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17 Years
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"Steelheart"
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Post by Tetsuko Shindou on Jan 8, 2019 9:13:52 GMT -4
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NOTES: All your notes in here, don't worry this entire box scrolls. ”Her training has been progressing well?”The council of masters was meeting without the presence of the teenage girls at present, as there was little reason to include them in this evaluation. Instead, the large hall was filled only with Ryouichi Shindou and the six masters of Kashima Shinden Jikishinkage-ryuu that defined its current strength, including Masaru Shindou, Tetsuko’s father. The grandmaster’s words would be met with a confident nod from Master Ueno, who spoke up first. ”Tetsuko-sama has displayed considerable growth during her time here. I believe it would be worthwhile to observe if this trend continues. If it does, her technique will grow at incredible pace.” The bespectacled master admitted. Though Ueno held his reservations when it came to U.A. and the influence of Elise von Eisenberg, he was still an honest man, honest enough to admit that Tetsuko had grown during her time in Kashima, whatever the cause for that might be. ”She sold herself short during our meeting… Though, not in regards to her failures at Semper Fi.” He concluded, not wanting to let his doubts and concerns remain unnoticed. These were all important considerations for the continuation of the Shindou family. ”I see.” Ryouichi’s booming and stern voice uttered, before shifting his gaze to Uwabami and Gai. They were the two most involved in Elise and Tetsuko’s training, after all. Masaru wasn’t utilized much within Kashima, as Tetsuko had plenty of opportunities to train under him, and the twins - being the newest members of the council - were still not quite experienced enough to be entrusted with Tetsuko’s training. So it was the two strangest masters who also had to give their testimony. ”And what are your observations? Of Tetsuko and Elise von Eisenberg.” He inquired firmly, with the weight that always came with the man’s powerful tone. The one-armed woman was the first to speak up. ”Tetsuko-sama’s been kickin’ it like always. Her strength ain’t all up to scratch, but her speed and technique are real fine. She managed to learn my ‘Serpent Slayer’ in barely a day, she’s really somethin’. Got the same feel fer that her Ma used to, I don’t think that’s changed. Like Master Ueno said, she sold herself short.” The mention of Tetsuko’s mother had Ueno and Ryouichi briefly glaring into Uwabami, realizing the mistake she’d made and not dwelling on it. ”As fer Elise… Not a bad student at all. O’course, not a real swordsman, but she’s worth bein’ an ally. Girl’s a warrior waitin’ to happen. Trust me, I know what a fighter looks like.” Uwabami concluded with a grin. Master Gai smiled widely, while Ueno remained glaring with skepticism. ”I agree with Master Uwabami. Tetsuko-sama has made similar progress with her Quirk, and as one of the few Quirkers here, I feel my assessment on that matter can be trusted. Elise von Eisenberg is much the same, they are both showing plenty of promise. Their prior mistakes can’t be forgotten, of course, but it seems clear, yes? That they should be given another ‘chance’.” The foreigner spoke with a subdued yet confident tone, one that had punctuated what was a very successful council. A council that was going to give Tetsuko and Elise free reign to save each other. ”Then it is conclusive. Tetsuko will be allowed to continue studying at U.A., for now. We will assess her progress later, as well as the influence of Elise von Eisenberg. Consider this another ‘chance’, as you put it, Master Gai. A chance for her to show she can continue this growth. A chance to restore her honor, in our discerning eyes.” The judge’s words were final, and his ruling was a favourable one for the two girls. ”You are all dismissed.”~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ That meeting occurred on the last day of the girls’ Kashima trip, and the news of the outcome would hopeful to say the least. It was the perfect way to end what had been an otherwise somewhat gruelling training trip, with both of them being put through the wringer and learning various things under the tutelage of the different masters. Of course, this meant they didn’t quite get many chances to properly talk about where they were at, as the most they had was a wordless promise that they’d figure all this out. Tetsuko Shindou would not walk alone into that cold night, she would hold herself back and let them talk about how to reconcile this future that they wanted, one where they could by each other’s side, on where they could understand each other and accept one another wholeheartedly. The lessons learned in Kashima were so life-changing that it was almost bittersweet to say goodbye as they left for the train station on their final day in the town, even though they’d surely be returning in the near future. Kashima was a place that played a big role in both their fates, after all, as did the masters who lived there. Ueno, Gai, Taniguchi and Uwabami would all wish them farewell with varying degrees of sincerity. Master Gai in particular seemed almost worried to see them off, yet also hopeful that Elise would take his teachings to heart. Tetsuko had also gotten a chance to meet with her mother during the trip, not that she talked about it… Once they’d all said their temporary farewells, the girls would be off to Kashima station, where the few transfers awaited them on the way back into Musutafu. After buying tickets and boarding the train without many words, Tetsuko finally mustered up something to say. Even if it wasn’t much at all. ”Kashima… It’s a special place, isn’t it?” Tetsuko uttered wistfully as she looked out the window as the train departed from the station. Sitting by Elise now stirred up so many conflicting feelings, of apprehension, fear, devotion… Only now, Tetsuko felt more inclined to face them head on. ”So, um, did you wanna… Talk…?” |
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1,038 Posts
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18 Years
Female
"Spymaster"
Civilian-Rank Quirk:
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Post by Elise Von Eisenberg on Jan 9, 2019 0:47:06 GMT -4
It had been an eventful time in Kashima to say the least. So much had unfolded over those days, things which made Elise unsure if things would ever be the same again. But perhaps, that was for the best. In the end, change was often inevitable, and Elise felt that this event might be one whose changes would bring forth something more positive and that by itself was reassuring. The last day of their time in Kashima was somewhat bittersweet, although they had been at each other's side the entire day, there was a gentle quietness between them, as if each of them was trying to figure out how to proceed from there onwards. During her short time within Kashima, the burgundy-haired lass had to admit she had grown incredibly fond of the city and it's people, so it was quite reasonable to say that she was feeling a bit sad about leaving. Master Uwabami her training was harsh, but it worked wonders in pushing her stamina onwards through the intensive exercises, and while her strength might still had left something to be desired, her sheer amount of energy was astonishing by most standards. Still, the one she felt perhaps the most kinship with among the masters, was Master Gai himself, the man who had taught her how beautiful yet unreasonable this would truly could be.
With the masters bidding them farewell, the two girls had finally prepared for their journey back to Musutafu. Of course, the quietness remained, all the way till they were in their seats, seemingly having the entire wagon for themselves. It was at that time that Tetsuko finally spoke up, making Elise turn her gaze toward her. "Hmm..." Kashima certainly was a special place, despite the fact it was a city where ancient traditions met with the more modern society, it was also a place somewhat more special in a spiritual sense. "It's unique~ Although, I think part of it might be because of how closely interwoven it is with our lives." The ancient traditions which build the foundation of Tetsuko's childhood, the modernization that Elise's presence cast into Tetsuko's life, making her experience such things that were outside the norm that they might as well had been called otherworldly! However, it was when Tetsuko asked if they wanted to talk, that Elise nodded her head sheepishly in response. She wanted to talk, and knew they had to do so if they wanted to step into the future together.
"Umm.." She paused for a moment, trying to find the right words to say, but perhaps, in the end, it was best for her to let Tetsuko talk first? In the end, there was plenty that had been burdening the girl, and being there to listen and support her in carrying those was her responsibility, both as a friend and a lover. "Go ahead~" For now she could only hope that they would both reach through the snowstorm together and into the promised land both of them were looking for.
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802 Posts
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17 Years
Female
"Steelheart"
Student-Rank Quirk:
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Post by Tetsuko Shindou on Jan 10, 2019 0:15:45 GMT -4
Elise’s words about Kashima struck a chord with Tetsuko, her mouth opening wide for a moment before shifting into a delicate and wistful smile. ”I suppose that’s right…” This coastal city wasn’t just a ‘place’. Not to them. Kashima was something that existed outside of Ibaraki, something that existed within them, wherever they went. The memories of the city, one might its very soul, were woven through their hearts in a tapestry that depicted some of the most important fragments of their past. It continued to weave, shaping their present, and even one day, their future. ‘Kashima’ was far, far more than just a place.
Once aboard the train, they were free to talk, Elise wordlessly giving Tetsuko the first say in matters. ”Thank you…” The swordswoman muttered out quietly. The problem came when she didn’t exactly know how to start things, leaving a brief and awkward silence as Tetsuko rested her hands tensely against her thighs while looking ahead, her mind struggling to grasp all the thoughts that flowed through it. Yet… Tetsuko didn’t feel rushed. The snow was heavy as ever, but it was like it was falling in slow motion. They were in the storm, but her hand was in Elise’s, and they weren’t going anywhere.
They could take it steady.
They could walk slowly and warmly through the frigid wastes.
”S-So, um…” A solid start. Tetsuko brought one hand up to the back of her neck, her cheeks flushing a light shade of pink. ”I guess we’re… Still a couple then, huh?” That wasn’t quite right. ”No, I mean… After everything… It feels like we started over again, doesn’t it? Like this is a real… Like it’s a proper starting line.” The words were natural as they could be, genuine and sincere from what little depth of her heart she actually understood.
Sighing lightly, the corners of Tetsuko’s mouth turned up slightly as she moved her hand, gently resting it upon Elise’s. The touch was enough to make Tetsuko feel warm and safe. She was a hearth in this blizzard. ”I… Still don’t feel comfortable with it, you know? The fact that… I don’t know my own heart… Or maybe some part of me still hesitates to know it…” Her face scrunched up slightly, a discontentment and dull pain striking her heart. ”I worry about the answer a lot. I worry if it’s selfish to stand by your side, if that means being your girlfriend… Th-That’s not to say I don’t want to! I do… I’m just… So confused, Eli…” Her soul was being laid bare, each part dissected right before Elise, showing the depth of Tetsuko’s feelings, of her worries and angst, of her anxieties and pain.
”Is it really OK for me to be wholly devoted to you? Even if I… Can’t say those words… Even if I… Feel so hopeless when you say them to me…” Tetsuko grimaced, the pain striking deeper, more raw and tangible than any she’d felt before. ”Sometimes I wonder if I even deserve to hear them. Sometimes I wonder if ‘love’ is something I’ll ever know.” The girl who had been raised from a young age to be a stoic and relentless warrior, who had always put her family’s honour above all else, who never knew the kind of love people so frequently talked of… It tore her apart. Knowing that her meeting with Elise was not this pure ‘love at first sight’ that so many talked of so carelessly…
She hated this part of her. The part that couldn’t reconcile her duties and her desires. The part that wanted to be an immovable warrior, but still cared so deeply, so painfully, about the things close to her. Her heart was starting to ache with this pain… So Tetsuko squeezed Elise’s hand a bit more tightly.
Just like that, her worries started to fade. They weren’t washed away, but it was like there was a pressure upon them, one that slowly dulled them, that pushed them into the corners of her mind where they belonged.
Tetsuko breathed out another heavy sigh, frowning at herself… Though as she glanced at Elise, her mouth shifted upward into what was a smile of almost amusement. Well, it was amusement. She was incredibly amused how at ease Elise could make her when she just laid her heart so bare like this. ”Just tell me if you’re OK with it… Or if you’re not… Just tell me… If you still wanna move towards that future of ours. Even knowing how uncertain it is.” This was Tetsuko’s ultimate request, one that came from the very bottom of her heart, one that called for the utmost honesty from the girl she held dear.
”I don’t wanna let you down. I don’t want to let my family down. I don’t want to let anyone down… Though I… I also want to live. Right now. With all these… People. With you. So just… Tell me how you wanna do that. And we’ll go from there.” Her smile widened, a renewed radiance creeping onto Tetsuko’s expression, one from all the days of hard work and deep thought, one of a girl who’d once gain found the light in her life.
A girl wrought by anxiety, but one who still wanted to make plans that would mean the best for the people she cared for. Some people said that God laughed when you made plans, but Tetsuko, in all her… Unreasonableness… Might as well have been laughing back. The future, as frightening as it was, didn’t exist yet. So who was God to say it was already set in stone? Who was God to say it could be bright as the stars or dark as the night?
It wasn’t God’s future that Tetsuko cared about. It was their present.
Time didn’t matter, it carried on carelessly, all they could do was strive to use it to become the people they wanted to be. Tetsuko felt this spiritual truth wash over her, one that seemed to reconcile one of her many, many conflicts… It wasn’t a fix. It was a start. Tetsuko hoped Elise would take the first steps with her.
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1,038 Posts
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18 Years
Female
"Spymaster"
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Post by Elise Von Eisenberg on Jan 10, 2019 10:03:47 GMT -4
It was no understatement to say that Elise was fond of Kashima. The coastal city had a charm that was distinct and quite different from the likes of Tokyo or even Musutafu, but the true reason behind her fondness of the city was found in the girl that sat at her side. It was Tetsuko who had led Elise to become so fond of the city, all the memories and experienced they had shared their leading to the two girls to develop a bond toward the city which was Tetsuko's hometown. It was clear that just calling Kashima a place would be unfair, in a way it was much more than that. Perhaps it was part of the thing that people often referred to as an 'origin'.
Once aboard the train, Elise decided it was best to let Tetsuko speak first, the thank you making her smile gently and nod her head slightly in response, placing her hand lightly between them, so that should she desire to, Tetsuko could easily grasp it if she desired. It seemed that the young swordswoman was at a loss of words, struggling to find her bearings in the chaotic storm of thoughts that plagued her mind, yet Elise simply remained quiet, not wanting to rush her, nor did she need to. They could take it steady, a walk which was slow and gentle as they traversed the frigid wastes in search for that immovable heart of her lover.
"Of course we are still a couple." Elise answered her, the tone soft and gentle as she continued speaking. "Every relationship has its ups and downs, after all we are human beings so expecting a perfect relationship would be naive." It was the truth, for all their affection for each other, Tetsuko and Elise were humans beings, full of flaws and yet it was in their flawed state that so much beauty could be found. "I'd say that we took a new approach, a means to start developing our relationship in a healthy way. So in a way you're right, this is a proper starting line~"
When she felt Tetsuko's hand gently resting on top of her own, the burgundy-haired lass smiled warmly as she leaned back into the chair and listened further to her lover's worries. "We have all the time you need to find the answer Tetsu~" She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Indeed, since those days in Kashima she felt the need to voice it. "Even if you're still searching for your immovable heart, to understand its nature I won't stop loving you Tetsu. It might be selfish of me to continue wanting to love you, even when it hurts you but... To me, this affection is a part of who I am. My love for you is part of what defines me, what gives me strength." Her hand shifted lightly, turning it upside down so their palms touched and she locked her fingers around Tetsuko's own. "I know you're still searching, and even if the words don't come, your actions speak quite loudly on just how much you care about me. And that makes me immensely happy."
She paused for a moment as she listened to how Tetsuko worried about it being selfish to stand by her side, to be her girlfriend Elise merely chuckled. "Isn't that fine the way it is? We're both selfish and unreasonable in our own way." A gentle smile lingered as Tetsuko continued to expose all the worries and fears that plagued her mind.
"Sometimes those words can be conveyed in different ways, you know? Kinda like..." She leaned a bit closer and gave Tetsuko a little peck on her cheek before she continued speaking. "I understand that you worry about it, torn between being devoted to me, and your duties and desires to uphold your family's honor and make them proud." Yet she raised her free hand, gently placing it on top of Tetsuko's own as she hummed softly. "At a time like this you can be selfish~ Learn to love me, and at the same time uphold your family's honor. Nobody has told you that you're forced to decide between one or the other."
As she gently traced her fingertips over the back of Tetsuko's hand she continued to muse softly. "So I'm alright with moving into this uncertain future, as long as you don't fall in love with someone else I wouldn't have any reason to worry. Just don't take too long, it be kinda sad if you discover the answer when we're as old as your grandma."
A teasing poke from her tongue followed as she leaned a bit closer to Tetsuko, gently resting the side of her head against the girl she adored so much. "Let's just do that~ Walk into the future together, a relationship build upon patience and honesty. After all, honesty is the most important thing in a relationship~ Well, that and affection I guess." Elise hummed the last part in amusement as she recalled her father's words.
"And I promise to give you both~" A soft soothing whisper followed as she seemed to notice that the train had started to depart. She had to admit that Master Uwabami and Master Gai certainly had put her through the wringer, an unusual exhaustion taking its toll upon her, but for some reason it was the pleasant type of exhaustion. Like the time of tiredness after a long day of hard and motivated work, kinda like the exhaustion after an awesome football match that they won. But at the same time that tiredness was washed away by a soothing warmth, the warmth of Tetsuko's affection and willingness to try to find the answer they longed for, to walk into the future together and accept each other with wholehearted honesty. In the end, there was no doubt in her mind that she had one want, one want that was the greatest among the things she felt.
Elise von Eisenberg wanted to love Tetsuko with all her heart.
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802 Posts
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17 Years
Female
"Steelheart"
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Post by Tetsuko Shindou on Jan 11, 2019 11:45:19 GMT -4
MUSIC: A link to music here
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NOTES: All your notes in here, don't worry this entire box scrolls. Elise's words, her breath, her presence, was all pure warmth to Tetsuko, a lantern and hearth that kept her warm and safe from the shadows that dwelled within her. They walked slowly, but with purpose, braving each step of the way together, hand in hand, with devotion and willpower on their side. The Germanic lass insisted they were indeed still a couple, they'd just had their ups and downs. Tetsuko smiled at the obvious statement, feeling almost foolish for not always seeing it that way. When her anxieties had a hold of her, those downswings looked infinite, gazing into the abyss of nothingness that surely awaited. Every time, however, Elise had shown it wasn't some endless downward spiral. It was just a bump in the road. They'd hit a pretty big bump recently, but they hadn't gone back or stopped. They'd just changed their tires, they'd found an approach that would let them move steadily and endure what other obstacles came their way. Her hand clasped in Elise's, Tetsuko's heart continued to find ease as Elise assured that they had time, time to come to that answer, to come to that immovable heart she sought. Elise's love was still such an uneasy thing to Tetsuko, but it was a burden she was willing to carry, nodding along as she realized how important this 'love' was to Elise. "I understand..." Her fingers were interlaced with Tetsuko's, as the Shindou girl found comfort in knowing she could make Elise happy still. Indeed, they were both unreasonable and selfish, but that was the ceramic life Master Gai had shown them. Breakable but precious, entirely something he would find beautiful. The foreigner's lessons would stick with them for sure, and would pave the way for bright new adventures for the pair. Feeling her cheek pecked, Tetsuko listened to Elise's further explanation on how the exact words weren't always needed, how sometimes actions spoke just as loudly. The swordswoman still didn't really know if that could be the case, but if Elise believed, Tetsuko was willing to do the same. The balance between her family's honor and her relationships could surely be achieved, she just had to be... "A bit selfish... Huh?" Tetsuko uttered, chuckling slightly to herself. It didn't sound too noble, but she supposed seeking honor and nobility wasn't any less selfish if one really thought about it. "I guess I can do that." Of course, as much time as they had, Tetsuko didn't have all the time in the world, as Elise asserted not to wait until they were as old as her grandmother. "Right, right, you don't have to worry about that, I promise..." Tetsuko wasn't entirely sure waht urged her to make that promise, there was just some... Feeling that spurred it on, that made it truth. Like a knowledge, a premonition. Tetsuko felt Elise's head rest against her shoulder, as the Germanic lass punctuated the lat of her thoughts in that sweetest of tones, putting Tetsuko's fears all to rest for now. "Right... Then let's do that then. Let's... Keep walking ahead." Leaving time to it's own devices, they'd walk ahead hand in hand, utterly devoted. Tetsuko rested her own head against Elise's as the train pulled away from the station, though didn't try to fall asleep so that she could still wake Elise up when they got to their transfer. As Elise got her rest, Tetsuko felt that strange assuredness within her, something that scared her and made her empowered her at the same time. It took her a moment, but perhaps it was... 'koi no yokan' It was said the phrase couldn't be fully translated, but the closest thing was 'a premonition of love'. It was a feeling entirely unlike love at first sight... It wasn't the act of falling for someone right away, it was more like wisdom, a knowledge. Even if Tetsuko didn't yet accept it, didn't yet know how to even interpret it, she felt this premonition, this 'koi no yokan'. Perhaps, a better way to describe it than a premonition... Was simply the feeling that you were, inevitably, going to fall in love with that person. It was the feeling of the red string of fate around your finger... It was what spurred on devotion itself. But that was all just fairytales, surely. Tetsuko let out a sigh, leaving her worries in the air as she rested against Elise. "Even back then... All the way to now..." Tetsuko smiled quietly, glancing outside as the scenery shot past. "You always come to me in the strangest parts of my life... Please, never stop being there."~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Elsewhere, in Mito, Ibaraki's capital, a lone man walked. Dressed in a neat suit, but far too late for any work at this time of day. Far too messy too. Some might be confused by his attire and circumstance, but once they glimpsed the tattoo that ran down his arm, they knew all too well his purpose. The man marched through, to block of office buildings in apparent disrepair, past an iron gate that was well worn and served little protection. Yet, a pair of guards were already outside the main entrance to this destitute little block. They paid him no mind as he entered, through the bowels of the building, past many others like him, and into the main offices. "Aniki." A puff of cigarette smoke proceeded a loud grunt that urged him to say more, as the man looked up to his guest. His blond hair and terribly scarred face made little attempt to hide what he was. "We've made contact with our man." The blonde man grinned, leaning back on his chair and speaking in a low and considered tone. "About damn time. Always likes to give us the run-around" He grimaced, baring his teeth at a phantom foe. "I 'spose it's what we oughta expect." He huffed to himself, standing up from his chair with a hefty push and walking past his brother in arms, patting him heartily on the back. "We're gettin' closer now." The behemoth of a man moved forward steadily, adjusting the pin in his suit. One that contained the emblem of his clan. "To reminding the Shindou where it is they belong... To remindin' them, of the Koyanagi they left behind."
/END
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Post by Dessen on Jan 12, 2019 20:10:59 GMT -4
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