driftfleet | Libuscha IV System Mingle (no. 1)

I should! I'll be sure to do so.

[At the question, Thor hums and scratches his neck in thought.]

He was someone from my universe, from Earth. He had worked for one of my friends there. I only ever met him in the Fleet though, as he was taken from some sixty years earlier than my own time. [And humans just don't live very long.] I believe he was something called a butler.

[More timeline shenanigans, huh? Taako rolls that idea in his head and then makes a face.]

You mean I missed an actual butler being here? As in a suit-wearing, do whatever you say, walks around all disapproving of your ill manners sort of butler?

He did wear suits. Not sure about the manners thing.

[As Thor was never rude to him, maybe he just missed out on that aspect of Jarvis's personality.]

Maybe another butler will come sometime.

All butlers are snobby about manners in my experience.

[Taako sticks his tongue out at the idea of another one showing up.]

So as much as I'd love to be waited on hand and foot, I don't need someone harshing my vibe with "proper procedures" or whatever. Taako's a live and die free kinda guy. Nothing and nobody to tie him down, going wherever I want whenever I want, yanno?

[It hadn't always been the easiest life, but it was his and he couldn't allow regret to factor into it.]

Mostly. I think. [He frowns, the flair and ease dropping from his voice for a moment, ears flicking back. The unease is there and gone in an instant and Taako tries to cover it up with an easy shrug of his shoulders.]

Yeah, pretty sure no matter what Taako's been Taako the entire time.

[When a personality as big as Taako's wavers, it's not hard to notice. Even though Thor snorts with amusement he's wondering where that 'I think' came from. Then again maybe it's a simple matter of not knowing. It was only a few minutes ago that they were speaking of deaths unremembered.]

Sometimes those procedures have their place, I must admit. [Even if that place is to be broken. Thor's no stranger to flaunting the rules or committing treason.] Mostly?

[It's open-ended enough, repeating what Taako had said.]

[Taako glances at the tree, ears flicking momentarily as he considers and weighs his options. As Lup said, he's never been a sharing is caring sort of guy. But right now it irks him that she's right, and that the tree wants this of all things from him. He could have pretended to be nice easily enough. Hee could have thrown any number of objects into the water lickedity split, no water off this wooden duck's back. But no, it wanted honesty, which was not on brand for the wizard Taako.

He lets Thor's question hang in the air for long enough it seems he won't answer, and then lets out a defeated sigh. ]

Mentioned it before, I'm sure, but I'm missing huge chunks of my autobiography. And Lup? She's a big ol' blank-a-roo. Never met her until I got here, no idea who she is or why she stole my face.

[He manages to keep his tone light, shrugging easily like this is a joke of someone else's life, not his. It helps with the panic he feels rising like a stone in his stomach, an easy and practiced disguise of not caring when he cared the most.]

Weird, right?

Edited 2019-01-02 15:49 (UTC)

[Thor had shifted back on his heels a bit, getting ready to fill that gap of silence with a subject change, when Taako finally answers. He blinks at the unexpected change and finds himself dismayed. There was more to Taako's lack of memory than just those deaths?]

You said about the deaths, but - more than that? Lup as well?

[He had thought from the wary way Lup answered him that they merely had some complicated sort of family relationship. This... would certainly count as complicated. Not the alternate reality that she had shot down as a suggestion either.]

That is indeed strange. Do you have any idea why you can't remember?

[Unwittingly, Thor helps replace Taako's panic with something far more familiar - a budding sensation of rage every time he thinks about the voidfish. He doesn't know why or the details of the how, but he has put together the overall picture and every time he thinks about it, the rage gets a little sharper, a little more dangerous.]

Oh yeah, I got an idea. We have this thing on our planet, no idea where it came from, but it's call the voidfish - supposedly only one of them in existence. It eats memories. Like, erases shit from reality. It gets all replaced with static. Any mention of it - written, drawn, spoken, whatever - all turns to static, too.

[Taako's tone turns bitter as he watches the tree start to light up. Of course this is what that fucker wants.]

Pretty much all of my memories? Have static somewhere in them up to twelve years ago. And Lup? Yeah, if I even try to think about her or who she's supposed to be? All static. It's annoying as fuck.

[Thankfully, Thor is old enough and well-travelled enough through the universe to not find the very concept of a memory-eating fish to be the most outlandish thing he's ever heard. It's not normal by any means. But it sounds like the kind of thing the Mind Stone might spawn, or something of a legendary beast.

Taako's anger at the situation is clear as day, and Thor can't blame him at all. It's a theft of something that belongs to him, that no one else has any right to.]

But this thing must-- does it invade minds to do this? ["Wouldn't you remember that?" he almost says before he shuts his mouth. Of course he wouldn't remember it if the fish itself was in there doing its thing.] I've never heard of a beast with such a power... I cannot imagine how frustrating that must be.

It just eats information all nom nom nom, thanks for the snack and whatever it erases is gone from existence.

[Like Boyland, like Brian and his stupid spider, like - apparently - Lup. Taako tries to keep his voice light, shrugging and waving his hands dismissively as he talks. He keeps a careful eye on the tree, but so far it hasn't gotten any brighter.]

Unless you drink from its ichor or whatever. We're pretty sure it's either its jizz or its piss, but whatever it is, drinking the water from its tank inoculates you to its effects. Used to think it was handy until I got here.

[And met Lup. Taako's face grows darker around the edges and he can't quite keep the happy-go-stupid-lucky tone to his voice anymore.]

Until I met her, I didn't think the static would effect me anymore. But there it is - she's a giant ol' thing glaring me right in the face with all the shit I can't ever know. And she's pissed at me about it like it's my fucking fault I have huge chunks of my life stolen.

[Uh, gross. Thor definitely makes a face at that. The universe is disgusting sometimes.

It pales in comparison to the purported effects though, which still have Thor figuring out the details. Erasing a person from your mind and replacing them with static. Discomfort settles in as he remembers that, to a lesser extent, this is what Odin had done with Hela. Written her out of Asgard's history to the point that no one knew who she was when she returned. Thor had understood her anger then. He thinks maybe he can understand Lup's, even if he's fairly certain she's not about to go on a killing spree because of it.]

It isn't your doing, though. Does she know that?

'Course she does.

[Taako shrugs because he knows it's not Lup's fault for their fight. She'd been drunk, Taako had poked a very fire-happy bear, and had gotten bitten in return. He's still bitter about it though because the things she's said weren't...wrong, per se, but it stung. Taako doesn't like feeling guilty about something he has no control over. They're both suffering in their own way and every time he tries to think about it - about her - he gets a headache and a stark reminder that he's been lied to by the first people he's trusted in...gods, years.]

Doesn't... [He huffs.] Doesn't stop her from getting hurt by it.

[He stares at the tree as it glows softly.]

...Doesn't stop it from sucking massive amounts of dick in a bad way for either of us. I know all of you figured out who she is. I can't. Even if you told me right now who she is, I'd just hear static and get a headache. It's fucking....

[And even though his voice is full of annoyance, his eyes are sad. He wishes he could remember. She was apparently important to him - or he was at least important to her. He's never mattered to anyone in his life and to have someone right there holding out that thread of connection he's wanted his entire life in a place where he simply can't reach is...

It hurts. A lot.]

Frustrating.

Edited 2019-01-09 07:37 (UTC)

[Thor had made some assumptions, without mentioning them. Since Lup had outright said it wasn't alternate realities, that left family. He isn't one to try and drag out someone's story if they don't wish to tell it, especially when it comes to family ties. The long, tangled web that was his and Loki's own history was proof enough that it isn't always simple. Often, it hurts.

Especially if there are walls between you that seem impossible to scale.

He uncrosses his arms slowly, watching as Taako turns away to stare up at the tree.]

I won't say what I think, then. [It's a simple enough statement, but earnest. Thor doesn't want to trip whatever memory switch Taako has going on in his head, not when discontent and sadness is written all over his face.] I am sorry, though. To have something like this taken from you without your even knowing is a terrible thing.

But if you're both here, then something can still exist between you. It isn't nothing.

[Maybe that's a cold comfort compared to what was lost. Even so, it's not a complete absence. There's a chance to build again.]

Honestly? It's fine.

[It really, really wasn't, but this conversation was hedging the line of falling into actual emotions and fuck that. That was not Taako's gig. He did lighthearted, he did fun, he did goofs at other people's expenses, but as much as he liked to whine about being multi-dimensional feelings, he hated talking about them. He shrugs easily as he sees the tree's light start to fade at his lie.]

Ch' boy Taako is used to being alone, so don't you go pitying me or anything. Been that way my entire life, so the solo act ain't nothing. It's just weird that she's, I guess, really into the Taako brand, yanno?

From where I stand, she's just some crazy stalker who stole my face. Oh, and we're supposed to be mortal enemies or some bullshit like that. So it's preeeetty complicated.

[Thor has to wonder about that. If Taako's missing memories, and Lup is who he thinks she is, then maybe that isn't true at all. It's not for him to say though, not in a moment like this.

He does have to cock his head to the side though, raising his eyebrows.]

Mortal enemies sounds pretty strong for someone you don't know.

More like her organization and mine are at odds. Me personally? Don't give a shit? But the person I work for said they're dangerous and kiiiinda responsible for a lot of bad shit that happened in the world. We're not supposed to talk to them, but?

[Taako grimaced as he thought about the Director. The fact that only the Bureau had access to the Voidfish, that there weren't supposed to be any other ones, that he was supposed to be inoculated - it all came around to a big ol' ball of suspicion landing squarely in Taako's court. He was already a fairly paranoid person to begin with, but he didn't like that he had to be suspicious of Lucretia and the BoB. They'd given him a home for the first time in years. They gave him money. They gave him a purpose.

And if it was all a lie? He was going to have a hell of a time ever trusting anyone again.]

Ch' boy Taako's never been good at following the rules.

[He laughs but there's barely any hint of mirth in it.]

For whatever good it's done me. She's pissed at me for not remembering, I'm pissed at her for being angry at me. It's probably pretty much over.

Oh, I don't know. [He isn't aiming to sound dismissive, just thoughtful. Ironically Thor has a perspective on this that most people wouldn't understand.] I've had someone consider me their enemy before and still turned it around.

[Thor and Loki had absolutely hated each other for a span, papering anger over their hurts and betrayals. He's not one to speak for Taako's situation, but in his opinion? Nothing's insurmountable.]

Also I've committed treason before so sometimes rules just have to be stepped around, I think. If there are more important things to do.

Yeah but.

[Taako motions at Thor - at all of him.]

Kinda hard to stay mad at a pretty mug like that. I may be the most beautiful thing in the room, but I know I can be a total asshole when I wanna be. Which, honestly, is most of the time because I don't give a shit about anyone but me. Gotta look out for numero uno after all.

[Because there's only been one person he could reliably, well, rely on for over 100 years and that was himself. That wasn't something that was going to change, no matter how much Lup or others pushed or prodded.]

But treason? For real? Like, that? Is a story you shoulda told me, my man. That sounds interesting as--

[There is a sudden burst of light and Taako jumps as a crystal bursts and drops something not but a few feet away. Lightning quick, Taako is behind Thor in case there's something about to attack. When the light fades, there's nothing but a piece of worn looking canvas fabric though and Taako gingerly steps out from behind to eye it cautiously.]

So....you get a helmet and I get...fabric? Cheapskate tree.

[He looks vaguely contrite at the interest, scratching at his beard.]

Well, I can, but it takes a bit of telling--

[Only to get interrupted by a flash. Thor turns on his heels, letting Taako duck behind him as he stares at the tree, dimming to its more standard glow. That was more dramatic than the splash of his helmet but Thor has to think - it's the same thing. Watching Taako make his cautious approach, he shifts the helm under his arm and remains ready to act if it turns out to be something more nefarious.

A piece of fabric doesn't seem particularly inclined towards violence, though.]

Are you serious? Maybe it's wrapping something.

[He inches forward and then stops, remembering that he has freaking magic. Why approach a suspicious package when he can just do this?

With a flick of his wrist, he casts Mage Hand. The spectral hand floats over and picks the piece of fabric up by the corner. It falls open and Taako eyes it, standing near Thor just in case.]

Maybe, but--

[Oh.

OH!

In an instant, Taako leaps forward and dismisses the Mage Hand, gathering the canvas up in his hands.]

Oh fucking fuck yes!!! Finally! The stupid tree comes through!

[He whips back and flicks the canvas at the ground where it snaps up into a small tent. He sticks his head inside and whoops with joy, pulling back to give Thor a thumbs up.]

Hey, thanks, my dude. You just got me the greatest godsdamn gift - relaxation.

[Thor doesn't see what the fuss is about, even when the canvas does become a pretty decent tent just from being tossed on the ground. He stares at it for a moment then back to Taako, amused despite himself. Taako's good mood is infectious enough.]

Don't tell me you enjoy camping, because I won't believe it.

I can do camping, just like I do fishing, but that doesn't mean I enjoy it.

[Too many years spent on the road to actually call camping "fun" anymore. But this? This is fun. This is great even. This is the greatest thing ever because now not only does he have a place to relax away from all the yahoos on this fleet, but he has a pocket dimension to store all his shit.]

But this? This is a Pocket Spa, my dude. Mine, in fact, bought and paid for at Fantasy Costco.

And since I couldn't have gotten it without you here to listen to whatever dumbass story this stupid tree wanted, you wanna take a look inside? It's-- [Taako giggles.] --bigger on the inside.

[That sure was a sequence of words.]

And that's good, I take it?

[It has to be, given Taako's obvious delight. Thor shrugs when the elf suggests he have a look inside, because why not. It's a tent, it won't take that long.]

Sure, I'll look. You have me curious.

[Stepping over to the tent Thor pulls back the flap, peering inside.]

See for yourself.

[He holds it open so Thor can look inside and snickers as he sticks his head inside.

The inside of the tent is surprisingly spacious - more so than it should logically be. There's some lounge chairs, a pitcher of cucumber and lemon water with some finger sandwiches wait on a table between them. A hot, steamy bath sits in the middle which makes the atmosphere in here warm and pleasant, a stark contrast to the ice cave outside. In the back a sauna is behind a closed door, and standing unobtrusively to one side is a blank-faced mannequin. Behind it on the wall is a large rack of nail polish bottles in a variety of colors and shades.]

[Well. Now he gets it. Thor blinks around at the incongruously large space, the bath and the general air of 'retreat' written all over it - and laughs. He leans back out of the tent and raises his eyebrows at Taako.]

Definitely not camping. Now I understand why you're pleased. This is yours?

Libuscha IV System Mingle (no. 1)

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