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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
He blinked when the teen moved everything aside but he didn't have the energy even if he wanted to be mad about it. "Generous of you." Really, truly. Allowing him the privilege of pretending death was even an option here, within his own control.
"All right, what do you want?" He would answer questions for any other newcomer so why not this one? It would take a lot of bias on his part to hate the kid so much he didn't give him the run down.
no subject
"Maybe you can follow that up with who thought this was funny so I can slug 'em." As much as he wanted it to be his double out of convenience, it was pretty clear that he wasn't amused at this either.
no subject
"Look kid, I'm not about to tell you how to live your life but if the person responsible is who I think it is, you don't want to get wrapped up in all that. Trust me, it's the fast track to getting all your friends killed for associating with you." That was a little sobering, more sobering than he wanted to deal with at that point. This kid better be real because if he was just imagining it all to make himself more depressed? He'd find a way to make death permanent.
"Anything you could do to him? He'll just get off on it." Please take that as literal as it sounded, he didn't want to have to explain.
no subject
...and it wasn't what he wanted to hear.
WHACK!
He used his right hand to smack the doppelganger across the back of the head. He didn't hold back in the slightest.
"I'm not in the mood for this kind of crap! Do you know or not?!"
no subject
"Oh, I know. If you're lucky, I know him better than you ever will." Take that as a warning, Ed. "Do you think they're stupid? I'm guessing you come from a world like mine, which means you can't even fathom the shit they're capable of here. That little chip they implanted in your body? It's tracking your location and your vitals. It also follows our conversations and if I give you the name of that purple bastard, it'll put you right on his list with me. You don't want that, so I suggest keeping your punching dreams to a fantasy."
In the meantime, "You can hit me again if that'll make you feel better but it's not getting you out of this situation, and it's not bringing my dead friends back so frankly it's wasting both of our time."
no subject
'You can hit me again if that'll make you feel better but it's not getting you out of this situation.'
The bartender gave a curt grunt to remind Ed where he was when he hesitated. He wasn't pleased with the ruckus going on in his bar and his expression said something along the lines of, 'Stop fighting or get the fuck out.' They were also getting some unpleasant looks from the other patrons who had only wanted to enjoy their evening.
"TCH-"
Ed let the drunk go, but he wasn't done with him yet. He took a step back and tried to process what he had just been told, but it was difficult to do since he was so riled up. Seeing himself in this kind of pathetic state wasn't helping. He felt like he was stuck back in that room with Kimbley in Briggs, being told that he had to commit mass murder while Winry was being dangled as a hostage in front of him. This was different though. He had been able to do something about that then.
no subject
"You going to cancel your order so we can take this fight outside or sit back down?" He wasn't interested in fighting, and there was clearly no bite to the question as if he didn't have the will to fight even if the younger wanted to. The only thing he was interested in was being mad at his idiot best friend for coming here in the first place. Wallowing in self-pity was so unlike him unless it was hopeless and right now everything felt hopeless.
no subject
Once outside, he threw the other Ed down. "So you can't tell me about the bastards running this place. Fine." He knew plenty about having to keep information to himself. "Just tell me who the hell you are!"
no subject
"Isn't it obvious? I'm you at rock bottom." It wasn't entirely true, he knew himself well enough to know that he'd run through this like everything else he'd faced before. Sulk a bit, then get up and move forward because there was no other option. He couldn't even die on his own terms here, there was nothing he could do and the only thing he could do was antagonize Zenith - which kept putting his friends at risk.
He also knew the situation well enough to understand multiverse theory and he wasn't this other Ed. They were two different people, no matter how similar their timelines. Even one little change in their universe made them different in some way and just the fact this kid hadn't been dragged through Purgatorium told him that he was already some version that was better off.
no subject
"No, you're not." It was bad enough when Tucker crept into his nightmares, accusing him of turning his bother into a monster just like he had done to Nina. Seeing himself like this was a whole new level of nightmare and it was made the worst by it playing it out in front of him while he was still awake. "I'm not just going to give up and waste away in this hell hole! If there's a problem, you get up and fix it!"
In Ed's experience, there were only a few times where he felt he had enough of the high ground to scold other people, as he was usually the one who needed to be put in his place. This seemed to be like one of those rare times for him. Rose's spirit had been broken, but at least it wasn't this!
no subject
"No, I'm not you. Just the worst case scenario." Don't try that game with him, kid. His life was full of more just like you comparisons than the teen could even dream of, and they weren't limited to his time in Amestris.
Still, he knew what doubles were, he was familiar with the multiverse. "You're an arrogant teen who was a dumb kid that tried to bring his mom back to life and your brother lost his body in the process. Stop me if I'm wrong here, but that's still the same no matter who you are and no matter who I am. You're probably still on your mission to get Al's body back, and that's where we differ, the journey's not the same. The fact that you called me Envy as soon as you got here told me that you haven't seen what I've seen and if you're lucky you never will."
As for the rest of the teen said? The deadpan tired attitude gradually melted into anger, real anger for the first time since the younger Ed had spotted him. "You don't know a damn thing about me." Yet, he felt entitled to lay out the other Ed's life as if it was as readable as a map in front of his face. "My best friend just died here, excuse me for taking some time to mourn, dick."
Even that insult stung, he'd picked it up from Jay, that joke they always fell back on because of one of Jason's brothers.
no subject
The anger suddenly dropped off and was replaced by guilt when the friend's death was mentioned. He even took a step back and hung his head.
But it didn't last long. As he processed everything, the anger came bubbling back. Ed was more familiar with loss than he had ever wanted to be, and knowing that someone close to this other Ed had just died had brought up painful memories. His mother, Nina, Hughes. Loss hadn't gotten any easier to deal with, and he had fallen in a rut each time.
But he had never gotten so low as to become self-destructive. Determined to stay on his high horse, he raised his head again and glared down at the asshole who shared his face. "And I'm sure this is exactly how they'd want you to honor their memory."
no subject
It was when the teen stepped back that Ed paused, reconsidered if maybe he shouldn't be so intentionally antagonistic. It wasn't his fault any of this happened, but he was something to focus on in the moment and Edward was latching onto that. Someone he could antagonize that wasn't Zenith? Seemed like a good idea. The guy was practically asking for it, getting into his business like this. Besides, he'd hoped the word of warning at least sunk in, don't be as stupid as him, it's not worth it.
At those words something flashed in his eyes, easily mistaken for anger before his expression cracked from restrained to outright amused again. The laugh this time was shorter, a bark of amusement before retorting quietly. "Jay? Yeah, I think calling you a dick is exactly how he'd want me to honor his memory." That's kind of why he'd done it, it reminded him of Jason - sounded like something he'd say - and the younger Ed was practically asking for it at this point.
no subject
However, Ed was able to collect himself quickly enough. Ed responded to the insult with his right foot arcing towards his doppelganger's face.
no subject
Right foot. There was a distinct difference between them, the other Ed always favored his automail. Yet another thing that wouldn't be amusing if he wasn't drunk, but Edward knows his own fighting style, so even drunk he's able to move out of the way before the kick lands. Within the same action, gloved hands clap together and hit the ground, intent on encasing the teen's left leg before regains his balance and keep him stuck where he was.
no subject
"GAH!" Ed wobbled but managed to keep himself standing, though his stance wasn't strong at all with the way the ground had been transmuted around his leg. He clapped his own hands together to get himself out of it, but was at a disadvantage due to having to wait, even for a second, for his own transmutation to remove the rock encasing his foot. He hadn't limited his transmutation to just that though. The ground underneath the drunken one is also forming a pillar to smack him in the face. Not enough to kill of course, but enough to at least stun him if it lands.
no subject
It was exactly what he'd been counting on. The quick movement was dizzying and he knew that he'd only gotten that far because he'd caught the teen off guard. Logically, that meant he knew that he'd have to move fast in order to keep the upper hand. He's already clapping again by the time the pillar formed, the next transmutation bringing the ground up again to wrap around the teen - this time, hopefully, pinning his arms to his sides in order to prevent any more of this nonsense. He really wasn't in the mood for this right now.
Of course, he's focused enough on what he was doing that Ed didn't notice the attack until it was too late to dodge all that effectively, unable to deflect the blow completely. The impact was enough to push him back, sliding on the balls of his feet before dropping to all fours in order to regain his balance, golden eyes snapping up to see if his shot had landed successfully as he pushed himself back to his feet while readying to clap again, just in case.
no subject
While Ed was faster than he was before his automail was upgraded to the cold climate model, he still wasn't fast enough to outrun a transmutation. He was able to respond quickly enough to clap his hands together to counter it with his own to stop it though. After succeeding, he looked back at his foe. He and the doppelganger mirrored each other, both about to clap. Ed went ahead and pressed his hands together and transmuted the ground again, sending spikes of rock up towards the other. It was meant as a distraction. While that was going on he rushed forward to throw another punch with his automail, aiming for his face.
no subject
He was too low to be hit but as soon as he saw what the younger was going for Ed swept his left leg out to knock him off his feet, instead. The momentum of the punch should have him just off balance enough for that move to flatten him momentarily, which should be enough to allow him to catch his breath.
"What the hell is your problem?!"
Really, he just wanted to spend some time not thinking about his issues and instead he was being forced to deal with a whole set of new ones. Considering his track record so far, it was honestly amazing that he was capable of being shocked at this point.
no subject
"My problem?! What the hell is yours?!"
The older Ed had already stated it of course, but anger has a way of getting in the way of rational thought.
"I get dragged into some sick experiment and then when I find out what I'm really here for, I find a carbon copy of myself drinking himself to death and you expect me not to be pissed off?!" He had to vent somehow, and like hell was he going to do that the way the guys in charge of all this wanted him to.
no subject
"In case it wasn't obvious, I'm not here to answer to you." Honestly, this was exhausting. "I'm not your problem kid, what the hell do you care what I do, anyway?" He wasn't going to point out that death wasn't an option here again if he knew himself at that age this guy was even less likely to believe a word of it.
no subject
The older Ed made some excellent points though and the teenager didn't really have anything to counter that. He still had his fists of course, but that option didn't seem to be working in his favor right now. Now that he had blown off some steam he could think on what was being said though. Why did he care? He probably didn't. This was just the first thing he ran into after arriving to this godforsakened place that caught his attention and let him start a fight in a vain attempt to make him feel like he was doing something about his situation. Al wasn't here to bounce ideas off of about setting things right or to hold him back when he got angry. "Damnit!"
That's it. He was done. Ed stormed back inside the hotel and headed back towards his lodgings. He didn't care what the other one did. Now, he only cared about diverting his energy into something that would get him the hell out of here.