Voice testing

[makingstevensonproud]

While I appreciate the attention I don't quite feel that it is warranted. You don’t have the time to even be considering this. It’s irresponsible.

If you're so determined why don't you simply utilize my comic counterpart since you're so fond of him? You'll have far more history to work with and at least... [At least he gets the girl but he can't bring himself to say as much so he lets that trail off, looking away uncomfortably.

And then, quietly,] I don't see why you'd want me like this anyway

Comments

[darkholme]

I'd guess she wants you around because you're special, Beast. Because you're different and powerful now, but you're still... you. It's rare to find someone like that.

[makingstevensonproud]

[He can't quite meet your gaze, Raven. Sorry but, regardless of how appropriate it is, he's not entirely comfortable with that code name, yet.]

Sometimes I wonder about that. Still... "being me". [Because the way he reacts to things sometimes now are not how he would have before. At least... not outwardly.] Never mind. [He shakes his head, the gesture something ingrained and meant to be dismissive but it doesn't translate as well now. There's no hair to fall in his eyes and hunching his shoulders no longer makes him look meek and uncertain though there's still an air of skittishness to it.

He doesn't know what to say to the rest of that, though. He's not special, he's a freak. More so now than ever before.]

[darkholme]

[ she's left frowning a little bit, her eyes still trained on him even if he won't look at her ]

There might be some adjusting to do, but what you look like now doesn't change the kind of person you are. Your mind hasn't changed, has it? I bet you're still the smartest kid in class. [ not that he's in class anymore, but she hope he gets what she's trying to say ] And I'd bet too that you're still the one that's going to use that to help people in the world, right? That hasn't changed.

[makingstevensonproud]

[There's the smallest little twitch of his lips, something that might have been a wry smile if his face was still capable of such subtleties.]

Well, yes... but- [No buts. He just has to focus on doing exactly what she just said. Helping people. And maybe, quietly, trying to figure out exactly what he did wrong.] There are some differences that I have noted. They are comparatively minor, though.

[Let's not talk about his issues. At least, not until he has had time to thoroughly examine them all and can give more comprehensive evaluations of the changes he underwent. Then he'll be able to hide more effectively behind his science.] How are you, Raven?

[burnsbright]

They tend to be... kind of odd about how they like people. I'm as old as I am just because that's about how old my PB looks.

[makingstevensonproud]

She's indecisive enough that I do have some hope of persuading her given adequate time. Unfortunately, I fear her ambition in putting me here may be a swaying factor in her decision making.

As for the matter of indeterminate ages I'm in about the same situation as yourself.

[burnsbright]

Hmm. Then again, there are any number who just have an outing here and maybe show up in memes now and then, but that's about it. She won't know for a while, if she's anything like mine.

[makingstevensonproud]

Most of the others that belong to my mun have are in such a situation. She's really quite unfocused though she has recently joined a game and seems to be considering putting me there far more strongly than I care for her to.

And what of yourself? Have you been placed in one of these "games"?

[burnsbright]

[Scout wrinkles her nose in polite sympathy.] I see. Which one is that?

Sure. Three total, but right now I'm at distantskies. It's all right. The only objection I have is having a dæmon, but...

[makingstevensonproud]

She's currently at outer_divide. Of course she's only been there a week and already considering who else to ah... throw to the wolves. Or.. velociraptors as the case may be. I must admit a certain level of curiosity but, given recent events, I would much rather simply return to my lab.

Three? That sounds rather tiresome.

[burnsbright]

Veloc... right. [Had to be filled in. Star Wars character.] There's not much left where I'm from, but I know how that feels.

It was only ever two at a time. This one's more recent. It's not a jamjar, so... it allows for more freedom than some places.

[makingstevensonproud]

I estimate there must be some ease to being removed from your environment when there isn't much to be concerned with returning to. All the same, I imagine it's rather disconcerting.

At least I needn't worry on that front, exactly. She hasn't the head for multitasking on the level of multiple games and certainly not to have me in more than one.

[burnsbright]

It is. Even after adjusting, you never know when you have to go back.

That's fair. It took mine years before she was comfortable with more than one game.

[makingstevensonproud]

I think it may well be the lack of permanence that would be most unsettling for myself.

Mine simply has a habit of overwhelming herself rather quickly when she allows things to go beyond one (or maybe, possibly, two) small games.

[burnsbright]

Yeah. In one of mine there was never a return - I dropped, but there's a handwaved version of me still on that planet, keeping out of the way of the player characters. Which is a little troubling too.

That would happen too. It's very easy to just get out of the habit of checking what's happening in one game, and... things don't stay still for long.

[makingstevensonproud]

That sounds extremely distressing. I don't think I would be remotely comfortable with that. She had better not even consider something like that for me.

[He sighs heavily, shaking his head.] No, they don't. No matter how much one might wish them to.

[burnsbright]

It's decided that... she will end up happy, someday, and she has better chances than if I went back. Going to be rich, too, making technological breakthroughs and so on, and pass on what I know and believe. But I don't think she'll ever see the stars again.

Experience?

[makingstevensonproud]

I suppose... having a guarantee of a pleasant outcome must come as some small comfort. It is not the sort of thing anyone has in their own lives, after all.

Something like that. Hindsight is 20/20 and all that.

[burnsbright]

She doesn't know that, and I'm pretty sure it will be in doubt now and then. [Dryly] I only know it here, when I can be aware of these things and my 'canon' future at all. But at least it means there is a me somewhere who... doesn't have to worry about certain things anymore.

...yeah. [she's got something too, though she won't explain it.]

So, I'm Tallisibeth Enwandung-Esterhazy. Scout, to most people.

[makingstevensonproud]

Small comfort then but... comfort nonetheless.

[They all have something and it is very often something they'd rather not talk about.]

Dr. Hank McCoy. [He frowns a little, hesitates, then finally adds,] Beast, I guess.

[burnsbright]

Doctor. [Slight nod.]

...Something wrong?

[makingstevensonproud]

Not my choice of code names, though it is rather woefully appropriate.

[In other words, Alex Summers is an asshole.]

[burnsbright]

You can't change it? If you're introducing yourself to people you could always give them a different one.

[makingstevensonproud]

It would be more trouble than it's worth arguing the point with... certain members of my team. [Besides, it's a fitting reminder of what he's become. As if he needs it.]

[burnsbright]

[She raises her eyebrows.] Hmm. Well, okay.

I'm very happy with Scout. My other name, names, they used to be used more when I was in trouble, or to show that I didn't fit. I haven't told them to anyone, in the game or... most circumstances. [It's an uncommon name and she is a fugitive.]

[sameoldbobby]

...Dude. [ Because, HI. last time he saw you, you were older.]

I can see why someone would want you like that. [ that came out dirtier then he meant it.] I mean...It's just who you are.

[makingstevensonproud]

["Dude"? That gets you a raised eyebrow, Bobby... the rest just has him looking supremely awkward and he almost winces when this young man he does not know is saying this is "who he is" because it's not. He doesn't care what Raven said this is a mistake, not who he is or was meant to be or any of that nonsense.]

What gives you the right to make any kind of judgement on who I am? [Defensive? Maybe. But then blond pretty boys that talk like cool surfer dudes and are probably too popular for their own good aren't really the type to endear him at first glance. Just look at Alex.] I am quite certain that given sufficient time and materials I should be able to find a way of reversing this process but if my mundane insists on removing me from my lab and my research notes then...

Anything's possible. [He's trying to convince himself, can't you tell?]

[sameoldbobby]

[ Well, at least older beast has the same raised eyebrow. It's almost comforting. In a way. ]

And what gives you the impression that you're the only person to ever think It might be easier to change? [ Lord knows he hid enough from his parents. That sort of sucked. Bobby would never think of himself as pretty, thank you very much.] Well, I've just lost all faith in the teachers if you really think like this. [ Because, hey, lord knows Rogue did'nt help his point of view.]

[makingstevensonproud]

[He frowns for a moment, eyeing Bobby uncertainly.]

I did not mean to imply that others may not want to change things about themselves, merely that, as I've never met you before, you have no idea who I am. And this? [He gestures awkwardly, helplessly at himself, fur and fangs and all.] Is not who I am.

I'm afraid I have no idea what my personal opinions or dilemmas have to do with your faith in your teachers, however.

[sameoldbobby]

Dr. Hank McCoy. You're a former x-man. [ Because, he does know you. Or he will. Time travel is a bitch and a half.] And we've met. Briefly. Though, you were older. [ And not as you know, bitchy about pretty blond boys.]

It's a long story.

[makingstevensonproud]

A former what? [Gold eyes narrow suspiciously. Sorry Bobby, he didn't really have time to process everything that happened before they had to go save the world. He's now taking this time to brood properly, he'll get on to acceptance eventually but right now he's still denying the permanence of his situation]

Older? I'm going to guess that this long story of yours involves something of a time paradox and thus your unwillingness to share details. I've gathered that such things happen here with some frequency.

[tyrant_flughude]

[Those big ears on the sides of his head? Yeah, they don't miss much.]

Like what, my good man?

[makingstevensonproud]

[He actually winces a little at that, looking away and trying to swallow down a growl of frustration. He's only partially successful. Can anyone really call him a man anymore?]

Like... this. [And he gestures vaguely to himself, holding his hand out to display the claws. He's a monster.]

[tyrant_flughude]

[Dude. Duuuude. You're talking to a vampire and the "King of Carnage and Atrocity." Who are you calling a monster? And he'll call you a man if he wants, because really now.

He gives that hand a once-over. Then a twice-over. Then he grasps it before flipping it over to see if he's hiding anything on the other side. Clearly, someone doesn't get it.]

I don't follow. [How should he know Hank's supposed to be human?]

[makingstevensonproud]

[What is it with everyone and this word "dude". He doesn't understand the appeal.

He actually growls ever so slightly as the vampire touches his hand but resists yanking it back, only just and only because he might accidentally scratch the other man. He does carefully withdraw it as soon as he is able, though.]

A few days ago I... I didn't look like this.

[tyrant_flughude]

[Imagine being followed surrounded by exploding penguins who have it as a verbal tic.

Also, he couldn't hurt Valvatorez if he wanted to. Not a boast, just fact.]

Oh is that all? [It's as if he's talking about what they had for breakfast that morning.] Well, it's not a bad look, by any means.

[makingstevensonproud]

[That sounds truly horrifying.

He had no way of knowing that and he's really not used to this body yet so he doesn't really want to risk it. He feels like enough of a monster without hurting people on top of it.]

I'm a monster. [Confusion, because how on earth can you be so dismissive of this Valvatorez? But also no small amount of anguish.]

[tyrant_flughude]

[Prinny rule number one: You must always include the word "dood" into every line you say!

He's dismissive because he's used to seeing worse on a daily basis. Hank would fit right in in the Netherworld.]

A monster, you say? Nonsense. I know monsters, and you, my good man, are no monster. [For example, he personally knows a few zombies and sentient piles of sludge. The former happens to work at the Netherworld post office.]

[makingstevensonproud]

[He growls a little when the vampire goes and calls him that again. Good man. The flippant dismissal sounding, to his ears, all too mocking.]

Stop calling me that.

[tyrant_flughude]

Well what should I call you? [Because he looks fine to him. He just calls 'em like he sees 'em.] You never introduced yourself, so how could I call you by name?

[makingstevensonproud]

Dr. Hank McCoy [Most idiotic genius in the world. He was a freak, a monster...] or Beast if you'd prefer.