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Post by Takano Hirai on Jun 10, 2019 23:08:25 GMT
Poppi laughed, almost hysterically as she prepared her various tools and papers for the upcoming “Teaching” she was about to give. Many referred to her as a Teacher actually, though not in the normal sense. What she taught was a bit more… Well, no need to get into specifics. There was work to be done! Preparations and such! The short pink haired woman would walk up to her assistant Bertrand and slap his leg, nearly causing the man to fall over from the sudden pain. After the events of Lady Eleanor’s party, she had made sure to punish the incompetent wretch in such a way that would not reduce his effectiveness as a servant. Certain points all over his body were now augmented to send horrific jolts of pain when struck, perfect for her trying to get him to work quicker. “Hurry Bertrand! Or I’ll give you two more slaps!” She’d say with glee as she walked towards the “Classroom”. Not only had Arcadia proven to be quite the asset, morso than that damnable Callia had ever been, but she had even brought her a new toy! Eleanor’s faith in her abilities had been restored! They had to be! She had made sure to send Arcadia a direct order to accompany her on this little interrogation actually. She had such wonderful plans! As she entered the room, she would find the new toy, apparently a Shinigami named Takano Hirai. He was strung up by his arms and still unconscious from the combined efforts of sedatives and the beating he had taken. She had already made Bertrand remove his upper garments to get a better look at his current injuries. They had managed to save the arm which the cow had nearly removed, but there were so many scars now. Quite different to Arcadia or Callia. Poppi glanced behind her as Arcadia entered in, giving the girl a big smile. “Arcadia! I have such a fun day planned ahead! Very fun…” She’d walk up to Takano, using a stool to get up to face height and examine his head, much like she did to Estrella. “Hm… Arcadia, please hand me that little silver device over there on the table!” The device she was referring to was a small cylinder which seemed to contain a powder. “Make it quick! I wish to get as much work today as possible!” Lady Arcadia |
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Post by Lady Arcadia on Jun 11, 2019 9:09:06 GMT
The news that Arcadia had brought a live Shinigami was met with rejoice from her Mistress and the rest of the Coven. Eleanor did not even seem to mind that her mission went into more than a few hitches - first the annoying Plus who jumped into the battle out of nowhere and had to fall to her and Takano's blade, then Vayle, the Shinigami who attempted to rescue Takano at the last second, only to fail completely.
However, for one reason or another, this wasn't the end for this series of events. Soon after, the Fullbringer was informed that she is being waited for in Poppi's room, the so-called "Classroom". Arcadia reacted to the message with a stoic glare as she always did, but in her mind, she was gripped by fear. Did she do something wrong anyway? Was she going to be put on... that chair again? For a second, she considered ignoring the order, but opted to swallow her chances and walk towards Poppi's Classroom regardless. There, she was met with the ecstatic executioner declaring that she had a very fun day planned ahead. Not for her, thankfully, but for Takano.
Thank Mistress.
Ordered to pick up a small silver cylinder carrying a powder from the table, Arcadia nodded, stretched her hand out to pull the device into her hand with her Fullbring ability, and extended it towards Poppi for her to pick up.
(240 words)
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Post by Takano Hirai on Jun 12, 2019 0:07:47 GMT
The fear which emanated from Arcadia only made Poppi even more happy. She understood her place like a good little pet! She greedily took the cylinder and examined it for a moment, before holding it up to Takano’s nose and popping it open. The powder inside would flow freely, causing Takano to suddenly jolt awake. “Hmm. The effects of the sedatives are still going to take a bit to wear off...Hmph! Last time I use such a large dose!” She’d walk over to a table with various tools and other strange devices. “I know a lot about you, Mr.Takano! Quite a lot… Your old friend told me so much. Too bad I had to get rid of her. But now we have Arcadia!” She’d pick up a sharp looking pair of tweezers. “I know exactly what will break you… But why rush?” She had to be careful, just as careful as she was with Arcadia. She couldn’t just break him and watch him spill out! No, she had to make sure he did exactly what she wanted. Apply minor pressure at a constant rate… Then break. Poppi would pick up a large tool that looked like a brand. On the end was a Poppy Flower brand which glowed green. Hollow acid! It would never heal properly. Casually she would skip over to Takano before aiming the brand right at the center of his torso, closing one eye and pressing it against his chest with a sickening sizzle. That would snap Takano out of any stupor he was left in, shouting in pain as he felt the hollow acid burning into his skin and creeping throughout. Breathing heavily, he’d begin to go pale. Poppi would admire the handy work for a moment before giving a nod. “Arcadia! Pick up that knife there!” Poppi shouted as Takano glanced around the room before resting his tired eyes on Arcadia. He would not speak, or really even scowl. He felt nothing but shame right now. He squandered the chance Vayle gave him, and now he was going to suffer for it. Takano only hoped Chiyu was safe and able to save Revenant. As Arcadia came up to Poppi with the thin bladed knife, Poppi would turn around and throw a hand up. “I want you to cut him. Don’t go further than skin deep. Make a nice drawing of flowers or maybe a unicorn! Just make a lot of cuts! I have to go get the fire brandy and Menos Salts…” She’d walk out of the room, leaving Bertrand behind to observe and make sure she did as told. Lady Arcadia |
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Post by Lady Arcadia on Jun 12, 2019 8:21:01 GMT
Arcadia stood motionless and watched while Poppi started preparing her treatment for the Shinigami, starting with a brand of Hollow Acid to wake him up from his sleep in a painful jolt, as well as leave a permanent mark on his chest. Nothing too out of the ordinary for the Teacher. Ordered to pick up a knife, the Fullbringer Flower did as told yet again, using her soul manipulation powers to drag the tool into her hand. Instead of accepting it, however, Poppi requested the woman to do some work herself. Just make a lot of cuts. Draw something on his body.
That's... That's new. As soon as Poppi departed from her soon, Arcadia knelt down in front of the sitting and tied Shinigami, the knife twirling in her hands.
"You know... had I been made aware of this task before capturing you, I might have had you get off a little less... ruined." Arcadia muttered as she slowly pressed the edge of her knife onto Takano's chest, allowing it to sink in, immerse within the wound, before suddenly getting pulled out in an agonizing swipe. "It's like ruining a perfectly good paper, you know? No blank slate left... If there were a way how to clot those wounds with pain, you can be sure I'd be using it right now."
A few of these cuts and swipes took place one after the other before Arcadia spoke again. "Remember what I said when we first met? If fear is gripping you, then let loose - you have all the reason to be afraid. Never before has this been more true..."
(275 words)
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Post by Takano Hirai on Jun 13, 2019 0:57:19 GMT
The cuts were not something Takano feared. He had been cut by many sharp blades and claws in his life. But he knew what was coming next… Takano looked away as Arcadia cut into him. It was made worse by the small talk she gave whilst doing so, as if torturing someone was nothing to her. It really shouldn’t be such a surprise given the murderous sprees she had gone on before. But to see Estrella’s image twisted in such a sickening way… It almost hurt more than the acid. The little hatred he had for her was overshadowed by his respect for her abilities and carefree attitude which he appreciated. Even though she had come close to killing him before, he knew it was due largely to his own faults and not hers. If he had focused more, none of it would have happened. Maybe he could have beaten her, convinced her to stop. Maybe it would have kept her from becoming this… Takano winced as the final cut made it’s mark into his skin. He’d look up at Arcadia, the shame in his eyes turned to determination as she mentioned feared. “No, I don’t think I will. I’m not scared of you or your midget master. I’m tired of being scared. Do your worst, Estrella” Before anything further could occur, Poppi would come in carrying a large bag of what looked to be salts and a bottle filled with a crimson red liquid. “Oh my!” She exclaimed “He seems fully lucid! Wonderful! Hello there Mr. Takano!” She’d set the bag down next to him along with the bottle. “Do you prefer Mr. Hirai? Oh, why do I ask? It’s not as if it will matter for much longer… I make sure to give all my toys very nice names, or Mistress Eleanor will if you’re really good! But for now we must focus on the matter at hand” She would pour the crimson liquid into a bowl before slowly dropping void black salts into it, causing the mixture to bubble and smoke. “First off, we must learn about all those nice little Kido secrets you have up in that head of yours. Bertrand please gag him” Bertrand would nod before placing a cloth around his head, keeping his mouth open. “I just know you’re the type of person to go ‘I’ll never talk!’. So why bother with such annoyances? Let’s get to the fun part” She would dip a brush into the thick paste which had formed, checking it for a moment before applying some directly onto a cut Arcadia had made. Takano’s eyes would widen in pain as the paste was applied. He would try to move, to break free of his rope, but nothing he did could stop the pain. It made the knife cuts feel as if they had been a light summer breeze. Poppi would give a smirk. “I want to know...everything. From Bakudo 1 to Hado 99. The more spells you give me, the longer you will go without having this applied to you. Understand? Bertrand remove the gag” As Bertrand removed the gag, Takano would shout in pain. It was not going away, but instead remaining at the same constant level of pure agony which it started off with. What’s worse is it felt as if the paste was making root into his body, forcing itself into his very soul. “If you give me one right now I’ll remove the pasteeee” Poppi said in a sing song voice as Takano swallowed the pain. He’d glance over to Arcadia, twitching his face into a smirk. “I-I’ve had worse… Why don’t you… Get Estrella. I’m sure she’d be far-” Poppi would smear some of the paste directly into one of the cuts, going so far that a little blood would begin to spill out of the wound. “STOP TRYING TO BREAK MY TOYS!” She’d shout as Bertrand reapplied the gag. She’d glance back at Arcadia. “Come up with a better name for it while I work” She’d growl before returning back. Lady Arcadia |
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Post by Lady Arcadia on Jun 13, 2019 20:16:34 GMT
Arcadia stepped away from Takano as soon as Poppi arrived to the Classroom again, and watched as the butcher used a mysterious paste to apply it upon the wounds opened by the Fullbringer. It was only the beginning of the long session to shape him into something desirable for the Society, and yet he was already shaking in his boots. With that attitude, he is not going to last long. Not that him actually lasting through this session was ever possible, knowing who Poppi was and how she worked...
Here Poppi stands, her guard completely down. Just seeing her and remember what she did to her made Arcadia tense up... but perhaps it would be possible to just end it all now with a single stroke? The Fullbringer's hand faintly tapped upon the hilt of her Asauchi before she straightened, eradicating the heretical thoughts from her mind.
"Do not fear for the effect of his words, Miss Poppi. I can tell that he's just blabbering without meaning in a fit of desperation." Arcadia stated and gave a faint nod to further assure the Teacher. Her request to come up with a better name for Takano was met with confusion, however. It was not enough to break Arcadia's disciplined stance, but it did get her to widen her eyes and raise her eyebrow. "What do you mean... come up with a better name? A better name for what? Why?"
(244 words)
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Post by Takano Hirai on Jun 14, 2019 17:54:19 GMT
Poppi’s angered and vicious demeanour instantly shifted to that of surprise, then worry. “Uh… Well, you see…” She’d notice the girl’s hand on her weapon. Poppi herself was no combatant, despite her relatively high Reiryoku. Any of the magic she could cast had much more to do with manipulating the mind and perception. But even those took time, time which she wouldn’t have if say a vengeful fullbringer decided to launch a sudden attack at her. Wait, why was she even thinking this?! Her skills at reeducation were unmatched! No, such a minor mistake would not break her toys. But, just to be safe… Poppi would quickly hide her worry behind a warm smile. “Well, you see my dear Arcadia, the Mistress has a deep seated hatred of the Shinigami. Even down to their names! As such she wishes for us to give them more...desirable names. Names suited for such honorable positions. Names like ours! Beautiful flowers!” She’d return to Takano, who was lapsing in and out of consciousness. She’d slap the man on the face just hard enough to keep him awake. Reaching her hand up, she would remove the gag. Takano was having quite a bit of difficulty breathing through the pain, just barely managing to get out some ragged breaths. “Now, let's start from the beginning. Hado-1, Sho. I wish to know the incantation in its entirety, as well as any proper movements needed. Tell me them, now” She would lean down and pick up a notebook and pencil which had a nice unicorn eraser on it. Takano looked down, narrowing his eyes. He wanted the pain to end. Maybe if things had been a bit different, he wouldn’t have such hesitation about giving up their secrets. He’d glance up and look over at Arcadia. Through his pain he had managed to catch glimpses of their conversation. Perhaps… “I-I don’t know… Estrella is a pretty name for a marquis-” The gag would be replaced, before Poppi hopped off the stool and into another room. For the next minute or so smashing could be heard, followed by the angered expletives of Poppi. Betrand would shift uncomfortable and glance over at Arcadia before giving a shrug. Finally after ridding herself of all her frustration, she would return with a single lock of pink hair standing straight up. This time she had a small book in her hand, which she would open up as she sat in front of the man. “Efelic aet desness, Lundlaga” A green glow would emanate from her hand as Takano’s eyes widened, before he lurched forward, blood spilling from his mouth. “Edcierr” A golden glow washed over Takano. Poppi sat on the stool, head on her chin. “What I just did was turn the outer skin of your right kidney into ice. The heat of your internal body shattered it instantly, and would most likely kill you if I didn’t reverse the spell. I’m a bit tired of asking questions right now, So I think I’m going to do this to every single organ in your body and see how long it takes for you to pass out” She’d glance back over at Arcadia. “Please go with Bertrand to fetch me some wine, Arcadia. I have some Guiness in the back too that you can have” She’d return her gaze back to Takano, beaming with delight as she continued the tortuous cycle. Lady Arcadia |
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Post by Lady Arcadia on Jun 15, 2019 14:06:27 GMT
Faced with Arcadia's questions, Poppi immediately started explaining herself away, hiding her worry with a smile and stating that because of the Mistress's hatred of all Shinigami, even their names have to be eradicated. However, a seed of doubt was already planted in Arcadia's mind. She had never heard of Poppi or anyone else giving any of their new... recruits alternate names.
Was this somehow related to the fact that so many people outside of the Society called her "Estrella", rather than "Arcadia"? The question nagged her mind, but an instilled discipline prevailed and the woman stood stern, even after Poppi stormed out of the room. For a second, Arcadia's eyes would meet Bertrand's, the man clearly just as uncomfortable as she was. At least until Poppi returned, calmed down and continuing the session with Takano, this time with a magic spell to freeze his kidney and promptly unfreeze it. A peculiar technique... Perhaps she can later ask Poppi, or her Mistress, to pass it down to her.
Upon receiving the other to fetch Poppi some wine, Arcadia gave a nod and walked out of the Classroom alongside Bertrand. The wine bottles were stored only a room away. Poppi said they can have Guinness for themselves... that was beer, wasn't it...
"Guinness isn't going to cut it..." Arcadia muttered and took a heavy breath through her teeth. "Sir Bertrand, you wouldn't happen to have some... aspirin, would you?"
(244 words)
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Post by Takano Hirai on Jun 16, 2019 1:04:03 GMT
As the two exited the room, Bertrand seemed to relax a bit more. The man followed slightly behind Arcadia, struggling with his limp to keep up with the Fullbringer. On entering the Cellar he would immediately kneel and check for the wine which Poppi had asked for. He’d pause as Arcadia asked him for something. He seemed almost surprised at the fullbringer’s simple request for aspirin, still trying to search for the bottle of wine. Finally after finding it Bertrand would stand and look down at Arcadia with his piercing emerald eyes. “The Mistress only keeps drugs that would help during her experiments and education sessions. It is a pain suppressant as well, something she would never permit me to use…” He’d glance down at the bottle of wine to double check it was the correct vintage before looking back at Arcadia. After thinking for a moment, he’d give a sigh underneath his white mask. “Don’t… Don’t let the mistress know I told you this. I’ve seen...enough of her lessons to know why she wished for the name changes. Lady Eleanor enjoys flowers because of how vibrant and beautiful they are. She wants everyone to be one…” He adjusted his mask slightly before turning back to the doorway. “We should probably get back to the Mistress before she gets mad. She only saves that spell for people she really wants to hurt…”
Poppi looked at Takano square in the eyes, whispering something as she held a hand out. A strange blue energy would seep from his head, stopping as she turned around to look at Bertrand and Arcadia. “Ah, good! It decided to pass out from pain so I decided to work on his dreams… No matter where he goes he’ll never escape me!” She’d giggle. “Bertrand, pour me a glass. Arcadia, I’m still waiting on that name my dear!” Lady Arcadia |
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Post by Lady Arcadia on Jun 16, 2019 16:54:38 GMT
Bertrand did not have any aspirin at hand nor was even allowed to carry any with him. It was medication against pain and that obviously was not allowed in the Paper Rose Society - as if to prove the masked man's point, shooting, pulsating pain in her head escalated even further, forcing Arcadia to wince. Bertrand continued by informing Arcadia about something which, according to him, the Mistress should not be allowe do know - she seeks to turn everyone to Flowers, including their names as well...
Arcadia's eyes widened. Is Bertrand... displaying signs of mutiny? Or, at least, feelings of anything less than complete and utter loyalty towards the Mistress? This is unacceptable... However, the woman opted to not take any action, at least not yet. She'll have to see what all of this culminates into, for now, but all of this was straying a very thin edge of potential betrayal...
Arcadia and Bertrand soon returned with bottles of wine in hand, whom Poppi instantly got a glass of, and then turned to Arcadia to, once again, request a name from her. Again with this naming... Poppi explained that her Mistress hated Shinigami with the very core of her being, and thus wanted to eradicate everything about them, even their names, so perhaps this makes sense. She should start working on that name, then, something befitting of a Flower...
Hold on.
Arcadia stopped for a second, then bowed and began to speak.
"Dear Teacher Poppi, I wish to ask a question first." Arcadia straightened. "If I understand you correctly, the Mistress has a deep hatred of all Shinigami, down to their names. However, if this is correct, then why was my sister a member of the Society and fought by our side?"
(296 words)
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