[Heeere's Vox! With a completely different username from before. (This will become a pattern.) The video feed shows him standing at the docks, right beside the water, the biggest and most excitable grin on his face. He's also gesturing frantically with his hands.]
Great news! Amazing news! I'm bringing it to you live! Guess who's here? Go on, guess.
[Because that's not an ominous message to receive around 8 in the morning.]
[Unsurprisingly Emily is up and about at this time. In fact, she seems to be sitting outside on a table, enjoying the Winter aesthetic from a cozy cafe chair. And it's clear from the angle that the Glimmer is being prompted up by some kind of stand.
Hearing the news causes her to prematurely swallow, coughing a bit as a smile fights for dominance over her face.]
No way! [Despite how vaguely ominous this message was, she can tell that Vox is genuinely excited. Which must mean that it's someone the overlord genuinely loves. And if that alone somehow wasn't enough, the username change all but confirms it.] SHOK.WAV'S HERE?!
[Vox was not expecting Emily to actually guess correctly, which makes the reveal less of a spectacle. Still, she's excited, which is the only correct reaction to have to his precious son. He'll let it slide just for that.]
SHOK.WAV'S HERE.
[He gestures towards the water by his side with both hands, purposely imitating the Will Smith meme pose. The ocean ripples, then shakes until at last, one enormous demon shark breaches the surface. Shok.wav doesn't fly up all the way, since he's content being in the water (and also he'd go off screen), but his massive toothy grin is more than visible. A gigantic red eye focuses on the camera. Shok.wav's been filmed before, he knows how this works.]
[Emily does know her friends well. Or at least, well enough. Though to be fair, it was a rather obvious guess. Not that she's going to tell Vox that. But either way, while it is doubtful that anybody is more excited about Shok.wav's appearance than Vox, Emily is approaching a very close second. She looks at the best boy with genuine glee, eyes sparkling and lips curled into a wide smile.]
Oh my gosh, look at that smile! He's beautiful, Vox! So handsome and photogenic! Be sure to give him EXTRA hugs and pets for me!
[Yep, still the best reaction to have. Shok.wav is beautiful and loyal and the bright light of Vox's day. He laughs and reaches out, pressing a hand against the side of the shark's enormous head. The shutter of Shok.wav's eye closes for a few seconds.]
Sure, I will! Buuuut you can come pet him yourself, if you want!
[One might assume that's dangerous, but it's really not. Vox decides everyone's designation in Shok.wav's systems, and can change it at will. If he says Emily's a friend now, she's a friend (for) now.]
Really? Are you sure? I wouldn't want to interrupt such a happy moment between a proud shark dad and his shark son!
[But also she really, really wants to pet Shok.wav. Sure she knows Vox is dangerous and Shok.wav is probably even more dangerous, but she doesn't really feel like she's in any danger. She may be naive, but she doesn't really see any reason why Vox would want to hurt her here. At least, currently. She provides him with resources and treats him well. Vox may be a jerk and an Overlord, but he doesn't really seem like the kind of person who would hurt someone for no reason.
Now if it benefited him? Well, that's a different story.]
[Occasionally, the benefit of hurting someone is a good laugh. Or just getting them out of his way if they're throwing off his groove. That was in Hell, though. Maiming or hurting someone is illegal here. And far more frowned upon. Vox still knows to employ some restraint, at least until he finds himself in a position of total control.
Also, he genuinely wants people to adore Shok.wav, if only because it means Shok.wav will be adored. The big guy deserves it.]
Of course I'm sure! We're celebrating! The more, the merrier, right?
Depends! If you wanna feed Shok.wav a little something [He is so careful not to say "treat" or "snack" because those words will trigger the best boy's enthusiasm immediately-] you could bring it. Like bacon or ham, or salmon bites. Not too much, though! He gains weight faster than you'd think.
[Nodding! She doesn't want Shok.wav to be unhealthy! Though that does bring up a point. She's clearly a bit unsure of something, so she'll ask about it.]
Okay! I'll stop by the market after I finish eating. Saw a new fish vendor during my morning jog that had some really yummy-looking salmon. [A thought comes to mind, which is made obvious by her expression.] Oh! Did you want me to grab you anything? Maybe something sweet?
Me? Nah, I've already got something sweet right here!
[He says it before he even realizes how cheesy that sounds, his fond gaze still stuck on Shok.wav. Once it does sink in, though, he laughs it off. Loudly.]
[To be fair, at least he said it to Emily of all people. She doesn't judge him at all. In fact she laughs along with him, thinking the comment both cute and hilarious. Vox is funny indeed.]
So right! I'm the same way with my precious darlings! How can I not be? They're so cute and smart and loving and- [Ahem.] A-anyway! I should be there in about a half hour. Maybe less? Hopefully there's not a line at the fish market. So if you change your mind and need anything, lemme know as soon as you can!
[This was a sore reminder for him to watch what he says around people when Shok.wav is near. He can get away with it in front of Emily- maybe it's even strategic in order to win her trust further. But anyone else? No.]
You got it! We'll be here.
[Vox won't get in touch about anything until then. He's totally fine hanging around near the docks, playing long-distance fetch with Shok.wav and just overall doting on him. He hasn't really gotten to see the best boy since that big fight, so he hadn't gotten to thank him for saving his ass from Alastor either.
By the time Emily gets to the docks, she'll find Shok.wav chilling in the water a short distance away from all the boats and people. The demon shark's gaze is on a tennis ball being dangled in front of its face by one of Vox's cables, but they've been playing fetch for a while now, so Shok.wav's a little tuckered out. Vox himself is standing on shore, avoiding going into the water because he doesn't want his clothes to get too wet. There are some definitive splash marks already on them, though.]
[Emily will fly most of the way despite being able to open portals. After all, it's good exercise and she needs to stay active. While her wing prosthetic hasn't really given her many problems, she knows that she needs to keep flying and using it frequently to make sure the bone and muscles that are still there don't atrophy. Once she gets close to the docks, though, she lands and quickly runs over to the pair, waving happily.]
Hi Vox! Hi Shok.wav!
[She's perhaps a bit earlier than she expected, but not by much. She's dressed for the winter weather, though with an extra bit of caution given the location at the docks. She knows Shok.wav is huge and probably prone to splashing, so she made sure to bring plenty of water-proof clothing that will still keep her warm.]
Brought the treats! And I'd say he earned them with how tired he looks. Guess you guys were having a lot of fun, huh? [And she giggles, happy to see them both.]
[As soon as Emily approaches, Shok.wav rises up higher from the water, his intent gaze on her. Now that he's actually seeing her in person, he can run her through his database and recognize her as the stranger who tried to snatch that other mysterious threat away from him. There's a low rumbling sound from the back of Shok.wav's throat that Vox recognizes as the equivalent of a growl, so he quickly settles the shark back down with an "easy, Shokky. Update designation to "friend"."
Shok.wav's eye shutter closes halfway, but the shark settles back into the water all the same. Vox pulls the tennis ball back, allowing it to land in his outstretched hand.]
Ha ha, yeah, Shok.wav always has a lot of energy to get outta his system. It comes with the predator instincts.
[She doesn't know enough about Shok.wav to know if Vox could have done that without her here, but at least this isn't a trap. Though even when the massive shark demon rose out of the water a bit, Emily didn't seem too bothered by him. She pried Alastor out of his jaws back home, after all. Her main concern at the time mostly stemmed from just how much the overlord had been bleeding and how hard she had to pull in order to free him. Necessary pain is still pain and she hates seeing others get hurt. Though thankfully that doesn't seem to be a proud now. Nothing but good vibes and feeding good boys today.]
Right! And I bet he worked up the appetite of one, too! Luckily I have just the thing~
[Still smiling happily, Emily approaches the goodest boy and reaches into the bag she brought with her. She pulls out first handful, making sure her hand is wide open. That way, Shokky can get a good whiff of the fresh salmon and an even better view of it. Once she's certain he's picked up on what she has and is showing clear interest, she'll get ready to throw it.]
Salmon bites! Your dad recommended them to me. Eat up! [And she'll toss them into the air with a surprising amount of force for how little effort she put into the throw. Girl has a pretty good arm, though Shok.wav shouldn't have any trouble gobbling up the first round of salmon.]
[As soon as Emily sticks her hand into the bag and it crinkles, Shok.wav's already on high alert all over again, eye widening. The salmon bites being pulled out into the open just solidifies the shark's enthusiasm further. At once, Shok.wav is rising up out of the water somewhat, giant maw opening. His tail swishes behind him, causing waves and splashes. The firm throw makes it easy for the shark to catch all the treats in one go; they all topple straight into his mouth and disappear behind rows of sharp teeth.]
Ooh, good aim! [Vox puts his hands together in a light round of applause.]
[It's a bit awkward to try and clap while holding a bag, so she turns her hands and grips the bag in between her pinky finger and the one closet to it, letting her much more easily clap and shower the cyborg shark demon in praise.]
Oh my gosh! That was amazing, Shok.wav! You got them all in one bite! You're so talented!
[And she's just going to flying over to Shok.wav and shower him in pets. Vox said it was ok, after all!]
[It may be hard to tell just from the facial expression (or lack thereof) that Shok.wav is delighted by the praise, but the continued swishing of his tail helps to illustrate the point. There sure is a lot of that, along with a low cooing sound that rolls out from the shark's closed mouth.
Even with Vox already having told Shok.wav that Emily is a friend, those treats are what sold the animal on it. He doesn't so much as flinch when she approaches, instead happily closing the shutter of his eye and leaning into the petting. Careful though, Emily! Just like other sharks, Shok.wav has that sandpaper feel to him.]
He is talented, isn't he? I keep telling him that all the time too, but it's good for him to hear it from someone else for a change.
[She's careful not to hurt herself on his skin, taking extra care to move with the "grain" rather than against it in order to help minimize the damage. Though her skin is tougher than one might expect. Comes with the territory of being a seraphim. Not that Emily ever really uses most of the powers or abilities at her disposal, of course. Far too busy spreading joy! And also petting cute animals. Like Shok.wav!]
I agree! It's always good to hear others say nice things. But still, your dad is right! You're so talented, Shok.wav! Yes you are!
[More petting! Emily is careful to pay close attention to each of Shok.wav's little reactions while she pets him, flying around his body to find the most optimal spot that brings him the most joy. After all, if he's happy? She's happy!]
[Emily will find that Shok.wav especially loves being petted near his fins, which promptly flap as soon as her hand is close enough. The wagging of his tail increases at those times too. He's a very happy boy right now.]
Haha, he'll be a star soon, too. Once I've got the network up and running, one of the first things I'll do is set up a livestream so viewers can watch him in his tank. Is there anything more relaxing than watching a shark swimming around?
[Oh now there's the good stuff. Once Emily finds the spot near his fins that gives him the most joy, she'll focus on that spot. Though she is still careful to gauge his reaction! Animals get tired or bored like anyone else. So she doesn't want to overdo it. Especially now that they've just become good friends!
She glances at Vox for a moment when he asks the question, thinking on it as she continues to pet Shok.wav.]
Hmmm... Maybe watching a shark swim around to lo-fi beats?
[There's a few seconds where Vox is utterly silent, his facial expression stuck in some kind of unmoving surprise. Then he slips right back into enthusiasm, clapping his hands together. Shok.wav's eye darts towards his father at that gesture.]
That's genius! Not loud enough to drown out the typical aquarium sounds, but still present in the background! Studying teens love those kinda background beats.
Oh yeah, he does. He likes jazz and rock, but not for the reasons you might think. The vibrations as they travel through the water are similar to thrashing prey, so when he's in his tank and hears that kinda music, he'll think it's feeding time.
[Which is a thing that actually happens to most sharks. Go figure!]
When he's outside the water, there's none of those vibrations to pick up on so he's kinda neutral on it.
[It's fun to think about how many inventions made by humans can get animals to respond in similar ways to something else in their lives. As if the two groups really can live in harmony with each other and nature as a whole. Like the blueprints are there and all they need to do is find them and build them.
...anyway, whoops! She's letting her mind wander and letting the fun she's having get the better of her. Shok.wav was promised two handfuls and he's only received one. After one final fin scritch, Emily flies a few feet away and pulls out the last remaining salmon bites from her bag alongside a piece of kelp.]
Okay, Shok.wav! This is the last handful, so let's make it count. [She'll tie the salmon bites together with the kelp and rear her arm back far.] Go long!
[And with a considerable amount of force, she'll throw the snack as far as she can.]
[Vox agrees that it's cool! Like... Amazing, actually. He's tried getting Shok.wav into other music, both inside and outside water, but not even Baby Shark gets much of a response. Best boy is just very particular about it, Vox supposes.
Emily flings, and this time, Shok.wav has to actively chase to catch the snack. He jumps up with a mighty splash to get at the salmon packet from below, making it disappear from sight immediately. Thankfully, he doesn't drop down into the water full force; he just sort of levitates back down, so the splash isn't as immense.]
Yes, I know! Hi Husk! I'm so happy you're here! And I wanted to thank you again for helping Charlie and me contain the blast back home. That was super cool!
Anyway, I'd be honored to have you as a temporary bartender! Feel free to stay as long as you'd like.
[About fifteen or so minutes later Emily will fly down to the balcony of Lute's apartment. She'll give it a knock, just loud enough to announce that she's here, before going to open the door. She does so very gently, closing it behind her with the same level of care.]
Lute? [She asks, curiously.] I'm here. What did you want to show me?
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Video | UN: SharkDaddy
Great news! Amazing news! I'm bringing it to you live! Guess who's here? Go on, guess.
[Because that's not an ominous message to receive around 8 in the morning.]
seeing this made so me unreasonably happy tbh
Hearing the news causes her to prematurely swallow, coughing a bit as a smile fights for dominance over her face.]
No way! [Despite how vaguely ominous this message was, she can tell that Vox is genuinely excited. Which must mean that it's someone the overlord genuinely loves. And if that alone somehow wasn't enough, the username change all but confirms it.] SHOK.WAV'S HERE?!
<3
SHOK.WAV'S HERE.
[He gestures towards the water by his side with both hands, purposely imitating the Will Smith meme pose. The ocean ripples, then shakes until at last, one enormous demon shark breaches the surface. Shok.wav doesn't fly up all the way, since he's content being in the water (and also he'd go off screen), but his massive toothy grin is more than visible. A gigantic red eye focuses on the camera. Shok.wav's been filmed before, he knows how this works.]
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Oh my gosh, look at that smile! He's beautiful, Vox! So handsome and photogenic! Be sure to give him EXTRA hugs and pets for me!
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Sure, I will! Buuuut you can come pet him yourself, if you want!
[One might assume that's dangerous, but it's really not. Vox decides everyone's designation in Shok.wav's systems, and can change it at will. If he says Emily's a friend now, she's a friend (for) now.]
no subject
[But also she really, really wants to pet Shok.wav. Sure she knows Vox is dangerous and Shok.wav is probably even more dangerous, but she doesn't really feel like she's in any danger. She may be naive, but she doesn't really see any reason why Vox would want to hurt her here. At least, currently. She provides him with resources and treats him well. Vox may be a jerk and an Overlord, but he doesn't really seem like the kind of person who would hurt someone for no reason.
Now if it benefited him? Well, that's a different story.]
no subject
Also, he genuinely wants people to adore Shok.wav, if only because it means Shok.wav will be adored. The big guy deserves it.]
Of course I'm sure! We're celebrating! The more, the merrier, right?
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I'm sorry, but you've thrown off the CEO's groove.Shok.wav does deserve to be adored, it's true. And Emily is more than happy to deliver such adoration.]
Right! Okay! I'll be there as soon as I can! Just gotta finish eating breakfast. You're at the docks right? Do you want me to bring anything?
no subject
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What's a good portion size?
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Well, he just ate, so... Two handfuls at most, I'd say!
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Okay! I'll stop by the market after I finish eating. Saw a new fish vendor during my morning jog that had some really yummy-looking salmon. [A thought comes to mind, which is made obvious by her expression.] Oh! Did you want me to grab you anything? Maybe something sweet?
no subject
[He says it before he even realizes how cheesy that sounds, his fond gaze still stuck on Shok.wav. Once it does sink in, though, he laughs it off. Loudly.]
Ha ha ha, people and their pets, am I right?!
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So right! I'm the same way with my precious darlings! How can I not be? They're so cute and smart and loving and- [Ahem.] A-anyway! I should be there in about a half hour. Maybe less? Hopefully there's not a line at the fish market. So if you change your mind and need anything, lemme know as soon as you can!
no subject
You got it! We'll be here.
[Vox won't get in touch about anything until then. He's totally fine hanging around near the docks, playing long-distance fetch with Shok.wav and just overall doting on him. He hasn't really gotten to see the best boy since that big fight, so he hadn't gotten to thank him for saving his ass from Alastor either.
By the time Emily gets to the docks, she'll find Shok.wav chilling in the water a short distance away from all the boats and people. The demon shark's gaze is on a tennis ball being dangled in front of its face by one of Vox's cables, but they've been playing fetch for a while now, so Shok.wav's a little tuckered out. Vox himself is standing on shore, avoiding going into the water because he doesn't want his clothes to get too wet. There are some definitive splash marks already on them, though.]
no subject
Hi Vox! Hi Shok.wav!
[She's perhaps a bit earlier than she expected, but not by much. She's dressed for the winter weather, though with an extra bit of caution given the location at the docks. She knows Shok.wav is huge and probably prone to splashing, so she made sure to bring plenty of water-proof clothing that will still keep her warm.]
Brought the treats! And I'd say he earned them with how tired he looks. Guess you guys were having a lot of fun, huh? [And she giggles, happy to see them both.]
no subject
Shok.wav's eye shutter closes halfway, but the shark settles back into the water all the same. Vox pulls the tennis ball back, allowing it to land in his outstretched hand.]
Ha ha, yeah, Shok.wav always has a lot of energy to get outta his system. It comes with the predator instincts.
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Right! And I bet he worked up the appetite of one, too! Luckily I have just the thing~
[Still smiling happily, Emily approaches the goodest boy and reaches into the bag she brought with her. She pulls out first handful, making sure her hand is wide open. That way, Shokky can get a good whiff of the fresh salmon and an even better view of it. Once she's certain he's picked up on what she has and is showing clear interest, she'll get ready to throw it.]
Salmon bites! Your dad recommended them to me. Eat up! [And she'll toss them into the air with a surprising amount of force for how little effort she put into the throw. Girl has a pretty good arm, though Shok.wav shouldn't have any trouble gobbling up the first round of salmon.]
no subject
Ooh, good aim! [Vox puts his hands together in a light round of applause.]
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Oh my gosh! That was amazing, Shok.wav! You got them all in one bite! You're so talented!
[And she's just going to flying over to Shok.wav and shower him in pets. Vox said it was ok, after all!]
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Even with Vox already having told Shok.wav that Emily is a friend, those treats are what sold the animal on it. He doesn't so much as flinch when she approaches, instead happily closing the shutter of his eye and leaning into the petting. Careful though, Emily! Just like other sharks, Shok.wav has that sandpaper feel to him.]
He is talented, isn't he? I keep telling him that all the time too, but it's good for him to hear it from someone else for a change.
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I agree! It's always good to hear others say nice things. But still, your dad is right! You're so talented, Shok.wav! Yes you are!
[More petting! Emily is careful to pay close attention to each of Shok.wav's little reactions while she pets him, flying around his body to find the most optimal spot that brings him the most joy. After all, if he's happy? She's happy!]
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Haha, he'll be a star soon, too. Once I've got the network up and running, one of the first things I'll do is set up a livestream so viewers can watch him in his tank. Is there anything more relaxing than watching a shark swimming around?
[Feeding will happen off screen, of course.]
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She glances at Vox for a moment when he asks the question, thinking on it as she continues to pet Shok.wav.]
Hmmm... Maybe watching a shark swim around to lo-fi beats?
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That's genius! Not loud enough to drown out the typical aquarium sounds, but still present in the background! Studying teens love those kinda background beats.
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[Though a thought comes to her while she is still very much petting Shok.wav.]
Say, does Shok.wav like to listen to music?
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[Which is a thing that actually happens to most sharks. Go figure!]
When he's outside the water, there's none of those vibrations to pick up on so he's kinda neutral on it.
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[It's fun to think about how many inventions made by humans can get animals to respond in similar ways to something else in their lives. As if the two groups really can live in harmony with each other and nature as a whole. Like the blueprints are there and all they need to do is find them and build them.
...anyway, whoops! She's letting her mind wander and letting the fun she's having get the better of her. Shok.wav was promised two handfuls and he's only received one. After one final fin scritch, Emily flies a few feet away and pulls out the last remaining salmon bites from her bag alongside a piece of kelp.]
Okay, Shok.wav! This is the last handful, so let's make it count. [She'll tie the salmon bites together with the kelp and rear her arm back far.] Go long!
[And with a considerable amount of force, she'll throw the snack as far as she can.]
no subject
Emily flings, and this time, Shok.wav has to actively chase to catch the snack. He jumps up with a mighty splash to get at the salmon packet from below, making it disappear from sight immediately. Thankfully, he doesn't drop down into the water full force; he just sort of levitates back down, so the splash isn't as immense.]
Awesome! Great jump, Shokky!
Text un: gamblingdemon
This is Husk, from the Hotel. The guy who looks like a cat? I heard you're opening up a cafe, and wondered if you needed a temporary bartender.
Don't worry if you've got things lined up, but I thought I'd offer.
TEXT | UN: pangolinprincess
Anyway, I'd be honored to have you as a temporary bartender! Feel free to stay as long as you'd like.
no subject
How's your wing, by the way?
1/3
2/3
I mean, Vox is still alive and she knows he's here. So there's that.
3/3
text | UN: Lute (dated a few days after Lucifer's network post)
can we talk?
Text (BRB CRYING)
Did you want to meet in person?
no subject
(...)
Come to my apartment. I want to show you something.
[location here]. Use the balcony to get in.
Text > (Lights, Camera,) Action
[About fifteen or so minutes later Emily will fly down to the balcony of Lute's apartment. She'll give it a knock, just loud enough to announce that she's here, before going to open the door. She does so very gently, closing it behind her with the same level of care.]
Lute? [She asks, curiously.] I'm here. What did you want to show me?