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Post by Ayako Hikumi on Aug 23, 2010 13:36:32 GMT -5
The occupants of the van were all quiet. Save for Akira and Takeishi, whose mumbles could be heard, the rest of the passengers were too busy embroiled in either their thoughts or their technology. Since both Taro and Templar were searching for things on their handheld device(s), that left Ayako to sit and think to herself.
Admittedly, she didn't want to think about what had just happened; so, she'd been forced to dispose of a couple of so-called criminals. Story of her life, really. It was nothing that she should have to ponder over ... right?
Then why did the now-deceased man's youthful face always pop up ...?
Her gaze was then diverted and she found herself absorbing the information that Templar verbally gave out. That made sense - she didn't know much about the Silvara Cell guys because they had been formed in Cocoon. In her homeworld, there was a possibility that they were overshadowed by bigger threats. Like the Vipers of Galbadia.
Whatever enmity there was between Galbadia and Esthar - or, as many of her comrades put it, "Galbadia and the rest of the world" - was too deep. There was - in her opinion - no healing it. Which was mainly why the DTC was fixated on eliminating any threats that claimed to be acting in "Galbadia's best interests".
Her eyes narrowed slightly. Lies - all of it.
With Templar's PDA now in hand, Ayako examined the words that were there. A lot of useful information was displayed and she mentally noted as much of it down as she could. Turning back to Templar, she spoke. "Well, this organization certainly sounds like a force to be reckoned with, so - when we reach headquarters - I'll be sure to let my boss know about them." After all, Templar's organization could use some more help, whenever they would encounter the criminals again. She felt Akira's gaze on her and stopped herself from giving him a challenging glare in return. It was obvious he was rejecting the idea, but she his superior. Her orders had to be followed, otherwise severe consequences would be suffered. "As for why they were here ..." She looked back down, her eyes caught on the words currently displayed on the PDA. Well, there was a possibility that--
But she didn't want to think it. Sometimes, it was better to be oblivious to the truth. Her eyes appraised Templar's expression once more. He certainly seemed to be considering the likelihood of that idea. "Well, I honestly wouldn't know why they came to this particular world, but ... we-" she gestured to herself and her comrades "-had been sent her on orders that these guys were mixing in with the Galbadians." Then again, that "order" had been anonymous. Which did - and had - raised some questions regarding the authenticity of said order.
She stared out of the window and idly regarded the moving scenery. It seemed that there were holes on all sides ...
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Post by templier90 on Aug 25, 2010 8:06:09 GMT -5
"... Possibly they found new allies, especially these... Galbadians you speaking of." Templar pulls out his combat knife from his shoulder's leather knife sheath, spins it on his hand. It was kind of... boring if he didn't do anything and just sit there, looking around his surroundings especially those Ayako's subordinates.
These men are.... rather mafia-like organization members by telling their suits, and of course their grim expressions. Well unlike his task force operatives, the Fidelis are rather.... covert, full BDUs, full gears, and balaclava masks or S-10 gas masks to concealed their face, not to let anyone else know their identity even their families. They're ferocious and brutal in combat against the terrorists but they do that in order to save lives; kill their main leader could save thousands of innocent lives.
"And who are these... "Galbadians" you speaking off? Your organization's enemies?" Templar keeps on spinning his knife while looks at Ayako with his hazel eyes and serious look. |
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Post by Ayako Hikumi on Aug 25, 2010 11:08:37 GMT -5
Ayako considered Templar's words and responded with a simple "Maybe."
Although the DTC representatives hadn't met any Vipers - that they knew of, anyway - today, at least they'd had a hand with eliminating another threat. That thought alone seemed to comfort Ayako, at least just a little bit.
Now that her gaze was slowly moving towards the other occupants in the van, Ayako could feel slight tension in the air. She felt like scolding them all; where was their sense of hospitality?
Then again, she doubted that Akira could even act welcoming. The guy was known for annoying his superior greatly.
With her right hand, she pushed her fringe back, out of habit. Her hair was almost dry now and Ayako felt the weight of Templar's jacket on her shoulders, as if her body had just registered that it had been there all along. She mentally noted to give it back to him. It didn't matter that he'd intended for her to keep it - indeed, if he even meant it at all - she was still going to give it back. Maybe once they left for his homeworld, though. Incidentally, she didn't feel like drawing attention to it now - there were more pressing issues to talk about.
Although, she could feel Taro's attention being drawn to it. More than once. Whatever he was thinking, she was going to prove it was false.
Her attention was then turned back to Templar and she thought of how to answer his question truthfully. After all, it was the least she could do. "The Galbadians aren't exactly who you would call our 'enemies'. Our real enemies are the Vipers, a group that consists of Galbadian people apparently working for 'the good of Galbadia'". Her eyes narrowed slightly, showing how much she believed in their words. Taro's attention was also now diverted to her and she had a feeling that both Akira and Takeishi were listening too. Turning back to Templar, she began to explain further. "You see, all of us hail from a city called Esthar - a metropolis thriving on technology. This city is also where the DTC - our organization - was formed.
"Now, the Galbadians are sort of a rival continent, who have tried to usurp Esthar time and time again. This was mainly because Esthar has always been more advanced than them, and the Galbadians - the Galbadian government in particular - had always been greedy for power and jealous of the Estharian nation's rapid prosperity." She heard an annoyed scoff from Akira and resisted a smile of her own from appearing on her face. No doubt the dark-haired man was cursing his foes mentally. She continued speaking, regardless. "We think that it was for this reason that the 'Vipers'-"- she tried not to emphasize her dislike for her enemies, which would undermine her professional demeanor - "-were assembled." She stopped there and exhaled slowly. Although she didn't want to admit it, she had been partially responsible for the Galbadians actually having found out about the DTC, due to her eagerness to trust Ryudo.
Her hands, which rested on her knees, clenched into fists. If she hadn't said anything ...
Her companions seem to have sensed her silent rage mixed with guilt, for they all turned away, apparently immersed in their own thoughts. She hoped that Templar didn't ask about what was troubling her. She didn't know if she wanted to discuss it today, in this van packed with her subordinates.
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Post by templier90 on Aug 26, 2010 8:31:47 GMT -5
"...." Templar listens silently, closely and attentively to Ayako as she talks and of course, spins his tactical knife on his hand. Sometimes, the terrorists cause chaos not just because of politics, but greed and lust of power. Once take down a terrorist cell, another rise up, gave his task force and PSICOM too much troubles.
Their continent Esthar and Galbadia was like.... Cocoon and Grand Pulse's relationship, always in confrontation since after Pulse were defeated during the War of Trangession. Although he was quite troubled-teenager back in his days, Templar did attend for classes in his school and hell, he was top 3 students in his class even though he was kinda laid-back and lazy teenager. He was graduated from school with flying colors but, Templar enters Guardian Corps academy to becomes a soldier and now, he was renowned captain of a counter-terrorists battalion.
As he continue to spins his knife, Templar senses a great vengeance and sadness within Ayako's brown eyes and also, her fists clenched when she talks about these "Vipers" and the Galbadians. He closed his eyes for a moment, it is better he keep his mouth shut and not to asks Ayako why she was hold great grudges against the Vipers but when they are close, he will asks her. In a flash, he spins his tactical knife and sheaths it back to it's sheath on his shoulder before the rest of Ayako's subordinates notice it.
"Greed..... is one of the things I hate the most, that's why terrorists existed.... not because of politics, but greed and lust of power." Templar scoffs at a moment as he sways his head, looking at the windows. The van were went across a bridge, and the ocean were in his sight. Templar smiles to the ocean, reminds him of the beautiful and blue ocean in his hometown Bodhum. "You know, this is how my hometown scenery looks like.... Covered with sandy beaches and beautiful ocean," Templar look back to Ayako with his friendly smile. |
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Post by Ayako Hikumi on Aug 27, 2010 11:09:57 GMT -5
Well, at least she'd been able to tell Templar some things. Now he'd be able to understand why all this fighting was necessary. Even justified; in her eyes, at least.
Although, she wasn't exactly a pacifist - which was seemingly impossible due to her line of work - she still couldn't find it in herself to kill someone so heartlessly. Indeed, she usually ended up suffering because of it. She forcefully clenched her eyes shut, banishing those thoughts from her mind, before opening them again. It was reasons like these that she was usually so easily manipulated.
She then nodded darkly as Templar revealed that little tidbit of information. Not all politicians were eager to work with assassins in order to raise their land(s); most terrorists worked by their own rules, anyway. And greed and power were certainly the two factors majorly affecting the Galbadians currently.
She mentally curled her lip in disgust. As for the 'lust' part ... well, there had been a few close calls. Luckily, she - with the help of some friends - had been able to get herself out of such sticky and undesirable situations. "I know what you mean. Greed is a horrible sin to succumb to." As were all the other sins, but covetousness was a real driving force of why most people betrayed loved ones and aligned themselves with their enemies. Just like Ryudo ...
[/i] She inhaled silently before exhaling slowly. She shouldn't be thinking about him so much. Whatever happened in the past was over. There was no changing that. Of course, Masaru's revelation about why and how Ryudo had died - and manipulated everyone (manipulated her) still played in her mind. She hadn't even had a chance to say-- Templar's next words, however, caused Ayako to stop thinking to herself and, curiosity slightly piqued, also looked outside, chocolate brown eyes regarding the scenery. It did look nice, once one stopped to actually look at it. And appreciate it. Turning back to look at Templar, an identical smile made its way on her face. At least he'd had the sense to change the subject. "I can't wait to see your home. It sounds wonderful." Internally, she debated whether or not she'd let the others know of her plans. Although, she would let Katashi know; maybe he'd pass it on. After all, it was a fact that they gossiped about her often. Men and their assumptions ...[/font][/blockquote][/blockquote]
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Post by templier90 on Aug 28, 2010 9:28:21 GMT -5
"Yes, you should." Templar laughs as he place his hands behind his head, leans his back on his seat and crossed his leg. Bodhum is such a lovely place of vacation to the outsiders, and mostly tourists spend their time on the beaches, the seaside bars, shopping malls and of course if they lucky, the famous Bodhum fireworks festival that everyone eager to witness. "We always start Bodhum Firework Festival, our local tradition festival and mostly starts at night thus once a year. When the fireworks start, you can have a wish or prayers during the fireworks lighted up in the skies and it will be granted... But I'm not sure about it if it works or not.... You know, children' tales."
Of course, when the fireworks annual displayed and lighted up, many young teenagers, lovers, and children always make their wishes on the beautiful fireworks in the skies. Templar remembers once when he walks along with Elegante on the seaside during the festival at night, the fireworks started. Elegante saw the beautifulness of the fireworks and she quickly makes a wish which Templar doesn't know.
"What are you wishing for?"
"Hehe, it's a secret!"
"Hmmmm? Don't you want to share with me?"
"Well, I will tell you if we go for vacation, after our graduation!"
"Hey, come on now!"
"Never!"
Elegante pinches on Templar's nose gently and runs off with her hearty laughter, and Templar chases after her with his smile.
Until now, Templar have no idea about Elegante's wish, even after her death. He blankly stares at the window, looking at the sea. Brisks off the painful past from his mind, Templar smiles to himself as he rubs his cheek for a moment. "Well, most funny thing is I was a brilliant but troublesome student back in my teenage years, got lots of fun by pranks making, fighting with other boys, lots of friends.... Memories... After the graduation, my teachers want me to go for diploma and degree in medical or law but, I choose the path to becomes a soldier, served in frontlines. If you ask "Why?", I do not know myself, perhaps military life suits me, like my elder brother did." Templar scoffs with his smile as he keeps to look at the window. It was the most memorable moments when he was in the school with his friends; Lightning who is his favorite prank target, Ekichi and Vaillant, who is his best friends and of course, his first lover Elegante.
"What about you, Ayako?" |
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Post by Ayako Hikumi on Aug 29, 2010 12:00:53 GMT -5
She allowed a small smile to appear on her face. Although she'd never been one for believing in those sort of things, she still felt a lingering curiosity - say if the fireworks could grant any wish...
She instantly dismissed the thought. There was no need for her to entertain such notions. Incidentally, what would she wish for, given the chance...? "Children's tale or not, I still think it would be worth a try." After all, she'd been engrossed in depressing thought lately. Maybe, it would be good for her to be a little more hopeful.
Suddenly, she felt a little uncomfortable. Templar's stance had changed and he'd resorted to staring out the window. Whatever he was thinking about was obviously troubling him. She turned her head away and stared out of the other window. Whenever he was ready, he'd continue talking. And, anyway, she wasn't good at comforting people.
As he began to reveal his most memorable moments, Ayako turned back to look at him. His attention, however, was still on the outside scenery. Her childhood had been... well, it felt like a far-off memory. All the studying, the work, the inability to go look for the father that had left and never bothered to come back...
Yeah... her childhood had been something.
"Well, when I was younger, I'd always been interested in both law and politics. Which was why I'd been determined to do my best to get there." That was only half of it; she'd also wanted to make her remaining family members proud of her. And, not only that, but - although it had been foolish for her to think so - she'd wanted her father to come back home (which, as she'd convinced herself, he may have done; especially if his daughter grew up to be an upstanding member of the community.) "Although, it had been worth it. I ended up a graduate of both Law and Politics, respectively." She still remembered the day. It had been, quite frankly, the best day of her life. When everything had been going so well for her. "After graduation, I'd decided to get a job. So, after a couple of interviews and meetings with the Council members, I'd officially become a member of the Estharian Council. It was... a year later, I believe, that I joined the DTC."
Even now, as she spoke about it, her childhood still felt like the past she hadn't lived through. Maybe because everything had been so much easier then...
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