I think it counts. You like it, so it should count. But I think the meadows are nice too. The grass feels so fresh.
[ It probably doesn't compare to the real thing, but Zelkova doesn't seem particularly bothered by that notion. Zelkova lets a small lull sit between them before he pipes back up. ]
The meaningful connections you've made... Do you like sharing these areas with them?
[ Hector doesn't really react to what Zelkova says, even if he agrees. He remains standing there, guarded, trying to suss out whatever his intentions are (he can't).
He's ready to just turn and leave when Zelkova speaks up again. And this time, a brow shoots up. ]
I...guess? [ Meaningful connections? He isn't sure he'd call them that. ] I can't exactly run Areas by myself.
You guess? You mean you don't know the answer to that question?
[ Hector seemed so sure of himself before... But he's been hesitant to share information already, so Zelkova wonders if it's worth trying to push out more before getting to the real point of all of this.
After running some analyses, he decides that it isn't. ]
Are the connections meaningful enough to you that you want to protect them?
[ Hector stares at Zelkova for a moment, frozen in place by the suddenness of the question.
He really isn't sure if he'd call these connections meaningful. Sure, he's gotten some friendships out of them, but for most—he doesn't know their real names. Or where they live. He only sees them as text on the forums, or as a projection of themselves through their avatars. It isn't the real versions of them. It's much in the way they don't really know much about him, personally.
But damn it all if he'd let anything happen to any of them. ]
[ He grins, completely sincere in his compliment. That was the answer he had hoped for, and the reason why he called Hector out here for his opinions in the first place.
Holding out his hand, his palm flat and facing upwards, a prism materializes above it, spinning in a slow circle. ]
I'd like to give this to you. It can be used to protect people. I hope you never have to use it, though, but I think you'd be a good person to hold onto it just in case.
Hector looks back and forth between the prism, Zelkova, the uncertainty in his face not totally leaving him. Tentatively, he takes one step forward and reaches out to accept it.
When he speaks, his eyes remain fixed on the mesmerizing spin of the prism. ]
...What do you mean by that?
[ That he hopes he never has to use it. What does it do. ]
[ When Hector reaches out to accept it, the prism is absorbed into his very avatar. A message flashes upon his screen: Key Item Obtained: Strange Core S. ]
How will it protect people? It can be used to perform a Data Drain. I can show you how to use it, but... I hope you never have to see exactly how it protects people.
[ Zelkova holds out his wrist, and a green bracelet appears around it, tendrils of data and code buzzing around it and looking for something to attach to. Thankfully, there's nothing for it to latch onto here. ]
You extract data from a target. [ He looks up at Hector. ] But there's one thing you have to remember: don't use this on the other players, especially if they do not have a Core. Doing that will kill them. So, you should only use it on monsters.
Hector purses his lips as he watches the digital tendrils reach and search. He sears the image, Zelkova's words into his mind. The last thing he wants to do is hurt another player. ]
I would never want to do that, so... Thank you, Zelkova. For warning me.
[ That thing about cores, though, tugs at him. Plus his warning about only using it as a last resort— ]
[ For a good moment, Hector just stares at Zelkova.
Would doing this hurt him? For all his frustrations with CC Corp and related entities, Hector isn't sure he actually wishes them any harm. But at the same time, if harming them means keeping the people he knows and can touch safe... ]
All right. [ He says this with finality, in acceptance of the power. ] Guide me.
There are no enemies here to use a Data Drain on, but what you will do is will the power to extract data from them. Think about doing it right now. The power won't latch onto anything, but you'll feel it activate.
[ And it's just as Zelkova says—as Hector focuses on using that core, a bracelet will form around his wrist, tendrils of data leaking out of its edges in the search of something to latch onto. Naturally, they won't find anything here.
This is a power he'll feel deep within himself, within his very avatar, and the moment he stops thinking about using it in earnest, it disappears. ]
[ Hector does exactly as told, and Zelkova will be pleased to see that the man is a very quick learner.
He copies Zelkova and reaches, as instructed, and he feels that well of power swell within him. It's a strange sensation at first, to the point that he almost loses his concentration, but he pushes past it. He watches as those tendrils search the air, and he understands.
As he lowers his arm, they vanish, and he feels the power still. ]
Zelkova's surprised that there aren't any follow-up questions, only a simple mention that he'll be careful. It causes him to furrow his brows, to frown slightly, but he can't pick apart why this is confusing to him. ]
It's fine. You have reasons to be suspicious of me.
[ It isn't like Zelkova has been actively helpful outside of a few moments. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
I think it counts. You like it, so it should count. But I think the meadows are nice too. The grass feels so fresh.
[ It probably doesn't compare to the real thing, but Zelkova doesn't seem particularly bothered by that notion. Zelkova lets a small lull sit between them before he pipes back up. ]
The meaningful connections you've made... Do you like sharing these areas with them?
no subject
He's ready to just turn and leave when Zelkova speaks up again. And this time, a brow shoots up. ]
I...guess? [ Meaningful connections? He isn't sure he'd call them that. ] I can't exactly run Areas by myself.
[ healer btw, ]
no subject
[ Hector seemed so sure of himself before... But he's been hesitant to share information already, so Zelkova wonders if it's worth trying to push out more before getting to the real point of all of this.
After running some analyses, he decides that it isn't. ]
Are the connections meaningful enough to you that you want to protect them?
no subject
[ Hector stares at Zelkova for a moment, frozen in place by the suddenness of the question.
He really isn't sure if he'd call these connections meaningful. Sure, he's gotten some friendships out of them, but for most—he doesn't know their real names. Or where they live. He only sees them as text on the forums, or as a projection of themselves through their avatars. It isn't the real versions of them. It's much in the way they don't really know much about him, personally.
But damn it all if he'd let anything happen to any of them. ]
I'd do anything to keep these people safe.
no subject
[ He grins, completely sincere in his compliment. That was the answer he had hoped for, and the reason why he called Hector out here for his opinions in the first place.
Holding out his hand, his palm flat and facing upwards, a prism materializes above it, spinning in a slow circle. ]
I'd like to give this to you. It can be used to protect people. I hope you never have to use it, though, but I think you'd be a good person to hold onto it just in case.
no subject
Hector looks back and forth between the prism, Zelkova, the uncertainty in his face not totally leaving him. Tentatively, he takes one step forward and reaches out to accept it.
When he speaks, his eyes remain fixed on the mesmerizing spin of the prism. ]
...What do you mean by that?
[ That he hopes he never has to use it. What does it do. ]
no subject
How will it protect people? It can be used to perform a Data Drain. I can show you how to use it, but... I hope you never have to see exactly how it protects people.
no subject
But that surprise quickly gives way to a shadow of alarm when Zelkova says that. It makes him nervous, makes his heart race. This sounds bad. ]
Data Drain? [ His brow furrows. ] Sure, I should probably know how to use it, but...
[ ... ]
At least tell me how it works.
[ So if it's dangerous, he's at least making an informed decision. ]
no subject
You extract data from a target. [ He looks up at Hector. ] But there's one thing you have to remember: don't use this on the other players, especially if they do not have a Core. Doing that will kill them. So, you should only use it on monsters.
no subject
Hector purses his lips as he watches the digital tendrils reach and search. He sears the image, Zelkova's words into his mind. The last thing he wants to do is hurt another player. ]
I would never want to do that, so... Thank you, Zelkova. For warning me.
[ That thing about cores, though, tugs at him. Plus his warning about only using it as a last resort— ]
What is a Core, though?
no subject
[ And great power comes with great responsibility, as the comic books love to say. ]
I can guide you through it, but using it still comes down to you in the end.
no subject
Would doing this hurt him? For all his frustrations with CC Corp and related entities, Hector isn't sure he actually wishes them any harm. But at the same time, if harming them means keeping the people he knows and can touch safe... ]
All right. [ He says this with finality, in acceptance of the power. ] Guide me.
no subject
[ And it's just as Zelkova says—as Hector focuses on using that core, a bracelet will form around his wrist, tendrils of data leaking out of its edges in the search of something to latch onto. Naturally, they won't find anything here.
This is a power he'll feel deep within himself, within his very avatar, and the moment he stops thinking about using it in earnest, it disappears. ]
no subject
He copies Zelkova and reaches, as instructed, and he feels that well of power swell within him. It's a strange sensation at first, to the point that he almost loses his concentration, but he pushes past it. He watches as those tendrils search the air, and he understands.
As he lowers his arm, they vanish, and he feels the power still. ]
...Huh. Okay. I get it.
[ He turns to look at Zelkova again. ]
Thanks for this. I'll be responsible with it.
no subject
I hope so. That part is important.
[ He can tell this man has a great sense of responsibility, which is why he's quick to add: ]
Be careful with it. If you use it too much, you'll feel the toll it takes on your body.
no subject
But if it comes at the cost of his own well-being?
Hmm. ]
I'll be careful.
[ He nods.
It's a mystery if he truly takes that into consideration, especially with how he glosses over that without his usual questions. ]
Thanks, Zelkova. [ He holds up his wrist, the one that would hold the bracelet, with a little grin. ] Sorry if I was a little harsh with you earlier.
no subject
Zelkova's surprised that there aren't any follow-up questions, only a simple mention that he'll be careful. It causes him to furrow his brows, to frown slightly, but he can't pick apart why this is confusing to him. ]
It's fine. You have reasons to be suspicious of me.
[ It isn't like Zelkova has been actively helpful outside of a few moments. ]
no subject
Yeah.
[ Though the smile stays on his face, Hector lifts a brow, folds his arms. ]
Don't think giving me this special power lets you off the hook.
[ What hook? He doesn't say. ]
no subject
Zelkova simply grins. Maybe he shouldn't be happy about this but— ]
Good. I want you to keep your eye out for whatever feels wrong, even if that means you have to question me.
no subject
God. What has he agreed to? ...Not that this would ever prevent him from using the power.
Or over-using it. ]
Fine.
[ He'll take that as an open invitation. Watch out, Zelkova! ]
Well. [ Hector steps back, plants his hands on his hips. ] If we're done here, I'm leaving.
no subject
We are. Unless you have more questions for me.
[ He's sure that Hector does, but Zelkova will let him chew on all of this for now, as he waves Hector off if there's nothing immediately pressing. ]
no subject
[ Responsibly, out of consideration for Zelkova? Yes, possibly. Out of consideration for himself?
Hell nah. ]
Right, then. Behave yourself.
[ Hector fixes Zelkova with a sharp stare before he logs out and fizzles from existence. Goodbye, video game boy. ]