expiationlogs | [02] [open] nemesis identified

Entry tags:

[02] [open] nemesis identified

Who: Mizuki and YOU [open]
Where: The wilderness, a ways from Aldrip in an out-of-the-way little cave (Not Lorentia)
What: In which Mizuki finds out she's been alone all along.
Warnings: Spoilers for AI, IDK—will add if any become relevant.

[ There are thin tire tracks starting at the inn that head out and away from Aldrip today. Curious, isn't it? Were they there before? Have you even seen a motorbike here in Aldrip since you woke up here?

If you're keen to find out, you will follow a trail that is just long enough to make you wonder whether you should turn back. Keep with it, however, and you will find yourself at a small cave nestled in the mountains, the opening of which is surrounded by trees. ]

👁️ i. He was the Universe

[ Perhaps you'll see the bike first. It sticks out like a sore thumb. But walk a little further and inside the cave, there's Mizuki, asleep on the cave's dirt floor.

Her hair is messy with sleep. There is a hair piece that sticks out against her cyan locks, standing out almost as much as her bike does in the wilderness. In her hand is an empty, decorated box with a note attached that wouldn't look out of place in a trash can, as it is. Meager remnants of the few good things that have happened to her here, now that she can't go back.

A subtle, unpleasant odor lingers in the air, reminiscent of a wet dog or wild animal that's no longer there. Somewhere beside her sits her pipe, and at her waist, there is her holstered Evolver. ]

👁️ ii. Ought to Know

[ Alternatively, the trail is still going. Eventually, footprints start to appear in the dirt next to the tire track, suggesting that Mizuki has started walking. Catch up to her, you'll find that her back is to you and she is dragging her bike alongside her.

Why? ...Well, technology continues to be fickle, apparently.

Watch her for long enough and you'll see her stop and try to start it again. Instead, there's that all too familiar, insufferable buzz that makes her cover her ears. Her mouth opens, like she's groaning, but the noise that escapes, if there had been any, is easily swallowed up by the rustling of leaves and the buzzing of insects.

Once that passes, she can be seen pulling out a piece of parchment from her pocket—a map. ]

▶ ooc/wildcard

[ Due to trauma, Mizuki will be aphonic/unable to speak temporarily! Sorry about that. She will still be writing things in the dirt or on the back of her map, probably, and if I feel it's appropriate, I may give her back her voice midthread.

Enjoy the introduction of her shiny new bike, and please feel free to reach out via PM, on the Discord, or

yammdere for plotting/ideas! Thank you! ]

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[ In hindsight, nothing about him seemed right from the moment he found her. His quirks, his mannerisms—everything about him that regularly pissed her off seemed different. She largely overlooked this, if only because of his memory issues, yet again. Maybe she was even concerned for a time, but now, holding a familiar piece of parchment in her hand, everything falls into place. Letters making up its contents shake, as if they might literally jump off the page at any second, and in the next moment, they slowly swirl and evaporate, like an illusion being unveiled.

Saito Sejima.
Homicide.

Her hands clench, and she watches him from above as he turns the keys on a bike that is an all-too-familiar shade of cyan blue. Even without her name tag, the Adorabbit sticker gives it away as hers. When the hell did it get there? How? The sound of her struggling to start also should have given her concern; but instead, Mizuki feels oddly numb, like maybe she hasn't quite woken up from this dream.

She leans casually against their second-floor window sill, a window which is currently open. She is just barely able to contain her anger, but at this point, she isn't sure if it's directed more at him or herself. ]

Nice bike.

[ Her voice is raised, but flat. Even-toned, with a healthy dose of sarcasm. She almost wants to laugh. What is even real anymore? Is she dead? Yet she just tosses his parchment down, aiming it directly for his head as she follows up with, ]

By the way, you forgot this.

Edited 2023-03-05 19:28 (UTC)

[Since the first day, Saito knew whatever kind of magic was applied to alter his parchment would eventually wear off. What he did not know was when it would happen. It was a pivotal part of his impersonation act, though, so he made a daily habit of checking its contents whenever Mizuki wasn't around or looking. Plus, to draw suspicion away from it, he would flauntingly leave it atop the bedside table in their room, only taking it with him when he went out.

Today was no different, except for the part in which certain words on the paper appeared completely jumbled up, parts of its original content surfacing in the place of the fabricated words. Having the alteration renewed was always an option, but it would not fix the other issue: Mizuki wouldn't keep buying his excuse for not taking off that alleged mask forever. She would eventually figure out the truth, one way or the other.

Coincidence or not, when he looked out of the window, there was another surprise besides the disorganized alphabet soup that had become his parchment, right outside the inn. Just standing there, as though waiting for someone to come claim it. The color alone was enough to give it away who it belonged to, but the sticker on it cleared any remaining doubts.

He hoped Mizuki liked waking up to surprises.]

[Little did Saito know, though, that he would be facing an unpleasant surprise himself, as well. He initially hoped to be far away from the inn by the time she woke up and read his parchment...

But the bike simply refuses to start, no matter how many times he turns the keys. Kicking it doesn't seem to work, either. And if he just carried it around, she would undoubtedly catch up to him in no time. With a small sigh, he admits defeat. There goes his chance for a double mind-blowing revelation. What a shame.

That's when he hears a familiar voice.

He looks up, but the suddenness and speed with which she hurls his parchment gives him little time to react. It bounces off the top of his head before landing near his feet. He picks it up, but doesn't even need unroll it to know what triggered this hostility.]

... About time.

[The figurative mask he's been wearing the past few weeks breaks, and he gives her a boastful grin.]

Are all of ABIS's so-called "investigators" this incompetent? Or did you learn this from Date?

[ Well. Seems like someone was getting tired of the act, too. Every word he's ever said, everything he'd ever done rises up like bile in her throat, and she doesn't bother holding back anymore. She doesn't even remember grabbing the vase of flowers, which sat peaceful on that window sill, just soaking up the sunlight. Before she can even think about stopping herself, she is hurling it at the ground in Saito's direction, though it sadly misses him, shattering with with a loud crash. ]

Fuck you!

[ The bouquet, which had already started to wither since the Day of Devotion, looks especially lifeless. The impact had been enough to separate some of the petals from their stems...

But then, apparently still unsatisfied (or perhaps she's just a little worried about any damage to her bike), she leaps right out the window and lands like a cat. ]

I don't care what timeline you come from, you don't get to talk about him!

[It's as they say, like father, like daughter. Although they're not related by blood, the look of pure rage she's giving him is reminiscent of the look Date gave him the moment Hitomi's body blew up to pieces.]

Oh, this isn't about him. This is about you, Mewzuki. You're a failure as an investigator. You're useful as a hunting tool, but you're not very bright. That's why you had Aiba, isn't it? To do all the thinking for you.

[Saito plucks out the Aiba from his left eye socket and holds it up between his index finger and thumb.]

Also, since you've been such a helpful and kind daughter to me, I'll let you on a secret. That Aiba you've got there isn't your Aiba. It's mine. You know what that means, don't you?

[Before even finishing that final question, he drops the fake eye onto the ground, and crushes it under his foot.]

What are you—

[ Mizuki stands. There's not a day that she hasn't woken up, wondering if today would be the day. The day she'd get her partner back. She doesn't even contest what he's saying (not that he had much of a chance to, anyway—she's too focused on his words as he keeps going, like some goddamn villain monologuing.

The way he plucks out his eye.

Hers? But when— ]

[ The sound is ugly.

There is pathetic whirring noise, which is probably familiar to them by now, some weird effect that this world has on their technology. After that, there is nothing. Just a crunch, and for that moment, the world stops.

Only then does she remember the moment she handed him back "Aiba," after she demanded the details of what he last remembered.

She's... gone? ]

[ She's gone.

Her data... Even if she'd been active, they would've never been uploaded to the cloud. Even her data from home, before waking up on this shithole— ]

[ Her mind goes blank.

She lunges forward with terrifying speed, letting out a pained cry as her hand latches around his throat, lifting him up clean off the ground. All she can think about is snapping it, but even now, she holds back as she slowly squeezes.

Her throat is sore by the time she stops screaming. ]

[ Given that the available technology contradicts (at least earthly) logic in the range of advancement, it's the newness rather than the possibility of a motorbike that stands out. Yeah, the tire tracks are curious, but Nanami doesn't want to be curious. This may or may not be an afterlife, such that he could accept Aldrip and Expiation for what it seems to be and rest, relax, consider it an overdue vacation now that it's completely impossible to toil on in Tokyo — but a single set of tire tracks isn't likely to lead to the glitch in the matrix, the so-called gods or sham wizards behind the curtain (and that those comparisons come at all to mind, he'd blame on another sorcerer, except for the level of subconscious thought that implies).

But, it's the only thing. It would be impractical to follow too long, as he has no intention of walking hours to another town or region on so little, but useful enough to confirm the direction. Potentially. So Nanami tucks into a satchel a borrowed book that he'd intended to read at a removed spot in the meadows, and follows the tracks.

He does nearly turn back. Nearly, doesn't, and the bike's obvious soon enough, parked and not remotely camouflaged. Of course, if the rider had wanted to be difficult to follow, they might have made some effort to confuse their tracks. Keeping his expectations so empty that he hasn't even readied his nata, Nanami steps into the cave and — for all that he'd tried to expect nothing and anything, finds himself surprised.

They've never spoken, but with a hair color that distinctive, he thinks he's seen her among the Chosen in town. Her, a young girl, looking younger in sleep. This side of a mess, and while not unequipped, ill-equipped for any prolonged travel.

It's not his business if she wants to get away. He's clearly intruding on that, or on some other distinct purpose, and so should make his way back without disturbing her.

That's probably what he should do. Instead, mindful of the strange looking gun at her waist, Nanami tugs his nata from beneath his jacket. Then leaning down, he picks up a rock of reasonable size to be held in one hand but have heft to it, and tosses it with some force away from her, so that when it hits hard, the sound of it's farther off.

If she stirs, that's when he'll say a simple — ]

Good morning.

[There is an obvious reason Saito chose to push her over the edge right where they stand, in a public space. He knows she won't kill him. Even as he's lifted off the ground; even as it gets more difficult to breathe. He gasps and gags on his own breath, but it still doesn't wipe the wide grin off his face.]

Ahaha, are you serious...? You, who couldn't even kill a single boar?

[Even if he used all the strength in his arms, her fingers wouldn't even budge. But still, his hands are raised to offer some kind of resistance, gripping at the fingers threatening to squeeze all the air out of him.]

People are looking... you know.

[Truthfully enough, the majority of them are locals staring in awe at the scene they're causing, with the occasional murmur urging someone to get help before something worse happens.]

[ Mizuki doesn't seem to notice his approach, but there is a subtle change in her breathing as she feeling of another presence becomes more obvious. Her eyes struggle to open, and at a glance, it appears like she's having a nightmare; but she's already resigned herself to practically living it.

As soon as the rock is thrown, however, she shoots up immediately. The box in her arms that once contained cookies flips over and away from her. She gasps for breath as her head swivels in the direction of the sound, and then again once she hears his voice. Though he was probably more concerned about Evolver, Mizuki actually reaches for her pipe instead. It feels natural to her as she struggles to her feet, like an extension of her arm, and her mouth moves as she holds it in a defensive position.

No sound comes out. ]

[As much as Aerith has been cautioned against going this way, that, or the other, she cannot seem to help still trying to poke her nose into places it just doesn't belong. Cloud is going to have some more words for her later on, she's certain. But she suspects he'll also understand. It's just the way she is. She wants to help. She wants to make a difference. She has spent enough of her life feeling a little powerless. If she can do something, she should do something.

That is most likely what has inspired her to action on the day in which she finds Mizuki. The cave is no place for really... anyone, it seems. At least a couple of the locals have caught her along the way, telling her to be careful, which feels like a relatively obvious warning. But if she's not going all the way in, it shouldn't be a problem.

Right? Right.

Discovering Mizuki here seems like a good enough reason to pay it visit. How long she's been here, Aerith can't tell. Looks like she's brought a plethora of things with her, too. Running away? Doesn't she have an inn room? Why didn't she say something earlier?

She approaches as quietly as she can, a thoughtful frown drawn across her features, and at a safe distance, she kneels down. She doesn't want to catch her completely off guard. That won't do her any good at all.]

...Hey, Mizuki?

[No, really. What are you doing out here. A Grue is going to come get you.]

[ Mizuki's grip will automatically loosen, though it is slow and not by much. The fire in her one remaining eye burns brightly enough for both of them, and as she glances at the crowd, she can hear their whispers. She can see the terrified way they look at her.

What can only be described as TV static flashes in her left eye—the fake one, "his." The people around them suddenly all appear blue and indistinguishable. Genderless silhouettes—but only for a second.

She throws Saito onto the ground, watching him skid a short distance across shards of glass from the broken vase. She is panting as she steps back from him, and her gaze flickers to the remnants of Aiba on the ground. ]

You're already dead to me anyway.

[ Aiba made sure of that. She made sure if it. Mizuki clings to this fact, taking a shaky breath to calm herself before she turns her attention to her bike, which she probably should've done in the first place. People continue to watch as she inspects the bike for damage, though some disperse. There is no telling whether they're actually going to get help.

If Saito's dead, then maybe she is, too, like Ryuki. Maybe she just dreamed him showing up to save her. Maybe that's what the Chosen all have in common. ]

[ A what?

...Mizuki's frown deepens, and she turns away from her in protest. It certainly doesn't look like a restful sleep. The box that once contained cookies topples out of her hand and at last, Aerith's voice registers. Mizuki sits straight up suddenly with eyes open wide, and her hands are reaching desperately like they're looking for something.

Then she can see that it's just Aerith. What are you doing out here?

Mizuki's guard lowers once more, and her mouth moves like she's speaking, but even she is surprised when no sound comes out.

Oh, right. ]

[ The pipe hadn't gone unnoticed, but judged as a weapon (assumed a weapon) he could more easily handle. Watching the box tumble and smack, bouncing, to the ground, and watching as she battled gravity and the disorientation of interrupted sleep to get to her feet, Nanami does reflect that a loud noise might not have been the best way to wake her up. But, simpler options had seemed either inappropriate (hand to shoulder to shake her awake) or inefficient (any gentler sound). ]

My apologies for waking you and in that manner. Here —

[ Whether or not that pipe's only metal or has more to it, stunning capacity or otherwise, he nonetheless holds up his own weapon — a fully wrapped nata — in a mirroring defensive position, before summarily dropping it to the floor of the cave. He then gives it a little kick for good measure, sending it sliding a solid meter away.

Conscious, through that gesture, that her mouth's not just open, but shaping words, unvoiced. That seems so obvious a thing that remarking on it would be at best obnoxious and at worst cruel. Instead, shaking his head: ]

I can't read lips.

[ Lifting his left arm, shifting sleeve, he considers the charm fastened to his watch, frowning slightly. Was it only possible to text through the voice-to-text function? ]

[Vi can't just sit still in the city. she's prowling around outside, until she finds...tire tracks?

tire tracks.

she follows them until she gets to Mizuki, and she sighs as she takes her in.]

You know, you look rougher than the last time I saw you.

[but she's going to start forward anyway, ignoring the smell.]

For most people here, it's the opposite.

[ "Trouble finds me," is an awful lie because it's the furtherest thing from the truth. It's the Doctor who seeks it out, not the other way around. The desire is like an itch he can't help but scratch, a bad habit that has led him down rabbit holes that sometimes results in him biting off more than he can chew and leaving him with nothing but regret coating his tongue.

But you can't live a life as long as he has without collecting some of those. One could say that it simply comes with the territory. The key is in the lessons learned and how you respond to them. Or sometimes in his case, how you actively choose to forget them.

Today's adventure is rather ambiguous in terms of what sort of trouble he'll find. His daily walk has lead to him finding the bike treads and following them well outside of Aldrip where he spots a familiar blue-haired girl. The mystery of the source of the treads is solved, but another presents itself. He approaches, hands in his pockets as he peers over his shoulder. ]

You're finally putting the map to good use, I see. Seems a little bit counterintuitive to be dragging your bike though.

Edited (idk wording is hard) 2023-03-06 23:08 (UTC)

[ Joel follows the tracks because whoever has any kind of motorized vehicle, he needs to question, and thoroughly.

It's Mizuki, of all people. Wait - ]

Where the hell did you find that?

[Mechanically-minded as he is, tire tracks were certain to grab his attention in this place, and they do exactly that, standing out as they do. His interest in following the trail is casual at first, a desire to sate the curious itch that its appearance had sparked, and he does pause partway to consider whether or not his time would be better spent elsewhere. Perhaps it would— but as ever, curiosity gets the better of him, and so he follows until the tracks lead him to the cave in question.

Passing strange, but now he's come too far to turn back, and has yet more questions than before.

It is the bike he spots first, bright even in the dark of the cave, but his attention is quickly diverted, the bike momentarily forgotten.]

Mizuki?

[He raises an eyebrow. She's in quite a state, but it wouldn't quite be polite to point that out— especially given she already knows. Instead, his tone is light, cautious, as is his approach.]

What brings you all the way out here?

[ It's okay. Vi will find that, thankfully, the smell is not actually coming from her, and it will dissipate over time. For now, Mizuki stirs at the voice and her eyes blink open. She looks a little startled when she sits up, nudging herself back an inch or two with her foot, but it's just Vi.

Ah—

She opens her mouth to protest, though she really has no grounds. No sound comes out, leaving Mizuki to avert her eyes as she runs her fingers along the width of her throat. Damn. ]

[ . . . . .

Mizuki visibly stops. For a moment, she wonders if she should just keep walking. She knows she can't respond anyway. But since the Doctor has so keenly decided to comment on the absurdity of it all (who wouldn't?), she takes that as a sign that she should try again.

She turns the key, and instead of the sound of cranking or the engine turning over, there's just the mechanical buzzing, like before. She flinches slightly, but doesn't even seem affected by it anymore.

...Just shrugs. ]

[ Mizuki seems startled. Her hands automatically reach for Evolver at her waist, but in that same moment, she also recognizes the voice. The handle of the gun is gripped for a moment, but she ultimately decides against it as she turns to see Joel.

She opens her mouth to respond, but... ultimately frowns.

[ Without a word, she reaches into the little yellow backpack whose straps seem to keep her spare in place. She pulls out a little card with her name on it that came attached to the ribbon that was wrapped around the bike.

She'll point to her name, Mizuki, and then to the bike. It's hers. ]

Yeah, I get it, it's yours, I'm not tryin' to take it from you. But where'd you get it? I haven't seen anything like that around here.

[ Also why isn't she speaking??? But one question at a time. If she wants to make it harder by trying to use sign language, that's her problem he supposes. ]

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[02] [open] nemesis identified

for saito sejima (parasaito) | closed

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