A Song of Bards and Maso
POPOLA I
"No stopping, no stopping ever, NO ONE STOPS!"...
POPOLA I
"No stopping, no stopping ever, NO ONE STOPS!"...
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A Song of Bards and Maso (Asoiaf/Nier)
- Thread starter FireWalkWithMe99
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Recording Codename: “Happy New Years?”
FireWalkWithMe99
Getting sticky.
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A.N. - I did want to get this out a bit earlier in the day but glad I at least got it out where for a good portion of the world it'd either be new years eve or new years.
"Regardless of the branch some events are inescapable constants," she mused with a sly grin, collecting another fragment of memory. She meticulously noted yet another revelation as she reviewed the recording.
Recording Number 1,092,004: December, 31st 2030 (28 years after the Shinjeku Event) - Earth
Saegusa Mirai,was a man accustomed to control, his life one of pure unmitigated discipline. Against the cold, rough concrete he stood as a lone observer in the shadows of the basement. The long abandoned Sony building, now a makeshift fortress, reverberated with the low hum of equipment and muffled voices.
As the final hours of 2030 ticked away, Saegus' mind, usually a fortress of awareness and resolution, wandered down the corridors of memory, each step heavier than the last. He imagined his son Kenji, claimed by white chlorination syndrome at the tender age of 19. The disease was merciless, taking Kenji away just as he was blossoming into adulthood.
Neither the salt nor the Legion cared of love. Kenji's laughter, once a constant echo in Saegus' existence, now lingered as a haunting, intangible memory. The dreams they shared, the future they anticipated together, were cruelly cut short by WCS's unyielding grip.
In this rare moment hidden from the eyes of his comrades, Saegusa allowed himself to reflect the personal value of this war. Amidst the noise and forced merriment of the squads around him, his sense of isolation deepened. The festive setting felt surreal, almost mocking in its assessment of the burden of grief and obligations that Saegusa carried within her.
The American soldiers' presence was incongruous. Sergeant Jackson, radiated a boisterous energy that seemed to defy the somber surroundings. His laughter echoed off the walls, filling the space with a semblance of normalcy that Saegusa found jarringly out of place, he wondered how much of a role the Rat Tail resistance brew that he took subdued sips of played in this behavior.
Saegusa observed the soldiers with a mix of irritation and reluctant admiration. Their ability to find humor and camaraderie amidst the chaos was alien to him. He viewed their lightheartedness as a fragile mask.
Among the American soldiers, one young man stood out, his demeanor markedly different from the rest. His gaze was distant, movements mechanical, as if each step was a conscious effort. Saegusa recognized him as Corporal Thompson, recently bereaved by the loss of a his unit in the journey here after Red Eye besieged their prior location. He envisioned it took a great degree of might to succeed in protecting their assets in the journey from the reports he got on the legions sheer presence that day. Though the man he saw now seemed quite subdued in presence now.
Thompson's occasional flinches at sudden noises, the way his eyes darted to the door with each creak or footstep, spoke volumes of the anxiety that gripped him. The picture he clutched, worn and creased, as if an anchor holding a ship afloat.
The other soldiers, orbited around him with a quiet respect. Their usual rowdiness was tempered in his presence,At least they held some capacity to read the room, he idly thought.
Saegusa, from his vantage point, watched this interplay of emotions with a clinical detachment, yet not without empathy. He recognized in Thompson's haunted eyes a startling reflection of himself he cared not dwell on something beyond the machinations of Legion.
As the android models codenamed: Devola and Popola entered his vision, the air seemed to shift almost imperceptibly . This was the intended focal point of Saegusa's mission here. Tasked by the Hamelin Organization to assess the viability of their investment in these AI creations for Project Gestalt, Saegusa scrutinized their every move.
The androids glided through the room with a fluidity that was almost too perfect, too refined for any human. Movements were precise, and calculated, yet carried an elegance that was uncanny. Saegusa watched them analytically, though it did not stop his internal disquiet. Here, in the flesh – or more aptly, in their synthetic skin – Devola and Popola blurred the lines between the organic and the artificial. They were yet another example of the organizations complex interplay between technology and Maso energy, another milestone in the field in truth.
Saegusa's gaze followed Devola and Popola as they engaged with the lab technicians. Their speech, though impressively coherent, was marked by an elementary simplicity and occasional lapses in grammar. Devola, more talkative, attempted to form complex sentences but often stumbled, searching for the right words. Popola, on the other hand, spoke less but with more accuracy, her voice carrying a melodic tone that was almost soothing.
"Machine help with... no, assists in data analysis," Devola said, correcting herself mid-sentence. Popola added, "Yes, we process data for project efficiency."
The technicians responded with patience, occasionally correcting their syntax or providing them with the words they struggled to find. " 'assist in', is a better word in this context, not 'help with'," one technician gently corrected. Devola nodded.
Saegusa found himself increasingly disturbed by the scene. To him, these interactions seemed dangerously close to treating the androids as sentient beings, fostering a familiarity he deemed inappropriate. "They are tools, not colleagues," he chided, his discomfort growing.
Chief Takahiro Sato and Dr. Yuki Nakamura, overseeing the interaction, noticed Saegusa's discomfort. Dr. Nakamura approached him, her expression firm. "Mr. Saegusa, these androids represent more than just another achievement in the partnership of Maso and Technology. They are the embodiment of our fight for survival. Their ability to learn, to adapt, is crucial for the success of Project Gestalt."
Saegusa looked on skeptically. "But treating them as equals? Isn't that a step too far?" he questioned.
"It's precisely this interaction that fosters their learning," Chief Takahiro interjected his eyes hateful. "They need to understand us, to empathize with our plight if they are to be our allies in this war."
Saegusa considered their words, his mind wrestling with the implications. The idea of androids evolving beyond their programmed directives was a concept talked about long before the Shinjeky Event but it wasn't until this day he thought it could be truly realized. In Devola and Popola, he saw the potential for a formidable ally against the Legion, yet he couldn't shake off the unease that came with blurring the lines between humanity and artificial intelligence.
In their eyes, he saw not just the depth of simulated emotion but more, something that hinted at an evolving consciousness. They interacted with the lab technicians, responding with programmed efficiency yet displaying hints of adaptability and learning. This adaptability was what made them both invaluable to the projects the organization planned on incorporating and, to Saegusa, deeply unnerving.
As he watched them, Saegusa couldn't help but wonder about the ramifications of their existence. Were they simply tools for humanity, or were they harbingers of something yet to come? In the eyes of the Hamelin Organization, they were a means to an end, but Saegusa sensed there would be more to these androids.
He looked onto Chief Takahiro again, whos eyes still bore into him with malice. Saegusa was fully aware of their knowledge of his involvement in the controversial Hamelin Organization, particularly his position in approving luciferase experiments on minors. He justified his actions as important sacrifices for an extremely appropriate, tough but critical step to secure survival in an international balancing act on the brink of chaos. However his reputation, was met with disdainful looks from his compatriots opposed to praise.
He made the call back in 2016 to ensure the future of his son Kenji, believing that his legacy would live on through him. It was unfortunate what had to be done to those children but it was for the greater good and overall well being of not only his family but the world. Yet, a cruel irony of fate rendered these efforts futile as Kenji succumbed to white chlorination syndrome, leaving Saegusa to suffer in isolation.
His thoughts were interrupted by Sergeant Jackson's booming voice. "Folks, the final moments of 2030 are upon us. Time for a toast, don't you think?" He glanced around the room, his eyes lingering even on Devola and Popola.
Dr. Nakamura nodded and quickly began pouring spiced sake into an assortment of cups. However, she soon realized there weren't enough cups for everyone. Without missing a beat, Jackson produced a flask, topping off the remaining cups with its contents. Even Devola and Popola were handed cups, an inclusion that didn't go unnoticed by Saegusa.
Saegusa's brow furrowed at this gesture, but a stern glance from Chief Takahiro Sato silenced any objections he might have voiced. As the clock struck midnight, marking the arrival of the new year in Japan, everyone raised their cups.
"To the end of the Legion, and to the hope that this year will be our last under its shadow," Saegusa said, raising his glass. The sentiment was echoed by nods and murmurs of agreement.
The room then filled with the sound of 'Auld Lang Syne,' a melody that transcended language barriers, with English and Japanese lyrics intermingling. For a brief moment, Saegusa allowed himself to be swept up in the camaraderie, the shared hope for a brighter future momentarily easing the burden of his thoughts.
Both Devola and Popola appeared captivated by the song and tradition. The sight of them, so humanlike in their fascination, added a surreal quality to the moment. As the song continued, Saegusa found himself reflecting on the year that had passed and the one that lay ahead.
"To Humanity," came another short toast, a unifying soldiers, scientists, and even the androids...
Emerging from the basement, Saegusa Mirai was enveloped by the chill of the night air, a stark contrast to the warmth of the gathering he had just left. The echoes of 'Auld Lang Syne' lingered in his mind, a reminder of what once was and what still could be. His footsteps slowed, the global situation coming to the forefront of his mind - the Legion, the ever-present threat of WCS, and now, the introduction of androids like Devola and Popola into the fray. It was a war that always spanned physical and moral lines now even moreso, challenging the very essence of what it meant to be human.
Yet, amidst the chaos and despair, a fleeting hope persisted in Saegusa's thoughts. The ancient prophecies of the Kalachakra whispered of a war that would precede a golden age, a time of renewal and peace. The idea seemed almost fantastical in the face of their current struggles, but it was a hope he found himself unwilling to relinquish entirely. With his son gone there was none to carry on his legacy, Saegusa realized that his contributions to humanity's survival would be his true legacy. If Project Gestalt was a success he would be praised and remembered as one of the many responsible for guiding humanity through this dark era and that brought him some solace.
A.N. Well as you all probably noticed this did not have much if at all to do with the ASOIAF side of this crossover, hence why its an Omake. I did research a bit into the nier lore for this 2030 is the year the last red eye was killed. (Which for those who read this and are unaware or canon blind to the nier side) Red eye is sort of the Legions Corpse Queen (Or Night King). Though maybe a more accurate descriptor is something more powerful than a white walker (in status and ability) but less powerful than the Corpse QUeen/ NIght King themselves.
I did a little research into military structures for this but if i messed up some things I apologize. This was largely just something I wrote for fun and won't pertain to the story canon at all though some of the themes here are a bit of foreshadowing for the real story.
Funny enough this was initially going to have even more military forces present, Was gonna have some British armed forces, french army, and even Mossad (Because well lore wise the final red eye was killed in jerusalem0 (And in the bizzare nier earth alternate history assuming all the major intelligence agencies were still around and maintained some presence They probably would have some piece in the elimination of that particular red eye.)
But anyways this an is yet again getting long, and needless to say I felt that was all way too extra for a non canon omake that was initially just gonna be a "wholesome" new years celebration back on nier earth when humans were still 'human'.
(Also its my personal head canon that Popola got into drinking rat tail alcohol due to sharing it with humans back in the day. )
Hope you all enjoyed this little omake but if you didnt fear not as the story will not be like this (Though a few brief flashbacks but itd be from the twins perspectives and much more plot and/or character relevant)
"Regardless of the branch some events are inescapable constants," she mused with a sly grin, collecting another fragment of memory. She meticulously noted yet another revelation as she reviewed the recording.
Recording Number 1,092,004: December, 31st 2030 (28 years after the Shinjeku Event) - Earth
Saegusa Mirai,was a man accustomed to control, his life one of pure unmitigated discipline. Against the cold, rough concrete he stood as a lone observer in the shadows of the basement. The long abandoned Sony building, now a makeshift fortress, reverberated with the low hum of equipment and muffled voices.
As the final hours of 2030 ticked away, Saegus' mind, usually a fortress of awareness and resolution, wandered down the corridors of memory, each step heavier than the last. He imagined his son Kenji, claimed by white chlorination syndrome at the tender age of 19. The disease was merciless, taking Kenji away just as he was blossoming into adulthood.
Neither the salt nor the Legion cared of love. Kenji's laughter, once a constant echo in Saegus' existence, now lingered as a haunting, intangible memory. The dreams they shared, the future they anticipated together, were cruelly cut short by WCS's unyielding grip.
In this rare moment hidden from the eyes of his comrades, Saegusa allowed himself to reflect the personal value of this war. Amidst the noise and forced merriment of the squads around him, his sense of isolation deepened. The festive setting felt surreal, almost mocking in its assessment of the burden of grief and obligations that Saegusa carried within her.
The American soldiers' presence was incongruous. Sergeant Jackson, radiated a boisterous energy that seemed to defy the somber surroundings. His laughter echoed off the walls, filling the space with a semblance of normalcy that Saegusa found jarringly out of place, he wondered how much of a role the Rat Tail resistance brew that he took subdued sips of played in this behavior.
Saegusa observed the soldiers with a mix of irritation and reluctant admiration. Their ability to find humor and camaraderie amidst the chaos was alien to him. He viewed their lightheartedness as a fragile mask.
Among the American soldiers, one young man stood out, his demeanor markedly different from the rest. His gaze was distant, movements mechanical, as if each step was a conscious effort. Saegusa recognized him as Corporal Thompson, recently bereaved by the loss of a his unit in the journey here after Red Eye besieged their prior location. He envisioned it took a great degree of might to succeed in protecting their assets in the journey from the reports he got on the legions sheer presence that day. Though the man he saw now seemed quite subdued in presence now.
Thompson's occasional flinches at sudden noises, the way his eyes darted to the door with each creak or footstep, spoke volumes of the anxiety that gripped him. The picture he clutched, worn and creased, as if an anchor holding a ship afloat.
The other soldiers, orbited around him with a quiet respect. Their usual rowdiness was tempered in his presence,At least they held some capacity to read the room, he idly thought.
Saegusa, from his vantage point, watched this interplay of emotions with a clinical detachment, yet not without empathy. He recognized in Thompson's haunted eyes a startling reflection of himself he cared not dwell on something beyond the machinations of Legion.
As the android models codenamed: Devola and Popola entered his vision, the air seemed to shift almost imperceptibly . This was the intended focal point of Saegusa's mission here. Tasked by the Hamelin Organization to assess the viability of their investment in these AI creations for Project Gestalt, Saegusa scrutinized their every move.
The androids glided through the room with a fluidity that was almost too perfect, too refined for any human. Movements were precise, and calculated, yet carried an elegance that was uncanny. Saegusa watched them analytically, though it did not stop his internal disquiet. Here, in the flesh – or more aptly, in their synthetic skin – Devola and Popola blurred the lines between the organic and the artificial. They were yet another example of the organizations complex interplay between technology and Maso energy, another milestone in the field in truth.
Saegusa's gaze followed Devola and Popola as they engaged with the lab technicians. Their speech, though impressively coherent, was marked by an elementary simplicity and occasional lapses in grammar. Devola, more talkative, attempted to form complex sentences but often stumbled, searching for the right words. Popola, on the other hand, spoke less but with more accuracy, her voice carrying a melodic tone that was almost soothing.
"Machine help with... no, assists in data analysis," Devola said, correcting herself mid-sentence. Popola added, "Yes, we process data for project efficiency."
The technicians responded with patience, occasionally correcting their syntax or providing them with the words they struggled to find. " 'assist in', is a better word in this context, not 'help with'," one technician gently corrected. Devola nodded.
Saegusa found himself increasingly disturbed by the scene. To him, these interactions seemed dangerously close to treating the androids as sentient beings, fostering a familiarity he deemed inappropriate. "They are tools, not colleagues," he chided, his discomfort growing.
Chief Takahiro Sato and Dr. Yuki Nakamura, overseeing the interaction, noticed Saegusa's discomfort. Dr. Nakamura approached him, her expression firm. "Mr. Saegusa, these androids represent more than just another achievement in the partnership of Maso and Technology. They are the embodiment of our fight for survival. Their ability to learn, to adapt, is crucial for the success of Project Gestalt."
Saegusa looked on skeptically. "But treating them as equals? Isn't that a step too far?" he questioned.
"It's precisely this interaction that fosters their learning," Chief Takahiro interjected his eyes hateful. "They need to understand us, to empathize with our plight if they are to be our allies in this war."
Saegusa considered their words, his mind wrestling with the implications. The idea of androids evolving beyond their programmed directives was a concept talked about long before the Shinjeky Event but it wasn't until this day he thought it could be truly realized. In Devola and Popola, he saw the potential for a formidable ally against the Legion, yet he couldn't shake off the unease that came with blurring the lines between humanity and artificial intelligence.
In their eyes, he saw not just the depth of simulated emotion but more, something that hinted at an evolving consciousness. They interacted with the lab technicians, responding with programmed efficiency yet displaying hints of adaptability and learning. This adaptability was what made them both invaluable to the projects the organization planned on incorporating and, to Saegusa, deeply unnerving.
As he watched them, Saegusa couldn't help but wonder about the ramifications of their existence. Were they simply tools for humanity, or were they harbingers of something yet to come? In the eyes of the Hamelin Organization, they were a means to an end, but Saegusa sensed there would be more to these androids.
He looked onto Chief Takahiro again, whos eyes still bore into him with malice. Saegusa was fully aware of their knowledge of his involvement in the controversial Hamelin Organization, particularly his position in approving luciferase experiments on minors. He justified his actions as important sacrifices for an extremely appropriate, tough but critical step to secure survival in an international balancing act on the brink of chaos. However his reputation, was met with disdainful looks from his compatriots opposed to praise.
He made the call back in 2016 to ensure the future of his son Kenji, believing that his legacy would live on through him. It was unfortunate what had to be done to those children but it was for the greater good and overall well being of not only his family but the world. Yet, a cruel irony of fate rendered these efforts futile as Kenji succumbed to white chlorination syndrome, leaving Saegusa to suffer in isolation.
His thoughts were interrupted by Sergeant Jackson's booming voice. "Folks, the final moments of 2030 are upon us. Time for a toast, don't you think?" He glanced around the room, his eyes lingering even on Devola and Popola.
Dr. Nakamura nodded and quickly began pouring spiced sake into an assortment of cups. However, she soon realized there weren't enough cups for everyone. Without missing a beat, Jackson produced a flask, topping off the remaining cups with its contents. Even Devola and Popola were handed cups, an inclusion that didn't go unnoticed by Saegusa.
Saegusa's brow furrowed at this gesture, but a stern glance from Chief Takahiro Sato silenced any objections he might have voiced. As the clock struck midnight, marking the arrival of the new year in Japan, everyone raised their cups.
"To the end of the Legion, and to the hope that this year will be our last under its shadow," Saegusa said, raising his glass. The sentiment was echoed by nods and murmurs of agreement.
The room then filled with the sound of 'Auld Lang Syne,' a melody that transcended language barriers, with English and Japanese lyrics intermingling. For a brief moment, Saegusa allowed himself to be swept up in the camaraderie, the shared hope for a brighter future momentarily easing the burden of his thoughts.
Both Devola and Popola appeared captivated by the song and tradition. The sight of them, so humanlike in their fascination, added a surreal quality to the moment. As the song continued, Saegusa found himself reflecting on the year that had passed and the one that lay ahead.
"To Humanity," came another short toast, a unifying soldiers, scientists, and even the androids...
Emerging from the basement, Saegusa Mirai was enveloped by the chill of the night air, a stark contrast to the warmth of the gathering he had just left. The echoes of 'Auld Lang Syne' lingered in his mind, a reminder of what once was and what still could be. His footsteps slowed, the global situation coming to the forefront of his mind - the Legion, the ever-present threat of WCS, and now, the introduction of androids like Devola and Popola into the fray. It was a war that always spanned physical and moral lines now even moreso, challenging the very essence of what it meant to be human.
Yet, amidst the chaos and despair, a fleeting hope persisted in Saegusa's thoughts. The ancient prophecies of the Kalachakra whispered of a war that would precede a golden age, a time of renewal and peace. The idea seemed almost fantastical in the face of their current struggles, but it was a hope he found himself unwilling to relinquish entirely. With his son gone there was none to carry on his legacy, Saegusa realized that his contributions to humanity's survival would be his true legacy. If Project Gestalt was a success he would be praised and remembered as one of the many responsible for guiding humanity through this dark era and that brought him some solace.
A.N. Well as you all probably noticed this did not have much if at all to do with the ASOIAF side of this crossover, hence why its an Omake. I did research a bit into the nier lore for this 2030 is the year the last red eye was killed. (Which for those who read this and are unaware or canon blind to the nier side) Red eye is sort of the Legions Corpse Queen (Or Night King). Though maybe a more accurate descriptor is something more powerful than a white walker (in status and ability) but less powerful than the Corpse QUeen/ NIght King themselves.
I did a little research into military structures for this but if i messed up some things I apologize. This was largely just something I wrote for fun and won't pertain to the story canon at all though some of the themes here are a bit of foreshadowing for the real story.
Funny enough this was initially going to have even more military forces present, Was gonna have some British armed forces, french army, and even Mossad (Because well lore wise the final red eye was killed in jerusalem0 (And in the bizzare nier earth alternate history assuming all the major intelligence agencies were still around and maintained some presence They probably would have some piece in the elimination of that particular red eye.)
But anyways this an is yet again getting long, and needless to say I felt that was all way too extra for a non canon omake that was initially just gonna be a "wholesome" new years celebration back on nier earth when humans were still 'human'.
(Also its my personal head canon that Popola got into drinking rat tail alcohol due to sharing it with humans back in the day. )
Hope you all enjoyed this little omake but if you didnt fear not as the story will not be like this (Though a few brief flashbacks but itd be from the twins perspectives and much more plot and/or character relevant)
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