To "Unfettered"

[Gabriel Seran]

For Mikey's ICly Purposes

Dear Mr. Johnathon Winters.
It would seem as though there was a time that we were on equal footing and of equal mind and I'm sure there was a time that our goals were not too different. Though as time has passed I see now how very different we are, regardless that is not a bad thing. Enclosed in this letter is a show of faith taking interest in your "activities". Stay safe and endear.

In Faith

Gabriel Seran

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Enclosed in the Letter would be two things, a card that had offshore funds attached to it accumulating to a total of $9500 as well as a photo neatly folded to the deep recesses of the letter possibly passed up if hastily discarded. The Photo of course would be Alexis and Gabriel close to one another on their honeymoon in Hawaii.

["Unfettered"]

Tired Memories

"...There's a letter for you."

"Unfettered" was hunched over in a wifebeater, scribbling something in the dim light of his room. His jeans looked relatively worn from several days repeated use, while many bags of skin lined the bottom of his eye. Looking back, the German would see Marina with an envelope, gingerly held in both her hands. As she walked to his side, he watched her figure move in with the composed grace that only a woman could make look so appealing. Yet she was plainly dressed in a short-sleeved, white t-shirt with a sleeveless, black vest on top of it and jeans.

The German's eye glazed over from Marina to her face... to the envelope.

"Danke."

Reaching for it quietly, the German noted the immediate callsign on the front it. Marina turned to walk away---

"Vait."

"Mm?"

"...I kind... don't vant to read this alone."

The young man's face was slightly shaken. In the quiet darkness of the room, Marina smiled, trying to be encouraging. After all, this was a message from Gabriel Seran. It was as though, perhaps... maybe the German was waiting... hoping for his past to haunt him. Respects and encouragement were never given to Mr. Seran, whose accomplishments at this point superceded the German's. Then again, with "Unfettered's" inactivity to help the school through most direct means, this wasn't that uncommon. Leon Sudeki had become the Supervisor. John Ong still worked diligently, S.H.C.P. or no, for 259's intentions. David Blaze took and left the title of Student Captain as he pleased... let alone the illustrious designs of Gabriel Seran who, in the reports taken from Public High School #42, seemed to have evolved into some sort of super-human prior to coming back.

In the light of all of these legends in the making, where had that left the German?

Stagnant. Stuck. Left to nurse his wounds from a battle long past in both a physical and a mental sense. "Unfettered's" breathing had recovered slightly since the time of the Correctional Facility's crumbling, when his chest had been crushed, but fighting at full power was a chore these days. His Qi's power, unwieldy and wild as it was he had re-crafted to a safer... but more moderate ability. Never having been blessed with the monetary capabilities of the social elite, ala Bastille Cunningham, or the ability to remain truly alone such as Vespyr, or even the natural juggernaut abilities of a one Hiroko Katashi, "Unfettered's" name came to light as less and less accurate.

Valekin Von Kaluskov XII had disappeared as both a temperamental comrade, potential mentor and a friend. Probably finally dead or wreaking more havoc with his Black Hand associates.

Jyo Mashima (finally learning the last name of the man) was indeed someone of no small action, working as what one may assume to be a genuine hero for 259's cause. A man long gone, beyond the reach of records.

Saint had vanished, either into obscurity or done by his "hypocrisy," a man with the will and peace to become a full-fledged martyr. "Unfettered" hoped this was not the case as he still had to... redeem himself for his wrongs against this gentle fellow.

Aureus Hayes or Levi... whatever his counterpart's name... a catalyst. A man full of potential and so much ideal, now lost to the annals of the records. He possessed the capabilities of a true warrior, a philosopher, and an idealist, but possessed an apathy that was truly detrimental to his cause. There was hope for his return, however obscure.

Since the time on the beach, the German had yet to find Olesya again. Still had yet to ask if she was keeping in contact with Maddie. Still had... a skateboard to give her. Still had much to forgive himself over as she had much to rage over him.

Mitsuki Park was... now a memory. Albeit a still painful one. Gone now to Chicago, the dog, Skye... kept in Marina's care. Marina was much better at taking care of people and animals then "Unfettered" was.

The long list of P.O.P.s the German had made note of had forced him to remind himself of what he was... what he had become... what he really was.

Calamity Scorn---real name, Jenna. A woman deserving of more then the German could give her.

Keith Lucifer. Dealer and merchant of all sorts. Interesting first meeting with him as "Thrush"... unfortunately not as savory a fellow as the German would like to make him out to be. Still had yet to account for himself as the Hammer that Keith wished to have. A less honorable issue on the German's part.

Mr. Asiv and his long string of connections... hospitalized. Only nostalgic and grim memories remained there.

Whin was dead.

Dots was... alive, around, but... hopefully not hurting anyone, much less himself. The man drew as much contempt to himself as Valekin Von Kaluskov XII, but was much more lovable in a deranged sort of way. "Unfettered" hoped to see him again soon.

Masaru had disappeared. "Unfettered" recalled meeting the peaceful man under the alias of Z.E.B., but was unfortunately never able to complete a contract with him. A man with sealed talents, much like Sun Quan in his early years... predating the battle of Red Cliff.

The curious Emily, long infatuated with the German and with her medical knowledge had left "Unfettered" on a final, disgusting note, trying to get herself impregnated. On the German's part, this sort of situation was terrible, leaving him with the very worst of tastes in his mouth. Of course, the worst part being that he had... much like Calamity, led her on. On this part, he had grown up on, at least. Matters of the heart were not equivalent to kindness when they were one-sided and uninformed.

Delilah Black... a true asset, carrying engineering knowledge... gone. Probably slipped through the fissure of life and making for a successful career. Not that "Unfettered" could blame her... she was far too talented to be stuck at this school. Yet, "Unfettered" never did catch when... or if... she graduated. There was hope, however selfish it may be.

Fifty-seven seconds. Marina put her hand on the German's shoulder, shaking him out of weariness, his body shaking suddenly, regaining energy in a shot of adrenaline. Looking up wearily in a face he did not show the public, he looked down at the envelope in his hands.

"Unfettered's" hand reached for the letter opener.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

...One Day...
Theme Song: Someone Is Always Moving On The Surface from Armored Core for Answer

It took a while for "Unfettered" to stop crying. The letter lay on his desk, already dotted with tears. The carefully discovered photo... carefully held by Marina who had promptly put it next to an empty frame to be properly sealed away later. Marina had chosen to sit on the side of the edge of the German's bed, as "Unfettered" quietly held himself, shaking.

A terrible feeling welled up in her chest as she saw the unapproachable space with which the German surrounded himself.

...

"...Vith this..." he choked out quietly...

"...I cannot give up just yet."

"I cannot give into failure."

"...I cannot die. Not yet."

...Danke.

Gabriel Seran.

---

Real Time: 12:46 P.M. (Pacific)

Real Date: February 3, 2011

Current Cash: $868
Accepting: $9500
Total Cash Amount: $10,368

[David B.]

Approved.