Post by Deleted on Oct 20, 2018 20:56:25 GMT -5
Cold like always.
Harsh winters all year round, was the very thing that this planet had saw in each city. The only reason that people weren't blinded by it all, or froze themselves to death, was because of their own power, and the population that were in some cities. Those who were strong would survive the planet.
There was no green grass around in sight to welcome them, and the behavior of each city was differed from place to place. Approaches may have differed, but what the population of the planet shared, was the sight of scouters that civilians were meant to wear, along with knowledge of how the planet worked.
Outsiders were far easy to pick out for a lot of reasons, especially when knowing the possibility that the Demons had one or several spies on the planet. There was only so much that she could have done to prevent any disasters, but the one thing she could at least try to do, was have them be prepared.
The cities had their own leaders overseeing their place, and there was only an extent to what could be faked or mimicked. A day's work around the planet involved her and the others checking up on each city, some of them taking the time to really talk to the locals, about anything suspicious or any troubles.
Yggdrasil and the Vampire cities close to it, was truly the place she saw more as home, knowing how much of her kind stuck around there. Though she didn't mind being here in Republic either. With the kind of population that they had specifically sought out, it was nice to see all of the faces around here and their presence, was due to the work of herself and the ice hybrid. Alongside the latter element, it was decided that fire was the most suited for the place.
While both elements might have birthed offspring within the last few months, who could be a mix of both and introduce other elements, it was beyond obvious that an Elemi who wasn't of fire or ice, was likely to be an outsider. Accommodation for such a thing, could only go so far, to have them be out of their own element and also keep them alive. Everyone who was willing to stay on the planet, they fully believed that they could survive the weather.
To give any more maintenance than what was required, was unnecessary, as this planet was never meant to be some kind of tourist trap, like Earth or Namek was. There was only just so much that she was willing to tolerate, and to endure stupidity, just wasn't one of them. No one on this planet was forced to live here, and there wasn't going to be anyone who would miss those trying to start some unnecessary riot. The laws that governed each city differed, but it was known well enough that if she or her allies had to be the one to interfere, it would likely end in the death of whoever was causing trouble.
Republic City was the most open-minded, allowing trials to be taken place amongst a council of Elemi, but that was just the very thing that would guarantee their deaths. She knew each city like the back of her hand, and just what each of them were meant to be. The Elemi and Bijou who lived in this city, they were well exposed to the kind of 'wrongs' that could pop up across the planet, and which could take place within these trials of theirs.
So many troubles were usually those who weren't truly willing to stay on the planet. Some of them were free to be booted out, or even reformed, depending on their actions. But there were also those who were just unforgivable, and deserved death to befall them, usually because they were of some danger.
She had met far too many individuals, not to lump a majority of these types, all into one category. But those two fools who she had been made aware of, were quite possibly the easiest, when it came to pushing for their deaths, should she have wanted to. The weak Vampire who had managed to somehow kill a Kold Demon, it would be easy to go on about their ignorance of the community they suddenly found themselves apart of, and what being a Vampire had meant.
New Vampires were usually culled, and it was only through sheer luck along with her own command, that this one had continued to even survive. The practice of culling was something that could have easily appealed to the Elemi council, and if not that, then the consequences of letting someone immortal and foolish live. If this idiot could simple kill off someone through sheer luck, because he was stupid enough to believe he had the permission, just what would stop him from doing the same to others? No matter what kind of background he had, Vampires were meant to gain maturity down the line.
There could only be so many ageless beings within the universe, and it was death that kept that number low. Arguing against her, there was not a chance someone running on luck, would have ever won. That other fool, who was so confident he figured out how the planet worked, had too much ambition for someone with power as low as his. There was nothing appealing at all about his personality, and hearing of him, she was absolutely sure he was narcissistic.
Playing off of how much of a smart ass he was, she could have easily argued the beliefs he had admitted of the place, and just how likely it was he would have taken back what he said, under the guise of reform. If he had stuck to his words, then it only allowed her to argue about stubbornness, or a lack of respect. Reminders of how she and the others were the ones capable of protecting the planet, how she had entrusted the planet's evacuation facility to the Elemi and Bijou. There was a lot of things that she could have spun towards her favor, like personal experiences with the locals, and devotion, which would have ended in this fool losing. He was some kind of stranger, and outsider. Someone who although had been here well before them, amounted to nothing.
His own presence prior, had really only pushed for arguments to the past invasions that had happened on the planet, and how he managed to just do nothing. All of that kind of defeatist attitude he seemed to carry with him, and to just accept things for what it was, it could have reminded some of these Elemi and Bijou, just enough for her to push that they didn't need to be like him. That he was an example, a cautionary tale, of what to avoid.
It was those kind of things that she had similarly argued in the past, even well before this city had been truly established. She built trust, and the knowledge she knew them for reasons beyond what most would go the lengths for. There was a Capsule Corp building in each city, specifically tailored to the possibility of making changes. It wasn't just some one and done denial either. She and the others were meant to be more than willing to listen.
The past few days had been something of misery for her. On the first day it had happened, she isolated herself completely in her room, thinking of thoughts that questioned just what she had amounted to. The second day she had minimal contact with the others, but ultimately still stuck to her room, where she thought more about the future. Today, she was out and about, having more contact with the others, though happiness was far from her mind.
Betraying the Demons, was still something she was chewing on, and kept to herself. Though she had normally seen the elemental she had came into a relationship with, regardless of what mood she held, there was still apart of her that felt like they were distant, even if their time together always meant otherwise. Without being around the Elemi, like she was now, it was like there was just no comfort for her. That she was alone, like she had before they had gotten together. She could clearly feel the other woman's signature within this city, yet that feeling was still something that had persisted within her.
It wasn't some improvement to her relationship. Not some kind of longing. That much she was sure of. But this feeling was just one she so very much disliked, knowing just how much she felt as if she had never came into a relationship at all. Was it just that easy to fall back to how she was before?
If it wasn't one of her dresses that she was wearing, of which had boldness to her it, as it accentuated parts of her body, she was likely to wear a more business outfit instead. With the bloodmagic within them, Vampires were more than capable of surpassing any curses that might have been brought on, back when they had first transitioned. Appearances was the first and most natural kind of change that most had gone for, although plenty of people just stuck to what they had knew of, rather than pursue glamour. The harsh winters of the planet pushed others into wearing much more, while those like her endured it.
Republic, with the amount of Elemi around of both fire and ice, were the reasons why they were only heavy winds at best blowing around. They were naturally able to ward off any snow storms around, though their presence didn't change the fact that this planet naturally had darker skies. There was enough light not to be akin to night on Earth, due to their planetary rings, which gave each city the ability to see when curfew had shut off the lights.
It was too early to do so now, and walking around by herself, she really took in the sight of things around here. The Elemi Restoration Project had been a large effort to bring back their scattered kind onto just one planet. With all the different elements there were, only a giant planet like this would be able to host them. But the climate around there prevented so many from seeing this place as appealing, which wasn't a deal breaker for her.
Those who were meant to be here were considered as civilians, while others more as temporary guests. The Elemi of other elements who found themselves onto the planet, weren't meant to be registered, but so long as they didn't overstep their boundaries, it wasn't something that would be an issue like other outsiders. All around her, these Elemi had either gave off natural heat, or absorbed into them cold, keeping the areas around here controlled.
Everywhere else with the other cities, it was a combination of the population's own power, and Elemi who were stationed around here and there. She could take just about as long as she had really wanted, walking through these streets. It was always obvious to the others whenever she found herself in some kind of mood, while the regular civilians here only took glances at her, eyes here and there peering through the lenses of the scouters they were given.
She wore one as well, but could just as easily take it off. They were meant to have skepticism when seeing her or the others, in the case that someone might have been shapeshifting. It wasn't just a case of not seeing anything suspicious, but rather helping to document that she and the others were seen at a certain location in the first place. Compiling the footage and making sense of it took time, but it was better than having nothing at all.
The conversations around the city were like nothing but whispers to her, no matter how loud the conversations actually were. She wasn't invested in anything that didn't sound like it should be anything but a concern of hers, and with how often she could meet up with the masses of her own kind, it was easy to pick out what was important, and what was just mere gossip. So many people, with so many similar thoughts and ideas regarding change.
Whatever complaints they had, someone else had likely already raised that question, and was explained why things ran the way they did. It would have been so easy to just not listen to these identical concerns, but the thing about running a society was appealing to the idea that their thoughts matter.
Everyone in each city should have knew fairly well, that there was no simply demanding changes. How figures like her, might not want to actually be approached, but it also wouldn't hurt for them to try. That kind of distance from them, was the kind of reign that Earth was too loose with.
Random beings of power who thought themselves as good, weren't meant to just show up out of the blue, and feel like they could just have a chat with her. They would be as mistaken as the Queen of Demons, to even think that she would be impressed by anyone who was good and had power. All it meant was that they could kill the Demons or be killed themselves from even trying. Passing on without even any significance to her, if they held no important position.
Few of those who deemed themselves as good, ever really held any intelligence that would impress her. Even with the idea of practicing ki being a natural one, back when she was a younger Vampire, one idiot she had met, asked about where her parents were. She was double of his power, and could clearly take care of herself, yet that was the question that had came to his mind, being invited into her mansion to study his movements as a hybrid.
It was beyond peculiar how many people couldn't truly accept, or at least tolerate, the idea that humanity can be too stupid to deal with, and how she didn't need to on a planet that was her own. They wouldn't be able to even easily accept that so long as she was willing to kill the Demons and not them, there was nothing to be concerned of about her. It was the idea of someone having her kind of power, that just made it a whole issue for them.
But who even gave them the right to even make such a thing a problem? She would still be around long after they passed on and died, for she was the likeliest to be able to handle the life of an ageless being. To succumb to death without surpassing her predecessors, was to not make something of herself.
There were already so many days where she felt tired on this kind of level, and juggled around with these kind of thoughts. They never seemed repetitive, no matter how many times she knew it popped up in her mind before. If anything, it made her wonder what kind of change she could have made to stop it.
"Lady Rukia! Would you care to join us?"
So long as nothing unusual had happened, she would have eventually stopped patrolling the city, and do so in Yggdrasil instead. But then there were these kind of occurrences, that prevented things from just being a bit of a normal day for her. A crowd of teenage Elemi, sitting together at one of the businesses within the city, offering outdoor seating. She recognized the voice calling for her, before she had even taken a glance at the girl.
Those others, she had met before as well, but she was good enough at names not to really need the help of a scouter. Some of them had doubted the idea that she and the ice elemental, would have even showed up to listen to their culture shock. Which was a fitting belief to have, but one she didn't mind to prove otherwise. From the looks of things, they had a deck of cards out, and were playing with them. No real betting in terms of actual prizes, just food.
"If you're not busy, of course! It's something that some of us did to pass the time, when we were in free space."
There was a lot more that she could have really learned about these Elemi, with how scattered across planets so many of them had been. Even something as simple as this was, meant something to her as a thing she should know. She nodded her head in response, sitting between the one she was more familiar with, and the Elemi who further added some commentary. That girl had been one who doubted she could really join them at all, when they had first met.
The table around them was completely free of ice or any snow, and if not for the latter being around them elsewhere, it would have been like they were indoors. What food was pushed away to make room for her personal space, wasn't really anything that was unusual. It was hard to tell whether or not it was because they were embracing the culture, or if this was just normal for them to eat. But Elemi might be similar, though weren't all the same.
"It's not a bother. With the kind of gossip that can be spread around, I'm more than willing to spend this kind of time."
It didn't really need to be said just what she was talking about. She helped gave these people homes, a city, and even trusted them with the planet's evacuation facility. A lot of them she knew had kept up with the things she said to the public, and actions like these that she had personally taken.
Even if any of them were unclear or remotely curious on what she meant, there was no reason it couldn't have been voiced while playing whatever this was. Being more or less an open book, was the kind of impression that she wanted to leave with the public. There were certainly times where she made threats that she would have cashed in as an earlier Vampire, but they were nothing but motivation for others now to shape up, and make something useful of themselves.
"So what are you playing here?"
"I was told by Ayumi, it was something you'd might recognize from growing up on Earth, but with a twist. What we do is all pick a card. The one who has the highest and lowest both tell a couple of things on their mind. Whether or not it's something happy or sad, we're all here to be a listening ear."
So more storytelling then. Like when she had first met them. A natural thing, knowing how eager these people really were to know of other cultures. This planet, and really this city alone, could be pretty understanding when it came to that. But that was just what fooled outsiders to let their guard down.
"It sounds like a version of truth or dare played in school. Though at this age, a game like that is more suited indoors."
A nod had came from her to confirm the elemental had heard right, while the girl to her right started to shuffle the deck of playing cards. It wasn't that cold with this group taking in the climate around here, which reminded her of the issue that Lithi was just dealing with right now.
The shuffled cards were placed in the middle of the table, and like the others, she had gone and grabbed one. There was a quick display of everyone's cards, with her own being the lowest, and the Elemi that had added some commentary earlier, being the one with the highest. Her card was placed down in front of her to be shuffled back in for later. With 52 cards in a deck, and only five of them here together, there would be about 10 rounds to get through.
"It's not really what I wanted to bring up, but you're not hungry right? This can be a pretty long game."
"I'll be fine, but thank you."
Of the four Elemi that were at this table, all of which shared the ability of ice, this one was the most conscientious. From the way she felt the need to address their offer was in consideration of her time, to the careful scoops of the elemental's own meal, that had even led up to this question.
It was the kind of respect that should be given, not just because of her position, but due to courtesy. With this kind of behavior out here in this city, it really shouldn't have been difficult to lure in outsiders, under the belief that they could confide in just about anything, without consequence.
"Well then, where to start..."
Lightly nodding at her response, this one had paused to herself to think, allowing her to briefly glance around at the two others here. They hadn't really been quiet since her arrival, at the least, until this game had started. But their conversation wasn't something that she had paid mind to.
Although from what she could remember of these other two, they held back and talked more to each other, like a pair of twins, rather than just friends. A lot of the Elemi, even if they weren't related, she had noticed didn't seem to mind just moving in with each other, as if they'd know each other for a long while. But there was just as much curiosity and exchanges of the lives they lived on other planets, that proved that most were strangers to each other.
"I guess I've been thinking a lot about this planet. Like coming here and everything, being exposed to stuff I didn't do growing up, you know? They've heard this kind of thing from before, but I thought it was something you should hear, since you're one of the leaders and all."
There was silence, beyond what nodding there was, and although this confession was obviously directed at her, the elemental's eyes had quickly left her direction. The girl was playing with her spoon now, and from the lack of any gazes towards her, she knew that things weren't really over here yet.
It was different from the personal visit she had given them, but she also recognized jut how much it must have meant, to have this kind of spotlight. Whether or not the Elemi was actually nervous, they were meant to just be here and listen, giving time for it to all be let out.
"I do like this place though, don't get me wrong. A lot of us do. It's just that a couple of months isn't enough for some of us to get used to the differences of what we knew. And ontop of it all, there's also all of the talk about your beliefs, and what happens in the other cities."
What meal the elemental was eating, stopped being played around with, and actually eaten. It still wasn't some transition to pass the spotlight onto her, even if most of what she was hearing so far, was concerned about her input. Obvious things that she was already aware of, but that wasn't what mattered.
What did, was that although she might not have been looking to, she had the opportunity to comfort the Elemi of these thoughts. Her words might have meant a lot more, than what the others could have gave. The fact that she had this kind of power, and was willing to be with them like this, must have meant a lot.
"There's some other things I want to bring up too, but I can't really think of it right now. There's a lot about you, it'd be nice to hear more from."
There didn't need to be any real glances at the Elemi who invited her over, to know that there was meant to be a transition to her. Although before she could really have the spotlight, one of the other two she felt had taken a glance at her, sitting up more than the girl really had been before.
"She's right. Even before when you guys had visited, we really wanted you two to have talked more. From where all of us here had grew up, even though they were different planets, what you have is new."
"It's kinda new. Some of the Bijous, I've kinda always heard got into that kind of thing."
At first, only one of those two had started talking. But after the other had finished, the remaining one had spoken up with their thoughts. These girls were more of an icy nature, but she was still able to pick up embarrassment where it was present. And what she was hearing, she got the idea of what they meant.
"Well let's backtrack for a second here, since she's new to this whole thing. It's true, we're aware that some of us aren't yet used to this planet. But talking about it like this, it's not just to be a listening ear. We want to help make things better, you know?"
The first Elemi had spoke out, referring back to what the other one had first brought up. And that first thing had been about not being used to adjusting to things here yet, before things had moved onto what she had already said to the public, along with what really happened with people in the other cities.
"I'm pretty used to change, so it hasn't really been hard for me. But we've already told her she just needs to get out more and talk to other people. You've already helped out with that for me, introducing me to you Ayumi. I've been trying to do the same, but it's a work in progress."
"We were going to actually try and find some of these guys for you, since they don't all seem like they're too busy."
"Going to the other cities is pretty popular. I've told her that, but she makes it sound easy."
It didn't take much to see what kind of back and forth, was being sought out here. All around, there were exchanges between these Elemi with each other. Some of them were directed at her, or at least concerned her, but only a few had really taken a look at her for more than was actually necessary.
"These kind of things are why I get it's a lot to take in. And you having the kind of power that you do, there's just always going to be a lot of talk. But we're pretty willing to hear you out."
Smiling and nodding had came from each of them, specific to their own ways of talking and behavior. The first one of those other two, being the one to assume things would succeed without a hitch, while their friend had gone against that belief. Outspokenness to what was being said and heard by the one who invited her, and trying to ease the conscientiousness that was felt by the other Elemi. It was a really different mix of opinions and thoughts.
Yet, all of them could agree with the idea that they wanted to hear of her. Even going so far as to confirm her power was what had impressed them. So how much would it even mean to them, if she didn't really have this kind of power? If she was the one of her relationship to be the weaker one?
"Thank you, really. I won't lie, a lot of what I've heard, I've been made aware of similar thoughts. But I understand that voicing it yourself to someone like me, could possibly mean a lot more to you, than from the others."
More nodding was the only thing that had came from them, like what had happened with the Elemi. Though she felt that there was a difference in the air, as compared to the younger girl, there was no playing around with food, or really doing anything else that wouldn't have required full attention.
She did have a lot to say to them, things that weren't exactly the same as what she had announced before, but nonetheless was something that would mean well to them. What sympathetic smiles she gave, she didn't really feel much for, but it was easy to slip into it, just like any other person would.
"I can help introduce you to the others. I'm sure you've noticed that only a couple of them have really been stationed around here. It might feel like they're not rotated around each city, but they are. It just takes time for them to really meet and cater to people with similar thoughts you all share."
Which was true. They needed to memorize the topography of things, while keeping up with the work they were meant to. It could take weeks, and these four Elemi, were only a single group who shared similar thoughts as many others. The only reason the one who invited her, had even stuck out to her, was because she was one of the confident ones that approached her. Yet it wasn't in an annoying way that could have most, be something of a desire of hers to kill.
"The things I've already said to the public remain true, especially the times I've had to step in to settle a verdict. I do have secrets like anyone else, but none are really anything that can be used as manipulation. What I've yet to say, it just hasn't been the right time. Although it doesn't mean that I'm not willing to answer if asked about it."
There was a spike in interest there in her latter words, and like she had said, they weren't things that could be used against her by someone. With these words, she had already reminded them of just what she was capable of, when it came to arguing back and forth. How those on the opposing end of her defense, were likely to lose, and painted with reasonable doubt by the judges overseeing where the verdict would wind up leading to in the first place.
It wasn't meant to be a frequent thing, having to call up a council just to settle an argument. Doing so in the first place, usually meant that the individual was such trouble, they were too headstrong in changing themselves to adapt to what was meant to be a hostile environment. In the other cities.
Republic City and its inhabitants were like some curious bubble, wishing to see what the other cities were like, but potentially seeing wrongs with what normally went on there. Having been scattered across different planets, they were definitely the most accepting of what culture the other cities held, but she knew of some Elemi and even Bijou, who chalked up her explanations on what a long life had meant, as nothing but word diarrhea.
No amount of talking had mattered to them, even with evidence or reason. The council of this city could see that, and it was the reason these few individuals were banned from the planet. There was a difference in starting a revolution, and absolutely refusing to accept solutions to those concerns.
"If there's one thing about my beliefs that are certain, but seems difficult for those on planets like Earth to accept, is that power is often seen as good or bad, based on those trying to impose their own views. It often doesn't matter to them what good someone like me can do. Because they were raised differently, they can't accept the idea that someone like myself can have a different view from them."
It was a long explanation when it really came down to things, and no matter what kind of mood she really found herself in, explaining these things required much more of a back and forth, for her to really tire of it. That Elemi she had met years ago, was more intelligent than she could have ever thought of.
It had been tiring back then, bringing up all these views and beliefs, knowing how much it could influence the future. Unlike the common view of her, gaining power, and continuing to live day to day, made her much more lenient. There was a striking difference between back then and now.
"It might surprise you to hear of this, but I don't consider myself to be a good person, even with all the things I've done. Vampires and our culture, are just built around culling others who couldn't learn how to survive. There's no good in that, but it's likely the reason we're even able to be ageless beings in the first place. There's a consequence to power, and this culture is one of the very reasons people have doubts of me."
Glancing around at all of them, she could see their expressions were quiet, likely thinking of her words. She had already talked more than the younger girl had done, but presumably, it didn't really matter once things had really gotten started. It was a way to pass the time, like they had said, and they were hear to listen to her. Whether or not they really felt comfortable, she knew the lack of any voices to stop her, had meant it wasn't an issue so far.
"I've met too many people that feared my power, and as you've been told, a war with the Demons will come one day. But working with them could only go so far, as even back on Earth during the West City invasion, I could have easily betrayed them, and ended the life of their queen. The act of killing, whether you can believe it or not, can be necessary. But the afterlife isn't something to fear for those who have died too early. That's where a big part of my confidence comes from."
The war with the Demons, and her having worked with them, was one of the very things that these people had needed to know of her. It would have taken so much trust for anyone else, to reveal such a thing, but she wanted them to be prepared, rather than completely live in some kind of illusion things could be fine. Further use of the dragonballs could likely grant use of such things, but if the Kais had never used them, why would she at this level?
She got the wish she had wanted in a way, becoming eternally 25, and feeling restless on a daily basis, as a consequence for this power. An abundance of energy that needed to be exerted, time and time again, as the others here, she didn't doubt were able to feel even all the way from her palace.
"I understand there's a big reason why those here wish to travel to the other cities, but the demand here is just as great as being from that city, and wanting to be here. You've likely have heard of other Elemi who were able to get transportation, and the kind of stories they've brought back. Visiting the cities of my kind are possible, but overwhelming, as they're free to let out their true power. The biggest concern for those who travel though, is seeing the Wendigos attack the locals there, as the means to train and weed out those unable to survive. It's necessary, and accommodation for being able to work together alongside the Moreau family."
Those from this city who had already visited the other ones, would know for certain what happened there. There was no accidental deaths, with how they were meant to be escorted by someone competent and trustworthy. Mistakes and betrayal weren't meant to be within her community, when she was able to control them if she needed to. Those who couldn't adapt and accept the fact she wanted to reasonably appeal to them, had no place under her reign as queen.
Wanting to rescue was generally the most natural reaction, seeing someone attacked, but they'd be mistaken to do so in one of the other cities. Anyone competent would be able to handle themselves, and they weren't doing anyone but the weak favors, from allowing those individuals to live.
Surprise was often the thing that so many of those on Earth, had believed was enough to overcome the strong. But if anything, it only guaranteed their own deaths, trying something that was so risky. She was reaching the power of the gods, and the last thing that should be done was to challenge her.
"There's always going to be demand to travel, so my advice is to grow stronger, and earn a position notable enough to receive the benefit of skipping such things. You can try and make power the goal, knowing war will come one day, but I don't ask for you to risk your lives for something I can help prevent. As for the other things you've mentioned..."
With all of the kind of people that she had met, strong individuals who had their own goals in life, she would have thought it would have been more of an uncommon thing, to see people of her power having that kind of relationship. But it wasn't. And it happened to just be different enough that being the only one she knew of pursuing such things, made it unsurprisingly notable. Though it wasn't like everything was as it really should have been.
"No matter what you may think, things aren't exactly as I pictured it should be. I have no regrets, but more of a desire that things could be better. Being in this relationship means something to me, more than most things. But it often tends to feel like I'm the one more invested into making this relationship work. I consider my needs to be simple in the end, though she can be so different when we're not alone. Less chatty, unlike what I knew her to be, when we had first met."
It was hard, but at the same time easy, to confide in her issues with the relationship she had. Even when they had met Duvainel and had to go entertain the others, the ice hybrid who was her partner, was nowhere near as chatty as she remembered, when they had first met. People changed over time, but it was that kind of twinkle of excitement she had saw in those eyes, that made her feel like if they had dated back then, things could have been different now.
Though as it was, the back and forth she had with the Queen of Earth, or with the Saiyan/Elemi hybrid, had been something more enjoyable. She could tolerate and bear through a lot of things, and was certain if the woman had ever died, it'd be one of the few things that could cause her to cry.
But there was just a lot of what she considered might have been hurt, knowing how true it must have been, that she was the one more invested into this relationship. Taking the initiative for things wasn't something she mind, but the lead wasn't always something she wanted. And this shouldn't have been limited to something that was purely physical for them. She wanted to have the kind of back and forth she knew was possible to really have.
"You've got a lot on your mind there. But we're meant to be here to help you through it. Or at least try."
There was really nothing left for her to really say, and they seemed to all know that, nodding their heads in agreement with the one who invited her over. They were young, and must have been barely under 18, but she had knew maturity when she had saw it. It was unlikely they could really help her pass what only time could really fix, though she wasn't expecting for them to. This thing was just something she had to come to terms with herself.
The idea that until the elemental's own passing, she might have been the only one really invested into their relationship.
WC: 6,724
TWC of the week: 6,724/10,000
Harsh winters all year round, was the very thing that this planet had saw in each city. The only reason that people weren't blinded by it all, or froze themselves to death, was because of their own power, and the population that were in some cities. Those who were strong would survive the planet.
There was no green grass around in sight to welcome them, and the behavior of each city was differed from place to place. Approaches may have differed, but what the population of the planet shared, was the sight of scouters that civilians were meant to wear, along with knowledge of how the planet worked.
Outsiders were far easy to pick out for a lot of reasons, especially when knowing the possibility that the Demons had one or several spies on the planet. There was only so much that she could have done to prevent any disasters, but the one thing she could at least try to do, was have them be prepared.
The cities had their own leaders overseeing their place, and there was only an extent to what could be faked or mimicked. A day's work around the planet involved her and the others checking up on each city, some of them taking the time to really talk to the locals, about anything suspicious or any troubles.
Yggdrasil and the Vampire cities close to it, was truly the place she saw more as home, knowing how much of her kind stuck around there. Though she didn't mind being here in Republic either. With the kind of population that they had specifically sought out, it was nice to see all of the faces around here and their presence, was due to the work of herself and the ice hybrid. Alongside the latter element, it was decided that fire was the most suited for the place.
While both elements might have birthed offspring within the last few months, who could be a mix of both and introduce other elements, it was beyond obvious that an Elemi who wasn't of fire or ice, was likely to be an outsider. Accommodation for such a thing, could only go so far, to have them be out of their own element and also keep them alive. Everyone who was willing to stay on the planet, they fully believed that they could survive the weather.
To give any more maintenance than what was required, was unnecessary, as this planet was never meant to be some kind of tourist trap, like Earth or Namek was. There was only just so much that she was willing to tolerate, and to endure stupidity, just wasn't one of them. No one on this planet was forced to live here, and there wasn't going to be anyone who would miss those trying to start some unnecessary riot. The laws that governed each city differed, but it was known well enough that if she or her allies had to be the one to interfere, it would likely end in the death of whoever was causing trouble.
Republic City was the most open-minded, allowing trials to be taken place amongst a council of Elemi, but that was just the very thing that would guarantee their deaths. She knew each city like the back of her hand, and just what each of them were meant to be. The Elemi and Bijou who lived in this city, they were well exposed to the kind of 'wrongs' that could pop up across the planet, and which could take place within these trials of theirs.
So many troubles were usually those who weren't truly willing to stay on the planet. Some of them were free to be booted out, or even reformed, depending on their actions. But there were also those who were just unforgivable, and deserved death to befall them, usually because they were of some danger.
She had met far too many individuals, not to lump a majority of these types, all into one category. But those two fools who she had been made aware of, were quite possibly the easiest, when it came to pushing for their deaths, should she have wanted to. The weak Vampire who had managed to somehow kill a Kold Demon, it would be easy to go on about their ignorance of the community they suddenly found themselves apart of, and what being a Vampire had meant.
New Vampires were usually culled, and it was only through sheer luck along with her own command, that this one had continued to even survive. The practice of culling was something that could have easily appealed to the Elemi council, and if not that, then the consequences of letting someone immortal and foolish live. If this idiot could simple kill off someone through sheer luck, because he was stupid enough to believe he had the permission, just what would stop him from doing the same to others? No matter what kind of background he had, Vampires were meant to gain maturity down the line.
There could only be so many ageless beings within the universe, and it was death that kept that number low. Arguing against her, there was not a chance someone running on luck, would have ever won. That other fool, who was so confident he figured out how the planet worked, had too much ambition for someone with power as low as his. There was nothing appealing at all about his personality, and hearing of him, she was absolutely sure he was narcissistic.
Playing off of how much of a smart ass he was, she could have easily argued the beliefs he had admitted of the place, and just how likely it was he would have taken back what he said, under the guise of reform. If he had stuck to his words, then it only allowed her to argue about stubbornness, or a lack of respect. Reminders of how she and the others were the ones capable of protecting the planet, how she had entrusted the planet's evacuation facility to the Elemi and Bijou. There was a lot of things that she could have spun towards her favor, like personal experiences with the locals, and devotion, which would have ended in this fool losing. He was some kind of stranger, and outsider. Someone who although had been here well before them, amounted to nothing.
His own presence prior, had really only pushed for arguments to the past invasions that had happened on the planet, and how he managed to just do nothing. All of that kind of defeatist attitude he seemed to carry with him, and to just accept things for what it was, it could have reminded some of these Elemi and Bijou, just enough for her to push that they didn't need to be like him. That he was an example, a cautionary tale, of what to avoid.
It was those kind of things that she had similarly argued in the past, even well before this city had been truly established. She built trust, and the knowledge she knew them for reasons beyond what most would go the lengths for. There was a Capsule Corp building in each city, specifically tailored to the possibility of making changes. It wasn't just some one and done denial either. She and the others were meant to be more than willing to listen.
The past few days had been something of misery for her. On the first day it had happened, she isolated herself completely in her room, thinking of thoughts that questioned just what she had amounted to. The second day she had minimal contact with the others, but ultimately still stuck to her room, where she thought more about the future. Today, she was out and about, having more contact with the others, though happiness was far from her mind.
Betraying the Demons, was still something she was chewing on, and kept to herself. Though she had normally seen the elemental she had came into a relationship with, regardless of what mood she held, there was still apart of her that felt like they were distant, even if their time together always meant otherwise. Without being around the Elemi, like she was now, it was like there was just no comfort for her. That she was alone, like she had before they had gotten together. She could clearly feel the other woman's signature within this city, yet that feeling was still something that had persisted within her.
It wasn't some improvement to her relationship. Not some kind of longing. That much she was sure of. But this feeling was just one she so very much disliked, knowing just how much she felt as if she had never came into a relationship at all. Was it just that easy to fall back to how she was before?
If it wasn't one of her dresses that she was wearing, of which had boldness to her it, as it accentuated parts of her body, she was likely to wear a more business outfit instead. With the bloodmagic within them, Vampires were more than capable of surpassing any curses that might have been brought on, back when they had first transitioned. Appearances was the first and most natural kind of change that most had gone for, although plenty of people just stuck to what they had knew of, rather than pursue glamour. The harsh winters of the planet pushed others into wearing much more, while those like her endured it.
Republic, with the amount of Elemi around of both fire and ice, were the reasons why they were only heavy winds at best blowing around. They were naturally able to ward off any snow storms around, though their presence didn't change the fact that this planet naturally had darker skies. There was enough light not to be akin to night on Earth, due to their planetary rings, which gave each city the ability to see when curfew had shut off the lights.
It was too early to do so now, and walking around by herself, she really took in the sight of things around here. The Elemi Restoration Project had been a large effort to bring back their scattered kind onto just one planet. With all the different elements there were, only a giant planet like this would be able to host them. But the climate around there prevented so many from seeing this place as appealing, which wasn't a deal breaker for her.
Those who were meant to be here were considered as civilians, while others more as temporary guests. The Elemi of other elements who found themselves onto the planet, weren't meant to be registered, but so long as they didn't overstep their boundaries, it wasn't something that would be an issue like other outsiders. All around her, these Elemi had either gave off natural heat, or absorbed into them cold, keeping the areas around here controlled.
Everywhere else with the other cities, it was a combination of the population's own power, and Elemi who were stationed around here and there. She could take just about as long as she had really wanted, walking through these streets. It was always obvious to the others whenever she found herself in some kind of mood, while the regular civilians here only took glances at her, eyes here and there peering through the lenses of the scouters they were given.
She wore one as well, but could just as easily take it off. They were meant to have skepticism when seeing her or the others, in the case that someone might have been shapeshifting. It wasn't just a case of not seeing anything suspicious, but rather helping to document that she and the others were seen at a certain location in the first place. Compiling the footage and making sense of it took time, but it was better than having nothing at all.
The conversations around the city were like nothing but whispers to her, no matter how loud the conversations actually were. She wasn't invested in anything that didn't sound like it should be anything but a concern of hers, and with how often she could meet up with the masses of her own kind, it was easy to pick out what was important, and what was just mere gossip. So many people, with so many similar thoughts and ideas regarding change.
Whatever complaints they had, someone else had likely already raised that question, and was explained why things ran the way they did. It would have been so easy to just not listen to these identical concerns, but the thing about running a society was appealing to the idea that their thoughts matter.
Everyone in each city should have knew fairly well, that there was no simply demanding changes. How figures like her, might not want to actually be approached, but it also wouldn't hurt for them to try. That kind of distance from them, was the kind of reign that Earth was too loose with.
Random beings of power who thought themselves as good, weren't meant to just show up out of the blue, and feel like they could just have a chat with her. They would be as mistaken as the Queen of Demons, to even think that she would be impressed by anyone who was good and had power. All it meant was that they could kill the Demons or be killed themselves from even trying. Passing on without even any significance to her, if they held no important position.
Few of those who deemed themselves as good, ever really held any intelligence that would impress her. Even with the idea of practicing ki being a natural one, back when she was a younger Vampire, one idiot she had met, asked about where her parents were. She was double of his power, and could clearly take care of herself, yet that was the question that had came to his mind, being invited into her mansion to study his movements as a hybrid.
It was beyond peculiar how many people couldn't truly accept, or at least tolerate, the idea that humanity can be too stupid to deal with, and how she didn't need to on a planet that was her own. They wouldn't be able to even easily accept that so long as she was willing to kill the Demons and not them, there was nothing to be concerned of about her. It was the idea of someone having her kind of power, that just made it a whole issue for them.
But who even gave them the right to even make such a thing a problem? She would still be around long after they passed on and died, for she was the likeliest to be able to handle the life of an ageless being. To succumb to death without surpassing her predecessors, was to not make something of herself.
There were already so many days where she felt tired on this kind of level, and juggled around with these kind of thoughts. They never seemed repetitive, no matter how many times she knew it popped up in her mind before. If anything, it made her wonder what kind of change she could have made to stop it.
"Lady Rukia! Would you care to join us?"
So long as nothing unusual had happened, she would have eventually stopped patrolling the city, and do so in Yggdrasil instead. But then there were these kind of occurrences, that prevented things from just being a bit of a normal day for her. A crowd of teenage Elemi, sitting together at one of the businesses within the city, offering outdoor seating. She recognized the voice calling for her, before she had even taken a glance at the girl.
Those others, she had met before as well, but she was good enough at names not to really need the help of a scouter. Some of them had doubted the idea that she and the ice elemental, would have even showed up to listen to their culture shock. Which was a fitting belief to have, but one she didn't mind to prove otherwise. From the looks of things, they had a deck of cards out, and were playing with them. No real betting in terms of actual prizes, just food.
"If you're not busy, of course! It's something that some of us did to pass the time, when we were in free space."
There was a lot more that she could have really learned about these Elemi, with how scattered across planets so many of them had been. Even something as simple as this was, meant something to her as a thing she should know. She nodded her head in response, sitting between the one she was more familiar with, and the Elemi who further added some commentary. That girl had been one who doubted she could really join them at all, when they had first met.
The table around them was completely free of ice or any snow, and if not for the latter being around them elsewhere, it would have been like they were indoors. What food was pushed away to make room for her personal space, wasn't really anything that was unusual. It was hard to tell whether or not it was because they were embracing the culture, or if this was just normal for them to eat. But Elemi might be similar, though weren't all the same.
"It's not a bother. With the kind of gossip that can be spread around, I'm more than willing to spend this kind of time."
It didn't really need to be said just what she was talking about. She helped gave these people homes, a city, and even trusted them with the planet's evacuation facility. A lot of them she knew had kept up with the things she said to the public, and actions like these that she had personally taken.
Even if any of them were unclear or remotely curious on what she meant, there was no reason it couldn't have been voiced while playing whatever this was. Being more or less an open book, was the kind of impression that she wanted to leave with the public. There were certainly times where she made threats that she would have cashed in as an earlier Vampire, but they were nothing but motivation for others now to shape up, and make something useful of themselves.
"So what are you playing here?"
"I was told by Ayumi, it was something you'd might recognize from growing up on Earth, but with a twist. What we do is all pick a card. The one who has the highest and lowest both tell a couple of things on their mind. Whether or not it's something happy or sad, we're all here to be a listening ear."
So more storytelling then. Like when she had first met them. A natural thing, knowing how eager these people really were to know of other cultures. This planet, and really this city alone, could be pretty understanding when it came to that. But that was just what fooled outsiders to let their guard down.
"It sounds like a version of truth or dare played in school. Though at this age, a game like that is more suited indoors."
A nod had came from her to confirm the elemental had heard right, while the girl to her right started to shuffle the deck of playing cards. It wasn't that cold with this group taking in the climate around here, which reminded her of the issue that Lithi was just dealing with right now.
The shuffled cards were placed in the middle of the table, and like the others, she had gone and grabbed one. There was a quick display of everyone's cards, with her own being the lowest, and the Elemi that had added some commentary earlier, being the one with the highest. Her card was placed down in front of her to be shuffled back in for later. With 52 cards in a deck, and only five of them here together, there would be about 10 rounds to get through.
"It's not really what I wanted to bring up, but you're not hungry right? This can be a pretty long game."
"I'll be fine, but thank you."
Of the four Elemi that were at this table, all of which shared the ability of ice, this one was the most conscientious. From the way she felt the need to address their offer was in consideration of her time, to the careful scoops of the elemental's own meal, that had even led up to this question.
It was the kind of respect that should be given, not just because of her position, but due to courtesy. With this kind of behavior out here in this city, it really shouldn't have been difficult to lure in outsiders, under the belief that they could confide in just about anything, without consequence.
"Well then, where to start..."
Lightly nodding at her response, this one had paused to herself to think, allowing her to briefly glance around at the two others here. They hadn't really been quiet since her arrival, at the least, until this game had started. But their conversation wasn't something that she had paid mind to.
Although from what she could remember of these other two, they held back and talked more to each other, like a pair of twins, rather than just friends. A lot of the Elemi, even if they weren't related, she had noticed didn't seem to mind just moving in with each other, as if they'd know each other for a long while. But there was just as much curiosity and exchanges of the lives they lived on other planets, that proved that most were strangers to each other.
"I guess I've been thinking a lot about this planet. Like coming here and everything, being exposed to stuff I didn't do growing up, you know? They've heard this kind of thing from before, but I thought it was something you should hear, since you're one of the leaders and all."
There was silence, beyond what nodding there was, and although this confession was obviously directed at her, the elemental's eyes had quickly left her direction. The girl was playing with her spoon now, and from the lack of any gazes towards her, she knew that things weren't really over here yet.
It was different from the personal visit she had given them, but she also recognized jut how much it must have meant, to have this kind of spotlight. Whether or not the Elemi was actually nervous, they were meant to just be here and listen, giving time for it to all be let out.
"I do like this place though, don't get me wrong. A lot of us do. It's just that a couple of months isn't enough for some of us to get used to the differences of what we knew. And ontop of it all, there's also all of the talk about your beliefs, and what happens in the other cities."
What meal the elemental was eating, stopped being played around with, and actually eaten. It still wasn't some transition to pass the spotlight onto her, even if most of what she was hearing so far, was concerned about her input. Obvious things that she was already aware of, but that wasn't what mattered.
What did, was that although she might not have been looking to, she had the opportunity to comfort the Elemi of these thoughts. Her words might have meant a lot more, than what the others could have gave. The fact that she had this kind of power, and was willing to be with them like this, must have meant a lot.
"There's some other things I want to bring up too, but I can't really think of it right now. There's a lot about you, it'd be nice to hear more from."
There didn't need to be any real glances at the Elemi who invited her over, to know that there was meant to be a transition to her. Although before she could really have the spotlight, one of the other two she felt had taken a glance at her, sitting up more than the girl really had been before.
"She's right. Even before when you guys had visited, we really wanted you two to have talked more. From where all of us here had grew up, even though they were different planets, what you have is new."
"It's kinda new. Some of the Bijous, I've kinda always heard got into that kind of thing."
At first, only one of those two had started talking. But after the other had finished, the remaining one had spoken up with their thoughts. These girls were more of an icy nature, but she was still able to pick up embarrassment where it was present. And what she was hearing, she got the idea of what they meant.
"Well let's backtrack for a second here, since she's new to this whole thing. It's true, we're aware that some of us aren't yet used to this planet. But talking about it like this, it's not just to be a listening ear. We want to help make things better, you know?"
The first Elemi had spoke out, referring back to what the other one had first brought up. And that first thing had been about not being used to adjusting to things here yet, before things had moved onto what she had already said to the public, along with what really happened with people in the other cities.
"I'm pretty used to change, so it hasn't really been hard for me. But we've already told her she just needs to get out more and talk to other people. You've already helped out with that for me, introducing me to you Ayumi. I've been trying to do the same, but it's a work in progress."
"We were going to actually try and find some of these guys for you, since they don't all seem like they're too busy."
"Going to the other cities is pretty popular. I've told her that, but she makes it sound easy."
It didn't take much to see what kind of back and forth, was being sought out here. All around, there were exchanges between these Elemi with each other. Some of them were directed at her, or at least concerned her, but only a few had really taken a look at her for more than was actually necessary.
"These kind of things are why I get it's a lot to take in. And you having the kind of power that you do, there's just always going to be a lot of talk. But we're pretty willing to hear you out."
Smiling and nodding had came from each of them, specific to their own ways of talking and behavior. The first one of those other two, being the one to assume things would succeed without a hitch, while their friend had gone against that belief. Outspokenness to what was being said and heard by the one who invited her, and trying to ease the conscientiousness that was felt by the other Elemi. It was a really different mix of opinions and thoughts.
Yet, all of them could agree with the idea that they wanted to hear of her. Even going so far as to confirm her power was what had impressed them. So how much would it even mean to them, if she didn't really have this kind of power? If she was the one of her relationship to be the weaker one?
"Thank you, really. I won't lie, a lot of what I've heard, I've been made aware of similar thoughts. But I understand that voicing it yourself to someone like me, could possibly mean a lot more to you, than from the others."
More nodding was the only thing that had came from them, like what had happened with the Elemi. Though she felt that there was a difference in the air, as compared to the younger girl, there was no playing around with food, or really doing anything else that wouldn't have required full attention.
She did have a lot to say to them, things that weren't exactly the same as what she had announced before, but nonetheless was something that would mean well to them. What sympathetic smiles she gave, she didn't really feel much for, but it was easy to slip into it, just like any other person would.
"I can help introduce you to the others. I'm sure you've noticed that only a couple of them have really been stationed around here. It might feel like they're not rotated around each city, but they are. It just takes time for them to really meet and cater to people with similar thoughts you all share."
Which was true. They needed to memorize the topography of things, while keeping up with the work they were meant to. It could take weeks, and these four Elemi, were only a single group who shared similar thoughts as many others. The only reason the one who invited her, had even stuck out to her, was because she was one of the confident ones that approached her. Yet it wasn't in an annoying way that could have most, be something of a desire of hers to kill.
"The things I've already said to the public remain true, especially the times I've had to step in to settle a verdict. I do have secrets like anyone else, but none are really anything that can be used as manipulation. What I've yet to say, it just hasn't been the right time. Although it doesn't mean that I'm not willing to answer if asked about it."
There was a spike in interest there in her latter words, and like she had said, they weren't things that could be used against her by someone. With these words, she had already reminded them of just what she was capable of, when it came to arguing back and forth. How those on the opposing end of her defense, were likely to lose, and painted with reasonable doubt by the judges overseeing where the verdict would wind up leading to in the first place.
It wasn't meant to be a frequent thing, having to call up a council just to settle an argument. Doing so in the first place, usually meant that the individual was such trouble, they were too headstrong in changing themselves to adapt to what was meant to be a hostile environment. In the other cities.
Republic City and its inhabitants were like some curious bubble, wishing to see what the other cities were like, but potentially seeing wrongs with what normally went on there. Having been scattered across different planets, they were definitely the most accepting of what culture the other cities held, but she knew of some Elemi and even Bijou, who chalked up her explanations on what a long life had meant, as nothing but word diarrhea.
No amount of talking had mattered to them, even with evidence or reason. The council of this city could see that, and it was the reason these few individuals were banned from the planet. There was a difference in starting a revolution, and absolutely refusing to accept solutions to those concerns.
"If there's one thing about my beliefs that are certain, but seems difficult for those on planets like Earth to accept, is that power is often seen as good or bad, based on those trying to impose their own views. It often doesn't matter to them what good someone like me can do. Because they were raised differently, they can't accept the idea that someone like myself can have a different view from them."
It was a long explanation when it really came down to things, and no matter what kind of mood she really found herself in, explaining these things required much more of a back and forth, for her to really tire of it. That Elemi she had met years ago, was more intelligent than she could have ever thought of.
It had been tiring back then, bringing up all these views and beliefs, knowing how much it could influence the future. Unlike the common view of her, gaining power, and continuing to live day to day, made her much more lenient. There was a striking difference between back then and now.
"It might surprise you to hear of this, but I don't consider myself to be a good person, even with all the things I've done. Vampires and our culture, are just built around culling others who couldn't learn how to survive. There's no good in that, but it's likely the reason we're even able to be ageless beings in the first place. There's a consequence to power, and this culture is one of the very reasons people have doubts of me."
Glancing around at all of them, she could see their expressions were quiet, likely thinking of her words. She had already talked more than the younger girl had done, but presumably, it didn't really matter once things had really gotten started. It was a way to pass the time, like they had said, and they were hear to listen to her. Whether or not they really felt comfortable, she knew the lack of any voices to stop her, had meant it wasn't an issue so far.
"I've met too many people that feared my power, and as you've been told, a war with the Demons will come one day. But working with them could only go so far, as even back on Earth during the West City invasion, I could have easily betrayed them, and ended the life of their queen. The act of killing, whether you can believe it or not, can be necessary. But the afterlife isn't something to fear for those who have died too early. That's where a big part of my confidence comes from."
The war with the Demons, and her having worked with them, was one of the very things that these people had needed to know of her. It would have taken so much trust for anyone else, to reveal such a thing, but she wanted them to be prepared, rather than completely live in some kind of illusion things could be fine. Further use of the dragonballs could likely grant use of such things, but if the Kais had never used them, why would she at this level?
She got the wish she had wanted in a way, becoming eternally 25, and feeling restless on a daily basis, as a consequence for this power. An abundance of energy that needed to be exerted, time and time again, as the others here, she didn't doubt were able to feel even all the way from her palace.
"I understand there's a big reason why those here wish to travel to the other cities, but the demand here is just as great as being from that city, and wanting to be here. You've likely have heard of other Elemi who were able to get transportation, and the kind of stories they've brought back. Visiting the cities of my kind are possible, but overwhelming, as they're free to let out their true power. The biggest concern for those who travel though, is seeing the Wendigos attack the locals there, as the means to train and weed out those unable to survive. It's necessary, and accommodation for being able to work together alongside the Moreau family."
Those from this city who had already visited the other ones, would know for certain what happened there. There was no accidental deaths, with how they were meant to be escorted by someone competent and trustworthy. Mistakes and betrayal weren't meant to be within her community, when she was able to control them if she needed to. Those who couldn't adapt and accept the fact she wanted to reasonably appeal to them, had no place under her reign as queen.
Wanting to rescue was generally the most natural reaction, seeing someone attacked, but they'd be mistaken to do so in one of the other cities. Anyone competent would be able to handle themselves, and they weren't doing anyone but the weak favors, from allowing those individuals to live.
Surprise was often the thing that so many of those on Earth, had believed was enough to overcome the strong. But if anything, it only guaranteed their own deaths, trying something that was so risky. She was reaching the power of the gods, and the last thing that should be done was to challenge her.
"There's always going to be demand to travel, so my advice is to grow stronger, and earn a position notable enough to receive the benefit of skipping such things. You can try and make power the goal, knowing war will come one day, but I don't ask for you to risk your lives for something I can help prevent. As for the other things you've mentioned..."
With all of the kind of people that she had met, strong individuals who had their own goals in life, she would have thought it would have been more of an uncommon thing, to see people of her power having that kind of relationship. But it wasn't. And it happened to just be different enough that being the only one she knew of pursuing such things, made it unsurprisingly notable. Though it wasn't like everything was as it really should have been.
"No matter what you may think, things aren't exactly as I pictured it should be. I have no regrets, but more of a desire that things could be better. Being in this relationship means something to me, more than most things. But it often tends to feel like I'm the one more invested into making this relationship work. I consider my needs to be simple in the end, though she can be so different when we're not alone. Less chatty, unlike what I knew her to be, when we had first met."
It was hard, but at the same time easy, to confide in her issues with the relationship she had. Even when they had met Duvainel and had to go entertain the others, the ice hybrid who was her partner, was nowhere near as chatty as she remembered, when they had first met. People changed over time, but it was that kind of twinkle of excitement she had saw in those eyes, that made her feel like if they had dated back then, things could have been different now.
Though as it was, the back and forth she had with the Queen of Earth, or with the Saiyan/Elemi hybrid, had been something more enjoyable. She could tolerate and bear through a lot of things, and was certain if the woman had ever died, it'd be one of the few things that could cause her to cry.
But there was just a lot of what she considered might have been hurt, knowing how true it must have been, that she was the one more invested into this relationship. Taking the initiative for things wasn't something she mind, but the lead wasn't always something she wanted. And this shouldn't have been limited to something that was purely physical for them. She wanted to have the kind of back and forth she knew was possible to really have.
"You've got a lot on your mind there. But we're meant to be here to help you through it. Or at least try."
There was really nothing left for her to really say, and they seemed to all know that, nodding their heads in agreement with the one who invited her over. They were young, and must have been barely under 18, but she had knew maturity when she had saw it. It was unlikely they could really help her pass what only time could really fix, though she wasn't expecting for them to. This thing was just something she had to come to terms with herself.
The idea that until the elemental's own passing, she might have been the only one really invested into their relationship.
WC: 6,724
TWC of the week: 6,724/10,000