firstworldproblem | IC Inbox (Imeeji)

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 ]

[It is the lack of a response that gets him to pay attention to the stare.]

Ah. I suppose we have not talked about that in detail, have we?

[Securing on the yukata and belting it.]

I know I don't have to say it, but if you would keep this to yourself. Considering sensitIV's ability, I do not care for it to get around.

As you've just mentioned, you don't have to say it. Obviously I'll keep it to myself.

[ but he frowns, like he's still considering something ]

Undeniable proof of your death. I'm sure the reminder delights you.

Insult to injury truly. Not only did I perish, but 'twas all the primordial Light of the First that did this. Hundreds of years of work, the shard nearly at stasis ready for a Rejoining. Ah, the indomitable will of man.

But let it leave your mind for the time being. I do not wish to dour the outing.

I'm afraid thinking of your death is going to sour it no matter what. But I will at least try to push it out of my mind.

Still ... that was something I had been concerned about. Has it been on your mind, lately? Lahabrea did fall as well, after all, and I've been wondering if his presence might have made some unpleasant thoughts resurface.

It has been for a variety of reasons. 'Tis not pleasant but more surreal than anything. I did show him the moment of my demise. I felt rather detached to be honest, as if it was just another mortal death. ... Though I should mention if there is any memory that you would wish to see, you need but ask. You have earned the right of it.

As for Lahabrea, I suppose I never truly mourned his death. We had been together so long, the three of us. Yes, the other offices had many changing of the guard, but those two were always a constant, a comfort. Taking a moment would have brought reality to the situation --- not that it wasn't the truth to be begin with. But unlike our sacrificed brethren whose sleep in Zodiark's embrace, would we we be able to bring him back? I do not truly believe so.

So any time given is one I will cherish even if he's being a fool. Though I do believe he is trying to be better, and I will give him that credit.

... Well. I certainly don't want to see your death, so if you thought I was going to ask, you can discard that thought. Temporary though they may be, I already know I'll have to see one or two here, and that's enough. I'm not exactly looking forward torturing myself.

But let's continue the conversation inside the springs. This was meant to be relaxing for us, and maybe it'll make the topic a little less heavy.

[He does laugh trying to lighten the mood as he pats Five's shoulder and walks by him into the springs.]

Did I finally find your limit? I would have thought you wanted to know for the scientific discovery. You all but ran directly into Amaurot's Final Days from what you mentioned.

That's different. I did not have to see you dying, regardless of how unpleasant it was.

I had to see the Final Days to understand. Your death on the other hand would only teach me how to properly kill you.

[ though as soon as he says that he realizes that knowing that would also mean he'd be able to understand how to prevent it, so now he's considering, but not liking it ]

... There would be uses for it. But I don't think I'm ready to see it.

[He sees the consideration.]

Ah! And to think you were worried your emotions would run rampant over your ability to keep a logical view on things. Never should you doubt yourself.

[Guess they are going to the outdoor onsen. It's probably really pretty!]

You can't say that after I just admitted I'm not ready to see it. If emotions weren't such a problem I wouldn't need to prepare myself, to begin with.

[ Outdoor it is because the goal is to HAVE A PRETTY VIEW!! And he'll get himself ready so he can actually go soak in the water, waiting for Emet to join ]

I can say whatever I please, you know. And if you truly wished to overcome your emotions I have no doubt you could. The fact you understand your limits of comfort is far beyond the emotional skill most have.

[There is an audible sigh of relief when he gets in the water. He closes his eyes and leans back.]

Perhaps I'll move here.

... it's mostly thanks to you. I wasn't exactly much in tune with my emotions before.

Obviously I knew I don't want to see people I love dying, or already dead. But I admit I would have been reckless enough to push past that in an effort to do what must be done.

[ he's going to move in a bit closer, though he's looking up at the sky ]

It's quite nice.

Never would I be one to say to not have emotions for 'tis an impossible task. They are what motivate us after all --- friends, family, loved ones. But it can be difficult not to succumb to them in the worst of times.

[Runs a hand through Five's hair in a more 'messing it up' teasing type sibling manner.]

It is. Do you have a good view of the sky from that excessive mansion of yours?

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