What Am I Fighting For? [Elise]

Although she might had been staying at a more fanciful accommodation, it had been clear that Elise would have preferred to had shared her accommodation with Tetsuko. Indeed, the Eisenberg lass was truly at her happiest at Tetsuko's side, but ever since that night on Christmas, the girl had acted a bit different when it came to her own desires. It was almost as if she had matured a little, became more able to comprehend the fact that Tetsuko needed to be at the hostel due to her role as the leader of the disciplinary committee. It was the same type of thing like the fact that Tetsuko chose to remain at the dormitory of the hero academy, a choice while difficult for her to deal with, was one that Elise had come to terms with in the end.

Indeed, she had grown to understand the importance of such choices, the value there was in Tetsuko establishing her own network of contacts at the hero academy and grow more into her role as a future hero of society. After all, Elise had finally been able to acknowledge that the physical distance between them during those times was insignificant, After all, surely there was an invisible thread tying them together, the strength of their bond, the infinite depth of their affection, the distance meant nothing when it was clear that it made the moments between them all the more significant, all the more worthwhile and beautiful.

Indeed, just like that night. It was something which had lingered for Elise, the feeling of finding that warmth and comfort in each other's embrace, a connection between them which was not just emotional but physical also. Perhaps it was for that reason she was in such a good mood, humming a happy melodious song while she had the special earpiece on. Despite the fact it was early, Elise had already been properly dressed and was busily working on some reports for her mentor. Indeed, although Heaven on High had to pull a few threads to get them permission to attend as a part of the Public Safety Commission delegation, Elise felt it was important to ensure she could repay his kindness, and as such had chosen to spend the free time she had before her meeting with Tetsuko to finish preparing some reports for the man, reports which had involved the connection between Shinagawa and a certain incident.

"Maester~" A soft feminine voice resounded from nearby, a glimpse at the window showing the small artic fox that was nestled in front of it. It was Merlin, the special unit she had created with some help from former classmates. It was a skillful combination of technology and Quirk usage, and as such she was proud to consider it less of a tool and more of a familiar, as it clearly seemed more sentient ever since Elise conducted some upgrades on it.

"What is the matter Merlin?" The fox bounced off its spot and marched over to the girl who had turned her chair toward it. "It is almost time for your meeting with Lady Tetsuko~" Reaching for the handheld device in her pocket Elise tapped a button, causing the projector on it to show what appeared to be a clock of sorts, and indeed like her familiar had told her, it was about a twenty minutes till she was supposed to meet Tetsuko.

Elise reached for her coat, putting it on while she turned her gaze back onto the fox. "Thank you Merlin, let's go and meet Tetsu then~"

After placing the documents she had been working on back in her briefcase Elise rose onto her feet and stretched her arms lightly into the air, and once she lowered them the fox nimbly hopped onto her shoulder. "Onward to meet my adorable girlfriend~" Elise mused softly while leaving her room.

It didn't take long for her to depart from the hotel, a short walk toward the meeting spot where Tetsuko would await her and as she guessed, her beloved iron-blooded knight was already there, although clearly distracted. For someone who was so sensitive to what Tetsuko felt, Elise had not been a stranger to the woes of her lover, although she had yet to properly discuss the matter with Tetsuko. Of course, she had a solid understanding of what exactly bothered her Tetsuko, but it was more a matter of not being certain what advice to offer. Even as her lover, was it her place to say what Tetsuko should say or do? How she should react? No, this was a matter, a question that Tetsuko needed to find her own answer for, one that only she could find. However, her role would be to support Tetsuko, no matter the decision she made, she would be that support her lover longed for.

However, for now they still had a bit before the airplane carrying Tetsuko's grandfather and Master Ueno would arrive, and judging from the situation it was likely Tetsuko was quite stressed. She needed someone who could ease her worries a little, someone who could help her gain the confidence she needed to face the trials and tribulations the encroaching hardships would bring. Who would be more suited for that than the girl's spoiled little princess?

Her steps light, almost soundless even the Eisenberg lass approached her lover from behind while ensuring she was within reach before suddenly trying to pull her arms around her lover, her chin gently resting on her beloved knight's shoulder and gently pressing her cheek against Tetsuko's own. "It's a fascinating city, York that is~ Quite different from the Eisenberg village, or even Musutafu and Tokyo~"

Elise whispered softly, tilting her head slightly to give Tetsuko a gentle kiss on her cheek and taking a step sideways smiled gently at her lover. "Good morning my dear~" Elise hummed happily, while the little arctic fox made a playful greeting by waving one of its front paws.

Indeed, no matter where or what, they could overcome it together as long as they had each other.

A gentle smile lingered on her lips as Elise heard the soft uttering of her name by the one she adored the most in this world. Nodding her head lightly in affirmation to Tetsuko's description of the place being considered 'unique' to put it in her lover's words, Elise chimed softly in response. "I always find it intriguing to visit places that contain their own share of stories behind them. There is something about those historical places that fascinate me a lot, not simply because I like history~"

She smiled softly while musing out loud. "Every story, no matter how small or insignificant they might seem, deserves to be told~ For it is through those tales that history as a whole is shaped~ Then again~ My favorite stories are those about you~" Elise added the last part with a mischievous giggle. Of course, the gentle kiss on her cheek that was returned in kin earned a sheepish smile on the Germanic girl her lips, while the little arctic fox perched itself on her shoulder. "Mhmm~ I have been working on some ideas to improve my contributions in the field, this little fella is the result of those ideas. Not only can she provide be with audial and visual feedback of the surrounding area, but it also allows me to communicate with others through her. Although it's just as much technology as Quirk science since I had to use the fundamental basics behind the fission properties of my Quirk to be able to give the little one enough capacities to function independently if needed.

The little fox nodded her head lightly in afirmation. "I am able to replicate the mannerisms of a highly advanced artificial intelligence because a fragment of Meister's core is inside me. Although rather than a clone I am a merely formed from a small aspect of Meister's psyche, a copy of a tiny part of her nature, rather than a true copy."

Elise couldn't help but chuckle, scratching the fox's ears. "I think you lost her when you started using all those complex terms Merlin~"

When Tetsuko's hand reached for her own Elise gently grasped a hold of it, a reassuring squeeze being made as they approached the bus. "Mhmm~ He has been making certain that I can balance work and free time fairly. Although, knowing some of your schoolmates I have been spending a bit extra work to make sure all the paperwork checks out. After all, it would do us no good if some troublemaker gets into legal troubles, especially since it would rob my previous darling of her free time~"

Elise hummed with a smile as she leaned back in her seat on the bus, her gaze turning sideways to Tetsuko as she inquired with a hint of curiosity. "How about you? Have you been able to focus enough on your training for the upcoming events? Of course, I will be cheering you on in the tribune~ Got some first-class spectator seats, courtesy of Yasuke~"

Gently holding her lover's hand she paused for a moment, giving Tetsuko the chance to decide whether she wanted to talk about the things troubling her yet or not.

Elise couldn't help but grin sheepishly as she watched Tetsuko's cheeks flush up with a blush. While she had known her lover's interest in history, Elise herself had also always been fascinated with it, especially the older periods like the middle ages or even before such periods, such as the time of Ancient Rome, there was something about those periods that was so intriguing and filled with so many stories.

Of course, the attempt to explain the little fox's existence to Tetsuko had proven to be a bit more tricky, for while her lover understood the general concept, just like expected the more complicated scientifical aspects escaped her lover's understanding. Of course, the fact Tetsuko said it was likely to be a genius invention earned a little blush on the pink-haired lass her cheeks, of course the subject swiftly turned toward the rather unruly aspect of some of the students of the hero academy. It was always something Elise had struggled with during her time there, but perhaps it was simply an unavoidable matter when one took into consideration the age of the students.

Of course, her question was answered in kin, and as Tetsuko earnestly admitted her fear and uncertainty Elise couldn't help but squeeze her lover's hand lightly. "I think part of that is because until now you always considered your family as the reason for you to fight. As much as it is a motivational something, it is also a detriment, because in the end, that is not truly something you have accepted as it being a reason for you to pull in such efforts."

Elise paused for a bit, pondering how she could clarify her explanation a bit better and soon continued. "For example, the reason I'm able to put in such efforts and continue to face such hardships is because I have you at my side. At the end of the day, my love for you is the source of my strength, it is my answer to what motivations I have~"

Her cheeks flushed up slightly, aware of how cheesy her words sounded, yet Tetsuko's request to confront her grandfather after the festival and having Elise by her side earned a tender smile from the Germanic lass. "Of course~ While the answer might be one that ultimately can only be found by yourself, I will always be there to support you~"

She gently leaned sideways against Tetsuko's shoulder, humming gently. "But I'm certain that no matter what happens, you'll find your answer, and no matter what it might be, I'll be there for you~"

Pride, honor, family, love, there were so many possible reasons one could fight, but she did remember the words of her father quite fondly. A person was able to be strong because they had a reason because there was something they were fighting for. It was because of her love for Tetsuko that she could carry such determination and willpower, and she hoped that she could help Tetsuko discover that answer she herself was looking for.

Elise couldn't help but frown at her lover's words. In a way it was heartwarming to see Tetsuko place such importance in family, but at the same time... "I'm not sure either, right now it feels like you consider your family as an obligation, like as if you 'must' fight for the sake of your family, rather than wanting to. Perhaps in this case it's a matter of resolving this situation so that your must also becomes a want~"

Elise paused for a bit and soon mused playfully. "At least I'm a part of your 'family', so I won't feel jelly at how much importance you place on it"

Nonetheless, she understood the importance of this matter for Tetsuko, and so Elise had deemed it important that she would accompany her and lend her aid in any way she could. After all, this type of support was something that Tetsuko had entrusted just to her alone. "Hehe~ A smile truly suits my hero the most~" Elise chimed softly as she watched the scenery change, their destination soon drawing closer. She was not certain what to expect, or even what to imagine, but in the end they would get through it together~