Sky Blue
The Irish Tree
Phase
PaulHaynek
Lucid Dreaming
AzureKnight
The Otter
Kronshi
JewelSerket
NoriWasHereATTN:
As Scarlett and Lupina stepped onto the grounds of Eon Tower, their current duties to the tower were fulfilled for the time being. It was clear that something was going on, as bodies were busying themselves and gossip was flying left and right; discussion of an inspection, of inquisitors, and of their benefactor coming to visit.
A moment of recollection, and Scarlett remembered that The Holy Church was conducting interviews of the new members of Eon Tower - a contractual obligation agreed upon by their ruling council and benefactor. It stood to reason that everyone would be gathered for the, therefore, mandatory - and one-sided - Ask Me Anything from the higher clergy.
As such, Scarlett would be anywhere else.
Breaking away from Xashan, the Bestial Alchemist would drop to all four, and break into a full sprint, before the councilman could attempt to stop her. Unlike last time, Xashan didn't know where Scarlett was going, and before he could think about an potential locations, Lupina would go, "Oh~" and Baast would swallow her; flying her up to the tower as Xashan was distracted by her fellow's escape into the trees.
In an instant of telepathic communication, Xashan had been left standing alone with the burden of explaining where two of the newest members had gone.
Baast and Lupina had the layout of Eon Tower memorized, insofar as what the tour guided by Bellum had afforded. It was more than enough to navigate to the Herbalist's office, as the halls were silent and empty - all the interest lay downstairs where the company had gathered. As such, entering the office was a matter of just bypassing the door, which was no challenge from the former drug runner.
"You've yet to dull picking locks," Baast comments, as they enter the office without raising future alarm.
"Just start looking. We don't have all day, sadly," Lupina says, as she started going through drawers. "It's very unlikely that she's kept the flowers in here, but I highly doubt they are off the premises. Too dangerous for that kind of risk."
"Yeah, yeah," Baast says, thumbing through books and journals, looking for notes in the margins, and the like. Bellum seemed like the jotting type. "I hate hunting for eggs," he groused, "It would be easier to find what you want by going into his office."
"I'm not going near her," Lupina says, "I'm already annoyed enough that I'm indebted to one Goddess, but at least I don't see her. I see enough of that Demoness in my dream," she crossed her arms, "The fact that I can see her in person is terrifying to contemplate, as is."
Baast shrugged. Mae was an unmistakable presence, as a Spirit and an Esper, but he didn't feel her, at the moment. It wasn't like she was gone, as he could smell her scent carried on Arteus and Brunhyldia, but not hers in pursuit or lead; she wasn't attending the meeting.
"Doesn't seem like she's moved much. Her scent is always mingled, never mixed," Baast says, raking his claws through his flouncy hair, "Maybe, she's sleeping, or doing something somewhere else. Her Espermancy is beyond anything you can do, so, in don't -- "
" -- have any common sense not to insult your big sister, you dunderhead!" Lupina says, while pulling on Baast's rosy cheek, before pulling him into a half-nelson.
"Gah! Brute! You'll never find a husband being such a neanderthal!" Baast groaned.
" That rich, coming from the alpha pretending to be an omega!" Lupina laughed.
"It's fashionable," Baast says, as he broke free of her hold by turning semi-solid. "I saw Xashan peeking at my ass."
"Don't tease the poor man," Lupina sighed.
"Some of us don't have the luxury of being Oppai Opposition," Baast says, wagging his womanly hips. "You're just jealous, anyways. I try to keep you on a good diet, but you just wanna feed those monster mammaries junk food."
Lupina bleated in annoyance, as she stamped her cloven feet. "You're such a little brat!" she whined, before something caught her eyes. A bit of disorder among the general neatness of it all; for a gardener with a penchant for cooking, Bellum was not as messy as her rotundity would impress upon people. As such, something that didn’t belong stood out to the Spirit Archer.
"Found it."
Baast tilted his head, and followed her gaze. It was a single book that stood out in its newness among the oldness of its fellow. To most others, it wouldn’t look any different than the others which it was shelved with, but Bellum had implied that her research had recently begun, as they had to work through red tape and third-parties. Pulling the book off the shelf, Lupina would flip through it, memorizing Bellum’s research and notations.
"She’s definitely worthy of her field," Lupina says. "I’m impressed, no lie."
"That’s just information, though," Baast says, "We need clippings, or seeds. That won’t be here, or her normal workplace," he hummed, before snapping, "Say, remember what she told us? She keeps the flowers underneath her atelier."
"Next stop, then," Lupina says. "Though, definitely not the kind of place that will be behind a simple door lock," she says, "Likely, it’s a trap door that opens with some kind of spell or password. Since, we’ve time for neither, we’ll need to figure out something else..."
"For now, let’s cut it here. Just because everyone important it downstairs, doesn’t mean the unimportant people will stay there," Baast says, "Plus, we’re missing. They might send someone looking for us. I say, we beat the heat before the fire turns on."
Lupina nodded, as she put the notebook back, and latched the door. "Let’s head into town. Better we keep distance between this place and us, once we have the flowers." Lupina opened the window, and climbed out onto the ledge, before Baast closed it, and locked it back; dematerializing on one side and rematerializing on the other - squeezing his wispy smoke through the small cracks where the wood couldn’t sit flush. "There’s a town out that way. Let’s go there, and look for an apartment we can work out of."
"A sound plan. We won’t need the money from this job for much, after all," Baast says, as Lupina hopped onto his neck, and took off for the Republic of Morgenröte.
"You've yet to dull picking locks," Baast comments, as they enter the office without raising future alarm.
"Just start looking. We don't have all day, sadly," Lupina says, as she started going through drawers. "It's very unlikely that she's kept the flowers in here, but I highly doubt they are off the premises. Too dangerous for that kind of risk."
"Yeah, yeah," Baast says, thumbing through books and journals, looking for notes in the margins, and the like. Bellum seemed like the jotting type. "I hate hunting for eggs," he groused, "It would be easier to find what you want by going into his office."
"I'm not going near her," Lupina says, "I'm already annoyed enough that I'm indebted to one Goddess, but at least I don't see her. I see enough of that Demoness in my dream," she crossed her arms, "The fact that I can see her in person is terrifying to contemplate, as is."
Baast shrugged. Mae was an unmistakable presence, as a Spirit and an Esper, but he didn't feel her, at the moment. It wasn't like she was gone, as he could smell her scent carried on Arteus and Brunhyldia, but not hers in pursuit or lead; she wasn't attending the meeting.
"Doesn't seem like she's moved much. Her scent is always mingled, never mixed," Baast says, raking his claws through his flouncy hair, "Maybe, she's sleeping, or doing something somewhere else. Her Espermancy is beyond anything you can do, so, in don't -- "
" -- have any common sense not to insult your big sister, you dunderhead!" Lupina says, while pulling on Baast's rosy cheek, before pulling him into a half-nelson.
"Gah! Brute! You'll never find a husband being such a neanderthal!" Baast groaned.
" That rich, coming from the alpha pretending to be an omega!" Lupina laughed.
"It's fashionable," Baast says, as he broke free of her hold by turning semi-solid. "I saw Xashan peeking at my ass."
"Don't tease the poor man," Lupina sighed.
"Some of us don't have the luxury of being Oppai Opposition," Baast says, wagging his womanly hips. "You're just jealous, anyways. I try to keep you on a good diet, but you just wanna feed those monster mammaries junk food."
Lupina bleated in annoyance, as she stamped her cloven feet. "You're such a little brat!" she whined, before something caught her eyes. A bit of disorder among the general neatness of it all; for a gardener with a penchant for cooking, Bellum was not as messy as her rotundity would impress upon people. As such, something that didn’t belong stood out to the Spirit Archer.
"Found it."
Baast tilted his head, and followed her gaze. It was a single book that stood out in its newness among the oldness of its fellow. To most others, it wouldn’t look any different than the others which it was shelved with, but Bellum had implied that her research had recently begun, as they had to work through red tape and third-parties. Pulling the book off the shelf, Lupina would flip through it, memorizing Bellum’s research and notations.
"She’s definitely worthy of her field," Lupina says. "I’m impressed, no lie."
"That’s just information, though," Baast says, "We need clippings, or seeds. That won’t be here, or her normal workplace," he hummed, before snapping, "Say, remember what she told us? She keeps the flowers underneath her atelier."
"Next stop, then," Lupina says. "Though, definitely not the kind of place that will be behind a simple door lock," she says, "Likely, it’s a trap door that opens with some kind of spell or password. Since, we’ve time for neither, we’ll need to figure out something else..."
"For now, let’s cut it here. Just because everyone important it downstairs, doesn’t mean the unimportant people will stay there," Baast says, "Plus, we’re missing. They might send someone looking for us. I say, we beat the heat before the fire turns on."
Lupina nodded, as she put the notebook back, and latched the door. "Let’s head into town. Better we keep distance between this place and us, once we have the flowers." Lupina opened the window, and climbed out onto the ledge, before Baast closed it, and locked it back; dematerializing on one side and rematerializing on the other - squeezing his wispy smoke through the small cracks where the wood couldn’t sit flush. "There’s a town out that way. Let’s go there, and look for an apartment we can work out of."
"A sound plan. We won’t need the money from this job for much, after all," Baast says, as Lupina hopped onto his neck, and took off for the Republic of Morgenröte.
Scarlett slipped into the city with little issue; the hustle n’ bustle allowed the cloaked woman to move without attracting undue attention, as she was no more important to the daily movement of the sidewalks and streets than anyone else with their faces buried in their phones, books, or whatever they would eating, while those on the road were minding it with varying degree of acceptance. Following her nose, Scarlett had backtracked the scents of the strangers that had passed through the gates of Eon Tower, and separated the scents into four - three of which were stained by the commonplace smells of the clergy.
Aware of which to avoid, Scarlett followed it forth to its source.
Having singled out the fourth of the scents she had picked up, Scarlett would quickly be on her way to its current location. While on her way, she received some strange looks from some of the citizens. Although, some simply presumed she was a Belua or halfbreed of some kind, allowing herself to be overtaken by her more primal side. That sort of thing wasn’t too uncommon in places like the Republic - places that allowed all races to commingle without barriers.
Eventually, she would arrive in front of a large towering building that had the logo “Krauser Industries” printed in bold, glossy letters on top of the entrance. The name was a dead giveaway as to who Scarlett had been sniffing out. She intended to pay the man a visit, but what her intentions were remain to be seen…
Scarlett kept her cloak on, herself covered, as the look told her what she suspected would be true: she was not inconspicuous. In order to function without attracting attention, she was going to have to be more normal, pass herself off as a normal person without a backstory or baggage such as hers. Passing by a window, Scarlett would look at her reflection, and take in her dreary doll-like expression and scarred visage.
"I’ll need to reinvent myself, if I’m getting close..." Scarlett would focus, thinking about the multiple functions of the Human body: the growth of muscle and bones; the division of skin and its pigmentation; the lengthening of hair and nails. It all felt neatly into an alchemical equation that she could bring under her control, and put to use.
Though, with no skill in Thaumaturgy, Scarlett was fixing to hurt throughout the initial process...
Ducking into an alley, almost an hour of trial and error with a dirty window as a mirror would produce a much different woman - stumbling into the streets like a newborn deer on clumsy legs from the underbrush with hazy eyes and dulled senses. As she did, she adjusted her transformed clothing which used the entirety of her cloak, resulting in a rather revealing outfit - which, ironically, helped separate identities.
"Do Ra Me Fa So La Ti Do..." Scarlett tested her vocal cords; the huskiness of her own voice was replaced by a childish lilt that wasn’t muffled by her face mask. "Sound like Milli," she says, mildly embarrassed.
Focusing herself, Scarlett would step to enter the building...
Scarlett would find herself walking into the main lobby, her new appearance doing its job as no one seemed to be bothered by her presence. At least so far. She would see a welcome/information desk further back from the entrance, with a few receptionists greeting guests and managing some paperwork. Making her way over, one of the secretaries would notice her approach and extend a warm greeting to her as well.
“Good Morning and Welcome!” Said the receptionist. “What can I assist you with, Ms.?”
"Valentina Ishval," Scarlett says, using the name of her unborn twin. "I saw an ad for a position. Ah've lived out in th’ countryside fer a long spell," she says, accenting her speech, before clearing her throat, as if catching herself, "I’m..." she made a visible effort of minding her tongue, "...am just looking for work, ma’am."
The receptionist was a bit taken aback by the incognito Scarlett’s awkward country accent, but her professionalism quickly took over as she tried to not let the alchemist notice. “Ah! I see, well thank you very much for applying. Yes, we were looking for a new administrative assistant, someone that could keep up with Mr. Krauser the CEO, so to speak teehee!” She said.
The receptionist began opening her draw and taking out some documents and a notepad. “I’m sorry, you said that your name was Ms. Valentina Ishval? That surname sounds a bit familiar, are you from an affluent family perhaps? Oh! But let’s not get sidetracked, can you tell me a bit about your experience and what you hope to gain from the position?”
"I'm told I'm pretty good at fetchin' an' goin', doin' this, doin' that, makin' tea, coffee, and the like. Whatever fixin's yer fancyin', really. Pretty good wit' mah numbers, pennin', and watchin' people," Scarlett says, speed-talking, allowing her accent to seep through endearingly, before she winced to acknowledge catching herself.
"Sorry... S'real hard, y'know, talkin' like city-folk. Ah'm tryin' my darnedest, but..." Scarlett bowed her head, internally wondering if she shouldn't have been an actor. "Ah'm sure th' head o' things 'round here would be embarrassed t' have a hick fer a secretary... Maybe, Ah ought go."
“Oh Goodness, certainly not! One of the most basic statements of our company is to accept individuals from all walks of life! I can assure you that accent would never be held against you during the process. I myself personally find your accent to be quite charming, as would others around the offices. If brought on, I’m sure you’d actually lighten up everyone’s day with it haha!” Clearing her throat, she tried again to maintain her professionalism.
“That brings up another point: Office life can be quite mundane and dragging. Of course, due to the unique services our company provides, your mileage may vary, but how do you deal with the grind?”
"Grind? Like, late nights an’ such," Scarlett asks. "Ah’m use t’ such things, iff’n Ah’m hones’. Bitta night owl."
The receptionist was a bit perplexed by Valentia’s answer. “I…see… Um, I meant more so how you deal with the often mentally taxing day-to-day goings on of office life. But, interesting to know that you’re a night owl. Ahem, but perhaps I shouldn't beat around the bush. We are a company that manufacturers and provides new innovations for methods that involve the extermination of apparitions. By the simple nature of the job, you may have to be put in situations where your life may be in danger. Are you prepared for that?”
"Huntin’ ghosts? Sounds easy enough," Scarlett says.
“Goodness, you make it sound so trivial!” Said the receptionist. “That being said, hopefully you yourself won’t have to be put in that situation very often. Your role will mainly focus on administrative, project management, and secretarial duties.” The receptionist then paused for a moment, clasping her hands noticeably tightly. “Well, at least as far as I can tell you. This is apparently a very ‘special’ role that Mr. Krauser handpicked specifically to help with classified duties. He himself will be the one to give you the rest of the information. I’m pleased with what I’ve heard so far, so you have my clearance to meet with him.”
Upon saying this, the receptionist would point “Valentia” towards a platform that had a unique magic circle transcribed on it. Valentia likely could tell that it was a glyph to invoke the power of the void.
“That is a conduit that will transport you directly to Mr. Krauser’s office in the building’s penthouse. He’s already aware that someone coming into his office in this way is a person who passed the first round of questions and is ready for a second interview. Unless you have any further questions, would you like to step on the platform and meet with him?”
"Sounds like a plan!" Scarlett says.
“Then please step this way!” Said the receptionist, getsuring Valentia to step onto the platform. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Ishval, and good luck on your second interview!” With that, Valentia would step into the magic circle and suddenly find herself being shifted through a shadowy veil, and within the next moment she was in the middle of a large office. Artifacts, magitek, and portraits lined the walls of the decorative office. There would be an older gentleman dressed in a suit sitting at a large desk just in front of her, he didn’t seem to acknowledge her sudden arrival in his office at first. He opted to file some documents in his draws and shift through some papers on his desk.
After a little bit, however, the man turned up at the woman, finally acknowledging her presence.
”Good Morning, Ms. Ishval.” He said in a friendly tone. ”I trust you didn’t have too much trouble getting here? Want to take you again for coming, but, honestly…” He rubbed his chin, as if thinking for a moment. ”I’m surprised that you decided to apply for the role. Or, perhaps I should say that someone from Eon in general decided to apply. Arteus gives his staff enough on their plate as it is, I feel. Can’t see why anyone would want to add more to their workload.”
Adjusting some more papers, the man had laid them flat on the desk after he was satisfied with their alignment. He began again after taking a sip of his coffee. ”So, tell me Scarlett, what about this role attracted you to my industry? I can’t imagine you have any particular interest in apparitions.”
"Exceedingly little, Scarlett says. " Aside from this lil'un, right here," she manifested Milli along her right arm, "Ah've little thought to spare towards ghosts. Mah mind is always engineered t' look forward, t' betterin' mahself."
Scarlett's body seemed to ripple, as she shifted herself between Valentina and herself.
"This arm is proof of that concept, and that drive, which is what brings me to you," Scarlett says, "I'm fine with something as demeaning secretarial work. In return, I'm looking for a lapse in overhead - a place to work, to put it plainly, unassociated with Eon Tower."
"Living two lives won't be an issue for me, as long as neither of my jobs have scheduling conflicts, so to speak," Scarlett adds, as something of an afterthought.
”Quite right.“ Donovan said. ”I'm all for individuals wanting to better themselves, as it benefits them and the people around them. However…“ He leaned forward on his desk, elbows resting on the table with his hands clasping, hiding his mouth from view.
”What about working here makes you feel it would benefit you in your path toward self-improvement? At first, I was just under the impression that Arteus doesn't pay his people well enough!“
"Humanity has ceased to value Evolution over Improvement, softened with technological advancement, and placing no stake in the betterment of the Self," Scarlett says, before engaging her Alchemy to form Neutrophil; the blade leveled at Donovan. "I don't need payment. My task is selfless, charity, in a sense. As proof of concept, I even intend to make you a prosthesis of your arm that is flesh and bone, as you once had."
Donovan inspected the sword Scarlett generated from her arm, gently rubbing it with the prosthetic hand he had. ”Goodness, this ability you have certainly surpasses the versatility and flexibility of my magitek limb.“ He said, rubbing his chin with curious interest.
”However, if I truly wanted a flesh and bone limb again, I simply would've when to Elaine by now.“ He said with a solemn tone. ”I've made peace with my circumstances, yet also I've developed a sentimental bond with my prosthetic. And, due to the nature of my injury, I wonder if Ms. Gardner would even be able to restore the wound.“
Staring at his arm, then at the sword, he then turned back to Scarlett. ”Well. To get more into the nature of the role, you'll act as my direct support in my direction of pushing for solutions of dealing with apparition attacks and injuries. As a company that mainly specializes in technology, having someone who can offer solutions that can strengthen the natural body will be quite useful for common folk and those who lack magical talent.“ Donovan got up from his seat and stared at the window for a moment.
”In addition, you'll also support me in the shadows by performing, less conventional activities. Not sure if you're aware, but there was a mission that your allies had completed for me that opened my eyes to just how many enemies my company and subsidiaries may have. Espionage, bodyguarding, play double agent: are these things you feel you would be willing to do?“
"I have only one standing rule: I won't experiment on someone unethically. My mission is benevolence, and malpractice would taint my progress. I've transgressed once, but only once," Scarlett says, "I gained perspective, then. Anything else is merely a matter of how much time it will take me to create an identity."
"Even murder should be no obstacle," Scarlett says.
Donovan made a small sigh, turning his head to her. ”Well, hopefully it doesn’t come to that. Often. “ He then looked up, his eyes widening a bit as if he just thought of something.
”There was supposed to be a summons from the Church today at Eon Tower, are you sure it’s a good idea to skip like this? I thought you wanted to keep a low profile? “
"I’ve already established that I don’t do anything I don’t want," Scarlett says, "I’m liberally employing the “come and go” nature of my employment. An employment that doesn’t come from the Holy Church."
Donovan made a jovial scoff at the woman’s dismissal. ”I see, well a woman that understands what she wants should be appreciated in her own way. I just hope you don’t always apply the same attitude when conducting business under my behalf!“ Walking over closer to Scarlett, Donovan held out his flesh hand in front of her.
”I welcome you to Krauser Industries, Ms. Ishval. I do hope we work well together. I’ll contact you in the coming days to discuss the more immediate concerns on my desk. You’ll usually see a request on the job board back at the Tower from the company as well. You can do those by yourself or with someone, it doesn’t really matter in that case. I am an ally of Eon through and through, and you don’t have to act as though you’re a double agent with conflicting allegiances. Of course, some things will need to be kept confidential between you and me. Do you have any questions for me currently?“
"Everything is clear enough," Scarlett says, taking his hand, "As far as things are concerned, keeping these and those separate makes things simple," she says, transforming half herself into Valentina, "What I do for Arteus is in the name of redemption for the lives I've taken in my ignorance of the darkness he aligns himself again," she narrowed her eyes, looking up, "What I do for you is to honour those I killed to get where I am today and bring out dream of a better tomorrow into the light."
"As for anyone I would bring into this arrangement, I do have... sisters, so to speak. I could arrange for one to meet you, but I'm sure she would rather keep things separated between this and that, as well," Scarlett says, "If she's anything like me, her secrets are best held in check without risking anyone finding out and corrupting held opinions."
”Sisters, huh? Interesting, perhaps I might. Although, I believe just one person will suffice for this role for now. Especially one with your talents.“ Donovan said, somewhat intrigued. ”If you’d like, I could give you a tour of the building, or do you have other matters you wish to attend to for now?“
"I have nothing but time to spare, at the moment," Scarlett says, transforming in full. She'd no interest in dealing with the Holy Church and that bullshit. "Aside from taking up a residence, since I'll need an address, and somewhere to experiment with that glyph that teleported me here," she says, "Instantaneous Transportation between my residence in Morgenröte and my room in Eon Tower would be invaluable."
”Hmhm, I suppose it wouldn’t be too difficult to have someone in accounting purchasing housing for you, Ms. Ishval.“ He said. ”Until then, we may have to book you a hotel, haha! Also, I can have someone give you the schematics for the void glyph; I’ve not doubt you’d learn how to construct the magic with little difficulty.“ Donovan would then show her to the door, and with it open Scarlett would be able to gaze out into the hallway.
”Well then, Ms. Ishval, why don’t I show you around for a moment? “
"After you," Scarlett says, with a soft smile.
Aware of which to avoid, Scarlett followed it forth to its source.
Having singled out the fourth of the scents she had picked up, Scarlett would quickly be on her way to its current location. While on her way, she received some strange looks from some of the citizens. Although, some simply presumed she was a Belua or halfbreed of some kind, allowing herself to be overtaken by her more primal side. That sort of thing wasn’t too uncommon in places like the Republic - places that allowed all races to commingle without barriers.
Eventually, she would arrive in front of a large towering building that had the logo “Krauser Industries” printed in bold, glossy letters on top of the entrance. The name was a dead giveaway as to who Scarlett had been sniffing out. She intended to pay the man a visit, but what her intentions were remain to be seen…
Scarlett kept her cloak on, herself covered, as the look told her what she suspected would be true: she was not inconspicuous. In order to function without attracting attention, she was going to have to be more normal, pass herself off as a normal person without a backstory or baggage such as hers. Passing by a window, Scarlett would look at her reflection, and take in her dreary doll-like expression and scarred visage.
"I’ll need to reinvent myself, if I’m getting close..." Scarlett would focus, thinking about the multiple functions of the Human body: the growth of muscle and bones; the division of skin and its pigmentation; the lengthening of hair and nails. It all felt neatly into an alchemical equation that she could bring under her control, and put to use.
Though, with no skill in Thaumaturgy, Scarlett was fixing to hurt throughout the initial process...
Ducking into an alley, almost an hour of trial and error with a dirty window as a mirror would produce a much different woman - stumbling into the streets like a newborn deer on clumsy legs from the underbrush with hazy eyes and dulled senses. As she did, she adjusted her transformed clothing which used the entirety of her cloak, resulting in a rather revealing outfit - which, ironically, helped separate identities.
"Do Ra Me Fa So La Ti Do..." Scarlett tested her vocal cords; the huskiness of her own voice was replaced by a childish lilt that wasn’t muffled by her face mask. "Sound like Milli," she says, mildly embarrassed.
Focusing herself, Scarlett would step to enter the building...
Scarlett would find herself walking into the main lobby, her new appearance doing its job as no one seemed to be bothered by her presence. At least so far. She would see a welcome/information desk further back from the entrance, with a few receptionists greeting guests and managing some paperwork. Making her way over, one of the secretaries would notice her approach and extend a warm greeting to her as well.
“Good Morning and Welcome!” Said the receptionist. “What can I assist you with, Ms.?”
"Valentina Ishval," Scarlett says, using the name of her unborn twin. "I saw an ad for a position. Ah've lived out in th’ countryside fer a long spell," she says, accenting her speech, before clearing her throat, as if catching herself, "I’m..." she made a visible effort of minding her tongue, "...am just looking for work, ma’am."
The receptionist was a bit taken aback by the incognito Scarlett’s awkward country accent, but her professionalism quickly took over as she tried to not let the alchemist notice. “Ah! I see, well thank you very much for applying. Yes, we were looking for a new administrative assistant, someone that could keep up with Mr. Krauser the CEO, so to speak teehee!” She said.
The receptionist began opening her draw and taking out some documents and a notepad. “I’m sorry, you said that your name was Ms. Valentina Ishval? That surname sounds a bit familiar, are you from an affluent family perhaps? Oh! But let’s not get sidetracked, can you tell me a bit about your experience and what you hope to gain from the position?”
"I'm told I'm pretty good at fetchin' an' goin', doin' this, doin' that, makin' tea, coffee, and the like. Whatever fixin's yer fancyin', really. Pretty good wit' mah numbers, pennin', and watchin' people," Scarlett says, speed-talking, allowing her accent to seep through endearingly, before she winced to acknowledge catching herself.
"Sorry... S'real hard, y'know, talkin' like city-folk. Ah'm tryin' my darnedest, but..." Scarlett bowed her head, internally wondering if she shouldn't have been an actor. "Ah'm sure th' head o' things 'round here would be embarrassed t' have a hick fer a secretary... Maybe, Ah ought go."
“Oh Goodness, certainly not! One of the most basic statements of our company is to accept individuals from all walks of life! I can assure you that accent would never be held against you during the process. I myself personally find your accent to be quite charming, as would others around the offices. If brought on, I’m sure you’d actually lighten up everyone’s day with it haha!” Clearing her throat, she tried again to maintain her professionalism.
“That brings up another point: Office life can be quite mundane and dragging. Of course, due to the unique services our company provides, your mileage may vary, but how do you deal with the grind?”
"Grind? Like, late nights an’ such," Scarlett asks. "Ah’m use t’ such things, iff’n Ah’m hones’. Bitta night owl."
The receptionist was a bit perplexed by Valentia’s answer. “I…see… Um, I meant more so how you deal with the often mentally taxing day-to-day goings on of office life. But, interesting to know that you’re a night owl. Ahem, but perhaps I shouldn't beat around the bush. We are a company that manufacturers and provides new innovations for methods that involve the extermination of apparitions. By the simple nature of the job, you may have to be put in situations where your life may be in danger. Are you prepared for that?”
"Huntin’ ghosts? Sounds easy enough," Scarlett says.
“Goodness, you make it sound so trivial!” Said the receptionist. “That being said, hopefully you yourself won’t have to be put in that situation very often. Your role will mainly focus on administrative, project management, and secretarial duties.” The receptionist then paused for a moment, clasping her hands noticeably tightly. “Well, at least as far as I can tell you. This is apparently a very ‘special’ role that Mr. Krauser handpicked specifically to help with classified duties. He himself will be the one to give you the rest of the information. I’m pleased with what I’ve heard so far, so you have my clearance to meet with him.”
Upon saying this, the receptionist would point “Valentia” towards a platform that had a unique magic circle transcribed on it. Valentia likely could tell that it was a glyph to invoke the power of the void.
“That is a conduit that will transport you directly to Mr. Krauser’s office in the building’s penthouse. He’s already aware that someone coming into his office in this way is a person who passed the first round of questions and is ready for a second interview. Unless you have any further questions, would you like to step on the platform and meet with him?”
"Sounds like a plan!" Scarlett says.
“Then please step this way!” Said the receptionist, getsuring Valentia to step onto the platform. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Ishval, and good luck on your second interview!” With that, Valentia would step into the magic circle and suddenly find herself being shifted through a shadowy veil, and within the next moment she was in the middle of a large office. Artifacts, magitek, and portraits lined the walls of the decorative office. There would be an older gentleman dressed in a suit sitting at a large desk just in front of her, he didn’t seem to acknowledge her sudden arrival in his office at first. He opted to file some documents in his draws and shift through some papers on his desk.
After a little bit, however, the man turned up at the woman, finally acknowledging her presence.
”Good Morning, Ms. Ishval.” He said in a friendly tone. ”I trust you didn’t have too much trouble getting here? Want to take you again for coming, but, honestly…” He rubbed his chin, as if thinking for a moment. ”I’m surprised that you decided to apply for the role. Or, perhaps I should say that someone from Eon in general decided to apply. Arteus gives his staff enough on their plate as it is, I feel. Can’t see why anyone would want to add more to their workload.”
Adjusting some more papers, the man had laid them flat on the desk after he was satisfied with their alignment. He began again after taking a sip of his coffee. ”So, tell me Scarlett, what about this role attracted you to my industry? I can’t imagine you have any particular interest in apparitions.”
"Exceedingly little, Scarlett says. " Aside from this lil'un, right here," she manifested Milli along her right arm, "Ah've little thought to spare towards ghosts. Mah mind is always engineered t' look forward, t' betterin' mahself."
Scarlett's body seemed to ripple, as she shifted herself between Valentina and herself.
"This arm is proof of that concept, and that drive, which is what brings me to you," Scarlett says, "I'm fine with something as demeaning secretarial work. In return, I'm looking for a lapse in overhead - a place to work, to put it plainly, unassociated with Eon Tower."
"Living two lives won't be an issue for me, as long as neither of my jobs have scheduling conflicts, so to speak," Scarlett adds, as something of an afterthought.
”Quite right.“ Donovan said. ”I'm all for individuals wanting to better themselves, as it benefits them and the people around them. However…“ He leaned forward on his desk, elbows resting on the table with his hands clasping, hiding his mouth from view.
”What about working here makes you feel it would benefit you in your path toward self-improvement? At first, I was just under the impression that Arteus doesn't pay his people well enough!“
"Humanity has ceased to value Evolution over Improvement, softened with technological advancement, and placing no stake in the betterment of the Self," Scarlett says, before engaging her Alchemy to form Neutrophil; the blade leveled at Donovan. "I don't need payment. My task is selfless, charity, in a sense. As proof of concept, I even intend to make you a prosthesis of your arm that is flesh and bone, as you once had."
Donovan inspected the sword Scarlett generated from her arm, gently rubbing it with the prosthetic hand he had. ”Goodness, this ability you have certainly surpasses the versatility and flexibility of my magitek limb.“ He said, rubbing his chin with curious interest.
”However, if I truly wanted a flesh and bone limb again, I simply would've when to Elaine by now.“ He said with a solemn tone. ”I've made peace with my circumstances, yet also I've developed a sentimental bond with my prosthetic. And, due to the nature of my injury, I wonder if Ms. Gardner would even be able to restore the wound.“
Staring at his arm, then at the sword, he then turned back to Scarlett. ”Well. To get more into the nature of the role, you'll act as my direct support in my direction of pushing for solutions of dealing with apparition attacks and injuries. As a company that mainly specializes in technology, having someone who can offer solutions that can strengthen the natural body will be quite useful for common folk and those who lack magical talent.“ Donovan got up from his seat and stared at the window for a moment.
”In addition, you'll also support me in the shadows by performing, less conventional activities. Not sure if you're aware, but there was a mission that your allies had completed for me that opened my eyes to just how many enemies my company and subsidiaries may have. Espionage, bodyguarding, play double agent: are these things you feel you would be willing to do?“
"I have only one standing rule: I won't experiment on someone unethically. My mission is benevolence, and malpractice would taint my progress. I've transgressed once, but only once," Scarlett says, "I gained perspective, then. Anything else is merely a matter of how much time it will take me to create an identity."
"Even murder should be no obstacle," Scarlett says.
Donovan made a small sigh, turning his head to her. ”Well, hopefully it doesn’t come to that. Often. “ He then looked up, his eyes widening a bit as if he just thought of something.
”There was supposed to be a summons from the Church today at Eon Tower, are you sure it’s a good idea to skip like this? I thought you wanted to keep a low profile? “
"I’ve already established that I don’t do anything I don’t want," Scarlett says, "I’m liberally employing the “come and go” nature of my employment. An employment that doesn’t come from the Holy Church."
Donovan made a jovial scoff at the woman’s dismissal. ”I see, well a woman that understands what she wants should be appreciated in her own way. I just hope you don’t always apply the same attitude when conducting business under my behalf!“ Walking over closer to Scarlett, Donovan held out his flesh hand in front of her.
”I welcome you to Krauser Industries, Ms. Ishval. I do hope we work well together. I’ll contact you in the coming days to discuss the more immediate concerns on my desk. You’ll usually see a request on the job board back at the Tower from the company as well. You can do those by yourself or with someone, it doesn’t really matter in that case. I am an ally of Eon through and through, and you don’t have to act as though you’re a double agent with conflicting allegiances. Of course, some things will need to be kept confidential between you and me. Do you have any questions for me currently?“
"Everything is clear enough," Scarlett says, taking his hand, "As far as things are concerned, keeping these and those separate makes things simple," she says, transforming half herself into Valentina, "What I do for Arteus is in the name of redemption for the lives I've taken in my ignorance of the darkness he aligns himself again," she narrowed her eyes, looking up, "What I do for you is to honour those I killed to get where I am today and bring out dream of a better tomorrow into the light."
"As for anyone I would bring into this arrangement, I do have... sisters, so to speak. I could arrange for one to meet you, but I'm sure she would rather keep things separated between this and that, as well," Scarlett says, "If she's anything like me, her secrets are best held in check without risking anyone finding out and corrupting held opinions."
”Sisters, huh? Interesting, perhaps I might. Although, I believe just one person will suffice for this role for now. Especially one with your talents.“ Donovan said, somewhat intrigued. ”If you’d like, I could give you a tour of the building, or do you have other matters you wish to attend to for now?“
"I have nothing but time to spare, at the moment," Scarlett says, transforming in full. She'd no interest in dealing with the Holy Church and that bullshit. "Aside from taking up a residence, since I'll need an address, and somewhere to experiment with that glyph that teleported me here," she says, "Instantaneous Transportation between my residence in Morgenröte and my room in Eon Tower would be invaluable."
”Hmhm, I suppose it wouldn’t be too difficult to have someone in accounting purchasing housing for you, Ms. Ishval.“ He said. ”Until then, we may have to book you a hotel, haha! Also, I can have someone give you the schematics for the void glyph; I’ve not doubt you’d learn how to construct the magic with little difficulty.“ Donovan would then show her to the door, and with it open Scarlett would be able to gaze out into the hallway.
”Well then, Ms. Ishval, why don’t I show you around for a moment? “
"After you," Scarlett says, with a soft smile.