metalogs | [Closed] Rooftops are where all the cool kids meet

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[Closed] Rooftops are where all the cool kids meet

Who: Donnie

purplexing and Accelerator

levelshift
What: Some dorks learn Donnie has a new power in the worst way possible.
When: Early-mid April
Where: The roof of the Diadem hotel.
Content Warnings: Talk of traumatic brain injuries, maybe some other medical stuff. Will update as needed.

[It's been a bit since Accelerator has gotten back from Excelsior. That trip had turned out to be a dead end regarding his original reasons for travel, but it hadn't been a total waste of time. Running into a second mutant turtle had been, at the very least, an interesting experience, especially when having a normal conversation with a peer that's even close to being on his level is so totally unheard of.

He isn't sure if that means he's still going soft, which is a little unnerving. Being in an entirely new universe means he needs to keep his guard up, not turn into Yoshikawa... but on the other hand, he did learn some new and interesting things. And she, Yomikawa and Last Order would be fucking thrilled if they knew he could manage being sociable in a somewhat normal context (outside of the whole sentient meat thing).

He'll need to mull this over later, when he's feeling less tired.

At any rate, there's the matter of the teleportation amulet device. Donnie has it, and he needs to return it to the Alliance before they start asking questions. The two of them have agreed to meet on the roof of the Diadem hotel, which Accelerator is perfectly fine with. It, unlike the lobby, is completely empty, and it offers a better view than having to wait around in some dark, dank back alley. It wasn't as easy to get up here as it should have been thanks to the underpowered garbage that is the supercomputer connected to his brain, but he's choosing to ignore that for the moment. Honestly, it isn't so bad, and he makes a mental note to come up here when his hotel room feels too claustrophobic.

... And to drink coffee, which he is currently doing. He's sitting against one of those big curved air intake vents, his crutch on the ground next to him, sipping from a can of coffee (some skull and bones brand, the same one he's been obsessively drinking since he got here). It's nice, the quiet and the breeze are nice. If there were a couple of slowly rotating wind turbines within view he could almost be tricked into thinking this was some roof in Academy City.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[That drive to know surpasses the more reasonable instinct to try to relax and make sure the rest of him is working. There's a potential new problem here and Donnie's not going to sleep on it, not when he might've accidentally shorted out Accelerator's additional brain power, not when things could have gone more wrong. With his eyes still shut he tries to hang onto what residual encoding flickers through his mind, trying to verify what it is he'd seen.

He's grateful that Accelerator's there and speaking up again. Mention that his eyes were glowing has the turtle frowning into his arms. His brow furrow, but finally he opens his eyes again.]

No, it shouldn't. It's all external materialization, like I showed you. It's not a reactive power, it needs me to initiate it.

...it wasn't just formulas though. There was actual programming behind it, the computer functions itself.

[Hey, Donnie opening his eyes has to be progress on the whole... freaking out front. Probably. Hopefully.

Accelerator clicks his tongue reflexively. It isn't just his typical power acting up, which makes this even more concerning. That, and the specification of programming rather than electrons....]

Not the same thing, then.

[As far as he knows, anyways. Last Order and the Sisters are very computer-y in and of themselves, though he supposes that has to do more with their nature as clones programmed by a computer than their esper ability.

(Thank god, at any rate. The last thing he needs is another lab-engineered electromaster in his life. One more is, honestly, terrifying.)]

If you weren't manipulating the electrons, then it sounds like you were interfacing with the computer. Just without all the peripherals someone usually needs for that kind of thing. [Keyboard, monitor, etc.]

[Seeing Accelerator no longer gasping that choker of his puts Donnie more at ease than he might have thought it would. He lets himself soak in the atmosphere around him, the roof he sits on, the muted sounds of the city from below. Slowly he lets his arms loosen from his knees, folding his legs to sit cross-legged as he tries to relax now that he's thinking more clearly.]

Yeah... Like that makes much more sense.

[He lets out a breath as he looks down at his hands again before letting them drop into his lap as he looks at Accelerator, lips pressed firmly into a line in preparation of his next words, but he finds them willing to come way more easily than apologies usually do for him.]

I don't know what's going on. I'm going to find out so something like that won't happen again but I am so, so sorry it happened in the first place.

I...I know what could've happened and the thought honestly makes me want to throw up but I will fix this and if anything I owe it to you even more to come up with an upgrade ugh why is this happening.

[By the end of it he's got his hands pressed against his face as he starts rethinking things like he's made some miscalculation of some kind, even though he knows there couldn't have been, why would there be, what's changed?]

[It's insane and he knows it's insane, and hopefully it was something else. But he isn't sure. There are still too many unknown variables to say either way.

He's mulling all of that over - what else it could be, possible methods that could be used to narrow things down, he should probably still check the computer somehow, to make sure it isn't broken -

And then Donnie is talking again. Accelerator is silent the entire time, very quickly looking as if Donnie has grown a second head as he realizes what the turtle is doing.

Apologizing. He's apologizing? To him, of all people????

What in the goddamn hell?!]

[Several moments of silence pass before Accelerator can process this. Once he does, his expression shifts from shock to anger.]

What the fuck are you doing? Don't apologize to me. It was obviously an accident, and as far as I can tell there wasn't any permanent damage. It's shitty that it happened, but it's fine. I'm fine. Use your energy to figure out what the hell this is instead of spending it on bullshit that doesn't matter.

[Seriously. No one should ever be apologizing to a mass murderer. Even though Donnie doesn't actually knows that's what he's doing Accelerator still can't help but think that's nuts.

He grits his teeth, looking away, still scowling.]

I'll help, if you need it. Whatever this bullshit is pisses me off, so I want to figure it out, too.

[Apologies, sincere apologies are rare for him, not that many who don't know him realize this. Being told it doesn't matter stings more than he might have expected it to.

The angry response has the turtle jerk back like he's been physically hit, and he stares at the other as if he's the one growing another head. This is way too much emotion than he ever wants to deal with. Donnie looks more than a little shocked. Why shouldn't he apologize? Yes, it was an accident but it was still something he'd done...somehow.

Blinking a few times, Donnie finally stops looking something other than startled, giving Accelerator a nod. At least they're in agreement on something.]

I need to figure out what triggered it. The only thing we have to go by is that it happened when I touched your device.

So far as electronic devices go I haven't really been using anything outside of my phone and my own computer... Simple appliances haven't done anything either.

[Accelerator sees the flinch, and he can only think that if Yomikawa had seen this she's be thoroughly unhappy with him. She'd have words with him for sure, probably lighthearted but meaningful because she's good at that kind of thing. It's really disgusting.

What's worse is he feels bad for lashing out. But he had to - he's right. He doesn't deserve the kindness that is an apology, so it's better to nip that in the bud right now. That's why, even though he knows he should say something apologetic himself (a better person certainly would), he doesn't. He focuses on Donnie's other, normal experiences with the technology here.

Great. If normal appliances, a phone, and a computer haven't been affected, then it could be localized to more advanced technology. It's only a theory, and sadly it's one that can't be easily tested. How are two kids not even from this universe supposed to get access to a supercomputer like the one around his neck?

He's filing through the options, of which there are pitifully few.]

The easiest thing would be for you to test my calculation device again, wouldn't it? Unless we break into a facility that has something similar for you to test.

[Which he has no problem with, though he doubts a hero like Donnie would be down for something illegal.]

Too risky. I don't think it necessarily has to be something like that. Probably something more technical than a toaster or a coffeemaker. Something I don't use on a regular basis like my phone or this...

[He demonstrates by sweeping his hand over his left forearm, bringing up a projected screen that he taps at thoughtfully for a moment, frowning as nothing unusual happens.

It's easier for Donnie to move away from all the emotional stuff and slip back into a more logically minded mode. He's got a problem here to solve, he has to work out the potential avenues to be explored. Preferably ones that don't involve keeping someone's brain functioning.]

You have or know where I can have access to a computer? Just like, a normal one.

[Oh, that arm computer is nifty. Accelerator refrains from leaning closer because, you know, everything that just happened, but he does look very interested in it.]

I've got my phone on me. [He pulls it out of his back pocket. It might not be quite advanced enough though, if Donnie's phone didn't work. That's one option though, and another one is coming to him very quickly.] If that doesn't work, then a library should have regular computers for use. There's a branch nearby.

[Donnie looks over at it. He's still measuring variables, mentally drawing up columns listing the things he does know, but it's still largely a lot of unknowns to explore. For all he knows it could have just been a fluke. A very dangerous fluke.]

Well, if something does happen I don't think I wanna freak anyone out at the library, especially with this whole situation.

[He gestures vaguely at himself before he holds a hand out, hesitating.]

Okay, phones shouldn't have that much going on, so...it should be easier to handle than all the constantly running processes that your device is running.

[He's more familiar with how phones work at least. It's clear there's some reluctance, more than reasonable though. Donnie quickly makes up his mind however, nodding at Accelerator as he reaches out.]

[He's got a good point there, so Accelerator nods. The library is out, then. And his phone is practically empty, so he doesn't have any problems with someone looking into it.

He hands it over and watches.]

[Donnie's not sure what he's looking for but he's more aware as he takes hold of the phone. He sees it again, that familiar light begin to tickle at his fingertips the moment they make contact with Accelerator's phone.

There's a buzz, like a faint electrical current but he can feel it hold at his thought, waiting, if barely. He's only faintly aware that he's managed to bring the phone closer to him, and already his eyes echo that glow as his mind delves inward.]

[As soon as he lets go of his phone he's reaching up to his choker again. He doesn't flipping the switch, but it feels safer to be prepared. While he isn't expecting a repeat of before, he does know he's completely and utterly useless with the thing in normal mode. If something is going to go wrong, he should at least have his esper power on standby.

It's a little nerve-wracking seeing the same glow in Donnie's eyes. That must mean whatever happened before is happening again though, which is... good?

His phone is definitely a lot less complex than the calculation assistance device. It's a pretty standard smartphone with all the default apps and nothing he's downloaded himself. He's barely used it, since he's spent most of his time here wandering around or sleeping. There's only one person in his contact list, Leo, and despite his contact information being in here he's listed as 'Entry 1.']

[It's all beautiful code again, not nearly as busy but the background processes of a phone are painfully simple compared to what a human body needs to constantly run and function on. And having been chief upgrader of his family's phones for years, this is programming he's well-versed in. Donnie can navigate through this, he can pull up files without keystrokes and clicks-

Oh this is amazing

The almost blank expression on his face twitches into a grin, which when paired with glowing eyes probably makes him look positively manic.

He wonders how much he should be poking around, but it becomes clear soon enough that this phone is practically new for how much it actually has on it. Kind of sad, really. It's clear it's been used for some time, not super long, but- oh, he has ...a contact wow that's super sad wait-

Outwardly his grin drops as he mouths a 'what the', and in a split second he's skimming messages- should he be doing this, probably not but he wants to verify something and ohmyg-]

-Seriously?!

[All the light winks out in an instant, but it seems Donnie's somehow managed to cut his connection without some nasty feedback, looking at Accelerator.]

You knew Leo was here the whole time?!

[That expression would be disturbing to most people. To Accelerator, it's uncomfortably familiar (minus the whole glowing eyes bit). He's positive he's had that exact look on his face before, when going after Hound Dog, or killing Kihara. Definitely when fighting that level 0.

Accelerator is guessing this test is going a hell of a lot smoother than the first fumble. Donnie must really, really like technology.

He keeps on sitting there waiting patiently, though that Seriously?! comes out of nowhere and makes him jump, startled. A split second later he's back to his normal I-don't-give-a-shit-about-anything-ever attitude though, and raises an eyebrow.]

Hah? Oh, yeah. I ran into him here in Central.

- Wait, were you going through my contacts? [Contact. He doesn't look overly bothered by this.] I've only got him in there because we're doing some work together.

Not on purpose, but the name caught my eye-

[He waves his hands- not important- he slashes his hands outwards abruptly.]

Not the point. You. Knew.

[And from the datestamp on that conversation, it was well before Donnie had ever run into Accelerator. There was no reason he couldn't have just...made mention.

The heat from his outburst tapers off. He's more hurt than angry. What if he'd never run into Leo out here? Someone still knew there was a possibility- not the case, probably doesn't matter now but it still bothers him.

He did not ask to ride the emotional rollercoaster today. Mentally he starts boxing those things up again. He'll deal later. At least he knows he's got a brother that'll be back at ~~home~~...at the apartment.

For now he takes a deep breath, looking back down at the phone in his hand but not reacting simply by being there. Donnie flicks the screen active just to make sure he hadn't accidentally killed it.]

[The sharp tone in Donnie's voice has Accelerator blinking quietly. Brushing this off isn't as easy when it's face-to-face, and not over text.]

....

[If Yomikawa or Yoshikawa had shown up here it wouldn't have mattered whether or not he found them. They're capable adults who can take care of themselves, and their lives are a lot easier without him in it. Last Order is more complicated, being a ten-year-old, but even she had managed to survive a week on her own. The only danger would be some unsavoury fucks realizing what she's capable of and picking her up for experimentation.

Both Leo and Donnie are around his age, and ninjas on top of that, so they should have no problems when it comes to surviving. Really, it isn't that different than when Last Order had run off to explore and he had gone out to find her in that stupid mall.

(At the time, he had told himself he had only gone out to look for her out of a self-serving interest to make sure the admin of his choker would stay safe. But he had put in the effort to keep her under control when she was running around in the rain. He had made that detour to buy her bandages for an insignificant little cut so she wouldn't cry about it.)

It takes all of that thinking, way more thought than it should have, for it to hit him that maybe, maybe it's less about whether or not a person can survive on their own in an unknown world, and maybe it's more about both turtles having embraced the consequences of taking part in life instead of having a solitary existence outside the lives of others.

Maybe it was just wanting their family around.

He looks down at his phone in Donnie's hands, then looks away.]

... Sorry.

[God, what is he even doing. Why is everything so much harder to deal with these days?]

[Donnie's not sure he'd expected an apology. After being yelled at for offering one himself, it didn't seem like Accelerator cared for them much. But then maybe that's why when he does actually say sorry that the turtle looks back at the esper and takes it for what it is.

It effectively extinguishes any remaining upset but it still leaves him exhausted. Maybe that's also to do with running computer code through your brain, he's not sure, will have to do more testing.

Finally, Donnie nods. He holds the phone back out to him.]

Well...guess this thing worked. Whatever it is.

[He tries awkwardly to pick up the conversation, flexing his fingers. Was it going to trigger any time he touched something with computing capabilities? He seemed to manage to turn it off somehow and without bricking Accelerator's phone.]

...you said you guys're working on something?

[Accelerator is aware how stupid and hypocritical he's being. He doesn't accept his apology to be accepted. It shouldn't be accepted. An apology from a piece of shit like himself is worthless.

He quietly takes his phone back, those kinds of thoughts still rolling around in his head. That, and this whole tech interfacing strangeness makes his head ache, like it's going to burst.

The question is a much-needed distraction, and he deliberately focuses on opening up two tabs on his internet browser.]

There's this shithead superhero trying to take over the Alliance. [Once he finds what he's looking for he hands his phone back over. The first tab is a video about the Confluence that happened back in February, specifically when Fantastic took the stage and gave a militaristic speech. The second is a discussion about how suspicious that speech was.]

We thought it'd be a good idea to fuck with the guy's public image. Make him less appealing for a leadership position.

[Donnie hesitates at first, but he manages to take the phone back with only the briefest threat of a spark that he warns off with a glare. His brow remains furrowed as he looks through the open tabs.]

And they'd let it happen? That sounds all kinds of suss.

What, they just let anyone throw in with a bid for leadership over there? Then again politics in general have always been pretty questionable so I guess one can't discount the possibility that he might actually get his foot in the door.

Ruining someone's public image is the easiest route, digging up dirt on him could work too, I highly doubt this guy's got a spotless record.

[Once he's given his phone over again he pulls a leg up, loosely wrapping both arms around it. It's more than a little awkward talking about the work he's been doing with Leo given how their conversation has gone, but Donnie should really know this stuff.]

Guild politics are fucked, I guess. [He doesn't know, he showed up after this, so it's basically been his first impression. What a good one!]

Leonardo was showing me how to do that with social media. It exists back home, but I never bothered with it.

[Kind of pointless when he had no desire to talk to other people about his interests (of which he has pitifully few anyways), and what else would he do? Look up rumours and spooky stories about the #1 level 5? No thanks.]

We're using that kind of suspicious crap to start some rumours. So far we've mostly seen people online complaining that he takes credit for the work of other heroes.

[A look is slid over at Accelerator again. It's so strange to hear someone calling his brother by his full name. Someone whom you previously did not know was even acquainted with said brother. Deep breath. Water under the bridge, he apologized, let it go. ...he's trying, okay?]

Sounds like a real winner already, this guy. Unfortunately I can't say that that'd be enough to bring him down a few pegs. How big of a following does he have already? Also...that's only one of the guilds, right? Is it going to affect things that much if he does get his way?

[It's at least a little easier to detach from climbing the mountain that is Overwhelming Emotions when talking about Fantastic. This is basically work, and since it's a complex situation it requires a lot of logical thinking.]

He's a movie star, so he's popular. [He knows that makes things infinitely more difficult, but not trying isn't exactly an option when he's treating metas like soldiers (and there happen to be two idiots who were genetically engineered specifically to be soldiers for world domination right here why is life such a pain auuuugh).

Accelerator lets out an exasperated sigh.]

Tche, I have no idea. The Alliance seems like the bigger one of the two and seems like it has a lot of pull in general. If they didn't they wouldn't be able to set newbies up at a fancy hotel with an unlimited credit card for two months. It's smarter to treat this guy as a real threat.

[To that, they're in whole-hearted agreement. Anything is frankly easier to deal with than too much emotions.

Donnie rolls his eyes.]

Great, a pop icon. Well, could work to one's advantage. People are super quick to turn off once someone that big ends up having some real bad past slips.

[He finally turns the phone back over to Accelerator, sweeping his own computer active again to tap at the holographic interface.]

Guess that's a good point, even though I still have to wonder how they get all that money because giving anyone unlimited anything even for a short period of time is super generous.

Here's hoping. I'm guessing we'll need a fucking huge controversy to cause that kind of fallout, though.

[He was not super tuned into pop culture back home. Outside of a few things, spending any energy on it seemed like a huge waste of time.]

They could have their hands in a lot of tech and scientific development businesses. That was how it worked back home. Academy City didn't just run off of parents paying entrance fees for their kids, since it's a closed city-state with a renowned reputation and oversight separate oversight from the rest of Japan, all kinds of research businesses scrambled to set up shop there. It meant the city could set every student up with scholarships, room and board through their entire education. Similar to what the Alliance does, but on a larger, longer scale.

[As the top student it meant he had a very substantial bank account. He doesn't exactly miss it (it's not as if he ever spent it on anything), but it was nice not having to worry about long term funds.]

[Closed] Rooftops are where all the cool kids meet

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