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[gossamer-enigma.livejournal.com]

Who | Edea and her new capture
What | Edea is ambushing a ShinRa convoy.
Where | Chocobo Forest
When | [ooc] this should have been posted like ... months ago XD
Warnings | Eh ... Fighting ... PG13 at least

The ShinRa convoy trudged along through the forest, one SOLDIER at point, one in the rear. There was also a team of scientists, and a container marked not only Top Secret, but Biohazard, Dangerous, among other things. In the large container, at the back of a slow moving truck, was Zax, a recent test subject in ShinRa's ongoing efforts to create the perfect SOLDIER. He hung suspended in a heavy glass tube, reinforced at the top and bottom, and filled with a nutrient fluid, as well as raw, glowing Mako energy. It thrummed through him, and pulsed with his heartbeat. His long, spiky hair floated in the fluid, and while his eyes were closed, he -was- breathing through a tube that attached to a mask over his mouth, and likely went some ways down his throat. The man's body was bare, except for heavy shackles on his forearms, covering them to the elbow, in case he woke up. The group was moving slowly but surely through a normally restricted zone, of a seemingly enchanted forest, where a dangerous mage was supposed to reside. Normally they weren't supposed to even come close, but moving Zax was top priority, as his old facility had been raided, and he was in the final stages of his development. "Move it, men, we don't want to be caught with our pants down!" their CO shouted brusquely, a handsome, if frustrated, man. Perhaps he worked too hard.

From within the forest, the howls of creatures awoke a figure. Golden eyes snapping open, and then glowing as she searched the woods, to find the intrusion. She stood, her hands sliding along her face, caressing the veins that ran along the side, the scarring there as she slid her hands to let her hair drop behind her in a straight wall of raven glisten. Her clothes seemed to find her body as she moved, gracefully down the stairs of the keep, towards the slightly snow-covered ground below her feet. Already the pack she commanded was encircling the group, sending her visuals. She smirked, and started out, the wind seeming to catch her and draw her steps over bounds of land, until she was within her visual range. Perhaps today would be an interesting one after all

The SOLDIERs were as capable as any, and had taken up a defensive formation as they walked, once the wolves howled, and they noticed they were surrounded. "I... I don't like this.. Sir.." one scientist mumbled in fear, gripping the side of the truck tightly. "Be quiet! Whatever's out there, they haven't attacked yet.. we might make it out of here with our skins intact, if no-one screws up.." Just then, of course, someone did. The roar of gunfire shattered the near silence of their march, as one of the more inexperienced men shot at the flickering shadow of a plant in the wind.

The gunshot was enough to set the entire forest on edge, the path suddenly seeming unclear, as creatures around them howled out in alarm. And as soon as the sulphurous powder settled in the air, a voice, sharp and malevolently feminine echoes around them. "You dare intrude upon this forest?"

Zax was unaware of his surroundings, heavily sedated as he was for the transport, so he didn't know what was happening. The scientists and even the SOLDIERs were no better. "Fall back to the truck, men!" the commander shouted again, everyone putting their backs to it, while the lead man bolstered his nerve, "E-er.. we don't mean to intrude, we simply must make it to our destination by the most expedient route..!" his voice was called out to the forest, unsure of who, or what, he was addressing.

"Well .. .too bad for you ... your journey ends here" she walked from the woods, the woman was near 6 foot, her skin a stark white against the darkness of her garb and face. She stared at the commander, and smirked, walking towards him.

The man turned and trained his weapon on Edea, a long length of steel designed to be light, but efficient in battle. "Don't make us hurt you, lady.. we.. we just want to go on our way.." he tried to seem bold, even brave, but he had heard the rumors, and was just as frightened as his men.

Edea smirked, and raised her hand, before dropping it. A ball of lighting forming in her hand. She raised it up, and cracked it, inches from the guards head and into the box behind him, splintering and cracking the wood.

Zax's container was now in the sunlight, and oh how the bright blue liquid glowed, casting the team's pale faces in an odd light. The scientists were ready to surrender, though the SOLDIERs were willing to take the woman on. "Alright lady, we warned ya.." he stepped forward brashly, the materia in his bracer flashing as he accessed them, his arm becoming bathed in fire, which focused in his hand before he flung it at Edea.

Edea raised her hand, flicking up a shell around her, the fireball bouncing off harmlessly. She laughed, and raised her hand up again, "you call that fire?" she raised her arms, as two long coils of flames sprung from her hands, skipping from one soldier to another, her eyes glowing golden and menacing.

The SOLDIERs touched by the fire shrieked as their armor literally fused with their skin, men blinded and suffocating in slagged helmets, one dropping dead and smoking. Their commander proved to be tougher stuff, and he shouted the pain away, throwing his ruined weapon aside and leaping at the woman. The scientists, meanwhile, scattered in all directions, likely prey for Edea's forest. Zax, on the other hand, floated serenely in his tank.

Edea leaned forward, and grabbed the man up by the neck, holding him up as she stared at him. "Sorry to say Commander ... your mission is failed" she snapped his neck, and tossed him aside, sending a low command for her wolves to dispose of the bodies and scientists. She stepped up to the tank, and smirked "My my ... what have we here" she murmured softly

Zax was still quite unaware of everything, though a simple release was built into the tank in case of emergency. All Edea would have to do was press a large, and rather conspicuous, red button on the control panel at the front of the device he was stationed in. The monitor had a readout of his biosigns, and simple navigation would take her to not only his laboratorial history, but the history of his progenating DNA, that of a now-dead SOLDIER 1st Class, Zack Fair.

Edea tapped at the system idly, scanning over the information then looking up at him, pressing the valve on the tank, and stepping back, pondering. Perhaps she was in need of a new meat shield to protect her from breaking a sweat disposing of enemies she hummed, hearing the howls of her creatures feasting.

Zax's tank released with a whoosh of steam from the top, while the glass was retracted into a space much too small for it, and the toxic Mako-laden liquid drained onto the ground, and the truck. His body limp, Zax hit his knees, arms hanging in front of him, though his eyes slowly fluttered open. The world was harsh to him right then, cold and bright, that he wasn't used to... A muffled objection met the tube keeping his throat open, though it was soon almost cruelly ripped free, leaving him gasping raggedly for breath.

Edea smirked, and looked him over, biting her cheek gently. "Hmm ... so you are alive after all ... excellent" she said quietly, resting her crossed arms, and touching her cheek with her palm.

Eventually his breathing slowed to normal, and he looked around with wide, but glowing, blue eyes. His hair was plastered to his back, except for the unruly spikes atop his head, and after a moment, he was fully aware, looking pointedly at Edea. He tried to speak a few times, but the words only came out as wheezes. Seems he wasn't quite used to it all, just yet.

Edea smirked, and looked him over. She looked about "Well then. I assume you can understand me. Come along, before the wolves get done devouring your convoy" she said it casually, as if it bothered her none.

Zax blinked for a moment, then nodded, and shakily got to his feet, resting his elbows against his sides, the heavy shackles not bothering him in the least; he was sure she could dispose of them, and provide his uniform, when she was ready to. The man didn't question her, though he was concerned about ShinRa's employees. Though.. if they were being disposed of by someone so obviously in control, they must have been Wutaian spies, or something similar.

Edea smiled, and raised her hand, holding the chains midair along with him, keeping them just taut enough to lead him along. She walked along with him, setting a very quick pace back to her home. The tower seemed to have once been part of a grand castle, ravaged by war and age. It seemed to be an old cornerstone of the north tower, the stairs exposed to the elements in some places. The top was about the size of a large library, cobbled together with mystic and archaic means. it was not massive by any means, but it was ornately decorated.

Zax took stock of the area as they approached, matching Edea's pace easily, interested in where he would be assigned. The man didn't ask questions, yet, as he didn't feel he needed to know anything about it so far. She hadn't told him who she was, or what he'd be doing, of course, but he was sure she would in time. The architecture of the building was unlike anything he'd been 'taught' about, though he'd been raised in that tube to exemplify ShinRa's SOLDIER training, and ideals. He could likely take on a Wutaian town, fortifications and all, or fight terrorists on the streets of Midgar.. but he also burned to learn whatever else he could. His mind wasn't stagnant by any means.

Edea opened the door to the top of the tower, walking into the restored tower. There was a sense of age and abashed royalty to the room, deep wines and blacks dominating the decor. There was a small kitchen, an ornate bathing room, and a bed, among shelves of books, and weaponry, with tapestries, and artifacts. There were runes glowing along the room as if the walls were stitched together with their magics.

Zax paused at the doorway, waiting for a moment, before speaking, "Miss." his voice was quite bold, the type of mellow tone that would win hearts and rally a cause, a natural leader if need be, "In case you are unaware, I am Zax Haupe, replicate SOLDIER one oh two, first successful transfer of operative Zack Fair's experience, coupled with data gathered by other SOLDIERs. I have been taught any and all skills needed to perform in a highly dangerous situation." Zax paused for a moment to take a breath, giving his speech as if programmed to, "Please state my assignment and duties." it wasn't really a question, the please in the beginning just a formality. His interface, in the beginning, was designed to be user-friendly, and he would become intrinsically aware of authority, and respond accordingly, as time went on.

Edea turned a curious brow, but looked him over, pondering. "Very well ... you're assignment is to be my assistant in whatever I may require. Whether it be simple labor, to exterminating enemies, to gathering information, to caring for me shall I be injured. Your duties are whatever is necessary for upkeep of the tower, and my personal well being" she said simply, sitting down on her chair, gazing at him

Zax nodded curtly, standing at ease, with his hands folded in front of him, though he wasn't exactly modest, he was still nude, and damp from the tube, and therefore cold. A little shiver passed through him, though he wasn't going to complain, "Yes, of course. I will do my best to ensure your wellbeing, Miss." though he didn't move from that spot..

Edea smiled at him, and stood up, moving over to a trunk, and grasping something form it. She held it out, and looked at him. "It's basic, but until I can find something more suitable, this will do. There is a bathing room behind you if you wish a hot shower. you are not required to be at direct attention unless I am giving you an order. and no more Miss ... I am Edea ... " she said simply.

Zax accepted the outfit with a little smile, and he sighed softly, visibly relaxed once there was a name for this woman who was his superior, "Yes... Edea." he tried the name out, quietly, a few more times, "I.. do need that shower, before I come down with something. If I may be so bold; to defend you best, I need some kind of blade, and I am equally skilled with materia, and drawn magic, though it isn't standard ShinRa policy to supply a SOLDIER operative with a Guardian Force." he turned away, heading to the bathing room, a small smile on his face.

Edea pondered while he was occupied, pulling a rune-carved sword from a wall, along with a scabbard. She also looked about, grasping the latent guardian force she had never bothered to use. He was under her comand, but inert for the time being. She smirked. "you will do just fine" she laid the items near the bathroom door, turning to pour herself a drink and remove her outer dressing, leaving a simple gray gown that hugged her body, running a comb through her hair.

Zax returned from his shower a short time later, dressed simply, with his shirt tucked into his trousers, belted at the waist. His hair was thick, long, and raven-coloured, though more full than thin, and definately spikey by nature. He stopepd, and swallowed hard when he saw that she was now in a simple dress, and that that dress may well have not existed. Then he noticed the weapon, and smiled brightly, "Am I to assume this is for my use, Edea?"

Edea turned, holding a glass in her delicate fingertips, and nodding. "it will need some tending to. It's been unused for some time, but yes, it is yours, as well as the Guardian force. his name is Alexander." she said simply, brushing her hand about. "You are free to make yourself at ease with your surroundings while I estimate a place for you to retire. I ... was not expecting you so soon" she said simply.

The man buckled the sword on, making sure it was clear in the scabbard before grasping the Guardian Force, and touching it with his mind, in order to awaken it. After a brief touch, he Junctioned it, putting the amulet around his neck with a small sigh. "Of course.. I will take the time to clean this weapon, and become accustomed to.. Alexander." he nodded to himself.

Edea smiled and sat back, watching him. "If there is anything else you require, speak now." she said softly, laying her head back for a moment, closing her eyes

His gaze lingered on her, but he shook his head softly, clearing his throat. It seemed his creator's DNA was very..into attractive women. That and his programming brought him around to the attraction to authority, "I.. believe that as long as you are safe, for the moment, I'll be just fine."

"Well considering I took out the half dozen men that were escorting you, I don't think safety is a concern" she said simply, leaning back and finishing her glass in a long drink

He seemed confused for a moment, looking at her for a long moment, before asking quietly, "Edea.. why do you need me around, if you're so capable of destroying your foes?" he looked a little bit deflated, as if all the use he'd seen for himself were suddenly gone.

"Well, technically I didn't know you existed until that little convoy came onto my land. So i wasn't really expecting you. I figured it was just a group of merchants, and then I was pleasantly surprised. And besides, I'm only able to cast in distance. Close combat does not fare well"

He nodded, and chuckled, "I see.. well, no enemy will make it to place a finger on you." he smiled at her, confidant and heroic. "Are there any domestic tasks that I may complete for you in the meantime..?" he looked around the room, and blinked, "I just.." he trailed off, shaking his head. Maybe he lacked purpose on a bigger scale.

Edea looked around, slowly crossing her legs, exposing some of her pale flesh in way of her leg, as she looked at her empty glass again. "Oh, I don't know i'm sure there is something ... I just can't put a finger on it" she murmured

He tried not to cough, or anything, that would give away that he had been looking at her in more than passing, not to mention that the flash of leg was quite a sight, especially considering that he was essentially Zack, and he'd gone his whole five weeks of life without doing any of his DNA's top five activities. "I.. I see. Well, when you know for certain, I'm here to serve."

Edea smirked and looked over the young man, staring at her glass until it refilled itself, taking a sip, and crossing her legs again, idly observing his actions and mannerism.

For the most part, Zax stood relaxed, though obviously ready for nearly anything, by the casually active tensing of his muscles. He didn't let himself settle completely, in case of a threat, though his eyes did wander the room. Whenever he thought she might not be looking, those same aqua eyes roamed over her body, not in an impolite manner, but an interested one. After all, she was an obviously attractive woman, and she was in power, two things that, the way his mind was set up, were very desireable.

Edea stood after a time, and looked at him, settling the newly emptied glass on a counter, her hands resting about her hips. She seemed unused to haing anyone with her, and thus, was restless.

He looked back at her, meeting her eyes boldly, even if he ducked his chin a tad afterwards, averting his eyes from her. There was a strong streak of individualism to this man, though it was clearly subdued by how he'd been made. "I will scout the area for monsters, and brigands, Edea." he snapped off a crisp salute, and stood at attention, "By your leave, of course."

pondered, then after a moment nodded, "Very well. The wolves are not to be harmed, neither are the carrion vultures. anything else can be treated at your will. if you need to get a hold of me, call to one of the wolves" she said softly, glancing about.

"Of course." he turned, walking out of the tower and into the forest, suddenly quite focused, now that he had something to do. Likely, Edea was unused to commanding a SOLDIER operative, so he had supplied a common order from a list of such orders that he would be given. It didn't reflect badly on her, to him, though it reinforced his burgeoning desire to protect the woman.

Edea took the time he was gone to draw a bath and ponder what to do with her new prize. Obviously she never had control of someone so willing. She mused, letting time slip away from her as she relaxed, humming softly.

Zax returned some time later with a few scrapes, a bruise or two, one bloody gash on his arm, and a small, confidant smile on his face. Wounds would heal easily, but he'd cleared out a sizable den of couerls that had been bothering the wolves he'd been told to leave alone, and had a large bundle of their whiskers over his shoulder. It was a habit to collect useful parts of monsters, though he didn't know where he got it from.

Edea was still bathing, relaxing in the pool of heated water, relaxing and pondering over what other projects she could have him aid her with. She raised ehr legs above water, rubbing her palms over them, seemingly lost in her thoughts

Zax set the stack of couerl whiskers on her front step, out of the way, before closing the door. He listened for sounds of her inside, and blinked when he heard her in the washroom. He sighed softly, not wanting to disturb her bath, but wanting less to bleed on her floors, so he knocked gently on the door, "I'm back, Edea.." he let the silence go for a moment, "Is there a first aid kit somewhere in here? I don't mean to disturb you."

"Yes, come in here" she said simply, thought she made no move to cover herself. She held her hand out, reaching for a white case, the case floating along to the palm of her hand, holding it out.

Zax entered the bathroom, already hauling his shirt off. Thankfully, it hadn't been torn, though it was a bit bloody. He turned to put it aside, then noticed Edea. For a moment, he seemed unsure of what to do, before he straightened, and, very carefully watching only her eyes, moved to accept the white box. The bruises were somewhat lurid, contrasting starkly with his smooth, previously unblemished skin. "Thank you very much." it was torture, restraining himself from looking, let alone enjoying the sight, just then.

Edea smirked, and ran her hand up her side, gazing over at Zax and watching his eyes, how they avoided looking over her body. she chuckled, and looked over his body again, with no shame in how her eyes lingered across his skin

He was well muscled, in a lean, wiry sort of way. It seemed that instead of bulk, and busts of strength, they'd built him to be able to apply himself steadily, for a great deal of time. The mako enhancements would only add to that. The man sighed softly, and sat on a stool, opening the kit and starting with antiseptic. Zax only winced a little when he wiped at his scratches, and a little more when he was treating the gash.

Edea smiled, and grasped a small, dry towel from the counter, dipping it into the water, and holding it for him, her hand sliding along her chest, stroking her flesh idly.

He smiled in return, glancing at the motion her hand was making, a little color coming to his cheeks, before he cleared his throat, "You've got plenty of monsters out there.." an icebreaker was better than nothing, right? He swabbed his wounds with the towel, before selecting a dry one to dry them, and finally adding more antiseptic, and some salve. Zax couldn't really -not- notice Edea.. he even fumbled a little when unrolling the bandage linen, to wrap around his torso.

Edea smirked. "I'm very aware of that. it's why I stay up in the tower, and use my wolves as guardians. they are not bothered" she said simply, sitting up slightly, and folding her body up to keep him from being so embarrassed.

It wasn't that he was embarrassed by her nudity, oh no, he appreciated it. Zax was embarrassed because it was inappropriate for him, under her command, to think of her in such terms as romancing, let alone the more carnal thoughts he'd had just recently. Likely Alexander was telling her all about them, anyway, though it never occurred to Zax that that would be so. "I see.. well, they should be culled even so, as they could get to be a problem, as far as I know."

"Well then that's what you can do when you are bored" she said simply, reaching out for a towel, slowly standing from her bath and wrapping it about her body, looking across the room at him and smiling.

Zax returned the smile, leaving his shirt off, since he was bandaged, it was bloody, and Edea's tower wasn't chilly. "Is there anything I can do for you, Edea?" he looked over at her, eyes running up and down her towel-clad form. He thought of several things to do -to- her, though that just brought more color to his cheeks, as he dismissed them.