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 Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2015 4:08 am
The last Amphitrite had seen - or felt - Laurelite had been at the corruption of the page. Before that, even, the last words her general-queen, her maker, had bestowed upon her had been those of praise during the corruption of the senshi. One of the greatest moments in her negaverse career, and she strove every day to make more.
However - though she grew stronger by the day - talks with Umber, with other officers, fellow senshi - it made her realize that while she had plenty of strength to offer the Negaverse, especially with her upgrade, she - she might have something else too. There were more ways to battle than brute strength, and there was more to being a great officer than battling alone.
She had toyed with her thoughts for weeks, mulled them over, tossed and turned them in her head. Was it worth it? - would she be overstepping her boundaries? - would Laurelite want to hear from her? There were so many generals to reach out to, who was to say Laurelite wouldn't be annoyed that she hadn't just gone to them?
But these were big thoughts, and she - while she had attachments to certain generals, she - thought it might be best just to ask her General-Queen directly. Or at least to try.
Against all odds, when the corrupt reached out, Laurelite had taken the time to answer; and now, soon, to meet her. Amphitrite didn't often get nervous nowadays. If anything, her successes when it came to battle, energy gathering, patrolling, relations within the Negaverse, starseed harvesting for Umber's research - all of it had made her bolder, prouder, maybe even a little bit cocky.
But this was Laurelite, the woman she would literally be nothing without. If there was ever a time to be nervous, this was it.
The corrupt sat at headquarters, waiting, a tiny notepad in front of her on the small table. In this case, she'd taken a small cue from Umber himself, if only to gather all of her thoughts in a list. She knew herself, and she knew the odds that she might forget something, and who knew when, or if, she'd ever get a chance like this again.
Her hands were tucked in her lap as she waited, twirling into the mesh of her skirt.
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Posted: Fri Sep 11, 2015 4:29 pm
Laurelite was not often late to any engagement, and today she was late by a minute, if only. She entered from the far side of the room and her heels clacked loudly against the floor as she crossed the distance between them. "I'm so sorry about that," she began. "You would not believe the day I have had," she continued. She did not stop moving until she took a seat across from the senshi, and even then she smoothed out her skirt and fixed her hair before settling comfortably in her chair and smiling. "I do hope I haven't kept you long, dear. I was so excited to hear you were requesting my presence. I do hope it is only good things, though. You are well, yes? Is everything all right?" And, coupled with that smile of hers, she certainly seemed concerned.
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Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2015 3:49 am
Amphitrite felt her before she saw her, allowing her eyes to drift half-closed as the general-queen's powerful aura washed over her like a blanket, as familiar and comforting as it'd ever been. Why wouldn't it be? - in a way, it'd been the first thing she'd felt when she was born.
She rose quickly from her seat, head bowed politely, hands tucked neatly together in front of her, and the corrupt's warped starseed of a heart beat faster at the sight of her. "Please, no need for apologies - I hardly waited at all, " Amphitrite assured her, although she hardly needed to, but didn't want Laurelite feeling as though she had any reason to apologize. Not to her, not ever.
The senshi only allowed herself to sink back down into the seat when Laurelite was herself seated. It was strange seeing her in a setting as mundane as this, with a table and chairs - Amphitrite was used to seeing her stand tall and proud, dangerous, her hand ready to slip into someone's chest to show them the truth of the Negaverse and bring them into the flock, as Leucite probably would have put it.
"I hope your day wasn't too trying, " she said with a slight, concerned furrowing of brows, part of her longing to reach over the table and touch her hand - but although Amphitrite was physical by nature, and as much as some part of her might wonder and want, she knew better. Although this did not stop the briefest hint of color from seeping into her cheeks, feeling warmed and almost giddy at the prospect that her general-queen was excited to hear from her. Perhaps even concerned for her.
"Oh, no, nothing bad, " and she smiled then, bright and eager. "Everything is more than alright." Even a glance would have said as much. This was a far cry from the senshi that had been left strapped to a chair some three quarters of a year ago, emaciated and broken and weak and sobbing. Amphitrite had more than recovered from her ordeal, she had flourished, filling out and gaining muscle where there'd never been any before, so healthy that her skin practically glowed with it.
More than that, for all her humbleness with Laurelite, her confidence and self-assurance rang through as clear as day even now, something she had never had as an Order senshi. "I just wanted to - " How to phrase this? "I've been having some thoughts. You and everyone else, you've been so good to me since you took me in, " and this was what she now called her corruption, at the time kicking, screaming, sobbing, pleading for death. "I'd like to try and give something back. But I don't - " She chewed her bottom lip for a moment, one familiar trait that had stayed with her in spite of all her change. "I do have some questions for you, but mostly I - I am aware that I was an invader, once. Some people still see me as such, and I can't say I blame them."
People like Auro came to mind, the tentative alliance they were only just beginning to work with. "I want to tell you my thoughts, my ideas, point blank, full disclosure. If anything seems out of line, then by all means, I won't do it or question your decision. I don't want you hearing this from anyone else later and think I'm going behind your back, you know? I don't want to hide anything from you." In spite of her place and her awareness of it, there was an unmistakable chord of what could only be tenderness there, as though she were talking to a loved one, or even a lover, instead of a general-queen.
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Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2015 10:51 am
Laurelite's faint, unwavering smile only strengthened as she listened—and then she did what Amphitrite had refrained from doing. She reached over and took the girl's hand, resting hers atop of it. The General Queen offered an affectionate pat and let the touch linger as she spoke, "Amphitrite, have I ever told you how wonderful you are? Truly. A prime example that not all senshi are bad, and that there is hope for all. If there are those who would see you as an invader still, I will have words with them. I have no doubt in my mind, my heart," she squeezed the girl's hand, "That you are loyal. You have earned yourself a place among our ranks. So, do not hesitate." It was only now that she sat up straight again, and placed her hand in her lap. "If you have questions, ask them. You have my undivided attention."
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Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2015 11:13 am
Amphitrite had to draw a slow breath when Laurelite reached out to place a hand on her's, had to only because she couldn't have imagined what sort of a sound she would have made otherwise. Her cheeks burned a little more brightly at her creator's praise, and she could not help but smile unabashedly back at her - honestly, it was taking all she had to temper the burning of tears in her eyes, gone bright with what she was far too proud now to shed. "You are, as always, too kind to me, " and it was all she had ever wanted to hear for the longest time. That she had been worth the trouble, that she was an asset to the Negaverse, that she meant something and that Laurelite was proud of her. She'd already learned on her own that most of this was true, of course - but hearing it from the General Queen's lips was something else entirely. "Thank you. Thank you so much." For everything that was, and all to come. She owed it all to the woman before her.
She took a moment to collect herself, to reign too-strong emotions back in and try not to mourn the loss of the warmth of Laurelite's hand. "First. Since General Galena's reassignment, I - I would like to stay there, if I can. It's become very dear to me, that place. And I'd - " How was the best way to phrase this? "If I could, I'd like to help other corrupts. Like General Galena took me in, I'd like to do the same, if I can. She took such good care of me when I came to her - she fed me, gave me clothes, helped me set my affairs in order, reassured me, comforted me - I've decided on a birthday, and so in the eyes of the law I am completely capable of taking in minors."
She paused, gnawing briefly on her lower lip. "It's not that I think officers aren't capable, because General Galena was more than accommodating to me, but - if there are particularly - delicate cases, I - think it might benefit them to be with someone who's been through the process, who knows what they're experiencing first hand. What do you think?"
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Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2015 2:06 pm
It did not take Laurelite long to consider this; she nodded. "I think it is a fine request. Some of our officers join us before they are introduced to this war. There are not so many who have slipped from our enemy's grip to join our ranks. It would be a lot of work, mind you. Shouldering someone else's burdens, dealing with a household full of worrisome children. As," she sighed, "Some of our agents are. But, I have faith in you. If this is something you are interested in, we'll get some paperwork done. We'll provide you with a fund, of course, to aid you in setting things up. I trust you'll use only what is necessary to secure the safety and well-being of what agents you bring under your roof. You should attend classes as well. Nothing fancy, a few courses. Managing your own life is a difficult thing, but the lives of others? There's a lot to go into it. I want to see that you are fully prepared. If you can make time to attend a few seminars and classes, I'll personally sign off your approval." She paused, and leaned back in her chair. "Was that all?"
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Posted: Mon Oct 05, 2015 6:52 am
The moment Laurelite nodded, readily agreeing to her request and laying out all the ways that they could make it work, Amphitrite's smile grew and grew, a sort of euphoric joy very much visible on her face. After all, deep down beyond all the chaos and betrayal, in some ways the excitable girl that had been Natalie Roux wasn't all gone. "Thank you, thank you. Your faith means the world to me, " and that was by no means an exaggeration. "I would be happy to take the classes, sign any paperwork, deal with any headaches - if it meant I got to do for someone what you and the others did for me, I would do anything." And on some level, she had already considered the gains... for as much as she wanted to do and provide for the Negaverse, there did happen to be the added bonus of increased responsibility, which was in a way increased power, opening the door for more in the future if she proved up to task. Not to mention, on a more personal level, not remotely related to power or status... as much as she was enjoying her newfound independence and sensuality, she missed having a family. People to come home to and to make it worth coming home at all.
She bit her lip, then, shaking her head at Laurelite's question. "There's - uhm - a few more things, actually, " and the corrupt flashed her an almost sheepish smile, or at close to sheepish as she ever was anymore, because she knew the general-queen was a busy woman. She shouldered so much. "I don't want this to come off as disloyal at all, but - well, we are inherently more organized than the white moon, and really in just about every way superior. If they have any advantage to them, it's that their senshi pull together in teams - although as proven by me, I suppose, they clearly don't keep great tabs on their people." Amphitrite couldn't help but laugh at that, pushing her hair out of her eyes.
"But the premise of a team isn't exactly a bad one, even if they're awful at it. Imagine what we could do with it. We corrupts, we could learn to use our magic together, support each other, build relationships and camaraderie and morale. We could prevent another defection by bringing it to your attention - we could even avoid another embarrassment like Ochre, " and she made a face at the mention of him, unable to restrain herself. "I would like to put the word out there, to try and bring a team like this together. But I know other officers will be suspicious - and I understand - it's not like I'd fault them for it, but - I think we'd really benefit from it. But only if you say it's okay, and again, I'll understand if you don't. I know how people see us, and again, I can't blame them." Especially after Ochre's little show at the last mission. "What do you think?"
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Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2015 5:54 am
Laurelite tilted her head to the side just slightly when Amphitrite mentioned having a few more things, but her smile never wavered and she waited patiently for the girl to continue. It hardly felt like she was even still doing her job while speaking with this senshi. Instead, it was a pleasant break from her normal, dull routine, and Amphitrite's excitement was infectious. Invigorating. She listened with a patient gaze; Amphitrite had not entered the topic was words that comforted Laurelite, but the more the Senshi went on, the more she went to realize that there was absolutely nothing even remotely disloyal about her words. "You are quite an eloquent speaker, my dear. I think you've put a lot of thought into this, and I can see it's something that's important to you. It would be a responsibility, you know, but." She leaned back in her chair and gave the senshi a thoughtful look before nodding. "It is a task I would be happy to let you pursue. I think the Corrupted Senshi could greatly benefit from having greater efforts to tie them together. A team of them would be more effecting that a single senshi acting alone. And it would ensure there were less opportunities for the Senshi to pick our agents off. To try and manipulate them, distort their thoughts. It's a good idea," she confirmed. "And if there are Officers who are suspicious, I will speak with them. I think it would be a waste of resources to let you and the other Corrupted Senshi not pursue this. I will expect reports," she said, not quite an afterthought. "To monitor your methods. If they prove successful, perhaps it is something we can improve on a more widespread level. I should like to hear where you are finding faults and strengths, and any suggestions you or your team. Any suggestions on anything from you. I like you," she said, with an immediate fondness. "Keep up with that attitude, and you'll get far. The Negaverse is truly lucky to have you. Do you need help with any of those efforts? I can prepare some files for you to review, and get some information on those classes I was mentioning earlier."
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Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2015 7:50 am
The praise made the corrupt flush with pleasure. She had half-expected to be refused, and would have accepted the denial without batting an eye - to have her ideas not only considered, but for her herself to be personally complimented as a result, it was much more than she could have asked for, even hoped for.
Responsibility - yes - power - yes - both things that Amphitrite badly hungered for. She was willing to accept any kind of troubles that came with this. The work would be rewarding, and goodness yes, the rewards themselves would be so worth it. She nodded eagerly along with what her general-queen was saying, her hands clasped together atop the table.
Laurelite would speak to doubters. She would consider implementing it on a wider level.
The I like you most of all took her by surprise, and Amphitrite blinked furiously, her smile growing broader and more vibrant. Her cheeks burned, probably the most vibrantly they had yet. "You really are too kind to me, " she said, but managed to maintain her composure in spite of the surge of warmth from the pit of her stomach that desperately longed to overtake her. She would not disappoint Laurelite; she would not give her any reason not to like her anymore.
"Of course. I'd be more than happy to compose any sort of reports. Especially on any problematic senshi. My ideal situation would be to call everyone together - or as many corrupts as will attend - and while it would be a bit much to expect everyone to come together all of the time, I'd like to take some time to get to know them on an individual level, see who would work best together, perhaps even select a few myself to work more closely with - like Kerberos, for instance, he was very helpful to me when I came in - to be a primary team and then branch out, feed information back to me? - I'd love your input on this, of course, you've got a lot more expertise on these matters than I do, " and that wasn't just blind praise, but truth; there was nothing she could do that she wasn't sure Laurelite could do better. There were just more important things that demanded her attention.
Although, actually, "Speaking of files, though, " she interjected politely, flashing the general-queen a warm smile. "I would be most grateful for that, thank you. But relating to us, the corrupts, as well as files - that brings me to two other matters I'd like to discuss. Sorry to pile all of this on you at once, " she said, sympathetically. "I know you've got a lot to worry about."
It wouldn't stop her from speaking now that she had Laurelite's attention, though. "First of all - it's a bit PR related, and I know that's not exactly my forte. But why, exactly, do we call corruption just that?" she asked tentatively, with furrowed brows. "General Schorl, she mentioned something like we were taking power back from it, reclaiming a word intended to sully what we do. While I appreciate that, I do, I - honestly, how many willing corrupts do we have? From an outside perspective looking in, how many people choose corruption? The word itself has this inherent stigma, this ugliness to it. It even frightened me, didn't it? - it was all different when you helped me, and I saw the world clearly for what it was, but it felt more like - like an enlightenment or something than a corruption, you know? I didn't feel tainted or dirty for it."
Amphitrite drew a deep breath, unfolding and then folding her hands again. "Also, I - somewhat relating to my corruption, I suppose - when I was talking to Captain Umber - we discussed the lack of records kept on New Year's, and the lack of open information about missions as a whole, really." She bit her lower lip. "This is a simpler question, but again - I'd understand if you said no - would it be possible for me to try and compile some kind of records about what we did and didn't find during New Year's? What we sought to accomplish, who we captured, what we learned - I mean, I knew some things about that operation that Captain Umber didn't, and I don't remember much of anything worth remembering, " she said rather lightly, with a soft laugh that didn't have so much as a trace of wistfulness. It'd been a loss, but more than worth the price she'd paid. "If that goes well, perhaps I can do more of the same for other missions, or people, or whatever is most needed at the time. I'd just - love to be able to help, is all, in any way I can."
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Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2015 7:07 am
Laurelite listened intently, nodding at certain points and maintaining a thoughtful expression. She did not speak until Amphitrite had finished, seeming to respect and enjoy the woman's flow of thoughts. When there was a moment of silence, she took the opportunity to speak again. "Before collecting any of our Corrupteds to work with you, I encourage you to seek their permission and the permission of any superiors they might be working under. Some of them are in select task forces already, and I'd rather you not risk the wrath of a General stripped of his agent." For the rest, she made herself comfortable. "You are taking on quite a lot of responsibilities. You've been planning these for a while, haven't you?" she seemed coy. "You know, you don't need to schedule me once in a blue moon to share all of your ideas. I accept proposal letters and work to accommodate the schedules of my Agents to meet any face-to-face contact they may need. I will approve this other endeavor, as well. I do not think it would be unwise to have you experience data collection." It was reasonable that she would want to know more about the event; it had been a major turning point for her. "I only request that should you find information that confuses you, you bring it to myself or a designated superior to clarify." It was a safety net she wanted to place, just to ensure that if the Senshi found information she couldn't handle someone was there for her. "As for corruption…General Schorl is not incorrect. It is propaganda the Senshi installed against us. Unwilling to accept that they are in the wrong, they seek to taint our reputation to those amongst their ranks, and challenge what our ranks know. Joining us... is a corruption. A Corruption of their ideals. Their twisted, wretched, awful ideals. We stand against them. We challenged them. It is but a name—one that they chose, and one that we have embraced. They think it hurts us, but it doesn't, you know. It scares them. Scares them that we are comfortable with it, that we don't question our own motivations. They like to think that you're all brainwashed, that the 'corruption' has polluted your minds." She kept eye contact with the Senshi. "But I think it frees the mind. The White Moon is corrupted. With a Moon Queen who won't show her face, who lets her warriors fight and die for her, for her own cowardice and selfishness?" She scoffed, as if appalled by the idea. "Let them call us any name they like. Their words mean nothing."
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Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2016 7:21 pm
The first point was easy to address, and Amphitrite nodding eagerly. "I wouldn't dream of it." If it came down to it, their obligation would be to their General first, the team second. She wanted to strengthen bonds, not destroy them.
Laurelite's observation, though, made her flush in a pleasant way, her lips turned into an easy smile as she lightly shrugged her shoulders. "I know, and I hate to trouble you. I just... wanted to speak to you face to face. It's been a long time since I was... it's probably a bit silly, I know, but I wanted you to see that your investment wasn't wasted." More than that. Amphitrite had wanted to see Laurelite. She wanted to see the glow of approval in the general-queen's face. She wanted to please her. She wanted the satisfaction that she just couldn't get by means of a letter.
That, in itself, was a more than reasonable request to make, and Amphitrite again nodded, dipping her head politely for the general-queen's sake. "Of course."
This though, this explanation of corruption - this was enough to make the corrupt slowly smile, because yes. Put to those terms, "Thank you. Thank you, because hearing that - it's not as though I ever doubted that, but - I know there are others like I was, foolish senshi who are misguided and lonely without a purpose. To say corruption alone is not often enough to warm them, but to put it in such a way - that is something I can use, should the need arise. Truly what I would expect of the most esteemed General-Queen. And really, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me at all, it's been - you've been as amazing as ever, and I'm so grateful for this. For everything."
There was an ounce of hesitation, then. The biting of a lower lip coupled with a glance through a fringe of seafoam bangs. "There is - one more thing. Although it is less of a question and more... more an offer. One I hope you do not find too... presumptuous?"
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Posted: Fri Jan 22, 2016 10:34 am
Laurelite seemed intrigued and tilted her head with the final thing. Her curiosity had been piqued, but with as lovely as Amphitrite had been, she doubted she could be upset with her now. It was true: she appreciated seeing that her investment wasn't wasted, and this senshi was already greatly exceeding her expectations. She didn't mind taking this time to spend with her at all. General Queen she may have been, it did not mean she didn't like to hear praise and gratitude. "Proceed, my dear. I would hear any offer you have in mind. Do not worry about seeming presumptuous. I like you, so even if you were to hypothetically cross the line, I just don't think I could hold it against you." She smiled, reassuringly, and waited for the offer.
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Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2016 3:34 am
I like you. Amphitrite's lips curled into a smile, pleasant warmth curling in her stomach. It made it easier to meet Laurelite's eyes, her gaze level and calm. "I've met General Alkaid."
That seemed as fitting a preface for this as any. She ran her fingertips idly through the ends of her hair as she deliberately allowed a pause to hang in the air, lending gravity to her words. "I just wanted to let you - and Queen Metallia, too - know that I have no particular attachment to my namesake." Her asteroid drifting alone out there in space, unwanted, unloved, unknown. "Should she ever wish to claim it, it is already her's."
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Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2016 10:32 pm
Laurelite's brow raised when she mentioned Alkaid. Alkaid was a special breed of senshi, and not one she had spent much time with—but not one she was unfamiliar with. The Ascended Senshi perplexed her, captivated her. She had kept a careful eye on her file. But it was Amphitrite's offer that truly captivated her, now. "Are you saying," she said slowly, "That you would be willing to undergo the same ritual—the same procedure—as Alkaid? Know that it often has…certain repercussions." She chose her words well, but an excitement bubbled within her. She tried not to sound too eager. "It would be a truly great donation to the Negaverse, though. You would be highly honored."
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Posted: Wed Feb 03, 2016 12:30 am
The change in Laurelite's demeanor, however slight, was not lost on the corrupt - and by her guess, the general-queen was anything but suspicious or offended. A thrill of something she suspected might be akin to taking a dip on a roller coaster (not that she remembered ever having done such a thing herself) make her stomach twist and flutter.
"I know it would not be easy. I am aware that Alkaid's been looking into an artifact she's come across in the rift that may be in need of repairs, but may accomplish what needs to be done in order to proceed without the intervention of someone like Kurma." Was it surprising that she had this kind of information? "In any case... however it's done, it matters little to me. Any repercussions would be far outweighed for the good it would do the Negaverse."
And Amphitrite herself. But she was of the mind that it did not need to be said.
"I'd be honored myself to undertake such a thing."
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