[Blue]

Blue woke bright and early- perhaps a tad bit too early, for the little Xaela could still hear the deep labored breathing of her miquo'te companion from a couple of rooms away. The day had just broken, and that was all the girl needed as an excuse to explore what she could before more training might happen that day. Her attempts to get back to sleep were futile anyhow.

Rather than exit the hostelry through the normal methods, Blue opened the window to her room and hopped onto the slanted rooftop tiles. She peaked out towards the Kogane Dori Markets, ears flicking at the sounds of bustling and motion before she made her way closer, trying to balance herself and correct her posture as she ran and leapt from the rooftops- at least until she got closer. Dropping down onto the ground the Xaela haphazardly dusts herself off and swings herself around to face the market's proper, eyes lingering over the merchants who were still setting up their stalls.

“Oh…guess they aren't ready to sell things either..” Blue frowns and finds a nearby building to plop down against, coiling her tail around her knees as she waits for the markets to open up proper.

[Wisteria]

“What have we here?”

A purple robed and red masked figure clutched the corner of the building as she leaned over to peek at Blue, her build clearly that of a midlander.

“Not often you see foreigners out this early. Are you lost?”

[Blue]

Blue startled a bit at the sound of a voice directed her way, tilting her head curiously over to the woman who seemed to press herself against the very building the Xaela leaned against. She offers the midlander a bright and friendly smile.

“I'm not lost, I just thought I'd see what all goes on early in the morning before everyone wakes up!” Her tail wagged behind her as bi-colored eyes focused on the woman with interest. “And you're out here early too!”

[Wisteria]

“Well I just happened to be in the area really really rare for me to have down time with all that goes on.”

“I was thinking of looking into some of the rogue samples.”

[Blue]

The Xaela has a puzzled look on her face. “What're rogue samples?”

[Wisteria]

“People like you, I suppose.”

“Quite the interesting eyes you’ve got there.”

[Blue]

Blue draws her hands into her lap, fingers absently toying with the end of her tail as she delayed an answer, though her eyes shyly darted downward. “..Thank you! But it's not so interesting, really. I'm sure plenty of people have eyes like mine. But why're you saying people like me? I know I'm an outsider here but I promise I'm not causing any trouble!”

[Wisteria]

“Oh I suppose I can come out and say it. I would be what some of your friends consider opposition. I’m the bad guy, if you wish to use the tall tale setting. I really wanted a better look at the other one, but seeing you….well you don’t appear to be terribly special or different…so I thought I’d come have a look. A direct look at one of the unaccounted elements. A rogue sample, if you will.”

[Blue]

The Xaela's mind is whirling. Other one? One of her friends maybe? She digs her nails into her tail anxiously, but also as a means to still her heart. Lifting her chin up, she smiles at the woman and shakes her head. “You don't seem bad to me. And you haven't done anything that makes me think you oppose me either.” At least she didn't seem to notice anything outwardly strange, Blue thought to herself, before drawing her tail from her lap and hopping up into a standing position.

“The question should be why you think I'm an enemy to you.”

[Wisteria]

“You have the stink of that grimoire on you, but it’s not in you. Which means your exposure isn’t involuntary…probably.”

“Easy assumption to make during wartime. If you call it that….”

[Blue]

Blue flicks an ear. It was that book again.. The Xaela straightens, thinking of Veldi before she answers rather bluntly, “No, you're right. It's not involuntary at all. That alone doesn't make me an enemy…” Yet, she wants to add, but decides against it. Curiosity flowing, the female continues gingerly, as if seeking affirmation. “Are you an enemy of the one who has the grimoire?”

[Wisteria]

“Naturally. Different philosophies on approaching creation you see.”

[Blue]

“..Approaching creation?”

[Wisteria]

“You’d find it difficult to understand.”

[Blue]

Blue narrows her eyes slightly, as if she was familiar with such an answer before. “Is it truly worth defending then if you can't explain it to most?”

[Wisteria]

“Oh I can explain it. I’m saying you are not intelligent enough to understand.”

[Blue]

Blue looked like she'd been slapped, ears flattening against her head before balling her fists and holding her head high. “T-think what you will! You don't know me. You can't create anything when-” The frazzled Xaela shook her head stubbornly. “Nevermind.”

Blue stared down at her hands. Calm. Don't let the emotions say things.

[Wisteria]

“I know enough. I know that you have not considered the grimoire bearer an enemy. I know that means you must not know enough. I know that means that unlike myself, you do not understand life.”

“But it is not too late for you. I can still help you.”

[Blue]

“I'd never consider her an enemy and never will. I'm already aware of warnings and dangers and worries but that matters little to me. She's a person.. That grimoire is just a part. That's not all that makes her who she is.”

[Wisteria]

“Her? I see…”

The woman taps her mask like it might produce something, tilting her head from side to side in animated fashion.

[Blue]

Realization sinks in soon after the woman's words, and Blue briefly brings her hands to her mouth, as if afraid something else might slip out. Her eyes were wide.

`What am I doing? Have I gotten her into trouble again???`

Some reflex seems to have briefly snapped inside the girl, because rather than speak further with the stranger, her strongest impulse appears to be foolishly launching herself at her instead. She raises her hand up in a very determined attempt to swipe the strange mask off and away and get a proper look at whoever this enemy of her sister was supposed to be.

[Wisteria]

Underneath the mask was what appeared to be a native of the area, a typical citizen of Kugane that would just as easily blend into the crowd unmasked as any other. The only discernible difference was the woman’s eyes. They were clouded over and appeared entirely out of focus; her eyes seemed to be silently screaming despite the unfocused and lightless appearance.

“Oh my, that was more than rude. Perhaps I ought call the Sekisegumi?”

[Blue]

Blue stared hard at the stranger's face, flickering over what little details she could absorb before she pulled away and dropped down to pick up the mask that had clattered to the ground nearby.

Blue looked down at the mask, fins twitching at the woman's words. She didn't know what that was, but could guess what it could be, straightening up once more to pass the mask back to its owner with reluctance.

“I'm…sorry…” It wouldn't be hard to discern that the girl was shaking, furious at herself and at this mysterious threat that was searching out for Veldi. The Xaela lowered her head, curling her fingers into her palms.

“Please don't call anyone. I acted without thinking. It was very rude of me.”

[Wisteria]

The woman smirks and takes the mask before bowing deeply.

“I-I only wanted to dress as the Ijin do, I had no idea it was a public challenge to a duel! Please forgive me.”

She rises slowly, and when her face is visible again, tears had already begun to form in the corners of her eyes.

[Blue]

Tret would have told me to run, Blue thinks to herself, her legs frozen in place as she listened to the woman's words. She took note of the glistening sign of tears to follow when the stranger rose and the Xaela's heart sank.

Something was wrong.

Blue stumbles over her own words for a moment, afraid to give out more than she was taking in.

“I-it wasn't a challenge! I just..don't like masks. Hard to see the real person sometimes.”

[Wisteria]

“Of course, of course…”

She bowed again.

“May I buy you a snack as a form of apology?”

[Blue]

Blue's traitorous tail gives a happy wag at the offer but then it seems to remember the situation at hand and stills. The Xaela bites her lip.

“I…think you might be my enemy after all. It's probably not right to accept treats from you.”

[Wisteria]

“Not right for you maybe, but surely right for the merchant that would be thankful for our purchase?”

[Blue]

“I…um, yes, they'd probably be happy about that…”

She looks over at the nearby market stalls that have now fully opened over the course of the pair's exchange. Prospective customers could be seen beginning to traverse the area in small droves while the merchants haled them loudly in the attempt to garner sales.

“Um…okay. What do you suggest?” Blue's ears flattened, subdued and clearly forgetting that she'd brought her own money for just such a possibility even before the encounter had taken place.

Blue blinks, realizing that she'd been so distracted by the turn of the conversation, she forgotten to ask the one thing she always asked of strangers.

“By the way, may I know your name?”

Her tone was shy and quiet instead of overconfident and happy. The Xaela probably should have asked before she'd found out the woman knew about the Grimoire, and most certainly before Blue had physically assaulted her. It dampened her mood considerably.

[Wisteria]

“Normally I think the suggestion might be dango, but…”

She taps her lip thoughtfully.

“I think yaki imo might be best for the weather we currently enjoy.”

Her clouded eyes looked up thoughtfully at the question, but with a tilt of her head and a shrug she simply began walking towards a stall, seemingly putting away her worries.

“I don’t remember it actually. Unbelievable, I know—but it’s no fib I’ll have you know. I’ve gone so long without a need for a name I just sort of…dropped mine somewhere.”

[Blue]

The Xaela was unfamiliar with the various foods here, instead nodding at her suggestion before the woman began making towards the stall.

Blue had to take a moment to unlatch her frozen legs from where they stood in order to follow. This would have made for an easy opportunity for the girl to bolt off. But this was Blue, and she never stopped being curious.

When she caught up to her, she remained at a slight, wary distance, listening to her answer with a little frown.

“But then how do people address you? How do you make yourself not a stranger? But..I understand a little. I have a hard time remembering my actual name anymore, just what I was given.”

[Wisteria]

“I think it’s sad personally.”

She buys the yaki from the stall, handing the little thing over to Blue before promptly biting into her own.

“There is so much more to people than a name. So much more to identify and recognize or remember. To think a name is what we need to stay alive to others….I don’t agree with that. Anyone can have a name, but only you can be you, you know?”

[Blue]

The Xaela watches her, ears twitching as she was handed the yaki. She sniffs at it curiously before nibbling at one end, enjoying the taste, and devouring it quite soon afterwards. Gal hadn't eaten breakfast.

With a swish of her tail, Blue responds. “Course you're more than just a name! A name doesn't make you, you. But it's the first belonging you're gifted when you come into the world.” She scratches at the scales on her cheek.

“It's the first moment someone thought of you before you were born.”

She pauses and adds after a bit,

“But it's also easier for people to remember than 'The lady in the mask who bought me a treat.'”

She blinks at her. “I bet there are lots of Rogue Samples. And then if someone asks which one, you gotta describe it more. And then it might not be enough to know which one was which.”

[Wisteria]

“I’ve already acquired plenty.”

“Distinct appearance, unique eyes, a number of likely unconscious mannerisms and reactions….easy enough to pick out of a crowd from her hair alone, clearly agile….let’s see, what else…?”

She bites at her snack, thinking as she chews.

“Ah yes…you are not from here, and from your reactions as well as your speech, you are likely not from the Steppe either. Couple together that you are acquainted with the grimoire bearer and you are not aware of the seasonal snacks…you likely hail from the west. But that’s not all there is to you. No…you are clearly hiding something. Something probably important, but not more important to you than those you value. You seem almost desperate to be of help somehow, but you also do not wish to draw attention upon yourself. But you did not flee, nor did you continue your assault….”

She takes another bite and opens her eyes wide, speaking mid chew.

“Have you already made an error? Do you think that learning about me might somehow right your wrongs? Are they cross with you?”

“Don’t you know you can be friends with the enemies of your friends? It’s more than fine really!”

[Blue]

Blue fidgeted distractedly as she listened. She hadn't even been in Kugane for a week and this woman seemed to take note of every little detail upon first meeting. It reminded her of her talks with Veldi, her denial that she stood out so much from the rest. But this stranger…Blue resisted a shudder. She couldn't seem to fit, like the wrong, awkward piece of a jigsaw piece that couldn't be wedged into the puzzle.

The girl spread her arms helplessly, tail curling around her ankle. “I didn't fight, and I didn't run…because maybe I do want to be helpful. Maybe I can learn more about you and warn my friends. Maybe we can be friends and I can convince you to be nice and not hurt anybody else. Maybe I can find a weak spot. I might be a little frightened.” Her little quaking motions could attest to that. “But what's done is done..if I made a big mistake, I'll have to live with it.”

[Wisteria]

“Then I’ll give you a reward. Leave this girl and come to the docks. But you must hurry, or I’ll think better of all this.”

[Blue]

Blue blinks. “..Leave? Leave who?”

[Wisteria]

The woman’s eyes suddenly focus. She opens her eyes wide and looks around, seemingly confused by her garb and the snack in her hand.

[Blue]

Blue froze in place and stared hard at the woman.

“…Are you okay?” The Xaela asks slowly, visually taking note of the lack of a cloudy gaze.

[Wisteria]

Her eyes snapped to Blue.

“Who are you? What is this!? Why am I here!?”

[Blue]

And there went the alarm bells going off in Blue's head. Her own eyes wide, she managed a shaky smile and began to back peddle away. “Ah….I'm not sure. Maybe you were sleep walking?” The girl suggests before swiftly turning herself towards the direction of the docks.

This is bad. This is real bad.. Did it…borrow her body? So then what was I talking to? The Xaela anxiously looks over in the direction of the hostelry.

Should I get Lami? Should I even go? Veldi wouldn't want me to…

Blue hesitates once, takes a breath, then continues to the docks alone.

[Wisteria]

The docks, a place usually occupied with some kind of business from the earliest hours was strangely almost entirely silent. At the end of the docks, there stood a feminine figure alone clad in a purple hooded robe.

[Blue]

Blue looks around warily. She'd been hoping for dockworkers or fishermen or someone other than herself on this dark, staring after the familiar purple robe at the very end. Her ears flattened.

I can just go back right now and be none the wiser. I got plenty to tell Veldi when I see her, I know to be sneaky when trying to reach out to her. I've got enough, and some of it might even be helpful.

But…

The stubbornly curious Xaela walks down the pier at what feels like a snail's pace, her eyes locked on the figure as she distractedly clasps her hands together.

[Wisteria]

The figure turns around in a twirl motion. Much like the last, this figure was wearing a mask. This one was more ornate however, and featured jewels where the eyeholes would be.

“Hello~”

[Blue]

Blue offers this new figure a friendly if not wary smile as she twirls around, gaze flickering over the more ornate mask.

“..Hello..” She wriggles in place a bit before continuing rather bluntly, “I was told to come here?”

[Wisteria]

“My memory is not that short. You came for your reward yes?”

[Blue]

Blue tilts her head and taps her cheek. “Ah, so your the same person then. I wanted to make sure. I didn't get to say thank you for the Yaki, and I couldn't to that lady, she seemed upset.”

“Can I ask why you think I've earned a reward?”

[Wisteria]

“Did you not come after agonizing? Thinking is an exercise few bother to conduct, and rare instances of inspired thought ought be rewarded. Are you not of the same mind?”

[Blue]

“To be fair, I don't think many would blindly come at a random order without thinking on it first.”

[Wisteria]

“You would be surprised.”

“But I’ll not stall nor delay. Come, claim your prize.”

The woman removed her mask and hood, revealing yet another midlander woman’s face. Unlike the last however, her eyes were not suspiciously clouded over. Her hair was a pale blonde, and braided into a strange sort of ponytail. She smiled warmly, but something about her might have still seemed off. As if she had the look of someone famous but was not quite a match.

Her purple eyes locked onto Blue’s, and with a slight bow she motioned in welcome.

“You wanted to see my face did you not? Here you are!”

[Blue]

The Xaela tilted her head, locking onto the woman's strange purple eyes, before they scrolled forth and absorbed the rest of her features. “And you said I had interesting eyes.” Blue compliments, seeming to lower her own guard a bit.

[Wisteria]

“I had the luxury of choice. Did you?”

[Blue]

“F-For my eyes? No, I was born with them.”

[Wisteria]

“Exactly.”

“So what will you do with your prize? What do you think will change? What have you won?”

She edges closer with each question, her eyes wide and searching.

[Blue]

Blue brings her hands up, fingers curling like claws as she takes a step back. “Well..now I have a real face to remember. It's not another mask. That's a prize to me.”

[Wisteria]

“Then are you leaving?”

[Blue]

“I..I probably should. I left in a bit of a rush and don't want to worry my friend..”

[Wisteria]

“So that is your limit then. Very well. Take care not to get lost!”

[Blue]

Blue pauses. “Limit? You just said there was a reward…” She glances around the empty dock. “Was there more?”

[Wisteria]

“I suppose not really. Any questions you might ask would expose you to more risks as it happens. Are you not eager to scurry off?”

“Or were you hoping to hear an evil plan?”

[Blue]

Blue seems to deliberate in her head briefly, rubbing absently at her wrist as she casts a glance behind her and back towards the city.

Her curiosity was insatiable, but there was a price to wanting to know everything. And it felt wrong in some strange way. She already brought future risk to her sister with words alone; she couldn't let that increase even further with her simple desire to know. Not now. Still..

“…You're right. I should go and I will. But I do have one question.”

“Do you think you're evil?”

[Wisteria]

“No.”

[Blue]

“Do you think your enemies are?” Blue frankly can't count to one very well.

[Wisteria]

“We are scientists dear. Whether or not someone is good or evil hardly has an effect on my work.”

[Blue]

Blue tilts her head, eyes bright and curious. “Well…maybe it doesn't, but I wanted to know if you felt that way anyway. You defend your work then.”

“Maybe anybody would.”

[Wisteria]

“So you want to be an emissary?”

[Blue]

Blue blinks for a moment, then shakes her head. “You said I'm not intelligent enough to understand what you do.”

“I can't speak or defend something I can't understand.”

She smiles politely. “Thanks for the offer though.”

[Wisteria]

“It was not an offer. You don’t understand either side, yet you decided to seek information. Is it not because you wish to keep someone safe? Have I made you feel endangered? Do you need to understand what the danger is, or do will you settle for preventing it?”

The woman smiled, closing her eyes.

[Blue]

Blue's smile transitions back into a little frown and the tip of her tail glides along the wooden planks in an anxious sweep. “…A little of everything you've said, if I'm being honest. Would understanding help my friend at all? I'm not sure it would…I'm sure they already know.”

I just wish she could tell me herself..

[Wisteria]

“It might help, or it might help me. Mayhap it will help us both.” She shrugs, still keeping her eyes closed.

[Blue]

“..I think I want to know.” The Xaela stiffens as an afterthought, closing her own eyes briefly. A determined little frown still rested on her lips.

[Wisteria]

“Alright. Then…..what do you think you want to know first?”

[Blue]

Blue opens her eyes again before plopping down on the dock, drawing her knees to her chest and peering at the woman.

“How many have you hurt?”

[Wisteria]

“How do you define hurt? It’s is such a vague concept.”

[Blue]

Blue places her chin on her knees and thinks. “It's not really vague…um. Making others really unhappy?” She tries to explain. “Maybe…breaking an arm, or being cruel, or just causing trouble for someone in general..?”

[Wisteria]

“With that criteria, I suppose the number would be in….the hundreds. No, possibly thousands by now.”

She chuckles to herself before shrugging.

“But can that criteria truly qualify? Is it relevant at all? Do you have the answer to this question directed towards yourself for instance? What about your friend?”

[Blue]

“It's not really relevant. I already thought as much. War-related things have a lot of hurts and pains.”

She flicks an ear. “I'm sure my friend knows all about that too, thats why they want to stop you.”

“Do you..” she bites her lip. “Do you take over bodies a lot? Does that hurt them?”

[Wisteria]

“Did she look hurt?”

[Blue]

“I…don't know..you were making her do things she might not have wanted to do..”

[Wisteria]

“That was an experiment. I wanted to see how well I could adapt on a test run. There’s more testing that needs to be done but…well, it’s not priority.”

“It’s not really my field of work per se. Only busywork you see.”

[Blue]

Blue looks past the woman briefly, tightening her hold around her legs before she continues.

“What's your field of work?”

[Wisteria]

“Improvement of the flesh.”

[Blue]

Blue's eyes clear up at her answer. “Ah…”

“Just to…make it stronger?”

[Wisteria]

“Is that all you believe improvement to be?”

[Blue]

“It's a vague concept.”

“And depends on what you consider improvement.”

[Wisteria]

“The people who cannot travel far due to aetheric ineptitude. The frail who cannot do the work or perform in the roles of the strong. The sickly who can receive no aid.”

“Symptoms, all. I would offer mankind a cure.”

“A panacea for the disease that is weakness.”

[Blue]

“That…doesn't seem like a bad thing by itself.”

“But my friend wouldn't try to stop somebody from doing that if there wasn't more to it. Like that poor lady who lost her control I guess..”

[Wisteria]

“Progress requires sacrifice at the moment. It is unavoidable.”

“People disagree over what is good enough to merit sacrifice.”

[Blue]

“But couldn't you just find the frail willing to try the experiment? Or…the sickly with no other options?”

[Wisteria]

“Why is that better?”

[Blue]

“Less people being angry and trying to stop what you're doing?”

[Wisteria]

“I do not fear conflict. It is part of the process after all.”

“Man grows through strife.”

[Blue]

“They can also break..”

[Wisteria]

“Anything breaks under the right circumstances.”

She opens her eyes.

“Are you separate from them?”

[Blue]

Blue looks puzzled. “Separate from who?”

[Wisteria]

“People.”

“I would like to take a closer look at you.”

[Blue]

“I- no, everyone is a person. I'm a person too.” She blinks up at the woman, tensing subtly.

[Wisteria]

“But you would not like that.”

She leans backwards and stretches.

“I’ve already found my path forward for now anyway. Finding a new blueprint to work with this late would be inefficient.”

[Blue]

Blue takes a very slow, very measured breath. “Right…”

[Wisteria]

“If you’d like, I can give you a sample of the future.”

“A wonderful little supplement. I’ve had testers around the world you see, and I’ve finally acquired enough data for the revised second batch.”

“Mayhap you’ve heard of it? I believe the name that is circulating the most in Eorzea was Pyrefly?”

[Blue]

Blue perks her ears at the strange description and the even stranger choice of name. “I..have not…but that may be because I don't really engage with things like that back home. What is it supposed to do?”

[Wisteria]

“You’ll see soon enough.”

[Blue]

Blue gives her a blank look, uncertain of that meant.

[Wisteria]

“What, you want a sample for your own?”

[Blue]

Blue raises her hands up and shakes her head. “I don't think I should. My friend would not be happy.”

[Wisteria]

“Do you make your every decision based on whether or not someone else will be happy? What about us? Are we not friends now? What if I would not be happy if you dont take it?”

[Blue]

Blue shifts uneasily in place, a frown forming on her face.

“Well I-”

Blue briefly looks uncertain, eyes darting away briefly.

“Well no….I make my own decisions, just it would be nice if it made everyone happy..”

“I'd be sad that you're unhappy with me…” Her ears flatten.

“…But there's no way that Pyrefly is a good thing, especially for me.”

[Wisteria]

“That’s more than hurtful. I think you should go, the dock workers really do need to get started on their work.”

[Blue]

Blue blinks and shakes her head. “They coulda still worked while we were talking! But alright.” She peers at the woman once more before hopping to her feet and manages a clumsy little curtsy. “Thank you for your time…” After an anxious pause, the Xaela adds, “Um, be good! Don't hurt my friend!” before twirling around and running back towards the city to process the conversation proper.

[Wisteria]

The woman puts her hood back on and turns back towards the water. Soon after, dock workers began to appear one by one as if nothing had occurred, if only a few appeared to be slightly confused. After a time, the woman gave a shrug before turning and walking off into the city herself.

---

Home –> Roleplay Scene Index –> Discord Roleplays

Home –> Character Index –> Blue — Wisteria