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[D4 MA] A Desolate Discussion
Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2022 8:22 pm
by Hotaru Sakura
Sakura arrived at the Sanctuary, still armed with her cheap plastic umbrella. Dressed in a simple hoodie with a firefly mon and some sturdy, though ripped pants, she was here mainly for business. And really....to look at the animals. She only saw the Sanctuary of Rebirth from the outside, except the one time she and her father snuck in on her 14th birthday. She fondly recalled the memory while asking around for Soshi Kioku, ostensibly to adopt a spine drake, in the hopes of the former employee of Soshi Genetech to help her.
Re: [D4 LA] A Desolate Discussion
Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2022 8:59 pm
by Soshi Kioku
Sakura would have received a folder with a map of the sanctuary, with the Spine Drake Centre in a glade between wooded parts of the Aerie circled. Reaching it after a 10-15 minute walk, she'd see a glass and plasteel building with grass and fruit trees at the front, its doors open to a constant flow of visitors.
Inside, she would find some Drakes flying about in glass enclosures at the sides, holes in them apparently leading to other, internal rooms. A few visitors have drakes perched on their own shoulders, while others are watching the beasts playing, or talking to the receptionists at a counter in the far side of the room. As the Firefly asks for Kioku at the counter, the receptionist will ask her to wait for a moment. Five or six minutes later, the thirty-something woman comes in from a door leading further inside, eyes seeming a bit tired - or maybe somewhat disheartened by something.
"Hotaru-san", she greets Sakura politely. "Kataru-san said you wanted to talk to me about our Spine Drakes?", she adds, a small smile trying to overcome the feelings beneath it.
Re: [D4 MA] A Desolate Discussion
Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2022 9:04 pm
by Hotaru Sakura
Sakura bowed deeply. "Soshi-sama, arigatou for your patience. Hai, spine drakes were one of the topics I wanted to discuss with Soshi-sama." She eyed the tired woman. "May we walk perhaps?" She gently put the folder away into her purse for now.
Re: [D4 MA] A Desolate Discussion
Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2022 9:28 pm
by Soshi Kioku
Hotaru Sakura wrote:
Snip
"You're very welcome, Sakura-san. Getting people to know more about and support our project is very important to us", she says with a nod.
She points with her head towards the Drakes in the glass enclosures, then to one of the doors leading further inside. "Sure. Would you like to take a look at our little ones here, or see one of our training grounds, maybe? Or maybe choose one of them to get to know them better as we take a walk outside?"
Re: [D4 MA] A Desolate Discussion
Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2022 9:33 pm
by Hotaru Sakura
Sakura felt like 12 again. "The little onesplease!"
Re: [D4 MA] A Desolate Discussion
Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2022 11:50 pm
by Soshi Kioku
Hotaru Sakura wrote: ↑Mon Apr 11, 2022 9:33 pm
Sakura felt like 12 again. "The little onesplease!"
The comment brought a happy smile to the woman's otherwise tired, or wistful, face. She nodded and gestured towards one of the doors.
"Come then, Sakura-san. I'll let you meet some of the hatchlings. They're still starting their training, so don't mind if they are a bit overeager"
She crossed a short hallway with what seemed like offices and some doors to outdoor areas where Sakura would be able to see trainers working with Drakes, then opened another door to a room with a glass ceiling and areas where groups of hatchling were playing in short trees, a number of what seemed like chew or clawing toys lying around.
Getting close to a red-coloured and a yellow-hued hatchlings, she pointed towards them affectionately. "These here are Trouble and Flare. Been working with them for about a month and a half now "
Re: [D4 MA] A Desolate Discussion
Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2022 5:13 am
by Hotaru Sakura
Soshi Kioku wrote: ↑Mon Apr 11, 2022 11:50 pm
The comment brought a happy smile to the woman's otherwise tired, or wistful, face. She nodded and gestured towards one of the doors.
"Come then, Sakura-san. I'll let you meet some of the hatchlings. They're still starting their training, so don't mind if they are a bit overeager"
She crossed a short hallway with what seemed like offices and some doors to outdoor areas where Sakura would be able to see trainers working with Drakes, then opened another door to a room with a glass ceiling and areas where groups of hatchling were playing in short trees, a number of what seemed like chew or clawing toys lying around.
Getting close to a red-coloured and a yellow-hued hatchlings, she pointed towards them affectionately. "These here are Trouble and Flare. Been working with them for about a month and a half now "
Sakura giggled at the scene. "Ie, no problem. I think I was the same, when I started my schooling. Overeager." She glanced down. "So young, and already named Trouble?"
Re: [D4 MA] A Desolate Discussion
Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2022 8:27 pm
by Soshi Kioku
A small, almost silent chuckle.
"Well, overzealous to learn is hardly a bad thing, ne? Or to live, really"
The last comment seems to bring a haze over her eyes, but she shakes it off, with some effort.
"But indeed, Trouble 's a bit if a wild one." She gets closer, whistles to the drake, leading it to look her way... but not to come to her. The red drake's eyes gives Sakura the distinct impression that it knows Kioku wants it to come closer... but refuses to do it, at least without more incentive.
Kioku lets out another quiet chuckle. "Want to get to know him better, Hotaru-san?", she says, then reaches into a pocket and offers the Firefly a pack of small berries.
"So... you've been interested in raising, or caring for, one of our little guys, then." She says, in a more serious voice. "That always makes us very happy. You should know we need to make sure you'll be able to care for him or her properly before we entrust them to you, though. "
Her eyes seem to unfocus as she says that, although only for a short moment.
Failing someone who you love and who depends on you... no-one should have to go through that.
Re: [D4 MA] A Desolate Discussion
Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2022 8:37 pm
by Hotaru Sakura
Sakura gladly accepted the berries, and tenatively reached out towards Trouble. "Interested? Certainly. Unfortunately....my actions might stop there. We are not a rich clan, you know, Soshi-sama, so I probably cannot afford such a fine specimen." She beamed towards Trouble. "Every lady wants to get to know you, I am sure, you little rascal."
She turned tentatively towards the Scorpioness. "Though...that is kind of the other matter I wanted to talk to you, especially, Soshi-sama."
Re: [D4 MA] A Desolate Discussion
Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2022 11:29 pm
by Soshi Kioku
The red drake eyed the berries intently, although it seemed suspicious of Sakura at first.
"Oh, I wouldn't imagine coffers like those of some of the Great Clans. Although we hear the mining business is thriving, ne?", she says in a somewhat flat tone despite a small grin. "But really... it might be possible if your dedication is enough" Another small smile.
As she mention another topic, she turns back to face the Firefly, her face still somewhat blank but for a raised eyebrow. "Oh. Another matter, then? What would that be, Hotaru-san?"
Re: [D4 MA] A Desolate Discussion
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2022 6:44 am
by Hotaru Sakura
Soshi Kioku wrote: ↑Tue Apr 12, 2022 11:29 pm
The red drake eyed the berries intently, although it seemed suspicious of Sakura at first.
"Oh, I wouldn't imagine coffers like those of some of the Great Clans. Although we hear the mining business is thriving, ne?", she says in a somewhat flat tone despite a small grin. "But really... it might be possible if your dedication is enough" Another small smile.
As she mention another topic, she turns back to face the Firefly, her face still somewhat blank but for a raised eyebrow. "Oh. Another matter, then? What would that be, Hotaru-san?"
Sakura nodded in eagerness. "It seems customers are lining up for our ores. Some steely customers, you know." She laughed at her own pun. "I am certainly dedicated. Everyone deserves some love and care after all, neh?"
She took a deep breath. "Soshi-sama used to work in a different place, no? At the Soshi Genetech laboratory? If the rumors are to be believed?"
Re: [D4 MA] A Desolate Discussion
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2022 7:15 am
by Soshi Kioku
Hotaru Sakura wrote: ↑Wed Apr 13, 2022 6:44 am
Sakura nodded in eagerness. "It seems customers are lining up for our ores. Some steely customers, you know." She laughed at her own pun. "I am certainly dedicated. Everyone deserves some love and care after all, neh?"
She took a deep breath. "Soshi-sama used to work in a different place, no? At the Soshi Genetech laboratory? If the rumors are to be believed?"
The Firefly's comment - maybe also her pun? Probably not so much her pun... - got a smile out of the Soshi. "Especially ones as innocent as a child like our friends here, ne?"
The mention of the laboratory brings her back to a much serious, almost grim mood, however. She looks at Sakura somewhat suspiciously at first, then blankly for a while, then almost pained.
"... i did", is all she says.
Re: [D4 MA] A Desolate Discussion
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2022 7:43 am
by Hotaru Sakura
Soshi Kioku wrote: ↑Wed Apr 13, 2022 7:15 am
The Firefly's comment - maybe also her pun? Probably not so much her pun... - got a smile out of the Soshi. "Especially ones as innocent as a child like our friends here, ne?"
The mention of the laboratory brings her back to a much serious, almost grim mood, however. She looks at Sakura somewhat suspiciously at first, then blankly for a while, then almost pained.
"... i did", is all she says.
Sakura cooed to Trouble, who seemed to warm up to her...or was just busy snapping at her fingers. She was unsure. "Who's the best little drake? You are, of course." She let out a small laugh. "Oh, Spine drakes like metal things?"
She tried to observe Kioku's reactions, and her heart felt for her as the mood changed. "I also heard rumors that the laboratory is still intact."
Re: [D4 MA] A Desolate Discussion
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2022 6:28 pm
by Soshi Kioku
Hotaru Sakura wrote: ↑Wed Apr 13, 2022 7:43 am
Sakura cooed to Trouble, who seemed to warm up to her...or was just busy snapping at her fingers. She was unsure. "Who's the best little drake? You are, of course." She let out a small laugh. "Oh, Spine drakes like metal things?"
She tried to observe Kioku's reactions, and her heart felt for her as the mood changed. "I also heard rumors that the laboratory is still intact."
The Firefly's endearing attitude towards the Drake is not unnoticed by Kioku, and she
almost lets out a smile. But the other topic seems much too important - and heavy - to her, so the serious tone is back after the time of a single breath.
The mention of the laboratory being intact makes her freeze for a moment. She takes a long blink, then looks Sakura in the eye.
"I... I had heard something like that. Didn't pay much heed to the rumours..."
Not believing them? Possible. Likely, even. Not caring about them? Her voice clearly suggests that's not the case.
"Does Hotaru-san have reason to believe that.... is true?" She shakes her head slightly. "But also... why seek me out for this, Hotaru-san?"
The pain in her voice is tangible, but there's a hint of something else there. .
..Hope?
Re: [D4 MA] A Desolate Discussion
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2022 7:43 pm
by Hotaru Sakura
Soshi Kioku wrote: ↑Wed Apr 13, 2022 6:28 pm
The Firefly's endearing attitude towards the Drake is not unnoticed by Kioku, and she
almost lets out a smile. But the other topic seems much too important - and heavy - to her, so the serious tone is back after the time of a single breath.
The mention of the laboratory being intact makes her freeze for a moment. She takes a long blink, then looks Sakura in the eye.
"I... I had heard something like that. Didn't pay much heed to the rumours..."
Not believing them? Possible. Likely, even. Not caring about them? Her voice clearly suggests that's not the case.
"Does Hotaru-san have reason to believe that.... is true?" She shakes her head slightly. "But also... why seek me out for this, Hotaru-san?"
The pain in her voice is tangible, but there's a hint of something else there. .
..Hope?
Sakura extended her other hand to slowly try and pet the drake.
"I have done some digging, and I have spoken to some ronin whom I believe to be credible. It's not a certainty, but the probability has increased." She glanced towards Kioku. She only knew of her past, but not the specifics. "I would need some more details on its location before....everything. I would like to ask someone to seek it out. Perhaps something good can be found there, something that could make things better, not necessarily for me."
Her eyes settled on the Scorpion, ignoring the prying drake for now...perhaps until it decided to bite.
"I am sorry if I am dragging up painful memories Soshi-sama."
Re: [D4 MA] A Desolate Discussion
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2022 9:27 pm
by Soshi Kioku
Hotaru Sakura wrote: ↑Wed Apr 13, 2022 7:43 pm
Sakura extended her other hand to slowly try and pet the drake.
"I have done some digging, and I have spoken to some ronin whom I believe to be credible. It's not a certainty, but the probability has increased." She glanced towards Kioku. She only knew of her past, but not the specifics. "I would need some more details on its location before....everything. I would like to ask someone to seek it out. Perhaps something good can be found there, something that could make things better, not necessarily for me."
Her eyes settled on the Scorpion, ignoring the prying drake for now...perhaps until it decided to bite.
"I am sorry if I am dragging up painful memories Soshi-sama."
The drake seemed more curious than prone to biting, at least for now. She approached slowly, sniffed Sakura's finger, licked it - its rugged, scaly tongue probably tickling her a bit.
Kioku, meanwhile, keeps completely silent and immobile as she listens. "... so it may be intact. If these other samples survived..."
Her voice trails off, her eyes lost somewhere beyond the walls.
"It... I..." She falters, but finally gets her voice through. "I had thought of going back there", she says, almost if to no-one in specific. "Back when. But I couldn't face it. Seeing only destruction. A desolate grave."
Silence. Her eyes go down to the grave, and says something in a very low whisper.
Omoi-chan...
Right then, the drake, apparently feeling more comfortable with Sakura, decided to try to taste her finger. Its first set of teeth was still incomplete, but that just meant some of them were like sharp fork tines...
Unaware of the drake's sudden dietary preferences, Kioku raised her eyes to Sakura. "Nothing to apologise for, Hotaru-san. It... is a pain I deal with every day. And this... there just might be..."
Silence again, a long blink. "I expect the landscape will be very much changed... but I can certainly say where the laboratory was."
Another long blink.
"Not one day that goes by without me remembering it."
Re: [D4 MA] A Desolate Discussion
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2022 9:33 pm
by Hotaru Sakura
Soshi Kioku wrote: ↑Wed Apr 13, 2022 9:27 pm
The drake seemed more curious than prone to biting, at least for now. She approached slowly, sniffed Sakura's finger, licked it - its rugged, scaly tongue probably tickling her a bit.
Kioku, meanwhile, keeps completely silent and immobile as she listens. "... so it may be intact. If these other samples survived..."
Her voice trails off, her eyes lost somewhere beyond the walls.
"It... I..." She falters, but finally gets her voice through. "I had thought of going back there", she says, almost if to no-one in specific. "Back when. But I couldn't face it. Seeing only destruction. A desolate grave."
Silence. Her eyes go down to the grave, and says something in a very low whisper.
Omoi-chan...
Right then, the drake, apparently feeling more comfortable with Sakura, decided to try to taste her finger. Its first set of teeth was still incomplete, but that just meant some of them were like sharp fork tines...
Unaware of the drake's sudden dietary preferences, Kioku raised her eyes to Sakura. "Nothing to apologise for, Hotaru-san. It... is a pain I deal with every day. And this... there just might be..."
Silence again, a long blink. "I expect the landscape will be very much changed... but I can certainly say where the laboratory was."
Another long blink.
"Not one day that goes by without me remembering it."
Sakura waited patiently for Kioku to express herself....interrupted by a Troublesome bite. "Ouch." She forced herself not to pull her hand away, though she did pull her finger out. "Trouble...you're just lucky you're cute."
Sakura held a breath....then released it. "Soshi-sama, I would welcome any help I can get. I would also be very glad to help you." She smiled tentatively. "That day was a disaster..." She hesitated. "I only saw footage. I do understand how you feel. I lost my father some time ago. My world was broken." She stepped slightly closer. "Soshi-sama, perhaps we can help each other here."
Re: [D4 MA] A Desolate Discussion
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2022 9:40 pm
by Soshi Kioku
Hotaru Sakura wrote: ↑Wed Apr 13, 2022 9:33 pm
Sakura waited patiently for Kioku to express herself....interrupted by a Troublesome bite. "Ouch." She forced herself not to pull her hand away, though she did pull her finger out. "Trouble...you're just lucky you're cute."
Sakura held a breath....then released it. "Soshi-sama, I would welcome any help I can get. I would also be very glad to help you." She smiled tentatively. "That day was a disaster..." She hesitated. "I only saw footage. I do understand how you feel. I lost my father some time ago. My world was broken." She stepped slightly closer. "Soshi-sama, perhaps we can help each other here."
The woman looks at the Drake, then back at Sakura. Whether the small smile on her lips were a sign of hope or just caused by the Drake's antics was hard to say. Possibly both.
"I'm sorry for your loss, Hotaru-san.", she says with a respectful nod. "I've known loss for long enough to know how hard it is. At times it feels like it will never go away."
...
Especially when it's the result of failing someone who depended on you. The words cross her mind as her eyes drift to the ground, but she soon raises them again.
"You say we can help each other, Hotaru-san. I... appreciate the offer. But I must ask - what exactly is it you're offering?"
Re: [D4 MA] A Desolate Discussion
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2022 9:51 pm
by Hotaru Sakura
Soshi Kioku wrote: ↑Wed Apr 13, 2022 9:40 pm
The woman looks at the Drake, then back at Sakura. Whether the small smile on her lips were a sign of hope or just caused by the Drake's antics was hard to say. Possibly both.
"I'm sorry for your loss, Hotaru-san.", she says with a respectful nod. "I've known loss for long enough to know how hard it is. At times it feels like it will never go away."
...
Especially when it's the result of failing someone who depended on you. The words cross her mind as her eyes drift to the ground, but she soon raises them again.
"You say we can help each other, Hotaru-san. I... appreciate the offer. But I must ask - what exactly is it you're offering?"
Sakura looked away guiltily. "Well...as I mentioned, we are a clan with modest treasury. I myself, am specifically...well, poor." She decided to be honest. "So I cannot truly offer you what this information is worth. I can just hope that whatever is in there would be compensation. I will not go there myself, as the spirits in that area are hungering for my presence. But I hope to persuade some skilled people to go in my stead. If you wish to join them, you can. And of course, with your critical information, you would have first choice on whatever is found there."
Re: [D4 MA] A Desolate Discussion
Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2022 10:34 pm
by Soshi Kioku
Hotaru Sakura wrote: ↑Wed Apr 13, 2022 9:51 pm
Sakura looked away guiltily. "Well...as I mentioned, we are a clan with modest treasury. I myself, am specifically...well, poor." She decided to be honest. "So I cannot truly offer you what this information is worth. I can just hope that whatever is in there would be compensation. I will not go there myself, as the spirits in that area are hungering for my presence. But I hope to persuade some skilled people to go in my stead. If you wish to join them, you can. And of course, with your critical information, you would have first choice on whatever is found there."
The Firefly's confession doesn't seem to faze Kioku - there's much more of importance going on there, after all. She keeps quiet for a while after her words, thoughtful. When she finally speaks again, her brow is somewhat creased.
"I... there is one thing I would like from there. If... it still exists." She shakes her head. "It... it isn't much, but I know my child would have loved to see it happen", she says, a small, painful smile on her lips. "It... would be a small thing I can do for her memory, at least."
Small thing or not, the way she reacts when saying it, it seems like it would bring some peace to her spirit, at least.
Then, looking at Sakura again. "But... the way you say it, it seems like you are very interested in the laboratory yourself. And still you say I would have first choice on whatever is found." She seems somewhat suspicious, looks at the Drake protectively. Two other Drakes come around and perch on her shoulders, which she acknowledges with a gentle nod. "What is in this for you, Hotaru-san?"