The Nineteenth Trial

[hot_mess_express]

Who: Everyone
When: Day 43, evening
Where: The Mermaid's Beach

Come on, come on heroes...! Come hither!

[ There's a playful giggle and the sound of splashing as the Mermaid's beach appears in the clearing. ]

Let's play a game...!

Comments

[schrodingerscockroach]

[Sometimes going through the motions is easier than]

[Well, thinking all that.]

All right.

[He figures Five may need a minute to himself.]

[time5kip]

[ He absolutely needs to and in fact, takes some time to gather drinks and come back. But by then he's managed to shake off most of it. ]

I need to give one more massage still.

[ Handing over a cup - this time, with no salt in it ]

[schrodingerscockroach]

[Takes the cup and does a test sip. Once he sees its good, he'll take a sane and normal sip.]

Sure. So do I. Just try not to touch the tech on my neck.

[time5kip]

[ He on the other hand is drinking his all in one go. Because that's what normal people do. He's going to move in closer and take a look at his neck, to make sure he won't touch anywhere he's not supposed to ]

I'll keep it in mind for whenever I want to piss you off.

[schrodingerscockroach]

More like I don't know how to feels to have other people touch it.

Or if I have instincts for when people touch the delicate machinery attached to my spine.

[time5kip]

I'd say we could test it, but let's wait until I get my powers back. I'm as fragile as any regular thirteen year old boy and I barely have combat skills. —Which would count as another secret, since I haven't told this to anyone. But I've already taken care of that spot.

[ Putting his hands on his shoulders, and then starting the massage ]

[schrodingerscockroach]

I kind of guessed that when you remembered things.

[But staying still for the massage.]

[....he is hella tense, but that's probably not such a surprise.]

[time5kip]

One thing is to know that I don't have powers, another is to know that I'm basically a useless pile of flesh when it comes to fighting now. Not really going to advertise that much. Keep the knowledge strictly to Clover only.

[schrodingerscockroach]

[He could be a little shit and point out his size would point to that.]

[Nah, not after all the emotions.]

Actually, that's convenient. I needed to make a pact.

I promise not to tell anyone off of Clover you're a useless pile of flesh when it comes to fighting. Strictly need to know basis with team.

[time5kip]

[ GOOD DON'T BE RUDE DUSK ET HIM HAVE SOME DIGNITY. Also he's deadly despite his size so take that!!! ]

Only for now. Even assuming I don't get the full extent of my powers, getting my usual skills back would be enough.

[ also he's going to be petty and squeeze harder than he needs when Dusk says useless pile of flesh ]

I was trained as an assassin. Shouldn't be much of a surprise considering our similarities, but there you go. Thought this is something that can be useful to know in the future.

[schrodingerscockroach]

[Listen, he's been bullied by a number of tiny high schoolers, that's his life.]

Could always make deals with people. Eliza and I try to tell jokes, learn lessons when we talk.

[He chuckles at the squeeze.] Your words~

Nah, that's not a surprise. Most of Clover has been some kind of trained killer. Except like Twilight, he just has weird. But it's always good to know what people are and aren't capable of.

[time5kip]

He still has got a criminal record, so. I wouldn't put that completely off the table yet. I'm getting increasingly sure we're all murderers.

For the record.

I won't have qualms about killing you or anyone else if it's convenient or needed, for whatever reason. Just in case you're worried about going off the rails.

[schrodingerscockroach]

If he is, I'm not sure I'd put it to trained assassin. He's not exactly....

[The kind of person who could go kill a bunch of people.]

....I would rather not become a monster, it's true. The convenient sounds terrible for the record though.

[time5kip]

I'd hope you'd do the same if it's convenient for the team as well. I need the sparks and we have a universe to save, so. Don't let morals stop you.

[schrodingerscockroach]

If it's needed, probably. I managed knock out without hesitation, so it's a bit more to yes than no, but it's kind of a thing I need to do to know.

Not sure what convenience entails in this scenario.

[time5kip]

The way I see it it's anything that would give us an advantage, regardless of the situation. Like you said. If it's needed. The way I see it those are the same.

Besides, you and I are the adults of the team. If there's a need to kill someone or be killed, it's best we handle it ourselves.

[schrodingerscockroach]

[Shrugs.] There's a lot of times where killing someone is 'convenient' without being necessary. Great way to end an argument at the moment, though not necessarily for something longterm.

But you are right on the adult thing. Twilight would take it badly, Dawn is... [A lying hot mess.] And Noon might be a little too okay with it.

Don't blindside it unless I've become some kind of raving monster though. Especially if Noon is around.

[time5kip]

I'll keep that in mind.

[ And it's his turn to sound sincere, and maybe there's an actual willingness to take people's feelings in consideration. He's even making sure his massage his gentle now, despite the earlier squeeze ]

... I never really enjoyed it, you know. Killing people. It was just something I did to go about my daily life. One more thing to do before I could get back home. Never gave it much thought.

[schrodingerscockroach]

[It does help to hear that. He knows Five's bad at emotions, so trying goes a long way.]

Really the only way to go through a lot of killing. Sometimes I was angry, sometimes I really wanted someone dead, but most of the time, it was just about the goal. They're in the way. They need to be gone so I can reach the goal.

Why I don't think Twilight is a trained assassin type. I don't think he can achieve that kind of disconnect.

[time5kip]

He seems kind enough. You're probably right with that.

[ And now he's going to move his hands off of him, since there's no time limit on the massage ]

I'm done with mine, so let's complete yours.

[schrodingerscockroach]

He is. And he feels a lot even if he's got a straight face.

Good job.

[Considers a moment.]

Please, oh please, can you give me advice on how to make better coffee? I'm begging you.

[The most deadpan begging, hands clasped in front of him.]

[time5kip]

[ How dare you be endearing in any capacity. He's smiling again and that's the most he's smiled in like. Years. ]

Wouldn't you like to know. I'm keeping my secrets with me.

[schrodingerscockroach]

[IT'S WHAT HE DOES.]

Oh no, but I must know. [Still deadpan, but putting his hand to his forehead in a dramatic gesture.] How can I live without your refined taste of coffee. I'll do anything if you'll tell me.

[time5kip]

You just get decent beans and equipment and try not to burn them. Twilight would probably give you more in-depth advice.

Never beg me ever again, it's gross.

[schrodingerscockroach]

[He straightens up with a laugh.]

Understood, but that's two squares.

You want a massage this time?