Log-Complete.

[rozenmagician.livejournal.com]

When; Monday afternoon.
Rating; PG-13.
Characters; Caterina Sforza (milanbutterfly), Tres Iqus (juste_ultionis) & Isaak Fernand von Kämpfer (rozenmagician).
Summary; Isaak guides Caterina through several spots of the city. Tres stalks guards his Duchess.
Log;
Tic-tic-tic-

The noise stopped as soon Isaak summoned kohoruto to keep him company. The adorable, ravenous monsters growled and followed him through the shadows of his tidy laboratory, pushing the madding, incessant ticking out the Magician’s mind.

It was not the noise itself what disturbed Kämpfer or the possible countdown linked to the carousel. No, those things were meaningless currently, low priorities in his thoughts. The unnerving aspect was that each tic represented a second and made Isaak aware of time itself.

He who had chosen to forget the pass of time.

Self-absorbed as he normally was in his research, Isaak had been anticipating his appointment with the lovely Duchess Sforza. He had already bathed and chosen a proper outfit to stroll with the Iron Lady through the streets of the charming but nonsensical city. He still wore black but a still wore black, but a virgin wool gabardine with a grey tweed vest beneath instead of his Order uniform. The squared, small spectacles on his nose aided to project the perfect gentleman image he sought to maintain.

They would attend to a quiet place, Isaak had planned. None of the sultry and dangerous underworld whose sights were terrible for a lady of her rank. Not on this occasion at least. He would have plenty opportunities to show the Duchess all the attractions hidden in the town.

Abruptly, two of his kohoruto rushed towards the main door, scratching the wood blindly. Cocking an eyebrow, Isaak’s lips curved into a small smile. There she was. His servants had sensed her. They would recognise her. With a snap of his fingers, the beasts were gone. He opened the door and held it, inclining forward on a bow before Caterina had a chance to announce her presence.

“What a coincidence, Duchess of Milan. Good afternoon.”

Comments

[milanbutterfly.livejournal.com]

Without her maids, bathing and dressing herself was something of a chore, but she had Tres to assist her with the mundane tasks such as stalkings, corset and holding her hair. For this appointment, she had chosen her garments carefully, not wishing to seem either too eager or too prude. Her dress was lilac colored, made out of a fine silk brocade and embroidered with silvery white threads. Falling to her feet, the skirts covered her daintily heeled boots she wore of a fresh white calfskin. Her corset was laced modestly, but not ambitiously, no need to give Kampfer the wrong impression, and was a fresh white with silver embroidery as well.

Lacking for most of her jewels, since her own were off at the villa and in Rome, Caterina had left her hair down and chosen a plain violet hat with a sheer veil to cover her face. Her hair was kept down in the locks of gold sausage curls, falling heavily around her shoulders.

Inclining her head to Tres, Caterina rose and headed for the door, awaiting him to open it. "Your orders for this evening, Father Iquis are to remain at a distance, but watching Kampfer and myself. Do not interfere unless I am threatened or danger is present and do try to conserve your ammunition. Understood?"

And with that, she allowed him to escort her to Kampfer's hideout/laboratory in one of the buildings. For a moment, on her approach, after dismissing Tres to follow her orders, she thought scratches resounded at the door. Did Kampfer have a cat? Odd. That struck an amusing mental picture, however.

Straightening her posture, Caterina was about to announce herself when the door opened. Tilting her chin up, she refused to admit that Kampfer made a rather dashing portrait, the glasses added an intellectual flair to his features.

"There are no coincidences where you are concerned, Kampfer. Good afternoon, I do hope I am not early," Caterina replied in her soft tones.

[juste-ultionis.livejournal.com]

Standing by stoically as the Duchess went through her ablutions, Tres lent a hand where needed, listening as instructions were dictated to him for this visit about the odd city. It seemed like a lot of trouble to go to, just to be meeting with someone who was an enemy of the entire world, but it was not his place to question such things, just to accept them, especially when it regarded the Duchess herself. He would be there to protect her should something go awry, and that was what mattered.

"Positive. Mission is reconnaissance and protection. Will keep a running tally of ammunition stores, and will look into procuring more in the future, should the need arise." A barely audible hum sounded as he calculated figures, a status report of all systems as well as an inentory of weapons and ammunition, making sure all was in proper working order should anything happen on the excursion.

He followed Caterina, eyes surveying their surroundings for potential threats, breaking away when told to do so and keeping an acceptable distance from where the Duchess stood at the threshold of Kampfer's location. All was tensed and ready should the Orden member's offer turn out to be less than it appeared to be.

[rozenmagician.livejournal.com]

Subtly, with his head still bowed respectfully, Isaak appraised the woman he had invited to spend the rest of the day with.

The Duchess was rather lovely with the silk, lilac gown and the small hat that partly concealed a side of her profile with the veil. Particularly the size of her headpiece was the most flattering with all the simplicity, he noted. If she ever were to join the Order, he would add a similar hat to her designed uniform.

His smile widened slightly at her response. “You are correct, Duchess Sforza. Two of my pets sensed you near and told me,” commented Isaak, opening the door further. “Do you wish to come inside and share a glass of wine before I show you the city and allow your beauty eclipse the brightest, fluorescent lights?”

Then made a calculated pause, peering over her shoulder. There was no one on his sight range. However, Kämpfer was certain the cyborg was surely hidden as a protective hound to look after his Mistress. He did not want to give Iqus any excuse to ruin the excursion.

“What would you prefer?”

[milanbutterfly.livejournal.com]

"If you are looking for Father Iquis, Kampfer," Caterina replied, noting the Magician's glance over his shoulder, "I will tell you for both of our sakes that he is in the vicinity, but remaining at a discreet distance so as to give us the illusion of full privacy."

Then inclined her head, "I would enjoy a glass of wine, thank you," And smiled softly to his flattery, "Your manipulations are becoming obvious, Magician. Where are your pets?" As he held the door, there was no cat or dog readily awaiting the attentions of his or her master. The thought of Isaak caring for a pet was also very much at odds with the persona he put off.

Not wishing to worry Tres, she decided to make this entrance into the shadow magician's lair a quick one. Caterina refused to give up this opportunity that could be once in a lifetime. Though his lair in this world be makeshift, it was a reflection on the most basic things he needed and that was quite important.

[juste-ultionis.livejournal.com]

Waiting within sensory range, but out of sight from the entrance to Kampfer's laboratory, Tres watched diligently, keeping a running meter of the amount of time the Duchess spent inside. As the time passed, he ran scenarios of what could take such a long time, other than the glass of wine mentioned.

Even with such possible situations, he did not move from his station, as per instructions. He would have to wait until there was some tangible evidence of ill will, lest he upset Caterina. So instead he just waited until the two reappeared once more.

[rozenmagician.livejournal.com]

“Have you forgotten the kohoruto? They ate your people in Venice.”

Acknowledging her reply with a quick nod, Isaak opened the door completely for her to enter. “Welcome to my humble home, Duchess.”

The apartment was more spacious than it appeared to be outside. The walls were painted completely in black and had frescos hanging on them. They were as bizarre as the city, made of multicolored straights lines, circles and other geometrical shapes. The twin sculptures that framed the doorway were equally as nonsensical- two pillars with a hole on the middle, the material was ever fresh and gave the impression that it was melting.

A dim light barely illuminated the way.

“Excuse me for the tasteless decoration. I’m afraid it’s difficult to find Renaissance ornaments in this city,” apologized Isaak as he gestured Caterina to come inside. Once she was in, the Magician shut the door softly. To diminish her concern, he refrained to lock it. “Please, follow me. Do you wish for more light?”

Most of the rooms of his apartment remained close. His laboratory, his cellar, his study and his chambers. Isaak walked beside her through a long corridor built in spiral, lights were igniting immediately as they drew closer to the small, comfy sitting room, filled with white, triangle-shaped furniture red, velvet cushions. To contrast with the outrageous design, a plain, brown grand bookcase was located at the back.

“Take a seat, Duchess, if you may. I will return with refreshments in a moment. I had a guest earlier who liked this particular vintage,” he commented, offering her a reassurance glance. “If you feel uncomfortable, your hound may enter if he opens the door and doesn’t break anything.”

Wasn’t he a harmless gentleman?

[milanbutterfly.livejournal.com]

"No, I have not forgotten those creatures, Kampfer. I only did not realize you considered them pets. How silly of me to think you had something as mundane as a cat or a dog," Caterina replied.

Her eyes took in the garish decor, everything looked overdone and too bright, all together the look of the apartment was overwhelming. "And this is where you have made your new laboratory for the time being? Perhaps you could start the tour there," She proposed innocuously, looking at Kampfer from under thick, dark lashes, expression guileless.

"The lighting is fine, thank you, and I did not imagine this to be your taste in interior design," she added, amused smirk pulling up one corner of her mouth. Their conversation was so civilized and had nothing to do with their respective organizations that Caterina found herself at odds with the entire situation.

The instant way the lights flamed into being surprised her and also did not, this place was not the world she had known, after all. Taking a seat, she inclined her head, "I am comfortable, but the time we are taking shall worry him, I imagine. Invite him inside and he will behave."

While Kampfer played the part of a harmless gentleman, Caterina Sforza knew much better.

Smoothing her white, kidskin gloved hands over her skirts as she sat down, Caterina waited for Isaak to gather the wine and Tres.

[juste-ultionis.livejournal.com]

Seeing the door opening, a pale hand waving him in, Tres made his way into the building, surveying his surroundings for possible ambush. Seeing none, he settled for giving Kampfer a long, calculating look before taking a position on the far side of the room, close enough to be of service if needed, but far enough away to be obtrusive.

[ooc: durrr, Tres has nothing to say, I fail.]

[rozenmagician.livejournal.com]

“Cats and dogs are short lived to be good pets for someone as me,” Isaak explained and remained quiet about her snide remarks of the decoration. He did not like them either for his taste ran to the baroque, classical or gothic rather than this post-modern rubbish he had managed to purchase in the stores.

“I’m afraid my laboratory is… not an adequate environment for your health, Duchess. It contains dangerous gasses that could disturb your vital process if inhaled. Perhaps in another occasion?” There must be other appointments if she wanted to see his entire apartment. He smiled innocuously.

Everything was going as he had planned except for a minor detail.

Admittedly, it was a small one but Caterina’s acceptance about his offer to make her dog enter riled Isaak and bruised his pride. His picture of pleasant politeness shadowed slightly. He had wanted to speak in private and Iqus, albeit fanatically loyal, had still a system that could be hacked and his information deprived out his data.

“As you wish.” He returned his steps, his pace notable quicker and irritable to open the door for Tres. He bothered not with words just a signal of his gloved hand. After assuring the cyborg had not strayed his path, Isaak headed to the kitchen. He had two wineglasses ready in case Caterina agreed to stay. He took the half empty bottle he and Xelloss had consumed earlier that day and poured the red content inside. The aroma was stronger than his world wines, more intoxicating. Kämfper had not finished a second goblet.

Pleased with the amount of liquid served, Isaak marched to Caterina’s side with one glass on each hand.

[milanbutterfly.livejournal.com]

She had given no thought to the Order members as individuals, as living, thinking beings, instead, carrying them in her mind as manifestations of ill intention. But Isaak, both himself as a person and his glimpse into his excursion with Dietrich was destroying that.

So Caterina was grateful when Isaak finished the story. "I will be sure to mention nothing of your adventure with him to Esther." Her tone was teasing, eyes looking coyly up at Isaak from under her lashes.

His manners so far were impeccable and thusly, Isaak was rewarded with her soft hand in his, her digits were cool, a testimony to the poor circulation of blood in her body, but she allowed his efforts to help her stand. "Gardens. That does sound pleasant, excellent choice, Kampfer," and inclined her head.

Gardens would be a perfect opportunity to persuade more information from him.

[rozenmagician.livejournal.com]

“I’m certain Sister Blanchett has her own experiences with the nonexistent, softer side of the Puppet Master,” Isaak replied, helping her to rise, pretending to not notice how cold her hands were. He could feel them through the gloves. “The boy wouldn’t be as dangerous if he didn’t regard Mein Herr as his personal god and saviour. It’s understandable after how he was treated as a child before we found him,” he mused absently, knowing fully well she had no background for them and that the idea of them as people disturbed her.

It was purposefully. He knew that the Duchess did not even see her own uncle as part of the Order, just a pawn, misguided by his own thirst of power but not a serious member. Yet he was.

If she really wanted to destroy the Order, Caterina should realize the best tactic was to strike human beings, not some giant monolith of united goals and brotherhood.

Slowly, he released her after she rose, his fingers lingering on her palm. Keeping a respectable distance, Isaak moved to her side to guide her in direction of the exit. After exiting, the Magician took a moment to chant and leave his monsters in charge of guarding his apartment.

Ignoring their furious growls, Isaak closed the door, locking and offered Caterina his arm. “Shall we?” He glanced at Tres, knowingly the cyborg would be startled at the threatening noises inside his home. “They won’t harm you or the Duchess of Milan. It is an anti-burglary precaution.”

[milanbutterfly.livejournal.com]

She knew what he was doing by giving her doses of the Puppetmaster's past. Fleshing him out as a living being, as a person, and giving her also the intelligence and information of which she wanted for her files that were sorely lacking.

Her lips tightened slightly, then relaxed into an amused expression as his fingers lingered on her palm. But she said nothing of the gesture, only gave Isaak a glance from the corner of her eyes as they readied to leave.

A slender brow arched at the growling coming from his apartment, "Are your pets upset that their father is leaving them?" She attempted to keep a serious tone, but found mirth creeping into her inflection.

"Let us go," Caterina affirmed and, after looking at his arm for a moment, slid her hand to the crook of his elbow, her body closer to him than she had been ever before. Caterina could feel him, and, though she blamed it on her illness, her heart sped up a bit, a faint, pressing feeling welling up inside of her stomach. "To hear you speak of such simple things as anti-burglary precautions lightens my mood." And so it did, something so mundane yet handled in such an un-mundane way.

[juste-ultionis.livejournal.com]

Tres' eyes narrowed once more, both at the odd sounds from Kampfer's supposed 'anti-burglary system', as well as his words themselves. However, all that passed his lips was a flatly-voiced, "acknowledged."

Following the pair at a fair enough distance, Tres was far enough away for the illusion of privacy that the Duchess sought, but well within the range of his sensors - as well as within firing range, if necessary. He didn't pretend to know what information could be gained on this world by viewing a candy garden, other than having more proof of the paradoxes that made up the place, purity and despair all rolled into one.

[rozenmagician.livejournal.com]

Isaak was pleased to notice a spark glittering in Caterina’s razorblade eyes when he informed some basic details about Dietrich. He would not let the boy come to harm ever. However, he needed a rough awaking regarding Cain’s true self that did not result in his death.

The cyborg was cooperating at least. He should be grateful Iqus had not shot first, asked question later about his unorthodox, security methods.

“They are tame creatures and are fond of you, Duchess,” confessed Isaak, granting her a sly grin whilst he secured her firmly on their path to the garden, placing a hand over hers on the crook of his arm. The flashing stoplights and zombie-like crowd around them could upset her. “Is that so surprising? Even I am not spared of thieves. Have you ever been stolen? It’s not a pleasant experience I want to repeat for being careless.”

The noise and people were left behind, along the disorienting signs, buzzing and lights. The atmosphere turned quiet, slightly colder but bearable. Isaak relaxed his hold when the glow of the breathtaking, porcelain twin gates of Xanadu garden welcomed them.

[milanbutterfly.livejournal.com]

"Fond of me, Kampfer? In the sense that a guardian dog is fond of a fresh bone covered in meat? I do not see how they should be fond of me in the least for when last I saw them, your creatures were devouring my allies." She replied, examining his sly grin.

Caterina said nothing when his hand pressed over hers at the crook of his arm, Isaak was wearing gloves for one, and for two, he was upping the stakes. She had given him an inch and he was making good use of it. She upped the stakes, however, by rubbing one of her fingers...accidentily...over the side of one of Kampfer's finger's where his hand covered her own.

Delight, in spite of herself, welled up inside of her at seeing the beautiful glow of the gates to Xanadu and she could not help but wonder at them, deciding to allow herself a small indulgence instead of ruthlessly suppressing the interest she felt. A quick glance over her shoulder caught a glimpse of Tres and she looked forward once more, "Exquisite."

[rozenmagician.livejournal.com]

“Oh no, nothing of that. You never show as their meal. They recognize you as the Luna to my Sol,” Isaak commented coyly. That sounded better than vulgar animal language of looking up the Alpha pair, in this case, meant the owners.

The Magician was aware of the brushing and wondered if was another seduction attempt or a misunderstanding of his former actions in the crowded street. While he had delighted to hold her hand close, Isaak had not ulterior motive when he did it other than looking after her welfare. Of course, he would welcome her flirting.

“Remarkable, isn’t it?” Isaak asked, wistful. “Like a dream. The entire city appears to be taken of our hearts. The dark, hellish underworld. The maniac rhythm of the streets where you are never alone. The opera house where everything you have is yourself, insolate from the entire world. And there is Xanadu, the still utopia of roses without thorns.”

He was not waxing lyrical. As soon, Isaak ushered Caterina through the twin gates, she could corroborate herself the existence of said, thorn-less roses. They were as big as human heads.

[milanbutterfly.livejournal.com]

"Perhaps that was a touch rude," Caterina replied, though she did draw a hand to her mouth to cover her gentle laugh at his reaction and the way he cocked his eyebrow. "I would like to know both, who and what. Though I have the feeling they are integral peices of each other."

She inclined her head, eyes downcast as she took in the azure crystal bench, "Perhaps, though I find the pretty, little things often escape my notice when such dire matters draw my attention." And with that, raised her eyes to his, challenging. "The sooner this war is over, the more time I would have for them... and for conversations." Her expression was guilless but she was shamelessly attempting to manipulate.

Slipping her cold fingers into his gloved hand, Caterina allowed Isaak to assist her in rising and gave a reassuring look over her shoulder to Tres before turning her attention fully to Kampfer again. "I would enjoy that, thank you."

After rising, she adjusted her skirts, smoothing them from any crease that might have formed during her brief venture in sitting.

[juste-ultionis.livejournal.com]

Dusting off the glitter and confetti that dusted his uniform in rainbow hues, Tres reached down and picked up one of the roses at his feet, which he would have crushed had he shifted position slightly. He frowned at the delicate bloom and tucked it away.

It wasn't that he meant to shoot the eggs open, but they could have been explosives or some other such dangerous thing, and would need to be destroyed. It would turn out that they would be so innocuous in this world, where nothing was as it seemed.

He then made to set off after his mistress and her...companion, once again mindful of being as inconspicuous to them as possible, after the previous display with the egg. It would not do for such a scene to repeat itself without being fully warranted.

[rozenmagician.livejournal.com]

Isaak looked downcast for a fleeting instant, shaking his head lightly. “It wasn’t rude but would not matter really who or what I was in the past, would it?” he inquired honestly. “I was many through history. Shaping the world for better or worse. Were you aware there was another Caterina Sforza millennia before you were born, Duchess? I met her too. You have the very same golden ringlets, only longer hair. She did not heed my warnings either,” he finished with a note of regret. The Lioness of Forli had struggled and failed her battle against Cesare Borgia.

He was aware of the lack of information about the history before the Armageddon. Everything was fuzzy, mythic. Tales of a mythic, better world that never existed.

“However that was the past. I am Isaak Fernand von Kämpfer now, Cardinal Sforza,” he added, voice dripping in nostalgia.

“If you don’t enjoy the small things what are you fighting to protect?” questioned Isaak, mirroring her challenge. His fingers caressed her hand as he aided her to rise gently, lingering briefly before realising her. “Those are the objects you should cherish and guard. Otherwise why bother to put yourself in dire circumstances?”

He bowed and gestured the park. “Which direction we should go? To the daisies or the tulips?”

[milanbutterfly.livejournal.com]

She immediately regretted the downcast expression that crossed her features and minded herself to be more diplomatic with her words. "No, I suppose who and waht you were in the past does not matter now, but it all helped in shaping you." Then paused, eyes widening, to his admittance of the past historical figures.

"Another Caterina Sforza? How did-" She almost asked how the woman had died, but restrained herself, "Millenia, that was before the Armageddon!" He was positively ancient! Older than the krezniks. Could it be that he had a hand in the creating of the nanomachines and now he was, through his own convoluted and quite dark methods, attempting to stop Cain?

"There is so much you must know that we have lost," She marveled, facing him after his lingering touch abated from her own hand. Her skin prickled with the feel from his glove, but the feeling was not a harmful one.

"I am fighting to protect the people so that they may enjoy the small things," Caterina replied wistfully. The things that she, it seemed, was destined not to be a part of. Obviously she would not answer his other question, she put herself in dire circumstances because she was already dying, because those circumstances filled her with the fire of life.

"The tulips, I have always been partial to their colors," Finally, she murmured.

[rozenmagician.livejournal.com]

Isaak nodded his head, thin smile curving once again on his lips. She would digest the knowledge and thought about it later. That was a good sign. It was enough for the night. “You have some answers know to sort me out, Duchess. Defeat me for your peace,” he assured her. “Indeed, I am far older than the Armageddon or how it was called then World War Three. There were other wars previous to that one, you understand that? I lived through all those conflicts.”

Offering his arm once again, Isaak waited for her to take it to guide Caterina towards the polychromatic tulips. They were of the shape of small balloons and their shade shifted when the light hit them in a different angle. Like prisms.

“Those are noble goals, Duchess, this is why I admire you,” he commented, stopping a moment so she could appraise the flowers. “And why is better you shouldn’t listen to what I know of the past deeds. That could falter your resolve, specially considering you honestly believe the Rozen Kreuz Order as the examples of monsters on Earth.”

[milanbutterfly.livejournal.com]

"Defeat you? I think you would rather come in handy for the defeat of the RKO if your priorities are truly what you intimate them to be," Caterina replied, but said nothing more on the issue.

Once his arm was offered, she slid her hand into the crook and allowed her fingers to rest there. So close to his body, it was odd. There had always been a small thrill when he was around, but this was disconcerting. She found herself enjoying his conversation, his presence. The wariness and tension around him was slowly melting away and she knew that could be dangerous though he meant her no harm.

"I am not one to be admired, Kampfer, my goals are only the same as most everyone elses, but I have teh means to acheive them," She replied and paused with him, reaching out with her free hand to caress the petals of the balloon shaped tulip. It was odd, but quite beautiful, soft to the naked caress of her fingers.

"There is nothing that could falter my resolve, Kampfer, nothing," She murmured and released the tulip, straightening, "Though I will not press you for information. I find it better to live in the here and now. Shall we see the lillies next?"

[rozenmagician.livejournal.com]

“Ah, but Duchess, have you forgotten? Isaak Fernand von Kämpfer is the Magus of the Rozen Kreuz Order,” Isaak commented, entertained. “Thus, in order to defeat it, you must clash with all the ones who joined.”

He was attentive to her body reactions, mostly to see any sign of her health faltering, but also because he was anxious to see if she enjoyed his presence. Caterina was less tensed this time around. Her contact was almost natural and that made Isaak selfishly gleeful.

Her naïveté about people it was almost refreshing. It was not a foolish, wistful, good-hearted thought but an honest, calculated one that made her words even more ironic.

“I have lived enough to know that people normally seek the opposite you say, Duchess,” he commented, watching her toying with a tulip with the corner of his eyes. “If you want to. The lilies are a dead end, to see them; you must ‘swim’ through them. Our clothes may be stained with the nectar but I assure you the experience worth that small sacrifice.”

[milanbutterfly.livejournal.com]

"Swim through them?" She asked, looking to Isaak's face to ensure he was not mocking her. "As long as the necter does not attract any sort of foreign insect. I shudder to imagine the types of creatures that dwell naturally here."

Then gave a small shake of her head, "There are very many people who wish peace and others who need guidence in order to live a good life. They follow whomever they find that is a strong leader, and if that happens to be someone that does not have good interests in mind, it matters not to them because they do not have the power within their own wills to lead themselves."

Then added, "That is where the Vatican comes to mind. The Vatican is looked to by humanity as a way to live." The air had chilled and she forced her muscles to relax from an oncoming shiver. Perhaps she should have brought a coat.