originally posted in:The New Dojo
[b]I do not know if I can say that I agree with you. There are crimes that are not forgivable, and I cannot say that I am not guilty of such crimes.[/b]
English
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<I do not know about these crimes, therefore to me you are as good as innocent. You appear to have paid a debt as well in the form of one of your eyes and your ability to speak.>
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[i]There was a pause for a moment. She sat back on the couch and had to think for a second. She was being offered a second chance here. This was an opportunity, maybe to make things a little better, maybe to actually live a real life... but she didn’t deserve that. She couldn’t have. Leaning forwards again, she began to tap out another message.[/i] [b]Do you really think I am worth a second chance?[/b]
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<Yes, I do.> *She set a reassuring hand on Racheal’s shoulder as she said this, nodding.*
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[b]Okay.[/b] [i]Then the tapping stopped, and she sat in silence for quite some time. Rachael had to admit that this was strange. Being indebted to someone for this was weird, but she was beyond thankful that the machine hadn’t hurt her for what she’d admitted to. Most would have probably cast her back out to the streets for that. [/i]
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*Alice sat back on the couch and the caracal crawled onto her lap. She didn’t care to know the exact details of what the woman had done. She didn’t feel that they mattered, nor would knowing exactly what she has done bring about any good.*
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[i]If Alice was good at sensing feelings, then she could tell that Rachael did not feel that same way. Details weighed quite a bit on the mind, and looking back things were only becoming more painful. Letting go was difficult, namely because she simply had nothing else. It was a free fall for her.[/i]
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*Alice had almost no ability to detect feelings, but she could often guess the meaning of silence. She turned back toward the Racheal and tilted her head a little.* <Your actions carry a great weight, don’t they... Now is not the time to remember them, you are trying to [i]start[/i] a new life, emphasis on starting it.>
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[i]The tapping resumed.[/i] [b]How do I start again with that sort of past? I am a mess right now... even after everything you have done for me. The things I have done and seen are not easy to distance myself from. [/b]
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<Well, a good place to start is by finding a new home... If you would like, I have space for a roommate. It may be unusual for me to offer you a place in my home so quickly, but I don’t require as much privacy as others, nor do I spend a lot of time here.>
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[i]She stopped to think for a moment before tapping out a response.[/i] [b]I do not know how or why you are being so kind... but I am thankful for it. However... I am afraid I must decline the offer. The man who betrayed me will be looking for me if he finds out I am still alive. He will not hesitate to kill anyone in his way, and I do not wish for you to be harmed.[/b]
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<Though I wear little armor, I am far sturdier than an average human and can survive the loss of multiple limbs. I have a backup as well in case the rest of my body is destroyed, but if you still do not wish to stay then I will help you find another place to live.> *She paused for a moment before speaking again.* <And it is in my programming to be kind and to help others. Though I am able to rewrite that if I wish, I see no reason to. It feels far more worthwhile and honorable to assist people.>
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[b]I do not want you hurt regardless. You have been too kind to me.[/b] [i]Rachael tapped out, before again stopping and sitting in silence.[/i]
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<I will not force you to stay here. At least, not once the ointment has fully healed your burns. You have gained an ally, though. If he comes to hurt you, his path will be a very difficult one.>
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[i]There was no response to that. Sure, Alice was a robot. Rachael was pretty sure that robot had plenty of tricks up its sleeve, but she knew Inferno all too well. He’d melt her down for scrap before she even got the chance to draw a weapon. She didn’t like thinking about that, and quickly attempted to force that thought from her mind. And so, an awkward silence fell over the room.[/i]
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<Is there something I do not understand?>
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[b]These men are not the average thugs or killers you may think that they are. I have seen far too many people underestimate them.... and I think I did the same.[/b] [i]She tapped, wishing so badly that she could speak, that she could explain just what kind of monster Inferno was, what kind of crook Sidewinder was, and how efficient Shrike was. Rachael knew that taking them alone was suic*de for pretty much anyone. The other problem was finding them. She had no clue where they were hiding out. She knew that they’d have changed locations once they’d dumped her off, and if she went near any place she’d been before, she was as good as dead.[/i]
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<If they come after you then I will not face them alone in your defense. My aunt and uncle can assist me. They are more than proven in the battlefield.> <I will not actively seek out these people, but I will attempt to defend you from them if the need arises.>
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[i]That was... moderate relief to the wounded woman, who promptly tapped out her reply.[/i] [b]Thank you.[/b]
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<You are welcome. And do not worry, my extended family are often underestimated as well.>
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[i]She hoped... oh she hoped.[/i] [b]You do not mind my staying here?[/b] [i]She tapped, just to confirm. Even if it was slightly dangerous, she was in no condition to fight yet, let alone find a place to live. She didn’t have any of her gear either, no armor, no sword, no pistol, no knives, no submachine gun.[/i]
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<No, I do not. You can stay as long as you wish.>
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[b]Thank you again.[/b] [i]She tapped out rapidly. Though Alice couldn’t see it, she smiled tiredly. For the time being, she had a place to rest and lay low. Now she just had to get some gear and hope to God that Inferno and his men didn’t find her...[/i]
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*Alice sensed the curve of Racheal’s lips and used her finger to trace an invisible smile on her own snout.*
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[i]The machine was amusing, she had to admit that. Stretching out carefully, so as to make sure she wouldn’t hurt herself, Rachael shifted on the couch. Getting comfortable was a dangerous game, but she could deal with falling asleep if, or rather, when, it happened.[/i]
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*She got off of the couch to give Racheal more room.* [u]I will be in my room. If you need anything then just hit the table. We will see about getting food for you tomorrow.[/u]