Meeting with the Crimson Eye (Phoebe and Seraphim)

It had been two days since her match with Alena Saint. Phoebe had spent the time since then considering the cryptic letter left on her locker after that match.

To Phoebe Porter,
I saw most of your match today, and I was impressed. Meet me in the Gym two days
from now around 1pm. I have a proposition for you that I'm sure you would be more
than interested in. Come in a light attire for a fight too, I was hoping for a friendly
spar to test your skills personally. If you don't dissapoint, then I might have more
than just a great offer for you.
From Seraphim - The Crimson Eye

She had no idea what to make of it. Some subtle investigation revealed that this Crimson Eye was a relatively new wrestler on the AFW roster. Not many people knew about her, but someone had to have some serious stones to call her out like this. Phoebe half expected a trap or someone from her past aiming to call her out... but this Seraphim character seemed to have no connection to anyone she knew. Phoebe took a gamble coming here alone, she didn't even tell Elena about the note or this meeting. The two didn't keep tabs on each other all the time, but perhaps this Seraphim had something really worth her time... A contact that Elena didn't know much about would be invaluable... and even then, Phoebe wasn't one to turn away offers without hearing them... as suspicious as they might be.

And so, Phoebe found herself in the AFW gymnasium an hour before 1pm, wearing a loose fitting t-shirt over her sports bra and a pair of gym shorts. She sat in the back, facing the entrances, her face buried in a novel, but her eyes focused on the women going to and fro, watching for any signs of Seraphim... or anything suspicious in general. She wasn't being subtle enough that Seraphim wouldn't be able to pick her out, but she wanted to have a chance to size up the girl before they met face to face.

What a boring day it had been so far... Seraphim had her own match just yesterday, but had already put it behind her, still a little sore, but nothing she couldn't shake off by lunchtime. Fortunately, the one-eyed, white haired young woman had something to look forward to this afternoon, as she had been anxious to see if Phoebe would reply to her note and be awaiting in the Gym for her or not. Seraphim knew the risks, Phoebe may not be the negotiable type, and Seraphim wasn't known for her patience, so there was a risk that something unplanned and perhaps painful could occur, (but to whom the pain was dealt to was the question) however, Seraphim always was the type to take a chance, and she was hopeful, even attempting to put on a lighter persona for this meeting.

Garbed in a long gray, long sleeved shirt, it actually had a collar and buttons to it, betraying slightly to Seraphim's 'come dressed light' request, as she had a rather formal appearance. The gray collared shirt was tucked into a pair of black jeans, the material looking almost like it was dress pants, as those too were tucked into long, black boots. Then of course, she had her black eyepatch, as her white hair was done decently over her back and shoulders. Overall, she was pretty decently dressed, but underneath, Seraphim was wearing a sleeveless, black t-shirt if she needed to, knowing she would need it for the second part of her proposal.

Walking down one of the many halls, this one leading to the gym, Seraphim tossed away in a trash can the rapper to her dark chocolate candy bar she just ate, smiling a little at her personal satisfaction, even humming to herself what sounded like a religious hymn. For someone who was so bold and rugged in the ring, she seemed rather casual outside it, but appearances could always be deceiving. Then, opening the gym doors, she stood there in the doorway, scanning over the people who were there, and then slowly, her crimson eye lit up when she saw Phoebe there, sitting there and reading a book. 'Ah, at least she's got brains too, and even a good hobby too.' Since Seraphim grew up on the streets with nothing to possess, she had to live off what was free, and as the library was one of them, Seraphim was a bit of a reader herself, so seeing this from Phoebe was a perk.

Dismissing this though, Seraphim had her hands in her pockets, slowly approaching Phoebe, but having virtually no threatening aura to her, like she really had come just to discus something. Tapping the girlâ€s shoulder to get her attention, Seraphim nodded to her, one hand still lingering in her pocket. “Hey, so ya came after all I see.” She said lightly, a little bit in a streetwise tone, but not sounding like she was angry or desiring to harm the girl.

Or at least… perhaps not yet.

Phoebe had managed to keep an eye on her book and a subtle eye on Seraphim as she walked in; the eyepatch ensuring that even amongst the colorful cast at AFW, she still stood out. As soon as she saw the red hue in Seraphim's eye, she knew she had found her target... dressed somewhat more formally than Phoebe had expected, but she had to be the girl from the letter.

The Crimson Eye was... peculiar. Phoebe was usually able to get a good handle on people just by observing how they carried themselves. It was a trait she had to learn in her past life. But she couldn't get a read on Seraphim... and that put her on edge. Someone who you can tell is without conviction, treacherous, or vicious just by looking at them is less dangerous simply because you can expect and prepare for what they intend to do... But Seraphim... Phoebe couldn't be sure if she was looking at a jovial rogue or a stone-cold killer. That uncertainty was more unnerving than anything Seraphim might have done or might intend.

Seraphim finally closed the gap, tapping on Phoebe's shoulder to get her attention. Either Phoebe really was subtle enough to steal a glance at Seraphim without her noticing or Seraphim was merely playing along.

Phoebe turned toward Seraphim, not at all betraying any of her curiosity or nervousness toward the girl but merely addressing her with an emotionless but not particularly cold or unwelcoming look and tone, "Well, you said you had a proposition of some sort." She closed her book, sliding a bookmark in it and setting it down, standing up and turning toward Seraphim to give the Crimson Eye her full attention, "Phoebe Porter. I presume you are Ms. Seraphim?"

As Phoebe would put the book away, Seraphim attempted to catch a glance at the title, half curious about what she read, seeing as how Seraphim had actually been on the hunt to read something new and intersting when she had the time. However, reading at the moment still made her a little uneasy and sick, since Seraphim was having trouble getting her full focus still since her match with Megumi. Most of her wounds since had settled, the only part physically still hurting was her gut occasionally; mostly when she ate. But he main one, which only bothered her mentally when she tried to focus or read, had been the mild concussion she had in the back of her skull. It would be fine in another week, just in time for her next match, but for now, she still had a few dizzy fits. Fortunately for now, she felt assured enough for anything, looking again at the girl she saw just two days ago in that match.

'She's more stoic than I thought.' Seraphim first thought, starting to think this girl was one of those silent, booksmart types. Not that she had a problem with that, she just thought Phoebe had been a bit more brutish outside the ring, and was now rejudging this girl. Not one for stereotyping though, and letting a person's words and actions do the talking for them, Seraphim quickly nodded, painfully casual despite making an arrangement today. "Yea, that's right. Seraphim Harmonia, a pleasure." She came across with a curt but still kinder introduction, still betraying how most would first judge her, hiding a smirk she had and playing it calm. The fact that it was coming so naturally though told Seraphim that she wouldn't have to force things, and if things went right, she wouldn't need to hide intentions and they might have someting good and promising between the two; she felt comfortable.

"Before I ask my proposal, I first have to say somethin' that's been on my mind, and ask you somethin' else." And with that, she took a short breath, both hands on her hips as that single, crimson rosey red eye looked into Phoebe's violet orbs, suddenly sounding a bit serious. "You're good. And I respect that. In fact, I would dare say you are one of the few here that impress me. But, what would you do if I said you could be better?"

((You're putting me on the spot. I didn't think that far ahead to what she would be reading... " title="Razz" />))

Phoebe seemed to ponder Seraphim's words carefully. She still could not figure out this girl's angle. Her eyes met Seraphim's with a sort of guarded curiosity, "You... flatter me." She nodded humbly, "But if you said... I could be better? I would say that everyone can be better. I am certainly no exception." She pursed her lips in a very faint smile, "But... I presume you are going somewhere with this?"

((Don't worry about it, just a random thought. xP))

Heh... so she was modest enough to not have an ego; that was a plus. Seraphim had quite an ego herself, one in the ring anyway, but outside of it, she had always been a bit more casual, only on occasions getting in over her head because of her pride. Phoebe didn't seem that way though. Calm, collected, honest, all plusses, but it would take some time to get used to; silent types just bugged her sometimes, you never knew what they would do next.

Both hands on her hips at this point, a grin poking from the corner of her lips, Seraphim decided to stop beating around the bush since this girl seemed like she was already interested, and gave her the reason for this meeting. "Good, so you're not an egotistical bitch like I first thought." Seraphim scoffed, not realizing she may have come off a little hard from saying that before continuing. "But anyway, I've had my eye on settin' up a bit of a.. safety if you will, an alliance; someone to fall back on if things get hazy in the ring or there's just a massive beat down I could use a hand with, and that was when I saw you."

She trailed off for a moment, hoping Phoebe was catching her hint now before she would go on, her crimson eye looking right at the girl, her posture relaxed, but sounding like she was casually getting down to business. "I'm sure you'd feel safe with the same. Someone tries to beat you down, double-team you, or just tries to catch you while your guard is down backstage; shit can happen outside the ring just as bad as in it, and you need someone to have your back, you know what I'm sayin'?" Phoebe seemed like a smart girl, she stopped there to see if the girl caught where she was going with this, her hopes high for something that could be formed between the two.

Phoebe arched an eyebrow at Seraphim's snide comment, but said nothing, allowing her to continue. She stared intently at Seraphim as she detailed her suggestion, allowing her to finish before finally clearing her throat. "I... think I see what you are getting at," She replied, coolly as ever.

Putting her hands behind her back, she started to circle Seraphim, eying her casually as though she were sizing the girl up, "You are proposing a mutual alliance of some sort." She took a deep breath, finishing her circle and returning to where she stood, "I'm... not exactly a lone wolf myself." She paused, as though she were carefully considering her next words. She decided not to explain her relationship with Elena to Seraphim... at least not now. "I have... at least one powerful friend whom I would expect to assist me." The word "friend" had a subtle emphasis to it. Barely there, but considering how smooth Phoebe usually spoke, it was clear that the term was meant in a loose sense.

She shook her head, continuing quickly, "Of course, I see no reason to turn down potential allies. But, I don't really understand why you are asking me this... now. One would normally propose such a thing to someone one trusts. I do not see how we have any reason to trust each other." She looked slightly away from Seraphim, her eyes staring off into nothing in particular, "I... am accustomed to such alliances being... tenuous at best."

She looked back toward Seraphim, "I am flattered by your offer. You are clearly built... capable of handling yourself in a fight. But..." Another deep breath, words were coming somewhat reluctantly, "I do not know if I can trust you. To be honest... I am not entirely sure what makes you seem to trust me." She trailed off, still watching Seraphim. Phoebe did not want to turn down Seraphim outright, but the girl's demeanor and proposal managed to make Phoebe curious and nervous... if only due to some of the memories this scenario was dredging up for her... at the same time.

Ooh, good looking and smart, she was beginning to realize her hunch about this girl was dead on, and she liked it. Though Seraphim did have to admit, she was surprised to know that Phoebe wasn't on her own, the girl did seem like the type to not care too much about the outside world, and was here on her own agenda, why else would she come across so blunt outside the ring? There must have been a reason, but Seraphim just couldn't be sure what. Hopefully she could find out...

Taking a brief moment, Seraphim adjusted her black, leather eyepatch, then placing a hand on her hips as her soft lips perked into a light grin, again making this one ruthless girl in the ring seem like she wasn't so rough outside it. "Aha, good point Phoebe, good point. I know, and you're right, it's probably fuckin' strange as Hell to see someone you never met just come up and ask for an alliance, I mean, shit, I'd be sceptical too." Clearly not afraid to swear or speak freely, she had a very casual way about speaking, and even raised both her arms, tossing them behind her head to support it like she was leaning back some, doing a modest help in showing off her curves just slightly. "I guess you can say I'm on a hunch, somethin' about you just seems... how should I say this? Promisin', yea. You remind me of an old friend too who I always faught beside, and somethin' in my mind just said, 'why not give it a shot,' ya know?"

She had plenty of ways to try and get this girl to trust her, but she could tell that she was very wary, and Seraphim needed to play her cards right, or she wouldn't get what she wanted. "Tell ya what, you tell me what I could do to prove you can trust me, and I'll do it. I'd like the same too though, see I've had people backstab me in the past, but somethin' 'bout you just tells me it aint goin' to happen, like you and I would really have somethin' to benefit outta this." There we go, she was feeling more confident about this now. She had her interest, all she had to do now was prove herself.

Phoebe seemed as unperturbed as ever by Seraphim's rough language, merely continuing to study her as she spoke. Now that Phoebe had looked her over, she did notice that Seraphim was... not unattractive. She had a certain confidence... and a certain mystique... about her.

As Seraphim finished her proposal, Phoebe stared at Seraphim, humming in thought for several seconds before speaking, "Trust isn't something one can prove oneself worthy of with a silly errand." She stroked her chin thoughtfully, "Of course. Perhaps I am being a little... silly." Another faint smile, "It isn't like I trust most of the folks with whom I associate anyway. Why hold you to a higher standard? You don't seem to have the sort of depravity to enter an alliance and immediately betray it. So we've got at least one good shot at working together... we can see where things go from there." She extended her hand to Seraphim, "Sound good?"

"That's the spirit.. er, sorta." At first, Seraphim was glad to see where this girl was going, but the way she didn't sugarcoat it and instead drenched it with a depressive sprinkle of pessimism by describing how weak most of her relationships are, it caused Seraphim to have a second thought, if only for a moment. Sure, Seraphim wasn't the type to build up many relationships herself, she only has Alison back at the apartment anyway... but that was one of the strongest bonds she ever had. So to hear this girl had a few, but they were weakened, it left Seraphim a bit sceptical.

Though she did realize, the fact that Phoebe would admit that was really saying something. And that was when she couldn't help herself, speaking in the quote of a man who raised her... who saved her. "Well you know, Father Maxwell used to always tell me: Relationships of trust depend on our willingness to look not only to our own interests, but also the interests of others." For someone who spoke so casually a moment ago, not afraid to throw around swears and have a city-slicker sort of attitude, Seraphim really knew how to bring out a more sophisticated side of herself, her clothing also explaining that since she was dressed quite formally.

After that was said, Seraphim took a stern hand out, and soon clasped Phoebe's, starting with a firm handshake on this, smiling lightly from the corner of her lips. "Heh.. good, real good. I'd rather have us fighting back to back then face to face if you know what I mean." Seraphim said, explaining she wanted Phoebe as a friend instead of foe, seeing this girl as an enigma who she wanted to not only learn more about, but somone she had respect for after seeing her match.

"Hey, ust remember one thing though, never trust other people's assertions, just trust them by their actions." There was a hint to her words as she said that, not releasing her grip on Phoebe just yet, really getting a good agreement in while speaking, hoping she could let the girl understand that her actions would speak louder than her words. Who knows? Maybe there would come a time when one of them would really need another, and the trust would prove loyal in the end. It was a good thought to know she might not be alone inthe ring for certain situations.