towerofanimus | ⚙ 003;

Entry tags:

⚙ 003;

Characters: Labrys and you!
Setting: Around the tower
Format: I'll try to match.
Summary: Labrys doesn't age. She deals with it, learns new things, and fights in her spare time. (Go ahead and establish pre-existing relationships if you like!)
Warnings: None currently.

[dormitory floors]

[There was some part of her that knew exactly how long it had been. Buried deep in calculations, in strings of binary ones and zeroes was an internal clock that ticked away the hours, days, months, and years. But she didn't dare look, not anymore. Deep down Labrys feared that if she truly knew how long she had spent in the tower, her mechanical heart might just break on the spot.]

[Maybe there was a measure of denial to it all. If she'd spent too long in the tower, then she'd have failed in her promise to find her 'mother'. Assuming their world was in fact still unharmed, which was a belief Labrys had kept for however long it had been. If she knew for certain how long it had been, she'd know whether or not she failed. No, it was best to continue on as things were.]

[And as things were, she'd matured in mind while remaining static in form. This was a body that would not, could not age like those of her friends. The only visible change in Labrys was the matured, proud way in which she carried herself; joyful cheeriness had faded to quiet compassion and a caring smile for those around her. Most of her childlike curiosity had faded as well; she still carried a genuine interest in the world around her, of course, but as time passed she learned most of the basic things any normal human might know.]

[There were many days where she wandered the dorm floors idly, with no real goal in mind other than to talk to people. Make them feel welcomed and cared about, like she knew humans so desperately needed to be in times like this. It was on such a day where she stopped and looked to whoever was passing by at that moment, speaking in a thickly accented voice that had lost a bit of its coarseness over time:]

Hey, you. What're ya doin'?

[floor 28]

[When things were peaceful and there were no experiments being run, Labrys enjoyed distracting herself with learning new things. Idly she wondered if it was easier for an android to pick up something new; humans didn't think in terms of data entry and analysis. That was one of the things she liked so much about them. People were so abstract, confusing her in the most fascinating ways much like her own heart tended to.]

[In recent weeks it had been the piano that caught her eye; she hadn't yet taught herself an instrument, so it sounded like a fun thing to try. The robot girl minus her Yasogami uniform sat down at the instrument and pressed metal fingers to white keys, gradually starting to pick out a tune that gained pace as she became a little more confident with it.]

[floor 25]

[She always came back to this place. Nearly every day, in fact. She loved the meadow dearly, and often took time to appreciate the vibrant flowers. This was a peaceful place of life in a tower that seemed so focused on death. And much like Labrys herself...it never seemed to change. Maybe that was something reassuring, if she worried about her age or lack thereof. If that was ever a concern, she didn't show it. There wasn't much point upsetting people by crying over the obvious unsolveable problems.]

[basically anywhere else]

[There was always one persistent problem; the monsters within the Tower's walls. maybe someone was cornered by them, maybe they were just grouped in too large a number. No matter the exact reason, the metal girl floating with the thruster-equipped axe attached to her back would as usual take control of the situation.]

Pasiphaë! [Before her appeared a semitransparent spirit--a shining woman colored in sapphire and glittering like starlight. Upon her head were the horns of a bull, and in her hands a burning flame that radiated the warmth of the sun.]

[At her back Labrys held out her hand; Pasiphaë raised the flame above her head in response.]

Mahama! [The rustling of talisman paper, a flash of divine light...and the monsters were gone. Her Persona vanishing, a satisfied Labrys alighted on the ground with a smile.]

And that's how it's done.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Lancer lets his head rest against Labrys' shoulder, his voice barely a whisper.]

That is how I justified it...at first, but is it really all right to leave him like that? Wouldn't it have been better if I had done everything I could to keep him with us? To focus him on adjusting here when I knew he couldn't ever go back? Isn't that what a real knight would have done instead of taking the easy way out and just agreeing with his delusions?

And there are times when I just want to give up and join him there--times when I get so tired of the pain and the lies that I just want to let go and fall into whatever world he's living in. I could be happy there--focused on finding a way out that I'll never find, but it wouldn't matter because I'd be serving my lord. That would be all that matters.

[Now he turns his face into her shoulder as if it might help him hide his shame.]

There is no way to justify me being so weak--so cowardly--as to even consider such a thing, but I do. Almost every time I visit him, I do.

[Lancer then pauses suddenly, realizing something.]

But...that's what happened to you right? It hurt so much you hide away until you were made to remember what was real and what wasn't. Maybe...maybe I need to stop focusing on what I've done wrong and start thinking about those things I've made myself forget instead?

You're a good person. I ain't ever gonna let anyone say different about you. If you were anythin' else, it wouldn't cause ya this much pain trying to guess whether or not you're doin' the right thing.

[She didn't move away, letting him get as close as he needed. Danger sensing mechanisms be damned, she trusted her heart first in situations like this.]

That'd be a good start, I think. Life ain't all about just the mistakes you've made--even if they're just ones you think you've made, I mean.

[Lancer nods, but doesn't move from where he's resting against her shoulder. He does seem to tense a little, though.]

This is probably going to hurt me...a lot. Please don't let it frighten you. I think it's all in my head. I'm no psychologist, but my roommate looked me over the other day and he found nothing physically wrong with me. It has to be in my head. There is no other explanation.

[He pauses a moment, and then begins to speak with an already distant voice.]

I miss my children so much right now. Dealing with everything with my master...

[Oops, he hadn't meant to actually call Kariya master to anyone but the man himself, but the word is out so Lancer just continues talking.]

...he talks about his children so much and I can't help but think of mine. Of how curious my daughter was. She loved asking questions about everything. It annoyed her brothers to no end...

[He winces as the first warning twinges of pain wash over him, but he ignores them and keeps talking.]

I love this story so much. Grainne never learned to cook because she was the High King's daughter, but she insisted on teaching our daughter and learning at the same time. The kitchen...it was such a mess. Every time it took me hours to set right. Cooking...it was just something she could never do, but she tired so hard and they were always so proud of what they managed to cobble together.

It's just a shame it was never edible...

[His voice trails off and he squeezes his eyes more tightly shut that before. There are tears in them again. Whether from the pain or the bittersweet memories, is anyone's guess.]

[Labrys didn't speak at first, listening carefully as she idly stroked a hand through Lancer's hair. All the experience and human emotion in the world didn't quite teach how to comfort someone, but Labrys at least hoped she'd learned over time.]

...tell me more about 'em. My only sisters were-...well, it doesn't matter right now. I wanna hear about a happy family. Kids that had somebody like you around.

I wasn't with them nearly long enough.

[There is a deep sadness in his voice that has nothing to do with the pain he's feeling as he continues to force himself to remember. This pain is different. This is the pain of regret, an emotion once unfamiliar to him that has become like a brother as time has passed.]

I left them too soon because I was so foolish as to believe maybe things would be okay. That my lord's words were true. I should have listened to Grainne that day. I should have...

[He pauses and takes a deep breath pushing that pain away. It is something he can deal with later.

Maybe.]

You asked for happier stories, not sad ones. I had five children in total. Four boys and a girl. They were such a handful as you might imagine, but I never minded it. Not even when I ended up having to spend the whole day cleaning the kitchen.

[He laughs, though the laughter is sad. It's obvious he's still thinking about having left them too soon.]

My father was...a character, but he loved them as well and they loved him. He was the only one who could get them all to stop and listen at the same time. Of course, he was a god and I'm pretty sure he cheated.

[Lancer smiles, and for once, the expression seems to lighten the sadness in his eyes.]

But it was the same for me when I was a child. Be it story or song, I always wanted to hear it. They were no different.

S'nice to hear a good story now an' then, isn't it? You all musta been real happy...that's good. I'm glad t'hear that.

[Her own expression was distant, thoughtful--more than mere calculation, there was heart and sentiment behind scarlet eyes.]

Lancer, is it...is it okay if I say somethin'? See, I never really had parents, obviously--sisters, I guess--but th' thing is...for as long as we've been stuck around here, you've been kinda like the closest thing to a father I ever had.

Probably sounds stupid, yeah? I mean, who wants a machine for a kid when they already had their own?

No! It's not stupid at all!

[Lancer sits up so that he can look her in the eyes. At the same time, he reaches out and gently cups her face with one hand.]

You have never been a machine to me. Your soul and heart are human. That is all that matters. Honestly, you are much more human than some humans I have known.

[He almost adds that she is much more human than he is at this moment, but he manages to stop himself.]

Anyone would be honored to have you as a daughter. I am honored that you feel that way about me.

[A tiny spark of something mischievous twinkles in his eyes suddenly.]

And I will beat the hell out of anyone who says anything different about my little girl.

[Of course, said little girl can take care of herself just fine, but father's prerogative and all...]

[She laughed quietly at that, relieved to see Lancer feeling better even if just for the moment.]

And I'll beat the hell outta anyone that says you're even a little less of a fantastic person than ya are. I ain't gonna have anyone talkin' badly about my friends or family.

Listen, I ain't sayin it's wrong to feel lonely, 'cause it ain't. Anybody can feel lonely anytime, but that doesn't mean they're alone. Even if everybody else turns on ya, I'm always gonna make sure I'm at your side tellin' you when you're doin' the right thing.

Thank you, Labrys.

[He reaches out and gives her shoulder a squeeze.]

However, I'm not a very good person right now. I need...a lot of work. More than someone to tell people how wonderful I am, I need someone to help keep me honest. With others, yes, but mostly with myself. It's too easy for me to just push things away and not deal with them when I need to.

If...I want to get better I can't keep doing that.

If that's what it's gonna take, then I'll do it. If ya want me to, I mean.

[He nods, a small grin on his face.]

If you don't mind helping out your old man that is. Most daughters are ashamed of their fathers, after all. I might go telling people all your most embarrassing secrets. Or scaring off your boyfriends. You know all those typical dad things I never...got to do with my daughter.

[Lancer's face saddens for a few moments, but he shakes it off and is soon smiling again.]

And no matter now nice he is to you, you are not allowed to date my roommate!

I ain't got any secrets, so I guess there's nothin' to worry about there. And I'm pretty sure I ain't ever gonna date anyone.

[Labrys shrugged, laughing as she spoke.]

But I'll be sure t' remember that.

Mmmm...is that how it is then?

[Lancer smirks and then winks at her.]

Instead of scaring them away, I should be hunting out some for you. I see. Give me some time and we'll see what I can do. They are going to have to be able to fight so they don't slow you down. And they need to be honest so that they never...

[His voice trails off and he winks at her again.]

Anything you want to add? It's your dream boy after all.

Ehehe...really, I don't want anybody.

[She held up her hands, playfully defensive.]

I mean...yeah, maybe it'd be nice. And yeah, maybe there's been a guy or two I liked. But there ain't no way I'm gettin' involved with that kinda thing.

[Lancer laughs.]

Well, I suppose that isn't all bad. All things considered, I'm not the person who should be giving you any kind of dating advice or advice in love. Normal relationships are something I have very little experience with.

[His face suddenly becomes serious.]

Is there a reason you don't want to give love a chance though? After all this time? Aren't you even a little curious?

Well, it's kinda...I'm curious, sure. And there mighta even been someone I liked a lot, once or twice.

But...I guess it's complicated. I don't wanna have t' do that to anyone--I mean, humans're gonna move along through their lives. That's what they're supposed t' do, enjoy life because it ain't gonna last. But I'm...well, look at me. I ain't changed a bit and I'm never gonna.

They'd probably end up spendin' their time feelin' sorry for me. Or themselves, more likely. But it is how it is, so I think I'd rather just spare anybody the heartache.

[Lancer smiles at her a little sadly and shakes his head.]

But isn't that the same thing you're telling me not to do? I don't change either and yet you tell me not to be afraid to make friends and find new family to fill my life. Why shouldn't you do the same if you want to? If the person is worth your love, they will understand and love you just as much anyway. You will have wonderful memories of them to carry on once they pass.

In a way, I guess anyone who knows and loves either of us will have the honor of never being forgotten.

[His smile brightens a little.]

Who knows? With all of the worlds that this place pulls people from someday someone like you might arrive as well. After all, I am hardly unique. Just think of all the servants who are here now.

Mm...maybe you're right. I'm sorry, that's probably kinda dumb of me, thinkin' like that. Maybe I just...ain't ready.

[Sighing, Labrys answered with a smile of her own.]

Could be. I know I'd at least like t' see Aigis again, sometime.

Not dumb at all. There is nothing wrong with not being ready. Only you know that and there is no reason to rush especially not for people like us who have so much time.

[He tilts his head curiously at the unfamiliar name.]

Who is Aigis? Is she one of your sisters?

She was built a few generations after me. I was the fifth and she was the...seventh, I think. I'd never met her until just before I got to th' Tower, and...I ain't seen her since. Met a lot a' her friends, though.

What was it like? Meeting her and knowing she had been made after you? How did she react to you?

[He pauses and suddenly pales.]

I'm sorry, that was rude of me. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. I didn't mean to pry.

Oh--no, it's okay! I ain't got nothin' to hide, so you can ask me whatever y' want.

[Thinking his question over, Labrys idly twisted the yellow scarf from her uniform between her fingers.]

It was...kinda weird, at first. I met her at kinda a real confusin' time, when I thought nobody would wanna look at me twice 'cause of all the trouble my Shadow caused. Aigis, she...had real friends with her, humans that treated her like she was one a' them. Until I met her and everyone else, nobody'd ever treated me like that.

Right outta the gate, she was nice t' me. Treated me like someone she'd known forever, was real sympathetic and nice even after all a' the trouble I made everyone deal with. So I guess...kinda like family, right? If I had t' guess what that was supposed to be like, I'd point at Aigis.

I would say that is exactly the definition of family. I am very happy that you were able to meet someone like her during a time it sounds like you really needed to. This may sound a little cruel because the only way for it to happen would be for her to be trapped here like us, but I hope you get to see her again someday. I'm sure it would be a great comfort to you.

Was she a lot like you? I know you told me once that there were similarities between the different generations, but you both had spent time living out on your owns by then. Did she seem a lot different from you because of that?

She didn't really look like me--I mean, she was robotic, but more advanced. She'd have an easier time passin' for human if she had to.

[She tapped her feet against the floor, thinking before continuing on.]

We don't talk the same, either--she ain't got the speech patterns I do. Probably 'cause her personality software's different, but she acted like her heart was even more advanced than mine was.

And how did that make you feel? Was it easier that you were so different? I mean...

[He pauses, a look of frustration crossing his features.]

I have to admit, hearing you talk about this is one of the most interesting things I've heard in a long time. I don't know why I never asked you more about all of this before. I suppose I thought it wasn't my place to ask. But, I keep trying to imagine how it must have felt for you and I just can't. It's so far beyond anything I have ever heard before and all I can do is ask more questions in hopes that it will help me figure it out. I want to be able to show you as much understanding as you have shown me.

⚙ 003;

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OMG! Just what they need. Aengus meeting Labrys! dies

lmfao good lord....

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