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Post by therunawaygirl on Jan 5, 2021 4:01:52 GMT -5
Waiting wasn’t long —Kujo immediately continued to ask, something Melissa had felt coming. “Does the name Yael Dreawell mean anything to you?” The frown in her face would be an evident enough answer, but the woman still shook her head as response. She hummed a bit in thought after she heard why Kujo was looking for them, but truthfully, she didn’t have the answers for it.
It didn’t mean she didn’t know who could help.
“Well, if that’s the case… You’d want to check on the Medical Wing —maybe there they can help?” she wrote back, “The name doesn’t ring any bells to me.”
The woman sighed a bit, clutching onto the phone a bit, having a few doubts herself. Obviously, not knowing what Kujo had gone through before, Melissa would most likely come off as persistent to him with the questions she had in mind —but in a sense, clueless as she was, she had no choice. Deleting the message she’d written after showing Kujo, she decided to ask her own part.
“What you said, earlier… Did you mean it?” she asked, “About… Keeping Liz from causing anyone else trouble —Jack and Alice included. You meant it for real, or you just said it to… I dunno, make an impression?”
“I’m not sure how much you know, but… This isn’t the first time Jack’s been in this position because of her. That time… You can probably imagine how bad he’s having it. I mean, we all have it tough after something like that, but… I feel like Jack’s been the most affected because of it.”
“It’s like… He’s pushing himself to move onwards, when something’s holding him back. And because these two are inseparable… Alice follows. I fear that they’ll both find themselves in a place they don’t want to be —somewhere that’ll hurt them further.”
Melissa lowered her gaze and the phone, debating what else to say, although she didn’t think there was anything left. She felt Alice move on her lap, but while the girl didn’t wake up, there was some discomfort shown in her expression. She groaned faintly, most likely a nightmare taking its opportunity to rise from the shadows. Leaving the phone aside, the woman brushed Alice’s hair a bit, trying to reassure her in sleep, which in turn relieved the girl of some of the stress.
Melissa sighed, a bit tired. With little to do at the time, it wasn’t like she could check on Jack to help Alice calm down —knowing that the girl was worried about what her brother was, and what he was up to. She frowned a bit before picking the phone, asking one last thing to Kujo before he decided to go on.
“Can no one really check on him, or is Elena trying to hide him until he gets better?” she asked, “This isn’t the first time she’s done it, too… Back then, she did the same thing. Alice had to insist so many times just to see him once…”
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Post by hoodwink on Jan 6, 2021 13:47:07 GMT -5
Though Melissa didn’t seem to know the name he’d referenced, Kujo was thankful to hear he’d at least be able to get direction to the Medical Wing. After having begun his search a few floors ago, the stoic man would be grateful to be able to cut to the chase. ”What you said, earlier…Did you mean it?” The woman’s next question caused him to raise a brow and shake his head a bit. ”I don’t say things I don’t mean.” It was a short statement, a fact. ”I’m not sure how much you know, but…” Nodding as he read the next message on the display, Kujo grimaced. He knew all too well what Melissa was talking about. ”It’s like…he’s pushing himself to move onward, when something’s holding him back.” Kujo was immediately reminded of their mission back in Twilight Town. That had been the most drastic case of Jack’s past burdening his journey onward through the present. Melissa’s perceived idea was correct, in the man’s opinion, having hit the nail on the head. That’s why he was trying to move past the failures and find a sure path to victory. Tch—what a pain. Not that it was easy.
”Can no one really check on him, or…?” It seemed the ‘confined’ method wasn’t unusual in moments like these, hearing how Elena had used similar measures before. Nodding, Kujo sighed a bit with a faint scowl. ”Yeah. Not even Alice was allowed in.” He was still unsure just how much information he was allowed to divulge. ”I’m not sure when others will be allowed to see him.” Instead, Kujo decided to stick with what he knew for certain. ”One last thing…” Grimacing a bit, it seemed the stoic man was uncomfortable and irritated with needing to rely on someone else for something. He’d wasted enough time wandering around, though. Even his patience had limits. ”Where is the Medical Wing? Is it nearby?” Though his conversation with Melissa hadn’t gotten him much information on Liz, he did at least get some guidance in regards to who to ask, and where he might be able to find whoever took over Dr. Dreawell’s position.
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Post by therunawaygirl on Jan 6, 2021 14:30:21 GMT -5
”I don’t say things I don’t mean.”
Smiling faintly, Melissa nodded —as a sign of gratitude. Now knowing that what Kujo had said was in fact true, and not just to make an impression, it seemed to take an invisible burden in the woman’s shoulders. His expression after reading what came after seemed knowing, which meant less explanations and perhaps more thought.
Whichever was the better option… She couldn’t tell.
”I’m not sure when others will be allowed to see him.” Humming a bit, Melissa pouted, bringing one hand clutched to her mouth, thoughtful. It definitely sounded like how it had been before, but at the time Jack hadn’t said a thing. However, Melissa’s knowledge on the subject was lacking, given how she herself had been confined in a room once, after that incident. Recalling the bitter memory caused her to vigorously shake her head, a bitter hum coming from her throat as she tried to get rid of the image.
It was still tough to look at it without feeling something other than fear.
”Where is the Medical Wing? Is it nearby?” Melissa nodded, looking past the hallways towards a third one, and pointing to it. Looking back at Kujo, she continued on with signs —an “L” shape with her index and thumb, and then moving her hand towards the direction. Blinking perplexed, she seemed flustered, as she hurriedly grabbed onto the phone.
“Sorry —force of habit…” she wrote hastily —as evidenced by the slight typos here and there, “So, down that hallway, a set of stairs to the left, and as soon as you’re down to the last floor, is the first door to the left again.”
She signed, thinking a bit before continuing to type. There was one last thing…
“Also, I’m not sure how adequate it is to ask, but… Just in case no one says a thing about his condition… Couldn’t you check on him? On Jack, I mean” she wrote, “Alice told me —he didn’t answer when she called, which is odd… I don’t wanna think the worst, but… Let’s just say he’s not as perky as he used to be…” Melissa frowned, evidently bitter —a faint struggle to swallow as she looked away, “…el…im…”
A faint muffle came from the woman’s mouth —a cry for help. Melissa puffed her cheeks, much in the same fashion as Alice whenever she was peeved —perhaps a mimicked expression? Whichever the case, the woman continued to write her message before looking at Kujo with a faint glint in her eyes.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if this has sunken him further… Y’know —depression? It’s not uncommon, but… I dunno —that kid’s got a bad habit of shouldering more than he can handle. So… Since you’re a team… Maybe you can help him carry it, until he can handle it alone?” she asked, “As he is now, I doubt he can go on with this much on his own…”
“I guess… It’s something I get, that might be wrong, but… You look like you do care, even if you don’t show it.”
“Anyways, I’m rambling” Melissa shook her head as she continued to write, “You should get going. If, by chance, you come back and Alice is still here… Do you mind getting her off me? My legs are starting to get sore…”
Melissa giggled with unease at the last comment, but in the end, she didn’t want to bother Alice for just a little longer. Still, eventually, the woman was bound to reach her limit —perhaps not now, but definitely soon.
Requesting such a thing was embarrassing enough, though —as evident by Melissa’s uneasy chuckling and slightly red cheeks.
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Post by hoodwink on Jan 6, 2021 16:00:31 GMT -5
As Melissa began to gesture direction, Kujo raised an eyebrow, his eyes glancing at the smartphone he’d let the woman use to communicate. It was only a moment, but she seemed to catch herself quickly. ”Sorry—force of habit…” Explaining clear direction via the text display, Melissa collected herself as Kujo memorized the words carefully. ”Also, I’m not sure how adequate it is to ask, but…” Her further inquiry caused the stoic man to give a faint sigh as he listened to her worries. Was checking on him allowed? Having been told that he was to be confined, Kujo had assumed Jack was isolated. ”…el…im…” The muffle caught the man off-guard, causing him to raise a brow as Melissa looked away. Tch—what a hassle. Unsure just what kind of help he could offer outside of what he was already doing, the man gave a faint scowl as he leaned back into his seat on the couch. Hearing how the teen was most likely dealing with mental and emotional turmoil as well as their physical condition was something Kujo had considered.
It’s not like I’m a damned therapist. How was he supposed to help with something like that? It seemed easier to deal with the external source of the problems at the time—even if it wouldn’t resolve all of the past scars, it’d at least allow the teen to move forward. ”I guess…it’s something I get, that might be wrong, but…you look like you do care, even if you don’t show it.” Sighing a bit, Kujo scowled while rolling his eyes a bit, clicking his tongue in disapproval. ”Give me a break.” Sure, he cared—but what the hell was everyone expecting? Then again, if he was going to the Medical Wing anyway, maybe he could look into getting the teen some professional guidance. ”Anyways, I’m rambling. You should get going.” Reading Melissa’s later message caused the stoic man to sigh once more as he glanced down at Alice—though his mouth betrayed a faint smirk, replacing the hefty scowl once one it. ”It’s your own fault, letting her fall asleep out here to begin with.” Was that a hint of teasing in his tone? It was more subtle than when he spoke with M’Lyn, but it seemed so as he raised his brow at Melissa, his eyes flashing a vaguely devious look. Noticing the woman’s already reddening face, Kujo decided to relent.
”Whatever. I’ll take her off your hands once I’m back.” Standing up from the couch, Kujo removed a hand from his pocket and offered it out to Melissa for the phone. ”…Thanks.” Such niceties still didn’t feel right, but he knew they were necessary at times. Shaking his head a bit with a sigh, his usual serious look returned as he focused on his next steps. Once Melissa would give back his smartphone, Kujo would make his way through the halls, following the directions she’d given. Never having seen the Medical Wing before, he wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, though he assumed it would be similar to hospitals or ER’s he’d been to in SanFransokyo. He’d need to find some sort of reception desk, to find out who ran the psychoanalysis of potential unit members, if such a thing existed…
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Post by therunawaygirl on Jan 6, 2021 16:32:07 GMT -5
”It’s your own fault, letting her fall asleep out here to begin with.”
Maybe that was the right assessment —but Melissa couldn’t help but giggle a bit, covering her mouth as she did so. A bit more upbeat now, she nodded and waved as Kujo left, promising to take Alice off her hands once he came back, if the girl continued to sleep. How long had she sleep for, by now? It seemed like time was evading her now, focused as she was trying to help in any way she could…
“…nk…ou…” she mumbled in her best capabilities, although most likely too soft for him to listen.
The last floor of the underground building was the same as the others, if not a bit more silent than usual. A dimly lit hall was the first thing to greet him, splitting in two at the end of it for who knows what sort of extensions. If following Melissa’s directions, Kujo would spot a door immediately to the left, slightly left open with a slightly brighter light on the inside. Was someone inside?
There was definitely no one in the hall, by the looks of things —so maybe it was the best option, even if it wasn’t the most appeasable one.
Inside would welcome what most reception rooms looked anywhere in a civilized world —a front desk, with someone working on a computer behind, and plenty of loose papers piled neatly in folders, and a few books, one of them open at the front desk with a pen over it. Attending was a woman perhaps a bit older than Kujo, with red hair and casual clothing.
Typing away, she didn’t seem to notice Kujo at all —or maybe she had, but didn’t give him much thought. Instead, she remained still, looking time and time again through the same lines of text as she did her work.
Maybe she was the one keeping check of the reception room?
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Post by hoodwink on Jan 6, 2021 17:02:04 GMT -5
His journey to the Medical Wing went smoothly enough, Melissa’s directions more than reliable. Finding the door on the left that seemed to what he was searching for, he entered into the reception room. Sure enough, it was as he had expected. Nothing was bizarre or out of the ordinary here, at least. Seeing the receptionist diligently working behind a desk, the stoic man made his way over. ”Hey.” Having made his way in front of it, Kujo gave a small nod in greeting. "I’m looking for whoever’s leading the psychoanalysis assessments of Brigade Unit members, both on duty and applying.” Hoping that he was being clear enough, since he didn’t have a relevant name to offer, he grimaced a bit, crossing his arms. ”It shouldn’t take long. I just need to go over some past reports.” Come to think of it, it wasn’t like Elena had given him any form of identification, verifying his position with the unit. Would he need such things, for what he was after?
Waiting to gauge the response of the receptionist, Kujo hoped he would find some answers out, for all of the digging around he was doing. It just doesn’t make sense… What had happened, to let Liz get approved as Navigator? Was there really another traitor that had lended a helping hand within the Brigade, or was that just his cynicism acting up?
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Post by therunawaygirl on Jan 6, 2021 17:27:06 GMT -5
”Hey.”
The woman raised her gaze, finally noticing Kujo —or maybe acknowledging him? Regardless, she met the man with a similar gaze to his own, stoic and distant, apparently not really willing to cooperate but forced one way or another.
She frowned when she heard what it was Kujo wanted, giving him a confused look. While it was fair to ask, there was so much she could do.
“I can tell you who they are, but if you’re going to ask for reports, I need your credentials” the woman replied, “Otherwise, I’ll have to ask that you leave. Unless you’re here to check on someone?” “And if he’s with someone else that can vouch?”
A familiar voice echoed from behind Kujo, causing the woman to blink in confusion. Usher walked in, a faint smirk written in his face as he stepped forward. Whether he was tailing Kujo or going around and casually met up with him, no one could say, but his timing might’ve been perfect.
The man walked to the front desk, leaving a tag for the receptionist to check on, before turning towards Kujo with the same smirk —a somewhat forced one, and annoying to some. Still, after grabbing his tag back, he indicated for Kujo to follow, apparently knowing what he was after.
Odds were he’d listened to it before.
“Sorry that I stepped in” he said, “But I guess I saved your skin, huh? From gettin’ stuck in the middle of your search. Before ya ask —no, I didn’t tail ya. I was checkin’ on someone, and was headin’ back, but I kinda overheard what you were after… And bein’ honest… I wanna lend a hand. Take it as an apology for what happened with Brandon…”
Usher folded his hands behind his head, nonchalant, as he headed back into the hall and further in, leading the way. He seemed to know better, and since he’d overheard… Why not lend a hand? He felt responsible for what happened, back in Navigations, and even though his own personal views didn’t align with Kujo’s, there was one thing that both had in common.
What it was would be obvious enough even for someone who didn’t know the context.
It would be rather silent, for a while —with the halls of steel echoing with the sound of their footsteps. Usher didn’t look back once, feeling that engaging in casual conversation wouldn’t be of much use, especially with both the mood and the person he would be talking with. However, it didn’t mean he didn’t have questions to ask, and answers to give.
“You’ve been lookin’ into Liz, no?” he asked, looking forward, “I don’t wanna dampen your hopes, but… She might’ve deleted some files, back when she sold us off —just in case you think we ain’t doin’ our job right. Of course, some people are too proud to admit it, but… I wanna help’cha —that’s all.”
“In any case… You’re lookin’ for the person in charge of psychoanalysis… Hmm… Now where could she have wandered off to…?”
Usher stopped at one of the many T-shaped ends, looking back and forth as he tried to determine where this person would be. Taking a gamble —as well as following what he knew from these people—, he went right, his eyes glancing at every nook and cranny he could find. Soon, they would spot a person —a small woman, with honey-brown hair tied in a high ponytail, wearing a green coat over a simple beige dress, as well as wearing red glasses that threatened to fall over the bridge of her nose at any second as she kept looking through papers clipped to a board.
“Yo, Chloe” Usher called, waving a hand to greet them, “You got a moment?” “…Hmm?” the woman looked up, perking up as she noticed who it was that called, “Usher? What do you want?” “Not me —this guy does, though” the man shrugged back, before turning towards Kujo, “She’s your best bet, man —guarantee.” “Umm… Care to introduce me to him?”
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Post by hoodwink on Jan 6, 2021 17:58:01 GMT -5
”I can tell you who they are, but if you’re going to ask for reports, I need your credentials.” Grimacing a bit, Kujo realized he should have placed his words differently. Tch—figures. A familiar voice cut in from behind, causing him to raise a brow as he turned to see Usher, who was quick to provide the necessary credentials the receptionist needed. Though it was convenient, the stoic man couldn’t help but narrow his eyes a bit at the timing of it all. That said, it wasn’t like he’d planned on simply barging in the place if the receptionist had decided to turn him away. In that regard, Usher saved Kujo the hassle of hitting yet another wall with his search. ”Sorry that I stepped in.” Following the guy’s lead, Kujo kept his hands in his pockets and a grimace on his face as he walked. ”Before ya ask—no, I didn’t tail ya. I was checkin’ on someone, and was heading’ back,” Answering his suspicions before they could surmount, it seemed Usher was willing to help him out. ”Take it as an apology for what happened with Brandon…” Sighing at the recollection of their butting heads, Kujo gave a quiet nod as they walked.
It seemed they were willing to let bygones be bygones, so long as it meant helping Jack and Alice. ”You’ve been lookin’ into Liz, no?” Raising an eyebrow as Usher explained how Liz may have deleted certain files, Kujo wondered if the individual he was heading for would be able to remember the information off-hand. ”In any case…you’re lookin’ for the person in charge of psychoanalysis…Hmm…now where could she have wandered off to…?" It seemed Usher indeed knew the exact person he was looking for. Whether or not they were as involved around that time would be a different matter. Though at moments it seemed like his temporary guide appeared lost, eventually they ended up in one of the many rooms, with a woman Kujo had never seen before inside. ”Yo, Chloe.” Thankfully, if they were busy, Chloe didn’t show any sign of irritation at their interruption. Thankfully she wasn’t in the middle of an examination or anything with a patient, as luck would have it. ”She’s your best bet, man—guarantee.” It seemed he’d finally found another piece to the puzzle—not that Kujo was about to get his hopes up.
”Umm…Care to introduce me to him?” Giving Usher a vaguely exasperated eye roll, Kujo shook his head a bit before looking back to Chloe with a short nod. ”Kujo. I’m with one of the intel-gathering field units under Elena’s command.” He figured he might as well mention how he wasn’t some random civilian, despite his lack of credentials. Hopefully it would make the doctor a bit more comfortable with going over certain information, regardless of their connection with Usher. ”You took over Dr. Dreawell’s position, right?” Though the name hadn’t meant much to many others, surely it would to the one in the current position, right? Seeing as how Yael Dreawell had done the initial report on Liz, he was unsure if the next in line would have been around for the event that lead to her securing her role as Navigator. It was a long-shot, but one he felt worth taking. ”I was hoping to get some more information on a past agent gone traitor. Dreawell did the initial psychoanalysis, but there are some files missing from between the first intake and the time of their coup.” Raising an eyebrow, he waited to gauge Chloe's response. Would she know about these events, or the missing files, or was this yet another dead-end?
Though it may have seemed rushed, there was no need to beat around the bush. And no time.
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Post by therunawaygirl on Jan 7, 2021 7:07:40 GMT -5
Chloe looked at Kujo as he introduced himself, quick to get to his own part of the drill. The woman tilted her head after hearing the name “Dreawell” —most likely having never heard of it before. Although she had indeed taken the position they once had, it wasn’t like she knew them personally, having never met them before, and now unable to. ”I was hoping to get some more information on a past agent gone traitor.” The look of confusion in the woman’s face grew stronger, unsure on what was happening. Usher sighed, shaking his head at the sight —although he was expecting it. Hence, the reason he’d decided to tag along, while also wanting to help. Chloe on the other hand, was more than lost.
“I’m… Not sure I follow. But... Basically, you want to check on someone’s files?” “On Liz” Usher mentioned, “You have access, don’t you? On the people that apply to Scout or Navi.” “I mean, I do —but I don’t know what that has to do with… Whoever this ‘Dreawell’ is…” “Don’t bother with that —we just need Liz’s files.” “…” Chloe sighed, “Fine. I don’t like doing that anyways, but… If you’re just gonna insist…”
It might’ve come off as persistent —or maybe it was the only way to get Chloe on the move. Regardless, the woman seemed to budge, turning around to the nearby computer sitting by the desk, sitting down and starting to look around, while Usher and Kujo would remain in place (probably, anyways). Pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose a little, Chloe began to search.
“You mentioned Dreawell… I take it that’s the person who wrote the reports you’re looking into…” Chloe muttered to herself, “If they were a physician or something here, then… I should find them… Ah, here they are…” “Anythin’ out of the ordinary?” Usher asked. “Hmm… Liz… Liz…” ignoring Usher’s comment, Chloe continued to look —every time she scrolled, a confused look taking place, “Huh?” she looked at Kujo, a bit troubled, “Come here for a second, will you?”
If Kujo heeded, he would turn around the desk to see Chloe’s screen, as she returned to her search with little to no results. Not only Liz’s, but other files as well —the only remaining file being the one Kujo had found before in Navigations. Chloe leaned back, frowning as she crossed her arms and thinking on what it could be wrong.
“This is as much as I can find, but I won’t deny it —I find it odd that not only this ‘Liz’ person’s files are mostly missing, but also some of the other person as well.” “Wait… Huh?” Usher flinched, looking forward, “Not just Liz?” “Nope —most, if not all of the work. I’m missing plenty of files that should be here. Then again… It’s nothing new.” “…What do you mean, ‘nothing new?’” “What I said —I’ve been missing files since I took the position. They were missing from before.”
Usher scowled, looking away as he thought. Maybe… There was someone else selling information within the Brigade? But ever since that incident, no new recruits had joined —so someone coming from outside wasn’t a possibility. If not that, then what?
Was there something else happening, that they weren’t seeing? Or were they missing files from that time?
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Post by hoodwink on Jan 7, 2021 13:23:35 GMT -5
Chloe’s look of confusion caused Kujo to sigh for a moment, crossing his arms as he felt himself hitting yet another wall. ”I’m…not sure I follow. But…basically, you want to check on someone’s files?” It had been a long shot he hadn’t gotten his hopes up for, yet thankfully it seemed not everything was lost, as Usher persisted. ”Fine. I don’t like doing that anyways, but…if you’re just gonna insist…” Relenting, the physician began to type away on her keyboard, though it wasn’t long before yet another wall seemed to pop up. ”Huh? Come here for a second, will you?” Raising his eyebrow, Kujo walked over to look at the display—scowling as he witnessed the bareness of the search results. ”This is as much as I can find, but I won’t deny it—I find it odd that not only this ‘Liz’ person’s files are mostly missing, but also some of the other person as well.” His suspicion was only surmounting around the prospect of their being another traitor within the Brigade ranks selling out information. Though Usher had mentioned Liz having stolen certain files, the look on the guy’s face said even he found it odd.
”Not just Liz?” Chloe seemed nearly jaded to the prospect of missing files, something Kujo could hardly believe. Apparently, they’d been missing since the woman had taken the role. Damn it. Whatever was going on here, he couldn’t help but feel like he ended up stepping into yet another mess. What was it, that just seemed to draw bizarre events and annoying mysteries his way? ”Do you know if Dreawell was the last physician before you, or was there someone else between?” If there was yet another middle person between the transition, it wasn’t impossible for them to be a suspect of the files disappearance. Perhaps looking into them would provide a better lead? ”Is it only older files missing, or more recent ones? What other 'work' was in those?” The last question was moreso to gauge an idea around if the selling or deletion of information was still a subtle problem occurring or one of the past. If it was no longer relevant, the chances were that Liz had most likely taken more information than originally believed.
Either way, Kujo didn’t like it. His original intent to search into their enemy had unfolded into a much larger conspiracy within the Brigade itself.
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Post by therunawaygirl on Jan 7, 2021 16:23:46 GMT -5
Pondering with a faint hum, Chloe looked at the files exposed in front —the number being easily accountable with one hand. Usher’s surprise and further scrutiny with the details had caught her off-guard, but it wasn’t like she would show it —instead pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose yet again.
”Is it only older files missing, or more recent ones?” Kujo’s question broke the momentary silence, although Chloe shook her head —seemingly expecting the outcome. Still, it wasn’t a hard thing to answer…
“I took after the last person after they got a route outside Milennia —whoever they were, I have no clue” she replied, shrugging, “And regarding the files… It’s the old ones. The more recent ones have remained here.” “Hmm… Dreawell, was it…?” Usher mumbled a bit, before walking towards the computer, “Name sounds familiar…” “You know them?” “Not personally… You said they managed to get a route outside, right? Can I check somethin’?” “Sure —knock yourself out.”
Shrugging and making way for Usher to check on something, Chloe seemed indifferent to what was happening, most likely thinking on something else, and wanting to leave for the time being. Usher begged to differ, typing away to access the database from the device they were in, inserting his credentials in order to access the information he wanted to recheck.
“Ah —here’s why…”
The man’s tone grew bitter as he stepped back, looking at the few names displayed on a long list, as well as a report. With a sigh, he glanced over at Kujo, a frown in his expression as he quickly turning to look elsewhere. Intrigued, Chloe glanced their way, her arms crossed over her chest as she waited for the silence to end.
What was it that he had found?
“Just to know, you found their name in a casualty list, right?” Usher asked, looking at the screen, “That’s how you found out about ‘em.” “Usher?” “…I bet Liz was behind it… It wasn’t long ago, either —half a year, I think. That’s when you took after, right?” “Yeah —what of it?” “…” Usher sighed again, bitter, “Dammit…” “Hey, care to explain a bit? We’re not mind-readers” Chloe berated. “…So, Yael had managed to get contact with someone he knew, outside Milennia. Y’know —to escape it all?” Usher explained, “It’s not uncommon, but definitely tricky to pull off. Still, he and a few others decided to chance it, so Raven and a few other members decided to help them. I guess they didn’t make it…” “Well, that just means I was the one that took immediately after, right?” Chloe asked, shrugging a bit, “Still doesn’t clear much, does it?” “…Did you ever check the previous files?” “The ones I could? I did. The ones that are missing… Who knows what was inside?”
Chloe gave up, shaking her head as she shooed Kujo and Usher away from the computer. Even if those files were forever missing, most likely in another person’s possession, there was still some to look at —but whether they were relevant or not would remain unknown for a bit. In the meantime, Usher glanced over at Kujo, wanting to gauge an answer based on his search.
Why was he so keen on digging dirt on Liz? Was there something they were missing?
“Y’know… I’m wonderin’ —why’re you lookin’ into all this?” he asked, calmly, “It doesn’t click ta me, man —so maybe you could clear it out? Could give us a few hints, too.”
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Post by hoodwink on Jan 7, 2021 17:03:27 GMT -5
”I took after the last person after they got a route outside Milennia—whoever they were, I have no clue.” Frowning at the lack of information in that regard, Kujo nodded, giving a small sigh of frustration. At least no recent files seemed to be missing—meaning the possibility of there being a current seller of information or intel within the Brigade was significantly lower. Odds were, the missing files were Liz’s doing, when she had first betrayed Jack and the others. "Hmm…Dreawell, was it…?” Usher’s mumble caused Kujo to raise a brow as Usher began to type on the computer, searching for something. ”Just to know, you found their name in a casualty list, right?” Usher’s pause had caused both Kujo and Chloe to be intrigued, though the stoic man gave a curt nod in response to the question, wanting to see what the guy was thinking. ”So, Yael had managed to contact with someone he knew, outside Milennia. Y’know—to escape it all?” It seemed whatever Usher had found elaborated on Dreawell’s disappearance and death. Having attempted to flee the city, Kujo found it surprising to hear that they weren’t successful, even with the Brigade and Raven’s assistance.
Then again, Kujo wasn’t too aware of the state of the world he was on, other than the fact it was in a state of war. It seemed Chloe had taken over where they left off, though it was still uncertain if they’d ever come in contact with Liz. Based on the conversation so far, the stoic man was led to believe the newer doctor had been appointed after Liz’s act of betrayal. With the old files missing, it seemed they were hitting another wall. Sighing, Kujo grimaced and shook his head. It seemed this search was bearing little for him, in the long run. ”Y’know…I’m wonderin’—why’re you lookin’ into all this?” Usher’s question was fair, though the man was still brooding over the wall he’d hit. ”Tch—this damned scavenger hunt started because of how little intel there is on Liz.” Grumbling a bit, he shoved his hands into his pockets and backtracked over his process, hoping that perhaps it would aid the hunt.
”I was originally looking to dig up anything that might give us an edge for dealing with her. The only files I could find made it hard to believe that she’d even be appointed to a Unit to begin with. Her profile was littered with red flags all over the place. I found it suspicious that she was cleared for field work, based on what I saw.” He was getting to the crux of the recent search. ”Dreawell was the one who analyzed her. Something happened that cleared her for her role within the Unit, but I’m not sure what. The only people that seem to know anything about it are Elena and Jack, and neither of them are available for questions.” Shaking his head, Kujo couldn’t help but show his irritation. ”I figured that maybe whoever took over the position might know more, but it looks like you weren’t onboarded until after Liz already betrayed the unit, Doctor.” Grimacing a bit, he sighed once more, clearly annoyed at the state of things. So far, the only useful bit of information he’d learned was that Liz could be exploited with the promise of information or curiosity—but that wasn’t something she needed from the Brigade or Kujo anymore.
There has to be something… No one was invincible, but Liz had certainly covered her tracks well. With how little they knew about the source of her powers, as well as their limitations—the man had relied on learning more about the person, hoping to find a vulnerability or weakness that way. ”Whatever happened that cleared her must have been important or impressive, otherwise I can’t imagine her being able to become a Navigator.” It was only a hunch, but if Liz had gone out of her way to delete or steal the files pertaining that moment in time, it was bound to be important. Scowling a bit, Kujo crossed his arms once more before shaking his head. ”Whole thing’s a pain in the ass. It’s just grasping at straws.”
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Post by therunawaygirl on Jan 7, 2021 17:31:04 GMT -5
”Tch—this damned scavenger hunt started because of how little intel there is on Liz.”
That was one thing Usher couldn’t blame Kujo for —the information they had on the girl that was now their enemy was considerably lacking. Being the only one keeping tabs on her after maintaining his position, Usher had hit a similar wall before, unable to do much without proper support. Sure enough, their goals aligned more than he would’ve liked to admit…
“Her profile was littered with red flags all over the place.” Usher nodded, a frown in his expression, while Chloe tilted her head with curiosity. That was something that could be debated, and whoever it was that did give the okay was someone they could track. Maybe they were another option? While Chloe pondered on the idea, Usher’s scowl would give a proper answer.
He’d hit a dead-end there.
“Bein’ honest, I tried lookin’ into that after it happened —after I got discharged” Usher said, “I wanted to know who gave the okay for Liz to tag along with us. I didn’t know about any red flags prior, though” he glanced over at Kujo, “Obviously, I got shut down —higher-ups and everything. I know Elena was against it, though —but that’s as much as I know.” “I agree with… Kujo, was it?” Chloe followed, looking at the two, “Whoever gave the okay is probably someone higher in rank than Elena. But does anyone have that rank?” “Not anymore —not after that time. But the damage’s done” with a sigh, the man sulked, “And you yourself said it —the two people that could prolly give you the answers ain’t available currently.” “Are they, really, though?” Chloe asked, catching Usher off-guard, “Have you double-checked? Triple-checked, maybe?” “Uhh…”
Usher blinked, apparently thinking on the option. While Elena wasn’t someone he would like to talk to at that given time, Jack was. Then again, though, wouldn’t it be an awkward way to reunite, given the circumstances? Sheepishly —yet clearly forced—, the man looked away, trying to brush the comment off with a more than forced joke.
“I don’t think he’ll appreciate a visit from me… Y’know? Been too long” Usher shrugged. “You’re just uneasy that you’ll make things awkward” Chloe replied back, unamused, but then sighed, “Y’know —you won’t get anything done standing here. If you’re done already, get going? I’ve got work to do, too.”
The woman shooed them away, her look just as stoic as before, wanting to go back to her own line of work. Usher smirked with a faint hint of annoyance, wanting to dismiss Chloe’s comment as a “tease”, but clearly unable to as it was the truth. It was annoying as the current mood they were in —unable to move on unless they asked the person themselves.
For now, they truly hit a wall, and making a break-though would be impossible without either Elena or Jack’s cooperation.
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Post by hoodwink on Jan 8, 2021 21:14:25 GMT -5
”Bein’ honest, I tried lookin’ into that after it happened—“ It seemed Usher had thought along a similar process as Kujo, back then. ”I wanted to know who gave the okay for Liz to tag along with us.” Hearing how the guy was denied that information regardless of his position within the unit, Kujo couldn’t help but raise an incredulous brow. ”I agree with…Kujo, was it?” Nodding to let Chloe know she was correct, he listened as the doctor mentioned someone of higher rank than Elena. ”But does anyone have that rank?” It seemed that it was no longer a position that existed, though had been one that had damaged the Brigade beforehand. Grimacing as it seemed there wasn’t any obvious way around the wall they’d hit, Kujo crossed his arms with a sigh. Guess they’re really the only options… Chloe and Usher seemed to agree as well, though it seemed neither of them were willing or wanting to ask those types of questions. As for Kujo, he merely was limited by the teen’s confinement, and Elena’s request for time to think over everything.
What a pain. Shooed away by Chloe, who’d given them more than enough of her time already, Kujo couldn’t help but frown with frustration as it seemed his search had come to an end. Making their way out of the Medical Wing, Kujo walked with his hands in his pockets and a scowl on his face—his mood soured once more by the failure of it all. ”Tch—waste of time.” What had he been thinking? Not only had he not found any vulnerabilities or things to exploit, he hardly knew anything about their enemy to begin with. Turning to Usher, the stoic man sighed before shaking his head. ”Looks like I’ll just have to wait to speak with Jack and Elena after all.” Remembering his prior agreement with Melissa, he clicked his tongue and glared down the hallway. ”I got somewhere to be.” Pausing for a moment, the man waved a hand dismally before turning to head off. ”…Thanks. For trying.” Glancing over his shoulder, Kujo’s eyes flashed with determination as he began to set out. ”She’s not invincible. I’ll find a way to take her down.” With the reassurance and focus being his departure, Kujo headed down the hallway, exiting the Medical Wing and heading back towards the communal area.
His goal was to find Melissa and Alice, most likely in the same place as before. He had told her he’d take the slumbering girl off of her hands (or lap).
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Post by therunawaygirl on Jan 9, 2021 4:41:12 GMT -5
Closing the door behind him, Usher glanced at Kujo as he began to go away, his own rhythm to follow. The search had left a bitter taste in his mouth, just like last time —having gotten almost no answers and even more questions. His own determination had taken a blow, multiple times by now —but unlike others, Usher couldn’t bounce back easily.
The man kept looking down, waving a hand as Kujo mentioned needing to go elsewhere —seemingly deep in his own thoughts as he tried to make sense of anything. ”…Thanks. For trying.” Usher flinched, blinking with a confused look as Kujo turned to look back over his shoulder, the following words being more shocking than the showcase of gratitude —if one could even call it that.
”I’ll find a way to take her down.” With that said, Kujo left, leaving Usher no time to answer, as the man stood frozen in place as his mind processed the thought —only to finish with a smirk and an amused chuckle.
“Well… Good luck there… You’ll need it, probably…” he replied to no one.
Back at the communal area, Melissa looked rather distraught —but Alice was nowhere to be seen. A crawling concern was evident by the woman’s body language, until she noticed Kujo heading her way. Now actually having pen and paper in hand, the woman could communicate with Kujo without him handing over his own phone.
“She left to Navigations” she wrote, “She woke up not long after you left, but said she didn’t want to stay here when she knew she couldn’t do anything…”
Melissa sighed, looking away with worry. A bit of silence followed before she scribbled yet again in the paper, trying to make the most out of the words she could use, limited only to writing. “By the by… Jake came around. He wasn’t asking for you, but did mention that Elena bluffed… Like I thought she did” Melissa huffed, “It’s just Jack that doesn’t wanna do anything now… Other than that… There was someone looking for you, but they didn’t tell me where they were headed…” the woman tilted her head, trying to remember who it was and how to describe them.
Giving up easily on the name, she decided to just sketch what she could —one saving grace to communicating with pen and paper. The cat ears were easily distinguishable over the sketch, one that would give more answers than necessary.
M’Lyn.
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Post by hoodwink on Jan 9, 2021 15:03:34 GMT -5
Finding Melissa in the common area where he’d left her, Kujo raised a brow as he walked over, immediately noticing Alice’s absence. ”She left to Navigations.” It seemed she’d been able to grab some pen and paper, while he’d been gone. "She woke up not long after you left,” Sighing a bit, Kujo nodded, his grimace lingering as he understood all too well what the girl was feeling. Hadn’t he done the same thing, after all? ”Jake came around.” It seemed Elena hadn’t followed through whole heartedly with the confinement, but Jack was hardly willing to do much. With a sigh, Kujo crossed his arms as he thought of the teen. Tch—guess he’ll need some time. Though he personally thought it best to not sit and sulk for too long, the man wasn’t heartless. He could understand what their latest failure had meant to the teen. ”There was someone looking for you, but they didn’t tell me where they were headed…” Cocking his head a bit and raising his brow, Kujo couldn’t help but grimace as Melissa seemed to give up on remembering the person’s name.
Seeing her quickly begin to sketch however, the stoic man was immediately given the answer. Finally done napping, huh? Even without the Miqo’te present, Kujo found himself thinking the retort anyway after seeing the woman’s resemblance on the paper. ”I should be able to find her easily enough.” Similar to himself, M’Lyn tended to stick out a bit within HeadQuarters. It wouldn’t be hard for him to begin his search. ”So, in the end they all left you playing messenger?” Shaking his head a bit with a disapproving face aimed at no one present, Kujo sighed as he shoved his hands in his pockets. ”Don’t let them push you around too much.” The two didn’t know each other that well, so Melissa may not have caught the faint smirk on the man’s face and the subtle tone of humor as his thoughts landed on M’Lyn and Alice. ”…” This was normally the time most would offer words of gratitude—though frankly, Kujo had already been bounced out of his comfort level a few times after their return. ”I owe you one.” Leaving it at that, it was time to begin a new search through the maze-like base, this time for M’Lyn.
”Later.” Giving Melissa a short nod in departure, Kujo turned to head out. Knowing the Miqo’te, she was either training or reading, most likely. Having already explored multiple floors at this point, he was beginning to have a good mental map of the HeadQuarters as he set off from the Communal Area, heading to the floors above. He’d check the Training Area first, though he’d keep his eyes out in case he’d run into M’Lyn, or anyone who may have seen her, along the way.
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Post by therunawaygirl on Jan 9, 2021 16:12:03 GMT -5
Unable to hold onto her laughter, Melissa blurted out a giggle, waving her hand nonchalantly as Kujo mentioned how she shouldn’t allow others to push her around that much, and leaving her as a messenger whose only way of communication was through pen and paper —unspoken words. She didn’t mind it as much, feeling a sense of accomplishment after being able to help in one way or another. Even if it meant passing messages around.
”I owe you one.” Melissa nodded back, waving her hand silently as Kujo left in search for M’Lyn —feeling a bit better about the exchange. Maybe it was better to leave it at that, having short and precise conversations to start with —especially with Melissa’s lack of vocal communication, having to rely on writing and scribbling just to get her point across.
At times it was annoying, at others, it made things easier —in the end, it all depended on who it was and the time of the topic.
Kujo’s luck would be rather diligent when searching for M’Lyn, immediately pinning down 2 possible places —finding her in the first place. Practicing by herself, the Miqo’te was cutting work with a polearm, dancing around illusionary enemies in a bloody dance, although she was quick to perk up and see the man approaching. Lowering the weapon, M’Lyn waited for Kujo to approach, instead of it being the other way around, her expression cold as usual.
“I guess she told you, then” the Miqo’te said, “Melissa’s rather diligent, when one asks her something… Even though this is my first time interacting with her…” she added with a smirk, “…Although surely, that’s not what you came here for.”
The Miqo’te waited a bit, before getting her point across —just in case Kujo wanted to say something or ask. The matters at hand were easy enough to follow, but getting the right answers could be tricky.
It all depended on what it was that Kujo wanted.
“You said you wanted to know more about Maester Y’shtola —that about right?” she asked, “It piqued your interest, when I first mentioned her… What is it you want to know?”
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Post by hoodwink on Jan 9, 2021 19:11:46 GMT -5
Kujo’s hunch had been successful, as he eyed M’Lyn practicing alone in the Training Area. Seeing her perk up and pause as the two regarded each other, the Miqo’te’s cold expression met with a usual stoic mask. ”I guess she told you, then” Nodding in answer to the initial question, Kujo was glad to see M’Lyn was quick as ever to get to the point. After all, she had been the one seeking him out. ”You said you wanted to know more about Maester Y’shtola—that about right?” Indeed, prior to her rest, M’Lyn had mentioned an individual who would give them an edge against Liz. ”What is it you want to know?” Kujo couldn’t help but grimace as he crossed his arms, refusing to get any ideas this time around with a small lead. He’d been on enough dead-end routes today. ”Who are they? You mentioned earlier that if they were here, we'd have a better shot against that damned woman.” Whoever they were, if it could give them an edge against Liz and her damned powers, Kujo was more than interested. That being said, the man hardly knew anything about the Miqo’te’s home world, let alone its state.
If her world was taken by the Heartless… It was likely that they wouldn’t be able to get in contact with this ‘Maester’, who would have either perished or been scattered across the worlds, according to the information they knew of. Waiting for M’Lyn’s explanation, he’d listen with intrigue, curious to hear both about this ‘Maester’ and perhaps the Miqo’te’s own home, for a change of pace.
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Post by therunawaygirl on Jan 10, 2021 5:12:47 GMT -5
While Kujo began to ask, M’Lyn had made her way to stash away the polearm she’d been using, turning back as the man finished his questioning. His annoyance was clear —something that M’Lyn couldn’t help but smirk at, wondering just how long he’d been hitting dead ends. With the time they’d spent on each side, it was of no wonder that Kujo had been doing his own part of work.
The Miqo’te sighed, looking away for a second as she tidied her thoughts before answer. After all, it was just as likely that she wanted to be concise —a reason why she and Kujo had gotten along rather well. Their personalities and work methods were far too alike.
“I did, didn’t I?” M’Lyn began, “Although it wasn’t much to have an edge against Liz, but rather figure out what’s going on at this point…” the added growl would help ascertain the Miqo’te’s annoyance at the matter —similar to Kujo’s own, “…She’s one of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, back in Eorzea. Maester Y’shtola is a particular Miqo’te, really. The reason I mentioned her back when I did was because of how well-versed she is in a variety of subjects —I have no doubts that she would know something about this whole ordeal.”
Taking a little bit of time, M’Lyn’s tail swayed with annoyance, and her grimace was a bit more noticeable now. How long had it been since she had to recall such things? About the world she’d been thrown out of, and the people living there?
For how long had she been travelling unaware, unable to have the knowledge she had in her world of origin? Too long, in her eyes.
“As you can probably guess, though… Meeting with her might be rather difficult…” M’Lyn shook her head, “We don’t know where my world —Eorzea— is located, nor do we know if it’s still standing. For all I know, everything I’m familiar with could have easily been brought to ashes. Taken by the Heartless, or time having flown too far for us to comprehend.”
“...That’s one thing I’ve been aware of —of time passing differently from world to world” the Miqo’te reminisced, “While we may find world that share our perception of time… Others might beg to differ. What equivalates to a year in one world might be multiple years in another, and mere days in a second one. Without knowing that… Who’s to say how long the answers we’re searching for will arrive?”
Despite the rather dampening thought, M’Lyn didn’t seem distraught by it —hidden beneath a stoic, stone-cold gaze as she sighed once more. It seemed she’d made peace with the fact long ago, not bothering about the implications it might’ve meant being out of her own world for so long.
Having made her peace, she waited on Kujo’s observations, wondering just what it was that he was after. Truth be told, M’Lyn herself had questions she craved answers for, not stopping at a simple “dead-end” to call quits just yet. The issue with “light” and “darkness” was starting to get on her nerve, but without any sort of information —or informant about the subject—, there was hardly any improvements to make.
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Post by hoodwink on Jan 10, 2021 14:19:08 GMT -5
Upon M’Lyn’s mention of this mysterious ‘Maester’ most likely being able to figure out what was going on, Kujo’s brows raised in further intrigue. ”She’s one of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, back in Eorzea.” The title didn’t ring a bell, though the name ‘Eorzea’ did. Hadn’t the Miqo’te mentioned that being the name of her home world, back when they had been getting to know each other? Hearing how this ‘Maester’ would most likely know something regarding Liz’s bizarre powers of darkness, Kujo made sure to temper his hopes. ”As you can probably guess, though…meeting with her might be rather difficult…” There it was, the reason he wasn’t being optimistic about any of this. Some may call it cynical, but Kujo considered himself realistic and practical. ”For all I know, everything […] could have easily been brought to ashes.” Seeing M’Lyn’s visible signs of agitation around the topic, the stoic man offered a small nod, grimacing alongside her with silent respect. Unlike himself, the Miqo’te had no means of accessing their world, let alone keep tabs on it. Hm…then again… He had recently gotten the ability to traverse to other worlds, hadn’t he? Though he’d only used it to travel to SanFransokyo at first, he’d also been able to use it to get to the Almira, which had been between worlds, even. With that in mind, maybe he didn't need specific coordinates of any sort, but just the mental destination?
What are its limitations…? He knew he could bring someone with him, considering his last venture with Alice. If the person tagging along was to think of the destination, instead…? Despite his brewing thoughts, Kujo listened aptly to M’Lyn’s words, his face shifting into a rare one of disbelief at the mention of time passing differently from world to world. "While we may find worlds that share our perception of time…others might beg to differ. What equivalents to a year in one world might be multiple years in another, and mere days in a second one.” Now this was newer information to the man, who had recovered his face into its usual stoic mask, crossing his arms in thought. ”Tch—bizarre…” He’d heard of theories involving time travel and time relativity, back in his own home world, but had hardly ever entertained the idea. Wasn’t it mere science fiction? Then again, wasn’t everything about his time with the Brigade something bordering Science Fiction and Fantasy? Despite the Miqo’te’s apparent peace with the fact, Kujo found himself plotting another course of action.
”Hm…so, each world has its own time laws.” Now that he said it aloud, it made sense, given the knowledge he’d gained from leaving his own home world. Hadn’t he already seen certain bizarre places that seemed to abide by their own rules? ”So regardless of how long you’ve been gone…you can’t be sure how much time has passed in Eorzea?” Despite the inflection, the question seemed rhetorical, more the man grumbling out his thoughts than needing verification. ”…” Sighing a bit, the man shoved his hands into his pockets before raising a brow at the Miqo’te. ”Regardless, the last you saw this ‘Maester’ was there. If we could go, would you?” His gaze grew serious for a moment. ”If we use the power that Genie gave me, we could most likely get there without issue—“ Grimacing a bit, Kujo prepared himself for a rejection, knowing this next bit to most likely cause some sort of objection. "—but it’d only be us. I can’t bring many with me, when I use it…” At least, he was unsure, and unwilling to experiment on those he knew of and (secretly) cared for. Shrugging a bit, he seemed confidant regardless, seemingly in a slightly better mood with the idea of a potential lead, rather than another dead end. Even if this 'Maester' was no more, perhaps someone else on M'Lyn's home world would know something?
”We could reach Eorzea, to try and find this ‘Maester’ of yours, and figure out what the hell’s going on with that ‘Darkness’ Liz uses. Considering time works differently on each world...we'd most likely get it done fast enough without too many noticing, considering our abilities, depending on how that world's time functions.”
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