Topic: Twin Moons rising:Madlax RPG (IC Thread)

[noirlax]

Madlax glumly went to bed, even for Madlax it was a long and exhausting day. The darkness of the night lulled her into a dreamy and blank asleep. Suddenly all she can see was a hellish fire enveloping her, the crimson sky singing death upon the ruins and the dead. Madlax walked upon the shattered ruins and saw a fiery haired woman in a long purple robe with an outline of velvet similar to the doll Laetitia bought. "What is this place?" Madlax asked. The woman just peered her head and smiled and raised her arms in the air as the fire raged more savagely. Madlax turned to her left only to see a manical masked man laughing in the distance. She ran into this image and noticed the man was Friday Monday although he seemed slightly different. He was calmer than he was before but took even more delight in the burning silohuettes of human suffering. "Friday Monday?, aren't you dead? Is this the past?". "No, this is the future." Madlax heard. The voice was of a young girl but by the time she turned around, the image faded into the mist. The image looked like Laetitia with the two women she met yesterday in the alley. Then everything turned blank.

Madlax fell off the bed bumping onto the wooden floor. She heard a faint sound most likely Elenore's voice. "It must be time to get up." she yawned. Madlax wore her red dress which was the only other piece of clothing she had and headed down to the breakfast table. Vanessa asked "What a lovely outfit, what's the occassion?", Limelda interrupted as Madlax was about to speak "She doesn't need a reason to be pretty". "Uh, why thank you Limelda and Vanessa" Madlax replied in a slightly embarassed voice. "We are still waiting for Miss Margaret" Laetitia said as she sat attentively and elegantly. Madlax stared into the young girl's eyes, wondering if she was in her dreams. But such thoughts didn't linger in Madlax too long as she was enticed by the salivating smells of breakfast.

[MartAnimE]

 "Good morning, everyone!", Margaret said in a low tone, as she got to her seat at the breakfast table, still struggling a bit with her usual morning sleepiness. "I'm sorry to keep you all waiting, hope I didn't take too long.", she excused herself, a bit embarrassed. "Oh, did you all sleep well? I hope you're comfortably installed!", she asked cheerfully, directing the question more at Madlax and Limelda, who were guests at her place for the first time, since Vanessa was pretty much used to staying over frequently already. As they ate breakfast, Margaret curiously asked about everyone's plans for the day. She herself didn't had any, but with such unusually crowded company it might turn into an interesting day, she thought, her concerns about the torc being completely replaced by that.

[Bocayuki]

Vanessa looked at Margaret. "Well I am planning to get Madlax some clothing suited for this area."*Looking at Elenore* But before we go I want to make sure someone keeps their promise."
*Turning back to Margaret*"Oh Margaret, do you mind if I borrow Elenore for a while or do you have need of her?"
"Umm...Ok I guess. " Margaret answered.
"Great! While we're out, we'll see what other information we can dig up about the torc." Vanessa said cheerfully.
"But who's going to guard Miss Margaret?" Elenore asked with some concern.
"Well, I'm sure Limelda wouldn't mind. It should an easy job for her." Madlax chimed in before Limelda could say anything. Limelda agreed if somewhat reluctantly.

[noirlax]

Madlax quickly and happily went with Elenore into Vanessa's car and they rode into a fashionable part of town. "Oh its good to be spending time alone with you in a relaxed atmosphere again" Vanessa quiped. The trip was a peaceful but a long one and Madlax rolled into the shops like a little child in a delightful theme park for the first time. Madlax walked into a plush and classy shop and instantly took fancy to a black short ruffled mini-skirt with Elenore in ever-watchful attendance.

"Oh that's nice" Vanessa said, "It's a little expensive" Madlax said in disappointment. "Don't worry I'm paying" Vanessa smiled. "Don't worry about me carrying the clothes and bags, that's what I do" Elenore smiled in a relaxed mood. "This one is casual just a shirt and pants, will you like that one?" Vanessa asked. "What is it, Madlax?" Vanessa asked. "Excuse me."

[MartAnimE]

 Margaret saw the three of them leave and went back to the living room, casually joining Laetitia who was watching TV in the couch. Limelda was sitting there aswell, ignoring the TV and looking rather frustrated. Margaret wanted to say something but found it rather difficult to approach her. Thankfully, Limelda took the initiative for her after a while.

 "So, what do you have in mind for the day, "Miss Margaret"? It's not like we have to stay here waiting for them to return.", Limelda asked rather ironically, not trying to hide her boredom.

 "Hmm... you can just call me Margaret.", she replied, not catching the hint of irony on Limelda's voice, "I was hoping I could call you by your first name aswell!" she said with a smile. "I actually have no plans for the day, I'll probably just stay around and maybe do some homework. Also... you really don't have to stay here with us Limelda. Please feel free to go outside and visit the city if you want!", she said in a kind reassuring tone.

 Limelda chuckled at the young girl's carelessness regarding her own security, considering the dangerous people who attacked Madlax last night were there for her reason. "I am not leaving your side. It was Madlax's personal request.", she replied.

 "Oh you really like Madlax, right? She told me a bit about how you two met, but I could never understood very well... what kind of relationship do you have with her?", Margaret asked interested, if rather casually, hoping to learn more about Limelda and Madlax indirectly.

 "Well now, didn't you say you had some homework to do? Maybe you should get that out of your way as soon as possible, so you can enjoy the rest of the weekend with your friends without having to worry about it.", Limelda cunningly dodged the subject, if a bit obviously, though she figured she didn't need much subtleties when dealing with this clueless girl.

 "Ah, you're right Limelda!", she agreed, "I do have a problem with procrastination at times." she chuckled embarrassed. "Well, I'll let you be now. Please feel at home if you need anything, and if you want to ask something I'll be in my room. You be good and don't cause Limelda any trouble, OK Laetitia?". The younger girl nodded at her, if a bit embarrassed at the implications of such instructions, and Margaret left upstairs to do her homework, leaving the two of them in the living room.

[Bocayuki]

*Prior to Vanessa, Madlax and Elenore going out*; Elenore cleared the breakfast dishes and Vanessa took Elenore to a more quiet area of the house near a phone.
Elenore bowed her head and said; "I'm sorry for earilier this morning Vanessa." Vanessa put a hand on Elenore's shoulder and replied; "I know, but I didn't help matters by having a full blown arguement with Limelda in front of you." Vanessa handed Elenore the card with the info and she called, gave intake info and made an appointment. "Is this all you needed me for Vanessa?" Elenore asked with aprehension considering she just beared her soul to a total stranger.
Vanessa smiled and said; "Well no, I was planning to take you clothes shopping along with Madlax, the both of you could use a expanded wardrobe and we might hit a few other places as well."
"I take it I can't say no, can I?" Elenore asked.
"Well you could say it, but I'll ignore it anyways."Vanessa replied smiling and helped Elenore put some causal clothing on and then they went out.


*while shopping*
Vanessa helped Elenore get some more causal clothing for herself as well as helping Madlax do the same. Vanessa had fun getting Elenore to try on stuff and watching Madlax enjoy herself.

[Bocayuki]

After Margaret went to her room. Limelda looked at Laetitia. "What do you usually do Laetitia? She asked hoping the kid would go and get out her hair as well.
Laetitia smiled. "I rather ask you a few questions Limelda." Limelda was a little shocked if not a little perturbed by the brashness of this little girl.
"Actually, I'm surprised you didn't go look for Carrossea. But then again your preoccupation with Madlax..."
Limelda was actually shocked. How did this little girl know about Carrossea or her relation to him.
"How do you know about Mr Doone?" Limelda asked with some irritation mixed with curiosity.
Laetitia smiled enigmatically. "I know quite a lot actually. I know you and him shared intimate relations with each other while in Gazth-Sonika. Actually to be honest with you, I'm quite jealous." Laetitia shot Limelda a very adult look of envy and jealousy
Jealous!? Why or how would this little girl know? Why would this child be jealous of?"
"How would you know about such things? What business does a child like you know about such things?"  Limelda asked greatly unnerved by Laetitia.

"Madlax is like you but she's different...you can't truly relate to her no more than Vanessa Rene can. You're both wasting your time and time is beginning to run short..." Laetitia answered cryptically. "I'll think I'll check around the house." Limelda said unnerved and spooked by Laetitia
as went and checked around the house.

[Bocayuki]

Limelda checked around the house, nobody was watching the house but she did find a few listening devices and one hiding spot. So she booby trapped the spot and disabled the devices. Whoever's watching the house did a through job. Wonder if was those Enfant agents or that other group. Doesn't matter, if either of them try to hurt Madlax again... Madlax...what did that kid mean she's different?" "That look she gave me wasn't a normal look, if anyone's different it's her. Limelda thought to herself.
Limelda returned to the living to still find Laetitia watching anime with some disinterest.
Laetitia said without even looking at Limelda. "Did you find anything? I gather you did otherwise you've would've been back sooner. They think they're so clever but they're also having thier strings pulled just like this false one here." Laetitia held up briefly the doll that Margaret had bought at the doll store for her and put it back at her side.

"What do mean by that? And what do you know?" Limelda said a bit spooked again.
"I could tell you, but you're blinded by the false hope you have. It all will become clear soon..." Laetitia said almost nonchantly but just as cryptic as before.
Limelda glared at Laetitia, she wouldn't...she couldn't do anything.
"I don't what game your playing little girl. I..ah forget it." Limelda stormed off and did another sweep of the house.

[Bocayuki]

Meanwhile in another part of town at a women's clothing store. Vanessa and Madlax were waiting for Elenore to come out the dressing room. Vanessa knocked on the door. "Elenore are you OK?"
"Yes, I'll be right out." Elenore answered and opened the door and came out. She was wearing a paisley white and purple peasant blouse with a cornflower blue ruffled skirt.
"You look great Elenore!" Vanessa exclaimed. "Well, it's quite a change from what I usually see you in." Madlax added with a smile. Elenore blushed a bit while smiling."Thanks." She replied and Vanessa waved over the clerk and talked to her a bit and handed her a credit card.
"What was that all about Vanessa?" Elenore asked.
Vanessa smiled. "You're wearing that out of the store and I'm sure Margaret would love to see you in it."
Mentioning Margaret stiffed any protest Elenore would've made and she just nodded as the clerk came back with the card plus a receipt and bag and then removed the security tags off the blouse and skirt. Then after they finish paying for what they bought they left the store.
"So what was taking you so long in there?" Madlax asked when they outside.
"I took a long good look at my scars, especially the one on my back..."Elenore answered somewhat melancholy.
Both decided not to press the subject. "So where to now?" Madlax asked trying to change the subject.
"I figured we would try and see if the local university would have information about the torc and perhaps the other artifacts as well." Vanessa answered.
"Sounds like a plan to me." Madlax agreed.

An hour later they arrived at the local university and began walking towards the antiquities department when they heard a voice saying; "Excuse me Miss, the one in the blue skirt."
They turned to the voice and saw what appeared to be an older and a little heavier version of Elenore with dark brown eyes framed by a pair of black rimmed glasses with reddish lens holding a digital camera and a sketch pad.
Madlax cocked an eyebrow."Wonder why the old timer is here?" She thought to herself.
"Yes may I help you?" Elenore asked bit curious.
The woman smiled and asked; "Could you please stand by this pillar here while I take a picture. I think you make an outstanding model and give this drab building here some color."
"Well..." Elenore began to say. "See, I told you that outfit looked great on you. Now let her take the picture." Vanessa interupted  and Elenore conceded and then she stood in front of the pillar in her usual pose and smiled.
The woman took the picture and thanked Elenore. "Thank you very much. I hope I'm not keeping you?" The woman asked.
"Not at all but we do have to get going." Vanessa said.
"Then by all means don't let me keep you."The woman said smiling as Vanessa and Elenore began to walk off with Madlax still standing. "I'll catch up with you." She said as the duo continued to walk off.

"Hello old timer, been awhile." Madlax said to the woman.
"Hello to you too Madlax. Yes it has been awhile. What brings you to Nafrece?" The woman asked.
"I was going to ask you the same thing. I heard that you retired after your last job." Madlax replied.
"Your right,I'm officially retired almost bought the farm on the last job though I still do equipment procurement for SSS and Fellini. Why, do you need anything?" The woman said.
"Not at the moment. It's about time you got out of the bodyguard business. Getting up there old lady. So what brings you to Nafrece?" Madlax grinned.
The woman cocked an eyebrow and grinned. "Did anyone tell you to respect your elders. Besides I live in Nafrece and decided to take up art as hobby and enjoy my retirement."
"Well, I don't usually see any elders and I'm glad your taking up a hobby..." Madlax joked.
"Hm ph. Didn't answer my question Madlax. Why are you in Nafrece?" The woman asked.
"Just visiting some friends here. Oh by the way Duvet, if I do need anything can I give you a call?" Madlax answered.
"Sure, just give a call an I'll arrange a pick up point. Better get going before your friends start getting worried." Duvet said trying to shoo off Madlax.
Madlax got the hint and started walking off. "Thanks Duvet, I appreciate it."
'Yeah yeah get going" Duvet said looking at her sketch pad as Madlax walked off.
As soon as Madlax walked off, Duvet looked at the camera and looked at the picture of Elenore.
"You've grown so much. Your grandfather would be so proud of you sweetie." She said quietly to herself.
"At least now I have an updated picture of you..." The woman said holding another picture of a ten year old girl. A tear rolled down Duvet's cheek.

 

[JP Yuri]

Kirika looked at the ring, then behind her, then at the ring again. She debated to herself whether to keep it or throw it out, After somne hesitation, she stuffed it in her jacket pocket. It looked important, like the pocketwatch she'd found in her room back in Japan.

More importantly, even though she knew now wasn't the time, she'd been meaning to ask Mireille something, and keeping the ring would save her time and the embarassment of stumbling around jewelry stores, not knowing what to buy Mireille.

[Koveras]

Mireille didn't notice Kirika's little theft. Her eyes darted across the street, looking for suspicious movements. This early in the morning, the streets were clear as if before a bombing raid. But that was good, less chances of civilians getting caught in the crossfire... They continued moving towards the train station.

[Bocayuki]

*/Kirika and Mireille: you notice Soldats waiting in ambush at the train station. One of them made himself too obvious*/

[MartAnimE]

 Margaret opened her eyes and she was no longer in her room. She was back at that flower field that felt so familiar. It felt very warm and calming. She thought she was alone till she felt a presence standing behind her and turned around. She could see a woman. Someone she could not recognize at first, but looked at her tenderly as if she knew her. Who could she be? Margaret never entirely regained all her memories from before that incident, but after a while it finally hit her and she could remember this much: this person was her mother.

 Margaret wanted to approach her and say something but she couldn't move and the words wouldn't come out. Margaret stood there looking in disbelief but she couldn't say a thing before her mother started talking:

 "I don't have much time, and I know I shouldn't interfere with this, but I must warn you Margaret! The power that has come to you is more important than you might imagine. And the doors to your past haven't been completely closed yet. You'll encounter hardship once again, soon enough. You must be ready for it. You must be strong! I must go now, but I want you to know I've allways been watching you... and I allways will." the woman said before fading, as a sudden windstorm hit the place, and the once pleasant flower field turned dark and cold, forcing Margaret to cover her eyes at the unpleasant feeling.

 Margaret opened her eyes suddenly, still shocked by the vision in her dream. She was awaken by the knocking on her door apparently. After her initial confusion usually following her waking up moments she concluded she must have fallen asleep while doing homework (nothing too uncommon for her). Before she could rationalize her dream properly she got up and went to open the door, doing her best effort not to look like someone who had just woken up. She was expecting Laetitia, but was surprised to find Limelda!

[Bocayuki]

"Sorry to distrub you Miss Margaret, but I've found listening devices planted around the house and I need to check your room as well, with your permission of course. I'll ask your maid later to do the same with hers. " Limelda said standing in the doorway.
"Really?! Why would they want to do that for? But if you think it's necessary go ahead, I'll ask Elenore when she gets home." Margaret replied still trying to act as she was just waking up.
"I don't know why, but I doubt this is mere retaliation. Nobody goes through this unless there's another reason behind it." Limelda said as she checked the room and after a few minutes through searching found one under the nightstand table where it wouldn't be spotted.
She yanked it from it's hiding spot and showed to Margaret with some concern. "Whichever group is doing this has done a through job. I'm betting your maids room is bugged as well as the phones."
"I don't really understand why they are doing this, but I do wish they leave us alone." Margaret said sadly looking at the device in Limelda's hand as she was disabling it.
"We'll find out soon enough I guess. Oh by the way Miss Margaret, your little sister said some very odd things to me." Limelda said trying to pump Margaret for infomation.
"Like what? She says a lot of odd things." Margaret replied.
Limelda repeated what Laetitia had said to her and Margaret was a little confused but answered.
"I don't know what she meant by all that, but I've never told her about your relationship with Carrossea in fact this is news to me as well."
Limelda sighed knowing that this clueless girl was most likely telling the truth and decided not go any further with this line of questioning.
"I'll have to wait for the others get home to finish checking. You should tell your little sister to be carefull of what she says, someone might get offended." She said as she was leaving the room nearly bumping into Laetitia in the process.

"Were you listening to our conversation?" Limelda asked Laetitia trying to hide her irritation.
"No, actually I came to talk to Margaret. Unless you need to say something else." Laetitia said with her usual cryptic smile.
"I'll be in the living room waiting for Madlax." Limelda said supressing the urge to strangle Laetitia.
Laetitia closed the door behind her listening for Limelda's footsteps echoing off the hallway, when she sensed that she had gone far enough she looked at Margaret and said. "We need to talk Margaret..."

[MartAnimE]

 Margaret felt really surprised and upset about the devices Limelda found in her room. If anything, she thought she'd be safe at her own home, but apparently she was not. For how long have those devices been there? And who planted them? How could they just break in unnoticed like that? These thoughts were all very revolting, but she felt relieved that Limelda found out about it and disabled them, at least.

 It bothered her most when Limelda brought up the name of Carossea. "What? Limelda and Carossea? How can that be? He never mentioned anything about it... then again, I guess there are many things he never told me..." Margaret admitted to herself, feeling rather saddened by that fact aswell as Limelda's words, yet trying to organize her thoughts and hide her shock. She hardly had any time to vocalize her feelings on the matter before Limelda started leaving and Laetitia broke into the room and said she wanted to talk to her.

   "What is it Laetitia?" Margaret asked, after they were both left alone in the room, "Limelda just told me you two had a strange conversation regarding Carossea. Is that true? How is Limelda related to Carossea? Do you know anything I don't know? Do you want to tell me about it?", Margaret asked with anxious curiosity, yet hoping it was all just a lie or one big misunderstanding.