2023-04-05 - A Familiar Conversation
| Title: A Familiar Conversation | |
|---|---|
| Summary: Following her successful completion of the enchantment to store her staff with, Raiko heads outside for some fresh air. Tama comes across her while conducting her own business and the two converse for a while on various topics. Understandings are reached, encouragements are given, and resolutions are made. | |
| Who: Raiko Takashima, Tama (Played by Yumi Ohzora) | |
| Where: Infinity Institute (Tama Outer City - Infinity Institute) | |
| OOC - IC Date: 4/5/2023 - Saturday, February 27, 2016 | |
.******************** Tama Outer City - Infinity Institute ********************.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+ Infinity Institute +*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
The inner wards of Tokyo boast most of its largest skyscrapers, but there is
an unusual exception. Located in Hachioji District, the Infinity Institute
is by far the largest building in Tama, and the second-largest skyscraper in
Tokyo. At 52 stories tall, its glass and stone the sort of primeval obsidian
that shimmers like oyster shell, Infinity is commonly supposed, by visitors,
to house some megacorporation, but there is only a scrap of truth to that.
Infinity is, in fact, a school, and what a school it is.
Offering a complete education from elementary to university, this daring new
charter school offers talented students a literal and figurative chance to
climb in the world: its vertical campus has students moving up a few floors
every year. Black metal monoliths with lighted white globes flank students
as they approach the entranceway, itself styled like an abstracted
grandfather clock, purplish glass panes forming an arch on the facade.
Within, a lushly austere atrium whispers water-sound from its great
fountain, beams of light slicing falling water elaborately. The atrium's
ceiling is five stories tall, and so many balconies and walkways are visible
as one stands on the violet carpeted black granite.
There is considerable variation between the fifty two floors, but the
unifying theme is one of sleek modernity. Heavy use of polished metal and
glass lend the building the feeling of an appliance freshly peeled of its
plastic coating. The walls are painted in cool tones of purple and deep
blue, and the accommodations are lavish, if stark. At times, the architects
even seem to have played artful little tricks, making a hallway appear too
long, or bend in a way that it does not. It is just a trick of the eye,
isn't it?
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
Night has fallen in Tokyo, and the city is lit up brilliantly. Just outside the impressive Infinity Institute, Raiko sits on a bench, bundled up for the cold and alternating between looking at her phone and gazing up at the night sky. She's not using it, at the moment, just looking it over, turning it over in her hands to examine it, and, every so often, holding her hands apart and using her telekinesis to turn it in between them. She'd had a great success earlier that night, but after celebrating, had felt the need to get outside for a bit and take in some fresh air.
The phone looks like any other smart phone a teenager might have... save for the distinct metallic blue color. That's new, the result of a successful enchantment performed earlier that same night. Only a few people know about her phone and its enchantment at the moment: Yumi, who had congratulated her with a hug; Shiori, who seemed relieved to no longer have the burden of carrying the Staff of Wise Levin, which was safely stowed inside her newly-enchanted phone, and also proud of her witch's progress; and Tama, who seemed to accept the Staff's judgment in awarding Raiko with a pair of well-made goggles for her efforts.
Raiko felt accomplished at having decoded an ancient spell, meant for Yumi's staff, enough to rework for her own staff, and to have integrated it with her old enchantment for her phone, to boot. She was happy, mostly, but...
There was still one person she really wanted to share her accomplishment with, and he was still missing.
The young witch sighed as she stared up at the sky, contemplating her missing grandfather. It just didn't feel complete without being able to share it with him.
<Pose Tracker> Yumi Ohzora [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
Yumi stayed inside, for her part; she had some more things to take care of herself, having seen Raiko's accomplishment, including 'not being out in the chill' as one of those things. But Tama happened to slink along out when Raiko left.
It would be easy to miss that she's been walking along near her, since she did wander off in the other direction once they got outside... but now the fluffy black elder cat is padding close again, hopping up onto the bench and taking a seat beside Raiko.
She glances around, once, and then, "Hello, Raiko."
She doesn't look at her for the moment, looking up to the sky as well, her tail still.
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
Shiori, for her part, was still inside; having relieved herself of the burden of carrying Wise Levin, she was taking it easy for a bit.
Raiko had been lost in thought so hadn't paid too much attention as Tama slunk out after her and parted ways... but at the same time she didn't seem too perturbed when she felt Tamam jump up onto the bench. She glanced down and noted who it was, offering a melancholy smile and a soft, "Hi, Tama" before looking back up at the sky.
It's the kind of night that keeps people off the street as much as possible, so there's not a lot of passers by at the moment.
Raiko sets her phone in her lap and uses a now-free hand to give Tama a few gentle scritches behind her ears.
Very quietly, she says, "It still feels hard to believe any of this is happening, sometimes..."
<Pose Tracker> Yumi Ohzora [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
Tama is willing to be silent for a few moments, and also willing to accept a little affection, maybe as much for the sake of Raiko's clear distress as anything. It's hard to say; Tama's emotions are hard to read as a rule, except for when she's annoyed, which is very easy.
She is often annoyed, it would seem. But not now.
"Yes," Tama says. "I imagine that it is."
"...I've seen it many a time," she reflects. "Many girls whose lives changed suddenly, and who had to adjust accordingly."
"Is that what you're feeling now? dfficulty believing it?"
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
It's such a small and simple thing, but... giving a little affection to Tama does help, in its own way. It's calming, if nothing else.
Raiko listens as Tama reflects, about how many other girls have gone through the same thing as her. Similar, but yet...
"I... well... yeah, a little bit," admits Raiko in response to Tama's question. "Did... any of them have their parents go missing when they got their powers?"
She tries to ask that question innocently, in a general sense, but there is too much melancholy in her voice to hide the truth of what she's thinking of.
<Pose Tracker> Yumi Ohzora [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
Some familiars or other mascots would be offended by such a thing, but Tama is more... cat, than certain others. Of course, this means that as soon as she's had enough she's likely to wander off, too. But not yet. No...
"...Yes," Tama answers. "And it was just as hard on them as it is on you, now."
"Your grandfather is a very brave man," Tama says. "...And I believe that he's still alive, out there. It is cold comfort, I know. But he is doing what he believes in. The things Shiori has helped him to do for some time."
"...Has Shiori ever told you of how they met?" Tama wonders. "It's her business, of course. But if not, I suggest you ask."
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
Raiko grew up around Shiori, so may have picked up a few assumptions about how to treat feline familiars. Though, really, she didn't try to offer up that kind of affection until the first time or two Tama showed affection first, most notably right after asking Tama not to call her inexperienced in front of the Sulfuric Ogre. But when Tama's had enough she won't protest when Tama leaves.
The girl sniffs a little as Tama says it was just as hard on those other girls in her situation, but nods a little to acknowledge the familiar's words.
"I know. Keeping The Hungry Queen from getting artifacts and sources of power to carry out her plans is important. I just..." She stops petting Tama for a moment to pick up her phone again, turning it over in her hands. "I just wish he could know that... I'm trying my best to clean up all the messes I made. That I'm trying really hard to live up to his example."
Raiko shakes her head at the question. "All she's said is... Let me see... that he was kind to her, and that helped earned her trust. And that... that I'm kind too, in the same way he was. I don't really know any details other than that... maybe I'll ask her sometime."
<Pose Tracker> Yumi Ohzora [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
Tama has remembered that!
Tama looks to the metallic blue phone, the new host of the Staff of Wise Levin. She considers it, for a few moments, her eyes still relatively wide in the dim, in the way a cat's eyes are.
"It is my hope," she says, "That we will be able to go back into contact with him again, eventally. And then you can tell him these things for yourself."
It's her hope. She can't guarantee it, she doesn't say; it would be cruel.
"Hmm. Those things are true," Tama says, including the talk of kindness. "Yes, I recommend that you do. I tiwll tell you a little more about your grandfather and Shiori both."
"...But I see the efforts you make, at least."
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
Raiko tilts the phone in Tama's direction just a little, in case she was interested in getting a better look.
She sighs a little. "I hope so, too. There's... a lot I want to tell him. And to ask him about." A beat. then, quietly, "... and apologize, for." What she has to apologize for, she doesn't say.
But she does smile a little as Tama confirms those things are true, including the bit about her. "I'll do that. I've thought about asking more, but it's been so busy it keeps slipping my mind."
There is a small smile as Tama says she sees her efforts, and she reaches out to pet gently along Tama's back. "Thank you, Tama. I appreciate it. Having you, Shiori, and Yumi around helps. I know I'm not alone in all of this, at least."
Her other hand is still holding the phone, and she looks it over a moment more. "I get the sense that you're not exactly thrilled with me using the staff's enchantment on my phone..." It's not accusatory, and her petting never changes its rhythm as she makes that statement. "I think Shiori was worried about what you'd think about that."
<Pose Tracker> Yumi Ohzora [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
Tama does regard a little closer, but doesn't move to try to either take the phone or manipulate it; she just looks more closely.
"I'm sure you have much to say," Tama says, rather than inquiring or pressing about what she might apologize for. She does notice the smile, though... and inclines her head, closing her eyes slowly in what is notable as a pleased sort of gesture. "There's much to do. But you'll find the time, I think."
Tama stretches as she's petted, accepting a little more affection. "You're not," she agrees, and there's a wry tone in her voice, "But you're correct. I am not... 'thrilled', as you put it. I believe in certain traditions. You should be storing the staff in a ring or pendant, inlaid with valuable jewels that befit the status of such a mighty Artifact."
"However," Tama allows, "The Staff approves, clearly. And thus I am willing to relent. I suppose these... phones, are also valuable in their own right. But take great care of it. It is now the vessel of a precious item."
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
Raiko knows how to read that gesture, at least, and appreciates receiving it from Tama. She might show annoyance rather easily, but... it's also nice to know she can show affection and approval, too.
"Yeah... Shiori tried to convince me to do that, too... And I know tradition is important for witches, but..." She sighs a little, but this one is more wistful than sad, this time. "I love magic, and I want to be able to help contribute new things to this field, too, you know? To be able to make witchcraft better and easier to use, so it can help more people..."
"Not that I think it's bad or lacking!" she hastily adds. "Just... I don't want to see it get left behind."
"Though..." she looks down to Tama, her tone serious and respectful. "Would it help you to know that things like gold, silver, and titanium make up the circuitry in a phone like this? I know they're not jewels, but... it's something, right?" She doesn't know if that will help, but... she's trying.
"I will, I promise," she says of being careful with her phone. "I always have it with me wherever I go. And I promise I'll treat the Staff with all the respect I can. If it weren't for that, well... I wouldn't be able to help Yumi-chan, or live up to my grandfather's example."
<Pose Tracker> Yumi Ohzora [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
"...Hmm." Tama reflects on Raiko's words. "I can see that," she says. "Your predecessor also sought to push the limits of magic, albeit in different ways. I suppose it's something about your line..." Of course Tama would think in those ways. She's a traditionalist, after all.
"I see," she answers about the components. "Yes," she says, "That is helpful. If the components of this... device... are sufficiently serious, then perhaps that's acceptable after all. Though I do admit I prefer that you thought about it and enchanted it fully instead of just deciding to do it on a whim..."
But Raiko will be careful. "...That's exactly right," Tama says of respecting the Staff. "And you have a lot ahead of you in responsibilities. If you want to return your Grandfather's home and research to him in the same or better condition than you received it, especially."
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
Raiko smiles a little more as Tama compares her to her predecessors. It's a nice thought, knowing that not only is she following in her grandfather's footsteps, she's echoing the great mages in her ancestral line. "I really hope that someday I can add something to the staff as well, like my predecessor did.
Her jacket is all zipped up, so they can't be seen, but the new goggles are hanging from her neck underneath it. It's... comforting, in its own way.
She smiles as Tama compliments her work on enchanting the phone, and giggles a little as the familiar compares her own efforts to Yumi's, even though she knows she shouldn't laugh at Yumi's expense. "That does sound like her, doesn't it? But thanks. It took a lot of work to figure out the spell, and..." She flips it over to see the back, which is all metallic blue. "... I didn't even figure everything out, like this harmonization effect."
A pause of consideration. "Yumi can be... she likes to go for things, huh?" is the nicest way she can think of to phrase it. She gives Tama another ear scritch. "... I bet she makes you worry a lot. I worry about her too," she admits.
There is a resigned nod as Tama mentions all the responsibilities. "Trying to fix my grades, stay in Infinity, be a magical girl, live up to my grandfather's example... and I already fixed the wards on his office. Though I haven't had a lot of luck accessing his research, but with entrance exams I haven't had a lot of time, and now finals are almost here..." But there is a bit of firmness in her voice as she says, "When Grandpa comes home--" and there's no doubt, in that instant, that he will "--I want to show him everything I've been able to accomplish and make him proud."
<Pose Tracker> Yumi Ohzora [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
"I hope that as well," Tama answers, quite seriously. They share a number of hopes, it would see.
"You did quite well with it. Only one unexpected side-effect is an accomplishment for an adult witch when it comes to converting an ancient and powerful spell to a new method. That much is true."
But Yumi... Tama sighs, and shakes her head, her ears flattening for a moment. "She is impetuous, perhaps even reckless. But she is strong and clever enough to get out of most of the scrapes she jumps into. It does reassure me that she has you around to help look after her, now. I have noticed that you've tried to counsel her to more caution. ...I doubt it will have much effect, but I appreciate it regardless."
Tama finally wanders a little further on the bench, to sit and look out over the road, tail flicking thoughtfully. "Shiori will support you in that. I have every faith that the two of you will be able to do just that."
"...Provided," Tama says, as she looks back, "That you do keep up this resolve. Focus on your own needs first; the notes will keep a little longer."
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
There is a very pleased--and somewhat shy smile as Tama compliments her skills, comparing her efforts very favorably to that of a more experienced witch. "Thank you, Tama. That means a lot to me to hear, especially coming from you."
But she sighs a little as Tama uses the word 'impetuous.' "Yeah..." It's hard not to agree. "I'll admit, when she's encouraging me about my studies or my magic work, it's... nice. It makes me feel like I really can do all the things I need to be responsible for. But when it comes to combat or handling dangerous magic... well..." She nods as Tama recognizes her efforts to counsel her. "Yeah... I try, but..." Well, they both know what Yumi is like. "You're welcome, Tama. I'll do my best to watch out for her. If something happened to her, I'd..."
"Well, I'll just make sure nothing bad happens to her." Perhaps a tad unrealistic, but it's easier than trying to enumerate the consequences of harm befalling Yumi.
Raiko lets Tama wander further away without complaint, drawing her hand back to her lap. "Yeah. Shiori was really helpful double checking my work for this enchantment. I'm used to her teaching me, but... it still feels weird that we were more like partners on this. Good, but still weird. It's just... different, from how we've been before."
She regards Tama thoughtfully as the familiar explicitly gives her permission to take care of her own needs before trying to crack the mystery of her grandfather's notes. "... okay, thanks. I'll keep that in mind. Keeping up with all of this is hard, but... I'll keep trying."
<Pose Tracker> Yumi Ohzora [Infinity Institute (11)] has posed.
"I am only saying things that are true," Tama says, with a little sniff to indicate that she's not planning to get too sappy about it. "If you continue to work hard, you will continue to do well. That's all."
As for Yumi, well... "Yes, she has many fine qualities... but 'carefulness with herself' is not particularly among them." She nods. "Yes. Together, we will keep her safe, even if she's not always much of a participant in that particular activity."
"I know that you rely on her, but she is coming to rely on you, as well. Remember that."
Tama considers the matter of Shiori. "It's part of growing up," she says. "You have a while to go, yet--but the two of you will become true partners, more and more, as you work together. She will not steer you wrongly."
It is of course different. "Good," Tama says of trying. "You can succeed, if you do. I want you all to understand that. ...But, of course," she says, "I do not pretend to be an expert in human schooling. So you'll have to accomplish much of that on your own."
She hops down from the bench, and looks up at Raiko. "...Hang onto that feeling you have tonight," she says. "Remember it. And let it sustain you when times are harder."
<Pose Tracker> Raiko Takashima [Infinity Institute (9)] has posed.
Raiko is used to dealing with Shiori who, while quite affectionate and close, is still a cat. So she thinks she understands what Tama is saying (or not saying) when she makes that little sniffing noise. "Then I'll continue to work hard," she says simply, to acknowledge Tama's words without getting too 'sappy' about it.
She giggles at Tama's description of Yumi's participation, or rather lack thereof, in keeping herself safe. "Let's both do our best, then."
She is, however, rather taken aback for a moment as Tama mentions that Yumi is relying on her, as well. She flashes back to Ivy asking her, in the heat of battle, to try and locate Conflagria at the mirror maze. She hadn't given it much thought in the heat of the moment, but looking back on it now...
That was rather a lot of trust to place in her, wasn't it? And there was no hesitation with entrusting her with the task, either.
"... I'll remember that. Thanks. I'll do my best to be someone she can depend on."
"Yeah, Shori's been helping me for as long as I can remember... and I guess in more ways than I ever realized, too... I know she only has my best interests at heart. And I'll make sure to take care of her, too, like I am with Yumi-chan."
Of course Tama's not an expert in human schooling. Though Shiori's managed to pick up a little in her time working with Raiko. "Right. I know what I have to do there's just... a lot to make up for." But she doesn't sound as defeated admitting that this time as previous times.
Raiko looks down to Tama and nods firmly. "I will," she says, and she means it. She doesn't really want to conetemplate things being harder than they are now, but... well, she won't be alone in dealing with it. Just like she isn't now.
She lips her phone into her pocket and stands up, stretching her arms over her head for a moment. "It was nice talking with you, Tama. I think I'm going to go back to my studies now. Have a good night."
There's a lot to do, but... it's not quite as daunting as it was a while ago.
