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Post by Mitsuki Park on Mar 26, 2013 22:18:55 GMT -8
"...This is a sound idea. I am quite tethered to this area
and there might be more people willing to join us. But
before I can have you speaking on my behalf, I would
first like to know more about you. Please. Tell me about
yourself."
Man. Where to start?
The last time she was asked this question was during her first round of interviews for medical school...and even that was a struggle, because she wasn't used to talking about herself.
Conversation would go deep.
But first, she would start with a simple question. Not to change the subject, no- just a way to ease into..what would seem, a particularly heavy conversation.
"...how old is Oliver?"
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Post by Delilah A. Black on Mar 26, 2013 22:25:35 GMT -8
She raised a brow but didn't question it. She would just have to trust that it was relevant.
"He's five years, six months and seven days." which put him past the ancient Japanese tradition of waiting until a child was five years, five months, and five days old before teaching them how to fight. The young boy currently ran around with a tiny flip knife in his pocket.
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Post by Mitsuki Park on Mar 26, 2013 23:16:51 GMT -8
So not only were narrators of other characters introducing NPCs that had same/similar names as her daughter, BUT NOW--
"...Sierre was five," she would say quietly to herself, a slow sigh escaping her. There was just something about talking to another woman--
"My daughter. She was in kindergarden when the bombs fell. The building collapsed and everyone inside..." her voice trailed.
Imagine. Words could not express the deep, lingering pain of a mother's loss. Could Delilah empathize with her? Probably to an extent- Mitsuki was sure that there must have been times when Oliver was placed in immediate danger. The scare she must have received; the possibility of never seeing her son again.
"...I had to retrieve her mangled body amongst the rubble."
It was bloody. Torn. Unrecognizable. Her eyes closed, lips forming into a tight grimace as if she were reliving the moment. Her hands tightened reflexively around her coffee...before releasing another sigh. Her heart was so incredibly heavy.
"...not too long after, I found out my adopted parents had passed in New York."
One right after another. Loss, after loss, after loss, after loss...
She would chuckle quietly, and bitterly, to herself. She was clearly suffering from the classic case of survivor's guilt.
She changed the topic, a slight shake of the head.
"But before that, I attended 259 for three years and held the School Captain position, similarly, for three years. I graduated early and got accepted into a program that guaranteed a place in their medical school upon completing my undergraduate studies.
"After Barker hit, the Rebel factions pulled things together near the city. My brother, Reita, is one of the leading Captains. They were in need of attending physicians, so I worked for them- both on and off the field."
If it wasn't for Reita, Mitsuki would have probably gone insane. He had given her responsibilities to take on, because he needed her...and also as a means of distraction. Hospitals had been targets within the city of Chicago; the number of medical staff dwindled significantly, but the Rebels had been able to acquire more early on, hence, the reason why Mitsuki was allowed leave.
"...but working with an overprotective elder brother as your boss in a post-apocalyptic world has its downsides. I'm a wanderer- I was infamous at 259 for disappearing and reappearing-- "Unfettered" could attest to that."
Which was why, at least for the time being, she would not join any gangs. She had no qualms with taking orders from higher-ups...it was just the binding nature gangs had. She couldn't commit to that- she wouldn't.
She took a deep breath.
"Bearing a child changes one in drastic ways.
"...
"Losing a child...does the same."
Her eyes would flicker toward Delilah.
To say that losing her daughter made her stronger would only be a lie because Mitsuki did not fully believe it herself. But what she did know, was that losing Sierre was driving her forward in such startling ways...
She would fall silent.
If asked, she would elaborate more on her work in Chicago with the Rebels.
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Post by Delilah A. Black on Mar 28, 2013 0:17:26 GMT -8
"...Sierre was five,"
An expression of surprise, then sorrowful empathy masked Delilah's features. During the remainder of Mitsuki's explanation, her head would be bowed slightly, as if in prayer, hands clenching at the mention of finding her daughter's mangled body. She could imagine...and, on some level, she couldn't. Her son was alive and well, with her. What did this woman have?
A grave with her daughter's name on it.
The rest of her story was not much lighter. Her parents had died. She was made into a rebel where she never really belonged. Of course, she mentioned her time at two-five-nine...
...As she mentioned "Unfettered"'s name, her eyes snapped upwards to hers, almost surprised, though she shouldn't have been. An almost...defensive expression flitted over her features, but it quickly faded. Listening to what else the woman had to say, remaining quiet for a moment as if collecting her thoughts.
"...you are strong, she would say quietly, "I know exactly what would happen to me if my son would die. Thank you for....enduring. "
Another moment of silence would pass from Delilah before she would look up again. "What sort of things were you involved in during your time with the rebel faction?"
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Post by Mitsuki Park on Mar 28, 2013 8:43:53 GMT -8
Delilah's reaction to her mentioning "Unfettered" had not gone unnoticed. It certainly sparked a few questions for herself, concerning her relationship with him...and if she knew of her relationship with the one-eyed man. She and "Unfettered" certainly had a history that went from master/slave to rivals, as equals. But the rivalry between him and her had little to no progression, and in Mitsuki's opinion, she and he had parted on amicable terms. But her flash expression made her wonder what would spark this woman to react in such a manner.
Regardless.
"The Rebel groups that I speak of are, essentially, one group separated into five smaller ones spread across the city and suburban area of Chicago. Captains and Co-Captains were appointed to lead these factions by carrying out missions- whether it was to aid civillians or create functioning items that would prove useful in this post-apocalyptic society.
"I worked in 'The Haven', which is where most of the larger operations were held, as attending physician. Before that, I was part of a sixth group that aside from the Captains only a few select knew of. Our projects consisted of breaking and entering into Barker's territories to acquire information and materials that we didn't have on hand.
"Unfortunately, my--...the sixth group was disbanded by my elder brother when a project went wrong--"
... quiet pause.
"--we lost more than half our members. It was a ... devastating loss.
"I was the Captain of the sixth group because I was known for my stealth. As their leader, I took full responsibility and ownership of the loss."
Although she hadn't been the one that erred in the operation, this was the weight that the leadership role carried. The weight of one's own mistakes not only on the shoulders of the person in charge, but also those under them.
Her team. They were companions that had grown dear to her heart by the countless hours they spent together training; the secrecy of the group only bringing them closer together. More losses, more heartbreak.
"When my team was disbanded, I stayed within 'The Haven' to look after the wounded. Every once in a while I would be dispatched to different regions in the midwest with a couple guards to negotiate with gangs outside our alliance."
So she had some experience in working as a representative. Though- the reason her brother sent her instead of others was exactly for that reason: she was his brother. Reita had a formidable reputation in the midwest and Mitsuki was his shadow. Not that she minded- in fact, playing the supporting role actually fit her better than the leading one. Being the School Captain of 259 would be a testament to that- she wasn't a great one...but apparently she left behind quite a legacy, hehe.
And, just for the sake of letting her know:
"I was informed that Texas was full of resistance against Barker's forces. If permission is granted, Texas would be my first stop and I would not be travelling alone. David Blaze has agreed to be of aid."
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Post by Delilah A. Black on Apr 5, 2013 1:14:41 GMT -8
Delilah listened to Mitsuki's explanation of her time as a rebel in the Chicago area. It sounded honest, particularly because she seemed quite modest about her own accomplishments, (much like Delilah herself was), but truthful. Not bragging, but informative. Her mention of David also piqued her interest; she had been wondering what the Storm Dragon had been up to. Now she had an idea, at least.
Draining the rest of her coffee, Delilah would nod at Mistuki with a small smile. "I would be honoured to call you my representative. But what does that mean to you? What will you practice?
"And do you have any additional questions for me?"
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Post by Mitsuki Park on Apr 10, 2013 13:49:08 GMT -8
If she were being 100% open with Delilah, she would say that being a representative of anyone wouldn't mean much once she stepped foot in the more Southern territories. If anything, being her representative was just a means, or avenue, for Mitsuki to bring in connections in the larger sceme of bringing down Barker. And even then- even with the Allied Forces, to which Mitsuki had hoped would include those even outside this country, they probably wouldn't make too much of a difference. Perhaps a couple dents in Barker's stronghold...but that would be more than enough to bring up the morale in soldiers and civillians alike.
So then, what did it mean to her?
For some reason, Mitsuki found it difficult to find a static answer because the narrator didn't quite understand LAHL. With every person she met, every discussion she had...things were constantly developing, building off from a base; a foundation.
A pause.
"Being a representative of yourself, on behalf of the Allied Forces...might mean nothing to those who don't understand the necessity of unification to rise against Barker.
"...a lot of civillians have built a sense of hope in the gods and what they offer, but for myself that is not enough.
"But if everyone bands together under a single goal... It makes me wonder--"
She smiled briefly. Hope...was such a lofty ideal these days. If they destroyed Barker, then that single goal would be utterly obliterated. Then, it would turn into a struggle against each other. Which super power would rise to the top? That was, perhaps, one of the greatest potential downfalls. This was the reason why her smile had dropped. Troubles would not end after this war- another one may just rise up immediately after.
No longer a struggle against Barker, but each other. This would be something they would have to address after there was an Allied Forces...but it didn't hurt to start thinking of possible solutions beforehand. She was sure Delilah probably thought the same...but the risk- the risk was so worth it. Because the potential for it not happening at all was the same.
And to her second question:
"...in most cases, a representative of another is usually someone close; someone who's able to speak on behalf not based on politics, but of relations."
Meaning... Mitsuki and Delilah didn't know each other save for only what they've heard. Granted, a lot of characters within the other were revealed in this meeting alone, but in order for Mitsuki to properly speak on behalf of Delilah... Unfortunately, time was of the essence. Although they may have time for another meeting or two, would that really be enough?
"...what's your story, Delilah?"
Her question was asked softly- not from one comrade to another, but held an undertone as a...friend.
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Post by Delilah A. Black on Apr 18, 2013 0:10:08 GMT -8
"Being a representative of yourself, on behalf of the Allied Forces...might mean nothing to those who don't understand the necessity of unification to rise against Barker.
"...a lot of civillians have built a sense of hope in the gods and what they offer, but for myself that is not enough.
"But if everyone bands together under a single goal... It makes me wonder--"
Delilah nodded her head in agreement, still smiling. The mechanic didn't actually think that highly of her own name, and outside of the immediate area, she and the Crows were probably an unknown. But if so many were united under a single banner...what would the future hold, then?
Delilah had hopes there, and ideas. But that was so far off in the distance that the raven haired woman was very much aware that it wouldn't need to be a consideration for some time. Get the people lined up first, give the world a fighting chance, and then they could talk about 'after'.
"...in most cases, a representative of another is usually someone close; someone who's able to speak on behalf not based on politics, but of relations."
Complete and full agreement there, to which she responded by nodding her head. She didn't just want non aggression treaties and bargains made in haste, she wanted lasting alliances that went beyond political desires.
"...what's your story, Delilah?"
Delilah blinked and let out a low whistle. Hoo boy. Now that was a question.
"That depends...are we talking professionally, my personal life, or all of the above?"
She was fine with answering any of the above, but she needed to know, lest she keep the woman pinned her under the boring tale of a life story she didn't really want to hear.
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Post by Mitsuki Park on Apr 24, 2013 21:46:44 GMT -8
Because Mitsuki would be working with Delilah on a professional level from here on out, she figured- that side of Del, she would get to know naturally over time.
"Personal."
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Post by Delilah A. Black on Apr 26, 2013 0:36:49 GMT -8
Delilah nodded her head and closed her eyes for a moment, letting out a long, slow breath. Where else to begin but from the beginning?
"I was raised in Beverly Hills," she started slowly, her voice wistful, remembering. Her chin lifted to face Mitsuki, but her eyes were still closed. "I'm an only child of a marketing mogul and a trophy wife, and I was an angry little thing hell bent on bullying people to do my bidding. I started ninjutsu when I was eight to help curb my anger and give me discipline.
"When I was twelve, I was attacked on my way home from one of these classes and my father was killed in our home. It was a hired hit and no one was sure who the killers were or why I had been attacked as well. Shortly after, my mother married my father's best friend, to give me a father figure. He got me into auto-mechanics and engineering. He died when I was fourteen from a heart attack.
"At that point, my mother had to go away on 'business' in England and sent me to a boarding school. That...didn't last long. I was stagnating and I was as angry as before, more so now that I felt abandoned. I dropped out and enrolled with a forged signature in two-five-nine. Right around that time, you were school captain.
"I made ends meet by fixing stuff and working for 'Unfettered' in his Deutsch restaurant as a cook. Not long after that I found out my mother had died overseas under suspicious circumstances. I was called to identify her remains, then I traveled the world for a while. When I came back, I had a huge inheritance that I used to buy a nice house with and moved in with my boyfriend and a good friend of mine. After that was the correctional facility incident. I joined Militia to help 'Unfettered', who by this point was a very dear friend of mine. After that, the school collapsed due to an earthquake which we were both caught in."
Delilah would pause here as her eyes opened and turned slightly to the side. Was there a little bit of colour on those alabaster cheeks?
"I was transferred to San Francisco to Public High School forty-two to observe Militia activity going on there. During a mission involving taking the two-five-nine transfers back to Long Beach, I was caught and arrested for a variety of gang related crimes that were mostly bull-shit. I took the fall, though. I didn't want Militia to come under scrutiny. So, off to prison I went.
"It was...I was assaulted by my cell mates while I was there about two weeks in. I snapped and killed one and maimed the other two. I was transferred to a mental hospital where I was trying to get over my psychotic break when I was accidentally reintroduced to my mother, who was not dead, but alive. She admitted to calling the hit on both my father and I for reasons I still do not know; she probably owed money and thought she would get a huge life insurance pay out from both my dad and I, but I don't know for sure. I never got a chance to ask her...I relapsed and attacked her. I haven't seen her since.
"Soon after, 'Unfettered' sent 'Teal' to break me out. After that I learned I was three months pregnant.
"The last few years before the bombs fell were spent with me preparing Militia and their vehicles for the inevitable battle with Barker, which I was not a part of. And now...here I am."
She smiled and turned her eyes back to Mitsuki at last, looking apologetic. "Questions?"
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Post by Mitsuki Park on Apr 28, 2013 18:00:15 GMT -8
Woah. This girl went through a shit-hole of a hell and back not just once, but multiple times. If Mitsuki hadn't had respect for the First based off her title, she certainly had some for the her now...even moreso that this was an account of her life before the apocalypse had happened. She could only imagine the struggles she had gone through, especially with having a son, after Barker hit. But man-- that was a lot to take in in one sitting.
She did have a couple questions- most notably regarding "Unfettered" and his companion "Teal", and this boyfriend of hers; a topic that also included her son. But, those questions would be saved for another day, when their meeting was less business-y and more casual.
Instead:
"May I ask where you were? When the battle with Barker happened?"
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Post by Delilah A. Black on Apr 29, 2013 0:46:38 GMT -8
Delilah scowled at the next question she asked, though not at Mitsuki nor her question; rather, at the memory.
"At home. Tending to my son and the affairs of everyone who went off on that suicide mission. 'Unfettered' wouldn't allow me to take part in the final battle because of Oliver. In the months and years prior, I opened up a little auto body shop that I occasionally used for less-than-legal purposes to outfit Militia's vehicles and fund the gang with what was left of my parents' inheritance."
Happening to glance down at her hand, she was surprised to find her fist clenched so tightly the knuckles stood out white against her already pale skin. She smirked at herself and forced the hand to relax. "Because I wasn't allowed to be there, several of the people I'd come to know as family were badly hurt or killed. 'Unfettered' and 'Teal' were shot during the incident, for instance. If I had been there..."
She stopped herself biting her lower lip for a moment as if in restraint. No. That was past her now. She might not have been there then, but she was here now, and now was what mattered.
And after all that, she would still go to the ends of the Earth for the white haired German.
Blue eyes flicked back up to Mitsuki and she offered her a terse smile. "Sorry. Got a bit off track there. If I hadn't stayed home, my son would undoubtedly be dead, and 'Unfettered' at least is alive, so I'm grateful for that, at least.."
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Post by Mitsuki Park on May 11, 2013 11:06:34 GMT -8
OOC: Sorrz about late reply!
Of course. Mitsuki already knew that the reason for her not joining the battle was somehow tied to her son. There was no strength comparable to a mother's wrath when a child is put at risk- therefor, in many situations, there was no one more suitable to 'guard' a child than the mother. She could not help but think that, if Delilah had been in "Unfettered's" position, and someone else in hers, she would have ordered the same.
"Because I wasn't allowed to be there,
several of the people I'd come to know
as family were badly hurt or killed. 'Unfettered'
and 'Teal' were shot during the incident, for
instance. If I had been there..."
A part of Mitsuki wanted to tell Delilah that, yes, there were certain situations where the fault of the damage received rested upon the absence of an individual. But in Delilah's case, she didn't think the deaths or injuries of her 'family' were a burden for her shoulders. If she had been there, perhaps those events could have been avoided. But, as she said so herself- she would have lost her son.
But it seemed that the two girls had some things in common. That was in the past- dwelling on it almost seemed futile; learn what you must, then move on. Questions of 'what if' were only detrimental to the psyche and mental/emotional stability. From what Mitsuki had observed from the broken in Chicago, those that lived in the past were broken records.
And her next words.
So that's why 'he' doesn't exist. No doubt "Unfettered" knew of 'him' being alive and well. So, what was the reason behind it? Now, Mitsuki was curious. Ah- but unfortunately, she wouldn't have anyone to ask. She wasn't supposed to be alone with "Unfettered" anyway- or at least, that was the warning given to her. But she could ask 'him'. 'He' had given her a means to meet with him a second time, after all. But yeah- she wasn't supposed to know of Teal and his existence anyway, so she wouldn't even bother commenting on him. It seemed she didn't know of anyone that "Unfettered" was close to. Back in high school, he largely kept his private business his, and she, hers. The only thing she even really knew about him was of his dissociative identity disorder back when he was either known as "Thrush" or "Winters". Heh.
Regardless, if she was close to "Unfettered", then perhaps she knew of Emily's death? But this was also something she wanted to ask the 'Zero' himself.
"If you were a part of Militia, then I'm sure you're familiar with Emily Delos Santos?"
She was, besides Olesya, the closest thing Mitsuki had to a female friend. So of course it would pique Mitsuki's interest when she found out that the girl had been murdered - on school grounds, no less. Of course, she had no knowledge of Emily's actions toward "Unfettered". The Emily that Mitsuki knew was the shy, timid, and frail little creature who just so happened to be in love with the white haired German. So to think that someone would have a personal vendetta against her, as Kazuya speculated, kind of went over her head.
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Post by Delilah A. Black on May 17, 2013 19:55:36 GMT -8
"If you were a part of Militia, then I'm sure you're familiar with Emily Delos Santos?"
The chill of a ghostly hand caressing her spine sent a small shiver coursing through the raven haired woman. Her mouth suddenly became dry like cotton, her tongue clumsy between her teeth. The mechanic let out a tired sigh, blue eyes listing lighty to the left.
"I was, yes. She was my ex-boyfriend's younger sister."
A small pause accentuated by the grim line of her mouth.
"...she was also a friend. How did you know her?"
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Post by Mitsuki Park on May 17, 2013 20:43:15 GMT -8
She had an older brother? Heh...well, Mitsuki never really knew Emily outside of formalities and occasional one on ones. The only reason Mitsuki knew Emily was in love with "Unfettered" was because Emily requested to meet up with Mitsuki for the sole purpose of knowing more about him.
"She was my pillar..also a friend."
Her three pillars were all people Mitsuki grew to love in her own way. Zachariah "Saint" Rose, her Student Body President- wise and always collected, preferencing words over action. David Blaze, her Varsity Captain- well-rounded in all aspects, the reason why she handed her title to him prior to graduating #259. And Emily Delos Santos, her Head of School Newsletter- information junkie, completely lacking any fear of condemning anyone, including Mitsuki.
"I was hoping you or "Unfettered" might be able to shed some light on her death."
If they knew anything about it, that is. The only thing Mitsuki wanted to know was why, and not even for herself. It was a question Kazuya was also wondering, and Kaori...his daughter, for being so bright? Mitsuki wouldn't be surprised if she began to wonder in the years to come, too.
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