test records can be fabricated! It's not as if they have a great understanding of what works and doesn't work in the first place. I'm their fifth attempt for a reason! So what if the data looks a little funny? Let them pull their hair out piecing the 'science' together.
[ As far as he's concerned, if the numbers don't add up, that's Belmeria Winston's problem, not his. He would even feel a sense of satisfaction from sending them running in circles. If blood samples were needed to sell the story or something, that's a concession he's willing to make. The important thing is that the company believes their runaway subject contained and their secrets kept. ]
On the flipside, you'll get a look into what they're working on. Information you won't get by asking nicely. You can do with that whatever you want.
[ It's a mad idea. It probably won't be an easy sell. He's well-aware it puts himself at risk, but if he's going to be targeted anyway, he'd rather it be on his terms. Why not appeal to their greed and see what can be gained? There's no guarantee that hiding would be the safer option. Besides, if he's honest, he finds that option boring. What with the glint in his eyes, Accelerator might get the sense that Five is enjoying the theatrics. ]
[More fake records would be risky, but it's not as if they aren't already deep in a pit of fabricated documentation, and it's not as if this is anything new for Academy City. It's a logical tactic to take, despite any misgivings Accelerator may have.
Plus, Five is right. Again. Getting information from Peil would undoubtedly be useful. It would make it easier to keep one step ahead of those assholes.
Accelerator draws in a deep breath, then sighs heavily and starts rubbing this temples. He's tired, he's so tired, he has no idea how Aleister managed to do this for decades.]
I can't fucking believe I'm considering this. This is insane.
[ What's insane is someone thinking he can take a company head on and almost dying in the process of helping somebody he didn't even know. As far as plans go, Five doesn't think it's the craziest thing ever. He thinks Accelerator will come around and see the benefit in the gamble, too, even if he finds the initial suggestion appalling. It just means he hasn't become the kind of leader willing to treat everyone around them as tools. ]
Think it over. If you have any better ideas, I'm all ears.
[At the very least, this plan keeps both of them firmly in Academy City, where he has a hell of a lot more power to wield if necessary. That alone puts it several steps above his previous plan of barreling straight into that laboratory. ]
Fine, fine. [The gears in his brain start turning as he tries to come up with an alternative. If there's an option that could even make this a tiny bit safer, then he'll take in.
In the meantime, he slumps back in his chair, letting out a flurry of complaints.]
I don't know how that piece of shit that founded this city did this for so many years. Running a fucking nation is exhausting.
That's the thing. From what you've told me about the messes you've had to clean up, that guy can't have been doing his job.
[ It's easy to be a leader when you don't give a shit about whether your nation is run properly or not. Accelerator isn't suited to the role of an executive, in Five's opinion. If he were ruthless and clever enough to use the people around him, he wouldn't have so much of a headache getting things done. That was how Peil, the Benerit Group, and every other powerful company that clawed their way to the top operated. That said, Accelerator's decency is probably the only reason Five is chilling here at this moment instead of facing whatever fate awaited him as a test pilot.
Either way, these aren't problems they need to solve right this instant. The sun is quickly setting over Academy City and Five stretches in his chair. ]
Anyway, don't lose your hair over it. It's about time to clock out.
[Okay, he can't argue about that. The city might've been running but Aleister did a garbage job making sure it was running well, and that's his goal here: be better than Aleister. It's just too bad Aleister wasn't at least decent enough to have left a damn README, or a one-pager, or literally anything that could offer some advice on how to not let an entire city-state burn to the ground.
But he didn't, so Accelerator has to deal with it.
He turns to look out one of the windows, frowning. Students will be out of school and finishing up any extracurriculars at this hour, so all the usual popular hangout spots will be crammed with kids letting off steam, getting food, and generally having a good time. Those aren't the kinds of vibes he's ever been good with, so he turns back to his computer and makes a show of rapidly typing on the keyboard, opening up more files to read through. All utter work nonsense.]
Just because other people work 9 to 5 doesn't mean I should. I still have a lot of shit to catch up on.
[Which is true, but not the main reason he wants to hide in his office.]
You brought me here and you can't even spare the time to show me around? How cold.
[ He sighs in a show of mock disappointment that doesn't even try to pass for sincere. Five gets it. Really, he does. Accelerator isn't going to leave his work right now unless it's twisted into being his new responsibility. Well, this is his sign to stop overworking himself. You're welcome. ]
[He's being needled, he knows he is, but at the same time, Five is his responsibility. Getting him out of the Peil's grasp was one thing, and he can't really expect that just dumping him into a completely new city full of strangers with no help is going to go well.
Accelerator's mouth forms a thin line as he considers this, and after a few moments he relents. Letting out a sigh, he saves a few things and then pushes away from his desk, grabbing his crutch before standing.]
Fine. Come on.
[This is probably going to go terribly, but the least he can do is make an effort.]
[ Accelerator is terribly easy to mess with. Five grins wickedly and straightens up, depositing the report he picked up back on top of the pile.
His sunglasses go back on, not that he needs the disguise anymore now that Peil knows he's here. Consider it a matter of personal preference. It's nice, having the freedom to wear whatever he wants. ]
[He's going to scowl the entire time, as if that somehow makes up for being a bit of a pushover. Grabbing his blazer, he heads for the door and glances over at Five.]
Have you eaten yet?
[That seems like an easy place to start.
(Though Accelerator's idea of eating out consists of convenience store food and chain restaurants...)
As they leave his office he waves off at administrator trying to approach him with several manila folders. Sadly, work is going to have to wait until tomorrow.]
Not since lunch. I had a meal at school before skipping out.
[ Should he be admitting that part out loud... Oh well, too late to take it back.
Five follows Accelerator out the office, flashing an innocent look at the employee bearing paperwork as they walk past. No, sir, we are not doing any more work today. ]
[Well, for the umpteenth time today, Accelerator lets out a long-suffering sigh.]
Why the fuck are you skipping school?
[Like he can complain, given he dropped out.... but still, he's giving Five a judgmental look as they reach the elevator. He hits the button, and steps inside when it arrives.]
[ Looking unbothered by Accelerator's displeasure, Five joins him inside the elevator. He slouches against the wall as they begin their descent, his voice cheerfully nonchalant. ]
A few missed classes won't make a difference. It's not like I'll be developing esper powers anytime soon! They're better off spending their time on the hopefuls who will happily sign on to be poked and prodded at. Imagine that! The students here are something else. Not saying that the school I came from didn't have its own weird customs...
[ He goes on to say as the floor number ticks down. At the risk of sounding ungrateful, he hasn't felt all that invested in his student life. Of course, given the secrets he's keeping, he hasn't voiced these thoughts to anyone outside of Accelerator just now. At school he can at least pretend to fit in, and he thinks he's pulled it off well enough, strange rumors nonwithstanding.
The smile slips from his face. ]
Besides, this fake identity, double life gig gets old, you know?
[As the elevator descends Accelerator pulls out his phone, flicking through a few emails and flagging the important ones to review tomorrow.]
Most Level 0s are going to fail at those tests anyways, so it'd be another way for you to blend in. In fact, if you were to suddenly pass any of those with flying colours it'd raise just as much suspicion as you skipping class.
[He pulls his gaze away from his phone to give Five a pointed look, stepping back and closer to him as the elevators stops at another floor to let more people on. He drops his voice to something quieter.]
Sometimes you have to make sacrifices to not wind up on the dissection table. If you're only having to suffer through some boredom I'd say it's worth it.
[ Five side-eyes the phone. Wow, way to make a guy feel unseen. ]
I'm not saying I won't play along, but doesn't the curriculum strike you as funny? Students here are awfully comfortable with giving their bodies over to science for the chance to what, make objects fly?
[ Seeing his peers volunteer to undergo tests was a societal norm he can't get over. Call it culture shock or whatever, but Five really doesn't care for that part of the curriculum. He can grin and bear it, sure. Five sees his point, and if it were just boredom, he could put up with it, but having to live a lie? Anyone would get tired of that eventually.
As other people file in, he drops his voice in turn. ]
I get that being an esper is a big deal around these parts, but if that's what you call ambition, I guess I don't see eye-to-eye!
[It's a little strange to hear someone call esper experimentation strange, though Accelerator chalks that up to having grown up in that environment and not out in the wider world. It's hard to remember it isn't the norm everywhere, and ]
You don't need to be ambitious about something that'll never happen, but you still need to fit in. Just be fucking realistic about it.
[The elevator reaches the lobby and he heads out, following other employees leaving for the day out into the street. Once they're both out there he turns right and heads down the sidewalk, towards a nearby chain restaurant. It's better than fast food but not by much.]
Yeah, yeah, I get it. Don't blow my cover or you'll be even deeper in paperwork.
[ After all the strings pulled to get him enrolled, it's not unreasonable for Accelerator to ask that he keeps his head on straight. Five doesn't expect him to get where he's coming from. With a sigh, he pushes off the wall and follows him out the building.
Now... he'd been expecting they'd end up at a more upscale restaurant given Accelerator's importance and his fancy office furniture. So this is the kind of place he frequents? Or maybe it's just close by and he wants to get back to work quickly. ]
[He scowls, knowing that Five is sassing him about the paperwork. Obviously it isn't great to have to do more, but that isn't the important thing here: making sure Five doesn't end up in another horrible laboratory is. Why does life have to be so complicated? He isn't sure.
He's still in a bad mood when they enter the restaurant. There are a few other groups of kids but it clearly isn't that popular of a spot, especially at this time. A waiter will show them to a booth near a window looking out onto the busy street, so at least they'll be able to people watch. Accelerator picks up a menu, eyes scanning it.]
[ Five takes the seat opposite him. He can sense Accelerator's sour mood, but pointing it out won't help things (not when he's already run his mouth a little too much back there), so he picks up the menu and looks it over instead. ]
What do you recommend? You must have picked this restaurant for a reason.
[Yeah, he picked it because he's eaten here before and he's lazy. Sue him.
He scans the menu, chin in one hand, frowning at all of it. It's a lot of basic entrees, comfort food that would appeal to as wide an audience as possible.]
[ Five can tell someone wants to get back to work badly. Would it kill him to relax for one second? They just got here...
As for his order, he doesn't have enough memories to have anything like a comfort food, but this kind of menu agrees with him. It doesn't take long for him to decide. ]
I'll have the curry and take a chance on 'just okay'.
[Accelerator is so good at casual social outings, he has them mastered!!
Except the only times he's really done this were when Last Order dragged him out. If given the choice he'd just grab something from a nearby convenience store, which is kind of pathetic when having dinner at a crappy chain restaurant isn't exactly a high bar to clear.
He gives a little nod, and when the waiter comes over he'll order the omurice and a coffee. Once the waiter has taken their menus and left to put their orders in, Accelerator sits back.]
Whatever the cafeteria's serving up, mostly. I've got a kitchen if I really want to cook something, but I haven't used it much. The stipend is generous enough I can eat out when I feel like it.
[ Between the school cafeteria and the numerous affordable options in the city, he's at no risk of going hungry. He doesn't have particularly expensive tastes, but he prefers something a little nicer than convenience store food. If his budget can cover it, he sees no reason not to enjoy himself. ]
If you're asking about before all this... [ He gives a shrug. ] I couldn't tell you. My memories from before I got enhanced is one big blank.
They messed with our memories along with our faces. I mean, it'd cause problems if we remembered who we were and got cold feet about abandoning our identities, wouldn't it? It's not as if we can go back to our old lives looking like this anyway.
[ He rests his chin on his hand as he waits for their food to arrive. He has only the vaguest bits and pieces left in his recollection, flashes of his past that don't even really feel like his. It would be a lie to say that it doesn't bother him, but he's also not nearly as hung up about his memories as someone in his position might be. From what little clues he has, he suspects his old life wasn't anything worth longing for. No one makes a deal with the devil if they have better options available to them, that kind of thing. ]
They didn't have to go so far! I wouldn't have agreed to change my face if it wasn't in my best interest. Like I've said, Peil and I were just using each other.
[That's pretty logical. Not having those memories also means less baggage for the Enhanced Persons, which means it's easier for them to do their job. It's monstrous to think about, though Accelerator maintains a straight face. This is exactly the sort of disgusting thing that Academy City scientists would pull.]
Does that mean you wouldn't want them back? Not that I'm saying it's possible, but neurology research is one of the city's specialties.
[You can't have artificial espers without extensive research into the brain, after all.]
[ Five goes still at the question. Up until now, he didn't think it even possible to get his memories back. He thought he'd come to terms with his loss. Now that Accelerator raises the possibility, however slim, he finds himself conflicted. He's torn between not wanting anything more to do with scientists and wanting answers about himself. His real name, his home, friends and family...If any of those things even existed. He can't say he isn't curious.
He grimaces. He should be looking forward, not back. It's foolish to pin his hopes on getting back something he'd already learned to live without. ]
I mean... Even if I did want to know, there's got to be risks involved with that kind of research. I'm not convinced these scientists actually know what they're doing. Doesn't it creep you out? Someone cutting open your skull and poking around...thanks, but no thanks.
[ For once, he sounds uncertain, but he's leaning no. ]
[To his surprise, the suggestion isn't immediately shot down. Accelerator gives a little snort at Five's reaction, nodding. Skepticism is healthy.]
Your choice. I know what it's like having good and bad doctors cut into my brain, so I get any reluctance you have.
[Messing around with the brain is a dangerous, terrifying thing, but he wouldn't have brought it up if he didn't think there was a possibility for some kind of recovery.
The waitress comes by with their food and drinks as he says that, and he falls silent until she's left. The food looks entirely average, and he picks up his fork to dig in.]
If you change your mind I can look into any similar research that's already been done.
![[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.
no subject
[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.]
no subject
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.
no subject
[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?
no subject
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.]
no subject
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.]
no subject
[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'?
no subject
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?
no subject
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.
no subject
[He dips into a small bow, still smiling away, before turning and leading the peanut gallery away. Floyd's walking backwards though, watching Accelerator as if he's thinking on something, before--
"Seeya, Blenny-chan! Be good, or you'll get a squeezin'!"
And then they're gone. At least until 8am the next morning, when Jade knocks politely on Accelerator's door to collect him for that meeting. If the knocking isn't a reminder of who it is, the raspy giggling of Floyd at his side probably does.
"Accelerator, it is time for the meeting. Azul is waiting for you, if you'll let us show you to his office."]
no subject
(He's going to be very annoyed when he inevitably hits up the library to research what a blenny is.)
For now, anyways, he tries to put that out of his mind and go collapse into bed. He thankfully does consider what he could do for some student lounge to make a bit of extra money, but otherwise he's passing out for the night.
The knock at the door drags him out of his sleep, and it takes him a few moments to remember what the hell is going on. It's an oh, goddamnit kind of moment where he seriously debates just burrowing under the covers and staying there, but he knows he can't. Schools run on a schedule, and unless he wants to get kicked out into a completely unfamiliar world he needs to play along.
He yells at Jade to give him a few minutes, then hauls himself out of bed and gets dressed. It doesn't bother him that he's going to be late for this meeting with Azul, his sleep schedule was a complete mess before showing up here so this is the best he can do. Throwing his uniform on, he at least spends a few extra minutes making sure he looks presentable (blazer buttoned, tie tied properly, he actually looks like a student who gives a shit) before opening the door.
The twins get half-asleep scowls, but otherwise he'll follow them to the lounge without complaint.]
no subject
Come on in, you've already brought him here late. I'll take that from your wages.
["Aw, c'mooooon! It was only five minuuuuutes~"
Azul shoots Floyd a withering glare for that one, as if it has any effect on him whatsoever, before motioning for Accelerator to sit.] Apologies for the early hour, but I thought it'd be best for us all to get this sorted right away. Now. Did you have any suggestions on what position you'd like within the Lounge? I'm willing to work with you to make it tenable long-term, within reason. Otherwise, I might simply suggest that you can assist Jade and I with matters off the floor.
no subject
That was on me, not them. I'm not used to a normal class schedule.
[He isn't doing this out of kindness, but rather a preference in admitting his own faults. Either way he moves to sit down, retracting the cane portion of his crutch into the arm cuff.]
Yeah, I thought about it. If you give me the Lounge's financials I can probably do some accounting. I've never done it before but I doubt it's hard to figure out.
no subject
Get out.
[Said sharply, though his gaze flits over Accelerator's head and to Jade and Floyd instead; while the latter lets out a groan at being shooed out so abruptly, the former bows and shuts the door behind them both all the same. Once they're gone, Azul's attention returns to his precious frosh, to the gently steaming teapot on the coffee table between them.]
Do you want some tea, first? To warm you up a little, perhaps wake you up a touch more. [A little flick of his housewarden cane, and the teapot pours itself steadily into both empty cups. Why ask at all if you're going to pour the tea anyway, dickhead?] What, might I ask, drew you to accounting over say...More general management of staff, whilst learning from the best in the school there is? Jade would prove a fine mentor to you, if you wanted to take that path.
Accounting, however, would leave you in my hands. And I would not tolerate any nonsense; anyone who tries to treat my money like their own pays in other ways.
no subject
Er... should he be worried? His gaze settles back on Azul and he inwardly wonders if he should switch modes on his choker.]
It's just math. [Not a big deal, he can do it in his sleep.] Math is a fucking cakewalk compared to managing people. Accounting is just a branch of economics, right? Economic theories were some of the shit I learned before I dropped out of school, so it wouldn't be a problem to learn more of that.
[He eyes the tea. Not his first choice, but he'll drink it if there's nothing else.]
You don't have any coffee, do you?
no subject
...You really want to learn more about the theory behind it? And you'd prefer not to work with people?
[Another few seconds of staring, before he gets to his feet and stretches out a hand.] Very well. I trust that you at least mean that much, and perhaps that you don't realise what a grand opportunity I'm giving you right now, which is why you'd dare shoot for it in the first place. You and I are going to work together from now on; I'm going to ask for your help brainstorming promotions as well, by the way, but you won't have to actually interact with staff outside of myself and the Leech brothers. Come here after lessons are done, and we'll get you set up.
Do we have a deal?
no subject
Despite that he feels somewhat uncertain. He's never held anything close to a real job before, he's rarely worked with a peer. Hell, he's still feeling off-balance at the idea of attending classes like a normal goddamn student. This is the best option he can see to provide himself with some extra cash, but it's still difficult.
Ugh, he really wants a cup of coffee.]
Yeah, fine.
[He reaches up, grabbing hold of Azul's hand to shake, his own expression tight.]
It's a deal.
no subject
...You also have an employee discount at Mostro Lounge, now. If you still want that coffee, find Floyd-- you know which one's Floyd by now, surely-- and ask him to make you one. If he's in the mood, it'll be the best thing you've ever had. Might even carry you through to tomorrow, if he's really happy.
[At last, he lets Accelerator's hand go, instead using that hand to adjust his glasses as he turns to the side. Any questions get effectively cut off, at least for now.]
Ah-- a word to the wise, too. I'd ingratiate myself with fellow Octavinelle students, as well as...Pomefiore students, perhaps, if I were you. Maybe Heartslabyul, if you can handle a little roughness around the edges. Purple magestones, or red. They'll be good influences. The other houses are a little...Interesting. Do what you will with them.
no subject
[On both the contract and the coffee. Actually, he perks up a little at the mention of coffee. He could really use one right about now, even if it tastes terrible.
Especially if it tastes terrible. The strength of his caffeine habit does not extend to quality.
He drops his hand, moving to get up, pausing at Azul's suggestion. Oh, socialization, he hates it so much, and he answers gruffly.]
I'd rather keep to myself. It's better for everyone if I do.
no subject
[Really, Floyd could be anywhere he so pleased, but Azul's hoping he's at the bar cleaning glasses in preparation for the afterschool rush. ...And at least once he's done showing Accelerator through the door of his office, Floyd's there. Though he's more...
Slumped on the bar, glass cloth in hand and posture definitely not saying 'hey, I'd love to make you a coffee, frosh!' Azul grimaces in the doorway when he sees it, and rummages in his pockets for a few madol.]
--Actually, just find one of the vending machines or something. Have a good day.
[Sorry Accelerator. No bombass coffee just yet, only the canned stuff for now. Or something from the cafeteria if it's still open?]
no subject
His spiralling thoughts are momentarily distracted by the sight of Floyd, the prospect of missing out on coffee. This is quickly becoming the worst day ever
And then Azul is pulling some change out and Accelerator, absolutely baffled, can only stare at him like a deer in headlights as it's offered to him.]
.......................................
[Give him a second to stop bluescreening. Reluctantly, he'll take the change.]
Uh. Thanks.
[And he quickly turns and leaves the Lounge as quickly as possibly, looking for the nearest vending machine with canned coffee. Once he finds one he's buying himself one, downing it, and sighing heavily at the feeling of relief that floods him. This may be another universe (or whatever) but canned coffee still tastes the same. Its familiarity prepares him for the day ahead.
It... doesn't go well. Classes are the easiest part; even though he's behind when it comes to magic he's still intensely focused, and he feels like he's actually learned a lot. P.E. is the one class he's exempt from thanks to his crutch, so no issues there.
No, it's the classmates. Kids his own age. People he has absolutely nothing in common with.
He can't even get through to lunch without nearly provoking a couple of students into a fight. By the end of the day he's pissed off more than a few classmates, and he's sure at this rate he's going to have a reputation similar to the one he had back home. He's exhausted, and wants nothing more than to crawl into bed. Unfortunately, he drags himself to the Lounge, remembering the deal he made that morning, and makes his way directly to Azul's office, knocking loudly.]
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.]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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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At the same time, he deserves an answer. Accelerator knows that. He rests his hand against the switch to open the door, refraining from doing so as he hesitates. Biting his lip for a moment, his voice is quiet.]
... I've been in your situation before. I know what it's like. You don't deserve to go through this.
[No one does. That's why he's here.]
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The Haro's alarm cuts through the silence. Time to go. ]
...You should have taken your freedom and run for it. It'd be a pointless if you escaped one lab only to wind up dying in another! Come on, I know the way.
[ He hits the switch and steps through the door, side by side with Accelerator. It wouldn't be fair to let him take on all the risk after learning they were the same. ]
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That could be because the Haro's alarm is interrupting any more. Either way, he takes the sincerity for what it is and nods. After stepping through the door, he reaches up to switch modes on his choker. The limited amount of time he has to use his esper ability should be more than enough to make sure they get to the launch bay safely, and as vector data floods into his brain he automatically begins sorting and analyzing it. Beginning with the movement of air molecules in the hall, to pick up on any unnatural shifts that would indicate bodies moving towards them.]
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Before turning the next corner, he checks the coast is clear before waving them onwards, though he won't know what's happening beyond his line of sight. The Haro would have alerted every drone in the facility to come looking for them, and the guards can't be far behind. ]
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Further down and around several corners something large, dense even, causes an unnatural movement of the air molecules he's sensing, and he freezes.]
Hold on. [He reaches out, quickly running the calculations to whitelist Elan(?) from his reflection, so that he can grab his shoulder without accidentally breaking any bones or causing any internal organ damage. Keeping his voice quiet, he shakes his head] Something's coming this way. Likely a security drone. Is there another route we can take?
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We can take the stairwell to the lower level and keep out of the way, but are you sure? How do you know it's coming?
[ They're on the quickest and straightest route and Five sounds reluctant to take detours. Plus, it's not apparent to him where his buddy is getting his second sense from. ]
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I'm psychic. [Super helpful, not offering any further explanation.] And I'm sure, so let's take the stairs.
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[ Five doesn't sound convinced, but he starts towards the stairs anyway. More of an explanation would have helped, but there's no time to argue. He can choose either to trust him or not, and he's pretty sure Accelerator isn't trying to get them killed. If the guy really had been part of some messed up experiment, it wouldn't be impossible his senses were sharpened or something. Hadn't he called himself an esper? Five didn't believe it at the time, but he also didn't believe the kid would come looking for him.
The stairwell is thankfully clear on their way down a level, though the stairs stretch even deeper, down to the lowest levels where Peil tinkers with their mobile suits. Five hits the switch to open the door and peers around it to check the floor. ]
Hey - are there more of them?
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He follows him down, splitting his attention even further. It's harder to track any potential enemies in the stairwell, the doors block a lot of molecular movement he can sense and the stairs split off into way more levels than a hallway, giving security more routes to ambush them. Accelerator does his best, retracting the cane portion of his crutch into the forearm crutch so it's easier to move down the steps, his gaze constantly glancing around.]
I think we're okay —
[Aaand a door above them in the stairwell opens and the high-pitched beeping of a security drone can be heard. Spoke too soon! Without hesitation Accelerator grabs the other boy and with a surprising amount of strength shoves him through the doorway, at the same time stomping his foot on the floor. Doing so allows him to manipulate the metal comprising the stairs, and there's a hideous crunch and screech of metal as the entire stairwell starts to twist and crush itself unnaturally, like a piece of paper being balled up.
RIP to that security drone, it doesn't stand a chance.]
1/2
2/2
[ He exclaims in a low voice. Okay. Well. Cool. What the hell, but cool. Having an esper on their side is definitely an advantage. He can almost believe they'll make it out of here in one piece. ]
And here I thought chairmen only pushed papers! Got any other tricks I should know about? [ His face flicks from shock to amusement, his go-to attitude when uneasy or caught off guard. ...but not to get distracted from the task at hand! Five motions down the hall. ] There should be another set of stairs to the bay. Try not to crush that one or we'll have to take the long route!
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If we weren't out in space I'd just punch a hole through the roof, that'd be a hell of a lot easier than this.
[Being careful sucks sometimes, but they both still need to breathe so the endless vacuum of outer space isn't an option. And unfortunately, destroying part of the facility is going to cause alarms to start going off in the halls, which makes Accelerator click his tongue in annoyance.]
Guess the entire place knows something is up. Be on your guard.
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[ As satisfying as it would be to blow a hole in the place, he agrees it wouldn't be the wisest course of action right now. Five starts moving again, not bothering to tiptoe anymore now that the alarms are blaring overhead. The stairs are a straight dash down the hall, only —
A metal gate comes down, sectioning off the corridor ahead and behind them and stopping them in their tracks. Figures a space station would have airlocks as a failsafe against equipment failure, or in this case, unprecedented esper attacks. ]
Think you triggered more than just the alarm! Can you bust it open?
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Yeah. Stay behind me, there might be some shrapnel.
[He steps up to the gate and taps it. It's a light motion, but it may as well have been the equivalent of a punch from the way the gate is ripped from its locking mechanism and sent flying down the hall. The calculations for that are simple for Accelerator, so he looks a bit smug as he glances back.]
Let's go.
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Show-off.
[ He remarks after the dust has settled and Accelerator stands looking smug in the gate-less corridor. The calm Five projects is mostly a mask. His heart hasn't stopped pounding since he broke out, but he would sooner make light of things and pretend this escape is mere entertainment than let anyone catch on to his fear.
Anyways, time to book it. As he breaks into a run, his gaze shifts back to see that Accelerator is keeping up on his crutch, because damn. It's reckless enough he stormed the place. Even more so to do it at a physical disadvantage. ]
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Sticking close isn't an issue, now that he's using his ability. Running more calculations in his brain, he takes control of various vectors in his body to enhance his muscles and keep up.
The alarms blaring are irritating, and he tries to ignore them as he glances over.]
Are we close? They're probably going to concentrate a bunch of security at the bay.
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[ The stairs lie ahead, but so does trouble. Turns out, the lab's already shored up security and three guards spill from the stairwell before they've reached it. The guards train their gun on Five, since he's the one visibly armed, yelling 'freeze' and 'hands up!' Considering their numbers, and the fact that they've incorrectly identified him as the real threat, Five actually lowers his gun and makes to slowly put his hands out in a feigned gesture of surrender. ]
Okay, okay! I get it, don't shoot!
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He lunges at the guard closest to him, moving at a speed that should be impossible for someone who needs a crutch. Grabbing the barrel of the gun with one hand, he proceeds to twist the metal until the entire thing snaps in half. The guard barely has time to react to that before Accelerator beans him in the head with the broken half, because fuck this guy.]
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Like he'd been anticipating, Accelerator gets the jump on the guards, taking one head on with surprising strength for a skinny teen. The guards turn their attention on the esper, and that's when Five raises his gun and shoots one of them. Right in the heart, with cold precision. It's life or death and he is not fucking around. The guard staggers but doesn't drop, protected by a bulletproof vest under his uniform. ]
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With a tap to the chest he sends the guy into the nearest wall, hard. It isn't something he'll be getting up from anytime soon, which gives him time to glance over at Elan(?).]
... You're a good shot.
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[ It's a knee-jerk response, the bitterness leaking from his voice when he's usually good at keeping it under wraps, but he's a little tense right now. Normally he would appreciate the compliment, but not when committing near-murder while high on adrenaline and fear. He's thinking that could have all gone poorly if not for Accelerator's powers.
The third and last guard is backing away after seeing his partners go down, looking at them like these kids are fucking crazy. Five turning to threaten him with a twisted grin probably does nothing to help his impression. ]
You've seen what my 'friend' can do. How about you call off your drones and let us walk out?
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He shifts his attention to the final guard, narrowing his eyes. It'd be easy to knock him out (or worse), but he's trying to be better, so he gives the guy a chance instead. And... that is a mistake. The man, backing away several more steps, taps his ears and speaks into his comm link with the facility's security.
He doesn't call the drones off, he calls in for reinforcements and to lock down the facility. Accelerator clicks his tongue and a second later launches himself at him, but he's too late. As he knocks him into the wall the lights go out, leaving only the alarms and emergency lighting. Further down the halls noise can be heard as doors slide closed and lock themselves.]
Shit! We need to go, now!
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Give me a break!
[ His immediate reaction isn't to bolt or to panic, but to grimace and give Accelerator a helpless shrug like yeah, that bluff kind of backfired...geez, must everything be so dramatic? He waves them towards the stairs, calm in the way of someone who has accepted shit's fucked can be calm. ]
You don't say! Sure, yeah. I have a feeling it's going to be a party up there.
[ In the stairwell, Five doesn't get more than a few steps up before a drone from the landing above shoots at them causing him to pull back. At the same time, that thing's on wheels and seems to be having trouble coming down the stairs after them? Which is hilarious and gives him a chuckle despite everything. He'll leave this one to the guy with psychic powers, gesturing for Accelerator to do his thing. ]
On second thought, after you!
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The appearance of the drone isn't much of a surprise at this point, though it's still unwelcome.]
Your development must be really fucking important to them.
[Maybe not him personally, but all the time and money and resources put into him. Trade secrets, all of that shit. Accelerator has seen it before, and it's really pissing him off. God, if they weren't in space he would have started smashing walls down. It's still tempting due to his increasing frustration, and he has to put extra effort in keeping himself in check. He already screwed up by underestimating the security around here, he doesn't need to do it again.
He steps into the stairwell, ignoring that he's being shot at (anything dangerous just bounces off him harmlessly and hits a wall), and waves a hand lightly. In his brain he runs the calculations to move and condense the air in front of himself, sending it upwards at the drone to lift and smash it around a bit. At least enough to take out its gun.]
C'mon.
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[ He can't resist taking a dig at his original for the ludicrous plan. What's it like to have a level of wealth and power where you can just throw resources at a problem until it ceases to be? It didn't escape his notice the guards from before had been authorized to use lethal force. Five wouldn't be surprised if the crones higher up had given them the orders. They're probably preparing his replacement as they speak. If anything, he thinks it's Accelerator that has them worried. Anyone able to track down their lab and break into it can be no simple intruder.
And the guy isn't! Five's expression changes from one kind of shock to another when Accelerator steps in the path of the freaking bullets, only to have them glance off him because oh, of course, psychics are also bulletproof! Five rakes a hand through his hair but rolls with it. ]
How do you want to do this? [ He says while they're making their way upwards, his gun held at the ready and on the lookout for any other drones. ] I can probably figure out how to get the shuttle going, but we'll need to keep them off of us.
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......... It's probably for the best that he isn't. Right now he's inclined to rip the guy's head off.]
That would be better than relying on only the autopilot. [As far as technology has come he'd rather take a real pilot over an autopilot any day of the week, especially one who has gone through specialized training for this kind of thing. Piloting, or driving of any kind, is something Accelerator hasn't actually learned himself, so he's reliant on the fifth not-Elan.
It isn't something he's particularly bothered by. Having someone else with piloting expertise frees him up to be the offence. Or defense, whichever.]
I can handle whatever additional security they throw at us, you focus on the shuttle. [Probably. Hopefully. As they move through the stairwell Accelerator reaches up to fiddle with his choker, checking on the battery that he has left. This mission has already run longer than he was expecting, but he should still have enough juice to make sure their take off is a relatively safe one.]
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[ He intones cheerfully (ominously?). He's a mech pilot, not a spacecraft pilot, and in a normal scenario he wouldn't be so rash as to commandeer a shuttle, but sometimes you're required to buck a few protocols in order to make the quickest getaway. Let's hope that he won't have to take the reins at all, or it means they have to floor it. Ideally, they're long gone by the time Peil brings out the big guns. Five can feel his heart racing as they near the top. ]
One more thing— Pass me that ID card.
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When they reach the top of the stairwell he pulls the ID card out, handing it over.]
Here. [He trusts him with it at this point, it'd be silly not to.] What do you need it for?
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[ His last attempt to jack someone's ride didn't go so well, and this time, there's no do-overs.
He pockets the card, then his hand hovers over the door at the top of the stairs. This is probably the moment where people steel themselves. Give a pep talk, maybe, if either of them were the type to give pep talks. Instead, he makes eye contact and remarks dryly. ]
Try not to die.
[ Five hits the button and the door slides open. Good luck to them. ]
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You too.
[He steps out into the next hall, and lucky them not only is this hall full of guards, but also drones! To his annoyance, as soon as they catch Accelerator's movement they all start firing. Of course, everything bounces harmlessly off of him thanks to his reflection, and he makes a point of ensuring his calculations don't accidentally send any stray bullets into the stairwell.
It's irritating, seeing all this security. He can't just carelessly throw them through a wall, since that would undoubtedly kill the guards and possibly cause damage to the lab itself. Having to hold back is rough.
Accelerator lunges at one of the drones first, grabbing and digging his fingers into its metal casing before tossing it at one of the other drones, letting them crash into each other as he turns his attention to the third, hoping that his disruption to the drones is enough to keep the guards occupied and that they don't do for the stairwell.]
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hideshangs back in the interest of not eating a ricocheting bullet. He's very okay not being the heavy-hitter here. Five sticks his head out just enough to peer down the hall, watching drones go flying and one stunned guard taking a stray bullet to the leg still not comprehending what he's seeing. He gets it, he thinks it's pretty absurd himself!Another guard looks similarly bewildered but presses on towards them. Five shoots at the man, pulling back into the stairwell when return fire puts holes in the walls. He calls out to Accelerator. ]
On your right! The shuttle bay's past that door!
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Regardless, he thinks he's doing a pretty good job. In the back of his mind the minutes are ticking down, and he can see more drones arriving at the opposite end of the hall to cut them off, but he's got this! He just needs to get not-Elan to the shuttle bay, then onto the shuttle, and make sure the damn thing takes off safely.]
Got it!
[Accelerator turns and, waving a hand, sends a blast of air at the guard to knock him into a wall, before stepping towards him and wrenching his gun out of his hands to help clear the way. After a split second of though, he also stomps down on the floor, sending out a shockwave and ripping a section of it out to act as a makeshift barrier against more bullets. Not ideal, but it's better than nothing.]
Come on!
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Whatever the hell that was, keep it up!
[ Ducking past the disarmed security guard, he swipes into the shuttle bay. At last. The dock stretches out before out him, spacious and thankfully free of guards on the inside. It's still and almost peaceful, like the vastness of space...were it not for the ruckus he can hear behind him as he runs up to the control panel overlooking the parked shuttles.
He really should have paid more attention in space traffic control class, but in his defense, someone else's grades weren't his biggest concern at the time!
After a bit of trial and error, he hits the right buttons. Metal creaks and one of the shuttles begins to slide into launch position, nose pivoting 180 to align itself with the track. The whole process can't take more than a few minutes at most, but right now, that few minutes feels like an eternity! ]
this seems like a great time to get shot
Hanging back a moment longer, he reaches up to fiddle with his choker and check on his battery, and as he does his smirk fades. Under his breath he mutters a curse, realizing that his timing has been off slightly. He doesn't have a few minutes left, it's more like a few seconds. Despite the two of them not fully being in the clear yet, he doesn't have a choice: he needs to switch his choker back to normal mode so he has enough battery to get to the shuttle.
Clicking his tongue, he re-extends his crutch and hits the switch. The light on it changes from red back to green. And a split second later, pain explodes in his side.
Letting out an abrupt, strangled cry he stumbles and hits the wall, next to the entrance to the shuttle bay. Glancing around wildly, his gaze settles on a guard and his gun. The guy's hands are shaking, but he still has the weapon aimed directly at him. Turning his gaze downwards, Accelerator sees red bloom over his shirt.
Fuck.]
it's never a good time to get shot! also sorry about him
For a split second, he considers taking off without him.
Please understand, this is not his proudest moment! Out of all the selfish choices he's made and every shitty thing he's done for the sake of survival, it's the first time he's ever struck by shame. That he could even think to abandon someone who had risked everything for him feels like a new low, even for him. Cursing, he turns away from the shuttle and bolts. ]
Hey, asshole! Over here!
[ The guard looks up, switches targets, but Five's already got his own gun lined up. Two shots ring out and only one finds its mark. Look away, because the guard is getting graphically headshotted. Sorry about your pacifist run.
He reaches Accelerator's side and— shit, that can't be good. Maybe he had been too cocky to think the guy's special powers made him untouchable. ]
I loled
He doesn't expect Elan or whoever he is to come back and help. Why should he? Getting him out of here is the goal, and he's in the bay with the shuttle. He can get the hell out of here and this mission will have been a success.
That likely means he'll die here, and... while he isn't exactly fine with it, there is too much pain shooting through his body for him to want to complain too much. It isn't as if he wants to die, he doesn't want to leave the clones or Last Order. He's sure of that. But if someone like him goes out helping someone who needed it, then that isn't so bad. It's more than he deserves, so he's fine with it. He has to be.
Spots start darkening his vision as his legs struggle to keep himself up, and those thoughts are running through his mind when another voice filters in. For a second he assumes it's the guard that shot him, but no — that guy's head is exploding in a spray of blood. He blinks fuzzily and looks up to see... oh. Seriously? He has to stare for a moment, processing that he's actually seeing the other boy, and when he manages that he mutters:]
............. My timing was off.
[Don't mind him he's just going to be sliiiiding down the wall to the floor. Standing is hard when you've been shot.]
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[ He doesn't know anything about the time limit Accelerator is on, but he knows how close they were to safety. Five grabs him by the shoulders and drags him inside before quickly shutting the bay doors and shooting the switch to disable the mechanism and buy them some time. Then he takes Accelerator's arm around his shoulder and, supporting his weight, he pulls him up and begins to make the painstaking trek to the shuttle. He doesn't want to agitate the guy's injuries too much, but unfortunately, there's not really a gentle way to haul ass. ]
What were you even thinking, coming here alone?! Aren't you supposed to be some big shot back home? Most CEOs I know order other people around to do the real work! I told you, didn't I, that I was colluding with Peil. I wasn't in any danger until you busted in, you know.
[ He's kind of yammering, because that's what he does and because his nerves are still heightened from before. If the guard's hand hadn't been shaking so much, maybe the both of them would be bleeding out on the floor. Anyway, is Accelerator even listening? Say something, buddy. ]
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.... Thankfully? It may be because his consciousness is fading in and out. When he's hauled onto his feet he doesn't feel much of anything, and vaguely he's aware he's getting scolded some more. His head lolls and he's definitely beyond being able to stand on his own, though at least he doesn't weigh very much.]
............................
[There's no answer this time. He's out cold.]
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Five hauls the unconscious teen the rest of the way as fast as he can, staggering into the shuttle and finding somewhere to lay him down. He engages the autopilot and shoves the ship into top speed, then returns to Accelerator's side to apply pressure to his wound and brace the both of them for takeoff as the shuttle rumbles and surges forward. Normally, they're supposed to be seated and strapped in for this part, but given the emergency he's electing to skip a few steps!
Despite his efforts, blood keeps pooling, and Five gets the idea to tear through the ship's compartments until he comes across what he's looking for: a first aid kit. It takes every last roll of gauze to stem the bleeding. At this point, he's tracked enough bloody footprints around the place that it looks like a goddamn murder scene. The sight of Accelerator's ghostly pale face haunts him as he returns to the controls to check their flight path. He had never been privy to the lab's location and he doesn't recognize where they are, but he sets them on a course closer to civilization. After a moment's hesitation, he hits the distress signal. While he would have liked to lay low and disappear, there's no chance Accelerator can pull through without treatment. It still hasn't sunk in that he's free, but then again, he could never have imagined freedom would look like this. Him sitting alone in a stolen ship, in the far reaches of space where there is no sound save for Accelerator's labored breathing and his own troubled thoughts.
They're picked up by a cargo ship, whose shocked captain speeds them off to the nearest planet. A medical team rushes out with a stretcher as soon as they touch ground and Accelerator is rushed off to surgery. Five loses track of how many hours pass after that. The exhaustion finally catches up to him, but he's feeling too wired to rest. So he sits in the waiting room, turning over the whole mess in his head and wondering why some people have no ounce of self-preservation.
He ends up passing out in the chair. When he wakes next, it's to the nurse informing him that it had been a close call, but the patient is in stable condition and expected to recover. He lets out a sigh he didn't know he was holding and falls back into his chair. Good grief. How stupid would it have been if he'd died? The guy owes him some answers. There's still a lot he doesn't get about his mysterious rescuer. ...but first, he's going to catch some shut-eye himself. ]
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When he finally begins to wake his head feels like it's stuffed with cotton and the harsh lighting of his hospital room makes everything blinding. It takes him way too long for his brain to start processing things properly, push past thoughts of confusion and piece together where he is. Of course, he can't tell if this is a hospital or some research facility, but that is thankfully cleared up when a nurse enters the room for their routine rounds. Once they can confirm this place has nothing to do with Peil (thank god) Accelerator, fighting the brain fuzz, starts prioritizing.
The first thing is to get his choker charged. By now the damn thing is running on fumes, so with the help of the nurse he's able to get it plugged in. Charging it is a pain but necessary, and by the time that is finished his head is feeling clearer. He's exhausted and sore, and most importantly he's alive. It seems unreal. Not-Elan actually got him out of there?
As much as he wants to go back to sleep he knows he needs to talk to the other boy. After the nurse has finished assessing his physical state and gotten him some ice chips to chew on he insists on seeing the other boy, so the nurse will be heading out into the waiting room, gently rousing Elan(?) by gently shaking his shoulder.]
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He follows the nurse down the hall and past several rooms. She knocks on the door before opening it, her voice bright as she announces, 'Asher, your friend's here!'
Five flashes a smile at 'Asher', who is Accelerator, apparently, and shrugs silently behind the nurse's back as if to say yeah, uh, just roll with it. For all the harrowing trouble they've been through, he looks relaxed as he strolls up to the bed, hands in his coat pockets. He wears new clothes, his bloodied uniform discarded for a clean shirt and cargo jacket emblazoned with the logo of the shipping company that had picked them up.
The nurse checks the monitors and fusses over Accelerator a minute longer, then says she'll let him and 'Ian' catch up. Five responds by thanking the nurse and keeps up the good boy manners until the door's shut and they're alone before his pleasant smile turns sharp. ]
I didn't have a lot of time to get creative with aliases! Not that Elan was my real name...but you've already figured that out, haven't you?
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When the door opens again he drops his hands, steeling himself despite his exhaustion. The name gets a bit of a look but he's silent, letting the nurse check him over, and it's only when she leaves that he lets his shoulders drop. He clicks his tongue.]
It's not the worst thing I've been called. [That remark is coming with an unsaid air of 'You couldn't have come up with something better?' It's a pretty minor thing considering everything else though, and it isn't as if he goes by whatever his legal name is anyways. His expression shifts, turning serious. He looks the other boy over, inwardly glad that he at least doesn't seem to be injured at all.]
I read some of your file at the facility. [Not all of it, he didn't have the time for that, but it was enough.] Is there anything you want to be called?
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[ He's never seen his own files. He can only imagine what kind of notes they keep on him. If they said he was a pain in the ass or something, he'd take it as a compliment! Five drops into one of the chairs and kicks back in the seat. It's funny, he had been annoyed that no one at Asticassia had a clue what was really going on with him, but having his file read and the truth come out conversely makes him feel somewhat uncomfortable, actually. So this is the mortifying ordeal of being known.
As for what to call him...that's a good fucking question. He knows what he doesn't want to be called, but what he wants to be called is trickier when he can't remember his old name or anything else about himself. Coming up with an identity on the spot is difficult, otherwise he wouldn't have blanked and gone for the lazy choice when the nurse asked him for their names. ]
About that. I don't have a name of my own, and I don't want that asshole's name either. [ He says evenly after a pause, his jaw tight. He's not bitter at all. Not one bit! ] Enhanced Person Number Five is a mouthful, so I guess Five will do for now. I mean, it can't be weirder than Accelerator.
[ Not a day out of surgery and he's already giving him cheek... ]
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Well... chances are he's thinking it, anyways.
Accelerator's expression remains serious as he mentally files through the information he had gathered from the binders back in the facility, giving a small nod at not-Elan — Five's conclusion about his name. Or alias, if you want to get specific.]
It isn't. It's not like Accelerator is my name either, so Five works. [It actually reminds him a little of the clones, too, since they go by numbers rather than names. Most people might balk at it, but this is significantly better than continuing to use 'Elan.'
With that settled, he shifts back to what he had read in Five's file. Being so desensitized to it all he can answer without hesitating, though he's well aware of how horrific it all is.]
I only had time to skim. Most of what I read was about the surgeries and experimentation you underwent in order to be able to pilot mobile suits that use GUND technology. You know, the kind of shit that any non-corrupt court would deem war crimes.
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That's about the gist of it, though I see they failed to mention the part where their experiments didn't succeed! Us enhanced pilots might be able tolerate a higher permet score, but the strain will still kill us in the end.
[ Maybe he's desensitized as well because he says it all very casually. It's not that he isn't angry about what was done to him, but he doesn't see the point in getting worked up about it. Besides, it had been his decision, presumably. There had been something in it for his past self, some reason to shed his identity. He had struck a deal, changed his face, and if he had nothing else—no name, no memories, connections, past or future—he would like at least the dignity to own his own damned choices. ]
So that's it, huh? Nothing else exciting in there? I had been hoping to hear something I didn't know. [ A detail about his old life, maybe? He looks smug as usual but, just briefly, there's an odd note of disappointment in his voice. ] I expect they're going to be busy covering their tracks now that they know someone's snooped on them.
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He doesn't bother hiding the way his lip curls in disgust. Fuck, he should've just destroyed the whole facility.
Either way, Five is right. Peil will have begun scrambling to deal with the break-in by now, so they'll need to prepare for that.]
Yeah, most likely. I left a worm in that computer, so hopefully it'll transmit some useful data before they wipe everything. Who knows, maybe it'll even pull something that will surprise you.
[AKA something he doesn't know, since he brought that up. It doesn't quite sound as if that was a joke, so he wants to raise that as a possibility. He sighs heavily, and looks around at the hospital room.]
We also need to consider the chances that covering their tracks means coming after us. As soon as I can move without bleeding out onto the damn floor we need to get out of here.
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[ If the look of disgust on Accelerator's face is any indication, he already has his answer. While Five has no appetite for another confrontation, not gonna lie, he's curious what else might be buried in those files. Wouldn't anyone in his position naturally want to know more about themselves? But his past can wait. Securing their future comes first. He pivots sideways in his chair and folds his arms behind his head, facing the hospital room instead of the teen. ]
The good news is, they'll have a hard time tracking us down! While you were out of it, we ditched the shuttle and hitched a ride here. There won't be any records of an unauthorized ship making a stop on this planet.
[ He figures they've got a pretty good head start. Space is an enormous place to search. But! ]
The bad news is, we're stuck without a ride and the nurses are going to start asking questions.
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So that's how they got all the way here? Ditching the shuttle has bought them a little time, that's good.]
Hmm. That was smart.
[And then he falters. A compliment is one thing, but the sentiment floating around in his mind is a lot more difficult for him to express openly. His hands, currently settled in his lap, curl into fists so he can dig his nails into his palms, and he practically spits his words out.]
... Thanks for getting me out of there. I'm sure you could've just left on your own, and you didn't. [It would have been a lot easier for Five. In the chaos of everything he probably could have disappeared into space, reached some other planet, and started a new, anonymous life.
But he didn't, and that's worth the gratitude Accelerator is awkwardly stumbling through.]
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[ Getting thanked is taking him through a whole new guilt trip. While the execution may have been heavy-handed and quite the mess, he's pretty sure Accelerator was the one who did him a favor. He should be the one expressing his gratitude, except that kind of conversation doesn't come easily to him either, so he's here making jabs instead. ]
Save that gratitude for someone who deserves it. I did in fact think about ditching you back there.
[ He won't bother hiding it. It was shitty of him, and it would stick with him uncomfortably if he doesn't come clean about it now. He could probably stand to sound less shameless and unapologetic while admitting it though.
If circumstances had been slightly different, he would have taken off and saved himself. He's that kind of self-serving bastard, and he doesn't lack for self-awareness. Knowing how short the lives of Gundam pilots are, Five resolved from the beginning to survive no matter what he has to stoop to. It's practically the one principle he lives by! So why didn't he ditch him in that harrowing moment?
Maybe it's because he had been shocked that someone actually gave a shit about him? Maybe he's even a little touched by the gesture. What comes out of his mouth is: ]
If you're wondering why I didn't, it's because I still have questions for you.
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And in the end it didn't happen. Having those thoughts is one thing, acting on them is another. That needs to be taken into account, too. It's a little surprising to hear the reason why he didn't ditch him though, and Accelerator raises an eyebrow. Questions, huh?]
What are they?
[It's not as if there's much for them to do right now, so he can answer a few questions.]
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Now, for a welcome change in subject... ]
Let's start with you being an esper. What's up with that?
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My city does research into espers. Since not many naturally exist, the best way to do that is to develop a bunch of them to be test subjects. That's why I'm an esper, just about every student in my city is one.
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[ Maybe the pros of becoming espers as strong as Accelerator outweighed the risks or something, but damn...we're talking a whole city of kids being experimented on! He thought Peil ran a good scam, but what he's hearing sounds on a whole different level. ]
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No, it's public knowledge. Parents sign their kids up. In exchange for going through the program, the kid gets registered at one of Academy City's schools. They're supposed to be guaranteed an education that'll have them set for the rest of their life.
[And they usually follow through on that offer, so it's one step up from Peil's practices.]
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[ There's more to the story. He doesn't buy that anyone would go to the lengths Accelerator did for no good reason. Something about the lab ticked him off, hit a nerve, and Five will needle him until he finds out what. ]
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It does, doesn't it? But that's Academy City's propaganda at its finest.
[The marketing department has done an excellent job making the Power Curriculum Program seem like a great option for families.]
The way the system is set up makes it easy for parents to abandon their kids once the kid is in the city. It's easy for Child Errors and kids who don't have family they can rely on to fall through the cracks, and end up being part of unethical experiments serving some researcher's fucking ego. [He waves a hand for emphasis as he continues.] Some shithead or an entire research facility decides that doing experiments on esper organs is a great idea, or they think they can replicate a unique ability in other espers by messing with brain chemistry, or that by repeating the Curriculum's medical procedures they can find a way to give espers multiple powers instead of just one.
No one is around to notice if some Child Error goes missing when an experiment goes wrong, so they're prime candidates for that kind of shit. They get chewed up and spit out. Usually the ones who wind up dead are lucky, since they don't have to live with whatever the hell they went through.
[Wow, he can be chatty sometimes. Who knew!]
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Let me guess, you were one of them?
[ Five shifts in his chair, glancing sideways at Accelerator. The esper had told him, when he first appeared back in the treatment room, that he understood what he was going through. Did he really? ]
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He stares down at his hands as bad memories float through his mind.]
The second one. I grew up in a research facility that thought they could develop espers with more than one ability. Early on they realized it wasn't possible, but they kept going anyways.
[A lot of kids got hurt, and a lot of them died. He supposes that being alive and being able to talk about that facility can be done in service to their memories, even if he didn't know most of them or get along with those he did. Absently, he shifts a bit, his voice low.]
There were always rumours that the place had somewhere on site to dump corpses, but the reality was that it was just a garbage dump for living humans.
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Sounds like they pulled off a scheme even bigger and shadier than Peil's! I've got to hand it to them.
[ He doesn't really mean what he's saying, but if Accelerator is expecting a more candid reaction, he won't find it. When every day is a new horror, you learn to put up emotional walls quick. ]
So, when did you realize you were being played?
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He sighs, closing his eyes for a moment.]
I think a part of me always knew.
[Kids disappearing when he was younger, being separated from his classmates when his ability fully manifested, trying to talk to the Sisters when there was absolutely no point in him doing so.... Of course he knew. How could he not?]
It was just easier not to think about it.
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[ He can see how it might be difficult for a kid who's not known anything else to start questioning what's happening around him. Honestly, good on him for breaking away. If he hadn't, he'd probably have ended up the same as Four. Disappeared without a trace. Five could never figure that guy out, not what made him so resigned nor why he had no will in him to fight. It was pathetic to watch. They may have shared a face but they were nothing alike. ]
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Yeah. This third string knocked some sense into me. [Literally. He's never going to have any regrets over Kamijou Touma punching him out that night in the train yard.] And then....
[And then a little girl needed his help, and he didn't help her until it was nearly too late. But she's okay now, and that's what matters.
Of course, he falters when it comes to explaining Last Order. The words get stuck in his throat, and he isn't sure if he wants to keep going. He isn't sure if he should, so he switches gears, glancing over.]
What about you?
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What? You mean when I caught on? They weren't exactly subtle when they were threatening me with execution.
[ His situation was a little different. First, he wasn't a kid brought up in their system who didn't know any better. Second, they told him he was dead if he failed and they didn't stutter! That kind of thing should set off alarm bells in anyone...unless you were Enhanced Person No. 4, apparently. But not to speak (too) ill of the dead. Four might have had the personality of a wet mop, but he deserved better. The witches in charge are the real villains here. ]
You wake up with no memories, somebody else's face, and get told you agreed to have your body messed with? It was fishy as hell from the beginning. I only went along with their plans because I thought it could benefit me.
[ There was no sudden or slow dawning moment of realization for him. He had been too perceptive to fall for it and too unscrupulous to refuse cooperation, but the simple heart of the matter is he'd been afraid of winding up dead. ]
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He exhales roughly, giving a slight wince when that jostles his side.]
They really went to extremes to make sure you had no other options.
[It's going to take a lot of self-control to avoid going to Peil headquarters and trashing the place when he's healed up. For now he tries to put any violent thoughts at the back of his mind, focusing on another question.]
Did you ever try to come up with a plan to get out?
[Not that one would have been successful, but he's still curious.]
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[ There's no guarantee his life had been any better before the experiments. The lab did away with most of his memories, but not all of them, and what vague glimpses remained pointed to one thing: he needed that new identity. Would it be odd to say he trusts himself to have made the best call he could at the time? Sure, maybe Peil had left out crucial details and misled him on what the job entailed, but he doesn't like thinking of himself as a victim in their schemes. That makes him seem helpless when he believes he's always been resourceful. ]
If you didn't step in, I would've given them the slip one way or another, but I wasn't planning on such a dramatic exit.
[ He shoots Accelerator a look. Indeed, in some other universe where he continued to botch his job, he would've quietly leveraged what he knew and gone into hiding, but this isn't that universe. ]
If I had fancy powers, maybe it would've been a different story. Is that how you got away?
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[Objectively, Accelerator knows that logic is sound. Some people's lives are so horrible that this option, as awful as it is, is the better choice between the two. But subjectively it's easier for him to quietly disagree, to just keep on thinking Peil only manipulated some poor kid into being a test subject.
Accelerator shifts a little at the smarminess, briefly glancing away. Yeah, he can't really argue that exit was dramatic. As much as he refuses to admit it, he's the kind of person who can get very theatrical when he gets going. Maybe that's part of the reason why he chose to help in this way? Of course, saying that would mean acknowledging his inner theatre kid and that is so uncool, so he only clears his throat a little.]
They helped, yeah. [Honestly, if it wasn't for his ability he'd have likely ended up in some Child Error corpse pit years ago.] The higher ups and other people tried to get around it, so sometimes I had to get creative, but I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for my esper ability.
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But Accelerator gets spared any further teasing because he doesn't quite follow his next words. ]
Get around it in what way?
[ He could, like, exercise his imagination because whatever went on in that lab most certainly wasn't good, but consider him morbidly curious. ]
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Drawing in a slow breath, he reaches up to tap the small black device around his neck.]
This thing. It fills in for some missing brain function and lets me use my ability, but it's limited and can be screwed with if you know what you're doing.
[He looks a bit pissed as he continues his explanation.]
For a while the higher ups could limit its function remotely or shut it off entirely, so if I did something they didn't like they could shut me down. It was a huge pain in the ass.
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They not only messed with your head, they installed a twisted little off-switch, too? That's not an assistive device. That's a leash.
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Guess so. I've taken care of that, though, so it isn't a problem anymore. [Sort of. Other people have been able to mess with him, but it mostly isn't a problem these days.]
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[ Five's usually pretty perceptive, but he doesn't know what to make of Accelerator's expression. If it were him, he wouldn't want to keep a dark reminder of his past like that around, much less something that could potentially compromise him, but if it doesn't bother the guy to keep wearing it, then all the more power to him, he supposes?
His tone then takes on that familiar smarmy edge again as he adds with a grin: ]
It would be a pain if you tapped out on me again. We're not out of the woods just yet.
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Yeah, you're right.
[He sighs heavily. At least the two of them are used to life not being easy, though it's still a pain that neither of them can let their guard down quite yet.]
You got somewhere to stay while I'm stuck in here?
[Splitting up isn't ideal, though they have an entire planet to hide on.... Maybe the nurses would take pity on two kids and let Five hang around here past visitation hours.]
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[ He replies breezily. After their harrowing escape, navigating an unknown planet feels infinitely easier. Even if it means sleeping on the streets or something, he'll still sleep easier than when he was in the company's clutches. ]
Besides, I want to have a look around and do a little digging.
[ If he needed to skip town, then it was better he knew where to disappear to. Moreover, he's curious whether Peil has made any moves. Would they report the intruder or keep the incident hushed? Drawing too much scrutiny to the lab would only spell trouble for them, and it's not like they can put up a wanted poster for their own poster child. That's probably the only benefit to not having an identity and wearing someone else's face!
And if they were too far away for any news to reach the planet? That wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing either. ]
Depending on where we ended up, it might even be possible to put you in touch with your people. Unless your title's just for show, you've got to have some contacts willing to pick you up, right?
[ And foot the hospital bill... ]
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Alright.
[They've got the beginnings of a plan, which is encouraging!]
Of course I do. [Now that they're in a hospital, it shouldn't be difficult to contact his administrative team back on Earth to arrange for a ride and payment for any and all bills they incur. He does give a momentary pause before continuing, though.] ... There's a chance Peil could intercept the transmission and trace it back to this hospital. We'll want to wait until we're prepared to deal with any potential shitheads showing up.
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[ Because one esper versus whatever the company can throw at them? He's feeling fairly confident in the odds. That gives them a few days where they just need to lay low and not attract too much attention. Five rises to his feet, pausing only to share one more thought that occurs to him. ]
I didn't want the authorities involved and told the staff what happened to you was an "accident", so try to stick to the story!
[ Must be one freak accident ... ]
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Yeah, yeah. I'll try my best.
[A good medical professional would be skeptical of that reason, but as far as anyone knows they're just a couple of kids, so anyone who might be doubtful is probably giving them a lot of leniency. He can work with all of that until they can get out of here.
He shifts a little, tired, and a little hesitant to vocalize the other thoughts in his head.]
Don't do anything stupid.
[They're both in a risky position right now, and doing any investigating will put Five in an even more vulnerable state, so... that's just a bit concerning.]
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[ Please, he's not the one lying in a hospital bed! That was a reckless decision as he's already pointed out. Will he ever stop giving him crap about it? Probably not anytime soon. The unfortunate downside of being acquainted with someone like Five.
He understands what Accelerator's really saying, though. He waves his hand in the air, dismissing the other's concern. ]
Worry more about yourself.
[ With that, he exits the room as nonchalantly as he arrived. ]
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So he wanders around when he can, memorizing the layouts of different floors, remembering where emergency exits are located, noting any potentially dangerous chokepoints. It isn't that Accelerator is a paranoid person, but he and Five aren't out of the woods and it's better to be safe, just in case. He's had to deal with organizations like this in the past, and he wouldn't put it past them to pay some scumbags under the table to attack the hospital. Besides, this gives his brain something to do. It turns out recuperating is incredibly boring, and since he doesn't have access to any of his board chairman work he needs something to keep himself occupied.
That also means he finds himself looking forward to Five's visits which, for him, is pretty fucking strange. He isn't a sociable person but having Five as company is kind of... nice? He isn't boring, and only occasionally aggravating. Maybe it's because he has more in common with the other boy than he does most other teenagers, but it's easy to talk to him. At the very least, Five's presence makes things a lot less boring, and he can appreciate that.
Today is one of those days where he's feeling overly restless, so he's itching to go do some exploring. The hospital has issued him some pyjamas and slippers, and he's already sitting on the edge of his bed as he impatiently waits for Five to show up.]
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Eventually, he happens on a university campus where he can blend in with the student population and make use of their facilities. It gives him a sense of deja vu, but more importantly, it means he can access the public network. He skims what's in the news and runs a few searchs for Peil, their current distance from Earth, and what travel ordinances are in place. Because he has no shame when it comes to snooping, he also looks up Accelerator and Academy City. What turns up tracks with what he's been told, but public records paint a rosier picture. There's no mention of the dark side of esper experimention, which doesn't surprise him in the least. The student lounge also happens to be a great place to catch a nap without anyone asking questions. By the time he heads back to the hospital for his daily visit, he's looking well-rested.
Five arrives sipping complimentary coffee from the hospital lounge. He casually tosses a tourist guide to the city onto the bedside table. He can tell someone's been getting restless being cooped up over the days. ]
Brought you a souvenir!
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... Seriously? [Reaching over to pick it up, he scrutinizes the cover. A tour guide? It's hard to tell if this is a joke or meant to be useful for their current situation, or a weird combination of both of those things.] I'm not the kind of person who takes vacations.
[He adds in a dry tone, despite the fact that he's immediately starting to flip through it. Reading is Accelerator's only real hobby and a book's a book. There's no reason not to read it, especially since he doesn't have much else to do while recuperating.]
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[ He parrots back with no small amount of judgment. A teenager who's already a bigwig and workaholic at his young age. Can't relate. Five would rather be on vacation. The way Accelerator says it with a straight face makes Five's lips curl in amusement, and even moreso when Accelerator begins to flip through the book. He'd grabbed the guide because he figured he would either appreciate having something to do with all his spare time or it would drive him mad being stuck inside seeing the city through its pages. Either outcome is acceptable. His sense of humor might be a little twisted.
Five drags a chair over and turns it backwards to sit on, folding his arms over the head. ]
You should try hiring a body double and skipping town sometime! I hear CEOs are doing it.
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I'll pass, thanks. Making someone else wear my face and take over my fucking job is a level of cruelty even I can't stoop to.
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Must be a real shitty job! Can't imagine why anyone would want to tie themselves down with it.
[ He grins when Accelerator doesn't recoil at the innate horror in his joke but instead leans into it. It's not the kind of humor that can land with just anyone. Five takes a sip of his drink. In any case, he doesn't see the point in skirting around his past or sanding down the uglier parts to make it easier for others to handle. He's not looking for pity or consolation, either. It's enough to finally say it out loud and have someone get it without making a fuss. ]
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He snorts lightly, setting the guide on the bed and grabbing his crutch.]
It's called being responsible. [As if this was a completely normal level of responsibility for someone his age.] It's better that I deal with it than let someone else suffer through it. Or worse, let one of those sharks on the board of directors take over.
[The city isn't in a great state for kids who have been abandoned or fallen through the cracks, but ones with families get along just fine. He can't imagine how bad things would get if one of the directors took over.
Getting to his feet, he only needs a moment or two to make sure his side isn't going to cause him any unnecessary pain, then gives Five a pointed look. He can smell that coffee, man.]
Come on, I need something to drink.
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[ He regards him skeptically, not doing much to hide his smile at how funny he finds that kind of overly serious response. Not that Five can name a single adult he trusts in his life, much less one to appoint the leader of a city, so he can sort of understand how things ended up the way it did.
He watches Accelerator get to his feet. He looks way better than when he was wheeled into the hospital on a stretcher, but from what Five's seen, the guy can be exceptionally stubborn. Probably better to go along to make sure he doesn't collapse in the halls or something. So even though he just made himself comfortable, he rises from his chair with a sigh. ]
Coffee's in the lounge, but don't expect too much. What they've got here is pretty bland.
[ It's hospital food. But it's free, so maybe he shouldn't complain. ]
Did they say how much longer they're keeping you for?
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[No one he can trust, whom he's sure could handle the amount of work and backstabbing without crashing out. Maybe one day, after the city has been cleaned up... but that won't be for a while. It feels egotistical to think all of this, but Accelerator chalks it up to his own experiences with the absolute worst in adults. He can't risk even the smallest chance of one of those kinds of people taking over.
Taking a few experimental steps, he clicks his tongue before heading for the door and out into the hall. Lounge, okay. That's close by. He'll be moving more carefully to avoid messing with the injury, but otherwise he's doing okay. At least, okay enough to make the effort for bad free coffee.
He glances over at Five at they make their way to the lounge.]
No. They said the bullet didn't hit any important organs, but they want to observe me for at least a few more days to make sure everything is healing properly.
[It makes him tired and anxious at the same time, and that is a terrible combination of moods to be caught between. Sighing, he keeps his voice low so no one overhears.]
I don't need to be well enough to be discharged to arrange for a medical transfer, though. If they want to keep me for too long I should be able to arrange that with my damn city.
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Come to think of it, won't they be wondering where their chairman is? You would have been back by now if you didn't have to take this little detour.
[ Hopefully someone had the foresight to leave them instructions, seeing as he doesn't like the idea of substitutes doing his work. ]
Speaking of phoning home, you might want to start planning ahead. [ Five opens his mouth again to add. ] This hub is nowhere near your planet, so even if you called them up now, it could take days for your ride to get here.
[ It's not the best news, but he'd said he'd go digging and that's what turned up. ]
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... That's true.
[Fuck, do they think he's gone and died? Only a few days of no communication probably isn't too bad, but the directors are probably wondering what's going on by now. The slimier ones are likely starting to arrange their plans for a not-so-hostile takeover, though with most of the board being that way chances are they'll descend into attacking each other like jackals fighting over a corpse. As strange as it is, that would be preferable over only one or two having those kinds of ambitions, since it would buy him some time.
All of that runs through Accelerator's head very quickly, and he grimaces as he considers his options.]
Fuck. [He needs to get that out, there's no point in trying to be professional right now.] I'll contact them today. I should be well enough to transfer by then.
[He's guessing. He isn't a doctor and something could always go wrong, but he doesn't see any other options. This would give them the best chance of getting out of here before Peil finds them and if he dies or gets worse during transport, so be it.
He heads in and goes straight to the coffee machine, going through the whole process to get himself a mug.]
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Hold on, are you telling me you didn't even leave them a note? Like 'Hey, I'm running off to attempt an illegal and highly dangerous break-in, don't bother looking for me! I've left no contingency plans because I'm sure it'll all work out. Somehow!'
[ He adds generally unhelpful commentary as Accelerator makes his coffee. He's probably being a little loud and obnoxious, but he doesn't know that the directors are apparently so corrupt that he should be concerned. ]
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He is, in fact, a bit embarrassed about this.]
.................... I didn't expect to be gone this long.
[He's muttering that under his breath, the best argument he can muster. It's really pathetic and he knows it, so he tries to plow the conversation forward so he doesn't have to dwell.]
Anyways, the timing should still work, so it's fine.
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You sure? You're looking kinda stressed there. Need to sit down?
[ He leans against the counter, a shit-eating grin growing on his face, his tone one of mock-concern. Five's not above giving him a hard time about it. Maybe he's being unfair, considering the guy just nearly died and all. ]
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I'm fine. [He's saying that through gritted teeth so you know, not actually fine, but goddamnit if he is going to admit that.] Worry about yourself, bastard.
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Don't look so dour. Hindsight's 20/20, they say! Besides, I did a little digging on you, too. [ Yes, he'll just admit that casually. ] There's no news of Academy City in a panic over missing its chairman...yet.
[ With what they came for in hand, he pushes off the counter and heads for the exit. Rather than heading back to the hospital room, he takes them down a different hall to an outdoors space he'd glimpsed earlier. A small courtyard garden sits in the middle of the hospital where staff and recovering patients go to stretch their legs. ]
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... You have? [Wait, no. He sighs heavily, shaking his head.] What am I saying? I shouldn't be surprised.
[Of course he's done some digging on him, why wouldn't he? It's not as if they one another beyond a stupid title and a bunch of classified experimentation documents. Digging would be the smart thing to do in this case.
It hasn't been much walking, but he's already a little tired so he makes for a small table to sit.]
What'd you find?
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You're not very popular back home! Seems like your board preferred the last guy in charge.
[ Heck, that man even had some kind of royal send-off and dozens of articles written about him. What a tough act to follow. He can't imagine Accelerator's less-than-charismatic personality is doing him any favors when it comes to PR...
But that's not the end of it. Five's learned other interesting tidbits that he would be remiss not to zero in on. ]
There are even people who see you as dangerous. Of course, some of the rumors trying to discredit you sound completely exaggerated. Unless... [ Five shoots him a look of suspicion, the intonation of his voice turning dramatic with emphasis which is a clue to not take what he says next too seriously. ] You really are running a secret underground lab that I should know about? I mean, you could be trying to collect me as a guinea pig for your experiments... Permet has plenty of practical applications that could benefit a science-forward city like yours, and I bet my physiology would be fascinating to study!
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Then again, maybe complaining about Aleister is a better alternative to the rest of this. Accelerator falls quiet as he sips his coffee, listening as Five continues. It's clear from his tone that this is just more teasing and that he isn't serious about believing any of it, but Accelerator's expression is sober, and a little troubled.]
That's never going to happen. [He's surprisingly firm in his tone.] I can't fucking complain about that assessment of me and there may still be some shady research facilities operating in the city, but I'm not going to let that happen to you.
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I don't know, I'm still on the fence about visiting...and I'm getting mixed messages from what I read. [ He says slowly and questioningly, but his exaggerated tone falls away at his next words. ] What would it really be like there? Why should I even go with you?
[ He's only half-kidding now, because the pragmatic side of Five has been trying to suss out what would be his safer move. Chalk it up to his sense of self-preservation, but not going to a city where people are still disappearing and being experimented on is a valid option. ]
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He stares down at his coffee, taking this seriously. Maybe a little too seriously? The look he's giving his coffee is one you'd expect to see in some hugely important meeting about the fate of the city.]
You don't have to if you really don't want to. I'm not gonna make you do anything.
[He's going to make that clear first before continuing.]
But if you did, the city is closed to the rest of the world. People need permission to enter and exit Academy City, so you'd have an additional level of security protecting you from Peil until shit dies down. [So at least a temporary visit would be a smart move.]
Since you're a minor you could register to attend one of the schools. You wouldn't necessarily need to go through the Power Curriculum Program and become an esper to do that, the previous board chairman would make exceptions on occasion if the individual could bring something to the city. [He sits back, sipping his coffee.] We've got a few geniuses working as researchers. If you've got relevant skills I doubt it'd be hard for you to get hired at a facility.
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After being under Peil's thumb, the freedom almost feels strange. It's the first time he's had to ask himself where he wants to go and what he wants to do. Gundam pilots were never supposed to live for long. Now that he can afford to imagine a future for himself, he's having a hard time picturing it. Five crosses his arms and sighs out.
He'll just choose whatever's less of a pain to start. He doesn't have any real interest in school, but it may be worth enrolling just to keep a roof over his head. Especially if the city is as secure as the guy says. ]
What's the school like? I'll pass on the research facility, thanks. I've had my fill of scientists. Besides, if you were looking for a kid 'genius', you made off with the wrong Elan.
[ He's pretty sure he doesn't have the qualifications to be hired unless they're specifically looking for giant robot pilots. Though when Accelerator says the prior chairman 'granted exceptions', what Five hears is that he can bend the rules if he feels like it, so it may not be a bad idea to stick close to him... ]
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It depends on which one you get into. Normally that's dependent on your esper level and your test scores. Nagatenjouki Academy is one of the top high schools, if you get into there you're pretty much set for life.
[If anything, Academy City provides an exemplary educational background for its students.]
All of the schools have a focus on science, but if there's another academic field you want to go into for a career it isn't hard to find an institution that teaches it. Hell, we have an entire district that focuses on cultural and religious studies.
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I don't have academic records or telepathic powers, you know. It doesn't have to be a top school, or even a real degree, just somewhere low-key I can blend in for a while.
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Sighing a little, he sighs back.]
There are more typical schools. The curriculum is still gonna be beyond a regular Earth one and they'll all have specific activities espers need to do, but it wouldn't be hard for you to get into one of those.
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Let's say I get in. Won't I just stick out for not being an esper? That's kinda the opposite of what I'm going for here. It'd be better if I didn't make any waves.
[ School just isn't that important to him. At least to someone who hasn't flipped the switch from survival mode back to civilian life yet. ]
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Most of the espers in the city are Level 0 or Level 1. That means they're either too weak to manifest any kind of ability, or their ability is so weak that it's practically useless. Even though a Level 0 will still read an esper on certain medical examinations, they're functionally the same as a regular person.
[So even though everyone goes through the same process to become an esper, more than half of those kids don't end up with a super cool power.]
If your medical records were faked it'd be easy for you to pass as a Level 0. That would also mean you're more likely to get placed in a regular school, instead of one of the top ones.
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Okay...I can work with that. [ He says slowly, like he's turning the idea over in his head. So far, it checks out, and it might not be bad to start over somewhere new where his past can't catch up to him. If it doesn't work out, he can always bail. He's pretty good at that. ]
Why not? [ He throws his hands out. ] It's not like I have anywhere else to go.
[ A statement like that might have come off kind of depressing if he didn't deliver it with a wholly nonchalant attitude. ]
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Accelerator gives a little snort.]
Not unless you wanna be homeless. [His tone is dry. Thankfully, he doesn't add "or go back to Peil."]
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[ He's had a taste of homelessness over the past few days and it sucks. Sleeping on benches and library couches, not knowing where his next meal will come from... He'll adapt, as he always does, but considering the effort for the gain, of course he'll accept free stuff handed to him. Five shakes the now empty cup in his hands. ]
Speaking of homelessness...sneak me a meal. Tell them you want extra helpings.
[ He can't subsist on coffee alone. ]
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There's a brief, troubled shift to his expression before he forces something more neutral, and sighs.]
... You're desperate enough to go for hospital food, huh? [Really, it isn't great, even if it's better than starving.] Any preferences?
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Got any slop that's not bland?
[ He replies with emphasis, staring into the tasteless coffee cup. He's not sick. He could use some flavor in his meal, but honestly, he's not picky at this point. What's the saying. Beggars can't be choosers. ]
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No, sorry. It's all flavourless garbage. It wouldn't be hard to sneak you some sandwiches, though if there's some way to take some cash out using my bank card without it being too noticeable you can use it.
[He's kind of loaded so cost isn't an issue, the (digital) paper trail is.]
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[ He can do a whole lot with a card. Get himself a nice place to stay, even a ticket away from here... He doesn't think like someone with integrity would. The temptation is there, but he lets it pass. Five would already have lifted cash if he thought he really needed it. ]
Sandwiches are fine.
[ He sighs. It's fine. Eating slop won't kill him. As nice as it would be to have money on hand, the bank might flag it suspicious if someone suddenly started withdrawing money from the other side of the world. They don't need to take unnecessary risks. ]
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It's good he's picking the sandwiches over the bank card, though. Accelerator takes another sip of his coffee.]
Then we can both suffer through hospital food together. [What a way to build camaraderie.]
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[ He complains, but after surviving mad scientists, terrible food is a minor gripe compared to everything else they've had to deal with. With that settled, he crumples his cup and looks down the length of the courtyard, opting to change the subject. ]
You want to hang out here or head back in?
[ He hasn't asked, but he guesses Accelerator's still not feeling 100%, but he could also be tired of sitting in his hospital bed. ]
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Accelerator's gaze trials over to the entrance back into the hospital, a little reluctant. While he's pretty tired, the fresh air and getting to stretch his legs with some company has been nice.]
... I should head back in. I don't need the staff hassling me about being out of my room for too long.
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[ Spouting off this kind of idle chatter, Five accompanies Accelerator back to his room. He hangs around long enough to have his fill of bland hospital food, which despite his complaints he digs into without problem. He had understated just how hungry he is. When visiting hours conclude, he bids him goodbye and ducks back out into the city to... do whatever he wants to do. He's free now. ]
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[He can't really argue with that, and he's pretty sure he's never going to get over the embarrassment of getting shot. They eat some sandwiches and by the end of visiting hours he's legitimately exhausted.
The next day, as they discussed, he contacts the city to arrange for transport home. It isn't difficult to do given he's the person in charge, though he imagines when the board of directors hears there is going to be a lot of grumbling. Oops, the board chairman isn't missing or dead, and in a couple of days he'll be back in power. The only real threat are information leaks, Peil learning what's happened, and them trying to interfere. He makes it clear in the call that the company is likely out for blood, so Academy City needs to plan accordingly for this retrieval as well as send the hospital his bank details to cover whatever bills he's racked up. Once he's explained things and knows one of his employees will contact hospital administration for his medical records and to organize everything all that's left to do is wait.
It's a tense couple of days, but no Peil mercenaries or assassins show up. Only the Academy City transport that takes the two of them back to Earth. By then Accelerator is well enough to travel, so while it isn't a pleasant trip for him it isn't dangerous. They reach Earth without any major incidents, and even though Accelerator is transported to the city's best hospital he gets to work immediately arranging for Five's registration. He's enrolled into an unremarkable school, medical records are fabricated to make him an unremarkable Level 0, and he's given an unremarkable apartment and stipend to live off of. That gives him enough to settle in while Accelerator finishes recovering and gets back to work.]
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School life in Academy City turns out... painfully mundane, or so it feels when he's surrounded by peers whose troubles are as trivial as schoolwork and relationships. Still, Five keeps his impressions to himself and makes an effort to blend in. That part comes naturally. Putting up an act and talking his way around his secrets, it almost feels like attending Asticassia again, just minus the element of coercion and plus a whole curriculum around cultivating esper powers.
Knowing he won't be developing psychic abilities anytime soon, Five's elected to skip out on today's exercise, deciding to take a walk around the vast city instead. He dons a beanie and sunglasses before heading out, both purchased with the stipend. He doubts he'll be recognized for some CEO a galaxy away, but it doesn't hurt to obscure the resemblance now that he doesn't have to live as a clone. ]
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It takes less time than normal to release him from the hospital thanks to the city's advanced medical offerings, and once he is he immediately heads back to the office. The Windowless Building is gone, but he has some replacement office space in District 7, the same district as many of the middle and high schools. It's strange jumping back into being in an office for most of the day. He hasn't been the board chairman for very long, and prior to that he had dropped out of school (which had technically been a classroom containing only himself), so this is still an experience he's getting used to. He doesn't know how adult office workers do this every fucking day, and in a cubicle. At least he has his own office with a nice desk and a view of the rest of the district.
He's in the office today, pouring over reports that have come in over his recent actions. Unsurprisingly, Peil wasn't thrilled, and in order to maintain the safety and security of Academy City there are a mass of intel and surveillance he needs to review. It isn't exciting work, and by the time the afternoon rolls around he's downing his umpteenth can of coffee to get through it.]
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By and large, he finds himself bored. Logically, he should be able to appreciate student life now that he's free from the constant threat of death, but scheming for Peil and improvising one conniving plan after another had been far more engaging than playing the good kid, whatever that says about him. At school he puts in just enough effort to keep his teachers off his case, but it feels like going through the motions. Another performance under another fake name. Accelerator had nothing but good intentions setting him up with a normal life, but now that Five's had a taste of it, he finds himself strangely restless and without direction.
Perhaps it's those feelings that compel him to stop by the board chairman's place at the end of the day. Whatever Accelerator's been up to has got to be more interesting than what's going on in his own day-to-day right now. Five doesn't expect to actually be allowed in the building, but he's recognized and waved through without questions, which makes him raise an eyebrow. A short while later, he steps breezily into Accelerator's office, pulling off his hat and sunglasses because going incognito was obviously a bust. ]
Don't you think the VIP treatment defeats the purpose of getting me a new identity? Or do you make it a habit to talk to every high school kid who drops by?
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Ah, right. He had told all the relevant security and administrators that Five has access to him regardless of what he's doing, though he didn't exactly mention it and he's a bit surprised to see him actually here. It takes him a moment to process this before he responds.]
.... Most Level 0s don't have a giant conglomerate after them.
[That doesn't actually explain why Five has access to the most powerful person in the city, but he can't very well say, "I'm concerned and want to keep a close eye on you." Emotional vulnerability is not his forte, and acting like this is just a matter of practicality is a lot easier.
He sighs heavily, sitting back in his chair and running a hand through his hair.]
Did you need something? [Why else would he be here?]
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To Accelerator's point, he shrugs and answers without looking up from the paper. ]
I doubt they're looking too hard for me when they can have me replaced with another Enhanced Person. We're all the same to them—just bodies to put in a mobile suit! You didn't think making off with me would put an end to the program, did you?
[ By now, they've probably written him off as a business expense and moved on to shoring up their security and preparing the next subject. He's but a cog in a machine far too massive to be stopped. Since the start, Five has held no illusions that Peil will ever be held accountable for their crimes. Not to be a downer or anything, but the deeply cynical part of him thinks the company too powerful to be touched.
What a way to say hello. ]
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Ugh, this is not a conversation he wants to have, and his curt answer makes that obvious.]
... No, I didn't.
[He wishes it were that easy, but the crushing weight of reality won't let him deny it. There are probably dozens of other Enhanced Persons still out there, and honestly, kidnapping one and breaking one laboratory likely did very little aside from pissing off Peil. As much as he dislikes it, in the grand scheme of things nothing he did really mattered.
It pisses him off a lot, and his sullenness makes him fall quiet for a few moments.]
How's school?
[That has to be an easier subject of conversation.]
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So much for thinking Accelerator's day must more interesting than his own. He doesn't envy the guy and his mountain of paperwork. If there's a couch or another chair in the room, he'll sink down into it. If not, he settles for leaning against the desk. ]
I get a lot of questions for showing up in the middle of the year. The rumor mill has it that I'm the disowned son of a rich quasi-aristocrat from halfway around the world. Or was it a diplomat's kid? It's a pain trying to keep my cover story straight! Who knew mysterious transfer students stoke so much imagination.
[ If it sounds like he might be messing around, he probably is. A guy's got to get his entertainment from somewhere. Besides, he can't very well out and say he finds normal school tedious and misses his villain era. ]
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He snorts as he rubs the bridge of his nose.]
It sounds like you aren't doing much to stop those rumours.
[Which is actually a good thing. Escalation is a possibility and a risk, yes, but layers of rumours also serve to obfuscate the truth. It certainly helps right now, so he can't complain. Whether it's a good long term plan or not remains to be seen.]
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It's fine, isn't it? It's not like I can tell them the truth. I'm not sure anyone would even believe me if I told them the real story!
[ Their guesses may be wild but the truth is even wilder. If he has to invent a backstory either way, it's easier when the lies practically spin themselves. He idly waves the paper in the air, eyeing Accelerator from across the room. ]
You look like you've made a full recovery. [ Besides his inability to lighten up, but that's a chronic ailment. ] So, what's the news? Brief me on what I've missed while I've been impersonating some diplomat's kid.
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He sighs a little, setting his paperwork aside for the moment. His gunshot wound is still pretty sore, but it's getting better by the day. As far as anyone is concerned he's fully recovered.
Resting his elbows on his desk, he threads his fingers together with a serious expression.]
They're keeping most of what happened out of the public eye. There're reports of an incident at a Peil research facility, but they're downplaying the damage so it isn't front page news.
[Which means no information from official channels. Less-than-official ones, however....]
I shut down a lot of Academy City's surveillance, but from what we've got left those shitheads are scrambling to keep the Enhanced Persons experiments, which means you're now a rogue variable they can't account for. It goes without saying they want you dead or in a lab somewhere for dissection. [What a nice mental image.] They're certain you're here, but they're holding off on making any big moves. Chances are they're either going to try and sneak an assassin in, or work with someone already in the city to get to you.
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[ Damn...To think Peil had found his location already. Accelerator had access to networks and channels he didn't have, and if what he's saying is true, it's not good news. Up to this point he had thought being expendable would work in his favor. That they wouldn't care enough or search too hard. After all, he wasn't even a successful experiment...just one who knew too much. Five sits forward and sighs. Suddenly, the report he holds in his hands no longer feels like an irrelevant security detail. ]
If they know where I am, they've probably figured out who it was I got help from. Haven't they said anything? 'Return what's ours and we'll pretend it never happened!' and so on.
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He shakes his head slowly.]
No. They might be biding their time, trying to make me nervous. Or they might think I'm a lost cause, since I'm the one who went up there. Besides, not many adults take a kid seriously, even when said kid has all the fucking power.
[It wouldn't surprise him at all if they decided that even attempting to negotiate with him isn't worth the time and energy.]
I'm trying to decide whether I should start poking and prodding at the Board of Directors and see what falls out, or if I should confront them about any potential conversations they've been having with Peil directly.
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While they're biding their time, maybe you should start getting your alibi together! With your level of... [ He shoots him a side-eye. ] authority, it shouldn't be difficult to pull some strings. Get the Board to vouch for you. Fake a travel record. Come to think of it, who else have you told about me? Don't tell me they actually bought the cover story.
[ He's not sure how Accelerator has been explaining away his absence, not to mention his injury, but he would be surprised if his peers weren't a little suspicious of what he's been up to. Peil coming and knocking at this time would probably raise even more questions. ]
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Ah, shit. He hadn't really thought about that in detail. He just kind of... left. And came back. And everyone had to deal with it.
Accelerator's mouth forms a thin line as his shoulders tense. It's fine, it's okay, it's probably not too late to come up with some fake documents like Five is suggesting as long as he gets on it.]
I only told the relevant people. The ones needed to get your documents and registration in order, and your school.
[He turns slightly and starts rapidly typing on his computer, sending some very pointed emails to get everything rolling.]
I have no idea if anyone bought it. They have to do what I say, so it's not like I stopped to ask them how suspicious they were. [The likely answer to that is no one bought it and they're just going what their boss ordered them to do.]
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If it's just a matter of time until they dig up the truth, why bother hiding me? Use me instead.
[ He doesn't like the feeling of being on the back foot, waiting for the company to make the next move against him. ]
Just thinking out loud here. You have shady research facilities. I'm of scientific interest. It wouldn't be a complete stretch to convince them you're both after the same thing. Then it's simply a matter of business. Research in exchange for research, and each other's silence along the way. I'm sure any grievances can be smoothed over with the right amount of money. If you know how to negotiate, maybe they'll even let you hold onto their asset. Namely, me.
[ If you can't beat them, conspire with them!? ]
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...................
[As much as he dislikes it, it isn't a bad idea. Making a deal could placate Peil and make it easer to gloss over the illegalities involved in bringing Five here. Of course, that would potentially come at the expense of Five's wellbeing, and that's what makes him unsure. Fuck, he hates it when emotions get in the way of being practical.
Accelerator frowns, curling one hand into a fist.]
Wouldn't they expect some actual documentation to back up that deal? They'd want the reports and shit that come from experimenting on you.
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[ As far as he's concerned, if the numbers don't add up, that's Belmeria Winston's problem, not his. He would even feel a sense of satisfaction from sending them running in circles. If blood samples were needed to sell the story or something, that's a concession he's willing to make. The important thing is that the company believes their runaway subject contained and their secrets kept. ]
On the flipside, you'll get a look into what they're working on. Information you won't get by asking nicely. You can do with that whatever you want.
[ It's a mad idea. It probably won't be an easy sell. He's well-aware it puts himself at risk, but if he's going to be targeted anyway, he'd rather it be on his terms. Why not appeal to their greed and see what can be gained? There's no guarantee that hiding would be the safer option. Besides, if he's honest, he finds that option boring. What with the glint in his eyes, Accelerator might get the sense that Five is enjoying the theatrics. ]
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Plus, Five is right. Again. Getting information from Peil would undoubtedly be useful. It would make it easier to keep one step ahead of those assholes.
Accelerator draws in a deep breath, then sighs heavily and starts rubbing this temples. He's tired, he's so tired, he has no idea how Aleister managed to do this for decades.]
I can't fucking believe I'm considering this. This is insane.
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[ What's insane is someone thinking he can take a company head on and almost dying in the process of helping somebody he didn't even know. As far as plans go, Five doesn't think it's the craziest thing ever. He thinks Accelerator will come around and see the benefit in the gamble, too, even if he finds the initial suggestion appalling. It just means he hasn't become the kind of leader willing to treat everyone around them as tools. ]
Think it over. If you have any better ideas, I'm all ears.
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Fine, fine. [The gears in his brain start turning as he tries to come up with an alternative. If there's an option that could even make this a tiny bit safer, then he'll take in.
In the meantime, he slumps back in his chair, letting out a flurry of complaints.]
I don't know how that piece of shit that founded this city did this for so many years. Running a fucking nation is exhausting.
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[ It's easy to be a leader when you don't give a shit about whether your nation is run properly or not. Accelerator isn't suited to the role of an executive, in Five's opinion. If he were ruthless and clever enough to use the people around him, he wouldn't have so much of a headache getting things done. That was how Peil, the Benerit Group, and every other powerful company that clawed their way to the top operated. That said, Accelerator's decency is probably the only reason Five is chilling here at this moment instead of facing whatever fate awaited him as a test pilot.
Either way, these aren't problems they need to solve right this instant. The sun is quickly setting over Academy City and Five stretches in his chair. ]
Anyway, don't lose your hair over it. It's about time to clock out.
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But he didn't, so Accelerator has to deal with it.
He turns to look out one of the windows, frowning. Students will be out of school and finishing up any extracurriculars at this hour, so all the usual popular hangout spots will be crammed with kids letting off steam, getting food, and generally having a good time. Those aren't the kinds of vibes he's ever been good with, so he turns back to his computer and makes a show of rapidly typing on the keyboard, opening up more files to read through. All utter work nonsense.]
Just because other people work 9 to 5 doesn't mean I should. I still have a lot of shit to catch up on.
[Which is true, but not the main reason he wants to hide in his office.]
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[ He sighs in a show of mock disappointment that doesn't even try to pass for sincere. Five gets it. Really, he does. Accelerator isn't going to leave his work right now unless it's twisted into being his new responsibility. Well, this is his sign to stop overworking himself. You're welcome. ]
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[He's being needled, he knows he is, but at the same time, Five is his responsibility. Getting him out of the Peil's grasp was one thing, and he can't really expect that just dumping him into a completely new city full of strangers with no help is going to go well.
Accelerator's mouth forms a thin line as he considers this, and after a few moments he relents. Letting out a sigh, he saves a few things and then pushes away from his desk, grabbing his crutch before standing.]
Fine. Come on.
[This is probably going to go terribly, but the least he can do is make an effort.]
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His sunglasses go back on, not that he needs the disguise anymore now that Peil knows he's here. Consider it a matter of personal preference. It's nice, having the freedom to wear whatever he wants. ]
So! Where to first?
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Have you eaten yet?
[That seems like an easy place to start.
(Though Accelerator's idea of eating out consists of convenience store food and chain restaurants...)
As they leave his office he waves off at administrator trying to approach him with several manila folders. Sadly, work is going to have to wait until tomorrow.]
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[ Should he be admitting that part out loud... Oh well, too late to take it back.
Five follows Accelerator out the office, flashing an innocent look at the employee bearing paperwork as they walk past. No, sir, we are not doing any more work today. ]
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Why the fuck are you skipping school?
[Like he can complain, given he dropped out.... but still, he's giving Five a judgmental look as they reach the elevator. He hits the button, and steps inside when it arrives.]
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A few missed classes won't make a difference. It's not like I'll be developing esper powers anytime soon! They're better off spending their time on the hopefuls who will happily sign on to be poked and prodded at. Imagine that! The students here are something else. Not saying that the school I came from didn't have its own weird customs...
[ He goes on to say as the floor number ticks down. At the risk of sounding ungrateful, he hasn't felt all that invested in his student life. Of course, given the secrets he's keeping, he hasn't voiced these thoughts to anyone outside of Accelerator just now. At school he can at least pretend to fit in, and he thinks he's pulled it off well enough, strange rumors nonwithstanding.
The smile slips from his face. ]
Besides, this fake identity, double life gig gets old, you know?
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Most Level 0s are going to fail at those tests anyways, so it'd be another way for you to blend in. In fact, if you were to suddenly pass any of those with flying colours it'd raise just as much suspicion as you skipping class.
[He pulls his gaze away from his phone to give Five a pointed look, stepping back and closer to him as the elevators stops at another floor to let more people on. He drops his voice to something quieter.]
Sometimes you have to make sacrifices to not wind up on the dissection table. If you're only having to suffer through some boredom I'd say it's worth it.
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I'm not saying I won't play along, but doesn't the curriculum strike you as funny? Students here are awfully comfortable with giving their bodies over to science for the chance to what, make objects fly?
[ Seeing his peers volunteer to undergo tests was a societal norm he can't get over. Call it culture shock or whatever, but Five really doesn't care for that part of the curriculum. He can grin and bear it, sure. Five sees his point, and if it were just boredom, he could put up with it, but having to live a lie? Anyone would get tired of that eventually.
As other people file in, he drops his voice in turn. ]
I get that being an esper is a big deal around these parts, but if that's what you call ambition, I guess I don't see eye-to-eye!
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You don't need to be ambitious about something that'll never happen, but you still need to fit in. Just be fucking realistic about it.
[The elevator reaches the lobby and he heads out, following other employees leaving for the day out into the street. Once they're both out there he turns right and heads down the sidewalk, towards a nearby chain restaurant. It's better than fast food but not by much.]
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[ After all the strings pulled to get him enrolled, it's not unreasonable for Accelerator to ask that he keeps his head on straight. Five doesn't expect him to get where he's coming from. With a sigh, he pushes off the wall and follows him out the building.
Now... he'd been expecting they'd end up at a more upscale restaurant given Accelerator's importance and his fancy office furniture. So this is the kind of place he frequents? Or maybe it's just close by and he wants to get back to work quickly. ]
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He's still in a bad mood when they enter the restaurant. There are a few other groups of kids but it clearly isn't that popular of a spot, especially at this time. A waiter will show them to a booth near a window looking out onto the busy street, so at least they'll be able to people watch. Accelerator picks up a menu, eyes scanning it.]
What do you want to eat?
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What do you recommend? You must have picked this restaurant for a reason.
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[Yeah, he picked it because he's eaten here before and he's lazy. Sue him.
He scans the menu, chin in one hand, frowning at all of it. It's a lot of basic entrees, comfort food that would appeal to as wide an audience as possible.]
The curry's okay, I guess. Same with the omurice.
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As for his order, he doesn't have enough memories to have anything like a comfort food, but this kind of menu agrees with him. It doesn't take long for him to decide. ]
I'll have the curry and take a chance on 'just okay'.
[ He raises his hand to wave down the waiter. ]
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Except the only times he's really done this were when Last Order dragged him out. If given the choice he'd just grab something from a nearby convenience store, which is kind of pathetic when having dinner at a crappy chain restaurant isn't exactly a high bar to clear.
He gives a little nod, and when the waiter comes over he'll order the omurice and a coffee. Once the waiter has taken their menus and left to put their orders in, Accelerator sits back.]
... What are you used to eating?
[He's also excellent at smalltalk.]
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[ Between the school cafeteria and the numerous affordable options in the city, he's at no risk of going hungry. He doesn't have particularly expensive tastes, but he prefers something a little nicer than convenience store food. If his budget can cover it, he sees no reason not to enjoy himself. ]
If you're asking about before all this... [ He gives a shrug. ] I couldn't tell you. My memories from before I got enhanced is one big blank.
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So that's not a big deal. What is is the rest of Five's explanation. Accelerator looks thoughtful.]
... Completely blank? Can you remember anything at all from before this shit?
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[ He rests his chin on his hand as he waits for their food to arrive. He has only the vaguest bits and pieces left in his recollection, flashes of his past that don't even really feel like his. It would be a lie to say that it doesn't bother him, but he's also not nearly as hung up about his memories as someone in his position might be. From what little clues he has, he suspects his old life wasn't anything worth longing for. No one makes a deal with the devil if they have better options available to them, that kind of thing. ]
They didn't have to go so far! I wouldn't have agreed to change my face if it wasn't in my best interest. Like I've said, Peil and I were just using each other.
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Does that mean you wouldn't want them back? Not that I'm saying it's possible, but neurology research is one of the city's specialties.
[You can't have artificial espers without extensive research into the brain, after all.]
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He grimaces. He should be looking forward, not back. It's foolish to pin his hopes on getting back something he'd already learned to live without. ]
I mean... Even if I did want to know, there's got to be risks involved with that kind of research. I'm not convinced these scientists actually know what they're doing. Doesn't it creep you out? Someone cutting open your skull and poking around...thanks, but no thanks.
[ For once, he sounds uncertain, but he's leaning no. ]
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Your choice. I know what it's like having good and bad doctors cut into my brain, so I get any reluctance you have.
[Messing around with the brain is a dangerous, terrifying thing, but he wouldn't have brought it up if he didn't think there was a possibility for some kind of recovery.
The waitress comes by with their food and drinks as he says that, and he falls silent until she's left. The food looks entirely average, and he picks up his fork to dig in.]
If you change your mind I can look into any similar research that's already been done.