2022-12-28: Purposes ~MEMORIES~

• Log: Purposes ~MEMORIES~
• Cast: Alouette Pommier, Gridman
• Where: Tsutsujidai - Junk Shop Aya
• OOC - IC Date: U.C. 0096 12 28
• Summary: Alouette and Gridman agreed to meet up in person. Alouette does her best to understand him, and Gridman does his best to show her the same kindness he once did.

<Pose Tracker> Alouette Pommier has posed.

Upon that haphazard meeting at Tsutsujidai Garden's grand opening, Alouette and Gridman discretely made plans to meet up and discuss their situation.

And now that day has come, as Alouette nervously waits seated at a table in Junk Shop "Aya", a freshly brewed tea in front of her, and another on the way should Gridman enjoy tea.

She reminds herself it's nothing to be so nervous about, considering she's still counted among Gridman's friends. And when he does enter, she greets him with a warm smile.

"Thank you for coming, Gridman." She studies those bright yellow eyes... "I suppose introductions aren't in order, but rather it's more apt to ask... comment ca va?" How are you?

She takes a sip of her own apple-flavored tea. "I wonder.. Do you drink tea, Gridman? I can certainly fix you a cup." She motions to the boiling water.

"So, I wanted to talk because I know your situation.. probably.. isn't easy even if it's not, well, the same as mine." Especially as she overheard many people subtly wishing it was Yuta they were talking to - not Gridman. "Besides, I promised Max I would be there after you woke up. Even if you don't consider yourself Yuta Hibiki anymore, I wouldn't prefer to take that back."

<Pose Tracker> Gridman has posed.

Though his mobility is getting better, Gridman still prefers to use the wheelchair while in public. He's still wobbly, and he doesn't want to put off an image of anything but strength and preparedness.

For this reason, Gridman sits across from Alouette. While his posture has been stiff whenever Gridman has been seen post-awakening, he relaxes when he sees that it's just Alouette. Max is pushing Gridman's wheelchair today, though he excuses himself to check on Junk as soon as the "young man" is settled.

"Of course, Alouette." Gridman's voice is still... metallic. Not fully robotic, not fully organic. Somewhere in the middle. When asked how he is... Gridman blinks once, then twice. How he is? Is that relevant? But this is Alouette, her kind heart would worry for him.

Seeking to be reassuring, Gridman tries very hard to tip his lips forward into a smile. It turns out lopsided and a little forced, but he's trying. That effort has to count for something. "I admit, this is a difficult transition. Half my memories are of being a young man, and half of being a Giant of Light. I still haven't worked out what exactly I'm comfortable with, or who I am, in this state. Many people have opinions." Yellow eyes close for a moment, then open. "That is a lengthy answer. I apologize."

"I would love some tea. My doctors have emphasized how important it is to stay warm. And I always enjoyed it.. before." He finishes, a little awkwardly. "But I understand it was your birthday a few days ago. Wouldn't it be more appropiate for me to treat you? Max has volunteered to put together a small cake, should the ingredients be found."

Gridman listens carefully as Alouette goes on. Yellow eyes never waver, or show a hint of emotion -- it may be a bit unsettling. "You are always so thoughtful, Alouette. Thank you. I, truly, would be glad for any advice or discussion... on any of this." After a moment of hesitation, Gridman looks down at his hands, twitching his fingers as if checking to see if they really belong to him. "I am grateful. For whatever you are comfortable offering."

<Pose Tracker> Alouette Pommier has posed.

Alouette studies Gridman's body language. How his stiff posture in the wheelchair relaxes as he approaches, his blinking, and his somewhat forced smile. None of it matches the type of body language he used presenting as Yuta, but she too gets the impression that he is trying his best.

When Gridman explains she nods. It's a lengthy answer, that's true, but Alouette doesn't really mind. It seems like a multifaceted problem for sure...

"It's understandable.. I'd like to think about it a little first." She admits. "So why don't I pour that tea for you first?"

And as she begins pacing towards the boiled water, Gridman mentions her birthday. "Oh! Yes it was. More of a quiet one this year." She didn't feel it necessary to draw a ton of attention to her birthday when everyone is so busy, but she sure did make Ikumi come see her.

"As for the cake..." Too many calories? Must decline? Nah. "I would love that. But for your sake, let's wait until Max is finished with Junk." She smiles, and also waves to Max, hard at work. Subtly signalling to come over and help Gridman with the cake once he's able.

Tbe tea is poured and gently placed on the table in front of Gridman's wheelchair. She seats herself back down and her eyes become more serious - sharper - with a hint of kindness as Gridman expresses his gratitude.

"So you say your memories are split between a Giant Light and a regular young man. That, at least - I understand." She starts. "Considering my memories are halfway between a child super-genius project and an ordinary girl." Where two pairs of blue eyes once would've met - now blue gazes into pale yellow. "It was really hard - and terrifying at first. Although I don't think I would be who I am without either set of memories."

She stops for a moment to further consider - the opinions of others also plays a role. "You said we're still friends, which tells me the memories we made leading to that friendship still mean a lot to you." Yet others wanted to know when Yuta Hibiki would be "back". "I can't speak for the sleeping Yuta Hibiki, but if you were awake while you made those memories, maybe it's fair to call them your own after all."

Her smile turns a little more awkward for a moment. "Perhaps I'm looking too much from the perspective of an amnesiac. I know you have your own mission to worry about now. But even Hyper Agents are more than their missions, right?" At that last statement, the smile turns warm again. For her at least, her memories as an ordinary girl, coupled with her lessons from 3G, stopped her from endlessly pursuing BioNet all on her own.

<Pose Tracker> Gridman has posed.

"Thank you, Alouette." Gridman says, as she steps forward to help with the tea. "Please, take all the time you need."

Max, noticing Alouette's gesture, returns to the table hosting the two young people. Really, Junk is doing just fine... He was only lingering by the computer to give Gridman and Alouette some privacy. "We only wish we could do more, Miss Pommier. You have always been an invaluable ally, you deserve a proper celebration. Perhaps once this trial comes to a close, we may have a sort of 'make up' party?"

Gridman nods. "I like that idea. You should have gifts and decorations." He's only really got one experience with a birthday party, but he liked it a lot! Alouette deserves to have a day as sweet as she is.

"For now, I will prepare the cake. I am afraid it will be rather small, but perhaps it may serve as a prologue for things to come." Max inclines his head gently toward Gridman and Alouette, then walks behind the counter at Aya. There should be just enough left for something nice... Looking over what he has to work with, the large man hums to himself. Is that a Sheryl Nome song?

As the tea is poured, Gridman takes it. He hesitates for a moment, caught between having no idea what to do when faced with a hot drink, and knowing exactly how to handle it. After a few seconds of concentrated thought, he blows softly on the drink, then takes a sip. "This is very soothing." Feeling the warmth spread through his body still feels so new, but he likes it. Another sip quickly follows the first.

"I have the full memories of the time I thought I was Yuta." Gridman says, quietly. "They stand in direct conflict of the time I remember being myself. I didn't realize how closely my own situation compares to yours. It is... terrifying. Looking into a mirror and seeing this face, hearing this voice..."

At Alouette's mention of memories, Gridman sits up straight. A quick, "Yes!" answers her. "Yes... those are my memories. My friends -- if you do not mind being considered so, still. These things are all dear to me." There's a sparkle of light in those dull yellow eyes, now. He feels strongly about this.

"Hyper Agents... In truth, I don't remember anything of what we were before. Anything of being a Hyper Agent. I would like to think we're more than our missions, but is that... fair of me? Even now, I should be out hunting Alexis Kerib. People suffer every moment I delay." A pause, and another sip of tea. "But you said your memories of being an ordinary girl were just as important. I don't wish to spurn that knowledge. Have they guided you in your own mission, Alouette?"

<Pose Tracker> Alouette Pommier has posed.

Max notices her gesture, and he and Gridman both suggest a make-up party once this chapter comes to a close. Alouette looks a little shy for a moment, but ultimately, she decides... "I think I'd really like that. I met and re-met so many wonderful people I didn't know on my 15th, so..." She wonders - if a miracle happens, could even Akane be at - and have a party like that?

"Thank you very much, Max. I'm sure it will still be delicious!" Alouette thanks Max as he walks off to prepare the cake. She catches the song he's humming too, he's got taste alright.

Alouette continues sipping her own tea as Gridman comments on his own. "Right? Apple is my favourite, but any type of tea really calms my nerves.." During a time like this, it's at its most important, so she's thankful for the availability of boiling water and Aya's leftover stock of teabags.

When Gridman mentions how terrifying it is and how he didn't realize it was so comparable to Alouette's situation, she grimly nods. Maybe a little too similar - it was exactly what Akane was able to exploit with Bujack.

Although there is a key difference... "Yes.. although in my case it's not so much the physical that changed and more the mental. I can't imagine how hard it is when even your body doesn't feel right..." She shakes her head, concernedly.

But her words did seem to have a semblance as Gridman agrees and his eyes even sparkle as they used to. "That's right. And if I may say, while some things have changed, your courage and your kindness have never left you." She hopes that anyone worried about Yuta being gone feels the same after speaking directly to Gridman.

"It's more than fair, I think. If you don't heal, you'll never be able to catch Alexis Kerib, right?" She fears that Alexis would even welcome and relish the opportunity of a wounded Gridman challenging him. "I know it's awful to wait when people are suffering every second you do, but.. they need you healthy. And others can pick up your load when you can't. Like the Neon Genesis Students." She looks at Max, who sure, is just making a cake right now, but she knows for a fact that they've all done a lot for Tsutsujidai, even if Alexis eludes them.

"It was only after I became an ordinary girl that I met mother. She thought her daughter was lost to the world, so she vowed to do everything to protect me from BioNet." Alouette explains. "If you remember when I was brainstorming Guardienne Aviaire, my mission is to protect - just like mother did for me. So in that sense, those memories absolutely guided me."

<Pose Tracker> Gridman has posed.

"We'll make it a party to remember, then." Gridman says, raising one hand in determination. "We'll have a lot to celebrate, you most of all."

Is Gridman signing himself up for a task he's not entirely prepared for? Yes, but, surely he'll have help. Alouette is widely-loved. There's sure to be plenty of volunteers with more experience.

Max nods to Alouette as he continues to work. Mixing together flour and eggs, Max can be heard quietly humming the chorus to Universal Bunny. Long teal hair has been tied back in a messy bun, and one of Orie's aprons covers his suit. Max looks perfectly happy in this state -- if anything, he's more relaxed than he's been since Akane stabbed Gridman. Perhaps he's missed this.

"Apple. I haven't tried all of them, but that's my favorite fruit so far. If you pick favorites for such a thing." Gridman will remember this apple fact for Alouette's party. Maybe there are apple cakes? Hmm. Much to consider.

Gridman lowers his head slightly. "I don't want to come across as if I'm saying my trials are a heavier burden than your own. I don't think such comparisons are useful. Please do not think I'm discounting or minimizing anything you share, Alouette."

"The strangest part, if I may." Gridman says, raising both his hands to his face. With a gentle movement, he squishes his cheeks. "This. The face. It should be metal, and yet..." He squishes them a little more. "And the eyebrows. So much movement there. So much expression! I remember it, and yet I don't."

Lowering his hands to his tea once again, Gridman's face returns to its still expression.

"Thank you..." Gridman murmurs, looking down into his drink. The aroma is almost as soothing as the warmth and flavor. "I have heard a few differing opinions. It is... unpleasant to harm my allies by simply existing. Knowing that you are not among them is a relief, truly."

Working up the strength to look Alouette in the eyes again, Gridman nods. "Yes. He defeated us at our full strength once before, if he were to appear now -- I would go out to fight him, but. I fear it'd go much the same way as it once did." A hand brushes over his stomach, remembering the feeling of a spear tearing through his body. Not... entirely dissimilar to the feeling of being stabbed.

"My comrades have outdone themselves, truly." Pride is clear in Gridman's voice. "They've done so much to support the people and factions trapped here. And that's not to discount people such as yourself. All of you came here to help us, and you were imprisoned within the city for your good deed. I promise, it will not be forgotten. Now, and in the future, we'll be by your side."

Max rumbles an agreement from the kitchen.

Alouette mentions the word 'mother', and Gridman goes still. He listens carefully -- a different sort of glimmer in his eyes. Though his expression hasn't changed, there's a strange entertwined feeling of longing and guilt. "Those memories were critical. I'm so thankful you had her, Alouette, she sounds like an incredible person. If I am to apply this lesson... The bonds I've made when I believed I was Yuta Hibiki may be our saving grace. It certainly has proven so for Tsutsujidai. But when it comes to fighting Alexis, perhaps..."

Hyper Devils work through emotions and bonds. Could the way to defeat one be weaponizing those things in return?

<Pose Tracker> Alouette Pommier has posed.

Alouette smiles, and blushes slightly at the thought of herself being someone worth celebrating. "Wow... I've never known enough people to have a party like that. I'll look forward to it, with all my heart!" She beams, all trace of sharpness removed from her gaze for just a moment.

As Max works diligently on the small cake, and hums Universal Bunny, Alouette takes a glance over. "It smells really nice.." she remarks. She didn't know he was much of a baker, but his skills speak for themselves.

"I think so," she replies, as Gridman mentions his favourite is apples as well, and wonders if people pick favourites for that sort of thing. "I used to not think much of food at all, aside from the nutritional value I suppose. But it's totally normal to have favourites, just because of the taste, or other reasons." She looks perceptively at the red hair Gridman still sports. "You always said your favourite colour was red, didn't you? It makes sense you enjoy apples the most then."

As Gridman looks away into his drink, Alouette takes another slow sip of her own. "It must be. For some people, it will definitely take time. But I hope eventually they can also understand you've changed far less than they think.. that the friend they made is still there."

There's definitely a concerned look on Alouette's face when Gridman explicitly mentions that he would go fight Alexis even if he had no hope of winning. But she doesn't break contact, after he found his own courage to look her in the eyes. "It's not unlikely," she admits, that Alexis could appear anytime. "He appeared to us on the Wadatsumi about a week ago. Guy and Renais both tried to fight him off... oddly the Will Knife stab scared him off." She shakes her head. "Just be careful, okay? You don't need to be the only one to fight him..."

And then he and Max offer to repay their efforts in the future. "Thank you both - all four of you. And you're right, we won't be stuck here forever." It's best to hold on and help the civilians who are much more confused about the affair than they are.

Alouette definitely notices the stillness - and subsequent stirring in Gridman. That's right - "Yuta" was waiting on his parents on a business trip. "She is wonderful. It.. doesn't necessarily have to be a mother, either." Gridman comes to the same conclusion as he ponders how to apply Alouette's words. "The connections you made inside and outside the Gridman Alliance - please don't forget them." She concludes.

He trails off as he considers what is means for fighting Alexis. "You really tried hard to connect to Akane Shinjo when you were Yuta, didn't you.." She hopes it's not discourteous to mention the one who stabbed him but... "Since this city is her heart, I was considering that connection is key to rescuing it and her." She ponders.

"Besides that, Alexis feeds on her misery and grief. He all but said it's what makes him so powerful." She adds. "So I wonder if helping her is also ultimately the key to victory against him."

<Pose Tracker> Gridman has posed.

Gridman tries another one of those maximim-effort, barely-there smiles. "Once this is over, I'll come to you for a guest list. I wouldn't want anyone to be left out."

Max has slid the cake into the oven now, and it bakes steadily. Soon, the enormous man is washing dishes, organizing things behind the counter... Small things, but they make a difference. And it's calming. Work that can be done to make a visible, tangible difference.

"Yes, I thought that would be most efficient, eating simply the most nutritious things. But I found myself wishing for the foods I was fond of before." Gridman sips his tea, quietly pleased Alouette remembered something so small about him. "That's right. Red... I was so worried wearing it would look bad with my hair." How strange, to have hair. "Really, I can't imagine that mattering now."

Gridman nods. "Yes, Dr. Mass reminded me, many of our peers have witnessed horrors of their own, and would deal with change poorly. That it's important to be patient with them. I hope you're right, Alouette. Did you face anything similar, as you adjusted to your twinned memories? Were you greeted with," A nervous pause. "rejection from your friends?"

Yellow eyes go a bit wide at the news that Alexis appeared to GGG. "I-- apologize, I should have been there. I'm so thankful you're all safe. Though -- the Will Knife? What is that?"

The thought that Gridman doesn't need to be the only one to fight Alexis goes quietly unresponded to.

With a soft, barely-there sigh, Gridman considers that it doesn't need to be a mother. "Yes. Every bond is precious to me. I -- well. It's foolish to wish for something that may not exist. Far better to focus on those around me now. My comrades, my friends... That's more than enough. More than anyone could ask for."

"I did all I could for Akane." Gridman's voice is soft. His eyes go toward Junk, toward a still slightly-reddish portion of the floor. "I have to come to terms with the fact that her fear toward me overwhelms any good I might do for her. While I agree with your theory, and really, believe it's our only chance for survival." Gridman turns his gaze back to Alouette. "I have to entrust Akane's heart to others. My presence has only ever been an accelerant for her worst impulses."

If all he can offer to Akane is fear, at least he can prey on her tormenter. At least that won't make anything worse -- and it's Gridman's duty.

"In truth, Alouette. If I had to pick merely a few to put my faith in, for Akane's sake." The first sparks of warmth enter Gridman's yellow eyes. A smile, an expression of trust, that can't quite reach his face. It's only there for a moment. "You would be near the top of the list."

<Pose Tracker> Alouette Pommier has posed.

Gridman offers to let her write up a guest list which leaves Alouette considering for a moment. "In that case, I'll take the time to think about it for a while. I don't want to forget anyone, either.."

There is a bit of a sad look, when Gridman doesn't even consider fashion to be something worth worrying about anymore, when he used to be so excited about it, but she doesn't press this point. "Hmm. Are you considering wearing a suit like the rest of the Neon Genesis students? It.. actually wouldn't look so bad on you." She giggles, softly. Subtly pushing the fashion idea is better, she thinks.

"Don't worry. It was more than a little scary, but it turned out okay.. after a day or so of rest for Renais and Guy at least." She replies, at Gridman's self-admonishment. "Oh - the Will Knife is Guy's on-foot weapon. Powered by courage, of course." If only she had some sort of her own way to defend herself, but unlike Renais, carrying guns around isn't exactly her style..

Finally, Gridman explains his feelings in regards to Akane. The logic is sound, quite similar to Guy's own reasoning. "It's the Vessel of Light idea," she nods. An idea she believed in herself for a time, so she knows that as long as Akane buys into it, she won't accept direct help from anyone who she considers that sort of enemy - not an Evoluder, and not Gridman.

This leaves Alouette in an interesting position - a person standing between the Vessels of Light and Akane. "Sometimes, it's hard to believe I can reach her," Alouette admits. "I think she's scared because she hurt me.." she continues to explain. "You already know that I refuse to give up, though. So I'll accept that trust of yours." Alouette finishes the last of her tea, concluding resolutely.

<Pose Tracker> Gridman has posed.

"A suit." Gridman blinks once, twice. This hasn't occured to him, somehow! "A suit... I've never wore one before. I was told to live with pride, so I should pick something beyond this."

"This" being pajama pants (if nice ones) and a baggy hoodie. It's what Max considered most warm and comfortable from Yuta's apartment, and so brought to him. Gridman hasn't thought about his clothing in the rush of everything. Having to think about clothes is so foreign, and familiar.

"I liked this. Dressing up, playing with makeup." That metallic voice almost echoes in the quiet of Aya. Max has finished the dishes, and now waits for the cake to finish baking. "Maybe I still like it. I never had clothes as myself, beyond the Assist Weapons. If I have to wait while I heal in any case. It could be done in clothes I enjoy."

Though spoken as a sentence, Gridman looks up to Alouette for approval. He's unsure about this, and Max is holding his peace.

"I'm thankful for that. Guy and Renais are not to be underestimated, even for a Devil." It seems Alouette's reassurance has worked, Gridman is far more at ease. "A weapon powered by courage suits Guy perfectly. I'd like to see it in action someday."

Gridman finishes his tea as Alouette goes on. "I don't want to do any more harm than I already have. And I realize, I am putting myself in danger of doing so again, asking someone Akane has hurt to come to her aid. Please know this is not an assignment or expectation, but an expression of my faith in you. If you become uncomfortable and need to walk away, no one will blame you, especially not us."

But Alouette would never give up. Gridman knows that. Perhaps that resolute determination is what Akane needs -- someone who refuses to turn away from her, no matter what.

"Excuse me," Max approaches, two plates of cake in his hands. "The cake is ready."

The pieces are small -- it looks like Gridman and Alouette have each been given a fourth of the entire cake. But it's sweet and fragrant. There wasn't the ingredients for apple cake, but the cheerful red color remains. Max has put together red velvet, somehow, in the ruins of Tsutsujidai. Perhaps this is the power of a Hyper Agent?

"Oh, we need to sing." Gridman says, realizing it for himself. "Max, please join me."

"Of course, Gridman." Max answers, dutifully. Clearing his throat behind his mask, he begins to sing.

"Happy birthday to you..."

While Max has a lovely voice and clearly enjoys singing, Gridman... struggles. Moving his mouth into the right shapes requires thought, and it leaves Gridman half a beat behind Max in the song.

"...dear Alouette..."

Gridman is trying. As he goes along, he gets better, until he and Max have found a sort of harmony together. While he can't match Max for skill, Gridman's effort is clear, brow slightly furrowed as he puts forth his best.

"Happy birthday to you!"

It's quiet for a moment, and then--
"Ha... hahaha..."

Gridman is laughing. It's very quiet, and he covers his mouth, but his eyes squish closed in delight. "Ha... haha..." A breath, and then a wince, as the action jars his wound. "Oh. I never knew you had such a wonderful voice, Max."

<Pose Tracker> Alouette Pommier has posed.

Alouette brushes her own, still well-maintained, customized 3G Blue uniform. "Clothes you enjoy.. absolutely. Even Hyper Agents can look stylish, don't you think?" That does seem the core philosophy of the Neon Genesis Junior High Students after all.

"Yes.. I'm glad they were there to protect me. Even if punching a Hyper Devil is quite the reckless move." She grins, at Gridman's acknowledgement of Renais and Guy's strength. "It's very fast," Alouette replies about the Will Knife. Could Program Ring technology replicate that...? That's a pretty silly thought.

Gridman does assure her that helping Akane is not required of her, and although she does appreciate the clarification... "It's not an assignment. It's a promise." She decides on, a gleam in her eyes. "Mostly a promise to her. So don't worry about any obligations." Strangely, she remembers promising to watch Tarabaman Hammer with Akane. She'd like to keep that promise on more honest terms.

Breaking that dead-serious tone is Max's announcement of the cake, and Alouette's eyes once again light up as they two Hyper Agents sing Happy Birthday.

Alouette takes the first bite of the cake, savouring the flavour more than she ever has. "This is.. red velvet? Oh, it's just delicious." She should have expected Aya to have such nice baking ingredients, but of course it wouldn't all come together without Max's skill.

"Right?" Alouette laughs along with Gridman, as he comments on Max's singing skills. "Maybe you should consider becoming an idol yourself." She winks.

"But really.. thank you for this. And thank you for being such wonderful friends." She eventually takes the final bite of her slice of the small cake. And she does consider that Gridman himself has a birthday quite soon if he's sharing with Yuta Hibiki at the moment... "Hopefully I can return the favour sometime soon."