Placeholder.
This scene happens between episodes 3 and 4.---Arc 2 go!---
> Monday morning! A week since Michiru's world changed. 5 PM comes in perfect harmony with her awakening. Her room is so gray, so lifeless - yet one thing awakens her. A colorful hand runs through her hair, Despair sitting at her side. His eyes are hidden again, face distant. "Stagnation. Awaken."
* Michiru gets up slowly, until she can sit down on her bed, assessing the situation. Before turning to Despair, Michiru glances at the window and realizes the sun isn't up yet - although, without the aid of colour, the difference between night and day... barely existed. Even the fringe benefits of the night seemed lost since then... but nevermind. She turns to Despair, her eyes still half-closed. "... yes."
> Gently his hand goes through your hair. Each movement stills your breathing, your heartbeat, your very soul. Stills it into unmoving, perfectly frozen despair. "I come to you early, Michiru, for we have a request of you."
> Gently his hand goes through your hair. Each movement stills your breathing, your heartbeat, your very soul. Stills it into unmoving, perfectly frozen despair. "I come to you early, Stagnation, for we have a request of you."
* Michiru looks up, her face a still-nature, barely living. She felt vaguely desperate for a moment, as if she was about to embrace Despair... but her body stilted. Staring at Despair's endless void, she nodded. "What am I required for, Despair?"
> "A...mere human has gotten our attention. You are to find him for us." His hand stops, running down Michiru's cheek, raising her chin up again. "My...Stagnation. We will aid your power for this."
* Michiru rehearses a smile with difficulty, and once again it falls short before it can conclude. A bitter smirk followed by a sigh are all she musters. "Amusing. What do they have in mind for him, Despair?"
> "Find him and we will take him. You will be rewarded for accepting this, my Stagnation." He leans in, close and closer to Michiru's sad, smirking face.
* Michiru nods. "I understand, Despair. If that's the case..." She looks up the window once again, reminiscing something without words, barely a thought - which, by definition, was bound to die in obscurity. "What do I need to know about this human? Is his location pinpointed yet?"
> "No. He...stood up and defeated Pestilence by himself in one fury." A moment of...something passes over Despair's face, but it's like trying to solve an enigma in a moment's flash. "Do not engage him or any inhumans you find if you cannot help it. Merely focus on finding him. Are you ready?"
* Michiru nods. "I am ready whenever you need me, Despair. Shall we?"
> roll 2d6-2
* Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6-2 and gets 6."12 [2d6=6, 2]
> "Yes." With this Despair leans in, kissing Michiru! OOC - Soul check and Mind check.
<Michiru> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Michiru rolls 2d6 and gets 4."12 [2d6=1, 3]
<Michiru> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Michiru rolls 2d6 and gets 7."12 [2d6=1, 6]
> Your mind screams - for unhinged moment you see a beautiful face in your mind. You aren't sure of who, but it makes you want to cry - and then it fills your body! A coldness, an emptiness that overwhelms! You feel the heat drain from your body, perhaps never to come back! Your bloodflow stops, heart beating for it's very last time. In it's place is perfection; garish movement rejected for serene stillness.
> For a clarion moment your forehead burns against this, burns and tries to invigorate, but it is not enough. This feeling winks out of existance, and in it's place is the same cold as all over. Your eyes tickle, as if the very glassy muscles inside are shifting.
* Michiru blinks, her mind impossibly jumbled as of now. She didn't know whether she feigned shock or it was real, gaping and noisy. A perfect circle drew itself into her center, and a moment that extended itself to infinity appeared - until she grasped it within her palm, and her destiny took a no-return curve. Michiru looks away for a moment, and coughs. "... let us go."
> "Yes." As Michiru stands air leaves her lungs, no need to refill it. Humanity...it's as if the last decanters of it in her body have been stilled by her true nature. Instead energy comes from the eternal cessation she is, motions slower yet more graceful than ever before. As you stand, a pair of sunglasses is passed to Michiru. "So that the humans will not see your eyes now."
* Michiru nods in acceptance, still getting used to her new condition - but, still... the pain subsided for a moment. Her body was a petrified Degas ballerina, her mind an excerpt from Nietzsche's screams of agony. As the glasses hide her eyes, Michiru smiles. "Thank you."
> "Soon this form will not be what you clothe your spirit with," Despair smiles to you, a rarity on him. You feel the melancholy in your heart fade, as he reaches up to stroke your cheek and chin.
* Michiru reaches Despair's hand, a sad yet satisfied smile in her face. She has no words any more, only a faint desire, and a job to fulfill. "... I... should go."
> "Go. Live your life as you see fit for now." These words are the only ones he gives before he vanishes, but as he does, an image plays in your mind. A giant of a man with a long gray ponytail, face expressionless.
* Michiru sighs for a moment, the realization that she didn't breathe not quite sunken into her mind and body yet. The image of that man sat restlessly - he'd stand in a crowd in a big - awkward, even - way. Finding him wouldn't be exactly easy if he had half the mind to stay away from the masses.
* Michiru ponders a bit. Regardless, she had a farce to live. Thus, she headed for the showers to begin the morning school rituals. Now, living was a line, an indistinct blur that happened as an aside.
> In teh showers Michiru finds another thing. The flow of water down is far too fast for her tastes. It makes her head begin to ache again, offensive to her being.
* Michiru rubs her forehead in pain, grumbling. The pain wasn't new to her, but this would be a hard ritual to get used to, lest she wanted to forfeit the fringe pleasure of water - and there was so very little that could even make her yearn... nevertheless. Michiru stands aside for a moment, avoiding the water stream. "If only I could make it still..."
> OOC - Soul check.
<Michiru> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Michiru rolls 2d6 and gets 9."12 [2d6=3, 6]
> You feel a connection to the water, but it is lost in your aching head.
[15:31] * Michiru blinks. All that was left was to endure the waters a bit longer. A short headache wouldn't kill, anyhow.
> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 10."12 [2d6=6, 4]
> So it does. The shower is soon over, the headache steady but nothing more than an irritant. You still feel off balance, however, afterwards.
* Michiru dries up and dresses up. Funny how a simple thing like the lack of breath changed the very paradigm of her life in a sudden burst. Still dizzy, but moving slowly helped. And it was still early, anyhow.
> So the school day begins! A blob of gray of no note. Michiru's sunglasses get a few looks, but none of her teachers seem to have the will to question her. In fact everyone looks anywhere BUT her. Instead they get to work, even Chitose huddles and never once looking your way.
* Michiru smirks. The unease others felt was a boon at that point, she wasn't in the mood to come up with pointless excuses. That kind of solitude, so open and hostile... it would've hurt her even yesterday, but... I am not the same creature today, indeed. She had a sudden knack for the obvious that Monday, in a musing. And, for a moment, during her Japanese notes, she wondered if she was missing anything from the old life... nah. Not worth it.
> So class goes on! But last period comes with a surprise. "Class, today we're going to have a few clubs come by and talk." Ho-hum, same old nothingness of no import.
* Michiru focuses her mind on a few exercises left in the notebook. Odd how they became a simple pasttime to her now. Regardless, it would distract her from the pointless humdrum the clubs were about to drive up - even if she was in two of them.
> Time and space, boredom and lethargy. All pass and live within Michiru for a good half hour. Who cares - hm?! Color! COLOR! As words by your teacher are drowned out, announcing a new club, Michiru's eyes are drawn up.
* Michiru raises her eyes in a swift blaze, her soul suddenly burning in sharp pain. The unnatural flare calls her, she couldn't ignore the calling... whatever that scream meant.
> Two stars - no, two supernovas. They burn brighter than the rest of the world combined. The first is a star of the brightest blonde, waving and grinning as she enters in. Over her you see a faint overimage, of something greater, but it escapes your vision. The other, coming ni a far more demanding, stronger stride? The Princess has arrived. She follows the blonde girl, casting her lazy, discriminating eyes about. Like a ball of fire
> Like a ball of fire, so bright that it threatens to overwhelm. Your head begins to scream in torment, even as deeper parts of you yearn forthat, reach for it.
* Michiru rubs her temples, and suddenly she almost feels like air fills her lungs once again, fading, forcing her to live. The gelid fortress behind her eyes tried to resist, but the unforgettable fire would not subside. Michiru squinted her eyes, trying to endure the intensity of the light, uneasy.
> "Hi!" The blonde starshien waves to everyone, "I'm here to get you to join the Supernatural Club because it's really awesome and we need more members and it'sl cool and Rei-chan'll be there too and I know she'll be fun to be with as we look into aliens, huh?!"
* Michiru blinks. At that moment, the unease from before felt almost like an oxymoron, a joke. -Almost- mostly due to the fact the feeling hasn't subsided. But the blonde's speech was an affront to even the lowest pits of humanity. Not that it mattered - in fact, it was vaguely funny. Michiru smirked, holding a giggle within her palm.
[17:02] <Anastasia> As the class stares and a few sigh, "It'll be cool! We'll see all the secrets of the universe and find awesome things and heck I even provide free drinks, huh, so c'mon and give it a shot and I'll even give out free copies of Excalibur!?"
> Rei sighs as Kotono goe son, the Princess casting her gaze around, stoppin g amoment on Michiru's hidden smirk.
* Michiru feels the blazing amethysts' lock-on, and quickly undoes her condescending grin. If even an amorphous fool like Chitose could recognize her truth behind the serpent's smile, the eyes of the flare would certainly find more. She lowered her head, trying to hide her true self as much as she could.
> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 10."12 [2d6=6, 4]
> Your head aches again, but only faintly. Rei stares at you long, before taking her merciless eyes away from you
* Michiru smiles once again - for some reason, she felt daring. But a bit less condescension wouldn't hurt, Michiru, it wouldn't. However... heh. It was so easy to mock them. To look down on their hopes and dreams. Tsk... she looked down upon her own aspirations at that point. She leered the burning beacons of hope (irony notwithstanding) a bit more. The speech was probably almost over.
> Not at all! Kotono runs on and on, as if her radience grants her great energy! "Plus we'll go to Stonehenge next year and see a real druid and then track down some ghosts and find another really cool thing, too, and we can all do this together if you join and won't it be cool, huh, and I promise you'll like it, so raise you'rehand if you're interested!!!!"
* Michiru smirks. So, that was the purpose of that invitation by the haughty princess? It was an interesting call indeed... a good opportunity to check on those strangers Despair would certainly like to hear more about, and... sincerely... she knew she craved for that breath of life, even if it pained her to admit. However, she wouldn't want to seem eager, undignified. She waited a moment to see if any hand raised. If none did, Michiru would.
> None do at all - this isn't unusual, as Kotono look son with muted, radiant hope! Rei just tries not to yawn, shaking her head in vague annoyance
* Michiru glees, somewhat, trying to hide her face. She wouldn't want to raise even more suspicions, after all. With a resigned movement, she slowly raises her hand... expecting an explosion.
> "Ooooh! Hey there!" Kotono literally leaps up and down, waving, "Come on up here, huh?"
> Rei turns to you now, a look of mild surprise turning into a measured, cautious look and narrowing of her eyes. She stands aside, not happy at this at all from the way she just glowers.
* Michiru nods silently, getting up and advancing, step by step, as if preparing herself in a dangerous, but essential ritual. She bows to the girls, and cowers a bit under the shining beacon they represent. This would certainly raise a few eyebrows... and not from the asquerous pieces of clay, but the amethyst dynamo, and she knew. "Excuse me."
> "Great!" Kotono runs forward and takes your hands, "I'm Kotono Sarashima and the Club President and Founder! We'll have a meeting Wednesday now to welcome you with everyone and I promise you're gonna have a really awesome time with us!"
* Michiru nods meekly. "Pleased to meet you. I'm Michiru Kaioh."
> "Right! Michiru, that's Rei-chan and you'll meet Hot-chan and Junki-chan and maybe even Setsuna if she's there,r ight, so you'll just love it Wednesday after school!"
> As Kotono rambles, Rei looks ove the rest of the class. She sees them look surprise, Chitose looking up in honest surprise.
* Michiru looks to the legion of clay, their pointless glances feeding her condescension coldly. As she notices Chitose, another carnivorous smile rises to her cheeks, bright, ready to eviscerate those puppet eyes in a rampage. The smirk wanes quickly, and Michiru eyes Rei for a moment, in silence.
> "...Aaaaaah!" Chitose cries out, bursting into tears and running out of the room in a panicked terror! Rei turns to Michiru, eyes burning, searing, frying her.
> "Well...um....nice to meet you?" Kotono stops at that, watching Chitose out before she nods. "So um Wednesday, right!"
* Michiru blinks, a hint of nervousness. It wouldn't be easy to bypass the princess' instincts... however, the blonde... heh. If Michiru didn't knew better, she'd consider Kotono a free target dummy. She could take that to her advantage. With that in mind, she nodded to Kotono, now with a regal, polite smile. "Of course. Thank you for the warm welcome, Sarashima-san."
> "Right! I'll see you then, and feel free to drop by if you need me fo rsomething!" With that Kotono smile san bows to you, taking off. "Come on, Rei-chan, we can get a few more if we hurry up!"
* Michiru bows gracefully to Kotono, and returns to her desk as delicately as she got up. Hmph. That would be an interesting turn of events... and she knew some juggling between the search for that human and the investigation of those burning planets would be necessary. However, this all could be planned and arranged with some thought. She would have to report to Despair... but, for now, she would focus on her school works.
Uh, goes in here somewhere... Dune can say when later?
[11:49] <@Kotono> ---Arc 2 go!---
[11:52] <@Kotono> Sunday morning is a time of peace at Taka's dojo. For Makoto she's helping a woman's self defense course go, the events of the past day rendered moot for now. As she is absorbed in this, another comes into the dojo. A tall man with striking curly brown hair, a warrior from long past in the form ofa normal human. His goal is Makoto, even as she leads young women through exercises...
[11:53] * @Takeshi stands to the side as Makoto gets the class started on their instructions, not wanting to interrupt the curvaceous brunette as she goes about her work.
[11:57] <@Makoto> It's fairly simple stuff, but more proficient than most people, and the women attending the class-mostly smaller, quieter types-are all fairly proficient, surprisingly enough. Enough so that the class is rather informal, Makoto approaching it as a friend, rather than a taskmaster, and it seems to work. The class is smiles and laughs during the practice, Makoto moving about, instructing...but soon enough, she has them pair off to practice, whic
[11:58] <@Makoto> but soon enough, she has them pair off to practice, which frees her up to notice and approach Takeshi. "'Sup?" She asks casually as she approaches, with a little wave.
[11:59] <@Takeshi> "Thought I'd come see about getting a bit more training," Takeshi says with a slight smile.
[11:59] <@Takeshi> "You did say to drop by whenever I had time, so..."
[12:00] <@Makoto> "Oh, good." Makoto smiles at him. "This is a good time to practice our more flamboyant stuff, too. After this class, the dojo's empty for the day."
[12:02] <@Takeshi> "Whatever you want to work on is fine with me," Takeshi replies. "You want to get started now, or wait until the class finishes up?"
[12:04] <@Makoto> "Heh." Makoto shakes her head. "Wait until it finishes. We go through a lot to raise these's women's self esteem. Having them see a guy like you in action would probably undo a fair bit of it."
[12:05] * @Takeshi chuckles a bit. "Maybe not, if I'm as accident-prone as I was the last time I was here. But point taken."
[12:08] * @Makoto gives Takeshi a sidelong look. "Well, at least you're lightening up about it." She adds, shrugging. "See the girl with the blue pageboy cut and the glasses, in the middle? That's Mei. Her boyfriend was slapping her around." Makoto explains, her voice turning serious. "The girl she's practicing with gets bullied in school because she's so small. I get a little protective of them, 'cause this is probably the most important teaching I'll
[12:09] <@Makoto> I get a little protective of them, 'cause this is probably the most important teaching I'll ever do."
[12:10] * @Takeshi nods, his face getting a bit more solemn. "I definitely understand THAT," he says quietly, watching the girls practice for a few moments. "Not being able to defend yourself is a horrible way to feel, especially when you have a need for it."
[12:12] * @Makoto nods quietly. "I worry a lot that I can't give them everything they might need, but if I can give them confidence enough that they don't panic, and a fighting chance if it comes to real trouble, that's enough." She says, watching them too.
[12:14] * @Takeshi pauses for a few moments, watching the young women as they go through their kata. "Tell you what. If you want a live practice dummy for them, let me know sometime. Might help if they have to come face to face with what they're most likely to face, at least when you think they're ready for it."
[12:16] <@Makoto> "Hmmm..." Makoto's eyebrows rise as she gives Takeshi an appraising look. "You're tough enough. Could you softball them a bit? I mean, Breaking their hands on you is probably not good. You know how to twist with a punch, right?"
[12:18] <@Takeshi> "Oh, definitely. I can't really make myself any softer, but I can give way to a punch like a normal person would." Takeshi nods. "And for throws, there's no difference between throwing me and throwing anyone else, I just land easier."
[12:21] <@Makoto> "Hmm. Let me feel them out, but it's a nice idea." Makoto smiles.
[12:23] <@Takeshi> "Sure," Takeshi replies agreeably. "Might help them if they can get used to a big guy coming at them before it's crunch time, was my main thought."
[12:24] <@Makoto> Makoto nods. "It is...though, I'll want to get them prepared. A lot of them are skittish around men, but I think even just a few sometime to tell the others might work wonders."
[12:25] <@Takeshi> "Take your time and let me know," Takeshi nods. "It's not like I'm terribly busy other than work, so I can stop in just about any time I'm not in school."
[12:26] <@Makoto> Makoto offers him a bright smile. "I'll do that. Thanks. I'll talk to Uncle Taka about it, too, and see what he thinks."
[12:29] <@Takeshi> "I will," Takeshi agrees. Most of the rest of the class' practice is spent watching the girls on the floor, noting what sorts of moves they're using and the like, until the grouped women have finished their lesson and dispersed. As the last of them departs, Takeshi turns back to Makoto. "Mmm. Had a talk with Serenity, and she mentioned that you're also a defensive fighter?"
[12:30] <@Makoto> "Defensive?" Makoto blinks, then scratches her head. "Oh, wait, she must mean that I watch the other's backs." the brunette realizes, thumping a fist in her palm.
[12:32] <@Takeshi> "I'm just going by what she had to say," Takeshi says with a slight shrug. "My style - in fighting as Nephrite, anyway - is almost purely defensive. I'm not too good at causing damage, but I can take tremendous amounts of punishment, and even have a few techniques for interrupting the enemy's attacks."
[12:35] <@Makoto> "Well...I fight to defend, but I'm pretty good at inflicting damage." Makoto replies, smiling. "The big sword isn't for show. Usually, I dive in and get in the bad guy's way so he doesn't target the others, while they hit him with their magical cannon attacks."
[12:36] * @Takeshi chuckles. "You're more versatile than I am, then, although I'm probably a bit better at taking damage just due to specialization. The real question is trying to figure out exactly what we can learn from each other, I suppose."
[12:42] <@Makoto> "Hmm." Makoto tugs on her ponytail aimlessly as she stares at the ceiling thoughtfully. "Well, Nior and I just fought. Usually beat the hell out of each other-I got pretty good at taking his hits, and he said he learned more about how to deal with someone more mobile than he was." She gives Takeshi a winsome smile. "We could just do our level best to beat each other senseless, and hope for the best." A slight giggle follows the proclaimation,
[12:42] <@Makoto> A slight giggle follows the proclaimation, but it's clear she considers it an option.
[12:45] * @Takeshi smirks at that. "I don't see a problem with that, but I'll tell you the same thing I told Usagi-san when I practiced with her this week. When it comes to fighting as Nephrite, I always go no holds barred - I'll use every trick I can lay my hands on, even in a spar. Either person can call it off any time, of course, but I'd rather go all out - that way all the tricks are fresh in mind when it comes to a real fight."
[12:49] <@Makoto> "Hmm." Makoto puts her hands on her hips. "I don't mind, I guess, but you might. You're pretty tough, but I don't know if I want to try tagging you with my sword, lightning, or any stray animals I can call."
[12:50] <@Takeshi> "Let's leave the animals out of it - no sense in getting THEM hurt. Sword... eh, up to you. You cut me up, it'll heal. And if taking shots of lightning can even just get me used to dealing with it in live combat, it's another tool I've got to work with."
[12:54] <@Makoto> "Let's start without the sword for now." Makoto ponders. "Start slow and work up. I don't mind unloading at you, but I want to see you take it with my own eyes before I really go to town. Even a light voltage blast of lightning left burns on normal people."
[12:55] <@Takeshi> "Fair enough. I don't plan on going with stone projectiles here, though, as it'd really rip the floor up in here pretty badly." So saying, he closes his eyes and changes, a slight blurring of his form concealing Takeshi and revealing Nephrite.
[12:58] <@Makoto> "You probably couldn't, anyway." Makoto smiles and stands back, fishing her pen out of her gi. "I can play around with Wood...Make it almost as hard as rock, if I concentrate." She adds, glancing at the dojo floor as she raises her pen aloft. "Jupiter Crystal Power, Make UP!"
[11:21] * +General_Nephrite drops into a fighting stance, his eyes only on his opponent. "Ready whenever you are..."
[11:24] <@Anastasia> In a flash of power Sailor Jupiter appears! Lighting rings her body as a long forgotten General appears! OOC - Initiative and good luck!
[11:24] <+General_Nephrite> 1d6+10
[11:24] * +Hatbot --> "General_Nephrite rolls 1d6+10 and gets 11." [1d6=1]
[11:25] <@Sailor_Jupiter> "'kay!" The Senshi of Jupiter replies brightly, shifting into a loose stance herself, and...
[11:25] <@Sailor_Jupiter> roll 1d6+9
[11:25] * +Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 1d6+9 and gets 14." [1d6=5]
[11:31] <@Sailor_Jupiter> ...makes a flickering gesture with one hand, sending a probing bolt of lighting across the gap from her fingertips, rather than breaching it herself!
[11:32] <@Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6
[11:32] * +Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6 and gets 9." [2d6=3, 6]
[11:35] * +General_Nephrite braces for the attack, but the bolt doesn't even reach him. Crossing the gap himself, he attempts to grab Makoto's arm to pull her into a hip throw!
[11:35] <+General_Nephrite> roll 2d6
[11:35] * +Hatbot --> "General_Nephrite rolls 2d6 and gets 10." [2d6=4, 6]
[11:36] <+General_Nephrite> But his grip is poor, unable to even maintain a hold on her wrist.
[11:38] <@Sailor_Jupiter> Makoto frowns a little-Lightning is not responding well to her call lately. Shifting to simple tactics, she simply drives a hard punch at Nephrite's nose after slithering out of the grip!
[11:38] <@Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6
[11:38] * +Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6 and gets 10." [2d6=6, 4]
[11:42] <@Sailor_Jupiter> The swing whistles just wide, the wind tickling said nose!
[11:43] * +General_Nephrite leans back out of the way of the punch, his hand flashing up and removing the gem that fastens the front of his uniform. With it held in his hand, he thrusts a straight punch at Jupiter's midsection.
[11:43] <+General_Nephrite> roll 2d6
[11:43] * +Hatbot --> "General_Nephrite rolls 2d6 and gets 4." [2d6=2, 2]
[11:45] <@Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6-2
[11:45] * +Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6-2 and gets 5." [2d6=6, 1]
[11:48] <@Sailor_Jupiter> Makoto twists out of the way, snaring the wrist as it passes, then slipping one leg out and slamming a short, hard blow to the upper chest to knock Nephrite over!
[11:48] <@Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6
[11:48] * +Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6 and gets 7." [2d6=6, 1]
[11:48] <+General_Nephrite> roll 2d6
[11:48] * +Hatbot --> "General_Nephrite rolls 2d6 and gets 8." [2d6=3, 5]
[11:59] <@Sailor_Jupiter> The outstretched leg prevents absorbtion of the blow, and Nerphite's legs fly out from under him as he's deposited HARD on the dojo floor!
[12:00] <@Sailor_Jupiter> *Nephrite
[12:01] * +General_Nephrite slams to the floor with a grunt, springing back to his feet with a quick backflip. "Nice shot," he says with a slight smile, taking a breath to center himself again.
[12:03] * @Sailor_Jupiter smiles back and takes her own stance. "Thanks." She replies brightly, her breathing from exertion beginning to settle. "Go again, or are you gonna try me, this time?"
[12:05] <+General_Nephrite> "I'll take a SHOT!" replies by launching himself at Makoto, a grim look on his face as he swings his foot around to connect with her gut!
[12:05] <+General_Nephrite> roll 2d6
[12:05] * +Hatbot --> "General_Nephrite rolls 2d6 and gets 5." [2d6=3, 2]
[12:06] <@Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6-2
[12:06] * +Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6-2 and gets 8." [2d6=4, 6]
[12:11] <@Sailor_Jupiter> The boot collides with her gut, though, to her credit, nary a sound save for a grunt issues from her lips as she falls backward and down-though rolls to her feet quickly enough! "Aaahh...." She manages, breathing in. "I'd forgotten what that felt like-I miss Nior." She coughs once.
[12:12] * +General_Nephrite chuckles briefly. "You're fast as hell - hard to even land a hit."
[12:14] <@Sailor_Jupiter> "It's good incentive to get faster when a giant is hitting you with fists the size of canned hams." Makoto quips, and uses the moment to dive forward, pulling thunder from her soul to blaze around her skin in a defensive corona as she jumps, a flying kick screaming straight for Nephrite, both legs extended!
[12:14] <@Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6
[12:14] * +Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6 and gets 8." [2d6=3, 5]
[12:21] <@Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6-1
[12:21] * +Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6-1 and gets 7." [2d6=6, 2]
[12:21] <+General_Nephrite> roll 2d6
[12:21] * +Hatbot --> "General_Nephrite rolls 2d6 and gets 11." [2d6=5, 6]
[12:30] * +General_Nephrite takes the full force of the kick in the center of his chest, the impact sending the general flying into a skid halfway across the dojo. He twitches a bit at the lightning traveling through his limbs, but slowly manages to regain his feet, looking rather unhappy.
[12:32] * @Sailor_Jupiter catches hersled on the ground, and rolls back to her feet, standing and looking over at him with raised eyebrows. "Nothing too difficult, was it?"
[12:32] * +General_Nephrite simply scowls. "Keep it coming."
[12:37] <@Sailor_Jupiter> "You really need to relax." Makoto sighs, and dispensing with the small talk, she gets to work. Closing the distance between them, Makoto simply gets to work, a quick, roundhouse punch coming at him!
[12:37] <@Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6
[12:37] * +Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6 and gets 10." [2d6=4, 6]
[12:42] <+General_Nephrite> Ducking under the telegraphed punch with ease, Takeshi drops the gem in his hands at Makoto's feet, concentrating as he attempts to manipulate the crystalline stone into a snare to trap Jupiter's legs.
[12:42] <+General_Nephrite> roll 2d6 for EC
[12:42] * +Hatbot --> "General_Nephrite rolls 2d6 for EC and gets 5." [2d6=4, 1]
[12:45] <@Anastasia> OOC - DCV, Mako-chaaaaan.
[12:45] <@Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6-2
[12:45] * +Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6-2 and gets 8." [2d6=5, 5]
[12:46] <+General_Nephrite> Three streamers of red crystal expand outward from the gemstone, wrapping themselves tightly around both of Makoto's legs and pinning them together!
[12:51] <@Sailor_Jupiter> In a flash of light, Nemesis appears in Makoto's hands as she mutters crankily about people grabbing her feet, and watching Nephrite for an incoming attack.
[12:52] * +General_Nephrite circles around behind Makoto quickly, aiming a roundhouse kick at Makoto's back to knock her off balance (and hopefully away) while she's unable to move freely.
[12:52] <+General_Nephrite> roll 2d6
[12:52] * +Hatbot --> "General_Nephrite rolls 2d6 and gets 6." [2d6=4, 2]
[12:54] <@Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6-1
[12:54] * +Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6-1 and gets 2." [2d6=1, 2]
[12:57] <@Sailor_Jupiter> Makoto dives forward, and into a roll, away from the roundhouse, and rolls into a sitting position on the floor, swinging at the crystal prison with Nemesis, aiming to free her persecuted feet!
[12:58] <@Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6
[12:58] * +Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6 and gets 5." [2d6=3, 2]
[13:00] <@Sailor_Jupiter> Mystic wood meets mystic crystal, and there's a flash as the crystal shatters, freeing a pair of heeled boots! "That's REALLY annoying."
[13:02] <+General_Nephrite> "You're too fast," Takeshi replies with a slight grimace as he tries to deliver a snap kick to the sitting brunette. "Gotta slow you down somehow."
[13:02] <+General_Nephrite> roll 2d6
[13:02] * +Hatbot --> "General_Nephrite rolls 2d6 and gets 9." [2d6=3, 6]
[13:04] <@Sailor_Jupiter> Ack! Too soon to get up and dodge! Makoto instead moves to deflect the incoming attack with her sword!
[13:04] <@Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6-1
[13:04] * +Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6-1 and gets 7." [2d6=6, 2]
[13:07] <@Sailor_Jupiter> That gets a hit in, Takeshi's heel slamming into Makoto's cheek and knocking her all the way down. "Ow."
[13:09] <+General_Nephrite> "You okay?" Takeshi says, stepping back a pace to allow Makoto to regain her feet. No sense in CONTINUING to kick her while she's down, after all.
[13:11] * @Sailor_Jupiter touches her cheek gingerly as she climbs to her feet, giving Nephrite a dark look. "I'd consider it a favor if you tried not to hit me there too much. Girls can't get away with bruises as easily as boys." she grumbles, raising her sword to a ready position.
[13:12] <+General_Nephrite> "Wasn't really aiming for the face, sorry," Takeshi says apologetically, dropping into a crouch as the sword comes into play.
[13:16] <@Sailor_Jupiter> "Fair enough." Makoto nods, letting it go as she braces herself, holding her sword down and to the side, and raising her hand again. She smiles at him and a soft blue glow begins to appear-before she closes her hand, and with a small thunderclap, a large, wicked looking Uru hammer made of living, Writhing lighting appears there! "Thunder Hammer." Makoto whispers, letting it fly!
[13:16] <@Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6
[13:16] * +Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6 and gets 6." [2d6=2, 4]
[13:18] * +General_Nephrite smiles faintly, thrusting his hands out ahead of him. With a sharp cry, a feeble lance of pale yellow energy emerges from his joined palms to strike the flying hammer as it approaches!
[13:18] <+General_Nephrite> roll 2d6
[13:18] * +Hatbot --> "General_Nephrite rolls 2d6 and gets 6." [2d6=4, 2]
[13:20] <+General_Nephrite> The energy strikes the hammer head-on, and with a muted boom both attacks explode into a shower of sparkling motes, winking out as they impact against the walls of the room!
[13:23] <@Sailor_Jupiter> "Aha." Jupiter nods to herself. "I had a feeling there was a reason you didn't seem all that intimidated when we mentioned longer range magic attacks."
[13:25] <+General_Nephrite> "You guessed right, then," Nephrite says, straightening up a bit. "Bit more draining than I'd like, but I don't use magic for much anyway. Used to drive people nuts when I'd spar with them way back in the day - forces them into getting up close and personal, which not everyone's too good at." He gives Makoto a grin. "You're definitely not one of those, though."
[13:29] * @Sailor_Jupiter gives Nephrite a coy look. "Why, thank you." She drawls. "You're not too bad yourself. Shall we get down to beating each other up in earnest, now?"
[13:30] <+General_Nephrite> "Hah, now that's the kind of sweet talking I like to hear," he retorts, giving Makoto a grin. "Let's see what you've got, then!"
[13:31] <@Sailor_Jupiter> "Most men would be intimidated when a girl has a bigger sword than they do." Makoto laughs, diving at Nephrite, and opening up with her other set of skills, a diagonal slash, with only power behind it!
[13:31] <@Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6
[13:31] * +Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6 and gets 3." [2d6=2, 1]
[13:32] <+General_Nephrite> roll 2d6
[13:32] * +Hatbot --> "General_Nephrite rolls 2d6 and gets 7." [2d6=4, 3]
[13:33] * +General_Nephrite twists to the side, reaching out to steer Makoto by her sword hand as the slash passes through the space he was occupying mere moments ago.
[13:33] <+General_Nephrite> roll 2d6
[13:33] * +Hatbot --> "General_Nephrite rolls 2d6 and gets 11." [2d6=5, 6]
[13:33] <+General_Nephrite> But Jupiter moves too quickly, the general unable to get a hand on her.
[13:34] <@Sailor_Jupiter> Makoto channels the momentum of the slash into a spin, long, LONG legs ending in a heeled boot arcing for Takeshi's head in a roundhouse kick!
[13:34] <@Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6
[13:34] * +Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6 and gets 7." [2d6=6, 1]
[13:34] <+General_Nephrite> roll 2d6
[13:34] * +Hatbot --> "General_Nephrite rolls 2d6 and gets 11." [2d6=6, 5]
[13:36] <+General_Nephrite> The kick connects with the side of Nephrite's head with an audible CRACK, the general himself sent flying across the dojo to land in a heap. "Okay, I deserved that one," he mumbles, shaking his head as he pushes himself up onto hands and knees. "Payback's a bitch."
[13:39] * @Sailor_Jupiter laughs. "And so am I?" She quirks an eyebrow. "C'mon, big boy. I've got High hopes for that stamina of yours..." Jupiter adds, diving to the attack again with glee...(Skip)...And after what seems like hours, The Two combatants sag to ground, a halt called my mutual weariness. Jupiter falls over on her back, laughing weakly. "I haven't had that much fun in ages."
[13:40] <@Sailor_Jupiter> *called by mutual weariness
[13:41] * +General_Nephrite flops back with a groan. "Man, what a workout," Nephrite moans, letting his arms splay out to his sides. "Nice change to actually fight someone that can actually make me feel a hit, though. You're damn good, Makoto."
[13:45] <@Sailor_Jupiter> "Thanks." Makoto smiles a little as she pushes herself up onto her elbows. "Right back at you."
[13:48] * +General_Nephrite lets Nephrite's form slip away before levering himself up into a sitting position. "I can't remember the last... well, no, I can remember the last time I actually had a spar like that. But it's been a few thousand years, apparently."
[13:50] * @Sailor_Jupiter lets her transformation fade as well, sighing. "Well, I can't say that...Nior was excellent for improving my overall fitness. You should meet him."
[13:51] <+Takeshi> "Yeah? What's he like, then?" Takeshi says, raising an eyebrow.
[13:54] <@Makoto> "A mountain that walks like a man." Makoto offers wryly. "Usagi purified him. No magic whatsover...and he hit Jadeite with a footbal tackle and knocked him through a gate a few feet away." She smiles. "He always comes through for us-Though he's a little more stoic than most. He can be hard to talk to if you like conversation."
[13:56] * +Takeshi whistles at that. "From everything I've heard of what Jadeite became, sounds like quite a feat," he says, shaking his head. "Stoic doesn't bother me, though - if you say what you've got to say, why waste extra words over it?"
[13:58] <@Makoto> "Exactly." Makoto nods, smiling brightly. "He's a good man. It's almost a shame he's so old-if we were the same age..." She shakes her head and shrugs. "Still, he's like my honorary uncle. I spent a lot of time with him while he was here, and got to like him a lot."
[13:59] <+Takeshi> "He's from Gaia, then?" Takeshi asks, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees.
[14:01] <@Makoto> "Yep." Makoto nods. "Running the military, too." She adds, yawning.
[14:02] <+Takeshi> "Heh, not a bad job if you know what you're doing," he says, heaving himself to his feet and offering a hand to Makoto. "I should probably get home and get some rest - you look about as bushed as I feel."
[14:03] <@Makoto> "Heh...I am." She agrees, taking the hand and standing. "Gonna be by later to see uncle Taka?"
[14:04] <+Takeshi> "Yeah, I should probably get a schedule from him if I'm going to start training here," Takeshi agrees. "It'll keep until later, though." With a grin he delivers a Western-style bow to Makoto. "Until next we meet, fair lady warrior - and try to beat the living crap out of each other again, I'm sure."
[14:05] * @Makoto blushes and shakes her head. "Later, Takeshi." She murmurs, waving, and disappearing in a burst of light.
This happens between episodes 3 and 4[22:45] <Usagi> Tuesday finds Usagi back at school after taking a day to come to terms with the horrible acts she had participated in with Sailor Mars over the weekend. Perhaps its not enough, since she still seems somewhat out of sorts, but one must go through the motions!
[22:45] <Usagi> Nonetheless, the blonde brushes off the lunch invitations of her female friends with mostly concealed discomfort, picking up her bento and going for a wander in hopes of finding some place more solitary to enjoy her lunch and wallow in her lesbian shame.
[22:48] <Usagi> Leaving the school building itself and breathing in the crisp Autumn air, Usagi wanders somewhat aimlessly, eventually winding up between the main building and the gym - a somewhat isolated spot that would be perfect for delinquents if it wasn't immediately overlooked by the staff room.
[22:50] <Asher> Unfortunately for her, the one person who happened to be in that immediate area had little expertise, or experience much at all for that matter, in... lesbian-related manners. He did, however, possess an exemplary talent of being very easily passed over. The blonde literally brushes right past him without noticing him being there, before Asher jerks his head up and blinks, leaning back and sitting against the wall. "Usagi?"
[22:52] <Asher> He's dressed the same as always - Asher is nothing if not predictable - and a bit half englossed within a textbook, which he puts down. Backpack and magical sword in disguise are, as always, safely tucked away next to him.
[22:52] * Usagi turns to Asher with a somewhat subdued look, although she quickly plasters a smile on. "Hi, Asher-kun," she greets him demurely, deciding this is as good a place as any to stop, safe with a comforting masculine presence! "What's up?"
[22:54] <Asher> He taps the top of the textbook he was reading - eh? Some math course; Usagi doesn't even recognize the equations splattered across the cover, so probably not something that would draw her much interest! "Just catching up on work. I've been letting myself fall behind a bit due to.... um, impeding circumstances." Little question about what THAT means. "What about you, isn't it lunchtime?"
[22:56] * Usagi smiles lamely, holding up her bento box. "Needed some space," she replies, going to lean against the wall next to Asher, clearly not needing too much space around him. "You already eaten?" she asks, beginning to open it up.
[23:03] <Asher> "Mm," Asher offers noncommittally, looking back over at her and idly flicking a bit of hair that had gotten in his eyes. Returning to the textbook and opening it back up with a sigh, he shakes his head. "Not feeling hungry today, and other priorities come first. I can always eat later at home anyway..." The sound of pages flipping, as he leans comfortably back. The sun's out nicely today with minimal clouds, giving them both a warm
[23:05] <Asher> --glow out here.
[23:05] <Usagi> Nodding as she begins to pick at her lunch, Usagi lets silence settle for a moment or two before she deigns to break it. "So... haven't really seen you since that thing at the Crown," she begins conversationally. "How you coping?"
[23:10] <Asher> "I'm alive," comes the matter-of-fact reply as he keeps his eyes onto the pages, half-mouthing something to himself in the midst of talking. He manages to keep talking without breaking concentration, though, crossing his feet. "A bit of a tussle last weekend when I got caught out by ... them - " It was still in school, after all - "alone at the supermarket. Nior and Mamoru came by, then."
[23:12] * Usagi smiles at that, tilting her neck to look up at Asher. "Yeah, I heard they were back - I can't wait to see both of them again," she begins, sounding more honestly happy. "Wait... you fought them again?" she catches herself on that, "Which one? How'd it go?" Oooh, she sounds a little bit stressed, now.
[23:12] <Asher> "And it was a hell of a time getting past my parents because I passed out at Serenity's," he adds with a bit of a whimper, putting his textbook down with a brief look of annoyance.
[23:13] * Usagi nods sympathetically at that last bit. "I can relate to that, at least."
[23:13] <Asher> "How'd it go? Like hell." Nice and blunt, not at all the Asher that she recalls from the Crown! His face looks vaguely disgusted, looking back at her. "It was Pestilence, and he basically toyed with me till Nior came by and broke some walls."
[23:15] <Usagi> "Don't feel too bad," Usagi sets her chopsticks in her lunchbox and reaches up to pat Asher's shoulder with her free hand. "Pestilence took me down pretty badly, you might remember. And that Temptation was even worse..." the petite blonde's cute face turns into a severely pissed scowl for a brief moment, hand dropping and clenching into a white-knuckled fist as she looks away.
[23:16] <Asher> "I'm actually pretty fortunate I got out of there with only a bit of roughing up and nothing else, but heaven help me, I've never felt so incompetent in something for the longest time." Asher punctuates this with a withering glare at the ground and looks away, sighing.
[23:17] <Usagi> "Believe me, I know..." Usagi mutters darkly. "These guys seem to specialise in humiliation..."
[23:17] <Asher> As such, he misses the brief flicker of anger on Usagi's face! But the tension is still rather evident there as he turns his head back, his gaze puzzled, and her words ringing dead on. "What happened with -you-?"
[23:24] <Usagi> "Urgh!" Usagi makes a disgusted sounding noise of frustration and rage. "Just trying to have a nice pleasant evening out with a friend - maybe meet a nice guy, maybe not, who cares? The important thing is getting out there so I can stop wallowing in self pity just because my last boyfriend got a stupid arranged marriage!" she begins to rant, setting her lunchbox on the windowsill so she can gesticulate freely.
[23:24] <Usagi> Said gestures seem to come close to mimicking the act of strangling someone, right now. "But no! Clearly Usagi Tsukino is not allowed to do anything fun and romantic when evil exists in the world! Of course the bad guys have to show up! But now they're too good to just drain everyone's energy and get in a simple fight. No! They've got to use their stupid mind tricks on innocent girls!"
[23:24] <Usagi> Building up a good head of steam, Usagi whirls on Asher, showing no signs of slowing down. "And then two years of stupid lesbian jokes get brought to life in an instant! It's not even like I would look at her twice even if I was gay - which I so am not! I don't care what her stupid magic was making me say and do and think!"
[23:24] <Usagi> "There's no way I'd ever-" All of a sudden Usagi's eyes widen, the blonde clapping her hands over her mouth and looking *mortified*.
[23:30] <Asher> Asher looks... shall we momentarily overwhelmed? He actually backs up a bit, pressing into the wall as the blonde starts her furious tirade, staring up in consternation. The words, though they pass over quickly, slowly click as he raises a shaking hand. No, that won't do. Steady it. "...Usagi, it's... not... that bad... it's still only a joke."
[23:31] <Asher> "You're letting it get the better of you," he adds with a bit of a wince. Straightening back up against the wall with a somewhat unsure look, he shuffles his feet back together. "And I think Rei would understand the difference between monster-induced temptation and reality... wouldn't she?"
[23:32] <Asher> OOC - strike that.
[23:33] <Asher> "You're letting it get the better of you," he adds with a bit of a wince. Straightening back up against the wall with a somewhat unsure look, he shuffles his feet back together. "And I think one would understand the difference between monster-induced temptation and reality... unless the person in question really DOES look at you that way," he asks, a bit pointedly. That would be bad.
[23:35] * Usagi twitches. "Oh, God..." she moans, shaking her head in despair. "No... I wasn't supposed to tell anyone. But it's just so... argh!" she clenches her fists in a manner that could be cute if she wasn't so palpably raging. "I just want to forget it ever happened!" Heaving an enormous sigh, the blonde visibly starts to calm down, though she still seems agitated.
[23:35] <Usagi> "Really, I shouldn't have said anything - you have to promise you'll keep it secret, Asher!" she insists, stepping right into his personal bubble and piercing him with her dreadfully earnest blue eyes. "Please, I'll do anything!"
[23:37] <Asher> ...WRYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY. Not this situation again. Asher's face blanches considerably as he backs up even more! But there's no room to back up to. Ow. That wall's a bit hard. Why was it that he ALWAYS got pinned down in these kind of situations?! "...if you want it quiet, Usagi, I'll keep it quiet. Not like I have any reason to say anything..." These words utter cautiously, as he looks a bit flabbergasted.
[23:39] * Usagi nods her head quickly. "Please! I'd never live it down if this got out!" she insists, before relenting and stepping back. "God, I can't believe I said all that! Two days and I'm already blurting it out? What's wrong with me?" she laments, sagging weakly.
[23:42] <Asher> "The human capacity to keep dark secrets hidden appears to be extrarordinarily low, in my experience." Asher says this with an utterly straight face as he exhales, frees himself from the position of pressing his form against the wall, and looks over at Usagi sympathetically. Of course, he leaves unmentioned is that the ratio is astonishingly even lower in the feminine gender... somehow, that just seems like pushing it.
[23:43] <Asher> "But, seriously, Usagi. I'll keep my mouth shut, but you really can't let this get you down this much." He sighs lamentedly, sitting down next to her. "If you make a big deal out of something, others will follow suit. That's the best way to get attention, not detract it."
[23:45] <Usagi> "I don't know..." the blonde mutters, going to lean against the wall once more. "I did a really good job of keeping the Sailor Moon thing secret - no one had a clue, and then even when I told them they didn't believe me." Nodding firmly and jutting out her chin in a defiant expression, Usagi clenches her dainty fist.
[23:45] <Usagi> "You're right, though - I've been making such a big deal of this, it has to look suspicious! I've got to just bury it deep inside and forget all about it so it'll stop bothering me!"
[23:47] <Asher> That provokes an audible wince. "Um.. I wouldn't exactly recommend that..." Asher throws up his hands, looking a bit lost as to how to word this. "You just need to let it go. Not bury it and let it gnaw at you forever but to move on. So long as the.... other person..." Whom, admittedly, he was vaguely curious to identity! But it wouldn't be appropriate to ask! "...can do the same, then it's like it never happened anyway. You see wh
[23:47] <Asher> -- what I'm saying?"
[23:49] * Usagi nods, grabbing her lunchbox and kneeling down next to Asher. "Yeah - we both agreed to forget about it, so..." she shrugs. "I dunno, though. The other senshi all like to make gay jokes, so this could be hard to keep down. But stewing and moping over it sure won't do me any good. We've just got to be mature and put it behind us," she smiles bravely.
[23:51] <Asher> "They're still just jokes, Usagi," Asher presses, maybe futilely! But this was a point that people didn't seem to get! And probably why most people didn't understand his complete apathetic outlook. Oh well. "If you leave them as that, it's nothing. If you let them bother you, then they're not just jokes anymore... so just bear with it. I mean, you ARE confident about things, right?" He ends that with an disarming smile.
[23:55] <Usagi> "I guess?" the blonde shrugs, starting to once more pick at her meal. "They are just jokes, but I have suspicions about some of them... and now any suspicions anyone has about me are kinda justified, since I've done all that. Even though I'd never do it again!" she blurts out that last bit emphatically.
[23:56] <Asher> "Only if you let it show and let it really shake your confidence in the first place," he tries again, feeling a little frustration build up. She just wasn't letting the issue die. "Eh, just look at it this way... eat lunch, finish classes and carry on. If it really didn't bother you, it has no reason to now." He leans back against the wall again, letting his eyes cast up to the sun above.
[00:01] * Usagi pouts slightly. It did bother her. Surely she couldn't have been compelled to do that if there hadn't been something in her to spark it? To say nothing of how she can still vividly recall the love she felt for Rei, and how real it felt. That couldn't have come out of nothingness. But even if she's capable of admitting what happened, she'll never give away those feelings to anyone. "One day at a time, huh?" she concludes.
[00:02] <Asher> "One day's enough to worry about," Asher says in way of reply as his hand reaches for the textbook again... ohfugit, like he could concentrate at this rate. He just slides it back into his pack and seals it up, yanking the kendo stick over and idly waving it in the air.
[00:03] <Usagi> "How's that coming along, what with the magic and all?" Usagi asks curiously as Asher practices his swordplay, happy to change the subject.
[00:05] <Asher> Well, if "practicing his swordplay" defines waving the damn thing around like a kid. Asher stops at that, placing it back down on the ground carefully and shrugs. "I can do a .. little bit. Still slow to get any progress, though, and this -stick- here seems to have a hissy fit everytime I even think about trying something broader. I guess it's for the better, though. It's gradual."
[00:06] <Asher> His tone of voice seems to imply, unsaid, that gradual progress wasn't something he was used to... and he wasn't! Throwing his head back over to look at her, he smiles a bit haphazardly. "Nothing to write home about. Aside from.... that, anything else new with you?"
[00:07] <Usagi> It does to Usagi's untrained eye! "Mmm... I guess. A lot of it's like sudden inspiration or whatever," she notes before responding to Asher's question. "Aside from the big secret I just blurted out? Not really... hmm, have you met Takeshi, yet?" she asks. She really has been out of the loop on this sort of stuff, lately!
[00:08] <Asher> The name doesn't ring a bell. "Takeshi? Um...." Scrambling through his memory to make sure this wasn't something he just overlooked.. but nope. "No, don't think so. Is he a Gaian too that came along with Nior and Mamoru?"
[00:11] * Usagi shakes her head. "He's kinda like you in that he only just joined us. He's in my class - bit taller than you and has long brown hair," she gives a brief description. "Reincarnated magical warrior," she then gives a very brief summary, sparing Asher pointless details he wouldn't get anyway. "We really should get everyone together for proper introductions - everything's been so scattered, lately..."
[00:13] <Asher> True to her presumptions, much of it just sails right over his head. "There really needs to be a course called Moon Kingdom History 101 or something," Asher remarks in exasperation. "Well, I haven't run into him yet, and everything does seem sort of.... haphazard and splintered at the moment, yeah. Heck, I haven't even seen Kotono for a few days now." Count your blessings, boy! That last statement seems to bring a certain measure o
[00:14] <Asher> "Queen Serenity hasn't said much, either, even those these enemies could hit at any time. It's a constant feeling of anxiety, even if sometimes I can almost forget it." And Asher looks apologetic at that, while sheepish at the same time, standing up now and holding zee stick fully.
[00:15] <Asher> --measure of embarassment." (earlier line)
[00:15] <Usagi> "I guess we're just out of practice - everything used to be so much more organised," the blonde laments with a slight sigh, setting her now empty lunchbox aside. "It doesn't help with how clueless we are - at least last time we had some idea of what was going on with our enemies. These new guys are a complete mystery as well as being a royal pain in the backside."
[00:17] <Asher> "And we still don't have a clue about who they are or what they want." Asher quietly paces back and forth, subconsciously, and with pauses here and there as he gathers his thoughts. "Was it like this when you fought Jadeite, too?"
[00:19] * Usagi shakes her head. "Even if we turned out to be wrong on a lot of stuff, we always *thought* we knew what we were up against and why, right from the start," she replies, leaving aside that 'we' means her cat, since she sure didn't have a clue why she was turning people into dust with thrown headgear. "It's funny, really. Now we're a lot stronger and more confident, but we're still more off balance."
[00:23] <Asher> "Tch." He pauses in his tracks, seeming to trace something along the ground with the end of the kendo stick, as he comments on that. "Organization's a lot more important than just show of force... in this or even in any conflict. Maybe you could start organizing all of the senshi, along with Takeshi and the others, so we can meet at least a few times a week to reconvene?"
[00:24] <Asher> He throws her a meaningful look. "Assuming you haven't already done that? I know that it was quiet for the past two years before I showed up, but now that there's danger again..."
[00:27] <Usagi> "You're right!" Usagi declares, springing to her feet. "Those meetings used to be fun and productive - we should start doing that again!" Taking a pen out of her pocket as well as some bubblegum, Usagi unwraps the confection and prepares to write on the wrapper. "What's your phone number?" she asks.
[00:32] <Asher> "..." You know, it was bad enough that he had to explain to his parents about disappearing that night. Now a girl starts calling? Well, this'll be swell. Asher gives it out reluctantly, shifting his feet. "Just.. uh, don't call unless it's important. Please." He remarks lamely. His parents were being suspicious enough.
[00:35] * Usagi nods, before scribbling her own number on the paper and tearing it in half, presenting hers to Asher. "It'd be a lot easier if we could get you a magic communicator like we've got, but I don't think anyone knows how to make them anymore..." she murmurs apologetically. "Anyway, better get back to class. I'll try and get something set up for maybe tomorrow or Thursday for us all to get together."
[00:36] <Asher> "..actually, I still have Kotono's," Asher brings up wryly, with a bit of a grin on his face. "I should really get back to giving it back to her, but... yeah, something to consider." As if on cue, the bell rings overhead, signaling the end to lunch and their need to return to classes! "Kay, then. If you need me during lunchtime I'll make a point to hang around here. See you later?"
[00:36] <Usagi> "Later!" Usagi smiles and waves, fleeing off back to her own class.
[00:37] <Asher> Packing up and starting to walk off towards the direction of his classes, he throws the blonde a wave before breaking into a full sprint for the classroom.
Between episodes 3 and 4 somewhere.
[16:56] <@Anastasia> ---Arc 2 go!---
[16:57] <@Anastasia> Aaah! Tuesday! Sunday is GONE AND BURIED! But plans are made, nice and distracting plans after school. Usagi just has to tell Takeshi and they'll be good to go - to meet two people at Serenity's.
[16:58] <@Usagi> "Hey, Takeshi-kun!" Usagi prances over to Takeshi's desk as soon as the last class ends, not caring, or perhaps even hoping for, the rumours her behaviour could encourage. "Doing anything this afternoon?"
[16:59] <+Takeshi> "Not today, no," Takeshi replies, shaking his head as he looks up at the energetic blonde. "Was thinking about hitting the library, but it's nothing that can't wait."
[17:00] <@Usagi> "Cool! You can come with me, then!" the blonde grins, her cute and perky demeanour not giving away the slightest hint of her *raging inner turmoil*.
[17:01] <+Takeshi> "Something up?" Takeshi says, packing away his books into his bookbag as he gets ready to depart.
[17:04] <@Usagi> "Nothing bad," Usagi promises, having at least been assured when Janna called to tell her about the visitors that Rei would not be visiting today. Hopefully her asking that didn't raise any suspicions, though... "Come on," she waves for him to follow, swinging her own bookbag along.
[17:05] <+Takeshi> "Okay..." Takeshi says, raising an eyebrow as he stands to follow Usagi. "Uh... are we going anywhere in particular?"
[17:06] <@Usagi> "Serenity's," Usagi tells him, easing up a bit on the perky act once they're out of the classroom. "I get to meet some old friends, and you get to make some new ones, hopefully!"
[17:08] <+Takeshi> "Oh," Takeshi replies, his face falling towards a more thoughtful expression. "Sounds like as good a way as any to spend an afternoon, I guess."
[17:09] <@Usagi> "They're from Gaia," Usagi supplies quietly as they make their way out of the school. "Or at least one is, and the other's been living there the last few years, anyway."
[17:10] <+Takeshi> "Sounds like a lot of your friends are from Gaia... although I suppose I really shouldn't be too surprised at that, from what you told me last week," Takeshi finishes with a rueful grin. "Probably not... Jun, though, if he's as high on the food chain as he sounds like he is, though."
[17:12] <@Usagi> "It's Nior - he used to be one of Jadeite's generals, and Mamoru. You might actually know him since he's the reincarnated Prince Endymion," Usagi explains, still keeping her voice low.
[17:14] <@Anastasia> The day is clear and windy - nothing much of note, November's reign coming along nicely.
[17:14] <+Takeshi> That gets a rather flat expression from Takeshi. "...really. He was reincarnated as well?"
[17:14] <@Anastasia> The city is busy, but no one pays attentino to a high school girl and boy walking along. So you pass thruogh Juuban, not being interrupted in the least.
[17:16] <@Usagi> "Mmhmm," Usagi murmurs as they stroll along. "He actually remembers stuff from back then, as well. He stuck around on Gaia to be with the Princess, but Janna says Jun sent both of them here because he was having visions about our new enemy." She twitches just slightly on that last word.
[17:17] * +Takeshi shakes his head a bit, not noticing the slight tremor from the blonde. "Visions? That's new... anything definite, or do you know?"
[17:19] * @Usagi shakes her head. "Don't think Janna really knew, either. But maybe either of them will know more?" she smiles cheerily, "I'll just be glad to see them - it's been ages!"
[17:21] <+Takeshi> "Guess we'll have to meet them to find out," Takeshi says with a shrug, chuckling a bit at Usagi's energy. "How long HAS it been since you saw them?"
[17:24] <@Usagi> "More than two years," Usagi admits. "We keep in touch with letters, but visits are rare..." she frowns, chewing her bottom lip slightly. She really needs to rectify that - it's not like going to Gaia is that difficult.
[17:25] <+Takeshi> "So, not since you dealt with Jadeite, then?" Takeshi clarifies, only the slightest hesitation over Jadeite's name noticeable.
[17:26] * @Usagi nods. "We all went for a big trip a few months afterwards, but that's it," the blonde agrees.
[17:27] <+Takeshi> "Be curious to see it sometime, but probably not going to be a good time any time soon, at least until we get the current problem dealt with," Takeshi says, finishing with a slight frown.
[17:28] <@Usagi> "Yeah, it's kind of a big production to go to Gaia, but we really should once things settle down," Usagi nods as they near Serenity's abode.
[17:37] <@Anastasia> A place of quiet and peace, of where a cute wild rabbit runs in the front lawn. There are no signs of busy-ness or discord, only a respite from the world awaiting both of you.
[17:39] * @Usagi smiles at the little bunny, strolling up to knock on the door.
[17:40] <@Anastasia> As you do the rabbit hops off with another cute girl rabbit, the two goign to find carrots away from this happy place. Meanwhile the door is knocked on, a call of, "Coming!" From...Mamoru.
[17:41] * @Usagi smiles slightly... her first boyfriend, so many memories... A more innocent time, when thoughts of kissing Rei were the farthest from her mind...
[17:43] * +Takeshi frowns slightly, the voice vaguely familiar but one that he can't place immediately.
[17:45] <@Anastasia> So the door is opened...wow. He wears a familiar green jacket and black slacks, but it works on him. A few years have made him gain a little more muscle and perhaps another inch to his height. HIs eyes are sharper, looking over Usagi. A moment of confliction, before he steps aside. "Hey...been awhile."
[17:48] * @Usagi pauses... she had been just about to hug him, but that reaction... Oh, hell, she'll hug him anyway. Might loosen him up. "No kidding!" she blurts out, promptly leaning in to wrap her arms around Mamoru in an affectionate and friendly embrace. "It's been ages!"
[17:50] * +Takeshi simply gives Mamoru a calm inspection, the sight of the man finally putting a face - and a memory - to the voice. He gives the darker-haired man a nod as he steps inside, setting his bookbag next to the door as he removes his shoes.
[11:17] <@Kotono> "Yeah, it has been!" Mamoru returns the huge - chaste but nice - and breaks nito his own relieved smile. "Mako hasn't burned down my apartment, has she?"
[11:18] <@Kotono> Looking down at Usagi's not nearly so short stature and then Takeshi, "Hello," he murmurs respectfully enough.
[11:18] <@Usagi> "It's still there last I checked," Usagi grins, giving a little squeeze before parting. "Have Serenity or Janna told you about Takeshi?" she enquires curiously.
[11:20] <+Takeshi> "Nice to meet you," Takeshi murmurs with a nod, letting Usagi take over - this is her friend, after all.
[11:20] <@Kotono> "Just a little." Parting himself and smoothing down his jacket, Mamoru extends his hand out. "Glad to see you...again, I suppose." That's deliviered with that friendly smile again. "How much do you remember?"
[11:22] * +Takeshi chuckles slightly, taking the offered hand. "Lot of impressions, few clear memories," Takeshi replies simply. "Don't ask me what I ate for breakfast way back or anything, but I remember people and places."
[11:24] <@Kotono> "That's one up on me most of the time. C'mon." So Mamoru heads inside, leading you to the living room. It's quiet here at the moment, only Queen Serenity sitting here. She is wearing a summery dress in spite of the weather, flowing around her gorgeous form. Levelling her smile dead at Usagi and the others, "It's been too long. Come now."
[11:25] <@Usagi> "Hi, Serenity," Usagi greets, managing to blush slightly as she takes in her older friend's body, averting her eyes after a second and kicking her imagination. "Nior around?" she asks a bit lamely, throat dry.
[11:25] * +Takeshi nods to Serenity as he enters, waiting for others to take seats - if they plan on it - before doing so himself.
[11:26] <@Kotono> "Upstairs. He's bathing. Come now," Again insisting as she pats the couch - Mamoru taking one of the easy chairs instead - Serenity just smiles widely. "Jun has passed me on more news as well through Nior and Mamoru."
[11:27] * @Usagi goes to sit on the couch, but keeps herself to the far end away from Serenity, looking vaguely uncomfortable. "So what's up?" she asks, schooling her manner to try and not give away her inner turmoil.
[11:28] <+Takeshi> That gets a raised eyebrow from Takeshi, the dark-haired youth taking a seat between Usagi and Serenity. "What's he have to say?"
[11:29] <@Kotono> Queen Serenity raises an eyebrow before speaking. "He had a vision of Asher fighting at the supermarket alone - on short notice he sent Nior and Mamoru ahead faster than he anticipated. The results are good." A pause as she looks around to each of them, "He had a second vision. Earth, the Blue Planet, becoming and twisting into a mass of gray. Dreamless Twilight as he called it, emptiness."
[11:30] <@Usagi> "I don't mind twilight, but dreamless sounds bad!" Usagi asserts vehemently. "Did he find out anything about the guys who're causing trouble?"
[11:32] <+Takeshi> "Dreamless Twilight," Takeshi muses, rubbing his chin a bit. "Another piece to add to the pile, I guess," he says, mostly to himself.
[11:33] <@Kotono> "It does sound ominous. A world of gray, lacking anything but." Serenity bites her lip a moment as she looks down, but her voice never wavers. "It only makes our defenses even more clear cut."
[11:33] <@Kotono> "There was the attack at Asher," Serenity continues, "At least they are not active often that we see."
[11:33] <@Kotono> *at the supermarket with Asher
[11:33] <@Usagi> "It's funny if that's their goal, though, since haven't they been saying that they're after the Lightbringer?" Usagi asks curiously, deciding not to mention her encounter with Temptation. They'll all be far happier, that way.
[11:35] <@Kotono> "Lightbringer?" Mamoru frowns deeply at that, leaning back into his chair and idly kicking his legs. "That doesn't make sense at all, unless taking this Lightbringer turns Earth to such...they aren't going to do something so absurd as steal the sun, I assume, sow hat does that mean?"
[11:35] <@Usagi> "Oh, that could be it - maybe if they steal away this Lightbringer and take it to their own world it'll mess Earth up," Usagi smiles at Mamoru, not having considered that angle.
[11:36] <+Takeshi> "Either that or their idea of 'light' isn't the same thing we think of," Takeshi offers. "That kind of grayness COULD be their idea of it, after all."
[11:37] <@Kotono> "That's also true. We just don't know yet." Idly serenity slides just a little bit over, closer to Usagi as she naturally repositions. "We have tos top them when we see them and try to get more information."
[11:38] <@Usagi> Luckily Usagi has Takeshi to guard her from Serenity's predatory advances! "Yeah, we should try and get them talking when we run into them," she nods. "Also, we should get everyone together for a proper big meeting like we used to - a lot of the time when we put our heads together we can come up with better ideas."
[11:39] <+Takeshi> "Been trying to do that when I can - get them talking, that is," Takeshi replies, shaking his head a bit. "Both times, they've almost tried to recruit me - Temptation by controlling me directly, and Despair trying to talk both myself and Hotaru over to their side."
[11:39] <@Kotono> "That sounds like a fine idea. When and where," SErenity smiles agreeably to Usagi, beaming her beautiful face and eyes at her.
[11:39] <@Kotono> "...that is the other thing. They seem to want to use us." THat gets Mamoru to scowl, "Janna mentioned that."
[11:39] * @Usagi flinches noticably at the mention of Temptation, still having Takeshi between her and Serenity to prevent easy contact.
[11:40] <@Usagi> "Maybe here in the next day or so? Whatever time works for everyone, I guess," she replies to the pink-haired woman.
[11:41] * +Takeshi glances over at the slight movement from Usagi, but doesn't comment on it. "Suppose it'll make sure everyone's up to speed on everything we have so far," Takeshi agrees. "I'll try to get some research done before then - I was thinking of seeing if I could find any old myths or legends that referred to a Lightbringer. It's a long shot, but it's the only thing I can think of for now."
[11:41] <@Kotono> "After school sounds easiest." Turning back to Mamoru at that, "We can meet...oh. That would be right to Pluto's talents, would it not?"
[11:42] <@Usagi> "You should maybe talk to Kotono-chan?" Usagi agrees. "She's really into old legends and things."
[11:42] <@Kotono> That turn to Mamoru turns to a look to Takeshi, "She knows all of the old Earthian legends from what I understand."
[11:43] <+Takeshi> "Really...?" Takeshi seems rather pleased to hear that. "That'll save a lot of time, at least. I was figuring it'd take ages."
[11:44] <@Anastasia> "Here." Serenity rises and gets a scrap of paper and pen, writing on it briefly. Thereafter she rubs her hands in a pained, slow motion before passing the paper to Takeshi and sitting back down. "That's her phone number."
[11:45] <@Usagi> "Fingers sore again?" Usagi asks sympathetically, her natural concern for Serenity overriding her lesbian angst for the moment.
[11:46] * +Takeshi glances at the paper briefly and nods, pocketing it without comment. "I'll get in touch with her later on this evening, I guess." He looks over to Serenity at Usagi's comment, raising an eyebrow slightly.
[11:47] <@Anastasia> "I believe the name fo rit is...Carpal something?" A wince from Serenity, "Or arthritis. All the typing bothers me so."
[11:48] <@Usagi> "Eww!" Usagi looks vaguely alarmed, getting up and gently taking Serenity's hands. "You're way too young for those!" a brief blush as she amends, "Or at least you look too young... you shouldn't be doing that job if it causes serious problems like that!"
[11:50] <@Anastasia> "Yes..." But despite this Serenity turns apple red, bowing her head and looking away. "Perhaps once I have more money I can, or the circumstances are more favorable?" Her hands are warm ni yours, hands held and settling into being held by the blonde bunny.
[11:51] * +Takeshi watches Usagi fussing over Serenity with an odd, unreadable expression on his face for a few moments before turning his gaze away with a slight sigh, shaking his head a bit.
[11:53] <@Usagi> "Maybe Hotaru-chan can properly heal your fingers so they don't bother you like that?" Usagi muses, blushing a little, "But I can help a little, at least..." she murmurs, focusing and causing her hands to glow softly as they entwine with Serenity's, refreshing and rejuvenating energy flowing in to ease the pain, if nothing else.
[11:53] <@Anastasia> OOC - Mass rejuvin'
[11:53] <@Anastasia> ?
[11:54] <@Usagi> OOC: Pretty much. Some purity EC thrown in as well, since that feels pleasant for others even if its not actually doing anything.
[11:55] <@Anastasia> "Thank you." Thereafter Serenity lowers her hands down to her lap, blush rapidly fading as she looks about. She lingers on Takeshi a few moments, face ever so solemn.
[11:56] * @Usagi shrugs, her own hands falling away as she goes to sit down again. "Just don't like seeing you hurting, especially since carpal tunnel and arthiritis are really serious..." she mutters, looking down.
[11:56] <@Anastasia> "Thank you." This is repeated like a whisper, though Serenity's eyes linger on Takeshi a little longer, seeking his own out.
[11:57] * +Takeshi isn't really looking at anyone right now, staring at the floor a few feet in front of him. His expression is neutral, but the faintest hint of pain shows in his eyes.
[11:59] * @Usagi looks at Takeshi herself as the conversation seems to lull, blinking a moment at what she sees there. "Takeshi-kun... are you alright?" she asks softly, a hand tentatively going to his shoulder.
[12:00] * +Takeshi starts at the sudden contact, looking up at Usagi in surprise. "Eh? I'm fine," he says, shaking his head dismissively - his gaze is clear enough now, at least. "Just letting my mind wander a bit, I guess."
[12:01] <@Usagi> "You just seemed kinda... spaced out," the blonde observes diplomatically, her hand falling away.
[12:03] <+Takeshi> "Just thinking about something else," Takeshi says, waving his hand. His eyes flicker again momentarily, but he glances around at the others in the room before giving Usagi a slight smile. "Don't worry about it."
[12:03] <@Usagi> "If you're sure..." Usagi holds Takeshi's gaze a moment longer before relenting. "So, um... where were we, again?"
[12:04] <+Takeshi> "Meeting, I think," Takeshi replies, getting back to business.
[12:05] <@Usagi> "Oh, yeah," Usagi nods. "Um... so I was thinking maybe tomorrow or Thursday after school? I know Hotaru and Makoto work right after, but I don't know what days... Asher too, I think. So I guess we'll have to see what works for everyone."
[12:07] <@Anastasia> "We'll find something," Mamoru agrees, standing up. He heads into the kitchen a moment, coming back with some water.
[12:08] <@Anastasia> "...yes." With quiet that belies his size, Nior, stands just inside the room now, arms crossed as he looks over the assembled Usagi and Takeshi. Looming over them like a mountain...
[12:08] <@Usagi> "Nior!" Usagi squeals with girlish glee, shooting to her feet and rushing over to hug him. "How've you been?! I missed you!" she blurts out quickly.
[12:10] <+Takeshi> Takeshi's eyes widen as he takes in the massive man that just stepped into the room. 'Now HE's big,' he thinks to himself, taken off guard simply by the sheer size of the guy.
[12:11] <@Anastasia> Nior doesn't smile - but he does gently detangle Usagi off of him after a few seconds. "...grown up." This is said with his own quietness, as he nods. "I'll still protect all of you."
[12:12] <@Usagi> "Good to hear!" Usagi nods brightly as she seperates, going back to sit down. "So, I heard you two scared off that Pestilence guy when he was harassing Asher?" she asks, looking between Nior and Mamoru.
[12:13] * +Takeshi chuckles a bit at the giant's words. 'Bet he can, too,' he thinks, a slight smile on his face as he gives Nior a more critical examination, letting his business eye take in details about Nior.
[12:14] <@Anastasia> He's utterly massive - over seven feet tall and pure muscle. Despite a certain air of age and his gray hair, is face is impassive. "Yes. Pestilence is...good. He survived."
[12:15] * @Usagi nods. "Kotono and I hit him with quite a bit one time as well, but he got away. I think all of these guys are something to worry about." 'Especially Temptation...' she adds internally with a visible shudder as she remembers the feel of Rei's lips on her own...
[12:16] <@Anastasia> "Yeah. Should've seen it - the entire meat case behind Pestilence was obliterated." Mamoru's mood darkens with his eyes narrowing. "They're just too good."
[12:16] <@Anastasia> Serenity smacks her lips a little as she nods. "They are. Be careful - they're not even pretending to be human."
[12:16] <+Takeshi> "Hatred took a hell of a beating from Hotaru as well," Takeshi says with a slight frown, then blushes vaguely. "Er... beg pardon."
[12:18] <@Usagi> "Well, they are a bit," Usagi forces herself to admit, ignoring Takeshi's profanity - she hears *way* worse from the other senshi, after all. Can't keep valuable info secret. "Rei and I saw Temptation on Sunday, and she seemed to be pretending to be a singer or performer or something," she admits, fidgetting uncomfortably.
[12:18] <@Anastasia> "It's fine." Now Serenity chuckles at Takeshi. "The vernacular of this new time is...hm, Usagi? You fought Sunday? Share the details?"
[12:18] * +Takeshi scowls darkly - he doesn't have fond memories of Temptation, oh no not at all. "Where exactly was she?"
[12:19] <@Usagi> "It... it wasn't really a fight..." Usagi's cheeks begin to tinge pink, the blonde looking at her knees and avoiding everyone's gaze. "It was at this jazz club we were at. She got on the stage and said some stuff... then we confronted her and she teleported away," the blonde gives the abridged story she and Rei agreed on.
[12:20] * +Takeshi shakes his head. "Probably trying to control people again," he mutters. "She better hope I don't get my hands on her again."
[12:22] <@Anastasia> "Controlling people? ...contemptable," Mamoru hotly bites off, a bit of anger flaring on his face! "We'll have to stop her - she could do horriblet hings with that."
[12:22] <@Usagi> "Really horrible things!" Usagi offers her earnest and heartfelt agreement!
[12:24] <+Takeshi> "You don't have to tell me twice," Takeshi says quietly, his face grim. "Problem is finding her again - I've tried a couple of times, but no luck at all so far."
[12:25] <@Anastasia> "Something you could regret for the rest of your life...or worse, find out something about yourself you didn't know existed, like how Jadeite drew out seeds inside of his servants. Make a point to stop her in particular." Serenity says this with firm convinction.
[12:26] * @Usagi twitches again. "At least she isn't very violent, like the others?" she manages at least one saving grace, even with her face flushed noticably.
[12:26] <+Takeshi> "I'll try looking again tonight," Takeshi confirms. "And I wouldn't count on that, Usagi-san - she wasn't at all shy about attacking me when she couldn't control me."
[12:27] <@Usagi> "Mmm... she didn't attack me or Rei at all..." Usagi admits, before her eyes widen and she abruptly looks away. Of course, they were controlled, weren't they?
[12:27] <@Anastasia> "Do be careful," Serenity agrees, "Hotaru can heal you, but I hope and pray I don' thave to drag you into my bed for wounded rest again.:
[12:28] * @Usagi twitches, suddenly getting up. "I better get home before I'm late for dinner!" she announces, cheeks now beetroot red and avoiding anyone's gaze.
[12:29] <@Anastasia> "Aaaah? Then be well, Usagi." Serenity smiles softly, watching the rabbit go.
[12:29] * +Takeshi raises an eyebrow at that, but doesn't say anything further - looks like something's bothering Usagi, but it's not his place to butt in if she's upset. "See you tomorrow at school, Usagi-san."
[12:30] <@Usagi> "Yeah, bye!" Usagi nods a bit jerkily, before fleeing out the room as quick as she can!
[12:30] <@Anastasia> "...odd." Nior rumbles as Usagi goes past, but he makes no further note on it.
[12:31] <+Takeshi> "Can say that again," Takeshi says, shaking his head. "Wonder what got into her..."
[12:35] <@Anastasia> "I don't know, but...what about you, Takeshi?" Serenity smiles sweetly at him, and with a look to Nio rand Mamoru, but suddenly find reason to head outside.
[12:35] <@Anastasia> "Good meeting you," Mamoru says as he beats feet away.
[12:35] <+Takeshi> "What about me?" Takeshi says, nonplussed - and rather surprised at the quick exits.
[12:38] <@Anastasia> "How are you?" Serenity asks this with her own smile, looking right into Takeshi's eyes.
[12:40] <+Takeshi> That stare makes Takeshi distinctly uncomfortable, although he tries his best not to show it, with only moderate success. "Ah... fine, why do you ask?"
[12:41] <@Anastasia> Reaching out, Serenity rests her hand on his shoulder. "Are you sure? What I saw there...Did I not see it?"
[12:42] <+Takeshi> "It's nothing you need to concern yourself with," Takeshi says distantly. "I'm not going to lie and say there was nothing there, since I saw you both looking at me." He sighs a bit. "I can promise you it's not worth the trouble of worrying about, though."
[12:43] <@Anastasia> "Is it not?" Serenity's smile is still there, her eyes full of concern as she slowly rubs Takeshi's shoulders. "I have not known you long this life, Takeshi. Nor did I know the man called Nephrite well. I do know that I see someone in pain - distinct pain."
[12:48] * +Takeshi closes his eyes, actually tensing more under Serenity's touch than before, his shoulders almost rock-hard. "Serenity-san... please, don't. There's nothing either one of us can do about it, so there's no point in going over it. And it doesn't affect you at all, so you don't need to concern yourself over it. It's my problem to deal with, and I will."
[12:53] <@Anastasia> "No." This word is spoken with the authority of ten milleniums of wisdom and age, crashing down with absolutism. "Takeshi...you are one of my...children now. A soul within them a part of the past or a part of the long lost Moon Kingdom. I will not let you hurt and stand by."
[12:55] <+Takeshi> Even with that gravity, Takeshi still manages to resist - barely, his voice shaking with emotion. "You don't want to do that," he says, swallowing hard to try to regain control of his emotions. "I don't... want you to do that," he says, the words coming out slowly, as if being winched out of him. "Please, just let it go. It's already going to hurt enough when this ends."
[12:56] <@Anastasia> In reply Serenity simply folds her arms around him, drawing him to rest in her embrace. She doesn't speak anymore, instead just staying as she is.
[12:58] * +Takeshi wants to break away so much... but part of him wants to stay right where he is, too, and the war between the two shows visibly, the young man trembling with emotion. "Please... stop..." he whispers, his eyes tightly shut.
[13:03] <@Anastasia> Again no words, just holding Takeshi without mercy.
[13:07] <+Takeshi> Finally, with a supreme effort of will, Takeshi reaches up, taking Serenity by the shoulders and gently moving her away. "Don't care about me, Serenity," he finally chokes out, his face lowered to try to hide the tears that have finally started to make their appearance. "I'll be your soldier, your servant, your ally - whatever you want me to do, I'll do without a second thought. (more)
[13:08] <+Takeshi> But please, please don't care about me," he finishes thickly. 'I can't not care back, and that just hurts too much when I leave,' he thinks, his shoulders slumping.
[13:10] <@Anastasia> "...I can't do that." Serenity finally decides to speak again, resting her hands down in her lap, but her gaze is ungiving steel. "You took on responsibility when you vowed to help us...as did I when I took those words."
[13:13] * +Takeshi passes his hand over his face, hurriedly wiping away those damnable tears - he can't start crying now, or... no. No, just clamp down on it. "I did, and I'll do my absolute best to do whatever you ask of me," he replies, now sounding more tired than anything as he turns away from Serenity. "I offered you my service, and gladly - but nothing in there says you have to care about me."
[13:15] <@Anastasia> "I want to care for you. It's not just service, Takeshi, it never is. Usagi, Ami, Hotaru, Makoto, Rei, Kotono...they are all my Senshi...my children. I will do no less for you or Asher."
[13:15] <@Anastasia> OOC - Gah.
[13:16] <@Anastasia> roll 2d6
[13:16] * +Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 11." [2d6=6, 5]
[13:17] <@Anastasia> "I want to care for you. It's not just service, Takeshi, it never is. Usagi, Ami, Hotaru, Makoto, Rei, Kotono...they are all my Senshi...my children. I will do no less for you or Asher." Her hand reaches out, brushing away a tear. You feel a sensation of peace from her, of alluring rest and serenity. "A Queen that sits aloof on the Moon is nothing but a vain figurehead. A Queen is only as healthy and happy as her subjects are. If she do
[13:18] <@Anastasia> as her subjects are. If she does not shine her light down on them to help them..."
[13:19] <+Takeshi> "And I don't even know how much longer I'll be here, Serenity-san," Takeshi replies dully, defeat evident in his tone. "I know you want to care, and it's nothing against you at all - I wish...." he takes a deep breath. "I wish I could let you. But I honestly don't know how much longer I even have in Juuban, or how far away I'll go when I do leave. It's going to hurt enough just leaving - (more)
[13:20] <+Takeshi> I finally thought I found a place where I might have a chance of fitting for once in my life. Don't make it harder, for either one of us."
[13:21] <@Anastasia> "Then stay." The words are said with a simplicity that bespeaks long formented wisdom. "I said my house is open to any that need it."
[13:22] <+Takeshi> "...what?" That gets Takeshi to look up, looking back over his shoulder at Serenity.
[13:23] <@Anastasia> "If the worst does happen? My house is open...and even at the worst, you have other friends as well. We will not turn our back on you if you need our help, Takeshi." Now Serenity smiles once more, serene and radiant.
[13:24] <+Takeshi> "This isn't like staying over for the weekend, though," Takeshi protests, although it's somewhat half-hearted. "And the paperwork involved... that'd be a nightmare all by itself."
[13:25] <@Anastasia> "I can manage. I was a Queen, remember." This gets a laugh like a bell, ringing into the air. "Even in the fairytale past paper and parchment are the lifeblood of government."
[13:26] <+Takeshi> That earns a brief, puckered grin from Takeshi as he turns to face Serenity again. "You're sure about this? You barely even know me - hell, we only met for the first time about a week ago."
[13:32] <@Anastasia> "I'm sure. Your vow...it was not a light one, for either of us." Smiling again now, "Go now. If the day comes where you need this over, I will wait you. But...remember, you have friends that understand you mroe than you may understand yourself now. Do not forget them, either."
[13:33] <+Takeshi> "I..." Takeshi looks about like he could be knocked over by a breath of air at this point. "I don't know what to say..."
[13:36] <@Anastasia> "You don't need to say anything." So Serenity vows, a large smile over her face
[13:36] <@Anastasia> .
[13:39] * +Takeshi takes a deep breath, trying to recompose himself. "There's no way I'd ever be able to thank you enough, even just for the offer," he finally says, shaking his head. "I... to have a place I could actually call home..." he shakes his head.
[13:39] <@Anastasia> "It is a wonderful thing. Home..." Now Serenity looks faraway, eyes distant. "Yes...this place is home."
[13:43] * +Takeshi blows out the breath finally. "Thank you, Serenity," he says, bowing low in the Japanese fashion rather than the salute of Nephrite. "I..." He shakes his head. "I've got a lot to think about, now..."
This takes place the evening after the meeting at Serenity's house.
[22:58] <@Kotono> ---Arc 2 go!---
[22:59] <@Kotono> So Takeshir eturns to his room again. A place that is impersonal and quiet, but the house is empty. Perfect timing, in other words.
[23:00] * @Takeshi doesn't bother to bar the door this time - with his foster parents out of the house, there's no need. So, simply closing his bedroom door, he shifts to the guise of Nephrite, preparing to search for the vile creature known as Temptation!
[23:00] * Takeshi is now known as General_Nephrite
[23:01] <@Kotono> OOC - As before, A soul check-o.
[23:01] <@General_Nephrite> Holding his palms out level in front of him, he intones in a steady voice. "I call upon the power of the stars... the armored Crab, Cancer! Show me the rock Temptation's hiding herself under!"
[23:02] <@General_Nephrite> roll 2d6 burning 10 EP for Soul
[23:02] * +Hatbot --> "General_Nephrite rolls 2d6 burning 10 EP for Soul and gets 6." [2d6=5, 1]
[23:03] <@Kotono> As the stars whirl to Nephrite's command, his vision attempts to see into the oblivion! Ahead of him is gray - endless, bleak gray. A world of it, yet a definite sense of progression as...
[23:03] <@Kotono> roll 2d6
[23:03] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 and gets 5." [2d6=3, 2]
[23:06] <@Kotono> It's cold here. Nephrite's body shivers involuntarily, quaking with cold. (1 damage.) Following this is a confusing mass of images, an onslaught with no apparent meaning! Gray masses, buildings - buildings that defy logic. Creation sof pure will and imagination, bound to no laws but the limits of the mind. Racing, racing, racing to a place there - a great circle. To Nephrite's amazement he sees EVERYTHING within it a moment that blows his mind
[23:06] <@Kotono> EVERYTHING within it a moment that blows his mind! The Earth, the stars, the Moon, the very galaxy itself! All is shown in this impossibly large yet not so vast circle before it ends! There is a moment of seeing Temptation and shadowy figures away from her, but it breaks apart like shattered glass! (More)
[23:06] <@Kotono> roll 2d6
[23:06] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 and gets 4." [2d6=3, 1]
[23:07] <@Kotono> Where it was Nephrite does not know, but hes tands tall after. Lingering feelings - coldness, grayness, a vast leypoint; nay, pinpoint with so much to be seen, surrounded by men or creatures unknown.
[23:07] <@Kotono> Coming last out of it is the image of a caldron, lingering in the shattered visage, a cauldron gushing out smoky gasses.
[23:08] * @General_Nephrite shudders as he comes back to himself, blinking several times as he tries to lock the images in his mind, already moving to retrieve his notebook without even bothering to lose the form of the general. "That was... what the HELL was that?"
[23:13] * @General_Nephrite bends over his desk as he begins to write, his brow furrowed as he tries to put to paper all that he just saw - from the minor to the unbelievable. Vast grayness... deep cold. Impossible buildings. A circle not large enough to contain everything inside it, and it seemed like it had EVERYTHING inside it. And the deep cauldron with smoke boiling out from within.
[23:14] <@Kotono> So scribed, Nephrite begins to feel warm and normal again by the time he's done. The touch of whatever he brushed against fades, a normalicy returning.
[23:15] <@General_Nephrite> None of it really makes any sense, but then nothing else so far has either. Hopefully he can sort out more of what it means later... but one thing sticks in his mind. He knows the limits of his ability, and so that place - what he just saw - has to be a real place somewhere. "Where the hell are they from, anyway?"
[23:15] <@General_Nephrite> Finally, his work done, he lets the uniform go, flopping back on the bed to get some rest - if his mind will let him sleep after that little brain-busting experience.
This takes place Tuesday evening after Usagi leaves Serenity's house
[05:30] <Kotono> Tuesday evening has Usagi getting home! In perhaps a tizzy - sure, Luna's in the garden and cutely chasing a bird before Usagi comes, making her blush and leap away! Sure, you can smell Mom's cooking out here, and Dad's car is parked! Sure, it's all normal...right?
[05:31] <Usagi> Having taken the opportunity to calm down on the walk home, Usagi is able to act almost normally, now. "Hi, Luna," she smiles at the feline's cute antics - hoping it stays cute and her garden doesn't turn into an avian graveyard, as she goes to the front door.
[05:32] <Kotono> "Evening, Usagi!" Luna fervently cleans herself, a feline practicing good cleanliness. "Go see your Mom, alright? Now."
[05:33] <Usagi> That gets Usagi's attention. "Huh? What's wrong?" she asks, hoping she's not in trouble.
[05:35] <Kotono> A calmness comes over Luna via self cleaning, she sits primly. "She had...just go talk to her. She got shaken up a bit.:
[05:36] <Usagi> "Oh..." That gives Usagi pause, now less worried for herself and more about her mother. Nodding, the blonde unlocks the door and heads inside, slipping off her shoes and calling, "I'm home!"
[05:39] <Kotono> An uncomfortably long pause before, "Mom's in her room, Usagi," Shingo calls from in front of the TV.
[05:40] <Usagi> "I heard... thanks, Shingo," the blonde replies, her weird-o-meter creeping up as she ascends the stairs and goes to knock on her parents' bedroom door.
[05:41] <Kotono> The door is open! Inside you can see Mom sitting on the bed, face drawn as she looks down at her hands. "...Usagi?" No look up, but she does aska ysou approach.
[05:42] <Usagi> "Mama?" the blonde begins hesitantly, slowly approaching her mother. On the plus side, thoughts of Rei's warm embrace are the farthest thing from her mind, now!
[05:43] <Kotono> "...Usagi?" Mom finally looks up, smiling in a shaky, ragged way. "They're...they're out there again? I didn't meant to - I was walking home from getting some groceries, but I ran into it."
[05:44] * Usagi gasps, hurrying over to sit next to Ikkuko and wrapping an arm around her shoulder. "What happened?" she asks, concerned.
[05:46] <Kotono> "She...cold. So cold. All I could think about...I was so afraid!" Words tumble out from Ikkuko, a torrent of emotion. "All I could think about was Jadeite and how he...she wasn't him or close, but the same feeling, the same way my palms got sweaty and my heart skipped beats just feeling that."
[05:47] <Usagi> "Oh, Mama!" Usagi shifts, hugging Ikkuko close. "It's alright, you're safe, now," she reassures, just trying to ease her mother's mind rather than worrying about the details for the moment.
[05:48] <Usagi> roll 2d6 for aura of serenity
[05:48] * Hatbot --> "Usagi rolls 2d6 for aura of serenity and gets 6." [2d6=5, 1]
[05:50] <Kotono> In this Mother finally begins to calm - she breaths quickly twice over and settles down. "I know, just...she was walking along like any other person!"
[05:51] <Usagi> "They... they try to blend in, sometimes," the blonde murmurs, stroking her mother's back as she holds her. "What happened?"
[05:53] <Kotono> "...I ran into her. I was carrying a few bags of groceries and I just walked right into her. She even helped me pick them up, but...it didn't hide it. At all."
[05:55] <Usagi> "How do you mean it didn't hide it?" Usagi prods, voice a comforting lullaby as she continues her soothing ministrations.
[05:58] <Kotono> "It stood out! Her...she wore sunglasses, and that hair. It was kind of a watery green, but..." Stopping to breathe, "She just DID. I don't know if I know what to look for now or if it...but Is aw other people avoiding her, too."
[06:00] * Usagi purses her lips slightly, considering. "She sounds different than the others we've seen... another one, then," she mutters. Giving Ikkuko a last squeeze in her embrace, Usagi parts, though leaving her arm still around the older woman's shoulder. "What happened after she helped you with your groceries?"
[06:01] <Kotono> "I...I told...I told her she wouldn't get away with it and I ran away." Another long breath, Ikkuko calming. "I just...I don't know."
[06:03] <Usagi> "Oh, Mama..." Usagi gives Ikkuko another brief hug. "You shouldn't... if you see any of them again, just don't get their attention and get away as fast as you can," she requests earnestly. "It could be really dangerous if they get an interest in you."
[06:08] <Kotono> "I know that. Just...be careful for me. That girl was..." Yet another breath as Mom gets up, "I need to finish dinner, Usagi."
[06:10] <Usagi> "I know, but..." Usagi slowly rises herself, essaying a smile, "If she helped you with your groceries, maybe she's like Janna or Nior?" she hazards before her expression firms. "I'll be careful - I know they aren't playing around. But at the same time, I have to at least give them a chance..."
[06:11] <Kotono> "Alright -b ut just be careful." With that word of accepting wisdom Mom goes out, back to the routines of her life.
[06:12] * Usagi sighs deeply, just taking a moment to process it all. So much going on, now... Bleah, stewing about it in her room won't do any good. "Want any help cooking?" she asks, following out after Ikkuko.
[06:23] <Kotono> "If you like," Mom keeps her pace up, heading downstairs without incident. "
[06:23] <Kotono> "If you like," Mom keeps her pace up, heading downstairs without incident. "It's nearly done anyway.
[06:23] <Kotono> ""
[06:26] <Usagi> "Something to do," the blonde shrugs, heading into the kitchen after her mother. Yep, cooking is nice and familiar and sufficiently distracting that she'll have no cause to start thinking about doing naughty and fun things with other girls, now that her last distraction is over!
[06:33] <Kotono> It's roasted chicke and vegetables - all but done, too. "I suppose. Have to keep your mind moving some days." Mom goes the oven, checking the chicken and then withdrawing it.
[06:34] <Usagi> "Totally!" Usagi's agreement is fervent and easily given, lingering in the kitchen even as she sees there isn't much she can actually do to assist, anyway.
[06:35] <Kotono> "Mmmm. You know, maybe you should invite some of your friends over soon. Maybe Hotaru, Makoto, A...oh wait, she's in Germany. Or that Rei girl, too." So the chicken is prepared, plates gotten.
[06:36] * Usagi flinches visibly at the mention of Rei's name, masking it with a weak giggle. "Yeah... nice to have the girls over sometime, isn't it?" she comments easily, before her face twists slightly. Why'd she have to emphasise girls?!
[06:37] <Kotono> Because it's not like the boys she brings over are just friends, right? Unlike the girls she brings over, right?! "Mmmm. IT would be nice. Oh, Serenity as well. How is she?"
[06:38] <Usagi> Now there's a nice distraction! Worries over Serenity's health far outweigh any appreciation of her feminine appeal. "Her fingers are still giving her pain from typing - she said it could be carpal tunnel or arthritis, can you believe it?!"
[06:40] <Kotono> "How horrible. She needs to get a better job." More pauses as she fixes up the chicken, aslicin' away into it. "She should just...mmmm. Find a nice man and have a family."
[06:42] * Usagi frowns a bit. "She could easily get a rich guy if she wanted, but she's not the type to marry for that - besides, she wants to be able to take care of herself," she observes. "I dunno... she really could be doing something better, but she likes her job even with the pains she gets."
[06:45] <Kotono> "Mmmm. She does, doesn't she?" T here's a faint moment where Mom smiles, before going back to slicing chicken.
[06:53] * Usagi leans easily against the kitchen counter, just relaxing. "That or she just sticks with it out of loyalty to her boss," the blonde muses. "Still, I really hope she was exaggerating. People aren't meant to get arthiritis till they're like sixty, aren't they?"
[06:57] <Kotono> "I think it can happen early, but you're right." Frowning, "...how old IS Serenity? She looks in her twenties, but that's not accurate, is it?"
[06:59] <Usagi> "Well, that's the thing - how do you judge?" Usagi asks, shrugging. "You could say she's thousands of years old, because she kinda is. You could say she's twentysomething, since that's what she looks like. Or you could say she's a little bit over two years old, because that's how long ago her new body was created."
[06:59] <Usagi> Frowning and folding her arms, the blonde looks down, "If we go by the last, she really needs to take better care of herself if her body's deteriorating so soon."
[07:03] <Kotono> "It's possible she's just not cut out to typing." Mom finishes with the chicken, getting ita ll together and going to the table. "I'm sure she'll be fine in the end, so let's just have dinner now and rest, Usagi-chan."
[07:03] * Usagi nods, poking her head out the kitchen door. "Shingo, dinner's ready!" she calls, before going to sit down and eat with her family.
> ---Arc 2 go!---
> Bleep. Jaws music - really, if there was any justice in the world Kotono would merit it! This would be useful! I mean, hell, who would expect to see her the moment you walk into Mokou's?! She's behind the desk with her, the two woman discussing something quietly and keeping eyes open for people coming through the door!
> Kotono's T*A uniform is cute as she waves, a blonde ball of energy awaiting Asher!
<Asher> And it just goes to say that the more things change, the more they stay the same. As Asher walks in with his usual belongings, he offers a weak "Good afternoon, Mokou-san" before looking over at Kotono briefly and giving a faint, already tired looking wave. Setting the back and Reclaimer aside, he goes ahead and looks for the first shelf to begin his routine.
> "Asssher!" Kotono bolts out, waving and even jiggling(No bra?!) as she lightly hugs him. "Hiya, what's up, I was waiting for you since I kinda cheated and teleported over, huh, and it was really cool since when I came in Miss Mokou talked to me and we had a good time and now you're here and isn't it awesome?"
<Asher> Asher throws Kotono a suddenly stunned look as, discreetly pulling her behind the shelf and thus out of Mokou's sight, he lifts a finger to his lips and glares at her. His voice in a low whisper. "Kotono, not everyone knows how to 'teleport', remember?!"
> "...oh, well, um, I didn't meant that just that I got excited, you know?" Kotono hangs her head, looking ashemed and hurt. "I just wanted to get here to surprise you and she didn't see me teleport since I went for th ealley and it's really okay, right?"
<Asher> "Except she probably listens to every word you utter in this store," Asher conspirationally whispers back in a dark tone. "Just be careful, okay?" Stepping back from the shelf and looking lamely to Mokou with that same weak smile, he puts a hand on the top of the bookshelf and looks back at her. "Um... so, what's up? I'm guessing you didn't drop here for more supernatural books..."
> Kotono nosd in a muted, whimpering fashion. "Well, um...okay, here!" Kotono thrusts some money out of her pocket, a few thousand yen easy. "Take me for ice cream, okay, please and it'll be cool and I promise I'll be good and w'ell have a good time, huh?!"
<Asher> "..." He stares at her blankly, looking completely and utterly in shock for a moment.
<Asher> Then there is a long sigh as Asher gently pushes her hand back to her pocket. "First off, if I take you out for something, you don't pay. Secondly, I'd have to do that after I got off my shift... are you really -that- bored enough to wait that long?"
> "Yep!" Kotono blurts out before she blushes yet again, slinking back. "Um, well, that's okay, really and you'll do it? Coool!"
<Asher> "I don't have anything else planned," he says in way of explanation. Besides, his regular regimen, although he still kept up with it, was growing wholly... inadequate. Flashes of that humilating night keep coming back, and he'd already looked into a few alternatives. So one evening wouldn't hurt. "... and it's a three and a half hour shift, Kotono. What the heck are you going to do?"
> "Read!" Kotono nods firmly at this, going to do just that and waving. "I'll wit for you, so just call when your'e done, okay?"
<Asher> "Mmkay." In all honesty, this was pretty tame for Kotono's standards, and he offers her a half relieved smile as he sets back down to work. Mokou, of course, would be absolutely squealing in glee right about now. But... eh, that feels far off in terms of how much he'd let it bother him. After all, he'd given that whole damn silly speech to Usagi earlier. Couldn't he follow his own advice?
<Asher> Kneeling down and beginning the dreary but well practiced process of reorganizing the stock of books, Asher commits himself dutifully to his job for the next... interdeterminate span of time until some matter decides to intrude into his attention otherwise!
> This goes without incident. Oh sure, Mokou smiles a few times and Kotono gives you a few minor...distractions...but the end of your shift looms without major incident.
<Asher> How utterly fascinating. Shelving the last book and actually having spent the end portion of the shift doing his work a second thorough-over - the day was particularly sparse about customers - Asher glances up at the clock with a wayward expression. Yep, ten minutes past the hour; he always went over to finish up whatever last task was at hand.
<Asher> With that, he looks over at Mokou-san, who for some reason hasn't made motion to get ready to close up the shop, eyeing her with a questioning look. It would be impolite to say anything, though, so he just does that and nothing else.
> Mokou just smiles and nods, saying it all without saying a word.
<Asher> ...o... kay. With a bit of a shrug, he gives her a polite bow and makes sure anyway. "Do you need me for any longer, Mokou-san?"
> "No, I think we're done. Thank you, Asher." She even winks a little, and waving to him, "Have a good evening."
<Asher> Rather than the norm expression, he graces her with a long... weary... weighted look that bespeaks of a great burden! But this, too, he only lets pass for a moment before trudging over to the little corner in the bookstore and retrieving his belongings. After doing so, he angles his head to see where Kotono went off to. Or been hiding.
> She's in a corner, reading away from a heavy looking book. She's quite content and quiet right now, turning the pages at a good clip. Her normal hyperness has given way to a silence, one that lets her face show some cuteness and not just frentic motion.
<Asher> The effect is oddly eerie and strikingly welcome at the same time. To such an extent that... with a soft smirk on his face, Asher steps quietly from behind her, leaning back against the bookshelf very casually and crosses his arms, watching her. Well, not really. You can only stare at someone's back for so long before you get bored. Instead, his eyes trace over what she's reading.
> It's something on Hinduism. It's dreadfully deep, but Kotono's absorbed in it. She reads through it at a rapid pace, surprisingly quick in comprehending the written wrod.
<Asher> That didn't actually catch him too much by surprise... though the fact that she had most likely actually gone through every single piece of material in her room at one point makes his mind boggle. Finally, after a minute of this, he leans forward quietly and speaks up in a slightly amused tone. "Kotono?"
> "Mmmmm?" Her voice is distant, as she just sits on the floor. She's really into it, you can tell.
<Asher> Wow. This could be funny. Asher maintains the same volume, not wanting to jolt her out of it. In fact, he develops a conversational tone much akin to hers. "What're you thinking about, huh?"
> "Kama Sutra." This is said quite easily, Kotono's serene face crossing into range of a discret smile as she closes her book. "Heya, Asher."
<Asher> "......" Kotono gets a very well deserved stare. Yessssss. Asher's just the perfect image of "deer caught in headlights" right about now... so well captured, one should petrify him and forever cherish the image. Kotono gets this delight as he struggles to find the words to say -anything-.
<Asher> Well, his throat is moving, his lips are ever so slightly edging to the side, but no words come out!
> "Wanna try something in this to help me?" Kotono follows up even smoother, turning a page. "It would be fun!"
<Asher> After a very, very long pause, Asher scrambling like hell to regather his wits having recovered from bodywide neural paralyzation, Asher finally manages to open his mouth. His throat is impeccably dry. "...a... are you ready to go?" My god, that sounds lame. His look is still completely blank, disbelief written across it.
> "I guess, but would you like to read with me?" A long, happy giggle follows this, Kotono putting the book down onto her lap. "I'm having fun just reading about Hinduism. Wanna join me?"
<Asher> Not with Mokou right there! Dear heaven, no. He could bear with some things but sitting down in the freaking bookstore with a girl to co-read a book would just push things beyond all tolerable limits. Shaking his head somewhat, Asher stumbles out the words. "Uh... well, it's kinda late, and Mokou will be... um.. closing soon... so we should get going... y'know...?" Was this even him talking?
<Asher> His mouth is moving. Vocal chords are being used. But his mind is at a screeching halt!
> The smile Kotono has on her face is wide and calmer. "Well, maybe we could stay a little while longer? I'd love it if you just sit here with me, okay?"
> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 10." [2d6=4, 6]
<Asher> Nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn... Asher's mind goes into a full spiral as he ... well, that was a reasonably enough phrased request. And by all means she was actually settled in. With a bit of a blush, pushing away the complete utter feeling that something was wrong, he sits down next to her. "...kay..." His voice is quiet.
> GLOMP! Kotono clings on once Asher is sat down, purring away like a giant yellow girlcat! "Thanks! Oooo, thi sis is cool and here!" For a split second one arm decurls to pass you the book, before she reglomps on.
> Knock-knock - the sound of someone knocking ont eh bookshelf at the far end of the aisle.
<Asher> WELL. Reality caught up rather blaringly fast. Asher lets out a yelp before he goes straight down against the floor, not exactly in the best of positions to deal with an energetic glomp from a girl who's probably a grand master in the art of delivering them!
> Amid a happy blonde girl latching on? "Ahem. I'm going to close up. You don't want to be locked in here the entire night alone...do you?" A soft laugh comes from Mokou, calling from the end of the aisle.
<Asher> Somehow managing to grab onto the book and pretty much clutching onto it as the only precarious grip he has on sanity right now, Asher strains to ... breathe. Normally. "Kotono..." His voice sounds a little pleading. "Could you please... just get off --" Asher's voice goes up in alarm. "Mokou-san! Just a second, please!"
> "Alright..." Chuckling Mokou retreats, off to whence she came for now.
> "But Aaassher..." Kotono does reluctantly detangle, only mildly glommed on for the moment.
<Asher> With a sigh of relief, Asher tries to gather himself back up, tugging the still somewhat-attached Kotono with him gently, still holding onto the book. Yeah, there was going to be no easy way to escape this. He calls out over the bookstore again. "Mokou-san, would you mind if I borrowed another book before I leave...? I'll return the other ones next week..."
<Kotono> "That's fine, Asher." Mokou takes the time to give you another smile before she fully shuffles off, your blonde 'girlfriend' still clinging on like a bad case of the wood ticks.
<Asher> Asher doesn't have the energy or even the presence of mind to really return the look to Mokou. At least he's back on his feet now. Sighing a bit and... realizing that just walking with Kotono like this is hard enough... he turns around and gently nudges her shoulder. "Kotono... uh, could you... loosen your grip?" What the hell, might as well be honest.
<Kotono> "Well?" Kotono does ever so slightly comply, but still hangs on Asher's arm. "Just it's nice, you know and it's so fun and I just wanna stay like this and I wonder if this is what Hot-chan means w hen she says hugging people is nice, but she usually says that around girls so I dunno if it's related or not, but it's still fun!"
<Asher> "It is nice," he says simply, walking over and picking up his backpack and the kendo stick. With her so closely attached, he leaves them hanging off his arm instead of actually putting the pack on. "But it's nice to be able to walk too, Kotono. Just... try to shy away from extremes, eh?" Asher turns back and gives her a bit of a wary look. That was really the only issue.
<Kotono> "But... Kotono even disengages a bit more - still arm bound but giving Asher a hair of flexibility, sorta. "But this is nicea nd it's not that extreme it's not like we're naked or doing anything like that so this is just fun, huh?"
<Asher> Finally managing to push themselves out of the door, Asher strains to keep his patience... and his wits.. up to par. It's not too bad - the evening's nice, and Kotono in all brutal honesty was operating under much more restrained parameters than the norm he'd come to expect. "Well, yes... but remember, Kotono, I think you just have a taaad more energy than most." A brief smile, at that, as he picks the way out to the nearest ice
<Asher> -- ice cream parlor.
<Kotono> It's a block or two away - no luck with it being that close. "Well, yes, ...but wait, I'm not that bad, am I, and besides, it's nice to hug me or are you saying I'm...unappealing?"
<Asher> "No, not like that..." Asher pauses, considering his words. "I mean that I'm not quite capable of suitably meeting your output, Kotono," Asher answers wryly, stopping for a moment and turning around to face her seriously. "Take it even as a compliment. It's rare that people get to be as ... " Ooh, what was a good word. Yeow. "...vibrant as you are." (more)
<Asher> "Let's get something straight out." Since this was a rare opportunity that he could speak sanely to her without having his head blown off from a torrent of Kotonospeak, Asher decides to take immediate advantage of the situation! "I really do like being around you, kay?" Though that's said as matter of factly as possible, it does not come unaccompanied with a flush look of embarassment.
<Asher> "But I'm not so good at handling.. so much... at once.. while you don't seem to have any problem with that," he continues mildly, "which is why I ask sometimes that you slow down. That's all. ...kay?" His face looks vaguely hopeful that she'll process all of that the way it was intended.
<Kotono> "Mmmm." Kotono even goes eerily quiet at all of that, pondering it all over before she takes a breath. "Asher-chan...a s long as you aren't going to go anywhere, it'll be okay, okay?!" With that Kotono hugs you again, happy and smiling. "So let's go have some ice cream and have some fun, huh?"
<Kotono> "Mmmm." Kotono even goes eerily quiet at all of that, pondering it all over before she takes a breath. "Asher-chan...a s long as you aren't going to go anywhere, it'll be okay, okay?!" With that Kotono hugs you again, happy and smiling. "So let's go have some ice cream and have some fun, huh?"
<Asher> "Let's," Asher agrees amiably. He represses the urge to let out a large sigh of relief as they pick up the pace again, feeling comfortable enough to let Kotono stay relatively close in a position that normally wouldn't be good implications for his health. But what the heck. Life's short.
<Asher> Wearing a genuine smile, it's not too long before they cross enough blocks to reach said parlor... probably barely before closing time. It IS evening.
<Kotono> It is still open! With his...friend? Girlfriend? Soon to be lover? Demonic horror? Asher may not be sure, but regardless he enters! Amid nice tables and lots of flavors available you find yourselfs, orders ready to be ordered.
<Asher> Asher hates thinking of labels like that anyway, and instinctually banishes them from his mind even as they come up. Looking over to Kotono, because that's who she is!, he takes a seat, setting stuff aside.
<Asher> Ice cream. He hadn't had one since the Cr... wait, no, he didn't even have one back then. It'd been a long while, in other words. Remembering the vivid image of Kotono milkshake consumption, though, it's probably safe to assume that the blonde sitting next to him has no such wait period!
<Kotono> She gets vanilla ice cream this time, eating at a slow pace. Along with that is a tall soda, this assaulted with frentic energy. Of course there isn't any respite, as Kotono curls up next to Asher and relaxes..."Oh thank you, this i really cool and it's our first official date, huh, and it's just too sweet!"
<Asher> Asher decides his safest hedged bet is to just not reply immediately, letting Kotono do as she pleases while impassively sipping at his own drink of choice, a root beer float. Hadn't had one of these for an ungodly long amount of time... and he realizes his other hand isn't free. Still holding onto that book.
<Asher> Glumly, he sets it to the side on the seat, letting the blonde lean back and harboring his own thoughts. "Mm..."
<Hotaru-chan> Hotaru wanders out of the back, brushing off her hands, and still wearing her own T*A uniform as she heads towards a booth not far off from Kotono and Asher's seats. She stops on sighting the pair though, giving a wry smile and waving before continuing on. Well, maybe they need their time along together? She certainly won't be the one to interrupt Kotono's ah...affections. Tantamount to suicide, don't you know?
<Asher> Fortunate enough that Hotaru waves to give Asher's eyes the signal they need to even notice her presence. His head turns ever so slightly, catching sight of the girl, as he frees a hand and waves back wordlessly. Well... he doesn't look QUITE as tormented as he normally does. The expression she's getting sure says he wouldn't mind company, though!
<Kotono> "...Hot-chan?" Kotono waves at this, clinging to Asher but using one free hand to beckon her over hopefully. "Heya, Hot-chan!"
* Hotaru-chan smiles a little more. Well if both members of the happy couple want her there... Snickering, she holds up one finger, going and retrieving her satchel and super-fudge brownie malt to head over to sit across from Asher and Kotono. "Hey, Kochan, Asher," she greets, trtying to hold back laughter.
<Kotono> "Heya!" ASher is glommed ontot for dear life as Hotaru smiles. "Heya, Hot-chan, huh?"
<Asher> Asher shoots her a dirty look at the not all too well concealed delight upon seeing his misery! But it passes quickly as he nods to her approach and smiles a bit himself, regardless. "Heya, Hotaru. Just happening by coincidence?" Kotono's sudden impulse to bodily latch onto him is met with a bit of a wince, as he leans perilously back to give her... room...
<Hotaru-chan> "Yeah, I happened to be checking on competition," Hotaru murmurs, snickering. "Well...and it's hard to eat at work. Guys still stare by the dozen," she sighs, blowing at her bangs. "What about you two?"
<Asher> "Kotono decided that she would like some ice cream and company to go along with it," Asher remarks dryly, not without a hint of exasperation. But he makes no motion against the attached blonde either. Probably because it'd go nowhere! Oh, and.. Hotaru'll probably notice the book lying on the empty seat near them...
<Kotono> Kotono just stays curled up to Asher, as if holding him answers all of life's unhappinesses!
<Hotaru-chan> Hotaru's returning smile, and very slight smirk, are just as dry. "Sounds like Kochan..." she agrees, glancing over at the book. "You don't seem quite as much like a deer in the headlights as usual..."
<Asher> "We all adapt, Hotaru," Asher says in way of reply, but there's a hint of a sardonic smile. Sighing a bit and trying to get at least a liiiiiiittle moving room with Kotono attached, he takes a sip of the float. Mm, it's pretty good...
<Kotono> Kotono just seems to want to focus on holding Asher and purring like a giant yellow pussycat. She rubs her face against his shoulder, before sending happy looks to Hotaru.
<Hotaru-chan> Hotaru just snickers after a moment. "THat we do," she agrees, trying to not just burst out laughing. "Jeez, you look as happy as I was a couple days ago," she drawls, shaking her head.
<Asher> "Oh?" Asher is quick to pick up on that, studying Hotaru as he seems oblivious to Kotono's actions. There's still that faint glimmer in his eyes of... something, though. "Elaborate."
<Kotono> "Yoshi?" Kotono asks in happiness and soul filling contentment, again rubbing her face into Asher's shoulder.
<Asher> roll 1d2
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 1d2 and gets 1." [1d2=1]
<Hotaru-chan> Hotaru manages to blush, and then snicker. "Yeah, that was Sunday night...and then Mako-chan's..." Hotaru's smile is nearly blissful between the memories. "I should call one of them."
<Asher> Hotaru's visage is not lost on Asher as he studies the former carefully, pursing his lips. "Mm.. hmm." Yeah, like he had any comment to that! He had enough to deal with. With a careful grip, Asher slides a bit to the side to position himself closer to the edge of the seat, giving him -some- space. "Ah... any plans for the week? Or word from the others?"
<Hotaru-chan> "Spend more time in Mako-chan's bed," Hotaru answers with a soft snort, shaking her head. "Not much, just life as usual unless there's a blip on the radar, honestly. I haven't been getting anything, though."
<Asher> "It usually doesn't seem to work that way," Asher agrees, seeming to pass over the first comment. Somehow, somewhere, something in his mind told him to just let it go. You don't want to know, Asher. Nope, nope! Or was that Reclaimer talking to him?
<Asher> He pulls the still half-full root beer float, ice cream sinking down slowly in a melting descent, and sips, ignoring the straw that the waitress had provided - not the type to use straws. The cold, sweet taste washing down was a pleasant distraction from other... pressing matters.
<Kotono> "Mmmm." Kotono murmurs, making an effort to keep on Asher. "So it's fun, Hot-chan?"
<Hotaru-chan> Hotaru jsut shrugs, sipping on her very, VERY chocolatey malt. So much so some might wince. "Nothing major happening around you two?" she asks softly, glancing between blonde and boy. "T*A's been clear as far as I know."
<Asher> "Not since that weekend," Asher murmurs softly, content to be guzzling his drink. Slowly.
<Kotono> "So we'll probably run into something soon, right?" Kotono chimes in with her own cheerful banter. "We'll get themt his time, huh, Asher, and it'll be too cool?"
<Asher> Wince... breathe... respond politely... with a smile.. manners, manners. The things that your 'rents drill into you from an early age and somehow they persist within the poor, tormented soul that is Asher. "...yes, Kotono... it will be, I'm sure." And that's all of the float. Mm, that was good.
* Hotaru-chan just smiles. "Hopefully it'll be cool. Hopefully. Mmmm...so are you two going anywhere after this?" she probes playfully, raising an eyebrow.
<Asher> "Home," Asher replies candidly before Kotono can speak up. "It is going to be dark pretty soon."
> <Asher> Wince... breathe... respond politely... with a smile.. manners, manners. The things that your 'rents drill into you from an early age and somehow they persist within the poor, tormented soul that is Asher. "...yes, Kotono... it will be, I'm sure." And that's all of the float. Mm, that was good.
> * Hotaru-chan just smiles. "Hopefully it'll be cool. Hopefully. Mmmm...so are you two going anywhere after this?" she probes playfully, raising an eyebrow.
> <Asher> "Home," Asher replies candidly before Kotono can speak up. "It is going to be dark pretty soon."
> "Um well...unless you wanna come to my house again and it's not like that but it could be cool and we could have a normal sleepover or something and it would be fun and I'm gonna launch a rocket tonight too, huh, and send it all the way into space!"
> Kotono rattles all that off as she blushes, looking to Hotaru and then Asher as her gaze flits around.
* Hotaru-chan just raises an eyebrow, not commenting just yet on the sleepover idea.. "How do you plan on getting it to escape velocity, Kochan?" she murmurs
<Asher> "I don't think my parents'd react well to me not showing up tonight, Kotono," Asher says with a sigh. He does not remark on the rocket.
<Asher> Ouch. Two discouraging statements at the same time...
> For just a moment Kotono opens her mouth before going wide eyed! She looks at Asher and then back at Hotaru several times back and forth, before turning 100% red and deglomming! She presses her fingers together, not saying anything.
* Hotaru-chan blinks several times at that, looking around. Did King Arthur walk in the door or something? Because that certainly isn't her normal reaction to that kind of thing...
> Nothing is afoot that Hotaru can note.
<Asher> ...yeah, um, that is weird. Asher blinks momentarily, but rather than glance about he turns to Kotono looking a little more mystified than anything else. "...Kotono? You.. okay?"
> "Oh man...Hot-chan, I'm not a pervert am I, since I just though tof using my hands to speed up the rocket and then Asherand one thing lead to another and that's just really messed up like something Rei-chan might say, you know, and I'm really not lik ethat even if I do lik erockets and I like Asher but it's not like that and I promise I'm not, okay, and it was a big miscommunication like we were all suddenly speaking really cool tongues!"
> cool tongues!"
<Asher> THUD. The back of Asher's head hitting the booth. Nnnnnnnnnnnnn. He stays inert, motionless, and speechless for the next few seconds.
<Hotaru-chan> Hotaru sighs a little. "Kochan, first thing - never talk about these things in front of boys. Second thing?" Hotaru scoots back and stands up, around the table to whisper in Kotono's ear.
> Kotono sputters once before grabbing Hotaru's shirt and whispering back into her ear!
<Asher> ....Asher gives them both a thorough lookover at this as he moves himself from faceplanted position and leans back into his seat, muttering something... though he still watches them out of the corner of his eyes. Mrf. Gossip.
<Hotaru-chan> This goes on for a bit - heart to heart whispering.
<Asher> With a bit of a defeated sigh, he finally casts his gaze away to the rest of the parlor, letting the two do their thing. One hand idly grips Reclaimer, steadying the thing against its leaning position as he... mm, maybe another float wouldn't be a bad idea...
> As this happens Kotono whispers again, then looks over to Asher andg rabs his shoulder. "Asher-chan! Um, do you want me to...aah...well..." More blushes as she comes up short, "No! I didn't meant that, just well..."
<Hotaru-chan> Hotaru grabs Kotono by the shoulders and yanks her back.
<Hotaru-chan> Whispering follows.
<Asher> "...." Asher directs a straight out glare at Hotaru. The statement is written clearly across his face: What the hell are you up to?
> "You're a pervert?!" Kotono recoils a moment, nearly yellin gat Hotaru, but then goes in for another whisper!~
<Asher> Well. Not that that comes across as much of a surprise. Asher's face downcasts for a moment, just looking a liiiiiiittle dejected, then he settles down for closing his eyes and sinking back against the seat. Thinking too much about it was painful and more effort than it was worth...
> More whispering between the two, but Kotono freezes cold, nearly falling away fromHotaru!
<Asher> Asher sees nothing and is blissfully unaware of this unless Kotono is intending to make a physical statement to get his attention!
> OOC - Body check, Asher.
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 8." [2d6=2, 6]
> Asher faintly hears something from Kotono, but it's too quiet to make out.
<Asher> "...mm?" Asher looks up again, the blurry vision that comes first from banishing the darkness out of his eyes giving him a moment's pause before he turns to Kotono, face looking in askance.
> Finally Kotono retreats from Hotaru, blushing horribly and going to her ice cream. "Um...well....thanks Asher but I think I'll just go home and study my very non rocket like books tonight! Bye!" With a final bite Kotono rises, making haste away!
* Hotaru-chan blows at her bangs, falling back into her seat. "My God..." she whimpers, leaning against the table. "You are one...I don't know if you're lucky or cursed, maybe both," she whimpers at Asher, taking a long pull from her slowly melting malt.
<Asher> What the HECK. Asher stutters for a moment as he nearly starts after the suddenly retreating Kotono, then stops, implanting himself back in his seat with a low growl. "I didn't need you to run her off, Hotaru. What the hell was that all about?"
<Hotaru-chan> "I didn't, she's encountering things for the first time and ran her off. I kept her hands out of your lap," Hotaru growls back, face in her own hands.
<Hotaru-chan> *herself off
<Asher> A deep breath. Asher pushes his empty float to the side and folds his arms, resting his head on top of them and the table as he murmurs quietly. "Please. Explain, if you wouldn't mind..."
<Hotaru-chan> "Asher, you're a boy, an attractive, nice boy. The only boy in fact, Kotono's lasted longer than oh...twenty minutes with. On the outside. You're also one of 'us', meaning magical, you know what we do, she can talk around you without the threat of me or Rei exploding about what she says if it somehow gets onto Pluto. You're cute, you're nice, your magic, and Kotono just got a solid piece of phallic imagery in her head."
<Asher> Asher throws up his hands in exasperation. "I know all of this - wait, what?" His gaze discerns back down to Hotaru at the last part of her proclamation. "...uh.. huh."
<Asher> In truth, her words lead to a little more embarassment then he let on, but he still was determined to figure out what had rattled Kotono so thoroughly off. "And you said...?"
<Hotaru-chan> Hotaru just sighs, shrugging. "She needed to be told it was firstly normal, secondly not to do anything about it until you were alright with it. She kept building it up in her own head, though. Right on up until she reached the appropriate climax of what men and women ULTIMATELY do with each other, and well...at the moment, she'd rather glomp onto you without worrying about that."
<Hotaru-chan> "So I guess she ran off to try and get it out of her head before she attaches herself again."
<Asher> Oh, the ramifications of that were Asher to incline his current thought process towards certain angles. But he doesn't, raising one hand to rub over his temples. "You're making me wonder whether it'd be healthier to stay around her or avoid her. And I mean for her sake." With a low grimace, he slides the still-idle book on the vacant seat over and starts stuffing it into the pack. It was still technically on loan, after all.
<Hotaru-chan> "Honestly? I think she's doing fairly well for getting this far," Hotaru sighs, leaning on her arms, idly sipping at her malt again. "It's improvement at least - she realized she ahd the desire, and would rather just spend time with you than do something sexual, hm? That's a valuable lesson to build on."
<Asher> "Question, though." Asher pauses for a moment, turning to focus his gaze on Hotaru with all dead seriousness. Any lingering trace of hesitation was promptly pushed away. "As a friend, and as her friend... can you honest to heaven tell me just how mature she is able to handle things? I know this sounds ridiculous coming from me, but." He purses his lips, momentarily.
<Asher> "I'm not a complete backwater recluse, Hotaru. Though I'll say the bulk of my experience came from watching friends shoot themselves in the foot." A briefly irritated look crosses over for a moment, soon to pass. "And I really don't know, sometimes. I get a glimpse of another her on occasion... and then it's gone... and it leaves me a little lost."
<Hotaru-chan> "Can't," Hotaru answers with a slight sigh. "It's very, very hard to tell with Kochan. Her mindset is nearly frozen since her mother died, and despite hanging out with the notorious date magnet and the notorious muser...well, yeah, it comes and goes. Rei and I whimper to each other about the wonders of Kotono when she has half her mind distracted...so..."
<Hotaru-chan> Hotaru just shrugs. "I'd say if YOU can handle working with her shell, it's a good idea...hell, talk to Mako-chan, she's the best at handling Kotono raw."
<Asher> "I'll keep that in mind, then," he nods in reply; though he hadn't even been so much as been introduced to Makoto yet. The joy of these ridiculous, whimsical time schedules. Was Usagi going to set up those communal meetings? "I guess..." A pause. "There's something to work with there... just... keeps falling in and out of grasp..." His words trail off.
<Asher> "...mmf." Standing up from the seat and slinging his pack back around, Asher looks a bit stonewalled. "I guess... best thing to do is to keep things going and hope for the best. As always."
<Hotaru-chan> "Just give it time," Hotaru murmurs, nodding. "Time and an enormous load of patience," she snickers, shrugging. "Mah, you can meet Mako-chan at work if you stop by Yohko's Sweets Shop, don't mind the uniforms, or...well, we're due for a senshi meeting or something. Barring that I'll drag you over to her place some afternoon," Hotaru waves her hand dismissively.
<Asher> "I know. ...thank you," Asher says quietly in way of parting, every bit of it sincere. He brings up a faint smile and waves back to Hotaru before stepping out of the parlor, plenty enough on his mind to chew on.
* Hotaru-chan just smiles and waves to Asher as he leaves, shaking her head a little.
Tuesday afternoon go!
> OOC - For general reference, roll a 2d6 for me? Mind check.
<Michiru> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Michiru rolls 2d6 and gets 6."12 [2d6=5, 1]
> So Michiru searches! High and low in Tokyo, in the city of gray eternity. Few look at the girl that does not breath, and many that do shiver and turn away in the afternoon gloom. The sun seems less radiant when it peeks out with Michiru under it. From this is born despairing emptiness within the world. 5 PM comes and nothing. Down a crowded street Michiru walks...
* Michiru wanders around in what seems to be an aimless pilgrimage. Randomly looking for a man in a human ant colony such as Tokyo was quite the thankless task - no matter how distinctive the target might be. The afternoon faded slowly, and Michiru, for a moment, felt nostalgic - the interlude between the sunset and the night's rise had always been her favourite moment due to the solemn purple that bathed the sky, but now, even that was lost...
> As Michiru pontificates on the nature of the sky and what she has lost? SMASH! Her body collides with another warm streak of gray. A woman with purple-gray hair and a house dress staggers back, amrs full of groceries. "Excuse me!" she says in surprise, an arcade named Crown just behind her. "Could you..." A frown as she looks at you, shivering, but she bites her lip. "Watch where you're going."
* Michiru shakes her head, blinking and still in slow recovery. "I'm... my apologies. Do... you need help with that?" The sudden request came almost naturally - nearly a reflex of her conciliating nature. No matter what, a degree of appearances had to be kept, and, for some reason, that concern had her at almost all times, in one way or another. She wouldn't want to be looked down upon a stranger, now, would she?
a> "Aaah...if you like?" This comes out in a blurt as she stares, stopping cold at the sight of Michiru. She looks...disturbed.
* Michiru nods and kneels, collecting the things she dropped off and repacking them, the steely responsibility of a person under duty. As soon as Michiru finishes, she stands and gives the groceries to the lady, a calculatedly polite and gentle smile in her face. "Sorry for the distress, miss. I won't bother you again."
> "...why?" The woman steps back in the crowd, defensive and tense. Her entire face is a mess of fear, confusion - and a bit of courage. "Y-you aren't wanted here! None of your type are...and...I know she'll stop you!" IN a panic she turns and flees backwards into the crowd, hastily!
* Michiru watches the woman leave in a hurry, in a catatonic state pendulating between infantile curiosity and sincere apathy. It was a reaction she would have to get used to, undoubtedly. But... that was strange. A normal human wouldn't recognize the patterns of Michiru's sorrow so easily. The worst that happened was in the vein of Chitose's emotional wreck, but... nevertheless, Michiru would have a rather lengthy report for Despair.
> You get a few looks as the unnamed blob flees. Do they matter at all? Perhaps not, but you do see a man scowling at you visibly from just outside the Crown's sliding doors. He might have blonde hair and he is tall, casual jeans and a shirt worn. He looks...unamused at you in the extreme as he first tursnt o you.
<Michiru> The tension alert trickles within Michiru. She realized she'd have to blend away from the man, who may as well be the one she was looking for. Regardless, that was an unfavourable moment - if they directly met, a confrontation would be difficult to avoid, and Michiru was to bypass that possibility at -all costs-. No matter what, she'd have to get him lost. If she couldn't kept track of the man herself, apologies. Keeping cover was a priority.
> This isn't too hard - he doesn't pursue you in the least. He stays by the Crown, keeping an eye onyou as you fade into the masses.
* Michiru disappears into the ocean of clay silently, stern and frustrated. That was definitely not a good omen. At least, it seems she could remain at low profile. Take a few turns, then watch again. She'd have to see if the description actually matched the man she was looking for. That said, Michiru wandered around a bit more, trying to keep a balance between distance and visibility.
> Once you're out of the way things return to 'normal'. While youg et a few looks most just hurry on past you. Still no sign of your obvious target, the afternoon wearing on.
* Michiru cradles back and forth, looking around the streets. That search, by now, felt like a fool's errand. She would find fairies, deranged tales of the wild, bigfoots and sylphids in her pilgrimage, but not that man. Not like that. She needed more signals. More traces. Anything. Less than enthusiasthic, Michiru stops by a red sign and waits, watching the sea of clay pointlessly move...
This scene occurs right before episode 4
[23:23] <Takeshi> Ah, the joys of Wednesday - hump day. The middle of the week, and as of now the middle of the day. It's all downhill from here! Usagi finds her lunch period interrupted, however, as a certain tall and dark-haired boy from her class casts a shadow over the sunny spot she's found to eat her meal. "Mind some company?" Takeshi asks.
[23:24] <Usagi> "Hm?" Usagi looks up, smiling as she sees it to be a reassuring masculine presence that desires her company. "Not at all," she shakes her head, scooting over and patting the grass beside her. At least the weather's being cooperative to her desire for lunching away from class...
[23:28] * Takeshi settles down crosslegged next to Usagi, giving her a grateful nod as he unwraps his lunch. "Was hoping to get to talk to you a little more after yesterday," he says, frowning a bit. "Uh..." he hesitates for a moment, scratching the back of his head. "Um... anything else happen at that attack on Sunday with Temptation?" he finally manages, the words coming out rather quickly for him. "I've been looking for her in particular... uh.
[23:29] * Usagi twitches. "No," she shakes her head after a moment, slowly and deliberately going back to her lunch as she forces herself to be calm. Can't afford to get drawn like she did with Asher... "She showed up, we confronted her, she left," she summarises.
[23:30] <Takeshi> "Mmm," Takeshi replies none-too-helpfully. "I saw her last night, but I'm still trying to figure out exactly WHAT I saw," he says after a moment. "Kotono asked me to come to her club meeting after school today, so hopefully I can talk to her about some of it after that."
[23:31] <Usagi> "You saw her?" Usagi's head whips around. "What happened? Are you okay?" she asks quickly.
[23:32] <Takeshi> "No, I don't mean in Tokyo," Takeshi says quickly, holding up his hands. "I think I saw the place they come from - was weird as hell. I only saw her for a minute before it fell apart, but there were plenty of other things there. Just... completely surreal, that's about the only way I can describe it."
[23:33] <Usagi> "How did you see it? What happened?" Usagi presses interestedly, her own problems briefly pushed aside.
[23:34] <Takeshi> "I've got a... well, I guess an ability to see things in other places, by using the power of the stars," Nephrite explains. "I can sort of 'aim' it at a person or a place, and see whatever's going on in that place. I used it to try spying on Temptation last night - and I saw her, just not for very long."
[23:36] <Takeshi> Takeshi*
[23:38] <Usagi> "Wow," Usagi looks impressed. "No wonder you guys won..." she mutters under her breath. "So, um... what did you see?"
[23:40] * Takeshi looks a bit ill at that, but doesn't elaborate further. After a short pause, he explains further. "It was like... sort of a surreal city. Buildings that couldn't possibly exist, and everything was gray and really cold. There was a circle..." He closes his eyes, shaking his head a bit. "The circle was... it had everything in it. But it was still a circle, I could see the edges of it."
[23:42] <Usagi> "Grey... sounds like Jun's vision about what could happen to Earth..." Usagi frowns a moment, pausing to pop some rice into her mouth and chew as she considers. "What do you mean had everything in it?" she asks after a moment.
[23:43] <Takeshi> "I mean it had everything in it. Literally everything - worlds, stars, galaxies. It... I couldn't really make ANYTHING out about it, just a sense of some totally vast amount of... of stuff being there." He sighs. "Then I got a glimpse of Temptation, and then the vision ended."
[23:44] <Usagi> "What, like a model, or like an actual, ah... zoomed out universe or something?" Usagi asks, trying to wrap around the concept.
[23:45] <Takeshi> "Not even like a model - it was like the real thing, down to every possible level of detail you could want, but all fit into this circle that I could walk around in a couple of minutes." Takeshi shakes his head. "Like I said, I'm still trying to figure out what the hell it was."
[23:47] <Usagi> "Hmm... maybe it's some sort of weird space or dimension magic?" Usagi ponders. "I have an idea of how it could work, I guess... maybe. It's not very clear," she admits with a shrug. "Still, if you saw their home, any idea how to get there? Is it in space or in another dimension or what?"
[23:48] <Takeshi> "That I don't know. I don't think it was on Earth at all - maybe some other dimension, although I have no clue how to get into or out of it. I could probably find it again if I was spying, but other than that I'm clueless."
[23:51] <Usagi> "Well, it's something, at least," Usagi smiles. "And heck, if you can spy on them any time, maybe you'll get lucky and catch them when they have a strategy meeting or something?" she suggests brightly.
[23:53] <Takeshi> "Yeah, I plan on keeping at it - pretty rare to get anything really useful unless I stick with it for a long time," Takeshi agrees. He still looks rather thoughtful, although he doesn't say anything immediately. After a minute of working on his lunch, he finally looks up at Usagi with a rather odd expression. "You... have a lot of friends, right? I mean, like all the other senshi, and Nior and Janna,(more)
[23:53] <Takeshi> and you seem to have a lot of friends here at school, too."
[23:54] <Usagi> "Huh?" Usagi blinks, that not really being a question she's had directly addressed before. "Well, yeah, I guess I'm pretty popular. Want me to introduce you to someone?" she asks, speculating on the reasons for the question.
[23:55] * Takeshi doesn't reply, focusing on his lunch more as he picks up a rice ball slowly. "What... exactly, makes them your friends?" He seems pretty intently focused on his bento box as he asks, simply staring at the contents as he speaks.
[23:58] <Usagi> "Well... I like them?" the blonde answers simply, wondering a bit at that question. "They're fun to be around and like having me around as well? That's just how it works, I guess..."
[23:59] <Takeshi> "Mmm," Takeshi replies, finally eating the rice ball after Usagi's finished her answer. "And that's all there is to it?"
[00:01] <Usagi> "It's the simplest way of looking at it," Usagi shrugs in reply. "What do you want, an essay on how each one is special and dear to me in his or her own unique and wonderful way?"
[00:02] <Takeshi> "No no, not that at all," Takeshi replies hurriedly. "Man, this probably just sounds completely dumb." He shakes his head, sighing a bit. "Don't worry about it, I was just... curious, that's all."
[00:03] <Usagi> "Why?" Usagi shifts to face Takeshi. "Now you've got me curious..."
[18:54] <Takeshi> "I..." Takeshi tenses up for a moment, then seems to relax a bit. "Well, I've never really had anyone I'd consider a close friend. I just wondered how you got to know people like that - if there was some kind of trick to it or anything." He blushes a bit. "Like I said, completely stupid question, I know."
[18:56] <Usagi> "Oh..." Usagi pauses a bit. "Um... I dunno about any trick, it just kinda happens naturally - you spend time around people you like and so you want to spend more time around them and then you're friends?"
[18:56] <Usagi> Setting her lunchbox aside, she turns to face Takeshi with a bright and engaging smile on her lips. "We haven't known each other long, but you're a nice guy - if we're not friends already then I think we could be just by carrying on the way we have been."
[19:04] * Takeshi smiles a bit. "I'd like that. I..." He pauses again, then again relaxes. "Keep having to remind myself that it's okay to talk about stuff like this." He shakes his head a bit. "Just... after talking to Serenity last night..." He trails off there.
[19:05] <Usagi> "Hmm?" Usagi cocks her head slightly, still smiling in her open and friendly manner. "What'd she say?"
[19:07] <Takeshi> "She... offered me a place to live," Takeshi replies. "If it all works out, I might NOT get dragged off in another six months."
[19:09] <Usagi> "That was nice of her," Usagi agrees, nodding slowly. "But y'know, even if you have to leave, it doesn't mean forever - especially not with people that can teleport. Ami-chan - she's Sailor Mercury - lives in Germany now, but we still see her a lot."
[19:13] <Takeshi> "Maybe for you," Takeshi frowns a bit. "I can't go very far at all when I teleport - I doubt I could teleport across Tokyo if I tried."
[19:14] <Usagi> "Well, we can still come see you - I admit it's not perfect since it loses a lot of spontaneity on your end, but..." the blonde shrugs. "At the end of the day, it doesn't even matter at all, now, since Serenity offered to put you up, right?"
[19:16] <Takeshi> "Yeah," Takeshi says, a very slight smile on his face. "It's going to be weird to have a real home, finally."
[19:18] <Usagi> "Just don't give up your part time job," the blonde cautions, becoming a bit more stern. "Serenity works hard, but her job isn't the best - if it wasn't for Janna selling gold from Gaia, things would be a lot tighter around there."
[19:20] <Takeshi> "Not planning on it," Takeshi grunts. "It's the only reason I was ever working in the first place - trying to save up enough money to get a place of my own. Takes forever when you're only making a part-time salary, though."
[19:22] * Usagi smiles, relieved. "At least you're responsible. I know the feeling, though - my part time job is only for spending money, since it'd be completely impossible to live on," she commiserates. "I could probably make a fortune with magic, but... I don't want to," she frowns a little. "Kinda cheapens what I do if I put a price on it, y'know?"
[19:30] <Takeshi> "Yeah, that's why I've been saving up for a while. Hard to know when to say 'okay, I've got enough now!' since I'd have to dip into the savings just to pay for bills and stuff. I can just give Serenity whatever I make, though, and she can spend it on whatever she needs to." He shakes his head a bit. "I still don't quite get her, though."
[19:35] <Usagi> "How do you mean?" Usagi asks curiously.
[19:38] <Takeshi> "It's just..." Takeshi waves his hands aimlessly. "I can understand why she'd forgive me for what happened in the past - it really WASN'T me that did that, even if I was responsible for... a lot." That same sickly look comes over his face. "That by itself was generous. But then to let me stay in her own house on top of that?" He shakes his head.
[19:40] <Usagi> "Y'know, Takeshi-kun," Usagi begins, smiling a bit knowingly, "The fact that you're willing to put your life on the line by using your powers to help others already says a lot about you. You don't think she appreciates that?"
[19:42] <Takeshi> "How could I not, after she forgave me like that?" Takeshi shrugs. "It IS a good use to put those powers to, and it's the absolute least I could do in thanks."
[19:43] <Usagi> "Well there you go," Usagi beams. "She might not be Queen of anything anymore, but you think she won't do everything she can to protect the Earth? Since she's not much of a fighter herself, of course she's going to give any assistance she can to the people that *do* fight."
[19:48] <Takeshi> "I guess so... just seems really weird." Takeshi shakes his head again. "I'm guess I'm more used to people doing the bare minimum they have to if they have to help me for some reason."
[19:52] <Usagi> "That's pretty sad," Usagi states her honest opinion, there. "Well, hopefully you'll get used to more enthusiastic help with us!" she grins, nodding, "Seriously, if you ever need anything from me, just ask. It's what friends are for, right?"
[19:53] <Takeshi> "I'll have to take your word for that," Takeshi says with a wry smile. "Voice of experience and all that. But the same goes for you - if there's anything you need MY help with for some reason, just let me know."
[19:56] <Usagi> "It's a deal!" the blonde nods brightly, picking her lunch back up and taking a bite.
> ---Arc 2 go!---
> In all this time Makoto finally has a chance. The past few days have been busy for her, but the news has reached her doorstep. Nior has returned, staying at Queen Serenity's house. Such things beg a response, be it go over in the afternoon after school, send a card or...? So Makoto can ponder as she readies herself for this.
<Makoto> Pshyeah, right. She can just see Nior getting a card and staring at it. '...' He'd say. Yep. No, such things require a personal touch. And by touch, Makoto meant a tackle-glomp-though, without the actual tackling, as that'd be akin to tackling a house. Making excuses to the kendo club, Makoto heads off right after school, humming a little and grinning from ear to ear.
> So Makoto heads along! It's very plain and windy today, brisk to stir Makoto's senses as she heads to Serenity's house. On reaching this place she comes to a surprise! Janna is in the front yard, wearing a gray sweatsuit. She does jumping jacks up and down, panting! "33...34...." she manages, as with his back to the street, Nior looms over her. He wears a black uniform, cut well and probably large enough to be a tent for lesser humans.
> .
* Makoto moves onto the grass, starting to go on tiptoe, then thinking better of it. She's accidentally clocked a few people sneaking up on her innocently, and Nior would hurt if he caught her off guard. Instead, a normal gait up to the pair, vaguely amused that Nior's supervising calisthenetics.
> "35...36...37...Nior...I wasn't...that serious...that I'd gained 3 p-pounsd..." Janna pants futilely, "Be...besides, it's not fair!...not fair that Jun's naturally svelte, too!" For his part Nior says nothing, only watching on and stills eemingly unaware of Makoto.
* Retrieving #evildunes modes...
* Makoto moves carefully, not trying to be too silent, but not too loud, either, finally coming up right beside Nior before speaking. "But you're cuter than he is, Janna." She puts in cheerfully.
> Nior doesn't flinch, but Janna scowls. "H...hi! Thanks, I think...39..." Struggling as she keeps going, "Save...me, Mako-chan!"
> Nior ever so slightly turns his head, eyeing Makoto. He does this a long second, pondering...
> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 8." [2d6=4, 4]
> OOC - DCV, Mako.
<Makoto> roll 2d6-2
* Hatbot --> "Makoto rolls 2d6-2 and gets 4." [2d6=3, 3]
> Nior quickly swings his huge fist, but Makoto's head tingles, giving her enough warning to fall back in an emergency block and parry! The force still makes her back off a few feet, but it's stopped. "...good."
<Makoto> "Yow. I was even expecting that, but..." Makoto shakes her hand a little to ward off the tingles. "I missed that." She grins.
> "...good." Nior doesn't quite smile - but his lips do turn up a little bit. As Janna gets to fourty and keels over in al ittle heap, "...you haven't neglected your training."
* Makoto beams. "Nope! I enjoy sparring with you too much to get too soft to endure it." She giggles. "Want to really test me out?" She invites, bouncing lightly on the balls of her feet.
> "Pleaaase..." Janna whimpers and tries to raise a hand up, "W-ater...take him, please. He's making up for not doing any sort of boot camp, I sweaaar!"
> "...good." Nior still doesn't smile, but he does look...happy as he turns to Makoto. Cracking his knuckles, Nior gestures wordlessly, waiting.
* Makoto grins with a slightly savage glee, and rushes Nior, adrenaline already pumping as she pivots hard on one foot, aiming a kick at...well, his diaphram. He's too tall to kick in the chest without a jump!
<Makoto> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Makoto rolls 2d6 and gets 8." [2d6=3, 5]
> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7." [2d6=3, 4]
> At the last moment Nior's arm comes up, parrying away the kick and going into a vicious charge, fists comin gout to try and plummel Makoto!
> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 7." [2d6=1, 6]
> OOC - DCV
<Makoto> roll 2d6-1
* Hatbot --> "Makoto rolls 2d6-1 and gets 10." [2d6=6, 5]
> CRACK! The sound of Makoto's ribs being slammed into is followed by Nior's high knee raise, sending Sailor Jupiter flying up and then down! Nior looms over her after, ready to press his advantage!
<Makoto> "Ooof." Makoto's breath rushes out-that was a good hit, but even harder than before! No time to recover! Roll away, then get up, and keep going! Rolling with the momentum to put herself (And her aching ribs) out of reach, Makoto springs to her feet, coughing once and grinning as she dives back at Nior, this time swerving and dropping to the side, scissoring her legs out to try and take Nior down at the knees!
<Makoto> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Makoto rolls 2d6 and gets 11." [2d6=6, 5]
> The fundamental problem is that Makoto's hitting what's the equivalent of a tree trunk! The blow just doesn't even budge him, Nior presses his advantage with a leap and a massive downward shoulder tackle, looking to completely flatten Makoto!
> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 10." [2d6=6, 4]
> But this misses, his shoulder skidding on the ground as he slowly rises up, a chance for Makoto to recover!
> "Good..good..." Janna starts to crawl to the door, panting like a dog in the heat for hours on end. "You two just disfigure yourselves, okay? Gonna go bath. Oh God, warm water..."
<Makoto> Darting in, Makoto leaps at Nior--And tries something new! Leaping at the half risen giant, Makoto splays her legs again in midair, as if for a kick...but no! Retracting the first as she sails past, she snaps it back into place and attempts to snare Nior's neck in a scissor lock, twisting her hips sharply to use her full body weight to slam him down again!
<Makoto> roll 2d6+1
* Hatbot --> "Makoto rolls 2d6+1 and gets 3." [2d6=1, 1]
<Makoto> roll 1d6
* Hatbot --> "Makoto rolls 1d6 and gets 2." [1d6=2]
> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 6." [2d6=1, 5]
> Makoto's legs snap on, but Nior manages to get his arms up at the last moment! With a grunt he manages to dislodge Makoto, making her land in a crouch! Retorting with his own kick, Nior rebalances in the meantime.
> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 8." [2d6=2, 6]
> OOC - DCVism.
<Makoto> roll 2d6-2
* Hatbot --> "Makoto rolls 2d6-2 and gets 9." [2d6=6, 5]
> Once again Makoto isn't fast enough! Nior's kick cleanly rattles her clock, a direct hit to her head! Makoto is turned into a flying Jupiter, slamming into a side tree for her efforts. OW.
> Around Makoto browned leaves fall down, a rainstorm as Nior looks on. "...agility?" he asks simply, stretching his neck around in a circle after.
<Makoto> "Guh." Makoto gasps, pulling herself to her feet, and wobbling a bit. "You haven't lost a step either." She grins, sucking in a few gulps of air before gleefully charging back in! This time, straight and true like an arrow, full tilt running momentum channeled into a punch with everything she has!
<Makoto> * "Guh...Not enough, obviously." Makoto gasps
<Makoto> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Makoto rolls 2d6 and gets 11." [2d6=6, 5]
> Makoto's running charge is good, but Nior sees it coming! Without a hint of expression he sidesteps, trying to bring up his knee into Makoto's ribs as she passes!
> roll 2d6
<Reikobot> Anastasia rolled : 2d6 --> [ 2d6=8 ]{8}
> OOC - DCV
<Makoto> roll 2d6-2
<Reikobot> Makoto rolled : 2d6-2 --> [ 2d6=2 ]{0}
<Makoto> But for all her missteps, Makoto is still very, VERY swift, and Nior's knee meets air as she passes! The ponytailed teen reaches out to snag Nior's arm as she passes, pulling and using it as a pivot point to leap, the momentum carrying her around Nior's back in an arc as she lashes out with a kick at the back of his head!
<Makoto> roll 2d6
<Reikobot> Makoto rolled : 2d6 --> [ 2d6=3 ]{3}
> roll 2d6
<Reikobot> Anastasia rolled : 2d6 --> [ 2d6=6 ]{6}
> It's a very good, powerful kick! It does strike some despite his movement - Makoto's last move was skillfull enough to ensure total defense wasn't possible. His head surges forward but he manages to roll with it, trying to catch Makoto and slam her into the ground in a giant, improvised powerbomb!
> roll 2d6
<Reikobot> Anastasia rolled : 2d6 --> [ 2d6=8 ]{8}
> OOC - DCV
<Makoto> roll 2d6-2
<Reikobot> Makoto rolled : 2d6-2 --> [ 2d6=12 ]{10}
> Perfect...for Nior, that is! A solid catch, and Makoto's correctly only plants her body in perfect position! It's a good thing no one is here to make a joke as her legs are wrapped over his shoulders - doubly so since a moment later she is thrown and slammed into the ground back first!
> Makoto lands in a wave of pain - she's dimly aware of the ground under her collasping a bit, but mainly that her entire back is screaming at her now!
<Makoto> "Aaagh!" The cry is instinctive-the blow is powerful and painful, but manageable...if she hadn't already taken two devastating hits. Stars sparkle in her vision as she's not so quick to get up, this time.
> Nior doesn't press this time, either. Instead he goes to loom over her, foot tapping the side of her head. "You're dead." It's all he says, quiet and cast well as he lightly rubs the back of his head.
<Makoto> "I feel dead." Makoto croaks, trying to get her wind back. "Gah...not fair. I haven't gained on you at all..."
> This isn't an easy task as Makoto notes she's embedded about a foot into the ground. "I realised I can't stand still." It's all Nior says as she watches impassively down.
> &he
* Makoto grunts softly, taking a deep breath and beginning to try and pry herself out of the Makoto shaped hole. Still, as the more immediate pain fades to intense aches, she smiles. "You do seem a bit more spry." she wheezes in agreement.
> "..yes." Nior's face is quieter at that, brewing a quiet expression of ...you aren't sure what, but it's not normal. His eyes tighten, "Come." With that Nior heads inside, door left open by Janna's crawling retreat.
<Makoto> Taking a few more moments to get her breath back enough to function, Makoto stands and heads into the house on Nior's heels, sore and grinning goofily. *That was fun.*
> A little later Makoto is at Serenity's living room. While Janna is bathing or curled into a fetal ball, whichever, Nior at least has the manners to get you a tall glass of water before sitting opposite you. He is silent for several long seconds, face distant and unreadable. "...grown up."
<Makoto> Makoto gulps down the first of the water before slowing a little down to sips as she listens to the big man, blinking and beginning to blush. "Well, it has been awhile." She murmurs.
> Nior leans forward. His elbows rest in his knees, eyes unusually intense as he looks Makoto over."...good." he repeats this single word, quiet. "How are...you?" The last word has a peculiar, quiet emphasis.
* Makoto blinks, pondering over how best to answer, and trying to surpress the deep rooted warmth for Nior for the inquiry. A soft smile, grateful and happy touches her lips lightly. "I'm...better now. More..." She hesitates, the irony of the talkative one lost for appropriate words not lost on her. "..whole."
> "...good." Nior repeats, letting silence reign for a long time. "Good," he repeats at last, settling on that word. "...you'll come by often?"
* Makoto takes a deep breath, setting her water down, and standing up, moving over to glomp the giant-gingerly. She doesn't heal THAT fast. "Count on it." She replies warmly.
> Nior is silent long, long seconds in that embrace before he returns it. "Be good, Makoto. You have a very long life ahead to live, and as long as you do not dissapoint those already ahead of you..."
<Makoto> "I know." Makoto's voice is unguarded, and full of pain...but there's more spirit in the pain now than the younger girl Nior knew, wounded, but no longer broken inside. " Don't want to disappoint them. Or the people than go beside me, either."
> "...good." Nior repeats this once more, and then even more quietly, "I won't let you or the others, Makoto."
<Makoto> "I know." Makoto replies, smiling, but her voice hardens slightly with her next words. "But don't think I'll stand by if it happens like last time. I'm not letting you deliver yourself up to the enemy for our sakes if I have breath enough to fight beside you."
> "Makoto." Nior pauses as he leans back, eyes quietly steely. "My life has been long, too long. The only reason I live now...is to ensure that your generation goes on. That you, Usagi, Ami...all of you go on."
<Makoto> "And we need you." Makoto agrees, her eyes flashing slightly. "If you fall..." She grits her teeth shove back a painful spike of emotion. Two years ago, all over again- "Then you fall. But not until all other options are exhausted." She replies. "You never fail to come through for us, Nior, but even if you've lived a long time, your life is a heavy price. I might have to let it be paid someday, but don't expect me to accept it(more)
<Makoto> if I can stop it. Or to leave you at the tender mercies of someone who would torture you for sport." She grinds out, guilt flushing her face. "I understand what you mean. I really do. And I'm not childish enough to fight it if it's the only way."
> "It's a prince I give willingly. Would you not do the same for Queen Serenity?" This question is asked without followup, instead Nior nods. "I know, Makoto, and go. I understand...too well."
<Makoto> "I know." Makoto smiles as she releases her hold. "I won't let anything precious to me go without a fight. That includes you." She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, the melancholy intensity seeming to slough off of her expression...or to be hidden within. "But...No, I want to say more, but it'd be too much." She murmurs. "It's enough that we understand each other's feelings."
> ""Yes." With this agreement Nior rises. "We...understand each other."
This takes place the day after episode 4[19:44] <Takeshi> Thursday is here - the end of the week is within sight! As lunchtime rolls around, Takeshi finds himself stuck at his desk for a few minutes, finishing up an assignment - and when he looks up, someone has already left the room. Grabbing his lunch, he heads out of the room, looking for a certain blonde rabbit.
[19:49] <Makoto> And admits the ebb and flow of teenagers, a certain head and ponytail is clearly visible-not the least of which is because roughly half the students are giving Makoto Kino a wide berth as she walks down the hall-though the other half seem to be less-offended by her presence? Intimidated? As for the tall girl herself, she looks not to notice, just walking along with a bento in hand.
[19:50] * Takeshi raises a hand in greeting, smiling slightly as he spots the brunette. "Hey, Makoto. How's it going?"
[19:51] <Makoto> "Oh, hi." Makoto smiles a little. "I was wondering when I'd see you around. 'Sup?"
[19:52] <Takeshi> "Eh, not too much - was just looking for Usagi, wanted to check up on her after yesterday. Got held up getting out of class, though."
[19:53] <Makoto> "Yesterday?" Makoto echoes, completing her approach, clasping her hands together with the bento in front of her. "Something happen?"
[19:54] <Takeshi> "Yeah," Takeshi says, not really wanting to get into it in the crowded hallway. "Tell you what, join us for lunch and we can fill you in - that work?"
[19:55] <Makoto> "Sounds good to me." Makoto smiles. "Sacchin's been shanghai'd by her boyfriend, so I've got no one to eat with."
[19:57] * Takeshi chuckles at that. "Sounds good - next step is just finding her. Probably outside somewhere." With that, he heads for the door leading out onto the grounds.
[19:59] <Asher> There's a much quieter section of the school which is oft-neglected by most people in the hustle and bustle to lunch; a partially shaded area with a few benches to sit on, but empty pavement otherwise. It just so happens that Takeshi is walking around a corner and catches sight of a fistful of blonde hair out of the corner of his eye, and - as he moves closer - someone else leaning against the wall. A dark-black haired boy, kendo stick at
[20:00] <Asher> --his side, halfheartedly eating a brown-bag lunch.
[20:00] <Kotono> Makoto dimly reconizes the latter - he's in her class - the two always seeing either other but barely noting. The sort of classmates you'd forget about an hour after the last period of the year. He's quiet and generally unassuming.
[20:01] <Usagi> "Yeah, it was a real surprise, but you can meet Michiru-san after school," Usagi tells Asher as she sits on the bench near Asher, picking at her lunch. "Hopefully then we can get things straightened out."
[20:02] * Makoto blinks at the sight of the boy with Usagi, dim recognition pinging, but she doesn't say anything as they approach.
[20:02] * Takeshi gives the pair a wave as he walks up. "How's it going, Usagi?" he asks, taking a seat on the ground next to the pair and giving Asher a slight nod.
[20:02] <Kotono> Also, Asher does put a face to Makoto - she is cute and in his class, afterall, and even if perhaps wounded, his libido isn't dead. Right?
[20:02] <Asher> "That sounds like a good plan," Asher was saying in ways of reply with a brief smile. "I've felt really out of the loop lately." He pauses to take another bite into his sandwich, looking up abruptly at someone else approaching. Swallowing it down, "Takeshi-san? Good to see you."
[20:03] * Usagi looks up, somewhat lethargically. "Oh, hey guys," she nods to the pair. "Just telling Asher about what happened yesterday."
[20:04] <Asher> Libido. Dead. That was an understatement after the beating it had taken the past few weeks, a target that was ALREADY reed thin. Asher's face flickers a moment of recognition on the chestnut-haired girl, but he sets his stuff down and bows politely anyway.
[20:04] <Makoto> "What did happen?" Makoto asks, blinking as Usagi puts a name to the boy. "Oh! You're Kochan's...friend."
[20:05] * Makoto smiles a little as he bows, and bows back. "Makoto Kino. Nice t'meetcha."
[20:05] <Usagi> "You two haven't met?" Usagi boggles briefly. "I thought you were in the same class..."
[20:05] <Asher> "...that's one way to put it, yes..." Asher's face seems to screw up visibly at Makoto's proclamation. Kotono's friend. So this was how the label was going to be. "Asher Shinsei," he replies back anyway with a polite nod.
[20:05] <Takeshi> "How are you feeling today?" Takeshi asks, giving Usagi a somewhat critical going-over. "You still look kind of beat, to tell the truth."
[20:05] <Asher> "We are, actually, but no one ever bothered to tell us about each other's identity, I think," he remarks with some candidness.
[20:07] <Makoto> "Sounds about right. They told me you were in my class, but I never got the chance to go hunting for you."
[20:07] <Usagi> "Uh, well, I told Mako-chan..." Usagi looks at Asher somewhat lamely. "I just assumed..." she hangs her head. "Yeah, this meeting is way past due." Glancing briefly at Takeshi, she shakes her head, "Don't worry about it."
[20:08] * Takeshi looks slightly dubious, but doesn't press the issue. "Anyway, Makoto-san. Basically, the gist of what happened is that we stumbled across Sailor Neptune yesterday, and she was apparently being controlled by the inhumans."
[20:09] <Asher> Asher nods wordlessly to that, having been given the summary by Usagi just moments earlier as he picks up his lunch again and resumes finishing it.
[20:09] <Makoto> "..." Makoto stares at Takeshi, then shakes her head. "She's...all right?"
[20:10] <Usagi> "Seems so," Usagi shrugs, resuming her lunch. "Serenity filled her in last night, so hopefully she can tell us about the enemy today after school."
[20:11] <Makoto> "Oh. Cool." Makoto sighs. "When the enemy gets busy, they don't screw around." She sighs, frowning. "And Takeshi-san's right, Usagi-chan. You don't look so hot. Everything go okay?"
[20:12] * Usagi sighs slightly. "Rough night," she waves it off. "Between purifying Michiru - which was way harder than Eleni, I have to say - and working... slept funny, too..." she grumbles, cheeks tinging slightly.
[20:13] <Makoto> "Ohhhh." The tall girl nods, settling down beside Usagi to unfold her bento and get to lunch, too. "Nightmares'll pass."
[20:14] <Takeshi> "I'll give you a ride over Serenity's place after school if you want," Takeshi offers. "Better take it easy for now, as long as you can anyway."
[20:14] <Usagi> "God, I hope so," Usagi's heartfelt agreement comes strongly to Makoto's statement. "It's alright, Takeshi-kun, I can walk - besides, we can all head there together, right?" she glances at Makoto and Asher for confirmation.
[20:15] <Asher> Asher nods in confirmation, picking up the kendo stick at his side and leaning back against the wall with it. "Yeah, I'm off work today, thank the heavens. It's been a rough week."
[20:16] * Makoto nods hesitantly. "I'll be a bit late, I have to take the Kendo club's tournament forms to the office, but that should only take five or ten minutes."
[20:17] <Takeshi> "Yeah, I've got to work after the meeting - assuming nothing huge comes up between then and now, anyway." Takeshi shakes his head a bit. "At this rate I'm going to need to skip school for a day to get caught up on everything I need to do."
[20:20] <Asher> "You have my sympathies on that," Asher remarks with full sincerity. Time was a rapidly slipping resource against an enemy prone to strike anywhere at any time to boot. "We really need an easier way to keep us all up to date that won't completely clash against schedules..."
[20:21] <Takeshi> "Tell me about it," Takeshi grumbles. "I half want to set up a bulletin board at Serenity's house where we can leave information for each other."
[20:21] <Makoto> "Get Ami-chan to make us a newsletter." Makoto quips dryly, opening up her bento and critically eyeing the contents as she starts to eat, though the aroma is...decidedly enticing.
[20:22] <Usagi> "Be handy if we had more communicators for you guys as well," Usagi murmurs, resuming her lethargic picking at her lunchbox, monotonous stabs of her chopsticks to snare up some food which slowly makes its way into her mouth. "Those things are really handy."
[20:28] <Makoto> "Well, why don't we meet up?" Makoto suggests. "Usagi-chan and I each have communicators...could you guys arrange to talk for a few minutes with one of us each day? We could at least keep you updated on what we hear."
[20:29] <Usagi> "Or see if the cats could give you Venus and Uranus' communicators? Not like anyone's using those..." Usagi observes, taking out her communicator and showing the two unused planetary symbols she never dials.
[20:29] <Takeshi> "Should be easy enough to stay in touch with Usagi, since we're in the same class," Takeshi nods. "Could catch up for a few minutes after class every day."
[20:30] <Makoto> "Well, they might show." Makoto muses to Usagi. "It'd be nice."
[20:30] <Asher> "I actually..." Asher pauses, a look of embarassment on his face. "Heck, I forgot to give Kotono's communicator back. Go figure. But yeah, that sounds like a plan."
[20:30] <Usagi> "Yeah, but until they do we can do it this way," Usagi smiles at the taller brunette.
[20:31] * Makoto gives Asher an appraising glance, then nods to Usagi. "Well, if Luna and Artemis'll give 'em up, it's not a bad thought." She agrees, smiling back at Usagi, glad to see the blonde perking up.
[20:36] <Asher> "Makoto-san?" Asher brings up an inquiry as he turns to regard the person in question. "You said something about the kendo club?"
[20:37] <Makoto> "Hm?" Makoto perks up at the mention of her name. "Yes...?"
[20:38] <Asher> "I was actually looking into signing up for it sometime. Won't do any good for my time schedule, but I need the real-person practice. You have any idea if they're taking sign-ups this late into the term....?"
[20:38] * Takeshi finally gets down to the business of eating lunch, glancing up at Makoto and Asher at the mention of practice.
[20:39] <Makoto> "Oh, sure. As long as you don't mind practicing with girls, too." Makoto smiles. "Juuban's kendo club is too small to segragate by sex, so Sacchin and I and one other girl practice with about five boys."
[20:39] * Usagi just resumes her slow consuming of lunch, looking down at the paving as the conversation turns towards martial arts and such, mind drifting off towards other matters that she'd honestly rather not consider, but... such is life for a sexually confused girl such as herself.
[20:41] <Takeshi> "You sure you're okay, Usagi-san?" Takeshi says, leaning over and speaking quietly as not to interrupt the other two.
[20:41] <Asher> "So most of the club is girl on girl sparring?" There's a hint of a smile on Asher's face that shows some bemusement, but he doesn't sound nonplussed. "No, I don't mind, and it was Hotaru who came up against me the last time I fought anyway. Just point me in the right direction."
[20:42] <Usagi> "Mmm?" the blonde slowly looks up, flinching a second as she hears 'girl on girl' and staring at Asher, distracted. "Uh... what was that, Takeshi-kun?" she asks slowly after a long moment to recover.
[20:42] <Takeshi> "I asked if you were okay," Takeshi repeats. "You still look kind of out of it."
[20:43] <Asher> Asher throws a glance at Usagi's way at Takeshi's words, but offers no comment yet...
[20:44] <Makoto> "Not exactly girl on girl." Makoto replies dryly. "But sure...we're in the same class, so just c'mon with me after school to get the forms, and you can see the people, and maybe the captain'll be there to talk to, too."
[20:45] <Usagi> "Just distracted, I guess," the blonde shakes her head. "Don't worry about it," she smiles, the gesture transforming her face for a moment into the radiant beauty she normally presents to the world, but she soon lowers her head and goes back to her slow and methodical eating, expression slipping back to confused neutrality...
[20:46] <Asher> "Sounds like a plan." He agrees amiably enough, standing upright and turning over to Usagi again not without a hint of concern. But seeing her having withdrawn to herself, the effort feels pointless. "Well, in that case, guess I'll see you all sometime soon? Class is about to roll around."
[20:46] * Makoto gives Usagi a worried look. It's plain something is bothering her, though the others would probably be better at teasing it out of her. Still, it's worrying.
[20:46] * Makoto nods to Asher agreeably, smiling.
[20:47] <Takeshi> "I'm not going to push, but I'm around," Takeshi replies, shaking his head. With a snort he adds, "If nothing else, I'm good at listening."
[20:48] <Asher> Asher withdraws quickly, not the type who likes to be tardy, and gives them all a farewell wave before disappearing off into a hallway. Well, Makoto mostly - the other two seem to be a little occupied... but it doesn't register much on his mind as he takes off.
[20:48] <Usagi> "Oh? Lunch is over?" Usagi looks down. "Didn't even finish..." she laments quietly at her almost eaten lunch. Slowly closing the lunchbox, the blonde rises. "Really, Takeshi-kun, it's fine. Just... not feeling myself, I guess..." Essaying another, far weaker, smile, the blonde makes her way to the ladies so she can answer the call of nature before class.
[20:50] * Takeshi simply nods to Usagi as she leaves, sighing a bit. "Everyone's got something on their mind, seems like," he mutters as the blonde takes off, standing himself and dusting off his pants.
[20:50] * Makoto flashes Takeshi a quick smile, and follows Usagi. "See you both later." She adds to the boys, hurrying up to the blonde.
[20:51] <Usagi> "Hey, Mako-chan. Going to the bathroom as well?" Usagi asks her friend as she heads into the main building and towards the facilities.
[20:52] <Makoto> "Actually, I wanted to find out what's going on." Makoto replies, concerned. "You're looking really bothered. Even when you're tired, you're more bubbly than this, Leader-chan."
[20:56] <Usagi> "I guess..." Usagi smiles weakly to the brunette as they head through the halls of Juuban High. "Just..." she frowns a bit. There's no way she can tell Makoto - Asher was bad enough, but telling another senshi would surely result in Rei killing her. Oddly, the thought of Rei being that mad at her hurts more than she'd have expected. "Romance troubles," she settles on that as being plausible, and not entirely a lie, either.
[21:00] <Makoto> "Ah." Makoto frowns, following Usagi, sneaking worried glances at the shorter girl. "I guess I won't ask you for details, then-but if you want someone quietly beaten up, All you gotta do is ask." She tries, lightly. "...and, uh, it's not anything serious, is it?" Makoto whispers, leaning in close, her expression darkening. "Your boyfriend didn't try and force..." She trails off, the only explanation for the other girl looking so unhappy se
[21:00] <Makoto> the only explanation for the other girl looking so unhappy seeming to surface in her mind.
[21:02] <Usagi> That at least gets a more lively reaction. "Oh, God no!" Usagi shakes her head quickly, pigtails whipping from side to side. "No, nothing like that, Mako-chan!" she hastily reassures the brunette. "Just... it's... it's me, really. I did something I shouldn't have..." she goes on, starting to blush and softly bite on her lip as they head into the girls' bathroom.
[21:03] * Makoto follows, her expression clearing a little as they enter the lavatory, but still frowning. "Is that so bad? Everyone makes mistakes...Especially me." the tall girl adds ruefully. "He's not too mad at you or anything, right?"
[21:05] <Usagi> "It's just a confusing mess!" Usagi laments as she goes into an empty stall, raising her voice to keep talking to Makoto. "I just did something I shouldn't with someone I shouldn't, and I really feel bad about it!"
[21:06] <Makoto> "Oh..." Makoto nods, though she doesn't really understand. "Well...why? I mean, it's over now, right? Unless you can't just apologize and forget about it?"
[21:08] <Usagi> "We both apologised and agreed to forget all about it!" Usagi nods emphatically as she does her business. "But we can't!" she squeaks out, glad at least her crimson cheeks can't be seen.
[21:10] <Makoto> "Ahh...well, at least I know about awkward." Makoto soothes, hopping up on the counter beside the sink, kicking her legs a little. "It is awkward? Or..." Makoto blinks and trails off as elightenment dawns. "...Or worse. You still have feelings for him, you mean?"
[21:12] <Usagi> "I don't know!" Usagi nearly wails as the toilet flushes, emerging a moment later and going to wash her hands. "I'm just... I'm tempted! Really really tempted, even though I don't want to be!"
[21:16] * Makoto smiles a little. "I know the feeling, believe it or not." She sighs, hopping off the counter. "My old sempai was...well, it went badly, but I saw him again with Ami-chan, and it was hard. Try not to stress too much over it, Leader-chan." Makoto moves up behind Usagi and hugs the blonde rabbit gently, a soft, warm pressure against her back. "We're still teenagers. Things get out of control. (More)
[21:17] <Makoto> If you really don't want to go for it, just sit on it, and it'll fade eventually. No boy's worth the kind of crap you're putting yourself through." She adds, releasing the hug. "I should get going, but just try and forget him. There's plenty of nicer guys." She adds, heading for the door.
[21:20] * Usagi sighs softly at the embrace... Makoto's probably a great kisser. The inadvertant thought makes her blush intensify, the blonde looking away as she washes her hands while the brunette departs. "Ah... yeah. Thanks, Mako-chan..." she squeaks out, despairing over her tangled desires.
[21:21] * Makoto pauses at the door. "I won't tell, if you don't want, but try and cheer up, 'kay?" She winks, and is gone, hoping she managed to help, at least a little. Hotaru-chan's so much better at this...
This takes place Thursday afternoon, after Episode 4
[11:16:03] <Kowork> ---Arc 2 go!---
[11:19:18] <Kowork> Aaaah! As Makoto walks down and away from school for another day, the brisk fall wind blowing behind her. The seasons are turning in their inexorable dance, fading in and out to a new winter's breath. But merely a block from school a loud, sharp carhorn distracts her! A tiny little Subaru in lime green parks next to her at the curb, window rolling down. "Want a ride?" Auntie Fuuko looks vaguely annoyed; no, check that. She's pissed at somethi
[11:19:41] <Kowork> She's pissed at something or someone.
[11:21:35] * Makoto blinks at the car, stopping short and staring at the car. Green is her favorite color, but that sure doesn't look right. "Sure." Makoto replies carefully, smiling as she changes direction, heading for the little vehicle. "Um, who's car?"
[11:24:56] <Kowork> "Rental. You're going to love THIS date story." Poor Auntie Fuuko sighs and deflates, as if punctured by a giant pin. "I'll be stuck with this for a few weeks now."
[11:28:15] <Makoto> "Oh, joy." Makoto deadpans, opening the door and slipping onto the seat, smoothing her skirt and folding up her legs as she closes the door. "Aren't you due a few normal dates? You just had that guy who was trying to join the Yukuza..."
[11:29:51] <Kowork> "Oh, it was mostly normal! We went to this lovely French restaurant," So Fuuko begins, driving along hunched over, the roof rather low. "I had too much wine to drinkb ut he was such a nice guy! So I had him drive me home instead she he had just water. Guess what eh did?"
[11:32:56] <Makoto> "I can't." Makoto winces a little in anticipation. Drinking stories rarely have an ending that doesn't involve peculiar odors.
[11:35:36] <Kowork> "He ran a red light - not just rushed a yellow, but RAN the LIGHT! So he slammed into the side of this van and totalled my car! Thank God we were wearing seatbelts and the side we hit of the van was empty! He was totally at fault, too, and he got about ten different citations."
[11:39:16] <Makoto> "Oh my god." Makoto straightens up sharply, banging her head on the low ceiling. "Ow!" the ponytailed girl whimpers, rubbing the sore spot and looking her Aunt over. "You're not hurt or anything, are you? I can get Hotaru-chan to-"
[11:40:41] <Kowork> "I'm fine. No one was hurt, besides my car. His insurance will cover it - I think - but the entire front end is smashed. It'll be in the shop awhile, so I'm stuck with this." Patting the steering wheel as she sighs in a broken, sad sort of way, "Anyway, where are you headed? Home? Work? Dojo?"
[11:45:45] <Makoto> "Going in to work." Makoto smiles ruefully, holding up a smaller bag that'd been hidden as she carried it beside her School satchel, a corner of folded black fabric with white ruffles peeking out.
[11:46:28] <Makoto> "And...Uh...At least it's a nice car?" She offers. *For a doll* She adds dubiously.
[11:47:10] <Kowork> "For a midget!" Fuuko wails in distress, slumping forward. "Oh well, atl east it's not a far drive. How's Yohko treating you?"
[11:50:21] <Makoto> "Well, um-I wasn't gonna say." Makoto agrees. "And she's been great. It's like she's in a permanent good mood since the expansion. Aside from insisting on the uniforms, I feel like I'm cheating her, she lets us get away with so much."
[11:52:06] <Kowork> "That's the best kind of boss! Enjoy it while it lasts, Mako-chan." Fuuko drives along; it's not far to the sweets shop and work. "Also enjoy the attention - you really can pick and choose a good guy out of all the attention you're probably getting there, you know."
[11:55:23] <Makoto> "I'd need to." Makoto grumbles, slumping a little in her seat. "I've overheard the boys talking about us, and the term 'porn star' has come up next to my name more than once." She sighs. "You'd have to pick and choose to FIND a good guy. Yohko-chan says we should just grin and bear it by teasing the hell out of them-Oh, that reminds me. What's 'blue balled'?"
[11:59:11] <Kowork> "...It means you're getting them up but they can't launch." Fuuko snickers abruptly, "It's not really nice, it's supposed to be painful."
[12:00:47] <Makoto> "Ohhhh...." Makoto begins to smirk, putting her finger to her lips. "You can do that without touching them? I think that sounds fair."
[12:02:26] <Kowork> "Mako-chan, have you ever been reading a magazine or watching a movie and you feel...funny? Same thing." Fuuko drawls out as she comes to park at front of the sweets shop. You can see people coming and going already! "Say hi to Yohko for me, and tell her we're all going to get together in a weekend or two - Me, her, Ikkuko, Reiko, Chikako and maybe someone else. Get her to call me."
[12:06:03] * Makoto blushes a little at that thought, nodding and opening the door. "I will." She replies agreeably. "Your support group seems to have turned into a social club." She teases.
[12:09:04] <Kowork> "Heh, it's fun. Now get going or I'll spread your social life around it," With that Fuuko waves, teasing back.
[12:13:20] <Makoto> "Hey!" Makoto hastily disembarks, blushing. "I told you about Tsukasa-kun's...thing in confidence!"
[12:13:43] <Kotono> "So play good!" Fuuko grins back in her small green minicar. "See you later, Mako-chan1"
[12:15:57] <Makoto> "Bye..." Makoto sticks her tongue out at her Aunt and waves.
[12:17:32] <Kotono> So inside Makoto goes! A pleasant surprise awaits her - a cute black haired girl known very well to her is already at work, cavorting around with a tray of drinks...
[12:20:08] * Makoto smiles and waves to Hotaru as she enters, veering off in the direction of the locker rooms to get changed. "Sorry I'm late."
[12:21:03] <Hotaru-chan> And it looks like more than enough work for Hotaru. The place is...well, it's usual self any afternoon. Crowded, moving, chatting, Hotaru doing much the same as she goes this way and that in the frilled uniform that shows off, but not too much. Mindless babble with customers, so painful. She does manage to flash a genuine smile at Makoto, relief and forgiveness mingled into the expression.
[12:22:07] <Kotono> There are indeed a lot of customers, from the appealing to the unattractive, mostly men and a few scattered girls watching the proceedings.
[12:26:58] * Makoto dives into the back, then heads for the locker room, sighing deeply as she drops her bags on the bench, and begins to disrobe. Ten minutes later, Makoto's dressed, fluffy petticoated skirt and stockings and white top flashing a hint of cleavage, while clinging to the rest of her bust as she tugs the short sleeves into place, and tops it off with the frilled cap, taking a deep breath. It's a waitressing heavy day, so...*Today's mission:
[12:27:35] <Makoto> so...*Today's mission: make sure the guy who leers the most can't stand up for an hour.*
[12:31:32] <Kotono> On returning work begins! It's easy to see why Makoto gets stares and gapes - she's stunning in this! The guys watch as always, enraptured between conversations...
[12:34:54] <Makoto> Makoto tries not to pay too close attention, hearing everything said would probably give her a breakdown. Concentrating instead on being sweet and practicing flirting-just a little-Makoto's all smiles, and bigger ones, and better service to the boys and girls who actually spare more than a thirty second glance at her face. It's not a bad job, really. It's actually kind of fun, just embarrassing.
[12:37:37] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru keeps in concert, covering the uncovered tables with her softer, almost frailer looking smiles. Pale and a little fragile looking, she floats fromt able to table, soft and kind voiced to the boys and girls that are her customers, but much more lively to the ones that offer something other than excuses to stare at her longer. It's only really worth it for the polite ones.
[12:43:57] <Kotono> As this happens a shining star enters - or not quite, but he does smile. He stands near the door, looking about. It's Makoto that happens to see him first - Mamoru Chiba, wraparound sunglasses and a casual green jacket worn.
[12:47:41] * Makoto falters a little, sweatdropping. *This is not how I would have finally liked to catch up with him-Oh, what the hell.* Waving to Mamoru, Makoto scans about for an empty booth or table to seat the long lost Prince of Earth at.
[12:49:21] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru's eyes flicker over at the same moment, and that fragile act just curls up in a corner and shortly dies. There's a slight twitch at the corner of the Tomoe Princess' mouth, but she keeps going, doing her best Rei impression ever!
[12:49:47] <Kotono> There's one not far. Mamoru waves a moment, waiting on a relation from Makoto. He does smile, looking relaxed.
[12:51:00] <Makoto> Makoto inclines her head toward the empty table, smiling again and flashing a 'one moment' gesture at him, and turning back to finish serving the table of girls who are staring at her a wee bit disconcertingly.
[12:52:05] <Kotono> These girls just sigh in happiness at Makoto! Meanwhile Mamoru goes and sits, patiently awaiting.
[12:55:59] * Hotaru-chan moves over in Makoto's direction, brushing past her and pausing. "Want me to pick up two of your tables?" she asks, soft and light, though there's a definite little dark barb behind her eyes that Makoto of all people would pick up.
[12:57:49] <Makoto> *At least they're polite.* "Okay, Chocolate Silk Pie, Black Forest cake, and Cherry pie?" She repeats, saving a bigger smile for the girl who ordered her specialty. "Just hold tight, and we'll have you fixed up in a hurry." She smiles, winking and heading away, smiling at Hotaru. "Thanks. Pick up the last one and...the one with the elementary kids?" Makoto suggests, gently nudging Hotaru with her hip. "And try to smile. I'll call you if I need
[12:58:26] <Makoto> "And try to smile. I'll call you if I need a rescue from him."
[12:59:52] * Hotaru-chan sticks her tongue out a little, blushing and returning the gentle push with her hip and nodding. "Alright," she agrees softly, grabbing the order notes to memorize. "Just don't get caught up," she adds, kissing Makoto's cheek and smiling before she gets back to work.
[13:02:11] <Makoto> "I won't. I'm not that hung up on him." Makoto retorts dryly, moving off to 'take his order' Offically, anyway. She stops in front of his table, giving the older man an embarrassed grin. "What'll ya have, sugar?"
[13:08:34] <Kotono> While there are certainly reactions to all of that, it's Mamoru that has Makoto's attention! "Just a chat. God...you look...good!" Mamoru smiles more confidently, "You've really matured."
[13:11:15] * Makoto blushes a little, leaning against the table, wondering if she should warn him about the customers here, but...no. "Well, you have been away awhile." She demurs. "You look like you finally learned to relax, too."
[13:12:36] <Kotono> "Yeah." Mamoru closes his he eyes, a smile. "I grew up some, too. Finally put a lot of stuff behind me for good."
[13:14:02] * Makoto glances at Hotaru to make sure she's not swamped. "It looks good on you. Very...settled. Did things turn out how you'd hoped?"
[13:14:29] <Kotono> She's busy but not too much so. "Yeah. But before that...Makoto?" Mamoru smiles, "I just want to say...sorry."
[13:16:54] <Makoto> "Aw. It's sweet of you to say so, Mamoru-san, but you don't need to. It stung, but I got over it...with Hotaru-chan's help."
[13:18:13] <Kotono> "It still needs to be said. I was such an immature jerk about it. I liked you but I never really took it that seriously between everything." Smiling back to Makoto, "You should hear that. I made a mess of everything here since I was so caught up in my own feelings."
[13:21:22] <Makoto> "Well, I was only thirteen." Makoto sighs softly. "I can see how it'd be hard to take it seriously when you had the other two to sort out." She pats his hand lightly. "It's never too late to mend fences, but you don't need to with me. I promise. It might have been nice, but there's something to Kochan's talks about Fate and Destiny. It just wasn't meant to be."
[13:23:46] <Kotono> "I guess, but...heh." Chuckling at that and returning the pat. "Let me know if I can do anything for you. I owe you a lot, Makoto, and the least I can do is try to protect you. I've learned a lot from Jun in these past two years."
[13:26:27] * Makoto raises an eyebrow. "I appreciate the sentiment, Mamoru-san, but maybe it'd be better if we fought together." She comments archly, then softens. "Not that it's not completely charming, but I have my own protecting to do. But I wouldn't say no to a friend and maybe even a teacher?"
[13:28:37] <Kotono> "Oh, I know. But..m.mm. Serenity gave me a gift to help mend all of you and I've worked on that, as well as being able to find you when you need help." Smiling faintly, "I requested that from Jun, and it took a lot of work, but I should be able to come help when any of you get in trouble. In theory."
[13:29:56] <Makoto> "Oh." Makoto smiles sheepishly. "Sorry, I shouldn't have-it's just, when you said protect, I..." the ponytailed waitress shakes her head, blushing. "I'm sorry."
[13:31:03] <Kotono> "...oh. Well, if I need to I can." Mamoru smiles again, lowering her hand below the table and up. A red rose is in his hand, and with a grin, "For the lady and her hair."
[13:34:18] * Makoto blinks, her eyes widening a little as she accepts the rose, her blush darkening to match it. "...thank you?" she replies, meekly.
[13:35:37] <Kotono> "It's just a gift between friends. As I said, I learned a few tricks." Smiling now, "I always wanted to give you flowers like that at least once."
[13:38:49] <Makoto> Makoto nods, blushing hard, still, but settling down a little. "It IS beautiful. Though, if you're going to give them to others, you should remember what red roses mean to a girl." She reminds, smelling the rose and lifting it up to weave into her ponytail. "But thank you. Really." Makoto smiles brightly. "You really do seem more mature now."
[13:39:55] <Kotono> "I know, but...Roses are whom I am." A ilght shrug there, "I did think about it, and thanks. I'll be setting up my apartment and paying some rent - Janna gave me some money since Jun requested it, so I won't have to get a job right this second. A month or so to settle in and get used to things. If you want to talk stop by, or just for whatever reason."
[13:41:23] <Makoto> "I will." Makoto nods, grinning as she stands as well. "I'll miss keeping the place clean. Oh, and I heard you were back. Your fridge has some leftovers until you can get really settled."
[13:42:55] <Kotono> "Thanks. I really app...no, I really do." Mamoru grins as well, reaching out to...no, he thinks better of it, instead just nodding. "Just...it's flattering on you, but this?" An eyebrow is raised, "I'd never have guessed."
[13:44:49] * Makoto smiles back. "Thank you. It's a little embarrassing, sometimes, but..." She shrugs easily. "I guess we all have to keep growing up, huh?"
[13:46:20] <Kotono> "Yeah." A moment of thought, a glance at Hotaru as she circles around. "...mmmm. Should I say hit o her too?" A simple question, discreet.
[13:47:41] <Makoto> "Um." Makoto bites her lip. "Maybe...you'd best work on mending fences there." Makoto blushes again. "I...ah, I cried on her shoulder a lot after our..." She winces. "Hotaru-chan holds a grudge."
[13:48:29] <Kotono> "..yeah, heard some speculation there." Mamoru looks on at her, thinking long and hard. "Tell you what. Let me order a drink. Ask her if she wants to come over. If not I finish my drink and go, and if so we talk. No pressure either way?"
[13:52:35] <Makoto> "Sure." Makoto nods and smiles softly. "Try not to take it personally if she doesn't. Hotaru-chan's my precious friend. I'm not sure I wouldn't feel the same way if it was her, deserved or not."
[13:53:08] <Kotono> "That's fine. If she doesn't, another time." Mamoru goes back to sitting, and then with a jaunty smile, "One coke with extra ice?"
[13:54:34] <Makoto> "Gotcha." Makoto smiles, moving off to fill the order, and take over for Hotaru, should her best friend wish to chat...though odds are against such, in her opinion.
[13:55:47] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru's moving this way and that, delivering orders, and all that, though seh seems to be lingering at that one table with all the girls, a little more avid small chat than she normally engages in for some reason?
[13:56:47] * Makoto slips up next to Hotaru and slides an arm around her waist in an gentle hug. "How are you. Calm?" She inquires softly.
[14:00:34] <Hotaru-chan> "Sorry," Hotaru apologizes to the girls, pulling away from the table, but not Makoto. "Kinda," she murmurs, glancing at the rose in Makoto's hair meaningfully, questions floating in violet eyes that hardly need spoken.
[14:02:53] <Makoto> "Nothing serious. Just his thing, not a real one." Makoto soothes. "He wants to talk with you. I'm gonna get him a coke, and if you want, you can go see him. If not, don't. But he seems like he really wants to make up for being a jerk."
[14:06:35] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru raises one eyebrow, her own arm slipping around Makoto, rubbing her side lgihtly. "Alright...just be careful, hm?" she offers, smiling and parting. "I'll go talk to him."
[14:08:28] <Makoto> "No worries. Take him a Coke with Extra ice, and I'll take over for a bit." Makoto smiles, patting Hotaru gently, then moves away to keep waitressing! Must serve the fans-er, customers!
[14:09:22] * Hotaru-chan sticks her notepad into Makoto's pocket on the lam, heading back to get the coke, and then meet with Mamoru for the first time since Jadeite's death.
[14:09:58] <Kotono> Mamoru awaits quietly, leaning back in his booth. He does look out as Hotaru approaches, a cautious and nice smile attempted.
[14:12:11] * Hotaru-chan sets the coke down in front of Mamoru, the motions making her skirt swish slightly around decidedly grown legs, the very, very different Saturn standing before the Prince of Earth. "What's up?" she asks, a polite, more pasted smile in return that doesn't quite reach her eyes.
[14:13:21] <Kotono> "Honestly, not very much. Hotaru...how have you been?" Discreet and polite formalities as he sips at his coke, attacking it but faintly.
[14:15:24] <Hotaru-chan> "Roughly the same, learning to be an older sister," Hotaru provides back, letting the smile fade to a look of neutrality, holding the serving platter across her front.
[14:16:26] <Kotono> "Yeah." Bowing his head, "I don't know what you've been through since then, but I'm sorry. You should hear that much for me, if it was as Makoto said it was.
[14:16:26] <Kotono> "
[14:19:51] <Hotaru-chan> The smile returns, twisted, but real. "You'd understand a bit better if you were around for Setsuna," Hotaru answers softly, shrugging."Thanks, just...to threaten their happiness is an assault. Hurting them...well," she reaches out and pats Maoru's hand. "Thank Usagi-chan for making my impulses untennable immediately after."
[14:20:44] <Hotaru-chan> *Mamoru's
[14:22:30] <Kotono> Mamoru's head stays low over those words. He ponders them long, "Mmmm. I'd like to do better than that now, Hotaru."
[14:23:54] <Hotaru-chan> "Look on the bright side, you're better off than Balder," Hotaru snickers lightly, sitting for the moment, drawing back into herself, though she does smile slightly.
[14:30:52] <Kotono> "Mmm. I suppose I am. I suppose I am." Slowly repeating himself as he smiles again, "I know he sent Makoto a letter. He's doing better and calming down."
[14:32:43] <Hotaru-chan> "I know, he sent me one too," Hotaru snickers, shaking her head. "We both read them, mm," Hotaru just shrugs a little, seemingly neutral. "Things are better nowadays. Well, and unchanged. Don't act surprised when I answer her door," she snickers.
[14:34:54] <Kotono> "Then I'lls ee you around." With that Mamoru stands, pausing before offering a hand to shake. "See you around, Hotaru?"
[14:35:46] <Hotaru-chan> "What, no attempts at flirting to get the rush of adrenaline back?" Hotaru asks playfully, smiling and taking his hand lightly.
[14:36:46] <Kotono> "Then, if the lady wishes?" Mamoru takes that hand and presents it up, gently kissing the top of Hotaru's white, well groomed hand! "My compliments," In his pocket his hand goes, a rose withdrawn after. "And a flower for the lady as well?"
[14:41:21] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru snickers softly, a flicker of violet razors at her fingertipes as she takes the rose, dancing lightly like they're about to do something. "I suppose if one is to be so kind..." she returns formally, violet eyes simmering. "Just one last thing...the Princess, she is well?"
[14:45:50] <Kotono> "She is." Mamoru's eyes light up, "She owes it to all of you as well."
[14:46:42] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru's smile stays in place, giving Mamoru a slight bow. "Such is well then, I'll see you around," she murmurs, patting Mamoru's cheek and going back to work!
This takes place on Wednesday evening after episode 4.<Kotono> ---Arc 2 go!---
<Kotono> Asher's days continue on. A free day that has him at home at a reasonable hour, just before dinner. No sign of Dad as he walks in, but you cans mell and hear Mom cooking even from here. It's fried noodles and rice, the smell is exactly how it always is.
<Asher> Another day, another routine. Despite getting a bit more and more work and practice in lately, time is still vastly scarce for the young man after having mostly given up his free wandering time. Mokou's schedule suddenly burdens him with more time at the store as of late, but of course that's to be expected with the time of the month.
<Asher> Asher wordlessly enters to the kitchen table, genuinely tired that day after his new regimen after school - now with 100% more Reclaimer bitching and experimenting with the wind - and finally manages to mouth out a polite greeting to Mom before he slumps into his chair.
<Kotono> "Asher!" It's odd - you hear Mom's voice greeting you, and followed up a second later by Reclaimer mentally. But it's Mom that says more, too. "Tired? Dinner will be ready in five minutes, go wash your hands."
<Asher> Mrfle. Asher can do naught but nod in obedience and slowly drag himself from the chair he had so neatly deposited his body in a few seconds ago. Dragging Reclaimer along, he wonders what the irate sword has in mind too as he heads to the washroom. 'What now?' The creak of the door opening, the faucet turning, running water...
<Kotono> 'I was waiting for this to happen. Transform, there's a trick I want to show you.'
<Asher> ... 'In HERE?' Asher lets out a weary sigh of protest. Closing the door and locking it with a click, he dries his hands and raises the kendo stick in the somewhat cramped bathroom... he could barely raise it before it touched the tip of the ceiling. "Reclaimer Crystal Power!" Nope, not a whole lot of enthuisiasm in that voice.
<Kotono> So Knight Asher comes into being! Power flows into his body, his transformation charging him! 'Good. I don't think you're very talented at this, but let's give it a shot. You feel how tired you are?'
<Asher> 'No, I need an exemplary speaker of the obvious in the form of an intelligent weapon to tell me,' he drawls. Damn, the day had really been grueling enough to put that much of an edge into his voice. He leans back against the wall and sighs again. 'Go on with it.'
<Kotono> 'More intelligent than you,' Reclaimer bites back, and somehow, Asher gets the distinct impression of non existant eyes rolling. 'Focus inside and draw out - just try it, it's one of those magic things that's hard to explain and easy to do once you get the knack of it.'
<Asher> 'Impressive. I don't think you could get any more vague than that.' Asher closes his eyes and slumps back against the wall, letting the world around him cease to become of import - distinctly, as always, his senses when he lapses into this mindset made him particularly aware of .. the air. Of which there was little movement here - just one vent, blowing into the bathroom. He takes a deep breath, trying to search for... something... something like -what-?
<Asher> --something... something like -what-? He was having enough trouble making headway on just controlling the wind; grasping at something entirely new like this screamed against his every instinct as he tried to block away the usual sensations that were the earmarks of magic intuition he was already familiar with.
<Kotono> 'You try spending a few millenia figuring out how to describe the indescriable and get back to me.' Reclaimer again drips a retorting sarcasm, but doesn't pursue it. Instead Asher focuses, trying to draw within himself! OOC - El Soul-o check-o.
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 11." [2d6=6, 5]
<Kotono> Asher's attempt to obtain the indescriable...fails. IT fails rather badly for the most part. He does feel a faint twinge of SOMETHING within, but it could just be a gas pain. '...right vague idea. Execution needs work.'.
<Asher> 'Duly noted.' Asher resists the urge to just snap his eyelids back open and head out to what was probably already a cooling dinner. At least he could come up with some convenient excuse in that case. Oh well. 'I suppose you want me to keep trying?'
<Kotono> 'Naturally. Your ever so biting barbs aside, do you want to be helpless when your friends are in trouble - or if SHE'S in trouble? ....I'm not sure I'm going to like that answer, though. Nevermind and just try again!'
<Asher> 'It's your own damned fault for getting that idea in your head,' he mutters, pretty testily. Asher's tone has been defensive as of late as he wills it within himself and tries again, probably in futility, to reach for that... something. The stray thoughts of his one and only complete screwup of a fight merging with other... complications are pushed away as he focuses.
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 7." [2d6=1, 6]
<Kotono> IT's odd. Something -clicks-, something Asher hadn't been aware of before. A feeling, a drawing out. As if exhaling a long held breath and feeling better relief flows into his body. Raw energy, restoring his reserves and replenishing his spirit! He feels instantly better, rejuvenated!
<Asher> Eyes opening and widening quickly, the sudden rush of energy and subsequent air being forced into his lungs forces Asher to step back for a moment. Rather than feel dazed, though, he felt more alert, alacrity pouring into his movements as he nearly smashes Reclaimer into the door in what was supposed to be a simple gesture. Startling notably.. 'Was that you?'
<Kotono> 'No. I don't have the energy to do -that-. That was all your inner reserves being tapped on. Every powerful being has more energy than they understand, and some can draw on it to restore themselves. Just be careful - you can burn THAT energy out as well, and that's far worse than burning yourself out normally.'
<Asher> Shuddering a bit at the sensations that had jumped - tired and exhausted to battle-ready awareness - Asher lowers Reclaimer, hesitantly, and gives a brief nod. Hell, it was more learned than what he'd been trying lately. '...alright. Anything else I should know?'
<Kotono> 'More than I could say in a week, but it's either too advanced or you'll need to learn it yourself. I'm sure one of your combat wise men has said something to the effect of that. There's no better teacher than experience.'
<Kotono> 'You just saw it there - try and tell me how I'd describe how to do that to you. Go on, I'm waiting.'
<Asher> 'I concede the point,' Asher murmurs, a hint of defeat in those thoughts. 'More to the point, did you want me to do anything else, or am I going to stay here until Mom breaks down the door and finds me in this outfit?'
<Kotono> '...oh! No, go ahead and go eat. ...Good work, Asher.'
<Asher> With a shrug and one non-flashy detransformation later, he pushes open the door and steps back out, hoping that dinner hadn't turned rock-cold in that timeframe. And it was still early, glancing up at the clock... oi. What to do tonight.
<Kotono> Asher is lucky - Mom starts making ASher's plate as he comes back to the kitchen. She looks so tired and wary herself, the first hint of serious wrinkles showing on her face. "Eat up, ASher."
<Asher> Not exactly an unusual circumstance, but Asher did find it a little odd that Mom looked particularly out of it today. As far as he knew, nothing was amiss... and his mother, while a workaholic just like his father, didn't work a full shift. Normally his senses were plain too deadened at this hour to care, but the renewed surge of energy gives him pause as he digs into dinner.
<Asher> It isn't long before he finishes - that earlier experience may have woke him up but did nothing to satiate appetite.
<Kotono> Mom eats slower - she just looks wiped out. "Your father's working late. Just don't mess up the living room before he gets home."
<Asher> "It's not like I ever use it anyway, Mom," Asher says patiently, doing his part to clean up the dishes. His mind races around on what to do. Earlier hitting the bunk straight on and just having a nice, long twelve hours of sleep would've sounded great, but now that was practically out of reach. He glances over at Reclaimer, wondering if -he- had anything to say... although at this distance and given his inclination to fall 'asleep', not likely.
<Asher> --'asleep', not likely.
<Kotono> 'If you're so interested and awake,go practice. Easy solution.' Asher returns that, 'Or go chat up a friend. You have those now, even if they wear short skirts and fire magical attacks of doom.'
<Kotono> *Reclaimer
<Asher> "...right." Friends. Sort of. Asher wasn't even quite sure what to call them - friends but more than that, yet not quite friends at the same time. Oh, and one bodily-threatening disaster. With a low grunt, he approaches the living room, despite earlier words, and heads over to the phone. Goddamn, training just didn't sound appealing right now... he could use a walk or two in the city...
<Asher> ...and since when did that require company? A moment of hesitation. After all, Asher, you know what you're getting into if you actually pick that up and dial the one person who would actually answer with some degree of enthuisiasm! What a horrific understatement.
<Asher> He glares back down at the sword, as though it might provide some interesting tidbit to this. 'Think I'm masochistic?'
<Kotono> 'If you call her? Probably. If not? The magistrate is still out. Do whatever you want.'
<Asher> 'You're a load of help. Just for once, give me a straight answer.' He eyes the phone with no small amount of delicacy. 'And before you tell me I should make the decision, spare me this one particular time. If there's any ounce of mercy within you.' Though the mental image of the sword in the first place was amusing him.
<Kotono> 'Then in the name of the Moon, do you LIKE her? She's...I thought Venus in the past was bad. She's beyond any reckoning I've ever imagined for that type of girl. But she clearly likes you, so...' Another meaty pause, as if chewing over non existant meat with an imaginary mouth. 'I don't know. I don't see any female Reclaimers around, so it's not something I worry about.'
<Asher> 'That wasn't a straight answer. Even if...' HMMMMMMM. Wonder if he could cajole Kotono into researching a lot more deeply into this magical sword stuff and see if any other sentient weapons were lying around. And if... oh, the possibilities. 'Blades crossed' would have an entirely new meaning. Asher lets these thoughts fill his mind with glee for Reclaimer to pour over them!
<Asher> Or he could just give Reclaimer to Kotono for some study and analysis.
<Asher> Why, that was a splendid idea. Wonderful distraction at an opportune time, too.
<Kotono> '...Oh, just call one of them! If not her then Moon or Saturn or Jupiter!' Reclaimer huffs out, voice annoyed.
<Asher> With a low smirk, he picks up the phone and dials the number for the... wait, did he even HAVE her number?
<Asher> Wait. Right. Fishing it out from his pack, he punches in the digits in rapid succession along with a wayward glance up at the clock.
<Kotono> It's just past 6 45 now. Three rings before, "...Hiya, hold on, I'm kinda in the middle of finishin this chapter on Sages and stuff so hold on while I finish, be just a moment!" A machine gun of a voice rattling, Asher put on hold before he can react!
<Asher> Some things don't change. Asher lounges back into a chair and waits, with not a whole lot in mind.
<Kotono> It's only about 45 seconds before, "Sarashima residence, Kotono speaking, hiya, what's up?"
<Asher> Pondering between putting a heavy, and entirely fake, accent onto his voice, or making odd zombie like sounds, Asher opts for the boring way out. The clicher of that decision was due to Mom suddenly walking by. "Hey, Kotono. What're you up to?"
<Kotono> "Asher!" Wow. Her voice just became even happier, glowing with energy! "Hiya, I'm just doing some research for Takeshi since we're investingating the bad guys and the Sages and the Lightbringer and all of that and I'm working on it and it's really cool since I started with the Three Wise Men from the Bible but that didn't work out so I went to Hindu and Buddist Wisemen but that's still going and then there's Zen stuff too, you know?"
<Asher> How things don't change. "...uh, Kotono, are you entirely sure that Earth lore would be the right place to start on that anyway?" A bit of a wince as reflexively memories kicked back in. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all. The drop in vigor in his voice probably registers across the phone line, too.
<Kotono> "...oh hey, that's a good idea, I should go to Gaia or talk to Jun about Gaian lore, duh, since maybe they have something on this we don't, huh, and it's technically another world and hey I can go see the DRAGONS there, too, and ooooooh that's awesome and you'll come along and save me from a flamebreathin dragon, huh?!"
<Asher> "Maybe. One day." As always, losing control of the conversation with Kotono was an everpresent feeling. Trying to salvage whatever he had in mind... what was it. Oh, right, he had nothing to do tonight. "Uh, Kotono, is the research you're doing crucial, though? I can just check in another time if you're busy..."
<Kotono> "Well, it's kinda important but I don't midn since I can talk and read if you want and besides it's doubly interestings ince I'm just starting on Abrahamic Wise Men now to brush up before 0 AD, right, and that's still interesting and we can talk about other cool things ilke DRAGONS and did you know Gaia has dragons now and I so wanna go get one for a pet? Or what did you call about, huh, and maybe it'll be something cool?"
<Asher> Nnnnnnnnnnn. Biting back everything and NOT willing to let Reclaimer get satisfaction out of this, Asher replies coolly.. well, an attempt to. It comes out pretty pathetic. "Well, I still have that book of yours lying around, and it's more your field than mine, so... and," he adds, hesitantly, "I'm somewhat out of things to do tonight. I was wondering if you were too, but seems not."
<Kotono> "Oh...oh...!" Kotono pauses, and if Asher was of a mind to be morbid, the music from that American Jaws movie might play. "Why don't you come over tonight and help me study since my Dad's not coming home tonight and it's no big and heck I'll order out for some snacks and we'll have a great time and did you know that we shared beds on Gaia for body warmth and comfort and I could show you that?!"
<Asher> "I can't stay over THAT late, Kotono," Asher corrects mildly. Outright rejection was a bad idea. Just... kind of ease it through... her excesses usually went right over her head and were forgotten within seconds anyway. "If you're rooted to your house right now, though, I guess that'll work out. Besides, I might have a topic or two to bring up." He stares levelly down at the kendo stick in his hand. Oh yes.
<Kotono> 'You can just change your mind or beg off, you know.' Reclaimer adds this in a pointed barb back. 'She did just say she wanted to SLEEP WITH YOU or close enough.'
<Asher> 'Like that's unusual?'
<Asher> 'Besides, once I present your shiny self to her for her own personal study, I'm sure she'll forget all about it.'
<Kotono> 'Point....and I'm going to kill you for this.'
<Asher> Asher actually pauses in this train of thought, wondering. '...uh, say. You wouldn't actually happen to know a good deal of the Moon Kingdom history, would you?'
<Kotono> "OOooh! Okay! Come on over then, okay?!" Kotono is happier and happier, "I'lls ee you soon!"
<Kotono> 'I do know some. Don't ask me about the last battles - I was, ah, indisposed. I probably know about as much as Queen Serenity overall, if my memory hasn't failed me. Why?'
<Asher> Asher's reply is distant, distracted as he tries to carry on the mental conversation in his head and the one on the phone. "Uh, yeah. Be there in twenty or so." He puts the phone back down with a low sigh.
<Asher> '...you know that much and you haven't even bothered trying to brief me in?!'
<Asher> 'I felt like an idiot everytime someone brought up some place or person or event that I had no clue about and right here all that I needed could've been told to me at your whim. That's... cruel!'
<Kotono> 'You never asked. Besides...most of it IS ancient history, as sad as that is. What do you want to know?'
<Asher> Man, Asher must look real weird just standing there next to the phone, looking like he's staring out into space with his face making contortions. Good thing Mom hasn't brought up any observations.
<Asher> 'Just that. Anything with this situation? Lightbringer? Sages?' The fact that Reclaimer didn't know any more than Serenity in all likelihood pretty much bars any useful information being extracted immediately, but he had to dig. And come up with excuse topics for Kotono later. 'And for that matter, you've never said much about yourself, either.'
<Asher> Asher starts half-heartedly dragging himself up from the chair at this point, collecting stuff and getting ready to take off.
<Kotono> 'If I knew what these damned things were I'd be screaming in your ear. No luck. You want to know about me...heh. Do you really want to know?'
<Asher> 'If I'm going to be attached to you in every sense of the word for what is seeming to be a very long time, then yes, some background would be good,' Asher replies dryly. 'Not like you haven't had enough time to observe me since... oh, I don't know, childhood? Evens the playing field a little.' Where was Mom, anyway?
<Kotono> You saw her going up to her room. She looked tired still, too.
<Asher> Well. Not a good idea to take off without at least telling her. Asher creeps up the stairs and glances to see if she's closed her bedroom door... was she really going to sleep this early?
<Kotono> 'One day soon - just not tonight. I'll save your mental capacity for the Terror of Pluto.' Meanwhile you go upstairs, finding Mom's door closed.
<Asher> 'Convenient excuse,' he mutters under his breath... not discounting the fact that it was probably true. Asher speaks up quietly, just to make sure. "Mom, I'm going to go out for a bit..." And waits for a few seconds in front of the door for a reply.
<Kotono> "Goa head..." Mom sounds tired indeed, only making a token call out.
<Asher> Ooookay. Asher gets a little concerned for a moment, then shrugs it off. He takes back down the stairs, grabbing the pack and the book, and out, out he goes! Into the streets to the lion's den!
<Kotono> OOC - Skip ahead sound good?
<Asher> OOC - Yes.
<Kotono> Kotono's house awaits! The sun has just set in earnest when he arrives, streetlights winking into life as he arrives. So the edice awaits, the blonde Kotono surely waiting to pounce just inside the door like a great tiger?
<Asher> That's why Reclaimer goes first. Yes. Asher approaches with the said legendary weapon drawn, up in front and ready to take the hit for the team! ...team. Right. Actually, he IS keeping pace using it as a good ol' walking stick and hopefully at least slowing Kotono's inevitable tackle-pin-various-other-overtly-excessive-body-motions. Walking up to the door without much hesitation - bit late in the game to do that - he knocks politely, twice.
<Asher> --politely, twice, and... tenses.
<Asher> Maybe her dad will answer. Maybe. He couldn't decide whether that would be better or worse.
<Kotono> Reclaimer is silent save for a few muted grumbles. But as you knock, the door is thrown open! "Hi!" Kotono wears a cute short skirt and pink shirt with a glittery unicorn on it. "C'mon in!"
<Asher> Grumble all you want, buddy. Asher smiles - heck, not all of it forced - and gives Kotono the customary bow. "Been busy studying?" he inquires as he walks in, sifting through all the myriads of excuses he had ready at his fingertips in case of an emergency.
<Kotono> "Yep! It's really cool and come on I have some snacks already in my room so we can get right to it!" Kotono gushes and takes Asher's hand, overlapping the grip on Reclaimer.
<Kotono> 'I warned you," Reclaimer grouses angrily.
<Asher> 'Suffering is so much more tolerable when it's mutual, don't you know?' Asher hides the grin that threatens to come up... good, because Kotono wouldn't have the slightest clue about the context of it and would probably take it a radically wrong way. He lets himself get dragged along by Kotono. Nothing new here!
<Kotono> Reclaimer's reply is icy and silent as you're lead to Kotono's room! Woah! A pile of books at least ten feet tall wobbles at the far side of her bed, in the shadow of it rests a few cans of drinks and a bowl of snacks.
<Asher> ...good god, that book stack looks absolutely threatening. Asher follows without missing a beat, assuming, naturally, that Kotono will be far more interested in getting lost within the myriads of ancient lore than the other obvious use. Just to be safe, though, he stays behind, and with a healthy distance away from her!
<Kotono> Crawling onto her bed, Kotono looks back. "C'mon, Asher, it's okay and my bed is really comfy and it's nice to read on it, huh?"
<Asher> "As long as we're concentrating on -reading-, Kotono," Asher remarks carefully with a great deal of caution. Wouldn't do to just always meekly hide away from her at this rate, so might as well take a few risks here and there... besides, maybe Hotaru's warnings had taken heed. He hopes. Sitting at the edge of the bed, he perilously looks at the stack of books. "Is that... safe?"
<Kotono> "What else would...oh!" Kotono turns redder, pushing her fingers together, "It's safe and this bed is safe and I wasn't going to do it like that unless you really wanna and that's kinda embarrassing, so just grab a book and let's read!" Grabbing one off the top and making the entire stack sway, Kotonog ets to work.
<Asher> To work he gets. Even lacking bookworm status and probably a far cry from Kotono's capabilities, Asher nonetheless takes one off from the pile... carefully... and flips it open. Dense stuff as it may be, he's probably suffered far worse in English class. And this was genuine research, not just off of Kotono's whims. Right. Right? "...hey, Kotono, did you decide to look up all this stuff on your own?"
<Kotono> OOC - Mind check.
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 7." [2d6=2, 5]
<Kotono> This is complicated and confusing! It's easy to get lost in it, and it's a bit over Asher's head! "Yep!" Kotono nods easily as she reads, making a quick pace. "Well, Takeshi asked me but it's cool tod o anyway, you know?
<Asher> Oh screw that. Asher concentrates more on the sea of words, trying to make some coherant sense and pattern in it all. After all, Kotono -lived- on this stuff. It wouldn't bode too well if he was completely unfamiliar with it, just another category to ferret energy and attention to like the myriads of others thrust by school, parents, and the senshi.
<Asher> "Yeah, I suppose," he mouths out a reply, more trying to reread the book.
<Kotono> OOC - Mind check -2.
<Asher> roll 2d6-2 burn 20 EP
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6-2 burn 20 EP and gets 3." [2d6=2, 3]
<Kotono> There you go. It's about wisemen in Israel and Palestine. It's just terribly thick and complicated, but you start to get a grip on it. "It is and all this stuff is interesting!" Kotono scoots closer to you, slowly inching towards Asher.
<Asher> "...so, what.. exactly do you start off with?" he inquires carefully, his eyes remaining on the text. "I mean, you don't just pick a couple of books at random and tear into them hoping to find references, right?" Actually, no, that sounded EXACTLY like Kotono. But he had to ask.
<Kotono> "Well, somewhat but I do know what I'm looking for so I'm narrowing it down some and besides, you're right, that's a good idea since sometimes these books go on tangents, you know and can have interesting stuff since one time I was reading a diary about a ghost and I found something really cool about a lost magical bracelet!"
<Asher> "...Kotono." He winces for a moment, finally turning up to look over at her. "Consider what you just said a bit more carefully." Sometimes it was just necessary to point out a thing or two to her... gently, but consistently. Maybe that'd work. God knows. He turns back to his book, having gotten the gist of it and now flipping through the chapters to see if anything catches his eye. There was still a healthy amount of skepticism about
<Asher> --about Earth lore linking to this at all though...
<Kotono> "What I said?" Tapping at her lips before she speaks again, "Oh! So you're saying that a really cool magical bracelet is probably invovled int his, huh? Okay, I'll go get some more books!" Scooting off the bed and towards another pile of chaotic messiness, Kotono is off!
<Asher> "Kotono --!" Asher's breath wastes the precious air it draws as the blonde is gone. So very gone. With a loud sigh, he falls back in the bed with a low thump. Argh. Screw it. He busies himself by tossing the book aside, having offered nothing of interest, and grabbing the next one. That pile is going to take a while to trim down...
<Kotono> Kotono isn't long! She returns with at least half a dozen tomes, plopping them down on the bed before hopping up close to Asher. "How's it going this time, huh, and what did you wanna talk about also?"
<Asher> "Mmf mrfle mmph." The reply is at best subdued; nonsensical is more like it. "Actually... Kotono..." Oh, hell. Maybe being persistent might do it. "You know that thing about tangents? It might be a good idea not to fall into that trap yourself..."
<Kotono> "What do you mean?" Kotono looks on innocent, smiling as she continues Asher creeping up on. "Tangents are usually interesting and really cool, you know?"
<Asher> "But they're not that good at trying to research something specific or get down to the matter at hand, Kotono," he fires back off, albeit politely. Asher's face angles to regard her seriously now. "I mean, yes, they're fun to pursue sometimes... but when it's important, we should try to keep tabs on it, right? That goes for everything."
<Kotono> "Well, yes, but it's such a broad field we need to keep moving and researching or we'll get drowned, huh, and if we do we won't get anything so it's like keeping swimming except it's really awesome because we find out so many nice things!"
<Asher> "Maybe we should try to lower the field we have to explore instead of just diving in like this," Asher says carefully. Putting down the book, he folds his arms together and looks thoughtful. "For instance. Let's review. What do we know about these ... people? A reference to a Lightbringer, to Sages... what else?"
<Kotono> "Inhumans and nasty things and I already checked out the four horsemen and that kinda sort afits but that means it's the end fo teh world if it is, and there's no way we're gonna let it happen even if blood from the water would be really cool!"
<Kotono> Kotono takes a breath after, "Asher-chan, then what do you suggest?"
<Asher> "C'mon, Kotono, let's take this slowly and carefully. Inhumans... alright, that sounds impossibly vague. But their names. Pestilence." He pauses, trying to remember the others. "Temptation. What else. These sound a lot like sins or plagues; do we have a list? Can we link it up to something?"
<Asher> From his lying down position, he stares back up at the ceiling and leans back more, biting down on his lips. "They call their servants Empty Ones. They call us inhumans... but not Nior... even though Nior isn't actually from Earth, so it obviously isn't that. The common trait... magic? Maybe that's what distinguishes us. Did any of the others say anything else about them? Observations?"
<Kotono> "I think it' smagic too! I mean, if Nior wasn't one he's just big and powerful, so it's not that so it must be magic!" Nodding to herself, "So if it's magic then what? Are they like some sort of magical beings, huh?"
<Asher> "...I would think they'd be if they call themselves poetic names like 'Pestilence' and possess magical-like powers, Kotono," he remarks dryly. "Have you ever fought a force that WASN'T magical? That's why we're doing this and not the military, right?"
<Asher> "Keep on focus - we're trying to get a link to Earth history and lore that may pertain to them. It's a long shot, but it's something. You have any idea about the rest that I said that could pertain to something?"
<Kotono> "It sounds kinda biblical, you know...but Hotaru-chan also called them Nightmares so I'm not sure. Hmmmm." Leaning back as she thinks, "The Beast Lord was almost like the devil, you know? He tormented souls after death until we killed him. So if that follows...?"
<Asher> "...Kotono." Asher says this with a really visible wince. He feels the last ebbs of his patience threatening to snap, as he sits back up and looks over to Kotono. "Tangents. Stay away from them. Remember?"
<Kotono> "No, I'm serious this time!" Kotono looks back, smiling a little peevishly. "Dead serious."
<Asher> "..." Asher regards her for a moment, then nods. "...okay. Did you ever do any research on the Beast Lord, then? Find anything that made sense there? I'm just wondering how he pertains to the current threat..."
<Asher> Though his ignorance on that matter probably didn't help at all. And one that Reclaimer... 'Hey, are you listening?'
<Kotono> "Yeah. You see, he was this ghost thing that came into our world through ghosts and tormented them after. That's how he got his energy, you know? We went to his void to fight him and we finally killed him. All the energy released made us stronger, as well as...it was really pretty. So many souls were freed, and I bet Momma and everyone was proud of us then!" Kotono's smile turns prettier, "He wanted to turn Hotaru into something like h
<Kotono> "He wanted to turn Hotaru into something like him or consume her, too. That kinda sounds familiar, doesn't it?
<Asher> Listening to all of this not an entirely small amount of interest, Asher found himself nodding to Kotono's words. "Familiar to what? In regards to...?"
<Kotono> "Well, those things want us to help them or even transform us into them, right? They're hunting a target on Earth as well, right? I'm not sure why Hotaru called it a Nightmare, but it feels familiar and maybe she's onto something when we think about it?"
<Asher> "...wait, wait." Asher holds up a hand, backpedaling for a moment. "I've been out of the loop. They want us to help them or transform us into them?" The latter part about Hotaru's remarks could be addressed with the actual person present later - hearsay was always misinterpreted.
<Kotono> "Well look at what was said, and what they did with Michiru. You'd have to ask the others but it makes sense." Kotono smiles and nods, "It all kind of connects together, you knwo?"
<Asher> "..." Argh. He really wished Usagi would arrange that meeting sometime soon as Asher brings a hand to his forehead with a weary sigh, and proceeds to fall right back down on the bed. "Kotono, no one's even told me about this Michiru. I... maybe this should be put off until we all get together and piece what's happened so we --" I, more like "-- aren't lost on things..."
<Kotono> "...oh! Okay, yeah, it's been messy and busy." Kotono agrees, reaching out to pat Asher's chest confortingly, before lying down next to him. "Ig uess you're new at this too so it's harder to keep up?"
<Asher> Mmmf mrfle mrf. He deposits the book he was holding right over his face to bask himself in sweet, comforting darkness. "Something like that. All I've been doing is practicing crap with Reclaimer, too, so I feel kinda out of it... guess I should get around to bugging Hotaru or Usagi more." Or he could visit Serenity's residence, but he didn't want to take any visits to her lightly. She was, after all, the queen and such.
<Kotono> 'Having fun yet?' Reclaimer stirs, adding in. 'I'm not sure if she's onto something or just spinning her wheels again.'
<Asher> 'You think I know any better? But what's the point of lamenting about it? Might as well try to make progress in some form or fashion. Even if it's a dead end, it's something to learn.' He instinctively tries to repress a yawn, but it comes out anyway.
<Kotono> 'Of course not. You're right about that, but at least you're the one stuck talking to her.'
<Asher> '...-can- you talk to other people? Or have others talk back to you like the way I do?'
<Kotono> Kotono nods along, her arm snaking over Asher's chest as she lies next to him. "Yeah, catch up and work together better, huh?"
<Kotono> 'In short, kind of, in reality not really. It's not like I have a mouth attached on anywhere!'
<Asher> 'I swear I can see you just smirking and grinning sometimes, you know that? You're good at portraying that,' Asher bites off mentally. In the midst of this inner conversation, he doesn't really make any note or reaction to Kotono's movement... and it's not like she was doing anything overt, anyway. Progress. Maybe.
<Kotono> Is she? You're feeling warm breath against your shoulder as she nuzzles in! 'I so try.' You can just =feel= the sarcasm dripping off now. 'Happy hour about sword speech aside, are you paying attention to her? Ahem.'
<Asher> 'Oh.' Oh. Right. Asher tenses for a moment and straightens up for a moment, hauling himself up to a more erect - god no, that was NOT the word - uh... sitting position. Trying to lean back up against the wall to minimize Kotono's sudden intent at intrusiveness of personal space, he sighs. "You know, Kotono, it is getting pretty late..."
<Kotono> Kotono creeps along, keeping her head softly buried in Asher's chest, sprawling out next to him. "Mmm, just ten more minutes?" she asks hopefully, eyes shut.
<Asher> Nnnn. Asher scans the room for a clock, feeling decisively out of options. But... argh, okay, she had asked nicely. Removing the telltale whimper, he relents. "...alright." And slumping back down, he closes his own eyes, though every sense is on full alert.
<Kotono> As youf eel nothing but Kotono's slow, steady breathing and soft murmurs of bliss, 'I'm scared of what'll happen if she says she loves you,' Reclaimer notes with a softer level of sarcasm.
<Asher> Thoughts wander aimlessly through his mind. Images, memories. T*A at night. Standing at the bell tower. That -- DAMMIT, Reclaimer. 'I don't think I'd have an answer.'
<Asher> 'And are you always so concerned about the love lives of people around you?' he shoots back. But not all too heatedly.
<Kotono> 'I'm worried that she does - if there's anything past a schoolgirl crush. Look at it, she's using you as a pillow and happy as can be! I am when she's in bodily contact with you and I'm around. If you find a libido kindly set me out of the room before getting to business with her?'
<Asher> He rolls his eyes inwardly, despite them being closed as he answers back not without a hint of irritation. 'Has it occurred to you, maybe, that I'm here and wasting the night at this for a reason that has NOTHING to do with that?' There's a brief pause, as he lets an angry tone seep in. 'For all you may think of her, Kotono still has a good heart inside. Overbearing as it is, that's not something you see a lot... and if she wants some
<Asher> --someone around, at least that's -one- thing I can do right.' There is no small amount of bitterness at that as he catches his breath, pausing, feeling incredibly frustrated before the moment passes. Kotono's quiet breathing is the only thing that echoes in his mind for those seconds.
<Kotono> '...sorry.' A long, drawn out pause from Reclaimer itself, silent. 'But you can't ignore that side of it, either.'
<Asher> There's a pause before Asher recollects his thoughts before he replies, too. 'That's what's called a leap of faith. I'm hoping it won't turn out to be like that... for her own sake, and for mine. No one ever said I wasn't taking some risks here.' What a massive understatement. But he's calm and speaks precisely now. 'But that's hardly different from anything else. Whether it's about protecting people from these villains or protecting
<Asher> --protecting someone's feelings.'
<Asher> The minutes slip by quickly as this internal monologue goes in, Asher's eyes finally opening again to adjust to the light. He raises his head up, looking around for that clock again.
<Kotono> About 15 minutes have passed. Kotono's fast asleep, clinging to Asher happily.
<Kotono> Reclaimer is silent for now in the quiet room, seeming to have been muted by all that was said.
<Asher> Silence suits him just fine for that moment. Asher hesitates for a moment, trying to figure out the best way to not disturb the sleeping girl... with a gentle sliding off to the side, and keeping one hand on her shoulder to keep her upright, he gradually eases off to the edge of the bed, draping the blanket over her as he stands up.
<Kotono> As he does, you hear a faint noise. "Mmm...don't go away..." Kotono whimpers softly.
<Asher> That voice freezes him on his tracks as he turns back, a blank expression fixating itself on his face. No. Totally out of the question. He sets his jaw and sits back down near the bed, speaking quietly. "Just for a bit, Kotono. I'll be back to see you tomorrow, alright?"
<Kotono> "Mmmm." There isn't much reply beyond that, Kotono seemingly content just to hold Asher.
<Asher> Another minute or two... he doesn't really keep track, nor count the breaths, or really have anything in mind at all, before Asher finally lets go and starts to quietly make his way out of the room, conscious to close the door gently behind him. And to back home.
<Kotono> This time Kotono doesn't protest, Asher ablet o slip away into the silken night. 'Mmmm. If nothing else, at least she'sc ute?'
<Asher> 'Not the point,' Asher mutters under his breath on the now chilly-way home. Really cold, after the warmth indoors. He keeps up a brisk pace. 'In all seriousness, your disdain for it aside, do you think there's any possible connection between actual Earth lore and the enemy?'
<Kotono> 'On a guess, no. It's possible but from what little I've seen it's more invovled with it's own ghosts and terrors. I could be wrong, but no. Now..mmm. I don't know about that whole Beast Lord she talked about, that's outside my league.'
<Asher> 'I figured that much. And the entire thing did feel like a shot in the dark... but not like we can do much better.' He pauses. 'So looks more like we'll be operating in the dark here.'
<Asher> Business as usual, yes it is. Rounding back up into his own neighborhood, Asher's mind comes to a puttering slowdown as he pushes away most of those possibilites. 'Any suggestions, then? Or just keep the same be ready for anything perspective? I can't imagine all of these conflicts were always fought defensively...'
<Kotono> 'We'll see soon. Let's finish gathering information first.' Reclaimer's voice feels thoughtful, 'If we're good enough at defense they'll have to change plans regardless.'
<Asher> 'What plans, though? They're looking for something and we don't even know what it is. We're only a roadblock if it just happens that we're convenient enough to be in their way. You're right about us needing information, but... there's pretty much zero leads on it.' And besides, he'd probably do a better job getting info than in the front line. Oi. That thought gets left unsaid.
<Kotono> 'That's why we beat the hell out of them and pry information from their dead, cold hands.' Reclaimer says simply. 'Or interrogation.'
<Asher> 'Is that suggestion coming from prior experience?' Asher inquires politely. He isn't at all offended, albeit a little surprise shows on his face. And the question was serious.
<Kotono> 'That and common sense. Knowledge is power as much as magic is. If you know what they're going to do and why you can stop them before they even try.'
<Asher> 'That's the idea, although the process, I gather, is usually a little more complicated to execute than on paper.' Pestilence openly mocking him, after all, didn't bode well for performance record. 'Stick to the plan regardless, I guess.'
<Kotono> 'Yes. If you can't get information, dispatching demons is usually a pretty good alternative. Barring that...mmm. This is more the Queen's will, but you can always try to purify them. Easier said that done."
<Asher> 'Whatever there's left to purify against beings who label themselves plagues and sins.' Asher's doubtful tone leaves much to what he thought about that possibility; and like Reclaimer siad, it was hardly his realm. And.. oh, there's his house. Walking up the steps, he fumbles for the key and turns the knob.
<Kotono> Dad's car is home, and you can hear the TV on now already. 'Mmm, yes. I suppose we'll find out. Bah.'
<Asher> And probably snoring on the couch. Asher closes the door behind him and checks to see if his guess was true.
<Kotono> Yep! Dad's out and resting, tired from another long day of work.
<Asher> So it goes. Up the stairs. Da dump, da dump... Mom's long passed out, isn't she. Asher pushes open the door to his room, a rare sight even rarer as of late.
This scene happens on Thursday evening post Episode 4.[21:09] <Kotono> Serenity's house is the location today. In the rainy drizzle of fall several girls and a few boys approach, braving the weather after school for their mission. Usagi, Hotaru, Makoto, Takeshi, Asher, Michiru, Kotono and Rei. The Juubanites make it first, Queen Serenity's living room having it's couches and chairs pushed back for more room. Steaming warm tea nad a few premade cakes and snacks await. "The others should be along shortly," Queen Se
[21:09] <Kotono> shortly," Queen Serenity smiles to Asher, Takeshi, Makoto and Usagi.
[21:10] * Takeshi nods in thanks, taking up a station on the loveseat again to wait for the others to arrive, and starting to poke at the snacks lightly.
[21:10] * Makoto smiles back, playing with what appears to be an old homework assignment, with oddly intense concentration.
[21:11] * Usagi gets herself settled, grabbing a cake and plopping down on the couch. If nothing else, she seems a bit more relaxed now, the distraction of their meeting taking her mind off other concerns.
[21:15] <Kotono> It's perhaps fifteen minutes before the others come. The storm is just picking up in earnest as they arrive, driving rain beginning and thunder crashing distantly away. But it's warm in here as Hotaru leads the way, Rei following and then Kotono, Michiru last.
[21:16] <Kotono> Rei lightly shakes her hair, a tiny bit of power to aid it's drying as she goes to sit on the other side of the roomf rom Usagi. She just nods vaguely to most, settling in.
[21:16] <Kotono> "Hiya, Asher!" Kotono waves cheerfully, approaching him as she enters in, stopping only to grab af ew cups of tea.
[21:16] * Takeshi nods absently to the others as they come in, flipping through his notebook as he goes over all the notes he's taken about the enemy attacks so far and his own visions.
[21:16] * Hotaru-chan mutters softly about rain, closing her umbrella and slipping her shoes off. "Autumn..." she hmphs, crossing the living room to settle next to Makoto.
[21:17] * Usagi looks vaguely relieved as Rei keeps a safe distance, giving a general greeting to the new arrivals. "Hey, guys."
[21:17] * Michiru hums as she arrives, closing the umbrella and smiling for no real reason. "Good afternoon."
[21:18] * Makoto grins to Hotaru, rapping on the homework sheet as a demonstration, and giving the new arrival a blink and curious examination.
[21:20] <Asher> Asher's long since consigned himself to a comfortable couch, the same one he passed out on before! He waves merrily to the people who come in and throws a somewhat concerned but friendly glance at Kotono. "Afternoon, everyone. Lovely weather today."
[21:21] * Hotaru-chan leans into Makoto's shoulder, taking a closer look at the sheet. "Anyone else coming?" she asks the rest of the group curiously, snuggling a little into Makoto's side to warm up.
[21:21] <Kotono> Serenity smiles to all, "Welcome, all. We have a lot to discuss. New people as well. Nior and Mamoru are out, just in case anything happens in the city."
[21:21] <Kotono> Kotono sits right next to ASher, smiling broadly to him and trying to slip an arm around him!
[21:22] <Makoto> Kotono's movements are not lost on Makoto, who tries to stifle a snicker as she sees.
[21:22] * Usagi budges herself a bit further along the couch to give Asher and Kotono room.
[21:22] <Kotono> From the kitchen Luna trots in, "Hello, all," she smiles, before hopping to Makoto's lap and lying down there.
[21:22] <Asher> Asher's demeanor is deceptively calm as he leans over and whispers something into Kotono's ear before leaning back with a bit of a shrug, looking about, and throwing Usagi a dirty look.
[21:22] <Hotaru-chan> "Hey, that's my spot," Hotaru gripes at Luna.
[21:23] <Kotono> "Ahem." Queen Serenity gently clears her throat, letting the sound carry.
[21:23] * Michiru sits on a pillow at the ground, between couches, apparently not terribly concerned about the lack of space, and focuses sight over Queen Serenity.
[21:23] <Kotono> Kotono smiles innocently to Asher, but turns to Serenity as she gets attention.
[21:23] <Asher> Likewise, the young man's head snaps around at the queen's words, folding his arms.
[21:23] * Usagi misses Asher's dirty look, focusing attentively and quietly on Serenity's face as she gets things started.
[21:24] * Takeshi turns his attention to Serenity, waiting for her to set the tone for the meeting.
[21:24] * Hotaru-chan turns her attention back on the monarch, settled against Makoto regardless.
[21:24] <Kotono> "Much has happened these past few weeks, but to the good new sfirst. Asher, Takeshi? If you would introduce yourselves? I have something to give you after this."
[21:24] * Makoto leans back, scanning the group as the meeting starts, still playing with the paper, though quietly.
[21:25] <Asher> There's a still pause for a moment as Asher hesitates to see whether Takeshi goes first. But he plunges headlong, glancing around to see any unfamiliar faces. ... mm, only that one aqua-haired girl in the back, whom he presumed was the Michiru everyone had been talking about.
[21:27] <Asher> He doesn't stand up; somehow, it didn't seem all that appropriate. Not like no one here didn't know him for the most part. "Asher Shinsei, here." He gives a polite nod to the general vicinity. "I'm a student at Juuban High, and Kotono and Hotaru - " gesturing to the two "- were fortunate enough to snatch me and drag me into this midst." Asher smiles sheepishly, the same kind you'd expect on the kid being ousted out in an unfamiliar setting.
[21:27] <Asher> --setting.
[21:28] * Takeshi stands, his posture a bit stiff. "Uh... I think I've met pretty much everyone here, but... anyway. My name's Takeshi Eiryo, and I'm also the reincarnation of Nephrite," the young man explains. "I'm also at Juuban High, in Usagi-san's class, and I've been working on finding out as much as I can about these enemies."
[21:29] <Kotono> "Yes. With two more fighters we will be more than adequate for what lies ahead of us. But for that...first of all. Takeshi, I've asked you to gather information on them. If you would?"
[21:31] <Takeshi> "Of course," Takeshi nods, relaxing a bit as he takes out his notebook. "I wish I had more to go on, but the information we've gotten so far is still pretty sketchy. The enemies we're fighting are 'inhumans', and they're looking for something they call the Lightbringer. They report to a group they call the Sages, and they've been rather surprised to see us - who they also consider to be inhumans of some kind - living among normal humans.
[21:33] <Takeshi> "There have been a total of four inhumans - not counting Michiru-san here - that have been encountered so far - Pestilence, Temptation, Despair, and Hatred. Almost every sighting of them has been in a place with a lot of people around - Pestilence at the Fruits Parlor, Despair and Hatred at Yohko's cafe, and Temptation at a fancy club."
[21:33] <Kotono> Rei scowls at the mention of Temptation, like a storm passes over her face. It's almost possible with how it's raining outside, too, just gushing now and thundering.
[21:34] * Usagi frowns and blushes, looking down at her knees at the mention of Temptation at the club.
[21:34] * Makoto frowns. "Of course. Just once, it'd be nice to face off with a bad guy without an overblown sense of self importance." Makoto sighs, her expression darkening at the mention of her job. "What about where we found temptation, Takeshi?"
[21:35] * Michiru wanders off in thought a little upon the mention of Despair, as if something bothered her. With a nod, however, she trails off from that line of thought... it doesn't matter now.
[21:35] <Kotono> "LIke four horsemen except the names don't quite fit?" Kotono adds in herself. "That's true, Sis, but at least it makes them easy to tell apart with names like t hat and they're up front about it and if Despair is anything it means they fight like their name, huh?"
[21:36] <Usagi> "Pestilence and Temptation sure did," Usagi agrees quietly, wincing.
[21:36] <Kotono> "Speaking of," Serenity clears her throata gain, "Our new third, Sailor Neptune - knows the most of these new threats than any other."
[21:36] <Hotaru-chan> "That's a thought, we might look into armageddon myths, Kochan," Hotaru points out, humming softly.
[21:36] <Kotono> "Right!" Kotono beams to Hotaru, nodding along.
[21:36] <Kotono> "Yeah, the stupid bitch," Rei mutters, "Temptaiton this...hah!"
[21:36] * Takeshi looks up from his notebook at Makoto. "I first ran into Temptation in the crowd outside the Fruits Parlor after the attack, which still fits. She just ended up following me to the street where you found the two of us fighting."
[21:36] <Asher> Asher frowns momentarily, focusing his gaze on both Takeshi and the newly singled out Michiru.
[21:37] <Makoto> "Oh, that's right." Makoto nods, then glancing at 'Neptune'.
[21:38] * Takeshi glances over at Michiru briefly, then goes on. "Anyway. The other common theme seems to be that they're trying to recruit the 'inhumans' they're finding among normal humans - Michiru-san, for example. Temptation also tried to talk me over the first time I ran into her, and Despair tried it again with myself and Hotaru-san at Yohko's cafe."
[21:39] <Kotono> "Despair isn'tan issue anymore," Rei smirks just a little at that, eyes drifting to Usagi before she colors and look saway. "One down, couple more to go. Quickly."
[21:40] <Hotaru-chan> "They're void creatures, of some sort," Hotaru adds softly, shaking her head. "Four eyes, myraid mouths, vaguely humanoid figure--I don't know for certain that they have any relation to the Beast Lord, but they seem like they'd fit in generally the same category by what Despair looked like underneath his disguise."
[21:41] * Takeshi blows out a short breath at that. "Anyway, the only other real information I have at the moment is a bit about the place they apparently come from. I'm not going to go into it in-depth, since I'm still trying to make sense of what I saw myself, but I'll just say that they must be in some sort of alternate dimension for now - most of the things I saw there couldn't exist in this one. I'm hoping Kotono-san (more)
[21:41] <Takeshi> might find more information among myth or legend that might explain that a bit better, but I don't know what she's found so far?" Takeshi looks over to Kotono with the question.
[21:42] <Usagi> "Even if Despair was like that, there might be more that are like Michiru-san was," Usagi points out to Hotaru. "Transformed humans or something."
[21:42] <Kotono> "Not much yet but we're just starting, but tell them about what you saw since it's sitll cool and interesting!" Kotono creeps even closer to ASher at that, smiling away and letting her arm again creep up to his shoulder, wrapping...
[21:43] <Kotono> "Or Michiru was gonna end up like that," Rei adds with her own quiet prompting, giving the new Sailor a cautious, level look.
[21:43] <Michiru> "Possibly", Michiru follows somewhat bitterly.
[21:44] <Hotaru-chan> "The gray part of her aura actually reminded me of Jun's ward over the silver crystal. She was giving off only faint signs of supernatural activity, fainter than Misuki ever did. It felt more like a lock than the void, but I didn't get the cold feelings from Despair, either," Hotaru provides with a shrug.
[21:44] * Takeshi grumbles slightly at that, having been trying to avoid that specific thing. "Take more time to explain what I saw and it STILL wouldn't make any sense," he mutters under his breath, then goes on. "Basically, I tried to spy on Temptation, and I think I saw their world. I only got a few vague impressions, but it was... really weird. Gray and cold are the two things that stand out the most."
[21:45] <Hotaru-chan> "Cold was something that came with the beast lord, like cold, hard, black vacuum..." Hotaru frowns a bit more.
[21:45] * Makoto frowns a little. "Asher saw something?" She asks Kotono, seeing that get lost in the speculation about an enemy she really doesn't think much of anyway.
[21:46] <Asher> Asher seems to be totally oblivious to Kotono's movements, looking for all in the world like he was deep in concentration without paying much to the surroundings.
[21:47] <Kotono> Taking advantageof this Kotono's arm snakes aorund fully, the blonde using Asher as a rest as the conversation flies on around.
[21:47] <Makoto> OOC- Strike my line
[21:47] <Takeshi> "Most of the rest was just glimpses of things like impossible buildings and a circle with an inside that was bigger than the outside, and the last thing was a big cauldron that was smoking." Takeshi concludes. "Like I said, I'm still trying to make sense of most of it myself."
[21:48] <Kotono> "Yes, we don't understand what it is. Which is why...Michiru." Serenity stands tall, looking at Neptune with caring but hardenedly resolute eyes. "We have to ask - what can ou add to this?"
[21:48] <Usagi> "Well, we've got someone here who was actually part of their group," Usagi points out the obvious, looking towards Michiru. "Anything you can tell us, Michiru-san?"
[21:48] <Takeshi> "That would be my next question as well, yes," Takeshi says, taking a seat and getting out a pencil. "Anything you can tell us about them would help."
[21:50] * Michiru gets up, politely bowing and glancing over the group. "Well... I haven't spent much time with the nucleus of the inhumans. So, the core information I know is pretty much the same as yours. I'm not sure what I can add over that, but I'll try."
[21:52] <Takeshi> "Like I said, with as little as we have right now anything will help," Takeshi repeats, giving Michiru a slight smile. "Even small details that might have stuck in your mind for some reason."
[21:53] <Usagi> "Even something that seems insignificant could be useful when we link it to what we know already," Usagi encourages with a friendly smile.
[21:54] * Makoto leans back on the couch and watches through hooded eyes. Contributing much when she's not been heavily involved to date would be kind of pompous. Best to listen closely for now.
[21:55] * Michiru nods firmly, and proceeds. "Well, then. The first thing that comes to mind, objectively, is what Temptation said to me when we met for the first time. She said that the Lightbringer would wash away the cold and despair of their lives. They seem to anticipate its coming very firmly, as... if it was their savior."
[21:56] <Usagi> "It?" Usagi interrupts. "You mean i
[21:56] <Usagi> OOC: gah
[21:56] <Usagi> "It?" Usagi interrupts. "You mean it as in a thing or it as in you don't know if it's a man or a woman?"
[21:57] <Kotono> "That makes sense with a name like LIghtbringer, but you know, that kinda fits in with that armageddons tuff, you know, since a savior's usually tied to something lik ethat, huh?" Kotono rattles that off as she thinks.
[21:57] * Michiru nods to Usagi. "I don't know what the Lightbringer is. I think it's best if I refer to it as... "it", really."
[21:58] <Makoto> "That sounds like it could be a thing, too." Makoto agrees. "The first thing that popped into my head when you said that was a sword of some kind."
[21:58] * Usagi nods. "So it could be either for all we know right now," she murmurs, settling back to let Michiru continue.
[21:58] <Hotaru-chan> "Washing away could mean death or paradise, yes," Hotaru agrees, frowning a little. "Find your salvation in your end, falling into the arms of your savior? Something like that."
[21:58] * Takeshi frowns slightly, turning his attention to his notebook as he scribbles down a note. "Possibly," he muses absently. "I've been trying to keep in mind that their idea of 'light' may not be the same positive thing that most of us see it as - it's just too hard to say what exactly it means to them."
[21:59] <Michiru> "But, anyway." Michiru breaths deeply, and follows up. "Also, I must say that their interest on recruiting inhumans is... high. It's quite a notable priority, from what I've noticed in their talks, and even the way they treated me."
[21:59] <Kotono> "How'd they treat you, anyway," Rei mutters, raising her voice enough for it to carry. She gives of an aura of crabbiness, arms crossed over her chest.
[22:00] <Usagi> "Maybe, but from what Michiru said, it'll wash away the cold and despair from their lives, right? And you said it was cold and grey, there... I think whatever it is, it probably will bring Light to them in the way we think of it," Usagi points out to Takeshi.
[22:01] * Makoto rubs her temples a little. "Maybe we could get the whole story before we theorize? I guess that makes me a hypocrite, but this is getting confusing to follow."
[22:01] <Takeshi> "Possibly, I'm just trying to work from assumptions as little as I can," Takeshi replies. "You could very well be right, but I'd rather not treat that as fact when we don't know it's true for sure yet."
[22:01] <Kotono> "Or they just need a nightlight and are looking for Balder for that, huh?!" Kotono says, giggling at that, "I dunno what they're looking for, honestly, but was I the only one that just thought of that?"
[22:02] <Hotaru-chan> "That could just as easily be taking them from this reality into their 'paradise', or to have the world overwhelmed in blackness. The Beast Lord revered 'the Nightmare' as glorious as well," Hotaru murmurs, shaking her head.
[22:03] * Usagi shrugs. "Probably right," she nods in Makoto's direction, abashed. "Most of our theories about Jadeite were way off, too..."
[22:03] * Takeshi leans back in his seat, eyes closed as he considers. "I almost want to..." His brow creases a bit as he goes over the possibilities.
[22:04] * Makoto looks to Serenity and Michiru hopefully.
[22:05] <Kotono> "We don't know right now, so that offers us a simple plan of action. If they attack, we protect whomever they attack and stop them. If we can, get information however possible. Why they are doing this - that's as important as the fact they're doing it." So nodding, "I'll want all of yu to keep in touch. Related to that..."
[22:06] <Asher> Asher's eyes seem to finally come about, but he still offers no comment, seeming to sense the stillness in the room. He angles his head ever so slightly to catch a view of full blonde hair, looking over at Serenity.
[22:06] * Takeshi raises his head from the back of the loveseat, looking over at Serenity with an unspoken question on his face.
[22:07] <Kotono> Luna hops up from Makoto's lap, trotting up to in front of Takeshi. "Uranus or Venus," she smiles coyly.
[22:08] <Takeshi> "Communicators, right?" Takeshi says, smiling slightly. "I'll go with Venus, I suppose."
[22:08] * Makoto chokes at the question, beginning to giggle.
[22:08] <Kotono> With a backflip Luna drops Venus' communicator! It's a nice orange color, fresh and unused! "In lieu of Venus I hope you use it well." Trotting up to Asher there after, "I'm afraid you'll have to settle for Uranus, Asher."
[22:09] <Kotono> Kotono just clings tighter to Asher, blushing at that and sputtering. "He's not settling for Uranus..." she mutters darkly.
[22:09] * Makoto slips a hand over her mouth to smother laughter, not entirely successfully.
[22:09] * Hotaru-chan buries her face in Makoto's shoulder, snickering.
[22:09] * Usagi echoes Makoto's gesture, having kept control up until Kotono's comment, but that was too much...
[22:10] <Kotono> "...idiot..." Rei chuckles herself, shaking her head. "You...idiot..."
[22:10] <Takeshi> Orange fits... sort of. His own colors are red and gold, so... bah. Does it matter what color it is? "Thanks, this should make things a lot easier," he nods to Serenity, then looks over at Asher and Kotono in confusion. "Did I miss something?"
[22:10] <Asher> Asher takes the communicator without preamble, almost recoiling at Kotono's comment before letting it pass. He nods gratefully to Luna, his face tinging with the slightest bit of red as he refuses to look at Kotono.
[22:10] <Kotono> Kotono just clings to Asher tighter, whispering to him!
[22:11] <Asher> "That's fine, thank y --" Breath LOST. Unable to SPEAK.
[22:11] * Makoto watches the sudden entertainment with a wide grin.
[22:11] * Usagi edges a bit further from the couple, now right against the far end of the couch.
[22:12] <Asher> With not a small amount of effort, Asher manages to break out an entirely and utterly fake smile that often preludes nervous breakdown as he .. very subtly... tries to loosen Kotono's grip.
[22:12] * Michiru looks at the couple, a bit confused.
[22:12] <Kotono> Kotono tries to whisper this, but her voice is a bit upset. "Even if it was right now in front oe veryone?! I mean...Asher...just...."
[22:12] <Kotono> Kotono's clinging pretty hard, unfortunetly for ASher.
[22:12] <Hotaru-chan> Being ever the Prussian, Hotaru takes this opportunity between bouts of snickering to exploit Luna's absence and enacts a militant takeover of Makoto's lap.
[22:13] <Asher> With a low sigh. "Kotono. If you could let go of me for one moment, I just remembered something..."
[22:13] <Kotono> "...ahem." Queen Serenity clears her throat.
[22:13] <Kotono> "What did you remember, Asher?" Serenity smiles more purely, as if a paragon of light and love in the world.
[22:13] * Takeshi puts a hand over his face briefly, shaking his head. He clears his throat noisily - almost in time with Serenity, prompting an embarrassed look over at the monarch.
[22:14] <Kotono> Kotono relucatantly retreats, only clinging partly to Asher at that scolding.
[22:14] <Asher> He jerks his head up, now suddenly meek again and offers the queen a nervous smile. "Nothing important, Queen Serenity. Just that I'd borrowed a little something and forgot to ever return it properly." Reaching into his backpack and fiddling around, he produces an identical communicator - this one with the astrological symbol of Pluto engraved on it.
[22:14] * Makoto hugs Hotaru absently, as if nothing out of the ordinary has happened.
[22:15] <Asher> With a wary look, he presents it back to Kotono, with a "happy now?" look, although it's not quite as harsh as it could be.
[22:15] <Kotono> "...ooooh!" Kotono eeeps, taking it back and s hoving it into her bag thereafter! This finally breaks the glomp, giving Asher a few moments of glorious FREEDOM if he wishes to use it.
[22:15] * Hotaru-chan smiles mysteriously and snuggles backwards into Makoto, all the more happy and willing to let the world go on now.
[22:15] <Takeshi> "Er... anyway. The only thing I'd like for now is that if anyone runs into an attack or the inhumans, just let me know about it as soon as you can. Since I've already gotten most of the information we have in one place anyway, it'll help if we have one central place we can go to see everything we have. I don't mind passing it over to someone else if they'd rather do it, but I think someone should regardless."
[22:15] <Asher> Freedom Asher relents wholly in by leaning back and stuffing his new commuciator in before waving invisibly to everyone else off with a wince and a sigh.
[22:17] * Usagi gives Asher a brief sympathetic smile before turning her attention back to Takeshi. "I can do that," she agrees.
[22:17] * Michiru sits down and observes the entire room in silence. Juggling her attention between Rei and Hotaru, sometimes glancing at Usagi and Serenity. Her complexion seems drifting, composed and focused wholly towards her inner self...
[22:17] <Kotono> "That is wise," Serenity shakes her head at Kotono, frowning before she continues on. "Now, to the matter at hand again. Do any of you have anything else to add about the threat and how they operate or ideas related to that?"
[22:18] * Hotaru-chan glances over at Michiru, curious about the teal haired girl's looks, but not interrupting Serenity. "Nothing that isn't wild theory making better done in a library."
[22:19] <Usagi> "I'd like to try purifying them if I can," Usagi pipes up. "Michiru-san proved it can be done, even if it's really difficult, and, well... I'd rather do things that way if possible." Sure beats killing. "Not asking anyone to take any stupid risks or anything, but at least keep the option in mind?"
[22:19] <Asher> "I'm somewhat curious as to we have any clue that these people would be connected or mentioned in Earth lore at all... has there been anything, aside from the somewhat inconsistent name usage, to point towards that direction?"
[22:21] <Takeshi> "The fact that they're here, is why I asked Kotono-san to look into it," Takeshi explains, looking a bit uncomfortable. "If they're looking for something that they've lost or went missing here on Earth, it's a fairly logical step to think they may have had a connection to Earth before."
[22:21] <Hotaru-chan> "If youcan convince the glaive...well, if you can actually get it to talk, that's your business," Hotaru offers Usagi a smile, snickering. "And it's very possible...the Beast Lord was connected here, so we know creatures of that sort can be here, and we managed to find mentionings of him in...I think it was Mongolia."
[22:23] * Makoto leans back, leaving the speculation that's making her head hurt to the others, and going back to playing with her homework sheet.
[22:24] <Usagi> "I think the phrase about guns not killing people should apply equally to glaives," Usagi replies uncomfortably. "I'm not asking anyone to hold back and put themselves in danger when fighting for their lives, but if you're winning and have things under control, at least remember we have another option."
[22:25] <Hotaru-chan> "I'll work on silence walls, but I don't usually have options other than utter annihilation," Hotaru murmurs softly, sighing.
[22:25] <Asher> "I have to agree with that," Asher brings up, albeit reluctantly, seeming to glance down to the ground for a moment. "From everything I've seen and heard, these ... people don't seem to be dead intent on going out and killing or draining people. They're looking for something, and we stand out because we're particularly in the way."
[22:26] <Asher> "Not that we shouldn't ever step in to stop them, but it may not be necessary to immediately conclude everything with violence. If nothing else, we could try to learn a little more from their motives if we just outright asked it."
[22:26] * Takeshi leans back on the loveseat as Usagi speaks, closing his eyes. A rather conflicted expression is on his face as he thinks, weighing possibilities before... "I do have one other idea, but it's risky as hell," he finally says.
[22:27] * Usagi nods in agreement, giving Asher a warm and grateful smile for a second before she looks up at Takeshi. "What's your idea, Takeshi-kun?"
[22:28] * Takeshi stares at a spot on the floor in front of him as he speaks. "I let them recruit me, or at least try to get them to talk terms about recruiting me."
[22:29] <Makoto> "What?" Makoto sits up suddenly, staring at Takeshi like he's grown a third eye. "No."
[22:29] <Asher> Asher stares over at Takeshi, his face suddenly looking a lot more serious.
[22:29] <Hotaru-chan> "Absolutely not," Hotaru agrees resolutely, eyes solid violet gems.
[22:29] * Michiru eyes Takeshi, particularly concerned, and gets up. "No."
[22:29] <Kotono> "...no. Not again, not for you." Queen Serenity's voice is like stone cast into shapes of rock. "I can't bear that in good faith."
[22:30] <Usagi> "Totally," Usagi agrees with everyone else. "Maybe ask them what they'd do if you did join, get information out of them that way, but no way should you actually surrender to them and be taken off who knows where to be changed like Michiru was - you think that stuff is easy to fix afterwards?"
[22:30] <Makoto> "What the hell is wrong with you all?" Makoto bursts out unhappily. "True, we don't know enough to conclude that they're not entirely evil, but that cuts both ways! We can't take them lightly either!"
[22:31] <Usagi> "Huh?" Usagi blinks at Makoto's outburst. "Uh... no one said that, Mako-chan..."
[22:31] <Takeshi> "The possibility at least needs to be talked about," Takeshi goes on, not looking at anyone. "I'd set terms before I'd walk into it - no sort of control whatsoever, and I could probably justify that if their intentions AREN'T all bad - I think my history with Metallia would be enough justification for that. And if we want to find out their real motives, how better are we going to do it, short of capturing and interrogating one of them?"
[22:32] <Asher> "Makoto-san, all that was needed to be said was that responding instantly with conflict is never going to let us even attempt to find some kind of even ground or learn more about them. We'll only learn how well we can hurt them and how well they can hurt us."
[22:32] <Asher> "And we just don't know enough right now..." His words trail off as Takeshi speaks up.
[22:32] <Usagi> "Capturing and interrogating works way better than letting them capture *you*!" Usagi fires back at Takeshi, head whipping around again. "What guarantee do you have of them keeping any word about not controlling you?"
[22:32] <Makoto> "It sure sounded like it." Makoto gripes. "All this talk about motives is getting to me. We don't know enough to assume that we have the luxury of being kind, either." She replies irritably. "Look what the Beast Lord did to Hotaru!"
[22:33] <Kotono> "Or what Jadeite did," Rei says this quietly, "Look at Nior, Balder or Princess Serenity! I'm all for talking to them if they'll talk, but I'm just -thrilled- at the idea of one of us going into the lion's den like that."
[22:33] <Hotaru-chan> "How much experience do you have actually succeeding at fighting off mental attacks, Takeshi?" Hotaru asks sharply, ehr eyes narrowed. "Do you have a mental defense system, have you actually resisted temptation and posession by such things before?" she asks closely.
[22:34] <Asher> Asher folds his arms, looking solemn and seeming to tune out again from the conversation.
[22:34] <Makoto> "We need to look after ourselves first and foremost." Makoto adds. "If they give us an opening to be nice and accept it, great. If not, they are DANGEROUS."
[22:34] * Michiru frowns, sighing. "The main issue is what will happen to Takeshi. As someone who sided with them, I can say securely that they would accept their offer. But I have my doubts on whether would he be able to stand unlife. I know I couldn't."
[22:34] <Michiru> *accept his offer
[22:35] <Hotaru-chan> "And the question whether they might be so lenient with someone they know to be on the other side previously. They may very well take deeper precautions," Hotaru adds darkly.
[22:35] * Takeshi shoots Hotaru a look that's a cold and hard as stone, his face just shutting down entirely. "I'd say I have enough experience with possession to know exactly what to expect," he grates out. "I'm finished talking, Serenity. I won't act yet, but I'm going to consider the possibility further for now." He stands at that. "By your leave."
[22:36] <Usagi> "Look, if we want information, the best way to do it is to convert one of them to our side, not to go to their side and hope for a chance to escape later," Usagi states firmly. "Otherwise you're just giving them the same chance to get information out of you."
[22:37] * Makoto makes a slightly disgusted noise and simply shuts down, holding Hotaru tightly and stewing.
[22:37] * Waiting 9 seconds for previous request
[22:38] <Hotaru-chan> "Yes, Nephrite. You have experience being posessed, how much experience retaining your soul and sanity during the posession, though?" Hotaru replies.
[22:39] <Kotono> "Takeshi." Serenity's eyes close, tired and sad. "No. They are right,a nd further...I would never forgive myself if you fell into darkness again if I had anything to say about it. It's not a risk I can live with under these circumstances.....and enough, Saturn." Serenity does raise her voice. "Metallia...was more than enough on that count."
[22:39] * Hotaru-chan makes a clicking sound with her tongue, just once before settling back into Makoto, closing her eyes and taking deep breaths.
[22:40] <Takeshi> "As you wish," Takeshi says, bowing in a sharp salute to Serenity before storming out of the room completely.
[22:40] * Usagi stands up as well. "Not saying he had a good idea, Hotaru, but that was over the line," she tells the younger girl, before following after Takeshi.
[22:42] <Makoto> "Oh for god's sake." Makoto mutters, glaring at Usagi as she leaves. "We've learned nothing from Jadeite and Beast Lord at all."
[22:42] <Asher> Asher stands up quietly as well, his eyes downcast as he throws one glance over at Serenity, a question in his eyes. Something bothering them. Before long, though, he too bows politely and murmurs something quietly. "If that is all, then, Queen Serenity..." Kotono along with him or not, he picks up his backpack and takes the way out.
[22:42] * Michiru sighs deeply, and stares at the floor in silence, her expression a bit tense.
[22:44] <Kotono> "Go ahead." Serenity sighs once more, looking tired and weary.
[22:45] * Makoto fumes a moment, then nudges Hotaru gently. "Let's go?" She inquires softly, and tightly.
[22:46] <Kotono> "Wait, Hotaru. I will talk with you privately." Serenity doesn't sound happy -at all-, but solemn instead.
[22:48] <Makoto> "Serenity-sama...With respect. I don't think she was wrong." Makoto interjects defensively. "He of all people should have realized how moronic that idea was."
[22:48] * Hotaru-chan raises an eyebrow, standing and offering a slight shrug to Makoto. "Tonight," she offers the senshi of Jupiter.
[22:48] <Kotono> "The idea was flawed." Serenity doesn't argue that point at all to Jupiter, but says nothing more as she quietly waits.
[22:48] <Kotono> Kotono just lingers a bit, letting Asher go before quietly going herself.
[22:49] <Makoto> "As you say." Makoto sighs, her expression regretful and nodding to Hotaru before simply disappearing in a burst of electrical light.
[22:51] * Michiru watches the entourage leave the room one by one, as she remains, slowly sitting down on the floor. She seems a bit bothered.
[22:51] <Kotono> "Michiru, if you would go rest upstairs for a short time," Serenity says semi kindly.
[22:53] * Michiru nods in agreement, and heads to the stairs silently.
This takes place after the meeting on Thursday evening, later during that night.<Kotono> The walk home is a long one in the rain for Asher. After that Reclaimer is quiet, only the heavy pitter patter of rain to disturb Asher...
<Asher> Melancholy would snugly fit into the glove of his mind right now. The weather, though it soaks into his clothes and leaves him thoroughly cold in the evening air, isn't one of particularly new circumstance; walks in the rain weren't too uncommon for him as of the past few months. Asher takes his time, pacing slowly and taking care not to step into large puddles as he weaves through the streets.
<Asher> On occasion, Asher's head angles upwards to view the ominously dark clouds above; gray, black, forbidding, but the steady descent of rain is an odd comfort amidst everything. His grip tightens on the mundane kendo stick in his hand, stopping as a car whizzes by - the resulting splash of water lands just inches away from his shoes.
<Asher> It's thoroughly cold; his attire isn't suited for this at all, but it's a numbness that takes his form rather than a biting chill. With a brief pause, and glancing in both directions, he crosses the street slowly, seeing no headlights coming.
<Kotono> As the water splashes on the busy, wet Tokoy street, the soft beeping of a new toy from his pack sounds. The sound of a communicator, perhaps, Venus' heritage given to him? There's a few shops around, nearing the end of the storeareas and into the long residential zone walk to home.
<Asher> *Uranus's
<Asher> The hell? His mind, vacant and ambling with very little to hold it up right now, snaps rudely back to attention at the sound. The almost hypnotizing sound of the rain's descent shatters as he turns around, trying to find a good place for cover. It wouldn't do to get the thing soaked, after all; it was electronic, wasn't it? Quickly jogging over and taking shelter beneath a roof of a closed shop, Asher fetches it from his pack.
<Kotono> Flipping it open, Asehr finds that the symbol of Pluto ist he one lit. That means it's Kotono calling, perhaps? It's insistent and steady, a contrast to the more constant rain.
<Asher> His eyes wearily adjust as he leans back against the (thankfully dry) cement wall of the store, wondering if something had happened back at the meeting. With a resigned sigh, Asher pushes the button to receive the incoming call, looking, most likely, for all the world like a drowned rat - his hair disheveled and matted with moisture.
<Kotono> It's a match! Kotono's ashy hair is a few shades darker, wet and heavy! It ruins her normal looks, making her looks sad and a little pathetic. "Heya, Asher," she smiles, behind her parts of her room seen.
<Asher> He blinks the droplets of water running down from his own hair out of his eyes as he speaks up slowly. If it weren't obvious enough to her, his appearance and the sound of the downpour in the background should be factors in telling her his current situation. "Yes, Kotono? Something happen...?" His voice is slow, and tinges with a hint of inquiry.
<Kotono> "Well um," Kotono begins, sounding a little unsteady as she brushes aside her soaked bangs, which hide her eyes entirely. "I just...I just wanted to let you know it's usually not like that, right, and it was just a misunderstanding or Hot-chan got too mean, okay? It's not like we're always like that!"
<Asher> "Kotono, don't worry about it," Asher speaks up pretty abruptly, his face tensing but then growing into an expressionless look. "You're not supposed to apologize for something you weren't involved in. I don't need reassurance about it." His words sound... off. Not unsincere, but as though they were weighted down with something else. He pauses momentarily, the cold starting to creep into his senses due to his body no longer actively moving.
<Asher> --actively moving. "Anything else...?" It's evident that Asher doesn't care to pursue that particular train of thought, but he looks at Kotono's features with a bit of concern. She wasn't normally like this.
<Kotono> "Um...it was just a fluke, really..." she whimpers, sounding entirely vulnerable. "I mean...we're really friends! Really! Um...just...do you...would you like to come over, huh?"
<Asher> "...Kotono, it's downpouring like crazy. And I just passed the bend a while back..." And more to the point, his parents were already tolerating plenty of late arrivals and unexpected absences as of late. He knew them well enough to know they didn't suspect anything actually foul, but it was creating that air of unanswered questions he had went out of his way to avoid his entire life.
<Asher> This was making it excessively harder, every passing day. "Is there something important we need to address, or...?"
<Kotono> "Um...nevermind." Kotono looks away, voice just al ittle whisper, "I'll see you later then, okay?"
<Asher> Asher sucks in a breath for a moment, looking down at her again. His eyes waver for a moment as he speaks quietly. "You sure?" Something... just something was tugging at him... "If there's something really bothering you, just say it... please?"
<Kotono> "...." Kotono is silent for a bit, before words come tumbling out in a mass! "It's just that Rei-chan's angry and Hot-chan isn't here and Sis is angry and I just don't wanna be alone! Not after that, okay?" A moment later Kotono blushes, looking away entirely again.
<Asher> "...are either of them over there right now?" Asher asks quietly. More curiosity than anything else, but his face doesn't change expression.
<Kotono> "No." Kotono's voice is a tiny little thing, a lonely little girl speaking.
<Asher> "Alright. I'll be there in a bit," he says abruptly. Not without the normal feeling of surrender, but it doesn't show as he flips off the communicator, not really eager to see her response. The sudden track change of mentality has an unexpected side effect: he feels -wet- and -cold-, excessively so, as he knees down to put the communicator back in. A shiver punctuates every movement of a limb as he stands back up.
<Asher> Kotono's house... it wasn't terribly too much backtracking, and it'd do to get some running in to fight off this damned cold. Gritting his teeth, he plunges back into the streets and the half-flooded intersections, breaking into a steady jog with Reclaimer shakily at his side.
<Asher> The chilly breeze gives him an idea as he closes his eyes, fighting off all other senses to will the air about him to push away the untiring assault of the rain.
<Kotono> OOC - Soul check.
<Asher> roll 2d6 burn 10 EP
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 burn 10 EP and gets 10." [2d6=5, 5]
<Kotono> The rain does not halt, the wind doing little to slow the heavy downfall! Asher is soaked as he rushes to Kotono's, shivering by the time her house comes into sight.
<Asher> He bites down on his lips. Hard. Getting indoors would be a really, really good thing right about now, and he prays like hell that the water hadn't soaked into his folders or books that he'd inadvertently forgotten to take out of his backpack - like usual. The extra weight he used to justify for just better exercise, but now it served as nothing but a back breaker. Raising one hand, he knocks on the door sharply - twice, then waits.
<Asher> --waits.
<Kotono> It opens almos tinstantly! Kotono is inside, a pot of tea seen on the stove behind her. She's wearing a loose purple shirt that's a size too big and a pair of short jean shorts. Her eyes light up at Asher, not energy but open relief instead. "Heya, I got some tea going and I raided my Dad's closet for some clothes since I think yours need to go into the dryer."
<Asher> "Uh..." Well, probably. These were soaked beyond any hope of salvation unless he wanted the cold to cling to his skin for the rest of the night. He manages a nod and a bit of a grateful look as he steps in carefully, taking off his shoes despite the aforementioned style of the house. They were, after all, drenched as well. "Do you have a towel or something handy...?" This comes with an overt glance to the kitchen.
<Kotono> "Yeah." Kotono grabs a waiting white towel from the counter nearby, passing it over. There is also a what will probably be a baggy black shirt for Asher to wear and a pair of sweats as well, but at least they have a drawstring. "Go ahead and change - I won't peek." Kotono's smile is tiny at that, as she turns her back to go to the kettle, which is just starting to steam. "Hot cocoa coming up."
<Asher> "Thanks," Asher answers a bit numbly, the very welcoming warmth of the house seeping into him. Not quite eliminating the water that clung to his clothes, and the contrast makes it pretty uncomfortable to just stand there - but it helps. He takes the towel and thoroughly dries out his hair with it with one hand, picking up the spare set of clothes with the other and heading out to the living room.
<Asher> Heading around to the corner and the hallway, he tries to remember what the room arrangement was... Rei had told him, and looks around for an empty room, or the bathroom, to get out of this attire.
<Kotono> "I'll be there in a minute," Kotono calls as you head in. As she works, you find a few blankets and quilts have been laid on the living room couch, obviously left there. The bathroom is under the stairs, a little nook for this sort of thing. There's also one or two upstairs from what you remember.
<Asher> The nearest one will do. He passes over the couch and heads straight there, utilizing the towel to get every last bit of lingering rain out and closes the door to change quickly. The soaked clothes are folded up, and after that's done, the towel with them as he steps back out, feeling distinctly better.
<Asher> Asher pokes his head out, not seeing Kotono immediately, and calls over the distance. "Where should I toss these clothes in the dryer?"
<Kotono> "I'll take them!" Kotono is walking past as you come out, a tray with a few mugs of cocoa on it. "Trade you?" Her smile picks up as she offers the tray, "I'll meet you at the couch?"
<Asher> Asher carefully takes the burden of the tray and steps back against the wall, letting her pass. "Sure thing." Its aroma is powerful, the heat from them even more so. He offers a smile at Kotono, head slightly inclined. "Thanks."
<Kotono> "THanks..." Kotono lightly blushes at that, taking Asher's clothes and scurrying off!
<Asher> Standing there for a moment, he shakes the light, cold-induced haze out of his head and makes his way over to the couch. Setting the tray down on the table with impeccably slow care, Asher glances around to see if... well, Kotono's dad is the only other one who lives here, right? He'd never even met him. His eyes peer out into the backyard, instead, at the presumably still downpouring rain.
<Kotono> There aren't many signs of life here or signs of another living here. What is here tends to be dusty and forgotten, as if someone hasn't redecorated in entirely too long. The scent of oranges permeats the house, a pleasant counterpoint. Kotono isn't too long, coming back to the couch and getting the blankets. "...thanks," she murmurs again, looking away as she slowly unfolds noe.
<Asher> He almost speaks up to her to not worry about it, but thinks better as he takes a seat on the edge, watching the steam rise from the cups. Breathing the air in slowly, wondering how much history lay in the house. Probably not a whole lot... thinking back to his own house and its humble but ever-maintained upkeep, Asher leans down a bit, chin on hand.
<Asher> Kotono's movements catch his attention for a moment as he holds up a hand and pokes her, finally speaking up. "Don't worry about that so much, just sit down."
<Kotono> Oh, Kotono does. She sits right next to Asher, spreading the blanket over both of them, up to their chests. "...okay." Without any more words she hugs onto him, "Just you aren't gonna go anywhere or get angry or anything, right?"
<Asher> "Not without reason," Asher replies mildly as he reaches over to pick up both of the cups with his hands. Slowly, of course... an early childhood spill of a similar object had driven the point into him for a long time. He passes one over to Kotono, the other caressing his hand for its warmth.
<Kotono> Kotono puts it aside, instead just clinging to Asher and closing her eyes. "Thanks...just...It scared me, okay?! I don't want anyone else to go away!"
<Asher> "...Kotono." Asher looks back over his shoulder and at her directly, questioning pointedly. "What is this about... people going away? Who went away...?"
<Kotono> "...Just don't go away!" Kotono insists, burying her face into Asher's warm chest, creating more warmth therein! "Just say you won't, okay?"
<Asher> Eeek. Kotono isn't making it easy for Asher to keep a steady grip on his cocoa, and he winces momentarily, stilling himself and putting it back on the table. "Kotono..." A sigh, a bit of sinking back into the couch, a look downwards at the tossle of her hair. "I'm not going anywhere. But ... would tell me why it worries you so much...?"
<Kotono> Kotono sure isn't going anywhere right now, at least, either! Instead she just stays put, face rubbing against Asher! "...good...good. ...Momma. I...I don't wanna be alone again. You won't let me be alone, will you? You won't or Sis won't or Usagi won't or Rei-chan won't or Hotaru won't or..."
<Asher> "No, we won't," he concludes quietly enough, taking a firmer hold on her to calm her down. "And you don't have to worry about it so much. You've never done anything that would ever make any of us leave." Okay, so that was a LITTLE generous... but in the end it was true. That was what friends were for, or so he'd been inadvertently taught. Who knew? He'd never really had any real, committed people he'd call friends.
<Asher> Except, he had to admit, the persistent, hyperactive ball of blonde that he'd grown all too used to attaching herself like she was right now. With a light shaking of his head, Asher tugs her to a more upright position. "Kotono, you don't need to hide and be so afraid, either."
<Kotono> "You won't?" A pair of words as lonely as can be, a soft little whimper from her as she looks up. Tears shimmer in her eyes, face calm and heartrendingly beautiful, open and pained.
<Asher> If he had a ten-yen piece for every time he sighed... "Kotono, let me explain to you something." Asher's eyes move down to meet hers, directly, his expression becoming much more serious. He holds one finger up. "Just listen to this for a bit. Okay?"
<Kotono> "Okay..." Kotono looks on openly, her entire soul bared on her face. "A-Asher...?"
<Asher> Asher leans back, drawing away the obvious anxiety on her face as he speaks up. "Look." His words don't waver, enough of this having been implanted in his mind that it all came out easily enough. He'd just never had any chance to voice it all to someone.
<Asher> "People tend to do two things. One, they're afraid to commit, afraid to draw close to someone because of the chance of getting hurt. Two, they commit too fast, eager for the chance to get to know someone out of need or want. The former means you don't get anywhere. The latter's a bit stupid and hasty."
<Asher> "Everyone's lonely and feels vulnerable at some point or another. We're all different, but for most of us, I think, there's some need to have a kind of companionship. Or company. Doesn't even have to be someone else.. could be a hobby, or a career, or just about anything." He looks down at her with a hint of a smile. "I think you have a similar interest there. But anyhow."
<Asher> "You need to stop being afraid of people 'leaving'. If someone is really your friend... you should also be confident enough to know that they wouldn't desert you if you needed them. And if they do... then in all honesty, were they really worthy friends in the first place, worthy of your commitment? If this is the case for either situation, then why should you wreck yourself with fear over it?"
<Asher> "That's the first thing. The second thing is to realize that life's a gradual process like everything else. Things turn out much for the better when you're willing to give time to progress it... after all, you've known everyone for how long, now? Rei, Hotaru, Makoto, the others...?" He gives her a brief nod. "If they've been around you for this long, it means something, Kotono."
<Asher> "And anyone who's a worthy friend isn't going to just toss away the years as meaningless. And if they ever did, then you shouldn't worry yourself about such people at all. That's all there is to it."
<Kotono> Kotono doesn't stop clinging throughout! "Just...I don't want to rush, but I think I get what you're saying. But...Asher, I...I..." She looks up again, sniffling. "Do you want me to say it, huh? I just...I know, but I just...You're...the first one that doesn't run away from me, and I really like you! I mean really!"
<Asher> "I know," Asher says quietly in response, looking down and holding up a finger to Kotono's mouth. "I'm not completely blind and dense, Kotono, even if I seem like that at times." There isn't any sign of surprise or weariness on his face. This might as well have come from a mile away.
<Kotono> "..t.hen...do you lo...like me too?" Kotono asks, staring on hopefully, lovingly, sadly, hurtly, everywayly.
<Asher> Oh, shit. That's about the most piquant phrase that drifts to Asher's mind - so apparently some of that just went right over Kotono's head. Stuck in a thoroughly uncomfortable situation, Asher... he... well... oh to hell with it. Pushing aside all thoughts of indecisiveness, he shakes his head wryly and looks down at the blonde. "That's not something I can just answer, Kotono."
<Asher> What the hell. When pressed to desperate times, the truth was always an acceptable resorts, he remarks halfheartedly to himself. But even as these words escape his mouth, Asher takes an arm around Kotono and pulls her closer. "Time. It's a good thing to use. Okay?"
<Kotono> "Asher...I...if you want me..." Kotono leaves it open, "I'm not kidding, okay? I really l-l...like you. I just wanna be with you...it's like Sis except we're not both girls since I'm not into girls, but...okay. Just...okay."
<Asher> "Kotono," Asher remarks, a bit firmly. "Seriously. You know perfectly well at this point I like being around you. There's no need to rush things along; that's exactly what I just said is going to hurt more than help. Trust me on that." His words are a bit wary, even as he holds closer to the... conservatively distressed Kotono.
<Kotono> "...ookay." Kotono just buries her head in Asher's chest, going quiet and clinging. "Just don't go away...okay?"
<Asher> ... sigh. Asher casts one weary thought into his head before sinking back entirely, shoulders slumping, and feeling completely exhausted of all resources. "I already said I won't..." His words have a dying strength to them.
<Kotono> Kotono justpurrs lightly, clinging to Asher and slowly falling asleep. She seems content to just say here.
<Asher> It occurs to Asher that fighting off evil villains may have been a less taxing course of action then what he's gotten himself into as he, too, pretty much gives up and lets his eyelids shut. The constant pitter-patter of rain outside works its soothing melody into his ears again, as bereft of vision they become the only sensation left in his mind. That and the warm objects of note against him.
<Kotono> As Asher drifts off, resting, 'Two warm objects?' Reclaimer continues his laugh from before, vastly amused again. 'I'm saying that you're getting something some would kill for, appreciate it regardless of what you do.'
<Asher> 'Not everyone wants the same thing, dammit!' Asher bites this back not without some degree of vehemence.
<Kotono> 'Oh, I know. I do wonder...do you want her and this?' Reclaimer's dry amusement fades into a entirely colorless tone. 'Magical powers are one thing, a girl's heart is another from all I've observed lately.'
<Asher> 'I think you forgot about her tendency to put them in the same category.'
<Kotono> '....I concede the point." Reclaimer's answer is after a pause, before it sighs as well. '...I pray you never consider wind power with a certain part of you, that's all I'll say.' A pause before Reclaimer's laugh fills Asher's mind, then a peaceful silence.
<Asher> The urge to his open his eyes again becomes somewhat stronger, but he wills them shut. He wants nothing more but to drift off right about now...
<Asher> Not without a last warning shot off the bow of a certain intelligent sword, though. 'Yeah, you say something like that again and I'll see if Kotono isn't adverse to using magical weapons in practices not intended. Do you understand me?' There's a dry, very implicit threat in Asher's threatening voice.
<Kotono> 'Oh yes, what was the human rebut to that! Oh, yes! At least I'll be getting some!' Reclaimer just retorts with that.
<Asher> 'You obviously need to consider the situation more thoroughly,' Asher bites off, as sleep looms on its onset, demanding attention. His heated remark soon fades into a more groggy feeling, laying back against the couch. '...mmf... seriously... just let me sleep...'
<Kotono> "Rest well, Asher.' With that Reclaimer goes silent and Asher dozes into more peaceful realms. Realms that come when a blonde is clinging to you?
A very short snippet, occuring right at the end of the meeting on Thursday.
[14:08] <@Usagi> ---------
[14:10] * @Takeshi heads out to his bicycle in a cold fury, heedless of the chilly rain that's coming down - the drizzle of earlier that afternoon has changed into a more steady, soaking rain. The young man takes a towel out of his bookbag, wiping off the seat of his bicycle briefly as he prepares to leave.
[14:12] <@Usagi> "Takeshi, wait!" Usagi calls as she hurries out after him, promptly getting soaked in the dramatically appropriate but still inconvenient rain!
[14:13] <@Takeshi> "I don't have anything else to say," Takeshi says levelly as he mounts his bicycle, not even turning to look at Usagi. "I have to get to work."
[14:16] <@Usagi> "Please!" the drenched blonde tries as she catches up to him, already starting to look pretty bedraggled by the sheets of rain pouring down on them. "I'm sorry about Hotaru, just... I don't want you leaving like this! We're supposed to be friends!"
[14:18] <@Takeshi> "I'll see you at school tomorrow, Tsukino-san," Takeshi says tonelessly, pedaling off before anything further can be said. Stupid rain... he's going to have to go home for a towel and a raincoat at this rate. Stupid work.
[14:23] <@Usagi> "Wait!" Usagi tries fruitlessly, chasing after Takeshi against the driving rain... but yet, she trails off to a slow halt as he cycles away, the blonde deciding that this battle is lost, for the moment. "Dammit..." she curses uncharacteristically, fists bunching up as she watches their new 'friend' depart with a melancholy expression.
[14:26] <@Usagi> ----------
This happens right after the meeting.
> ---More Arc 2 Go!---
> So the others leave into the rain. Hotaru stays put, however, on command. Serenity's face is grave as she waits for the last one out to go, standing tall. "Hotaru." Her voice is like iron bars, unyielding.
<Hotaru-chan> Hotaru looks back, not yielding or challenging even, drawn back and into herself. "Your majesty," she addresses in return, the glow of her violet eyes muted.
> "Destruction is one of the most dread powers in all the universe. It can wipe away reality itself in it's rawest form, and range from a blade ruining a life to a careless word shattering a soul. It needs the utmost responsibility and caring to use properly." Her eyes focus on those dimmed eyes, stepping forward to be right in front of her. "I entrust you with very much indeed with this, Sailor Saturn."
<Hotaru-chan> Hotaru lets out a long breath, eyees simmering perhaps a little, flickers of light again in the amethysts. "The proper use is in ensuring the safety of my...loved ones, over whoo all of that extends," she murmurs quietly, a slight shiver. "Whatever may be necessary, whatever that may entail, whatever threaten cannot be left standing as anything but ruins," she murmurs, swaying just a bit, before forcing herself straight, jaw tight.
> "Without empathy to that...you destroy those that are your friends and allies as easily as a monster." Reaching up, Serenity's hand gently goes forth! The slap is silk soft, only barely touching Hotaru's cheek. But Serenity's eyes - oh her eyes. They burn with a moment of uncharactristic anger fading into honest dissapointment. Serenity's hand falls to her side, as she never takes her eyes off Hotaru's. "There are times when such measures are needed. When not? Have you made your loved ones happy here, Hotaru?"
> "There are times when such measures are needed. When not? Have you made your loved ones happy here, Hotaru?"
<Hotaru-chan> Hotaru's smile is rather sad, not honestly a smile either. "I've never been good at that part," she murmurs, eyes closed and deep rbeaths taken for the moment. "Yes, I went well overboard saying that torture does not prepare you to retain your sanity the moment the next torturer comes along. I panic. I'm imperfect and humanly susceptible," she shrugs a little, finally opening her eyes. "Do you want me to be more than human, Serenity?"
> "I want you to be human." Serenity's eyes don't change, ever so sad. Just...sad, so let down. "I want you to live to the standards of caring and hope I wish for you to. I wish for you to be human, nothing more. That there..." Again Serenity raises her hand, but this time it takes Hotaru's chin and holds it up. "Was not. The greatest powers hold the most peril and most need for vigilence; destruction most of all."
<Hotaru-chan> "Maybe I should've been born a Nightmare," Hotaru breathes, jaw barely moving in Serenity's hand. "Mako-chan would kill me for that snetiment..." she snorts softly. "It's an ill-made thought anyway," she murmurs, tugging ehr face back from Serenity. "Your desires as I interpret and am able are mine. My interpretation clearly was off, or uncontrolled. For this reason, I am subject to your review. You wish something other than my current iron
<Hotaru-chan> (her
<Hotaru-chan> *her
<Hotaru-chan> You wish something other than my current iron fist, What would you have it be?"
> Serenity gently leads Hotaru to the couch, sitting her down with her and staying close. "Saturn, I ask of you - why? Why this pain?" Her eyes are still sad, firm but achingly sad. "You have potential, so much potential. You are only a Nightmare if you wish to make yourself one."
<Hotaru-chan> "Pain is what I've lived by, pain or joy, balancing on extreme ends of the scale. Pain has kept me alive, pain pervades evertyhing, even my mother," Hotaru answers softly, shivering again. "More pain is simply the signal that life is going on. Solace is found in moments of escape, the joy of another warding away pain, or sometimes inviting it," she smiles tensely. "Mars is such a conundrum to me. Such doesn't really matter here, but..." she
<Hotaru-chan> Such doesn't really matter here, but..." she shrugs.
> The silence after these words is not long, but it hangs with the gravity of the situation. Serenity sighs, an exhalation of quiet melancholy. "Does...does the pain of rejection still hurt," she murmurs. "...witch?"
<Hotaru-chan> "That pain died a long time ago," Hotaru murmurs, her lips twisting a bit. "A wound long healed may still ache, and Mars and I, and my mother and I, hardly get along in such a manner as to be considered anything less than tumultuous," she murmurs. "Though I know she would have likely been more clear on her reaction when I told Mars something, it still bites silently from the shadows, 'What if?'. The pain isn't strange to me, nor pain in gene
<Hotaru-chan> The pain isn't strange to me, nor pain in general because of it and the Nightmare."
> This time it comes suddenly, a lance of pain across Hotaru's cheek! (4 damage) Serenity's hand lowers after being a blur, Hotaru's vision sent to the side in a powerful open handed slap. "That is the pain you inflicted onto the others today. A small symbol of what you did to them, Hotaru. In this regard today...you failed. The pain of the past and the present cannot excuse the mistakes of destruction. You have people that love you very much, myself included. You do not fail just yourself...but all of us. Usagi, Ami, Rei, Kotono, Asher, Takeshi, Michiru, Nior...myself...Makoto. This pain..." (More)
> You have people that love you very much, myself included. You do not fail just yourself...but all of us. Usagi, Ami, Rei, Kotono, Asher, Takeshi, Michiru, Nior...myself...Makoto. This pain..." (More)
> "I entrust destruction to you because you understand this. But with destruction must come restraint, caring, empthaty and love. Lose those and you are another Beast wailing in the Void."
* Hotaru-chan rubs softly at her cheek, shaking her head a little. "That's one way to consider it," she agrees softly, more lost on thought as she traces the red mark of impact, suddenly raiusing an eyebrow. "Destruction as an act of love rather than a duty of pain?" she asks, curious almost.
> "We destroyed - killed Jadeite - because we loved the Earth and Gaia too much to allow him to ruin it. You killed the Beast Lord...because you love your friends too much to become him." A pause again at that, Serenity looking on into Hotaru's eyes. "It is always love, Hotaru. What lies in the other direction by the Nightmares? The nightmares, deaths and..." Finally closing her eyes, Serenity's voice lowers. "All of you killed to save this world you love and all that live on it. Not to destroy or to spread pain to others."
> "All of you killed to save this world you love and all that live on it. Not to destroy or to spread pain to others." (More)
> "There are times when the purest love and hope needs the most primal destruction. In this imperfect world of humans, there is no other reality. Even then...it is that which saves us from being the nightmare - from being an inhuman as it is put now."
<Hotaru-chan> "That is only partly true," Hotaru whsipers, biting her lip. "The final destruction of the beast lord...yes, that was conscious, that was my decision. That was my love. Other times though...it's been terror, Setsuna was an act of fear, even if I lucked into it being a necessary test," Hotaru shrugs very slightly, her smile twisted.
<Hotaru-chan> "Fear of what I'd nearly been killed for being torn down, of some small speck of joy I was treasuring being removed. Terror, pain, nightmares, are all a part of my magic, and who I am. At your behest, though, I'll subject them to second looks," Hotaru offers, her expression forlorn, wearied down in so short a time.
> "Hotaru. Sailor Saturn." Serenity says both names, slowly pronoucning both with the utmost gravity in her words. "I love you, as do we all. I ask you to look at yourself, to find that love within you, accept what you have done and improve. Do not forget that you are not alone, Hotaru, even when your terror is at it's highest."
<Hotaru-chan> "Iknow," Hotaru sighs, slumping finally a little into Serenity. "I just examine the apst reality to contrast it to the current," she snickers softly, still slow as she closes her eyes. "So much has gone on of late...moreso than even during the war with Jadeite. I feel like I'm on Gaia again."
> "Then...do you what you need to do, to end your war on Gaia again?" Serenity pursues quietly.
> *do you know what you need to do
<Hotaru-chan> "Too many ideas, none of them entirely pleasent, some wholly ludicrous, others jsut fanciful," Hotaru snickers. "Settle things with my mother? That seems impossible for all that things get more and more complicated as time passes."'
> "Tell me them." Serenity's voice hardens ever so slightly, a shake of her head.
<Hotaru-chan> Hotaru takes a deep breath, sitting up with a blush. "My mind is too imaginitive...that's what I'll warn," she offers, chewing on her lip nervously a moment. "Get my boyfriend to commit totally is one...to try and cover all the sore points forever in my life. I'm only fourteen though, I can hardly ask, nor should I hardly ask such..." Hotaru's smile is shakey as she considers it. "Rei-chan...is practically speaking settled. She's simply up a
<Hotaru-chan> "Mom? I don't even know...she goes from barbing and stabbing to a sort of regination about me growing up, neither seems a good place to stop for the next many years. She won't answer though, and admitting to her..."
<Hotaru-chan> Hotaru frowns. "I admitted to Rei something I've been thinking about for a while, and it wanders back, though I don't know how it might play in. More a wondering I suppose, but it distracts me, and I wonder if its recognition or consideration further pulls on me as I worry and consider. or simply...I worry about others, and how they might consider it."
> "Hotaru." Serenity says at the end of that, not looking -quite- so happy. Well, she wasn't in the first place, anyway, so now she's notably UNhappy. "What of the more salient and current matters?"
<Hotaru-chan> "Hah?" Hotaru blinks, blushing. "Sorry, I thought you were...nevermind," she shakes her head. "The current unhappiness...do you mean that which I feel, or those of others?" she asks softly, blinking. "Those have all been the most pressing things upon my mind of late."
> "All. Go on." Serenity lightly waves a hand, encouraging Hotaru to do just as she says.
<Hotaru-chan> "All," Hotaru blows at her bangs, closing her eyes. "Honestly, I havne't a clue with some others. Michiru needs work, Asher needs experience, Takeshi...I havent' the faintest clue. Myself? I've meandered too long on it. I'm unaware if Kotono is unhappy herself, Rei-chan is an immense mystery, as she takes not much at all other than time and patience well. Mako-chan, I have a very stilted view of."
> "I mean to them." Serenity's head shakes, "You hurt him and them today, Saturn."
<Hotaru-chan> Hotaru has the good grace to blush, giggling softly.. "THe vagaries of human interpretation?" she offers, shaking ehr head. "What would you like me to address, stated again and completely then?"
<Hotaru-chan> *her
> Serenity closes her eyes, tone saddened and hurt. "No. This is not a matter to laugh at, and further...you owe him an apology at the least."
<Hotaru-chan> Hotaru takes a deep breath. "Laughing makes it easier to speak, it's not meant as a disregard," she answers back more clearly. "Though I do find it sadly interesting how susceptible communication is to misinterpretation," she offers, shrugging just a little. "So I may, I didn't understand that such was your direction of thought thus far."
> "Saturn." For once Serenity thunders, opening her eyes to a tight, unhappy expression. "I asked of you to take responsibility for your actions. Blaming the vagaries of communcations is NOT that."
<Hotaru-chan> "...Serenity, I'm not, simply asking forgiveness for the meandering of my thoughts thus far," Hotaru replies softly, blinking in surprise. Yes, I owe him an apology, I admitted such already, what more would you have me say?"
<Hotaru-chan> *"Yes
> Serenity exhales a very long breath, "Good. I want you to find your love and heal this damage. Do you understand, Saturn?"
<Hotaru-chan> Hotaru nearly melts against the back of the couch, a small whimper at Serenity's first word. "I swear mom ruined me..." she whispers, pulling herself back up. "I believe I understand the direction," she agrees softly, closing her eyes a moment.
> "Good. I trust you Saturn. Go spend the rest of this day resting, crying, thinking, what have you. Tomorrow, begin." Serenity rises at last.
<Hotaru-chan> "This is where Setsu-chan turns out to be awake for the last ten minutes," Hotaru murmurs, shaking her head. "I'll stop bothering you," she agrees quietly, getting up to go and lightly shake the green haired girl, to see if she'll awaken.
> "Hotaru, if you need to bother me..." Serenity shakes her head at that, as Hotaru finds Setsuna is still out. "She's just a normal girl now - it may be several more hours for all I know. Especially fi she has...regrets at all, if I understand Despair's power."
<Hotaru-chan> "Hence why I wanted to walk her home," Hotaru snickers quietly. "No, honestly, there's only regurgitation for me to do at this point. I'm still discovering some things, and they tint everything I look at heavily. It's a bother and a wondrance, wishing I could be normal or perhaps simply less maze like in mental landscape."
> "Just go home. She'll wait and I'll tell her you wish to talk to her. Go home, think and rest." Serenity says, "There will be another day.":
<Hotaru-chan> "Thinking and resting, two things I hardly feel capable of some days," Hotaru snickers, shaking her head and standing. "May I spend time resting with others, your majesty?" she asks, a bare hint of amusement in her voice.
> "No. Go home and rest - the internal aspect is the most important of them all. As I said, tomorrow is the day to begin. Tonight is just rest and introspection."
<Hotaru-chan> Hotaru raises an eyebrow, before disappearing in a flash of violet.
<Kotono> ---Arc 2 go!---
<Kotono> Wednesday night - a chance after incidents to rest and to catch a parent. Dad's eating dinner, Mom in her room up to something or another. Really, it's the best chance Hotaru'll get for awhile.
<Hotaru-chan> Given the current pace and schedule of things? Quite prbobably. So Hotaru heads up to her parents' bedroom, knocking. Mom's the hurdle here. Dad's taken this stuff with a smile before.
<Kotono> It takes a few knocks before there's a call of, "Enter!" Reiko calls, smooth and calm.
<Hotaru-chan> Hotaru opens the door, slipping just inside and glancing around. "Said I needed to talk, and well..you wer eout cold Sunday night," Hotaru offers, her smile wry.
<Kotono> Mom's wearing a terrycloth bathrobe and has her hair down. Barefoot as she sits at her vanity, green cream over her face. "Yes?" Mother says, quiet neutral about it as she puts down a jar of facial cleanser.
<Hotaru-chan> "There's another war going on," Hotaru offers softly, a small shrug. "Another group of nightmares from some other plane out in the void," she murmrus, her smile definitely sad.
<Kotono> "What?" That gets Mom's attention, jar tosses aside as she spins on her little plush chair to turn to her daughter.
<Hotaru-chan> Hotaru offers a small shrug. "There isn't really more to it unless you want to know about hte battles so far...some kind of nightmare is attacking again, one we haven't seen or heard of before. "I killed one of them this afternoon, I';ve been in one other battle...but, yeah. Another war."
<Kotono> "...not again." Reiko bows her head, forehead planted into her hands! A deep, heartrending sigh again, "More fighting again?"
<Hotaru-chan> "More fighting," Hotaru agrees quietly. "My ribs got broken last week...well, they were fine by the end of the day, but...yeah. Despair, Hatred, Pestilence, Temptation are our enemies right now, I sent Despair into oblivion this afternoon without getting hurt...jsut exhausted," Hotaru offers with a smalll sigh, shaking her head.
<Kotono> "...Why?" Reiko's posture breaks, tired.
<Hotaru-chan> "We hardly know. They're looking for something called the 'lightbringer', and seem to despise us as 'inhumans taking human form'," Hotaru sighs, slumping against the door. "They've tried to recruit us even...but I saw Despair underneath his disguise...it's like the Beast Lord, black as the void, inhuman, with mouths everywhere..." Hotaru shivers.
<Kotono> ".....Oh...Hotaru." Reiko sounds lost for words, biting her lip as she looks away. "...I can't say anything but to be careful, can I?"
<Hotaru-chan> Hotaru shakes her head. "Honestly not, well...and watch out for a really pretty blonde in a red dress," Hotaru snorts. "Just...well, you didn't react well to not knowing last time," she offers, smiling wryly.
<Kotono> "Thank you. Just...be careful." Reiko reaches out to touch Hotaru's shoulder once, patting her. "Don't you dare come back in more than one piece."
<Hotaru-chan> "There's a black joke about coming back in no pieces at all, that I won't make," Hotaru sighs, hugging her mother. "Really, I'm sorry about Yoshi...mah, I keep wondering, because you get odd looks...and I don't WANT to make you angry..." Hotaru jumps subjects, blushing.
<Kotono> "Hotaru-chan, let it lie." Reik ogently hugs her daughter back, enfolding her with her arms. "Just...not right now."
<Hotaru-chan> "Sorry, I don't like letting things lie..." Hotaru laughs softly, taking deep breaths as she holds her parent. "They come up behind me and whisper in my ear." Deep breaths a moment before pulling back. "I should probably go tell dad...even if all he'll say is 'that's nice, be safe, princess'," Hotaru parodies, snickering.
<Kotono> "Go on. Be gentle." Mother just shakes her head, turning back to her vanity quietly, mutedly.
<Hotaru-chan> "Oh...one bit of better news," Hotaru offers at the last minute. "I learned transmutation magic...I turned a piece of brick into an amethyst plate," she snicker sosftly. "It's stitting on my desk, just...yeah," she offers, before departing to do the easier half of this.
<Kotono> So you go to Dad! HE's eating a TV dinner, one of those extra large ones they market at guys. Along with that and chips he's kinda pigging out, actually, skimming a small sheaf of papers as he eats.
<Hotaru-chan> "So, dad!" Hotaru pipes up, pouring herself a glass of juice from the fridge, sitting down across from her father. "How much should I not trust my boyfriend's control of his hormones?" Hotaru starts off with a curveball.
<Kotono> "Do you want to make us grandparents?" Dad fires back between a bite of food, glancing up at Hotaru.
<Hotaru-chan> "...While I'm fourteen? No," Hotaru snickers, suddenly raising an eyebrow. "...Do you want to be a grandparent this early?" she asks after a moment.
<Kotono> "Not in particular." Dad takes a few more bites of dinner, "But go on."
<Hotaru-chan> "Anyway, that was just a starter," Hotaru waves her hand, the matter dropped away. "The more important thing? There's another magical war going on," she informs her father softly, shrugging. "Started a week or two ago, I've had my ribs broken, I tore a nightmare creature to pieces with magic..." Hotaru ticks off. "No casualties, one recruit, very little information."
<Kotono> "Again?" Dad goes back to his food, eating more. "Well, if you did it once you should be fine again. Just be careful, Hotaru-chan. You have a brother to think of now, too."
<Hotaru-chan> "I know, I know," Hotaru murmurs, smiling a little sadly. "But yeah, again. Just...well, warning, in case you see me in bad shape or something," she sighs, standing. "I already told mom, so...yeah."
<Kotono> "Good, then be safe." Dad gets a sip from his drink, swallowing down. A small smile on his face, "Alright, Hotaru?"
<Hotaru-chan> "Alright, daddy," Hotaru agrees, smiling and departing back to her bedroom.
Placeholder for a moment.
This occurs a few hours after the fun filled Thursday meeting
[18:27] <Koaway> Evening and rain is in full swing. Under the bleak and black night sky Usagi returns, raindrops a chorus of wettening and saddening around her. The house is quiet but bright when she arrives, several lights providing lovely illumation from the outside temptest.
[18:29] * Usagi fortunately has an umbrella and raincoat, this time, now kept more sheltered from the elements than she was upon leaving this same place earlier... Walking up to the doorway, the blonde raps her knuckles on the wood.
[18:31] <Koaway> "Coming!" Janna sounds bright and cheerful as she calls, and confirms this on opening the door. Wearing a warm blue sweater with hearts all over it, she steps aside. "Hey. Something up - I can't imagine you'd be walking in this weather without a good reason."
[18:35] <Usagi> "Hi, Janna," Usagi smiles at her older friend. "We had a meeting earlier that kinda broke up, so I wanted to talk to Serenity," she explains, folding up her umbrella and giving it a shake outside as she steps in.
[18:37] <Koaway> "She's bathing, it looks like she had a long day." Her eyes narrow into a suspicious, knowing look as she takes that umbrella and puts it aside. "She's been in there a good twenty minutes already, too."
[18:38] * Usagi sighs softly. "Yeah, kinda ended on a sour note... you remember Takeshi?" Usagi asks as she takes her coat and shoes off, storing them in the entryway and closing the door behind her to block out the inclement weather.
[18:39] <Kotono> "Yep. Kinda cute, longer hair than...ugh! Nevermind that!" Janna puts on a sugary sweet smile, "I do, so go on."
[18:40] * Usagi smiles a bit at Janna's faux pas. "Yeah, it was at the meeting today, he had a pretty dumb idea for getting info on the new enemy," she explains, stepping inside. "Thought that joining up with them like Michiru had would be a great way to learn all about them - you heard about Michiru-san, right?" she clarifies.
[18:41] <Kotono> "Yep, I keep up on things. So right, yeah, I don't think anyone was too happy about it. Serenity called it a very flawed plan, an dcoming from her? Kaboom." Stopping at the entryway, "Want me to go tell her you're up or want to go yourself or just wait? Just as lon gas I can sit down, I was on my feet all day. Stupid technology expo setup."
[18:42] <Kotono> Janna makes an 'ick' face, stopping after and bending down to massage her calf.
[18:43] <Usagi> "Haven't even got to the worst part," Usagi shakes her head, sighing a bit. "Anyway, just go relax, Janna - I'll go see her myself." Giving the former youma a slight wave, the blond makes her way upstairs to knock on the bathroom door.
[18:43] <Usagi> blonde*
[18:44] <Kotono> "Thank goodness..." Janna limps back over to the couch, plopping down and sighing. So upstairs you go! You see a room's door open as well - you get a glimpse of Nior, standing in the middle of the room and slowly going through the motions of a careful stance. The bathroom door is obviously closed beyond that.
[18:45] * Usagi knocks softly on the doorframe. "Serenity?"
[18:47] <Kotono> "Mmmm. Usagi?" Serenity's voice needsa few seconds to reach you, sounding sleepy. "Aaaah. Yes?"
[18:50] <Usagi> "Ah, didn't mean to wake you..." Usagi sounds apologetic. "Just... wanted to talk. Can I come in? Or wait for you to come out?" she asks, today having knocked her lesbian worries far enough to the wayside that she feels no embarrassment at her offer - Japanese bathe together all the time, after all.0
[18:51] <Kotono> The door is older style - a keyhole for a key and a turning metal knob. Westernish but very elegant, little whirls of gold painted metal in decoration. "You can home in."
[18:51] <Kotono> *Come
[18:53] * Usagi opens the door and slips inside, closing it behind her before she focuses on Serenity. "Mind if I join you? Been a long day..." she says, some weariness in her tone.
[18:54] <Kotono> The bathroom is nice. White is the color, the floor tiled in pearly shades and the walls a more muted, delicate white. Past a long medicine cabinet/sink combination and the toilet is the tub. This is the grand attraction here - it's large enough to share indeed, white with golden accents on the edges. It's filled with bubbly water, keeping Serenity clad and decent from the neck down. She does look tired herself, as, "By all means. A very...lon
[18:55] <Kotono> "By all means. A very...long day."
[18:57] * Usagi nods as she strips out of her own damp clothes, undoing her odangoes as her attire pools around her feet and blonde hair spools down her back. "Not quite the same as that fountain," she essays a smile as she clambers into the tub opposite Serenity, toned young figure on display for a moment before she settles in, recalling the first time they bathed together.
[18:58] <Kotono> "Times come and pass." Serenity smiles in fond rememberance, eyes shut in peaceful rest once Usagi is in. "How does this day find you, Usagi?"
[18:59] * Usagi sighs softly. "I tried to catch up with Takeshi... he wasn't interested in talking, though," she admits, unfortunately getting to business.
[19:03] <Kotono> "...I'm not surprised. He was clearly upset." Serenity restrains any further comment or reaction there instead, "I am...the intentions all around were good. The executions were...faulty, were they not?"
[19:04] <Usagi> "We all agreed it was a bad idea, just..." the blonde shakes her head briefly, "I dunno, was this some sort of 'rattle the new guys' thing? I can't imagine Asher and Michiru were any more impressed with how that went."
[19:07] <Kotono> "It was...a mistake that I hope to be corrected. I talked to Hotaru afterwards." There isn't any further comment on that right away.
[19:10] * Usagi decides not to mention the vicious look Makoto gave her as she left after questioning Hotaru. Serenity's surely as aware as everyone else of what the score is, there. "Great first impression..." she murmurs disconsolately.
[19:13] <Kotono> "Not the best hour. I talked long with Hotaru...would you talk to Takeshi tomorrow?" Serenity sighs at last, slipping deeper into the bath. Her foot idly grazes Usagi's leg, thet iniest bit of contact.
[19:16] <Usagi> "He said he'd see me at school, yeah," the blonde agrees, her foot shifting slightly against the older woman's. "Just... why did she even say all that?" she asks helplessly, slumping down further herself into the water and brushing the top of her foot against Serenity's ankle. "It just makes a complete mockery of everything we said to him about leaving the past in the past."
[19:20] <Kotono> Serenity's foot finally settles near Usagi's knee, recovering after it's own long day. "She went too far." Another pause, before, "I slapped her for that."
[19:21] * Usagi starts slightly, half-lidded eyes flying open. "You slapped her?" she asks in disbelief. She can't even remember Serenity so much as raising her voice to anyone except Jadeite and the Beast Lord...
[19:23] <Kotono> "Destruction is one of the heaviest powers there is. It requires responsibility...and this day she failed that." Another sigh as Serenity sits up, this time out of the water up to her waist. Beautiful and bubbly, one part of Usagi's mind could note.
[19:33] * Usagi resists the urge to say it's hardly the first time. Fact is, she'd be terrified to ever raise a hand against Hotaru... Such thoughts distract her from Serenity's more prominent attributes, though she does mirror the gesture, sitting up more straight herself. "Well, hopefully we won't have an ugly scene like earlier again... if I can even convince Takeshi to give us the time of day, after that."
[19:36] <Kotono> "I wish you well there." Serenity doesn't belabor it at all, instead just resting in th warm water.
Timespan of this log to be added.
---Arc 2 go!---
> Home. Home is where the heart is said to be. If this is true or not is open to much debate, but Michiru would be hard pressed to care at this point. Coming home after a long day of being entirely too human again, she finds her father in the living room. A nicely decorated place, elegant and muted.
* Michiru appears in subdued steps, glancing at her father's back expectantly, torn between wanting to be seen and hoping to disappear. It felt like there was an ocean between them, even moreso than usual. Which made the known signals even more necessary. For a second, Michiru waited right behind him, wondering who would have to take the initiative tonight.
> His face is quiet, bowed and goateed head downward. His muted black suit fits right in with the stately, well maintained room. Masato stands besides a small indented shelf, where in a few delicate musical instruments rest, including a flute.
* Michiru nods to herself. The flute, huh... that meant it was her turn that day, after all - he wouldn't notice so easily. Michiru slowly approaches Masato from the back, and, a few steps away, taps her sole on the wooden floor three times. As the sound of poorly built rythm resonates through the room, Michiru fixates her eyes to her father, sternly.
> This sound is allowed to echo, carrying like the rapping of drumsticks on a great tribal bass. "Michiru?" Father only answers after another long stop, reaching out to take the flute into his hands, slowly carress it.
<Michiru> "Hello, father." Michiru politely answers, and rehearses a smile. The sincerity almost hurts for a moment, and her heart suddenly aches for a split-second. Michiru walks a bit stiltedly, holding her violin case tight and managing difficult, small steps. She approaches the desk almost rituallisticaly, as she notices Masato's attention on the flute and nods. "Mother. Am I right?"
> "Yes." There isn't any attempt at denial or doublespeak, instead just a confession as she slowly holds the flute up to his heat, clasping it.
* Michiru nods silently, her heart still a bit heavy. She avoided the memories of Shizuka in a steely, almost violent manner. However, the same way Masato didn't force Michiru to know, she couldn't force him to avoid the pain of remembrance. At least, she had the solace of never having to do anything but merely respect her own mother. What about him, who was inevitably bound by the ties of love? It was a sad spectacle to watch.
> The respite is melancholy, father putting the flute back with a careful reverence. "...Michiru?"
* Michiru suddenly awakens from her inner turmoil with a surprised, vaguely unsettled expression. "... uh? Yes, father?"
> Looking away and to a curtained, silent window of yellow drapes, "There is something different on the...wind, isn't there?" His voice is quiet after, letting those words sink in.
* Michiru looks up the window, eyes wide and a suddenly serene smile sinking in. That felt a bit like a crossroad question, one that, personally, Michiru would have to agree to, no matter what meaning Masato had in mind. Because, intimately, she knew it was true. Even now, she could feel it, quiet, tense. "Indeed, there is", she nodded.
> The silence thereafter is the silence of mediation and meditation, Father thoughtful. "How is...your music now, Michiru?"
* Michiru looks up to Masato with confessional eyes, in shame. "It needs work, I'm afraid. I have been neglecting practice for some time."
> "Show me." Two words as he goes back to an overstuffed chair of soft recovery, looking on in expectation at Michiru's violin case.
* Michiru nods respectfully, and reaches for the violin case. As she opens it, her heartstrings chime in a sharp tug. It felt like years since she had any contact with music, and only now she realized how sorely she missed it. With arc and violin in hand, Michiru looks to Masato, nodding. "Any preferred song today, father?"
> "Something with energy and flow." Sitting down now Father reaches over, a small vial of brandy taken and poured into a small glass. Sipping this he watches, watches and waits.
* Michiru quickly moves to get her music notebook and take a look at partitures before starting. As she glances through the pages, she nods. Something from Schubert would probably work - Allegro Vivace, then. She nodded to herself, left the partiture at the right pages, and focused, as the notes began resounding, the fingers delicately weaving a melody...
> The notes of music fill the room! Melodies forgotten into the the rythym of life are borne again, transforming this mere room into a place of lyrical worship. However, early on - something is off. Something is wrong with all this. The notes are solid, but the underpinnings are not whole.
* Michiru feels a chill down her spine, realizing the incompleteness of the music's body. Her own flesh tenses up. As a result, the music's flow becomes harsher for a moment, to which Michiru responds with a bite to her lower lips.
> This causes even more chaos, the flowing tune becoming a disconcerting concherto of broken notes and discoordinated sounds. Masato frowns deeply at this, , putting aside his brandy.
* Michiru shivers, gritting her teeth in near-despair at this point. Her fingers can barely hold the violin's arc, and the melody devolves quickly to a banshee's screech in the midnight. This... this is wrong. This is terribly wrong! Michiru trembles, her eyes now clearly desperate, and she visibly sweats. Suddenly, her fingers falter... and she drops the violin to the floor, losing the grip in its handle.
> The cracking of wood on wood is a sound of calamity. Michiru's violen makes such a sound as it lands, her song ending on a note of despair. Father frowns even more at this, standing up and coming over. He picks up the violen, a nasty gash on it's botton of cracked wood. He looks down at it a very long time indeed, before, "...have you lost your music right now?"
* Michiru kneels over the cracked violin, her eyes now wide, verging tears. Her mind freezes in disbelief and terror. It... couldn't be... it couldn't be happening. Michiru could lose anything, she could give up every single breath of her life if asked. But her music? That was irreplaceable. She needed the melody to be her north. Michiru covers her face with both hands, barely controlling a faint cry. "Father... I..."
> The broken violen is held as if it is a corpse, offered with the utmost delicacy to Michiru. Masato says nothing, he merely presents what was wrought to his daughter. "...it can be repaired."
* Michiru winces a bit, feeling as if she had just swallowed her own heart. Trying to avoid her father's eyes so he wouldn't see her crying, she replies in a faint voice. "I know. But what if I can't, father?"
> A shuffling of feet, a long, weighted pause. "...you will," Masato manages to say at last, licking his lips before he speaks.
* Michiru raises, still trembling, her complexion in a state of extraordinary vulnerability. Michiru looks down once again, and... a sudden burst - she lunges forward, breaking into tears as she hugs her father. "Sorry... I'm really sorry, father... I'm sorry for everything..." In a truly uncharacteristic display of emotion, she finally purges the unsaid words in a torrent, with a single, powerful - if vaguely pathetic - gesture.
> A stiff board in a summer hurricane. Masato stays there as Michiru sobs, the pitterpattering rains of eyedrops wetting his suit.
* Michiru storms all her sorrow over him. It didn't matter if he didn't respond, it didn't matter if he wouldn't say anything else. She just needed him there. Nothing else.
> It is all Michiru gets - a place to cry, a broken violen between them.
* Michiru squints her eyes, slowly moving away from Masato and taking the broken violin to her hands. Drying her tears with the T*A uniform's sleeve, she stands up and coughs, still embarassed. "I... am sorry for this outburst, father. I should go to my room."
> "...yes, go rest." Masato says as Michiru disengages, going back to sit. He looks downcastand silent, at anything but hisd aughter.
* Michiru silently leaves the room and heads for the bedroom upstairs. Her steps are now desolate and empty, as she moves like a phantom towards her haven. The realization of her lost musicality would still take a while to sink in a less brutal manner, and, while it didn't, Michiru's heart practically bled. After finally reaching the second floor, Michiru opens the door and enters her room.
* Michiru puts the broken violin over her desk, and crumbles over her bed. Of all things she could have lost, the hollow space left by the absence of music hurt the most. Fooling herself to sleep with the idea of sending the violin to a craftsman in the morning, Michiru curled up in bed, her tears not quite drying until sleep.
This occurs Friday afternoon, the day after the ill fated meeting
[19:57] <Usagi> Friday lunchtime at Juuban High... the weather at least has improved on yesterday, though it's still noticably chilly out. But that's of minor import to the blonde who's been surreptitiously observing Takeshi ever since he arrived in class barely half an hour ago. Heedless of the rumours which her behaviour may engender, the blonde rises as soon as class is dismissed, making her way over to the reincarnated general's desk.
[19:57] <Usagi> "Um... Takeshi-kun?" she tries bravely. "Can we talk? Please."
[19:59] <Takeshi> "All right," Takeshi replies tiredly. There are noticeable bags under his eyes, and his nose is a bit red, Usagi can note, the long-haired youth shuffling papers into his bookbag.
[20:01] * Usagi looks incredibly guilty at the state Takeshi appears to be in, ducking her head in a bow. "Thanks... we can talk in the literature club room - there shouldn't be anyone in there, just now."
[20:02] * Takeshi simply nods, letting the blonde lead the way in silence.
[20:03] * Usagi leads Takeshi out of the classroom and along the corridor, glancing back every now and then to make sure he's following until they reach the small room used by the literature club, the blonde poking her head in to make sure it's empty.
[20:06] * Takeshi follows along quietly enough, his face distinctly neutral.
[20:06] <Kotono> The clubroom is indeed empty. Well, ther ewas one girl with light purple hair, but she leaves silently when you enter.
[20:09] * Usagi blushes slightly, hoping the girl doesn't get the wrong idea... half her classmates already think she's moving in on Takeshi. Once inside, she takes a deep breath, mentally preparing herself. "Okay... first of all, I want to say I'm sorry for what happened yesterday," she begins earnestly. "We often disagree, but... what was said yesterday was completely out of line!"
[20:11] <Takeshi> "You don't have anything to apologize for," Takeshi replies levelly. "I appreciate the sentiment, but you weren't the one that said it. I'm not angry at you at all."
[20:17] <Usagi> Shaking her head, Usagi looks up to meet Takeshi's eyes. "Even so, I want to! You'd probably never guess it, but... I'm meant to be the leader," her expression shifts downwards, disconsolate. "I should at least take responsibility, since I can't change her attitude..." If only she actually could, then Serenity wouldn't be the one put in such a harsh position...
[20:23] * Takeshi sighs slightly, a few memories filtering back at that. "Then I accept your apology on behalf of your group, Tsukino-san," he says more quietly. "I don't mind at all that you disagreed with what I had to suggest, but..." He closes his eyes, breathing deeply for a moment. "What's done is done now. If you're worried about me leaving, don't be. I did tell Serenity that I was in her service, and I'll take that as binding as an oath w
[20:23] <Takeshi> as an oath would be."
[20:26] <Usagi> "I'll have to accept that," the blonde murmurs quietly. "I'm glad you won't leave, but... will you be happy? Are you really okay fighting alongside us after hearing that?" she asks probingly, clear blue eyes meeting his.
[20:27] <Takeshi> "Whether I'm happy or not is irrelevant," Takeshi replies, still in that same level voice. "I have a duty to do, and whether I enjoy it or not is beside the point."
[20:31] <Usagi> "To hell with duty!" the blonde snaps abruptly, eyes flashing. "Anyone can do a half-assed job in the name of 'duty'. You're a human being, not a robot!" she pokes her dainty index finger against his chest, trying not to wince at the resistance it gets as she withdraws and curls up the digit, flexing it.
[20:31] <Usagi> "I'm not going to turn you away if that's all your reason to hang around, but I'm sick of turning a blind eye to all these problems - if I hadn't then we might not have had such a stupid scene, yesterday!"
[20:38] * Takeshi falls into the nearest chair with a long sigh. "What do you want from me, then?" he says tonelessly.
[20:40] <Usagi> "Just... give us a chance," Usagi asks more meekly, coming down from her righteous indignation. "I don't have the right to demand anything from you, but... I want us all to be friends, not just fellow soldiers or whatever."
[20:43] * Takeshi snorts. "I don't know how to..." Takeshi is sadly interrupted by an explosive sneeze, then continues. "I don't know how to be anyone's friend anymore, Tsukino-san," he says, shaking his head. "And in some ways, I'm not entirely sure I want to anymore," he adds far more quietly, his gaze turning to the wall.
[20:48] * Usagi walks over to Takeshi and presents a handkerchief to him. Embroidered with her initials and a cute little rabbit design, as per the shoujo manga stereotype. Of course, the mysterious attractive male character normally doesn't proceed to blow his nose on it, but such is life. "Just give us a chance?" she tries hopefully. "I can't speak for Hotaru, but the rest of us still want to be your friends."
[20:48] <Usagi> Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration, but no need to scare him off with the whole Makoto bit just yet...
[20:53] <Takeshi> "You don't need to speak for Hotaru, she made her intentions quite clear last night," Takeshi scowls. "I'll... try, Tsukino-san," he says with an effort, passing a hand over his face. "I appreciate what you and Serenity have done for me, but it's pretty clear that there are people in your group that don't trust me, and I guess that't something I'll have to accept."
[20:58] <Usagi> Oooh, people, not person... guess he picked up on it, anyway? "Give it time?" she suggests, pocketing her hankie as its ignored. "And please, just call me Usagi? I hate being addressed so formally."
[21:06] <Takeshi> That at least gets a crooked smile out of Takeshi. "All right, fair enough. I suppose if I can do so for Serenity I can for you as well, Usagi." He finally stands, giving the blonde rabbit a slight bow. "I do appreciate the fact that you came to apologize, Usagi. It wasn't something you needed to do."
[21:07] <Usagi> "No," the blonde shakes her head. "I really did." Sighing softly, "And... if you've got a cold, at least let me do you a favour, there?" she offers, extending her hand.
[21:08] <Takeshi> "Hmm?" Takeshi says, a bit taken off-guard. "Uh... go ahead, I guess."
[21:09] <Usagi> "Just something I can do," the blonde smiles weakly as she clasps his hand, a barely noticable light percieved around her arm as she focuses for a moment on purging the virus from Takeshi's system.
[21:09] <Usagi> roll 2d6
[21:09] * Hatbot --> "Usagi rolls 2d6 and gets 5." [2d6=2, 3]
[21:10] <Kotono> Amazingly, Takeshi does begin to feel better...
[21:10] <Usagi> "You won't feel better right away or anything, but you should be fine in a few hours, I hope," she explains, keeping their fingers clasped for a moment before she withdraws. "Least I can do, I guess."
[21:12] * Takeshi blinks a bit in surprise. "That's... cool. Thanks." He does give Usagi a slight smile at that, but it doesn't last long. "Um... was there anything else you wanted? I had some stuff I was planning to get to work on during lunch today, so..."
[21:13] <Usagi> "I guess I won't keep you any longer," the blonde shakes her head, relenting. Baby steps, and all that...
[21:14] * Takeshi nods. "Time for the fun to start," he grumbles, shaking his head as he heads out of the room. "Damned paperwork..."
This happens in the day after Michiru's violin breaks. Whatever that means. <_<
---Arc 2 go!---
> Amid the melancholy of a failed life of song comes school. The humdrum that never ends, passing and pulsing. The early periods are dead quiet - normal studies. You do notice a few people looking your way, including Chitose. The gossip is flowing, easy enough to tap into if Michiru chooses to find out.
* Michiru looks around, in a bit of a sleepwalking daze. The broken violin... it still felt brutally impossible, hurting like a nightmare. Her mind waned way too much for her to focus in a single point, but she couldn't avoid listening to the whispers of her class. If anything, it'd help her think about something else - although far from the illusion of forgetting it happened.
> The looks - the fog of first period is parted by that first. Chitose's gaze - it's still afraid but less so, more curious and hesitant. She slips you looks here and there, discreet gauges of fear. The whispers are more varied. "That Kaioh...she's so stuck up now! You saw her the past few days? She thinks she's so much better than us!" "I heard she really went to that crazy club of Sarashima's! Something's clearly wrong with her if she thinks she's better than us and going to that!"
* Michiru sighs in a mixture of resignation and bitterness. The seeds of what she sowed during her short stint as an inhuman were beginning to sprout, and she would have to cope with the weeds of unlife even so. Simple action-reaction connundrum, and not really a new one. She had never seen anyone capable of reading her motivations, regardless - arguing with the nests of baby hydras wouldn't be any good.
> In this blossoming of a bitter harvest lunch comes to pass. A chance for Michiru to go out into the world or stay put, a period of freedom and bliss.
* Michiru leaves the classroom and halts, in the sudden realization that she didn't know what she wanted to do. The explosion of last day completely depleted her desires - she wasn't even hungry, despite barely partaking of breakfast. Which translated, ultimately, to Michiru walking alongside the walls in a tranced ritual towards the music room, without even noticing.
> It's at the end of a quiet hall, a few soundproof musical rooms (Known occasionally for certain other uses for certain types of girls!) before the real practice rooms. They beckon, sounds of a piano, a trumpet, a violen all being practiced. It drifts out to get your attention. Yet there is a draw behind you - you can hear a familiar voice call, "Miiichiru!" as well, competing against the lull of musical bliss, so denied.
* Michiru winces a bit, her safe haven shattered by a screeching rat - or the closest thing she could associate with that kind of annoyance. She slowly tilts her head, turning around, a vaguely annoyed expression (which translated mostly to an apathetic imagery in Michiru's face). "... yes?"
> "Hiya!" LIke a hummingbird that has found her flower to get sweet nectar from, Kotono dashes up, coming to a stop right in front of you! She carries a long a backpack, swinging backwards and nearly making her fall over on stopping! Only an epic arm waving feat of balance keeps her upright. "Heya, this is great since I was gonna go look for you in your class and I see you jsut turning the corner which is cool since I wanted to talk to you, huh?
* Michiru raises her eyebrow. "Oh, it's you, Sarashima-san. Impeccable timing, I must say." Indeed, it was impeccable. Few people would know exactly -the worst time- to barge into Michiru like a tidal wave, breaking her delicate strings with a snap like that. However, she kept composture, her expression slowly waning to a sort of unmemorable ease.
> "Isn't it? So now that you're well...you know, I figure you can join Rei-chan and me in the clock tower and I left a message for Hotaru to join us later if she's up to it-" A very slight downcast of Kotono's eyes, but she's over it so fast that it doesn't linger, "-and we'll talk about all the cool stuff like this and see how you're doing, since it is so interesting and how does it feel now since that other stuff was really bad?"
* Michiru nods with a faint smile, blinking a bit, while she sorts out the impossible jumble Kotono sent her way. "It's okay. I normally practice in the music club today, but an accident happened, so I will be available after class. Just give me a few extra minutes to communicate the incident to the club, and I'll meet you there."
> "Sure! I'll meet you by the access door, okay?" Kotono beams, smiling, "Oh, I'll get some drinks too and we'll have a mini meeting up ther - no Junki since she still doesn't really like the clock tower thatm uch since she was kinda shoved off it, do you remember that but anyway it's not important!" With a wave Kotono takes off, "See you soon!"
* Michiru watches the blonde beam of light zap through the halls, somewhat surprised. "Well... that was... intriguing." Michiru takes a look at her watch, wondering if there was much time left. Spending some more minutes in the music room wouldn't hurt.
> There's plenty of time in lunch left. About 45 minutes at the minimum.
* Michiru nods to the watch and smiles faintly. She approaches the rooms a bit further, in order to listen to the instruments in their full splendor.
> It's a hypnotic sound, but an imperfect one. Being practice there are missteps, start overs and little experimentations that go nowhere. Still, heartbreakingly beautiful music issues out...
* Michiru weaves along the sounds with a delicate perception for these little bumps. For a moment, she could almost believe in a lie, that yesterday's screeches were but the result of interrupted practice, just a little misstep that would be fixed with time. But she'd tear that belief with the snap of a finger - she knew that wasn't true. As soon as she were to touch another violin, it would happen again, and again, and again.
> So the music plays on...
> So Michiru makes her apologies. It only takes a few minutes, and on leaving Kotono awaits. The door to the clock tower is a little off the main way, in theory closed off but never locked. Simple T*A knowledge there, and the door currently has a blonde guardian awaiting you...
<Michiru> Time goes on as a blur. Lunch break over, a justification to the music club (speaking about the broken violin in such a deadpan tone was still a bit painful. Sigh). And then, the clock tower. Michiru still vaguely remembers the stories about the girl who fell off the tower, and she took the notice with a strange sort of acceptance. Maybe she just wanted peace? After all, nobody -chooses- to live, Michiru knew. And she walked.
* Michiru looks up to Kotono, just nodding as she approachs.
> "Hi, let's go!" Kotono opens the door as you approach, her backpack gone for now and sprightly heading up the stairs. Old stone steps, no hand rails to help you up. Just a twisting, winding stair, ascending up the spire of the clock tower.
* Michiru follows silently, slightly tense. She had never been to the tower, actually, and that was a... novel experience, to say the least.
> The flights of stairs would be enough to wind most, but Kotono isn't botherered. She keeps up ehr pace, and as you slowly see the top approach, "Rei-chan, she's coming with me, okay?" Kotono's echo repeats several times, caught in the vagaries of the design.
* Michiru nods, trying to not look down. "I see..."
> So you reach the top! The view is awesome! You can see most of T*A's yard and a several streets past it, a good bird's eye view of the area. A soft, chilly breeze from fall blows in, keeping the air fresh. There isn't much space up here, Rei sitting at the edge and idly dangling her legs off. "Hey," Rei says simply, face covered by a long pull from her drink.
* Michiru looks up the sky and lets go a smile. Indeed, it was an astounding view, worthy of a canvas. For a moment, Michiru ponders over the sky itself, quickly moving her eyes back to the human life around her. "Good afternoon."
> "Right!" Kotono shatters that moment of pristine, windblown calm as she goes to the edge as well, rooting into her pack, "So you have magic now, huh, and how much can you do?I mean, even not transformed we can do some stuff like this!" Out of her bag comes a paperclip, tosses into the air!
> roll 2d6-2
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6-2 and gets 5."12 [2d6=2, 5]
> It stops midair, just floating loosely like a astronaut in space "See? That's really cool and I bet you can do some stuff like that now with other stuff?"
* Michiru raises an eyebrow, sighing. "I barely even know I can use magic, Sarashima-san. I can't really do much as of now. Although that is an amusing parlor trick."
> "Well yeah, it's cooler when you make a bad guy go up and down like reversed gravity and make'em take a concrete sandwich...ack, I sorta sound like Sis now, you know? But that's the idea, can you do some stuff at all?" Kotono stops when Rei sighs, just sliding a hand over the blonde's mouth.
> "I think she means do you know how to do anything at all?"
* Michiru nods to Rei and Kotono with a gentle expression, a bit blank. "As I said, I barely learned I even have this power. I haven't learned to do anything with it yet."
> "Then do you know what sort of power it is?" Rei follows up as Kotono shoots dagger eyes at Rei, slowly removing Rei's hand frmo her mouth.
* Michiru shakes her head. "All I know is that it would be called 'magic'. Its intrincacies are beyond me as of now."
> "In that case transform!" Kotono finally pries Rei's hand off, blurting that out. "Work from there, huh?"
* Michiru nods, holding her transformation pen. "Neptune Power, Make Up!"
* Michiru is now known as Sailor_Neptune
> Waves of water cloak Sailor Neptune! The guise of Michiru Kaioh dies once more, replaced by the shining, dynamically flowing Sailor of Neptune! Power flows in her body, reality changing and conforming to her energy! Her arms are wrapped around herself as she finishes! "Oooooh, right, Neptune!" Kotono nods rapidifre, half embraced by REi as she tries to clamp Kotono's mouth shut again.
* Sailor_Neptune blinks rapidly, a bit confused. "Are you two... always this... um..." Michiru coughs, considering it wasn't the best idea to put more fuel to the fire. "Anyhow."
> "That wha...whaaaaa?!" Rei darts off Kotono, a blur of ravenred as she finds herself behind Sailor Neptune! "ANYWAY. It should come naturally,but this isn't the place for a Senshi attack. So try osmething else - most of us have some sphere of influence we can control. I can do fire and Kotono has space."
> Hiding behind Michiru Rei blushes, shooting a confused deathglare to Kotono!
* Sailor_Neptune nods and sighs. 'I would also question if this is the ideal place for three underaged girls to prance around in sailor attire in the first place, but that's not here nor there', she mused to herself with a soft snicker. Then, she looks back to Rei. "I see."
> "So focus - you have any idea what your elemental focus is?" Kotono looks back at Rei quizzically, but just smiles to MIchiru after. "Ami-chan's water and ice, Usagi's purity, Hotaru's destruction. Stuff like that!"
* Sailor_Neptune nods, silently. Considering elemental affinities... for a moment, it even felt a bit too natural. Michiru closed her eyes, and started to remember a rainy day, looking at the window as the water poured down, flowing errantly from air to ground, mosaics and droplets forming on the ground, the sound always soothing... like a stream. Yes, a stream.
> OOC - Soul check.
<Sailor_Neptune> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Sailor_Neptune rolls 2d6 and gets 6."12 [2d6=3, 3]
> Michiru's eyes are closed. In this darkness of the vision she feels the crystalline forms of raindrops. They come to her call, forming in front of her. As she does, "Hey, there we go!" Kotono calls out in happy surprise. She feels water, a part of her understanding with no words. The call of water, answered to her summons. "Look at that on the ground, Rei-chan!"
* Sailor_Neptune opens her eyes, and the glimpse provokes a surprise. Yet, it all felt intuitive, natural as breathing. The limpid waterwaves felt almost like her blood, recognizing Michiru as a kindred. She keeps the focus on the feeling itself, following the trail by instinct.
> In the air in front of her raindrops form to cascade down to the floor! There they shatter into tiny streams of water, forming basic squares and circles to her command. Always flowing, always moving in it's lines, even if the lines are preset and looping.
* Sailor_Neptune nods, focus set on the water droplets and patterns. Slowly closing her eyes, she instinctively begins to reproduce the patterns of playing her violin, as if trying to remember music and life, her fingers and arms delicately mimicing the string pattern she has been used to.
> "That's pretty good," Rei murmurs, "Goo dfirst effort. It gets easier as you go, and the trick is finding useful things to do with it."
* Sailor_Neptune breathes deeply, and lets the focus go. As soon as she does, the patterns and streams disappear - expectedly. Michiru then opens her eyes, nodding. "Useful things?"
> "We do fight a lot." Rei bats her eyelashes coyly, darkly amused. "Fire's easy enough, almost everything burns. From there it's a matter of finding practical applications of your power."
> "Right! Like Ic an remove gravity fromt hings, and impractically ti's really coolt o just float around in zero gravity!" Kotono grins at that, peeirng down at the water streams.
* Sailor_Neptune is now known as Michiru
* Michiru nods, as she returns to her human form. "Water isn't exactly the most obviously offensive element around, intuitively."
> "If we fight a fire elemen-ack!" Kotono goes silent as Rei shoots her a look that probably left a Kotono shaped scorch mark on the nearest wall behind her!
> "Just work with it. Hey, at worst?" Rei smirks a little, "You can just snub'em and see if that pisses them off enough to go puddle sliding?"
* Michiru smiles. "Indeed. But I think I can manage. Water's flexibility is incomparable, and... if nothing else, it's a relaxing sight for me, assuming I decide to use it for less brutal purposes."
> "Right! Hey, you know we could do some cool things like a zero gravity water slide together?" Kotono taps her chin and thinks, "That would be really cool, too!"
> "Yeah. Watching a burning fire can be...oh hush, Kotono." Rei hangs her head at that, slumping over.
* Michiru nods and looks back at the gorgeous sight the T*A clock tower provides for a moment, as a short ritual to pay a sort of respect. Then, she returns her glance to the dynamic duo. "This was quite enlightening."
> "Mmm." Rei looks to Michiru thoughtfully, "C'mon, I'll walk you back to class. Stay here, Kotono." There's a note of fiery command and rage filling her voice, promising bonfires of pain if disobeyed.
> Kotono steps back, giving Rei a veeeery cautious look. "Um, okay, Rei-chan, if you really want but I can catch Michiru-chan later, okay?"
* Michiru nods in agreement, and follows Rei's command with a respectful, almost meek, gaze. She turns back for a wave to Kotono before resuming, however. "I'll see you later, Sarashima-san. Thank you."
> "Call me Kotono-chan or even Kot-chan or Kochan or something! That sounds so formal and we're friends so call me something nicer!" Kotono finishes in a rush as the two of you head down the stairs. Halfway down Rei turns, a tiny littie smirk on her face. "I'll get to the point. Are you always a bitch, or was that just the entire being an inhuman monster thing talking before?"
* Michiru blushes for a moment, and halts for a moment, her serene expression waning from her thoughts and body. Her eyes, now opaque, fixate on Rei with a faint vibration of disapproval. "I have been taught to be proper and polite at all times if possible, Hino-san. I believe you should know that yourself. Our upbringing has its own set of rules and protocols, which I do my best to follow."
> "Oh, go stuff that up Kotono's ass." With a flippant wave she dismisses all of that, starting to walk again. "You're coming off like the stick up your ass is the size of Mako-chan's sword. Show some life to yourself, or are you just stuck up?"
* Michiru shakes her head, clearly unimpressed by Rei's manners. "That's simply how I learned to interact, Hino-san. While you may well view it as inappropriate, it is a perfectly valid social approach." Michiru retains pace with Rei, now.
> "It also makes you sound like you sip tea and watch paint dry at home." Now Rei rolls her eyes, stopping at the bottom of the stairs, just before the door to returnto the normal halls. "See, I'm debating if you're really that far up on yourself or if you're just shy or if it was all those nasty inhumans doing that to you."
* Michiru snickers for a moment, sounding almost condescending, but stops short. It was a delicate situation, after all - at least, Michiru inferred so. "Actually, no, when I was inhuman, I made little girls cry. As you may well remember from the day when I offered to join the Supernatural Club", she says with a bitter smile. "But, if we are going to be blunt at this point, you are probably right. I'm probably stuck up, if you say so."
> "Then let's work on this, hmmm? I have to admit...mmmm." Rei taps her chin even more thoughtfully, looking Michiru over. "Got plans this weekend?"
* Michiru ponders. "Well, I have a huge backlog of books to read, and my violin should be fixed by then, so I need to practice. However, those activities shouldn't be mutually exclusive to -" She stops for a moment and blushes a bit. "... I guess I don't have any plans, then."
> "Good. Here." Rei takes a bit of paper out from her blouse, wigging out from her paradise within. Kneeling down and grabbnig a pen from her bag she works briefly, numbers enscribed. "My phone number, in case your communicator hasn't been given or whatever. Just get in touch with me either Saturday or Sunday before six."
* Michiru nods and bites her lips for a moment. "I will. And what in heavens you will do after six, I think it's best left in secret", she snickers with a cynical undertone.
> "Oh, I was just getting to that." Rei smirks back, heating up in her own amusement. "We're gonna go boy teasing and hunting." A toss of her lovely black hair, a wave of black overcoming Michiru's eyes. "After all...that's when you need to be a bit of a teasing bitch, hm?" Her smile is silkysnakelike, until she blushes and looks away. "Tried it with Usagi last week, didn't take due to bad luck. It normally goes a lot better."
* Michiru blushes heavily and coughs. "I... see. Understood. In that case, I will bring a book and try to stay out of your way. Once you return, I can offer a snarky comment or a silent nod to complaints. That works?"
> "Oh no, no, no, no." Rei stomps forward, taking Michiru's hand. "See, if you can be this haughty casually, you'll drive the boys MAD." Now Rei just leans in, purring away as her blush fades. "Don't you want to see them get driven wild? Maybe even find a boyfriend?"
* Michiru laughs disorientedly, her eyes now a bit blurry. "I... erm... I never really paid much attention to my hormones, so to speak. It's..." Michiru stops for a moment, perfectly aware that she wouldn't be able to go any further than a couple of poorly constructed grunts or hiccups. Her face is blood-red from blushing.
> "Ooooh! Then all the more reason tog et you out. You'll turn into a polite old maid otherwise." Rei's smirk grows even more, leaning in to whisper, "Don't you ever daydream what a man's like? Anything like that, that makes you feel all tingy and damp inside?"
* Michiru blushes so heavily that she is nearly steaming at this point. Michiru looks down, a disoriented expression and her eyes nearly bugged out. Her silence is terribly awkward, and says everything Rei needs to know. I.e. Michiru probably had less of a lust drive than the sisters in T*A.
> "...wait." Suddenly Rei turns red, backing away and rubbing ehr hands against the hem of her skirt! "You aren't gay, are you?"
* Michiru halts, and, for a moment, her entire world turns gray. Her face becomes serious, steely - maybe even a bit frightening. She turns to Rei slowly, her eyes now sharp and brilliant, her gaze ferociously serious. She fixates her glance over Rei's shining amethysts, her voice now coming off as icicle edges. "Negative. I said I never paid attention to my hormones, and that goes both ways. And let us never speak of this again."
> Rei freezes cold at that, eyes turning into little violet pools of fiery countering rage. ".....oh? Hit a nerve?" Rei banters back, voice unsteady.
* Michiru coughs, and now she returns to her normal demeanor, letting go a faint smile. "Maybe. Or I just needed to note, in some way, that you don't accost a subject as personal as that during banter in a hallway. Regardless - I can accompany you in boy hunting, yes. Just don't expect me to go into the hunting range with you", she snickers.
> "Hmph. We'll see." With that Rei smirks and turns to teh door - but does make a little sigh of relief. "Thank goodness she probably isn't or...it would be like that stupid fate stuff Kotono's talking about..." Rei mutters this very quietly, absently, but a vagary of echos lets it reach Michiru's ears.
* Michiru picks up the last mumbling of Rei, and snickers to herself. In the midst of all that, though, she realizes that it effectively distracted her from what happened last night. Which was... odd. Michiru didn't let go of those things easily. She looks up, and raises her voice. "Hey! Rei?"
> Rei stops just as she heads into the hall, a canvas of serene, beautiful Rei-chan against the normal rush of humdrum school behind her. "Yeah?"
* Michiru smiles brightly, and nods. "Thanks. You've been more helpful than you'd think." With that, Michiru waves and goes on ahead to her room, now light-hearted, oddly free. It was almost like seeing a different person in Michiru's body.
> "...huh." Rei watches Michiru go, curiously watching on before she just shakes her head. With that she heads off, back to her own classes.
---
> ---Arc 2 go!---
> The morning rush Friday isn't much of a rush. Hotaru happens to waken early, but in a cruel twist of fate both Mom and Dad are already gone. So breakfast is a muted and silent affair, until you hear the doorbell ring twice over, as if pounded.
<Hotaru-chan> "...Wonder what this could be," Hotaru sighs, softly, hand passing over her eyes. "Mah, the day begins," she murmurs setting her bowl in the sink, heading to the door to answer it, she has a few minutes. So Hotaru opens opens the doo, looking curiously upon who might be visiting.
> The tapping of her foot is impatient. Her lovely bosom is covered by crossed arms. Her school uniform is freshly washed and pressed, immaculate. Rei's face is vaguely annoyed but not furious as she watches H otaru open the door.
<Hotaru-chan> Hotaru raises an eyebrow as she opens the door, stepping back. "Rei," she greets softly, gesturing an invitation to follow as she heads back towards the kitchen.
> Rei follows without comment, waiting until the kitchen is found. "Idiot..." she sighs in annoyance. "Takeshi's a fatalistic twit who has delusions of being posssessed, but damn it." Her voice picks up rapidly into annoyance. "Did you HAVE to throw it in his face like that? As if it wasn't enough you probably made that idiot Kotono cry most of the day yesterday. Just..."
> *posseessed again
<Hotaru-chan> "I overreacted and panicked," Hotaru agrees softly, glancing back at Rei with icy amethyst eyes. "Go ahead and scream, Serenity's beratement last night makes this feel like sweet talk."
> "Glad to ...wait." Rei doesn't simmer down in the least, but she does hesitate, lingering by the table at those words. "Serenity chewed you out? I didn't think she had it in her."
<Hotaru-chan> "Serenity slapped me, twice," Hotaru snorts, checking her satchel for everything, burying Misuki's knife under her books, buckling it closed.
> "Slapped? Wow." Rei even softens the slightest bit at that, "Okay, damn. She really slapped you?"
<Hotaru-chan> "Harder than you did," Hotaru murmurs, taking her satchel and standing. "Ready to go?" she asks her dark haired classmate, a mask of neutrality covering her face.
> "So now what? Gonna talk to anyone else about it? Takeshi was pissed." Rei rises as well, staying more quiet and defensive for the mometn.
<Hotaru-chan> "I'll ask Usagi to test the waters around him after school," Hotaru shrugs, heading to the door and out, towards school. "I have to apologize, but I can't exactly just walk up to him at that point," she shrugs, voice almost mechanical at the moment.
> "You have to or you want to?" Rei focuses on that point as she follows, mood mellowed into a mere soft simmer.
<Hotaru-chan> "It's a necessity, under that context, I want to," Hotaru shrugs, ehr smile wry and perhaps dark as she glances back at Rei. "Professionally, then. Personally, I don't know him well enough to want to."
> "Mm." Rei doesn't comment ont hat much at all, "Oh, I dunno, maybe because you kinda hurt him pretty bad?" This is drawled out as you walk down the brisk fall streets.
> "Mm." Rei doesn't comment ont hat much at all, "Oh, I dunno, maybe because you kinda hurt him pretty bad?" This is drawled out as you walk down the brisk fall streets.
<Hotaru-chan> "That's certianly a basic reason," Hotaru agrees, toying with the handle of her satchel, glancing up at Rei and shrugging. "You've heard it befre, you probably don't want to hear it again," she snorts lightly.
> "Try it." Rei crosses her arms over her chest again, waiting.
<Hotaru-chan> "The desire to not let someone else inside stabbing range," Hotaru shrugs, ehr smile twisting a little. "It lingers, hell, it's hard enough to not just curl up during Your bad moods," she shakes her head, blowing at her bangs. ""Bad impulse, but one I feel anyway."
> "Don't you feel bad for doing it?" Rei inquires quietly, walking along at a slow simmer. "I'm just curious now since you're so...hmph, about this."
<Hotaru-chan> "Surely..." Hotaru turns to Rei with her twisted sad smile, eyes weary. "You of everyone should know the number of knots I've tied myself in," she sighs a little. "My exterior can be a judge of my interior, but never a reflection."
> "Heh," Rei does lessen a little bit at that, looking away. "Fine, fine."
<Hotaru-chan> Hotaru jsut shakes her head, one deep breath as she turns back to the walk to school. Wearying? Well, not entirely. Just long. "So how's your battle with Usa-chan and the great evil?" she asks, snorting.
> "...that." Rei's mood sours almost instantly, looking even FURTHER away as she colors. "I'd half forgotten about it in the rush, but you just had to bring it up. I don't know. Just...oh wait." Suddenly Rei's cheeks turn absolutely crimson, spreading with heated vitality. "We didn't kiss, but she uses a good brand of toothpaste - that's what I can tell now." Scowling, "I went to chase after her, and...let's just say we're still confused."
> "
<Hotaru-chan> Hotaru raises an eyebrow, shaking her head. "Of course I did, you told me and I told you, and for that reason, I'm probably the least reasonable person to offer advice," she snorts, eyes cast forward and distant. "Mah."
> "..yeah." Rei picks up her pace as you get closer andc loser to T*A, "Let's just go."
<Hotaru-chan> "So the world spins round, spinning away and away," Hotaru murmurs, half to herself as they walk on towards T*A.
[23:06:17] <Kotono> ---Arc 2 go!---
[23:06:53] <Kotono> Aaah, home in the evening. The time for Asher to see Mom and Dad in theory. Well, except for the fact that you haven't kinda seen them much in a fairly longer timethan usual...
[23:08:11] <Asher> Oh yeah. No kidding about that. With the creak of the front door and a bit of tiptoeing at a ... not very normal hour - that is, like sometime near midnight - Asher creeps into the house, not daring to make a sound.
[23:09:49] <Kotono> This is good in theory. IN reality, however, you find that Dad's looking from the couch right at his view of the door. He's quite tired but waiting, oh is he waiting. He doesn't say a word, just casting his eyes on Asher.
[23:13:32] <Asher> This is where Asher is very, very glad that the darkness of night obscures his face from view as he reflexively flinches back. He busies himself with closing the door and locking it tight, as per usual. He takes his jolly time doing this before turning around and waiting for Dad to speak. He doesn't stay up lightly. Oh no, he doesn't.
[23:15:20] <Kotono> "Come here, Asher." Oh, he doesn't and he doesn't speak lightly. You notice his tie and belt have been tossed onto the couch, his work clothes rumpled. He looks tired, too.
[23:17:08] <Asher> Eep. Yes. Asher finds himself forcibly coming over with every bit of respect and a twinge of fear. Well, he couldn't say that he hadn't seen this coming given his 'schedule' lately. He doesn't speak back; doesn't need to. Dad's like that.
[23:20:03] <Kotono> "Where have you been?" It's a very simple and unguarded question! It's the nicest in the world and a breeze to answer truthfully - IN THEORY. IN realty Dad awaits a reply, rubbing his tired eyes. "Your mother's worried."
[23:21:41] <Asher> Well. He'd thought about when this would come up many, many times at night in bed but never seriously came up with any plan to deal with it. So goes the time-honored tradition of telling just enough, and nothing more. Besides, the answer might be interesting enough to them to let him off the hook. "Mainly I've been just... hanging out with friends. I moved up my practice regimen to one of their houses."
[23:22:03] <Asher> This was true enough; Mokou probably would've noticed that Asher didn't practice in the parking lot after work anymore.
[23:27:29] <Kotono> "Friends. Mmmmm." Father closes his eyes and thinks that over a goodly time. "Friends? ...good for you, Asher. Just...let your mother know and call home ifyou're going to be late. You aren't neglecting your studies either, are you?"
[23:28:39] <Asher> "No, Dad, of course not. I'll get my term report next week, anyway, so you can see it then." And if nothing else, yes, school HAD been a constant upkeep - thankfully the classes this year were mediocre in requirements at best. It was next year with its chockful of AP courses that he had to worry about. Asher relaxes a bit.
[23:34:41] <Kotono> "Then good." Dad takes your word on face value or at least seems to, instead closing his eyes as he settles back. "...is one of them cute?" he asks quietly.
[23:36:12] <Asher> Even in the darkness it's hard to hide a momentarily blush - but that would've happened blonde involvement present or not. "Why do you presume -that-?" he inquires, putting back on his poker face, and turning to regard Dad seriously. He'd never broached any subject like this before!
[23:38:58] <Kotono> "..your blood is still hot." Dad says that from his place of rest, sighign as he indulges in the recovery of the couch. "Isn't it?"
[23:45:35] <Asher> "...wha?" Asher looks totally lost on what Dad's referring to.
[23:49:24] <Kotono> "Mmm." Father doesn't pursue it, instead falling into the embrace of loving, resting sleep.
[23:50:05] <Asher> "..." Asher waits for a minute. Then two. He's really asleep?
[23:50:40] <Asher> If he's really asleep then that went much more easily than expected! Asher starts slooowly going up the stairs to his room, where sanctuary and a ticket to the next day waits.
[23:55:41] <Kotono> Oh, he's out. Asher gets up..up...up. Mom's just coming out ofher room as she gets up, a little bleary eyed but stopping as Asher passes.
[23:56:27] <Asher> Out of the frying pan into the fire, they say. Asher offers a very meek smile at Mom, but puts a full apology on it. He pauses, too.
[00:00:55] <Kotono> "Asher...did you talk to your father?" She asks this as she quickly waves up, rubbing at her eyes.
[00:01:24] <Asher> "Yes, Mom." Automatic reply. He doesn't move.
[00:02:56] <Kotono> "Mmmm. Morning." She says this and stumbles off downstairs, sleepy and leaving Asher alone again. A shot for freedom!?
[00:03:39] <Asher> "...." Um. Wait, no. What the heck. Asher turns around, almost reaching out to touch her shoulder, but thinks better of it. He does speak up, though. "Uh, Mom? It's midnight..."
[00:14:54] <Kotono> "...I know. I meant in the morning." Mom yawns again as she struggles down the stair.s
[00:21:23] <Asher> This... is definitely off. Asher even brushes away his normal inclination to go escape to bed and heads downstairs with her, concern on his face.
[00:26:23] <Kotono> Mom toddles down to the kitchen, pouring herself a glass of water. "Asher?" she asks as you follow her down, drinking down her refreshment.
[00:27:11] <Asher> "What're you doing up at this hour still, Mom?" Not exactly a non-hypocrital inquiry, but he's honestly concerned! She usually is pretty good on her sleeping schedules as well, and he'd seen her far more tired than usual lately.
[00:27:54] <Kotono> "...I woke up thirsty." Mother gives you a long tired, suffering look.
[00:28:32] <Asher> "Oh." Well, if looks could kill... this one was withering at the very best. He decides discreetly not to pursue it further, hiding a brief sigh. "I'll be going to bed, then."
[00:43:21] <Kotono> "Goodnight, Asher." With that Mom turns, giving Asher his long delayed chance to go rest!
This takes place after school on the Friday after the drama-strewn meeting
[18:09] <Kotono> So after school Friday comes! As Usagi gets up and says a few words to Takeshi, nature calls. So she pauses that to go off and answer that. As she washes up in the bathroom her communicator goes off, paging her.
[18:10] * Usagi winces, looking around to see if there's anyone else in the bathroom with her.
[18:12] <Kotono> There's a girl in one of the stalls - poor thing has some sort of stomach bug from the smells. Ick.
[18:16] * Usagi reaches into her pocket to answer the communicator and silence the beeping without actually responding, the universal sign for 'give me a minute to find somewhere private' before she ducks into the stall farthest from the occupied one, taking out her communicator and holding her finger over her lips in a 'shh' gesture. "Hello?" she whispers quietly, holding the device close to her face.
[18:20] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru's there, not looking particularly like she's about to be loud. Dull violet eyes glance back at Usagi, Tokyo's skyline in the background. "Hey, Usagi," she greets softly, only the faintest sparks showing behind her eyes now with contact.
[18:22] <Usagi> "Hotaru, what's wrong?" Usagi asks, almost hopeful. It would really be nice if someone would use her communicator to contact her at school for a genuine emergency.
[18:25] <Hotaru-chan> There's a long pause, eyes closed an instant before she opens them. They're lit again, masking control back in place. "Have you talked to Takeshi today?"
[18:29] <Usagi> "I have," the blonde replies, expectant tension giving way to an unhappy frown. "I managed to convince him to give us another chance - barely. Hopefully Michiru and Asher weren't put off by that display, themselves. What exactly were you trying to achieve with that, anyway?"
[18:36] <Hotaru-chan> "Point out that survival of torture doesn't make you qualified to undergo it again, much less retain your sanity after experiencing it in full again," Hotaru explains with deep breaths, her jaw a little tight. "That's sort of beside, though," she murmurs, "Glancing up. Could you...well, obviously, me messaging him out of nowhere...I wouldn't really expect that to be answered. Coudl you probe a little? I do need to talk to him."
[18:39] <Usagi> "Could have done it without completely alienating him," Usagi remarks, taking the chance to vent a little. Leaning back a little as she regards the other girl through the screen, "He did say that I wasn't the one who should be apologising to him. Take from that what you will."
[18:44] <Hotaru-chan> "I already know," Hotaru murmurs, closing her eyes again. "Will you help me, please? He has every right not to accept it, and I'd rather not charge in if that's what's going to be said because it's so recent, or whatever," she sighs, shrugging. "I don't want to make this worse."
[18:48] <Usagi> "Hotaru," Usagi levels a flat look at the dark-haired girl, "Takeshi's not a bad guy - if you sincerely apologise to him and mean it, I've no doubt he'll accept. You don't need anyone's help to do that... do you?" the last comes out a little warily.
[18:48] <Usagi> "But if this is all just so you can sweep everything under the carpet and make everyone stop being mad, then what's the point? It'll just flare up next time he does or says something you don't approve of."
[18:52] <Hotaru-chan> "You think I take Serenity that lightly?" Hotaru breathes, eyes opening with a bright and fiery flare of violet, burning like violet stars.
[18:57] * Usagi cocks her head, a somewhat grim smile on her lips. "You just kinda answered my question, Hotaru." Sighing softly, the blonde leans against the stall, "If you're just going to apologise to Takeshi to make nice with Serenity, you really shouldn't bother. Insincerity would just drive him further away at this point."
[19:02] <Hotaru-chan> "I'm glad you have so much faith in our queen, Usagi," Hotaru retorts, snorting. "Obviously, you've seen past what she couldn't have possibly maybe thought of before you." Shaking her head, Hotaru sighs. "No, Serenity wouldn't be satisfied with that any more than you would. Or do you propose that I'm that much of a convincing liar to her, hm? Serenity asked I re-examine myself, not that I go through the motions."
[19:07] * Usagi shrugs. "Again, you're saying that you're doing this to satisfy Serenity - do you care at all about how you upset Takeshi? I'll be the first to admit that I don't know what goes on in your head, Hotaru, but if this is what it looks like to me, how do you think Takeshi's going to take it?"
[19:15] <Hotaru-chan> "No, I'm not doing -this- to satisfy Serenity," Hotaru answers, glowering with a violet intensity across the screen. "Serenity is done for, she asked me to do something with myself, I did it already," she hisses, pausing to take a breath. "You questioned whether I cared about any of it, that, indirectly, was where Serenity joined this," she answers, shrugging.
[19:23] <Usagi> "Yeah, I'd kinda been hoping that when I asked why you wanted to apologise, you'd say something about feeling bad for being so cruel and wanting to take responsibility. Silly me," Usagi returns tiredly. "Look, I'll talk to Takeshi tomorrow and see if he wants to talk to you, okay?" she offers.
[19:27] <Hotaru-chan> "Because I'm just GREAT at pouring out my feelings to you, yes, we just have a wonderful emotional history and obviously the surface is a clear indication of the interior," Hotaru murmurs, closing her eyes again. "Don't bother, you made the minefield clear enough."
[19:33] <Usagi> "Y'know, if would be nice if I could take what you say at face value, yeah," Usagi nods irritably. "Amazingly enough, I don't feel up to playing guessing games at your deep and mysterious motivations beneath everything you say. People relate to each other by what's on the surface, Hotaru, we don't generally have much else to go on."
[19:42] <Hotaru-chan> "That's what the hope is," Hotaru answers, her voice gaining a tremor, whole body shivering a moment. "That no one will know, and because they don't know...they don't know where stabbing will hurt most," she murmurs, shuddering more, slunping. "To be a mystery, so no one can ever hurt you, even your friends."
[19:45] * Usagi hesitates at the other girl's change in demeanour. "Hotaru?" her voice catches, a note of concern in it. "Is it working right now?" she asks more gently, really wishing they could be talking face to face. This is only barely less impersonal than a telephone call.
[19:56] <Hotaru-chan> "No!" Hotaru snaps, looking aay from the communicator screen, squeezing her eyes shut and shaking, ehr hand clenching, fingernails biting into her skin against the panic, the roiling sensation in the pit of her stomach. "Everyone just keeps stabbing back, and it keeps HITTING," she whimpers, shuddering again.
[20:07] <Usagi> As the volume escalates, Usagi decides to just teleport home to her room - not like anyone saw her enter the stall, after all. Following a brief shift in locale, she resumes, "Then stop thinking of human interaction as a battle," she suggests, sympathetic but insistent. Sighing a little, she shakes her head,
[20:07] <Usagi> "Just... open up, please? I admit, I've been holding back too much myself, lately. But it's because of that that we have wretched scenes like yesterday! If people are stabbing back, it's because you've hurt them - so you can either stab back, or hunker down behind a shield - but neither of those are going to make the stabs stop, are they?"
[20:19] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru chokes softly, tears squeezing out past her eyelids as crumples down to the ground, turning to slump against the side of...a shack? Something on a rooftop. "How do you even...?" she asks, voicing tearing up the words. "I don't know, it feels like the knife is already coming if I'm not touching them, and even then...I just don't know, anything."
[20:26] * Usagi sits down heavily on her bed, mulling over her reply for a moment. "I dunno, Hotaru-chan... I've given about all the good advice I've got, since I don't know exactly where you are. But this... look, even if it hurts, isn't it more satisfying to be open like this? I feel like I can understand you better, at least," she rambles, just shooting from the hip as far as her wisdom goes,
[20:26] <Usagi> since she's not sure how to tie it into the knife metaphor. "Its easier to break down the misunderstandings and anger if you're honest, I guess that's what it boils down to."
[20:34] <Hotaru-chan> "Balder's Rooftop," Hotaru croaks, shaking her head. "I'm scared out of my mind right now," she murmurs, sniffling and rubbing at her eyes, away from the viewscreen. "More scared to be admitting it," she adds, shrugging helplessly as she leans into the wall. "How do you plan on stabbing me?" she asks, the faintest quirk of a sad, blackly amused smile tugging at her lips.
[20:34] <Hotaru-chan> "So pathetic," she adds to herself audibly, snorting. "That jest will probably just go worse places..."
[20:37] <Usagi> "I've done enough, I think..." Usagi shakes her head slowly, turning off the communicator before she takes the invitation and teleports to the top of that skyscraper where Balder briefly resided. Hopefully she won't be called on to fight anything, tonight... "Is it really that scary?" she asks softly as she appears by the shack.
[20:43] <Hotaru-chan> "It's the best I can do to not simply curl up and die during Rei's bad moods because she doesn't like to touch," Hotaru answers quietly from about two feet away, her communicator closed, the younger senshi sitting with her back straight against the shed wall. "She picks up the dodging, but...well, she does it too."
[20:44] <Usagi> "Rei?" the blonde blinks. "Where'd she come into this?" she asks, confused as she carefully sits down against the shack herself.
[20:47] <Hotaru-chan> "I open up to her, or try to. She doesn't like to touch," Hotaru clarifies, scooting over nervously, a slightly fearful, almost childish glance over at Usagi at even that movement. "She scares me, and I've known her clsoer than anyone but Mako-chan, and admitted things to her...mah. She still scares me," Hotaru breathes. "How much then, would going out on that limb with you scare me?"
[20:53] <Usagi> "So Rei doesn't like to touch?" Usagi considers briefly. So many tangents she could go off on, right now... Thinking better of it, the blonde shakes her head, not showing any reaction to the scooting, "I'm not asking you to bare your soul or treat me the way you treat Makoto," she offers.
[20:53] <Usagi> "Just... we can work on it a little, right? Since right now it seems you get scared and lash out, which only makes people act in a way that justifies being scared." Cocking her head towards the younger girl, she essays a smile, "Break the circle, right?"
[21:00] <Hotaru-chan> "Not unless she's in a very, very rare mood," Hotaru murmurs, her returning smile weak and sad. "I wish I could get away with treating most of the people I love the way I treat Makoto around them," she murmurs, hugging her legs. "I mean...the touching part. Kochan and I do sometimes, but..." she shakes ehr head, sighing. "How can that be gotten over...? I don't know," she sighs, chewing on her lip.
[21:01] <Hotaru-chan> "I can't ask, because I'm afraid of hwa...bleh, can I hug you?" she asks quietly, shivering all of a sudden.
[21:08] * Usagi replies by putting her arm around Hotaru's shoulder, letting her lean in if she chooses. "Most people don't touch all the time the way you and Makoto do," she admits with a faint trace of dry amusement. "Look... I'd be lying if I said things were all sunshine and lolipops between us. We haven't been especially great friends, even."
[21:08] <Usagi> "But, at the same time... I haven't felt this close to you in a long time. There's something to be said for openness."
[21:15] <Hotaru-chan> "So I like touching," Hotaru gripes softly, no real bite in her voice as she leans into Usagi, hugging the blonde's waist and sighing. "Openness..." she shakes her head very slightly, her swishing rather than flying as Rei is prone to do. "Mm, this is where Rei would make a crack about us secretly being gay and acting out our aggressions in denial," she offers softly. "Okay, so I'm dodgeing answering," she admits, blushing.
[22:39] * Usagi sighs tiredly, tilting her head a bit to hide her reddening cheeks. "And the gay jokes never get old..." she complains, refusing to be baited into saying something incriminating. She learned to value self control after ranting the whole sordid story to Asher.
[22:39] <Usagi> "Listen, if you apologise to Takeshi, or even just talk to him as honestly as you've been right now, I don't think he'll hold a grudge. It's honestly hard to hate someone who you can see is hurting."
[18:20] <Hotaru-chan> "Mmm," Hotaru agrees very softly, holding on firmly to Usagi's very warm and female body. "I guess so," she sighs, snuggling in a little. "You know, you really do feel good..." she adds, blushing a little.
[18:25] <Usagi> "Really, enough with the gay jokes," Usagi insists, tensing a little. "Anyway, at the risk of repeating myself," she goes on, deciding to just make one last comment before letting the matter drop, "Try not to be so prickly? Yeah, Takeshi's idea was horrible, we all saw that. But you don't need to tear a person down so much just to let them know they're on the wrong track."
[18:33] <Hotaru-chan> "You think I'm joking?" Hotaru hmphs, sighing a little and blowing at her bangs. "I know, panic reaction," she snorts, biting her lip. "Serenity covered that more explicitly than anything else," she murmurs, curling up half in Usagi's lap.
[18:37] <Usagi> "If you were hoping for a surprised reaction at coming out of the closet, we passed by that opportunity years ago," the blonde deadpans, idly patting Hotaru's dark tresses. "Anyway, I guess I've said all I have to on that subject. I guess I've got more confidence in things working out now, at least."
[18:39] <Hotaru-chan> "Wha? I didn't mean..." Hotaru shakes her head a little, laughing. "It just seems to be breaking out on its own now or something..." she mutters, pouting a little. "I'm not even sure, but that's probably even less of a surprise, hrm?" Hotaru deadpans back, though a hint of lighter energy behind her voice.
[18:43] <Usagi> "You certainly seem sure about being curious, if nothing else," Usagi mutters. "Well, how would you react if say Rei... or Makoto, suddenly kissed you out of nowhere? And I don't mean a peck on the cheek, either."
[18:46] <Hotaru-chan> "Take the opportunity to explore?" Hotaru blushes, seemingly relaxed where she is despite the topic of conversation. "And yeah, pretty much...I mean, I KNOW I like guys that way, just...the feelings aren't all that different if I try to think that way...no, I'm not thinking that way right now!" she adds hastily.
[18:47] <Usagi> "Thank God!" Usagi sags noticably in relief. "No offence, Hotaru-chan, just... I don't share your... exploratory, nature..." she murmurs, looking to the side and blushing bright scarlet.
[18:49] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru raises an eyebrow at Usagi, smiling. "Well, even when she's surpriosed, Rei-chan's a good kisser, so..." Hotaru hazards, snickering. "Like that time she fell on me in the hotspring because I went for her lips."
[18:51] <Usagi> "I, uh..." Usagi stammers, looking anywhere but at Hotaru, "Ah... I wouldn't, er... I wouldn't know about that," she gets out, coughing delicately.
[18:55] <Hotaru-chan> "Really? You got pretty nervous when I brought it up," Hotaru snorts, sitting up a little to look at Usagi. "And there's always so much tension between you two..."
[18:58] <Usagi> "That's... that's just how we relate," the blonde insists shakily, taking a second to swallow the lump in her throat and centre herself. "We both like boys," she concludes, a valiant effort at keeping her voice level. "Just boys."
[19:00] <Hotaru-chan> "Uhhuh..." Hotaru replies, the skeptic tone leaving no question as to what she REALLY thought about that. "Just remember Usa-chan...we're all aceepting and open," she pats the blonde's shoulder, smiling. "Want me to take you home since you teleported way out here?" she offers, letting the rest do its dirty business in her blonde friend's mind!
[19:02] * Usagi twitches. "This is your revenge for me going on about openness earlier, isn't it?" she asks wearily.
[19:05] * Hotaru-chan smiles innocently at Usagi. "I'm just stating the obvious, Usagi-chan. We're all accepting! If you've been thinking a certain way about Rei-chan...well, there's nothing wrong with that, is there?" she asks sweetly.
[19:08] <Usagi> "I don't know what you're talking about, Hotaru-chan," the blonde returns, her own voice filled with saccharine falseness as she disentangles herself from the younger girl and rises, dusting off her skirt. "But I'm sure I'd love to hear exactly where you got these crazy ideas about me and Rei."
[19:10] <Hotaru-chan> "Watching you two together, the gentle interplay of souls and minds," Hotaru nods rapidly, almost purring. "You two are cute together, like that married couple that argues. Anyway, I owe you a teleport, where to, your highness?"
[19:16] <Usagi> "Hmmph..." Usagi looks doubtful. "You'd think after nearly three years of the same tired gay jokes, you'd look for some new material. Oh, well, none of my business what goes on in your overactive imagination. Home is fine, if you're offering," she decides not to push her luck by pressing further. She'd likely wind up saying something incriminating...
[19:17] <Hotaru-chan> "Jokes? Whoever said anything about jokes?" Hotaru laughs softly, taking Usagi's hands and teleporting them, just inside the front entrance of the Tsukino home.
[19:18] <Kotono> It's nice and quiet here - but you can smell dinner. Mmmm, smells like baked tuna tonight.
[19:19] <Usagi> "You're acting awfully suspicious, Hotaru-chan..." the blonde opines, peering closely at the younger yet equally tall girl as she lets her hands drop away.
[19:22] <Hotaru-chan> "Oh?" Hotaru asks curiously, raising her eyebrows. "In what manner?" she asks, humming suddenly as her expression flickers. "Back on a different note...do you think it'd be a bad idea to hold until after school monday with Takeshi? Or should I try and get him Saturday morning?"
[19:25] * Usagi hmmms, leaning back and still regarding Hotaru with vague suspicion. "He seemed in a better mood after I spoke to him today. Tomorrow might be best rather than letting things stay as they are - maybe after school, though. Everyone's grumpy in the morning, after all," she comments, mind only half on this particular subject.
[19:27] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru quirks her head a little, humming. "Alright, catch him and ask him to meet me at....bah, jsut tell him I'll be at the gate somewhere, if you might?" she hedges, biting her lip.
[19:30] * Usagi nods slowly, mentally debating something... eventually she thinks better of it. Would be too incriminating, even if Hotaru already seems far too knowing for her comfort. "I'll let him know," she agrees.
[19:32] <Hotaru-chan> "Oh, and the last thing," Hotaru's smile returns, predatory and playful. "Rei-chan's butt? Such a beautiful thing to touch and squeeze, even just once...one lost moment of passion that leaves so much unsaid..." And with that, Hotaru disappears, a giggling flash of violet leaving only words behind.
[19:34] * Usagi twitches. Oh, she so should have taken the risk... But Hotaru got the last word, this time. Bunching up her little fists in consternation, the blonde stalks off into the kitchen in search of dinner.
This happens on Saturday after school.<Asher> Oh it's such a wonderful day, a wonderful day! Not. The gray clouds hanging overhead bespeak of rain threatening to fall anytime soon, an apathetic mood that suits the black-haired young man in the park just fine. With no work today, and for some reason not feeling particularly explorational, he'd decided to regulate his regimen - which was happening less and less lately - to a park in Juuban near the school.
<Asher> It's not -the- most secluded or quietest place ever, but it'll do. There aren't a whole lot of people around, and only a sparse handful from school. Asher picks a nice quiet corner in the park, whereupon there's some nice shade from the trees, and practices out in tandem without prying eyes. An occasional visitor or two, sure, but they go on their business quickly enough. His mind focuses on the exercise.
* Takeshi heads into the park, thoughtful and solemn after his short encounter with Hotaru after school. A meandering path through the trails near the lake brings him within sight of a familiar face, running through what appears to be a sword kata. A few moments of mental filing work brings back a name to match the face, and so Takeshi settles back to watch for a few minutes, looking over the routine with a critical eye.
<Asher> Asher doesn't let up in the routine, never pausing to take a break. The moves, however, are obviously well practiced and have been done many times before in the past; his precision in them tells that much, as does the pretty much dead-on footing that accompanies it. Only on rare occasions does Takeshi note a maneuver or swipe here and there that seems to be carried out with a bit of an experimental air to it.
<Asher> The time passes quickly enough - five, ten, twenty minutes, should the observer be content not to make his presence known for that long. Asher had started a bit earlier than that, and the exercise stretches on.
* Takeshi crosses his arms as he watches, nodding slightly to himself at points and frowning at others, doing his best to remain unobtrusive as he continues to observe the practiced moves flow into one another. Finally, after a long interval of watching, he shifts his weight, the gravel of the path crunching beneath his feet as he does so.
<Asher> The echo of that in the relative silence, broken before only by the light swishes of kendo stick cutting through air, is enough to give Asher pause as he whirls around, an alert look coming across his face instinctively. His eyes shoot from his backpack slung up on a tree branch to the immediate vicinity before he catches Takeshi's figure, blank at first and then recognition lighting on his face. Pausing and lowering the weapon, "Takeshi-san?"
<Asher> --weapon, "Takeshi-san?"
<Takeshi> "Asher-san," Takeshi nods to the other young man. "Just watching your moves a bit, don't mind me."
<Asher> "Uh... sure," Asher says, a bit uneasily, but he gets back into the flow of his regimen well enough. Takeshi can tell that his presence has a marked affect on the young man's performance; he doesn't move quite as fast now, seeming to take more care with every strike and blow that's made against the air. Nothing spectacularly bad - to the untrained eye, it was hardly different at all - and it fades away the longer it goes.
<Asher> It's only a bit more, not quite ten minutes, whereupon he delivers a killing stroke to the air and steps back, drawing Reclaimer away with a sudden halt.
<Takeshi> "Not too bad," Takeshi says, his eyes half-lidded as Asher winds down. "Not great, but not bad, either. Where'd you learn the sword?"
<Asher> "My grandfather," Asher replies back, walking over to pause for a break against the tree. He's taking some deep breaths, but doesn't appear to be all that winded up. "And a sensei after him. They only taught me until I was twelve, though, and then I did self-practice afterwards."
* Takeshi nods, turning to face Asher as he moves. "You're pretty fluid with that routine, from what I saw, but..." He rubs his chin a bit. "How about outside it?"
<Asher> Asher gives a vague shrug, looking a bit downcast. "Not a whole lot of experience outside of that. I've been doing this more as a routine than as a serious art of combat, and I've only started sparring with anyone recently. Not exactly good on my supernatural fighting resume, I know."
<Asher> He seems completely aware of his lacking there, raising his eyes back up to meet Takeshi's gaze with a bit of a question behind it.
<Takeshi> "It shows," Takeshi says frankly. "Being fluid with your moves is definitely something you want to aim for, but it looked like every time you tried to deviate you started to falter a bit." He shakes his head slightly. "And you could stand to be a lot more aggressive, as well."
<Asher> "Aggression isn't something that was really ever taught or emphasized," Asher says back with a bit of embarassment. "I'll keep it in mind, though. Mainly the style my sensei taught emphasized speed and making impactful blows more than an all out flurry."
<Takeshi> "It's not necessarily a flurry of blows," Takeshi retorts. "I'm guessing you learned this mostly as a sport - you've got some good strikes in that routine, but you need to remember to follow through. A sword's a good weapon, but just bear in mind what the real objective in an actual fight is."
<Asher> Again, a bit of face faltering, but Asher only nods. There seems to be some unvoiced thoughts left there, but he doesn't pursue it, his face going carefully back to a neutral expression. "You've done some kendo yourself, by any chance?"
<Takeshi> "Not kendo specifically, but I've had a little training in the sword. Hardly enough to help me much in a fight, but I know you stick the pointy end into other things until they stop moving," he says dryly. "I do know martial arts in a broader sense, though."
<Asher> "Actually, thrusting and stabbing aren't my forte of attack style," Asher remarks to himself. "Martial arts? I've learned the basics of that, but haven't kept up with it nearly as much as I have with this. Shows how much I need to catch up to get anywhere acceptable right now."
<Takeshi> "Just remember the two main things to keep in mind in any real fight - and they're about all there is to keep in mind, and a good thing too. First off, your main goal is to stay alive. Second is to stop the other guy from attacking you." He smiles very slightly. "Good thing it doesn't get a lot more complicated than that, or we'd all be in a lot of trouble in any fight."
<Asher> "Keep everyone alive," Asher corrects mildly, his face unreadable. "But... yeah, of course."
<Takeshi> "Then just remember that this isn't a kendo match," Takeshi says, his face losing a bit of its levity. "Giving the other guy a good solid hit may slow him down, but it may not necessarily stop him, either. Remember that HE'S just as focused on staying alive and putting you down as you are for yourself. You tag someone with a good shot in a kendo match and you've won, (more)
<Takeshi> since it's sort of implied in the rules that if you've gotten in a telling shot you could probably finish the other guy off. You can't assume that in a real fight - that's why I said you need to be more aggressive."
<Asher> Asher sighs, holding up a hand defensively. "I guess that's true, but it's also possible to overestimate just how much of an edge you can get in after one successful hit. Pressing on like that makes you just as vulnerable to a counter, and there are times when backing off after you've made your mark is safer. And with less lethal outcomes."
<Asher> "I just need to work on being more serious with my swordplay, I suppose." He holds up Reclaimer while talking, seeming to gauge it for a moment.
* Takeshi shrugs. "Give it a shot, then," the long-haired young man replies. "Sparring's the closest thing you'll ever get to a live fight, and frankly I could stand to burn off some energy right now."
<Asher> "Armed?" Asher blinks at Takeshi, who obviously carries no weapon. At least to his untrained eye.
<Takeshi> "Unless you're hiding an edge I don't see on that," Takeshi nods to the apparent shinai, "go for it. I'd prefer you didn't go for the face or the groin, but I'll deal with it if you do."
<Asher> "Of course not." Asher actually sounds vaguely in disbelief that Takeshi would bring up such possibilities, but he shrugs it off quickly as he leans forward from the tree and parks himself back into the main path with the overhanging trees. Mentally drawing a circle, he steps at one edge of it, Reclaimer gripped with both hands, and stands in a formal ready fighting stance.
* Takeshi simply loosens his shirt cuffs, settling into an even fighting stance. "In your own time, Asher-san," he nods to the other boy.
<Asher> A formal bow, then Asher doesn't seem to waste any time getting to the point after that; he tenses, feet pushing back, and then sprints straight at Takeshi, curving to the side momentarily and then striking first with a leap in a full blown blitzing manuever.
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 10." [2d6=6, 4]
<Asher> His aim is off, however! The slash goes wide to the side, apparently his reflexes aren't quite up to par as he'd like them to be as he skids to a slower pace past Takeshi!
* Takeshi lunges in low with a foot sweep as Asher charges in, aiming to use the other man's misplaced momentum against him!
<Takeshi> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Takeshi rolls 2d6 and gets 10." [2d6=5, 5]
<Takeshi> Unfortunately, he mistimes, his foot not lashing out until well after Asher has passed it.
<Asher> With a rush and intake of breath, Asher whirls around and goes straight for Takeshi's back, the kendo stick lashing out for a clipping blow as he strains to change direction and momentum quickly!
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 3." [2d6=1, 2]
<Takeshi> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Takeshi rolls 2d6 and gets 10." [2d6=6, 4]
* Takeshi takes the strike across his back with a grunt, the bamboo clacking noisily as it bounces off his ribs. To Asher, though, it feels like he just hit a tree trunk with his sword.
* Takeshi twists under the blow, his clenched fist lashing out and up towards Asher's gut!
<Takeshi> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Takeshi rolls 2d6 and gets 8." [2d6=4, 4]
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 6." [2d6=1, 5]
<Asher> But Asher's speed works to his favor here as he spins off away from the blow and watches Takeshi's hand assault empty air! With a pause, he stops a distance away from Takeshi again. And it shows. Asher's face screws in consternation at the sheer armor-like property of Takeshi as his somewhat worn wrist attests on holding a grip after that attack.
<Asher> That pause is only temporary, though, as he leaps to the side and tries again with the same technique as before!
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 11." [2d6=5, 6]
<Asher> And also utterly futile as Takeshi predicts the movement with ease and he misjudges his own momentum yet AGAIN.
* Takeshi reaches for Asher's arm as he passes, attempting to guide that momentum into something a bit more detrimental to Asher's health.
<Takeshi> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Takeshi rolls 2d6 and gets 11." [2d6=5, 6]
<Takeshi> Sadly, he too is caught out of position, a scowl marring his features. Echoes of another spar not all that long ago spring to mind...
<Asher> Asher, in a daring move, decides to break away from normal tactics and snaps his sword back, the arc beginning before he even turns, aiming the blow straight for Takeshi's side as it nears completion.
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 5." [2d6=2, 3]
<Takeshi> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Takeshi rolls 2d6 and gets 8." [2d6=3, 5]
<Takeshi> Once again the blow is received with a grunt, Takeshi grimacing slightly at the force delivered. Showing no reaction other than that, though, he brings his forearm down in a hammerblow towards Asher's own forearm, hoping to jar his opponent's grip.
<Takeshi> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Takeshi rolls 2d6 and gets 7." [2d6=2, 5]
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 12." [2d6=6, 6]
<Asher> This time, Asher slides the impact of the blow more smoothly to prevent it from jarring his hand, but the added concentration that demands leaves him wide open for Takeshi's counterattack, which staggers him back as he braces from the blow with a wince and backs off!
<Asher> Again, though, he doesn't let up - never stopping, the retreat turns into another coiled spring as Asher leaps again, not bothering with trying to strike from the side but heading for Takeshi dead on!
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 9." [2d6=4, 5]
<Asher> Dead on, unfortunately, also means "dead obvious" as the blow misses by a hair with Takeshi's expected, and successful, sidestep!
* Takeshi whirls as Asher goes past, his foot flying up to plant itself against his 'enemy's' back as he flies past.
<Takeshi> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Takeshi rolls 2d6 and gets 5." [2d6=4, 1]
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 8." [2d6=4, 4]
<Asher> And that sends Asher straight into the ground, his own momentum working hand in hand against him as he nearly crashes facefirst into the dirt. At the last second, though, he rolls with it, coming up some distance away and getting back up to his feet with a groan.
<Asher> Turning back around with a not terribly enthuisiastic look on his face, but gritting his teeth, Asher advances back in, more cautiously, and then the blur-move-strike starts again!
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 10." [2d6=5, 5]
<Asher> ...oh, wait, that was a tree, not Takeshi? Shit.
* Takeshi doesn't straighten, but he doesn't press the point, as Asher seems a bit stunned at the moment. "You okay to keep going?"
<Asher> "I'm fine," Asher manages, keeping some strength in his voice as he steadies himself and braces. He steps back into the 'circle', staying defensive for now, and letting Takeshi take the initiative.
<Asher> "Just not used to really keeping up this kind of speed yet against an actually moving target..." He grouses more to himself than Takeshi.
<Takeshi> "Your call," Takeshi replies, circling a bit for an opening before lunging in with a knife-hand strike against Asher's once-abused forearm again!
<Takeshi> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Takeshi rolls 2d6 and gets 5." [2d6=2, 3]
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 5." [2d6=3, 2]
<Asher> But Asher's fully aware of the incoming attack, and ducks just out in time, hoping to regain his momentum with a swipe at Takeshi's shoulder!
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 7." [2d6=5, 2]
<Takeshi> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Takeshi rolls 2d6 and gets 6." [2d6=5, 1]
* Takeshi ducks under the strike, then lunges - not with a hand, but with his head, bulling towards Asher's midsection in a carefully aimed headbutt!
<Takeshi> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Takeshi rolls 2d6 and gets 10." [2d6=6, 4]
<Asher> But even after a not so impressive display, Asher's reflexes aren't quite so subpar that he can't predict THAT. He leaps to the side and goes for the wide open Takeshi, Reclaimer lunging out!
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 5." [2d6=1, 4]
<Takeshi> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Takeshi rolls 2d6 and gets 8." [2d6=4, 4]
<Takeshi> And unsurprisingly, Takeshi takes the blow across his back again, a grumble emerging from his lips as he straightens. "Okay, I get the point," he mutters to himself. With a quick hop, his foot flashes out at a blinding speed, aimed for the joint of Asher's shoulder!
<Takeshi> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Takeshi rolls 2d6 and gets 10." [2d6=4, 6]
<Takeshi> But he's a bit rattled from the blow, his perception off as the kick passes mere inches from Asher's arm.
<Asher> Swish! Duck, move just a little bit to the side and Asher just goes right again for Takeshi, this time aiming below for the knee as he changes gear to quick but decisive blows!
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 6." [2d6=5, 1]
<Takeshi> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Takeshi rolls 2d6 and gets 8." [2d6=3, 5]
<Takeshi> "Gah!" Takeshi's leg buckles at the unexpectedly low strike, and he collapses, windmilling his arms. "Dammit, that was stupid..."
<Asher> Asher's quick to his feet on that, quickly getting a hand on Takeshi and offering him help back up. "Whoa, sorry, didn't expect that. You okay?"
<Takeshi> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Takeshi rolls 2d6 and gets 4." [2d6=1, 3]
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 12." [2d6=6, 6]
<Takeshi> Without warning Takeshi hauls himself up on Asher's arm, whirling around and planting an open fist on Asher's back as he drives him to the ground in a reversal of positions!
<Asher> THAT hurt. Hitting the ground with an impressive *thump*, Asher's only saving grace is that he manages to keep his deathgrip on the hilt of the kendo stick as all of the wind is knocked out of his lungs. He looks momentarily stunned, only barely managing to roll over to the side before control returns to him, restraining the urge to yell out in pain.
<Asher> It's a few steady seconds more before the young man grits his teeth and forces himself back up, using Reclaimer as a crutch and staggers back to his feet, anger flaring in his eyes, but it disappears as he steadies himself.
<Takeshi> "Remember, follow up," Takeshi says, standing slowly. "Don't assume that just because your opponent's down, he's out. If I were in your position there, it'd be swordpoint to throat time, even in a spar."
<Asher> "I get the point," Asher manages out, a bit hoarsely. But the pain aside, his face etches into an expressionless look as he starts to edge along the imaginary circle more, eyes carefully blank. "Are you still up for continuing?"
<Asher> And no, that last hit still has left its mark - there's a slight limp to his movements, but he seems to correct it as he trails along.
<Takeshi> "If you want to, we can," Takeshi replies, stretching his neck a bit. "I'm not going to push it further if you're taking too much of a beating here, though. I can stand to have the crap beaten out of me for a long time, but that doesn't mean you have to try to match me on it."
<Asher> "Don't worry about it." And that's all Asher offers as he stances again, seeming to take a deep breath, and rushes onward for another onrush of melee!
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 6." [2d6=3, 3]
<Takeshi> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Takeshi rolls 2d6 and gets 10." [2d6=5, 5]
* Takeshi takes the strike in his side this time, his face settling into an expression of grim concentration as he drives his elbow towards Asher's stomach in reply!
<Takeshi> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Takeshi rolls 2d6 and gets 5." [2d6=1, 4]
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 7." [2d6=5, 2]
<Asher> The elbow lands just fine, Asher's speed having been hit as he fails to spin to the side in time, and he gasps back. But rather than fall back, he breaks into a drop, rolling and swinging out at Takeshi's legs again as he tries to recatch his breath!
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 3." [2d6=1, 2]
<Takeshi> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Takeshi rolls 2d6 and gets 4." [2d6=3, 1]
* Takeshi hops over the low strike this time, once again aiming to plant a hand on Asher's back and drive him to the ground!
<Takeshi> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Takeshi rolls 2d6 and gets 6." [2d6=4, 2]
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 4." [2d6=2, 2]
<Asher> Desperate or lucky, who knows - but Asher manages to scurry back up to his feet in time and dodges the blow without even realizing it, sees a wide open back on Takeshi himself, and goes for it!
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 8." [2d6=6, 2]
<Asher> But the combination of recovering and trying to strike right away is just too much for him right now to handle, and the arc misses by inches as he swerves to the side!
<Takeshi> Still low from his attempted drop, Takeshi sweeps out with his foot, trying to turn the unbalanced Asher's swing into an outright fall.
<Takeshi> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Takeshi rolls 2d6 and gets 6." [2d6=1, 5]
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 9." [2d6=4, 5]
<Asher> And fall he does. Asher drops to his knee, looking downright frustrated now, but it doesn't stop him from trying to get a free swipe straight at Takeshi's outstretched leg as he does!
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 8." [2d6=4, 4]
<Asher> Yet that's just trying to pull way too much, and it goes sailing in the air as he hits the ground. Ungracefully. With another thump.
* Takeshi straightens up, attempting to plant a foot on the wrist of Asher's sword arm as he lies prostrate.
<Takeshi> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Takeshi rolls 2d6 and gets 6." [2d6=5, 1]
<Asher> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 8." [2d6=4, 4]
<Asher> OOC - Go on.
<Takeshi> And down it comes, at a blurring rate of speed - but only lands with the lightest of pressure. "And I think you're out on this one," Takeshi says. "Unless you want to keep going without the sword, since I basically would have broken your wrist there."
<Asher> Asher, on the ground, hesitates for a moment at the words. He then tenses, Takeshi seeing this motion as the only thing as Asher outright abandons the sword, jerking his body back up and trying to flip-kick back into Takeshi's chest in an entirely all too risky and not wise manuever!
<Asher> roll 2d6 final go?
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 final go? and gets 7." [2d6=5, 2]
<Takeshi> roll 2d6 intercept
* Hatbot --> "Takeshi rolls 2d6 intercept and gets 10." [2d6=4, 6]
<Asher> Of course, he had inadvertently forgotton that hitting Takeshi was hitting like a brick wall. The blow connects squarely and just sends the young man falling right back down onto the ground again, nearly driving him to unconsciousness with the rush of blood. His eyes roll up for a moment, then return as he lets out a load groan.
<Asher> ... "Damn..." He swears under his breath with a gasp, losing any sense of trying to even move, and just lies there inert. Takeshi's looming figure blocks the sun from him, but his eyes are a bit of a haze right now anyway.
<Takeshi> "Yeah, I think you'd better call it quits for now," Takeshi says, shaking his head a bit as he goes to help Asher get his wits back about him. "Just take it easy there for a minute." He eases Asher up into a sitting position, taking a seat next to him. "You still look a little crosseyed there."
<Asher> "I'll survive," Asher manages to grit out, in no shape to really resist or protest. He tries to get back up anyway, though, reaching for Reclaimer and angling the sword downwards against the ground to drag himself back up.
<Asher> roll 2d6 body check
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 body check and gets 7." [2d6=3, 4]
<Asher> And -barely- does. Just barely, like a straggler, pulls himself to his own two feet as vision returns. His hair's a total mess, and his face's caked with dirt.
<Asher> With slow, heaving breaths he manages to lean back against one of the trees and stares blankly up at the sky, seemingly oblivious to Takeshi's presence.
* Takeshi shakes his head, heading to Asher's side to lend a bit more support - the sword's a bit short to use as a crutch long-term. "You look like hell - just take a minute and get yourself together. There's no rush."
<Asher> There's a bit of a pause before the man draws any response. "You've gotta be kidding me," Asher responds, finally bringing his face to look over at Takeshi. "Our enemies could hit at any time, any moment. There IS a rush. And right now I'm just not anywhere near the level of ability that's going to be needed to meet up to it."
* Retrieving #evildunes modes...
<Takeshi> "And pushing yourself so hard you grind yourself down on training alone is going to do absolutely no one any good, either," Takeshi replies, shaking his head with a frown. "Everyone's got room to improve - god knows I could have made a lot better showing of myself there - but spending every waking moment you've got worrying about measuring up is only going to burn you out."
<Asher> "Trust me, I don't have to worry about overdoing things the way my schedule impedes on me," Asher says in way of reply as he casts his gaze back up again. One hand raises to brush some of the earth off from his face, causing him to cough violently for a moment. He shakes his head to himself and juts Reclaimer back down into the ground.
* Takeshi raises an eyebrow, rebuttoning his shirt cuffs. "And what exactly is that supposed to mean?"
<Asher> Asher rolls his eyes at the sky, away from Takeshi, the words not really so much directing themselves towards him. "I've got scant free time as it is right now, and of all things my parents are pushing me to get courses up to par again. Which I've been doing, but not as much as I should. And Mokou's bookstore is getting more customers lately, so more work shifts, too. And when I actually have free time, Kotono always wants to do SOMETHING."
<Asher> "And now that I have that --" he pauses, omitting the more colorful word he wanted to use --"communicator, she's got an easy way to reach me anytime she wants. Heaven help me."
<Takeshi> "Then tell her no, if you need to do other things," Takeshi replies, shrugging. "Obviously not ALL the time, if you care about her, but nothing wrong with saying you've got other things to do if you do."
<Asher> "It's not that simple," Asher throws back in response, and realizes just how pathetic that kind of lamenting is. He sighs, pushing himself back from the tree. "Ugh. Just never mind it. I'll try to fit in the time, anyway, I can usually spare a few hours a day at the very least."
<Takeshi> "It's not?" Takeshi says, raising an eyebrow. "What's not simple about saying 'no' every once in a while? I'm not going to claim to be an expert at that kind of thing, but I can't see it being a huge problem as long as it's not the ONLY thing you ever say."
<Asher> "...Kotono is an exception to the norm in just about every aspect you can think of. Just take my word on that." Asher draws himself back up, reaching over to snag his backpack from the tree.
<Takeshi> "She's certainly got a lot of energy, I'll grant you that," Takeshi says. "But if you need help keeping up, just ask. Even if you'd rather not work with me, there are other people who'd be willing to help - Makoto-san, for one. She uses a sword herself, so she could give you a lot more pointers there than I ever could. And I wouldn't blame you if you'd rather not work with me - I don't exactly fight 'nice'."
<Asher> Asher shakes his head a bit ruefully. "I don't... really know Makoto-san all that well. I wouldn't mind making this a regular habit to replace my regimen. That is, if you had the space for it. I've been telling myself for a while now that I need to stop swiping at the air and get some real training in anyway." He shuffles his feet, looking around idly.
<Takeshi> "I don't mind it if you don't, but keep in mind what I said - I don't believe in fighting fair, so if we do spar I'm going to use every trick I can throw at you, short of doing permanent damage," Takeshi replies. "With that in the open, though, I'd be happy to help you practice."
<Asher> "I don't mind," Asher replies without much reaction, and from his tone it's clear he doesn't - whether out of apathy or ignorance of what Takeshi's implying, though, the latter can't really tell. "We have our communicators, so we can link up easily enough should it come to it, I guess."
<Takeshi> "Then you've got a deal," Takeshi replies, offering his hand. "Just drop me a line when you've got time, and I'll see what I can arrange. I've got work myself, but if I'm not working I rarely have anything else going on."
<Asher> "Right, then." Asher blinks at Takeshi for a moment at the outstretched hand, then remembers vaguely the nuances of some world history classes and offers his own, shaking unsteadily.
<Takeshi> "You need any help getting home?" Takeshi asks as the handshake is released. "You still look a little loopy, to be honest."
<Asher> "Like I said, I'll live," he waves it off, but with a grateful nod. "I've still got a bit more time today anyway - one of those rare occasions where I don't have too much to do, so I'll probably blow it off on the books or something."
<Takeshi> "If you're sure then," Takeshi replies with a nod, letting it go at that. "I'll see you around then, Asher-san." With a nod, he steps back onto the path and heads away, his step a bit lighter than when he entered.
<Asher> Asher gives a cursory wave off as he watches Takeshi's departing figure fade from view, not moving from his position near the tree, eyes still wandering. Then, a few moments later, he too pushes himself onwards to the road home.
This happens Friday afternoon/early evening
[11:42:34] <Kotono> ---Arc 2 go!---
[11:43:54] <Kotono> Aaah. After school and after dojo. After a shower to wash up and changing back into her school uniform, Uncle Taka awaits you as he closes up for the early evening. "Good classes today," he calls to Makoto, binding the front doors locked for the night.
[11:45:44] <Makoto> "Thanks!" Makoto calls back brightly, slipping into her shoes and frowning at her school skirt for what seems like the millionth time. *I miss my middle school skirt. This one is way too short on me...*
[11:46:42] <Kotono> It does flatter! Makoto's legs are long enough to be shown of magnificently. One has to admit she's a stunning young woman. "Oh, let me know if your friends will be coming back some time, alright...OH! Also, I got a telephone message for you. That Kotono girl was looking for you and she said she'd call you tonight."
[11:50:19] <Makoto> "Wha-Oh." Makoto tries to tug the skirt down a little further, with minimal success. "Hmm. Really? I wonder if I should call her now...Oh. Uncle Taka?" Makoto looks up, a brief, angry shadow lurking behind her eyes. "I...About my, um...Time out. Is there any way I can tell if I'm getting too paranoid for my own good?"
[11:54:03] <Kotono> "Paranoid?" Uncle Taka finishes closing up, dusting his hands off on his pants before turning full on to makoto. "Well, if you start talking about conspiracies?" HIs expression is far more calculating, however, stopping. "Mmm. How, Makoto?"
[12:01:09] <Makoto> "I..." Makoto bites her lip. "Something happened. I don't know if anyone else noticed, but I've been thinking and thinking about it, and it just doesn't fit. And It's important that it does, if I'm going to trust this person to watch my back." She sighs. "There's a bunch of cranky feelings on the matter, but at it's heart, that's what's bugging me."
[12:04:07] <Kotono> "Hmm. That's a good question. Have you talked to anyone or looked for balance on it?" Now that the doors are locked Taka heads over, stopping as he passes Makoto by. "It sounds like you can't find an easy solution by your own basic thoughts."
[12:06:21] <Makoto> "I can't." Makoto sighs. "I do want to be fair, and just this thing alone isn't enough to start gossiping about it." Makoto scuffs her shoe on the ground. "I mean...it might be that I just started to take a dislike to...them, and I'm inventing reasons to be unpleasant." Makoto confesses softly. "I just don't ever remember being more irritated than I was just then."
[12:07:48] <Kotono> "...heh. Makoto." Uncle Taka clasps your shoulders, a manly gesture of support. "If a warrior stands alone, he must be serene andb eyond all self doubt and consternation. If a warrior stands with many, he must share his pain and his power to draw strength."
[12:10:37] * Makoto manages a faint smile. "I...I would like to be able to talk about it, but there was a blowup shortly after." she sighs. "If I voice my concerns, everyone will just assume I'm defending Hotaru-chan. Even if they were too hard on her, that's not my worry. She's tough."
[12:15:37] <Kotono> "That's quite the conrundrum," Uncle Taka agrees. "Then meditate on it and decide. If no one else can...there's always your stepfather?"This is said with the ever so faintest smile, before Taka turns away and goes to tidy up in back.
[12:17:53] * Makoto smiles and grabs her stepfather in a quick hug. "Thank you. If it doesn't sort itself out soon, I'll take you up on that." She smiles softly, letting him go.
[12:21:16] <Kotono> "Alright." Taka's off with that, Makoto free to go home, call Kotono or whatever. OOC - Skip ahead to do what you wish?
[12:23:37] <Makoto> OOC-Just go home. I'll take Kotono at her word and wait for her to call.
[12:23:50] <Kotono> OOC - More coming then.
[12:25:29] <Kotono> It's into dinner when Makoto's communicator springs to life. That pleasant beeping, the note that something is either going down or the Sailor Social Network is in place again!
[12:27:36] <Makoto> "I wonder if I'll ever get a beep that notifies me of an emergency?" Makoto murmurs, pulling out the communicator and flipping it on. "Yo."
[12:29:56] <Kotono> "Hey, Sis!" It's Kotono, smiling as she views her adopted sibling. "What's up, huh, and have you heard about Asher?"
[12:31:46] * Makoto smiles back-with Kotono, it's hard not to. "Dinner, and no." She replies, grinning a little. "What happened? Lure him into bed?" She teases.
[12:33:34] <Kotono> "No!" Kotono blushes, but then looks down, "Well, we did kinda sleep together..."
[12:34:40] <Makoto> "Oho..." Makoto leans forward, raising an eyebrow. "Good for you. You're being careful, though, right? He seems earnest enough, but I don't want to see you hurt, even by accident."
[12:35:21] <Kotono> "Well, we did use a blanket?" Kotono giggles and blushes, "Well, I was thinking about how you say you and Hot-chan sleep together, you know?"
[12:38:29] * Makoto blushes and flicks a glance at the living room, home of the impromptu bed for many such occaisions. "Well, we can't get each other pregnant, and we're past the worries of accidentally misunderstanding each other." The taller girl coughs. "Anyway, just promise me you're being good. Oneechan'll be cheering for you if you are." She smiles.
[12:39:25] <Kotono> "We are! WE haven'te ven kissed, so you know!" Kotono coughs at that, "Just he's warm and it was really nice to rest on him and he's just so nice and cute and...!"
[12:41:06] <Makoto> "Well then, you're on the right track." Makoto nods. "Just remember, try not to get too excited-but you know that. Sorry to fuss, but I'm really happy for you. I want to help, if I can."
[12:41:48] <Kotono> "Thanks! I know that but it's just so nice and cool and all that and he's so cute that...oooho, I know know it's Destiny, huh, sis and what about you and someone?" Kotono burbles and babbles on, face a happy red blush.
[12:43:53] <Makoto> "No one since Sousuke-kun moved away." Makoto sighs and rests her head on the table grumpily. "I'm giving my vibrator a workout...thank god I don't need batteries...."
[12:45:43] <Kotono> "Heh, heh..." Kotono turns crimson red at that, looking away. "I just can't really wanna do something like that, you know? I want ...well, I want Asher to be my first of anything like that! I mean it's worth waiting, isn't it...but it's reallyfun so I have something to look forward to?"
[12:48:14] <Makoto> "Trust me, sis..." Makoto smiles lazily. "The toy is wonderful, but it's nothing like having the real thing down there." She yawns, then starts. "*Ahem* Auntie Fuuko was quite clear about that."
[12:48:29] <Makoto> She adds, blushing.
[12:49:27] <Kotono> "...oh." Kotono coughs and sputters, looking away again. "Well um you know? I'll just wait for someone...oh, it's gonna be Asher, isn it, Sis, since he's just too wonderful!"
[12:50:15] <Makoto> "Well, I'd hold off on buying the condoms just yet, Kochan. Still got work to do if you want him to enjoy it, too."
[12:50:40] <Kotono> "True, just...mmmmm. Asssssheeeer!" Kotono swoons, giggligna s she falls back onto her bed.
[12:52:17] * Makoto laughs. "He must be something special, hmm? Oh, right...you said something happened about him?"
[12:52:58] <Kotono> "Right! I mean well that we nappedtogether and he's cute and just perfeeect!" A giggle from Kotono, nodding. "I'm just so happy and excited and I almost want it to happen since he makes me feel funny in the right places, you know!?"
[12:55:06] * Makoto snickers. "You really like him, huh? Have you dug up much about him?" Makoto asks, leaning on her elbow, and smiling as she looks into the communicator. "Guys like a girl that're interested in what they like, too."
[12:57:53] <Kotono> "Well, he said he likes...me!" Kotono says that part in happiness, laughing in a nervous rush. "He really said that too, and I know he likes books and swords and training!"
[12:59:38] * Makoto beams. "That's great! What kinds of books? Planning on looking into learning a little martial arts yourself?"
[13:00:15] <Kotono> "Sure, I bet I can get into any martial arts with his swor...oh." Kotono just stops at that, turning violet/red as she burns up! "Um..you know, is matress stuff martial arts, huh?"
[13:03:08] <Makoto> "..." Makoto stares, then bursts out laughing. "Sis, GEEZ. That's 'marital arts' And those come later." She adds, absently playing with her ponytail. "Remember a few months ago, when I was collecting guns and Hotaru-chan took me to see her uncle so I could learn to shoot them a little bit? I was doing all that so I could talk to Sousuke-kun about what he liked. You should try that, too. If you can talk about his favorite books and things with
[13:04:01] <Makoto> You should try that, too. If you can talk about his favorite books and things with him, he'll be more relaxed."
[13:05:07] <Kotono> "That'sa g reat idea, too, so I'll try that!" Kotono giggles as she leans back, her bedsheets behind her seen. "I'll find out this weekend...and heck," Kotono maages a sly grin, "Maybe we'll get to that other stage really soon at this rate, huh?"
[13:06:56] <Makoto> "Whoa, whoa." Makoto cautions, giving Kotono a serious look. "If he's not already pushing you up against the wall, you have to be patient, Kochan. Boys can get nervous if their girl is more eager than they are. But...if you want to nudge him a bit closer, I have an idea..."
[13:07:21] <Kotono> "Oh?" Kot-chan perks up even more, "Okay, sis, what is it?"
[13:10:44] <Makoto> "This will take a lot of control to do it just right, Kochan. And it might take awhile to work properly." The brunette prefaces, before giving Kotono a wink. "But if you can manage it, you might get a panting and sweaty Asher-kun pressed up against you. Clothed, but it'll be a nice preview, huh?"
[13:12:38] <Kotono> "...I'ms old, tell me more, Sis!" Kotono giggles at that again, sitting up. Behind her is a wallscroll of ATLANTIS, ruined columns under the sea. "Okay!"
[13:13:53] <Makoto> Makoto laughs softly. "Okay. Pluto has that big stick, it's time you showed an interest in learning to use it." Makoto replies authoritatively. "Now. Asher's...Is he the confident type, or a little shy?"
[13:17:10] <Kotono> "He's quiet but he's kinda...mmm, shy!" Kotono decides on that, reaching down to twirl a lock of her hair. "He's really nice but he's kinda quiet sometimes, you know?
[13:19:35] <Makoto> "Hmm. Okay, then you can't play to his ego and ask him to teach you...So here's what you do." Makoto taps her lips thoughtfully. "Be warned, Sis. Catching a quiet boy takes PATIENCE. I gathered he practices alone, is that right?" She asks suddenly, plotting.
[13:22:52] <Kotono> "Usually, but I think he might've joined the kendo club bu tI can find him anyway, huh?" Kotono nods along to that, "Or magic practice?"
[13:25:21] <Makoto> "Okay. Now, think I've got a plan, but you have to take this in stages, Kochan. PROMISE me. Jumping ahead too fast could scare him. Can you do this slowly? Like that stakeout in the forest last year!" Makoto brightens as she thinks of an example. "Remember how slow and cautious you were when we were looking for the Japanese bigfoot? That's the kind of approach this needs."
[13:26:00] <Kotono> "Oh, okay!" Kotono nods, perking up even more. "Mmm, bigfoot and Asher-chan hunting, huh?"
[13:28:29] * Makoto grins naughtily. "You'd better hope so, if the size link between his hands and feet and...manhood isn't just a myth." She grins. "So, okay. Here's what you do. First, just try and get involved in his practices. Even if it's just watching, at first. After he's used to you being there, offer to practice with him. Everything in martial...and marital arts works best with a partner." She giggles.
[13:30:33] <Kotono> "Oh, tha twould be just too cool and wow! But yeah...mmmm, Asher's big feet and big sword...mmmm..." Kotono grins stupidly, squirming abuot before she blinks. "Oh, right! Get invovled, okay!"
[13:33:42] <Makoto> "Concentrate, Sis!" Makoto replies firmly, but not without sympathy. "This isn't something you can botch and recover from easily. Now. You don't have as much melee practice as Hotaru and I, so you should be under him in general skill. Don't LET him win, but try not to beat him if you think you can. This shouldn't be hard, he could probably teach you a fair bit. Now...Here's where it gets tricky. After he wins a few times, (Con't)
[13:36:24] <Makoto> you need to ask him to teach you....but this is really important. ASK WITHOUT SAYING IT OUTRIGHT. If you ask him to teach you, his shyness will flare up, and he'll refer you to me, or someone else he thinks knows more than him. Ask him to...show you what you're doing wrong. Yeah, that should work. Let him teach you what he can...and if there's something you're having a hard time learning...milk it for all it's worth. If he's any(More)
[13:37:41] <Makoto> kind of teacher, he'll get behind you and show you how to make the forms. And that means...Asher-kun hands on your arms and legs, and...if you're REALLY lucky, pressed against your back." Makoto finishes, proud of her deviousness.
[13:42:01] <Kotono> "Okay. Right. Not Asher's sword. Okay!" Deep breaths are taken by Kotono, listening in. "So...oooooh! THat really makes a lot of sense, just kinda get him into position and maybe it'll make him feel good to lead and to help and all of that, huh? He'll be close and holding me and sweaty and we'll be feeling closer and maybe one thing will lead to another and I really like this idea, Sis!"
[13:44:52] <Makoto> "I can tell." Makoto chuckles. "Just remember. Take it slow, slow, slow." She agrees. "Just like cornering a supernatural beast that you want to make friends with before it runs away." *And hopefully, this little project will net you a lot more closeness, even if it's goal is basically a cheap thrill.*
[13:45:58] <Kotono> "Okay, I will! I promise it..." Kotono licks her lips, giggling to herself. "It's a plan, Sis!"
[13:47:07] <Makoto> "Good girl." Makoto approves, smiling. "Keep me posted."
[13:48:03] <Kotono> "I will! Also..." A blush, "Um, can I ask you something else? If well...if we do get ahead of ourselves and one thing leads to another and to another and to THAT, well...you'd still be a bridesmade, right, since I kinda wondered about that and well?"
[13:50:06] <Makoto> "Awww..." Makoto beams. "I'd be honored. All you have to do is let me know when, and I'll be there." She promises, blushing. "Still, don't let him hear you planning that far ahead. Boys don't understand girls like to think about that kind of thing, and they panic."
[13:50:38] <Kotono> "WEll, I mean more if...well...you know what happens if a guy gets a girl pregnant when they're young and the parents get into it adn well...just..." Another blush, "Youd' still be there for me, awesome!"
[13:51:43] <Makoto> "Try for a more romantic proposal, Sis." Makoto chides dryly, trying not to laugh.
[13:52:17] <Kotono> "Okay! Mmm, I'm just...well...he tempts me and when I feel like that, just...okay!" Kotono stops when her stomach rumbles, gettnig her eyes to bug out. "Hold on, okay, I kinda gotta go get some dinner so we'll talk later?"
[13:53:09] <Makoto> "Sure. Oh, and I'm going to strangle you if that dinner doesn't involve at least two of the four food groups. And none deep-fried."
[13:53:36] <Kotono> "Um, well, we have some orange juice and I was gonna have some bread and ab it of leftover pork..." Kotono nods at that, "That's three, isn't it?"
[13:56:15] <Makoto> "Kochan!" Makoto exclaims. "The orange juice is a good start, but...Gah. Either have a carrot with it, or put peanut butter on the bread." She orders.
[13:56:36] <Makoto> "The rest is fine, as is, I suppose."
[13:57:43] <Kotono> "Right! I'll find something!" With that Kotono takes off, the communicator again going silent as she is back off to her life.
[13:58:39] * Makoto shakes her head and goes back to her cooling pasta. Kotono could definitely be a ray of sunshine, at times...
[14:00:13] <Kotono> --------
This occurs Saturday, the same day as the convention centre battle
[20:06] <Kotono> It's later afternoon when Takeshi takes a walk. The streets of Tokyo are clear this brisky windy day, giving him a chance to choose his course and think...
[20:08] * Takeshi takes a deep breath as he strolls the streets of Juuban somewhat aimlessly, enjoying the crisp fall air as he simply lets his mind do the important and engrossing task of nothing at all. Or nearly nothing - he's at least nominally keeping an eye out for other job opportunities.
[20:15] <Kotono> As you walk along, you pass by a two story office building. It's in the outskirts of Juuban, around af ew empty lots and not too far from the old middle school. The wish is granted - they have a banner out. "Temp Agency 2nd floor - lookign for able young men and women today. Good rates!"
[20:16] * Takeshi raises an eyebrow, deciding to head in and take a look. Temp agencies usually want more hours than he can spare with school, but there's no harm in taking a look.
[20:18] <Kotono> Inside you find a nice waiting office. There are some old magazines and a nice receptionist. "Oh, you're here for a job." She bows, no more than twenty and button cute. She could still be in high school, actually, and she has the nicest dimples. "Hold on."
[20:19] <Takeshi> "Looking to see what you have available, yeah," Takeshi replies, smiling a bit.
[20:23] <Kotono> "Let's see...ooh. We have some reps from one of our contrators in for office work. It's flexible since they're cleaning out their mailing room and janitorial staffs, so they're hiring anyone with a pulse."
[20:25] <Takeshi> "What kind of hours would I have to work?" Takeshi says, raising an eyebrow. He'd rather NOT do janitorial, but the mailing room might not be so bad.
[20:26] <Kotono> "It's flexible. They have some reps in right now. I can have them talkt o you in ten minutes." A little bow after that, "They're literally rehiring the entire departments, something about a management shuffle from hell.":
[20:27] <Takeshi> "Uh... sure, I guess." With a slight shrug he heads over to take a seat, grabbing a random magazine and shuffling through it while he waits.
[20:30] <Kotono> It's not long until Takeshi si called back. It's al ittle conference room, ferns in pots and a few non descript paintings. A long table with semi nice chairs, a few people here - including one at the head you know. Reiko Tomoe stands up, pacing and with her back to you. "Call in the next one already," she says in clipped, annoyed tones. "I'd like to have this finished before next week starts."
[20:32] * Takeshi blinks. Twice. "Uh... Tomoe-san?" he finally manages, remembering Hotaru's mother from that rather interesting episode at the grocery store. She'd be hard to forget after that, actually, although he probably never would have remembered her name if not for knowing Hotaru.
[20:35] <Kotono> "Yes?" Her voice is just full of bad mood and thunderclouds - that is until she turns. Her professional dress is very businesslike, but her face turns to a surprised start on seeing Takeshi. "...oh! I know yo-ahem." Clearing her throat, "Due to management and departmental shuffles we're hiring quite a bit, Mr..." A check of a paper on the table, "Eiryo. What hours can you work and what position are you interested in?"
[20:37] <Takeshi> "Uh." Takeshi's a bit off guard at this point, certainly not expecting to run into Hotaru's mom here. "After school and weekends, and I was curious about the mailroom positions, if those would work together."
[20:37] <Kotono> "Mmm. That's fine..." Reiko sits, checking over a few more papers. "Alright...Takeshi. I'll be honest - we're hiring anyone. The new CEO is very...different and wants to encourage change. That aside, name your hours."
[20:39] <Takeshi> "I'd be available... hmm. Say 4:30 until about eleven during the week, and 1 in the afternoon until midnight on the weekends?"
[20:42] <Kotono> "Sold." There isn'te ven a pause at that, scribbled down and taken. "We'll work something...mmmmmmmmm." Stopping a moment at all of this, "...are you going to need special hours?"
[20:43] <Takeshi> "Special hours in what way?" He raises an eyebrow slightly.
[20:44] <Kotono> A long cough at that, Reiko looking on as her assistants give her...odd looks as well. One of them, a young girl with a blonde bun of hair, smirks just a bit before covering it. "For serene matters?" she asks blandly.
[20:45] <Takeshi> That brings Takeshi up a bit short, but a moment's thought puts two and two together. "Uh... quite possibly. I could have to, uh, step out in a hurry at times, although I'd be back to finish out my shift afterward."
[20:47] <Kotono> "Ahem." Reiko smiles a bit, looking to her help. "Go take a lunch break."
[20:47] <Kotono> They look at each other, the blonde one trying not to shoot Takeshi an amused, almost envious look before they all file out.
[20:49] * Takeshi looks slightly uncomfortable - it's clear Reiko knows about 'serene matters', as she put it, but it's certainly news to him. And certainly not something he'd expect to have come up in a job interview.
[20:52] <Kotono> Once the room is clear, Reiko sits down again. "What hours do you need?" she asks, smiling slowly at Takeshi.
[20:54] <Takeshi> "Whatever I can get, honestly," Takeshi says, still a bit surprised. "Uh... I know I can't get enough to cover the real cost, but I basically need enough to chip in to help with bills, and pay a bit of rent besides, hopefully. Whatever hours you can give me will be fine."
[20:56] <Kotono> "Mmmm." Reiko looks Takeshi over, tapping a pen against the table. "I need an afternoon page and mail helper,e specially when I work late. Consider it a favor to all of you - pay's only okay, but I won't ask questions if you need to leave suddenly."
[20:57] <Takeshi> "I doubt it'll be worse than I make at the supermarket," Takeshi says with a slight smirk. "I appreciate it, Tomoe-san."
[20:58] <Kotono> "Mmm hmmm." Reiko smiles a little at that, slow and calculating as she licks her lips. "Takeshi, have you talked to my daughter again recently? Mmmmm. I'm just wondering, even if...that Yoshi...
[20:58] <Kotono> "
[20:59] <Takeshi> Takeshi's expression becomes a lot more solemn at that question. "Yeah, we talked for a few minutes this afternoon."
[21:00] <Kotono> "Mmmmm." Reiko looks down just a little, eyes moving as she lets her inner thoughts go.
[21:02] * Takeshi doesn't elaborate, merely waiting to see if there's anything else the dark-haired woman wants from him.
[21:02] <Kotono> "You'lld o fine. Can you type," she asks, almost an afterthought.
[21:05] <Takeshi> "Never really tried," Takeshi admits, looking a bit abashed. "I expect I can pick it up fairly quickly if it'll be important, though."
[21:05] <Kotono> "It's something that could be useful. We'll worko n it. Anyway, can you start this Monday?"
[21:06] * Takeshi nods. "That shouldn't be a problem at all. Where exactly do I need to be and when?"
[21:06] <Kotono> Details follows, then, "I'll introduce you to everyone then. It's a big place, but I'm sure you'll find your way."
[21:07] * Takeshi nods, then bows to Reiko. "Thank you very much for the opportunity, Tomoe-san. I'll do my best not to disappoint you."
[21:07] <Kotono> Chuckling at that, "Reiko's fine when no one's around. You're a family friend if you're a part of that..." Now Reiko's face goes quieter, worried. "...keep an eye on Hotaru for me. Just in case, I know it's dangerous."
[21:09] <Takeshi> "I will, Tomoe-san," Takeshi nods, and his lips twist into a slight smile. "Protection is what I'm best at, and I intend to look out for everyone to the best of my ability."
[21:12] <Kotono> "Thank you. As long as you make sure Hotaru and her friends are safe, I'm more than happy to make sure your job here is painless." Reiko even slightly bows at this!
[21:14] * Takeshi starts slightly at the show of respect. "Uh... really, it's the least I can do for them, Tomoe-san. You don't need to thank me for it at all."
[21:20] <Kotono> "Heh. Still." Reiko smiles, "Go ahead and go. I have too many ahead to do."
[21:20] <Takeshi> "All right, I'll see you on Monday then, Tomoe-san," Takeshi says, giving Reiko another quick bow before heading out. Of all the people to run into here...
This happens late Saturday evening/night, long after the convention battle.
[16:40:35] <Sailor_Pluto> ---Arc 2 go!---
[16:45:04] <Sailor_Pluto> Makoto is a wonderful place to rest. But as the evening comes on, Hotaru feels better enough to go home or make a call or whats he wishes...
[16:47:26] <Hotaru-chan> Her own home is indeed nice, hopefully quiet again as she goes to the phone. Well, she's tired, but...she did want to call him, and it might be nice... Hotaru bites her lip, picking up the phone and dialing Yoshi's number. Who knows, maybe she'll get to talk to his mother or something?
[16:52:25] <Sailor_Pluto> Three and a half rings is the magic number this time. Her house is indeed quiet, as, "Hello?" It is a woman, no less. An older one, no chance of it being someone on the side, right?
[16:53:11] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru certainly HOPES so... "Ah...is Yoshi there?" she asks, a little nervously, but trying to be optimistic!
[16:57:06] <Sailor_Pluto> "Yoshi? He's with his girlfriend right now," The other voice says innocently, before you hear a loud, "MOOM!" from Yoshi, loud enough and irritated enough to carry.
[16:57:41] <Hotaru-chan> "...he...is...?" Hotaru asks, her voice going very faint very quickly.
[17:01:24] <Sailor_Pluto> There's some faint laughing from the woman, and then, "Hello...sorry, Mom's in a strange mood today, she came home from a company party a bit drunk."
[17:03:02] <Hotaru-chan> "...She scared me nearly senseless." Hotaru remembers to breathe suddenly, thumping a little as she leans into the wall.
[17:04:04] <Sailor_Pluto> "I'm sorry." Yoshi apologies breathlessly, voice angry.
[17:05:33] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru closes her eyes, deep breaths a moment. "It's fine..." she murmurs, slumping down next to the phone stand, cradling the phone against her shoulder. "How're you?"
[17:11:19] <Sailor_Pluto> "I'm fine, just woke up from a nap." A little yawn follows that, the sound of stretching mouth. "You alright?"
[17:15:23] <Hotaru-chan> "In a general sort of way?" Hotaru offers, still a touch dazed sounding from that brush with memory lane. "Tired, after helping a friend with something this afternoon, but..well, are you doing anything?"
[17:23:27] <Sailor_Pluto> "Not at all. Want to do something?" The question is fired back, "We can go to your house or mine, or to the movies..." Or a lowering of his voice, "I even researched a hotel room if you want to do that."
[17:28:49] <Hotaru-chan> "I love your body too, but I'm half-exhausted," Hotaru remarks in a similarly very quiet voice, snickering softly. "How drunk is your mom? She didn't sound bad, but well...some people are like that."
[17:29:31] <Sailor_Pluto> "Kind of bad. Anyway, what do you want to do - I'd rather not stay her ewith her like this."
[17:33:43] <Hotaru-chan> "Mmm," Hotaru agrees softly, glancing around. "Alright, movies," she murmurs, smiling a bit. "Or something, where do you want to meet?"
[17:34:50] <Sailor_Pluto> "In front of the Crown Arcade," Yoshi says after a moment of thought. "See you in an hour or so?"
[17:35:14] <Hotaru-chan> "Sure," Hotaru nods, smiling a bit and letting it go at that.
[17:41:34] <Sailor_Pluto> OOC - Skip ahead?
[17:41:46] <Hotaru-chan> OOC - Sure.
[17:42:26] <Sailor_Pluto> OOC - Set up your state and outfit
[17:47:27] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru picks more casual clothing for this meeting, at least. She's tired, it's late, she doesn't really want to lure him into testing her fatigue. Close fitting jeans and a black blouse cover the basics, with an added coat for warmth in the growing cold of the autumn evenings. Makeup likewise is simple, a little powder and lilac lipstick as she shows at the Crown, a familiar meeting place at least.
[21:32:40] <Kotono> Yoshi is waiting - waiting for Hotaru in a green windbreaker and khakis, looking downward as Hotaru approches. He stands under a streetlight, the evening's glow around him.
[21:34:13] <Hotaru-chan> "Why so glum looking?" Hotaru asks softly as she approaches, tracing the strap of her purse and leaning down to catch Yoshi's eyes with her own. "You look straight out of a drama or something..."
[21:38:06] <Kotono> "Hm? Oh, sorry." Yoshi mutters a distant apology, before smiling nicely if hollow at Hotaru. "...yeah. Anyway, movies?"
[21:39:11] <Hotaru-chan> "...Yoshi," Hotaru sighs a little, tapping him on the nose and taking his hands. "Tell me?" she asks, biting her lip and looking at her boyfriend. "What's wrong?"
[21:41:56] <Kotono> Shoving his hands into his pocket as he starts to walk, "Got into a fight with my Mom after you hung up."
[21:43:28] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru frowns a little, one hand following his into his pockets, not letting him go as they walk. "About what?" she asks quietly, trying to worm her hands into his, and leaning into his shoulder a bit. Didn't boys...okay, Yoshi certainly didn't fit the mold, so don't even try.
[21:48:12] <Kotono> Yoshi lets his hand be taken, sighing a little. "She was drunk and stupid again. I spent a few hours talking to a girl I hadn't seen in a year and she thinks I have another girlfriend, and she won't let me hear the end of it."
[21:51:56] <Hotaru-chan> "That sounds like a familiar story," Hotaru prods gently, smiling a bit and leaning into him. "Sorry, you probably don't need me biting your heels," she snickers, humming. Would he...you know him though! Still...
[21:59:07] <Kotono> "Just...bleh. I want to forget all about that today." Yoshi looks to HOtaru, honest. "You gonna alright with that going into the theater?"
[22:00:43] <Hotaru-chan> "Sure?" Hotaru's smile is a little wry, shaking her head. "Mah, I'll bug you some other time, since I'm curious and insane," she snorts, pulling Yoshi's hand out of his pocket and dropping his arm around her. "But really, just wanted to be close tonight, y'know?"
[22:01:35] <Kotono> He does return that, pulling Hotaru close. "Let's just go," he says, leading into the movies! OOC - What sort of movie do you wanna see?
[22:04:10] <Hotaru-chan> OOC - I will...let Yoshi choose!
[22:12:18] <Kotono> It's an anime - some action/adventure thing, but Yoshi leads you to share a seat in the back. Considering how you're pretty much touching the moment the lights go down...
[22:17:36] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru doesn't fuss one way or another about the movie, really. Once the lights go down though, she takes advantage of being in back, climbing into his lap and trying to edge in close, absorbing the sensation of touching and contact, that of being with someone close to her. "So I wonder," she whispers to him, smiling a bit. "Think you can control yourself?"
[22:19:50] <Kotono> "Yeah." It's quiet, and a bit of a quiet look away, but he does answer as such.
[22:21:48] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru bites her lip, sighing a little as she leans in, brushing Yoshi's cheek, leaning her head into his. "You can tell me what you're thinking...sorry, I just like touching a lot, and...well, not always like 'that'," she murmurs, blushing.
[22:26:07] <Kotono> "...just a really bad mood. I want something to forget about it, and ylu're the best, nice thing to forget about pretty much everything for." A slight smile by Yoshi, "Just...yeah."
[22:32:41] <Hotaru-chan> "Flattery will get you many places," Hotaru snickers very quietly, lightly pecking Yoshi on the lips. "Inside my pants is not one of them," she adds in a playful whisper, hugging Yoshi and snuggling her boyfriend a little. "...If you really want to just touch, though..."
[22:47:37] <Kotono> "Mmmm." Yoshi takes that, closing his eyes, resting and just...touching. In lots of places.
[22:51:08] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru relaxes, closing her eyes to enjoy the touching and the moment, to relax after a long, harsh, painful day of combat. Just a couple hours spent in warm togetherness, near bliss for a tired Princess of Saturn.
[22:52:38] <Kotono> So it goes. The movie...who cares. Yoshi touches - all above the belt area. Often it tempts and thrills, but he falls into resting himself...
[23:01:13] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru certainly doesn't care about the movie, focusing on touching back a little, tiredly relaxed though, and enjoying it until the end. Even just quiet time spent together is wonderful.
[23:07:32] <Kotono> So it passes in a nice blur. Yoshi reacts predictably, kissing Hotaru lightly at the end. "Have fun," he murmurs, shifting his lap a bit.
[23:11:31] <Hotaru-chan> "You're really good with your hands," Hotaru compliments, smiling and kissing back, nuzzling her boyfriend's nose and smirking. "Yeah, had fun...feeling better?" she asks softly, slowly beginning to extricate herself before the lights come back on.
[23:13:51] <Kotono> "Much...do you want to...go somewhere," he asks this delicately, with just a little bit of hope. He coughs after, letting his words stand.
[23:15:07] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru raises an eyebrow, kissing Yoshi's nose before she stands up, stepping a little back to let him stand. "Where'd you have in mind?"
[23:18:34] <Kotono> "A restaurant...a nice walk in the dark park...or a room?" Each is delivered quietly, a little kiss back as he gets up. He turns to face the close wall for obviously reasons that Hotaru can quite clealry see.
[23:26:29] <Hotaru-chan> "Unless you're hungry...the park," Hotaru murmurs, snickering softly. "Never stop asking after getting me undressed?" she asks, her smile playful, honestly understanding in a way.
[23:27:58] <Kotono> "It's...great." Yoshi just settles on that word, taking Hotaru's hand and nodding. "Isn't it?"
[23:32:55] <Hotaru-chan> "It is," Hotaru murmurs, leaning into Yoshi again and holding his hand, beginning to walk. "I'm also nearly half exhausted, and worry what I might do if you got a little too...enthusiastic."
[23:34:54] <Kotono> "Hm?" Yoshi asks, smiling a bit more as you go on. The cloud over him is gone, as you head outside - there's a park a few blocks away. Lots of nice, quiet places there, too.
[23:37:00] <Hotaru-chan> "How much can you accept on faith, and not ask questions about?" Hotaru bites her lip, smiling worriedly at Yoshi. "Like the knife on my desk," she elaborates, watching him, heading into the park, and on a curiousity, throwing her senses out. There might be other people like them here...
[23:39:17] <Kotono> OOC - Soul check.
[23:39:23] <Hotaru-chan> roll 2d6
[23:39:26] * Hatbot --> "Hotaru-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 5." [2d6=1, 4]
[23:43:31] <Kotono> Nothing Hotaru notes is out of note. Thew orld is natural, peaceful. Down thesidewalk you go, into the park. The sun has set a fair ways ago, lots of trees and areas here very, very, very secluded. "I don't know." Yoshi shrugs after thinking it over, "I guess it depends."
[23:48:40] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru smiles, kissing Yoshi's cheek. "I'll leave it at...I'm very, very dangerous when I panic," she offers, blushing. "And I worry...if we got a room, well, I know what you'd want to do..."
[23:53:42] <Kotono> "Mmm." A long pause as you are lead to a little cranny, a tree and lots of bushes. It's almost like ar oom, actually. "Then..." He looks on, simply curious and waiting for more to be said.
[23:56:44] <Hotaru-chan> "And I can't," Hotaru sighs, hugging Yoshi fully and resting against him, deep breath taken. "I can't do that, and I don't want to have to bring you up short when you get going," she snickers, kissing his throat, and shrugging. "I might worry too much, I might be paranoid."
[23:58:24] <Kotono> "Mmmm." Yoshi embraces Hotaru, kissing her cheeks a few times before, "Then...how far do you want to, and...?" he just leaves it hanging, following along.
[00:07:03] <Hotaru-chan> "Whatever you feel comfortable doign for me, I'll be okay doing for you," Hotaru offers her boyfriend, smiling a little at the sound of it.
[00:09:21] <Kotono> "Then..." Yoshi merely smiles, beginning. OOC - I assume you wanna cut ahead here? Also, El PMo.
[00:18:08] <Hotaru-chan> OOC - Yeah.
[00:24:36] <Kotono> So the next half hour is very fun! One thing leads to another, and eventuall two sweaty, stained teenagers lie in the grass, holding each other as they slowly wind down.
[00:27:15] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru purrs a little, curling up tightly, almost like a cat, into her companion, closing her eyes. "You're good..." she offers tiredly, blushing at the simply meant compliment. "Nice," she breathes, kissing his jaw.
[00:30:11] <Kotono> Yoshi just rests against her, holding Hotaru close to him. "Very nice..."
[00:36:02] <Hotaru-chan> "Mmmm..." Hotaru smiles, resisting the urge to fall past just rest for the moment. "...You know," she snickers suddenly, focusing on a blonde idea that suddenly woke her with curiousity. "...Did you ever hear about Kotono from Tenma? When we first met."
[00:37:35] <Kotono> "Little bit. Crazy blonde girl?" Yoshi idly runs his hand over Hotaru's chest, seeming to just savor being there.
[00:45:16] <Hotaru-chan> "Mmm..." Hotaru jsut smiles at thatto relaxed to mind even if she would've minded in the first place. "She finally found boyfriend...but the question suddenly came to me: 'What would Yoshi think and act like if I asked him about children?'," Hotaru laughs softly, cracking an eye to look at him. "That's amazingly unfair question to pose while we're in high school..."
[00:48:52] <Kotono> "...hey!" Yoshi nearly chokes a half second, a light cough to dispel that as he recomposes. "Well, as long as we don't go that far...hmmm. No worries then?"
[00:53:14] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru bursts into giggles, unable to control herself at the immediacy of the reaction, smirking at him. "No, no worries. It's just one of the mistakes Kotono would always make, I mean..."
[00:53:14] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru snickers suddenly. "What if when I called you, I started going on about what we'd name our kids, because it's so incredibly destiny that you were single when I called abck because you're really great and nice and really I sorta expected you to be dating someone but instead you weren't so it's totally fate and we must be meant to get married and have a whole baseball team, and, and, and...!!!"
[00:56:52] <Kotono> Yoshi seemsto have a good answer to this. As his eyes glaze over, he smirks a bit and instead stops Hotaru at the first and. This is a very primal solution, simply kissing her rather intently.
[01:00:22] <Hotaru-chan> Not that Hotaru really has any protests to such solutions, quite the opposite. She can't help but smile as she's interrupted, but falls into the kiss, a now more familiar than ever way to pass the time with one of the people she counts amongst her loved.
Saturday evening, after meeting with Reiko.
[16:46] <@Sailor_Pluto> ----Arc 2 go!----
[16:48] <@Sailor_Pluto> Saturday is becoming a cooling ember of a memory for Takeshi. It's past dinnertime now, and his room is his castle and respite. A real and palpable chance to rest at last...
[16:49] * Takeshi stretches out on his bed with a groan, glad that the long day's finally come to an end. School, Hotaru, getting a new job, quitting his old one... been a hell of a day so far. A chance to relax is definitely not something he minds at this point.
[17:00] <@Sailor_Pluto> It's not until there is a mild surprise - a knock on Takeshi's door. "Takeshi, you have a phone call." That's his adoptive guardian mother, sounding distant after the single knock and then going.
[17:01] <Takeshi> "Be there in a second," Takeshi replies, heaving himself off his bed and heading into the hall to answer the phone. "Hello, this is Takeshi," he answers, wondering who would be calling.
[17:10] <@Sailor_Pluto> "Takeshi?" Serenity sounds bright and calm, happy. "How do you find yourself this day?"
[17:11] * Takeshi smiles a bit at the sound of Serenity's voice. "Not too bad, I guess. Little tired - been a busy day - but not bad aside from that. Something up?"
[17:15] <@Sailor_Pluto> "Yes. There was a battle today at a technology fair." Short and to the point, "Usagi was there, as was Hotaru, Makoto and Mamoru."
[17:15] * Takeshi blows out a long breath. "What happened? Did everyone make it out okay?"
[17:20] <@Sailor_Pluto> "They did. It was a battle, but all is well now." A long pause there, "Makoto and Hotaru are resting at Makoto's apartment, while Usagi and Mamoru rest here."
[17:21] <Takeshi> "If they're resting I'm not going to bother them, but I should probably catch up with them later, see if anything important came out during the fight," Takeshi replies into the handset, shifting his weight a bit on his feet.
[17:26] <@Sailor_Pluto> "Alright. They're awake, just watching the television while they recover. If they are attacking - do be careful, Takeshi."
[17:27] <Takeshi> "I'll stay on guard," Takeshi agrees. "Wish I'd known, though - spent most of this afternoon doing a lot of nothing. I could have at least helped."
[17:32] <@Sailor_Pluto> "Yes, we do need to bear that in mind. You would have been useful." There isn't any argument from Serenity, instead a thoughtful, long spoken agreement.
[17:33] <Takeshi> "I'll try to get in touch with Usagi and the others sometime tomorrow, I guess. Anything else I need to know for now?"
[17:35] <@Sailor_Pluto> "No, just be careful," Serenity insists, but stops. "Takeshi..."
[17:36] <Takeshi> "Yes?" Takeshi says, a slight edge of curiosity in his voice. Or maybe something else.
[17:43] <@Sailor_Pluto> "Come by soon." Serenity says as such, not beating around the bush. "There are other matters to discuss as well."
[17:44] <Takeshi> "I'll stop by tomorrow morning, then," Takeshi replies. "Got the entire day free tomorrow, at least."
[17:47] <@Sailor_Pluto> "Until then," Serenity says, teh call ending.
[17:48] * Takeshi replaces the receiver on the cradle, sighing briefly before he heads upstairs. 'Wonder what exactly she has in mind...' he thinks, shaking his head slightly as he heads back up to his room.
Sunday Morning[13:06:39] <Hotaru-chan> ---Arc 2 Asher-chan Go!---
[13:13:28] <Hotaru-chan> Sunday! Day of rest! ...One wishes. It's not so early, fortunately, Hotaru having some modicum of sense...and her own fatigues from the day and night before to think of. So it's an hour or two before lunch that the senshi of Saturn finds her way to the Shinsei home, ringing the doorbell. On thinking, she hadn't met his aprents, yes. Had anyone? An excellent question, but hey, she wanted to try and find the place at a normal time of day.
[13:15:02] <Laggy> There was nothing normal about Sundays - the family's sole and shaky grasp on all members being present. With Asher's father not currently traveling and his mother having oddly taken the day off due to a mounting exhaustion, which continues to draw Asher concern, it somehow falls to him anyway to answer the door. Breakfast just ended and they're both up in the bedroom discussing something.
[13:15:25] <Laggy> Asher, having planned to take off in a bit, walks over and answers the door with a bit of puzzlement. It's rare that they get visitors aside from salesmen or the mailsman.
[13:18:41] <Hotaru-chan> And lo is the surprise a Saturnian Princess, or a decent reincarnation thereof. Hotaru stands on the doorstep, long raven hair held back by violet ribbons, clingy violet sweater and a black skirt over black stockings completeing the very 'Saturn' look. "Asher?" she quirks her head, smiling.
[13:20:26] <Asher> "...Hotaru?" Asher blinks several times to make sure he's fully awake. Oh yes, he is. The sight of her startles him noticeably for a moment as he fails to realize the potential grave consequences of this, instead asking what comes to mind. "What're you doing here, and this early?"
[13:29:43] <Hotaru-chan> "It's not that early..." Hotaru notes lightly, blushing. "I thought I woke up pretty late...well, anyway. I wanted to check with you about some stuff, and maybe get some practice in if you're free."
[13:31:37] <Asher> "It's early for a Sunday," the young man grouses a bit, then falters for a moment. "Uh, sure. Give me a minute or two to gather my stuff and we can meet up somewhere? My house doesn't exactly have the most available amount of room." Or preferred company. His parents were fine people, but this was something he'd really not want to even try to explain to them. Asher flashes Hotaru a nervous smile, trying to get that message across!
[13:34:05] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru raises a bit of an eyebrow, a slight playful smile reaching her lips. "Alright, I guess. I just wanted to find the place again in case I have to bring you home," she adds, shaking her head and stepping back. "I'll meet you...hmm. I need to show you the practice grounds and everywhere, anyway. Where's the nearest park?"
[13:35:27] <Asher> "Down that way a few blocks, left turn at the third," Asher points down the street. "It's pretty small, but there isn't any other park in this neighborhood. See you there, okay?" Hearing the sound of footsteps on the stairway, Asher nods to Hotaru and quickly closes the door - not fast enough to be impolite, but not without some sense of urgency! Hotaru can hear voices behind it.
[13:36:27] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru snorts softly, grinning a little to herself. Oh well. So she heads off. OOC - Set yourself up entering the park?
[13:39:10] <Asher> It's not a bad day, a bit overcast but the morning fog no longer lingers in the air as Asher makes his way into the park at a brisk pace - jogging, backpack and Reclaimer accompanying him. Not a casual entrance, in any case. He turns his head around over the small area that spans the park, looking for Hotaru's distinct raven hair as he slows down and enters, the sand and gravel crunching beneath his shoes.
[13:41:59] <Hotaru-chan> She's quite easy to find, yes. There are only a few mothers about, talking to each other as they watch a group of children pay on the playground equipment. Hotaru watches the children as well, leaning into a tree with a gray backpack at her feet. She doesn't seem very interested in the rest of the world right at the moment.
[13:43:32] <Asher> Asher walks past the others, who dutifully ignore him - even said mothers don't spare him a fleeting glance as he traverses across the park, waving a bit to Hotaru. As he approaches, his voice speaks up. "You know, you could just call me on the communicator if you had wanted to meet up and saved yourself the trouble of coming here."
[13:45:37] <Hotaru-chan> HOtaru's expression flickers, anxiety, wondering, and a slight blush for a very small instant as she's torn from the children she's watching. "Needed to get a better hold of where you live, it's useful if you ever end up as broken as I tend to get," she offers, her smile more wan. "Besides, having a girl show up on your front step isn't entirely more conspicuous than a sudden beeping from inside your bag, is it?"
[13:47:12] <Asher> "I don't know about THAT," Asher mumbles, a bit darkly as he takes his own spot leaning against another tree. "My parents tend to be very unobservant about certain things and keenly aware on others. I'm surprised that I've been getting off the hook for staying out as late as I have been lately." He lets out a sigh, a puff of gray mist springing forth from his breath. "Anyway, what did you have in mind?"
[13:51:38] <Hotaru-chan> "It won't last, trust me," Hotaru snorts. "Mom found out before anyone else did because of noticing how strange my schedule looked," she murmurs, shaking her head. "Maybe some sparring, magic practice, and I have a couple things to give you."
[13:53:22] <Asher> Asher spread open his hands, looking non-commital. His face is expressionless. "Whatever fits. I don't think here's the best spot, though."
[13:54:11] <Hotaru-chan> "It isn't," Hotaru agrees, smiling a bit, and taking Asher's hand. "Want to see the old, old practice ground, or the place I got myself in really, really deep trouble?"
[13:55:57] <Asher> Asher throws Hotaru a look, shrugging a bit to lighten the burden of the weight of his pack. "You're asking preference from me? Just pick and go, whichever's more convenient."
[13:57:59] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru rolls her eyes a bit, picking up her own bag and pulling Asher behind the tree. "Campground Voyeur it is," she laughs, the pair disappearing in a flash of violet. They reappear next to a small lake, almost picturesque in its isolation, the roar of a waterfall before them, and the placid waters undisturbed.
[14:00:33] <Asher> Asher shakes off the fuzz that comes from teleportation, adjusting to his new surroundings quickly as he loosens his grip on Hotaru's hand and steps forward for a moment, gazing over at the waterfall. The slight moisture in the air is a nice touch after the morning's cool breeze. Breeze... he closes his eyes, feeling the strings and eddies of wind flowing past him again. "This is a nice place..."
[14:05:04] <Hotaru-chan> "Why we keep coming back," Hotaru agrees, setting her backpack aside, scuffing the ground lightly. "Mmmm...how are you doing with magic? We haven't talked about since the day you met Serenity," she hazards, hopping onto a boulder, watching Asher in the breeze.
[14:07:16] <Asher> "Mundane things here and there and not much else," Asher admits, raising one hand and letting the wind caress through it. He flexes his fingers, eyes still trailing the ever-descending flow of the waterfall. "I've been focusing a lot more on my swordplay, but truth be told time scheduling's been not kind on flat out training."
[14:10:16] <Hotaru-chan> "Bloodshed's usually a better teacher than practice, anyway," Hotaru remarks, a slight hint of bitterness there, hardly detectable. "Tried mixing the two yet?"
[14:12:22] <Asher> "Not consciously," Asher remarks, not missing that telltale hint as he sits back down on a nearby convenient rock, the tip of the kendo stick scraping across its surface. "It's difficult enough to try to concentrate on something you don't fully understand, let alone integrate it into a physical activity at the same time." He closes his eyes again, willing the wind about them to pick up in strength.
[14:12:26] <Asher> roll 2d6 soul check
[14:12:27] * Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 soul check and gets 8." [2d6=2, 6]
[14:12:36] <Asher> And nothing happens. A stir here and there, but that's it.
[14:19:26] <Hotaru-chan> "Sometimes..." Hotaru shakes her head, smiling a bit. "You just have to push at it incessently. That's how I learned to teleport. Throw your whole self into it, exhaust your spirit, and keep trying."
[14:20:15] <Asher> "And only get results a sliver of the time." Asher sighs, willing himself to try again to jar the winds into doing -something-.
[14:20:18] <Asher> roll 2d6
[14:20:19] * Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 4." [2d6=2, 2]
[14:21:00] <Asher> With a bit of a hiss in the air, the breezes start to slowly accelerate themselves, ruffling up his hair and billowing Hotaru's own as they swirl around in a rhythmetic dance.
[14:22:17] <Hotaru-chan> "Practice makes perfect," Hotaru notes lightly, beginning to weave a shield in the air, a square of violet energy coalescing to stop some of the wind behind her.
[14:22:20] <Hotaru-chan> roll 2d6
[14:22:21] * Hatbot --> "Hotaru-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 6." [2d6=4, 2]
[14:22:53] <Hotaru-chan> And it does, a glowing shield of energy coming into existence at her command. "Like these, I didn't used to be able to make them at will."
[14:23:26] <Asher> "My lippy friend here seems to have certain ideas against that, too," Asher mutters, holding up Reclaimer with a vaguely annoyed look. "Anytime I feel like I'm about to make some progress, he tells me I'll burn myself out. What exactly does he mean by that?"
[14:24:54] <Hotaru-chan> "That you're using energy, most likely," Hotaru smiles a bit, floating the shield over towards Asher. "Reclaimer talks to you much?" she asks curiously, hovering wall nearing him. "I tend to have an easier time--I have a lot of energy in me, and I throw myself into everything."
[14:27:34] <Asher> "Always to make a snappy remark on something or another that I do, so you can imagine how much of an earful I get from him," Asher replies, throwing a rueful glance at the sword. He looks back over at Hotaru with a bit of an envious look. "I don't know, I've never felt -too- tired when I'm trying to experiment with this... but he always warns me about limits and sane things to do. I guess it's better to be safe than sorry."
[14:28:41] <Hotaru-chan> "You can try pushing yourself, there's an eventual limit, but it's ahrd to tell until you've really gone, Hotaru snickers, rotating the shield and lowering it, or trying to.
[14:28:43] <Hotaru-chan> roll 2d6
[14:28:43] * Hatbot --> "Hotaru-chan rolls 2d6 and gets 2." [2d6=1, 1]
[14:30:54] <Hotaru-chan> Thye shield...rotates? Perfect unison and control, even expanding a little in size. "Try standing on it? I'm trying to work these out without using the actual spell. Silence Wall is draining."
[14:31:34] <Asher> "..." Asher eyes Hotaru warily, stepping over for a moment. That doesn't LOOK healthy.
[14:32:40] <Hotaru-chan> "I'll keep it low to the ground," Hotaru offers, blushing. "I've used it like this before, with Junki, and I used the Silence Wall like this during Gaia..."
[14:33:05] <Asher> Stepping over to the shield, a thought occurs to him as he takes a step up to it, willing the air around him to .. move... and carry...
[14:33:59] <Hotaru-chan> The shield takes the weight for the moment. A very solid shield! Perfectly rotated and level at that!
[14:34:22] <Asher> A bit of a focus here and there, as Asher tries to strenghten the bonds around the current, lifting him entirely up from the shield itself.
[14:34:51] <Kotono> OOC - Soul check...mmm. What's your eC level?
[14:35:01] <Asher> OOC - ...1. Duh.
[14:35:37] <Kotono> OOC - Oh, civvie form. Dur.
[14:35:47] <Asher> OOC - It's 1 transformed or civvie form.
[14:35:54] <Kotono> OOC - Oh. Dur. I suck.
[14:35:58] <Asher> OOC - Yes.
[14:36:07] <Kotono> OOC - Soul check +2
[14:36:10] <Asher> roll 2d6+2
[14:36:11] * Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6+2 and gets 8." [2d6=5, 1]
[14:36:37] <Asher> And it doesn't happen. Asher's foot lodges itself plainly on the shield and the expectation of something otherwise makes him nearly lose his balance as he unsteadily positions himself.
[14:37:04] <Asher> "...oi." That's all that he manages out as he stands back on the thing again.
[14:43:05] <Hotaru-chan> "Like I said, try pushing at it. Focus your entire will into doing what you want to happen, and command the energy to do it," Hotaru shakes her head. "If you can't bend your will to it, you won't survive the worst moments."
[15:38:48] <Asher> Asher grits his teeth, not responding to Hotaru's words by mouth but by mind instead. Still standing on the shield, he clenches his fists and wills, -wills- the air around him to react again, imagining the streams converging and uplifting upwards.
[15:38:52] <Asher> roll 2d6+2 burn 20 ep
[15:38:52] * Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6+2 burn 20 ep and gets 9." [2d6=3, 4]
[15:39:41] <Asher> And it barely edges out at first... he feels his clothes fluttering a bit in the sharp uptake of wind, but then there is the feeling of feet leaving surface and he opens his eyes, realizing that he's now slowly levitating from the air an inch at a time.
[15:40:51] <Asher> This takes concentration, though! And opening his eyes have provided a not entirely unexpected jolt back to the so called reality.
[15:40:52] <Asher> roll 2d6
[15:40:52] * Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 3." [2d6=2, 1]
[15:41:26] <Asher> But somehow, the flow continues freely and he continues to rise into the air, before willing himself to halt for a moment and maintain his lofty spot. Which he does. The drunken feeling of mid-airness overwhelms him momentarily. "...well."
[15:44:35] <Hotaru-chan> "See?" Hotaru offers with a small smirk, dismissing her shield for the moment and glancing up at Asher. "Put the force of your will behind it, and you will succeed," she offers, as with a sudden burst, black fingered and violet webbed batwings of pure energy erupt from her back, soft beats made as she brings herself up to level with Asher. "It's not impossible to fly. You just have to find your way."
[15:46:06] <Asher> "I'm well aware it's possible. Just getting there is the issue." Asher levels a look over at Hotaru, looking a little hurt. "It's not like I ever said I couldn't eventually get it - it's just frustrating without any sense of direction whatsoever." He experiments a little more, allowing the wind to glide him back horizontally instead of vertically.
[15:46:08] <Asher> roll 2d6
[15:46:10] * Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 2." [2d6=1, 1]
[15:49:00] <Kowork> OOC - 1d6
[15:49:04] <Asher> roll 1d6
[15:49:06] * Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 1d6 and gets 4." [1d6=4]
[22:21:11] <Kotono> Asher begins to float along! Wooshes of air propel him as he moves to the side and up a bit, trying to fly! He feels a strain - it's a good start and good practice! He can feel that he's flying with the wind, but it's also a very good effort!
[22:22:56] <Hotaru-chan> "The way you were going about it? Aside," Hotaru shakes her head, frowning suddenly, and crossing her arms. "Saturn Power, Make Up," she says, transforming. Okay, flying without a bodysuit under her skirt was a bad idea. At least this isn't the city.
[22:24:14] <Asher> Holy... Asher's head is almost dizzy for a moment, but he wills himself not to panic. No! He was actually flying! Dancing with the wind in the air, and letting his arms hang freely, he moves slowly at first, trying to adjust to the amount of resistance to movement in the air - if any! - and flowing along with the current.
[22:25:07] <Asher> For now, one axis at a time. Asher navigates back, letting the breeze carry him, and then with a pointed look up he directs the wind to uplift his form to a higher elevation. All in the meanwhile, his head cranes and turns, taking in the view.
[22:27:09] <Kotono> OOC - Soul check -2, Asher.
[22:27:16] <Asher> roll 2d6-2 burn 10 EP
[22:27:18] * Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6-2 burn 10 EP and gets 7." [2d6=3, 6]
[22:29:59] <Kotono> Asher keeps it up. He can feel it's a strain - his neck muscles cramp, his head gets a bit dizzy. But by the kami, he's -doing- it! 'Careful...you're still not that talented!' Reclaimer stirs, voice coming into Asher's mind. 'Don't burn yourself out!'
[22:30:57] <Asher> 'Will you let me enjoy this for a moment?' Asher pipes back. But it's not so vindicative as it is genuinely enthused. He closes his eyes, focusing on maintaining his current position midair, letting the process gradually grow into a more intuitive feeling than requiring intense focus.
[22:32:05] <Asher> Staying in midair, anyway. With that settled, he snaps his eyes open again, picks a spot a good fifty meters away or so, and then wills the wind to move him there - keeping still a somewhat safe height from the ground. After all, you never know!
[22:32:52] <Sailor_Saturn> Hotaru just smiles, watching Asher and letting him go for now as long as he's got a hold of it. Speaking of... She reaches out to the glaive with her mind. If Reclaimer talks, she once got a reaction from the glaive...so she tries to reach out to the weapon, touching her mind to the purified but still black polearm.
[22:34:10] <Kotono> OOC - Soul chec, 'taru creature.
[22:34:17] <Sailor_Saturn> roll 2d6
[22:34:19] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Saturn rolls 2d6 and gets 6." [2d6=4, 2]
[22:34:29] <Kotono> Asher manages to do it! He is carried on the wind, even as the strain gets to wear on him!
[22:34:51] <Kotono> The Glaive is dark and dreadful but little else.
[22:35:32] <Asher> Oh, to hell with it. Asher halts his movement once he's arrived at the destination and turns around, doing a return pass to where he came from - but at a slightly faster velocity at this time. Did I say slightly? I meant a lot faster. Yeah, he's into it, be it for bad or good.
[22:35:53] * Sailor_Saturn frowns, trying to cast her thought at the weapon. 'I know you're there...speak to me?' she questions her weapon, chewing on her lip.
[22:38:12] <Kotono> OOC - Oh Asher. Soul check again.
[22:38:24] <Kotono> Hotaru gets no reaction.
[22:38:25] <Asher> roll 2d6 lolololol overconfident!
[22:38:25] * Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 lolololol overconfident! and gets 7." [2d6=3, 4]
[22:38:49] <Kotono> Asher zooms by, picking up speed! It hurts a bit - it really feels like he's drianing himself!( 10 EP spend via stress.)
[22:40:21] <Asher> The pain and strain aside, the caressing feel of the wind against his cheek as he takes full flight across the park is just too thrilling to give up. Asher slows down the momentum a bit, but still he wills himself to continue flying about, this time gliding and hovering closer to the serene view of the lake and waterfall!
[22:40:57] * Sailor_Saturn sighs a little, reaching into the blade itself with her mind, into the cloak of darkness that hid her the first day on Gaia, and trying to call out with her soul, a beacon of intertwined destruction and darkness in the depths of her weapon, to try and bring whatever it might, maybe have to its mistress.
[22:44:19] <Kotono> Asher manages this, close to the glittering water below! But he does feel the strain of it, body and spirit protesting. (5 more EP) Asher is feeling lightheaded, dazed.
[22:46:21] <Kotono> Hotaru again feels nothing to the Glaive in reply.
[22:46:58] <Asher> It was like a dream or a vision, one that Asher numbly doesn't even try to fight off, instead fully embracing his dulled senses as he approaches closer to the waterfall itself. The droplets and sprinkling of cold but pure water covering across his form is strangely intoxicating. He hovers closer, slowly rising from the air parallel to the waterfall, enjoying its touch.
[22:48:53] * Sailor_Saturn quirks her head, sighing a little. Talk to Serenity, it might not have something to it, who knew. It was loyal, or linked to her somehow. Abandoning her project, Saturn floats down on her wings of energy, closer to Asher to ah...supervise him. She dropped herself the first time she flew!
[22:51:36] <Asher> Asher is in no state to catch the closer-approaching Saturn and continues to flt around and ascend next to the waterfall, increasing dangerously in height second by second! But it doesn't matter; the water's feel is ever so gentle, the sky above a lure and appeal to him... he continues regardless!
[22:52:15] <Kotono> OOC - Soul check +1, Asher.
[22:52:39] <Asher> roll 2d6+1 burn 10 EP
[22:52:40] * Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6+1 burn 10 EP and gets 9." [2d6=2, 6]
[22:53:53] <Kotono> Asher reaches the top of the waterfall before he just feels it. An exhaution within, a give - and then he's falling!
[22:54:42] <Sailor_Saturn> Hotaru was expecting that part, and with a flicker of her hand, she extends the silence wall between them, trying to force it out in time to catch Asher before he gets a real fall going!
[22:55:05] <Asher> And yet panic does not overtake Asher's mind, the euphoria of the movement still gripping his mindset with a casual tenure. He closes his eyes, allowing vision to sweep away as he calls for the breeze about him to come forth and slow his descent to a halt!
[22:56:04] <Kotono> OOC - Soul checks for Asher and Saturn each.
[22:56:07] <Sailor_Saturn> roll 2d6
[22:56:09] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Saturn rolls 2d6 and gets 3." [2d6=2, 1]
[22:56:11] <Asher> roll 2d6
[22:56:11] * Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 9." [2d6=4, 5]
[22:58:56] <Kotono> Woomp! Asher fails, but he lands on a wall of silence just before he falls too far!
[22:59:38] <Sailor_Saturn> Saturn floats down, touching boots on her own spell near Asher. "You alive?" she asks, trying to not snicker TOO much.
[22:59:54] <Asher> Ow. Though it was undoubtedly better than falling the much more lengthier distance to the water below, the impact still leaves Asher with a sore back. More importantly, the jolt it provides to his head as he tries to get back up, grumbling a little bit, clears out the mist that in his head.
[23:01:08] <Asher> Glancing down at the wall, and then over at Saturn, he gives her a rueful look. "I'm alive. Worst case I would've gotten a little wet, anyway, right?" He smiles a little bit, allowing his senses to calm down from the weirdly translucent state they'd been in earlier.
[23:03:08] <Sailor_Saturn> Hotaru glances down through the semi-transparent wall of violet energy. "That far down?" she asks, raising an eyebrow and smiling. "Who knows." She shakes her head, walking over to him. "Well, interesting predicament regardless," she muses, taking one edge of the wall, and extending it down to the water's edge in a plane. "How long since you went on a slide?"
[23:03:57] <Asher> He gives her a 'you CAN'T be serious' look as he stares down at the makeshift, violet-hued wall. "Ladies first, they say," Asher replies back with a bit of a smirk.
[23:05:35] <Sailor_Saturn> "Full Silence Walls are immobile...so far," Hotaru explains, snickering and sitting at the edge. "Here we go!" she adds, hopping off the edge to slide down to the bank!
[23:06:22] <Asher> The young man follows suit right behind her, easing down and flowing right into the slope of the 'wall' to a water-filled environ below!
[23:16:14] <Kotono> OOC - Soul check.
[23:16:20] <Sailor_Saturn> roll 2d6
[23:16:23] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Saturn rolls 2d6 and gets 6." [2d6=4, 2]
[23:16:36] <Kotono> OOC - Not you.
[23:16:38] <Asher> roll 2d6 Taru steals all the good rolls
[23:16:39] * Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 Taru steals all the good rolls and gets 8." [2d6=3, 5]
[23:19:11] <Asher> As the two of them land safely on the shore, Asher glances longingly over at the water in the lake and then the sky above, then chuckles, more to himself than anything else. "That was fun." Such a simple statement, such a childish statement, but it fit the bill so well. He turns back over to Saturn, bringing Reclaimer about and idly poking the ground with it.
[23:19:11] <Sailor_Saturn> So Hotaru reaches the lakeshore, stopping herself with a glaive butt against the bank, hauling herself up from the wall with her polearm and turning to wait for Asher before dismissing it.
[23:20:15] <Sailor_Saturn> Hotaru smiles wryly, dismissing the wall as she looks back. "I guess so, I didn't do much flying...though that is fun, yeah," she laughs. "How're you doing it?"
[23:21:36] <Asher> "I ask nicely," Asher explains with a perfectly straight face. "It's usually cordial." He takes the moment to stretch out quite a bit, getting out all of those kinks, especially that wretch in his neck.
[23:24:40] <Sailor_Saturn> Hotaru raises an eyebrow, snickering. "That's an odd way of explaining flight."
[23:28:30] <Asher> "Not really," Asher offers blandly, turning back after that with a bit of a twinkle in his eyes. "It's not magic is really explainable, anyway, is it? You could see it as someone you ask to do things for you. In this case," he waves vaguely, to all around them, "the air around us."
[23:28:59] <Asher> OOC - ...strike.. .that... relining so I don't sound drunk...
[23:29:10] <Asher> "Not really," Asher offers blandly, turning back after that with a bit of a twinkle in his eyes. "It's not like magic is really explainable, anyway, is it? You could see it as someone you ask to do things for you. In this case," he waves vaguely, to all around them, "the air around us."
[23:31:24] <Sailor_Saturn> "Usually, personal methodology is explainable, adopting methodology is difficult. It's like any other metaphor," Hotaru shrugs, a slight twist to her smile. "That's still an interesting manner to go about it...Mako-chan imitates birds, you float on the wind like a piece of tissue paper, and I claw my way through the universe," she snickers.
[23:35:15] <Asher> "I guess," Asher nods easily enough, considering the metaphor but not looking terribly into it more. It would be a mistake to try to confuse himself by adapting other people's outlooks on the matter rather than stickin got his own. "That really did wear me out, though, I just didn't feel it until now." He yawns, briefly.
[23:36:32] <Sailor_Saturn> "Well, it's something fairly concrete, practice wise," Hotaru nods, releasing Saturn. "Productive morning, at least. Want to go back home?"
[23:38:39] <Asher> "Up to you." Asher raises Reclaimer with a bit of a frown, the light from the sun glinting across its currently wooden surface, but says nothing more. "I didn't have any concrete plans for today yet aside from just getting out of the house."
[23:41:16] <Hotaru-chan> "We could get called on for combat at any point, if you're tired..." Hotaru shakes her head. "Best to just rest...oh,seen Kochan much lately?" she asks suddenly. "She said she was doing research, but never called me about looking into armageddon and void creatures like Beasty."
[23:44:14] <Asher> "Not since the meeting at Serenity's house," Asher speaks up quietly, the memory of it not entirely a comfort as he glances away for a moment, chewing on his lip. "I haven't really talked to anyone besides Takeshi-san since then, actually."
[23:53:10] <Hotaru-chan> "Mmm," Hotaru shakes her head a little, blowing at her bangs. "Mah," she snorts, shaking her head. "Just wish...mmm. Anyway. I have a few other people to get in touch with later, and we've done enough for a day," she nods, almost to herself as she takes Asher's hand. "Oh for the days when you could take yourself into exhaustion with magic," she smiles, willing them away, back into a secluded part of the park they left in.
[00:02:58] <Hotaru-chan> ---
This occurs right after the big battle of episode 4 at the convention centre
[22:38] <Sailor_Pluto> Lots of rest. Usagi finds a place on the couch that is just so! Dinner is even brought out to her - Janna gets her hand fixed by Mamoru, so she even throws together some instant dinners - and plenty of time for rest is had. Most of the afternoon passes in a blazing blur, only interrupted when the 7 PM news is caught. Mamoru is in here and that's it - the two of you eat dinner together in relative peace.
[22:40] <Usagi> Not like she needed much rest, anyway... Usagi is her usual bright eyed and lively self as she sits on the couch, vaguely recalling days when she'd sleep on Mamoru's couch but not overly dwelling on it - it was a long time ago and she's quite over him. Besides, the news provides a welcome focus for her attention, the blonde quite curious as to what the spin on today's events will be.
[22:45] <Sailor_Pluto> Mamoru smiles at her once or twice, but silence is the order of the day as the news comes on. The first story is pretty dry - some big international hoohah over Russian and Japanese territorial disputes for the northern islands again.
[22:46] <Usagi> "Well... I guess that's important," Usagi mutters as she dines, not sounding all that convinced. Exciting monster attack with hundreds of witnesses should be more important!
[22:49] <Sailor_Pluto> "Not really, no. Politics...bleh." Mamo-chan makes an amused face as he picks at his vegetables idly, watching the dry reports. "I got enough watching Jun work.":
[22:50] <Usagi> "I have a bit of an interest," Usagi shrugs, "Just... I'd expect something huge like what happened earlier, especially with so many people there, to be bigger news. Haven't heard a peep all day, though."
[22:53] <Sailor_Pluto> "Give it time. Besides, who knows?" Mamoru just shrugs eloquently, smiling a bit after. "At least we got out of there in one piece. Hatred...I haven't seen someone take that much abuse...well, besides Jadeite."
[22:54] <Usagi> "Beast Lord did as well," Usagi notes, tapping her chopsticks idly against the side of her plate. "Scary, since Hatred sure doesn't seem like a leader - who knows what his boss is like?"
[22:58] <Sailor_Pluto> "Mmmm." Mamoru considers that, but the second story comes on! A picture of the convention center appears on TV. "Today's main local story - an unexplained incident at the Tokyo New Age Technology fair, and sightings and tape of the Juuban Angels!"
[23:01] <Usagi> "Y'know, I never did like that name, 'Juuban Angels'," the blonde gripes idly as she watches. "It didn't really affect me, since they only started using it after Gaia, and Mako-chan's the only one that's been in the news since then, but I hope they don't start calling Sailor Moon that as well - I always try to introduce myself properly before a battle when I can!"
[23:10] <Sailor_Pluto> "It's charming," Mamoru grins at Usagi's griping, even laughing at her ferver. But as he goes on, you see reports - a still picture of Sailor Jupiter slashing into Hatred. "The source of these strange image are unknown. The police and government have released this still image - they claim they will have a press conference soon on the Juuban Angels. This is likely to put an official face on what is a long going local story."
[23:11] <Usagi> "Guess no one thought to take a picture before I transformed," Usagi notes as she watches. "Probably for the best..." Still, a little recognition would have been nice! 'Beautiful schoolgirl averts riot' or something like that...
[23:14] <Sailor_Pluto> "Hopefully." Mamoru intently watches on, amusement gone as the screen shifts to another image - this of Hatred's larger form, towering. The angle is an odd one, a bit behind the Sailor girls. Another still shot, just as he's about to spew fire. "With a rash of new Juuban Angel photos interest is again rising in the group..."
[23:16] <Usagi> "Wonder if they'll have any witness interviews?" Usagi muses, popping some grilled pork and rice into her mouth and slowly chewing. This news isn't very informative...
[23:19] <Sailor_Pluto> "Witnesses say that a 'radiant young woman' was seen there as well. While no picture of her has been relased, she is described has having long blonde hair and pigtails, and somehow getting atop a tall podium." More shuffling of papers, "The government expects to ahve a press conference Monday or Tuesday on these matters."
[23:21] <Usagi> "Somehow getting atop a tall podium," Usagi repeats drolly. "Wow, I almost feel like I'm reliving the moment, with such stirring testimony." Shrugging as she demolishes the rest of her meal, "Wonder what the press conference'll say about us?"
[23:24] <Sailor_Pluto> "Dunno." Mamoru just shrugs again, as it goes on into the next unrelated story. "Should pay attention to it, just in case."
[23:26] * Usagi nods. "I hope they at least get the names right... even if half the time all the witnesses have fainted by the time I make a dramatic entrance," she grouses. Setting her empty plate on the coffee table, the blonde stretches out for a moment, briefly rubbing her neck. "Mmm, anyway, enough talk about work," she turns to regard Mamoru fully, a smile on her lips. "How you adjusting to life back on Earth?"
[23:32] <Sailor_Pluto> "Fairly well. I owe Makoto a lot for her apartment upkeep." Turning as well and matching that smile with one of his own, "What about you? How're things here?
[23:33] <Usagi> "Quiet, ever since Gaia - until now, but you knew that," Usagi notes amusedly. "Caught up with Motoki, yet?"
[23:42] <Sailor_Pluto> "Briefly. Heh, he wants to take me out and tell me about how Reika fell apart." That does get him to frown, "I'd never have imagined it." Looking to Usagi in surprise, "I thought they'd get married for sure."
[23:44] * Usagi gives Mamoru a melancholy and all too understanding smile. "Sometimes things just... don't work out. From what I heard off him and Unazuki-chan, they just kinda drifted apart."
[23:46] <Sailor_Pluto> "Still sad." Mamoru looks upa t Usagi now, matching that smile with one of his as he offers a hand out. "Hey, Usagi..."
[23:47] <Usagi> "Hmm?" the blonde raises an eyebrow, her own hand accepting his and wondering what he has in mind.
[19:10] <Kotono> "Just...hey. I don't know if it would b ea good idea or if it would even work, but if you're ever interested again?" Smiling as he stands, stretching up and out, "Give me a call. "
[19:14] <Usagi> Usagi's eyes widen, honestly surprised at that invitation. "I..." she murmurs, shaking her head slightly to clear it. "I don't know, Mamoru..." Not sure how to respond, the blonde gets up herself. "Um... I'd better go home," she decides, starting for the door. Yet, a nostalgic impulse makes her stop, one hand on the doorframe as she half turns back. "I don't like guys with long hair," she tells him with a flirtatious smile, before fleeing.
[19:14] <Kotono> Mamoru flashes back an easy grin, reaching up to touch his slightly longer hair. "I know - thanks, Usagi. Just...if you ever wnat to, the door's open." With that Usagi takes off! OOC - Wanna get yourself home?
[19:15] <Usagi> OOC: that's where I'm going!
[19:15] <Kotono> OOC - I'll set you up , then.
[19:16] <Kotono> It's past nine. Usagi's in her room and relaxing. Luna's sleeping on her bed, lightly dreaming of Artemis and fresh salmon. So it's a nice scene, until, "Usa..." Mom's voice calls, but is stopped. "Ack! Rei's here, and she's in a hurry!"
[19:18] <Usagi> "Huh?" Usagi gets up from her homework, already going to the door. "Tell her to come up?" she calls as she opens said doorway. Maybe Rei saw the news and wanted to find out what happened? But why wouldn't she just call? Or ask someone else...
[19:18] <Kotono> Oh, Rei is coming up! She's wearin ga nice red tank top and black jeans, her belly visible. A nice look for her, but she stops and gulps when she sees you from the top of the stairs. "Usa..."
[19:19] <Usagi> "Rei-chan?" Usagi replies, her own cheeks starting to tinge a bit pink. She's been distracted lately, but now all the confused feelings from earlier in the week come flooding back. "Uh... what's wrong?"
[19:20] <Kotono> Another long gulp when she sees Usagi, approaching slower. To her room she goes, close. Her eyes are watery, shaking. "Oh...Oh...Usa-chan..." sh ewhimpers, "How did I ever..." With that she pulls you into an embrace, attempting liplock!
[19:21] * Usagi squeaks in surprise, only barely having the presence of mind to pull back, taking Rei by the shoulders and using her foot to nudge the door closed. "Rei-chan, wh-what are you doing?" she asks, panicking.
[19:23] <Kotono> "I...I can't deny it any more. I love you." Rei says with heartshattering earnestness, looking on. "Usagi...I'm gay for you."
[19:25] <Usagi> "But... but Rei-chan... you're just confused!" the blonde tries to convince her, really hoping Luna doesn't wake up anytime soon. "We both like guys, remember? We have to be strong!" she continues, feeling her own resolve weaken in the face of Rei's surrender to their forbidden feelings.
[19:26] <Kotono> "I want to be strong...for you." Rei says this as she stares into Usagi's eyes, shaking her head. "Guys...don't matter when I'm with you."
[19:27] <Usagi> "Y-you don't mean that, R-Rei-chan," Usagi blushes, looking to the side. "I mean, I know I'm good," she can't help but puff up a little, there, "And so were you, but... But it's something we can't ever act on!" she concludes, whipping her head around to stare at Rei dead on as she holds the amorous miko at arm's distance.
[19:28] <Kotono> "I love you." Rei answers with only that, going ina nd passionately kissing Usagi as her main focus of reply, even sliding her tongue in!
[19:31] * Usagi is caught by surprise, stiff and unresponsive to Rei's affections... for a second. Then her resolve breaks as all her confused frustrations of the past week come crashing down, the blonde meeting the kiss with equal aggression as she wraps her arms around Rei, holding her tight and kissing back for all she's worth!
[19:33] <Kotono> Oh, Rei matches that - and she's feeling and touching and all that, too! She's into it!
[19:37] * Usagi emits a blissful groan into Rei's mouth as their tongues duel, pressing her body into the miko's talented hands as they're given license to roam freely. Oh, God, why did she resist? Rei's so good at this! It doesn't matter that she's a girl, not when she's so skilled and... eager. Letting go of her inhibitions feels so wonderful, right now!
[19:39] <Kotono> It does indeed! Rei's even in a hurry - Usagi notes her shirt somehow is off her, and Rei soon enough even gets her bra down! She's really not stopping, going for...oooh! Her mouth on thoset wo lovely...oooh! But amid such fun..." USagi?" Mom's voice accompanies her knock, "Do you and Rei want some snacks?"
[19:41] <Usagi> HOW THE HELL DID HER CLOTHES COME OFF?! That realisation, along with Ikkuko's interruption, does wonders to bring Usagi back to Earth. Nearly shoving Rei off her, the blonde's eyes widen in panicked alarm as she quickly puts a foot by the door to prevent it being opened. "N-no th-thanks, Mama!" she squeaks out, ardour dampened in an instant!
[19:43] <Kotono> "Oh...Usagi..." Rei breaths, cheeks aflame as she looks on happily.
[19:43] <Kotono> "You sure...?" Mom frowns a little bit, or sounds like it. "I have some lemon squares and brownies."
[19:46] <Usagi> "Uh, well, uh..." Usagi tries to think quickly. Refusal is suspicious, after all! Quickly bending down, the blonde grabs her shirt and swiftly dons it, only managing to button it up about halfway before she decides that further delay will only incriminate her more.
[19:46] <Usagi> Pushing Rei to the side so the door will hide her when opened, and kicking the other discarded garments in that direction as well, the blonde opens the door slightly, leaning out and hoping she isn't too flushed. "Okay, M-Mama. Th-thanks," she chirps as she accepts the tray of snacks.
[19:47] <Kotono> Mo doesn't have a tray is the problem! She's just standing there, "Um," she says eloquently, blinking. "Oh, are you alright?" Coming forward a hare, she tries to put a hand on Usagi's forehead. "You look feverish."
[19:49] <Usagi> "Oh, I'm f-fine," Usagi demurs, ducking her head backwards slightly. "Are the snacks downstairs? Wait here a second, p-please, Rei-chan," she sends into the room before stepping out and closing the door behind her, a guileless and innocent smile for Ikkuko on her lips.
[19:50] <Kotono> Mom stops at that, seeing Usagi's half buttoned shirt and flushed cheeks. She blinks loooooooooong and hard at Usagi...
[19:51] <Usagi> "So, let's go get those snacks!" Usagi blurts out, stepping past her far too observant mother and starting down the stairs.
[19:52] <Kotono> OOc - I'm having Ikkuko make a mind check, since I'm jus tnot sure here.
[19:52] <Kotono> roll 2d6
[19:52] <Kotono> roll 2d6
[19:52] <Reikobot> Kotono rolled : 2d6 --> [ 2d6=5 ]{5}
[19:54] <Kotono> Mother blinks very slowly at this, but follows Usagi along. Down in the kitchen there are plehty of snacks indeed!
[19:54] * Usagi grabs up a tray of snacks before retreating once more. "Thanks, Mama!" she smiles nicely at the blue-haired woman as she passes hurriedly.
[19:56] <Kotono> Oh my! USagi heads back upstairs....oh my! Rei is up there, very very very veyr...naked. Not a scrap of clothing on her as she stands just inside Usagi's room, grinning with lovestricken eyes. "Usa-chan...I'm yours."
[19:57] * Usagi twitches, quickly closing the door behind her in case any of her family happen to pass by. "D-don't you th-think you're going a l-little too fast, R-Rei-chan?" she whimpers. "I... I'm s-still not sure a-about th-this..."
[19:58] <Kotono> "No." Rei shakes her head, blushing horribly but nodding. "If you want...I'll knee down first and..." she looks very pointedly to Usagi's skirt! "Or take me...oh god, how did I ever miss you all these years?!"
[20:01] <Usagi> OOC: as an aside, I'm wearing jeans at the moment
[20:01] <Usagi> "N-no!" Usagi shakes her head wildly. Setting the tray down on her desk, she looks at Rei, shivering slightly. All those times she joked about being really cruel to her if she ever did confess to her, but now... seeing her so vulnerable and needy just melts Usagi's heart. Plus her libido is loudly proclaiming that Rei happens to be very good at this sort of stuff. "C-can't we t-take it more sl-slowly, Rei-chan?" she pleads.
[20:11] <Kotono> "I want you," Rei insists, coming forward. "Oh Usagi...I want you so bad! Now! Now!" Rei gets clsoer, as Usagi dimly hears a feline yawn...?
[20:14] <Usagi> Not now! Stay asleep, you stupid cat! Deciding to at least do this without an audience, Usagi grabs the miko, heedless of the opening it presents, and teleports the pair to Rei's own bedroom. Hopefully Luna will just assume the discarded garments on the floor belong to Usagi...
[20:15] <Kotono> Rei starts to go along with Usagi, hugging her as the two vanish! Rei's room is bright and lit, nearly making Usagi blink. With good reason - her Grandfather carries a load of laundry, whistling quietly as he restocks socks into Rei's dresser drawer. His back is to you, at least for th emoment!
[20:16] <Usagi> Screw you, world! At least having some small mercy that he didn't spot their arrival, the blonde decides to teleport back to her house before Rei or her grandfather can react, only this time to the bathroom!
[20:17] <Kotono> The bathroom is EMPTY! EMPTY! FREE! No Shingo or Dad or Mom in here, nope!
[20:18] * Usagi darts over to the door so she can lock it and make sure it stays that way, before she turns on the light. Assuming she's able to do so without being grabbed, anyway.
[20:19] <Kotono> She is. Rei's just a little stunned. Dazed, even. "Usa...?" she asks, blinking.
[20:21] <Usagi> "Okay!" Usagi takes a deep breath after that little adventure, at least now a bit more together, now. "Rei-chan, I... I like you too. I don't know if its love, but... what we did back then and just now was really fun. But I'm not sure if I'm ready to go as far as you seem to be..." she gets out, blushing horribly. She's honestly pretty sure its not love, but she can't crush the poor girl's heart so casually!
[20:23] <Kotono> "Usagi...I can't stop thinking about you. Ever since this evening, I realised it again so much. She was so helpful, and now I know your'e the one for me." Coming to Usagi and smiling, breathing heavily, Rei drapes her arms around the rabbit girl. "It's fun...and Iw ant to do it to you."
[20:25] * Usagi blushes deeply, not resisting Rei. "I know, Rei-chan, I... wait," one phrase stops her short. "Rei-chan... did you run into Temptation again?" she asks, horror dawning. Oh, God, Rei will never let her live this down after she purifies her!
[20:25] <Kotono> Rei nuzzles into Usagi's neck, kissing away with passion. "Mmhmm. She's so wonderful!" Kissing and feeling, trying to unbutton Usagi's shirt again!
[20:27] <Usagi> "Oh, God!" Usagi wilts, not responding at all to the foreplay. "I hate you, Rei-chan!" she pouts, weakly banging a fist against the other girl's bare shoulder. "You made me say all that, and it's just... I hate you!" she sniffles, even as she begins to glow softly, trying to disperse the foreign influences clouding Rei's mind.
[20:28] <Kotono> OOc - Soul check.
[20:28] <Usagi> roll 2d6
[20:28] <Reikobot> Usagi rolled : 2d6 --> [ 2d6=7 ]{7}
[20:29] <Kotono> "You ha..." Rei begins, tearing up. Or she would if Usagi's magic didn't affect her! She goes stone rigid in her nakedness, bolting away from Usagi! Covering her chest with her arms, "OH MY GOD! I'M NOT GAY! EVEN IF WE MADE OUt AGAIN!" Rei squawks, "THAT FUCKING BITCH, I'M GONIG TO KILL HER!"
[20:31] * Usagi just looks at Rei with a wounded and hurt look. "I can't believe I let you do that to me..." she sniffles. "I thought you really meant all that..."
[20:32] <Kotono> Sputtering comes from Rei, incoherent as she stumbles back - and to the tub, falling right in! The poor girl needs a few to get upright, soaked as she meets Usagi's own look. "It wasn't my fault! We're still not gay, even if we..." A few more twitches rack her body, as she looks down at her chest, which is, ah, betraying her. "Oh God."
[20:33] <Usagi> "I'm not gay, either!" Usagi protests, bunching up her little fists cutely. "But when you kissed me I just... I hate you, Rei!" she wails. "And I hate that Temptation for making me so... so tempted!" she grinds out.
[20:35] <Kotono> "No shit!" Rei mutters, blushing, "Oh Kami...we shouldn't be enjoying this - hell, you said you were!...not like I did any better." A dark muttering there, Rei angry.
[20:36] <Usagi> "We're just too sexy and good at this stuff for our own good!" Usagi complains bitterly. "Oh, God, at least put a towel around yourself?"
[20:37] <Kotono> "I should..." Rei stands up, shaking off lightly. But she stops just out of the tub..."Do you want me to put one on, huh?" she asks, parroting Kotono.
[20:38] <Usagi> "I just asked, didn-" Usagi snaps but cuts herself off, a calculating look at the miko. "Do you not want to?"
[20:38] <Kotono> Rei blushes at that, turning away quickly, but half looking at Usagi. "I don't know - do you want me still naked...or are you wanting to be naked too?"
[20:39] <Kotono> OOC - Body check +3, Usa.
[20:39] <Usagi> roll 2d6+3
[20:39] <Reikobot> Usagi rolled : 2d6+3 --> [ 2d6=9 ]{12}
[20:41] <Usagi> "I don't know!" Usagi throws up her hands in exasparation. "You're pretty, but it's not your looks that do it for me - I guess that shows I'm still straight, even if..." she trails off, unable to conclude that statement.
[20:41] <Kotono> "Oh, you're at LEAST bi." Rei snorts...then slumps. "Hell, I guess we both are." An admission that makes her just slink to her knees, utterly looking moritified. "...Usagi...no matter what...we kill Temptation. Overkill."
[20:43] <Usagi> "I dunno..." Usagi leans against the door. "At least she's not psychotically violent, if nothing else." Sighing forlornly, she looks down at the raven-haired girl's nude form. "What are we gonna do about this, Rei-chan?" she nearly whimpers.
[20:43] <Kotono> At this point you here a knock on the door, discreet. "You're going to get out of the bathroom so I can go?" Dad adds in, feather kind and nice. "Screaming in the house isn't...polite, Rei."
[20:46] <Kotono> "...kill me." Rei just goes slack and limp, falling to the floor in a head and twitching
[20:46] * Usagi twitches horribly. "Papa..." she moans, utterly and truly mortified. "It's not what it sounds like!" she protests, going to take Rei's hand. "I'll unlock the door and teleport to my room..." she tells him, slumping in defeat as she pushes the lock aside before promptly vanishing with Rei to cross the dozen or so yards to reach her bedroom. God, any normal parent would just slink away and pretend they heard nothing, but not hers!
[20:51] <Kotono> Back to Usagi's room in a blink! Back, as Rei sighs. "Great, now what?" she says, dejected as she goes to garner her clothes.
[20:51] <Kotono> "...Usagi?" Luna asks, curious and yawning. "Rei?"
[20:52] <Usagi> "Luna, can you wait outside, please?" Usagi tells her cat, managing to sound amazingly sweet and pleasant considering the circumstances. "I need to chat with Rei-chan for a bit."
[20:52] <Kotono> "...alright, but why is...Rei naked?" Luna asks this as she hurries along, trotting out of the room at a good clip.
[20:52] <Usagi> "Just out of the bath," Usagi replies blandly. It's the truth!
[20:54] <Kotono> "...okaaaaaaay." Perhaps Luna is intelligent, for she hurries on out of the room!
[20:54] <Kotono> "Just go," Rei hangs her head, shivering as she puts back on her undergarments.
[20:55] * Usagi closes the door behind the cat before she goes to sit heavily on her bed. "Now what? I've no idea..." she shakes her head forlornly. "Considering how badly Mama freaked out a few years ago just because I made some innocent lesbian jokes, though, I think I'm in for a rough few days."
[20:57] <Kotono> "...look. I think we can do this one or two ways." Rei takes a very long breath, stoppin guntil she's fully dressed, plopping down in Usagi's desk chair. Her head rests in her hands, smothered. "WE can pretend this never happened again, and pray your family doesn't spread gossip. Or..." A shrug, "Oh god, Michiru saw me talking about you after, too. Urk." Rei stops at that, al ittle wail. "Or...well....do we confront it?"
[21:00] * Usagi sighs heavily. "We already tried pretending it never happened. Hasn't gotten us far, has it?" she asks, looking at Rei somewhat intently for a few moments before she goes on. "Just looking at you doesn't affect me the same way looking at a cute guy does," she observes. "But thinking about those kisses...?" she shudders, albeit in a good way. "Is it the same for you?"
[21:04] <Kotono> "Kinda. Look...oh hell." REi sighs yet again, lamenting her fate. "It's nice kissing you. Really nice, and touching and all of that. So...what do you want to do?" Rei looks up, "Come out? Suppress? Admit to it to our friends? What...oh man, I haven't even talked about running into Temptation in thef irst place"
[21:05] <Usagi> "Speaking of... Hotaru and Makoto were making some awfully suspicious comments lately..." Usagi can't help but note as the subject of 'coming out' arises. "Have we been acting that suspicious, already?"
[21:06] <Kotono> "..urk..." Rei colors at that, but just buries her head even father. "Heh, guess so..."
[21:09] * Usagi frowns slightly, but decides not to press it. "I don't want to come out," she states finally, "We're both straight and want boyfriends, right? But..." she takes a deep, shuddering breath, "How about... if we both like it and it doesn't affect anyone else... does it really matter if we, ah, do stuff?"
[21:09] <Kotono> "..well, yes, it means we're at least bi. I mean, shit!" Rei finally looks up, face drawn and wet, "I'm straight...except when I make out with Usagi!"
[21:13] <Usagi> "I don't know!" Usagi wails quietly. "I don't think I'm bi for anyone else, but I haven't kissed any other girls, either!" Standing up, she begins to pace with nervous energy, "I don't want to be this way, but... I can't deny it! I didn't have Temptation messing with my head when I kissed you back, just now, that was all me!"
[21:14] <Kotono> "....great. So now what?" Rei sighs again, leaning back..."Look. Then there is one way to find out?"
[21:14] <Usagi> "What, make out again?" Usagi snaps, turning to Rei. "I have to admit, I kinda like the idea!"
[21:17] <Kotono> "...no. Not quite." Rei glares back, returning that look with one of her own. "Kiss another girl. If it curls your toes, ding ding ding, we're gay. If not...mabye it is just stupid magic messing with us."
[21:20] <Usagi> "Okay, go kiss Kotono and let me know how that works out for you," Usagi sighs heavily, sitting back down on her bed. "I don't want to kiss any other girls, I just... dammit, it's bad enough like this! I don't want to explore it further!"
[21:21] <Kotono> "....GHASDKJFKLSDF!" Rei blurts out unintelligable words as she twitches, convulsing from head to toenail! "No, no, no! I don't knwo about you, but I need to know - and Kotono isn't on the exploratory list! So you just wanna swap spit with me?"
[21:21] <Kotono> Rei juts her face forward, "Then come and take it, if you're that gay for me!"
[21:24] <Usagi> "I don't want to if you're going to be like that!" Usagi pouts in reply, crossing her arms huffily and incidentally (and unintentionally!) pushing up the cleavage showing through her unbuttoned shirt. "Just... it's fun, okay?!" she adds, looking away and blushing. "Can you blame me for wanting to do something if it feels good?"
[21:25] <Kotono> "...no, so that means we're gay." Rei just shrugs in defeat, "If I'm having fun kissing a girl I'm that way. Or do you have some other dazzling feat of logic, hm? Like shoving your tits up another few inches?" Rei eyes Usagi's chest, accusing.
[21:28] * Usagi promptly plants her palms on the mattress, making a face. "Fine! Fine, you win!" she snaps. "I'm gay for Rei! You happy? I said it," continuing to gripe. "I wanna kiss you and let you touch me and touch you back and... do you want me to talk dirty as well?" she demands, flashing blue eyes focusing on the raven-tressed girl as she pouts.
[21:30] <Kotono> "If you want!" Rei snaps back, blsuhing, "I'm gay for Usagi! I want her to get her figners and other objects like that and just shove'em in! Touch me all over...!!!" Rei stops at that, sighing, "...fuck. I almost feels good to say that. Goddamit."
[21:33] <Usagi> "We're so gay!" Usagi laments, slumping in abject defeat. "Screw it. Why not just give in and have some fun instead of beating ourselves up over it? Unless you're into the kinky stuff like that as well..." she concludes, blushing terribly.
[21:34] <Kotono> "...urk. Look...sometime this week...we'll go on a ...date?" Rei says in defeat as well.
[19:12] <Usagi> "Y-no!" Usagi begins to agree before shaking her head wildly. "Listen to us! We can't go gay!" she shoots to her feet, pointing dramatically upwards, "It would be a crime against mankind! Even if we want to do naughty stuff with each other, do you really think we could actually have a real relationship with romantic candlelit dinners and stuff?"
[19:15] <Varul> "...." Rei just gently slams her palm into her forehead, "Usagi. Look." Rei gives the rabbit a very long look. "I'm not going to try and bullshit it both ways. Uh uh! If we're gonna do stuff like that, we're gay. If not, we're not. It is a crime and all that, but if I'm kissing you there's no way I'm just doing it for -that-!"
[19:21] <Usagi> "But..." Usagi falters, looking dreadfully lost and confused. "Can't we just... have our cake and eat it, too?" she asks hopefully. "I don't think I'm... ah, ready... I mean, it's a big step!"
[19:24] <Varul> Rei gives Usagi another withering look...before she just sighs as well. Falling back into the chair she was sitting in, "Like hell I am! I'm straight...I think, but...oh damn it. I just don't know what I am now, and I hate it!"
[19:27] <Usagi> "Likewise!" Usagi echoes, nodding her head rapidly. "I mean, I don't want to be like this, but at the same time it feels too good to stop!" Sitting back down heavily on her bed, she falls backwards, arms splayed out beside her as she looks at the ceiling. "I guess you should at least be happy I'm finally admitting that you're sexy, if nothing else," she pouts bitterly.
[19:28] <Varul> "Gee, that would be better if it wasn't after I found out you taste good!" That comes out of Rei's mouth in an angered tide, before she visibly winces at that. "...argh."
[19:31] * Usagi props herself up slightly on her elbows, eyeing Rei. "You did get my clothes off awfully fast... I never even noticed you were doing it until you started sucking them," she blushes right down to her half exposed chest. "Never knew you'd be so good at that, either," she barbs back.
[19:37] <Varul> "....too...way too much..." Rei twitches again, slumping and sliding down the seat. Her face is a mask of annoyance..."Oh, of course!" In a moment she's vital again, "That's it! We've been so obssessed over this lately we've forgotten about men! Solution - I'm gonna go find a decent boyfriend WITHOUT Temptation showing up. This is just some confusion and once we have a good boyfriend for a bit we'll be back to normal!"
[19:38] <Usagi> "You really think so?" Usagi asks, her own voice obtaining a hopeful lilt to it.
[19:40] <Varul> "Yes." Rei quickly stands, adjusting her clothes. "I'm going to do that first thing after school tomorrow. Ciao!" Taking the initiative Rei goes, proudly puffing her chest out as she strides on out.
[19:40] <Usagi> "Remember - we tell no one about this!" Usagi insists as Rei leaves.
[19:42] <Varul> "...heh..." Rei for some reason coughs at that, but doesn't slow down as she flees!
[19:43] <Usagi> Left to her own devices, Usagi sighs and puts the light out, stripping off once more and changing into her pajamas before going to bed - maybe her family will have forgotten about this by tomorrow? A girl can dream...
Monday, after the tech expo attack.
[13:17] <@Kotono> ---Arc 2 go!---
[13:18] <@Kotono> Aaaaah, the joys of afterschool. Today is special - a new job looms and beckons for Takeshi. Just enough time to go home and get a snack if he wants, then change. Casual clothes for today, at least, until they settle in. That's all the instruction he's been given, too.
[13:19] * @Takeshi rides home to change, thankful at least for a slow afternoon. No telling exactly what this new job is going to entail, though - he does dress casually, but with an eye towards possibly doing heavy lifting, at least until he's got a better grasp of his duties.
[13:24] <@Takeshi> So attired, he heads out to the address provided, still not quite sure what to make of the rapid job offer and opportunity.
[13:38] <@Kotono> So on you go! Into the modern heart of Tokyo, the old ways left behind and a new age built in the ashes of bombs and defeat. A gleaming city skyscraper is the destination, the Morimoto Healthcare Advocate group occupying floors 34, 35, 36, 37 and 38. Floor 34 if your destination, where all the mundane work happens. From the outside you can tell it's call, at least 70 stories of highrising excitement.
[13:45] * @Takeshi whistles as he looks up... and up... and further up at the site of his new job. It's a far cry from slinging boxes in the back of a supermarket, that's for sure. An uncharacteristic twinge of nervousness strikes as he heads inside, punching the button for the 34th floor as per his instructions.
[13:47] <@Kotono> Up and up and up and up! On exiting you find a very simple floor - it's just a starting room without decoration that leads into what looks to be basic office meeting areas, a large mail room off to the back, and janitorial services. Pretty compact and to the point, but signs point you to an orientation room. Inside are about two dozen people of varying ages, all grabbing seats. The design is rows in front of a podium like school, a few seats s
[13:48] <@Kotono> The design is rows in front of a podium like school, a few seats still open.
[13:48] * @Takeshi isn't particularly choosy, and simply grabs the nearest unoccupied seat - doesn't really matter which one.
[13:51] <@Kotono> This is one in the middle sections. A younger woman with scarlet red hair and too much makeup on one side and a young man with a limp on the other. A man in a brown suit comes in, a bit tubby and very short. Almost like a dwarf, but he has a clipboard from him. "Okay, before we begin...Takeshi Eiryo and Koizumi Furushi? You've been hired as assissants so your boss will orient you directly. Go ahead and go to them now. That's floor 35 for Furus
[13:52] <@Kotono> That's floor 35 for Furushi and floor 37 for Eiryo."
[13:53] <@Takeshi> "Thanks," Takeshi says with a nod, rising from his seat and heading back to the elevator. At least he didn't have to sit through the entire orientation to find out it'd be unnecessary.
[13:56] <@Kotono> The 37th floor is much nicer. Glass lined offices are the norm, shuttered or not but all are big and spacious. One in the back is your destination - Mrs. Tomoe's office.
[13:58] * @Takeshi takes a few minutes to find the office in question, feeling rather out of place. A stop at the reception desk gives him the directions to Reiko's office, and a short walk sees him arriving at the office door, where a short knock announces his presence.
[13:59] <@Kotono> A pause - you can hear Reiko's voice just leaking outside. "Enter!" A quick call, then a, "I'll call you back."
[14:00] * @Takeshi opens the door and steps inside. "Ah... Tomoe-san? The guy at the orientation said I should come up and talk to you directly."
[14:01] <@Kotono> "Oh yes, come in." Reiko sits behind a large desk. A computer is set up there, as well as a few stacks of paper. Behind her is a little back table, pictures of child and husband seen. A few nondescript scenery photos line the walls, and ther eis a coffee maker and fridge on the side of the room. IT's rather nice, a window in back that gives a good view of the city.
[14:03] * @Takeshi blinks in surprise. "Wow... nice view you've got here," he comments, that being the first thing to command his attention. That out of the way, he shakes his head a bit. "Er, sorry. What exactly do I need to do for you?"
[14:04] <@Kotono> Reiko takes a moment to hang up the phone, standing up to greet Takeshi. She wears a professional business suit, hair up in a bun, only a few long strands let dangle. Just the faintest bit of demure but teasing makeup is worn. "It's simple - besides being a gopher, you'll need to do a bit of typing, make coffee and things like that."
[14:09] <@Takeshi> "Sounds simple enough," Takeshi nods. "Anything I should do to get started, then?"
[14:12] <@Kotono> "Make the coff-" Reiko begins, but her phone gets ringing. "Hold on...hello? Oh, Soiuchi...oh, that's a good idea. 9 PM? Alright...mmm, how's your day?" Reiko holds up a finger, lost in chat.
[14:13] * @Takeshi simply waits, unconsciously taking an at-ease position as he lets Reiko finish her conversation.
[14:14] <@Kotono> As Reiko goes on, she points at the coffee machine a few times. "Yes...oh, that's good, dear. I'll call Hotaru at some point to let her know to get her own dinner. Alright..mmmm. That's fine."
[14:15] * @Takeshi nods, taking the hint and heading over to start the coffeemaker. At least this is easy - he's done it a few times before in breakrooms at other jobs he's had.
[14:18] <@Kotono> The beans are a few degrees better than what you'd find in most other break rooms, but otherwise it's the same. Reiko goes on, but then, "Hold on, I have another call -t alk to you tonight. ...Hello? Yes...yes...we should be ready for the meeting on the 25th. Yes..."
[14:19] * @Takeshi raises an eyebrow - Hotaru's mom is pretty busy if she's getting calls faster than she can hang up on them. Seeing as she's not going to be in a position to give him many other instructions for the moment, he pays attention to the coffee, making sure that it's going okay and glancing back at Reiko to see when she's finished.
[14:30] <@Kotono> It's just about finished when Reiko finally gets off the phone. She sighs, "Bring me some coffee, then here. Take these to the mail room, then try typing this up? There's some free offices down the hall for that."
[14:34] * @Takeshi nods, pouring Reiko a cup of coffee wordlessly and taking the mail offered. "Mail room is down on the 34th floor where the orientation was?" he asks as he accepts the paperwork.
[14:35] <@Kotono> "Yes. Have it done in 45 minutes. Single spaced." So it's all passed off, Reiko going to her computer and starting to work withi t.
[14:36] * @Takeshi nods quickly, striding out of the room to deliver the mail as instructed before heading back up to find an empty office for typing up the last of the papers. Hopefully he can get it done in 45 minutes...
[14:38] <@Kotono> 55 minutes is more like it. It goes without incident, it's just time consuming. Reiko awaits you when you get back, a look at her clock but no comment at first. "Not bad for a first day."
[14:39] <@Takeshi> "Sorry, not all that used to typing yet," Takeshi admits, handing over the finished work. "I'm sure I'll improve with more practice."
[14:43] <@Kotono> "That's fine. Practice is here - I doubt you'll be done with these before I leave in an hour and a half, so just put them in my mailbox when youf inish." Reiko hands over several documents, "Make copies of the last one for me, too. Oh, and here." A bit of rustling, a little silver key handed voer. "For petty cash. Refill my refridgerator with yogurt, bottled water, and milk."
[14:46] <@Takeshi> "Petty cash?" Takeshi looks rather blank.
[14:47] <@Kotono> "Oh, office defrayment costs. In other words, the money we use for minor expenses like this. If you ever get asked to go out for food, supplies or whatnot related to the job, you get money from there. Just don't abuse it - they'll fire you for taking more than a dollar out and stealing it."
[14:48] * @Takeshi frowns slightly at that, not quite liking the implication. "I understand. Do you have any preferences for the yogurt?" he asks.
[14:51] <@Kotono> "Whatever is fine." Reiko waves her hand distantly, setting back down nito her work. "Just keep your hands clean and you'll do fine here. We had to fire someone a few weeks ago because he got caught stealing."
[14:52] <@Kotono> *yen
[14:55] <@Takeshi> "Got it. I take it I'm free to go as soon as I finish up, just to be sure?" Takeshi says, taking up the papers to be typed.
[14:58] <@Kotono> "Sure." Reiko waves dismissively, "See you tomorrow, Takeshi."
[14:59] * @Takeshi bows slightly. "Have a good evening, Tomoe-san," the long-haired youth replies, heading off to the same office to work on the typing.
[15:02] <@Kotono> So the next two hours pass. It's a lot of work and then a store trip - it's dark by the time Takeshi is done. Notably, while Reiko is gone, a lot of the office is still going strong. Takeshi also notes the petty cash has about 100,000 yen in it for the taking if one were of a mind. It seems to get used pretty often - you see someone going in to get some more when you pass by.
[15:03] <@Kotono> On getting allt hat done and preparing to go? In the halls Takeshi walks, into the elevator - but she shares it with a dimly familiar blonde woman. She smiles at you knowingly, "How's working for Mrs. Tomoe?"
[15:04] * @Takeshi shrugs. "It's not too bad," Takeshi replies. "First time working in an office for me, so there's a lot to get used to yet."
[15:08] <@Kotono> "Mmmm. I'm sure you'll have a good time," she chuckles, looking Takeshi over.
[15:09] * @Takeshi raises an eyebrow at that - slightly - but doesn't offer any further comment along those lines. "I'm just glad for the opportunity. I've got some kind of odd schedule concerns, and Tomoe-san's been very flexible on that."
[15:10] <@Kotono> "I'm glad to hear Mrs. Tomoe's so flexible," she blandly agrees, as the first floor is reached. "I work with her a fair deal, so I'm sure we'll get to know each other. Sachi, by th eway," she smiles slowly, heading off and out.
[15:11] <@Takeshi> "A pleasure to meet you," Takeshi replies automatically, stepping out himself. "I'll talk to you later then, Sachi-san," the boy concludes, heading out of the building himself.
[15:16] <@Kotono> ----
[13:50:08] <Kotono> ---Arc 2 go!---
[13:51:48] <Hotaru-chan> A time at home for Hotaru, relaxation and rest after a tiresome weekend. But her own mind interrupts! Plans! Yes, plans she had, hopes and dreams of the most humble sort one can have in her place. Really. This isn't a plot to cop more feels of Rei-chan... So pushing that delightful thought from her mind, she opens her communicator, paging the princess of Mars!
[13:53:14] <Kotono> Rei's hair is in a towel, a white bathrobe worn. Her face is covered with a green gel, only her eye area uncovered.
[13:53:17] <Kotono> OOC - Gah.
[13:53:29] <Kotono> Rei's hair is in a towel, a white bathrobe worn. Her face is covered with a green gel, only her eye area uncovered. "Hey," Rei says faintly ,relaxing back onto her bed. "Something up?"
[13:55:26] <Hotaru-chan> "Nothing at all," Hotaru snickers, smiling easily back at Rei, relaxed onto her side on her bed. "Which is why I'm calling," she added, blushing a bit. "Since everything's been so busy, I was wondering if you wanted to go out tonight."
[13:58:46] <Kotono> "No. I need a personal day." Rei shakes her head quite firmly, putting aside the communicator am oment. When it's brought back she's cleaned her face off, restored to normal. "Stuff on my mind that I'm trying to forget. Not doing a great job, either."
[14:03:38] <Hotaru-chan> "Mmm," Hotaru agrees, holding back her spontaneous reacions, taking a deep breath in that moment the communicator is pointed away. "Alright," she adds quietly, biting her lip. "Mah, I want to ask about a different day, but I don't wqant to pressure you..." she laughs nervously. "Sorry."
[14:07:58] <Kotono> "Yeah...oh damn it." Rei crumples visibly, words tumbling out in a storm. "Usagi and I made out again and worst...and the worst part? I was hit by Temptation again, but Usagi wasn't! Now I just don't know!" A near wail at teh end, the poor girl shaken.
[14:12:25] <Hotaru-chan> "..." Hotaru sweatdrops, taking a deep breath. "That's...ow..." she whimpers sympathetically, hugging a pillow and eyeing Rei. "So you don't know?" she asks, deep breaths. "I mean..." she frowns suddenly. "This is projecting but...it feels THAT way, and it's so much like the other feelings with...well, guys?"
[14:15:51] <Kotono> "No. I'd try it's the fact that I madeout with Usagi and a little more and I liked it. Call me crazy, but taht kinda says I may have sugar in my tank." Rei snaps that, before just sighing again.
[14:18:23] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru's smile twists a little. "That's kind of...well, Temptation's involved, isn't she? You can't be really sure that way," Hotaru shrugs, snorting a little.
[14:19:16] <Kotono> "Not a clue now. I don't know if I like guys, girls or both!" Rei just shivers bodily, wincing.
[14:21:05] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru twitches slightly, taking a deep breath. "Just...okay, telling you to calm down is stupid, but...well, how do you think you can figure it out?"
[14:33:11] <Kotono> "Let's see. I'm going to get aboyfriend and see if I can forget about this. Barring that..." Rei take sa breath, "I was thinking about finding a girl kissing dummy besides Usagi and seeing."
[14:36:59] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru audibly whimpers slightly. "I'm not sure whether to be nervous or happy that you're such a temptress," Hotaru snorts, smiling weakly. She quirks her head. "If you want a kissing dummy, I won't cling afterwards," she finally offers, blushing furiously. "Gah, just...well, yeah," she sighs.
[14:37:41] <Kotono> "...see. The idea is to use someone who I at least mildly dislike, so to make sure it's not just mixed feelings. I was thinking about Makoto, actually." Rei slowly taps her chin, thinking.
[14:41:27] <Hotaru-chan> "...That my first instinct is jealousy in two directions doesn't help," Hotaru sighs weakly, turning onto her stomach and settling the communicator down on her bed. "I guess I should take that as a reason to feel better, though..."
[14:44:31] <Kotono> Rei half closes her eyes, shaking her head back and forth. "Do you really want to make out with me that bad," she also plantatively.
[21:46:54] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru smiles wryly, and a touch sadly. "Rei..." she snickers, "Bluntly, well...you're beautiful, you're willful, independent, still wonderful when you feel like it...you know practically everything I've been through...just..." Hotaru shrugs. "It's not all roses or anything, you get angry a lot, even if I'm not one to talk about explosive outbursts, but...I love you, I love all of you, but...still.
[21:46:54] <Hotaru-chan> If I was going to open myself up about girls and go kiss one, give me a BETTER option than you, and Mako-chan's an unfair reply," she murmurs, smiling a bit. "If I can be close to you, or any of oyu, I guess, and help, for however long?" Hotaru shrugs. "...And admittedly, yes, I just WANT to if I let my mind go and wander...I mean, who do you think was grabbing your butt at Ami's going away party?" she asks, cattishly grinning at her classmate.
[21:48:02] <Hotaru-chan> she asks, cattishly grinning at her classmate.
[21:54:21] <Kotono> Rei listens to all of t hat, soaking up the praise with half a wince - until the end, sweatdropping and slumping. "...I'd managed to suppress that grope. Look, all that aside, it begs one question - why NOT Makoto? You nearly broke Usagi's gaydar with her."
[22:01:01] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru quirks her head, smiling weakly. "I'm scared half to death about how it might go...and, well, she's a little too nice for her own good. What if she thought I need it, and decided to stay with me because of that rather than turn me down? You at least I know are more than willing to set the terms of whatever sort of relationship we have, be it friendly, casual, or romantic," she snorts.
[22:04:16] <Kotono> "Oh for..." Rei sighs again, rubbing her temples. "Yeah, but just do her already. You're so deep end for her it's sickening, and if you're admitting you're gay, just do it. That said!" REi clears her throat, "Anyway. I dunno." The miko flops back again, brushing aside her bangs.
[22:06:05] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru smiles a bit, shrugging. "I've watched her feel obligated and worry about guys that come on to her...how mcuh worse could it be if it was a senshi?" she murmurs, smiling wryly. "Besides, I don't even really KNOW. I haven't made out or anything with a girl, it jsut sorta...feels right, but I havent' really had opportunities, y'know?"
[22:09:36] <Kotono> "Right. I'm not even going to get into THAT denial," A soft roll of Rei's eyes, hand resting on her forehead. "I'll figure something out, I guess."
[22:15:13] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru laughs softly. "I'm not denying it...but it's not something I want to say and then go 'oops, not really, just my need for attention acting up'," she shrugs, blowing at her bangs. "Mmmm," she just sighs a little, smile waning a bit. "Well, if you want anything either way, my doo's open," she adds, shrugging helplessly.
[22:15:20] <Hotaru-chan> *door's
[22:19:24] <Kotono> "Bear that in mind." For a few moments the communicator is put down, Rei's arm seen going up to her face. So she rubs a few times before the call resumes. SHe looks a little more composed now. "We'll see. Who knows...maybe we'll end up making out?" There's a half sad, half tempting, and half just sadly confused look to it as Rei signs off.
[22:22:58] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru gives a long sigh, rolling over onto her back. "Rei-chan Rei-chan..." she sighs, biting her lip and glancing at her dresser. That dayspa was still a fresh memory...
[22:30:10] <Hotaru-chan> ----
This takes place the Sunday after Rei and Usagi are given reason once more to question their sexuality
[18:48] <Kotono> Morning comes to Usagi in the Tsukino household. Or it should -b ut Usagi is lost in the land of dreams! It's an innocent place, where Usagi can run and giggle through the fields of flowers, play in elementary school again and just have fun! It's so nice here..mmmm! Oh, Queen Serenity! It's so nice that she hugs you, and they're so soft, and mmmm! Oh, she took her top off just so you could...!!! How nice! They're so...ACK! Usagi's world re
[18:49] <Kotono> They're so...ACK! Usagi's world returns to normal as she rolls out fo her bed, a feline cry of distress piercing her ears, not to mention claws raking her feet.
[18:50] <Usagi> "Kyaa!" Usagi cries, landing most awkwardly on the floor from having her hand jammed between her legs as she slept. At least the blanket rolled around her so no one can see... "Oh, God..." she moans piteously, face turning bright scarlet as cognizance brings shame of her nocturnal thoughts and actions.
[18:51] <Kotono> "USAGI!" Luna yelps, besides you and knocked hard. The poor feline whimpers, getting to her feet and starting to bathe her side. "Did you have a nightmare? You woke me up moaning and then started rolling around."
[18:53] <Usagi> "Not a nightmare," Usagi shakes her head slowly, wiping her somewhat sticky fingers on the inside of the blanket before she emerges and tosses it back on the bed, taking a moment to smooth out her pajamas. "Oh, God, it's not just Rei..." she mutters under her breath, utterly horrified.
[18:54] <Kotono> "Um..." Luna stops her side cleaning, giving Usagi a weirded out look. "...oh, at least breakfast is ready!" Luna perks up as she sniffs the air, "Something smells like fish..mmmm! Let's just go eat breakfast, Usagi-chan!" With that your friend gets up, trotting out of your room.
[18:55] * Usagi cringes, letting Luna leave first and giving herself a moment to calm down - a futile hope - before she creeps out herself and to the bathroom so she can clean herself up a bit before facing the new day.
[18:56] <Kotono> This goes without incident unless Usagi wishes to make something more of it! Once she is cleaned and ready for a new day, she finds her family downstairs. Shingo's head is down on the table, snoozing next to his warm oatmeal. Dad's reading the paper, using it as a total barrier between him and everything else. Mom's at the microwave, taking out a bowl. Smells like strawberries!
[18:57] <Kotono> Luna trots along, getting onto the table. "Just a moment, Luna, and good morning, sleepy head." Mom smiles at you as she brings the bowl over, piping hot. "Strawberry oatmeal sound good?"
[18:58] <Usagi> "G-good morning, everyone!" Usagi chirps cheerfully, a slight stutter the only evidence of her worries. "That sounds great, Mama!" she nods as she sits down gingerly at the table. So far so normal!
[18:59] <Kotono> So it's brought over along with a big glass of fresh milk! Putting both in front of her young rabbit daughter, "Eat up before it gets cold - you have time this morning."
[18:59] <Kotono> Shingo mutters something aboutthat, but just plops his head back down and yawns. "'noring, Usagi."
[19:00] <Kotono> "...Good morning, Usagi." Dad adds in last, voice quiet normal sounding except for a long pause. He shuffles pages in the paper, reading on.
[19:02] <Usagi> "It's Sunday, after all," Usagi nods brightly, a little bit forced. "Morning, Shingo, Papa," she gives her brother a smile as she starts in on her breakfast... But only a few seconds pass before she feels the silent accusation roiling off everyone present. They *know*.
[19:02] * Usagi shrinks back slightly under the weight of their imagined stares... it's too much! Quick, distract them! "Anything interesting in the paper today, Papa?" she enquires, a faint trace of desperation in her voice.
[19:04] <Kotono> "Mmm hmm!" Dad looks up and smiles at Usagi, an entire faceful of innocently happy Dad. "I'm just reading about the news. Oh, Usagi-chan. That reminds me!" Dad snaps his fingers, nodding. "I have a friend from work who has someone who's looking for a blind date. Interested?"
[19:04] <Kotono> Luna gets a plateful of old leftover tuna, wolfed down by her with a happy wave fo her tail.
[19:05] <Kotono> "Oh that sounds wonderful, dear." Mother smiles serenly at that, getting her own bowl before joining everyone else at the table. "The last one was that...Ataru boy, I think?"
[19:06] <Usagi> "Uh... I'm not so much into blind dates, Papa..." Usagi replies warily, trying to meld herself into the backrest of her chair. "Y-yeah," she nods weakly to her mother, "You remember him..." She'd hated him just like everyone else Usagi knew... although perhaps justifiably in hindsight.
[19:07] <Kotono> "I don't know. You could use a good time." Dad smiles a bit, before raisinghis paper back up. "Give it a shot, Pumpkin?"
[19:07] <Kotono> "Oh, I remember him," Ikkuko mutters, a moment of vicious darkness directed at no one in particular that's here. "So yes - I don't know. There are worse things than a blind date, I suppose."
[19:08] <Usagi> "I guess... I just prefer to know what I'm getting myself in for, y'know?" the blonde hazards. "Besides, I'm so busy lately with... stuff," she waves her hand airily.
[19:09] <Kotono> "About that..." Dad coughs strongly, "Usagi-chan, I think you'll enjoy this blind date especially since you've been busy."
[19:10] <Kotono> "Mmmm. Usagi's responsibile enough now to have a date and not forget her duties, so if you want, go have fun," Luna quietly nods between mouthfuls of fish. "I'll even do an extra sweep for you if you want...mmm. I should pick those up with this new threat going."
[19:10] <Kotono> "...yes." Mom looks down and away at that, a moment of introversion.
[19:10] <Kotono> 'Usagi'll beat'em up," Shingo yawns vastly, "Sailor Moon's awesome."
[19:11] <Usagi> "Aww, thanks, Shingo!" Usagi beams at her little brother for a moment, worries forgotten. "Did you see the news about yesterday?" she enquires, deciding to stick with a topic that's far easier for her to discuss. Maybe if she ignores the blind date thing they'll forget about it?
[19:12] <Kotono> "Yes. The attack at the New Age Technology expo? The press conference is in a few days - they described you, Usagi!" Mom looks on worriedly, "With things like that girl I met around...be careful!"
[19:13] <Kotono> "All the more reason to go out and have some fun now. Besides..." A cough now, delicate, "I already said you accepted, heh, heh, heh."
[19:13] <Kotono> Dad blushes at this, hiding deeper behind his printed newspaper.
[19:14] <Usagi> "Yeah, I kinda had to calm everyone down before I transformed, otherwise there'd have been a riot," the blonde admits, rubbing the back of her head. "It was pretty terrible." Her father's next statement gets her attention, though. "WHAT?!" the blonde squawks, promptly standing up and pushing the paper downwards so she can glare at Kenji. "Papa, how could you?!" she wails, mortified.
[19:16] <Kotono> "Aaah..." Dad laughs nervously, "It seemed like a goodi dea last night! Besides...ah...I'm just looking out for you, because..." Dad leans in, whispering, "Old Fukushima has been looking for a date for his daughter for awhile now. Shhh." Dad retreats after that softly spoken murmur, speaking normally again. "It can even be a lunch date today if you want."...say, that's not
[19:17] <Kotono> OOC - Ignore the ...say bit at the end, forgot to delete.
[19:18] * Usagi twitches severely. "I think you misunderstood," she tells her father coldly, in full blown denial of what she was doing and thinking right before waking up this morning.
[19:19] <Kotono> "Mmmmm?" Luna's ears perk up at that, before just shaking her head. "...oh...oh."
[19:19] <Kotono> As Mom blinks and looks between husband and child, Dad just smiles. "It's okay, Usagi-chan. I understand. You don't have to deny it. Just go and have fun."
[19:20] <Kotono> "Understand what?" Mom grapples with this, spoon full of oatmeal hanging in her hands and forgotten midway up to her face
[19:22] * Usagi glares at Kenji for a very long moment. "He understands nothing!" she snaps abruptly, her head whipping to the side as she sits back down, clearly huffy.
[19:23] <Kotono> "Usagi-chan...I understand completely. You can tell everyone else when you're ready, but you're my daughter and I love you, and you also have a lunch date now. Go and have fun." So rising up and folding his paper, Dad goes off and away.
[19:24] <Kotono> "Um..." Mom just stares at both Tsukinos, looking as lost as old Usagi in a math test.
[19:24] * Usagi frowns. Clearly she's some sort of pawn in Kenji's office politics... Well, fine. She can play along. "You're gonna owe me big for this, Papa!" she calls as he departs.
[19:25] <Kotono> "Oh Usagi..." Luna murmurs again, burying her ehad under her paws.
[19:25] <Kotono> "...alright." Mom goes back to her oatmeal, a mystified expression all over her face.
[19:25] <Kotono> "At least Usagi has ad ate?" Shingo tries, before going face down and maybe even back to sleep on the spot!
[19:26] <Usagi> "Papa's confused, that's all," the blonde grinds out, also returning to her breakfast.
[19:27] <Kotono> So about twenty minutes pass. Just as Usagi finishes breakfast, Dad peeks in. "It's at noon today. Meet at the entrance to T*A - you know where that is, I think. Your friends go there?"
[19:28] <Usagi> "Today?!" Usagi squawks. "Geez, throw your only daughter to the wolves with a little warning, at least!" she cries, aggrieved.
[19:29] <Kotono> "It's almost nine," Mom looks to the kitchen clock, "You need to get ready, Usagi - and dear, yes, you are rushing it a bit."
[19:30] * Usagi grumbles as she stalks into the living room to confront her father. "So where am I going on this stupid date, then?" she demands of her paternal figure.
[19:32] <Kotono> "Just a walk and ice cream," Dad smiles even more nicely, reaching out to pat Usagi. "Seriously, just have fun and I lvoe you no matter who you love." With a pat Dad goes to the couch, getting the remote control.
[19:33] * Usagi leans over the couch, a terse whisper into her father's ear, "You're misunderstanding the whole thing!" she tries once more to convince him, perhaps in futility.
[19:33] <Kotono> "Usagi..." Dad smiles even more, "You don't have to pretend any more."
[19:36] <Usagi> "Gaaah!" Usagi groans, "You're not listening at all, are you?!" she complains bitterly. "Fine! If that's the way you want it, I'll be the best damn blind date anyone ever had, but that's it! We'll never speak of it again!" And with that, she whirls and stalks on upstairs to get ready.
[19:39] <Kotono> OOC _ Since you left Daddykins in a huff, go ahead and describe your prep?
[19:43] * Usagi cleans herself up and gets dressed - nothing too fancy for a lunch date, though. A soft white turtleneck sweater that barely hints at her curves and a knee length purple skirt over black leggings is today's attire, the blonde seeing no reason to dispense with her usual hairstyle and applying just a respectable touch of makeup. More or less ready, she grabs her purse and heads downstairs about quarter past eleven to find her father.
[19:44] <Kotono> Dad's watching soccer - USA is getting utterly obliterated by the English, apparently. He's not too into it, finishing off the paper as he watches.
[19:45] * Usagi waves a hand by Kenji's face as she leans over the back of the couch. "Any last words before sending your firstborn to the wolves?"
[19:47] <Kotono> "Hi. It'll be a good date - she's a sweet girl from all he says...mmm. Unless you like them with more energy like that Rei..." Dad ponders that, rubbing his chin.
[19:48] <Usagi> "I don't like girls at all!" the blonde hisses. "What happened with Rei was an accident! We weren't feeling ourselves!"
[19:49] <Kotono> "That's strange - then why did you make out with one?" Dad replies with the utmost seriousness, pushing his glasses upward with a spare finger.
[19:50] * Usagi twitches. A few times. "It's not a habit I want to get into!" she finally manages the best retort she can.
[19:52] <Kotono> "It's okay, dear. I love you even if you love men, women or both." With a pat to Usagi's cheek, "Even if you need to experiment to figure it out, too."
[19:53] * Usagi makes an incoherent noise of fury before forcing herself to calm down and schooling her expression. "I'm going now," she announces flatly. "Can you at least tell me her name and something to recognise her by when I see her?"
[19:54] <Kotono> "Oh yes of course. Her name is Chitose Fukushima. Brown hair in ponytails fi I remember right. She said she'd wear her school uniform." A nod to Usagi, "So go have fun."
[19:54] * Usagi twitches again. "School uniform? Oh, God, I so don't want to know..." groaning, the blonde waves it aside before pushing off the couch and fleeing.
[19:57] <Kotono> So off Usagi goes! The gates to getting into T*A awaits Usagi and so does her date. She's there when Usagi gets there - a rather normal, almost plain girl with brown hair in ponytails with blue beads. She's maybe a year older than you, wearing a T*A uniform. As you approach she blushes, calling, "Aaah...Miss Tsukino?"
[20:01] * Usagi takes a deep breath to steel herself - she's going to show this stupid girl the lesbian time of her life, and then forget the whole sordid experience! Smiling pleasantly, the beautiful young blonde approaches with a confident yet demure step, only a slight sway in her hips swishing her skirt below her knees. "That's right. You're Chitose?" she confirms, looking over her 'date'.
[20:02] <Kotono> "Y-yes." A deep bow by her, delicately flaming up. "It's an honor to meet you - Father said that we may get along well...?"
[20:03] <Usagi> "Please, call me Usagi," said blonde replies easily, waving the matter aside. "There's no need to be so formal - we're both doing this just to have fun, right?" she notes, cocking her head slightly and favouring Chitose with her most brilliant and sunny smile.
[20:04] <Kotono> "Oh...y-yes..." Chitose bows again at that, "Usagi, I...My father insisted, and..."
[20:07] <Usagi> "Ah..." Usagi nods slowly, understanding dawning. "So yours forced you into it as well?" she asks. That makes things easier!
[20:08] <Kotono> "...yes!" Now Chitose perks up a bit, turning to T*A's spire and letting her eyes glimmer. "Oh...I'm sorry, I just have my heart on another. My violen Goddess, so graceful, so perfect, so aloof. She can even be terrifying, but I can't stopt hinking about her!"
[20:10] * Usagi smiles more naturally as she relaxes. "Looks like we're both on the same page, then," she notes with some relief. "Wanna go get some ice cream so we can tell our dads that at least we tried and hopefully they'll never bring it up again?"
[20:13] <Kotono> "Alright...just...My heart his her no matter even if she gives me nightmares," Chitose sighs longingly, starting to walk.
[20:14] <Usagi> "Yeah, my dreams about other girls are like nightmares as well," Usagi agrees sympathetically as she falls in step with Chitose. "Uh... but I haven't given my heart to one, though!"
[20:16] <Kotono> "Oh! You know another girl like Miss Kaioh?" Chitose speaks respectfully as you walk along - you know there are a few cafes across the street, as well as a few ice cream places a block or so down. "I've given my heart to her so much, even when she rejected me..."
[20:17] <Usagi> "Kaioh?" Usagi blinks as they stroll along, deciding to go to one of the nicer cafes - lots of upmarket places in this neighbourhood, at least. "You mean Michiru Kaioh?" she asks in surprise. Small world!
[20:18] <Kotono> "You know her?" Chitose stops dead, eyes going agape. "You know Michiru?"
[20:19] <Usagi> "Uh... not very well," the blonde temporises, also halting. "Only met recently and haven't talked that much, yet."
[20:32] <Kotono> "Oooooh." A nod as you go to the nearest cafe - very very nice, simple and stereotypical, but you suspect the menu prices will makey our wallet wince. "She just captivates me sooooo much. The way she moves, the way she smiles once in awhile, the way she's so above ita ll."
[20:35] <Usagi> "Mmm... she was pretty cute," Usagi shrugs, not overly worried about the prices. She'll take it out of her father, later... "So, you like the aloof type, huh?" she asks, heading for a table away from the windows.
[20:35] <Kotono> "Mmmmmm. Not always, but her...mmmm! You're cute, too, I mean, just..." A fumble by Chitose, coughing as you get a nicely hidden table by the bathrooms. Once you settle in and get menus, "How long have you been?"
[20:36] * Usagi smiles at the compliment before gesturing in a somewhat vague manner. "I'm more, ah... confused, than 'out'," she admits. "Speaking of, if you don't mind my asking... how did you first realise?"
[20:41] <Kotono> "Oh. There was my best friend..." Chitose play swith her menu, running a finger over it's plastic surface. "We'd been best friends since 1st grade, and we got closer...and closer...until we ended up kissing at a sleepover and doing a lot of stuff. From there? She couldn't go through with it, but I knew why it was always the girls that made me a little lightheaded."
[20:42] <Usagi> "Hmm..." Usagi nods slowly. "So, just something that suddenly clicked and you realised you'd always been that way?" she asks, pondering. That bodes well for her not being gay!
[20:43] <Kotono> "More like...well, when I kissed her, it just felt so good! I couldn't resist," Chitose nods in agreement.
[20:44] <Kotono> "It all fell into place after. I hadn't really realised it, but when I stopped being upset? I'm a lot happier now."
[20:44] * Usagi twitches. "Oh..." she murmurs, deflating in on herself.
[20:45] <Kotono> "Oh...is that where you are?" Chitose smiles a little bit, putting down her menu. "Um, do you want advice?"
[20:45] <Usagi> "Ah... I guess?" the blonde smiles lamely, pressing her index fingers together.
[20:46] <Kotono> "I'm happier now that I accepted it. Do you think choosing to be gay would make you feel better?" A blush as she retreats, picking up her menu. "I read that somewhere and it helped me."
[20:49] <Usagi> "I'm not sure..." Usagi sighs, looking down at her menu but not really reading. "I've had lots of dates with boys and I liked them, y'know? Just... things got out of hand with a friend and now I'm confused since I liked that as well. I just... I guess I really am bi?" she concludes plaintatively. "I dreamt about another girl last night, so it's not even just her..."
[20:53] <Kotono> Oh, now THAT gets Chitose to blush even harder. "Dreams..heh. Something like that? Whatever you are, just try to be happy about it? Now that I realise I want Michiru instead of just a guy...I'm happy with that. Even if Michiru doesn't work out, there will be otehr girls, too."
[20:56] * Hotaru (~dragomirs@225-52-77-204.sptc.mnscu.edu) has joined #evildunes
[20:56] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Hotaru Hotaru
[20:56] <Usagi> "Mmm... I guess I shouldn't bore you with my problems if this is supposed to be a date, should I?" Usagi notes, forcing herself to perk up and flagging a waitress so she can order a hot apple pie to eat. "So what do you like to do for fun, Chitose-chan?"
[20:56] * Hotaru-chan (~dragomirs@225-52-77-204.sptc.mnscu.edu) Quit (Ping timeout)
[20:58] <Kotono> "I've been studying the violin a little bit, but I like movies." Chitose stops when the waitress comes, ordering a glass of water with mint syrup in it.
[20:59] * Hotaru (~dragomirs@225-52-77-204.sptc.mnscu.edu) Quit (Off I go.)
[20:59] <Usagi> "Want to go watch a movie after this, then?" Usagi asks. "I haven't been in a while, myself," she admits.
[21:05] <Kotono> "Mmmm. Sure - say, do you know what movies Michiru likes?" A question there as the waitress is gone, pondering it carefully.
[21:07] * Usagi shakes her head. "I kinda only just met her, so I don't know much about what she likes," she admits. "I take it you're admiring her from afar, for the moment?" is asked with a sympathetic smile.
[21:08] <Kotono> "Yes..." Chitose bows her head, blushing, "I asked her out a few weeks ago, but when she finally accepted...she was so scary!"
[21:09] <Usagi> "Hmmm..." Usagi frowns slightly, mentally going over the timing in her head. "Yeah, she was... a bit out there, when I first met her. She perked right up not long after, though!"
[21:12] <Kotono> "She's looked better," Chitose agrees cheerfully, as your food comes. A pause to get into that, and then, "So what about you? Do you know which way you're going to fall at all? It's not something you can rush, but...you are cute." This last part is tagged on with her own blush.
[21:16] * Usagi considers slowly, recalling what Rei said last night about trying with another girl. "I... don't know," she admits at last, leaning forward and resting her chin on her clasped fingers as she peers at Chitose through coyly half-lidded eyes. "Still... feeling, out my options, I suppose." Holding the other girl's gaze for a long moment, she slowly relents and turns her attention to her dessert.
[17:46] <Blonde|AFK> "...oh!" Chitose eeps, burying her face in her flavored water!
[17:48] <Usagi> "Oh!" Usagi starts, chagrinned. "Was that coming on too strong?" she asks innocently, waving a hand in front of her. "Sorry, I've never tried flirting with a girl, before!"
[17:50] <Blonde|AFK> "Well, um..." Chitose's stammers are cute and little yips of embarrassment. "You have the right idea! That was just..."
[17:52] <Usagi> "Sorry," me smiles reassuringly, reaching across the table to pat Chitose's hand. "Don't take me too seriously, okay? This is just... I really am just trying to figure things out in my own head. I guess I'm half just practicing to see if I even *can* flirt with a girl."
[17:53] <Usagi> *she smiles reassuringly
[17:54] <Blonde|AFK> "You can! That was really good...mmmm?" Chitose bats her own eyelids back, reaching across the table to touch Usagi's hand. The moment she does however, she breaks and retreats back. "...I tried?" It's all she says, starting to blush again.
[17:56] * Takeshi is now known as Hal-work
[17:57] <Usagi> "Don't worry, I won't try and steal you away from Michiru," the blonde reassures, before her smile turns a bit racier. "Unless you want me to?"
[18:00] <Blonde|AFK> "
[18:01] <Blonde|AFK> "She's my...I wish she was my Michiru." A soft little sigh of desire there, "Sorry, you really are pretty, though. You...mmmm." Looking away, "It's funny. Michiru scared me when we went out for drinks. But you make me feel just the opposite. Your face reminds me of the opposite of how she looked then."
[18:04] * Hal-lunch is now known as Takeshi
[18:05] <Usagi> "I guess I'll take that as a compliment," Usagi beams, taking a few bites out of her pie before continuing. "Still don't know what I'm going to do about the whole lesbian thing, but at least this isn't so bad."
[18:07] <Blonde|AFK> "It isn't. Once you get used to it...heh." Chitose lightly scratches the back of her head, looking down. "I relate to it a little bit. A girl you like - it's appealing to hold them again. It just feels really peaceful. Almost motherly. That's what helps do it for me."
[18:09] <Usagi> "Mmm..." Usagi considers that, blushing a bit as she remembers what she was doing to Serenity in last night's dream. "I guess I can see that..." she squeaks out.
[18:11] <Blonde|AFK> "Mmmm!" A blush as Chitose sips her drink, a longing, sad smile. "Would Michiru...would she be like that?"
[18:12] <Usagi> "I dunno," the blonde admits, putting those thoughts aside and slamming the door on them. "You probably know her better than me, after all. What do you think?"
[18:14] <Blonde|AFK> "I don't know. She's so strong and distant, but I like to dream that there is a tender, loving woman inside." Another deep sigh from Chitose, felt from her soul out.
[18:16] * Blonde|AFK is now known as Kotono
[18:16] <Usagi> "Only one way to find out..." Usagi reasons. "Do you have any idea if she's... well, is she gay?" she asks, about to blush over the phrasing but deciding to just be blunt about it.
[18:17] <Kotono> "Oh! I think she...I hope she is. She's so aloof and majestic! The way she holds herself up, and yet..." Chitose shrugs lightly. "I think she is. I really do, and I've never heard of her having a boyfriend."
[18:18] <Usagi> "Hmm... maybe, then," Usagi nods slowly. She could just be keeping any boyfriends secret. Or she could be like Kotono... still, no need to trample the poor girl's hopes.
[18:19] <Kotono> "I hope so too!" Finishing up her water and lightly cleaning her face with a napkin, "Thank you very much, Usagi."
[18:19] <Kotono> "Oh wait!" A moment later Chitose blushes, "Um...who pays? I'm really not the man type..."
[18:20] * Usagi waves it aside. "Don't worry about it," she says to the first, before blinking at the second. "Uh... I figured we'd go dutch?" she hazards, having thought the actual confirmed lesbian would know for sure.
[18:23] <Kotono> "That's fine!" Oh, that is so squeaked out! "Now that I think about it Michiru's not the man type either, so I guess this is good practice!"
[18:24] <Usagi> "So you normally do date the man type?" Usagi asks as she finishes off her pie. "It seems a bit unfair for only one to pay if we're both girls, though, unless it's like a special treat for one or one doesn't have any money," she observes.
[18:28] <Kotono> "Not really, I just hadn't ever thought about it like that. You're probably right." Now Chitose is cleaned up and ready, a smile, "Usagi? Can I do something before I go?"
[18:28] <Usagi> "Hm?" Usagi gives the other girl a curious and expectant look, wondering what she wants to do.
[18:29] <Kotono> Taking a napkin and a b it of lipstick from her pocket, Chitose scribbles her number down. "In case you want to call, since I really had fun talking to you."
[18:30] <Kotono> "Also!" A moment later, as Chitose pushes the napkni forawrd?
[18:32] <Usagi> "There's more?" Usagi asks, blushing a bit at the lipstick scribbled note as she accepts it.
[18:33] <Kotono> "This!" With bravery Chitose leans forward! Her lips touch Usagi's, a momentary meeting before she retreats and bows over and over! "Thank you ver much for the date, Usagi."
[18:34] <Usagi> "Ah..." Usagi blushes, touching her lips briefly... can't really compare with Rei, but it's not a fair comparison putting a chaste peck against what the miko was doing, really... "Thank you as well, Chitose - I hope things work out with Michiru!"
[18:36] <Kotono> "Thanks!" With that Chitose goes, off and out of Usagi's view and life - perhaps forever, perhaps just for now?
[18:37] <Usagi> Who can say? Still, Usagi is no closer to sorting out her own muddled feelings, even if a fresh perspective was nice to get. Paying for her own food, the blonde likewise departs...
Takeshi's second day on the job!
[11:54] <@Blonde|AFK> ---Arc 2 go!---
[12:00] <@Blonde|AFK> Another fine day of work in the neighborhood for Takeshi. As he labors away typing up an entirely dry report about prescription drugs and coverage thereof, Reiko works away in her office. She frowns a moment, checking her drawers and her purse before picking up the phone. Rings in the Tomoe household, disturbing Hotaru's homework.
[12:01] <@Hotaru-chan> Boks, aside, phone up, Hotaru's dry neutral voice for answering the always expected politician, lawyer, or coworker of her parents'. "Tomoe household, Hotaru speaking."
[12:04] <@Hotaru-chan> *Books, sigh
[12:06] <@Blonde|AFK> "Hotaru-chan, do me a favor?" It's Mom, there's no mistaking her voice, "Go into my room and on my dresser should be a manila folder. I need you to bring that to me now."
[12:08] <@Hotaru-chan> "No one's in your office, right?" Hotaru asks curiously, pausing. "Or would you rather I not use magic that close to your boss?" she snickers a little. "Sorry."
[12:12] <@Blonde|AFK> "Oh, just get over here." Reiko sighs deeply, "Hurry. I need it now."
[12:13] <@Hotaru-chan> "Two minutes," Hotaru agrees, hanging up and heading on ot her parents' bedroom, looking for such a folder!
[12:14] <@Blonde|AFK> As this happens and Hotaru scurries to find a folder, Takeshi's typing finishes. Time to bring it to the boss and get his next funfilled assignment.
[12:15] * @Takeshi sighs, clenching his free hand a bit as he heads back to deliver the finished document to Reiko. Typing's not so bad, but his fingers definitely aren't used to it yet.
[12:16] <@Kotono> Reiko's office door is closed - a few people buzz past it, but it's mostly quiet this afternoon.
[12:17] * @Takeshi raps lightly on the door before opening it. "I have that report ready for you, Reiko-san," he announces.
[12:17] <@Kotono> "Oh, Takeshi! Come in and close the door behind you. Lock it." Reiko calls as you enter, just shutting off her computer.
[12:18] <@Takeshi> "Uh... sure," Takeshi agrees, stepping inside and doing just that - unusual as the request seems. Heading over to Reiko's desk, he delivers the finished report. "Sorry it took so long."
[12:20] <@Hotaru-chan> And in a violet flash, the locked room inhabited by two is joined by a third, Hotaru Tomoe in her T*A unfirom appearing from nowhere with a manila folder in hand. "It was under a few things, sorry it took so long," she echoes unconsciously, proffering it to her parent.
[12:21] * @Takeshi blinks in surprise at the sudden appearance of Hotaru, but doesn't comment any further on it, simply waiting on Reiko for now.
[12:22] <@Kotono> "Thanks, both of you. Paid and unpaid gophers." A slight smile to both as documents are passed over and put away. "Quiet day, Hotaru-chan?"
[12:25] * @Hotaru-chan snorts softly, shrugging. "Homework, that's about it, yeah," she nods, smiling easily enough and glancing over.. "Takeshi," she greets, bowing to her companion.
[12:26] <@Takeshi> "Hotaru-san," Takeshi says, returning the gesture with a slight bow of his own.
[12:27] <@Kotono> "Mmmm." Reiko lightly smiles, tapping a finger to her lips. "Oh, Takeshi! I think you're mostly done for the day. You're doing good at this."
[12:28] <@Takeshi> "Thank you very much, Reiko-san," Takeshi replies with a slight smile. "Going to take me a while to really get used to typing, I think."
[12:28] <@Takeshi> "If you don't need me for anything else, then, I guess I'll head home for today."
[12:29] <@Kotono> "Well, there is one thing, but it's not quite work." Reiko hums, idly smiling. She goes to her purse, taking out what looks to be a fair bit of money. "Hotaru hasn't eaten dinner yet, probably and you're doing well. Here. Why don't the two of you go get some dinner somewhere?"
[12:29] * @Hotaru-chan just shakes her head a little, digesting the presence of another...well he's not a senshi, but he's close. Hotaru smiles none the less...wait a moment, what?
[12:30] * @Takeshi simply raises an eyebrow at that. "Ah... if you insist, I could do that, yes," Takeshi agrees. "It's up to Hotaru-san, though."
[12:32] <@Hotaru-chan> Hotaru raises a very sharp eyebrow at her mother, a probing and even barbing look given. "That might be alright...Takeshi and I are coworkers after all," she adds, smiling sweetly at her parent.
[12:33] <@Kotono> "I insist," Reiko smiles back with the exact same sweetness. The money is pushed forward at both of them - it's a fair bit, too! 8,000 yen to be precise! "Go and have fun."
[12:34] * @Takeshi shakes his head very slightly, accepting the money from Reiko. "I suppose I'll meet you outside the building then, Hotaru-san?" Takeshi asks.
[12:36] <@Hotaru-chan> '...Yeah, I'll meet you in the lobby," Hotaru nods, biting back a sigh of exasperation at her mother's...shenanigans.
[12:38] <@Hotaru-chan> *"...Yeah
[12:43] <@Kotono> "Well then?" Reiko crosses her arms, "Why don't you to get giong?"
[12:44] <@Takeshi> "Ah... I was waiting on Hotaru-san, since she's technically not supposed to be in here," Takeshi explains.
[12:44] <@Hotaru-chan> After a long moment, Hotaru sighs, a flickering dagger look shot Reiko's away. "Tonight," she murmurs, disappearing again.
[12:44] * @Takeshi shakes his head again at that, pocketing the money before opening the door and heading out to the elevators.
[12:46] <@Kotono> So down Takeshi goes. To the lobby and receptionist area, finding Hotaru waiting...
[12:47] * @Takeshi gives Hotaru a nod as he joins her at the exit to the building. A few moments of silence pass as the two step outside, before a slight smile twists his lips. "I can see where you get your gift for subtlety," he says dryly.
[12:47] <@Hotaru-chan> She's waiting, looking a little out of sorts as she stands around near the front entrance, watching people go.
[12:50] <@Hotaru-chan> Hotaru snorts, following Takeshi out with a slight sigh. "Oh, you haven't seen the half of it," she murmurs,tossing her hair. "Ask Usagi soemtime, she's seen mom and I get into verbal knife fights. That was actually surprisingly subdued."
[12:52] <@Takeshi> "Somehow I can just imagine," Takeshi says, shaking his head a bit as he takes the money out and passes it over to Hotaru. "You're the one being 'taken' to dinner, so you make the call where to go."
[12:55] <@Hotaru-chan> Hotaru does take the money, folding it into her pocket and raising an eyebrow at Takeshi. "Any way to treat a date?" she asks, smiling a bit and shaking her head. "I know a few places around here," she adds, snickering.
[12:56] * @Takeshi snorts at that. "I've been on a grand total of four dates in my life, and none of them are experiences I'd care to go through again - even if I was dumb enough to go through it the first time."
[12:58] <@Hotaru-chan> "It's not that bad, you just have to be careful about who," Hotaru objects, more softly as she gives Takeshi's arm a little nudge, directing them towards a slightly upscale chinese restaurant. "You just have to know what you want from it, primarily."
[13:00] <@Takeshi> "That was the problem in both cases, yeah," Takeshi agrees, shaking his head. "They knew what THEY wanted and I got dragged along for the ride."
[13:01] <@Hotaru-chan> "Agreeing with your date on what you want is step number two," Hotaru laughs softly.
[13:02] <@Hotaru-chan> "Agreeing with your date on what you want is step number two," Hotaru laughs softly, offering Takeshi a simple shrug. "What do you want tonight?" she asks pointedly, quirking her head at him.
[13:03] <@Takeshi> "Honestly? I have no idea, if this is even technnically a date," Takeshi replies, shaking his head a bit. "Even if your mother would like it to be one."
[13:05] <@Hotaru-chan> "Technically? It isn't, I have a boyfriend," Hotaru murmurs, shrugging. "Might as well try to make a decent experience of it though, hm?"
[13:07] <@Kotono> The restaurant is a nice place - the decorations look more or less authetic for Chinese, and there is both a buffet and tables to get orders at. Cute girls in Chinese dresses don't hurt, either.
[13:08] <@Takeshi> "Nice dinner is about all I'm looking for then, even if your mother gave me enough to feed myself alone for a couple of weeks," Takeshi answers.
[13:10] <@Hotaru-chan> "Mom's odd, these places can be expensive," Hotaru explains, shrugging and smiling, her eyes following the waitresses perhaps more than they really should. "She once gave me more to take Kotono and Rei to lunch..." she snorts, waiting to be seated.
[13:11] <@Kotono> A sign says to seat yourselves or go to the register and pay for the buffet first.
[13:12] <@Takeshi> "Think I'll do the buffet," Takeshi says, waiting for Hotaru to make her decision - she's the one with the money at this point, after all.
[13:12] <@Hotaru-chan> Hotaru does that, the seating part. No need for the buffet with this much money in hand. So they go, finding a more isolated booth. Image be damned.
[13:12] <@Hotaru-chan> OOC - Strike
[13:14] <@Hotaru-chan> "Mmmm, mah, might as well," Hotaru shrugs, decision tipped as she heads up to the register to get two pases for the buffet.
[13:17] <@Kotono> This goes without incident, save for a cute girl with long purple hair and an accent taking your order. "Have a good good time!" she bades, bowing and showing off a smashingly good body.
[13:18] * @Takeshi chuckles slightly at the waitress' accent, taking a moment to give her a discreet once-over only briefly before heading over to the buffet. And proceeding to load up with quite a decent-sized heap of food, looking over the selections carefully for the spiciest creations he can find.
[13:19] <@Kotono> There are plenty of more southern themed spicy foods for Takeshi to find. There's a fair bit of everything, so selection isn't difficult.
[13:19] <@Hotaru-chan> Hotaru sighs a little, one open look of definite interest at the girl's body caught by anyone that bothers watching before she turns. "Wish she was serving..." she snorts lightly, following Takeshi afterwards, picking out her own milder collection of constant favorites.
[13:21] * @Takeshi raises an eyebrow at that, but doesn't comment as he heads back to his seat, the buffet damaged enough for now. "Sorry, you didn't have to do the buffet if you'd rather have had a waitress," he says with a very slight hint of humor. "I'm just used to going for the best value I can get."
[13:23] <@Hotaru-chan> "It's fine, I honeslty shouldn't be doing that..." Hotaru sighs a little, taking a bit longer on decision, but following Takeshi to their seats. "I flirt enough at work, besides being surrounded by eye candy my own age."
[13:27] <@Takeshi> "Interested in more than just guys, then?" Takeshi quirks an eyebrow at that.
[13:29] <@Hotaru-chan> "If you'd known me for more than the last few weeks, you wouldn't even be raising an eyebrow," Hotaru laughs. "Interested, yes. Confirmed, no. Though Rei-chan would tell you I'm just in denial."
[13:32] * @Takeshi chuckles briefly at that. "Does that have anything to do with why your mother seems to be throwing me at you - or maybe the other way around, I'm not quite sure which it is yet."
[13:42] <@Hotaru-chan> "Mom doesn't have a clue, other than the fact I preffer sleeping with a girl in my bed, platonically," Hotaru shakes her head. "It has more to do with my boyfriend, really. She didn't take it extremely well that we were quick on the uptake when I was twelve...I broke us up, but two weeks ago..." Hotaru smiles a bit.
[13:42] <@Hotaru-chan> "She took it worse when she walked in on us in my bedroom when we got back together...even if we still had all our clothes on," she snorts.
[13:45] <@Takeshi> "I can just imagine," Takeshi says, shaking his head. "Sounds like you're pretty serious with him, then."
[13:49] <@Hotaru-chan> Hotaru makes a bit of a face. "Sort of? I don't really know how to gauge 'serious'," she admits, blushing. "He's the standard by which I judged most other guys so...well, he doesn't honestly have competition. Most guys want to be charming. I preffer openness, and Yoshi's...open to a fault some days."
[13:57] <@Takeshi> "Sounds like you do like him quite a bit then, if you've been judging all the rest by him," Takeshi chuckles. "Oh well, not really my business, I suppose. At least any further than these 'dates' go, at least - I get the feeling this won't be the last time Reiko-san does this."
[14:01] <@Hotaru-chan> "Mah, talking's nice enough, though," Hotaru snickers, shrugging. "And if you're working for mom? Probably not, no. Mmm...so considered asking Usagi out?" Hotaru asks suddenly, a wry smile on her lips.
[14:04] <@Takeshi> "Me?" Takeshi seems rather surprised at that. "I'll admit that I wouldn't mind it, but we barely know each other yet. Talked a couple of times - she's really easy to talk to, which is nice - but I have no reason to think she'd give me a second thought as dating material."
[14:05] <@Hotaru-chan> Hotaru coughs. "Mind if I speak bluntly, in a complimentary manner?" she asks, raising an eyebrow.
[14:06] <@Takeshi> "Go ahead," Takeshi shrugs.
[14:08] <@Hotaru-chan> "The reason I really wonder at why mom pushes you at me is that if you cut your hair, Takeshi, you'd be...I don't know, 'sex meat' is a term that comes to mind," Hotaru snorts, smiling. "Even more, if she can get you to talk, that makes things easier, so there's at least communication, there isn't a disparity in attractiveness, and ah...Usagi could use a boyfriend right about now."
[14:14] <@Takeshi> "My hair?" Takeshi seems a bit surprised at that. "Uh... if you say so. I'm just a little leery of getting into a relationship based on looks alone again, though - both of the 'girlfriends' I've had so far went after me just because of my looks, and neither one ended well. Not that I'd see that happening with Usagi, but call me overly cautious."
[14:17] <@Hotaru-chan> "It's incentive," Hotaru snickers. "Really, if you two can communicate, it might be a good idea. Even just for the...personal contact right now. Even if it's just casually at first."
[14:23] <@Takeshi> "Hmm..." Takeshi looks thoughtful for a moment. "Suppose it couldn't hurt to ask her if she'd like to hit the movies after school sometime later this week," he finally says after a few moments. "Worst she could do is say no."
[14:25] <@Hotaru-chan> "And I don't really expect she would," Hotaru nods, smiling a little. "Try it, yous et off most of my 'has too much packaged up in his head' vibes, and I'm horrible at getting people to talk," she laughs.
[14:28] * @Takeshi snorts. "All I'll say is count yourself lucky that you don't remember any of the past, and leave it at that," the young man retorts. "Not worth rehashing past that."
[14:34] <@Hotaru-chan> Hotaru shrugs slightly. "I'm curious regardless. Waking nightmares..." she shakes her head. "Nevermind, the Beast Lord just wasn't kind in that regard."
[14:35] * @Takeshi chuckles humorlessly. "Let me know if you're ever in the mood sometime and we can trade horror stories, then," he says dryly, shaking his head. "Metallia wasn't much of a picnic, either." He deflates a bit at that.
[14:41] <@Hotaru-chan> "From what we saw of her, I don't doubt it," Hotaru agrees, sighing softly. "She was more...I pity her," she murmurs, smile twisting sadly. "Jadeite was absorbing her very existence, or what was left of it."
[14:45] <@Takeshi> "...yeah," Takeshi says quietly, looking away for a few moments before concentrating back on his nearly-finished meal.
[14:46] <@Hotaru-chan> "Mah, Gaia," Hotaru sighs, working on finishing her own meal.
[14:48] * @Takeshi finishes the rest of the meal in relative silence, working steadily on the ever-diminishing pile of food. As the last of it is cleared up, he finally stands. "Think I'm going to head off for now," he says rather tonelessly. "Sorry to eat and run."
[14:50] <@Hotaru-chan> Hotaru stops, eyeing Takeshi a moment. "Sorry for bringing up bad memories," she adds softly, leaning on one arm.
[14:51] <@Takeshi> "Don't worry about it," Takeshi says, shaking his head. "Hardly the first time, and it won't be the last." He gives the dark-haired senshi a half-hearted smile. "Enjoy the rest of your evening, Hotaru-san."
[14:53] <@Hotaru-chan> "Worrying is my job," Hotaru snickers quietly. "Whatever will be necessary...mmm. Try to have a decent one yourself, call Usagi, or something," she adds, her grin turning playful.
[14:54] * @Takeshi snorts. "Maybe." He pauses for a moment before heading out of speaking range. "And I'll think about the hair."
[14:57] <@Hotaru-chan> ----
The day after talking with Hotaru....
[16:16] <@Takeshi> ---- Arc 2 go! ----
[16:17] <@Takeshi> Ah, the middle of the week. It's a day to look forward to in some ways - it's all downhill from here, after all! Wednesday afternoon ticks by slowly for Usagi and Takeshi, a rather long and boring lecture about geography making the hours tick away like years.... until at last the bell rings, announcing release for the inmates.
[16:18] <@Takeshi> As the class breaks up, Takeshi heads over to Usagi's desk as she's getting her books together. "God, felt like today was never going to end," he grouses to the blonde.
[16:20] * @Usagi blinks a little. Normally she's the one that initiates their conversations... maybe he's starting to mellow out? "Yeah," she agrees as she puts her books into her schoolbag. "Always seems to take twice as long when the teacher just reads from the textbook at us."
[16:22] <@Takeshi> "Tell me about it," Takeshi shakes his head a bit, seeming slightly hesitant. "And then there's work to look forward to after school's out, but at least my new job's not so bad."
[16:23] <@Usagi> "Mmm, I'm not working today," Usagi smiles, showing some relief, albeit short lived. "Unless you count homework... Anyway, what's your new job?" she asks as she gets up and puts her chair under the desk, getting ready to leave.
[16:25] <@Takeshi> "I'm working in an office for Hotaru's mom, actually," Takeshi replies, his bookbag already over his shoulder. "Stopped in at a temp agency last weekend to see if they had anything good and she was there hiring a bunch of people for the mailroom. She ended up taking me on as a gopher, part-time."
[16:26] <@Usagi> "You're working for Mrs Tomoe?" Usagi raises an eyebrow as she starts to leave, assuming Takeshi will keep up. "What's the pay like?"
[16:27] <@Takeshi> "A lot better than what I was making at the grocery," Takeshi replies with a slight smile. "She's willing to be flexible on the hours too, for my 'other job', if I need it. Learning to type is a pain, though."
[16:30] <@Usagi> "You've never learned to type?" Usagi asks in surprise as they start out into the halls. "I remember Serenity had to learn from Mama, but I picked it up in school... I guess that's different than typing for a living, though," she decides, flexing her elegant long fingers. "Don't wind up getting arthritis!"
[16:31] <@Takeshi> "Heh, I'm a little young for that yet. And I've had a typing class once, but it wasn't ever really something I focused on much," Takeshi admits. "Figured I was better suited to more physical jobs."
[16:33] <@Usagi> "Yeah, that's what I said about Serenity, as well," Usagi remarks with a slight frown at that first part. "Anyway, sounds like a good job, and at least Mrs Tomoe will be understanding. I'm alright with mine since it's late at night, and for some reason stuff always happens during the day, so it doesn't affect work unless it's something huge or I get really hurt."
[16:34] <@Takeshi> "Hope that doesn't happen," Takeshi says with a slight frown. "Definitely won't if I have anything to say about it." Shaking his head a bit, he goes on. "Anyway, when do you have to work next?"
[16:36] <@Usagi> "Friday night," Usagi replies, sighing a little. "Busiest night of the week, since that's when people that don't work will be going out to have fun..."
[16:38] <@Takeshi> A slight expression of disappointment flickers over Takeshi's face, but he hides it quickly. "Mmm. Was thinking about seeing if you wanted to catch a movie or something this weekend - I keep getting hints that I need to relax a little, and it's not much fun to go out by myself."
[16:42] <@Usagi> "Sure," Usagi nods easily, not reading anything into it besides an activity for friends. "I work Saturday as well, but I'm free all afternoon. Or Sunday if that works better?"
[16:45] <@Takeshi> "Sunday would probably be better - I should check with Reiko-san to see if she'll need me on the weekends at all. Wouldn't surprise me at all if she did," a slight shake of his head accompanies that. "Might pick up dinner or something afterwards if you want, too."
[16:47] <@Usagi> That manages to ping Usagi's radar, the blonde hesitating for a second before she smiles brightly and nods. "Dinner and a movie sounds great!" she agrees perkily, masking her inner worries with friendly good cheer. This is unexpected!
[16:49] * @Takeshi smiles a bit at the positive reaction. "Cool - just pick out a movie you want to see, I'm not too terribly picky. All I ask is that it's NOT a martial arts flick, although I doubt that'd be at the top of your list anyway," he replies with a smirk. "Where do you want to meet for it?"
[16:53] <@Usagi> "I'll check the listings tonight," Usagi offers. "Ah, how about we just meet at the cinema - I normally go to the one down the road from Tokyo Tower since it's the closest and normally has a good selection."
[16:54] <@Takeshi> "Sounds good to me," Takeshi agrees. "Just let me know what time tomorrow after you've picked out the movie, and we should be set."
[16:54] <@Usagi> "Okay, see you tomorrow!" Usagi nods before waving and picking up her pace so she can flee homeward.
[16:56] <@Takeshi> "Later!" Takeshi waves as the blonde makes a rapid departure.
This happens the night of Takeshi's second day at work, after he and Hotaru go out for dinner.[22:24:16] <Anastasia> ---Arc 2 go!---
[22:25:13] <Anastasia> Aaaah, home. Mom doesn't get home until past 11 - nor does Dad, the two laughing together. Dad picked up Hideo it seems, carrying him inside. A happy family?
[22:28:06] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru's on the couch, reading it seems, and waiting. She didn't honestly have much to do tonight, and her homework is long done. It's LATE. But so she is relaxed, sweatpantsand a t-shirt under a blanket with her book. "Welcome back," she cuts in a wry smile on her face.
[22:33:51] <Anastasia> Hideo is lightly juggled a bit, Dad raising him up and down. "Evening," he says, heading upstairs with the young child.
[22:34:07] <Anastasia> "Have fun," Mother smiles that little, teasing look of hers, coming just into the room and waiting.
[22:35:58] <Hotaru-chan> "Oh, y'now, we traded introductions to what sorts of nightmare monsters have wreaked agonizing chaos and pain in our minds," Hotaru answers brightly, smiling at her mother. "I also suggested he ask Usagi-chan out."
[22:39:14] <Anastasia> "..mmmm." Crossing her arms, Mother smirks and goes into the hall and the phone. Yet her voice carries! "I'll be sure to mention that to Ikkuko-chan."
[22:40:13] <Hotaru-chan> "...Mom," Hotaru sighs, getting up to follow her mother. "You could actually listen to why, for a moment, please?" she asks, snorting.
[22:46:35] <Anastasia> A hand is on the phone, paused mid dial as Reiko waits.
[22:52:02] <Hotaru-chan> "Takeshi's not randomly involved in all this...he's Nephrite, one of the former generals. He's..." Hotaru sighs softly. "He has memories, killing us, being mentally dominated and controlled by an evil Goddess,,. And I tore him to shreds last Thursday in overreacting to something."
[22:52:02] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru took a deep breath, eyeing her mother "Just...even if I wanted to date him, we wouldn't work out, we'd keep reminding each other of everything black and dark in the past. He even makes me look perfectly social...please, just PLEASE don't pull this on him, hm? Usagi can get him to talk and relax far, far more than me, and he needs that, so just let it be?" she asks with a sigh.
[22:57:51] <Anastasia> "Oh Hotaru." Mother puts down the phone, rubbing the bridge of her nose over and over. Her eyes squint shut, irritation showing. "The one cute, manageable, decent man you stumble on and..."
[22:58:30] <Hotaru-chan> "...And which of those criteria exactly does Yoshi not fill?" Hotaru asks dryly, raising an eyebrow.
[23:00:12] <Anastasia> "That only a few milimeters prevent him from making me a grand mother?" This is said with the utmost casual nastiness, Mother eyeing Hotaru.
[23:00:27] <Anastasia> *milimeters of rubber
[23:04:27] <Hotaru-chan> "And the fact he's never even gotten my pants, much less my panties, off, and agrees instantly when I say no means nothing here?" Hotaru snorts, hands resting on her hips.
[23:06:14] <Anastasia> "Right." Reiko rolls her eyes, dramatically turning away, but her barbed voice is very sharp. "I hope he's at least getting you off while making you a teen mother to be."
[23:11:57] <Hotaru-chan> "So is this where I ask if Rei-chan's my long lost half-sister?" Hotaru fires back, an almust curious tone to her dagger like voice.
[23:11:58] <Hotaru-chan> "I'm not having sex with him. Then again, if you're going to insist that I of course must be lying to you simply because we were kissing in my bedroom, maybe you don't even want to know what's happening at any point in my life? Would you preffer I simply disappear to not bother you with inconvenient truths to be rebuffed?"
[23:19:40] <Anastasia> " I don't know!" Reiko snaps, starting to storm off, "I just don't want to see myd aughter spreading her legs to the first tomcat she gets close to!"
[23:26:09] <Hotaru-chan> "Then trust me when I say I'm NOT!" Hotaru snaps, nearly growling at her mother as she doesn't let Reiko escape, following her. "If you can't trust me with my own body, how can you trust me with the ability to kill thousands of people?" she seethes, eyes flickering violet, her own will coming to bear behind her.
[23:26:09] <Hotaru-chan> "Are you even THINKING about why I dated and date him? Because I did tell you. Or was your daughter confiding in you too inconvenient to remember?"
[23:33:36] <Anastasia> "What I remember is my daughter acting like a little whore!" Reiko freezes cold at this, whipping around to Hotaru with anger filled gazes. Her fist even balls up, "I saw it! You can't deny it, can you? You're quick to at least talk about how scared you are or were, finally, and now?"
[23:42:49] <Hotaru-chan> "I was KISSING him," Hotaru snaps back, body clenched, eyes staring straight back at Reiko with flickers of a glow behind them. "I'm growing up, faster than I want to be, but I can't help it," she snarls. "I am NOT your little girl anymore. You LEFT her years ago for work, just like dad."
[23:42:49] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru takes another breath, the violet glow beginning to grow slightly around her. "What you got back when you finally noticed was me, Hotaru Tomoe, who except for the small fact she's had her ribs pulverized twice in the last two weeks and nearly bled her life out countless other times while tearing dozens of people's lives from them, would LIKE to be exactly like her mother."
[00:04:16] <Anastasia> "The little girl th-" Reiko stops visibly, shaking nastily. "I noticed my daughter's a secretive little...ugh!" Throwing her arms up Reiko stomps off, heading to thestairs without another word.
[00:05:49] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru reacts in an instant, throwing up a violet wall between Reiko and going further up the stairs, or trying to with thelash of her will and energies.
[00:10:09] <Anastasia> OOC - Soul check, 'taru. +1
[00:10:20] <Hotaru-chan> roll 2d6+1 burning 10 ep
[00:10:21] * Hatbot --> "Hotaru-chan rolls 2d6+1 burning 10 ep and gets 8." [2d6=3, 4]
[00:12:08] <Anastasia> A faint glimmering of violet is summoned! It's enough to make Reiko stop, recoiling back slightly.
[00:16:45] <Hotaru-chan> "What secrets have I been keeping, mom?" Hotaru hisses sharply. "I've kept ONE secret from you in two years," she growls, advancing on her parent with glaring, fiery amethyst orbs. "Just one, and I'm willing to bet you'll never guess it. But regardles...'secretive'? I've been far, far more open with you than any parent of a teenager could DREAM of from what I see with my friends. But you still...you still stab me like this."
[00:23:55] <Anastasia> "You...lower it," Reiko's voice is tight, tense, nasty. She looks away, waiting.
[00:26:12] <Hotaru-chan> "Why?" Hotaru asks softly, finally collecting herself, drawing it back in as she stands at the foot of the steps. "Why should I indulge the desires of someone that by all appearances doesn't trust me, doesn't believe I have any worth, and is unwilling even to talk to me."
[00:31:57] <Anastasia> "Now." It's a grated out voice, Mom sounding rather angry again.
[00:37:57] <Hotaru-chan> "Give me a reason," Hotaru replies again. "It's not destruction, you can't hurt yourself on it any more than the wall. But so far, all you've done is demand everything from me, and then keep secrets and scream at what you encouraged in a delusional rampage. Give me a good reason to lower it, and I will. Command me, and you only destroy that much more of your child."
[00:40:14] <Anastasia> "Now." It's a grated out voice, Mom sounding rather angry again. Mom repeats herself, looking on with level eyes.
[00:45:08] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru takes a deep breath, shivering from head to toe for an instant. "I'm sorry, but I suppose that's never mattered, nor will it now," she murmurs, shivering visibly and crumpling a little, the wall vanishing a moment before Hotaru herself does, off to somewhere?
[00:49:06] <Anastasia> ---
<Kotono> ---Arc 2 go!---
<Kotono> As the week goes on Asher's trails lead him to Serenity's. Namely on a chilly late fall afternoon, November's reign well into it's life. Ignoring a few last leaves blowing in the air he proceeds to Serenity's after school.
<Asher> It is with a solemn expression and a stare up at the sky which Asher greets the house with as he trudges through the streets, somewhat dreading what is to come. A million different emotions run through his head - anxiety, uncertainty, the feeling of intrusion, stupidity, negative thoughts and more which he all banishes with a low growl. The puff of mists that form and evaporate like a dream from his breaths take his attention (more)
<Asher> as he steps up the driveway and to the main door. With a deep breath, he pauses before knocking or ringing, glancing down at Reclaimer. 'What do you think?'
<Asher> And we flash back to...
<Asher> School. Last period. Asher's eyes are barely on the board, his ears not really picking up the audible noises that the teacher is making, although his book and notebook are open on his desk. The text scribbled there has little to do with school education, though. He purses his lips, rereading the passages written down on the paper again. 'You around?'
<Kotono> 'Yes. I'm surprised you're awake,' Reclaimer notes. The students are you are mostly uninterested, including one Makoto Kino, who is rather bored herself and not paying the least scrap of attention.
<Asher> 'No thanks to the class,' Asher agrees steadily. 'I was always curious. I do presume you're able to see what I see?'
<Kotono> 'In short, yes. Sort of. I had to adapt and I had a lot of time to do so. Jupiter's looking like she's going to fall asleep,' Reclaimer suppresses a yawn, even a distinct feeling of boredom from him.
<Asher> 'Then perhaps you could read this?' Asher views the text again, hoping the sword would at least pay some semblance of attention. Scrawled there are all of his notes, written surprisingly in legible form for a guy, complete relevant text and his own comments noted.
<Asher> Covering several books but with the largely alarming passages highlighted from that one night at Kotono's, he stares it over himself, trying to see if he missed any detail here or there, or if his entire theory could be laid bare with something.
<Kotono> 'That bit there...' Reclaimer focuses on the scrap from the monk in the Middle Ages, 'Those are the names of our foes plus a few others.'
<Asher> 'I'm glad you noticed the bright, capitalized names, yes. That part is pretty obvious. Read on about... that.' Asher points down to a few lines detailing the description of Lightbringer.
<Kotono> '...she?' Reclaimer stops on that word in particular, 'So it's a person according to this?'
<Asher> 'Yes. And the next line is even more telling about which she. Remember, their Sages are adamant about this Lightbringer being on Earth. How many people fit that particular description?'
<Kotono> 'As I don't know 99.9% of the population?' Reclaimer drawls this, making it's point. 'I believe I understand the gist of your thoughts, though.'
<Asher> 'I'm under the assumption that the rest of the world is relatively normal, and even if they weren't, compare this one particular person with the rest of us 'magical' persons,' Asher bites back, sighing.
<Kotono> 'No, I understand your point - just don't get too entrenched into it in case you're wrong. That leads to making assumptions and to faulty thinking. But...you think it's her, don't you?' As the teacher goes on, Asher s uddenly notes he's lookin gat him. "The answer to 3, Shinsei?"
<Asher> Oh, crap. Asher instantly gazes at the textbook to see what 3 is to come up with a speedy answer!
<Kotono> OOC - Mind check!
<Asher> roll 2d6 burn 10 EP eep!
<Asher> roll 2d6 burn 10 EP of sigh.
* Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 burn 10 EP of sigh. and gets 9." [2d6=6, 3]
<Kotono> What Asher grabs and blurts out is quick, composed and completely wrong. "Incorrect." Shaking his head, "Do questions 10, 11 and 12 for extra practice tonight."
<Kotono> What Asher grabs and blurts out is quick, composed and completely wrong. "Incorrect." Shaking his head, "Do questions 10, 11 and 12 for extra practice tonight."
<Asher> Asher grimaces and flinches back in his seat, nodding submissively, his thoughts banishing themselves to the wind for a moment. Argh. Well, it's not like he shouldn't be getting in some more extra work anyway. With a resigned sigh, he turns his focus innerself again. 'You're right, it's what I think. But whether I'm right or not, I think it deserves mention.'
<Kotono> 'It does - to her, probably. But...' Reclaimer pauses, 'What if it's a state someone is in as well? Serenity as Her Majesty Queen Serenity, or one of the Princesses as a Princess and not just a Sailor, for example? Alter egos add more mud to the situation.'
<Asher> Asher closes his eyes for a moment, letting the words sink in. 'That's a valid point. I just assumed that everyone was being considered from their .. normal selves, I guess. But what do you mean by that? Are Makoto - ' He glances over for a moment '- and Jupiter two different people, or no?'
<Kotono> 'They're both Makoto Kino, but...Jupiter has powers in that form she doesn't have normally. So do you when you aren't transformed.' Reclaimer pauses asy ou see Makoto. She's beautiful - ponytail just a bit askew, beautiful front denied but she idly drums a pencil onto her desk. 'It's worth remembering that if you start pondering on who the Lightbringer could be.'
<Asher> 'Powers from an old world...' Asher mouths off the words, glossing it over as he averts his eyes away from the chestnut-haired girl and back to his notebook. 'But that doesn't make the person. Makoto is Makoto, Princess of Jupiter or not. She's from here.'
<Kotono> 'That's true as well - but she's also from the Moon in the past. With the exception of Sailor Pluto and yourself now, all of them are. You're special, as is Kotono, in unique circumstances. Even then, in Kotono's case, she's still Her Highness of Pluto.'
<Asher> 'And I guess if you were to additionally question the sanity of the person writing the whole thing, details can be muddied in explanation.' Asher punctuates this with a sigh. 'I'm just trying to make do with what I have here. But you know my guess, and it's enough to validate at least bringing it up, I think.'
<Asher> 'If nothing else, it narrows down the field significantly and we can know what to expect from there. Also, consider.' Asher pauses, another thought coming into his head. 'They've interacted with all of us! Usagi, Kotono, Hotaru, Makoto, Rei... they all were seeking the Lightbringer and yet they didn't identify any of the senshi as her. How can they be looking for her if they don't even know how to?'
<Asher> 'And Michiru flat out was on their side for a moment, so it definitely can't be her, either.'
<Kotono> 'Michiru is out, and you raise a point about the other girls. So...mmmmmm. What about Venus or Uranus? They're still unaccounted for, and if they were it...'
<Asher> 'If they were it, then we need to look for them too. But we're always doing that, regardless - it's an unknown variable we can't control. It leaves only one person left that fits, and she fits the bill the most.' With that the bell goes off, signaling the end of class. 'I'm not saying I'm absolutely sure... but.' He breaths in, slowly. 'It'd make too much sense, wouldn't it?'
<Kotono> 'Indeed. Indeed, so...let's take this to her.' After that Reclaimer is silent - doubly so since the period ends at last!
<Asher> And we fade back in...
<Asher> The chill of the wind is noticeable as a young man in front of a door shifts his feet. 'Well?' Asher speaks again quietly, staring at the door. 'Just go in and let it all out?'
<Kotono> 'Go for it,' Reclaimer stops, however, with good reason. "Just a minute!" You hear someone rushing to the door - JAnna has a towel wrapped around hre body, faintly seen as she cracks the door open. "Oh, ASher. Go ahead and let yourself in as soon as I run back upstairs. Be down in a few, make yourself comfortable." Water and a few bubbly suds drip from her hair and body, a shiver from her as she retreats away, barely seen.
<Asher> "...oi." Asher rubs his eyes for a moment and waits for the footsteps before he pushes open the door with one hand, stepping in quickly for warmth.
<Kotono> It's warm in here! The living room is very warm but empty - no one else is home, but you can distantly hear what you presume to be Janna rustling upstairs loudly.
<Asher> Asher shuffles around for a moment again, taking off his shoes and tiptoeing his way into the living room. Parking himself at one of the chairs, he lounges around idly for a few moments, still pondering over details. Something seems graspable, but at the same time he heeded Reclaimer's words - it was too easy to fall into one train of thought and never get off...
<Kotono> You have to wait a mere five minutes for Janna to come down. She's thrown on a heavy white and pink sweater with sweat pants, curling up with a blanket on the couch. "Sorry about that - was trying to moisturise to keep up with J-nevermind! ANYWAY! What's up? Social call or business?"
<Asher> "With--" Asher cuts himself off, bringing himself back to attention! He smiles a bit nervously, shaking his head. "It's kinda important, but it can wait. I need to speak with Queen Serenity. Is she not home yet, or...?"
<Kotono> "She's just coming home, I think. Should be home any time." Leaning back and putting her bare feet up onto the table, "Wanna watch me paint my nails or help? Well, probably not, but...it may be a bit if you wanna go fix yourself a snack or whatever or take a nap. She could be ten minutes, she coudl be two hours."
<Asher> "...I... see." Asher continues smiling, feeling a bit put off. "I'll just work on homework, then, not like I don't have anything to do." Haha. Right, Asher, right. But it was as good a chance and excuse as any, as he props his backpack up on the table and takes out the appropriate material.
<Kotono> As this goes on, Janna gets out a few shades and bottles of nail polish. She frowns over it as she holds a tiny little brush, debating a fe bottles. "Oh, Asher! Since you're a guy - and you're not gay, right - which looks better and sexier on me? Heartstopper red or delicate pink rose?"
<Asher> "....I..." Asher looks utterly out of his field for a moment, and shows it, trying to stammer out something successfully. "Uh.. I... I really don't know, Janna," he blurts out, blushing. "It depends on the person, though, wouldn't.. it?"
<Asher> What an abysmal failure, he was!
<Kotono> "Oh come on! What sort of wimpy answer is that!" JAnna puts down the bottles and brush, hands on her hips as she glares. "Have some backbone! You're a man, you're suppposed to!"
<Asher> This only makes Asher flinch back for a moment, his pencil easing down as he looks back up with a grimace. "It's nowhere remotely near my field or knowledge! What do you want me to do, lie? That'd be even worse!"
<Kotono> "It's COLORS!" Janna throws her arms up in exasperation, "Which color looks nicer on me? IT's not rocket science!"
<Asher> He sighs and glances over at the said hues anyway, trying to come up with an answer to her demands. And he really didn't know. He'd never known anyone who DID paint their toenails, at least certainly not in front of him.
<Asher> "...alright, fine." He glances back up at Janna for a moment, chewing his lip and considering. "Pink."
<Kotono> "...red." Janna nods a moment later, humming a merry note as she takes the bottle. "Somehow I got the idea that your opinion was probably best 180'ed since you're rather, ah, clueless on that. But thanks, that's what I thought, too!" So she begins, the smell of chemicals tickling ASher's nose.
<Kotono> '...Women.' Reclaimer merely sighs.
<Asher> 'You've had your share of experience with the battle of the genders? That's somewhat surprising.' Asher lets off a barbed remark. 'Incidentally, I'd hate to imagine a female counterpart of you.'
<Asher> With a low sigh himself, he turns himself back to homework!
<Kotono> 'Asher? Just imagine yourself as a girl. Imagine you synching up mentally with Kotono.' It's all Reclaimer says, before it laughs VERY darkly.
<Asher> '....' That is enough to shut Asher up completely and utterly from even thinking about a response, or the subject Reclaimer brings up, by busying himself with said work.
<Kotono> About a half hour passes. Janna seems thrilled with her nails, smiling as she watches them dry. "Mmm." She just purrs away - she keeps murmuring something about a 'Jun' while her eyebrows twitch. (More)
<Kotono> But eventually Asher hears the front door open. Someone is here, a quiet sound of a door delicately closed.
<Asher> Asher slowly turns his eyes up from his work to regard the newcoming person, preemptively knowing who it is.
<Kotono> Jaws music. The sound of terror! A glimpse of blonde hair as someone enters, pale blon-oh. No. It's Serenity, mearly wearing a light yellow skirt today. "Janna...Oh, Asher! How do you find yourself today?"
<Asher> As soon as his heart stops jackhammering against his chest, Asher gathers himself to speak. "Queen Serenity. I was just dropping by in hopes of talking about something with you." He smiles nervously again. "But it doesn't have to be right now, just call me up when you're free."
<Kotono> "Now is fine." Serenity sits next to Janna, idly rubbing her hands. "Mmmm. Now is excellent, for I need to change clothes because I need to go out later."
<Kotono> "Your hands again," A deep sigh from Janna, patting Serenity's shoulder as she gets up. "I'll go get the aspirin again."
<Asher> Asher frowns at that, rising from his seat as he tucks away his stuff back into the pack, except for the requisite notebook. "Your hands are troubling you that much, Queen Serenity?"
<Kotono> "Typing does not agree with me." Slowly she works her hands, bringing relief to one and the other. "It's a neglectably small concern. What troubles you, Asher?"
<Asher> "The main situation at hand." Asher raises his notebook, looking weary for a moment, but continues on. "I did some extensive research with Kotono a little bit back and came upon some... interesting relevations. I thought they were serious enough to warrant bringing them to your attention."
<Kotono> "Go on." As Serenity speaks Janna returns, a glass of water and blue aspirin pills brought. A swallow later and the Queen's attention is yours, awaiting.
<Asher> "It's... a lot," Asher admits hesitantly, seeming a little off balance. "We should sit down, at least. And a lot of it is conjecture, but the text itself is the important part." He takes a seat back down across the table and opens the notebook, awaiting Serenity to come over for a look.
<Kotono> Serenity comes over slowly, kneeling next to Asher to read. "Is this it?" she asks simply, turning her eyes to the age.
<Asher> "The parts that are highlighted are text passages that I copied out of several books and passages, particularly this one here..." Asher points to one specific section. "From a sect of monks in the Middle Ages. It seems nonsensical at first, but the first line's listing of names is too straight-on for coincidence."
<Kotono> "PESTILENCE HATRED DEATH DEATH DEATH TEMPTATION DESPAIR HUNGER STAGNATION HUNGER HUNGER SAGES SAGES BEAST HUNGER." Serenity recites the passages solemnly, each name given respect. "Our enemies, plus Michiru's name as one of them was Stagnation. That leaves...Death and Hunger, as well as the Beast."
<Asher> Asher blinks rapidly. He'd almost forgotten that detail. "The Beast is dead, if it's referencing to the Beast Lord that the senshi fought. And... I..." He hesitates, not really sure how to say this. "I spoke with Death earlier this week on a school morning."
<Kotono> "Tell me," Serenity latches onto that with a quickness, "What did he say and why?"
<Asher> "He ventured out to speak with me, and try to recruit me, like all the others have been, I gathered," Asher replies slowly, gathering the conversation in his head again. Every minute detail. The chill, the sudden drawing away of life from everyone else in that ice cream parlor - Death's touch... it makes him involuntarily shudder even now.
<Asher> "He started out.... saying that he was looking for any inhuman, and that I was the first one he'd run across.." Asher licks his lips, concentrating. "That he was not unfamiliar with Earth, but the others were. The usual Lightbringer objective. Asked us, us being those of magical talent, why we were here, that magic should have died off long ago..."
<Asher> "Then I asked him for more detail about their side of the story, and he pressed on me accepting an offer to 'see it for myself'. I wasn't very keen on that." Asher closes his eyes, remembering the bone-numbing sensations of that conversation. "About the Sages.. the signs being in place... the fall of a long forgotten Beast..."
<Anastasia> "A prophecy? Signs? The Beast Lord?" Serenity considers these word with the utmost solemnness, pondering it all. "Magic...this is not a world where magic florishes. LIke the past it has been forgotten, has it not?"
<Ran|GM> Asher remains silent, awaiting Serenity to deign on her words further. Surely the implications of the rest of the passage would not be lost on her, as well.
<Anastasia> "They want you...then want us...do they want me?" she murmurs, thoughtfully looking away with a few fingers propping up her chin. "Creatures calling themselves inhuman, wielding magic that 'died out on this world long ago'. Creatures that know of the Beast Lord, and..."
<Ran|GM> "And seek a Lightbringer, she from an old world, who will bring this world into the age of eternal void." Asher finishes the statement solemnly, his eyes downcast.
<Anastasia> "...if that is myself...then I would lose myself in the process." Serenity concludes darkly, reaching out to touch Asher's shoulder, to lay a hand there. "This is good work. I hope and pray that this is merely a coincidence, but I am not sure. But then, Michiru. Stagnation...what would I...?" Now the Queen bites her lip thoughtfully, "No. No matter. True or not, we must prepare for this and be aware of it."
<Ran|GM> "If it is only a coincidence, then we still do not know what to guard against, Queen Serenity." Asher relaxes ever so slightly against her touch, finding a little more strength in his voice. "The more we glimpse into their intents, the more we can take measures to protect against it... their objectives will not change regardless of what we think. But as you said... we have to prepare."
<Ran|GM> "I felt that... given the description of what was written here..." He raises his head up to meet the serene monarch's gaze in the eyes. "That you yourself should know first, and decide how to interpret it."
<Anastasia> "I believe that..." CLosing her eyes, Serenity stops and smiles. "Asher. Stop that - I'm no Queen, not any more, am I not? I lead only because others willingly defer to me out of love and respect." Smiling to Asher at that, "Go call them and tell them this."
<Anastasia> A pause, Serenity considering, "Make sure they hear the exact words, not merely a summary. Allow them to make their own conclusions first."
<Ran|GM> "But you are Queen Serenity," Asher replies back, with both a little surprise and hesitance. "A queen of a kingdom past, but a queen nonetheless. Whether your 'subjects' follow you out of love and respect or out of other reasons only affects the stature of your position, not the position itself. It's.. it's how we make of it which is important, but it's there nonetheless."
<Ran|GM> The young man seems to pick up a lot more conviction in his voice, but it's undertoned quietly in his words. "Just as I am a knight now, and so long as I hold this power I will continue to be so. It matters not why or how I serve as a knight, others will treat me as such because it is who I am. For better, or for worse..."
<Anastasia> "Queen Serenity is dead. She died holding the Silver Crystal, passing on her legacy to others. All that is left is a woman named Serenity, Asher, who occasionally remembers the past to ensure it rests in harmony with the present." Serenity smiles, shimmering a moment. The guise of the Queen of the Moon is here, her beautiful gown out of place in the mundane house. "I am no more a Lightbringer than Queen Serenity now. If anyone is the Qu
<Anastasia> If anyone is the Queen...let it be my daughter or Usagi."
<Ran|GM> Asher lowers his head, accepting the correction dutifully. "I hope they know that, then." He says it with a hint of a smile, before raising his eyes up again. "My apologies... I just..." He stops, seemingly at a loss for words.
<Anastasia> "No apology." Serenity's smile picks up, brighter again. "Go on."
<Anastasia> roll 2d6
* Hatbot --> "Anastasia rolls 2d6 and gets 11." [2d6=6, 5]
<Anastasia> Asher feels a feeling of peace and serenity flow through him, a faint twinkle from Serenity's forehead moon. "Shh. Just go on, Asher."
<Asher> "Ah..." Asher closes his eyes, relaxing again considerably as he takes in a slow breath to consider his words. "I still feel... lost sometimes, where I am, what I'm supposed to do. What I've stepped into here... with everyone feels like another world entirely, and I've been treating it like that. It makes it... easier to accept..."
<Anastasia> "I note someone attached themselves to you, on feeling lost." Serenity's smile is a teasting thing, soft and teasing.
<Asher> His face flushes for a moment as he leans back against her hand, biting down on his lips and trying to stay composed. "I don't see how that has to do with anything at all..."
<Anastasia> The warm laughter that follows is muted and pleasant. "Oh, I merely could not resist one comment. The Princess of Pluto is courted by a knight errant? Are you alright with it?"
<Asher> "You would be amazed at how little my own position has anything to do with it in practice, Queen Serenity," he mumbles quietly, biting down on his lips and chewing. This wasn't exactly how he planned the conversation to go!
<Anastasia> "I see...too easily." Serenity pats Asher again, "Now go spread the word. I won't trouble you with my own curiosity."
<Asher> Asher nods slowly in response, speaking only to clarify the command. "And what about you, Queen Serenity... what do you make of all of this?"
<Anastasia> "I wish to think it over a little more." Rising up, Serenity stands. "I will go bathe and ponder this. Do you wish to jo-aaah!" Wow. That gets Serenity blush horribly, quickly amending. "Ah, I'm still used to most of our allies being fellow women!"
<Asher> Blushing intensely beneath her again, Asher quickly slides away, finding the pommel of Reclaimer and steadying himself upwards again with a tiny bit of a nod. "Alright. ...would.. a meeting be entirely wise, though... or should I seek them out one by one?"
<Anastasia> "You have a communicator now," Serenity says with a delicate note, getting up and going.
<Asher> "...what's -that- supposed to mean..." Asher says this beneath his breath, to himself more than anything else, as he gathers up with a sigh.
> ---Arc 2 go!---
> Ack! THe solitude of Takeshi's room at night is shattered! Ruined! Disgraced, all by this insistent soft beeping from his school bag. The sound of communication on the fly!
* Takeshi mumbles and yawns, pushing back the sheets as he rummages through his bag for the communicator so graciously given by Serenity last week.
> The symbol of Mars is lit, waiting to be answered.
* Takeshi hits the button on the communicator to answer it, his before-bed reading disturbed. "Yes?"
> "Hey." Rei smirks a little as she's seen, hints of her school uniform just visible from her neckline. "Kotono said you were looking into the supernatural side of all of this?"
<Takeshi> "Mmm," Takeshi replies, nodding slightly. "Trying to, but I haven't heard back a lot from her yet and I haven't tried looking for Temptation or any of the others for a few days."
> "She's working on it - she said that Asher helped too, but she hasn't quite seen all of her notes so you'll need to talk to him. Anyway," Rei glances behind her, a soft little smirk, "Since she's lost in a book, what's up?"
<Takeshi> "Eh, not too much," Takeshi replies. "Just getting ready for bed - been a busy week so far. Started a new job, for one. Had a bit of a talk with Hotaru, for another. And Serenity." He shakes his head. "Lot of things with real life, not so much with 'business', though."
> "Mmmm. Say!" Rei's all smiles, curious. "Got any plans coming up?"
<Takeshi> "Headed over to check out a movie with Usagi on Sunday, and thinking about getting a haircut on Saturday," Takeshi answers. "Other than that and work, no."
> "...ooooh!" For amoment Rei looks embarrassed, but snaps out of it. 'Usagi already...damn her! Quick little...' "Well, have fun with that, then...wait, haircut?"
* Takeshi chuckles briefly. "Yeah, Hotaru said she thought I'd look better with shorter hair, and... honestly, I'm thinking about it. Not 100% sure if I want to do it yet, but..."
> From the way Rei bites her lip you'd think this was something important. "It might be. Well, mmmm. Just make sure you're sure...unless you want Jun-chan to grow it back?"
<Takeshi> "Jun-ch... oh. Didn't know he could do that, actually." Takeshi raises an eyebrow at that. "I have no idea when I'll be able to see him, though, although I'll admit it's up there on my list of priorities."
> "Heh, heh. I had to cut my hair on Gaia and he regrew it for me. I think Hotaru knows the trick as well, but it's hard." A slinky smile there, considering.
* Takeshi smirks. "Yeah, you definitely want the long-haired look." He chuckles a bit at that, then, "Anyway, was there anything else up, or just calling to chat?"
> "Eh, chatting. Kotono's busy in a book and I'm bored. So how're you adapting now?" Rei goes to sit - you can see Kotono's room behind her as she heads out, thethump of going downstairs heard.
* Takeshi smiles wryly. "Eh... not too bad. Biggest thing right now is dealing with the bureaucracy - still dealing with all the paperwork so I can get out of here and get moved in with Serenity. Shouldn't be a lot longer before it's all done, though."
> "Heh, heh. Looking to make our beloved Queen a woman again?" Rei teases, grinning as you see her sit down on what looks to be a leather couch.
* Takeshi snorts. "Right, I'm sure she looks at me as dating material," Takeshi retorts. "Despite the age difference, however you want to figure that."
> "Heh, heh. Nevermind, then. Can't deny Usa...aaah!" Rei just grins now, "Anyway, anything else going on? Your'e in Usagi's class, aren't you?"
<Takeshi> "Can't deny her what?" Takeshi says, cutting right to the more interesting of the two points.
> "Oh, nothing," Rei chirps innocently.
<Takeshi> "Uh huh," Takeshi says dubiously, letting it lie. "But to answer your other question, yes, I'm in Usagi's class."
> "Well, take good care of her Sunday!" With that Rei even winks, giggling, "Just do it. No questions." You do note a strange bit of seriousness in her voice, too1
* Takeshi raises an eyebrow at that. "Now you're starting to make me wonder if this is some sort of conspiracy," he says, frowning slightly. "Are you and Hotaru both in on this?"
> Rei nearly snorts her entire nose out, coughing viciously after. "...wait, what, has Hotaru been TALKING?"
<Takeshi> "We talked last night a bit, yeah," Takeshi says, a bit surprised at the reaction. "She was the one that suggested I ask Usagi out."
> "....and she's getting Usagi a date...." Rei twitches visibly, growling. "Okay, thanks."
<Takeshi> "Uh... sure, I guess. Did I say something wrong?"
> "No, no, Takeshi. You did great!" Rei smiles even sweeter, eyebrows twitching. "That information is useful. So Hotaru wants me that bad, eh?"
<Takeshi> "She didn't mention you at all, actually," Takeshi replies, sighing a bit. "All that happened was that her mother tried to shove the two of us out on an impromptu date, and while we were talking over dinner she suggested Usagi might enjoy going on a date. That was all."
> "..mmmm." Rei does simmer down a bit at that, and just sighs. "...yeah...erk.Do me a favor and forgetI said that last part?" Suddenly Rei is shaking her head, "Just...urgh!" In a flick she's gone, back to her own life.
<Takeshi> "That was strange," Takeshi says to no one in particular, shrugging before he puts the communicator back in his bookbag and heading back to his reading.
This happens the same night as Hotaru's argument with Reiko and the battle with Death's minions.
[23:16:00] <Hotaru-chan> ----
[23:19:40] <Hotaru-chan> Wednesday night is a time of sleep! Rest! Blessed obliviousness for Makoto Kino after a long day of school and teaching. ...Except for the sound of Makoto's door clicking and creaking open. It awakens her with its noise, the clock flashing 2:12am at her in soft red letters. There are audible footsteps, soft ones, in her home.
[23:23:44] <Makoto> The sound of footsteps induces a moment of panic-very brief, but enough to kickstart the chesnut-haired teen's thought processes into gear, bypassing the ordinary sluggish crawl to wakefulness. *I'm sure I locked that. Which means it's one of three people.* The thought circles sluggishly in her mind as Makoto sits up in bed, rubbing her eyes and looking about in the darkness. "Hello?" She calls, through the bedroom door.
[23:34:02] <Hotaru-chan> It's a flicker of soft violet that greets her, Hotaru coming to Makoto's bedroom door with a globe of her own energy in hand. "Guess I woke you..." she whispers across the distance, her fac a fragile constitution of pieces, an expression that perhaps once had been shattered.
[23:37:37] <Makoto> A dissheveled Makoto, lengthy mane of brown hair unbound, and dressed only in a largish pink tee with a kitten on the front and white panties greets the smaller senshi's eyes as long legs slip over the edge of the bed, and Makoto stands up, stretching. "'S fine." Makoto yawns, padding over to Hotaru. "s'goin' on? You look all worn out...how come you're up and about this early?"
[23:43:11] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru takes a shivery breath, falling against Makoto and trembling softly. "Fight with mom...I...disappeared, went to Balder's rooftop to be alone. Death showed up and woke me."
[23:46:54] <Makoto> "..." Makoto hugs the smaller girl on insinct as She presses against her, lightly stroking her hair. "Busy night." She murmurs. "Want to talk about it? I can make coffee. It tastes weird, but it'll help..."
[00:00:45] <Hotaru-chan> "No...just..." Hotaru sighs again, shivering and hugging Makoto tightly. Her clothes are pajama like, sweatpants and a t-shirt as she snuggles closely into her friend. "I don't...it's hard even to be here..." she whimpers. "It just...like there's a roll of barbed wire turning around inside me, I wasn't going to see anyone for a while, but I had to set off the beacon when Death's servants attacked."
[00:03:45] <Makoto> "...Oh, Firefly..." Makoto murmurs, wincing a little, and kissing the top of Hotaru's head. "I'm sorry. Do you still need to be alone? I can set up the futon in my sewing room..." She offers, worriedly looking down at the shivering form in her arms.
[00:12:13] <Hotaru-chan> "No...it's fine..." Hotaru choked, shuddering and pressing closer. "Just...everything..." she sighs, nuzzling tiredly at her companion, glancing up. "Just...go back to bed? I don't want to make school hard for you..."
[00:14:14] <Makoto> "You, too." Makoto insists, frowning and rubbing Hotaru's back before gently ushering her over to her bed. "Take off your socks and climb in-I'll go make you something to drink to relax you a little, 'kay?" Makoto offered, leaning back to look into the smaller girl's eyes.
[00:19:16] <Hotaru-chan> "Not going to school tomorrow, but okay," Hotaru agrees quietly, smiling weakly back at Makoto as she sits on the bed, and going more than her socks, taking off the sweats too.
[00:23:18] <Makoto> "You can stay here while I do, if you want." Makoto smiles over her shoulder, heading to the door. "I could call in sick if you want company, too." She adds, ducking out of the room. Within about twenty minutes, Makoto returns, carrying a gently steaming mug, and proffering it to the smaller girl.
[00:26:04] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru blows at her bangs, then sipping curiously in the darkness of the bedroom. "I don't want to make it harder for you...I've got a little leeway with this sort of thing..." she answers quietly, sighing. "Mmm...Mako-chan?" she asks, smiling a little. "Wanna know something about me that probably won't surprise you? Just...mah, it almost came up tonight with mom..." she frowns and sighs.
[00:32:00] <Makoto> The liquid is dark and sweet, with a slightly lemony tang to it-hot iced tea, sort of? It slips down the throat with a sensual thickness as Makoto crawls into the bed beside Hotaru, scooting over to sit beside the smaller girl. "Do you want to tell me?" She asks with a smile, leaning over to hug Hotaru gently. "I mean, you probably wouldn't have brought it up if you didn't, but...you seem wrung out. (More)
[00:32:45] <Makoto> I don't mind listening, but I don't want you to be all embarrassed tomorrow because you were too tired to think about what you were saying."
[00:35:43] <Hotaru-chan> "I'm, tired...it feels good to tell people things, though," Hotaru murmurs quietly, leaning into Makoto and shivering, less because of stress, a little more happy as she hums quietly. "It worries me, telling you, but...well, no, you probably wouldn't take it that way...." she snickers, turning to kiss Makoto's cheek. "It's easier because I'm exhausted, but...I think I might be bisexual," she admits, a softer sigh of relief at getting it out
[00:39:41] <Makoto> In the dark, Makoto's sudden, dark blush is hidden, and her lips part slightly as Hotaru kisses her cheek. "...Well." Makoto begins slowly, her mouth dry as she hugs Hotaru back. "Why do you think so? It's not usually the type of thing that you have to think about..." She ventures carefully, gently pulling Hotaru closer in the dark to reassure her, and avoid spilling her tea.
[00:51:23] <Hotaru-chan> "Who was in a position to make you AND Rei yelp at the same time at Ami's party?" Hotaru blushes and sips at the tea, sighing quietly. "If I think about it...or well, focus that way...girls feel the same way as boys. I...I thought about it a couple times while you were asleep...and..." Hotaru swallows, her cheeks visibly darkened even in the dim light. "I...thinking about when...Rei-chan was naked at the dayspa...gah, I can't say it."
[00:54:19] <Makoto> "I..." Makoto bit her lip, blushing and sighing a little as she hugged Hotaru tightly. "They say a lot of girls have those kinds of feelings, but grow out of them after high school." Makoto murmurs, almost...mournfully?
[00:56:41] <Hotaru-chan> "While they have boyfriends?" Hotaru remarks back, shaking her head and curling up against Makoto, closing her eyes. "I don't know. I felt closer to girls before I felt close to boys...boys were only really recent. Tsuru some, mostly Yoshi."
[01:01:10] <Makoto> "Yeah." Makoto nods, smiling a little. "Though, be fair. Yoshi and Tsuru were really the first boys you got to know, too." Makoto points out, lightly stroking Hotaru's hair. And no, Mamoru-san and Balder and Beck don't count." She teases weakly, giggling. "Mou. Sorry, Firefly-chan. I don't really know what to say. But if it helps, I still love you." She offers warmly, stroking Hotaru's head. *And...I can't tell you how much. Irony, or what?*
[01:04:02] <Hotaru-chan> "Mamoru made me smile a minute," Hotaru prods, snickering and sitting up, setting the half full mug of tea on the dresser. "I'm curious at least, just...mmm," she sighs, curling closely into Makoto's side. "I was talking to Rei-chan...she thought we should just have sex and be done with it," she snorts, hugging Makoto tightly.
[01:04:03] <Hotaru-chan> "Just...mmm. Bed? I'm exhausted, and rambling, and I might say something I shouldn't, and we'll talk about you staying home in the morning?"
[01:05:32] * Makoto flinches slightly at the mention of Rei and Hotaru having sex, but manages a soft laugh to cover up the bruise. "Mm. Finish your tea, and curl up." Makoto instructs gently.
[01:08:11] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru blinks sharply, glancing over at the mug as her eyes open a little wider. "You're not...sorry," Hotaru blushes. "That was...I shouldn't have..." she sighs. "Gah, now I'm thinking about...you...me..." she murmurs. "And I'm just making it worse."
[01:09:11] <Makoto> "What?" Makoto frowns suddenly. "Oh no, you don't get to speak in half sentences." She warns. "What's wrong?"
[01:11:21] <Hotaru-chan> "I...you're not comfortable..." Hotaru takes a deep breath, shaking her head. "You flinched when I mentioned Rei-chan's joke about you and me..." Hotaru gestures vaguely, blushing. "I didn't want to make things so awkward..."
[01:12:05] <Makoto> "About me and you?" Makoto blinks, coughing lightly. "I thought you meant you and Rei..."
[01:17:32] <Hotaru-chan> "...No no no," Hotaru laughs softly, relaxing into Makoto, snickering a little. "No...you know how Rei isn't really physical? And Usagi doesn't exactly go for it either. Just...the way we touch, obvious joke that if I'm bi, I should just jump into bed with you and everyone will be happy!" she snickers.
[01:21:08] <Makoto> "Well, then everyone is." Makoto relaxes a little and smiles. *Sort of* She gestures to the bed and snickers.
[01:26:29] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru snickers softly, arms tightening around Makoto and pulling her down with her. "Mah...doesn't really change anything, I guess...just...well, Usagi, Rei, Takeshi found out, so you kind of needed to know. Takeshi caught me eyeing a waitress," she snerks.
[01:28:13] <Makoto> "Ugh...Takeshi." Makoto grumbles, happily falling into bed with Hotaru, blushing more in the dark than usual as they curl up together. "That meeting gave me a really bad feeling about him..."
[01:31:25] <Hotaru-chan> "He works for mom now, actually..." Hotaru murmurs, settling under the covers and curling in close to Makoto. "He's more of a headcase than I am, I think...mah, I told him to try asking Usagi out or something," she sighs, closing her eyes. "I got mom to stop trying to push us together...she even cornered us into going to dinner together, mah. She let up, Usagi can handle his...issues, better. He and I would just swap demonic stalker stories."
[01:32:57] <Hotaru-chan> He and I would just swap demonic stalker stories."
[01:35:21] <Makoto> "I believe the part about being a headcase." Makoto frowns. "I just don't understand how to trust someone who comes to Serenity-sama making a big show of being traumatized and remorseful over being possessed and controlled, and the first major plan he suggests is putting himself squarely back in that situation." Makoto murmurs to Hotaru in the dark. "Either he's criminally stupid, or in league with the inhumans already, and I'm not sure which scares me more."
[01:38:32] <Hotaru-chan> "Misguidedly psychotic. I considered joining the Beast Lord for enough power to destroy Jadeite once or twice," Hotaru snorts, shaking her head. "Relax, mah? He's not horrible in person, just more wound up than Kochan; and Serenity has a tight enough leash on him," she assures, touching her nose to Makoto's. "Don't bother thinking about it."
[01:40:56] <Makoto> "Mmmph." Makoto grumps. "I'm not trusting the lives of my precious people to that wackjob." Makoto murmurs decisively, snuggling against Hotaru and sighing wistfully. *If you and Yoshi ever...Well, I'll try and tell you then.*
[01:44:55] <Hotaru-chan> "It'll be fine," Hotaru adds, a slightly shakier breath of words as she holds herself close to Makoto. "Whatever will be, will be."
[01:45:50] <Makoto> "In the meantime, enjoy each other." Makoto murmurs sleepily. "Love you, Hotaru-chan."
[01:46:50] <Hotaru-chan> "Don't tempt me," Hotaru giggles quietly, purring. "Love you too...go to sleep," she offers, closing her eyes and trying to relax again.
[01:47:32] <Makoto> "Mmm." Makoto smiles and cradles Hotaru as conciousness fades...
[01:47:56] <Hotaru-chan> ----
> ---Arc 2 go!---
> Aaah. Now that Makoto has some time away from battle and in the normal draw of school? Cookies! That seems like the logical thing this week, baking away as Iori purrs on her shoulders. A very peaceful place indeed, until the thrice damned doorbell is rung.
<Makoto> "How did I get this popular?" Makoto grumbles softly, nuzzling Iori and turning and slowly walking to the door, carefully wiping her hands off on her apron as she opens it. "Hello?"
> Standing there is a woman - a very nice woman. Tall with strappy black pumps worn, a red sweater and black cloth pants. Long red hair cascades down her back, front very nicely...padded. A bit unevenly, however! "Makoto...?" A bow right after, the faintest blush.
* Makoto blink-blinks staring for a brief moment-then her eyes widen, her eyebrows climbing up to meet her bangs, and she quickly steps aside, smiling in startled bemusement. "Come in, come in...Wow." Makoto smothers a little laugh. "Sorry, you surprised me."
> "...it isn't too much, is it?" she blushes, quietly coming inside. Hands are held demurely in front of her, a little purse hanging from her arm.
<Makoto> "No, no." Makoto smiles, closing the door behind her guest, and gently reaching out to adjust her bust to hang more evenly. "It's very good-the slacks are the right touch. I'm almost jealous. I don't think I could pull off a look like that."
> "Thanks!" A small, hesitant smile ashe smooths over his chest, "I couldn't get this quite right, but the rest..." Shaking his head as he goes to the couch and delicately sits down, "I just wanted help with the makeup."
* Makoto smiles a little. "I think I can manage there." She sits down beside him and examines his face critically. "You're actually lucky-you won't need a lot." She grins and leans back, bemused shock still her dominant expression. "Just...wow. How often have you been out...dressed?" She asks carefully. "Oh, and do you have your own makeup?" She giggles and shakes her head. "Sorry. I don't mean to laugh."
> "A little." Just a little blush back as well before he nods, "I like the darker shades...mmm. Just...make me up, Mako? I'd be honored." So she even bows after, as Iori meows loudly from Makoto's shoulders.
<Makoto> "I'd be happy to." Makoto smiles and nods. "My color palette probably wouldn't suit you...red hair is much more dramatic than mine." She replies, trying to soothe 'her' with a little girl talk. "Let's see your stuff."
> Sitting down on the couch again, her purse is passed over. "Have fun...and make me gorgeous!"
<Makoto> Makoto snickers. "I'll do my best, but you're not talking to an expert, here." Makoto cautions, taking the purse and opening it to raid it for supplies. "This is so hard to get used to. You were a handsome, and a great kisser...and like this, you're even prettier than me." She grumbles, fishing out eyeshadow, and rummaging. "No foundation?"
> "Just go with it," An agreeable nod from her, waiting for Makoto to work her magic
> !
<Makoto> "Trust me, foundation is needed." Makoto interjects. "Be right back." The ponytailed girl hops up off the couch, headed to the bathroom to retrieve her own foundation, grinning. *This is too weird for words, but kinda fun!* On returning, she sits down beside Tsukasa, and gets to work. "This should work, but you should try and get some, too. It's to even out skin tone." Makoto instructs. "Hey...Tsukasa-kun. Should...Do you have a differ
<Makoto> "Hey...Tsukasa-kun. Should...Do you have a different name when you're a girl?"
> "Another name..." Tsukasa thinks it over a little bit, smiling meekly. "How about...?"
<Makoto> "Hm?" Makoto gives him an encouraging look as she spreads a thin coat of the powdered foundation on his cheeks, and reaches over to pick up the eyeshadow.
> Waiting a few for Makoto to get her latest ministration done, "Haruka?" he asks, thinking it over.
* Makoto thinks it over as she looks over the colors, looking up at him and smiling. "Sounds cute, but not too cute." Makoto agrees. "Nice to meet you, Haruka-chan." She giggles a little and goes back to the eyeshadow. "Do you want evening or afternoon makeup?" She asks suddenly. "Though, Evening makeup is only for dates, and things like that." She adds, giving Tsukasa a speculative look.
> The giggle is returned as her face is painted, "No dates yet...mmmm. We'lls ee, at least I ahve a lot of choices." As he talks Makoto's phone begins to ring.
* Makoto laughs softly. "Definitely-Crap. Hold on a minute, 'kay?" She offers to her guest, heading over to answer her phone. "I don't know how I get so popular all at once..."
> "Makoto?" Gramma! It's her voice - it's stopped after with a light cough, but she sounds pretty strong today. Into it.
<Makoto> "Gramma! Hi!" Makoto looks over at Tsukasa, mouthing 'sorry, be a few' to the feminized boy. "Wow, you sound better." She smiles happily.
> Tsukasa/Haruka spends her time fiddling with her lipstick. As this goes down, "I do. I've felt better the past few days. This new doctor gave me some good medicine." A light cough again follows, but she does sound better. "How are you, dearie?"
<Makoto> "Oh, you know..." Makoto smiles. "I've been a little busy, but I'm feeling better now."
> "Good...Makoto." Gramma's voice is strangely serious a moment, "...no. You just be good now for Gramma, and I'll talk to you again soon?"
<Makoto> "...I will. Is-Is something wrong?" Makoto asks in a small voice, the smile falling away as images of disasters pour through her head.
> "No...no. I have a guest over." Gramma's voice picks up, a little stronger. "It's someone I've been waiting to see a long time, so we're just talking. He said I should call you, though."
<Makoto> "A guest?" Makoto asks, still shaken. "No one I know?" She adds, shivering. *It could be anyone from a doctor to...No. No, they couldn't have found Gramma, could they?* "If you need me over, I can be over in a flash."
> "No, it's just someone that I've been waiting for." Gramma sounds sure of that, voice only wavering at the no. "Don't worry, I'll call you in a few days, but I shouldn't leave aguest waiting, should I?"
<Makoto> "I...right, right. Sorry." Makoto manages a smile. "I'll be by to visit you soon."
> "I love you, Makoto...granddaugther." THis is said with a smile and a rainbow in her voice, just a hint of sadness. "Gramma loves you."
<Makoto> Makoto can't help but feel a slight stab of fear at the finality of the sound of that. "I love you too..." She whispers. "Stay well..and safe." She pleads, trying not to give in to nearly paranoid worry.
> "I will. I'm not afraid." With that Gramma is gone, the phonecall over.
<Makoto> Makoto hangs up the phone, biting her lip, and turning back to her guest with a disturbed expression.
> "Mako?" Tsukasa frowns at Makoto's worry, looking on. "Bad news?"
<Makoto> "I...I don't know." Makoto admits, hugging herself as she heads back to the couch to sit by Tsukasa. "She was firm about everything being fine, but she got a guest who insisted that she call me-and she-I don't know. It sounded so final..."
> "How odd." A frown as Tsukasa considers this, "She means a lot to you, Makoto?"
<Makoto> "She's looked after me since before Mama and Papa died." Makoto replies, leaning on Tsukasa a little and shivering. "We're not related by blood, but she's my Gramma in every way that matters."
> "Oh...she's old? Oh." Tsukasa look saway, "...yeah, my Gramma died a few years ago. I still miss her."
<Makoto> Makoto nods and hugs Tsukasa suddenly. "I'm glad you're here. I would have panicked if I got that call alone." She smiles faintly, her voice small and thin.
> "Hey..." Tsukasa blushes very darkly at this, "Aah...aaah...Mako...?
> "
> "
<Makoto> "Hmm?" Makoto looks up at him, relaxing the hug. "Sorry, was that too close?" She laughs weakly. "I'm just used to hugging my friends when I feel nervous or alone. My best friend likes to hug, and I picked it up from her."
> "Y...yeah. You're still..." A cough as she turns away a bit, grabbing an afgan and draping it over his midsection. "I still like you a bit, you know. Just...aaah, Makoto, not for awhile yet?"
<Makoto> Makoto blushes and laughs again, though lighter than before. "Fair enough. I'm sorry. Take it as a compliment? You're very convincing..." She soothed, backing off a little.
> "Heh..." Just coughing in a delicate sort of way again, "Aaah...how does it look now?" Presenting his face up for inspection, "Does it work?"
<Makoto> "Hmm...The eyeshadow is a bit dark, but not in a bad way. You look ready for a lunch date." Makoto appraises thoughtfully, trying to banish the worries for now. "Hmmm..." Makoto smiles a little, and picks up an eyeliner pencil, and delicate draws a tiny mole under 'Haruka's' left eye. "There." She eases back to take the whole picture in, smiling. "You look beautiful."
> "Oh! Mirror!" Haruka blurts out and stands, blushing but grinning widely. "Am I ready to go back out now?"
<Makoto> "Bathroom." Makoto replies, smiling. "And you're ready. It's almost disturbing how good you look." She admits.
> Quickly Tsukasa goes to the bathroom and comes back out - now walking surer, hesitance gone. "It...wow. Thanks!" Bowing to Makoto and going to her purse, "Here, it's for you." A tube of lipstick, ruby red. "I'm not sure if it'll suit you, but every girl should have drop dead red lipstick."
<Makoto> Makoto smiles and nods, accepting the tube. "Thank you." She murmurs, a little impressed with how bright and bubbly Tsukasa is in drag. "I'm sure I can find something to wear that it goes with." She gives the redhead a faint smile. "Ne, Haruka-chan? I know things kind of went...poorly when we were together, but I still like to talk to you, so don't be shy about visiting me, Haruka-chan needs a girlfriend or two to go shopping with, rig
<Makoto> Haruka-chan needs a girlfriend or two to go shopping with, right?"
> "It's a shopping date!" With that she rises and takes a breath, hugging Makoto lightly before getting her purse. "See you again, Mako-chan?"
<Makoto> "Definitely." Makoto agrees, smiling. "Hell, I could learn a few things about being feminine from you, it looks like." She teases lightly. "It was really good to finally see you again."
> "It's another date for that," Haruka beams, going on with a wave. As he does Iori meows a bit, heading andc urling onto Makoto.
<Makoto> Makoto waves back, following her to the door, and watching her leave, cradling Iori in her arms, a little happier how that seems to be fixing itself.
<Makoto> Makoto hedges a little after Tsukasa leaves, pacing about her apartment, hugging Iori and petting him nervously. :I'm worried, and I don't know if I should go see her or not.: She tells her cat, mostly for someone to talk to.
> :Momma...: Iori purrs away as he gets attention. :Momma keep people safe and happy!:
<Makoto> Makoto blinks a little, then smiles at Iori, kissing the top of his head. :Thank you, sweetie. You're right, I'm going to go check on Gramma. You go have a nap, and I'll bring home a big salmon fishie for dinner, 'kay?:
> :Okay!: Iori hops off, going ot the couch and curling up there to rest.
<Makoto> Makoto smiles a little at Iori, then quickly heads to the door, snagging a coat and a purse of her own. *Tsukasa-kun's purse is nicer than mine.* she notes, wryly, putting on the coat and fleeing out the door, heading to her apartment roof.
> This goes withotu incident. It's a bit rainy today, the middle part of November bringing chills. It'll be winter time soon.
<Makoto> No time like the present. Makoto pulls out her transformation pen, calling out her phrase- "Jupiter Crystal Power, MAKE UP!"
> In a crackle of electricity Sailor Jupiter is born! Lighting comes to her commands, the shield of the Sailor Senshi activated!
<Sailor_Jupiter> Without further Adieu, Sailor Jupiter takes a Running leap off of her Apartment, willing her wings into existence as she takes to the air, swift as an arrow and just as direct as she soars toward the little house Gramma Haruna lives in...
> In the wind Makoto flies to Gramma's! A soaring eagle just seen by many of Tokyo, whistling in the air! Finding a quiet landing spot goes without incident, and Gramma's house looks like it always does as Makoto can approach...OOC - Set up how you wanna dot hat.
<Sailor_Jupiter> Makoto circles overhead, looking for cars, or anything else unusal before gliding down to alight in the back yard, looking about for witnesses before releasing the transformation.
> There isn't a thing out of place until Makoto gets to the back yard. Just outside the window from the back yard to the kitchen there is a patch of dead grass - utterly brown and lifeless, amid slowly degreening foliage. It's an odd cnotrast and new to Makoto.
<Sailor_Jupiter> Makoto shivers at the sight, leaning down to touch the grass, wondering if she can feel if the death of the plants was natural or not
> OOC - Soul check +2
<Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6+2
* Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6+2 and gets 14." [2d6=6, 6]
> Oh! It's perfectly natural - Makoto gets the resonance of a bad bit of water taken and some chemicals. A feeling that it was merely misfortune and nothing else.
<Sailor_Jupiter> Makoto lets out a shaky sigh, nodding and breathing a little easier, looking to see if anyone's watching her after she landed, intending to detransform and go to check on Gramma.
> Nope. No one is around that Makoto sees. It's just a peaceful neighborhood in November, chilly.
<Makoto> Releasing Sailor Jupiter's guise, Makoto goes up to the back door, knocking lightly. "Gramma? It's Makoto..."
> "Come in!" Gramma sounds far away, but her voice carries. "Door's open, Makoto."
<Makoto> Makoto opens the door, slipping into the house. "Gramma...Hi...I'm sorry to barge in on you so soon, but I was worried..."
> You find Gramma in the kitchen. She's cooking away - wow! She look sbetter than she has in ages. Her step has a spring, no cane needed. Her color is good, too. "I'm fine." A smile by Gramma, "What's the matter, Mako-chan?"
<Makoto> Makoto hurries up to Haruna and hugs her tightly, beginning to tear up a little as some of the tension in her chest releases. "I was...I don't know. You sounded so...It was so final sounding, I was afraid something was wrong, or the people that fight us had found you..." She sniffles. "Scared..."
> "No...I just had a guest over I'd been waiting for. There, there..." Gramma pats Makoto slowly, soothing her and putting aside a mixing bowl of dough. "I'm really fine."
<Makoto> "'Kay." Makoto shivers a little, relaxing and sighing. "I couldn't get it out of my head...If I'd accidentally endangered you somehow, or something..."
> "It's fine." Gramma just smiles again, patting Makoto. My, she even touches more firmly now. "Go sit down and let me finish cooking, dearier."
<Makoto> "'kay." Makoto says again, heading over to the table and sitting meekly, feeling vaguely silly for getting all worked up. "You look really good. Healthier than you have in awhile."
> "I'm feeling better." Gramma goes about, working at a asteady speed Makoto hasn't seen in years! "How about you...your enemies?"
<Makoto> Makoto blinks at Haruna's vigor, starting to smile, then fading a little. "They...Hotaru-chan almost died the other day when they crashed the Technology fair." Makoto sighs morosely. "I took too long to finish what I was doing, and she got stabbed in the chest."
> Gramma stops and looks down at that, stirring a bowl of batter. "...I'm sorry. What was it's name?" she asks, a little curious.
<Makoto> "He calls himself Pestilence." Makoto mumbles unhappily. "He's got a disease sword, or something, but Sailor Moon got to her in time to save her...Better than me, I guess."
> "Pestilence..." Gramma lingers there, working that word as if to savor it. "Is she...alright?"
<Makoto> "She...heals quickly." Makoto replies uncertainly. Something feels...odd. "She's pretty much back to normal."
> "That's wonderful. A young girl should be healthy." Gramma turns and smiles, eyes watery as she looks on at Makoto. "Come here, Mako-chan."
<Makoto> Makoto nods, standing up and going to Gramma earnestly, worry coming back as she sees the watery eyes. "Gramma?" She asks, nervously.
> On coming Makoto is embraced - a warm, heavy, enveloping hug a child would be given. "I love you so much, Makoto. Just don't forget that, ever."
<Makoto> "I won't." Makoto promises, hugging back, tightly. "I love you, too..."
> "Now go sit down," Gramma whispers into Makoto's ear, steadier. "Cookies and milk are almost done."
<Makoto> Makoto nods, squeezing a little more as she heads back to the table, seating herself and watching Gramma more closely, but staying quiet.
This happens the day after the fight with Death.[11:40:57] <Blonde|AFK> ---Arc 2 go!---
[11:43:55] <Blonde|AFK> A day of solitude and aloneness. It is only interrupted around lunchtime by a communicator beep... (Go ahead and set yourself up and where you are, 'taru creature.)
[11:46:31] <Hotaru-chan> Having already broken said solitude, Hotaru doesn't return to a place of loneliness. Rather she is in Makoto's bedroom, a book in hand and buried amidst her friend's scent and comfort. Blinking a little, she reaches over onto the dresser, taking the commuicator and opening it. "Hello?"
[11:51:14] <Kotono> It's Mars - Rei-chan, the fiery, tempestous, angry, stunning Sailor of Mars. Her face appears - oddly you can see her bedpost behind her. "Hey." She looks angry, sullen and just a little...happy anyway.
[11:53:50] <Hotaru-chan> "...Heh, guess I'm not the only person taking a sanity day," Hotaru murmurs, smiling weakly back at Rei. "So hi, what's up?"
[11:55:10] <Kotono> "You getting the other conflicted possible lesbian a male date?" Rei fires this back with carnal, vicious ease. "So Takeshi's rather tied up and Asher'sg ot Kotono's scent all over him. Who have thought?!" The last is dripping with sarcasm, Rei rolling her eyes.
[11:58:22] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru raises an eyebrow, her lips twisting a bit. "My my, Rei-chan, so engrossed are you?" she snorts, settling back. "He needs someone to talk to, not someone to blow his mind. And he and I don't need to be dragging each other into the depths of our self-pity. Name a candidate other than Usagi."
[12:00:06] <Kotono> "How about me?" Reichallenges right back, "Gee, I'm in the middle of a sexual crisis? Think a boy might help! Send 'em to Usagi instead!" A growl comes from deep in Rei's throat, deepthroated out. "I assume you're hoping I ask you to come over and make out next?" Oh, Rei's eyebrows are twitching, head bowed so her hands can rub her temple. "C'mon, Hotaru-chan! Give me some support here!"
[12:03:01] <Hotaru-chan> "You're proving me right again and again," Hotaru sighs, honestly forlorn. "I'm sorry, okay? I honestly don't think you'd be suited to handling him. I'm not going to ask for anything, I'm not hoping for anything. I gave up 'hoping' with you years ago. You set the terms between us, and that's that. If I knew a boy I thought would fit against you? Yes, I'd send him. But I don't know all that many boys in the first place, much less ones
[12:03:36] <Hotaru-chan> much less ones lacking in a headcase of issues that make my explosion at Junki's first supernatural club meeting look DOCILE."
[12:09:12] <Kotono> "Oh, how nice," Rei drawls out, snapping. "I don't know what the hell and you're...just...urgh!" Rei literally tosses her communicator up in fury, a picture of Rei's room up and down, before it lands picture down on her stomach! It's picked up after, a real look of fury on the miko's face! "Well, at least be honest? You want me to be gay, don't you?"
[12:13:13] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru takes a deep breath, closing her eyes a moment, actually looking thoughtful. "Part of me wishes you were bi or gay, yes," she admits, a small shrug given. "Honestly, it's not that important. I wish Mako-chan was, I told her I was bi last night, nothing happened, oh well, we still slept together, life went on. I wish at least ONE senshi was, if only to find out what my exact feelings are, but they aren't, and I'm happy with wha
[12:14:14] <Hotaru-chan> and I'm happy with what I have. Do you want me to go out and HELP you find a boyfriend? Becuase if that's what YOU want, then I'm happy to help!" she snaps a little as she finishes, sighing.
[12:15:43] <Kotono> "Your help would be nice!" Rei growls back at first, before sighing herself. "Just come over here if you want o help. ...and Mako asn't interested?"
[12:19:07] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru snorts softly, smiling just a bit more. "She didn't really say anything either way. She said it might just be a phase, but that it didn't change things between us...mah, I was talking about Yoshi at the time too," Hotaru shrugs. "Last night could mean a lot of things, or nothing at all. So...you want me to come over right now?" she asks, curious.
[12:21:59] <Kotono> "You're kidding..." Rei closes hier eyes, sighing yet again. "Have got to be in denial...like me, I wonder?" That gets the miko to deflate even further, "Yeah, c'mon." A moment later the communicator is tossed aside, turned off as she does.
[12:25:13] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru smiles a bit. At least she can DO something now. So she gets up, having bathed with Makoto in the morning, and changes into some of the clothes she keeps at Makoto's. Black hoody and plain jeans, casual attire to not impinge on Rei's beauty as she grabs her things and teleports to Rei's outside bedroom door, knocking lightly.
[13:02:47] <Kotono> "Come in." Rei gets to the point, inviting the Hotaru inward.
[13:03:45] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru heads in, past the door and into Rei's bedroom! Such a nice place, somewhere she'd like to visit with a lot less clothes maybe? Bad mind!
[13:04:53] <Kotono> Rei sits on her bed, school uniform on. Once she sees Hotaru she lies back, "Yeah, couldn't get myself to really wanna go today. I expect a worried or confused blodne to call, doubly so if it turns out she was planning a meeting today. That's...just Junki and Setsuna now today, isn't it?"
[13:08:12] <Hotaru-chan> "Yeah," Hotaru nods, smiling sadly. "I got in a...mah, nasty fight with mom," she shrugs, blowing at her bangs. "I didn't even want to see anyone last night, but...well, battle last night, so that kind of got shot."
[13:10:00] <Kotono> "Huh?" Rei sits up at all of that, "Damn it, I missed anotehr one? What happened?"
[13:13:10] <Hotaru-chan> "I went off to feel bad for myself," Hotaru snorts quietly, smiling. "Balder's rooftop and all, but Death showed up to talk with me. And then decided I needed some 'entertainment' with his minions, so I hit the beacon, and Usagi and Takeshi. We killed eight of them, Takeshi disrupted some attack of Death's, I left for Mako-chan's. Death's offering us immortality, by the way."
[13:19:27] <Kotono> "...that's new," Rei drawls, plopping back down. "I'm surprised he didn't offer beautiful lesbians at the rate we're giong!"
[13:24:06] <Hotaru-chan> "The market's already flooded," Hotaru drawls back, dropping into a beanbag chair near Rei's bed. "Besides, I tempted him into it, I told him the oh so melodramatic reasons behind my continued existence," she snickers.
[13:25:34] <Kotono> 'To get into our pants?" Rei half snaps, half laughs back.
[13:28:11] <Hotaru-chan> "Close!" Hotaru snickers, smirking back at Rei. "Because I'm deathly in love with you all," she breathes out, mock wistfully.
[13:29:45] <Kotono> :Hmph." Rei just looks away, sighing, "The worst part? I'm still more concerned about that than what happened otherwise in that battle. Damn it1"
[13:30:51] <Hotaru-chan> "Why are you WORRYING?" Hotaru shakes her head, sighing a little as she leans back, slitting her eyes at Rei. "Is it really that horrible to like girls?"
[13:35:29] <Kotono> "I ...don't know." Rei begins to bitch, but instead finds her voice, weak, uncertain. She just falls back.
[13:41:37] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru sighs softly, hugging her knees and watching Rei. "Just...I don't know. I don't really know why it's such a huge problem."
[13:42:21] <Kotono> "...." Rei just goes silent, sighing. "Hey, Hot-chan?"
[13:43:09] <Hotaru-chan> "Hm?" Hotaru asks, glancing back at Rei with a neutral expression.
[13:44:08] <Kotono> "You really, really, really don't get it, do you?" So Rei sighs another time.
[13:44:45] <Hotaru-chan> "...Am I about to get screamed at about how you don't want to do anything with me?" Hotaru asks curiously, smiling and quirking her head.
[13:48:42] <Kotono> "No. The worst part is...I almost want you to." With that admission Rei flops onto her stomach, nearly crying. "Damn it! I just can't be gay for Usagi oryou or Makoto or Kotono or any girl!"
[13:56:18] <Hotaru-chan> "..." Hotaru doesn't answer at first, chewing on her lip and pausing as she draws back into herself. "Guh...I want to try and hug you just because you're upset, but you wouldn't take it well," she sighs, eyeing the miko. "I don't know what to do, honestly...I'm obviously biased, but...even if I want You, I'd rather you be happy, so..." she sighs, shaking her head. "I just don't see why it's so HORRIBLE."
[13:57:15] <Kotono> "Because I don't wanna be a dyke, damn it!" Rei stands up, a flashing moment of anger as she presses up towards Hotaru. "I don't want to be some stupid bitch that's into girls since she can't get a man to satistfy her!"
[14:02:44] <Hotaru-chan> "What the HELL does any of that have to do with it?" Hotaru snaps, flaring up at Rei, bolting into a standing position. "Take a look at WHO is in front of you," she practically snarls amethyst eyes flaring back at her companion. "It is NOT mutually exclusive. You seem to IGNORE the fact that DESPITE having a boyfriend who IS good enough to get me off, I'm STILL willing to give that up for you, for Makoto, or any one of you that wants
[14:16:21] <Hotaru-chan> or any one of you that wants me!" she growls, glaring down Rei. "Am I that stupid bitch, Rei? The one that can't get a guy so she turns on girls?"
[14:22:56] <Kotono> "You're the stupid bitch, one of many, that makes me wanna be a lesbian!" Rei returns that glare with one of fury, face livid! "I just don't want this! I don't want to start thinking about you and feeling that way! It's bad enough that I lvoe Usagi now! It's bad enough that you, Kotono, Makoto, AMi, hell, even Michiru tempt me a bit! It's just-" Rei's fury finally stops, going into reeling embarrassment as she looks away, aflame!
[14:26:43] <Hotaru-chan> "Why?" Hotaru asks more softly, sighing and glancing down. "What is so HORRIBLY wrong about it?" she asks, resting back onto her heels. "God, this is blatantly giving in to my own desires, but why NOT? If it's SO incredibly tempting, why not just give in? It might be a phase, it might be nothing and just Temptation, it might be something that's going to rip you apart for the next twenty years! There's only one way to really find out.
[14:27:26] <Hotaru-chan> "
[14:32:32] <Kotono> "Because I don't want to be gay! Don't you get that?" Rei snaps up, looking on at Hotaru with embarrassed puzzlement. "It's just...so...so..."
[14:36:08] <Hotaru-chan> "I GET that, I just don't get WHY," Hotaru sighs, hugging herself. "That's what I want to know if it's really what you want," she murmurs, sahking her head.
[14:37:47] <Hotaru-chan> *shaking
[14:39:06] <Kotono> "It's not right!" Rei finally gets that out, "It's not right that I wanna make out with my best friends!"
[14:41:13] <Hotaru-chan> "Why is it not right?" Hotaru asks reasonably, not following the impulse to step closer, just watching Rei. "What is basically wrong with it, in exact?"
[14:43:39] <Kotono> ""Oh, I don't know, the entire kissing another girl part?" Rei sardonically snaps.
[14:44:57] <Hotaru-chan> "And what's wrong with kissing another girl?" Hotaru challenges again, snorting. "You're running in circles."
[14:47:30] <Kotono> "It just..." Rei begins, before sighing vastly, closing her eyes and lying down.
[14:51:24] <Hotaru-chan> "The only thing that CAN be wrong with it is if you really, personally, feel that you don't want to...but here you go on about how tempting it is," Hotaru shrugs, dropping down back to her beanbag chair. "If you want to kiss a girl, I don't see what's wrong there. If you find it physically wrong feeling for YOURSELF, then you shouldn't be. And I'm holding back the desire to tell you to just kiss me and find out."
[22:06:01] <Anastasia> "Oh for..." Rei hisses that, "You don't get it in the least, do you? It's not natural for women to do this! It's not right! I'm not some dirty dy..." Rei at least has the sense of mind to cut off there, glaring up at the ceiling. "I want to have children, not be walking around in gay pride parades!"
[22:10:46] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru snorts, falling back into her chair. "SO glad I actually tried being open, really," she notes with enough sarcasm to leave a bitter taste even in her mother's mouth afterwards. "Want to count the number of ways you can insult and mispresent me in five minutes? I think we're on a roll."
[22:13:52] <Anastasia> "Well, what do you call yourself?" Rei sits up, curiously vicious. "When you're making out with a girl?"
[22:18:31] <Hotaru-chan> "Bisexual? Amazingly enough, Rei-chan, you can dabble in both sides!" Hotaru offers, feigning shock. "It's an AMAZING concept for your mind, I know, but it's really awesome! You should consider that, maybe, I don't know, the girl in front of you offering herself at your behest is happily situated with a boyfriend that's got her mother tearing her hair out."
[22:21:41] <Anastasia> "Nevermind. Seriously." Rei looks up at the ceiling, voice losing it's anger into just vague, distant annoyance. "Guess you aren't the right one to ask about this, eh?" Rei idly flops her arms out, idly back and forth.
[22:26:43] <Hotaru-chan> "Depends," Hotaru sighs, leaning back in her chair. "Do you want a 'Hey! Rei-chan! You're totally not into girls because of X, Y, Z!'?" she shakes her head. "I'm perfectly willing to help you get over it, but that doesn't really inlcude listening to you insult me because you lack a vocabulary."
[22:33:32] <Anastasia> "So you wanna kiss and make up," Rei drawls out, rubbing a hand to her forehead, soothing herself slowly.
[22:42:59] <Hotaru-chan> "Not particularly," Hotaru sighs, watching Rei. "Attraction isn't mindless, most of the time."
[22:48:17] <Anastasia> "I should be glad," Rei mutters to no one in particular, kicking her leg up and down. "I should."
[22:51:39] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru snorts lightly. "Look on the bright side, it doesn't mean I'm not attracted to you, just that saying 'yes' to wanting to do anything more than pat your shoulder seems to be a trap of screaming and pain."
[22:55:17] <Anastasia> "So I can ask you to make out and you'll say no," Rei queries as she looks up and waits.
[22:58:41] <Hotaru-chan> "...Mmmm, no, I won't lie to you," Hotaru shakes her head. "If you actually asked in serious, I'd answer honestly."
[23:05:31] <Anastasia> "Which is," Rei follows up, waiting.
[23:09:01] <Hotaru-chan> "If you want me, I'm yours," Hotaru answers softly, shrugging and hugging her knees. "I got used to you setting every term in how we're friends two years ago, if that includes or doesn't include romantic or some form of sexual end to it? Up to you. When it ends is up to you."
[23:12:49] <Anastasia> "...look. I just don't know!" Rei whimpers at last, "You don't get it, either! What do you want me to do? Do you want me to be a lesbian with you? Should I be? I just...ugh!"
[23:18:13] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru shakes her head. "What do I want you to do? I want you to calm down and try to find a way to be happy," she sighs, watching Rei. "I WISH you were bisexual, but that hardly effects the more pressing desire to see you just HAPPY, Rei-chan. Caveat being I won't simply lie about it if I'm asked directly."
[23:29:19] <Anastasia> "Great. I don't know...can you make me happy? Can Usagi? Can any of you? Even if so...will I be happy wiht myself?" Rei muses aloud, tiredly thoughtful, drained and honest.
[23:34:35] <Hotaru-chan> "Obvious reply that'll get me in deep water: Want to find out?" Hotaru snickers, shaking her head and sighing. "Really? That IS something you have to find out for yourself. I had the same debate of 'will I really want to bother with guys?' a couple years ago."
[23:39:45] <Anastasia> "Bleh." Rei idly lets her leg fall, kicking against the side of her bed. "Damn it."
[23:40:41] <Hotaru-chan> "I'll refrain my personal advertisments," Hotaru snickers quietly, reaching out and gently nudging Rei's stocking foot with her own, but leaving the contact at that before just waiting on her friend.
[23:55:33] <Anastasia> Rei doesn't respond to the nudge in any way Hotaru sees. Instead she stays quiet, almost thoughtfully silent. "...yeah."
[23:57:35] <Hotaru-chan> "Mm?" Hotaru inquires gently, turning to look at Rei fully. There's some hope there, but such isn't something she wants to foster here.
[00:04:24] <Anastasia> "...got an idea, at least. Or a renewed one," Rei sits up at last, pondering. "When's Mako free next?"
[00:11:23] <Hotaru-chan> "Depends," Hotaru shrugs. "How much do you want to step on my toes, and how far do you think you can get stepping on my toes?" she asks playfully, burying the instant, dagger like stab of jealousy. Best not to confront that right now.
[00:13:24] <Anastasia> "Well," Rei sits up, batting her eyelashes cattishly, "If you aren't tapping her, maybe she needs someone to do so?" This is said baldly, a thin smile on Rei's face before it breaks. "Seriously, out of all of you she's the least attached relatively. Kotono's not even ag host of a chance and you know it."
[00:19:18] <Hotaru-chan> "I wasn't even considering suggesting her, you'd tear each other apart," Hotaru snorts. "Mako-chan's also the most emotionally fragile, Rei-chan," she murmurs, eyes hardening. "She might be unattached, but she comes with baggage, and me looking over your shoulder."
[00:21:45] <Anastasia> "I meant to just try kissing," Rei sighs exasperatedly, "But i fyou aren't getting the job done where you should?" Rei purrs as she smirks at Hotaru, giving her a challenging look. "But as I said? Just...she's the only one I feel like I could try with no strings or worries just to try that."
[00:23:34] <Hotaru-chan> "...Funny, I was refraining from trying to advertise myself because I'd let it go," Hotaru snorts, smiling wryly. "My point stands, Rei-chan. She might not take 'just kissing' so well. Take it fromt he person who gets pillow talk with ehr," she shoots back, smiling a little.
[00:25:57] <Anastasia> "We'll see." Rei says at that, thinking long - before she finally sighs. "...just...Usagi's the only other person I can talk to about this, and she's as messed up as I am."
[00:30:17] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru sighs, leaning on her arm, looking at Rei. "Just...try to put my whole clingy tuchy complex aside a moment, Rei-chan?" she offers, biting her lip. "...Well, okay, it's BASEDon that, but...really, if you're worried about me getting permanently stuck on you after something..." she shakes her head. "Just...gah, no strings attached, you decide how long, how much...whatever," she sighs, smiling wryly.
[00:30:17] <Hotaru-chan> "I'll take whatever I can get, and live with it when it comes to you."
[00:39:58] <Anastasia> "...thanks." Rei somehow has the grace to say that, distant words coming after a long pause. "For what it's worth, it's not that. Just...come here."
[00:43:17] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru blinks, standing up and going over to Rei. What now? She isn't sure what even to do, just standing near her expectantly. It could be a slap, it could be a kiss coming...
[00:50:15] <Anastasia> Rei's violet eyes are gently shut, as if waiting to pass into a restful sleep. Her face is starting to relax, tense, but relaxed. "I just don't know, Hotaru. I've lost total control of myself."
[00:53:21] <Hotaru-chan> Come on...trust her. "So take it back?" she offers softly, biting her lip. "I don't really know either...but if it runs off with you, you have to grab it, stare it in the face, and learn to survive it one way or another. Like I did with you, hm?" she offers, more gently, and a little nervously.
[00:55:49] <Anastasia> "Yeah, take it back no matter which way it goes. Yeah...." Rei opens her eyes, a hesitant, shaking, very unReilike smile on her face. "Yeah. Gotta believe that, hm?"
[00:58:54] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru offers a gentle, assuring smile back. "I'm still here, offering whatever you want for all that I never got as many hugs as I wanted, aren't I?" she snickers softly, her cheeks reddening a little. "Just...that's pretty much it, learn to live your life, however it goes, and try to make the best of it."
[01:01:49] <Anastasia> Rei sits up, shaking her head. "I don't know how I want to live my life right now, but..." (More)
[01:02:34] <Anastasia> Leaning in, it's like a burst of fire. A moment of raw heat on your lips, Rei's speed amazing, only the barest sensation on lip to lip contact. Then she's up, "Yeah. I don't know, just...going to go take a walk and take control. Whichever way it goes, I'm gonna dominate this damn thing." Then she's off, leaving Hotaru behind!
[01:05:29] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru's breath catches half a moment, shivering from head to toe wtih Rei's fire, the soft tingling on her lips nearly paralyzing in its own right. Her eyes are wide, tongue tracing where lips met for a wondrous seocnd moment in eternity. "Do you want me to wait?" she calls softly after Rei, wondering that little.
[01:05:48] <Anastasia> Hotaru doesn't get a reply, Rei's already gone and leaving Hotaru in her wake.
[01:09:51] <Hotaru-chan> Breathe. That simple reminder is sadly necessary, Hotaru watching where Rei had left, touching her lips. Maybe it was just...no, don't think about it. Either way it goes, you'll keep living. Taking a deep breath, she goes and finds a book. She'll wait for Rei, and if she isn't back when Hino-dono comes looking, she'll help out.
This happens during the week of the battle with Death
[11:35:48] <Blonde|AFK> ---Arc 2 go!---
[11:38:11] <Blonde|AFK> Makoto's days are a thing of massive business followed by tender, loving respites. Today is one of the latter. As Makoto walks home, she comes across something on her block! A simple white two door sedan is at the curb, hood up and gushing steam out. Steam and smoke, a man and a woman surveying it with horrified, bothered expressions. Perhaps they would be husband and wife normally, but you know this is not true. (More)
[11:40:31] <Blonde|AFK> The man is middle aged - slender and well build, but his wispy, delicate brown hair is starting to bald away. What is there blows in the soft breeze. A small pair of wireframe glasses and a traditional western suit, down to a brown vest and black slacks. He fans the steam with his hat, but the woman is familiar. Serenity stands there, sighing. "I'm afraid it may be broken...if that isn't obvious."
[11:40:45] <Blonde|AFK> *busyness
[11:45:16] * Makoto blinks a little at the man with Serenity, surprised-not overly so, but reminders that she has her own life now, are somewhat rare as she approaches the pair, calling out when she gets close. "Serenity-?" *Whoops. Probably should leave the sama off. Explaining it to him would be awkward.*
[11:47:07] <Blonde|AFK> "Oh, Makoto! Wonderful timing!" Serenity bows to you, hands held in front of her. "Mr. Kenko, this is a friend, Makoto Kino." Introducing the amazon delicately and with restrain, Serenity fails to quite keep a blush off her cheeks.
[11:48:08] <Blonde|AFK> Biting off a gentle curse as he looks at his engine, gushing steam still, Mr. Kenko turns and smiles to Makoto. "Pleased to meet you, even under these circumstances."
[11:48:15] * Makoto inwardly notes the blush, but doesn't comment on it...obviously. She bows to Serenity's friend. "It's nice to meet you, sir." She smiles, looking over at the car. "Having troubles?"
[11:49:05] <Blonde|AFK> "I think the radiator's having troubles again." Another forlorn sigh at that - and you do note Serenity is wearin ga very nice dress, a floral print of pink carnations and roses.
[11:50:01] <Kotono> "Thank you," Mr. Kenko smiles, making him appear fatherly and kind. "Yes, I think my radiator's blown. Is there a phone booth nearby I can use?"
[11:51:59] <Makoto> "My apartment's just down there." Makoto suggests, cheerfully smiling back as she gestures to her building. "You're welcome to come in and use mine."
[11:52:13] <Halbarad> scan
[11:52:18] <Halbarad> OOC: Sorry. >_<
[11:53:32] <Kotono> "Thank you!" Serenity speaks quickly, going and placing a hand on Mr. Kenko's shoulder. "Hajime..." Serenity speaks with quite the blush. "I can take care of it, if you want to wait here and watch the car?"
[11:54:21] <Kotono> "Oh, Serenity," he smiles and turns red as well. "I don't know what I'd do if you stopped babying me!" But he can't help but smile shyly, nodding. "Thanks, I'll wait here."
[11:56:20] <Kotono> "Alright." With a slow turn Serenity banishes her embarrassment, smiling innocently to Mako-chan. "Shall we?"
[11:57:46] * Makoto smiles a little, nodding. "I'll return her shortly." Makoto can't resist adding with a good-natured wink, then nodding to Serenity, she begins to lead the older woman to her apartment. "Sure."
[11:58:33] <Kotono> Mr. Kenko resists comment, so the two are off. Once you get out of earshot and to your apartment steps, "Thank you, Makoto. I do believe..." A deep sigh from Serenity, "The date is dead before it began today."
[12:01:14] <Makoto> "Oh, I don't know." Makoto replies, smiling. "If you really like him, do you need to go someplace nice to be on a date?" Makoto slings her satchel over a shoulder and gives Serenity an encouraging look as she opens the building door. "My favorite time with Sousuke-kun was when we both got left behind on a field trip, and had to walk back to school." She smiles wistfully.
[12:02:06] <Kotono> "I suppose so," This is given with an easy concession, Serenity smiling as she looks down. "No matter...how do you find yourself today, MAkoto?"
[12:04:12] <Makoto> "Oh, all right." Makoto shrugs. "I have a lazy day today-No job or dojo...slow days are nice, but I'm getting the point where I don't really know what to do with myself when I have time off."
[12:13:24] <Kotono> "Yous hould learn to rest. Even when I was the Queen, I knew how im portant a day of rest was." Serenity leans in to hug Makoto once as they pass inside, smiling. ""You're too young to work yourself too hard."
[12:14:42] * Makoto blushes a little and hugs back as they proceed to the stairs. "It's how I've always been. I like to be busy. I don't think about bad things as often."
[12:16:51] <Kotono> "Nor the good things," The rejoinder is soft as you head inside. A new sight as you pass through the hall to your apartment, or a long forgotten one. Mamoru Chiba's front door is open.
[12:18:47] * Makoto blinks at Mamoru's door, curiously peering around the ajar opening. "Well, Good things make you feel good, so you don't need to think too hard about them, either." She offers sheepishly. "Thinking too much gets me in trouble, anyway."
[12:20:39] <Kotono> It's odd - you see a man in there a moment, but it's not Mamoru. He's wearing all black and a ski mask! "You do need to enjoy them," Serenity chides as she stops at Makoto's door, watching the other woman check Mamoru's apartment. "Is Mamoru in?"
[12:22:25] <Makoto> "No." Makoto whispers, freezing as she catches a glimpse of the man in a dark mask. "Someone else is, though-Serenity-sama, stand back." Makoto murmurs, pulling out her henshin pen. "I...I think he's being robbed."
[12:39:10] <Kotono> "No!" Serenity steps back carefully, a dark, angry scowl passing over her face. "Stop him - carefully, Jupiter, if he's just a normal human being."
[12:41:11] <Makoto> "I know. I had to do this with bank robbers a little while ago, too." Makoto assures Serenity, whispering the transformation words. "Jupiter Crystal Power, Make up!"
[12:42:04] <Kotono> Into her empty hallway Sailor Jupiter appears! Lighting crackles and roars, the Sailor of the biggest planet appearing with her Nemesis!
[12:45:33] <Sailor_Jupiter> Quickly, Makoto dives to the open door, hoping the noise of Transformation hasn't tipped him off too much as she pushes the door open, and begins to assert a magnetic field with her wrist, electricity flowing through the wires in her glove to tug any unseen weapons awry! "Unless this apartment's tenant has hired the worst decorators in history, I'm pretty sure you shouldn't be here." She comments, almost lazily. "I'm not a fan of hurti
[12:46:24] <Sailor_Jupiter> "I'm not a fan of hurting people unless they deserve it, so give up, please?"
[12:46:26] <Kotono> OOC - Soul check -2.
[12:46:32] <Sailor_Jupiter> roll 2d6-2
[12:46:33] * Hatbot --> "Sailor_Jupiter rolls 2d6-2 and gets 5." [2d6=6, 1]
[12:47:05] <Kotono> A knife flies out from the hand of the robber! He freezes cold, slack jawed even through his mask! "An...angel!" he blurts, falling into his rear and holding up his hands. "I surrender! Don't! Just don't hurt me!"
[12:51:25] <Sailor_Jupiter> "All right." Jupiter smiles, moving Nemesis to block the incoming knife. "I won't. Just stay where you are. Um...Miss?" Makoto calls, to the 'passerby' in the hall. "Would you call the police, please?" She looks at the burgular apologetically. "I hate to do this, since you're being really reasonable about this, but it'd be irresponsible to turn you loose in case you decided to rob someone else while I wasn't nearby."
[12:53:01] <Kotono> "I will!" Serenity calls, sounds of footsteps fading away. The robber scoots back and away, feverish. "I saw you and your friends on the TV! The Juuban Angels!"
[12:54:19] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Well." Jupiter flushes. "If you want to know something that I haven't really gotten a chance to mention, We're actually called the Sailor Senshi. I go by Sailor Jupiter." Makoto corrects him.
[12:56:13] <Kotono> "S-Sailor Jupiter! Just don't hurt me! I saw what you did to those THINGS at the Expo!" A whimper from the thief, scooting back to the wall.
[12:57:43] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Oi..." Makoto frowns. "I'm not going to hurt you. At least, not as long as you're being calm and reasonable about all this." She assures him. "You're doing something bad, and you got caught, sure. But as long as you don't fight me, or run away, you won't get hurt. I only fight with people who put other people in danger."
[12:59:28] <Kotono> "She's right, you know!" A strong male voice speaks from behind Makoto, Tuxedo Kamen leaning in the doorway. He holds a rose up, idly smelling it's fragrance. "Take this chance and make better of yourself, to be something more than a petty thief!"
[12:59:48] <Kotono> "Aaah!" The thief starts at Tuxedo Kamen, blinking hard. "Okay, okay! Then you won't fight me if I'm good, both of you?"
[13:00:42] * Sailor_Jupiter smiles at Tuxedo Kamen. "A little grandly put, but he's right." Makoto nods. "We'll let you off easy if you face the music, and stop doing bad things."
[13:01:31] <Kotono> roll 2d6
[13:01:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 and gets 9." [2d6=5, 4]
[13:02:09] <Kotono> "Never commit another criminal act! You surely have a family and friends that don't want you to bring dishonor to yourself!" With a nimble flick of his wrist, Tuxedo Kamen tosses the rose at the feet of the robber!
[13:02:18] <Kotono> "Okay!" Another quick nod to b oth, "My Momma's gonna kill me..."
[13:03:15] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Look on the bright side. At least you got this chance to straighten yourself out. Think how much more hurt your mother would be if you made a habit of things like this."
[13:06:18] <Kotono> "They're coming, Miss!" Serenity calls in at that, "They said the police would be here soon."
[13:09:58] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Thank you." Makoto calls back, strangely amused by the careful dancing around they have to do. "Tuxedo Kamen-san...would you like to wait with our friend here? I left someone waiting on me..."
[13:10:57] <Kotono> "Of course," he smiles to Makoto, "Go ahead."
[13:12:07] <Sailor_Jupiter> "Thank you." Jupiter smiles back, grinning and winking at him as she slips past him and out of his apartment, into the hall and looking around carefully before dropping her transformation.
[13:18:54] <Kotono> The hall is empty, mercifully, except for Serenity waiting besides your door.
[13:20:10] <Makoto> Makoto lets the transformation disperse, quietly giving Serenity a sheepish look as she comes over. "Thanks. Did you manage to make your call, too?" She asks, opening her apartment door.
[13:25:05] <Kotono> "Oh yes," Serenity murmurs, "A tow truck. Is everything safe in there?"
[13:26:53] <Makoto> "Mamoru-san came home, so he's watching the rest." Makoto shakes her head. "What a bizzare experience. Oh, and you have Kenko-san waiting...Should you get back to him?"
[13:29:22] <Kotono> "I suppose." Serenity smiles and rests her hadn on Makoto's shoulder. "Thank you."
[13:30:33] <Makoto> "It's nothing." Makoto replies easily. "I was going to ask, would you like to take some tea out to share with him?" She suggests conspiratorially. "Might as well make the best of the wait, right?"
[13:35:03] <Kotono> "Oh!" Serenity blushes like the sun, a meek nod. "That would be very nice of you."
[13:37:47] <Makoto> "Not at all." Makoto dismisses, grinning. "I like to see everyone safe and happy doing more normal things." She adds, making a beckoning gesture as she heads into her kitchen, and gets out a kettle. "Does he have a preference? I like green tea, but Auntie Fuuko likes Oolong and Earl Grey, so I keep some of each."
[13:42:02] <Kotono> "I'll go with whatever you have," Serenity bows gently. "He does prefer green tea, though."
[13:44:06] <Makoto> "Can do!" Makoto chirps, getting her favorite tea out and setting a kettle to boil as she goes looking for her thermos. "Is this a first date?"
[13:48:04] <Kotono> "Oh, well." Serenity colors even more, coughing. "I don't normally like spreading my personal life around, but no, it isn't." A heavier and heavier blush, Serenity pushing her fingers together.
[13:50:00] <Makoto> "Oh, good." Makoto nods. "So at least it's more comfortable, and things going wrong don't make you a total wreck." Makoto smiles as finds her thermos, and a pair of stryofoam cups to take out with Serenity. "And you don't have to worry. I won't ask you anymore...anyone who takes one look at you can tell you're happy, and that's all that matters."
[13:52:12] <Kotono> "Thank you," Serenity repeats, murmuring. "I can't even bring myself to tell Ikkuko or Usagi yet, just..." Just staining her cheeks redder, "Thank you."
[13:53:03] <Makoto> "It's your story to tell." Makoto assures. "You want me to keep this to myself, too?"
[13:54:40] <Kotono> "For now." So Queen Serenity blushes again, taking the tea and thermos.
[13:56:11] <Makoto> Makoto nods and smiles. "Fair enough-Ah! Serenity-sama...?" Makoto ventures. "I might have a favor to ask, too..." She adds as she hands over the tea, blushing. "It needs a bit of...discretion, too."
[13:57:53] <Kotono> "Of course." Serenity stops, putting down the goods for now. "Go on."
[14:01:33] <Makoto> "I...Um." Makoto fidgets. "I have a friend. Actually, he used to be...Well, nevermind." Makoto coughs. "It's just that he's got an...unusual pastime. I'd like to introduce him to someone I can trust to at least be nice, no matter what they might think. And...unfortunately, I don't...I can't be fully certain any of the senshi qualify." She frowns a little, wringing her hands. "He's really sweet, though. If it's alright, would you mind us taking
[14:03:39] <Makoto> If it's alright, would you mind us taking you to lunch with us sometime?"
[14:04:25] <Kotono> "Certainly," Serenity smiles ever so gently, serene and peaceful. "I'd be glad to meet your friend."
[14:06:24] <Makoto> "Just to be forewarned..." Makoto cautions. "He...um. He enjoys dressing as a girl." She confesses. "Which is why I'm nervous about introducing the others."
[14:09:05] <Kotono> "He's a man that dresses as a woman?" Serenity idly crosses her arms, thinking. "Like how some women are tomboys and are more like men?"
[14:11:40] * Makoto hesitates. "Somewhat?" Makoto replies, slowly. "I mean...I'm something of a tomboy, but even when I dress kind of like a boy, I...still look like a girl. Tsukasa-kun...he's...Well, it's really hard to tell he's a boy when he's done up nicely."
[14:13:15] <Kotono> "...I see. I'll be happy to meet him," Serenity puts on her best and most charming smile, "Come over when you have it ready so we can set it up."
[14:14:06] <Makoto> "I will." Makoto sighs, letting out a breath that she hasn't even realizes she was holding. "I appreciate it."
[14:16:37] <Kotono> "Until then!" With a final bow Serenity goes, taking tea and news back out to her boyfriend!
[14:23:33] <Makoto> Makoto smiles, waving as she lets Serenity go. For a day off, pretty eventful!
This occurs the Thursday after Hotaru, Usagi, and Takeshi fought Death on the rooftop[20:31] <Kotono> Aaah, schooldays. A not so pleasant time to rest, recover or do whatever in boredom. This includes tracking down fellow classmates at lunch - Usagi and Takeshi are easy to get. Makoto's a little sick and went to the nurse just before lunch, though so you miss her as you gather in a quiet little area...
[20:35] <Asher> Asher looks more worn out than anything else, both of his hands tucking school textbooks, a pen in his mouth that he takes out as they all take a seat. Argh. Midterms. He settles down for a moment. "There's something I brought up with Serenity last night that she told me to tell everyone else, so this is why I dragged you two out here."
[20:35] <Usagi> "Oh?" Usagi asks, popping open her lunchbox - delicious squid rings and rice, today! - and breaking apart her chopsticks.
[20:36] <Takeshi> "What's up?" Takeshi says, taking a seat and starting in on his own lunch - simple rice balls and a super spicy curry bread picked up from one of the vending machines.
[20:38] <Asher> "Remember how you asked Kotono to do some research before, Takeshi-san?" Asher is deprived of any food sources, but his hands seem to be full anyway as he fishes out a notebook from his pack, flipping over a few pages.
[20:39] <Asher> "Well, there was some progress on that. Take a look here," he adds as he hands it over to the other boy, the relevant portions highlighted, along with the source of the books.
[20:39] * Takeshi accepts the notebook, setting his lunch aside to scan the notes taken.
[20:40] * Usagi leans over Takeshi's shoulder to take a look for herself.
[20:41] * Takeshi notes the motion and holds the notebook between himself and Usagi so the blonde can get a better look herself.
[20:41] <Asher> The first part is scribbled on top of the page, denoting that the passage that follows is from a book of writings from tormented monks, sometime during the Middle Ages. There's some gibberish text that Asher has crossed out, but below that the next line is chilling:
[20:41] <Asher> PESTILENCE HATRED DEATH DEATH DEATH TEMPTATION DESPAIR HUNGER STAGNATION HUNGER HUNGER SAGES SAGES BEAST HUNGER.
[20:42] <Asher> This goes on for several lines until the words become cohesive again.
[20:42] <Asher> The lines after that are written hastily, and Asher seems to have marked them as mostly irrelevant; there is one, brightly highlighted section after that as well, though, with his own pen marks emphasizing certain words and comments on the side.
[20:43] <Asher> "When the Great Beast is turned back and unto itself, the age of the void shall shift. The end of the endless age shall begin. From an old world the Lightbringer shall come. Swept into the mists of the void and eternity, she shall bring the end of the age. With her what shall come is the-"
[20:43] <Asher> And that covers the first few pages.
[20:44] <Usagi> "So the Lightbringer is a She? So much for it being Balder, then..." Usagi notes, biting her bottom lip as she reads it over.
[20:44] * Takeshi gives out a low whistle at that. "End of the age, huh?" he murmurs. "Could be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on exactly how it happens."
[20:45] <Asher> "I'd imagine it would a bad thing, given how Death told me the new age would be an eternity of void." Asher says this with a deceptive casualness as he organizes his schoolwork.
[20:46] <Usagi> "Considering the kind of people looking for her, I'd say it's a bad thing," Usagi deadpans, echoing Asher.
[20:47] <Takeshi> "Agreed on that much," Takeshi says, shaking his head. "Just habit, there, more than anything. So we've got a Lightbringer that's come through the mists of the void and eternity. Narrows it down a bit, but that's still pretty broad."
[20:48] <Asher> "It narrows it down a lot more than you think when you consider everything we've been given," Asher says, leaning back and counting on his fingers. "First, we now know Lightbringer is a she. Secondly, we know she's on Earth, at least according to their 'Sages'. Thirdly, we know Lightbringer is from 'an old world'... may mean a lot of things, but it almost certainly implies someone of magical talent."
[20:49] <Usagi> "I really hoped it would be Balder, just to see the looks on their faces when he started blasting them..." Usagi sighs, shaking her head a little. "Hmm, what about that first part, though? Mentions Sages, Hunger, and Beast - that's three, or more since it's Sages, that we haven't met."
[20:49] <Asher> "Death went on and on about how this age and world is one where magic has long since died, and that the presence of 'inhumans' here has surprised them. If you take that phrase more literally, you can narrow it further, but I don't know just how far you can take it..."
[20:49] <Takeshi> "Temptation mentioned the Sages the first time I ran into her," Takeshi muses. "Sounded like her higher-ups, but I didn't get a lot more information than that."
[20:50] <Asher> "Beast would be a reference to the Beast Lord, wouldn't it?" Asher angles a quizzical look at Usagi.
[20:51] <Usagi> "It is?" Usagi's eyes widen. "How's that thing mixed up in all of this? Besides, we killed it years ago. And it never mentioned any of these guys."
[20:51] <Asher> Asher blinks, speaking a little more slowly. He'd forgotten just how much Death had talked about in their conversation. "Oh. Well... one of the 'signs' that Death spoke about, speaking of the Sages, was the 'fall of a long forgotten Beast'. I figured that was too close to be a coincidence."
[20:53] <Asher> "And there was something else that I forgot in there - a passage about the four horsemen of the apocalypse, from roughly the same time era. The names aren't as accurate - War, Famine, Pestilence, and Death - but it was eeriely close too... and mentions, distinctly, that Pestilence is given a sword. Not much of a lead, but something."
[20:53] <Usagi> "Ah..." Usagi pales, nodding slowly. "I guess that would be a connection... And the Beast Lord always did seem surprised and impressed to find people like us 'in this age', it said a lot."
[20:54] <Asher> "And these people are saying the same," Asher concludes darkly. "With the same references to both an old age and world, and seeking an age of void. Like I said, the connections seem too similar to just dismiss."
[20:54] <Takeshi> "The 'hunger' there could be a reference to Famine, and War could be related to Hatred possibly. It's a bit of a stretch and I wouldn't bank on it, but the possibility is= there."
[20:54] <Asher> "At this point, all we've got is stretches. We're lucky enough to find enough of a connection here."
[20:55] * Usagi nods. "We saw Death last night as well," she adds. "He talked to Hotaru more, but when we got there he said he could offer us eternal life," she informs Asher.
[20:57] <Asher> "Eternal life sounds more like an imprisonment than a gift," the young man comments as he finishes packing his stuff away and leans back against the wall, Reclaimer scraping the ground. "Wouldn't sound too far off from what he was offering me, either. Death seems to be the least confrontational of them all, as weird as it sounds."
[20:57] <Asher> "And it's pretty obvious they want us on their side... but why? And who IS Lightbringer, at this rate?"
[20:57] <Usagi> "He did say he won't be so nice in the future," Usagi shrugs, biting into a squid ring. "But can you blame them for wanting us on their side? It's better than having to fight us - anyone could figure that out."
[20:59] <Takeshi> "I'll second that sentiment," Takeshi says with a slight scowl. "But as to why they want us on their side... mmm. Call it speculation, but combine their surprise at seeing us here with the fact that they want us to join them and they might think that we should want the same things they do."
[21:00] <Asher> "They're going to extraordinary efforts to do so, especially given we've offered nothing but hostile reactions for the most part. There's more of an underlying motive than just cost efficiency, I think." Asher nods a bit to Takeshi's statement, chewing on his lower lip. "And it's pretty clear, at least to us, that we don't."
[21:01] <Usagi> "Extraordinary efforts?" Usagi raises an eyebrow. "You clearly didn't see the news about the battle at the convention centre on Saturday," she shakes her head. "They'll take us if they can get us, but they sure aren't pulling their punches when it comes to fighting."
[21:01] <Takeshi> "I agree that we don't, but it would make sense. They seem pretty shocked by the fact that we live among 'normal' humans, and contemptuous too. Sounds like they hold themselves above humanity and think we should do the same."
[21:03] <Asher> "No, I didn't," Asher says quietly. "But my point is that they're not deliberately gunning for us to take us down, when they could easily enough - in fact, it makes a lot more sense for them to do so then present themselves in front of civilians and let US take the fight to them. The hesitance there isn't exactly expecting of someone who's trying to be heated enemies."
[21:04] <Takeshi> "Yeah, I agree," Takeshi says with a slight frown. "I've wondered why they haven't tried to pick us off unawares so far - they've certainly got the ability to do so if they chose to follow up on it."
[21:05] <Asher> "Not to mention that they've caught -me- alone, and I'm hardly worth much in a fight involving magic, multiple times. It would have been an easy case to pick me off and cost them barely anything to do so. But they didn't."
[21:06] * Usagi shakes her head. "I think that we're secondary to the Lightbringer - whether they kill us or convert us, its less important to them than finding the Lightbringer. That's why they haven't focused on us - they're too busy searching for something else. We're just an obstacle," she reasons.
[21:07] <Asher> "I never disagreed with that," Asher reasons back with a slight nod. "But we HAVE killed one of them already, haven't we? Wouldn't you think that's a pretty big sign that the so-called roadblock isn't something you can just ignore?"
[21:07] * Takeshi taps his chin, taking a bite from his curry bread as he thinks. "I wonder... with the information we've got about the Lightbringer now, I wonder what the stars would give me, if anything?"
[21:08] <Asher> "I dunno, I would've expected them to be merciless at this rate about getting us out of the way anytime we confront. Though I don't know what happened at the convention center," he mentions with a brief look to Usagi.
[21:09] <Usagi> "Pestilence and Hatred sure seemed to want us dead pretty badly," Usagi replies grimly, spearing a squid ring with a chopstick. "No problems killing a few hundred people to do it, either."
[21:09] <Takeshi> "Yeah, I haven't gotten much of the story about that either," Takeshi adds. "Serenity mentioned it on Sunday, but I haven't had a chance to ask around about it."
[21:14] <Usagi> "Hatred started a riot until I calmed everyone down, and then Pestilence threatened to get everyone there with this huge disease attack," Usagi explains. "I took the hit myself to stop it exploding, at least, but both of them were fighting pretty fiercely. Pestilence fled when he was hurt enough to show his true form, then Hatred took over the fighting and did much the same."
[21:15] * Takeshi sighs a bit, shaking his head. "Were they saying or doing anything that you saw before they started the riot?"
[21:15] <Asher> Asher seems to want to say something, but remains silent, referring to Takeshi's question.
[21:19] <Usagi> "I heard Hatred yelling - just stuff like 'murder death kill', and then everyone pretty much went nuts and started attacking each other," the blonde shivers a bit. "I managed to calm things down, then Pestilence called me a stupid inhuman girl and sent two Empty Ones after me."
[21:19] <Usagi> "Mako-chan and Hotaru-chan dealt with them, Pestilence asked why we defended 'miserable humans' and showed up himself to fight. Said Hatred was on Temptation's leash, but after he took a beating, he left and Hatred took over the fighting."
[21:21] * Takeshi frowns slightly. "Confirms that same contempt we saw, and something else about Hatred - he was under Despair's control the time I saw him at the cafe where Hotaru works. Sounds like one of the others keeps tabs on him."
[18:39] <Kotono> <Asher> Asher seems to want to say something, but remains silent, referring to Takeshi's question.
[18:39] <Kotono> <Usagi> "I heard Hatred yelling - just stuff like 'murder death kill', and then everyone pretty much went nuts and started attacking each other," the blonde shivers a bit. "I managed to calm things down, then Pestilence called me a stupid inhuman girl and sent two Empty Ones after me."
[18:39] <Kotono> <Usagi> "Mako-chan and Hotaru-chan dealt with them, Pestilence asked why we defended 'miserable humans' and showed up himself to fight. Said Hatred was on Temptation's leash, but after he took a beating, he left and Hatred took over the fighting."
[18:39] <Kotono> * Takeshi frowns slightly. "Confirms that same contempt we saw, and something else about Hatred - he was under Despair's control the time I saw him at the cafe where Hotaru works. Sounds like one of the others keeps tabs on him."
[18:49] <Takeshi> "From what I saw of him - and what you just described - sounds like he doesn't do much thinking, just smashes whatever's put in front of him."
[18:50] <Usagi> "He has anger issues," Usagi summarises succinctly, taking a moment to shovel some more rice into her mouth.
[18:50] <Asher> "Well, there's a chain of command of some sort, that much seems obvious. Call me a little deluded for sticking to stereotypes, but I got the distinct feeling that 'Death' was a little higher up than the others."
[18:51] <Usagi> "Yeah... Temptation was killing him 'Sir Death' at one point," Usagi murmurs, vaguely recalling how the woman was gloating as she and Rei swapped saliva.
[18:51] <Asher> Asher remains inert against the wall, backpack dangling loosely from his hand. He purses his lips. "If you ask me, though, the roles that they're supposedly playing out... I don't think of any of us seriously think they're the actual incarnations of the forces they claim to be, right?"
[18:53] <Takeshi> "Temptation, Despair, and Hatred I doubt," Takeshi says, thinking. "Death... I'm not so sure. He sure talks like he's got an intimate connection with the process - the others just seem to have a strong connection with the things they supposedly personify."
[18:54] <Usagi> "Death seemed to be acting like it, but really, they're no more incarnations of what they're named after than you're a wind god or whatever," Usagi waves dismissively towards Asher. "At least that's my take on it. If they were, they wouldn't need bodies, would they? Even messed up ones like those..."
[18:54] <Asher> "But it's still a connection nonetheless. These ... things have personalities. They act, for all of their posturing, very human-like - sentient, thinking, motivated. They have exceptions and rules. It leads me to think they're more emulating those commonly 'feared' or otherwise destructive forces of nature than having any real link to them."
[18:55] <Asher> "The Sages they keep talking about sound a lot more like the real power, and we haven't run into one yet," the young man points out. "It may be that we're dealing with nothing but servants, for lack of a better word."
[18:55] * Usagi nods. "It's like when Hotaru-chan goes on about being an embodiment of destruction or whatever. It's just to help intimidate people," she agrees readily.
[18:56] <Takeshi> "Most likely they're just strongly connected with their traits, the way I am with stone or Asher is with wind," Takeshi replies. "Despair certainly had a strong connection with the feeling of despair, I know."
[18:57] <Asher> "Oh, definitely, I agree. But calling themselves like that and acting like it is a facade or a delusion. Death even told me that the others hadn't been to Earth before - but I don't think any of us is going to say temptation or despair never existed on Earth till now."
[18:57] <Asher> "It makes me wonder why they take on these roles..." His words trail off, the train of thought heading elsewhere.
[18:58] <Usagi> "They define themselves by their magic?" Usagi speculates.
[18:59] <Asher> "That's something." Asher closes his eyes, thinking about Usagi's words more carefully. "That conversation I had... he was talking about 'stripping away the husk we all have' and revealing our true selves within. Our so-called inhuman selves. That would be our magical alter-egos or sides, wouldn't it?"
[19:00] * Usagi nods slowly. "Sounds about right... maybe it's like leaving your body behind but continuing to exist, only as a being of pure magic and will?"
[19:01] <Asher> "Maybe. He kept talking about the eternity of the void, too. I know the Beast Lord had something to do with that... what exactly -is- the void, in terms of properties?" Asher glances over at Usagi.
[19:02] <Takeshi> "Void is nothingness by definition," Takeshi replies automatically. "Just... a complete lack of anything at all."
[19:02] * Usagi shakes her head. "So not the person to ask," she admits. "All I know of the Beast Lord is that it was a horrific monster that ate and digested souls in unimaginable pain and suffering for thousands of years. Until we killed him," she looks quite chipper on that last point. "You want to learn about void, talk to Hotaru. She's way into that stuff."
[19:03] <Asher> "A complete lack of anything, yet apparently magic still persists. So there has to be a little more to it than that." Asher nods again, vaguely. "I was planning on calling the others by communicator too, although if you two don't mind, could you bring the others up to date if you run into them first?"
[19:03] <Usagi> "Sure, although I doubt I could memorise all of that passage you showed us," Usagi agrees.
[19:04] <Takeshi> "If you can let me borrow that notebook I can make copies for everyone," Takeshi replies. "Can probably use a copier at work, I doubt Reiko-san would mind."
[19:05] <Asher> "Just give them the basics for now; we can hash it over later. I already gave all of this to Serenity too, to see if she could figure it out any more than we could." Asher rubs his forehead, thinking about bringing up the possibility of another meeting, but negative memories strike that motion out of his mind. "Sure thing, Takeshi-san." He fishes it back out again and hands it over to him.
[19:06] <Takeshi> "Thanks, I can get it back to you tomorrow or later tonight if you want to meet and pick it up." Takeshi nods, putting the notebook in his bookbag.
[19:06] <Asher> "Whenever's convenient. If you're free, you can always ring me through the comm." Asher stands back up, slinging his backpack over his shoulder again.
[19:10] <Kotono> As they rise the bell rings - time to go back to class!
[19:11] <Asher> "Well, I'll see both of you later, Usagi-san, Takeshi-san," Asher nods and takes off quickly, ever the punctual student and giving them a wave as he sprints off to the hallway.
[19:12] * Takeshi waves as Asher departs, offering a hand to Usagi as he stands. "We'd better hurry ourselves," he comments.
Thursday office work go!
> ---Arc 2 go!---
> Aaah, work! It shoudl be a nice, normal day! But wow! Reiko is in a -mood-. She's scowling and snippy, brewing away in her office, each tap of her keyboard an echoing thunderclap of fingery unhappiness. The stack of reports to proof and retype was nasty, enough work for Takeshi's next three hours. Oi.
* Takeshi grimaces as he gets to work, finishing up about half the stack of reports before heading in to deliver the work he's completed and hopefully ask about using the copier. Although it looks like today MAY be a bad day to ask for a favor. "Uh... Reiko-san?" Takeshi says, waiting at the door to her office before entering.
> "YES?" Reiko's glare is like a cutting lasero f doom, slicing through mere Takeshi's as if they don't exist! Well, not quite, she does tone it down a level once she sees it's only Takeshi.
<Takeshi> "Uh... sorry if I'm interrupting," Takeshi says, shrinking back a bit. Made of stone or not, he does NOT want to get on this woman's bad side right now. "Um... here's what's finished so far, and I just wanted to check if it was okay for me to use the copier for, er, other 'business' concerns."
> "Yes, go ahead," Reiko waves distantly, going back to her computer. "...have you see Hotaru today?" This comes out of the blue, sudden.
* Takeshi turns to go, but turns his head back, somewhat surprised at the question. "Not today, no," he replies, wondering if she's behind his boss' thunderous mood. "Obviously wouldn't see her at school, and I usually come straight here after I get out."
> "Hmph." Reiko mutters darkly, sourly. "Go on, then."
* Takeshi does so, sighing a bit as he heads back to 'his' office to finish up the typing. A break is taken about halfway through the remainder to use the copier, but finally the work is done. He heads back to Reiko's office to deliver the remainder, half wondering if she's even still here. It's a bit late even for her.
> She's still working in a storm. She has a few cups of yogurt more in her trashcan, and the janitors are just getting started -b ut shes' still going strong. "Takeshi," she says as you enter, "Go out and get me a triple expresso."
<Takeshi> "Uh... yes, ma'am," Takeshi says, heading out quickly to do just that. At least there's a coffee place in the lobby here, so it doesn't take long to return with the beverage.
> On returning Reiko draws about half of it down at once, knuckles white around the cup. She mutters a word of thanks asyou go, and youd imly think you heard something abuot Hotaru under her breath.
* Takeshi pauses for a moment before leaving the office. "Is something wrong with Hotaru?" he finally asks.
> "...no." This comes out a little soft, Reiko's eyes glued to her monitor. "I'm sure she's just fine at Makoto's or whereever she is."
<Takeshi> "You don't... know, where she is?" Takeshi raises an eyebrow slightly at that.
> "Of course not! She just blinks off to whereever she wants to throw a temper tantrum!" THis comes out between grated and clenched teeth, drawn out and quartered.
* Takeshi grimaces at that. "Uh..." Takeshi takes an inadvertent step back. "Sorry, didn't mean to bring up a sore subject," he offers. "Is, uh, there anything else I can do for you?"
> "What you can do is keep an eye on my daughter, since she's clearly grown up and making all her choices now!" Reiko snaps sharply, hunched over as she viciously types on her keyboard.
<Takeshi> "You have my word that I'll do the best I can there," Takeshi says, sighing a bit. Wow, she's PISSED.
> "Excellent! Maybe you can at least make sure she doesn't get knocked up, killed, raped, turned into a monster, shaking up with a man, woman, dog or whatever!" It gets incoherent at the end, Reiko just throwing her hands into the air.
<Takeshi> "Uh, Reiko-san, you might want to calm down just a bit," Takeshi offers, trying to placate her. "What happened?" Well, maybe if she talks about it it'll help? If he's lucky?
> "Help? Hotaru doesn't need any! She clearly knows how to get herself pregnant in the very bed we bought for her! She's clearly capable of acting like the parent instead of the child! She's clearly superior to the rest of us!" Reiko goes on, whirling ot face Takeshi with rage, seething anger.
* Takeshi bravely bears up in the face of the assault! Or he tries, at least. "Reiko-san, calm DOWN," Takeshi stresses again. "Blowing your top isn't going to make things any better, okay?"
> "..." Reiko stops and sits, closing her eyes and going emotionless. "Yes, I'm sorry. Just watch over Hotaru-chan, Takeshi?"
* Takeshi blows out a long breath, the crisis averted. Hopefully. "Like I said, I'll do my best, Reiko-san. I can check up on her now if you're... concerned about her."
* Retrieving #evildunes modes...
> "Yes, thank you. You're done for the day now," Reiko is placidly calm now, sitting back in front of her computer.
<Takeshi> "All right," Takeshi nods. "I'm sure she'll be okay, but I'll get in touch with her to be sure," he says, bowing before heading out of Mrs. Tomoe's office. Wow, that was something else.
Occurs after school on Thursday[19:34] <Kotono> Freedom! School is OVER today! Usagi and Asher head out - chance has them passing through the froont doors out and to teh gates at the same time, nearly running into each other amid the storm of fleeing teenagers.
[19:36] <Usagi> "Oh, hey, Asher," Usagi greets the brown haired boy in passing. "Working today?" she asks conversationally.
[19:36] <Asher> As usual, amidst seeing the mob of gleeful boys and girls running across the school courtyard, Asher decides to hang back a bit, letting the more unfortunate risk themselves to the possibility of trampling as he calls out to the familiar blonde near him. "Hey, Usagi-san!"
[19:38] <Asher> "Yeah, although my shift's reduced today, so I have a free hour or so before I head over to the bookstore," the young man responds amiably. "What about you? Headed home?"
[19:39] * Usagi nods. "I'll walk you partway, if you want?" she offers easily.
[19:40] <Kotono> Out on the street a familiar car awaits Usagi. Dad's car, even if Mom is at the wheel. A honk of the horn, a call from a rolled down window. "Usagi!"
[19:40] <Usagi> "Or not..." the blonde's head quirks. "Later, Asher!" she gives him a wave before hurrying to meet her parents.
[19:41] <Asher> This makes Asher duck behind a bit, as he returns the wave and proceeds to walk off to ... eh. A jaunt around the shops, maybe to grab a snack or two, might not be a bad idea.
[19:41] <Kotono> "Usagi!" Mom calls, "I can give your friend a ride, too!"
[19:42] <Usagi> "Uh... where are you going, anyway?" the blonde asks as she leans towards the driver's window, not used to meeting her mother right after school.
[19:43] <Kotono> "Your Dad is home sick so I'm using his car." Mom smiles nicely at this, "Just grocery shopping, but there's no hurry. Or..." A lowering of Mom's voice, "Is he another sort of friend?"
[19:45] <Usagi> "We're just friends, that's all," Usagi gives her mother an innocent smile. "Lemme ask," she turns and calls over, "Hey, Asher, where you going? My mom says she can give you a lift if you want."
[19:47] <Asher> Asher's already moving off somewhat vaguely, although he stops at hearing Usagi's voice. "Um, well, I was just going to wander around till I had to head to work, but... guess I could head over to Mokou-san's place early. You sure it's not a problem?"
[19:48] * Usagi shrugs. "You don't have to if you're not in a rush or anything, just in case you wanted to go home before work or anything, I guess," she admits.
[19:50] <Asher> "Nah, in that case, I'll be alright," he replies easily enough, with a brief glance over to the person in the car. "Something up?"
[19:51] <Kotono> It's Usagi's Mother - nice purplish hair, long and wavy. SHe wears a simple housedress, sans apron. "Hello there," she gives him a kind smile. "Haven't met you yet."
[19:51] <Kotono> *blue/purple
[19:52] <Usagi> "This is Asher Shinsei," Usagi politely provides an introduction. "Asher, this is my mother Ikkuko Tsukino." Adding as an aside for Asher, "Just grocery shopping, really."
[19:52] <Asher> Asher gives a cursory polite bow, though he looks a little off-place as he nods back to Usagi. "Don't let me hold you up, then."
[19:53] <Usagi> "See you tomorrow, then," Usagi gives him a wave before walking around to get in the front passenger door, drafted into carrying bags, no doubt...
[19:53] <Asher> Ye-up. Asher takes off after another wave, disappearing into the last wave of students departing from the school, albeit at a more relaxed pace.
[19:54] <Kotono> "Nice to meet you!" Ikkuko calls as he retreats, Usagi getting into the car. (ASher, I'll hook up with you in a few.) "So, Usagi! He's sort of cute? Unremarkable, but there's nothing wrong with that."
[19:56] <Usagi> "Kotono-chan's head over heels for him," Usagi replies with a smile as she belts up. "He's a nice guy, though. Good listener..." she blushes a bit as she recalls ranting about her Rei troubles at him last week...
[19:57] <Kotono> "Oh, speaking of her!" Mother smiles at that, nodding. "I ran into her father yesterday."
[19:58] <Usagi> "You did?" Usagi asks, not really expecting anything earthshattering, there.
[20:01] <Kotono> "Yes. That man..." A frown by Mother, "He looks so pale these days. He's lost weight, I'm sure of it. Still so withdrawn, too. I barely got ten words out of him, and I got the impression he didn't even know how Kotono was doing."
[20:02] * Usagi nods. "Sounds about right from what I hear... poor Kotono-chan. No wonder she's latched so hard on Asher..."
[20:03] <Kotono> "Mmm, yes. I haven't seen her around much lately - I suppose that Asher is why?" A little smile from Ikkuko, pressing.
[20:04] <Usagi> "Probably part of it... I guess I've been distracted, too," the blonde admits, looking out the side window as her cheeks heat slightly.
[20:06] <Kotono> "Oh?" Mother turns, smiling, "What's the name of your distraction, hm?" On you drive, Mom going to the same old store as always.
[20:10] <Usagi> "One track mind, eh, Mama?" Usagi teases, expertly dodging the question.
[20:10] <Kotono> "Well, you are at that age," Mama just laughs a bit, coming to a parking place as always. Gods, you've probably parked here dozens and dozens of times. Just so same old, same old.
[20:12] <Usagi> "That I am," the blonde agrees cheerily, getting out the car once they've parked.
[20:17] <Kotono> "So what is on your mind?" Mom heads into the supermarket - it's all so familair. Same rows of stuff, produce on the right, stuff in the middle and frozen foods on the far left. The people are even the same -f or some reason there is just a strange sense of sameness to it all today.
[20:18] <Usagi> "Oh, the usual teenage angst," Usagi blithely waves it aside. She's half considering telling her mother, since her confusion seems to have settled, but... not the time or place. "Plus the unusual stuff only me and my friends get to deal with, I guess."
[20:19] <Kotono> "As long as you're being careful," Mother notes, smiling, "Mmm. Usagi-chan, what do you want for dinner tonight?"
[20:20] <Usagi> "Mmm... steamed dumplings?" Usagi asks after a moment's consideration.
[20:20] <Kotono> "Let's get that, then!" Mom is cheerful and bright about it, in a good mood as mother and daughter go shopping!
[20:21] * Usagi trots along beside her mother, grabbing the requisite items into their cart as they shop...
This happens the day after the nighttime batte with Death, the day before the PM conference.[11:11:12] <Sailor_Iczer_Rabbit_Acrina> ---Arc 2 go!---
[11:11:30] <Sailor_Iczer_Rabbit_Acrina> With a note for Rei left, Hotaru leaves her room behind after school lets out. A chance to go flying, her mind needing release. OOC - Set up where you're going.
[11:12:57] <Hotaru-chan> She's at least discrete enough to get a ways away from the shrine buildings. So from the area where she and Rei occasionally sparred, she spreads her wings, launching up in a blaze of violet and black! Her course is meandering, a lazy loop through Juuban towards the skyscrapers, circling from there towards Serenity's.
[11:14:22] <Kotono> OOC - Flying amid or over buildings?
[11:15:18] <Hotaru-chan> OOC - Once I get to the skyscrapers? Amid.
[11:16:36] <Kotono> OOC - Okay.
[11:17:29] <Kotono> Amid the skyscapers Hotaru Tomoe soars! Her black wings propel he rin the afternoon sun. A watered down sunlight, winter threatening more and more each day. Amid these lofty perches windows show offices, rooms and places of power. To this windows many come, looking out in marvel!
[11:20:26] <Hotaru-chan> ...Woops. Hotaru sighs, berating herself for following her normal path at the wrong time of day. Instead she takes a sudden ascent, flourishing her wings to hide herself as she rises above and into the sky, out of view. Idiot.
[11:22:36] <Kotono> So Hotaru ascends higher, but she can just imagine and nearly hear the words of amazement, slack jawed stunningness. So higher she goes, itno the low lying clouds just above the city.
[11:37:25] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru grumbles to herself. Why is this only doable at night? Shaking her head, she at least thanks the kami that her wings are cloaks enough against identification, summoning Saturn before continuing on her flight. "Saturn Power, Make Up."
[11:39:26] <Kotono> Into the sky the Sailor of Saturn flies! But high and above, far higher? She catches a glimpse of red, a pheonix's flight at a lofty altitude indeed. It soars across the higher sky like a firebrand, zooming.
[11:41:46] <Sailor_Saturn> "Figures," Hotaru smiles sadly, pushing out of the clouds upwards, but not aiming to intercept. She'll give Rei what solitude she wants if she truly would rather not stumble into Hotaru, but no reason to hide from the other girl. So black and violet flash, almost signaling the older girl with her wings before she continues ehr lazy drift.
[11:43:33] <Kotono> Rei is high up - bordering on too high. So high that if she sees you that you don't see any sort of acknowledgement, instead continuing her trip. At the speed she's going she'll be leaving Tokyo's boundaries at a good clip.
[11:45:42] * Sailor_Saturn frowns a little. That's almost dangerous... Chewing on her lip, Hotaru feed senergy into her wings, beats sending her in a rough parallel to Rei rather than towards Serenity, keeping her distance for now.
[11:50:38] <Kotono> The miko's trip is like a fiery trail, leading out of Tokyo's inner heart. She continues on, Rei not pausing as she soars, occasionally making grand manoevers in the air. Far above everyone else in the sky, only a plane passing semi nearby to break up the solitude.
[11:52:15] <Sailor_Saturn> At least she's not... A small sigh of relief as for the moment, a paranoia is vanquished, Hotaru gliding and admiring, but little else from her distance. There is little she can do, oir that she would dare to do other than to watch for Rei's safety.
[11:58:14] <Kotono> Rei's trip is a long one - it's heading towards the campgrounds all of you know and sometimes use, into that forested reserve. She picks up her pace at this, ascending downward in a controlled but rapid descent.
[12:00:37] <Kotono> *Descending
[12:01:56] <Sailor_Saturn> Hotaru just keeps follwing, building some more altitude as Rei loses it, still keeping her distance but beginning to zero in closer. If Rei's going to land, she can just observe from above, where there will be minimal accusations of voyeurism.
[12:03:48] <Kotono> Down Rei goes! As she reaches the treetops her wings slowly retract, a very controlled half drop, lightly leaping on branches at times to descend safely adnw ithout turning the forest into a blaze!
[12:05:52] <Sailor_Saturn> Hotaru just floats above, keeping an eye on Rei for the moment from her height, silently watching the miko who held a frightening part of her heart in her hand. Not the majority, far from, but still a frightening amount.
[12:08:32] <Kotono> The treetops shield her, the miko girl giong towards the falls but the fall foliage is a deft shielf.
[12:08:35] <Kotono> *shiedl
[12:08:37] <Kotono> *shield.
[12:10:50] <Sailor_Saturn> If she's on the ground, it isn't a particular worry to Hotaru. Sighing softly to herself, Hotaru turns about, leaving Rei be and heading in the direction of Serenity's. Rei does need time to think, she hopes.
[12:12:34] <Kotono> So Hotaru goes off, Sailor Saturn flying back. The afternoon wears on as she does so, a large bit of hunger making itself known as she returns to Tokyo.
[12:15:09] <Sailor_Saturn> Setting down somewhere discrete, Hotaru detransforms, and looks about. Where in Tokyo is she? Such will determine where she goes to eat.
[12:17:20] <Kotono> She's in Shibuya. It's quite busy even in the later afternoon, people busting and hustling.
[12:22:48] <Hotaru-chan> Nowhere she knows! So Hotaru is glad that she thought Rei was going to drag her boy hunting, and puts her carried money to good use. She goes looking for a place to eat at this time.
[12:24:30] <Kotono> There's a place - it has a great big TV motif. TVs and screens are everywhere in it, glorified fast food. You notice the news is on, but in an eyecatching way. The screen caption is 'Juuban Angels'.
[12:26:09] <Hotaru-chan> Uh oh. Hotaru holds back a wince, but watches attentively. Who knows what this could be.
[12:27:59] <Kotono> As Hotaru settles in at the bar, a waitress coming? "Today's story - the Interior Minister has annouced the delayed press conference over recent incidents and the Juuban Angels will be this Friday at 5 PM." A picture shows, one of Makoto flying through the air, saving firebound people. "With sightings reaching an all time high, the government has taken a more open stance towards this semi urban legend."
[12:28:56] * Hotaru-chan just shakes her head, sighing a little. A day or two until anything's really heard, then. She watches though, mentally cataloguing what she wants for when the waitress gets to her.
[12:29:27] <Kotono> "We have recieved reports even today of a sighting. We have ...yes, we have one picture." A pause, the anchorwoman looking off stage. "Just a moment."
[12:30:20] <Hotaru-chan> Hopefully no one got an angle through her wings, is Hotaru's main thought, steely exterior over an electric current of inner anxiety.
[12:31:19] <Kotono> An image of Hotaru! She flies, her face and neck just barely hidden by one flapping wing! But it's an excellent picture otherwise, if a bit grainy. "Witness all attest that this young woman was flying in blatant disregard for the normal laws of physics. There is no current comment from the Interior Ministry."
[12:34:27] <Hotaru-chan> A hidden breath of relief, glad that her clothing and general appearance are generic enough to get away, hopefully. So with her heart pounding for any number of reasons, Hotaru settles and waits, eyes on the TV.
[12:38:13] <Kotono> "From analysis...all of the Juuban Angels commonly seen are teenaged girls. They often wear stylistic sailor uniforms and possess thea bility to fly." The anchorwoman goes on, reading off a list.
[12:39:48] * Hotaru-chan snorts, smiling none the less. Well, most of them do. At least those still in the country. She, Rei, and Makoto have been most visible though, she supposes. Hotaru shakes her head. Such is life. Anything else of interest, though?
[12:40:19] <Kotono> It meanders on from there, but it mentions the press conference again tomorrow. In the meantime Hotaru gets her meal, stomach quite hungered.
[12:41:07] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru attacks it, half an eye on the news as she does, mostly just trying to stop the grumbling in her stomach, and maybe watch the other customers.
[12:41:50] <Kotono> The meal goes without nicident. The people are moving quickly, no one of severe note seen. The TV goes onto other matters after, more mundane things.
[12:44:19] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru pays and leaves, adding a nicer tip than usual. She can feel another waitress' pain. But so she goes, walking through Shibuya towards the trains. That'll be the easiest way back into Juuban, and towards Serenity's home.
[12:46:05] <Kotono> An hour passes in transit. The sun is winking down behind the city lines as Hotaru arrives - oh boy. Janna's in the front yard, a sweatsuit and white headband worn. "Hiyaaaa!" With a great effort she makes a giant flying kick at Nior! This just literlaly bounces off him, Janna landing in a heap and whimpering. "I get it...okay, I know you outrank me, but do I hafta do defense practice? I kinda suck at it!"
[12:47:23] <Hotaru-chan> "You could try it against me, I'm a little less imposing," Hotaru snickers, waving to Janna and keeping a safe distance out of Nior's reach. "How're things, Nior?"
[12:47:38] <Kotono> Nior's arms are crossed, utterly undamaged by Janna's 'attack'. "Yes." Nior slightly turns his head to Hotaru, a quiet nod.
[12:48:01] <Kotono> "If you're looking...ow....ow...ow! If you're looking for Serenity, she's inside." Janna wipes at her face slowly, dragging herself up like a condemned woman.
[12:48:42] <Hotaru-chan> "I was, though I suspect I should be saving you by offering to be a slightly more balanced sparring partner," Hotaru murmurs, glancing at the giant curiously.
[12:49:25] <Kotono> Nior shakes his head slightly. "It's done for the day." With that he heads inside, but pauses and helps Janna up first.
[12:50:20] <Hotaru-chan> "Always the same..." Hotaru sighs a little, heading in as well. Shoes discarded, she starts looking for her queen, more than a few things to talk over with her.
[12:50:57] <Kotono> So Janna wobbles along, looking punch drunk as she stumbles towards the insides. "I told you, I'm not some magical girl! I wasn't even that good at being one of Jadeite's servants!" So Janna protests, going straight upstairs, nearly crawling.
[12:53:50] <Hotaru-chan> "Any idea where Serenity is?" Hotaru asks the former youma, or rather both of them.
[12:54:02] <Kotono> The Queen is in the living room, watching TV. She has a vaguely annoyed look on her face, leaning forward as you see a familiar news report repeating.
[12:55:47] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru makes a click sound with her tongue, leaning in the doorway. "Your ever emotionally disturbed soldier and servant presents herself for an audience, your majesty," she jests softly, her tone dry enough for the american dustbowl.
[12:56:12] <Kotono> "Flying today?" Serenity says that calmly, beckoning Hotaru to come to her.
[12:58:15] <Hotaru-chan> "Forgetting it was daytime," Hotaru sighs, going over to sit near her. "And following my night flying route. Only a couple of minutes before I ascended out of sight," she reports quietly, closing her eyes. "Rei was up near where the air gets thin...mah, lots going on," she sighs.
[12:59:31] <Kotono> "Yes there is." Serenity gently pats Hotaru, a soothing and slow motion. "This report tomorrow, it may bear greatly on us."
[13:01:20] <Hotaru-chan> The lack of anger is possibly more forceful than any reprimands, Hotaru crumbling slowly into Serenity's side with a pained whimper. "Funny, I can hardly think about it," she sighs, closing her eyes and trembling a little against the side of her queen.
[13:02:11] <Kotono> The patting is calming, Serenity drawing Hotaru to her side. "What is on your mind then, Saturn?"
[13:06:51] <Hotaru-chan> "Mom and I got in a fight...just...far, far worse than usual," Hotaru murmurs, shivering and closing her eyes. "She just...she hates my boyfriend, or something, and won't trust me, and keeps insisting...she called me..." Hotaru visibly trembles at that, not even getting the words past and out before just curling into herself.
[13:10:35] <Kotono> The softness of Serenity's arm and side hold Hotaru as she trembles, little nonsense words of relaxation murmured by her.
[13:13:20] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru goes silent a few moments, not quite tearing in the comfort of Serenity's hold, but leaning closer into her. "Death viosited when I left the house, talking to me on the rooftop where Balder used to stay. He offered me immortality, then Takeshi and Usagi the same when they showed up...mah, the battle wasn't very hard, just tiring..." she sighs, shaking her head. (More)
[13:14:30] <Hotaru-chan> "Rei...I wouldn't call it an argument, there's no hurt feelings, just Rei-chan being Rei-chan," Hotaru smiles weakly, deeper breaths. "...Can you keep a secret?" she suddenly asks, turning to look up at Serenity.
[13:19:33] <Kotono> "Of course." Serenity's fingers dance on Hotaru's cheeks, wiping just under her eyes.
[13:21:54] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru's smile is forlorn. "Rei didn't want me telling...and Usagi will kill us all if she finds out...but Temptation...she turned Rei and Usagi on each other, and it's left them both sort of...confused, and upset," Hotaru takes a deep breath. "I convinced Takeshi, without letting him in on this, that he'd do well to try and spend time with Usagi, if not outright..." Hotaru gestures, blushing. "Asking her into a relationship."
[13:23:09] <Kotono> "...wait." Serenity frowns as those words come, but stops at those last words. "I'm not sure I understand, Hotaru. Do you mean that Temptation turned Usagi and Rei on each other adn they fought?"
[13:31:11] <Hotaru-chan> "...No," Hotaru takes a deep breath. "Just...mrrr," she glowers a little. "Reasons aside, because at this point, they don't really matter," she takes a deep breath, shaking her head. "It's not...oh, I haven't even told you about..." Hotaru stumbles around, finally snorting softly and sitting up. "Just...forget all that," she sighs, hand passing over her eyes. (More)
[13:34:58] <Hotaru-chan> "Rei-chan...she's been having a bit of a problem with boys and her own...feelings, and it kind of went into a minor explosion this morning," Hotaru shakes her head, blushing a little. "Compounded by...well, Rei was talking to me, and I admitted I was...or I think I am, bisexual a week ago..." she takes a deep breath, shaking her head.
[13:34:59] <Hotaru-chan> "But that's just what made matters more complicated, ot having trouble with it...Rei-chan was just all over the place, and it was sort of fighting, but not really, and we just settled down and she went flying...and that's just kind of the rollercoaster of the last day or so."
[13:36:10] <Kotono> "...oh." Serenity takes all that in, slowly petting Hotaru's head, drawing her closer as she thinks. Her eyes are distant, before she smiles. "...I see now. It sounds as if they...are going through induced teenage identity issues, as your common words would say in this age?"
[13:39:48] <Hotaru-chan> "That would be a way to condense it, yes," Hotaru answers, smiling sadly. "Honestly? I really don't know anything about Usagi's end of it, just Rei's. Usagi didn't confide in me, so I shouldn't really speculate there...but Rei-chan did settle, sort of," Hotaru sighs, slumping in ehr seat. "I know I wasn't making anythign better by acknowledging I wouldn't...couldn't refuse ehr, but...mah. Jus up and down, and up and down."
[13:41:14] <Kotono> "I see. If you're worried?" Serenity simply raises her eyebrow, "Why don't you try finding out about how Usagi is with it before you assume further?"
[13:43:43] <Hotaru-chan> "I'm not supposed to know about the incident in the first place," Hotaru snorts, shaking her head. "It's a big web of secrecy and that like held by them both."
[13:44:36] <Kotono> "This is true, but you can find out how she's doing in more indirect ways." Serenity smiles al ittle more, "I would rather not enter this situation if not invited, but as you are already embroiled?"
[13:49:14] <Hotaru-chan> "I'll talk to Takeshi," Hotaru murmurs, smiling a bit. "That was sort of just before this...mom pushed me on a date with him, but he wasn't..." Hotaru shakes her head, smiling. 'It was alright, but I suggested he ask Usagi out, or just go somewhere with her. She can get him to talk, and while I sort of can...we end up talking about things the Beast Lord and Metallia."
[13:50:14] <Kotono> "A good start...have you talked to USagi at all yourself?" Serenity gently adds this on, as you hear Nior in the kitchen, quietly making something or the other. "Maybe she would like a friend just to be around or talk to if something is bothering her?"
[13:52:49] <Hotaru-chan> "Life's been something on the busy end, but maybe," Hotaru agrees quietly, taking a deep breath. "I've been trying to handle that role with Rei, which is a handful in itself..."
[13:56:06] <Kotono> "I know - but if no one else knows, perhaps she needs someone now?" By the way Serenity smiles, she almost expects it, waiting. "I must admit this is not a problem I expected, however. Temptation...hmmm."
[13:58:16] <Hotaru-chan> "This would be so much less complicated if she'd attacked me," Hotaru snorts, shaking ehr head. "I'll probe around," she agrees, smiling weakly at Serenity. "I wonder how Kotono would react...mah, no reason to rush admitting it to everyone, it's not very important while I have a boyfriend and while everyne around me is heterosexual," she snorts, smiling a bit more in amusement.
[13:59:09] <Kotono> "That's your business as far as I care to go." Delicately coughing, "While the occasionall dalliances of the same gender were rare and very popular gossip, I would rather not invovle myself in such matters directly. Jsut follow your heart."
[14:01:16] <Hotaru-chan> "I know, I just overtalk, I blame mom and her guilt complex over keeping anything a secret," Hotaru snickers, deep breaths. "Mah, it really doesn't matter," she laughs, easy enough.
[14:01:57] <Kotono> "Yes. It's good to see you recovering." Serenity pats, "Actually, this report tomorrow." The forgotten TV is looked to, "I would ask you a favor on this, Saturn."
[14:03:03] <Hotaru-chan> "Yes?" Hotaru asks curiously, turning to Serenity curiously, though with a more serious air.
[14:04:04] <Kotono> "Make sure all know of it and to watch it? I will be here to watch it if anyone wishes to join me. Just in case." The last is said as Serenity's smile slips away. "I...mmmmm. I am not sure even the 'worst' would be bad news, yet...I am not certain with this world."
[14:06:07] <Hotaru-chan> "Nor am I," Hotaru agrees softly, calming herself, bringing the whole of it under control again. "I'll get in touch with everyone. I still need to talk with Rei....I have a present for Asher, I'll be sleeping with Mako-chan, which leaves the blonde brigade and Takeshi."
[14:07:16] <Kotono> "Go for this," Serenity pats once more, wiping at Hotaru's eyes with her finger. "If you wish to do so now, I can go prepare a meal in the meantime. Are you hungry?"
[14:10:08] <Hotaru-chan> "I just ate before coming over," Hotaru admits, blushing. "Thank you for the offer though," she murmurs, smiling and hugging Serenity fully. "I'll get to work, then," she agrees more easily, a differnet sort of placid calm coming over her with a directive.
[14:11:00] <Kotono> Serenity nods, getting upa nd going into the kitchen. OOC - If you wanna call anyone go ahead.
[14:11:15] <Kotono> OOC - People that are here and alive before those taht aren't, if you have a mix.
[14:18:33] <Hotaru-chan> OOC - Uhm...guess I'll hit Usagi first.
[14:19:01] <Kotono> OOC - Then go for it by all means. Floor is yours.
[14:19:07] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru doesn't leave, rather, she settles into the catch for a battery of calling for the few she doesn't have plans to meet. First up is Moon!
[14:21:36] <Usagi> Usagi's response is prompt, the blonde appearing amidst the background of her bedroom. "Hotaru? What's wrong?" she asks quickly.
[14:23:02] <Hotaru-chan> "Nothing, " Hotaru smiles a bit, just a bit. "Just doing Serenity a favor. THe government's making a public announcement about us senshi tomorrow, she wants us all to watch it on the news, and she'll be home watching it if we want to congregate," she offers, Serenity's living room clear behind her.
[14:24:10] <Usagi> "Oh, yeah, I remember something mentioned about that on Sunday," the blonde agrees. "Mmm... could be interesting," she smiles slightly. "Anyway, yeah, tell her I'll be over. Know what time it's on at?"
[14:26:25] <Hotaru-chan> "5pm," Hotaru provides, nodding and smiling slightly back. "So well see...anyway, I have to get to everyone else. See you tomorrow?"
[14:26:53] <Usagi> "Later," the blonde agrees, before the screen goes dark.
[14:27:30] <Hotaru-chan> Next up, Hotaru clicks Venus! Takeshi...wait, he'd have been around mom at work today. Wince.
[14:28:21] * Takeshi picks up after a few moments, looking a bit surprised. "Hotaru?"
[14:30:46] <Hotaru-chan> "No, her twin sister that no one knows about and lives as Kotono's love slave because you killed my sibling you surprised fiend!" Hotaru rants, some frightening impulse taking over.
[14:31:38] <Takeshi> "...right," Takeshi says, a slight smirk on his face. "I was actually going to call you once I got home myself - what's up?"
[14:33:25] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru sticks her tongue out at Takeshi a moment, snickering. "Doing a favor for Serenity and contacting everyone. There's a press conference about the senshi being held by the government tomorrow at 5pm, she wants us all to watch it, and hinted that she'll be home in case we want to get together for it. Also, I apologize in advance for not warning you if my mother tore you into vulture scraps."
[14:34:40] <Takeshi> "I appreciate the apology, although she didn't come after me directly at least," Takeshi replies, shaking his head a bit. "Although it's probably a good thing I waited until as late as I did to ask what the heck was going on - I expect they'd have heard her in the mailroom two floors down."
[14:36:02] <Hotaru-chan> "...Yeah, that'd be mom," Hotaru agrees with a sudden, deep breath. "She's not particularly happy I assume."
[14:37:24] <Takeshi> "You have a gift for understatement," Takeshi replies dryly. "She'd at least calmed down a LITTLE before I left work, but... yeah. Very, very not particularly happy. I couldn't even get a coherent answer about what happened out of her."
[14:40:36] <Hotaru-chan> "I made it clear that you and I aren't particularly suited to dating each for reasons of shared experiences we have serious trouble letting go of," Hotaru snorts. "This of course led into ana rgument over my current boyfriend, which didn't get much farther than it did the last several times, and culminated in a stand off over a silence wall that was kind of keeping her from just ignoring me...so I disappeared, which is why I was on that rooftop."
[14:41:26] <Hotaru-chan> rooftop."
[14:44:38] * Takeshi rubs the bridge of his nose a bit. "Oi... well, at least some of that makes a bit more sense, then," he sighs. "Look, I'm not going to tell you what to do with your mom, but I'd at least get in touch with her. She's madder than a hornet, but she's also worried about you - I had to promise her twice to keep an eye on you."
[14:47:41] <Hotaru-chan> "Funny, she didn't seem particularly interested last night," Hotaru remarks dryly, shaking her head. "I might stop by home. Anyway, I'll be at Mako-chan's if you really need to get a hold of me aside from the communicator. See you tomorrow?"
[14:48:40] <Takeshi> "Yeah, I'll be there tomorrow," Takeshi agrees. "Talk to you later, Hotaru." With that he clicks off the communicator.
[14:50:24] <Hotaru-chan> And with that, Hotaru gets up, heading out to hit Asher. She'll catch Kotono later, and she asked Rei to call her. Calling Rei for whatever reason could be the wrong turn.
[20:14:08] <Asher> And so the clock in the bookstore idly ticks away, Asher moving from the desk to resume his bookcase work with nary a visitor to bug him. He's only half into it, taking his time, mind occupied with other matters and glossing over certain relevations made to him...
[20:18:25] <Hotaru-chan> Time passes, it's nearing his early closing time with minimal disturbances when the door opens, little bells ringing. No voice calls, rather soft footsteps moving towards him at a sedate pace. The rest of the bookstore, being populated soley by books, didn't offer an opinion on the matter.
[20:21:38] <Asher> Mmmm? Asher instinctively stands back up to see who the new visitor is, gradually pacing himself back to the desk. And here he thought he was going to get off the hook without having to deal with anyone, too. "Can I help you?"
[20:27:52] <Hotaru-chan> Now isn't that a surprise? Or probably not. Hotaru Tomoe is there in the flesh, flattering jeans and a black hoody drawing a casual form waiting on him. "'Ru-chan's delivery service with package and message from the Queen of the Lunar Kingdom, her most august and royal Majesty Serenity," she greets wryly, smiling.
[20:30:49] <Asher> Asher gives the raven-haired girl a long and steady look, his face betraying the barest hints of surprise. He shakes his head somewhat, leaning back against the fore of the main desk. "I'll never get used to this, you know. Hi, Hotaru-san." He manages a brief smile. "Did Serenity actually send you here?"
[20:33:28] <Hotaru-chan> "Yes, actually, though I was planning on harrassing you anyway this afternoon," Hotaru smiles in return, leaning on the desk as well. "Mokou-san not around?" she asks curiously, glancing about. "And what's so unnerving as it'll be impossible to get used to?"
[20:34:37] <Asher> "Everything," he says simply as he folds his arms and sighs. "Mokou-san went off earlier with an old acquaintence of hers, apparently, Haruna-san. I'm going to be closing up soon, and..." Oh yeah. That ball of blondeness doom that was awaiting him. "...probably shouldn't make Kotono wait much longer..."
[20:37:37] <Hotaru-chan> "She's not outside if you're wondering," Hotaru offers, smiling a bit and hopping onto the desk, sitting half-sideways to look at Asher. "...Now I feel like your secretary. Overactive imagination aside! I've got presents for you, and the message: There's going to be a government press conference held about the senshi tomorrow at 5pm, Serenity wants us all to watch it, and we're free to do so with her at her place," she smiles wryly.
[20:40:23] <Asher> "You're hopeless," is all Asher comments as he flexes his fingers and hands a bit, glancing warily up at the clock. "...A government press? About the senshi? That sounds... um, rather serious. Did something happen in terms of media coverage?" He casts an inquiring look at her.
[20:44:55] <Hotaru-chan> "They've been watching us since the war with Gaia, between half of Ami's apartment complex seeing us--Ami is Mercury, she's in Germany right now--and then a few photos of battles, they've known we exist for a while. The battle at the convention center got Makoto and I on tape, and Makoto's been sighted a few times."
[20:44:55] <Hotaru-chan> "I also forgot to switch my night flying route when I needed a break this morning, and kind of got photographed in mid-air downtown," Hotaru coughs softly. "Those are the highlights of our publicity, no one seems to have caught on to the couple of hospital visits I've made that result in frightening recoveries," she snorts. "But yes, it'll probably be somewhat serious."
[20:48:19] <Asher> "...oh." Asher's face falls, quite a bit, with a look of concern on his face. "And the more they look into it, the more they might dig up, especially with the government involved... ergh." He cuts himself off, stopping from going on with the implications. Enough presumptions given the past few weeks. "Well, I'll make sure to be there tomorrow, then."
[20:53:05] <Hotaru-chan> Hotarus nickers darkly, reaching out and patting Asher's cheek. "Don't worry so much. Something about our uniforms makes identification nigh impossible while we're in them," she clarifies, shaking her head. "Our biggest troubles are going to be things like my flgiht today, and the pedophile Ami and I once convinced that taking me into the backroom of the store would be a very, very bad idea."
[20:56:23] <Asher> Hotaru gets a frosty look in return as Asher relents and leans forward from the desk, ambling over to pick up his gear. "You never know. But like I said, I'll be there, and guess we'll see how things go from there. There's a few other subjects that we probably should discuss, too, like bringing everyone up to date again." Slapping the backpack on and dangling Reclaimer from his grip again, he turns back over to Hotaru.
[20:57:14] <Asher> "But seriously, you came all the way down here just to tell me that? You can just call me on the communicator and save yourself that much trouble, Hotaru. I have one now, remember?" He chuckles dryly.
[21:01:11] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru raises an eyebrow, her expression flickering for a moment as she hops off the desk. "I like talking to you, mayhaps?" she answers, hands on her hips. "Besides, I DID say I had two presents for you."
[21:05:49] <Asher> Asher seems to take something from that posture and steps closer, though with a wary expression on his face. He stares levelly over at her. "Uh... huh. Two. How generous." At this he smiles a bit, leaning back against a bookcase. "Really? I wasn't aware there was any occasion for it!" He studies her face for any hidden signs of something not being said here, but otherwise he looks genuinely surprised.
[21:15:14] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru's smiling, it's almost a vicious one, but more amused than predatory on balances. "Oh, there is, and you probably shouldn't be the one thanking me..." she snickers, taking her own step closer, dangerously close to Asher in fact, almost touching. "Mah, just let thigns happen as they will," she adds, closer...! It's a peck on the cheek, actually, Hotaru's hand in her purse and removing a box and a book. (More)
[21:16:03] <Hotaru-chan> The objects are pushed between them, Hotaru looking vastly amused by now at herself as she takes a step back. "Treat her well, hm? Some of us are trusting you with an awful lot...even if, I know, it isn't entirely your idea."
[21:19:23] <Asher> That wary look on his face turns to one of brief alarm as Hotaru steps closer, seemingly forgetitng the principle of personal space! Asher numbly takes the items, his face frozen in expression for a moment before her words hit home. He blinks and first stares down at the book to see just exactly what it is.
[21:23:16] <Hotaru-chan> 'Pocket Guide to Oral Sex'...?! So the book states, totally plain otherwise. The box is concealed by it, though maybe that was hint enough at the box's contents.
[21:25:03] <Asher> Oh yeah. Maybe just enough. Asher looks back up, with a face that should have all rights been completely crimson red at this point. But it's just blank, expressionless, as he regards Hotaru intently for a moment. Speaking quietly, with a hint of steel that wasn't there before. "Hotaru. Seriously. What kind of person do you think I am?"
[21:27:13] <Hotaru-chan> "An extrremely cautious, unlikely to dive overboard one, before you explode on me," Hotaru answers, smiling a little. "I don't expect you to get use out of them immediately or anything, though I think it might happen faster than you expect. That said, I'm a paranoid, paranoid girl, so just in case, hm?"
[21:30:40] <Asher> Asher is barely moving now, not so much out of shock out of... well, it was kind of hard to tell what he was thinking. He set both the book and the box aside, crossing his arms and staring over at her. For something to say. Words just refused to come out of his mouth. He didn't know whether to be angry, stunned, embarassed, actually grateful for the slight tidbit of foresight, whatever. He just sighs. "...well, better than givi
[21:31:00] <Asher> --giving them to Kotono."
[21:35:45] <Hotaru-chan> "Please, I know EXACTLY how that would go. Why do you think I gave them to YOU?" Hotaru snorts, leaning back against the edge of the desk. "I'd rather make sure you have the resources than your relative innocence catch up to you some day, hm?" she offers, smiling a bit across at him. "How ARE you and Kotono on that fcront, by the way?"
[21:36:53] <Hotaru-chan> *front
[21:38:28] <Asher> "I've subtly drawn the lines on several occasions. She hasn't gone over them. Yet. Not that she doesn't ask every night or so," Asher adds in with a bit of barb. Well, if they were going to have to bring this sordid subject up, he might as well be frank about it. "Though I have to admit I'm just the slightest bit peeved that you'd buy me a BOOK on this, Hotaru. This is going to land me in a hell of a lot more trouble than
[21:39:26] <Asher> save me if anyone so much glimpses at the title." He gives her a steady gaze again, the beads of sweat etching out on his forehead, but there's SOME indignation in his tone. His eyes snap shut, and with a loud groan, the back of his head makes contact with the bookcase as Asher ungracefully slides down to the floor with a heap. "...is this really necessary?"
[21:44:48] <Hotaru-chan> "There were instructional video tapes, but I don't think you'd have taken those any better," Hotaru snickers. "Just get a dust jacket for it, and yes, I should've thought of that when I bought it," she snickers softly. "That she keeps asking just means I was right to think it might be going there, so yes, it is necessary," Hotaru laughs softly, hands back on the desk behind her. "Just bury it at the bottom of your pack."
[21:49:58] <Asher> "Your faith in me moves me," Asher bites back as he does just that. With great reluctance. He doesn't even WANT to be seen with that book; or for that matter the box either. Standing back up, it's all he can do not to glare daggers at the girl as he looks back up at the clock again. A few minutes past the hour...
[21:51:27] <Hotaru-chan> "We're teenagers, I didn't expect you to know any more on the subject than I did," Hotaru remarks bluntly, shrugging. "Besides, I didn't think you'd ever know where to go looking for orange flavored ones, anyway."
[21:53:32] <Asher> "...flavored..." Asher sighs. Loudly. "Actually, you might think of me as a reclusive social hermit, but I've heard all -sorts- of gory details thanks to a multitude of people lamenting to me in the past about various things. Sex life was not necessarily an avoided topic." Asher says this with perfect candence as he stands back up.
[21:56:56] <Asher> "Probably an unhealthy overdose of exposure to that particular subject is a good deal as to why I AM rather tightfisted about it." He immediately realizes that's a bad choice of words, and it shows with the look of consternation on his face. "So, please. I don't need to be babied on this, okay?"
[21:59:20] <Hotaru-chan> "Well you don't exactly scream 'cosmopolitan'," Hotaru returns dryly, sighing. "Look, I'm sorry if it feels like I stepped on your toes, but Kochan isn't territory where I like to gamble, or...well, to be honest, trust anyone," she sighs. "I'm just paranoid."
[22:03:06] <Asher> "Learn to." Asher speaks this bluntly, staring up at Hotaru with dead serious eyes. "If you can't, then honestly, there's no point in this, or living life out in general. You'll spend all your time looking over your shoulder, second-guessing things, and make others feel the same aura of distrust. If you don't trust me enough in this matter, then honestly... I would rather step out and not risk stepping on -anyone's- toes."
[22:04:32] <Asher> "There's already too damn much to deal, life and death matters which already are being marred by disagreement amongst us." The bitter memories of the last meeting and the aftermath come freshly back to mind, as his tone lowers, talking quietly again. "I don't want to hold a relationship with someone and know that everyone is watching for me to stumble. You may not want it to happen, but you're looking for it.
[22:04:38] <Asher> And it's not something I'm willing - or able - to deal with."
[22:10:07] <Hotaru-chan> "Oh, I trust you, or I wouldn't be doing this," Hotaru sighs as she stares back at Asher, equally serious. "I'm trusting you with something vastly more important, than...this," she gestures at Asher's pack, amethyst eyes hardening in return. "This is me playing, not hovering over your shoulder, quieting the little whisper so I DON'T go digging." (more)
[22:12:48] <Hotaru-chan> Hotaru shrugs a little, looking mildly forlorn. "If I didn't trust you, Asher, I wouldn't even be doing this, I'd be actively attempting something far more indiscriminately destructive and stupid. So please, try to take us each with our grain fo salt?"
[22:14:28] <Asher> Asher shakes his head slowly, his voice utterly subdued now. "Trust isn't something you just switch on and off, you know. It's a measure... whenever we look at someone or something, we always think... just how far, how much that trust extends."
[22:15:28] <Asher> Pushing himself back up from the bookcase, his face is shadowy as he looks up at the ceiling, and then over at her, and then the clock. "I should really go meet up with Kotono... she's already been waiting for a while." He motions to do just that, pausing for a moment at brushing past Hotaru's side.
[22:16:35] <Asher> "What's the point of anything, Hotaru, if life is endless questioning about others? Faith is a wonderful thing to have, sometimes. It can hurt, but it can bring so much too. Consider that." He stops, closes his eyes, and squeezes her hand gently before taking off from the bookstore.
[22:19:00] <Hotaru-chan> "Asher, some of just aren't as concise," Hotaru calls to his back, sighing. "Consider differences in communication, rather than trying to run off with your beliefs."
[22:22:27] <Asher> "I believe in myself. And I believe in Kotono." The jingle of the door pauses his words, as he turns to look back. There's a brief smile on his face. "That's all that's needed. You can tell me whether I believed wrongly or not... later." The door closes, softly, as his disappearing figure trails off into the distance.
And immediately after...
[22:45] <@Anastasia> So Asher heads out! Waiting there is Kotono, coming up! She waves, each hand holding a chocolate ice cream cone. "Heya!" Her smiles is as happy and brisk as the wind, glowing.
[22:46] <@Asher> Asher smiles back, the sight of Kotono for once a welcome relief. The pang of guilt that strikes after that is not entirely unexpected, but it does make give him pause and make him wonder... wonder about... "Hey. Kept yourself busy/"
[22:47] <@Anastasia> "Uh huh! I got these and did some shopping," A shopping bag hangs from one of Kotono's arms - and wow! She's wearing nice new lipstick, vibrantly red. "I did some investigating too and I got back here just in time, huh?"
[22:48] <@Asher> "Some investigating?" That queries a brief look of puzzlement from Asher as he looks over at her. The lipstick... um, stands out, but he never quite thought of seeing her like that. "Yeah, Mokou-san had me watch the store and closed a little early."
[22:50] <@Anastasia> "Supernatural stuff, and I think I know where oure next meeting is gonna be, and I nearly went to visit USagi-chan since I haven'ts een her in awhile but it didn't work out but here!" An ice cream cone is presented, one of two. "Unless you wanna share one?" Kotono bats her eyelashes at this, playful.
[22:52] <@Asher> "Oh, yeah, about that. Hotaru dropped by and told me that Serenity wanted all of us to meet up at her house tomorrow at five to watch a government report on the senshi. Apparently she got caught out on tape while she was flying in broad daylight," he remarks with a bit of a sigh. "It sounds serious, but... we can't really know till then."
[22:52] <@Asher> To her offer, he just smiles that little smile and accepts one of the cones, holding it for now.
[22:56] <@Anastasia> "Ooooh!" Kotonob links, walking along as she ponders that,"...oh wow, wouldn't it be cool if we became like idols if that happened, and everyoen started working on thes upernatural and itw oudl be really cool, wouldn't it?!"
[22:57] <@Asher> "It could," Asher admits readily, following in pace at her side. "Or it could be worse and they could consider us all a threat. Flying humans aren't exactly normal, you know. But we could speculate endlessly and get nowhere, so we'll just have to wait till tomorrow to find out."
[22:57] <@Asher> "I'm sure Serenity is aware of the potential concerns and we'll discuss about it." He takes a cautious lick of the ice cream, his throat parched, not having eaten since lunchtime.
[23:00] <@Anastasia> "That's true, but you know, just that it's coola nd interesting!" A long pause as Kotono licks her own cone, before she trips just a little! Somehow her ice cream cone goes flying from her hand, a chocolate stain on the sidewalk! "Aaaaah!" Kotono looks on and sniffles a bit, "My ice cream!"
[23:01] <@Asher> Well... crap! Asher's reflexes kick in as he tries to dart forward, both his hand darting out to catch the cone delicately and his mind instinctively telling the thing to stop in the air!
[23:04] <@Anastasia> OOC - Body check +3 - that's pretty much one heckuva snap reaction. Regular soulc heck, though.
[23:05] <@Asher> roll 2d6+3 ayup
[23:05] * +Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6+3 ayup and gets 8." [2d6=4, 1]
[23:05] <@Asher> roll 2d6
[23:05] * +Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 and gets 4." [2d6=1, 3]
[23:06] <@Anastasia> ASher is caught flatfooted, but his mind works! His power is called to him, the air currents creating a gush of wind to counter the momentum! For a few delicate moments the ice cream cone's fate is stalled, hanging in frozen midair!
[23:07] <@Asher> Said fate is quietly banished away as his hand catches up to the motion and sweeps the cone back into his grip in one fluid motion, giving it back to the blonde next to him with a bit of a sigh. "Be a little careful, Kotono."
[23:09] <@Kotono> "Ooooooh!" Kotono's eyes go wide with unshed tears, looking on at Asher as she twitches, grinning. "That was so cool! You did magic ot save my ice cream cone, Asher!" Kotono gleefully takes the cone, gently licking it a few times before casting her eyes up just over the top, face hidden save for the far tips of her smile. "That was really cool!"
[23:10] <@Asher> "...it's nothing you couldn't have done, Kotono," Asher points out candidly. But strangely enough, Kotono's praise had the unexpected effect of lifting his spirits. And he HAD managed to do at least -some- things lately, hadn't he? He'd been planning on dedicating another night to flight, although that had been curtailed with the impending news of the government report.
[23:13] <@Kotono> "It's because you did it for me that it's cool!" Kotono nods and scoots closer, slowly licking the ice cream cone, making sure her little cute tongue is having lots of exposure as she cleans up ice cream. "Mmmmm! This is good, isn't it?"
[23:15] <@Asher> Asher consigns himself to the fact that Kotono will forever be Kotono as he takes a long lick of his own portion. "Yeah, it is." And it was true - hunger being the best sauce aside, the ice cream WAS good. And increasingly something associated with the Ko. "Where exactly are we going, though?" He'd been just following her... assuming... bad to assume. Ow.
[23:18] <@Kotono> You're walking along a side road, brisk and mostly empty. Kotono just winks and smiles, "Home. My home - I figure you can practice in my back yard?"
[23:19] <@Asher> As long as it's not in public sight. And no, from what Asher remembers, it wasn't - large, fenced in, and the house itself was a significant amount of cover too. He shrugs a bit and nods. "Sure, that should work. Probably a better idea than sneaking out at night and trying to fly around T*A, anyway."
[23:22] <@Kotono> "..ooooh! Didja know that ...hey, that kinda came true with the Juuban Angels thing, but anyway!" Kotono skips along, playfully licking her ice cream cone all the while, devouring it. "Let's go, huh?"
[23:23] <@Asher> "Zuh? The..." Asher looks lost as to what exactly Kotono's referring to as he is dragged along, if not literally, then for all means and purposes practically. His ice cream cone is barely even half way finished.
[23:26] <@Kotono> So off you go to Kotono's! The sun is set and down to it's embers when you reach her back yard. Here Kotono nods, taking out her transformation pen. "So you're gonna practice, right," Kotono asks, closing the back door behind her. It's starting to get cold and windy, too.
[23:28] <@Asher> Cold and windy suits him just fiiiine. The breeze is more of a relaxant to Asher's mind ever since that day, letting its touch caress across his form. He stands there for a moment, eyes closed, and gauges the feel of the wind in the area, Reclaimer at his side.
[23:29] <@Asher> It occurs to him that... wait a frickin' second. 'I haven't actually transformed for the longest time. How on earth am I being able to do anything?' The realization just strikes his head.
[23:30] <@Asher> Even that brief stint of flight, exhausting and thrilling as it was, had been entirely of his own volition. He raises Reclaier, hoping that the sword was... y'know, awake.
[23:32] <@Kotono> 'Elemental Control has some power even when you aren't transformed. Frankly, I'm amazed you were able to fly like you did. You nearly killed yourself with the strain.'
[23:33] <@Asher> 'It wasn't THAT bad,' he protests mildly, but accedes the point. Though the euphoria at the time had been great, the later exhaustion that had caused him to fall dead asleep before his eyes closed that night was even more so. 'I take it I should generally do things transformed to get the most amount of training done?'
[23:37] <@Kotono> 'Ideally. There isa b it to be said for training under restrains, but that tends to in the end lead to one developing ways to defeat the restrains, not to become better.' Reclaimer pauses as you note Kotono twirling her transformation pen, watching Asher. 'If you don't have your full power you won't learn to use all you have.
[23:38] <@Kotono> 'Also. How does the official name of..mmm. Knight Protector of Pluto strike you as a transformed name?' REclaimer bats this out casually.
[23:39] <@Asher> 'Fair en - WHAT?' That rewards Reclaimer with a scathing glare. 'Let's skip the title and worry about more tangible things for now, shall we?' With a shaking of his head, Asher raises the sword to the sky again. "Reclaimer Crystal Power!"
[23:43] <@Kotono> In a gust of wind and a stirring of power Asher is transformed! Transfomred into...whatever he decides to call himself! As this happens, "Pluto Crystal Power, Make UP!" Kotono calls, Sailor Pluto coming to join Asher!
[23:45] <@Asher> Bringing himself down into a ready fighting stance, Asher slashes at the air! This time, though, remembering Takeshi's words will and heeding them, he breaks out of the normal pattern significantly - the swipes are quicker, more precise, and give no quarter. He gets rid of the momentary pauses that traditionally follows each pattern, instead slicing viciously into the air without halting.
[23:46] <@Asher> Right, left, duck, roll, thrust, encircle, move again - the regimen is meshed, changed, repeated, practiced again, altered, and continues in a chaotic but somehow coherant dance of moves as he takes full advantage on his grip, waving Reclaimer around as though it weighed less than a feather. Which it, well, did.
[23:49] <@Asher> But this increased tempo and having to deal with new critical moments of balance and regaining equilibrium cause Asher to be struggling to catch up his breath twenty minutes into the thing. He finishes up one routine and then leans back, letting out heavy breaths, leaning back against the wall. His limbs are a little sore from the literal non-stop movement, every part of his body forced to obey the demands of wind-fast movement
[23:56] <@Sailor_Pluto> As Asher gets winded, sweaty and into his routine? He can note Kotono beginning some basic staff dances. They're not very good, mistakes clearly made as the Sailor of Pluto struggles to learn her Staff of Time and Space, as Asher unleashes his fury into a martial practice.
[23:56] <@Asher> "...um." Asher looks over at Kotono, not really sure what the heck she is doing. "Kotono?"
[23:58] <@Sailor_Pluto> Kotono stops as she tries a slightly off staff sweep, turning with an embarrassed blush. "Yes, ASher-chan?"
[23:58] <@Asher> "...do you normally fight with that staff?" Asher notes the bulky, large weapon is not exactly becoming for Kotono's stature.
[00:00] <@Sailor_Pluto> "A little, it's more for other magic but I should learn the basics just in case!" Kotono goes through another sweep - even ASher can tell her posture is all wrong, too, blatantly so.
[00:01] <@Sailor_Pluto> Kotono smiles as she finishes, "It's good to learn, isn't it, hm?" A very nice smile, waiting on ASher.
[00:02] <@Asher> "....Kotono." Asher's look is steady. "You don't 'learn' the basics by swinging at the air. You really don't get anywhere with that. Practicing a regimen like this is to keep your reflexes sharp and improve the execution of what you already know. The art itself -- " He waves Reclaimer vaguely, with a patient look "-- is something you really need a sensei for."
[00:02] <@Asher> "For that matter, I don't think they do a lot of weapons training classes with large, blunt two-handed weapons," he remarks, pointedly looking at the Staff of Time and Space.
[00:06] <@Sailor_Pluto> "Oh, well, I'm just looking ot learn how to use it decently." Kotono tries another swing. Oh, it's not bad, but it's still clearly off. Smiling at Asher, "Well....?" Kotono bats her eyelashes again, looking down demurely.
[00:11] <@Asher> Asher sighs, stepping over for a moment and slinging Reclaimer away. "Here. First off, your footing's wrong. You should be stanced... like this." He demonstrates, the balls of his feet pointed up. "It's tiring to hold yourself up like that, but it gives you the best mobility."
[00:11] <@Sailor_Pluto> Kotono slowly gets into position, doing an okay but not quite right job of it. Her back's off badly. "LIke this?"
[00:12] <@Asher> "Straighten your back a little, and try to hold that position. That staff's probably a lot heavier than most of the things I practiced with, so... it's not exactly easy," Asher warns, wondering if this was really a good idea.
[00:14] <@Sailor_Pluto> Kotono struggles with it, a careful look of concentration as she tries again! But her back isn't right, just not in position, too far out and bunched. "LIke this?" Kotono asks again, scooting a little closer as she does.
[00:15] <@Asher> Asher shakes his head, motioning with his hand. "Okay, first off, lose the staff. You have the idea, but it's adding too much counterweight to offset the basics... have you taken any martial arts classes, at all?"
[00:17] <@Sailor_Pluto> "A bit with Sis," Kotono puts the staff down, going into the stance again. "Is it like this?" Her back's still out too far, badly adjusted.
[00:17] <@Sailor_Pluto> Kotono smiles hopefully at Asher, waiting with a cute little pout as she tries again.
[00:18] <@Asher> Asher can see clearly that this is going nowhere... she just isn't realizing the proper positioning. "I can't believe Makoto didn't at least teach you this much," he mumbles quietly as he steps over. "Okay. Look. Your feet are fine, but..." Holding her sides, gently, he eases her upper body back a bit, moving her arm to be more free. "Arch back a bit."
[00:22] <@Sailor_Pluto> "Oooooooh!" Kotono slides into being supported, letting Asher's manly, confident hands position her sides and hips. In a somewhat more acceptable position, Kotono gently shakes her rear. "LIke this?" She smiles fondly, eyes half closed.
[00:23] <@Asher> Asher ignores the motion, most of his attention riveting itself on the rest of Kotono's form and making sure she's adjusted correctly. He gently shifts her to the left just a bit, stepping back and nodding. "And don't let your arms just hang loose, keep them ready to move. Now. Did Makoto teach you how to do basic punches and kicks?"
[00:25] <@Sailor_Pluto> Kotono nods, "I think I remember that." Kotono stays in place, waiting, "I think?"
[00:27] <@Asher> "Go ahead and do a one-two, a one-two, and then a midlevel kick, then," Asher states, easing to the side, and then in front of her to watch her motions. "And this is important - keep yourself steady the entire time, your feet in that same position, and when you finish, you should be in the same stance, just facing another direction. Treat me like your target."
[00:27] <@Sailor_Pluto> "Okay!" Kotono nods intently, narrowing her eyes in concentration as she begins!
[00:27] <@Sailor_Pluto> roll 2d6 ( Body check for Kotono's objective)
[00:27] * +Hatbot --> "Sailor_Pluto rolls 2d6 ( Body check for Kotono's objective) and gets 10." [2d6=4, 6]
[00:28] <@Sailor_Pluto> Kotono does a few punches and then goes for the kick! The last is badly overdone, Kotono starting to wobble - but gravity sabotages her! She just falls back onto her heels, only a brief panty flash and Kotono ending up with a mundane failure.
[00:28] <@Sailor_Pluto> She frown thereafter, shaking her head and clearing it. "Ooooh, I think that was okay, almost?" She does sound dimly annoyed, too!
[00:28] <@Asher> "...slow down, Kotono," Asher says with a hint of remorse and leaning down to help her back up, offering a hand.
[00:29] <@Asher> "You're trying to kick, not twist your entire body into the ground. Energy's good, but only if you apply it correctly."
[00:31] <@Sailor_Pluto> Kotono is helped up, dusting off her skirt. "...maybe I'm just not good at it," Kotono says sadly, looking down and away. "Ig uess one of us has to be bad at this just by the odds?"
[00:32] <@Asher> "It takes practice, like everything else. You can't expect to be proficient in something in only a few minutes." Asher pointedly ignores the various times he has violated this statute, but the irony of the statement brings a low flush to his cheeks. "If you're serious about it... you could work on it."
[00:37] <@Sailor_Pluto> "I don't know...maybe I should just go back to reading. I'm not as good as the others at these things..." Kotono softly sniffles, turning away and looking at her house.
[00:40] <@Asher> Asher sighs a bit, his shoulders sinking as he looks over at the blonde. What was he supposed to say? If she didn't have any motivation for this, then it probably wasn't worth pursuing. And he was under the impression she'd be more into magic with her supernatural fetish and all...
[00:41] <@Asher> "Well, what do you usually practice? Do you at... all?" He was a little curious on that matter - he'd gotten the impression most of the senshi were comfortable with fighting as is and didn't really 'keep up' with regimens like his, per say.
[00:45] <@Sailor_Pluto> "Magic, sure...but..." Kotono just looks down again, wilting down into a sad little puddle of blonde Sailorhood in the yard. "It's okay. I'll just go read again..."
[00:47] <@Asher> ..wow. It was odd to see Kotono deflate this fast and this... profoundly on something that wasn't related to her normal fields of interest at all. Asher blinks, looking down at her and kneeling down. "...Kotono... seriously, what's going on in your head?"
[00:48] <@Sailor_Pluto> "...Just...Asher...?" Kotono turns and looks sadly, heartbroken. "...Even if I can't keep up wiht you in stuff like fighting, I'm not worthless," Oh does Kotono draw out those words, eyes glistening perfectly, "Am I?"
[00:50] <@Asher> Wtf. That was pretty much what runs through Asher's head. Where the -heck- did she even get that... oh for the love of. He'd dealt with many of these situations before! Just... with... Kotono? Check. "No. You're not. I can't name the twelve signs of the zodiac, but I'm sure you can," Asher groans a bit as he takes a hold of her hands. "Kotono... get up. This isn't something you have to cry over."
[00:53] <@Sailor_Pluto> Kotono takes those hands in her own, being held as she looks down again. "Asher...I...." she waits for more, hopeful.
[00:55] <@Asher> Asher waits for a moment for Kotono to gather herself up. It doesn't happen. He sighs outright and sits down, looking over at her, regardless of whether she was trying to avoid his gaze or not. "Kotono... what has you down so much?"
[01:16] <@Kotono> "Oh Asher!" Kotono looks on, looking on at him invitingly, hopefully, desiringly, ready, so much as she's so clsoe to him.
[01:20] <@Asher> And something clicks in Asher's head as he stares over at Kotono, his eyes taking her look in fully for a moment, and then narrowing. They close with a great reluctance, and then he sits down entirely on the ground, inert. Blank. His limbs don't so much as twitch.
[01:21] <@Kotono> "Asher..." Kotono scoots in a little closer, voice soft and yearning, appealing. She doesn't do much more, waiting and hoping.
[01:23] <@Asher> Only silence in reply. And then, something totally out of place... a quiet bit of a chuckle. Then a little more. Then Asher hangs his head forward as he lets out a long, exasperated sigh, trying hard not to laugh. It's only partially succeeding.
[01:27] <@Kotono> "Asher?" Kotono murmurs, close enough to smell her breath as sh elooks on. The blonde pauses, looking over her 'boyfriend' carefully as he begins to laugh.
[01:30] <@Asher> "Kotono," Asher manages out, amidst the chuckling and the lightheadness. Oh, god. He steadily takes a deep breath, in and out, eyes still closed, as he tries to push away the ridicule of the situation from his mind. Rocking back and forth a moment against the ground, he blindly offers Kotono his hand again.
[01:32] <@Kotono> The hand is taken! Kotono's gloved hands wrap over Asher's, warmth spreading as she latches onto that extended offering.
[01:33] <@Asher> With the slightest hint of a smile, Asher pulls her over entirely against him, wrapping his free arm around her waist and embracing her warmly, closely, as he bites out the last bit of a snicker that manages to form at the tip of his tongue and exhales again. "I can't believe you did that..."
[11:12] <@Kotono> "Asher-chan?" Kotono blinks as she takes the chance and hugs Asher back. "You mean that you..."
[11:16] <@Asher> Asher doesn't respond back offhandedly, letting himself forget other matters just for that one particular moment. Besides, it wasn't everyday he could manage to get a warm, huggable Kochan which wasn't trying to kill him through asphyxiation, intended or not. He rests a chin on her shoulder, chuckling lightly again. "I never thought you'd try to be subtle... shows to go when you think you know someone, they can still surprise y
[11:18] <@Asher> --you..."
[11:20] <@Kotono> "Well...Sis gave me the basic ideas and it was good." Kotono giggles backa s she hugs Asher, nuzzling into his neck. With a little giggle twice over she kisses Asher's neck, gently so as she stays content and held.
[11:24] <@Asher> That draws a pause as he sucks in a breath. Somehow, that wasn't entirely surprising. "Oh, did she. Martial arts and seduction, eh." Maybe a word with Makoto wouldn't be a bad idea.. for all that, hell, he didn't really mind that much. "Oi... Kotono, you don't really need to pull this just to get a reaction, though..."
[11:25] <@Kotono> "I know...but maybe I want my Asher-chan to take care of me?" Kotono looks up to him with watery-sweet eyes of blue, presenting her lips up to his, so close to kissing him. "Asher-chan, take care of me..."
[11:28] <@Asher> Asher regards her for a long moment, raising one hand up to run through her hair. Plastering an impish smile on his face, he replies softly back, "Kotono... you're perfectly capable of taking care of yourself, don't forget that." He shakes his head, a bit of mirth twinkling in his eyes.
[11:33] <@Kotono> "ASher!" Kotono puts her lips within the barely milimeter from her love's, looking on at him eye to eye. "...you don't understand. I want to be taken care of by a strong, nice man." With that Kotono closes her eyes, intent and meaning clear. "Or just...taken?"
[11:35] <@Asher> "Oh, I understand," Asher remarks with perfect candidness, enjoying the teasing thoroughly. He almost instinctively flinches back from Kotono bearing so close, but holds the spot, bearing his eyes down into the blonde's. Asher's voice lowers down to that of a bare whisper, the tone serious again. "But don't let that want rule over you, Kotono. You're too smart to fall for that. And I don't want to ever see you hurt..."
[11:36] <@Asher> With a quickening breath, he resists the urge to break away from that gaze. "Promise me that much?"
[11:38] <@Kotono> "Asher...I just want you. Do it, please. It's time?" Kotono asks, locking into that gaze, arms snaking around to Asher's back. "I love you."
[11:40] <@Asher> On this point, Asher feels his breath stop, all motion coming to a standstill. But he remains adamant, not being able to suppress a tremor in Kotono's arms. "...just promise me that... please."
[11:40] <@Kotono> "I promise, Asher." Kotono looks on, loving depths in her eyes as she stares into Asher's own openly.
[11:44] <@Asher> What'd be the appropriate thing to feel at this time? Anxiety? Relief? Desire? Fear? All of the above, and more? But hard as it may be for Asher to accept those words as true from her, right now it doesn't seem to make any sense to do anything other than believe. He closes his eyes, an odd feeling of elation sweeping across. The moment comes and passes before he even realizes it, lips pressing themselves against hers.
[11:46] <@Kotono> Kotono melts into Asher's arms, pressing into him even as he retreats! A kiss that Kotono seems more than happy for, making no signs of letting up! Heck, Asher even feels something warm against his lips!
[11:49] <@Asher> The feeling is not unlike being assaulted from all sides, oddly. Asher feels all semblance of whatever he had in mind earlier slipping away as Kotono quite forcibly presses the advantage of the moment on him, his mouth and tongue responding in turn without really being consciously aware of it. A burning sensation starts to build up in his lungs, pointedly ignored for the time being!
[11:51] <@Kotono> If Kotono feels the same it doesn't stop!!!!!! Oh my. One of her hands dropped down, wiggling to go to Asher's hip, as she gently rubs her midsection against Asher's! She's totally into it, kissing away!
[11:54] <@Asher> That.. well, okay, that startles Asher a lot more as certain feelings seize him and the burning sensation grows a lot stronger, as he places both hands on Kotono's shoulders, his body demanding air, reluctant to break away from the embrace but doing so. He breaks off their kiss, sucking in a slow breath and holds Kotono firmly. "Kotono." There's a edged implication there for her to calm down...
[11:55] <@Kotono> Kotono relents at last, nodding and sucking down gulps of air herself. "Mmm...that was nice," she purrs, nodding and going to rest against him gently.
[11:57] <@Asher> A weary sigh punctuates the young man's motions as his eyes snap shut, letting vision take off with its annoying visages and feeling nothing but the cool, very welcoming wind, complemented with Kotono's warm form next to him. He lies still for a moment there, deigning not to say anything.
[12:03] <@Kotono> Kotono nuzzles him again, just sighing in cvomplete happiness.
[12:07] <@Asher> Something feels oddly right about just drifting off here, in the seclusion of the back yard, free from school, home, Tokyo, everything else... a place where the wind blows steadily. Asher snakes an arm around Kotono and lets rest take its hold...
Takes place just before Hotaru arrives at the bookstore.
[14:18] <@Kotono> ---Arc 2 go!---
[14:18] <@Kotono> So Asher heads to work! This begins as it always does. Mokou smiles a bit as you get started, lot sof books to move and organize today!
[14:21] <@Asher> Routine, routine, it's a wonderful thing, and Mokou-san has been quiet lately with few customers to send his way, so all's fine and dandy. Asher finds the work a rare comfort, letting him get his thoughts to something dull and repetitive. Believe it or not, that's actually preferable for the time being.
[14:23] <@Kotono> It's all disrupted as the shop gets a customer. An older woman, firm in step and with a healthy color to her cheeks. She walks with unusual vitality for one her age, almost too much. The way Asher finds out about it is the sound of Mokou dropping the book she was holding, hitting the floor.
[14:24] <@Asher> ...what? Mokou doesn't just drop books like that. Asher immediately looks to inspect both her and the visitor.
[14:25] <@Kotono> The visitor has white and gray hair in a bun, a white shawl and nice dress worn. Mokou is just -staring-, mouth slowly working. "H...Haruna?! Is that...it's been nearly ten years!"
[14:26] <@Kotono> "...I'm sorry," Haruna bows her head simply, "For all of that. It was stupid, and...I can't believe it's been ten years, either."
[14:27] <@Kotono> "Oh..." For a moment Mokou looks as if she'll cry, but instead she just puts on a strong, careful little smile. "It's in the past. You look like you're doing great! Come here!" Mokou comes out from behind the desk, thet wo women gently hugging. "Asher!"
[14:28] <@Asher> It is a rare and joyous occasion that Asher manages to actually see Mokou in some state of shock, although he turns away quickly - or not! Stepping from behind the bookcase with an obedient, professional look, he turns to her again. "Yes, Mokou-san?"
[14:28] <@Kotono> "Take the front desk," Mokou says, the two women parting.
[14:29] <@Kotono> "Nice to meet you," Haruna smiles, a bow that isn't hampered by a stiff back or any of the normal ailments for the old. "Has Mokou been working you hard?"
[14:30] <@Asher> "I try my best," Asher replies diplomatically with a slight smile as he retains the position behind the desk, bowing his head slightly. He didn't really want to show any sign of disrespect to a person that Mokou obviously held in such high regard.
[14:31] <@Kotono> "You grow up to be a good and fine young man, do you hear?" Haruna smiles as the two women head towardsthe back, toa little table just in earshot as they sit down.
[14:32] <@Asher> Asher keeps his eyes riveted on the door, the bookcase, anything but their vicinity and keeps that perfect, dedicated-worker posture as he eavesdrops. Hell, it's not like he has anything better to do, right? He does kneel down and pick up that book Mokou dropped, though.
[14:33] <@Kotono> OOC - Roll 2d6. We'll call this a body check -2 since we lack a better way to determine it and I need some bellweather of how you do.
[14:34] <@Asher> roll 2d6-2
[14:35] <@Asher> roll 2d6-2
[14:35] * +Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6-2 and gets 7." [2d6=6, 3]
[14:36] <@Kotono> Asher manages to hear some snippets. Not perfect, as they keep their voices somewhat low. At first they're just talking, gushing, catching up. Haruna leads it al ot, seeming to want to know what's going on and telling her 'to make it right'.
[14:37] <@Asher> To make it right? Well, there was SOMETHING going on behind there. Asher glances down at the book, using that as a cover to strain his ears and try to listen in more. It's so weird to see Mokou this fired up.
[14:37] <@Kotono> roll 2d6
[14:37] * +Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6 and gets 9." [2d6=3, 6]
[14:38] <@Kotono> You don't hear it all, but what you do hear? "Just that we're too old to..." Haruna says at one point. Then Mokou, "It's been a long time, yes. But you look so well, yous houldn't talk like that!" Then Haruna again! "...Still." Even from ehre you notice a little catchi n her voice.
[14:39] <@Asher> Still sounds like a normal catchup conversation between the elderly. Asher lets one moment to catch a closer look at Haruna. She looks awfully well and in good shape, doesn't she? A ballpark figure for her age, maybe?
[14:41] <@Kotono> It's hard to tell. Sixty, but she moves like a much younger woman. She's strong and without the little pauses and hesitations you note on Mokou. "There are too many people you care about...I hadn't even told my family or my 'granddaughter'...oh! I shoudl tell you about Makoto!"
[14:44] <@Asher> Makoto. Well. This warrants some interest; a family relative, maybe? Asher remains quiet, impassively staring up at the ceiling as he frowns, wishing that Mokou hadn't assigned him here. There aren't even any customers coming in... he closes his eyes, trying something new. Willing the air to smooth out, for its currents to flow ever more smoothly in the room.
[14:44] <@Kotono> OOC - Soul check.
[14:44] <@Asher> roll 2d6 burn 10 EP
[14:44] * +Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6 burn 10 EP and gets 8." [2d6=2, 6]
[14:45] <@Kotono> The air slows, steady and calm. Like silk over everythign, soft and pliant. This makes hearing a little easier! OOC - Body check -3 if you want to try and use that to your hearing advantage.
[14:45] <@Asher> roll 2d6-3 burn another 10 EP
[14:45] * +Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6-3 burn another 10 EP and gets 5." [2d6=3, 5]
[14:46] <@Kotono> As Mokou smiles at that and asks about a granddaughter? "She's a wonderful young woman...She's going to grow up to be something very special, I know it. Her and her friends..."
[14:47] <@Kotono> "They're young achievers?" Mokou's smirk is heard in her voice, unmistakable.
[14:47] <@Kotono> "No. They're very special. I...Haruna. I know our times are coming soon - very soon, perhaps. But they...they could be something very special indeed for the next generations."
[14:47] <@Kotono> *Mokou
[14:48] <@Kotono> There's a pause as Mokou digests that, "Don't talk like that! We're both still healthy!"
[14:48] <@Asher> Asher steadily draws his gaze away to the door again, looking for any potential people outside, but his attention is riveted entirely on the conversation. He just doesn't want to get caught looking.
[14:49] <@Kotono> "For now...that could change any time," Haruna says, accepting and sad. "Mokou...it's not so bad. It's not goign to be so bad, I mean. Trust me, I just...I know now."
[14:49] <@Kotono> There's a customer just coming in...oh fuck. KOTONO.
[14:49] <@Kotono> She's whistling a merry tune, a backpack over her shoulder as she's coming to the door!
[14:50] <@Asher> Ohfuckwhy Asher ducks down from the main desk, immediately busying himself with the lower compartments to avoid sight!
[14:50] <@Asher> He considers fleeing outright to the restroom, but Mokou wouldn't look on that well. And he wouldn't be able to eavesdrop from there. But... Kotono. Dilemmas. Argh. For now he stays down there.
[14:50] <@Kotono> You hear the door open, conversational listening lost. "Hello?" Kotono calls brightly, "Asher-chan? Miss Mokou?"
[14:51] <@Kotono> "Oh! Kotono?" Mokou slowly comes to the front, looking around. "I think Asher was supposed to be watching the desk..."
[14:52] <@Asher> A loud groan, as Asher steadily rises back up from the desk with a defeated look on his face. "I'm here, Mokou-san."
[14:53] <@Asher> Well, okay, not THAT loud. Mokou is probably the only one who detects it for what it is!
[14:53] <@Kotono> TACTICAL KOTONO LAUNCH DETECTED! One could say that if they saw the blonde dart behind the desk, attempting to glomp onto Asher! "Hi, I just stopped by for a few since I was passing by and everyone was out of school today so I figured I'd just take a nice walk and visit af ew people, huh!?"
[14:54] <@Asher> Asher only holds Kotono off - gently, but firmly - with one extended hand and grip as he looks back over to the blonde with a resigned look on his face. "I see. That's fine, but I'm minding the front desk right now, Kotono, so maybe after work..."
[14:56] <@Kotono> "Okay!" Kotono nods, as Mokou gives her a very serious look. This calms her down a bit, a nice little hug deflected as she nods, "Tell you what I'll be waiting with ice cream outside for when you finish, okay?"
[14:56] <@Asher> "Alright," the young man replies earnestly enough. Anything to get off the hook this very moment, and like Mokou, he sounds a little serious too, catching onto the mood. "I'll be there later," he offers in way to assuring her as he steps resolutely back behind the desk.
[14:57] <@Kotono> So Kotono goes off - but small heartbreak! Mokou and Haruna relocate to a table a little farther back! It's going to be a bit more difficult to listen in, even as you see Kotono retreat.
[14:58] <@Asher> Sigh. Asher closes his eyes, resigned to the problem. Why the hell not, though? He looks around for a moment, then wanders over to open a window or two and let some fresh air blow into the bookstore. This, of course, has ulterior motives, but it's something, and it keeps him busy.
[14:59] <@Asher> While he does so, the senses in the back of his mind click away, as he takes his time performing the task, a coincidentally closer position to the two, and again wills the streams of sound to travel smooth as silk along the wind's sails...
[15:00] <@Kotono> OOC - Soul check -1, Asher.
[15:00] <@Asher> roll 2d6-1
[15:00] * +Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6-1 and gets 5." [2d6=2, 4]
[15:00] <@Kotono> The wind smoothes out again, Asher making up his lost progress! OOC - Body check -3; don't 12. >_>
[15:00] <@Asher> roll 2d6-3
[15:00] * +Hatbot --> "Asher rolls 2d6-3 and gets 4." [2d6=4, 3]
[15:01] <@Kotono> "I just know now, Mokou. Trust me on this, don't be afraid. Please." Haruna sounds utterly sincere,,s omething whispered then and out of range.
[15:02] <@Asher> Hell, it's magic practice in a technical sense, isn't it? Not exactly a moral justification, but Asher busies himself mentally with this task.
[15:02] <@Asher> Although Haruna's words cause him to suppress a shiver, something about the total conviction in them striking him...
[15:02] <@Kotono> "...okay." Mokou sounds downcast, the conversation growing much quieter. "Then thanks for all this." You can see them hug again. Then, via Haruna, "I'm not worried. Makoto and her friends...I don't think we have much to worry about now. Even if you don't know them at all."
[15:09] <@Kotono> "Then if you say so." Mokou agrees, "It's just good to see you again, no matter what."
[15:09] <@Kotono> "It is...let's go. You haven't been over since...nearly the funeral or so?" Haruna rises, "Can you leave your store for the day?"
[15:10] <@Asher> Asher pauses his thought process momentarily from behind the desk, actually wishing that Kotono was here at that moment and not acting as a total disaster beacon. If only... well, he could ask later...
[15:11] <@Kotono> "I think so...he's trustworthy," Mokou murmurs, juuuuuust carrying. "Asher!" No need to eavesdrop for this one, called out. "Watch the store for me and close up an hour early if you like."
[15:12] <@Asher> "Alright, Mokou-san." Yep, the automatic reply. No problem here! It wasn't even that far off from closing time anyway and he'd be able to get out earlier...
[15:15] <@Kotono> So out they go, closing time coming...