Limitations

dani-steele:

Now that caught my curiosity - defending against other Soul Voice attacks sounded very interesting and I was beginning to feel much more upbeat about today’s training now. Not that I hadn’t been enthused before, but something new was always more interesting than repetition.

“I can do it,” I say with a determined nod, trying to convince myself as much as him. I remembered what Brian had said about keeping my back straight and adjusting my posture accordingly before beginning to run.

It was tiring, but I really put in an effort to keep running at top speed. I refused to admit to myself that it helped when Dalton was in sight - though I made a conscious effort to keep him in my periphery rather than looking at him outright. No need to fall because I wasn’t watching where I was going, of course.
I did feel myself slowing towards the end of the laps, but I thought I’d done pretty well.

“How’re you gonna train me to defend against those attacks?” I ask, still puffing.

Brian was pleased to see that she was still keen, and even more so that she was putting lots of effort into it. She was focused and trying her best - Brian couldn’t help but grin as he ran along beside her.

Sensing her eagerness, he decided to wait until later to do the usual drills in favour of teaching something new.
“There are two other ways Sonareans can attack others. The first is called Merus – it’s sort of a way of unleashing the energy of the Soul Voice. It’s not easy to control, so most just do it in one big hit to knock people off their feet. The second is Mens Intorquio – which is rare but uses a Soul Voice to put stress on the opponent’s mind. It’s very dangerous, so I will only show you a little bit of it.”

Fortunately he was one of the few who could control it to a certain extent. That had not come without many years of practicing, knowing if he would have to control it himself if he wanted to be strong.

“We’ll start with Merus. Feel free to take off the weight pack now, if you want. I’ll show you what one feels like, at least – a weak one.”
Making sure to gauge the impact, he waited until she braced herself before emanating a burst of energy – just enough to make her fall down.

(Source: brian-slato)

Limitations

dani-steele:

“Even more? You nearly killed me with that weight pack yesterday,” I say in as light a tone I could muster, though silently siding with Dalton’s assessment.

I felt a little off about Brian’s snappish words too, uncomfortable about his phrasing. I wasn’t something to be pushed and prodded and made sure not to ‘break’.
I wasn’t a toy.

I let go of my annoyance as we started our warm ups, realising that it wasn’t Brian’s intention to make me feel like that. And I could feel Dalton’s presence nagging at my attention - something I was resolutely trying to ignore. Being distracted and looking over to Dalton during the training was likely going to hurt, something I really didn’t want.

“Don’t worry, I won’t start you off with it too heavy this time.” He didn’t want her nearly burning out like she had the other day, “But I will increase the blocking rates. Also, I think we should start working on defending against other Soul Voice attacks.”
He gave her a grin, “I won’t make you wear the pack for that part – since we will just be starting it. But it’s important that you know how to defend against it.” While their opponent was only part Sonarean, it didn’t mean that others wouldn’t try to take her down.
‘Especially if someone discovered who she was,’ Brian thought to himself grimly, knowing that would never end well.

After stretching he turned to her, “Let’s just start with some laps for now.” He gave her the weight pack, “You think you’ll manage this time?” If she was sore from yesterday then that would cause her some problems.

(Source: brian-slato)

Limitations

dani-steele:

“Yeah, I’ve been trying to do a bit each day,” I confirm with a nod, trying in vain to suppress the memory of dancing. I had actually really enjoyed it last night, though I knew exactly the reason for that.

“Dancing is helping lots more than trying to practice on my own,” I add after a few moment’s pause, internally squirming at my habitual honesty. What benefit was there to say that? It would only serve to draw Brian’s attention to things I’d rather leave well enough alone. “So… I’m trying to get better.”

“Hn, I’m not surprised.” Dalton was an expert at dancing and balance, so it made sense that it was working better than her own attempts. Still, it annoyed that Dalton had to be the one do it – since he was the only other person who could dance well.
“That’s good though. If you keep up with both then it will start to show through your training. Speaking of which, I will be pushing you even more today – I want you to put in 110 percent.”

“Remember that she is not a fighter, Brian,” Dalton reminded, “Don’t overestimate her endurance.”
“I know,” Brian snapped back. “I won’t break her.” He wasn’t stupid – and it wasn’t as if he couldn’t tell when she was struggling.

Dalton remained silent, knowing Brian was offended by his advice but deciding not to fan the fire. Eventually they reached the court, and Dalton situated himself on the edge to continue with his work as the two began their warmups.

(Source: brian-slato)

Limitations

dani-steele:

I grin in return - thrilled with the positive feedback - though I shook my head lightly at his comment about being alluring. He never, ever stopped. “Oh, yes, I could hardly forget that ‘alluring’ gaze. You’d never forgive me if I forgot that.”

I really was rather pleased that Brian approved of the picture and wanted to keep it - you never quite knew how people would react to drawings of themselves.

Seeing Brian reaching, I quickly slap my hand down on my notebook. I was definitely not prepared for him to flick through at his leisure. I move my hand, notebook still firmly underneath it, to outside of Brian’s reach - making sure it would remain so even if he stretched. He’d have to physically get up to try and get the book.
“I draw a bit, I guess,” I say, trying ever so hard not to blush and knowing full well how evasive I sounded. “But I’d rather not show them. Really rather not.” 

‘Not until I make it Brian-appropriate, at least,’ I add internally, unable to decide if ripping out the Dalton pages or the non-Dalton pages would be more effective. Because I knew he would not approve in the slightest at the… infatuation. Or even simply drawing the scientist, I was fairly sure. 

Brian raised an eyebrow, “Oh, what’s this? Don’t tell me there’s a secret in there…” He grinned, getting up to go around the table to get it despite the look on Danielle’s face.

“Come on - let me see your drawings! It’s not like it’s bad or anything.” He was definitely curious, now that she was trying to keep it from him, and wondered if she was just being modest to hide works in progress.
“Have you drawn anything from where you’re from?”

(Source: brian-slato)

An Understanding.

Dalton was pleased to find Brian on his way through the hallway close to the lab. It was a good place to talk, as he knew everyone else was busy at the time.
“A moment, if you don’t mind,” he spoke as Brian walked past, pleased to hear him stop.

“What?”
Brian was on his way back to training, having taken a break to have a snack. He wasn’t in the mood for idle chit-chat, wanting to continue his work out.

Dalton adjusted his glasses before he spoke, ensuring he had Brian’s proper attention.
“I am sure you are aware that Danielle’s actions have been less than… ideal. “

Brian frowned.
“That’s not her fault – that Silas freak was controlling her.” What was Dalton getting at? Brian could see there was something intentional in his eyes, but he couldn’t figure out what he was trying to do.
“That was not what I was referring to.”
Brian narrowed his eyes, quickly realising what Dalton had meant.
“To you, perhaps. Got a problem with that?”

“I do.” Dalton’s face was serious, “And might I remind you that you were affected too”
“Only because you manipulated her you freak,” Brian retorted.

“As a result of your goading.”
“That’s bullshit – I only assisted, that’s all.”
“So you believe she is to answer for her actions, then?”

Brian sneered, realising Dalton was intending to drive the conversation somewhere unpleasant.
“Look – I’m not in the mood for your manipulative bullshit. I’ve got things to do.”
He turned back, starting to make his way to the court.

“I suggest you listen when I am speaking to you,” Dalton spoke – and Brian suddenly felt something cold near his throat. Dalton’s scythe.
Brian felt his hackles rise, but remained silent to listen – deciding to hear out what Dalton wanted to say.

“I will not have our work compromised for the sake of one person. If her actions continue to put us at risk, I will not hesitate in killing her – alien or not.” Dalton’s voice was emotionless and cold – Brian knew he was not bluffing.
“Of course, I won’t have to you showed her how to behave. You are an influential man, Brian. She will side with your decisions, more so than my own. If you allow her to break the rules I will have no choice but to remove her from the equation. You will be responsible for her, Brian - if you value her life, make sure she obeys.”

Brian had enough, and turning he walked up to the doctor – his eyes wide to intimidate as he spoke back just as coldly.
“You should know better than to threaten one of my friends, Dalton.”
“I won’t need to,” Dalton quickly retorted, “if she keeps in line.” The man maintained his stance regardless of Brian’s hostile approach. “Keep your own actions in check, and she will not be in any danger. Do I make myself clear?”

Brian kept his temper inside, knowing that Dalton would use any excuse against him should he harm him now – although that didn’t stop his Soul Voice from spiking in his aggravation. Turning from the man he walked away, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of an agreement.

It was only after he heard the man curse did he allow a dark smirk to form on his face, knowing his glasses had cracked slightly from the pressure as he left to resume his training.

Limitations

dani-steele:

 

I take the new book without hesitation, smiling slightly at the praise as I look it over.
“That sounds good, thanks,” I say easily, giving a nod and shifting the history book out of the way on the table. I was more than willing to read things over - it was better than being dropped in the deep end with things I was supposed to know or be aware of.

I glance at Dalton as he mentioned Joreth, beaming at the thought of talking to him. “I’d really like that,” I answer, nodding emphatically. “Poor guy might think I’ve abandoned him otherwise. And I wouldn’t want that.”

“I’m sure you wouldn’t,” he replied, walking over to the containment chamber door as he took off his glasses, quickly cleaning it with a pocketed cloth. 
“It should only take me about five minutes to check.”

Entering in he saw the man, who raised his head. Looking through the glasses carefully he could see his Soul Voice resonating calmly.

After doing a few more checks he returned to the door, “He appears to be himself - feel free to come in.” The man appeared to be more strained, and Dalton hoped at company would help with that. He did not want to lose his best piece because the man was slowly being chipped away by his opponent.

(Source: brian-slato)

Limitations

dani-steele:

“Oh, right. Sorry, it’s Spanish - another language,” I say, smiling sheepishly. “A sombrero is a big hat,” I gesture the vague shape around my own head, “Made of straw, I think, but it’s usually got some painted colour on it too. And ‘amigos’ means ‘friends’,” I explain.

I give a shrug at Brian’s implied protest. “Well, it’s a good thing I’m not you then, right? It doesn’t bother me - if it’s clean and it fits, I see no real reason to complain,” I reply lightly, eating some more of my food as I give another shrug.

I look at Dalton after Brian’s question, quite glad he’d brought it up. “That sounds good,” I pipe up - quite happy with the scientist’s answer. I reckoned it was fair - I hadn’t done much to assist Dalton thus far, and I didn’t reckon it was particularly sensible to drop more issues into his lap when he was already pretty swamped with Silas stuff.

“Amigos, eh?” Brian replied, “Well, when we’re through with this Silas crap you’re going to made me one of those hats.” He grinned, wanting to see what it was like in reality. It sounded ridiculous enough to be fun.

He crossed his arms, not pleased that she was content with her clothes but not wanting to get into an argument at the time. He would talk to Rachel when he caught up with her regardless- she probably knew where to get some good clothes, at the very least.
‘I’ll have to shove it in her closet at this rate.’

Brian nodded, satisfied with Dalton’s answer. He figured it would be a pointless thing to lie about - being disguised as an assistant was the easiest for her to do, and being paid would only help.

“Alright. Well I’ve finished here,” he stated, standing up as he put his dishes away. Heading towards the door he turned to Danielle.
“Make sure you get some balancing practice in, alright? That’s really important.”

(Source: brian-slato)

But to die in music … People will always remember the songs he never had the chance to sing. And they will be the greatest songs of all.
Live your life in a moment.
And then live for ever. Don’t fade away.