IAmEnzo
Closer to Isanity
01. The Pilot
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Fantasy The Coming Darkness - Weapons of Fate
- Thread starter IAmEnzo
- Start date
IAmEnzo
Closer to Isanity
LEGEND:
" = Character speech in the default language (Japanese)
' = Character speech in another language (non-Japanese)
Italics = Character thought
* = Narrator
/ = Scene begins
// = Scene end
/
It was a gusty Sunday night in the rapidly growing city of Whiterun. This night in particular was a special one as the CEO of GRID, Robert Bench, was about to deliver a heartwarming and passionate speech to the company's wealthy partners and close friends. The party was exclusive to many different shareholders, bringing in people from various cultures. They dressed nothing short of tuxedos and glittery gowns. "And now, for a man who barely needs introduction; CEO of GRID Industries, Robert Bench!" The announcement brought a lively applause as the speaker stepped away from the glass-framed microphone stand, allowing for the announced individual to approaching the stand in a wheelchair. Armed with a five o'clock shadow and well-kept hair, the man faced the stand and pressed one of the many buttons on the armrest of his chair. A quiet whirl emitted from the chair as the wheels turned inward and propulsed the man into mid-air. The wheelchair turned hovercraft gently lifted him up close enough so that the microphone picked up his brief 'Ahem'.
"Thank you- Thank you all for coming here tonight." The man spoke with a stubborn grin. The applause died down in response to his opening words. "I know a lot of you are risking a lot to come out here and listen to me waste your time when you're due to clock in at seven. I believe that when a true friend is there for you at your lowest point, that they deserve to share the success with you at your highest, and that is why we are all here tonight." The crowd gazed attentively at the CEO, hands on wine glasses and cell phones recording the event. "You see - Tonight isn't about me. Sure, we've recently opened a new headquarters here in Whiterun - but tonight is about you; all of you that helped us, helped GRID, helped me, get here. From here on out, GRID is raising shareholders' cut for all the attending parties." Another round of applause echoed through the luxurious building. The remainder of that night carried on with high hopes and higher opinions of the company. It was yet another awe-inspiring appearance by the CEO who appeared as an angel on various media outlets. The company's work globally had increased hiring rates and improved the quality of living in the areas they were established. High-end tech allowed for smaller companies to pay less for upkeep, as well as boost their own sales with the latest and greatest. GRID was always ten steps ahead of many other technical industries with their gifted staff. Needless to say, things were looking up.
//
/
The following day was the first official 'work day' for GRID. After months of building, organizing, and relocating employees, GRID Industries was finally ready to operate in Whiterun. The black and teal uniformed workers swarmed within the tall building. Multiple floors worked tirelessly on different fronts. One floor was entirely consistent of server blocks providing connections with up to 300Mbps download speeds. On another floor, beneath the building, was a manufacturing plant mainly inhabited by long conveyor belts and assembly machines. With the help of plant workers, they were able to manufacture just about any request sent out by other companies. At the back of the building was a shipping bay, where trucks could load and unload cargo. The building was built to multitask and gain revenue off of few industrial branches.
In the CEO's office was Robert Bench, who wanted to oversee the operation of the newly established headquarters before his presence was requested elsewhere on the globe. The natural light from the sun illuminated his office in ways that made people think it was built for that sole purpose. The man jotted away at several sets of paper lined on his desk. Most those papers were orders that needed to be screened by an official before it began construction. Because Bench was a workaholic, and GRID was his life's work come true, he took up the mantle of filing the requests himself. Upon unveiling one of the papers, Bench reclined back into his leather chair with a provoking thought. His ring finger held down a black button protruding from his table. "Izzi, can you buzz Miyuki to my office, please?"
Azukai
Zuki
Birth
Applause...Praise...Acknowledgement...
None of it mattered to the girl...Not the trophy in her arms...Not the stage of intellectual glory...And certainly not the recognition of a new prodigy.
All that mattered was the single warmth enveloped within the auditorium crowd before her.
The gentle aura...the caring spirit...the silly smile...every aspect of the person who defined her world...her life...her everything...
"Bravo," his lips uttered as his hands clasped to form a swirl of white energy that began to expand the entirety of the room.
All that remained was she and him...an arm extended her way...reaching...grasping...
The light faded to dim as his body fell to the ground...writhing in a pool of blood...suffering from the pain which fueled his silent screams.
Turmoil plagued the girl who desperately reached for the man...struggling yet never reaching the fruition she desired.
Falling...endlessly into an abyss...grasping at her throat which refused to heed the desire for her voice...
Nothing but an interval of chimes sounding in the void...summoning a burst of light into her eyes which opened to the sight of papers...
"Nrrrgh...Awake."
Miyuki groaned as she spoke the code for deactivating her office's morning alarm. While lifting her head off of her desk, she began to lightly shiver in response to the room's chilled air against the surface of her sweat-drenched skin. A small sigh escaped her lips as she slowly rose to her feet and began stumbling in the direction of her office's lounge where a washroom was hidden behind the veil of a wall-height, one way mirror. Letting her robe fall to the ground, Miyuki gently stepped into the tub which was already filled with steaming hot water and various scented petals. Immediately, a satisfied groan rose from her throat as she submerged all but her face under the surface of the water.
Nights were always the same; plagued with a never ending cycle of fantastical renditions of her past. Sleep was a rare enough occurrence for the head of a Grid department, and her night terrors only helped contribute to a permanent state of over-exhaustion. Moments such as now were but a few of the peaceful reprieves that still existed in her life, which gave reason for her anger in response to a sudden intrusion.
"For god's sake can I not enjoy a simple bath without your intervention, Izzi."
A small chuckle erupted from the secretary who began leaning against the wall of the room before announcing her reason for intrusion.
"We both know buzzing you would accomplish nothing, Miyuki-dear.
You've been summoned by the Boss.
From what I hear, there's some...tension concerning that project of yours. Anything you'd like to share to an old colleague?"
Izzi's words were blatantly ignored as Miyuki closed her eyes and continued to enjoy her bath as if the second presence was not there. It wasn't until several moments had passed that she exhaled a heavy sigh before responding to the summon.
"Summon duly noted.
You can tell him, I'll get there when I get there."
...
As famous as Miyuki was for bio-robotic engineering, she was equally infamous for living life at her own pace. It was nearly forty minutes past Izzi's original summon that she found herself exiting her office; dressed in her usual attire while rapidly dripping a path of water from her still-wet, unkempt hair. For the employees of her department, such an appearance was considered the norm; thus, it was with ordinary, casual "Good Mornings," that they greeted their boss.
"Tai is expected in the conference room for the general meeting.
If I am not back in time, have Ueno-san take it over until my return."
Miyuki's instructions were spoken to the secretary at the department's front desk just before her departure towards the Executive Department of Grid. The walk took just under fifteen minutes, leading her to the rare occurrence of sunlight that shined through the windows of the building's ornate, upper floors. Arriving at a pair of wooden, double doors, Miyuki lazily shoved them aside as she blatantly invited herself into CEO's office. Finding the nearest leather couch, Miyuki plopped herself along its length before staring at the room's inhabitant with a bored expression on her face.
"I'm here...So however can I help you today?"
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/
Tae lounged comfortably on their sofa, a large blanket over her shoulders and her laptop in her lap, a mug of hot coffee within arms reach. Ever since her impromptu... Ah, promotion, Tae had been getting less sleep, often waking up to pre-dawn light and shuffling away to the couch and making sure not to disturb An. There was just something about being involved in such an unorthodox assignment like this that still ate at her, filling her with a sort of jumpiness that never went away... Thus the lack of sleep and general paranoia. Her wife seemed to be quite comfortable with all the new changes, unlike her. Perhaps she had just been thinking too much the past couple days.
"Oh, lookie here... Doing some recon, aren't we? Planning everything out?" A voice suddenly sounded from behind Tae, filled with lighthearted amusement as a weight suddenly draped itself over Tae's shoulder.
Speak of the devil. Turning just slightly, Tae chuckled, shrugging. "What can I say? I'm a planner." She hovered over the pictures of a few more apartments, sighing as she stared at one with the most-
"Beautiful hardwood floors. The apartment, I mean. It'd be fun to slide around on, no?" An said, a cheeky grin on her face.
Tae merely shook her head, although a soft smile remained on her face. "Exactly. I just... When this is all over... I don't know. I just want you to be safe, you know? And... And start something that's just our own. And now that we're better off... A lot better off... Well, I want to be able to give you... I don't know... I just..." Her face twisted into a scowl as she struggled to formulate a coherent reason to explain her recent behavior. All that got her, however, was a gently tweak of her cheek and another light laugh.
"You don't owe me a thing, Tae. Stop worrying and come back to bed; drinking coffee with your frayed nerves this early in the dayreally can't be good for you." And so, at least for a couple hours, concerns surrounding GRID were all but forgotten.
//
/
Tae fidgeted on the subway, ignoring those around her as she tried to clutch her laptop bag to her chest and fix her skirt at the same time. An had insisted on doing her hair and picking out some nice clothing for her this morning, but it really wasn't her style. She moved to fix her blouse and nearly gasped in relief when she got off at her stop, Tae merely started walking briskly towards the GRID building, a glance at the watch that she almost never wore telling her that she had a little over fourty minutes until she would be seen as late, courtesy of having woken up with the sun.
When she got to the main hall, near security, she immediately noticed a shift in the atmosphere around her. Her shoulders prickled as she felt the critical stares of fellow employees boring into her back, or the muttering and whispering that sometimes stalled when the speakers walked within her vicinity. No one knew about the project, of course, but her summon to meet the Shizuka Miyuki wasn't exactly a secret.
Tae was glad for a respite from all of the rumors and glares when her gaze fell on the familiar face of Dacihi, the security guard with the sweet disposition. Moving her way up to security, she smiled at him and tried to start some small talk but was only met with short, quiet, answers instead the man seemed unwilling to meet her eyes, perhaps because of something that happened from their earlier conversation. Frowning slightly, Tae sighed and simply went directly to her destination despite having a good thirty minutes to spare; it wasn't like she had anything else to look forward to, in a company tha was decidedly a lot less friendly than usual.
- - - - -
The secretary seemed mildly surprised when she actually showed up early, although she was admittedly quite good at masking it a second later as she waved Tae int the large conference room.
"You are quite early, Xi-San; please, have a seat. Would you like some refreshments?"
Tae glanced uncertainly at the chairs, wondering where she would sit, and if there was maybe some sort of order to conference seating, or something similar; the last thing she wanted to do was to offend sme GRID bigwig or another. However, the secretary's stare was growing less welcoming by the minute and Tae hastily sat in the most inconspicuous spot, two seats down from the "head" chair.
"Some water would be amazing." Tae said, a grateful smile on her face. "Thank you very much." The secretary gave her a polite smile and walked off, leaving Tae with her thoughts as she leaned back and gazed at the rather intimidating area, her hands tapping restlessly on the table and on her thigh without her even really noticing.
Tae lounged comfortably on their sofa, a large blanket over her shoulders and her laptop in her lap, a mug of hot coffee within arms reach. Ever since her impromptu... Ah, promotion, Tae had been getting less sleep, often waking up to pre-dawn light and shuffling away to the couch and making sure not to disturb An. There was just something about being involved in such an unorthodox assignment like this that still ate at her, filling her with a sort of jumpiness that never went away... Thus the lack of sleep and general paranoia. Her wife seemed to be quite comfortable with all the new changes, unlike her. Perhaps she had just been thinking too much the past couple days.
"Oh, lookie here... Doing some recon, aren't we? Planning everything out?" A voice suddenly sounded from behind Tae, filled with lighthearted amusement as a weight suddenly draped itself over Tae's shoulder.
Speak of the devil. Turning just slightly, Tae chuckled, shrugging. "What can I say? I'm a planner." She hovered over the pictures of a few more apartments, sighing as she stared at one with the most-
"Beautiful hardwood floors. The apartment, I mean. It'd be fun to slide around on, no?" An said, a cheeky grin on her face.
Tae merely shook her head, although a soft smile remained on her face. "Exactly. I just... When this is all over... I don't know. I just want you to be safe, you know? And... And start something that's just our own. And now that we're better off... A lot better off... Well, I want to be able to give you... I don't know... I just..." Her face twisted into a scowl as she struggled to formulate a coherent reason to explain her recent behavior. All that got her, however, was a gently tweak of her cheek and another light laugh.
"You don't owe me a thing, Tae. Stop worrying and come back to bed; drinking coffee with your frayed nerves this early in the dayreally can't be good for you." And so, at least for a couple hours, concerns surrounding GRID were all but forgotten.
//
/
Tae fidgeted on the subway, ignoring those around her as she tried to clutch her laptop bag to her chest and fix her skirt at the same time. An had insisted on doing her hair and picking out some nice clothing for her this morning, but it really wasn't her style. She moved to fix her blouse and nearly gasped in relief when she got off at her stop, Tae merely started walking briskly towards the GRID building, a glance at the watch that she almost never wore telling her that she had a little over fourty minutes until she would be seen as late, courtesy of having woken up with the sun.
When she got to the main hall, near security, she immediately noticed a shift in the atmosphere around her. Her shoulders prickled as she felt the critical stares of fellow employees boring into her back, or the muttering and whispering that sometimes stalled when the speakers walked within her vicinity. No one knew about the project, of course, but her summon to meet the Shizuka Miyuki wasn't exactly a secret.
Tae was glad for a respite from all of the rumors and glares when her gaze fell on the familiar face of Dacihi, the security guard with the sweet disposition. Moving her way up to security, she smiled at him and tried to start some small talk but was only met with short, quiet, answers instead the man seemed unwilling to meet her eyes, perhaps because of something that happened from their earlier conversation. Frowning slightly, Tae sighed and simply went directly to her destination despite having a good thirty minutes to spare; it wasn't like she had anything else to look forward to, in a company tha was decidedly a lot less friendly than usual.
- - - - -
The secretary seemed mildly surprised when she actually showed up early, although she was admittedly quite good at masking it a second later as she waved Tae int the large conference room.
"You are quite early, Xi-San; please, have a seat. Would you like some refreshments?"
Tae glanced uncertainly at the chairs, wondering where she would sit, and if there was maybe some sort of order to conference seating, or something similar; the last thing she wanted to do was to offend sme GRID bigwig or another. However, the secretary's stare was growing less welcoming by the minute and Tae hastily sat in the most inconspicuous spot, two seats down from the "head" chair.
"Some water would be amazing." Tae said, a grateful smile on her face. "Thank you very much." The secretary gave her a polite smile and walked off, leaving Tae with her thoughts as she leaned back and gazed at the rather intimidating area, her hands tapping restlessly on the table and on her thigh without her even really noticing.
IAmEnzo
Closer to Isanity
Bench's eyes pierced through his reading glasses toward the girl who dropped herself upon the black leather couch not remotely close to his desk. Despite her obvious, non-professional behavior on arrival, Bench knew her capabilities for multitasking and operating under pressure. The two had worked together for a considerable amount of time, and the CEO grew a bond with said employee. Bench set down his glasses on his desk and snatched a set of papers from the desk's surface. From there, he wheeled his chair around the desk and toward the lax female.
A smirk formed on the boss's face as he handed Miyuki the set of papers. "Applicants, and lots of them." Bench's wheelchair motor whirred as he spun it 180 degrees and back to the desk. "Ever since people figured out that the year-long construction was GRID's newest headquarters, they have been itching to get their foot in the door. I need you to sort through these today and arrange some interviews. Conference Room seven's empty, you can conduct them there." Returning to his desk, Bench sorted the rest of the files scattered across his work surface. "We took a considerable dip in monthly expenses, and I've already done the mathematics for the shareholders. Do you know anything about that?"
A smirk formed on the boss's face as he handed Miyuki the set of papers. "Applicants, and lots of them." Bench's wheelchair motor whirred as he spun it 180 degrees and back to the desk. "Ever since people figured out that the year-long construction was GRID's newest headquarters, they have been itching to get their foot in the door. I need you to sort through these today and arrange some interviews. Conference Room seven's empty, you can conduct them there." Returning to his desk, Bench sorted the rest of the files scattered across his work surface. "We took a considerable dip in monthly expenses, and I've already done the mathematics for the shareholders. Do you know anything about that?"
Azukai
Zuki
Tae, ever solemn, didn't quite share the same exuberance that Shizuka did, opting for a small smile as she settled into her chair. For a split second, she couldn't help but compare Shizuka to a hurricane, or tornado; something that swept into a room and left a wake of change behind her. Gazing down at the advanced computer-table, her smile widened when she saw her own pieces on display. This was an artist's dream; to have their work shown, appreciated, recognized, a part of something much bigger than themselves. She gazed at the happy little cartoons she had created with more focus and inspiration than she had in a long while. This strange project had helped her find her spark again, which was almost worth more to her than the generous pay. Almost. She wondered what that said about her as a person; perhaps she was simply less whimsical and more grounded than most artists. Or perhaps she was simply greedy.
"Of course. Thank you very much." Tae said, with a slight tip of her head, a small twinge of anxiousness in her stomach as she tried to remember what exactly she was to wear to the National Hospital; she would have to ask An to help her with that later. "I'm glad to be a part of something as big as this."
Tae wasn't surprised to learn of another phase; in her (very sparse) experience, science types always seemed to enjoy separating tasks into separate sub-missions. Eyes narrowing as she scrutinized the text that Shizuka conjured, she ran a finger over each line, chewing on her bottom lip as she started to conjure up some basic concept sketches in her mind. So Project Zodiac wasn't to be a horror game cliche and become a secret experiment that went horrendously wrong; small mercies, perhaps. "No, these prompts will pose no great difficulty." She said truthfully, albeit slow sounding slightly arrogant. She smiled and murmured a quiet thank you, grateful for the income. "No concerns, really, but when would you like the initial pieces by?"
"Of course. Thank you very much." Tae said, with a slight tip of her head, a small twinge of anxiousness in her stomach as she tried to remember what exactly she was to wear to the National Hospital; she would have to ask An to help her with that later. "I'm glad to be a part of something as big as this."
Tae wasn't surprised to learn of another phase; in her (very sparse) experience, science types always seemed to enjoy separating tasks into separate sub-missions. Eyes narrowing as she scrutinized the text that Shizuka conjured, she ran a finger over each line, chewing on her bottom lip as she started to conjure up some basic concept sketches in her mind. So Project Zodiac wasn't to be a horror game cliche and become a secret experiment that went horrendously wrong; small mercies, perhaps. "No, these prompts will pose no great difficulty." She said truthfully, albeit slow sounding slightly arrogant. She smiled and murmured a quiet thank you, grateful for the income. "No concerns, really, but when would you like the initial pieces by?"
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IAmEnzo
Closer to Isanity
/
Several miles off the coast of Whiterun's mainland, a miniature island sat. This island was globally known more for it's structure, Castle Aurora, which stood through the first magical war and time itself. Because of it's name, there was a high belief that a source of black magic resided here, called the 'Book of Aurora'. Just a little over a year ago, a battle took place between multiple parties in order to retrieve the book. Ever since that night, the Island had been under protection from the Japanese military; more specifically the government's official magicians' division. Normally these mages were only called in to fight fire with fire - put down maniacal mages before serious harm could be inflicted. For a year, however, they had been tasked to guard the now empty site of Castle Aurora. Inside one of the rooms on a higher floor, an electrical crack sounded itself once, then once more; until a ball of warped light and electricity formed just mere feet above the dusty cobble floor. The ball grew in size and sound, loud enough that several soldiers heard the crackling from just outside the castle. "Come on, let's check it out." One armed soldier told the others. Armed with sub-par weapons and a grimore or two, the group creeped into the building and began searching.
The sphere had finally reached it's limit. Lightning tracked all around the ground, igniting flammable material like torches that had been out cold for months. This continued until a male shot out from the source and straight onto his stomach. Beside him was his signature weapon, a customized spear with various designs and modifications; a clear magical weapon. The robed man didn't remain on the ground for long. Panicked, he flung himself up onto his feet with his spear in hand, posing a stance ready for battle. "What the-.. Montesque?!" Frantically, he jolted himself to the side, back facing the wall. Footsteps foreign to the man were echoed throughout the old structure. Someone was still here. The man padded lightly to a massive hole on the wall, which was no doubt caused by the battle he swore he participated in just mere minutes ago. From that viewpoint, he could see a medium freighter on the horizon, making it's way to the Island's out-of-place port. A port that large on a island that small meant that not only was it constructed with magical aid, but there was also an encampment of people there as well.
"We're headed up the stairs now." reported a soldier too close for comfort. Merely seconds later, two armed soldiers stormed into the room, followed shortly by a mage carrying a grimore. To their surprise, not a soul was in the room, despite the noise. With weapons trained, they carefully advanced, flashlights scanning the room up and down. "Wait." called out the mage, who discovered the charred spot on the floor caused by the sphere. "This wasn't here before." The group of men exchanged glances before one of them reached for a radio, only for the magical spear to burst from his chest. A hail of bullets blanketed the man's general direction, but with a spin of his spear, the closest bullets were deflected. When the soldier's gun clicked empty, the man quickly closed the distance only to be thwarted by a large stone thrown telekinetically by the mage. Angered, the man tried his hand at a second attempt to gain some ground. The stones were easily avoided and the soldier was killed by a spear thrust. There was a brief pause, as the mage watched his teammate choke with blood before ultimately falling to the rock-hard floor. The telekinetic attacks clearly winded the mage, who had no choice but to back into the wall behind him.
"W-wait, hold on.. Who are you?" The mage stammered as the tip of the spear lightly pressed against his his throat. "At least.. t-..tell me the name of the man who murdered me.." "What happened to this island? What year is it?" His questions were met with quivering. "ANSWER ME!" "2014! 2014!! I don't know what happened here, I'm just a disciple!" "Where is the book, mage? Where is Aurora?!" "We don't know! It wasn't here when we arrived..!" The man fell into thought as his eyes trailed away from his interrogation victim. Those kids couldn't have seriously taken it..? He thought to himself. Static sounded in the radio belonging to one of the dead soldiers, followed by a voice. "Takeshi? You went radio silence. Answer back or I'll be sending in another squad after you. Takeshi?" This brought the man's attention back to the mage, who eyed the radio. "Go on. Tell 'em you're fine." "..You'll let me go..?" "If you don't, I'll cut out your throat." The threat was more than enough to get the mage to lift and float the radio towards his face. With a painful gulp, the man's telekinetic magic depressed transmit. "T-This is Hiro.. We're clear.." The mage stared at the radio in despair as the voice responded to him. "Copy that, Hiro. Give Takeshi his radio back." The spear-wielding man smirked with satisfaction. That was until the mage blurted out in the loudest voice he could muster. "WE'RE UNDER ATTACK! SECOND FLOOR ROOM THR-.. Gurgh..." The tipped spear punctured the man's throat, rendering his speech nothing more than a gurgle. A sigh escaped the man's lips as he annoyingly stared at the mage's teared face. "It's Void, by the way." A final thrust of his spear decapitated the mage and ended the ordeal. At least for the moment. Shortly after the call for help, the port's alarm was raised and it blared throughout the entire island, sending everyone on it into a state of alert. Void could only watch the island through the hole in the wall as several military jeeps began their short ride up from the port base to the castle.
//
/
Large flames covered the skies over the island of Aurora. The port was littered with bodies and painted with blood. Vehicles were overturned and port cranes fallen over. At the end of it all, Void stood at the edge of the port in thought of his next move.
*The search on the Island remained fruitless for the most part. Not a soul knew of Aurora's whereabouts. I do have a lead, however. A powerful artifact such as that book would have left an impression on magic circuits like a darkened blot on a empty canvas. I only need to find something - or someone, capable of locating such a magic circuit.
Fortunately, I have a name; Isaac Clayton.*
//
Several miles off the coast of Whiterun's mainland, a miniature island sat. This island was globally known more for it's structure, Castle Aurora, which stood through the first magical war and time itself. Because of it's name, there was a high belief that a source of black magic resided here, called the 'Book of Aurora'. Just a little over a year ago, a battle took place between multiple parties in order to retrieve the book. Ever since that night, the Island had been under protection from the Japanese military; more specifically the government's official magicians' division. Normally these mages were only called in to fight fire with fire - put down maniacal mages before serious harm could be inflicted. For a year, however, they had been tasked to guard the now empty site of Castle Aurora. Inside one of the rooms on a higher floor, an electrical crack sounded itself once, then once more; until a ball of warped light and electricity formed just mere feet above the dusty cobble floor. The ball grew in size and sound, loud enough that several soldiers heard the crackling from just outside the castle. "Come on, let's check it out." One armed soldier told the others. Armed with sub-par weapons and a grimore or two, the group creeped into the building and began searching.
The sphere had finally reached it's limit. Lightning tracked all around the ground, igniting flammable material like torches that had been out cold for months. This continued until a male shot out from the source and straight onto his stomach. Beside him was his signature weapon, a customized spear with various designs and modifications; a clear magical weapon. The robed man didn't remain on the ground for long. Panicked, he flung himself up onto his feet with his spear in hand, posing a stance ready for battle. "What the-.. Montesque?!" Frantically, he jolted himself to the side, back facing the wall. Footsteps foreign to the man were echoed throughout the old structure. Someone was still here. The man padded lightly to a massive hole on the wall, which was no doubt caused by the battle he swore he participated in just mere minutes ago. From that viewpoint, he could see a medium freighter on the horizon, making it's way to the Island's out-of-place port. A port that large on a island that small meant that not only was it constructed with magical aid, but there was also an encampment of people there as well.
"We're headed up the stairs now." reported a soldier too close for comfort. Merely seconds later, two armed soldiers stormed into the room, followed shortly by a mage carrying a grimore. To their surprise, not a soul was in the room, despite the noise. With weapons trained, they carefully advanced, flashlights scanning the room up and down. "Wait." called out the mage, who discovered the charred spot on the floor caused by the sphere. "This wasn't here before." The group of men exchanged glances before one of them reached for a radio, only for the magical spear to burst from his chest. A hail of bullets blanketed the man's general direction, but with a spin of his spear, the closest bullets were deflected. When the soldier's gun clicked empty, the man quickly closed the distance only to be thwarted by a large stone thrown telekinetically by the mage. Angered, the man tried his hand at a second attempt to gain some ground. The stones were easily avoided and the soldier was killed by a spear thrust. There was a brief pause, as the mage watched his teammate choke with blood before ultimately falling to the rock-hard floor. The telekinetic attacks clearly winded the mage, who had no choice but to back into the wall behind him.
"W-wait, hold on.. Who are you?" The mage stammered as the tip of the spear lightly pressed against his his throat. "At least.. t-..tell me the name of the man who murdered me.." "What happened to this island? What year is it?" His questions were met with quivering. "ANSWER ME!" "2014! 2014!! I don't know what happened here, I'm just a disciple!" "Where is the book, mage? Where is Aurora?!" "We don't know! It wasn't here when we arrived..!" The man fell into thought as his eyes trailed away from his interrogation victim. Those kids couldn't have seriously taken it..? He thought to himself. Static sounded in the radio belonging to one of the dead soldiers, followed by a voice. "Takeshi? You went radio silence. Answer back or I'll be sending in another squad after you. Takeshi?" This brought the man's attention back to the mage, who eyed the radio. "Go on. Tell 'em you're fine." "..You'll let me go..?" "If you don't, I'll cut out your throat." The threat was more than enough to get the mage to lift and float the radio towards his face. With a painful gulp, the man's telekinetic magic depressed transmit. "T-This is Hiro.. We're clear.." The mage stared at the radio in despair as the voice responded to him. "Copy that, Hiro. Give Takeshi his radio back." The spear-wielding man smirked with satisfaction. That was until the mage blurted out in the loudest voice he could muster. "WE'RE UNDER ATTACK! SECOND FLOOR ROOM THR-.. Gurgh..." The tipped spear punctured the man's throat, rendering his speech nothing more than a gurgle. A sigh escaped the man's lips as he annoyingly stared at the mage's teared face. "It's Void, by the way." A final thrust of his spear decapitated the mage and ended the ordeal. At least for the moment. Shortly after the call for help, the port's alarm was raised and it blared throughout the entire island, sending everyone on it into a state of alert. Void could only watch the island through the hole in the wall as several military jeeps began their short ride up from the port base to the castle.
//
/
Large flames covered the skies over the island of Aurora. The port was littered with bodies and painted with blood. Vehicles were overturned and port cranes fallen over. At the end of it all, Void stood at the edge of the port in thought of his next move.
*The search on the Island remained fruitless for the most part. Not a soul knew of Aurora's whereabouts. I do have a lead, however. A powerful artifact such as that book would have left an impression on magic circuits like a darkened blot on a empty canvas. I only need to find something - or someone, capable of locating such a magic circuit.
Fortunately, I have a name; Isaac Clayton.*
//
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Azukai
Zuki
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/
Tae hurried home, mulling over the prompts presented to her as she walked. "I'm home!" She called out, followed by a cheery reply of "welcome back!" Signifying that An was most likely in the study, working on one of her own commissions. Hurrying over, Tae deposited her laptop on the large table and died, dropping as she slumped into a chair.
"Shizuka-Kachou certainly is... Something." She grumbled, tired despite having only been at work for a few hours. There was something about the woman's exuberance that seemed to just leech the energy out of her.
"Oh? Should I be worried about competition?" An shot the tired female a teasing glare and Tae started spluttering, the former laughing at the scandalized expression on Tae's face.
"Wh- No! I'm just- An, I just need your help with some things. What should I wear to the national hospital tommorrow? I'm helpless when it comes to fancy stuff like this. You know, you should come; I think that's all right, although I forgot to check with Shizuka-Kachou about that. Hm."
An had already risen and was leading Tae towards their closet. "Oh, Tae; of course I'm going to be there! As if some fancy schmancy etiquette or custom or something or the other is going to keep me from seeing your big... Debut? Yes, debut. I would definitely agree to putting you in a pantsuit and matching colours, but since I know that's never going to fly with you we'll just go with matching colours and you can wear your usual bo-ring skirt and blazer. Wear the blue blouse today; I have the perfect dress to match. We need someway to broadcast the fact that you're not as ellegible as people think."
"Um... Yes. Sure?" Tae said haltingly, a touch apprehensive when she saw how excited An was getting. She would have liked to keep her girlfriend as far away from any GRID issues if possible, but was clear that An wasn't going to take no for an answer(and she rarely did). "I'm just going to go work on the next couple of commissions. I know that if you were allowed there I'd definitely feel a lot better." Besides, An had signed a release form from a company she didn't even work for; that had to mean something, right?
//
Tae arrived at the National Hospital with An in tow, the latter wearing a business-casual skirt ensemble. It was around ten thirty in the morning, meaning that the two of them were a bit early but Tae preferred to be safe. Her amber gaze drifted everywhere, she honestly didn't know what she was doing at the hospital, and the small gathering was admittedly quite unnerving. Making her way to the large double doors, she stepped into blessed silence, An following her in. Settling on a waiting sofa, Tae pulled out her phone, searching for Shizuka's contact information. "Since I don't see Shizuka-kechou, I'm just going to give her a call to ask if it's okay for you to be here." She raised a finger to silence An's scathing words of protest. "An, as much as I appreciate your company here -really, you're honestly stopping me from just... Leaving- I don't want to make a bad impression, not when I don't think I've even gotten a good impression in the first place."
No matter if the connection went to voicemail or was answered, the general gist of the message was the same. "Good morning, Shizuka-San. I'm sorry that it's so late, but I was wondering if I was allowed to bring An as a plus one? I really would like to share this experience with her. Thanks again; I will see you at the National Hospital.",
Tae hurried home, mulling over the prompts presented to her as she walked. "I'm home!" She called out, followed by a cheery reply of "welcome back!" Signifying that An was most likely in the study, working on one of her own commissions. Hurrying over, Tae deposited her laptop on the large table and died, dropping as she slumped into a chair.
"Shizuka-Kachou certainly is... Something." She grumbled, tired despite having only been at work for a few hours. There was something about the woman's exuberance that seemed to just leech the energy out of her.
"Oh? Should I be worried about competition?" An shot the tired female a teasing glare and Tae started spluttering, the former laughing at the scandalized expression on Tae's face.
"Wh- No! I'm just- An, I just need your help with some things. What should I wear to the national hospital tommorrow? I'm helpless when it comes to fancy stuff like this. You know, you should come; I think that's all right, although I forgot to check with Shizuka-Kachou about that. Hm."
An had already risen and was leading Tae towards their closet. "Oh, Tae; of course I'm going to be there! As if some fancy schmancy etiquette or custom or something or the other is going to keep me from seeing your big... Debut? Yes, debut. I would definitely agree to putting you in a pantsuit and matching colours, but since I know that's never going to fly with you we'll just go with matching colours and you can wear your usual bo-ring skirt and blazer. Wear the blue blouse today; I have the perfect dress to match. We need someway to broadcast the fact that you're not as ellegible as people think."
"Um... Yes. Sure?" Tae said haltingly, a touch apprehensive when she saw how excited An was getting. She would have liked to keep her girlfriend as far away from any GRID issues if possible, but was clear that An wasn't going to take no for an answer(and she rarely did). "I'm just going to go work on the next couple of commissions. I know that if you were allowed there I'd definitely feel a lot better." Besides, An had signed a release form from a company she didn't even work for; that had to mean something, right?
//
Tae arrived at the National Hospital with An in tow, the latter wearing a business-casual skirt ensemble. It was around ten thirty in the morning, meaning that the two of them were a bit early but Tae preferred to be safe. Her amber gaze drifted everywhere, she honestly didn't know what she was doing at the hospital, and the small gathering was admittedly quite unnerving. Making her way to the large double doors, she stepped into blessed silence, An following her in. Settling on a waiting sofa, Tae pulled out her phone, searching for Shizuka's contact information. "Since I don't see Shizuka-kechou, I'm just going to give her a call to ask if it's okay for you to be here." She raised a finger to silence An's scathing words of protest. "An, as much as I appreciate your company here -really, you're honestly stopping me from just... Leaving- I don't want to make a bad impression, not when I don't think I've even gotten a good impression in the first place."
No matter if the connection went to voicemail or was answered, the general gist of the message was the same. "Good morning, Shizuka-San. I'm sorry that it's so late, but I was wondering if I was allowed to bring An as a plus one? I really would like to share this experience with her. Thanks again; I will see you at the National Hospital.",
Azukai
Zuki
/
"Good Morning, Whiterun!
This is NHK news, live from the National Hospital where we are moments away from the unveiling of Grid's illusive Project Zodiac. I, Honaka-san, will be taking you, on the scene, with direct announcement from the head of project, herself, Shizuka Miyuki-sensei.
It has been three years since she signed with the up and rising, technological powerhouse, Grid, and during this time, there has been little to no public information concerning her research within the company. Only the name, Project Zodiac, was leaked exactly one year prior with a promise that it would make history upon its release.
Today is that day, and as of this moment, all we know is the existence of promotional artwork...."
______________________________
National Hospital, contrary to its name, was not the largest nor the most progressive medical institute in the nation. It was, however, the home of Yamamoto Gen; one of Japan's most recognized surgeons, and one of the three individuals behind the desk of the hospital's conference venue. The atmosphere was busy as masses of people funneled through the venue's entryways and into the limited seats which existed within. Reporters, journalists, company spies, medical professionals; a wide range of citizens all tasked with a sole purpose...uncovering the truth amidst the rumours of Project Zodiac's mysterious fame. Since the official time of announcement was still a quarter of an hour away, room inhabitant's were busy analyzing the artwork displayed on the large screen which stretched the venue's front wall. Given Yamamoto and Shizuka-sensei's involvement in the Project, it was a natural assumption for a medical theme. With this in mind, the artwork's illustrations gave no new information apart from a potential focus towards children and the signature inscribed in its copyright. Name tags were positioned in front of each individual at the desk; thus giving the public full knowledge of Tai Xi's existence as the artwork's creator, and subsequently, fueling their never-ending thirst of curiosity. Nonetheless, it was out of respect for the other two figures that they remained patiently silent until it was their time to speak.
In the case of Miyuki, the famed engineer was lazily seated in a traditional expectation of her feet propped against the desk. Such a pose was by no means appropriate for an esteemed individual representing Grid, yet in her eyes, appearances were no more important than the needless theatrics performed by the mass media.
Anymore praise towards me; they might as well cancel the event and lock me in a museum.
Miyuki snorted as the thought crossed her mind; an irritated expression encompassing her face. Nonetheless, such negativity was short-lived as a smug grin soon formed in response to a quick glance at the room's clock.
"Shall we gamble on their entertainment, thereafter, Gen?"
Miyuki's words were audible only to the those near and listening; however, Gen's hoarse, booming laughter echoed throughout the room and brought a gradual wave of silence across the auditorium. Rising to her feet, Miyuki took a quick glance towards the girl at her side and the significant other who sat in the front row of the venue. Neither face displayed true understanding of her statement, and for a split second, a pained expression encompassed Miyuki's face. Truthfully, she wished everything against what was soon to come to the innocent involved, yet what was necessary was necessary, and it was far too late to step from the path she had chosen to travel.
"Good Afternoon, Japan.
Project Zodiac has been public knowledge for exactly one year to this date. There has been much speculation towards its research; however, nothing has been leaked apart from its name. Before I indulge your curiosities, let us set aside any rumours we have come to believe...Let us start anew with fresh mind towards the content of today.
I have never been one for long theatrics to build suspense, so to keep things straight and simple...Project Zodiac brings the potential to cure any Class A disease.
Now, many of you are probably wondering, 'Big deal, we already have the means to do so through magic."
And I agree, magic has become such a tool in our lives. Magic feeds us, protects us, cures us...why, there is even research towards the generation and reanimation of life through magic.
What a wonderful world...if you have money.
Contract a Class A Disease, and medical magic can cure it. But is it then worth the life of poverty that is to come?
Medical magic is an industry; one that has become concerned with personal profits rather than the well being of the populace...one that I plan to tear down through Project Zodiac..."
Immediately, the mass burst into action; furious scribbling, numerous phone calls, emails, and texts; screams of questions and protest. Miyuki's intentions were far from the announcement of a simple scientific breakthrough. They were a declaration of war against the very industry which gave her career. An exasperated sigh exhaled from the engineer in response to the squabbling mass; however, their uproar was ever short-lived as Gen rose his voice above their own.
"There will be silence!"
Miyuki gave a nod of appreciation the old man's way before continuing with her announcement in direct continuation of the mass' concerns
"There were far too many statements for me to address; however, there were a couple key questions that I would like to answer in the time that I have remaining.
First, how does Project Zodiac plan to cure medical conditions of such degree, and how does it plan to undermine the current medical magic system. I'll start with the latter since its the easiest to answer...Simply, Project Zodiac is affordable...or in even simpler terms, free.
A technological development provided by my department in Grid as a charity donation to the public which needs it.
Now as for how it plans to cure Class A diseases...through magic...conduits that is.
Many of you may be aware that magic conduits are most potent in children versus adults. Children often cannot use magic since their conduits are passive; however, untainted by active magic, the conduits are pristine.
My department at Grid has developed a technology to harvest magic conduits from children. Much like a stem cell's potential to develop into types outside of its own, pristine magic conduits can be modified...evolved. As such, they are capable of combating the worst of virus and bacterial infections; even the bane of magic itself...Magic Instability Syndrome.
Of course, there is no harm to the harvested child or to the receiving patient. There is, however, the direct loss of magic for both parties involved in the procedure.
As such..."
There was no further containment of the crowd. Security immediately moved into place, attempting to form a barrier wall between the speakers of the venue and the mass of angry citizens or media hoping for a close and personal interview of the host. From the media, questions and concerns were rapidly fired with only hope for an answer. From the enraged, insults were screamed in the direction of anyone involved.
"You say there is no harm, but is this really true?" ..."How is Grid planning on funding such a donation to the public?"..."Do you truly believe you can undermine an in place system?"
"Trying to take our magic...From children!?!"..."Gen the traitor to our profession!."..."You knew of her goals, and you still drew for her team. Your just as bad as she is!"
Without hesitation, leftover members of security took hold of the guest speakers and began ushering them from the venue and into the nearest room of safety where they were instructed to stay until transportation arrived. Immediately, Miyuki plopped onto the nearest couch where she exhaled a sigh of exhaustion towards her work of the day.
"Not the worst outcome, eh Gen?"
The elder only chuckled as he seated himself in the nearest chair from where he joined Miyuki in gazing upon the remaining inhabitant in curiosity towards her state of being.
Notes:
"Good Morning, Whiterun!
This is NHK news, live from the National Hospital where we are moments away from the unveiling of Grid's illusive Project Zodiac. I, Honaka-san, will be taking you, on the scene, with direct announcement from the head of project, herself, Shizuka Miyuki-sensei.
It has been three years since she signed with the up and rising, technological powerhouse, Grid, and during this time, there has been little to no public information concerning her research within the company. Only the name, Project Zodiac, was leaked exactly one year prior with a promise that it would make history upon its release.
Today is that day, and as of this moment, all we know is the existence of promotional artwork...."
______________________________
National Hospital, contrary to its name, was not the largest nor the most progressive medical institute in the nation. It was, however, the home of Yamamoto Gen; one of Japan's most recognized surgeons, and one of the three individuals behind the desk of the hospital's conference venue. The atmosphere was busy as masses of people funneled through the venue's entryways and into the limited seats which existed within. Reporters, journalists, company spies, medical professionals; a wide range of citizens all tasked with a sole purpose...uncovering the truth amidst the rumours of Project Zodiac's mysterious fame. Since the official time of announcement was still a quarter of an hour away, room inhabitant's were busy analyzing the artwork displayed on the large screen which stretched the venue's front wall. Given Yamamoto and Shizuka-sensei's involvement in the Project, it was a natural assumption for a medical theme. With this in mind, the artwork's illustrations gave no new information apart from a potential focus towards children and the signature inscribed in its copyright. Name tags were positioned in front of each individual at the desk; thus giving the public full knowledge of Tai Xi's existence as the artwork's creator, and subsequently, fueling their never-ending thirst of curiosity. Nonetheless, it was out of respect for the other two figures that they remained patiently silent until it was their time to speak.
In the case of Miyuki, the famed engineer was lazily seated in a traditional expectation of her feet propped against the desk. Such a pose was by no means appropriate for an esteemed individual representing Grid, yet in her eyes, appearances were no more important than the needless theatrics performed by the mass media.
Anymore praise towards me; they might as well cancel the event and lock me in a museum.
Miyuki snorted as the thought crossed her mind; an irritated expression encompassing her face. Nonetheless, such negativity was short-lived as a smug grin soon formed in response to a quick glance at the room's clock.
"Shall we gamble on their entertainment, thereafter, Gen?"
Miyuki's words were audible only to the those near and listening; however, Gen's hoarse, booming laughter echoed throughout the room and brought a gradual wave of silence across the auditorium. Rising to her feet, Miyuki took a quick glance towards the girl at her side and the significant other who sat in the front row of the venue. Neither face displayed true understanding of her statement, and for a split second, a pained expression encompassed Miyuki's face. Truthfully, she wished everything against what was soon to come to the innocent involved, yet what was necessary was necessary, and it was far too late to step from the path she had chosen to travel.
"Good Afternoon, Japan.
Project Zodiac has been public knowledge for exactly one year to this date. There has been much speculation towards its research; however, nothing has been leaked apart from its name. Before I indulge your curiosities, let us set aside any rumours we have come to believe...Let us start anew with fresh mind towards the content of today.
I have never been one for long theatrics to build suspense, so to keep things straight and simple...Project Zodiac brings the potential to cure any Class A disease.
Now, many of you are probably wondering, 'Big deal, we already have the means to do so through magic."
And I agree, magic has become such a tool in our lives. Magic feeds us, protects us, cures us...why, there is even research towards the generation and reanimation of life through magic.
What a wonderful world...if you have money.
Contract a Class A Disease, and medical magic can cure it. But is it then worth the life of poverty that is to come?
Medical magic is an industry; one that has become concerned with personal profits rather than the well being of the populace...one that I plan to tear down through Project Zodiac..."
Immediately, the mass burst into action; furious scribbling, numerous phone calls, emails, and texts; screams of questions and protest. Miyuki's intentions were far from the announcement of a simple scientific breakthrough. They were a declaration of war against the very industry which gave her career. An exasperated sigh exhaled from the engineer in response to the squabbling mass; however, their uproar was ever short-lived as Gen rose his voice above their own.
"There will be silence!"
Miyuki gave a nod of appreciation the old man's way before continuing with her announcement in direct continuation of the mass' concerns
"There were far too many statements for me to address; however, there were a couple key questions that I would like to answer in the time that I have remaining.
First, how does Project Zodiac plan to cure medical conditions of such degree, and how does it plan to undermine the current medical magic system. I'll start with the latter since its the easiest to answer...Simply, Project Zodiac is affordable...or in even simpler terms, free.
A technological development provided by my department in Grid as a charity donation to the public which needs it.
Now as for how it plans to cure Class A diseases...through magic...conduits that is.
Many of you may be aware that magic conduits are most potent in children versus adults. Children often cannot use magic since their conduits are passive; however, untainted by active magic, the conduits are pristine.
My department at Grid has developed a technology to harvest magic conduits from children. Much like a stem cell's potential to develop into types outside of its own, pristine magic conduits can be modified...evolved. As such, they are capable of combating the worst of virus and bacterial infections; even the bane of magic itself...Magic Instability Syndrome.
Of course, there is no harm to the harvested child or to the receiving patient. There is, however, the direct loss of magic for both parties involved in the procedure.
As such..."
There was no further containment of the crowd. Security immediately moved into place, attempting to form a barrier wall between the speakers of the venue and the mass of angry citizens or media hoping for a close and personal interview of the host. From the media, questions and concerns were rapidly fired with only hope for an answer. From the enraged, insults were screamed in the direction of anyone involved.
"You say there is no harm, but is this really true?" ..."How is Grid planning on funding such a donation to the public?"..."Do you truly believe you can undermine an in place system?"
"Trying to take our magic...From children!?!"..."Gen the traitor to our profession!."..."You knew of her goals, and you still drew for her team. Your just as bad as she is!"
Without hesitation, leftover members of security took hold of the guest speakers and began ushering them from the venue and into the nearest room of safety where they were instructed to stay until transportation arrived. Immediately, Miyuki plopped onto the nearest couch where she exhaled a sigh of exhaustion towards her work of the day.
"Not the worst outcome, eh Gen?"
The elder only chuckled as he seated himself in the nearest chair from where he joined Miyuki in gazing upon the remaining inhabitant in curiosity towards her state of being.
Notes:
- This announcement is being streamed over all networks, TV, internet, etc.
- Medical Magic refers to the usage of magic in hospitals to cure diseases. It is highly effective, but the cost is pretty high.
- Magic Conduits are basically magical cells which allow humans to use their magic. If they are harvested, magic is no longer available to the harvestee or the receiving patient.
- If your character would be interested in an announcement from Grid and/or Miyuki, then you may post a reaction from wherever you are: At the venue, in your home, etc. But only post if your character would have a reaction to this. Not caring, not even watching, etc posts don't need to happen
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Tae probably looked like she didn't belong on stage with the other two. No, she was sure she didn't; her blouse was slightly wrinkled, a few wisps of hair were escaping her bun and only speaking of more to come, and her expression most likely fell in between mortified and "I decided to drink vinegar because I make good decisions". The stares of the public increased tenfold whenever she moved -which wasn't often, as she managed to suppress her gibbering nerves well enough- and so Tae probably lookned like her spine had been stapled to a plank of wood, not to mention the fact that she really wanted to itch her nose right now-
Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and shook her head slightly, cracking her knuckles underneath the table as she tried to relax. Her gaze roving towards her girlfriend, who was given a front row seat courtesy of the venue and looked completely at home despite the strange glances from everyone around her and the occasional glares of discuss when they managed to "figure it out". Her gaze met An's and the woman sitting belowbgave her an exaggerated thumbs up. Unable to keep a small grin from forming, the slightly swell of murmuring near her general vicinity quickly turned her expression back into the vaguely pained one from before, a small scowl creasing her forehead.
She then turned to Shizuka, vaguely puzzled at her quip and the subsequent boom of laughter that followed. Catching Sizuka's gaze for a split second, her confusion only grew; she could have sworn that had been a flash of negative emotion, something akin to guilt, on the other woman's face. Realizing that she was about to speak, Tae turned back to the audience as everyone waited with baited breath. She knew the general gist of what Shizuka was going to say, and she leaned forward mostly to grab her water bottle and to gage the reaction of the people around her. Taking a sip, of the drink to quench her anxiety-induced dry throat, Tae was so caught off guard by Sizuka's more in depth explanation of the project that she struggled to process it for a moment.
Did she just say that they were harvesting conduits from children?
Tae's hands unconsciously clenched into fists, the partially capped water bottle in her hand dribbling some water onto her dress, the sable-haired girl barely noticing as she turned to Shizuka with a stony expression. She had never really been one for outer showcases of emotion, but her shock and strange sense of betrayal was threatening to spill out in the form of action as Tae felt a sort of angry energy course through her limbs. Making as if to get up, she thought better of it at the last minute; while this was a new and entirely unpleasant change of events, Tae wasn't rude enough to stand up right then and there, the rational part of her brain protesting against a theoretically rational plan. A modest proposal, if you will. She hadn't really even paid attention to the yelling until one voice rose above the rest.
"Is this what you use your art for, you traitor?!" A high female voice screamed, practically lost in the general hubbub of things but still prompting Tae to whip around and try to find the source of that voice. That comment hit close to home, Tae feeling it almost like a physical blow as her hands tightened their grip on her armrests, her expression becoming harder and flintier with each passing comment. Once her ears caught wind of one jab, she just couldn't ignore them any more.
"I bet your parents would be ashamed of you, if they weren't already!!!" ... "Nice to see you bending down to a corporation just to make a name for yourself, you disgusting pig!" ... "Project Zodiac's banners will be the last banners you'll ever do!"
Tae looked to the ground, her bangs for the most part obscuring her face, letting out a choked gasp as she tried to release some tension. Getting up woodenly when she felt the gently prodding of security, Tae shot one last glance over her shoulder, staring at the accusatory crowd and the lone form of An, still seated, with an expression that mirrored the shock and hurt that Tae felt on the inside. Unable to stop the insistent prodding of the security, she could only gaze stupidly at her girlfriend before they were whisked away.
Once in the room, Tae let out a breath she didn't know she was holding in the form of a tight hiss, barely audible as she leaned against the wall for support. Her expression had devolved into a hard scowl; she was clearly not happy about this change of events. She didn't acknowledge Shizuka's attempt at humour, merely lancing up when silence filled the room.
"You didn't tell me about this, Shizuka-San." Tae said, voice clipped and terse, a slight tremble of anger punctuating the sentence. Her accent was a tinge heavier than normal as she tried to unscramble her thoughts, having a hard time processing, still. "Harvesting magic from children before they've even had a chance to find it themselves and healing people at the expense of potential and existing magic, and I couldn't have recieved a memo before I was to appear in front of a crowd." Her gaze burned with dissaproval as she looked at the two executives.
"Is there anything else I would need to know?" A small chuckle, tinged with bitterness, followed. "Because that man was right; I might ńot be able to find a respectable job after this stunt, so I can't leave now, no matter how much I want to." Despite her morals screaming at her to end this now, her ever rational mind protested, shoving reality in the face of her inner turmoil. There was no turning back now, even if it was just for the source of income.
A thought suddenly occurred to her, and Tae surged forward with renewed intensity. "An. Same of the people knew she was with me. I need security to get her, or at least make sure she's safe. Damn her and her coordinated outfits!" She hissed, starting to pace as worry flooded her system.
Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and shook her head slightly, cracking her knuckles underneath the table as she tried to relax. Her gaze roving towards her girlfriend, who was given a front row seat courtesy of the venue and looked completely at home despite the strange glances from everyone around her and the occasional glares of discuss when they managed to "figure it out". Her gaze met An's and the woman sitting belowbgave her an exaggerated thumbs up. Unable to keep a small grin from forming, the slightly swell of murmuring near her general vicinity quickly turned her expression back into the vaguely pained one from before, a small scowl creasing her forehead.
She then turned to Shizuka, vaguely puzzled at her quip and the subsequent boom of laughter that followed. Catching Sizuka's gaze for a split second, her confusion only grew; she could have sworn that had been a flash of negative emotion, something akin to guilt, on the other woman's face. Realizing that she was about to speak, Tae turned back to the audience as everyone waited with baited breath. She knew the general gist of what Shizuka was going to say, and she leaned forward mostly to grab her water bottle and to gage the reaction of the people around her. Taking a sip, of the drink to quench her anxiety-induced dry throat, Tae was so caught off guard by Sizuka's more in depth explanation of the project that she struggled to process it for a moment.
Did she just say that they were harvesting conduits from children?
Tae's hands unconsciously clenched into fists, the partially capped water bottle in her hand dribbling some water onto her dress, the sable-haired girl barely noticing as she turned to Shizuka with a stony expression. She had never really been one for outer showcases of emotion, but her shock and strange sense of betrayal was threatening to spill out in the form of action as Tae felt a sort of angry energy course through her limbs. Making as if to get up, she thought better of it at the last minute; while this was a new and entirely unpleasant change of events, Tae wasn't rude enough to stand up right then and there, the rational part of her brain protesting against a theoretically rational plan. A modest proposal, if you will. She hadn't really even paid attention to the yelling until one voice rose above the rest.
"Is this what you use your art for, you traitor?!" A high female voice screamed, practically lost in the general hubbub of things but still prompting Tae to whip around and try to find the source of that voice. That comment hit close to home, Tae feeling it almost like a physical blow as her hands tightened their grip on her armrests, her expression becoming harder and flintier with each passing comment. Once her ears caught wind of one jab, she just couldn't ignore them any more.
"I bet your parents would be ashamed of you, if they weren't already!!!" ... "Nice to see you bending down to a corporation just to make a name for yourself, you disgusting pig!" ... "Project Zodiac's banners will be the last banners you'll ever do!"
Tae looked to the ground, her bangs for the most part obscuring her face, letting out a choked gasp as she tried to release some tension. Getting up woodenly when she felt the gently prodding of security, Tae shot one last glance over her shoulder, staring at the accusatory crowd and the lone form of An, still seated, with an expression that mirrored the shock and hurt that Tae felt on the inside. Unable to stop the insistent prodding of the security, she could only gaze stupidly at her girlfriend before they were whisked away.
Once in the room, Tae let out a breath she didn't know she was holding in the form of a tight hiss, barely audible as she leaned against the wall for support. Her expression had devolved into a hard scowl; she was clearly not happy about this change of events. She didn't acknowledge Shizuka's attempt at humour, merely lancing up when silence filled the room.
"You didn't tell me about this, Shizuka-San." Tae said, voice clipped and terse, a slight tremble of anger punctuating the sentence. Her accent was a tinge heavier than normal as she tried to unscramble her thoughts, having a hard time processing, still. "Harvesting magic from children before they've even had a chance to find it themselves and healing people at the expense of potential and existing magic, and I couldn't have recieved a memo before I was to appear in front of a crowd." Her gaze burned with dissaproval as she looked at the two executives.
"Is there anything else I would need to know?" A small chuckle, tinged with bitterness, followed. "Because that man was right; I might ńot be able to find a respectable job after this stunt, so I can't leave now, no matter how much I want to." Despite her morals screaming at her to end this now, her ever rational mind protested, shoving reality in the face of her inner turmoil. There was no turning back now, even if it was just for the source of income.
A thought suddenly occurred to her, and Tae surged forward with renewed intensity. "An. Same of the people knew she was with me. I need security to get her, or at least make sure she's safe. Damn her and her coordinated outfits!" She hissed, starting to pace as worry flooded her system.
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Azukai
Zuki
Miyuki snorted as she reached into her coat pocket and retrieved a phone which she used to contact security. The call was short; consisting of only a few words until she returned it to her pocket and began addressing Tai's concerns.
"An is fine. Security already has her en route back to my department.
I'll assume its easier being snuck away when your not accompanied with two public figures.
Regardless, we have some time, and I suppose I can address some of your nonsensical complaints."
Unlike the anger which Tai displayed, Miyuki was perfectly calm; a bored expression encompassing her face as she laid herself along the distance of the couch before continuing with her rebuttal against Tai's claims.
"Perhaps, you've never had a rude awakening to the world, but good morning, sunshine...It's time you open those eyes.
I told you everything you wished to know. Ample description of the project with plenty confirmation as to whether you desired more.
Furthermore, listen to yourself...livid with emotion, lacking entirely in common sense.
'Harvesting magic from children before they've even had a chance to find it themselves'...'healing people at the expense of potential and existing magic'...What good is magic when you end up dead.
When we get back to lab, shall I inject you with a vial of HIV? Perhaps then, you can understand what it means to imbibe in our medical infrastructure.
You've received two payments from my lab?...Well, I'd imagine you'd have enough left over for a small crawlspace in the wall.
There is always a cost, Tai, and for some folk, that cost cannot be provided by their wallets.
A small price to pay for a life to live, no?"
The conclusion of her speech was timed perfectly with the due arrival of security. A safe route had been secured, and immediately, the room's inhabitants were ushered towards the hall and eventually into the cars outside of the building's rear. Nonetheless, it was as Miyuki walked past Tai's position that she performed a small wink while whispering her final statement.
"You are mine, Tai...You and An both."
"An is fine. Security already has her en route back to my department.
I'll assume its easier being snuck away when your not accompanied with two public figures.
Regardless, we have some time, and I suppose I can address some of your nonsensical complaints."
Unlike the anger which Tai displayed, Miyuki was perfectly calm; a bored expression encompassing her face as she laid herself along the distance of the couch before continuing with her rebuttal against Tai's claims.
"Perhaps, you've never had a rude awakening to the world, but good morning, sunshine...It's time you open those eyes.
I told you everything you wished to know. Ample description of the project with plenty confirmation as to whether you desired more.
Furthermore, listen to yourself...livid with emotion, lacking entirely in common sense.
'Harvesting magic from children before they've even had a chance to find it themselves'...'healing people at the expense of potential and existing magic'...What good is magic when you end up dead.
When we get back to lab, shall I inject you with a vial of HIV? Perhaps then, you can understand what it means to imbibe in our medical infrastructure.
You've received two payments from my lab?...Well, I'd imagine you'd have enough left over for a small crawlspace in the wall.
There is always a cost, Tai, and for some folk, that cost cannot be provided by their wallets.
A small price to pay for a life to live, no?"
The conclusion of her speech was timed perfectly with the due arrival of security. A safe route had been secured, and immediately, the room's inhabitants were ushered towards the hall and eventually into the cars outside of the building's rear. Nonetheless, it was as Miyuki walked past Tai's position that she performed a small wink while whispering her final statement.
"You are mine, Tai...You and An both."
Dawnsx
Majestic Dinosaur
(Collaborative post between SilverBlack and I.)
The sweet aroma seemingly filled the room as Rikka made his way to pour the second cup of coffee into the mug. Frowning slightly upon hearing the familiar voice from the television of the famous Shizuka Miyuki of the GRID Company, he had expected already that nothing coming out from her mouth would be pleasant for him to hear. Nevertheless, he listened to her announcement of Project Zodiac as he carried the two cups of coffees toward the couch, his eyebrows twitched in disapproval by the end of her speech.
If it were under usual circumstances, Satsuki would have thought that tonight was a great night. Izumi and Kaori were sitting on the couch with him and watching television, and Rikka managed to come over to spend the night. However, all that feeling of bliss fled away with the announcements of Project Zodiac. Magic conduits, medical magic… Those were all subjects that were a little foreign to him, but he made enough sense of the speech to understand what this project was all about. Taking magic from children in order to cure diseases… He wasn’t sure what to think of the whole ordeal. Beside him, he felt a light tug on his sleeve. Izumi was staring up at him with his big, doe eyes.
“Nii-chan, why is everyone so angry? What did that lady say?” The boy asked curiously. As chaos immediately occurred from the people equally angered by her words, Rikka took a note at Izumi’s curious remark toward Satsuki before he settled down his serve of coffee and sat down beside him.
“Ridiculous,” the word escaped his mouth almost the same second the crowd was told to silence down. Not only the fact that she had decided to take away young children’s magic ability displeased him, the very idea that she wanted to get rid of the medical magic industry unsettled him the most.
Satsuki felt a small pang of anger that dissipated as soon as it came. Sure, the project is a bit unfair for children that had yet to find the magic within themselves, but with so much opposition, he doubted that it will take action too soon. With a soft sigh, Satsuki ruffled Izumi’s hair. “It’s nothing. Let’s watch something else.” He picked up the remote and changed the channel to a cartoon, one that Izumi loved to watch.
As the channel was changed to Izumi’s favorite cartoon, the lad only sighed, not opposing on Satsuki’s action but his mind lingering on what's just on before about using magic conduits, “In the end, she still has to rely on magic huh, pathetic,” stating calmly, he sipped his coffee, savoring the taste in his mouth.
Satsuki picked up his cup of coffee with a hum. Rikka’s distaste for Grid’s plan was predictable, but understandable. He had long been acquainted with the older man and his passion for magic, so it was only natural that he would be one to disagree with their doings. Satsuki rested his head on Rikka’s shoulder and closed his eyes, drifting off into thoughts of his own. Perhaps with this plan, whatever magic that was in Izumi and Kaori would be gone. Living out their days like himself, as ordinary people without wouldn’t be so bad. Though, Izumi would be so disappointed if that happened. The boy had always yearned for magic of his own, especially after meeting Rikka. To take that away from him before the possibility even surfaced....
“Hey, Rikka?” He said quietly, opening his eyes to see several silly puppets laughing on the television screen. “I don’t think I like Project Zodiac either. If Izumi has magic in him, then I want him to have it. He loves magic so much, after all.” Satsuki looked up at the man, a smile gracing his lips.
“Of course,” Rikka replied softly, his mood seemingly settled down a bit upon feeling Satsuki’s head on the shoulder--his presence has always somehow put Rikka at ease. When the lad smiled up at him, he bent his head a little just enough to place a light kiss on the other’s lips, before noticing Izumi’s wide eyes staring at them. Blinking, he pet the young boy on the head, a bit lost in thoughts by the idea of having magic stolen from such innocent beings without their consent. Almost immediately, he frowned in displeasure.
“If I predict correctly, there would be a riot...Perhaps a rebellion soon,” he said quite sternly, leaning back once again to the couch. He has never been really into the idea of technology competing against the existence of magic, and now that technology is taking over magic, Rikka found it intolerable, at least, not so...Ridiculously, by GRID. “And if there's no rebellion, I won't mind starting one,” he said casually, as if he has not really given what he just said a thought. But it's probably known for others who know him well that he's always been the type who'll take his words into action if he finds it necessary in the end.
Satsuki tightened his lips at the thought of a going against GRID. He knew Rikka would do it if he had to, but this is a powerful, internationally known company. It would take more than a little opposition to keep them from doing what they’re planning to do. He shook the thought away. All of this was starting to give him a headache. For now, it didn’t matter much. There were still too many factors to be considered, like the public response and how GRID planned to approach this. He set the coffee back down on the table and stood up, taking Rikka’s hand to pull him up as well. “That’s enough talk of that. It’s almost time for dinner.”
There was a moment of silence as Rikka looked his way, as though thinking of something while studying him, before he nodded, “Right, let's go.”
The sweet aroma seemingly filled the room as Rikka made his way to pour the second cup of coffee into the mug. Frowning slightly upon hearing the familiar voice from the television of the famous Shizuka Miyuki of the GRID Company, he had expected already that nothing coming out from her mouth would be pleasant for him to hear. Nevertheless, he listened to her announcement of Project Zodiac as he carried the two cups of coffees toward the couch, his eyebrows twitched in disapproval by the end of her speech.
If it were under usual circumstances, Satsuki would have thought that tonight was a great night. Izumi and Kaori were sitting on the couch with him and watching television, and Rikka managed to come over to spend the night. However, all that feeling of bliss fled away with the announcements of Project Zodiac. Magic conduits, medical magic… Those were all subjects that were a little foreign to him, but he made enough sense of the speech to understand what this project was all about. Taking magic from children in order to cure diseases… He wasn’t sure what to think of the whole ordeal. Beside him, he felt a light tug on his sleeve. Izumi was staring up at him with his big, doe eyes.
“Nii-chan, why is everyone so angry? What did that lady say?” The boy asked curiously. As chaos immediately occurred from the people equally angered by her words, Rikka took a note at Izumi’s curious remark toward Satsuki before he settled down his serve of coffee and sat down beside him.
“Ridiculous,” the word escaped his mouth almost the same second the crowd was told to silence down. Not only the fact that she had decided to take away young children’s magic ability displeased him, the very idea that she wanted to get rid of the medical magic industry unsettled him the most.
Satsuki felt a small pang of anger that dissipated as soon as it came. Sure, the project is a bit unfair for children that had yet to find the magic within themselves, but with so much opposition, he doubted that it will take action too soon. With a soft sigh, Satsuki ruffled Izumi’s hair. “It’s nothing. Let’s watch something else.” He picked up the remote and changed the channel to a cartoon, one that Izumi loved to watch.
As the channel was changed to Izumi’s favorite cartoon, the lad only sighed, not opposing on Satsuki’s action but his mind lingering on what's just on before about using magic conduits, “In the end, she still has to rely on magic huh, pathetic,” stating calmly, he sipped his coffee, savoring the taste in his mouth.
Satsuki picked up his cup of coffee with a hum. Rikka’s distaste for Grid’s plan was predictable, but understandable. He had long been acquainted with the older man and his passion for magic, so it was only natural that he would be one to disagree with their doings. Satsuki rested his head on Rikka’s shoulder and closed his eyes, drifting off into thoughts of his own. Perhaps with this plan, whatever magic that was in Izumi and Kaori would be gone. Living out their days like himself, as ordinary people without wouldn’t be so bad. Though, Izumi would be so disappointed if that happened. The boy had always yearned for magic of his own, especially after meeting Rikka. To take that away from him before the possibility even surfaced....
“Hey, Rikka?” He said quietly, opening his eyes to see several silly puppets laughing on the television screen. “I don’t think I like Project Zodiac either. If Izumi has magic in him, then I want him to have it. He loves magic so much, after all.” Satsuki looked up at the man, a smile gracing his lips.
“Of course,” Rikka replied softly, his mood seemingly settled down a bit upon feeling Satsuki’s head on the shoulder--his presence has always somehow put Rikka at ease. When the lad smiled up at him, he bent his head a little just enough to place a light kiss on the other’s lips, before noticing Izumi’s wide eyes staring at them. Blinking, he pet the young boy on the head, a bit lost in thoughts by the idea of having magic stolen from such innocent beings without their consent. Almost immediately, he frowned in displeasure.
“If I predict correctly, there would be a riot...Perhaps a rebellion soon,” he said quite sternly, leaning back once again to the couch. He has never been really into the idea of technology competing against the existence of magic, and now that technology is taking over magic, Rikka found it intolerable, at least, not so...Ridiculously, by GRID. “And if there's no rebellion, I won't mind starting one,” he said casually, as if he has not really given what he just said a thought. But it's probably known for others who know him well that he's always been the type who'll take his words into action if he finds it necessary in the end.
Satsuki tightened his lips at the thought of a going against GRID. He knew Rikka would do it if he had to, but this is a powerful, internationally known company. It would take more than a little opposition to keep them from doing what they’re planning to do. He shook the thought away. All of this was starting to give him a headache. For now, it didn’t matter much. There were still too many factors to be considered, like the public response and how GRID planned to approach this. He set the coffee back down on the table and stood up, taking Rikka’s hand to pull him up as well. “That’s enough talk of that. It’s almost time for dinner.”
There was a moment of silence as Rikka looked his way, as though thinking of something while studying him, before he nodded, “Right, let's go.”
silverlinedmist
Wyvern Knight
"Trying to take our magic...From children!?!"......"Nice to see you bending down to a corporation just to make a name for yourself, you disgusting pig!"....."You say there is no harm, but is this really true?"......
The comments and rude remarks went on and on as a certain genius inventor* named Isaac Clayton watched the chaos unravel through his television. He chuckled at what he was witnessing, taking a sip of tea from his mug before carefully setting it down on the glass coffee table in front of him. The look on Miyuki's face was something he knew he would see, and somehow that made it all more entertaining. Her expressions were awfully predictable.
"My Lord. I certainly was right when I thought she wouldn't know how to properly talk to a huge crowd like that. Haha! Oh, man..." He stood up, stretching out his arms above his head before continuing his thoughts aloud. "Word choices, Mi-yu-ki-san. Wooord choicesss~... Like, harvesting? Why would you ever tell people you're harvesting something from their children? It makes it sound like you're putting them all in pods and sucking out their life force against their will. Like, something an alien would do. Tsk tsk tsk. Ahh, well.. I'm sure the boss will love this," he mumbled to himself as he turned the TV off. Despite the strange satisfaction he got from watching the people disapprove of what the company had put so much money into making, he still did feel bad for the girl involved. Some artist, he figured? She looked shocked, not to mention almost hurt. It was clear she herself didn't realize exactly what she was getting into when she took the job, but Isaac also wondered if she truly cared with the paycheck that came with it. Speaking of young and innocent kids trying to make a living..
Isaac picked up his phone, which he had left sitting on his desk, and quickly dialed in a specific number for a kid he had met before all of this even happened. Unfortunately, the kid didn't pick up this time. He was probably still busy with school, so Isaac decided to leave a message for him instead.
"Hey, Leonardooo! My boy, it's Isaac. I need your genius brain for something small again. Need an opinion on a new invention that's been on my mind, so I wanna know if you think the boss would like it or not. Next time you're in at work, come by my office. I'm there most of the time anyway, but uh.. Hah. Well. You know all about that! So just come see me! Alright? Thanks. See you then!" With a click, the message was sent, and he was completely alone with his thoughts once more. Isaac let out a sigh as he leaned back in his chair, wondering what would happen the next time they were all at work together.
*Totally not a self-proclaimed title.
The comments and rude remarks went on and on as a certain genius inventor* named Isaac Clayton watched the chaos unravel through his television. He chuckled at what he was witnessing, taking a sip of tea from his mug before carefully setting it down on the glass coffee table in front of him. The look on Miyuki's face was something he knew he would see, and somehow that made it all more entertaining. Her expressions were awfully predictable.
"My Lord. I certainly was right when I thought she wouldn't know how to properly talk to a huge crowd like that. Haha! Oh, man..." He stood up, stretching out his arms above his head before continuing his thoughts aloud. "Word choices, Mi-yu-ki-san. Wooord choicesss~... Like, harvesting? Why would you ever tell people you're harvesting something from their children? It makes it sound like you're putting them all in pods and sucking out their life force against their will. Like, something an alien would do. Tsk tsk tsk. Ahh, well.. I'm sure the boss will love this," he mumbled to himself as he turned the TV off. Despite the strange satisfaction he got from watching the people disapprove of what the company had put so much money into making, he still did feel bad for the girl involved. Some artist, he figured? She looked shocked, not to mention almost hurt. It was clear she herself didn't realize exactly what she was getting into when she took the job, but Isaac also wondered if she truly cared with the paycheck that came with it. Speaking of young and innocent kids trying to make a living..
Isaac picked up his phone, which he had left sitting on his desk, and quickly dialed in a specific number for a kid he had met before all of this even happened. Unfortunately, the kid didn't pick up this time. He was probably still busy with school, so Isaac decided to leave a message for him instead.
"Hey, Leonardooo! My boy, it's Isaac. I need your genius brain for something small again. Need an opinion on a new invention that's been on my mind, so I wanna know if you think the boss would like it or not. Next time you're in at work, come by my office. I'm there most of the time anyway, but uh.. Hah. Well. You know all about that! So just come see me! Alright? Thanks. See you then!" With a click, the message was sent, and he was completely alone with his thoughts once more. Isaac let out a sigh as he leaned back in his chair, wondering what would happen the next time they were all at work together.
*Totally not a self-proclaimed title.
IAmEnzo
Closer to Isanity
/
"That's bold of them." stated a sly voice echoing from the darkest corner of the inventor's apartment. From the darkness emerged a weaponless Void, dressed in a professional attire. "It doesn't sound like the public's ready to ditch their magic. It's a special part of them." The man ignored whatever panic his appearance may have induced in Isaac. He spoke calmly, but there was a hint of danger in his voice, like a looming threat daring the inventor to act out of line. Void sat at the edge of Isaac's desk with hands cupped in one another. "I'll keep this brief, Clayton. I want you to locate a specific strain of conduit for me in Whiterun. This is not a request, it's a command."
"That's bold of them." stated a sly voice echoing from the darkest corner of the inventor's apartment. From the darkness emerged a weaponless Void, dressed in a professional attire. "It doesn't sound like the public's ready to ditch their magic. It's a special part of them." The man ignored whatever panic his appearance may have induced in Isaac. He spoke calmly, but there was a hint of danger in his voice, like a looming threat daring the inventor to act out of line. Void sat at the edge of Isaac's desk with hands cupped in one another. "I'll keep this brief, Clayton. I want you to locate a specific strain of conduit for me in Whiterun. This is not a request, it's a command."
Tae relaxed slightly when she heard that An was safe, stilling her restless movements but still quite rigid and stiff as her expression remained stony and clouded. Gaze following Shizuka, she couldn't help but want to knock that calmness off of the woman, for once. It was infuriating to see her so level in the face of... This. Expression twisting into a slight grimace, she could only listen as Shizuka shot down just about, well, everything that she said, unable to retort as speech suddenly left her. It was only after they had begun to be escorted when she began to speak.
"You may scorn me, scoff at my... Naïveté and and my łack of appreciation for a greater good like this. But I do not stand alone; the public were about ready to attack you, Shizuka-San. To them, magic is indeed too costly of a price, more than they can afford." Tae's voice quieted somewhat to match Shizuka's tone, although the general frustration and disapproval was still present. "From the public's perspective, magic very well could transcend life." Unable to say more as she was ushered to a car, Tae's hand tightened on the door handle until her knuckles bled white, the whispered phrase sending ice shooting straight to her heart. Whirling around, she found her way towards Shizuka to perhaps give the younger woman a piece of her mind had been blocked by security, trying to be helpful. Snarling and cursing Shizuka under her breath, Tae ripped open the car door and slammed it shut behind her, her gaze practically shouldering with equal parts pent-up aggression and fear. She had brought this onto herself, and she had resolved to stay with GRID till the bitter end; there really was nothing that she could do. But A, sweet, outgoing, stubborn An; Tae couldn't stand by to see anyone, much less her girlfriend, owned in such a way. She would release An from this unforeseen web, no matter what she needed to do.
"You may scorn me, scoff at my... Naïveté and and my łack of appreciation for a greater good like this. But I do not stand alone; the public were about ready to attack you, Shizuka-San. To them, magic is indeed too costly of a price, more than they can afford." Tae's voice quieted somewhat to match Shizuka's tone, although the general frustration and disapproval was still present. "From the public's perspective, magic very well could transcend life." Unable to say more as she was ushered to a car, Tae's hand tightened on the door handle until her knuckles bled white, the whispered phrase sending ice shooting straight to her heart. Whirling around, she found her way towards Shizuka to perhaps give the younger woman a piece of her mind had been blocked by security, trying to be helpful. Snarling and cursing Shizuka under her breath, Tae ripped open the car door and slammed it shut behind her, her gaze practically shouldering with equal parts pent-up aggression and fear. She had brought this onto herself, and she had resolved to stay with GRID till the bitter end; there really was nothing that she could do. But A, sweet, outgoing, stubborn An; Tae couldn't stand by to see anyone, much less her girlfriend, owned in such a way. She would release An from this unforeseen web, no matter what she needed to do.
silverlinedmist
Wyvern Knight
"That's bold of them," a voice spoke out from the dark corner of the room. "It doesn't sound like the public's ready to ditch their magic. It's a special part of them."
Isaac nodded briefly in agreement with the voice, before realizing it wasn't one within his own head. He slowly turned to see this strange figure before him, jumping out of his chair as if he were ready to run for it if he needed. His eyes darted around his apartment, to see if there were any signs of a forced entry of any sort. There was no way this man could get into his home without him noticing. Was it... Magic?...
The tone in his voice suggested things would go sour if they didn't go his way, and Isaac didn't like that. He could handle a normal person, a robber, anything like that just fine. He had the technology scattered around his apartment to rid himself of any unwanted intruders if need be, but magic users were different. There was any number of things they could do to him without him ever having a chance to fight back, and that was what scared him the most. As the man continued to speak of his "command", Isaac narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "You want to find a strain of magic, do you? Hmm... Well, I'll say. That does sound like a request to me." Isaac turned to pick up his mug once more, speaking up loud and clear before taking a sip.
"AMY, won't you please activate until further notice?"
A high pitched ringing noise could be heard as something flashed on his desk next to the intruder, a robotic woman's voice speaking out from it. "Yes, sir. Anti-Magic Frequencies are now ON. Please be aware if you use magic, that you can no longer use it in this area. Thank you."
Isaac turned back to the man, offering an actual chair instead of the desk as he turned his own towards his new friend. "Now, tell me more about your request, won't you? I am curious as to why you want me to do this, and who gave you my name. If my name is getting out there, I do wish to know. Publicity is important, you know. Gotta know where I succeed most," he said with a chuckle. Business was always on his mind.
Isaac nodded briefly in agreement with the voice, before realizing it wasn't one within his own head. He slowly turned to see this strange figure before him, jumping out of his chair as if he were ready to run for it if he needed. His eyes darted around his apartment, to see if there were any signs of a forced entry of any sort. There was no way this man could get into his home without him noticing. Was it... Magic?...
The tone in his voice suggested things would go sour if they didn't go his way, and Isaac didn't like that. He could handle a normal person, a robber, anything like that just fine. He had the technology scattered around his apartment to rid himself of any unwanted intruders if need be, but magic users were different. There was any number of things they could do to him without him ever having a chance to fight back, and that was what scared him the most. As the man continued to speak of his "command", Isaac narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "You want to find a strain of magic, do you? Hmm... Well, I'll say. That does sound like a request to me." Isaac turned to pick up his mug once more, speaking up loud and clear before taking a sip.
"AMY, won't you please activate until further notice?"
A high pitched ringing noise could be heard as something flashed on his desk next to the intruder, a robotic woman's voice speaking out from it. "Yes, sir. Anti-Magic Frequencies are now ON. Please be aware if you use magic, that you can no longer use it in this area. Thank you."
Isaac turned back to the man, offering an actual chair instead of the desk as he turned his own towards his new friend. "Now, tell me more about your request, won't you? I am curious as to why you want me to do this, and who gave you my name. If my name is getting out there, I do wish to know. Publicity is important, you know. Gotta know where I succeed most," he said with a chuckle. Business was always on his mind.
Father Voltaire
A Necessary Evil
|The Progressive Ignorant vs. Ignorance in Fury|
Minds, eyes, and jaws agape. Disgusted faces and scrunched up brows. Crowds of the curious and enraged piled up around news stands, cafe goers all stood up to get a better view of the elevated televisions, men and women on their computers watched the livestreams taken aback. All around Whiterun, there was a thick atmosphere that can only be described as walking into a room full of angry bulls. In the cafe's people began arguing with one another, shouting at no one in particular. Inside homes, enraged magicians vocally made their disdain for this new project known among media and to one another. On the streets people rant on their phones, loudly complain about the audacity and prevalence of GRID. Eventually, the populous began questioning the integrity of the community of Magicians. The Council was criticized, the longevity of Magic was questioned by many and is now worried to be endangered.
IAmEnzo
Closer to Isanity
Void couldn't help but notice the change in posture within Isaac. There was an eerie sense of confidence coming from the inventor ever since 'AMY' was activated. Void's eyes trailed around the apartment as there was a slight shift in the atmosphere. He couldn't put a finger on it, but something was different about the man's abode. What exactly was Isaac's backup plan? What did the inventor have that would save his life in case Void decided to kill him? These questions pinned to the back of his mind as he took a seat on the offered chair.
"We can do this the easy way or the hard way, Clayton. Give me a scan of the city and we'll part ways. Retaliate and I'll burn this entire apartment building to the ground."
Void held a stern glare on Isaac, one that told the man Void expected the right choice from him. "How much faith do you put into your nullification field? Do you honestly want to gamble your life's work over a simple request?"
"We can do this the easy way or the hard way, Clayton. Give me a scan of the city and we'll part ways. Retaliate and I'll burn this entire apartment building to the ground."
Void held a stern glare on Isaac, one that told the man Void expected the right choice from him. "How much faith do you put into your nullification field? Do you honestly want to gamble your life's work over a simple request?"
silverlinedmist
Wyvern Knight
The strange man tried to explain the situation to Isaac, who simply sat in his chair with a content look on his face as he listened. His eyes slowly moved around the room, almost as if he had been double checking that things were in place. He then let out a sigh.
"Clearly, I have enough faith in my projects. Either that, or I'm just stupid." Isaac then leaned forward, the content look on his face fading into something much more serious. Well, as serious as he could be. He was actually sort of excited to have the chance to show off his anti-magic scanner. It was something a select few had their hands on, but it hadn't exactly been released to the public yet. "..But would someone who could help you scan an entire city for a single strain of magic really be that stupid? Do you think I'm so unprepared that you could just barge in and threaten me with no consequences to yourself? Me, a person who has invented a way to completely nullify magic at the source?? You'd be a fool yourself if you thought so, my friend! Haha! Now, sure, I could help you. But Something about you just doesn't sit right with me, and that is why I'm asking questions. What are you trying to find. and why? If I'm being involved in something illegal, I should know about it, don't you think?" he questioned, leaning back in his chair and reaching for his mug once more. This was a dangerous situation and Isaac knew that, but he was also having fun. How far could he really take it, though? And how long would his precious 'AMY' last this time?
"...Oh, and would you like some tea? There's still some left on the stove, black tea. Could add some sugar if you wanted, though."
"Clearly, I have enough faith in my projects. Either that, or I'm just stupid." Isaac then leaned forward, the content look on his face fading into something much more serious. Well, as serious as he could be. He was actually sort of excited to have the chance to show off his anti-magic scanner. It was something a select few had their hands on, but it hadn't exactly been released to the public yet. "..But would someone who could help you scan an entire city for a single strain of magic really be that stupid? Do you think I'm so unprepared that you could just barge in and threaten me with no consequences to yourself? Me, a person who has invented a way to completely nullify magic at the source?? You'd be a fool yourself if you thought so, my friend! Haha! Now, sure, I could help you. But Something about you just doesn't sit right with me, and that is why I'm asking questions. What are you trying to find. and why? If I'm being involved in something illegal, I should know about it, don't you think?" he questioned, leaning back in his chair and reaching for his mug once more. This was a dangerous situation and Isaac knew that, but he was also having fun. How far could he really take it, though? And how long would his precious 'AMY' last this time?
"...Oh, and would you like some tea? There's still some left on the stove, black tea. Could add some sugar if you wanted, though."
IAmEnzo
Closer to Isanity
It was clear. Isaac was starting to irk Void. Deep sighs and bridge-pinching were in an abundance when the two were conversing. Isaac wanted to know of Void's intents with the scanner, moreso than Void believed he ought to know. The questions shortened his patience with each passing second. To top it off, Isaac offered the man some tea among the tense atmosphere. A hefty sigh escaped Void as he tucked a hand into his suit jacket. "So be it." A 9mm emerged from the jacket, locked in Void's hand with pure frustration. Without another word, he fired a round into Isaac's knee and rose to his feet. "I am no serial killer by preference, Mr. Clayton, but I will get what I want, no matter the cost." Calmly, he followed the scent of tea into Isaac's kitchen and retrieved the steaming hot pot from the stove. "I am also no mage." Void stated.
Standing over Isaac who would have no doubt fallen over from the impact of the bullet, Void crouched down to Isaac's level. "Pray there's a scanner already built, so that I may have a reason to stop this." 'This' was quickly defined as the boiling tea being poured over Isaac's gunshot wound in short, steady flows. "Where is it?" He asked. Void continued to interrogate Isaac in that manner. For every two seconds his question would go unanswered, Void would pour even more burning tea into his open wound.
Standing over Isaac who would have no doubt fallen over from the impact of the bullet, Void crouched down to Isaac's level. "Pray there's a scanner already built, so that I may have a reason to stop this." 'This' was quickly defined as the boiling tea being poured over Isaac's gunshot wound in short, steady flows. "Where is it?" He asked. Void continued to interrogate Isaac in that manner. For every two seconds his question would go unanswered, Void would pour even more burning tea into his open wound.
AiDee
Queen of Socks
✄
The TV was blaring out classical music with a young girl immersed in playing with her violin. Captivated by the static produced by the TV, Harumi watched little specks of white dancing around the girl's performance. It was a rerun of an old performance of a young prodigy. The TV continued to mourn over the young prodigy's tragic death, almost like it was embarrassed, the program would never mention her name. The room was darkened giving the TV a neon glare in the gray atmosphere. Harumi tilted her head at the television while snapping her chopsticks to the rhythm. Enclosed around her cold fingers, she held a hot bowl of noodles. The girl on the TV dropped her violin at her side and bowed deeply for the audience.
Immediately, Harumi switched the channel. A brightly colored cartoon flashed in her face, only for it to be torn away with a news report of some kind, "Good Morning, Whiterun!" Harumi quickly switched the channel, "This is NHK-" She pressed another button, "..-news, live from the Na-" No matter what channel she switched to, the TV would quickly pick up back to where it last left off. It was like she was pausing and playing over and over. The news report was about some new project her brother's former workplace was doing. Project Zodiac... Apparently it was big enough to cut off every TV program for the unraveling. Honaka-san began to talk about Shizuka Miyuki. Harumi whipped the empty bowl at the TV and sunk into the couch.
Just a few feet away from her, the cell phone was ringing. Last night, in some type of dispute she had thrown the phone in a fit of anger. The girl rolled out of the couch and snatched the phone off the ground. With a quick glance at the caller id, Harumi hurled it into the couch. The caller happened to be the very same person who loved to give her a headache. Despite her bluntly telling them this, they continued to call. The girl swiped her keys and grabbed her backpack off the ground. If they weren't willing to stop, Harumi would just have to leave her own home for now. Now, she could have simply turned her phone off, but the caller would surely try to intrude into her home.
In a very suspiciously, sneaking way, Harumi locked her door. With her other hand, she kept a hold around her keys and little trinkets to keep them from alerting anything. Once she slipped away from her apartment building, Harumi pulled her backpack straps closer and tighter. The streets were littered with trash and people. As Harumi crossed the busy streets, she watched as people began to crowd around billboards. It was displaying the newscast from before, except it was now actually transitioning into the big reveal.
On the billboard, Yamamoto Gen appeared along with two others. Harumi recognized Gen from her mother's gushing rants. Each time Yamamoto came onto the news, her mother would list out his accomplishments. Soon after, she would remember how she became an ER nurse. It would quickly lead into a conservation about how she met her husband.
Suddenly, the crowd hushed down to listen to the laughter erupting from Gen. The camera quickly changed to a woman. She addressed to all of Japan and told the people about the rumor mill's unfaithful information. She told them about how Project Zodiac will cure all Class A disease. Big who--.. The woman quickly asked a rhetorical question that sounded more bitter than anything, "Medical magic is an industry; one that has become concerned with personal profits rather than the well being of the populace...one that I plan to tear down through Project Zodiac..."
The camera shook and turned to the protesting crowds. Harumi took a few steps back as the crowd before her began to buzz in with life, "There will be silence!" Everything was silent and Miyuki continued to talk about the frequently asked questions on everyone's mind, "Project Zodiac is affordable...or in even simpler terms, free." This felt like an even worse idea than before. Where's the catch?
"Many of you may be aware that magic conduits are most potent in children versus adults. Children often cannot use magic since their conduits are passive; however, untainted by active magic, the conduits are pristine." As she was speaking, Harumi traveled closer to the TV, "My department at Grid has developed a technology to harvest magic conduits from children. Much like a stem cell's potential to develop into types outside of its own," Well..this isn't going to go well. Harumi quickly hugged a light pole near her. Miyuki talked about how it was able to be modified and evolved. Something as powerful as this would be able to combat anything and even itself. She quickly reassured that it wouldn't hurt the child or the receiving patient, it was just that their magic was permanently gone.
The crowd in the venue and out in the streets became enraged. Screaming at the retreating figures of whoever was involved. The crowd in front of Harumi, yelled at potential workers at Grid or people who were once in the company. Children were quickly pulled away, in hopes that the project wasn't already in effect. Seeing people rush over and calling others to tell them about the big news, struck something in Harumi.
Grabbing a large stone off the ground, Harumi tossed it up and caught it with her other hand before throwing it at the large screen. Cracks quickly formed once the rock hit the LCD screen. The crowd quickly caught on as to what was happening, "Tear it down!" She screamed as she threw another rock at the screen. To her amusement, people did as she said. They threw things at each other and at the large screen. For a moment, Harumi could see the screen flicker back to the image of a young girl playing a violin.
✂
