shatterdriven | Seasons Inbox

Are you free tomorrow?

Probably not. What did you need?

It won't take long. Sonic and I need a referee for a race. And you are an unbiased party who would be able to observe us properly.

A race?

That certainly wouldn't take long.

Alright. When and where?

Tomorrow. Center of Nightwake. It is an ideal starting place. And has an airship dock above where you can observe the race from.

Alright. I can spare some time to do that before I do any training.

Yo bud, are you back yet?

I'd say that I'm surprised you noticed, but that would be a lie. What do you need?

I just got Shadow settled in at home, wanted to check on you next.

He told mew what happened. Not in any great detail, but I get the basic idea.

That the entire Shatterverse is gone? I'm a little surprised he knows.

I've been trying to narrow down the cause. Not because it will fix anything, because it won't.

The entire Shatterverse? He just said his world was gone, since both of you vanished at the same time I figure all of this is connected.

We did also arrive at the same time from the same moment, so it makes sense.

He would have been in Green Hill when it happened. And it went first. I was across the Shatterverse in the Grim.

Wait, if he was in Green Hill, that would mean that Paradox thing was fixed, right? And it sounds like fixing it didn't erase the Shatterverse?

I can't say. It nearly killed Sonic and it wasn't long after I did that everything was destroyed. But it didn't in the immediate, no.

Did you happen to see it coming? The thing that destroyed everything?

No. I caught the tremors from Green Hill Just before the gate shattered again. The others followed one at a time, same as the original decay. So I saw the rest, but not the cause.

This doesn't make any sense. Like, I've encountered world ending threats before, but there was at least something there to physically fight against. This sounds like it just happened.

It definitely didn't just happen. I've got some theories already, but that's all they are. Theories.

Gotta start somewhere, I guess.

Are you doing okay?

I was back to square one already, except I need some painkillers and a good ice pack. I'll be fine after that.

I can bring some stuff by if you need it. Where are you right now?

You can definitely do that faster than I can get back. I'm at home. Extra strength please.

You got it, I'll be there in a few minutes.

[He has to actually hit a shop to pick things up, but in maybe 10, 15 minutes, there's a knock on Nine's door]

[Nine answers right away, stepping aside to let him in. He's already holding a water bottle and holds out his hand for the painkillers.]

A little faster than I expected.

My name is literally Sonic.

[How are you surprised dude, come on. Sonic steps into the room and digs into the bag he brought with him, , grabbing the bottle of pain killers and popping it open before dropping a couple of the pills into Nine's hand.]

I picked you up an ice pack too, but since it's not iced yet, I brought ours from home for you to borrow in the meantime.

[And bam, he also produces the cold icepack rom the bag.]

I know, and I also usually can clock your movement most of the time.

[He pops the pills, downs the water, then takes the ice pack and presses it to the spot behind the white fur of his right cheek.]

But...I'm glad you were that fast. Thanks.

Edited 2024-03-11 03:49 (UTC)

Guess I'm just full of surprises.

[It's meant to be a joke, naturally, but it lacks that usual Sonic style light heartedness.]

What'd you do to your face? Fight or somethin'?

Surprisingly, yeah.

[The quip lacks any bite, not drained or tired. The harsh edge is just gone.]

I got blindsided by a full-force punch from an echidna wearing brass knuckles. Pretty sure you know a version of him.

[And you KNOW how hard he punches bare-fisted.]

[Sonic winces. Ooooff yeah that's rough]

Back home his name's Knuckles. Fitting, I know. You're lucky you still have a jaw.

[Speaking from experience, of course. Sonic takes a moment to go put the new ice pack he'd brought into the freezer to start getting cold, and then joins Nine again.]

I know. Sonic called him Knuckles the first time we met him. And I know, so I definitely wasn't letting him get in a second punch. Not for lack of effort on his part.

[He drops onto the couch.]

You probably have other questions. You're being very unlike Sonic right now.

[Why yes, that is concern.]

[in the interest of not standing around in the doorway, Sonic makes his way over to the couch and takes a seat as well. He's leaned forward, elbows on his knees with his fingers laced in front of his chin as he stares contemplatively off into space for a moment.]

...I have loads of questions, I guess, but it sounds like you're still forming theories so I don't know how much good it would do to start asking. Mostly I'm just worried about you guys. Shadow's taking it real hard, he thinks it's his fault.

Questions can possibly help with theorizing.

[Nine watches him, raising an eyebrow.]

I suppose I shouldn't be surprised he is. But if there's fault for what happened, it's with everyone. No exceptions. We all did things wrong, some of us more than others. But no one was blameless and it almost cost us everything.

[He half shrugs, needing time to get his questions in order before he just starts running his mouth about something he wasn't even there for. He absolutely plans to revisit this.]

That's almost word for word what I said to him. I just don't think he's in a place where he can make himself listen to reason yet. Like, wasn't the Sonic from his world that broke that rock to begin with?

[That's something the Sonic he knows doesn't do. Stop and think first. He can get clarity moments during, but not first.]

Yeah, because he wasn't listening. By his own admission.

[There's no malice when he says that either, just a tone of "yeah, that's our Sonic".]

[It's a new thing he's been trying out lately. So far it's working for him pretty well!]

Yeah, exactly. Shadow didn't even mention that once, he's just caught up in his own head. I kind of get why, but... Has he told you much about himself?

He probably got that out of his system when we first got here, and is focused on the fact he thought everything was fixed now.

[The attmpt is Nine approved.]

He told me why it was so important to him. I didn't understand and the time, because I never had anything to protect like that until recently. But I get it more now.

[hmm, sounds like SOMEONE'S experienced a little CHARACTER GROWTH recently.

Sonic leans back and crosses his arms, turning to face Nine properly rather than just stare off into space while they talk]

Why did not-Knuckles punch you in the head, anyway?

[Funny what an apology and the world nearly ending can do for healing pain. That isn't caused by fists that can punch metal.]

Something about me being a traitor, and him having waited a long time for it. So I don't actually know, since that means it wasn't because of me taking things too far.

He only got me because I was fighting Sonic and didn't see him coming.

Blindsided ya, huh? That's no fair. Sounds like things got pretty ugly for a bit, Shadow mentioned getting stuck in a hole with a bunch of metal me's?

That's one way to put it.

And yeah. Shadow made his intentions toward me pretty clear after I took the Paradox Prism back to the Grim after my argument with Sonic. It was the best way to keep him from getting his hands on me.

[Translation: Nine knew he was dead if Shadow got the drop on him and kept the Ultimate Lifeform far away.]

Strategically, that was a good call. I've seen Shadow on the warpath before, definitely lives up to whole Ultimate Lifeform thing.

Sounds like you guys came to an understanding in the end, though?

Yeah, and considering the rest of the Shatterverse was also on the warpath, I didn't need that.

[Nine deflates a little, some fatigue catching up to him.]

An agreement? Not really. It was more that Sonic finally acknowledged he hurt me, I acknowledged I took things too far, and if I couldn't fix everything we were all going to be deleted on the spot.

[That last part is moot now, but it was still a good motivator at the time.]

It's crazy the kinds of things that can be resolved when people just talk like adults.

[it's more a jab at his other self than anything. The somewhat sarcastic tone vanished quickly though. Speaking of talking like adults, this was a pretty serious conversation and Sonic should maybe act like one.]

How are you guys so sure that the shatterverse was destroyed, anyway?is it possible possible that everything just got, I dunno, sent somewhere else?

Oh he was talking a lot before that. He just wasn't listening. But...he was hurt too, he just chose to not hear instead of not wanting to.

[He considers the question for a long moment, sipping his water.]

There's no way to know for sure yet, but my surveillance showed the gates exploding the same way the had when the shatterverse was decaying because... [He trails off, clearly turning a few things over in his head.] ...the Chaos Council opened unnatural portals between New Yoke and both the No Place and Boscage Maze, then never closed them.

Anyway, there's no way to know unless one or both of us gets sent back again.

Oof, yeah. Listening is kind of the most important part.

[Something he's trying to get better about himself. It doesn't sound like he's as bad about it as this other Sonic? Or maybe he's just learning from that Sonic's mistakes.]

I don't like that you guys don't get to have any real answers for all this. It just... It isn't fair. It feels so immature to boil it down to that, but what else would you call it?

[Whatever the case, even if Nine isn't angry at his Sonic anymore...he still does appreciate it. Or maybe it just the soreness talking. Probably a bit of both.]

I think the word you're looking for is understatement. Not fair is an understatement...but none of it was fair. That any of it happened. Even if somehow everything isn't gone, Sonic went home to his other friends, I can't really finish the Grim anymore, and everyone else will have to say good-bye to the friends they made because without the power of the Paradox Prism interspace travel isn't possible for anyone.

There are bright sides for almost everyone if Shadow and I are wrong though. [Not that it matters much to him at the moment.] Except the council since they have no power and I blew up their mothership. [Bright sides.]

[ugh everything is a huge bummer, Sonic's not likely to ever meet any of these people that Nine and Shadow know, but even if everything wasn't just POOF unmade, its still kind of depressing to think about.

Nine's comment about blowing up the council's ship does give Sonic something to grin about, though.]

Heh. Sometimes breaking the bad guy's toys can be pretty cathartic. Sounds like it would have been a pretty big ship, how'd you blow it up?

I used my tails to channel prism energy into my body, then created a powerful laser through my hands. [He gestures with his hands, indicating that he did indeed fire a death laser from them.]

It's probably the only thing I don't regret since they were only playing along with the others so they could steal the completed Prism from me in the first place.

That is so metal. Nice goin', bro!

[They could use a little levity right now, Sonic holds a fist up for some fist bump action.]

[Nine looks at his fist, then to Sonic in confusion. This is the fox who only recently learned what a high five is, remember? Maybe you should teach him, Sonic.]

[It takes Sonic just a second to realize that Nine has no goddamn idea what he's doing. Sonic chuckles a bit, giving him a warm smile.]

Put your fist up, like this.

[he demonstrates!]

[Nine complies, a little uncertain, but he does as instructed. He thinks maybe he can guess where this is going, but decides not to ask since Sonic's demonstrating.]

[And Sonic bumps his fist into Nine's!]

Fist bump! It's like a high five, but with your fist.

Oh...that's different.

[Not bad different though.]

So do you not do high fives in your world?

Of course we do! We do both! ...Which makes it kind of awkward when one person goes in for a high five but the other person goes in for a fist bump at the same time, but it can be kinda funny.

I guess I could see that being a little funny.

Hey. I know the whole jetpack thing was a thing but I was hoping to ask for a couple more things.

I need a voice changer and some headphones that can like do noise cancelling on demand. Like with a slider so you can cancel no noise or all the noise. And the headphones gotta be big enough to cover like someone with three ears on each head.

Can you do that? I'll pay you.

None of that is undoable, the opposite actually. I'll just need to know the specifics of any voice-changing, and to see the person I'm making the headphones for to get the fitting right.

I know the voice I want. We can work on that. And no problem getting the fitting down. And it can still be a surprise. I got both covered. Can I come over now? You got any plans?

You're wasting no time, but sure. I'm not busy.

I'm working on my patience training but I'm so not good at it yet. Obviously.

Then what are you waiting for?

For you to send me a location marker.

It's the same address, MK.

[He sends a ping for his location anyway though.]

I...uh. Right. On my way!

[When MK arrives, Nine is in his workshop proper and just taking inventory of his stock. The door opens automatically for him, inviting him to just walk inside.]

[MK walks in with a smile and looks around.]

Whoooooa. You got that full lab set up goin' on. Nice, Nine. And I like the automatic door. Very cool touch.

If I'm going to continue to expand my business, I need to be able to work freely. So of course I went for a proper lab and workshop.

As for the door, it's convenient when I'm busy but expecting visitors.

[He looks up from his inventory.]

So, the earbuds will be the fastest. Let's start there.

Right. That all makes super sense. You need to see the ears. Okay.

[MK nods and sits down. He closes his eyes. In a puff of smoke, he transforms into the Six-Eared Macaque. Completely with the three ears on either side of his head.]

Okay. These are the ears I wanted the headphones for. He has super sensitive hearing so I want to make him like sound cancelling headphones he can adjust how good they are. Like a little to completely tune everything out.

Exactly how sensitive is extremely sensitive? I need some examples at least, if I'm going to attune them to his hearing.

[He pulls out some putty and breaks it into six pieces, placing each into an ear and pressing just enough to get mold to work off of.]

Like he can hear anything in the world. Like my heart beat across the literal world.

And touching them is super sensitive. So like the headphones really can't push or touch them. Like at all if possible.

[He stays as still as he can while Nine works on casting them.]

That...sounds like a nightmare.

[Nine is firm but gentle, making sure he has a proper shape that fits neatly without having to press inside to sit securely.]

Shouldn't be too hard to manage. The hardest part is the fitting actually.

[Using a bit of Prism energy, he duplicates just one of the molds and then converts it into a shell for the tech it'll be housing. He places it in the ear it was molded for.]

How does this one feel? Good, too small, too big, not quite the right shape? Feel free to tilt your head around.

I think it can be for him but he's always been that way so he's used to it after like thousands of years.

[MK makes sure to stay still in Macaque's form. He lets Nine work and puts them on. He tilts his head this way and that.]

A little...too snug. I think just a little less snug. Maybe fluffier materials so it doesn't brush the ears too much. I wish I could make mine as sensitive to know for sure.

Well this is just the basic casing without the cushion. I want to make sure that they're sitting just enough that they don't move easily. Otherwise the brushing will happen regardless of cushioning.

[He takes the casing back and shrinks it just a bit before reinserting it.]

Thankfully circuitry and padding won't increase the weight by much, but the housing is doing the heavy lifting.

Oh that works great. See, this is why I came to you for this. I knew you would know just what to do. And plus with the cool ear shape, it's gonna look so cool when it's all finished.

Hey. I got a bad guy phone and I need it hacked. Can you do that for me? Need to know where he's been or who he's been talking to.

Edited 2024-07-05 20:12 (UTC)

Hacking a phone's no problem. Not even worth charging for. When are you bringing it by?

Cool. Thank you. Can I come by today?

I'm not busy.

Be there soon.

[Soon enough MK is on the camera feed and knocking on the door.]

[The door opens for MK and Nine steps aside for him to come in.]

So why are you interested in this phone? Vigilante stuff?

We will be renting out a club for a dance party as a belated birthday thing for me.
If you like, you're invited.
MK will be in attendance as well.
No presents are required nor expected.

[Hey Nine, there's a knocking.]

[It's not long before Nine answers the door, looking a little baffled as to why Sonic's here.]

You should let people know when you're coming.

Sorry, I kind of couldn't control when I had time without the stalking cavalry and I couldn't slow down or they were going to catch up.

[He's got a bag that looks fairly full.]

[That sure is an explanation. Nine's not entirely sure if he should be more concerned.]

Come in then. You're lucky I'm not working with my dad today.

[He flips his sign to closed as he steps aside for Sonic, eying the bag. He doesn't ask yet though.]

I don't need to be long.

[He steps inside.]

I'm collecting my quills. And like I'm thankful for the help with the rescue operation [because he's assuming THAT'S when Nine got them] but I really prefer to control when other people have them.

And it'll be easier for me to know I have them all if I don't have strays about. We can talk about lending quills when I know where they all are. [It is rather late. Nine was definitely at the bottom of the list when he figured out the location.]

Uh-huh.

[Nine shrugs and leads the way to his lab, adjacent to his workshop.]

I did receive several quills after the fact. I was saving them in case of an emergency. But it seems like that's your sense of safety right now.

[He pushes a button on a small container in a nondescript cubby off to the side. It opens and floating inside are five quills in total.]

There you go.

Like I said, we can talk about it later. I'm not fully against them being used at all, I've let Tails use them in experiments.

But that whole....consent thing...

That's really important. [Especially right now. The flicks of mist that still manage to cling to his feet is rather telling.]

[He needs that sense of control. But he will come and grab the quills to add to his growing bag.]

[There is a pause.]

Who gave them to you after the fact? No one in Hedgehaus would have given them away, and Eva knows I don't like them giving them out either.

Consider it less a consent issue and more of an "I didn't see the issue at the time considering you already know what I do with them" one.

[It's not like he took them or made a point to hide it from Sonic after all. If he'd known ahead of time that that concern extended to quills not currently attached to Sonic then he'd have just teleported them to him.]

I'm not at liberty to tell you who right now other than that person gave me the information that helped free you. But depending on the number you've found already, you've probably met him. I'll ask if it's alright to tell you and get back to you.

Yeah, I figured it was like that, but that's why I'm just like clarifying. Even if I'm fine trusting you with stuff, its still important I'm in control of when that stuff is happening.

Especially for this. Its....

[He shakes his head. The mists kicks up around his feet. He breathes in. He breathes out.]

I just need that sense of safety.

Someone gave you information?

That's why I'm giving them back. I'm not expecting any more important emergencies in the near future.

[He's perfectly aware that's not how that works, but given Sonic's obvious discomfort it's best to not make it sound like there was anything looming. It's not like his home will explode the instant the hedgehog leaves or anything.]

Who took you, the fact you were heavily sedated, a clear enough description that I knew it was you specifically, the layout, drugs used in case you were seriously overdosed, etc. Yes. Oh and the notes on what they found from you. Full clarity.

[Nine is a thorough bitch when he has time and information to work with.]

You can always call if there's an emergency. Just for reference. Still, thanks.

Someone else has those notes?

[His nose scrunches.] Shadow isn't gonna like that. He wrecked the lab half for that. [The other half was murder.]

Unless you already got all of them from them?

If there's ever an emergency that serious, you'll be out of commission or otherwise unable to get to me in time. So don't worry about it.

[Nine shrugs at the question.]

He definitely kept a copy of the data after he sabotaged the lab.

I'm always going to worry about you.

....

Admittedly, I would have loved to hear about this earlier because now I am very concerned. I don't even know all the stuff in me, Maddie's been super nice to not be a creepy scientist about it, but it does mean all that was slow going.

Yeah, I'm finding that's a thing with everyone not from my universe.

Well I did say you should be putting more into learning about yourself. I didn't only mean your power.

But as far as he goes, you're not getting the data from him or destroying it. He wouldn't leave a way for that. So it's a waste of your brainpower to worry about it. I'm almost completely certain that he won't use it against you without a good reason.

[Only fools are positive after all.]

I worry about people I like. [He shrugs.]

I have been. Its just it needs to be people I trust and...

Gonna...

Be a while now.

[Hahahaha.]

[There's another kick up of mist and he waves his foot around to get rid of it.]

I need to make that judgement call for myself. No offense.

And why all do you like me? We don't have much in common.

[It's a genuine question. Not concerned about comparisons, but no one from their collection of universes has actually really said why they like him. He's made his point on why Sonic is likeable.]

If you say so, on both counts. But unless you're willing to cross a line even Shadow likely won't, I suggest you take it as fact that his data isn't retrievable..

Because you're smart and make cool things and you helped me make a safe for the Emerald while respecting my boundaries and are respecting my boundaries now even though you don't like grasp them intuitively and you have cool tails, both real and fake, and Shadow likes you and I think you're trustworthy as long as someone is real with you and also the loneliness empathy is real and also you helped in getting me rescued and like after years knowing no one would that's a lot of friendship points right there for helping because you care and I'd like to hang out with you more, I just also don't want to overwhelm you and invade your space a lot since you seem like you need to get used to people.

[Yes.]

[That is all one breath.]

Always hard to say what lines are for what. Sometimes I'm good at finding off the wall things.

Plus technically I could EMP any hard drives. Get enough stress and I can actually fry them.

...Alright.

[That was a whole lot of reasons. No further questions there.]

You're thinking too plain, Sonic. When I say lines even Shadow may not cross, I'm talking about you needing to act on a level no better than what was done to you.

[How's that for emotional empathy?]

And you're kind of grim and I'm a weirdo.

Sometimes solutions just come up and you go from there even if they're weird.

I know what I'm not gonna do. Doesn't mean a situation is futile.

Keep telling yourself than when it's plainly spelled out to you, Sonic.

[If he thinks he can solve it without having to resort to worse than murder...he's in for a very rude awakening.]

So, how many have you found? I know how many there were from my source, but not how many were taken period.

I know what you're implying, Nine, which brings up a lot of 'how' questions, but let me try and figure it out. I don't like going into a situation thinking there's only ONE solution.

That's how you get mass murder sprees and I ain't a fan.

Thirty-three so far.

There's one big spot and still more stragglers. But I figured the big spot is best later. Shadow's absolutely following me right now and I want him close if I had to set off a big burst of chaos, he'd be on me so fast.

What you're doing is being optimistic about something that doesn't really matter and that you shouldn't have to worry. You said you trust me and I'm asking you to trust me about what I know.

Besides, you're very "There's only one way it ends...badly" about your chaos energy no matter what anyone says.

[It's a valid point. It's not a good look to not trust someone in so many ways when you say you find them trustworthy.]

Then you should probably aim for solutions other than a big burst of chaos.

[He shrugs.] I have trust issues. The fact I didn't burst through your door is my trust. But I got stages. I mean...you saw some of why. [The dreams and all.]

And I'm not saying my chaos energy only ends badly. But it can. And if it does, that's me being used to hurt people and that...

[He frowns.] I don't want that. But I'm willing to let people I trust to study or use it, I just need to be careful. Because there is a big chance of it ending badly.

I mean, that is the hope, but a big gathering means most danger. Shadow's the back up plan.

Trust may come in stages, but even I know not to tell someone I trust them and then do the opposite. Especially because I know not trusting anyone well.

So you can't fully use that against me because my trust is just as fragile if not more. And nothing breaks it faster than a lie about where we stand.

[It's his turn to shrug.] I also get that from experience in doing the harm even if I didn't start it...including to my own body. Same thing though. I have personal opinions on that, but those weren't the point.

I suggest if you have concerns you have more sound plans, or less drastic backup alongside Shadow. You could take some of my Pokemon, or Grim Birdie.

I said you were trustworthy. Not that I trust you. At least in the level you're wanting.

I know you can be trusted, but trusting deeply is...

[He pauses. Foot tapping on the ground. Thinking over what they talked about in the dream.]

You saw me treating my injury as a kid. That was....my only option for a long time. I didn't even have the option to go to a professional.

[Now he's pacing. Trying to dig out the words.]

It was make do, or simply not make it. And its....

Trying.

To trust and rely on people when things have been....

[His hand reaches up. Fusses with the short quills. The quills that are still taking so long to grow to a proper length.]

Stressful.

Is...

Not a habit.

I've been trying to better about it, but its an....easy....trap. I'm hoping if I get all my quills, it'll be easier to....be...better.

[He stops, his back to Nine, arms wrapped tight around him.] I still haven't been able to talk to anyone about what happened except the person I don't need to explain anything to.

....I could bring the Pokemon. I might damage Birdie if its a chaos burst situation.

Saying someone is trustworthy does come with the implication that you do have some trust. But it's also subjective and just not something I'd do. But trusting me saying that it's better for you to leave this alone isn't that deep. It's as simple as why you don't put your hand in a bonfire.

[He listens as Sonic goes on, but while he can empathize, he can't sympathize very well. He's not sensitive to these things the way Sonic is, and not because he's a bit older than the hedgehog. He was never allowed to be sensitive because it was unsafe.

He just had to push forward by himself because there wasn't anything to compare it to.]

As far as being forced to rely on yourself, you're not saying anything I haven't also been through. I didn't even know what professional treatment was before I got here or that it was something lacking. And I was forced to take care of myself because no one else would. They pretended they didn't see me. My tails still haven't recovered even years later and with the knowledge how to take care of them so they thin fur looks more natural. I'll probably have the physical evidence of why I'm how I am for the rest of my life.

[He walks over to Sonic.]

I'm not saying that you just need to get over it, because I haven't and have no real desire to do the same. But I also know when to accept that I'm in a situation outside of how I ever would have had to do...anything in my own universe and to take what others are telling me into account if I don't know what I'm up against.

I have to touch people to survive and have a job that makes me deal with people. Two things I despise because they force me to ignore the things that have kept me safe my whole life.

Wanting your quills back so you can work on processing and recovering better is fair. Being reckless and evasive not so much.

[A pause.]

The two I'm offering are both susceptible to electricity so they're at no more risk than Birdie would be. So you can take any combination or all three.

And I do. Again, I didn't come bursting in through your window. I figured you didn't hand them over because you didn't realize it would bother me, and that was the case. Not because I thought you were hiding or using them.

[So its not like he has no trust.]

[He looks over at Nine, and at his tails.] Is that why the legs always surround your real tails? [A pause.] We...could probably do something about the damage. Later. Something to talk about later, but just if you're open to talking about it.

[He wonders if he can't fly with them like Tails does.]

[He looks down at the floor, hands rubbing his arms. Fingers digging in a bit over where the IVs had been stuck into him.]

My body is hard mode. I can....I can usually kick my own butt about a lot of things, but my body has...its always been a difficult thing. I love Maddie. She's great. She's kind. She's patient. She's mom. It still took three months before I let her give me a basic physical.

[So when it comes to his being a Project hang ups, its a tall order to redirect.]

I can't leave it. I have to handle it, one way or the other. Doesn't matter the risks. I'll never be able to sleep if I don't have a solid read on the situation myself.

[He knows himself too well for it.]

Chaos energy isn't electricity.

Its a power source, but its not electricity. It looks like it, but I've been hit by tasers and chaos energy. Electrified is just easier to say than describing it. Its like...a wave or...lungs filled with too much air or..... [He shakes his head.] But its not the same as being hit by a taser.

But organic take incidental shocks way better than machines do. Probably because chaos energy is alive and machines generally just don't handle it well.

If you had had so little trust, you'd have had another problem on your plate. You're not entirely too fast for me after all.

[He may or may not be trying to lighten the mood a tiny bit.

At the question, he opens the metal tails and lets Sonic see properly. Obviously trusting he's not going to pull them. The fur of his tails does look pretty healthy but it's not even half as full and fluffy as Tails' are, looking more like what you'd expect from a short-haired cat than a fox...ignoring the fact Nine in general has much smoother fur because his tails used to be extremely fluffy when he was a kid.]

It's part of why I picked tails over anything else, yeah. Even if the procedure was a pain. I could probably do something while I'm here since I'm Summer. But I'm not really set on the idea.

[He sighs, a hand on his hip.]

You're on your own for this if something happens, whether you do something regrettable...or something happen to you. I can't help you more than warning you.

The Chaos energy is close enough to electricity that it does count. Neither Echo, nor Ridge particularly reacted well to even a light tap. And the one immune to electricity and my newest reacted much less. So even though it's not true electricity it might be the case that for some creatures it's close enough that it affects them similarly. Not that I plan to just go around touching everyone's Pokemon with it for a bigger sample size.

Grim Birdie I've upgraded with special sensor that deploys a small barrier of Paradox energy around her essential components in response to Chaos energy. She could still take damage, but probably not enough to put her out of commission and definitely not enough to stop me repairing her.

I mean, there is a difference between 'no trust' and 'think is a threat.' Those are totally different levels. Trust is truly a spectrum of things, especially with trauma. [He does little jazzhands.] Its like the world's worst rollercoaster.

[He leans over, taking a closer look. More thoughtful.] I could probably suggest some stuff to eat for fur health. I don't know what kind of diet you've been using, but I've been doing similar for Shadow. His fur was just terrible when he arrived. I remember what Mom suggested for Tails, and fox diets should hopefully be consistent across the multiverse.

Any internal damage would need more like....medical, magical professional thing. And maybe some experiments with chaos energy, but later. Later thing. [His voice is definitely lowered, his ears twitching, but the anxiety Is Real. Its still a lot he's making the offer.]

I know. That's usually how this goes. Either it works out, or I eat dirt, but I...just...have to. [The Anxiety Is So Real.]

....were you testing chaos energy on your Pokemon? [He looks Concerned.]

It can also be how the contact is. Chaos is....malleable like that. Connecting to the quill can cause a shock, but it also does....other stuff.

[He purses his lips.] It does take A LOT to fry....but will she listen if I tell her to leave the area? Just in case?

Threat wouldn't be what I was aiming for, but I would hit you with something and make you pay for the damages.

And, no offense, but my dad is the current expert on fur upkeep, especially tails. And he insists on all the cooking to make sure my diet is balanced. There's no internal damage thankfully I was at least lucky they were never more than sprained.

[Eating dirt is the best outcome.]

I asked their help, yes. Just touching quill and then a tiny bit of channels energy. I wanted to be sure if it was safe for them, or they should fully avoid it. Ridge and Echo especially because they like to be in the lab.

As far as Birdie goes, it depends on her assessment of the situation. If she deems it worth the risk to help you then she won't leave.

I mean, you could try. I think GUN is still trying to figure out if they could bill me for the gravity trap I broke in their headquarters.

Not my fault their 'Team Sonic proof vault' was not, in fact, Team Sonic proof. [Because the vault was ABSOLUTELY designed with them in mind, he was the only one with a steady supply of rings and their AWOL agents hadn't been that long before the heist.]

Hmmm, I wonder if its because the fur was ripped out....though it could also be stress. The rest of your fur still implies fluffy, though it can be hard to judge just HOW fluffy you guys are supposed to be, dunno why my world is just that much fluffier.

...can you fly with just the two?

[Excuse you, there was no dirt eating. A lot of posturing on Morty's side, and Sonic poking for weak points because provocation is the name of the people reading game.]

So it could be the shock, but did you account for like the energy surge affect? No, wait, bad wording. Energy caffeine. THAT affect?

How fast can she fly? No, wait, how far can she see? And she does like...think? Or is it just number crunching?

I can. Even if I miss once or twice. I can and have hit Sonic, and I train with Shadow weekly here.

...lack of a hairbrush? But no, foxes have bushy tails. Mine just aren't anymore. Even close to three years here and a year of that being with my dad around.

And yeah, I can fly. Maybe not as fast as some but without trouble.

[He also didn't get rid of the data, so it didn't actually work out unless he only wanted a copy for himself.]

Luxray took to the boost you're referring to. The other two didn't but also probably wouldn't like to try again long enough to see. And my Quagsire...probably wouldn't show signs either way so I've got no data there.

And lastly, she can keep up with you unless you start pushing your upper speeds. But she'll catch up quickly once you do. She can see about 300 yards. More if the terrain's fairly flat.

Hello, Nine. Apologies for the sudden message out of the blue, but I would like to discuss a few things, provided you aren't busy.

This isn't urgent, however; please don't feel as though you have to put down any projects for me. I don't mind waiting for a response.

I'm not busy at the moment. Are you wanting to talk like this, or in person?

... Honestly, I hadn't considered in person to be a potential option; you seem like someone who prefers your space, and I would hate to impose upon you.
But... if you're open to it, I wouldn't mind taking you to a diner for lunch?

I'd be paying, of course.

I appreciate you respecting my boundaries. But if I have time to talk outside of or while doing work then I'm open to in person as long as you can keep pace. [So feel to ask if you can meet whenever you want to.]

What's the diner? We can either meet from here or I can find you there if your place isn't on the way instead.

Your boundaries are important. Not just to me, but in general -
If anyone disrespects them, tell me. I'll remove the nuisance for you.

[Just... offered up so pleasantly, a smile in his voice.]

As for where, the diner is a small, cozy spot in Solarpeak; I'm quite fond of it, as it offers vegan options alongside their regular menu.
You'll likely find something you like, and I'll have plenty that I can enjoy, as well.

Here -

[GPS ping! Showing Nine right where the address is.]

I'm currently in Dayrise. So if it would be simpler to meet at the diner, we can do so; but if you'd like to meet halfway due to being elsewhere, we can do that as well.
Whichever provides you the most ease.

I'll be sure to remember that.

[Is this even a fraction of the protective murder energy that Sonic is surrounded with? It felt kind of nice.

Nine is tempted to ask if it doesn't count as vegan options within the regular menu and not alongside it, but it's passing and he quickly just sorts out his travel time.]

Actually, I can be there in about ten minutes with a portal. I just need to sort out lunches for the Pokemon first. Does that work for you?

[Oh, it's going to be a lot more than just a fraction. Nine is someone who's dearly precious to Lycaon -
That means Louis is already willing to lay down his life for the little fox. And Louis is very, very, very, very difficult to kill.
~~Just wait until he and Lycaon are an item, Nine'll get to experience a good and proper mama bear in the form of a little undead twink.~~]

That works just fine for me, yes; I can meet you there. Thanks to teleport crystals, the walk will only take me about five minutes.
I'll use the extra five to pick a good table for us. One with booths by a window, obviously.

[That meshes well with the fact Nine's also fiercely loyal toward Lycaon and all the things and the people that matter to him. If Louis needs him, he's basically on call from the moment they met onward...even if he'll never say so out loud. ~~And if given the tools to, he'll reshape the world for his family in an instant.~~]

Then I'll see you in ten minutes.

[It's almost exactly ten minutes later when a swirling red portal opens outside the diner and Nine steps through, looking up at the diner as it closes behind him. Because only someone reckless leaves such gates open. He walks inside and looks around for Louis.]

[Thankfully, Louis's not hard to spot thanks to the whole "pearlescent hair and foot tall horns" thing - though he's made it even easier, his outfit almost entirely a bright, blood red color with even the nails to match.
Which'll be nice and easy to see when Louis lifts a hand high and waves it to get Nine's attention! At a booth table, of course.

From the looks of it, he has menus, but hasn't ordered anything yet - he'd been waiting, obviously, for Nine to arrive.]

[Even harder to miss when you're so short that you have to actively look up at basically every person in this world. Also that is a lot of red.

Walking over to the booth, he slides in across from Louis...looking more like someone's eight-year-old due to his height.]

You haven't even ordered a drink yet?

[He's not judging, just a little surprised.]

...

[Before he answers, Louis turns to rifle through his little hammerspace bag beside him to retrieve something, which he passes to Nine once he finds it -
It's a really, really nice looking cushion. Tall and thick, velvet, with high quality golden tassels.]

Here. I carry this for when I find myself too low at tables; you run the risk of getting your sleeves in your food, and I'd hate that for such a nice jacket as yours.

[... Louis's only five feet tall, so, y'know. It's a necessity.]

And, no, I haven't; I wanted to wait for you. ... It's also less work on the waitstaff, not forcing them to flit back and forth between our table for every bit of an order.

[This is not an insulting thought, but...who are you and how are you like this? Before Lycaon, Nine has never meant someone so considerate.

He takes the cushion and places it under him, still not fully used to being thought of with consideration.]

Thanks. And I guess that is a good point, since it's only been a few minutes.

[Despite being generally Not A Good Person™, being considerate of others is a trait Louis prides himself in!
Especially when it's someone important to him. Welcome to the world of being important to Louis, Nine.

All of that is even being met with a warm little smile from the Grim Reaper, too.]

That, too; waiting for just a few minutes doesn't harm me at all, so why not wait for you, hm?
Besides...

[Sitting up taller, looking out at everyone on the floor - he locks eyes with a waitress who doesn't look busy, and his own flash orange for just a second...
Which means the waitress is making her way over immediately and without question, of course.]

... It's easy to get one of the waitstaff over here as needed, regardless.
Why not have a look at the menu? I already have an idea of what I would like to order.

And once they're making it for us, we can discuss what's on my mind.

[Give him about six months and maybe he'll have settled into it. And without the obligatory "You're Not My Real Momma Bear" phase.

He does quirk an eyebrow at the flash of orange and the waitress immediately coming over. Some sort of compelling maybe? It's bright enough in here that she couldn't have just noticed from a distance and reacted immediately.

He opens his menu to look it over. The nice thing about not being picky is it's not hard to find things you'll eat. The hard thing is being spoiled for choice. So it takes him a moment to settle on something.]

I'll just take the BLT with onion rings and an iced tea if that's okay.

Of course. You can have anything you'd like, Nine.

[The waitress ends up at their table, and for a moment she seems confused, as if she's not sure how or when she got there... but seems to shrug it off, lifting up her notepad.
Louis gives her their order - Nine's BLT, a vegan quiche for himself, iced tea for both - and she's quick to scurry off to get their order to the kitchen.]

... After we finish, we can get a dessert of some kind, if you'd like; I've heard you don't have much of a sweet tooth, but the offer is there for you.

At any rate - I have a few different things I wish to discuss... but the first is a simple one.
If you were invited to a party, something simple and casual, would you want to attend?

[Definitely looks like some kind of compulsion.]

I'll think about dessert. I don't dislike sweets, I just don't really crave them outside of juice usually.

As far as a party, I'd go. I've been invited to a couple others, so it's not too unfamiliar. What would the occasion be?

[He's completely correct! :)
He's also getting another one of those sweet smiles that Louis has to give.]

My birthday. I plan to ask Lycaon for help with arranging it, likely the weekend after... my birthday, itself, has a, ah -
Different... sort of gathering happening then, arranged by a dear friend of mine, but that one isn't exactly open to people... who are below a certain age.

[It's something arranged by Evangeline, two guesses what it's for and the first doesn't count.]

So I would like to hold a proper party, open to all, should you want to attend such a thing. Granted, you aren't the only person I know who I'd want to be certain to hold an "all-ages" party for -
But I would certainly rethink how I wish to do so if you decided you weren't interested.

[It takes a few extra seconds for the wheels in Nine's head to start turning. Two birthday parties, one for all ages, and one very not? He can guess the broad strokes, but there's a lot about that he doesn't know yet so...]

Under a certain age limit? You mean under sixteen?

[Probably things he hasn't seriously considered exploring despite how may people his age are well into it?]

But, I'll come to your all ages party, if you like. And help with setup if you need. Once you know what you'll be doing.

[Yeah, Louis can't help but chuckle.]

Technically, the limit should be eighteen... but my own form is nebulous at best, having been frozen at seventeen due to my immortality.
So, yes, the limit for that one is sixteen at youngest.

[Life kind of uhhhh sucks for some Grim Reapers! There are a couple of bars back in the land of the dead that he's not allowed in despite having existed for nearly thirty years total, and it infuriates him to no end--]

I'd be very happy to have you there, though, but frankly... I have no idea what I'll be doing.
I have never had a birthday party before, so it'll be left with Lycaon to come up with ideas.

The most I am aware of is cake and presents. And even then, I'd rather not expect gifts from others for whom I'm inviting for their company...

...Luckily even though I'm sixteen, I'm not invested enough to push that.

[He'll understand the appeal someday. But not today, and not about a party that at least includes the man his dad has feelings for...because that would be beyond weird.

And hey, you can go to any and every bar you want here, Louis, so improvement?]

I have...really limited experience with birthdays, as my first was last year. From what I understand from also being a guest at one, gifts aren't something you expect from your guest. It might just happen unless you specifically make it known you'd rather not.

Besides that, it seems to be doing what you enjoy that you think your guests would too. So you should definitely have input on what we'll be doing.

Well... admittedly I'm not sure I would want to invite Lycaon's son to that sort of party, regardless of if you were invested or not. My apologies.

[So, yeah, he agrees that would be pretty damn weird. ... Especially since he's got feelings for Lycaon in return and all.
Subconsciously already slotting himself into the role of "other parent".

(But he has, in fact, been living it up in Ellipsa, don't worry about that. He's got a couple bars he frequents, since the alcohol helps him keep his Orange magic in check!
Can't get him drunk, but it sure can dilute his horribly tainted blood.)]

Hmm... that, then, will be even more difficult for me. Socializing is... something I "bomb" at, so to speak.
And thus, I don't quite know what sort of activity my guests as a whole would enjoy... that I would also enjoy.

[...]

Perhaps an arcade?
Despite sounding as though I've been torn out of a particularly shitty, overly-prosed novel, I am fond of video games. So long as they're horror, but arcades abound in zombie shooters.
But would that be too much, what with the lights and sounds...?

[Too much for Nine, he means.]

[That actually gets a little chuckle.]

I don't think you should apologize for not wanting to do something we both probably agree would be weird.

[Arcade...he'd probably like video games honestly, so it would be a good time to try some.]

I wouldn't know. I haven't been in one. But whether you go with a full arcade or just a dedicated game room for the party, I know someone with a boyfriend who also really likes horror games. Maybe you could get suggestions from him.

Well - I apologize anyway, less for what it is, more for feeling guilty that I have an entire party that I can't invite you to.
I was... raised to believe that if you hold a gathering, you must invite all of your contacts to it, otherwise it's a grave insult.

I understand, of course, that it isn't, but...

[Rich people, man. Networking above all else. It's so ingrained in him, he can't help but feel bad disallowing Nine from going. Despite what it is.]

That said - if you haven't been to an arcade, then I almost feel we must choose that as the setting.
Or a dedicated game room, as you suggest, but I own nothing to fill such a room with.

All the horror I own, rather than being video games, takes the form of novels and films. And... somehow I feel people wouldn't enjoy a horror film marathon for a birthday party in November.

That's a weird thing to raise people to do. Which isn't a reflection on you.

[Societal rules around nicety...not something Nine is upset he missed out on.]

I can say I don't dislike the idea, so if it's something you like, you have my vote and I'm sure I can help you set something up in time. [Meaning pester a friend for suggestions to bring over.]

...you really should meet MK's boyfriend though. He makes the guy sound like he lives horror. He'd probably marathon movies any time of year with you. Birthday or not.

Ah, what can I say? My parents cared more for our family's image than my own personal wellbeing.

[He's very, very happy he lives on a completely separate plane of reality from his parents, now. :)]

Mm... have I met MK, himself? I'm sure I have heard of him... who might his boyfriend be?

I'll just consider myself lucky Lycaon's the only parent I've had then.

[Good, use that independence and be happy.]

If you've been to the Dealer's Den you've met MK. He owns it and is there basically every night. I haven't met his boyfriend but MK talks about their movie nights when he comes in for checkups or needs something. His name's Cole.

As you rightly should; he is a wonderful person, and I have no doubts he's equally wonderful a father.

[Careful, Nine, or he might gush about your dad--]

I've yet to visit the Dealer's Den, myself... but perhaps I'll have to change this? So that I may meet him and his boyfriend.
I could use more people to talk horror with.
It's a bit difficult being a fan of such when most everyone I speak to can't handle the idea of a little bit of blood.

- Ah, that reminds me, however. Something else I wished to discuss.
You know of my powers...

I didn't want to say this in front of Lycaon, as I feel he would disapprove. But I wanted you to know, should you ever need them... you may call for me at any time.
The full gamut of them.

Consider them a tool in your toolbox for the future. ... And know, too, that if anything happens to you -
I will not hesitate to use these powers to keep you safe.

[Not at lunch in public. Besides, there's next to nothing you can say about his dad that he's not aware of as a fact, Louis.]

You should then. MK is a safe enough person to be around and I doubt you'll give him a reason not to be. I don't have much of an opinion either way on horror. I think it just depends on the individual media for me.

[That last part though...Nine's eyes widen. It's not horror or suspicion or anything. Louis can't just say those things though. It's an unfair blow to the heart. People don't care about Nine that much. MK would materialize from the ether if he needed...but he's a hero who cares too much for people as is and has determined him a friend. Lycaon is his dad, and has said he will do everything in his power to protect him when he needs it or if he asks...other people get the "I will do everything in my power and mow down any threat in the way" concern. Not him.

But he's not going to burst into tears in a diner before their food even arrives over it.]

Why though? Especially if you know Dad wouldn't approve.

...

[Smiling, now, soft and fond. Even putting his elbows on the table, lacing his fingers, and settling his chin on them.]

Why indeed? It must be hard to understand for someone who has cared for themself since they were young.
But...

[- He's interrupted, here, by said food finally arriving, because of course he is. Even sitting up again so he can help the waitress get everything off the tray and onto the table.
And giving her both thanks and a tip, mostly to usher her away.

He's grateful for the short interruption, though. It gives him just enough time to think of how to answer - because honestly, why indeed?

When he finally starts talking, he's still not looking at Nine, instead looking at where the waitress had been - as if his thoughts are complicated and need untangling.]

...

Dandelions growing through streets and sidewalks, determined to live despite the harsh situation they're forced to grow through.
Clovers dotting the hillsides, doing their best to survive despite being dosed in herbicides.
Insects huddled in corners, just trying to survive in a world where everything larger than itself craves its death.

You, forced to raise yourself from a young age, whose shoulders tense at the mere idea that I care for you.

[Now, he turns to look at Nine properly. His expression weirdly sober compared to the almost comical grins he tends to have.]

I am someone who can't help but to love the unloved. When you live a life unwanted, you come to appreciate those who are like yourself -
Those who claw and ache for a place in a world that does not want them.

And because of that... I want you to feel I am a safe space for you. Consider me the crack breaking through the oppressive asphalt for you to grow through, little Dandelion.

[Nine has no idea what he was expecting the answer to be, but he wasn't prepared, not for this.

A lot of the comments on plant-life and even insects may have evaded him, because New Yoke had pretty effectively snugged out all organic life except for the people, but the meaning definitely doesn't.

He's been seen in a way most don't, haven't cared to even in a world where everyone was oppressed just the same. It's a relief, but also terrifying...not in a way to run from, but to confront. But he also knows better, that he doesn't need to. There's understanding here, not misunderstandings and expectations based on someone not him, no ghost to overcome.

He just...needs a moment with his iced tea, so he unwraps the straw and places it in the glass and starts to drink.]

...

[The reaction is... sort of what Louis expected. That it must have hit hard, perhaps a bit harder than he intended -
But he stands by what he's said, too.

Still, though. He can tell Nine needs a moment, so he's going to go ahead and take his phone out of his bag...
Just so he can pull up a picture of dandelions, out in a field - bright, orange-yellow ones, an amber color not too unlike Nine's fur, with the photo clearly taken to try and accentuate how pretty they can be.
And that gets placed on the table for Nine to see.]

... In case your world lacks them, these are dandelions. They... are my favorite flower.
There are many flowers that I like, but these are my favorite.

[Yes, despite his rose perfume and the fact that his red outfit likely has roses on it. Roses aren't his favorite.
The weird little sidewalk weeds are.]

[Glancing down at the phone as he sucks on the straw, he's quiet as he listens without looking at Louis just yet.

Weird little fluffy flowers...he's sure he's heard they're also edible and can be used in teas too. Not that it's his thing.]

We didn't have any flowers in New Yoke, and I never got to consider making any in The Grim.

[He looks up finally with the smallest smile as he meets Louis good eye.]

You're definitely the most different person I've met, you know that?

[It's not a bad thing in the slightest though.]

[Nine meets his good eye, and instinctually, Louis turns his head so it's focused on the fox more squarely... and smiles a little bit wider, too.]

When you live a life of metal and concrete, sometimes what you need is something different to break through it for you, wouldn't you say?

I'd be happy to introduce you to the different flowers I like, as well, should that interest you at all. To live a life without is... a bleak life.
And that is something I'm saying from experience.

I haven't always been what you see before you. In fact, while I was alive, I likely would have fit right into this New Yoke you keep speaking of.
And... I'm grateful that this is the "me" you've gotten to meet, because of that.

I have a hard time imagining you fitting in there, but I'm not going to doubt you would. Just not wish it on you.

I...wouldn't mind learning more about flowers from you. I work on commission and I'm on-call for Victoria Housekeeping, so I'm not actually very busy unless I'm scheduled for something...except Sundays. I spar and the rest of the day is resting.

[Stop growing on him. He's going to go home, hug Lycaon, and endorse you at this rate.]

...

[He's quiet for a moment, as if he's mentally debating something.]

I would love nothing more than to teach you all you wish to know about flowers. Or anything else under my expertise, for that matter -
Flowers, fruits and vegetables, insects, arachnids, annelids, and isopods, psychology, music, poetry, tailoring, magic...
They're all available to you whenever you wish.
But...

[More internal debating, his expression making it clear he's weighing something in his mind.]

... If it interests you, my magic allows me to cast illusions - I could show you what I was before.

[That's something he's offered literally no one else. Not Lycaon, not Evangeline, not his bandmates - no one.
The only person in Ellipsa who knows what "he was before" is the man who killed him originally, the one who made him into what he is now.]

Edited 2025-11-08 09:57 (UTC)

[The offer to teach him is appreciated, especially as getting to know each other seems like a certainty at this point.

But that second one, carrying that weight of having needed serious consideration before offering is the more important one.]

I wouldn't ask to see without offering letting you see something in return somehow. That wouldn't feel right. Because you're not putting this out there lightly.

It's true that I'm not "putting this out there lightly", as you say - but I also wouldn't offer something I don't want to do.
I feel as though it would help you to understand my... "difference" a bit more.

The reason I am the way that I am.

[A pause, thoughtful.]

That... and I'm not sure what I would ask to see from you in return. So please, don't feel obligated.

[There a lot to take in with that. The lack of pressure, reasoning for offering at all, and the weight of the offer of course.]

...I'll need to think on that for awhile. Maybe I'll come up with something, maybe I won't. But it also won't change the choice I make.

[That would be disrespecting the point altogether, he feels.]

But...thanks. For being open with me.

[Again, Louis's expression softens... even if it looks a just a bit sad, too.]

I appreciate honesty and openness between people, even if I can't say I'm very good at returning the gesture. This is about as open as I'm consciously capable of, however -
And as part of recognition of the self in the other, I feel there's benefits in sharing these things with you.
And, thus, the offer to see what I was before still sits on the table.

[...]

That said... I must admit, I'm curious. Have others ever been open with you before? Flayed their ribs so you may see what's inside, trusting you with their most grotesque parts?
You speak as though the trust of others has been few and far between for you.

Most people I learn through what they do, say, and how they carry themselves. Even with Dad at first. Though what he shows is closer to baring himself than it isn't I guess.

[He picks up his sandwich and takes a bite, chewing as he considers how to continue.]

The closest I got first was my best friend. He admitted to how he shattered everything after not listening to his best friend. But he only told me because of their bond and I have the same face. And any trust was built on the perception that I was just like his real friend. Breaking that broke the trust as well...almost to the point of no return.

I don't think that openness would have happened if I didn't look like someone he trusted.

[Still his best friend though.]

MK also has somewhat. Starting with something he was guilty over and had few people to talk to. More literally though, I'm now more familiar with his soul than almost anyone else here and he trusts me to handle that responsibility despite anything I might learn about him in the process. I don't pry into anything I find that's not about his health though.

And Morty...if I haven't seen the ugliest parts of him yet, then it's probably because I actually can't handle it.

[And he handled a lot of what he saw.]

Most of the people who want to be around me or mutual trust are very guarded. And I've never thought to question them because it's what's been the way most people are. Also, I got used to trusting no one and keeping myself to myself well before I had a friend.

You're the first person to try to build that bridge in a more positive way this quickly.

[As Nine talks, Louis's going to go ahead and get to his iced tea to start with. It also gives him something to focus on as he thinks for a moment, because... he does need to think.]

So what I am hearing, then... is you've yet to have a friendship with others that did not start with some obligation.
In return for trust and openness, they expected things of you. Your best friend expected behavior that wasn't yours - MK expects care and a shoulder.
I can't say I know whom Morty is whatsoever... but if you feel that way about him, then I have no doubts that there's manipulation lurking under the surface.

Speaking from a psychoanalytical standpoint, most people don't bear their most ugly parts in their entirety without wanting something from you in return. Generally, it's done so that you feel you owe them something in return; somewhat similar to the propensity of offering gifts to later use as leverage to get what they want.

[And now he puts his cup down, having been holding it as he talks, so he can bring his own food closer.]

... If any of that hit a bullseye for you, then please know that my own openness comes with no expectations.
The only quote-unquote, "obligation" you have with me is to enjoy yourself when we spend time together. Nothing more.

You're surprisingly close. Sonic, my best friend, needed Tails to fix things...put them back how they were because he couldn't if he'd known how to. He wanted his best friend who sees things the way he does and could fix the world he recklessly broke.

I don't follow anyone blindly, and I wasn't open to taking the risk at the time.

[He takes another bite, making sure to swallow.]

MK was falling apart because a lot of the people he was closest to were busy demonizing him for something terrible he did...to a point where it wasn't about him doing better. I was in his position right before everything ended in the Shatterverse, so I listened and I gave him my thoughts. His soul...was a consequence my mentor left him without his consent or having done anything wrong. I have the power to address that, so I chose to without him asking.

[In many senses, he feels protective of the bartender. Definitely responsible for his care when very few others can provide it if he chooses to walk away or is sent home.]

Morty is someone I could have easily turned into if pushed just a little further before I was pulled back. He sees that too in how similar we are and we both see the benefit of cooperation and openness for the purpose of safety and sharing a mission. So there's an expectation from day 1, and it's too soon to say if anything else will come from it.

There's a chance you'll see him around the house occasionally...but his main goal is to be left alone, so you might never meet him at all.

[Morty doesn't scare him...but he is that dangerous "friend" that he wants to keep from being provoked, because he has no optimism that it wouldn't end badly for anyone else. Knowing how to not poke the bear is the safest way to work with one.

And now there's you, Louis. Giving him a perspective and understanding and not immediately expecting him to react in any specific way. And he's in a place where that isn't a red flag to put him on guard.]

Not having this come with an expectation is nice though. I think with Dad I needed the expectation because it was his way of trusting me. It was his legs, after all. And I would have been suspicious if there wasn't an expectation for why he just approached me that day.

[Again, Louis listens and takes it all in, taking a moment to think everything over.]

I'm glad, then, that by this point, you seem to have learned that you don't need expectations for...

... A friendship.

[There was definitely a bit of hesitation there, using the word friendship. It's nothing on Nine - it's still just something Louis actively fears.
And, yes, he's still deciding that Nine's his friend. Despite fearing it.]

... With all that you've gone through, you deserve to have people in your life who expect nothing from you. Especially when you're still young.
To try and grow through expectation would be like a plant attempting to grow through...

Well, through asphalt.

[He definitely catches the hesitation and his ear flicks a little. Not because it's weird or suspicious...it's relatable. He still hesitates to call anyone else friend specifically. So he won't judge, especially when Louis didn't have to express it at all.]

I'm glad the feeling is mutual. I don't have any expectations unless you say you're going to do something first.

Mm. Well, I unfortunately can't say I'm often a man of my word... but that's generally because I have moments where I am not paying attention to whatever it is I'm saying.
You'll likely recognize when that is. If it happens, please feel free to dismiss whatever drivel comes out of my mouth, because I guarantee I'm already dismissing it, myself.

[... He may or may not be somewhat mentally unwell. Somewhat. Maybe a little.]

That said - I am a man of honor. If, in those moments, I promise you something that your heart becomes set upon... tell me, and I'll do my best to make it happen regardless.

Fair enough. I consider myself pretty honest with what I tell people. I'm not going to say I will or won't do something if I'm not planning to follow through. But I only do things outside of what I've said in emergencies, or with actively dangerous people and situations.

[Emotional wellness is relative. Nine will support where he can since they're doing this.]

And I will.

... Actively dangerous people.

[Yeah. Hm. If they're doing this, maybe he should... be a little more honest.
Though, it's clear enough Louis doesn't feel great about it, considering he's looking away as he starts talking.]

Ah... I suppose there is... a bit more about me that I ought to be open about.
In general, I do my best to be pleasant and good-natured with others. But... I can't say I'm... "all here," as they say.

As I mentioned, my powers dole out - ah, what did I call them? "Psychedelic effects"? To be more precise, they deal hallucinations and paranoia, among other things.
And... that magic is stored within my blood. It courses through me, constantly, in the form of what we call "psychotoxins"; that is, a substance that can kill with a high enough dose, and muddles the mind even at its lowest doses.

...

And I am not immune to it, despite being full to the brim with it.
I'm sure you can understand what it is I'm getting at. There are times where I can't say I'm in control of myself... though I do my best to keep myself leashed and collared to prevent that.

There's a reason my name is Loupgarou, I suppose.

[Hopefully Nine isn't too too busy right now... because while Louis's visiting, today, there's going to be a light knock on his door.

It's something he's been thinking about how to approach for a little bit, now. He couldn't just bring it to Nine immediately... what if he fumbled it? Brought it up in a way that was poor, sold it in a way that made it sound like a terrible choice?
(What if it was a terrible choice, and Nine's going to be upset...?)

So. It's only just now that Louis has the guts, waiting outside of Nine's door the other to answer, holding a bag in his arms as he does.]

[Nine has actually taken the day off. He's got a big project in the near future so he's planning carefully for it.

When he opens the door, he's not surprised to see Louis there because that's what cameras are for.]

Dad's not here, so I'm guessing you're here to see me.

[He's about 60% homebody and runs his business from home so it's a safe guess.]

Also, hi Louis.

Indeed, I am. It's good to see you, Nine -
Will you come join me in the main room? I have something I'd like to discuss with you.

[Which seems important, honestly. ... Sure, Louis kind of always sounds serious, even when he's joking - but still, it's pronounced this time.]

Should I be expecting an important conversation whenever you come around?

[He's joking, but it is rather funny that their first meeting turned pretty serious for awhile, their lunch out was important conversation, and now here they are again.]

We can talk in the living room, yeah. Echo and Turbid are the only ones there and they won't interrupt unless they get hungry.

[He motions Louis to follow him.]

I'll endeavor to make our next discussion more lighthearted and silly for you.

[Which is him joking in return, even if it may not fully come off that way.
It's said, too, as he follows along behind him.]

... Pokemon, I take it? I don't believe I've met yours as of yet.

We'll see how that goes.

[They walk into the living room and there are indeed a pair of Pokemon. A Swoobat perches contentedly on the back of the chair, but gives Louis a curious look. And a Quagsire is fast asleep on the rug in a comfortable blob. Both are wearing collars fitted with tiny translators.]

Half of them. This is Echo and Turbid. They hatched about a minute apart so you're likely to see them together most often.

Ah...

[Seeing the Pokemon there together, Louis shifts the bag in his arms to just one so he can give the Swoobat a little wave.]

How sweet, for them to be so close... it must be nice, knowing that they have each other for company. Certainly not the sort of Pokemon I would have expected -
But then again, I'm sure most wouldn't expect me to have the ones that I have.

...

Aside from my Gothorita, I suppose.

[He's kind of, like, obvious for Louis to have.]

I only actively sought out one of my four myself. My first is a Feraligatr I got at the Mall, Echo was a gift, and Turbid belonged to my teacher but imprinted on me when they hatched. I caught a Luxray not long ago.

[Echo waves back.]

Which have you got?

Currently? A Hydrapple, a Gothorita, and a Toxel. ... The last one is something of an infant, but if it were also a salamander.
Here -

[He'll go ahead and pull out his phone to go through the Pokedex app, just so he can show Nine what he means.
Sure enough, Toxel's baby.]

... Currently, my Gothorita is taking care of him back at my suite.
I would have brought them both with me, but I knew there was a chance he would get his poisons on the gift I made for you, so I thought it better to leave them behind for now...

[It's a nice day out for flying. He's a little lost in his thoughts - thinking about the war back home. About what nearly happened to him.

Tobias sighs quietly in his head. There's nothing he can do about it besides shove it aside. It's what they all had to do to keep fighting. Give in and the fear wins. That's what he figures anyway. But he was tortured, nearly died. That hasn't been something easy for him to get over.

Then he spies them out, below him. Thankful for the distraction, he goes into a dive and lands nearby. The black hedgehog had been there, now he's gone? Weird. He does study the fox, easily counting nine tails. He cocks his head to the side a bit. Tobias's eyes are intense, it's just the way how he looks.]

< That looked a little intense. > [He comments idly.]

[Nine's head snaps up and around, though he doesn't ready himself for trouble yet. It only takes a moment to spot the unfamiliar bird...thank god he knows someone who refuraly enjoys a bird form or he might have suspected something was up.

Tilting his head, he studies Tobias.]

It's worth pushing our training, given what we're here for and the kinds of things that keep happening.

Seasons Inbox

Text - After Sonic shares Shadow's memories

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TEXT - shortly after Shadow and Nine's canon update heyooo

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Text UN: MonkieMan - Mid-June

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