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Post by Reikiko on Mar 28, 2015 14:38:55 GMT
Was this what it felt like, to be the being closest to perfection on this planet? Idly wondering that question the bio-android walked amidst the trees of the Bamboo Forest. It was a peaceful morning, within the pleasant season known as spring. The flowers had started to blossom after their long slumber during the winter, the leaves on the trees had started to grow back, and in the distance she could hear the birds chirping in a cheerful melody. All in all it was a peaceful time within the Bamboo Forest. Her steps light and yet with a certain confidence in her stride, Reikiko had been on the way to a certain location within the forest that she frequently visited. Although the Bamboo Forest was famous as a rather dangerous location to wander, for the deepest reaches of the forest were said to contain dangerous predators, the bio-android clearly didn't have anything to fear. With her ascension to semi-perfection the bio-android literally had not a single reason to fear the natural predators of this world, and she genuinely doubted anyone walking upon the soil of this planet was currently capable of challenging her. For in the end... she was like a goddess walking among mortals.
Slowly she ascended along the path that led toward a higher elevation, a path that soon let her to what seemed to be a small piece of land separated from the rest of the forest. At the center of this area was a small wooden cottage, cozy in design and well-maintained, but somewhat abandoned as no sign of life was visible within. Nevertheless, her business today was not with the cottage, but with something near it. Walking slightly past the cottage Reikiko arrived at what appeared to be a lone gravestone, right beneath the shade of a large apple tree. With a simple gesture of her arms the bio-android plucked two of the red-colored fruits from the branches, placing one before the gravestone, before sitting down before the grave, taking a small bite from the fruit. Eating was a foreign thing for her, especially since she was used to absorbing things, but ever since she ascended Reikiko had developed a curiosity for flavors that could spread in her mouth.
"Good morning Tamako-sensei."
It was a solemn greeting, spoken in a gentle tone while the bio-android smiled kindly at the grave. While she wasn't one to delude herself with the idea that her master could return one day, for the woman had fallen due to her own failure... Reikiko couldn't help but imagine as if she was talking directly to the previous Crane Sensei, the woman seated on top of the gravestone, legs crossed over each other while smiling down at her with those eyes of her that were filled with their usual liveliness.
"Things have finally be set in motion. As we speak the Blue Banner Army has started their efforts to repair the destruction their operation caused within West Capitol. As you can see I also succeeded in my personal goal, but for now let's talk about the Blue Banner Army."
She paused for a moment, thinking back about the events of that day. Although she had joined their operation as a mercenary solely for the idea of finding the strong prey that would be lured into the operation, for Vipoi had expected the bait to have worked, and it certainly did. Nevertheless, the amount of destruction and resistance that was caused made her realize their ways were flawed.
"While Robo Boy, I mean Vipoi his ambitions might in a sense follow the idea of 'The end justifies the means', it is difficult to ignore the fact that it is a flawed approach. In the eyes of some his attempts to unite the world, and protect it are done forcefully with an iron hand. While it's effective, it is equally oppressive, and as a result people resist and rebel. That's not the way I would have done things."
She paused for a moment, considering her thoughts. If she was to unite the world, she would have made the people of this planet get a reason to unite out of their free will. In the end a willing decision would have made people more likely to continue this unity, especially if it means a future of peace and prosperity.
"But either way. I have ascended Tamako-sensei. While I am unlikely to be able to slay my sister just yet, I will continue to grow stronger until the day I can avenge you."
Her gaze sharpened a little, a gaze of confidence and determination being send toward the grave of her master. Tamako's death was the result of her failure, so the least she could do was make up for the loss by killing the murderer of her master.
"I miss you Tamako-sensei... Although Uncle has been trying to lessen the suffering, I can't help but wonder how things would have been if you were still here. Maybe you'd even been able to meet him."
She had fought back the urge to shed tears, the familiar feeling of the coldness she felt as Tamako's body slowly lost its warmth inside her arms. She truly missed her, and for a moment she closed her eyes, trying to calm her breathing.
"I will visit you again soon Tamako-sensei."
However, the moment the bio-android was about to get up she felt her internal senses register a small presence nearby. It was, in her standards a weak presence, but it seemed to hold some potential. However, she had been aware of people their ability to suppress their power, and for a moment Reikiko couldn't help but wonder whether the presence she felt belonged to one of the 'shadows' Vipoi had warned her about. Was it a lost person, or a enemy that was drawn to her power? For a moment she paused, before raising her voice.
"If you are neither an enemy or a fool then show yourself, for you have nothing to fear. I am in a fairly pleasant mood currently, so reveal your presence, if your intentions are harmless in nature."
-Heavy weights are on-
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Post by Deleted on Mar 30, 2015 8:37:47 GMT
Tenshi circled above the Bamboo Forest. Below lay an expanse of greens and browns, occassional blues. She knew that somewhere, deep down inside the wooded area, resided a plethora of living things, some hostile, others completely harmless. Tenshi had tangled with some, and heard the rest in the dark. But right now was day, the most dangerous beings in the forest asleep. Aside from one.
A large power level pierced through everything, but Tenshi put it aside momentarily. Right now, there was something much more important to do.
Her feet landed lightly against the soft ground of a clearing. The debris had been swept away to the sides, leaves, branches, animal stool. Tenshi spread her wings and used them to push what had accumulated since yesterday. In fact, it had been the valkyrie that had cleaned up the clearing. It had also been she who created the six mounds that went around the middle of the clearing. It was in between these that she had landed.
Once the debris had been removed, Tenshi sat down, examing the large dirt mounds. Each was roughly the same size, almost six feet long. Starting from the farthest part away from her, they widened for about a foot and a half, before tapering back to the same width as the front. Around the front she had laid a circle of small stones, like a crown, on each. This is where Bailey, Brutus, Pibbs, Joey, and the twins Fukusu and Futagoza had been lain to rest. They had been bandits, but their hearts had been in the right place. While Tenshi had only known them for a few hours, they'd left an impression on the young Valkyrie. Bailey had asked her to join them, to help their cause. She'd considered it, gone to sleep with them in their camp, only to wake up to their corpses, burn by their own lust. The demons that had consumed them now resided inside Tenshi's own head, and Up til now they'd been silent.
"Where is your anger? Where is your rage? We killed your friends, do you not seek revenge?" Tenshi took a deep sigh. She was angry, but right at this instant, their were more important things to do.
"Can I not have a moment of peace to pay my respect to these innocent lives you snuffed out so easily?" Her question was met with a tombstone laugh.
"You call them innocent, but did they not steal for their own personal gain? You forget, each of them sold their own soul to us for a very selfish cause. We decided to fulfill our side of the bargain when you showed up, a more powerful entity filled with the anger we feast upon. So, isn't it your own fault??"
"That's preposterous. There's plenty of strong people on earth, you could easily have switched to them, you're the selfish bastards-" Tenshi realised she'd gradually increased in volume, and even stood up. The demons had just been trying to entice her into angering, and it had worked. She cooled down slightly. "Just shut up and let me think about what to say." Surprisingly, the voices obliged, and she sat, pensieve.
What could she possibly say to them? She'd only known the group for a few hours, yet she felt she knew each of them individually. And yet...why were words so hard to come across when you needed them the most? Suddenly her mind exploded. She almost screamed, clutching at her head as images passed through her vision. Falling to the ground, she felt as if her skull was splitting, her brain filling up beyonnd capacity.
"W-what the fu-"
"Did you not want the words for your 'friends'? To know what to say?" The voices were loud, booming over the sound of memories flooding into her thoughts. "You see, we have given you their own memories, their own thoughts. Are you not pleased?" The voices were almost mocking her, playing with her pain. Almost as suddenly as it happened, though, the pain stopped, and Tenshi could see more clearly the words she needed to say than before. She turned to the first mound, the one that belonged to Brutus.
"Brutus," she began. "You were a brave soul. When your father left you, you alone took care of your fallen mother, along with your six siblings. All you'd wanted was an education, and yet you never got the opportunity. When catastrophe struck your family, pulling you down into homelessness, poverty, your siblings starving, you had nothing. How simple it would have been to just steal a stray loaf of bread, and yet you remained ever vigilant. Working through starvation, you made the money you could in any way you had available. But it wasn't enough. Your mother succumbed to a fever, and your brothers and sisters were quick to follow suit. You were out of the dwelling just enough to avoid it. But you took care of them, one by one, as they slowly fell in your arms." She drew a symbol into the earth above where his heart would have been. She didn't know what it meant, but just knew it had to be done. "You were a great man, and did what you had to do. You will be missed."
She turned to the mound on Brutus' right. This one belonged to Joey. "Joseph. You were born in the city, here on Earth. Raised as an earthling, you never questioned your tail, given to you by your father. Then you moved on to school. Here, the children were relentless. Constantly being made fun of, you were an outcast, only accepted by the other outcasts. You fell into a bad crowd, and subsequently suffered several losses. First your parents by opposing gang members, then later your sweetheart. You held her hand, felt her heart flutter its last, and you shed tears you'd never had before. This changed you, and you became a much better man. You tried to start your own life, had everything in order. Then, of course, your gang found you, and tortured you with the death of your fiance, before attacking you and leading you bleeding out." Again, she drew the symbol, blowing away excess dust. "Joseph, few men can choose the bad path and turn around. Your heart was in the right place, and you were a great man."
Again to the right. This time was Pibbs. He'd been just a normal man, didn't do much of anything significant, and was just about as average as could be. Tenshi honestly didn't know what to say for him. "Pibbs. You were a good man, and a good husband. If I find your wife, I will tell her you died honorably." Symbol, then to the right.
This time was the twins. There was so much there, Tenshi didn't even know where to begin. Fukusa was created by Futagoza's demon, and technically didn't have any memories of his own. Tenshi cleared her throat. "Futagoza. You lost your parents to a fire really early on. You adapted, becoming a street urchin, living off of what you could pinch. You helped many groups of kids mob adults, distracting or stealing. And yet, every time when you dispersed, you were left all alone. Even the kids wanted nothing to do with you. Years passed. Desperate, you went out searching for someone, anyone. You came to a crossroads. Tired, thirsty and hot, you passed out. You had a strange dream, where you sold your soul to a shadowy being. You yearned with all your heart for a friend, some sort of company. And when you awoke, so did the twin beside you." Tears nearly wet Tenshi's eyes. "And as he came into existence, so did he leave with you. My only parting words to you are my own wish: that wherever your soul might be, you'll be happy with friends all around."
"You realised their souls are in hell?" Tenshi ignored the demons. She drew the symbol on the two graves, and turned to the last one. With each grave, Tenshi had seen bits and pieces of their lives. But for Bailey, instead she saw history. As if she remembered being their, Tenshi watched in her mind's eye as two civilizations rose, two civilizations resided in peace, before turning to war. On one side, a winged people, preferring to learn how to live with natue. On the other, a technologically advanced society, evolving to use weapons, and replace lost body parts with electronics. When the two clashed, the winged people were enslaved. The others built up their empire, selling their new slaves to other planets. Eventually, however, the planet was destroyed, the society advancing too far. Nature attempted to claim back its territory, a new race evolving. The war between the two escalated, to the technological society's development of ki bombs. Almost everything was wiped out; all that remained were ruins, and desert. A few survived, attempting to build back up. One was Bailey, the dead man whom Tenshi had buried. Eventually, he traveled to Earth, looking to get away from his past mistakes. For nearly two hundred years, he wandered, until finally he found a shady man in an alley way. Knowing all the stigmas and cliches, he followed him to a hovel. Here, incurring some sort of black magic, he was able to sell his soul in order to forget, and no longer live blaming himself.
There the memory ended. Tenshi realised she had fallen to her knees, tears streaming down her face.
"How..." her voice cracked, throat dry. Swallowing, she tried again. "How in the hell...could you take away the only man...the only person, only being. The only one who might have been able to tell me..." Her fists clenched, and the dirt around her began to rise. Anger flushed her face, and she could feel the ones inside her growing excited. Unable to stop her rage, ki began to build in her hands. Her vision turned red, and she let out a low growl. Slowly, it rose in pitch and volume, turning from a growl to a scream of utter anger. With it the earth in the clearing rose slightly, along with her strength. She threw back her head, mouth wide, the scream echoing in the forest. Trees waved in wind she was creating, and ki kept flowing to her hands, almost bursting out through her finger tips. Jumping up, her vision still red, she brought both hands together. She didn't know what she was doing, only that she was mad and needed to release her aggression. With another roar, she pushed the ki forward, keeping it into a concentrated stream, which spread out slighly like a cone. Continuing to exhale, she pushed as much energy as she could, downward into the clearing.
Finally, exhausted from her exhertion, she let her wings lazily drop her into the crater she'd created. It wasn't that deep, but the ki blast had taken all six bodies with it. Vaporized, there was nothing left for her to come back to. She fell to her knees for the third time today.
"Do you feel better now?" Again, the voice was mocking, but Tenshi didn't care. She did feel good, albeit tired. She took a few more minutes to rest, before standing up.
"How about that power I felt earlier? Want to go check it out?" In fact, Tenshi had been noticing it the entire time, but she'd had more important things to do than exploring. The voices agreed to investigate. Flapping her wings, Tenshi landed on the edge of the crater, before giving another flap. She blew dust that had just finished settling before flying into the azure sky. The breeze was light, the air warm. Tenshi felt much better after her random bout of destruction. Turning left and right, she tried to pinpoint the exact location of whomever the power level belonged to. Getting a general direction, she flew towards it.
Once she decided she was close enough, Tenshi let herself land again. She wasn't in the mood for a fight, particularly with someone this much stronger than herself. Plus, she'd expended a fair amount of energy, and was still mildly tired from that. Instead, she walked towards the general area. The Valkyrie knew most of the Bamboo Forest. She'd been to this clearing before, but only once. She didn't like bothering other people's resting zones, and there was a grave behind the little cottage ahead of her.
When Reikiko called out, Tenshi stopped. She definitely meant no harm, but continued forward carefully. There was no such thing as too cautious, and even though the female sounding voice said Tenshi would have nothing to fear if she was neither an enemy or a fool, it could easily be a ploy. She stepped out into the clearing, trying not to be menacing at all. In front of her was a...human? While she looked human, Tenshi wasn't entirely sure. Parts of her, which could be armor, or clothing, seemed to meld into her being, while her skin didn't look quite right. She also seemed to have insect like wings on her back. Her face was mostly normaly looking, draped by blonde hair, with teal eyes. Her 'hat', like her chest, seemed to be a part of her, and she had a red colored gem in her forehead. She even had a tail.
"No reason to fear me," Tenshi stated, whilst looking Reikiko up and down. "I'm not an enemy, though I may be a fool for stepping into a clearing with a stranger." The 'stranger' that sat before her was actually in front of the grave. She was holding an apple, twin to the one that was on top of the stone. Tenshi waited for Reikiko's reply, hoping beyond hope that a fight was not about to occur.
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Post by Reikiko on Mar 30, 2015 9:37:36 GMT
"At least we have a honest fool, then again... if everyone who did the same thing as you was to be labeled a fool... Then this planet would only be inhabited by fools, idiots and dead people."
The bio-android's lips had curved up a little, a calm smile upon her lips. Her gaze had subtly wandered over the stranger's body, and for a moment she couldn't help but feel pleased and curious at the same time. Standing before her was a woman, and that by itself already was one thing that pleased Reikiko, for she was fond of the company of the fairer gender. Nevertheless, as she continued her observation she had to admit some features stood out on the 'stranger'. Aside from the attractiveness of the woman, Reikiko couldn't help but notice the feathered wings of the woman, and for a moment she could feel the presence of her sister manifest within her thoughts.
Curious...
She had to agree with Keiko there, aside from herself she had not once met a being that possessed wings and wasn't an animal. This woman her wings resembled those of the mystical beings human civilization liked to call 'angels'. Did this make the woman a denizen of heaven? That seemed unlikely, for when her internal sense tried to read the power level of the woman... Reikiko had almost sighed in disappointed. A meager six thousand, around the average of a trained warrior but nowhere near the ability to challenge her. Still, she had always thought a denizen of the heaven humans talked about in literature would have been more... powerful. This meant that either the woman had lost most of her power, or she was not one of those 'angels'. Nevertheless, it was after making a gentle twirl with her hand, causing the apple to spin on top of her raised fingertip that she replied, her tone gentle and soft, yet flavored with a certain cheerfulness in it.
"It's rather fortunate that you are not an enemy, for it would sadden me to be forced to snuff out the life of a beautiful warrior-maiden like yourself."
It seemed that ever since her encounter with Hikari inside the gravity chamber Reikiko had grown more prone to 'accidently' use certain word choices that might had a much different effect than what she intended. In this case one would have likely wondered whether she was making a genuine compliment, or was downright flirting with the female warrior. Finally the apple ceased its spinning, and raising her free hand Reikiko extended it toward the woman, seemingly with the intention of offering a handshake.
"The name is Reikiko, the Crane Hermit, residential troublemaker of the timeless lookout, and lover of all apples in the universe."
It seemed the latter two were made in jest, but since she was standing before the grave of the previous grandmaster, her own mentor and closest friend... it sounded only right for her to reveal the fact she had inherited Tamako's legacy. Still, despite all that she couldn't help but wonder about the woman's wings, her eyes seemingly focused on them for a bit.
"Hmm... It's not often I find a winged lady like myself, albeit your wings look a lot softer."
She actually realized now that she was genuinely curious what species this woman belonged to. She seemed mostly human, aside from the unorthodox fighting armor and the feathered wings. It was clearly a species she had never seen before on this planet, meaning she was either an alien... or a weakened celestial being from heaven. Perhaps if she didn't get the answers to her questions... she could end up asking Scargot at some point.
"So my adorably honest fool, could you be so kind to provide me with your name? It is fairly difficult for me to genuinely identify someone with such a name, for the amount of fools I have encountered in my life seems to surpass the type of number I like to count."
This planet did seemed to be filled with them, and yet sometimes fools could be just as much adorable as they were annoying. At least right now the woman before her seemed the former. Nevertheless, after having briefly shaken Tenshi's hand Reikiko returned it to her side and took a small bite from the apple, turning back toward the grave.
"It's the resting place of my master. She was both a teacher and closest friend alike, so I often like visiting here. I'm not foolish enough to think that someday she'll just reappear before me, as if her death was just a silly joke... but I do hold a fondness for sitting here. Just being here reminds me of the time I spend at her side, and at times I can't help but feel she is 'there' listening and watching over me somewhere, just... out of reach.
Now she wondered about it... If she was to ascend to perfection and become a goddess, would she become capable of meeting Tamako again? Perhaps even bring her back to life? She had no idea what type of ability she would obtain upon ascension to true perfection... and yet, she had a feeling that it was just a naive dream.
"Still I'm surprised you found this place. Not many are willing to climb the path leading to this place. Perhaps that's why I used to stay here during my training. Neither predator or person alike tends to come here. Not that I dislike some company every now and then."
Her gaze returned back to focus onto Tenshi, and for a moment she had to admit she was a bit curious about the fact the woman didn't seem that influenced by her uncontrolled energy. It was already soaring past two million, and in some cases she had seen people getting downright terrified by such an overwhelming presence. Yet oddly enough Tenshi seemed mostly unaffected by it... It was kind of fascinating.
"So what brings you to this part of the Bamboo Forest?"
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Post by Deleted on Apr 6, 2015 4:45:35 GMT
The woman who stood before Tenshi, or whatever she was, seemed...interesting, to say the least. She was definitely talkative, and felt overwhelmingly powerful. However, Tenshi's mood prevented her from being too intimidated, prefering to listen to Reikiko, and respond in turn. Normally, Tenshi would have been mildly irritated by being called a fool, but given she had lead that on herself, she let it slide.
"It would be rather unfortunate to have been killed on such a day as this," Tenshi responded to Reikiko's quip. "While I might know a bit about fighting, I wouldn't go so far as to call myself a warrior-maiden." Maybe just a maiden, she thought to herself. Or perhaps just useless. Reikiko chose then to introduce herself, proffering her hand, in which Tenshi took firmly, giving it a regular, single shake while the woman introduced herself as Reikiko, "the Crane Hermit, residential troublemaker of the timeless lookout, and lover of all apples in the universe." Tenshi wasn't sure what the timless lookout was, nor why someone would introduce themselves as lover of all apples in the universe. However, given that Reikiko could just blink Tenshi into non-existance, she chose not to argue. After all, they were probably just jokes.
"I am Tenshi," the Valkyrie introduced herself. "I'm not sure where or what from, and I bear no school markings." Her slight nerves finally made themselves obvious in her speech patterns. Hopefully they would go unnoticed, and they seemed to. Reikiko moved her eyes to the wings growing out of Tenshi's back.
"Hmm... It's not often I find a winged lady like myself, albeit your wings look a lot softer."
Unsure how to respond, Tenshi followed with a simple fact. "Well, they are made out of feathers. I believe humans use feathers as pillows sometimes?" Tenshi hadn't gone shopping recently, nor really followed human society. In fact, since she'd been on Earth, she'd either stuck to herself, or been in the Bamboo Forest. Hell, how long had she been here? Only a few months? She was really beginning to miss what she considered her home planet, and almost felt sad momentarily. She brought her attention back to the fore-front, and noticed that Reikiko seemed to accept her anecdote.
The apple, which hitherto had been spinning easily on one of Reikiko's fingers, ceased its rotations for the woman to take a bite. She then turned to the grave, back to Tenshi, seemingly pensieve. She explained the grave, mentioning it was the resting place of her former master, a teacher and friend. Her note that she wasn't foolish, not expecting her to just come back seemed an odd thing to point out, but Tenshi was not fool enough to mention anything. She listened quietly, much as Reikiko sometiems felt her master did. Tenshi nodded sagely in response, as Reikiko lapsed into silence. She seemed briefly lost in thought, and again Tenshi found herself unsure how to respond. Luckily, the woman gave her an out.
"Still, I'm surprised you found this place. Not many are willing to climb the path leading to this place. Perhaps that's why I used to stay here durig my training. Neither predator or person alike tends to come here. Not that I dislike some company every now and then." Reikiko added, much like an after thought. She cast her eyes on the Valkyrie, a pondering gaze. Tenshi almost wondered what was behind them, what Reikiko was thinking about.
"An energy like yours is relatively easy to locate. Had I not already been in the area, however, I like would have simply ignored it. Afte all, one such as you could easily wipe me from existence." Tenshi met Reikiko's gaze, almost defiantly. Then, her eyes went to a rather worn expression. "Or, maybe I am truly a fool." Rei added in another question, asking Tenshi what brought her here to the Bamboo Forest. Tenshi shrugged, dropping her gaze.
"Almost the same as you. Its quiet here, away from civilization. I feel sort of closer to nature in spirit, rather than a physical presence. As you said, hardly anybody comes this way, and that makes it easy to meditate. The ever present dangers mean next to nothing to me; I'm either strong enough to ward them off, clever enough to negotiate out, or quick enough to fly away. But today, I came under graver circumstances." Her eyes trailed to the gravestone in front of Reikiko. Tenshi stared at it, slowly letting her eyes unfocus 'til it became a blur. "Meeting some friends, you might say." Some friends you killed, the voices told said inside. Outwardly, Tenshi let out a slight sigh. What was to become of her?
Tenshi would let the woman in front of her have the next say. After all, it was the Valkyrie that was intruding on her quiet time.
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Post by Reikiko on Apr 10, 2015 13:29:47 GMT
For a moment Reikiko's gaze returned its focus upon the feathered wings of the Valkyrie. The fact that they were feathers was to be expected, and yet at the same time she couldn't help but wonder if Tenshi had used them as a pillow of sorts, then again judging from how they were on terms of position and angle the bio-android doubted that might had been the case. Nevertheless, as their conversation turned toward the reason for Tenshi's presence within the Bamboo Forest Reikiko couldn't help but frown for a moment, a frown that soon was replaced by the same calm smile from before. She was a bit curious who those friends might had been, especially if they dwelled so deep within the Bamboo Forest. The only ones she knew were Aspergia, the female Saiyan and a friend of her deceased master and the occasional martial arts master who wanted to hone their skills. Perhaps they had been the latter? In the end it was only a question she pondered about momentarily before she returned her thoughts onto the conversation.
"I'm afraid I don't have the ability yet to manipulate my energy enough to lower it to a lighter degree. It does get annoying at times when your presence alone makes even a trained warrior freeze in fear."
For a moment she couldn't help but think back about what Tenshi had said before. She had been here to visit some friends, and for some reason she didn't look that pleased while stating it. It caused Reikiko to think back, allowing her mind to drift through a collection of recent memories. The existence of a relationship known as friendship was a peculiar something. While it often was a source of happiness and strength, it can just as easily turn into frustration and weakness. A deep sigh followed as she unknowingly voiced her thoughts out loud.
"Friends... They can be both a blessing and a curse at times."
She often found herself thinking such a thought, the idea that people like Vipoi and Hikari could give her strength, their mere presence alone lifting her spirits and allowing her to feel stronger than she would have been without them. However, it also made her feel as if she relied on them, something that made her feel more vulnerable.
"So Tenshi, seeing that you seem unaffiliated with any school, and the fact I have never heard about an earthling or even any other species that possesses feathered wings. I hope you'll forgive my curiosity but what are you exactly? I'm aware your name is a term used by some humans to describe a being from their religion and mythology, a 'angel' that is said to dwell beyond the mortal realm. However, with all due respect, your presence doesn't really seem to hint of a being that rises beyond mortality."
They say curiosity kills the cat, but fortunately she was a bio-android and not an adorable feline. Perhaps this meant her curiosity could be satisfied? Of course she realized the warrior maiden likely would have had thoughts and questions of her own, so once Tenshi answered her question Reikiko smiled calmly and replied.
"In case you're wondering I'm not an alien. I am a being made by the hands of a human, albeit unlike those 'androids' I am not a machine restricted by the limitations of its design. I am what they call a bio-android, one who has taken the strongest genes of various species and obtained the means to ascend to a state closer to perfection than most would likely been able to accomplish."
For a moment her smile wavered, her eyes turning back toward the tombstone of her master. While at first she had been incredibly stubborn about her desire to obtain perfection, she had to admit she was not so certain anymore. What was the cost of attaining perfection? Would she have to sacrifice anything and everyone to grow to that state of being that was akin to a deity?
"But now I can't help but wonder if perfection is worth the journey one has to take toward it. So many sacrifices are to be made, and yet what once the end is reached? When one stands at perfection, what is the next thing they would strive for? I used to believe my goal was clear, a set destination and a single path for me to pursue..."
But now she wasn't certain. How much more would she have to sacrifice in order to finally obtain that what she desired? How many enemies would she have to make before her hunger for ascension was sated and she would become the closest thing to a deity. Realizing she must had confused Tenshi the bio-android smiled calmly and continued speaking.
"I apologize for confusing you with all this talk. Just like you I tend to feel more at ease amidst the presence of nature, it makes me stand still and question so many things. Either way, is there something else you wish to talk about? I am more than willing to answer any inquires you might have."
She had to admit she wasn't certain where to take their conversation. In the end she had mostly visited this place to spend some time at Tamako's grave, and as a result was not exactly prepared for a conversation, especially with a stranger she had never met before. Nevertheless, she had been genuinely interested in the background of this woman, perhaps because her wings and appearance reminded her of a being from earth's mythology, and for once she couldn't help but wonder whether this person was truly such a 'being' or was in fact an alien from a planet she had never heard of. There was something fascinating about learning about a new species, the information often helping her understand someone more. In the end a person was often shaped by the community they grew up in, and perhaps this was part of why she had been interested to learn more about the being known as 'Tenshi'.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 12, 2015 6:31:03 GMT
Reikiko brought up a very good question. Tenshi's name implied that of a god, or an angel, as Reikiko had stated. However, Tenshi's own existence was a double entendre. Her race, Valkyrie, alluded to that of the Norse mythology. The Valkyrie were akin to angels, who shepherded the warriors that proved themselves in battle.
However, Tenshi didn't know any of this. She also didn't know where to start answering Reikiko's question. The comment about mortality hit somewhere inside of Tenshi, but not anything significant.
"Well, actually...my race is called Valkyrie, and I can only assume that others like me look similar. I...don't actually know anything about my race, or my name. I was raised in a carnival, was left with just a paper with Tenshi written on it in Common."
Tenshi rubbed her head awkwardly as Reikiko smiled, telling the Valkyrie about herself. She explained about perfection, almost seeming...sad. She returned to her normal apologizing, and asking Tenshi if there was anything she wanted to talk about. Tenshi was about to shake her head, but was interrupted with an internal monologue.
"Ah yes. Behind this wall, we have found the secrets we've looked for. You wonder who you are, where you belong. We have here a...revelation. The Valkyrie, a secret people, hidden in time. Lost over two hundred years ago. You asked for the answers, and the answers you shall receive. With the removal of this wall, we reveal to you." The demons inside Tenshi had been removing a barrier set by her people, something placed so that Tenshi might not have to deal with the past. Her eyes rolled into her head, she gargled momentarily, before blinking, and standing up straight. Her wings spread out, and her arms went limp beside her. Tenshi's eyes were now white, and the voice that spoke was not hers. It was the voice of the seven demons, all speaking at once, and they revealed to Reikiko the secrets of the Valkyrie.
"As an domhain a bhí déanta againn, chun an domhain againn ar ais. Le sciatháin Deonaíodh againn aer . Le neart Deonaíodh againn tine. Inside, tá muid uisce, agus lasmuigh táimid miotail. Is iad na valkyrie amháin leis an domhan, mar gheall ar an saol ag a mháthair. From the earth we were made, to the earth we return. With wings we were granted air. With strength we were granted fire. Inside, we are water, and outside we are metal. The valkyrie are one with the world, given life by their mother. These are the last words of the Valkyrie before they were wiped out. This being before contains the remnants of our civilization.
"In the beginning, when our planet was formed, there were two races. There were the Valkyrie, those given by the goddess of nature Cineál, and the Saiyan, given by the god of sky, Spéir. Together they flourished, a perfect balance of nature and war, and technology and intelligience. They traded their secrets, taught each other. After several generations, they had both expanded to take up large parts of the land. The Saiyan began to fear the Valkyrie, and began to alienate themselves. They started calling themselves Rómhánach, to get away from the Valkyrie's language. They built cities with walls, developing civilization. The Valkyrie continued to live as tribes.
"Without the peaceful Rómhánach to delegate between the tribes, the war-like tendencies began to increase between the valkyrie. Constantly clans were battling over territory, hunting rights, trade, even livestock. They raided, pillaged, stealing, burning, the most unspeakable of things to their own kind.
"But finally, a warrior unlike any other arose. The Valkyrie believed them to be the incarnation of their goddess, Cineál. This Valkyrion united the tribes, bringing them all together under one rule. With no more feuds, they could begin bringing their planet back to a state of balance.
"The Rómhánach had other plans. They saw this uniting of warriors to be a threat. After nearly one hundred years of waiting, they considered themselves prepared. With weapons beyond what any othe civilization could produce, they marched from all settlements against the Valkyrie. The winged creatures were unprepared, but the Valkyrion stood strong. Using the gift of their godhood, they blessed their people with the ability to evolve, to become even stronger. This is the only way the Valkyrie were able to defend against, and eventually defeat, the Rómhánach in their first war.
"Victorious, the Valkyrie returned to their cities, celebrating for a year. However, the Valkyrion had expended too much power and, weakened before the battle, had taken a grievous injury while fighting the General of the Rómhánach, Ágastas. While Ágastas had been vanquished, he had done enough damage to the Valkyrion to cause them to perish. In grievance, the Valkyrie people promised he would be avenged. A ceremony was held, a ritual started, in which the Valkyrion and Cineál would choose their next leader. For at least a century, the Valkyrie and Rómhánach fought, neither gaining nor losing ground. Each loss of a leader, the Valkyrie inducted the ceremonial ritual, and a new one was chosen. These leaders were called God-Kings. Never once was any able to achieve the greatness and power that the Valkyrion had."
Tenshi's body lurched, having taken enough. She fell to her hands and knees. Her body convulsed, seizing, before her brain closed in on itself. She slumped to the ground, asleep.
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Post by Reikiko on Apr 28, 2015 0:48:13 GMT
Speaking about having an eventful revelation. Not only did Tenshi seem to be unaware of the details surrounding her heritage, but the moment she was about to speak something seemed to had changed. Several times she spoke, and yet each time Tenshi spoke her voice sounded remarkably different, as if she was a different person every time she spoke. However, while initially she was a little bit wary at this supernatural display the end result caused her to smile weakly as the winged lass collapsed before. Whether it was the result of the conversation, or the emotional strain she had just endured was something she was uncertain of, but the least she could do was give the girl a proper place to rest in. After she had scooped up Tenshi into her arms the bio-android carried her toward the cottage, and after a few moments had allowed her to rest in the bed that was there. A gentle sigh escaped Reikiko's parted lips while within the back of her mind a distant memory played itself.
How long had it been since she was trapped like this? While her mind seemed in a state of consciousness, her body seemed to remain unresponsive. Through her eyes she could see the potential reason for her immobility: the fact that she was within a long cylinder-like incubator. "Where am I?" Despite the soft feminine voice that resounded through her ears she couldn't hear any response. Even after she had desperately tried to lift her arms upwards, it felt like they had been covered in casts made out of reinforced concrete. Nevertheless, it seemed she wasn't alone, for the sound of footsteps reached her ears. "Excellent, you are waking up." A deep masculine voice came from nearby, a voice that had a stern and serious tone and yet it was a voice she had recalled having heard a lot before. However, now she thought back about it... Who or what was she? Even if she had attempted to recall the fact there was a certain emptiness in her thoughts. It was as if not a single memory or thought surfaced to answer the question she had. Fortunately it seemed she wasn't left to ponder for much longer, because the man's voice from before had broken the silence once more.
"Soon... Just a little longer and I'll be able to get you out of there." Slowly her visage started to grow clearer, and she could witness that throughout the window various machines were running. They were metal constructs of a design and purpose unknown to her, but they all seemed to had been attached to the container she was in. It was also at this point she could see the man who had spoken before. A tall man stood a little bit sideways from her, his hardened expression shown the weariness and experience of a person who had seen and experienced plenty in his life, and yet within the depths of his brown-colored eyes there was that spark of light, that type of liveliness that could usually be only found within the eyes of a child. Nevertheless, as her eyes wandered further along the room she could make out one more important detail: the man wasn't the only one in the room. At the end of the room, leaning against the wall and mostly shrouded in darkness was a small, almost petite figure. Their face and figure seemed mostly obscured beneath a long hooded cloak, and if not for the voice she would likely been unable to identify the person as a female.
"Professor Grimm, release her." Despite the fact that the words were spoken by what she had assumed to have been a child, the person the voice belonged to clearly seemed somewhat special, for the tall man's expression turned into one of fright and after taking a deep gulp he fumbled with a hand into the pocket of the long white-colored coat he was wearing. A small bar was held in the man's hand, about the size of a regular pen but the moment he pressed a button the bar lit up and a holographic screen flickered into view. While to most the various diagrams, parameters and various other complicated details would have looked like mumbo-jumbo, to him it was the information he needed to confirm that the being inside the container wasn't at an optimal condition yet for her release. "With all due respect my lady, I don't think it's wise to prematurely release her. Even as we speak the machines are still assembling the necessary data to construct her own mind and sense of identity---" The figure in the shadows raised her arm upwards, before the fingers curled up into a fist, a fist that slammed into the wall behind her with a loud bang. It was clearly an attempt to intimidate the man, and it seemed to had been working.
"I don't care if she becomes just a mindless doll. Remember our deal Grimm. We funded your project to get our hands on the most powerful man-made weapon in the world. Either she is released now or she'll be considered a failure and shall be disposed of... alongside yourself." The face of the professor started to lose its color while he nodded his head a few times, turning back toward the control panel, seemingly manipulating the machine that she had been in, because after several moments the liquid inside the container started to slowly become drained. However, as the liquid started to slowly pour away she became able to see a reflection inside the window-like surface across of her. While her face looked quite human, there was something somewhat 'different' about her. A hardened crown rested on top of her, as if it had been part of the rest of the insect-like carapace that covered most of her small body. And then there was that elongated tail, a deathly stinger resting on the far end of the appendage. What... was she?
"Reikiko!" The concerned voice of the professor was accompanied by a series of rushed footsteps as the child-like being staggered forwards. With the container having been opened there was little left to support her, and if not for the sudden arm of the man that was held out before her... she would have likely collapsed onto the ground. However, even as she was saved from her fall by this man, the child simply regained her footing, and although she seemed to struggle a little with her balance there was neither word or action as a response. The stranger within the shadows lifted herself off the wall and addressed the professor in a commanding tone.
"I'll give you an hour to get her ready. Afterwards I want her to get the basics of combat down." Seemingly considering her business finished within the room the cloaked figure walked toward the doorway next to her and soon disappeared into the darkness. In the meanwhile Professor Grimm turned his focus back onto the child called Reikiko. In the end the term child might had been wrong, but the small and lithe frame, and the face of the being that resembled a human child made him unable to consider her anything but a child. A moment passed before the man sighed loudly and crouched down, lowering himself to be on the same height as the girl. "Don't you worry Reikiko. This is just a minor set-back. I'm sure you'll be able to evolve like your sisters will. Do you know who I am? My name is Jonathan Grimm, I am your father... or creator I guess."
Shaking her head lightly the bio-android tried to erase the thoughts that plagued her mind. Thinking back about the past would do her little good...
(sorry for the incredibly long delay, I'll put this up for grading)
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Vi-Poi
Administrator
Premier of Earth
PL: 434,410
Soul(x40P), Overdrive(x43)
Zeni: 1,247
Tag: @vipoi
Posts: 2,833
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Post by Vi-Poi on Apr 29, 2015 3:35:30 GMT
Baddie Rei, 4330 WC & 5527 PL! (After this, your HW are officially useless ) Tenshi, 4026 WC & 8286 PL! Adding.
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