[The door opens and Akechi's up in record speed - posture straight, elbow on couch arm to hold open a book in his hand. Sitting proper. Correct. Ever the image of a detective prince and-
Then it's Maruki. Expression-
Odd. The same one Akechi is used to being on the receiving end of seconds before physical altercations in the backyard, being scruffed or some other disaster.
He slouches against the couch - sinks deep into it, book forgotten on his chest. Your friends - this is about to be an annoying goddamn conversation.]
No. And I won't even make a joke using chatspeak about that.
[ Which is how you know it's real shit.
Calmly, so very calmly, Maruki pulls the cognitive psience and investigative journals out of his satchel before hanging it up near the door. Shoes off. No jacket, it's too goddamn hot. He hates summer. If they're here in the winter, he's wishing for an onsen to appear and then killing off whatever yuzu-scented krakens invade Somnius as a consequence himself.
Breathe.
He can't even make himself sit on either couch. He stands a few feet away from them, arms crossed, and smiles plainly at Akechi. ]
You remember the photo that Aubrey received, right? Supposedly of Vaeros, although I think we've already agreed that's highly unlikely at best.
Or maybe it only feels odd because he doesn't know what incited it, instead of being the aggressor. It's-
Funny, almost, to witness it from this perspective.
The comment narrows down the 'friends' in question - Aubrey for certain. Potentially love interest one) Eren or two) whatever the fuck Sunny is and Maruki has mistaken that as being Akechi's 'friend' by proxy. ]
[ His tone is so, so even. As even as 2, 4, 6, 8. ]
They visited me to discuss their journey into the Labyrinth, and I asked them to please bring along that photo so I could take a look for myself. Whether or not it's of Vaeros, it's a piece of evidence, as far as I'm concerned. However–
[ Ope! 3, 5, 7, 9! Not even! Lilting a little too acidic! ]
Aubrey destroyed the photo, apparently, almost immediately. Can you imagine?
No, okay. Fair enough - Akechi threw a codpiece into the ocean, but kept the pants. Aubrey destroyed the singular piece of evidence they have on the identity of someone holding them captive in a shitty rural countryside that came straight out of B-Movie setup.
If it were Eren, Akechi would have asked for the photo immediately. Aubrey? He didn't expect it. Figured she would hold onto it like the other stupid, sentimental shit she keeps.
There's a gigantic goddamn stuffed animal in her home, but no - a valuable photo is what gets put in the Goodwill Bin.
[No more couch slouching. Tragedia. Body pushed up, full attention on this New Shit happening. At least it gives his brain some activity in the interim time between shit hitting the fan.]
How did she do it? There may be something salvageable in the remains.
At the visible frustration over Akechi's features, as well as that minor conniption with his phone, Maruki's tensely held forced pleasantness relaxes as well. Shoulders down and back. Head tipped to one side to stretch out his neck, eyes closed, tone lowered as he sighs the answer. ]
There isn't. It was painted over, and she no longer has it.
While I can't blame her for expressing her contempt in such a way, she needs to keep a better handle on her anger. Perhaps you could get her to go to a counseling session to deal with her mindless rage.
[ That rage, when directed appropriately, is a tool. But the kneejerk reactions– those are a problem.
Head tipped to the other side. Biiiiiig stretch. ]
Don't worry. She assured me that it wasn't supernatural in nature, so it was fine to destroy. I didn't bother pointing out that she had no way to verify the nature of the item at all. I had to pick my battles.
The item received after making a wish at a gigantic crystal ball at the center of a town ruled by someone holed up in an ivory tower, who brings us our requests through unknown means? That item isn't supernatural, she claimed?
[Right. Of course.
He moves his legs off the couch - sits up to give Maruki space if he wants to enjoy a nice Big Sit.]
There's no sense in dwelling on it - that won't bring it back. The next time anyone gets an item like that, we can make efforts to secure it appropriately.
[ At the questions, Maruki opens his eyes, wide behind his glasses with his brows raised – not in shock or surprise, but in an expression of I know, right? Can you believe this shit?
He unfolds his arms to hold both hands out in front of him, palms up. A silent gesture of See? You get it.
And then his hands slap down against his sides as he drops his arms and does indeed join Akechi for a Big Sit. ]
I did suggest that she try making the same wish again to see what results it produces. I don't have much hope, but she agreed to give me the photo if she receives another one. But yes, going forward, we ought to do that. Or at the very least, teach people how to properly handle evidence.
[Solidarity, my dude. For once, they're 100% on the same page - brought together by a deviant teenager with a chip on her shoulder.
Oh Aubrey.
He slouches forward and refuses to meet Maruki's eyes at last comment.]
I'm not suited for teaching. I've told you this, however-
[This cannot happen again. The odds of them getting a second picture is minimal. The ratios skew worse the more he thinks about it - a complete duplicate out of the question. Copies bring their own set of problems.]
This is a special situation and once I get my thoughts sorted on the matter, I'll provide instruction to some.
[Aubrey. Eren. Izutsumi, maybe.
A long pause. He still doesn't meet Maruki's gaze and-]
For the record, I also have a piece of potential evidence in my room. I got it the first week or so I arrived here.
[The second piece? Lost to the fuckin ocean. Maruki doesn't need to know that.]
And I've told you that I think you're a fairly good teacher. I stand by that.
[ He really does. Even when Akechi isn't faking nice, he's clear in his instructions and skilled at observing what a person needs to work on. Maruki has trained enough with him to know this very well. He's even strangely encouraging, if someone truly puts in the work.
Of course, a lecture on proper evidence handling is different than that, but the point stands. It needed to be said. But more importantly– ]
Also– Is that so?
[ It's fine. He mirrors Akechi in the opposite direction, slouching back into the plush cushions, no less irritated by the day's events but relaxed and curious. ]
[Akechi brushes off the encouragement with a small exhale. Incredible this is what his life has come to.
But now -
He has to explain the pants.]
I did my own experiment when I arrived. I asked the crystal for information on Vaeros, given no one else had attempted to do so to my knowledge. Naturally, I was expecting nothing. It was to check off a box, so to speak.
[BUT HE GOT SOMETHING. THREE SOMETHINGS.]
However - I received a pair of pants and hand drawn picture directing me to the library.
[Picture? Long gone. Codpiece? Dead to him. Pants? Nearly given to Li Lianhua's dog, before Akechi decided to add him to his metaphorical Loathe List.]
The implication being that the pants belonged to him.
Akechi throws up an irritated hand in a dramatic display of displeasure, before leaning back against the couch.]
Nothing about either situation has bothered me. Lucky or not, the fact is we are receiving items from those in control. Given how ridiculous they are, it's obvious we're being toyed with. That is the maddening part.
No, but we can assume others have. Aubrey received a token at random. I got one simply by asking. Whether those who received items are still in this reality or not is another story.
[Or they are and don't have a clue what to do with it. Don't trust others to handle it. There are plenty of reasons Akechi hasn't shown his items, even to his confidants. Others might follow the same line of thought.]
Providing a photo is bold, and something I doubt anyone else has gotten. These people don't shut up - word would have spread, intentional or not, had someone gotten something of that nature prior to now.
[ A lengthy silence. It weighs on him, how loose-lipped almost everyone here is. Not even for reasons of his own self-preservation anymore. Just general frustration over how careless many seem to be in both words and actions. He's grateful for Akechi in this matter above all others. ]
Who would you say that you trust here? If anyone. And that's any degree of trust you feel worth mentioning, not necessarily total trust.
[ It isn't a leading question. It's a genuine curiosity, and a tired one. ]
[That's a question. Pure, unadulterated reliance at any level is impossible. To be self-sufficient, survive and achieve goals - everyone needs to put their interests first.
His head tilts up to eye the stone ceiling.]
Did you know there's still a philosophical debate over the true meaning of what trust is and the extent society needs it? Socrates considered trust power in the soul, compliance given to a deity freely. Aristotle discussed it in matters of political gain, and in that sense, you could consider it the ability to deceive. Others think it's about reliance, optimism, entitlement to give and receive, as well as obligation to return and provide. Not to mention the acceptance of betrayal. Of consequences. Freedom sought in the lives of those around you.
[He can't help to think about the destroyed photo resting somewhere in Somnius. The network image isn't enough.
Irritating.]
Because it's complicated, I cannot say I trust anyone, even if it's fascinating to consider. I would highly suggest you take an opportunity to go over such a thought exercise. However-
[There are a few people he can consider reliable with aligning goals or have the potential to be exploited in his favor.]
If you were to ask me the people I have some degree of confidence in, that list is small and has its own set of caveats.
[Arms cross over his chest, one leg rests on the other and his eyes move down to be level with the table in front of them.
Aubrey. Eren. Izutsumi. Venat, for her pragmatic tendencies. Maki, strangely, because he predict her volatile reactions and exploit it accordingly and-
He turns his gaze to Maruki and-
That man is beyond his caveat filled list.
Something else entirely.]
But that's private information. If you think you're on that short list, you're not.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
thank god. its all i want.
Then it's Maruki. Expression-
Odd. The same one Akechi is used to being on the receiving end of seconds before physical altercations in the backyard, being scruffed or some other disaster.
He slouches against the couch - sinks deep into it, book forgotten on his chest. Your friends - this is about to be an annoying goddamn conversation.]
New slang, I presume?
no subject
[ Which is how you know it's real shit.
Calmly, so very calmly, Maruki pulls the cognitive psience and investigative journals out of his satchel before hanging it up near the door. Shoes off. No jacket, it's too goddamn hot. He hates summer. If they're here in the winter, he's wishing for an onsen to appear and then killing off whatever yuzu-scented krakens invade Somnius as a consequence himself.
Breathe.
He can't even make himself sit on either couch. He stands a few feet away from them, arms crossed, and smiles plainly at Akechi. ]
You remember the photo that Aubrey received, right? Supposedly of Vaeros, although I think we've already agreed that's highly unlikely at best.
no subject
Or maybe it only feels odd because he doesn't know what incited it, instead of being the aggressor. It's-
Funny, almost, to witness it from this perspective.
The comment narrows down the 'friends' in question - Aubrey for certain. Potentially love interest one) Eren or two) whatever the fuck Sunny is and Maruki has mistaken that as being Akechi's 'friend' by proxy. ]
Yes, I recall - get to the point.
no subject
[ His tone is so, so even. As even as 2, 4, 6, 8. ]
They visited me to discuss their journey into the Labyrinth, and I asked them to please bring along that photo so I could take a look for myself. Whether or not it's of Vaeros, it's a piece of evidence, as far as I'm concerned. However–
[ Ope! 3, 5, 7, 9! Not even! Lilting a little too acidic! ]
Aubrey destroyed the photo, apparently, almost immediately. Can you imagine?
1/?
no subject
Aubrey destroyed the photo, apparently, almost immediately.
REWIND PART 2
Aubrey destroyed the photo, apparently, almost immediately.]
no subject
Fucking what?
Aubrey. Not Eren. Aubrey.
AUBREY.]
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No, okay. Fair enough - Akechi threw a codpiece into the ocean, but kept the pants. Aubrey destroyed the singular piece of evidence they have on the identity of someone holding them captive in a shitty rural countryside that came straight out of B-Movie setup.
Excellent.
His eyes? Shut. Brows? Twisted. OKAY.]
no subject
Passcode in. An ongoing text message between him and Aubrey front. Center.
Stares at it. Aggressively types something. Deletes.
He sets it on the floor before he types too much.
Silence.
OKAY.]
no subject
Exhausted!!!!
If it were Eren, Akechi would have asked for the photo immediately. Aubrey? He didn't expect it. Figured she would hold onto it like the other stupid, sentimental shit she keeps.
There's a gigantic goddamn stuffed animal in her home, but no - a valuable photo is what gets put in the Goodwill Bin.
Eyes shut again. Okay]
Okay.
END
How did she do it? There may be something salvageable in the remains.
no subject
At the visible frustration over Akechi's features, as well as that minor conniption with his phone, Maruki's tensely held forced pleasantness relaxes as well. Shoulders down and back. Head tipped to one side to stretch out his neck, eyes closed, tone lowered as he sighs the answer. ]
There isn't. It was painted over, and she no longer has it.
no subject
I see.
[He sees!]
Wonderful.
[Fantastic, even!]
While I can't blame her for expressing her contempt in such a way, she needs to keep a better handle on her anger. Perhaps you could get her to go to a counseling session to deal with her mindless rage.
no subject
[ That rage, when directed appropriately, is a tool. But the kneejerk reactions– those are a problem.
Head tipped to the other side. Biiiiiig stretch. ]
Don't worry. She assured me that it wasn't supernatural in nature, so it was fine to destroy. I didn't bother pointing out that she had no way to verify the nature of the item at all. I had to pick my battles.
no subject
[Right. Of course.
He moves his legs off the couch - sits up to give Maruki space if he wants to enjoy a nice Big Sit.]
There's no sense in dwelling on it - that won't bring it back. The next time anyone gets an item like that, we can make efforts to secure it appropriately.
no subject
He unfolds his arms to hold both hands out in front of him, palms up. A silent gesture of See? You get it.
And then his hands slap down against his sides as he drops his arms and does indeed join Akechi for a Big Sit. ]
I did suggest that she try making the same wish again to see what results it produces. I don't have much hope, but she agreed to give me the photo if she receives another one. But yes, going forward, we ought to do that. Or at the very least, teach people how to properly handle evidence.
[ Lil side eye. Detective. ]
no subject
Oh Aubrey.
He slouches forward and refuses to meet Maruki's eyes at last comment.]
I'm not suited for teaching. I've told you this, however-
[This cannot happen again. The odds of them getting a second picture is minimal. The ratios skew worse the more he thinks about it - a complete duplicate out of the question. Copies bring their own set of problems.]
This is a special situation and once I get my thoughts sorted on the matter, I'll provide instruction to some.
[Aubrey. Eren. Izutsumi, maybe.
A long pause. He still doesn't meet Maruki's gaze and-]
For the record, I also have a piece of potential evidence in my room. I got it the first week or so I arrived here.
[The second piece? Lost to the fuckin ocean. Maruki doesn't need to know that.]
I told Aubrey I lost it.
no subject
[ He really does. Even when Akechi isn't faking nice, he's clear in his instructions and skilled at observing what a person needs to work on. Maruki has trained enough with him to know this very well. He's even strangely encouraging, if someone truly puts in the work.
Of course, a lecture on proper evidence handling is different than that, but the point stands. It needed to be said. But more importantly– ]
Also– Is that so?
[ It's fine. He mirrors Akechi in the opposite direction, slouching back into the plush cushions, no less irritated by the day's events but relaxed and curious. ]
Did you get it from making a wish too?
no subject
But now -
He has to explain the pants.]
I did my own experiment when I arrived. I asked the crystal for information on Vaeros, given no one else had attempted to do so to my knowledge. Naturally, I was expecting nothing. It was to check off a box, so to speak.
[BUT HE GOT SOMETHING. THREE SOMETHINGS.]
However - I received a pair of pants and hand drawn picture directing me to the library.
[Picture? Long gone. Codpiece? Dead to him. Pants? Nearly given to Li Lianhua's dog, before Akechi decided to add him to his metaphorical Loathe List.]
The implication being that the pants belonged to him.
no subject
You have Vaeros' pants in your bedroom.
[ ...
: ) ]
And a moon statue? How unlucky can one guy get...
no subject
Akechi throws up an irritated hand in a dramatic display of displeasure, before leaning back against the couch.]
Nothing about either situation has bothered me. Lucky or not, the fact is we are receiving items from those in control. Given how ridiculous they are, it's obvious we're being toyed with. That is the maddening part.
no subject
Are there any others that you know of who received items?
no subject
[Or they are and don't have a clue what to do with it. Don't trust others to handle it. There are plenty of reasons Akechi hasn't shown his items, even to his confidants. Others might follow the same line of thought.]
Providing a photo is bold, and something I doubt anyone else has gotten. These people don't shut up - word would have spread, intentional or not, had someone gotten something of that nature prior to now.
no subject
[ A lengthy silence. It weighs on him, how loose-lipped almost everyone here is. Not even for reasons of his own self-preservation anymore. Just general frustration over how careless many seem to be in both words and actions. He's grateful for Akechi in this matter above all others. ]
Who would you say that you trust here? If anyone. And that's any degree of trust you feel worth mentioning, not necessarily total trust.
[ It isn't a leading question. It's a genuine curiosity, and a tired one. ]
no subject
[That's a question. Pure, unadulterated reliance at any level is impossible. To be self-sufficient, survive and achieve goals - everyone needs to put their interests first.
His head tilts up to eye the stone ceiling.]
Did you know there's still a philosophical debate over the true meaning of what trust is and the extent society needs it? Socrates considered trust power in the soul, compliance given to a deity freely. Aristotle discussed it in matters of political gain, and in that sense, you could consider it the ability to deceive. Others think it's about reliance, optimism, entitlement to give and receive, as well as obligation to return and provide. Not to mention the acceptance of betrayal. Of consequences. Freedom sought in the lives of those around you.
[He can't help to think about the destroyed photo resting somewhere in Somnius. The network image isn't enough.
Irritating.]
Because it's complicated, I cannot say I trust anyone, even if it's fascinating to consider. I would highly suggest you take an opportunity to go over such a thought exercise. However-
[There are a few people he can consider reliable with aligning goals or have the potential to be exploited in his favor.]
If you were to ask me the people I have some degree of confidence in, that list is small and has its own set of caveats.
[Arms cross over his chest, one leg rests on the other and his eyes move down to be level with the table in front of them.
Aubrey. Eren. Izutsumi. Venat, for her pragmatic tendencies. Maki, strangely, because he predict her volatile reactions and exploit it accordingly and-
He turns his gaze to Maruki and-
That man is beyond his caveat filled list.
Something else entirely.]
But that's private information. If you think you're on that short list, you're not.
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this is all you get
: )
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cw: violent thoughts, murder
cw brainwashing
cw: graphic violence, brainwashing
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ƎpNOW Ǝ˥ YOURSELF YOU RAT BASTARD
no 💗
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1/2
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