victory_road | Second Paper Crane [Video]

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Second Paper Crane [Video]

[Hanna appears on the screen with Noibat on his shoulder, as usual. They're unseparable, except...unfortunately so are he and Conrad at the moment. Conrad being the person floating behind him with an expression on his face like he's being paid to be there but obviously not enough.]

Hi! My name is Hanna Cross and I will be your ghost expert for today!

Ghosts, [He points to the one behind him, silent and still as usual.] just like this one here, happen when someone dies and has regret or a strong emotion chaining them to the world of the living. Usually it's regret. Or anger.

The only problem is I can't seem to get a rise out of any of the ghosts i've encountered, including my own. They don't speak, they don't react, they just watch. And that's weird. So, i've thought of a few ideas on how to try and get rid of them. Nicely, that is. Don't be a dick and attack the ghost no matter how hard the feelings are. They aren't hurting you, they're existing and they at least have that right. [He's looking at you, who ever you are.]

Firstly, most people seem to know the apparition that is following them. Now, if you know how they died, perhaps think of anything that might have been going wrong in their life or they might have strong feelings about. The key is Negotiation. Talk to them, maybe try and ease what ever worries they might have. I'm sure they'd like to move on and stop bothering you just as much as you'd like them too, so be strong and think about topics to cover.

Second...well? Since that didn't work for mine...maybe think about what you might have done wrong. This one is more difficult...and I know I'm still working on it myself, but maybe all they want is an apology? I'm not saying every apparition is blaming you for their death, but...I'm all out of options. Nothing I would usually do is working, and I've got no more magic up my sleeves, so. Just try...

I'm sorry I couldn't help more, but that's my advice to all of you. Good luck! I...I know I'm going to need it.

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[Hanna is not sure what to say to that.]

They...they might not be real, but they are here for a reason. We just need to figure out what that is.

[He makes a face, unsure what to say.] What if you wanted to apologize and they died? Here's your chance? that's at least nice...

Blooky is already a ghost, and even if I apologized to this one, what sort of absolution would it lead to anyway?

...It's not him. It can't speak! And it cannot change anything!!

[Mettaton gives a loud sigh of frustration, before letting out an aggravated huff into his long bangs, causing them to flutter. It's childish. This is actually just an exercise in childishness.

To escalate the childishness, he decides to change the subject.]

At any rate, how are you so sure about all this? Do you have past experience? I mean, I can see that you're currently being haunted, but this all sounds like something out of a human horror movie, and those are all fictional, aren't they?

[A former monster. And he's calling the supernatural into question.]

Edited (tmw ur account expire and the icon goes screwy) 2016-08-20 03:32 (UTC)

What kind of name is Blooky? [Look who's talking, Hanna.] Anyways, maybe it's not for them. You sure seem hung up about it anyways. I mean, you sure as hell sound like you want absolution. So why not try and get it?

What harm is there in that? Doesn't hurt to try.

[He'll take his own advice....shortly. Probably never.] And yes, yes I do. Besides, for someone who's shown up in some weird world with animals that fight each other where ghosts legit do exist and Faeries exist, you are questioning this a lot. Or at least, my ability in figuring this out anyways. I'm a paranormal investigator back home. I have my card in my wallet if you really want some proof, though I guess if you didn't want to believe me, it wouldn't help much anyways.

[Whoa there, buddy. Do not make fun of his cousin.]

That's just a nickname. His name is Napstablook, is this a problem?

[Haha, someone sure is hung up on something. Knowing that this small, red-haired human is right doesn't make him any more accepting of the fact, however.]

I'm not looking for absolution!! I never was! I've already sorted my feelings out on this, and I apologized to them in person!! SO why would I have to do it again?! We're on tour together, isn't that enough?

[...He knows it's not. It kind of stings, because Mettaton knows he let the excitement of being free from the barrier sweep him away. He pulled Shyren and Napstablook with him into his showbusiness, but had his hasty apology really meant anything?

This ghost doesn't think so, because it's now positioned right in front of him, out of sight from the 'Gear. But there.

Judging.]

Ugh, anyway!! These Pokemon creatures are not the most outlandish thing I've seen, the battle system is probably the strangest part--as for paranormal investigators, I suppose I can take that title at face value; I mean, I was from a world of monsters! So you would be looking for people like me!! Or people I know!

[Mettaton has a very obvious habit of putting more attention on unimportant details when he's avoiding the problem at hand. It does make for stilted conversation though.]

Napsta...is that like, any relation to Napster? [Or is he just grasping at straws here?] Anyways, no. It's not a problem, it just didn't sound like an actual name. Nickname is much more believable.

And I think, usually if you have to ask 'isn't that enough' that means the problem didn't go away, dude. Like, honestly. That's 'there is still shit here' one-oh-one. But you know what? No one should solve problems like this alone anyways, so...hopefully you'll accept my help. I'm not trying to be a bother anyways.

[Have a very hopeful smile. He's stepping out in the scene here and he's got no cred at all in this world, like he had any back home, but he swears he can help. Just give him a chance.

And, in his defense, he seems confused at the accusing tone rather than getting defensive.] Well...I wouldn't call them monsters. That's kind of a harsh self identifier, isn't it? And sure, I look for them, because if I don't help out, something could happen. I'm a mediator. Or at least I try to be. It's supposed to help everyone, not just people like me.

[Mettaton runs a hand through his hair, toying with his bangs with an uncomfortable look on his face the longer the kid speaks. He's not fond of being told bright, uncomfortable truths about himself, that's for sure. But at the same time, he couldn't refute it.

Things weren't picture perfect.

Still, the first thing he latches onto is of course the last thing Hanna brings up.]

Harsh? Not at all, that's what we call ourselves. It's humanity who has placed such a stigma on the word! They're starting to warm up though; Frisk is a good little ambassador.

[Although he cracks a smile, Mettaton still appears unsatisfied.]

Tell me, darling, how would you propose to "help" me in this situation? I'm just curious.

Oh...well if it's a reclaimed word... [He isn't sure he likes it, but if that's what Mettaton wants, that's his biz. You're just not going to catch Hanna saying it. He's met good people, good spirits, good friends. Not monsters, but he supposes one persons definition doesn't have to define them all.] Were I come from most people don't realize the paranormal exist. When they do, they freak out or pretend it never happened.

Anyways, I think I'm helping you out right now. You're trying to solve a problem, it's easier with two. When you can rattle off some ideas back and forth, get an outside opinion, doesn't that help? I mean, I might not be completely solving the problem, but I'm not making it worse either, right?

[If he wants to call it a "reclaimed" word, then he can. It's just not worth getting into the discourse between monsters and humans, especially not for a guy who, quite honestly, didn't hate humans or even dislike them!]

Well, where I'm from, they can deny it all they like, but they might have a hard time doing so when the monsters are living in plain sight among them.

[There's a slight pause as he quirks a brow in the redhead's direction.]

It doesn't help if the matter is personal, does it? [Then he sighs. BE POLITE, METTATON.] That is...this is mostly all on a need-to-know basis! What you need to know is I broke a promise to someone. Someone that is not this ghost, who needs to give me my personal space, thank you!!

[Don't worry, that wasn't for you Hanna. Mettaton's glaring past his 'Gear.]

Sometimes they do that too, like i've got one friend...he's a zombie and it's kind of obvious. But...they totally believe him when he says his band just has a zombie gimmick. It's....almost sad what lengths people go to, to explain away what they don't want to see. [Like right now. In most peoples cases.

He'll take that look and raise you an eyebrow of his own, Mettaton.] Okay, just for a second here, think about how likely it is that I'm going to remember this obscure hurt from your past and that the names you're going to tell me are going to be at all relevant. It doesn't have to be personal when all I am for you is an ear...

[Look into his big, dumb, blue eyes, you know it's true.] How does that make you feel?

[Bitch did you just.

WHAT KIND OF QUESTION IS THAT?!]

What I feel is that you may be having just a smidge too much fun with this, sweetheart. But if it will make this damnable ghost go away, then fine! I told...a friend that I would never leave him behind, and broke that promise by leaving because...

[Damn it, how can he put this?]

Because there was a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me! I couldn't let it pass, it was important!!

[The fake Napstablook actually comes into view on the PokéGear this time. Sounds like someone's getting pretty close to target.

As always, there's a but in there. Maybe several. And one great big ASS.]

[He did just, Metatton.]

But you're obviously still hung up about it. What did your friend think? I mean, was he excited for you? Did he support you in your decision?

[Did he even know? Hanna's not going to ask that, but surely there was conversation about what he had done...he hadn't just left and never came back, right?]

You don't have to justify what you did to me, like. Again, I'm just an ear. Or are you saying it like that to make yourself feel better about what you did? I mean, it's okay. To feel bad about it...

I'm not--ugh!! That's ridiculous!!

[And yet Mettaton doesn't further belabor the point that Hanna might be way off base. He's not. It shows on that stupid human face of his that Mettaton's extremely guilty. Worse, his human biology makes him feel terribly uncomfortable for experiencing negative emotions. Robots don't have squishy insides, so it's weird to feel as if they're twisting in guilt now.

He sighs, wrapping his free arm around himself. This is such nonsense. The human says he doesn't have to justify himself, but yet Mettaton feels like that is exactly what he needs to do.

...To alleviate the issue, he glances at the fake Napstablook as he speaks, and his features soften.]

I didn't...tell him. I left because it was important to me. If I hadn't, I'd never ever feel like "myself."

If I had come back...if I'd just done that, or told him? It would have been okay. Eventually. I simply didn't want to deal with the fallout and Blooky telling me that it was okay to leave. That he'd be alright, and no one should want to stay around him anyway...

[The ghost draws closer, its eyes watering. Mettaton glances at it with an annoyed face, but it's less so than it had been.]

[He had an expressive face, that was true. At least right now. Even Hanna could read the guilt all over his face.] You did it for you, and you did it that way because you didn't want to hear him tear himself down for your sake.

[Hanna bites a lip, thinking.] I...I get that. I'm one of those people that does that, yanno? Says it's okay when it's not. I know for a fact it's lost me more friends than gained me. It can be frustrating, dealing with someone like that. It kind of makes it hard to bring up the heavy stuff since the self depreciation pops up again and nothing really gets solved.

[When he's talking in abstracts about himself it's easier. If Mettaton expects Hanna to forget names, Hanna hopes he forgets the subtle things he's sharing too. But this is the best he can do without magic so it doesn't hurt to try.]

He's my cousin though, why wouldn't I--

[Mettaton's eye widens. After all that...he had still managed to show his hand. Oh man. This kid better not ever share this information.

As it stands, the ex-robot is pointedly looking away from the screen now. Yikes.]

[Hanna smiles at the look on the other man's face, taps at his ear. It'd be okay. He can keep his mouth shut.]

It hurts, leaving family. But saying good bye is harder, sometimes.

[Urghhh, still though. Mettaton wasn't that kind of personal, and he wasn't forgiving himself for blabbing. So clearly, he had to project that onto Hanna.

...That said, he may as well continue digging this hole.]

I broke my promise. That I wouldn't leave. I couldn't possibly tell him that I was becoming corporeal and leaving him.

Not that I meant it to be leaving forever. That was me...being selfish.

People have done worse things, being selfish.

[His hand goes to his shirt off camera, fingering the hem and thinking of the healed up scar on his chest. Much worse hings.] But you achieved your dream and left him behind.

I think perhaps what's more selfish is thinking that his happiness relies on, yanno. You being there. He'd probably be happy for you, move on eventually. It happens. Though at the very least, I get the feeling that you'd like to tell him, so isn't that half the battle?

[Mettaton glances at the ghost encroaching upon his personal space, then shakes his head.]

I'm not going to discuss my family problems with this shyster like it can fix anything, but I suppose I can...express regret for what happened.

So now it should go away, yes?

[It's lucky that Mettaton isn't going to press into the redhead's business quite yet, if only because his own business feels more pressing.

The fake Blooky seems to be considering his question, at least.]

Edited 2016-09-05 07:53 (UTC)

[Hanna isn't so sure. Maybe it had helped to sort out the real problem, there was some expression there, but what was missing?]

That's an admission....maybe? I....I'm not sure.

If it needed something else, what do you think it could be?

[Mettaton gives the kid...guy? How old is he???

Either way he gives him a disbelieving look.]

Nothing. I cannot do anything else. But...if I ever get home, I think I'll apologize to Blooky. I've been too tied up in showbiz to pay him any mind even though we travel together. So that, I think, is a step up?

[Apparently...that's the magic word, because the ghost impersonating his cousin suddenly drops the facade, revealing a ball of gas with giant eyes and a big, unnecessarily happy grin.]

Gaaaast!!!

[Mettaton moves away from it, but the Pokémon is too pleased to go away and instead floats closer, licking Mettaton's cheek.]

Augh!! Disgusting!!!

[Hanna is a little surprised honestly. It makes him feel a little better about the ghost behind him, but the idea that it would go away with out an admission at some point...

Conrad wasn't real behind him, but that look still made him feel like shit.]

Awww....it's proud of you!

So what if it's proud of me, it just spent an inordinant amount of time bothering me!!!

[Mettaton gave a loud huff, reaching for something while simultaneously swerving out of the way of the ghost before it could lick him again.

...And then he pushes a Pokeball directly into its face, dropping it once the Gastly was drawn in. This is literally his most dispassionate attempt to catch a Pokémon, and he turns away immediately, not even checking to see if the thing stays in the ball.

He runs a hand through his hair, sighing heavily.]

Alright, anyway! I suppose I ought to thank you for your insight...Hanna was it?

[Hanna laughs at that, shrugging.] Well, it was trying to teach you something. I guess it thought it was important.

[Still, it's...a little odd. his arms fold over himself, sure that if he said good bye now he could get away from any questions.] Don't mention it. I...did this kind of thing back home. Negotiating was important. It helped everyone, and I'm glad I could do it here for you. And yeah, it's Hanna. Hanna Cross.

Edited 2016-09-06 03:00 (UTC)

[Mettaton's a fast talker and a busybody. Just try to get away before he noses into your business.]

Well I almost feel as if I owe you something, so maybe I can help you!! Since you seem to have a very aggravated friend with you as well. I haven't really said anything because understandably, I had my own problem!!

[A pause, and Mettaton looks down at his newly acquired friend.]

A problem that I may have to carry with me for the forseeable future. Tch. Well, that is my fault isn't it?!

[He shrugs, then returns to the matter at hand.]

Tell me about your ghost!!! How is it making you feel?

[Mmhm. Turnabout is fair play.]

[Hanna tries very hard not to make a face. There is no running away. He could make an excuse maybe but he doubts this man is going to let him.] No- no It's fine. I should be good. I mean, Conrad isn't mad he just....he just always looks like that.

[Conrad indeed always looks like that. He's got a flat line for a mouth and angry eyebrows.] Anyways, what are you going to name your Ghastly? I mean, It's great that it's so sweet! It had your best interests at heart even!

[He can't avoid that though, the straight forward question and he stares at the other man.] I feel fine. It's kind of funny actually, I almost missed Conrad following me around. He's kind of always there back home too.

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