[Special 008: Voice/Action]

[no_use_running]

[Voice/Ami]

This may seem sort of a strange question suddenly, but please tell me about your families.

[Ami's having one of those days where the distance between herself and her family and friends seems too vast and too real. Later, to focus her mind, she'll train in the battle dome, partners and visitors welcome.]

Comments

[Action]

[lolstealing]

[Locke came down for a practice battle but he spots Ami/Mercury battling, so instead he decides watch her fight. when the match is over he finally speaks]

That's something I've never seen before, what kinda power is that?

Re: [Action]

[no_use_running]

[She turns around, and finds a slightly tired smile as she catches her breath.]

My power is the Water.

[Action]

[lolstealing]

[he nods at the statement]

Yeah looks like water, but is it some kinda magic?

Re: [Action]

[no_use_running]

You could call it that. [It's nearest to the truth; their powers have always skirted a few borders between magic and technology.]

[Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

[It takes Robert some time to psyche himself up enough to say anything to Ami again. He needs to talk to her, but he's terrified. He's afraid to ask her if she likes him anymore.

He wants to say sorry so badly, but...

The question. It's an excuse. He answers it stumblingly, haltingly.]

... I was an adopted child, like most Terrans. My parents, Akila and Frederick Hastings, brought me up in Linden for the entirety of my life. They were both very kind people... loving, patient parents who nurtured my love of science ever since they were aware of my aptitude. I must confess that I likely caused them many problems at times with my insatiable desire for knowledge.

...

It... has been awhile since I spoke to them, at home.

A very long while.

[He falters uncomfortably then. Is it strange to not want to talk to them...? To not want to feel that pity, that shame, that undertone of barely-suppressed disapproval?

Or what he feels as such?]

Re: [Voice]

[no_use_running]

[Ami takes the answer at face value.]

It's the same for me. Of course I love Mama and want to see her, but we both have very busy careers.

It'd be nice if I could see her more, I've always thought.

[Voice]

[semper_cogitans]

[Ami obviously cares very much for her mother. Robert... isn't sure how to empathize with it.]

Well... my career took me away from my parents entirely. [A half-truth. Robert used it as an excuse to get away.] Though I still keep... contact with them. [Occasionally.]

Re: [Voice]

[no_use_running]

[She takes the answer simply again.]

I see. It's the same for me. I write Mama and e-mail her as much as I can. Usually every day. [Just like the whiteboard growing up.]

[the_mikester]

[Mike is watching, mouth hanging open. He hadn't recognized you at first, but there was no mistaking that energy- stronger now, more abundant, and overlaid with different patterns- but still you. There is a warm feeling rising in his chest, and he hasn't taken a breath in over a minute. Don't worry, though. As a turtle, he won't start feeling dizzy for a little while longer.]

[no_use_running]

[Ami goes through a few cool-down stretches to keep her muscles from tensing up, seemingly oblivious to her watcher.]

[the_mikester]

[Mike... is observing his own brain as if from far away. Ami... is not just a Japanese school girl. She knows magic, or something like it. She can fight. His heart is beating really fast and hard, like it's trying to hammer it's way out of his plastron. And let's not forget that she looks really delicious right now, a light sheen of sweat coating her skin as she stretches...

Mike shakes himself, and takes in a breath.]

[no_use_running]

[She rubs at a spot on her arm; perhaps a slightly tense muscle. Then she turns to the door to head out.]

Re: No Transmission

[no_use_running]

[After a bit, when she notices it, Ami tries a message herself.]

Daisy? Is everything alright? [Her first thought is that something came up to stop Daisy from leaving word.]

Re: [Voice]

[no_use_running]

[There's not too much chance of hiding digital footprints from Ami; it was bound to be noticed at some point.

Meanwhile, the answer leaves her at a loss. How should she respond?]

Would you like to talk for awhile?

[That leaves it open-ended... it's not rude or prying... she hopes.]

[Written messily]

[personafalsify]

I don't have any.

[Written tidily]

[no_use_running]

An orphan? I'm sorry for your loss.

[Written]

[personafalsify]

I never had any. A thing like me doesn't have any family.

Re: [Written]

[no_use_running]

Now, wait! I don't know exactly what you mean, but you shouldn't speak about yourself like that...

['A creature like you'. It's too familiar.]