Welcome to Gaia! ::

She had made good time tonight, veering widely through the outskirts of downtown Destiny City and tracing her way through some of its suburbs. It wasn't often that she patrolled this far from the city, but found it was just as likely to be hit by Chaos activity as the more densely-populated metropolis. Rooftops were more difficult to traverse here, and she didn't want to make too much noise on top of it. Instead, Kallichore took to wide fences when she could, and the street itself when necessary.

Who knew how many sleeping Chaos agents and senshi were in these houses? How many parents took care of teenagers who kill other teenagers?

It was impossible to say. She could never know.

Instead, the eternal senshi stopped on the street, keeping low to the ground so as not to disturb the post-dinner family activities of the neighborhood. Some homes had glaringly open windows without curtains or blinds drawn. How often did they see powered, costumed kids running around outside (aside from Halloween?) Kallichore felt out of place, but youma didn't discriminate when they hunted. Families were in danger anywhere.

A pair of brick-encased mailboxes made for a good place to stop and rest. She knelt on the ground, leaning against the cool stonework for a breather.

It wasn't often that civilians stopped to talk. More often than not, Kallichore had left the scene without even introducing herself to them. Many were more afraid of her than the youma she sought to destroy. She couldn't blame them, really - she did look a mess, and the nightly news wasn't exactly kind to senshi.

Kallichore stood when addressed and dusted herself off. "Oh, I'm fine, but thank you for your concern." She tried fixing up her hair a little, which was damp from sweat. While senshi had increased physical capabilities including speed and stamina, they still had their limitations. "I would like some water, though, if you don't mind."

The eternal paused for a moment, pondering. "Truthfully, I'm surprised you approached me. I should be asking you if you're alright. I haven't felt any yo-- monsters, in the vicinity. Do other people like myself patrol here often?" She adjusted her unruly sleeves for a moment, trying to look as presentable as her fuku would even allow.

"I am Sailor Kallichore. If there is anything I can help you with, by all means..." The senshi probably seemed a bit awkward to Ann, as if she didn't expect or prepare for civilian conversation.

The senshi gratefully took the water bottle and had a few drinks before replying. "...I'm more used to people being afraid of us rather than approaching and being friendly. If you don't mind, what made you decide to become an ally to the senshi and knights? Usually, the media portrays us as costumed terrorists..."

What gave them that impression, Kallichore could only guess. Perhaps magical powers simply scared the people, or the Negaverse had taken control of the news. Or both. That thought was scary to say the least.

"Yes, they are called youma. I'm glad you haven't been attacked by any larger ones. Do they typically come out this far into the neighborhoods? Usually they're more concentrated in the city." Kallichore had a theory that youma are attracted to more dense concentrations of people, but it was nothing more than a theory.

She was, regardless, quite impressed with Ann's barbed wire bat. There was something to be said about a citizen willing to hit the streets without magical powers. "Have you seen many agents or other senshi who look like me, but wear black? If you do, please stay very far away from them. They're very dangerous."

The notion that youma were being steadily drawn to outlying, residential neighborhoods was chilling. Kallichore sighed deeply, crossing her arms and looking down at the ground. "...if youma are becoming more frequent out here, then we'll step up our patrols. I don't know if you know much about senshi like myself, but if we have wings on our back like this," the senshi turned and gestured to the small of her back, where a pair of white wings sat like a bow. "This is the highest rank we can achieve. Conversely..."

This information would be valuable to any citizen who believed in the senshi, she thought. Knowing who to avoid would be a lifesaver in the long run. "Those who wear black, they may have black wings. Please avoid them whenever possible. Black wings are a bad omen."

Ann's story about her son losing an eye made Kallichore visibly cringe in sympathy. "I'm very sorry about your son. I hope he's alright. It's a shame that the Negaverse sees fit to attack the citizens so openly like that... they were citizens once, without powers, just like we were."

Nephthys may need to know about this issue as well. It could be excellent training for the super senshi.

Kallichore seemed puzzled by Ann, not because she was a civilian putting herself in harm's way, but because she called herself plain. The senshi shook her head and spoke quietly. "No, not plain. The senshi and knights... even the officers of the Negaverse, we were all just like you. Just like your son. We all had hopes and dreams and aspirations that fit within the fabric of normal life. I don't think of you as plain, but as something precious. Something worth protecting."

She gazed down the street, perhaps at something Ann couldn't see. "...perhaps it's just me, but I find it important to remember, despite any powers we may have been granted, that we came from families with mothers like you, with sons like yours."

With a sigh, Kallichore absently began to fix her hair. "...I'm sorry, I'm reminiscing too much tonight. As for what I can do for you, I'll increase my patrolling in these outlying areas, especially if more youma are appearing here. We have to do everything we can to protect you where the police cannot." With one bun fixed up to satisfaction, Kallichore moved onto one of the others. "Ann, if you don't mind my asking, is there something that leads you to believe your son may now be involved in the war?"

The senshi listened quietly as Ann did what she likely did best - be a mother. Without a motherly influence in her own life, Kallichore felt particularly touched by this gesture. The last woman she looked up to was Ares, and that resulted in three corrupted royals and an entire Court centered around them. Mirrors became potential portals to allow Dark Mirror senshi to jump from place to place without repercussions.

She shook her head. That was years ago.

"Yes, you're right." She placed a gloved hand over Ann's in a gesture of thanks. It meant a great deal that citizens were willing to go above and beyond like this woman was. "I'll just do what I can. There is no use in running myself ragged. I can't patrol if I push too often."

She took in what little information the woman had on her son's behavior and made mental note of it. "...unfortunately, there may not be any way for me to find out whether your son is involved in the war or not. Perhaps he is, perhaps he isn't. When we power up into this form, our identity becomes shrouded. Even if I knew his name and his face, his magic would protect his identity from everyone - even you. However..." The senshi turned to Ann and gave her a solemn nod. "...I'll do what I can and will be on the lookout for him, if at all possible."

Kallichore did her best to dispel Ann's worries, at least about her own safety. "I promise you, even though I can't know the future, I will do everything in my power not to disappear. You have my solemn promise." She gave a decisive nod to the older woman, hoping that helped to alleviate some anxiety. She didn't know what it was like to be a mother, but she thought Ann was doing a fine job of it nonetheless.

"I'll be patrolling around this area for a few weeks. Please keep yourself safe, and I'll do what I can to limit any property damage. While my magic doesn't damage objects, that doesn't mean other people's doesn't..."

With a sigh, the eternal senshi stretched for a few moments. "I should probably keep moving. I'm sensing something a few blocks away and should check it out." Kallichore took a few steps away from the civilian and looked over her shoulder. "Ann... please keep yourself safe, too."

With a great burst of speed, the senshi crossed the road and leaped onto the nearest roof, determined to take the shortest path to the energy signature she suspected was a youma.