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Wounded
Sept 19, 2007 22:50:29 GMT 1
Post by Tiao Lei Shen on Sept 19, 2007 22:50:29 GMT 1
(OOC: Closed-ish. I'd like visitors, but really only those with a purpose and that know Tiao. Darren, Valencia, etc...if you want to post and aren't sure if you fit, pm me.)
It's been a while...
For the first time in what had to be weeks, maybe months, Tiao Lei Shen had opened his eyes. The sockets were sore, but that didn't keep his eyes from drifting around the room. They began to take in the surroundings: lily white curtains that dimmed the room slightly, a wall mounted TV that was turned off, a bed that lay bare next to him, and finally several IV tubes flowing into his hands and arms.
Ah, the hospital.
There were flowers at his bedside, Tiao's eyes able to make out the nearest card written in chinese character's by his mother. Well, his parents must have found out what had happend, or at least some version of it. By the looks of the room, Tiao's father seemed to dish out a good sum of money to get him in the hospital suite, a term the hospital seemed to use very loosely. If it was anyone but his father, Tiao would assume this as a goodwill gesture, used to insure the utmost care and comfort would come to him. Unfortunately, Tiao did know his father, and this wasn't the case. It was probably to hide him away from the world, hiding away the shame of his son's defeat. Or, as the school probably put it, a rebellious disobediance to authority.
What Tiao remembered however, was being shoved from his rightful position, being targeted for doing what he always had: policing the student body. Which was the key difference in the principles of the methods. The Pillars acted as police did, enforcing laws and ensuring safety. The Watcher's however had military rule, pushing their policies and enslaving the masses. The one's who didn't like the Pillarship were those that did wrong, those that didn't like the Watcher's were everyone. Well, that's what it was at least. Tiao had no idea what had happend in his absence. His father's nature of secrecy in addition to MacMillan's own political ambitions probably ensured the fact that no one even knew where he was. Darren was the only one that Tiao was certain that would know, maybe a few of the other more resourceful students would too.
He looked at the flowers again, seeing a few different boquets. Perhaps more people than he realized knew. They knew that he lay in this very spot. Tiao lay in his hospital bed, with a broken arm, a torn knee, and a severe concussion that had him comatose for too long. Tiao's right hand went up to head, feeling a healing gash atop his forehead. It was scabbing, and the vain part of him wished it wouldn't scar. Tiao sighed lightly, closing his eyes to relieve the strain. Tiao's loss record was almost zero, and the one or two he actually had loss resulted in absolute no injury.
Broken on the outside, and broken on the inside.
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Wounded
Sept 19, 2007 23:47:26 GMT 1
Post by Darren Blayne on Sept 19, 2007 23:47:26 GMT 1
The doors would slide open, and Tiao's closest friend and ally, Darren Blayne, would find himself, eyes lowered, walking into the hospital suite. It was not easy. Unlike most, Darren knew exactly what had happened up on that roof. Darren almost always knew everything of import that went on in the school. It was something he relied upon to help him police the school before, and now, hopefully, to help him reclaim it. Either way, the aftermath of Tiao's attack by the Watchers was painful, even for the stone-faced Captain, to endure.
A broken arm. A torn knee. Bad gash on the head. IV drips in his hands and arms. Worst of all, Tiao wasn't even wearing his hat anymore.
It could almost be said, almost, that that was the very reason Darren had shown up today.
His head and eyes slowly raised to meet the bedridden Tiao's, as a small, sad grin came over his face. "You look like hell, Shen." Despite himself, Darren couldn't help but elicit a small, snorting laugh, more of a quick exhalation than a laugh, really. He pulled up a chair and took a seat next to the bed. His eyes scanned the stark, disinfectant-white of the room, along with the various notes and flowers from friends and family, which added a warmth enough to the otherwise impersonal place. Finally, after waiting for Tiao to speak and allowing a few moments of silence to fall between them, Darren reached into his coat, pulling out a little something he'd picked up on his way out for his friend.
"I brought you this. I had a feeling you'd be needing a new one."
In front of Tiao, twirling lazily on Darren's finger, was a brand-new Hircine High Timber Wolves baseball cap. It was much the same as the original, in the same gold and blue color scheme, with the only real difference being that this one had none of the wears and marks of the old one, likely lost to the Watchers as 'evidence' or something as equally ridiculous. Casually, Darren pushed off with his finger, tossing the cap into Tiao's lap for him to take and do with as he wished. Leaning back in the chair, Darren studied his friend's injuries.
"Are you feeling well? Or at least... well enough?"
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Wounded
Sept 20, 2007 4:04:04 GMT 1
Post by Tiao Lei Shen on Sept 20, 2007 4:04:04 GMT 1
Darren's entrance was bittersweet to Tiao. It was nice to have a visitor, and out of every possibility he was glad it was Darren. However, at the same time the only person he tried to prove himself to past his father was the man before him, his friend and captain. To be half laying down in this bed, broken, bloody, and defeated meant he had failed him as a pillar, as a warrior. Tiao's one quality worth noting was his fighting ability and he knew it, despite what he boasted or pretended. To be here meant that he couldn't even keep that.
Tiao pushed himself up to a sitting position the best he could, his gaze dropping down to the hat in his hospital gown lap. When Darren was finished speaking, Tiao's gaze rose to meet his. It was silent for a few moments, the Tiao's eyes wandered down, avoiding direct eye contact.
"How do I feel...? I don't know how to answer that question, to tell you the truth. I've never had to say 'I'm hurt.'" Tiao sighed, taking in a deep breath. His head cranked to the ceiling, still avoiding eye contact as he continued talking. "In all my years, I've lost twice. Once to you, with a single strike. The other to that japanese club owner, thanks to judges decision. Both what could be considered a loss, but neither what could be considered a beatdown. I left each fight without a single injury, barely even a bruise." Tiao lowered his head, finally bringing his eyes back to meet his friend's.
"I feel defeated, Darren. My body is broken, and so are my spirits. MacMillan made a fool of me, and worse of all I barely made him break a sweat. It was true I was in no shape to defend myself, but that doesn't make it an excuse. A warrior has no excuse to lose Darren. I failed. I failed to protect the school. I failed to protect the student body. All because I failed to protect myself....Tell me, what good am I now?"
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Wounded
Sept 21, 2007 23:42:32 GMT 1
Post by Valencia Donahue on Sept 21, 2007 23:42:32 GMT 1
Valencia was there when Tiao got mauled and hauled off to the great beyond. It genuinely concerned her when he came back from the point of no return because whenever someone did, as the Pillar obviously demonstrated, that person would be worse for wear. She wanted to know where he was taken and where everyone else was taken whenever they cross the Watchers. She figured that after seeing so few come back with even the audacity to speak again, Tiao Lei Shen would be the hardiest candidate for answers. Later that day when the Chinese Pillar got rushed off to the hospital, Valencia used the “Network” again. Everyone was talking about it and the codes piled up everywhere if something wasn’t said already. A downed Pillar is hard to miss. One thing after another, Valencia made it to the hospital where Tiao was taken. It wasn’t as though she was close enough to Tiao to have an extremely thoughtful gift, but at least she had something to express that she wished him well, even though she came only to ask him some questions. Valencia wandered down the hall with a small box in her arms and searched for his room. When she finally found it, the senior heard voices on the other side of the door and decided against entering. She didn’t want to interrupt and what she wanted to talk about was probably best kept between the two of them. She then seated herself on a bench in the hall right outside the door and after some simmering, she realized that Darren was in the room with Tiao. His voice was hard to forget after the few times they’ve encountered one another, especially the first time. Valencia placed the gift-wrapped box right beside her onto the bench and placed her hands on her lap. The speaking continued and she couldn’t help but eavesdrop. She heard a few things that made her want to say something, especially since she could relate to a degree, but knew better than to do so. There are few people in the world willing to take a stranger seriously. He’s as good as nothing if he can’t pull himself together and make something out of what’s left of him, that’s what. Life goes on. Things get broken and people die. Failures happen and perfect records are smirched. Stuff like that stays that way unless you cover it up with something better.
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Wounded
Sept 23, 2007 1:25:53 GMT 1
Post by Darren Blayne on Sept 23, 2007 1:25:53 GMT 1
Darren shook his head, almost reprovingly, at Tiao after he finished his self-pitying spiel about self-worth and asking the grand question, "What good am I now?" It took a bit of effort, but the quiet Captain refrained from smiling a bit at the thought of it.
Darren was in no means angry or displeased with Tiao for his 'pity me' rant. For most, it would appear to be only as such, but Darren knew better than that. Unlike almost everyone else in the school, who only knew Tiao as 'the hardass pillar' and nothing else, Darren and Tiao were much closer, friends, if you will. As such, the Captain knew all about Tiao's family and his father issues. It wasn't self-pity for self-pity's sake, Tiao likely truly believed that, by losing, he became worthless.
As he was finishing, Darren saw the silhouette of a person passing by the door, but said nothing at the time. It seemed they were waiting before coming in, and he would allow them that, for whatever reason they had.
"What good are you now?" Darren asked, repeating the question as he seemed to mull it over in his mind, despite the fact that he had an answer already. "Now, Tiao, you aren't just a warrior. You are an Icon."
Darren paused a brief moment to let his fellow Pillar soak in the meaning of the term before he went on. "You were struck down for doing exactly what you were supposed to be doing, at almost the same amount of punishment as these purported 'Watchers' are supposed to be doing. Think about it. In fact, just look at it."
From his back pocket, Darren produced a copy of The Keystone Predator, showing Tiao the article on his attack.
"You see? The truth is getting out. You were attacked for doing your job. The people will see it. They know it to be true. So, look at this way: When you come back, and we both know you WILL come back in full force before too long, and you and I appear together to put this school back in its place, the school will once more run to support us."
Darren raised his eyebrows a bit as he regarded Tiao once more, bringing his speech down to a close before he got too caught up in the moment and lost his 'calm, cool' persona.
"And with that much support, there's no way we can fall."
Darren allowed a small, almost sad grin to cross his face, but then it wiped away as he knocked on the door from the inside, giving the figure outside permission to enter.
(Edited, since I tend to read things in posts that aren't there at all.)
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Wounded
Sept 25, 2007 6:54:04 GMT 1
Post by Tiao Lei Shen on Sept 25, 2007 6:54:04 GMT 1
Tiao sat there, silent and reflected as Darren replied. The school paper was pulled from behind Darren, Tiao being shown an article on his beating that even featured a bloodied drawing of himself. Even in the picture that expressed his defeat, the look on the picture of Tiao was that of agitation.
While one would usually see this as a mere reflection of Tiao's attitude, the pillar saw it as much more. The fact that they depicted an angry Tiao, let alone a concious one, was a way of showing that the school indeed didn't see him as a failure. Though he didn't believe in his own worth, it seemed the school still did. Tiao was exceptional at interpretting art as he enjoyed it so, which was something most had and would never know about the pillar.
Darren knocked on the door, seemingly giving someone permission to enter. Tiao wasn't aware that Darren had brought anyone with him, and would be surprised if and when Valencia would enter the room. Before she would however, Tiao would look back to Darren, his mind refocusing.
"You might be right. One thing's for sure however. You need someone watching your back. At the least, I can bark instead of bite."
Tiao joked, offering a short grin to suppress the shame he actually felt for saying, and believing, about his current state. He hoped Darren wouldn't be able to pick up on it, but was certain that the man's perceptions very likely had. Either way, by the time Valencia would enter the room (if she so chose) Tiao would grab the hat from his lap with his one good arm, pulling it over his head before bringing the same hand to his forehead to pull the loose bangs out of his eyes. He imagined he looked rather different, his hair all loose and unbraided just hanging down straight. He either looked like an elf or a rockstar, and for what was left of Tiao's pride he hoped it was the latter.
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Wounded
Sept 26, 2007 6:01:22 GMT 1
Post by Valencia Donahue on Sept 26, 2007 6:01:22 GMT 1
The Vietnamese senior flinched a smidge when the door knocked the inside. Up to that point, Valencia only heard bits and snatches of Darren’s response to Tiao, but understood the gist of things. She skooched the box closer to herself before picking it up and hugging it to herself, hesitating as she turned the knob to the door and entered. Her eyes floated around the room to gather in her surroundings and when she was finished exploring the place, she closed the door behind her. She felt a little awkward, since she was expecting to have a lone chat with Tiao and wasn’t expecting Darren to “blow her ninja disguise”, but there was no use in staying that way and wasting time. Valencia gently placed her gift-wrapped box right beside all of Tiao’s other “get well” stuff, then took a step or two back, not wanting to appear presumptuous by being too physically close when she wasn’t in any other way to begin with.
Whoa… I’d never thought I’d ever see Tiao’s hair down… I’ve always seemed to imagine him forever keeping his hair all tied up everywhere he goes. If I didn’t know better, I would’ve mistaken him for someone else I know. The cap and long hair…
“Ah…”
Then, Valencia noticed the latest issue of the Keystone Predator on Tiao’s bed and gathered up the guts to speak her mind. After all, she personally believed that although Tiao and Darren were relieved of their positions because of Macmillan, they were still Pillars (and School Captain in Darren’s case) in her eyes. They’d know what to do.
“Tiao… You may not have noticed me at the time, but I was there when the Watchers got you… I tried to follow you to wherever they take people when they’re dealt with, but they were too fast and they lost me as they went down a bunch of halls. I… I’ve asked around and it’s not as if everyone knows anything for sure about that location, no matter how many stories do or don’t overlap… What I’m trying to get at is… If you don’t know where you may have been taken, I hope I’m not rude in asking what the place you were taken to was like?”
After speaking, she held her arms and focused her attention to a discolored tile on the floor to her right, hoping that she made some sort of sense. Valencia felt embarrassed at her slight speech impediment, but she knew that it wouldn’t be fixed if she didn’t speak at all.
Though… Did I interrupt…? Did I say too much? Should I have said more? Would I have spoken better if I wrote everything down in advance, then read it? I speak much better when I’m reading something… I wonder if Tiao can read my writing… I think I did a decent job sketching that dragon… Yet, I wonder how long it’d take until he grows bored with the deck of cards. You can only play solitaire for so long until it gets old… Then you start making weird codes with the suits… Isn’t that code out of service now?
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Post by Tiao Lei Shen on Oct 2, 2007 23:14:13 GMT 1
(OOC: That vagoo will have to play catch up)
Tiao smiled softly as Valencia entered the room. As for people he expected to see, Valencia wasn't one of the most likely. The only words Tiao remembered speaking to her before was calling her a "crazy bitch" but right now he hoped she wouldn't remember that. Tiao hadn't been awake for long, but he already felt that he had been away from people for a while. Valencia was literally a sight for sore eyes. Not only was she always pleasant on the eyes, but her very presence gave Tiao the feeling that someone else out there might care about him.
"Hey Valencia."
Tiao spoke softly with his smile, a rather rare gentleness in his voice that even he couldn't remember when it was last used. Tiao hadn't noticed Valencia's speech impediment in the slightest. Whether it was because of the medication, the fact he'd been out of practice with conversation, or that Valencia sounded nothing more than slightly shy, was anyone's guess. After greeting her and collecting her thoughts, Tiao would quickly speak back up, feeling that he had ignored her questions too lon already.
"Well, from the guess of my surroundings it was an empty classroom but its hard to tell, alot of the rooms in schools look the same. I couldn't see where I was going, but I think I could tell you where it is...thanks to my father." Tiao paused, deciding against explaining it anymore. He was sure they would be confused, but he wouldn't bother going into detail unless probed.
"Why exactly do you want to know?" Tiao asked, raising an eyebrow as his own curiosity began to spark up.
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Post by Darren Blayne on Oct 5, 2007 17:18:11 GMT 1
(... I'm not a vagoo.)
Valencia entered the room, and Tiao's countenance lightened considerably. This caused Darren, from his seat next to the bedridden warrior, to arch his eyebrow slightly. From all he had known his best friend, it was rare that he ever softened from his usual proud self. It had only happened before, in the presence of Charlotte, and now, at the presence of...
Darren stopped his train of thought, lest he have to try and stifle a chuckle. The captain, personally, had always felt too busy to get involved in those sorts of things, although, not to mention, his less-than-social demeanor tended to steer most people away, anyway. With a slight shrug to himself, unseen by Tiao, due to his focus being on the blonde now before him, speaking to him, Darren simply listened in.
Valencia got straight to the point, needing information from the Pillar, as to where he was sent. Darren leaned in a bit as well, interested slightly in the information as well, but his attention was focused much more on Valencia. His eyes focused upon the Vietnamese girl, trying his best to read her body language and words. Truly, this one had always proved a fairly difficult read, as she was just as skilled, if not more so, at keeping her composure as Darren himself was.
What would her stake in knowing that be? And... does this have anything to do with those connections she supposedly has? That... "Network" or whatever?
Darren simply sat forward, listening in on the conversation. Valencia wasn't going to be the only one getting information, and if she wasn't careful, she might end up giving away more than she intended.
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Post by Valencia Donahue on Oct 5, 2007 23:51:46 GMT 1
Because Valencia was too preoccupied with her tile on the floor, she didn’t notice the change in Tiao’s features but she did notice something in his voice that to her was either unusual vaguely familiar… Familiar as in it has happened admittedly a few times before, but she was a bit of an airhead to really pay much mind. She pursed her lips together as she listened to the Pillar and didn’t get enough info to reach any conclusions. However, his comment about his father got her attention. If people think they know something about something few people know about, it’s still a lead of some sort. Better than nothing. What prevented Valencia from jumping at the opportunity was the pause in Tiao’s voice, which was as good as any cue to back off in risk of stepping into touchy territory. She tilted her head towards Darren, not forgetting his presence for a moment, and contemplated her words when asked why she wanted to know where Tiao was taken…
You know, if I give them the straight and honest truth, it’d be the most dumbest reason on earth in their eyes. “Because I was bored and I wanted to do something different for once” or something to that effect. Hmm… Well, as long as I don’t lie, I’m pretty much telling the truth anyways, so…
Valencia faced Tiao, gaze inches from his face, then responded after a tiny, inaudible sigh…
“You can say that… I wanted to know so maybe someone else would know what to do with what I’d learn.”
Really, how much would info like this run in the Network? I’m pretty sure it’s worth a lot, even if the papers can’t print it in fear that the Watchers may move the location…
Valencia is the sort of person who’d use mundane things to solve problems, so it’s not as though all her oddball wisdom is useful unless applied. This doesn’t apply just to her. What she didn’t also consider was what someone like Darren would do with the information.
“But anyways… Every bit of information wouldn’t hurt and if it isn’t any sort of trouble to you, especially because I don’t know much about you or your father to assume your good or bad relationship with him… So… Where do you think you were taken and how would you know from your father?”
She looked around, unsure whether she was allowed to find herself a seat or continue her temporary guest status by standing. After all, Valencia’s arrival was really impromptu and there really wasn’t much for her to do once she gets her answers except leave. No times to catch up with, no “hey, hellos” or “what I’ve been doings” or “what we can do togethers” and stuff like that which are easier to discuss with her own close friends than with the Pillars who often gave off a businesslike air while on campus.
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Post by Tiao Lei Shen on Oct 6, 2007 3:20:27 GMT 1
Tiao nodded his head to Valencia's response. He wasn't exactly sure what she meant, but it was good enough for the time being. As Valencia continued to talk, Tiao took of his cap, becoming frustrated with his hair. He reached over to the bed stand, grabbing one of the handfull of hair ties, though trying his best to keep eye contact with Valencia at the same time as to avoid having her think she was being ignored. He quickly bound his hair up in a high ponytail, slipping his cap back on and pulling the pony tail out the top as he often did with the braid.
He clenched his jaw for a moment at the next question, though Tiao would be lying if he said it was unexpected.
"No, its okay." Tiao started, taking a pause before continuing.
"The thing is, I can't say exactly where I was taken, though I'm aware of the general area. The reason for any knowledge on the matter is the fact that my father was always sure I could be aware of my surroundings and whereabouts, even if I couldn't see." Tiao paused again, quickly picking back up as he noticed that wasn't detailed enough. "I counted. How many times I turned, which way, and how many steps."
The parts Tiao decided to leave out however, were the training sessions through grade and middle school with his father. He would be taken from his room at night, blindfolded and led through the house. When finished, his father would return him to his room, expecting Tiao to be able to tell him which room they went to, and for how long. As he got older, so did the sessions. Tiao was led in circles for hours, and even taken for car rides. In the end, he was always expected to be able to give his location.
"Like I said, I might not be able to tell you the exact location but I'm sure I could recreate it once I get back."
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Wounded
Oct 10, 2007 22:10:14 GMT 1
Post by Darren Blayne on Oct 10, 2007 22:10:14 GMT 1
(Short post syndrome.) Darren's eyebrow arched at the revelation of Tiao's particular 'gift'. Being no stranger to the boy's home life, Darren couldn't say he was surprised. However, what further interested Darren was what, exactly, Valencia wanted to do with this information. His eyes darted to the Vietnamese blonde for only the slightest of moments before resting back upon his lieutenant. She's very interested in this... and rightly so, it could be a vital piece of information, and especially something Tiao and I could use against the Watchers. But... Valencia? These underground connections she mentioned before, albeit briefly, flashed through Darren's head. Then he realized it.
Information.
She likely doesn't want to DO anything with it! Darren thought to himself, his face keeping its composure despite the thoughts raging within. She simply plans to sell it to the highest bidder. Intriguing, most definitely...I will just have to make sure the highest bidder isn't someone undesirable.
Darren mulled over it for a moment, trying to decide how best to enter the conversation, especially now armed with the information he'd deduced. Finally, Darren came upon what seemed to him to be, quite simply, the most obvious course of action.
"So tell me, Valencia," he said suddenly, speaking up after Tiao. "Knowing this, what exactly would you want to do with the knowledge?"
Darren cocked his head sideways a trifling amount, and produced a pen from his inner coat pocket, beginning to absentmindedly twirl it through his fingers as he regarded her. Either she'd come out and tell some form of the truth, like Darren had noticed she tended to do, or try to lie outright. Either way, he'd be able to tell and, from it, deduce the true answer.
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Post by Valencia Donahue on Oct 11, 2007 6:32:39 GMT 1
“Je suis impressionné…”
In other words, she was impressed, judging by how Valencia quietly said her words and seemingly stared off into space no matter how much Tiao was trying to make eye contact with her. For someone who grew up not quite being able to “see”, Valencia too had her fair share of counting steps, estimating the length of strides, and other methods of measuring distance and direction. Most if not all of it was self-taught, so it secretly pleased her somehow to know that she wasn’t the only weirdo out there who kept their senses out for these things. Valencia was also a smidge jealous that Tiao had a father who taught him these things, even though she had no idea that he wasn’t quite fond of his father. She would’ve been even more impressed if she knew about how Tiao was trained, because it was definitely evidence of his proficiency, but what was said was enough and she had little business to keep prying.
“That is a very handy thing your father taught you… Gratitude…”
She was genuinely amazed and had few doubts towards Tiao’s words. Valencia didn’t know what else to ask except for that, so she nodded and was about to leave until Darren’s question caught her off guard. Yet another exit was foiled by an observant individual. Not only that, but an individual who outright, directly asked her about certain things she didn’t want to talk about. She didn’t like that, especially since her first impulse was to tell the truth. Valencia pulled her jacket closer to herself as if it’d do her any good, then looked at another tile on the floor before answering…
“Well… Like I said, I figured someone else would make do with this information… It’s… It’s like a ‘need to know basis’ thing. I might as well let whoever asks know…”
Valencia had an odd feeling that something not so good may come of this, so naturally she felt defensive and indirect responses was the way to go. Yes, she explained a huge chunk of how the Black Market aspect of the Network functioned, but that was when her inhibitions were gone. Now, it was just plain awkward to talk about an underground society that existed before she came to Hircine High to the folks who kept things in order on the surface.
“I mean, I have a hunch that knowing these sorts of things can lead to something good. And besides, I am a little curious about where Watchers take people too…”
She kept staring at the tile on the ground and truly wondered if what she did will actually lead to any sort of good at this point. Valencia was listening to her Instincts now. She felt bad that she had to talk about this in front of Tiao, the person who got hurt and is willing to lend information, only to eventually find out that Valencia might sell it later just for the sake of spicing up her humdrum life.
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Post by Tiao Lei Shen on Oct 12, 2007 6:48:23 GMT 1
Tiao didn't understand the words of what he believed to be french by the sound. However, one word sounded unremarkably similiar to "impressed" so he would get the basis of the remark. It didn't please him just a little to hear that from Valencia, though there would only be a flash of a smile before it faded again. The nature of how, and even more so why, were anything but a trick to show off. A handy skill, yes, but the reasoning wasn't something that should be used to impress girls.
Man, Darren keeps asking that question. He's probing for something, but what?
Tiao had worked along side his best friend for a good time, and had become aware of the true meanings behind all of his actions and words. Valencia had been rather vague about what she was doing with the information. Was it possible she was still working for MacMillan, even with the disowning of the pillarship? It had high probability, even if Tiao didn't want to believe it. Once Valencia had finished her last sentence however, Tiao's mind would piece together a sentence, speaking up before Darren would, if he did as well.
"Valencia...I'm taken a back by how curious you have to be. After all, you went through all the trouble of finding where I am, bringing me a lovely gift-which I deeply thank you for, all to settle a bit of personal curiosity. Almost unbelievable, don't you think?"
Tiao would raise an eyebrow underneath his cap, keeping his tone light as he had been towards Valencia throughout, though hinting enough where Val would likely figure out some of what was going on. She was in fact much smarter than Tiao, and possibly even brighter than Darren. Both feats were something not most could boast, which caused the duo to be all the more wary. Tiao was already having a hard enough time believing Valencia had ill-intentions, and she likely could convince him otherwise even if he hadn't been. She was dangerous. Tiao had to continually remind himself of that, constantly getting lost in her gentile nature and beauty.
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Post by Valencia Donahue on Oct 20, 2007 9:14:30 GMT 1
((OOC: Not gonna let this die just yet…))
Valencia took a step or two backwards towards the door, hinting her uneasiness. She wasn’t exactly afraid nor was she anywhere near terrified, but caution flowed through her veins when Tiao followed up, no matter how reassuring he was trying to be. The clicking of gears in her head kept spelling it out and no matter how honest she was, she still had a reputation for keeping secrets. Lots and lots of secrets. Especially the ones that belong to her until she feels like saying something. She kept her eyes to the floor and tilted her gaze downwards to hide the bottom half of her face behind the scarf around her neck. If only this place didn’t feel so… “Personal”. Valencia would subconsciously think her words through a couple times and she’d have the kind of posture most would expect of her: dutiful and purposeful. Here, she just felt intrusive and discomfited. Not necessarily shy or gentle as Tiao assumed.
“What can I say…? People pursue their interests at varying lengths. I find it more worthwhile to confirm your well-being, Tiao, and wish for your speedy recovery in order to get some information instead of asking more people than I should and risking higher chances of suspicion.”
Of course, Watchers may have noticed a blonde Asian trying to tail them as they carried Tiao all over the place. Any more digging may lead to people keeping their eyes on her and Valencia simply isn’t the sort to let people look at her long unless she requires it.
“But if this is… Too presumptuous, I do apologize and I’ll take note to contact you in other ways that would cause less of an inconvenience. The last thing I want to do is something ‘just to make a good impression’ or ‘kiss up’ by being excessive…”
…Unless I need to get hired and my resume needs another coat of shine, but no need to elaborate when people get the gist of things as is.
“So if you’re still willing to assist me in spite of my intentions, I will deeply appreciate your gesture and will some day pay you back somehow… That’s how karma works at least. Please take my word for it that I keep my promises very well.”
…Unless they’re used to intentionally do me harm, but I don’t think Darren and Tiao are the sort to do that.
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Post by Tiao Lei Shen on Oct 23, 2007 1:06:34 GMT 1
(OOC: Told you he was a vagoo.)
"I guess you're naturally more curious than me, in that case."
Tiao sighed, relief washing over him. For the most part, he was convinced Valencia would mean no harm, and he was happy to believe so. Tiao couldn't help but feel a bit guilty as well, for he could obviously tell Valencia was nervous from the minute she entered the room, and he only increased that anxiety. As the rest of Valencia's words were processed, Tiao could only internally scold himself. What a great start he was off to.
"Please excuse us, Valencia." Tiao asked, as he gave a brief glance at Darren in hopes he'd understand to stop any interrogation for the time being. He turned his head back to Valencia, quickly speaking back up as he realized she might have taken that statement as meaning to take her leave.
"You're not an inconvenience to me Val. Not here, not anywhere. I'll help you with whatever you'd like me to. Just tell me what you'd llike me to do."
Tiao closed his eyes after he finished speaking, doing his best to fight off a pounding headache that had casually been building up throughout the conversation. His back was gettin stiff from sitting up, but he didn't want to show disrespect to anyone by laying down, or slouching during a conversation. It was a bittersweet pain though, simply for the fact he was now awake. He readjusted his weight, attempting to take some pressure off his back as he looked back up to the other two.
I can't wait to get the hell out of here.
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Wounded
Oct 23, 2007 21:48:19 GMT 1
Post by Valencia Donahue on Oct 23, 2007 21:48:19 GMT 1
After Tiao responded and asked to be excused, Valencia nodded and was about to make her departure until he spoke up again, causing the Asian to pause in her brief steps and listen closely. She couldn’t help herself from examining Tiao’s posture and body language after he assuaged her uneasiness. Because his eyes were closed, she didn’t feel as bad looking at his face and features. Valencia certainly endured more things than she should and could detect whenever others are putting up with something they don’t want to show. She had a feeling that Tiao was uncomfortable, though not directly because of her doing, so she told him what she would personally like him to do…
“Just get better… Rest until you’re well enough for others to admit that you’re healthy.”
I know for a fact that there’re lots of people out there who always think they’re healthy… Pheh… Me included.
“Once you’re as fit as a fiddle and able, perhaps we will meet sometime in the future… Where you can lead me to where you think you’ve been taken. I don’t want another situation where someone gets injured more than they should.”
Valencia stopped looking at Tiao, then lifted her gaze to look at Darren briefly before looking down again. After a moment of contemplation, she spoke again yet softly…
“Hmm… I have little business here for the time being and I’ll be taking my leave now, but if you need me for some reason, I’m sure you’ll know how to contact me.”
She didn’t say how; she assumed that the Pillars and School Captain had their ways. With that, Valencia nodded to them one last time and briskly headed for the door to make her exit as silent as her entrance, if not more quieter.
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Wounded
Nov 12, 2007 19:07:12 GMT 1
Post by Darren Blayne on Nov 12, 2007 19:07:12 GMT 1
"Goodbye, Valencia... and thanks for coming."
Darren would, essentially, take the words out of Tiao's mouth.
"We both appreciate your concern."
When she left, Darren turned back to Tiao, looking at him with a raised eyebrow and a hint of a grin playing upon his usually quiet features. Tiao would easily register this, but Darren would say nothing.
In fact, he would simply continue to look at him in this quizzical manner for almost a full minute before finally saying something.
"So, Tiao, when exactly did you become so enamored with Ms. Donahue, anyway?"
Darren always had been rather exemplary at seeing what people were really thinking.
(Sorry for the shortie, Tyler, but there was little to do.)
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Post by Tiao Lei Shen on Nov 13, 2007 0:14:06 GMT 1
(OOC: You really are like Jesus, raising things from the grave.)
Once Valencia had finished speaking, Tiao opened his mouth to reply, only to have Darren take the words out of his mouth. The two did that often enough, often times replying for the other one in their absence or in cases such as these, even in their presence. Tiao watched silently as Valencia moved towards the door, gracefully taking her leave.
Tiao turned to look at Darren. His friend had already turned to look at him, a raised eyebrow and on the brink of an actual smile-- often the most you would get out of him. Tiao sat there, displaying a blank expression as he awaited Darren to speak. There was a full minutes time where neither man spoke a word, or even changed an expression. It looked nothing more like a staring contest.
"What?"
Tiao finally snapped out, impatient as usual. As Darren spoke, a small smirk came to his face when the mentioning of Valencia came back up. However, Tiao caught himself and quickly changed it back into a scowl, as if Darren hadn't noticed.
"Tch. I don't know what you're talking about."
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