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Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Apr 2

( All the while, he never takes his burning green gaze off of Phantom; never paying mind to the humming above his head. He can't afford to be distracted. )

Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Apr 2

( He has little idea what on earth the other is talking about; all he knows in that moment is the terror, both for himself and for his partner, who's just coming to after the fall from earlier. )

( He sends them a silent signal; to /run./ But where to? Kirin's just as cornered. )

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Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Apr 2

( He's forced to stop, facing the menace; his expression still twists into a burning scowl, but the look of /fear/ in his eyes betrays him. He was built for the task of seeking and destroying, but never before had /he/ been the one hunted, and it terrifies him. )

N... Never. I won't go quietly.

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Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Apr 2

( By the time Enker reaches said edge of the hole the constant explosions had made, he's already been worn down by a thousand cuts. So many little hits had piled up, breaching even his reinforced armor, without him noticing until it was far too late. )

⌑ ⁀ ¦⠀⌈⠀CALL ME FRET.ᐟ⠀⌋ @remnantpsych.bsky.social · Apr 2

ㅤ
ㅤ‘ There is nowhere to run, ’ㅤ⌜ comes his scathing tone, 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 under such a calm feat, ⌟ㅤ‘ so subject to the divinity that is the new law of Neo Arcadia, and comply peacefully. ’

ㅤㅤ⌜ The moment he speaks, a drone floats overhead . . . 𝘥𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 above Enker. ⌟
ㅤ

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Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Apr 2

Perhaps I was, but... still.

ㅤMAXWELLㅤ @codexumbras.bsky.social · Apr 1

ㅤ
「 You were the one who brought it up in the first place. 」
ㅤ

Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 31

( He lets out a quiet sigh from his vents, expression not changing much except for his slightly tired optics. )

No matter if it does or not, it's besides the point.

Reposted by Enker 🎋 [hiatus]

YALDA. @yourbotbuddy.collects.games · Apr 2

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Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 31

( He lets out a quiet sigh from his vents, expression not changing much except for his slightly tired optics. )

No matter if it does or not, it's besides the point.

ㅤMAXWELLㅤ @codexumbras.bsky.social · Mar 31

ㅤ
「 Does it? 」

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤA small smirk cracks on his face, a weakness in Enker's defenses shown.

「 I know how it feels to compare yourself to others. Trust me, I do. It won't get you anywhere. 」
ㅤ

Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 31

It matters much less to me now than it used to.

( He’s lying, but he hopes Maxwell doesn’t pick up on that. )

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Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 31

It matters much less to me now than it used to.

( He’s lying, but he hopes Maxwell doesn’t pick up on that. )

ㅤMAXWELLㅤ @codexumbras.bsky.social · Mar 31

ㅤ
「 Does the heroism of others really affect /yours/ all that much? 」
ㅤ

Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 31

Ah, it’s nothing, really. There are robots out there who are far more heroic than myself.

( Enker tries to be noble /now,/ but he surely wasn’t back then. He’s just making up for his actions now. )

I appreciate the compliment, though, so thank you.

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Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 31

Ah, it’s nothing, really. There are robots out there who are far more heroic than myself.

( Enker tries to be noble /now,/ but he surely wasn’t back then. He’s just making up for his actions now. )

I appreciate the compliment, though, so thank you.

ㅤMAXWELLㅤ @codexumbras.bsky.social · Mar 31

ㅤ
「 Definitely more noble than I've seen from other robots. 」

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤNot noticing how backhanded that sounded, he adjusts his tie.
ㅤ

Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 31

Not anymore, no. When I was created, the only thing I cared about was my purpose.

Thankfully, I found a better one, and left my creator.

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Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 31

( Enker gazes away, somewhat flustered. )

I… learned these things from my partner. I wouldn’t have any idea of what to say otherwise…

DARMA. @wiredconviction.bsky.social · Mar 31

...You sure your programming ain't tuned for a bit of therapy?

[ Darma joked. ]

Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 30

... I understand. I know how that feels, Darma.

I just hope that you will take care to make sure you do not overexert yourself in helping others.

Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 31

Not anymore, no. When I was created, the only thing I cared about was my purpose.

Thankfully, I found a better one, and left my creator.

ㅤMAXWELLㅤ @codexumbras.bsky.social · Mar 31

ㅤ
「 Hm. A petty creation, one I wouldn't wish upon anyone. But you say you prefer not to fight? Good on you. 」
ㅤ

Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 30

No, not exactly. I was built to hunt down and destroy one specific robot.

( He takes the time to sit down on a fallen log. )

My creator… despised him, for defeating all of his other creations. I was built to be an exact counter to that robot’s abilities.

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Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 30

No, not exactly. I was built to hunt down and destroy one specific robot.

( He takes the time to sit down on a fallen log. )

My creator… despised him, for defeating all of his other creations. I was built to be an exact counter to that robot’s abilities.

ㅤMAXWELLㅤ @codexumbras.bsky.social · Mar 30

ㅤ
「 You say made for combat. What kind? Are you a guard, perhaps? 」
ㅤ

Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 30

Hm, I suppose not.

( Despite the uncomfortable feeling, Enker appreciates the other's willingness to answer, as it helps him feel more familiar. )

I have asked many questions, so it's only fair that you do the same.

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Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 30

Hm, I suppose not.

( Despite the uncomfortable feeling, Enker appreciates the other's willingness to answer, as it helps him feel more familiar. )

I have asked many questions, so it's only fair that you do the same.

ㅤMAXWELLㅤ @codexumbras.bsky.social · Mar 30

ㅤ
「 Why are you apologizing? I'm the one who told you to ask. 」

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤHe starts massaging his wrist, just to have something to do with his hands.

「 But, would you mind if I did the same? 」
ㅤ

Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 30

Ah. I-I'm sorry to hear you're... afflicted with such a condition.

( The sight will stick in his mind for a while. )

And... my apologies for being so nosy.

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Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 30

Ah. I-I'm sorry to hear you're... afflicted with such a condition.

( The sight will stick in his mind for a while. )

And... my apologies for being so nosy.

ㅤMAXWELLㅤ @codexumbras.bsky.social · Mar 30

ㅤ
「 Ah... no. This is from... a series of old mistakes. 」

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤHe brings the hand closer to Enker— if only he hadn't. Even within the darkness of the hand, the veins of the hand are visible, marked with an even darker shade.
ㅤ

Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 30

( That's much more unsettling than the flowers. )

You mentioned before that you were friends with this 'darkness'. Is that why your hands are...?

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Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 30

... I understand. I know how that feels, Darma.

I just hope that you will take care to make sure you do not overexert yourself in helping others.

DARMA. @wiredconviction.bsky.social · Mar 28

All I know is...I can never let someone go through that hell ever again.

Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 30

( That's much more unsettling than the flowers. )

You mentioned before that you were friends with this 'darkness'. Is that why your hands are...?

ㅤMAXWELLㅤ @codexumbras.bsky.social · Mar 28

ㅤ
「 She is. But, ah, enough about that. 」

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤHe covers his mouth with a hand, covering a decent amount of his cheeks in the process. His hands look... clawed, almost, tainted with some inky darkness.
ㅤ

Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 28

I-I see. It was impressive either way.

( Still very unsettling, but… yes, impressive. He can read the room, so he doesn’t want to dig further. )

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Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 28

I-I see. It was impressive either way.

( Still very unsettling, but… yes, impressive. He can read the room, so he doesn’t want to dig further. )

ㅤMAXWELLㅤ @codexumbras.bsky.social · Mar 28

ㅤ
「 No, no. That was... an old friend of mine. 」

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤHe looks away, a small blush dusting his face.
ㅤ

Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 28

… The way those roses were given life again, for a brief moment… was that your doing?

( He still feels uneasy about it, but it’s going to eat at him if he doesn’t find out. )

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Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 28

… The way those roses were given life again, for a brief moment… was that your doing?

( He still feels uneasy about it, but it’s going to eat at him if he doesn’t find out. )

ㅤMAXWELLㅤ @codexumbras.bsky.social · Mar 28

ㅤ
「 Oh, of course. 」

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤHis demeanor seems to lighten— shoulders a little higher, a faint smile making its way onto his face.

「 Ask away. 」
ㅤ

Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 28

( He’s taken aback for a moment. )

I have never seen… magic… like you just exhibited. Naturally, I would have a lot on my mind afterwards…

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Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 28

( He’s taken aback for a moment. )

I have never seen… magic… like you just exhibited. Naturally, I would have a lot on my mind afterwards…

ㅤMAXWELLㅤ @codexumbras.bsky.social · Mar 28

ㅤ
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤAfter a moment of hesitation, he narrows his eyes and waves a hand.

「 Speak. There's clearly more on your mind. 」
ㅤ

Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 28

I understand. I hope that continues to be the case, then.

( It's obvious that he has so many questions, but he doesn't want to pry... )

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Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 28

... I can tell that the weight of battle and its aftermath is heavy on your shoulders sometimes. I know that it does for myself.

The best we can do for Maestro is to help them carry such a weight. Perhaps one day, they'll be willing to emerge again, since they know that...

Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 28

You and me both, Darma. I empathize with that sentiment... so much.

( He would never complain about his combat abilities; but falling short in comforting others, not to mention being afraid of his own original directive, really sets him back in his own eyes. )

DARMA. @wiredconviction.bsky.social · Mar 26

Sometimes I wished my programming was tuned more towards therapy than battle.

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Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 28

I understand. I hope that continues to be the case, then.

( It's obvious that he has so many questions, but he doesn't want to pry... )

ㅤMAXWELLㅤ @codexumbras.bsky.social · Mar 27

ㅤ
「 And thus, neither do you. I'm alright; neither a threat nor at threat. 」
ㅤ

Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 26

( Do /not/ question it, Enker. Do not make the same mistake twice. )

I... see. Then you have nothing to worry about.

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Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 26

( Do /not/ question it, Enker. Do not make the same mistake twice. )

I... see. Then you have nothing to worry about.

ㅤMAXWELLㅤ @codexumbras.bsky.social · Mar 26

ㅤ
「 The Darkness and I are on good terms right now, don't worry. 」

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤwhat
ㅤ

Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 26

I understand. However, with that sentiment, I am concerned that you are still wandering about so late at night...

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Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 26

I understand. However, with that sentiment, I am concerned that you are still wandering about so late at night...

ㅤMAXWELLㅤ @codexumbras.bsky.social · Mar 26

ㅤ
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤIt doesn't seem to matter, as he puts the book into his suit.

「 Ah, good. I'm in no shape to fight, and I'd rather not be felled this night. 」
ㅤ

Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 26

Ah, no, that's not my intention. It's simply the way I'm used to speaking.

( He steps back again, signaling that he does not want any kind of trouble. Who knows what he can do with that book. )

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Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 26

Ah, no, that's not my intention. It's simply the way I'm used to speaking.

( He steps back again, signaling that he does not want any kind of trouble. Who knows what he can do with that book. )

ㅤMAXWELLㅤ @codexumbras.bsky.social · Mar 26

ㅤ
「 Matchup? You word it like we're about to fight. 」
ㅤ

Enker 🎋 [hiatus] @mirrorbusters.bsky.social · Mar 26

I don't tend to run into those with magical abilities, either, so I suppose this creates an even matchup.

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