Close Enough to Touch

Tch...

Maybe it's grown...just a bit?

I knew it would end someday. I just hoped it would be after I grew my hair out again...

Still not long enough to tie back...

But I swear I saw one in a shop around here...

Ah. There you are.

A wig. I can always cheat my way to long hair, if I don't want to wait.

Hey, Suzette! Fancy seeing you here.

Wait, were you about to head into that clothing store? Doing some shopping?

Me? No. Just...walking. Getting some air.

Haha, right. Spot anything cool while you were out?

Not really. I was hoping to find something different, something I haven't seen before.

But that's harder than you'd think. I'm beginning to wonder if Elzion even has anything left to offer.

Turns out even a city this big can get old fast. Might be time to widen my search.

Yeah, I get that. Something totally new doesn't exactly just drop into your lap, huh?

Is there anything in particular you were hoping to find?

Something specific?

(Hey. Got anything?)

(......)

(This involves you too, you know. Quit playing dead and try using that glorified CPU for once.)

Well, no pressure. You can take your time thinking about it.

But if you're looking to get out of Elzion... I might be able to help. Anywhere, or any time, you want to go, just say the word.

Now there's an idea. I can leave the city whenever I want. But true, changing eras, that's your department.

Okay, why not. Let's travel to the past.

There's been research to suggest a return to natural environments can boost operational efficiency.

Pretty sure you're overthinking this...

What about...20,000 years ago? Can you do that?

20,000 years? Ah. Around the time Toova would've been living on Miglanea?

Yes. I thought I'd take a look at the world she once knew.

So? Can we do it or not?

Sure we can. If it's Toova you want to see, one of the big cities would be the best place to start.

Don't misunderstand. I am not going strictly for her. Just...to see what she saw.

She won't know who I am anyway. It would only complicate things.

Maybe, but you could still say hello. She and I are friends. I'd be happy to introduce you.

Tempting... But no. I'll leave that door unopened. Seeing her from a distance will be enough.

Are you sure? You might not get another chance.

That is precisely why...I would prefer to see her only from afar.

Fair enough. Then let's head to Acteul and find out where she is.

I think I could get used to this era. I had no idea air could smell this...clean.

Glad it's making a good first impression. Let's start asking around. Maybe someone here's seen Toova.

Excuse me, sir. Mind if we ask you a quick question?

We're looking for a woman named Toova. Has she been here recently?

Toova? Why, she's in town right now. She comes by Acteul often. Lends an ear to folks' woes, offers aid where she can.

Do you know where we could find her?

That big crowd by the inn. She's sure to be in the thick of it.

Hm. There's too many people to see anything clearly...

Excuse me, coming through!

Too...va?

Ngh, !

Suzette?! What's wrong, Suzette!

Aldo? That girl...is she all right?

Let's get her somewhere quiet. She can rest at my room at the inn, if you'd like.

Oh my... Is she hurt? What happened to her?

Let's get her somewhere quiet. She can rest at my room at the inn, if you'd like.

You're a lifesaver. Thank you, we'll take you up on that.

Ungh... Toova...

Neurological integrity compromised. Main personality structure...nonfunctional. No alternative. I will assume control...

In the future, you and Suzette are really close. Like sisters, almost.

This future Toova is someone she really looks up to. So she wanted to come here and...

Suzette! Thank goodness you're awake!

Incorrect. "I" am regrettably not awake.

I...don't get it.

Though we have crossed paths before, this is our first direct conversation. I am the auxiliary program embedded in Suzette's neural structure. The "other her," as you may know me.

Then, what happened to Suzette? Is she okay?

She experienced psychological shock. As a protective response, her conscious mind has shut down.

Severe Sibling Disillusionment. Rapid onset. She encountered the original model of her "big sister." And that model was... more flamboyant than expected. It exceeded processing limits. Her brain has been fried.

Flamboyant? But that makes it sound as if the future me would be any different. Don't I still show some midriff? A bit of leg? That doesn't seem so scandalous...

Uh, I'm not really the one to ask about that.

Just so I understand: I was supposed to resemble her role model...but seeing how I actually look sent her into a shock? Is that not a bit dramatic? It's not as if I actually am this woman.

It's a bit complicated. There's more to it than a passing resemblance...

Wait. You said her brain was "fried"... Is that serious?

The term was metaphorical. There is no structural damage.

Okay... That's a relief.

Her emotional resilience has clearly declined since we left the battlefield. This is not inheritably bad, merely an adaptation to peace. However, she needs to regain control. If I remain in command overlong, it will be detrimental to both of us.

Then how do we wake her up?

Emotional re-stabilization is required. I anticipate she will revive via direct contact with the "sister" she remembers.

All right. Then we'll go back to Elzion.

I apologize for hijacking your day. I am sorry to disrupt your mission.

It's fine. I can't say I really understand what's going on... But you're welcome to come see me again once she's feeling more herself.

That is kind of you. Now...goodbye.

Toova! Thank goodness, I was hoping I'd find you. I need to ask a favor.

Could you...try being kind to Suzette?

Be kind? I was not aware I had been UNKIND at any point.

Though...perhaps I have hurt her without realizing it.

No, no, it's nothing you did wrong. It's uh, kind of a long story...

I see. So she has met the past me.

I am requesting your assistance in mending the damage done to my other self. To help her stabilize.

If there's something I can do, of course.

But...how?

We were hoping you might help with that. Can you think of anything that might cheer her up?

When she was younger, she always enjoyed being read to, or would ask me to braid her hair... But she's not a child anymore. I doubt those things would mean much to her now.

Hair...

I knew it would end someday. I just hoped it would be after I grew my hair out again...

No, let's go with that. Will you do my hair?

If that's what you want...of course.

But, is your hair even long enough to tie?

We will use a wig. When I saw you this morning, she was wandering Elzion in search of one.

I see. So with this...wig, hair length's not an issue?

Precisely. Though, how ought I to style it? When she was little, I would put her hair up in high pigtails...

...But surely that's too childish for her now.

AAAGH! My ears are burning!

Aldo? Is something wrong?

Ah, sorry. I just thought I heard a familiar voice for a second.

Focus, please. Time is of the essence.

Right now, our highest priority is assisting Toova in finding a hairstyle that will suit "me".

That's not an easy task. Your current hairstyle already suits you... And you've grown into it so well.

Could we try changing your attire too? It may be simpler to coordinate the hairstyle and a new look together.

You want to change my clothes.

Do you know what Suzette would want to wear? Maybe something she already has, or something she was eyeing in a store?

Yes. But I would need to travel quite far to retrieve it.

That's fine. Just tell me where, and we'll go.

Your assistance is appreciated. I will need to return to my own time layer.

So, would you be kind enough to escort me to Toto Dreamland?

Sure thing. And you, Toova? What will you do in the meantime?

I think I'll enroll in beauty school.

To my understanding, beauty school requires a minimum commitment of two years.

In the interest of time...might you not simply order a hairstyle catalogue instead?

Very well. I will do just that.

All right, Aldo. Let's head for Toto Dreamland.

By the way, what is this outfit you think Suzette would want to wear?

To be honest, I do not remember the ensemble itself all that well. The other me has never paid attention to clothes. We saw it just once, and it was only on the battlefield.

What she did remember...was the face of the friend who showed it to her.

We recall her smile well, she was beaming.

Oh, a friend? Someone from Lab 2?

No. She was part of the Sapient Complex, but another lab entirely. Still, we often fought side-by-side. Over time, this girl developed quite an attachment to us. My other self was quite vexed. She could not rationalize why someone so cheerful should seek out her company.

Though I believe inwardly, she rather enjoyed the attention.

You know, the way you were described... I thought you'd be a lot colder. Artificial.

But you're really easy to talk to.

Yes, despite appearances, I do have what you might call a "sense of humor."

Which is more than I can say for my other self. Her idea of a quip is to threaten bodily harm. To compensate, I have read extensively on the topic of humor. Theory, timing, social nuance...

You really make up for each other's shortcomings, don't you?

My other self has always struggled to put her thoughts into words. Which is why her "jokes" come out as thinly-veiled threats. Unless the interaction pertains to combat, she barely manages to communicate at all.

Yeah...that does track.

She has always been the type to hide what she wants. Her surroundings encouraged it, yes, but some of it just her nature. When all you know is the battlefield, you stop thinking about tomorrow. Eventually, dreams start to feel pointless.

I would like to change that for her.

I want her to see that it's okay now, to think about the future, to want something more. We have room for tomorrow now.

Right. No use living in a peaceful world if you're still trapped in the soldier's mindset.

I'll help you out however I can. You can count on it.

That reminds me, Aldo, do you not find it cumbersome, having to call both me and my other personality "Suzette"?

Actually, yeah... It does get a bit confusing.

I thought so. Which is why I have been brainstorming a name of my own.

Because I am the Control Module Suzette, how about...

"Mozette"?

...... Did you run that by the other Suzette?

She vetoed it immediately.

Well if Suzette didn't like it, maybe it's not such a good idea?

Pity. I was rather fond of it.

In any case. Let us put that aside. The wormhole which leads to the Twilight Time Layer...

It's in the Toto Dream Ocean's Coral Sea. Do you need directions?

The Coral Sea? No, I know the way.

Then let's be off.

It would seem our path is blocked.

We're gonna have to get rid of it... We're not getting through the gate otherwise.

Let's make it quick.

I can take it from here. You stay put, Aldo.

You sure? I can come with you if you want backup.

I'll be fine.

Suzette! Did you see that girl just now?

The civilian? Leave her. She's not our target.

I KNOW that. I'm just saying, did you see her outfit? So cute! And she was running hand-in-hand with some guy. Must've been on a date or something. Man, I'd kill to wear a dress like that someday.

Focus on the mission, or you won't live long enough to try.

Yeah, yeah. Buzzkill.

Target neutralized. Returning to base.

Now, where did she wander off to...

Ugh. You better not be dead.

Suuuzzzeeette! Guess what I found?

A dress? Seriously?

Yep! You remember the girl I clocked earlier? Well, a building came down on her mid-evac. I dug through the rubble, and of course she didn't make it. This was still in once piece though, so I managed to snag it!

You're unbelievable. Do you have any idea how...

Lighten up! I checked for enemies first, so it was fine. Dang it! It's got bloodstains... Eh, these'll wash out.

Once this war is over, I'm gonna throw this on and strut straight into town!

Are you now?

And you can borrow it too, if you want.

Pass. It's not really my style.

You think so?

Ah, shoot. I'm totally gonna get in trouble if I bring this back to base.

There. I'll stash it here for now, and come get it once the war's done.

You gonna remember where?

No. But YOU will, right? So I don't need to worry. Right, see ya next op!

Suzette, you're back! Were you able to find the clothes?

I was, but...

Oh no...it's completely wrecked!

It must have been left exposed to the elements too long. It's not salvageable.

That's a shame. After all the effort you spent to go get it, too...

Hey! Maybe we can track down the original store? They might still carry it in my time layer.

Doubtful. I have no idea where it came from.

Unfortunately, we may have to let this one go.

Besides, we've kept Toova waiting long enough. Let's head back to Elzion.

Oh! If it isn't the other me, and Aldo! I see...so destiny's fell hand has guided us together.

You're in a good mood today, Suzette.

I AM in a good mood. I just picked up an accessory I've been eyeing for ages.

All it takes is a hairband, and I am reborn! Do you wanna see?

Hm... Suzette, would you call yourself a fashion buff?

Hm? Well, I dabble. I DO frequent a few boutique establishments in town.

Then, would you be able to look at a tattered old outfit and tell which shop it came from?

A small matter! My Evil Eye can identify anything.

Great! Then could you look at this for us?

Suzette, will you show her the outfit?

Eugh, what did you do to this thing?! It's practically compost! And is that...blood?

Oho! At least the tag survived. Which means...

My Evil Eye has revealed the truth! This is an exclusive romantic ensemble, a bespoke piece, hand-woven by the first seamster of the Netherworld!

Incredible. As different as you may be, your verbal inefficiency rivals hers.

Please be more concise.

Ahem. It's from one of my favorite brands!

I haven't followed this particular line, it's not quite my vibe. But I'd know the label anywhere!

You DO know the store, then! That's a relief. Mind taking us there?

Already done. Behold!

Let's go ask the clerk if the dress is still in stock.

Yes, this looks like one of ours. However, I'm afraid we don't sell it anymore.

And in this condition... I'm sorry. It wouldn't be possible to repair.

Hey, isn't this the same dress? Sure looks like it to me.

Are you blind, Aldo?! That's a completely different piece!

It is? Oh...

Ah, you've got a good eye! That's the updated version of the garment. We tweak the design a little each season, so while it's close, it's not exactly the same. But if you're looking for a replacement, that'll be the closest match we carry. The cut's a little more modern now, cuter, more polished. I'd definitely recommend it!

Hey, that sounds pretty good to me. Should we just go for this?

...... It's not the same.

(Wait. Is she...sulking?)

(She's pouting! She's actually pouting! Never in a million years did I think I'd see the day!)

(Now THAT'S a sight. And on such a cool beauty. I knew I was right to go into customer service.)

It's clear you really value our products.

It really says a lot that you've kept this piece, even after it's been worn down like this. Wait right here! Let me check something.

Here, take this.

Now this one's DEFINITELY the same! But I thought you said it wasn't available anymore?

This was the prototype we made before the final version went into production. It's not for sale, but I'd like you to have it.

Are you sure? It's beautiful...

If we kept it, it'd just sit around collecting dust. I'd much rather see it in the hands of someone who'll truly appreciate having it.

Thank you...

Sure! Just promise me you'll try something new next time, okay?

Okay, now that we've got the dress, let's head back to Toova. She'll be waiting at the Elzion inn.

Stop being gross and wake up already.

You know it would be a disaster if I remained in control of us forever. The preparations are set, and everyone's waiting. So get moving.

You'll see when you wake up. Come on, your scene's about to start.

Time to take back the lead role.

There she is! She's finally awake!

Toova fixed it up it for you. Looks amazing, right?

It's been ages since I styled anyone but myself. I'm afraid I'm out of practice...

Yes. We thought longer hair would suit the dress better.

I don't know if you remember...but that dress is something an old friend of yours had really wanted to wear.

(So? What do you think of your new look? It's a present. From me.) (I made some assumptions based on your unspoken desires...but thought you would be pleased.)

(To thank you. Because of you, every day I get to see new and wonderful things.)

(I know. Even now, I am limited by my nature. Desire does not come easy to me.) (You must choose for both of us. I regret that I cannot bear more of the burden of our decision-making.)

(But it matters not. When you're enjoying yourself...I enjoy myself, too.) (In fact, I came to a realization.)

(The one thing I did want to see...was your smile.) (The unguarded one that you used to have, before my installation. I have seen it in your memories.) (Just once would be enough, so I put together all this.)

(So what do you say, Suzette? My better half.) (Will you show me that smile, just once, from the heart?)

(Oh...)

(I understand. Then how about a compromise?) (Promise me you'll stop pushing your own desires aside. Start reaching for them, even if it's an inch at a time.) (If you do, I think I'll get to see that smile eventually. And that's enough for me.)

Now that you're all dressed up, we should hit the town! No need to waste a good outfit.

So let's go to La Vie En Rose!

YOU just want to eat cake, don't you?

Obviously. But I doubt the other me would object.

Then off we go!

Yes?

Yes?

Of course. I would be happy to.