Post by Maxine on Oct 16, 2020 4:46:56 GMT -8
”Going to resign, rat?”
”My resignation papers will be cremated with me.”
”Oh, a machine deserves a proper send-off now?”
”I prefer to give the industrial incinerator some sense of honour.”
”I don’t recall us giving thanks to the headquarters’ showers.”
”Yet we give swords such flowery names and shrines all to themselves.”
”Hah! You’re not wrong, rat.”
It was the usual. The small glass elevator always felt rather cramped with Hatsuka, but Maxine had grown quite accustomed to her company by now. She was crass, boisterous, obnoxious, crude, cruel, selfish, greedy, bratty – a model member of the Gokudō. For all their misgivings and their constant rivalry, Maxine truly appreciated the lady; no matter how many times she threatened to take her head – Hatsuka was a known quantity, and a known quantity that got work done. A known quantity that would serve their chairman with the same lauded loyalty that Maxine too possessed.
Hatsuka glanced down, and smirked.
Maxine looked up, and stared.
”Better the devil you know –”
”- than the rat you don’t.”
The Duchies were full of corruption, but that just made the loyalties you did know all the more valuable.
As the elevator came to a stop, the two henchman entered the clan heir’s office – a black tiled floor, a fine wooden desk, all sorts of souvenirs and exquisite gifts lining the shelves and corners… and, the enormous fish tank that no one could forget. It took up a whole wall, and cast strange shadows across the rest of the room. Once upon a time, Maxine had assumed it was meant to impress, or unsettle – but, now she knew the princess better. In truth… she just got bored.
Maxine promptly took her seat on the guests’ side of the lacquered desk, while Hatsuka stood by on guard. The supposed princess herself entered in just a few moments, and simply raised a hand after the pair bowed – she did not have much time to spare, for once. “At ease, Hatsuka.” spoke the lady, not even offering an honourific to the thug. And Hatsuka definitely did settle in, lighting up a cigarette almost instantly. “Maxine. I understand you wanted permission to contact the clan’s consigned Crane School representative? I can’t object to you getting further training, so you’ve got my approval; so long as you make it quick. But, be aware, they’re a bit useless.”
”Huh, playing with the Crane School? I thought you couldn’t stand martial arts and swords and shit, Maxine. But, I wouldn’t give that punk the time of day. They only know one technique of your calibre, and it’s nothing spectacular. Or, do you wanna start from the bottom? I think a white belt would suit you, mm hm.”
”You’re both correct. But, it’s a technique that I am interested in. Additionally, I think it would be in the interests of the Shinobu Clan to show our faith in our allies.” answered Maxine, bowing her head slightly in submission to the pair’s complaints – but, she had a spark in her eye. ”Anyone who spends their life practicing a technique has earned some respect. I can’t imagine I will be able to compare to them, but – I think it is a move that suits me.”
“I see. Well, I can see that, if you manage to keep up with them. But, I’m not sure how you can teach a machine.” replied the young (for a demon) lady succinctly. Her eyes narrowed for a moment as she glanced over the paperwork, not even bothering to sit down, and simply stamped the letter with the clan’s seal before pushing it over to her subordinate. “I was considering recommending you to one of the Northern Lands’ Crane Schools instead when I heard you were interested in pursuing some of their arts. I met some of the masters out there when I was younger. Ah, it’d be so cool being able to say my assistant knows how to use a Kamehameha or a Destructo Disk…”
”Firstly, the big beam deal is a Turtle School thing. Secondly, the Destructo Disk looks stupid. And c’mon now. Maxine’s a computer. She can just download stuff like that, no doubt. Martial arts aren’t that complicated. I don’t really see the point of this.”
”I apologise if it seems trivial, but… I wish to pay my respects to the master who taught me previously. But, I wish to learn, too. I think it will be... practical; assuming the technique can be taught to a mere machine.”
“Very well, very well. I guess it’ll be a nice look for us regardless. Go have a fun vacation, but remember – no more than a week!”
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Being in a dojo again was a strange feeling, even if it was after hours for any classes. Kneeling on the soft tatami matting was familiar, but the empty expanse and cool air were a rare breed in Oolong’s offices. And, even less familiar, was the sensation of not having her suit weighed down with weapons; nor having Two manoeuvring through her system. It was almost – nostalgic.
Once upon a time, Maxine had indeed tried to learn from the bottom – but, a full machine like her could not compare to the natural spirit and ki of any organic races. Even cyborgs had some sense of spirit. And perhaps there would someday be synths who could mimic such ki well enough, too. But, Maxine was not so blessed. She was just a machine.
She had some luck, though. Long ago, during her early days with the Duchies, she was taught here by one master. An old man, an exiled relic of the Crane School. Though she could not meditate, dream, or spar; she earned his attention, and they swiftly found they shared a lot of territory. Efficiency, composure, and professionalism… they knew each other’s kind without having to ask any more. And so, in the quiet hours after the day’s classes, he’d taught her a technique. There was no groundwork, no ideology, and no ambition – just the motions, and the intent to win.
Maxine did not fool herself into thinking she would see him again. He had passed away this year, barely earning an obituary in Oolong’s daily news. The techniques of a killer were finally excised from the Crane School along with him… but, such a wish was foolish. Perhaps no other master would use that technique, but they had misunderstood his story. There is no difference between a master, and a machine, when faced with death.
Still. He would surely see it as childish, but she wanted to see him off –
“And you would be Maxine?”
The android looked up, faced with a short Earthling in a Crane master’s gi. Long, beautiful blue hair, and a young face; and their gi still betrayed their svelte but muscular build. This would have to be her contact… they really were quite the sight. ”Yes, I am UN-11, Maxine; of the Shinobu Clan. I apologise for taking up your time for something so unwieldy, master.”
“Hm, you speak quite humbly for a Shinobu. Fine, fine; let’s open the doors, and see what we can do. I’d like to make this quick, so let’s go through the motions and see what happens. If you’ve got much hope, then I’ll set you up with one of my apprentices.”
Despite their soft voice, they were just like Maxine – all business. The android could never argue with that, and so the two opened the dojo’s sliding doors; opening it up to the open air garden outside. They’d need some room. But, thankfully, that was all the preparation necessary.
“Alright. So, you have your own version of Teleportation? I can’t imagine it’s quite the same as any normal artist’s style, but let’s find out. If nothing else, maybe I can give some tips.” offered the master, giving a friendly shrug. “Go on, then. Just a short hop, preferably. And, if you know Telepathy as well, you should show that off, too.”
Obediently, Maxine lowered herself onto all fours, and went through her internal preparations – coordinates, power allotments, countermeasures. And, bracing herself for the pain. Excess electricity began to arc across her body as she desperately organized the power. Even though her code for the process had improved, it was still far from efficient. Then, once it was finally all in line, she could feel the familiar sensation shoot through her – like the end of a needle shooting through her nerves – she closed her eyes, not for her sake, but from the pain –
And then, she was there; scraping to a stop across the stone path in a shower of sparks. She gagged, as the second part of her technique’s pain hit her; scraping up through her body and into her skull – but, then it was gone. It was an improvement… but she was still stuffing a modern model’s capability into a machine that was more than thirty years old. It was like trying to run a holographic movie on a 2D display. Maybe it’d capture a part of it, but…
“I saw that look on your face – very in the spirit of the Crane School. There’s room to improve. Looking past the lightning, I think it’s possible for you to at least imitate my technique.” mused the master, earning an outright gasp from Maxine. She truly hadn’t expected any kind words, much less any hint of potential. “lán sè Hóng, is my title. Master Hóng suits me fine, though. Let’s see what I can do with a yakuza like you, Maxine.”
Standing up once more and meeting their introduction with a bow, Maxine was finally comfortable – this sort of relationship suited her fine. But, they really didn’t waste any time, as before she even straightened her back, Hóng was kneeling instead. As the master took a similar pose to hers, she imitated it; and prepared for her teleportation again – but, she watched as closely as she could, trying to match the intricacies of their posture. They kept shifting, though… was she mimicking them, or were they mimicking her? ”Do you have any advice, or should I just feel for the right pose…?”
“Perhaps it would be better if I guided you myself, rather than having you copy me. Stay focused.” With a sudden change in plans, the master stood up and waltzed over to Maxine, standing over her – was that a safe place given she was about to try and teleport? Still, seeing their blue hair swaying before her reassured her a little. She could feel their presence so acutely, even while under the pressure of her jump drive’s preparation – like the calm of a lake’s surface, rippling beneath her processes. “Elongate your neck more. Stretch out. But, steady your back legs. Focus your weight on your center rather than your arm. And, most importantly, place two fingers upon your forehead –“
– With barely a hand motion, Maxine was killed.
A Dodon Ray, fired from point blank, straight through her head. The machine was left with only a smoking husk from her neck up; the only memory of her skull being a black stain of ash on the stone below. The robot’s body stayed sturdy for a moment more, then collapsed; a mere steel hollow. “I am sorry, Maxine. But, I can’t tolerate any Shinobu yakuza alone in my dojo, no matter how polite. I would say that I hope the next world gives you a better fate than a criminal killer, but I don’t believe there is a next world for a mere machine.”
With such a blessing, the master turned away with a gentle smile; as soft as their words.
-------------------------------
How embarrassing.
All that set-up for her jump drive had really set back her redundant systems’ booting, particularly with the shock mitigation totally offline.
So, gradually, Maxine rebooted, in the comforting grasp of a dumpster.
No vision – not a big problem. She had other sensors to work with, like an organic.
No armaments – slight concern. She was without Two, and without her briefcase; so no way to call in what she needed either.
And, no contact – as expected of a Crane School professional, she’d been shot a few more times in assumed vitals, which had ruined some of her capabilities; including her networking systems.
But, her core was still stable, and her limbs were functional.
Gradually, the headless machine awakened, sitting up and checking her limbs – her diagnostics were reliable; she hadn’t lost much flexibility. The dumpster’s lid served as a fine test, too; the weight of the rubbish bags on top was still easily pushed aside in spite of her damage.
”W-Wha-Whaa-?! H-Hang on, where’s –“
A few quick steps up, a touch of the wall, and her arms were around the woman’s neck. She would have liked to comfort them, but her vocal chord imitator and even her initial vocoder had been damaged beyond use. With a gradual application of pressure, followed by a sting of electricity, she forced them into unconsciousness through asphyxiation and a buzz of their nerves. Maxine would have liked to assure that they were in a decent shape after that treatment, not to mention to approximate how long they might be out for her own safety’s sake; but without vision it was a little difficult.
There was a stable if slowed heartbeat, though, she she’d have to stake her bets on that. She better not waste any time. She could feel the hot air from nearby, and analysed the composition – she was surely in an incinerator room. Hm, she’d been close to being doomed. But, that made her think that this wasn’t a preplanned assassination, so her odds on escaping were a little higher than expected.
As she surveyed the room with a near invisible laser, she got a good sense for her situation. Underground, most likely; just a dumping ground. Probably not part of the dojo. Some hints of the room being merely part of a residential block, particularly judging from the contents of the dumpster. The janitor didn’t have any armour or a gi, either, so she’d guess they were just a worker. Hopefully they weren’t wearing any clan colours she couldn’t recognise at the moment; but they weren’t armed, so odds were looking further in Maxine’s favour.
Most importantly, though, a door. She couldn’t risk teleporting somewhere she couldn’t see, so she’d have to take the manual route out.
Thankfully, it was night, at least based on her internal clock; so the quiet corridors of the building were surprisingly forgiving of a headless corpse treading about. And, judging by the soundscape, it was a quiet section of the city. Assuming it was even in the city. Or, maybe she was just deep inside, but she was fairly sure there was reinforced glass to her side, based on the density and sound dampening, as well as the refraction of her laser painter. On a bad day, she would have just leapt through it, but… she had few clues as to how high she was. Her altitude meter suggested she was a good ten or so storeys up, but that was based on the average land level of the Western Lands, not anything absolute.
This was not how she planned on spending her night, but at least it was exciting.
“Hm. You’re quite the cheater.”
Hopefully it would not be her last night.
“You weren’t very subtle on surveillance. If you really are a Shinobu assassin, then you’re truly out of practice. If not… then, the fact remains. Your kind aren’t welcome here anymore. My wing of the Crane has no use for such lowly yakuza such as yourself.”
She would have liked to reply, but it was clear that the stage was already set. His martial arts far outweighed hers – without a gun by her side, she only had her ki blade blasts; and they were no doubt pitiful compared to a master’s. And, well… not being able to see was a bit of a disadvantage right now, too.
It seemed her time was up.
“Well then. If you get yet another chance, then I hope you learn what you wish from how your life ends here. Well – whatever you consider your life, android.”
The ray came from her – she felt it easily; the heat and ki signature being unmistakable. But, that meant she could react. Lowering her stance and winding her arms back around herself, she forged her ki. Sweeping them forward like outstretched wings, the energy formed into two thin, curved blades of energy; and were thrown like spinning knifes.
A hiss – the ray was intercepted.
And a crash – the second blade was parried; and took a light’s life instead.
A second ray was already coming – and a third. But, Maxine could keep up with that much; repeating her technique with a second pair of blades as she dove to the side. She was met with a wall, taking a step up it before launching forward to close ground. That beam would catch her at the same pace so long as it was within midrange, but her blades could only become faster as she closed the distance.
Their rally of ki continued for two more rounds, but the pressure was rising. Hóng started using two rays to deflect both blades, rather than relying on physical parrying – maybe they were armed in some way before that? Maxine could not tell. Maybe a ki blade of their own, using the more conventional style of that technique… closing in might be bad for her. But, she could only bet on what she had –
Then, she felt it – a break in their combat, and the ki charge that came from the Dodon Ray volley became far more substantial. That would mean – the next step. The Neo Dodon Ray that had taken her head. It’d overwhelm her own blasts, no doubt. And, she had no next step of her own. It’d overwhelm her attacks, and then –
She’d die. Retired, for good.
She was an android – no, not even that. A synth. She had no soul. So, it didn’t matter.
But, her mission had not been resolved. She had been created to serve the Duchess. Her Duchess.
No… the Duchess had died, before she’d even met her. Her mission – had never been possible to complete.
Her duty was done, and she could disappear quietly into the night.
She was old, so old, so this was inevitable.
Perhaps, it might even let her find peace.
The fate of an old machine was to be replaced, surely.
The ray was coming for her –
Yet.
Even if her mission didn’t exist.
Even if she had no ambition left.
Even if she had been built for nothing.
Even if she no longer mattered.
“You’re a demon, remember? We don’t care about stuff like fate~“
She…
wanted to live.
But, if she wanted to live, then right now, that meant doing something unforgivable –
Bracing herself, she lowered onto one knee, and let the pain slip away down her spine. She couldn’t see it, but she felt it with ease. Pinpointing her next position was effortless, and then the next step came as easily as walking. She placed two fingers on her forehead, and jaunted through space, stepping through the world like it was merely a matter of course.
As she drifted by her target, she gently turned, and wrapped an arm around them. Their height came in handy – she had no problem gripping their throat in the crook of her elbow. Then, a small kick to their knee, and force their torso to the side –
“You just –?!”
It’d only taken a second or two to charge, so the Neo Dodon Ray fired – before Hóng could even consider the new direction their arm was aimed in. With the crack of the ray, the master was left unsteady from its recoil; while Maxine hopped back as soon as their stance shifted… dragging them both through the window behind them.
The android’s right arm tightened around the master’s head, and she maneuvered her other arm to his head – her hidden weapon opened with a click; barrels to the brain.
”No need for last words. It was a good death –“
Ah, but, she felt it – his fingers were on his forehead, too –
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…and, she’d died twice.
Impaled on the iron gates of the dojo’s outer garden, Maxine’s body hung beneath the moonlight. She could feel her circulatory fluid dripping out of her back, and down the metal… her white blood. But, she was still functioning. Her limbs were somewhat crippled, but usable. Her redundant systems… well, right now, she rather wished she had a third set, but – she was still functioning, unbelievably.
Slowly, she tore her side open and drag herself off of the pole; using a ki blade to cut through her body. No head, and now a gaping hole in her torso; leaving the rest of her upper half barely holding itself up. A dreadful look.
But.
Still awake.
She let herself slide to the ground, holding onto the fence posts with her arms and legs. Then, she cauterised her wounds – a trail of blood would surely doom her. And at last, she dragged herself away, searching for any sort of cover. Luckily, even in these quiet suburbs, Oolong City was never lacking in gloomy alleys. It looked like she would be spending another nap in a dumpster… hopefully the time to focus on diagnostics would let her find her way back to Shinobu turf, or whoever found her here would recognise her colours.
She had survived.
That master, though – had they, too, lived?
The thought of taking a life disturbed every fibre of her being.
She was a servant, not a killer…
It was one line she never wished to cross, after being at Duchess Rhyme’s funeral.
Yet, tonight…
The emptiness deep within her had proven to have no such qualms.
To kill for the Shinobu, or to die for the Shinobu –
That was the one question she never wished to face.
Tomorrow,
it could be you.
[3759]
”My resignation papers will be cremated with me.”
”Oh, a machine deserves a proper send-off now?”
”I prefer to give the industrial incinerator some sense of honour.”
”I don’t recall us giving thanks to the headquarters’ showers.”
”Yet we give swords such flowery names and shrines all to themselves.”
”Hah! You’re not wrong, rat.”
It was the usual. The small glass elevator always felt rather cramped with Hatsuka, but Maxine had grown quite accustomed to her company by now. She was crass, boisterous, obnoxious, crude, cruel, selfish, greedy, bratty – a model member of the Gokudō. For all their misgivings and their constant rivalry, Maxine truly appreciated the lady; no matter how many times she threatened to take her head – Hatsuka was a known quantity, and a known quantity that got work done. A known quantity that would serve their chairman with the same lauded loyalty that Maxine too possessed.
Hatsuka glanced down, and smirked.
Maxine looked up, and stared.
”Better the devil you know –”
”- than the rat you don’t.”
The Duchies were full of corruption, but that just made the loyalties you did know all the more valuable.
As the elevator came to a stop, the two henchman entered the clan heir’s office – a black tiled floor, a fine wooden desk, all sorts of souvenirs and exquisite gifts lining the shelves and corners… and, the enormous fish tank that no one could forget. It took up a whole wall, and cast strange shadows across the rest of the room. Once upon a time, Maxine had assumed it was meant to impress, or unsettle – but, now she knew the princess better. In truth… she just got bored.
Maxine promptly took her seat on the guests’ side of the lacquered desk, while Hatsuka stood by on guard. The supposed princess herself entered in just a few moments, and simply raised a hand after the pair bowed – she did not have much time to spare, for once. “At ease, Hatsuka.” spoke the lady, not even offering an honourific to the thug. And Hatsuka definitely did settle in, lighting up a cigarette almost instantly. “Maxine. I understand you wanted permission to contact the clan’s consigned Crane School representative? I can’t object to you getting further training, so you’ve got my approval; so long as you make it quick. But, be aware, they’re a bit useless.”
”Huh, playing with the Crane School? I thought you couldn’t stand martial arts and swords and shit, Maxine. But, I wouldn’t give that punk the time of day. They only know one technique of your calibre, and it’s nothing spectacular. Or, do you wanna start from the bottom? I think a white belt would suit you, mm hm.”
”You’re both correct. But, it’s a technique that I am interested in. Additionally, I think it would be in the interests of the Shinobu Clan to show our faith in our allies.” answered Maxine, bowing her head slightly in submission to the pair’s complaints – but, she had a spark in her eye. ”Anyone who spends their life practicing a technique has earned some respect. I can’t imagine I will be able to compare to them, but – I think it is a move that suits me.”
“I see. Well, I can see that, if you manage to keep up with them. But, I’m not sure how you can teach a machine.” replied the young (for a demon) lady succinctly. Her eyes narrowed for a moment as she glanced over the paperwork, not even bothering to sit down, and simply stamped the letter with the clan’s seal before pushing it over to her subordinate. “I was considering recommending you to one of the Northern Lands’ Crane Schools instead when I heard you were interested in pursuing some of their arts. I met some of the masters out there when I was younger. Ah, it’d be so cool being able to say my assistant knows how to use a Kamehameha or a Destructo Disk…”
”Firstly, the big beam deal is a Turtle School thing. Secondly, the Destructo Disk looks stupid. And c’mon now. Maxine’s a computer. She can just download stuff like that, no doubt. Martial arts aren’t that complicated. I don’t really see the point of this.”
”I apologise if it seems trivial, but… I wish to pay my respects to the master who taught me previously. But, I wish to learn, too. I think it will be... practical; assuming the technique can be taught to a mere machine.”
“Very well, very well. I guess it’ll be a nice look for us regardless. Go have a fun vacation, but remember – no more than a week!”
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Being in a dojo again was a strange feeling, even if it was after hours for any classes. Kneeling on the soft tatami matting was familiar, but the empty expanse and cool air were a rare breed in Oolong’s offices. And, even less familiar, was the sensation of not having her suit weighed down with weapons; nor having Two manoeuvring through her system. It was almost – nostalgic.
Once upon a time, Maxine had indeed tried to learn from the bottom – but, a full machine like her could not compare to the natural spirit and ki of any organic races. Even cyborgs had some sense of spirit. And perhaps there would someday be synths who could mimic such ki well enough, too. But, Maxine was not so blessed. She was just a machine.
She had some luck, though. Long ago, during her early days with the Duchies, she was taught here by one master. An old man, an exiled relic of the Crane School. Though she could not meditate, dream, or spar; she earned his attention, and they swiftly found they shared a lot of territory. Efficiency, composure, and professionalism… they knew each other’s kind without having to ask any more. And so, in the quiet hours after the day’s classes, he’d taught her a technique. There was no groundwork, no ideology, and no ambition – just the motions, and the intent to win.
Maxine did not fool herself into thinking she would see him again. He had passed away this year, barely earning an obituary in Oolong’s daily news. The techniques of a killer were finally excised from the Crane School along with him… but, such a wish was foolish. Perhaps no other master would use that technique, but they had misunderstood his story. There is no difference between a master, and a machine, when faced with death.
Still. He would surely see it as childish, but she wanted to see him off –
“And you would be Maxine?”
The android looked up, faced with a short Earthling in a Crane master’s gi. Long, beautiful blue hair, and a young face; and their gi still betrayed their svelte but muscular build. This would have to be her contact… they really were quite the sight. ”Yes, I am UN-11, Maxine; of the Shinobu Clan. I apologise for taking up your time for something so unwieldy, master.”
“Hm, you speak quite humbly for a Shinobu. Fine, fine; let’s open the doors, and see what we can do. I’d like to make this quick, so let’s go through the motions and see what happens. If you’ve got much hope, then I’ll set you up with one of my apprentices.”
Despite their soft voice, they were just like Maxine – all business. The android could never argue with that, and so the two opened the dojo’s sliding doors; opening it up to the open air garden outside. They’d need some room. But, thankfully, that was all the preparation necessary.
“Alright. So, you have your own version of Teleportation? I can’t imagine it’s quite the same as any normal artist’s style, but let’s find out. If nothing else, maybe I can give some tips.” offered the master, giving a friendly shrug. “Go on, then. Just a short hop, preferably. And, if you know Telepathy as well, you should show that off, too.”
Obediently, Maxine lowered herself onto all fours, and went through her internal preparations – coordinates, power allotments, countermeasures. And, bracing herself for the pain. Excess electricity began to arc across her body as she desperately organized the power. Even though her code for the process had improved, it was still far from efficient. Then, once it was finally all in line, she could feel the familiar sensation shoot through her – like the end of a needle shooting through her nerves – she closed her eyes, not for her sake, but from the pain –
And then, she was there; scraping to a stop across the stone path in a shower of sparks. She gagged, as the second part of her technique’s pain hit her; scraping up through her body and into her skull – but, then it was gone. It was an improvement… but she was still stuffing a modern model’s capability into a machine that was more than thirty years old. It was like trying to run a holographic movie on a 2D display. Maybe it’d capture a part of it, but…
“I saw that look on your face – very in the spirit of the Crane School. There’s room to improve. Looking past the lightning, I think it’s possible for you to at least imitate my technique.” mused the master, earning an outright gasp from Maxine. She truly hadn’t expected any kind words, much less any hint of potential. “lán sè Hóng, is my title. Master Hóng suits me fine, though. Let’s see what I can do with a yakuza like you, Maxine.”
Standing up once more and meeting their introduction with a bow, Maxine was finally comfortable – this sort of relationship suited her fine. But, they really didn’t waste any time, as before she even straightened her back, Hóng was kneeling instead. As the master took a similar pose to hers, she imitated it; and prepared for her teleportation again – but, she watched as closely as she could, trying to match the intricacies of their posture. They kept shifting, though… was she mimicking them, or were they mimicking her? ”Do you have any advice, or should I just feel for the right pose…?”
“Perhaps it would be better if I guided you myself, rather than having you copy me. Stay focused.” With a sudden change in plans, the master stood up and waltzed over to Maxine, standing over her – was that a safe place given she was about to try and teleport? Still, seeing their blue hair swaying before her reassured her a little. She could feel their presence so acutely, even while under the pressure of her jump drive’s preparation – like the calm of a lake’s surface, rippling beneath her processes. “Elongate your neck more. Stretch out. But, steady your back legs. Focus your weight on your center rather than your arm. And, most importantly, place two fingers upon your forehead –“
– With barely a hand motion, Maxine was killed.
A Dodon Ray, fired from point blank, straight through her head. The machine was left with only a smoking husk from her neck up; the only memory of her skull being a black stain of ash on the stone below. The robot’s body stayed sturdy for a moment more, then collapsed; a mere steel hollow. “I am sorry, Maxine. But, I can’t tolerate any Shinobu yakuza alone in my dojo, no matter how polite. I would say that I hope the next world gives you a better fate than a criminal killer, but I don’t believe there is a next world for a mere machine.”
With such a blessing, the master turned away with a gentle smile; as soft as their words.
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How embarrassing.
All that set-up for her jump drive had really set back her redundant systems’ booting, particularly with the shock mitigation totally offline.
So, gradually, Maxine rebooted, in the comforting grasp of a dumpster.
No vision – not a big problem. She had other sensors to work with, like an organic.
No armaments – slight concern. She was without Two, and without her briefcase; so no way to call in what she needed either.
And, no contact – as expected of a Crane School professional, she’d been shot a few more times in assumed vitals, which had ruined some of her capabilities; including her networking systems.
But, her core was still stable, and her limbs were functional.
Gradually, the headless machine awakened, sitting up and checking her limbs – her diagnostics were reliable; she hadn’t lost much flexibility. The dumpster’s lid served as a fine test, too; the weight of the rubbish bags on top was still easily pushed aside in spite of her damage.
”W-Wha-Whaa-?! H-Hang on, where’s –“
A few quick steps up, a touch of the wall, and her arms were around the woman’s neck. She would have liked to comfort them, but her vocal chord imitator and even her initial vocoder had been damaged beyond use. With a gradual application of pressure, followed by a sting of electricity, she forced them into unconsciousness through asphyxiation and a buzz of their nerves. Maxine would have liked to assure that they were in a decent shape after that treatment, not to mention to approximate how long they might be out for her own safety’s sake; but without vision it was a little difficult.
There was a stable if slowed heartbeat, though, she she’d have to stake her bets on that. She better not waste any time. She could feel the hot air from nearby, and analysed the composition – she was surely in an incinerator room. Hm, she’d been close to being doomed. But, that made her think that this wasn’t a preplanned assassination, so her odds on escaping were a little higher than expected.
As she surveyed the room with a near invisible laser, she got a good sense for her situation. Underground, most likely; just a dumping ground. Probably not part of the dojo. Some hints of the room being merely part of a residential block, particularly judging from the contents of the dumpster. The janitor didn’t have any armour or a gi, either, so she’d guess they were just a worker. Hopefully they weren’t wearing any clan colours she couldn’t recognise at the moment; but they weren’t armed, so odds were looking further in Maxine’s favour.
Most importantly, though, a door. She couldn’t risk teleporting somewhere she couldn’t see, so she’d have to take the manual route out.
Thankfully, it was night, at least based on her internal clock; so the quiet corridors of the building were surprisingly forgiving of a headless corpse treading about. And, judging by the soundscape, it was a quiet section of the city. Assuming it was even in the city. Or, maybe she was just deep inside, but she was fairly sure there was reinforced glass to her side, based on the density and sound dampening, as well as the refraction of her laser painter. On a bad day, she would have just leapt through it, but… she had few clues as to how high she was. Her altitude meter suggested she was a good ten or so storeys up, but that was based on the average land level of the Western Lands, not anything absolute.
This was not how she planned on spending her night, but at least it was exciting.
“Hm. You’re quite the cheater.”
Hopefully it would not be her last night.
“You weren’t very subtle on surveillance. If you really are a Shinobu assassin, then you’re truly out of practice. If not… then, the fact remains. Your kind aren’t welcome here anymore. My wing of the Crane has no use for such lowly yakuza such as yourself.”
She would have liked to reply, but it was clear that the stage was already set. His martial arts far outweighed hers – without a gun by her side, she only had her ki blade blasts; and they were no doubt pitiful compared to a master’s. And, well… not being able to see was a bit of a disadvantage right now, too.
It seemed her time was up.
“Well then. If you get yet another chance, then I hope you learn what you wish from how your life ends here. Well – whatever you consider your life, android.”
The ray came from her – she felt it easily; the heat and ki signature being unmistakable. But, that meant she could react. Lowering her stance and winding her arms back around herself, she forged her ki. Sweeping them forward like outstretched wings, the energy formed into two thin, curved blades of energy; and were thrown like spinning knifes.
A hiss – the ray was intercepted.
And a crash – the second blade was parried; and took a light’s life instead.
A second ray was already coming – and a third. But, Maxine could keep up with that much; repeating her technique with a second pair of blades as she dove to the side. She was met with a wall, taking a step up it before launching forward to close ground. That beam would catch her at the same pace so long as it was within midrange, but her blades could only become faster as she closed the distance.
Their rally of ki continued for two more rounds, but the pressure was rising. Hóng started using two rays to deflect both blades, rather than relying on physical parrying – maybe they were armed in some way before that? Maxine could not tell. Maybe a ki blade of their own, using the more conventional style of that technique… closing in might be bad for her. But, she could only bet on what she had –
Then, she felt it – a break in their combat, and the ki charge that came from the Dodon Ray volley became far more substantial. That would mean – the next step. The Neo Dodon Ray that had taken her head. It’d overwhelm her own blasts, no doubt. And, she had no next step of her own. It’d overwhelm her attacks, and then –
She’d die. Retired, for good.
She was an android – no, not even that. A synth. She had no soul. So, it didn’t matter.
But, her mission had not been resolved. She had been created to serve the Duchess. Her Duchess.
No… the Duchess had died, before she’d even met her. Her mission – had never been possible to complete.
Her duty was done, and she could disappear quietly into the night.
She was old, so old, so this was inevitable.
Perhaps, it might even let her find peace.
The fate of an old machine was to be replaced, surely.
The ray was coming for her –
Yet.
Even if her mission didn’t exist.
Even if she had no ambition left.
Even if she had been built for nothing.
Even if she no longer mattered.
“You’re a demon, remember? We don’t care about stuff like fate~“
She…
wanted to live.
But, if she wanted to live, then right now, that meant doing something unforgivable –
If you want to survive in this world, brand your chest with these words:
'Don't depend on anybody'.
From now on, you're all on your own.
The only way it should be,
for the honourable killer.
Bracing herself, she lowered onto one knee, and let the pain slip away down her spine. She couldn’t see it, but she felt it with ease. Pinpointing her next position was effortless, and then the next step came as easily as walking. She placed two fingers on her forehead, and jaunted through space, stepping through the world like it was merely a matter of course.
As she drifted by her target, she gently turned, and wrapped an arm around them. Their height came in handy – she had no problem gripping their throat in the crook of her elbow. Then, a small kick to their knee, and force their torso to the side –
“You just –?!”
It’d only taken a second or two to charge, so the Neo Dodon Ray fired – before Hóng could even consider the new direction their arm was aimed in. With the crack of the ray, the master was left unsteady from its recoil; while Maxine hopped back as soon as their stance shifted… dragging them both through the window behind them.
The android’s right arm tightened around the master’s head, and she maneuvered her other arm to his head – her hidden weapon opened with a click; barrels to the brain.
”No need for last words. It was a good death –“
Ah, but, she felt it – his fingers were on his forehead, too –
-------------------------------
…and, she’d died twice.
Impaled on the iron gates of the dojo’s outer garden, Maxine’s body hung beneath the moonlight. She could feel her circulatory fluid dripping out of her back, and down the metal… her white blood. But, she was still functioning. Her limbs were somewhat crippled, but usable. Her redundant systems… well, right now, she rather wished she had a third set, but – she was still functioning, unbelievably.
Slowly, she tore her side open and drag herself off of the pole; using a ki blade to cut through her body. No head, and now a gaping hole in her torso; leaving the rest of her upper half barely holding itself up. A dreadful look.
But.
Still awake.
She let herself slide to the ground, holding onto the fence posts with her arms and legs. Then, she cauterised her wounds – a trail of blood would surely doom her. And at last, she dragged herself away, searching for any sort of cover. Luckily, even in these quiet suburbs, Oolong City was never lacking in gloomy alleys. It looked like she would be spending another nap in a dumpster… hopefully the time to focus on diagnostics would let her find her way back to Shinobu turf, or whoever found her here would recognise her colours.
She had survived.
That master, though – had they, too, lived?
The thought of taking a life disturbed every fibre of her being.
She was a servant, not a killer…
It was one line she never wished to cross, after being at Duchess Rhyme’s funeral.
Yet, tonight…
The emptiness deep within her had proven to have no such qualms.
To kill for the Shinobu, or to die for the Shinobu –
That was the one question she never wished to face.
Tomorrow,
it could be you.
[3759]