Chapter 10. Mind [ Voice. ]

[citygrit]

[The audio turns on, but there is no immediate sound... even though it’s obvious that there is someone on the other end after a click or two. There is rummaging and the hollow sound of an instrument set up now, some shuffling as they sit down. Before long, there begins a guitar plucking to a songHe does falter a couple times. Tries out a test note

Comments

[spongescream]

[He's just listening to your music, for a moment.]

You cannot die here, Alex, unless you give up.

[citygrit]

[He sighs, a little annoyed.]

Everyone's readin' into it wrong.

It's a sayin' where I'm from, durin' the Riots and Terrorist Propaganda. Born to die. Means you ain't significant.

[spongescream]

Oh.

I see.

[Believe it or not he used to be able to understand that feeling.]

This is why we fight our way to the top.

[citygrit]

Sure, I fought my way to the top. Did that shit for a living.

[He laughs bitterly.]

Then I got mutilated, my girlfriend got killed, and several years later got diagnosed with "Well you see, Mr. Wolfgang, you have X months to live." Don't feel like you're on top so much anymore after that.

I'm just sayin'.

[spongescream]

So.

That's just. Life having it out for you.

And I always say, when life gives you unrefined oil, you stab life in the back with a three yard energon blade, shove it into a trash compactor and then claim the insurance.

Just sayin'.

[citygrit]

I take it that's a freak-talk variation of "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade" for sociopaths.

[spongescream]

What's a lemon?

[citygrit]

They're a big yellow sour fruit. Kinda like you.

Sans yellow.

[spongescream]

... Oh I see what you did there.

[citygrit]

[...sometimes, laughter is the best medicine.]

[spongescream]

[I hate this family! I wish I was neva' born~! Also gllaaarreeeeee.]

[citygrit]

[Aw yeah, if Alex had a nickle for every time he got that look? Well, he'd be a fucking millionaire with his own private helicopter. Awww yeah.]