11th Screw [Voice/Action] - Third prompt is throughout the week

[all_wound_up]

[The remarkable thing about a robotic brain is that it's able to incorporate novel information incredibly quickly.  Typically this is involved in learning new skills or solving complex problems.  Unfortunately, this time that flexibility and flawless assimilation has only served to create a harmonious amalgam of Nano's existing memories with those she's suddenly received from the entangling of her destiny strings with Xion's.  Clearly she was an automaton created by an eight year old prodigy employed by Organization XIII known only as the Professor.  That only makes sense.  The fact that she's only just now remembered that half of her life doesn't seem to be bothering her very much - instead, Nano's getting right back down to business.

There are, however, a few snags she has yet to work out.]

[Voice; afternoon]

[For once, Nano has elected to use the voice function of the COMP network.  Her voice is much more flat and emotionless than usual, though there is a slight tinge of nervousness as she speaks.]

...Has anyone else found themselves unable to use an ability they had before coming here?

[There's a short pause before the next question.]

Were you ever able to get it back?  If so... how?

[Action; Sundown; Shinonome Labs in the Pisces District]

[Later in the same day, Nano can be found sitting on top of her house in the residential area of the Pisces District.  She's wearing a black hoodie and pants, with the hood drawn closely around her face to obscure her features.  She's leaning forward, knees drawn up with one arm wrapped tightly around them as she bites into a frozen treat that may be familiar to some residents of the city.  The only real indication that the figure is Nano in the first place is the telltale windup key sticking out of her back - otherwise, it could really be anyone sitting and brooding up there.  From her posture, she seems lost in thought, just staring out at the sunset as it descends down below the horizon of the city.]

[Action; 13th Hour; Around the City; any day up until the 22nd]

[During the 13th Hour, Nano's out and about in the city, trailing after a small group of shadowy creatures of various shapes and sizes.  She still has the hood up, and appears to be taking pains not to be seen as she runs around after her quarry.  Oddly, she doesn't have either of her Personas out, even though by this point the monsters she's chasing could be easily defeated with a single attack from either of them.  Every so often, she stops and makes an odd gesture with her hand, almost like she's trying to call something out or summon something to her, shaking her head and muttering under her breath after nothing happens.]

Comments

[otakuro]

You're supposed to have... a key-shaped sword?

[That was possibly the most inefficient design for a sword he could imagine short of modeling it after a tuna fish sandwich.]

And you have to use this key-shaped sword to destroy these guys? ...The Heartless?

[A longer pause.]

...Would it be wrong to ask if you were acting out a game of some sort, Nano?

[all_wound_up]

That's right. And it's not a game!

[Well, that seems to have struck a nerve. After snapping back at him like that, Nano sighs again, shaking her head.]

These ones have to be destroyed in a very specific way.

[otakuro]

What happens if they don't?

...They just come back?

[Because that's what always happens if they don't. ...Nano's behavior, at this point, was beginning to register as incredibly odd. He wonders if something had corrupted her data files somehow...]

[all_wound_up]

There's something I'm supposed to collect from them, that I can only get if I beat them with the keyblade.

[Might as well just be straight about it now.]

Please don't ask any more about it, though. I've already told you too much as it is.

[Nano clenches her fists at her sides.]

But I'm no good the way I am right now.

[otakuro]

...

Nano... this is the first time I've ever heard you mention something like this. I don't know exactly what you're talking about, but it doesn't seem like you to have this kind of... 'secret'. You were so afraid to even tell me that you were a robot.

I think something's going on. ...It might be related to what you're talking about, but...

[all_wound_up]

This... it's an even bigger secret than that, Atsuro. I'm really sorry. I wish I could tell you about it. You've been so nice to me ever since I first came here, and I don't even deserve it.

[The facade of stoicism she's trying to put up is cracking more and more with every second that goes by.]

[otakuro]

A-Ah... That's fine. We don't have to talk about... whatever you need to do, then.

[Still, he's pretty sure something's up at this point.]

...Can I just ask you about those Heartless, then? I thought you said you came from a pretty normal world; have they always been around?

[all_wound_up]

Yeah... for as long as I can remember.

[Which is technically true right now, of course.]

[otakuro]

Huh. ...And they're malicious? You've had to deal with them all this time?

[This was certainly the first he was hearing about this.]

[all_wound_up]

That's right. It's like a job.

[otakuro]

...I thought your job was working at the store.

[It was like talking to a totally different person or something.]

Alright, well... here's what I think we should do. Without this weapon, you can't fight these things, right? So sneaking around following them doesn't do much good. But there must be someone with a Persona who can find missing things...

[all_wound_up]

It's not like that. The weapon... it's like a Persona. It's supposed to come from in here.

[She clenches a fist and thumps it on her chest.]

But I don't think I'm strong enough to do it anymore. I don't know why.

[otakuro]

...

[Now would be a great time to make a joke about robots and storage compartments if he weren't such a considerate person.]

Can you still summon your Persona?

[all_wound_up]

Mmhmm.

[Nano nods, closing her eyes for a moment as Pinocchio manifests behind her.]

[otakuro]

Alright. ...If they're both based on... the sea of your soul or something along those lines, I think you're probably fine, spiritual strength-wise.

...Were you hoping that meeting them in battle would help it come out?

[all_wound_up]

It was the only thing I could think of.

[otakuro]

...Maybe they weren't hard enough. I mean, they died in one hit.

Do you want to look for more?

[all_wound_up]

I think I'm done for tonight.

[It's just too frustrating. All of it. The way it feels like there's a hole where her heart should be. The way it feels like that hole is filling up the longer she's around Atsuro. And especially the way she knows that that's completely impossible.]

[otakuro]

...OK. Maybe you should go get some rest, then.

[Atsuro pauses for a moment before continuing.]

Don't worry too much about it! Even if you don't have your... special key, the monsters here aren't your 'job' anymore. They're only here during the 13th Hour - You don't have to hunt them down.

[all_wound_up]

...All right.

[Atsuro's words aren't much comfort, but she knows he's trying, so she accepts the encouragement without complaint. If she can't collect hearts here, and if destroying Heartless isn't her job, then is she just a worthless replica after all? A tool with no purpose, left here to rust?

Nano shakes her head in an attempt to clear such dark thoughts from her mind, and manages a small smile and a nod.]

I'll see you later, then.

[otakuro]

Right. ...Be careful heading back!

...Actually, do you want me to walk with you? I think I'm gonna give up on that naginata for tonight, too.

[all_wound_up]

N-no, I can make it on my own!

[She shakes her head, probably a little more emphatically than she really meant to.]

I... I just need some time to think about things.

[otakuro]

Er... OK! Be careful, then.

[Had he forgotten to shower or something maybe he smelled.]

I'll catch you around, Nano.

[all_wound_up]

I'm sorry!

[And then she runs away like the big awkward mixed up pile of gears and sadness she is.]

[otakuro]

[Atsuro stares after her in slight confusion before turning to Enki. ...Even the Persona changes its normally blank expression for a shrug of 'who knows?']