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Post by silverviper2134 on Jul 4, 2009 15:43:07 GMT -6
Sloth frowned and picked up the child, the girl who was on the floor and walked over to Dante, handing the baby to her. She then sat again, continuing to feed the male.
"Yes, of course, Master" Sloth said simply. She figured it'd be best to say as little as possible and not make Dante angrier.
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Post by dante on Jul 4, 2009 15:46:43 GMT -6
Dante sank further into her chair, closing her eyes again. She cradled the female newborn in her arms as she rested. "Lust hasn't reported to you about Envy, has she?"
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Post by silverviper2134 on Jul 4, 2009 15:49:43 GMT -6
"No. To be honest, I haven't heard from Lust since the children were born" Sloth said as she finished feeding the boy the formula.
The girl, meanwhile, seemed very content to begin touching the fabric of Dante's outfit. With some of the fabric in her fist, she gurgled happily.
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Post by dante on Jul 4, 2009 17:46:24 GMT -6
"Then I suppose we have to wait for Pride to return before we make our next move. He seemed eager to duel Greed when I last spoke with him, so this may take a while," Dante sighed softly.
She felt that the child was tugging on the fabric of her dress, but chose to ignore it. It seemed to amuse her, so the last thing she wanted to do was upset her by taking it away.
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Post by silverviper2134 on Jul 4, 2009 17:52:11 GMT -6
Sloth remained silent for several moments, before she found what she wanted to ask. "These children don't appear any different from humans. How long will it be until they became of any use to your plans, Master?" she asked, trying to choose her words carefully.
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Post by dante on Jul 4, 2009 17:59:09 GMT -6
"They should be ready to serve me within about a decade," Dante answered her as she rested. It would be a long time before they would be of use to her, but the wait would be worth it.
Besides, she had all the time in the world. Her body had not yet begun to rot, but she had a feeling it would sooner or later. Still, that was not a problem. This vessel would not last as long as her previous, but hopefully she would be able to correct the rotting problem by her next transfer.
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Post by silverviper2134 on Jul 7, 2009 1:33:02 GMT -6
"And what of Envy and Greed?" Sloth questioned. She was obviously referring to the fact that replacements would be needed for these rebel Homunculi. Gluttony was already being worked on, so of course Sloth wouldn't mention him.
As soon as Sloth mentioned Greed, Ariana seemed to get a little excited. "Da?" she babbled, glancing around the room. Seeing the Ultimate Shield was nowhere to be found, the baby girl began to whimper.
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Post by dante on Jul 7, 2009 21:43:39 GMT -6
Dante narrowed her eyes when she heard the girl respond to the mention of her father. As she feared, she had all ready bonded with her parents. Her attachment to them would certainly make raising her more difficult, but thankfully she would likely forget them in a few years time. Even if their minds were superior to those of normal humans, she sincerely doubted that they would be able to remember their experiences with their parents once they grew older. Over time their current selves would fade away, and they would be reborn as her personal weapons.
"Right now I am considering creating a successor for Greed, but that depends on a number of factors -- mainly the report I am expecting from Pride. If his power is indeed greater than I previously thought, I shall transmute his Ouroborus and force him into my service. On the other hand, if the results fail to meet my expectations, I will begin making preparations for his replacement."
She rested her cheek against her knuckles, gently rocking the crying Ariana back and forth as she looked at Sloth. The noise was beginning to frustrate her, but she tried her best to ignore it. After all, there were more important matters at hand. "Envy will be replaced in the distant future, but first I plan on capturing him transmuting his Ouroborus. After I no longer have use for him, I will destroy his mind and keep him for my own purposes."
Glancing down at the child she was holding, she paused for a few moments, a thoughtful expression on her face. After a minute passed she looked up at Sloth again. "Unfortunately, I'm afraid Wrath may have to be replaced, as well. He has been showing signs of rebellion for some time, so I decided to send him on a mission to test his loyalty. Envy is most likely in Lior with him, and if he decides to join him, he will be eliminated."
Indeed, she had an ulterior motive for sending Wrath to Lior. Her son had been working there extensively before he defected, so it was more than likely that he was taking refuge there. As a precautionary measure she ordered Pride to check the Devil's Nest, which was the only other place she imagined he could use as a hideout. If Envy convinced Wrath to betray her, as she expected he would, she would waste no time in destroying the traitorous little rat. Perhaps she would simply alter his Ouroborus, but either way, his current personality would no longer exist.
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Post by silverviper2134 on Jul 7, 2009 21:52:28 GMT -6
Sloth frowned slightly at the mention of Wrath being terminated. In all honesty, she had grown somewhat attatched to the child Homunculus. "I doubt Wrath will join Envy," she said finally.
"Dama?" Ariana gurgled as she stopped crying, glancing up at Dante. Obviously she was confused and wanted her parents.
"It seems that one is fairly attatched to Greed and the chimera" Sloth said with a frown. She glanced at Rico, who had fallen asleep moments after being fed.
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Post by dante on Jul 7, 2009 22:04:18 GMT -6
Dante responded with an icy smile. "Wishful thinking, my dear. Wrath has been disobedient ever since he joined my legion. Unless Envy isn't there, there is not a doubt in my mind that he will betray us."
Noticing that Ariana was still upset, she patted her on the head comfortingly, then turned back to Sloth. Noticing how upset she seemed, she widened her smile, having expected such a reaction. "Sloth, don't forget that homunculi are incapable of emotions. Regardless of what you might think, you feel no attachment to that child."
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Post by silverviper2134 on Jul 7, 2009 22:08:36 GMT -6
"Of course, Master" Sloth said calmly, seeming to be have to desire to argue. She glanced quickly at the two infants. She couldn't help but wonder if the attatchment to their parents would cause problems. The homunculus voiced this concern to her Master, though somewhat hesitantly.
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Post by dante on Jul 7, 2009 22:11:38 GMT -6
Dante sank further into her armchair. "Indeed, their feelings for their parents will be a problem; but in a few years time they should forget about them."
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Post by silverviper2134 on Jul 7, 2009 22:16:19 GMT -6
"It's unfortunate that they don't take after their father in that respect" Sloth said with a frown. Obviously she was referring to the fact that Homunculi never truly grew attatched to anyone. That was just one of the disadvantages of having a soul, in her mind. There were just too many people to care about and no energy to waste on it.
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Post by dante on Jul 11, 2009 20:27:06 GMT -6
Fuhrer Bradley stepped through the doors then, accompanied by two soldiers. Briefly looking over the two women sitting in the room, he was pleased to see that the children managed to arrive safely. Things had gotten messy near the end of the assault, so he was worried that some of the chimeras could have intercepted them before they escaped. Fortunately, they managed to get out with both of the children.
"You're dismissed, gentlemen. I need to speak with Miss Douglas and her friend in private," he ordered the soldiers with a friendly smile.
Once he left, he locked the door behind them and turned back to them. Removing his eye patch, he walked over and greeted his creator with a respectful bow. At first he was surprised to see her in such common garb, but then he remembered that she had assumed the identity of her current body in order to root out that meddlesome snoop in the military. He was conducting a search himself, but because of Lior he could not look thoroughly. It upset him that his beloved master had to do work that was so clearly beneath her.
"I'm pleased to see that the children arrived safely. Preparations are being made to transport the male as we speak," he explained.
Dante rose from her seat, still holding the child in her arms. It was about time that he arrived. She understood that he was a busy man, but it annoyed her when people kept her waiting, especially if she created them. "Excellent. How did the assault go? I'm anxious to hear your report."
Bradley stood completely still, his expression blank. "For the most part, the raid on the Devil's Nest was a success. Not only did we manage to capture the children, but we were able to test the capabilities of both Greed and your chimeras. The notes themselves are being mailed to your estate, and a copy will be sent to Laboratory Five."
Dante nodded, then glanced over at Sloth. "Which reminds me.. Sloth, we will be resuming our operations in Lab Five soon, so I need you to arrange for its opening. I've all ready arranged for the Sewing Life Alchemist to oversee my affairs there, but he'll need a staff of scientists, as well."
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Post by silverviper2134 on Jul 11, 2009 20:39:56 GMT -6
Sloth nodded slightly. She then glanced at the baby in her Master's arms and thought of something. "Master...I mean no disrespect, but what am I to do with the girl while I have business as Colonel Douglas?" the homunculus asked Dante, getting to her feet.
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Post by dante on Jul 11, 2009 20:45:47 GMT -6
Dante paused thoughtfully. "That had crossed my mind before, actually. Either Lust or myself will have to look after her in your absence, but I'm planning on sending her to another facility instead."
She then turned back to Pride. "As for your report, Fuhrer, your words implied that there was bad news."
Bradley frowned slightly. "Yes. Unfortunately, we were unable to locate Envy."
Dante nodded. "I see... Then he must be in Lior, as I suspected. Don't worry about that. I only had you search for him as a precaution."
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Post by silverviper2134 on Jul 11, 2009 20:51:27 GMT -6
Sloth nodded in response to Dante's answer. Of course, it made perfect semse. Though, she wasn't sure leaving the child with Lust, seeing as the elder Homunculus didn't seem to fond of children.
Meanwhile, Ariana was staring at Pride, looking at him in silence for several seconds before finally whimpering and shuddering in what appear to be terror.
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Post by dante on Jul 11, 2009 20:57:51 GMT -6
Dante gently rocked the child when she began whimpering. Even though her mothering skills were far from perfect, she still knew how to console a crying infant. She had to help her last husband raise two children from his previous marriage, so she had a little practice since raising her own son those many centuries ago.
She looked back up at him. "What is the status of their parents?"
Fuhrer Bradley turned back to her, completely ignoring the frightened child. "Despite our efforts to capture her, Martel is still on the run, along with her companions Donovan and Rover. As for Greed, he is injured, but still alive."
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Post by silverviper2134 on Jul 11, 2009 21:00:08 GMT -6
All of a sudden, Ariana seemed to perk up. However, it was more likely from the mention of her parents than what Dante was doing. The infant gurgled happily, waving her arms a little.
Sloth sighed. "The sooner this child forgets her parents, the better" she said in a quiet voice.
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Post by dante on Jul 11, 2009 21:03:59 GMT -6
Dante frowned when she started giggling, thinking the same thing as her subordinate. "This is going to be harder than I thought," she sighed.
Bradley took a seat on a nearby amrchair and folded his hands on his lap. "We've arranged for transportation to take you all to Dublith, as well."
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