Life goes on.
It really is summed up right there, in three words. You'd think that before this, that Viluy or your unnamed desire of Michiru would bring some great change to your life? A vast, emcompassing switch to a happy tomorrow and the day after, right? The fairy tail has a joyous ending with the Prince(ess) and Princess?
Bzzt.
It merely takes reflection onto the fact of that paper due next week isn't even started yet, or that it's a nasty, chilly, snowy day in late November, or even it's not weather you can ride your motorcycle in to shatter that illusion. Or if the regular grindings of reality weren't enough, a simple pause from Viluy is worth tenfold that to drive that fact home.
It's one such case, interestingly enough. Mugen's pool is warmly heated in the winter time, so it makes a wonderful getaway after school. Viluy suggested it yesterday, and it sure seemed like a good idea with a cold front coming in. With a pleasant, toasty feeling as you enter the pool room, you have to agree it's a good idea. Viluy is sitting on the edge of the pool. Hair down and longer now, as she's been letting it grow out, and almost completely sea green, she wears a navy blue one piece bathing suit. Her feet kick in the water as she braces herself back with her hands on the tiled floor surface, staring upward at the ceiling absently. She's rather pretty this way, when she's not really aware of what's going on.
She's just herself at the moment, not Viluy or Michiru or a slave of Germatou. A slight smile plays across her face as bits of water are splashed about by her agile legs. Almost like she's feeling rested and peaceful.
Haruka luxuriates in the warmth of the water, allowing it to sap away some tension, though the unsaid wish was that the issues bouncing around in her mind could be washed away just as easily. Rolling her neck slightly to work out a kink in her neck, Haruka uses the motion to mask her open study of Viluy.
A smile touches Haruka's lips as she catches sight of Viluy engaged in idle play, though that smile remains a ghost when her eyes trail along her sea green locks. What started as a simple splash of color amid a sea of silver has spread in tandem with their burgeoning relationship.
Or so I think....
Whether all this - their realtionship - was really what Viluy wanted or what Michiru wanted was hard, bordering on impossible, to sort out.
Just how the heck are you supposed to tell anyway?!
Introspection and the like was just SO not up her alley she decided. With that, she gives her head a dunk in the water to douse the flames of doubt for the time being and with a kick, she pushes herself through the water to glide then stop by Viluy's side.
"You look like you're having a pleasant thought," Haruka comments, though a second later the thought that keeping the peace might have been better does flitter by.
"Hey," Viluy smiles down at you, a lingering, light expression that brightens her face. Wispy in it's way, it reminds you more of the former Senshi than the new one, like a piece of delicate glass artwork.
"Just staring off into space," she admits freely, crooking her neck to look square down at you. "Had plenty of time to do that today; most of my teachers cancelled. I don't know why I bothered to come with that blizzard coming." At that, she smiles and kicks a bit of water at you with her feet. "Or maybe my reason is obvious?"
So pretty...I should....
Launching herself slightly, Viluy slips into the water. Turning so that she faces her girlfriend, "Say," she taps her chin, "Race you to the other side of the pool?"
Haruka turns her head away with an exagerrated huff. "The only racing I do is on solid ground," she begins, then looks at Viluy askance with mirth in her eyes. "But, I'll make an exception since the opponent seems so fetching."
Preparing herself, she takes a position to the left of Viluy.
"No cheating now," Haruka warns with a waggle of her finger.
I am so going to lose....
"Good," Viluy smiles back, going to the pool wall with a single push of her legs. Droplets of water splashing around her and finding their way to you without dampening the green haired girl, "I won't cheat...I am talented at this, though. Fair warning." Matching your playful tone, she focuses straight ahead.
I wonder if Haruka can keep up with me here? She's like the wind, but...I'm at home.
"Ready...set...GO!" With that, Viluy takes of, snaking through the water like a five foot and change fish. Barely even bothering with taking gulps of air, she zooms on with only a faint smile as she indulges in her element.
Haruka catches the way the droplets splash AROUND Viluy with a slight frown, but preps herself for the short race by pushing it out of her mind for now.
"Warning noted, oh talented one," Haruka replies back cattily with a chuckle for good measure.
This might be a bit more than I can handle...
Haruka gives a sidelong glance at her opponent as they both set themselves for the start.
...but I'm not one to ever back down from a challenge.
Her resolve strengthened she tenses, waiting for Viluy to call the start of the race, as her heart beats a little faster in excitement - as it always does in the heat of competition.
'Go', Haruka hears Viluy call out clearly before being forced to bite back a curse at the uncanny grace and speed Viluy exhibits while cutting through the water. Proving that she's no slouch herself, she stubbornly pushes herself forward as well!
The two women race through the water! Haruka gives it her all, cutting through the pool with pure vigor and spirit. With that and her finely tuned body, that would be enough to surpass most opponents. But, Viluy of Neptune is no normal foe.
With graceful skill and speed borne from her elemental affintiny, she takes a strong lead and indeed beats Haruka despite her best efforts. On touching the far side of the pool wall, she stops and smiles implishly, quickly scooting across the wall to line up with the approaching Haruka.
Come on, Haruka...right into my arms for once...
A quick glance reveals to her a water obscured view of Viluy taking the victory. Haruka bubbles out a sigh of dissapointment, but grins widely nevertheless.
It was a good race even if I didn't win.
She stops her strokes and kicks, choosing to glide the small distance to the finish line. Haruka keeps her head submerged, staring fixedly towards the pool bottom as she lazily coasts along - so there comes some startlement when she makes bumps headlong into Viluy's arms.
Haruka breaks to the surface with a questioning (but not unhappy) look as rivulets and droplet of water run down her feature and back into the pool. "Viluy?" she prompts curiously.
A bit surprised, Viluy is bumped slightly by the incoming Haruka. "Hey...doesn't the winner deserve a prize?" she asks winsomely, a tiny smile playing across her wet face. After a moment, arms gently go around your back, like warm water jets soothing away your day.
Don't panic...you love her, Viluy...
Leaning in slowly, "And since I don't see a trophy around..."
The gentle touch and following embrace are soothing, yet surprising - coaxing a startled gasp to escape Haruka's lips.
Soft and warm....
She leans ever so slightly against Viluy and rests one hand on the edge of the pool for purchase, while the other wraps itself around the small of the girl's back to draw each other closer.
This is what I want, isn't it?
Haruka is slightly taken aback by Viluy's unusual... forwardness, but she makes no move to reject her overture. She smiles softly, while within the smaller girl's grasp and amusedly asks, "And what, pray tell, would the victor be claiming?"
"What I want is..." Viluy begins, a creeping smile working on her face.
This is what I want...I love Haruka dearly...right...?
"...A little reward from you." Staring at you with sultry, burning eyes and her cheer turning to something more...interesting, Viluy slowly leans forward.
I want this...I know I want this...
Haruka smiles, then closes her eyes, allowing Viluy to take her reward.
If she does follow through, I wonder what it'll mean...
...but if she doesn't follow through, what will that mean as well?
Nervous anticipation bubbles in the pit of her stomach as she can feel Viluy come closer.
Treacherous thoughts! It shouldn't be this difficult!
To the darkness of your closed eyes, the proceeding second stretches far beyond it's given time. Like a teasing, harsh mistress it goes, until...
The soft feeling of lips on lips is felt, yet with a hesitation as your lips rest on each other's....until Viluy slowly pulls you in closer and closer, a hug to go with a now probing kiss...
The kiss sent a jolt through her body, which was followed by a warmth that centered on her heart and spread with every beat and pulse. Sure they had kissed before, but this... this seemed to have a bit more... meaning to it.
Haruka reciprocates, wrapping her arms gently around Viluy - almost fearful that this delicate moment could be shattered by even this simple action.
Breathless, she eventually breaks contact, but keeps her hands rested atop her partner's shoulders. Haruka opens her eyes in a dazed - almost sleepy manner, as she looks across at Viluy.
That was...
...wow....
Viluy's half lidded eyes meet yours, only a bit of her sea green orbs visible, as if she was just waking up next to you.
Oh...Haruka...
Slowly smiling a slightly dazed smile and breathing quickly, "Isn't that better than a trophy," Viluy asks, mantaining the last husky embers in her voice. "
Isn't it?
"We should race more often..." Trailing off and still catching her breath, she gently lays her head on your shoulder, wiggling into your embrace.
Haruka shifts her arms so that they enfold Viluy, almost protectively.
"This is better than all the trophies in all the world combined," she tells Viluy without hesitation, nuzzling against the top of her head as a contented smile makes its way onto her feature.
The second part of her statement though, coaxes an amused chuckle from Haruka.
If we race like this too often, I might get into the habit of losing....
Haruka grins at the thought.
Viluy murmurs a quiet agreement, the two of you sharing long moments in each other's arms. It's like being in a restful sea, just the two of you. So perfectly peaceful...
Until, from your arms, Viluy finally wiggles out. Hair hanging down her neck and shoulders thickly, she takes a moment to brush away a long lock from her eyes, a still slightly good smile on her face.
"So...Any plans for the day after this, Haruka," Viluy asks, enjoying the water. "I'd like to go shopping for a new winter coat - it look slike it's going to be a rough winter already."
Haruka wears a dissapointed look at having to break the embrace, but then changes it to one of contemplation at Viluy's question.
"Hmm. No, no plans in particular," she confirms with a nod.
None that I can recall off the top of my head anyway.
"And shopping... yeah, I suppose we can do that."
"Great," Viluy nods, going to the edge of the pool and lifting herself out. Her lithe, toned body causes the water to ripple as she does so, deftly getting out and standing. Dripping warm pool water, "Want to meet in the Witches office?" Viluy asks, "and I'm going to go get showered and dressed now."
Turning, I...why am I running away now? I should at least invite her in with me...it's not like it's a big deal for us to see each other like that...but...
Missed by Haruka is a faint coloring of Viluy's cheeks.
Haruka follows suit and hops out of the pool, but in doing so misses any of Viluy's visual reactions save for her words.
"Sure," Haruka replies absently, her attention momentarily drawn to playing with her slightly lengthening locks. Spying the towel she'd set aside earlier, Haruka retrieves it and dries her damp hair. Towel now wrapped around her shoulder she follows after Viluy to the lockers to get showered and dressed as well.
The trip to the locker rooms and cleaning goes without terrible incident. Viluy keeps a certain, respectful distance from you until the both are showered and clothed again. Going with a blue and white sweater with a long skirt of the same, she's easy on the eyes.
"I was thinking about that Tokyo Mall outside of Juuban," Viluy says as the two of you head out. "It's not too far a drive, and it's not that far from either of our houses in case the weather keeps getting worse."
Haruka secures the muffler around her neck and zips close her jacket before rubbing her cold hands together slightly. Now that they aren't in the warm confines of the heated pool the slight chill nips away at her.
I could go for curling up under a warm blanket, personally....
"Is there something in particular at the Tokyo Mall?" Haruka asks, giving Viluy a curious look. "I don't mind going, mind you, just wondering, is all."
"Well, for the reasons I gave, mainly, and that they're having an ice scupture display using refigerated cases." Viluy looks up at you, interested. "It seems like something nice to do considering the weather, and I do need a new winter jacket."
Or even a date...
"It's a date then," Haruka proclaims with a lopsided grin before pushing through the doors of Mugen and out into the crisp, open air.
The strength of that grin is strained and tested as a shiver kicks in as they make their way through the snow to her car.
When it's summer I wish it was cool like winter, when it's winter I wish it was as warm as summer....
The 'squish squish' of the snow crunching beneath their feet simply adds to Haruka's growing mental list of griping as the vehicle soon comes into sight.
Haruka blows some warmth into her cupped hands then looks towards Viluy. "Are you feeling as cold as I am?" Haruka asks curiously, grabbing a hold of Viluy's hand for comparison.
Or so she told her grabby self anyway.
Viluy shivers as you walk out, her heavy shoes crunching the snow as well. It sounds like a snow cone being formed and moulded underneath her feet.
"It is," Viluy agrees, rubbing her shirted arms. Without a jacket at the moment, she's clearly quite cold. "Definitly want that jacket before the blizzard tomorrow."
Maybe I should ask Haruka to borrow her jacket, or her...ack!
Blinking as Haruka's hand takes her own, "Yeah," she nods simply, her cold fingers moving in your own.
Haruka cups Viluy's hands within her own and gives her an incredulous look. "Wow. You're colder than I am," she notes, now trying to rub some warmth into the girl's hands.
Giving Viluy a reassuring smile, she continues, "Don't worry, I'll get you warmed up soon."
I'll get the heater going in the car and give her the jacket to use, so hopefully it won't be too bad....
Haruka nods at coming to that decision as she fishes for her keys to get the car open.
"Thanks," Viluy murmurs, hopping into the car as soon as you open the door for it. Teeth chattering, she huddles against the leather seating, "Hurry up and turn on the heat," she protests.
Haruka could have kept me warm in that pool all afternoon, but...
Looking away for a moment, out at the snow, "It's really cold out here," she says, half heartidly.
"Yes, yes," Haruka placates, giving Viluy an amused smile as she turns on the engine.
Haruka gives Viluy her jacket to use as a make-shift blanket while waiting for the engine to warm enough for the heater to kick in.
"It is cold, but I bet once we get ourselves dressed for the weather, we'll enjoy this a lot more," Haruka replies with a grin.
After the requisite time passes, Haruka turns on the heater. "Better?" she asks, turning to regard the bundled Viluy.
She looks so cute like that.
This jacket even smells like her...but I almost want to take it off because of that. Dammit, Viluy! Stop it! I love her, I can't run away like this, just because of this damn hesitation!
But...why am I having second thoughts, too? I just want to be with Haruka...
Staring out the window listlessly the entire time, it's like the outer life is sapped out of Viluy. "Some, thanks," she finally says, voice distant. Shifting a bit underneath your coat, she continues to study the snowscape.
Haruka blinks at the strange downturn in mood and tone, turning to regard Viluy. She notes her passenger's discomfort - unsure what exactly is bothering her, though she can take a probable guess....
Is this how it's always going to be?
Shifting gears then pulling out of Mugen, Haruka endures a slow stewing amid the uncomfortable silence. How to manuver in such muddled relational waters was the foremost question in her mind, but alas, her vast knowledge base doesn't quite cover this sticky subject.
Relational difficulties from a personality conflict between your reincarnated lesbian lover in the body of a non-lesbian host just isn't something you find an answer for in a magazine...., Haruka noted glumly. Quickly! Say something intelligent to break the ice, dangit!
"I hope the ice sculptures will be pretty," Haruka tells Viluy off-hand, splitting her attention between the road and her distressed companion.
Yaaaaaargh! Shoot me! That's the BEST I could come up with?!?
Maybe I should just leave her...it'll hurt less if I go now than later, especially if we're ever...
Still staring out as Haruka drives, Viluy blushes lightly, finger drawing a path on the frost in the window.
But I can't. I love her so much...and I am happy when I'm with her...but....
Looking up from her reverie, "I hope so," is her reply, turning to you. "They're supposed to be gorgeous."
Like when she smiles...I'm happy.
Haruka gives Viluy a wide smile at that, though inwardly she collapses in exhaustion after all the wild and nervous gesticulations and gibbering her inner-self engaged in.
Just like this. The two of us together, not worrying about much else....
"We'll get to see firsthand just how lovely these ice sculptures are," Haruka sing-songs, feeling better now than she did a few minutes ago, as they pass a sign indicating that the Tokyo Mall was only a hop, skip and a jump away.
A small nod from Viluy, who smiles back warmly before turning to the snowy city, her gaze distant and wandering. Resting her head in her right hand and leaning on the door, abstracted...
This goes on for the rest of the trip, until you arrive at the mall. The parking lot is farly empty for a weekday afternoon, as the snow continues to come donw - it's got to be at least four inches now.
Haruka wishes there was something more she could do for Viluy, but she recognizes the limitations of her ability in matters such as this. As she did tell her once - It's something I have to deal with on my own, Haruka.
Though I wish we could work on it together instead, Viluy....
Haruka parks the car then steps out of the vehicle with a sigh, pushing the thought out of her mind for the time being. She frowns at how high the snow reaches on her leg. "Ugh. I hope we can find the car again when we it's time to leave the mall..." she comments.
Turning to Viluy with a smirk, she says, "Now, remember where we're parked. We're in section snow, between more snow and lots of snow."
"I'll remember," she says, smiling a bit at both Haruka's sally and at the girl's improved mood. Glancing up at the snow giving sky, "I think it's starting to pick up already," Viluy frowns.
A repeat of last year, indeed, at this rate. More snow that year than my entire life in Tokyo.
Indeed, the snowflakes do seem to be gaining a certain increased, rapid falling to their tendencies. Well, at least you won't have to worry about class tomorrow at this rate.
"Hmm.... Well, we'll deal with it when the time comes to leave, I guess," Haruka says in response to Viluy's observation. She taps a finger against her chin thoughtfully though. "I suppose we could be mindful of the time and check how packed the snow is from time to time as well," she adds with a shrug.
Haruka begins leading the way towards the mall entrance, taking Viluy by the hand as she does. With an open, upturned palm - the one not occupied by Viluy's - she catches some stray, drifting snowflakes and watches as they melt in the warmth of her hand.
Something so soft and delicate dissapearing when you try to touch and hold onto it.... How strangely familiar....
Haruka quickly masks the sadness that threatened to well up and shine dully in her eyes before Viluy can catch sight of it. She chides herself for so quickly falling into such a melancholy mood.
Silly girl. Just enjoy what you have for now and if the time comes... when it comes....
Haruka suddenly feels the need to squeeze the soft and delicate hand within her grasp for comfort and reassurance, and does so. On recieving Viluy's questioning look, Haruka simply smiles and shakes her head.
"I hope they have a figurine of some kind of bird. Those are always kind of neat," she comments, the entryway now just a few paces away as they reach the cover of the mall's overhang.
Sad, happy, sad, then happy again, then sad once more.... What was the price of admission to ride this emotional roller coaster? she mentally grumbles.
Viluy smiles at you at your reassurance, opening her palm to catch a few snowflakes, then smiling. "Hold on, Haruka," she says, breaking away from you slightly, before you get inside. Turning her face slightly upward, she sticks out her beautifully red tongue, starting to move a bit to catch a snowflake. This is soon done, causing her to smile.
"I haven't had a really good chance to do that since I was a kid," she notes, smiling back. "And with how pretty the snow is, I'm sure the ice inside will match. Maybe even an ice bird to fly in the snowstorm," Viluy wonders, imaging just that otherworldly sight.
Haruka watches her antics and is unable to keep the amused smile off her face at the sight. "Snow angels and snowball fights next?" she adds with mirth.
This is how I want to see her, this is how she should be - carefree, without worry....
Viluy stops, thinking.
With that front yard, maybe...
"You know, maybe that might not be a bad idea tomorrow," she says, warming up by the second, in contrast the clinging cold in the air. "You're tall enough to be an easy snowball target," Viluy teases, taking to the idea more and more.
Haruka frowns comically at the... 'compliment' by Viluy.
"Sure just make me a convenient target..." she mutters in way of reply, making a face at Viluy for punctuation.
"Come tomorrow, we'll just see whose picking snow from their teeth," Haruka replies challengingly, before flexing her arms. "I'll just have to show you my legendary snowslinger arm that strikes fear in the hearts of many!" She adds a solemn nod to that for overdramatic emphasis.
"Anyhow, let's get a move on before we get snowed in here at the mall," Haruka tells Viluy, holding the door open for the 'Snow Princess'. "Ooh. And it's warm in here too," she comments when she catches the wafting warmth from within.
Mood improving even more, "We'll see who is picking snow from their teeth, and who is victorious," Viluy shoots back playfully, smirking. "In fact, I imagine you'll need to be treated for snow up the nose." Standing just outside the door to the mall that Haruka opened, she stops a moment, gazing at the snow.
Damn. It must need to be more watery...I can't seem to do a thing to water when it's frozen or steam.
Turning her head up a few moments later, she sighs in relief as she enters the mall. "Oh...it is..." she murmurs in appreciation.
With her ego being mauled by Viluy's onslaught she replies in placating tones, "Yes, dear." She follows her 'cruel mistress' into the mall, muttering gruffly about the lack of respect and the abuse she takes - though with an underlying hint of amusement.
Haruka stretches her arms overhead with a contented sigh. "So, I'm going to assume you know which way to go? I've never been inside this particular mall, honestly," she admits sheepishly.
"I think so," Viluy agrees, thawing out in the warm air of the mall. The mall itself is set up to be mostly open air and four stories - the center is open, with elevators and escalators leading to the upper floor walkways and stores. Very nice, with a huge fountain in the center, with a large flock of plastic cases around it.
On seeing those, Viluy stops. "We'll go to the exhibit first," she decides, starting to head over.
"Sure," Haruka replies, while follows Viluy. She makes a cursory study of the sights and sounds of the mall and the crowd along the way - for anything eyecatching.
The floor setup is pretty simple - underneath the shadow of the upper walkways are the stores, each advertising great deals and bargains in glittering glass windows. Past that is the guts of the floor area, the open areas with benches, trees, and such, leading to the center area with the fountain and exhibit. Esclators dot here and there, leading to higher floors.
The roof of the fourth floor is a giant skyroof. Gray light comes down from it, but not enough. Due to the snowy weather, it leaves a certain lack of light in the majority of the mall. A special, almost dusk like shadowness, only banished in small pools of yellow light in intervals.
Some people are about, all dressed in warm sweaters, scarves, coats, trench jackets - the familiar wear of the winter months. A high number of school uniforms are hidden underneath the jackets, showing that Mugen wasn't the only school with low attendance today. Everyone seems cheery and relaxed despite the gloominess as you head to the ice scuptures. It's a strange contrast...
And a stranger one, when you get in a good viewing range. At least thirty cases of various size are all around the fountain, some small enough to be on supporting pillars, but most simply on the ground. Inside each is a frozen scupture, which a sign advertises are 'from the best hands in Sapporou'. Animals, plants, scenes...all leap out at you, carved in the purest, clearest ice.
"This is stunning," Viluy murmurs as you get close to the first, a Bengal Tiger resting it's head on it's paws, it's wise ice eyes starting on forever. It even seems to glow with a vitality that would suggestit merely needs to rise to continue the hunt. A light inside each case makes sure each scupture has sufficient lighting, causing each to shimmer and sparkle. Finally, each also has a price tag on it - this one is 10000 yen, for example.
The strange lack of light does catch Haruka's attention somewhat. As far as she can recall - most malls, if the weather is this dark, DO turn on the lights to keep up a cheery, upbeat atmosphere instead of harbor gloom....
With a shrug, she pushes the issue to the side. As long as the people within seem to be enjoying themselves, it couldn't be all bad. She thinks.
"They are aren't they?" Haruka responds to Viluy's comment. She herself stops here and there to peer closely at the detailed work on some of the pieces as well. "It's a shame that these will eventually melt though," she says, noting the relatively pocket friendly price.
Tigers, birds, benches...all are pretty and sparkling indeed. "They're wonderful..." she says. "Haruka...since the weather will be cold for the next week at least," she begins, heading over to the next cluster of cases, all tall and narrow - like coffins. "We should b-"
Stopping abruptly, Viluy frowns and shakes, a momentary tremor.
This...why does it make me so afraid? I'm shaking like a leaf in the wind!
"Haruka?" Viluy asks softly, her body blocking a decent view at the moment.
Haruka lifts her head up from where she was staring at a particular ice figurine and gives Viluy a questioning look. "Something wrong?" she asks, coming to the girl's side.
As you approach, you find yourself stopping dead in your tracks. Not that Viluy managed to answer you, anyway.
In a seven foot tall case is a humanoid of ice. Spiky hair and loose carved clothes decorated a muscled body, a sword resting blade down in the ground, the icy hilt in his hands as he stands. Eyes that burn in your mind stare out, frigid in form yet fire in execution.
I...I....
Viluy shakes a bit, reaching out weakly to brace herself against the casing. Dimly, you note a horned woman is the figure on the left, wickedly long protrusions from her head.
"Haruka? I'm...not feeling so good," Viluy manages finally.
Haruka shoots a scathing glare directly at the encased figure as a low growl bubbles in her throat. If sheer force of will alone would allow, the mocking caricature of ice would be a bubbling slag beneath the intensity of her glare.
What. Is. THAT. Doing here?!?
There might have been a horned figure of a woman to the side, but then there could've been a dancing herd of elephants as well, which would have escaped her notice all the same. The whole of her attention was currently occupied by the loathsome creature that filled the scope of her vision....
Oxyite.... she mentally spits at the task of having to drudge up that vile name.
Slowly though, Michi-- No... Viluy's, voice pulls her back from the red haze that was consuming her. Her priorities now reshuffled correctly, she pulls Viluy away from the case and holds her tightly against her chest - away from the sight of... him.
Haruka whispers reassurances into the girl's ear while rubbing her back, trying to soothe her. "Shhh. It's okay," she finds herself saying - was it for Viluy's benefit or her own, she wondered.
Viluy pretty much falls into your embrace, shuddering in your arms. "Haruka...what...why am I...crying?" she manages, as tears begin to fall down her face. "That statue...it makes me want to...."
I'm alive, though! I'm with Haruka right now! I'm not going to leave her alone!
As she cries in your arms, "Excuse me, miss? Is something the matter," a deep, rich female voice intones from the side. A simple glance nets you a middle aged looking woman, ice blue hair tied back into a severe bun. Wireframe glasses and a warm white sweater give her a motherly appearance in a way. "Does this one disturb you?"
Haruka doesn't give Viluy any immediate answer, choosing instead to focus her attention on trying to calm the poor girl down before anything.
On hearing the voice of the stranger, Haruka gives the person a quick glance to see if they match any fact or face in her memory. "It does, but the reasons are... slightly personal," she offers as explanation, while searching for a place where she and Viluy can sit down.
Looking on at you closely, "Really? Warrior gives you such a reaction," the woman inquires, honestly interested. "Why don't I buy you a cup of tea - I'd love to hear about how you can relate to one of my ice carvings."
She looks friendly enough, and curious. She's giving the both of you the eyeball. For her part, Viluy just sighs, trying to pull herself together. "I'd like to go sit down," she says softly to you, starting to stand up on her own again.
Haruka holds at bay the glare that she wanted to shoot at this particularly nosy woman. "I'd rather not speak much on the matter if I can help it, personally," she replies rather curtly. Haruka softens her tone a bit more this time, "But I suppose a simple conversation isn't asking too much...."
And it'll let me figure out how or why you'd create a figure of Oxyite....
She doesn't relenquish her hold on Viluy, but she replies, "We'll go find a place to sit down then, okay?"
Haruka lifts her gaze from Viluy then captures the other woman's eyes. "Lead on Miss...?" she trails off, leaving it open to be filled with a response.
"Nagoya. Nagoya Nakahime," she nods, leading you on to a nearby bench. It's empty, and big enough for three to sit on. Viluy stumbles along, sitting heavily next to you.
"It looks like Warrior gave you pause," she muses. "Why is that? It's impolite of me to pry so blatantly, but..." she eyes the both of you, "If you know anything about it, I'd be deeply indebted of you to tell me."
"Miss Nakahime then," Haruka says, taking a seat and pulling Viluy close. She places a comforting arm around the girl as she lightly strokes her hair.
"As for 'Warrior'," she begins with a pause, taking the time to glare in the direction of the figure, "He bears a striking, and frankly uncomfortable, likeness to a man called Oxyite."
She divides her attention between Nagoya to see if she reacts to the mention of that name and to Viluy.
Why am I even telling her this?
Viluy takes your comfort gratefully, no pause here at the moment. If anything, she sniffles once or twice, retrieving a small bit of tissue from her purse as you and Ms. Nakahime converse.
She listens to you, frankly interested and not hiding it. "Oxyite..." she murmurs, the name rolling off her tongue. "It does sound familiar, yes. How do you know him, if I may ask?"
Haruka gives Viluy a small smile to reassure her once again. She knows full well that the sight of Oxyite looming before her was a bigger shock to the suffering girl's system than to her own.
Not lifting her gaze from Viluy, Haruka addresses the overly eager Miss Nakahime, "I need to know more of why, or how, you came up with... Warrior's design before I decide to disclose any more information," she says, brooking no argument on the point.
Ms. Nakahime pauses a moment, pursing her lips a bit. As if chewing over some great, old debate, her mind works away.
"Why not?" she finally volunteers. "As far as I can tell, I've developed a gift for making new types of ice scuplting in the last year," she confesses. "All of these beautiful works," she gestures at the Oxyite statue, as well as at the others, an absent wave of her hand. "All of these beautiful works just come to mind now."
Right. A spitting image of Oxyite just HAPPENS to pop into her mind....
"They come to you in what, vivid dreams and the like? Like a past life experience?" Haruka asks, a tickling suspicions that it might be something akin to her own memories as Uranus during the Silver Millennium and the like.
Though how this woman could have witnessed Oxyite in a past life still leaves her scratching her head slightly....
Viluy begins to really pull herself together at this, having dried her eyes and wiped her nose. Yet, she stays silent for now, simply resting on Haruka's firm body.
"No. I just start carving and I see them as I make them," she says, mentally shrugging. "It's natural for me since it started last year." Eyeing you two again, "But...then why? Why do you know anything about them?"
Haruka is still dubious about the woman's claims, but having no grounds to support her contention she drops the issue for now.
Last year.... That's around the time the others fought the Criminals, if I'm not mistaken.
"In our case it's shared past life experience," she tells her simply.
"He," Haruka says, indicating the Oxyite sculpture, "just happens to be someone from our memories. Whether you believe it or not..." She leaves the statement unsaid, giving her an indifferent shrug.
Haruka turns Viluy's chin slightly upward, to check on how she's doing, and finds herself beaming a smile on seeing her more composed now. "Feeling better?" she asks a bit worriedly, as she lightly strokes her hair once more.
"Past life," she blurts, surprised. "Like...all that reincarnation stuff those Buddists believe in?" So caught off guard, Ms. Nakahime actually speaks rather loudly. Face a bit unbelieving and shocked rolled into one, she looks a bit younger than her likely fourty something years.
"Yeah," Viluy finally manages back, still shaky. "I'm alright now...but I want to get a cup of tea and talk after this," she says quietly.
The thought of even Haruka's Talisman scares me now ...what the hell is this?"
"So this guy is from a long time ago, if you're really telling the truth?"
"Okay," Haruka replies to Viluy's request. I hope she's okay.
Haruka nods her head - almost as an afterthough, as she lifts her gaze back to regard Miss Nakahime once more. "I don't blame you if you have doubts about what I just said, but honestly, I have better things to do than to cook up a cockamamy story to waste both our time, you know?" she tells her in all honesty.
"But first, some tea is on the menu..." Haruka announces as she stands and looks around for a suitable venue - helping Viluy to stand as well as she does so.
Haruka grins as she turns towards the artist. "Your treat, if I'm not mistaken."
The two of you rise as you get a good gander at the area. Most of the stores here are shops, though a look up shows a open air food court of the third level.
"Sure," Ms Nakahime nods, rising herself. While still a bit puzzled over Haruka's comments, she nonetheless pushes herself together. "They have a lovely tea shop on the third floor."
"That's fine," Viluy says, nodding and going along with that.
A short elevator ride later (and a trifle walk) sees the three seated at the table of a quaint little shop. Now with procured drinks in hand, Haruka waits... for the Oxyite statue to animate, go on a rampage, get destroyed, and finally give all involved a happy ending!
Wait, no.
She was waiting for Miss Nakahime to ask questions....
Right. A common mistake.
Okay, maybe not.
But the fact remained - with every tick and tock of the clock, the ideas in her head turned more and more bizarre in the presence of the woman.
How does a normal person just create a statue of OXYITE of all people?
The easy answer was that a NORMAL person doesn't, given NORMAL circumstances, but there was much doubt in Haruka's mind that whatever reason existed would sit far, far away from the lands of normality.
With a sigh she got on with it, "So, was there anything you wanted to ask, Miss Nakahime? It looked earlier as if you might still have a question or three on your mind."
"Yes, I do. This Warrior - Oxyite - what do you know about him?" she asks plainly. "How would he be related to me, if I'm making statues of him?" Asking so, she cuts right to the heart of the matter, clearly tense and interested now.
"What do I know about him?" Haruka parrots, then shrugs. "Not much at all, really. Likes to swing his sword around in a manner not recommended by the safety comission and he's dead. That last fact covers everything I need or want to know, personally."
"And as to how he is related to you? Well, that's the million dollar question, Miss Nakahime, because I haven't a clue myself, at the moment." Haruka tells her baldly.
"He's dead," she frowns a bit at that, mulling it over. She looks somewhat torn; Miss Nakahime is rather clearly conflicted.
Meanwhile, Viluy just watches on, taking the tea as it's brought back for all, soon sipping on her own glass.
"I...damn. If he was real, I was hoping to have a chance to meet him." Confessing so openly, "It...I don't have a clue to that, either. I just keep getting various images when I carve ice ever since last year.
Oxyite is merely one of the latest, I made him along with Hornhead and Madness." Frowning and staring down at the table, she pauses. LIke she isn't really sure what to think right now.
"Oh, he was real, just dead now." Haruka corrects, just restraining a joyous crow at that fact. "And I don't know why you'd even want to meet him, honestly," she tells her.
"As for Hornhead and Madness..." she says outloud wonderingly. "I think those two were named Cynthia and Orestes. Do these names mean anything to you?" she asks curiously.
"Well...if he exists and I scupted him, I'd like to see what I made," she shrugs, still a bit disturbed by the latter - and coming up short when you mention the rest. "You know the rest of them as well? How?" Holding in even more surprise, she leans forward intently.
Also, is it you, or is it getting a touch chilly?
The chill touching her in a heated mall does begin sounding her internal warning bells that she may be heading into dangerous waters.
"They were all part of a... special group," Haruka tells her interested listener. "And I know their names through happenstance - random occurences of this and that. Anyway," she pushes forward quickly, dancing around the exact issue of how she knows, "there are at least two more members that I can recall off the top of my head - Starfire and... Celcia."
Haruka waits patiently to see what reaction Miss Nakahime will gift her with....
As you talk, Viluy shivers a bit. Sipping at her tea to banish her chill, she stays silent still.
"I..those names..." she murmurs, voice a bit out of focus, and her faec to match. Her eyes are definintly not all there at the moment, you can see. "Celcia? It's familiar..."
As she speaks, she shivers as well. Reaching out for her warm tea and taking a strong draught of it, "That name really rings a bell, Haruka. Even more than the others do."
"Oh? And how exactly is it familiar?" Haruka asks Miss Nakahime amid her growing curiosity regarding this situation.
Watching both Viluy and Miss Nakahimie shiver makes Haruka more aware of the chill coming over herself as well. While rubbing her arms for warmth, "Is it just me or is it getting unusually cold here?"
"Yeah," Viluy nods in agreement. "I hope the heating isn't breaking down." Miss Nakahime nods in agreement, but keeps focused on the matter at hand.
"It's just familiar," she says, almost helplessly. "Like I've heard the name a few times before on some level." Rubbing her arms a moment, she settles for shrugging deeper into her sweater, while Viluy just shivers.
Or a few million times...it's just...
What the hell? And why is it getting so cold all of a sudden
It feels kind of good...
"I hope it's not either," Haruka tells Viluy with a nod. "We still have to get you your own jacket soon, after all." She shoots Viluy a grin at this as the girl currently has her jacket wrapped around herself.
But 'Celcia' isn't that common a name to hear though... Haruka thinks to herself with a quirky expression. This is all so strange....
OOC - After this post, you are paused a bit, Haruka. Don't reply until I give you the okay to.
"No kidding..." Viluy murmurs, as it seems to get even colder.
"What the hell is going on," Miss Nakahime shakes her head, shivering. Even as she does so, you can feel the temperature drop - and fast, as your table is beginning to grow ice on it! Your breath is now visible thanks to the plunging fareinheight meter, white clouds in front of all three of you.
Leaping back in surprise, Miss Nakahime seperates herself from the table and seat posthaste, as does Viluy.
This is what Usagi talked about...getting a perfectly good day ruined by freak occurances. I hope those fuku are warmer than they look!
Haruka mirros the others and pushes away from the frosted table. She knocks over her chair and makes a general racket in her hasty retreat.
Silly me. Of course a normal day at the mall is too much to ask for....
Haruka catches Viluy's eyes, warning her to be ready for anything. Her own fingers clenched the transformation pen in her hand in nervous anticipation. Yet she still takes the time to turn a studying gaze to Miss Nakahime, with some hint of worry for the woman as well.
As the table fully becoms a giant icecube, "What...what in th ename of...?" she says, staggering back and away. Viluy does the opposite, getting closer to you with a hand in her pocket, reaching.
As this happens, you can feel it getting even colder, the ice starting to form in other places...
"Get ready for anything," Haruka hastily tells Viluy, "I have to see if I can help her," she says over her shoulder as she darts towards the distressed woman.
"Miss Nakahime!" Haruka says, trying to reach her, with hand outstretched.
The more logical centers of her brain takes this moment to remind all good children to not follow this reckless example. They then throw their hands up in defeat and ready the band-aids for their host.
Wait. Perhaps this ISN'T such a good idea... she told herself a second later, after the fact.
* Hatbot --> "Haruka rolls 2d6+2 to save her frozen hide and gets 10."
Rushing forward, Haruka strides as Viluy's "Yes!" echos in her ears. Coming forward towards the stumbling backwards Miss Nakahime, you see her slip on a patch of ice...a split second before you feel your own feet slip on what is likely the same, causing you to go down butt first onto the floor!
"Haruka!" Viluy cries, as your brain is jarred by the butt disturbing impact. As your head clears, you see ice starting to rise from the floor, encasing miss Nakahime!
Haruka lets out a yelp in surprise as her feet slides out from under her!
I tell Viluy to watch out for anything then slip on a patch of ice....
BRILLIANT!!
And the day started off so promising too... Haruka whimpers mentally, while rubbing her abused bottom.
"I'm okay," Haruka reassures Viluy, as she sweeps together the shattered remnants of her pride and ego once again. "But what about..." she begins then stops dead at the sight of Miss Nakahime.
"What in the heck is going on?!" she asks out loud, not really expecting an answer.
"I don't know, but..." Viluy frowns, reaching into that strange other space. Withdrawing the last Talisman to be truly found, she stares into it.
Meanwhile, the ice consumes Miss Nakahime, as the walls and floor are almost instantly covered in the stuff! It's spreading rapidly now as it gets colder and colder! Miss Nakahime's stunned expression is frozen beneath a blue sheet of ice, her body held bound!
"I hope you've got a plan," Haruka tells Viluy as she stares at Miss Nakahime's current state, "because I've got nothing in my arsenal to fix... THAT," she indicates, waving her hand at the serving of iced artist.
I don't know if the fuku will keep us from joining Miss Nakahime, but...
"At any rate, let's get changed for the occasion," she tells Viluy before shooting her a playful grin. "Time to earn our paychecks."
Withdrawing the transformation pen from the depths of her pocket at that, Haruka calls out the familiar phrase and dons the guise of Sailor Uranus once more.
OOC:
Into a new thread you go!
You survived! YAY! Yippie! No Haruka splatterfood pancake!
...what? Stop looking at me like that!