An unexpected message

[caressthedarkness]

[After the recent bout of depressing events, Seta receives a sudden phone call in the middle of the day, just as she is about to indulge in her lunch.

A holographic video is projected from her phone, and on it, the image of a well-endowed silver-haired woman.]



...Seta? Can you hear me?

[This comes as a surprise to Seta, but a rather delightful one.]


Madame? It's been a while...I...

The purpose of this call isn't idle chatter, you fool. Now, listen closely...there is a matter that requires your attention, challenging though that may be. [She frowns slightly.] ...Not too long ago, you came into contact with Kellin, did you not?


...Yes...

If she visits you again, inform me immediately. She has been behaving rather suspiciously in the recent months, and has been refusing to share what exactly she is up to. This is absolutely inexcusable.


But I do not understand...Astara wouldn't be doing anything harmful...would she?

That is why we must question her, my foolish student. You are her closest acquaintance, so this will be your responsibility. [A pause.] And before I forget...


Yes...?

Do not get too attached to the people there - be they human or otherwise. Someday, you will return to working on your own, and your dependance on the help of some garbage will be detrimental to your abilities. There is a reason why I wasn't too fond of this agreement for outside help.


Understood...

...Don't misinterpret this as some form of concern, either. We are already short on members as it is. To have one return to us in a state lacking in substance would bring shame not only to me as your teacher, but to our organization as a whole. You know very well that I will not tolerate useless trash under my command. That is all.

[With that, she cuts the transmission, leaving Seta speechless.]

Comments

[jianai]

You're accepting of her behaviour. If you don't mind me asking - what kind of relationship do the two of you have?

[caressthedarkness]

Madame is my teacher...she has taught me since I was very young, and is the closest to what I would consider family.

[jianai]

Was she strict? I never had anyone to teach me, you see. So I am curious to hear what was it like.

[caressthedarkness]

I was not allowed to make mistakes. She would watch my every move. Even the slightest flaw would end with severe punishment.

It was...painful. Because of that...I learned to fear being watched, and to get things right the first time...mostly.

[jianai]

[Ren's reaction is almost immediate:

To walk up to Seta and hug her.]

I'm really sorry that you had to go through that.

[caressthedarkness]

...!

[Stranger hugging. Commence flail.]

Um...

[jianai]

Ah!

[Ren lets go. No need to struggle like a cat.]

I'm really sorry. I was... overcome by emotion.

[That smile is now a sheepish one.]

[caressthedarkness]

...

...Now that I am thinking about it...I have not actually seen you here before...

[jianai]

I arrived only recently. Did you miss my introduction? No matter. My name is Ren Ubuntu.

What's yours?

[caressthedarkness]

Seta Albreich...

[jianai]

Seta - if I may say something?

I understand your Madame's way of thinking. I do not agree with her methods, but I understand the sentiment of wanting to grow so you do not need other people and can do everything by yourself alone.

But the thing is...

No one can exist alone. You always need others, humans simply were made that way.

[caressthedarkness]

Well...there is one problem...

[jianai]

Yes?

[caressthedarkness]

I...am not human.

[jianai]

... Oh.

And your Madame knows that, yes?

[caressthedarkness]

She, too, is part of the same race...

So yes...and in a way, she was reminding me of what I really am.

[jianai]

Is it the way of your race? To do everything flawlessly, and punish every mistake?

[caressthedarkness]

Considering that it is all I have to go on...it may very well be.

Especially when it comes to combat.

[jianai]

The way of my kin is different from humanity's as well. But I've decided not to follow it.

You see... I am not a human either.

[caressthedarkness]

[There are suddenly arrows pointing at those pair of horns, which she hasn't noticed until now.]

A-Ah...I see...

[jianai]

I thought it was pretty obvious, considering my unusual appearance.

[caressthedarkness]

No...

I suppose I am accustomed to seeing them...

[jianai]

The world really is an interesting place, full of mysteries and wonders to discover.

Anyway! Let's not get sidetracked. What I wanted to tell you Seta is:

Everyone has their own way of doing things. There is nothing wrong with that. If your way is not the one that your Madame approves of...

Well, she doesn't have to know, does she?

[caressthedarkness]

I...do not know how I want to do things...

As abrasive as she is, Madame's words are often not without merit.

[jianai]

Following your own path in life is a slow, gradual process. It's not something that happens from just one big decision. From my experience, it's the opposite, it happens on its own without you even noticing. Only looking back at your past will let you notice the change.

You're also right, I already admitted that she may have a point. It's not wrong to base yourself on her own way of doing things.

But don't think it's wrong either - if you outgrow it.