[center][h2][color=FF0000]Higashiakemi Ryuuko[/color] | [color=a36209]Bunga Kurniawan[/color][/h2]
[@Kumbaris][/center]

[hider=Hospital Banter Part 2]

Bunga was quite pleased that Ryuuko remembered about her papers. Obviously she didn't expect every Polymath to know about her studies, but it would be weird for an originally Oriental Egoist to not recognize her papers on the subject. [color=a36209]"Yeah, those series of papers on Animalism was apparently my breakthrough that got me where I am now. I'm currently working on making these changes permanent if necessary."[/color]

Bunga also made a quick response to Ryuuko's inquiry about why she's still here. [color=a36209]"Yes. I am actually waiting for Mr Porter to finish whatever he is doing right now. I have... some affairs with him that needed be done. Let's just say that we somehow clicked."[/color] Bunga sincerely hoped that Ryuuko didn't take this as some kind of Romantic interest. She has no problem with relationships, but just a couple of days wasn't nearly enough to make Bunga very attached to James himself.

Even though his personality, while different than hers. Somehow clicked.

[color=a36209]"Also. In regards to Nazca. I have always been interested in Technologism, it's one area where the Federation is admittedly underdressed for, and I've always wanted to discuss along with Nazca how her clockwork machinery works. At the very least, it can lead into a blossoming of Technologism and Technologist Polymaths back home, and garnering more knowledge has always been a priority for every university, or at least, the University I worked for.[/color]

[color=a36209]"By the way. Mind if I ask, since I am curious about your case and all. But why did you choose Germany out of all places? I know that you desire your independence and all, but I didn't expect for a Japanese woman to make such a visible break like that. Personally? I would expect you to run to Temasek rather than go straight to the Occident. It's by far our most cosmopolitan city, with many cultures and polymaths abound, and I'm sure that you'd like the food too. A bit spicier than what Nippon has to offer, but definitely different."[/color]

Temasek has garnered a... reputation within the Orient as [i]the[/i] place for trade and culture. A massive, strategically located port city in the Orient where traders from Africa, India, and China would sell their wares and interact with each other. Making connections, exchanging knowledge, and generally contributing to the city's well-being. It would be perfect for Ryuuko's more... independent mindset. Or at least that's what Bunga thinks.

[color=FF0000]"I see..."[/color] Ryuuko quirked up an eyebrow at Bunga's remark of possibly making the changes permanent. [color=FF0000][i]Wouldn't that just make it like any other Egoism transformation? It's killing what's making it different...[/i][/color] In the end, she said nothing about it, thinking that it's not her business to question Bunga about it. More interestingly... [color=FF0000]"Mmhmm. 'Clicked' huh..."[/color] She grinned wide with her eyes narrowed again. [color=FF0000]"I see, I see. My, that British gent sure has quite the... Brave taste then."[/color] Alas, with how vague the word 'clicked' was in term of definition, she indeed misunderstood the relationship between James and Bunga. [color=FF0000]"Then again, I do not disapprove of having exotic tastes. Not at all. Haha!"[/color]

[color=FF0000]"In any case, I imagine you will have to wait for quite a bit for that discussion. Nazca's not going to be in the mood for that. And frankly, I think she is a bit cross with you because you, ehm, barged in and showed no concern for her well-being."[/color] She paused, looking at the door to Nazca's room briefly before looking at Bunga again. [color=FF0000]"In fact, I imagine she might not be feeling up for such discussion until the true culprit that caused her misfortune is caught. Well, I'm already going to do something about that, so no worries."[/color]

[color=FF0000]"Anyhow... Why German, hmm? Simple. I quite admire the Occident, and Germans are well known to be... Efficient. Not to mention that my benefactors [b]are[/b] from Germany. It wasn't a difficult decision at all to make, considering the circumstances. Besides..."[/color] She smirked wildly. [color=FF0000]"I know it will hurt my family far more, me going to an Occidental nation, than if I had gone to another Oriental one. Ha."[/color]

The Nusantaran woman cringed a little bit from Ryuuko's response about her relationship and James, and she has no idea how to fix her perception in any way without making things awkward. [color=a36209][i]I have to maybe inform James about this, and I don't think he's going to be too happy with me afterwards. Huuuhhhh, I need to buy lunch for him to compensate for this aren't I?[/i][/color]

She had parents who are merchants, and their conservative nature when it came to money handling has rubbed off to Bunga as well. But oh well, that can wait for a later date. Besides, Bunga has more pressing issues at play here rather than buying James lunch. [color=a36209]"Well. I do agree that I shouldn't be visiting Nazca's room for quite a while, that I agree with, but well... maybe a couple days would be better to discuss about Academic topics with Nazca rather than today, at least given her rather cranky mood when I visited her."[/color]

[color=a36209]"And well. I have never been to the Occident myself. But I [i]have[/i] heard many things about them. Is it true that Germans sometimes act more like automatons rather than people? I've heard from several traders that have gone to Germany that Germans are very direct people no? They don't swim around the issue in order to make it more palatable, just straight up inform you you're ugly if you are indeed ugly to them right? Also, darn, is your family really that odious? What did they do to you to warrant such an extreme measure?"[/color]

Now Bunga's interested. She was sure that Japan and Majapahit would have their differences in culture and some values, but they [i]were[/i] both Oriental nations. So it would be interesting to see Ryuuko's grievances and compare them to her own upbringing.

In all her small conversations though. Bunga almost forgot that Ryuuko mentioned something about finding the 'true' culprit in Nazca's attack, and such a prospect. Well, that interested Bunga greatly. [color=a36209]"You said something about finding a true culprit behind Nazca's attack? What do you mean by that?"[/color]

[color=FF0000]"Germans acting like automatons, hmm? Hahaha!"[/color] Ryuuko laughed heartily at that. It was definitely not the first time she heard of that stereotype.  [color=FF0000]"There is some truth to that. Just look at the scion of the Konigsmahne family, for example. She's like a living doll... But in the end, the Germans are just people like everyone else. That is to say, their personality differs person by person... Still, the inclination to be direct is indeed there, due to the culture... As for my family..."[/color] Her smile grew wicked, with some degrees of fury visible in her eyes. [color=FF0000]"Let me put it this way, Ms. Bunga. If it was up to them, I wouldn't be here right now. I'd be home, dressing up like a stereotypical Yamato Nadeshiko just because it's 'a women's duty to be a good wife to their husband'. I'd have been married off to some pompous influential man that is probably twenty to thirty years my senior, and my duty would be to bear his offspring, feed him good food, prepare the bath for him, and all around satisfy his every needs."[/color] With every words, her wicked smile turned more and more into a downright hateful frown. [color=FF0000]"To hell with that. Japanese traditions my arse. Pathetic. It can and should all burn to ashes. Such things are what's holding Japan back from advancements, and yet they refused to let it go anyway. Bloody idiots."[/color]

Ryuuko paused, and then sighed, letting the tension out of her mind and body. [color=FF0000]"But enough about that. Heh..."[/color] Her expression slowly turned to that of a light smile again. [color=FF0000]"Why, it is exactly as the words suggested. You said earlier that the rumor is that Nazca was attacked by a mysterious Egoist, yes? Pfft. That's far from the truth. It was not an Egoist, Ms. Bunga. I was there with Nazca. We were attacked by creatures that roamed the mist at night. The things that those in charge of Bermuda refused to bring to light, likely to protect their own ego or some such petty things... Well, it won't be for long now. Tonight, I will be going out to catch some of those creatures, record the proof of their existences, and then spread it in and out of Bermuda... It's ridiculous that they're keeping such things hidden. It is, I believe, a duty of all moral individuals to bring it to light."[/color]

Bunga is from the Orient, and it is for sure that the Federation has... mixed feelings about women. She has heard her mother many times try to prevent the unwanted advances of many a man just because she looks 'like an unpicked flower', whatever that means. But hearing about the pressure the women of Nippon has to go through is quite something else. [color=a36209]"Well, forgive me for being someone from the Orient, but that is... quite something Ryuuko. Perhaps it is because of Occidental influence after the futile war. But I've never heard of women being put to such pressures where I came from. I'm quite sorry for what you have to go through."[/color]

Still, Ryuuko's remarks about the state of women in Japan give Bunga sometime to reflect on the state of women in her own lands. It was for certain such pressures do not exist, but certainly the pressure to continue the family line is present, if admittedly significantly weaker than whatever is present in Nippon, as are some aspects of Nusantaran society that degrades women.

She remember being in Jayakarta along with Anggini, waiting for her journey to the mountains, and while waiting, she heard a bunch of drunkards talking about women and how Nusantaran society has 'lost their way' in terms of giving women rights, like the right to vote, the right to work, the right to self determine, and many other things Bunga take for granted. What motivated these men to think like that? Just what pleasure do they bring in making women feel as miserable as Ryuuko presumably was when she's in Nippon? She has to investigate this further later on.

Ryuuko's further remarks concerning her future plans further piqued Bunga yet again. She has an intent on finding out who attacked Nazca, and it seems that the two are of one mind in this one. [color=a36209]"Are you saying that you wanna break curfew Ryuuko? And you mention creatures too?"[/color] The woman closed in on the Japanese Egoist, her tone more hushed. [color=a36209]"Are you interested in taking a partner? Or two? More help would be welcomed no?"[/color]

Ryuuko shook her head. [color=FF0000]"Haha, don't be sorry about it, Bunga. It is, unfortunately, what it is. And I'm sure you have your own experiences with such things... It's a rather common thing in the Orient after all, oppression against women. Changing that is part of what I'm trying to achieve. So we'll see, huh? Anyways..."[/color]

She leaned closer in to Bunga as well at the other woman's questions. [color=FF0000]"Hmm..."[/color] Then, she seemed to quietly consider something as she put her right thumb to her lips. After a while more, she spoke. [color=FF0000]"First. Yes, I am saying I am going to break the curfew. Second, yes, creatures. Unnatural creatures, as if they're the creations of some insane polymaths..."[/color] She paused again, as if to allow Bunga to absorb what she just said, before continuing. [color=FF0000]"It is an interesting proposition that you are offering, Ms. Bunga. However, let me tell you more first..."[/color]

[color=FF0000]"Nazca became so badly wounded last night because she and I were breaking curfew to... Well, let's just say we believed a certain Manbat was responsible for framing Jeanne... However, instead of finding this Manbat Egoist, we were attacked by these unnatural creatures instead. I came out fine. But Nazca, not so much. So my questions are: One, hearing this, are you still eager to join me? And two... How confident are you in your abilities to fight? You're a fellow Egoist, so I have more confidence in you than I would in a Technologist or Dynamicist, but still... I'd rather not have another Nazca. It was a mistake last night, bringing her with me."[/color]

Bunga absorbed everything Ryuuko has to tell her, and yes, she is aware of the potential risks of such an operation. But she has to do it, the risks of not doing such an Op would be total failure for her mission, and for Bunga herself too. She has to gain the trust of Nazca by cooperating with Ryuuko. It's a must.

She hopes Wiro trained her enough that she can handle whatever threats lurk within Bermuda after dark. But she has her fox perception and goat vision to fall back to if needed. [color=a36209]"Well, hearing that, I must say that I am still interested in uncovering this unique mystery Ryuuko. But don't tell anyone of my involvement in this. Since I'd rather keep this fact with the two of us until night falls."[/color]

[color=a36209]"Also. In regards to my combat abilities. I will admit that I may not be the strongest Egoist out there, but once I have my extensions. I do notice that I can notice threats much, much faster than even my fellow Egoists back home, I can be your eyes and ears should someone, or something, tries to attack us. So I hope that you're okay with bringing me in, I really don't want to have another unwitting Nazca be the victim of these unknown aggressors yet again."[/color]

[color=a36209]"Oh, and one question Miss Ryuuko. Would you be okay if I bring in assistance with me? A certain British person you might be aware of? I'm sure I can convince him to prepare some concoctions as backup and in case the worst happen."[/color]

Ryuuko looked to the side, deep in thought as she considered Bunga's words. It seemed that, like herself, Bunga was not an Egoist who focused fully on combat like a certain Chinese man did. Still, in Ryuuko's mind, if Bunga was at least as physically powerful as Ryuuko then it should be far safer bringing her than bringing a Technologist like Nazca. That she boasted about having more acute senses were also an interesting point, as the lack of acute senses was part of the problem with identifying threats last night.

Her rumination done, Ryuuko looked back at Bunga. She nodded, and smiled casually at her. [color=FF0000]"In that case... Very well. Welcome aboard, Bunga. I will wait for you tonight outside of Jeanne's and Nazca's apartment."[/color] She told Bunga of the address and directions of how to reach the apartment, and also exchanged contact numbers with her just in case. [color=FF0000]"As for bringing assistance... I'm assuming you meant Mr. Porter. I certainly don't mind you trying to convince him to prepare concoctions and such, if you're confident they will be of help... But if you meant actually bringing the person himself along... Again, I don't want another case of Nazca. If you want to bring him along, it will be at your own risk, Bunga."[/color]

[color=a36209]"Alright. Sounds like a deal then."[/color] Bunga responded to Ryuuko's offer. [color=a36209]"And of course. I'll ask James for some of his concoctions, but I'm just wondering that he might as well join the group due to the sudden information of myself joining you. Wait, maybe I can just frame it as just me being curious of his potions. Yeah that'll work. Yeah."[/color]

The Nusantaran woman nodded to Ryuuko. [color=a36209]"So, see you at night then Ryuuko? I'm still waiting for James unfortunately. That British guy sure does take his time on things does he?"[/color]

[color=FF0000]"Wonderful. Then it is settled. Looking forward to working with you then, Bunga! We'll keep in contact, hmm?"[/color] Ryuuko grinned wide, excited with the prospect of having another partner for her curfew breaking, this time a fellow Egoist which she believed meant that Bunga shouldn't be so squishy like Nazca was. [color=FF0000]"I'll leave the matters with James to you in any case. For now, indeed, I have other things to tend to."[/color] For example, where Jeanne had gone to. [color=FF0000]"Indeed. Maybe you should check to make sure if he had forgotten about you and left you, hmm? Anyway... I'll see you around, Bunga."[/color] And with that, Ryuuko walked away to search for Jeanne, giving Bunga one more friendly wave as she left.
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