Be careful what you wish for. Ajna was completely covered in ice and full of bugs that puked paralytic vomit on you. It wasn't exactly a "become one with mother nature" camping trip. Plus, I hate the cold.
[ way to be a debbie downer. ]
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
You're right. It's beyond frustrating that there's nowhere to go but other parts of the ship. I wish we could properly evacuate anyone who's not a fighter.
[well, e x c u s e you, fire princess.....that's kinda the point of roughing it. in the cold. ymmv.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
well, i was kind of expecting life-threatening situations and inhumane conditions to be a part of the experience. a shame they didn't get to me sooner---that actually sounds interesting.
well...would you prefer a desert over the cold? at least in the cold, the paralysis wouldn't matter---you're already numb.
[what brilliant logic.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
there's the safe zone blue team has been setting up, at least, so those less inclined to fight will have asylum. it won't ease the frustration by much, but they'll be out of the brunt of the danger while having supplies close at hand.
it's just irritating that our base has been compromised, and we don't even know where to begin.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
you...read right. they figure it'll be easier to spot that way, since its speed is allegedly one of its stronger points.
can't imagine how we'll clean that up in the aftermath, however.
there's a slight lag before her response; his first message...hits a little close to home.
but then again, it was her own fault.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i don't really have anyone to leave behind, zuko. my sister and i...aren't on speaking terms, and my teammates back home are strong enough to carry on without me.
i just want to get as much i can out of this experience. that's all.
[though, it's a lot more complicated than that. alas, details, she shan't bore him with those.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
it's common sense, really. less chance of an infection of any sort, too, in the cold.
[that's...not very reassuring, either. akame pls.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i'll try my best. but, i'd rather not stop until we catch whatever's on the loose---it's intelligent enough to remain hidden while we're awake; who knows what it'll be up to when we're asleep?
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i suppose they don't want to put the machines at risk of being damaged somehow.
[in the immortal words of a pop song that will remain nameless, it's too late to apologi---actually no, she took no offense! really! she understands how distant she comes off as, at times...]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i appreciate it, but you did nothing wrong. we all come from different backgrounds. that's something to learn from.
[even though curiosity kills the cat much of the time, but #yolo.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
well, if we end up in a tundra somewhere, i'll help you through it. that sounds about fair, right?
[see? The More You Know, etc etc.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i'm used to functioning without sleep. i'll make sure to take small breaks when the opportunities arise, i assure you.
but i'd rather try to prevent something from happening while i'm on my last reserves on energy, than miss it entirely and possibly setting off a domino effect.
[see the logic there? no? completely understandable, then.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
well, this ship could use a little flair, anyhow. it's bit on the plain side. sometimes i find myself walking around in circles, even with the map.
you're fine, really. i didn't quite frame my words right. in fact, i should be the one to apologize.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i'd like a forested place, honestly. just...anywhere that doesn't have too many man-made elements.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i believe you. but, if it helps, i'm actually sitting down and relaxing as we write to one another. that almost counts.
[no, it doesn't......but she tried.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
not...too much. i've been reading the signs and matching them to the map, but....a few days ago i ended up in the area where the observation deck begins and got lost for about two hours because i walked the wrong way.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
hopefully your initial experience wasn't as bad as mine. what happened?
[come on, dude, with an opener like that, curiosity is guaranteed to be piqued. she won't judge.
[there's a delay of about seven minutes before she responds. yes, it's blunt, but...she can't very well avoid the question, either.
it's now about summarizing things without going into too much detail.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
...i admit i did.
we had a disagreement over choosing sides in the revolt going on where i'm from. i couldn't convince her to join me, and...left her behind.
i guess i didn't try hard enough, looking back. i was angry myself---i...didn't acknowledge a lot of her concerns and feelings.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
but i was tired of striking fear into people. i was just adding to their unhappiness. i just didn't think it was fair. i guess...i wanted to head towards a different path. a better one.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
so, even if...the chances are slim, you should still try your best.
don't make the same mistake i did. don't resort to what i have resorted to.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i'm certain. well, Zuko, as promised, i will go to sleep now.
i'll contact you in the morning for breakfast. and...thank you for hearing me out about Kurome. i...haven't really told anyone about her except my friends back home.
[it's true; she's kept mum because she figures most people wouldn't understand.
but it's nice to see that at least one person does, to some extent.]
[ It's a while before he can fathom how to reply to this. Her situation was so similar to his, and yet so wildly different. He wishes he had waited until they saw each other in person before asking this-- through the blackglass, it seems rather impersonal.
But maybe it helps to just talk about, even if it's like this. Having a listening ear certainly helped him sometimes. Admittedly, he's curious. Who wouldn't be at the words what I have resorted to? But he won't press any further. Not when the alternative is letting her sleep, and he's the one that insisted she rest, after all. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Be careful what you wish for. Ajna was completely covered in ice and full of bugs that puked paralytic vomit on you. It wasn't exactly a "become one with mother nature" camping trip. Plus, I hate the cold.
[ way to be a debbie downer. ]
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
You're right. It's beyond frustrating that there's nowhere to go but other parts of the ship. I wish we could properly evacuate anyone who's not a fighter.
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
Glitter???
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
Seriously?!
no subject
FROM: akame@cdc.org
well, i was kind of expecting life-threatening situations and inhumane conditions to be a part of the experience. a shame they didn't get to me sooner---that actually sounds interesting.
well...would you prefer a desert over the cold? at least in the cold, the paralysis wouldn't matter---you're already numb.
[what brilliant logic.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
there's the safe zone blue team has been setting up, at least, so those less inclined to fight will have asylum. it won't ease the frustration by much, but they'll be out of the brunt of the danger while having supplies close at hand.
it's just irritating that our base has been compromised, and we don't even know where to begin.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
you...read right. they figure it'll be easier to spot that way, since its speed is allegedly one of its stronger points.
can't imagine how we'll clean that up in the aftermath, however.
[shaking her head.
just
shaking her head so intensely...]
no subject
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
You have a funny concept of "interesting". Were you that bored back home? That willing to leave behind people in your world?
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
Yeah, I'll... try to remember that bit of optimism to next time we're stuck in a frozen tundra. At least I can't feel the paralysis setting in.
[ sarcasm. which... he hasn't had great luck translating it into text messages. ]
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
Yeah, I'll be patrolling around there, and seeking refuge myself when I need a rest. You should do the same whenever you get too tired.
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
Whatever works, I guess. It's kind of sad that something like "glitter" might work better than any of the advanced technology around here.
no subject
there's a slight lag before her response; his first message...hits a little close to home.
but then again, it was her own fault.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i don't really have anyone to leave behind, zuko. my sister and i...aren't on speaking terms, and my teammates back home are strong enough to carry on without me.
i just want to get as much i can out of this experience. that's all.
[though, it's a lot more complicated than that. alas, details, she shan't bore him with those.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
it's common sense, really. less chance of an infection of any sort, too, in the cold.
[that's...not very reassuring, either. akame pls.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i'll try my best. but, i'd rather not stop until we catch whatever's on the loose---it's intelligent enough to remain hidden while we're awake; who knows what it'll be up to when we're asleep?
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i suppose they don't want to put the machines at risk of being damaged somehow.
or further, if it gets to that point.
[they're boned, aren't they?]
no subject
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
Oh.
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
I'm sorry. I didn't know. I meant no disrespect or to hurt your feelings.
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
You know, you're really not convincing me on this whole frozen land thing. I'm just more of a warm weather kinda guy.
[ not really much snow in the fire nation, after all. ]
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
And you really think you'll be at your best reflexes when you haven't slept properly?
[ concern: this is how he shows it. ]
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
The glitter thing is crazy, but it just might be crazy enough to work. Or you might just end up making a mess.
no subject
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i appreciate it, but you did nothing wrong. we all come from different backgrounds. that's something to learn from.
[even though curiosity kills the cat much of the time, but #yolo.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
well, if we end up in a tundra somewhere, i'll help you through it. that sounds about fair, right?
[see? The More You Know, etc etc.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i'm used to functioning without sleep. i'll make sure to take small breaks when the opportunities arise, i assure you.
but i'd rather try to prevent something from happening while i'm on my last reserves on energy, than miss it entirely and possibly setting off a domino effect.
[see the logic there? no? completely understandable, then.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
well, this ship could use a little flair, anyhow. it's bit on the plain side. sometimes i find myself walking around in circles, even with the map.
no subject
Still, I should have been more considerate.
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
Let's hope it never comes to that. Not that I'd refuse your help, but a change of scenery would be nice.
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
Akame... you should really get some sleep. There's plenty of us keeping watch. I promise we're all competent.
[ wait, he shouldn't make a promise like that ]
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
Most of us are competent.
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
It takes a while to get used to where everything is. Hopefully you haven't gotten lost. I did once and I ended up
[ wait, does he really want to go down this route? Sure Zuko, tell her you somehow fell into the sewers. ]
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
Nevermind. It's not important.
no subject
you're fine, really. i didn't quite frame my words right. in fact, i should be the one to apologize.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i'd like a forested place, honestly. just...anywhere that doesn't have too many man-made elements.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i believe you. but, if it helps, i'm actually sitting down and relaxing as we write to one another. that almost counts.
[no, it doesn't......but she tried.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
not...too much. i've been reading the signs and matching them to the map, but....a few days ago i ended up in the area where the observation deck begins and got lost for about two hours because i walked the wrong way.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
hopefully your initial experience wasn't as bad as mine. what happened?
[come on, dude, with an opener like that, curiosity is guaranteed to be piqued. she won't judge.
too much, anyhow.]
no subject
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
You like nature?
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
Go to sleep. Just laying down doesn't count.
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
You should have contacted someone. People here are pretty helpful.
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
If I tell you, do you promise not to tell anyone?
[ not that some people dont already know, but still ]
no subject
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i do. it was a big part of my childhood, alongside my sister. i...rather miss it.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
alright, alright. if you insist. i just don't want to impose on anyone or meddle with whatever schedule they've already got set.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i won't tell anyone about it. i promise. in fact, if you tell me, i'll go to sleep, Zuko. deal?
no subject
Your sister? Is she your only sibling?
[ innocent questions... ]
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
Good. I'm going to sleep soon, too. Maybe we could get breakfast later.
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
That isn't what we agreed on!
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
But fine. You said it yourself, this is a big ship, right?
no subject
just the one sister. she's younger than me by two years.
...we're not on good terms right now.
[and that's leaving out the part about how each has sworn to kill the other.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
breakfast sounds good. i'll make sure to meet up with you, then.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
yes. this story doesn't end with you getting hurt, does it?
no subject
I'm sorry. I hope you'll be on better terms someday.
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
I have a younger sister too. We don't exactly get along either.
[ That's also putting it lightly on his end, considering they've also attempted to kill each other.
Sisters, amirite? ]
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
Let me know when you're awake again.
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
No. Not physically, anyways. Just my pride.
[ it's hurting his pride even now. which is why there's a five minute delay before the next message gets sent. ]
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
I fell into the sewers.
no subject
don't worry. her reasons for being angry are justified. but thank you; we will resolve things when the time comes, i assure you, Zuko.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i just hope your luck in resolving things with your own sister is better than mine is.
[amen to that, man. invisible brofists will be had.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
of course.
[needless to say, after he drops that next bombshell, akame is left staring at her blackglass for a full
three minutes.
no, that's still hazardous to one's physical condition. hence, why she's more perturbed than amused.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
......ah. falling into sewage...yes, that...is a very unfortunate situation to find yourself in. still, i think worse things could've happened.
well, aside from being covered in waste---in which case, yes. i'm sorry that happened to you.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
did anyone help you out of there, i hope?
[i mean she'll give zuko props for valiantly fighting his way out of the sewers but
dude, that's still pretty nasty.]
this whiplash is incredible
Did you wrong her?
[ It's a blunt question, but there's no better way to put it. He's curious, but possibly intrusive for someone who doesn't know her that well. ]
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
I don't know. I want to believe we can someday, but I don't think it's possible.
[ His embarrassing debut to the Neheda was difficult to admit, but at least she didn't laugh at him! ]
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
Yeah, I got help. It definitely taught me to watch my step.
my thoughts exactly
it's now about summarizing things without going into too much detail.]
FROM: akame@cdc.org
...i admit i did.
we had a disagreement over choosing sides in the revolt going on where i'm from. i couldn't convince her to join me, and...left her behind.
i guess i didn't try hard enough, looking back. i was angry myself---i...didn't acknowledge a lot of her concerns and feelings.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
but i was tired of striking fear into people. i was just adding to their unhappiness. i just didn't think it was fair. i guess...i wanted to head towards a different path. a better one.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
so, even if...the chances are slim, you should still try your best.
don't make the same mistake i did. don't resort to what i have resorted to.
FROM: akame@cdc.org
i'm certain. well, Zuko, as promised, i will go to sleep now.
i'll contact you in the morning for breakfast. and...thank you for hearing me out about Kurome. i...haven't really told anyone about her except my friends back home.
[it's true; she's kept mum because she figures most people wouldn't understand.
but it's nice to see that at least one person does, to some extent.]
no subject
But maybe it helps to just talk about, even if it's like this. Having a listening ear certainly helped him sometimes. Admittedly, he's curious. Who wouldn't be at the words what I have resorted to? But he won't press any further. Not when the alternative is letting her sleep, and he's the one that insisted she rest, after all. ]
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
You're welcome.
FROM: zuko@cdc.org
Good night, Akame.