(( Nice story Z! Looking forwards to part 2 
))
@FloatingFatMan
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
(( Proofread more, young padwan. Should be interesting to learn more about this one. Write more. ))
Disclaimer: The above may be humerous, or at least may be an attempt at humour. Try reading it that way.
Posts are OOC unless noted to be IC, or in an IC thread.
Part Two
March 16th
Emily sat on her sofa, nibbling on one knuckle as she listened to the morning news on the radio. Still in her nightclothes, she had a phonebook on her lap, and the cordless telephone rested on the arm of the cream-coloured sofa. Her eyes darted to the clock on the Combo DVD/VCR player atop her TV, watching as it ticked closer to eight AM.
It wont tick any quicker if you watch it, Em. Unless you happened to pick up some temporal altering abilities while my back was turned?
I know
but you know how those switchboards get
Its seven twenty six, Em. Go take a shower and put breakfast on. Ameterasu suggested.
Im
oh.. fine, you win Ameterasu. You win. Emily said, giving up arguing with her Kheldian. He was right anyway.
Usually am, my dear. Usually am. He responded rather smugly.
She didnt bother to dignify that with a response. Setting the phonebook to one side, she wandered into the bathroom and slipped out of her nightclothes, folding the shirt up neatly and leaving it on the lid of the toilet before hanging a towel over the side of the shower door. Stepping under the shower head, she shut the door behind her and flicked the tap on, tensing up as the cool spray of water burst from the showerhead.
Please Em, for my sake if not yours, let it run a little first before getting under
I know, but it helps wake me up a little. Emily replied, pressing close to the wall of the shower cubicle, as far from the stream as she could get as she waited for it to warm up a bit. They must have had this argument every morning, and it showed no sign of ever being resolved. Finally, the stream was warm enough and Emily stepped back under it, starting to run her fingers through her hair. She was about to speak, when Ameterasu took the words from her mouth.
Wear your dressing gown once youve dried off, we can wait till after the phonecall to see if youll need your work uniform on.
Get out of my head, Ameterasu
oh wait, you cant. Emily smiled, pouring some shower gel on her hands and starting to work it into her body, fingers running up her now rather well toned arms and legs, visible proof that her time in the gym had paid off.
Youd be lonely without me, anyway. Ameterasu sniffed.
Thats true
think shell be able to see me today? Emily asked, adding some more shower gel to her hands before rubbing it into her back, chest and torso.
Sadly, I dont have a link to her appointments book. I could- try and bond with a computer if you were really curious. Or a filofax. Her Kheldian replied cheekily.
Youve got to have a snappy answer for everything, dont you? She said, reaching for the washcloth.
I try my best.
Emily shook her head as she rinsed the rest of the suds off her, before squirting some conditioner into her hair and starting to work it in with her fingertips.
This would go faster if we bought one of those shower radios, you know.
If you want music, Ill sing. Emily laughed, eyes closed as she tilted her head back to avoid getting the shampoo running into her eyes.
I thought they banned sonic weaponry from being discharged in housing areas? The smirk was audible in his voice.
Id hit you, if I wouldnt be hurting myself in the process. She grumbled in response, before rinsing her hair out.
Ahhh, the greatest defence I have against your physical rebukes, Em. Ameterasu laughed.
Shaking her head yet again, Emily turned the shower spray off and started to towel herself dry before stepping out of the cubicle. Wrapping the towel around her damp hair, she pulled on the light blue flannel bathrobe that was hanging on the back of the door and tied the belt around her waist. A quick tug of a cord dangling from the ceiling started the fan in the bathroom up to get rid of the steam, and she headed out back to the lounge to sit down.
The clock ticked closer to eight AM, and picking the phone up, Emily started to dial the number listed in the phone book. Curling her legs up under her on the sofa, she rested against the arm of it, listening as the dialling tone filled the earpiece.
Good morning, Platinum Lake Priory Centre, Angela speaking. The voice of the receptionist came through at last.
Oh, good morning, would it be possible for me to get an appointment with Doctor Becker? At any available time. Emily asked, the fluttering of nerves starting in her stomach.
I can check in a moment, are you on our records?
Yes, Emily Preston, Ive seen Doctor Becker several times before.
One moment
ah yes, your files on our system. Hmm
her ten oclock cancelled, I can fit you in then if you wish?
Emily nodded quickly, then realised she was on the phone. Yes, thats fine with me thanks.
Okay, Ive made your appointment, and Ill get your file put in the Doctors case pile. The receptionist replied. Have a nice day.
You too, thank you. Emily said, before hanging up and putting the phone down besides her. Her hands trembled a little, and she took a deep breath to steady her nerves.
You okay Em? Ameterasu asked with some concern.
Yeah
just nervous. Emily said, before reaching for the phone again. Better call in and let the department know I need the morning off.
Youve nothing to be nervous about, Em
and thats a good idea. Youve put in enough overtime hours that theyd be silly not to let you take the morning off.
Nodding, Emily started to dial the number for the Steel Canyon precinct of the PPD, drumming her fingers on the back of the phone. Plus it gives us a chance to get that shopping done.
Honey-roast ham, bread, Digital Photography.
Indeed. Emily smiled.
Paragon Police Department, Steel Canyon Precinct. Officer Hayes speaking, how may I help you today?
Hey Tony, its Emily calling. Listen, somethings come up, hospital rearranging an appointment, and I need to go in this morning at 10, think I could get the morning off? Emily asked, her fingers crossed.
Oh, hey Emily, let me just check
yeah, thats fine. Weve got a few of the Psi Division here this morning, so weve got enough staff to let you go
actually
one moment. Tony said, the sound of fingers tapping away on keyboards audible.
Ah, Emily, youve got some holiday due actually to use up, so why not take the day off? You put in enough work around here.
Really? I suppose the day off wont hurt. Thanks Tony, Ill see you tomorrow? Emily smiled, relieved she could make the appointment.
No need to thank me, and nah, Im off to-
Oh right, your brothers wedding. Hope you dont embaress him in the best man speech too much. Emily laughed.
Oh, Ill try my best. Tony said. Got another call coming in, see you Emily.
See you. Emily said, before hanging up.
Hmm, might be an idea to put some clothes on then, should take us about half an hour to get through rush hour traffic, unless were flying there? Ameterasu pondered.
Taking the phone back to its cradle, she made her way into the bedroom and started to root through her wardrobe, pulling out various articles of clothing and giving them an appraising eye.
Nope
nope, too casual, too formal, too summery, too frumpy
Why Em, anyone would think you didnt have a fashion sense
oh wait, with that dress, you clearly dont. Ameterasu joked.
And since when have you been a paragon of fashion? Emily replied with a hint of irritation, before pulling out a pair of denim jeans and a cream jumper. Does this measure up to your tastes?
Hmm
yes. I think it does
might want to wear a t-shirt underneath though, its cold outside at the moment, but due to get warmer later.
Want me to wear some mittens and a scarf too? Emily smirked, grabbing one of her dark blue t-shirts from a drawer and moving her clothing to the bed.
As cute as theyd look, I think the general populous would find you rather ridiculous in appearance. Dont forget your badge. Or your purse. Her Kheldian reminded her. Or to make your bed.
Of all the Kheldians I could be bonded to, I get the nagging mother. Emily mock sighed, slipping off her dressing gown and starting to dress, pausing halfway through to finish drying her hair.
Youd be lost without me, Em. Oh, you left the comb in the top drawer of your bedside cabinet. As usual. Ameterasu replied smugly as Emily rooted about for it.
Are you always so insufferably smug when youre right?
Yes. Yes I am.
Emily couldnt help but grin. Dont change.
No intention of changing either.
Finally, the bed was made, Emily was dressed and her handbag had her badge, purse and mobile in. A quick glance at the clock said she still had time for breakfast, a quick slice of toast and an orange juice.
Ive seen small birds eat more than that, Em. At least put some jam on it or something. Ameteratsu chided her.
You know I dont eat much if Im nervous, I get stomach aches otherwise. Emily replied, starting to rush a little around the apartment to grab her mug from last night to wash up with the breakfast things.
True. Dont forget to brush your teeth. No one likes a breadcrumb smile.
Emily grumbled a reply, making her way into the bathroom.
Why Em, you werent going to forget were you? And is there any need for that language?
I wasnt going to forget, geez, you stepped up a gear in your nagging or something? Emily asked, squirting toothpaste onto the brush head before starting to clean her teeth.
Actually, doing my best to take your mind off your nerves with my own brand of constant reminding and admonishing. Ameteratsu replied warmly. Mouthwash.
Emily smiled softly, rinsing her brush off and pouring some of the minty-green mouthwash into a small plastic cup. Its appreciated, but not necessary. Ive dealt with nerves before, Ill deal with them afterwards. She said before gargling.
Duly noted. Just let me know if youd like my services to resume. Spit Em, dont swallow. Mouthwash is a horrible thing to swallow.
Emily spluttered instead, coughing a little as she spat out the mouthwash. Ameterasu
she muttered darkly.
Couldnt resist.
Next time, resist. Please. I think some went up my nose
Emily grumbled, heading out into the lounge to open up the window leading to a small little balcony. Shutting it securely behind her after grabbing her boots and climbing out, she drew in a deep breath.
Mmm, nothing like car pollution and city smell to clear your nose of mouthwash, eh?
Youve got a point there
remind me to use the door when we come back, need to check my mail box. Emily said, zipping her boots up and rolling the legs of her jeans back down over them. Waving to the elderly couple eating breakfast in the apartment across the street, Emily climbed onto the railing and looked down to the crowded streets below.
Will do. Once more unto the breach, Em.
With a nod to herself she dropped off the balcony, gracefully swan-diving and enjoying the exhilarating rush of seeing the ground rapidly get closer to her.
((Here be the first part of hopefully many stories about Storm Sapphire, a member of the PPD Awakened Division.))
Part One
March 15th
High above the wisps of clouds covering the brightly lit streets of the concrete jungle, high enough so that the large skyscrapers and lakes were mere pixel-sized squares floated a young woman. The person in question lay floating on their back, their body clad in a blue, skin-tight material with a white strip down each side, and tied sash of white cloth at her waist and a white sleeveless jacket billowing out in the wind at that altitude.
In any other city in the world, that might just have been considered a pretty unordinary sight, but this wasnt any other city. Or an ordinary city. This was Paragon City. Birthplace of Tomorrow. The City of Heroes.
The moonlight gave the woman a pale, blue tinge, enhanced by the blueish-white light that shone from her eyes. Dark reddish-brown hair was cropped short, giving her quite a tomboyish appearance, and a blue mask covered from her eyebrows to her cheeks. The prim, pristine clean uniform, plus the badge and emblem on her costume said plainer than day that she was not only a Peacebringer, a fusion of human bonded with an energy-based alien lifeform known as a Kheldian, but also one of the members of the police department that helped protect the city.
Slowly, she began to move, sitting up a little to stare at the moon, a long sigh escaping her lips.
Thats a rather forlorn sigh, Em
Emily smiled a little as the voice echoed through her mind.
Ive just been thinking, Ameterasu... she replied out loud. There wasnt anyone up here to hear her talking to herself, or more precisely, her Kheldian symbiot.
Well, when is that not a change. Youll wear your brain out if you keep using it. A teasing response came, rising to the surface thoughts of her mind like a soft whisper.
Heh guess it isnt, really. She said, drawing her knees up to her chest as she floated.
So, might one enquire into whats preoccupying your thoughts?
Rather formal of you there and do you need to ask? You see all of them anyway.
Well technically Em, I dont see, I feel them and interpret them, but I was just trying to make conversation. Plus you know what they say, better to talk out a problem than letting it fester in your head. Ameterasu said sagely.
True enough might take a while though, how long have you got? Emily sighed.
For you? All the time in the world.
Despite how annoying her partner could be at times, he always knew the right thing to say to bring a smile to her lips. The two hadnt fully bonded together. She, and he, preferred it this way. Taking a breath, she started to speak.
Its well, to do with what it normally is.
As per normal, Em. Still, a topic I am quite happy to discuss with you. Go ahead and continue,
Why thank you for your permission. Emily replied with some sarcasm. It was useless trying to keep the grin from her face. Well I think I need to go and see her again. I thought I worked through those problems again, but it seems I havent, and things just keep bringing them back to the surface.
Ahhh, the ruckus at Pocket D with the barmaid?
Emily nodded. Yes that. She sighed, referring to the argument she had with one of the bartenders there about gender pronouns.
Stung a little deeper than you thought?
No just got me thinking not the first time its happened, is it? Even before I cut my hair those months ago.
I wouldnt know, I didnt have the pleasure of your company at that point well, at least not this intimately. My former host did indeed watch you present the weather on Breakfast Paragon.
Emily sighed again. Her days as a weathergirl for Channel 7s Breakfast Paragon seemed so far away now from her days as a member of the Paragon Police Departments Awakened Division, consisting of Kheldian bonded individuals such as herself.
One of the reasons I got my haircut was getting annoyed being stopped and asked if I was that weathergirl.
At least you havent been asked if it was going to rain men
Oh, its happened annoying when it does.
But were digressing, Emily.
Our chats have an odd way of doing that, Ameterasu It just seems like Emily made several attempts at forming the sentence, but the words just werent coming to her lips.
Mind if I ?
Go ahead not like Im getting anywhere.
You feel that people are seeing things about you that youve tried not to see in yourself? Hmm Im not sure if I put that quite right
No no, I understand, and yeah Emily sighed. Like they look at me and see something that I didnt want them to.
Then yes I think talking to her would be a good idea, Em. While I am many things, a trained psychiatrist I am not. Always happy to listen, you must understand, but I dont have the knowledge to give advice properly, so youll need to excuse me if I just nod my head. Ameterasu explained.
I could get a nodding dog to do that. Emily half-smiled. Its appreciated though, and Ill phone her tomorrow morning. Come on, lets go home I could do with some warm milk before bed.
Feeling a little better with herself, Emily flew down through the cloudbank into the large district of Steel Canyon, aiming for her apartment. Flying always helped her feel better, it took enough control that she could keep her mind of things if necessary, and the thrill and views it gave was quite something else. Slowing to a halt, she slid her window open and slipped inside. Shed lived in this place since she came to the city ten years ago to study, and the books and accumulated clutter on the shelves clearly showed that.
Making her way to the kitchen, she paused and slipped her jacket off, hanging it up on a coat hook before untying the sash around her waist. Lastly, her blue mask came off and was hung up by one of the eyeholes before she made her way into the kitchen. Light from the refrigerator illuminated the kitchen as she got the plastic carton of milk out and poured some into a mug, before putting it back in and closing the door.
Ameterasu, dont let me forget we need some more bread tomorrow maybe some of that honey-roast ham too? Emily said out loud, putting the mug in the microwave and setting it to heat it up.
Will do, Em. I dont suppose I could trouble you for the latest issue of Digital Photography?
Hmm? Oh, sure thing. She replied, reaching behind her to unzip her costume down to the waist, pulling her arms out and letting it hang around her torso as she waited for her milk. With a hint of annoyance on her face, she slipped her fingers under the strap at the back of her bra.
That clasp digging in again?
Yeah luckily I got the laundry done earlier. Emily said, rubbing the red imprint of skin where it had pressed into her back. Her attention was jolted back to the microwave by the beeping of it, and with a smile she took her mug out and made her way through the apartment to the bedroom. Placing the mug on the bedside counter, she slipped out of the rest of her uniform and carefully folded it up, placing it on the chair near the door and unhooked her bra. With a dexterous throw, it landed in the laundry basket.
She shoots she scores! Ameterasu quipped dryly.
Oh quiet you. Emily smiled, pulling an old T-shirt with Garfield printed on the front on, and slipped into bed to draw the covers around her, gazing out of the window. The pair were silent as they watched lights flicker on and off in the city, sipping occasionally at the mug of hot milk in Emilys hands, before finally finishing it and setting it to one side.
Dont forget to brush your teeth.
Yes mom. Emily grinned, heading out of bed to the bathroom.
SUPPORT - IT'S NOT JUST A GROUPING OF ATs
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