[ Wooow. She lets out an impressed whistle at the sight. ]
Maybe not, but why not? Seems like a pretty nice thing to have -- and in the worst case scenario, wouldn't you rather have a big open space than more small and crowded ones?
[ She's always been mediocre about respecting personal space but she brazenly sidles right up to Blade today. ]
[ It's practically blinding in a myriad ways, so when he hears her whistle, there is a part of him that agrees with the assessment. ]
...Hm.
When you put it that way, it almost sounds acceptable. One could hold one of those unfortunate meetings between important persons here, or other such nonsense...
[ Looking at the room feels insufficient, with someone so close up to his side. Has he ever let anyone get that close to him before? He turns slightly, to look at the expression on Rodya's face. ]
[ It's her usual kind of casual look, much better than the entirety of last week. She's ready to move on and be her usual self, regardless of whether people think that might be her true self. ]
With the kinds of weapons we use, places with wide swings would be best. Anyway, wanna check out the place? No offense, but you don't really feel like the kind of person who knows how to balldance, so I guess asking if you wanna try a round would be pointless.
[ More recent memories trickle into his head. Kafka and his other associates emphasizing a need for certain attire, one of which he recalls having with him; a need to blend in. The Stellaron Hunters have had to do that before. Still, his next words are slower to come. ]
I have attended formal functions before.
...I can dance just fine. One might say combat is a dance of its own.
[ His gaze remains curious; not offended. He just felt he had to say that, then he slides his gaze away, back to the room proper. ]
Whatever the case, checking it out proper doesn't sound objectionable either.
Only the weird artsy people say that, and usually, they love to fight.
[ It's always the freaks with bloodlust who call fighting an art or a dance or whatever!! Not that she thinks much of it because again these people are often also her coworkers. ]
Maybe I should've gotten into a dress and you could show me just how good you are.
-- Oh, by the way, I meant to say but I totally forgot. Uh... you wanna come hang when we do the ship lockdowns?
[ Though, Blade has a hard time viewing himself as artsy, so to speak, as he muses idly on the thought. ]
...I can prove it at any time. [ Did he take it as a challenge...anyway. ] As for your request, I will accept. It might be bothersome if others hound me for staying by myself.
[ Not that he cares what people think of him. But it will be annoying if they pester him, as his patience is finite. In addition, he has become used to speaking to Rodya. ]
The ship is big but technically, for the amount of people we have, it's not that big! How many times did you end up being alone even though you're not hermiting up in your room?
I'm usually with Greg and Yura, so if you don't mind that, you're totally free to come.
[ Now, this time, a little smirk edges it's way across his face, and his eyes crease in obvious amusement. ]
...At least twice, if we're not counting the first time. I'm very good at avoiding people.
[ Help, he sounds a bit too proud about that. ]
I don't mind either of them in the slightest. [ Beat. ] As for your inquiry, I can prove it right now. Whether or not you wish to obtain your dress is, of course, up to you.
[ Blade isn't a chicken. Especially right now. But, he will shift to step back before extending his hand to her. ]
...Either way, it seems we've both made our decisions.
[ His fingers wrap around the hand, securing it within his grasp. Neither of them are leaving to change. Merely taking the opportunity to dance in the here and now.
Neither one of them can go back on this; just how he prefers. ]
I'll show you what I am capable of...and keep you from stepping all over my feet as well. To a point, of course. I won't be able to help you if you can't...keep up.
[ With that, Blade places his second hand correctly on the other side of Rodya's back, and then begins to guide them. It might be surprising, but his movements are fluid, controlling the flow with ease. All she has to do is, of course, follow suit. ]
Are you? So far, you've been pretty decent as a conversation partner.
[ Rodion doesn't mind dressing up for the occasion, but she may as well before Blade changes his mind. She likes to take her chances and she likes to take them quick.
Anyway surprisingly, for all her tehepero attitude and warnings, she might be surprisingly okay at this. Me like they have to have had put her in such a nice ballgown in her ID photo for a reason......... so this is my hc, surprising culture. ]
[ Blade's lips are curled up in rare, actual continuous good humor. Truly, what do opportunities exist for but to take advantage of them?
Either way, Rodya's skill in dancing is perceived, though he might have presumed her commentary before was just her being humble, or simply joking. Not that he has any complaints, of course. ]
That would be the hard work of my associates. [ Blade wasn't enthused about it. ] We were on missions a certain of amount of times wherein blending in to a degree would be necessary beyond attire.
[ Her tone is that veiled one again, maybe thoughtful, maybe not. It's hard to read what it really entails, and she probably wants it that way -- casual, light, as if it isn't a big deal.
Footwork. She isn't the most graceful of people, in a lot of ways that word could mean, but she can always act like it. ]
I told you, I'm pretty dang good at it and all sorts of things. Jack-of-all-trades, master of a few -- or theoretically, master of all too, with infinite mirror worlds.
[ Blade remembers that tone well. It makes him think about what was shown before, on the outing that they had which was distinctly horrid in one way after another, and was the beginning of a honest to Aeon's utterly wretched week. Only buoyed vaguely by the small reprieve of that spa outing.
He sees no reason to ask further when the answer given is satisfactory, no matter how little his social graces are. So, he decides to dip her at least once. ]
...Infinite mirror worlds?
[ Is that an unusual expression or does she mean it seriously? ]
[ Hoi. A dip is pretty rare because there's not a lot of people willing or able to dip a six foot woman of muscle, so this is fun. She may be messing with him lightly by letting her weight pull, to see if he can put his mouth where his money is. ]
Probably infinite, anyway. I've only seen a handful of other versions of me so far -- it's like, a thing we have. Borrowing alternate versions of ourselves and their skills for our missions and stuff.
So like, I'm normally an axe person, working with the LCB, right? But there's a version of me that's a wakashuu rank at the Kurokumo and has a sick katana. Or where I'm the Director of one of the Liu Association offices, so I'm basically a total master at martial arts.
I don't always get to keep all these skills once I'm back to me, but at least I kind of get an idea.
[ Blade is ready to take the challenge, apparently; the fact Rodya is taller and full of muscle does not deter him, though it isn't exactly as a walk in the park as if he were to figuratively do it on someone without. He feels the slight tug when she allows her weight to take hold in a bigger way.
But, his own muscles are not for show, thankfully, even if he might lean a bit more from the messing around. His grip is firm, though, managing to pull her right back up without stumbling. ]
...So it wasn't some kind of figurative expression. Yet, it's undeniable...the formidable nature of this aspect you hold, and infinite possibilities.
Those within the Stellaron Hunters do not possess such a capability, though of course we all have our individual strengths. Elio's ability to see into the future serves as, perhaps, the most useful resource.
[ The girls he hangs with... they're so dainty... Silver Wolf is so tiny... she's amused. This really is fun! ]
Yeah, I think if we had a tech that could see the future, we'd make some pretty good use out of that kind of Singularity. Would probably save us a lot of trouble and a lot of deaths.
[ And so many mistakes, she recalls, as she follows his steps. They're all called Sinners for a reason. ]
That person ever told you what's in store for you?
[ Blade is most certainly used to hanging around tinier girls for certain...they are nothing like Rodya.
...Well, actually, she reminds him of someone he barely remembers (which is a funny sentence to type, but it's true.) ]
'Singularity?'
...Sounds as if the myriad deaths occurring in your line of work are from unexpected events, hm?
[ To hear of it in more detail makes him think about the brief answer she had given to him before about the Limbus Company's aims; bringing her close, and then bringing them back a bit father into another movement. Deliberately so, at this point. ]
That said, it appears my ultimate fate has not yet been set in stone; though it has served well for our missions. He, however, is interested in seeing what happens if someone like me meets a true death, instead of those constant, temporary ones.
Singularity. It's what we call powerful patented tech -- the WARP trains, the Concept Incinerator, Wishpower. It's the stuff that gives each District its unique appeal and power.
[ Corporate patents... this world is weird. She goes along with theses ins and outs, going along with the song and dance -- playing it by ear, her true talent. ]
A "true death", huh? Funny you should say that, when constant temporary ones are the exact kind I need to do my job. A lot of people would kill for that kind of ability, for a lot of reasons. Not that it makes me take living for granted -- I still know what it's like to fight tooth and nail to survive.
[ Truly...another twirl for her, while we're at it? ]
Concept Incinerator? Wishpower? WARP train? ...I have not heard of either such technology. Though, I am aware there is a train commonly used by a particular group to travel through space.
[ Those do sound like powerful things. In fact, the title 'Wishpower' immediately has him think on the matter of Stellarons, actually. Hearing her talk about the rest makes him also a little surprised. Though he wouldn't think it a form of immortality, the similarity is undeniable. This isn't something he expected to have in common with someone, and it naturally piques his curiosity...that she can still have that perspective. ]
Constant, temporary deaths are required for you to fulfill your job?
[ Twirl. Easy. She keeps it paced enough that her hair doesn't just smack Blade, turning around to an amused subtle smile. ]
That might kinda be like the WARP train. It's W Corp's Singularity, gets you anywhere in the City within seconds. They're not super important, just you know -- examples of the kinds of tech we have, I guess?
[ A little thought on how she should say it as she walks a few waltz steps. ]
Man, have we I seriously somehow avoided mentioning it to you? Yeah, on a bad week I can end up getting killed a couple times a day.
Our manager has the ability to rewind us back to life though -- just us at the LCB. It lets us do jobs a lot of people normally can't, since undoing death is technically illegal in the City -- we're kind of an exception, because the power doesn't come from a Singularity or anything anyone created.
[ Death is normal in the City. They're a bit unique in this regard. ]
I wouldn't say they're required, or else that'd be one sucky job. But it is kind of dangerous, so it just happens.
[ Little smiles are contagious; well, usually not exactly for Blade, but in this case, it certainly is, no matter the brevity of its appearance.
Shifting into the waltz is, at the least, very doable. ]
...So they are.
[ At the question, there is something like a more pronounced amused look; even if the topic is, actually, rather grim. But first, he addresses the topic a bit more seriously. ]
It appears this City is not completely lawless. Despite the long-lived nature of those present on the Xianzhou Alliance, or its enemies aligned with the Abundance who are obsessed with immortality, I would say that it is uncommon to have someone readily able to 'rewind' others back to life. Though, with the Aeon Yaoshi, I don't doubt they could conjure up...something. [ Not good, he thinks, in comparison to such an Aeon's blessing. ] I would wonder if there are any drawbacks, but you do stand in front of me with your being in tact.
As for why this hasn't come up before...do I have the face of someone you would initially imagining divulging to such details with ease?
It's only lawless to you guys [ as in everyone else who looks at the City as an outsider ] and people like me, but we still have a government. It's called the Head, and they pretty much get the say on the big rules, like how AI can't be mistaken for human, or how reviving the dead should be illegal -- and I'm pretty sure immortality is off the table for similar-enough reasons, though you can probably cheese it in a way.
Just replace the rest of your body with mechanical augmentations. You won't be human anymore, but at least you'll be surviving, which is good enough for some.
I am in one piece, though. And I'm mentally strong enough that death and Hell don't scare me off too much.
[ Her sanity threshold is quite high. Step, step, in tandem. ]
I dunno! Your face hasn't scared me off from saying whatever I feel like, if that's what you mean.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Maybe not, but why not? Seems like a pretty nice thing to have -- and in the worst case scenario, wouldn't you rather have a big open space than more small and crowded ones?
[ She's always been mediocre about respecting personal space but she brazenly sidles right up to Blade today. ]
no subject
...Hm.
When you put it that way, it almost sounds acceptable. One could hold one of those unfortunate meetings between important persons here, or other such nonsense...
[ Looking at the room feels insufficient, with someone so close up to his side. Has he ever let anyone get that close to him before? He turns slightly, to look at the expression on Rodya's face. ]
no subject
With the kinds of weapons we use, places with wide swings would be best. Anyway, wanna check out the place? No offense, but you don't really feel like the kind of person who knows how to balldance, so I guess asking if you wanna try a round would be pointless.
no subject
I have attended formal functions before.
...I can dance just fine. One might say combat is a dance of its own.
[ His gaze remains curious; not offended. He just felt he had to say that, then he slides his gaze away, back to the room proper. ]
Whatever the case, checking it out proper doesn't sound objectionable either.
no subject
[ It's always the freaks with bloodlust who call fighting an art or a dance or whatever!! Not that she thinks much of it because again these people are often also her coworkers. ]
Maybe I should've gotten into a dress and you could show me just how good you are.
-- Oh, by the way, I meant to say but I totally forgot. Uh... you wanna come hang when we do the ship lockdowns?
no subject
[ Though, Blade has a hard time viewing himself as artsy, so to speak, as he muses idly on the thought. ]
...I can prove it at any time. [ Did he take it as a challenge...anyway. ] As for your request, I will accept. It might be bothersome if others hound me for staying by myself.
[ Not that he cares what people think of him. But it will be annoying if they pester him, as his patience is finite. In addition, he has become used to speaking to Rodya. ]
no subject
I'm usually with Greg and Yura, so if you don't mind that, you're totally free to come.
[ Anywaaay. ]
Feel like proving it right now?
no subject
...At least twice, if we're not counting the first time. I'm very good at avoiding people.
[ Help, he sounds a bit too proud about that. ]
I don't mind either of them in the slightest. [ Beat. ] As for your inquiry, I can prove it right now. Whether or not you wish to obtain your dress is, of course, up to you.
[ Blade isn't a chicken. Especially right now. But, he will shift to step back before extending his hand to her. ]
no subject
You're a big guy, you'd think you'd be harder to miss.
Walking away just to dress up is a little weird, I'll only do it if you will.
[ Takes the hand. ]
Show me what you got, big guy. Oh, but if I step on your feet, don't say anything.
no subject
...Either way, it seems we've both made our decisions.
[ His fingers wrap around the hand, securing it within his grasp. Neither of them are leaving to change. Merely taking the opportunity to dance in the here and now.
Neither one of them can go back on this; just how he prefers. ]
I'll show you what I am capable of...and keep you from stepping all over my feet as well. To a point, of course. I won't be able to help you if you can't...keep up.
[ With that, Blade places his second hand correctly on the other side of Rodya's back, and then begins to guide them. It might be surprising, but his movements are fluid, controlling the flow with ease. All she has to do is, of course, follow suit. ]
no subject
[ Rodion doesn't mind dressing up for the occasion, but she may as well before Blade changes his mind. She likes to take her chances and she likes to take them quick.
Anyway surprisingly, for all her tehepero attitude and warnings, she might be surprisingly okay at this. Me like they have to have had put her in such a nice ballgown in her ID photo for a reason......... so this is my hc, surprising culture. ]
Hup -- wooow. Where'd you learn all this?
no subject
[ Blade's lips are curled up in rare, actual continuous good humor. Truly, what do opportunities exist for but to take advantage of them?
Either way, Rodya's skill in dancing is perceived, though he might have presumed her commentary before was just her being humble, or simply joking. Not that he has any complaints, of course. ]
That would be the hard work of my associates. [ Blade wasn't enthused about it. ] We were on missions a certain of amount of times wherein blending in to a degree would be necessary beyond attire.
...Yourself?
no subject
[ A neat spin, even despite her height. ]
We were poor, but it's not like we couldn't play pretend sometimes. And maybe I went to a charity event or two as Sonya -- someone's plus one.
And if nothing else, I'm a pretty fast learner and not half-bad at adapting.
no subject
[ Words spoken idly, but lightly. The spin is graceful, showcases her performing expertly on her feet, moving like air through clouds.
Blade is not distracted easily, though his eyes are watchful, even as he continues to move along in tandem. ]
Sonya must be a good associate of yours.
...As for the other matter, I have seen indication by your prowess in battle. I haven't forgotten how you faced those large creatures down.
no subject
[ Her tone is that veiled one again, maybe thoughtful, maybe not. It's hard to read what it really entails, and she probably wants it that way -- casual, light, as if it isn't a big deal.
Footwork. She isn't the most graceful of people, in a lot of ways that word could mean, but she can always act like it. ]
I told you, I'm pretty dang good at it and all sorts of things. Jack-of-all-trades, master of a few -- or theoretically, master of all too, with infinite mirror worlds.
no subject
He sees no reason to ask further when the answer given is satisfactory, no matter how little his social graces are. So, he decides to dip her at least once. ]
...Infinite mirror worlds?
[ Is that an unusual expression or does she mean it seriously? ]
no subject
Probably infinite, anyway. I've only seen a handful of other versions of me so far -- it's like, a thing we have. Borrowing alternate versions of ourselves and their skills for our missions and stuff.
So like, I'm normally an axe person, working with the LCB, right? But there's a version of me that's a wakashuu rank at the Kurokumo and has a sick katana. Or where I'm the Director of one of the Liu Association offices, so I'm basically a total master at martial arts.
I don't always get to keep all these skills once I'm back to me, but at least I kind of get an idea.
no subject
But, his own muscles are not for show, thankfully, even if he might lean a bit more from the messing around. His grip is firm, though, managing to pull her right back up without stumbling. ]
...So it wasn't some kind of figurative expression. Yet, it's undeniable...the formidable nature of this aspect you hold, and infinite possibilities.
Those within the Stellaron Hunters do not possess such a capability, though of course we all have our individual strengths. Elio's ability to see into the future serves as, perhaps, the most useful resource.
no subject
Yeah, I think if we had a tech that could see the future, we'd make some pretty good use out of that kind of Singularity. Would probably save us a lot of trouble and a lot of deaths.
[ And so many mistakes, she recalls, as she follows his steps. They're all called Sinners for a reason. ]
That person ever told you what's in store for you?
no subject
...Well, actually, she reminds him of someone he barely remembers (which is a funny sentence to type, but it's true.) ]
'Singularity?'
...Sounds as if the myriad deaths occurring in your line of work are from unexpected events, hm?
[ To hear of it in more detail makes him think about the brief answer she had given to him before about the Limbus Company's aims; bringing her close, and then bringing them back a bit father into another movement. Deliberately so, at this point. ]
That said, it appears my ultimate fate has not yet been set in stone; though it has served well for our missions. He, however, is interested in seeing what happens if someone like me meets a true death, instead of those constant, temporary ones.
no subject
Singularity. It's what we call powerful patented tech -- the WARP trains, the Concept Incinerator, Wishpower. It's the stuff that gives each District its unique appeal and power.
[ Corporate patents... this world is weird. She goes along with theses ins and outs, going along with the song and dance -- playing it by ear, her true talent. ]
A "true death", huh? Funny you should say that, when constant temporary ones are the exact kind I need to do my job. A lot of people would kill for that kind of ability, for a lot of reasons. Not that it makes me take living for granted -- I still know what it's like to fight tooth and nail to survive.
no subject
Concept Incinerator? Wishpower? WARP train? ...I have not heard of either such technology. Though, I am aware there is a train commonly used by a particular group to travel through space.
[ Those do sound like powerful things. In fact, the title 'Wishpower' immediately has him think on the matter of Stellarons, actually. Hearing her talk about the rest makes him also a little surprised. Though he wouldn't think it a form of immortality, the similarity is undeniable. This isn't something he expected to have in common with someone, and it naturally piques his curiosity...that she can still have that perspective. ]
Constant, temporary deaths are required for you to fulfill your job?
no subject
That might kinda be like the WARP train. It's W Corp's Singularity, gets you anywhere in the City within seconds. They're not super important, just you know -- examples of the kinds of tech we have, I guess?
[ A little thought on how she should say it as she walks a few waltz steps. ]
Man, have we I seriously somehow avoided mentioning it to you? Yeah, on a bad week I can end up getting killed a couple times a day.
Our manager has the ability to rewind us back to life though -- just us at the LCB. It lets us do jobs a lot of people normally can't, since undoing death is technically illegal in the City -- we're kind of an exception, because the power doesn't come from a Singularity or anything anyone created.
[ Death is normal in the City. They're a bit unique in this regard. ]
I wouldn't say they're required, or else that'd be one sucky job. But it is kind of dangerous, so it just happens.
no subject
Shifting into the waltz is, at the least, very doable. ]
...So they are.
[ At the question, there is something like a more pronounced amused look; even if the topic is, actually, rather grim. But first, he addresses the topic a bit more seriously. ]
It appears this City is not completely lawless. Despite the long-lived nature of those present on the Xianzhou Alliance, or its enemies aligned with the Abundance who are obsessed with immortality, I would say that it is uncommon to have someone readily able to 'rewind' others back to life. Though, with the Aeon Yaoshi, I don't doubt they could conjure up...something. [ Not good, he thinks, in comparison to such an Aeon's blessing. ] I would wonder if there are any drawbacks, but you do stand in front of me with your being in tact.
As for why this hasn't come up before...do I have the face of someone you would initially imagining divulging to such details with ease?
no subject
Just replace the rest of your body with mechanical augmentations. You won't be human anymore, but at least you'll be surviving, which is good enough for some.
I am in one piece, though. And I'm mentally strong enough that death and Hell don't scare me off too much.
[ Her sanity threshold is quite high. Step, step, in tandem. ]
I dunno! Your face hasn't scared me off from saying whatever I feel like, if that's what you mean.
(no subject)