personavelvetroomdr | [Open] A robot arrives in the Dressing Room

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[Open] A robot arrives in the Dressing Room

'Well, that didn't make any sense. Thanks for nothing, weird old man,' is what he thinks.

"Ah, I see," is what he says, smiling at the long-nosed, bug-eyed old man sitting in the middle of the strange blue room he's found himself in, "thank you very much for your warm welcome. I appreciate your introduction."

Despite his near perfect disguise as a human, Goro's ultimately mechanical body bows politely, as if he'd gained any valuable information from this, instead of being spoken at nonsensically. What the hell is this place? The Velvet Room? Forming bonds? Concern about the place from which he came? As far as he's concerned, this is all looking like it's going to be a huge headache.

Still, his scanners indicate that this is... not quite like the Metaverse, but something like it? The strangeness of it all certainly makes more sense when he looks at it that way. It's a place outside of his normal reality, that's for certain, though when he tries to recall the memories of how exactly he ended up here, all he gets back is some glitchy static that makes his limbs twitch. Fun! Lovely! Shido-san is going to want to know about this!

He blinks away the intrusive thought, the only indication of his upset as he looks around. Internally, he sighs, already resigning himself to figuring out how this place can be useful to Shido-san. He has better things to do, technically, but apparently, it's not like he's gone in his own world, so it's not like it'll really make a difference, either. Who knows? Maybe exploring this place will prove useful, in the long run. He's not sure what kind of 'bonds' he's expected to make, if any at all, though maybe finding someone and speaking to them may prove fruitful.

... Sure. That sounds logical enough. He's not exactly eager to hand yet another boon over to Shido, but it's not like he can refuse either. He's already here, after all. Not to mention, he is curious...

Hmm... usually, he's forbidden from leaving Tokyo. These doors lead to places outside of Tokyo, but since this is Metaverse related, perhaps he can try to...?

When he does not receive an internal error (though he's not sure if he's exactly happy about that), he opens one of the doors...

... and ends up in a city, which his internal GPS immediately pings as Iwatodai. From his databases, he knows the Kirijo Group has many connections here, which immediately sets him on edge. His body, however, does not react to his internal distress, nor the vague impulse to return to the Velvet Room already, and sets out to explore.
... and finds himself in the middle of a shopping district... filled with closed shops. He gets pinged with "Yasoinaba" for a location. It's surprisingly quiet, but he finds that he doesn't mind all too much. Eager to find out what's so special about this town in particular for it to show up here, he starts walking around.
... and ultimately decides that he should familiarize himself with the Tokyo of this strange place. At first glance, it seems to be mostly normal, but the 'supernatural' feeling from before lingers. Legs moving near-automatically, he finds himself strolling towards LeBlanc.

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Dove finds it hard to believe, judging by what he's heard about the other versions of himself. About his past self, if all of them are right.

'They aren't, it's all just a series of coincidences', something in the back of his mind whispers, but he does his best to shake off that strange thought, and steps in as well.

He says nothing about his doubts about whether his pause outside the store was truly all right or not, and instead asks another question.

"If I may, what brings you to Leblanc?"

He finds himself asking, a legitimate hint of curiosity in his voice. This version of him thought to visit Leblanc as well, so perhaps he knows Ren? Or perhaps it's an Akira in his world?

Alas, the stool he usually takes was grabbed first, but that's natural. They're both Akechis, clearly. So instead he takes another stool close, but still a seat away from the other Akechi.

"Unfortunately none of the usual residents are here at the moment barring some versions of Futaba-chan... and perhaps some versions of Amamiya-san or Kurusu-san... So we will have to make do without Sakura-san's coffee."

It's disappointing, he was actually starting to gain a genuine taste for that coffee during his visits...

Edited 2024-03-19 19:47 (UTC)

What did bring him to LeBlanc...?

He's... not quite sure, actually. His legs just sort of started moving on their own, and now here he is. That happens more often than he'd like, but it's no less annoying a realization whenever it happens, either way.

Still, it's not like he can convey that much. Can't look indecisive, after all.

He can't help but be a bit relieved to hear that nobody is here to brew coffee, though. It's a pain to clean out of internal food storage, and the image he's supposed to exude is too polite to refuse one.

"I came here because it was familiar, I suppose," he says with a small hum. "Though it is a little disappointing to hear that there is nobody to serve us for now."

Yeah, right. It's a goddamn blessing, and he's kissing his lucky stars for it. He's not sure if he could find the privacy to empty his internal food storage anywhere here.

"What brings you here yourself?" he asks, voice rising up curiously. It's not like he actually cares, but he is interested to see if he can glean anything useful from the other. "Surely not to simply stare at the entrance, hmm?" he adds with a teasing lilt to his voice.

Familiarity... Well, Dove supposes he can understand that. That's partly what drew him here as well, though not the whole of it.

"I can't blame you. I've only been here a short time, and yet this is one of the places I find myself thinking about rather frequently."

And yet he hadn't actually decided to step in until today. Curious.

He takes the teasing in good humor, cracking a smile.

"If staring at the entrance was all I intended on doing, then I would have left rather than entering the store, wouldn't you think?"

His smile stays on his face, but he looks off towards the stairway to the attic... It still feels strange to look at it, honestly...

"...It's quite a long story, but the short of it is that I was remembering my world's Amamiya-san. He's in a rather peculiar state, and... well, it's been a little difficult looking at Leblanc the same way, I suppose."

"Oh?"

Now, he's curious, both for his own reasons, and his programming wondering about a potential weak spot for the Phantom Thief. If Shido's plans come to fruition, then Amamiya won't live much longer.

A wave of static goes through his mind. He doesn't like thinking about it. Despite his intended fate, Goro's really starting to like the guy, and... Privately, he was hoping...

Well, no matter. These are... Alternate universes, no?

"Is something wrong with Amamiya-kun?" he tilts his head curiously, face scrunching with just enough concern.

Well, Dove did decide to say it... He can't just back out of it now, now can he?

"...Amamiya-san is compromised. In my world, he's in what seems to be a near eternal slumber, and has been forgotten by the world at large."

Honestly, he still feels quite a bit of shame at the idea that he could forget something like that, but alas...

He continues staring up at the stairway, thinking back...

"I found him up there, in the attic... sleeping. No one knew he was even there, thanks to Maruki's changes to the world..."

He stops, looking back at Gorobo with a blink.

"Ah, my apologies, I should have asked if you even know of Maruki-- Dr. Maruki, first. It's an odd story."

Amamiya was... in eternal slumber? Forgotten by the world?

That... sounded wrong. Amamiya would never be content with that- he thrived in the spotlight, even if he could easily blend into a crowd. Someone like Amamiya, with his gaggle of friends, forgotten? Inconceivable.

"Sounds like quite the situation. Are you looking into it, then?"

Maruki... wasn't that...?

"Dr. Maruki... isn't that Amamiya-kun's school counselor?"

Dove nods, getting another smile on his face. It's smaller, and more reserved.

"Yes, I am. I've gathered some information about Maruki here, but awakening Amamiya-san is another story..."

He stops when he hears about Maruki being Ren's school counselor, and nods, pensively.

"Yes, Sumire-chan and Crow-san said something to that effect, that he worked as a school counselor at Shujin Academy. I've never had the pleasure of meeting him."

'Pleasure', he says. It's apparent he wouldn't think of it as a pleasure, and yet he still finds himself hiding it behind polite language.

"...Seeking him out will likely be required to bring my world back to its original state."

As broken and as terrifying as it sounds like it'll be.

Instead of lingering on that though, he smiles at Gorobo again.

"What of your world? Judging by the way it sounds, I doubt Maruki has done any such changes to yours."

"It sounds a little hard to believe. How could he do such a thing?" Goro narrows his eyes, contemplative. "Did he drug Amamiya, or...? Ah, forgive me. I'm merely wondering. It does sound like a horrible situation, and I suppose I subconsciously decided I would like to help."

It shouldn't matter to him, if another world's Amamiya was in trouble like that. It seemed like a complicated situation, and the metion of Maruki changing the world... did it have something to do with the Metaverse? Could the counsellor have gained access to it, somehow, and be using it for his own purposes?

But why would he put one of his patients into eternal slumber, in that case? More importantly, how could he possibly change the world itself?

He really, really shouldn't care, but... even if it isn't his Amamiya, the idea of him being in such a pathetic state is unfathomable.

"There's nothing of the sort where I come from. Amamiya-kun is just a high school student like myself, as far as I'm aware," he says. Lies, lies, lies. He knows exactly what Amamiya is. "He an interesting character, and I do enjoy spending time with him. His way of thinking truly intrigues me."

Ah, right, this version of them may not know about the Metaverse-- or rather, is pretending not to know? The latter feels far more accurate, given how secrecy is needed in basically any of the Goro Akechis' jobs. There's no way he's clueless...

...But wait, why would he be trying to hide it if he's already being open about the concept...? Hmm...

"No, no, please, feel free to theorize if you would like to. I could use all of the alternate viewpoints I can. As for the entire matter, well... Pardon me if none of this makes sense or if it goes beyond your sensibilities, but..."

He looks downward, in thought. He's going to continue under the assumption that Gorobo is hiding his knowledge... If he doesn't, then he can just ask more questions, or dismiss him as crazy. Frankly, the latter doesn't bother him whatsoever. He knows what he knows, and it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks of him.

"...The slumber seems to be an effect on Amamiya-san's cognition. It's an unusual effect, but it could be a cognitive distortion placed upon him by Maruki, using his newfound power. If he's attained something akin to godhood, as shared experiences between myself and other versions of ourselves here have suggested, then that opens the possibilities even further..."

He frowns, bringing his hands together as he thinks further. After all, Maruki's decided to play the role of a deity in charge of everything, making the world the way he wants it. It's such a large scale, it begins to get a bit baffling to think of when he thinks of it too deeply.

"I can't say for certain why he would target Amamiya-san either, but... I have my suspicions, based on the various perspectives I've gathered during my time here. Namely that Amamiya-san was the original leader of the Phantom Thieves before myself, and that he failed to stop Maruki in time before our world was altered."

Edited 2024-03-21 16:38 (UTC)

Internally, Goro cringes at the casual mention of cognitive distortions. His programming pointedly does not like that, already angrily buzzing and trying to send the information to Shido. It gets even worse when it finds that it can't- not from this place, errors popping up in his HUD, more and more and more-

If he could feel physical pain, he'd say this would be what it hurts means. As it is, it just makes everything slow down, his limbs heavy as his programming gets caught in a loop of trying to inform Shido, being unable to do so, and punishing him for it.

He- he needs to snap out of this, and fast.

"Ah- ah, is that- so?" his words are... more halting than usual, which his programming immediately notices, and latches on to correct. "That all sounds rather fantastical... I find that hard to believe."

His arm feels too heavy as he brings his hand up to his chin, like it's being dragged.

"It... sounds almost like what the Phantom Thieves would write on their strange calling cards."

Cue Dove's expression grows concerned as he hears the halting between Gorobo's words. Even if he's compromised, Dove still can't help but pick up on how unnatural it is to speak that way.

"Are you all right? I'm sorry, I spoke carelessly."

He's not sure what it is he said or did, but he did something to cause this reaction... That halting and sluggish movement... But how? Why? What did he say?

...That reaction though... Something about it feels... odd.

"Perhaps it's not the case in your world. It's entirely possible that my own reality varies vastly from yours, after all. So please, don't concern yourself over it."

"Ah, don't worry. I just felt light in the head for a moment."

He carelessly waves off the concern as his systems spring properly back into action. You're such a useless piece of scrap! Unable to inform the great Shido-san...

He hums, adjusting himself. This time, his movements are natural again.

"That seems to be the case. I've never heard of anything like that," he confirms, even if their realities probably aren't even that different from one another, but Dove can't know that. There's no reason for him not to know, but his programming prevents him from saying as much. "It is still concerning, but I'll take your word for it."

He pauses for a moment, as if carefully choosing his words. In reality, it's just a manufactured pause.

"Perhaps there is a different way I could help, though? I am a detective, after all."

...Hmm... And just in an instant, Gorobo seems to be back to normal. Odd...

"..."

He almost finds himself considering the idea that perhaps he is from a reality like his own, just... no, that makes no sense, and it's not good to jump to conclusions. The 'lightheadedness' just reminds him of his own situation a little too much, that's all.

No, there's something different going on here... and he finds himself wanting to know just what it is.

"Well... I suppose I could always use the expertise of another detective."

He would just turn down the help, but between all the factors... Well, he can't afford to turn it down even if he wants to.

"What would you have in mind? Particular investigative work, or perhaps another idea? I can't provide proper payment for your services as I would be able to back home, but perhaps if you need assistance in the future, then I can offer my hand. Or rather... 'you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours', if you'd prefer."

"Oh, I'd never ask payment for something like this!" he lets out a tittering laugh. "It honestly sounds like a case of foul play on Dr. Maruki's part, and I can't let that kind of injustice go on!"

Sparkle sparkle. If he were in an anime, that's certainly what he'd look like.

"I can always help investigate, if you'd like," he hums, putting his hand up to his chin, "or I can help you theorize, if you'd rather have that. I'm happy to help either way!"

You know, it's very weird being on the opposite side of the conversation. Is this how people feel when they speak to him, or is this a more unique case?

"...You're certain it's no trouble? You don't need to keep up an act, if that's what this is."

The more he thinks on it, the clearer it becomes... Just how much of what Gorobo's saying is just hiding his true feelings?

What of the other Akechis, for that matter? They're all secretive people by nature, it seems. Is it because they're all the Black Mask? And... he's supposed to be as well... It makes sense that--

He winces as he feels his mind rebel against that train of thought.

"Of course not! Please, don't concern yourself with..."

He trails off when he notices his other self wincing, as if in pain. That's... odd. Even if he weren't being controlled himself, he'd do whatever he could to not show weakness, least of all to another version of himself.

"Are you alright? You look like you're in pain."

Come on, snap out of it, Dove... You're trying to sort things out, don't show weakness like this...!

"I'm fine, my apologies, I... just found myself getting distracted again."

Of course that's not all there is to it, but what is he supposed to say? 'If he thinks too hard about certain subjects, he gets migraines'? It would just beg more questions, and clearly Gorobo has enough on his plate...

He quietly breathes with his eyes closed, taking a second to placate the headache.

"...If you are certain... Investigative work would help tremendously. I've only been able to gather so much information, and none of it has given me a single lead about actually awakening Amamiya-san."

Distracted... right.

'You're like me.'

And isn't that just the saddest shit imaginable? This version of him is human, and yet is still getting controlled, in a way.

What a pathetic joke his existence is. Doomed no matter what, hm?

He supposes... that's why he wants to help, outside of looking polite or gathering info for Shido as his programming forces him to.

"I am," he confirms warmly, nodding. "I'll be sure to keep an eye out, and inform you of my own theories and findings."

He's not sure if he actually can help another universe out like that, but...

"Let's help your version of Amamiya-kun, shall we?"

...It's hard to tell just how genuine it is, but Dove's still thankful for the help, regardless. It gives him just a bit more faith that this will be able to be solved.

"...Yes, thank you."

...! Wait a second...

His eyes widen a bit, and he looks a tad embarrassed.

"Ah, how rude of me, I never asked for your codename! I've been going by Dove since I've arrived here, considering there are so many versions of us present."

"Oh, Dove, is it? Well, once again, nice to meet you," he says, "I go by Falcon."

Well, if Dove was rude then so was Falcon. Which is to say; that wasn't rude at all. Otherwise he'd be getting angry buzzing from his programming.

He laughs a little awkwardly, shifting in his seat.

"It's a little hectic, having so many of- well, us around, isn't it?" he hums with a small smile. "Please don't worry about forgetting, I did too, after all."

"Falcon... I see. As I said, it's a pleasure."

Dove doesn't recall seeing the name 'Falcon' on the board, so he was right on him being new.

"And yes, it's still taking me some time to adjust. Reading the board in the Velvet Room did help me adjust more quickly, but seeing what's practically a mirror of myself is so strange..."

It doesn't help when there's that weird degree of separation thanks to the actualization... He feels like he's seeing himself, and yet it's like they're all entirely different from himself. A distorted image, one he struggles to truly connect himself to.

Logically he knows, but it takes more mental effort to acknowledge than he'd like.

"Have you encountered any of the others yet? I've only met a handful of them, but they've been quite welcoming."

"Oh, I feel the same way, honestly. It's all been... very surprising, if not somewhat disturbing," he pauses for a moment, before his smile widens. "Not that I begrudge them- or you- for any of that! It's just an unfortunate side effect of being dropped into such a bizarre situation."

Not to mention that (almost) all other versions of him have been human, which is... disturbing in its own way. He may sometimes wish he were human, if only so Shido wouldn't have messed with his brain, but-

Well. Doesn't look like being human protected any of them. Unless they made the choice themselves, in which case they're more stupid than he could ever imagine.

"I have! They were pleasant... for the most part," he says, smile narrowing a little. "We had a minor misunderstanding, but it has been cleared up. I'd say overall, I've had a positive experience."

"Hmm? A misunderstanding?"

Dove can't help but be a bit surprised. After all, if everyone was so welcoming to him considering his peculiarities, well... he was almost certain that Falcon would have a good time.

"Well, it's a relief that it was cleared up, at the very least. It's a shame you had such an encounter though..."

It makes him wonder what the issue was... He can't help but look a bit more closely at Falcon, and... hmm. You know, there is a peculiar air about him the more he looks, but...

"Well, if anything else comes up, please don't hesitate to call me. I'll be glad to offer my assistance... Ah, speaking of which, would you like to exchange numbers? We'll need to keep in touch with our deal, regardless, so..."

"Oh, don't worry about it. It wasn't anyone's fault, really..."

Right, as if nearly going full murder-drone onto a younger human version of himself for the 'crime' of having been traumatized by Shido constitutes as 'nobody's fault'. Yeah, real 'minor misunderstanding' there.

Ugh.

He leans back a little when he notices Dove staring a little... too intensely. Sure, he looks perfectly human for the most part... but it won't hold up forever under such scrutiny.

"Sorry, personal space, please?" he laughs awkwardly. "I'm sure you understand, but I don't like people getting too close to me."

Then, Dove mentions exchanging numbers, and Falcon has to admit, he's... extremely reluctant. His phone is, for convenience's sake, connected to himself, so Shido can reach him without displaying an actual message. He rarely, if ever, accepts phone numbers, but...

Well, it'd look a little strange if he didn't now, wouldn't it?

"Of course," he smiles, fishing out his phone from his pocket. "Here's my info..."

Dove realizes a bit too late that he was staring at Falcon that intensely, and he quickly turns his gaze away.

"Apologies, I'm not sure what came over me..."

That's a lie, he just knows there's something about Falcon that is off, and yet he can't put his finger on it, ugh.

He takes this chance to actually get his own phone out, and start tapping away at it, putting the info into the altered Meta-Nav app.

"Thank you. I hope I'm not imposing by asking, but it felt like it was a good idea to keep in contact at the very least."

He finally looks back at Falcon with another friendly smile. It's a little too close to the smiles that he wears on TV... something he's grown more self-conscious of.

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