[RailITP] Academy City FFRP IC I

[Arkhosia]

Academy City. Home to over two point three million people, eighty percent of which make up the student population that attends the city's many schools, academies, institutions and colleges. A state of the art city over thirty years ahead of it's time, almost entirely devoted to the study of psychic phenomena that has been discovered. The entire city is filled with tall windmills, used to power the city at all times, small trash can-like maintenance security robots traveling about the city in order to keep it as orderly and clean as they can manage.

Dangerous gangs of delinquents known as Skill Outs prowl where they can find easy prey, hot-headed espers challenge one another to bouts in bids to determine who is the strongest among them, and to top it all off...it was the middle of winter. The air is crisp and chill enough that one can see their own breath billowing in front of them, with the occasional snow flurry to give a bout of childish wonder at the sight of this bizarre city with a snowy mantle briefly thrown over it.

Today is a day like any other, the chimes ringing all across the city as classes let out for the day, the sudden rush of students flooding the streets from myriad different buildings out unto the chilly streets. Now was the time for the thousands of students within Academy City to seek their own fortunes and distractions....

[Arkhosia]

Near Tokiwadai Middle School

A slightly attractive, slender girl about 15 years old with black hair falling down to the small of her back, fair skin, and an inquisitive brown eye (her right eye, or at least where it would reside, is covered by a white eye patch) leans on a tree, reading a book titled I, Robot, which appears to be in French.
She wears the Tokiwadai winter uniform, accessorized with a beret, black boots, glasses, and black gloves.

[Hazuki]

Mop
Near Tokiwadai Middle School

From behind the tall tree that the well-dressed student leans against emerges another young woman, slightly older, and far less elegant as she steps just into the former's point of view. She leans down, tilting her head so her mess of red hair can be seen hanging down at the ground, barely held up by a ragged bandana, while her catching eyes peer at the student in the space between her torso and the book. "Heya." She greets with an easy smile, and gives a wave with her gloved hand. "I'm here to clean the tree." She gives a demonstrative waggle of her gardening gloves. "Just thought I'd tell you. You can keep reading, but I can't promise I won't fall on you." Her smile widens a little, just in case the joke isn't clear enough.

[Arkhosia]

Mop
Near Tokiwadai Middle School

From behind the tall tree that the well-dressed student leans against emerges another young woman, slightly older, and far less elegant as she steps just into the former's point of view. She leans down, tilting her head so her mess of red hair can be seen hanging down at the ground, barely held up by a ragged bandana, while her catching eyes peer at the student in the space between her torso and the book. "Heya." She greets with an easy smile, and gives a wave with her gloved hand. "I'm here to clean the tree." She gives a demonstrative waggle of her gardening gloves. "Just thought I'd tell you. You can keep reading, but I can't promise I won't fall on you." Her smile widens a little, just in case the joke isn't clear enough.

Shanelle, surprised, jumps. Figuratively. The girl turns to face her, her eyepatch noticeable.
Oh, um, hello.
She replies shyly. She has French accent.

[Hazuki]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle School
Shanelle, surprised, jumps. Figuratively. The girl turns to face her, her eyepatch noticeable.
Oh, um, hello.
She replies shyly. She has French accent.

Mop stands back up to her full, wiry height as Shanelle addresses her properly. "Hello." She says again, still smiling. Her voice has a very faint Russian accent, although it's scarcely noticeable. "What's the book?" She asks, moving a bit closer to the tree and running a hand across its bark, searching for a good foothold to start her journey up. "If it's enough to let me sneak up on you, it must be good."

[Arkhosia]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle School


Mop stands back up to her full, wiry height as Shanelle addresses her properly. "Hello." She says again, still smiling. Her voice has a very faint Russian accent, although it's scarcely noticeable. "What's the book?" She asks, moving a bit closer to the tree and running a hand across its bark, searching for a good foothold to start her journey up. "If it's enough to let me sneak up on you, it must be good."

I, Robot. It's science fiction. My favorite book, actually.
Shantelle replies, smiling slightly at the woman.

[Hazuki]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle School
I, Robot. It's science fiction. My favorite book, actually.
Shantelle replies, smiling slightly at the woman. "Oh, I love a bit of science fiction, me." Mop says, flashing Shanelle a grin before she grips onto the trunk of the tree and hops upward, jamming her foot into a lumpy piece of bark and hanging onto it with one hand loosely gripping a branch. She leans back, hanging off of the tree to meet the shy girl's eyes again. "Robots, lasers, existential philosophy, aliens with three breasts...what's not to love?"

[Arkhosia]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle School
"Oh, I love a bit of science fiction, me." Mop says, flashing Shanelle a grin before she grips onto the trunk of the tree and hops upward, jamming her foot into a lumpy piece of bark and hanging onto it with one hand loosely gripping a branch. She leans back, hanging off of the tree to meet the shy girl's eyes again. "Robots, lasers, existential philosophy, aliens with three breasts...what's not to love?"
Exactly!
Shanelle exclaims, smiling broadly up at her.

[Hazuki]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle School

Exactly!
Shanelle exclaims, smiling broadly up at her.Mop returns the wide smile, a slight twinkle in her eye. "Do you read a lot?" She asks, occupying the student while she pulls herself up to the first largest branch, hopping up on it and picking up the various pieces of detritus strewn about the branches. "Or, even better. Are there any books you've got your eye on?"

[Arkhosia]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle School
Mop returns the wide smile, a slight twinkle in her eye. "Do you read a lot?" She asks, occupying the student while she pulls herself up to the first largest branch, hopping up on it and picking up the various pieces of detritus strewn about the branches. "Or, even better. Are there any books you've got your eye on?"
Yep! I've read tons of books, actually. Not currently, no.
She replies, closing the book.

[Anyr]

"I hate this time of year."

So spoke Ishimaru Moroe as she stared out of a frosty classroom window. Winter was by far her least favourite season. It had bad sniping visibility, poor footing for chases, and cold which played havoc with her cheaper guns. The green-eyed girl turned from the window and paced back across the classroom, which she had almost to herself. All her fellow students had (as always) stampeded as soon as the bell rang; All, that is, except one. Moroe looked over at the boy who stood calmly by her side.

"Come on, Hajime. The stampede should have subsided by now."

A redundant command if ever there was one. Even if she hadn't said anything, Hajime would have followed; He always did. When exactly had she start liking that persistence? In the beginning, his constant attention had been a teeth-grinding annoyance. But now it was...comforting. Slinging her bag over one shoulder, Moroe left the room. Hopefully the snow would have subsided a bit by the time they reached the entrance.

[Hazuki]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle School
Yep! I've read tons of books, actually. Not currently, no.
She replies, closing the book."What are you doing beneath the tree?" Mop asks, as the conversation about books seems to come to a swift end and she scales a little higher, packing the trash into a satchel attached to her belt. "Waiting for somebody?"

[Arkhosia]

- - - Updated - - -



Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle School
"What are you doing beneath the tree?" Mop asks, as the conversation about books seems to come to a swift end and she scales a little higher, packing the trash into a satchel attached to her belt. "Waiting for somebody?"
No... just reading.
Shanelle replies to her, slightly embarrassed.

[Hazuki]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle School

No... just reading.
Shanelle replies to her, slightly embarrassed.
"Do you enjoy nature?" A few moments pass after Mop asks the question, grabbing the last bottle somebody tossed into the branches and sitting on the edge of the lowest one. She peers down at the blushing student, scooting along the branch until she's far away enough for there to be a space between her and the trunk.

[Arkhosia]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle School
"Do you enjoy nature?" A few moments pass after Mop asks the question, grabbing the last bottle somebody tossed into the branches and sitting on the edge of the lowest one. She peers down at the blushing student, scooting along the branch until she's far away enough for there to be a space between her and the trunk.
Kinda.
She replies verbosely, watching the rest of the students pass by, leaving the school.

[Hazuki]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle School

Kinda.
She replies verbosely, watching the rest of the students pass by, leaving the school. Mop pats her satchel and makes sure that it's firmly sealed as she hops down from the branch and lands a short ways away from the terse student. Dusting off the leaves that have been strewn about her clothing"That's my job done. If you don't want to go back to reading, would you like to head somewhere with me? I know all the best places in the city, and we can find something new to enjoy." She looks over her gardening attire and flashes another smile. "And I'll get changed. Unless you're into the fell-out-of-a-tree look."

[Arkhosia]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle School

Mop pats her satchel and makes sure that it's firmly sealed as she hops down from the branch and lands a short ways away from the terse student. Dusting off the leaves that have been strewn about her clothing"That's my job done. If you don't want to go back to reading, would you like to head somewhere with me? I know all the best places in the city, and we can find something new to enjoy." She looks over her gardening attire and flashes another smile. "And I'll get changed. Unless you're into the fell-out-of-a-tree look."
Sure, why not?
Shantelle replies, smiling at her and chuckling.

[Hazuki]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle School
Sure, why not?
Shantelle replies, smiling at her and chuckling.Mop raises both of her eyebrows briefly and grins even wider at the laughter from Shanelle. "Grand. I'll be back in a few moments." She promises, looking over at the swarm of students and cricking her neck before she jogs over to them and uses their gathered mass to conceal herself in the crowd. With a few missteps that almost end up with her getting trampled, she stealthily ducks behind a corner of the nearby building and stands beside the shuttered window after looking out for anybody watching. The coast is clear. For just a moment, the window lights up and reveals a lady's bathroom. Standing on the other side of the window is...Mop, the original, carrying a bag of spare clothes. Mop waits for the duplicate to swiftly change out of her gardener's outfit, using the bushes to conceal herself just in case somebody looks around. She tosses the clothes through the portal and takes the fresh clothes out of it a moment before it disappears. She spends a few moments tugging on the sweater, skinny jeans, and sneakers, as well as a stylish hat, after running her hair through with a comb.

Then, the duplicate of Mop who is now dressed well for an outing, picks up the elegant black cane that was passed through with her outfit and heads back to Shanelle. She emerges from the thinning crowd and smiles warmly at Shanelle as she re-approaches. "Your hand?" She asks, offering her own, which is far more elegant as it's out of the thick gloves.

[Arkhosia]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle SchoolMop raises both of her eyebrows briefly and grins even wider at the laughter from Shanelle. "Grand. I'll be back in a few moments." She promises, looking over at the swarm of students and cricking her neck before she jogs over to them and uses their gathered mass to conceal herself in the crowd. With a few missteps that almost end up with her getting trampled, she stealthily ducks behind a corner of the nearby building and stands beside the shuttered window after looking out for anybody watching. The coast is clear. For just a moment, the window lights up and reveals a lady's bathroom. Standing on the other side of the window is...Mop, the original, carrying a bag of spare clothes. Mop waits for the duplicate to swiftly change out of her gardener's outfit, using the bushes to conceal herself just in case somebody looks around. She tosses the clothes through the portal and takes the fresh clothes out of it a moment before it disappears. She spends a few moments tugging on the sweater, skinny jeans, and sneakers, as well as a stylish hat, after running her hair through with a comb.

Then, the duplicate of Mop who is now dressed well for an outing, picks up the elegant black cane that was passed through with her outfit and heads back to Shanelle. She emerges from the thinning crowd and smiles warmly at Shanelle as she re-approaches. "Your hand?" She asks, offering her own, which is far more elegant as it's out of the thick gloves.
Shantelle raises her eyebrow as she takes it.
Is taking another by the hand when leading them somewhere customary here, Madamoiselle ?
She asks, unsure.

[Hazuki]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle School
Shantelle raises her eyebrow as she takes it.
Is taking another by the hand when leading them somewhere customary here, Madamoiselle ?
She asks, unsure."I've never really thought about it." Mop replies, thinking for a moment beforehand as she starts to lead Shanelle to the path by her hand. "But I like to hold hands. We won't get lost in a crowd and, in a pinch, I can stop you from getting hit by a car." She adds with a wink.

[Arkhosia]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle School"I've never really thought about it." Mop replies, thinking for a moment beforehand as she starts to lead Shanelle to the path by her hand. "But I like to hold hands. We won't get lost in a crowd and, in a pinch, I can stop you from getting hit by a car." She adds with a wink.

Ah. That makes sense. By the way, I'm Shanelle.
Shanelle replies to Mop, smiling slightly.

[Hazuki]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle School
Ah. That makes sense. By the way, I'm Shanelle.
Shanelle replies to Mop, smiling slightly."A pretty name for a pretty girl. It fits." Mop compliments, as they turn a corner on the street and she takes a gander at the sign, trying to decide on where they should go. Although she doesn't really need signs to know where to go, it's nice to act like she doesn't. "I'm Mop." She offers, smiling back.

[Arkhosia]

Mop & Shanelle Near Tokiwadai Middle School["A pretty name for a pretty girl. It fits." Mop compliments, as they turn a corner on the street and she takes a gander at the sign, trying to decide on where they should go. Although she doesn't really need signs to know where to go, it's nice to act like she doesn't. "I'm Mop." She offers, smiling back.
Thanks. Interesting name, Mop.
Shanelle replies, blushing.

[Hazuki]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle School

Thanks. Interesting name, Mop.
Shanelle replies, blushing."And thanks to you." Mop squeezes Shanelle's hand so she's aware when they start walking again, her pace leisurely even though she suddenly has a destination in mind. "I think we should go to the museum in District 6. There are always fun little places to find in a museum, and it's a quiet place to have a nice chat."

[Arkhosia]

Mop & Shanelle Near Tokiwadai Middle School[
"And thanks to you." Mop squeezes Shanelle's hand so she's aware when they start walking again, her pace leisurely even though she suddenly has a destination in mind. "I think we should go to the museum in District 6. There are always fun little places to find in a museum, and it's a quiet place to have a nice chat."

Sure, why not?
Shanelle replies, smiling and following

[Hazuki]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle School
Sure, why not?
Shanelle replies, smiling and followingMop strolls along the sidewalk without a care in the world, keeping Shanelle close by her side as they weave their way effortlessly through the crowd, who barely seem to notice their existence. As they pass by a newspaper stand, she discreetly takes an old museum poster from its side with the tips of her cane-grasping fingers. She tucks her cane beneath her shoulder and uses her free hand to fold parts of it together in a seemingly random pattern, then holds the somewhat-clumped up piece of paper precisely between two fingers. Then, she nods at Shanelle's free hand, and holds it out for her to take, with a smile encouraging her to trust the gesture.

[Arkhosia]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle SchoolMop strolls along the sidewalk without a care in the world, keeping Shanelle close by her side as they weave their way effortlessly through the crowd, who barely seem to notice their existence. As they pass by a newspaper stand, she discreetly takes an old museum poster from its side with the tips of her cane-grasping fingers. She tucks her cane beneath her shoulder and uses her free hand to fold parts of it together in a seemingly random pattern, then holds the somewhat-clumped up piece of paper precisely between two fingers. Then, she nods at Shanelle's free hand, and holds it out for her to take, with a smile encouraging her to trust the gesture.

Shanelle raises her eyebrow, curious, and takes the item. She looks at it with slight confusion.
Umm... what exactly am I supposed to do?

[Hazuki]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle School

Shanelle raises her eyebrow, curious, and takes the item. She looks at it with slight confusion.
Umm... what exactly am I supposed to do?Mop says nothing as Shanelle takes it into the palm of her hand. As soon as it's released from the janitor's fingers, the folded piece of paper lets out a brief popping noise as it jumps up in the student's hand. The paper snaps together in the air and lands in Shanelle's hand in the form of a small, folded star. "Something like that." She says with a smile.

[Arkhosia]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle School
Mop says nothing as Shanelle takes it into the palm of her hand. As soon as it's released from the janitor's fingers, the folded piece of paper lets out a brief popping noise as it jumps up in the student's hand. The paper snaps together in the air and lands in Shanelle's hand in the form of a small, folded star. "Something like that." She says with a smile.

Shantelle looks at it with wonder, jumping figuratively as it hops up.
How did you do that?
She asks, wide eyed with wonder.

[Hazuki]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle School
Shantelle looks at it with wonder, jumping figuratively as it hops up.
How did you do that?
She asks, wide eyed with wonder."It's a little trick a friend taught me." Mop says with some fondness, as she eyes the star that rests in her companion's hand. "I can show you how to, if you like. You just need a little bit of paper." She explains, taking her cane back into her hand and using its tip to casually point at the star. "I can get another piece, if you don't want to unfold that one."

[Arkhosia]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle School
"It's a little trick a friend taught me." Mop says with some fondness, as she eyes the star that rests in her companion's hand. "I can show you how to, if you like. You just need a little bit of paper." She explains, taking her cane back into her hand and using its tip to casually point at the star. "I can get another piece, if you don't want to unfold that one."

No, it's fine, this piece works... if you do not mind, that is.
She hesitates before saying "piece" as if trying to remember, or a second.
She unfolds the paper if Mop's fine with it.

[Hazuki]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle School
No, it's fine, this piece works... if you do not mind, that is.
She hesitates before saying "piece" as if trying to remember, or a second.
She unfolds the paper if Mop's fine with it."I don't mind." Mop reassures Shanelle with an slight smile to encourage her, as she watches the student unfold the carefully-crafted paper star and releases her hand as they stand in the middle of the street. "Can I show you?" She asks, and if she gets permission, she carefully lays her hands over the shy girl's. Using Shanelle's hands almost like gloves, she re-creates the movements she used to craft the popping star, with gentle instructions, until Shanelle's fingers hold the two tension points at either side.

[Arkhosia]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle School"I don't mind." Mop reassures Shanelle with an slight smile to encourage her, as she watches the student unfold the carefully-crafted paper star and releases her hand as they stand in the middle of the street. "Can I show you?" She asks, and if she gets permission, she carefully lays her hands over the shy girl's. Using Shanelle's hands almost like gloves, she re-creates the movements she used to craft the popping star, with gentle instructions, until Shanelle's fingers hold the two tension points at either side.
Shanelle nods at Mop's question.
She looks quite interested, watching intently.

[Hazuki]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle School
Shanelle nods at Mop's question.
She looks quite interested, watching intently."If you let go, it will pop up and land in your hands as the star." Mop explains as Shanelle just seems to stare at the carefully-folded piece of paper in her palms, while the people of Academy swarm around them like a stream parting at a rock. "Then you can start over and do it yourself."

[ImpSyndrome]

[ONIZUKA MIDDLE SCHOOL]

By this time, many students are likely trudging through the wind and snow on their way home, but there's one kid in particular who stands out from the crowd. A brown-haired boy wearing a black jacket and a dark-green scarf, clearly not native to Japan, meanders through the bustling students as he approaches Onizuka. This is Eli Matthews, who recently moved to Academy City from the USA with his parents, and he's supposed to apply for a transfer into this school today. Unfortunately, he may be a bit too late, now that classes have all been let out. He looks around near the main entrance to the school, trying to spot someone that wasn't in too great a hurry and who might understand his terribly-broken Japanese (or English, if he's really lucky)...

[Arkhosia]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle School"If you let go, it will pop up and land in your hands as the star." Mop explains as Shanelle just seems to stare at the carefully-folded piece of paper in her palms, while the people of Academy swarm around them like a stream parting at a rock. "Then you can start over and do it yourself."

Shantelle lets it go, annd it lands in her hands. She then entertains herself for a bit as they walk, folding and releasing it repeatedly.
She's Not looking where she's going, though.

[Anyr]

Unfortunately, sedate students seemed rather thin on the ground. Almost everyone was understandably eager to get out of school, and this cold weather. In a matter of moments, the stampede had barrelled past Eli and receded into the distance. Then, as the thunder of footsteps faded, two more sets could be heard approaching. A couple of stragglers poked their heads out of the doors and, upon seeing that they were in no danger of being trampled, set out together. One student was a black-haired, green-eyed girl with a sour expression on her face; While her companion had no expression at all. Creepy.

The two were in just as much a hurry as the other students had been; But a lot less numerous. Should Eli be willing to take a chance, he'd have no trouble approaching them.

[Arkhosia]

Onizuka Middle School

Miria "Scarlett" Amaterasu, a rather attractive (for a thirteen year old) blond girl with her hair done up in a bun, dressed in a rumpled red dress shirt, slacks, black shoes, a white apron riddled with splotches of paint, an athletic build, and a red hoodie wrapped around her waist, joyfully runs out of the school, possibly shoving past the two kids leaving... or running headlong into one of them. :smallredface:

[ImpSyndrome]

[ONIZUKA, MAIN ENTRANCE]

Unfortunately, sedate students seemed rather thin on the ground. Almost everyone was understandably eager to get out of school, and this cold weather. In a matter of moments, the stampede had barrelled past Eli and receded into the distance. Then, as the thunder of footsteps faded, two more sets could be heard approaching. A couple of stragglers poked their heads out of the doors and, upon seeing that they were in no danger of being trampled, set out together. One student was a black-haired, green-eyed girl with a sour expression on her face; While her companion had no expression at all. Creepy.

The two were in just as much a hurry as the other students had been; But a lot less numerous. Should Eli be willing to take a chance, he'd have no trouble approaching them.
Eli tries speaking to a few students to try and get some direction, but they're all in quite a hurry, and none of them seem to understand him regardless. He's about ready to give up hope as the masses depart, but then he sees two more emerge from the building, having apparently waited for the crowds to die down before leaving. Despite the off-putting expression on the girl's face, Eli doesn't have anyone else to ask for help, so he chooses to take his chances trying to speak to her, hopeful that she'll be able to understand him one way or another.

"[Um...Excuse me]," he says (in English), "[Do, um...do you speak English...? I need some help...]"

Eli's attempt to plead for help is cut short as another girl barrels out of the doorway without any warning; a collision is more than likely imminent unless one of the other two step out of her way...

((EDITED to denote English speech.))

[Anyr]

"What the?!"

With a practiced motion, the girl stepped aside and avoided a collision. Considering the terrain, she moved surprisingly well. She glared at the offending shover's back, but resisted the urge to make a scene. Better to just let the cretin pass. She glanced sidelong at Eli (beside whom she'd come to rest), and gave him a long suffering look.

"Personal space is a constant battle around here. It's like they all wear blinkers..."

[Arkhosia]

"What the?!"

With a practiced motion, the girl stepped aside and avoided a collision. Considering the terrain, she moved surprisingly well. She glared at the offending shover's back, but resisted the urge to make a scene. Better to just let the cretin pass. She glanced sidelong at Eli (beside whom she'd come to rest), and gave him a long suffering look.

"Personal space is a constant battle around here. It's like they all wear blinkers..."

Scarlett keeps sprinting, then notices the new student.
She skids to a stop, wearing down her sneaker's already thin soles even more.
She energetically turns to him and grins.
Hello there! Name's Scarlett. Glad to meet you!

[Hazuki]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle School
Shantelle lets it go, annd it lands in her hands. She then entertains herself for a bit as they walk, folding and releasing it repeatedly.
She's Not looking where she's going, though."I'll be back soon." Mop says to Shanelle/Shantelle/Chanelle, placing her hand over the paper star for a moment and smiling at the young woman. Then she slips into the groups of people that stroll across the sidewalks and seems to have all to easily slipped out of the student's sight.

[AnimeKid]

Azabu Gates

Shiota Tsubasa, more well known as Crocell, walked out of the gates of his school with his head bowed down. It was an exhausting day at school and he could not be happier that it was done. Well he could now relax, but before that he had someone else who was probably of a similar mindset at this moment.

Heading over to the gates of Tokiwadai Crocell leaned up against them as the many beautiful young ladies passed by. However it was unlikely that any would stop to talk to him given that many people knew about his attitude. Any except for one. And it was that one that he was currently waiting for.

Onizuka Middle School, Main Entrance

Tobio Isida was someone who usually tried to stay out of peoples way and out of their sight. However, it there was one thing you could count on about Tobio it was his nature as a do gooder. Which was why the boy pulled into a stop on his roller skates. His cyan colored hair hid his silver eyes from view as he observed the scene. His quiet voice spoke up at those in the area, mainly focused on the two girls who had a near collision.

"A-Ano, is everyone a-alright? N-No one's h-hurt are t-they?"

[Anyr]

Tokiwadai

Amidst the crowd of departing students, a dejected girl trudged onward. Her eyes were dim, her step was sluggish, and she looked to be on the verge of collapse. With extreme weariness, this poor soul glanced up from the ground and saw-

"Shiota-saaaan!"

At this point the tired figure somehow vanished into thin air. She was replaced by some sort of supercharged blur, which darted through the crowd at ridiculous speed. Seconds later Crocell would find himself in a familiar situation: Namely, being tackle-hugged by Miura Kin. Thanks to the cold weather and Crocell's unusually warm temperature, today's hug was even closer than usual.

"Welcome, dear friend and portable heater! You arrived just in time. Another minute and you'd have found me unconscious on the cold hard ground!"

[AnimeKid]

Tokiwadai

Amidst the crowd of departing students, a dejected girl trudged onward. Her eyes were dim, her step was sluggish, and she looked to be on the verge of collapse. With extreme weariness, this poor soul glanced up from the ground and saw-

"Shiota-saaaan!"

At this point the tired figure somehow vanished into thin air. She was replaced by some sort of supercharged blur, which darted through the crowd at ridiculous speed. Seconds later Crocell would find himself in a familiar situation: Namely, being tackle-hugged by Miura Kin. Thanks to the cold weather and Crocell's unusually warm temperature, today's hug was even closer than usual.

"Welcome, dear friend and portable heater! You arrived just in time. Another minute and you'd have found me unconscious on the cold hard ground!"

Crocell looked up when he heard his name called, and his eyes widened. While this was how their greetings usually went Kin seemed to be a little more energetic than usual. He was proven right when today's hug was tighter than usual. As such Kin would find that Crocell's unusual warmth was rising along with a massive blush on his face.

"K-Kin! It's good to see you too. Um, don't you think we should wait a bit to get out of the school garden before you hug me that close. The other girls might start rumors about you or something." While he would die and has his body cremated and scattered to the 4 winds before he admitted it Crocell rather liked Kin's hugs. Especially the ones where she would practically wrap her body around his, her soft body- 'NO, BAD THOUGHTS! YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO THINK OF A FRIEND THAT WAY!'

Shaking his head Crocell led the way out of the school garden, looking every bit as red as the flames he usually manipulated.

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai

The hugging pair may notice Plotclone!Shantelle reading a book under a nearby tree, her eye patch clearly visible from their perspective.

[Anyr]

"K-Kin! It's good to see you too. Um, don't you think we should wait a bit to get out of the school garden before you hug me that close. The other girls might start rumors about you or something."

"Oh, they already have. You should hear some of the silly things they say about us!"

Kin chuckled unconcernedly. When it came to gossip like that, she didn't understand what all the fuss was about. So what if some people thought she and Crocell were 'together' (whatever that meant)? It was just a harmless misunderstanding. Paying no heed to the stares currently being directed at the two of them, Kin continued to partake of her friend's body heat.

"So, where are we headed? I'm fine with anywhere indoors that serves hot refreshments."

[Terry576]

"What the?!"

With a practiced motion, the girl stepped aside and avoided a collision. Considering the terrain, she moved surprisingly well. She glared at the offending shover's back, but resisted the urge to make a scene. Better to just let the cretin pass. She glanced sidelong at Eli (beside whom she'd come to rest), and gave him a long suffering look.

"Personal space is a constant battle around here. It's like they all wear blinkers..."

"A human being cannot wear 'blinkers' Master. That would be a severe detriment towards their ability to view their surroundings, as the lack of peripherals caused by the addition of blinkers would cause them to be incapable of viewing outside influences."

A pause in his speech, which was perfectly flat and empty of any sort of 'emotion', let alone one like 'interest'. It was like the black haired boy was stating a simple fact, his silver eyes completely blank. Even though he was speaking about something completely impossible, it was like he thought of it as an every day thing.

"My apologies, Ishimaru-san. I did not mean to address you inappropriately while we are still present on school property."

[Anyr]

Moroe winced as Hajime spoke a certain word. Whenever he called her 'Master' in public, she had to do damage control; Lest people's active imaginations leap to the wrong conclusion. She hastily addressed the two onlookers who'd unfortunately heard the verbal slip.

"Before you get the wrong idea, he's my servant. And I'd be very grateful if you didn't spread that fact around. He's trying (believe it or not) to keep a low profile."

This accomplished, she turned back to Hajime. She tried her best to speak in soft, patient tones: An attempt which didn't entirely succeed.

"Hajime, I was speaking figuratively. Remember how we talked about that? I know it's hard, but you really need to learn how to recognise that sort of thing."

[Arkhosia]

Mop & Shanelle
Near Tokiwadai Middle School"I'll be back soon." Mop says to Shanelle/Shantelle/Chanelle, placing her hand over the paper star for a moment and smiling at the young woman. Then she slips into the groups of people that stroll across the sidewalks and seems to have all to easily slipped out of the student's sight.

((sorry, didn't see your post!))
Shantelle smiles, waiting for her to return. In the meantime, I imagine boring stuff.

[ImpSyndrome]

[ONIZUKA, MAIN ENTRANCE]

"What the?!"

With a practiced motion, the girl stepped aside and avoided a collision. Considering the terrain, she moved surprisingly well. She glared at the offending shover's back, but resisted the urge to make a scene. Better to just let the cretin pass. She glanced sidelong at Eli (beside whom she'd come to rest), and gave him a long suffering look.

"Personal space is a constant battle around here. It's like they all wear blinkers..."


Scarlett keeps sprinting, then notices the new student.
She skids to a stop, wearing down her sneaker's already thin soles even more.
She energetically turns to him and grins.
Hello there! Name's Scarlett. Glad to meet you!


Azabu Gates

Shiota Tsubasa, more well known as Crocell, walked out of the gates of his school with his head bowed down. It was an exhausting day at school and he could not be happier that it was done. Well he could now relax, but before that he had someone else who was probably of a similar mindset at this moment.

Heading over to the gates of Tokiwadai Crocell leaned up against them as the many beautiful young ladies passed by. However it was unlikely that any would stop to talk to him given that many people knew about his attitude. Any except for one. And it was that one that he was currently waiting for.

Onizuka Middle School, Main Entrance

Tobio Isida was someone who usually tried to stay out of peoples way and out of their sight. However, it there was one thing you could count on about Tobio it was his nature as a do gooder. Which was why the boy pulled into a stop on his roller skates. His cyan colored hair hid his silver eyes from view as he observed the scene. His quiet voice spoke up at those in the area, mainly focused on the two girls who had a near collision.

"A-Ano, is everyone a-alright? N-No one's h-hurt are t-they?"


"A human being cannot wear 'blinkers' Master. That would be a severe detriment towards their ability to view their surroundings, as the lack of peripherals caused by the addition of blinkers would cause them to be incapable of viewing outside influences."

A pause in his speech, which was perfectly flat and empty of any sort of 'emotion', let alone one like 'interest'. It was like the black haired boy was stating a simple fact, his silver eyes completely blank. Even though he was speaking about something completely impossible, it was like he thought of it as an every day thing.

"My apologies, Ishimaru-san. I did not mean to address you inappropriately while we are still present on school property."


Moroe winced as Hajime spoke a certain word. Whenever he called her 'Master' in public, she had to do damage control; Lest people's active imaginations leap to the wrong conclusion. She hastily addressed the two onlookers who'd unfortunately heard the verbal slip.

"Before you get the wrong idea, he's my servant. And I'd be very grateful if you didn't spread that fact around. He's trying (believe it or not) to keep a low profile."

This accomplished, she turned back to Hajime. She tried her best to speak in soft, patient tones: An attempt which didn't entirely succeed.

"Hajime, I was speaking figuratively. Remember how we talked about that? I know it's hard, but you really need to learn how to recognise that sort of thing."

Eli is hopelessly lost in all of this; he can barely understand what anyone's saying, and what he does manage to translate inwardly doesn't make much sense. "[Doesn't anyone here speak any English,]" he gripes quietly while the others argue...or whatever it is they're doing; the stern-looking girl's tone makes it sound like an argument, if only a little bit. As she turns to the boy with whom she originally left the school and says something to him, the American kid looks to the others and asks, "[I don't suppose any of you understand what I'm saying, do you...?]"

Should he strike out in this regard, he'll grimace and try to form a proper sentence with what little Japanese he knows. After a few seconds, he'll manage to piece together something along the lines of, "Excuse me, do any of you speak English? I don't understand Japanese..."

[Anyr]

"[I don't suppose any of you understand what I'm saying, do you...?]"

"Hmm? What?"

Moroe was rather distracted herself. She was being bombarded on all sides by apologies, greetings and humorous misunderstandings. It took her a few seconds to sort out Eli's words from the rest, and realise what was different about them. She glanced sidelong at the mysterious foreigner (again), and raised an eyebrow.

[Uh, yes. I understand. What is it?]

She had good syntax, but a really strong accent. Unsurprising, considering that she'd never left Academy City.

[Arkhosia]

[ONIZUKA, MAIN ENTRANCE]










Eli is hopelessly lost in all of this; he can barely understand what anyone's saying, and what he does manage to translate inwardly doesn't make much sense. "[Doesn't anyone here speak any English,]" he gripes quietly while the others argue...or whatever it is they're doing; the stern-looking girl's tone makes it sound like an argument, if only a little bit. As she turns to the boy with whom she originally left the school and says something to him, the American kid looks to the others and asks, "[I don't suppose any of you understand what I'm saying, do you...?]"

Should he strike out in this regard, he'll grimace and try to form a proper sentence with what little Japanese he knows. After a few seconds, he'll manage to piece together something along the lines of, "Excuse me, do any of you speak English? I don't understand Japanese..."

I don't speak English. Sorry.
...Wait, you don't understand Japanese, and you said so In Japanese?
She starts laughing.

[Hazuki]

Mop & Shanelle
Walking The Streets Towards District 6
((sorry, didn't see your post!))
Shantelle smiles, waiting for her to return. In the meantime, I imagine boring stuff.Shanelle is only forced to wait alone among the packed city streets for a few minutes, when Mop comes up behind her and pops back into her vision with a warm smile, as her stylish hat has been replaced with a beret that sits a little off-center atop her head. "Bonjour cher." She greets the student again, her pronunciation of the French language quite clearly unpracticed. "[I picked this hat and French sweets. I hope you like Calissons, because that's all they sold. These and held a maid, but the store that sold looked a bit dodgy...]" She continues speaking Shanelle's home language. Athough she clearly doesn't seem fluent in the language, and her pronunciation is off, her enthusiasm doesn't seem diminished as she produces a small diamond-shaped tray of Calissons, the popular French candied fruit.

[Arkhosia]

Mop & Shanelle
Walking The Streets Towards District 6
Shanelle is only forced to wait alone among the packed city streets for a few minutes, when Mop comes up behind her and pops back into her vision with a warm smile, as her stylish hat has been replaced with a beret that sits a little off-center atop her head. "Bonjour cher." She greets the student again, her pronunciation of the French language quite clearly unpracticed. "[I picked this hat and French sweets. I hope you like Calissons, because that's all they sold. These and held a maid, but the store that sold looked a bit dodgy...]" She continues speaking Shanelle's home language. Athough she clearly doesn't seem fluent in the language, and her pronunciation is off, her enthusiasm doesn't seem diminished as she produces a small diamond-shaped tray of Calissons, the popular French candied fruit.

Shantelle giggles, smiling broadly.
[I didn't know you spoke French! Thanks!]
She replies, as fluent as a person who's first language is French.
Shantelle devours the Calissons with delight.
She offers Mop some too, of course. :smalltongue:

[Hazuki]

Mop & Shanelle
Walking The Streets Towards District 6
Shantelle giggles, smiling broadly.
[I didn't know you spoke French! Thanks!]
She replies, as fluent as a person who's first language is French.
Shantelle devours the Calissons with delight.
She offers Mop some too, of course. :smalltongue:Mop smiles back as she watches Shanelle giggle and devour the recently-purchased treats, expressing a surprising appetite for one so slight. Though she spends a few moments waiting, slowly rolling the candied fruit around in her mouth, leaving the rest for the student. "[I know enough. And now you can charm me rather than the reverse, your charm invader West.]" She runs her fingers across her lips once she's finished speaking, sucking off the powdery sugar residue. "[What do you see first the museum?]"

[Arkhosia]

Mop & Shanelle
Walking The Streets Towards District 6Mop smiles back as she watches Shanelle giggle and devour the recently-purchased treats, expressing a surprising appetite for one so slight. Though she spends a few moments waiting, slowly rolling the candied fruit around in her mouth, leaving the rest for the student. "[I know enough. And now you can charm me rather than the reverse, your charm invader West.]" She runs her fingers across her lips once she's finished speaking, sucking off the powdery sugar residue. "[What do you see first the museum?]"
["I've always been interested in history, to be honest."]
Shantelle replies, smiling.
["And I'm going to take that as a compliment, Mop."]

[Hazuki]

Mop & Shantelle
Walking The Streets Towards District 6
["I've always been interested in history, to be honest."]
Shantelle replies, smiling.
["And I'm going to take that as a compliment, Mop."]"[Oh, the story is one of my favorites. With trebuchets, the Roman Empire, the Ying dynasty, Viking houses turf, Bilbo Baggins, and NEPTHYS Set, and ... aliens with three breasts.]" Mop replies, her enthusiasm for the subject matter seeming to get a fair bit less conrete as she goes on. She gives a shake of her head and squeezes Shantelle's hand. "[When did you interested in history, Shantelle?]"

[Arkhosia]

Mop & Shantelle
Walking The Streets Towards District 6
"[Oh, the story is one of my favorites. With trebuchets, the Roman Empire, the Ying dynasty, Viking houses turf, Bilbo Baggins, and NEPTHYS Set, and ... aliens with three breasts.]" Mop replies, her enthusiasm for the subject matter seeming to get a fair bit less conrete as she goes on. She gives a shake of her head and squeezes Shantelle's hand. "[When did you interested in history, Shantelle?]"
["Ever since I was 5. My mother gave me a few books on the Roman Empire, and I've found the past a fascinating subject ever since then."]
Shantelle replies with a smile, returning the squeeze.

[ImpSyndrome]

I don't speak English. Sorry.
...Wait, you don't understand Japanese, and you said so In Japanese?
She starts laughing.

Eli listens as one of the girls says something to him in Japanese, followed by what sounds like a joke. This is confirmed as she starts laughing, and the foreigner's face retreats into his scarf a bit, embarrassed at his ineptitude. He should've known that, without being fluently conversational, any response he might get would be just as difficult to interpret as it was to illicit...


"Hmm? What?"

Moroe was rather distracted herself. She was being bombarded on all sides by apologies, greetings and humorous misunderstandings. It took her a few seconds to sort out Eli's words from the rest, and realise what was different about them. She glanced sidelong at the mysterious foreigner (again), and raised an eyebrow.

[Uh, yes. I understand. What is it?]

She had good syntax, but a really strong accent. Unsurprising, considering that she'd never left Academy City.

Finally, someone he can talk to! Eli breathes a sigh of relief at the sound of his native language coming from someone other than himself. He turns to the girl from earlier and asks, "[Are the school's offices still open? I wanted to apply for registration today, but the snow slowed me down...]"

[Morcleon]

Tokiwadai

The hugging pair may notice Plotclone!Shantelle reading a book under a nearby tree, her eye patch clearly visible from their perspective.

Tokiwadai

Shizuka walks slowly along the path, eyes wandering across the landscape in front of her. She notices the girl under the tree, and stares a little, trying to see what the book is about.

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai

Shizuka walks slowly along the path, eyes wandering across the landscape in front of her. She notices the girl under the tree, and stares a little, trying to see what the book is about.

The title is in French, and translates to "The rise and fall of the Shogun and Samurai"
Shantelle continues reading, unaware.
Probably because the eye patch eye is facing the direction of Shizuka.

[Morcleon]

The title is in French, and translates to "The rise and fall of the Shogun and Samurai"
Shantelle continues reading, unaware.
Probably because the eye patch eye is facing the direction of Shizuka.

Tokiwadai

Unfortunately, Shizuka doesn't speak French. She frowns a little, realizing that the book is in a different language. Her concentration on this title causes her to disregard her path, which causes her to trip and fall onto the grass with a surprised cry.

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai

Unfortunately, Shizuka doesn't speak French. She frowns a little, realizing that the book is in a different language. Her concentration on this title causes her to disregard her path, which causes her to trip and fall onto the grass with a surprised cry.

The startled Shantelle jumps.
Doux Teresa de mère sur le capot d'une Mercedes-Benz!
Are you alright, miss?
She asks, getting up and offering a hand to her.
Sweet Mother Teresa on the hood of a Mercedes Benz!

[Tebryn]

Han Kyosuke
Academy City: Warehouse District
Time: 3:00 AM

Kyosuke sat on the dock, the bosses had sent the ticket down about some ESPER activity in the area though from the look of it it wasn't anything he was going to be able to take care of if things got out of hand. With a sigh, he stood with a stretch and groan as he worked out any lingering tightness in his muscles before scanning his surroundings. Plenty of cover if it was needed, not a high profile location either. He picked up the "aid package" the suits at Apotheosis had sent him, the tote bag heavy and awkwardly weighted to it's back, it would hinder movement if he needed to move fast. What was worst of all was he stuck out like a sore thumb, a kid in the Onizuka Middle School uniform walking in what was nothing more than the industrial districts storage area was bound to get attention especially considering the hour. He'd just have to except it, and roll with that as part of the mission.

[Anyr]

Finally, someone he can talk to! Eli breathes a sigh of relief at the sound of his native language coming from someone other than himself. He turns to the girl from earlier and asks, "[Are the school's offices still open? I wanted to apply for registration today, but the snow slowed me down...]"

[People actually register for Onizuka? I always thought newbies just walked in, picked a desk, and sorted out the paperwork later. Come to think of it, though, I do remember seeing an 'admissions' office back there. Let's see if it's open.]

Moroe sighed and walked back towards the school with a show of reluctance; As if she were being coerced into doing something troublesome. Apparently this alleged coercion was nonverbal, because she hadn't given Eli a chance to answer before 'reluctantly' deciding to help. She led the new student through Onizuka at an uncomfortably rapid pace, regardless of his own speed. If he didn't jog to keep up, she seemed quite willing to leave him behind.

As it turned out, the admissions office was indeed open. It was occupied by a pallid, glassy-eyed man who would admit Eli without complaint; Or any other emotional response, for that matter. It would take just a few routine questions to give the new student a place in Onizuka. Moroe had the feeling that the procedure would have been just as quick even if Eli had been a giant squid. No wonder Onizuka had so many mysterious weirdos...


Han Kyosuke
Academy City: Warehouse District
Time: 3:00 AM

Kyosuke sat on the dock, the bosses had sent the ticket down about some ESPER activity in the area though from the look of it it wasn't anything he was going to be able to take care of if things got out of hand. With a sigh, he stood with a stretch and groan as he worked out any lingering tightness in his muscles before scanning his surroundings. Plenty of cover if it was needed, not a high profile location either. He picked up the "aid package" the suits at Apotheosis had sent him, the tote bag heavy and awkwardly weighted to it's back, it would hinder movement if he needed to move fast. What was worst of all was he stuck out like a sore thumb, a kid in the Onizuka Middle School uniform walking in what was nothing more than the industrial districts storage area was bound to get attention especially considering the hour. He'd just have to except it, and roll with that as part of the mission.

Not too far away, a voice could be heard. The Esper in question wasn't making much effort to remain unnoticed.

"Look, I'm not trying to be difficult here. I just want the answer to one simple question. Is that so much to ask? Is it r-Oh, wait; You're dead. Damn it, that's the third one already."

Watanabe Katashi let the newly made corpse he was holding fall to the ground. Why did these dock workers all have to be so fragile? After fighting monsters for so long, he'd lost his touch when it came to normal humans. With exaggerated effort, Katashi brushed off his extremely tattered school uniform and set off again. Those 'Apotheosis' crates had to be around here somewhere.

[Morcleon]

The startled Shantelle jumps.
Doux Teresa de mère sur le capot d'une Mercedes-Benz!
Are you alright, miss?
She asks, getting up and offering a hand to her.
Sweet Mother Teresa on the hood of a Mercedes Benz!

Tokiwadai

"Ah..." Shizuka glances up at the French girl, taking her hand and pulling herself up. "T-Thank you..."

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai

"Ah..." Shizuka glances up at the French girl, taking her hand and pulling herself up. "T-Thank you..."

I'm Shantelle La'Forette. Glad to meet you, mademoiselle.
Shantelle replies, smiling slightly.

[Morcleon]

I'm Shantelle La'Forette. Glad to meet you, mademoiselle.
Shantelle replies, smiling slightly.

Tokiwadai

Shizuka smiles back, dusting herself off. "And my name is Otosaki Shizuka."

"Um... a-are you new here...? I don't think I recognize you."

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai

Shizuka smiles back, dusting herself off. "And my name is Otosaki Shizuka."

"Um... a-are you new here...? I don't think I recognize you."

Glad to meet you Otosaki. I moved here a month and a half ago, so I guess I am kind of new.
Shantelle replies with a slight smile. Shizuka may notice Shantelle's French accent.
Shantelle brushes her hair away from the spot where her right eye would be absentmindedly.

[Tebryn]

[

Not too far away, a voice could be heard. The Esper in question wasn't making much effort to remain unnoticed.

"[COLOR="Indigo"]Look, I'm not trying to be difficult here. I just want the answer to one simple question. Is that so much to ask? Is it r-Oh, wait; You're dead. Damn it, that's the third one already."

Watanabe Katashi let the newly made corpse he was holding fall to the ground. Why did these dock workers all have to be so fragile? After fighting monsters for so long, he'd lost his touch when it came to normal humans. With exaggerated effort, Katashi brushed off his extremely tattered school uniform and set off again. Those 'Apotheosis' crates had to be around here somewhere.

"Maybe I can be of some help." Han Kyosuke offers up, watching the man kill the unfortunate dock worker in the same dispassionate manner as he held walking about the darkness. "Someone who does such fine work can't be looking for anything easy."

[Anyr]

"Maybe I can be of some help." Han Kyosuke offers up, watching the man kill the unfortunate dock worker in the same dispassionate manner as he held walking about the darkness. "Someone who does such fine work can't be looking for anything easy."

"It was supposed to be easy. Someone moved the crates before I got here."

Katashi turned to look at the interloper; Or at least, he probably did. His eyes were covered by an opaque grey visor. One foot idly kicked a metal box on the floor, as he continued to bemoan his bad luck.

"In and out in twenty minutes, they said. No witnesses, they said. Shows what they know. Now it's late, I'm tired, and three guys are dead. Oh wait, scratch that; four guys."

Katashi kicked the box again. Only this time, it went flying straight at Kyosuke's head.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Winter, Day One: After School
Onizuka Middle School - Offices

From a room near the admissions office, a sickly-looking young lady is the last person to leave. In appearance, she seems to share some qualities with Eli; she's about the same age, and clearly another westerner. Blond hair, teal eyes. A pair of over-sized headphones would further cause her to stand out, had the crowd not long-since dispersed.

She winces as the door to the A/V room locks behind her and swings by the admissions room to pick up the thing she had stayed after school to get. She looks at the administrator hopefully.

"Do you happen to know if new my schedule is done yet?" she asks, practically in a whisper.

"Oh! I think so. Um..."

The office secretary - as opposed to the principal interviewing Eli - opens up a colorful desk drawer. This may be the most technologically advanced city in the world, but it seems that there are some things that still get printed and filed on paper.

"...how do you spell-"

The young lady quickly cuts him off. "Te- mmph."
She pauses for a second, lowering her voice again but still impatient. "Te-I-Ge-Ru, Shi-E-Li."

The secretary flips through a few of the file's dividers in search of the requested document. Apparently his first guess was way off.

"Uhhhhhh-h-h-h-hhhhhhhhhhh-hhh-h-h Teiger! Here you are!"

Shellie is more than willing to forgive two exclamation points a slight mispronunciation in exchange for knowing exactly what the school system has finally decided to do with her. She smiles as she squints at the schedule, but apparently comes across something disappointing.

"Ah, [crap.]"

The secretary doesn't recognize the English expletive, since it isn't one of the really juicy ones.

[Tebryn]

"It was supposed to be easy. Someone moved the crates before I got here."

Katashi turned to look at the interloper; Or at least, he probably did. His eyes were covered by an opaque grey visor. One foot idly kicked a metal box on the floor, as he continued to bemoan his bad luck.

"In and out in twenty minutes, they said. No witnesses, they said. Shows what they know. Now it's late, I'm tired, and three guys are dead. Oh wait, scratch that; four guys."

Katashi kicked the box again. Only this time, it went flying straight at Kyosuke's head.

"Someone got an extra bowl of Wheaties this morning." Kyosuke murmurs, dashing to the side as the box is kicked at him. "You don't want to do this." he mumbles lower, keeping his gaze fixed on the strange man, a hand slipping into his messenger bag. "You're not part of my mission, you can live if you walk away. I have no quarrel with you."

[Anyr]

"Wait wait wait wait wait. You are giving me a chance to run? That's actually kind of awesome. Just for that, I'm really tempted to let you live. Yeah, let's walk awa-"

There was no warning. One moment, Katashi was slouching against a crate; The next, he was flying towards Kyosuke at ridiculous speed.

"As if!"

[AnimeKid]

"Oh, they already have. You should hear some of the silly things they say about us!"

Kin chuckled unconcernedly. When it came to gossip like that, she didn't understand what all the fuss was about. So what if some people thought she and Crocell were 'together' (whatever that meant)? It was just a harmless misunderstanding. Paying no heed to the stares currently being directed at the two of them, Kin continued to partake of her friend's body heat.

"So, where are we headed? I'm fine with anywhere indoors that serves hot refreshments."

Crocell blushed harder, was that even possible, at Kin's nonchalant response about the girls starting rumors. As he got warmer and warmer he rapidly tried to find a way to move away from the awkardness of the topic his unusual friend never quite got the specifics of.

"Umm, well I-I was think t-that we could head over to the Pâtisserie. I-I've been having a bit of a sweet tooth today!"

'What the heck was that! Why are you stuttering like a bloody shrinking violet. What are you the new guy Tobio?!'

Crocell shook his head rapidly as they headed out, rapping his head with one of his fists to chase the thoughts our of his head.


Moroe winced as Hajime spoke a certain word. Whenever he called her 'Master' in public, she had to do damage control; Lest people's active imaginations leap to the wrong conclusion. She hastily addressed the two onlookers who'd unfortunately heard the verbal slip.

"Before you get the wrong idea, he's my servant. And I'd be very grateful if you didn't spread that fact around. He's trying (believe it or not) to keep a low profile."

This accomplished, she turned back to Hajime. She tried her best to speak in soft, patient tones: An attempt which didn't entirely succeed.

"Hajime, I was speaking figuratively. Remember how we talked about that? I know it's hard, but you really need to learn how to recognise that sort of thing."


[ONIZUKA, MAIN ENTRANCE]










Eli is hopelessly lost in all of this; he can barely understand what anyone's saying, and what he does manage to translate inwardly doesn't make much sense. "[Doesn't anyone here speak any English,]" he gripes quietly while the others argue...or whatever it is they're doing; the stern-looking girl's tone makes it sound like an argument, if only a little bit. As she turns to the boy with whom she originally left the school and says something to him, the American kid looks to the others and asks, ""

Should he strike out in this regard, he'll grimace and try to form a proper sentence with what little Japanese he knows. After a few seconds, he'll manage to piece together something along the lines of, "Excuse me, do any of you speak English? I don't understand Japanese..."


Eli listens as one of the girls says something to him in Japanese, followed by what sounds like a joke. This is confirmed as she starts laughing, and the foreigner's face retreats into his scarf a bit, embarrassed at his ineptitude. He should've known that, without being fluently conversational, any response he might get would be just as difficult to interpret as it was to illicit...



Finally, someone he can talk to! Eli breathes a sigh of relief at the sound of his native language coming from someone other than himself. He turns to the girl from earlier and asks, "[Are the school's offices still open? I wanted to apply for registration today, but the snow slowed me down...]"


[People actually [I]register for Onizuka? I always thought newbies just walked in, picked a desk, and sorted out the paperwork later. Come to think of it, though, I do remember seeing an 'admissions' office back there. Let's see if it's open.]

Moroe sighed and walked back towards the school with a show of reluctance; As if she were being coerced into doing something troublesome. Apparently this alleged coercion was nonverbal, because she hadn't given Eli a chance to answer before 'reluctantly' deciding to help. She led the new student through Onizuka at an uncomfortably rapid pace, regardless of his own speed. If he didn't jog to keep up, she seemed quite willing to leave him behind.

As it turned out, the admissions office was indeed open. It was occupied by a pallid, glassy-eyed man who would admit Eli without complaint; Or any other emotional response, for that matter. It would take just a few routine questions to give the new student a place in Onizuka. Moroe had the feeling that the procedure would have been just as quick even if Eli had been a giant squid. No wonder Onizuka had so many mysterious weirdos...



Throughout the back and forth Tobio opened his mouth to speak multiple times, a blush on his face from the master misunderstanding, only to find himself spoken over quite often. Such was the curse of his shy and quiet nature. When he did speak it was usually not all that well overhead as the conversation just got more and more awkward to him. Especially since he didn't speak that much English. Only a few phrases. As Moroe dragged off the English speaking boy Tobio sighed at the fact that once again, he couldn't gather up the courage to truly ask what was going on. Especially since Moroe was a girl, a sort of scary one at that. He then turned to the younger girl who had almost caused the collision in the first place. Gathering his courage Tobio gulped and walked over to the attractive girl.

"A-Ano, Are y-you alright m-miss?"

[Tebryn]

"Wait wait wait wait wait. You are giving me a chance to run? That's actually kind of awesome. Just for that, I'm really tempted to let you live. Yeah, let's walk awa-"

There was no warning. One moment, Katashi was slouching against a crate; The next, he was flying towards Kyosuke at ridiculous speed.

"As if!"

Kyosuke sighs loudly though doesn't move fast enough to avoid the man barreling down at him with such impressive speed, taking the full brunt of the attack head on.

[ImpSyndrome]

[People actually register for Onizuka? I always thought newbies just walked in, picked a desk, and sorted out the paperwork later. Come to think of it, though, I do remember seeing an 'admissions' office back there. Let's see if it's open.]

Moroe sighed and walked back towards the school with a show of reluctance; As if she were being coerced into doing something troublesome. Apparently this alleged coercion was nonverbal, because she hadn't given Eli a chance to answer before 'reluctantly' deciding to help. She led the new student through Onizuka at an uncomfortably rapid pace, regardless of his own speed. If he didn't jog to keep up, she seemed quite willing to leave him behind.

Is that really how things work in Academy City's schools? It'd be news to Eli; he doesn't know much about education systems overseas, so he's mainly just making assumptions based on his own experiences. "[Well, I can't just show up to classes without registering, or people would wonder what I'm even doing here...Wouldn't you find it weird if-]"
At this point, he notices that the girl he's been trying to talk to has gone back into the building ahead of him. He flinches slightly before starting after her, calling, "[Hey, wait up! Don't leave me here...!]"


As it turned out, the admissions office was indeed open. It was occupied by a pallid, glassy-eyed man who would admit Eli without complaint; Or any other emotional response, for that matter. It would take just a few routine questions to give the new student a place in Onizuka. Moroe had the feeling that the procedure would have been just as quick even if Eli had been a giant squid. No wonder Onizuka had so many mysterious weirdos...

Eli barely manages to keep up with the hurried girl as she leads the way to the Admissions office. Once there, he somehow manages to negotiate his registration and provide his tuition payment. The forms he needs to fill out confuse him, though, as they're (naturally) printed in Japanese. He notices the other student coming in but pays her no mind, consumed as he is by trying to translate all that Kanji.

"[Um...Sorry to bug you again,]" Eli says slowly, addressing his escort from earlier (assuming she has seen fit to stick around). "[I can't make heads or tails of these characters...What's it asking me to provide...?]"

((He should be speaking loudly enough for Doc Guns' PC to hear and understand him, by the way.))

[Anyr]

Crocell blushed harder, was that even possible, at Kin's nonchalant response about the girls starting rumors. As he got warmer and warmer he rapidly tried to find a way to move away from the awkardness of the topic his unusual friend never quite got the specifics of.

"Umm, well I-I was think t-that we could head over to the Pâtisserie. I-I've been having a bit of a sweet tooth today!"

'What the heck was that! Why are you stuttering like a bloody shrinking violet. What are you the new guy Tobio?!'

Crocell shook his head rapidly as they headed out, rapping his head with one of his fists to chase the thoughts our of his head.

Kin sometimes wondered what Crocell was thinking when he acted like that. He was usually such a cool, respectable role model. But every so often he got this really strong stutter, and seemed to lose control of his limbs. Ah well, it was none of her business. Besides, he became so wonderfully toasty at times like this. It was like standing next to a roaring fire.

"An excellent plan, dear sir. Let us depart!"


Kyosuke sighs loudly though doesn't move fast enough to avoid the man barreling down at him with such impressive speed, taking the full brunt of the attack head on.

Katashi's fist smashed into Kyosuke's chest with enough force to mortally wound a normal human. Of course, Saints were made of sterner stuff. In the likely event that his opponent was still standing, a massive grin would appear on Katashi's face.

"Hey, not bad! You're not just some ordinary kid, are you?"

Undeterred, he'd send his other fist at Kyosuke's jaw. He clearly intended to beat the 'kid' to death with his bare hands. At this stage, he wasn't the slightest bit worried about a counter-attack.


Eli barely manages to keep up with the hurried girl as she leads the way to the Admissions office. Once there, he somehow manages to negotiate his registration and provide his tuition payment. The forms he needs to fill out confuse him, though, as they're (naturally) printed in Japanese. He notices the other student coming in but pays her no mind, consumed as he is by trying to translate all that Kanji.

"[Um...Sorry to bug you again,]" Eli says slowly, addressing his escort from earlier (assuming she has seen fit to stick around). "[I can't make heads or tails of these characters...What's it asking me to provide...?]"

Moroe gave another long-suffering sigh. She seemed to be playing tutor a lot lately. Still, this would surely count as her good deed for the day.

[Okay, let's start from the top. This bit's asking for your name; Then comes date of birth; Then...]

Her explanation resembled her tour through the school: Fast and unrelenting. At each section, she'd pause for what she considered enough time to write an answer; And then she'd move on, even if Eli hadn't finished yet. He'd have to seriously scramble if he wanted to keep up.

[Tebryn]

Han Kyosuke
Academy City: Warehouse District
Time: 3:00 AM

Kyosuke slides back from the force of the blow, brushing at his chest as he leaps back from the second swing. "Last chance, if you stand down this can still end with you walking away." he offers as he tugs out a small metal tube from his pack. "You're not part of my mission, I don't get anything extra for killing you."

[Morcleon]

Glad to meet you Otosaki. I moved here a month and a half ago, so I guess I am kind of new.
Shantelle replies with a slight smile. Shizuka may notice Shantelle's French accent.
Shantelle brushes her hair away from the spot where her right eye would be absentmindedly.

Tokiwadai

"Ah, I see... that explains why I don't really recognize you." Shizuka smiles, giving the eyepatch a curious glance, but deciding not to ask about it yet. "Um... did you come from France, by chance...?"

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai

"Ah, I see... that explains why I don't really recognize you." Shizuka smiles, giving the eyepatch a curious glance, but deciding not to ask about it yet. "Um... did you come from France, by chance...?"

Shantelle nods.
Yes. I was born in Paris, in fact. What gave it away?
She asks, chuckling.
________________
Onizuka

Scarlett nods, turning to Tobio
Perfectly fine! I'm Scarlett, glad to meet you!
The girl offers a hand.

[Morcleon]

Shantelle nods.
Yes. I was born in Paris, in fact. What gave it away?
She asks, chuckling.

Tokiwadai

Shizuka chuckles. "The accent, actually. It's still there, but not too noticeable."

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai

Shizuka chuckles. "The accent, actually. It's still there, but not too noticeable."

ah. Glad to know I still retain the accent. I rather like it.
She replies with a smile.

[ImpSyndrome]

Moroe gave another long-suffering sigh. She seemed to be playing tutor a lot lately. Still, this would surely count as her good deed for the day.

[Okay, let's start from the top. This bit's asking for your name; Then comes date of birth; Then...]

Her explanation resembled her tour through the school: Fast and unrelenting. At each section, she'd pause for what she considered enough time to write an answer; And then she'd move on, even if Eli hadn't finished yet. He'd have to seriously scramble if he wanted to keep up.
At least with written forms, Eli has the option of taking notes. Rather than filling each item out as his company describes it, he scribbles a short note in English next to each designator to indicate what it stands for; using this shorthand technigue, he manages to keep up a bit better with her hasty explanation. Once she finishes, he tells her, "Thank you," in his poorly-enunciated (but well-intended) attempt at Japanese before proceeding to complete the form. Once it's handed in, he's handed a standard schedule for new students, which he briefly peruses before folding and pocketing it.

Now that his task has been completed, he returns his attention to the girl who helped him and says, "[Thanks again, I would've been lost without your help...Oh, I'm Eli, by the way. Maybe, uh...maybe we could be friends...?]" As if to personify his offer, he extends a hand for her to shake, if she so chooses. Given her attitude to this point, it's more likely that she'll simply write him off as a burden, but with so much going against him already, Eli could use a friend, so it's worth a shot...

[Morcleon]

ah. Glad to know I still retain the accent. I rather like it.
She replies with a smile.

Tokiwadai

"It is nice," Shizuka agrees. She smiles back. "So how are you like Tokiwadai?"

[Anyr]

Han Kyosuke
Academy City: Warehouse District
Time: 3:00 AM

Kyosuke slides back from the force of the blow, brushing at his chest as he leaps back from the second swing. "Last chance, if you stand down this can still end with you walking away." he offers as he tugs out a small metal tube from his pack. "You're not part of my mission, I don't get anything extra for killing you."

"Hey, I'm with you on this one; But my visor keeps flashing 'no witnesses' in this really annoying font. And trust me, there's no arguing with this thing."

Every time Kyosuke retreated, Katashi would press ahead at the same speed. He continued to rain down blows on his opponent, with a sloppy combination of kicks and punches. His combat style was strangely hard to read. Every attack seemed like it could be dodged by a novice; Right until the instant when they snaked past your guard. In order to evade, an opponent needed to ignore what their own instincts were telling them. If they didn't learn that lesson in time, they'd likely be pummelled to death by a dozen 'lucky hits'.



At least with written forms, Eli has the option of taking notes. Rather than filling each item out as his company describes it, he scribbles a short note in English next to each designator to indicate what it stands for; using this shorthand technigue, he manages to keep up a bit better with her hasty explanation. Once she finishes, he tells her, "Thank you," in his poorly-enunciated (but well-intended) attempt at Japanese before proceeding to complete the form. Once it's handed in, he's handed a standard schedule for new students, which he briefly peruses before folding and pocketing it.

Now that his task has been completed, he returns his attention to the girl who helped him and says, "[Thanks again, I would've been lost without your help...Oh, I'm Eli, by the way. Maybe, uh...maybe we could be friends...?]" As if to personify his offer, he extends a hand for her to shake, if she so chooses. Given her attitude to this point, it's more likely that she'll simply write him off as a burden, but with so much going against him already, Eli could use a friend, so it's worth a shot...

Moroe gave the proffered hand a look which could wither plants. It was clearly time to draw some boundaries.

[Okay, let's settle three important points. Number 1: I don't touch needlessly. You know how many germs are on the average human hand? Number 2: I don't make friends. They're more trouble than they're worth. Number 3: I do make associates. If you have a legitimate reason to approach me that doesn't involve touching, casual conversation, or comparisons between my eyes and perfect emeralds, then I might well help you out. Are we clear?]

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai

"It is nice," Shizuka agrees. She smiles back. "So how are you like Tokiwadai?"

It's an awesome place... Though the customs i still need to get used to and learn.
Shantelle adds embarrassedly.

[Morcleon]

It's an awesome place... Though the customs i still need to get used to and learn.
Shantelle adds embarrassedly.

Tokiwadai

Shizuka grins. "You'll learn quickly. It's not too hard, I hope?"

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai

Shizuka grins. "You'll learn quickly. It's not too hard, I hope?"
It is a bit, but I'm learning quickly, that is true.
...Um, if you don't mind me asking, what sort of stuff do you like?
Shantelle asks.

[Morcleon]

It is a bit, but I'm learning quickly, that is true.
...Um, if you don't mind me asking, what sort of stuff do you like?
Shantelle asks.

Tokiwadai

"Um, well, I like singing. I'm pretty good, I think." Shizuka smiles sheepishly.

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai

"Um, well, I like singing. I'm pretty good, I think." Shizuka smiles sheepishly.

I mainly prefer reading and learning stuff.
Shantelle replies, absentmindedly rubbing her eye patched-covered eye.

[Tebryn]

"Hey, I'm with you on this one; But my visor keeps flashing 'no witnesses' in this really annoying font. And trust me, there's no arguing with this thing."

Every time Kyosuke retreated, Katashi would press ahead at the same speed. He continued to rain down blows on his opponent, with a sloppy combination of kicks and punches. His combat style was strangely hard to read. Every attack seemed like it could be dodged by a novice; Right until the instant when they snaked past your guard. In order to evade, an opponent needed to ignore what their own instincts were telling them. If they didn't learn that lesson in time, they'd likely be pummelled to death by a dozen 'lucky hits'.

Kyosuke continues to roll with the punches, dodging when able though each one that lands seems to phase him little. "Very well. Thank you for confirming I can go all out then." he mutters after sliding back with the last hit, grimacing a little in pain finally. He brings the metal tube to bear on his assailant, a mighty blast of electrical force speeding off in front of him.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Onizuka

"Hm?"


"[Thanks again, I would've been lost without your help...Oh, I'm Eli, by the way. Maybe, uh...maybe we could be friends...?]"


[Okay, let's settle three important points. Number 1: I don't touch needlessly. You know how many germs are on the average human hand? Number 2: I don't make friends. They're more trouble than they're worth. Number 3: I do make associates. If you have a legitimate reason to approach me that doesn't involve touching, casual conversation, or comparisons between my eyes and perfect emeralds, then I might well help you out. Are we clear?]

Shellie takes note of the other office stragglers. She doesn't recognize either of them, but then, she probably wouldn't even if she knew them both intimately.

"[Practicing your English?]"

Naturally, this is the third completely different accent speaking the language. She adjusts something on her headphones. Hopefully now she'll be able to speak up normally without freaking herself out.

"[I heard you filling out the forms. My name's Shellie. Welcome to Academy City! Based on your accent, I'd guess you're from...]"

...probably California, but she decides to go with the more amusing answer.

"[...Canada!]"

She didn't actually raise her voice, but she quickly looks a little self-conscious as though she'd just shouted it at the top of her lungs by mistake.

[Terry576]

Onizuka

"I assure you Ishimaru-san, your eyes look nothing like emeralds. Emeralds are usually much cloudier and have little to no emotion inside of them, due to their lack of 'substance', and 'personality'."

He paused, momentarily, staring blankly at the newcomer for a moment before turning back towards Moroe. "Your eyes are in fact, incapable of being emeralds, as they are two living pieces of tissue that will dissolve over time into nothingness, filled with water and can easily be destroyed. The idea of 'eyes as tangible objects' is a foolish one, completely and absolutely ludicrous."

[Morcleon]

I mainly prefer reading and learning stuff.
Shantelle replies, absentmindedly rubbing her eye patched-covered eye.

Tokiwadai

"Mm... that's cool too." Shizuka grins, fidgeting around. "Um... I hope this isn't too personal... b-but could I ask what happened to your eye?"

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai

"Mm... that's cool too." Shizuka grins, fidgeting around. "Um... I hope this isn't too personal... b-but could I ask what happened to your eye?"

I'll tell you. My ability is Razor Mirror: I'm basically a glass kineticist. During early power training, I accidentally imbedded a glass shard in my eye. It... wasn't the most joyful experience I've ever had, that's for sure.
Shantelle replies.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Onizuka

Shellie tries not to stare at the unidentified fourth person in the room. He appears to be staring off into space, even when he's talking directly to someone, but given how strange everything looks lately, Shellie might just be imagining things.


"I assure you Ishimaru-san, your eyes look nothing like emeralds."

"Hah!"


"Emeralds are usually much cloudier and have little to no emotion inside of them, due to their lack of 'substance', and 'personality'."

"...uhh."

It's hard to tell whether he's making fun of miss, 'I don't make friends,' or trying to compliment her.

[Anyr]

Onizuka

"I assure you Ishimaru-san, your eyes look nothing like emeralds. Emeralds are usually much cloudier and have little to no emotion inside of them, due to their lack of 'substance', and 'personality'."

He paused, momentarily, staring blankly at the newcomer for a moment before turning back towards Moroe. "Your eyes are in fact, incapable of being emeralds, as they are two living pieces of tissue that will dissolve over time into nothingness, filled with water and can easily be destroyed. The idea of 'eyes as tangible objects' is a foolish one, completely and absolutely ludicrous."

Surprisingly, The edges of Moroe's mouth curved slightly upwards. Her stern aura faded abruptly as she turned to look behind her.

"I think it's more a reference to the colour, Hajime; Not refractive index or solidity. But yes, you're right. The eyes are just another pair of sensory organs. Useful for reading someone, sure; But 'windows to the soul'? Ridiculous. If you want to truly know a person, you've got to look a lot deeper than that."

For a long moment, Moroe's own eyes silently met those of her companion. There was a depth to the gesture which seemed really out of place. Even strangers might be able to sense something profound in the air.

"See me. Don't just look at my face. See me."

And then it was gone. Moroe turned back to Eli as if nothing had happened, and addressed him with a voice once again filled with annoyance.

[So, do you have any other questions while I'm here?]


Kyosuke continues to roll with the punches, dodging when able though each one that lands seems to phase him little. "Very well. Thank you for confirming I can go all out then." he mutters after sliding back with the last hit, grimacing a little in pain finally. He brings the metal tube to bear on his assailant, a mighty blast of electrical force speeding off in front of him.

"Too obvious!"

Katashi suddenly shot 20 feet sideways, in total defiance of the laws of momentum. He didn't slow down, curve or even turn his body. It was like he was a pinball that had hit an invisible bumper. He proceeded to make three more 90 degree mid-air turns, until he'd circled (or rather 'squared') behind Kyosuke. Then he spun himself around and charged again, this time from the opposite direction.

"Dude, that attack was so telegraphed it practically sent out invitations. You gotta be more subtle!"

[Morcleon]

I'll tell you. My ability is Razor Mirror: I'm basically a glass kineticist. During early power training, I accidentally imbedded a glass shard in my eye. It... wasn't the most joyful experience I've ever had, that's for sure.
Shantelle replies.

Tokiwadai

Shizuka winces. "Ouch. Maybe you could find someone who can regenerate body parts? I'm sure there's someone around here... my ability is Musical Resonance, control over sound waves, essentially, so I'm probably not of much help."

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai

Shizuka winces. "Ouch. Maybe you could find someone who can regenerate body parts? I'm sure there's someone around here... my ability is Musical Resonance, control over sound waves, essentially, so I'm probably not of much help."

I actually prefer it this way. It serves to me as a reminder of the results careless use of powers may result.
Shantelle replies.
Thank you for the concern, though, Shizuka.

[Tebryn]

"Too obvious!"

Katashi suddenly shot 20 feet sideways, in total defiance of the laws of momentum. He didn't slow down, curve or even turn his body. It was like he was a pinball that had hit an invisible bumper. He proceeded to make three more 90 degree mid-air turns, until he'd circled (or rather 'squared') behind Kyosuke. Then he spun himself around and charged again, this time from the opposite direction.

"Dude, that attack was so telegraphed it practically sent out invitations. You gotta be more subtle!"

Kyosuke watches the strange man zip about, tossing down a pair of large wheels onto the ground. He's quick to step onto them before rocketing into the air in a plume of fire as Katashi closes in. "Just needed some space. I didn't want to get my uniform wet." He calls out, a massive surge of water from the docks sweeping across the street.

[ImpSyndrome]

((Criminy, I need to pay better attention to this thread. It's moving fast...))


Moroe gave the proffered hand a look which could wither plants. It was clearly time to draw some boundaries.

[Okay, let's settle three important points. Number 1: I don't touch needlessly. You know how many germs are on the average human hand? Number 2: I don't make friends. They're more trouble than they're worth. Number 3: I do make associates. If you have a legitimate reason to approach me that doesn't involve touching, casual conversation, or comparisons between my eyes and perfect emeralds, then I might well help you out. Are we clear?]

Yikes. Eli's hand slowly withdraws under the girl's verbal onslaught; she certainly makes herself clear, but she uses some harsh words, regardless of her yet-unclear intentions. The bewildered American slouches his shoulders and timidly answers, "[OK, say no more. Geez...Sorry to waste your time...]" So much for making a friend. Oh well, at least he's registered for classes now; that's his first step toward becoming a psychic. The next step: learn conversational Japanese. Studying at this school is rapidly proving to be impossible otherwise.



Onizuka

"Hm?"

Shellie takes note of the other office stragglers. She doesn't recognize either of them, but then, she probably wouldn't even if she knew them both intimately.

"[Practicing your English?]"

Eli turns to the girl from earlier, the one he noticed earlier but did not approach. Thankfully, she seems fluent in English and, unlike his earlier company, eager to engage in passing conversation. "[Huh,]" he utters inquisitively, unsure of her meaning. It takes a moment to realize that she's referring to his taking notes on the registration form. Once he does connect those proverbial dots, he replies, "[Oh, that...No, more like practicing my Japanese than anything. I can't memorize any of these symbols for the life of me...I'd be completely stuck if it weren't for...for, um...Actually, could you give me a second?]" Whoops, Eli forgot to ever ask his escort's name. Maybe that's why she's acting so hostile. He turns toward her, seeing that she was just getting done speaking to her mostly-silent counterpart...


Moroe turned back to Eli as if nothing had happened, and addressed him with a voice once again filled with annoyance.

[So, do you have any other questions while I'm here?]

There's that unnecessarily harsh tone again; it takes some measure of patience and courage for Eli not to wince or recoil. He simply asks her, "[Uh...Could I at least ask your name? Please...?]" He would explain himself, but he gets the feeling that she wouldn't want to hear it unless it really matters.


"[I heard you filling out the forms. My name's Shellie. Welcome to Academy City! Based on your accent, I'd guess you're from...]"

...probably California, but she decides to go with the more amusing answer.

"[...Canada!]"

She didn't actually raise her voice, but she quickly looks a little self-conscious as though she'd just shouted it at the top of her lungs by mistake.

Once he's done speaking with the uptight girl, Eli will return his focus to the other English-speaking girl, who readily introduces herself as Shellie. A welcome change of attitude, for sure. "[Thanks,]" he'll reply. "[And no, I'm from the US. Just moved here about a month ago...Still learning the language...Oh, and my name's Eli. Nice to meet you.]" No handshake will be offered this time, as he'll still be on his guard after that hostile rebuttle earlier. It'll be nice to finally meet a friendly face, though, especially one that can understand him without too much effort.

[Hazuki]

Mop & Shantelle
Walking The Streets Towards District 6
["Ever since I was 5. My mother gave me a few books on the Roman Empire, and I've found the past a fascinating subject ever since then."]
Shantelle replies with a smile, returning the squeeze."[I do not know much about the Romans ... A great empire and dressed leather sandals, endowed with the right culture to become one of the most effective military cultures of the world has ever seen.]" Mop gives a shrug of her shoulders, looking over the people that they pass through, down at her feet, and up at the sky. ["All this fight ... it's not my thing."]

[Anyr]

Kyosuke watches the strange man zip about, tossing down a pair of large wheels onto the ground. He's quick to step onto them before rocketing into the air in a plume of fire as Katashi closes in. "Just needed some space. I didn't want to get my uniform wet." He calls out, a massive surge of water from the docks sweeping across the street.

For the first time, Katashi hesitated. He pulled himself to a halt and stared at the oncoming wall of water.

"Now see, that's not subtle at all."

When the water got too close, he leaped over it with seeming ease; But there was a trace of reluctance in the action. For one thing, it was a pretty small jump by his previous standards. Rather than shooting up into the sky after Kyosuke, Katashi only leapt the minimum height needed to clear the wave, before falling to Earth again. Was he getting tired? No, because he sent a seriously large crate flying towards Kyosuke as soon as he landed. Maybe he just didn't like heights...

"Iron skin, lightning, flight, and water control? Quite the bag of tricks you've got there. Which one's your ability? Or is it all tech?"


There's that unnecessarily harsh tone again; it takes some measure of patience and courage for Eli not to wince or recoil. He simply asks her, "[Uh...Could I at least ask your name? Please...?]" He would explain himself, but he gets the feeling that she wouldn't want to hear it unless it really matters.

legitimate business is fine. I'm happy to lend a metaphorical hand to someone in need.]

Funny, she didn't look happy...

[Arkhosia]

Mop & Shantelle
Walking The Streets Towards District 6"[I do not know much about the Romans ... A great empire and dressed leather sandals, endowed with the right culture to become one of the most effective military cultures of the world has ever seen.]" Mop gives a shrug of her shoulders, looking over the people that they pass through, down at her feet, and up at the sky. ["All this fight ... it's not my thing."]

[Same here, to be honest. Fighting... It's not something I like .]
Shantelle replies awkwardly.

[Tebryn]

For the first time, Katashi hesitated. He pulled himself to a halt and stared at the oncoming wall of water.

"Now see, that's not subtle at all."

When the water got too close, he leaped over it with seeming ease; But there was a trace of reluctance in the action. For one thing, it was a pretty small jump by his previous standards. Rather than shooting up into the sky after Kyosuke, Katashi only leapt the minimum height needed to clear the wave, before falling to Earth again. Was he getting tired? No, because he sent a seriously large crate flying towards Kyosuke as soon as he landed. Maybe he just didn't like heights...

"Iron skin, lightning, flight, and water control? Quite the bag of tricks you've got there. Which one's your ability? Or is it all tech?"

Kyosuke speeds back as the crate is hurled at him, the small metal tube snapping into a long staff. "You sure like to talk." he sighs, pointing at the swiftly receding water before another larger wave came crashing into the shore.

[Morcleon]

I actually prefer it this way. It serves to me as a reminder of the results careless use of powers may result.
Shantelle replies.
Thank you for the concern, though, Shizuka.

Tokiwadai

Shizuka smiles softly at her. "Ah, you're welcome. I suppose your way works too..."

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai

Shizuka smiles softly at her. "Ah, you're welcome. I suppose your way works too..."

Hey, maybe we could, I dunno, do something together?
Shantelle suggests, smiling back.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Onizuka - the Red, Green, Blue, and Teal text


Eli turns to the girl from earlier, the one he noticed earlier but did not approach. "[Huh? Oh, that...No, more like practicing my Japanese than anything. I can't memorize any of these symbols for the life of me...I'd be completely stuck if it weren't for...for, um... (Could I at least ask your name? Please...?)]"

""

"[Thanks, and no, I'm from the US. Just moved here about a month ago...[I]Still learning the language...Oh, and my name's Eli. Nice to meet you.]"

"[Hi, Eli. And yeah, the alphabet doesn't match up with the tune of, Twinkle, Twinkle, as well as the English one]," Shellie jokes. "Hi Moroe, Hajime."

She pauses for a moment, then decides to ask a question to the whole group, purposefully phrasing it so the non-native speaker can understand easily.

"'What are your plans for this afternoon?'"

[Anyr]

Kyosuke speeds back as the crate is hurled at him, the small metal tube snapping into a long staff. "You sure like to talk." he sighs, pointing at the swiftly receding water before another larger wave came crashing into the shore.

"If you wanna be good at talking, you've gotta stay in practice."

The new wave too was easily surmounted by Katashi. But like last time, there was that sense of reluctance. Despite being capable of reaching Kyosuke's altitude, he once again returned to ground level.

"Okay, you've had your fun. Get back down here so we can finish this!"

The wheels on Kyosuke's feet would suddenly have a lot more trouble staying aloft. Katashi was clearly using his power to pull them (and only them) down towards him.


"Hi Moroe, Hajime."

"Ishimaru-san."


She pauses for a moment, then decides to ask a question to the whole group, purposefully phrasing it so the non-native speaker can understand easily.

"'What are your plans for this afternoon?'"

"Same as always: Make it home without getting entangled in someone else's problems. As usual, it's not going well."

[Tebryn]

"If you wanna be good at talking, you've gotta stay in practice."

The new wave too was easily surmounted by Katashi. But like last time, there was that sense of reluctance. Despite being capable of reaching Kyosuke's altitude, he once again returned to ground level.

"Okay, you've had your fun. Get back down here so we can finish this!"

The wheels on Kyosuke's feet would suddenly have a lot more trouble staying aloft. Katashi was clearly using his power to pull them (and only them) down towards him.


Kyosuke blinks feeling his Wind Fire Wheels tugged out from beneath him, pointing the metal staff at his opponent. "As you wish." he offers, keeping firm on his mode of transportation as he readied his staff. Powerful plumes of lava swiftly appeared over their chosen battlefield, raining down on Katashi and the flooded streets below.

[AnimeKid]

Kin sometimes wondered what Crocell was thinking when he acted like that. He was usually such a cool, respectable role model. But every so often he got this really strong stutter, and seemed to lose control of his limbs. Ah well, it was none of her business. Besides, he became so wonderfully toasty at times like this. It was like standing next to a roaring fire.

"An excellent plan, dear sir. Let us depart!"


Crocell, having gotten himself under control now, led the way away from the gates of Tokiwadai. As he led Kin along he wondered what might be happening in Tokiwadai. Kin was a bit of an odd bird and that definitely put a target on her for bullying. Though the girls of Tokiwadai probably perfected the art of subtle bullying lest the teachers and staff get onto them about dishonoring the school name. As he was brought out of his thoughts he realized that the were in front of the Pâtisserie already! He must have really been thinking.

Leading the way inside he got in line with Kin. Looking over at her he smiled, something he usually only did for her and a few other friends. "You can go ahead and grab a seat if you want. I'll pay this time. Do you want your usual?"

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Ishimaru-san."

Her plans: "Same as always: Make it home without getting entangled in someone else's problems. As usual, it's not going well."

"Ishimaru-San. Sorry." Shellie smiles and laughs quietly. She keeps forgetting how rude it sounds to jump straight to talking to someone in the familiar like that. "I guess I'm better at making friends than at making, ['acquaintances.']"

"How about - "

She pauses, suddenly confused about something. She opens to mouth to to speak again, but then stops, takes off her headphones and tilts her head, her forehead wrinkled in thought.

A sound, like a wave crashing in the distance, but... bigger, somehow. More sudden, standing out from most of the background noise.

What was that?

She shakes her head and puts her headphones back on. Whatever it was, it's stopped now. Probably nothing. A toilet flushing, in the next building over. Yeah, let's go with that.

"Sorry, I thought I heard something. What were your plans, 'Eli-san?'"

[Morcleon]

Hey, maybe we could, I dunno, do something together?
Shantelle suggests, smiling back.

Tokiwadai

"Ah..." Shizuka blinks at her, then nods. She smiles happily. "Yes, that would be nice..."

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai

"Ah..." Shizuka blinks at her, then nods. She smiles happily. "Yes, that would be nice..."

Cool! So... any ideas?
Shantelle asks awkwardly.

[Terry576]

Hajime pauses, staring at blankly at the person calling his name for a moment, before his eyes flicker away, moving towards Ishimaru Moroe instead.

"Technically speaking, we can leave at any time Ishimaru-san. Someone else can easily take over from here, leaving you to walk away whenever you please."

Silver eyes filled with 'nothing' are looking at Ishimaru as Hajime speaks, and he is simply a blank canvas on this place we call 'reality'. An empty slate of nothingness that cannot be ignored, but it cannot be acknowledge either. That is the 'existence' of Shizuo Hajime.

[Anyr]

Crocell, having gotten himself under control now, led the way away from the gates of Tokiwadai. As he led Kin along he wondered what might be happening in Tokiwadai. Kin was a bit of an odd bird and that definitely put a target on her for bullying. Though the girls of Tokiwadai probably perfected the art of subtle bullying lest the teachers and staff get onto them about dishonoring the school name. As he was brought out of his thoughts he realized that the were in front of the Pâtisserie already! He must have really been thinking.

Leading the way inside he got in line with Kin. Looking over at her he smiled, something he usually only did for her and a few other friends. "You can go ahead and grab a seat if you want. I'll pay this time. Do you want your usual?"

"Yes please; Plus one surprise. Find something I've never tried before, and mix it in with the rest. Remember, complacency kills!"

Kin put a lot of gravity into that last sentence. She had a habit of finding major life lessons in the most mundane of activities. Put the writings of Socrates in front of her, and she'd doze off; But a muffin? That could spark the creation of an entire philosophy. Spinning merrily across the room, Kin managed to snag her favourite table just before someone else grabbed it. This formerly rotten day was brightening at record pace.


Hajime pauses, staring at blankly at the person calling his name for a moment, before his eyes flicker away, moving towards Ishimaru Moroe instead.

"Technically speaking, we can leave at any time Ishimaru-san. Someone else can easily take over from here, leaving you to walk away whenever you please."

Hajime did have a point. Now that the newcomer had met a fellow westerner, Moroe wasn't really needed any more. Best to check, though, just in case.

[Anyway, my work here seems to be done. Unless there's anything else, Hajime and I are going to escape while we still can. Is there anything else?]

The question was addressed to the room in general. Despite the undercurrent of snark, it was a genuine enquiry. If Eli or Shellie really did have other business with her, she was quite willing to listen.

[ImpSyndrome]

[ONIZUKA, ADMISSIONS OFFICE]

"Legitimate business", the girl named Moroe claims. Part of Eli wonders if the aid she has lent him so far falls under that category, given how irritable she seems now. Anyway, following the example of Shellie's salutation and Moroe's correction, he says, "[Well, uh...] Nice to meet you, Mor...Er, Ishimaru-san." His Japanese is still very sloppy, but the others should at least be able to understand this much from him. In regards to her inquiry about further aid, he answers, "[No, I'm all set now, but thanks again for the help...Sorry to drag you all the way here...]"

Shellie and Moroe talk a bit among themselves in Japanese; Eli makes a note to try harder to learn the language, as only being able to pick out a few common words from their exchange worries him. Eventually, the former asks him a question, but he doesn't quite understand it. "[Uh...What, sorry? I didn't...Rrrgh, this is so frustrating...]"

[Morcleon]

Cool! So... any ideas?
Shantelle asks awkwardly.

Tokiwadai

"Um..." Shizuka fidgets about, biting her lip. "Oh! There's a little cafe a few blocks away with a bookstore attached. Would you like to go there with me?"

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai

"Um..." Shizuka fidgets about, biting her lip. "Oh! There's a little cafe a few blocks away with a bookstore attached. Would you like to go there with me?"

Sure!
Shantelle replies, smiling.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

ONIZUKA OFFICES


"[Nice to meet you, Mor...Er, Ishimaru-san. No, I'm all set now, but thanks again for the help...Sorry to drag you all the way here...]"

Shellie and Moroe talk a bit among themselves in Japanese; Eli makes a note to try harder to learn the language, as only being able to pick out a few common words from their exchange worries him. Eventually, the former asks him a question, but he doesn't quite understand it. "[Uh...What, sorry? I didn't...Rrrgh, this is so frustrating...]"

Shellie reacts with a concerned expression. Eli's Japanese really does suck, even if her little episode may have thrown him off. How is he going to keep up in class at this rate?

"[I was asking what you were doing this afternoon. Where are you staying?]"

She holds Ishimaru's, 'see you later,' until the sarcastic lass is actually on her way out.

[Morcleon]

Sure!
Shantelle replies, smiling.

Tokiwadai

Shizuka nods emphatically. "Alright, follow me!"

She waits for Shantelle to pack her things, then starts to head for the cafe.

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai

Shizuka nods emphatically. "Alright, follow me!"

She waits for Shantelle to pack her things, then starts to head for the cafe.

Shantelle packs up quickly, and off they go! :smallbiggrin:

[Anyr]

Kyosuke blinks feeling his Wind Fire Wheels tugged out from beneath him, pointing the metal staff at his opponent. "As you wish." he offers, keeping firm on his mode of transportation as he readied his staff. Powerful plumes of lava swiftly appeared over their chosen battlefield, raining down on Katashi and the flooded streets below.

{OOC: Apologies for the delay.}

"You have got to be kidding..."

Lava in films and games tends to be a purely tactile danger: It only hurts when you touch it. Real lava, on the other hand, isn't so generous. Just being near a fresh flow could boil someone alive. Thanks to the temperature sensors on his visor, Katashi was well aware of this fact. In the limited time available, he surveyed his options.

Run? He'd still get burned. Dive underwater? The kid would electrify it. Hide in a crate? Fish in a barrel. No choice, then. He'd have to bluff his way out. Putting on a (false) expression of supreme triumph, Katashi opened his arms to welcome the oncoming lava. His survival depended on him looking as impressive as possible during the next few seconds.

"USELESS!"

For a moment, all the lava seemed to pause in mid-air: And then it exploded. A massive hemispherical shockwave erupted from the visored Esper, sending crates and lava alike exploding outwards; And possibly reversing Kyosuke's attack back at him. From the untouched centre of this devastation, Katashi grinned up at his opponent.

"Hey kid, that lava is really something! For a second there, you almost made me get serious! Know what: It'd be a real shame to just kill someone with potential like yours. What say we call it quits for today, and give you some more time to practise? I'd love to finish this with you at your peak, instead of axing you early! Deal?"

Everything about Katashi's performance was designed to give Kyosuke a false impression of his power. He needed it to seem like such a shockwave was nothing to him; And that continuing this fight was a foolish risk for Kyosuke. Because beneath that unconcerned grin, Katashi was actually powerless right now. Releasing his limiters that far had temporarily disabled his ability. It was time to see just how convincing he could really be...


"[No, I'm all set now, but thanks again for the help...Sorry to drag you all the way here...]"

[It's fine. Unlike most of the morons who bother me, you had a good reason. See you in class, maybe.]

By Moroe's standards, that was actually quite a warm farewell. Giving a final nod to those present, she departed. Soon enough she was outside again, with her long leather coat blowing in the wind. She glanced back at her constant companion.

"Right, let's finally head home. Unless there's somewhere else you'd like to go?"

Moroe made sure to ask Hajime a lot of questions like that; Useless as they usually were. Getting him to value his own desires above hers was like pushing a twenty-ton boulder uphill in the rain.

[Terry576]

Hajime said nothing for a time, waiting until the laughter and voices of their clfassmates began to slowly die away, fading off into the distance.

"No, Master. I am perfectly content with heading back to the apartment, as it is an acceptable way to spend the time. What would you like me to do when we arrive? I could begin preparation for dinner, or perhaps polish our equipment."

Everyday, it was the same for Ishimaru Moroe and Hajime. "What would you like to do?" "Nothing. What would you like me to do?"

[Anyr]

"'Acceptable'. I don't want you to live an 'acceptable' life. I want you to live a good one. You deserve better than this."

Moroe thought a lot of Hajime. He was just about the only good thing in her life right now. She was grateful to have have him as a...Something. Friend? Subordinate? Student? Possession? Who knows. Their relationship was seriously messed up. Regardless, she felt responsible for him. And she couldn't help feeling that she was letting him down.

Suddenly, Moroe halted in mid-step. She'd made a decision.

"Know what? We're not going home. We're going to go out and do something. Visit an arcade, maybe. I'll probably hate it, but we're going anyway; For your sake."

And so they left for parts unknown; Or possibly just somewhere halfway down the street. Moroe hadn't decided yet.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

For a moment, all the lava seemed to pause in mid-air.

[It's fine. Unlike most of the morons who bother me, you had a good reason. See you in class, maybe.][/color]

"Uh huh. [See you.]" She leaves the duo to it and continues her conversation with Eli.


...and then it exploded.

Shellie suddenly blinks and pulls off her headphones, frustrated. "[Okay, I don't know where it came from, but that time I know I heard something. Did you hear that? Anything like, I don't know, fireworks?]"

Of course, it's too far away for that to be possible, and there's too much going on in the constant hum of the city for Shellie to even try to investigate further. Footsteps, buses, actual toilets flushing, the monotone mumble of humanity talking...


"No, Master. I am perfectly content with heading back to the apartment, as it is an acceptable way to spend the time.What would you like me to do when we arrive? I could begin preparation for dinner, or perhaps polish our equipment."

"'Acceptable'. I don't want you to live an 'acceptable' life, I want you to live a good one. You deserve better than this... Know what? We're not going home. We're going to go out and do something. Visit an arcade, maybe. I'll probably hate it, but we're going anyway."

...well, that's kind of weird, yet hilarious.

"Hmm. [Come on.]" Assuming Eli doesn't have anything better to do, (and probably even if he does, since he can't be trusted to navigate his own way anywhere at this stage) Shellie leads him outside to catch up with the other two.

[ImpSyndrome]

ONIZUKA OFFICES

Shellie reacts with a concerned expression. Eli's Japanese really does suck, even if her little episode may have thrown him off. How is he going to keep up in class at this rate?

""

"[Oh, OK,]" Eli replies. "[Uh...I didn't really have any plans. I was just gonna go back home and get some stuff together for when I start classes...Oh, that reminds me: I need to check-...Wait, what was that?]" He stops himself halfway through his answer and tunes out a bit, his attention diverted by a distant but distinctive bursting sound somewhere outside.


Shellie suddenly blinks and pulls off her headphones, frustrated. "[Okay, I don't know where it came from, but that time I [i]know I heard something. Did you hear that? Anything like, I don't know, fireworks?]"

"[You heard it too,]" Eli asks rhetorically. "[OK...Not sure if I should be comforted or worried by that...Is this kind of stuff normal in Academy City?]"


"Hmm. [Come on.]" Assuming Eli doesn't have anything better to do, (and probably even if he does, since he can't be trusted to navigate his own way anywhere at this stage) Shellie leads him outside to catch up with the other two.

"[Huh? Hey, wait whoawhoawhoawhoawhoa-!!]" Eli is pulled along by his sleeve with Shellie as she goes rushing out of the school, almost as if she's chasing someone. He tries to stitch together a frantic protest, but his gargle-mesh of English and broken Japanese makes no sense at all, and his guide may not even pay him any attention.

((I know you didn't expressly say that she was pulling him with, but I thought it'd be more comical if he was being physically led on. Feel free to disregard, though.))

[Morcleon]

Shantelle packs up quickly, and off they go! :smallbiggrin:

Tokiwadai - Cafe

"Here we are." Shizuka smile at Shantelle and leads them inside the building labeled Bittersweet's Cafe. It's a rather small cafe, but decorated very lovingly in an assortment of flowers and pastel colors.

A cheery girl with a cat ear headband pops out and waves at them. "Hello~! Welcome to Bittersweet's! Would you two like a seat?"

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai - Cafe

"Here we are." Shizuka smile at Shantelle and leads them inside the building labeled Bittersweet's Cafe. It's a rather small cafe, but decorated very lovingly in an assortment of flowers and pastel colors.

A cheery girl with a cat ear headband pops out and waves at them. "Hello~! Welcome to Bittersweet's! Would you two like a seat?"

Chantelle nods, raising an eyebrow at the cat ears

[Morcleon]

Chantelle nods, raising an eyebrow at the cat ears

Tokiwadai

"Okii~! Follow me!" Their waitress bounds off, leading them to a small table. "And what can I get each of you?"

Shizuka sits down, smiling. "Ah, I'll just have a cup of blackberry tea, please."

[Terry576]

"Very well, Master. Where would you like to go? There are five arcades, seven cafes, three parks, and an amusement park within a travel time of under fifteen minutes. If we spend two to three hours at one of them, then when we return to the apartment there is still for us to clean the equipment before finishing your schoolwork and then retiring."

Hajime's blank face stared at Ishimaru - not uncomprehendingly, for he clearly understood what she said - but not curiously either. It was just a 'face', with no emotion at all. Is that what it meant for Ishimaru Moroe to have a hold over Shizuo Hajime? Or is the entire concept of 'master' and warped companionship the two hold something entirely different?

[Anyr]

Moroe could feel her blood pressure rising as Hajime recited his list of destinations. She almost gave up then and there. But no, she refused to be beaten by his unrelenting thoughtfulness.

"...Thanks, Hajime. I'll leave the choice of arcade to you. Lead on."

She could practically see the wheels turning in his mind. No doubt he had a set of heuristics for selecting the arcade most suited for her: Taking into account such things as game selection, average crowd density, and defensibility in the event of a gunfight. She wouldn't have been at all surprised to find that he'd already picked one out weeks in advance, just in case she ever asked. How was it possible for someone to be so helpful, and yet so incredibly frustrating?

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"[You...? Oh, no, that one just sounded like a door. Ow ow ow.]"

Shellie pulls her headphones back on as she and Eli reach the door. They're probably within earshot of Team Serious Business at this point, but the groups aren't necessarily paying attention to each other. At least, not overtly.

"[Sorry, I didn't mean to cause a panic. I had some medical complications last year and hearing's been all... gwrrrlglfsst.]" She decides not go into more detail about that. It's a slippery slope to describing how, to her, Eli looks like a flaming orange creamsicle against the backdrop of green snow outside.

"[Anyway. Did you say you needed to go check on something? Because I was thinking of going to an arcade.]"

[Terry576]

Moroe thought correctly - Hajime had gone through every nearby destination and rated them in those terms - fun, defensibility, and crowd density. Hajime was well aware of the discomfort Ishimaru Moroe felt in larger crowds, and so immediately discarded two of the five nearby arcades - the two largest ones, naturally. That was where the majority of students who were in the habit of 'going to the arcade' went, and Hajime had assumed Moroe would rather not be caught unawares by either a crowd or an enemy.

Civilian casualties were so hard to explain when they happened in broad daylight.

Hajime turned on a corner, then walked straight to a fountain, before turning left, entering a more secluded area of the district. The nearest arcades that would have the preferred density at this time would be Jii's Arcade Fun Complex and Radcade - nobody really went to either of them that much. However, Jii's was designed more in terms of a gunfight compared to Radcade; Jii was a member of Anti-Skill, after all, and being caught off guard would be awful for anyone.

Jii's Arcade Fun Complex was, for lack of a better word, brooding. Jii played music he liked the entire time - so upon entering, a wave of static-filled jazz music washed over you. The entire place was dark colors and dark cabinets; you had to enter any of the available arcade cabinets in order to play, and all of them were perfect for cover during a firefight. A scattering of tables and pillars round around the floor, and Jii himself leaned over a bar, his eyes flickering this way and that as he smoked a cigar like it had wronged him in a way. Jii was an older man, about fifty, with hair that was starting to gray, a shabby suit, and scars criss-crossing over the backs of his hands. Hajime had found out enough about the man to deem him - well, not exactly 'trustworthy', but 'able to be near Ishimaru Moroe without having to be on guard."

"Here we are Master. Jii's Arcade Fun Complex is the optimum arcade to use at this time, as well as being the most defensible and least likely to be attacked during hours of operation." Hajime said all of this with a flat tone, not exactly 'bored', for that would imply that any 'emotion' entered his voice while he said it. He held open the door for Moroe while he continued to speak. "The proprietor is a member of Anti-Skill, a veteran of at least two wars, and carries two firearms on him at all times. The chances of this location being attacked at any given moment are extremely unlikely, compared to the other locations for activities nearby this area."

[Anyr]

"It's great, Hajime; As usual. And remember, I'm 'Ishimaru-san' out here."

Moroe barely knew what she was trying to accomplish here. It was hard to believe that this gloomy place held the secret to helping Hajime. Maybe she should have sat on a park bench with him and watched the sunset instead. Ah well, no harm in looking around now that they were here. That way Moroe could at least tell herself that she'd tried. With an encouraging sweep of the arm, she gestured to the various machines on display.

"Now, I want you to pick the game that you'd most like to play; And I do mean you here. Not 'the game best suited for Ishimaru-san, based on an insanely detailed understanding of her preferences'. Understand?"

[AnimeKid]

Onizuka

Scarlett nods, turning to Tobio
Perfectly fine! I'm Scarlett, glad to meet you!
The girl offers a hand.

Tobio blushed, bowing his head so that his hair hid his eyes. He slowly extended his hand forward and clasped her's. He shook it with surprising gentleness that seemed to belay his strength. As he seperated his hand from hers he spoke, "W-Well thats g-good at least. S-Still, what were you in s-s-such a hurry f-for?"


"Yes please; Plus one surprise. Find something I've never tried before, and mix it in with the rest. Remember, complacency kills!"

Kin put a lot of gravity into that last sentence. She had a habit of finding major life lessons in the most mundane of activities. Put the writings of Socrates in front of her, and she'd doze off; But a muffin? That could spark the creation of an entire philosophy. Spinning merrily across the room, Kin managed to snag her favourite table just before someone else grabbed it. This formerly rotten day was brightening at record pace.


Crocell nodded as he got her the usual sweets she went for. He also got himself some caramel cinnamon rolls, a few powered donuts, and white chocolate chip cookies. As for a surprise for Kin...Ah! Looking at the menu Crocell had an idea. Their seasonal fruit tarts were pretty good and now they had passion fruit in! passion fruit was amazing and he was sure Kin would like it, and that she hadn't had it before. Grabbing a couple of passion fruit tarts for Kin and himself went to the table that Kin had picked out and set down the spread.

[Arkhosia]

Onizuka (Has Great Teachers)

Why, to get out of school and go exploiting the city of course!
Scarlett replies with cheerfulness.
Wanna explore with me?

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai

"Okii~! Follow me!" Their waitress bounds off, leading them to a small table. "And what can I get each of you?"

Shizuka sits down, smiling. "Ah, I'll just have a cup of blackberry tea, please."

A [coffee] please!
(Coffee is spoken in French)
Shantelle asks, smiling slightly.

Hey, Shizuoka, do you know why she's wearing a cat ear headband?
Shantelle asks after the waitress is out of earshot.

[Morcleon]

A [coffee] please!
(Coffee is spoken in French)
Shantelle asks, smiling slightly.

Hey, Shizuoka, do you know why she's wearing a cat ear headband?
Shantelle asks after the waitress is out of earshot.

Tokiwadai - Cafe

The waitress nods and walks away to get their order. Shizuka shrugs. "It's all a part of their theme, I think. All of the waitresses have them."

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai - Cafe

The waitress nods and walks away to get their order. Shizuka shrugs. "It's all a part of their theme, I think. All of the waitresses have them."

Shantelle nods understandingly.
Thst makes sense

[Morcleon]

Shantelle nods understandingly.
Thst makes sense

Tokiwadai - Cafe

"I think it's a nice touch. The entire place is cat-themed." Shizuka grins, gesturing about. "So what did you order?"

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai - Cafe

"I think it's a nice touch. The entire place is cat-themed." Shizuka grins, gesturing about. "So what did you order?"

I'm afraid I don't know the Japanese translation.
Shantelle replies, embarrassed.
... How did I not notice the cat theme?
She asks rhetorically.

[Terry576]

"Very well, Ishimaru-san."

He stared at the booths around him. Naturally, there was always a 'way' to get around Ishimaru Moroe's commands to develop something for himself. He had a very good grasp on her preferences; and he had accustomed himself to her random decisions of 'developing his own persona'. It was unlikely to ever truly happen, but he appreciated the effort.

There was one booth, that was in between either of two spectrums of Ishimaru Moroe's 'hatred' and 'enjoyment' of arcades. A simple, idle game, that would not take much time to finish, nor much time to even complete - an old copy of House of the Dead 8 or 9, a black booth with a gothic, leering skull on the front. He held open the curtain for her, nodding, almost like he was detached from the situation. "After you, Ishimaru-san. I look forward to playing with you."

[Morcleon]

I'm afraid I don't know the Japanese translation.
Shantelle replies, embarrassed.
... How did I not notice the cat theme?
She asks rhetorically.

Tokiwadai - Cafe

"Oh..." Shizuka hums softly, then looks up. "Ah, maybe you could describe it to me?"

"And the cat theme is a bit subtle. Beyond the waitresses and waiters, and the food, it's really more of a stylistic thing."

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai - Cafe

"Oh..." Shizuka hums softly, then looks up. "Ah, maybe you could describe it to me?"

"And the cat theme is a bit subtle. Beyond the waitresses and waiters, and the food, it's really more of a stylistic thing."

Shantelle explains coffee to her!
Wonder how quickly it takes for her to figure it out. :smalltongue:
Ah, I see.

[Morcleon]

Shantelle explains coffee to her!
Wonder how quickly it takes for her to figure it out. :smalltongue:
Ah, I see.

Tokiwadai - Cafe

"Dark brown or black? Very strong taste? Can be made in many different ways?" Shizuka fidgets around, thinking aloud. Their waitress comes back with a tray and two cups. For Shizuka, a cup of tea, and for Shantelle, a cup of-

"...coffee." She sighs, chuckling slightly. "I really should have thought of that earlier."

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai - Cafe

"Dark brown or black? Very strong taste? Can be made in many different ways?" Shizuka fidgets around, thinking aloud. Their waitress comes back with a tray and two cups. For Shizuka, a cup of tea, and for Shantelle, a cup of-

"...coffee." She sighs, chuckling slightly. "I really should have thought of that earlier."

Thank you, miss.
Shantelle says to the waitress, and chuckles.
It happens.[/COLOR]

[Anyr]

Crocell nodded as he got her the usual sweets she went for. He also got himself some caramel cinnamon rolls, a few powered donuts, and white chocolate chip cookies. As for a surprise for Kin...Ah! Looking at the menu Crocell had an idea. Their seasonal fruit tarts were pretty good and now they had passion fruit in! passion fruit was amazing and he was sure Kin would like it, and that she hadn't had it before. Grabbing a couple of passion fruit tarts for Kin and himself went to the table that Kin had picked out and set down the spread.

"Itadakimasu!"

That was Kin's token nod to the concept of table manners. No sooner had the word had left her lips, when said lips were filled with the first of many sugary treats. She proceeded to devour the offered delights with a ravenousness that would put most hyenas to shame. When in the company of Crocell and other good friends, there was no need to stand on ceremony. At times like this, Kin took great pleasure in ignoring all the ladylike eating habits which had been drilled into her since childhood.

The only exception was the fruit tarts which Crocell had bought for her. They alone were spared from the sugary massacre. Only when the rest of the table was clear (save for crumbs) would Kin turn her appetite to them. Like each new thing she tried, the tarts would receive her full and undivided attention. In the meantime, though, there was reckless devouring to be done.

"So *gnarf*, how's Judgement treating you *sshlurp* these days? Saved any more *Chlump* innocent lives lately?"


"Very well, Ishimaru-san."

He stared at the booths around him. Naturally, there was always a 'way' to get around Ishimaru Moroe's commands to develop something for himself. He had a very good grasp on her preferences; and he had accustomed himself to her random decisions of 'developing his own persona'. It was unlikely to ever truly happen, but he appreciated the effort.

There was one booth, that was in between either of two spectrums of Ishimaru Moroe's 'hatred' and 'enjoyment' of arcades. A simple, idle game, that would not take much time to finish, nor much time to even complete - an old copy of House of the Dead 8 or 9, a black booth with a gothic, leering skull on the front. He held open the curtain for her, nodding, almost like he was detached from the situation. "After you, Ishimaru-san. I look forward to playing with you."

Moroe regarded the booth with two healthy spoonfuls of scepticism. As usual, Hajime was completely missing the point; Or rather, deliberately swerving around the point with trained precision.

"You prefer gun games Hajime? How convenient. It seems as if we share the same tastes; Yet again."

Moroe's problem with most games was simple: The skills learnt within them didn't translate to real life. Someone could spend years mastering combos in Blazblue, and yet be totally helpless against a simple mugger. Games like House of the Dead, on the other hand, did at least give a passing nod to reality. They put something vaguely resembling a gun in the player's hand, and asked them to actually aim it and pull the trigger. That sort of activity might conceivably imbue someone with some (very slight) edge in an actual gunfight; Maybe.

With a resigned sigh, Moroe stepped inside the booth and picked up a pseudo-gun. In the absence of a 'child soldier' difficulty setting, Moroe settled for the hardest available: Which, as it turned out, required just enough concentration to stop her from falling asleep. She continued to converse with Hajime throughout the continuous string of headshots.

"...and I don't understand why you keep fighting me on this. It's not as if I'm asking you to leave me or anything. We can still stay together after you've got a shiny new soul. Are you afraid that having a favourite type of ice-cream will somehow lower your efficiency?"

[Terry576]

"Yes Ishimaru-san, I never knew that you enjoyed gun games. I am indeed quite surprised by this development." If Moroe wasn't so sure that Hajime had no concept of sarcasm, she would have sworn he was being sarcastic. Anyone else would have an amused glint in their eyes, a grin that said something like 'you caught me'. Hajime had nothing of the sort, merely that same empty blank look as he followed the girl inside, grabbing his own gun.

He was not as good as Moroe at the game; if anything he was almost noticeably inferior. Hajime didn't use guns, he preferred to be in close, and the idea of shooting someone who was far away was anathema to the existence of Hajime.

"I am not fighting you, Ishimaru-san. I merely do not have a favorite. I find the idea of 'choosing one to be better then the rest'... confusing. Different in a way that I cannot describe to you, Ishimaru-san. There is no difference between one flavor to the next, or one game compared to another. All of them are, to me, the color 'grey'. Unassuming, not in the way, and completely without interest."

He suddenly fell silent, staring at the gun in his hand for a moment before returning to the game as he spoke, more then he'd said to Moroe in a single sitting in a while. "Imagine, Ishimaru-san, if I told you to 'pick a favorite shade of black'. You would tell me that 'every shade is the same', wouldn't you?"

[Anyr]

Moroe stayed silent for a long time after that. They were almost at the final boss by the time she spoke again.

"...Is that how you think of me, too? An arbitrary choice? Is 'master' just a label that got stuck on one of the many grey blobs around you? Say I picked out some random person on the street, and said 'They're your master now'. Would you care? Or is one master just as good as any other?"

She was barely looking at the screen any more. Her eyes were fixed intently on Hajime. The look she gave him was very ambiguous; And no wonder. Even Moroe herself didn't know what answer she wanted to hear.

[Morcleon]

Thank you, miss.
Shantelle says to the waitress, and chuckles.
It happens.

Tokiwadai - Cafe

"You're welcome, nya~!"

"Mrr... it was so obvious too..." Shizuka smiles back sheepishly and takes a sip of her tea. "Mm... their food is always very good. Go ahead, try yours."

[AnimeKid]

"Itadakimasu!"

That was Kin's token nod to the concept of table manners. No sooner had the word had left her lips, when said lips were filled with the first of many sugary treats. She proceeded to devour the offered delights with a ravenousness that would put most hyenas to shame. When in the company of Crocell and other good friends, there was no need to stand on ceremony. At times like this, Kin took great pleasure in ignoring all the ladylike eating habits which had been drilled into her since childhood.

The only exception was the fruit tarts which Crocell had bought for her. They alone were spared from the sugary massacre. Only when the rest of the table was clear (save for crumbs) would Kin turn her appetite to them. Like each new thing she tried, the tarts would receive her full and undivided attention. In the meantime, though, there was reckless devouring to be done.

"So *gnarf*, how's Judgement treating you *sshlurp* these days? Saved any more *Chlump* innocent lives lately?"



Crocell just smiled at Kin before he dug in as well, eating the sweets with a joyous smile on his face. He always did have a major sweet tooth. He was a little self-conscious of his ravenous consumption of sweets when he first hung out with Kin, but he then realized that the girl was just as bad as he was if not worse. So her loosened up a little. Hearing Kin's question in between mouthful's of food Crocell chuckled and swallowed the delicious pastries he had stuffed his mouth full of.

"Gee Kin, you make it sound like I'm some kind of super hero. But naw, it's been relatively quiet lately. SO people haven't needed to be saved, which it just fine with me. As for Judgement, we got a new guy a couple of weeks ago. He's a level 3, kinda spineless kid from Onizuka. He's got talent though, and his hearts in the right place. Just needs some confidence ya know?"


Onizuka (Has Great Teachers)

Why, to get out of school and go exploiting the city of course!
Scarlett replies with cheerfulness.
Wanna explore with me?

Tobio looked a little shocked at how casually she just invited him to hang out with her, by himself. In possibly in places there would not likely be other people. Blushing furiously Tobio shook his head rapidly like a dog trying to shake out it's fur. Pulling himself together he answered the girl.

"W-Well I guess I could g-go. At the very least y-you need someone w-who can go for help if you get in t-trouble. A-Actually since I'm part of Judgement I-I could just radio in if something b-bad happens."

[Terry576]

Hajime responded automatically, his words still empty of any sort of emotion or feeling.

"No. Ishimaru-san is a spot of color in an otherwise grey world. If I did not wish to be around you, I could simply leave. It is my choice to not do so, isn't it? I can choose to ignore your commands. I can choose to lie, cheat, steal, and any of the things that criminals do. But I do not; I have no reason or interest in doing so."

He stared at the screen with blank features and stood in silence for a moment as the final boss fell to the ground, the splattering of blood that appeared on the screen spelling out the words - "You Win!"

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai - Cafe

"You're welcome, nya~!"

"Mrr... it was so obvious too..." Shizuka smiles back sheepishly and takes a sip of her tea. "Mm... their food is always very good. Go ahead, try yours."

Shantelle sips her coffee!
What it tastes like, is up to you.
Hey, you could've done worse at guessing.

- - - Updated - - -

Onizuka

Alrighty then, let's go!

With that, Scarlett departs to explore, Tobio likely being dragged along!

[Morcleon]

Shantelle sips her coffee!
What it tastes like, is up to you.
Hey, you could've done worse at guessing.

Tokiwadai - Cafe

The coffee is rich, teeming with a slight hazelnut and vanilla flavor, yet still containing a hint of bitterness. It's also very warm.

"Mm... I guess so." Shizuka grins. "So how do you like your drink?"

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai - Cafe

The coffee is rich, teeming with a slight hazelnut and vanilla flavor, yet still containing a hint of bitterness. It's also very warm.

"Mm... I guess so." Shizuka grins. "So how do you like your drink?"

Shantelle sips the drink, quite liking it.
It's almost as if the waitress was psychic and knew how she liked her coffee brewed (which, knowing this place, she probably was)!
Perfect!
She replies sincerely

[Morcleon]

Shantelle sips the drink, quite liking it.
It's almost as if the waitress was psychic and knew how she liked her coffee brewed (which, knowing this place, she probably was)!
Perfect!
She replies sincerely

Tokiwadai - Cafe

"Good. I thought you'd enjoy this place." Shizuka smiles happily. "So could you tell me about your ability? What exactly can you do with it?"

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai - Cafe

"Good. I thought you'd enjoy this place." Shizuka smiles happily. "So could you tell me about your ability? What exactly can you do with it?"

Shantelle sets the cup down.
Well, I can manipulate glass like a telekinetic can manipulate almost any object. I am also able to change the color, reflectiveness, and opaqueness of glass.
It's not a very interesting ability
Shantelle replies.

[Morcleon]

Shantelle sets the cup down.
Well, I can manipulate glass like a telekinetic can manipulate almost any object. I am also able to change the color, reflectiveness, and opaqueness of glass.
It's not a very interesting ability
Shantelle replies.

Tokiwadai - Cafe

Shizuka nods slowly, staying silent for a few seconds. Then she looks up at Shantelle, smiling faintly. "I don't suppose you can modify the resonance frequency of glass? Like, by changing the density or composition of the glass?"

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai - Cafe

Shizuka nods slowly, staying silent for a few seconds. Then she looks up at Shantelle, smiling faintly. "I don't suppose you can modify the resonance frequency of glass? Like, by changing the density or composition of the glass?"

Theoretically yes. I've never tried before.
Shantelle replies, sipping her coffee casually and looking quite intrigued.

[Anyr]

"Gee Kin, you make it sound like I'm some kind of super hero. But naw, it's been relatively quiet lately. SO people haven't needed to be saved, which it just fine with me. As for Judgement, we got a new guy a couple of weeks ago. He's a level 3, kinda spineless kid from Onizuka. He's got talent though, and his hearts in the right place. Just needs some confidence ya know?"

"You fight for justice, save people's lives, and shoot fire from your limbs. Sounds like a super hero to me. As for gaining confidence, that's easier said than done. My sunny disposition certainly wouldn't last long if I was in Judgement."

Kin's smile briefly faltered. Thanks to an incident not long ago, She had first-hand experience of the sort of horrors which Judgement officers sometimes faced. Just the memory of that night was enough to jar her. A moment later, though, she'd gone back to munching on eclairs. A few of those did wonders in dispelling bad vibes.


Hajime responded automatically, his words still empty of any sort of emotion or feeling.

"No. Ishimaru-san is a spot of color in an otherwise grey world. If I did not wish to be around you, I could simply leave. It is my choice to not do so, isn't it? I can choose to ignore your commands. I can choose to lie, cheat, steal, and any of the things that criminals do. But I do not; I have no reason or interest in doing so."

He stared at the screen with blank features and stood in silence for a moment as the final boss fell to the ground, the splattering of blood that appeared on the screen spelling out the words - "You Win!"

"But WHY?! WHY do you want to stay with me? Don't you understand that I'm a worthless, horrible person?!"

Moroe froze. She hadn't meant to say that out loud. She gave an embarrassed cough, and turned hurriedly away from Hajime.

"Er, ignore that. L-let's just go."

Gathering up what little dignity she had left, Moroe made a beeline for the door. Wasn't this trip supposed to be about about awakening Hajime's emotions?

[ImpSyndrome]

"[You...? Oh, no, that one just sounded like a door. Ow ow ow.]"

Shellie pulls her headphones back on as she and Eli reach the door. They're probably within earshot of Team Serious Business at this point, but the groups aren't necessarily paying attention to each other. At least, not overtly.

"[Sorry, I didn't mean to cause a panic. I had some medical complications last year and hearing's been all... gwrrrlglfsst.]" She decides not go into more detail about that. It's a slippery slope to describing how, to her, Eli looks like a flaming orange creamsicle against the backdrop of green snow outside.

"[Anyway. Did you say you needed to go check on something? Because I was thinking of going to an arcade.]"
[ONIZUKA, Before leaving...]

"Huh?" Eli had no idea what "one" Shellie was talking about, as he only heard one sound. After a moment or two, though, a door slammed nearby, and he recognized it as a clearer version of the disturbance he had picked up earlier. "[Oh, yeah, that...Wait, so there was something else...?]" By this time, though, Eli was getting dragged out of the school and probably had no time to ask more about the other noise she'd heard... ((Phew, sorry about that.))

[Back in the present...]

Eli simply nods his head in acknowledgement of his companion's issue, clueless though he remains. When asked about his own agenda, though, he's reminded of an errand he needs to run, and he elaborates, "[Yeah, I need to head home and check for a package. I ordered one of those fancy 'translator collar' things, since I...well, since my Japanese royally sucks...I just hope they gave me the right size so I can wear it beneath my shirt; the tech is awesome, but the design makes you look like a complete tool when you're wearing it...]"

((Translator collar = Instant made-up language barrier hack...Because it's 30-year-futuristic tech, so why not?))

[Morcleon]

Theoretically yes. I've never tried before.
Shantelle replies, sipping her coffee casually and looking quite intrigued.

Tokiwadai - Cafe

"Well, if it does work, you could make glass shapes that I can make vibrate and create cool patterns and music!" Shizuka grins. "So, what do you think? Wanna try it sometime?"

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai - Cafe

"Well, if it does work, you could make glass shapes that I can make vibrate and create cool patterns and music!" Shizuka grins. "So, what do you think? Wanna try it sometime?"

Shantelle nods eagerly, smiling.
Sure! Why not?
She replies, sipping her coffee.

[Morcleon]

Shantelle nods eagerly, smiling.
Sure! Why not?
She replies, sipping her coffee.

Tokiwadai - Cafe

"Awesome!" Shizuka takes another slow drink from her tea, grinning. "Mm... maybe we can even put on a show or something. I could sing and you can do cool things with glass and create special effects and stuff."

[Tebryn]

{OOC: Apologies for the delay.}

"You have got to be kidding..."

Lava in films and games tends to be a purely tactile danger: It only hurts when you touch it. Real lava, on the other hand, isn't so generous. Just being near a fresh flow could boil someone alive. Thanks to the temperature sensors on his visor, Katashi was well aware of this fact. In the limited time available, he surveyed his options.

Run? He'd still get burned. Dive underwater? The kid would electrify it. Hide in a crate? Fish in a barrel. No choice, then. He'd have to bluff his way out. Putting on a (false) expression of supreme triumph, Katashi opened his arms to welcome the oncoming lava. His survival depended on him looking as impressive as possible during the next few seconds.

"USELESS!"

For a moment, all the lava seemed to pause in mid-air: And then it exploded. A massive hemispherical shockwave erupted from the visored Esper, sending crates and lava alike exploding outwards; And possibly reversing Kyosuke's attack back at him. From the untouched centre of this devastation, Katashi grinned up at his opponent.

"Hey kid, that lava is really something! For a second there, you almost made me get serious! Know what: It'd be a real shame to just kill someone with potential like yours. What say we call it quits for today, and give you some more time to practise? I'd love to finish this with you at your peak, instead of axing you early! Deal?"

Everything about Katashi's performance was designed to give Kyosuke a false impression of his power. He needed it to seem like such a shockwave was nothing to him; And that continuing this fight was a foolish risk for Kyosuke. Because beneath that unconcerned grin, Katashi was actually powerless right now. Releasing his limiters that far had temporarily disabled his ability. It was time to see just how convincing he could really be...


Kyosuke reels back at the explosion, weaving between globs of slowly cooling molten rock. He listens, motionless, to the other combatant's call for a truce before slowly moving to hover just off the ground. "No." he states simply, raising his staff before more molten earth floods towards the other man. "I gave you a way out, you refused. You can die forgotten. That is the price you pay for facing The Calamity."

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Onizuka Grounds

"[Yeah, I need to head home and check for a package. I ordered one of those fancy 'translator collar' things, since I...well, since my Japanese royally sucks...I just hope they gave me the right size so I can wear it beneath my shirt; the tech is awesome, but the design makes you look like a complete tool when you're wearing it...]"

Shellie immediately knows the ones he's talking about - an advanced translation program compressed into proprietary hardware and sold as an expensive fashion statement for tourists and hipsters. The main draw is that it can mask the wearer's voice sub-vocally and screen out incoming speech, creating the illusion that the translated vocalizations are coming from the human speakers rather than the electronic ones.

Of course, the translation isn't 100% perfect, and the voices never quite match up...

"[Ha! Well, it can't be much worse than the headsets some of people wear, with the eyepieces.]" She's lying. They're actually way worse. "[But, you'll probably be able to wean yourself off of it in... a year or two... I hope...]"

Shellie seems more serious for a moment. She wonders whether he'll actually stick around that long... but is it really appropriate to ask?

"[...well, alright, good luck anyway. I guess I'll see you tomorrow. Later!]"

- - - - -

Soonish

"Ishimaru-san is a spot of color in an otherwise grey world. If I did not wish to be around you, I could simply leave. It is my choice to not do so, isn't it? I can choose to ignore your commands. I can choose to lie, cheat, steal, and any of the things that criminals do. But I do not; I have no reason or interest in doing so."

Yes, Tieger followed Hajime and Ishimaru to Jii's arcade. To be fair, it was technically on her way home, if you ignore the fact that there was at least one stop for the underground between school and here that she could have taken. Shellie had considered the problem of hiding the fact of her flagrantly stalker-like behavior, but the blaring, crackly jazz and the smell of cigar smoke solved that much for her; she couldn't get any further than the doorway before quickly withdrawing to nurse her headache outside in the freezing cold. This was a terrible idea.


"But WHY?! WHY do you want to stay with me? Don't you understand that I'm a worthless, horrible person?!"

...huh.

Shellie hears Ishimaru excuse herself and start coming her way. She takes this as her cue to resume her detoured walk home, rather than risk having to deal with Moroe right this moment. Later, maybe.

[ImpSyndrome]

[ONIZUKA, JUST OUTSIDE]


Shellie immediately knows the ones he's talking about - an advanced translation program compressed into proprietary hardware and sold as an expensive fashion statement for tourists and hipsters. The main draw is that it can mask the wearer's voice sub-vocally and screen out incoming speech, creating the illusion that the translated vocalizations are coming from the human speakers rather than the electronic ones.

Of course, the translation isn't 100% perfect, and the voices never quite match up...

"[Ha! Well, it can't be much worse than the headsets some of people wear, with the eyepieces.]" She's lying. They're actually way worse. "[But, you'll probably be able to wean yourself off of it in... a year or two... I hope...]"

((Wouldn't 30-year-futuristic tech be more reliable than that? Or are we using the general "tech is as dumb as the people who make it" logic?))

"[No...no, actually, it's much...much worse,]" Eli responds. Surely Shellie has seen the ads somewhere; the commercial district especially likes to flaunt them for the benefit of tourists with fat wallets. The only way he and his family differs from them is that his father's employers offered to cover a portion of the cost as a business accommodation; really, there was no way they could afford one otherwise. (He doesn't realize that she's fibbing, probably to make him feel better about it.)

"[Oh, yeah, like I'm going to rely on that thing to teach me the language,]" he snarks at Shellie's follow-up. "[Not a chance. If anything, I'll be studying harder than ever so I don't have to wear it all the time...Except...ugh, studying...Someone, please just kill me now...]"


"[...well, alright, good luck anyway. I guess I'll see you tomorrow. Later!]"

Once all the joking is set aside, Shellie will take off, and Eli will bid her farewell as she makes for the arcade she mentioned. He himself will start heading for home, but when he puts his hands into his jacket pockets to warm them up, his one hand will brush up against the folded-up class schedule he's carrying, and the implication of succeeding in securing enrollment at Onizuka will finally strike him. He'll start grinning like a madman, and he won't go too far before pumping his fists up into the air and shouting for all of Academy City to hear:

"[I'm gonna be a freakin' PSYCHIC!! Whoooo!!]"

[Anyr]

In the corner of Katashi's visor, a counter slowly decreased; Far too slowly for his liking.

[Cooldown time remaining: 30 seconds]

"30 seconds?! It was 17 last time! Is a little consistency too much to ask?"


Kyosuke reels back at the explosion, weaving between globs of slowly cooling molten rock.

[23 seconds]

"I really want those wheels. Maybe the R&D guys have some in stock."


He listens, motionless, to the other combatant's call for a truce before slowly moving to hover just off the ground.

Inwardly, Katashi breathed a sigh of relief. Thank goodness this enemy was a good listener. If he'd ignored the speech and just attacked, Katashi would have been dead.

[11 seconds]

"Come on, just waste a leeeetle more time..."


"No." he states simply, raising his staff before more molten earth floods towards the other man. "I gave you a way out, you refused. You can die forgotten. That is the price you pay for facing The Calamity."

[5 seconds]

"Damn it!"

Well, so much for that bluff. Katashi's unconcerned facade immediately dissolved like wet paper. With no concern for his own dignity, he broke into a flat-out run.

[3 seconds]

"Not gonna make it."

He could already feel the heat on his back. A red glow suffused the area around him.

[2 seconds]

"Not gonna make it!"

Being on the edge of safety wasn't enough. Even if he escaped the boiling centre, drops of lava were raining down all around him. Why oh why had he skipped so many of those physical training courses?

[1 second]

"Not gonnamakeitnotgonnamakeitnotgAUUUGHH!"

The nerves in Katashi's right arm screamed in agony. He could feel the limb being eaten away by the stray splash which had hit it. An instant later, his left leg suffered the same fate. Overwhelmed by pain, Katashi stumbled, then fell...

[READY]

...and then surged forward like an unstable ballistic missile. The still-horizontal Katashi careened haphazardly out of the danger zone, spurred by a desperate activation of his ability. He was in too much pain to plot a route, or prevent himself from occasionally scraping against the rough ground. He just kept picking distant objects at random, and pulled himself towards them at dangerous speeds. In a mere handful of seconds, he'd have departed the battlefield. After that surge of speed, though, it was obvious that he wouldn't get far.

"You guys...had better...be waiting...to take me home..."

Should Kyosuke decide to pursue, he'd have little trouble finding the site where Katashi had eventually come to rest. However, the wounded Esper himself would be absent. In the distance, the sound of receding vehicles could be heard...

[Lord-Cao-Cao]

"[I'm gonna be a freakin' PSYCHIC!! Whoooo!!]"

Eli would promptly have been met by several stares from the surrounding students. Not only was there a gaijin in their midst, he was also a loud one who apparently fit in Academy City even worse than the plethora of odd figures they already had. There was a moment of silence, followed by hushed murmurs and the crowd parting for ... Eli? No, parting for someone else.

A lean, swarthy boy with a red scarf wrapped tightly around his neck made his way past Eli, heedless of the fearful mutterings of his fellow students, who trepidatiously moved away from him as he made his way home. If Eli could understand Japanese, he'd have heard the whispers of 'that demon-ninja kid who fought half the school at once,' and 'tangled with that rich gangster guy and won,' and 'came back from the freaking dead,'. Whatever the case was, Onizuka Middle School was a little unnerved about this particular fellow.

Who, barring his long, red scarf, looked about as ordinary as ordinary got. So pointedly ordinary, in fact, that he was somewhat of an oddity among his occasionally outlandish peers. And if he was aware of the somewhat uneasy muttering in his general direction, he made no show of it, walking along the frosty cobblestoned path with his eyes facing downwards; the very image of a shy middleschooler. If Eli paid attention to the boy's lips, he'd have noticed them moving slightly, as if he were mumbling to himself as he walked; conveniently in the same direction as Eli would have, at least for the moment.

As soon as he'd rounded the corner, however, he'd have glanced around to make nobody was following before leaping clear off the ground and bounding off objects that Eli might have found hard to see, much less leap off. Telephone wires, the tops of signs, and window ledges were all fair game to the boy as he swiftly and effortlessly made his ascent onto and across the rooftops with his blatantly obvious psychic power. For Eli, it might have seemed like a message, bright as day.

Welcome to Academy City.

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________

This boy was Nimori Shougo, and the past few weeks of his life had simultaneously been very exciting and very trying. On the upside, he had been accepted into the prestigious Ascendancy Institute, a program designed to produce Academy City's first true psychic paramilitary force, had began earning more than enough money to support himself and his mother, and had recently been judged a 'Level Three' in a recent System Scan. His enemies, at least on the surface, were either in prison or had fled the country, and his meteoric ascension from a nameless Level One to a Level Three in a matter of weeks had made his name known to those in the system. His father's memory had been avenged.

On the surface, life was good. But...

He had been plagued with strange feelings recently. Feelings? No, outright thoughts, he corrected himself. He had known of them for quite some time now; there was a little voice inside of his head which had been doing the absolutely precise calculations required for his psychic power, Charge Action, ever since he woke up miraculously healed in the hospital after suffering a near-fatal beating at the hands of his now-defunct nemesis. Without this voice, he knew, his psychic abilities would not have improved even one iota from where they were before. This voice was also a source of comfort, shoring up his often fragile self-esteem and filling him with confidence. And this voice, he knew, was the source of those surreal and beautiful green dreams he had been experiencing as of late.

It was also the source of irrational jealousy whenever he spoke at length to a girl, he noted with discomfort and a little amusement. More worryingly, it had been his adviser when it had come to conflict, and he knew it had hardened his heart in a way that would have disappointed his father, who believed in having great compassion towards all things. He was finding it hard to take things at face value, and he had begun to second-guess everyone; even his own mother. Suspicion, a trait his father believed was mostly negative, had become a major part of his life, and Shougo was not sure he liked it.

Another source of his discontent came about with his sudden lack of free time. He no longer had the afternoons to spend with Tobio, his only real friend in Onizuka, and he felt truly terrible about it. They had been taken up by the Ascendancy Institution's rigorous training program. He wondered where he was; today was one of his few days off, and he wondered if he could make up for lost time. But how would he contact him for that? The little voice in his head provided him with an answer almost immediately.

Technology, his Achille's Heel. Of course. He came to a sudden stop as he pulled out his shiny, new mobile phone, sweat visibly beading on his brow as he attempted to wrangle it and bend it to his will. Why did the Ascendancy Institute have to give him another infernal piece of plastic, more complicated than his (relatively) simple one that preceded it? His fingers slid wildly over the screen as he attempted to pull up the menu that would have allowed him to call his friend. 'Low on battery power,'? He just charged the thing three days ago! This whole issue infuriated and shamed him, and his face began to redden with embarrassment. As a Japanese teenager, he scolded himself internally, he should know his way around technology. No doubt the world was watching.

Struggling to control a sudden bout of hyperventilation, Shougo reflexively looked around himself for bystanders. It would not do to have a Level Three member of Academy City's up-and-coming psychic paramilitary police force be seen as someone who could not handle something as simple as a mobile phone. Seeing nobody on the same level as he was, or above him, Shougo let out a sigh of relief; at least, until he saw a flash of blond beneath him.

Beneath him? Shougo looked at his feet.

Oh.

He'd stopped on top of a street light, one leg held in the air as he clumsily attempted to get this blasted of technology to work. He had been seen.

And not only had he been seen, he had been seen by a foreigner.

His mind immediately began jumping to conclusions-What if she were a foreign dignitary, here to see the promise and brilliance of Academy City? And he, as its representative, had shown himself to be an abject failure? The voice in his head sighed in exasperation and began calculating the trajectories required for him to leap away unharmed and unidentified. Unfortunately, Shougo leapt in the opposite direction as intended. As a result, he fell off the street light into a pile of snow by the side of the road.

"Oof."

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _________________

For Shellie, this must have seemed somewhat surreal. First, a boy around her age had been leaping around everywhere like a ninja, only to unexpectedly stop on top of a street light to use a mobile phone unsuccessfully before inexplicably turning red and jumping into a snow drift by the side of the road.

[ImpSyndrome]

"[I'm gonna be a freakin' PSYCHIC!! Whoooo!!]"

Eli would promptly have been met by several stares from the surrounding students. Not only was there a gaijin in their midst, he was also a loud one who apparently fit in Academy City even worse than the plethora of odd figures they already had. There was a moment of silence, followed by hushed murmurs and the crowd parting for ... Eli? No, parting for someone else.

A lean, swarthy boy with a red scarf wrapped tightly around his neck made his way past Eli, heedless of the fearful mutterings of his fellow students, who trepidatiously moved away from him as he made his way home. If Eli could understand Japanese, he'd have heard the whispers of 'that demon-ninja kid who fought half the school at once,' and 'tangled with that rich gangster guy and won,' and 'came back from the freaking dead,'. Whatever the case was, Onizuka Middle School was a little unnerved about this particular fellow.

Who, barring his long, red scarf, looked about as ordinary as ordinary got. So pointedly ordinary, in fact, that he was somewhat of an oddity among his occasionally outlandish peers. And if he was aware of the somewhat uneasy muttering in his general direction, he made no show of it, walking along the frosty cobblestoned path with his eyes facing downwards; the very image of a shy middleschooler. If Eli paid attention to the boy's lips, he'd have noticed them moving slightly, as if he were mumbling to himself as he walked; conveniently in the same direction as Eli would have, at least for the moment.

As soon as he'd rounded the corner, however, he'd have glanced around to make nobody was following before leaping clear off the ground and bounding off objects that Eli might have found hard to see, much less leap off. Telephone wires, the tops of signs, and window ledges were all fair game to the boy as he swiftly and effortlessly made his ascent onto and across the rooftops with his blatantly obvious psychic power. For Eli, it might have seemed like a message, bright as day.

Welcome to Academy City.

Eli can't care less who hears him or watches him; he's on top of the world right now, and nothing's going to change that. People begin to quietly chatter among themselves as he passed, but he doesn't mind the fact that he can't understand a lick of it, being far too excited about his prospects for future greatness. (Of course, this also means that he doesn't realize that they're not talking about him.) His pace quickens slightly as he starts out for home again, barely even noticing the kid matching his stride as he follows a memorized path. He only slows down when the boy with the red scarf overtakes him and turns down an alley before climbing on an assortment of improvised footholds to reach the rooftops.

Rather than being intimidated, though, Eli sees this display as a portent of things to come, and his grin only widens. "[Just watch]," he says to no one in particular. "[That'll be me soon enough, you'll see.]"

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai - Cafe

"Awesome!" Shizuka takes another slow drink from her tea, grinning. "Mm... maybe we can even put on a show or something. I could sing and you can do cool things with glass and create special effects and stuff."

Shantelle finishes her coffee.
Hmm... Sounds like a cool idea.
Shantelle muses, smiling with a humorous light in her eyes.

[Anyr]

Gossiping students weren't Shougo's only audience. He even drew the gaze of Academy City's faceless maintenance droids. Whenever he walked the streets, there would always be at least one of these dutiful servants working nearby: Working and watching; Always watching.

Meanwhile, Ishimaru Moroe paced through the streets at a speed which (given the amount of ice around) bordered on reckless. Right now she almost wanted to slip on something and get knocked out. At least then she wouldn't be able to make any more terrible decisions.

"'Let's go to an arcade', I said. 'Let's get in touch with your feelings', I said. What was I thinking? I'm not meant for this sort of thing..."

Nothing had been going to plan lately. Before all this chaos, Moroe had had a very clear picture of how the next few years should pan out: She would continue to pantomime a life which was nothing but a sham; Slowly crush the last vestiges of self-worth within her; Slave away for the Powers That Be until she outlived her usefulness; And then die in a ditch somewhere, alone and unloved. That was how things were supposed to go.

Instead she'd been praised as a hero; Received a devoted companion who existed solely to please her; And won the love of a boy who gave her hope for the human race. In other words, Moroe's life had gone completely off track. She'd barely begun to set it right.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Freaking show-off...

The boy's presence was pretty hard to miss. His body heat lit up in the cold, a cool blue ping occasionally flashed through his pocket from his barely-used phone, but more to the point he had been bounding from wall to wall like a lunatic.

He must have caught her squinting at him, trying to make out his face amid the psychedelic display pervading Shellie's vision. It's a glaring red... he must be pretty flustered...

He tries to leap away but slips on the icy lamppost and dives straight into a snowbank.

"Shoot-" Shellie hastily checks for cars and dashes across the crosswalk, eliciting a frustrated beep from a motorist some 10 meters away.

HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONK

"ERRRRRRRrrrgggghhhhh..."

The blonde cringes and clasps her hands over her ears, which by all rights are already behind some pretty thick protective coverings. Car horns are seriously the worst.

Just the same, she makes it to the other side to check on Mystery Dude. Snowbank or otherwise, that was a pretty high fall.


"Oof."

"Are you-" she winces in response to a distant follow-up beep, but quickly re-focuses her attention on the patient. "...are you okay? You really need to watch out for the ice in this weather."

...yeah, she speaks perfect Japanese. But doesn't that just make her even more likely to be a spy?

[Terry576]

"It's quite alright Master, I found the experience 'enjoyable', if I could feel the 'idea' of enjoyment. Your attempt was successful, for it taught you something about my emotional stability, did it not?"

Naturally, Hajime was right behind Moroe, always walking a little to the left, and just a bit slower then she was. He didn't have any ideas or reasons for what Ishimaru Moroe spoke of - his only purpose was 'the serve of Ishimaru-san', and he was quite happy with it.

[Lord-Cao-Cao]

"Ah-"

The boy in the snowdrift immediately leaped back to his feet, apparently none the worse for wear, and immediately bowed before stammering out an apology.

"T-T-This one humbly begs for your forgiveness, Gaikokujin-dono, for his inappropriate and shameful display."

Curious. The way he spoke was old and quite outdated, to the tune of some two hundred years or so. It would probably have taken Shellie aback for a moment while she attempted to process his response; he spoke in the manner of characters in Edo-era plays. Not only that, his voice had a curious flange to them, as though his vocal cords had been damaged at some point and then repaired. Shougo would have noticed her noticing his unusualness and immediately tightened his scarf around his neck, as if he were attempting to hide himself.

Just as interestingly, there were, to Shellie's eyes, a curious number of colour-shifts that had been going on throughout his body and had been ongoing ever since he fell off the street light. She might have recognised those as impacts caused by falls, but those only occurred at the moment of impact, and they were frequently quite intense. But for this boy? The impact was apparently dissipating throughout his body slowly.

He continued to ramble for her forgiveness, apologising for his ineptitude, letting her know that he was not representative of Academy City, before trailing off as he noticed the thick earmuffs around Shellie's ears. It was clear from the look on his face that he thought she could not hear him, and the embarrassment on it mounted further. It was also evident that he was very unused to dealing with foreigners.

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ___________

Shougo winced internally as she told him to be careful. She was right; he had to watch his footing. But it was unusual that he had fallen; Shougo was normally sure-footed, even on the coldest and iciest of days. He liked days like these; it reminded him of his very first lesson from his father, the day after he had been taken from the orphanage. Truly this was a disgraceful show on his part, and in front of a foreigner, too! As he spoke, he took in her appearance.

She was pretty, he half-decided, and frightfully thin. And decidedly affluent; but that was to be expected. What unsettled him most, however, was the earphones on her head. Was she listening to him? Or was she listening to music of some sort, as the people his age were wont to do? He wondered if she knew how rude that was, before berating himself for forming any judgement on this girl whom he knew nothing about. Nevertheless, he decided to let her speak first.

[Tebryn]

In the corner of Katashi's visor, a counter slowly decreased; Far too slowly for his liking.

[Cooldown time remaining: 30 seconds]

"30 seconds?! It was 17 last time! Is a little consistency too much to ask?"



[23 seconds]

"I really want those wheels. Maybe the R&D guys have some in stock."



Inwardly, Katashi breathed a sigh of relief. Thank goodness this enemy was a good listener. If he'd ignored the speech and just attacked, Katashi would have been dead.

[11 seconds]

"Come on, just waste a leeeetle more time..."



[5 seconds]

"Damn it!"

Well, so much for that bluff. Katashi's unconcerned facade immediately dissolved like wet paper. With no concern for his own dignity, he broke into a flat-out run.

[3 seconds]

"Not gonna make it."

He could already feel the heat on his back. A red glow suffused the area around him.

[2 seconds]

"Not gonna make it!"

Being on the edge of safety wasn't enough. Even if he escaped the boiling centre, drops of lava were raining down all around him. Why oh why had he skipped so many of those physical training courses?

[1 second]

"Not gonnamakeitnotgonnamakeitnotgAUUUGHH!"

The nerves in Katashi's right arm screamed in agony. He could feel the limb being eaten away by the stray splash which had hit it. An instant later, his left leg suffered the same fate. Overwhelmed by pain, Katashi stumbled, then fell...

[READY]

...and then surged forward like an unstable ballistic missile. The still-horizontal Katashi careened haphazardly out of the danger zone, spurred by a desperate activation of his ability. He was in too much pain to plot a route, or prevent himself from occasionally scraping against the rough ground. He just kept picking distant objects at random, and pulled himself towards them at dangerous speeds. In a mere handful of seconds, he'd have departed the battlefield. After that surge of speed, though, it was obvious that he wouldn't get far.

"You guys...had better...be waiting...to take me home..."

Should Kyosuke decide to pursue, he'd have little trouble finding the site where Katashi had eventually come to rest. However, the wounded Esper himself would be absent. In the distance, the sound of receding vehicles could be heard...

Kyosuke does indeed pursue, investigating the crash site for any traces of information should the clean up crew not be to precise on their pick up. He doesn't linger however, in a city like Academy City a fight even of their scale wouldn't go unnoticed for long and it was best not to alert the authorities of his presence before he could complete his mission. His new found "friend" however would not be forgotten, and their next fight would not go the same.

[Morcleon]

Shantelle finishes her coffee.
Hmm... Sounds like a cool idea.
Shantelle muses, smiling with a humorous light in her eyes.

Tokiwadai - Cafe

"Mhmm!" Shizuka takes one last drink of her tea, smiling back. "So when are you free? We'll need to do some planning about what we're gonna do exactly."

[Anyr]

"Hajime, the point was to teach you something. So why am I the one who keeps doing all the learning? Don't answer that. Let's just go home."

Sometimes Moroe wondered whether Hajime even needed a teacher. He already seemed to be really good at learning on his own: Especially when it came to Moroe herself. It was actually a little scary how fast he'd 'tuned' himself to her. Surely such a voracious learner would eventually turn his attention to things like emotion and freedom...Right?

It didn't take long for the two to reach the permanently closed mechanics' workshop which Moroe lived above. After unlocking the door, she stepped out of the cold street, and into the equally cold (but less windy) ground floor. A minute later she was upstairs, sinking gratefully into her favourite chair. No doubt Hajime would be along momentarily with her cocoa. Her fondness for that particular drink was a closely guarded secret, lest she suffer endless mockery from other mercenaries.

"Come and sit with me for a while, Hajime. Schoolwork can wait..."

[AnimeKid]

"You fight for justice, save people's lives, and shoot fire from your limbs. Sounds like a super hero to me. As for gaining confidence, that's easier said than done. My sunny disposition certainly wouldn't last long if I was in Judgement."

Kin's smile briefly faltered. Thanks to an incident not long ago, She had first-hand experience of the sort of horrors which Judgement officers sometimes faced. Just the memory of that night was enough to jar her. A moment later, though, she'd gone back to munching on eclairs. A few of those did wonders in dispelling bad vibes.



Crocell grimaced as he also remembered that day. He thought it would just be a routine patrol. He never expected thugs of a Skill-Out gang that brutal. It was definitely something he wished he could undo. Especially since it impacted Kin so visibly. Moving around to her side Crocell proceeded to wrap Kin in a hug to try to make her feel better, slightly awkward though it was.

"Hey, it's alright. It isn't always like that. Besides I think you could be pretty heroic if you wanted too Kin."




Onizuka

Alrighty then, let's go!

With that, Scarlett departs to explore, Tobio likely being dragged along!

Tobio watched with slightly widened eyes as the girl quickly took off. Reaching into his backpack Tobio pulled out his skates quickly slipped them on with practiced ease. Putting his regular shoes away Tobio skated after the girl, keeping up with ease.

[Arkhosia]

Scarlett and Tobio Traverse the City!

Scarlett smiles at Tobio.
Any preference where to explore?
Scarlett asks Tobio amicably.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

The boy in the snowdrift immediately leaped back to his feet, apparently none the worse for wear, and immediately bowed before stammering out an apology.

"T-T-This one humbly begs for your forgiveness, Gaikokujin-dono, for his inappropriate and shameful display."

"What did you just call me?" Shellie laughs, convinced that the old-timey ninja boy is joking. She can't really place his accent, though. She knows she's heard something like it in a movie before, but everything is still so garbled anyway...

*ping*

A little pulse of color from deep inside the snowbank. He must have dropped his phone.

"Well, I'm just glad you're alright." Better than alright, actually... she knows the sorts of heat and bruising associated with concussive injury from the, 'tripping over everything,' period of her own recovery, but this guy doesn't even seem winded. "I guess you do this a lot?"

Shellie walks up to the snowbank and starts digging purposefully. It may or may not be obvious what she's up to until she produces the device a few seconds later.

[Lord-Cao-Cao]

So, she can hear me, Shougo decided, and paused as she spoke. Of course she wouldn't understand, he realised with a start, 'Nobody speaks like I do!'. He was in the midst of opening his mouth when Shellie stepped away to dig in the snow. He glanced at her, watching her search for something before she rose once again with his phone in her hand. The screen was cracked, but there it was. Shougo sighed audibly with relief; he'd almost forgotten about it.

"This? No, this one-I mean, I-"

He promptly corrected himself, his face flushing a little at this (relative) informality.

"I do not do this often. Fall, I mean. Running? Yes, I do that often. It is practice for my job. Thank you for finding my phone."

He then looked at his feet, remembering why it was, exactly, that he fell. Right, Ishida-san.

"Truth be told, gaikoku-I mean, ue-san, I, uh, am in need of some help. I was intending to message my friend to ask if he would like to spend time with me tomorrow. Unfortunately, I am ... Not good with technology. I would be indebted if you would be willing to assist."

A lump moved down his throat; Shougo was clearly not comfortable with asking for help, least of all from strangers, much less while using such an informal tone to do so. But he swallowed his nervousness-His mother was not particularly great at technology either, and he truly did intend to meet Tobio tomorrow.

"M...My name is Nimori Shougo from Onizuka Middle School, by the way. It is an honour to make your acquaintance ."

He bowed again, likely more formal and polite than any Japanese person Shellie had ever met, his long red scarf whipping up in response to a sudden gust of snow.

[ImpSyndrome]

[ACADEMY CITY, MATTHEWS RESIDENCE]

Eli arrives at his new home soon enough; his parents are both out, so he takes it upon himself to check around for any packages that might have arrived. It doesn't take long to find a fairly-small box resting on a table, one that apparently carries the piece of hardware he described to Shellie before. He quickly cuts open the box and removes the translator collar, which looks just as tacky as in the advertisements. After skimming through the instructions, he puts the device around his neck (noting, with some degree of relief, that it would at least fit comfortably beneath his clothing) and switches it on. After calibrating it with a few test phrases, he spends some time testing it with various phrases, some more ridiculous than others...

((Ready to move on when you all are.))

[Anyr]

Crocell grimaced as he also remembered that day. He thought it would just be a routine patrol. He never expected thugs of a Skill-Out gang that brutal. It was definitely something he wished he could undo. Especially since it impacted Kin so visibly. Moving around to her side Crocell proceeded to wrap Kin in a hug to try to make her feel better, slightly awkward though it was.

"Hey, it's alright. It isn't always like that. Besides I think you could be pretty heroic if you wanted too Kin."

Kin leaned into the hug with a little more reluctance than usual. She'd been hoping that Crocell wouldn't notice her change in mood. Still, the closeness did feel good. Combined with the influence of good food, Kin's depression didn't stand a chance. Soon enough she was back to her usual self.

"If you say so, sensei. Personally, I think I need a looooot more of your training before I'm ready for heroics. So far my only real talent is sticking to things."

Although to be fair, Kin was very good at sticking to things: A fact which Crocell would be reminded of if he tried to break the hug.

[AnimeKid]

Scarlett and Tobio Traverse the City!

Scarlett smiles at Tobio.
Any preference where to explore?
Scarlett asks Tobio amicably.

Tobio looked over Scarlett as he gently shook his head to signal no. He honestly couldn't think of any good places to go exploring. He tried to think of something as he skated alongside her. He gently smiled to himself as his nervousness started to fade. He could always be more confident on his trusty skates.

"I don't have a p-particular preference. What about you? D-Did you have somewhere you wanted to go?"


Kin leaned into the hug with a little more reluctance than usual. She'd been hoping that Crocell wouldn't notice her change in mood. Still, the closeness did feel good. Combined with the influence of good food, Kin's depression didn't stand a chance. Soon enough she was back to her usual self.

"If you say so, sensei. Personally, I think I need a looooot more of your training before I'm ready for heroics. So far my only real talent is sticking to things."

Although to be fair, Kin was very good at sticking to things: A fact which Crocell would be reminded of if he tried to break the hug.

Crocell smiled as he say Kin's sunny nature once again took the forefront. He chuckled at Kin's slightly self-depreciating humor before he attempted to extract himself from her. At the slight tug from Kin sticking to him Crocell looked down at where they were connected. He gave another chuckle at the situation they were in.

"Well at the very least you won't let the perps get away. Still if there's anything you want me to teach you just say the word and I'm your coach."

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"This? No, this one-I mean, I... I do not do this often. Fall, I mean. Running? Yes, I do that often. It is practice for my job. Thank you for finding my phone."

She laughs again, the barely-audible sort of laugh that just barely manages to distinguish itself from a sigh. "Ha, okay. Oh, sure, it's no problem."


He then looked at his feet, remembering why it was, exactly, that he fell.

"Truth be told, gaikoku-I mean, ue-san, I, uh, am in need of some help. I was intending to message my friend to ask if he would like to spend time with me tomorrow. Unfortunately, I am ... Not good with technology. I would be indebted if you would be willing to assist. M...My name is Nimori Shougo from Onizuka Middle School, by the way. It is an honour to make your acquaintance."

He bowed again, likely more formal and polite than any Japanese person Shellie had ever met, his long red scarf whipping up in response to a sudden gust of snow.

The girl, getting a little nervous in the face of all this formality, bows politely in return, albeit not nearly so deeply. "It's... nice to meet you too, Shougo-san. I'm Shellie Tieger."

Interesting, they go to the same school... I guess even if I had seen him around before the accident, he wouldn't look the same now. She would have recognized these mannerisms if she'd ever actually spoken to him before, though.

"So, what are you trying to do? Just send a text?" She looks over Shougo's shoulder and squints at his screen, trying to make out an image from a cracked pool of very-slightly-varying shades of green. Of course, Shougo can actually see the screen just fine, he just has no idea what it all means...

[Anyr]

Crocell smiled as he say Kin's sunny nature once again took the forefront. He chuckled at Kin's slightly self-depreciating humor before he attempted to extract himself from her. At the slight tug from Kin sticking to him Crocell looked down at where they were connected. He gave another chuckle at the situation they were in.

"Well at the very least you won't let the perps get away. Still if there's anything you want me to teach you just say the word and I'm your coach."

"My spongelike brain awaits your instruction, sens-Oh, not again! And I'd been getting so much better lately!"

Kin had just noticed Crocell's predicament. Despite all the control exercises she'd been doing, her ability (like Kin herself) still had a rebellious streak. Calming herself, she closed her eyes and concentrated. A few seconds later, Crocell was released from his not-particularly-sinister prison of hugging. As always, Kin looked distinctly embarrassed by the incident.

"A-at least I can usually end it quicker now. It's been ages since anyone's been forced to hold my hand for hours..."

- - - Updated - - -


The girl, getting a little nervous in the face of all this formality, bows politely in return, albeit not nearly so deeply. "It's... nice to meet you too, Shougo-san. I'm Shellie Tieger."

"It's Nimori-san! Damn it, she made the same mistake with me!"

Even Shellie's enhanced hearing likely wouldn't hear that comment. The speaker was in an apartment some distance away, looking at a small hand-held screen. One of Ishimaru Moroe's eyebrows twitched as (via droid surveillance) she observed Shellie getting overly familiar. She'd chosen a bad time to check in on the 'Shougo cam'.

"And why is she looking so closely over his shoulder? Can't she see that he's really sensitive to things like that? She'd better not upset him..."

[Lord-Cao-Cao]

"Ah...About that, Sh...She-rri-"

Shougo coughed, clearly having difficulty pronouncing Shellie's name, before remembering that Western names had the first name and surnames switched around and correcting himself.

"Ti-ye-geru-san."

Yep. Shougo had just managed to mangle the pronunciation of Shellie's name horribly. He did continue, however, pressing the screen of his smartphone ineffectually while explaining the nature of his predicament. Calm, he told himself, she was just an ordinary schoolkid, just like he was. There was no point pondering over the fact that she may well be a foreign ambassador, nor the strange coincidence that she happened to be at the same school as he was. Yes. An ordinary schoolgirl. Whom he was conversing with in a very informal manner, as if he were a close friend He took another deep breath as a blast of snow covered the pair of them in flecks of white.

"I ... Yes, I do require help. Just to send a message to Ishida Tobio, asking him if he would like to come to my place tomorrow afternoon. This new gadget I have been given is far behind my comprehension. I suppose in time I shall become used to it, but I humbly request your ass-iss..."

He glanced over his shoulder and noticed the mist forming in the air over it. Then he felt the warmth of her body behind him; she was close, terribly close. Shougo froze. Was this an aspect of American culture, he wondered? To be so informal and to have such physical closeness, even between strangers? The thought made the deeply traditional Shougo highly uncomfortable, but he swallowed his fear and continued, albeit with trembling voice and sweaty palms.

The voice in his head berated him for his illogical bout of fear, but it was soon crushed by his overwhelming sense of propriety. Moroe was absolutely right; Shougo was very sensitive to such things and did not handle them very well.

"Y...Your assistance, Tiyegeru-dono-I mean, -san. I co...could call him also, but he may be busy. Ishida-san is often out on Judgement duty, and I would not want to d...disturb him."

He finished by exhaling deeply, as if he had given some nerve-wracking public speech, before edging away - Just slightly, and thrusting his phone out at Shellie, head bowed and arms outstretched. He really was a strange fellow; there was no doubt about that. The mannerisms he had were outdated to the tune of two hundred years, he had a long, red scarf which contrasted sharply with his normally muted clothes, his voice had an odd flange to it, and he did not appear to have taken any damage at all from that fall. Before Shellie would have had time to really process Shougo's request, however, a strong bout of wind would have forced the two of them into cover. Shougo, being born and raised here and healthier than he had ever been at any point in his life, was more or less unaffected by the cold, but the sudden chill might have found its way through Shellie's thick clothing and made her teeth chatter. This place was cold, every bit as cold as Glasgow in winter, and her thin body would likely be hard put to enduring the winter in the open.

[Terry576]

"It's Nimori-san! Damn it, she made the same mistake with me!"

Even Shellie's enhanced hearing likely wouldn't hear that comment. The speaker was in an apartment some distance away, looking at a small hand-held screen. One of Ishimaru Moroe's eyebrows twitched as (via droid surveillance) she observed Shellie getting overly familiar. She'd chosen a bad time to check in on the 'Shougo cam'.

"And why is she looking so closely over his shoulder? Can't she see that he's really sensitive to things like that? She'd better not upset him..."

"I do hope you realize, Master, that it is rather bizarre of you to keep such close watch on Nimori-san when he is perfectly capable of taking care of himself."

Hajime walked out of the door, holding two cups of hot chocolate, offering one to the girl sitting at the desk. "It is not as if Nimori-san knows of your activities, and I doubt he would approve of your eyes on his person in case of danger - he would rather you be protected."

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai - Cafe

"Mhmm!" Shizuka takes one last drink of her tea, smiling back. "So when are you free? We'll need to do some planning about what we're gonna do exactly."

Hmm... how about some time tomorrow?
Shantelle suggests, smiling slightly

[Anyr]

"I do hope you realize, Master, that it is rather bizarre of you to keep such close watch on Nimori-san when he is perfectly capable of taking care of himself."

Hajime walked out of the door, holding two cups of hot chocolate, offering one to the girl sitting at the desk. "It is not as if Nimori-san knows of your activities, and I doubt he would approve of your eyes on his person in case of danger - he would rather you be protected."

Moroe stared incredulously at the bringer of hot chocolate. She could hardly believe her ears. Was Hajime of all people calling her out on this?

"Hajime, your entire life revolves around guarding a trained assassin who thinks you should abandon her! And unlike me, you know for a fact that your target feels that way: Because she tells you so every day! So unless you want me to write 'hypocrite' on your forehead in permanent marker, kindly don't pass judgement on my creepy stalking!"

With that, Moroe snatched the offered beverage and returned to Shougowatching. She also motioned for Hajime to sit down beside her: Because being furious with him was no excuse for skipping their evening quality time. Also, she suspected that this anger wouldn't last long. For some reason, it was really hard to stay mad at Hajime.

[Morcleon]

Hmm... how about some time tomorrow?
Shantelle suggests, smiling slightly

Tokiwadai - Cafe

"Sounds good!" Shizuka smiles back. "We can meet back here, okay?"

"Oh, I'll give you my number too." She takes a scrap of paper and scrawls out a phone number, pushing it across the table to Shantelle.

[AnimeKid]

"My spongelike brain awaits your instruction, sens-Oh, not again! And I'd been getting so much better lately!"

Kin had just noticed Crocell's predicament. Despite all the control exercises she'd been doing, her ability (like Kin herself) still had a rebellious streak. Calming herself, she closed her eyes and concentrated. A few seconds later, Crocell was released from his not-particularly-sinister prison of hugging. As always, Kin looked distinctly embarrassed by the incident.

"A-at least I can usually end it quicker now. It's been ages since anyone's been forced to hold my hand for hours..."


Crocell chuckles as Kin manages to control her power to release him, feeling distinctly proud of her. Almost on instinct he gently ruffled her hair good naturedly. It was only for a few seconds before he stopped. Kin would be able o see a proud smile on his face.

"Well you may still slip up sometimes but your still doing better. And that's all you. You worked your butt off to get better control of their powers, and you succeeded. So don't worry so much about your mess ups. Think about how far you've come. If I'm proud of you progress you should be too."

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai - Cafe

"Sounds good!" Shizuka smiles back. "We can meet back here, okay?"

"Oh, I'll give you my number too." She takes a scrap of paper and scrawls out a phone number, pushing it across the table to Shantelle.
Ok!
Shantelle, smiling, takes the number and gives Shizuka her's as well!

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Ah...About that, Sh...She-rri... *cough* uh, Ti-ye-geru-san...
Is it really that hard? People usually have a better time pronouncing than spelling it, at least... wait, did I get his name backwards? Only if he was switching it around trying to accommodate me, I think... shoot, I can't remember.


"[COLOR="Olive"]Yes, I do require help. Just to send a message to Ishida Tobio, asking him if he would like to come to my place tomorrow afternoon. This new gadget I have been given is far behind my comprehension. I suppose in time I shall become used to it, but I humbly request y...Your assistance, Tiyegeru-dono-I mean, -san. I co...could call him also, but he may be busy. Ishida-san is often out on Judgement duty, and I would not want to d...disturb him."

He finished by exhaling deeply, as if he had given some nerve-wracking public speech, before edging away - Just slightly, and thrusting his phone out at Shellie, head bowed and arms outstretched. He really was a strange fellow; there was no doubt about that.

Before Shellie would have had time to really process Shougo's request, however, a strong bout of wind would have forced the two of them into cover. Shougo, being born and raised here and healthier than he had ever been at any point in his life, was more or less unaffected by the cold, but the sudden chill might have found its way through Shellie's thick clothing and made her teeth chatter. This place was cold.

Shellie steps back a bit when she notices Nimori's discomfort. How embarrassing... she doesn't usually invade everyone's personal space so easily, but for some reason she seems to have that inclination right now. The cold is probably a factor; even with her jacket and earmuffs on, Shellie'd be lying if she said that standing right up next to him didn't feel really nice in this weather...

She stares off into space pondering this perhaps a beat longer than necessary, until the breeze snaps them both out of the awkward, nervous pause.

"Oh! Um, right. Let's... get out of the wind... If you know his number, you can save him as a contact so you can just call him in one tap. Here, I'll show you..."

The two idiots duck under the awning of a nearby storefront - that of a small, 'Curious,' book store. It seems to have closed early today.

She holds the phone out in front of Shougo so he can see it while she navigates the menus and explains what she's doing, trying to be as polite and gentle as possible with the sensitive lad. "See, this is the recent calls list; it has all of the numbers that you have called recently, mixed in with the numbers of people who called you. It makes it easy to call someone back if you miss it. If you click this menu symbol, you can save the information and label it with Tobio's name, like this..."

The demonstration has a side effect of giving Shougo a logical reason to draw closer than is usually comfortable, which Shellie counts as a win. She ends up putting Tobio and any others of his favorite contacts on the front page of the menu for easy access, and tries not to mention how this also leads to easy butt-dialing.

"Do you think you get it? Here, try selecting his name and typing the message you want to send to him."

[Anyr]

Crocell chuckles as Kin manages to control her power to release him, feeling distinctly proud of her. Almost on instinct he gently ruffled her hair good naturedly. It was only for a few seconds before he stopped. Kin would be able o see a proud smile on his face.

"Well you may still slip up sometimes but your still doing better. And that's all you. You worked your butt off to get better control of their powers, and you succeeded. So don't worry so much about your mess ups. Think about how far you've come. If I'm proud of you progress you should be too."

"E-easy there. If you lavish too much praise on me now, there'll be none left for when I really start doing well."

These words were spoken while Kin awkwardly scrutinised the tops of her own shoes. At times like this, she treated Crocell more like a beloved mentor than an equal. Still looking down, she hastily finished off the last surviving morsels of food, then stood up and brushed the crumbs off her uniform.

"A-anyway, are we ready to go? I think we should be heading back soon..."

[Anyr]

{OOC: Okay, this thread's getting dangerously slow. I'm just going to go ahead and move on.}

The remainder of Moroe's evening was a mixture of conversation, schoolwork and gun maintenance. Her phone remained blessedly silent throughout. She'd been half expecting a call from the Powers that Be, telling her to go sit on some icy rooftop all night. Though given the nightmares she'd been having lately, an excuse to stay awake might have been welcome. Instead, Moroe reluctantly went to bed once she could find no more firearms to clean. Her sleep was not pleasant.

She awoke early, accompanied (as usual) by a profound sense of loss. She wondered how long it would take for that feeling to go away. Soon enough Moroe had showered, dressed, ate, and headed off to school. Thus began yet another day...

[Morcleon]

[Tokiwadai - Outside the Cafe]

The next day finds Otosaki Shizuka sitting on a bench outside of Bittersweet's Cafe. She's dressed in a freshly cleaned Tokiwadai uniform, still smelling of detergent. Glancing at her watch, she stares out into the people walking on the streets, waiting for a certain glass-shaping friend.

[ImpSyndrome]

[THE NEXT DAY, BEFORE CLASSES START...]

Eli is a much different kid today than he ever has been, though not for the reasons one might expect. He's starting his education at Onizuka today, which means homework and studying and all of the things he normally hates about school. He wears a stupid-looking translator around his neck that threatens to peek out and expose itself from beneath his shirt collar at the slightest wrong move. His back is burdened with a bag filled with whatever materials might be required of him. The one thing that allows him to defy the usual despair that all of these things would carry with them is the knowledge that this school is different, and its students are bred to be something greater than just book-smart yes men (and women). Onizuka is a school for psychics, and Eli Matthews is determined to become one of the best.

For that reason alone does the foreign boy hold his head high, an aura of almost-palpable confidence around him, as he approaches the middle school's grounds, joining the throng of students as they crowd into the main entrance and get on their individual ways to their classes. He'll scan some nearby faces casually as he passes, wondering if he'll run into any of the kids he met yesterday...

[Arkhosia]

[Tokiwadai - Outside the Cafe]

The next day finds Otosaki Shizuka sitting on a bench outside of Bittersweet's Cafe. She's dressed in a freshly cleaned Tokiwadai uniform, still smelling of detergent. Glancing at her watch, she stares out into the people walking on the streets, waiting for a certain glass-shaping friend.

Hello.
Shantelle walks over, clad in a clean uniform.

[Anyr]

For that reason alone does the foreign boy hold his head high, an aura of almost-palpable confidence around him, as he approaches the middle school's grounds, joining the throng of students as they crowd into the main entrance and get on their individual ways to their classes. He'll scan some nearby faces casually as he passes, wondering if he'll run into any of the kids he met yesterday...

He would indeed. Over there, for instance, was the helpful yet hostile girl who'd guided Eli through the school before. She was standing off to one side of the crowd, waiting for it to pass; Along with the strangely blank boy who always seemed to follow her around. When she caught sight of Eli, she gave him the slightest of nods: One which admitted that he existed, but refused to commit itself further.

[Morcleon]

Hello.
Shantelle walks over, clad in a clean uniform.

Tokiwadai - Cafe

Shizuka brightens and smiling softly at Shantelle. "Ah, hello. Um, do you wanna go anywhere in particular?"

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai - Cafe

Shizuka brightens and smiling softly at Shantelle. "Ah, hello. Um, do you wanna go anywhere in particular?"

Shantelle shakesher head, grinning.
Up to you, Shizuka.
She replies cheerfully

[KerfuffleMach2]

Tokiwadai

It was a new day. Her first day back in a while, actually. Krystal was excited. Not because she was back in school. No, that was never exciting. It was the fact that she was going to see her friends for the first time in a while. Kin and Crocell. Hopefully, they were getting along a little better than when she left.

[Morcleon]

Shantelle shakesher head, grinning.
Up to you, Shizuka.
She replies cheerfully

[Tokiwadai - Cafe]

Shizuka stands up and grins. "I know a place that's pretty out of the way for us to practice in peace and quiet."

[ImpSyndrome]

[HALLS OF ONIZUKA, BEFORE CLASS]


He would indeed. Over there, for instance, was the helpful yet hostile girl who'd guided Eli through the school before. She was standing off to one side of the crowd, waiting for it to pass; Along with the strangely blank boy who always seemed to follow her around. When she caught sight of Eli, she gave him the slightest of nods: One which admitted that he existed, but refused to commit itself further.

Eli is passing by when he notices the girl from yesterday and her companion standing outside the crowds, probably waiting for them to thin before making their own way through. Part of him thinks to simply return her gesture out of courtesy and just be on his way, recalling that she prefers to avoid meaningless banter, but after confirming that he has a bit of time before classes begin, he decides otherwise and goes and talk to them. He carefully weaves through the wave of students and, once he finds them, says, "[Morning! How's it going?]" It takes a moment for his translation collar to kick in and recite a similar greeting in Japanese, and he suddenly remembers about the language barrier that he continues to face. It wouldn't be quite so bad if the collar didn't make him look and sound like a huge dork...

((For Eli's sake, I hope he picks up on his telepathy skills sooner than later. This quick-fix isn't going to help in every situation. Now I know why you're so concerned about the number of non-native characters in this setting, at least in part...))

[Lord-Cao-Cao]

[OOC: Sorry about the late reply. Been fairly busy lately.]

Shougo blushed and stammered as Shielle showed him exactly how to use his phone; once again, making him seem like an absolute bumpkin. Which was true: he certainly was. His trainers in the Ascendancy Institution often commented that he was 'born two hundred years too late', much to their simultaneous amusement and chagrin (and to his embarrassment). He was even more embarrassed when he had to draw in closer to view what she was doing. How indecent this all was - Their breaths, misting in the freezing air, were mingling together. He only knew her name - And she was a foreigner; a pretty one his age, no less!

Shougo had to actively fight his desire to apologise profusely and bolt.

That would simply not do. He was, after all, going to represent Academy City.

He gathered his shaking courage and spoke once more, his mind straining to remember every word of what she had said.

"A...Ah, truly, thank you, Tiyegeru-san. You make it seem so easy; this humble one -"

Ah. He'd switched to 'Sessha' - The humblest form of self-addressing, again.

"I mean, I - I have such trouble understanding technology. I am in your debt."

He paused momentarily. Was she shivering? Yes, she was cold; and frighteningly thin, now that he got a closer look at her. His heart was hammering in his chest at how close she was. Once again, he found himself almost frozen in place, unsure of how to act (with the little voice in his head sighing exasperatedly at him, of course), before, without even realising it, he had taken off his thick winter jacket and handed it to Shellie. This would keep her warm; this was made specifically to keep in the heat and keep out the cold, a small, useful gift given to him by Academy City for finishing the obstacle course in record time. It was reasonably comfortable on him, but it would be far more useful on someone like her.

"Here. You are cold, Tiyegeru-san. Please, accept this as my thanks."

Shougo stretched in an attempt to loosen his tenseness, feeling the crisp winter air blow through and around him. It was not unpleasant; his father had frequently taken him out running in weather like this. Funny - The memory of it no longer brought him to the edge of tears, although it still left him longing for those times. He supposed his heart was finally healing. His father would be proud, he thought. Maybe one day he could become a man worthy of bearing his name.

"Would you like me to walk you back home? The streets can sometimes be a little dangerous here..."

He trailed off. What was he thinking? This was utterly inappropriate, and his face flared with redness as he chastised himself for his untoward actions. But it was a little too late for that now; perhaps she wouldn't notice? That was how Americans (and he did not realise she was not, in fact, American) did things, or so he had heard. Everyone was very close, despite the space everyone seemed to have. He bit his tongue and continued.

"And, ah ... I have not seen you in Onizuka Middle School before. Are you new to Academy City? I hope we have given you a warm welcome; we are honoured by your presence. I myself am in Class 25C. If it would please you, our space on the rooftop at lunch is always open to you."

Wait, rooftop? How would anyone get up there?

Meanwhile, Shougo was internally cursing and on the verge of panic. He hope that she'd decline him politely; he wasn't quite sure why he'd said what he'd said. It would be a dreadful embarrassment to have to show her how to get up onto the rooftop, only for her to find out that 'us' really just consisted of him and Tobio.

[Anyr]

Eli is passing by when he notices the girl from yesterday and her companion standing outside the crowds, probably waiting for them to thin before making their own way through. Part of him thinks to simply return her gesture out of courtesy and just be on his way, recalling that she prefers to avoid meaningless banter, but after confirming that he has a bit of time before classes begin, he decides otherwise and goes and talk to them. He carefully weaves through the wave of students and, once he finds them, says, "[Morning! How's it going?]" It takes a moment for his translation collar to kick in and recite a similar greeting in Japanese, and he suddenly remembers about the language barrier that he continues to face. It wouldn't be quite so bad if the collar didn't make him look and sound like a huge dork...

Unbeknownst to Eli, that collar actually saved him from being snubbed. From the moment he started approaching Moroe, she was already practising the dismissive quip she'd use to send him away in shame. But when that bulky neck accessory spoke up, the words died on her lips. Instead, she gave him a look of genuine sympathy.

[Oh you poor desperate fool. Did you lose a bet or something? That thing is going to send your credibility into a nosedive. Also, I speak English, remember?]


Tokiwadai

It was a new day. Her first day back in a while, actually. Krystal was excited. Not because she was back in school. No, that was never exciting. It was the fact that she was going to see her friends for the first time in a while. Kin and Crocell. Hopefully, they were getting along a little better than when she left.

It would prove quite hard to find Kin among the other students crowding the hallways. When school was in session, the normally outgoing girl blended right into the crowd. Despite the fact that her desk was right next to Krystal's in class, it had taken a serious incident to introduce the two to one another. If it hadn't been for that, they might never have exchanged a single word.

With sufficient diligence, Krystal would eventually spot her friend lifelessly trudging along. Well actually, lifeless trudging was frowned upon by the teachers. But she was definitely trudging in spirit.

[Arkhosia]

[Tokiwadai - Cafe]

Shizuka stands up and grins. "I know a place that's pretty out of the way for us to practice in peace and quiet."

Alright, lead the way!
Shantelle replies, smiling and waiting for Shizuka to do so!

[KerfuffleMach2]

Tokiwadai

A huge grin grows on Krystal's somewhat pale face. She works her way through the crowd, quickly closing in on Kin from behind. Once near, she'll reach out and tap Kin's left shoulder, then dart to her right side. An old classic, but Krystal still found it amusing.

[Morcleon]

Alright, lead the way!
Shantelle replies, smiling and waiting for Shizuka to do so!

Tokiwadai - Park

Shizuka leads them to a small park, currently empty. She finds a bench and plops down, pulling out a small glass rod and offering it to Shantelle. "So, um, could you show me your power? I'm really curious..."

[ImpSyndrome]

[HALLS OF ONIZUKA, BEFORE CLASS]


Unbeknownst to Eli, that collar actually saved him from being snubbed. From the moment he started approaching Moroe, she was already practising the dismissive quip she'd use to send him away in shame. But when that bulky neck accessory spoke up, the words died on her lips. Instead, she gave him a look of genuine sympathy.

[Oh you poor desperate fool. Did you lose a bet or something? That thing is going to send your credibility into a nosedive. Also, I speak English, remember?]

What's this about credibility? Cred for what, not being a loser? Eli rolls his eyes and waits for her to finish ridiculing him before responding, "[OK OK, I get it...and yeah, I am kind of desperate in a sense. I still haven't got a grip on speaking Japanese, but I can't very well attend classes without knowing the language, so I'm using this...thing until I learn some useful conversational stuff. It's just temporary...I hope...]" That's a lie, unfortunately; what he doesn't tell her is that his learning curve for foreign languages is more like a gentle slope. It's going to be a very long first day for Eli if all of his encounters are going to be like this...

((He's going to be pretty pathetic for a while, yes, but the tables will turn eventually. I just hope he'll eventually have the pleasure of showing at least someone up by reading their thoughts and shaming them in a very public fashion, especially if they go on teasing him in this fashion.))

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai - Park

Shizuka leads them to a small park, currently empty. She finds a bench and plops down, pulling out a small glass rod and offering it to Shantelle. "So, um, could you show me your power? I'm really curious..."

Shantelle nods, taking it and focusing.
The glass rod begins vibrating... Before shattering.
Shantelle cries out in surprise, covering her face and ending up with a few small glass shards in her forearms.

[Morcleon]

Shantelle nods, taking it and focusing.
The glass rod begins vibrating... Before shattering.
Shantelle cries out in surprise, covering her face and ending up with a few small glass shards in her forearms.

Tokiwadai - Park

"Ahh~!" Shizuka cries out, ducking her head to protect herself from the shards. She lifts her head and hurries to her friend's side. "Shantelle! Are you alright? I am so sorry..."

[Arkhosia]

Tokiwadai - Park"Ahh~!" Shizuka cries out, ducking her head to protect herself from the shards. She lifts her head and hurries to her friend's side. "Shantelle! Are you alright? I am so sorry..."Shantelle nods, letting down her now bleeding arms.I'm fine, sorry. Haven't really gotten the hand of my powers.

[Anyr]

"[OK OK, I get it...and yeah, I am kind of desperate in a sense. I still haven't got a grip on speaking Japanese, but I can't very well attend classes without knowing the language, so I'm using this...thing until I learn some useful conversational stuff. It's just temporary...I hope...]"

Despite Moroe's harsh words, her body language didn't seem hostile. She was just bluntly stating an opinion, without any window dressing. As a matter of fact, she had plenty of reasons to sympathise with Eli's plight.

"[For what it's worth, I agree with you. You're only making the best of a bad situation. Too bad the morons in this place probably won't see it that way. People like them love to raise themselves up by bringing others down. When I first started here, I got mocked just for being the only girl in trousers. That's all it takes to become a target.]"

Thankfully, it hadn't taken much to stop the insults. Once she'd broken a few noses, people soon got the message.


Tokiwadai

A huge grin grows on Krystal's somewhat pale face. She works her way through the crowd, quickly closing in on Kin from behind. Once near, she'll reach out and tap Kin's left shoulder, then dart to her right side. An old classic, but Krystal still found it amusing.

Kin had never been the victim of this particular prank before. She obediently turned around to face the mysterious tapper, and then looked understandably bewildered to find nobody there. She waved one arm through the space in front of her, to check for invisible Espers.

"Erm, hello?"

[KerfuffleMach2]

Tokiwadai

Krystal hadn't expected Kin to fully fall for it. The sight of Kin waving her arm behind her to find an invisible person is amusing. Krystal giggles a bit.

I'm over here, silly.

[Morcleon]

Shantelle nods, letting down her now bleeding arms.I'm fine, sorry. Haven't really gotten the hand of my powers.

[Tokiwadai - Park]

"H-Hold still, okay?" Shizuka bites her lip, a worried expression on her face. She pulls out a small first aid kit from her bag and takes her friend's hands gingerly. Slowly removing the glass shards one by one, she sets them aside. Once the last one is out, she takes out some gauze and uses it to wipe away the blood, then clamps the remainder to Shantelle's wounds, wrapping them in bandages. It's not a particularly neat or skillful wrapping, but it should hold up.

"Whew... t-that'll have to do for now... we should get you to the hospital."

[Arkhosia]

[Tokiwadai - Park]

"H-Hold still, okay?" Shizuka bites her lip, a worried expression on her face. She pulls out a small first aid kit from her bag and takes her friend's hands gingerly. Slowly removing the glass shards one by one, she sets them aside. Once the last one is out, she takes out some gauze and uses it to wipe away the blood, then clamps the remainder to Shantelle's wounds, wrapping them in bandages. It's not a particularly neat or skillful wrapping, but it should hold up.

"Whew... t-that'll have to do for now... we should get you to the hospital."

Shantelle nods her head after the bandaging.
Alright, but I don't think that's necessary.

[Morcleon]

Shantelle nods her head after the bandaging.
Alright, but I don't think that's necessary.

[Tokiwadai - Park]

Shizuka frowns slightly and continues to hold onto Shantelle's arms. "I don't know how well I did with bandaging and what if it's actually a lot worse than it looks... we should go."

"I-I'm really really sorry..."

[Arkhosia]

[Tokiwadai - Park]

Shizuka frowns slightly and continues to hold onto Shantelle's arms. "I don't know how well I did with bandaging and what if it's actually a lot worse than it looks... we should go."

"I-I'm really really sorry..."

Shantelle nods, getting up.
It's not you're fault, it's mine. I should've expected that would've happened

[Anyr]

Tokiwadai

Krystal hadn't expected Kin to fully fall for it. The sight of Kin waving her arm behind her to find an invisible person is amusing. Krystal giggles a bit.

I'm over here, silly.

That voice! That wonderful voice ran through Kin like an electric current. She immediately spun around to behold the silver-haired girl who'd been absent from her life for far too long. Completely abandoning her generic persona, she enveloped Krystal in a suffocatingly tight 'never leave me ever again' hug.

"Friend! Best friend! Bestest friend in the whole wide world!"

[KerfuffleMach2]

Tokiwadai

Ah, yes. The vice-like hug. Krystal had forgotten how tight the hug was.

Gack! Good to see you, too, Kin! Despite her ribcage being crushed, Krystal manages to smile and return her friends hug.

[ImpSyndrome]

Despite Moroe's harsh words, her body language didn't seem hostile. She was just bluntly stating an opinion, without any window dressing. As a matter of fact, she had plenty of reasons to sympathise with Eli's plight.

"[For what it's worth, I agree with you. You're only making the best of a bad situation. Too bad the morons in this place probably won't see it that way. People like them love to raise themselves up by bringing others down. When I first started here, I got mocked just for being the only girl in trousers. That's all it takes to become a target.]"

Thankfully, it hadn't taken much to stop the insults. Once she'd broken a few noses, people soon got the message.

"[Yeah, so I've noticed,]" Eli agrees, having seen enough bullying for one lifetime back in his home country. "[All I know is, if this keeps up, I'm going to start talking in the universal language of fists...]" He cracks his knuckles to emphasize his frustration. Sounds like he's no stranger to hostile encounters, either.

[Anyr]

"[Just make sure to choose your battles. Remember, you're in Academy City now. some of the students here can literally kill with a thought.]"

Moroe glanced around, and saw that the crowd had thinned out. Without so much as a farewell, she abruptly walked off down the corridor. It was hard to tell whether she was ditching Eli, or just expected him to follow.


Tokiwadai

Ah, yes. The vice-like hug. Krystal had forgotten how tight the hug was.

Gack! Good to see you, too, Kin! Despite her ribcage being crushed, Krystal manages to smile and return her friends hug.

For once, Kin didn't care about keeping up appearances within Tokiwadai. Breach of etiquette or not, she was going to give Krystal a proper (and potentially bone crushing) welcome. Luckily, she terminated the hug of doom juuuust before it started to cause serious injury. Her smile as she did so was bright enough to dazzle.

"It's been way, way, way, way too long. If I'd known how long it'd seem, I'd have stowed away on the plane..."

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

"Huh?"

As cold as she was, Shellie wasn't prepared for Nimori to offer her his jacket, but frankly she's in no real position to refuse it, either. As she drapes it over her shoulders, her nose is overcome by the overwhelming scent of Shougo's boy musk.

BLURGH. GROSS.

"...thank you, Nimori-san."

As Shellie adjusts the coat and struggles to hold back her gag reflex, she half-manages to make out a request regarding walking her home before tuning back in fully.

The coat isn't as bad as the smoky arcade, and it certainly beats shivering, but it's not effortless to put up with, either. Probably best not to put the cute doofus through walking her home while she gags inexplicably the whole time; it's not his fault that her nose is extra-sensitive now.


"And, ah ... I have not seen you in Onizuka Middle School before. Are you new to Academy City? I hope we have given you a warm welcome; we are honoured by your presence."

Shellie lets out another breathy laugh, a puff of white vapor in the freezing air. "I've lived here for nine years, Nimori-san. I've been a citizen for most of them. You don't need to give me any special treatment. We go to the same school, too... we must have seen each other around. I'm kind of surprised, actually."


"I myself am in Class 25C. If it would please you, our space on the rooftop at lunch is always open to you."

"OK."

There's a roof access from the catwalks in the school auditorium, where the A/V club goes all the time. Also, 'OK,' is an Americanism that's widely used in Japan these days. Shougo may or may not be aware of either of these things.

"If nothing else, it will give me the opportunity to give your coat back. Thanks again for that, by the way; I usually take the subway, so I guess I never considered how cold it was."

She moves to resume her extended walk home, walking backwards a little bit to keep facing Nimura until she's done saying goodbye. "See you tomorrow!"

[Morcleon]

Shantelle nods, getting up.
It's not you're fault, it's mine. I should've expected that would've happened

[Tokiwadai - Park]

Shizuka sighs. "I... I still kinda feel responsible."

She smiles at Shantelle, leading them over to the hospital. "Um, do you want to continue planning out our show...?"

[Arkhosia]

[Tokiwadai - Park]

Shizuka sighs. "I... I still kinda feel responsible."

She smiles at Shantelle, leading them over to the hospital. "Um, do you want to continue planning out our show...?"

Sure, just wait to decide the date of it until I master that part of my ability.
Want to meet again tomorrow at the same place, same time?
Shantelle asks as they leave there.

[KerfuffleMach2]

For once, Kin didn't care about keeping up appearances within Tokiwadai. Breach of etiquette or not, she was going to give Krystal a proper (and potentially bone crushing) welcome. Luckily, she terminated the hug of doom juuuust before it started to cause serious injury. Her smile as she did so was bright enough to dazzle.

"It's been way, way, way, way too long. If I'd known how long it'd seem, I'd have stowed away on the plane..."

Tokiwadai

Krystal chuckles. Mostly because she didn't really doubt that Kin would do such a thing.

Yeah, well, it'd been a while since we had visited my grandparents, and they talked my parents into extending our vacation. It was good seeing them again, but I was kinda starting to miss being here. I mean, spending so long in a place that not only was a completely different country, but didn't have any ESPers, it got a little weird for me after a while.

[Morcleon]

Sure, just wait to decide the date of it until I master that part of my ability.
Want to meet again tomorrow at the same place, same time?
Shantelle asks as they leave there.


[Tokiwadai - Hospital]

"Of course. I don't want you to get hurt... and yes, same place, same time would be good." Shizuka grins and leads Shantelle into the hospital.

"Um, hello?" She calls out to the hospital receptionist person. "My friend got her arms cut up with glass..."

((...I actually have no idea how hospitals work... >.>))

[Arkhosia]

[Tokiwadai - Hospital]

"Of course. I don't want you to get hurt... and yes, same place, same time would be good." Shizuka grins and leads Shantelle into the hospital.

"Um, hello?" She calls out to the hospital receptionist person. "My friend got her arms cut up with glass..."

((...I actually have no idea how hospitals work... >.>))

Shantelle smiles at that, happy.
((was thinking we could skip that))

[Hyperbolic sine]

[Shun's apartment]

Riiiiiiing! Rii-
Shun doesn't let the alarm clock ring a second time. It's irritating.

It's meant to wake you up, after all...five more minutes, and I’ll get up.

Half an hour later, he wakes up again and looks at the clock: as soon as he realizes the hour, Shun darts out of the bed, mentally cursing himself. Getting ready in record time, he gulps down a cup of coffee before leaving (Good thing last night I made some extra...); stopping for a brief moment just to make sure the door was locked, he starts running towards the school like his life depended on it.

Luckily it’s not that far…if I hurry, I might make it in time. I just hope I don’t bump into someone...time to test my dodging skills, I suppose.

And here I go…if someone wants to be bumped into, or has any suggestion on how to start character interactions, just tell me. After all, I don’t want to disrupt ongoing scenes.

[Terry576]

"[Just make sure to choose your battles. Remember, you're in Academy City now. some of the students here can literally kill with a thought.]"

Moroe glanced around, and saw that the crowd had thinned out. Without so much as a farewell, she abruptly walked off down the corridor. It was hard to tell whether she was ditching Eli, or just expected him to follow.

"Would it not be more prudent to explain to him that there are several tutors in the nearby area that would teach Japanese to foreigners, Ishimaru-san? Some of which have access to abilities that could speed up the process?"

Language barriers, while existent, were rather... non-intrusive for those in Academy City. For those who can't afford it, that clunky collar around the other boy's neck are easy enough to come by - but any foreign scientist worth his salt is directed to one of the less 'reputable' ways of learning the language.

The variety of ways you could get inside another's head in Academy City were many and numerous, and those with abilities more useful to the City were always on call. A high-class scientist only speaks German? Fortunate that its so easy to insert another language into his head, alter his memories so he learned both, or any variety of ways to get around the usual wear and tear of the city.

"I am fairly certain you at least know of one of the cheapest ways to learn a new language. Giving him the information would cost you nothing and gain gratitude, and it is not as if the affordability would be a problem for you, Ishimaru-san. It would instead become his prerogative to decide if he cares more for his own mind being his own, or understanding the people around him."

[ImpSyndrome]

"[Just make sure to choose your battles. Remember, you're in Academy City now. some of the students here can literally kill with a thought.]"

Moroe glanced around, and saw that the crowd had thinned out. Without so much as a farewell, she abruptly walked off down the corridor. It was hard to tell whether she was ditching Eli, or just expected him to follow.

"[I guess I'll have to be extra-convincing, then,]" Eli retorts with a slight snarl. It's hard to tell if that's confidence or simply reckless anger talking, but he doesn't seem terribly threatened. Perhaps he should be...

In any case, classes seem to be starting shortly, judging by the receding flow of students through the halls, so Eli resolves to get on his own way. He would bid his acquaintance farewell, but she's already walking away by the time he thinks of it. Choosing not to continue pestering her, he retrieves his class schedule and determines the number for his homeroom before navigating the corridor, hoping he'll happen upon it soon enough. If only he'd thought to pick up a map of the school's layout yesterday...

((Because there's no indication that Eli and Moroe share any classes, at least not yet.))

[Morcleon]

Shantelle smiles at that, happy.
((was thinking we could skip that))

[Tokiwadai - Outside the Hospital]

After a short and uneventful visit to the hospital where Shizuka's shoddy bandages were replaced with a professional job, the two find themselves on the street outside.

"So, um, you wanna keep planning? Or do you have other things you need to do?"

[Anyr]

Tokiwadai

Krystal chuckles. Mostly because she didn't really doubt that Kin would do such a thing.

Yeah, well, it'd been a while since we had visited my grandparents, and they talked my parents into extending our vacation. It was good seeing them again, but I was kinda starting to miss being here. I mean, spending so long in a place that not only was a completely different country, but didn't have any ESPers, it got a little weird for me after a while.

"I know what you mean. The last time my parents dragged me to the outside world, I couldn't get over how primitive all the technology seemed. It almost feels like we don't belong there any more. Huh, that's a weird thought. When exactly did this bizarre city become 'home'?"

Kin would likely have expounded further on this topic; Had a teacher not materialised behind her and given a very pointed cough. Kin belatedly realised that she was standing in a (now mostly empty) hallway when she should be heading for class. Oops. Her manner of speech suddenly became a lot more formal.

"A-anyway, thank you, fellow student, for helping me with that vital school-related issue. I deeply apologise for delaying you. Now let's quickly proceed to our next lesson, lest we be late."

[KerfuffleMach2]

Tokiwadai

Krystal was about to respond, but then a wild teacher appeared!

Stifling a chuckle at Kin's sudden change in mannerism, Krystal nods her head towards her friend.

I am glad I could help. Shall we? She gestures in the general direction of their next class, and will lead the way there.

[Arkhosia]

[Tokiwadai - Outside the Hospital]

After a short and uneventful visit to the hospital where Shizuka's shoddy bandages were replaced with a professional job, the two find themselves on the street outside.

"So, um, you wanna keep planning? Or do you have other things you need to do?"

The cuts are just minor! Yay!
I'd like to keep planning. Hmm... Maybe we could just hang out too?
Shantelle suggests, leaning on a tree.

[AnimeKid]

"E-easy there. If you lavish too much praise on me now, there'll be none left for when I really start doing well."

These words were spoken while Kin awkwardly scrutinised the tops of her own shoes. At times like this, she treated Crocell more like a beloved mentor than an equal. Still looking down, she hastily finished off the last surviving morsels of food, then stood up and brushed the crumbs off her uniform.

"A-anyway, are we ready to go? I think we should be heading back soon..."

Crocell nodded his head as they threw away their napkins and various other other things and left the establishment to head back. He told her that there wouldn't be any training today as he was going to be on patrol and headed off to do his duties.

Next Day-Azabu High school school

Crocell went through his day with he usual amount of indifference. It wasn't that the classes weren't challenging it was just that when you have the power to soar through the air like a rocket and be your own fireworks show paperwork was even more tedious than it usually was. Well he didn't have patrol today so at least he could go free running after school. He would probably invite Kin since she shown a surprising interest in the sport. They could probably even treat it as a training session for her powers. though training didn't quite feel right when Krystal was out of town. Hopefully she would be back soon.
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ____________
Next Day-Onizuka Middle school

Tobio walked though the hallway's of Onizuka in between classes with his head down as per usual. He did his best to avoid being noticed. Especially since some of the kids had a habit of picking on him because of his shy and timid nature. Not to mention his reluctance to fight those who didn't deserve or just to protect himself. As his friend Shuugo could tell people Tobio wasn't a pushover by any means. Speaking of said friend Tobio bumped into him along with way to Chemistry. Looking down at his smaller friend Tobio smiled.

"Ohaiyo Shuugo-kun. It's good to see you. Have you been practicing your Nimori-Ryu? I've been practicing a bit myself. After all the least I can do is put in the proper amount of effort since you decided to teach it to me."

[Morcleon]

The cuts are just minor! Yay!
I'd like to keep planning. Hmm... Maybe we could just hang out too?
Shantelle suggests, leaning on a tree.

[Tokiwadai - On the Streets]

"Sure!" Shizuka smiles. "So, how are your arms? Do they still hurt?"

[Anyr]

"Would it not be more prudent to explain to him that there are several tutors in the nearby area that would teach Japanese to foreigners, Ishimaru-san? Some of which have access to abilities that could speed up the process?"

"I am fairly certain you at least know of one of the cheapest ways to learn a new language. Giving him the information would cost you nothing and gain gratitude, and it is not as if the affordability would be a problem for you, Ishimaru-san. It would instead become his prerogative to decide if he cares more for his own mind being his own, or understanding the people around him."

"I'm sure he doesn't need my help to find a normal tutor. As for the telepaths, he's better off without becoming their guinea pig."

Moroe paused. Her views on this subject had recently undergone some rather forcible expansion: Chiefly because of the two most important people in her life. She lowered her voice and kept an eye out for eavesdroppers.

"Look, I know this sort of thing can work: You and Shougo are living proof of that. But I'm living proof of the risks. Even with all my telepathic training, that psychic link still gave me an extra childhood, and a lot of really confusing feelings. Imagine what that sort of backfire could do to a civilian. And even if the telepath is too good to make a mistake, there's a good chance that they're deliberately brainwashing you as part of some scheme. It's just not worth the risk."


Tokiwadai

Krystal was about to respond, but then a wild teacher appeared!

Stifling a chuckle at Kin's sudden change in mannerism, Krystal nods her head towards her friend.

I am glad I could help. Shall we? She gestures in the general direction of their next class, and will lead the way there.

For Kin, the class which followed seemed agonisingly slow. She'd been separated from Krystal for so long that any further delay was almost intolerable. When at long, long last the teacher dismissed everyone, it took serious willpower not to dash headlong out of the room. Instead she departed quietly, with the grace and dignity expected of her. But if she and Krystal didn't manage to leave the building soon, all that pent-up energy inside her was liable to explode...

[KerfuffleMach2]

Tokiwadai

Seeing Kin explode with energy would be amusing...

Alas, it shall not happen yet. The girls manage to make it out before such a thing can happen. This time...

Krystal turns to Kin, her own excitement showing on her face. So, what should we do? Go find Crocell?

[Anyr]

"Naturally. But first, we dance!"

Kin grabbed Krystal, pulled her close, and proceeded to lead the other girl in a bizarre waltz/tango hybrid around the courtyard. Oh how she'd missed this.

"No quiet cafes for us today! We're going to leap and run and cavort and sing until our lungs are ready to burst!"

[Hyperbolic sine]

[Onizuka Middle School]

Shun, out of breath, arrived at Onizuka a moment before the crowd of students began to thin out

"Thanks...goodness...I...did it!"

While he was recovering from the fatigue, something drawed his attention: a robotic-ish voice, whose source seemed to be a fellow student with a translator collar.

A translator collar? Haven't seen one for a while, he thought, and smirked when he remembered a poor student whose collar had been hacked and modified to shout profanities. The poor guy risked expulsion whitout even knowing why...I hope the same doesn't happen to him. Middle schoolers can be really nasty. Shun then realized that, lost in his thoughts, he unconsciously followed him. Luckily, I'm heading in the right direction. Maybe we're in the same class. Should I speak to him? But wouldn't it be strange for a complete stranger to just start talking out of the blue? Besides, he seemed engaged in conversation with that girl, so it's not like he hasn't any friends. Oh, well, one thing at a time, this might as well be the last time I see him...I suppose I just have to wait to find out.

[KerfuffleMach2]

Krystal laughs as she gets pulled into Kin's antics. The girl seemed a bit more energetic than usual today.

I'll do the running and jumping, but if you don't want your ears to bleed, I won't be singing. She grins a bit.

[Arkhosia]

[Tokiwadai - On the Streets]

"Sure!" Shizuka smiles. "So, how are your arms? Do they still hurt?"

The spectacled, eye patch wearing mademoiselle shakes her head
Nope.
Shantelle lies. They sting a bit.

[Morcleon]

The spectacled, eye patch wearing mademoiselle shakes her head
Nope.
Shantelle lies. They sting a bit.

[Tokiwadai - On the Streets]

"Ah, that's good." Shizuka smiles happily, relieved. "They'll probably heal within a few days... I hope there aren't any scars..."