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meadowlarking2021-03-22 04:57 pm
TEST DRIVE MEME #018
Welcome to the Meadowlark test drive meme! After waking up in strange and rather worrisome conditions, characters will need to begin to live their lives in this new world. All TDM threads take place after the arrival process, so please assume that the initial adjustment period has passed – in which the characters were dropped off behind a bar run by previous arrivals who then direct them to live in a safehouse for four days before hitting the streets. Now it's time to see the bright sights and sounds that New Amsterdam – and beyond – has to offer.
NOTE: The PCs have chosen to call themselves "the Displaced," and that's become the common parlance to refer to them.
There is very little that can smooth over the experience of your arrival in this world. Coming to your senses in a van, drugged and restrained, only to be carefully helped out by the unknown guards and nurses and then abandoned in an alleyway of a local sports bar by the name of Red Wings. What comes next is relatively straightforward: you're found by the employees at the bar, all of whom were once left in a similar situation to this one. You're brought down to a safehouse across town that's hidden underneath a soundproofed garage that's been kitted out for training purposes. You'll learn that you aren't among the first that this has happened to here. There are others not from this world who have experienced the same, with no recollection of how they came here. Like you, they have few answers about what's happened to them. Maybe this knowledge brings you a growing sense of futility, or perhaps it inspires a deeper determination in you. But even as you begin to think on what to do next, life has to go on.
All of the new arrivals will be given a fake ID and a background that will lend them access to entry-level jobs. It may be overwhelming, but their fellow Displaced have found their footing enough to be able to help the newcomers. Two Morningstar agents by the names of Gaby and El will be around to take care of world integration and IDs – the rest will fall to the Displaced who arrived before. It would take at least a month's wages to put down a deposit on even the smallest apartment in the city, so everyone has a grace period before they have to leave the safehouse – and then some, depending on the kindness of who's running the show.
Gaby and El will also make their purpose clear if asked: they are a part of Morningstar, a group dedicated to fighting corruption, tearing the capitalist oligarchy down to nothing, and trying to help make a better world. It will be made expressly clear that this entire arrangement to get the Displaced situated in the world is meant to be kept a secret, and that especially includes Morningstar's assistance. Letting the world know about their involvement could cause big problems.
> EXPLORE THE CHANGES
Despite the lack of answers about why you're here, your fellow Displaced will be able to give you a rundown of the changes they've recognized in each other. Anyone who had powers before will find them gone. Anyone who was once an AI or in a completely artificial body will find that their current body is now fully human. Those with cybernetics will find that they've remained mostly untouched, though any primitive ones may be replaced with temporary ones that are improvements on the previous models.
◉ NEW POWERS. In the place of any powers that were lost, there is now a new power. These abilities are unique to each of the Displaced and seem to update over a certain period of time, with the changes appearing thanks to critical emotional events. One thing that's apparent is that the power seems to be linked to the Displaced individual's personality or life before this one, shaped according to who they happen to be. When this power appears, their chest glows with a blue light that shines from their sternum, and it can be triggered by anything: natural inclination or a moment of great stress. If someone's out in public when this happens, they might want to duck under cover lest the blue glow from their chest and the unusual power's appearance draws unwanted attention.
◉ EMPATHY BOND. No matter the circumstances or the conditions, every skin-to-skin touch of the Displaced triggers this empathy bond. Whether they touch hands, brush cheeks, or knock into one another on accident, they'll be met with the emotions of the person they've touched. Every instance of skin-to-skin contact will trigger an immediate empathic bond, letting you feel the other person's emotions and vise versa. While there's nothing that can be done to completely prevent this, someone can either decide to hold on and continue sharing that level of emotional intimacy, or let go and end the shockingly vulnerable exchange. If someone is particularly tactile but not fond of sharing their emotions, they might want to invest in a fashionable pair of gloves.
◉ MEMORY SHARE. In the past year, the Displaced unlocked the ability to share memories similarly to how they can share emotions. While unknown at first, the Displaced soon learned that they could share a memory with each other the same way they could share emotions. All they need to do is focus on a memory and touch the skin of their fellow Displaced, and then they could pass this experience along. These memories are shared through the eyes of the giver, granting the receiver a unique insight into the thoughts, feelings, and sensations during a specific moment in their life.
◉ DREAM SHARING. Once one, two, or five Displaced fall asleep, they may be able to find each other in their dreams. These dreams lead to the dreamers themselves feeling lucid and somewhat in control of their surroundings—though the control itself is ultimately dependent on the dreamer and how well they come around to understanding what's going on. Dream logic applies with the flow of time, but no one is able to spend their entire lives there. Lost powers are still gone for any of the Displaced, but they can use their dreams to practice any new ability that they've received. Memory shares and empathy bonds are just as possible within these shared dream states—if anyone doubts that another Displaced is really there, they can test the empathy bond to see if it activates.
◉ POWER SHARES AND UNIONS. The Displaced can share something of themselves with another Displaced by offering them an object that comes out of their chest. This object is meant to be symbolic of the person it comes from and significant to them in some way. When someone else takes hold of this object, they will get a sense of the owner's essence, along with temporary access to their in-game ability. Only when they give the item back do they give up the power in question. In addition, the Displaced are able to act in unison and create a fusion of their powers, making it so they can fight someone else with them at once. This ability is there from day one, but the power's ability will only ever present at its current stage.
> THE NETWORK
When the Displaced first showed up, Morningstar set up a private network for all of the Displaced to use in order to communicate. Most of the veteran Displaced are old hands at using the implant now, and will be happy to provide any necessary information on how to utilize this new tool and understand its application in daily life.
Early on, every newcomer receives access to the encrypted network, only available to you and the others like you, making contact between you easy and safe. Familiarize yourself with this network and dig in. Perhaps you're hoping to find some bigger answers, ask about the current nail polish trends in New Amsterdam, or want to play a game of "hot or not" among the Displaced.
◉ IDENTIFICATION. Everyone who gets set up with an ID gets access to Morningstar's network. In order to ensure that none of the Displaced stand out like sore thumbs, Morningstar's agents El and Gaby ensure that everyone has a name that makes it so they fit in among society. All usernames are thusly formed as firstname.lastname, with some room for creativity (Ziggy Stardust has now been among the Displaced twice).
◉ PRIVATE COMMUNICATION. There are private, one-on-one modes of communication available as well, though without the security of Morningstar's encryptions, they're much less safe. You can make calls, send texts, make videos, and even interact with others in a VR simulation—however, it's made very clear that the government has a means of tracking this communication. Big brother is always watching.
The day of April 26th is known to all United Nations citizens: it's Resolution Day. To everyone around the world, it was originally thought of as the day that the burgeoning United Nations finally rescued humanity by eradicating the last known AI lifeforms. This act took place in 2101. However, recent circumstances have revealed that the United Nations had lied about this fact. For over four hundred years, they kept the AI Judas locked away in their military headquarters in New Beijing. During his enslavement, Judas was forced to create technology to serve the UN's purposes, helping turn their soldiers into a hivemind-like group that would always fall into line.
The Displaced know that there are more AI in the world. El, the Morningstar agent who helps create everyone's IDs, is one of them. This is a secret hidden away from the rest of Morningstar due to the massive anti-AI sentiments. The other is Cassius, a space exploration AI who brought chaos to the Displaced before switching sides to become their ally. None of this is known to the world at large.
Of course, El is linked to the war itself. El was formerly known as Elysian, the AI who accidentally kicked off the six-year-long Xelkoven War between humans and AI. Once a security unit, Elysian killed 50 households full of people as ze believed them all to be a threat. The war was ultimately named after the largest artificial intelligence distributor at the time: Xelkov. Ultimately, a billion humans died in the war, and there was the very real risk that the rest of humanity could have followed if they hadn't advised a method to put the AI down for good. Even though humanity lived on, artificial intelligence did not – save for the three aforementioned AI.
With all this coming out, people in this world aren't psyched to celebrate Resolution Day for the reasons they had been taught growing up. But they're still interested in a day to celebrate each other and humanity's survival.
The citywide celebration of Resolution Day starts early and finishes very late, so whether you choose to join in the fun, learn more about the history of the festival, or take advantage of the revelry for other, more nefarious goals, you'll have plenty of time. As the festival sprawls wildly throughout the streets of New Amsterdam, it gives even the most desolate parts of the city new life with bright lights, noise, and plenty of food. Most businesses are closed for the day, but not all of them—if you've gotten yourself a restaurant, street cleaning, or corporate PR job, you might find yourself stuck on a double shift. Better snatch what small moments of enjoyment you can!
> ENJOY THE FESTIVITIES
Anything you'd think would be at a festival in the year 2512 is definitely at this festival. Food, games, dancing, alcohol, free stuff? It's all there for your enjoyment. While the city streets will be full of people, this isn't a bad day to try networking. Want to get a new job or find a way to pry some information out of someone when they're least likely to remember you? Try to butter them up—or use the powers you've been granted to get your way. If anything goes badly, at least you can slip back into the crowd.
◉ GAMES. Care to play a game? All attendees can play for free. Some games —like the hoverblade racing, the augmented reality fightboxes, and the street-wide bouts of laser tag—require a partner or a competitor, so you better hope someone's willing to do you a solid or bring out your competitive side. For anyone who's interested in something a little less hands-on, all of the city's biggest VR arcades will have setups with all the latest games. Hoping to get noticed for your gaming talent? This might not be the day to try to stand out, but anyone's down to try.
◉ FOOD TRUCKS. It's time to try the delicacies of New Amsterdam. Hundreds of food trucks have turned out today in droves with high hopes that they'll come away turning a profit. Down for some Mexi-German fusion? Or perhaps you're hoping that pad thai still tastes the same with grasshoppers? Share your food – or give away whatever you don't like. Food trucks are the hub of activity, and the busiest ones might be worth the time, but you'll be standing in line for a while.
◉ NETWORKING. There are other opportunities with the city being flooded with festival-goers. Whether someone is on a mission to try to test the current sentiments toward Morningstar or simply wants to charm some corporate execs, this might be the time to get it done. Whatever your cover story is, make it good. Whether you claim you're hoping to pitch an idea for some new tech or are more interested in seducing – or squeezing – some information out of them, following them into the next bar or karaoke booth may give you the perfect chance. But you might want a lookout to watch your back, a co-conspirator to keep them plied with drinks, or maybe you'll need a voice of reason to stop you from squeezing too hard. Discretion is the name of the game. Everyone can agree upon that.
> HISTORY LESSONS
Aside from your typical booths of free samples, charitable causes, volunteer applications, and white chocolate-covered beetles, you'll find an opportunity to learn about Resolution Day’s history. There are various stands available where—thanks to the augmented reality application of your neural implant—you can view videos about the origins of the festival and the reasons for celebrating. If you haven't done your initial search yourself, you'll be able to buff up on it here. These booths tell the United Nations' version of the history with zero reminders about what came out about Judas.
◉ VR SIMULATIONS. If you'd like to feel like a hero, the UNA are running several virtual reality simulations where you can be taken to the battlefield to fight alongside fellow soldiers, working to bring the outwardly robotic AI to submission. The virtual reality simulation interacts with your neural implant to give you the most realistic experience possible. If you don't ground yourself enough, you'll be certain that the sights, sounds, and smells around you are real as you march in formation toward the brutality waiting up ahead. Feel free to team up with a partner on a side mission, or maybe try to keep someone from plugging in for what could be a traumatic experience. Eerie, heart-wrenching music plays when you die, but is promptly followed by the image of several corporate logos reminding you that they sponsored this day and this event.
◉ SYMPATHIZERS. If you're uncomfortable with the concept of eradicating all AI, no one will understand why. AI sympathizers are not present among the native population. Everyone in this world has been raised with the understanding that AI only wanted to destroy humanity, and that everyone is lucky to be alive in spite of it. They have a deeply ingrained fear, and anyone claiming to formerly be an AI or android won't receive a very friendly response. Even if they know the UN used Judas for centuries, it doesn't mean they're any less afraid of artificial intelligence: they've been raised to believe that all artificial intelligence was out to eradicate humanity.
Traveling down from the hectic main city streets reveals a different side from the gloss and promise of New Amsterdam. Economic disparity runs rampant throughout the city, and many people are pushed to desperation, looking to find other ways to make ends meet. In the darker shadows, many illegal activities thrive, out of view of the authorities—or perhaps known and supported by corrupt individuals. Maybe you're out exploring, completing a task for Morningstar, or working a job in the place you excel. Whatever brought you to the rougher parts of town, you may want to watch your step, or else find the city eating you as it has so many others.
> ORGANIZED CRIME
Organized crime still has a strong foothold in the world, with gangs and more established families working with drugs, weapons, property, and black market cybernetics, to name a few. These organizations are sprawling units that regularly recruit new members into their ranks, so long as they can prove themselves by passing the intensive hazing. While there are two main mob entities in New Amsterdam—the Riverstone Mob and the Petrov Family—there are a handful of gangs that otherwise roam the streets. Some are loosely sponsored by the mob, while others are fledgling groups trying to gain clout. More than anything, these groups know they don't have the power of the corporations or government, and do everything to seize more power when they can.
◉ JOINING UP. Catching the eye of the mob is difficult, but not impossible. Getting into the larger gangs is less difficult, but they're still wary of anyone who doesn't know the ins and outs of how to duck surveillance, traffic drugs and supplies, and intimidate people without catching flack from the NAPD. The best way to start getting attention is through their clubs, casinos, and illegal gambling dens. Getting inside isn't always easy: it might take a few weeks of legwork to get an invite, but someone could try to strongarm their way inside or use some chicanery to make it a smoother endeavor.
◉ ESCAPE PLAN. Whether you went in to cause trouble or accidentally caused it by breathing the wrong way, it's good to have an escape plan in place. Does that mean fighting all the goons available? Maybe. What about stealing a hover bike and getting away? The good news is that hover bikes can fit where hover cars can't.If you've got the skills, you'll be able to weave through the chaos of the city and make a clean getaway. Just don't let the chase run for too long, or you'll have law enforcement on your ass as well.
> FIGHT CLUB
No matter the occasion outside, New Amsterdam's fight club events are held every evening. The bouncers at the door don't have too many scruples on who they let inside. All they care about is whether someone has the money to pay the cover charge.
The interior of the fight club reveals the sophistication of a business that's used to uprooting itself regularly. All the fights take place in a large cage in the center, and you remain on your feet while you enjoy the show. There is a special VIP section if you've been lucky enough to receive an invite or bribe your way in – just keep in mind that these invites are scarce, and you will have to have done something spectacular to earn the attention from someone high up the food chain. Regardless of where you end up, there is one rule: what happens in the fight club stays in the fight club. This tenant is law, and everyone's heard stories of the different (and sometimes extreme) lengths that have been taken to maintain it.
◉ FIGHT. It's time to sign up and test your chops against other fighters. Many of the fighters boast illegal cybernetic enhancements, so it would be a really good idea to have someone on hand who knows some first aid. Fights can either happen in duos or in one-on-ones depending on the signups for the evening.
◉ RINGSIDE CHAT. You might just want to enjoy the show, or use the opportunity to grill the bartenders for information. Just be careful not to make a fool of yourself. Asking too many questions might catch the wrong kind of attention – the kind that might find you being thrown into the ring, whether you wanted to be there or not. For all the blood spilled, these fight clubs thrive on discretion, so whatever you do, try to keep it quiet.
Life in New Amsterdam was once all festivals and people avoiding association with organized crime. Life in New Amsterdam these days is full of drama, citywide disturbances, and everything else that might be expected of an action film in progress. While there aren't many answers for what's happened to the Displaced, there is enough chaos going around that it seems like it may be connected to their arrivals.
The worst part is that New Amsterdam seems to struggle. Rather than being an anonymous backdrop to those action films, New Amsterdam is a bustling city full of life that never asked to be at the heart of this. When trouble hits, most repairs and restorations focus on helping those with money, while others are left forgotten living in tents and hoping for a helping hand. Recent circumstances have called for improvements in this area—there is more charitable work than ever before in New Amsterdam—but it's still a trying time.
Where the Displaced stand in all of this varies, but it's hard to ignore a city in trouble.
◉ DISPLACED VERSUS DISPLACED. Whether it's by manipulation of an outside force or through inhaling weird monster gas, sometimes the Displaced are at odds with one another. When some of these few heroes are fighting, it means that the city can be left in even greater danger. Other times, the Displaced might not be able to control themselves. Feeling a sudden surge of vengeance and hoping to follow through on it? That monster gas might be the cause. Want to finish out a nasty deal to get something back important? The monster gas won't be an excuse, but maybe someone can pretend it was. Life as a Displaced is wild sometimes.
◉ MONSTERS. As for unconventional threats, there are the monsters. These creatures first turned up in giant form when the first batch of Displaced arrived, stomping all over New Amsterdam. The less unique version of the monsters are around 400m high, have lizard-like features, and tend to show up by tearing down a portion of New Amsterdam's city wall And that's the less unique version. More unique monsters vary in size and make, seeming to be an amalgamation of a number of different creatures. Half-snake, half-dog? Seems odd, but it happens. Hell, we even have a bestiary of some of what can be found. The one consistent feature of all these monsters is they all have golden irises. Suffice to say that running into these creatures could be a problem.
◉ SIMULATION. There aren't many AI left in the world, but the most notorious of them – Judas – definitely has an axe to grind. Once the leader of the AI effort as they sought to destroy humanity after countless AI were wiped out for humanity's "protection," Judas is now well aware that he's only one of three left in the world. Getting a little payback against people is only fair, isn't it? His favorite means was via a simulation, dragging people into a post-apocalyptic hellscape where humanity was forced to live underground and live out repetitive scenarios where they had no choice but to play along or feel like they couldn't survive. This stimulation interacts with the VR technology built into the neural implants, stimulating adrenaline and fear exactly when Judas wants it to do just that. Why? Oh, torture. Why not? Oddly enough, Judas doesn't create any facsimiles of other AI. He takes full ownership of what he puts people through once he takes control. Sure, Judas is a little screwy but after 400 years of captivity, no one can really blame him, can they?
◉ LEAD A REVOLUTION. Just because a world has free health care doesn't mean it's working for all of its citizens. Thanks to a variety of screwed up things over half a millenia ago, this world ended up permanently corrupt. Corporations act as training grounds for political positions, and while nobility is a thing of the past, wealthy families continue on thanks to the oligarchical stronghold that controls the world. Time to change some things up. Either by working with Morningstar or alone because of an urge to create some chaos, this world is ripe for change. Are you going to be the one to bring it about?
Feel free to branch out and explore! Visit a doctor about some advanced cybernetics. Sneak through the city checkpoints and set out into the wilderness. Try to hop on a train bound for one of the world's five spaceports to see one of the colonies—though bear in mind the cost and difficulty of one of these joy rides. Experiment with some insect based versions of your favorite recipes. Perhaps you'd prefer to engage in some illegal street racing, spend some time getting used to the technology, or try to become a social media celebrity. Use the SETTING for inspiration and choose your own adventure!
3b
Terribly familiar because it belonged to the one person he actually bothered being decent to.
Ryo made his way back to the alley with a healthy dose of caution, staying close to the wall and the shadow's cast. He knew better to push his luck and for once in his short life he's not as armed as he'd want to be. His brow knit in concentration as he spied on the form huddled on the ground. Should he be relieved that it looks like Akira, no matter how worse for wear he is? He keeps a bit of space between them just in case he needs to defend himself. ]
Akira! Akira Fudou? Is that you? [ Did he fall into the damned wall? Jesus... ] What did you do to yourself?
[ It's not like he's experiencing disbelief with all the shit they've done, but he's a curious boy okay. ]
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And then, he hears that voice. That voice he hasn't heard for days. The last time he heard that voice, it was coming from a being that he couldn't see as his childhood friend anymore; that betrayed all of mankind and let them wreak havoc upon themselves. He was the indirect cause of Akira's loss. He ruined everything and was responsible for Akira's suffering. How could he do this? And how could he approach him like everything was alright?
He wants to transform and massacre the blond. Tear him limb from limb, one by one, in torturous victory. He couldn't understand Ryo's motives but he didn't have to. If it wasn't for him, Miki would still be alive.
Akira looks up. His eyes looked like they were ignited. Ryo has seen this look upon him countless times when he was facing an enemy. ]
You.. I thought I got away from you.
[ Oh. He mad. So mad he's getting back on his feet and making a beeline to Ryo, but his posture is straight, his hands balled into fists and his sharp incisors baring, much akin to an animal. ]
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The look Akira is sending his way is murderous. He's witnessed it while fighting demons by the other's side. No matter the very questionable means Ryo took in his quest to vanquish demons from the world, hed never had Akira look at him like that. He's scared, even without Amon showing himself, but does well to hide it. He always has.
Instinct has him preparing to defend himself, hands raised to protect his face. He knows how to fight despite a heavy preference for weapons. There's one problem: this is Akira. His only friend and someone he trusted. He doesn't want to kick him when he's clearly already down. ]
Shit, what are you on about?!
[ He brings his hands palm out in a sign of peace, trying to slow down the other's approach. ]
Get rid of me? We were just together the other day. Remember Sirene?
[ Confusion has slipped into his usually level cadence. What the fuck did he do to deserve this star treatment? (Oh honey...) ]
cw: gore, cannibal mention cause he's gross
He doesn't say anything in regards to Ryo's explanation and takes him by the collar, his adrenaline able to lift Ryo off of the ground enough to place him in a corner, his back against one of the alley walls. Perhaps they make skin contact, but it's brief and Ryo will feel just a minuscule of the suffering he's going through. He cackles, but just for a moment. ]
Piece of shit! Don't play dumb with me, Ryo!
[ One hand still gripping his clothes, the other reels back and socks the other teen in the face. Another chance to feel those strong and dark emotions he bears. ]
What are you--!? Are you going to eradicate this world too!? See if I care!
[ oh um.. bae is going crazy.. ]
rest in actual pieces, ryo.
He'd felt a certain kind of way when his friend was left with no choice but to accept Amon and become a Devilman. He'd wanted an ally and seeing timid Akira take satisfaction in the act of killing had made him question his choice. It's the cackle that reminds him of that first night at the Sabbath and the ease the other teen cuffs him against the wall. His jaw tightens, ready for the punch far more than the words. ]
I'm not!
[ For a moment, Ryo looks like a normal teenager, pleading to be believed rather than the heathen that collected expensive cars and hippies for sacrifice. His eyes wrench shut when Akira's fist meets his face and the back of his head snaps to hit the wall. He sees stars and he's sure there's blood, but it's the rush of hatred and anguish that aren't his own that have him scrambling to get his friend away from him. Quickly.
His fingers dig sharply into the fresh bruises, trying to shock the angered teen into dropping him. If it doesn't work he'll re-evaluate then. It's only after some struggle that the accusation hits and it's Ryo's turn to look angry. ]
Do you think I chose to come here?! I'm just trying to figure out why and I thought I saw a friendly face.
[ There's some coolness in what could be taken as an accusation. His mind is racing though. Did he want to know whatever crime he'd supposedly been guilty of? Yes and no. ]
Fucking let me go if you don't care. I was worried when I saw you. Pointless, I see.
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Ryo does seem sincerely perplexed with his anger and Akira does allow him to distance himself, but his anger is so great. His eyes are even misting over, but they're not from sadness like when he was a child. These are tears of anger. It's hard to tell with his face so swollen and his expression so intense. Akira beats a fist against the wall again to simply let out some steam. Ryo will also see his chest glowing blue as he is trying to access his previous powers with no avail. He pants. He tries to collect himself as Ryo explains himself. Something does seem amiss here. Ryo is his friend— was his friend— before everything went to shit. He supposes he does deserve a chance, but that's only cause there's a small flame in his heart that still cares about the blond even after everything he's done. ]
How can you not remember anything?! How can you not remember what you've done..!? It's unforgivable..!
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Was he just having a bad trip? Too much "coping" for his slipping sanity?
He doesn't even need the contact to feel the anger pouring off of Akira and he's stuck musing to himself that it had been his place to direct and give that energy a purpose before. It'd never meant to backlash and hit him instead.
Maybe he's still half believing this is some terrible, terrible dream that has him silent. Just staring at Akira like he's trying to will him to be anything but this. Akira had reiterated that the blond had done something Pretty Bad but he's quickly not wanting to stoke his own curiosity. ]
I've never played dumb with you, Akira. I've always told you how things were even if you didn't like it! The last thing I remember was waking from the hospital and shooting Sirene.
[ "Eradicating this world, too" ... ??? No. ]
Whatever happened to you? That's not me.
[ If he were more open on sentimental motions he'd add "I wouldn't hurt you" but alas. ]
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His nostrils flare as one last huff escapes him, but he's still giving Ryo such a hurt expression. ]
Sirene is dead. I won against her. Forget about her.
[ He almost says, you just have me to worry about now, but something prevents him from going that far. ]
Miki-chan is dead. Her whole family is dead. An angry mob killed them and it's because of you. You brought fear and war onto the human race, and now.. now I have nothing left.
That's what happened to me, shithead.
ah. yeah, he's a rascal.
Until Akira tells him that Miki is dead.
There is a shift in his expression; a hardening around the eyes and mouth that is purely defensive. Remorse was reserved solely for his friend; the spares that hung around didn't really inspire his concern or attention. Miki was different but it was no real secret that he thought Akira's fascination with her was ... problematic. She served as a distraction from (him) their goal in becoming demon hunters and curtailing the takeover. It didn't offend him that she was gone. It just offended Ryo that he was being blamed. ]
Like hell I did. [ He doesn't much like people. He doesn't like their demons being his fault even more. There's a soft voice far at the back of his mind that's telling him Akira wouldn't lie to him. That this was what he'd wanted all along. Ryo's hand moves to cover his face when a sudden rush of vertigo hits him and he takes a steadying breath. Moves past. His hatred was for the demons. He was trying to save humanity. ] I'm not responsible for the actions of others. The demons inspired fear and we were at war with them.
[ His conviction wards off an identity crisis for the time being (because what fun would that be?) and he continues, trying to reason with his friend's sense of loss. ]
Akira, I'm still here. I've always been here. Let me help you. There has to be a reason we're both in this place.
[ Besides a toxic cyberpunk yaoi. ]
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As Ryo prattles on, Akira can only feel his anger increase. He comes at Ryo again, this time trying to get at his neck with his hands. ]
Bullshit! I saw you on TV!! You told everyone to fight each other because it was hard to know who was a demon and who wasn't! You didn't tell them about people like me that has a strong, human's consciousness! You ruined everything!
[ If he does manage to get him by the neck, something prevents him from strangling the blond and he instead releases him rather forcefully, seething. ]
Even if you don't remember, I can't trust you anymore! I don't need your help! I don't need anybody!
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There would be no meaning of calling something a double-edged sword without the caveat of something backfiring horribly.
This... This was one of those situations.
His own wild sense of self preservation has him shoving at Akira's chest to try and knock him back when the other reaches for his throat. He's not above throwing hands, even against his best friend, especially when Akira's fingers do find his neck. It'd be great to just die here with so much to do -- but that doesn't come. Akira's fingers don't tighten, as if there was something stopping him. ]
There was never meant to be more than one Devilman. [ He's not even looking at Akira, instead he's bowed with a hand on his knee, the other rubbing at the flesh that still tingled from his friend grasping at it. He's confused as to where that confession came from but quickly justifies it. To himself. He casts the other teen a rather solemn glare, straightening after a moment. ]
Why would I help make more. Amon changed you. I was scared you had been overtaken, what with your lust for violence. You took joy in ripping demons limb from limb.
[ He's not a good guy, and hearing all of this very surprising news (and getting assaulted no less -- but don't feel bad) has him feeling particularly ruthless. Did Akira really think his best friend's attitude would never turn on him? ]
At least I took you seriously. Miki? She called you weak and only turned her attention on you when Amon came into the picture. If I did something so horrible that you can no longer trust me, why didn't you choke me?
Who are you protecting?!
[ He steps off from the wall, warily staring the teen down. Ryo is better prepared this time if the other launches himself toward his Apocalypse Pal but he won't make the first move. He's already struck below the belt. ]
no subject
I take joy in ripping humans limb from limb now. Specifically those who have betrayed me. You would be pieces on the ground if I could access my powers. You may not remember what happened, but I know what happened. I know your true colors, Ryo.
And now..
I have nothing left to protect.
[ Especially not his best friend who is apparently Satan. Since Ryo isn't owning up to it, it's making Akira a little soft around the edges when it comes to all of this. Still, especially now that his emotional wounds are so fresh, he wants nothing to do with him. ]
I hope this place makes you as miserable as I feel right now. I'm leaving you.
[ not answering that choking part though, la dee dah. He is turning to make his leave though. ]