Cadias

IC: Sanei - Sado

In response, a coin floated toward Eshai. "Order what you will." Again, I couldn't help but smile a bit. I remembered the days when a simple task like that would have forced me to stop walking and would have exhausted me... I had come a long way since the first days of my training. Of course, I still had a long way to go yet.

As we neared the Coliseum, more and more people appeared around us. It made sense- the streets were lined with restaurants and inns, and there was doubtlessly an event happening soon in the arena. I hadn't watched a match of Paoro in a long time... perhaps I should do that? Having free time was kind of nice, although I felt uncomfortable. I wasn't doing anything important, anything that contributed to my honor or that of my clan.

I walked into one of my favorite restaurants, one of the more expensive ones that was less likely to be frequented by the likes of Saihoko. I sat down at a table that was a little more out-of-the-way and isolated than the others, out of consideration of Eshai's status. Taking small precautions wouldn't hurt, after all.

IC: Kadon

I grinned viciously as my foot collided with Drome's face. I was effortlessly beating him, as usual. "Go ahead and try! Hard to do with my foot in your ugly mug!" Pleased with my quip and victory, I leaped back a few feet.

To my surprise, Drome didn't try and futilely swat at me. Instead, he took a step back and charged, after I had just given him more space to do so. An image of myself getting stabbed with his shoulder spikes flashed briefly through my mind. "Whoops."

Luckily, though, Drome's tactic had about as little thought put into it as was possible. Waiting for him to get close, I merely dove to the side, grinning triumphantly. "You'll have to come and get it, Fangs!"

IC: Sanei

"Yes, I've put some thought into the matter. It was wise of you to ask." Perhaps paying someone of Eshai's rank a compliment wasn't proper, but it was for the best that I encouraged her to bring up concerns. It could very well be very important one day, after all.

"Just look as if you're a guard and you should be fine," I replied. "I assume you want something to eat?"

I have to admit, I liked conversing with Eshai via Ideatalk. It was a decent way to pass the time, and to others it would look like we were walking along in silence, proper behavior for a guard and her employer. Though I was a bit alarmed at how easily her and I got along and how much we talked, considering the gulf in our status... it was a bit worrying. For now, though, it wasn't a problem.

IC: Sanei - Sado

Eshai had a point, but I'd given it some thought. The answer was simple.

"I am a Menti warrior of Clan Umbraline. If I wish to employ someone, that is my business, regardless of her status," I replied. Then, with just a hint of a smile, I added, "Besides, you and I have discovered that we share a few ancestors. To leave someone related to you, even distantly, with no source of income when you can provide them with employment is shameful, is it not?" Though us being related at all was almost certainly untrue, it was a decent enough excuse for the time being. Of course, if someone of a higher status than I questioned my choice in employing Eshai, someone with the means to check if we were related... hmm. I'd probably have to say that I didn't know she was without a clan.

We exited the building my apartment was in. It was still fairly early, so the streets were largely devoid of others, but that would doubtlessly change soon. The Coliseum was always busy.

IC: Sanei - Sado

I was impressed. Eshai obviously took her role very seriously... good. Ever since Ankora had pointed out that I really didn't have a real reason to need a guard, I'd felt a bit silly about hiring Eshai, but if she was going to take it seriously, then there was no reason I couldn't.

As I put on my armor, I thought over what we should do that day. I'd wanted to get back to Sado as soon as possible, but now that I was here I didn't have anything to do. I'd still be on leave for the next few days, and I wasn't particularly eager to go back to my post early- while the Towers of Knowledge were one of the great achievements of my people, guarding them was rather dull.

Hmm, going and seeing one or two of the museums housed in the Towers actually might be interesting.... I'd have to keep that in mind. The first thing to do, though, was obvious.

Feeling sufficiently prepared, I exited my apartment, walking swiftly as usual. "We'll drop by one of the restaurants by the Coliseum for breakfast first," I said to Eshai, without bothering to look and see if she was behind me. "Afterwards, we might watch one of the games or visit the Towers of Knowledge."

IC: Sanei - Sado

Eshai fell silent. I supposed that, considering we hadn't known each other for very long, it was a bit soon for me to assume that her being silent was normal. Still, it seemed to fit.

We made our way to my apartment in the Wards as night fell over Sado. It was rather unusual for a Menti warrior to live in the Wards, but I'd never cared much for the barracks. I liked having a little space to myself. Besides, my family wasn't incredibly important, but we were still well off. I could afford to indulge myself a little.

My apartment was small, like most in the Wards were. Composed of two rooms, it was short on space but served my needs admirably. The first served as a sort of living room/kitchen/dining room and contained a table and a small, heatstone-powered stove. A few pieces of art depicting things such as the Palace's famed Gardens, a Kanohi dragon circling Mount Koshiki, and the Umbraline family crest. The second room was simpler, containing my bed, a tiny closet, a desk and a chest.

Fortunately, I still had the cot that had come with the apartment tucked away in the closet and found it with minimal effort. I'd have get something more comfortable for Eshai to sleep on later.

***

When I woke up the next morning, the sun was already gleaming on the crystal spires of Sado. Sleepily, I got up. "Ugh, I slept in... good thing I'm still supposed to be on vacation in Odaiba," I mumbled. "Awake yet, Eshai?"

IC: Sanei - Sado

I nodded again. That explained why I only recalled the barest details- I probably hadn't been born yet.

That thought made me pause. Eshai was almost certainly older than I by a few centuries. I suddenly began to wonder what she thought of me... young and foolish, maybe? She'd already commented on how hard I worked at everything, and said she'd once had goals similar to mine... perhaps I reminded her of herself at a young age. Had her life once revolved around honoring her family name, much like mine did, only to find it torn away from her?

Then I caught myself. What she thought of me didn't matter- after all, she had no clan, something that even the lowest of Saihoko possessed. Besides, I was a member of Clan Umbraline, the most powerful Clan in the Archipelago. My clan would certainly never fall within my lifetime, if ever. Really, comparing myself to Eshai was laughable. She was my guard, I reminded myself, nothing more.

"Hmm? Oh, yes," I said, returning to verbal speech. Some of my usual insufferable tone was beginning to creep back into my voice.

IC: Sanei - Sado

I nodded. Power may be a virtue, but it must be pursued with caution.

I faintly recalled hearing about a clan collapsing in the way Eshai described, but I couldn't recall the details. "How long ago did it happen?"

IC: Sanei - Sado

I nodded. "I can see the advantages to that, yes." I waited for Eshai to continue.

IC: Sanei - Sado

Again, Eshai had managed to surprise me. I'd expected her to become silent once more, but instead she seemed to want to have a conversation. While a small part of me objected to talking to someone with as low a status as hers for longer than was necessary, there wasn't any harm in getting to know her a bit better. And, though I'd never admit it, her abilities as a warrior had earned her a bit of respect from me.

Besides, any onlookers would assume that I was talking to a Menti, so there wasn't much risk in speaking with her.

"As a Menti should," I 'said.' "Yes, I would like to know more of your clan."

OOC: I think I'll try writing Sanei in first-person for a change... might be interesting.

IC: Sanei - Sado

I fought back a wave of frustration directed at my guard. I'd made it perfectly clear that I didn't want to talk about it, but she'd brought it up anyway. Still, the topic would probably come up again later... might as well address it now. Besides, the question wasn't all that different from something I'd heard a thousand times before-'Slow down, Sanei, take it easy. Why don't you take a vacation? You're killing yourself.'

So, it was only natural that I reply with something I'd said and thought a thousand times: "It is befitting of a member of Clan Umbraline to work tirelessly." My tone was crisp, the familiar words 'spoken' with just a hint of pride. "It is only natural that I strive to uphold my family name."

IC: Geklan - Ga-Koro

Geklan remained silent, having tucked the tablet away. Feeling that he wasn't being observed, he let his mind wander. A small frown appeared on his face, which was devoid of its mask. After all, he was a Lesterin.

The conflict between Theriss and Barthel sounded a lot like the one he'd had with Theriss over the chair. So much like it that it was scary, in fact. Still, Geklan felt that it wasn't wise to mention the similarities.

He didn't want to end up having to apologize to Theriss, after all.

IC: Sanei - Sado

"Oh, uh..... yes." There was a long pause as Sanei stared up at the buildings, obviously grappling with something.

She'd been hoping that Eshai wouldn't bring that up. She'd almost been defeated without her opponent doing so much as lifting a finger... it was unsettling.

More importantly, it brought a lot of the doubts she'd buried deep rising to the surface. To nearly have been defeated with such ease... had all of her hard work been for naught? Could she ever hope to truly live up to the name Umbraline?

Switching to spoken language, she began to say something. She spoke quietly and softly. "Yes, it was... uh..."

Realizing that she had been on the brink of showing weakness in front of her bodyguard, she shut her mouth and tensed up. "That is to say," she said, using Ideatalk, "Yes, it was very effective. I'll have to work at overcoming that particular strategy." Again abruptly, she began walking, with no particular destination in mind.

She walked quickly, annoyed with herself. Getting all sentimental in front of someone so far below her was shameful. How could she let herself act like that if she ever hoped to become important? She still had so very far to go...

She continued walking hurriedly. She didn't have anywhere to go, but she still felt the urge to be moving, to be doing something. Anything.

IC: Sanei - Training Grounds, the Yard, Sado

"As befits a Menti warrior of Clan Umbraline." Abruptly, Sanei began walking away. "We should have more practice bouts in the future. It'll challenge and improve the both of us. Also, it is essential that I know your tactics and vice versa if we are to fight as a team."

She stopped and looked up at the crystalline structures that rose up around them both. "Now, what to do?"

IC: Sanei

Sanei spun around, ready to charge again. She hadn't managed to land a blow on Eshai with her last attack...

Then, she sheathed her sword. "Alright. I think that it's safe to say this fight isn't going anywhere. You fight well."

IC: Sanei - Training Grounds, the Yard, Sado

Sanei narrowed her eyes as she charged forward. Eshai didn't look very concerned about her charge- perhaps she had a trick in mind? Besides, she was giving her opponent the advantage by doing something predictable.

As she neared Eshai, she ducked, slicing at her opponent as she continued moving forward. Hopefully, she'd be out of Eshai's reach before she could react.

IC: Sanei - Training Grounds, The Yard, Sado

Sanei paused for a moment. "Agreed," she said.

Without further ado, she charged at Eshai once more, sword held high.

IC: Sanei - Training Grounds, The Yard, Sado

Sanei had been on the defensive for too long. It was time to put some pressure on Eshai, she decided.

With that in mind, Sanei gripped her sword tightly and charged at Eshai.

IC: Sanei - Training Grounds, the Yard, Sado

As Eshai raised her Kanabo, Sanei rolled over. She was beginning to feel the strain of having to use telekinesis so much- she'd trained to use her Mindarm abilities and sword in concert, but had so far been unable to bring her weapon into play.

Time to change that.

She kept rolling to avoid the club-like weapon. Once she felt she was safely out of the way, she stopped. Narrowing her eyes, she focused on Eshai's stomach. The telekinetic push she sent Eshai's way was smaller than the others, but more focused- about the equivalent of being punched. Hopefully, it would be enough to make adjusting the course of the Kanabo impossible.

IC: Geklan - Ga-Koro

Theriss had received the money with icy silence, which Geklan took as a bad sign. If Theriss Durim isn't even slightly cheered by a bag of widgets, then you know you're in trouble.

He watched in uncharacteristic silence as Theriss and Barthel argued about something or other, some joke he'd just missed or something. Had anyone looked his way, they would have noticed him scribbling down some notes on a tablet.

What? You never know what can boost profits. Maybe necklaces or bracelets or something small that people could buy to show support for one or the other. Theriss would kill him, but the money that could be made...

IC: Sanei - Training Grounds, The Yard, Sado

Sanei was winded from the blast. It hadn't been focused or intended to harm Eshai, so-

Suddenly, Eshai disappeared, and Sanei felt an impact on her back. No doubt to Eshai's delight, she fell almost flat on her face. "Oof!"

IC: Sanei - Training Grounds, The Yard, Sado

What Sanei felt next was a strange feeling. It was like a voice deep inside of her, whispering up from the depths of her soul. "Eshai is so far below you, and yet she has so far been able to match your blows," it whispered. "Why are you not defeating her easily?"

With the words came an almost overpowering wave of self-doubt. Suddenly, Sanei was reminded of every time she had failed, every time she had failed to uphold the name of her clan. It was as if all the doubts she shoved as far back in her mind as she could had bubbled to the surface. Defeating Eshai, once a simple and even enjoyable task, now seemed monumental. The other Menti seemed to tower over her, an immovable, implacable, unstoppable force.

Her fingers trembled on the hilt of her sword as she hesitated. Should she give up? Should she drop her weapon?

What am I thinking? I... I am a Menti of the Umbraline! she thought, trying to sound courageous. It didn't work, but the point remained. She had to uphold her family's honor, even in a simple duel like this.

"No," Sanei whispered, as if answering the insidious voice inside of her. Then, she looked directly at Eshai, unleashing a powerful telekinetic blast as she yelled, "No!"

IC: Geklan - Ga-Koro

Geklan had spent a good hour or so that morning trying to do paperwork, but he found himself too distracted. While his bad mood had dissipated, he was still puzzled over how Theriss had managed to discover a weakness of his that he hadn't known of again. She had a talent for it- much like his talent for annoying her.

Though he hated to admit it, it also went a bit deeper than that. Geklan had envisioned Theriss glaring at him, silently swearing vows of vengeance while pulling small tricks like dumping the glass of water over his head. Instead, she'd actually been upset by it, which had caught the Lesterin off-guard. Overnight, he had managed to convince himself that it was because he saw bringing the chair in as harmless and that was why her reaction surprised him- which was more-or-less true. He still firmly believed that he couldn't care less about her otherwise, though.

Either way, he felt reluctant about meeting Theriss again anytime soon. Unfortunately, he didn't have much choice- the Matoran he sent out hadn't found the restaurant, apparently, so he'd have to deliver the Sarsi's cut himself. So, Geklan decided to do what he did best: Talk and pretend nothing had ever happened.

"Going out to an expensive place? This'll help," he said, his usual large (and fake) grin plastered on his face as a bag of widgets sailed toward the chair beside Theriss. It was as if he had appeared out of nowhere- which, considering the Mask of Concealment dangling from one of his hands, was fairly probable. "Your cut of the profits. Not a ton of money, but promising. Oh, I apologize for my sudden disappearance last night. I suddenly remembered a very important meeting, and couldn't wait around to say goodbye."

With a glance at Barthel, he added, "Please don't. A repeat of interview day would be bad for sales."

IC: Sanei - Training Grounds, The Yard, Sado

Sanei frowned when her blade connected with nothing. Oh, well. It had been worth a try.

As Eshai charged toward Sanei, Sanei turned to face her. No way to stop that with her Mindarm powers without exhausting herself- just deflecting Eshai's first blow had drained her reserves alarmingly. Eshai's strength was not to be underestimated.

So, instead trying to block the charge, Sanei activated her Hau. At the same time, she again focused on using her telekinetic powers to give Eshai a quick, upward tug. It wasn't particularly powerful, but it would hopefully be enough to throw Eshai off, distract her a bit. It was a risky move, though- it took a lot of concentration to use her Discipline and Kanohi simultaneously.

IC: Sanei - Training Grounds, The Yards, Sado

Sanei jumped, surprised at Eshai's sudden appearance. Also, there was the matter of the Kanabo, which was rapidly closing in on her face.

Luckily, though, the years she had spent training paid off. Almost automatically, her mind reached out to pull on Eshai's weapon up, hopefully enough to cause it to clear her head. At the same time, she swung her sword at Eshai's legs. With her attention focused on the Kanabo, she couldn't afford to look at her target, but it would hopefully put Eshai on the defensive.