Kit wasn't fooled one bit! As the strange girl with metalic scent neared, Kit got on her gaurd, curling up again. Something about this woman was far too unnatural and she worked there. This was all the humanoid cat needed to know before deciding to be ready to fight or run. The mention of Fox made Kit even more wary, pulling back her ears and clutching the pillow more in a slight rage than actually thinking to protect it. She gazed into the woman's eye with a fury that warned not to get close. "What do you want from me?" she growled, finally, awaiting the answer with her teeth exposed.
Post by Marisa Lorette Anduin on Oct 16, 2011 12:10:03 GMT -5
Marisa didn't give Strages the pleasure of any reaction whatsoever, no matter how badly she wanted to punch his face in. Possibly even with one of her blades extended. As she continued to interact with the feline, she not only took note of the warning glare, but actually backed away a little bit...not out of fear or anything, but respect of the girl's space. She also then kneeled on the ground, sitting in a way to where her hips rested on her feet, which had the toes crossed behind her while she placed her hands in her lap. Getting lower to the ground and waiting for the girl to come to her were things she knew were better to do when trying to coax regular animals, especially cats, to get a little less wary...while she wasn't sure if this would work on the girl, due to her somewhat human looking nature, it was certainly worth a try.
"Miss, I don't really want anything -from- you so to speak, unless you are willing to give your name so I don't have to keep calling you 'miss'...all I really truly want is to help the prisoners of this facility. I realize how badly the guards and scientists treat everyone, and I hate it. Everyone here, both faculty and prisoners, are all people...sad to say that the higher ranking faculty doesn't really care about my opinion...but even if I wasn't in the life position I am currently in, I would still work here to try and make sure as many prisoners as I could manage were not mistreated. I even sent quite a few scientists and guards to hospitals for how they treated prisoners in the past...including when I rescued the little fellow who gave me that horse plushie I asked about. In a sense...what I want is to make sure that mean man doesn't do anything funny to you. Trust me...I hate him, as well as every scientist I've ever really met so far, as much as you do."
Marisa was fully sincere as she spoke...none of this at all was a lie. She was being completely open with this girl, just as she was open with any prisoner. She always felt bad for them all...being prisoners in the first place wasn't fun. All she could really do is try to make it less uncomfortable for them all. Her eyes did actually show compassion and concern for the girl's well being...she truly did not want to see any harm befall the poor girl.
Kit wasn't so sure of anything the strange womans said, but she decided go along with it to see what she could use later on. Keeping quiet, she allowed her ears to return to normal, her tail swishing now as she plotted to test her limits. "I'm not going back there," she stated calmly as if it were nothing, "and I'm not moving from here either." Kit tilted her head a bit as she watched for a reaction, wondering if the girl understood she wanted nothing to do with any of the employees no matter what. Resting her chin on the pillow still in her grasp, the feline studied the woman carefully.
Post by Marisa Lorette Anduin on Oct 17, 2011 14:51:28 GMT -5
Marisa made no move to either back down or approach this girl. She did sigh and nod before speaking, however.
"Believe me...I understand completely that you don't trust me, or anyone else that works here...and that's without knowing anything about you. I've met my fair share of creeps in my time in the previous Asylum I worked in. Sad to say the creeps make up the majority of the staff...but there are those of us that mean well. Now, I can't say I've met any here as of yet...and I honestly don't know if there are any others aside from me. However....I would never dream of lying and telling you I don't have your interests at heart. All I want is to try and help those who need it to the best of my ability. My father made sure I was raised to not only defend those who needed protection, but to also be kind and treat everyone as an equal, no matter what they look like...because no matter what, whether we be human or something completely different, we're all still people. May he rest in peace..."
She actually did look down and sigh a bit in sadness when she spoke that last part in a quiet tone, actually unsure if this prisoner had heard it. Even after all this time, it still hurt to talk about her father. She expected it always would, no matter how many people told her she had nothing to feel guilty about, and that it wasn't her fault. She then shook her head to clear her thoughts before looking back up at the girl. She had no idea what she could possibly say or do to earn this kitty girl's trust to the point it was truly needed in order for her to personally make sure that this prisoner was going to be ok.
Fox had been trying to sleep in his room, though there was some noises out in the hall making it difficult. He snuggled under his pile of stuffed toys to try and muffle the noise and it worked for at least a minute or two. After the initial dampening on noise though, Fox's ears did what they did best and made him pick up every little noise. He heard... voices? Yeah, he heard voices... familiar voices at that.
Knowing it would be almost impossible to get back to sleep now he crawled out of bed, rubbing at his eyes a little as he let out a yawn. He trotted over toward his door and opened it before peeking out. He looked down the hall one way and saw nothing, then he looked the other way and saw Kit and Marisa. Fox's ears perked up and his tails started wagging, even his fox-fires all flared up more brightly. Fox stepped out into the hall and closed the door behind him. That done, he practically raced toward Kit and Marisa.
"Hi Kit! Hi Marisa!" Fox called as he came up to them, then stopped and tilted his head to one side as it seemed like the two were in some tense situation. "Is something wrong? Why are you two acting so funny?" Fox asked, totally oblivious to what was going on.
Kit was getting desparate now, desparate to be rid of all the humans so she could get the toy back to Fox, but they kept mentioning him! She was more paranoid now than ever; it was not a good day. Something was off about this woman in particular, which made Kit uneasy. Suddenly, she caught sight of Fox running towards them, it was too late. Wide-eyed, Kit had little time to react. She felt the safest thing to do was deny ever knowing Fox, though doing so would be hard on both of them. The feline didn't care as long as it ensured his safety and, incidently, her own.
"GO AWAY!" she hissed, "I am not food! Go away, foul canine!" Her screaches, frightening in nature, were sure to confuse Fox. She didn't know if he would understand, but she was willing to risk that he might dispise her for the act in order to distract the others. Batting a hand at Fox, nearly scratching him, she continued to warn him away. With that, she got up and fleed the scene towards the cells, hoping to lock herself safely away. Although, that idea quickly became unthinkable when she contemplated the fact that they had keys and were too adamant in getting hold of her. Instead, she looked for another place to hide. She knew it wouldn't save her, but it would give her a little time to think.
Post by Marisa Lorette Anduin on Oct 19, 2011 10:00:31 GMT -5
Marisa instantly went in a more protective mode when she heard Fox speaking...no way was she letting that creep anywhere near him. At about the same time as...Kit, was it?...acted fairly hostile towards him for some reason, she actually spoke to Fox in a somewhat stern voice...though it should hopefully be clear that she was merely concerned for his well being. It was pretty clear to her that Fox seemed to know Kit at least a little, despite how she acted towards him...after all, he knew her name.
"Fox...get out of here while you can. There's a scientist on the prowl who wants to do some sort of testing. I'll explain more later...just don't go the direction you came from, that's where he is."
She then gave him a quick scratch behind the ears and a gentle push in the direction opposite of where she knew Strages was so he'd know which way to run. This was getting really messy, really quick...and as much as she hated to do it this way, she knew she needed to chase after Kit. She really hated Strages right now, for pretty well ruining the day she had planned out. She only hoped that, in the end, Fox and Kit would realize that she was only trying to help everyone as best as possible...and at the same time, she needed to figure out a way to remove this head researcher from the problem. It was clear he was just going to use his "authority" to walk over anyone and everyone for his own selfish goals...she foresaw a long discussion with the only person who might be able to help give her feedback of any sort, Gabriel, later...perhaps in her room, where she knew there weren't any security cameras of any sort.
Fox stopped in his tracks when Kit seemingly lashed out at him, his ears going flat against his head. He couldn't understand why Kit would react that way toward him and it made him sad. Fox instantly thought that he must have done something wrong, but he made no move to stop Kit as she rushed off. Fox's eyes were starting to water up, on the verge of crying.
Then Marisa came forward and explained that a scientist was out and about. Well that certainly would explain Kit's irrational behavior somewhat... but not why she was mean toward Fox himself. He still felt like he must have done something wrong to make her hate him so. Not even the little scratching behind his ears, which he usually adored, could lift his spirits. The fox-fires that hovered around him seemed to dim to mere embers, as if echoing the kitsune's feelings.
"Why did Kit act like that? Did that scientist do something to her?" Fox asked, voicing the only idea he had on Kit's unusual behavior.
Post by Dr. Strages Valvatorez on Oct 19, 2011 14:22:34 GMT -5
Strages watched everything through the cameras in real time, smirking as the situation unfolded. It was a little hard to make sense of everything due to the lack of audio on the cameras, but not impossible. He figured a likely scenario of how things might have gone and decided that things might have just gone in his favor. Strages opened his eyes and started forward, deciding to make an offer of sorts to let Kit off the hook.
He strode around the corner, along with his two bots, and approached Marisa and Fox. "Well, it seems you've misplaced the cat but found a fox." He commented in an almost bored tone. "You seem to be a bit inefficient with dealing with these prisoners, which is putting me behind schedule in my duties." Stages made sure not to get too close to Fox and Marisa at this point, as he'd read Fox's files extensively and knew that it didn't take much to set the little fellow off with usually disastrous results.
"Since you have this prisoner here though, perhaps we can reach a compromise. The files on this particular fellow are rather sparse at best. In fact it seems no one has even taken a blood sample from him. As I do need to do some research to justify my paycheck, I'll settle for just a simple blood sample from this particular prisoner. Who knows, if it's a complicated sample it may just keep me busy for a good week or two." Strages commented, laying the offer on the table. It was about as close as he'd come to outright saying that he'd ignore Kit for the time being if he got what he wanted.
Strages tapped the robot on his left, it's shoulder armor opening up to reveal a small refrigerated compartment with a couple of empty syringes and several syringes that had various fluids already in them. He picked out one of the empty ones and held it easily in one hand. "Since you're so concerned with the well being of the prisoners, you can even extract the blood yourself if that's acceptable to you." Strages held out the syringe, offering it to Marisa but making no move to close the distance.
Post by Marisa Lorette Anduin on Oct 19, 2011 15:02:01 GMT -5
Marisa let out a heavy sigh and shook her head in reaction to Fox's question.
"No, he hadn't done anything yet...but he wants to. I was trying to help make sure he didn't do anything strange to her...but she didn't trust me. Now please, get out of here before....."
Which is when Strages walked around the corner...so it seemed that it was a little late. Fox should have run when she told him to...but she had other ways of dealing with this situation than simply giving in. Since Fox decided to not listen and stay put for whatever reason, she'd simply step between Strages and the poor, confused little guy before speaking.
"Actually, I have found my methods work quite a bit more 'effeciently' than yours in the end...sure it may take a bit longer sometimes, but at least you don't get on anyone's bad side necessarily. Talking things out is usually a better option than the brute force you were using. As for taking the blood sample from Fox...how are you so certain he's willing to have a blood sample taken? It's one thing if he gives it of his own free will...but forcing it on him is not the way to go."
She turned back to look at Fox, wondering how he was going to react to this...if he agreed to have the blood sample taken, then yeah...she'd do it. Wouldn't necessarily be happy, but she'd do it...if he wasn't willing though...well...she wasn't sure. She did know that she was far more protective of Fox than she was of most of the other prisoners here so far, as she only really knew two of them decently well as of yet...Fox and Gabriel.
Post by Dr. Strages Valvatorez on Oct 19, 2011 22:48:54 GMT -5
Strages let out a sigh as Marisa talked about the prisoners and her own methods. It was all so very tiresome to him so he decided to cut straight to the chase. "Well I suppose it would have to be his choice, as his file does indicate how terribly dangerous he gets in uncomfortable situations. So here's the deal, if the fuzzy little fellow cowering behind you decides to give me a blood sample (which you of course will take from him so as not to frighten him) then I suppose I can put off any examinations on Kit or Liadon for at least a few weeks." Strages didn't even have the grace to look ashamed of his terrible actions, attempting to blackmail the little kitsune to ensure the safety of Fox's friends.
"Just something to think about is all..." Strages added with that smug sense of superiority he always seemed to exude. He continued to hold the empty syringe in his extended hand, waiting for a decision to be made.
Fox hid behind Marisa as the robots and the scientist approached them. The loud clank of their metal feet against the metal floor was almost painful to his ears, and the man himself didn't seem at all pleasant either. Fox's ears twitched as the man spoke, not even referring to Fox by name. What really caught Fox's attention though was the mention of his two friends and fellow prisoners, Kit and Liadon. It seemed this bad man wanted to do things to them, but he wouldn't do those bad things if Fox gave him something else to do.
It was an easy decision for Fox, especially since Marisa was there to help give him some courage. "I'll do it... just leave Kit and Liadon alone." Fox said in a quiet, subdued tone. He stepped out from behind Marisa and stood next to her before taking her hand into his own and giving it a little squeeze, trying to get some comfort out of the situation.
"Just a little blood though..." Fox added then looked up at Marisa and nodded, giving her the go ahead to do as the scientist said. He tried his best not to act frightened, but the way his fox-fires flickered was a dead give away to his real feelings.
Post by Marisa Lorette Anduin on Oct 20, 2011 9:51:47 GMT -5
Marisa supressed a heavy sigh, while at the same time clenching the hand that wasn't being held by Fox into a fist. She was feeling a few emotions all at once right now...the main three being anger towards this scientist and his awfulness, disappointment in herself for not having been able to fully protect either Fox or Kit, and a small sense of joy knowing that even in the face of such odds, Fox still managed to amaze her with his large heart. She had seen other mutants turn on each other as a survival instinct, but it seemed like Fox had more of a "part of the pack" mentality. While she wasn't happy with the decision, it was one she would respect. She strode towards Strages, not showing any signs of defeat at all....oh no. He may have gotten this battle, sure...but in the end she'd find a way to bring him down. She would make sure of it. Wordlessly, she snatched the syringe and pivoted away from him and headed back towards Fox, who she kneeled next to and gave a reassuring scratch behind the ears before gently taking his left arm, pulling back his sleeve. She would use her thumb on her left hand and gently press against the underside of his arm, seeking out a vein that would hopefully not be so painful...though it took a moment with all his fur. She decided to go with one about halfway between his elbow and his wrist when she pulled the cap off the syringe.
"All right, Fox...little poke here. Don't worry, it'll be over before you know it..."
She then slid the needle of the syringe into the vein, pulling back the plunger slowly so as to mitigate the pain as much as possible. It was always better to let the blood flow of its own accord and not force it, after all...and since she had found a vein, that would help with the speed some. Within a matter of a few seconds, Marisa had managed to fill the syringe...as soon as it was done she pulled the needle back out without being overly rough about it. She then gave Fox a small reassuring smile as she pulled out a small cloth from her holster and pressed it against the point at which she drew the blood. Even though on the inside she didn't feel like smiling at all...what she -really- wanted to do was strangle this scientist, but at this moment that wasn't so much an option.
"Just keep pressure on that cloth, sweetie...it should take a moment for the bleeding to stop. You did good...I'll be back with you in a moment."
She then rose and turned, walking back towards Strages. The smile had faded the instant Fox was no longer able to see her face. She then walked back towards him...but didn't get too close. Instead, she put the cap back on the syringe and did an underhand toss from about three feet away to deliver it. It would not be hard to grab at all...unless Strages were incredibly clumsy anyhow. It was quite clear what she wanted Strages to do beyond what her words alone said by her tone.
"Here...just take it and leave."
She then turned once more, heading back towards Fox once again.
Post by Dr. Strages Valvatorez on Oct 20, 2011 14:57:40 GMT -5
Strages watched Marisa get the sample for him, but made no move to get closer himself. This was a tense situation and anything might blow it for him. He had to admit that things had gone much better for him than he'd anticipated when he woke up this morning. Still, best not to chance anything else. He had to admit that Marisa did have a way with the prisoners, and as far as he knew this was the closest a Black Rose employee had gotten to Fox with any medical instrument.
Strages noticed how the blood in the syringe wasn't red as he'd thought it would be. Instead it was a silvery color that looked somewhat similar to mercury than anything else. That was already raising a number of questions in his mind. He snapped out of his thoughts when Marisa tossed the precious sample at him, causing him to lurch forward to catch it. Strages quickly regained his composure, placing the blood sample back in the small refrigerated compartment in the robot. "Very good. I'm sure this sample will be very interesting indeed. Do take care." Strages said with a little wave as he, and his machines, turned and left the way they'd come. Once his back was turned to Marisa he couldn't help but grin. Well well, it seems threatening that prisoner's friends proved to be even more effective than I had imagined! I wonder just how much he'd be willing to do to keep them safe...
Fox was glad that it was Marisa doing the job with the needle. Even though he trusted her and could tell that she wasn't thrilled with this job, it was better than someone else doing it. The fox-fires dancing in the air seemed to pulsate and shift but remained just little harmless flames and didn't take on any other aspect. Fox winced a little when the needle finally pierced his arm, but he didn't give any other indication that he was discomforted.
Soon enough it was over and Marisa handed him a piece of cloth to hold over the little hole. He did as she said and kept some pressure on it even though he would have been more inclined to lick the pinprick wound. His ears flicked a couple times as he listened to the exchange between the scientist and Marisa, wondering how the scientist managed to stand his ground without cowering at least a little. Soon the unsettling man and his machines left the area, leaving Marisa and Fox alone in the hall. That was when Fox finally let out the breath that he hadn't even realized he'd been holding.
He wanted to hug Marisa, but he was still holding the cloth over his arm. Fox did however decided to speak up. "Can we go look for Kit now? I want to make sure she's okay."