TEST DRIVE MEME #9 (FOURTH WALL EDITION)

[zhautasmods]

Introduction

The same siren that had sounded a couple weeks prior to signify the arrival of the portals that ripped through the island fills the air again. While Zenith had seemed to have taken care of these strange space-time anomalies, it appears that they didn't quite contain them all.

"Hello again, volunteers," R.Y.U.O. addresses the public again, thoroughly unimpressed. "It seems we have a second breach to be concerned about. Just as before: mind the edges and you should be fine." He doesn't say much more than that but anyone looking out the nearest window will see what he's referring to.

No matter where volunteers are, the giant triangular portal (approximately 1.75 miles tall and 1 mile wide) that suddenly splits reality off in the jungle faces them. No matter where they walk or what other angles they try to see it from, it faces them. That's only slightly unnerving.

It doesn't take long before the multiversal visitors start to pour through. While current volunteers can't leave, it seems that other people are able to come in through this portal that has converged from multiple access points in the multiverse on this tiny island. Say hello, volunteers, there are quite a few new unexpected faces to greet!

WELCOME TO ZHAUTAS

Professor Quintalian - who the newly displaced might have been informed already is the head of the volunteer program here on Zhautas - is quick to turn this potential PR nightmare into a daydream. People may be spilling through the portal and bringing forth any number of issues without the proper clearance but that's not their fault.

And it isn't Zenith's either, they're quick to say. It's actually because of a deranged space pirate named Hoshiko - here, have a picture for reference! - and you can blame her for your displacement in the multiverse. Please do. Of course, if anyone questions how one person is causing all this trouble Zenith representatives will be quick to say they need to go back to whatever task they had at hand and drop the topic.

Basically, it's not your fault and it's not their fault but you're still here now. So, why not be made to feel at home during your temporary stay? The professor is of the mind that showing these newcomers some good old-fashioned Zenith Corporation hospitality would be more beneficial in the long-term than trying to turn them all away immediately. You can't buy publicity like this! He wouldn't be in charge if he didn't know how to turn things to his corporation's advantage.

TEMPORARY LODGING

It's for this reason that the professor makes the call for the west wing, usually utilized primarily for research, to be turned into temporary lodging for their company. While the makeshift cots laid out aren't as private as the pods of the east wing or bungalows out on the beach, that's alright! It's still a nice, comfortable place to sleep until they figure the best way to get you back home.

They even got everyone who shows up a complementary gift basket. It's filled with cliche "aphrodisiac" foods such as chocolate, strawberries, but thankfully no oysters. They do have those if you're interested, of course, but you'd have to go to the food court for that request. The basket also contains lube (of random, assorted flavors and added effects!) as well as a cheap, plastic bullet vibrator that has the Zenith logo printed on it.

Unfortunately, due to the quality, it's a little finicky. Once you turn it on, you might not be able to turn it off. Don't worry! There's plenty of people around to help. Plenty of people to witness you fumbling with this bouncing, buzzing object and certainly plenty of embarrassment to be had by all. What a good bonding opportunity!

SEXATORIUM

Whatever research that was going on before people started arriving has been suspended for now. One wouldn't know though from how quickly the changed everything around from perhaps what veteran volunteers are used to. One minute there's regular, mundane scribbling onto clipboards and contemplative hums and nods. The next, there's sex on display in no shortage of ways.

The lab spaces have instead been converted to serve a different purpose. The lights are dimmed and tinted a hopefully soothing blue, music plays lightly, and there's the strong scent of sweat and salt permeating the place. The west wing has, for now, been converted into a sexatorium to showcase Zenith's finest attempts at curing this disease and enticing fresh faces to join their cause.

Volunteers and newcomers alike are welcome to peruse this section of the facility until everything gets sorted. Whether it be to watch or demonstrate themselves, Zenith staff is encouraging everyone to take part. They might be a little overly encouraging, honestly. It probably isn't surprising they're under quite a bit of pressure these days from HQ. Show all the multiversal visitors a good time the Zenith way, volunteers!



The glass walls of the research sector have become an exhibitionists' dream. Or perhaps a voyeur's, depending on perspective! Maybe you're taking time to walk through or scurrying to the other side and averting your eyes. If anyone was looking for the head of the program, they can find him here. Of course they can. If you're not into tentacles, that's your loss (according to him), but he's more than happy to talk about the program as well!

They also have plenty of other "experiments" that they'll be running that anyone is free to participate in. They are, but not limited to:

• Sex Toy Demonstrations - Ever wondered what state of the art sexual technology is like? Check it out for yourself! If you want it, they likely have it. Not to worry if you don't exactly want to have everything on display, there are rooms that are more private with a black-out option on the glass. It can be toggled on and off or opacity may be changed and filters applied for those who might want the thrill of potentially being seen but not entirely.

• Natural Aphrodisiacs - Stepping into one of these rooms will be like taking a step outside. They're full to the brim with plants both familiar and alien as a taste of the larger gardens that Zenith touts. Of note are the coitendrils; they're a pretty touchy-feely species! It's a plant that thrives in warm conditions and grows at an incredibly fast rate to seek out these cozy spots. As it turns out, your body warmth is the highest temperature around and exactly what it's looking for.
• Strip Trivia - How much do you know about sex? Maybe less than you think! Especially when you start throwing xenobiology into the mix. These rooms are staged like a game show (that outsiders can also view, if you so choose!) and with each wrong answer, you'll find yourself losing a piece of clothing. It could be as minor as a sock, your bracelet, or something as obvious as your entire shirt. Don't worry, your clothes are held in a containment unit just outside the room and it's all in good fun!
• Cultural Exchange - It's no secret that many of the cultures and species on Zhautas are sex-positive. Most recently, volunteers visited the country of Nevrione whose specialty is leather BDSM gear with amazing hand craftsmanship. While there don't appear to be any natives to that country (which people are free to find suspicious) there is a sampling of what they have to offer for use. Also, just look at those cute feathers decorating some of the gear... What a nice touch!

AROUND THE FACILITY

• The Gym
  There is now a large gym after frequent volunteer requests for one. They've dedicated a lot more room recently to get a good work-out in. One of the best ways to relieve stress is exercise! Not that volunteers have any particular reason to be stressed. Everything is perfectly fine. It has a plethora of machines now rather than just a handful. In fact, it even features a rock wall, pool, and track now to suit almost every need imaginable.
  
  A couple of the machines have an emphasis on vibrations. Not to worry, however, as there are plenty more options available that they're easily avoidable.
  
  If the gym pool isn't your speed, you're always welcome to go for a nice swim out at the beach. The local mermaids have since returned back to their home waters, so there's no immediate threat to your well-being. At least, not anything obvious. Let them know if you find anything!
  
  
• The Holo-Deck
  The holo-deck is now up and fully operational. It's the size of a small gymnasium and quite sturdy! Don't worry if you do break anything, they'll fix it in a jiffy! They like to see the limits of their technology tested, after all.
  
  The holo-deck can simulate basically anything your mind can come up with... if you have an implant. So, better make friends with someone who does if you want to experience this feature! Its main function is a relaxation mode that projects soothing landscapes and scenery. They look, smell, and sound so real you almost wouldn't believe that you aren't hiking through the mountains. And despite its limited size, the holo-deck does manipulate perception to make the space seem a lot larger than it really is.
  
  Additionally, it has a combat mode to help keep the senses sharp of volunteers who might be more battle-inclined. They don't want you to lose your edge, after all, and especially not with Hoshiko still at large with no idea when she'll strike next. It's better to be prepared and it also gives the more restless volunteers a good way to work out all that excess energy.
  
  
• Arcade
  Attached to the holo-deck, there's another large room. This one is dimly lit and comes with the archaic colors and sounds that belong to a retro arcade. While the holo-deck can simulate games, there's nothing quite like the feeling of pinball beneath your fingers. Or maybe you just want to whack some moles in order to vent your frustration.
  
  While you can win tickets here, they can't be exchanged for anything but minor trinkets. Most of the prizes to be gathered are sexual in nature (because of course, they are) like boxes of condoms or fancy flavored lubes. There's also the standard plush toys and inflatable contraptions.
  
  
• Food Court & Vending Machines
  This is a pristine, updated section of the facility that serves only the finest of meals thanks to the new cyborg chef in charge. He's a friendly older guy who uses his mechanical enhancements to make food faster than you can blink and, of course, it tastes incredible to boot.
  
  Additionally, the vending area has been expanded and the machines have been fixed to no longer shoot out drinks at supersonic speeds. Of course, they still can if you so wish. Some people seemed to have fun making a game out of it so the feature is an option but only if someone selects it from the menu.



• The Beach
  The bungalows for more permanent residents of Zhautas are lined up along the island's south shore. It's only a short walk from the main facility, no more than five or ten minutes. If you'd rather stay out here instead of using the temporary lodging, that's also an option! They have tents available for use. Don't mind the way you may feel -- no, will feel more inclined to snuggle up - or more - with someone. That's just a standard 'light aphro' feature added to help prompt new volunteers to ease into the atmosphere of the facility.
  
  At night, the beach lights up in beautiful blue luminescence where sand meets sea. Unfamiliar stars and constellations dot the sky as far as the eye can see. It's really rather peaceful. Well, it is if you ignore the giant foreboding portal off in the distance.



• The Lounge
  This is a begrudingly new addition to the main Zenith research facility, volunteers may have noticed supplies being gathered over the last week or heard whispers of the activity before the building popped up seemingly overnight near the outskirts of the jungle. While approved by the head of the program, it certainly doesn't look like anything that Zenith had a hand in constructing. (They didn't.) It sticks out from the sleek, smooth chrome surfaces by seemingly pulling together more natural elements reminiscent of the buildings in Nevrione, built from mostly wood with a stone foundation. The furniture inside is also crafted from wood, leather, and so on to create a... unique atmosphere full of tables, benches, a bar and stools. In fact, some of the decor seems to be decorated and reinforced with dragon scales.
  
  While alcohol is served here, that's only if someone brings something that can be converted into alcohol via alchemy by resident volunteer Edward Elric. The lounge is advertised as being a place to hang out and get a break from the more modern and high tech setting that the facility has to offer, it is requested that sex does not happen within these walls.
  
  While it touts a calm, unassuming front, with entertainment available such as darts, a pool table, card games and other typical bar games, it's quickly becoming an escape from Zenith's prying eyes and ever alert ears. This might be the place to go if you want to speak a little more freely about your suspicions regarding Zenith.
  
  For volunteers that offer to help with construction or around the lounge once it's built - keeping order among others, cleaning, gathering supplies or various other tasks around the building - drinks will be free (unless another agreement is arranged) as means of payment for their time.
  
  (For any questions about the lounge, please contact Remedy. Thanks for this idea goes to Amy, as it was Garrett's brainchild.)

THE UNDERBELLY

For as much as Zenith is pulling out all the stops, there's no denying that there is a faint sense of unrest teeming beneath the surface. While some veteran volunteers are friendly, there is still an undeniable undercurrent of dissatisfaction that Zenith can't quite completely overshadow. For all the fanfare and attentiveness of the staff, it probably won't be long before you run into at least a few people who aren't exactly shy about their dislike of the corporation.

Things that one might overhear and want to investigate are as follows:

1. Out in the jungle at night, you might have noticed- No, not the portal, everyone's noticed that. There are red eyes that light up the jungle at night. While they aren't exactly menacing, they are extremely unnerving. Ask anyone and they'll tell you those are demons and they're a product of Professor Quintalian's "personal research" apparently approved by Zenith. While they aren't actively aggressive, trying to infringe on their territory is ill-advised.
   
   Being demon-touched is a terrible thing to experience. They're formless, tarry parasitic creatures that try to consume someone. There's even apparently a chance that you might turn into one. Being demon-touched comes with a host of negative side effects such as visual and auditory hallucinations, a desire to be "complete," fever, and more. And unfortunately for you, the process to expel any demon essence from the body is just as terrible.
   
   Unfortunately, demons aren't the only concern you'll have if you traverse the jungle. This tiny island hosts a range of creatures both docile and deadly. It also seems like with the portal opening, even more are making their way and finding a space here at the Zenith Research Facility.
   
   
2. Despite initially volunteering, people's requests to leave are met with vague excuses as to why it isn't possible immediately. But then the professor will turn around and say Zenith sent someone home overnight without a word to anyone. While this appears to be highly suspicious, none of the staff seem to want to expound upon how Zenith operates with regards to terminating volunteer participation and, of course, Quintalian is nowhere to be found for any real serious discussion. Call him though! He'll be glad to talk to you over dinner and a nice bottle of wine.
   
   Maybe talk to a resident volunteer about this since it should be worrying to someone who might want to sign-up.


3. Despite the way that the helperbot R.O.S.I.E. is described to watch the facility at all times, she's known to get distracted or glitch out from time to time. And with her trying to entertain all these new guests where she can as well as Zenith re-routing efforts to the sexatorium, there's a distinct lack of physical security present. Huh.
   
   Recently, there's been a lot of thumping and bumping up in the ventilation shafts throughout the main facility. If you're foolhardy enough to find the cause, you'll actually be met with one of the resident defensive AIs that goes by the name R.Y.U.O. He's glad you're here, actually. Things were starting to get boring. If you wander too far through the vents into a restricted area (since the barriers in place won't stop those without an implant!), he'll be quick to throw something else to deter your exploration.
   
   This might electric shocks, extreme heat, of even the classic of a swarm of spiders. It's nothing personal, of course, he just has a job to make sure people trying to snoop don't get too far.

EXTRA NOTES

• Welcome to the Zhautas fourth wall event! We've added some extra links down below that might be helpful for newcomers.
• As a reminder, the timeline is:
• Fourth wall begins on Fromb 24th (March 24th).
• The portal will close and the event will end on Fromb 39th (April 8th).
• The arrival ship will land as scheduled on Fromb 40th (April 9th).
• The intro log including this and theft of the arrival ship will be on Fromb 41st (April 10th).
• The next OOC Event Announcement for April's event will be on April 15th.
• In the case of an unfortunate run-in with R.Y.U.O.'s defense of the air vents, established volunteers, let us know here!
• If you have any extra questions about anything in the game, please direct them to the FAQ!
• If you have in character questions, those can be directed to R.O.S.I.E. here!

NAVIGATION ♦ FAQ ♦ TAKEN ♦ RESERVES ♦ APPLICATIONS

Comments

[milkisgross]

Oh.

Right.

Ed finished his burger without really tasting it and slid the plate out of the way. That conversation, if you could even call it one considering his outburst, wasn't going to be forgotten any time soon. He just didn't think to connect that to their talk about the Gate at the moment. It was a stark reminder that if he ever ran into the Al from his counterpart's world that the first thing he'd have to do is punch him.

Though, thinking about it again now brought up something that had been troubling him ever since he had arrived in Riverview. Now it was his turn to be careful with his words. "I asked you- I mean the Ed back in Riverview about what had happened to Al. He said that he had been given a chance to go back and he took it. Alone." Even without knowing of the traded sacrifices between the two, it had caused him some concern. "Do you know why they wouldn't have gone back together?"

[waxwings]

The sound of the plate moving caused him to glance up before anything else. However, the topic shift was not only unexpected but also even worse than he had prepared himself to deal with. He exhaled slowly before speaking, softly as if the lack of volume would keep the emotion from coming through.

"Al and I ... didn't really get along." His head lowered, shielding his expression behind his hair. "He expected me to be- someone I wasn't anymore. If things are the same in the universe you came from, it wouldn't make sense to go back together because they didn't actually share a timeline."

[milkisgross]

The very idea of not being able to get along with Al was both alien and deeply upsetting. Sure, they had their disagreements and fights just like any siblings would, but nothing had ever managed to come between them and rip them apart. If anything, everything that had caused problems between them had ended up making their bond stronger once it was ironed out.

"But I thought-" they were from the same world. They had been, maybe. But then he remembered. "From all the world-hopping then. Al hadn't been pulled in to all of them then." He didn't really know anything about the other worlds the other Ed had experienced. He had given some details about one, but it had been so horrific from what it did with Nina that the teenager wasn't about to ask him to talk any more about it.

[waxwings]

"No, we met on the moon." His head tilted some but he kept his gaze lowered, clearing his throat. "We were from different times, I was sixteen when I left and ... the version of me Al left behind would have been eighteen." In the Quarantine, Ed had always viewed it as a future timeline for himself, he'd gained the memories to learn that his universe and Al's were confirmed the same. However, Zhautas put a spin on that whole reality that he hadn't had before. The concept of infinite universe and timelines, the fact that his Al probably never made it out alive after he vanished and the rest were all from a separate but similar timeline. That was the major difference between their outlooks on life, the adult left behind by the teen was confident he'd go home someday and fix things, the one standing in front of him knew it didn't work that way.

"I spent months trying to convince him that he'd be happier if he just went home... I guess he finally listened."

[milkisgross]

"That's what he said in Riverview." Ed could see himself doing the same in that situation, the main difference being Al's insistence that they find a way for them both to go back instead of him leaving alone, even if they were from different timelines.

Edward leaned back in his chair and looked up at the ceiling as he sorted through his thoughts. Now that he thought about it, the Ed he was speaking to now had been surprised to hear that Al had finally left Riverview. He had also mentioned that the transfer to Zhautas had been voluntary, well, to a point since he said he was tricked into it. It still meant that he had been fine with leaving Alphonse behind again and that wasn't sitting well with the teenager. It pissed him off and the fact that he couldn't do anything about it made it worse.

The anger made him restless, so he aggressively got up and swiped the plate from table and tossed it in the sink. The he grabbed everything else that the adult had used to cook with and tossed those in too. He really wanted to slug someone, but the person he felt deserved it the most right now wasn't there. There was also the fact that the damned milotic would likely use it's powers again and turn his emotions off like last time, so he'd take his frustrations out on the grease instead.

[waxwings]

"That they were from different times or- that he tried to talk him into going back?" Without him, that part was important, but he wasn't going to say it out loud.

"Al insisted we would go back together, but that's not how it works. Trying to force it could have really messed things up in that reality, it wasn't a risk I was willing to take even if I wanted to." Which he hadn't, Amestris wasn't a home for him anymore, even if he went back to his own timeline he'd just wind up in Germany. The other Ed had died to get him home, and for what? He didn't want a repeat of that. That's why he'd never been in a rush to find out how to pull it off. There wasn't a whole lot left for him there anymore, ironic considering what his life had become instead, knowing that he'd die here no matter what he did to try to fight it.

He blinked as the teen started aggressively cleaning up, opening his mouth to tell him not to bother before closing it again. He figured they probably had a routine on the moon and if this was part of it - or made him feel better for whatever reason - he wasn't going to stop him.

[milkisgross]

"About telling Al to go back," he snapped as he scrubbed grease off of the skillet. "And I get the whole timeline thing. That's not what's pissing me off." He tossed the skillet to the other side of the sink. He'd dry all the dishes at the same time after they were all clean.

The main thing pissing him off was how they had let their relationship fall apart in the first place. The whole thing with them sacrificing themselves added to it. It reminded him of the state in which he had left Al when he was pulled into the Quarantine. His younger brother had absolutely no way of knowing he was even alive and even though he knew he made it back he didn't feel very good about putting Al in that situation. The two brothers from the other universe however just kept doing that to each other.

[waxwings]

"So that much is the same." He'd kind of been wondering just how different they might be, it was possible the other version hadn't dealt with all that he had but it was sounding more and more unlikely that optimism would win out there.

Cautiously, "What is pissing you off, then?" He hadn't really been able to follow along, every time he thought he understood what was going on with this kid the rug was pulled out from under him, kind of the same as how the teen was constantly surprised expecting him to be anything like the adult back in the Quarantine.

[milkisgross]

Ed tossed the next dish to the side and snapped his head around at the adult. He thought it should be painfully obvious. The fact that their situation was so different from his that led to this fallout was clouded by his anger. "The fact that it got so bad between the both of you in the first place!"

He let out a frustrated "Tch" as he turned back to the sink and tossed the last dish to the other side of the sink. It was the plate he had eaten from and the edge chipped as it struck the side of the sink a little too hard. Damnit. He'd probably break everything if he grabbed any of them to dry now, so he left them and turned around to lean against the counter after drying his hands off.

[waxwings]

He thought he shouldered things that weren't his responsibility, this kid was off the charts. What difference did it make to him? It wasn't his world, had no bearing his own relationship with his brother. Rubbing salt into that wound wasn't going to make either of them feel better, why bother wasting energy getting mad about it?

When he flinched from all the banging as the teen threw the dishes the milotic moved over from where she was, curling around him almost protectively and watching the younger Ed carefully.

"That's why I wanted him to go back. I couldn't be what he wanted, maybe the version in his universe could."

[milkisgross]

Ed narrowed his eyes as the milotic moved around her trainer. It was almost as if he was daring her to use that power again even though he wouldn't be able to retaliate against it. Looking at her like that was already making him calmer, though he wasn't completely aware of it.

"Whatever." He yanked the dishtowel and threw it over his shoulder before turning back around. He dries the chipped plate first, then claps his hands together to fix it. The reasoning the adult gave helped his anger dissipate a bit more. At least he did something he thought might help repair the damage.

He quietly put everything away, still fuming somewhat but noticeably in more control over himself than a moment ago.

[waxwings]

"Why does this matter to you so much? You know our situations aren't nearly close to the same." He had no idea what the teen's relationship was like with his brother, and chances were it was similar enough to his own that if their roles were switched he'd be just as upset. Still, there was nothing he could do about it, there was nothing either of them could do about it now.

When the adult is stupid enough to open his mouth after that comment, the milotic shifts, moving closer to the teen as if in preparation to get between them again.

[milkisgross]

Ed paused for a moment before grumbling. "I don't know." He had gotten upset with his counterpart in Riverview too even though he knew there was no point to it. He resumed with putting everything away while his head swam with possible answers to that question. One he finished up, he placed his hands on the counter, keeping his gaze away from the adult.

"I guess I'm just scared of something like that happening between me and Al." He couldn't think of any reason why it would get like that between them. They had been through some rough stuff, like when Al had the idea that he had been fabricated. He couldn't imagine anything worse than that. "For the longest time I thought he blamed me for everything."

[waxwings]

"I did too, I told him I thought he hated me for everything that happened." He scoffed at that memory, "Who could have predicted there were things worse than that..?"

Killing his brother in one world, being a total disappointment to him in the other, which tied into having killed him. He hadn't taken the time to process what happened in Purg, just suppressed it the whole time he was in Attollo, Al arriving in Riverview had only brought all of that back to the surface. He was definitely not telling this kid about any of that, though.

"It won't." Just don't ask how he's so sure of that. "You go back to the moment you left, nothing will change between you. Al and I were... nearly ten years apart by the time we met again. I couldn't give him what he wanted and I'd changed a lot more than he was prepared to deal with." He'd already resigned himself to his fate, but he didn't think the teen wanted to hear that.

[milkisgross]

"Yeah, if I wind up going back from Riverview. What's to stop something from happening like with you hopping around from world to world?" Of course he's going to ask how he's so sure about that. Does he not know himself? "Who's to say if time is still going to be frozen for me in Amestris when I'm stuck here?!" Making false promises was a quick way to piss him off. Then again, there were a lot of quick ways to piss him off.

[waxwings]

"Zenith will send you back to Riverview, the way the portal works there, you can go wherever you want. Which means when they can get it directed where you want, you'll be good to go." He had his doubts about that but he wasn't going to tell the kid, especially when that was the story he'd been told for so long because it had been true for others. "Where I was before didn't work like that, it's that simple."

[milkisgross]

Ed's eyes narrowed. It was too simple. If he had been pulled into Riverview on some arbitrary bullshit like 'feeling displaced,' then what was stopping something similar happening for him to be pulled somewhere else that didn't have a convenient time-freeze for him? For all he knew, Al could have been pulled into a world like that and the reverse could be happening!

"You're full of crap." He could stay in his denial as much as he wanted if that's what made him feel better. It's not like this was the adult's problem, was it? Eventually, the teenager would be gone (hopefully back to Riverview, or even better, to his version of Amestris somehow) and he could forget about it.

Ed looked at the milotic and vulpix. "You guys ready to go?"

CW: suicide mention, just to be safe

[waxwings]

It was too simple, he'd learned that by now, but it was possible things were still different in Riverview, different realities and all that. Still, when the teen called him full of crap, it wasn't exactly conducive to denial. Thankfully, he wasn't the one in denial, which probably had a lot to do with how unconvincing his delivery was.

"Maybe, but if you do wind up back on the moon, do him a favor and keep that opinion to yourself." He knew that logic was the only thing keeping him going all those years, just because that concept had been shattered for him, it didn't need to be for the other version. Not when suicide actually was an option in the Quarantine without a revival method like it wasn't an option here.

The vulpix jumped down eagerly, but the milotic hesitated as if reluctant to move, glancing between the humans seemingly reading the tension in the room.

[milkisgross]

"Yeah, yeah." He still stumbled a lot on it, but he had more or less learned to keep his mouth shut regarding the other Edward in Riverview.

Edward rolled his eyes at the milotic. "Look, I'm not going to attack him again." He was pretty sure the adult wasn't about to attack him either but he wasn't about to speak for him. "A little help here? She's your pet."

[waxwings]

Her head tilted at the teen, but Ed paused with the 'pet' remark, blinking as if legitimately confused by that assessment. When he moved over and knelt down she curled around him on the floor. "It's not like that."

The adult leaned in, speaking to her softly before standing and backing off again. "She's worried, that's all. You should be good now. Drop by next time you want a shower." Or don't, he didn't really care either way.