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Post by Banshee on Oct 12, 2023 19:38:00 GMT -6
Nox giggled when he got Mark to break into a Hispanic ranting. He had no idea what he said in that language but he could only assume that he was either, objecting to it, or telling him to shut up. Either way, he was amused with watching him squirm under his own fluster.
Once Mark began going on a tangent about the ideas popping into his head, Nox tilted his own head and listened to him with an eagerness that he hadn't felt before. He was so excited to know that someone was on his level of enthusiasm for technology. Someone else shared it and it made him feel honored that it was also, someone older than him. And what made things better, was the fact that Mark knew what he was talking about.
He watched as he scribbled down something on paper and began to talk about using his suit to link to his own mind. Building that very bridge that Nox had mentioned, and Lux clarified through sheer chance. Nox made sure that he let Mark finish speaking before showing any signs of enthusiasm for the idea.
“Wow...I didn't think that would actually spark anything.” Nox admitted a bit sheepishly. “I was just pretty much spewing out whatever popped into my head without really thinking it through. But I think...if we are good enough, we can get this to work! It might! I just hope there isn't any sort of backlash for trying to do this.”
“Good thing is...” Lux said while he was swinging against the VR trainer. “Mark is as durable as they come. I'm sure he can shake it off like the boss that he is.” Lux avoided directly saying that Mark simply couldn't die anyways. He wasn't sure on how well Mark would handle it if he had been blunt about it. Though, he was certain that Mark caught onto his drift and in a way, Lux was beginning to wonder if it would've been best, had he not said anything.
“Sorry.” Lux apologized anyways.
Nox ignored him for the time being and looked to Ikuki. She was surprisingly smarter than she led everyone to believe. He was curious to know the extent of her knowledge and adaptability to be able to perform such a task. “Well...” He scratched the back of his head. “I'm by no means an expert. But I will definitely give it my all. The plus side is, if we need anything at all. We can always look it up or something. Well...maybe...the basics... I doubt this thing will be as simple as fixing an ordinary computer or game system.”
“Coffee sounds delicious.”
“You don't need coffee, Lux. And I wish you could do something to help us out.”
Lux stopped for a moment and pulled down the visor to look at his brother with an annoyed glare. “I'm sorry but you were the one that took all the brain-genes. I'm just the idiot that can swing a sword and face trouble without crapping my pants.”
Nox frowned. “That was ONE time...and I ate something bad that day. SO it doesn't count.”
“Does too.” Waved Lux. “Besides, I don't know anything about computers, let alone robots. That's all for you nerds. I'm just here to provide smart comments and probably test stuff out if the time ever comes...I don't really have any skills in this sort of thing.”
Nox sighed as his brother was right about his own skills. Lux had no idea how to even turn on a blender. So there was no way possible that he could do anything as advanced as this. And so, he turned back to Ikuki and said; “Well, let's take a bash at this. We've got the testers and tools right over here. Any screws that we remove can go in this platform here, that way we can make sure we don't lose them. Though, we may have to do some research to make sure whatever microchip that needs to be replace could be...”
Then there was an idea. “Wait. Lux. I have an idea for you to be useful with.”
“Oh dear. What's that?”
“Okay so what if we sent you pictures of items that we need. You can go out and see if you can extract any materials we need then deliver them back? I know that you run a lot so I'm sure you're full of all of that energetic energy and are more than capable of handling something as simple as this.”
Lux snorted. “You have a lot of hopes in someone who doesn't know how to operate a blender. But okay.”
“I'm sure Onyx or Entertainer could provide some sort of help. Locate them and maybe we can form some sort of errand-hunt thing going on. Because if this one robot is made by Apollo or whoever, then the others are more than capable of carrying materials similar to this one. Heck, maybe if you're clever enough. Maybe you can bring over more bodies that we can dissect and use for parts to fix this one.”
“You think I'm some sort of muscle man? I'm only ten, for crying out loud. That thing probably weighs as much as an elephant....and Ikuki was capable of lifting it over her shoulders.” Lux frowned.
“Well...Then use that brain of yours. Make a pulley or cart system and push it.”
“Fine. Fine. I'm sure I can manage something. Maybe I'll go find a dead body and drag it back here like the creepy grave robber that I am now becoming.” He then placed the gear down and walked towards the exit of the room. Silently sulking that he couldn't provide sarcastic commentary jokes for the group.
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Post by Moe on Oct 12, 2023 20:15:32 GMT -6
Mark only caught the end of the conversation as he was returning with coffee and energy drinks, but he heard enough to stop Lux before he left.
"Hey, you're smart in your own way. Being smart doesn't always mean knowing how to build robots or build mechsuits. Being smart means different things to different people. From what I've seen of you, you're super smart in the art of combat." he said to Lux with a smile. "That drive and passion, and the knowledge of when to strike? You could make a great leader, someday. And I'm not going to bs you, being stuck doing grocery runs sucks. You don't have to if you don't want to. I know you feel useless right now, and I know exactly how it feels to not know where you belong. Trust me, I'm going through that, right now. But you know what? We'll both figure it out." he said with a wink.
Ikuki meanwhile, was feeling a bit awkward after the twins' exchange. She wasn't so good at pep talks, but she had to at least try.
"You two don't always get along so well, do you?" She said, solemnly. "Maybe instead of putting each other down for each other's faults, try being a little more encouraging about what the two of you are good at? A little encouragement can go a long way." she said with a smile. "You two seem like you can be an amazing team, if you learned to work off each other's strengths. Maybe sometime the two of you could try to be more involved in each other's interests? Lux could guide you in some training, and you could teach Lux how to build something cool, that he would enjoy."
"We can work on this another time, if you want. I'm sure this project is going to take more than a single night to work on, so we have plenty of time if you'd rather spend time with your brother." she smiled sweetly at him.
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Post by Banshee on Oct 12, 2023 20:51:28 GMT -6
Mark's words hit Lux hard in the chest which caused him to stop walking out the door. In fact, he let the palm of his hand slide down the frame of the doorway and fall to his side. “You...think I could be a good leader one day?” He responded with a bit of an emotional twinge to his tone. It was a hopeful and prideful moment.
“No one...has ever said that to me before...” He tried to casually wipe away a tear that was trying to make its way down the side of his cheek. Lux turned back and smiled to Mark. “I may not be book smart like you all are, but you do have a point.” He then looked over to Nox, knowing that he too was understanding the conversation just as well as he was. The twins then exchanged nods.
“Grocery runs aren't fun...But you know what? I've just thought of something just now.” He turned to face Mark fully. “If running back and forth is something I'm going to be doing. May as well turn it into a training routine. Right? Practice on my speed and endurance. Maybe I'll be able to finally outrun some of my friends back at home. Right?” He grinned. “And you're right. We'll both figure out what we're best at and find out ways to help people with the skills we have.”
Then Ikuki chimed in, they turned their full attention to her. When she pointed out that they didn't get along all the time, both brothers sheepishly admitted the truth. “Yeah...” Nox spoke up the most about the situation. “We sort of smack heads from time to time. It's...kind of hard sometimes. Especially when he doesn't listen...and I fight him on every idea he has...”
When she continued with her lecture, they returned to listening to her once again. Both brothers nodded. She was right. They should be focusing more on encouraging one another, working together as a team. After all, they were twins. “You know...Maybe she's on to something, Lux.” Nox spoke up. “Maybe...when things settle down...we can spend some time together and uh...try to see what the other likes? I mean...I could probably use some pointers on battle techniques...”
“And I suppose I could learn a thing or two about what foods to eat.” He smirked. “You're both right though.” Lux then trotted over to his brother and held his hand back. Then without saying a word, both boys launched their opposite hands towards one another into a fierce and firm handshake.
“We're going to do our best from now on.” They said together at once. “We're a team. And no one is going to break that bond. We'll only be stronger!”
Then they paused as both of them had the same idea of what to say next. Together, they burst into laughter. “Like minds, think alike!” They said in unison once more before adding; “Stop getting into my head.”
“No. I'm warning you.” Lux waved his hand at Nox. “Getting into my head is dangerous. You don't know what thoughts may come into play.”
Nox grinned and said; “I bet some are about you being with that girl~”
Lux's cheeks flushed as he stared at his brother with annoyance. “N-No. We...We hardly...know one another that well enough. There's no way that she'd...No.”
Nox started to giggle at him, teasing his brother once again. “Oh, you like to tease Mark all the time.” He whispered and elbowed his brother with a grin. “It's only fair that you get picked on too.”
Lux whispered a reminder to Nox; “For the record, you're the one that teased him last time. Not me.”
Then they wrapped an arm around one another and turned to Mark and Ikuki. “We're going to do better from now on.” Nox chimed. “After all, he's the closest friend I've ever had. No one is going to change that except for us. And we may as well try to be better to one another. Right?”
“Thank you again for your wise words, the both of you.” Lux chimed. “And now! I shall look for some parts for you guys and do the runs! I'll bring a bag or something so it'll be easier to lug junk around and bring it back!” He grinned happily before running out of the room, in a much better spirit than before. This time, he was determined to turn something so boring, such as running back and forth, into a training exercise.
Nox then returned to his spot by Ikuki. “Alright.” He cracked his fingers. “Let's get this ball rolling. Shall we?”
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Post by Moe on Oct 12, 2023 22:20:06 GMT -6
Mark smiled as Lux became more optimistic. He viewed the boys as the little brothers he never had; something about them just connected them to each other. He held out both hands and shouted; "That's more like it!" as he high-fived them both at the same time.
"We make a pretty good team, but there will be times when we're not all together. That's why it's important for you two to stay close. After all, no matter what, the most important people in your life is family."
Ikuki smiled as he interacted with the boys. He was good to them, and treated them like his own family. Despite the unsavory persona of Hyper X, the guy behind the mask had a good heart.
Both Mark and Ikuki couldn't help but laugh as they spoke in unison, and Nox mentioned a girl. They weren't going to tease Lux about it, but Mark most certainly took note of it to mention, later on. Then he blushed again when they both mentioned teasing him.
"I guess as long as you two agree on something, I'll take it." Mark groaned, but he didn't seem annoyed this time. This time it was more amusement. Plus, he deserved it after he embarrassed Lux back at the museum. "Besides, if Ikuki and I hook up, you'll have to listen to us talk all mushy to each other while smoochin'!" he said, completely unserious and joking, just to get a reaction out of the boys.
Of course, it also got a reaction out of Ikuki, who was blushing as hard as Mark was, earlier. She didn't say anything but quickly grabbed a cold energy drink and chugged it, while trying to focus on the robot. "Okay yes let us fix this robot!" she said, trying her best not to pay any mind to Mark, since he was clearly not being serious. She started taking the panels off the robot, but in the midst of working on it, she still couldn't help but glance over every now and then, as he started working on designing the suit.
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Post by Banshee on Oct 13, 2023 5:54:53 GMT -6
Nox didn't seem to mind much of the final comment that came from Mark. If the couple were going to be lovey-dovey and mushy, it was bound to happen regardless. That's what couples did after all. But on Lux's mindset, he quickly vacated the room as if there was a taco stand sale going on. He rushed out without looking back.
The remaining brother sat at the table and looked over the parts. After exchanging thoughts with Ikuki, he would then fire off a request to Lux. Even sending a picture to him, since he knew that his brother wouldn't know what the heck he was talking about. And then once the list became a full backpack, he was expecting his brother to come back with a load of stuff at hand.
This went on for hours.
As expected, Lux kept up the deal and turned the running around into a form of stamina training. And with the extra weight he had to carry, it added a difficulty to his runs. Sometimes, he would come back pushing a random grocery cart that he found laying around on a path that he took. He would even mention that there were times that he had to have Entertainer or Onyx help him grab the parts because he wasn't quite sure on what Nox was asking for.
“Uh, this one we just took the whole section.” Lux pointed out at a heap of metal within the cart. “None of us really understood what you were asking this time but since it looked like it was in the arm area, we just took the entire arm this time.”
“That's okay actually.” Nox said to his brother. “It gives us ample room to do other fixes if needed. Or use them as spare parts.”
Lux then leaned on a, once empty, chair and looked at the pile of chaos laying on the table. “Wow... For not knowing everything about this robot, you guys sure have tore through him. Do you think you guys can really get it to work?”
“We're hoping.” Yawned Nox as he stretched his back out. “It's been interesting though. I keep randomly checking power flows and they seem to be alright for the most part. We just have to hope that Mark's side of the idea will also work. I mean, it would be quite intriguing if he could somehow access the database or at least, get some information to clarify what's been going on.”
Lux grabbed a water and chugged it as he realized that he was covered in grime and sweat. He then took a whiff of his armpit and frowned. “Yep. Definitely need a shower.”
“Yeah, I can smell you over here.” Joked Nox. He really couldn't smell his brother but he was trying to be funny. “I bet Ikuki can smell you too!”
“Here, let me wave it at you so you can enjoy it more.”
“No thanks!” He sank in his chair and held up a board to defend himself against the onslaught of stank being waved at him. When he laughed, so did Lux.
Lux then turned to Mark and asked; “How is it going for your project?”
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Post by Moe on Oct 13, 2023 9:10:12 GMT -6
Ikuki stretched as well, wondering how much time had passed. All the important parts were completely burned up, and required a lot of fine, meticulous detail. Even with all the cleaning up and resoldering, there was no guarantee that it would boot up again. The parts Lux had gathered were useful, but all the shells had the same problem. Whoever was shorting out the bots, knew exactly what they were doing to make sure they couldn't get any more information out of them.
"I think we could all use a shower, and some rest." Ikuki moved away from the table, stretching her arms and moving around to try and get the feeling back in her legs after sitting for so long.
"You guys get some rest, I'll probably be working on this, all night." Mark said, making his way over to Ikuki. "Though I will need measurements. The suit sizes are pretty precise. It's just a quick 3D scan that I can use to model the suit parts." he guided her over to the area he was working at, and held her arms out. "Just stand like this for a few seconds." he said as he tapped at the computer keyboard, initiating the scan.
Everything happened too fast for Ikuki to process it, but she went along with it, too tired to do anything else.
"And that's it." Mark said, going back to the computer. "I can use your scan to start making the suit, to your exact measurements. Meanwhile, you and the boys should get some rest and I'll see what progress I can make on both projects. Apparently, I don't sleep anymore. Is that normal?"
"For you, yes." Ikuki said, sheepishly. "Basic needs like sleep and food aren't a requirement. But you have also had enough caffeine to be lethal to any normal person, so it could also probably be that." she said, both impressed and horrified by the amount of energy drink he had consumed.
"Ah. Yeah. I do that a lot." he shrugged, not really thinking anything of it. "Anyway, you can take my bed. If I sleep at all, I'll use the couch."
"Heh. If you wanted me in your bedroom, all you had to do was ask." she smirked at him.
"...What?" he said, her comment going completely over his head.
Ikuki waited a few seconds, thinking he was joking. When he went back to his computer work, she felt a little awkward. "Uh, anyway. Don't work too hard, okay? You may not need sleep, but you should still take breaks to rest. You really...don't need all that caffeine, either."
"Uh-huh." he was much too focused on working to pay attention to anything else, and clearly wasn't going to hold anymore conversation for the rest of the night. "Hey," he said to her as she was walking away and heading upstairs. "I'm sorry. For misjudging you. I dunno why my dad sent you to me, but you're a good person. I...like hanging out with you." he smiled at her.
She smiled back at him; "I like hanging out with you, too." she said, before heading upstairs to get ready for bed.
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Post by Banshee on Oct 13, 2023 11:32:53 GMT -6
Nox set down his tools and let out a yawn. He looked to his brother who had brought back some final pieces that were worth looking at. The boy looked more than exhausted from his errand running that he practically could collapse at any moment. Nox knew that neither Ikuki or Mark wanted either twin to work too hard but as they will get to know Lux, he's a worker.
“Come on, brother.” Nox said to his brother before he could make another attempt to go outside again. He planted a firm hand on his shoulder and held him back. “We need to relax a little. Alright?”
“But there's so much-”
“We have time tomorrow to do more.” Nox said with a smile. “You've done so much so far. You're going to be hurting tomorrow morning. Let's go rest up, like they said.”
Lux didn't want to stop but Nox had a point. And so, he nodded and headed back up stairs to go get showered and probably eat. Unless his body gave up and he just passed out. Which, was more than likely to happen as he was physically worn.
Nox could hear the two adults talk to one another. Flirting, as one would call it. He snickered when Ikuki mentioned the bed and was met with a deadpanned response. Now, Nox didn't fully grasp the concept of what she was hinting at but he figured she meant just sleeping in the same bed together. He let out a laugh before heading back up the stairs.
As expected, Lux didn't even get to eat. Right after he got out of the shower and into his pajamas, he crashed right on the bed. Snoring. Nox had found him without a blanket over him and so, he tucked his brother in and plucked his dirty clothes off the ground. Looking down at Lux's attire, he noticed that his scarf had a small rip in it.
“I wonder if he noticed that?” He turned and looked down at his sleeping brother. Nox then folded it up and placed it on a stand that stood next to the bed he was sleeping on. Then shortly after he was cleaned up, he too joined his brother in the world of slumber.
He woke up in a room with his brother and Josephine. Lux had no idea where he was located nor where the caravan was taking him. He also had no idea why Josephine was with him and his brother. But when he reached over to wake them, neither one budged.
Tilting his head at them, he began to wonder if this was another night terror again and the feeling of regret for realizing this, sank in to his chest like concrete. Lux then stood up and looked around the room they were in. It was a quaint little room, finely decorated with red curtains and a soft carpet that pretty much let his feet sink into it with each step.
“Lux...” A voice whispered. It was similar to the one he had heard from the previous night terror. The voice was soft and angelic. But who it was, was still unknown to him. And whenever he called out to it, there came no response.
Gathering up his courage. He walked over to a doorway and placed his hand on the knob. But as soon as he did, he heard a deep growl come from above. And when he glanced upwards, he saw something with three eyes, glowing in the dimly lit room. It was watching him like an owl hunting prey. A vulture, was more like it.
Lux watched as the figure dropped down behind him, landing with a thud. When it stood up, the figure towered over him. It was a hulking beast of some kind. And what it wanted? Lux had no clue.
“Run.” The familiar voice warned him from behind.
But he couldn't. Nox and Josephine were sleeping in the same room as the monster. He couldn't just leave them there. He had to do something but what? Lux looked around the area, trying to find something to shake the beast off. But there wasn't anything. Nothing was useful enough for him to use. He was trapped and so were they.
The beast laughed, mocking his attempts. It then reached its vulture-like claws out at him. Reaching for his neck. Lux had nowhere to go. He was going to die in his dream, again.
He shot upright in his bed and looked around. Nox hadn't woken him up from his sleep. And when everything began to sink in, Lux immediately began to feel aches and pains from the day before. He had worked his body far too hard with trying to help as best as he could. And now, he was paying for it.
Lux threw himself back into his bed and looked up at the ceiling, wondering why it was that he was getting all of these night terrors? Why was it only him and never Nox? Was there something that he was fearing where Nox had already conquered it? He didn't know. And all he could do is groan at the unfortunate lackluster sleep he got, mixed with the pain from his antics.
“Man...” He mumbled to himself as he continued to stare helplessly at the ceiling. “Why can't I ever get a good night's sleep anymore? With everything going on...” His voice trailed off when he heard Nox stir in his sleep. Lux then glanced over to his brother who had greeted him a good morning. All Lux could muster up was a simple; “Hey.”
“Man, we have so much to do to help out.” Nox said as he rose from bed and yawned. “We got a lot done though! But I doubt we're going to get anywhere with it...” Then it dawned onto him that Mark may have been still awake. “OH!” He then threw himself out of bed and hurried out of the room to check on him.
Once in the basement, Nox peeked around for Mark. Wondering if he was up or not.
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Post by Moe on Oct 13, 2023 13:32:24 GMT -6
The night droned on; everyone had gone to bed, and other than going upstairs whenever Tiffany would wake up, Mark was hard at work in the basement lab. He was working on Ikuki's suit, and had the basic shell already done and ready. All it needed was some color, but he would let her choose that. The rest was the hard part. He had to wire in all the specs, connect it to her neural signature, and connect Apollo's fried motherboard to it. If it was even able to work, again.
He was so focused between Ikuki's suit, repairing his suit, watching Tiffany, and working on Apollo's avatar, that he didn't notice there was somebody else in the room, watching him. He had been standing there for quite a long time, lurking, seeing how long it would take Mark to notice him. Evidently, Mark was never going to notice him.
"Seriously?" the strange man spoke out, startling Mark into defense. Mark grabbed the man by the arm and threw him over his shoulder, using the man's own weight against him. "Holy hell, nice move! Did your sister teach you that??" the man said, impressed.
"Dad??" Mark blinked. "Oh, this is another dream, isn't it?" Mark realized. The others had told him that who, or whatever, he was thinking of most heavily, would be the one to show up. And he was thinking about his dad a lot, the last few days.
"Nope, you're completely awake." Chronos said, standing up and dusting himself off. Tiffany was once again downstairs with Mark, and the whole fiasco had caused her to giggle. "Did you clone yourself?" Chronos noted her.
"No, Dad, that's my daughter." he said, going to pick her up and away from Chronos. "You'd know that if you bothered to contact me and Alex, every now and then." he said in a bitter tone, still assuming this was all a dream. After all, there's no way Chronos would have been able to get in the house, without anyone else noticing or triggering the security system.
"I deserve that. Also, shit." Chronos replied in frustration.
"Language." Mark scolded him, as he covered Tiffany's ears. She wasn't even close to being old enough to parrot words yet, but he didn't want to make it a habit. "What's your deal? You leave when I was little, don't say a word to me or Alex, and other than sending us money we have absolutely no contact with you or even know if you care. Now you want to show up in my life again and tell me you're some kind of god? Heck, you didn't even have the guts to tell me, yourself! You had to send Ikuki! And what's up with that? Why her? She doesn't deserve to get caught up in all of this drama!"
"Okay, look. First off, you're right. I should have told you a long time ago, to prepare you better. I didn't, and that's on me. Now you've got earthly attachments and that complicates things. Normally ascension into godhood is a lot easier, when you know it's coming and don't get attached to anyone. Also, how old is she?" Chronos' tone became more parental, this time. "You just turned eighteen like a couple months ago, what the hell is wrong with you??" he slapped Mark on the back of the head, causing Tiffany to giggle again. "Lastly, I chose Ikuki because I cheated and looked into your future. Gods can't read other gods, but I did see her. Figured it couldn't hurt to set you two up, early."
"I...you...get out of my head." Mark gritted his teeth.
"Already told you, not a dream."
"Get. Out. Of. My. Head." Mark repeated, more angry this time.
"Boy, I can't. This isn't a dream, this time. I'm here, in the flesh. I know I screwed up, but I'm here, now. You've got questions, and I've got all the answers. So, are you really going to send me away, and try to figure this all out, on your own?"
"¡Sal de mi casa, maldito pendejo!" though his mother taught him english as a first language, if he was angry or flustered enough, Mark most definitely took after her. And this time, he was very angry.
"Hey now, thought you said to watch the language." Chronos held his hands up. "Fine, I'll leave. But if you even want to try talking to me again, just call me. No magic, no astral plane. I'll write my personal number down, and you can call me. Like a normal person." he said as he grabbed a pen and paper, writing his number down and leaving it on Mark's desk. "Do you have more than one kid??" he said, as he noticed Nox peaking in.
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Post by Banshee on Oct 13, 2023 17:01:53 GMT -6
He was pointed at which immediately threw Nox into a cataclysmic circle. Out of sheer surprise on hearing someone else being in the room, especially one he hadn't met before, he quickly blabbed; “Dad who is that?” Then he shook his head rather quickly as though he realized that he accidentally addressed Mark by the wrong name and botched his question all together. “I mean, who is that-your Dad?” The structuring of his sentence was still enormously wrong but he still couldn't manage to throw away his genuine surprise and act normal.
Slowly he walked into the room and asked; “I am not messing up anything, am I? I can uh...go bother Lux for the time being, if need be. I just uh...wondered if you needed or wanted anything...or uh...how things were going... But if I'm intruding on a conversation, then I apologize.” He bowed rather quickly, not leaving either adult a chance to respond to him before apologizing.
Meanwhile, Lux was still sitting in his room looking at his scarf. The material was quite weathered and small bits of thread were beginning their escape from the rest of the group. His heart sank when he noticed a small tear in it, but knew that it was inevitable. He wore it every single day. Morning, night, hot weather, freezing weather.
He bit his lip as he wrapped the scarf around his neck. But when he did, he could smell the sweat from the other day, embedded into the material. He frowned, realizing that it too needed to be washed. And since he knew how to wash his own laundry, by hand, he was going to do just that.
Gathering his clothes from the other day, he bundled them all together and began to walk out of the room. It was then he realized, they made machines that can wash clothes for him. But unfortunately, he never knew how to use such a thing. Reese was still very old fashioned and never used anything new and improved.
At first, he thought about asking someone for help with learning how to operate a washer machine. But he decided against it. Hand washing his clothes has been something he was forced to learn. It was merely second nature to him now. The only downside to it all was, his clothes took forever to dry. Especially his scarf. And without his scarf being on him, he actually felt like he was naked.
Shrugging it off, he decided to go for it. He was going to hand wash his clothes in the bathroom sink. As it was the only sink in the house that he was actually able to reach without the use of a chair or some form of miniature ladder.
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Post by Moe on Oct 13, 2023 19:43:21 GMT -6
"Kid, are you okay? You're not having a stroke or something, are you?" Chronos said to Nox.
"Don't talk to him like that!" Mark scolded his dad, but then it occurred to him that Nox could see him. "What, you can see him? I'm not...hallucinating?"
"For the last time, this isn't a dream. Geez, did you go insane? That doesn't usually start until at least a thousand years after ascension!"
Mark shot him a look, already angry at him and that comment didn't help matters any. He wanted to avoid causing another scene, this time in front of Nox, but his angry expression did all the talking.
"Okay, okay. I'm leaving." Chronos nudged past Nox, to leave.
"Wait." something had occurred to Mark. Something he had forgotten to ask, but seeing Nox reminded him. "Did you create Apollo?"
"That hunka junk that blew up the planet? Yeah, I had a hand in it. It was just a lil side project, wasn't supposed to go evil or anything." Chronos shrugged as though it was no big deal.
"If you are what you say you are, then why didn't you stop it?"
Chronos let out a deep sigh; "I've been asked that for the last two-thousand years. I'll give you the same answer I gave Athena: because no matter what, I couldn't stop it. I tried avoiding making it. I tried going into the past and stopping it. I tried launching it into space. But no matter what I did, the results would always be the same. Sometimes fate is just fate, son. Even the gods are powerless to stop it. Plus, I wasn't even the lead scientist on the project. The lead guy was unreadable. Nobody could see his fate or future, and that only happens if you're a god. Which he wasn't. We've been looking into the same questions for a hell of a lot longer than you've been alive, so if you come up with any good answers, please. Do share them with the rest of the class."
Mark wanted to still be angry, he wanted to tell his father to leave and never show his face around him again. He wanted to say that. But what came out, was; "I have a plan."
"I'm sure you do. You're a hell of a lot smarter, than me." was the last thing Chronos said, as he finally left.
Ikuki meanwhile, had also missed the entire ordeal. She had got out of bed, grabbed some toast, and didn't know anything about Chronos ever being there. She did, however, notice Lux attempting to wash his clothes in the guest bathroom sink. "Um, if you need help with laundry, I don't mind." she said with a smile.
She almost missed Chronos as he was leaving, and would have, if he hadn't said anything.
"Hey, Ikuki. Go for it, he's totally into you." he gave her two thumb's up.
She was too flabbergasted to say anything, and he didn't have anything to say after that, and casually walked out the door whistling as though nothing weird was going on.
"So...um....laundry..." she muttered, trying to turn her attention back to Lux. "I can...help with that." she was still quite confused about Chronos being there, but slowly got her derailed mind back on track.
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Post by Banshee on Oct 13, 2023 20:41:20 GMT -6
“Um...well no. I was uh...” Then Mark snapped at the man, telling him not to talk to Nox in the way he did. After, Mark asked him if he could see Chronos. With that in mind, Nox looked back at the strange man and nodded. “Yeah, I can see him. He's standing right there.”
Nox for the most part, remained really quiet as Mark was shifting through various emotions. From what he could detect, there was; anger, annoyance, dismay, and loss for words as the other started to make his way out of the room. Nox stepped towards the side, watching the man as he began his leave. But then he was stopped when Mark questioned him about Apollo.
The answer that was given was most interesting to Nox. It was true that he did have a hand with creating the AI. But how he delivered the answer was a little unnerving for Nox to feel. The man clearly didn't seem to have any care about what the repercussions were of the creation. If it went off the wall, then it went off the wall. If things were destroyed in its wake, then so be it. It wasn't his problem.
And just thinking that, made Nox feel sick to his stomach. How could someone want to create something so impressive and dangerous, and not care about what happens while it exists? A part of him also wanted to get mad at him. But he also wasn't sure on how he should really respond. Was there more to the story than what was being led on?
Either way, he wanted to take a seat on the nearest chair and think over what he had just heard. A God...not caring about what happened to the world. What sort of God was he? Destruction? Chaos? Was he related to Pandora?
Once Chronos left, Nox rubbed his arm as he was trying to shake himself out from the shock. He then whispered to Mark; “How can someone create something...or help create something...and not care about the death and destruction it's causing? Does he not care about the thousands of lives that he's destroyed? The families he's torn apart? Or the worlds he's burned?”
He shook his head, as he could recall robots killing his own parents. Nox could feel himself shake at the memories he tried so hard to forget. “How can a God be so damn careless and cold? How can he be related to you? You're nothing like him. You...” He looked down at his feet as he tried even harder to not dwell on the sight of witnessing his parents fall to an attack. “Why would he want to create children of his own to only watch them suffer in turmoil because of the crap he's unleashed upon the world? It's like a damn game.”
Nox hugged his scarf tightly as he continued to look down at his feet. “Mark...Please don't ever become that. Don't ever become that...Please...”
Meanwhile, Lux watched as some random dude walked out of the basement and out the door. The comment he made was so obscure to Lux, that he couldn't even comprehend what he had just heard. And so, he shrugged and returned to washing his clothes in the sink. At least, until Ikuki got his attention.
He jumped out of surprise and looked to her. “Oh...I uh was uh...” She mentioned that she could've helped him clean his clothes and so, he smiled at her. “Thanks! Sorry, we never had any of those growing up. So we just washed our stuff by hand and hung dry them.” He then wrung out the water he could and hopped over to her while carrying everything.
“Can you please teach me then? I'm curious to see how these things work.” He chimed.
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Post by Moe on Oct 13, 2023 21:46:53 GMT -6
Mark sighed a heavy sigh, thankful his father left, but he was left with the same sick feeling he gave Nox. "As much as I hate defending him, changing time can have even worse effects. If he really did try to change it, I'd like to believe that he prevented an even worse outcome. But honestly? Who knows. The way he just threw his own family aside, I don't even know if he's capable of empathy, at all."
He wanted to say everything Nox was saying, it was actually reassuring that others felt the same way about Chronos. However, he tried to keep a cool head, for Nox's sake. "I won't be like that. I promise. I have absolutely no intention of accepting this role, because my life is in my own hands, not some stupid fate my dad planned out for me."
"Anyway, best not to dwell too hard on it, or else he's just going to end up making everyone mad. That's what he does best. Best thing we can focus on right now, is working on getting that robot's motherboard working again." he tried turning attention to the robot, but it occurred to him that the others probably required food. Plus, all he had was more energy drinks that any normal human should ever consume. "Actually, you guys should probably eat breakfast, first. You don't need to end up like me...I've been known to focus so hard on something, that people don't see me for weeks at a time." he laughed nervously, in an attempt to, indeed, make sure Nox didn't end up going down that route.
When he opened the door to leave the basement, Ikuki was on her way in. The two nearly bumped into each other, causing them both to blush and laugh nervously.
"Uh. Morning." Mark said to her.
"Morning." she replied back. There was an awkward silence for a few seconds, before Ikuki finally broke it. "Your dad was here."
"I know. I told him to go away." Mark said, flatly.
"Oh. Well, I was just coming down to ask if it's okay if I show Lux how to use your washer and dryer. I offered to show him, but figured I should ask first."
"It's fine." Mark smiled at her. "As long as you're all staying here, make yourselves at home. Don't ever be shy about using what you need to, or asking for groceries or whatever. On that note, how does pancakes sound? We've been throwing together quick meals lately, and you've all been working super hard so I think I owe you guys an actual, nice breakfast for once."
"Pancakes sound amazing." Ikuki smiled. "Mark?" she stopped him, before he could fully make it into the kitchen. "Thank you. For being so nice. Not just anyone would invite a bunch of nomads they'd just met, into their home like this." she joked, but was also serious at the same time. "You really are something special." she said as she gave him a kiss on the cheek. This one was more genuine than the last, as her hand rested gently on his other cheek and it lasted a fraction of a second longer, causing his heart to skip a beat and he was very much aware of her feelings, at this point.
He was left unable to form the right words as she went on about laundry business, leaving him to breakfast duty. He stood in shock for just a moment, trying to get his feelings in check. "Um. Thanks." he mouthed, unsure if the words were actually audible. "Pancakes..." was the only word he was finally able to form, as he set Tiffany down in her highchair, and started gathering the ingredients to make pancakes.
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Post by Banshee on Oct 13, 2023 22:27:21 GMT -6
Nox felt bad about how Mark felt towards his own Dad, but after seeing how the man handled things? Nox couldn't blame him. But when Mark attempted to somewhat defend his Father with a possibility of preventing another outcome, Nox wasn't so sure about it. Chronos didn't seem to really care about what happened at all. Therefore, Nox felt that he just did whatever he felt like and left it at that.
Nox glanced down at the side for a moment. He knew Mark really hated the idea of taking on the role that his Father threw at him. But there was still one question at hand that he had to ask. “If...you don't take the role at all, then what happens to an unfilled position? Does it remain with him? Or does it eventually go to someone who's a lot worse than him? Or would he just do something so bad, that it can really mess up everything to the point that life seizes to exist?”
He hated the idea of things just dying off. “There's so much in the world that I want to learn. I want to discover mysteries and solve puzzles. Build things to help others with jobs that they need help in. I want to grow old and become a wise man, teaching and guiding inquiring minds. All of that will never happen if the world dies.” Nox frowned and then added; “Plus, I'd like to see who my brother gets with. And whether or not it's that girl that he likes.”
Nox then added; “I doubt you'd be anything like him. You're really cool. I...don't like him.” He wanted to say more about his opinion but he felt like he needed to be careful with what he said. Even if Mark hated his Father, Chronos was still his Father.
“I suppose I should eat first.” Nox laughed a bit as he started to leave to only witness Mark and Ikuki bumping into one another. The child then backed away, giving them space while he exchanged glances with his brother, who snickered at the sight. However, neither brother said anything on the event and simply let it all roll out on its own.
“Thank you.” Lux said to him, even though he already knew that the home was pretty much all open areas for them to go to. If they needed something, they were already welcomed to go and get it. “She is right. I'm glad you're allowing us to bunk with you.”
“We've learned so much from the both of you!” Chimed Nox. “And we're only going to learn more!”
“Pancakes! I love Pancakes!” Sang Lux. “Now I cannot wait to get my clothes cleaned.”
“Wait! You're learning how to use a washer? I want to learn too!” Bounced Nox as he quickly gathered his own clothing and dragged it to the wash room.
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Post by Moe on Oct 14, 2023 7:45:29 GMT -6
Nox's questions were valid; what WOULD happen, if he chose not to take the role? He supposed his father would just be forced to keep the role forever, but that would mean he could just shirk responsibilities onto another kid, in another eighteen years. He didn't want to take the role, but he didn't want Chronos to try it all again, either. He sighed as the questions raced through his head, trying to ignore them with pancakes.
The laundry room was behind the kitchen, and Ikuki had to go past Mark to get there. She did tell him that he could always talk to her, and he figured he would finally take her up on that offer.
"Hey, Ikuki? What happens if I refuse godhood?" he asked her.
The question took her off guard, but she already knew he was apprehensive about the situation. "Time ceases to exist." she answered. "Chronos already passed the mantel to you, he's no longer the god of time. But you have to accept it in order to fully ascend. He's losing his power, and if you don't accept, you'll lose it, too. Then time will stop existing. In that scenario...I don't know what will happen." she bit her lower lip, trying not to sound like too much of a downer, but she still had to be honest.
"Oh. Cool. So no pressure, then." Mark responded, trying to push back another existential crisis. "No pressure, at all..." he repeated, staring at the pancake batter in the pan.
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Post by Banshee on Oct 14, 2023 8:08:03 GMT -6
While being in the wash room with his brother, Nox couldn't help but overhear the conversation the other two were having. He felt bad for Mark being thrust into a situation that he didn't desire but it was even worse because the unfortunate denial of such things existing. All he wanted to do was live a normal life. Have friends. Have a family. But everything was always seemingly hanging over his head like a carrot on a string for him.
Lux was mesmerized by the fact that the machine was washing his clothes for him, for the first time ever. He couldn't believe that something so amazing existed. As he wasn't paying attention to Ikuki or Mark, he turned to his brother and said; “Why doesn't Reese get this stuff? It would make chores less annoying to deal with.”
His brother broke him out of his slump as he turned to him and said; “It's probably because he doesn't know anything about it. You know how he is. He tries to be very smart and correct all the time. That, or he just would rather do things himself for a sensation of completing a task. Or something.” Nox shrugged as he didn't quite understand their older brother either. Reese was an odd person.
“I feel so dumb sometimes.” Lux admitted. “Things like this have probably been around for years. And yet, this is the first time in my ten years of life that I've seen this?” Then he paused and asked; “Wait, did Mom and Dad have them too?”
“I honestly don't remember.” Frowned Nox. “I don't remember much of them at all. I try not to think about the past...It hurts.”
Lux agreed with his brother on that one. But yet, he still thinks about them all the time. It's an attempt to keep their faces in his memories so that he doesn't forget them. But without any photos of them or hearing their voices, he feared that it would happen in due time anyway.
He shook his head. “You know what, we're being depressing. The thing we need to keep doing is looking forward. We have to think of how else we can help them do things around here. Learn from them and become even better people than our parents were.”
“How? Dad was a full fledged knight who took his responsibilities seriously. Mom was also one too but she was more into the opera, making people happy by simply hearing her voice. Neither one of us have any talent. I'm a lousy knight and you cannot focus-”
“I've got it.” Lux slapped his hands together before running off into the other room.
“...for a second...” Nox sighed. “I swear, he's like a fly sometimes...” He then slowly followed his brother into the kitchen.
“So I've got an idea.” Lux said as he sat at the table. “I'm gonna go outside and bother my friend. Maybe the two of us can train or something. I don't know what Nox will be doing but I'm sure he'll be fine here.”
“Way to ask me what I wanted to do...” Nox said as he sat at the table.
“Oh please. Get into physical contact with battle styles and weaponry usage? Or would you honestly rather sit in the lab, dissecting a robot to uncover the truth about stuff? Hm?” Lux tested his knowledge of his brother. He knew that Nox would definitely choose the lab option. It's just what he had interest in.
As if he had no other choice on the matter, because Nox honestly knew that he'd rather hide in a lab, he sighed. “I suppose you're right. I would actually prefer being in the lab over battling. So...I'll take it. But are you going to go over there by yourself?”
“We've traveled here alone. I'll be fine.” He shrugged. “I know roughly where she lives. I also have her number.”
Nox snickered. “Oooh! You've got a girl's number.”
Lux stuck his tongue out at him. “Yeah, you're jealous. I know. I mean, she is kinda cool. She's got hair that's on FIRE.”
Nox laughed at him. “Go and be with your girlfriend then.”
“She's a girl and a friend. But not a girlfriend.” Lux stole Nox's fork off of his plate so that he couldn't eat his pancakes. However, it backfired because Nox stole his in return.
“So I wonder what else we'll figure out during this today?” Asked Nox. “Do you guys think that we'll get any further or something?”
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