[audio]

[deathof4thwall]

The message starts with a sharp squeal of static, as if the COMP is a badly tuned radio or something, before it dies down a little and a cheerful voice starts babbling.

"Hiii~! So I was wondering something, and I thought I'd just throw it out on the network like this to get an answer and all."

There's the sound of fabric rustling, as if whoever's on the other side of the transmission is shifting nervously.

"So I noticed a bunch of people have, like, clean clothing, and I was just wondering what's up with that? I mean, how does it happen? My clothes are still covered in scorpion goo, and I don't have any spares or nothing, so it'd be super nice if someone could tell me how all you other folks are getting clean things."

There's a slight pause before the voice lowers to a whisper and hisses out,

"is it witchcraft?!"

With that, the message ends.

Comments

[audio]

[plunderbunny]

It's not witchcraft, it's laundry. And it's a bit important if you don't want to stink to high heavens Well, no matter, you aren't the first I've met who's never washed a shirt before.

[See example: Almost every citizen of Melee Island. That's a smell you don't forget. Ever.]

[audio]

[deathof4thwall]

The speaker draws out the word as if it's unfamiliar.

"Launnnnnnnd-ry."

There's a brief pause before you are inundated with questions.

"How does it work? Does everybody know about it? Should I know about it? Do I need a license? Is it government-sponsored? Are there manuals for it?"

And on and on, each question progressively stranger.

[demifemme]

Oh boy, it's her unwell acquaintance (Shura hesitated to call him a friend).

"You've never done laundry before???" Ew, man. EW.

[deathof4thwall]

"So that is what it's called??"

There's a sound like tape tearing.

"And nope. Do I need special tools?"

[demifemme]

"There are laundry machines at the end of each floor... ... but you don't know how to use them, do you."

[deathof4thwall]

"You mean those weird box things?"

A few thoughtful hums.

"So that's what they're for! I wondered."

[demifemme]

"Where do you live? I'll help you. Get your clothes and some yen coins." Hopefully this time around Minato is not cut and bleeding again.

[deathof4thwall]

"Libra 9-6!"

Hopefully he has some coins. Or knows what they are.

[action]

[demifemme]

Just in case, Shura brings pocket change. After a trip through the teleporter that slammed her into a wall, she arrives at Minato's a bit worse for wear. Like last time she came, she knocks at the door, then comes in. "Minato?"

[voice - filtered]

[greatseal]

[She recognizes the voice, of course. Most people might not, since the strange shifts in tone brings him far away from what Minato ought to sound like, in her mind. But she remembers that meeting during the attack and so she knows who this must be.

As then, this encounter doesn't do much to help her understand what's going on with him, just adding to a pile of concerns.]

Minato, you have to do your laundry and buy yourself changes of clothes! Have you even been showering? ['Have you been eating right' - She stops herself before she gets that far, because this isn't really her brother no matter how much he looks like him. The mothering instinct won't go away.]

Re: [voice - filtered]

[deathof4thwall]

There's a certain amount of blank incomprehension in his voice as he answers.

"Aren't showers just a thing for love hotels, though?"

...um. That's. Not a good thing to be hearing, is it?

[voice - filtered]

[greatseal]

[What........]

No! You should shower or take a bath at least every other day!

[voice - filtered]

[deathof4thwall]

"Really?"

Honest surprise in his voice.

"...how do they work, then?"

[voice - filtered]

[greatseal]

[does she.... seriously have to explain this to a 17 year old boy?]

You know what, where do you live? I'll come over.

Re: [voice - filtered]

[deathof4thwall]

"I'm in Libra 9-6!"

So many visitors today!

[voice - filtered]

[greatseal]

[It's what he gets for a post like that...]

Okay. I'll be over soon.

[But first, she has to stop at Minato's for an emergency clothes supply.]

[Video]

[universebeware]

Brainstorm shakes his head, then sighs. "And this is why 'clothes' are ridiculous things."

[audio]

[deathof4thwall]

"Does that make you one of those 'exhibitionists'?"

He is saying this in a tone of voice that suggests he is completely unfazed by a giant robot.

[Video]

[universebeware]

"Exhibitionist...?"

Give Brainstorm a moment while he consults an information source...

"...no? It makes me someone who doesn't need to wear such strange things."

[audio]

[deathof4thwall]

"Okay."

He contemplates.

"All the other robots I ever met wore clothes, so I was confused. Nice to meet you!"

[Video]

[universebeware]

Brainstorm half-squints one optic, an action akin to an eyebrow raise since, well. Metal face and all.

"How did they keep from overheating, then? That would cover their vents."

[audio]

[deathof4thwall]

"Her vents were on her head!"

[Video]

[universebeware]

"On her..." Brainstorm sighs, then points to the big blocky things on the sides of his cheeks. "That can't be the only ones - I've got vents on my head, but one small vent is not going to be adequate."

audio

[awww_yeeeeeaaaah]

"Yes. Only the most powerful spellcasters are worthy of learning its mysteries."

Kaito, no...

Re: audio

[deathof4thwall]

There's a slight pause before he replies.

"Huh! I did not know that! I'm the Universe, does that make me strong enough?"

Not a single trace of sarcasm in his voice.