|
Post by ||Megs|| on May 15, 2006 16:48:06 GMT -5
Echidna was quick to get to Francine, who was half aware from the stun shot. Echidna scooped her carefully into her arms, backing carefuly over to Tren, cautious of the four other men, who stood there with a bit of uncertainty.
Aidan opened his eyes, and it took him a few seconds to realize it was Core, who's hand was on his shoulder. He remembered Core, when a group had appeared in the Neutral's home. He gave a slight grin and a small nod.
"Not at the moment, but I'll get there." he said, struggling to his feet, having to lean slightly on Core, not able to support himself.
Desiree felt herself go slightly limp against her father, a tear coming to run down her blood-stained cheek, grateful for him to be there.
"We need to get to Mirage's house, dad." Desiree said softly. There was something she would have to do, to stop this tirade against the Tech Stations. Breeze leapt up on Tren's shoulder, trying her best to hide a small grin. No one had noticed what she had been doing the entire time after being dropped.
Approaching quickly was the sirens of the police, coming into view down the road...
---
At her house, Mirage had woken up with a harsh stomach ache. Her maid bot, Mai, had found her there on the couch, and had stood silently until Mirage had aroused. Mirage would have to figure out where to take Mai...since she planned on selling the house. Too many memories stood here...too much danger...
Remembering what had happened, Mirage sat up with a sigh. She hoped the others were doing alright...and she decided not to get mad at Francine about slugging her twice in the same spot in one day. She knew her intentions were good...and Mirage herself was feeling better. She had faith in knowing Tren would get them out of there safely enough...
Mirage stood as Mai bade her a good day, asking to be excused to recharge. Mirage nodded, still wondering who would take her bot. Maybe Tren would? Or Francine? Francine...what would she do, when she discovered Mirage was leaving this planet for good? Perhaps she would take Francine with her...but then again, what would Desiree think of getting rid of the house...?
|
|
|
Post by Teetaw89 on May 15, 2006 17:06:31 GMT -5
Core let Aidan lean on him, his arm wrapped around his waist.
Tren blinked at Desiree as she went slightly limp and then he managed a smile and pulled her into a small hug, she had been through quite enough. He then placed his arm under her legs and picked her into into them, holding her without trouble.
He glanced at the two remaining men, since Core had taken two of them out, and narrowed his eyes. "You guys had better stay out of trouble, or you might join your buddies. The police will need your testimonies and that's why you are still awake. If you give us any more problems, I'll send you into coma state." He waited for their nods of agreement.
He nodded toward his other companions. "Come on, let's go."
Core, careful of Aidan, moved next to Tren. Tren touched him and the others, since they were near enough and disappeared, and reappeared in Mirage's home, in front of the couch she had been placed on.
|
|
|
Post by ||Megs|| on May 16, 2006 8:42:15 GMT -5
Mirage jumped slightly as the group appeared next to her, but relaxed all the same. She moved to Francine first, since she was closer.
"What happened to her, Echidna?" Echidna sat Francine on the couch, figuring it would be smart to have her propped up instead of laying down.
"She got shot in the chest with a stun lazer." Mirage shook her head.
"Of course, in the second worst spot." Mirage turned toward where the kitchen was. "Mai! Please bring a wet cloth and two healing pads." she called, noticing Desiree and Aidan.
The beautiful, almost perfect replication of a human woman (except for the silvery skin and coppery hair) maid bot came strolling into the living room, holding two small boxed-size square discs and a damp washcloth. She handed that to Mirage, who put it on Francine's forehead, and placed the two discs on the floor. Mai tapped each one, and stood back.
Each one unfolded itself to reveal cushioned cot-like thing, that was wide and long enough to hold a person.
Mirage gestured for Core and Tren to help Desiree and Aidan onto them.
"I keep these for emergency situations, and I suppose this quallifies. Thank you Mai."
Breeze leaped off of Tren's shoulder, coming to sit at Mai's feet.
"Her system is similar to mine, which is very advanced and can call upon emotions. Interesting..."
|
|
|
Post by Teetaw89 on May 16, 2006 10:08:27 GMT -5
Tren watched in fasination at the small discs. When they were unfolded he nodded and placed Desiree into one.
Core helped Aidan into his and then glanced at Mirage. "Sorry you missed out. Though, Tren and Desiree did all the work, we only helped a little." he smiled toward Desiree.
Tren was watching Breeze and the robot with amusement and fasination. "That's amazing. The work...hey Mirage, who built Mai?"
Core shook his head at Tren, though he still smiled.
|
|
|
Post by ||Megs|| on May 17, 2006 8:14:09 GMT -5
Mirage hesitated for a moment, and then glanced to Desiree. The girl had fallen asleep, the edges of the cot glowing faintly as it did its work. Aidan was out, too. Mirage looked back to Tren.
"My husband, Justyn, did. The first of her kind. We have robots here, but they don't respond in the way Mai does. She has an actual voice and can feel emotions. I for one have no idea how he did it...but then again, he was a brilliant man." at this, Mirage seemed to open up ever so slightly, giving a faint smile. She hadn't really spoken a word of her husband ever since he had been murdered.
Realizing what Tren had done, if not accidentally, her hard shield went back up, and she turned to Francine, who was returning back to reality.
"Man...what happened?" she looked around, then sighed in relief. "Never mind, I can tell it went okay." Francine stood, and stretched her arms above her head. They fell slowly back to her sides as she looked to Aidan, then Desiree.
"Mirage...what do we do now? There are too many loose ends to be tied."
Mirage sat down on the arm of the couch, folding her arms lightly, looking to the group that stood in her living room.
"Desiree will have to make an audience with the President of the United States. She knows it, too...we have discussed this before. Desiree will have to mention that...her and I are going off-planet for good, so as not to further be put into unecissary danger to ourselves and others."
Francine felt a pang at those words. Mirage was going to leave her...?
"This house will be sold, and the treasures it holds will need to go somewhere." Mirage's eyes shifted to Tren, knowing he might be interested in this next bit of information she was going to give. "Justyn's research, projects that were half way done, and valueable information about technology itself are still here, including Mai. Would you be interested, Tren? Because, believe it or not...I trust you with my husband's possessions."
Mirage's gaze then settled to Core, but not harshly like she usually did, but softly, if at all possible.
"Desriee still has some things here she might want to keep. When she wakes up, would you mind helping her?" Mirage glanced at her wristwatch. "Another minute, and they'll be awake."
Francine, both shocked and pretty much once again stunned by Mirage, glanced to Aidan and Desiree. The wounds and bruises they had recieved were almost gone.
Breeze, knowing Tren was blown-out curious, decided to tell Tren how they worked. Once again she leapt onto his shoulder, her tail coming to rest upon her paws.
"Those are almost simple machines. All they do is enhance the rate at wich the human body heals itself, but on a safer scale."
Mirage nodded, unfolding her arms. She didn't know what it was about Tren, but she felt oddly comfortable around him, even though she would never tell anyone. Ever.
|
|
|
Post by Teetaw89 on May 17, 2006 10:31:19 GMT -5
(lol, Mirage is so awesome! Hey, can you remember Core's cat's name?)
Tren was listening intently to everything she had said. He had somewhat guessed who had built Mai, and it had been confirmed.
He perked up at the thought of having all of that unfinished technalogy, and yes, was indeed amazed by the cots.
As Breeze sat on his shoulder and explained what they did, he nodded, watching them intently and then, he broek away from them and turned to Mirage.
"Hey, I would love to take that stuff if it's alright with you, but I don't know about Mai. As much as I would love to have her, and she would be a big help to Saiyomi, I think she could be more helpful to something with less people to look after. You see, I have alot of help at home as it is."
Core watched Mirage closely and nodded at her question. and then looked at Tren and smiled.
"If I may, I'll take Mai. I know I'm not very good at stuff like that, but I could use some company. I have a cat and myself, and will be getting a home soon to stay in, since it would be better for me to live on my own for a while. So, I could take her, though it's completely up to you two."
|
|
|
Post by ||Megs|| on May 17, 2006 10:47:34 GMT -5
(No, I can't remember >.<')
Mirage nodded in understanding to Tren, then carefully evaluated the situation with Core and Mai. That might be the best thing...espeacially when Core would be on his home, even though he did have a mechanical cat as well. Mai would serve as more than just a good friend, but probably more as an odd robotic guardian. Fiinally, Mirage nodded.
"Very well, that sounds just fine. When you are able to get a home of your own, I will allow you to take her. What do you think, Mai?"
Mai smiled, looking to Core.
"I would be very pleased, Mirage."
Desiree shifted on her cot, slowly opening her eyes. She sat up, and so did Aidan.
"Hey, welcome back!" Francine said happily, offering her hands to them. Desiree took Francine's left and, and Aidain took her right, and they were both pulled to their feet.
Mirage gave a small smile to them, then addressed Desiree.
"Desiree, it's time we take the proper action. But first...I suggest you change." Desiree looked down at her clothes, understanding. There were blood stains, dirt and grit, and holes. Not to mention tears in the back of her shirt...
"Yeah, sure." Desiree said softly, still shaken a bit.
"But first...I want you to pack what things you want to take back to your home." Mirage continued. Desiree looked at her, slightly confused.
"I have to sell this house, Desiree." Desiree cast her gaze down, and closed her eyes.
"I see what your intentions are...but I couldn't stand to have any one else live here. Despite what happened...this is still a sacred place." Desiree looked up to her birth mother, her eyes slightly watery.
Mirage crossed her arms thoughtfully again. Desiree had a point.
"Very well then. I'll give the order to have this place taken down. Unless there are other suggestions? But all the same, this house can not remain here."
Desiree nodded, then walked off toward her room.
|
|
|
Post by Teetaw89 on May 24, 2006 9:44:43 GMT -5
Core smiled, very pleased that she had trusted him with something so dear to her. He merely nodded and watched in silence. Desiree woke up, and after Mirage had told her what was going on somewhat, she left the room. Core followed her, knowing she would need help, even if it was just having someone to talk to.
Tren nodded. "It's your house Mirage, you do with it what you feel best. I don't care either way." He looked at Aidan. "Hey there kid, why do you feel?"
(Sorry it's so short, I'll try to make it longer next time!^^)
|
|
|
Post by ||Megs|| on May 25, 2006 10:30:13 GMT -5
Desiree glanced over at Core, and gave him a small smile. Down the hallway they went, coming to a whiteish door. Desiree opened it, and stepped in, knowing Core was right behind her.
The room was of decent size, and was adorned in soft colors that mingled in mixed in relaxing ways. There was a bed in the corner, plush and very comfortable looking. A desk stood just opposite the bed, arranged with various pictures and little objects, and even some papers. A dresser was pressed against the wall near the bed, and had six drawers. On top the dresser was various objects as well, and a small lamp of intricate design.
On the opposite side of the room stood a book shelf, which held various books of different kinds. Next to the shelf was a small table, at which a fuzzy, soft cheetah toy sat, one of its paws on top of a folded letter. Desiree frowned, moving over to it. Was it possible...?
"I haven't been in this room ever since my dad was murdered...but who would leave me a note?" a sudden sting of fear erupted in her heart. Was it...her? Renae? Demanding another 'assignment' already...?
But as Desiree picked up the amazingly soft cheetah toy, her fear was instantly washed aside. The cheetah had that spicy scent to it, the same scent that Justyn always had. Desiree knew it well, and picking up the letter, she moved over to the bed, patting the bed near her to offer Core a seat.
Desiree sat the stuffed animal in her lap, and leaned gently on Core, and opened the letter so they both could read it.
Dearest flower,
I understand I have been busy with work, but I want you to know that I love you, and always will. Your mother loves you too, but holds a heavy burden on her heart and soul, a burden she refuses to share with anyone. I know you are young, but I also know you are very capable of understanding my words.
Something will happen soon, my dear flower. I have felt it coming, and that is why your mother and I have not been talking to eachother as of late. She has a hard decision to make, one that will have the same results either way. A heavy responsibility will be set upon your shoulders, but don't let that get you down. The answers to that responsibility can be found in my room, and around your wrist.
I am concerned about your mother, Desiree--she may do something rash to relieve the binding pain of her burden. Or someone else will relieve it for her.
Stay strong, my daughter. Be there for her, as she was once there for you. Never forget the duty you have to yourself. I love you, and will never leave your side.
Love, Dad
Desiree lowered her hand, closing her eyes, glad for Core's supportive frame, or otherwise she might have fallen limply to the floor.
"He knew it all along. He must have put this in my room just before I came home and asked him to read a book with me. But," Desiree opened her eyes, sitting up on the bed, "the whole burden thing...I know Mirage is an assassin...does she still have that status? ...would she really do something rash to be rid of it...? Maybe we should warn Tren."
-----
Aidan nodded, feeling a lot better than before, and Echidna went over to him.
"Do you know what happened to Davis?"
"Davis? He'l be fine. He had to leave for work before I got attacked." his stomach grumbled, and he blushed slightly. Mai smiled, and turned for the kitchen.
"I'll prepare something. It's been a long day for everyone." Aidan and Echidna folowed, leaving Francine, Tren, and Mirage alone.
Mirage had one last thing to do. Straitening up, Mirage crossed over to the door, opening it.
"Mirage? Where are you going?" Francine asked, and Mirage paused just before stepping out.
"I have one last thing to do."
"You'll be back, right?"
Mirage did not answer, but walked out the door, closing it behind her. Francine bit her lower lip gently, looking to Tren with a hint of fright in her eyes. She had a good idea about what Mirage was going to do, but she couldn't be certain. Mirage was to secretive to give away what she was actually up to...
|
|
|
Post by Teetaw89 on May 25, 2006 12:09:49 GMT -5
Core took in the room, every little thing. When Desiree found the stuffed animal and the letter and they sat on the bed together, he knew it was something important.
When they were finished reading the letter, he looked at Desiree, his red-brown eyes thoughtful and concerned.
"Desiree, would it really eat someone alive like that? Can killing one person really do that?" He stood, his arm around her shoulders to support her.
"Come on, we've got to tell Tren now. This is the last time Mirage can do whatever she's going to do, because she won't come here again."
_____
Tren watched her leave, a calculating expression on his face. He moved his eyes toward Francine and gave a very small smile.
"I'm going out for a few minutes Francine. I'll be back in a bit. If Desiree asks where I am, just tell her I'm taking care of family business." He gave a small wink to let her know everything would be alright and then he walked out the door quietly.
|
|
|
Post by ||Megs|| on May 25, 2006 18:18:25 GMT -5
Francine opened her mouth to protest to Tren, but he was gone. A flash of anger slightly brightened her cheeks. She wasn't mad at Tren, but at Mirage.
How dare she do this! Ever since they had been kids, they had stuck together like glue. But ever since the day when Justyn had died, a gaping hole had formed between them. Francine hated it, left in the shadow as Mirage persued a dangerous enemy. Francine narrowed her eyes slightly, and took a deep breath. She suddenly knew exactly where Mirage was going. And Francine was going to go with Mirage, and help her through to the end. Like she had promised so very long ago.
Francine turned and started toward the back of the house to go through the back door, just to meet Desiree and Core, who had just then come out of the room.
"Francine, where is--"
"Both are gone. Mirage left, so did Tren." Francine said, not bothering to tell what Tren had told her to say. Francine knew that Desiree wouldn't believe it for a second. "I am leaving as well. Please, stay here. Mai, Aidan and Echidna are in the kitchen. You two should join them, and refresh yourselves. We'll all be back shortly."
"Francine...do think that she..." Desiree couldn't finish, and Francine placed her hand on Desiree's cheek as a gentle gesture.
"She may, but I won't let her do it alone. Niether will Tren. Please, stay." but Desiree had that look in her eyes.
"Oh, for heaven's sake...you are Justyn through and through!" Francine said, almost tempted to laugh. She turned to Core, who she knew had some form of decent sense. "Desiree can't be exposed again, it's too soon. Tie her down to prevent her, or anything. She must not follow me. Tren, Mirage and I will be back shortly." Francine said this with confidence, and left through the back door.
-----
Mirage had made a clever treck over to the In-Sider territories, keeping to the shadows as best she could. Her senses were high and alert, but human senses could only go so far. For the first time in a while, dread shot through her heart like a barbed arrow. She was going to see the very man who had killed her husband, who had ruined her and her family's life from the very day she had met him.
Mirage knew a truth that had even been hidden from Francine. One of them would die this day--herself, or the man she was going to see.
Mirage knew exactly where she was going, heading to the heart of the In-Sider territory. Many times she was confronted, but noticing where she was going, they left her alone. The didn't dare follow her, though. She was walking upon very thin ice at each step as she got closer to her desination...
|
|
|
Post by Teetaw89 on May 25, 2006 18:51:19 GMT -5
Core didn't have a moment to say anything and had no idea what was going on. Suddenly Francine was ranting about Mirage, and Desiree understood, but he had no idea.
He merely managed a small nod as Francine walked out the door and then looked Desiree straight in the eye. "Okay Des, explain. I have a right to know what this is all about, since I'm obviously here with you now."
____
"Well, that was handled well Francine." Tren was leaning against the wall of the house as she stepped out the back door. "I knew you wouldn't stay. You're being left out of everything, same as me, though I'm sure you know more about it."
He stepped in front of her, his light blue eyes studying her closely. "We can get there alot faster if you tell me where I'm going. I could have followed Mirage, but I decided to wait for you. We can be there in ive seconds easy enough, so point me in the right direction."
He smiled at her, a rather playful smile and then shrugged, waiting.
|
|
|
Post by ||Megs|| on May 25, 2006 20:10:27 GMT -5
Desiree sighed, then leaned her back against the wall, arms crossing. A habbit picked up from Mirage, no doubt, but Desiree did not notice at the moment.
"Mirage didn't appoint herself as an assassin, that much I have picked up by myself. I have the feeling she was forced into it. From those letters we read in Mirage's room that time, her 'boss' was the one who killed my father. By my father's letter, he knew what Mirage was struggling with, but did not know how to handle it. Mirage is now dealing with a harsh conflict--either she flees this planet, and still have the mark of an assassin, or she goes and confronts her boss, and gets rid of it. But...something like that is pure suicide." Desiree slowly unfolded her arms, her eyes watery again.
Desiree felt a bit frustrated all of a sudden. She didn't like Mirage, but she did at the same time. It bugged her to no end, and she knew Mirage felt the same as well.
Trying to ease her tension, Desiree ran a hand through her feathery hair, releasing a soft sigh.
"As I figure it...either Mirage will die, or the head assassin. I don't doubt Mirage, but...the head assassin must be worse than her, hence the whole 'head' of the assassination thing." Desiree hoped Core understood, but it made all sorts of sense to her know. She was slightly impressed she had put the peices together, though.
"Well then, little sister...it looks like we must do something productive as we wait." it was Echidna, having entered the hallway. Desiree jumped back into Core, clearly startled.
-----
Francine almost shouted out, jumping despite herself. Putting a hand to her thudding heart, she took a deep breath as Tren encountered her. Francine felt slightly uncomfortable at having to tell. But it seemed necissary...
"Mirage is going to confront the man who killed Justyn...the head, or 'boss' of the assassination organization on the In-Siders terf." Francine stepped up, so that she was closer. She had to look up at him, but didn't seem to mind. "The headquarters are located in the heart of the In-Side, Tren." she decided to describe the entrace hall of the place, where Mirage would be just about now.
"It will be empty in that hall, and we can be certain to not be interupted there. Well, let's get going."
-----
Mirage was indeed there, and had paused, catching both her breath and courage. She took out her gun, and also took a deep breath. She advanced forward slowly and cautiously, and as queitly as possible. Just in case...
|
|
|
Post by Teetaw89 on Jun 14, 2006 10:12:44 GMT -5
Core listened quietly, putting things together in his own head as she spoke.
He was knocked out of his thoughts as Desiree jumped into him at the sound of Echidna's voice, and he glanced up and smiled.
"Okay Echidna, what do you what to do that's productive?"
____
Tren nodded slowly. "Ha, that makes perfect sense to me. She may be intimidating at the larger scale, but I never got the feeling she was really 'bad'."
He smiled and grabbed Francine's shoulder. "Well then, let's get there to back her up. The fight she can do, but I'm here to make sure nothing else interferes. C'mon, we're doing super speedthrough the void." He grabbed her hand and instantly disappeared.
Suddenly he was in front of Mirage, setting Franince down beside him. "Mirage."
|
|
|
Post by ||Megs|| on Jun 17, 2006 10:59:04 GMT -5
"Holy flippin--" Mirage had jumped slightly, her gun forced down to her side so she would not shoot them or anything. She took a deep breath, then glared at Tren and Francine slightly. "What are you doing here? I can handle this myself."
Francine crossed over to Mirage, glaring right back.
"Listen here, Mirage! You are not doing this on your own! What happened to our team, eh? What happened to 'We will face the world together'?! Even though Joe, Justyn and Frenze aren't here anymore...you still have me." Francine's voice had started out hard, but had started to soften at the mention of their childhood friends, Joe and Frenze, and Mirage's husband. "You can't just barge in there on your own...I may not truly understand why this guy aimed his attention on you in the first place, but we are going in with you. What are friends for, right? The guys would be thinking the same thing right now."
Mirage didn't know what to say, but sighed gently, glare lifting.
"Fine, fine...you two can come." though she would never openly admit it, but she was very glad that they were here.
-----
When the hallway ended, it led to a fairly wide set of double doors, their metal hinges rusty. Perfect. That meant that it would squeak if they tried to open it. Francine had her gun out now, walking near Mirage cautiously.
Mirage stopped in front of the door, regarding it in thoughtful silence. At last, she spoke.
"Behind this door lies the Assassination Guild. And a ton of trouble," she murmured, preparing herself. Francine glanced to Tren, and gave him a small smile. Boy, she was certainty glad he was here! It made her feel a bit safer in this dreary and dangerous atmosphere.
Beside the door was a control panel, at which Mirage quickly tapped in the code. Shivers shot down her spine as the doors slowly swung inward, creaking, squeaking and groaning. It was dark on the other side, but Mirage just strolled into it. Francine was at Tren's side as they went in, shivering slightly. It was cold in here!
As they continued on, there was the glow of soft blue lights, which lit upon some sofas, tables, soda and snack machines, and other such things for an entertainment room. Mirage walked with ease through all of this, knowing exactly where she was going.
"Around this time, there is a meeting to discuss...'buisness'. So we can easily walk through here without any problems. For the most part." Mirage informed the two behind her. "There are those that skip out on the meetings...right, Gregory?" Mirage calmly stopped, gun whipping out to point over to a chair that was half hidden in the shadows, where a form had started to stand when he saw the three enter the area.
"Well! If it isn't Mirage!" the almost-too-skinny guy stood, taking something from his pocket. It was a small device, with a single button. He wasn't afraid of Mirage's gun, but was a bit weary of Tren. He was one heck of a big guy...
"One push of this button, and the whole Guild will know you are here." Gregory's thumb began to lower down to press the button...
-----*
"Desiree is going to talk to the President."
Desiree blinked, still against Core, having been startled by Echidna's presence when she had first come.
"...what?"
"It is about time, correct? He needs to know what is going on with the Tech Stations. And who else to call him, but Desiree Sant? He will talk to you, Desiree. There are other things, I am sure...that you wish to talk about."
|
|