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sexyspace2019-01-24 08:00 pm
zhautasmods) wrote in sexyspace2019-01-24 08:00 pm
Entry tags:
TEST DRIVE MEME #8
Awakening
The multiverse is sick. It’s dying. And it’s up to you to save it. Or, at least, that’s what the Zenith Corporation had told you when they announced their search for a cure across the multiverse. They hand-picked individuals to be "volunteers" for the next stage of experimentation. Maybe they made it sound dire, maybe you already had your mind set on helping, or maybe the exact specifications of how you could help were vague. Considering the alternative was wasting away on your home planet with no promise of when this cure might actually come to fruition, it ultimately wasn’t much of a choice either way.
Everything comes to life the more awake that you start to feel. "Good morning, volunteer," sounds a synthetic, masculine voice in your ear. That must be one of the fancy features they advertised about the chip that was injected just beneath your skin. "About time you woke up." A projected HUD above your torso displays and scrolls through several readings about the state of your being. "A scan of your vital signs show that everything is functioning as normal." There’s a small pause. "Oh, actually- Nevermind, that's probably fine." The sense of dread that follows that misleading phrase is accompanied by a light chime. "Emotional responses are still accurate, too. Good to know." Without any further explanation or allowing for protest, he continues on. "Hopefully, you aren't too sore after sleeping that long. We’ll be descending to planet #05031941 - common name designated as Zhautas - in approximately three hours. There will be a brief orientation for all volunteers shortly after landing. In order to stimulate what little brain activity you have, I suggest visiting the museum for a relaxing bit of artistic appreciation."
If you have any questions, make sure they're worth my time. My name is R.Y.U.O. and on behalf of all of us at the Zenith Corporation, we’re glad to have you aboard.
Artistic Endeavours
As always, the color o҉s҉t҉i҉g҉n҉u҉h҉ is- Wait, what do you mean the color o҉s҉t҉i҉g҉n҉u҉h҉ is so bright it's searing your eyes? Huh. That's weird. Maybe the replacement light they made was the wrong kind. Oh, well. They’ll fix that for the next trip. For now, don’t worry about it. It probably didn’t lead to anything important anyway!
- While the staff are helpful, many of them seem to be defeated. There's an unmistakable melancholy in the air. If anyone tries to ask, they reassure volunteers that everything is fine. Still, the moment that anything goes wrong or they can't exactly answer a question it's clear that they grow even more self-conscious. Just what's going on around here?
They won't say. Maybe one or two might eventually let it slip that the Zenith Corporation isn't especially happy lately with a wanted criminal still at large on Zhautas that seems to be terrorizing Zenith at every turn. Her name is Hoshiko and she's a pirate that is capable of escaping every attempt Zenith has made so far to apprehend her. Recently, she caused quite a bit of destruction and caused Zenith to lose their good standing in some parts of Zhautas. Still, try not to worry about it too much. Oh, and, don't tell their boss that they let you know this. They technically weren't supposed to. - As you draw closer to museum, some soothing music begins to play through the halls. It's supposed to get volunteers really in the mood for the museum, if you know what they mean. That's because it isn't your typical museum, of course. If you were one of the few that didn't really know the details of why you were coming here in the first place, you'll definitely know now when it's all out on display.
"Do make sure not to inappropriately touch anything," says R.Y.U.O. flatly. Metal flooring changes to marble beneath your feet upon stepping into a large museum. The emphasis of these exhibits is sex. That is obvious in the statues and diagrams of alien creatures and their mating rituals. There are also flower bouquets that look oddly phallic (or are made out of condoms). That's one way to get creative! Additionally, there are paintings of nature from Nevrione that look like genitalia both human and not and is meant to be symbolic of sex being intrinsic to a natural way of life. - Don't worry, they'll have places that you can sneak away if it gets to be a little overwhelming. The museum has a lounge of plush, red chairs to sink into if all those racy exhibits prove to be a bit too much. Upon tilting your head back to relax, however, you might just notice the suspension ropes hanging from the ceiling. Or maybe it's the man wearing the zipper mask sitting across the way that catches your eye instead.
Oh, whoops- Looks like you might have gotten turned around at some point. This isn't the lounge at all. This is actually the kink section of the museum. There's a wide range of exhibits here that are all about the harder kinks out there across the multiverse. There are informational pamphlets and explanations of things you might have never heard of or thought of doing. Of course, if you want to keep them for reference for later... you're more than welcome to!
In trying to leave, you might find yourself walking through a mirror maze instead. If you're wondering how this is sexy, well- Just use your imagination! Or read the nearest informational sign that reads about how masturbating or having sex in front of a mirror can be a kink for some people. That works too! - This museum never seems to end. In this next part, there's a gathering of people with fancy pens and sketchbooks. It looks like perhaps an art class is in session. Whether you decide to stay and see what they might be painting or choose not to disturb and attempt to go along your way, you'll be addressed suddenly by a large mustached man with six eyes and three pairs of spectacles. "You there!" he suddenly beams. "Yes, you, the- What species are you again? Oh, it doesn't matter." He clicks his mandibles and smiles (or the closest thing to it) as his fuzzy claws rub together idly.
"I'm glad you could make it," he continues on, despite any protests you might make. "But you're wearing far too much for this modeling session!" Modeling session? What in the world is he going on about? You didn't sign up as a model for anything! Any protests you make die on your lips as he talks over you and tugs you towards a dressing room in the back of the studio. "Hurry now, we only have a set amount of time before orientation and landing! These people are eager to draw a, mm. Whatever you are!" He'll get it eventually. "There's a towel in case you're a little shy but it'll need to be removed once you're on the podium."
With that, he leaves you alone to get undressed. Maybe you decide to roll with it! Why not go bare for all to see and sketch? It's a once in a lifetime opportunity and you'd be helping out some very nice art students. Or maybe not. In that case, it seems you're not the only one that got roped into this impromptu nude modeling session unawares. There are likely other volunteers just as confused and looking for help. Perhaps together you can convince this guy he's got the wrong person... or even find the actual model. Better hurry though! The teacher isn't a patient man and there's no doubt he'll be asking where you are before long.
Orientation
Shortly after landing, an announcement is made to everyone aboard the ship. It’s time to find your way to the amphitheater for orientation. If anyone gripes, they are reminded that it has mandatory safety information that the Zenith Corporation is legally required to cover. In fact, there's even a quiz at the end to make sure you understand all the technical ins and outs! The Zenith Corporation only has your best interests at heart. They also can’t afford another lawsuit or PR nightmare but who can, really? It’s only a half an hour long and R.Y.U.O. tells everyone that, while boring, it is mandatory by law so you best pay attention.
- Are you way too cool for school? If you try to play hooky, the crew members of the spaceship are already on guard. You're not the first one to try this and they doubt you'll be the last. Try as you might to super sleuth your way around, there’ll be someone at apparently every single twist and turn.
It’s also very likely that in scrambling to find a place to hide, you’ll run into someone else breaking the rules! Perhaps great minds think alike and you decide to try to defy the system together. Or maybe they’re totally just getting in your way and you decide instead to throw them to the wolves to give yourself a better chance at escaping the certain boredom that is an informational seminar. The choice is yours, volunteer! - Whether you come to the orientation willingly or are dragged in by one of the staff, you’ll quickly realize just how right R.Y.U.O. was. This is the most boring thing you've ever sat through. A half an hour feels almost like ten hours instead. The last time you checked your watch, it was somehow later than when you check it now. Is time going backward? It sure seems like it the longer you listen to the monotone voice read over colored flavor text clearly meant to engage but missing its mark stupendously. Even the motivation of a quiz at the end that needs to be passed in order to disembark seems to do little to nothing for your dwindling attention span.
Finally, there’s a break in the bureaucratic monotony. The faceless, droning voice announces an additional seminar from The Zenith Corporation! In light of some recent... issues, they're really trying to promote their volunteer program as something beneficial for the multiverse but also for you! Despite what you might hear from established volunteers, they really do have your best interests at heart and want your help to succeed in curing this disease.
It's all very touching, isn't it? How much they care? Maybe you buy into it and think, wow! I'm really helping to save the multiverse. Or maybe it reads like try hard propaganda to get you to see them as the benevolent ones when they're not actually as good as they seem. After all, if established volunteers are having problems that they feel the need to point out- Isn't that just a little bit suspicious, maybe?
"Thank you, Zenith," the voice says, level and not giving anything away. "Wasn't that informative! Volunteers, what do you think about the topic of Zenith's operations here on Zhautas? Discuss amongst yourselves!" - Hopefully, you didn't forget about the quiz! The staff certainly didn't. After the pre-recorded seminar is run, papers are handed out. A quiet shuffle carries through the room as people pass them to and fro down the aisles. It all seems rather arbitrary and tedious but remember! You have to pass in order to disembark.
It isn't too hard. Or maybe it is. Perhaps it's just the pressure that you only have fifteen minutes to complete it. What was the professor's first name again? How many research facilities are there on the planet? Staff are scrutinizing your every move now, it feels like. Do you take the risk and try to whisper for help to the person next to you? Pass notes? Do what you must to succeed! ...Or you can just shamefully take the quiz again and again and again until they're legally obligated to let you off board.
NEVRIONE (JAN 24th - FEB 17th)
- Volunteers will be dropped off at the outskirts of the city of Heawood. It's unfortunately seen better days. The forest is in shambles compared to what was advertised. It looks like there was a large battle here recently and, well, you wouldn't be wrong! If you ask anyone, they'll talk about the recent troubles they'd had. Something about a space pirate causing a scene and destroying a Zenith outpost, the native gods being summoned to defend the country, and... those gods being killed. It sounds like a lot happened in this country before your arrival and now everyone is left to pick up the pieces.
While volunteers were initially greeted with open arms a couple months ago, the reception that this group gets will be as cold as the snow outside. The locals don't seem too pleased about the idea of more off-worlders coming into their home and potentially making things worse. Of course, not everyone feels this way, but a large majority of the population do. It might make it hard to get directions or learn more about the local culture when they aren't really willing to share. Sorry, volunteers! The Zenith Corporation actually says that you'll be leaving soon so it's likely better that you won't have the chance to get too attached.
- Suddenly, R.Y.U.O. turns on one of the newer features to help volunteers cheer up a little. Don't say he never did anything for you. Someone next to you might sprout cat or dog ears. Don’t mind if you get knocked in the face suddenly by someone’s new butterfly wings. It happens! It’s also possible they take on the long whiskers of a Coeurl or plumage of a Chocobo or other animals entirely unfamiliar to some. Either way, everyone just got a lot more animal-like. While it doesn’t look exactly like the natives, it does bring a smile to the faces of the locals and they seem a bit more generally receptive to the people waltzing into their homeland.
This feature is extremely customizable. Volunteers can toggle it off if they don’t want it at all. Additionally, they can have as many or as few animal features as they’d like. They can also change what creature they’d like to take after with just a thought! The only limitation seems to be that they can only appear as one animal at a time.
While all the add-ons seem to be mostly for aesthetic, it is a lot of fun to play around with! 
In Nevrione the current seasons is clearly Winter. All the leaves have been raked up and used for other things. What's left of the trees are barren and without leaves. It really does make everything look a little more bleak. What a shame that volunteers aren't getting to see it at its most beautiful.
Of course, just because there isn't a lot of growth doesn't mean that there isn't any. There's actually a winter plant that seems to be just about everywhere and one that people will know- it's mistletoe! It isn't called that here, of course, but it still has the same tradition as on earth. Two people that are caught underneath it should kiss. This can be as platonic, or not, as you want it to be. Even hugs are acceptable, really! Just as long as you share a little bit of affection or intimacy with the other person, it's said to be good fortune for ringing in the new year. The people of Nevrione sure do love their good fortune, don't they?
Of course, this plant comes with a catch. You'll find yourself stuck in some way if you don't participate in the custom. It's a little trick that the Selva - the resident fairy folk - play for when they hibernate during the winter. These creatures never seem to stop causing mischief. So, if you don't feel the love... then you're going to get stuck until you do! This doesn't have to be physically either. You could be stuck on a decision you're trying to make, on a question that was asked of you, or any number of things. The point is though, you'll be stuck on it until someone kisses or hugs some sense into you again.
MAIN RESEARCH FACILITY (FEB 18th & ON)
- They were supposed to have everyone's rooming assignments ready. Unfortunately, R.O.S.I.E. has only just recently woken up and it slipped through the cracks. Honestly, she thought she had more time! She's had so much to catch up on after spending so long non-operational. While apologetic, it doesn't change the fact that you're out of a room for now.
Due to their error, the Zenith staff do their best to make volunteers feel at home... outside. The weather is nice, they have perfectly good (aphro-laced!) tents for use, and why not? This an adventure, right? What's more adventurous than sleeping out under the stars on a whole new world? It's like something right out of your imagination! However they sell it to you, they sell it very well. Even if you are upset, your complaints seem to fall on deaf ears after a certain point and you might just have to accept defeat.
At least R.O.S.I.E. has the courtesy to project a movie for everyone to watch during the evening before lights out. This one was selected by R.Y.U.O., the other A.I. that you might hear from time to time now that he's been a bit more involved. It's a classic and he's going to be disappointed if you don't appreciate its subtly and charm.
- During the night, you'll realize you're not alone. It's quiet, at first, but then a noise comes from out in the dark. It sounds again louder and very close by. A clear, audible-
Ribbit.
A brightly colored frog is sitting just outside your tent (or by your side, if you chose to make do without!) and blinks once you notice it. It gives a little hop, another croak, and then snatches whatever food you might have leftover from dinner. It undulates violently soon as it eats any scraps lying around then pops apart and suddenly there's two.
If you don't want to end up overrun, you might need to put your food away! Maybe this is why you were told it wasn't good to keep it out. If you try to touch the frog to remove it, however, there's a sudden buzz in your ear and a light chime before R.O.S.I.E. speaks gently, "I wouldn't touch that if I were you. It's toxic to most species! You're going to have to find another way to get this little guy out of your space."
"Are there any sticks around? Maybe you could ask your neighbor!" - "Do you like the stars?" asks R.O.S.I.E. in the dead of night. Don't worry, she won't ask if you're asleep! In fact, it seems like she might be contacting the insomniacs or those that are having trouble specifically. An A.I. doesn't need to sleep, but it does get lonely it seems.
She guides volunteers out to a nice viewing spot, but also warns of the jungle's dangers. If you happen to see any red eyes staring back at you in the dark, steer clear. They don't seem especially aggressive lately but demons are still bad news. But hopefully, the view of a spectacular crescent moon and stars freckling the inky black sky make up for any feelings of uncertainty you might still have, or at the very least provide a distraction from whatever has your mind keeping you from falling asleep.
"You should make a wish," she encourages. Though, of course, you're not the only one she directed this way so your wish might not be as secret as you're hoping it to be if you say it aloud.
Network/Bangr
During all the goings-on, R.Y.U.O. will prompt you to set up your presence on the network. Pick a username, a profile picture, and commence to shitposting immediately if you so desire! Additionally, if you want to get a headstart on your contribution to the volunteer program, why not set up your Bangr? R.Y.U.O. even has an icebreaker question ready for you! They change every month. This month's question is:
(*Despite what you might actually put, know that R.Y.U.O. is a little bored. What you wrote might not actually be what's displayed! I.E., you can totally use this as a misfire type deal in case your character wouldn't answer this question.)
bangr
Professor Quintalian | 35
I'd have to say that winter is my favorite, actually. There's just something so nice about cuddling up next to someone who's warm and comfortable during the colder months of the year.
| ✓ | ✕ |
| YES |
NO |
PLEASE NOTE: This BANGR code is the COMMENT-FRIENDLY version, there is a separate code for entries! If you're testing this code before posting it here please do so in a comment to an entry for accuracy!
Extra Notes
- Remember that all prompts are OTA! It can now be assumed that after the ship lands, current volunteers in-game were able to board and hang-out for a little bit before it leaves again! That means established volunteers can welcome new members, show them around parts of the ship they're familiar with, and explore new areas that weren't open during their own arrival! Only new volunteers will be taking the orientation quiz, but established volunteers are free to peek inside the room or try to help with the quiz!
- A reminder that the TDM can be considered game canon and timeline-wise the TDM takes place on the 8th when the arrival ship arrives, as shown on the calendar. As always, current players may top level, if they so choose!
- Going into FEBRUARY, we will be continuing our APPLICATION CAP OF FORTY (40).
no subject
Hasn't happened yet..?
[But then, how could his hair have been shorter, before? It was never that short, and if he hasn't cut it yet, then -...
No - that's really not the important thing here! Finally the implications of what Noiz is saying begin to sink in. If the Rhyme rematch hasn't happened yet... what else hasn't happened yet? He thought Noiz seemed a bit gruff, but -... His stomach sinks.]
We... haven't gone to Platinum Jail yet? And... the hospital....
[All right, so the sex hadn't been the most important part, maybe, but... it felt like a culmination of a lot of things between them, and Noiz acting like it hasn't happened hurts. That Noiz left after their rematch was painful, but Aoba can only try to accept that Noiz must have had his reasons to leave. Noiz denying that anything ever happened, though? That would really cut deep.]
no subject
You're speaking nonsense. Hospital? Who was in the hospital besides your coma buddy?
[Unfolding his arms, he points at the floor.]
I've been with this program for over half a year. Oval Tower shit went down nearly a year before I joined. And don't forget. You went in by yourself. I was only there because the others paid me to sneak them in.
[Since Ren remembered Noiz's efforts in keeping Aoba logged in so Aoba could Scrap himself and Ren, Noiz has no reason to suspect that the events of Platinum Jail happened differently. But for some reason Aoba is making it sound like the two of them went in together.]
no subject
[What is he even supposed to say to that? Noiz isn't only saying that the things between them didn't happen, but now he's saying it happened differently? Whatever he may have felt about Aoba's actions, there's no reason for him to lie about a thing like that. This is more than just denial.
Suddenly feeling like his world has been turned upside down both figuratively and literally, an uncomfortable lightheaded sensation overcoming him, Aoba sits down on the chaise, no longer caring about any of its weird attachments.]
You... It was you. [Noiz was the one who'd ended up in the hospital.
Except that he didn't, apparently. Since Aoba doesn't think Noiz is lying, what does it all mean? Did Aoba make it all up...? Maybe that's it? Something could have hit him on the head when Oval Tower collapsed - or maybe using his power finally fried his brain?
That makes a lot of sense, actually. Why else would his headaches have stopped since then?
Putting his elbows on his knees, Aoba rests his head in his hands, his fingers digging into his scalp as if they might physically dig up the "real" memories hiding there. He lets out a shaky breath. How is he supposed to know what's real and what isn't?]
no subject
...That, that's not possible.
[He shakes his head as his eyes widen in disbelief.]
The only one who got injured was you, and the group carried you out to safety.
[Not a significant amount of injury, mind you. But Virus and Trip had been in the middle beating the stuffing out of him when they stumbled onto the scene and broke it up, rescuing him from their clutches.]
no subject
He's really starting to doubt his own memories, but in the end, what can he do but tell the story as he knows it? He can't expect Noiz to understand where he's coming from, otherwise.]
That's wrong. It was just you and me...
[Maybe it hadn't always been a smooth trip, but it had connected them in a way that Noiz had never been able to connect with another person... and it was definitely something new for Aoba too, in different ways. To have that taken away hurts, and he can't bring himself to look at Noiz, even if he probably should. He squeezes his eyes shut, and for some reason finds himself breathing a short laugh - mocking himself, maybe, though for what he couldn't say; doesn't want to say, perhaps.]
You got pretty hurt...
no subject
I don't know where you got a crazy idea like that.
It wasn't. I didn't.
[He lets out a low huff, scowling off to the side, and slinks into a sitting position on the other end of the lounge.]
Seriously. What do you hope to gain from feeding me this?
[That's the part that's niggling at him the most. Why would Aoba babble this kind of nonsense at him? Also why would he give a damn about him allegedly having been injured badly enough to require hospitalization? Both of his selves previously made it very clear to Noiz that he holds no value to him other than what he can offer. Pushed aside. Forgotten about. Used. Thinking back to their most recent confrontation, Noiz can't help the way his throat tightens up.]
no subject
Finally looking up, he spits back his reply, voice raised in frustration.]
It's because I have nothing to gain from it that you know it's the truth!
[But what difference does it make? He kind of regrets the half-accusation the moment it leaves his mouth. Whatever caused this mess, it's not Noiz' fault.]
... I'm sorry. I don't understand what happened, but... I'm really not lying. I would never. Not about this.
[He didn't... make it up. He couldn't have.]
no subject
People don't do things without having something to gain. At least, not if they're smart.
[Plenty of people out there are idiots.
Scowling, Noiz opens up a window of his Coil and starts navigating through a folder menu. Where were those news files about the Allmate virus again?]
I'm not lying either. I can prove some of what happened. My Allmates remember things as I do.
[Technology can be tampered with, sure. And it's been a while since he asked them. But— Ah, there's one. He selects the file and it opens up in a new window in front of Aoba. A news article about the glitches being patched up.]
There. Does any of that look familiar? You can also ask Usagimodoki about what they heard while we were in the tower...
no subject
He looks at the news article Noiz shows him, but it barely sinks in. It's not like Aoba needed proof anyway... He knows that they're both telling the truth as they know it. After all, Noiz has nothing to gain from lying, either.
Somehow, that almost makes this worse. At least if Noiz was lying for some reason - even if he was doing it to get some kind of revenge - it would stop at some point, and they could move on, somehow or other. This just feels like Aoba's world was turned inside out and squished back into its previous shape with limited success, nothing fitting together quite right.]
I believe you. I believe you, but... I don't understand.
[How could none of his memories have happened? He really couldn't have made up something like that! Unless his brain really is doing weird things...]
That's not what I remember.
[That's all he can say, in the end. The whole "we ended up sort of together and having sex in the hospital" is just not something to spring on a person, even though Aoba doesn't actively want to lie about it, either.]
no subject
You have a habit of forgetting things.
All right, then, what do you remember? About Oval Tower. Besides me supposedly getting badly injured.
[He purposefully uses the word 'injured' rather than 'hurt' here.]
no subject
Aoba resolves to try and keep it simple. Simple, and as superficial as he can without lying.]
It was just the two of us going into Platinum Jail... We stayed at a house called Glitter. A lot of things happened...
[He can't get distracted by details, though. Not now. It's really embarrassing anyway - which is frustrating, because it's not supposed to be, not with the other person involved... but Noiz doesn't remember, and that makes it more embarrassing rather than less so.]
It was just the two of us going to Oval Tower, too. Toue took control of you, and you attacked me... [Skipping over details takes as much effort as recounting them, but he's still trying.] ... I had to use Scrap on you.
no subject
Closing his eyes, he sighs and closes down the Coil windows. His head shakes in a slow sign of a lack of recognition.]
None of that is familiar.
You went in alone. While you were in there, Toue brainwashed nearly everyone in the Old Resident District. She had us cover our ears in time.
After some planning and your boss getting a call through to you, the rest of us snuck in. I snuck them in using fake IDs. We came across Morphine attacking you in the tower and drove them off. Then... you had to use Scrap on yourself in Rhyme to stop your Allmate who'd gone berserk from that worm.
no subject
[Dry, empty words, but they match the dry, empty feeling that Noiz' version of events leaves Aoba with.
None of it happened. No slowly growing understanding; no intense bond... No break-through that had made Aoba so, so happy for Noiz and all the ways he'd managed to grow. Aoba is not sure he can replicate what he did for Noiz, either. He's not sure he can try, even if Noiz were to let him - and there's no reason to presume that Noiz will.]
So... you still don't feel pain?
[It's an important question, but it's not even close to the ones he really wants to ask. He can't touch on any of the other things, though. Noiz' history is too personal for Aoba to admit to knowing it, and what happened between them... apparently didn't happen at all, so there's no point in dwelling on it.
Aoba at least wants to check on the pain issue, though. It's caused Noiz so many problems.]
no subject
He turns his head to stares at Aoba as though the older man had grown a second head, breath rushing out as he does so.]
What?
[Who told him who told him who told him—]
no subject
Judging from Noiz' reaction, Aoba clearly crossed a line, though, so he does the only logical thing, and backtracks as fast as he can without actually taking back his words.]
A-Ah, I said we went into Platinum Jail together, right? And that a lot of things happened...
[Which says exactly nothing, of course - which had been his entire point in phrasing it that way. It'll be easier if Noiz fills in the blanks himself, as much as cares to.]
You sort of... got hurt? So we ended up talking about it.
[What a gross oversimplification of things... but the more he says, the more difficult this will be, on Noiz and on himself. He can't take that chance.]
no subject
Slowly breathing out as if deflating physically and mentally, Noiz focuses on losing some of that tension.
Okay. Aoba did say something about him getting injured enough to warrant a hospital stay. Unless he ragged at the doctors ceaselessly, even with patient privacy regulations and all (something that Noiz doesn't really know much if anything about, to be honest), it would be very hard to hide his inability to feel pain from someone who knew what he'd gone through. It'd have slipped through somehow.
Only a few people here know about his inability to feel pain. Chell found out because he kind of needed to explain why cutting off his own toe didn't bother him. (She'd walked in on him doing exactly that, not quite in the nick of time to stop him.) Karkat figured it out through his lack of reaction to pain. (Karkat's gone now.) Mizuki figured it out on his own, and Noiz eventually confirmed it to him. Matt Jamison knew, sort of, because he'd covertly asked him about whether his magic could fix a non-working sense of pain. And Matt Murdock he'd told the day they met, because Noiz had never before met someone else who had a sense that didn't work.
Of those, Mizuki seems like the only one Aoba would have a chance of learning about it from, and even then, Mizuki has been very tight-lipped about a lot of things. He barely said a word to Noiz about the issue of Aoba's dual personalities. Noiz can assume Mizuki wouldn't go telling Aoba about his condition.
Noiz rubs at the piercing in his nose bridge, massaging it firmly.]
Fine. I believe you.
...Some things can't be changed. Use your head to better tell what those are.
[Can his inability to feel be changed? With magic, possibly. Or some other ability. But he cannot fathom why Aoba might believe it could. There's no reason for him to know that some things like that could have an effect on it. He was probably just trying to check his reaction.]
no subject
[It's the most non-committal, least enthusiastic 'agreement' he could possibly offer, but it's the best he can do. What is he supposed to say - "You're wrong! I fixed you!"? Even apart from how presumptuous that sounds, and from how Aoba isn't sure he could do it again - even disregarding how he doesn't want to use Scrap again, with all the risks to others and himself - telling Noiz what happened would lead to talking about what happened after, and Aoba... can't.
Clearly Noiz is exactly as he was before Platinum Jail - before Aoba's version of Platinum Jail - and while that hurts almost as much as how Noiz disappeared on him afterwards, what is Aoba supposed to do about it? He's not some kind of miracle worker. What Noiz and him accomplished together - both the practical and the personal aspects - was a combination of a lot of factors, and probably a lot of luck too. He doesn't want to give up on helping Noiz, but he'll have to find other ways of doing so.
He doesn't know how. He really doesn't have the energy to even think about it right now.
The silence hasn't lasted long, but with all the thoughts running through Aoba's head, it feels like forever. The awkwardness of the moment threatens to overwhelm him as much as the pain, so he forces out the first, trite words to come to mind - anything at all to break the silence.]
But... that's really strange, isn't it?! That things happened differently for the two of us... Hah.
[The laugh he tries to force out for punctuation fails utterly. He's already run out of steam.]
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....Time shenanigans.
[For the first time since he noticed Karkat was gone, he really wishes he were still here, if only so he could pester him with questions on the topic. He'd spoken about being able to view the progression of humanity by peeking at various points on the timeline.]
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[He barely manages even that much agreement. Time shenanigans... That's one way of putting it. It says everything, and yet it explains absolutely nothing.
What would even need explaining, though? The important thing is: Noiz and him never happened. No matter what Aoba thinks of that, no matter how it hurts, the facts are the facts.
Some things can't be changed. It echoes through his head in Noiz' voice, and somehow that makes it more definite than Aoba's own thoughts.]
Sorry. I guess I said some weird things.
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You sure did. Have you any idea how weird it is to hear you talk about playing me? For the last year and a half you made it clear you never would, even if you got him working again.
[Or replaced, but Noiz leaves that unspoken. He's pretty sure the guy is too attached to his damn Allmate to replace Ren. Anyone who sheds tears over their Allmate's AI personality disappearing is too attached.]
He was here for a while, you know. In a human body that looked like his online avatar.
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Had it been the wrong decision, after all? It had seemed like the right one at the time, but whether it was wrong or not, it definitely doesn't feel right anymore.]
Who, Ren? [Nonono, that's definitely impossible!] Ren. Was here. In a human body?!
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[....When bitten. Yes. Because Noiz bit him on the arm to test whether he was real and fleshy. And to see how if so, someone who'd never had a flesh and blood body reacted to unexpected pain.
And because it was all Ren's fault Noiz couldn't get his damn rematch.]
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[Welp, now Aoba is no longer thinking about how Ren ended up in a human body. The important question is clearly: why would anyone bite Ren?]
Why would anyone -... [Scratch that like Mink, he has a more important question after all.] Did you bite him?!
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[Without missing a beat, without a single milliliter of hesitation he answers.]
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[You know what? That's all he's asking. It is Enough.]
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