Chapter 6 - A Loss, A Gain

[duck_duck_laser]

[Phone, backdated to November 1st]

This is a call for anyone who knows Aurica Nestmile. As of this morning, she...

She's been droned, and if the information that I've been given is correct, it's not temporary.

[There's an uncomfortable, pained pause.]

I'm sorry.

We'll take good care of her.

-------

[Action A - 458 Stone Street, Morning,

Comments

[duck_duck_laser]

[There's a brief pause before Dakki answers. When she speaks, her voice is soft and careful.]

I'll be fine, Nina. Some things can't be helped.

I've been here, before.

[duck_duck_laser]

Whether we're here, or we're home...

[She sighs, and shifts the phone's receiver to her other ear.]

Thank you. But I think I'll be fine. I just need some time.

B

[emperorsangel]

Would you like a practice partner?

[duck_duck_laser]

[Settling back from a swing, Dakki turns to Sanguinius, beaming.]

I would love a practice partner.

[emperorsangel]

I would be happy to oblige then. It'll be just as useful to me as it will be to you.

[duck_duck_laser]

We need to stay sharp, here! And I need to get used to using this thing, again!

[She takes a careful, defensive stance.]

...Keep in mind that I'm not armored, though.

[spinningorange]

(Speaking of fine company, here's the aforementioned cat who's happily been walking on all four of her feet without strings. Suck on that, Pinocchio!

Like Dakki, Chen too is saddened by Aurica's new found dronehood and has been restlessly walking around the house all day as a result. It's only when she sees Dakki and a...greenish light? Okay, wait a minute. Chen casually hops back into the house to inquire.

What do you have there, Dakki? It looks pretty~

[duck_duck_laser]

Ah! Chen! It's a photon saber! Careful, don't get too close...

[Dakki is handling it with considerable care. She doesn't want to wing any of the furniture with it, or they'll need to replace the furniture...]

It's a high-quality one, too. I had just bought this, right before I wound up here. [She grins wider, suddenly, a fun realization hitting her.] I hadn't even had the chance to field-test it!

[spinningorange]

Photon? Does photon mean pretty in Gurhal?

(Chen's pretty much technologically advanced enough to know that putting water in a pot over a fire will make it boil.)

How'd you manage to get it back?

[duck_duck_laser]

Photons are a particle. They... [Wait, no, maybe it was time to dumb this down a bit...] ...they're a kind of energy, where I come from. And people can use it to power technology!

[Oh dear, Chen seemed a little too fascinated with it... Dakki deactivates the saber, and the glow dies away. Best not to have the kitty try to swipe at it.]

This is a very dangerous weapon. I shouldn't have it turned on when I'm in the house...

It came in the mail! When the town gives us things back, it sends it by mail. You... oh, you haven't been checking the mail, have you, Chen? What if you've got something back and it's just waiting for you?!

[This is a very alarming thought!]

B

[motherofjegus]

[Don't mind this adult troll turned human, she's just going to sit and watch for a bit until Dakki stops for a moment]

You're very skilled, were you trained in combat from an early age?

B (Sorry I'm a little late in tagging back!)

[duck_duck_laser]

[This particular break was to work a kink out of her shoulder. Ugh, organic muscles could be so unpredictable...

Oh? Someone was there? She turned her head to confirm it, smiled at the woman, then turned herself the rest of the way around.]

Ah, thank you! I was built for combat, actually. Programmed with the knowledge. Although I've had a lot of practice. [She puffs up a bit with pride.] Are you a fighter, too?

all good

[motherofjegus]

[Dolorosa would have to agree, these bodies are rather weak, too squishy for her liking]

[She nods a bit, even if she doesn't fully understand what she said]

While I cannot say I was built for combat nor would I say I'm a fighter, I've had my fair share of experience in defending myself and others from attacks. Do you believe I will be making use of this knowledge during my stay here?

[duck_duck_laser]

[Dakki's answer is immediate.] Yes. You absolutely will. This town is only pleasant-seeming to lull us into a false sense of security.

[Her expression then softens, as does her voice. She extinguishes her blade, and walks closer.]

You must be new to Mayfield. I don't suppose I could have your name? I'm Dakki Sigal. I've been here for a few months.