well mineo is nodding and - look, he really is learning. he's much less resistant to taking greed's advice this time around. wow! progress.
that said.]
.... I don't know. [and mineo stretches out a little bit at that, like he's already ready to take off and fight something on takeru's behalf] I don't... even know if I get to have an opinion on that. He lost someone, and he's - struggled with guns ever since. I've seen how it affects him, and I don't blame him for wanting revenge.
[it might not be right and it might not be justice - but mineo isn't even sure what he wants to do with fuji's killer. he doesn't think he gets to judge.]
.... but Adonis might be the only ones who can really get him to his target. Unless he decides he doesn't... want revenge anymore?
[but. there's a thread of doubt in mineo's voice. if takeru came here... he wonders if it's possible to convince him out of it]
Understandably. [it's said in a murmur, like there's a thought there they don't want to share but it's a touch of agreement. maybe that's odd for someone whose sole focus is on doing the right thing]
"Might" is still not a guarantee they're the only source of information. I suppose the reason I'm asking is if, let's say, Sasazuka went back to work for Adonis, would the Enomoto in that timeline be able to possibly find a way to rescue him and obtain the information another way.
[ . . . . he tilts his head a little bit at that, worried after greed for a second? who does greed want revenge on? though he supposes he can't peer into the hood it seems rude....
but.]
... that's the goal.
[if he's honest]
To get him to rely on me before them. But we didn't get along all that well before we got here - so it has to be this version of us, I think. I can't get him to trust me quick enough otherwise.
[ . . . ]
I don't know if I can help him with murder, once we're out of here. That's... complicated. But - I'd try to do what I could to support him.
Then I suppose you have your answer to present your case to him and begin your debate. It seems to me your best solution would be both of you remaining alive with enough indulgence to your names to transfer yourselves and your memories back to Sasazuka's timeline.
The timeline you originally came from has, technically, reached a dead end anyhow. [given mineo is dead. would anything drastically change between the two timelines besides those few events? they don't think so. and the risk seems worth considering.]
.... that's probably true. I guess it's just weird - to think about leaving that behind. Letting my mistakes get that bad....
[but. he supposes that's why he's here, right? there's still some guilt on his face, but he'll try to move past it.]
.... I know I got my book a little while back, Greed-san - but do you know if we'll get other indicators that... I dunno. The indulgences are working? Or - even a gauge for how much more we have to do before we've indulged enough?
...there are some life events that occur that force you to change your hand entirely, Enomoto. While leaving things behind is difficult, moving forward and choosing a direction that suits you best is always the right answer.
[moving on.]
It's another thing we're researching I'm afraid. The bonuses are an excellent indicator, but they're still few and far between. It would make things much more simple if all of the indulgence collected was tangible, like a liquid. However, the best we can do is assume this is working and that things are going well enough.
[ . . . . there's just a little bit of a huff at that - his expression softening into something both a a tinge sad but mostly appreciative]
.... just gotta keep moving, right? So I don't get stuck. I... hear what you're saying, Greed-san. I'll do my best.
[tsundere greed strikes again..... but.]
Mm... I get it. I think - we heard it described as a race to begin with...? And Satoru actually said something about stuff - besides indulgences we can do to help all of you? So... I guess my next questions are - how's the race going, and is there anything else we can do to help besides...
[wow!!! an "I know"...... he perks up a little like he himself is the dog, happy to get just a little bit of acknowledgement from greed. stupid.
anyway:]
Hmm.... It was during the meeting. He said... that we're kind of slow, as far as the race is going? So that might be why we're still here? And that there's the implication that stuff besides indulging would be able to help all of the Avatars.
Aaaand that whatever happens at the end of this will affect the fates of you all.
[mineo no please get better taste in people in general. but that means greed lets out a questioning little hum in response.]
I wonder where he heard that from. But in a sense, that's correct. You're kind of slow to the start. Minorly indulging will only provide small results. Think of it as trying to fill a swimming pool. You're likely to fill the pool faster if you use a hose than if you're carrying buckets at a time. A constant flow is necessary.
There's also the matter of indulgence taking on different forms. It doesn't necessarily have to be sexual in nature. There are technically ways to win the favor of certain Avatars that don't involve indulging either, but I'm not sure if it's helpful to all of us.
[but hm.] I don't know about affecting our fate, but naturally the assumption is that once you've completed your time here we'll be able to leave as well.
... did Takeru talk to you about - you know, the files he found? On the other Avatars. I hear Sloth-san say that they've been changing more over the weeks too, underneath the cloak.
[glancing at greed curiously before peering up at their hood]
... can I ask again to see your face, Greed-san? Or... do you think you've gotten more reason to hide?
What files? [there's genuine bafflement here because nobody told them about this? like. fine. they were listening in on the meeting which i think was before this thread and if not, whatever, the point is nobody has told them directly.]
That isn't surprising to hear. [they don't seem happy about that though, a soft frown in their tone. there's a weird sort of pause like they aren't sure how to proceed.]
I find it odd that so many of you are focused on our appearances. [which isn't a bad thing and they would be curious as hell, too, but they aren't so thrilled when on the other end of the problem. it's also not really a no, either. they're more looking for mineo's reasoning.]
[timelines don't mATTER no just kidding it was before this thread]
Ah... we were looking into some stuff in the Research Room. Takeru hacked into some of the systems, I think, and he found some files with information on Wrath and Despair. Basically he thinks that all of you are being monitored... and I don't know what to make of it. Maybe it's in line with the pink eye that others saw?
[it's wild around these parts. but mineo just manages a sheepish look at the last bit - ]
Mm... it's been a couple weeks, and I think I'd like to know who I'm talking to? But... I also think Sloth-san suggested to me that their appearance has changed over time. I guess I'm curious what you look like - and if that in and of itself might be a clue for the rest of us? But I don't wanna invade your privacy for the sake of a hunch...
[there's a grumbling under their breath that sounds like they're berating wrath and despair for not saying anything, though that disappears fairly quickly. whatever!! they can deal with that later!!]
...if you mean the eye Miss Monroe and Miss Lillie saw, I wouldn't think too hard on it. It's outside on its own.
[whatever the hell that means. but there's another pause as they weigh mineo's response, also not too surprised sloth has told him some things already.]
...consider my privacy invaded around the time everyone's memories were spreading around. [that was a terrible week? memshare week was awful! but they seem to be leading mineo up a hill with maus out of eyesight, eventually coming to a stop so the dog can drink from a little doggie fountain.
...this is so stupid. they keep the hood up mostly because they really dislike the changes, but now that information's spreading anyway. well.
they wordlessly reach up with a clawed hand to tug their hood off a bit.]
[without the hood, he can see that their eyes are still glowing purple and there's a hollow sort of darkness around the eye sockets, like deep-set shadows that give them an almost skeletal appearance. there's wisps of shadows coming from their eyes and thick veins that seem to bulge slightly, pale skin crackling in places. there's the claws, of course, and with the way their mouth is set it's evidence there are fangs inside as well.
also, they look like they haven't slept very much. so that's lovely.]
[GREED!!!!!!!!! mineo is at least patient at that, waiting to see if greed's willing to remove their hood for him and - he's just going to manage a little bit of a smile. it's not full of pure joy, kinda hard when it's so obvious to him that greed seems so tired, but there's still notes of appreciation and warmth.]
... yeah.
It's nice to meet you face to face, Greed-san. Thanks for agreeing.
[he really is polite and it's not even the weekly effect]
[he seems to wait for mineo to look him over, but there's a slow nod just once in acknowledgment. he can't rightfully say "it's good to see you, too" for obvious reasons, but he seems to be alright with this development for now.]
You can see why the hood is something I prefer, I'm sure. [sometimes! you used to be a regular-ass dude! and then body morphs happen! wow!]
As optimistic as you may be, Enomoto, I can't even guarantee this can be reversed. We've never said that we'll stop being Avatars just because you finish here.
.... but that doesn't seem fair - why would the rest of us get to indulge for a chance to get our wishes, but you guys just have to babysit us and still not get much out of it by the end?
[maybe it's why mineo's been so curious about what's even in it for the avatars - it just seems right]
... not just me but - I'm pretty sure other people would take issue with that, you know? Not even getting into how we're all pretty fond of you by now.... it wouldn't feel right to just leave you behind.
If you want to leave - I can at least work with the others to see how to make that happen.
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well mineo is nodding and - look, he really is learning. he's much less resistant to taking greed's advice this time around. wow! progress.
that said.]
.... I don't know. [and mineo stretches out a little bit at that, like he's already ready to take off and fight something on takeru's behalf] I don't... even know if I get to have an opinion on that. He lost someone, and he's - struggled with guns ever since. I've seen how it affects him, and I don't blame him for wanting revenge.
[it might not be right and it might not be justice - but mineo isn't even sure what he wants to do with fuji's killer. he doesn't think he gets to judge.]
.... but Adonis might be the only ones who can really get him to his target. Unless he decides he doesn't... want revenge anymore?
[but. there's a thread of doubt in mineo's voice. if takeru came here... he wonders if it's possible to convince him out of it]
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"Might" is still not a guarantee they're the only source of information. I suppose the reason I'm asking is if, let's say, Sasazuka went back to work for Adonis, would the Enomoto in that timeline be able to possibly find a way to rescue him and obtain the information another way.
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but.]
... that's the goal.
[if he's honest]
To get him to rely on me before them. But we didn't get along all that well before we got here - so it has to be this version of us, I think. I can't get him to trust me quick enough otherwise.
[ . . . ]
I don't know if I can help him with murder, once we're out of here. That's... complicated. But - I'd try to do what I could to support him.
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Then I suppose you have your answer to present your case to him and begin your debate. It seems to me your best solution would be both of you remaining alive with enough indulgence to your names to transfer yourselves and your memories back to Sasazuka's timeline.
The timeline you originally came from has, technically, reached a dead end anyhow. [given mineo is dead. would anything drastically change between the two timelines besides those few events? they don't think so. and the risk seems worth considering.]
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.... that's probably true. I guess it's just weird - to think about leaving that behind. Letting my mistakes get that bad....
[but. he supposes that's why he's here, right? there's still some guilt on his face, but he'll try to move past it.]
.... I know I got my book a little while back, Greed-san - but do you know if we'll get other indicators that... I dunno. The indulgences are working? Or - even a gauge for how much more we have to do before we've indulged enough?
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[moving on.]
It's another thing we're researching I'm afraid. The bonuses are an excellent indicator, but they're still few and far between. It would make things much more simple if all of the indulgence collected was tangible, like a liquid. However, the best we can do is assume this is working and that things are going well enough.
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.... just gotta keep moving, right? So I don't get stuck. I... hear what you're saying, Greed-san. I'll do my best.
[tsundere greed strikes again..... but.]
Mm... I get it. I think - we heard it described as a race to begin with...? And Satoru actually said something about stuff - besides indulgences we can do to help all of you? So... I guess my next questions are - how's the race going, and is there anything else we can do to help besides...
[(sloth voice) hanky panky]
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I suppose it's similar to race if you choose to look at it that way. What precisely did Gojou have to say about that...?
[mostly, they're looking to see what information is out there and if it matches or if they need to correct things.]
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anyway:]
Hmm.... It was during the meeting. He said... that we're kind of slow, as far as the race is going? So that might be why we're still here? And that there's the implication that stuff besides indulging would be able to help all of the Avatars.
Aaaand that whatever happens at the end of this will affect the fates of you all.
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I wonder where he heard that from. But in a sense, that's correct. You're kind of slow to the start. Minorly indulging will only provide small results. Think of it as trying to fill a swimming pool. You're likely to fill the pool faster if you use a hose than if you're carrying buckets at a time. A constant flow is necessary.
There's also the matter of indulgence taking on different forms. It doesn't necessarily have to be sexual in nature. There are technically ways to win the favor of certain Avatars that don't involve indulging either, but I'm not sure if it's helpful to all of us.
[but hm.] I don't know about affecting our fate, but naturally the assumption is that once you've completed your time here we'll be able to leave as well.
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[mineo tilts his head, trying his best to understand that]
I guess that's something I've been wondering too - is that... what you need help with? To get out of here? If you've been here a while....
Do you all want to leave?
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[glancing at greed curiously before peering up at their hood]
... can I ask again to see your face, Greed-san? Or... do you think you've gotten more reason to hide?
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That isn't surprising to hear. [they don't seem happy about that though, a soft frown in their tone. there's a weird sort of pause like they aren't sure how to proceed.]
I find it odd that so many of you are focused on our appearances. [which isn't a bad thing and they would be curious as hell, too, but they aren't so thrilled when on the other end of the problem. it's also not really a no, either. they're more looking for mineo's reasoning.]
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Ah... we were looking into some stuff in the Research Room. Takeru hacked into some of the systems, I think, and he found some files with information on Wrath and Despair. Basically he thinks that all of you are being monitored... and I don't know what to make of it. Maybe it's in line with the pink eye that others saw?
[it's wild around these parts. but mineo just manages a sheepish look at the last bit - ]
Mm... it's been a couple weeks, and I think I'd like to know who I'm talking to? But... I also think Sloth-san suggested to me that their appearance has changed over time. I guess I'm curious what you look like - and if that in and of itself might be a clue for the rest of us? But I don't wanna invade your privacy for the sake of a hunch...
[he'll try to be respectful....]
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...if you mean the eye Miss Monroe and Miss Lillie saw, I wouldn't think too hard on it. It's outside on its own.
[whatever the hell that means. but there's another pause as they weigh mineo's response, also not too surprised sloth has told him some things already.]
...consider my privacy invaded around the time everyone's memories were spreading around. [that was a terrible week? memshare week was awful! but they seem to be leading mineo up a hill with maus out of eyesight, eventually coming to a stop so the dog can drink from a little doggie fountain.
...this is so stupid. they keep the hood up mostly because they really dislike the changes, but now that information's spreading anyway. well.
they wordlessly reach up with a clawed hand to tug their hood off a bit.]
also, they look like they haven't slept very much. so that's lovely.]
Are you satisfied?
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... yeah.
It's nice to meet you face to face, Greed-san. Thanks for agreeing.
[he really is polite and it's not even the weekly effect]
It really is good to see you.
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You can see why the hood is something I prefer, I'm sure. [sometimes! you used to be a regular-ass dude! and then body morphs happen! wow!]
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Yeah - you're not comfortable with the changes, right? I figure it's probably a little awkward to have other people see...
So I'll do my best to help reverse them - so we can meet again at the end with how you want to be seen.
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[which is just unfortunate.]
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Can you be an Avatar even if you're not here?
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.... but that doesn't seem fair - why would the rest of us get to indulge for a chance to get our wishes, but you guys just have to babysit us and still not get much out of it by the end?
[maybe it's why mineo's been so curious about what's even in it for the avatars - it just seems right]
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[he frowns at that]
... not just me but - I'm pretty sure other people would take issue with that, you know? Not even getting into how we're all pretty fond of you by now.... it wouldn't feel right to just leave you behind.
If you want to leave - I can at least work with the others to see how to make that happen.
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