2023-07-09: Chilling! A Visit from the Witch
- Cast: Elisa Kafim, Sayaka Yumi
- Where: Fujinomiya City - Photon Power Research Institute
- Date: U.C. 0097 07 09
- Summary: Following a day spent in the office, Sayaka receives a surprise visit. Despite her crimes, she hears Elisa Kafim out, as they speak of the intricacies of science and relationships. The tension rises as Sayaka never holds back her true feelings. When Elisa warns herthe lengths of what she will do for Yuliana - Alma Stirner only being the start - Sayaka recognizes that the Witch of the Void could never be a friend of hers.
- CW: Discussions of subjucation and mind control
<Pose Tracker> Sayaka Yumi has posed.
Sayaka and Koji had recently risked everything to help save the soul of Leina Ashta. By all technicality, the Photon Power Labs had defied the Federation, and it sure did look a lot like they were assisting the rebellious Three Ships Alliance. Although Sayaka felt certain that the officers supporting Puru-1 were on the wrong side of history, it was still Sayaka Yumi who had to deal with the related fallout.
Thankfully to her credit, she's the Director for a reason. She's a skilled negotiator - knowing where to push the hardest and what's worth settling her chips on.
It's not exactly what she's happiest doing, though, even if it's where her skills lie. So at this very moment, she's pleased to have reprieve from that. In her office - spacious, comfortable, perfect for some wicked witch to slide into, the desktop computer flickers into screensaver. Sayaka herself is on 'her break', seemingly absently scrolling mountains of email on her cellphone. That sure is a lot! But she'll answer them later.
<Pose Tracker> Elisa Kafim has posed.
There are other events happening as well, in addition to those recent risks. Case in point:
There is a sudden rush of air under the door, as if something large has fallen to the ground. Then, there is a knock at the door of Sayaka's office.
There's a lot! But right now, the knock at the door--firm, direct, but not harsh--is accompanied by a voice.
"Dr. Yumi," the voice says, pleasantly. "This is Dr. Kafim. Do you have time to speak?"
<Pose Tracker> Sayaka Yumi has posed.
"Hm?" Sayaka vocalizes, her eyes tracking towards the door. "Koji, that you?" She asks at first instinct. Not many others are that loud outside her office. "You don't have to kn-"
But that certainly isn't Koji Kabuto's voice. What is Elisa Kafim doing here? Have her words to Yuliana caught up to her? "Dr. Kafim." She answers, just as direct. "Please, come in and take a seat. Make yourself comfortable." She's not about to fuck around and find out when it comes to existential threats.
And Sayaka's office is accomodating... Dr. Kafim should find herself comfortable. "To what do I owe the pleasure, Doctor?" She asks, shutting off the computer monitor. "It's a far way to Fujinomiya, is it not? Hopefully it was a safe trip." She soars through the pleasantries.
"Say, how are things going between you and your wife? Koji and I recently ran into her while we were on a date... she assured me she was really quite happy and secure with you."
<Pose Tracker> Elisa Kafim has posed.
It is not Koji! It very definitely isn't.
"Certainly," Dr. Kafim says. She opens the door and steps inside, wearing dark robes and fine jewelry, as is her usual arrangement. "What a lovely office." Elisa steps inside, and and takes a seat near enough to Sayaka to converse comfortably.
"It is a long distance," Elisa agrees, though she did not travel all that way, of course. She has other ways of getting around.
"I'm glad to hear that. I do my best for her, after all. I made oaths to care for her, as my wife. And I love her quite dearly."
"No, it is not your conversations with my wife alone that drive me to come to see you. I have decided that it is best if I get out into the world again more often. And so I wish simply to engage with my wife's friends."
"Though it is true that I have heard you have some... concerns, I do not begrudge such a thing."
"Indeed, I am willing to answer questions you might have."
<Pose Tracker> Sayaka Yumi has posed.
Sayaka is wearing one of her usual work blouses. Certainly, she wears her labcoat to work even if she's not conducting any experiments, but presently it is hung up. "Thank you," Sayaka takes the compliment. Among the decorations in the office are plants, bathed in the light of Photon Power. The entire lab is powered by it, after all. Lots of dusty books line the shelves - they were inherited from her father. It's dry reading material, undoubtedly.
"Yes, it does... sound like you've done much for her. And she's done much for you." Sayaka nods slowly, at the intensity of the Kafims' love for each other. "I'm pleased to hear the two of you are happy together... even if the wedding turned out quite unpleasant." Getting shot surely wasn't a pleasant wedding gift. Sayaka does not comment on the ritual part of it.
Yuliana's friends... it is interesting that Elisa counts Sayaka among them. "That makes sense." Sayaka replies, agreeably, about Elisa coming out to see the world. On one hand, that's TERRIFYING. On the other, it takes away her mystique a bit if she isn't constantly holed up in a castle. "There's a lot to see in Fujinomiya, so you certainly made the right choice to come visit. The sight of Mt. Fuji from that close is really something, isn't it?" Sayaka is proving something big as a scientist... it's possible to make small talk with a witch.
But when it comes time to talk about her concerns between Elisa and Yuliana, Sayaka doesn't mince words either. "Yes." She says. "When we ate together at a diner, Yuliana needed to borrow a charger from me. When I was helping her, I couldn't help but inadvertently notice the sheer amount of texts she received while her phone was dead. It was enough to make her quite distressed... even if she assured me you were simply concerned about her whereabouts." She explains. "It really wasn't my business to pry, but since you asked, that's where my concerns come from."
<Pose Tracker> Elisa Kafim has posed.
It mgiht make a strange image, dark robes seated across from rather more normal clothes. Maybe the labcoat would even things out, or maybe not. Elisa looks around at the plants; she does enjoy plants. And the books...
"She has," Elisa answers. "She is quite precious to me." A smile. "The wedding was a happy occasion even with the interruption. I would endure much and worse to be married to my Yuliana."
"Ahh, is it?" Elisa considers. "I will have to see it, before I leave," she says. She hasn't yet. Because she teleported rather directly. But that's surely not worrisome.
"Hmmm..."
Elisa nods, at length. "Not unreasonable," she declares. "At the time, I was more concerned with my own anxiety--you recall how my Yuliana has been in such danger for so long... But when we discussed that very thing, I found that I was being overly... protective. I have taken a more lenient approach since, and do not hound her so for her whereabouts. It is sometimes difficult to overcome my worry... But her independence is important to her. Which is only reasonable, of course."
"I appreciate your candor. Honesty is quite important to me, Dr. Yumi."
<Pose Tracker> Sayaka Yumi has posed.
Elisa's unique dress code isn't unwelcome at the Photon Power Research Institute, but it is sure to give her a few unusual looks if she sets foot outside Sayaka's office. Not that she would likely care.
"Admittedly, I wasn't entirely familiar with many of your customs and rituals at the wedding. Either way, I don't think that makes it polite to ruin it for everyone else." She says, of the former Banshee pilot. Captain Aiden... she does remind Sayaka of something important.
"I'm not sure how you could've missed it, since it overlooks the whole city..." Sayaka's honesty comes forth once again. "But do take the chance to go see it. It's one of our best tourist attractions, if you don't count our very own institute." She smiles.
"Honesty is important, I agree. I'm surrounded by politicians, but it doesn't mean I like lying. Which means I have to give you credit for one thing: it's good you were able to communicate about it." It might sound a bit backhanded, but it is a compliment! "I'm not a stranger when it comes to miscommunications and troubles with love, after all." It's been happening less and less.. but the times when she was unhappiest with Koji was when she made the least effort to communication.
"Unfortunately, my concerns don't end with your marriage." She frowns for a moment. "I don't take issue with you pursuing your 'Silent Calling' business. But I feel pretty strongly that it should be an individual's choice whether they get involved or not." She says, quite directly. This point feels more meaningful than attacking the concept of the 'Void' altogether. "At this point, I think even Yuliana agrees that Alma Stirner should be allowed to make her own decisions."
<Pose Tracker> Elisa Kafim has posed.
Indeed, Elisa doesn't even notice such things as a rule.
"Yes, a fine attitude," Elisa says. "Our spirituality is... not common, but it is quite important to us."
A smile. "I certainly will." She doesn't explain how she missed it. She could! But she doesn't. "The Institute itself is a wonderful facility. I am quite interested in the studies you perform here. I'm aware that you get up to fascinating subjects..."
Some she knows.
"Of course. Communication is vital in any relationship. I always want my Yuliana and I to understand one another. Tht bedrock of trust is quite important. You understand." It isn't a question.
But those concerns...
"Hmmmm." She seems to consider, folding her hands. "Alma Stirner..."
"You are not the first to express concern for her. Indeed, she is still with us in part for her own safety. Undoing what was done to her is not an easy process, and not without risk."
"The simple truth is that we were... angry, with Lilith Aiden. Oh, we'd influenced Miss Stirner before that, but I did not fully bring her under my control until after the wedding." She pauses. "Yes, Yuliana does not like to see the will of others suborned... She is quite kind and gentle, really."
"I have no objection to doing so," Elisa explains without blinking. "But I have already promised to another the release of Alma Stirner. When I can do so in a safe manner for all involved, we shall restore her will."
"But with the Silent Calling in particular, I agree that choice is sacrosanct. It is vital that man be able to pursue his own betterment. I can show the way, but I cannot walk it for our adherents."
<Pose Tracker> Sayaka Yumi has posed.
"I'm glad you appreciate it." Sayaka smiles, when Elisa compliments the Institute. "Our work is quite important in powering Free Japan, and it's a responsibility I don't take lightly. This means most of our research is publicly available, so you're always free to learn what Photon Power can do." Some of it is classified. But when it comes to the Void Crystals, that doesn't mean Elisa doesn't know about it.
"Communication is very important, yes. I've learned you're not always going to understand each other. There's a lot about Koji I'll probably never understand. But I trust him all the same." It's not the exact same sentiment as Elisa's... but they seem to come to a similar conclusion.
Sayaka isn't all too surprised she's not the only one who was concerned about Alma. She's not among the people who knew her best. But she was concerned all the same.
The simple truth is enough to make her well up anger, just enough for it to be very noticeable to Elisa. "That's it? You took over her mind because of a dispute with her girlfriend?" It's... more petty than she'd expected from Elisa. It's not that she thinks what Lilith did was okay - but Alma didn't deserve to be hurt for it, and now she can't even form an opinion of her own anymore.
She doesn't make any witty comment on how Yuliana dislikes seeing others brainwashed... when that should be the opinion of any reasonable person.
"That is good to hear. Really, I'd rather see her returned peacefully. I doubt she wants to be the subject of any more fighting either." She'll have to let Boss know the good news that he can remove her from the banlist.
"Reasonable. I'm not very strongly religious, past the Shinto traditions mostly everyone takes part in here." Fujinomiya, despite its many technological advancements, does respect its origins as a shrine site. "I think it's important for people to make their own choices about something so personal as faith."
<Pose Tracker> Elisa Kafim has posed.
"I may have to study it in more depth. Particularly as it applies to my own research. Before I involved myself in this business, I studied kaiju, if you didn't know. The relationship between kaiju and humans and Zentradi..."
Not always understand each other. Hmmm. "I endeavor to understand all of Yuliana that I am able. It is an ongoing work."
She notices the anger. There is a mysterious glint in her eye, as she sees it. "A dispute?" she wonders. "She attempted to kill Yuliana. That is far more than a dispute. ...But I understand your point."
She moves on from that--for the moment. Instead, "I'm sure she doesn't. Or won't, once she is restored."
A pause. "Yes... It is quite personal. I encourage people to think clearly when considering such matters, to determine what is best for them and their own betterment. It is important."
A pause. "But the matter of Alma..."
She smiles, and this time, there are teeth in it. She has the normal number.
"I mention what I do about Alma because I want you and Dr. Kabuto to know that when it comes to the safety and well-being of Yuliana, I will not hesitate. I will destroy, and I will use, and I will crush all that stands in the way of her happiness."
"I do not believe that you and I are likely to become friends. Your righteous anger suggests not. ...but I wished you to be prepared for what I am willing to do."
"It seems... fair."
<Pose Tracker> Sayaka Yumi has posed.
The study of kaiju... Sayaka has to wonder if she and Dr. Hell have exchanged correspondence. The transformation of Mycanean warriors into mechanical beasts had to have been fascinating to her.
"An ongoing work, huh?" Sayaka taps her desk with her finger. "You had me at first, but I don't think we'll ever see relationships the same way." Koji is her partner in battle, and now he's someone she wants to spend the rest of her life with. "To me, it doesn't matter if I never understand Koji in full... I know the parts that are most important. And we complete each other nonetheless."
That glint on Elisa's eye... Sayaka instinctively avoids her gaze when she sees it. "Still.. there were ways to resolve Lilith Aiden's crimes without putting her girlfriend through so much." Sayaka points out. "But yes. Thank you for understanding."
She lets Elisa move on to what she wishes to say next. "You have made your intentions clear, Doctor Kafim." Sayaka replies, and that fire is still in her eyes. In so many ways, it's the gaze of a Mazin of light that the Void hates so much - the same gaze Koji's worn so very often. "As a scientist, I think our conversation was illuminating. That's why I heard you out in the first place." And indeed, disagreement only furthers such discussions. "But as a person? No, as long as we stay to the paths we believe in, I doubt we'll ever get along."
"So consider me thoroughly prepared, Doctor Kafim. Thank you for stopping by the Photon Power Research Institute."
<Pose Tracker> Elisa Kafim has posed.
"Hmmm," Elisa says. "Perhaps we are simply different then. I respect your choice, in this. Your relationship. I will not underestimate it."
In this case, the glint is merely a glint; it is not Power, but reaction. Sayaka points it out, and Elisa inclines her head. "This is true. But none that hurt her so much as this."
Sayaka still has that fire... It is interesting to watch. Fascinating. And dangerous. If Elisa were a different sort of individual, she might feel the need to strike now. But she is not. She beliees in that fairness.
"Likewise. It was illuminating to me, as well." She incines her head. "We both will follow what we believe. What we must do, we will do. I am certain of that."
"So, good. Thank you for your hospitality. I look forward to seeing what comes of our meeting in the future." Gathering herself up, Elisa begins to rise.
"Good day, Doctor Yumi." She turns, to go. If allowed, she will leave through the door, and that same sense of something falling will strike again--and she will be gone.