I'm Scott Summers and yeah I always need to wear these sunglasses, thanks for asking.
My Future Plans
Going back home.
My Talents
A lot of things.
Favorite Books, Movies, Music, and Food
Stuff that doesn't suck.
My Ideal Partner
...
Height
5'8"
Body Type
Lean, athletic build
Smokes
No
Drinks
No (mostly because underage)
Drugs
No
Sign
Libra
Education
Xavier's Institute
Occupation
Student
Income
None
Children
No
Pets
No
Hobbies
Normal things
[This has been a message too long in the making. Loki feels ridiculous for taking so long to apologize and hopefully set the record straight, but he also doesn’t really know what to say. But, as they say, the start of a new year is the best time to try and start fresh.]
Hello,
I have been meaning to message you for some time but for once in my life, have been uncertain as to what to say. But that is only an excuse and I am trying to start this year off better.
So, my apologies for how I acted when we met a few months ago. I was not myself and I wish you to know that I would not normally act that way. Not anymore. I know you do not remember me, so I understand if you have no desire to speak with me again, but it felt wrong to not say something.
[Scott's honestly surprised to see this message from Loki. He, of course, hadn't forgotten about that day, and a part of him can't stop the rising anxiety as he hears from him again, but... he can admit that he also acted out of line. Sort of. Okay, so he still mostly blames the other man for most of what happened, but he knows he could've handled it better.
He thought that Loki would never try to reach out to him after that whole incident, but here's this message, directly addressing him. Apologizing.
Should he ignore it? He could, but that feels like a coward's approach.]
You were influenced by all that monster stuff, right? It's fine. I don't hold it against you or anything. So, um, apology accepted.
I was indeed. It seems you showed up during one of the more interesting times I’ve seen here this year.
Thank you. I truly do not typically act that way and would like to make it up to you, if you are ever interested. Perhaps we could get a coffee or tea sometime?
[He wonders if this is a trap at all, something to lure him in, but even if it was, he should just face it head on. Besides, there's something in Loki's message that seems genuine.
There's still some nervousness, but there's also that reckless energy in him that's been ever present, more on the surface than ever before, since living in this casino. He's not sure if it's the environment, the fact he's the only X-Men here, or something else, but.]
I could certainly arrange for that. When are you free?
[Loki doesn’t really pay for much around here, but he’ll make sure Scott doesn’t pay anything either. All he cares about is the chance to reunite with a friend, even if he knows it’s not the same Scott. The young man’s variant had been very good to Loki early on in his time at the hotel, and he would be remiss if he didn’t try to make things better with this version.]
[Of course, Scott will do no such thing, and will actually arrive right on the dot like a responsible teen, if that's not an oxymoron or anything. He's not really dressed well, partly because he's pretty much broke and can only buy jeans and shirts, along with the basic things to live. So, that's what he's in as he walks over to the entrance at Red Cardinal, fully expecting Loki to be there.
If nothing else, maybe he can ask Loki about his 'future' self, since he knows now that wasn't just bullshit. Although, it's not really a topic he fully likes getting into.]
[This might be a different Scott from the one he knew before, but Loki suspects he’s not that much different. Just like he has things in common with all of his variants, both good and bad. Because of this, he does not believe Scott’s threat.
Promptly at 1, Loki teleports himself to the entrance of the Red Cardinal and sees Scott immediately. He smiles to himself before pulling it into a smirk. He doesn’t want to put him off, but it’s a bit of a self-defense mechanism.]
Mr. Summers. It is nice to see you again. Shall we get a table?
[Luckily, perhaps, since he already knows that Loki has the ability to teleport, he's not all that surprised to see the man suddenly appearing in front of the entrance. Hell, one of his best friends can teleport around like that, but Scott doesn't quite have as positive of a connection with the god's ability as Kurt's. Maybe that will change in the future, but for now, Scott does his best to remain neutral. Calm.
He doesn't want let Loki to know he's feeling just a little nervous, despite all that bravado earlier. At least putting up that bratty teen front helps a bit, the reckless sort of energy pushing away those dumb feelings. He's glad to feel that way for once.]
Just call me Scott, you make me sound old. [He doesn't exactly return the warm welcome, but he at least nods to Loki's suggestion.] But yeah, table's fine, unless you have second thoughts. I said earlier that I am going to make you spend a bunch of money.
[It may appear as though Loki is being casual himself, but he’s also a little nervous. When the older Scott had been here before, Loki had considered him a good friend. He’s mostly kept it to himself, but he knows what happens to those who leave. He also found Scott’s visor not long after he disappeared so to see him here now, younger or not, is a jolt to Loki. It only makes matters worse that Loki was not himself when they ran into each other this time.
It brings up all sorts of questions, mostly how different is the timeline for this Scott? Loki knows from personal experience that a different timeline can make for a different person, if his own variants are anything to go by. So how different is this Scott? Do they even have the chance of being friends? Loki honestly doesn’t know, but he plans to find out.]
Is being older such a bad thing? [He smirks, giving Scott a bit of a sideways glance. He really just wants things to be normal, but he’s not really sure how to do that, especially not with how badly Scott must think of him after their first meeting. Loki’s just not very good at normal.] But no, no second thoughts, Scott. You may order anything you wish.
[Loki doesn’t mind paying. Mostly he doesn’t need cash for much and he just got a decent amount of chips after his birthday fiasco. Though really, he’s not sure he really deserves punishment for things out of his control back on Halloween, he’s still willing to try with Scott.]
Only when you make me sound like my dad. Or a teacher.
[Scott snorts, still giving Loki some of that teenage attitude, but his posture eases from its tense posture just a little. His shoulders unknowingly loosen in their tension, because at least snarking with Loki like this is... sort of comfortable? It's okay, definitely better than before. But he can't fully ease up, not yet, maybe he'll get there at some point when he's stuffing his face with food. He doesn't even really feel bad at the thought of taking advantage of Loki at this point.
He slides his hands into the pockets of his plain jacket, still trying to put up that confident front. Maybe someone that looks unaffected by the awkward encounter they had a couple of months ago.]
Get your wallet ready, Loki. [Unfortunately, with Scott trying so hard to control his feelings about all this, he's a little unobservant to how Loki may be dealing with all this. He just assumes that the god is fine and mostly just trying to assuage his own guilt.
But without waiting for a response, Scott makes his way into the restaurant.]
Well, I cannot see a problem with being a teacher, but duly noted about fatherhood.
[Loki is well aware of the many myths about him and the one that has always struck him as the strangest is that some believe him to be a parent. Or, more likely, one or more of his variants are parents. He can’t imagine it himself.
Scott might not be totally at ease, but Loki does notice that he’s not quite as stiff anymore either. And really, he’ll take what he can get. Hopefully it’s a sign that all is not lost because truly, Loki has missed his friend. He may not be the Scott he knew, but there at least seems a chance that he is not so different either.
He doesn’t expect Scott to notice his discomfort. The young man doesn’t actually know him, after all and he actually feels something like relief that Scott hasn’t noticed these things. It’s a bit of a sign that Loki isn’t wearing all his emotions on his face. As much as he’s gotten better with dealing with his own issues, this moment is one he recognizes as not the time to lay such things out. He’s here to try and salvage a possible friendship and nothing more.
Or at least to try and start over again. Scott is a good person and Loki thinks it might be a good idea to have him on side.
Loki smiles and shakes his head as Scott walks off into the restaurant before following him to a table.]
I will watch my wallet and hope you do not eat so much that you make yourself sick.
[He wouldn’t want Scott to make himself sick out of spite.]
Edited (Forgot to add something.) 2025-01-20 22:58 (UTC)
[The Red Cardinal is one of the few places in the entire casino where he's not judged for being such a low rank, so he's almost familiar with the staff here, giving a small wave before he settles on a corner table. Of course, he never ordered anything too expensive here, because he's been keeping a tight budget, but it's honestly kind of exciting to grab the menu before him and look at the more expensive side of things.
Which, admittedly, they only really offer a few 'pricey' meals and they still probably pale in comparison to some of the offerings in the more ritzy restaurants. Red Cardinal truly tends to focus on more simple dishes.
Still, Scott seems to be in a better mood as he looks over the menu.]
So, after all this, you're going to stop feeling guilty, right? [And then let Scott just carry on with his 'life' in this casino. Unless...] Or did you have something else in mind for bringing me here? I... you already know that I'm not the Scott you knew, or at least, not yet. Which. Okay, I believe you about that.
[Loki is also not of a high rank himself. He knows some have managed to move up, but mostly he’s found himself coasting a long at a 5 without much issue. Though he does miss the brief time he had a bathtub available to him in his suite. It makes him think perhaps he should try just a little harder, if only to be able to have a nice soak alone on occasion. Well that, and he thinks he might be able to get more information if he’s not looked down on by almost everyone. Really, though, he’s kind of glad he got used to the accommodations at the TVA. They really aren’t that much different.
The eagerness with which Scott takes the menu makes Loki laugh slightly. It actually makes him happy to see Scott excited about something, even if it’s just food. The man he’d known before had often felt sad and somewhat down about some things in his past. This younger version is missing some of that. It’s interesting to see.]
I am hoping to stop feeling guilty about this at least. I’m sure I have many other things to feel guilty about though. I am not alone in that, I am sure. [Quick and to the point. Loki has to appreciate that. Loki takes a breath and considers his answer before continuing.]
I suppose I did have two purposes. I did honestly wish to make things up to you. I promise who you met at Halloween is not who I usually am and I did want to show that to you. And yes, I know you are not who I knew before, but I did consider him to be a very good friend of mine. I suppose I was hoping for a second chance.
[He's got a couple of appetizers and an entree already in mind, maybe a couple of drinks as well. Should he feel bad about taking advantage of this opportunity? Maybe, but also, Loki offered and he's feeling a bit famished right now. It's not too often that he gets to spoil himself and that bratty side of him isn't gone. Besides, he totally deserves this for putting up with Loki!!
Okay, that was probably mean.
Now that the god is in his right mind... he really is different. Maybe it's okay to actually trust him, although isn't he supposed to be a trickster deity? He knows that much about mythology. But losing control of yourself is such a shitty feeling and the casino is well-known for that sort of thing. It's happened to him a couple of times already and. It sucks.
It's that understanding that helps Scott.]
You'll stop feeling guilty after you look at the bill later on. [Scott lightly snarks, but he quiets and waits for him to continue.]
It's hard when you lose control. [He acknowledges, briefly, but it's clear that he doesn't want to fully get into it. Instead, Scott tilts his head at him, face unreadable.] ...Wait, you want to be friends with me? I'm probably not like him that much.
[Which feels weird saying. He won't be like his future self at all??]
[As he watches Scott flip through the menu, he can’t help but wonder just how different he might be from his friend. If anyone knows how much someone can change in their lives, it certainly must be Loki. From trickster to villain to possible saviour of the multiverse. Loki has worn many hats and he knows he’s not alone in that.
Still, he thinks he can see the man Scott will become, the man he almost is. There couldn’t be that much of an age difference, could there be? Humans have such a short lifespan, the difference couldn’t be more than a few years at most, right? But even if that turns out not to be true, Loki wants to know, wants to find out what this Scott is really like.]
Likely, though depending on how high the bill is, I might have to feel guilty about leaving without paying. [He smirks, wondering how the young man would react to a good old dine and dash.]
It is not my favourite thing, no. [It’s also not something Loki particularly enjoys talking about, but he will if Scott presses.] Well, that remains to be seen. I understand that you might turn out to be very different from your variant, but I wouldn’t want how I was when you first met me to determine whether or not we might become friends ourselves.
What-- come on man. [BIG FROWN.] We're not doing that to the owner of this place. She's cool.
[Scott folds his arms across his chest, sending Loki a mild disapproving glare towards his way. Look, if it would be one thing if they were stealing or dining and dashing from a place that's run by an asshole, but the staff at the Red Cardinal is one of the few areas in this whole casino that doesn't look down at him for low rank. So, he has to defend against stealing, especially in this instance.
Guess he shouldn't have expected anything else from a trickster god though.]
My 'variant?' [That's an interesting way to describe his other self. Future self? He doesn't know, so maybe Loki is onto something by referring to the other Scott like that. But more than that... Scott watches Loki for a moment, eyes almost assessing behind his glasses, like he's putting things together, and--]
You really miss him, huh? [Guess it should've been obvious, but.]
[Loki chuckles softly behind his hand. That is precisely the reaction he expected.] I also do not wish to do such a thing. The Red Cardinal has fast become my favourite establishment in the whole resort and while I do have enough money to ensure you have a good meal, I am still only a level 5. If you go overboard, it is still possible that I will not have enough to cover.
[It’s unlikely, but then Loki remembers how much he could eat when he was a bit younger which causes him some concern. He’ll work it out with Jin Mingming if it comes down to it, but he’d rather not have to.
Besides, it was fun to see Scott’s reaction.]
Yes, variant. Though I suppose it is possible you are the same version but only from a different point on the same timeline. That is rather hard to determine for sure though.
[Loki startles at the assessment. It wasn’t as if he had really been trying to hide that he missed his friend, but he also hadn’t expected this Scott to come right out with it.]
I do, yes. He was one of the first friends I met here and I was not happy when he disappeared. [Things were only made worse when he found Scott’s visor, not to mention when he discovered what happens to those who disappeared without finishing Game 52.]
[What?! He didn't know that Loki was also a broke ass bitch. He just sort of figured that a Norse god would be a higher rank! Or he'd have a ton of money, just because. Well, guess it's a good thing he didn't fully plan on emptying Loki's wallet, and he's definitely keeping this in mind for the future because now he almost feels like an asshole for doing this. Almost.] Look, just so that we both don't get banned from this place, I'll just order a couple of things. Geez.
[Huff!! What a pain! Trying to be responsible now after everything that just happened...]
Guess you could ask me a ton of questions and see if what's happened to me aligns with what he told you. [Scott suggests, almost flatly. Is he willing to answer those questions? Maybe. Hearing Loki's admittance, his demeanor becomes less prickly, returning to that more calm and maybe even understanding stance.]
Did I not? I thought I mentioned something about not being of a high rank. My deepest apologies. Do not overly concern yourself with it though. It was a simple warning. As I believe I mentioned, I earned some extra money recently. I only wanted to be upfront about how much extra is extra.
[Loki really isn’t sure if he mentioned his rank, at least not specifically. He might just not be used to paying for others and it didn’t particularly occur to him. Money has never been something he really thought much about.]
I would appreciate that, though please do feel free to order a proper meal. I can always eat later.
[Relaxing back in his seat, Loki ponders that. He does want to know some of these things. Wants to know the differences, if there are any, but the only real major life event Scott spoke to him about was the death of the love of his life.
How does one casually bring that up?]
I, um, hmm. I am rather curious, but it is not usually a good idea to speak to people about their possible futures. It could cause irreparable damage to your timeline.
[...He's definitely not going to be ordering a bunch of things. Scott's sure about that now. Even if Loki earned a little bit of some extra money, it feels like he's taking advantage of him in some way. Yeah, making up for what happened, but he doesn't hold it against him. Well, not anymore-- he'll just save his anger for the people in charge of this casino.]
No, you're eating too, especially if you're hungry. I'm not just gonna eat in front of you like an asshole.
[Or guess he can just share with Loki if it comes down to it. Scott's fine with that too. He's hungry, yeah, but he can also deal.]
Okay, how about I mention something big and important and we can see if he's been through that?
[It's honestly kind of stressful confirming if the 'future him' in this place actually is him from the future and not a variant. He hasn't learned much about his future self, just small characteristics, but it'd still be a lot having that confirmation. Maybe it could still be a variant, but...
Maybe he just needs to confront this in his own way and this is the best way to do it.]
[Scott’s reaction actually surprises him a bit. After all, he is the one who invited him out. By no means does he expect to not have a decent meal, he just wanted to be realistic about the situation. Now Loki wonders if he’s done something wrong or inadvertently made Scott feel badly? Neither had been his intention, the exact opposite in fact, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t the case.
What Loki does gather from Scott’s answer is that he is still a lot like the Scott he knew before. Perhaps a bit more of a mouth on him, but Loki can still see it.]
I would not think you an asshole for such a thing. I did offer to buy you dinner after all and dinner you shall have. I will hardly starve. [Though he will still likely get something to eat.
Loki considers Scott’s suggestion and then nods.] Yes, that is a good idea. Though I admit just sitting here and talking to you has told me a lot already.
[If it worries him that much, Loki can confirm that even if they have everything in common, it is still possible they are variants and not one and the same. A branch could have happened after this Scott was taken from his world or they could just be from closely aligned branches. None of that would really matter though. Loki just wants to get to know him better. Again.]
[Scott doesn't argue further, mostly because if he sees that Loki isn't eating anything, he'll just share his food with him and be really annoying about it. He figures that will just be easier. And if Loki does end up getting food for himself, then all is good and they can continue having a regular ass conversation.
Whatever that is when you're talking about your variant and your future self.
For a moment, he obnoxiously drinks from his straw, like he's purposefully making it louder than normal just to be a little bit of an ass. Mostly, he's giving himself some time to think and to hide some anxiety what Loki may already think of him. Guess he actually sort of cares about that thing, despite their rough start.]
...I recently became a X-Man after my friends and I stopped a mutant known as Apocalypse from taking over the world. [That's a pretty big event, right?]
[Though he can see a lot of similarities between the older Scott and this one, there is one apparent difference and much of that Loki attributes to age. It’s pretty clear that this Scott is mature enough to be a hero, to fight for what’s right or whatever it is that heroes do (despite his own changes to that of a more heroic person, Loki still doesn’t not really see himself that way), but the loud slurping noises are also evidence that Scott is still quite young.
Not that Loki minds, really. He did similar things himself just to be obnoxious when he was younger. So although he gives Scott a bit of a nonplussed look, secretly he’s a bit amused. It’s not like Loki is actually all that old himself, really. He’s just been through a lot in the last few years that has changed him rather dramatically.]
Yes, I believe I remember your counterpart mentioning something about a large battle to save the world when he was younger. I wonder if that is one of your fixed points.
[ooc: For the life of me I can’t remember what all Scott told Loki before except for losing Jean. I’m just going with that one was at least casually mentioned. Let me know if I need to change that please!]
So, guess that means the older version of himself that was here is most likely him from the future. But guess other variations are still possible, because maybe that's just a thing that happens for teenagers to become X-Men. He's not the one that's an expert at multiple universe stuff, that seems like it's all Loki's expertise. There's another loud noise that comes from his soda, before Scott finally stops and looks at Loki with that more serious demeanor.]
I mean, as a X-Man, we're supposed to save the world from dangerous threats. Human or mutant. [And surely other versions of him would feel the same way, right?] What do you mean by a 'fixed point?' Like something that can't ever be changed?
[ooc: You're good! Scott would probably mention that he at least fought a guy named Apocalypse in Egypt and became a X-Man right after. He probably didn't go into too many details about Jean's death, other than that it involved asshole aliens.]
[Perhaps not all his expertise. Loki has met a few others around the resort that have some knowledge of the multiverse. And considering most everyone here is from a different universe or timeline, it must be pretty evident to the residents of the Hotel that the multiverse is a real and true thing. Even if Loki understands that it’s not an easy idea to grasp. But if Scott asks, he will do his best to explain.]
Yes, that is precisely what it is. When time travelling, there are certain pivotal events that cannot be changed in that line. Of course, other branches may appear and result in a whole new timeline, but in that original line, those events remain.
[It all gets a bit message beyond that because there are so many options, so many things that can change before a fixed point is reached that it never stops a new branch from growing, and he wonders how much of that is different now that the TVA is not pruning new branches, but that is something he’ll have to investigate more once he returns home.]
[ooc: Excellent! I think all Loki really knows is that Jean is dead and it wasn’t from natural causes. But yeah I imagine he would’ve heard of Apocalypse just because they did seem to commiserate quite a bit. Thanks!]
So, you're saying that even though I shared a big event with my 'future self,' it may still be a different timeline just because other things may be different. Smaller, less important things.
[Guess he could relay his entire life story to Loki if he really wants to be sure, but that's assuming his future self told him all that to begin with. So, probably not worth it, not to mention that getting into all those details sounds so unappealing. Hell, he's pretty sure that Loki's patience with all that would tire too. He'd be fucking tired if someone just explained their entire life to him.
So, guess he'll just put a note in this. His future self here at least shared one thing with him and he'll leave it at that.]
Hey. [Instead, Scott focuses on something else. The teen's stopped obnoxiously drinking from his soda, leaning back slightly as he tilts his head at Loki.] Your encounter with time travel and timelines didn't start with the casino, huh? You're familiar with it back home.
Yes, exactly. It is possible that you were on the same line until some point after you were brought here meaning you have much in common and are essentially still the same person, but you do not have a fully shared past.
[And really, Loki hopes that is true for this Scott because then maybe he will not return home only to have to lose one of the most important people in his life. Loki is no stranger to loss and he would not wish it on the younger man. And he also remembers just how heartbroken the older Scott had been.
As much as Loki is curious to know this new Scott, he would have to admit that the man is correct in that learning about someone’s entire life in one sitting is a bit much. Besides, he would never want to intrude so thoroughly into his past. All he is really curious about is how similar the two are and he can get a lot of that information simply by speaking with him as he is now.
Loki looks at Scott consideringly.] Yes, that is true. I was working directly with the timelines and accessing them at different points in time. Is this your first experience with it?
[Still essentially the same person... it's a lot to think about. Guess he has something to new ponder about when he stares at the ceiling tonight as he's about to fall asleep. Cool, thanks. At least it sounds like the person he is in the future isn't so bad; Loki seems to have a pretty good opinion of him. Heh, impressing a god isn't so bad, right?
A trickster god, yeah, but now that that their first encounter is fading to the back of his mind, Scott thinks it's kind of cool. He's even involved with multiple timelines and everything. He can't help but wonder what he even does with that. Make sure stuff goes smoothly?? But isn't the point of multiple timelines mean that things should just play out as is?
Or maybe stopping someone from messing with them. Like a multi-universe hopper.]
Yeah, never encountered multiple timelines before coming here. [Scott huffs lightly, something amused flashing across his face.] I mean, I just took down an evil mutant god and became a X-Man. One thing at a time man.
...It must be crazy working with different timelines though.
[It could be worse. Loki thinks of his own variants that he met in the Void. There were the two he quite liked, him as a child and him as an older man, but the others? Gods he hopes he had never been quite so annoying as that group. So far, Loki sees no big difference between this Scott and the one he knew previously, which is truly a relief.
It’s true, Loki is (and was) impressed by Scott. Anyone who manages a rough start to life and turns out good without any massive life changes, but rather just is good is someone that impresses Loki, if only because he hadn’t managed that himself at all.
Loki doesn’t know about cool. He’s definitely done some things he’s proud of, and he he could understand why someone would be fascinated by what he’s been doing, but it’s been such a crazy time, such a strange sequence of events, he’s not sure he ever really stopped to think about it. Conversely, that Scott could take down, as he says, an evil mutant god, Loki finds quite amazing. That could not have been easy, even with his abilities.]
Crazy is definitely one word for it. We are all quite new to it and still figuring out exactly how to keep things running smoothly. I worry about how things are holding up while I’m here. But I wish to know more about you. Tell me about these X-men. I assume it is a team?
['We're figuring it out,' so Loki most likely has his own team back home. That's... good, yeah. Hard to imagine being the one person that has to deal with the multiverse all by himself. Scott would hate being the only X-Man out there, in fact, that would be crushing in a lot of ways. Facing the challenges of mutant/human relations, being the 'good' representative... it would suck.
So knowing all this, he can't help but smile at the god across from him, a flash of understanding appearing on the young mutant's face.]
Yeah, we're a team of mutants. [Not the first team, but he doesn't want to get into that.] You know the asshole mutant god I mentioned? Well, he fucked up things for everyone, so... we're going to repair those relations. Save both humans and mutants.
[It’s not actually something Loki has thought of. To him, teams are the Avengers, a bunch of heroes coming together to stop some villain. They weren’t the kinds of groups that tended to want him as a member. But he has very much been a part of a team lately. Mobius, B-15, O.B., even Sylvie even if she has spent too much time blaming him for everything, they all had been doing their part to fix the multiverse and everything He Who Remains had done before.
Loki blinks slowly, trying to keep his face neutral as Scott smiles at him. It’s that smile that drives it home, makes him realize that perhaps it’s true. Not only has he been working on a team, but he’s maybe even one of the good guys?
He’s more than a little relieved when Scott speaks again.] I see. I assume then that things between humans and mutants were strained before and what this, what did you call him? Asshole mutant god? He only made things worse then?
Uh, obviously? That sort of happens when you publicly threaten the entire world.
[...Hopefully Loki doesn't get a headache from how quickly Scott can go from 'responsible team leader' to 'shitty little teen' because that's what's happening again. It probably helps that his mood has improved a lot since they've talked, even though the topic is back on Apocalypse's stupid face and his stupid ruining things for everyone.
He could talk about it more seriously, but he's just going with the sour attitude way.]
I mean, things weren't perfect before he appeared, but they were okay. People didn't really think twice about having a mutant walk around in public. [Granted, Scott only went to the mall once with Kurt and the others before everything Happened.]
[If Loki looks a little distant at that moment, it’s only because he’s thinking about doing that very thing himself. Though his villainous acts had nothing to do with mutants. He hadn’t known anything of mutants at the time and hardly does now. But he had threatened all of Midgard, hadn’t he? Until the Avengers had taken him down just as Scot’s X-men had taken down Apocalypse.
If Loki is going to get a headache it will be more about his own shifting thoughts between his own tendencies towards both good an evil. A bit of teen angst he can handle.]
And after you took him down? Did that help? Did the humans seeing mutants fighting to help them and everyone change how people saw you?
[Scott at least doesn't notice Loki's expression, too busy ordering a meal for himself now that the waiter's come to ask what they want to eat. It's easy to choose something simple, nothing too expensive, but definitely filling enough for the teen to have.
It's only once the both of them put their orders in and the waiter leaves once more that Scott returns his attention to Loki. Not that he answers immediately, mouth turned into a small frown because things are more complicated than that. He wishes things were that simple, that everything went back to 'normal' after Apocalypse.]
...No, it hasn't been that simple. That's why he's the mutant ruining asshole. I don't know how long it will take.
[But it will happen, right? That's what Professor Xavier believes. He believes it too, he has to. He wants to.]
[When the waiter arrives, Loki absentmindedly orders himself a scotch and the first appetizer he sees on the menu without much thought. It doesn’t have anything to do with the money anymore and is purely because he’s distracted. A sense of dread fills him as he realizes that no matter what he does, no matter how he tries to be better or do better, some of the things he’s done are not things he can fix.
It’s not a great feeling. No one wants to find out that they are the ruining asshole of the world.]
I am very sorry to hear that. You and your kind do not deserve it. No one deserves such things.
[Yeah, great Loki. Too little too late there, don’t you think?]
[He quietly agrees, because it really does suck and it feels pretty unfair at times. Even if humans have legitimate concerns about mutants, that doesn't mean they should all be lumped into one threat. But Raven's mentioned that's how they've always seen them, even with her heroic action back in 1973. It's grim thinking about it, but... they'll just have to change their minds.
Besides, Moira has been a great ally. She's proof, right? Not to mention all the people here that have accepted him without batting an eyelash.
Scott takes another big sip out of his soda, thoughts running in his mind and leaving the teen in a quiet trance, before he sets his attention back on Loki. Anyway! Back on him.]
So, how did you get roped into managing the multiverse? Doesn't feel like a job that you just fall into or send an application in.
[It’s something that seems to be true of all manner of people that Loki has come across in his life. It doesn’t seem to matter where anyone is from or how they are raised, people are scared of anything different and feel the need to fight back instead of learning. It is certainly at least part of the reason why the Jotun were so looked down on by Asgard and he’s sure it’s the same for mutants and humans on earth.
It seems to be a lesson that is never learned.]
It is not just me trying to keep everything running. There is a whole organization responsible for keeping everything going. Though I suppose I am the one that figured out that things were not as they seemed and we are now looking for a new way to run things. That is what I was doing when I was brought here.
So, more than just your team, huh? A whole organization is at work to keep everything stable and prevent the universes from collapsing. [Scott quirks a small smile. Well, guess that's a good thing? Feels a bit harder to compare the X-Men to something like that.]
Yeah, guess something like that would require more than a team of five people.
[But hmm, guess from the sound of things, the whole organization was kind of not keeping up in some way or kind of sketchy before Loki got involved. Trust the trickster god, huh? Well, Scott honestly does. He can say that with a little more certainty.]
Hey, seeing that we haven't collapsed in ourselves yet, your team's keeping shit handled.
Yes, precisely. And more recently there has been an overhaul in how that is handled. One that we have not fully worked out yet. Things were rather precarious when I was taken.
It is quite extensive, but I wouldn’t think less of smaller teams. In a lot of ways, I was working with a rather small team, but the whole operation requires many small teams, all with their own objectives that work together to make everything happen.
[If he’s honest, it’s not just him. If it weren’t for Sylvie, he wouldn’t have been in a position to find out anything more. And if it weren’t for Mobius, he never would’ve been given the chance in the first place.
He doesn’t know about Scott trusting him, but he can tell that his attitude has shifted and Loki is at least glad for the progress.]
That is about the only thing keeping me going. Though I’m sure if they find out I’m at some strange sex resort, they will be rather upset with me.
What was happening that you guys decided to overhaul the entire organization? Must be pretty bad.
[Like something was broken in the system and considering this is the organization in charge of the multiverse, that's not great to hear. Well, it would be worse if it wasn't evident that Loki seems to really care about his work-- his job and team. His friends. Scott understands that sense of duty, even if his focus is on one world and one world only.
And honestly, that's more than enough. Maybe that's why he's not overthinking this whole multiverse issue-- and the fact that they're sitting here without problem. Unless Golden Peacock itself can survive the destruction of the multiverse. Surely not.]
Heh, they would think that you're just slacking off, huh? [His teammates would probably laugh and perish if they ever found out-- at least Peter would.]
You could definitely say that. It is a rather long story, but to keep it short, the whole organization was lied to by the person in charge and in fact, did not truly know who was even in charge. Most of the workers were brainwashed into believing they were doing good, that there was no other way, so I do not blame them for that.
[If Scott is really curious, he could go into more detail, but he’s a little hesitant if only because the full story requires him knowing about Loki’s more villainous years and they’ve just made progress. Loki’s not sure he really wants anyone to know the full details of his life, not when it could mean that they change their minds about him, even if they would be fully in their right to do so.
Golden Peacock does seem to be an entity unto itself. Since he first arrived, Loki has wondered if it isn’t another place similar to the TVA in that it might also exist outside. Sex things aside, it has a lot in common with the TVA. Though it is at least possible to leave the TVA without much issue, unlike this place.]
Let’s just say I haven’t always been the most reliable sort. It would not surprise me if they thought I ran away instead of helping.
[Loki does his best to not sound hurt about that, it’s just another thing he deserves, after all. But it does hurt. Hopefully, whatever happens, they might give him a chance to explain.]
But enough about me and the depressing state of the multiverse. How was your food? Is there anything else you would like to order?
Not quite... Just that there is more than one demon named "Orthrus" that looks identical to the one you saw. Ones of the same race and name are interchangable, just like theres a bunch of Shisa's or Garm's or Jack Frost's.
As for how I became a demon, I had to kill the other Bel demons and then absorb their powers. Then I had to give up my humanity and soul.
[Jack Frost is a demon. Heh. But... he's honestly reading all this with a certain seriousness, because this is basically learning more about Kazuya's powers and everything. Stuff that helps define who he is.
And...]
What makes Bel demons different?
Also you gave up your soul and humanity? You're pretty normal to me. Sans demon summoning and your healing and strength, but I don't consider those things related.
They're crowned with the name of "Bel", an ancient Akkadian word for "Lord", "Master", or "King". They're the only ones fit to compete for the title of King of Bel, and all demons serve them. Truthfully, They're just demons who managed to snatch a piece of the original Bel's power after God splintered it. But now it's been so long they have wills and goals of their own. Or did, before I absorbed them and their pieces of the original Bel.
[ Which probably begs the question, how does a regular teen who isn't demon even come across a piece of the power of Bel to even throw his hat in the ring?
Well, Kazuya won't tell unless asked. ]
That's kind of you to say, but I am pretty much every just as bit the monsters as they are. I just have some things in place here that help me to keep from losing my cool and going on human murder and eating sprees... Mostly because that sounds incredibly unpleasant and eating people sounds incredibly gross.
[ .... Well, for the most part, now that he's had a taste. :( ]
[And now all those pieces combined to form a twink--]
how did you even manage to beat the first bel demon? and how are you able to absorb them in the first place?
[Sorry this really is becoming an interrogation, but really, it is all interesting stuff!! Like at least him and his team are mutants, they're born with their powers basically. That's how they were able to take down their big threat.]
so what do you do to help with that? anything i can do? because yeah, preventing you from eating humans sounds like a pretty important thing. for everyone involved.
[Getting eaten doesn't sound sexy at all...... well, not like that. He doesn't want his blood and organs to be outside of his body.]
closes my eyes every time i have to talk about the bible in a thread w/ kazuya.
Would you believe me if I told you I beat an immortal demon with cellphone strap?
[Insane to type. Even more insane to remember the fact that he did, in fact, beat an immortal demon with a cellphone strap.]
As for how I was able to absorb their power, how familiar are you with the bible?
And for the other thing, I wouldn't worry if I were you. So long as my contract with someone else stands, there's nothing for anyone to worry about. And even if it did become an issue, I'd talk to other people far before it became a problem.
[After becoming a mutant, he sort of just goes with a lot of wild things without blinking, but this is pretty out there.]
definitely not familiar with the part that allows people to absorb demons.
so you basically have a contract with a person in this casino that stops you from eating people?? like 'kazuya can't eat others and i will give him my blood in return?' but i'm glad you got other people to back you up, just know that i'm willing to help too.
But yes, that's... Sort of the gist of it? But it's more mutual than that. I can't go into the details of the contract without her permission, sorry.
I asked if you were familiar because of the nature of things. When I say the Bel demons, I mean those who literally have "Bel" in their name. Beldr, Belial, Jezebel, Belzaboul, Belberith, Belphagor, and so on.
There's a human who also has been crowned with the name of "Bel" in the bible too. Any guesses?
huh?? you lost me man. so how did you beat the immortal demon??
[JUST... wanting a little more clarification. Okay, a lot of it. Thanks Kaz.]
but it's cool?? i think. guess as long as the two of you are happy with whatever and you're not eating people. i really don't wanna come across you with someone's heart in your mouth. a bit of a turn off, really.
oh. right. those are demons with those letters in them. [He sure knows his stuff...... he's heard of maybe a couple of those demons??] and i guess this where i'll admit that i normally spaced out whenever my parents forced me to go to church with them??
With a phone charm. That's not a joke, by the way.
[There is so much going on here... It's hard to keep things straight, even when he lived it!]
Don't worry, I promise I won't be eating anyones heart any time soon.
As for spacing out in church, don't worry. I'll just tell you straight, then. I'm the reincarnation of Abel. From the story of Cain and Abel, sons of Adam and Eve. Pretty messed up, right? I got to be the worlds first murder victim in a past life.
how did it die to a phone charm, kazuya?? like that's what i'm confused about.
[.....Oh. 'Bel' from Abel. He gets it now. Yes, those cogs in his brain are finally turning. At least for this part.]
okay i actually remember that story now. so, really? the reincarnation of abel? that does kind of suck. although, isn't it because you're his reincarnation that you're able to absorb the bel demons? feel like that matters more.
Apparently Devil's Fuge was his only weakness. Even in phone charm form. I don't really get it myself, if I'm honest.
That's right, though. It's because of Abel that I was able to absorb those demons in the first place to put me on the throne. Funny enough, it was Cain who wanted to see Abel on the throne of Demonkind, to rally an army and kill God in revenge for his punishment for killing Abel.
Something like that. I don't know the specifics, but don't you think something like eternal punishment is wrong? Cain's punishment was to forever reincarnate with the memories he has of his previous lives. To forever be burdened by what he did.
Immortality isn't a blessing, it's a curse. And God cursed Cain in an awful way.
okay yeah that's a bit excessive. and seems unfair that his reincarnations have to remember everything from past lives, it's not like they're the ones that killed abel. just stick with the one guy.
so in a weird twist, cain's reincarnation supports you, huh? after what happened thousands of years ago.
Not quite how it works. He reincarnates, but he's still Cain. He's still the same person who murdered Abel. The only time he'd be a different person would be if he had his memories scrubbed from his soul in the sea of souls.
But yeah. It's a pretty weird twist, but I think God set him up, personally. God's a pretty underhanded being to begin with, so he probably did it to prove a point to other humans about what he could do to them.
He's a huge dick. Do you know that he wanted me to bow to him and be his messiah and lead people into everlasting peace under his rule? Which sounds great and all, but he's the one who got me stuck in that lockdown to begin with! He's the one who had his angels kill people who were only protecting themselves, just because they had to use demons to do it. And he's the one who told his angels not to help us humans, and to let us suffer and die until we figured it how to get rid of the demons.
Or He'd take away our free will, or kill us all. Depends on how uncharitable He was feeling.
[... Turns out, Kazuya has Big Feelings about this.]
not gonna lie man, i just assumed god didn't exist. maybe he doesn't in my timeline. hah.
but he does sound like a massive dick in your world. i can see why you ended up hating angels and shit if that's how they treated you and the others in the lockdown. glad you beat their asses.
and what's the point of living if you don't have any free will? yeah hard pass for me too. well, that and the genocide thing. never a fan of that. heard it enough back home.
That's what I'm saying! And now, humans where I'm from won't ever have to worry about potential "losing" any of His stupid trials ever again. They're free from his tyranny entirely.
And once I cart all the demons back to the demon realm, humans will only have to worry about human problems.
[ There are several issues with killing a religious icon like God, however, as a teen, Kazuya has not thought about any of that.
It helps when you have demons chortling in your head about how much they wanted to kill God and how bad he was. Something something, you are not immune to propaganda. ]
But honestly I'm not sure. I want to stay with my friends, but considering I'm probably public enemy #1 back home right now, it might be too dangerous for them.
i thought that's what you meant by carting all the demons back to demon world and not getting involved until something really awful happens. but i'm glad. cool. can't imagine there being good arcades over there.
right cause you killed god and you're the lord of demons. can't you try and change their perception? that you really saved them from some asshole guy? not saying it'd be done overnight, but you shouldn't have to worry about endangering your friends just for existing.
It's not just those two things that put me at the top of the list.
I basically destabilized the entire Japanese Government and caused the public to lose faith in them. To save face, it's likely that they'll declare me a national and international threat. I wouldn't be surprised of other governments around the world also thought the same.
yeah of course they'd do something like that, blame someone else instead of improving their own shit.
but if the world's unstable after everything with the demons and angels, you still have a chance to rally people to your side, right? like show them that you really are helping out. just start off with the public.
The thing is... I don't really want to rally anyone to my side. I don't want to really be considered a threat at all, you know? I'd rather just live as much of a normal life as possible back home, and that includes the government being normal and not trying to kill me despite it being impossible.
well, the point of rallying people to your side is to hopefully get the government to see that you aren't a threat, because you'll make it obvious that you're only trying to help.
i mean you could try hiding, but the moment you surface, they might throw whatever they got at you.
then you condemn that person who does something stupid. i know you mentioned about not getting involved with humans after this, but maybe you still have to. help out those that still need it.
you shouldn't have to hide. or turn yourself in. especially if you haven't done anything wrong, kazuya. that's not right. or fair.
It's a pretty complex situation. And as much as I'd like to say you're right, things never work out that smoothly when it comes to reality, you know?
I'll be alright, no matter what happens or what I decide to do. I think right now the smarter thing will be to turn myself in. I have some friends in the SDF, they might be able to pull some strings to make things less terrible.
If you look at it like that, then I suppose I also could have saved everyone by becoming God's Messiah too. Or if somehow I had found a way to send all the demons back without becoming Overlord.
I don't know if the latter was even possible, but it was also another avenue we could have maybe looked into if we had more time.
Either way, you can't just say that I've "saved" people. Maybe I made a lot of peoples lives worse, doing what I did.
Not everything works out like it does in movies, unfortunately. Not everyone gets a happy ending. I'm touched that you're upset on my behalf though. It does mean a lot to me, to hear you say that.
[Scott's smiling so stupidly at the watch though......]
thanks. just want to do right by them, you know? [Don't want to see any of them dead. Raven said that only she and Hank are left from the original X-Men and....... it feels bad if he thinks about it for long.]
yeah. especially at some point, you team starts to feel like your family. then you really have to watch over them.
they're a good group. there's five of us, including me and excluding my instructors. honestly? wasn't sure how we'd all fit together, but i think we're making it work. i want to make it work, i mean, that's part of my whole job, right? us relying on each other despite our different personalities and backgrounds.
[Ororo and Kurt really don't have families and despite Jean living in the mansion basically for most of her life, she was an outcast. Besides him, Peter is really the only one that kind of led a 'normal' life and he lived in his mom's basement until this X-Men stuff started.]
heh, you're telling me. there's been times where i wanted to kick peter's ass. he probably felt the same too. we've mostly been training so far in battle simulations, but even those things can get frustrating.
but yeah. if we can't tough it out through the hard stuff and only the easy things, then we won't make it.
[And he's like ten years older than him and the other mutants! Scott sometimes forgets that himself with the way Peter acts.]
just don't let him hear that ever, in fact, we're keeping this conversation between us. his ego doesn't need to be inflated. but my other teammates go by Storm and Nightcrawler. The last one is still trying to figure out her name.
nah man, this is something you have to try for yourself. i can't tell you beforehand. it'd just fully ruin it. we'll find some in this casino.
[Not that Scott super loves Twinkies or anything, but principle of the matter. This is like another American icon, the same way Han Solo is.]
she was considering 'marvel girl,' but not sure she's sold on that. she has both telepathy and telekinesis, so probably something that's connected to those abilities.
because it's a fluffy cake filled with banana cream
[duh, Scott!!]
[. . . the "haven't seen her in a while" comment throws Akira for a brief moment, but. . . he does get it. Scott has been here just a few months longer than Akira, and Akira is already missing the friends that haven't found their way to the resort]
[hashtag just leader things, he thinks]
mmyep. i'm joker, of course. then we have mona, skull, panther, fox, queen, oracle, and noir. those are our main members.
beyond that, there's also violet, sophie and wolf.
[. . .]
[the last text comes on its own, after a brief delay]
[It almost sounds like a Twinkie... except it's filled with banana cream instead of regular cream. Okay, consider him kind of curious. It sounds pretty good.]
you have quite a team.
[Joker, huh? Yeah Akira sure is one-- OKAY NO but huh, those are a wide variety of names. He notes how 'Crow' comes in later, wondering if there's something more there, but.]
do your codenames represent your abilities too?? or is there something else going on there?
[Scott cannot hear the affection in his words, but they drip from each letter like sugary syrup. Crow is a complicated story. . . but one that Akira isn't yet ready to tell. even if he doesn't feel right leaving that particular "member" of the "team" out]
we chose them based on our outfits, and what felt right in our hearts. i picked "joker" because it's the wild card in a deck of cards. it can be as low as a two, or as high as an ace, depending on what you need.
[He may not be able to hear Akira's tone or see his face, but Scott can still feel the affection from those words. Maybe because it's how he feels about his own team, but maybe even a little bit stronger. After all, they literally just became a team not too long ago and still working things out. He's sure that Akira has been with his group longer than him.]
guess that was pretty useful when you landed here. adapting to a whole sex casino out of nowhere. but i guess that's how leaders are supposed to be, right? adjusting to the situation the quickest so you can help your teammates out.
[When will Scott ever let that go......] no, we didn't get that far yet. we were talking about our code names and everything, but this seems like a good time for you to explain.
he's some guy who did a lot of writing on the human subconscious. where i come from, that writing refers to a whole separate world created from humanity's cognition. we call that place the metaverse, or the cognitive world.
shadows live in the cognitive world. they're created by the repressed desires and emotions of humans.
[Nodding to himself. He totally understands all this......]
right, everyone knows that.
[Scott you just said you had no idea.] so. there's another dimension in your world born from everyone's brain thoughts. with shadows and desires. and you have to kill them because too much is a bad thing??
everyone, huh? you can say you don't understand something if i get too far into the weeds, you know.
[this shit is complicated! it took him months to properly wrap his head around it]
and no, not exactly. it's not the amount that's the problem. humans are flawed creatures, so we all have desires, both good AND bad. desires are a necessary part of being alive.
but when those desires become DISTORTED. . . that's when the problems start.
what's hard to understand? we're just talking about a separate world within your own that was created by humanity's cognitive awareness. :p
[OKAY he's actually struggling. Sometimes his response takes a little longer because he's rereading Akira's past messages.]
okay so desires sometimes become distorted and that's the whole shadow thing?? or even worse than that? how did they become distorted in the first place?
[A certain mutant appears in Scott's mind without a second thought. The ancient mutant from Egypt or whatever. He's gone, dead, but he's still the worst person that he's ever had to deal with. His desire was already distorted in his opinion, but if it ever became a shadow or whatever...
Yeah, okay. He seems the problem there.]
it's not hard imagining something like that.
maybe they're just so bad they become like that on their own. and if it helps, it's not just humans that are imperfect. anyone can suck from any species.
but that's when you and your team come in and fight those shadows with your personas? defeat those distorted desires?
[. . . aha. good point. Scott comes from a world entirely different than Akira's, where the line between "human" and "mutants" is sharp. though in his mind? "mutants" are still pretty darn human]
we do more than just defeat them. we STEAL them, which in turn forces the person to have a change of heart.
okay you steal them from the other reality and put them in your back pocket? and then the person that was connected with the distorted desire suddenly becomes good? realize that they've been a huge asshole and repent for the rest of their life.
that depends. treasures usually take on the appearance of something significant to the person with the distorted desires. the object can be different in the cognitive world vs the real world, too.
once we stole a crown, which turned into an olympic gold medal in the real world. we sold it for 30000 yen
[.....This is definitely more complicated than 'fight some asshole trying to hurt people' back home.]
you sold some guy's olympic gold medal?? damn akira. cold. guessing he deserved it though.
okay i don't think i really understand everything, but i think i got the most important bits. the phantom thieves of heart fight shadows and distorted desires to help people. what happens if those distorted desires remain too long? the metaverse becomes unstable? or just the person in reality just continues to do horrible shit?
[it wasn't even his real gold medal, just one created by the cognitive world. . .]
and it's the last one. they'll just keep doing horrible things and hurting a lot of people. there's no actual danger to the metaverse in letting their desires continue to exist/
[. . .]
. . . and even then. . . stealing hearts and forcing wrongdoers to confess. . . that's just a bandaid for a much bigger problem.
it almost sounds like the metaverse exists just so that you can change what's happening in real life, if you're not worried about shadows or anything else in it.
do you really think a small group of thieves can steal the hearts of every asshole in the entire world?
[that's an impossible task. the Phantom Thieves had done what they could, but until society changes as a whole for the better. . . there is only so much they can accomplish]
yeah, i guess you can't change everyone's minds through something that only exists for people that have personas.
have to be visible for this sort of thing.
[Something that he'll have to confront at some point, he's sure. He and the others are still in training, but they can't remain hidden, right? Not if they want the world to trust mutants once more.]
politics isn't just about being the guy in office, you know? i don't know if i'd want to go that far.
[no. . . he just enjoyed the work he did with Yoshida; that's all. taking a more background role in effecting change from a real, concrete level. . . that feels more right to him]
[Some people like hitting the beehive. It's fun. Right?
Bakugo's definitely not gonna sit around waiting for Scott! ... Totally does. He'll be there to let him in, figuring a massage isn't gonna be the only thing that happens tonight.
It's really just the one bad day that left you with an impression you keep revisiting, isn't it? But. I can't deny your unrealistic attitude pisses me off a little.
he was known as a terrorist for years, but last time i saw him, he helped out. turned on a mutant that was hell bent on ruling the world or whatever. i doubt he changed his mind on humans entirely, but clearly there's a line even he wouldn't cross.
[Or maybe it's something else?? He's not sure, he... didn't really get to talk with Erik all that much.]
No... I was just thinking of leaving before I came here. Sorcerers start going on missions freshman year, especially a Special Grade like me and one of my my classmates. There aren't enough of us to go around, so it's a necessity. You're only supposed to take missions your rank or lower, but it isn't foolproof.
No, you shouldn't. But it sounds complicated, being public. How much influence do the humans have over your society?
wait you guys are sent on missions, no matter what? that's kind of fucked up. like it's one thing if you volunteer for it, but as a requirement?? do you work in a team at all??
['There's not enough of us to go around.' There's far less Sorcerers than mutants, huh? Still, it feels wrong, and as such, he can't help but type something back.]
we live in one society, so we're not really separated. and humans have control over most governments, i'm pretty sure. so, guess you can say all the influence.
Freshman and lower ranks are often paired or chaperoned, but it's part of the curriculum. Why? It's not like normal students get out of doing homework or going on educational field trips. Being a sorcerer means dealing with death no matter what. Even before we're scouted, we're usually
[ what's the word... "traumatized"? ]
haunted. Exposed. Our powers manifest around 4-6, and there's no place on earth that hasn't been touched by evil.
And how do you feel about that? Should the ignorant majority have control over you and your kin?
okay but when students go on field trips they aren't usually asked to kill curses or be prepared to die. can't believe i had to type that out.
look the mutants at my school. most of them aren't expected to fight like that. that falls on me and my team. some of them shouldn't be fighting, especially if they don't want to.
no. but we're going to make sure they don't put out policies that will hurt mutants.
I've already explained to you why it isn't an equivalent comparison. Sorcerers are faced with violence and death regardless of whether or not they decide to join a school, so the moral outrage isn't relevant. There are irrefutable truths to being a sorcerer, as I'm sure there are to being a mutant. One of them is death. Most of us don't live to 30, school or otherwise.
Sure. Some don't. They still die. Maybe things are better where you're from and you know more than 3 mutants who made it to middle age.
And how will you do that? They have greater numbers, greater influence in their world. What happens when they don't listen? You bribe them? Manipulate them?
well i can still think that it sucks for you and the other sorcerers in your world. something obviously needs to be changed. so that there's more than just 3 of you guys that make it to their 50s.
it shouldn't be some fucking expectation or something set in stone.
and i'll keep on showing that they're better with us than against us. we can do things they're fully incapable of doing.
the line? when they start putting out policies or whatever that hurts mutants. but i'm not going to punish all the humans just for that. we'll. we'll deal with whoever if that happens.
[This conversation is so uncomfortable and Scott doesn't like it. But in a stupid strange way, he can't help but really think about this too.]
You're right, it isn't much. The method you find so distasteful is a way of fixing it. No humans, no curses. No need for our children to run the same rat race. If you can come up with something better, I'm all ears.
A reactive response. "When" they do it, "after" it happens... People die before the bills get passed. Sacrifices you're willing to make, even when we are so few.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Text | UN: iceicebaby
Hello,
I have been meaning to message you for some time but for once in my life, have been uncertain as to what to say. But that is only an excuse and I am trying to start this year off better.
So, my apologies for how I acted when we met a few months ago. I was not myself and I wish you to know that I would not normally act that way.
Not anymore.I know you do not remember me, so I understand if you have no desire to speak with me again, but it felt wrong to not say something.
-Loki
text; un: cyclops
He thought that Loki would never try to reach out to him after that whole incident, but here's this message, directly addressing him. Apologizing.
Should he ignore it? He could, but that feels like a coward's approach.]
You were influenced by all that monster stuff, right? It's fine. I don't hold it against you or anything. So, um, apology accepted.
I f’ed up that strike out SO BAD sorry!
Thank you. I truly do not typically act that way and would like to make it up to you, if you are ever interested. Perhaps we could get a coffee or tea sometime?
no worries! i gotchu
There's still some nervousness, but there's also that reckless energy in him that's been ever present, more on the surface than ever before, since living in this casino. He's not sure if it's the environment, the fact he's the only X-Men here, or something else, but.]
If you're offering to pay.
I want a sandwich to go along with it.
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[Loki doesn’t really pay for much around here, but he’ll make sure Scott doesn’t pay anything either. All he cares about is the chance to reunite with a friend, even if he knows it’s not the same Scott. The young man’s variant had been very good to Loki early on in his time at the hotel, and he would be remiss if he didn’t try to make things better with this version.]
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[Is that sass? Yep. Some typical teenage reactions now...]
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[Unsurprisingly, Loki appreciates the sass.]
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[Of course, Scott will do no such thing, and will actually arrive right on the dot like a responsible teen, if that's not an oxymoron or anything. He's not really dressed well, partly because he's pretty much broke and can only buy jeans and shirts, along with the basic things to live. So, that's what he's in as he walks over to the entrance at Red Cardinal, fully expecting Loki to be there.
If nothing else, maybe he can ask Loki about his 'future' self, since he knows now that wasn't just bullshit. Although, it's not really a topic he fully likes getting into.]
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Promptly at 1, Loki teleports himself to the entrance of the Red Cardinal and sees Scott immediately. He smiles to himself before pulling it into a smirk. He doesn’t want to put him off, but it’s a bit of a self-defense mechanism.]
Mr. Summers. It is nice to see you again. Shall we get a table?
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He doesn't want let Loki to know he's feeling just a little nervous, despite all that bravado earlier. At least putting up that bratty teen front helps a bit, the reckless sort of energy pushing away those dumb feelings. He's glad to feel that way for once.]
Just call me Scott, you make me sound old. [He doesn't exactly return the warm welcome, but he at least nods to Loki's suggestion.] But yeah, table's fine, unless you have second thoughts. I said earlier that I am going to make you spend a bunch of money.
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It brings up all sorts of questions, mostly how different is the timeline for this Scott? Loki knows from personal experience that a different timeline can make for a different person, if his own variants are anything to go by. So how different is this Scott? Do they even have the chance of being friends? Loki honestly doesn’t know, but he plans to find out.]
Is being older such a bad thing? [He smirks, giving Scott a bit of a sideways glance. He really just wants things to be normal, but he’s not really sure how to do that, especially not with how badly Scott must think of him after their first meeting. Loki’s just not very good at normal.] But no, no second thoughts, Scott. You may order anything you wish.
[Loki doesn’t mind paying. Mostly he doesn’t need cash for much and he just got a decent amount of chips after his birthday fiasco. Though really, he’s not sure he really deserves punishment for things out of his control back on Halloween, he’s still willing to try with Scott.]
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[Scott snorts, still giving Loki some of that teenage attitude, but his posture eases from its tense posture just a little. His shoulders unknowingly loosen in their tension, because at least snarking with Loki like this is... sort of comfortable? It's okay, definitely better than before. But he can't fully ease up, not yet, maybe he'll get there at some point when he's stuffing his face with food. He doesn't even really feel bad at the thought of taking advantage of Loki at this point.
He slides his hands into the pockets of his plain jacket, still trying to put up that confident front. Maybe someone that looks unaffected by the awkward encounter they had a couple of months ago.]
Get your wallet ready, Loki. [Unfortunately, with Scott trying so hard to control his feelings about all this, he's a little unobservant to how Loki may be dealing with all this. He just assumes that the god is fine and mostly just trying to assuage his own guilt.
But without waiting for a response, Scott makes his way into the restaurant.]
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[Loki is well aware of the many myths about him and the one that has always struck him as the strangest is that some believe him to be a parent. Or, more likely, one or more of his variants are parents. He can’t imagine it himself.
Scott might not be totally at ease, but Loki does notice that he’s not quite as stiff anymore either. And really, he’ll take what he can get. Hopefully it’s a sign that all is not lost because truly, Loki has missed his friend. He may not be the Scott he knew, but there at least seems a chance that he is not so different either.
He doesn’t expect Scott to notice his discomfort. The young man doesn’t actually know him, after all and he actually feels something like relief that Scott hasn’t noticed these things. It’s a bit of a sign that Loki isn’t wearing all his emotions on his face. As much as he’s gotten better with dealing with his own issues, this moment is one he recognizes as not the time to lay such things out. He’s here to try and salvage a possible friendship and nothing more.
Or at least to try and start over again. Scott is a good person and Loki thinks it might be a good idea to have him on side.
Loki smiles and shakes his head as Scott walks off into the restaurant before following him to a table.]
I will watch my wallet and hope you do not eat so much that you make yourself sick.
[He wouldn’t want Scott to make himself sick out of spite.]
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Which, admittedly, they only really offer a few 'pricey' meals and they still probably pale in comparison to some of the offerings in the more ritzy restaurants. Red Cardinal truly tends to focus on more simple dishes.
Still, Scott seems to be in a better mood as he looks over the menu.]
So, after all this, you're going to stop feeling guilty, right? [And then let Scott just carry on with his 'life' in this casino. Unless...] Or did you have something else in mind for bringing me here? I... you already know that I'm not the Scott you knew, or at least, not yet. Which. Okay, I believe you about that.
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The eagerness with which Scott takes the menu makes Loki laugh slightly. It actually makes him happy to see Scott excited about something, even if it’s just food. The man he’d known before had often felt sad and somewhat down about some things in his past. This younger version is missing some of that. It’s interesting to see.]
I am hoping to stop feeling guilty about this at least. I’m sure I have many other things to feel guilty about though. I am not alone in that, I am sure. [Quick and to the point. Loki has to appreciate that. Loki takes a breath and considers his answer before continuing.]
I suppose I did have two purposes. I did honestly wish to make things up to you. I promise who you met at Halloween is not who I usually am and I did want to show that to you. And yes, I know you are not who I knew before, but I did consider him to be a very good friend of mine. I suppose I was hoping for a second chance.
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Okay, that was probably mean.
Now that the god is in his right mind... he really is different. Maybe it's okay to actually trust him, although isn't he supposed to be a trickster deity? He knows that much about mythology. But losing control of yourself is such a shitty feeling and the casino is well-known for that sort of thing. It's happened to him a couple of times already and. It sucks.
It's that understanding that helps Scott.]
You'll stop feeling guilty after you look at the bill later on. [Scott lightly snarks, but he quiets and waits for him to continue.]
It's hard when you lose control. [He acknowledges, briefly, but it's clear that he doesn't want to fully get into it. Instead, Scott tilts his head at him, face unreadable.] ...Wait, you want to be friends with me? I'm probably not like him that much.
[Which feels weird saying. He won't be like his future self at all??]
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Still, he thinks he can see the man Scott will become, the man he almost is. There couldn’t be that much of an age difference, could there be? Humans have such a short lifespan, the difference couldn’t be more than a few years at most, right? But even if that turns out not to be true, Loki wants to know, wants to find out what this Scott is really like.]
Likely, though depending on how high the bill is, I might have to feel guilty about leaving without paying. [He smirks, wondering how the young man would react to a good old dine and dash.]
It is not my favourite thing, no. [It’s also not something Loki particularly enjoys talking about, but he will if Scott presses.] Well, that remains to be seen. I understand that you might turn out to be very different from your variant, but I wouldn’t want how I was when you first met me to determine whether or not we might become friends ourselves.
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[Scott folds his arms across his chest, sending Loki a mild disapproving glare towards his way. Look, if it would be one thing if they were stealing or dining and dashing from a place that's run by an asshole, but the staff at the Red Cardinal is one of the few areas in this whole casino that doesn't look down at him for low rank. So, he has to defend against stealing, especially in this instance.
Guess he shouldn't have expected anything else from a trickster god though.]
My 'variant?' [That's an interesting way to describe his other self. Future self? He doesn't know, so maybe Loki is onto something by referring to the other Scott like that. But more than that... Scott watches Loki for a moment, eyes almost assessing behind his glasses, like he's putting things together, and--]
You really miss him, huh? [Guess it should've been obvious, but.]
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[It’s unlikely, but then Loki remembers how much he could eat when he was a bit younger which causes him some concern. He’ll work it out with Jin Mingming if it comes down to it, but he’d rather not have to.
Besides, it was fun to see Scott’s reaction.]
Yes, variant. Though I suppose it is possible you are the same version but only from a different point on the same timeline. That is rather hard to determine for sure though.
[Loki startles at the assessment. It wasn’t as if he had really been trying to hide that he missed his friend, but he also hadn’t expected this Scott to come right out with it.]
I do, yes. He was one of the first friends I met here and I was not happy when he disappeared. [Things were only made worse when he found Scott’s visor, not to mention when he discovered what happens to those who disappeared without finishing Game 52.]
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[What?! He didn't know that Loki was also a broke ass bitch. He just sort of figured that a Norse god would be a higher rank! Or he'd have a ton of money, just because. Well, guess it's a good thing he didn't fully plan on emptying Loki's wallet, and he's definitely keeping this in mind for the future because now he almost feels like an asshole for doing this. Almost.] Look, just so that we both don't get banned from this place, I'll just order a couple of things. Geez.
[Huff!! What a pain! Trying to be responsible now after everything that just happened...]
Guess you could ask me a ton of questions and see if what's happened to me aligns with what he told you. [Scott suggests, almost flatly. Is he willing to answer those questions? Maybe. Hearing Loki's admittance, his demeanor becomes less prickly, returning to that more calm and maybe even understanding stance.]
Especially if he was important to you.
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[Loki really isn’t sure if he mentioned his rank, at least not specifically. He might just not be used to paying for others and it didn’t particularly occur to him. Money has never been something he really thought much about.]
I would appreciate that, though please do feel free to order a proper meal. I can always eat later.
[Relaxing back in his seat, Loki ponders that. He does want to know some of these things. Wants to know the differences, if there are any, but the only real major life event Scott spoke to him about was the death of the love of his life.
How does one casually bring that up?]
I, um, hmm. I am rather curious, but it is not usually a good idea to speak to people about their possible futures. It could cause irreparable damage to your timeline.
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No, you're eating too, especially if you're hungry. I'm not just gonna eat in front of you like an asshole.
[Or guess he can just share with Loki if it comes down to it. Scott's fine with that too. He's hungry, yeah, but he can also deal.]
Okay, how about I mention something big and important and we can see if he's been through that?
[It's honestly kind of stressful confirming if the 'future him' in this place actually is him from the future and not a variant. He hasn't learned much about his future self, just small characteristics, but it'd still be a lot having that confirmation. Maybe it could still be a variant, but...
Maybe he just needs to confront this in his own way and this is the best way to do it.]
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What Loki does gather from Scott’s answer is that he is still a lot like the Scott he knew before. Perhaps a bit more of a mouth on him, but Loki can still see it.]
I would not think you an asshole for such a thing. I did offer to buy you dinner after all and dinner you shall have. I will hardly starve. [Though he will still likely get something to eat.
Loki considers Scott’s suggestion and then nods.] Yes, that is a good idea. Though I admit just sitting here and talking to you has told me a lot already.
[If it worries him that much, Loki can confirm that even if they have everything in common, it is still possible they are variants and not one and the same. A branch could have happened after this Scott was taken from his world or they could just be from closely aligned branches. None of that would really matter though. Loki just wants to get to know him better. Again.]
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Whatever that is when you're talking about your variant and your future self.
For a moment, he obnoxiously drinks from his straw, like he's purposefully making it louder than normal just to be a little bit of an ass. Mostly, he's giving himself some time to think and to hide some anxiety what Loki may already think of him. Guess he actually sort of cares about that thing, despite their rough start.]
...I recently became a X-Man after my friends and I stopped a mutant known as Apocalypse from taking over the world. [That's a pretty big event, right?]
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Not that Loki minds, really. He did similar things himself just to be obnoxious when he was younger. So although he gives Scott a bit of a nonplussed look, secretly he’s a bit amused. It’s not like Loki is actually all that old himself, really. He’s just been through a lot in the last few years that has changed him rather dramatically.]
Yes, I believe I remember your counterpart mentioning something about a large battle to save the world when he was younger. I wonder if that is one of your fixed points.
[ooc: For the life of me I can’t remember what all Scott told Loki before except for losing Jean. I’m just going with that one was at least casually mentioned. Let me know if I need to change that please!]
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So, guess that means the older version of himself that was here is most likely him from the future. But guess other variations are still possible, because maybe that's just a thing that happens for teenagers to become X-Men. He's not the one that's an expert at multiple universe stuff, that seems like it's all Loki's expertise. There's another loud noise that comes from his soda, before Scott finally stops and looks at Loki with that more serious demeanor.]
I mean, as a X-Man, we're supposed to save the world from dangerous threats. Human or mutant. [And surely other versions of him would feel the same way, right?] What do you mean by a 'fixed point?' Like something that can't ever be changed?
[ooc: You're good! Scott would probably mention that he at least fought a guy named Apocalypse in Egypt and became a X-Man right after. He probably didn't go into too many details about Jean's death, other than that it involved asshole aliens.]
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Yes, that is precisely what it is. When time travelling, there are certain pivotal events that cannot be changed in that line. Of course, other branches may appear and result in a whole new timeline, but in that original line, those events remain.
[It all gets a bit message beyond that because there are so many options, so many things that can change before a fixed point is reached that it never stops a new branch from growing, and he wonders how much of that is different now that the TVA is not pruning new branches, but that is something he’ll have to investigate more once he returns home.]
[ooc: Excellent! I think all Loki really knows is that Jean is dead and it wasn’t from natural causes. But yeah I imagine he would’ve heard of Apocalypse just because they did seem to commiserate quite a bit. Thanks!]
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[Guess he could relay his entire life story to Loki if he really wants to be sure, but that's assuming his future self told him all that to begin with. So, probably not worth it, not to mention that getting into all those details sounds so unappealing. Hell, he's pretty sure that Loki's patience with all that would tire too. He'd be fucking tired if someone just explained their entire life to him.
So, guess he'll just put a note in this. His future self here at least shared one thing with him and he'll leave it at that.]
Hey. [Instead, Scott focuses on something else. The teen's stopped obnoxiously drinking from his soda, leaning back slightly as he tilts his head at Loki.] Your encounter with time travel and timelines didn't start with the casino, huh? You're familiar with it back home.
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[And really, Loki hopes that is true for this Scott because then maybe he will not return home only to have to lose one of the most important people in his life. Loki is no stranger to loss and he would not wish it on the younger man. And he also remembers just how heartbroken the older Scott had been.
As much as Loki is curious to know this new Scott, he would have to admit that the man is correct in that learning about someone’s entire life in one sitting is a bit much. Besides, he would never want to intrude so thoroughly into his past. All he is really curious about is how similar the two are and he can get a lot of that information simply by speaking with him as he is now.
Loki looks at Scott consideringly.] Yes, that is true. I was working directly with the timelines and accessing them at different points in time. Is this your first experience with it?
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A trickster god, yeah, but now that that their first encounter is fading to the back of his mind, Scott thinks it's kind of cool. He's even involved with multiple timelines and everything. He can't help but wonder what he even does with that. Make sure stuff goes smoothly?? But isn't the point of multiple timelines mean that things should just play out as is?
Or maybe stopping someone from messing with them. Like a multi-universe hopper.]
Yeah, never encountered multiple timelines before coming here. [Scott huffs lightly, something amused flashing across his face.] I mean, I just took down an evil mutant god and became a X-Man. One thing at a time man.
...It must be crazy working with different timelines though.
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It’s true, Loki is (and was) impressed by Scott. Anyone who manages a rough start to life and turns out good without any massive life changes, but rather just is good is someone that impresses Loki, if only because he hadn’t managed that himself at all.
Loki doesn’t know about cool. He’s definitely done some things he’s proud of, and he he could understand why someone would be fascinated by what he’s been doing, but it’s been such a crazy time, such a strange sequence of events, he’s not sure he ever really stopped to think about it. Conversely, that Scott could take down, as he says, an evil mutant god, Loki finds quite amazing. That could not have been easy, even with his abilities.]
Crazy is definitely one word for it. We are all quite new to it and still figuring out exactly how to keep things running smoothly. I worry about how things are holding up while I’m here. But I wish to know more about you. Tell me about these X-men. I assume it is a team?
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So knowing all this, he can't help but smile at the god across from him, a flash of understanding appearing on the young mutant's face.]
Yeah, we're a team of mutants. [Not the first team, but he doesn't want to get into that.] You know the asshole mutant god I mentioned? Well, he fucked up things for everyone, so... we're going to repair those relations. Save both humans and mutants.
[That's the idea at least.]
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Loki blinks slowly, trying to keep his face neutral as Scott smiles at him. It’s that smile that drives it home, makes him realize that perhaps it’s true. Not only has he been working on a team, but he’s maybe even one of the good guys?
He’s more than a little relieved when Scott speaks again.] I see. I assume then that things between humans and mutants were strained before and what this, what did you call him? Asshole mutant god? He only made things worse then?
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[...Hopefully Loki doesn't get a headache from how quickly Scott can go from 'responsible team leader' to 'shitty little teen' because that's what's happening again. It probably helps that his mood has improved a lot since they've talked, even though the topic is back on Apocalypse's stupid face and his stupid ruining things for everyone.
He could talk about it more seriously, but he's just going with the sour attitude way.]
I mean, things weren't perfect before he appeared, but they were okay. People didn't really think twice about having a mutant walk around in public. [Granted, Scott only went to the mall once with Kurt and the others before everything Happened.]
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[If Loki looks a little distant at that moment, it’s only because he’s thinking about doing that very thing himself. Though his villainous acts had nothing to do with mutants. He hadn’t known anything of mutants at the time and hardly does now. But he had threatened all of Midgard, hadn’t he? Until the Avengers had taken him down just as Scot’s X-men had taken down Apocalypse.
If Loki is going to get a headache it will be more about his own shifting thoughts between his own tendencies towards both good an evil. A bit of teen angst he can handle.]
And after you took him down? Did that help? Did the humans seeing mutants fighting to help them and everyone change how people saw you?
[He’s asking for a friend.]
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It's only once the both of them put their orders in and the waiter leaves once more that Scott returns his attention to Loki. Not that he answers immediately, mouth turned into a small frown because things are more complicated than that. He wishes things were that simple, that everything went back to 'normal' after Apocalypse.]
...No, it hasn't been that simple. That's why he's the mutant ruining asshole. I don't know how long it will take.
[But it will happen, right? That's what Professor Xavier believes. He believes it too, he has to. He wants to.]
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It’s not a great feeling. No one wants to find out that they are the ruining asshole of the world.]
I am very sorry to hear that. You and your kind do not deserve it. No one deserves such things.
[Yeah, great Loki. Too little too late there, don’t you think?]
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[He quietly agrees, because it really does suck and it feels pretty unfair at times. Even if humans have legitimate concerns about mutants, that doesn't mean they should all be lumped into one threat. But Raven's mentioned that's how they've always seen them, even with her heroic action back in 1973. It's grim thinking about it, but... they'll just have to change their minds.
Besides, Moira has been a great ally. She's proof, right? Not to mention all the people here that have accepted him without batting an eyelash.
Scott takes another big sip out of his soda, thoughts running in his mind and leaving the teen in a quiet trance, before he sets his attention back on Loki. Anyway! Back on him.]
So, how did you get roped into managing the multiverse? Doesn't feel like a job that you just fall into or send an application in.
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It seems to be a lesson that is never learned.]
It is not just me trying to keep everything running. There is a whole organization responsible for keeping everything going. Though I suppose I am the one that figured out that things were not as they seemed and we are now looking for a new way to run things. That is what I was doing when I was brought here.
want to start wrapping things up? :>
Yeah, guess something like that would require more than a team of five people.
[But hmm, guess from the sound of things, the whole organization was kind of not keeping up in some way or kind of sketchy before Loki got involved. Trust the trickster god, huh? Well, Scott honestly does. He can say that with a little more certainty.]
Hey, seeing that we haven't collapsed in ourselves yet, your team's keeping shit handled.
Sure!
It is quite extensive, but I wouldn’t think less of smaller teams. In a lot of ways, I was working with a rather small team, but the whole operation requires many small teams, all with their own objectives that work together to make everything happen.
[If he’s honest, it’s not just him. If it weren’t for Sylvie, he wouldn’t have been in a position to find out anything more. And if it weren’t for Mobius, he never would’ve been given the chance in the first place.
He doesn’t know about Scott trusting him, but he can tell that his attitude has shifted and Loki is at least glad for the progress.]
That is about the only thing keeping me going. Though I’m sure if they find out I’m at some strange sex resort, they will be rather upset with me.
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[Like something was broken in the system and considering this is the organization in charge of the multiverse, that's not great to hear. Well, it would be worse if it wasn't evident that Loki seems to really care about his work-- his job and team. His friends. Scott understands that sense of duty, even if his focus is on one world and one world only.
And honestly, that's more than enough. Maybe that's why he's not overthinking this whole multiverse issue-- and the fact that they're sitting here without problem. Unless Golden Peacock itself can survive the destruction of the multiverse. Surely not.]
Heh, they would think that you're just slacking off, huh? [His teammates would probably laugh and perish if they ever found out-- at least Peter would.]
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[If Scott is really curious, he could go into more detail, but he’s a little hesitant if only because the full story requires him knowing about Loki’s more villainous years and they’ve just made progress. Loki’s not sure he really wants anyone to know the full details of his life, not when it could mean that they change their minds about him, even if they would be fully in their right to do so.
Golden Peacock does seem to be an entity unto itself. Since he first arrived, Loki has wondered if it isn’t another place similar to the TVA in that it might also exist outside. Sex things aside, it has a lot in common with the TVA. Though it is at least possible to leave the TVA without much issue, unlike this place.]
Let’s just say I haven’t always been the most reliable sort. It would not surprise me if they thought I ran away instead of helping.
[Loki does his best to not sound hurt about that, it’s just another thing he deserves, after all. But it does hurt. Hopefully, whatever happens, they might give him a chance to explain.]
But enough about me and the depressing state of the multiverse. How was your food? Is there anything else you would like to order?
@Kazuya
yeah. i understand where you're getting at. it's important to remember who we were before.
and i heard people like scars anyway.
[Does Kazuya really need a reminder? He seems pretty chill and everything... but it's clear that it's important to him.]
so you're basically saying most demons are interchangeable? kind of rude man :p as the king of demons.
but speaking of which... how did you become a demon?
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As for how I became a demon, I had to kill the other Bel demons and then absorb their powers. Then I had to give up my humanity and soul.
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And...]
What makes Bel demons different?
Also you gave up your soul and humanity? You're pretty normal to me. Sans demon summoning and your healing and strength, but I don't consider those things related.
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[ Which probably begs the question, how does a regular teen who isn't demon even come across a piece of the power of Bel to even throw his hat in the ring?
Well, Kazuya won't tell unless asked. ]
That's kind of you to say, but I am pretty much every just as bit the monsters as they are. I just have some things in place here that help me to keep from losing my cool and going on human murder and eating sprees... Mostly because that sounds incredibly unpleasant and eating people sounds incredibly gross.
[ .... Well, for the most part, now that he's had a taste. :( ]
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how did you even manage to beat the first bel demon? and how are you able to absorb them in the first place?
[Sorry this really is becoming an interrogation, but really, it is all interesting stuff!! Like at least him and his team are mutants, they're born with their powers basically. That's how they were able to take down their big threat.]
so what do you do to help with that? anything i can do? because yeah, preventing you from eating humans sounds like a pretty important thing. for everyone involved.
[Getting eaten doesn't sound sexy at all...... well, not like that. He doesn't want his blood and organs to be outside of his body.]
closes my eyes every time i have to talk about the bible in a thread w/ kazuya.
[Insane to type. Even more insane to remember the fact that he did, in fact, beat an immortal demon with a cellphone strap.]
As for how I was able to absorb their power, how familiar are you with the bible?
And for the other thing, I wouldn't worry if I were you. So long as my contract with someone else stands, there's nothing for anyone to worry about. And even if it did become an issue, I'd talk to other people far before it became a problem.
the true lesson from the bible
[After becoming a mutant, he sort of just goes with a lot of wild things without blinking, but this is pretty out there.]
definitely not familiar with the part that allows people to absorb demons.
so you basically have a contract with a person in this casino that stops you from eating people?? like 'kazuya can't eat others and i will give him my blood in return?' but i'm glad you got other people to back you up, just know that i'm willing to help too.
🔐
But yes, that's... Sort of the gist of it? But it's more mutual than that. I can't go into the details of the contract without her permission, sorry.
I asked if you were familiar because of the nature of things. When I say the Bel demons, I mean those who literally have "Bel" in their name. Beldr, Belial, Jezebel, Belzaboul, Belberith, Belphagor, and so on.
There's a human who also has been crowned with the name of "Bel" in the bible too. Any guesses?
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[JUST... wanting a little more clarification. Okay, a lot of it. Thanks Kaz.]
but it's cool?? i think. guess as long as the two of you are happy with whatever and you're not eating people. i really don't wanna come across you with someone's heart in your mouth. a bit of a turn off, really.
oh. right. those are demons with those letters in them. [He sure knows his stuff...... he's heard of maybe a couple of those demons??] and i guess this where i'll admit that i normally spaced out whenever my parents forced me to go to church with them??
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[There is so much going on here... It's hard to keep things straight, even when he lived it!]
Don't worry, I promise I won't be eating anyones heart any time soon.
As for spacing out in church, don't worry. I'll just tell you straight, then. I'm the reincarnation of Abel. From the story of Cain and Abel, sons of Adam and Eve. Pretty messed up, right? I got to be the worlds first murder victim in a past life.
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[.....Oh. 'Bel' from Abel. He gets it now. Yes, those cogs in his brain are finally turning. At least for this part.]
okay i actually remember that story now. so, really? the reincarnation of abel? that does kind of suck. although, isn't it because you're his reincarnation that you're able to absorb the bel demons? feel like that matters more.
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That's right, though. It's because of Abel that I was able to absorb those demons in the first place to put me on the throne. Funny enough, it was Cain who wanted to see Abel on the throne of Demonkind, to rally an army and kill God in revenge for his punishment for killing Abel.
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uh didn't cain kill you-- kill abel out of his own jealousy? shouldn't he have been punished for doing something like that?
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Immortality isn't a blessing, it's a curse. And God cursed Cain in an awful way.
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so in a weird twist, cain's reincarnation supports you, huh? after what happened thousands of years ago.
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But yeah. It's a pretty weird twist, but I think God set him up, personally. God's a pretty underhanded being to begin with, so he probably did it to prove a point to other humans about what he could do to them.
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but who would've guessed, god's actually a dick. :p
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Or He'd take away our free will, or kill us all. Depends on how uncharitable He was feeling.
[... Turns out, Kazuya has Big Feelings about this.]
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but he does sound like a massive dick in your world. i can see why you ended up hating angels and shit if that's how they treated you and the others in the lockdown. glad you beat their asses.
and what's the point of living if you don't have any free will? yeah hard pass for me too. well, that and the genocide thing. never a fan of that. heard it enough back home.
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And once I cart all the demons back to the demon realm, humans will only have to worry about human problems.
[ There are several issues with killing a religious icon like God, however, as a teen, Kazuya has not thought about any of that.
It helps when you have demons chortling in your head about how much they wanted to kill God and how bad he was. Something something, you are not immune to propaganda. ]
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just let humans fuck up their own future. :p
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I don't plan on stepping in for anything less than completely apocalyptic scenarios, or things caused by outside influences.
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[Guess that makes sense, but...] what about your friends and family?
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But honestly I'm not sure. I want to stay with my friends, but considering I'm probably public enemy #1 back home right now, it might be too dangerous for them.
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right cause you killed god and you're the lord of demons. can't you try and change their perception? that you really saved them from some asshole guy? not saying it'd be done overnight, but you shouldn't have to worry about endangering your friends just for existing.
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I basically destabilized the entire Japanese Government and caused the public to lose faith in them. To save face, it's likely that they'll declare me a national and international threat. I wouldn't be surprised of other governments around the world also thought the same.
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but if the world's unstable after everything with the demons and angels, you still have a chance to rally people to your side, right? like show them that you really are helping out. just start off with the public.
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i mean you could try hiding, but the moment you surface, they might throw whatever they got at you.
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Maybe I only really need to hide out a few years... Or maybe I can just turn myself in to make it clear that I don't want to start problems?
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you shouldn't have to hide. or turn yourself in. especially if you haven't done anything wrong, kazuya. that's not right. or fair.
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I'll be alright, no matter what happens or what I decide to do. I think right now the smarter thing will be to turn myself in. I have some friends in the SDF, they might be able to pull some strings to make things less terrible.
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it still isn't right that you're getting punished for only saving everyone.
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I don't know if the latter was even possible, but it was also another avenue we could have maybe looked into if we had more time.
Either way, you can't just say that I've "saved" people. Maybe I made a lot of peoples lives worse, doing what I did.
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it just feels like it shouldn't be the end.
we should probably wrap this one too--
sounds good!
because. obviously. you're my friend.
@Akira
wow. nice one, man.
[Scott's smiling so stupidly at the watch though......]
thanks. just want to do right by them, you know? [Don't want to see any of them dead. Raven said that only she and Hank are left from the original X-Men and....... it feels bad if he thinks about it for long.]
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what was your team like back home?
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they're a good group. there's five of us, including me and excluding my instructors. honestly? wasn't sure how we'd all fit together, but i think we're making it work. i want to make it work, i mean, that's part of my whole job, right? us relying on each other despite our different personalities and backgrounds.
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right. and sometimes, it can be pretty hard for those different personalities to mesh. i can't say my team was without its moments of friction.
[the fight Ryuji and Morgana had that nearly tore them apart comes immediately to mind]
but i'd say those moments can really strengthen those bonds, you know?
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heh, you're telling me. there's been times where i wanted to kick peter's ass. he probably felt the same too. we've mostly been training so far in battle simulations, but even those things can get frustrating.
but yeah. if we can't tough it out through the hard stuff and only the easy things, then we won't make it.
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i have faith in you guys.
peter is your friend who steals stuff, right? [how does he remember that when he was on hearts juice at the time] what's his code name?
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[If just to prove that he can. And also steal some of his twinkies.]
and his codename is 'quicksilver.' yeah, all our names are kind of on the nose.
[Except for Jean, she hasn't picked one yet. Maybe Marvel Girl? But...]
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[for HOARDING SNACKS away from his fellow teammate!!]
i like that one, too. quicksilver. it's snappy and evocative. what about the others?
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[And he's like ten years older than him and the other mutants! Scott sometimes forgets that himself with the way Peter acts.]
just don't let him hear that ever, in fact, we're keeping this conversation between us. his ego doesn't need to be inflated. but my other teammates go by Storm and Nightcrawler. The last one is still trying to figure out her name.
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what's a twinkie taste like? i've heard of them, but i've never had one.
[since they aren't really a common snack in Japan. he has probably only heard of their existence through all the American television he watches]
cyclops. storm. nightcrawler. quicksilver. you guys sound so cool.
what options does your last teammate have?
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nah man, this is something you have to try for yourself. i can't tell you beforehand. it'd just fully ruin it. we'll find some in this casino.
[Not that Scott super loves Twinkies or anything, but principle of the matter. This is like another American icon, the same way Han Solo is.]
she was considering 'marvel girl,' but not sure she's sold on that. she has both telepathy and telekinesis, so probably something that's connected to those abilities.
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now you're making it sound like some big secret. [HAH. . .] if you find one i'll trade you a tokyo banana for it.
[they are not the same thing, but hey! one cultural exchange for another, right?]
"marvel girl," huh. [yeah he can see why she isn't sold on it yet] i can't blame her for being picky. code names are serious business.
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[Although all this talk about Twinkies is making him actually want one... maybe he'll grab a box for his room.]
yeah, doesn't quite have the same ring as the other names. i'd like to throw ideas at her and help out, but. haven't seen her in a while.
[...He really misses his friends now. MOVING ON:]
so all this talk about code names. you and your team must have them, right?
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[duh, Scott!!]
[. . . the "haven't seen her in a while" comment throws Akira for a brief moment, but. . . he does get it. Scott has been here just a few months longer than Akira, and Akira is already missing the friends that haven't found their way to the resort]
[hashtag just leader things, he thinks]
mmyep. i'm joker, of course. then we have mona, skull, panther, fox, queen, oracle, and noir. those are our main members.
beyond that, there's also violet, sophie and wolf.
[. . .]
[the last text comes on its own, after a brief delay]
and crow.
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you have quite a team.
[Joker, huh? Yeah Akira sure is one-- OKAY NO but huh, those are a wide variety of names. He notes how 'Crow' comes in later, wondering if there's something more there, but.]
do your codenames represent your abilities too?? or is there something else going on there?
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[Scott cannot hear the affection in his words, but they drip from each letter like sugary syrup. Crow is a complicated story. . . but one that Akira isn't yet ready to tell. even if he doesn't feel right leaving that particular "member" of the "team" out]
we chose them based on our outfits, and what felt right in our hearts. i picked "joker" because it's the wild card in a deck of cards. it can be as low as a two, or as high as an ace, depending on what you need.
and that's what i do. i'm adaptable.
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[He may not be able to hear Akira's tone or see his face, but Scott can still feel the affection from those words. Maybe because it's how he feels about his own team, but maybe even a little bit stronger. After all, they literally just became a team not too long ago and still working things out. He's sure that Akira has been with his group longer than him.]
guess that was pretty useful when you landed here. adapting to a whole sex casino out of nowhere. but i guess that's how leaders are supposed to be, right? adjusting to the situation the quickest so you can help your teammates out.
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[as expected, Scott gets it]
if i wasn't not capable of reading the field and adjusting my strategies to help out my teammates, then i wouldn't be a very good leader.
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[...It's actually kind of nice talking to another teen that leads a group. He hasn't had a conversation like this before in the casino.]
oh i forgot to ask, what is the name of your group?
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[well. here it is!]
the phantom thieves of hearts.
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so how does defeating shadows tie into being a phantom thief? i'm not quite following.
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[he never elaborated on it, either!]
it's complicated. i DID tell you what shadows are, right?
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[When will Scott ever let that go......] no, we didn't get that far yet. we were talking about our code names and everything, but this seems like a good time for you to explain.
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[AKIRA WILL NEVER LIVE IT DOWN. . . not that he should]
and it's as good of a time than any. okay. so.
what do you know about carl jung?
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i have no idea who that is.
[He... paid attention to school. Somewhat. Enough where he isn't outright failing, but definitely not doing amazing either.]
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he's some guy who did a lot of writing on the human subconscious. where i come from, that writing refers to a whole separate world created from humanity's cognition. we call that place the metaverse, or the cognitive world.
shadows live in the cognitive world. they're created by the repressed desires and emotions of humans.
does that make sense so far?
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right, everyone knows that.
[Scott you just said you had no idea.] so. there's another dimension in your world born from everyone's brain thoughts. with shadows and desires. and you have to kill them because too much is a bad thing??
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everyone, huh? you can say you don't understand something if i get too far into the weeds, you know.
[this shit is complicated! it took him months to properly wrap his head around it]
and no, not exactly. it's not the amount that's the problem. humans are flawed creatures, so we all have desires, both good AND bad. desires are a necessary part of being alive.
but when those desires become DISTORTED. . . that's when the problems start.
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[OKAY he's actually struggling. Sometimes his response takes a little longer because he's rereading Akira's past messages.]
okay so desires sometimes become distorted and that's the whole shadow thing?? or even worse than that? how did they become distorted in the first place?
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[Akira exhales on his end of the watch, eyes slipping shut as he considers his words carefully]
imagine the worst villain you can. someone who uses and abuses others for their own gain and doesn't care about the bodies they leave behind.
THOSE are the kind of distorted desires i'm talking about. there usually isn't a reason they become so bad, except. . . well.
humans are imperfect creatures, aren't they?
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Yeah, okay. He seems the problem there.]
it's not hard imagining something like that.
maybe they're just so bad they become like that on their own. and if it helps, it's not just humans that are imperfect. anyone can suck from any species.
but that's when you and your team come in and fight those shadows with your personas? defeat those distorted desires?
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we do more than just defeat them. we STEAL them, which in turn forces the person to have a change of heart.
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what??
okay you steal them from the other reality and put them in your back pocket? and then the person that was connected with the distorted desire suddenly becomes good? realize that they've been a huge asshole and repent for the rest of their life.
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yep.
though most treasures-- oh, that's what we call those distorted desires, by the way-- are too big to fit in our pockets.
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once we stole a crown, which turned into an olympic gold medal in the real world. we sold it for 30000 yen
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you sold some guy's olympic gold medal?? damn akira. cold. guessing he deserved it though.
okay i don't think i really understand everything, but i think i got the most important bits. the phantom thieves of heart fight shadows and distorted desires to help people. what happens if those distorted desires remain too long? the metaverse becomes unstable? or just the person in reality just continues to do horrible shit?
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[it wasn't even his real gold medal, just one created by the cognitive world. . .]
and it's the last one. they'll just keep doing horrible things and hurting a lot of people. there's no actual danger to the metaverse in letting their desires continue to exist/
[. . .]
. . . and even then. . . stealing hearts and forcing wrongdoers to confess. . . that's just a bandaid for a much bigger problem.
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but what's the bigger problem?
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[that's an impossible task. the Phantom Thieves had done what they could, but until society changes as a whole for the better. . . there is only so much they can accomplish]
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hard to eliminate assholery entirely, but if there something that needs to be changed, then you have to continue working for it.
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that's a much bigger project than just stealing the hearts of one or two criminals. one better fought in the real world, and not the metaverse.
but. . . i'm glad you understand.
[that the only way to fix the broken world is to revolutionize society itself]
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have to be visible for this sort of thing.
[Something that he'll have to confront at some point, he's sure. He and the others are still in training, but they can't remain hidden, right? Not if they want the world to trust mutants once more.]
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[and if he is being honest about his limitations, there isn't much he can do as nothing more than a third-year high school student]
[. . .]
[idly]
i think. . . when i eventually graduate high school, i'm going to try to work in politics.
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going to become the president? [oh wait.] prime minister?
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prime minister. and absolutely not.
politics isn't just about being the guy in office, you know? i don't know if i'd want to go that far.
[no. . . he just enjoyed the work he did with Yoshida; that's all. taking a more background role in effecting change from a real, concrete level. . . that feels more right to him]
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but i think i get it. [No he doesn't--] spreading certain issues around. getting people energized.
mmm. i think you can easily do that.
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. . . thanks.
that actually means a lot to me.
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politics are a pain, but i'd vote for you if i could. uh. or whatever.
[He just has his back.....]
@Prompto
a blast. uh-huh.
[He wonders if Prompto did that on purpose, but Scott huffs a laugh anyway.]
bring a ton of snacks. and if you want, i could show you other things i can blow up. been using the training rooms at the talon for that.
@Bakugo
[What the hell, he'll just say it upfront.]
so you're saying that you don't want me to massage you? you seemed to enjoy it last time in the showers.
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I SAID "IF I FEEL LIKE IT"!!
[that's a "yes" to the massage by the way.]
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[straightest face]
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you're going have to be more clear.
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HOW'S THAT NOT CLEAR?!
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not naming how often?? the time or place?? obviously.
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THOSE ARE MY CHOICE!
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it almost sounds like you need a massage now. with all the capslock happening.
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you gonna come over and give me one?
[said the boomspider to the fly.]
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do you 'feel like it?'
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although i have to wonder if i'm feeling it now
[He is. Just giving him a hard time still.]
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or i just decided that i have other things to do.
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[right? RIGHT?]
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[yeah he's showing up because he's a dumbass.]
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[well technically bakugo picked the time.]
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yeah i'll see you tonight.
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tell me if something comes up.
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wouldn't leave you hanging.
[He's serious about that at least.]
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bring your night clothes.
[This has been upgraded to a sleepover.]
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....Oh. OH. Well, sure?]
asking me to stay the night?
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[WHY ELSE WOULD HE TELL HIM TO BRING NIGHT CLOTHES?!]
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see you tonight, jerk.
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SHUT UP!! I NEVER FEEL THAT!!
[Hardly ever. Growling at the watch now.]
later.
[Ferociously hanging up! However you do that on the watch.]
did you want to continue or that a wrap?
But later, he will actually be at the door of Bakugo's suite, dressed in regular clothes but with a small overnight bag.]
🎀
Bakugo's definitely not gonna sit around waiting for Scott! ... Totally does. He'll be there to let him in, figuring a massage isn't gonna be the only thing that happens tonight.
Guess it kinda feels a bit like home.]
afterdark overflow
"Genocide"...
Did I say that?
[ look sometimes you just have a bad day ]
I guess I did.
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glad you remember. great. if you're planning on bringing it again, don't. just saying that now.
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[ ... ]
An innocent by your standards, even.
So there's no need to treat me like a dangerous criminal.
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long as you don't try and kill anyone here, then i won't. sounds simple enough, right?
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The games this resort plays, even good boys like you can be driven to kill.
[ hell, life does that. ]
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maybe because i've found people that haven't entirely sucked.
[Pretty much everyone that he's personally talked to doesn't care about the whole mutant thing. It's nice.]
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but i don't want to actually kill you.
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i can stop you without killing you.
[In fact, he's going to make a point of it now!! Just ignore the fact that he'd definitely get his ass kicked--]
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do you go out of your way to be as unlikeable as possible?
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You caught me on a bad day.
[ he's had a lot of those lately. ]
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or i just piss you off all the time.
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But.
I can't deny your unrealistic attitude pisses me off a little.
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feel like punching me in the face? get in line.
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Ha. You really misunderstand me.
We're family.
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huh?
[Did he miss something somewhere? Scott even double checks their messages so far as if to make sure that he didn't skip something.]
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We're the next stage of evolution.
You might disagree with me, but I wouldn't hurt you unless I had to.
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yeah heard that before. you really do remind me of someone back home.
but. sure. feeling's mutual really. i don't want to hurt you unless i have to. the feeling of not fully belonging is not as strong here, but i get it.
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An enemy of yours?
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he was known as a terrorist for years, but last time i saw him, he helped out. turned on a mutant that was hell bent on ruling the world or whatever. i doubt he changed his mind on humans entirely, but clearly there's a line even he wouldn't cross.
[Or maybe it's something else?? He's not sure, he... didn't really get to talk with Erik all that much.]
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I wonder if that would've happened to me if I had left my school after all.
A line he wouldn't cross or a seat he wasn't willing to relinquish?
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what? like him trying to rule the world himself? he knows that we'd kick his ass if he tried that.
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I'd have stayed forever if I could.
Sounds like there are a lot of you.
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yeah, i guess. probably helps that mutants are known to the public at home, they have been for ten years. we don't need to hide. and we shouldn't.
[...Even if tensions are rising back home.]
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Sorcerers start going on missions freshman year, especially a Special Grade like me and one of my my classmates. There aren't enough of us to go around, so it's a necessity.
You're only supposed to take missions your rank or lower, but it isn't foolproof.
No, you shouldn't. But it sounds complicated, being public.
How much influence do the humans have over your society?
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['There's not enough of us to go around.' There's far less Sorcerers than mutants, huh? Still, it feels wrong, and as such, he can't help but type something back.]
we live in one society, so we're not really separated. and humans have control over most governments, i'm pretty sure. so, guess you can say all the influence.
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Why? It's not like normal students get out of doing homework or going on educational field trips. Being a sorcerer means dealing with death no matter what. Even before we're scouted, we're usually
[ what's the word... "traumatized"? ]
haunted. Exposed. Our powers manifest around 4-6, and there's no place on earth that hasn't been touched by evil.
And how do you feel about that?
Should the ignorant majority have control over you and your kin?
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look the mutants at my school. most of them aren't expected to fight like that. that falls on me and my team. some of them shouldn't be fighting, especially if they don't want to.
no. but we're going to make sure they don't put out policies that will hurt mutants.
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There are irrefutable truths to being a sorcerer, as I'm sure there are to being a mutant.
One of them is death.
Most of us don't live to 30, school or otherwise.
Sure. Some don't. They still die.
Maybe things are better where you're from and you know more than 3 mutants who made it to middle age.
And how will you do that? They have greater numbers, greater influence in their world.
What happens when they don't listen? You bribe them? Manipulate them?
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it shouldn't be some fucking expectation or something set in stone.
and i'll keep on showing that they're better with us than against us. we can do things they're fully incapable of doing.
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You're not wrong, it does suck.
To be fair, attending the schools is voluntary. We're informed of this when we join.
Sometimes the big clans teach and train their own.
Where's the line? That's what I'm asking you specifically.
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the line? when they start putting out policies or whatever that hurts mutants. but i'm not going to punish all the humans just for that. we'll. we'll deal with whoever if that happens.
[This conversation is so uncomfortable and Scott doesn't like it. But in a stupid strange way, he can't help but really think about this too.]
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The method you find so distasteful is a way of fixing it. No humans, no curses.
No need for our children to run the same rat race.
If you can come up with something better, I'm all ears.
A reactive response. "When" they do it, "after" it happens... People die before the bills get passed.
Sacrifices you're willing to make, even when we are so few.
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[He'll come back to Getou about a solution though. Later on.]
i don't want mutants to die, obviously! [...He is just reacting though, isn't he?] we'll just stop those bills from being passed. we'll have to.
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Well, it's all just hypothetical anyway.
The house has our souls now.
If I'm black and you're white, maybe we cancel each other out in the end.
The way is probably somewhere between us.
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no i think the correct way is still towards my end. [...] but being prepared for the worst isn't a bad idea either.