[Voice]

[therewerefifty]

[Makie has had a lot to think about in the week since the invasion, and given the recovery needed, a lot of time to think it in.  By the end of the week, the lingering ties she feels to those from the event are gone, but she remembers their names, and still remembers many of them fondly.  (She sometimes wonders if, had the circumstances of her life been different, Makie would have been anything like that woman.  Shikamaru's mother.  Logan's cousin.  Older sister/mentor to teenagers and generally content with her lot in life.  Also, dying.  But it was a small price to pay.)

She's come to several conclusions in the intervening week.  She feels more peaceful for it, all things considered.   More certain of her right to be here.  And more contemplative on other topics as well, because now she's had a taste of the sort of enemy Luceti faces...

...when she finally feels more like herself, she addresses the journal, in a soft but firm voice.]

There is something I wish to ask, and one thing to clarify.  During the events of last week, my family name was Harukawa.  Please don't remember me by this name.  My full name is Makie Otono-Tachibana.  

[Strange thing to ask, she supposes.  Most people would have forgotten already, but... just in case.  She wouldn't stand for it.]

I had questions.  Or rather, a request.  I'd like to hear from any who have fought these cultists directly.  I wish to hear of your experience.  If you have the patience to tell me these things, I would appreciate it.

Miss Sage... [She hesitates a moment.]  If you have the time, would you stop by to see me this afternoon?  It...should be safe.  [A journal lesson is long overdue.]

...

[She comes so close to asking after her false family. Best to leave it alone.]

...thank you.

[Makie, the ever-formal, signing off. :|b]

Comments

[Voice]

[goldenglasses]

So that's your full name. It's a very pretty name!

[Voice]

[therewerefifty]

[...]

Thank you. Even if your memory is faulty, Mr Vash. I introduced myself in full when we first met.

[Voice]

[goldenglasses]

I know, but I was just thinking how much better that would sound it if was Mrs. Makie Otono-Tachibana and Mr. Vash Otono-Tachibana.

[Yes, Vash knows full well Makie's name. Just being his usual obnoxious self with wanting to flirt.]

[voice ; filtered]

[calmbeforethe]

It's good to officially meet you, Makie. [ Ororo smiles faintly. She'd been friendly before, perhaps it would carry over to the present. ] I'd like it if you remember me by my name as well, if isn't much to ask. My name is Ororo Munroe. [ Not, y'know, Howlett. But that goes unsaid. ]

[voice ; filtered]

[therewerefifty]

[To hear Ororo on the network introduce herself unknots one small worry in the back of Makie's mind and her answering smile is small but genuinely warm.]

Yes, of course. I am glad to meet you more... honestly. [Not quite right, is it? But close enough.]

[voice ; filtered]

[calmbeforethe]

As am I. [ Ororo's glad that Makie isn't asking too many questions. It was awkward enough, dealing with the aftermath of last week with what had been her 'family.' Thankfully Makie seemed easier to talk to. Especially since they already had something to talk about: ]

You mentioned something about the cultists, yes? What was it you wanted to know?

[Voice]

[voidseeing]

[Not an unexpected question after everything that's happened lately; in fact, that's exactly why Gai feels it's worth his time to answer it.]

Yeah, multiple times. What do you want to know about them?

[Voice]

[therewerefifty]

[Her request was too vague, she sees. Makie's quiet for a moment, trying to phrase it the right way.

On the other hand...]

Multiple times. Do you always win?

[Voice]

[voidseeing]

So far, but who knows how long our luck will hold here. In case you haven't noticed, we're the ones at a disadvantage.

[That last fight was not one of his better ones, even he will admit that.]

[sun_showers]

Saori and I did, Makie. Though she might be the better one to ask, she's had a lot more experience with them. [Her voice isn't all that happy, like it usually is. It's not a war she really wants to involve herself in.]

[therewerefifty]

...was this when she fought Zompano? [Makie is unsure. She didn't ask for details at the time.]

[sun_showers]

Well, that's not the only time from what I understand. I guess there's been plenty of times in the past that she's had to deal with them. [Which she doesn't like thinking about.]

[Voice]

[daisy023]

Ma'am... Makie. [She berates herself for the sudden formality for a military subject.] I've got experience with cultists, and similar enemies from my universe -- religious fanatics.

[Voice]

[therewerefifty]

[There's a brief pause.] Are you at home, Daisy?

[She'll come to talk to you in person if so.]

[Voice]

[daisy023]

I won't take long. I'll be there in a moment.

[She had been at the gym, but it can wait. Daisy will take a quick shower before coming back home, and search through her personal documents for the notes she took of her encounters on her room.]

[Voice]

[wise_maiden]

Hm? Yes, it's no trouble. I'll see you in a couple of hours. Is there anything I can pick up for you?

[Voice]

[therewerefifty]

No, that's all right. [...] I should warn you that I'm still ill. If you'd prefer not to be in close quarters with me, I'd understand.

[Voice]

[wise_maiden]

I'll take precautions, don't worry.

[dangerouswind]

I have the patience, if you have a more direct question.

[therewerefifty]

I'm not sure of the more direct question to ask. [But she'll try something simple.] How many have you fought?

[dangerouswind]

More than I remember. I've been here awhile. They can be pretty damned devious.

[Voice]

[geniustheveil]

[She answers as Mercury, calmly. It's a way to preserve her identity since it's Mercury who's fought the cultists, and a way to separate the two halves of who she is.]

I've fought before, in the Drafts. I'll speak with you about it if you'd like.

[Voice]

[therewerefifty]

I'd appreciate it. I'm... merely trying to measure the best way to fight them when you are not magical in nature.

[Voice]

[yourfononsarewhack]

It's the strangest thing. I just can't get ahold of the person I usually use for explanations. [Guy just can't be summoned into this world by Jade's sarcasm alone.] I suppose that I'll have to give you the information you request by myself.

[Voice]

[therewerefifty]

[Makie blinks. Gosh, must you always be sarcastic.]

Many have already volunteered information, Colonel Curtiss. But I'd be interested in the perceptions of a military official.