For the Love of Science [Michelina, Invite/Ask]

[Oriana Verde]

Pale fingers twisted through green locks of hair yanking habitually as their owner, a young woman, sat back staring at the massive computer before her, deep purple eyes flaring with skepticism at what they saw. Relieving themselves from her hair, those thin fingers reached forwards pressing on one of the screens and causing a tab to open revealing more data. Leaving it open, she shifted to a different part of the screen opening still more tabs rather quickly in succession before closing one or two after only minor adjustments had been made. Teeth grit and fingers worked more rapidly for a few seconds dropping to a keyboard when it seemed whatever they’d finished on the screen was to be continued on a different surface. Shortly thereafter, she sat back fingers bridging and eyes staring at the data again.

The experiment had been an absolutely flawless first trial run going above and beyond the call of expectations- and that made her doubt. That made her skeptical, questionable, and uncomfortable. That was what caused her to run every test, calculate every uncertainty repeatedly. Even if she could brag her work was naturally perfection, when it actually came about, it bothered Oriana. Quietly, the green haired young woman bit her bottom lip in thought. I’ll have to run the second trial before I can make any conclusions… That was what she had assured herself the minute those eyes had fallen upon the data, yet it did not soothe her in the least. A second trial would mean another chance to hit the mark, the bull’s eye, and if it happened again, she would test again and again until she was sure- until she was sure it was perfect for certain. Perfect and consistent in perfection.

She refused to get her hopes up simply due to one trial.

A soft sigh hit the air before Oriana sat forwards again typing out a second initiation order before watching it begin on screen. Rather than watch the second trial commense, she pushed the rolling chair she was sitting it back away from the computer. The subtle sound of boots hit the tile flooring as the woman stood running her fingers through her long hair this time to push it out of her way as she headed for the door. The images on the screen flickered at her back, yet she did not glance back to them before reaching to the door and setting her hand upon the pad. Briefly the scanner shimmered before causing the sealed door to slide sideways. Stepping into the hallway, the young scientist waited briefly for the door to close behind herself before proceeding.

Heels clicked down the hallway drawing all the way to an elevator at the very end of the hall that received yet another handprint before double elevator doors opened allowing her to enter and choose her next destination. A single finger met the three button before the elevator dropped down to the level in question opening up shortly thereafter to a white lobby area similar to the one she had just left. Walking to the end of it and turning down a hallway, she continued easily before coming to a door. Hand met palm reader once more before the door opened smoothly. “Michelina, where are you?” her voice unintentionally snapped out the question as it did many words. Despite having her lab stationed in Namimori, Japan, and despite knowing the resounding culture of the area, Oriana was not one to use honorifics. It was probably in bad taste to numbers of people, yet they’d just have to suck it up if they wanted to deal with her.

[Michelina Innocenti]

It had taken weeks to finally get the box right and Michi was excited to try it out. Oriana had thankfully been busy with other projects and had left her to her own devices as long as she got her work done in a timely manner. That suited Michi just fine considering she tended to work better alone anyway. Besides this latest project was for her and not some unknown client which was why Michi was so eager to open the box after all this time. Michi had been careful to keep her sky flames hidden from Oriana because she feared what the outcome would be if she knew the truth. Usually those that had the sky flame became bosses and that was the last thing Michi wanted...in fact, she hated them and what they made her do. That was why she had made the sky box in the first place, she wanted to be able to defend herself and not be seen as just another child they could manipulate.

Picking the box up, Michi smiled as a small giggle escaped her. This was her first box animal that she had made on her own without Oriana's hlep. Sure she had made others before but none of them were made precisely for her unique flame signature. Michi had been very careful to make sure that her box animal would never be used by anyone else. Unfortunately, the lone ring that Michi had access to was now buried under mountains of paperwork and research. Great...why didn't she just keep the darn ring on anyway... Thankfully it didn't take long to find the test ring given to her by her captors. In her foresight it seemed that Michi had set the ring on top of a few pages of research that had somehow managed to remain on the table instead of scattered all about the floor.

Quickly snatching up the ring, Michi placed it on her finger and ignited the ring just as she had so many times before. Fate, in all its cruelty, was against her however as the moment Michi tried to release the box animal she had so painstakingly created, the ring disintegrated before her very eyes. "No...no...please no..."Michi whimpered as she desperately tried the box again, this time without the useless ring,"No..."came the whimper as tears filled her eyes. All that work...her careful planning...was in vain. Michi would never be able to open her box and that truth cut deeper than anything. Oriana's voice reached Michi's ears but she didn't answer, didn't want Oriana to see her like this. Ori-onee has already done so much for her...Michi didn't want to her to see her failure...not now, not ever...

[Oriana Verde]

There was no immediate answer of her call, and a frown came to pale lips as Oriana walked farther into the lab. The sound of the door closing behind her was a subtle reminder of where she was, yet regardless, purple eyes briefly flashed over the machines laid out in the immediate area taking in the fine hand crafted details she’d spent hours on. A small smile graced her lips as she passed noting her own works. While Oriana could probably manufacture her works, they were more personalized done singly, and she’d leave others to just try and recopy her designs. A more devious smile came thereafter. No one could do so; she was sure of it. No one could make them like her.

Admiring her own work was not why she was there, however. Oriana’s eyes shifted forwards again, and her jaw lowered. “Michelina? Michelina, are you in here?” Oriana’s voice came to her own ears as she rounded another machine with her subtle fluidity. That was a ridiculous question; where else would her assistant be? This was her lab floor, the one Oriana had graciously allowed her to use- baring she got her assigned work done, anyway. It was not yet time to head to bed, and she had not stated she was going out anywhere that day. Where else would she be but there? No, she had to be there. The question then was why she was not answering. “Michelina,” was the call yet again, her voice raising just a little more than before. Again no answer and the muscles in the young Verde’s arm tensed as she looped around yet another machine. She better have two good reasons for not answering her- the only good reason being she was so into her work that she didn’t hear, of course.

Purple eyes caught sight of the younger woman’s back before anything else, and all too quickly Oriana had cloed the distance and reached to seize her shoulder firmly making an effort to turn her a little. “Michelina, why weren’t you answering me?” The irritation in the green haired woman’s voice was plain enough to most ears. Those sharp purple eyes reflected at the girl thereafter.

[Michelina Innocenti]

Michi could hear Oriana call for her again but again, no response would be heard. What would she say anyway? Failure just wasn't an option and she knew that all too well. Scooping up the box and what remained of the ring, Michi tried to somehow piece the shattered remains together. There had to be some tool in the lab that did that...right? No...there was no use...once a ring was destroyed, there was no putting it together again; even children knew that. Footsteps echoed through the lab as Oriana called her name yet again, louder this time. Perhaps she should answer after all but...how would she even begin to explain what she was doing.

Tears drifted down Michi's cheeks and splashed onto the box she had so painstakingly crafted. It had taken her months to finish it in between all various projects and trying to keep it secret. Now that the box was finally finished though, she couldn't open it... The irony of the situation was lost on Michi as another tear fell onto the box. Oriana's footsteps sounded closer now and Michi wondered absently if she should try to hide what she'd been working on all this time. There was no point though...she had designed the box to open to her own unique flame signature so even if Oriana found it, she wouldn't be able to open it.

Suddenly, a hand seized her shoulder, causing Michi to jump before Oriana's irritated voice reached her ears. Even with her right there, Michi still didn't answer right away but simply let her treasured box slip out of her hand and fall to the floor. The box, a clear orange color that signified it was meant for sky flames, would roll a short distance before it came to a stop. Another tear fell, splashing onto the notes she had made for the useless object before her. "I'm sorry Ori-onee..."Michi replied quietly, her voice quivering slightly as yet another tear fell onto the pages. The crumbled remains of the ring were placed onto a few scattered pages of research thereafter, evidence of her failure. Michi knew that Oriana expected an explanation but she just couldn't bring herself to say anything more. She had failed...that was all there was to it...

[Oriana Verde]

The sound of something colliding with the floor echoed in Oriana’s ears, yet it might as well have been far off for as little as it diverted her attention the moment her purple eyes had settled on Michelina’s tear stained face. All too quickly what irritation there had been, what venom she might have felt at being unanswered and ignored drained out of Oriana in substitute for an opposite feeling, the mesh of uncertainty that came with dealing with obscure human feelings. God damn it, what’s wrong? her mind snapped out unhindered, but that was not what came from her lips.

Awkwardly, the young Verde blanched biting her lip as the apology was made, and her eyes darted from the young Michelina’s face searching for something else to focus on rather than the raw emotion that was there. What had happened, she knew not, but in the year she had kept the girl in her lab, Oriana had not known Michi to cry. It made her fidgety, uncomfortable, and another emotion she was uncertain of. Human emotional in general was not something she was comfortable with let alone this. Oriana’s hand released Michi’s shoulder as the elder young woman took a few steps back her twitching fingers hiding in her pockets in an effort to control herself. “It’s fine…” the words escaped before Oriana could recall them as it was her internal effort to try and ameliorate whatever had occurred to cause this. It was a foolish desire, and directly after the fact, Oriana mentally kicked herself, her features growing stern again.

Purple eyes flashed to the remnants of the ring and then to Michelina’s face … and then to the box that hadn’t earned her attention until then. It was as the orange coloring reverberated in her purple eyes that Oriana became quickly aware that was not the project she had assigned to her assistant, and though she had certainly been busy as of late, Oriana knew well enough that a sky flame box was not on the list. All too quickly, her eyebrow raised in question. “Michelina…” Oriana started her voice trailing off despite herself. Upon realizing this, the greenette coughed as though clearing her voice to speak again. “I expect you to answer me when I call you next time,” she continued. That was not what had her attention now, yet that was what came out then and there. "Is that understood?" Purple eyes met red ones briefly before Oriana sighed and continued.

“The test results are in and going well…” she started only to stop. Now she was ignoring the clear problem in the room, and Oriana kicked herself again. That was not in her nature, would not be in her nature if she could help it. Swallowing what pill of social awkwardness that had been placed before her, she straightened, as if to make herself bigger. “Is something wrong? Is that idiot in the lab again?" It was ... almost an attempt at humor, perhaps not that anyone could tell from her irritable tone, but oh well.

[Michelina Innocenti]

Oriana's first words did help slightly, if only precious little. Michi knew that she was trying to make her feel better but somehow she didn't believe that it would ever be 'fine'. The test ring had been the only ring Michi owned...now...she wouldn't be able to open her box...or anything else for that matter. Without a ring, how was she supposed to do her job much less defend herself. Perhaps she was being selfish...immature even...but at the moment, Michi didn't care. All that mattered to her in that moment was that she had tried so hard to make the box so that she wouldn't have to worry Oriana anymore. Without a ring...she couldn't even do that much...

"Sorry..."Michi repeated quietly as Oriana scolded her for not answering. Red eyes looked at the useless notes that appeared to swim before her eyes before Michi blinked the tears away. There wasn't any use in crying anyway...tears couldn't bring back what was lost. Looking up at Oriana, Michi nodded briefly before wiping the tears away. She couldn't get any work done like this after all and perhaps that was why Oriana had sought her out.

The change of subject was unexpected, but not unwelcome as Michi tried to take her mind off of the useless orange box not a foot away from her. The box seemed to mock her, sitting there innocently as if nothing had even happened. For a moment, Michi was tempted to throw the offending thing off the desk for reminding her of her failure. Then again...she had spent so much time on it...why would she waste all that now simply because she couldn't open it. A sigh escaped Michi as she swept the ring remnants into the trash along with the bulk of the research she had spent the majority of her free time on.

Oriana's question caught Michi off guard slightly as she bit her lip, reluctant to admit what she'd been doing all this time. What would Oriana say if she knew the truth? Michi's sky flame was one of the things she had tried her best to keep secret...if anyone else knew... Hesitating briefly, Michi nodded at the first question before giving a small shake of her head at the one immediately following. A trace of a smile could almost be seen on Michi's features at the attempt at lightening the mood but that too quickly faded as Michi looked down at her hands, not wanting to look at Oriana in that moment.

"I...I couldn't-...."Michi began, her voice wavering from unshed tears,"I failed...the ring... I can't open it..." she continued as more tears drifted down her cheeks. There, Oriana knew now...she had failed...that was all there was to it...

[Oriana Verde]

Oriana had not missed Michi’s sigh nor had she missed the motion to throw the remnants and papers away. Had Michelina been in a different mood and had she not seen the tears before, Oriana might have scolded her for throwing notes away. However, instead she was left with a mental scowl at the motion. She knew the girl was sad about something- but that was uncalled for! However, the trash wasn’t going anywhere soon, and she’d…she’d get to the bottom of this.

A purple eye flashed to the orange box again, and something gnawed at the green haired woman. Orange was sky flame; orange was rare. They didn’t get orders for sky flame boxes very often, and she was sure as hell that box hadn’t been ordered. Was it for her? The realization hit Oriana like a ton of bricks, and had Michi not started speaking and her efforts not raised to at least appear as though she was listening, Oriana probably would have deadpanned at herself.

Doe Michi have sky flames? It was probably something Oriana should have asked before… Rather she probably should have asked what flame the girl had, yet shortly after she’d rescued the young woman, Oriana had spent so much time fixing Il Faro…- and then there were so many back up orders after that that it hadn’t come up. Michelina had simply fallen to her side as her assistant- a very intelligent and useful assistant by the way-……. but when Oriana was honest with herself, she had to admit she knew very little about Michi. Now she was kicking herself for it. My little Innocenti …intelligent as her grandfather…and with sky flames? Was it possible? It was certainly possible. Sky flames were rare but not unheard of but-

Michi couldn’t open the box, however. Oriana had understood that out of the mess of words that had spilled from the young woman’s mouth at a hundred miles per hour as those tears had started again. Oriana had to stop the squawking sound that nearly escaped from herself. No no no no don’t start crying again! Haphazardly her twitching hands had escaped from her pockets and set themselves on either side of Michi’s face as if that would somehow petrify the tears and keep them from flowing. “Michelina, Michelina stop- breathe…or…um…” Oriana flinched at her own words wishing that had come out better but knowing again it was human emotion and not her ball field. “Calm down…” Whether these words were for Michi or for Oriana would be left to question.

Briefly purple eyes raised towards where the remnants of the ring had been thrown away along with certain papers before dropping again to Michelina’s face. “Rings can be replaced…” were the slow and careful words that escaped thereafter. “Ok?”

[Michelina Innocenti]

No matter how hard Michi tried to stop crying, the tears just seemed to keep coming. It was just a broken ring after all...but rings were hard to come by, or so Michi thought. Without another ring, Michi would never be able to open boxes or even use the ones she had already made. Michi still wore the cloak she had made during the time she was being held captive. It wasn't very strong and could use some tweaking certainly but it was good to have something to protect her from immediate harm. Thankfully, she hadn't had a reason to use the cloak since Oriana helped her escape. Now though, she couldn't even improve on the box she had already made and this fact brought more tears to Michi's eyes.

It wasn't until she felt Oriana's hands on her face followed by the sound of her name that Michi looked back up. Oriana's attempt at being comforting would have been almost comical under different circumstances. As it stood, Michi knew that Ori-onee was only trying to help and blinked the tears away. There was no use in crying anyway..what was done was done and there would be no changing it now. The ring just couldn't handle the amount of flame needed to open the box...that was all. In her mind, Michi knew that that was what happened but without access to another ring, not being able to open her first box animal was more upsetting then breaking the actual ring.

Taking a deep breath, Michi tried her best to calm down as Oriana suggested though this was easier said than done. Oriana's next words however proved to calm Michi more than the earlier, almost desperate attempts. Red eyes looked into purple ones briefly before shaking her head at the statement. As much as Michi wanted to believe that was true, she didn't want to burden Oriana more than she had already. "...what if I break it again..."Michi asked quietly, briefly looking over to where the stacks of useless paperwork now resided along with the shattered remains of the ring,"Rings are hard to find...and...I-..I don't want to burden you, Ori-onee..."she continued looking up at Oriana as she spoke,"..you've done so much already..."

[Oriana Verde]

The return question, all but a challenge to her creative prowess, earned a frown from Oriana. If she made a ring, then it wouldn’t break! What came afterwards, however, caused Oriana to stop in mid mental rant. Michelina…thought they were rare. Michelina didn’t want to burden her. Michelina didn’t know how to make a ring. Why this shocked and stumped her as hard as it did, Oriana would never truly know, yet she found herself standing there dumbfounded for a moment. Maybe she had given too much credit to what the younger girl had already known, but certainly… certainly she at least knew the basics? Maybe not… Ring technology was not near as common as box technology and much more lucrative to those who knew how to make higher grade rings. Ever still, Michelina had shown a working knowledge of creation coming in. It was…almost a little odd to think she’d never crafted one.

Oriana shook her head draining the buzz of her thoughts on the matter. “It won’t break if you make it correctly,” was the flat statement that escaped from her. Oriana paused again her mind willing her voice not to be so raw and blunt. She was trying to be comforting, damn it all. A soft exhale was given before she continued. “Rings are only rare to those who don’t know how to craft them…yes they require special ore, special stones certainly… but the ore is not impossible to find.” It was an odd feeling to be giving information like this- almost as though she was teaching a class even, hah. She contemplated what to say next, feeling more uncomfortable with how to go about explaining what was in her mind than she would admit to. “Higher grade rings hold rarer, more pure ore… and there are only certain S-ranked rings…but…” Oriana mentally kicked herself for stopping mid-sentence even as she fished a ring out of her own pocket. “Grade A+ rings are the next best thing.”

Oriana coughed feeling as though she had said too much but not sure which words to take back if any. Talking with others was not her forte. Even giving simple orders was somewhat uncomfortable for various reasons. She preferred to work alone wherein all the words were in her own mind, yet here she was with a lab assistant all but giving a lecture. It would have been comical to Oriana years prior wherein she had once swore she would never allow one to set foot in her lab outside of herself. However, times were shifting as she grew older- and she found herself growing tolerant of… certain types of personalities, perhaps was what it was…. Maybe. Ugh she hated random mental splurges mid-sentence. Yet another soft exhale came from the green haired young woman. “I can show you how to make them…” she began before meeting Michi’s eyes rather sharply.

[Michelina Innocenti]

The silence thereafter made Michi think that she had said something wrong. She had just said that she didn't want to give Oriana any trouble...was that bad... Looking down again, Michi was about to apologize again for whatever she had said when Oriana finally broke the silence.

It won't break if you make it correctly...

The words gave Michi pause as she looked up at Oriana once again with a curious if confused expression. She had never thought about making a ring before, rather...she had never learned how and was robbed of the opportunity to learn. There had been no materials to make another ring at the other place...they had simply provided her with one she could test boxes with. Perhaps they hadn't wanted her to escape or even give her the opportunity to learn how to build a better ring then the low grade one provided for her. As Oriana continued, Michi's confused expression changed one of amazement and excitement. Of course! Rings were simply metal and stone when it came down to it, a vessel for the flame. They didn't truly hold any power themselves, only what the user was able to emit through the ring's stone.

Looking at the ring in Oriana's hand, Michi could tell right away what the difference was between her old ring and the one Oriana had made herself. In truth, it was amazing that the other ring had held out as long as it had considering the flame she had been emitting from it. Perhaps luck had been on her side back then...that, or Michi had gotten stronger during the time she had been with Oriana. Either way, it was clear that another low grade ring wouldn't be able to work, not unless she wanted to break it again. An A+ ring would work and would be more powerful...perhaps it would help the box weapon she had already made as well. The wheels in Michi's head were already turning with the implications the new, more powerful ring would provide when Oriana's voice cut through her train of thought.

"Yes!"Michi replied instantly before rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly,"I mean...would you please, Ori-onee?"she continued, smiling up at her as she did so. Making her own ring would mean being able to use her existing box weapon more effectively. As it was the cloak wasn't very effective against a large amount of flames...probably due to the ring she had used to first activate the box. If she had an A+ ring like Oriana then she would be able to see just how much the cloak could withstand. Red eyes danced with clear excitement at the prospect of learning something new as she waited for Oriana to show her what to do.

[Oriana Verde]

The outburst of ‘yes’ that came afterwards startled Oriana, and she physically fidgeted briefly only to relax a little as Michelina changed her phrasing. The smile reflected by the younger woman brought a subtle comfort to the elder; as it was, she was thankful that the tears had stopped and been replaced with something clearly lighter. A better smile graced pale lips, and a cooler confidence came back to the Verde, yet as a thought came to her, she paused again. Sky flames- that was what the orange box signified. That was what she had been creating and what she had said she could not open. My Innocenti has Sky flames…

A small twitching smile came to Oriana’s features at that thought. Sky flames were incredibly rare….and could open any box. Though they were not capable of opening a box’s full potential, they could open any box- a useful skill for a box maker to have. Oriana herself had been forced to use machines that carried flames to test boxes and their contents as she created them, but Michi could possibly test them on her own with her own skill. Despite herself, Oriana was a tad jealous of such a flame, yet the fact that Michelina was also her lab assistant meant the girl’s power was virtually her own. If it was one thing Oriana had learned in the year after she had brought Michi into the lab, it was that the girl was hers in entirety---….

“You have Sky flames…” It was an acknowledgement at this point, far from a question as purple eyes gazed towards the box again briefly as if in confirmation. Suddenly a strange amount of excitement budded in Oriana as the words grew louder in her head. My Innocenti has Sky flames…. Oriana had scarcely moved faster in her life as she suddenly reached forwards taking Michelina’s cheeks in her hands and staring into her eyes a twinkle of scientific excitement. “My Innocenti has Sky flames,” she practically whispered, her voice barely audible even to Michi who was close. Her elbows bent, her arms practically yanking Michi forwards shoving her face into her chest in a strange and somewhat comical embrace. A strange sort of squeal erupted from the normally sharp, harsh young woman followed by a “My Innocenti has Sky flames!”

It was probably for the best the lab was sealed the way it was, canceling out all sound from the outside at the very least of it all for no doubt many would be confused by Oriana’s reaction. Heck even Oriana would be confused by her own reaction hours later upon reflecting, yet it mattered little to the greenette now before she pulled back staring at Michi brimming with life. “When were you going to tell me?” Her voice was not scolding, not harsh, not demanding- more questioning, interested, and almost a little playful, as if she were asking Michi when she had been going to tell her that she’d bought tickets to go on a cruise. The tone was not Oriana to say the very least- as if someone had replaced her with an excited child.

[Michelina Innocenti]

Oriana's return smile made Michi's own smile grow at the thought of learning something new. If she could learn how to make a ring, then maybe she wouldn't have to be a burden to Oriana. Really, Michi hadn't been able to use her sky flame ability that often because she'd been trying to keep it secret. Now that she thought about it, it was almost a relief that Oriana knew now...at least now she wouldn't have to hide anymore. In all honesty, Michi hadn't been meaning to keep her sky flame secret from Oriana but she had gotten used to hiding it. It was easier that way, or so Michi had thought until the ring had broken. Still, Michi hadn't wanted Oriana to find out yet, at least not until after she had finished and opened it for the first time. That didn't matter now however, Oriana had found out and Michi couldn't help but think that it was better this way. Maybe the ring would help her control her flame better or something like that, or at least Michi hoped that was the case.

The twitching smile on Oriana's features brought a confused expression to Michi's own features. Her comment thereafter about her having sky flames gave Michi pause briefly. As smart as Oriana was, Michi thought that the box on the desk would be enough proof about the flame attribute she possessed. Confused, Michi nodded briefly before Oriana repeated the words with clear excitement. The next thing Michi knew, she was being suffocated in an odd bear hug of sorts as Oriana repeated the words for a third time. Flailing, Michi squeaked in surprise, trying to get away from the almost suffocating embrace. "O-ori..."Michi complained before Oriana finally released her.

Red eyes stared up at Oriana, looking for all the world as if she was a deer stunned by the bright lights of an oncoming vehicle. Her reaction had been unexpected to say the least and Michi honestly didn't know what to make of what had just happened. Dazed and confused, it took Michi a few moments before she registered what Oriana had just asked her. Why hadn't she told her about her flame...right, of course she wanted to know why but it wasn't that easy to explain. The tone in which the question was asked was almost childish and Michi found herself confused all over again. This was a side of Oriana that she had never seen before and Michi didn't know what to think.

Looking over at the sky box, Michi picked it up and traced the carving of the figure she had so carefully engraved in the side. She had wanted to make the box on her own, without Oriana's help...to show her that she could do it. That was part of the reason at least, in truth, it was because she was afraid. Afraid of what might happen if anyone found out that she had sky flames. Michi knew that the mafia leaders all had sky flames and after being kidnapped, the last thing Michi wanted to do was lead a group of people that thought it was alright to stoop to that level. "I-...I wasn't..."Michi began, staring at the box as she did so, not wanting to look at Oriana right then,"I was afraid... I kept it secret before you found me..."she continued before taking a deep breath,"I'm sorry, Ori-onee... I-...I wanted to finish before I showed you...that's all..."she finished, still focusing on the box in her hands.

Words: 597 | Notes: --- | Tags: Oriana Verde

[Oriana Verde]

Some part of Oriana was aware she was startling Michelina. The look in the younger woman’s eyes was clear as day that she was lost whether in translation, transaction, or transassemilation it mattered little. However, the other part of Oriana was too excited to acknowledge it readily in that moment. Sky flames were rare, and by default sky flame users were rare. She had come into contact with very few- most of whose bloodlines had since been established as carriers of such things, but to find an assistant had one- an Innocenti had one, it was akin to finding a diamond in the rough, a special sort of gift you only open after Christmas, perhaps. Either way, she was excited. It was obvious.

Soft lavender eyes glanced as the box was moved and taken into hand, and a smile registered on Oriana’s face as if it were only further confirmation of her thoughts and theories. Her Innocenti had made a box for herself. Her Innocenti had crafted such a thing in secret, and even if there was a minor insult to her about being kept from such a thing, Oriana’s mind was rationalizing it at a hundred miles an hour. Oh she was just so pleased with herself! Her lab assistant, the one she had saved, the one she had chosen, had emerged from the cocoon a beautiful butterfly- ironic to her alias, one could suppose, but that didn’t register as much to Oriana then and there. She had revealed more potential, more beauty through flames. Ah it was lovely.

As Michelina began to explain, Oriana’s features fell a little a little, and a little further still as she explained she was afraid. There was nothing to be afraid of there in the lab! Nothing at all. The finishing explanation was…confusing, but then again socially, humans made little to no sense to Oriana to begin with, but still. A soft, strange sort of laugh escaped shortly from the Verde thereafter, and what it meant was lost even on Oriana herself. Light purple eyes focused on the box for a moment before glancing up to red ones before Oriana found herself reaching forwards to set her hands over Michelina’s and over the box in turn. “You did a fantastic job,” was the soft mumble that escaped from Oriana though whether she meant the box itself or the fact that Michelina had managed to hide it for so long was questionable at best. Not even her tone gave any clues.

After a moment, Oriana removed her hands and straightened herself a rather serious expression coming to her features. “We’ll need to make you a sky ring quickly,” was the short statement that escaped from her lips before the greenette turned and started towards the door only to stop and make a hand gesture for Michelina to follow. “I want to see what’s inside that beautiful box,” were the almost inaudible words that escaped from Oriana thereafter. Deep down whether he wanted to admit it or not, Oriana loved Innocentian works. Michelina’s grandfather had been the artistic one of the ancient trio of men who had first discovered the power of boxes, Oriana’s own grandfather being more practical in designs by default, and in the months that she had gotten to know this shy testament to cruelty’s responses, Oriana had found Michelina’s designs akin to her grandfather’s. They were beautiful. Thus she could only imagine, only wonder what wonders would come from that box, heh… Somewhere deeper inside farther down still, there might have been just the smallest pang of jealousy.

[Michelina Innocenti]

Michi didn't know if her explanation, or attempt of one, had been sufficient enough or if Oriana had even understood it. Staring down at the box she had so carefully crafted, Michi sincerely hoped that she had understood but that remained to be seen. As it stood, Michi had no way of knowing until Oriana said something...or did anything really. The laugh was not the reaction Michi had hoped to receive after explaining why she hadn't told what her flame was and bit her lip, not sure what to say thereafter until Oriana put her hands over her own. Red eyes met purple ones, searching for some sort of reason for the laugh. Instead of the explanation and perhaps a lecture that she was expecting, Oriana complimented her, saying that she did a 'fantastic job'.

Confused all over again, Michi blinked not entirely sure what she had meant in the first place. Before she could ask what Oriana had meant however, she stood up and changed the subject back to the ring that had made Michi so upset in the first place. It took a few moments before she registered that they were going to make the ring...her ring. A small smile appeared on Michi's features at the thought as she quickly stood to follow Oriana. That was right, they were going to make her sky ring and then they would be able to open her box animal. Maybe then she would be able to improve on her cloak, if she was able to inject more sky flames into the box with the new ring it could be stronger overall. The design flaw in the cloak might be fixed with a different, stronger ring after all.

A small, excited giggle escaped Michi as she hurried after Oriana. After all this time, she would finally be able to open her box. "Thank you, Ori-onee,"Michi said, hugging her briefly before falling into step beside her,"I can't wait to see it either...maybe a new sky ring will help improve my other box too," she continued, eyes glimmering with in obvious excitement.

Words: 356 | Notes: --- | Tags: Oriana Verde

[Lisbeth A. Koenig]

A cool spring breeze blew and a swirling shower of cherry blossoms floated around Lisbeth Alexandra Koenig who was siting on a park bench. They were the most beautiful sight Liz had ever seen. A torrent of pinks and whites aglow in the mid-day Japanese sun. The petals danced in and around the large pubic fountain in the middle of the courtyard in front of the building she was staring at. She has only been in the country a few days, and she was falling in love with it. Unlike her native Germany, Japan was built with its peoples comforts in mind. Beautiful little parks like this with the cherry trees dotted the city. Public baths. Pubic transportation that took you almost everywhere. She did not even need a car. She made her way around town with a bicycle to bridge the gaps between transit, taking in all the sights and sounds. It was incredible.

Lisbeth blinked, her eyes turning to the building before her. The noon sun set her eyes alight like polished emeralds. Those eyes and her long red hair kept attracting unwanted attention. This was annoying her to no end. Liz did not need or want of such attention, yet people seemed to go out of their way to ask her if she was lost or needed help. Were they truly just being helpful? Yeah, she was a foreigner. But then again, her mother was a native, and though far from fluent, Liz did speak Japanese. Or, well, Germanese really. She used German words when the Japanese ones were not known. She just needed to expand her vocabulary and would then be native. In the meantime she tried her best not to try to converse, but just ask for what she needed, and gave answers in as short a way as she could. She knew the truth though. But her pride would not allow her to admit it. At 5 foot nothing, she looked like a middle schooler or perhaps a first year high school aged girl.
"God, what a pain" she mumbled before banishing that thought from her mind.

Lisbeth closed her eyes and sat back on the wooden bench as the breeze picked up again and the dance of the blossoms falling from the trees drifted over her tickling her face. 'Mmmmm... that's nice' She thought to herself as she tilted her head back and her body relaxed to enjoy the event. She relaxed a bit too much and a stray memory surfaced. The door to her Mother's apartment opened and Liz shouted out "surprise!" when her mother answered. Liz was overjoyed to see her mother. She rushed forward and hugged Yukkina. She knew she caught Mom completely unawares. She had not told a sole she was coming. Her smile wavered however when she looked up at mom. Something was wrong. The look on her mother's features as she stared down at Liz.... The look she had... Her eyes went wide and her mouth popped open as she looked down upon her daughter speechless. It was Surprise alright, but of shock and fear, not happiness and joy as Liz had expected. Yukkina grasped Liz by the shoulders and pushed her out to arms length. "Lisbeth?... Why are you here?" Were the first words after the awkward pause and silence. "Does your Grandfather know?" Yukkina asked with a hint of panic in her voice. Liz said nothing. She was shocked herself at this unexpected reception.

Liz sat up straight and shook her head to dispel the memory. She blinked back tears and rubbed at her eyes. 'Why?. what was that all about' She asked herself for what must have been the hundredth time since then. Mother had ushered her inside after she scanned the surroundings outside before closing the door and locking it. Liz just stared at first. Then she told her that She was there with Koenig's blessing. Yukkina closed her eyes, and with a hand on her chest, looked to let out a sigh of relief before smiling and embracing Liz. Still, the damage was done. And to make things worse, she did not get to catch up with Leon. He was not home, and Mother had do idea when he was to return.

The young Koenig pushed the memory aside. There were more important things to focus on right now. Her eyes opened and focused on the tall building across the street that served as the headquarters for a software company. Or at least, that's what it was supposed to be before that company went bankrupt long ago. Now it housed an old fashioned arcade. More of a "please touch" museum, if you asked Liz's opinion. And even that was a facade. Lisbeth knew better.

According to Koenig's data, it was where Verde and Innocenti's granddaughters operated a secret facility. Or at least that is what the spies believed it was. There was no data on what was going on inside on the upper floors. Only that suspected specialized equipment was brought in under disguise as arcade machines. Much more equipment was delivered than was on display in the arcade. The elevator, which seemed to be the only access to the upper floors was hidden.

Standing, she took a deep breath and brushed the pink and white blossoms out of her hair and off her blazer and skirt. She wanted to look professional in her blazer with a shirt and tie, having picked out the outfit at a professional attire store in Germany, but in Japan it looked more like a school uniform. All the manga and Anime she watches, and somehow she didn't catch on to this? She cursed under her breath. All she could say in her defense was that she thought it was just fiction. How was she supposed to know it was more than just loosely based on reality?

Lisbeth pulled her cell phone from her coach bag and looked at the clock. It was time. She checked her reflection in the water fountain on the way by, and with a satisfied nod, made her way into the arcade. There were no vending or food in the arcade, so she knew the crowd thinned at lunch time as people left to find something to eat. Inside she found the room was painted blue and black and the floor had custom carpet with lines that made it appear like it was bending. It was unique. She'd never seen the mind teaser illusions incorporated into wall to wall carpeting before. How amusing. Lisbeth glanced about to see vintage game machines of all shapes and sizes. It was a perfect reproduction of early arcades from the late 1900's and 2000's. Adults and children alike were engaged in game play. Liz was intrigued. She was almost tempted to try a few out, but putting her hand in her pocket, she saw that she was out of Yen and only had German Deutchmarks on her at the time. Koenig did not believe in the Euro since the near default of Greece, Spain, and Ireland. And the only place she could convert the native currency was at a bank. Oh,well.
At the very back of the room hidden behind a large machine fashioned after a "Just Dance" wii game, was the hidden elevator. The machine had a large "out of order" sign on it with no working games near it. This was it. Lisbeth knew there was a button on the side of the machine. Her data showed that the machine slides to the side and reveals an elevator. But none of the informants were able to get past the the touch palm pad reader.

The machine did exactly what she knew it would, and Liz stepped forward quickly. She machine slid back into place to hide her from view. Liz looked at the palm reader. It was a premium model what could not be easily defeated. Liz smiled. 'Really?' she thought. Her hand slid into a pocket where she had a small wallet of tools. No. It would be difficult to gain trust if she broke in. She could get past it, but that was a last resort. She looked the security system over. The obvious thing to do was to press the "call" button and wait for a response.

Liz dropped her hands to her sides and tugged on her blazer to straighten it and then pushed the button.