In The Pursuit Of Knowledge

Papers finished, reports reported, and files filed. All that remained, this day, for the Second-in-Command to accomplish is a simple patrol of the city. That is a rather refreshing task for the young blonde after slaving over her desk for hours without any breaks. It has been awhile since she’s been able walk the city’s streets and admire the crystalline formations strewn about. There is a complex simplicity to it all; a city born from necessary change. It still saddens her when her thoughts become affixed to the cause of it all; the genocides that had befell her people while she was away learning of her heritage. If she was there… If she was there, she would have wasted away with the rest, but, at least, she would have been there with them until the end. On the other hand, the Quincy had become foolish which was what brought down the wrath of the other races. That will not happen again, not if Helle has anything to say about it. The young blonde Quincy will strive for a better Vandenreich, one that the world will appreciate, one that does not falter in its beliefs, and one that she can be proud of.

With these thoughts in her head, she leaves her office adorning her armour as per usual. This is a patrol even if somewhat meager. With a click in every step, Helle passes by many other Quincy. There were even a few nonQuincy around, Cyrus’ idea. Her Liege desired for a more exotic Reich, one that all races are allowed to partake in. Helle was unsure at first, but after seeing how hard each individual had worked to upkeep the Vandenreich’s name, she had soon given up on her grievances, and had, as one may say, opened her mind to all the changes happening around her. Though, as she walked with her thoughts waning out of focus every now and then, she took note of a large group approaching her. Ah, that must be the latest batch of individuals that have taken an interest in the Vandenreich. After the assault on America against the demons, the amount of people visiting the island interested in the organization had skyrocketed, and Helle, being in such a high position, had to fill out paperwork after paperwork checking a bunch of applications for her division. It was tiring, but she is glad that people are starting to believe in the Quincy once more.

Helle has never been a part of any of the tours however, not even when she had first arrived. She knew some, but not everything of how the City of Lights functioned and had always planned on joining one of the many tours herself but usually found herself busy with paperwork. Actually, this gave her an idea; one that would not directly interfere with her duties while also allowing her to learn what she doesn’t know. Stepping in to follow in the back of the group, she began to listen to the woman upfront speak. She would have hoped she could have done so incognito, but a six foot heavily armoured individual is sure to pull the gaze of everyone, especially the guide’s, but hopefully she thought nothing of it and continued on with the tour. It is rather unwise to distract the security.

The tour moved along as most tours do. Well, Helle could only guess that most tours behaved as such. As a woman who learned how to sign her name before learning how to appreciate scenery, a tour of the basic facilities dotting the island proved only fruitful to her in her mind. However, one individual voiced his concern, and Helle found herself agreeing with the man’s complaint. A tour that does not captivate the audience seemed unnecessary. Yes. Learning the basics usually proved a necessity, but a bored audience would only end up forgetting everything they learned this day unless something worth remembering is shown. With that thought in her mind, Helle decided that a restructuring of how these tours are handled should be brought up the next time she has time to follow the proper channels. Unfortunately for the male, the tour guide is correct. The current format of this tour outlines the basics of the city first before moving onto anything that may interest anyone, and even then, Helle doubted they’d ever learn anything that interesting simply because of security purposes.

Somehow, however, despite being shut down in such a harsh manner, the young male found himself next to her clad form. Surprisingly, he is the first to actually care enough to question her fully armored presence in a group of casual clothed tourists. Her attention stayed straight ahead however following along with the tour in silence leaving the empty space between the two just like that: empty. One would think Helle rather rude or too into her duties to give the quarry any attention, but, in actuality, Helle is panicking underneath her armor. How should she handle this situation? She should give her full designation or folly behind half truths? Would answering ruin the tour? Bring too much attention to herself? Ah, she’s not the best in crowds. So lost in thought was the 6ft metal clad Quincy that she didn’t even notice the cape around her form, somehow, getting under her foot, and with one unchecked step, she stumbled slightly; her mighty form wobbling on the spot. And, with that, she coughed as her balance was found quickly, and within her stammer, she spoke briskly hoping that her distorted metallic voice kept her shaky words at bay.

“Yes. I am one of them Quincy. I am currently on duty patrolling the city. What better way to watch the many areas than following a tour that visits nearly all of them?”

Phew. That wasn’t so hard of an answer. Hopefully, her voice sounded normal thanks to the metal deepening her tone and hiding her gender. She didn’t actually care if people knew her identity, but such knowledge did not pertain to the situation at hand, so it was not something she thought of giving. Still, the fact she didn’t give her name after being given Saisei’s proved that maybe not all Quincy were as kind or… smart…

It spoke indeed.

Listening to Saisei’s words, Helle had concluded that the young man wanted nothing else but to discover a reason on this tour. A reason for what requires Helle to ask questions. However, a bad taste has been left in her mouth. She is performing her duties despite her current partaking of the tour. She is not the only Quincy on patrol, and her abilities to move from point A to be point B in a speedy fashion makes something like this little more than a luxury duty. If anything occurs, she will be ready. That is all.

“It is rather immature to believe that a tour such as this would produce results expediently. First, the basics, then the more advanced topics are brought up. If you are sure in your desires to learn, you shall whether it is today, tomorrow, or in a more far future. Though, I must ask why you show such concern in the first place? Why are you here exactly?”

Helle turned her head towards Saisei, her taller form looking down at him. Her emerald eyes appeared more yellow under her helmet if one focused enough into the dark space that allows her sight. She didn’t answer the question about the Quincy uniform for this is of more importance. It seems she has stumbled upon someone who is here for more than just a tour. It is part of her duty to protect her people, and Sasei is asking a lot of questions. She will gauge herself the purpose of this individual

What an interesting lad. It is rather strange that the assault on America has garnered such attention from everyone. Helle would have expected Quincy to have always been known in the current world, but it seems the events that transpired not too long ago had held a greater sway on the organization’s existence then she had first thought. It is a shame that tours must be held simply to remind people who the Quincy were and are now. Hopefully, one day, they will be as renowned as they used to be where these tours aren’t even required.

“If I am to be honest, I doubt you will ever find what you are searching for in a tour. I have little clue of your deepest desires or of what you are struggling with. Maybe we are similar in ways, I am unsure. It doesn’t matter.”

What a strange scent. Saisei is seemingly exerting an energy Helle has never felt before. That and his quizzical curiosity has her experiencing dejavu as if watching herself at a younger age; all the questions she had, the desire to learn. She’s still rather young however, and that desire is still burning within her, right? Yeah. Looking in a mirror seems the accurate saying.

Her gaze moves to the tour guide, but of course, nothing is said of it due to Helle’s position. She may not be a hardass, but people acting out of order would watch themselves receive the appropriate reparations. Though, the rules are rather flimsy when higher ups are involved since punishment is done according to what one feels that aligns with the rules. And, with that in mind, Helle knows what she wants to do. If it is the correct action, she is unsure, but despite how Saisei feels, Helle is competent that she has the ability to handle him if he steps out of line.

Come with me Saisei. I will take you somewhere that I feel will help you find what you desire. Or, at least, a better first step in doing so.”

The hulking armored figure gives a simple glance down, its eerie yellow gaze shifting to a more green hue before Helle steps away from the tour down a turn that suddenly comes up expecting Saisei to follow. The tour guide would say nothing of it and continue on her tour with the rest that may turn an eye or two towards the two suddenly stepping out, but hopefully, they are content with the tour they are partaking in and question none.

That’s a thought, isn’t it? The difference between two people could be something astronomical or something so miniscule that it doesn’t even matter. Sometimes, those similarities are what cause people to dispute. Sometimes, those differences between others create an unbreakable bond. For Saisei to believe that Helle was a human at some point and not a Quincy amused her. Looking through the recent history of her people, Helle had felt a sense of dismay at reading how out of touch with the world they had become. Thinking even harder on it, Helle, herself, had come up with the conclusion that she wants to be seen as nothing more than another person, another individual wanting Earth to strive. Of course, that’s just whimsical thinking. With great power comes even greater responsibility. As long as she is a Quincy, she must perform her duties that separates her from a normal person.

As she guided Saisei, she allowed herself to wonder about what the young male could possibly desire. What is it that he wants to unlock? He is extremely eager to discover, not only himself, but of the Quincy. However, Helle is highly curious as to how the Vandenreich could help him achieve his goals. That is why she felt a selfish want to take Saisei somewhere that may prove instrumental to his journey: Cyrus. It seems most know the Elder as female, but many of the Vandenreich know of Cyrus’ knack for being in a different form, dependent on the situation.

“Yes, I am. Do be wary of who we are going to see and show proper respect. My Liege is rather forgiving at times, but I will tolerate little tomfoolery.”

Is Helle serious with her warning? As much as the answer should be yes, the Quincy knows, herself, that she is most undoubtedly going to falter in the coming exchange; especially when Amzi is concerned.