Goro Akechi (Shadow Weapon AU) (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
gorobo) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
personavelvetroomdr2024-03-19 04:10 pm
gorobo) wrote in personavelvetroomdr2024-03-19 04:10 pm
[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...
"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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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."
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"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."
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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."
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"..."
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."
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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!"
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"...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.
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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."
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"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."
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'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?"
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"...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."
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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."
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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."
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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."
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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..."
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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..."
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"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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He wants to grimace at that TV smile on Dove's face- he hates the way it looks. Always has, always will. Maybe it's the fact that it's been forced onto him. Maybe it's the fact that it looks so fabricated.
Most likely, it's a combination of factors. Falcon's core buzzes with disgust.
He turns away from Dove's smile after a moment, looking down at his own gloved hands. He laces them together to keep from drumming them on the counter.
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"Yes, of course. Again, thank you for your assistance. I'm truly grateful for your help."
Paradoxically it sounds so sincere even when next to that smile, it's surreal.
He actually blinks when he notices the time as he checks his phone.
"Well. It's later than I realized... Perhaps I should take my leave."
He begins standing up from his seat, glancing one last time at the stairway... before finally beginning to walk towards the door. No hesitation this time as he begins to open the door.
Before he walks out, he sends one more smile in Falcon's direction.
"Once again, it was a pleasure meeting you, Falcon-san. Have a nice evening."