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 Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 1:25 am
All in all, Remarque had partaken in a relatively pleasant day. Spending time with friends, going to the movies, filling up on junk food—he couldn’t complain. With the next day off from school and with his schedule free from work, he had been entertaining the idea of coming out to gather some energy.
It had been an idea he wrestled very severely with. When he’d woken up that morning, he suspected he was on the cusp of illness and had taken every precaution he could think of to avoid it, however even the threat of worsening his condition wasn’t enough to keep him away from his job.
Though Jett valued his health substantially, he could not imagine abandoning his duties, and the truth was that he was addicted to the power that came with parading around the city as Sailor Remarque. He wasn’t going to let a little sniffle weigh him down. Besides, with a few extra fruits, vitamins and sleep at night, he was sure he’d be better in no time. He just needed to collect a little energy, get out of the cold, and then go curl up in bed once he’d worn himself out a little more.
He was perusing the back alleyways of Destiny City for energy, as it seemed the park was relatively empty this evening, though was careful to stick to the less populated areas so he didn’t wind up overexerting himself.
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Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 10:36 am
It was her first patrol, and Sailor Tsui took pride in that fact, though she wished it could have came AFTER she got sick. But that just seemed to be how her luck went, and she certainly had a feeling that it was simply karma trying to catch up with her for all those times she skipped classes. Now that she had a reason to skip class, due to legitimate illness, she wished for good health. How ironic. "Oh, suck it up, Tsui," Tsui told herself, stopping from her patrol only to blow her nose and carried on. Thus far, the patrol had been quiet, though admittedly she had no idea what she was patrolling for and what to expect. Well, except youma. "Don't sense them, yet... but then again, this damned cold could be interfering with that." She rounded another corner, pleased to see that there were no youma in plain sight, but she remained aware. While she couldn't sense them, she could definitely feel a sense of apprehension trying to warn her about something, and it wasn't just another sneeze coming. 'Someone is nearby, and I don't think they're a normal human...'Like the beast her sphere represented, Sailor Tsui lightened her steps and slowed her pace, and she half expected whomever it was to appear behind her. Then again, what dark, back alley WASN'T screaming for an ambush?
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Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 1:41 pm
It wasn’t behind her Tsui had to worry about—it was in front of her.
Though the cold Remarque had developed wasn’t entirely debilitating, it had left his nerves just a little shot. He had no idea that there was a senshi right around the corner of the alley, so when he turned—and came face to face with a girl he’d never seen. He stiffened, and stood up a bit taller; he had been surprised by her sudden presence though wanted to give no indication that she had succeeded in startling him.
“Well now,” he blurted, trying to recover and slip back into his role as charmer. A senshi he’d never met before meant an opportunity to try and sway them in favor of the Dark Mirror Court. It also meant it was probably best if you weren’t about to dribble snot all over them and definitely would have helped if your head wasn’t feeling so stuffy you weren’t thinking properly, but—whatever. He could ride with this. “Awfully suspicious to be lurking about in alleys like this, don’t you think?” he quipped, taking a small step backwards to put a bit of distance between them. Already inching towards sickness, he didn’t want her germs sullying his immune system any more than it already was.
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Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 12:17 am
Tsui was just as surprised as Remarque was, though even on her best days she didn't have much of a poker face. One could easily read the alarm in her eyes, but once she realized that it wasn't a youma, she gradually began to relax. No, he certainly wasn't a youma, unless youma could talk coherently and look rather stunning in the process, but Tsui could definitely look at him and see that he was a Senshi, like herself. 'He's not the same one that rescued me that day,' Tsui thought silently to herself as she looked him over from head to toe. There was something about him that made Tsui apprehensive, but she merely mistook it for her usual female hormones... and this damned cold. "Well now," the other Senshi said, drawing the Tiger Senshi's attention back to his face (though Tsui wouldn't object to having to stare at it for awhile longer). "Awfully suspicious to be lurking about in alleys like this, don't you think?"Sailor Tsui shrugged, noticing him keeping his distance and figuring that her obvious cold had a lot to do with it. How useless were these powers if she still got sick like this? "I could say the same for you. Unless this is your turf for patrolling... I'm Sailor Tsui, Senshi of Tigers, and new to this gig." She had little to fear but she remained alert and aware. She couldn't ignore the uneasy feeling in her gut, nor could she pinpoint its reasoning. She certainly didn't sense a youma nearby... However, she tried her best to keep her brave front forward in front of him; she didn't want him to get the wrong idea. "And you are?"
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Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 2:00 am
Turf? For patrolling? Oh, damn, she was clearly very new if no one had warned her about the Dark Mirror Court yet—never mind the fact that she had just announced it. This would have been the perfect opportunity to try and win her over to his side before she had time to connect with the other senshi, though it was going to be a hell of a lot harder now that he had this cold fogging up his mind.
Remarque took up a more laid back posture, standing a little taller as he observed her. She wasn’t unpleasant to look at, he just wished he didn’t have a nearly overwhelming urge to blow his nose or sniffle right now. Fighting against his congestion, he was determined not to let it affect his voice too much. “Super Sailor Remarque. Dark Mirror Senshi of Puppetry,” he introduced. “And I’d say it’s just made my evening to meet you, Tsui. Here I was, thinking I’d only have vagabonds and miscreants to socialize with, but you? You are looking so much better than them right now. Tell me, though.”
Remarque paused, taking time to move a little closer to the senshi, eyeing her in an only slightly less than predatory manner. In a tone that was curious, yet not quite concerned, he asked, “If you’re so new, what are you doing out here alone? Didn’t the senshi warn you that it’s dangerous to be out this late, all by yourself?”
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Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2012 12:31 am
It had been a trying week for Sailor Tsui, to say the least, and her mind drew a blank when he introduced himself. 'Super Sailor Remarque... Dark Mirror Senshi?' She mused the name to herself, hanging onto the term 'Dark Mirror' and immediately puzzled by it. Pippin had never brought up the term, at least not to her recollection, and it would certainly explain the dark attire that Remarque wore. 'Then again, I have some black on my fuku as well...'Needless to say that she was flattered by his remark, though she wasn't completely clueless to how... suave, he made it sound. It was necessarily a flirt, but she could tell that he was trying to butter her up or appease to her better nature. Which meant that he wanted something from her, though what, she didn't know. She couldn't ignore the curiosity behind his words, as he asked, "If you’re so new, what are you doing out here alone? Didn’t the senshi warn you that it’s dangerous to be out this late, all by yourself?” "They did, but that's the part of being a Senshi, so I'm told," Tsui answered honestly, feeling a sneeze coming on and concentrating on trying to stop it. Now she was certain that the feeling in her shoulders and back wasn't from the cold but definitely from apprehension, feeling his eyes searching her and in return, only putting out a brave stance. She placed her hands on her hip, wearing nothing but a confident smile, hoping that not a single ounce of doubt could shine through. "I'm meant to protect the civilians of this city from evil, and if evil doesn't take a holiday, then neither can I." 'Even though a bed and a warm bowl of soup sound really nice, right about now...'She didn't like how close he got, but she didn't back down. Finally, she asked, drawing back to when he had introduced himself and used a foreign term. "What's a Dark Mirror Senshi, anyway?"
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Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2012 2:42 am
Remarque watched her, wearing a faint smile. She certainly wasn’t as belligerent as some of the others he’d run into recently, though she apparently hadn’t been a senshi for long enough to foster any doubt towards the morality of her actions or those around her. “A Dark Mirror Senshi,” he began, “is a senshi who has been made aware of the corruption within the White Moon Court and seeks salvation both within and throughout. Our court is composed of a group of senshi, not so unlike yourself, who have found our calling under Princess Ares. It is our duty to redirect your allegiance from the faulty system you are currently sworn under into an environment where you can be made to flourish and achieve your true potential. That is,” he paused, to add emphasis, “We just want to make the world a better place and show the rest of you how to do it.”
Given the closeness, Remarque was impressed at how well Tsui seemed to be holding up. Removing the possibility of personal space always seemed like a good way to put someone in a state of unease, though Remarque rather liked that Tsui displayed no intimidation. Though he spoke in such an inviting manner, there was a slightly darker undertone to them when he added, “You should consider joining. We’d love to have you.”
It was a request, though just barely. The invitation was borderline demanding, though Remarque's smile and sweet tone were useful tools of deception.
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Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2012 10:43 am
“A Dark Mirror Senshi,” he began, and he had Tsui's full attention, “is a senshi who has been made aware of the corruption within the White Moon Court and seeks salvation both within and throughout. Our court is composed of a group of senshi, not so unlike yourself, who have found our calling under Princess Ares. It is our duty to redirect your allegiance from the faulty system you are currently sworn under into an environment where you can be made to flourish and achieve your true potential. That is,” he paused, to add emphasis, “We just want to make the world a better place and show the rest of you how to do it.”'Corruption within the White Moon Court? Salvation? Faulty system?' It was a lot for Tsui to take in, and this damned cold wasn't helping. Her mind was already foggy as it was, and she maintained her silence throughout his entire explanation, but the cogs were definitely turning. The term corruption was thrown around a LOT in politics, and never one to care for politics, Tsui had always shut that talk out, though now she wished she hadn't. Damn hindsight! “You should consider joining. We’d love to have you.” Remarque broke her chain of thought. His tone was inviting, but she couldn't ignore the dark undertone that was present in his voice, nor his smile. Still, she held her ground, both physically and mentally. Her mind wanted to go to many places but she forced it to stay in one place, taking in and considering his words. Finally, she spoke up, trying to hide her doubt and for once thankful for this cold as it seemed to be doing a well enough job (at least in her own ears). "See, I've met other Senshi before, White Moon Senshi. Some have saved me when I was being attacked by a youma, another I fought along side with when I was awakened. I even met a Chibi Senshi, and I'm her padawan." Their faces flashed before her in her mind's eye, and she could not help but smile when she thought of them. Athene and Minkowski, her saviors- Draconis, the leader of the Zoo and that adorable little cat Pippin, and Sailor Chibi Lenka... "I'm sorry, but I don't think they're corrupt, at all." She knew he probably wouldn't like her rejection, but she remained firmly behind her decision. Even without the other Senshi or Pippin here, the sense of apprehension from before told her that she was doing the right thing (in her own mind), and there was no doubt behind her words this time. "So, I'm sorry. But I'm going to have to decline... I don't care much for politics and I already made my promise to someone else." Now she was anticipating one of two things. He would either accept her rejection, perhaps belittle her or try to convince her further and then leave. Or, he would get violent... With him, it was hard to judge which reaction to expect... Finally, a sneeze escaped, and she tried turning her head away to avoid sneezing on him. She muttered, her apology having a double meaning. "Sorry!"
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Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2012 4:13 pm
Remarque’s lip twitched and his head jerked just a fraction of an inch at the sneeze. He could have sworn he’d felt wetness splatter across his face from the sneeze, though it could have been either Tsui actually sneezing on him or just his imagination going into overdrive. Either way, he reached up his hand and brushed the back of it along his cheek to wipe away whatever germs might have clung to him.
The girl’s apology wasn’t enough for the combined action of declining his offer and simultaneously sneezing around him—with as paranoid as he was about getting sick, her germs were not wanted anywhere in his vicinity.
When Remarque lowered his hand, his lip had curled into a sour smile. “I think that’s a serious mistake, Tsui,” he said, choosing to ignore (yet not forgive) her sneeze. “Regardless of whatever affiliations you have made within the White Court, you are making a mistake both by trusting them and by opposing us. And as much as I hate to demonstrate my point,” he paused now to crack his knuckles, “I’m afraid I might have to give you a demonstration. For your own good, of course. I’ve just got your best interests in mind.”
He spoke with such charm and hints of what seemed to be genuine concern that his words seemed completely out of place. He was more than willing to fight any senshi if he couldn’t win them over to the Dark Mirror Court—if they wouldn’t join him, then it was perfectly logical to remove them from the picture entirely. Already primed to attack, Remarque only refrained from doing so to allow her a brief moment to change her mind—or start running.
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Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2012 5:48 pm
Sailor Tsui knew that she was in dangerous territory now, but she didn’t back down. Her pride wouldn’t allow her to, and she’s been in several schoolyard fights before to recognize the signs of one starting. The tension in the air grew thick, the twinkle in those eyes, the crackling knuckles, all these things were familiar to Tsui. She had won a few school yard fights in her time, and lost a few, but this time was going to be different. This time, she was a Senshi, but so was he, and by the looks of him, he looked strong and experienced… And yet, Tsui could barely contain her excitement. She should have been afraid, but after having fought two youma, perhaps she had grown to enjoy the strength and energy that came with being a Senshi (and, of course, some over confidence…) “I’m afraid I might have to give you a demonstration. For your own good, of course. I’ve just got your best interests in mind.”She could hear the sincerity behind those words, but she could also sense some hostility as well. She held her ground, letting him know that she was neither going to back down from a fight, nor her stance on her alliance. “I’m sorry, but my mind’s made up. And when it’s made up, it’s near impossible to change that. I stand by my word to my team, so, no dice.” Her heart raced and pounded within her chest, and her flu-like symptoms seemed to be overwhelmed by the thrill of the inevitable fight. She knew he was going to strike out, and she didn’t want to take a chance to know what kind of power he had, so she struck first. White aura formed around her hands and arms, and she charged out first, screaming her attack like the roar of a raging tiger. “Tiger Fist STRIKE!”
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Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2012 1:28 am
Remarque was not expecting her attack to come as quickly as it did, though already being on edge and ripe for a fight prompted him to respond quickly. He had an advantage both in power level and from boxing—so many years of being in the ring left him aware of what he assumed to be every type of punch imaginable to the human bind. Experience and heightened speed allowed him to dodge the punch with relative ease.
With her arm still extended from her attack, Tsui had left herself with an opening Remarque was more than willing to attack. He lunged, shoving her towards the wall as he simultaneously gripped Tsui’s outstretched arm and forced it to fold across her chest. He was gripping her about the wrist to hold her arm in place as he pinned her against the wall.
He supposed the situation was uncomfortable to her, though not particularly painful. Leaning close to her ear, he couldn’t resist taunting her. “No dice?” he challenged, having been quite amused with her phrasing. “That’s good. I don’t like to leave anything up to chance.”
Leaving things up to chance meant that everyone was on the same playing field—and that meant that Remarque had absolutely no say in his fate. He rather liked being in control, and was certainly willing to let Tsui know that—in this situation—he was.
With a little growl, he released Tsui’s wrist to instead grip a handful of fabric from her bodice tightly. In a single motion, he kicked against the wall for a little added momentum—and hurled her towards a heap of trashcans.
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Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2012 10:06 am
She was in over her head. Had Maddy or Sister Jeanne been there, they would have made it their personal mission to inform her that she was in over her head, but Tsui would never openly acknowledge it. She was not only surprised with how he was able to dodge her attack (and make it look damn easy), but how he was able to completely turn around the situation, and her ego must have shut off her memory to preserve itself, as she couldn't remember what happened between her being pinned against the wall and now flat on her back, surrounded by dented garbage cans. 'He's good...' Tsui admitted but only to herself, and despite the impact of the trashcans and the momentum behind that throw, she was quick to recover, flipping back onto her feet and punching away the trashcans with a grunt. He appeared poised and ready, and despite his obvious advantage in strength and experience, Tsui charged at him again, this time with just hr hands and legs. She needed time for her attack to recharge, and in truth, she really wanted to punch him in that face of his! She threw a wild hay maker, driving by anger and pure adrenaline at this point, and she hoped it would have connected. No one throws her into trashcans! No one!
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Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2012 3:57 pm
Remarque watched her far from cautiously. Her wild fists were powerful, though power meant nothing if you couldn’t land a hit. Which seemed to be Tsui’s problem in this situation. Fists, punches—they were kind of Jett’s forte. Tsui was smaller than his usual opponent—more delicate—but that didn’t mean he wanted to find out just how hard she was hitting.
“Careful,” he warned as he almost effortlessly dodged her fists. He displayed no distress and seemed to be treating the situation far too lightly. “You’re lucky you ran into me, you know. You’re clumsy enough that if you’d run into someone else they might have taken advantage of your inexperience and—” Remarque decided it was his turn to exchange blows. He paused in speaking, for only a second, and hurled his fist towards Tsui's stomach.“Really hurt you.”
In throwing such a punch he left himself open to attack, though the sheer satisfaction of landing such a fine blow on the girl made any reciprocated damage so worth it.
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Posted: Tue Feb 28, 2012 10:49 am
'Dammit... why can't I hit him? Just my luck, I chose a fist fight with a boxer...' Tsui growled to herself, not realizing just how right she was and just how much she wouldn't be able to win in that kind of a fight. She was a gymnast, meant for balance, finesse and momentum, and here she was, fistfighting with an experienced Senshi, who happened to be a boxer. Had she known this, she would have backed off, but her pride wouldn't let her. She had to get one hit in. At LEAST one hit! "Careful..." He said, the tone of voice grating on Tsui's nerves and only making her blows come quicker, but sloppier, and she forced herself to focus on hitting him instead of looking at his face and seeing the cocky grin that she imagined he would have. "You're lucky you ran into me, you know. You’re clumsy enough that if you’d run into someone else they might have taken advantage of your inexperience and—His pause spoke volumes to her, and for a brief second she could see him moving at her, a curled fist going straight for her stomach, and she immediately panicked. She knew she couldn't dodge it, and she knew that there was no way to block it. There was an opening, and she was going to take it! “Really hurt you.” That fist was coming, and she challenged it with forte. White aura encircled her fists and took the form of claws, and she had hoped that the strength of her attack was in direct comparison to the ferocity of her own shout right now, as she lunged forward. "Tiger Fist STRIKE!" 'Please hit, please hit, please hit... It was her mantra, closing her eyes in fear of watching him dodge, or counter, or if it failed to stop the blow. She felt herself flying through the air and the ground came hard, harder than any mat or sidewalk she crash landed on before, and she bounced and rolled, only stopping when there was a wall to stop her. It hurt, but Tsui forced her eyes open and looked at her opponent, almost afraid of what she might see. 'Did... I hit him?'
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Posted: Wed Feb 29, 2012 3:52 pm
Twice? She could use that attack twice? Well, hell. Remarque had underestimated her, and it was biting him in the a**. He hadn’t been prepared for any sort of recoil and was caught off balance as the force from her attack shoved him away from the girl.
There was nothing behind him to trip him, though the force from her strike put a good few feet of distance between him and the senshi and—albeit ungracefully—he was able to flail his arms to balance himself out. The wall behind him had helped a bit, too. In colliding with the building, he had his breath knocked out of him and his vision darkened just ever so slightly. But, damage had been done, and he was forced to accept that maybe there was more to this girl than he’d first seen.
The urge to cough was nearly unbearable, though he forced it away by drawing in a searing breath to inflate his lungs again, pushing through the discomfort as he pushed away from the wall. It took a second to locate Tsui, though when he locked eyes with her, his expression morphed into one of bitter amusement. “…Not all fun and games out here, is it? You don’t even need anyone from Chaos to knock you around a bit, you’re pretty good at doing that, yourself.”
Walking over, Remarque looked down at her—and extended a hand to help her up. He wasn’t smiling, though his effort seemed genuine. Given what sort of person he was, it wouldn’t be surprising if he were up to something, though nothing immediately screamed that he meant to do anything other than just help the girl up.
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