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 Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 1:51 pm
No...
Was his only response. He saw the attack in the way she moved, the way her weight was carried, the way her foot hit the ground and she swung around. It was clear to him now, she thought he was somebody else and if he attacked, there was no way she would believe it was him.
Her aura seemed filled with anger, but it lacked the black stillness of murderous intent. There was only one course of action left open to him. One way to prove himself.
Lucind, I would never...
His eyes just gazed directly into hers bleeding nothing but innocent.
THWACK!
The sound of very stern staff strike, smacking Maximos directly in the neck. There was a wet gasp, his face cringing as the quick stabbing pain shot down his spine and back up. Without delay his body jerked to side, his foot stomping to the side to catch himself. His elbow resting against his knee keeping his body propped up.
Something was off, he could feel it. He knew he was still but it felt like the room was spinning around him, the ground was tilting and such. He could have perhaps made a sweep at her attacking leg, or tried to catch the staff before it reached him. But wouldnt that have been what, "he", would have done that?
But would this mysterious attack she believed the humble shadow to be, simply take the blow?
His right hand rose to grab his neck, simply clutching the impact point squeezing gently. With a bit of a wince on his features his eyes looked up at Lucind. He would convince her, no matter the cost.
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Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 2:37 pm
"...aww, c'mon...can't be all. You're disappointing me..."
Siren words, mumbled, hissed.
"So..let me see...let's see what we got here...right in there...let me...in..."
Siren words that finally melted, formed a low chant, still interrupted by muttered thoughts every now and then.
If Maximos didn't intervene by then, when he touched his neck, Lucind would make a rash kick, supposed to hit his shoulder and make him fall over on his back - if only on his behind, she'd make sure he was soon lying flat down on the muddy ground, straddled by her smaller form, feeling her staff squeezing his throat rather unceremoniously.
The look on her face. Hunted. Mental...almost. Driven by some unrelenting urge to find out the truth.
And while she tried to pin him down, that chant, no, melody would become louder - though maybe only in his ears. The same theme, repeated again and again. Growing in its demand.
It was an imperative, impatient form of a luody aven wa - a "bridge to the soul" -, a Siren's way to peek into one's mind. Or dig even deeper.
Yet, all she wanted was to scan the man's psychic signature. To see who he was...or what.
It was no gentle prodding, asking for entrance. No friendly sneaking in.
She simply attempted to breach all mental walls on the first level of his mind instantly. To forcefully penetrate that first layer of psionic barriers, again proving the increase of her power.
Only a moment.
Just a moment, cowering on top of him.
"....!!"
A choked gasp, clouded eyes cleared instantly and shot open.
The e'shaton shrunk back. A pearl was clutched tightly.
And in the same moment, the Half-Siren nearly jumped off the man, as if she'd just burned herself severely.
Half stumbling, half crawling, she retreated as fast as possible, until her back met a stack of wooden boxes, filled with vegetables.
So she simply remained sitting like this. All the while staring at him in shock, tousled strands stucking to her face, panting.
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Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 3:19 pm
She packed quite a wallop, his neck was already stiffening like a board. Something about the low tune escaping her dug into a deep part of his memory. It seemed familiar, as if it had graced his ears in the past and yet he had never heard it. His mouth was just slightly agape, as if was about to speak though the only sound escaping his lips was a loud "Oomph", as a vicious kick smacked his shoulder, knocking his elbow off of his knee and sending him back onto his rump. He fell hard, and with a splash. Mud, dirt, and various odd fluids that had poured from the garbage into the ground below puddling into a wonderfully nasty soup, all splashed upward and outwards coating staining the black a plethora of different colors. But his eyes never left Lucind, and there was something of a small smile forming on his face. It wasnt that this was funny now, but in a bit he thought they would have a good laugh about this moment. Before he had a moment to speak, or try and shove himself up from the mess Lucind rushed in, before he could say his own name she was atop him straddling his form, with her staff shoved into his neck severely limiting his air supply. But nothing would take the smile off of his face. Not the stink of the dank alley way, not the pressure on his neck, not even the position they were in. If anything, though he would never admit it, that last bit made the smile grow just a tad. His eyes met hers. His smile versus her unrelenting intensity. And then it came to him...that song, he knew where it was from. And as the realization struck him he could feel a tingle in the back of his mind...it was like someone was trying to kick down the door and enter his consciousness. Quote: Voice In The Crowd - How do pick out a single voice across an ocean of millions? How do you have a conversation you can only hear a single person at a time, and each person only has a piece? If you can fool one, how do you fool them all? And if you can find nothing else, how do you hold onto yourself? The answer is simple. You do not. Such is the form of Maximos' mind to onlookers. With every past consumed soul having a voice directly beside every passing shadow, Maximos' mind is like a labyrinth. Attempts at mind control, mind reading, mental illusionary tactics, all fall flat. A single voice in the crown being confused, controlled, or thrown off, only to be immediately overwhelmed and silenced. Any visitors should be very wary of getting lost. Maximos' eyes closed gently, the smile staying pursed on his features. Lucind would kick open the defenses with vicious force. She would be assaulted with a few scattered memories of carnage and combat, like splinters shattering off the door. Those memories after all, are what formed his outer defenses. And immediately after she would, be presented with countless millions of voices screaming at her. She had been in this mind before, she had swam through crowd and in the past they were screaming in agony. Though today they seemed simply lost in a conversation with each other, it was as if they hadnt noticed her entrance. For the average person, these people would begin taking a formation, forming the turns and tunnels of a maze, but for Lucind they simply parted like the Red Sea. An ocean of people divided leaving a single path, to a single truth. Only for her. You see, Lucind was a welcomed guest in this convention of souls. As she pulled back, she would see Maximos, with a smile on his face and closed eyes beneath her. The eyes slowly opened, his right hand slipping to his side as he hoisted himself up to a sitting position. He knew his mind held some horrors, and maybe that was why she jumped away. He never imagined it could be the few strikes he had taken. His left plopped the package in his lap, and his right, scratched back of his head nervously. I know its a mess, but its not that bad. Are you ok, Lady Lucind?
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Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 3:44 pm
For a moment, she remained unmoving, as if it took her a while to understand what he was saying.
Then her stare turned into an unbelieving gaze. Calling him an idiot now would've perfectly matched this expression.
Instead, you could just see her jaw working, muscles twitching.
Not out of anger, though.
Lucind turned her head sidewards, intently focussing on a vague spot on the ground. She cursed the scarf that prevented her hair from veiling her face, from hiding the tears and the shame in her eyes.
"Shut up..."
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Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 4:32 pm
Oh no...Lucind...
If there was one thing, one solitary sight that could be called Maximos' weakness, that was it. He simply could not stand seeing a lady cry, not for any reason. That was double when it was a lady he cared for. Lucind was a lady, and she was crying. It was his job to comfort her, period no exceptions.
The aches across his form didnt matter, neither did the sludge, or the smell. His body lurched forward, onto his feet taking a few steps to close the difference between them. His hand reached out very gently grasping her right, his eyes turning to meet hers.
Dont cry...
He said, gently squeezing her hand. She would be able to feel a pulse in his hand. He was alive. Moreso than before, his skin was pale but there real red blood pulsing through it. He was breathing, honest breaths. This was a real human body, not the shadow shell he had before.
...Its alright...
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Posted: Mon May 21, 2007 11:00 pm
With him approaching and finally kneeling down next to her, the woman's head just slumped down a bit more in an attempt to not face him at all.
The touch of his hand made her knit her brows and bite her lip hard - and she squeezed her eyes shut for a moment, breathing in deeply, while first tears glistened on her lashes.
And then:
...Its alright...
"No, it's not!"
Lucind pulled back her hand, her head jolting up to glare at him, pain written all over her sweaty face.
"It's not alright at all!!"
She stood up, once more bringing some space between them.
Didn't he understand?
"This isn't how it was supposed to be," she whispered, her back turned towards him, paying a quick glance at the ruby sitting on her glove.
"This mustn't be real. ...you mustn't be real..."
It really would've never occured to her he might be Maximos - and not some trap, set up by those being after her. Her own people...
She'd expected to expose the foul trick and deal with the puppet accordingly.
"Not like this...not...like this."
Shaking hands brushed some strands out of her face, leaving muddy traces.
This was so not right.
And she was no longer able to repress those memories, those images.
That day.
Those two boys, reunited.
Young Maximos leaving with that stranger.
Her waking up in a tent outside the stadium walls.
Enki finding her...crying.
"---!"
Turning right, her fist collided hard with the wall.
"...ngh."
Lucind felt her last pieces of resistance and resolution crumble.
Wrapping an arm around her waist, the other leaned against the wall, she just stood there, feeling herself trembling with sobs climbing up her throat.
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Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 2:14 am
Of course its me!
He said, with no real discernible desperation. It was more of a childish way of simplifying an issue to its bare bones. It was a gift, and a curse, and one of those things Maximos just had a knack or. How could he prove it was him in any way other than simply being himself!
Her jerking motion of her hand didnt in the slightest offset him. What was important, was to see her smile. To make her feel better, it was his duty as a gentleman, but infinitely more importantly as a friend.
Who else could it be? Who else could see the highest reaches of Heaven, the lowest bowels of Hell, and find nothing to compare to your cherry chocolate cake and caramel mac....maccichitano.
He seemed very proud of himself at mastering that word. Despite how badly he had just butchered it, in his mind it was accurate. And ever present on his face was that indomitable smile. The way she whispered, her chosen words...the way her body language. Everything showed her pain, and beyond that bright smile Maximos quite honestly felt for her, he felt her pain just as clearly as he saw it. And he wanted to do whatever he could to make things better. Even if it was just giving her something to smile about.
Even though he honestly believed he had said the word right. She struck the wall, and he winced reaching his hand out to gently move hers away from the wall. Something was wrong something was deeply and sincerely wrong. Something other than the few hits she had mistakenly tossed his way. For a moment, his more serious side shown through, thought still tempered with a slightly lesser smile.
What happened Lucind...what did I miss?
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Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 5:20 am
"..."
She slowly turned towards him, not looking up, but reaching out for him and grabbing the front of his jacket, as if she was about shake him or something along those lines. But nothing happened, aside from Lucind trying to calm down, which took her a while.
Finally, she straightened and once more pulled back her hand out of his, slowly this time. The woman took the scarf off her head - and used it to clean face and nose, then throwing the piece of cloth in one of those garbage cans.
"You still don't get it now, do you...," she stated quietly, sounding exhausted. And still, she wasn't able to look in Maximos' eyes, while and after walking back over to him.
"All the time...frankly, I often didn't even dare to hope it might come true one day...that you'd return...
I know it's you...I just saw it. And that's why...that's why...
I wanted to give you a decent welcome. It should've been somewhere else. Somewhere nice.
Not...like this..."
She rubbed her wrist.
"Also, I wanted to find out if maybe it was my fault that..you had to...pass on... Everyone asked me what had happened. And I only told the truth. Still, I could see it in their eyes. Many of them didn't really believe my words.
Thus, I also thought I'd like to make up..by serving you as many macchiatos as you can drink...at least something like this."
Trying to smile actually didn't work out. Instead she had to fight a new wave of tears and Lucind felt somewhat relieved her hair now covered a good part of her face.
"Aside from all that, thing's are just a bit off at the moment, to say the least."
After a long moment, she raised her head ever so slowly, gazing right in his eyes.
Actually, crying a bit had made her feel better, despite the light headache now throbbing in her temples.
And Lucind knew that she didn't only break out in tears because she had utterly wronged Maximos - but also because she felt nothing but relieved.
That he had come back.
That someone she'd missed dearly had returned. Someone she wished to lean against, to just forget all troubles for a moment. And maybe even find advice.
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Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 3:00 pm
He paused for a moment, taking in the depth of it all. So very much had passed since he passed. And he had placed a terrible weight on Lucind's shoulders.
I'm so sorry for the trouble I've caused. None of it was your fault, Lady Lucind, you did what no other had ever done for me...
He said, reassuringly reaching out and placing his right on Lucind's shoulder, his left resting on the opposite shoulder. His voice was kind and gentle as was the gentle look on his eyes, and face.
...You saved me. All that matters, is I'm here now.
It was true, he may have envisioned a journey to the cafe, a few tears and a laughs shared over a drink. But those were just details, in his simple mind all that mattered was that they were actually able to meet. Here they were...he had missed her...he had missed her more than he knew before he saw her face...before...
No, one thing at a time. That would have to wait...
Just seeing you again is the best welcome I could have ever been given...
She may have hid her eyes from his view, but he gazed directly at where here eyes should be, hoping for just a glance. His left hand gently sliding across her shoulder in an attempt to cup the side of her face, and coax her into looking at him.
He could feel the sobs, and if the tears actually fell, his warm hand would move to gently swipe them away. This wasnt a time for sadness, but for joy!
And maybe an icepack.
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Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 6:06 pm
She just smiled, allowing him to take care of the few tears that wanted to make their way down her cheek - even slightly nuzzling against the touch.
"Actually I've just done my...'job'. Helping a soul...curing...or even giving aid if its deepest wish is to leave this plane.
Wasn't the same that time, though. It's...well, it's always different if you're taking care of some stranger or..."
When she looked up at him, all tears were gone. And, as a matter of fact, Lucind was a bit embarassed right then. She knew she was looking quite messy, to put it mildly, but tried to forget about it for now and cleared her throat.
"So, what about finding a more comfortable place?
At Feimurgan I can also take care of your neck." Lucind smiled apologetically - she knew she'd never have a laugh, looking back on her fault.
"And...I'd like to know what's happened to you. ...if you can tell, that is. - You talked about heaven and hell: sounds like an insider trip you won't find with any travelling agency around I'd say."
Grinning lightly, she waited for his response. If he wasn't against her suggestion, she'd slowly move on to get back on the alley.
"Ah and, by the way..." Stopping at the passage that led into the back yard, she turned around, or rather looked over her shoulder, smiling softly.
"Please, skip the 'lady'. Makes me sound like something I'm not.
I...don't want to offend you cause I know how you mean it, still..."
The Half-Siren ran a hand through her hand, lost for better words to explain her request.
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Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 7:54 pm
Deep inside, it comforted him to know that he was different that her normal jobs. It always means something to know that you mean something to someone. Her tears were dried, and embarrassment looked far better on her.
Indeed! This alley smells a bit...odd.
His eyes scanned to the restaurant they were parked behind. Wondering how much if anything they had seen.
And those people are likely about to ask uncomfortable questions.
In a most embarrassed way he rubbed the side of his neck, a slight bruise starting to form at the impact point. He played it off rather well though.
His footsteps keeping him beside her as they made their way out of the alleyway.
Lucind...
He paused, with a bright smile across his face, his eyes scanning the sky above him. He had fond memories, and a few not so fond ones.
...I've seen things you simply would not believe. Life, Death, and everything in between. But I can do better than tell you, I can show you...I've brought gifts!
He held up the box he had kept near him during the whole of this encounter. It was something very precious to him, but he wouldnt actually open it until they were comfortably seated in the Feimurgan. He just sort of chuckled at her request and nodded.
As you wish La--Lucind.
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Posted: Thu May 24, 2007 11:53 am
"Gifts?" She raised a brow in curiosity.
"Heh, gifts are always good," she grinned as they made their way back.
Once they'd entered the masses on Latent's streets, Lucind fell silent. She just wanted to focus on the fact that Maximos was back. Wanted to enjoy their walk, holding back all questions for later.
However, he likely could tell the Half-Siren still didn't fully relax but was secretly scanning her surroundings every now and then...
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Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 6:28 pm
There was a short whistling noise on the outskirts of the great city, before a small boom rang out over the outer walls.
But this wasn't an attack. Shells weren't raining down on the fair city, it was simply John Tomorrow performing another perfect crash landing into the beach on the outskirts of the city.
Sand rained down around him as he picked himself up, spitting sand out of his mouth and brushing it from his coat and hair. Although he leapt great distances with rather good accuracy, landings were always a problem. There was many a hole or crater with bootprints leading from them all around Gaia where John had misjudged a wind or a distance and landed...a little haphazardly.
Shaking the sand from his hair, he stood upright and began to walk towards the coastline, coming up to the rolling waves as foam spread over the sandy shore. He wouldn't have to wait long for his companion to arrive - he would've flown up and out of the blast radius, knowing him...
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Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 6:50 pm
Tomorrow was correct, Maximos had no desire to receiving a sand bath. He hovered just above the blast radius shaking his head. He could see 12 families trying to enjoy a peaceful day when an explosion shook them. He could see the ripple from the whiplash leveling 3 sand castles, tossing sand on 2 lunches. He saw armed guards dash to the scene and watching Tomorrow shrug off all the damage he had caused by his mere arrival and make his way to the shoreline.
In vastly different form Maximos hovered down, his boots cutting off just before the sand letting him land with a gently tap at Tomorrow's left.
And your kind wonders why your hunted...
He shook his head.
Your a living obstruction to the peace.
There was a sigh, as he knelt down dipping his hand in the sand and letting a small passing trickle of water wash it clean.
Does this place have significance to you? A memory perhaps?
He didnt have to remind Tomorow why he was here. He turned his and simply met his friends glance after asking the simple question.
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Posted: Fri May 25, 2007 6:57 pm
John had learned to let the gripes of people wash off him, and so he waded through the many mean glares and angry looks that came his way. Maximos' words, however, hurt. What would he know about being in John's boots? Thanks to John's weight and size, he couldn't drive a car, ride in a boat or fly in a plane. The only way he could get around was either to walk, run, or leap.
But then, that wasn't the reason they were here.
"Yes, Maximos. To the both of us...although you probably don't remember." John said, a little condescendingly, as he watched a small child cry over his sand castle. "...But then, maybe you do. Or maybe you could read my shadow and find out?"
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