Ode to joy [Tetsuko]

"You really aren't giving up, are you?"

The moment that Tetsuko had entered the cruelly cold ocean of her dreamscape, or perhaps even upon her approach, something had... Changed... With the voice that was ever present. It has become colder, more wicked, less sympathetic and guiding. Yet, it still offered her choices, questions that stuck within her mind, a strange sense of order to this odd landscape that existed within her own psyche. A landscape that was so vividly detailed, from the iron isle to the blue sky to the harsh waters Tetsuko Shindou swam through...

The lantern tucked beneath one arm, her other would pull through the water with strenuous effort, while her legs continued to kick along. Pain and exhaustion grew, the water itself heavier and thicker than any actual ocean Tetsuko had been in. Every ebbing of the waves threatened to pull her under, all the while, she wondered what on Earth she was actually swimming towards. A glance behind her revealed that the iron isle, her safe and untouchable haven, was nowhere in sight... The ocean stretched out on all horizons, the only other entities present being a small rowboat that seemed to forever be a fixed distance from Tetsuko... And a strange shadowy figure who hosted that eery voice.

In spite of the struggles, Tetsuko endured, staying afloat with all the willpower she could muster. A blunt force approach, attempting to challenge this trial with pure effort. Yet, the more she swam, the more she wondered, why the waves were so heavy... Why every paddle of her feet felt like it dragged the weight of the world with it... And with another glance back, she saw exactly why. It froze her in the water for a moment, seeing the iron chains wrapped around her ankles, connected to heavy iron balls... Like she was some kind of convicted criminal.

"Keep in mind... You put it there yourself."

That single lapse in her pace was more than enough to halt her momentum, the iron ball and chains seeming to become exponentially heavier, dragging Tetsuko into the depths below... She helplessly clawed upward, feeling the lantern slip from her grasp as it floated away from her, and toward the surface. The orb of light within it, however, slipped out of the metal cage, and for just a moment, Tetsuko could've sworn it floated towards her, the brilliant light brushing against her fingers... It felt like...

---

A sharp intake of breath punctuated Tetsuko's awakening, as did a certain emptiness between her arms. As her eyes flickered open, Elise's absence was the first thing that stood out to her, an almost sorrowful sight. Sitting up in the bed, Tetsuko looked down to the foot of it, to see clothes had been prepared for her. Evidently, Eli was already up... But where had she gone off to? Tetsuko got up from bed, and wasted no time getting dressed.

As she slipped her on her casual wear, the Shindou girl's mind kept drifting back to that dream, to the 'weight' on her ankles, the one that prevented her from moving forward... It wasn't difficult to figure out what it meant. Everything she and Eli had done had that 'weight' to it... The coldness of doubt and uncertainty, of guilt and the desire for atonement... Was what they had real? Was it genuine and pure? Did they deserve the happiness it brought them? Did that happiness come at a cost to others?

Were they just two hopelessly wretched people, clinging together in their mutual loneliness.

No... That couldn't be the case. Or, at the very least, Tetsuko would fight against that belief. It was admittedly something she feared... That 'loneliness' was their root. That she was hardly Elise's second choice, that she wasn't the one most worthy of her, she wasn't the one who could make her the happiest... Add to that the guilt she still felt for what had occurred that night. Was it OK to be happy while others suffered? The very thought wracked Tetsuko with guilt...

Once she was done getting dressed, Tetsuko was just about to set off to try and find Elise when a single clue to her location resounded through the dwellings... A song. The ironblooded girl's ears perked up at the sounds of vocals and piano, a beautiful combination echoing through the halls that lulled in the Shindou girl. The lyrics, they... Felt so personal. So real, so meant for her. It wasn't the first time she'd heard it, but... Now, it took on such a different meaning. Like a sailor tempted by a siren, she wandered toward the source of the sound, eventually finding Elise at her own piano. 

"...I think I prefer your rendition even more than theirs..." Tetsuko would suddenly chime in, hoping to catch Eli's attention as she smiled softly at the other girl. "...You really do sound great." The Shindou girl said gently, looking over Elise's attire. Tetsuko wasn't exactly a big fan of cats, but in this instance... She could make an exception. 

Tetsuko recalled quite fondly how Elise had played the piano when they were younger, always having a unique skill with the instrument. It wasn't unlike the Shindou girl's own affinity with blades, as in both cases, the girls seemed to some find some avenue for self-expression in the arts, for conveying the parts of their hearts that even they didn't understand. Although instruments of war and music were entirely different things with wildly varied purposes, they really did achieve the same goal for some people. As Eli finished her sing, she chimed back, causing a light reddening at Tetsuko's cheeks as she revealed the song really was for her. "I thought you sang it just fine..." Tetsuko assured smoothly, returning the soft and contented smile.

Eli elaborated, words that Tetsuko herself knew came from deep within as she neared. It was true, they'd had a sloppy start, of that there was no doubt. They'd been confused, scared, alone... But as they held each other, something more was borne from their haywire emotions. Their relationship was far more than the sum of the circumstances that created it. Tetsuko turned her cheek to Elise, returning the hug as the Germanic girl's soft lips pressed against her. "You're right, we've only just begun, there's no need to linger on the opening chapter." The Shindou girl replied gently, leaning down and kissing Eli's forehead in return. "Good morning to you too, Eli."

It was indeed true that Tetsuko still felt some regret, some guilt for what they'd done, how they'd come together. But this particular result? That she did not regret. Some deep part of her knew, or even hoped, that they'd be punished for their happiness while others suffered, but even then... What they had wasn't wrong. She refused to believe that.

Elise proposed how they might begin their day, the swordswoman bringing a hand to her chin as she considered what to do. "Probably best to eat up first. Sparring on an empty stomach isn't a good idea, not this early in the morning." Tetsuko said considerately, being taken aback by Eli's follow up suggestion that Elise cook something.

Tetsuko wasn't particularly experienced in the culinary arts (yet), and blushed a little at the suggestion. "Well, I'm not that much better either... But we could probably whip up some bacon and eggs together." The Shindou girl suggested. For some reason, the idea of cooking beside Elise was remarkably... Pleasant to her. Plus, B&E seemed the ideal choice. Tetsuko's usual breakfast just involved iron-rich cereals, but eggs and meat were decent substitutes.

Apparently Elise already had more plans in place, suggesting they head to the amusement park once they were finished. Tetsuko couldn't help but smile reminiscently. "Geeze, when was the last time we went there..." It was, undoubtedly, a long time ago, under very different circumstances. Now, it obviously had a much different connotation. A fun date was sure to be had, even Tetsuko recognized that.

"But yeah, lets handle breakfast first. Gonna need you to guide me around your kitchen, though." Tetsuko admitted, standing coolly before Eli and in a surprisingly pleasant morning mood. In spite of all her doubts and fears, being like this with Eli... So calm and simple... It made things, against all odds, seem like they weren't complicated and screwed up.

Breakfast it was then, as Elise guided them toward the kitchen where they washed up and got to cooking. It was a fun, warm little exercise, preparing breakfast together like they were some cohabiting couple... Well, they really were, considering they shared a dorm. But Tetsuko couldn't deny the idea of living with Eli, in some bigger apartment in the future was really quite nice. And the breakfast they prepared together felt like a taste of that humble life they could lead together. It only made Tetsuko even more happy and content.

There was quite a large gap between your typical German breakfast and the traditional meal in Japan, but fortunately, the Eisenberg parents had gone out of their way to cater to both. Tetsuko didn't let their efforts go to waste, and served herself up some steamed rice and some fish for a bit more nutritional value in her meal. It was definitely a bit more than she was used to, considering Tetsuko tended to stick to her athlete-targeted high-nutrition cereals.

As they stood side by side, preparing breakfast together like an older couple, Eli pointed out just how long it had been since they'd last gone to the amusement park. "Geeze, we would've been in... What, first year of Junior High? Or even before that..." There were so many memories they shared to call back on, and it always made Tetsuko smile knowing that. She wore a look of such warmth and adoration as Eli leaned against her, adorable as ever. Indeed, this trip would be special, everything they shared was special, what they had... Was 'special'. It was hard to believe for Tetsuko, but the more she thought about it... The more inescapable that truth was.

A humble and fulfilling breakfast was had, food and beverage being provided. Tetsuko herself simply had a glass of milk, while noticing that Eli stuck to her apple juice... Always apples... With Eli humming beside her, the soft and pleasant illusion of cohabitation became all the more warm and comfortable, as Tetsuko herself gathered her meal and set it down at the table, where she'd eat beside Elise, her lover.

There was simply no way this could be 'wrong'.

With their stomachs fill and breakfast washed up, they were both energized and ready to get into the training that Eli had been looking forward to. "Alright, let's get going then." Tetsuko said eagerly, smiling pleasantly at the excited and grinning Elise. Gods, she was cute when she got passionate about something. "It's been a while since I've played in your backyard... Hopefully there's enough space for a spar." Tetsuko mused as she'd head on to the area, picking up any of Eli's equipment and helping her carry it if necessary.

"Yeah, Summer Vacation... That was the Summer when Grandma brought us those watermelons from Hokkaido, wasn't it? I remember trying to smash them..." Tetsuko continued to recollect fondly the past they'd shared together, so many different memories to call back on as they made their way to the equipment. She didn't speak much more of their past Summer, however, as their were more important matters to attend to, like getting Eli's equipment all on!

The sparring gear was all strapped on in a short amount of time, all of it fitting well enough and not terribly inhibiting to movement, though Elise might have felt a bit bulkier than normal. Once readied up, they found themselves in the Eisenberg's backyard which, like every other aspect of the house, was much larger than average! Which was suitable for a training space, especially considering the wooden weapons they'd be swinging around.

Eli adorably bounced into the backward, followed closely by the Shindou girl who glanced around the field of memories with a smile on her face. Elise retold other memories of their past, causing a wistful and adoring look to form on Tetsuko's visage. "Heh, then I had to climb up there myself to get you down... I think at some point you called me your knight in shining armor, and it certainly seemed like it, getting down from the tower!" Tetsuko added, chuckling to herself with the fond memory. She would also be there during Eli's trials, the Germanic girl always seeming to climb too high for her own good... She had too big a heart for her own good.

It made Tetsuko almost overwhelmed by the affection that flowed through her.

Elise snapped them back to the topic at hand, pointing out a spare practice sword for Tetsuko to use. "Ah, yeah, that should be fine." The Shindou girl said with a smile, retrieving the practice sword and taking it into her hands. From the moment she gripped it, one could see the swordswoman's instinctive grasp and stance began to take hold of her body, the weapon becoming an extension of her form the instant she picked it up. Eli, however, did not have the same comfort, holding the blade in the normal hammer grip that most beginners did and looking to Tetsuko with confusion.

"Well, lets start with the basics, I'll give you some things to copy, and we can get into some light sparring." Tetsuko said, stepping toward the Eisenberg girl. "First, lets take care of that grip... Um..." Tucking her practice sword into one of the loops of her shorts, Tetsuko would step to Elise's side and gently move her arms around Elise's arms, shifting her hands a bit.

"A hammer grip is too stiff, have your forehand holding it a bit tilted, like a handshake... There should be almost a V shape between your thumb and index finger." Tetsuko said, re-positioning Eli's grip. The result would have the 'hilt' at Elise's mid section, while they blade she held was pointed up at an angle.

Stepping away, Tetsuko draw her own sword and took a similar stance, though obviously with much greater form. Chudan no kamae was a basic guard, and had near identical comparisons across European forms. "Try a few swings, get a feel, and we can go!" Tetsuko said eagerly, hoping Eli would feel comfortable with the new grip. It was something that could be applied to not just swords, but practically any bladed weapon!

Tetsuko's cheeks flushed up herself, glancing away as Elise cheerfully remarked that Tetsuko was her 'knight'. It made her heart swell, such a lovely sensation, knowing she was the one to protect Elise, to be her guardian and noble follower. "And it's because you're my princess that I can be your knight." Tetsuko replied softly. It was true, Elise von Eisenberg had always been her princess, the one whose favor she strove for above all else. To honor her family and her noblewoman, that was Tetsuko's goal, and Elise was a kind and compassionate princess. One who put her faith in Tetsuko to slay their demons together, who always encouraged and supported her, who needed Tetsuko. And, if Tetsuko's deepest hopes were true, her loyalty had been rewarded with love undying.

That classical context made it all the more intimate when Tetsuko had to teach Elise how to grasp a blade, shifting her arms closely and gently. Tetsuko treated her so delicately, like a flower, and couldn't help but think how soft and lithe her form was. It felt strange, handing her a weapon, almost wrong. Her childhood friend really had changed so much, like any flower she'd bloomed into something more, and even if Tetsuko was taken aback by that change... It wasn't any less beautiful.

Elise seemed to find comfort with the new grip, though the 'blade' was evidently a bit heavy for her. Understandable, given Elise had - as far as Tetsuko knew - never held a weapon before in her life. Yet, the Germanic less reassured Tetsuko with a smile, her determination both admirable and adorable.

"Alright, then here I come. Don't worry, I'll be soft, the last I thing I want is to hurt you." Tetsuko assured, assuming her chudan no kamae stance, the same one Elise had been put in. Tetsuko breathed in and out, an air washing over her. Determination and skill. "Hajime!" Tetsuko would declare, stepping forward and gently thrusting the tip of her wooden sword toward Elise, in a slow but practiced movement. Eli would feel such a gentleness if she clashed the blades, a clear hesitation and delicate care taken even in their sparring.

Even with a blade, if it was her flower she was dealing with, Tetsuko would be as careful as she could be.

The light trembling and pale face of Elise von Eisenberg only added to the clear delicacy behind her attack. Tetsuko was fully aware of how difficult it might be for Eli to wield a weapon, and was ready to drop this sparring match the moment Elise seemed truly shaken by it or requested to stop. Until then, however... Tetsuko had to respect Elise's intentions to get closer to her through the art she practiced. She truly believed in the purity and innocence of Elise's intent, and would not doubt and disrespect the Germanic girl's plans. Indeed, even if Tetsuko wanted to be the one to protect and be relied on by Elise, that in no way meant she would disrespect her lover's wishes.

Eli seemed to manage just fine so far, parrying Tetsuko's slow thrust and pushing it off course. But as Tetsuko pulled back her blade into guard, something stung her for a moment... Not quite a jolt of lightning, but a spark of static electricity. In a moment, she'd felt something in Elise's blade foggy and unclear in her inexperience, but present nonetheless. That brief spark didn't stun Tetsuko, however, as she watched Eli flop to her butt right before her!

"Are you alright, Eli!?" Tetsuko called out in concern, already scolding herself for potentially knocking her over. But, Elise seemed OK, evidently having just slipped on her own feet or something. The Shindou girl breathed a sigh of relief and assumed another stance, holding the blade pointed straight up with both hands near her back shoulder - hasso no kamae. Tetsuko suppressed a smile at the extremely adorable sight of Elise's warcry, watching a simple overhead swing come toward her head. From Tetsuko's stance, it was easy to tilt her own blade to parry Eli's, during which that same 'spark' could be felt, before following up with her own little bop on Eli's head! It would be as light as could possibly be, but would hopefully prompt a cute reaction!

Success! Tetsuko couldn't help but smirk a little at her successful 'bonk', though it definitely wasn't a very powerful swing, it was a point in kendo and a chance to tease Eli a bit for once! But once Eli did display some pain, Tetsuko immediately became concerned again. "D-Did I hit you too hard?" Tetsuko asked almost panicked as she lowered her own guard, cursing internally at herself for the hit, before Elise once again proved herself a sly little trickster. At first, Tetsuko blushed at the request, her cheeks turning red as Eli leaned towards her. But after a moment, all she could do was sigh in faux disbelief at her adorably needy princess.

"As you command, your highness." Tetsuko uttered softly, stepping forward and raising a hand to move away Eli's hair as she kissed her on the spot that had been bopped, noticing the soft and pleasant scent of shampoo before Tetsuko stepped back, her cheeks slightly flushed but a smile on her face. "Better?"

Assuming she answered yes, Tetsuko would raise her sword into chudan no kamae again as Eli poked out her tongue, prepared for another attempt. There was something continually adorable at this gentle Germanic princess doing her best, even yelling out a kiai! Well, not an official one. Tetsuko blocked the sideways swing, feeling that almost addictive spark and flash, before Eli thrust toward the Shindou girl's chest, yelling out a new technique name!

"P-Pillow!?" Tetsuko repeated with a flustered look, her hesitation meaning that when she parried the blade it was too late, and she ended up getting poked right in the breast! Letting out a little sound as she did, Tetsuko looked back it Eli with reddened cheeks and a determined grin.

"I am so getting you back for that!"

Tetsuko raised her blade up into jodan no kamae before bringing a light overhead slash down onto Eli, slow enough to be parried and transitioned into a thrust of the same manner. By that point, Tetsuko wasn't interested in showing off her skills at all... She just wanted to continue this sparking, this electrical dance, where every time their blades clashed, it felt like their hearts were beating as one.