firstworldproblem | IC Inbox (Imeeji)

Emet-Selch: You can blame the Producers for that.
Emet-Selch: Then I will not keep you further and will ensure your book is kept safe.
Emet-Selch: I know it is important to you.

Valour 5: I know you will
Valour 5: Though I appreciate hearing it, regardless
Valour 5: There is something else I would like to discuss with you, regarding my most recently acquired memories
Valour 5: But it can wait tomorrow night
Valour 5: I'll see you later

[Well 241 evening was a thing, wasn't it? They got to embarrass Lahabrea. Also hopefully 242 day doesn't end in explosions, in the case that it doesn't...

He is there at the appointed time in the lobby wearing a thicker jacket if they plan to be out at night.]

How kind of you to adjust your sleeping schedule for me.

[ watch imeeji explode RIGHT ON THIS DAY ]

It's easy enough with the right amount of caffeine, and besides. This is an activity we're both supposed to enjoy.

I haven't actually bought any helmets, so. We're going to ignore safety guidelines today.

You need armor to ride this contraption? How dangerous is it?

Well, you best explain any necessary operating procedures. I'd hate to have us both end up injured.

Not that dangerous if there's no one on the road and you avoid crashing into things.

[ leading him outside to where he parked his motorcycle ]

Simply sit on the back and hold on tight. And try to avoid keeping your leg close to the muffler - you'll burn yourself.

Do you have any specific wishes on where to go? Or should we just drive around?

[Taking a look at he motorcycle, and he's mostly complaining for the sake of complaining. As he is wont to do.]

What a ridiculous design if one has to worry about burning themselves and falling out.

[He ponders the question for a moment.]

Go where your heart desires, but if you have need of inspiration I always enjoy a quieter place with a good view of the stars. A background sound of sea or wind breaking through leaves is always a nice touch, but not necessary.

Well. To be honest, I do prefer cars. I've only got this because at the time, it was cheaper. Though in the end I purchased a car as well, just today in fact.

[ a pause as he considers ]

We'll head to the onsen. It's far enough that the trip itself will provide enough views to take in, and given the hour and distance, we're unlikely to meet anyone else there. It should be quiet, and provide us with a good enough view of the sky. Not to mention the entire premise of the place is for it to be relaxing.

[ look at him actually putting though into this ]

Would that be acceptable?

Truthfully, that sounds positively delightful. We have one in BARiTONES but it doesn't have quite the view.

Let's not waste more of the night, shall we? Off we go.

[And waiting for Five to get on the motorcycle, so he can figure out how to position himself.]

[ He's pretty pleased with the agreement, and there's a self-satisfied smile at that, but he'll get on the motorcycle and start it up, waiting for him so then they can just go ]

[Getting on behind him and wrapping one arm around Five's waist for stability.

It must be a funny scene. Sort of like that one Mario Kart where you can have two people, and tiny Toad is in the front but King Bowser is taking up the whole back 2/3rds.

In any case! Of they go. TO ADVENTURE!]

[ Look that's exactly why he said IT WOULD BE FUNNY. Just this giant man wrapping his arm around this tiny guy driving a motorcycle.

But him being willing to put up with physical contact for the entire drive is certainly a testament of how much he's gotten used to it and how much he's willing to put up with when it comes to Emet.

And he's actually definitely taking the most ~scenic~ route to the onsen, rather than going for the fastest and most efficient. It's obvious he'd studied and prepared it beforehand, despite asking Emet if he had any preferences earlier. Once they arrive, he'll wait for him to get off the bike before he parks it properly and gets off as well. ]

There we go. I do hope the trip was tolerable enough.

[It must be a sight! And he is trying to give Five his space specifically because of the physical contact, but he also doesn't want to burn any limbs on hot metal --- so!

When it becomes obvious they are taking the scenic route, his eyebrows do raise, but he doesn't comment. Can't really with the wind whipping by them.

Once they stop, he also gets off but leans against the motorcycle.]

You had the route planned out beforehand.

I had a feeling you would answer "a quiet place with a good view". Though I was ready to revise plans if I had to.

[ a pause, and then he adds ]

Last time you were the one to show me around, so. I had to try to get the upper hand and impress you.

Truthfully, you don't have to impress me, Five. You already have.

[Walking over and putting a hand on his upper back as they head towards the onsen.]

But ever it is appreciated. I do feel a little embarrassingly pampered to be known so well.

I'm still considering it a victory.

[ walking beside him easily, not minding the contact ]

And given the amount of times you've been taking care of me lately I'd say you're well due some pampering yourself. If only so I can stop feeling embarrassed over it.

You are too hard on yourself. Much was I able to work through after Kohime's transfer thanks to you. Though you have had a difficult time as of late. Not to mention all that has happened with BARiTONES' newest.

And it is always my pleasure.

Now, you mentioned a subject you wished to speak of. I seem to have missed another round of memories. The fact that I was not texted of theories immediately does make me believe that they did not cause direct clues of the cause of the apocalypse. Yet, I imagine they were impactful all the same.

And here I thought I could ask you about progress with your newest first. But you are correct in guessing I was not provided with any clues. If anything, they only added more questions.

Well, one of them did. The other was just me going out of my way to make a fool out of my father.

[ a pause, and then he adds ]

He killed himself. A last-ditch attempt to manipulate my siblings and I into becoming a team again.

Edited 2020-05-26 01:46 (UTC)

He did what?

We can get to the old fool on my unit in a moment.

Ever do I believe I begin to understand and then I am left baffled. Then truly his whole life's work was to build and raise you. For you to save the world as he seemed to have an indication of knowing of the apocalypse or at least a similar event.

...

...

Have you considered him part of the Commission? Though if he was, why did they simply not stop him. But I would not be surprised if there was some connection. Why would he go so far?

"To save the world", or so Pogo said. They went as far as to reprogram Mom to ensure she wouldn't be able to provide first aid. They framed their death as a mystery to ensure my siblings would be engaged in trying to solve it.

[ there's a sigh ]

To be honest, I'm torn. I can't figure out if he really knew about the apocalypse or he was just crazy, and happened to make a lucky guess in regards to the end of the world. He did have an interest in showing us off, so he might have simply wanted to satisfy his ego.

The thought he might have been involved with the Commission did cross my mind, but as you said. Why would they not have stopped him, then?

Then he was a brilliant man or an insane one. Or perhaps in both scenarios a bit of both. Though I hope you learned a valuable lesson. Speak truthfully to your comrades and those you care about. Or else all you will be left with is mysteries. And they serve no one.

It is all too convenient honestly. Perhaps he was not a part of it, but he must have known about the Commission. A dying friend perhaps imparted the knowledge to him thus he could stay under the radar.

Programmed? Well that explains why your mother didn't have a seat at your dinner table in your dream. But who is this Pogo?

[Crossing the Rainbow Bridge and then looking at the yukata exchange.]

I forgot about both of those details until I took this memory, so I suppose I neglected to inform you. Pogo was our butler — or something to that effect. He's a chimpanzee the old bastard experimented on until he acquired self-awareness and intellect.

Mom is a robot he built and programmed. She's not a real person, but she raised my siblings and I. She was also the one to give my siblings names.

[ once they are at the exchange he's going to go through the process, though for him it's not much of a novelty given taisho's regular attire ]

As for your piece of advice, I've at least put some effort into sharing what's important. If it's not, then there's no reason to be open about it.

He.... For what reason? Well, I suppose I understand the robot. He doesn't seem well with people so something programmed would be preferable. Did Pogo have a reason? Though I suppose if you just learned of him you don't know the answer to that.

I see he is still shrouded in mystery.

[He changes as well not being terribly modest about it, but I suppose this is the first time Five has seen him outside his multiple layered suit. He'll be able to notice the huge patch of scarred flesh on his lower torso and abdomen punctured front to back.]

Good! You above all appreciate knowledge. If I could impart to you one lesson, that would be the one.

[ he's definitely not particularly modest about it either, just changing fast and efficiently - but he does pause to stare at Emet when his eyes catch sight of that scar. It gets his attention enough that he doesn't even say anything in response, just stares ]

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