2023-03-02: Distressing Destressing

• Cast: Killy Garrett, Liu Mei Wang
• Where: OAC Union of North African States - Tunis
• Date: U.C. 0097 03 02
• Summary: What should have been a discussion strengthening ties between Celestial Being and the Black Knights becomes Killy Garrett's entrapment in a web of overbearing and coiling luxury. (cw a little bit risque!)

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<Pose Tracker> Liu Mei Wang has posed.

        )))))TUNIS, UNION OF NORTH AFRICAN STATES

        A vast pink luxury cruiser thrums across the highway arcing along the Gulf of Tunis, from a private coastal home at the cape's tip towards Tunis International Airport. In its rear seating area reclines the REA's most ambitious little socialite, Liu Mei Wang, tightly wrapped up in a festive pink and yellow traditional dress of the region, complete with flowy silky sleeve drapes and a translucent little veil over her mouth.

        The sheer expanse of the plushy leather lounge in the rear of this enormous car makes her appear a bit like a reclining cat upon a vast sea of cushioning. Of course, commandeering this much excess luxury just to ferry one celebrity is a statement in and of itself.

        "So today's order is meeting with the so-called 'Killer Harpy', hmmm..." Liu Mei aimlessly leafs through a little dossier outlining...the statistics and intel on Killy Garrett, more than anything specific about her as a person. Even the picture is a little bit fuzzy - but that's what happens when trying to track down a long-elusive person at the center of many redacted documents.

        "I have to wonder about the sorts of people who get shot down from Veda's short-list of observer candidates. Maybe it's a matter of being slightly rebellious enough to flag attention, and slightly famous enough to stoke attention, but not enough of either to make the cut. Heh. Maybe this is destiny, to reach out to our friends in the Black Knights for a bit of a chat. Hardly as nice of a fishing line as reeling in Zero, but even I have my limits..." For inexplicable reasons, the idea excites Liu Mei. That her actions are weaving fated bonds back together. That she can put people in positions even the almighty eye of Veda cannot.

        Legs kicking over each other, a catty little smile crosses her lips, as the immense automobile slowly pulls into the airport terminal. Hong Long, dressed for his part as the ideal chauffeur, hat and all, quickly peeks past the divider, and coughs, "...My lady, were you expecting an inquiry for that, or should I just-"

        "You should just," Liu Mei interrupts with a lazy wave of her hand. "If we timed it well enough, I should be having my curiosity sated the moment I have it - since when have I needed your input on that? Go on ahead, now."

        With a beleaguered little sigh at his elder sister, Hong Long pulls into the arrivals pickup lane and slowly steps out next to the vast door of the pink limo, balefully holding up a sign simply signaling a "Ms. Garrett" and scanning the crowd. All the while, Liu Mei fusses with a compact mirror, adjusting imperceptible micro-points of her makeup that ideally shouldn't be noticed at all - but which are all too amplified by today's proliferation of ultra-high-definition cameras, even through a half-translucent face veil...

<Pose Tracker> Killy Garrett has posed.

Not shortly after, Killy walks into view, dragging a simple travel bag behind her. She was here after being told Celestial Being asked for her specifically to trade intel with the Black Knights, strange? Yes, Killy couldn't think of a reason why they wanted her specifically but she went along with it. This didn't mean she wasn't on guard though.

She was dressed in a simple pair of Jeans and a slightly worn out leather jacket over a plain white shirt, trying to stay inconspicuous as she looked around, unsure who is supposed to meet her here. Only for her attention to be caught by the giant pink limo waiting for her, a man holding a convenient "Ms. Garrett" sign alongside it. How nice.

With a sigh, Killy walked over to her (too) flashy ride, the goal of not attracting too much attention out of the window at this point as she greeted the man holding the sign.

<Pose Tracker> Liu Mei Wang has posed.

        Hong Long is quick to open the door and usher Killy into the backseat area of the limo, accepting Killy's bag and stowing it away in the back. The polarized windows block out light from the outside world rather effectively, while scarcely making it look any darker or differently within - the power of science is amazing!

        At the very back-most seat of the limo, curled up like it's a vast throne meant for her, Liu Mei flicks her eyes from the casually dressed Killy, back and forth between her and the dossier. A bit of celebrity-esque standoffishness is a typical weapon.

        "Come on in, come on in, take a seat, take a seat. I'm not on a time crunch here or anything," Liu Mei lazily waggles her hand at any number of luxurious chairs ringing the interior - it's not 'twenty person party bus' vast, but it's enough space for six people to stretch their legs and gather around an in-built entertainment center with ease. A TV atop a cocktail bar aimlessly flicks over the regional news - in this part of the world, it's typically about what's happening in Europe moreso than anything interesting locally. Cameras illuminating Princess Shine of Riksent, a statement by the leader of a particularly powerful Moralian PMC, and so on and so forth.

        "Enjoy your flight, Miss Garrett? Hmm. Actually, mind if I call you Killy? Formalities are a little uneasy for me. Most call me Wang Liu Mei, but while I'm used to that by the media, it can just be Liu Mei to you." Liu Mei fixes herself a drink, intentionally diverting her gaze from Killy. Preserving that unapproachable aura, despite her welcoming invite. The front door to the limo closes and the engine starts back up - taking to cruising the motorways of Tunis. "...Oh, Hong Long, close up the divider please," Liu Mei says with a wave of her hand, and the two are sealed up in this oh so private space, before finally meeting eyes with Killy. "Right then~ No need to worry about anything. Just that a few months back, we'd invited the Shuffle Alliance and Black Knights into closer coordination, and while I've greatly enjoyed working with the former, it's been tough keeping in touch with the leadership of Maft-"

        Abruptly, Liu Mei pauses, finally getting a good look at Killy. One hand rests on her chin, riding up the face veil - Killy can briefly discern a pensive expression on her lips. One step closer, leaning subtly towards her guest.

        "...hoh?"

        "...You're not the sort of person I was expecting. ...simple and rugged fashion sense, but it's... Mm, and you've had responsibilities for a long while...I see it deep in your face." That pensive look shifts into a small smile - and Liu Mei briefly pulls up her phone, making a few brief, decisive taps - and oh so suddenly, the limo changes course, meandering off the highway towards the hotels on the coast. Five minutes later, and the car's pulling in front of...

        'sayazi - spa and sands resort', the sign says, on a way, waaaaaay too ritzy looking building overlooking the sea. With renewed energy, Liu Mei's slinking out the door, beaming at Killy enthusiastically.

        "I've had a change of plans. It's high time you got...treated.~"

<Pose Tracker> Killy Garrett has posed.

Killy thanked the man, giving up her bag before entering the luxurious car. She can't say she rode in something like this before, so this is all a new experience for her. The insides were super fancy, but her gaze was quickly fixed on the other person in the backseat area. A beautiful, young lady with an equally beautiful tradional dress, making Killy look underdressed in comparison, but she didn't mind at all.

She made herself comfortable, sitting upright and exuding confidence as Liu Mei's eyes flicked back and forth between her and the dossier in her hand. "Killy is fine. The flight went very well, thank you for generosity, Liu Mei." Killy smiled, watching Liu Mei fix herself a drink as the car started moving. The divider closed, giving them the privacy to discuss important intel without interruption. "Ah, I see why you requested me then. I would lov-"

She was quickly caught off-guard by Liu Mei leaning in towards her, the dark bags under Killy's eyes becoming more noticeable at this distance. Killy remained calm, unsure what to do in this situation. Liu Mei is an interesting one.

"Excuse me?" Killy tilts her head, confused. "Please don't concern yourself with me, or my appearance for that matter." She firmly said, wanting to get back on topic of exchanging in intel. But Liu Mei had other plans, and Killy quickly found herself in front of a way too fancy spa, a frown on her face. "Liu Mei we have much more important matters to discuss, this is unnecessary."

<Pose Tracker> Liu Mei Wang has posed.

        "Now now now. I already have the foreknowledge that you have a storied military career from some time ago. The 'Killer Harpy' is, I imagine, a name they don't just give out. You, Killy, ought to know well how important it is to keep your weapons prepared."

        Liu Mei pivots elegantly on her heel as she urges Killy into the resort, tousling one long braid with the back of her hand, a subtly rosy perfume wafting from the drapes of her sleeves. Showing off for all the world. "And beauty is the weapon of the mind. It's the only sword I have to cut at the tethers of fate." (she's just going to ignore the colossal piles of money is she) "Let slip the sharpness of that weapon, and this world full of foes will give you no quarter. Decry it as unfair all you want, but it's not that different from martial prowess. I, sadly lack the innate gift for living by that strength, so this is what I've learned to wield."

        Midway into the lobby, Liu Mei's stride stops, a finger on her cheek, her other hand reaching out like she would hold Killy's chin in return - but transitioning instead to just a balefully gesturing finger at her nose. "I will insist allies gifted with both beauty and strength keep those spears treated - if one slips, can I ensure the other won't?"

        A cheeky grin follows, as Liu Mei flashes a member's card to the receptionist at the counter without even glancing her way - and receives a pair of tickets without even looking as well. A practiced routine. "...besides, there's a reason people like me choose this resort. It's an internationally agreed upon 'neutral ground'. Take a closer look at the staff and you'll understand.

        ...the receptionist seems rather ordinarily dressed, but for one little quirk...earplugs clearly deeply embedded, despite how quiet and relaxing this place seems. Every attendant wears them - gaze even closer, and they clearly communicate with hand signals and text messages. The environment is clear.

        To break from that observation, though, Liu Mei seizes Killy's hand with her own - a decadently soft, silky palm that's never known a single day's work - and leads her at an unyielding pace towaaards...!

        ...the outdoor massage tables, where two attendants stand vigil and awaiting amidst an oasis of the sea and flowers, framed with a geometric little 'moat'. One quick hand sign to one masseuse later, and Liu Mei's being outright...helped out of her dress? Right like this? In the open? ---there's a towel wrap ready for modesty, of course, but there's a long moment where there's nothing-!

        -It's only a moment though. She's moving fluidly through this process at a practiced pace, taking no time at all to get herself nice and settled upon her front, dreamily gazing out at the Mediterranean beyond. "...Don't worry, take your time, Killy. We'll all stay turned away until you're in place - unless you call for assistance~"

<Pose Tracker> Killy Garrett has posed.

Killy sighed as Liu Mei proceed to ramble about beauty and strength, forcibly pushed into the resort's lobby in the process. But she would be lying if she said a part of her wasn't amused by all of this, this is certainly a change of pace from her regular duties.

She couldn't help but smile at Liu Mei's rather cheeky grin, flattered by the compliment. "Well then, I'm not sure how much of that I believe. But thank you nonetheless." Killy watched as Liu Mei effortlessly acquired two tickets for them, it was clear she was used to this routine.

Taking a closer look, Killy was impressed at how professional the staff here were, and was very pleased to know they won't get in their way of discussing things. She nodded, ultimately deciding to entertain Liu Mei in this luxurious experience. Killy was never one to care too much about her appearance, nor was she the one to obsess over self-care, so this was rather nice. "Alright then, I suppose I can play along. Lead the way."

She let Liu Mei take the lead, no resistence from Killy as her much rougher hands brush against Liu Mei's impossibly smooth ones. And eventually found herself at the outdoor massage tables, and was it something special.

Killy's gaze was fixed at the beautiful scenery around them, too distract to notice the situation and quickly averting her eyes as Liue Mei was helped out of her dress. "I'm good, thank you for the offer." Killy kindly rejected the other attendant's offer to help her out of her own clotes, she will never get used to this sort of lifestyle. She waited until everyone turned around before she began to undress, tossing her boring clothes to the side before wrapping a tower around herself.

"It seems like you come here a lot, I can certainly see the appeal." She settled next to the younger girl, gazing at the gorgeous Mediterranean all the same.

<Pose Tracker> Liu Mei Wang has posed.

        Arms folded under her chin, Liu Mei briefly cranes her neck over to assess Killy - the corners of her lips peaked, eyes saucily half-lidded - and sighing in deep relief as the session begins with the application of a warm, rather thick salve all over countless sore muscles and tendons - something with a claylike texture, though runnier and heating to the touch.

        "The burden of financing is that you constantly need to one-up the kind of people who can also afford this sort of place. Your weapon in the art of negotiating is that of pleasant surprise. Haah. Maybe that's why the urge to take you here was so strong. I get to watch the way you..."

        "...sink into it.~"

        What a terribly ominous, imposing way to say it! What could that possibly be a portent of-

        THE TRIAL BEGINS.

        To call what ensues a massage is a folly only conducted by madmen. It is a level of meteoric impacting upon muscles that tests the back's limits. If there are knots, the sheer power imparted upon them would quell them as Alexander split the Gordian. Elbows exclusively apply to the most carefully located tender points they can find - and sink into the depths of strained flesh mercilessly. The body is but meat, and so this is tenderizing.

        Surely, if it's this much for a rough and tumble person like Killy, Liu Mei must be-

        "So, Killy, how long have you been in your line of work? It's been a very long time since you were a killer harpy, and I wonder if you've been fighting all this time, or if it's stopped and started." Liu Mei's practically sparkling from all this, relaxed and comfortable, eyes closed and cozy. They're not taking it easier on her just to tease Killy, are they? ...no, the heiress is absolutely being subject to the human mimicry of industrial machining stamping and coring out any and all stiffness with the determined ruthlessness of a dedicated robot supersoldier.

        "I think Zero's half of the rebellion has attracted a few more who've seen more sporadic action but possess wisdom and insight, whereas Mafty's a place of action and intent, especially given how much of it's clearly composed of agents who saw combat around Char's Neo Zeon, but what do I know?~"

        (she knows a bit too much, given the time she spent researching combat logs to find out just who, exactly, she ought to have blamed for her parents' demise...)

<Pose Tracker> Killy Garrett has posed.

Killy hummed in response, in any other situation she would raise an eyebrow at the way Liu Mei said the last part, but right now she is too busy enjoying the attention her back is getting. Greatly.

And that's when it began, elbows clashing against her back with great accuracy and strength, one would assume it was a machine's work if she didn't know any better. But she held up pretty well as years of built tension and stiffness in her muscles she didn't know even existed quickly disappeared from her body, and it felt heavenly. She turned her head, wanting to see how the much more delicate girl was holding up.

And to Killy's surprise, she was holding up just as well, if not better. Which makes sense, she is probably used to this sort of thing.

Killy had to gather her thoughts to answer Liu Mei's questions, the massage being really distracting. "almost...23 years now. I've been on and off for the most part, jumping between different organizations, but I have been fighting for a good chunk of it."

"You're right, I'll admit it's rather nice to take a break from all the action that comes with Mafty." She turned her head around to look at Liu Mei once again, a sly smile on her face. It seems like the younger girl knows more than she lets on. "You're rather knowledgable it seems, Liu Mei."

<Pose Tracker> Liu Mei Wang has posed.

        "So it was eeeextra important I bring you along to here, if this is 23 years of stress we're pouring down the drain then," Liu Mei breathes - as adapted as she is to this treatment, it's definitely...a lot for anybody. By the end of this treatment, she's as loosey and goosey as they get, practically billowing with steam and tumbled out over the table, a dizzy look in her eyes. "Weeeel l l l ... sure hope. . . they let loose aaaaaaaall that weight. Fighting for that long gives you a lot to deal with. But here..."

        Carefully, Liu Mei props herself up on her elbows, chin on one hand, fingers splayed over her lips. "I'll train you to drop it for a while."

        Slipping down from the table, tightening the towel-robe carefully, the heiress presents her hand to Killy yet once more - - - all to rush her onwards to the next trial of the day. And that would be...!

        ...the sauna??? That should be really straightforward, shouldn't it?

        NO of course it's not! This is nothing less than an inferno! A boiling caldera that climbs higher and higher, steam fogging up all the world. And the task set to the two in this wood-lined pocket of hell is not just to sit there and wait...no. Every five minutes, a cold bottle of water is sent up from a pneumatic system in the center of the room. It is their job to hydrate. And hydrate. And hydrate. At this temperature, it's all nearly instantly turned into sweat.

        Between breathless, diligent downings of icy refreshment, Liu Mei keeps her eyes closed, one foot resting on the central table, her voice low and quieter than before amidst this most straining of regimens. "...what's the reason for it? Something you believe in? Something you're trying to do? I work closely with many who've been fighting for far too long, and each of them is kind of tragic for it."

<Pose Tracker> Killy Garrett has posed.

Killy is seen stretching after the the so called 'massage', she forgot the last time her body felt this great. She was dizzy as well, only realizing that after she got off the table as she grabbed Liu Mei's hand once again, smiling. "Well then, I can't say no to that."

Next came the 'sauna', is everything in this spa this extreme?! Killy held up worse in this than the previous treatment, beads of sweat rolling down her face as she downed bottle after bottle of cold water alongside Liu Mei.

Then Liu Mei asked her the question, and Killy went quiet for a second. She wasn't expecting to be asked this question today. "I can imagine, it can be really cruel sometimes..." She gave it some thought, before speaking up again. "It...changed over the years. I originally fought for Zeon's independance and the Zabi family. But eventually I realized that I just want to change the world for the better. I'm quite unhappy with the state of the world right now...and I fully believe it can be changed for the better. That's my reason."

<Pose Tracker> Liu Mei Wang has posed.

        When Liu Mei's eyes do focus and open...there's a curious light in them at observing Killy struggling with each drink in this extreme hotbed. Indeed, there's a while where she goes from listless and unfocused, to...rather unable to take her eyes away.

        Long stretches of time leaned ever so slightly forward, honed in on the details of Killy's face - her drinking slowing down. Making a fixating show of herself as well. "...it didn't go as easily as you'd have thought, I imagine. Poor thing. Struggling in the guts of the machine that fiercely. Well. You're enduring quite a lot in this place too, but you're at my care right now, so this is where you can change things."

        A gentle chime sounds, and the sauna at last disperses with its intense heat, cool fans whirring and venting out the steam, finally giving Killy a while to rest.

        Just kidding! Liu Mei's on a march speed-running through the day spa circles of hell. How is such a pampered hand so capable of pulling a trained soldier around so much?!

        Countless more trials await. A mud bath so thick and dense that sinking too deep could spell genuine demise. A 30 minute yoga session with an instructor that'd put drill marshalls to shame in sheer intensity and strictness, leaving countless marks prodding Killy with a bamboo stick for being out of form. A lunch featuring hyper-optimized nutrient mixture drinks that taste like the throes of death, purging the body's toxins with authoritarian fervor. A mani-pedi that - okay that is actually basically just a normal mani-pedi. (Depending on who you are this might be a squeamish experience in and of itself!) But then it's right back to the land of trials! Some nightmarish combination of hot stone treatment and acupuncture that lights the very nerves on fire! High speed and high detail waxing! Face treatments whose tools of the trade feel more like a car is being repaired, exfoliating areas that few mortal men even knew could be exfliated! A 'capsaicin purge' that's a lot of health benefit words to say 'eat this terribly hot pepper'! Will the nightmare ever end!?!?

        The nightmare finally ends. It concludes, with a cooldown in a modestly refreshing, but not too cold pool with a veritable buffet of soaps. Liu Mei, for her part, is thrilled to see it. It is the nirvana at the end of a long journey. She's glowing, and at high charisma throughout, flamboyantly tossing her towel-robe aside with a dramatic flourish, and slipping into the water like she owns the whole place.

        "You've earned my favor, marching onwards through all that, Killy. The road to impeccable health is long, and difficult, but necessary. Your soul is shining throughout it all.~"

<Pose Tracker> Killy Garrett has posed.

Killy laughs right after saying that. "Sorry if it isn't as exciting as you expected, it's...really hard to focus in here."

"Well, thanks again for this opportunity, Liu Mei. It's quite exciting so far and...very unique." Relief washed over Killy as the fans started whirring in the sauna, cooling the place down. But she didn't get a chance to rest as the younger girl dragged her to the next trial.

And the dragging continued, jumping from one trial to the next. And the answer to the previous question was yes. Everything in this spa is extreme. But Killy powered through them, sometimes with ease and others not so much. Eventually the trials ended, and Killy was relieved to see that they finally get to relax in a pool after everything they endured.

She wasn't nearly as energetic as Liu Mei, she was exhausted! But despite everything, her body did feel WAY better than when they came in earlier today, so Killy likes to think it was mostly worth it as she slipped into the pool slowly. She leaned against the wall, enjoying the cool water against her skin. "Indeed it is. I'm very glad however, you're quite the young lady yourself, Liu Mei. Today was enjoyable, so thank you." Killy couldn't help but smile, enjoying her time with Liu Mei here.

<Pose Tracker> Liu Mei Wang has posed.

        Though her name may mirror the spoiled princess she is, one would be remiss to forget Liu Mei's a dragon in her own right. What may seem like restful respite on her part is a careful observation. The moment weakness strikes. The moment Killy's relaxed-

        A squarish object pushes right up to Killy's lips.

        "I reward people like you greatly, since you wind up indebted to people like me so often. Open up, yes?"

        Liu Mei's very much parting personal bubbles in holding a square of decadently decorated, marbled chocolate up to Killy. Watching like a hawk. Leaned over perilously close.

        "I'll help you change the world. I'll help you share my dream. In exchange, you'll listen diligently to my voice, won't you? That's very good of you."

<Pose Tracker> Killy Garrett has posed.

Killy was caught off-guard, falling right into Liu Mei's trap as she felt the square of chocolate press against her lips. She didn't mind as much, as she senses no malicious intent coming from the younger girl.

Staring right back into Liu Mei's eyes, Killy opened her mouth, allowing the chocolate into her mouth. Killy doesn't eat much chocolate, but this one was easily the best she ever had.

"Was this your motivation all along? and what is that dream?" This is a side she did not see coming from Liu Mei, which is on her for lowering her guard, but she wanted to know more.

<Pose Tracker> Liu Mei Wang has posed.

        A brightness widens Liu Mei's eyes - almost alight with the reflection of her own provided delicacy being eaten up. Dangerous in a little way. The moment Killy swallows - a second one. A different flavor, more fruity and fragrant. Pushing downward at Killy's lower lip at an angle that makes the chocolate's edges dimple.

        "You've been fighting since before I was a mote of dust. With a snap of my fingers, I can decide to change your world, the way the world's eroded and eaten at your very flesh. I can tell from your posture that you clearly feel much, much more replenished."

        "That's motivation enough, isn't it?" -for whom is left unclear.

        Her expression melts and broadens. Proud and appreciative. -of who is left unclear too. "Our dream is to change the world, just like you said. It's as simple as that, but you've been searching for a long time for the way to guide that dream, and all it's done is worn you down so perilously far, hasn't it? But a few hours basking in my guidance, and the aches and pains you've borne wash away. Poor thing. It's me you were looking for the whole time, but I was fashionably late."

        Mercifully, the heiress finally draws away, but not too far. She's put herself in striking distance now, and stays there. A bold creature, to make herself at home, to make herself the one in charge of someone who could absolutely take the upper hand in any altercation to come...

        Truly cat behavior.

<Pose Tracker> Killy Garrett has posed.

She was offered another piece of chocolate, and she had no choice but to eat that one as well. She preferred the previous one but this one was pretty good as well.

Killy simply chewed while Liu Mei talked, slowly nodding along. She was once again amused at Liu Mei's antics, wondering where this will go.

There was some silence as she stared at the younger girl in front of her, thinking about the things she said over and over. "I suppose you're not completely wrong. You really are something, Liu Mei."

<Pose Tracker> Liu Mei Wang has posed.

        Planting one finger upon her own lips, Liu Mei waits until Killy swallows, then plainly praises, "Your lips have done a serviceable job entertaining me at the end of all this."

        And before she can let that linger too long, she's rising from the water, toweling off her hair. The attendants have brought the pair's belongings to a few benches and tables just past the water's edge. She's decided to leave not in the same dress she wore in - no, that'd be terribly unfashionable. Instead, a more modern style - a cute deep blue sundress, high heeled shoes, and a big wide brimmed hat.

        And also Killy's jacket on top of that dress.

        Wait no she can't just do that can she? (she seems to do whatever she damn well pleases-)

        "It's good to hear you recognize what's important to you! We're going to have a wonderful time keeping in touch. Who knows - I may even have a fittingly world-changing road for you to walk sooner than expected, and wouldn't that be generous? Whenever you're thinking of me, you'll know how to get ahold of me."

        (Killy is liable to find plenty of avenues of contact have magically been added to her phone. Numbers and social media contacts alike! Technology truly is magical.)

        With that, Liu Mei's wandering out of Killy's immediate circle as much of a whirlwind as she entered, the limo picking her up just on time.

        ...wait, wasn't she Killy's ride here-?