|
Post by Ginji on Nov 17, 2008 11:32:52 GMT -5
Ryuichi Tsuyumi sat in one of her overstuffed armchairs, legs crossed and fingers beating a steady tattoo on one of the arms. A fluffy white towel was draped over her still-dripping hair and hiding most of her face, glasses on the low table in front of her and cold blue eyes focused on the dragon bearing a decidedly smaller body to twine himself mirthfully into knots on her bed.
He was laughing, despite his dogged silence. His scales were bristled out in his utter joy, tinkling like ceramic as he moved. When he was able to contain himself Shihihoukousen raised his finely pointed snout, a smile evident on his surprisingly mobile lips. Liquid eyes danced like sunlight on water as he stared at his mistress, willing her to move, speak, anything.
"So..." he drawled, long forked tongue flicking out tauntingly over polished teeth.
"Shut up, Houko." the woman snapped back, narrowing her eyes threateningly as his head raised up a bit more on his long neck, ears swiveling forward amidst his furry mane. With another trickling chuckle he rose, swimming fluidly through the air to wind some of his thin body around the shoulders of his lady, the rest and his tail trailing off the chair and across the floor.
His scales were warm today, smooth and comfortable against her skin as he delicately used his teeth to pluck the towel from Ryu's hair and drop it to the floor.
The dragon had to repress a purr of amusement as the former bluenette leaned back to stare up at him, mutely daring him to comment. Aset, only Aset, had evidently decided it would be great fun to sabotage some of the vanity of her counterpart. The damage of choice being an indelible orange hair dye mixed in among Ryu's pricey shampoos.
Blue and orange were no great friends, though, so Aset's plan was a bit spoiled if she was hoping to liken Ryuichi's hair to her own warm element. From her roots to a bit past her jaw (luckily or unluckily Ryu had noticed the unnaturally colorful soap bubbles on her hands before she'd done the entire length of her hair) her usually rich blue hair was a muddy brown. Her initial shock had quickly dissipated into poorly contained irritation, unnatural amounts of steam billowing from her bathroom when the door had flown open.
The original nagging worry picking at her brain upon learnign Aset had ventured out into the outlands had left the moment her eyes caught her reflection in the mirror. The pyromancer could take care of herself and look forward to a veritable gauntlet of unnatural waterfalls and geysers when she stepped back on Academy grounds.
The scowl that had unconsciously etched itself onto her elegant features twisted into blank surprise at feeling somethign sifting through her hair along her scalp. Houko's horned head was swaying pleasantly, remarkably human hands (that Ryu was certain moments ago bore only three digits and a fighting spur) sorted through the thick locks. The silky tassle of fur decorating the end of his tail idly traced up and down one of her calves, encouraging the high-strung woman to relax as the dragon set about saturating thin strands entirely with water to slowly, painstakingly draw out the dye.
She sighed, Houko mirroring it with a purr. The spirited dragon really made it hard to remain annoyed with him for too long. "Same with Lady Aset, hm?" A delicate eyebrow twitched, lips curving into a frown. "I believe I can make an exception for this offense. She's quick enough to avoid the worst I'd throw after her. So long as no steps are involved."
A comfortably expected silence fell over the partners, thoughts of revenge and worry and anger and annoyance slowly draining from Ryuichi's mind like water from a cracked bowl, leaving a rare, welcome emptiness behind. All was quiet for the moment, students and soldiers asleep or enjoying the peace of the night. Had the clawed hands dragging comfortingly through her hair not been so soothing, the water briefly caressing her scalp as it spiraled around and into her hair been so warm, Ryu would have had no trouble remaining alert and utterly awake.
As it was the firm line of her shoulders started to soften, eyes reduced to hooded blue slits staring at nothing. In her pleasantly hazy state Ryu was only vaguely aware of the soft notes echoing like cavewater from Houko's throat, the old lullaby drifting through the silence. For now Commander and Kamui could relax and take comfort in the bond that tied them at the very core, uncertain but momentarily uncaring of the following day.
|
|
|
Post by Tegan on Nov 17, 2008 13:35:16 GMT -5
The girl was unnaturally quiet. Throughout that first picnic of theirs and the subsequent days on the road, Aset had managed to learn very little from girl with bright green eyes. Well, not much more than she truly did love plants. She had two potted plants that she carried around with her. One was a miniature Red maple tree that she cared for diligently, and the other was a simple Jasmine plant that she seemed to like to stare at while falling asleep.
She hadn’t said much beyond her name, Alexa Sigrun, her age, 17, the fact that she’s an orphan, not at all surprising, and that if she ever seems…not herself, that Aset should run. Very fast. Aset had smiled, lied and promised she would while not pressing for details Alexa clearly didn’t want to give.
Another interesting thing Aset learned from her was that she wanted to get rid of her Tohsu. Aset was baffled by this. Most people she ever met would beg her to bring them to NOA to gain a Kamui and here was this girl who asked Aset to bring her back to NOA to get rid of hers. And Aset still didn’t fully understand how the girl had gotten her Kamui in the first place.
Aset wasn’t sure if Alexa understood who Aset was at NOA, that she was one of the three top commanders, but it didn’t seem to matter to her. “I’ll do what I can,” Aset had promised without specifying what it is she can do.
To start with, Aset could bring her back with her so one month after she left NOA hiding from Ryu’s probable wrath, almost to the day, Aset returned with a quiet, withdrawn, mystery of a teenager with incredible power in tow. Aset knew that if the girl chose to, she’d rise through the ranks quickly because of her great Tohsu. But she also knew that Alexa would probably not be interested.
Aset and Alexa drove into the compound in the early morning, the sun was only just rising. She left the jeep to be unpacked, cleaned up, and repaired by the cadets on duty and she led the wide eyed Alexa up to the officer’s wing where she received some curious glances from those not accustomed to seeing anyone other than officers there. Technically no one other than officers were allowed in the officer’s wing. Even messengers had to be officers.
And when Aset continued on to the commander’s hall without asking her visitor to wait, all the watching officers broke out into immediate gossip and some outraged shouting. Aset ignored them all as she closed the door between the officer’s quarters and the group of suites she shared with Commander Ryuichi and NOA’s general who was still a bit angry with them both for the whole stair business. To Aset’s surprise, Alexa also seemed unaffected by the curiosity and anger that was so obviously directed at her by all the high ranking officers in the room beyond.
“Ryu, darling, I’m hooooome. And I’m not alone so kill me later.” Without waiting for a reply Aset led Alexa into her own personal suit and turned to speak to her directly for the first time since they set out that morning.
“Now, don’t worry yourself about this but according to all the rules, you’re really not supposed to be here.” Alexa opened her mouth to reply but Aset held up her hand for silence.”But,” she continued, “I really don’t think the student and especially not the cadet dorms would be a good place for you at the moment given your desire to rid yourself of Kamui. I’m going to be honest with you, I will do what I can and that is more than most anyone else here, but I do not think that we’ll be able to separate you from your Kamui.”
Aset could see a spark of anger form in Alexa at that. She sat down at the edge of Aset’s bed and remained silent, waiting for an explanation.
“Normally those already bonded with Kamui have to negotiate a contract or agreement between a new potential Kamui/Human pair and that is decidedly difficult. Yet you have somehow managed it all on your own. That tells me that you’ve bonded with a Kamui that either really likes you, or needs you, or is for some reason unwilling to be alone in this world. Whatever the reason, I can’t promise that we’ll be able to get it to leave you. But I think if anyone can reason with a stubborn Kamui, my Shula and the Tensho’s Shihihoukousen will be the ones to do it.”
Alexa nodded, seemingly accepting Aset’s explanation though feeling somewhat doomed at the same time.
“Now, provided we can’t get rid of your Kamui, I’m going to have to find different quarters for you if you’d like to stay with us, which I think you really should, and those different quarters will either be in the students’ dorm or the cadet’s barracks unless you can give me a good reason to place you elsewhere. So why don’t you think about that for a bit and in the mean time, I’ll go speak to Ryu about breakfast and you can formally meet NOA’s commanders; the lovely Ryuichi Tsuyumi and myself."
Alexa’s eyes widened a bit telling Aset that she really hadn’t fully understood her position here as Aset left her personal quarters and entered the common room keeping a careful watch out for wet pitfalls left by Ryu.
“Ryu,” Aset called, “Got any breakfast coming? I have someone for you to meet and something to discuss with you. How’s your beautiful hair?” She added, unable to resist making some fun for herself though she knew bringing it up could prove fatal.
|
|
|
Post by Ginji on Nov 20, 2008 11:38:56 GMT -5
[I'm assuming there's some time bewteen my first post and yours. Since Aset was gone for awhile~]
With a quiet chuckle Shihihoukousen twirled and swam his way into the kitchen, and Ryu could only assume he was intent on cooking from the sounds of pans being jostled around.
He was insane. He really, really was.
Arching an eyebrow, Ryu turned to look over the back of her chair at the newly returned Chiso. The prospect of company Aset had announced made it necessary to ignore the water surging through the pipes in the ceiling, begging to be redirected. "My hair's doing just fabulously." was her lame reply, deciding for the moment to stay silent about the hours and hours she had sat still as her kamui forcibly drew the dye from each individual strand and not give Aset the satisfaction of knowing how successful her prank had been.
The book she had been reading was snapped shut and set to rest on the tea table, Ryu pulling her glasses from atop her head to their customary place on her nose. "I take it you've brought back a souvenir, then?"
Aset was rather carefree and spirited, but she took her duties seriously. For her to bring something, or someone by the way Aset spoke, from the Outlands. And directly up to their restricted quarters since Ryuichi had heard nothing from the bridge announcing the return of their Chiso. Her hands found her slim blue telecom, pressing a few buttons and watching the projected screen click on and hover in the air. Almost immediately the other end picked up, the Officer saluting sharply. The Tensho waved off the impending militaristic greeting. "I'm sure you're aware the Chiso is back, presumably toting company. Restrict the news to our Officers until we've had chance to discuss the matter, please. I'd rather not send the cadets into one of their uproars and the prospect of a newcomer. Continue duties as normal until the Chiso or I issue orders otherwise-"
'Would you ask Lady Aset how she takes her eggs? Her company, too.'
With a twitch Ryu snapped the comm closed, sending the image of the again saluting officer sputtering out. 'Houko, is it really so difficult to hold your questions until after I've finished?' She felt the retort coming, and blocked the dragon momentarily by turning her atention to Aset. "My wayward kamui is wondering how you like your eggs cooked."
'And if she would mind toasting the bread.'
A small yelp followed by a growl that was really more a purr sounded from the kitchen as Houko found a wave of tohsu whipping across his snout. 'We do not ask the Chiso to toast bread, Shihihoukousen.'
'You boil water for your tea all the time, I'm sure Aset does similiar things. If you won't ask her I will and tell Shula you said it would be all right, then you'll need deal with singed hair just after-'
It was very, very difficult to keep from raising a hand to rub her temples. ".... And if you would toast some bread." she added hastily, sending an exasperated look towards the ceiling. That liquid laughter started spilling from the kitchen, earning another muted "Shut up, Houko." from the bluenette as she crossed her legs and sat up a bit straighter.
Satisfied with the kamui's efforts to stifle his amusement as he finished exploring the wonders of cooking with opposable thumbs, Ryuichi turned a more serious blue gaze at her fellow Commander. "Let's hear your story, then Aset. I'm all ears."
|
|
|
Post by Tegan on Nov 20, 2008 13:23:30 GMT -5
Aset would not be her uptight, strict, serious, high-ranking parents’ daughter if she did not find the idea of using her Tohsu to cook toast insulting and degrading. She, of course did use her Tohsu for such things when she was alone but to be asked to do so…that didn’t sit well with her for some reason and she fought with herself to avoid making an angry reply. Shula, however , didn’t bother restricting herself at all.
Aset could feel her sputter a bit, before managing to say “Toast the….How DARE he!” She appeared in the room in a beautiful swirl of fire. A delicate pixie figure a little over four feet tall with the coloring of fire red with bright orange hair and transparent red wings, her orange eyes so like Aset’s own snapping with fury and she stormed off toward the kitchen from which a series of bangs could be heard from the various pots and pans Shula was no doubt throwing at Houko.
Aset brought her gaze back to the Tensho, Shula’s distraction enough to sufficiently bring down Aset’s own temper. Her fiery orange eyes locked with Ryuichi’s cool blue ones. “Tell your Kamui that I am not a cooking appliance, Commander. Scrambled eggs will be fine.”
“The story is simply told. In the outlands I came upon a particularly large Atanan being restrained by trees and vines and such. I then sent the Atanan trotting off and invited Miss Alexa Sigrun here to a picnic and we got to talking a little.”
Aset paused for a moment. Though not a huge fan of drama herself she couldn’t resist the urge to shock when the opportunity presented itself and the idea that someone would want to get rid of such a powerful Tohsu was truly shocking.
Just at that moment, the Commanders’ Kamui came running through the room, the large blue dragon being chased by the fiery little pixie. Aset literally fell out of her chair laughing. Tears of mirth running down her face she could barely manage to ask, “So, Houko, how are those eggs coming?”
Even Alexa cracked a smile at the sight.
Managing to control her laughter Aset sat in her chair again returning to the topic at hand.
“Alexa has not come to join NOA, Ryu. She’s come to ask us to get rid of her Kamui for her.”
|
|
|
Post by Ginji on Nov 22, 2008 21:27:21 GMT -5
He rather expected it, and the explosive reaction of Miss Aset's kamui made his potential faux pas well worth it. The cookery Shula bodily threw at him didn't hurt too much, bouncing off his scales with and impressive clatter. He laughed, surging upwards to cling to the ceiling like an oversized lizard, his humor cut short when a well aimed pan rapped his snout. "Happy to see you back and well as ever, Lady Shula."
She didn't seem amused by his cordiality. Again, expected. At least she was out of cooking utensils. The rack of knives caught his eye and Shihihoukousen dropped, contorting awkwardly in midair as though he had hit the surface of some unseen lake before righting himself and slithering off again. He hardly needed to look to know the other kamui was almost literally on his tail, feeling the heat nipping at his backside.
Ryu twisted her hands together in her lap, physically restraining them from fisting frustratedly in her hair. Stupid dragon. Later she'd need to apologize to the Chiso, after they had taken care of this gaunt dark haired girl.
Twisting and weaving and staying just out of Shula's reach, Houko's velvety ears perked forward at Aset's laughter. It was a wonderous thing, that sound joy the humans made. He enjoyed it so much he'd spent years learning to mimic it, his long throat now accomodating the sound as easily and reflexively as the more dragonic humming purr of good humor. "Ah, yes," he mused, racing a tight loop around the gathered females in his coninuing efforts to avoid a burn harsh enough it would harm the skin beneath his scales. "Your eggs. How thoughtless of me, I'll be but a moment."
It was exceedingly unnecessary, proud showmanship and adamant will to annoy the fire kamui. The dragon curled back along his own lengthy spine, upsidedown but bearing a wide grin as his horned head threatened collision with Shula. A moment before impact Houko exploded into a mass of bubbles and fine mist of shimmering water, the clinking of dishes sounding from the kitchen a moment later as he began plating up the prepared food.
With a minute sigh and a tact, moving-on-now clearing of her throat, Ryuichi again looked to Aset as she righted herself in her chair and spoke.
Ocean blue eyes widened in unchecked shock at what the Chiso imparted, blinking once as she waited for her brain to give her soemthign to say. This Alexa wanted... to lose her tohsu, her kamui?? Unthinkable. A kamui wasn't a pet or a coworker or a friend. A kamui was a part of it's human, the undercurrent to that person's own wave. Of course, it had been tested. Science was their way of life and to leave anything unexplored was to leave potentially lethal waters unmapped.
Her expression darkened, tucking a lock of hair behind an ear, tongue flicking out over her lips before she spoke. "To lose a kamui.... It is potentially dangerous. Fatal, in some cases. Like losing a vital organ. Some simply cannot cope with the sudden dramatic loss of presence and power. There is often an soul sickness, a weakness of body and mind, that follows a separation. We do not know what happens to the kamui, Houko says the illness is similar but never fatal, but the human suddenly without it's influence.... It's like losing a limb, needing to re-adapt to everyday life. Some simply cannot adapt. A mutual cessation of the binding contract or vow makes it much easier with severly reduced unwanted side effects..."
Houko's return momentarily pulled her attention away, the dragon gliding in with various plates and steaming mugs carefully balanced among his coils. Silently he settled the food (bread already toasted) and drink on the low table before slipping behind his mistress' chair. He emerged again a moment later, barely taller than a house cat, and settled himself around her neck beneath the swathe of blue hair.
It troubled her. Should she ever be broken from Shihihoukousen, Ryuichi knew she would be one of those that collapsed in upon the sudden emptiness and died. With a minute shake of her head, the Tensho turned a serious look to Alexa.
"The way Commander Aset said it, 'to get rid of your kamui'.... You spare no affection for your bonded, yet bonded you are. You are not of NOA, found wandering the outlands. Not of the Northern Village, they revere the i'touren and it's beares too much for you to speak so." she narrowed her eyes speculatively, not liking the possibilities. "So, has your kamui broken your contract? Or was there no such thing to begin with? Kamui can seek out an individual," Houko purred, tail twining adoringly around Ryu's neck, "But I've never heard of one forcing harbor in a mortal."
Her comm was flipped open again, typing in a quick message for an Officer to prepare a suite in this wing for their guest. Better keep her here until she had time to settle in and get a few good meals before sending her down among the students. Anything beyond the girl being a guest of the commander's was kept unsaid. News of someone wanting forced removal of their kamui would send a wave of unease through the Academy, making them question whether one day they too would feel so.
"If you can, I would hear anything you may share, Miss Alexa. Should you want them quarters will be available for you here as long as you desire. I trust you've no objections, Aset?"
Next time the Chiso went off on some impromptu adventure... Ryu would need to send a chaperone.
|
|
|
Post by Tegan on Nov 24, 2008 11:16:21 GMT -5
Weakness of mind, huh? Alexa laughed at the thought. She already had a weak mind. So weak that another person was living in it with her. Wait….weakness of mind. Could it make it so weak that Cearra could take over permanently? Alexa had to rethink her plan at that revelation.
Alexa was staring at the blue dragon wrapped around the very blue woman’s neck. And the pixie woman who seemed to be made of fire that was coming in from the kitchen with a scowl on her face and a very hostile glare directed and the dragon.
“Contact?” She asked. “You mean…you can…..communicate with these things? Speak with them? Whatever it is that’s forcing this power on me, I’ve never spoken with it. And it is forcing it on me. I never agreed to anything. At least…I don’t even know.” Alexa sighed and buried her face in her hands for a second. This would be something Cearra would do. But when? When could she possibly have made a contract with some magical creature? It’s not like she sticks around and chats people up whenever she takes over. Alexa had never before wanted to speak with her “other” before but she would dearly have loved to know if this was one more thing she could directly blame Cearra for. Well at least she could safely indirectly blame Cearra. It was Cearra that this thing was interested in.
“I’ve never spoken with it,” she continued, “But I do know that it wants me….sort of. It wants what I can offer which it feels it’s not likely to find anywhere else. And, before you ask, please don’t; I’d really rather not discuss what it is it wants from me. I’d really rather not think about it at all.” Realizing she probably wouldn’t get away with not giving them more information than that she added, “In short, I can give it access to both sides of its element both earth and plants though I really only play with the plant side when I have to use it at all.”
At the Tensho’s offer of quartering her in their own apartments, Alexa was shocked. “You’re much too kind, m’lady. And it’s really unnecessary; I can sleep on the street. Or I’m sure there’s an abandoned building somewhere that will suit me just fine. Um, what more can you tell me about this possible……..weakness of mind?” The idea of her mind growing so weak that Cearra could take over permanently terrified Alexa more than even her father ever could.
|
|
|
Post by Ginji on Dec 5, 2008 11:00:33 GMT -5
Ryu didn't like this. Not one bit. She felt Houko's now-small claws prick into her shoulders, his absence of care evidence of his own upset. The kamui loved people, and took his role as a kamui, the embodiment of tohsu and an envoy of Okikurumi, very seriously. His irritation, as close as Ryu had ever seen Houko to truly angered, was abruptly cut off with a wall of ice the moment the woman reached out to his mind. She kept her shock at the rejection perfectly masked, but knew at least Aset and Shula would probably feel her ricocheted wave ripple across the room.
The Tensho had expected Shihihoukousen would have wanted to speak to the girl, with his fondness for questions and conversation. but the dragon held his tongue and busied restless hands with weaving a few thin pieces of blue hair into a tight braid. The unsettled scales, still jostled in upset, were uncomfortable against her skin- thin and sharp edged. Her kamui's unnatural behavior made Ryuichi raise a hand to agitatedly adjust her glasses, staring uneasily at the dragon for a moment before returning her attention to Alexa.
"Contact, communicate, coexist.... I can honestly say in my experience I've never found nor heard of a bonded pair that do not speak. That did not interact on a rather intimate level." A tail lashed against the back of her shoulder, the little dragon letting out a short, low hum. "It wants you for some reason or another, and it's lack of communication on the matter, the lack of communication at all, is disturbing. Kamui are ambassadors of the higher spirit, bound by law and contract-"
"It's deplorable, this behaviour." Houko snapped, hissing like water on hot metal and tying off the end of his lengthy braid with the end of a strand. Ryu nodded slowly, feeling her kamui start on another braid as he lapsed back into silence. She looked to Aset, hoping the Chiso would speak up if she had anything to add or felt differently about the situation. "Atanan roam here more than anywhere else, attracted by the congregation of so many humans and i'touren. If you don't want to stay in the Officer's wing at least accept a room in the dormitories or barracks. We'll do what we can to help you, and things will be easier if you're convenient. So far as I'm concerned you are free to wander outside NoA and EDEN since it sounds like you are capable of staying well enough alive, but it would hardly be hospitable to send you to seep in the gutters."
She shifted, feeling Houko automatically match her movement to retain his perch. "The separation sickness isn't well known. There has been little study, and what we do had has been of little use since we lack the kamui's half of the equation. The humans that live through it and recover enough to tell us of the experience can share little. So far as I know it's something like a physical illlness, applied mentally. Weakens the mind rather than the body and makes mental processes slow and foggy." The Tensho knew less on the subject than the dirl probably wished to know, the bluenette frowning at her lack of knowledge as she crossed her legs.
"I'd like to hear any input you may have, Aset. For now the only thing I can think is to keep Miss Alexa near NoA, ask around of the kamui here if they know anything of hers, and keep her well-acquainted with our laboratories and libraries."
|
|
|
Post by Tegan on Dec 5, 2008 13:19:06 GMT -5
Aset shifted uncomfortably. She had avoided this topic the whole way back and had secretly hoped to avoid it permanently. She hated crushing the hopes of people and she had gotten the distinct impression that Alexa was very sensitive when it came to her mind and mental state. No doubt that’s why she had focus on the mental illness and disregarded the physical aspect entirely.
”NOA’s come a long way from its foundation. In terms of its treatment of, well…everyone. There was a time when the knowledge gleamed from a test was far more important than the test subjects used. There was a time when the commanders wanted to know the affects of the separation so bad they would force a pair to bond, then pull them apart; when they would find a pair that had a bond as close as the Tensho’s or mine with Shula and pull them apart to see the effects of that. Or so my parents told me.”
Aset was watching Ryu’s face for her reaction. Aset remembered when the woman before her first came to NOA. A sad, sorry, scrawny child with a haunted look. One of two. The other had died shortly after and though they were in much the same state, the girl NOA named Ryuichi Tsuyumi fought hard and survived. She never stopped fighting either and she pulled herself up from the very bottom of the ranks to reach one of the top positions. Her’s was quite an impressive story. But despite all that, despite her being the Tensho, there were still things about NOA that she couldn’t know. Things that don’t get taught in class or gone over in briefings, the two places Ryu no doubt received all her information. Aset, on the other hand, had had very high ranking parents, whose parents were equally high ranking and so on. Aset could trace her lineage to the founding of this great institution and as such, her family held all its dirty secrets and past shames. She held all its shame. Aset was fairly certain her liquid counterpart would find all of this quite horrifying.
She brought her fiery gaze to meet Alexa’s bright green eyes. She had a feeling this next bit of horror wouldn’t sit well with the girl. “Some of the…test subjects created an…allusion for themselves and called it by the name of their former bond. They lost their minds pretending they still had powers. Pretending they were still connected with their Kamui. They hallucinated its continued existence. They often hurt themselves and more often, they hurt others. Many of them were shot after they became a threat and after all the information had been attained. Others, less close to their Kamui, simply became something of an empty shell of their former selves. They existed, and retained their own sane mental processes but…they were pretty much just ghosts of their former self. These tests were all, of course, quite hush hush.”
Shula pulled herself back into Aset’s mind in a puff of smoke. She disliked being exposed, especially when she wasn’t happy. She felt cool to Aset’s consciousness. All traces of temper gone; her mood somber. Aset was troubled by Shula’s quiet withdrawal. She liked to have the last word when she fought with other Kamui, especially with Houko who she was actually quite fond of despite appearances. Aset had no doubt that Ryu was feeling similar apprehension about the mood of her own Kamui, her whiplash wave was fresh in all their minds.
Contrary to all the evidence, Shula actually had quite firm control of her own temper; she just relinquished that control when it wasn’t important such as when Houko goaded her on, but now, when it mattered, she was calm.
Shula, why don’t you try to calm Houko down a bit, and then see if you can contact Alexa’s little parasite, hmm? See what the damn thing wants with her.
I think I’ll do just that. Slap him out of his stupor maybe.
Be nice, asset called to Shula’s retreating presence.
Shula approached Shihihoukousen’s icy consciousness. Shihihoukousen! Snap out of it you over-grown lizard. Aset has asked me a favor and I am determined to fulfill. Let’s see if we can’t contact this Kamui and right this wrong. Now why don't you make yourself useful instead of simmering in your own righteous fury?
Aset continued speaking after sending Shula on her mission. ”As for Alexa’s sleeping arrangements, a suite here will be fine for now, I’d like to keep her close while we sort this out, though as Commander Ryuichi said, you are of course free to leave if you wish, Miss Alexa. If you decide to stay with us, we’ll figure out where to put you later. You’re not alone anymore, Alexa; you don’t need to search for a place to sleep or food to eat. We’ll take care of you as much as you let us. You’re safe here.
|
|
|
Post by Ginji on Dec 10, 2008 11:29:14 GMT -5
Aset's uncharacteristic, uncomfortable squirming nearly made Ryuichi mimic the action. Aset might have been fidgety occasionally, but that could be equated to her high energy level. This just... wasn't quite the same. More troubling was when Aset's bright eyes found her darker ones, watching without their usual gleam of good humor.
She spoke, and the news was... disturbing. Had she been alone, probably had she been with only Aset for company, the Tensho would have risen to pace the room and irritatedly pluck at her gloves, twist her hair, any of her usually unseen signs of agitation. For now, in front of Alexa, the woman schooled her features into controlled acknowledgment.
She was a Commander, a soldier, a scientist. The news should hardly have been surprising. NoA had begun as the 'Government Research Facility', and the name alone had an unpleasant taste. When she had reached sufficient rank she had been told the truth of Professor Utsuho Hasumi's reign, his horrid experimentation and corruption one of the driving reasons for the near sacred pacts and bonds between human and kamui now.
Still, to have the dark knowledge inexorably confirmed... Ryu knew she must have been more upset than she was admitting since she felt Houko press himself tightly against her neck, his thin body cool and familiar. The soft-scaled side of his muzzled face brushed against her cheek, mute consolation and comfort. She turned her head to look at the dragon as Aset continued to speak, to find Houko already looking away with his ears perked forward and an intent look upon his face.
Ryuichi felt the hiss as Shula must have contacted Houko, the collision of their elements inevitably creating some sort of clash.
Shihihoukousen, in a poor mood, did not jump at the opportunity to return the overgrown lizard comment with some good-natured but snide nickname. His head tilted as he listened to Shula, calming a bit knowing his fellow kamui shared some of his sentiments about Alexa's unwelcome companion.
'Contact it, yes. I've every intention of trying to amend the situation, but I worry for Miss Alexa. If we contact this kamui that has apparently commandeered at least a portion of her body and mind, and it decides we are hostile or knows of our ultimate intentions to separate... A great deal of damage could befall the girl. You know the wounds that can leave, beyond repair by even another kamui...' He paused, growling lightly in irritation.
Sparing a short word and farewell for his mistress, Shihihoukousen let his physical body melt away to transition himself to the kamui's plane, preferring to speak 'face-to-face' with Shula but be able to keep an eye and ear on the proceedings of the three women.
What they said Ryu did not know besides the scant details Houko had imparted, but trusted the kamui would share later if it was something she needed to hear. Whatever it was seemed to placate the dragon enough, his scales flattening once again to their more usual smoothness before he left their plane in a cloud of mist. She still felt him nearby, a reassuring presence, and assumed he was conferring with Shula the same way the Commanders would.
They just had the luxury of an exclusively private place to do it.
The dragon curled himself in a loose loop, turning to find Shula. He could see her for now, and would be able to unless the fire deity decided she'd like to hide herself from his detection. 'It's a delicate matter, and one I'm not certain how to sink my claws into without making it splinter. It's obvious we will be as much involved in this as your Chiso and my Ryu, for if we are to attempt a successful repulsion of a kamui there will need to be extended prying in this realm.' The dragon didn't have a plan, and the new prospect of being without one made his long spine prick uncomfortably. 'Yes, I'd like to talk to this wayward kamui as much as I'm sure you do, Lady Shula... I simply do not know how to go about it.'
He was water. An unstoppable force that could carve through any barrier, pass any obstacle- surge, shape, carve, and overcome. Eventuall success was assured, the only issue.... time. Water could rage and destroy, but the true, indominable obstacles that stood in it's way took time to erode. And time was most likely not in Alexa's favor.
|
|
|
Post by Tegan on Jan 18, 2009 1:07:36 GMT -5
Alexa listened to all the information the two older women had for her with growing horror and fear that was no doubt quite evident on her face. Upon hearing Aset speak of the allusions some people created her goal to rid herself of this power vanished completely. She already had an allusion of a kind, she didn’t need another.
Her sudden change of mind would be awfully suspicious without an explanation though. She doubted these two intelligent women wouldn’t notice the drastic change of heart coupled with whatever weak lie she could come up with in the given time limit. So, she decided to tell them a little bit of the truth.
”Look, um, I really appreciate all this. After hearing this information of what could happen to me I’ve changed my mind. I’d really rather not speak of why, but I doubt I can get away with that so...here goes.
I have what some would call multiple personalities. Please don’t ask me why, or what caused it. Just...please don’t.” Alexa’s eyes were pleading for them to not press that part. Cearra she could discuss if she had to, her past she could not. Partially because it was a difficult subject for her, but mostly because even an in depth memory of it all could trigger Cearra’s personality to take over and that was almost always fatal to someone. Alexa took a shuddered breath and continued. “She calls herself Cearra and like this...Kamui or whatever of mine, I can’t talk to her. The only reason I know her name is because she left someone alive once and that person happened to ask her what she was.
Cearra is very dangerous. I’ve been trained in various martial arts and weapon use my whole life and what I know how to do, she knows how to do only she takes it to a whole new level. Cearra’s a murderer. I can’t stop her. I can’t do anything about her, believe me, I’ve tried. Hell,” She let out a short, dry laugh, “I’ve tried to kill her before. I’ve tried to kill us before, but she never lets me. I’ll be holding a knife to my wrist one second, and the next thing I know I’m weaponless and twenty miles from wherever I last remembered being.
I want to get rid of this power because it makes her stronger; it gives Cearra more power and I’ve changed my mind because I can’t risk the side affect of your ‘weakness of mind’ that you mentioned. Such a thing might kill me and leave only her. I can’t let that happen. I’m sorry to have troubled you about this...” Alexa trailed off quietly and ended her story staring fixedly at her toes fighting back tears. Hers had been a long, hard road and she’d never before spoken of herself to anyone.
Then, remembering them mentioned dorms and barracks, Alexa added, “I’m dangerous, my ladies; I don’t think it would be a good idea to put me near others who couldn’t defend themselves against her. I don’t think it would be a good idea to put me in a dorm or barracks. Other than that, I don’t care what you decide to do with me.”
|
|
|
Post by Ginji on Apr 9, 2009 0:15:45 GMT -5
It was a difficult story to hear, and so infinitely more difficult to speak Ryu was certain. At the very least this Alexa was brave, and stronger than the Tensho had originally believed. This girl had made it so far alone, and Ryu hardly intended to let her continue with no help whatsoever. She was fairly certain that Aset would be rather disinclined to let the girl leave without making an attempt at offering aid. Sparing a look to the Chiso, Ryu ran a hand through her blue hair before leaning forward, elbows on her knees.
Aquamarine eyes stared openly at Alexa as though waiting for a solution to the growing problem to somehow become physically tangible. Where the hell was Houko? She had questions that needed the kamui's answer, feeling a bit uneasy without the dragon's freakishly sage-like insight. The Tensho's lips pursed into a thin line, steepling her fingers and resting her chin in the space between. Aset certainly knew how to keep thing interesting... Only the Chiso would be able to drive off, alone, into an absolute desolate wasteland and bring back such an undeniable, dangerous, and worrisome problem.
Ryuichi would have been feeling exponentially more confident had Aset brought a rabid Atanan back to the compound.
Regardless... Ryuichi's duty was to NOA, the people, and the kamui. Alexa fit at least two of the criterion. It would be a blatant lie for Ryu to say she didn't desperately want to help, either. As though Shihihoukousen would have given her a choice has she declined, anyway.
But if Alexa was to be believed, and there was no reason to doubt the poor girl, then this Cearra and the vagrant kamui were indeed a very real and very real threat to any unfortunate enough to be nearby when Alexa's control faltered. Apprehension threatened to overtake Ryuichi's controlled mask, thoughts going a mile a minute but seemingly making no progress. How were they to help Alexa without dangering the students let alone the non-military families living within EDEN's borders?
Blue eyes blinked, eyebrows arching up. "Tokyo." she said abruptly. It wasn't much of a plan, but it was a starting point. "If you won't take up accommodations within the Academy we can't very well put you within EDEN. There are civilian families in the settlements there, who wouldn't stand a chance if this Cearra or rogue kamui fell into a rage. However, I at least would like to try and help you, Miss Alexa. Much of the former capitol is in ruin, but a few kilometers south of EDEN's barriers is still standing very soundly. NOA is nearest that southern border, as well, so on the chance of such a... fit, there would be little left to be ruined and we could respond almost immediately."
A frown, a pause. So many holes in this half-plan. But it was better than nothing. Or so she hoped. Ryu wet her lips, distracted by her own thougts. "I'touren and kamui is a specialty in our research labs here. If anyone in the world is left to help you, Alexa, I do hope it is us who can do it." A short nod punctuated the statement, a few blue locks slipping from behind an ear. She would have added a smile, but the woman was rather certain confidence would do more for the girl at the moment than kindness. "If you would stay, Chiso Aset and I can assure you the best care and protection we and the Academy can offer. The decision is ultimately yours. Though at the very least I hope you would rest a few nights, let us feed you a few good meals and see you with some supplies and extra clothing before you continue on your way."
|
|