Mistress Dizzy

Academy of Heroes and Villains

Not necessarily too old- I have Devika at about the same age, but that's because she's a college transfer. I do have to say that being found by Storm and known as a mutant that early, Makoto likely would have been in the Academy long before this time.

So... what stopped her from getting there?

Academy of Heroes and Villains

Kijani was stunned into complete silence. Even her always-thinking mind quieted when Connor started to talk. She couldn't believe he remembered the first time they spoke. She hadn't until much later on. He was right. Somehow, he'd got through her walls, he'd snuck past her guard, he was there in her heart before she knew it, and now she didn't know how to get him out.

He needed her? ...why? He had parents who obviously cared, he had friends, he had plenty of good people in his life, so why would he want, let alone need someone like her?

Then he said something that made her stomach twist. He thought that she didn't trust him, that she thought he was going to hurt her on purpose. That... that wasn't quite true, not anymore, but she couldn't fully explain why she still couldn't trust him.

When she felt him let go, something in her cried out for the sudden absence of his solid warmth, his presence.

She... she didn't deserve this, did she?

"Connor..." She was trying to get the words out before her throat closed up. "I don't know how we got here. I never meant to lo-" The word nearly slipped from her heart and past her lips without clearing her brain first. "I never meant to let you in." Damn, the tears were coming. "Fool..." She turned to him, touching his face with both hands.

"Don't you know I'll ruin you?" Admitting that was too much, and she pulled away, feeling her face starting to collapse in childish crying.

Academy of Heroes and Villains

Maybe if you think about them, and what they want to achieve. Kijani wants to achieve strength. The issue is that her concept of 'strength' had to be shattered if she was truly to change.

Also, I want to hug Connor. ;__; He reminds me of my fiance...

Academy of Heroes and Villains

If I may, I think part of the issue with certain plans is that they involve another player. It's an easy mistake to make, but... you've got to come up with an idea for your character that doesn't involve anyone else's. Or rather, doesn't hinge upon other people being there.

A large part of Kijani's arc did involve her odd... connection to Anthony Luthor. I got lucky enough to have the major part of that done before Knight left, but I had a backup plan to put Kijani where she needed to be. If you're bored, then... arrange something for your characters that you have the driving force in.

^_^ Go for it.

Also, Devika doesn't have any set place yet, either, so she is free for all kinds of shenanigans.

Academy of Heroes and Villains

Caits said
If I did that, it would ruin the surprise, now wouldn't it? It basically has something to do with the emotions. When I'm not so sleepy, I can work out the whole plan. Right now, I have to finish applying for jobs. Although I no longer believe I will get one without experience.

Ugh... I hate that 'experience' bullshit. It's like a catch-22, because no one will hire someone without 'experience'. And you can only get 'experience' that goes on your resume if someone hires you! I've been out of work almost a year, and can't even get a phone call, because all of my 'experience' is in customer service.

No matter that I can do all sorts of office work, faxing, calls, 5 different programs, can be engaged with a person on the phone, problem solving...

None of that counts because every single job site works the same damn way, and my resume is not actually read, it's picked through for buzzwords...

*headdesk* Sorry, Caits. *hugs super tight* That's a sore spot with me. I know I can work, but... *shakes head*

Academy of Heroes and Villains

Eviledd1984 said
"I am not angry at them for hurting him...and i do not think they are blackmailing me i think this is some sort of gift like they want me to deliver the finishing blow to my father..." Nicholas said looking at the picture again like it was some sort of optical illusion but wasn't.

Devika openly stared at Nicholas. After making sure she hadn't hallucinated what had just come out of his mouth, she adjusted her glasses and frowned. "I'm sorry, but... you're saying they want you to kill your father? That seems kind of... counterproductive."

Caits said
Connor just stared at her. "It amazes me how, despite everything, you can be so.... Naive. Do you think I would ever let myself be used to hurt you, be used against you? Do you think I would ever let you go, without a fight?" He spoke softly, his tone serious. "While I admire the fact that you wish to protect me....I wish to do the same for you. The trouble is, you always want to go it alone. And you don't have to. I've gone into a building risking my life trying to help you. And I would do it again, gladly. I'm not some kid playing here, I can protect myself. But more then anything, I want to protect you, without asking anything other then your trust. If you'd just bloody let me" frustration entered his voice, but he sighed softly, taking her hand, and didn't say any more.

Kijani hadn't expected to hear that come out of Connor's mouth. He sounded a bit angry at her, but more out of concern than anything else. Silently, she heard him out, her head actually ducking in shame at one point. His words hurt to hear, but she wasn't really sure why. He wasn't saying anything wrong, it didn't sound like he was lying...

But...

"Connor... I trust you more than I trust anyone else on the planet." She had her head down, her dreadlocks keeping her face hidden. There was pain in her expression, and her hand on his tensed. "Even that... is difficult. And I know you're wonderful. I know that I should trust you. I just..." She took in a shaky breath, and stood in a sudden motion. "I don't know how." With that, she started out of the cafeteria, desperate to leave before she lost control and started weeping.

Why did the person she cared for most have the ability to make her feel the worst?

Academy of Heroes and Villains

Maybe if you explain what you were having her get to... Because right now I'm not sure. It feels like she went from shy girl to vamp villainess... But I don't think I have all the pieces.

Academy of Heroes and Villains

More Connor- *shot*

I mean, it would make it very clear in Kijani's mind that she can trust no one, absolutely no one, that she is alone. I stress that this is in Kijani's mind. Connor is definitely loyal, but Kijani's sloooowly been coming undone since Waller's little soul-breaking speech. I have the final piece in place, but I need one little shake. I was thinking it'd come from Flood, now that they seem to be a bit of a team... but then Kalinda seems to have gone all wicked. So perhaps Kijani will grossly underestimate the other girl?

Ideas?

Academy of Heroes and Villains

*snort* Peasants

Anyway--

Caits, Connor is totally dropping some knowledge on Kijani, and I love it. It's great to see that he is dedicated... and so is she, but in her own odd way. Now, if only we can get through that whole issue of trust... Kijani learned early not to trust anyone, but now she's started to struggle to trust herself.

*chinrub*

What would push someone who can't trust people in a direction that would make that more stark?

Striking at Shadows - Dizzy and Purplemouse 1x1

Kijani let her gaze wander as she looked around the town. It was a nice place, to be sure, but there was a silent sense of dread that hung in the air. Something unspoken, something just under the surface of the beauty.

She didn't realize why until she hit the market district and got a glimpse of the damage. It looked like a stampede had been through. The scene was one of pure destruction, and she climbed from Peony's back to lead her horse through the mess. While she tried to smile to the shopkeeps, most of them seemed almost afraid of her. That was new, and Kijani wasn't sure she liked it. While she was fine with criminal types fearing her, and would even welcome being an imposing figure to a lawbreaker, she didn't like the looks that she was getting from the average townspeople. The whole place was incredibly tense, and she felt herself getting wound up in response, checking her blade just to make sure it was there and ready.

Her upbringing came in handy at the strangest times. From the time that she'd been old enough to wear a young lady's dress and hairstyle instead of a child's shift, she had been taught to read people's true feelings and intentions. The words they didn't say, the hidden meaning in tone and body posture. It was coming in handy here; even those who weren't cleaning up the stalls and were attempting to shop, they were tense, suspicious. They were bracing themselves for an attack, but she could see how worn they were, how the constant fear was wearing them ragged. The set of their shoulders, the way they walked...

This town was exhausted.

The little boy that appeared in front of her seemed rather immune to it. Kijani found herself smiling in response to his cheer. Children could be quite resilient, and they were so pure. “Hello, young lad. I do think I might take your offer of shoeing my dear Peony. Though, if it's quite alright with your master, I'd prefer to deal with my own sword.” While she was no expert blacksmith, she did know how to care for her own blade, and did so fervently.

She gently checked Peony's shoes, and figured that she may as well take the time to get her horse cared for. It would be better than pushing her faithful animal any further, especially while it was relatively calm.

“Lead the way, my boy.” She took Peony's reins and clucked her tongue, digging into her saddlebag and feeding her a leftover tavern biscuit.