interstellar5555 | walk beside me evermore

Entry tags:

walk beside me evermore

Who: ~~Riza~~ Elizabeth and anyone who wants to help (or needs help) with the whole technology thing
What: Not everyone is from a time and place with computers. Plus the library offers some great opportunities for research.
When: any day between 1/28 and 1/31
Where: the local library
Warnings:None

Open: Pity the tech challenged
[If she was going to get a decent job, one that would help not only pay the bills but put her closer to her goals, she was going to have to rely on her previous skill sets. Somehow she doubted anyone had a use for a sniper which meant updating her office skills.

There was only one way to do that which meant she was going to put in as many hours as possible using the city's library branches. She'll get it eventually, but any help from those not likely to judge would always be appreciated.]

Open: Information Gathering 101
[Not all of her time spent at the library is confined to the computers. Why waste a perfectly good resource of information?

The number of books was amazing, but those could be read at home. It's the magazines, both legit and tabloid varieties that have her attention most of the time.]

Do people actually believe this stuff?

[She's almost certain it's 90% fake, but who knows.]

Closed
[After several days, Riza's learned enough that it's easy enough to blend into the usual crowd of people doing their thing at the library without looking out of place. She still comes to practice, fill out job applications, and scour the internet for information regarding a certain missing individual. All perfectly normal things if the activities of the others around her are to be taken into account.

It's almost too easy to find things. Internet fan sites and general publicity meant she didn't have to look very far before getting more information than she could have hoped for. Also, who kidnaps and brainwashes a person but leaves them with their real name?

Of course, she's not going to act on any of that just yet. She had enough experience with this kind of thing to know better. Even without Silver and Gold's warning, Riza knew they weren't in any position to move forward. She'd stay away until the time was right.

Of course, the best-laid plans oft go awry.]

((ooc: feel free to swap to prose if wanted, I'll follow. also, PM or hit me up at

purkle if you want something specific. or just start it and I'll roll.))

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[The recognition in his eyes gives her enough of a pause that she almost slips up, almost relaxes into a familiarity that wouldn't make sense between two strangers. It fades quickly however as the confusion and doubt slide over him.]

Oh, no. I... just arrived here recently. [Not a lie. If someone tried to verify her story they'd learn that much about her. Luckily, she had researched some of the small towns and places around to fill in her bases.] I'm Elizabeth.

[There's a slight wish that the name rings some kind of bell for him, but Riza's not going to worry about it. Honestly, she'd be more upset if he remembered her code name rather than her own.

She hands him one of the books, eyes darting down to look at the cover. Maybe somethings weren't so buried beneath the brainwashing after all. Wouldn't her father be proud?]

Elizabeth. That's a wonderful name. [ He finds his smile again. His eyes might have an extra twinkle in them as he looks at her. The name feels accurate somehow. Was that the name he was trying to uncover from where it was buried in the back of his mind? ]

I'm Roy. Roy Mustang. [ He forces his stack of books into one arm so can offer her a handshake. It's very much like the way he introduced himself to her when they were younger. ] It's funny. I feel like I've met you before. Perhaps we crossed paths somewhere outside of Vista City. [ Or in a different lifetime? He knows better than to announce that she's his "dream girl" there on the spot. ]

I'm new to the area too. I just started a music gig with Pride Records. How are you liking the city?

[There are so many differences between that meeting and this one. She's no longer the shy girl she was when they first met, ready to run and hide because her father's student talked to her. At the time, she'd been afraid of him. To be honest, she had been afraid for him as well--her father had been something else and he'd never taken on a pupil before.]

Roy. [She hasn't called him that for anything but show when Elizabeth would call him at the office while Riza was out. It had been at least ten years since she'd done it for any other reason. It felt wrong, like all of this.] It's always possible, but I don't think so.

It's very different from home. I'm getting used to it, though.

[ Right, right. How could they have both been in that old house and not remembered it? It's a dream and there's a girl there who coincidentally looks like this woman, strange but true. Why is he considering for even a moment that it's some type of memory or that this meeting is 'fated'?

His emotions must be getting the best of him. This woman isn't that muse that keeps inspiring him to write tunes and lyrics about devotion and longing; she shares her beauty, it almost feels like they should share a name, but it's not her. He reminds himself of this and mentally kicks himself. Still, he feels his heart continue to pound away. ]

I've lived in cities before but none of them were as large as Vista. Nearly every building here is eight stories high or more. Looking up towards the top of Pride Headquarters from the ground makes me dizzy, it's that tall.

The view of the ocean is beautiful from up there though. You should see it for yourself if you haven't all ready. Sunset is the best time. There are several towers around the city that allow the public to go to the roof.

[Did he really just...of course, he did. Somehow she expected that was part of him breaking through the brainwashing as well. For a moment, she breaks down and smiles at the stupidity of everything. It wasn't as if they weren't well aware of how the other felt--the entire office knew how they felt. It just wasn't possible. Not yet.

Still, it's more than a little flattering, and distracting, to know they couldn't erase everything from him.]

I've never seen an ocean before. [The joys of living in a landlocked war-torn country in the early 1900s.] I'll have to see if I can find some place to see it.

Can I help you get those to a table? It's only fair I make sure you don't get run over again.

[ It's nice to see her smiling, even if she isn't who he thinks she is. To have never seen the ocean though, he's taken aback for a moment by that thought. ]

If you can't see it from one of the towers at least take a walk on the beach when the weather is nice. I could brag to you about the experience but it would be better for you to experience it for yourself. Don't leave Vista without experiencing the ocean. -The city aquarium is worth a visit while you're out that way too.

[ He doesn't know that he hasn't actually been to the aquarium. Pride had put images of it, like a video or tourist pamphlet into his mind.

Roy accepts her help with a small nod and a glance down at the top of the large pile in his arms. ]

Thank you. I think I got a little carried away. This happens often when I go to the library. [ Roy and his book stacks. Also doubling as pillows on occasion. ]

I'm not sure I can afford the aquarium just yet, but I'll keep it and the beach in mind.

[Taking a few of the books, Riza walks beside him until they reach the closest table. Once there she sits down to look over the books.]

I thought you were a musician. These aren't the kind of books I would have thought you'd be interested in. Or does your band specialize in songs on chemical reactions and equivalent exchange?

[Okay, so she might be looking for a reaction with that but it was still a legitimate scientific theory.]

[ Roy laughs as he takes a seat. The rest of the band would likely be raising a brow at him if they were there to see what he was reading. ]

My first band was named Ignition Point. MANTICORE doesn't sing much about chemistry but they're expecting me to make sure we have the best lighting and pyrotechnics show in the city. That has a little to do with it.

Honestly I was hoping that flipping through these books would spark some inspiration. [ Or tell him more about his visions and dreams. ] I keep having strange dreams and I'd like to write some songs inspired by them. In most dreams I'm carrying out experiments in some sort of old science lab in a big house in the countryside. Notes and books are everywhere, there's a dusty study, and old man- I think he's my teacher- and...

[ Well it wouldn't hurt to say it. ]

A beautiful young lady too. I think there's a story there.

[As soon as he starts explaining the dreams she knows exactly what he's describing.]

You dream of a beautiful girl and then turn to chemistry books? [Roy please.] This dream girl must really be something to inspire such research. I might have to be jealous of her.

I don't think science books are where you should be looking if you want to figure out your dreams, however. You might as well be reading up on theoretical sciences or...alchemy.

[ Roy scratches the back of his head as he laughs. It's awkward this woman of all people would joke that she's jealous of that muse. ]

I do seem to have it a bit backwards don't I? It's not very much like a gentleman to bury his nose in a book instead of paying attention to the woman he admires. I don't think that the teacher present would want his student slacking off though. That's likely part of it.

[ He's about to joke that psychology might be the best section to look in for help with his dreams when the word she says, 'alchemy' sets off a reaction inside of him again. This time he fails to hold it back. From the outside it looks like he's suddenly spacing out halfway through their conversation, eyes wide and expression confused, like he's lost somewhere in his head. It's the programming fighting with his memory. Her presence no doubt, was starting to awaken things in him that had been buried or rewritten. ]

Alchemy... [ As he blinks and squeezes his eyes shut, coming out from the haze again, he subconsciously makes a motion on the tabletop with his forefinger, 'drawing' a circle. ] Ah... Maybe it was alchemy in my dreams. Whatever it was I was doing in that lab, I turned out to be pretty good at it.

[It's no surprise he could pick up that much about her father from whatever memories he was getting. Berthold Hawkeye didn't care for any disruptions to lessons, particularly those that involved his daughter. He'd never been subtle about it either.]

I'm sure you're right, but I meant here, now.

[She waves a hand toward the books before she notices the look on his face. In a way, she was glad she'd triggered a reaction; but, it was too dangerous to let him continue when he starts the circle on the table. Riza reaches out setting her hand over his to stop the potential for an accidental array. Whether he remembered how to activate it or not, she couldn't risk having to explain how the table suddenly caught fire.

She's not even sure if alchemy works here. A novice without guidance was a dangerous thing, to themselves and others. And then there was the risk of rebound... No.]

Are you okay? You seemed to step out there for a moment.

[ Roy opens his eyes again, his hand stops short when she touches it. The fog clears away and he's back in time to hear her concern. ]

Sorry! [ He hurries to apologize. ] I get caught up in my thoughts sometimes, it's like I disappear inside my head. I know it's... strange. I'm alright. Sorry about that- that was rude of me.

[ Really, right in the middle of a conversation! His bandmates are forgiving, they do it too and they have also have visions. It's not something to let happen so easily in front of a stranger though.

Roy turns a little red, like he did often as a teen or occasionally when Hughes used to tease him or get him riled up. He glances down towards the table at their hands. On second thought, her little gesture wasn't exactly helping his reaction either. He takes a breath and sits up straight again. He doesn't want to make her worry, especially her, even if he doesn't entirely understand why. ]

[As troubling as it was to watch what made it worse was the fact that she couldn't really ask about it. Before anytime he went off on a more serious or melancholy note, she could harass him until she received an answer as to what the issue was. Now, she was left standing by, watching while he wasn't even aware she was supposed to be there.

She'd find a way to help him--she had to. That determination showed through her eyes, the message clear to anyone used to reading the nuances of her looks, I'm here for you.]

It happens to everyone.

[She pulls her hand back reluctantly]

I'm just glad you're okay.

[ He smiles again, relieved and impressed that she was so understanding. Even if Elizabeth isn't the woman he sees in visions she certainly has the same sort of kindness. On second thought, that only makes him wonder more about the 'coincidence' sitting in front of him. ]

Thank you. That's what I get for staying up late the last few nights.

[ He glances down at the books in front of him then back into her eyes. ]

Do you know anything about chemistry or... alchemy?

You should be careful. Lack of sleep and experiments don't mix very well.

[Something she had to remind him several times in the past. It wasn't like he often had a choice in the matter, not with the schedule her father kept him on.

There's some slight concern in her eyes at his question that passes quickly. It was an honest question of interest and one she could understand--it was very Roy brainwashed of not. ]

I never put it into practical use but I studied when I was younger.

[That was one way to put having grown up surrounded by and being permanently scarred (in more than one way) by it, right? She never wanted to follow in her father's footsteps, but that hadn't stopped her from directing his student when a hint or helpful hand was needed.]

[ He tries to remember his youth, burying his nose in science books while his parents and their friends talked about work. It feels right to say he was interested in it since he was young though he can't remember the faces of science teachers in schools or lectures from his father on the more mechanical applications that he uses in jobs. Funny how thinly painted Pride's brainwashing is in some areas. ]

Did you have a relative or family friend in the sciences?

[ He's too curious not to test just how much she resembles his visions. 'Did you?' Why did he say it in past tense? ]

My interest in science and mechanics came from my parents. They're the ones who taught me what I know about lighting and pyrotechnics. [ He thinks. ]

[She has to look down at one of the books for a moment to hide the momentary flash of pain in her eyes. If anyone else had asked that question it wouldn't have hurt nearly as much; but if anyone knew just how she felt about her father and his alchemy, it was Roy.]

I could say the same thing. My father spent his whole life trying to master it. He passed on his notes to me before he died.

[ Seeing her look away has him immediately concerned. Had he brought up something painful? ]

I'm sorry for your loss.

[ He racks his mind for a better, more pleasant topic. With her head tilted a little down he notices her ears are pierced. Not unusual for a lady but more relevant to his interests as of late. ]

The band I recently joined put me through an initiation ceremony. It involved some strange things, including a fish but... One of the challenges I faced was actually getting my ears pierced. [ He touches one of his earlobes, feeling very awkward talking about it. ] They insist it's very cool and attractive but I think they're biased.

What do you think? Honestly. Does it look silly? I'm not sure if I'll keep it this way.

It was a lifetime ago, so don't worry about it.

[And that was mostly the truth. Her life had changed so drastically after her father died, it was like starting a new one. She had a purpose now, a reason to keep going, and someone very precious to protect.

When he starts talking about his band (and wasn't that weird enough to think about) she looks up again, eyes landing on the jewelry she'd somehow missed earlier.]

It's...not bad.

[Strange, weird, but not bad. Havoc would like it. Havoc would insist upon getting one himself. She already had one point to take up with his band what was one more?]

It's subtle enough, I don't think most people would even notice if you kept it.

True. It can be a subtle accessory. So long as the band doesn't force me to wear some of those larger hoops or feathers I think I'll give it a chance for a while longer. [ He has a laugh at the thought. ]

Not all of us look right with large decadent jewelry. I'd imagine some elegant dangling earrings would suit someone like you though.

[Riza has to fight back the urge to react to the sudden, and very unwanted image of Roy in the infamous Armstrong family pose demonstrated so often by the Major. Although in her head it now includes a feather boa and General Armstrong standing not too far away glaring at him.]

I've never worn anything to attract that much attention.

[It was never her intention at least so that any attention she did get was largely unexpected, unlike the attention of the guard who had accompanied him to the library. The man had obviously decided they'd spent enough time talking and that it was time for him to step in. It took him long enough. Not that she was going to complain, the chance at making this initial connection was appreciated.

The guard doesn't say anything, just comes over and looms in their general direction, but it's enough to get the point across. She'll be nice and go with it.]

Looks like I've kept you long enough. It was a pleasure meeting you, Roy.

[Roy sighs as his guard steps forward. Really, is he not allowed to make friends outside of the label? He doesn't recall that being in the contract.

He supposes he shouldn't be surprised by how loath he feels to give up his company, though it's a little strange just how angry he feels towards the guard for pressuring Elizabeth to leave. He gives her a final smile before she goes.]

I've enjoyed talking with you. I hope we meet again. I'll be wherever MANTICORE is. In person or on the radio.

[It might sound to an outsider like he's bragging about his career but Roy just hopes that somehow they can stay connected, even if it's just knowing that she's listening to his music. Why does she look like his muse? He still hasn't figured it out.

Riza might hear Roy grumbling at his bodyguard as she leaves them about how he is being denied quality time with a beautiful woman.]

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