Thread:Sdanand/@comment-27665732-20161029052650

The contamination of the zone killed any kind of life even before it bloomed. No one in their right mind would go in there without a very good reason -like running away from someone, for example- the heat was unvearable, and the air contained such a strong smell to rotten meat, that even a good reason would not be enough for some. A blonde girl worked among the stuff many forgot; in this wasteland, she could have been the only one in miles around. She should be, but she wasn't. Sitting on a mostly destroyed couch, another woman stared at the girl with eyes full with curiosity. Her long mantle covered most of her body, and a hat of sorts covering her head. She kept staring, expecting the blond to notice her.

After about half a minute passed, the blond girl really did notice her. Rin burned her features in her mind for one good reason. There was no reason for anyone else to be here. The woman in the distance was quite distinct in her appearance, if Rin were to mix her up with a group of people she would be able to pick her out easily. They met eyes --   And because of the ensuing awkwardness, Rin decided to approach the girl.

The girl sitting on the couch released a small smile. She caressed her own hair, once blond too, like the other girl, but now it had slowly going white as time passed. Not like she cared anyway "Hello, miss Long I presume?" she spoke with ease, and the air around her was relaxed despite the air being literal poison to the lungs and skin. She didn't mind it.

As Rin was not very social -- Being born in Grim Reaper society where she only interacted with intimidating, and much more powerful beings than her, she did not really know how to interact with a seemingly normal girl that somehow knew her name. Opening her mouth, "... Yes, how come you know my name?" In the wasteland, both of them looked extremely out of place, both of them for two different reasons. Rin herself wore clothing that was expected of a high-class lady and the white haired lady was wearing clothing that eluded an aura of a traveler -- Which was weird due to the contamination.

The woman let out a sigh of pleasure and bounced off the couch with excitement, with small jumps she approached Rin, her cloak waving as she bounced toward the girl, and quickly grasped her hands "The name's Amanda, although you can call me Violet" Amanda said with her eyes shining out of excitement "I've come all the way to meet you, miss Long I've traveled half of the world to meet you in person!"

Now being searched was nothing new to Rin -- Grim Reapers often were sent after her (albeit weaker ones), but Violet was clearly not a Reaper, and travelling half the world? That was strange. How would she even know of her existence? Was it a mercenary hired to being her back into that underworld hell? Or was it something else? Though she did not materialize her prized sword, Rin was ready to pull it out anytime. "... Violet... What's your purpose here?" Rin questioned her with a hesitant voice.

Violet's smile became blank for a moment, and her eyes lost shine too, but she pulled herself together and released Rin's hands "Didn't I say it? I came to meet you, we have so much in common" Violet stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Noticing the shine in the woman's eyes die and brighten up again, Rin did not lose her suspicion for anything unexpected to come up, but she questioned Violet, "... What do we really have in common? Other than both of us being female..."

"I dunno, we both were born under the same star" Violet turned around and brought out a book from between her cloack. Openning it, she searched through the pages and finally closed it, nodding to herself "I'd like to talk in a more private setting, are you availabe? My treat" she saved her book again, and instead took out a tiny thing that had a strange shine. A small piece of diamond rested between her finger, with Violet looking through it as if it was some kind of lents.

"... Under the same star?" This woman didn't seem dangerous at all, if not strange. Why did she bring out a piece of diamond? What purpose did it serve? More importantly, what did she want to talk about? Rin inwardly shrugged to herself, "Talk about what, and in a private setting? ... We're practically the only ones here in a 10KM radius anyways..."

"Don't sweat the small details, you agree with me that just breathing this air is dangerous, right?" Violet retorted "I do believe there's a small uncontaminated zone about a day walking from here, but that's only speculation, I'm not from around here, you see"

Not from here? So she really did come specifically for herself. Rin knew that it was better to politely decline, but she felt that it was probably the right thing to do -- to follow her and listen to what she has to say. Relaxing her tensed arm, she allowed herself to pick up one more trinket, a broken and destroyed cell phone and nodded at Violet.

Humming in approval, Violet took once again Rin's hand and begun walking in a random direction. She didn't even check the sky, nor she tried to orientate herself "First off, we'll need to get somewhere. Say, miss Long, do you know the lair of corrupted creatures? I mean, one near here. We're riding one!" Violet said with excitement.

Not used to such intimate contact, Rin briefly blushed, but it vanished (<-HAH GET IT?) as soon as it appeared. Though the corrupted creatures Rin found were usually small-fry, Rin knew they were not easily sated and were quite unruly creatures... So how would Violet be able to make one carry them? "... No I do not know the lair of those things... Not that I would even like to encounter them on purpose anyways...". Not that they were particularly powerful, it was just an annoyance to her. Hell she could fly herself if she wanted to honestly. But Rin thought about it, deciding that seeing what Violet had in mind would be interesting to see.

"Well, that's too bad" letting go Rin's hand, Violet looked away and chuckled awkwardly "Well, should have expected as much. Now that you mention it, that'd be a very displeasing encounter" she admited while looking a bit down. She brought her hand to her left check, hiding her scar under it, she started at nowhere, thinking about what they should do. "Hmmmmm" Violet looked to the sky, then to Rin "Maybe we can just fly it, although I wouldn't like to be shot down by an angel or a devil.... I knoow. Miss Long" Violet squatted "Piggyback, we're running it, c'mon, get on my back and let's go"

"You mentioned about flying it... Are you a half-breed too?" Rin said curiously as she looked at the crouching woman infront of her, "... This kind of looks embarrassing you know..." Though regardless of how long she's met the person she didn't want to be rude, "Are you sure I should be piggybacking ontop of you?"

<p class="MsoNormal">"Hmmm, nope I'm not" Violet looked up, still squatting "No, diffintively I'm not" she confirmed. Violet raised and sighed with a kind smile "It's the fastest way I know, I'll simply boost myself until I can handle the distance in enough time to arrive before night so" Violet squatted again "Let's go, if we stay here I might start coughing"

<p class="MsoNormal">"... Are you sure? I can fly you know... Completely un-related to my half-blood lineage... Though I don't like to show it much, you seem fine... Are you sure?" Rin asked with concern, seeing as Violet was STILL squatting.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Oh, that's right! Divine Dividing and stuff, am I rite?" Violet replied raising from her position and touching Rin with the elbow in a completely innapropiate way "If you're okay with that, I can fly too. Our Sacred Gear sure come in handy, huh"

<p class="MsoNormal">"... Huh?" Jumping back, Rin growled with her previous suspicion reignited, "How do you... know?". Materializing her Reaper-Sword, she jumped back. Rin was visibly concerned now. Though someone hostile at her would've clearly struck her down the moment she showed weakness, but due to her hot head at the moment, she did not think of that. Thus, she stood ready with her sword in hand looking at Violet.

<p class="MsoNormal">"..." Violet's features went blank again, this time remaining that way "Seriously is not what you think" she chuckled ironically. She walked to Rin's position slowly, raising her hands and showing her fingerless gloves in the process "Let's not lose our minds here, it might be dangerous"

<p class="MsoNormal">Lowering her sword, though hesitant yet again, Rin allowed it to de-materialize and trusted her. For now at least, Rin muttered, "Okay... If you were hostile I guess you would've done something to me already". Forgetting about why she knew about her Sacred Gear, the Divine Dividing Rin stated, "Then where are we flying to?"

<p class="MsoNormal">Violed nodded, closing her eyes and covering them with her fingers "Let me check" Violet brought out her book again, this time she opened it in a specific page and read through it "To the left from where I am currently standing it seems" Violet told Rin with her eyes still on the book "A corrupted bird is flying near here, so let's wait a minute until it goes away, then you should be able to cover up the distance in at least an hour, hm....." Violet closed the book and carrased her eyes, as if they hurt.

<p class="MsoNormal">"... I see... Spotting the corrupted bird above them, Rin squinted her eyes; not that she had bad eyesight, just that it was REALLY far away. "Okay, I understand".   "But where exactly are we flying to? I'm really curious..." Rin continued to pursue the answer the the question that she has had.

<p class="MsoNormal">"A small town, apparently the remnants of a city" Violet commented "It's really small, but they have underground water, WATER. I haven't drink a proper glass of it since..." she stopped and lookd to Rin straight on the yes "Actually, I've never drank a whole glass of water"

<p class="MsoNormal">"... I have" It wasn't a lie, though it seemed outrageous, water was scarce at this point now. "... Before you ask... I lived in high-class Grim Reaper society as a high-valued... Pet... They fed me well -- I won't lie... But it was less than stellar being there...". "Though I would love some now... Along with some chocolate..." Rin observed the bird leave and with a mutter to herself, the energy wings of the Vanishing Dragon appeared behind her back.

<p class="MsoNormal">"So you're a half breed huh" Violet cleaned her lips with her tongue "I could make use of a glass of water right now, I might not be able to keep up with you due to my... Sickness, well more like debilitation but that's not the point" Violet approached a little, as thought she was going to tell a secret "Can you carry me please?"

<p class="MsoNormal">"I don't mind..." Rin stuck out her hand for Violet. While she grabbed her hand, Rin flew up into the air, "What direction?"

<p class="MsoNormal">"To my left" Violet took Rin's hand firmly "To the side that the sun sets... What is its name again?"

<p class="MsoNormal">"I don't know either..." Spreading her wings, she flew up and went into that direction, "What do you have to talk about...?"

<p class="MsoNormal">Hanten'in-san

<p class="MsoNormal">"Ah, yeah" Violet opened her eyes widely "Mis Long, I'm gonna be very honest, I thought you would be awaiting, but I guess our introduction was not that impressive, huh"

<p class="MsoNormal">"Awaiting? Ah... If you're talking about the world domination thing... I wasn't listening to be completely honest..." Rin laughed.

<p class="MsoNormal">"...Say what?" full of indignation, Violet almost snapped her neck while turning to face Rin "You didn't?! How? I made sure attention wouldn't leave the showcase! Oh my god, what am I gonna tell Abel now?! "Hey dude, it seems like the longinus didn't see the showcase, wanna do it again?" We declared war to the world!"

<p class="MsoNormal">Deadpanning, Rin stated, "I was doing something at the time... It was quite private..." She smiled, "Though I heard some of it... Especially about the Longinus thing..." flying in the air Rin smiled.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Hmmm, Abel did say something about being not an actual good idea" Violeted commented "We might as well have killed a couple of persons by distracting them but, hey! This is really important"

<p class="MsoNormal">"... I see." So how far do we need to go? Are we there yet? These were many of the questions that Rin had, "How much farther do we have to go?" Though she wasn't tired in any way, starring at the polluted sky bothered her.

<p class="MsoNormal">"If you fly at ****km per hour we will be there in a few minutes" Violet said looking to the front "I don't know what kilometers per hour are, well, I didn't know yesterday, but now I do"

<p class="MsoNormal">"Kilometers? A measuring unit? I've heard about it when I was still in the Grim Reaper Society... " Rin said absentmindedly, maybe staying in the pollution was doing something to her brain. It hurt.

<p class="MsoNormal">"There, right theeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerrreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee" Violet absemically used the hand that was holding her to Rin to point at the direction, allowing gravity to do its job and make Violet fall from the sky.

<p class="MsoNormal">"... I want water for now... Can we talk after we confirm whether it's there or not?" Rin dropped down onto the ground, stopping infront of a building that stood out the most out of the other ones.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Sure thing" Violet said from the ground, raising her thumb, then she raised, with her nose bleeding and her face red as well.

<p class="MsoNormal">"... Are you okay?" Rin asked, concerned at the stranger.

<p class="MsoNormal">"I am" covering her nose, Violet looked around "According my Sacred Gear, we should walk until we see grass" the last word was said in such a way that made Violet look excited "Grass" she repeated "There's water in here, isn't that amazing?"

<p class="MsoNormal">"..." In silence, Rin followed Violet without question. "So what did you need to talk about? Regarding myself?"

<p class="MsoNormal">

<p class="MsoNormal">"Sure thing" Violet said from the ground, raising her thumb, then she raised, with her nose bleeding and her face red as well. "... Are you okay?" Rin asked, concerned at the stranger. "I am" covering her nose, Violet looked around "According to my Sacred Gear, we should walk until we see grass" the last word was said in such a way that made Violet look excited "Grass" she repeated "There's water in here, isn't that amazing?" "..." In silence, Rin followed Violet without question. "So what did you need to talk about? Regarding myself?"

<p class="MsoNormal">"Hmmmm, yeah. I suppose if you didn't pay attention then it can't be helped" pointing her finger at Rin, and with an 'USA wants YOU poster' pose she smiled at her "We want you to join our group. So we can defeat the evil doers!"

<p class="MsoNormal">"... Evil doers?" With a slight incline of her head, Rin questioned the girl who was unmistakably sketchy.

<p class="MsoNormal">"You didn't really pay attention, huh" Violet fixed her position and simply stared at Rin with her hands joined in front of her "I want you to join my team, and together, we can free this world"

<p class="MsoNormal">"..." As the girl, Rin was obviously someone who was discriminated against, she clearly knew what it meant. "... Why me?"

<p class="MsoNormal">Violet looked around, and leaned close to Rin "Please pay attention to others next time" her voice became deeper, but her expression did not change "I want your longinus on my side" she stated as simply as she could.

<p class="MsoNormal">"... This cursed thing?" Looking towards her back, Rin was reminded of the feelings she had of when she lost of her mother. All of the Grim Reapers were her sworn enemy — with the exception of her father of course. Hesitantly, Rin asked, "What's in it for me?"

<p class="MsoNormal">"What do you want?" Violet extended her hands wide open "Is it power? Is it money? Is it someone? I will give anything you request, if it's within my reach to do so" she copied Chrono's speech, she didn't feel like asking why the girl didn't pay attention again, so she decided to go along with it.

<p class="MsoNormal">"My... mother back..." Rin shyly told her, but even after that she still had one thing to ask, "... Do you have chocolate?"

<p class="MsoNormal">"What was that?" Violet leaned forward, she didn't hear it, but the next question made her blink in confusion "Ammm, Excuse me" she took her book again and searched hurriedly through the pages, and read and light speed to close it and save it again "Chocolate! Of course. Not right now, but I can make it for you... Is that all you want? Sweets?"

<p class="MsoNormal">Rin's eyes instantly brighten up with extreme vigor. Though she didn't say anything, she was clearly very happy. She nodded with extreme speed; but she had a question, "How do you even know the recipe for it!?"

<p class="MsoNormal">"... Your mother?" Rin smiled fondly in memory of her own. "Okay. I'll join" She smiled.

<p class="MsoNormal">"That was easy" Violet said with concern "Are you sure you don't want anything else?"

<p class="MsoNormal">She nodded. Clearly, she wasn't hard to satisfy. "Not in particular" Smiling, Rin let out her thousand watt smile.

<p class="MsoNormal">"............" Violet's eyes became blank, and she showed an expression of utter disbelief "We... Could have..." with a palm on her forehead, Violet sighed "Maybe this is not gonna work, are all people like that? I need people I can trust... Then again I don't know what I expected..."

<p class="MsoNormal">"What's wrong? ... I thought you would be happy from me accepting...?" Rin questioned.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Ah, no, it's not that, it's just..." Violet brought out her book again "I was prepared to offer you a chunck of my head if needed, it feels too... Easy?" she moved her head as if she was thinking about her wording "I think that's the word, it was too easy. How can I trust you won't go all Judas and nail me to a cross later?"

<p class="MsoNormal">The lolitia girl looked genuinely confused, "Ju-dasu nail?" Looking at the confusing girl who was dubbed her friend now, "I would never ask for your head..."

<p class="MsoNormal">"It's a metafall... I mean metaphor" Violet corrected herself "Well... I'm still thirsty, wanna go to drink something? Now that we're here anyway, we can talk in a more... Private place?"

<p class="MsoNormal">Water did sound nice, in this age, water was practically royalties at this point. In particular, fresh water was insanely nice to even drink now. "... Yes. I want water.". How much water or the amount of how much of it did not matter. She nodded to herself as if confirming her own thoughts.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Okay! How much do you think it'll cost? A small diamond? A fist sized one? Perhaps we will have to steal it, but with our Sacred Gear it shouldn't be a problem" Violet said, almost whispered to avoid strangers to overhear their conversation "Might as well take a bath... Do you know baths? They say your skin looks amazing after one"

<p class="MsoNormal">"... Yes I do" After the Grim Reapers discovered her Longinus, she was treated like practically like a princess. Of course she knew what they felt like. "... They do feel good."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Now I'm pumped!" Violet's eyes started shinning "Let's go! The place should be near here!" she grabbed Rin by the hand and started running toward the location.

<p class="MsoNormal">Surprised by her amount of touchiness, Rin silently agreed to herself to just follow and not ask questions. It was better this way... Or something... "... Okay"

<p class="MsoNormal">Turning many times on the corners of buildings, she came to a stop when they were in front of a building made of stones, contrary to the rest, which were made out of woods "Here it is" she took a deep breathe "Smells humid...!"

<p class="MsoNormal">Following behind Violet, Rin was scratching her face, "... What's this place?". Noticing how the building greatly differed from all the other ones, Rin thought of multiple reasons as to why. Maybe this was the headquarters of a secret base? It wouldn't surprise her that Violet's base would have fresh water but seeing as she said that she hasn't had fresh water in essentially ever...

<p class="MsoNormal">"I think it's the place where they sell water" Violet replied "Can't you feel the humidity in the air?" letting go of the girl's hand, Violet entered the place, where a man around his 40 was sanding behind a (don't know how's named a bar tender table sorry) "Excuse me?" she approached slowly and spoke in a more polite way "How do you sell the glass of water?"

<p class="MsoNormal">The man turned his head and glared at violet "more then you could probably afford Missy."

<p class="MsoNormal">"..." Seeing that the seller was looking at her, Rin waved her hands around. "Nono... Not at me...". Putting her thumb in a 'Thumbs-up' manner, she pointed the thumb at her new comrade. "... Her" she stated.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Hmmm?" Violet tilted her head and looked around. The place was mostly empty, and wasn't all that good decorated "I think I can pay for it, I travelled a looong distance to drink some water, so please tell me the prices" she pressed, still sounding somewhat polite.

<p class="MsoNormal">Muttering something under his breath the bartender pulled out a glass and said "One glass, two hundred ars."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Hmmmmmmm" with a hand on her chin, Violet stared at the glass of water before her "Don't you have baths? I might as well drink from it before going in if we come to these prices" she stated shrugging "Right miss Long?" Violted turned to the petite girl beside her.

<p class="MsoNormal">"... Just Rin is fine" The blonde girl didn't hate baths... Frankly enough, she liked them well enough. Though, memories of the Grim Reapers... "...As long as the walls aren't painted black everywhere" she replied.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Bathes are four hundred" the bartender said still glaring at Violet.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Okay, I think that might. Be. Better... I guess..." Violet scratched her scar awkwardly. Inserting her hand in her cloak, Violet searched for something "Can I pay in diamond? I don't have any Ars with me right now" she then turned to the petite girl "Do you have money? I'll pay you later."

<p class="MsoNormal">As Rin was dressed in "ojou-sama" clothing, it was not a mistake to assume that she had a lot of clothing. Though, those clothes were a gift from her mother. Oddly enough, her mom would always dress her up and claim that she "looked just like a doll". However, she did have SOME money she could spare and seeing that she would be seeing Violet a lot more from now on, she could assume that she would in fact get paid. "... Enough money..." Pulling out a wad of cash (and a trinket from the wastelands for some reason), Rin pushed the money towards Violet.

<p class="MsoNormal">The bartender grunted before snatching the money and handing a key to Violet.

<p class="MsoNormal">Violet ignored the rude act, and simply stared at the key "Where's he bath?"

<p class="MsoNormal">The bartender pointed all the way to the back and said "Just go straight till you hit a dead end then go left."

<p class="MsoNormal">"Okay" Violet raised her hand as if salutating a militar commander "Let's go Miss Rin" Violet said moving her head toward the direction she was told.

<p class="MsoNormal">"... Just Rin is fine..." Rin deadpanned, but she followed Violet regardless.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Okay, it's here" she looked at the door "Looks kickable" she commented before opening it with the key.

<p class="MsoNormal">The bath was very foggy and was hard to make out but what could be seen was crystal clear water and rocks that blocked the women and man sides of the bath.

<p class="MsoNormal">Questioning to herself why she didn't kick it, Rin followed her walking into the mist-filled room. To her happiness, the room was indeed not covered in dark paint. "What do we do here...? I've never interacted with anyone to this close of a level..."

<p class="MsoNormal">"... Is it... Clean?" Rin questioned looking at crystal clear water which indeed looked clean, but one could never be too suspicious right?

<p class="MsoNormal">"Taking in account that we just came from the corruption, we might not have to bother about it that much" Violet commented "We're more contaminated anyway so..." she shrugged and drank "A different story would be if we drank after bathing, that would kill us" she said seriously.

<p class="MsoNormal">"... I see" Taking a sip of the water, Rin widened her eyes. "This... Might be comparable to... Chocolate."

<p class="MsoNormal">"..." Violet's eyes started shinning, and her expression of complete extasis "To think people of the past enjoyed this every day..." she took more, the liquid did not taste of anything, yet her body accepted the water as if it was natural.

<p class="MsoNormal">Rin also took another sip. "... Are we allowed to even do this?". Pondering on the thought, "Didn't we only pay for the bath bill?". She tasted the water once again.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Hmmm, I dunno" Violet admited "But I'm not missing this, nope, not a chance. The only descent drink I've had in all my life... Nope" and kept drinking.

<p class="MsoNormal">"... You might... Drink all the water before we even take a bath..." Though she was a hypocrite — She also took another sip.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Right..." she stood up "So... How are we doing this?" Violet moved her hair away from her face "I don't mind sharing the bath, but I don't know about you Miss Rin."

<p class="MsoNormal">Pondering Rin told her, "I... Don't mind." To her, someone who has been secluded from society, sharing the bath wasn't the worst of things. She shared it with her mom, so what would be the difference with sharing it with someone else?

<p class="MsoNormal">"Well, that doesn't tells me anything so..." Violet looked up to the sky "I wonder if he's done with his side of the job..." she mumbled and looked to Rin "Well, let's do this, we have to go, you want chocolates, right?"

<p class="MsoNormal">"I'll need the ingredients though"

<p class="MsoNormal">"C-chocolate!?! How much longer do I have to wait?!" Rin exclaimed furiously nodding to her new friend.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Let's finish bathing and we go get 'em girl" Violet gave a thumbs up.

<p class="MsoNormal">"Y-yes!" Rin jumped around happily, ready for her favourite treat -- though water might've topped that list already. <ac_metadata title="*Ionian"> </ac_metadata>