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Post by Whitakker on Jan 16, 2005 22:14:30 GMT -5
*Meanwhile, in the public lab...*
*Whitakker sits down at a workbench, his weapons laid out in front of him. also on the bench is a quantity of Aegisite. Whitakker uses just the amount needed to put on his blades, both sword and sawblades. He also stops briefly to get a few packets of Aegisite bullets, but not too many. Satisfied with the final results, he puts away his arsenal back in their holdings. And now for my trenchcoat. Whitakker puts the new trenchcoat he found in his room, which is exactly the same as the one that was destroyed. Whitakker then proceeds to line it with a thin layer of Aegisite, enough so it will still be flexible, sort of woven material. Once it is put on, Whitakker walks out of the lab, and down the hallway. He stops as he hears noises in the training room. He slowly opens the door, and finds Argis training Kimato in combat. Intrigued, Whitakker casually walks in, and leans against the wall, observing Kimato's growing skills. With enough practice, she'll be pretty good. Argis takes but a brief moment to acknowledge Whitakker's presence. "Please, continue Argis. I'm just observing."*
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Kimato
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the greatest thing you will ever learn is just to love and be loved in return
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Post by Kimato on Jan 17, 2005 11:07:54 GMT -5
Kimato notices the man called Whitakker enter the room, but she is too involved with the present task to stop and acknowledge him. Argis takes a split second to nod in Whitakker's direction, and that is all she needed...
"ARghh!" Using a swift maneuver she learned when she was a teenager, Kimato has managed to pin Arig securely to the wall, his arms twisted behind his back in her surprisingly firm grip. Her face is flushed with the joy of her success, for she wasn't entirely sure it would work. Leaning forward, and speaking softly so that only Argis can hear her, Kimato speaks.
"Thank you for your training Argis. It has been most educational, and I believe you have improved my fighting skills considerably in a very short amount of time. Sometime in the future, I would like us to continue this lesson. For now, however, I am going to go to my room and rest."
When she is finished speaking, she let's Argis go, and turns to walk out of the room, a soft, uncharacteristic smile on her face. As she leaves, two men stare open-mouthed at this difference between the shy girl from the morning and this quiet yet confident woman on the battlefield.
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Dimitri
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Listen to the wind blow, Down comes the night. Break the silence, d**n the dark, d**n the light...
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Post by Dimitri on Jan 17, 2005 19:46:39 GMT -5
Dimitri continues walking down the hall on his pilgrimage to the front door. As he wanders, he accidentally bumps into something. And it bumped back.
"Woah.." says a dazzed Dimitri as he looks up from the floor, only to see that Kimato was the one who sent him reeling.
"Now we are very puzzled. Is this the same girl I saw this morning?" Dimitri says aloud, on account of the uppercut that Kimato gave him ruined his inner monlogue.
"Could you give me some help standing up? I just need, well, you know... all I can get." he says, still slightly punch-drunk.
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Kimato
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the greatest thing you will ever learn is just to love and be loved in return
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Post by Kimato on Jan 17, 2005 20:37:40 GMT -5
Kimato leans down to help the man to his feet, blushing in embarrassment. She cannot make sense of this suspicion that began to rise within her as she battled with Argis. As she had walked out of the practice chamber, half of her had fully expected either him or Whitakker to come after her and repay her for her unfair move. The feeling of suspicion had grown stronger and stronger, even after she was well away from the room, and it was well past the moment for Argis to have retaliated against her.
So when she felt the bump against her shoulder, she had reacted without thinking, delivering a swift punch to the offender's jawbone even as he opened his mouth to apologize.
Stumbling to his feet, he grins and gently rubs his jaw.
"Quite a powerful arm you have there. Um, sorry."
"I am the one who should apologize, sir. I am afraid I overreacted horribly."
Dimitri shrugs. "Not a problem. I guess it's true what they say. It's the quiet ones you really have to watch."
Kimato looks down at her hands, still embarrassed beyond measure by her rude reaction.
What is wrong with me? I've never been this way before. I've never been so...impulsive. Defensive. Or paranoid. Stupid girl.
"I apologize again. Can I do anything to rectify my conduct?"
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Dimitri
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Listen to the wind blow, Down comes the night. Break the silence, d**n the dark, d**n the light...
Posts: 235
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Post by Dimitri on Jan 18, 2005 18:38:56 GMT -5
"Don't you worry yourself about me. I've had worse, I just can't seem to remember when." Dimitri says, his grin becoming a full-fledged smile. Kimato, still blushing, gives him a sideways look.
"Ah, I need to work on my jokes." Dimitri sighs. "But if it really bothers you that much that you hit me, I'll forgive you if you help me find the front door. Do we have a deal, Miss Kimato?"
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Kimato
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the greatest thing you will ever learn is just to love and be loved in return
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Post by Kimato on Jan 18, 2005 21:18:48 GMT -5
"We have a deal, Mr. Dimitri. That is your name, is it not?" Dimitri nods the affirmative. Allowing a small smile to cross her face for only an instant, she walks with Dimitri in the general direction of the kitchen, thinking that perhaps she can find the door from there, or at least someone who can find it for them.
And then, I will definitely be going to get some sleep...perhaps that is why I am acting so skittish.
As they wander, more or less aimlessly, Kimato casts about for something to say to Dimitri. She is not very adept at making small talk with people. Having spent the last six years of her life travelling alone, she hasn't had much practice.
"So...Dimitri...why is it that you seek to join Mr. Anhelo's cause?"
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Post by Thanatos on Jan 19, 2005 20:37:18 GMT -5
"Thanatos, have a seat. I am going to be taking somewhat of an extended leave of absence, and I thought it best for you to be the one informed as to the precise reason."
At Nicholi's words Thanatos seats himself in the armchair opposite the speaker, glossy visor glinting off of the various assorted oddities present on the rich mahogony desk. His slender, black-gloved hands rest themselves casually on the graceful arms of the comfortable seat, Nicholi across from him assuming a likewise position.
"I have been in contact with the Second Continent, Thanatos. You are one of the only ones that would understand what it is this means."
At this Thanatos' aura of relaxed nonchalance is thrown off a beat, a brief look of surprise clearly apparent on his features before it is wiped from his face.
"It had been natural to conclude all radio devices capable of communication between the two continents had been lost in the Cataclysm. If too many individuals gain this information, it could upset the balance of the entire continent."
Nicholi gestures leisurely to an ancient radio transmitter nestled next to a forty-year-old research paper on the MASS, a calm smile present on his worn features.
"Not all devices were lost. I expect only those actively serving my cause will be informed of this development. This item is of the ST 1 grade, thus is only linked to one other transmitter. Thankfully, an individual on the other continent was still in possession the transmitter's twin. His name is Hanson Crawford, of the Crawford Corporation, and he will be able to push us towards our ultimate goal far quicker than I had originally anticipated."
While this time he maintains unwavering physical composure, Thanatos' thoughts are forced into turbulence at the mention of the Crawford Corporation.
It is only after a goal is adopted that will undoubtedly benefit of all humanity that these ghosts of the past that had hidden themselves for so long suddenly return. First the memories themselves, then my brother, and now the mention of the organization single-handedly responsible for all of those events that transpired so long ago. This is not simplistic...
"Interestingly enough, the man has found his way onto this continent through a certain series of unfortunate events which he might reveal to all of you in time. I am going to meet him, as well as exterminate any unwanted 'parasites' he might have gained during his rather turbulent journey. In my absence you are to lead the group to the outskirts of the Ruined City when they are ready, and then to wait for my return. Phantomile is so very close..."
This last statement does not so much appear to be directed at Thanatos as it does to Nicholi himself, as if acting as a personal reassurance. The tone in which this last phrase is spoken is one of a man with a mission, a man possessing a singular goal that will be achieved, no matter what the cost.
"It will be done as you ask, Master Nicholi. I would like very much to see once more the lands that initiated my being."
"I understand quite well, Thanatos. The sooner I leave, the better. It would be best if I were to not speak to Kimato or the others until we are safely reunited once more. Fare well, and watch over all of those under within this house--together we will rid of the world of MASS, and lead mankind to salvation."
...and with that Nicholi departs from the office with a brisk nod to Thanatos, having already gathered the necessary supplies. He is out of a side entrance in less than a moment.
The android himself remains seated in the armchair for several minutes after Nicholi's departure, gazing intently at the radio transmitter. After a suitable amount of time has passed, Thanatos rises, spending several more moments meticulously scanning the labratory before beginning his own leisurely departure, locking the door securely behind him. Things were, at long last, finally underway...
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Dimitri
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Listen to the wind blow, Down comes the night. Break the silence, d**n the dark, d**n the light...
Posts: 235
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Post by Dimitri on Jan 20, 2005 21:01:14 GMT -5
"That's the big question on everyone's mind, isn't it, Miss Kimato?" Dimitri says, still smiling. "I as I've already said, I hate speaking of the past, but I'll tell you my reason. I believe it's the right thing to do." he says, the smile on his face disappearing and his voice unusually serious.
"Hey look! The front door!" Dimitri shouts, his voice cheerful again. "Thanks for giving me some company, Miss Kimato." he cries as he sprints toward his bike and begins to unload several bags. After returning to his room, Dimitri sits on the foot of his bed and thought about the days events. He had been accepted to Nicholi's group, got gold and a room, and he thought he had made a friend in Kimato. He slowly leans back on the bed and says aloud:
"This really is the right thing to do.
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Kimato
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the greatest thing you will ever learn is just to love and be loved in return
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Post by Kimato on Jan 20, 2005 21:30:16 GMT -5
After "helping" Dimitri find his way to the front door, Kimato hurries back to her room. She is relieved that no one else comes along to deter her, and falls on the little bed for the second time that day. Despite the fatigue brought on by her short training session with Argis, the young woman feels no desire to sleep, only a need to be alone, have some silence.
Sitting up, she looks around the room. Obviously, someone took great care to make this place comfortable and beautiful for its occupant. Who?
Kimato lets her eyes wander over the cozy space...coming to rest on the small table beside the bed. The table is an old-fashioned, plain affair made with a dark wood, with a small drawer attached under the tabletop. She knows it is rude to pry into other people's things, but for the moment her curiosity is stronger than her urgent need to please.
Openning the little drawer, Kimato peers in. There are only two items inside: a piece of faded pink ribbon tied around a lock of reddish hair, and a picture frame facing down. Hesitantly, she reaches for the frame. Gingerly lifting it from the drawer, she turns it over and stares at the photograph.
It is a plain wooden frame, like everything else in the room. The picture is not too terribly old...perhaps a decade or two. It appears to be a family portrait. There are several people in the picture...an older man and woman, and there are five people...presumably children of the older couple. Two girls, rather young ones, really, and a little boy that can't be any older that seven or eight.
But the two that really catch Kimato's eye are the last two; a young man sitting in a chair beside the older one. The two are obviously father and son, and the younger man holds a little baby in his arms, smiling a smile that is purest joy. The baby, father, and son all have the same eyes: blue and curious, looking as if they could encompass everything in a single glance. The baby is smiling, and Kimato assumes it is a girl from the pink ribbon tied in her red baby curls.
Kimato slides to the floor heavily, staring at the sweet family scene. Who took this picture? And when? And more importantly, who are these people? What happened to them? These questions play through her mind like rambunctious tikes, pushing at each other for attention and space. And so she sits, still and unmoving, wondering.
She isn't sure how long she's been sitting there, looking at the beautiful little family. She thinks of her own brother and sister. The man holding the baby looks as if nothing in the world could ever be wrong. Such happy faces...
A quiet knock sounds at the door. Kimato slides the picture under the bed, gets up, straightens her skirts, and walks to the door.
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Dimitri
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Listen to the wind blow, Down comes the night. Break the silence, d**n the dark, d**n the light...
Posts: 235
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Post by Dimitri on Jan 22, 2005 19:01:19 GMT -5
Dimitri rises from his bed and begins to unpack his bags. He removes several items of scientific importancelike schemetics and notes, a sketch book filled with designs and concepts for weapons, and his various articles of clothing.
After putting away all of his assorted apparel, Dimitri sinks unto the bed and drifts into a heavy sleep. As his mind begins to wander freely, he dreams of strange people and objects. Suddenly, he finds himself in a large, barren plane with nothing around him. As he begins to walk across the plane, a large, boney, white hand reaches up from the ground. The rest of the creature's body follows, it's head with large, lantern-like orbs for eyes, it's thin, skeletal body, and it's horrible grinning face.
It looks toward Dimitri and says "You cannot do anything to help them. You are WEAK...."
Dimitri looks toward the creature, smiles, and shoots it in the face. As it falls to the ground, it turns into a sickeningly familar shape. That of a MASS.
"Strange, I don't feel weak..."
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Post by Argis on Jan 23, 2005 16:45:29 GMT -5
Argis walks calmly to the hall leaving the training room turn and walk down the hall towards his room. When he sees Kimato’s room he thinks to him self I wonder if she thinks I’m mad for her move against me? So he calmly knocks and he hears a slam of a dresser then the door handle turns and Kimato peers trough “Argis!?!?” “Yes well I just wanted to say good job now your ready.” Argis looks behind Kimato to see a figure swing towards Argis room. Argis gently says “go to sleep I’ll wake you when you need to or you can just wander around more. Argis turn around and resumes his rout to his room as he walks in a knife flies towards Argis and he dodges and jumps on his walls and tackles the attack “Nicata.” “How are you the ninja responds “I found her, their in rout to t minor village of Onjo” *Argis grabs his sword lets… no… I can’t leave them here you must keep a eye on her she might die in battle.” you under estimate her she fights like you almost defying time and gravity.” “really well ok now how is my I mean the village doing She nods it doing very well we just got a shipment of semi-automatic weapons unforcantily they jam if dirt even touches it and a few men set out to find and by even more advance technology. Oh and we bought a few guns one even shoots fire. “really now well that’s was fast” “I have to go to keep up with Mina.”<br>
Just a few trade routs could possably find a few thing besides we all have a form of autos. So they must exist commonly epically sense the mass have equipped everyone of their men with them. -Argis-#nosmileys
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Kimato
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the greatest thing you will ever learn is just to love and be loved in return
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Post by Kimato on Jan 23, 2005 22:47:05 GMT -5
Kimato stares after Argis as he walks toward his room. Odd man. She shrugs inwardly. Withdrawing back into her room, she locks the door this time and goes to sit on the bed. Sleep seems so appealing, but there are too many things reeling through her mind right now...the training session with Argis, the family portrait shoved under her bed...Nicholi's gift...
She'd forgotten about it. Sticking a hand in her pocket, she pulls out the circular box and opens it. Inside, the chakram shines in all its elegant glory. Wondering who would use such a thing to fight, she lifts it from the box and turns it over in her hands.
"I thought it suited you..." She lets it fall flat into her two open hands. It does suit her, oddly enough. Grasping it, she finds that the chakram's curve fits snugly into her fist, not too large and awkward to hold, but not so small as to be ineffective. The weight of it is also perfect. Swinging it in a sharp arc upward, she smiles grimly. It works like an extension of her body.
She replaces the chakram in its box. Leaving her room, she heads in the direction of Nicholi's laboratory. I hope he's not still meeting with Thanatos.
Reaching the door, she stops. She doesn't hear any noise within. Knocking softly, Kimato wonders what it could be that Nicholi wanted to speak to Thanatos about. It's really none of your business. She shook her head at herself. Try as she might, she had never stopped being too curious for her own good.
No one answers her knock. Sighing, Kimato turns to go, thinking, Nicholi Anhelo must be the single hardest person on earth to find, even when you're in the same house with him. Walking back to her room to take Argis' suggestion of sleeping, Kimato turns a corner and sees Thanatos. His back is to her, and she does not wish to speak with him. Turning on her heel, she retreats around the corner, hoping he will continue on his way.
That dark man with his visored eyes...he's so cold, and empty. I don't understand why, but...I'm terrified of him. Her heart leaps into her throat as she hears his soft footfalls around the corner, but she cannot tell if they are coming toward her or away from her.
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Post by Thanatos on Jan 24, 2005 19:09:05 GMT -5
Thanatos spent several moments gazing aimlessly at one of the many pieces of assorted artwork that lined the softly carpeted halls of the Manor upon his retreat and subsequent locking of the labratory.
This particular piece appeared to be a work formed upon shadowy accounts of the Great Cataclysm, created by a relatively unimportant artist of the First Continent approximitely A.D. 20, if analysis of the paints involved served Thanatos correctly. Consisting of nothing more than a brilliant mesh of color framed with a deep black background, it was exceptionally difficult to find the point to such a work. Perhaps vague impressions of mournful and terrified faces could be seen ringing the edge of the painting, but there was certainly nothing that spoke of a masterful grasp the art form. In Thanatos' perceptions, it was a mediocre waste of canvas.
Yet appreciation of such decidedly human things as art did not come easily to one so very much lacking in humanity. To one of Man, especially one so focused and determined as Nicholi Anhelo, perhaps this served as more than a facet for idle entertainment: it served as a reminder for what it was he was keeping from ever happening again.
But that was enough of that.
Preparing to move on to another task, Thanatos stops as he begins to detect other footsteps. While they are very much distant at first, slowly but surely the soft patter draws closer. Then, there is silence, save for the stealthy breathing of a woman attempting to go undetected, followed by footsteps once more as the woman carefully begins to retrace her route.
Seeing an opportunity to deliver Nicholi's brief message, the android turns almost soundlessly on his own heel, following her at his own leisurely rate. It is only after several moments of this pattern of walking and following have passed that Thanatos deems it the proper time to speak. His near-stalking of Kimato has most likely shaken her considerably--something Thanatos sees little problem with. In his experiences, it is many times advisable to engage in conversation only when a sufficient advantage is held.
Thus eerie and chill words escape from his icy lips, the sound carrying itself softly down the corridor.
"If we might converse for a moment, Miss Kimato..."
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Kimato
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the greatest thing you will ever learn is just to love and be loved in return
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Post by Kimato on Jan 24, 2005 21:58:14 GMT -5
Whirling around, Kimato barely manages to stifle a very undignified yelp. The tall, intimidating man called Thanatos stands before her. Wonderful. Just what I always wanted. Okay, here I go pretending I am not afraid. Stop cowering, stupid girl.
Standing up straight and looking Thanatos in the visor, Kimato smiles, cordial and calm, her breathing normal even as her heart races.
"Good evening, Thanatos. I just came from Mr. Anhelo's laboratory. I...had hoped to speak to him, but no one answered the door. So I was going back to my room."
Kimato lowers her eyes, feeling very much like a stupid child, caught with her hand in the cookie jar. Why should I be afraid of this man? He is an ally of Nicholi's, isn't he? And it isn't as if I was doing anything wrong...
Raising her eyes again, she says, "Might you know where Mr. Anhelo is, Thanatos?"
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Post by Thanatos on Jan 25, 2005 20:53:59 GMT -5
The android's glossy, beetle-black visor continues its unshifting gaze throughout the entire ordeal, Thanatos' body lazily positioned in the perfect image of true nonchalance and detatchment.
As Kimato finally composes herself, Thanatos' colorless lips part once more, hovering for several more seconds in the absolute silence of the moment before finally uttering toneless words.
"Master Nicholi has left the Manor in order to attend to other matters pertinent to his goal. He has left me in charge for the duration of his absence, with instructions to guide his guests to the edge of the Ruined City. It was his purpose not to bid farewell himself--perhaps the emotional complication stemming from this was something he did not wish to face."
Thanatos finishes speaking, the faintest of smiles touching his chilly features--it is an expression that speaks of deep insight, and is not without its own brand of irony.
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