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[ Maruki's own read at XX:XX indicator doesn't show up for another ten minutes or so. He sees the length of the message and closes it out, finishes out his furious march back to the machiya, almost willing a band of Skeksis to be there dismantling the place all over again so he could at least have the relief of putting them in the ground–
No dice. The machiya is safe and sound, peaceful as ever.
He doesn't go inside. Sits out in the nascent garden, reads it through, and breathes.
Akechi is right on all accounts. Given enough time and space away from her, Maruki might have come to some of those conclusions himself, but certainly not all of them. Their minds are simply wired differently. Akechi is used to lying in wait to strike, keeping his enemies closer than anyone else. Maruki isn't. Doesn't think he ever could be. For all their similarities, he shares none of Akechi's meticulous, tactical patience.
He reads. Rereads. Again and again. Breathes.
He will never forgive BB, and she is useful. Both can be true. It was stupid to trust a thing that only operates on hardwired faulty logic and can't truly feel, anyway. She's no smarter than an animal and no better than a broken machine, at the end of the day.
Finally: ]
You're right.
You and I have both experienced her power firsthand. To my knowledge, she is the only dreamer with an ability to manipulate reality who has retained any amount of capability to do so here. I don't think that's coincidental.
She wouldn't confirm her end goal with me, but I think I can guess.
No dice. The machiya is safe and sound, peaceful as ever.
He doesn't go inside. Sits out in the nascent garden, reads it through, and breathes.
Akechi is right on all accounts. Given enough time and space away from her, Maruki might have come to some of those conclusions himself, but certainly not all of them. Their minds are simply wired differently. Akechi is used to lying in wait to strike, keeping his enemies closer than anyone else. Maruki isn't. Doesn't think he ever could be. For all their similarities, he shares none of Akechi's meticulous, tactical patience.
He reads. Rereads. Again and again. Breathes.
He will never forgive BB, and she is useful. Both can be true. It was stupid to trust a thing that only operates on hardwired faulty logic and can't truly feel, anyway. She's no smarter than an animal and no better than a broken machine, at the end of the day.
Finally: ]
You're right.
You and I have both experienced her power firsthand. To my knowledge, she is the only dreamer with an ability to manipulate reality who has retained any amount of capability to do so here. I don't think that's coincidental.
She wouldn't confirm her end goal with me, but I think I can guess.
[Read by Eren. Read by Maruki. He waits for both checks to appear on his screen, numbers ready to be dialed to stop them from doing anything stupid.
Eren doesn't respond. Irrelevant. He read it and is logical enough to understand the value of playing games in unjust worlds. Akechi isn't concerned.
Maruki does. Responds without the sentimentality that's typical of any conversation involving someone he likes.
He no longer likes BB. Another benefit.]
Guessing isn't an option. We need to confirm it, which won't be difficult. She isn't quiet about her plans, doesn't hold back on her desires. It will slip on network discussions or when she speaks to us. Make note of it when that happens.
To someone who's used to playing god, her ploy may not be as simple as taking over this reality. May involve more than using us as dolls in her little playhouse. We still don't know what Vaeros' ultimate goal is either. She can likely learn that too and will spill it as easily as her own shit.
From here on out, I have a suggestion - operate as you see fit, but I need you all to recognize that we are in the best position possible for this situation. She likes us. Trusts us to varying degrees.
Has marked some of us.
Act as you normally would. Do not give her a reason to pull back now - not when we're this close to finding a crack in this world.
Once we do, we can kill her. Him. Anyone that stands in the way of leaving this false reality.
Eren doesn't respond. Irrelevant. He read it and is logical enough to understand the value of playing games in unjust worlds. Akechi isn't concerned.
Maruki does. Responds without the sentimentality that's typical of any conversation involving someone he likes.
He no longer likes BB. Another benefit.]
Guessing isn't an option. We need to confirm it, which won't be difficult. She isn't quiet about her plans, doesn't hold back on her desires. It will slip on network discussions or when she speaks to us. Make note of it when that happens.
To someone who's used to playing god, her ploy may not be as simple as taking over this reality. May involve more than using us as dolls in her little playhouse. We still don't know what Vaeros' ultimate goal is either. She can likely learn that too and will spill it as easily as her own shit.
From here on out, I have a suggestion - operate as you see fit, but I need you all to recognize that we are in the best position possible for this situation. She likes us. Trusts us to varying degrees.
Has marked some of us.
Act as you normally would. Do not give her a reason to pull back now - not when we're this close to finding a crack in this world.
Once we do, we can kill her. Him. Anyone that stands in the way of leaving this false reality.
cw: more murderous intent, more dehumanizing language
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abandonhumanity
2024-11-24 06:24 am (UTC)(link)
[It wouldn't be the first time Eren sat beside an enemy and pretended he didn't know the difference, and he's beginning to think there will never. Be. A last.
[But fine. He'll try not to spit in her face the next time he sees her - he'll act natural, which has only ever been tolerant.
[And then he'll rip her apart limb from limb the second she's been robbed of her power.
[He's done it before. He'll do it again.]
Fine.
I want to play butcher, though. Don't slaughter any pigs without me.
[But fine. He'll try not to spit in her face the next time he sees her - he'll act natural, which has only ever been tolerant.
[And then he'll rip her apart limb from limb the second she's been robbed of her power.
[He's done it before. He'll do it again.]
Fine.
I want to play butcher, though. Don't slaughter any pigs without me.
I'll be making myself less available to her than I have been, but that was already happening. There's precedent for that outside of what occurred today.
[ The two of them know better than almost anyone that he's closing ranks severely with Akira's presence in Somnius. ]
Aside from that, I won't change how I act.
We need to get that mark off of you.
[ The two of them know better than almost anyone that he's closing ranks severely with Akira's presence in Somnius. ]
Aside from that, I won't change how I act.
We need to get that mark off of you.
His reality is falling apart.
[Eren pulls his arms out of his coat. Come here, idiot. Akech is yanked up against him. He throws the coat over both of them.]
Hypothermia is very serious. Did you know people often feel a rush of heat before they freeze to death? [Look, Akechi! Over here, Akechi! It's a horrifying "fun" fact, Akechi!
[Just accept it...]
[Eren pulls his arms out of his coat. Come here, idiot. Akech is yanked up against him. He throws the coat over both of them.]
Hypothermia is very serious. Did you know people often feel a rush of heat before they freeze to death? [Look, Akechi! Over here, Akechi! It's a horrifying "fun" fact, Akechi!
[Just accept it...]
Very well. Your patience will be rewarded - I assure you both of that.
As for the mark, no.
I think it should stay - the leash goes both ways. A bound dog can still tangle its owner. I'm accustomed to living like this.
Whatever an 'authority' truly is, it's not a traditional ailment. It doesn't afflict or control me. It's unnecessary to remove as of this moment.
As for the mark, no.
I think it should stay - the leash goes both ways. A bound dog can still tangle its owner. I'm accustomed to living like this.
Whatever an 'authority' truly is, it's not a traditional ailment. It doesn't afflict or control me. It's unnecessary to remove as of this moment.
[Oh, he's about to make it very clear why Eren shouldn't yank him around like a fucking ragdoll. Blizzard or not, Loki can come out either way.
Eren starts talking though and-
His body is warm - hot, almost. Arm, side and shoulder heating up from contact alone. The coat doesn't do shit with the wind picking up, but it does retain more than Akechi huddling up in a ball.
There's one violent, involuntary shudder from Akechi with the uptick of swirling, freezing snow and-]
I wonder if their body truly gets warmer as a defense mechanism or if it's mental. Perhaps both. I've heard stories of people feeling overheated and stripping off their clothes in such a scenario - it's fascinating to think about.
Eren starts talking though and-
His body is warm - hot, almost. Arm, side and shoulder heating up from contact alone. The coat doesn't do shit with the wind picking up, but it does retain more than Akechi huddling up in a ball.
There's one violent, involuntary shudder from Akechi with the uptick of swirling, freezing snow and-]
I wonder if their body truly gets warmer as a defense mechanism or if it's mental. Perhaps both. I've heard stories of people feeling overheated and stripping off their clothes in such a scenario - it's fascinating to think about.
[Akechi doesn't move away. That yank was a gamble, but it's paid off. He's talking as he normally would. Eren will move slow from here. He lets his arms encircle Akechi just a little closer. He bites down hard on his lip until it starts to bleed. Steam rises around him, red grooves branching out from under his eyes. Crackles of hot energy briefly envelope them, too, but Eren stops there. Even the beginnings of the transformation produce heat. He can warm in short bursts like that.]
That's right. When we were training in the mountains as cadets, our superiors warned us of soldiers that got lost and were found without their clothes. That's a lot of layers to remove if it were only something mental...
That's right. When we were training in the mountains as cadets, our superiors warned us of soldiers that got lost and were found without their clothes. That's a lot of layers to remove if it were only something mental...
[He'll die if he doesn't do this - that's how Akechi convinces himself to not smack at the arms around his body.
A living heater is just that. Eren is obligated to keep allies alive. Akechi needs to live, so-
It makes sense. Rational. Logical. He looks up to see the red marks splay under Eren's eyes, feel the pulsing mild heat that keeps his blood circulating. It's nice. He hates this.]
I suppose that's true. [He blinks the snow out of his eyes - no sense in moving his hands to wipe at it and ruin this delicate temperature balance happening between flesh and fabric.] You've been training since your youth, haven't you? I recall you being young when the whole ordeal began. It must have been taxing to go through it all at such an age, but if there's no choice, well-
[It doesn't matter.]
What would you have done, if the world hadn't condemned you to a life of military service and bloodshed?
A living heater is just that. Eren is obligated to keep allies alive. Akechi needs to live, so-
It makes sense. Rational. Logical. He looks up to see the red marks splay under Eren's eyes, feel the pulsing mild heat that keeps his blood circulating. It's nice. He hates this.]
I suppose that's true. [He blinks the snow out of his eyes - no sense in moving his hands to wipe at it and ruin this delicate temperature balance happening between flesh and fabric.] You've been training since your youth, haven't you? I recall you being young when the whole ordeal began. It must have been taxing to go through it all at such an age, but if there's no choice, well-
[It doesn't matter.]
What would you have done, if the world hadn't condemned you to a life of military service and bloodshed?
[Maruki calls "heel," and Eren appears at his side, ever the loyal dog. His eyes haven't left Akira, although he "tries" not to stare. The tea can wait, apparently. He takes that gesture as a sign that Maruki needs him near.]
Not farming. [Not really. Other people grow things in the garden, and he helps out with the animals. That's about it.]
At one point, I ran a food business. [He's supposed to at least answer, right? He doesn't really feel like getting into the details; never a fan of small talk, Eren.]
I don't do that anymore.
Not farming. [Not really. Other people grow things in the garden, and he helps out with the animals. That's about it.]
At one point, I ran a food business. [He's supposed to at least answer, right? He doesn't really feel like getting into the details; never a fan of small talk, Eren.]
I don't do that anymore.
Edited (fuck thermo) 2024-11-25 05:15 (UTC)
[ Honestly, he just wants Eren to stop hovering in the kitchen and chill. When the kettle's done, he can pop in and grab the tea for him. ]
And now I cook for said food business... unofficially, and only sometimes. It's more of a useful pastime than a job.
[ He props his chin up on a palm, drums his fingers against his cheek as he watches Akira move about the kitchen. ]
But up until fairly recently, I was the counselor here, yes. Unfortunately, that's on indefinite pause. [ And why isn't important, because Eren doesn't need to get more pissed off than he probably is! ] Why, are you thinking of looking for a part-time job, Kurusu-kun?
And now I cook for said food business... unofficially, and only sometimes. It's more of a useful pastime than a job.
[ He props his chin up on a palm, drums his fingers against his cheek as he watches Akira move about the kitchen. ]
But up until fairly recently, I was the counselor here, yes. Unfortunately, that's on indefinite pause. [ And why isn't important, because Eren doesn't need to get more pissed off than he probably is! ] Why, are you thinking of looking for a part-time job, Kurusu-kun?
[It's only a text, but the sentiment is...oddly thoughtful. Eren feels his stomach dip a little about it. Is Akechi really only sharing for the sake of sharing? Eren's definitely interested...]
Did you take them with you?
Did you take them with you?
That was never something I thought about.
[Snow lands on Eren's cheeks and instantly fizzles out into steam. He curls in closer around Akechi, as if he's the one trying to shield himself from the wind - Akechi merely has no choice but to go with.]
Even as a kid, I only wanted to become a Scout and fight titans. When I was twelve, I joined the Cadet Corps, and when I was fifteen, I joined the Scout Regiment.
At first, that was only as an alternative to killing me...
[Snow lands on Eren's cheeks and instantly fizzles out into steam. He curls in closer around Akechi, as if he's the one trying to shield himself from the wind - Akechi merely has no choice but to go with.]
Even as a kid, I only wanted to become a Scout and fight titans. When I was twelve, I joined the Cadet Corps, and when I was fifteen, I joined the Scout Regiment.
At first, that was only as an alternative to killing me...
If you say so. I defer to you on this.
[ Maruki is far too protective to be objective in this case. ]
As a side note, thinking back on that carnival, the workers wore cuffs like the new arrivals here are. I don't know what that means. It just occurred to me.
[ Maruki is far too protective to be objective in this case. ]
As a side note, thinking back on that carnival, the workers wore cuffs like the new arrivals here are. I don't know what that means. It just occurred to me.
Wouldn't both the carnival workers and the new arrivals having bracelets mean they came from the same place?
[Perhaps he's thinking too simply.]
No one believes that this world is as small as Visium. If Vaeros is bringing in people from other realities, other leaders probably are too. It makes sense, doesn't it?
[Perhaps he's thinking too simply.]
No one believes that this world is as small as Visium. If Vaeros is bringing in people from other realities, other leaders probably are too. It makes sense, doesn't it?
[Conditioned for war - Akechi doesn't care about fighting his words. Eren wanted to be a scout. A cadet. In the military, as if that would have ever been a choice to deviate from in such a callous world.
It's warmer now. He doesn't fight that either - turns his face upwards and tries to avoid brushing his cheek against Eren's. It's claustrophobic, somehow, on this expansive cliffside that seems to get smaller with every second.]
Say you were born in Tokyo - in Aubrey's generation or my own. Maruki's even. An entire peaceful world is yours to live in. You could do anything at all. Teach. Cook. Travel. Live the life of a celebrity or one of quiet solitude. You're set to live a long, healthy life. No door is shut. All paths open if you choose to walk down it.
What would you do then?
It's warmer now. He doesn't fight that either - turns his face upwards and tries to avoid brushing his cheek against Eren's. It's claustrophobic, somehow, on this expansive cliffside that seems to get smaller with every second.]
Say you were born in Tokyo - in Aubrey's generation or my own. Maruki's even. An entire peaceful world is yours to live in. You could do anything at all. Teach. Cook. Travel. Live the life of a celebrity or one of quiet solitude. You're set to live a long, healthy life. No door is shut. All paths open if you choose to walk down it.
What would you do then?
That could be, but they might also signify something else.
I wonder what happens if one attempts to remove them. They could be their own form of contract.
I met an interesting man near the farm one night. Maybe I'll find him again and ask if he'd be willing to try.
I wonder what happens if one attempts to remove them. They could be their own form of contract.
I met an interesting man near the farm one night. Maybe I'll find him again and ask if he'd be willing to try.
[It feels like an earnest question. Eren wants to brush it off. He's never thought about it - that's true. He sees no point in dreaming about something that will never happen - that's true too. Akechi is the one asking, though. He sounds like he actually wants to know. How could Eren reject something like that?
[He didn't only want to be a Scout. He didn't only want to kill. He didn't only want war. There was more. There was something there first. It hurts to think about. He still wants it...]
I wanted to see all of the world's wonders. I wanted to see every corner of it.
[Eren's cheek does, indeed, press up against Akechi's, just as warm as the rest of him.]
That didn't turn out well. Still. In a completely free world, like the one you're describing...
I guess...that's still what I'd want.
[He didn't only want to be a Scout. He didn't only want to kill. He didn't only want war. There was more. There was something there first. It hurts to think about. He still wants it...]
I wanted to see all of the world's wonders. I wanted to see every corner of it.
[Eren's cheek does, indeed, press up against Akechi's, just as warm as the rest of him.]
That didn't turn out well. Still. In a completely free world, like the one you're describing...
I guess...that's still what I'd want.
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