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synthneon2025-07-27 08:24 pm
bubblesong) wrote in synthneon2025-07-27 08:24 pm
Entry tags:
🫧 mcu/nikke || ❝ i'll send an sos to the world. ❞
Good morning everyone. What should we do today?
[ The familiar squished and squeaks fill the room. The white room with three walls, a roof, and floor. The remaining wall is more of a window that can be shielded and shielded at will from those on the other side. An observation window. Like she is an exotic animal at a zoo.
Maybe... she really is nothing more than that.
She looks down at the bouncing bubbles at her feet. Different sizes, different colors, faces. They have a life of their own to a degree. Otherwise she may have lost her mind years and years ago. Not that she hasn't had guests or visitors. They've all been from the man's company. Testing her bubbles, testing her, trying to force her into doing things for them. Every time she refused and they returned her to her room. That might be for the best.
NIKKEs have been forgotten about after all.
Little Mermaid stands. She stretches. The bubbles around her roll away. Her eyes land on the bubble decorations she has used to make the room feel something like a home. Bubbles like seashells that string across the room. Bubbles that look like plants. Bubbles she can dissolve the moment the men return to try and force her to work with them. She will refuse again and again. It's why she has the device that looks like a mask around her mouth. A device used to stifle her voice and paralyze her if needed. She's fought against it and had disastrous results. The blood dried to her ears as the high frequency rang in her mind and she was rendered unable to move.
Stane had said it was the price for not helping them--helping progress. He said they had something else now and that her services would most likely not be required anymore. Except, in case, "it couldn't be powered." Then her heart would be the key to leading them down the road they "needed to correct." She had no idea most of what it meant, but her hands curl over her chest.
Her core.
Though... she would admit... a small part of her does wonder if it would be better if she...
No, I can't. The promise we made was to rewrite our ending. I can't give up. It would put all those words to waste. It would hurt Cinderella's dream. I can't.
A deep inhale and she closes her eyes.
Sometimes the deep abyss of loneliness is consuming.
I hope they're okay. My bubbles haven't brought any of them here... I hope Levi got away safely. That she's had a good life. That she found people to make her smile.
She has those thoughts often. The same ones. Over and over.
Little Mermaid sighs then and turns to her bubble creations. Eyes glance up at the ceiling to see that she hasn't over slept the timing. A certain pause is made in the fans and cooling systems. She uses that small window to send out bubbles. Bubbles that she hopes could lead her friends to her. She can't break out from the inside and if she uses her kotodama or even speaks too loud the paralyzer sitting next to her ear goes off. She can't even remove the mask and she has tried. ]
Okay... let's get ready to make bubbles again today.
[ Maybe these bubbles will finally reach her friends.
Her hands extend to form Spindrift as normal.
Then, she stops.
There's an unfamiliar sound on the other side of the blocked observation window that acts as a door. Footsteps. Different than the ones she knows. They're distinct and somehow have an echo of power to them. Stane's footsteps had the same emotion behind them. The way people walk when they are in full control.
She feels panic grip her. The extended hands move to her sides and all the bubbles in the room break down and roll back to her hands. They create two large bubbles that she combines into one between her hands. She bends over to be ready to shoot Spindrift forward and use it as a weapon. She can't command her bubbles like normal--not without setting the device attached to the "mask" over her mouth off--but she can still shoot her weapon if needed. Especially if Stane has returned for what he swore he would if "things didn't work out."
Her fingers curl into Spindrift.
It's been a long time since I fought... ]
[ The familiar squished and squeaks fill the room. The white room with three walls, a roof, and floor. The remaining wall is more of a window that can be shielded and shielded at will from those on the other side. An observation window. Like she is an exotic animal at a zoo.
Maybe... she really is nothing more than that.
She looks down at the bouncing bubbles at her feet. Different sizes, different colors, faces. They have a life of their own to a degree. Otherwise she may have lost her mind years and years ago. Not that she hasn't had guests or visitors. They've all been from the man's company. Testing her bubbles, testing her, trying to force her into doing things for them. Every time she refused and they returned her to her room. That might be for the best.
NIKKEs have been forgotten about after all.
Little Mermaid stands. She stretches. The bubbles around her roll away. Her eyes land on the bubble decorations she has used to make the room feel something like a home. Bubbles like seashells that string across the room. Bubbles that look like plants. Bubbles she can dissolve the moment the men return to try and force her to work with them. She will refuse again and again. It's why she has the device that looks like a mask around her mouth. A device used to stifle her voice and paralyze her if needed. She's fought against it and had disastrous results. The blood dried to her ears as the high frequency rang in her mind and she was rendered unable to move.
Stane had said it was the price for not helping them--helping progress. He said they had something else now and that her services would most likely not be required anymore. Except, in case, "it couldn't be powered." Then her heart would be the key to leading them down the road they "needed to correct." She had no idea most of what it meant, but her hands curl over her chest.
Her core.
Though... she would admit... a small part of her does wonder if it would be better if she...
No, I can't. The promise we made was to rewrite our ending. I can't give up. It would put all those words to waste. It would hurt Cinderella's dream. I can't.
A deep inhale and she closes her eyes.
Sometimes the deep abyss of loneliness is consuming.
I hope they're okay. My bubbles haven't brought any of them here... I hope Levi got away safely. That she's had a good life. That she found people to make her smile.
She has those thoughts often. The same ones. Over and over.
Little Mermaid sighs then and turns to her bubble creations. Eyes glance up at the ceiling to see that she hasn't over slept the timing. A certain pause is made in the fans and cooling systems. She uses that small window to send out bubbles. Bubbles that she hopes could lead her friends to her. She can't break out from the inside and if she uses her kotodama or even speaks too loud the paralyzer sitting next to her ear goes off. She can't even remove the mask and she has tried. ]
Okay... let's get ready to make bubbles again today.
[ Maybe these bubbles will finally reach her friends.
Her hands extend to form Spindrift as normal.
Then, she stops.
There's an unfamiliar sound on the other side of the blocked observation window that acts as a door. Footsteps. Different than the ones she knows. They're distinct and somehow have an echo of power to them. Stane's footsteps had the same emotion behind them. The way people walk when they are in full control.
She feels panic grip her. The extended hands move to her sides and all the bubbles in the room break down and roll back to her hands. They create two large bubbles that she combines into one between her hands. She bends over to be ready to shoot Spindrift forward and use it as a weapon. She can't command her bubbles like normal--not without setting the device attached to the "mask" over her mouth off--but she can still shoot her weapon if needed. Especially if Stane has returned for what he swore he would if "things didn't work out."
Her fingers curl into Spindrift.
It's been a long time since I fought... ]
no subject
Relax, Mermaid. He's just busting my chops. [ He gives a small side-eye at Happy, his tone dry but not at all that serious. ] And FYI, Happy, she's not literally royalty. But queen or no queen, we should be treating her like royalty. [ Except the only problem there is, Tony's way of treating women isn't exactly what one might call the royalty treatment. He doesn't treat women badly, but maybe Mermaid wouldn't like being lured in with seductive talk bordering on dirty.
... He can't remember the last time he had to stop and think about something like this. ]
I'll let you know what it means when I've figured it out, okay?
[ But then he turns his attention back to her. ]
Where are we going, you might ask? Not a dungeon, not a palace, unfortunately. Just home base: My place, my rules, and Happy's security standards. Which, luckily for you, includes no bowing, no crowns, and no getting locked in towers. Unless- well, unless you want all that, then I'm sure I can pull a few strings to make that happen.
[ Then, louder, with a smirk aimed at Happy, just with no edge to it: ]
Drive, would ya? Before she starts thinking you're my evil vizier or something.
no subject
It sounds so strange to hear someone say even part of her full name. They had always called her "Siren." Not that Mr. Stark would know! They've just met. Still...
Something about him saying even part of her full name makes her feel warm. Almost like she's in one of her bubbles. The smile widens underneath the mask.
A shake of her head. No, they don't have to treat her like royalty! It's okay!
"My place"... so, where he lives then?
His vague references to princess movies never truly land in her realm of knowledge. Her attention turns to the inside of the back seat. Of course, a car is still a car, and it's easy enough to tell what belongs where. Happy sits in the driver's seat and turns his head to look at Tony. ]
"C'mon, Tony. You gotta give me something! How do you walk into your own building and come out with a girl? No, I know how it sounds! You come out with a woman on your arm, not IN your arms wearing a mask she hasn't taken off."
[ The car turns over and begins to pull out and onto the streets and eventually the freeway.
Little Mermaid feels herself slide slightly down into the backseat. She decides that's okay. She can see parts of passing buildings and scenery as they keep going. A part of the sky is even visible.
Her eyes widen.
The sky...
It's sunset and the light is fading fast. Blue is changing into purple. Her eyes transfix on the sky as they continue their trip. It's been so long since she has seen the sky. Clouds. The fading sunlight still feels bright to her. Her hands curl as more of the paralysis wears off. She's not afraid... she's in awe.
Not that she would expect the men in the car with her to realize as they talk to one another.
Mr. Stark seems so different from Stane. No, not seems. He is different. He's treated her just like a normal human woman. Then again, he hasn't seen what she can do. He's barely heard her voice. Maybe he has no idea she's a NIKKE. Just... some random human woman that had been locked up. Someone who made a bubble appear.
She feels Happy glance at her several times in the mirror. Her gaze doesn't change.
For a moment, her eyes close and she simply enjoys the movement the car makes. The sounds of engines she doesn't recongize.
The car slows down and comes to a stop. The engine cuts.
Her eyes open again. Where are they now? ]
no subject
[ He leans back against the seat while shoots Happy a look. ] Also, don't make it weird. Seriously. She doesn’t need the running commentary right now. She’s had a day. Probably several days. Months. Years. Who the hell knows?
[ His eyes flick back to her, then down to her hands for a second like he's trying to clock if she's holding together. ]
They called you Siren, right? Yeah, I heard it once or twice. Dunno who thought that up; was that you? That what you want to be called? Between you and me, you don't look like someone who lures sailors to their doom. You look like someone who deserves to breathe actual air again. Maybe you look like someone who does the whole "I wanna be part of your world" thing.
[ The car quiets for a moment, and he notices how her attention seems to briefly lock onto the sky. Her eyes look wide, like it's the first real sky she's seen. He doesn't say anything at first, choosing instead to just watch. It reminds him of the cave: of the first time he walked out, squinting against the light and thinking the sun had never been that bright in his life. He clears his throat before that thought sticks too long. ]
You're looking at it like it's brand new. Which, honestly? It might be. The sunset in Malibu, one of the few things in life I'll vouch for personally. Ten out of ten, no room for variation. You'll get used to it. In a good way.
[ As the car rolls to a stop, he straightens a little, forcing some of the weight out of his tone. Back to control, back to forward momentum and action. ] Let's get you inside. You're safe now, and whatever came before? That's done. [ Maybe he shouldn't be making promises, and maybe he can't promise safety, but safety seems like one thing she really needs, and for reasons he hardly understands, he wants to give that to her. ]
no subject
[ Happy Hogan may seem just as eccentric and unable to follow simple things, but, he is very perceptive. He's noted that Tony seems oddly protective of the mysterious woman--and Tony Stark doesn't do protective. Well, not publicly anyways. He's protective of his circle. That circle is Happy, Pepper Potts, and James Rhodes. It stands out that he's this way over someone he just met inside his own building. Someone that none of them seem to know about. Someone that Happy isn't entirely sure can be trusted--but that bit of paranoia is part of why he was head of Tony's personal security detail for so long. Before transferring to Pepper.
Also perceptive enough to know when to shut up because Tony's giving information in that typical quip manner of his. Seems like their mystery woman has been locked away for potentially a while.
Little Mermaid's eyes never leave the sunset. However, she gives a brief nod to his question. Yes. "Siren" had been her idea because it was her nickname. A name her squadmates had given her because it was easier to say than her full name. In a way, it had become her name, because they never used another name. It had made sense to introduce herself that way to not only Levi but to Stane.
How did Mr. Stark hear about her name?
Her gaze finally turns back up to him once the car stops and her arms begin to move as if to try and push herself up from his lap. Oh, his lap. The realization dawns on her that she had her head there the entire time. She stops mid motion and glances back up at him shyly, apologetically, and with her arms shaking under her weight.
I'm sorry.
Not that she can fully move her mouth just yet.
The door is opened by Happy who motions for them to step outside. He helps Tony out then helps him get Little Mermaid out of the vehicle. With a few steps he is then at the front door of the rather large breathtaking building that seems to be oddly circular and yet straight at the same time. It almost seems to defy the notion of how buildings should even look in some ways...
Little Mermaid's attention however is quickly taken back to the sky. Amber eyes once again transfixed on the colors of the sunset spreads across what she can see beyond the impossible building. Mr. Stark had said Malibu, hadn't he? She's not entirely sure where that is, but it definitely wasn't where she was before she had been taken.
The fading sunlight hits the teal undertones of her hair and almost seems to make her glow. Color slowly starts to return to the once pale skin. A hand raises against Tony's chest. Just so she can have a moment more to look into the sky before he takes her to where he believes is safe.
"... whatever came before? That's done."
The hand curls into his shirt. Amber eyes turn to look up at him once more. ]
no subject
Is that what that's called? Yeah, sure, we'll go with that. Effective immediately, you have now been promoted. Call it an executive decision made during extenuating circumstances. You’re head of the Stark Industries “Weird Stuff Division” now... Head of Security on paper. And on the badge, since you'll probably be wanting one of those. Congratulations, Happy; by the way, the benefits package includes chronic confusion and hazard pay in the form of migraines.
[ His glance travels back over to Little Mermaid. ]
You haven't seen her go in because my guess is, she wasn't supposed to be seen. As far as I can tell, she's not one of Stane's board members, she's not another investor, and she's definitely not one of those influencers trying to sell me skin cream. She's under Stark protection officially. So you keep an eye on her and me, got it?
[ He figures Happy will get it, especially when he fixes him with a look and adds a certain tone to his voice, the kind of tone he gets when he's dealing with something personal, something he's decided is his to fix. ]
Besides, you know me, or you should, by now. If I'm promoting someone, it's either because I've hit my head one too many times or because I trust them not to screw it up. 10 points if you guess which one applies here. I'll give you a hint, it's actually not the first option, believe it or not.
[ When the car stops, he starts to move, because getting Mermaid out of the car and inside where he can do a proper examination is more important right now. ]
Hey, maybe don't move so much. You just survived who knows what; I think you earned the right to use my lap as a pillow, or whatever the hell you want. First we get you inside and comfortable, then... I don't know, we'll play it by ear. That's always worked for me in the past. [ Spoilers: no it hasn't. ]
Starting now, you're safe. [ He ignores the voice in his head telling him he can't guarantee her safety. Maybe he can't, but maybe he can do something to keep unwanted company away. That's something, right? ] Why? Because I said so, that's why.
[ He looks down at her slightly as if giving her a brief once-over. ] Bedroom or workshop first... And don't look at me like that, Happy, you know what I mean: rest or examination? I'm thinking rest first, work later.
[ And by that, he means she can rest while he heads to the workshop to... well, work. ]
no subject
"Weird Stuff Division."
A smile touches her face under her mask. Mr. Stark really is funny. ]
"Oh, I already have the chronic confusion and migraines. No one ever understands what you're thinking, Tony. Most of us are just trying to keep up with you!"
[ That sounds lonely...
Happy glances at Tony in the driver's mirror. The look in his eyes says he can keep the joking atmosphere rolling, but he gets the seriousness of it all. It isn't difficult to see the appearance of this woman has rattled his boss. Just not in the usual sort of rattling.
A blush spreads on her face at the idea of using his lap more. It was nice, but, she won't impose! She doesn't want to be a burden or a bother. He's already done more than enough by taking her out of her prison and the building. He could just let her into the wilds and she would be fine from there! Maybe
... she could take Stane on her own.
If only she knew he was dead now.
The sun starts to disappear behind the unsual shaped mansion. A sigh leaves her. She closes her eyes. After a moment she looks back up at Tony. A nod is given to whatever he feels is best. If he wants her to rest in a room? She can find a way to get her bubbles to break the taser mask. If he wants to take her to a workshop? She'll hold still the best she can for him.
She tilts her head into his shoulder as another gesture of thankfulness.
Happy rolls his eyes and makes for the main door. He hold it open for the two. The lights in the house come on as soon as Tony steps in. ]
Welcome home, sir. I see you've brought company. Do you need me to prepare anything?
Ah, Mr. Hogan as well. Official Stark Industries business, then?
"Something like that. "
[ Her head tilts back to try and find the source of the voice over ... speakers? ]
no subject
But hey, if he's constantly going and constantly busy, he doesn't have time to be lonely, right? ]
Now that you mention it... I think we better get that thing off her first. JARVIS, you know what to do. Wake up the workshop, the robots, the whole shebang.
Happy... [ He glances at the other man who's way more loyal than Tony deserves. At least, he'd be the first person to say that, knowing he really doesn't give him enough credit. ] Get yourself dinner on me. [ He doesn't often do things like that, but he figures sometimes he can do something not assholish. ]
Yeah, that's what I want you to do: get dinner and I'll see you in the morning. That okay? [ It might seem as though he doesn't always treat Happy that well, but he's one of the few friends he has. ]
This might end up being an all nighter. [ But then he smiles at Mermaid. ] For me, that is.
no subject
[ Little Mermaid watches the back and forth before Happy seems to be sure things will be alright. She tries to smile with her eyes for him as he leaves as a way of thanking him. Then, she looks back up at Tony when she feels his gaze back on her.
Oh! She can stay up all night too. It's okay!
She nods. ]
Of course, sir. The workshop is ready. Do you need me to prepare anything?
[ A shaking hand reaches out to the railing on the staircase that descends down into... at first she thinks it's a garage. There are more than just a few cars parked there. Then, she sees the computers and tools. Oh! He makes what he invents!
Once they are inside the workshop, she helps settle herself down onto a stool. She can sit up right now, despite a shake in her hands still. They lift to pull her large amount of hair away from one side of her head so he can look at the taser. ]
no subject
Yeah, yeah, I know. Some of us are responsible adults who sleep. Thanks, Mom. [ He waves a hand dismissively. ] Go home, get horizontal. Not like that; don’t wink at me on your way out. Unless it is like that. What you do at home is your own business.
[ He can't stop himself from smirking at the other man. It's friendly ribbing, something he's done with Happy for years. If anyone can take it, it'll be him.
Tony watches Happy leave, then glances down just in time to catch Little Mermaid's expression. ]
He worries. It's his hobby, you know. Sometimes it's like having a dad who's actually around. But I know what you're thinking, and you don't have to be like me. I'm a terrible role model for anything involving rest, self-preservation, or common sense. Why's that? Because common sense can sometimes be boring. Note that I said sometimes.
[ He watches her reach out for the railing, staying just close enough that if her hand slips on the rail, he's already in reach.
He keeps watching her as he notes how she looks around, taking in the cars, and then his computers and his tools. ]
Yeah, I have a routine, kind of. Ideas get stuck in my head so I come down here to work on them before I forget what they are. It's kind of a nightly thing, and it drives Happy nuts. And just so you have plausible deniability, this is me warning you that it's a vicious cycle. Don't get into it if you can help it.
[ Once she's on the stool, he moves to quickly adjust it without making a production of it, one hand steadying the base so it doesn't wobble under her.
With that done, and with the taser exposed, Tony steps in to get a look at it. ]
Okay, let's see what we're dealing with here. Oh, and by the way, if anything stings, or buzzes, or feels wrong, poke me or something. We need to figure out how bad this is and how fast I can fix it, because it's been stuck on you long enough.
no subject
So, Tony and his father didn't get along very well. It's not just the words he uses. The way he phrases it and the tone. Maybe people would over look it, but, she's noticed it. She won't point it out though! Just, make a note to herself not ask about the family.
A shake of her head. It's fine! Her concept of time--night and say cycles--is all wrong anyways. What may feel like day time could be the middle of the night for all she knows. Not to mention NIKKEs don't really need to sleep often.
He really is an inventor then! Just like Abe was. She would be up at all hours in making things for them and improving their weapons. Well, Cinderella's Hansel and Gretels weapons. Hers... well, Tony has already seen it in action to some extent. She doesn't need a gun or anything like that.
A firm nod is given to his terms. She can do that if anything happens! That won't be hard at all. Though, now, she isn't even sure how long it's been on her...
The design itself is rather crude for a Stark Industries standard. The prototype taser itself that Tony designed, attached to the mask that covers her jaw and neck to halfhazardly connect to the almost diving like suit she wears. A simple detection mechanism to detect when movement has breached the "allowed" distance. Which she demonstrates by opening her jaw, but stopping just short of triggering it again. She can feel where it presses into the skin back behind her ear. Her mouth remains slightly open, covered by the almost skin tight mask, amber eyes reaching his.
She is very calm despite the circumstances. Not to mention a look of complete trust is in her gaze. She knows he can find a way to take it off. He said he designed it! Which means Stane stole it and used it for his own purposes. That's not Tony's fault. ]
no subject
You probably figured it out; family's complicated for most people, but it's definitely complicated for me. Let’s just say my dad showed up more in theory than in practice. Oh, he tried, and I guess he did his best, but- yeah.
[ He shifts slightly, leaning forward just enough to tilt his head, amber eyes scanning the mask and the taser connections. ] Honestly, I figured you'd be more worked up. More freaked out. This could backfire if I touch anything the wrong way; I won't, by the way, because it's me, but how would you know that? [ He dismisses the idea that she trusts him, because why would she? She doesn't know him at all. ]
I get it though. My job is figuring this out and getting you out of this alive. And I will, don't get me wrong. [ But if he doesn't, and she ends up fried, that's on him, like it's always been.
After a few minutes of near-silent tinkering, minus the occasional thinking sound from Tony, he exclaims: ] Aha, I think I got it. [ He always knew he would, but tech has a funny way of being complicated; maybe that's why he likes it so much. ]
no subject
Mr. Stark isn't a real prince, but he is certainly charming. He also saved her like a prince saves a princess! There is a thought that she wishes she looked less ghastly for him. Pale skin, the veins slowly returning to normal, red around the eyes. All thanks to the taser of course.
Still, she can't help but wish she looked prettier.
Little Mermaid glances to the side with a blush and tries to ignore the thought. He wouldn't be interested in her that way! He has been kind enough to save her without knowing more than her name.
She sits still as he works. Eyes glance to him out of the corner. Her fingers knot nervously together. Not out of a lack of trust, but more, what should she say? He already guessed her name! Introductions seem a little pointless...
The click activates behind her ear. Eyes widen. She feels the athletic fabric around her neck and her mouth lax. It hangs limp at the top of her suit. She reaches up with her shaking hand and gently pulls it down all the way.
A long moment passes as it settles in that for the first time in so long she can speak freely.
What should she say first? Words are powerful things. Things she couldn't always express. They have meaning and purpose.
There's only really one thing to say!
Little Mermaid turns on the stool to face Tony. A wide beaming smile takes her face, and she realizes this would be the first time he has seen it without a making the few hours they're known each other. He has only heard sounds and a few words.
With her voice a little hoarse from everything she says one simple tjing: ]
Thank you, Mr. Stark!
no subject
Hey, you’re welcome. And you don’t have to call me Mr. Stark. Makes me feel like I should be signing permission slips. Just Tony is fine.
[ He shifts slightly, giving her space now that the collar’s down, making sure she’s really okay before continuing. ]
For the record, you don’t look ghastly. You look like someone who’s been through hell and came out the other side still standing, despite someone's best efforts to keep that from happening.
[ And then, almost as if he's suddenly feeling awkward, he starts fiddling with his tools to buy himself some time. ]
no subject
Hehe, [ a small giggle comes from her, ] I didn't mean just for removing the mask.
[ Thank you for saving me.
It's okay if he doesn't understand what she isn't saying. She doesn't expect him to anyways. ]
Just Tony... [ a "oooh" slips from her in understanding. Okay. Just Tony! ] Most people call me just Siren, because my full name is long.
[ Which he already knows from guessing it. How he heard the name "Siren" is still something she wonders. ]
I'm sure I don't look very nice... but, I should be back to normal soon.
[ She then tugs the mask out from under the armored wet suit she wears. A long stare at it for a moment before she looks back at Tony. What should she do with it? He made it, right? It wouldn't be right for her to be the one to decide what to do with it! ]