( after a bit of a switch from the student store, komaeda's out of place for the moment— even more so than per usual given the fact he doesn't really have a place here among the groups of people. he can work with them, he can make this place a "paradise", but that never means he's a perfect fit to the puzzle of their life. placing people where they'd get more mileage is very him, hyping up the protagonist so that they have more going for them as he watches from the back. that's what he's supposed to be doing, and so he does so by purchasing every new thing that comes from the student store under new management.
he thinks alice will do good at the front desk during the morning hours.
supporting alice isn't strange to him at all unlike being unsure of what to do, and thus he's in the library flipping through a generic, basic notebook with nothing in it. with his attention on the book, he doesn't notice how he's about to walk into someone— colliding, and unfortunately both of their items fall to the ground. the notebook that the person he's bumped into is the same appearance wise, but not as mystical as the one komaeda has. the ultimate reaches down to grab the first notebook he sees to offer to the person before him not knowing it's the one he bought from the student store. )
Ahaha... Sorry about that, I should be more careful. Here.
( he shifts down to grab the notebook on the ground, flipping through it, and isn't it lucky that they both had empty notebooks? whatever the reason is, komaeda looks at the other person with a smile. )
Did you hear they're running a little game in the library today? Answer three questions about a certain book of the Librarian's choosing, and if you manage to get them all right she gives you something. Do you want to do it with me, we can use your book!
( your book that if you write in it, it'll replace your memories with the storytelling of the book they write from! hm. better choose a good book. )
02. but still i reach, to find a way
open — anytime, student council room
( waking up is a little different today, and his goals migrate from his normal routine as he walks up and down the hallway, searching desperately for something or someone. who knows what it is, but there's a energy in each and every step as he makes his way through, and even pushing two people out the way so he can peek his head into a classroom. not seeing what he wants, one of komaeda's lay across his stomach as he sighs a bit disappointed. )
Where is he...?
( and then an idea comes to him, it doesn't take him long until he's found his way to the student council room to rap his knuckles against the door. once it opens, he pushes his way inside as he searches for the intercom. with one click, and a tap on the microphone so he can hear the drum of his fingertips. )
Ebalon-kun, come to the student council room! ( with another click of the button, he turns it off as he looks at who is inside the room. ) I'm sorry, I'm unsure how the Seelie Prince got away from home, but I'll take him back.
03. i'm still stuck in between finding the right words to say
wildcard — anytime
( have something you want to personally do with komaeda? throw me something here. )
What the hell even happened there? He was just minding his business until this guy showed up and started messing around with the intercom. The Seelie Prince?
........... ]
You realize, you could have asked first. The school's intercom isn't a toy.
( oh, yes, one of the civilians use this room for their war meetings. there's a small frown as he thinks about it, but ever since the Unseelie Princess was killed... it was time for the Seelie Prince to take over. )
You would have said no under any circumstances, but it's fine as long as the prince rendezvous here.
( what a bad temper, and when did he start to forget his role in this? sighs, he's a little disappointed which causes him to cross his arms, looking to the side with a frown. )
[ He's not the one LARPing right now, Komaeda?! Except, the second part kinda gets him to pause and the expression turns from irritation to worry in a flash. ]
[ Ngh-- A dual pronged attack. Both in invoking the Arisu twins and in reminding him. Kei was still at home, probably upset. Having to make do without him. Ugh... ]
I had no idea. Ebalon really had family here? I didn't even know you two were that close.
[ Probably because he makes it a point to ignore most of what Komaeda does. ]
[ ... Well! This is quite the predicament. It's not every that that he wakes up on the middle of a staircase in the forest, nor is it every day that he finds himself in a room that seems to be prime for a ritualistic sacrifice. In fact, he has the distinct feeling that he's not supposed to be here despite the memories of leading a normal student life rattling around in his head.
Hm.
Anyway! It's creepy, so and he vaguely remembers there being a cult, so he's going to leave before they find him and try to use him for their demon summoning or something equally strange.
He manages to get out of there well enough, up and out of the library, and it's when he's taking his steps toward the student store (which is exactly the wrong way) before he bumps into somebody, a bit roughly due to the fast pace he was moving at that, and he makes a hasty apology, ]
Ah, please excuse me--
[ ...
... ]
... Komaeda-kun?
[ Why does he have the distinct feeling that he's supposed to be dead? For that matter, why does his stomach suddenly hurt? It's not like they'd ever done anything strange together.. Well, nothing to be ashamed of anyway... Well, nothing that was anyone else's business anyway. That last one sounds right. ]
[ He's an inch taller than him now, tall and lanky, and Hiyori doesn't like that one bit. He's certain that he should be shorter, though his memory is scrambled enough that it might merely be his mind playing tricks on him. For Hiyori's part, he looks younger, the last signs of youth still clinging to his features. Perhaps more notable to a person who's paid so little attention to him is the puzzled look on his face as he tries to parse the explanation. ]
New memories? I should think that a journal would be preserve memories rather than to create them.
[ He straightens himself up, looking Komaeda over properly to make sure that no harm was done to him. It's not like him to be so clumsy, and if he's not careful he'll lose track of the conversation. He has the sense that there's a misunderstanding. It's best not to let such things go so far and so he clarifies, ]
You must be mistaking me for someone else. I am a doctor, but I have no practice here.
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if you do it fr i promise to give you sumn special
[ This time...? Hiyori stares blankly at that statement as he tries to understand it. He's not a stupid man by any means, but one who prides himself on being able to adapt to any situation, but even so it's difficult to maintain his composure when confronted with such strange statements.
He supposes that someone with a similar face must have suffered from such an affliction before, and that person must act as the present nurse. It's a strange cioncidence to be certain, but there's a limited amount of genetic variety in the world and an overabundance of individuals who wish to excel in the medical world. It's seen as easy money in the same way that law is, and so he supposes it to be no surprise. He shakes his head. ]
Rio...? I'm afraid I'm not familiar with anyone by that name... Nor have I ever suffered amnesia.
[ Here is your kitty wisdom of the day: .00000000000000
she came back to add more i think she's sad that they don't remember each other: :{"['['['['['['['['['['['['[''
They do have a project that will be given that name in time, Rio Laizer, but it's a ways off from completion. He offers an apologetic smile despite his confusion. ]
Ah... I truly do apologize, but you seen to have confused me for someone else... Then I suppose you have no idea who I am? I'm afraid I must have mistaken you for someone else as well, do forgive me, but...
[ He trails off, chuckles, shoulders lifting as his expression grows a little embarrassed. ]
... I seem to have memories of spending time with someone with a similar face, you see... [ It goes without saying that Komaeda's appearance is rather distinct, from the pale skin to the gaunt frame to the dead eyes - it would be impossible to mistake him for anyone else, ] Please do forgive my rudeness, I should at least introduce myself properly...
[ He's trying to bring the conversation back to something more normal. He holds his hand out. ]
[ Hiyori tilts his head to the side quizzically, as if not understanding what Komaeda is trying to say. He thinks that he should be able to understand all of it, but it's all incomprehensible save that he knows the person before him. His memories suggest that they had been dating at one time, but those same memories paint the image of a very different person than he is. It was one who was content with life and all it has to offer, as empty headed and ignorant as all others. A complete nightmare, really.
His chest hurts, but he's certain that its just the shock of everything, or perhaps just the way it's suddenly beating faster as he stares into those lifeless green eyes. He doesn't concern himself with it, as he can look himself over later. There's a slight frown as he looks down to his h and before returning it to his side. ]
That's a rather harsh assessment, isn't it? I don't suppose that you would prefer that I were to refer to you as "Nagito," though I should be glad to.
[ But the way the statement was framed suggests otherwise. Still, Hiyori seems more wiling to accommodate than his older self. It's amazing how much just a handful of years can change a person. It only takes a few years for one to grow more hardened, just a single moment for all they'd worked for to be ripped away from them, a single incident to tip the first domino that sends a person on a downward spiral that kills their patience and rewrites their goals.
Perfect at any age, but at the present time he was still establishing his life due to a combination of youth and desire to be seen as a leader - the belief that he would one day be the true leader of a massive organization. ]
That name isn't familiar to me, I'm afraid... I am Sou Hiyori. I work for ASUNARO as a surgeon, and I hope to one day assist in guiding the company to a brighter future...
[ Simple, practiced, inoffensive statements that he's no doubt used to introduce himself countless times before. ]
Now, now, there's no need to be so cold, is there?
[ There's an airy, good-natured laugh, as though he's used to even this behavior. He is, and it's never once truly bothered him when those who resent him are generally too far beneath him to warrant his notice. It tells him that he's not particularly well liked here. He can't discern a reason from either set of overlapping memories, so he suppose the "Sou Hiyori" that Komaeda knows must be the one who's so disliked.
How troublesome. It's always such a hassle to change first impressions. His gaze grows more careful and calculating in turn. It's not quite the same look that his older counterpart might carry, for none fear death more than those who have already experienced it once, but one of a person who's far too aware of it for their age. It's a consequence of living with a knife at his back.
He's no stranger to false memories either. He looks to the student store, shaking his head and turning away from it. He's not quite certain of where he needs to be, but he has the sense that it's not here. ]
Hm... My jobs keeps me rather busy, I have to do continuing education as well... But I've always rather fond of strategy and logic games... Ah, I'm not causing you too much trouble, am I?
[ It's just simple small talk to pass the time. Hiyori hasn't made any deal about him, nor has he acclimated enough to take interest in this patient, and so he sees no harm in this just yet. ]
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NOOOOT IT'S WHAT HE DESERVES ok it is what he deserves for going after a married man smh
[ Which is, of course, exactly the point. It's better to be thought of as plain and boring that immediately pegged as a threat, especially in what appears to be unfavorable circumstances. The nail that sticks out gets the hammer, and right now he need only act the part of a carefully pounded in nail. If he had the foresight to do so, he might have seamlessly slipped into the identity of whoever else might be wearing his name and face. It's too late now though, he was too disorientated to think of it, and so he'll have to save it for his next encounter.
Easy footsteps that clack against the floor tiles. He's not certain of where he's going, but he believes that he'll know once he arrives there. So long as he keeps moving, he knows he'll wind up at just the right place. ]
Oh my! You say it with such confidence too... Komaeda-kun must be quite the hustler! I should be afraid to be the one betting against you.
[ He no doubt has plenty of other colorful terms for himself, and idiots will lap it up for belief that it means that he's easy prey. It's not entirely wrong to do so, as those who lose often console themselves by putting their efforts down - one cannot be hurt by loss if they've already predicted it. But Hiyori isn't stupid, and he can size a person up with a single look over and a few exchanged words.
Small talk is far more useful than people make it out to be. He moves on without waiting for a response, ]
But I am fond of Go. I would happily play with you... Though I suppose I should be the one apologizing for being boring, hm? It seems as though you were expecting somebody far more grandiose... Such is the problem with these second hand accounts.
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OK BUT U GOTTA ADMIT other than gashu they're all marriage material
[ It's twofold. It's a hunch, a little tug at the back of his mind that makes even this conversation feel as though it's occurred in days long past. It's impossible, of course, as one doesn't simply repeat their initial impression, yet the idea remains at the back of his mind. It's that feeling that he's in the presence of a kindred spirit, one whom he would be drawn to like a moth to a flame and burnt by it just as easily. He's a person to be cautious about.
But it's more than that. Eyes are a window into the soul, they tell a person's story in just a glance, and those dull green eyes belong to a person who has long since given up on everything. It's almost as though he were to look into a mirror and see what he could be if only circumstances were a little different. Hiyori is one who's so quickly grown bored of everything and everyone after learning each and every type, every action and reason behind every action, the secret ingredient of what makes up human behavior - predictability. ]
Oh, no, not at all... [ He offers a sheepish laugh in an effort to smooth things over. It won't do to come off too strong. ] But, ah, it's a touch embarrassing to know that another has already left such an impression while I can only offer idle chatter.
[ Which Sou Hiyori is he...? There's a thoughtful sound as he considers. It's a difficult question to answer without knowing who the one here is, but he supposes simply introducing himself as normal should work well enough. ]
I have memories of spending time with you, but I have other memories of this place as a student prior to now... It's quite the phenomena. You are, as I recall, Nagito Komaeda, the Ultimate Lucky Student... [ He also suspects that he's not the type to want somebody to go on about them, and so he's quick to move on, ] I am Sou Hiyori, a 22-year-old surgeon and technician for ASUNARO. I've heard a few of the names here, but I'm afraid I've never met a single one of them face-to-face.
[ Hm... What else... ]
--ah, you mentioned a "Rio Ranger"... I'm afraid there's no one by that name, but perhaps what you refer to is a later project? We are currently working on a project that is to be called "Rio Laizer," but it'll be a few years yet before it's completed.
[ It seems sensible enough. It fits with the naming scheme, and he's doubtful that they would bring in anyone new at this point. They're too close to their goals for that. It's either that or the project was renamed, though he's not quite fond of the implications of such a thing. ]
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NOT he can be wife material, i guess he could be for someone
[ Hiyori wasn't raised to be stupid nor naive, but the last vestiges of youth are still clinging to him. The fear of death clings to his skin at any given moment, but there is still just the slightest touch of arrogance that's only shed once a person suffers a notable injury. He's always hated pain, but it's an important learning tool. It's what separates children from adults, really.
He hasn't suffered the pain of having his life's purpose stripped from him in but a moment. ]
I see.... It would be an honor to be able to work on ASUNARO's masterwork.
[ He says that, but there's a note of dissatisfaction to the words. They ring true, but none of those who work there can swallow the idea of leaving a project incomplete. The fact that he has a separate name means that the project was retooled in that fractured state, which is simply shameful for a company of such prestige. He supposes that someone must not have liked the design.
He mulls over that as his heels click against the tile floors. Harai is too meticulous, Namida is too skittish, and neither have enough pull for that. Gashu, then... He is rather eccentric. How disappointing. ]
Ranger... [ As he says it, Hiyori finds that he's none too fond of the name either - Rio Laizer, a beautiful and elegant name befitting of what he was. Yet, there's no use in crying about it now. ] You seem to know quite a bit about him, Komaeda-kun. How nice that he's been able to so seamlessly blend in with others. I'm certain that those involved in the project would be delighted to hear it.
[ Rio Ranger is nothing more than data and code, materials and wires, but of greater importance is the fact that he's nothing more than a concept to Hiyori. It's no different than talking about the potential that a hypothetical person has, except the person in question happens to exist. He must have hit it on the head that he was able to grow close to others... He should be more mindful of his conversation partner.
The hand on his shoulder sends a chill down his spine that has nothing to do with it's temperature. He lifts his hands in front of him with a sheepish smile. ]
Please accept my apologies, I shouldn't speak of Ranger-san in such a way... I have every intention of speaking with him directly once I've collected my bearings... Even so, I'm grateful to you for looking out for him.
[ He refrains from offering any further explanation on the matter. Ranger should be flexible and adaptable, able to accept new data and incorporate it into his being, but he's an emotional creature by nature. As a human, it'll frustrate him to be presented with a person who isn't as they should be. As an AI intended to solve problems, it'll leave him in quite the predicament to be given an impossible problem. He'll whirl over it over and over in an effort to find the solution without ever coming to it.
He is nonetheless honest in his delight at hearing that their project - the human they'd created from scratch - is so cared to draw out this reaction. However one chooses to view him, he was dearly beloved by those who were working on him, and he doesn't need to look into the future to know that child was never meant to be thrown into the world on his own. It would be no different than throwing a child out into the world with no support. He was meant to be loved and cared for, seen as a point of pride and a future leader in society, just as any child might be.
With that, he moves on, ]
Ahaha... Did I die to get here...? I'm afraid I seem to have forgotten that part, but I should endeavor not to do so again... Ah, are you certain that we haven't met before?
[ It's a relief that he seems to have been able to smooth things over. It's not like him to be so careless. Hiyori nods in agreement. Though he would like to press on the subject a little more, if only to understand his circumstances and avoid trampling upon his feelings, he puts a cap on it for now to avoid being nothing more than a gossip. The man before him doesn't seem like the sort to want to casually discuss another's circumstances with a stranger who had started the conversation in such a tactless manner.
Rather than focusing on that, his eyes remain fixed on Komaeda as the walk along and even as they stop. He's not an emotional man, nor one to be drawn in by others, but there's something about this one that makes him want to be closer. He wants to peel back the layers and find out what makes him tick, to whittle away the hours with him, and he has to clear the feeling out of his head. It's the pallid skin, gaunt form, and wheezing breath, all the tell tale signs of a sickness as easily cured by his hands as any other.
But he thinks that he'd only incur his ire by saying so, and so he refrains from considering such a fool's errand. ]
Ah, I thought we had met here...
[ He presses his fingertips to his forehead as he's struck by a sense of vertigo. There's a sharp pain in his chest, and for a split second the world goes red, but the world rights itself a second after. He furrows his brow, lowering his hand and shaking his head as pieces start to slot together. ]
That's right. You're often in the library, are you not? I believe we would speak there, though i suppose that's impossible when you've been here longer than I have.
[ But with transfer students coming in with dual sets of memories, perhaps it's not that odd after all? ]
Edited 2022-06-28 01:45 (UTC)
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KOMAEDA IS ALWAYS HIS FAVORITE he dethroned sara, she's boring when she's not being a villain
[ It loops? That's concerning, but it would explain the second set of memories that overlay those he knows to be true. The more he thinks on it, he's certain that they knew each other very well. He knows where scars might be if he were to peak under his clothes, how cool his skin is, and what a troubled individual he is. It's obvious just by looking at him now though, the empty eyes and false smile that he senses rarely falters for long.
It would explain it, and should that be the case then he has no place acting so familiar with him. He remembers himself after but a moment. He unconsciously places his hand over his heart as he watches the other. It must be from watching his discomfort, but there's an uncomfortable ache, as though somebody were pinching the organ inside. It's rather bothersome, so he tries not to pay so much mind to it. ]
I see... The school erases your memories once its cycle has completed then? It seems wasteful to lose progress so often.
[ As one who works with memories, it's more unsettling than he lets on, and his fingers clutch the fabric of his shirt briefly as a sudden sense of unease strikes him. He should know this person, however little right he has to be overly friendly with him, and that means he should be able to understand him. The idea of starting from scratch, of his mind being tampered with, is impossibly frustrating.
The polite smile never falters. ]
As for my favorite book, I have too many to count! But I must admit that I'm partial to Mark Z. Danielewski's House of Leaves. It's a story that's dear to me... I'm rather fond of Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None as well.
[ If preferences were to speak of a person, then his choices would paint the picture of a rather troubled man. One is a labyrinth in and of itself, a web connected together by countless threads of perspectives and hidden messages, stories within stories and shifting perspectives. It's about the Minotaur and repressed feelings, of love lost and the attempts to revive it, and of the feelings of guilt and obsession that corrode the mind and body of those who are trapped in the past. There is a happy ending only for those who exist, while the most the living can do is pretend. What a mess of a life it is.
The latter is a fair bit simpler, but nonetheless significant in plucking lives off like flowers on a petal, one by one, as the culprit picks away at the villains in the story one by one. The culprit is a judge and arbiter who brings his gavel down on those who were never punished in life, a proud and righteous man who rids the world of scum by offering them symbolic deaths.
His smile falters for the first time as he finds himself unable to pull his eyes away from Komaeda's scratching. ]
Are you alright, Komaeda-kun?
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NOT BETTER ok you know what that's fair, she should
Yes... Anyone would when faced with such a tragic deterioration. The mind is a delicate thing, isn't it? How much sadder when one suffers from an affliction that they can never overcome.
[ It's not intended to be a comment on Komaeda, although the same might apply, as the afflictions he speak of are something far more cruel. They lead to delusions and tampered memories, twist relationships into something cruel and harmful when they should be fond memories, and before long their monsters become real. It's watching someone slowly die, losing their mind first and their body second, without being able to do anything about it.
It's the worst kind of pain one can inflict on a person. He would know.
He blinks at the order, momentarily puzzled, but curiosity gets the best of him and he finds himself complying readily enough. He moves to the side of it and adjusts his position to secure his footing before leaning forward and pressing his weight against it. He uses one step after another to propel him forward, and it doesn't take much effort for him to reveal what's behind it. ]
[ It's scattered pieces of knowledge, like a completed puzzle that had pieces taken out here and there. He can remember the gardener and the counselor, the cats and a few other points of intrigue, but the entire school setting doesn't feel quite right to him. He's certain that the rooms should be in different places.
He frowns at the name. The Sara that he knows of is still a middle school student. He's better acquainted with her father, but even that isn't a close relationship. They're not so close that his mind jumps to assumptions despite knowing the surname. ]
Chidouin-san? I'm afraid I'm not familiar.
[ He gives Komaeda a dubious look. He doesn't like the idea of exposing his back to anyone, much less one he just met. ]
Wouldn't it be better for you to go first? You seem more familiar with the passage than I am.
[ He's sturdy enough to do more than budge a few inches from the unexpected touch at first, but by time the other is pushing on him it leaves him with two uncomfortable choices. He shiver beneath his touch. It's a pleasant feeling to have hands running down his back, but it's probably just the sudden coolness. He knows him, but as long as it's not mutual they might as well be strangers.
Perhaps he should walk it back before he makes the situation any more uncomfortable. ]
It would be untoward of me to equate you with someone simply because they had your name and face. I was a little out of sorts, I'm afraid... It is nonetheless a pleasure to meet you, Komaeda-kun. I look forward to working with you.
[ That's a little better for addressing a stranger, despite the awkward start and his current predicament. ]
Ahaha... Komaeda-kun will bump into me if I don't! I'm going, I'm going...
[ He swallows, trying to hide the small sound that comes when his hands move to his hips, but Komaeda seems to be right, as it does have the effect of getting to move forward. His mouth goes dry, and he has to place a hand over his chest to avoid coming on too strong himself. It must be because he's familiar, but even so, Hiyori rarely has this kind of reaction to someone.
The mention of kidnapping earns a slight frown, and he's grateful for the distraction. He won't inquire about the details, as it's likely the least interesting part of the conversation for both of them. People act in such ways all the time. They'll even take someone close enough to mold them into who they miss. ]
Of course it does. It's only the blind and selfish who can't tell the difference between individuals simply because they share similarities. Even children will get upset if you try to replace their favorite toy with an identical one. If you craft the same item a hundred times, there were always be slight variations; if you live the same life a hundred times, you will always come out a different person.
[ Children grow attached to their favorite toy for the love that they put into ti and the way that they've personified it. Humans are even more irreplaceable, for their memories won't sync up with your own; their personality won't be the same for their lived experience. It's what makes ASUNARO's AIs so amazing. They're a person exactly as they should be, a perfect replication, and they can sync up with one's memories. ]
Still, it is hard to shake that fondness for a person, now isn't it?
[ Well, there's no point in denying it when he's already acted in such a familiar manner. ]
Yes, a little bit, but if you'll give me a little while I'm sure I can sort it out. You aren't the person I knew, but a stranger I happen to know a few things about. You have a different air about you than the Komaeda-kun I remember knowing before.
[ It's no different than how Hiyori has a different air than he might were he older. He is, in ways, more amicable than his older counterpart for having such a desire to appear so. He's a little more arrogant but a little less bitter for still never having had his role stripped from him. But he's no less perfect, nor is he any worse at sizing people up. Even now, it only takes a look and a few words for him to understand a person, with or without memories. He must have a bit more sense too, because he's young enough to don a fluffy ponytail rather than the rattail he would have adopted a year or two later. ]
Does it bother you? My memories are fuzzy, and so I can assure you that I don't remember anything in nature.
[ Which is to say that he's not carrying any of Komaeda's secrets. He's an honest person, but everyone has parts of themselves that they'd rather others not know about. ]
[ It has taken some effort, but Komaeda had gotten him to agree to go into the Neo World Program with him again. He's always been protective of his code, but it's a little more than that. It feels invasive now, as though he'd be intruding on something personal, because each time he's peered into it there's only been the world carefully crafted by another. The logical understanding that both were the result of a mind leaking into it and the subconscious overtaking it can't quite shake off the emotional argument that slips in and out.
He's sitting on one of the coffins now, his gloved fingertips brushing against it. He's hardly one to stall once he's agreed to something, but nor does he rush to get to the conclusion. It will, he thinks, be nice to see what such a device is capable of crafting. It makes it worth overcoming his misgiving. That, and... He'd like to spend time with his boyfriend in a place that's not here.
There's a different reason that he's not hurried about this. ]
... It's an impressive device, [ He offers, having inspected it by now in addition to having utilized it once before, ] It's on par with those made by ASUNARO. Any one of our ranks would feel blessed to be able to utilize such a unique device... There's a few things that could be better about it, but I'm guessing they would have patched those holes up later. You don't really work out all the kinks until you've had it running for awhile.
[ There's a wistful tone at the mention of his own. it's nostalgia and missing them, but it's thought of what more could be accomplished. Rio doesn't care about Ultimates save the meaning that his partner finds in him, but he's the product of human ingenuity and innovation. There's no miracles, yet humans make them occur just with thoughts and dreams and efforts, proving time and time again that they can do anything.
He wouldn't mind seeing what results would come from a collaboration between such different forms of genius. Putting it more simply, ]
... Its creators have my respect. They've did well.
[ It's the kind of acknowledgment and praise that he never offers anyone. But then, it's only natural. Rio never withholds praise when it's due, he offers a simple and honest assessment each and ever time, but his standards are simply too high for the vast majority to reach. ]
( praise for another person shouldn't dwell on his heart so heavy, but it does. he loves ultimates more than anything in the world, they're what makes him happy, and they have all his respect for bringing hope into the world. it's like a breath of fresh air, something new and exciting as he watches rio for a brief moment before turning away to look at the pods that lie before them.
he can't help how a smile grows on his face, the corners twitching every moment that he places his hands together gently without clapping, and he's honored for them. he shouldn't be, but their work realized by someone that isn't the one specific group brings komaeda's mood up. )
The early deceased Ultimate Programmer, Ultimate Neurologist and Former Ultimate Therapist... I'm unsure if your words can reach heaven, but if they can, I'm sure they'd smile.
( that's part of his delusion.
the creators of this machine no longer exist, and they aren't even here to make any corrections. two of them didn't even get to see how far it went, and the former ultimate therapist lived longer than the rest. despair had devoured the world and made it uninhabitable, especially where no one could live with hope unlike some.
that's why he accepts their praise even though they aren't here. )
It can restore and erase memories... just a few simple switches, you can return to what you were before any despair happened. My classmates and I... were the starting point as to why this machine was created.
( there's nothing to hide, but he wonders if mahiru would say that this is their sin that they should keep to themselves. this is their sin that transcends life and death, and it's that darkness that covers each and every one of them now— nanami is the only one untainted, before and after. he laughs. )
It made me believe at 17 I lived on a beach with my classmates in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on an artificial island, it was created by the Future Foundation.
( maybe the praise has gotten to him that he can say this easily, honestly it's not like komaeda talks about his past much. )
[ It's something that Komaeda cares about, and it's that fact alone that leads Rio to share his thoughts. If its creators were here he might pick their mind, but there's not much need to report to a layman who hasn't worked on it. His fingertips brush against the coffin once more, though he does frown a little at the thought of it remaining in this static state. It's no worse for it, but those with visions always want more, they always take their work so much further.
It's fine for Komaeda to accept it, he thinks. It's not quite the same as him accepting praise for his creators' work, but it's close enough. There's a pride that one takes in the work of those they love, so much so that just hearing them praised is enough to make one happy. He pushes himself up. Komaeda had said before that it did it's job well enough. He hadn't been understand at the time, but over time he's started to just a little. ]
It's not as precise, but Namida always said that her memory machine would change the world... Ahaha, I'm sure she dreamed of something like this too.
[ He wouldn't say that the memory machine is worse. It has an entirely different functionality. It erases the worst parts of a person while keeping the remainder, rewires the brain so that the mental disorders that plague them are erased with just the click of a button. They would create AIs and perfect replications of others to restore what was lost. All of that, but innovation never stops, and this device is also one that would change the world. It's not enough to just heal a person's body, one has to be able to heal their mind as well.
It would be nice of words could reach... Ah, he wonders how things might have been if such a thing could be made in his world. ]
They were that committed to healing you and yours then, huh... That's admirable... Hm, an island isn't what I would've expected, but I guess it makes sense.
[ He's assuming they weren't playing survivor out there, which would make it a place relatively free from people, but one where they could be free of the stress of daily life. This place could be that if it weren't such a mess. He cants his head. ]
Did it come complete with the knowledge that you'd won an all expenses paid getaway vacation?
( them being committed or if it was meant to have other uses, but since it fell in line with their problem then maybe they were— could that have been what they always wanted? how much research did hope's peak take in order to create a coffin that could connect to an individual's brain waves and edit their beliefs? was this really want the ultimate programmer, neurologist and others desired? he can't say on that. in death, everyone's research is taken from them and used in ways they would have never imagined, it's just that by them existing that there's hope for machines like this. as his eyes fall onto the coffin next to him, he closes his eyes as he thinks about what was done.
ultimate despair was to die due to the chaos that they've caused, and there was no way to reform them back into society afterwards. even after using the machine, there's still despair resting inside of their bodies, and nasty thoughts that plague them from time to time. no one is as clean and pure as nanami, how lucky she is to be pure white, and protected by the fact she was erased just like that too. it kept that charm of hers away from the real world, one where it had collapsed, and all they had was a boat that would carry them out to see where no one could find them.
why would the world accept that back if they were fixed? they would still have to walk death's row. even komaeda was still sane by a margin, and he knows all of what he did so to have thoughts that he'd do it again if it meant to bring about hope? then yes, he would.
he doesn't linger on sad things, though. )
Namida-san is getting there. The machine that you took from the common room is a testament to that?
( it can be one in any world he finds, and everyone has their own pace but after some time... it seems to evolve from one thing to another that a person can be proud of. he doesn't threaten namida nowadays since he's sure rio would rather not hear it, and that he's grown over his feelings (which are probably still there as long as they aren't brought up) and so his previous partner is safe for now. it would have been better if she had came here soon, perhaps they could have avoided a few problems just because she existed. )
Ahaha, funny. No, it came with that we were students of the prestigious Hope's Peak Academy, and that we were on a vacation to strengthen our hope! ...I thought it was a little childish, we had a stuffed animal for a teacher. It's stuffy here some days, so I can take you there... the last moments of that place though, I'm unsure if it'll affect the visual of the island, but I'll keep you safe.
[ Rio lifts a brow at the mention of it being a stuffed animal. It seems an odd choice for a group of kids that were on the cusp of adulthood. He doesn't have the shame about childish things that those who grow up learning to put him away would have, but he's not so ignorant that he's unable to realize that such a thing would be questioned by a group of kids on the cusp of adulthood. It's as unnatural on sending kids on an island vacation. Maybe it was probably the least threatening option they could offer.
It's such a different approach than what ASUNARO would use. They'll change the world, and they'll rid it of all disease, but to do that there's a need for sacrifice in order to reach that goal. They're close, though, and he knows that just what they have will change everything. But he likewise draws his attention away from that, as if he focuses on it for too long then that lonely feeling that still grips him sometimes will return.
He fidgets a little at the suggestion. He's always so sensitive about the idea of anything that touches his code, but... He should try to trust Komaeda more too. He nods. ]
It does get pretty stuff, doesn't it? Sure, let's do it.
( this time, he doesn't have to plug rio up to the system directly, and instead they can use the two resting pods in the common room. it'll feed off his memories, placing them back into simpler times, but he wonders what's left— he heard it was damaged on the inside, that their fight with ultimate despair led in the world collapsing, or rather alter ego was no longer able to keep it up. they don't need them fortunately, their data was there to keep ultimate despair in line, so as for now... )
If you open the pod, I'll have the system up and running. Ahaha, this is your first time laying into something so comfy, huh?
( a person could rest in there forever like they did, and also every time they decided to come here there was always a third person. he knows that the other isn't fond of his code being pushed through various systems, but maybe this will work better where it's just connected like it will with komaeda's brain.
walking over to the other, he reaches for rio's hands to hold onto them for a moment. his thumb brushing underneath the palm, drawing little circles as they stand in place for him to stare at the other. tilting his head to one side and then to the other, he doesn't think much about others so the action is a but odd. )
If it worries you though, we can make something out of reality...
( though the simulation feels real, and rio already knows this. komaeda still wants to offer him the option just in case he'd rather do something different. )
[ There's no one moment in which these odd little gestures of him became familiar and comforting, but by now it would be odd to be without his partner to employ such odd little gestures. There's moments when he feels his touch through the fabric of his gloves that he thinks of how soft his hands are, and he wonders if it might not such a bad thing if he were to wear his gloves less often when they're together. It's a little scary, but... He thinks that he might try.
He gives his hands a light squeeze, shaking his head. The thought of his code being tweaked is equally disconcerting now that he's felt the effects of it, but it's not quite the same. ]
I don't mind... I can't deny that it's impressive, so I shouldn't let my nerves get in the way. Besides, it's important to you, so I wanna see.
[ The last words are a little harder to put together. He's simple and honest, and he's learned over time to start piecing his emotions together along with the consideration of others. He wants to share in what's important to his partner, and he wants to share that with him alongside the reality they'll come back to. He shifts a little before taking a small step forward and giving him a quick peck on the lips. ]
You had it right. I don't need to worry if you're with me.
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SOU HIYORI
NAGITO KOMAEDA
no subject
2
What the hell even happened there? He was just minding his business until this guy showed up and started messing around with the intercom. The Seelie Prince?
........... ]
You realize, you could have asked first. The school's intercom isn't a toy.
[ Also, why are you meeting him here???? ]
no subject
( oh, yes, one of the civilians use this room for their war meetings. there's a small frown as he thinks about it, but ever since the Unseelie Princess was killed... it was time for the Seelie Prince to take over. )
You would have said no under any circumstances, but it's fine as long as the prince rendezvous here.
( this place is a safe spot! )
no subject
If it was just to call someone here, one of us could have very well done that. This isn't a club room.
no subject
( yes he called miyuki lower than noah and him, but that's the type of rumor he's under the possession of. he's not going to change his mind. )
...The Calvary Captain shouldn't be playing in clubs. What are you really doing, Shirogane-kun? You should be keeping the Fae Circle safe.
no subject
[ Oops, he's losing his temper! Probably on account of the bullshit he's hearing. ]
I don't think Ebalon would just ignore a request from the student council! Does he only listen to you now?
no subject
( what a bad temper, and when did he start to forget his role in this? sighs, he's a little disappointed which causes him to cross his arms, looking to the side with a frown. )
Should he not listen to me? I'm all he has left!
no subject
[ He's not the one LARPing right now, Komaeda?! Except, the second part kinda gets him to pause and the expression turns from irritation to worry in a flash. ]
What does that mean? Did something happen to him?
no subject
( what if he loses more family? that's something komaeda can't risk. )
Do you have any siblings... you should understand.
no subject
I had no idea. Ebalon really had family here? I didn't even know you two were that close.
[ Probably because he makes it a point to ignore most of what Komaeda does. ]
wildcard - here, have ur human hiyori
Hm.
Anyway! It's creepy, so and he vaguely remembers there being a cult, so he's going to leave before they find him and try to use him for their demon summoning or something equally strange.
He manages to get out of there well enough, up and out of the library, and it's when he's taking his steps toward the student store (which is exactly the wrong way) before he bumps into somebody, a bit roughly due to the fast pace he was moving at that, and he makes a hasty apology, ]
Ah, please excuse me--
[ ...
... ]
... Komaeda-kun?
[ Why does he have the distinct feeling that he's supposed to be dead? For that matter, why does his stomach suddenly hurt? It's not like they'd ever done anything strange together.. Well, nothing to be ashamed of anyway... Well, nothing that was anyone else's business anyway. That last one sounds right. ]
PLEASE STAB HIM IN THE HAND FIRST
New memories? I should think that a journal would be preserve memories rather than to create them.
[ He straightens himself up, looking Komaeda over properly to make sure that no harm was done to him. It's not like him to be so clumsy, and if he's not careful he'll lose track of the conversation. He has the sense that there's a misunderstanding. It's best not to let such things go so far and so he clarifies, ]
You must be mistaking me for someone else. I am a doctor, but I have no practice here.
if you do it fr i promise to give you sumn special
He supposes that someone with a similar face must have suffered from such an affliction before, and that person must act as the present nurse. It's a strange cioncidence to be certain, but there's a limited amount of genetic variety in the world and an overabundance of individuals who wish to excel in the medical world. It's seen as easy money in the same way that law is, and so he supposes it to be no surprise. He shakes his head. ]
Rio...? I'm afraid I'm not familiar with anyone by that name... Nor have I ever suffered amnesia.
[ Here is your kitty wisdom of the day: .00000000000000
she came back to add more i think she's sad that they don't remember each other: :{"['['['['['['['['['['['['[''
They do have a project that will be given that name in time, Rio Laizer, but it's a ways off from completion. He offers an apologetic smile despite his confusion. ]
Ah... I truly do apologize, but you seen to have confused me for someone else... Then I suppose you have no idea who I am? I'm afraid I must have mistaken you for someone else as well, do forgive me, but...
[ He trails off, chuckles, shoulders lifting as his expression grows a little embarrassed. ]
... I seem to have memories of spending time with someone with a similar face, you see... [ It goes without saying that Komaeda's appearance is rather distinct, from the pale skin to the gaunt frame to the dead eyes - it would be impossible to mistake him for anyone else, ] Please do forgive my rudeness, I should at least introduce myself properly...
[ He's trying to bring the conversation back to something more normal. He holds his hand out. ]
Sou Hiyori, it's a pleasure to meet you, Mr...?
CAN'T WAIT FOR KOMAEDA'S SURPRISE FOR HIM!!
His chest hurts, but he's certain that its just the shock of everything, or perhaps just the way it's suddenly beating faster as he stares into those lifeless green eyes. He doesn't concern himself with it, as he can look himself over later. There's a slight frown as he looks down to his h and before returning it to his side. ]
That's a rather harsh assessment, isn't it? I don't suppose that you would prefer that I were to refer to you as "Nagito," though I should be glad to.
[ But the way the statement was framed suggests otherwise. Still, Hiyori seems more wiling to accommodate than his older self. It's amazing how much just a handful of years can change a person. It only takes a few years for one to grow more hardened, just a single moment for all they'd worked for to be ripped away from them, a single incident to tip the first domino that sends a person on a downward spiral that kills their patience and rewrites their goals.
Perfect at any age, but at the present time he was still establishing his life due to a combination of youth and desire to be seen as a leader - the belief that he would one day be the true leader of a massive organization. ]
That name isn't familiar to me, I'm afraid... I am Sou Hiyori. I work for ASUNARO as a surgeon, and I hope to one day assist in guiding the company to a brighter future...
[ Simple, practiced, inoffensive statements that he's no doubt used to introduce himself countless times before. ]
I hope that we can get along...
NOT HIS DOWNFALL i'm so sad for him
[ There's an airy, good-natured laugh, as though he's used to even this behavior. He is, and it's never once truly bothered him when those who resent him are generally too far beneath him to warrant his notice. It tells him that he's not particularly well liked here. He can't discern a reason from either set of overlapping memories, so he suppose the "Sou Hiyori" that Komaeda knows must be the one who's so disliked.
How troublesome. It's always such a hassle to change first impressions. His gaze grows more careful and calculating in turn. It's not quite the same look that his older counterpart might carry, for none fear death more than those who have already experienced it once, but one of a person who's far too aware of it for their age. It's a consequence of living with a knife at his back.
He's no stranger to false memories either. He looks to the student store, shaking his head and turning away from it. He's not quite certain of where he needs to be, but he has the sense that it's not here. ]
Hm... My jobs keeps me rather busy, I have to do continuing education as well... But I've always rather fond of strategy and logic games... Ah, I'm not causing you too much trouble, am I?
[ It's just simple small talk to pass the time. Hiyori hasn't made any deal about him, nor has he acclimated enough to take interest in this patient, and so he sees no harm in this just yet. ]
NOOOOT IT'S WHAT HE DESERVES ok it is what he deserves for going after a married man smh
Easy footsteps that clack against the floor tiles. He's not certain of where he's going, but he believes that he'll know once he arrives there. So long as he keeps moving, he knows he'll wind up at just the right place. ]
Oh my! You say it with such confidence too... Komaeda-kun must be quite the hustler! I should be afraid to be the one betting against you.
[ He no doubt has plenty of other colorful terms for himself, and idiots will lap it up for belief that it means that he's easy prey. It's not entirely wrong to do so, as those who lose often console themselves by putting their efforts down - one cannot be hurt by loss if they've already predicted it. But Hiyori isn't stupid, and he can size a person up with a single look over and a few exchanged words.
Small talk is far more useful than people make it out to be. He moves on without waiting for a response, ]
But I am fond of Go. I would happily play with you... Though I suppose I should be the one apologizing for being boring, hm? It seems as though you were expecting somebody far more grandiose... Such is the problem with these second hand accounts.
OK BUT U GOTTA ADMIT other than gashu they're all marriage material
But it's more than that. Eyes are a window into the soul, they tell a person's story in just a glance, and those dull green eyes belong to a person who has long since given up on everything. It's almost as though he were to look into a mirror and see what he could be if only circumstances were a little different. Hiyori is one who's so quickly grown bored of everything and everyone after learning each and every type, every action and reason behind every action, the secret ingredient of what makes up human behavior - predictability. ]
Oh, no, not at all... [ He offers a sheepish laugh in an effort to smooth things over. It won't do to come off too strong. ] But, ah, it's a touch embarrassing to know that another has already left such an impression while I can only offer idle chatter.
[ Which Sou Hiyori is he...? There's a thoughtful sound as he considers. It's a difficult question to answer without knowing who the one here is, but he supposes simply introducing himself as normal should work well enough. ]
I have memories of spending time with you, but I have other memories of this place as a student prior to now... It's quite the phenomena. You are, as I recall, Nagito Komaeda, the Ultimate Lucky Student... [ He also suspects that he's not the type to want somebody to go on about them, and so he's quick to move on, ] I am Sou Hiyori, a 22-year-old surgeon and technician for ASUNARO. I've heard a few of the names here, but I'm afraid I've never met a single one of them face-to-face.
[ Hm... What else... ]
--ah, you mentioned a "Rio Ranger"... I'm afraid there's no one by that name, but perhaps what you refer to is a later project? We are currently working on a project that is to be called "Rio Laizer," but it'll be a few years yet before it's completed.
[ It seems sensible enough. It fits with the naming scheme, and he's doubtful that they would bring in anyone new at this point. They're too close to their goals for that. It's either that or the project was renamed, though he's not quite fond of the implications of such a thing. ]
NOT he can be wife material, i guess he could be for someone
He hasn't suffered the pain of having his life's purpose stripped from him in but a moment. ]
I see.... It would be an honor to be able to work on ASUNARO's masterwork.
[ He says that, but there's a note of dissatisfaction to the words. They ring true, but none of those who work there can swallow the idea of leaving a project incomplete. The fact that he has a separate name means that the project was retooled in that fractured state, which is simply shameful for a company of such prestige. He supposes that someone must not have liked the design.
He mulls over that as his heels click against the tile floors. Harai is too meticulous, Namida is too skittish, and neither have enough pull for that. Gashu, then... He is rather eccentric. How disappointing. ]
Ranger... [ As he says it, Hiyori finds that he's none too fond of the name either - Rio Laizer, a beautiful and elegant name befitting of what he was. Yet, there's no use in crying about it now. ] You seem to know quite a bit about him, Komaeda-kun. How nice that he's been able to so seamlessly blend in with others. I'm certain that those involved in the project would be delighted to hear it.
[ How did he meet the person before him? Hm... ]
STOOOPPPP HE ONLY GOES AFTER 17 Y/OS
The hand on his shoulder sends a chill down his spine that has nothing to do with it's temperature. He lifts his hands in front of him with a sheepish smile. ]
Please accept my apologies, I shouldn't speak of Ranger-san in such a way... I have every intention of speaking with him directly once I've collected my bearings... Even so, I'm grateful to you for looking out for him.
[ He refrains from offering any further explanation on the matter. Ranger should be flexible and adaptable, able to accept new data and incorporate it into his being, but he's an emotional creature by nature. As a human, it'll frustrate him to be presented with a person who isn't as they should be. As an AI intended to solve problems, it'll leave him in quite the predicament to be given an impossible problem. He'll whirl over it over and over in an effort to find the solution without ever coming to it.
He is nonetheless honest in his delight at hearing that their project - the human they'd created from scratch - is so cared to draw out this reaction. However one chooses to view him, he was dearly beloved by those who were working on him, and he doesn't need to look into the future to know that child was never meant to be thrown into the world on his own. It would be no different than throwing a child out into the world with no support. He was meant to be loved and cared for, seen as a point of pride and a future leader in society, just as any child might be.
With that, he moves on, ]
Ahaha... Did I die to get here...? I'm afraid I seem to have forgotten that part, but I should endeavor not to do so again... Ah, are you certain that we haven't met before?
CANON ALL HE CARES ABOUT IS MENTALLY ILL 17 Y/OS
Rather than focusing on that, his eyes remain fixed on Komaeda as the walk along and even as they stop. He's not an emotional man, nor one to be drawn in by others, but there's something about this one that makes him want to be closer. He wants to peel back the layers and find out what makes him tick, to whittle away the hours with him, and he has to clear the feeling out of his head. It's the pallid skin, gaunt form, and wheezing breath, all the tell tale signs of a sickness as easily cured by his hands as any other.
But he thinks that he'd only incur his ire by saying so, and so he refrains from considering such a fool's errand. ]
Ah, I thought we had met here...
[ He presses his fingertips to his forehead as he's struck by a sense of vertigo. There's a sharp pain in his chest, and for a split second the world goes red, but the world rights itself a second after. He furrows his brow, lowering his hand and shaking his head as pieces start to slot together. ]
That's right. You're often in the library, are you not? I believe we would speak there, though i suppose that's impossible when you've been here longer than I have.
[ But with transfer students coming in with dual sets of memories, perhaps it's not that odd after all? ]
KOMAEDA IS ALWAYS HIS FAVORITE he dethroned sara, she's boring when she's not being a villain
It would explain it, and should that be the case then he has no place acting so familiar with him. He remembers himself after but a moment. He unconsciously places his hand over his heart as he watches the other. It must be from watching his discomfort, but there's an uncomfortable ache, as though somebody were pinching the organ inside. It's rather bothersome, so he tries not to pay so much mind to it. ]
I see... The school erases your memories once its cycle has completed then? It seems wasteful to lose progress so often.
[ As one who works with memories, it's more unsettling than he lets on, and his fingers clutch the fabric of his shirt briefly as a sudden sense of unease strikes him. He should know this person, however little right he has to be overly friendly with him, and that means he should be able to understand him. The idea of starting from scratch, of his mind being tampered with, is impossibly frustrating.
The polite smile never falters. ]
As for my favorite book, I have too many to count! But I must admit that I'm partial to Mark Z. Danielewski's House of Leaves. It's a story that's dear to me... I'm rather fond of Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None as well.
[ If preferences were to speak of a person, then his choices would paint the picture of a rather troubled man. One is a labyrinth in and of itself, a web connected together by countless threads of perspectives and hidden messages, stories within stories and shifting perspectives. It's about the Minotaur and repressed feelings, of love lost and the attempts to revive it, and of the feelings of guilt and obsession that corrode the mind and body of those who are trapped in the past. There is a happy ending only for those who exist, while the most the living can do is pretend. What a mess of a life it is.
The latter is a fair bit simpler, but nonetheless significant in plucking lives off like flowers on a petal, one by one, as the culprit picks away at the villains in the story one by one. The culprit is a judge and arbiter who brings his gavel down on those who were never punished in life, a proud and righteous man who rids the world of scum by offering them symbolic deaths.
His smile falters for the first time as he finds himself unable to pull his eyes away from Komaeda's scratching. ]
Are you alright, Komaeda-kun?
NOT BETTER ok you know what that's fair, she should
[ It's not intended to be a comment on Komaeda, although the same might apply, as the afflictions he speak of are something far more cruel. They lead to delusions and tampered memories, twist relationships into something cruel and harmful when they should be fond memories, and before long their monsters become real. It's watching someone slowly die, losing their mind first and their body second, without being able to do anything about it.
It's the worst kind of pain one can inflict on a person. He would know.
He blinks at the order, momentarily puzzled, but curiosity gets the best of him and he finds himself complying readily enough. He moves to the side of it and adjusts his position to secure his footing before leaning forward and pressing his weight against it. He uses one step after another to propel him forward, and it doesn't take much effort for him to reveal what's behind it. ]
... Ah.
STOP THAT'S OUR HUSBAND YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT
He frowns at the name. The Sara that he knows of is still a middle school student. He's better acquainted with her father, but even that isn't a close relationship. They're not so close that his mind jumps to assumptions despite knowing the surname. ]
Chidouin-san? I'm afraid I'm not familiar.
[ He gives Komaeda a dubious look. He doesn't like the idea of exposing his back to anyone, much less one he just met. ]
Wouldn't it be better for you to go first? You seem more familiar with the passage than I am.
OK FAIR YOU SHOULD BULLY HIM
[ He's sturdy enough to do more than budge a few inches from the unexpected touch at first, but by time the other is pushing on him it leaves him with two uncomfortable choices. He shiver beneath his touch. It's a pleasant feeling to have hands running down his back, but it's probably just the sudden coolness. He knows him, but as long as it's not mutual they might as well be strangers.
Perhaps he should walk it back before he makes the situation any more uncomfortable. ]
It would be untoward of me to equate you with someone simply because they had your name and face. I was a little out of sorts, I'm afraid... It is nonetheless a pleasure to meet you, Komaeda-kun. I look forward to working with you.
[ That's a little better for addressing a stranger, despite the awkward start and his current predicament. ]
STOPPP I'M CRYING THIS BULLYING!
[ He swallows, trying to hide the small sound that comes when his hands move to his hips, but Komaeda seems to be right, as it does have the effect of getting to move forward. His mouth goes dry, and he has to place a hand over his chest to avoid coming on too strong himself. It must be because he's familiar, but even so, Hiyori rarely has this kind of reaction to someone.
The mention of kidnapping earns a slight frown, and he's grateful for the distraction. He won't inquire about the details, as it's likely the least interesting part of the conversation for both of them. People act in such ways all the time. They'll even take someone close enough to mold them into who they miss. ]
Of course it does. It's only the blind and selfish who can't tell the difference between individuals simply because they share similarities. Even children will get upset if you try to replace their favorite toy with an identical one. If you craft the same item a hundred times, there were always be slight variations; if you live the same life a hundred times, you will always come out a different person.
[ Children grow attached to their favorite toy for the love that they put into ti and the way that they've personified it. Humans are even more irreplaceable, for their memories won't sync up with your own; their personality won't be the same for their lived experience. It's what makes ASUNARO's AIs so amazing. They're a person exactly as they should be, a perfect replication, and they can sync up with one's memories. ]
Still, it is hard to shake that fondness for a person, now isn't it?
PUTTING KOS' HANDS ALL OVER HIM
Yes, a little bit, but if you'll give me a little while I'm sure I can sort it out. You aren't the person I knew, but a stranger I happen to know a few things about. You have a different air about you than the Komaeda-kun I remember knowing before.
[ It's no different than how Hiyori has a different air than he might were he older. He is, in ways, more amicable than his older counterpart for having such a desire to appear so. He's a little more arrogant but a little less bitter for still never having had his role stripped from him. But he's no less perfect, nor is he any worse at sizing people up. Even now, it only takes a look and a few words for him to understand a person, with or without memories. He must have a bit more sense too, because he's young enough to don a fluffy ponytail rather than the rattail he would have adopted a year or two later. ]
Does it bother you? My memories are fuzzy, and so I can assure you that I don't remember anything in nature.
[ Which is to say that he's not carrying any of Komaeda's secrets. He's an honest person, but everyone has parts of themselves that they'd rather others not know about. ]
WHY IS HE TOUCHING HIM I'M CRYING
NOT HE OWNS HIM ok true
deito......... let's say around 6/21
He's sitting on one of the coffins now, his gloved fingertips brushing against it. He's hardly one to stall once he's agreed to something, but nor does he rush to get to the conclusion. It will, he thinks, be nice to see what such a device is capable of crafting. It makes it worth overcoming his misgiving. That, and... He'd like to spend time with his boyfriend in a place that's not here.
There's a different reason that he's not hurried about this. ]
... It's an impressive device, [ He offers, having inspected it by now in addition to having utilized it once before, ] It's on par with those made by ASUNARO. Any one of our ranks would feel blessed to be able to utilize such a unique device... There's a few things that could be better about it, but I'm guessing they would have patched those holes up later. You don't really work out all the kinks until you've had it running for awhile.
[ There's a wistful tone at the mention of his own. it's nostalgia and missing them, but it's thought of what more could be accomplished. Rio doesn't care about Ultimates save the meaning that his partner finds in him, but he's the product of human ingenuity and innovation. There's no miracles, yet humans make them occur just with thoughts and dreams and efforts, proving time and time again that they can do anything.
He wouldn't mind seeing what results would come from a collaboration between such different forms of genius. Putting it more simply, ]
... Its creators have my respect. They've did well.
[ It's the kind of acknowledgment and praise that he never offers anyone. But then, it's only natural. Rio never withholds praise when it's due, he offers a simple and honest assessment each and ever time, but his standards are simply too high for the vast majority to reach. ]
DEITO
he can't help how a smile grows on his face, the corners twitching every moment that he places his hands together gently without clapping, and he's honored for them. he shouldn't be, but their work realized by someone that isn't the one specific group brings komaeda's mood up. )
The early deceased Ultimate Programmer, Ultimate Neurologist and Former Ultimate Therapist... I'm unsure if your words can reach heaven, but if they can, I'm sure they'd smile.
( that's part of his delusion.
the creators of this machine no longer exist, and they aren't even here to make any corrections. two of them didn't even get to see how far it went, and the former ultimate therapist lived longer than the rest. despair had devoured the world and made it uninhabitable, especially where no one could live with hope unlike some.
that's why he accepts their praise even though they aren't here. )
It can restore and erase memories... just a few simple switches, you can return to what you were before any despair happened. My classmates and I... were the starting point as to why this machine was created.
( there's nothing to hide, but he wonders if mahiru would say that this is their sin that they should keep to themselves. this is their sin that transcends life and death, and it's that darkness that covers each and every one of them now— nanami is the only one untainted, before and after. he laughs. )
It made me believe at 17 I lived on a beach with my classmates in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on an artificial island, it was created by the Future Foundation.
( maybe the praise has gotten to him that he can say this easily, honestly it's not like komaeda talks about his past much. )
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It's fine for Komaeda to accept it, he thinks. It's not quite the same as him accepting praise for his creators' work, but it's close enough. There's a pride that one takes in the work of those they love, so much so that just hearing them praised is enough to make one happy. He pushes himself up. Komaeda had said before that it did it's job well enough. He hadn't been understand at the time, but over time he's started to just a little. ]
It's not as precise, but Namida always said that her memory machine would change the world... Ahaha, I'm sure she dreamed of something like this too.
[ He wouldn't say that the memory machine is worse. It has an entirely different functionality. It erases the worst parts of a person while keeping the remainder, rewires the brain so that the mental disorders that plague them are erased with just the click of a button. They would create AIs and perfect replications of others to restore what was lost. All of that, but innovation never stops, and this device is also one that would change the world. It's not enough to just heal a person's body, one has to be able to heal their mind as well.
It would be nice of words could reach... Ah, he wonders how things might have been if such a thing could be made in his world. ]
They were that committed to healing you and yours then, huh... That's admirable... Hm, an island isn't what I would've expected, but I guess it makes sense.
[ He's assuming they weren't playing survivor out there, which would make it a place relatively free from people, but one where they could be free of the stress of daily life. This place could be that if it weren't such a mess. He cants his head. ]
Did it come complete with the knowledge that you'd won an all expenses paid getaway vacation?
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( them being committed or if it was meant to have other uses, but since it fell in line with their problem then maybe they were— could that have been what they always wanted? how much research did hope's peak take in order to create a coffin that could connect to an individual's brain waves and edit their beliefs? was this really want the ultimate programmer, neurologist and others desired? he can't say on that. in death, everyone's research is taken from them and used in ways they would have never imagined, it's just that by them existing that there's hope for machines like this. as his eyes fall onto the coffin next to him, he closes his eyes as he thinks about what was done.
ultimate despair was to die due to the chaos that they've caused, and there was no way to reform them back into society afterwards. even after using the machine, there's still despair resting inside of their bodies, and nasty thoughts that plague them from time to time. no one is as clean and pure as nanami, how lucky she is to be pure white, and protected by the fact she was erased just like that too. it kept that charm of hers away from the real world, one where it had collapsed, and all they had was a boat that would carry them out to see where no one could find them.
why would the world accept that back if they were fixed? they would still have to walk death's row. even komaeda was still sane by a margin, and he knows all of what he did so to have thoughts that he'd do it again if it meant to bring about hope? then yes, he would.
he doesn't linger on sad things, though. )
Namida-san is getting there. The machine that you took from the common room is a testament to that?
( it can be one in any world he finds, and everyone has their own pace but after some time... it seems to evolve from one thing to another that a person can be proud of. he doesn't threaten namida nowadays since he's sure rio would rather not hear it, and that he's grown over his feelings (which are probably still there as long as they aren't brought up) and so his previous partner is safe for now. it would have been better if she had came here soon, perhaps they could have avoided a few problems just because she existed. )
Ahaha, funny. No, it came with that we were students of the prestigious Hope's Peak Academy, and that we were on a vacation to strengthen our hope! ...I thought it was a little childish, we had a stuffed animal for a teacher. It's stuffy here some days, so I can take you there... the last moments of that place though, I'm unsure if it'll affect the visual of the island, but I'll keep you safe.
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[ Rio lifts a brow at the mention of it being a stuffed animal. It seems an odd choice for a group of kids that were on the cusp of adulthood. He doesn't have the shame about childish things that those who grow up learning to put him away would have, but he's not so ignorant that he's unable to realize that such a thing would be questioned by a group of kids on the cusp of adulthood. It's as unnatural on sending kids on an island vacation. Maybe it was probably the least threatening option they could offer.
It's such a different approach than what ASUNARO would use. They'll change the world, and they'll rid it of all disease, but to do that there's a need for sacrifice in order to reach that goal. They're close, though, and he knows that just what they have will change everything. But he likewise draws his attention away from that, as if he focuses on it for too long then that lonely feeling that still grips him sometimes will return.
He fidgets a little at the suggestion. He's always so sensitive about the idea of anything that touches his code, but... He should try to trust Komaeda more too. He nods. ]
It does get pretty stuff, doesn't it? Sure, let's do it.
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( this time, he doesn't have to plug rio up to the system directly, and instead they can use the two resting pods in the common room. it'll feed off his memories, placing them back into simpler times, but he wonders what's left— he heard it was damaged on the inside, that their fight with ultimate despair led in the world collapsing, or rather alter ego was no longer able to keep it up. they don't need them fortunately, their data was there to keep ultimate despair in line, so as for now... )
If you open the pod, I'll have the system up and running. Ahaha, this is your first time laying into something so comfy, huh?
( a person could rest in there forever like they did, and also every time they decided to come here there was always a third person. he knows that the other isn't fond of his code being pushed through various systems, but maybe this will work better where it's just connected like it will with komaeda's brain.
walking over to the other, he reaches for rio's hands to hold onto them for a moment. his thumb brushing underneath the palm, drawing little circles as they stand in place for him to stare at the other. tilting his head to one side and then to the other, he doesn't think much about others so the action is a but odd. )
If it worries you though, we can make something out of reality...
( though the simulation feels real, and rio already knows this. komaeda still wants to offer him the option just in case he'd rather do something different. )
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He gives his hands a light squeeze, shaking his head. The thought of his code being tweaked is equally disconcerting now that he's felt the effects of it, but it's not quite the same. ]
I don't mind... I can't deny that it's impressive, so I shouldn't let my nerves get in the way. Besides, it's important to you, so I wanna see.
[ The last words are a little harder to put together. He's simple and honest, and he's learned over time to start piecing his emotions together along with the consideration of others. He wants to share in what's important to his partner, and he wants to share that with him alongside the reality they'll come back to. He shifts a little before taking a small step forward and giving him a quick peck on the lips. ]
You had it right. I don't need to worry if you're with me.