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seeker of wisdom | angel daughter

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[ scene:  EGC museum, an alcove exhibition ]

*Velvet sits down on a bench before the only part of the room that isn't demolished.  The pieces there are, side by side, a statue of "Berkeley" and a painting of a town called "Bjerkely".*

Velvet:  Well then... hope this works.... *pulls out a book and opens it*

*Some time passes....*

*And then, suddenly, a girl appears before him.  She doesn't make a showy entrance, or even an entrance at all... one second there is empty space before him, and then a second later a girl is there.*

*She's a schoolgirl about 13, 14, maybe 15 years old, in a school uniform.  It's not a uniform like that you would see on a Japanese schoolgirl... it's a bit more European of a uniform, primarily white and a dark violet-blue.  The skirt is a bit longish for a uniform, too; it reaches down a little past her knees.  She has long blonde hair and large blue eyes.*

Velvet: *standing* And you are..?

Sophie:  < I am Sophie. >

*Rather than Japanese or English, she speaks in fluent Norwegian.  Somehow, this doesn't impede understanding her the slightest bit... she speaks naturally, and the fact of the language seems almost irrelevant.*

*Velvet puts aside the book and opens his mouth to speak, but the girl puts up her hand and shakes her head.*

Sophie:  < There's no need to ask.  I won't help you. >

Velvet:  WHAT?!

Sophie:  < I won't kill Lain. >

Velvet:  But --

Sophie:  < I have no reason to kill Lain.  I never will have a reason to kill Lain. >

Velvet: *furious* Then kill her without a reason!

Sophie:  < Why? >

Velvet:  Because..... um.... because.....

Sophie:  < It's a question you can't answer without contradicting yourself.  The answer to "Why?" would be a reason, after all... >

Velvet:  Shut up!  Don't you have any ambition?!

Sophie:  < I think I'm probably more ambitious than my peers, but I could be wrong. >

Velvet:  Peers!  Peers..!  The only peer you have is Lain!

Sophie:  < No.  Everyone who can think is my peer. >

Velvet: *trying to remain calm*  Do not start with the philosophical crap.

Sophie:  < But I am a philosopher....>

Velvet:  You are the only 'person' I could get ahold of that has any power comparable to Lain!!

Sophie:  <....am I? >

Velvet:  Hai.  The only one.

*And suddenly, their surroundings are different.  Rather than being in the museum, Velvet is now standing in the middle of a garden.  There's streamers and trash everywhere, an over-turned card table, folded chairs thrown about, and so on... it looks like the aftermath of some very wild party.  A banner draped over the card table reads "Welcome Knox"...*

*Sophie sticks her head out of one thick row of bushes.*

Sophie:  < I've never met Lain.  What's she like? >

Velvet:  Stop trying to change the subject.

Sophie:  < I'm not changing the subject.  What's Lain like? >

Velvet:  ...... it's a bit hard to explain...

Sophie:  < You can't explain her, and yet you want me to kill her. >

Velvet:  She killed my mother.  She deserves to die.

Sophie:  < Why kill her for killing your mother?  How does that help anything? >

Velvet:  For one thing, it rids the world of a menace...

Sophie:  < Is that why you feel so strongly?  Or are you only saying what you think will get me to help you? >

Velvet:  Can't you understand where I'm coming from?!  My mother is dead!

Sophie:  < Yes, Velvet... your mother is dead, and you miss her terribly.  But killing Lain is not what your mother would have wanted... >

Velvet:  She was a fool.

*Sophie smiles and steps out of the bush.  She turns around... and another girl seems to turn the other way to take her place, as if she had been standing back to back with Sophie all along.*

*This girl is roughly 15, with brown hair pulled into two ponytails and large brown eyes that sparkle with a kind of mischief.  She wears the exact same uniform as Sophie, and speaks in Norwegian with the exact same voice.*

Other Girl:  < No, Velvet, I think you're the fool... >

Velvet: *startled* Who the hell are you?

Hilde:  < Hilde Knag, daughter of "God", at your service. > *curtsies*

Velvet:  What happened to Sophie?

Hilde:  < I am Sophie.  We're the same. >

Velvet:  The same?

Hilde:  < Yes, the same.  There's no difference, really. >

Velvet:  .........

Hilde: *smirking* < Velvet, you're an idiot.  You don't realize how great a gift your mother left you... >

Velvet: *turning away*  Hai, free will.  I know...

Hilde:  < You definately don't realize it, then.  You have free will, but you won't use it... you allow yourself to be used as a tool, time and again, swept along by your emotions without stopping to think about your situation... >

Velvet:  SHUT UP!!

*The setting changes to the lobby of an airport.  People rush all around them, completely ignoring what's going on in the midst.*

Hilde:  < Instead of taking responsibility for yourself and looking into your possibilities, you run away from your gift.  You won't consider your options, you allow yourself to be blown around by momentary whims that have nothing to do with what you want... >

Velvet:  Shut up already!

Hilde:  < You don't think, Velvet.  You won't let yourself think.  Instead of killing Lain, you should be trying to figure out what it really means to have free will... >

Velvet: *snappishly* Oh, never mind that.  I already found that out.

Hilde:  < Really?  And what is this? >

Velvet:  It's a bloody useless load of pain.

*Hilde stops and blinks at him a while.  The setting changes back to the museum, and she turns...*

Sophie:  <.... pray tell, who told you this? >

Velvet: *bitterly* Lain showed me.

Sophie:  <..........>

Velvet:  I suppose you're going to say she was wrong...

Sophie:  <.... no, Velvet.  Free will is painful.  So is love. >

*She turns.*

Hilde:  < However, I think Lain and I need to talk about this. >

*She smirks, and glows a slight violet-blue aura.  Oddly enough, it seems to include a tiny pair of wings sprouting from her shoulders that, technically speaking, aren't there.*

*The girl turns and walks out of the museum.*

Velvet:  ........odd girl....

---

Well... that was.................. interesting...

The "God" that Hilde refers to is her father, Mr. Knag.
He puts himself up as a  kind of a Deus figure... in her
birthday present.  Very odd.

Oh, and philosophy professors write the strangest books.
This post is entirely dependant on my interpretation of the
end to Sofies verden.... so if you've read the book, this
probably doesn't feel kosher.  But hey, it's for EGC!
 

---

Wai, cool post, Chatty-san! And a very nice one by Chatty/Voidstar previously.  I'd write something but...
1. I'm bogged down by exams...
1(a) Creativity at a low point (because of...)

I promise to do something once holidays start! ^_^

(Eep! Christmas this saturday and I haven't even started my shopping!!!! ;_;)

おい。 あのね、ここに、何を染ましたか？

*The place is VoidStar's Concept Space.  Voids is seated at his computer as always, but oddly enough, he's not alone.*

Born to the Purple
(Or, the Blatant Bab5 Ref Title)

So, Siga....how're things going?

Siga: As well as can be expected....however, there's been an interesting side-effect to Iwakura's last action.

*Now that she's more substantial than a voice in the mist, Siga warrants description.  She stands by the exit of the concept space, a slender woman of above-average height--taller than VoidStar by a bit, but not tall like Sizer--clad in an expensive-looking business suit.  (The suit appears to be of the male variety, modified slightly to fit female proportions, but some undefinable aspect of Siga makes it look natural--she's not masculine; the clothes just look _right_ on her.) Beyond that feature, Siga has short-cut reddish-blonde hair and light green eyes.  Her features are hard to describe--she is neither excessively pretty nor extremely ugly, but not average either; she is definitely a beautiful woman.  But only barely.  Everything about her seems just enough to be called attractive, the barest modicum of good looks.  Her facial expression is collected and businesslike.*

*Slightly irritated* I'm aware, Siga.  I _do_ see a lot of what happens there.

Siga: Hai, hai....just thought you should know that your favorite purple-pattern is in serious danger of dying.

Now, now, Siga....how do you know _you're_ not my favorite purple-pattern type person?

Siga: Your constant complaints--which, I might add, you level at me the most when I do my job--would seem to indicate otherwise.

Yes, well....quit deadpanning and tell me what you plan to do about it.

Siga: Lazarus is the most direct threat at the moment, although Iwakura is a rather unpopular person amongst several factions.

*Smirks* You want to stop her, don't you?

Siga: *Shrugs* If it is necessary to confront her, I--

*Clicks his tongue chidingly* Don't give me that, Siga.  We both know you can't stand Lazarus.  Too....chaotic, I'd imagine?

Siga: ....

Yes, I know you too well.  Come on, Siga, you nag me constantly about _my_ tendencies towards chaos.  Forgive me for trying to get a rise out of _you_ once in a while.  We both know you want to have it out with Lazarus, because 1) she could potentially disrupt the situation further, and 2) Lain is your friend, despite your constant claims that she's just an associate.  Just....be careful, okay? Lazarus _is_ dangerous.

Siga: *Nods* I don't even plan to fight her physically.

Ah, of course not.  Dismissed, Siga.

*Siga disappears.*

*Addresses someone without looking away from his computer screen* Heh heh....you're good, you know.  She didn't even know you were here.

Miyu: *Shimmers into visibility behind VoidStar, laughing a tinkling, almost childlike laugh* Sou ka....

*Continues to speak to his visitor without facing her* So, what brings the illustrious Vampire Princess to my humble abode?

Miyu: Why did you send Siga to EGC?

Is that what you want to know? Or just a riddle?

Miyu: Hi-mi-tsu.  *Giggles softly*

Aaaah....now I see.  That's Lain's bit.  You're here for her.

Miyu: Not....precisely.  I'm here for what she did.  *Smiles* Iwakura-san has made some rather deep ripples with her actions.

One would imagine.  So other purples are picking up on it? Or is this just your agenda? What's this got to do with Shinma, anyway?

Miyu: A matter of personal curiousity.  The Shinma have been quiet as of late, and Larva will tell me if I am needed.

Heh, wondered where maskboy was.

Miyu: *Faint laugh* Anything else you wish to ask?

Anymore you're willing to tell me?

Miyu: Not really.  *Giggles again* But I was wondering if you could perhaps do me a favor and let my presence be a surprise to your employee?

Goes without saying.  I figured if you hid yourself when she was here, you had a reason.  Consider the word to be mum.  But Miyu, really....don't mess with her _too_ much.  You're not exactly in her good books.

*But Miyu vanishes without reply.*

*Sighs* Ah, dammit....this is getting complicated.  Two "beyond-cameos" in EGC at once....Siga's gonna shred me for this one.

*And that pretty much sums it up! XD Sorry if it seems a bit rehashed, but I had my own ideas for a "compatriot of Lain visiting" subplot....-_^ Ah well, it'll make everything more interesting in the end.*

End communication.

Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated...but not by much. ;p

---

(The Bar, interior.  Aside from Tatchi's challenge to Sizer, no one else has spoken or moved.  The Authoress is in a corner drinking hot cocoa.)

Adam (sarcastically): All in all I'd say they took it pretty well.

*sullenly* Either that or they didn't pay attention to a single word.

Adam (sarcastically, although less so): That could also be true.  (beat) So, what did she say?

She didn't seem to be too eager about the idea.  Kept wanting to know why I was so interested in doing it.

Adam: What was your answer?

Haven't thought of one yet.  The thought just popped into my head and I was going to do it, but I thought it'd probably be better if I got permission first.

Adam (patting the Authoress' head): That's a good girl.  You're learning something after all.

*sullenly* Very funny, Adam.

(The Authoress drains her cocoa, which by now is rather tepid, and plays with her mug.)

Adam (with a touch of gentleness this time): You're still a big softie at heart, aren't you?

. . . . . .

---

(NGC Mahanaym, central command, now finally reattatched to the City thanks to the second Mako reactor which started up a while ago.  NGC Dot is being examined by NGC Yui.)

I told you, Yui, I'll heal.

NGC Yui: I'm not looking at you to treat you.  I've always been fascinated by those RLs, and so far you've broken every expectation I've had about them.

*wry smile* I tend to have that effect on people. *winces as Yui prods a bruised rib* Hey! Watch where you're poking that thing!

NGC Yui (not sorry): Sorry.

. . . . . .

(And suddenly, the reader is struck with the strangest sense of deja vu. ;p)

---

(The City, exterior.  At the topmost buiding, a new figure watches with amusement.)

*smirking* This is indeed a most interesting diversion...*looking up* And it seems that your favorite is there as well, LoN-sama.

Lord of Nightmares (O.S.): I can see that with my own eyes, Xelloss.  What's your real reason for being here?

Xelloss (shaking a finger): Sorry, Mistress, but that is...

Lord of Nightmares (O.S., a bit exasperated): "A secret".  You are testing my patience, Xelloss.  I don't take well to servants who hide things from me.

Xelloss (kneeling): Please be patient, LoN-sama.  You shall see soon enough.

Lord of Nightmares (O.S.): I'd better.

---

Yes, very short, but all of my evil plans are on hold for the time being, and I haven't come up with new ones yet.

Aw, darn it, Dot..!  I'm going to have to reveal a secret now that Mr. Sore-wa-himitsu-desu is here! :P

Well, well, well, RL-minna-san..... let me just state that, in any event, Jenova's Xmas present can be said to be coming early.....

N-Jenova: *dancing on the countertops* o/" Ding dong, the witch is dead!  Which old witch?  Poor Jack-kun's witch -- "/o

Thanks, Jenova.  I feel so much better about losing a powerful self-insert to an ironically pointless death. ¬¬

N-Jenova:  Eh, nobody liked her anyway.

Amelia liked her!  Lina liked her!  Jack liked her!

N-Jenova:  I beg to differ on that last point.

....you are being very bitter right now.....

N-Jenova:  What does that make you, precisely?

Dead.

N-Jenova:  Ah. *grins*  So, when's Jack-kun coming back to me?

Er.  Probably, er, not for a while.  Er.

N-Jenova:  What do you mean?

I mean she kinda died because he kinda showed up when he kinda wasn't supposed to be there in the first place.  Kinda.  Mental guilt attribution thing.

N-Jenova:  I don't get your gist.

Lesse here.... simplify things a bit... ah.  Here goes: "Foreign Mazoku Lord Baramarakisu kills Woman Universe Leader due to distraction provided by Ignorant Swordsman Husband.  Bad Husband, Bad.  See Husband Run.  Run, Husband, Run."

N-Jenova: *blink* You don't mean to say that I--

--majorly contribute to the guilt?  Actually, yes.

N-Jenova:  He won't show up for Tai-kun either.....?

For the little boy toddler possessed by L-sama last year?  Quite possibly yes, actually..... well, then, you can consider the avoiding thing rather checked by that, Jenova....

N-Jenova: ....but.......it'll be... awkward....

Damn straight.  And why does Xelloss always show up for the Holiday Season, anyways?

N-Xelloss:  Himitsu. ^_^

Aw, come on.... not even in a post-less footnote that doesn't affect continuity?  Spill the boots for RL information?

N-Xelloss:  Doesn't Recap do a good enough job of that?

Recap:  Yeah!  Lemme do it!

Um...... Recap, we're talking present motives here, not--

Recap:  Recapitulation Jones can recap anything!

Recapitulation Jones can't recap the future!

Recap:  Yes she can!  Er, I mean... yes I can! You just watch me!

.....*sigh*......well, I can do anything, but I'm feeling mean lately.... this could be a bad thing for the 'peacetime' storyline.... if I ever get a chance to bring that about in a reasonable fashion, which is beginning to seem absurdly unlikely.  We're all too restless. :P

(And Dot: the only thing worse than a pointless death issssssssss..... preciousssssesssss' Gollum impressssssssion! Yessssssssss...)

Actually, the only thing worse than a pointless death is watching me doing my Moonlight Knight impression. Ne, Warner-sama? >;)

Wheeeel...  i've been, lets just say indesposed, since the last post.  Its been something of an unusual confluence of circumstances leading to me being shut out of the EGC for a bit (i _know_ everybody missed me).  At the moment i'm still sick as hell, but missing posting time is one of those major sins, right? As for that permission i asked for...  those demons are still round and about, right? And still on the side opposite that of light and good and all that jazz, right? Well, i've been having an incredibly annoying week, so its either overhaul the webpage or turn some demons into a thin paste-like substance.  I think the former would be more fun, and might just advance the storyline a little bit...  but just a little, wouldn't have people thinking i actually became more than comic relief/annoyance, no?

And while i'm babbleing randomly, badass update, Chatty m'friend.  Though i'm securing copies of the old egc splash page (hey, i'm a nostalgic old man, don't mock me...).

Anyow, i have sleep that needs attending to.  Hopefully i will get to post tomorrow, but if the new network supervisor has figured out how to run the server, i may be behind a firewall that will make posting difficult.  Or impossible, you never quite know...

Darn it, how did you know that was the next to be updated? O_o

Anyways..... it's enough to go up now, have a looksy if you can.  I was hoping for an easier url to remember, not to mention something that won't confuse the heck out of first time visitors like the last page setup did. ^^;;

Oh, and directory "/niko" is intentionally forbidden, being that I am woefully overwhelmed by trying to make personnel files for every Reg RL, insert, cameo, and free-willed whate'er in EG City..... with background history... and quotes.... and cross-referencing.... and organizing cameos by the groups they travel in (Shito Sentai, Shito Sentai Beta, Goon Squad, Sanitation Crew, etc.)..... the lexicon is also not-there for similar reasons.

It'd be helpful if anybody could write up a few paragraphs here and there and e-mail me.  I mean, things would be alot more balanced if, say, NGC no Demiurge's profile was more or less written by herself than by, say, me.  I also think I'm not qualified to write anything about either Shito Sentai branch. -_-;;

Then again, maybe I should just be lazy and do another big fraggin' list like last time.  Confuses everybody, but at least I don't lose my mind... :P

(*Smirk*) Well Chats, i shall spare thee the Matrix quote in responce to the spoon bit, but only because its x-mas, and whatnot... (*Laugh*) But the new EGC page looks quite badass, i shall have to dig up and/or compose bios for my cameos.  Hey i need things to do at work...

Anyhow, i mentioned a plea.  Well, as a few of you know, i'm something of a fan of the Brunching Shuttlecocks to be precise, i'm more of a slave to their comic greatness.  The long and short of it is that they have something of an elite cadre of fans, and they promiced inclusion into this select few to the person who made them a message board.  Turns out me and five others have done so.  Mine is a free one, so everyone seems to treat it like the redheaded stepchild who stole the rented mule.  Its quite a sad story really.  And so therefore, i would be much indepted to anyone who i could drag over there to inflate the readers of my little board for atleast the week it takes to get the free t-shirt.  And if i don't win it will just be a pain to come up with another hairbrained sceme...  The frontrunner at the moment seems to be some program-built board (*mimicking whiny voice* "That doesn't have any adds" big freakin' deal) (*laugh*) with only three people on it...  and two of them are the creators.  I think we can take 'em...

Enough of that, now on to my one true love, posting to the EGC...  (*grin*) And reducing demons to their composite molecules...