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expiationmeme2023-05-29 10:59 am
TEST DRIVE MEME #3
Welcome to the TDM for Expiation, a pan-fandom adventure game with fantasy, science fiction, and some horror elements. We ask that top-level comments are reserved for new characters and players looking to experience a taste of the world and overarching storyline. Characters already in the game, however, are free to use TDM prompts in their own catch-alls and logs. Feel free to submit any TDM / prompt-related questions to the corresponding comment below.
New players / characters looking to app are free to use TDM threads as samples in their application. Preexisting players / characters may use TDM threads as part of their AC proofs (with the stated limitations).
You may find the below links helpful in getting to know themes of the world, locations, the people, and so on.
IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN...
BRAVE NEW WORLD (ARRIVALS)
After receiving the paper with your sentence, the whole world quickly becomes dark and you find yourself falling through what seems to be an infinite void. You lose track of time after a while, but as soon as your focus seems to waver, your vision clears and you find yourself resting rather unceremoniously in a pile of seeds used for chicken feed.
Once you make your way out of the grain silo (and we of the moderator team wish you good luck in finding a fun way out of it), you may find that several other people have been dropped into the world just like you have. Some are disoriented, others are panicked, and others yet are simply angry about being brought somewhere against their will. Amidst the chaos of new arrivals to the world of Expiation, the newcomers will find that there are some people in the crowd who seem a little more familiar with what’s going on.
These people will tell you that you find yourself in a strange new world, and that it’s best to make your way to a nearby town called Aldrip to get settled down there. It’s a few hours by foot away from this area, but it’s the only place in the nearby area that can accommodate newcomers like you.
WE LIKE TO PARTY (WE LIKE, WE LIKE TO PARTY)
Recently, many Chosen have emerged victorious from a hard-fought battle, taking out a gargantuan creature that threatened to suck the energy from the whole area surrounding Aldrip if it had not been stopped. Such efforts do not go unrecognised, and in the aftermath, the locals all decided to band together to celebrate their saviours’ heroics. Nothing less than a village-wide party and parade would be fitting for such an occasion.
This is an undertaking that will likely take a significant amount of effort. While the locals wanted to make this into a surprise, many of them lack skills to put the thing together properly. Chosen who want to get involved in the preparation process can put their organisation and culinary skills to the test to create fixtures and food for the event. Better yet, your efforts over the past months have improved supply routes into Aldrip, meaning that the food shortage has passed, and you’ll have just about anything your heart desires for the occasion.
Alternatively, you can choose to enjoy the spoils of your efforts! Once the day of the party arrives, Aldrip will erupt into a full-scale celebration, and all Chosen are encouraged to party as hard as possible. Good food, good drinks and good times will be in no short supply for the occasion. Additionally, those who took to the front lines in the previous event will be revered as heroes and likely spoiled rotten.
THIS IS HOW YOU GET ANTS
PLEASE PARTY RESPONSIBLY
It’s no understatement to say that some of the Chosen like to party hard- and that’s quite alright! A few days ago, the people of Aldrip had already set aside a few rooms in the inn to act as an infirmary for those who had been injured during the battle with the Branded. It took little effort for them to expand this project into a full medical wing for those who would undoubtedly be acting irresponsibly during the festivities.
It’s up to you to decide what circumstances brought you here. Perhaps you were injured in the previous battle, and have been stuck in bed as you recover from your wounds. Maybe you had just a little too much to drink, and you decided to come by while you collect yourself. Regardless of what your reason for being there may be, the people of Aldrip have guaranteed that you will receive the best of care.
With that said, the place is terminally understaffed. Aldrip’s locals will certainly appreciate any assistance they can get- even if your character might not have the best training or bedside manner. Medicine can’t be that hard- what’s the worst that can happen?
MR. MAGNIFI'S MAGNIFICENT MIXTURES
Once word of the upcoming celebration spread, several individuals from outside town came in to offer their services or goods in Aldrip. One such individual came into town riding on a rickety cart with the words “Miraculous Magnifi’s Medicine! Guaranteed to heal what ails ye!” emblazoned in gold on its side. The thing smells a bit off, with a strong chemical scent coming from the back, but the moustachioed man who emerges from the back assures you that all of his “mixes are made with meticulous ministrations!”
Those who buy and consume the potion might find themselves feeling strange over the next few days as symptoms emerge. Some people wake up to find that their hair has taken on a rainbow of colours during the night, that rats cuddle up to them for no reason, or that their irises have been replaced with strange spiral shapes. Feel free to come up with inventive but harmless side effects for the miracle elixir- it’s meant for some good fun.
They’re strange symptoms for sure, and certainly not the advertised cure-all. However, Magnifi is already gone by the next dawn, meaning that no one can get a refund. Thankfully, the symptoms will go away after a few days, but the chaos that ensues in the meanwhile will certainly make for some fun stories.
IT'S NOT OVER
♪♫ LET IT GROW ♫♪ ► (FUTURE EVENT TIE-IN)
The party celebrating the dread beast’s defeat can be heard from miles outside of Aldrip, but the situation is not quite yet resolved. Much of the once-lush forest outside of Aldrip had its life force absorbed from it, leaving little more than profaned ground and an overwhelming scent of rot. Worse yet, there are reports that some of the beast’s severed golden tendrils have taken on a life of their own, creating snake-monsters that threaten the local wildlife.
However, the monsters are not the only new arrivals in Pessiria Forest. Those who go to investigate the area will find that fairy-like creatures have gathered in the profaned land and are trying their best to help bring the area back to its former glory. At first, they seem to keep their distance or ignore you entirely, but after determining that you mean well, they inform you that they can temporarily bless the Chosen with the power to make full-sized plants burst forth from the seeds they plant into the ground.
It’s still going to be hard work. Even with the power to bring plants to life, planting seeds in the miles of dead forest will likely take a very long time. Still, these strange fairies could use the help, and tough jobs can be better if you bring a little help from your own friends. (Or enemies. No one’s going to judge you for who you bring.)
WHAT'S THAT MYSTERIOUS LAUGHING SOUND?
The process of regrowing the devastated part of Pessiria forest is well underway, but the process does not go entirely smoothly. Partway through the process, locals start to report that they can hear a strange girl laughing in the forest in the middle of the night, but no one seems able to track down its source. Curious Chosen can patrol around the forest at night to try and figure out the mystery.
Those who are particularly sharp-eyed might see a faint spectre of a little girl wearing a straw hat dancing about, but she never seems to stay in sight for more than a few seconds. One blink is all it takes for her to vanish.
You probably won’t be able to catch this strange spectre, but it’s become something of a game among the villagers to go looking for her anyways. Some say that seeing her is a sign of good luck, and wave to her before she disappears. Others say that if you see her while holding hands, it will bless you with a lifetime of good love. Almost all of these assertions are probably nonsense- but what will you do about it?
BRAVE NEW WORLD, II
Adultery?! You've gotta be fucking kiddin' me. We weren't even married!
[He yells to nobody in particular, flicking a piece parchment with his fingers a little ways off from where Shinichi stands.]
You have oooone insanely ill-advised triplet gangbang, and suddenly everything else you've ever done goes out the window. Like, what about all the times I kept the city of Chicago from oooh, I dunno, being burnt to the ground?!
[There's a number of things that could've caught the little parasite's gaze, whether it be the supersuit in obnoxiously neon hues or the raspy voice. Honestly, it's a surprise that the crime listed wasn't "noise pollution." Either way, he wouldn't have been able to survive the business of breaking heads for this long if he didn't have a keen sense of perception, so immediately, he catches sight of the glaring palm from the corner of his eye, scowling in the mousier boy's direction.]
Did that thing just fucking wink at me?
no subject
Only to see...... someone standing there (someone weird!), staring right at him. At his hand. Shinichi reacts an odd beat or two too late, like it's taking him a moment to process, and then he's scrambling — body fidgeting abruptly, hand quickly and awkwardly shoved into his coat pocket. Oh no no no no, this is bad, this is so bad!!! )
Uhhhhh—! Wh-what thing?
( .....Just play dumb! Of course, he's never been good at hiding his emotions, and right now the emotion is Fear and Horror, eyes wide, mouth tipped open, staring at the stranger like he's about to die.
Migi, meanwhile, is kind of shifting around to try and poke out of his pocket and get a good look at this guy..... he's wearing Strange Clothing, which is very interesting. )
no subject
He does not answer immediately, instead taking this time to do a brief full-body scan of the other teenager’s body with his eyes. Other than whatever the hell is up with this kid’s icky eyeball hand, nothing else looks particularly out of the ordinary.]
Don’t play dumb with me, dickhead.
[Here, Rex raises his own gloved hand and waggles a few fingers.]
I mean your creepy little friend.
[Rex re-focuses on the creature, eyeing the way it pokes out of Shinichi’s pocket.]
My eyes are up here, asshole.
no subject
To his absolute horror, however, Migi isn't flinching back at all. In fact, the teen's gasping out loud as his hand suddenly frees itself again, the alien plenty strong enough to force his host into submission. Migi lifts his arm right up into the air, palm facing outwards, that eye blinking widely and curiously at the other person. After a moment, the soft, robotic voice pipes up to him. )
What is a "dickhead"?
( .......The question, coupled with the fact Migi's so suddenly revealing himself at all, leaves Shinichi completely speechless. He just stands there, ogling down at his hand in horror.
Hell is empty, and all the devils are here. )
if this is too out of pocket... i can edit it dw (cw: nsfw)
What, so you haven't seen his?
[Rex quirks a well-manicured eyebrow upwards behind a pair of orange goggles. He addresses Migi in a calm and collected manner, as this is far from the strangest thing he's ever seen, clearly a lot more interested in the freaky limb than its tepid host, who he's quickly decided is a bit of a bore.]
Then again, with the way this shitstain's yammerin' on, I wouldn't be surprised if his junk was inverted.
Or maybe it's so teeny-tiny, ya just about missed it.
[It helps that Migi shares so many traits with one of the few close friends Rex has ever had, right down to the robotic voice and hilariously overly-analytical questioning.]
You two don't shower together? You seem pretty permanently... Attached.
( cw: nsfw, rest in pieces Shinichi )
But he's managing to at least get a good look at the other guy for those few seconds, and it's all.... this is all so strange. Is he some kind of... superhero? (Maybe a cosplayer???) Maybe Shinichi really has hit his head somewhere along the lines and is hallucinating everything.
Of course, any thoughts are immediately yanked back into the conversation going on with Migi and the other guy, and Shinichi's just staring, stunned, balking at the words that follow suit. Sweating bullets. Is this— Hey, what's happening right now? Can someone literally kill him now, thanks!
Migi, alternatively, is lapping all this up. His guard's not let down so easily, he's ready to strike out if he has to, but right now the person is simply providing some answers and asking him some questions all in the same vein, and the parasite's very here for this as he puts two and two together. )
I see. You are referring to his reproductive organ.
Yes, I have seen and examined it. However, I do not understand why you said "dickhead" in this situation. Unless..... is it exposed?
( With that, the palm turns and tilts downwards, lips pursed thoughtfully, to look at his unfortunate host's groin. Shinichi immediately yelps and swats at it with his non-possessed hand, ears flushed. )
What— what the hell? Stop it! ( His eyes snap back up to the stranger, and Shinichi finally manages to address him again. He still feels pretty threatened by this guy, embarrassing talk aside.... )
Look, we don't want any trouble....!
1/2
2/2 NSFW STILL, shinichi deserves better
Ohhhh.
[Another breathy, raspy laugh follows.]
So you-
[Meaning Shinichi!
Rex makes it a point to single out the poor boy's embarrassed face at present.]
Definitely don't know what that mouth do.
[He circles the bespectacled schoolboy like a cat toying with a mouse, finally re-fixating his attention on Migi.]
Got it, got it, got it.
[From the get-go, every single one of Rex's motions is a dead giveaway that he is not the average human. For starters, he moves with a contradictory sort of agility and poise, like a cat or a panther, and is relatively light on his feet. It's an almost eerie-quality for someone so solidly built to have, but there is no question that each ridiculous gesture, from the wanton lift of a brow to the flick of a wrist, is meticulously controlled.]
So, for starters-
[He chooses to ignore the kid, instead more interested in the creepy weird thing, as its bold nature and ugly appearance strike him as oddly adorable-]
A dickhead is sort of the non-scientific term for the mushroom-shaped tip, of, well...
A dick. It's basically one of the many, many colorful ways to call someone an idiot. That's one of the great beauties of the English language! There's just so many different things you can say to somebody that's along the lines of, "Fuck you!"
But better!
[With an air of... Affection? Mean-spirited fondness? Rex's green-eyed gaze meets Migi's eye and remarks:]
You seem pretty sharp, though.
drags Shinichi to filth
Of course..... it only gets worse.
'don't know what that mouth do'
The reference is (fortunately) mostly lost on him, but he understands that he doesn't like it, at all, or the way the guy's circling him, eyes nervously following the movements, pupils all big and blown from distress. SIR, HE HAS ANXIETY.
....There's something about the way the guy moves, too. It unsettles something in Shinichi enough to actually make him shudder, like a set of claws raking down his spine. He's seen things that don't Move Quite Right, things that are too quiet and stealthy and quick, things that look human until they don't anymore. There's a brief, weird moment when he thinks the guy might be one of them, and it feels like a flash bomb in his head, makes his vision go a little weird for a few moments. Is he in danger—
But Migi's continuing to converse with the guy quite easily, attention captivated by the conversation. Shinichi never answers his questions about this kind of stuff, gets too embarrassed.... but it's just Human Anatomy, and it's Important. And now he's also learning some things about language, too.... The parasite's hanging onto every word with severe interest, lips tugging to the side. )
I see. I have observed that humans have many different meanings associated with their vocabulary. However, I was not aware that a reproductive organ could be slang for an insult.
( He pauses to tilt back and look at Shinichi's crotch again, thoughtfully, before meeting the other man's gaze. He's also noticed how the guy moves, but unlike Shinichi, he isn't afraid — guarded, sure, but majorly curious. It doesn't seem like this person wants to hurt them. )
You are meaning sharp as in 'intelligent'. ( He's learned that one! ) Compared to the human species, my own is extremely advanced, both physiologically and intellectually. I would not consider myself a dickhead.
My host, however, may possibly be considered one. There are many things considered quite simplistic that he struggles to comprehend.
no subject
The young Guardian is excited by two things about the duo- Something about Shinichi's fear makes him feel both alive and so very superior, and Migi? Well, he's just a fucking hoot. It's obvious by the way Rex addresses the alien that he has far more respect for him than the human whose body he's currently hijacked.]
Nah!
You're more of a cocky little shit than a dickhead, my freaky friend. But, then again? Most brainy types are.
[Despite the onslaught of insults, Rex is clearly delighted. He too is intrigued by this conversation, as it's a lot more interesting than thinking about the relationship he so recently ruined as a result of his own poor decision-making.]
Physiologically superior, huh? Then why do you need this guy? You basically said he's a useless turd just a few shakes back. A, uh-whuh, a "simple-minded peon," to put it in terms closer to yours, but I'm assuming you can't get by without him, am I right?
[On a day to day basis, it could safely be said that Rex does a little thinking as possible, mostly because he's lazy and would rather indulge in more hedonistic vices than use his brain. Unfortunately, that makes him even more deceptively non-threatening- When he puts his mind to it and actively pays attention, he's actually quite quick-witted.]
And no matter how smart you are, a body like that and a lily-livered conscience of that... That fragility?
It's a major liability.
And also? You're fugly.
[poor migi!!!]
That's at least two whoppin' design flaws, but, hey.
We can't all be winners, right?
[Here comes another horrible snicker.]
Can you even get off by yourself, little guy? Or do you have to use this bonehead's shoddy set of equipment?
no subject
Correct. I require his body in order to survive.
It is true that my situation is flawed. My kind are not meant to co-exist with our hosts, but to overtake them fully. However, there is no other alternative. We are stuck together.
( He does keep a few things concealed — namely that he and Shinichi have made quite the formidable pair because of their "flawed" existence together. It's given them an advantage in fights against the others of his kind who want to kill them. But perhaps better not to reveal too much about what they're capable of; he's still making observations about the residents of this place and their fellow "Chosen," and what they're capable of.
....Including this young man. There's something about him that the parasite is attentive to — something.... atypical of a human. (Is he fully human at all...?) Given the way he moves, quick and fluid despite his build, Migi also has the inclination to believe that he would be capable of quite a bit of prowess in a combative situation. It's reminiscent of his kind in ways, but he doesn't sense any of their brainwaves here.... Best to keep an eye on him and learn as much as he can; his curiosity's certainly piqued by the colourful stranger and his equally colourful vocabulary.
Speaking of— )
What does "get off" mean?
Okay, let's not—! ( Shinichi finally interjects, sweeping his free hand through the air. Enough of... of that! He's looking warily up at the other, not at all sure what to expect from this guy, but very much wanting Migi to stop talking to him now, thanks. )
We were told to go to some town called.... Aldrop or something. ( Aldrip ) Is that what you heard...? Are you new here, too?
no subject
And I’ll Aldrip-you a new one if you don’t get the hell away from me…!!!
[He mutters, signaling for Shinichi to back off. So the little guy is most definitely a parasite, something like the creepy crawlies on Mars, which Rex knows full-well that he isn’t at all resistant to. In fact, it’s the one thing that keeps him from shoving the other boy away entirely, since avoiding physical contact is now a necessary precaution. As far as a choice for a host, Rex haughtily considers himself to be a great candidate, being at such a peak physical fitness. It also helps that in spite of his downright awful personality, his looks help him get away with a lot, especially when he isn’t wearing his supersuit.]
It’s slang for “masturbate.”
[EVIL?????]
Yeah I’m new! I was just on the job. A job that nearly killed two of my teammates and some other guy!
[He means in Invincible. Rex may not like the guy, and he’s not showing it now, but wow. Watching him go down like that was harrowing.
Hopefully he’ll survive.]
If that giant hairball from space also made it on it’s way over?
We are. So. FUCKED!
no subject
Oh my god— )
Noted.
( Comes the little voice at his palm as the parasite quickly soaks up that oh-so-helpful information into his mind, where it will never be forgotten.
.......Thanks for that, man.
Shinichi stands there, flustered and flabbergasted, but perpetually also trying to not somehow set this bizarre person off somehow.... (A "job?" What exactly does he do... Is he really a real superhero....? Stranger things have happened, he supposes.....) Wincing again, he doesn't sound curious so much as he's forcing himself to ask about something that sounds pretty horrific. )
Giant... hairball....?
( A beat, and he adds on, timidly. )
Are you a um..... superhero?
CW: casual implications of graphic violence
Killing civilians is of no interest to him anyway, and even if he weren't legally required to keep them alive, it would hardly be enjoyable. The cry and scream a lot and go down way too easy.]
No, I'm a waiter at the fucking Cheesecake Factory.
[He delivers that line with perhaps one of the most vitriolic displays of sarcasm possible. Thankfully, Shinichi and Migi don't have to wait for very long.]
Yes, I'm a goddamn superhero! D'you think I put this thing on-
[He quickly gestures to the neon atrocity of a getup-]
Just so I can help people file their taxes all day?
[Or put dishes away, you're skipping around with metaphors, here...]
Aah, hello? I'm a Guardian of the Globe!
[He scowls, searching Shinichi's eyes for any signs of recognition.
Migi is off the hook for now. The poor ugly bastard doesn't seem to know what a handjob is, let alone a superhero.]
no subject
Shinichi is, naturally, ogling the guy with apprehensive confusion and stun (sorry Rex, he definitely doesn't recognise anything called Guardian of the Globe), brows lifted up and posture still extremely defensive, like he expects the other to go off on him any moment. )
You.... really are one? ( Another quick wince, like he thinks that might offend Rex.... ) I mean— we just don't have things like that in my world. Not for real. They're just... just make-believe.
( Never mind that he has freshly started his own vigilante journey against killer parasites from space.
Of course, Migi is now studying Rex as though he's something extremely appealing. Weirdly, he does know about superheroes!! The topic has come up in his studies on humans — a fictional concept in Shinichi's world, but clearly not in all.
Shinichi's right arm lifts again, creeping a little closer. It's totally fine. )
To be considered a "superhero", one must have "superpowers", correct? I have read about the concept on Wikipedia.
no subject
[Rex would be more irritated if he wasn't already well aware of the fact that several dimensions can exist simultaneously, and while the metaphysical particulars that explain this phenomenon have never of interest to him, he's already made his peace with the fact.
That doesn't mean he still isn't going to be as spiteful as possible.]
He could even French kiss somebody before you do! He probably already has.
[There's a lot of assumptions being thrown around here, wow...]
So your world doesn't have superheroes, but somehow you've still got "Wikipedia?" Hate to break it to you, bud!
[Unfortunately, the faux-friendly dialogue is very clearly only intended for Migi, it's almost as though Shinichi's actual head has ceased to exist...]
But that website isn't really known for being the most reliable source.
So, uh, no!
[Technically, not all superheroes have special abilities.]
But I sure do.
(cw: not exactly fourth-walling unless you squint, look ma I'm from a horror canon)
But those deeper upsetting thoughts are (mercifully? or is this actually worse) cut off by Rex's next comment, and Shinichi's sputtering loudly— )
He's never kissed anyone before in any way!
( What's with this guy???? Shinichi Izumi has aged ten years in the course of this interaction. )
It isn't reliable? That's problematic.
( Migi considers this thoughtfully for a moment. He'd gotten a lot of information from Shinichi's textbooks and various other reading material before moving to the World Wide Web. He'll have to do some more research — although in this place.... that might prove to be an issue. It doesn't appear to have much modern technology.
That can come later, though. For now.... the alien is peering very closely at this mysterious person, golden eye gleaming. He's made his own observations but clearly there's much more to learn. The man seems talkative; maybe he'll reveal it openly? Being Migi, he's going to just forthright ask. )
What exactly can you do?
( Shinichi's eyes cut down to his horrible curious hand, narrowing a little. Migi, you can't just ask people about their superpowers... This guy could freak out and try to kill us or something. )
no subject
There is a change that comes with the acquisition of new abilities, including things like things like power, confidence, or even a fresh perspective on life. Rex has been through it all, going from an unloved nobody to someone who could supposedly "save the world" all with the flick of a wrist.
The ending of that time, of that chapter, had just been so damn unfortunate.]
You sure do ask a lot of questions, pal.
[Now, in the company of his friends and teammates, he'd be more likely to let loose and recklessly throw himself into a dangerous situation, but being alone in what now feels like the whole universe is enough to shake things up a bit.
The fight with that thing and all of other Machine Head's hired hands was a grim reminder of the fact that no matter what monstrosities Rex has seen and faced, there will always be worse lurking about in the farthest recesses of the interdimensional void, and he's glad to have never met them.
So surprisingly, he'll keep his cards close to his chest- For now.]
Ever get the kinda answer you wish you'd never heard?
Your, aah, string bean of a meat puppet doesn't look like he's got a very strong stomach.
[also... a huge part of him is loving the attention, the little shit]
You two don't seem like you're all that heat resistant, either.
no subject
( ....That may have the potential to sound extremely sarcastic, but Migi's little robotic tone is nothing but genuine.
The answer is telling, though, even if it isn't a direct one so much. Something that requires a strong stomach — as in a strong constitution. It's true that Shinichi is lacking in that department.... but it's what the man with the strange "aura" says next that really captures Migi's attention, and the parasite's eye is shifting slowly back to stare in Rex's direction.
Heat-resistant...? Heat happens to be something that Migi's cells do not respond favourably to. That certainly isn't something he'll easily reveal, but this is information well worth knowing of, indeed. )
I see. Your assessment of my host is correct. He does not have a strong stomach.
However, I am interested in learning more about others' abilities. Perhaps you and I could speak more about it sometime, when he is not conscious.
Wh- hey...! ( Shinichi has kept quiet more than more people might, but this is going too far....! ) You can't just have conversations with people when I'm asleep!
no subject
[Migi's unshakable demeanor, or rather, his unquenchable thirst for knowledge, is puzzling to say the least. Usually, the lack of a reaction to Rex's violent implications would spur Rex into one of his frequent and hardly necessary tantrums, only he is now stuck in a realm of interdimensional criminals, many of whom's listed crimes may somehow not be their worst.
His certainly isn't.
Rex's eyes widen at the parasite's bold response.]
You aren't just freaky, you're a full-on freak!
[You know, because something about the need for a nighttime conversation doesn't feel right.
Finally, Rex focuses his attention back on the host, addressing Shinichi somewhat properly for the first time since they began speaking.]
I'm guessin' this guy needs a new body?
It's either that or he's got a big stinkin' crush on me.
no subject
A crush.... Wait— no, he— ( First it was french-kissing, now the guy's talking about crushes?? Shinichi's shaking his head fervently, lip curled a bit in disgust. Thinking about Migi like that really curls his stomach....
Meanwhile, the parasite's looking faintly amused (as much as an eyeball and mouth situated in the palm of a hand can, anyway). )
Do you mean to insinuate that I would attempt to relocate to your body? Fortunately for you, it is not possible for me.
( ....He would like to examine your body though. Can he touch it. Just a little. It's fine! )
I only want to learn as much as I can about the residents of this place. Perhaps there is a link as to why all of us were transported here.
( Shinichi gives an awkward little laugh, eyes flitting from his hand back to Rex, and then back to his hand again. Hopefully what he says next won't offend the guy... (the guy potentially with Murder Threat level superpowers....) )
Uh... He probably doesn't want to be alone with you, Migi. You're kind of scary, probably even to superheroes... ( He looks up to Rex once again, brows lifted. As much as this dude unnerves him, Shinichi'll still try to Be Helpful and spare him from Migi's Curiosity.
Of course, then a thought pops up, and he can't help voicing it. )
....Are superheroes supposed to threaten to murder people.....?
no subject
[Migi and a long list of others. At least in Migi's case, it's clinical, and his interest is purely scientific.
Rex watches the duo carefully, haughty irritation returning to his face when the alien states that he supposedly can't jump ship. Much like the quickness with which the young Guardian can create and launch weapons of mass destruction, his mood shifts from goofy to threatening in a matter of seconds.
Yeah, right! Considering the questions that Anime Thing is asking, he may have been born yesterday, but Rex hasn't. The hero's got no reason to trust either of their words, and although the probability is highly unlikely, there's even a chance that Shinichi is a cleverly controlled puppet. Appearing as though he still has his own sentience intact, when that may not be true at all. The tactic might seem a little long-winded, but it'd be a great way to earn some trust before revealing an even more sinister truth.]
The way I see it, me being alive means that hundreds and thousands of other people get to stay alive!
Also, normies and small-time vigilant-dorks don't get to tell me what to do!
[Migi brings up a really good point- If there are any striking similarities between the individuals who were pulled here, it'd be good to take note of them.
Rex already doesn't like that the only other implant he's spoken to so far also seems to possess some variety of special abilities. Well, ability? The talking hand is a stand-out indeed.]
I didn't get where I am today by clappin' my cheeks all the way to the White House! I fucking earned that shit.
[They also were sorely in the need of an emergency replacement.]
You got me?
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(Of course, Migi also knows that, but there are things he'll keep close to his own figurative chest, as well. And technically it isn't a lie to say that it's impossible for him to need a "new body" when he could only swap "arms". Probably best that people don't know about that just yet.)
But both of them are listening to Rex speak, and it's Shinichi who takes the wheel on responding to this one. A quiet horror's blossoming in his chest, and something that refuses to stay quiet (even in the onslaught of insults). )
I understand having to protect people, but.... you can't actually kill some people just so you can stay alive.....? Right?
( This... can't be true, can it? That implication? Surely this guy didn't mean any of it like that? )
cw: mentions of infanticide, violence
He tries not to. When it comes to the actual "bad" guys, he can't say he feels too guilty. Most of the bonafide takeouts in his professional line of work involve the kind of creatures or people that would kill him point blank. The Flaxans had been vaporizing civilians in the street, slaughtering innocent non-combatants in droves, and had come back twice afterwards to only enact more damage.
Shinichi's question is one of the many reasons why Rex hates dealing with the general public. It highlights how deeply privileged they are, how lucky they must be, to have never had to make that kind of tough decision in the first place. For him it had begun with petty thievery, then murder, and now...
This.
But he too had asked the same question once. So for the first time during this entire conversation, he does his best to give Shinichi an honest, no-bullshit answer.]
You ever run into the kind of guy who'd kill a kid right in front of ya?
I know, I know!
[He throws both hands up in the air, palms wide in a grimly animated fashion. This dude is probably gonna have a shitton of bad dreams after this...
Rex hardly considers that his problem.]
Baby murder. The worst kind of murder there is! Probably. I... I dunno.
Anyway.
[The gloved hands are then carefully shoved into his pockets.]
People like me are the reason you haven't.
cw: mention of infanticide / experimentation
Not anymore. No, now that surprise comes with familiarity (he's still so fresh off of that attack on his school by one of the parasites, the thing with every intention to plow through kids to get to Shinichi, the first thing he's ever helped kill in his entire life), and he's taken aback, just staring. Listening, through the odd static prickling in his head. He's never talked about that experience to anyone but Migi before; it's become another thing carried down deep in his gut, aching. He's had bad dreams for a long time, now.
The other's words get worse, and worse, and Shinichi flinches in a quiet, deep horror, feeling ice slip down his spine. But even that much isn't completely unknown to him. Tamiya Ryoko's words continue to haunt him... that parasite, that...... monster. What she'd do to her child once it was born. Experiment on it. Kill it once it no longer had use.
Shinichi's blood feels weird and hot and he's clenching his left fist slightly as his features tighten. )
Then.... I'm glad you stopped someone like that.... no matter what it took. ( For the first time since he arrived here, an anger tightens behind his soft brown eyes, making them a bit darker, sharper. He's aware that Migi's turned to stare at him but he doesn't care. )
Only a monster would do something like kill kids... babies. Innocent humans' lives have to be protected.
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nsfw this is so horrible im so sorry
I have so many Aghast Shinichi icons and yet none can truly convey what I need to convey......
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cw: discussion of... parasitic infiltration
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