Otono-Tachibana Makie (
therewerefifty) wrote2013-09-18 07:39 pm
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[Action all over]
[It's not so much that Makie has a clean bill of health-- she needs to keep taking this medication for another four months or so, by the clinic's reports. But she hasn't had a coughing fit in weeks and feels pretty healthy, all things considered-- just a little drained, that's all. And now, she's passed the bar of her illness. She's no longer contagious.
Which means she can stop holing herself up in her room and start going forward with plans to actually, you know...
...live a little.
What a concept.
She still doesn't go out until the afternoon though, tracking down Saori (and other house members if they're around) to inform them of a decision she's made during her convalescence. And then likely packing what very few things she has, and putting haru-no-okina through some well-needed maintenance out on the sunny rooftop. But in the afternoon she goes to several places, shamisen in hand:
Seventh Heaven, to ask after her old job;
The tea house, because it's been a while;
The forge, to request a weapon;
The Welcome Centre, to find out what apartments are still free;
And finally, back to the battledome to investigate it more thoroughly. (She keeps an eye out for Konan on her travels, mindful of an offer made a long while ago. Just in case.) Once she knows sufficiently enough (or someone programs it for her), she steps into one of its rooms for the first time, shamisen neatly tucked to the side out of harm's way, and experiences it for herself. (The program name of the day: Shift Hunters. How fitting, that they're like giant wild dogs.)
...probably stays in there a little too long, though, since her stamina is kind of shredded right now.
Catch her at any of these places or anywhere in between.]
Which means she can stop holing herself up in her room and start going forward with plans to actually, you know...
...live a little.
What a concept.
She still doesn't go out until the afternoon though, tracking down Saori (and other house members if they're around) to inform them of a decision she's made during her convalescence. And then likely packing what very few things she has, and putting haru-no-okina through some well-needed maintenance out on the sunny rooftop. But in the afternoon she goes to several places, shamisen in hand:
Seventh Heaven, to ask after her old job;
The tea house, because it's been a while;
The forge, to request a weapon;
The Welcome Centre, to find out what apartments are still free;
And finally, back to the battledome to investigate it more thoroughly. (She keeps an eye out for Konan on her travels, mindful of an offer made a long while ago. Just in case.) Once she knows sufficiently enough (or someone programs it for her), she steps into one of its rooms for the first time, shamisen neatly tucked to the side out of harm's way, and experiences it for herself. (The program name of the day: Shift Hunters. How fitting, that they're like giant wild dogs.)
...probably stays in there a little too long, though, since her stamina is kind of shredded right now.
Catch her at any of these places or anywhere in between.]
Seventh Heaven
He beams when he catches sight of Makie.] Makie! I wasn't expecting to see you here! Are you feeling better then?
Seventh Heaven
...that's right. I've come to see Rin. Is he here?
Seventh Heaven
I was actually hoping to run into you at home today. Are you going to be busy later?
Seventh Heaven
Today...? Quite busy.
I'm also in the process of moving.
Seventh Heaven
Seventh Heaven
I should really wait until I'm a little healthier for such an outing, Mr Vash.
Seventh Heaven
Seventh Heaven
Seventh Heaven
Seventh Heaven
Seventh Heaven
Seventh Heaven
Seventh Heaven
Seventh Heaven
And is that as far as your intentions lie?
Seventh Heaven
Seventh Heaven
I can't promise to be good company, Mr Vash. I'm terrible at being sociable.
Seventh Heaven
Seventh Heaven
Seventh Heaven
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.]
Seventh Heaven
[Yep, that's the entirety of her response.]
Seventh Heaven
Seventh Heaven
We'll see.
Seventh Heaven
Seventh Heaven
Please give me time to put my life back into working order, at least.
Seventh Heaven
Seventh Heaven
Seventh Heaven
[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!
Seventh Heaven
You were practising?
Seventh Heaven
Seventh Heaven
I suppose if it helps. Please excuse me.
[Movin' off to see Rin. You weirdo. :|]
Seventh Heaven
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Morning. [She beams and wipes off a sheen of sweat with a handkerchief.]
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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.
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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.
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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?
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...but for all intents and purposes, as long as I faithfully take the medication, I am fine.
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It's really good news. Maybe it will take time to recover completely, but you'll get there!
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[She pauses a moment.]
I suppose...formality is why I've come to see you today.
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Oh? And what formality is that?
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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.
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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.
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I would be honoured.
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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.
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You will see me often. I enjoy the company of your household a great deal.
[Then she smiles.]
Thank you, Saori.
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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.
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[Dull. She hasn't trained at all. Makie feels vastly out of practice.]
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[Back when her father still deigned to teach her, that was. He was humouring her.]
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It sounds as though you worked hard as a child though...
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I had other lessons that were more important, so my time in the dojo was purely to satisfy a young girl's curiosity.
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[She knew Makie valued training, she identified as a fighter, so the statement made her curious. What would a younger Makie value that much?]
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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.
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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.
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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.]
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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.
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[Says the easily bored immortal...shut up Saori]
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I suppose everyone needs something different in their lives. If battle is what makes it worthwhile for some...
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Living a life without conflict... means you don't hurt anyone.
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[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.]
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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.]
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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.
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[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.
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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.
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Experimented on...
She closes her eyes.]
I would help you with that, if I could.
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You can. You will. You'll be well soon enough, and this isn't going to be a fast thing, I feel.
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[She smiles.] I really have enjoyed being here. In this house. It's been... good for me.
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I still expect you to come by sometimes to play together, after all. We've gotten so good at harmonizing, now.
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[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.
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[Casual invitation seems good]
If you need anything, you know how to reach me.
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Sokka La Forge
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.
Sokka La Forge
...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?"
Sokka La Forge
"That's me. My reputation precedes me?"
Sokka La Forge
Sokka La Forge
"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.
Sokka La Forge
"Have you ever made throwing knives?"
Sokka La Forge
"Please. I've got ninjas coming out of my ears asking for all manner of throwing weapons."
Sokka La Forge
Sokka La Forge
"Any particular version you like best?"
Sokka La Forge
Sokka La Forge
Sokka La Forge
"May I try it?"
Sokka La Forge
He then gestured to a crude target on the wall.
Sokka La Forge
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?"
Sokka La Forge
"Five. I can make more."
Sokka La Forge
"I'm aware there is no cost, but is there anything else I can do as repayment?"
Sokka La Forge
Sokka La Forge
Sokka La Forge
And he really hated cleaning.
Sokka La Forge
Sokka La Forge
Sokka La Forge
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Sokka La Forge
Welcome Center
Welcome Center
Good afternoon, Aang.
Welcome Center
Good afternoon, Makie! How are you?
Welcome Center
Welcome Center
Welcome Center
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Welcome Center
Are there apartment buildings near your house?
[Not that she's taking his advice, but the thought does amuse her.]
Welcome Center
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!
Welcome Center
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.
Welcome Center
Yep! They're all pretty much the same.
Welcome Center
Welcome Center
Welcome Center
[Which is actually what she's after. No lift means she has to take the stairs.]
Welcome Center
Welcome Center
Welcome Center
Seventh Heaven
Ah... Makie-san!
Seventh Heaven
Hello. I haven't seen you in a while.
Seventh Heaven
sob hopefully he's watching somewhere nearby]I have not seen you either! Are you well? [He bows.]
Seventh Heaven
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?
Seventh Heaven
Seventh Heaven
Seventh Heaven
Seventh Heaven
Beef... I'm sure I trust the kitchen staff's judgment on contents and temperature.
Seventh Heaven
[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.]
Seventh Heaven
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 >_>]
Seventh Heaven
Your meal is being prepared. Is there anything else you'd like? A beverage? Do you need additional napkins or utensils?
Seventh Heaven
Seventh Heaven
Seventh Heaven
Seventh Heaven
[He runs off to the kitchen.]
Seventh Heaven
...okay she's not sure if that bodes well or not. Guess she's trying a soda.]
Seventh Heaven
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!
Seventh Heaven
Ah... are any of these alcohol?
Seventh Heaven
I... do not know! Most of these drinks were poured blindly.
Seventh Heaven
[oh my god, who hired you]
Then I'll start with this one. [Going for one that looks distinctly recognisable as juice.]
Seventh Heaven
Very well! I hope you enjoy it!
Seventh Heaven
Importantly, it also tastes safe to drink. >.>]
This one is delicious.
Seventh Heaven
Seventh Heaven
Which one is the soda?
[She may as well humour him. Perhaps she'll like it.]
Seventh Heaven
Seventh Heaven
It bites.
Seventh Heaven
How dare you!
[Then he grabs it, hops over to the nearest open window and tosses it out there.]
Seventh Heaven
......
.......
......
...did that really just happen]
I...thank you for the defence, but Rin might be upset you broke a bottle...
Seventh Heaven
Seventh Heaven
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.
Seventh Heaven 1/2
Seventh Heaven
I HAVE FAILED! THAT GLASS WAS DESTROYED IN VAIN, AND I AM ENTIRELY AT FAULT!
Seventh Heaven 1/2
/crickets
How on earth can you even exist, Lee.]
Seventh Heaven
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.]
Seventh Heaven
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.
Seventh Heaven
Surely, your retribution could best be served merely by replacing the glass?
Seventh Heaven
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...
Seventh Heaven
Battle Dome
My, my. All the rooms are taken already.
Battle Dome
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.]
Battle Dome
Battle Dome
...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.
Battle Dome
Battle Dome
Battle Dome
Battle Dome
[In that case, if he's that confident.] I'd like to try my hand at Shift Hunters.
Battle Dome
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.]
Battle Dome
...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.]
Battle Dome
My, my. Let's not get too optimistic, now.
[And he is entering the room. The environment? A desert.]
Battle Dome
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.
Battle Dome
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.]
Battle Dome
[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.
Battle Dome
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.
Battle Dome
[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.]
Battle Dome
Battle Dome
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.]
Battle Dome
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.]
Battle Dome
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.]
Battle Dome
[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.]
Battle Dome
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.]
Battle Dome
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.
Battle Dome
-- 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.]
Battle Dome
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?
Battle Dome
Do you come here often?
Battle Dome
[He scans through some of the options himself.]
Yeah. I try to come once a day. It keeps my skills fresh.
Battle Dome
It seems wise, considering the unpredictability of this place. I meant to do the same myself weeks ago, but then I fell ill.
Battle Dome
[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?
Battle Dome
Battle Dome
Alright, I think you're good to go. If you ever have any questions, feel free to ask.
Battle Dome
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.]
Battle Dome
If you ever need a sparring partner, I'm your guy.
Battle Dome
[She trails off. How did she put this? Everything was easier when people just fought with swords.]
Battle Dome
My specialty is hand-to-hand. I also use a shield as my weapon of choice. But I'm pretty flexible.
Battle Dome
Battle Dome
Uh..yeah. I guess I am. [He glances down, almost bashfully.]
Battle Dome
Battle Dome
Battle Dome
Battle Dome
Battle Dome
Battle Dome
Battle Dome
Battle Dome
Battle Dome
Battle Dome | this is so late feel free to ignore
He can come off to people that way, at first. But he's a good guy. It just takes some time to see it.
Battle Dome | You're all good!
[Though she hasn't seen him since. There's a residual awkwardness to meeting someone via being their imaginary ex-wife.]
Battle Dome
[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.
Battle Dome
Thank you, Steve. You've been very helpful.
Battle Dome
[With one last smile and a wave, he'll turn around, heading for the exit.]
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
Hey hey hey!! Makie!! How are you today?
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
[Forge is a weird place for a kid :|a
...okay, weird for other kids. >>]
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
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?
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
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.
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
[Well, it's good for Ikki, definitely. But there are two worlds who seem to be getting people by the bucketload.]
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
[ she likes Shikamaru best. ]
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
[She hasn't seen Shikamaru since the invasion. Kind of wonders how he's doing.]
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
So, I think you're right!! They're just more talkative and friendly probably!
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
Chouji is especially friendly. We met when we thought we were... different people, I suppose. But he was still happy to see me afterward.
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
Who was your father?
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
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Re: OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
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.
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
[ ...She's eight. Her priorities are questionable. ]
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
Congratulations. How old are you now?
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
You must miss her a great deal.
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
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OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
I suppose I am. I thought I might make a gift of it.
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
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.]
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
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OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
[Unless Ikki is like holding it right now.]
OUTSIDE OF THE FORGE
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SEVENTH HEAVEN
Makie? Are you feeling better now? It's so good to see you!
SEVENTH HEAVEN
It is good to see you too, Prim. I'm ...feeling much better, actually. That's why I'm here.
SEVENTH HEAVEN
[ It's the first thing she can think of. Although... ]
Or looking to dine in?
SEVENTH HEAVEN
SEVENTH HEAVEN
SEVENTH HEAVEN
[This is where the mun just casually inserts some other thread into this one between one tag and the next :|b]
SEVENTH HEAVEN
[ doot doot doot ]
SEVENTH HEAVEN
Makie will return from the kitchen a few minutes later, looking kind of relieved, and find herself a Prim.]
SEVENTH HEAVEN
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. ]
SEVENTH HEAVEN
I'll start back tomorrow. I think...he was actually happy to see me.
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I shall have to ask him.
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[ ...Mecha Sanji will never not be fascinating, okay. ]
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[The literal iron chef, man.]
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...maybe all places have them, in the future.
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That's why I took the job here. It didn't feel right to just...take whatever I wanted.
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Me too, really. I like to...I don't know. Contribute.
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And she doesn't think that would be such a bad thing. ]
He is. And kind, too.
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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.
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...our pasts were different. And that did change some things. But not all.
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It was...interesting. I suppose I could have turned out like that if I had the... family that I did.
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...I always loved them. Even at home. So - I suppose the difference was...how happy things were.
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[Not with Logan as a cousin.]
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It gave me a lot to think about. I liked that time.
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...I hope it gave you good things to think of, though?
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[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.
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It's a discovery I wish I could take home with me.
Re: SEVENTH HEAVEN
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It's complicated. Better for me to say that there is no place for a woman like me in my home.
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[ That doesn't sound very good. ]
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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[ 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.
TEA SHOP
Oh, hey, I haven't seen you in...weeks? [Time perception issues and such have thrown off her internal calendar something fierce.]
TEA SHOP
I've been ill. Ah...but I'm much recovered now.
TEA SHOP
TEA SHOP
TEA SHOP
TEA SHOP
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[
And then she drinks her tea. END OF THREAD]How have you been?
[Or not.]
TEA SHOP
[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.
TEA SHOP
I'm sorry to hear that. You're still having difficulties?
TEA SHOP
TEA SHOP
I hope...things improve.
[What a lame thing to say.]
TEA SHOP
What about you? Besides all the being sick stuff.
TEA SHOP
TEA SHOP
TEA SHOP
[TRULY A HIGHLIGHT.]
TEA SHOP
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[Her other options seemed to be interacting with customers and possibly killing things, neither of which seemed like a good idea.]
TEA SHOP
TEA SHOP
TEA SHOP
TEA SHOP
[How's that definition?]
TEA SHOP
TEA SHOP
[Which is good.]
TEA SHOP
TEA SHOP
Battle Dome
When she spots Makie, she greets her with a little nod.]
Hello again.
Battle Dome
Hello, Konan. I was looking for you today. [That you're here is wonderfully convenient.]
no subject
[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...?
no subject
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[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.
no subject
Have you been on the drafts here? What sort of terrain do they use?
no subject
[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.]
no subject
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.
no subject
[Those are fairly simple, and yet there are so many possibilities in even those simple combat scenarios.]
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[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?
no subject
[She'd assume so.]
no subject
Konan demonstrates how to program in the cultists.]
How many would you like to fight?
no subject
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[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.]
no subject
[Turning that over in her head. She had little difficulty during the invasion...]
Three for now.
no subject
That should do it. Are you ready?
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Ready.
These are just...simulations? Not real?
[She knows they've had this conversation, but she just wants to make sure she understood correctly.]
no subject
[Konan had to give credit where credit was due - the Battle Dome was an impressive piece of technology.]
no subject
Then yes... let's try it.
no subject
Are you ready?
no subject
[She clicks open the top of her shamisen, pulling the three-section pike from within.]
no subject
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.]
[Seventh Heaven PlaceHolder]
Yep]
[Seventh Heaven]
[Seventh Heaven]
Makie?!
[Seventh Heaven]
Is this a bad time?
[Seventh Heaven]
[Excited]
[Seventh Heaven]
Have you found a new dishwasher?
[Seventh Heaven]
[Seventh Heaven]
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.
[Seventh Heaven]
[Sincerely. He even offers her his hand]
[Seventh Heaven]
[Makie offers him her own, though her handshake is hesitant. Not really used to giving them.] Shall I come in tomorrow, then?
[Seventh Heaven]
[Seventh Heaven]
[Seventh Heaven]
[Seventh Heaven]
[Seventh Heaven]
[But there we go. Deal over!]
[Seventh Heaven]
Thank you, Rin. I appreciate that.
I'll see you at lunchtime tomorrow.