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Post by Saasha on Sept 16, 2012 10:39:52 GMT -6
The wind twisted and melted around the trees, rustling in the leaves and bending the smaller branches back from it's force. The only sound being a dull whir and the occasional whistle as it flew, sharp and hard- a cutting utensil all it's own. The source of this unusual wind? She was standing in the center of a cluster of trees practicing as usual. Melany. Her katana glistened is the few rays that shone down through the thick cover above. But the glints were indeed few and brief- she was moving too fast for them to last long.
Upon the discovery of her new speed and knowledge, training was all she had been doing. Trying to catch control of all of her traits was a little tricky. Already having god-like speed as a human, the traits from her new species were a little hard to get used to. Even now as she brought her blade crossed over her head and back down harshly, she could feel that she had overextended too far. Yes the technique had been well enough but she had gone too far and let the very tip of her blade touch the ground.
She hadn't been back to the manor in near a week. Of course that was fine by her seeing as she was very much used to being out doors 24/7. It was her dedication that kept her glued to the forests. The feel of something familiar- the smells, the sounds, the sights all served to help her with the reality that she would likely never return to her own world. If this was as good as she could get them so be it. She would continue to train and get better. Perfecting what she knew and developing what she need to. Maybe if she got lucky, on of her hunters would find their way to this world and try her. then word would spread she was here and perhaps take some of the threat from her family.
She held her pose for a moment longer to check her stance. Satisfied for the most part, she rose with her eyes shut to the world and in one smooth motion flicked the imaginary blood from her blade and re-sheathed it. So much more work to do... not only that but she still was not quite used to her new sense levels. That only made focusing harder. But at least that infernal thumping was under control.
Oh well, back to work. She dropped one foot back into her stance, her hand hovering over the hilt of her katana. Her fingers stayed as still as death, no motion to alert her invisible opponent that an assault was coming. A hissing exhale, a closing of the eyes and in her mind she was surrounded by enemies. Now then, the best way to get rid of them all the fastest way...
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Post by Sparda on Sept 16, 2012 12:51:22 GMT -6
Finally, the implementation of Harker's planned defence solutions for the city was underway. For most of the day, Sparda had been overseeing the arrival of necessary logistics at the docks, with help from Sazan up at the castle. She had not left Lori's side, and Sparda had Sakhayl, one of his three Devil Arm familiars, guarding Her Majesty from the shadows in his absence.
The turrets, first and foremost, had been distributed throughout the city to ideal perimeter locations and elevated vantage points to be constructed on-site. Harker had brought in a force of engineers to do the job, with the assistance of the Wild Geese, who were also having their armouries supplemented bit by bit with Harker's equipment.
Harker... Sparda shared Integra's distrust of him. He was clearly self-motivated and mercenary, here only because he was employed to be here. He probably saw this whole situation as little more than a glorified field test of his toys, and held little true regard for the city's fate.
That said, the demon mused inwardly, watching the activation of the latest completed turret, he won't be stupid enough to bite the hand that feeds him. Having seen the power under Lori's command now, he has to know there'll be reprisals if he goes turncoat on us. Let's just hope Vulture doesn't start feeding him more.
He turned around, casting an idle glance across the skyline of the rebuilding and strengthening city, an attractive sight in the faint pastel glows of the fading light... and sensed something. There was a very vaguely familiar aura beyond the city limits, both demonic and vampiric. Upon closer inspection, though... Anthony?
No doubt about it; that was close to the unmistakeable uniqueness of his grandson's blood he could sense. But the aura itself didn't belong to anybody he knew. Perhaps this was someone Anthony had met on his own travels, some close ally he had not introduced to the Dark Knight.
This warranted investigation. The demon excused himself and took off across the city, navigating its increasingly familiar span in mere minutes and closing in on the forest beyond its limits; along the way, he suppressed his aura to conceal his approach. The aura's strength was fluctuating with some regularity, akin to the exertion of combat. The lack of any other presence suggested that this mystery individual was training alone, which meant they would be wary of an approach.
As he drew closer, the Dark Knight slowed down. The last leg of the journey was taken on foot into the heart of the forest... There. A young-looking, red-haired woman with a katana in her hands and a cross-shaped scar upon her left cheek, and she didn't seem to have noticed him. Definitely not someone he knew, but she was undoubtedly connected to his grandson, and he was about to find out how. He narrowed his eyes and tensed his body, reaching into his coat to slowly draw Luce and Ombra. He'd make like he was on patrol; she could be hostile for all he knew.
"Who goes there?"
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Post by Saasha on Sept 16, 2012 14:33:50 GMT -6
Her hand gripped the hilt of her blade when the voice caught her attention and knocked her from her trance. Her senses heightened at the tone and her legs tightened a bit as she turned her head to watch the newcomer with a firm and steady gaze. Though she didn't turn her body to face him, her eyes were locked on his. This was no man to be trifled with. Not only that but the fact that he had pulled his weapons set her on edge a touch.
She was about to address him when the wind picked up again, an unearthly wind that delivered his scent to her. But... there was something about it that was strangely familiar. A cool voice spoke in Melany's ear to remind her of the similarity of the scent to another she knew. Tony. A relative perhaps? Or just a coincidence? Either way something told her that it might not be the best idea to test this man with an offensive approach. This thought in mind, she straightened her stance and turned her whole body to face him, her hand still on her hilt and her feet still ready for action should this turn sour. She was nothing if not precautionary.
Her voice was firm and clear as she spoke, her features still hardened and slightly guarded though not as harsh as one might expect, "Not a foe if that is what you suppose. That is, if peace is kept. I want no trouble." In all honestly, she never did attack unless provoked first in situations like this, but something in the back of her mind told her that it would be better to be out of his presence than in it under less than friendly circumstances. By the way he held himself, his gait, his build, the energy he himself gave off she could tell that most likely that was the case.
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Post by Sparda on Sept 16, 2012 14:42:22 GMT -6
That she didn't fight or flee was a good sign; no obvious hostility so far. Sparda mimicked her relaxing of her refined stance by holstering his guns, noting the sincerity in her voice as she explained herself. In the same movements, he released his suppression of his aura and let it roll forth, making very clear to her its nagging familiarity and the scope of his bridled power to both put her at ease regarding that familiar feeling and silently, politely warn her of what she would be up against if she truly was a foe.
"That's good," came his amicable response, along with a smile. "I simply thought it necessary to investigate this foreign aura I could feel outside the city. Can't be too careful, with what's happened around here recently." He stepped closer, the moonlight filtering through the leaves and glinting off the lens of his monocle.
"There's something oddly familiar about it, though... Would you happen to know a young man named Anthony? Perhaps by that odd alias of his, Daikus?"
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Post by Saasha on Sept 16, 2012 15:28:45 GMT -6
Melany raised a slight eyebrow at the sudden rush of power and, frankly, was a little taken back by it. Though her face didn't show it, he would likely feel the moment of surprise in her airs. She recovered herself just in time to nod at his comment of the troubles of the world and give her own smile in return. Her shoulders relaxed and she let her arm fall to her side, though her left had remained on her katana, once again out of habit rather than caution. She was a bit relieved.
She took the time that he spoke to take him in without removing her eyes from his face. An elegant and refined personage. Interesting. This world certain held many surprises. But the biggest surprise was when he mentioned this Anthony. So maybe they were related. If it was the same one. " He only gave his name as 'Tony' but if you are referring to a silver-haired young man that carries twin guns, then yes. I know him." She paused for a moment to ponder whether or not she should go on. But then again, nothing ventured nothing gained, right? "Would you be related to him in some way by chance?"
Her thoughts automatically jerked her back to that night- when Oda fell into ashes onto her chest after the gun shot. Then they shot her back to the telepathic message he had sent her a few days before... She idly hoped that he was alright. But she didn't let that mind trip distract her from the stately figure across form her.
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Post by Sparda on Sept 16, 2012 15:41:04 GMT -6
She was quick to admit it; even confirmed his suspicions with a description that he couldn't possibly mistake. This meant she didn't perceive a reason to hide him from Sparda. This line of questioning was made much easier by her openness. Keeping up a charming smile, he continued.
"I am. His grandfather, in fact..." Slowly, though, he lowered his head, eyes narrowing in scrutiny as he gazed at her. "And as such, it's quite a mystery to me how you, an acquaintance I never knew he had, carry his blood."
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Post by Saasha on Sept 16, 2012 16:10:09 GMT -6
So it was true. At least in all appearances it was. The smell, his posture, his demeanor. So far all was well. If he was telling the truth, she would have no reason to hide anything from him. Though she was still not entirely sure if this family relation was an amicable one, better to go along with it for now. He knew about her blood obviously so why try to get out of it? It would only appear bad on her part. If he had any ill-will for his grandson and his acquaintances then it wouldn't matter- he knew any how.
She wasn't quite sure how to phrase what happened but the bare minimum would be the best way to go at the moment until she knew more about this man, "To be straightforward, he saved my life." And that really was all she knew in the long and short of it. Of course there were small details here and there but she imagined that he would know what she meant just by that statement.
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Post by Sparda on Sept 16, 2012 16:40:59 GMT -6
"To be straightforward, he saved my life."
Well, that was unexpected. Sparda could never quite decide whether or not such altruism, especially on such a scale, was out of character for his usually standoffish grandson, but it was a relief to know that he was at least capable of this kindness.
"Well, I'll be sure to thank him for that next time I see him," came the demon's response, before putting the notion further back in his mind. Back to business. "But that aura... Given that my boy's half-vampire, and since you carry his blood and are clearly part-vampiric yourself... I can only suppose that saving your life required him to sire you, am I right?"
He shook his head and turned his gaze down, inward somewhat, chuckling. "Somehow, Tony, you keeping this under wraps isn't much of a surprise. Does your father even know...?"
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Post by Saasha on Sept 16, 2012 17:30:06 GMT -6
She paused for a moment as the memories flashed again, but no time to dwell on them. Pesky and frequent with her as they were, she banished them as so many a time before. But still that little fact did two things for her. It served her as a way she could better defend herself and those around her, but it also condemed her in a sense. But as long as she was alive, that didn't much matter she supposed.
"Yes he did and fairly recently. My name is Melany by the way. Melany Himura." She crossed her heart leg behind her and straightened her hand in the center of her chest, half bowing but keeping her sights upward. Rarely did she bow her head to a stranger, even an amicable one. Her name given, she straightened and adjusted the thin white obi around her waist so it sat straight again and held her sword in place better. To be sure it was a bit out of place with her lose grey pants, black muscle shirt, and light weight combat boots but she didn't care. It was comfortable to train in and the obi was a part of her way to honor her traditions. As such she was rarely seen without it.
"May I inquire as to your name?" "So far so good" she thought to herself. Offhandedly, she wondered if he knew about Tony's leaving... Probably so. She had kind of been hoping to meet back up with him so that she would know what to expect from her change. But so far, nothing. Not even his cell was working and that made her a tad worried about him. He may have been off-putting and rather aloof but he had saved her and she still owed him that gratitude.
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Post by Sparda on Sept 17, 2012 6:44:13 GMT -6
Melany Himura... No doubt about it now. This was her, one of the women he remembered being told he had to protect. The connection with Tony was now clear, and while Sparda couldn't remember what had happened to warrant this mission he had been set by his grandson, he knew it had to be important if the responsibility for her had been entrusted to him.
It was time to drop the ruse of unfamiliarity.
"Miss Himura, my name is Sparda." He stepped closer. "My grandson is... on a personal mission. I'm to take you in as a pupil of sorts, in his absence, along with another acquaintance of his."
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Post by Saasha on Sept 17, 2012 10:53:34 GMT -6
So he had left and expected to be gone for a long time then. This made her more firm facade drop a bit as she took in his words solemnly, "I hope he returns safely. I owe him too much for all he has done." It was quickly recovered however as she returned to the matters at hand. "I would appreciate any assistance you could give me. As of yet I have only been able to locate a few point differences between my human state and now."
She paused for a moment, her more firm personage, "I would gladly accept any instruction you should choose to give. I am... well to be frank, clueless about these species. I know of the species in my world but something tells me that the interpretation on my world is different from the interpretation that this world holds." She supposed that since Tony was close enough with Sparda to make the request to begin with, it was unlikely that he would go against the request. But still, she did not want to be taking up his time with her troubles and trip-ups. That was something she could voice later however.
However, when he mentioned this other person, she paused. "Another acquaintance?" she asked, half to herself and half to him. "I suppose you haven't located this person just yet." Perhaps this was one way she could make use of her time, "If you wish, I could find this person for you? It would make one last thing you have to do." She grinned shyly and chuckled a bit.
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Post by Sparda on Sept 18, 2012 10:48:13 GMT -6
It was great that Melany was so open and helpful, not shying away from him at all. Having to do so little to convince her of his intentions made this all a lot easier. But where to start...?
In response to her offer to track down Saasha, his next objective, for him, he was at least quick to decline.
"That won't be necessary," he responded, shaking his head. "I know precisely where to look for her. Now then... Where do I begin making a worthy warrior of you...?"
He was sensible of the nostalgia he was feeling. He'd been in a similar situation once before, with Amoura, but was similarly unsure of what to do here. First and foremost, he needed to make a sound estimate of her current abilities in order to determine what improvements needed to be made.
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Post by Saasha on Sept 18, 2012 11:26:51 GMT -6
She may have been quick to accept his answers, but it was the hand on her shoulder that told her that it would be alright. Somehow the spirit's knew these things. She didn't know how they knew, but they did. But one thing did unnerve her a bit- that trademark low chuckle that floated through her ears as Sparda trailed off. She knew what that meant.
"What do you have in mind?" She wasn't too keen on finding out the answer, already suspecting what it was. But if Tony wished that she follow under his direction, she would do so. She still had much to learn about this world- as was shown to her by her fight with the other Kenshin a few days before and after that display, she knew she would have to learn fast.
She was used to fighting reanimated corpses and living beings and the odd ghost here and there, but all had been human of the sort. She was not used to fighting other beings.
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Post by Sparda on Sept 18, 2012 11:33:21 GMT -6
He remained still for a moment, hearing the mild suspicion in Melany's voice and quietly amused by it. The best way to gauge her abilities, he surmised, would be in combat. He'd put her straight on the defensive, push her to limits of her strength, agility and skill to see how she fared against a foe set upon overpowering her.
"First... A test." With that simple explanation, the devil seemingly vanished - blurring in an instant from where he had been stood to right in front of her. His right leg was raised, bent at the knee, with all his weight perched upon his tiptoed left foot. In that same moment, with no warning at all, the Dark Knight opened his sparring match with a swift and powerful kick aimed at the side of Melany's head.
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Post by Saasha on Sept 18, 2012 11:47:14 GMT -6
The moment he vanished, her senses spiked and her left hand tightened around the sheath of her blade. Her companions vanished from her side. Here we go. It took less than an eye blink for him to reach her, and less than an eye blink for her to respond, ducking under his leg and letting her momentum carry her to his other side, her own leg rising up as she rose from her step to press into his back to shove him away. She wasn't about to touch that grounded leg. Too easy to target. On his toes and leaning on it like he was. Nope, not touching.
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