⚙ 003;

[fuhgeddaboudit]

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.

Comments

[oathshackledbird]

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.

[fuhgeddaboudit]

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

[oathshackledbird]

[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!

[fuhgeddaboudit]

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.

[oathshackledbird]

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.

[fuhgeddaboudit]

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.

[oathshackledbird]

[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?

[fuhgeddaboudit]

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.

[oathshackledbird]

[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.

[fuhgeddaboudit]

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.

[oathshackledbird]

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?

[fuhgeddaboudit]

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.

[oathshackledbird]

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.

[fuhgeddaboudit]

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.

[oathshackledbird]

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?

[fuhgeddaboudit]

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.

[oathshackledbird]

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.

[fuhgeddaboudit]

Well...I dunno. I wonder if anyone that ain't artificial can really get it at all. Until I saw Aigis, part a' me was thinkin' I was the only one left altogether. All the others in my generation were...dismantled, and I was asleep for years. How was I supposed t'know there were ever ones that came after me?

But I guess...it was easier that we were different. She wasn't afraid of bein' rejected or ashamed of bein' an android like I was back then. So it was thanks to her and all my other friends that I learned I could accept what I was.

[oathshackledbird]

[Lancer nods.]

Maybe I can't understand, but I did want to try after all you have done for me. I'm very glad that she was able to do so much for you. I think she would be very proud to see you as you are today. You are a very kind and caring young woman thanks in no small part to her kindness.

[fuhgeddaboudit]

Heh...I ain't all that great, I don't think. At the very least I ain't any better a person than all my other friends.

[oathshackledbird]

If your friends are all as wonderful as you, then you have a remarkable group of friends.

[Lancer smiles and then motions toward the piano.]

Not to change the topic, but what were you playing before I so rudely interrupted you? It seemed like it was something important to you.

[fuhgeddaboudit]

Nah, it was nothin' special. I was just kinda playin' around to see what sounded nice.

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

[oathshackledbird]

You must be a natural then because that sounded like a lot more than just playing around.

[He laughs gently, happily.]

It's a shame my father isn't here to meet you. He would be enthralled by you, I think. Not only by who you are, but also by your many talents.

lmfao good lord....

[fuhgeddaboudit]

R-really? I don't think I'm all that talented...I mean, I just kinda get bored and pick stuff up once in a while.

[oathshackledbird]

Father would say that a thirst for learning is a talent You could have just stopped learning over the years...

[Lancer's expression suddenly saddens.]

...Like I did. He would be so disappointed in me. I really need to make sure that I keep reading those books Lady Amano gave me. And maybe once you figure out the piano here, you can try and teach me some. I don't know if I will be able to find the music in me again, but I should at least try.