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string theory [closed]
Without any warning or preamble, a set of messages are sent briefly over Communion.
To D and Matt, the message is simple. It’s time. Go to The Crown to meet Coalbrand. He’ll be the one getting you to the tower. And indeed, they’ll be welcomed by the demon with a glittering smile and cloying words asking if there’s anything he can supply them with. Whether they do so is up to them, but it’s not wise—that’s how you end up in debt to the house. But eventually, a magical slumber will greet them and they’ll awake within Aetós’s tower.
To Flat and Gen, the message is a bit more complicated, but it amounts to “it’s time to work”. Bring whatever you might need for a few days, since the work itself isn’t usually quick. But when they’re ready, come to The Crown. Aetós will meet them there.
To D and Matt, the message is simple. It’s time. Go to The Crown to meet Coalbrand. He’ll be the one getting you to the tower. And indeed, they’ll be welcomed by the demon with a glittering smile and cloying words asking if there’s anything he can supply them with. Whether they do so is up to them, but it’s not wise—that’s how you end up in debt to the house. But eventually, a magical slumber will greet them and they’ll awake within Aetós’s tower.
To Flat and Gen, the message is a bit more complicated, but it amounts to “it’s time to work”. Bring whatever you might need for a few days, since the work itself isn’t usually quick. But when they’re ready, come to The Crown. Aetós will meet them there.
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he nods in acknowledgement and agreement at D's response, finally feeling a sense of possible understanding. he might be considered a crazy scientist by some and absolutely unhinged by all, but this all has a purpose; pointless sadism is inefficient. ]
I want to as well. [ there's a thoughtful pause over the second question, as a fond, yet lonely smile flits across his face for a second, before shrugging. ] Kind of, but not to this degree, nope. That's why I don't know if it's possible to even communicate with it. I'd like to come to an agreement if it's possible, but if it isn't, then it is what it is.
[ and since they are clearly playing 20 questions here: ]
Have you ever been experimented on? Anything that we should keep in mind?
[ the nature of being experimented on means that he can't assure that D or Matt will be comfortable by any means, but you know, just in case D has a hidden bomb in his chest cavity or something. ]
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I have.
[He doesn't offer any follow-up, though, not on his own. He stands there sort of peering at Flat. Thank you for not judging a book by its cover, but please judge this book by this cover. Look at him.]
I'm a dhampir, the product of a human and a vampire. If something causes me to become unstable, you should terminate me as soon as possible.
[It's a warning that he is extremely powerful without sounding arrogant in the admittance.]
Dissipation, or Shard destroying would be the only way. I can regenerate my body.
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no, the unease wasn't because of a human's average softness or kindness. the unease was caused by something else entirely. ]
I'd rather avoid that, if possible. [ he says this calmly, just so that it's on the record for others to hear. for the first time, flat's not smiling, facing D with an unusually serious expression. there is none of the lightheartedness from just seconds before. ] But if there's no other way, then I'll do my best to destroy you.
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In Kenos, it may not be as difficult as it would have been on the Frontier. Removing his head should work. He has lost his left arm, and though it would have reattached, it had been offered without his permission to the Oracle instead.
If things go bad, they could probably get rid of him.
He can do the avoiding; he would prefer not having to resort to that, too, but he understands when dealing with Aetos it may not be entirely possible. As long as Flat concedes to the ultimate shit hitting the fan emergency, he'll accept.]
Thank you.
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[ back is the smile on his face, warm and bright like the sun of skysong. it's a good thing that they were able to come to an agreement to this so calmly. an incredibly efficient conversation, in Flat's eyes!
nevertheless, he does have a few other questions. ]
So, that aside! I heard that you and Matt are bonded, right? I have a friend who's a vampire who made all of his employees into his thralls, so he has a very successful business. I'm not really used to seeing this kind of connection, so if you could help me out with some information, I think it would really help me out! Of course, it'll be confidential on my end, but I can't really promise on Aetós'. I guess doctor-patient confidentiality hasn't been invented yet.
[ he shrugs. ]
Is there anyone else that you've made a connection with?
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I don't have any particular inclination to drink other people's blood. I'm a vampire hunter. [Was? Very matter-of-factly:] Siring vampires share a connection with those they feed upon which includes memories, emotions, and locations. The sire has an easier time with influence and suggestion over them.
[There isn't any reason to keep it a secret for himself; he's not sure whether Gen would mind.]
Yes. Gen.
[The biggest RIP to Gen and Matt being in this situation right now with him.]
Killing or dissipating me will sever the connection over them.
1/idk
it's the second part that is new information to him. when he looks between Gen and focuses in the space between him and the dhampire, there's something that earns Flat a nod. ]
Oh, of course. You and Gen, too.
2/
3/4
YOU, GEN, AND MATT ARE ALL CONNECTED?
4/4
Is- is- is this some sort of date for all of you!? Am I, uh, am I third-wheeling here?! Wait no, there's three of you, aren't there? Then I'd be the fourth wheel. But like the fourth wheel of a tricycle!
[ oh man, oh man. he completely misunderstood this. should he have brought flowers? ]
I mean, I hope that I'm not being a bother here! O-or that you think of me as like an interloper! That's definitely not the type of vibe I want to give!
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They are connected to me only from the exchange of blood.
[The priorities here.]
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[ why would he ever think this is a date. ]
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This is a dangerous experimental procedure.
[Maybe some people like those sorta dates.]
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[ BUT HE DOESN'T KNOW IF HE'S FOURTH WHEELING OR NOT. ]
Are you okay with me fourth wheeling, then?
[ since this is a date and all that. ]
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It isn't a date. Are you planning to simply leave?
[WHAT WAS FLAT'S END GOAL HERE IF D HAD SAID HE MINDED? HELLO?]
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[ the plot has been momentarily lost. give him a second to get back to the correct path. ]
Anyways! I don't think Aetós would have let me leave, so once that was decided, I would have explained my intentions to all of you with the hopes of coming to an agreement. And if we couldn't, then that would have been fine, too, since what matters the most is that I explain myself.
[ even one-sided communication has it's purposes. even if they can't come to an agreement, what matters to flat is that he got to say his piece. if the other party didn't agree with him...well, that's just how it is! no need to fret over it. ]
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Except Gen is maybe now having a bad time about it. "What else is new?" Gen would say.
D is thankful Flat moves quickly on, and he isn't forced to answer another awkward question he may have some kind of answer to actually.]
I explained the consequences of allowing me to drink their blood before it happened. They are still here having known, so there isn't any reason to not continue.
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[ not that it helps with making people any less angry, however. and speaking of angry... ]
Was Mrs. Hayame as angry at you as she was with me?
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[Just to, like, re-emphasize consent to Flat since they are discussion pieces of it here. Fourth wheel away in this very bizarre, not-date, no-relationship... trifecta.]
Yes, she was.
[Very much so, maybe even more with him than with Flat. Apparently, they are friends and all.]
not here
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