Chapter 16 | The First Taste

[dog_lover]

[ She looks directly at the camera, smiling faintly even if it doesn't reach her eyes. Those eyes are... something else, bright gold, with red circles within that almost seem like they swirl as you look at them, drawing you in. ]

Hello. My name is Makima.

I'm here to help.

Anyone who has issues in controlling themselves. Or controlling their temper. Controlling their sadness. Anyone who's afraid of being overwhelmed or hurt, who doesn't know what to do. Anyone who just wants someone to make things simple and peaceful and easy...

We should talk.

[ Makima can be found in all sorts of places. After all, she doesn't need to be in the treehouse to look down at everyone, to watch over everyone. She sometimes is, because it's a nice view, but just as often, she's in the main common room, smiling sweetly and looking out for any trouble. She wanders into the sick ward just as often to see if there's anyone who might want to make a deal with her there, but she doesn't linger.

When she's not 'working', she'll be found in her room, staring (seemingly) at nothing at all. She's still smiling then, always smiling, but there's something missing in her eyes. That's why she makes sure she's behind a door before she does it.

So she doesn't bring down the mood. ]

[ ooc: Makima is the devil of control and can do all sorts of things with people's minds and memories. She'd be more than happy to erase all your sadness so you can be happy enough to leave. How's that for a way out? ]

Comments

[citizendetective]

I don't want you removing anything.

[She reiterates - this part is very important.]

No overwriting any knowledge, or experiences or emotions - nothing like that. But I want those good memories, full of people who love me. My friends from home, my old warden Pagan, my patient Taylor, um... Iris...

Obviously, I'll know they're not real. That's fine. I just want to have them.

[dog_lover]

Of course. That's fine.

[ She pauses before she reaches a hand up. ]

And you are certain?

[ Another pause. ]

You won't tell people I forced you afterwards?

[citizendetective]

Are you going to force me?

[dog_lover]

[ Of course. ]

No. You can leave now if you want to.

[ She puts her hands down. ]

And if you're going to claim the 'devil' made you do it if someone criticizes your choices, you should.

[citizendetective]

Well, I don't plan to lie.

[She says, raising an eyebrow.]

So if you don't plan to do anything beyond what we've agreed, then we shouldn't have a problem.

[dog_lover]

Others have lied. Someone on the barge...

I gave them what they wanted. And they told their warden I made them kill someone.

[ She leaves her hands down. ]

If you break your word and lie, there will be consequences.

[citizendetective]

You can't do anything to me here without getting yourself demoted.

[dog_lover]

We both know that isn't true.

But I would rather not. Hurting you isn't what I want.

But I'm tired of humans betraying me.

[citizendetective]

That's never going to stop happening, Makima.

But it won't happen with me, unless you give me good reason to.

[dog_lover]

I know.

But I'm never going to let them get away with it. So that's mutual.

[ She holds up a hand. ]

Do you choose?

[citizendetective]

I choose what we agreed to.

[Hesitantly - not uncertain about the choice, but uncertain about what she's supposed to do - Misty holds up a hand in mirror to Makima's.]

[dog_lover]

Of course. New memories, happy memories, with people you love that will give you joy. No memories removed.

[ She won't tell her she doesn't need that. She's just going to lift her hands and put them parallel to Misty's head. ]

Agreed?

[citizendetective]

Agreed.

[She closes her eyes in preparation, and waits.]

[dog_lover]

[ There's a flash, some brightness, and then the memories will settle into her: beautiful, wonderful times. By the beach. At a hot spring. Going to the mall or on a hike. A few movies. Drinking together.

All joyful and warm and bright.

And she doesn't... insert... herself.]

[citizendetective]

[From an American perspective, the hot spring inclusion is kind of funny, but Misty certainly isn't complaining. She curls her hands into fists - not like she's angry, but like she's clutching at something - and inhales a ragged breath as the false memories sink down into her.

They're perfect.]

[dog_lover]

[ Makima pulls away. And nods to her. ]

Do you like them?

[citizendetective]

They're--

[She swallows, then nods, almost business-like.]

Yes, I do; they're great. Thank you.

[dog_lover]

[ She nods and steps back. ]

I'm glad. I hope they help you here.