A.K.I.: "No matter how much one trains, they all fall victim to mere milligrams of my handiwork. Such futile efforts, heeheehee...."
"Ah, by the way... Fang Fei, the man that requested those medicinal ingredients, what did you make of him? I bet you thought he was a SMART, strong, dependable, handsome, and STYLISH man, right? Riiiiight!? I have been lucky enough to work closely with him, and, oh, he is just perfect in every possible way. Magnificent and wise like a dragon, and serene like a soaring phoenix watching over us from the heavens above. Sly like a snake, bold like a tiger, graceful like a crane, and most of all, potent, like the deadliest of poisons! Oh, my darling mast-- I mean. Fang Fei! Yes, Fang Fei is very important to me! Which is why... I will not tolerate you causing Fang Fei any trouble, Or you getting too close to him. If you do... I will erase your existence." (A Memory of A.K.I. : 1)
"Ah, you've returned. Would you care to be my guinea pig and ingest a new poisonous substance or two?"
(Answer: Sure, hit me) "*giggle* Look at you. I am very glad to hear that."
(Answer: No thanks. I'm allergic to death) "Is that so? You're rather dull."
"Every single thing in this world is poison. Most think of things like alcohol or tobacco as harmful, but even coffee and chocolate have their lethal doses. The luxuries people covet often wind up being that which is most toxic to them. *giggle* They just fail to understand the real price they are paying."
"What is it I do for work? There are some things that you're better off not knowing."
"Hmm, is it okay to teach you my techniques? I wonder. My master hasn't said otherwise though."
"Argh... All this talk, talk, talk. I'm tired of it. Such a pain."
"Oh? You're curious about my outfit? It is very eye-catching, wouldn't you agree? Eeehehehe. Of course, I often dress more plainly when I am working, but this outfit... It is a form of warning. For instance, poison dart frogs have such vivid coloration that some refer to them as the "jewels of the forest." Then there are some poisonous moths and their larvae, venomous fish, blue-ringed octopuses, the Micrurus coral snake genus. Living creatures that posses their own poison often have striking and showy appearances. And I am no different. This appearance of mine serves as a constant reminder of how toxic I am. And it is a principle passed down by the master." (A Bond With A.K.I. : 1)
"Now that I think about it... Why is it that I even give you the time of day?
(Answer: You're curious about me?) "Curious...? About you? Pfft, bwhahahaha! Not in the slightest. As far as I'm concerned, the existence of anybody other than the master means nothing to me. But I suppose some might find you interesting."
(Answer: It's better than being bored?) "Bored...? Yes, I suppose that might be it."
"It's not that I have a dislike for you or anything though... At any rate, I'll keep you company if only for a little bit longer. *giggle*"
"Poison comes in many different forms. Hemotoxins, carcinogens, corrosive agents. Some with delayed effects, some instant... But personally, I find neurotoxins to be the most elegant of all poisons."
"Me? Your master? That is not how I see it. Please refrain from calling me that ever again."
"When addressing the master in Chinese, I often use 'xian sheng,' a common way to address a man. It also carries the meaning of 'teacher,' which is apt for our relationship, I suppose. You see... I was once a child with no parents and no family, living on the streets. Until he took me in... He gave me a name, and raised and taught me many things, like how to fight. I revere him, and I wish I could call him something that shows just how much I do. But, in our line of work... There may come a time when even a parent and child, or a master apprentice, must kill each other. That is why the master will not let me call him anything that implies a more emotional bond between us. But, it may have slipped his mind... That 'xian sheng' can also mean 'husband'. And that's the meaning I have in mind when I use it. *giggle*" (A Memory With A.K.I. : 2)
"You sure do like to talk, don't you? Has someone slipped scopolamine into your meals?"
"You travel the world seeking people to fight, am I right? But why? What is your aim?"
(Answer: I want to become stronger!) "Ah, you are one of those types, I see. It is easy to gauge the strength of a poison. Their median lethal dose is often a clear indicator of that. But a person's strength? There is no simple unit of measurement for that."
(Answer: To be honest, I'm not sure...) "Haha, interesting. But I think I understand. In my case, when I work and fight, I do it all in the name of the master. But if he was not a factor, and I really stopped to think about what else drives me... I would not be so sure of my motivations either. My line of work has put me face-to-face with all sorts of lives, and of course, all sorts of deaths... And when it comes down to it, I doubt that anyone really knows their true purpose in life. Perhaps that's what life is. A bubble of aimless uncertainty."
"Anyway, good luck out there."
"Isn't it strange how rain is often lamented as bad weather. Weather itself is not so simply good or bad though, despite however we might feel about it. In my case, I love rain. After all, it makes it far easier for me to sneak and slither around."
"You're curious about my fighting style? it is a variant of the Snake Fist style of martial arts. My master thought that the style would suit me, and took it upon himself to train me in it... And I have taken quite a liking to it."
"Building a tolerance to poison... Is simple enough. The core idea is to be administered with non-lethal doses of poison over time. That is the method that I used to build mine. Orally, inhaled, via mucosa absorption, administered into the bloodstream. Many poisons, by many means. Bit by bit. Carefully adjusting the dosage, recording the damage and effects, so that the next dose wouldn't be my last. Do you know what it feels like to be on the brink of death? To experience prolonged agony and suffering? Enduring the poison as your skin burns, your muscles seize, and your insides dissolve, while you can hardly breath. *chuckle*That is how I developed my tolerance to poison. And the master is the one that showed me the way. However, I would not recommend trying to mimic my methods. Unless you are eager to dig your own grave. Eeehehehehe. (A Bond With A.K.I. : 2)
"Do I like snakes? Of course I do. They are adorable creatures. Poison dart frogs are cute too. Oh and we must not forget about orange-bellied newts. Australian box jellyfish, geographer cones.. This world is just teeming with charming creatures. *giggle*"
"Hmm, what's this? You think you have what it takes to take me down? I see. Well, let us find out then." (Pre-Mastery Fight)
"Your strength has reached truly impressive levels. I gravely underestimated you. *chuckle* There is nothing else that I can teach you." (Mastery Achieved)
"Please don't refer to me as your master. I told you why the master refuses a name hinting at an emotional attachment, and the same grim truth applies here. Eeeehehehehe."
"Even if you figure out exactly what it is I do for work, I would think twice about mentioning it to anyone. Otherwise I will have to erase you. So do be careful. *giggle* To most I am known as someone who deals in medicine. Providing medicinal ingredients, like I did for you. The active ingredients of herbal remedies are simply plants, but even still... The rarer plants can fetch very high prices. I also teach others how to prepare and combine lesser known remedies. In the end, it all adds up being very lucrative."
"I was born out in the countryside, away from anything resembling a city. My parents both worked in the city. They entrusted me to some relatives. However, we didn't get along, and I ran away. I eventually found them, but even then, I began to realize I had no place even in my own home. Before I knew it, I had become a mere street child. Pickpocketing, mugging, burglary. Us street children did whatever it took for us to survive. And then, one night, I tried to entice a particular man. The plan was to lure him in and steal his money, but... He was no ordinary man. Despite what I had thought at first glance. He stopped and stood calmly before, and it was like a darkness had swallowed up everything around us. And in the depths of this darkness stood this man... Where nobody could possibly reach him. There was nothing but him. And in that instant, I wanted to learn everything I could about him. What he had seen, heard, touched, not touched. What books he had read, what knowledge he held. Everything and anything. It was the first time I had been so interested in something, and nothing since has come close. Eeehehehe. I am sure you have guessed by now, but the man I am talking about is, of course, the master." (A Bond With A.K.I. : 3)
"Hmph... You know, I have never really cared much about anything, myself included. Right now I enjoy using poison, and I want to learn about and experiment with new types, but still... Is that my purpose in life? Is that enough to live for? I am not so sure. I love my darling master as well, and I would not hesitate to eliminate anybody that tries to stand in his way... I gladly take on any task he asks of me, and him praising me after a job well done fills me with unspeakable joy. But if I was to fail, or could no longer serve him... I know he would discard me and carry on, as if I had never existed in the first place. The second Chinese character of my name means 'ghost.' And just like a ghost that is there one moment and gone the next, my existence is ethereal. It is best not to spent too long around ghosts. Unless you want to join their ranks. Eeehehehe." (A Bond With A.K.I. : 4)
Master Missions
A Passion for Poison
"I'm in search of... animals that carry toxins. Bring me some and I'll teach you something really special. There were murmurs of assassins that use such toxins. Where was it...? Oh yes, Metro City. Maybe start there."
Tarantula: " A-Assassination? Why do you ask?
(Answer: Ask about animals with toxins)
Tarantula: "Aha! So you've got an interest in them too? Various species produce toxins for protection or hunting. Equal parts beautiful, mysterious, and dangerous, the- What's that? You just want to know where you can find some? Hmm... Well, there are plenty of venomous snakes in Mexico. And Japan is home to some potent poisonous fish."
Herminio: "Venomous snakes? You'll definitely find plenty here! Some of them even do more than just pack deadly venom. You should hear the ominous rattle sounds they make... You know what, I'll show you one. But only if you prove you've got the strength to handle it!"
Herminio: "Not bad! You helped my sister out in Metro City too, so I should've known you had it in you. Here you go. A rattlesnake, and it's all yours. Just be sure not to let it bite you, alright? (Post-Fight)
Miharu Abeno: "A poisonous fish? You must be talking about pufferfish, I imagine....Hmmmmm. Then it's time for a pufferfish pop quiz! What type of poison do pufferfish carry?"
(Answer: Dendrotoxin or Digitoxin) "Wrong!"
(Answer: Tetrodotoxin)
Miharu Abeno: "That's right! Can you name an edible pufferfish variety?"
Miharu Abeno: "That's right! What's a popular way to serve them?"
(Answer: In a stew or, Battered and fried) "Wrong!"
(Answer: Sliced and raw)
Miharu Abeno: "You answered every single one right! With that kind of knowledge, I guess I don't have to worry about you hurting yourself. Here you go. Ryu caught this one just this morning (Acquired Pufferfish) It doesn't look to be the edible kind though, so please, please, please don't try to eat it."
"...Awwwwww. They are SO cute! This snake carries a hemotoxin. it destroys red blood cells, breaks down tissue, and in sever cases causes death. Eeehehe, magnificent. Pufferfish carry tetrodotoxin. Highly heat stable, it causes paralysis, blood pressure drops, then, respiratory failure. So brilliant. Eeehehe... Thank you for bringing these to me. Huh? The special thing I promised? It was knowledge of poisons, of course. I do hope you were listening."
What's Become of Shadaloo
"Your timing is perfect. The remnants of Shadaloo have scattered themselves across the world... And my master has tasked me with unearthing operatives that have gone into hiding. And that is where you come in. First, wear this and introduce yourself as number 13 to the contact in Nayshall. Let us see where they lead you."
AS Contact: "Oh! Number 13! Seeing you in that helmet sure takes me back to the good old days! I still wear mine with pride too. Our efforts are what is going to revive our great organization. What's that now? You've been looking for more of us? Well, last I heard, 17 is in Italy, 22 is active in Jamaica, and 26 is operating in Russia at the moment."
AS-17: "It's about time a new boss stepped in, don't you think? And let me tell you, I think Ed's the best choice. Some of us have been trying to track him down and get him on board. Huh? What have I been doing? Oh, yeah, I... I've been gathering intel on strong fighters, to scout for potential recruits. Yeah, it takes me all over the place."
AS-22: "Ah, so you're 13? There's nothing like a quick fight to get acquainted, I say. Let's go!"
AS-22: "I feel all the better for having someone like you on our side, although you're no JP, of course. I mean, the guy was the chief financial officer for the organization, before the fall... But even now he's still managing all the hidden funds. He even got a huge arena made as a way to get the money clean. He's a real big-picture kind of guy!" (Post-Fight)
AS-26: "The Suval'hal Martial Arts Tournament has helped us move our money around. And some of it has gone into restoring one of our bases near this Nayshall place. If we can get Ed to come back there, Neo Shadaloo will be back for real."
"Eeehehehe, you have done well."
(Switches to a scene of A.K.I. writing a letter to Fang Fei)
"Please hold that thought. I'm writing a letter. Now, where was I..."
(A.K.I. gets absorbed in writing the letter)
"To..my..Lovely...dear...master,,, As instructed, I've tracked down the remnants of the organization and assessed their size, ability and cash flow. Your darling protégé A.K.I. has pursued every single lead. I know you'll shower A.K.I. with praise!"
(A.K.I. is now so absorbed in the letter that purple hearts form around her head)
"Their forces are scattered across several bases... And their funds, my darling master, are... I just want your adoration!" (Scene ends)
"I believe you know of Fang Fei in Metro City? if you could, please deliver this letter to him."
Fang Fei: "Ah, a letter for me. Why, thank you."
(Switches to a scene of Fang Fei reading the letter A.K.I. has wrote)
"Hm, cipher pattern 49. What have we here... The remnants are... Shower...A.K.I....Praise... Ah hah, her cipher usage isn't bad at all..."
(Fang gets frustrated)
"But there's far too much noise in this message... This child... Hm, I see. So that's what's happening. There's no doubt that JP is planning on using Ed. How dare he leave me out of this..." (Scene ends)
Fang Fei: "Wait a moment! Have you been here this whole time!? We are done here, so mind your own business and begone already!"
Master Assist
"Feel free to call on me whenever you're in a fight."
"I want to see how you are putting my techniques to use, so call on me whenever you like."
Learning a new technique
"Don't expect me to ask you questions about yourself. I personally don't care. But if you do anything to get in me or the master's way, I'll wipe you off the face of the planet. Understood? And that wasn't figurative. I am being gravely serious. They won't find so much as a femur left."
"How about a new technique? Here you go."
"I guess it's time to teach you a new technique."
"Try this technique out sometime. I am sure you will find a use for it."
"Here. Another one of my techniques"
Sparring
"Care to pit your skills against mine?"
(Answer: Yes) "In that case, A.K.I.'s ready to play."
(Answer: No) "No? I see."
"Ah, here to test your skills again? Lucky for you, I have time."
(Answer: Yes) "Now then, out come the claws."
(Answer: No) "Okay then."
"Here to test your skills? Sure, why not?"
(Answer: Yes) (Fight ensues)
(Answer: No) "What a shame."
"You want to fight me, again? Sure. Let us see how you've progressed."
(Answer: Yes) (Fight ensues)
(Answer: No) "Ah, is that so?"
"So, here for a fight?"
(Answer: Let's do it!) "You really don't know when to quit."
(Answer: Not right now) "Ah, is that so?"
"*giggle* You are quite strong, aren't you?" (Post-Sparring)
"And that's all for today." (Post-Sparring)
"Satisfied?" (Post-Sparring)
"I am starting to grow tired of this." (Post-Sparring)
"You don't have to keep coming back. Eeehehehehe... It might be better to stop, while you still can." (Post-Sparring)
Gifts
"...What's this?" (Giving a gift to A.K.I.)
"This is for me?" (Giving a gift to A.K.I.)
"Thank you." (Giving a gift to A.K.I.)
"Yes, sure. I will take that." (Reaction to Gift)
"A fan? You thought it would suit me...? Well, thank you." (Reaction to Fan)
"Oh, another one. Did you know, in some parts of China, gifting someone a fan might conjure the idea of separation? That is to say, perhaps I should consider this a farewell. Any last words? Eeheeheehee." (Reaction to Fan)
"Ah, yes, this... You sneak it into someone's food and then wait to see the shock on their face after they take a bite. Ah, but its pungent odor often gives the game away, no matter how well you mix it in. But that is not an issue for poison. There are numerous flavorless and odorless toxins, you see. And many that can kill as well. Now that would make for a surprise worth watching. *giggle*" (Reaction to Japanese Horseradish)
"Poison does take a while to hit when you've got a big body."
Notices
Reached a Bond of 100 in World Tour!
"Cute? These clothes? Well, I couldn't care less about how anyone thinks I look, to be honest. Not in the slightest."
Happy Birthday, A.K.I.!
"My year? Let me see. I studied Master's poison, completed the assignments he gave me, wrote letters to him, and even got some praise! Yes, it was a year of perfection! And as long as I continue to serve the master, this year will hopefully be more of the same.
Your Top Tier Voted Fighter
"A popularity contest? I normally don't care for such things... But I'm certain in all of those votes for me is one casted by my master...and I can't help but shiver with glee!!"
