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]

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?']