therewerefifty | [Action all over]

[Vash was suppose to be working, but it was a bit slow at the moment. So instead he was working on putting a few varieties of sandwiches together before wrapping them up and putting them into a basket. A basket of the picnic shaped variety.

He beams when he catches sight of Makie.] Makie! I wasn't expecting to see you here! Are you feeling better then?

Edited 2013-09-18 14:04 (UTC)

[Oh gawd it's you 8| Her smile is a good deal more hesitant for Vash. Probably because she never knows when he's going to put his foot in it.]

...that's right. I've come to see Rin. Is he here?

Yeah, he's around. [He gives his nod a quick shake.] Think he's taking care of things over there.

I was actually hoping to run into you at home today. Are you going to be busy later?

[...that sounds ominous.]

Today...? Quite busy.

I'm also in the process of moving.

Aw? Really? Well, I suppose I did promise you a weekend picnic. What are your plans for the weekend?

[This confusion on her face. It clearly says she's forgotten about weekend picnics until now. Er.]

I should really wait until I'm a little healthier for such an outing, Mr Vash.

Aw, but I promised you a picnic and I keep my promises! But I suppose you being healthy is more important. [He taps his chin for a moment.] We could have it inside or just a short one!

You promised a woman that doesn't exist. I would not hold your not keeping that promise against you.

No I didn't. I promised a woman I enjoy spending time with that I'd take her on a picnic for a bit of fun. I intend to keep that promise!

Even if the woman has no interest in picnics?

No interest doesn't mean dislike, does it? It could be fun! Just enjoying the last of the good weather with some food doesn't sound like too bad of a time, does it?

...why on earth do you enjoy spending time wtih me?

Why not? You seem like a pretty nice person! Who wouldn't like spending time with not only a pretty woman, but a nice one to boot! That's why!

[Pretty girl, nice girl. Her look is very measuring.]

And is that as far as your intentions lie?

Hm? Heh, well yeah! There's not really other ways to make friends now past getting to know each other, is there?

...you are a very strange man.

I can't promise to be good company, Mr Vash. I'm terrible at being sociable.

[Vash just laughs - loudly - at the strange comment.] Hahaha! Yeah! I get that a lot! And that's okay if you're terrible at being sociable! Just means you need a little more practice! You're good at eating sandwiches right? That's all you need to be good at for a picnic!

Not everyone needs to be sociable. [She may be more comfortable being in this place. Comfort and sociabiity are two different beasts.] I must confess I've had very little in the way of sandwiches, but they seem simple enough.

[Vash decides to ignore that first part. Just happy she's not saying no to coming out with him.]

They are! They're really great because of it! Really filling, but also super tasty and all at the same time being simple to make and eat! Ah, as long as you can eat bread!

[He can't. That's why he's just been making a whole bunch of different ones for her to try. He wasn't sure what she would like.]

I can eat bread.

[Yep, that's the entirety of her response.]

Perfect! Then you'll love these! It will be fun!

[...he's going to push this isn't he.]

We'll see.

Well, I'm looking forward to it at least! When do you think you'll be free?

I couldn't tell you that, Mr Vash. As I said, I'm still recovering.

Please give me time to put my life back into working order, at least.

Alright then! When you're feeling better just let me know then! If the weather turns cold we'll just have an inside picnic!

...quite. I appreciate the thought.

You're welcome!

[He finishes putting the sandwiches in the box with a happy nod.] Yup! This basket should be big enough!

You just let me know when you're feeling better! I'm ready now to put a picnic together whenever you're feeling up to it!

[...]

You were practising?

Hehehe! Well, it's been a long time since I've been on a picnic! [Over a hundred years in fact.] Just wanted to make sure I'm going to get it right!

[...you are a very strange man.]

I suppose if it helps. Please excuse me.

[Movin' off to see Rin. You weirdo. :|]

I'll see you around later!

[Saori is not hard to find, if Makie is familiar with her habits by now. Since she's finally gotten back on her feet she's been outside in the little martial arts training ring she'd built some months before, putting herself through paces. Once she feels Makie's presence on her, though, she'll stop and head on over.]

Morning. [She beams and wipes off a sheen of sweat with a handkerchief.]

[It's quite surprising how familiar Makie has become with the way another person spends their time. Friendship is a reasonably new concept to her, and she wonders if Saori knows as much about Makie's own habits.

Possibly, the news she has today won't come as much of a surprise. But it's hardly as if she needs to blurt it out and run away. She's already been told how foolish that is, and...she agrees.

It's nice to see Saori on her feet, in any case. Her smile is genuinely warm.]

Good morning, Saori. You look like you're doing much better.

[Nodding, she beams and vaults over the railing around the ring as if to prove she can. Her legs don't wobble or anything, and she seems to be back to normal. Which...she is for the most part.]

I am doing better, yes. Much better, thank you. And how are you today my friend?

[She lets her smile widen, spreading across her face and lighting it up like sunshine.]

Well I hope.

Quite well, actually. [She watches that vault with some faint concern, but it's clear enough after a moment that Saori is indeed just fine.] I thought I might finally leave the house for a while today. It...seems I don't need to worry about infection anymore.

[Well at that, Saori's face breaks into a chipper smile.]

The doctors said it had passed? Oh, that's wonderful news! I'm glad they were able to help you, dear. Just...[She pauses thoughtfully.] Don't strain yourself, alright?

Edited 2013-09-19 15:05 (UTC)

Not quite passed. [Her smile turns rueful, and she lays a hand against her chest.] The illness is still within me, but its symptoms are dormant. I am informed that I must keep taking medication until the prescription runs out, or it may come back worse than before.

...but for all intents and purposes, as long as I faithfully take the medication, I am fine.

Then you're out of danger. That's good. [See, she trusts that you are intelligent enough to...y'know...keep taking the medicine properly.]

It's really good news. Maybe it will take time to recover completely, but you'll get there!

Mmm. The rest seems a formality, it seems. I'll be careful.

[She pauses a moment.]

I suppose...formality is why I've come to see you today.

[She tilts her head and looks quizzically at her friend.]

Oh? And what formality is that?

[She closes her eyes a moment, but it's more a peaceful look than any real awkwardness. She's not sure she can convey the right reasons here.]

You extended me an invitation to stay with you when I first arrived, and for that I'm deeply grateful. And you also insisted I stay when I foolishly tried to leave those months ago. The wrong reasons, I know.

But I feel I've been here long enough. [She smiles faintly.] Now that I've grown used to Luceti, I think I would like to try taking an apartment.

[It's not really a surprise, and it's definitely not something Saori feels is wrong. Everyone needs to take their own path, find a hearth, settle in. The house has been a fairly happy place, and Makie has been a part of making it brighter but there's certainly no reason why Saori would have a problem with that explanation. It's not some ridiculous reason, and Makie is better.

Saori smiles brightly.]

That sounds lovely. I think that will be good for you, and I certainly understand the need to stretch your wings. But if I may, I'd like to place a blessing on you. Something that will let me find you, if things become bad again.

[She hopes things will not, but Makie long has lived in the real world. The offer is touching, either way. A blessing from a goddess.]

I would be honoured.

[Stepping closer, her fingers begin to trace a pattern in the air. Makie might recognize the character (匿) if she's literate, though Saori has no idea. Sparks fly along her fingertips, the space between them positively thrumming with power.

Then Saori speaks, her words rote and ceremonial, a ritual repeated many times.]

Makie, you are blessed by the Daughter of Wind and Rain. The sky will watch over you, and should harm befall you your enemy will suffer tenfold. Should you need me, I will find you.

[And then the symbol darts forward, flowing into Makie. For a brief instant, it pulses against her chest, leaving a faint tingling sensation. That then fades as the rite completes. The goddesses demeanor changes back to it's cheery, less weighty self, and she inclines her head in a fractional bow.]

You'll come back to visit, yes? I'd hate to miss our tea times together.

[She's never been faced with a direct display of Saori's power. The symbol is recognisable, though Makie doesn't really pay full attention once the ritual starts in earnest. Her hand comes up to touch the warm tingle of the symbol's passage.]

You will see me often. I enjoy the company of your household a great deal.

[Then she smiles.]

Thank you, Saori.

[Smiling brightly, Saori crosses the space between them and gives Makie a quick hug. Nothing fancy or clinging, just one friend to another.]

You're welcome, Makie.

[Pulling back, she grins and nods back towards the ring she'd come from.]

When you're able, we'll have to train together so you can get your stamina back.

I'd be glad to. [She nearly extends an invitation to visit the battle dome with her, and then Makie decides she'd prefer to know how to use it first.] To be honest, I look forward to finding ways to rebuild my strength. These last few months have been very...quiet.

[Dull. She hasn't trained at all. Makie feels vastly out of practice.]

I understand that. I've only been out for a month, and I already feel less sharp. I missed this...[She indicates the ring.] And the Battle Dome. It's good to get back outside. You wouldn't think so short a time could have such an impact, though. Maybe it's the barrier, but I just don't feel as fast as I should be.

When I was a child, I learned that taking one day off from training required a good ten days of harder work to compensate. The human body forgets... or it becomes lazy.

[Back when her father still deigned to teach her, that was. He was humouring her.]

I guess that would be true...yes. This body isn't quite human, but a month off is still a month off.

It sounds as though you worked hard as a child though...

Not as hard as you would think. My father told me that more or less to discourage me. He assumed the knowledge was enough that I would lose interest in the dojo.

I had other lessons that were more important, so my time in the dojo was purely to satisfy a young girl's curiosity.

Oh? What lessons were those?

[She knew Makie valued training, she identified as a fighter, so the statement made her curious. What would a younger Makie value that much?]

[To Makie they weren't quite so much important as they were important to her family. Before a certain day. The dojo was more fun, she remembers. Then, she didn't take it seriously at all. That was her brother's job.]

I was the daughter of a samurai household with great expectations placed upon it. The only role for a woman such as myself would be as a wife her husband could take pride in.

[That's something that draws a faint laugh from Saori. Her own father, her entire family even, had been so different from that. Even though she knew a bit about Makie's past, it always struck her as off.]

I'm not so certain I'd agree with your family's logic there. The tradition of Onna-Bugeisha was certainly nothing to dismiss. Maybe the traditions changed over time, but that's still nonsense.

Mm. I know that tradition had more prominence in earlier times. That my father agreed to teach me at all is a mark of it-- I would still be expected to take up arms in defence of my household. But... [She searches for the words, and her thoughts turn to Kagehisa.] Form. Decorum. Tradition. Where the country is at peace, so much of these parts of our society have been highly ritualised. Women have little place in such things anymore.

Were I not from a samurai bloodline, it may have been different. [Ironically. Still, as that day with the dogs confirmed for her, to be rescued by a girl was considered too degrading.]

[Saori snorts at the thought. The tradition of war, the ritualization of it, that was something that'd always somewhat amused her for one reason or another. Granted the time she'd been a child, her life as mortal, had been during a wilder era. It was simply expected for nobility to learn to defend themselves, and then there was the matter of gempukku.]

Strange to think how much a few centuries can change a society, isn't it? I wasn't much older than you when I changed, but it sounds as though the life I had was so very different.

I suppose it's perhaps the difference between a time of war and a time of peace. Some say we've had too much peace... certainly a samurai's life now is far different than it would have been even in my grandfather's time.

Some people would say that there's no such thing as too much peace...but I'm afraid I can't quite agree with that. Life needs the spice of battle, or something at least, to make it worth living.

[Says the easily bored immortal...shut up Saori]

[Makie smiles faintly at that, looking down at her hands in her lap.]

I suppose everyone needs something different in their lives. If battle is what makes it worthwhile for some...

It's just a part of life. What is it without some measure of conflict? I know you understand what I mean.

[She does. She just...wishes it was different.]

Living a life without conflict... means you don't hurt anyone.

Maybe. Or maybe you're just the person being hurt. Either way, wouldn't it make for a limited existence? There's only so much people can do on their own, and they will always disagree. If everyone agreed on everything, where would we be?

[Saori has no illusions about that sort of life. Conflict is in her nature, as a living expression of nature. She almost craves it, at times. The pull to destroy and take is strong, almost a need. She's good about holding that instinct in check, but a storm is still a storm.]

[Makie has a lot of thoughts on Saori's point of view. On a base level, she knows very well what the world is like. But she can also see how much pain she's inflicted on those she knows and cares about. Including herself. Just by existing.

Luceti is a gentler touch than home ever was. Here, it feels...permitted to be herself. Home is different. So very different.

She is different.

Limited existence.]

...

I think such a world is incapable of existing. Even the laws of society themselves cause conflict...

[...]

It would be nice to keep my memories of this place.

[It's sort of on the same subject.]

[For a moment, she's quiet. The idea of a place like that simply didn't appeal to her, and she could absolutely agree there. Society created conflict, and even then it was just the way of the world. She's a being with a violent nature, so her mind is skewed. Peace would be a nice reprieve but making it permanent and lasting would mean the death of so many things, herself included.

The final comment, though, snaps her attention back.]

Would you? I think...maybe that might be where you and I differ. There are some things I would never ever want to lose. But there are so many things I just want to forget. Shifts and loneliness wore on me for so, so long.

This place is...

[She pauses. She's unsure if she wants to go this far in confession, but...

...]

This place is a refuge for me. Nothing is required of me. It means...I can live for me. Or I've learned how to.

[Sort of.]

I'll go home, and I'll forget that.

[Saori's eyes close and she smiles sadly.]

I suppose I can understand that. I don't know how many memories I'd want to keep, but I'd hate to go home and forget about my friends here. [Makie included. And she has a confession of her own, at that.]

But I honestly don't want to leave. Not yet. I...don't know if you saw it in the tunnels, but I've been here before. I-I was experimented on here in the past, but I have no memory of it. So I want to stay. I want to remain long enough to put a stop to this, to keep people from coming back. And to find a way home through my own power.

It has to be possible, someway. And if that's true, then maybe we can find a way home with our memories intact.

[Mention of the tunnels confuses her, with Makie so distanced from the journals in general. So she doesn't actually know what Saori is talking about. The confusion may flicker on her face, before she follows the gist of what Saori is really saying.

Experimented on...

She closes her eyes.]

I would help you with that, if I could.

[If Makie doesn't know, Saori isn't really inclined to share. Not that much, not with the wound being so fresh. She doesn't elaborate, but instead reaches out to gently squeeze her friend's shoulder.]

You can. You will. You'll be well soon enough, and this isn't going to be a fast thing, I feel.

Then... any time you need me. I'm not very smart. [Not technologically savvy is what she really means, but.] There are other ways I can help.

You're plenty smart. Just keep your eyes open and watch for opportunities. Even if you and I aren't very smart...there are still ways we can help.

Yes. Always.

[She smiles.] I really have enjoyed being here. In this house. It's been... good for me.

Good. I'm glad that we could help you find your feet. You're welcome any time. The wards will let you pass, and you can keep the key. If you find yourself wanting company, we'll be here.

I still expect you to come by sometimes to play together, after all. We've gotten so good at harmonizing, now.

I will make sure to stop by often.

[And casually invite herself into house 44 posts.]

And I'll let you know where I settle. I was thinking of just taking an apartment.

Good, good.

[Casual invitation seems good]

If you need anything, you know how to reach me.

Yes. [A ghost of humour.] I even know how to use the journal without alerting the whole village now.

Yes, I suppose you do, don't you? Not that I mind late night concerts.

Slash and Crash. Home an impressive assortment of axes and other weapons and run by a man known to many only as Thunderaxe. Or just Sokka, really. Only one person called him Thunderaxe.

But that wasn't the point. The point was the tips of these weapons! Ha.

Really though, Sokka was there. So was his pet, a Saber Toothed Moose Lion cub that was now a year old, the size of a large dog, and had already begun growing in the beginnings of his 'saber' teeth and antlers. He was sitting on the couch, stretched out lazily, while Sokka was sitting on top of the counter, lazily sharpening a sword while busily thinking about other things. Like what he had learned from Suki on her mission. Deep stuff. Deep stuff indeed.

It seems every time she came to this place a different person was behind the counter. Or...on the couch, as it were. Makie was nearly about to knock a soft greeting when her gaze was caught by the ...

...what is that animal. It looked like a mashup of two different ones. But who was she to say whether something was strange in this place? After a moment, she hazarded a guess.

"...Sokka, is it?"

The creature acknowledged her, yawned and then decided to ignore her for now. Sokka, however, did the opposite.

"That's me. My reputation precedes me?"

"By a matter of seconds." She smiles a little. "There's a young girl outside who mentioned you-- although I have heard your name before, but I think I've met the others that work here by now. You're the gentleman who makes the weapons, aren't you?"

He wondered who the little girl was and-- it was Ikki, wasn't it. He knew it was Ikki. He would have to make sure he kept an eye out. The last thing he needed was a tiny airbender coming into play and impaling herself on a spear.

"That's me. There used to be... other people who did it. Now I make all the weapons and I have a large staff of people who do... stuff." He waved his hand dismissively. It was ridiculous, he realized, but it didn't bother him. It gave him more to do and less time to get bored.

Makie just thinks that's a good idea. If the enclosure is threatened with invasion, there's at least a stockpile of weapons people can take up if the situation allows for it. She looks Sokka up and down appraisingly, taking into account the signs of hours spent by the forge, and then nods.

"Have you ever made throwing knives?"

He smirked at her with an expression of Can you believe this lady? Wich a chuckle, he simply nods.

"Please. I've got ninjas coming out of my ears asking for all manner of throwing weapons."

"...of course you have." She should have guessed that one. "Forgive me, I'm not accustomed to asking for such things. I'd like a set, please."

Edited 2013-09-24 10:02 (UTC)

Sokka moved down the counter, stopping at a glass case with a variety of throwing weapons. Shuriken, knives, and all matter of bladed weapons made available. One of each, labeled appropriately. He had a system.

"Any particular version you like best?"

"To be honest, I've never had much use for them." Though by the way her eyes rake over the blades, she's certainly no stranger to seeing them. "I suppose I'm looking more for accuracy over force. Could you suggest any?"

Sokka plucked out a knife from behind the glass. A simple blade with no handle, just a simple dull grip and six inches in length. Solidly built and with some weight to it. "You have to be pretty strong to make use of this one. But it's perfectly balanced and with enough weight to do some real damage. Damascus steel that I folded myself, so it won't be breaking any time soon."

At the mention of folding she glanced up again, more assessing. Quality. And just because he could?

"May I try it?"

He turned the blunt end of the knife to her. "Help yourself."

He then gestured to a crude target on the wall.

Edited 2013-10-03 03:29 (UTC)

"Thank you."

She took the knife, balancing it in the palm of her hand for a moment. Then she flicked it toward the target without flourish and watched it thud into the wood with a soft, pleased hum. It was certainly good enough.

"How many do you have on hand?"

He nodded in approval. She had a good hand for it. Of course, with so short a range, it only proved the knife was good. It did little to show how good she was. Some other time, perhaps.

"Five. I can make more."

"Five is perfect. Though I'd like to place an order for another five at some point in the future, but that's not a priority...ah... whenever you would be interested in making them, I suppose." Replacements were a wise idea, well before the fact of ever having to use one.

"I'm aware there is no cost, but is there anything else I can do as repayment?"

He shrugged. "Payment isn't that important." So different than when he lost his soul. "Usually I just trade. Like... if someone is good at baking, they can bring me stuff to eat. What do you usually do back at home?"

By now, she was ready for questions such as these, so the question didn't faze her. "I'm afraid I'm no good at baking. But I can clean, and I know how to maintain weapons. I could offer you an afternoon of doing one or the other, perhaps." Or both.

Sokka looked around the shop and slowly began to nod. "Well, this place does get pretty dusty... and with Hiccup gone, I'm the only one who maintains the weapons anymore."

And he really hated cleaning.

Makie smiled. It was a refreshing change for someone to actually take her up on her offer to trade. "Any particular afternoon?"

He thought about it, briefly, before answering. "Sunday. Any Sunday. It's less crowded here on Sundays."

"Done." Sunday was easier for her, too, as she didn't work that day. "If you just give me a day's notice, I can come in any Sunday you like."

"Then it's a deal. We can figure out the other details later. Anything else you need?"

"Not at the moment. But thank you, Sokka." She looked again down at the knives. "Your work is appreciated."

"My work does enjoy being appreciated. Thanks."

[Aang is sitting at the desk, working on some random paperwork.]

[Another person she hasn't seen in a long time.]

Good afternoon, Aang.

[He looks up with a smile.]

Good afternoon, Makie! How are you?

...well, thank you. [She smiles.] I've come by to see if I can have a new list of empty residences.

Oh... sure! Lemme show you! [He scrambles quickly through the desk to grab the housing files and sets them up on the desk.]

Thank you. I'm moving house, you see. [She's not quite sure why she volunteers the information, but she puts it down to her strange good mood.] I don't suppose you know of any particularly nice places.

Well, anywhere's nice! Especially with friends. You could always pick somewhere near our house! Then we could talk all the time and I'd show you all kinds of bending tricks.

[...Aang, you are the friendliest boy she has ever met. It's quite disconcerting at times. But not in a bad way. After a moment, she smiles.]

Are there apartment buildings near your house?

[Not that she's taking his advice, but the thought does amuse her.]

There is! [He grins broadly and takes out a pencil over the map.] Look... We all live right here. [He then draws a smiley face of himself over House 56.]

And right next door? There's Community Building 5! [He draws a smiling Makie face over it.] There's still plenty of empty spaces there, and some of my other friends live there too! Like Robin, the other Robin and the Loki who's just a kid who he hasn't done bad things yet!

[This would almost be enough for her to say yes, really. But Makie decides she'll still go and look for herself.]

I will definitely keep that in mind. [She will, too. It doesn't look a bad location.] The apartments all look the same in general, don't they? I've seen the inside of a couple, but I wanted to make sure.

[He nods.]

Yep! They're all pretty much the same.

There's only an elevator in number one, isn't there.

Yeah, that's right. It's a very fun ride! Except there's not a lot of room to move around in.

[Heh.] Yes. I was introduced to it not long ago. I suppose I'll have to do without.

[Which is actually what she's after. No lift means she has to take the stairs.]

That's fine. It's fun to run up stairs, too.

Perhaps I'll try that in a few weeks. [Amused. She's not going to push her health.] Thank you, Aang.

You're welcome, Makie. Good luck in picking a place.

[Rock Lee is dashing around, filling orders, and skidding to a halt at Makie's entrance.]

Ah... Makie-san!

[You know for some strange reason, she can't quite stop herself from looking over your shoulder nervously for Gai. 8| But Lee is okay on his own.]

Hello. I haven't seen you in a while.

[~~sob hopefully he's watching somewhere nearby~~]

I have not seen you either! Are you well? [He bows.]

[Oh well here, have a bow back because courtesy. She's less irreverent about it than the mun is. >>]

Yes. I've been... busy for a while. [For some reason she can't bring herself to say 'ill' - she's sort of wary of the reaction that might follow.] But I thought I might come by today. Is Rin here?

Yes, I believe that he is currently here! Would you like anything to eat?

Please. Some soup would be lovely.

Soup? Please outline your preferences! Type of broth, ingredients and preferred temperature! [He scribbles madly into a notepad as if it's a youthly variation of a death note.]

[...Lee who put you on customer duty. Help. Mind...blanking... uh...]

Beef... I'm sure I trust the kitchen staff's judgment on contents and temperature.

Very well! [He salutes.] I shall report your order to the chefs immediately. Please take a seat!

[He proceeds to backflip and rush to the kitchen.

...At least he's managed to learn how to do that without disrupting any of the tables.]

[...she's not sure whether to be impressed or horrified. But you know, not actually disturbing anyone else by doing so is pretty good. Even if a couple of people are shaking their heads as he goes past.

Oh well, at least it's just Lee. Makie takes a seat gracefully and rests her feet. And hopes he doesn't backflip when he comes back with the soup >_>]

[He rushes back quickly and gives a bow.]

Your meal is being prepared. Is there anything else you'd like? A beverage? Do you need additional napkins or utensils?

A...beverage. [She looks thoughtful. And he's so eager--] Can you suggest one?

Well, it would depend on your tastes! Perhaps you would like a soda?

I'm not even sure what a soda is.

Ah! Then...

[He runs off to the kitchen.]

[...

...okay she's not sure if that bodes well or not. Guess she's trying a soda.]

[Yes. But not just that.

Lee comes out a minute later, shakily holding a tray full of half-filled glasses. There is one cup for every beverage they have in stock. He places it on the table proudly.]

Now, Makie-san... You can sample every beverage and find your preference!

[...oh goodness. She stares at it with an utterly bewildered sort of look.] Isn't that wasteful?

Ah... are any of these alcohol?

Do not worry, Makie-san. I will ensure that any untasted beverage does not go to waste.

I... do not know! Most of these drinks were poured blindly.

I...see.

[oh my god, who hired you]

Then I'll start with this one. [Going for one that looks distinctly recognisable as juice.]

[And Lee just watches eagerly.]

Very well! I hope you enjoy it!

[Oh, this tastes rather sweet. Like a mix of orange and mango.

Importantly, it also tastes safe to drink. >.>]

This one is delicious.

Is that so?! Such a juice... Is that your final decision?

[Well...]

Which one is the soda?

[She may as well humour him. Perhaps she'll like it.]

Ah... [He looks around the bottles and then shuffles them so that one that seems to have soda in it is closest.] There you go!

[She takes the bottle and tries a little sip. And then pulls back as if it bit her with a startled look.]

It bites.

[Rock Lee shouts at the bottle.]

How dare you!

[Then he grabs it, hops over to the nearest open window and tosses it out there.]

[........
......
.......

......

...did that really just happen]

I...thank you for the defence, but Rin might be upset you broke a bottle...

I am sure that he would consider it to be worth it because of your wellbeing. Not to mention, I have every intention of replacing the bottle! Are you harmed, Makie-san?

No. [She's realising he took her literally, and Makie isn't sure whether to feel guilty or ... kind of giggle, because that is kind of funny. Straight face prevails.]

I'm not harmed, Lee. I rather meant the taste was quite biting. It...had bubbles in it. I've never had something like it before.

Ah... That is what you meant? The... the bubbles?

[He drops to his knees.]

I HAVE FAILED! THAT GLASS WAS DESTROYED IN VAIN, AND I AM ENTIRELY AT FAULT!

[...

/crickets

How on earth can you even exist, Lee.]

I would think... that to err when attempting to protect someone from harm is forgivable.

[It's the best she can offer. Maybe she should have lunch elsewhere from now on >_>;; Between Lee and Vash this is hardly a peaceful place for a meal.]

[Noooo he can totally make it peaceful. ....Totally!]

You really think so, Makie-san? [He says as he looks up with tears in his eyes.] Thank you. I shall reduce my retribution to running only seven hundred laps around the village later.

[omg why are you crying about this D8]

Surely, your retribution could best be served merely by replacing the glass?

[Because youth!]

That is true! It would be a most noble mission... Perhaps I can find a replacement at the item shop! Or research how to create such a glass myself...

Certainly either would suffice. I wish you luck in your endeavours.

[Jade is at the Battle Dome, coming up to Makie as she sets up a program.]

My, my. All the rooms are taken already.

[Makie is setting up a program the same way that kids kind of two-finger type things onto a computer with a look of fierce concentration. It's probably easy to see she's very new to this.

Enough that when she glances up at Jade when he speaks, the first thing that occurs to her is:] I'm sorry to hear that. Would you like to take my room?

[Putting it off. Also, she has no real desire to look like an idiot in front of others.]

That's kind of you. [He gives a shrug.] But we're both adults here. I'm sure that we can share. Consider it a teamwork exercise.

[Teamwork with this guy?

...faintly amused, actually. She's reminded she once thought he was similar to Kagehisa in some ways. Well, why not?]

Then if you would like to use the... the console. You might be faster. It's rather new to me.

Very well. [He adjusts his glasses and waits for her to move away from the console.] If you excuse me, I'll have something set up soon enough. What sort of simulation do you have in mind?

Something that perhaps benefits both of us. Where do your talents lie, Colonel Curtiss?

Does it matter? I'm adaptable. I can fare well enough in any scenario that you would operate in. [And no need to outline his strengths and weaknesses when he doesn't need to.]

Very well.

[In that case, if he's that confident.] I'd like to try my hand at Shift Hunters.

[He gives an amused whistle.]

My, someone's feeling ambitious today. Very well - I believe that I recall a program which involves those enemies.

[Jade himself has never faced Shift Hunters on the field, but he has by now practiced against all Cultist enemies who are capable of being simulated. So he does some more adjustments, and the sim is set up.]

[Ambitious. She has doubts all of a sudden - she hasn't tried this before. Just a basic program, helped by Steve earlier. But that had been...

...lacking challenge.

One doesn't enter into a battle knowing how it's going to end.]

Perhaps we will die swiftly. [Said so serenely it would be fair to suspect her of trolling. Inasmuch as 18th century disowned samurai troll.]

[He gives a soft laugh as he struts towards the door to the simulation, keeping his back to her. He waves a hand at the air as he speaks.]

My, my. Let's not get too optimistic, now.

[And he is entering the room. The environment? A desert.]

[Makie follows on behind, pausing only long enough to unclip the top casing of her shamisen and remove the weapon. The shamisen itself, she thinks, can stay out here where it's safe.

So when she enters, it's with weapon in hand, and an apprehensive look that turns to astonishment when she walks in. Guess who's never seen a desert before?]

It's so... dry.

[He smirks as he reaches to his own arm, and with a brief glowing effect, he seems to pull his spear out from it.]

You haven't been taking advantage of the Battle Dome's ability to simulate unfamiliar landscapes.

[It's easy enough to guess. The simulation is already starting - the Shift Hunters are still off in the distance, however.]

I would have to be familiar with the Battle Dome to understand such an ability existed, Colonel Curtiss.

[Her tone is distant, eyes flicking between that spear-- what a convenient trick-- to the Shift Hunters, gauging how large they really are. It's hard to really see from a picture.] Nor have I fought these before.

That doesn't make it any less fortunate. Regardless... There is no better time to start than the present.

You'll notice that they haven't advanced yet. That's because they tend to seek solitary targets. Therefore, they are less likely to attack until we've put some space between ourselves. As I've heard, only physical strikes to the head will truly do the job.

Solitary targets? I see.

[Then if this is to be her target of choice...] It seems we both have weapons of range. I'll see you in a few moments.

[Going left.]

Very well then. Please have a pleasant death. [He smirks and adjusts his glasses before going right. The Shift Hunter seems to be taking notice of him - he keeps his spear at the ready.]

[No response to that. Makie continues to tread left, almost sauntering, eyes on the approaching Shift Hunters. She makes no move to attack, more content to study the size and gait of the strange creatures, her gaze flicking briefly back to the one that's advancing on Jade.

Pretty sure if the man can summon a spear out of his hand, he'll be fine. Herself, unless this thing breathes fire or something...

Aim for the head, is it?

Then another breaks from the pack and starts trotting in her direction, and she lifts the pike. It's big.

Oh, well. Why wait. Abruptly, she changes direction, sprinting to meet it halfway, the length of her pike whipping out behind her.]

[Jade is able to divide his attention as the shift hunter advances - between the shift hunter and keeping an eye on Makie to observe her skills. It helps that this isn't his first time practicing this particular simulation. And he's used to fighting in the desert.

It's an abrupt attack she performs indeed. Jade simply waits patiently until the shift hunter feels confident enough to charge at him. It lunges at him with a biting motion, but Jade is able to hold out the pole end of the spear to block the attack and push it back, while preparing his own attack.]

[It's abrupt because she needs the momentum. She wasn't expecting these dogs to be quite so big, but that isn't anything she can't deal with.

As she closes to attack, she forgets about Jade being here. The pike whips forth, hooked edge burying itself in the shoulder of the shift hunter, and she vaults, twisting away from its head as it lunges to snap at her. The teeth snap shut half an inch from her waist as she sails past, flipping past the bulk of its body with the use of the pike's foothold, as it were.

She lands lightly on its back, yanking the hook free. The wound itself is shallow, and nothing compared to what happens when she continues the swingthrough, windmilling the two blades of her pike behind her to take its head off.]

You're a feisty one.

[He remarks towards his own Hunter before glancing towards Makie. He does movements to fend the Hunter off carefully while he watches her do her thing. And it is impressive, as well as brutal. He takes a moment to call out to her.]

My, my! Let's not get ahead of ourselves so quickly.

[This time when the Hunter lunges forward, Jade manages to make a quick dodge to the side - and he stabs his spear into the head as it passes him.]

[Getting ahead of herself is the best way to put it. When she drops from its back she stumbles a little, frowning at the hollow feeling to her limbs. Months of bed rest can really strip a person's energy levels away, who knew?

So when she hears Jade call out, she thoroughly takes him at his word, because sarcasm pshaw. :|]

Y-yes. [So magical spears that appear out of nowhere are just as solid as the real thing, she sees. Good to know. She glances around for other opponents.]

[Steve happens to be coming out of his own training session when he spots Makie. He pauses for a split second and wonders whether or not he should approach before internally rolling his eyes at himself. He's decided to put the events of the last Shift behind him and move forward. But that doesn't mean he can't get to know the people he met in the Shift as they really are.

He can tell that she's in need of help (as it's a look that crosses everyones face the first time they come to the Battle Dome) and so he'll approach slowly, giving her time to notice him.]

You look like you could use some help.

[She starts at Steve's voice, glancing up.] Steve! {Wait.] ...Mr Rogers-- [That doesn't sound right either.]

-- I'm sorry. Ah...yes. If you don't mind. It's a bit...ahead of my time.

[Awkward aside, she doesn't mind seeing him again. It's just knowing how to address him can be rather difficult for the very polite.]

Edited 2013-09-19 08:16 (UTC)

Please, call me Steve. [No one calls him Mr. Rogers. With the exception of his time as a teacher.]

It was for me too. I think a lot of us are in that boat. Luckily, it's not too hard to figure out. [He steps up to the control panel, leaving room for her to see what he's doing.]

Did you have anything specific in mind?

...Steve. [She smiles, making way for him, though she most certainly watches what he's doing. She'll get used to it eventually.] That's what I was stuck on, I'm afraid. There are so many options-- I just wanted something simple to begin with.

Do you come here often?

Sounds like maybe you want to start with the default. They're a bunch of identical soldiers. Not very creative, but that's why they're the default.

[He scans through some of the options himself.]

Yeah. I try to come once a day. It keeps my skills fresh.

[That sounds pretty boring, actually, but she's already conscious skill is on a whole new level in this place. Starting from the very basic is only wise.]

It seems wise, considering the unpredictability of this place. I meant to do the same myself weeks ago, but then I fell ill.

Nothing says you can't switch it up if it gets too boring for you.

[A flash of uncertainty and concern crosses his face when she mentions being sick. He's not sure whether the illness she had during the Shift had been real or not, and it seems impolite to ask.]

But you're feeling better now?

I am much better now. [She hesitates and wonders if she should tell him more, but he's in no danger of being infected now-- she'd rather not make him feel awkward with the truth. So she just smiles.] A little unfit now as a result, however. I think I shall use this place often.

Good. And you should. This place is great for a work-out. I'll expect to see more of you. [He steps away from the control panel once it's set up.]

Alright, I think you're good to go. If you ever have any questions, feel free to ask.

[The casual way he says that makes her smile. It's no longer a surprise in this place, but it's still something she appreciates nonetheless.]

Thank you... Steve. You come here every day?

[It never occurred to her in their other lives, but given how strong he looks, he must put in some serious hours.]

Yeah. I try to anyways. I'm usually around in the early afternoon. Sometimes in the morning.

If you ever need a sparring partner, I'm your guy.

I'll be sure to keep that in mind. If you don't mind my asking, are you... what sort of...

[She trails off. How did she put this? Everything was easier when people just fought with swords.]

[He seems to get the gist of what she's asking.]

My specialty is hand-to-hand. I also use a shield as my weapon of choice. But I'm pretty flexible.

A shield? [As a weapon? That's a first. But she smiles.] You're a protector.

{he seems to be at a loss for words for a moment.]

Uh..yeah. I guess I am. [He glances down, almost bashfully.]

There aren't many I know who would claim that role. [Point of fact, there's really only one. And only sort of, at that.] I think it would be nice if there were more.

I agree. I think too many people rely on weapons based on how much damage they can do. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that, but I don't think lethal force is always the answer.

...it would be nice if more people felt that way. It sometimes seems people are more gentle in the future.

Maybe they've just learned from past mistakes.

Perhaps so. Which world do you come from? Do you mind if I ask?

I'm from Earth. The same world as Tony Stark, Pepper Potts and couple of others.

[Oh, those are two names she recognises.] You know Mr Stark?

Yeah. We...work together sometimes.

He was very selfish. The Mr Stark I knew... but we were many of us very different in that time.

[He's not sure what to say at first. Does he admit that he had believed the same about Tony when they first met? Does he try to explain how he'd slowly been proven wrong?]

He can come off to people that way, at first. But he's a good guy. It just takes some time to see it.

That's good to know. I'll be sure to keep that in mind for any other encounters.

[Though she hasn't seen him since. There's a residual awkwardness to meeting someone via being their imaginary ex-wife.]

Good. Sometimes it's easier to give people the benefit of the doubt.

[He smiles just slightly.]

Alright. I think you should be set. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to get a hold of me. In person or through the journal.

I won't. [She smiles back.]

Thank you, Steve. You've been very helpful.

No problem. I'll leave you to your sparring. Have a nice day.

[With one last smile and a wave, he'll turn around, heading for the exit.]

[ Ikki tends to visit Raven more frequently these days, to let Soren and Kyle catch up (and also to just bother the older girl about what she's up to, cheerfully), and she likes to go and see Sokka at times, too. Today's no different: she's hanging around outside after a visit when she spots Makie, and she recognizes the woman well enough to grin and wave. ]

Hey hey hey!! Makie!! How are you today?

[There's a face she hasn't seen in a long while.] Hello, Ikki. I'm doing... very well. [Well, tired by now, actually. But all things considered it's close enough.] What about you? What brings you here today?

[Forge is a weird place for a kid :|a

...okay, weird for other kids. >>]

I was just visiting Raven and Uncle Sokka! They both work here, y'know.

Ah...I've met Raven. I've yet to meet Mr Sokka, though. [Which is amusing in a way as she's pretty sure he's in charge from how others talk about him.] More people you know from home?

Not Raven. I met her here, but we both have Pokemon - oh, but she got hers after Hiccup left. And that's not how we met.

Uncle Sokka's actually from home, though. He's actually Great-Uncle Sokka but that's pretty long so I normally just say Uncle Sokka, you know?

He's one of the people you know from a long time ago? [So she prepares herself not to be surprised if he doesn't turn out to be an old man.] How many of your family are here?

[ WELL SHE MIGHT NOT HAVE EVER MET HIM... ]

Um, a lot! The ones I'm related to by blood are just Uncle Sokka and Katara and grandpa, though. Then there's Aunt Suki and Aunt Toph and Uncle Zuko and Bolin and Asami and Korra, all from home.

That's quite a large group all from the same place. I wonder why.

[Well, it's good for Ikki, definitely. But there are two worlds who seem to be getting people by the bucketload.]

I dunno!! We're not even the biggest group. There are LOTS of ninja, y'know.

Yes, I've met quite a few of them. [She will eternally be both bewildered and amused that the ninja are such a prolific and public group here.] Do you know many?

I know Shikamaru and Chouji and Ino and Lee and lots of them, yeah! But I think the ones I talk to most are Shikamaru and Lee and Chouji...the other ones I don't see as much.

[ she likes Shikamaru best. ]

I think those three are the ones I see the most too, actually. Perhaps they're more friendly than the others.

[She hasn't seen Shikamaru since the invasion. Kind of wonders how he's doing.]

I think Shikamaru's been here a lot and gets involved with the stuff the grown-ups do. You know, like the doors that are locked and missions and stuff. So...he talks to people a lot. And Lee talks to everyone 'cause he's really super friendly, and Chouji's really friendly too. Some of the other ones I've met are more secretive but I think they're all pretty much really nice.

So, I think you're right!! They're just more talkative and friendly probably!

[Shikamaru had struck her as a pretty intelligent boy, despite his claims to the contrary. (And then she has to remind herself that that never happened, really.)]

Chouji is especially friendly. We met when we thought we were... different people, I suppose. But he was still happy to see me afterward.

I met him when he got here, but...I knew him in that world, too. He came over to see daddy a lot.

[..oh lord. Messing with a little kid's head where family is concerned...]

Who was your father?

Naruto. And Tenten was my mommy. They're ninjas, too.

Ah...I've heard of them. And I've met Tenten, she's very nice. [And a fighter,through and through.] Did you know them before that?

I'd talked to Naruto before, and I think Tenten once, but not really. I also had a brother at the time...although he's not here anymore again. He was Soren's second trainer.

Are you... all right with them now? Were they nice about what happened?

Yeah! I mean, they were super nice, and I loved them. And I still like them. But...I'm glad I remember everyone else now, too.

[Oh good, a relatively happy ending.]

I'm glad to hear it. I know a lot of people felt very awkward about that week, so it's good you didn't get caught up by it.

The only part that was ANNOYING was that my birthday was during it and some people FORGOT.

[ ...She's eight. Her priorities are questionable. ]

[It's all right. Makie treats that with the same grave accord as she gives everything else.]

Congratulations. How old are you now?

I'm eight now!! So Jinora's only two years older than me.

I see. Jinora is... a friend?

She's my big sister, but...she's not here.

[That was the other option she was afraid of.]

You must miss her a great deal.

I miss all of them lots. ...But, my grandpa's here. And Katara. And Uncle Sokka, and everyone. So...it's okay.

And you'll see her again one day. I suppose it's something to look forward to.

Yeah! Hey, are you here to get weapons?

[...hmm. Awkward question from small child.]

I suppose I am. I thought I might make a gift of it.

What sort of weapon are you getting? Who are you giving it to? Is it someone's birthday?

[Eep. DID NOT SIGN ON FOR THESE. What does she say...]

Well, I'm not sure, yet. I thought I'd give it to a friend of mine as a thank you. [La la la making this up. She finds she dodesn't really want to tell Ikki it's for her. So.]

So they did something nice for you...? In that case, I hope them like it!! Uncle Sokka makes really good weapons so I bet they will.

I'm sure they will. And I'm glad to hear Sokka has such skill. [A child isn't someone she'd normally accept such an opinion from as gospel, but she's seen the work in there firsthand.]

He made my staff, you know!

Really? Is your staff made of wood or metal?

[Unless Ikki is like holding it right now.]

It's made of wood! And when you hit a switch thing sort of it fans out, so you can use it as a glider.

I see... a glider? Like Aang's?

[ Prim's still got her waitressing job, and when Makie walks in, she glances up, about to offer to seat the woman, but - when she spots who it is, Prim's service smile turns more solid and genuine, and a little bit concerned. ]

Makie? Are you feeling better now? It's so good to see you!

[Prim. Her own smile is small but genuine; she hasn't seen the other woman much since the invasion.]

It is good to see you too, Prim. I'm ...feeling much better, actually. That's why I'm here.

You're coming back to work?

[ It's the first thing she can think of. Although... ]

Or looking to dine in?

I'd like to talk to Rin about it. The first part, that is. [She stays determinedly neutral on that subject, not willing to feel like she's pushing anyone.] Dining in might be nice also, however.

I hope it works out, then. ...And regardless, I'll find a place for you to sit right away. After the first part. It's a pretty slow day so far, though.

[Makie nods.] Then... I'll go and see Rin now. Is he in the kitchen?

[This is where the mun just casually inserts some other thread into this one between one tag and the next :|b]

As usual! I'll be out here for whenever you're done.

[ doot doot doot ]

[And lo, then there was some other thread!

Makie will return from the kitchen a few minutes later, looking kind of relieved, and find herself a Prim.]

[ congratulations Makie, you have found yourself a Prim! Gain 10 exp.

Prim looks up from the counter she's wiping down, and smiles at the relieved look. ]

So...? [ She thinks she knows how it went, but. ]

[She smiles back.]

I'll start back tomorrow. I think...he was actually happy to see me.

Well, we all did miss you. ...At least, I know I did, and I think some of the others did, as well. I've no idea about Mecha Sanji, though.

[Makie spends her 10xp on trying not to look startled. Though the mention of Mecha Sanji helps turn that into more of a startled smile.]

I shall have to ask him.

You'll also have to tell me what he says.

[ ...Mecha Sanji will never not be fascinating, okay. ]

No doubt something I can barely understand. [She grins a little.] He's a very odd thing.

He is. But admittedly very useful. ...Especially during experiments. It's nice to have a reliable line chef.

Is that what the future is, do you think? Robot cooks?

[The literal iron chef, man.]

Maybe. I mean...I think they had robotic things, in the Capitol. I never saw any, but...

...maybe all places have them, in the future.

It seems rather strange. I wonder what the rest of us would do if robots were in charge of everything.

...I don't actually know, you know?

Perhapd we'd merely have more time to do the things that we enjoy. Though I wonder if we'd truly be satisfied in a world like that.

I'm not sure. I know that I - well. Already, with everything being free...it makes me a little uncomfortable sometimes. Normally my sister and I trade for things.

[Makie's face practically lights up in understanding.]

That's why I took the job here. It didn't feel right to just...take whatever I wanted.

[ Prim grins, relieved that Makie gets it. Not everyone seems to. ]

Me too, really. I like to...I don't know. Contribute.

Yes. I feel it's better never to take things for granted. And carrying my own weight is... very important to me.

It is to me, too. I think...maybe it has to do with the worlds we came from.

Mm. [Considering the few things she knows of Prim's world...] The environments we grew up in.

...That's right. I think Chouji might have similar feelings about working, but I'd have to ask to be sure.

I think you might be right. Chouji is such a polite boy.

[ He is. And Prim still, you know. Remembers dating him.

And she doesn't think that would be such a bad thing. ]

He is. And kind, too.

[She remembers Prim dating Chouji, too.]

Very. Even after the invasion, we still talked for quite a while. He brought me meals sometimes... I don't think his personality changed much at all.

I don't think so either. I think - many of us didn't. Change that much. It was just...

...our pasts were different. And that did change some things. But not all.

I changed a great deal.

It was...interesting. I suppose I could have turned out like that if I had the... family that I did.

My family...

...I always loved them. Even at home. So - I suppose the difference was...how happy things were.

The same. [She smiles faintly.] I was a rather wild little girl when I was young. Growing up in the other reality means I never really changed.

[Not with Logan as a cousin.]

It was...a nice detour. I think.

...I agree.

It gave me a lot to think about. I liked that time.

I feel the same.

...I hope it gave you good things to think of, though?

...yes. I think so.

[A sense of belonging. And being loved-- having children-- she wishes sometimes she could go back to it.

But that's not who she is.]

It showed me it was all right to be happy.

That's always all right.

[She smiles a little sadly at that.]

It's a discovery I wish I could take home with me.

Are you...not happy, at home?

[...how does she answer that.]

It's complicated. Better for me to say that there is no place for a woman like me in my home.

Edited 2013-12-06 03:18 (UTC)

...A woman like you? You don't have to say if you don't want to, but...

[ That doesn't sound very good. ]

I don't mind. But it's a long story, and I suppose...it doens't really make sense to many here. My culture is very strict on the place of its women in society.

...That's not hard to imagine. Mine is...it's more about where you're from. But I can picture it.

[Stigma based on location is also something she's familiar with, so she smiles faintly at Prim in understanding.]

I was the daughter of a samurai household famed for its skill with the sword. Samurai women... are trained in the art of defence. But that's all. They are expected to become good samurai wives, managing the household while their husbands deal with more martial matters-- go to war, that sort of thing. Even in a time of peace, those were our roles. Samurai still learned their craft in dojos. It's... a matter of honour.

The skill that my father's bloodline had had for generations passed down into his daughter, and not his son. My brother challenged me to a match once when he was fifteen. I defeated him every time.

My father couldn't bear the shame of this, and cast me out. And... cast my mother out also, for defending me.

[ She's never heard of samurai, but it's easy enough to understand from what Makie tells her. A household of warriors. But the men were the warriors, and the women...trained to defend, and expected to manage the household.

To cast a girl out for being good at something...no, it was for being better than her brother at something.

She'd said she could picture it based on where she was from, and she almost can. If a Capitol child were pitted against a child from Twelve, and the Twelve child won...

...what sort of reaction would that have gotten? ]

...so when you said there was no place for you there, you meant because you'd been cast out?

That's the basis of it.

My brother committed seppuku to restore his honour. [...] In our society, that's suicide. And nobody will take a samurai woman in that's been cast out, the shame is too great. I am a stain on the honour of my family.

To feed us both, my mother took up work as a prostitute. She died in so much debt...

I can find a place, I'm sure, if I'm willing to cast aside my own morals. There are plenty of uses for a woman who can fight in all the wrong ways. But there is nothing else. Our society is too strict for a woman like me to be considered anything other than a reminder of great shame. No work for a woman like me unless it's of the most base kind. Nothing.

[ A stain on the honour of her family.

While it's a different culture, that's...painful to hear. That Makie, who has always been kind to Prim, doesn't think of herself as having a place to return to. That her mother died, after having to do things to feed them which...

...well, that part Prim understood on a personal level. The need for food, and people doing anything they had to in order to get it. ]

...I see. I...feel honoured to know you, myself. And to be your friend.

[ That's almost hesitant, because...well, they've never confirmed that in so many words.

And that's why she admits the next part, a secret for a secret. ]

...I don't have a place to return to, either. Back there...I'm not someone who exists, any longer.

[Something softens in Makie's expression, an unhappy recognition of that fact. She's so young.]

I had wondered as much. I didn't...want to pry too deeply.

[It's a difficult subject. She wants to ask how. In the end, she fidgets for just a moment, before her slow smile appears again.]

Luceti is different for the both of us in many ways. I feel... content in ways that I never could at home. Here, at least... we can both live.

I've never had friends before. But I'm happy to be able to call you one.

It's all right. I don't...mind telling you. I think several people know; my sister used to talk about it before I got here.

[ And even after. ]

It's a little hard for me to see this place as the horror it is for some of the people here. I...like being here.

[Once Makie finds a table, she gets the shop owner as her personal waitress! How lucky.]

Oh, hey, I haven't seen you in...weeks? [Time perception issues and such have thrown off her internal calendar something fierce.]

Mm, that's right. [About seven or so-- still short enough to count in weeks, which is wonderful in some ways. It feels strange to return to these places. Not only that, to be remembered by so many. Though it's a good kind of strange.]

I've been ill. Ah...but I'm much recovered now.

Wow, sick for that long? Did you talk to anybody at the clinic about it?

Oh... yes. [Eventually. >_>] The clinic has been helping me recover. It shouldn't happen again.

That's great. And that's what they're there for, right? So, what kind of tea do you want?

Just sencha, thank you. [She's already eaten, otherwise she might have indulged in something to go with it.]

[That's the best choice anyway. Sheena disappears temporarily, bringing back an empty cup and small tea pot. As usual, she pours Makie's first cup of tea once it's all on the table.]

Thank you, Sheena.

[~~And then she drinks her tea. END OF THREAD~~]

How have you been?

[Or not.]

Uh...

[That's so far up for debate that it might as well float away. Sheena's already hesitated too much, and she tries not to grimace on top of it.]

I guess I've been better. After the...the stuff with the cultists invading it was pretty bad.

[...oh dear.]

I'm sorry to hear that. You're still having difficulties?

Not as many, maybe, but...kind of. [She doesn't know Makie well enough to want to get into the details. How much did she already know, anyway?]

[And Makie doesn't know Sheena well enough to pry, so she doesn't.]

I hope...things improve.

[What a lame thing to say.]

Me too. [As well she should.]

What about you? Besides all the being sick stuff.

Being ill has taken up rather too much of my time. [To shift away from a more difficult topic, she's more talkative than usual.] It's good to be out again. I asked for my job back, and I'm moving to an apartment this afternoon... so I suppose for a while I'll be busy, but it feels nice.

Wow, getting all the exciting stuff done at once. What was your job?

Washing dishes.

[TRULY A HIGHLIGHT.]

That sounds...exciting. [No. It doesn't. She washes enough dishes to know.]

It's a way to contribute. I wanted to help...somewhere.

[Her other options seemed to be interacting with customers and possibly killing things, neither of which seemed like a good idea.]

Uh, sorry, I didn't mean to make you feel like it was a bad job or anything. It's just boring after a while.

Oh...no, that's fine. I understand it's boring, but compared to some things I suppose I found it... reliable. And not too much is required of me. I don't have a great deal of skill in many areas.

Really? [Sheena looks Makie over, lifting an eyebrow.] I think I'd have a hard time believing that.

...not in areas that are of any use to Luceti.

[How's that definition?]

You never know what stuff you know might come in handy.

That's true. I'm sure there are other skills that may help at certain times. But daily... not so much.

[Which is good.]

Heh, I think I have a couple skills like that, too. And I'm glad they don't come up that often.

It seems that's common with many people here. But yes, I would agree. I prefer it when it's peaceful.

[As it happens, Konan is t the Battle Dome today. She's not training obsessively, but she is ensuring that she keep her skills sharp, which means setting aside at least one hour a day every day. She often sets aside more than that, and she's still allowing herself far more leisure time than she's ever had in the past. Being second in command and for a brief time the leader of a country will do that.

When she spots Makie, she greets her with a little nod.]

Hello again.

[Oh, excellent. Makie inclines her head politely, but she smiles a little hesitantly.]

Hello, Konan. I was looking for you today. [That you're here is wonderfully convenient.]

Oh?

[It's mildly surprising, but she did offer to show Makie how to use the Battle Dome once, and they did get along when they spoke before.]

For help with the Battle Dome's controls, or...?

That's right. I haven't been able to train as much as I'd like of late. I thought I might try it out.

What sort of training scenario would you like?

[Konan motions for Make to come and take a look at the control panel.]

You can choose a setting - such as the forest, or on a mountain, as well as the types of opponents you want to train against. Or you can make things like an obstacle course for yourself.

I see... [She peers down at the control panel. It is clearly labelled, so she can see some of what Konan is talking about.]

Have you been on the drafts here? What sort of terrain do they use?

Edited 2013-09-26 07:18 (UTC)

I was only on one draft...it took place on an island floating in the sky. Another draft I heard of but wasn't drafted for was in an enclosure much like Luceti, named Vaskoth. Other drafts happened before I arrived here.

[She's less informed on those, but it seems that they happen about once every six months. Of course, other things can happen in between them, too.]

[...o..kay, then. She was expecting terrain that at least made sense. How can an island float in the sky?]

So I suppose the drafts really could account for any type of terrain. [Well, trying out all the options might be a challenge, at least.] Then I think starting with something reasonably simple to begin with might be best.

Would you prefer something more open, like a field, or somewhere where opponents can hide, like the forest?

[Those are fairly simple, and yet there are so many possibilities in even those simple combat scenarios.]

Forest. [There's basic, and then there's no challenge. And given Luceti is surrounded by forest...] I'll work my way up from there.

All right.

[Konan puts in the instructions slowly from the side so that Makie can follow along and see how it has to be entered into the Battle Dome.]

What sort of enemies? Those who fight with weapons, or would you prefer those who rely on hand to hand?

Weapons. [Hmm.] Do they have cultists as an option?

[She'd assume so.]

[Which is an excellent choice for practicing against, since they're the most direct threat anyone in Luceti will have to fight, typically.

Konan demonstrates how to program in the cultists.]

How many would you like to fight?

I'm not sure. [This is fascinating to watch, and she's beginning to realise how much variety there is.] Have you ever fought them before? I'm...not sure how skilled they are.

They're more powerful than skilled, for the most part. Their abilities are superhuman. I fought them briefly on the draft, though I focused primarily on protecting the healers and otherwise keeping out of sight to observe.

[It was best not to be seen as a threat and to take the enemy out without them realizing who or what was killing them, if possible.]

Hmm.

[Turning that over in her head. She had little difficulty during the invasion...]

Three for now.

[Konan programs in three cultists for Makie and several more to target herself. For her own objective, she's going to see how long she can rely on hand to hand combat and using ordinary shuriken rather than her chakra enhanced paper shuriken to fight. Hand to hand is a weaker point of hers and she needs to work on it. She has been working on it, but there's no denying that her strength is in ranged fighting.]

That should do it. Are you ready?

[She's a little nervous. But.]

Ready.

These are just...simulations? Not real?

[She knows they've had this conversation, but she just wants to make sure she understood correctly.]

That's correct. They will look and even feel real, but they are simulations.

[Konan had to give credit where credit was due - the Battle Dome was an impressive piece of technology.]

[If that's the case, it really is just what she's after.]

Then yes... let's try it.

[Konan nods and programs in a few other forest details, including birds and squirrels that will respond when someone – be it she and Makie or the cultists – gets close. A few more details like that are added before she deems the training scenario suitably realistic to train in. It needs to be as close to reality as possible.]

Are you ready?

I'm ready.

[She clicks open the top of her shamisen, pulling the three-section pike from within.]

[Konan has her projectile weapons ready, but she wants to hold out and rely on hand to hand and stealth as much as she can. She doesn't want to be vulnerable if she's ever unable to use her chakra for some reason. She is good at keeping opponents from getting too close, but sometimes things don't go according to plan. It's best to be well prepared.

She glances over at Makie's weapon. It's a good way to disguise the nature of her weapon. The artificial forest materializes around them as the training scenario loads up.]

[Well eventually one of those people above will direct her to him.

Yep]

[You'd think so. Probably in between talking to Prim and being served by Prim, she'll find her way to him, wherever he might be. If he doesn't see her coming, she'll knock on a nearby door/counter to get his attention.]

[Well he was in the midst of washing his hands. Much hand washing - and then he turns with a start at the knock! Perhaps even a little spaztically! And then he flails even more at the fact it's Makie there!]

Makie?!

[Er. Blink blink. That was kind of worrying, are you okay Rin :|a]

Is this a bad time?

No, not at all! No, any time for you, it's cool! What's up?!

[Excited]

[S-so eager. Well, it makes her smile.]

Have you found a new dishwasher?

Nope! We haven't!

[Well, then.]

If you would... be all right with it, I'd be happy to take up the role again. I've been told I'm no longer infectious. Though I could well understand any reluctance you may have.

No way. If you're better, then we would love to have you back.

[Sincerely. He even offers her his hand]

...all right.

[Makie offers him her own, though her handshake is hesitant. Not really used to giving them.] Shall I come in tomorrow, then?

[He keeps a firm grip on her hand to ensure that it's a sealed deal! And...!] Yeah, why not? Like, we can figure out your hours after that, but we might as well have you jump in.

I'm glad to hear that. Truthfully I'm glad to be able to return. My health shouldn't be a problem after this.

I'm glad to have you back - and glad to hear it. After all, you're dedicated.

I like to help out. So I guess it works out for both of us. [It's like a trade-off so she doesn't feel guilty for everything she gets that's free.]

And... personally, I'm gonna like seeing you around some more.

[But there we go. Deal over!]

[...]

Thank you, Rin. I appreciate that.

I'll see you at lunchtime tomorrow.

[Action all over]

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