Chapter 9
"This is…" Andre trailed off taking in his surroundings.
"Amazing." Elizabeth finished for him. Their group had just entered the main auditorium and could not help but stare in disbelief. The room itself was larger than West Genetics auditorium. Centralized was a raised platform that seemed to be a sparring ring. On one end was a stage with a finely crafted podium and a line of chairs. Throughout the room were tables and chairs for all the attendees to use. Another wall was home to a long buffet of all sorts of food and drinks.
"You ever see anything like this?" Varen asked Chiffon and she shook her head.
"Not at a genetics facility at least. This is more suited for one of the capital castles.
"I'm really glad we changed now." Attia said. They had changed out of their Nightingale uniforms and into formal wear. Andre and Varen wore black suits with silver ties while the girls wore black dresses trimmed in silver. Sister Margaret had the clothing prepared before they left. Since they were invited to assist with the E-Pandora project the headmaster correctly assumed that there would be a sort of entrance ceremony to introduce everyone and therefore proper attire would be necessary.
"That food…I want it." Arnette said staring longingly at the buffet table. The room was filled with people from all over the world. The sheer number of people took them by surprise as they looked around.
"I'm hungry too let's go." Elizabeth said as they began walking towards the buffet table.
"Ms. Fairchild? Ms. Phenyl?" Chiffon turned around hearing a female voice calling out to her. Her mouth spread into a smile as she found the teal haired owner of the voice in question.
"Cassie!" Chiffon called out happily jogging over and hugging the other Pandora. Ticy followed behind also wrapping her arms around her.
"Wow, you all are here, how have you been since Kaizu?" Cassie asked as everyone else walked over. Everyone reached out shaking her hand politely.
"We're good, a lot has changed." Chiffon answered and Cassie nodded.
"I know; I have been following everything about you guys. I can't believe they put a whole new addition onto West just for you. I'm a little jealous!"
"Really? I didn't know it was such widespread news." Ticy responded.
"Well, to be fair we aren't exactly far from one another so a lot of what happens at West we hear about over at East. Everyone, this is my Limiter Kyoichi Minase." Cassie said as a young man in a dark brown suit walked up next to her bowing.
"Pleasure to meet you all finally." Kyoichi said as he stood up straight. Everyone shook his hand introducing themselves to the young man as Chiffon and Cassie continued to chat.
"So, you are the Godspeed of the East's Limiter?" Varen asked.
"I am." He answered proudly and Varen smiled. It didn't take a mind reader to hear that the tone of his voice showed not only loyalty and devotion, but something deeper. It was something easily recognized by Varen, because it was how he knew he sounded when talking about him and Chiffon.
"And you? You're the Justicar aren't you?" He asked timidly.
"That is what they call me yes." Varen answered nervously. Within West Genetics he was comfortable with these kinds of conversations. He knew most everyone at the facility, but here he was amongst people he'd never met. It was becoming clear that his reputation had spread.
"I heard you fought Chiffon Fairchild?" He asked and Varen laughed.
"Yes I did, and lost." Varen answered.
"It was real one sided." Attia said looking away trying to hide the grin on her face.
"Chiffon basically beat him up while he stumbled around." Arnette added. Varen just shrugged and nodded.
"That's all pretty much correct." He admitted and Attia snorted.
"Not surprising considering you went toe to toe with the Monster of West Genetics." Someone said from behind Varen making him turn around. A Pandora walked over reaching her hand out towards Varen. He hesitated a moment before shaking her hand.
"Roxanne Elipton of Midland Genetics." She was fairly tall and her hair framed her face down to below her jaw. It curled forward a bit on either side just above the shoulders. Her face itself showed an air of kindness which Varen was thankful for. Her name sounded familiar, but he couldn't quite remember who she was. He released her hand and took a step back feeling slightly on edge near her. Not because she seemed threatening, but because he could sense a strong amount of power within her. The same he could sense around Chiffon or Cassie.
"The Immortal right?" Andre asked and the Pandora held her fist out with her thumb up.
"That's me!" She said happily.
"Seriously, you're immortal?" Varen asked his mouth hanging open.
"Well, I'm not one to brag about how great I am, but I am pretty darn unstoppable it's true." She responded with a wink.
"Pretty darn annoying if you ask me." Another girl said walking up beside Roxanne pushing her with a shoulder.
"Well if it isn't the Halfling? How are things going down there?" Roxanne laughed putting her arm around the Pandora who just arrived. Aside from Chiffon and Ticy who were still talking with Cassie everyone else was still trying to keep up with everything happening.
"Charles…" Varen meant to say to himself, but it came out slightly louder making the Pandora who was now struggling against Roxanne look over. She still had her headphones on, but they now were around her neck. Up close Varen could now see that Roxanne's jokes about her height were well warranted. She had to be about the same height as Attia. Even their body type was similar in all ways. The only real difference was the short blonde hair she had in contrast to Attia's stark white hair.
"Do I know you?" The small Pandora asked and Varen shook his head quickly.
"No, I'm sorry we haven't met. Varen Askiligar from West Genetics. This is Arnette, Attia, Andre, and Elizabeth." He answered. She looked at all of them one by one before looking back up at him.
"Nice to meet you all, Charles Bonaparte from De Orleana. This is my Limiter Citroen." She said introducing her Limiter who was near her.
"Send my Limiter to get food and now I'm left as the only one without one." Roxanne said shaking her head. Her eyes widened in surprise as Chiffon collided with her wrapping her up in her arms.
"Roxanne! Charles!" She exclaimed with a bright smile releasing her hold on Roxanne and grabbing Charles. Varen and the others looked at each other before backing up slowly until they were a few feet away.
"Let's eat. Give them some time to reminisce." Elizabeth said nodding towards the group of Pandora chatting with each other.
"Pretty amazing huh?" Arnette asked looking back at them.
"What's that?" Varen asked.
"That's four out of the five strongest Pandora in the world. To be honest I bet Ticy would rank up there with them as well so it's no surprise that even she is on good terms with the world Pandora. You can feel their power just by looking at them. Those five plus Julia Munberk are the very thing all Pandora aspire to be. Someday I hope I can stand amongst them as an equal too." Arnette said still looking at the group of girls longingly.
"They're almost like sisters." Andre said.
"Very few can stand against one of those girls. It makes sense that they would get along so well with one another. At this point in their careers the only real competition is with each other." Elizabeth said.
"Come on, now I'm starving." Varen said and they all made their way towards the food. They each grabbed a small plate filling it with some of the food that was available before finding an open table to sit at. Chiffon and Ticy stayed with the others for the better part of an hour until a loud static noise came over the speakers around the room. Everyone's attention went towards the stage where a woman stood tapping on the microphone attached to the podium.
"Hello and welcome genetics members from around the world. My name is Dr. Scarlett O'hara and I am in charge of the E-Pandora project here. I won't leave you all in suspense because I know the biggest question on everyone's minds since receiving the invitation is, what exactly is an E-Pandora?
To put it simply, an E-Pandora is a non-stigma compatible girl who is capable of Pandora powers through the use of genetic serum manufactured here. The serum used is cultivated from Nova material broken down to core components. Then it is introduced to a stable compound of chemical ingredients. These are introduced into the bloodstream which then merge with the cellular structure within the girls. It allows them to emulate Pandora abilities using the now modified cellular structure.
Our hope is to create a way for all girls to be viable candidates for genetics. To lessen the burden that you all have carried for so long, and to stand beside you against the Nova. With your help we will be able to find new ways to improve the E-Pandora project and bring them one step closer to you.
Tomorrow morning, we will hold an exhibition showcasing the current E-Pandora abilities against your own. This will provide vital data to use and improve our current tests. Please, use this facilities functions as your own. It is at your disposal to continue your training as well as to learn more about what we are trying to accomplish. I am very excited to have you all with us to experience this monumental achievement and you all have my heart felt gratitude." She finished bowing low. Everyone in the room clapped for the woman who smiled and turned walking away.
"Sounds nice." Elizabeth said still watching the woman walk away.
"Too nice." Varen added and she rolled her eyes at him.
"We need the help Varen. These girls want to fight the Nova and are willing to do whatever it takes to stand beside us." Elizabeth snapped. There was a bit more anger in her tone than she meant, but Varen seemed to understand.
"It's not them I'm worried about. I admire that, what I'm worried about is what lies below the road they've paved so far." He answered.
"Cynical." Arnette said.
"Cautious." He corrected and she waved a hand.
"Whatever, give it a chance. This is a little exciting." Arnette said. Chiffon bounded over and leaned on the table they were sitting at. She looked at Varen and grabbed his arm.
"Come on!" He looked at her questioningly.
"Come on where?" He asked. She looked towards the center of the room and a wicked smile crossed her face.
"Rematch." She said pointing towards the sparring ring in the center.