That Terrible Strength (Keres/Open)

[MICHAEL]

What once was a proud, prosperous nation stood in ruins at Michael's feet. The Man in Black had never been a man of great historical background, though his interest had long been piqued by the glorious tales of mythological heroes. Grand epics told of powerful city states, born of decisive leaders and carved from masterfully crafted stone and marble. Its structures, rife with columns and statues, had stood as proud testaments to human ingenuity and architecture. Though most definitely not without its faults and barbaric ways, it was on this soil that the thinking man first found his niche, while the sciences crawled through their infancy. The art, both literary and visual, of this country was unmatched even by the far more civilized and advanced Romans who had come after. Fortunately, the creative endeavors of Greece had outlasted its less savory aspects; Michael only wished that the land itself did not suffer the same destruction.

Alas, there was little left of the country to admire. Buildings crumbled and cracked, letting slip from their superstructures tiny chunks of debris which heralded their eventual downfall. However, the sun shone down on the streets just the same, lending some beauty to the almost apocalyptic scene. "Why'd I come out here again?" Stormstrider mused to himself, letting a grin creep its way onto his face. Of course, he knew the answer right away; it was in the wake of a most difficult mission that he liked to retreat to such a quiet place as this. Indeed, it had been his intention to visit Greece for some time, however deserted it may have been. Anyway,[/i] he thought with a very calm, reassuring tone, if Greece never fell, how would we have ever moved forward?[/i] Sometimes, even Michael himself was amused by his own unbridled optimism; he did not deny that it sometimes bordered on naivete, and it was for this reason that he could not quite stifle his own reflective laughter. However, his words rang true even in the midst of this wreckage.

In any case, he had to admit there was a certain otherworldly beauty to the sight of foliage, green as the grass beneath his feet, growing along the walls of those man-made colossi. He sat on a nearby marble stairway, itself caught in a state of entropy, and gazed up at the massive columns to which it led. They seemed to reach to the sky, scarcely less impressive than the towering sculptures of glass and steel he had become so accustomed to. With a shrug of his toned shoulders, Michael threw off his black jacket and let it fall about his waist. However, this moment of relaxed clarity was not meant to last; even as the young man reclined into the stairs behind him, he felt the unmistakable twinge of a very evil presence. Though not quite sure what he was dealing with, Michael was quick to spring to his feet, blue eyes shifting about wildly. He saw no chaos, nor did he even spot anyone who could conceivably be in danger in the first place, but there was, nonetheless, a certain wrongness in the air that was not easily ignored.

Probably nothing...[/i] He sighed once more. But, maybe this isn't the best time to isolate myself. I'm probably just paranoid from all that espionage.[/i] Michael decided that perhaps it would be best to head the way of civilization once more.

Of course, some things are easier said than done.

[KERES]

[atrb=border,0,true][STYLE= float: left; height: 100px; width: 100px; background-image: url('http://i50.tinypic.com/w1cuo8.jpg'); border-bottom: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-left: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-top: solid 5px #4e0e42; margin: 32px -220px 0px -5px;] [/style][style= float: left; height: 80px; width: 80px; background-image: url('http://i50.tinypic.com/w1cuo8.jpg'); border-bottom: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-left: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-top: solid 5px #4e0e42; margin: 148px -220px 0px 15px;] [/style] [style= float: left; height: 60px; width: 60px; background-image: url('http://i50.tinypic.com/w1cuo8.jpg'); border-bottom: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-left: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-top: solid 5px #4e0e42; margin: 228px -220px 0px 35px;] [/style] [style= height: 211px; width: 310px; background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/Nn2ug.gif'); font: normal 10px verdana; color: black; border: solid 5px #4e0e42; padding: 5px 15px 5px 15px; margin-left: 100px; text-align: justify; overflow: auto;]This place. This place was one she loved and hated. A place that constantly drew her back. Could it be from the many years she spent here? All the lives she had claimed? Or perhaps it was the blood of the gods soaked into her being that makes her come back here. Whatever the case may be, this was a place she would always come back to. Bare feet were silent against the earth as she walked. Buildings were damaged and destroyed all around her. The war had truly taken a toll on this place and somehow the thought saddened her. All these years she had lived just below the battles and never once came up to look. Is this what happened between the Yajuu and Humans? Their war destroyed her home. Or the place she once called home. The female ran a clawed hand through her long blood red locks as brilliant electric blue eyes scanned the landscape. If anyone saw her she would look like she might have crawled out of the wreckage. She wore her usual crisp white long sleeved button up shirt. It was unbuttoned only a few buttons. Her pants were long black slacks that only showed slight wear and tear at the bottoms. All of this was accompanied with her deep red scarf. One end was wrapped around her neck while the other dragged on the ground behind her. While it looked rather tattered and torn, there were no signs of dirt on it anywhere. Red claws barely poked out from the long sleeves of her shirt. It also hid the blackened arms she kept from view. Taking a deep breath, the demoness stopped her walking. it seemed she was not alone in this destroyed land. A light smile played at her lips as her eyes fell onto the man standing on the stairs. A little human boy? How cute. He seemed to have the same feel about him as Masashi and Michio did. Could that mean he was a gifted as well? The female adjusted her path so that she was heading towards the boy. "Well hello there! What brings you to a place like this? There isn't much to look at around here." The female flashed him an innocent smile as she looked over the building he was at. How ironic. This was once the place that was dedicated to her. Face darkening slightly, she flexed her claws behind her. Even after all these years the gods still had it in them to mock her with such a place. Her mood shifted back to the cheerful one she had when walking up to this place. No need to scare him off so soon. [/style][style= height: 36px; width: 310px; background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/Nn2ug.gif');font: normal 10px verdana; color: black; border-bottom: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-left: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-right: solid 5px #4e0e42; padding: 5px 15px 5px 15px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 100px; text-align: justify; overflow: auto;] words: i dunno~ notes: look she can be innocent too! Credits: ROLLY of LOVE STAMP & BtN[/style]

[MICHAEL]

Something was amiss. Behind that friendly smile, Michael could sense in the depths of his heart a most destructive intent. He had to his name no capacity for sensing the nature of others, nor had he ever felt such a strange sensation in his days of traveling. Michael's gift was in hurling the fury of the storm, not in the subtle toils of empathy. Still, there was no doubting the chill sent down his spine by the mere presence of this woman. At first, he approached with caution, stepping gingerly off the marble stairs and onto the dry, dusty soil. He left his jacket to sit on the dilapidated structure standing in his wake, thus approaching his unexpected visitor with little to cover him but his snug, black shirt and a pair of denim jeans. At first, he walked with guarded stance and a suspicious glint in his electric blue eyes, as though ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. If this were, indeed, an aura of malicious energy, it was by far the most powerful that Michael had ever experienced.

Still, as he drew nearer to the woman, he felt that it was perhaps a sense of lingering paranoia. He had, after all, escaped quite narrowly from a building filled with hostile predators. It was not at all unreasonable to suggest that he was not yet entirely over the feeling of having naught but enemies on all sides. To be sure, he could see no sign of outward hostility; all that he surveyed, from the harmless twinkle in her eye to the curl of her lips, suggested nothing more than a friendly wanderer. So, his guard dropped just slightly, and he extended a hand toward her as a show of good faith. As his strong, defined arm stretched outward, a breeze picked up about the two, causing the overgrown plants to billow and quiver excitedly. Even as Michael attempted to cast aside such notions, there was an air of tension and foreboding that he could not entirely ignore. Once more, he examined the woman in a bid to identify anything that might be amiss.

"I could ask you the same question." Michael replied, hoping not to show his hand too early. Regardless of any preconceived notions or lingering suspicions, even one so unassuming as The Man in Black knew was not so foolish as to reveal too much of his identity to one so unfamiliar. "The name's Michael, by the way," she didn't need to know his last name, nor his allegiance, "I guess you might say I'm just blowing through. I'm on my way back from a little vacation, and, well, I've always wanted to take a look at Greece." For the time being, he would play the part of the clueless tourist. Of course, he knew very well that this excuse would not last him long; this was hardly the place for one interested solely in sight seeing. "So, what about you?" He asked with a most innocent grin. "You can't be here for the scenery."

[KERES]

[atrb=border,0,true][STYLE= float: left; height: 100px; width: 100px; background-image: url('http://i50.tinypic.com/w1cuo8.jpg'); border-bottom: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-left: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-top: solid 5px #4e0e42; margin: 32px -220px 0px -5px;] [/style][style= float: left; height: 80px; width: 80px; background-image: url('http://i50.tinypic.com/w1cuo8.jpg'); border-bottom: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-left: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-top: solid 5px #4e0e42; margin: 148px -220px 0px 15px;] [/style] [style= float: left; height: 60px; width: 60px; background-image: url('http://i50.tinypic.com/w1cuo8.jpg'); border-bottom: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-left: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-top: solid 5px #4e0e42; margin: 228px -220px 0px 35px;] [/style] [style= height: 211px; width: 310px; background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/Nn2ug.gif'); font: normal 10px verdana; color: black; border: solid 5px #4e0e42; padding: 5px 15px 5px 15px; margin-left: 100px; text-align: justify; overflow: auto;]Eyes roaming over the young boy, she took in everything about him. He was tense. Or could it be he was like a dog in sensing something he didn't like? Did she really make people the uncomfortable? A frown crossed over the female for a moment before her smile returned. His name was Michael. How cute. She looked at his extended hand and thought on it for a moment. If she returned his handshake, he would feel the rough skin of her hand and might even see the discoloration. Carefully she slipped her hand into his and gave it a firm shake. Surprisingly she couldn't feel anything from his hand. or perhaps she wasn't looking hard enough. The wind picked up around them and her hair shifted behind her. Her long scarf danced at her feet as well. What a handsome young man he was. "Well Michael my dear boy, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.You may call me Keres."

[/b] The name meant nothing to him, or at least it shouldn't. Releasing his hand, the female walked up a few steps and looked up at the building. Her eyes couldn't quite pull away from him. "Surprising enough I am here for the scenery or at least I think so. I just happened to be walking along and ended up at this place."[/b] Keres motioned towards the damaged building. Even though the buildings around it were rather destroyed, this one was merely damaged. How could that be? Were the gods really trying to poke fun at her with this? Did they find it amusing. Eyes narrowing ever so slightly she turned back to the young boy. He was much nicer to look at than a haunting memory.

A smile played at her lips as she played with her scarf. "This building was built in honor of those that raised Zeus. It was to show their appreciation for all the work that they had done. All the years they had given up to protect him. Funny how a building was all they decided to give them."[/b] The female gave a bitter laugh as she crossed her arms over her chest. Red claws drummed along her arm as she looked him over again. "You know this is a land of Yajuu. If they find any human here they won't hesitate to tear them apart. You don't happen to be a human do you?"[/b] She gave him a knowing smile before sitting down on the steps and looking up at him. "Don't worry I won't hurt you even if you were a human. This war has little effect on me. So come and sit with me. Why not have a little chat?"[/b] The words weren't a command. but just a mere question. There was no harm in simple conversation. [/style][style= height: 36px; width: 310px; background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/Nn2ug.gif');font: normal 10px verdana; color: black; border-bottom: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-left: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-right: solid 5px #4e0e42; padding: 5px 15px 5px 15px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 100px; text-align: justify; overflow: auto;] words: i dunno~
notes: i wouldn't trust her as far as i can throw her lol
Credits: ROLLY of LOVE STAMP & BtN[/style][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[MICHAEL]

Her hand was coarse and discolored, and Michael was nothing if not perceptive under pressure. This was not the skin of a human, but even still, Michael would not pass judgment so prematurely. On the field of battle, he had fought side-by-side with Yajuu who were of a most honorable sort, worthy of any man's implicit trust even against nigh insurmountable odds. So, he would not waver, nor would he allow his perspective to be clouded by the supernatural pigments which colored her arm. His eyes never once left the woman's figure; all the while, he maintained a confident, unflinching gaze filled to capacity with a tremendous resolve fit for a revered immortal. However, as she released her snakelike grip, Michael instinctively stretched his fingers out before curling them into a mighty fist. In the process, the muscles in his arm were flexed, showing the full extent of their superior definition as though part of a defense mechanism on the soldier's part.

"Keres, huh? Nice name. Very regal." Said Michael. His hair was swept quite theatrically by the billowing wind, falling just short of his glistening, sapphire eyes which stared on at the height of their suspicion. To be sure, the moniker rang a bell and struck a chord with the young man; he had heard it whispered on the lips of chatting comrades, perhaps in the aftermath of an especially chaotic battle. Still, he had no meaning with which to associate it- nothing to lead him to any sort of conclusion. So he was left with little in the way of discourse. All he could do was listen intently as Keres gave the subtlest of clues as to her true nature. The seeds were sewn intentionally on her part, however, and she revealed nothing to Michael that she did not wish for him to know. She spoke of the Greek Gods with a sense of familiarity, suggesting that she had been around for a great deal longer than he. If she were a Yajuu, then she was surely one of great prestige.

"You know an awful lot about the Greeks." He replied, briefly putting on the tone of one impressed by the detailed knowledge of a historian. "But you must understand, humans back then weren't capable of much. Maybe a building was the best they could do?" Michael seasoned his voice with a conversational overtone, taking great care to refer to his species in the third person. This woman clearly had her suspicions, but that was no reason to show his cards right off the bat. "As for the Yajuu -- well, let's just say I'm not too worried about'em." Michael, too, folded his arms across his chest, taking a very defensive stance in the face of what could easily have been construed as a threat. Of course, he spoke the truth; Michael had, in his day, done battle with Yajuu of threatening power. He had slain Purebloods of tremendous prestige and rank, tangling with the worst that the Cruor had to offer and emerging with celebrated glory, not to mention his life.

Yet, this woman had about her a certain pressure that he had never before witnessed. It was unlike the Yajuu he had faced in his time with the Resistance, and it was decidedly more imposing. The more he focused on this bizarre aura that she exuded, the more he felt that he was in the presence of something far deadlier than a simple Pureblood or Umbra (and, indeed, to eclipse the likes of their kind was no easy feat). In the face of this perceived strength, Michael reasoned that there was little difference between ten feet between them and four. Either way, he would have perhaps one second to react and pump her full of searing hot lightning...if she were to change her mind about "not hurting him". So, he approached the stairway, taking a seat close to Keres but still a comfortable distance away. However, at no point did he cease to look her in the eye; Michael would not give her the satisfaction of forcing him to break his gaze.

"Yeah, I could most definitely spare a few minutes for such a lovely young woman." From the twinge of playfulness in his voice, it was clear that Michael was on to the fact that she was not quite mortal. At least, he knew that she was not woven of the same flesh and blood as he. At that moment, he stared as if to say "As a matter of fact, I am a human, but that doesn't make me any less deadly". "Y'know, I'd imagine it'd be dangerous to wander through these parts even if you weren't human. Some of the most vicious ones will rip anything that's not a Yajuu to shreds." It was through this that Michael subtly insinuated that he had a feeling she was neither human nor Yajuu.

[KERES]

[atrb=border,0,true][STYLE= float: left; height: 100px; width: 100px; background-image: url('http://i50.tinypic.com/w1cuo8.jpg'); border-bottom: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-left: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-top: solid 5px #4e0e42; margin: 32px -220px 0px -5px;] [/style][style= float: left; height: 80px; width: 80px; background-image: url('http://i50.tinypic.com/w1cuo8.jpg'); border-bottom: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-left: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-top: solid 5px #4e0e42; margin: 148px -220px 0px 15px;] [/style] [style= float: left; height: 60px; width: 60px; background-image: url('http://i50.tinypic.com/w1cuo8.jpg'); border-bottom: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-left: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-top: solid 5px #4e0e42; margin: 228px -220px 0px 35px;] [/style] [style= height: 211px; width: 310px; background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/Nn2ug.gif'); font: normal 10px verdana; color: black; border: solid 5px #4e0e42; padding: 5px 15px 5px 15px; margin-left: 100px; text-align: justify; overflow: auto;]A smile played at her lips as she watched him sit down next to her. Well at least he hadn't left. The company was always good. Not to mention she could get to know her prey better before striking. Shifting a bit the female leaned back with her arms on the stairs. Oh he was a sharp one. She could tell from his movements that he was very cautious of her. Good. A cautious man was a smart man. Closing her eyes, the female listened to him talk. He did have a rather nice voice to listen to. Perhaps if she took him they could have many long conversations and she could simply listen to him. The humans could only give temples back in the day? Oh how wrong he was. the gods had the ability to give them everything they needed. The building was simply a taunt. "I can assure you it wasn't because that was all they had. Humans were once ruled by gods as much as they don't want to admit it. They worshiped the gods to the extent where they would do anything they said. Zeus wanted this temple built and so they built it. The humans didn't know that what they were doing was creating a permanent place for bad memories."

[/b] The female let out a soft laugh as the wind shifted through her hair. The scarf she wore was draped on the stairs and seemed to move like a snake in the wind. Another smile crossed over her. So he wasn't worried about Yajuu eh? "I can tell you that you won't see many Yajuu out right now. They are scared, but of what that I do not know."[/b] Of course she knew what they were scared of. They were scared of her. The minute she had stepped foot on this land they had scattered. There wouldn't be another Yajuu for miles unless they were stupid.

The female caught his eye again and was shocked by the color. It was not exactly a common one. As far ash she's seen only Umbra had eyes like that and Michio when he was using his powers. This boy couldn't be an Umbra because he had no darkness within him. But could he be like Michio? The two did have a similar air about them. If he was like Michio that made him even better in her eyes. What fun it would be to see who was the stronger human. His comment about being ripped apart made her outright laugh. It was a laugh of true amusement and she even wrapped an arm around her middle. "Michael you are quite the joker. I've already told you any Yajuu around here are scared into hiding. If they dared to try and rip me apart, I can assure you they will be severely punished."[/b] Her gaze once locked onto his and she gave him a twisted smile. The look she gave him was predatory as she held his gaze. By now she was certain he would have figured out he wasn't sitting next to any ordinary Yajuu. [/style][style= height: 36px; width: 310px; background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/Nn2ug.gif');font: normal 10px verdana; color: black; border-bottom: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-left: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-right: solid 5px #4e0e42; padding: 5px 15px 5px 15px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 100px; text-align: justify; overflow: auto;] words: i dunno~
notes: dun dun dunnnnnnnn -dramatic music-
Credits: ROLLY of LOVE STAMP & BtN[/style][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[MICHAEL]

In the field of astrophysics, there was once a theory laid out by the minds of the previous generation regarding the absence of extraterrestrial life in the Milky Way galaxy. According to this system, the reason for our lonely existence on the pale, blue dot we call home was that there was something of unspeakable destructive power lurking in the depths beyond. For this reason, all other life had either fled to the outer reaches of the universe or been unceremoniously wiped out by this strange, Eldritch force. Now, this theory had since fallen to the wayside in favor of other, more sensible conjecture, but Michael felt it had applicability in his unique circumstances. He did, indeed, stand in the thick of Yajuu territory, yet he had not seen but a single soul in his travels to the crumbling ruins. Perhaps they felt this same apprehension, though with the advantage of supernatural acuteness and spiritual precision urging them away before it was too late. After all, Michael lacked their sixth sense, however attuned to the spectral realm he may have been for a human being.

"Ruled by the gods, huh? I can't say I like the sound of that." Michael kept to his voice a twinge of suspicion and wariness, for at this point, he was all but certain that this woman had bore personal witness to the toils of the Greeks. The role she would have played was yet uncertain, though he felt something truly sinister behind that catlike grin of hers. "Personally, I feel humankind is better off governing themselves. Whoever- or whatever- freed them of their shackles has my thanks." Of course, if the Gods did, indeed, get overthrown by force, he doubted that the perpetrator had in their heart the purest of intentions. Still, to rid humanity of such powerful tyrants was a service all the same. He listened with great curiosity to this little history lesson, hoping to piece together more of her story. Her cards were held close to her chest, but the implications and clues were there all the same. Whoever he was dealing with, be she a simple Yajuu or something far deadlier, was ancient far in excess of anything he had faced before. If his dealings with Purebloods was any indication, age was a sign of tremendous power among the supernatural. "But, hey, you don't want to hear my philosophical musings. What happened to Zeus and his ilk is all in the past, and there's no sense dwelling on that."

Despite his continued nonchalance in the face of such growing peril, there was no part of Michael that liked the tone she had taken with him, nor was he at all pleased by that most threatening glint in her eye. It was the look of a predator having just sighted a most valued prey, and it did not sit well with the young man at all. The closer she drew to him, the more his muscles tensed and readied themselves. However, Michael's iron will was yet in control of his faculties, and he was quick to remind himself that there was no tactical advantage to such stiffness. In a show of his near-inhuman self control, he relaxed his body and maintained steady, confident eye contact in the face of this strange huntress. "Punished? So, you have some sort of authority over their kind." Even when so close to her, he continued to press the issue of her true identity, though he never stated his intentions outright.

"I must admit, in all my travels, I've never seen such tranquility in so hostile a place." Said the soldier. "I'm impressed. You must be a woman of remarkable powers." Although she had taken on the role of predator, Michael refused to play to her whims. He did not so much as flinch in the face of her great presence, and he certainly did not wear the guise of a helpless prey. Instead, his radiant eyes, though not yet shimmering with the exuberant sparks of electricity for which he was known, still shone forth with the spirit of a true fighter and near-immortal courage. If she were, indeed, so uninterested in the goings-on of the Great War, then she had little reason to kill him or even attack, for that matter. However, even if that were the case, Michael had no intention of letting Keres have her way with him; his was a will not so easily bent, if it could even be manipulated at all.

[KERES]

[atrb=border,0,true][STYLE= float: left; height: 100px; width: 100px; background-image: url('http://i50.tinypic.com/w1cuo8.jpg'); border-bottom: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-left: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-top: solid 5px #4e0e42; margin: 32px -220px 0px -5px;] [/style][style= float: left; height: 80px; width: 80px; background-image: url('http://i50.tinypic.com/w1cuo8.jpg'); border-bottom: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-left: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-top: solid 5px #4e0e42; margin: 148px -220px 0px 15px;] [/style] [style= float: left; height: 60px; width: 60px; background-image: url('http://i50.tinypic.com/w1cuo8.jpg'); border-bottom: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-left: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-top: solid 5px #4e0e42; margin: 228px -220px 0px 35px;] [/style] [style= height: 211px; width: 310px; background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/Nn2ug.gif'); font: normal 10px verdana; color: black; border: solid 5px #4e0e42; padding: 5px 15px 5px 15px; margin-left: 100px; text-align: justify; overflow: auto;]This boy was quite sharp. His sense were a little better than an average human. He knew she was no average human. Now the question was how did she get him under her control? This boy wasn't one she could simply win over in a fight. No even if she beat him within an inch of his life he wouldn't give up. Shifting a bit on the stairs, the female turned to face him. "Of course humans are better off governing themselves, but tell that to the gods. They didn't believe humans knew up from down."

[/b] A light laugh came from the female as she held the boys gaze. He wouldn't back down and it was nice to look into those electric blue eyes.

That twisted grin crossed over her face as she looked at him. Impressed by her power? Of course she was a women of remarkable power. power that could crush him in seconds if she wanted. An idea came to mind and her grin grew even more. "You seem rather curious about the woman that is sitting next to you. Care to play a little game? It's mostly questions. You can ask me as many questions as you please and then I will ask you the same amount. I will tell you the only reason I am allowing this is because I am in a good mood. Not many are given this opportunity."[/b] The words were soft as she leaned on her arm. The red claws sticking out against her pale skin. Could she win the boy over simply with words? Would he be easily swayed? The most important question she held was what would it take to get him under to control.

"Authority? No but fear is something I definitely instill in them. Think of it like in the wild. Humans are the gazelle, yajuu are the hyenas, and I am the lion. Of course there are humans who might become something else. The gifted humans I believe they are called. My little analogy might not be perfect, but it does make sense. But what I am curious about is where you fall. I wonder are you predator or prey?"[/b] The demoness was rambling a bit but she didn't care. The longer she kept this boy near her the higher her chances of getting him went. He was already marked and even if he got away she would find him. Hopefully this wouldn't end in battle. She didn't want to damage him too much. Not that she couldn't fix him up, but it'd still be best to keep him in one piece. [/style][style= height: 36px; width: 310px; background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/Nn2ug.gif');font: normal 10px verdana; color: black; border-bottom: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-left: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-right: solid 5px #4e0e42; padding: 5px 15px 5px 15px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 100px; text-align: justify; overflow: auto;] words: i dunno~
notes: omg ramblingggggg
Credits: ROLLY of LOVE STAMP & BtN[/style][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[MICHAEL]

Michael was not entirely sure he liked the terms of the woman's game, but, on reflection, she seemed the type who had far more to hide than he. After all, despite his reputation among the Resistance, he was a mere human to one not active or interested in the war. If she were not a Yajuu- and he had little reason to believe that she was, based on her very low opinion of their kind- then she had no reason to know of The Man in Black. She certainly would not care for Stormstrider's exploits on the field of battle, nor would fear enter her heart (if she, indeed, possessed such an organ at all) if the moniker of "The Black Knight" were to pass his lips. By all measures, he was just Michael Magnum, a man of flesh and blood who had long since mastered the fury of the storm. Of course, he mused with an inward smile in spite of himself, Michael's unique penchant for hurling lightning bolts perhaps associated him with the likes of Zeus. This woman, for all her mystique, clearly was no friend of the Old Gods'.

"Hm...alright, I suppose that sounds fair enough. I'll play your game." In any case, there was quite a bit that Michael wished to know of her origins, nevermind her future intentions. However, the rules laid out for him were such that, the more he asked, the more she would be able to ask in return, and he was not entirely comfortable with allowing her some dozen queries. So, he would have to keep it general while at the same time leaving little to interpretation. In his day as a wandering soldier of fortune, he had interrogated several, but of course, none were quite so sure of themselves. He scratched his chin thoughtfully, hoping to let no question go to waste. Each shot fired on his behalf meant one more round of ammunition for Keres to use on him. It was most fortunate that his wits were about him in full, for a lesser man may have already begun to buckle before her undeniably powerful presence.

"Alright, first things first. What are you, Ms. Keres?" Asked Michael, once more locking eyes with the mysterious woman. "You don't seem to be a Yajuu, at least not as I've ever seen them, and I've certainly never met a human quite like you." As he spoke, it occurred to him that she could always just lie, as people of unknown background are wont to do. Thus, he kept an ear open for any inconsistencies or even the slightest hesitation in her responses. He was not trained in the art of deception, but he was a sharp young man; one has to be in order to lead the life of a wanderer. "Second...what are you up to? I don't mean coming to Greece. Powerful people tend to have grand aspirations- not that there's anything wrong with that, of course. You...could certainly say I have great admiration for those who pursue their ideals." Michael grinned as might one who were reminiscing with an old friend, though the sarcasm was audible. "Still, I make it a point not to let any dastardly plots slip by under my nose. I'm sure you understand."

However, it then crossed his mind that she would have to at least give satisfying answers. If she weaseled her way out with such vague replies as "Who am I? Well, I am a woman named Keres, of course", then Michael could just as easily respond in kind. No matter the level of truth, he could at least expect the courtesy of a detailed lie. In some cases, this was nearly as useful as the honest gospel itself. "For now, I'll keep it to three questions, so this'll be my last at the moment." He began. "What is your relationship with the Greek Gods? Now, don't be shy, I'm no friend of theirs...but I can sense a certain bitterness, the way you talk about'em. Almost like you've got a personal vendetta."

[KERES]

[atrb=border,0,true][STYLE= float: left; height: 100px; width: 100px; background-image: url('http://i50.tinypic.com/w1cuo8.jpg'); border-bottom: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-left: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-top: solid 5px #4e0e42; margin: 32px -220px 0px -5px;] [/style][style= float: left; height: 80px; width: 80px; background-image: url('http://i50.tinypic.com/w1cuo8.jpg'); border-bottom: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-left: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-top: solid 5px #4e0e42; margin: 148px -220px 0px 15px;] [/style] [style= float: left; height: 60px; width: 60px; background-image: url('http://i50.tinypic.com/w1cuo8.jpg'); border-bottom: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-left: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-top: solid 5px #4e0e42; margin: 228px -220px 0px 35px;] [/style] [style= height: 211px; width: 310px; background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/Nn2ug.gif'); font: normal 10px verdana; color: black; border: solid 5px #4e0e42; padding: 5px 15px 5px 15px; margin-left: 100px; text-align: justify; overflow: auto;]A smile crossed over her face as she shifted even more so she was almost laying on the stairs. He wanted to play along with her little game? Well that was a surprise. She had honestly thought he would have declined. This just keeps getting better and better. The female rested her head in her clawed hands. Electric blue eyes were locked on him as she watched the gears turning in his head. He was trying to find the right questions to ask. This game was both easy and hard. He could ask as many questions that he wanted but she would be able to ask just as many questions. So what would he chose to ask her. When she heard him ask what she was, the female couldn't help but let out a light laugh. Well he didn't beat around the bush did he? Should she answer him truthful? What was the harm in letting him know the truth. "You don't mess around. You get right down to business. I am Yajuu but I am not Yajuu. I guess you would consider me something more. I am a demon who has lived far beyond your years and have seen many many wars. Does that answer satisfy you?"

[/b] A sly smile came over her as she locked eyes with him. That wasn't one of her questions but she wanted to make sure she had answered him well enough. If she gave good enough answers then he had to give answers that were just as good. His second question made her think for a long moment. What was she up to? Well there was a lot she was up to. "I am a scientist. What I do is try to further my research by using test subjects. As of right now this war has no effect on me, but if it keeps raging on things will get difficult. What my true goals are and what I am reaching towards I can't really say. I just enjoy playing in my lab creating drugs and such."[/b] Keres gave him a sweet smile keeping eye contact.

His last question was one that made her smile fade slightly. He wanted to know about the gods? Fine. Then he would get her story. Pushing herself up, the female sat up with her legs crossed indian style. "I was chosen to raise Zeus. They thought I would be the perfect mother of sorts. I agreed under the conditions that once Zeus came of age, I would be made into a god and remembered throughout the ages. But when Zeus became ruler of the gods, he completely denied ever having owed such a thing to me. Of course I was pissed so I went to Hades and was granted the power I needed. I killed the gods. Completely slaughtered every single one of them. If I wasn't going to be a god I'd be sure they remembered me. Simple as that."[/b] The female smiled to him as she played with the end of her scarf. Now it was her turn.

"Alright my dear boy it is my turn. You asked what I am. Now what are you? You seem to be rather similar to one of my apprentices."[/b] She had it mostly figured out but she wanted to hear from him what he was. He was a human but he was something more than a human. His abilities were definitely more. "Next where do you stand on this war? I am rather curious as to where you side with this whole thing."[/b] The female drummed her nails along her cheek. Now what to ask for the last question. Hmm what could she want to know from him. Ah that's it. "Now my last question to you for this round. If i were to make you a nice offer do you think I could acquire your services? Someone of your skill might come in handy in my line of work."[/b] The question was an innocent one but she had to ask him regardless.[/style][style= height: 36px; width: 310px; background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/Nn2ug.gif');font: normal 10px verdana; color: black; border-bottom: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-left: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-right: solid 5px #4e0e42; padding: 5px 15px 5px 15px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 100px; text-align: justify; overflow: auto;] words: i dunno~
notes: enjoy~
Credits: ROLLY of LOVE STAMP & BtN[/style][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[MICHAEL]

So, this woman was a Yajuu who had long since ascended. Had she spoken nothing but the truth, it could then be presumed that the powers and limitations of those Michael had faced in he past meant nothing to her. Behind those gravely radiant eyes, themselves containing an otherworldly beauty matched only by their sinister intent, there perhaps lurked the soul of a terrible force of nature. The more she told of her origins, the more Michael felt that he was staring into the face of a great and mighty storm whose clouds hung heavy and gray on the horizon. He was yet skeptical of her having slain the full pantheon of Ancient Greece, but to kill even one God placed her on a plateau head and shoulders above anything Michael had defeated in the past. The wind about them picked up as Keres reclined on the disheveled marble stairs, sending before them a mess of loose weeds amid the thinnest backdrop of dust. This stood in eerie contrast to the sky, still a crystalline blue and without so much as a wispy nimbus to its name.

The atmosphere was of a foreboding sort, to be sure, but what finally cut the tension was Keres identifying herself as a scientist. This, more so than the revelation that her power was drawn in part from Hades itself, sent a twinge of piqued curiosity to the surface. Michael's eyes gave an abrupt start, for he had encountered one of his own kind. However, he strongly doubted that Keres was interested in his medical pursuits. "But...a scientist, you say? Oh, now that's interesting." He cocked an eyebrow. "Perhaps we have more in common than I thought." Indeed, this woman had, by her own words, of course, ended the tyrannical regime of a callous and uncaring lot, then immediately taken to the sciences. In a different reality, he could have counter her among his valued friends. Yet, there was something inherently dark about the vague, nebulous terms she assigned her work. "Drugs" and "test subjects" had such a wide range of meaning in the scientific community, and he very much doubted she was interested in making life better for anyone.

"But I'm afraid, as a scientist, myself, that answer was a bit unsatisfactory. Y'see, I work with drugs, too, when I get the chance. However, my pills and serums are the kind that help people." Said Michael. His voice was staunch and resonant, as he could not hide his passion for saving lives despite his best efforts. However, this was perhaps for the best, as it was now his turn to answer the woman's questions. Since she had given him no hints of deception and most definitely had not skimped on the details, he saw no reason to mold his answers after such a fashion. Besides, her first query was simple enough. "Now, as for your questions, I believe I've already partially answered one of them. I am a human, and I am a man of science." He began, his voice yet unwavering. "Before this blasted war started, I wanted to be a doctor- a medical practitioner, perhaps someone who could help humans to live every bit as long as the Yajuu."

Although he did his best to hide it, there was a tone of wistfulness to his response. That a wrench had been thrown into his carefully laid plans by the rebellion of the Yajuu was almost self-evident. "But, circumstances forced me to fight. And, as it turns out, I'm just as good at taking lives as I am at saving them- maybe even a bit better." With that, Michael raised a toned, muscular arm and opened his palm. A burst of lightning, an energetic shade of vibrant blue, shot forth harmlessly into the sky. However, despite the casual gesture, the ray clearly had to it an incredible bite; on release, it let loose a furious crackle as though it had come from the mightiest storm cloud in all the heavens. "As you can see, lightning is my forte. I've never seen anyone command it with as much power as I can, though others have surpassed me in precision. So, I am a soldier. I wander, and I help people. That is all."

The words flowed from his lips with stunning fluidity. It had been so long since he had told even this much of his story to anyone, and the monologue seemed to burst out of his mouth with the same power as his lightning bolt. "Don't think that this lightning means I want anything to do with Zeus, though." He said, raising a finger before him. "I hate his kind just as much as you do. Which I guess brings me to my next answer; my allegiance lies with the Rebellion." Though he spoke openly, his tone remained as confident as ever. He showed no weakness and maintained eye contact. However, while Keres seemed very playful- reclining, crossing her legs, toying absently with her flowing scarf- Michael sat staunch and resolute. He was as a stone, unyielding and immovable. "I do not agree with what the Cruor have done, but the Iustus are just as bad." He would, for the time being, leave out the part about his time served with the Iustus. "Humans and Yajuu can reach new heights if they work together, and we both have every right to live here."

Her last question was the one that struck a chord with Michael. Though he never even considered taking her up on that offer, he briefly mused to himself over the implications. To work in a laboratory again would be a most valued experience. "Listen, my dear Keres," if she was to use terms of endearment with him, he felt at liberty to do the same, "as much as I'd love to work with a fellow scientist, I can't say I'm interested in your line of work." He smiled and patted her gently on the shoulder. "But...to ask another question, what might that line of work be? I'm sure you can tell me a little bit about what you've done. I'd like to know about a drug you've produced, for instance..."

[KERES]

[atrb=border,0,true][STYLE= float: left; height: 100px; width: 100px; background-image: url('http://i50.tinypic.com/w1cuo8.jpg'); border-bottom: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-left: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-top: solid 5px #4e0e42; margin: 32px -220px 0px -5px;] [/style][style= float: left; height: 80px; width: 80px; background-image: url('http://i50.tinypic.com/w1cuo8.jpg'); border-bottom: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-left: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-top: solid 5px #4e0e42; margin: 148px -220px 0px 15px;] [/style] [style= float: left; height: 60px; width: 60px; background-image: url('http://i50.tinypic.com/w1cuo8.jpg'); border-bottom: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-left: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-top: solid 5px #4e0e42; margin: 228px -220px 0px 35px;] [/style] [style= height: 211px; width: 310px; background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/Nn2ug.gif'); font: normal 10px verdana; color: black; border: solid 5px #4e0e42; padding: 5px 15px 5px 15px; margin-left: 100px; text-align: justify; overflow: auto;]The female leaned forward a it resting her head on her hand. Her eyes never left him as he spoke. A scientist? He liked science as well? It probably wasn't the same kind of science she was into. But he was becoming more and more appealing by the second. "You are a scientist as well? That is rather interesting."

[/b] As he spoke of how he liked to help people Keres was still interested. Could she twist him at all? Perhaps she could make him believe that hurting people is the best way to help them. Didn't he say he thinks he hurts them more than he helps them? A sly smile crossed over her face as the breeze shifted around her once more. Her blood red hair shifted about her shoulders as the vibrant blue eyes stayed focused on him. He wanted to be a doctor? What did he do now then? If he took lives did that mean he killed people for the Resistance?

A tingling sensation ran over her skin as she watched his display of lightning. So he was an electric user after all. He was just like Michio then, but he seemed different. Could it be that he had better control over his lightning? Oh this was even better. Wait until she told Michio. That would just boil his blood even more. When he quickly added how his ability wasn't anything like Zeus, she couldn't help but let out another laugh. "Even though I may have a grudge against the gods. I am not worried about a human with an affinity to lightning. You are the second one I have met with your ability. Though I will have to say you have much better control over it than the other I have met. I wonder why that is?'[/b] The female mused as she listened to him speak some more. He was with the Resistance which wasn't surprising. All his talk about Yajuu and Humans living together. He wanted to help both sides which made him interesting to her.

In fact she was rather interested in this boy. He was much different than anyone she had met before and she was intrigued. A sly smile stayed on her face as her eyes lightened ever so slightly. This was her aura dropping. The powerful demonic aura she had that would seep into the mind of anyone. The wind whipped powerfully around them and her scarf danced on the steps. This aura would soak into him and bring to surface his darker side. This was something she loved to see. Just what kind of twisted being laid beneath the surface. As he spoke she watched him carefully. So quickly did he turn down her request. "Well you see Michael. My drugs do in fact help people. For example, my Pseudo Immortality drug. It allows a person to live forever and survive almost any kind of wound. Their body will heal any type of disease."[/b] Though she left out the small detail that they needed to stay by her side or they would die. But he didn't need to know that.

"You really won't consider my offer? You seem to be more interested in saving lives than taking them. I can offer you the finest lab and equipment. Anything you could possibly need to do research and all you would have to do is work for me."[/b] That was it. All he had to do was agree and she would be giving him her PI drug as well. No need on having such a precious asset run off on her. When he patted her shoulder, she shifted her hand to twine her fingers with his and patted his hand. "You shouldn't simply give up on something because of the war. I'd gladly give you what you needed to pick up your goals again. It's not every day I meet someone who doesn't exactly like the gods."[/b] She gave him a soft smile as she released his hand and sat back on the stairs. [/style][style= height: 36px; width: 310px; background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/Nn2ug.gif');font: normal 10px verdana; color: black; border-bottom: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-left: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-right: solid 5px #4e0e42; padding: 5px 15px 5px 15px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 100px; text-align: justify; overflow: auto;] words: i dunno~
notes: oh keres lol
Credits: ROLLY of LOVE STAMP & BtN[/style][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[MICHAEL]

"Immortality?" A most radiant glow overtook Michael's eyes, casting them in a certain vibrant light fit for the immortals of Mount Olympus itself. Behind the electric windows to the young man's very soul, emotions of a ferocious sort bubbled to the surface. He who once was the very picture of stoicism and reservation had let slip a display of wonder and unbridled curiosity at the mystique of this strange woman's scientific accomplishment. Were that her sole contribution to the medical field, it would unquestionably have elevated her to a level of fame and prestige all her own. The great healers of ages past and all their toils would have seemed the faintest blip on the medical world's radar before this miraculous drug. As she let her fingers intertwine with his, Michael found himself wrapping his hand about hers and grasping it tightly from sheer reflex, though, despite this sudden outburst of intensity, his grip was never rough or forceful. Rather, it was the culmination of Michael's scientific curiosity, released at once by the supernatural influence of Keres's demonic aura.

In a sudden display of aggressive pursuit, Michael placed his hands about the woman's shoulders and leaned closer to her, gazing deeply into her eyes with passion never before seen in the face of a mere mortal. He had to know more. The implications of such a discovery were tremendous- to even form a theory about so miraculous a medicine was revolutionary, nevermind its production in a laboratory. "Keres, you will tell me more. You must." He spoke now in a tone nearly demanding, forgetting for a moment the godlike strength surely contained within her body. "I-If you're telling the truth, this is the greatest discovery medical science has ever known." The young man ran his fingers through locks of thick, wavy hair while his eyes continued to spark and roar with the intensity of an entire galaxy's worth of suns. Unbeknownst to him, this was the release of his lower instincts; even as he spoke and the emotion welled up in his voice, a very sinister power had woven itself through the innermost fiber of his soul, strengthening his Id and reducing his more rational faculties.

Fortunately, he will of Michael Magnum was strong, indeed; his was the mettle of a man most resolute, and even the spiritual essence of a corrupt god was not enough to lower him to a state of blind fury. So, rather than lash out in a fit of despicable rage, he did so in the throes of passion and curiosity. The core of his very soul had been exposed, yet that core was still one of benevolence. Even as his mind was abuzz with a flurry of emotions more intense than he ordinarily cared to express, the thoughts which consumed him pertained even still to the beneficial applications of Keres's drug. To grant such an extended lifespan- to strengthen to human immune system against disease with that sort of efficiency, would at last allow humanity- no, life in general- to overcome those horrendous blights which had plagued them since first they emerged from the primordial ocean. Above all else, of course, Michael wished to know how it worked, as would any scientist worth his salt.

"Keres, I have to know- I have to understand." He drew slightly closer, too caught in his scientific curiosity to pay any heed to such trivial matters as personal space. Of course, as per his kindhearted nature, he still maintained enough self control to not be rough with the woman, however durable her body must have been. All the while, however, his eyes glistened and shimmered with pure, youthful energy, now at their brightest shade of electric blue. "Does it work with growth factors? How does it deal with apoptosis or the clutter in the peripheral immune system? Surely it must aid in the production of lymphocytes in the bone marrow, right? If it aids in fending off cancer, it must induce an immune response, as well, so it probably strengthens the cytokines. And you do this all with one single drug...truly fascinating." At last, he pulled away from Keres and took a few steps back, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "Keres, my dear, if you speak the truth, I will gladly work with you."

However, it was that phrase- "if you speak the truth"- that got Michael thinking. She referred to the drug as "Pseudo Immortality", meaning there must have been some sort of catch to it. Against the will of Keres's aura, Michael's rational mind started work anew the instant he finished his rather geeky scientific rambling. After all, he reasoned, just because she spoke the truth did not mean that she had told him the whole truth. Still, though, even with his more logical side at least somewhat in control, he was compelled to know more. If this drug did even half of what she said it did, then it was worth looking into, and for that reason, Michael would have to use tact as best he could. In the world of science, flaws can be overcome, and there were clearly untold scores of incredible discoveries in such a medicine. So, he knelt casually beside Keres, once again staring into her eyes on equal terms. He still radiated scientific passion, but it was slowly coming to be under control.

"Now that you mention it, it does all sound too good to be true." He grinned slyly, resting his head on his hand. "But I'm sure you understand. After all, science is founded on skepticism. I wouldn't be a very good scientist if I accepted everything at face value, now, would I?" If it came to it, Michael would see her laboratory, but he was not yet prepared to trust her implicitly. "But I want you to understand, even if there is a catch to this drug, I consider it a truly revolutionary medicine. Anyone who could come up with such a thing is easily the greatest mind of their generation." He was not sure how far flattery would get him with a demonic goddess, but it was certainly worth a shot. "So, I'll strike a deal with you. If you give me some of this drug to examine under laboratory conditions, I will consider your offer of employment. Just don't expect me to turn my back on the Resistance- they need me just as much as you do."

[KERES]

[atrb=border,0,true][STYLE= float: left; height: 100px; width: 100px; background-image: url('http://i50.tinypic.com/w1cuo8.jpg'); border-bottom: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-left: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-top: solid 5px #4e0e42; margin: 32px -220px 0px -5px;] [/style][style= float: left; height: 80px; width: 80px; background-image: url('http://i50.tinypic.com/w1cuo8.jpg'); border-bottom: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-left: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-top: solid 5px #4e0e42; margin: 148px -220px 0px 15px;] [/style] [style= float: left; height: 60px; width: 60px; background-image: url('http://i50.tinypic.com/w1cuo8.jpg'); border-bottom: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-left: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-top: solid 5px #4e0e42; margin: 228px -220px 0px 35px;] [/style] [style= height: 211px; width: 310px; background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/Nn2ug.gif'); font: normal 10px verdana; color: black; border: solid 5px #4e0e42; padding: 5px 15px 5px 15px; margin-left: 100px; text-align: justify; overflow: auto;]This boy was becoming more and more intriguing as time went on. The effect her aura had on him was amazing. It didn't drive him mad with anger or cause him to lose him mind. Instead he was excited about her drug. The PI drug was something that she had come up with as a way to make her test subjects survive longer. But he was extremely interested in this. In fact she could see the sparks coming off him because he was in such a good mood. "My drug is something that has taken me years to perfect. Basically what it does is places a person body in a stasis. When they are given the drug it stops all growth within the body. The drug will work it's way into their system and fix any imperfections within them. It's derived from my own blood. Because my healing properties are far more advanced. With a few tweaks here and there I perfected the drug."

[/b]

The female smiled and sat back on the stairs watching him. He was incredibly worked up. He had even grabbed her by the shoulders and looked her in the eye. A smile played across her lips as her aura slipped out even more. Electric blue eyes slowly shifted to a pale blue as she watch him. "Boy you are very excited about this. I can tell you I have many other drugs. One that repairs flesh and restores it to new. I also have a few that aren't nearly as nice but I have been thinking about selling them to the highest bidder. You see if my drugs were to get out then I might just turn the tides of the war."[/b] Waving her hand slightly, the female waved him off. He was feeling rather touchy feelly today and she wasn't quite sure how she felt about it. But this boy was practically under her control. A little while longer and she'd completely have him in her claws.

Just when she thought he was hers, he started regaining his wits. He wanted to look at the drug in a lab. Why not it wouldn't hurt. but where did she have a clean proper lab. Actually there was one located not that far from here. "Well there is one kink I have yet to work out with the drug. Because it's made with my blood, those that take it are required to stay close to me otherwise their bodies implode. I'm not sure why it does this but I think being close to me keeps the drug in check. "[/b] Keres explained as she stood up on the steps. She ran a clawed hand through her hair and smiled. Of course she did know why the drug did what it did. She made it that way, but let him think that it was a small problem. "Well if you really are interested I have a lab not too far from here. We can go there if you wish. Then we can talk more about your employment."[/b] The wind whipped around her some more and her hair shifted about her shoulders. [/style][style= height: 36px; width: 310px; background-image: url('http://i.imgur.com/Nn2ug.gif');font: normal 10px verdana; color: black; border-bottom: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-left: solid 5px #4e0e42; border-right: solid 5px #4e0e42; padding: 5px 15px 5px 15px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 100px; text-align: justify; overflow: auto;] words: i dunno~
notes: tricky tricky
Credits: ROLLY of LOVE STAMP & BtN[/style][/td][/tr][/table][/center]

[MICHAEL]

Well, that was far from a small problem. It was, in fact, quite a deal breaker, for he could not very well have his patients stand next to Keres at all times on pain of death. Further, he had grown skeptical of medicine made from the blood of a demon, though he was certainly in no position to reject it. Still in a state of emotional imbalance, the Man in Black rose to his feet and cast a shadow on the ancient, transcended Yajuu. With a look of discontent, he paced back and forth on the stairs, arms crossed behind his back. However, at no point did he fully turn his attention away from the woman; her brilliance as a scientist, in his eyes, only made her less worthy of his full trust. Yet her accomplishments were not to be ignored. Such a drug was nothing short of miraculous, and to get his hands on it would be invaluable to the scientific community.

However, he could not let his ambition blind him to tact, tempting though it may have been at the time. "They implode, you say? That sounds awful violent for medicine." He replied coolly, though inside he remained a churning torrent of emotions and conjecture. The conflict was yet evident on his face, no matter the great pains taken to conceal it. He was truly at an impasse, in no small part due to the clouds that had settled in on his mind. While he was on the subject, however, could science even be applied to the workings of demons? Her power, hailing from the Underworld itself, was not of the mortal realm. Michael knew not if his rules and principles meant anything at all before the toils of the Gods. Certainly, it would be difficult to pull off, and he- a man of twenty five years- was hardly the most qualified to attempt such a feat. No, he would need to get a sample of the medicine into more capable hands, that he might work alongside them to work out the bizarre kinks to its use.

To be fair, he could not find fault with her proper business model; despite his idealism, Michael knew very well that new technology had to first be given to the highest bidder. It was once it reached the scientific community that it could be made cheaper, more affordable to the masses. And, indeed, she was right in that it could easily turn the tide of the war if implemented subtly. Dropped into the right hands, such a revolutionary drug might easily change the nature of the human condition forever. Michael, it seemed, was in a most valuable position, though he could not play his hand too early. After all, he wished not for the likes of the Iustus to achieve such an advantage with the Resistance lagging behind. For those in charge of that corrupt organization to live without fear of natural death would be nothing short of a crisis. "Alright, Keres. Take me to your lab." Said Michael, the suspicion running thick in his voice. Her aura made it difficult to employ the same subtlety, but deception was not yet beyond his grasp. If anything, it made tactful manipulation all the easier. "If I see a single door lock behind me, though, I'm busting out." Besides, this was a good opportunity to examine her "medical ethics"- and, for that matter, to see if she had any to begin with.