Scene #9362: A Day Of Liu

Owner	Pose
Angela	The Liu Association, unfortunately, is neither the sort of organization or really fundamentally able to give Sarracenia the directive of 'don't be weird about Lilian Rook'. But they do hope to instill discipline. So that means early morning wakeups are the norm for Sarracenia right now. And it's not just the first morning, it's every morning! If Sarracenia doesn't get ready in the evening she's going to have to get up even earlier and Ying will always helpfully make sure Sarracenia gets up in time. Training consists of drills. Sarracenia is given a practice sword that doesn't have the ignition settings at first and if she proves she can swing that around, she'll be allowed to use an ignition weapon--despite the similarities of the new Trideag blades, they aren't letting Sarracenia practice with that one just yet. Drills are sometimes run by Xiao but more often it's Miris who is handling it. There's some murmurings about the Library while Sarracenia's present, though nobody's really thinking to ask Sarracenia about this. Lilian's warning weighs heavily on the Liu Association members even tthough few actually know about it so directly. Some want to hurry up and go in and clean up the situation but all in all it's still a rather regimented lifestyle. After breakfast and morning training (If Sarracenia doesn't get up in time, she misses breakfast), there's patrols. Patrols are, at the moment, wholly in District 12. Occassionally there's clashes with the Index and the Thumb rank and file. When this happens, Sarracenia is expected to help fight and the battles are not 'until they are unconscious'. The Liu Association tries to annihilate any Syndicate squads they bump up against. If Sarracenia goes along with orders broadly, this is treated as baseline acceptable. If she doesn't, she loses out on meals and is given more drills. Nobody needs to give 'an order' to punish Sarracenia, it just happens because that's how they do things here. Xiao doesn't ever have to utter a word. After patrols and whatever clashes that entails, there's lunch. Lunch is more casual and not as a unit, but with smaller squad groups. Sarracenia has been placed in 'South Section Three' along with Ying and Lian, with Ying being in charge of the other two and Hao being in charge of the overall sub-section. At lunch, the group is much friendlier and casual, but then it's back to business for the rest of the day. Right now, outside of patrols and Syndicate fighting, there is the occassional clash against a Distortion. Each one is strange and unusual and has difficult to anticipate themed abilities. The Liu is struggling to adapt, but so far they're holding steady. It's on the way back from one of these fights that Ying nudges Sarracenia and asks, "Hey. You didn't ask to be here right? How're you feeling it so far?"
Sarracenia	Sarracenia is definitely not used to having to wake up early. As a spoiled princess who sets her own schedule she often sleeps until 9 or 10 am. Sometimes even later. Which means that Sarra has been awakened many times by the helpful Ying. And also that she is a bit sleep deprived since she is not used to getting herself ready. Her hair has suffered the most. It takes a lot of brushing to keep such long and abundant hair silky and shiny, not to mention the products involved. Her bathtime at night bleeds into her sleep time quite often. Drills are not too far off from Sarra's routine, though. She does train quite regularly with her hammer and other powers. Fighting with a sword though is not something she is used to and she still tends to swing it like a bat instead of a sword. When one swings heavy weapons all the time, one doesn't really think about the quick movements and finesse that are needed to be an expert with a sword. And it is probably noticeable that Sarra tends to act a bit more on point when Xiao is running things than Miris. Not that she is disrespectful to Miris, but she is -more- respectful and proper with Xiao. The topic of the Library comes up and Sarra mostly keeps quiet about it. Her feelings on the topic are mixed, but if someone does seem quite adamant about going there as quickly as possible she discourages it saying she has heard the Library commands powers to rival most corporations with people who might qualify as Colors of its own. Sarra makes it to most breakfasts with Ying's help, but not all of them. It is the patrols where she finally meets real trouble. She does not mind fighting at all, but she time and again tries to take the 'until they are unconscious' route. She has learned some from the fight with the Whale though, and makes sure that if she is in a fight she is at the forefront to take the brunt of the attack so that others won't be hurt due to her lack of killer instinct. This has resulted in her being injured a number of times, and if she doesn't have her mushrooms to recover with she is forced to use the Liu's medical personnel...which involves a lot of wimpering and whining. And also means more drills and less meals. When she is allowed lunch Sarra ends up eating in a borderline undignified manner, scarfing the somewhat tasteless food down like a starving person. Which she borderline is if she is drilling that much and not eating regular meals. It is pushing her admittedly meager limits, but the War in the Library at least showed her that she can handle a lot. The Distortion battles are where Sarra is truly pushed to her limits. Suffering from lingering injuries and still wanting to protect her fellow soldiers instead of them getting hurt because of her, Sarra is in bad shape after only a few days. She has gotten far too used to her usual regeneration and is having a very hard time adjusting her fighting style from rush in headlong to take your time and avoid harm. 'Hey. You didn't ask to be here right? How're you feeling it so far?' Sarra huffs softly at the question and the nudge. "It is...difficult." she says unhappily. "But, I expected that coming in. And, I am not about to give up just because it is difficult. If I can make it here then my Director will have to accept that I am much more than she thinks I am."
Angela	Well Ying is having fun. Sarracenia being 'less respectful' to Miris is noticed, eventually, and Xiao gives Sarracenia a stern talking to that being disrespectful to Miris is the same as being disrespectful to her. She doesn't seem to view respect as a gradient--rather something you give or you do not give. Because the shift was subtle, she makes sure to communicate to Sarracenia on this matter in private rather than in front of the rest of the Association. Few people know that Sarracenia is accustomed to hammers so there's no lenience because of her past experience. Miris frequently steps in to physically move Sarracenia's hands for her. One Association cadet snickers and is promptly sent to latrine duty. That teaches everyone else to not make fun. Reaction to her warnings are mixed. Some take it as food for thought, others are a annoyed--thinking Sarracenia might be suggesting they ought to be ''cowards'' but the standing orders do not change and certainly speaking up in support of Xiao's orders isn't frowned upon. Moving to the front turns out to be a bit dangerous. The Soldato of the Thumb are actually all pretty tough. Even though Sarracenai consistently wins, they frequently score nicks and cuts and maybe even bullet wounds on Sarracenia. Nothing fatal, but it's not a pain free or easy war to fight. But even so, the Liu is there for her. While they might tease and whisper off of the clock, so to speak, they're a singular unit on a mission and Sarracenia--like it or not--is seen as part of that unit. And Liu is perfectly willing to treat Sarracenia's injuries with proper care. Lian seems concerned with how Sarracenia is scarfing down lunch. "Wanting to be recognized by someone close to being seen as a Color--likely would have been if she wasn't an Outsider--I get it. I'm the same way with Xiao--there's whispers she could be one too, you know?" Ying says. "But they're always gonna look down on you a little, you can't expect a Color to see you as a peer unless you become a Color yourself." "But they can acknowledge progress." Lian points out. "But if you can't get used to the sleep schedule you'll probably die of exhaustion first." She frowns. "You aren't going to keep up with the drills if you keep going on an empty stomach." Ying shrugs. "I'm doing my part. But I can't keep getting up so early to fetch a bucket of water either..." She yawns a bit. "If she's not going to keep up, what usually happens can happen." "It's our ''responsibility'' to make sure she catches up to the rest of us. We'll fail as Liu if we leave her behind." Lian protests, with heat. "But she's, like, in her forties at least. Evne if she wasn't a Nestling, there's only so much we can do..." This discussion, right in front of Sarracenia, happens and then they quiet down before Lian looks over Sarracenia. "Sarra. C'mon. Help us help you. You want her recognition right? I'm sure the Director gets up on time for practice every day. How can we get ''you'' to do the same?" She places a hand on her hip. "You should've adapted by now. Are you having trouble falling asleep on time?" "She's staying in the baths forever.#-1 FUNCTION (ASNI) NOT FOUND Ying suggests as a possible issue.
Sarracenia	The stern talking to from Xiao comes as a surprise to Sarracenia. She was not even aware she was treating Miris differently than Xiao. She ends up cheeks puffed and blushing in embarrassment at the end of the talk. She nods though and is more on guard with how she acts around Miris after that, standing properly tall and speaking with proper tones. The close hands-on attention from Miris also draws a bit of a blush from Sarra when it happens. Sarra makes the adjustments though, and steadily improves in her use of swords. And the punishment for those that snicker at her is obviously appreciated each time it happens. Sarra thanks Miris with a proper thank you and a light bow. If she hears people saying she thinks they should be cowards she corrects them saying they should make sure they are prepared, and they do not know enough to be prepared. The danger at the front was expected and part of why Sarra is staying at the front. She knows it is more dangerous there. She also knows (or at least thinks she knows) that she is more dangerous and durable than the average recruit. Sarra follows orders to the best of her ability, but is stubbornly steadfast in those things that she refuses to do, such as going for killing blows. Liu's treatment of her injuries is met with appreciation. Ying and Lian's words are met with quiet contemplation. Hearing that they might fail because of her makes her expression turn harder. "...I do not wish to be a burden on you two. I am just...accustom to certain beauty treatments at night and the morning. I have already given up my morning routine." Sarra is quiet for a few more moments. "...I suppose I will have to..." She suddenly looks deeply uncertain and rubs and arm uncomfortably. If she does not keep up her beauty regiment...will she deteriorate even more? She looks at herself in the closest reflective surface, then takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "...I suppose I will have to...quicken my baths. I am sorry for making you work so hard for me. And perhaps...two alarms would be in order. Or...perhaps we can rig a machine that will douse me at the appropriate time."
Angela	''I am just... accustomed to certain beauty treatments at night and the morning.'' As befitting her power as a princess, Sarracenia can find a reflective body of water to stare into while contemplating. Not even The City can prevent this from happening. "It might be faster to just shower--" Lian frowns. "Actually, the best amount of time to shower is to keep it to about ten minutes, that way it shouldn't cut into your sleep schedule but colder showers are actually ''better' for your skin, longterm. Shorter too." Ying feels they are getting somewhere with this. This is based on a misconception. They fix that and it might solve some of Sarracenia's problems! "Because it's actually way worse for your 'beauty' to not get enough sleep too..." Ying isn't exactly 'princess beautiful' or anything like that, but she does look like she takes care of herself. "Yes, Sarra, I think that'll help you out a lot. If you do quick showers instead of a bath. Then you can get proper sleep." ''And perhaps... two alarms would be in order.'' "As long as you are with us, we are on the same team. Your struggles are our struggles." Lian says firmly. "And if you return to Trideag and you haven't learned anything, that would look poorly on Director Xiao. So we can't let that happen." "Alright alright... I'll wake you up for another week but if you don't get out of that shower after ten minutes I'm barging in there and dragging you out!"
Sarracenia	Sarra listens to them as she stares at herself in the water. She finds herself pondering what Rita said about people accepting you when you do not accept yourself. Can she accept herself as a grey-haired princess with an eye patch who is in her 40s or 50s? 'Because it's actually way worse for your 'beauty' to not get enough sleep too...' "That is true..." Sarra agrees. "But...I have never had to take such a short bath and have rarely showered at all." 'As long as you are with us, we are on the same team. Your struggles are our struggles. And if you return to Trideag and you haven't learned anything, that would look poorly on Director Xiao. So we can't let that happen.' Sarra looks toward Lian as he says that, seeming touched by the sentiment. The idea of not making Director Xiao look back also resonates with Sarra, and she nods firmly as well. "Indeed. We cannot let that happen. Enough have suffered because of me..." 'Alright alright... I'll wake you up for another week but if you don't get out of that shower after ten minutes I'm barging in there and dragging you out!' Sarra eeks and blushes hotly. "W-what?" she stammers, embarrassed at the very idea. "W-well I certainly cannot let that happen!" she says, then after a few moments to relax she smiles lightly. "Thank you both. I will do my best not to be a burden on you any further. And if I am...I will accept whatever punishment you deem appropriate."
Angela	The biggest concern of these Liu Fixers seems to be whether Sarracenia's age disqualifies her from, like, being preparable really for a battle infused lifestyle, particularly a regimented Liu lifestyle. But they certainly don't mind the eyepatch. They haven't even offered an ocular prosthetic as an option. Augmented eyes are common in Fixers because quick eyes that can see clearly and see far and can maybe even pinpoint the best place to stab your sword--well, that's worth more than just a little extra swinging power for most people. ''I have never had to take such a short bath and have rarely showered at all.'' "Ya think maybe that's the sort of attitude that makes the Director not 'respect you' or whatever?" Ying asks, rubbing at her nose and turning away. "I don't think she's gonna exactly be impressed if all we managed to do is get you to start taking showers instead of baths all the time." "But it is a start, no?" Lian points out. "Though if I hear she's bragging to her about it I might die of embarrassment..." "Hey you're the one who said 'let's start somewhere'. No shame in having a LITTLE pride at progress, right?" Ying gives a hapless little shrug. "There's not exactly a ''time crunch'' here..." She hesitates, head turning as her gaze turns librarywards. The suggestion is clear. Maybe there isn't an official time crunch or a deadline but the time is ticking. Time progresses whether there's a schedule or not. ''Sarra eeks and blushes hotly.'' Ying immediately starts laughing. "Okay no way she's in her fifties, getting ''that'' embarrassed...!" "Well..." Lian seems to have an argument but is a little too restrained to actually say it. ''Thank you both. I will do my best not to be a burden on you any further. And if I am... I will accept whatever punishment you deem appropriate.'' That interrupts their banter. They look at Sarracenia for a long moment, then back to each other. They give each other a nod. "It's a promise, then." Lian says. "A vow between Sisters of the Liu. We'll hold you to what you just said." "You take it seriously, we'll take it seriously." Ying agrees. So a schedule IS set. Sarracenia has one week to adapt to TEN MINUTE SHOWERS. With this she will learn the technique of HAVING MORE TIME FOR SLEEP.
Sarracenia	'Ya think maybe that's the sort of attitude that makes the Director not 'respect you' or whatever?' Sarra mmphs in annoyance and frowns lightly at that. She starts to say something, but... 'But it is a start, no? Though if I hear she's bragging to her about it I might die of embarrassment...' Even Sarra snickers at that. "Taking less time bathing is hardly something to brag about. And they do not even have-..." Sarra stops as she realizes she is getting close to showing how privileged she is, which she was advised against. Of course, Lian and Ying being intelligent might have figured it out already. "...well, anyway..." The gaze toward the Library gets Sarra looking that way, too. "...but we do not know how much time We have." she says. 'Okay no way she's in her fifties, getting ''that'' embarrassed...!' 'Well...' Sarra's cheeks puff at both. "I told you! I was caught in a rapid aging pulse by a powerful creature!" she says in a pouting tone. 'It's a promise, then. A vow between Sisters of the Liu. We'll hold you to what you just said.' 'You take it seriously, we'll take it seriously.' Sarra ends up staring at Lian for a few moments, then at Ying. "...S-...sisters?" Sarra is an only child. A lonely only child. Who has recently witnessed two close friends become as close to actual sisters as two non-sisters can come. Of course, it is likely these two mean battle sisters, but Sarra isn't too familiar with that concept. Sarra's eyes get a bit misty, which she tries to hide with a cough and a wipe of her long glove over her eye. "I take my promises very seriously. How can I claim honor as a heroine or a princess if I do not?" she says, a small but warm smile on her face.
Angela	Pout away, Sarracenia! Neither of these two are likely to be swayed by it even if they do, at least, seem various levels of inclined to help Sarracenia succeed here. Ying suspects if things don't change too, the Liu is bound to get more heavyhanded in its punishments towards Sarracenia. Lian suspects something else entirely, if Sarracenia does end up making progress. Right now, the Liu broadly doesn't really see Sarracenia as Liu. It's no singular act of Sarracenia's, not even her age or general princesslike behavior. It's all the small things. Miris stepping in to make sure she swings the sword correctly. The way she just showed up being pulled into the program. ''But we do not know how much time we have.'' "Relax... We can handle the Library." Lian says. "And if we can't, Xiao can. But she won't throw our lives away for nothing." "It's not a Star yet but it's going to be if it keeps expanding..." Ying murmurs, uncharacteristically serious in the moment. But then she shakes her head. ''Yeah they mean battle sisters.'' "You're crying?? Wings, come on... Geeze..." Ying is embarrassed in a few ways here. "Yeah--our next patrol's up. Hope we don't have to deal with any more of those monsters..." Lian murmurs. But luckily the rest of the patrol is relatively uneventful and Sarracenia can return promptly. And Ying will make due on her promise if Sarracenia takes too long.
Sarracenia	Well, to be fair, Sarracenia is not really Liu. She's being trained like one, but she didn't really enlist or anything. Not that they know that. 'You're crying?? Wings, come on... Geeze...' 'Yeah--our next patrol's up. Hope we don't have to deal with any more of those monsters...' Sarra huffs. "Well excuse me for being touched that people I hardly know would be willing to treat me properly and have my back for a change." she says, cheeks puffed again. Sarra...well, Sarra does end up making Ying make due on her promise. At least the first night. The princess is so nervous being naked standing up in a shower that she spends as much time watching the door as bathing, and as such has to be dragged out with much blushing and complaining and the wrapping of like three towels to make sure she is covered before she can be dragged out fully.