(Untitled)

[drunkkareoke]

Who: Haku, Tei, Vent
What: Returning to work with a little more than a surprise
When: April 4th, Frontdate
Where: DATS Neon

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[guardian_wind]

Vent had been waiting for this for a while.

"Haku. Miss Sukone. Come in."

He motioned for them to sit down.

[drunkkareoke]

Tei just barely swallowed the squeak that wanted to come out when he said her name, instinctively trying to hide behind Haku despite being taller than her.

Haku led her in the room, guiding her to the chair. Once Tei was sitting Haku took her own seat.

"Thanks for seeing us, Vent..."

[guardian_wind]

"No problem," he said rather matter of factly. Then, his expression softened.

"I think you need to start with the beginning, Haku..."

[drunkkareoke]

"The beginning?" Haku echoed, scratching her cheek a little. "Eto... I'm not sure how far back I need to go for that. The history of the UTAU is pretty complicated..."

[guardian_wind]

"... The beginning for Miss Sukone," Vent clarified. "The start of her... troubles, and what you did for her."

[drunkkareoke]

"Mm... I only know second hand knowledge about what happened before she got here..." Haku admitted.

"Ne... c-can... can I tell?" Tei asked uncertainly, fidgeting and looking at her hands.

[guardian_wind]

Vent nodded. "Go ahead. Take as long as you need."

[declarewaron]

Tei was quiet for a few more seconds before she started to speak, never meeting Vent's gaze as she did so.

"When I was activated, something was really wrong. They said it was just supposed to be 'suggestive' programming... to keep up the rivalry between UTAU and Vocaloid, but they weren't careful. Everything was... was really messed up. And... I killed a tech after a week. I grabbed a tool and stabbed him. And I liked it..."

It was obvious how much this bothered her now, speaking about what she had done. Her head bowed even more, white bangs hiding her eyes.

[guardian_wind]

"... If it's any consolation," said Vent, "I understand what you're talking about. I've seen it happen, more times than I care to admit..."

[declarewaron]

"When we looked at her coding, it was a mess. Whatever MIT drop out coded her did not know what they were doing," Haku said, handing Vent a thumb drive with a copy of it.

"They didn't want to fix me, either... they put me in a crate and locked me away because they couldn't even shut me down properly," Tei continued, "When I got here... I was angry. And there was no one to stop me, so... I..."

Haku frowned, putting a hand on Tei's shoulder gently.

"She's done some terrible things, Vent... but they're not her fault."

[guardian_wind]

"..."

Vent sighed, and nodded. "I know, Haku. Miss Sukone, I don't hold you responsible for your crimes as far as punishment goes... but I hope you understand, we're going to keep an eye on you. Both for your sake and others... you need help, and we'll do whatever's neccessary..."

He smiled. "But don't worry. You'll be able to walk around freely... we just need to ensure you continue to embrace the gift that's been given to you."

[declarewaron]

"Th... that's it... ? Even though I've--... I-I mean, Fini-san--..."

Tei shut her mouth rather suddenly, clenching her teeth against her babbling. Haku gave her a worried look, not sure what to say to that.

"N-nevermind..."

[guardian_wind]

"... You will have to share with us everything you know," said Vent. "And this will hold out a probationary period at first. But you aren't a prisoner, Miss Sukone. You're someone who needs help."

[declarewaron]

"I-I don't-- I can't!" Tei cried out, burying her face in her hands, "I-if I talk, he'll do something horrible! I don't want him to hurt Nokoru-kun!"

Haku winced, pulling Tei in to a hug and giving Vent a desperate look.

"He's already threatened her, Vent. And no offense to Nokoru-kun, but he's hardly some one who would be able to stand up against Finitevus. And... well... you know we've had problems protecting people from him in the past..."

[guardian_wind]

"..."

Vent stood up. "Miss Sukone. If you and your friend need protection, then I will go to every length I can to do so..."

He closed his eyes. "The more you allow him to do, the more power he will continue to have over your lives. I swear to you, I will protect you both."

[declarewaron]

"... please don't ask that of me... please..." Tei pleaded quietly, hunched over in her chair.