At the Bottom (Undine, closed)

[Ascalon H. Helios]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background: url(http://i.imgur.com/8qnsq.gif); padding: 7px; width: 400px, bTable][atrb=vAlign,top][style=background-color: #303030; padding: 5px; float: left;][/style]

[atrb=vAlign,top][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 300px; text-transform: lowercase; color: #bebebe; margin-top: 3px; margin-left: 3px;]words 516 · tags undine · notes stillnothappywithit[/style][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; color: #bebebe; padding: 5px; width: 290px; margin-left: 3px; text-align: justify; margin-top: 5px; height: 180px; overflow: auto;] Blood stained his gloves. Blood of some cocky person who tried to steal from an innocent woman, and the same cocky person had picked a bad time. He decided to steal from said woman just as Solo passed by. That thief didn’t get far. Maybe a couple of inches before the blood that was in his head painted the wall opposite Solo. The young gunslinger hated having blood on him, even if his line of work called for it to be there near constantly. He couldn’t escape the crimson liquid. Everywhere he ran, he had to purge someone. Clean another mark off of the world. He had been sent off of the ship to buy a few things, mostly for himself. He needed materials for bullets and bread, so someone had to get it. It didn’t hurt that he really didn’t feel like being around his captain at that time. Nanashi installed accommodations for a merfolk, which Solo was perfectly ok with (in fact, he wanted them to be there). The fact that, from what he heard, one of the tubes led to Nanashi’s quarters bothered him. That girl, Undine, was not a toy or object. She was a person, more so than Nanashi or Solo. At least she was completely organic. Sadly, he had to return to the ship to wash the blood off and replace his gloves. Maybe try and talk to Undine while he was at it. Sure enough, upon arrival, Undine was sitting on the deck, her legs in her water tube. That would save Solo having to swim down there to find her. The golden blond male set down his purchases, took his bloodied gloves off, and threw them overboard as he approached the female. Hm. How to strike up a conversation. Undine Aquarius. Mermaid. Sadly, sold at auction and forced to live… like this. I must apologize for how you’re forced to live, Undine. Solo said to the woman as he came up, kicking his shoes off, then rolling his pants up a bit and removing his socks. He was just about to slip his feet in to the tube, but felt like that would be an invasion of privacy. He couldn’t do that. Would you mind if I rest my feet in the water? He asked the woman. After receiving his answer, his feet found their way into the cool waters. One of his favorite places was the water. Fresh water, at least. So clean and perfect. I never got the chance to speak with you after I shot that man’s hand. Disgusting nobles. Thinking they can treat beings as play things. He said to the mermaid before removing his gunblade from his belt and setting it beside him. He couldn’t stand people who misused what they had. Power. Money. Whatever it might be. I will make it my personal goal to assist in making sure your wrong-doers face justice. Make them regret treating another being as an object. He added, trying his best to spark a conversation, but probably failing miserably. He had no emotion in his voice. [/style][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 300px; text-transform: lowercase; color: #bebebe; margin-top: 5px; margin-left: 3px; margin-bottom: -3px;]template by john of ote & btn[/style]

[undine]

[STYLE=width: 400px; height: 300px; background-image: url(http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/4540/undine4.png);][STYLE=background-color: 191919; width: 300px; font-family: georgia; font-size: 25px; padding: 5px; text-align: left; color: ffffff; position: absolute; margin-top: 200px;]secret gem of the seas[/style][/style][STYLE= width: 400px; background-image:url(http://i42.tinypic.com/1z6r4o5.jpg);]
[STYLE=width: 380px; height: 300px; background-color: #ffffff; height: 200px; overflow: auto; font-size: 10px; font-family: tahoma; color: #000000; text-align:justify; padding: 2px;]♒ The aquamarine haired female let out a sigh. Making air bubbles within the water tank, her home and room for now. It was going to be her room for a while probably. There was no escaping from that man, Nanashi. Not with this stupid annoying bracelet. Undine let out another sigh. She wanted to be free again. But at least she wasn't being constantly pursued. So that was nice. Undine longed for the vast wide ocean. To communicate with her fish friends and explore the unexplored depths of the sea.

♒ Undine looked at her tank, there was many connecting tubes that led to other places. The female decided she could go exploring at least. With a kick of her tail, she got of the floor of the tank, slipping into one of the tube that led to god knows where. She hasn't still quite yet figured out where the tubes went. Undine found herself in a smaller tank and it seemed to be the main deck. The mermaid blinked at the main deck. There wasn't really any people and no one paid much attention to Undine. Of course, treating the mermaid like a slave still. Like she doesn't exist.

♒ The mermaid slipped out into the opening, yet still keeping her lower body still in the water. She leaned back, soaking in the sunlight. She closed her eyes, enjoying the warmth and at the same time the feeling of the cool water wash over her tail. "Undine Aquarius. Mermaid. Sadly, sold at auction and forced to live… like this. I must apologize for how you’re forced to live, Undine." said a voice. Undine jumped out of her relaxation mode. She was instantly alert and high on guard.

♒ No one wouldn't talk to her. Not until now at least. The female's dark azure eyes looked at a man walking over to where Undine is. Undine has not been able to trust anyone. Not ever since she got sold as a slave the first time. She watched cautiously as the man kicked off his shoes, rolled up his pants and take his socks off. Undine never really got the idea of wearing... shoes. Undine was always barefeet when she had legs. She obviously prefers fins over the legs. "Would you mind if I rest my feet in the water?" asked the man.

♒ All Undine could do was blink. Is she actually being treated as an equal? By this... human? For some reason this baffled Undine. The mermaid slowly shook her head 'no'. Had it been anyone else, including Nanashi. She would've been rude about it but for some reason. This man is different. The man slipped his feet into the water. The girl only could just sit there and be quiet for once. She wasn't sure how to converse with this man. "I never got the chance to speak with you after I shot that man’s hand. Disgusting nobles. Thinking they can treat beings as play things." said the man.

♒ Ah, so he was the man who shot that man's hand. The one that tried to outbid Nanashi in buying Undine. Undine looked down as she tried not to let the memories slip into her head. Bad memories of her being a slave the first time. "I will make it my personal goal to assist in making sure your wrong-doers face justice. Make them regret treating another being as an object."

♒ The mermaid looked up at the man. "It's fine. I can take care of it myself." snapped the female. She didn't need any help or any rescuing. She was very well capable of dealing with things on her own. Undine's fins slightly brushed against the man's foot by accident. Undine relaized what she had done and quickly pulled the fin back in tightly. Pink tints glazing over her cheeks as she looked away quickly. She unconsciously began to play with the annoying bracelet on her wrist.

♒ Ticking noises began to emit from the bracelet. This got Undine's attention right away as her heart raced. "Damn it." muttered Undine angrily. She pulled her hand away from the bracelet as the ticking noises began to fade away. "I'm going to kill that man one day." muttered the mermaid, bitter at the world now, she didn't care that if this crew-mate heard her or not. He can go and tell on her for all she cared.

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[/style]THANKS TERMINALLYCAIT

[Ascalon H. Helios]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background: url(http://i.imgur.com/8qnsq.gif); padding: 7px; width: 400px, bTable][atrb=vAlign,top][style=background-color: #303030; padding: 5px; float: left;][/style]

[atrb=vAlign,top][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 300px; text-transform: lowercase; color: #bebebe; margin-top: 3px; margin-left: 3px;]words 413 · tags undine · notes never happy with my posts.[/style][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; color: #bebebe; padding: 5px; width: 290px; margin-left: 3px; text-align: justify; margin-top: 5px; height: 180px; overflow: auto;] Undine snapped her reply back at the male, saying that she could take care of herself. Solo tilted his head to the side some at that statement. He’d never said that she couldn’t take care of herself. He merely wished to aid her in obtaining validation and ending the life of an unjust man. Potentially finding out more information on his primary target as well. Whatever it may be. He felt scales brush against his foot slightly as Undine’s fin rubbed against his foot. While Undine reacted by retreating her tail and looking away; Solo reacted almost completely oppositely. He didn’t react at all. The scales felt interesting against his “skin”, but other than that, his face was emotionless as usual. Solo wished to know more about Undine and her history, but she seemed completely unreceptive to anything or anyone. She was like a closed book that was encased in diamond. Of course, the usually socially awkward Solo knew not what to say to the girl. He just kind of sat there, across from her, and kicked his feet in the water a bit. It was so clean in there. While Solo’s thoughts were on the water, a ticking noise came to his ears. Tick, Tick, Tick. Undine was messing with the bracelet that Nanashi stuck on her. Unknowingly, it seemed. Of course, the ticking deterred her from continuing any longer and she stated how she’d kill Nanashi one day. Lamenta had daydreamed the same thing when he heard about the situation Nanashi had put Undine in. Using her as an object. Unforgivable. That is something I could agree upon. Especially with the new situation with you and your treatment. I wouldn’t have you sing for me all I want. Whatever it is he plans, no one knows. You’re more organic than he and I, combined probably. The cyborg said to the mermaid, kicking his feet in the water a bit. I would like to make your stay here as good as I can, Undine. I know you’re strong willed, but at least allow me to help make you comfortable. Even if no one else sees you the way I do, you are an equal to me. He added, no emotion really in his voice, which was the same for any other time he spoke. Never angry, never mad, never anything. All of his emotions lay dormant inside of him, yearning for the day that they could emerge and react to things. That day wouldn’t come, sadly. [/style][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 300px; text-transform: lowercase; color: #bebebe; margin-top: 5px; margin-left: 3px; margin-bottom: -3px;]template by john of ote & btn[/style]

[undine]

[STYLE=width: 400px; height: 300px; background-image: url(http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/4540/undine4.png);][STYLE=background-color: 191919; width: 300px; font-family: georgia; font-size: 25px; padding: 5px; text-align: left; color: ffffff; position: absolute; margin-top: 200px;]secret gem of the seas[/style][/style][STYLE= width: 400px; background-image:url(http://i42.tinypic.com/1z6r4o5.jpg);]
[STYLE=width: 380px; height: 300px; background-color: #ffffff; height: 200px; overflow: auto; font-size: 10px; font-family: tahoma; color: #000000; text-align:justify; padding: 2px;]♒ Undine was mentally muttering to herself. Plotting many ways to kill that man. "That is something I could agree upon. Especially with the new situation with you and your treatment. I wouldn’t have you sing for me all I want. Whatever it is he plans, no one knows. You’re more organic than he and I, combined probably." said the man. Undine stopped her train of thoughts. She looked at the man. "I would like to make your stay here as good as I can, Undine. I know you’re strong willed, but at least allow me to help make you comfortable. Even if no one else sees you the way I do, you are an equal to me." said the man.

♒ This was practically news to her. A non-aquafolk is willing to treat her as an equal. The female felt like she could... oh what was the word? Trust him. Undine's mouth made no movement to speak. All she could do was stare at him with her mouth slightly gaped open. The girl shook her head, making herself snapped out of the stare. Undine brushed her azure hair behind her golden horned ears. "Ah. Well... Thank you, I guess." said the mermaid. She wasn't used to being... so nice towards humans.

♒ The mermaid let out a sigh. Well, one man had finally cracked open Undine for a while. She was willing to open just for a bit. "I don't mind singing. It's nice to have someone that won't go crazy and have their ears bleed whenever I sing. I just wish that person is someone else and the only brightside of me being here is I'm not being chased by marines as much. It's pretty nice." said the female.

♒ Undine turned and looked at the man. "You know my name but I don't know yours so, what is your name?" asked Undine, her tail relaxing a bit. The only thing that struck as odd to Undine is this man's impassive face and voice but it made him different. Unique. Undine was quite interested in this man, only to surprise herself even more. She was now nice to humans and curious about them. Next thing she might know is she'll be making friends with humans.

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[/style]THANKS TERMINALLYCAIT

[Ascalon H. Helios]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background: url(http://i.imgur.com/8qnsq.gif); padding: 7px; width: 400px, bTable][atrb=vAlign,top][style=background-color: #303030; padding: 5px; float: left;][/style]

[atrb=vAlign,top][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 300px; text-transform: lowercase; color: #bebebe; margin-top: 3px; margin-left: 3px;]words 657 · tags undine · notes storytime[/style][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; color: #bebebe; padding: 5px; width: 290px; margin-left: 3px; text-align: justify; margin-top: 5px; height: 180px; overflow: auto;] Solo was “glad” (as if he could really feel gladness) when Undine thanked him. He could tell from her reaction that being treated as an equal was certainly not something that happened for her often. Perhaps a simple “thank you” was a step in the direction of having the woman open up to him. Whether she did or not was completely up to her, of course. He was becoming used to people wanting to talk to him though, because they knew he wouldn’t express any emotions towards what they would say. He just gave them simple, straightforward answers. Sure enough, Undine opened up a bit. She spoke of how she enjoyed having someone to sing for who wouldn’t, essentially, die from her music. She did have a siren’s voice, so that was to be expected. Undine did express a wish to sing for someone else, as opposed to Nanashi. Solo could understand that completely. One would probably not find it desirable to appease the person who purchased them as a slave. The added benefit of not being chased by Marines did appeal to Undine though, as she said. That was a benefit. Though, even if they weren’t specifically chasing her, Marines would be coming for them. That was a sad fact that they had to realize. Before Solo could speak again, Undine looked at him and asked for his name. She did make a good point. He knew her, but she didn’t know him. He looked her over and noticed that her body wasn’t as tense. She was relaxing a bit and didn’t seem to mind him being there so much anymore. My name is Solo Lamenta. I’m not… completely human. Solo said to the woman as he removed his cloak and set it to the side, then off came his jacket. He set his small derringers to the side as well, then finally rolled up his sleeves. He was finally in his relaxed state, or as relaxed as Solo got. I can tell you about myself if you’d like, Undine. He said to the girl, trying to open up as best he could. His voice and face were still completely emotionless. A blank slate that would convey messages. I hope you aren’t off put by how I am. I had to oppress my emotions when I was younger due to certain circumstances and haven’t ever regained them. He added to clarify how he was, just to make sure he didn’t scare her or anything. Even if he never expressed it, he was rather caring. Once Undine replied, interested in knowing about him, Solo began the story of why he is what he is. The “interesting” part of my story starts many years ago. My mother was a maid for a marine and one day he decided to rape her. My father, a baker, tried to report the marine. Sadly, this only worsened it… Solo started, clearing his throat a bit. He would ordinarily be in tears by that point, but he felt nothing. It was just a story. … The marine raped my mother again, then lit her on fire and burned our house down with her as the torch. Both my parents died and I was pinned under rubble for many days. The whole experience robbed me of both of my eyes, both of my legs, and both of my arms. I was found by a man named Roland and taken in. He toted me around in a backpack for quite a while, until I regained my limbs bit by bit. I was a blind quadriplegic for many years. Roland taught me about guns and how to shoot. When he passed, I took over for him and I am in a search for the marine who robbed me of my life. Robbed me of my emotions. He finished, his face never changing emotions. He felt nothing about the whole story, despite it being… rather grim. [/style][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 300px; text-transform: lowercase; color: #bebebe; margin-top: 5px; margin-left: 3px; margin-bottom: -3px;]template by john of ote & btn[/style]

[undine]

[STYLE=width: 400px; height: 300px; background-image: url(http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/4540/undine4.png);][STYLE=background-color: 191919; width: 300px; font-family: georgia; font-size: 25px; padding: 5px; text-align: left; color: ffffff; position: absolute; margin-top: 200px;]secret gem of the seas[/style][/style][STYLE= width: 400px; background-image:url(http://i42.tinypic.com/1z6r4o5.jpg);]
[STYLE=width: 380px; height: 300px; background-color: #ffffff; height: 200px; overflow: auto; font-size: 10px; font-family: tahoma; color: #000000; text-align:justify; padding: 2px;]♒ "My name is Solo Lamenta. I’m not… completely human." said the man. Undine slightly perked up. He wasn't completely human? Somewhat like her? The only thing that resembled like a human is her upper body mostly. Undine watched as Solo began to take off his cloak and his jacket underneath. Feeling rather odd for staring at the man taking of a few articles of clothing so she looked away for a brief moment before the man began to speak again. "I can tell you about myself if you’d like, Undine."

♒ Undine nodded, she is quite interested in this man. Especially since he wasn't completely human. "I hope you aren’t off put by how I am. I had to oppress my emotions when I was younger due to certain circumstances and haven’t ever regained them." said Solo, his face still impassive but his words somewhat still carried emotions. "I'm not. It makes you... well you." said the girl softly. "The “interesting” part of my story starts many years ago. My mother was a maid for a marine and one day he decided to rape her. My father, a baker, tried to report the marine. Sadly, this only worsened it…"

♒ All Undine could really do is sit there and listen to Solo silently. It was one of those dark grim story. In a way Undine could feel she could relate to him. "… The marine raped my mother again, then lit her on fire and burned our house down with her as the torch. Both my parents died and I was pinned under rubble for many days. The whole experience robbed me of both of my eyes, both of my legs, and both of my arms. I was found by a man named Roland and taken in. He toted me around in a backpack for quite a while, until I regained my limbs bit by bit. I was a blind quadriplegic for many years. Roland taught me about guns and how to shoot. When he passed, I took over for him and I am in a search for the marine who robbed me of my life. Robbed me of my emotions. said the man, still impassive and still.

♒ "So, you're a cyborg? Like Nanashi?" asked the female. Undine slowly began to sway her tail back and forth. "I suppose I can tell you about myself. Let's see..." said the mermaid. She was actually willing to relieve some memories from her dark times in her past. The ones she buried back in the head and preferred to never remember them again. "Well, one day I was captured by a group of pirates. I guess you could say that I was considered valuable. I was taken to the above world and got sold to a celestial noble for an insanely high price but not as much as Nanashi paid for me. But anyways, I was encased in a too small water tank. All I had to do was sit there and look pretty. He had done... things to me before. Inappropriate sexual things."

♒ Undine gritted her teeth as she remember her first master. That bastard. "I was fortunately set free by a slave man. Accidental or not. I am thankful to him. However, I was being chased for days. I was very close to being captured again but... a miracle appeared." said the girl, referring to her ability to call on sea kings. She wasn't going to tell Solo that she was the lost princess or that she communicated with seakings. Though people does think her ability to communicate with seakinds was only a rumor. "I became a pirate and started my life there. I got my speed and strength back after years of being stuck in that tiny water tank. I built up my bounty and became well famous for killing humans or anyone that discriminated against the aquafolks."

♒ Undine looked at Solo, "I just have trouble trusting people. I prefer not to get attached to anyone." said the female, her face hardening and she looked off to the side, glancing at the vast ocean. Oh, how she badly wished to be embraced by the endless depths of the sea. She wanted the bracelet to be taken off so she could return to the place where she felt so happy and so right. Like she belonged there. She didn't belong here, kept on a ship. Even though the water tank was big for its size. It was so small compared to the ocean that Undine used to roam all over.

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[/style]THANKS TERMINALLYCAIT

[Ascalon H. Helios]

[atrb=border,0,true][atrb=style, background: url(http://i.imgur.com/8qnsq.gif); padding: 7px; width: 400px, bTable][atrb=vAlign,top][style=background-color: #303030; padding: 5px; float: left;][/style]

[atrb=vAlign,top][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 300px; text-transform: lowercase; color: #bebebe; margin-top: 3px; margin-left: 3px;]words 438 · tags ace · notes never happy with a post[/style][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; color: #bebebe; padding: 5px; width: 290px; margin-left: 3px; text-align: justify; margin-top: 5px; height: 180px; overflow: auto;] Solo was glad that Undine listened to his story contently. She didn’t interrupt him at all. He knew his story was grim and dark, but he still had to tell it. Even once he was finished, Undine showed no pity for him. She didn’t do something that most people would have. Lamenta was so used to people expressing this deep pity for him, which wasn’t warranted in the slightest. Perhaps this Undine was different from the others. She had certainly experienced a whole new set of circumstances, so maybe she was completely different. Maybe she was someone Solo could get along with. The mermaid asked if Solo was a cyborg, much like Nanashi. To which Solo nodded. Yes. But please don’t compare us. He added with his nod, finding displeasure in that idea. He began to feel the water ripple against his leg, moving with the motions of Undine’s tail. His feet, subconsciously, began to kick back and forth slowly, not splashing at all. This caused the occasional brush against the mermaid’s tail. Then Undine decided to speak of her past a bit with him. Her history was just about as bad as Solo’s. She was a slave for a lot of her life. Used by a corrupt man. Stuck in a small tank. At least she had someone who was willing to free her from her bonds. A slave man let her free and she regained her strength and so on. Sadly, she fell back in. This time, to be rescued by pirates. She spoke of how she had trouble trusting people and often didn’t become attached. Upon saying that, she hardened some and looked off into the distance. The cyborg could tell that she wanted to be out at sea. He knew she did. Well… Undine, I will do what I can to make you as comfortable as I can. You can trust me. I fight for justice and would never lie. On my life. Solo said to the woman, reaching his hand across the water, his palm almost asking for her to reach out and grasp his hand. He had a feeling she probably wouldn’t grasp his hand nor trust him, but he could try. …And if you don’t want to trust me, I understand. Just know that I’m always a friend for you, Undine. You’re a being to me, an equal. Not a slave, not some music box. You are equal, if not greater, than I am. The male said, his normally stoic face breaking a smile. That was the first time he’d ever made an expression in years. And he didn’t even notice. [/style][style=background-color: #303030; font-family: tahoma; font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 300px; text-transform: lowercase; color: #bebebe; margin-top: 5px; margin-left: 3px; margin-bottom: -3px;]template by john of ote & btn[/style]

[undine]

[STYLE=width: 400px; height: 300px; background-image: url(http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/4540/undine4.png);][STYLE=background-color: 191919; width: 300px; font-family: georgia; font-size: 25px; padding: 5px; text-align: left; color: ffffff; position: absolute; margin-top: 200px;]secret gem of the seas[/style][/style][STYLE= width: 400px; background-image:url(http://i42.tinypic.com/1z6r4o5.jpg);]
[STYLE=width: 380px; height: 300px; background-color: #ffffff; height: 200px; overflow: auto; font-size: 10px; font-family: tahoma; color: #000000; text-align:justify; padding: 2px;]♒ "Yes. But please don’t compare us." said the man. Undine nodded. "You're different from that man. If he's even a man at all." said the female quietly. After she told her past, Solo began to speak. "Well… Undine, I will do what I can to make you as comfortable as I can. You can trust me. I fight for justice and would never lie. On my life." said the man. Undine turned her gaze away from the vast open sea back to the man. Undine couldn't really think of anything to say.

♒ Her eyes spotted his hand reaching across the waters toward her. Undine could feel her body tensing up ever so slightly. "…And if you don’t want to trust me, I understand. Just know that I’m always a friend for you, Undine. You’re a being to me, an equal. Not a slave, not some music box. You are equal, if not greater, than I am." said Solo. Undine stared at him blankly. She still wasn't used to this kind of treatment. Then she saw the his impassive face breaking out into a smile. Undine was actually quite shocked.

♒ She couldn't help but smile also, letting out a small laugh. For the first time in years, Undine willingly took his hand. "Alright. Just this once. I'll trust you." said the female, still smiling. Somehow Solo's rare smile had won her over. "You know... You have a nice smile." whispered the mermaid.
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[/style]THANKS TERMINALLYCAIT