2023-06-01 - Device Negotiations
| Title: Device Negotiations | |
|---|---|
| Summary: Kyouka and Strike Wolf finally meet The Phantom Fox to negotiate for Strike Wolf's fate. Mami and Endo witness their agreement. | |
| Who: | |
| Where: Yamanote High City (Yamanote High City) | |
| OOC - IC Date: 6/1/2023 - Monday, March 14, 2016 | |
.***************************** Yamanote High City *****************************.
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+ Yamanote High City +*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
Tokyo is so large that it has no real "downtown," as it sustains a great
number of such areas. Yamanote taken as a whole, however, has many of the
traits one associates with that term, with dense commercial zoning, prices
as steep as the skyscrapers, and a vibrant mix of subcultures. Yamanote
represents the most Westernized part of Tokyo, and its people are considered
fashionable, sophisticated, and worldly. Their educated dialect forms the
basis of standard Japanese, and their area contains Tokyo's municipal
government, as well as the lion's share of its corporate headquarters. This
area's frantic capitalism keeps Japan on the world stage, but in losing
touch with traditional culture, the people here have gained a reputation for
cynicism, arrogance, and lack of empathy. Yamanote is surely to blame for
Tokyo's reputation as a place where one can purchase a tube instead of a
motel room, or experience the joy of being gently compressed into a crowded
subway car by white-gloved attendants.
The Yamanote area is large enough that it is difficult to generalize its
visual appearance. Western influence is, of course, generally stronger than
anywhere else in Japan, and this is reflected in the architecture,
especially the many corporate towers. High-rise apartment buildings are
common in the residential areas, both the glossy expensive type and the
distinctively Asian raw grey tower blocks favored by lower income citizens.
Parks are less common here than elsewhere, but their greenery crops up
surprisingly often nonetheless, especially where Yamanote borders the bay.
Reclaimed land and the natural Southern Cross Island are considered part of
the district as well, and the Ohtori campus that dominates the latter is
strongly influenced by Yamanote culture.
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
It is one day after the ogre attack that threatened the Tokyo Anime Fair, one caused by an ogre chasing a pesky fox for reasons unknown. The attack had, thankfully, been foiled through the combined efforts of Kyouka and Lost Ivy, and afterwards Kyouka had finally been able to convince 'The Phantom Fox' that she was interested in talking about Strike Wolf.
The fox's representative, Mami Tomoe, had reached out to Kyouka, a meeting had been arranged, and the time was almost upon them. It's just past dusk the night following the foiled attack, with the night sky sparkling above, a sea of electric lights in the cityscape below, and the last vestiges of a red-orange glow fading along the horizon as the sun rests for the night.
ON A ROOFTOP
The woman is in her human form for this meeting, sporting a black dress, long white labcoat, long, bright red hair, and green eyes... and wearing her fox ears and tails. Both hands are slipped into her lab coat's pockets as she waits, and she seems far more sedate than in previous sightings. Her tails sway gently behind her and she has the tiniest bit of an air of a predator waiting for its next meal... but also of a salesman waiting to make a deal. (And perhaps the two are one and the same.) She is quiet, contemplative, though at one point she does briefly break the silence.
Without looking to Mami, she says, "... I do apologize, about the ogre. I thought I had escaped him, but he caught up faster than I'd anticipated. I know your concern is for the city, and if this goes the way I want, I'll get out of your hair."
MEANWHILE, ON ANOTHER ROOFTOP
Kyouka is transformed, in her barrier jacket, and pacing back and forth on a rooftop as she waits for the appointed time.
"This is it, Strike Wolf... Are you ready?"
<Affirmative.>
Kyouka nods and turns, retracing her path. "And... you're sure you want to go through with this? If we can't work out a deal."
There is a moment of delay, of calculation and evaluation before Strike Wolf replies this time, <Affirmative. Kyouka, will you be okay with this choice?>
Kyouka shakes her head, "Don't worry about me, buddy. This is about what's best for you. We'll make our case, but... I did make a promise to help you, and I intend to stick to it."
<Thank you. Kyouka, it is time.>
She nods and looks to Endo. "Alright, we'd better get going. Thanks again for helping me on such short notice. Strike Wolf and I both appreciate it." She'd contacted her friends the previous night to see who was free to back her up in this meeting. It was very short notice, but... after so long, she wanted to make sure this got settled, one way or another.
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Mami Tomoe is here, at that time, transformed. It seems the appropriate way to be given the situation, and she is standing next to the Phantom Fox, noticing how sedate she is. She notices that air...
But does not comment on it yet.
"There was little else you could have done," Mami says by way of excuse for her. "The Ogre was stopped, and that's what counts. I'm not going to blame you for being the target of a monster, in any case."
She does notice 'out of her hair', of course. Maybe that's fine, too. The blonde, for her part, looks out over the rooftop, waiting for their expected counterparts... Or anyone else who happens to stop by. It's not lost on her that Strike Wolf was victim of an attempted theft already. There could be trouble.
<Pose Tracker> Endo Naoki [Juuban Public School (12)] has posed.
Endo is likewise transformed already, clad in armor and with oversized sword planted in the roof. The boy leans against it, watching the night sky as Kyouka makes her preparations. When addressed he makes a short shake of his head in response, offering the other mage a short smile.
"Aah, it's not a big deal." He replies to the topic of giving aid. He does add, after giving it a moment of thought: "I mean, not in that way." It is in some others.
The knight removes his sword from the rooftop with a tug, ignoring the dent in the surface where it rested. "If you're ready, I'm ready." There's a hint of concern, but he does his best to maintain a positive demeanor for his friend.
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Mami seems understanding of her circumstances. The woman doesn't respond to that, except to make a noncommital "hmm" sound as she continues watching their surroundings.
Kyouka just nods as Endo corrects himself, "It's fine, I understood what you meant. Alright, then... Here goes." She takes off running, using large leaps to clear rooftops, and trusting Endo to follow along as she does, until...
Kyouka runs up the side of the building that is their meeting spot, vaulting over the edge and landing in a neat crouch. They're on opposite sides of the rooftop, close enough to talk but with enough distance to prevent any sneak attacks between the two parties.
"Hello, Tomoe-san," she says, giving Mami a short nod. She's tense, but the greeting is mostly casual. "And..." she looks to the fox-woman.
"Akari will suffice, thank you," she supplies, and follows up with, "Thank you for agreeing to meet with me." As if this had been her idea from the start. But she is composed in this moment, not at all like Kyouka might have described her from previous encounters.
Strike Wolf's active form glows in time with his words from the back of Kyouka's gauntlet as he speaks. <Greetings, Akari.>
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Mami Tomoe is good at being watchful. So, of course, she's unsurprised by who approaches, and how. When Kyouka greets her she gives her a polite smile and nod back. "Okazaki-san. Endo-kun. Strike Wolf."
They both already know who she is, after all. There's no reason to pretend otherwise. She has no weapons drawn... But if she were of a mind to fight her friends in the first place, she wouldn't need to have them to hand.
She isn't. She is rather less tense than either Kyouka or Akari, in the moment.
She steps to the side, to allow Akari some space, but otherwise remains fairly quiet.
<Pose Tracker> Endo Naoki [Juuban Public School (12)] has posed.
There was a time when Endo would have expended more effort to follow Kyouka. But he can fly now. Which he does, drifting lazily across the Tokyo skyscape before touching down a few feet behind the girl on the other side of the roof. There's an audible scrape of metal as Fallen Stern comes to rest against the rooftop again. Unlike Mami, Endo can't help but be very armed--but he is about as relaxed.
"Hi, Mami-san." Endo's greeting is pleasant and casual, clearly appreciating the presence of the senior magical girl.
Akari doesn't get a greeting quite yet, but it's probably because she and Kyouka have important things to take about. He does nod a little bit in acknowledgement, though. He's content to let the two speak.
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
There is... something of a standoff between Kyouka and Akari, as the silence between the two of them seems to linger for far too long. Akari seems to exude calmness, her only motion that of her tails gently swaying in the night breeze. Kyouka has her arms crossed, a slight frown on her face. Both of them seem to be waiting for the other to speak, as if this is some game of verbal chicken.
One which Kyouka loses. "Okay, so... Just for the record, I didn't steal Strike Wolf. Someone was stealing him and I rescued him. And then he offered to synchronize so we could fight the mage off. Just so we're clear."
Akari nods. "Yes, I believe you. Strike Wolf confirmed his programming was not tampered with. And, for my part, I must apologize. My master and I were beside ourselves when we discovered Strike Wolf had been stolen, and clearly we jumped to conclusions. My actions at your home were uncalled for, and you have my deepest apologies." She takes her hands out of her pockets, bows deeply, and then stands upright again.
Kyouka blinks, and suddenly looks uncertain. She glances to Endo as if to say, 'Did I just hear that right? Are you seeing what I'm seeing?' and then back to Akari. "I... well... I guess I understand where you're coming from..." It's hard to stay mad at someone apologizing, without looking like a jerk.
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Mami doesn't have to follow far, of course; she was already here. And admittedly, she also appreciates Endo's presence. He's stabilizing. Makes it less likely for things to go ugly.
Mami also is content to let them speak; she's not here to speak for either of them, but perhaps to help mediate. And she's very, very willing to wait and hang out in the meantime. But...
They agree on this point, it would seem.
"...Hm." Mami looks between Kyouka and Akari, and then at Endo. She maintains a ready sort of stance, as much for Akari's benefit as anything.
<Pose Tracker> Endo Naoki [Juuban Public School (12)] has posed.
Endo's head tilts, the boy glancing between those gathered on the rooftop. When Kyouka glances at him he merely shrugs unhelpfully.
"So does that mean Kyouka gets to keep Strike Wolf?" He asks. He didn't stay out of the conversation for very long.
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Akari, at least, feels reassured by Mami's presence. She's not really a match for a magical girl on her own, but at least with Mami on her side, she's got a chance. Hard to do better than one of the most experienced magical girls in the city, after all.
She does look to Endo as he speaks, and there is a moment of scrutiny as she looks at his armor, and then his sword, evaluating both. But she shakes her head at that question. "Although I do believe that Miss Okazaki here did not steal Strike Wolf, I'm afraid I must still ask for him back."
"But you don't understand, we make a really good team!" interjects Kyouka.
<Affirmative. Kyouka is an excellent partner.>
Akari holds up her hands in a placating gesture. "I do not dispute that--you both performed admirably yesterday. But it is... a matter of safety. Strike Wolf was not meant to be operational yet. Continuing to use him in this condition could prove dangerous."
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Mami finds Endo's question a fair one. So she waits for an answer to it; she's not going to leave Akari out to dry, but neither is she nearly as standoffish about the others. She continues to try to project cool assurance, an effort that doesn't orove very difficult for Mami as a rule.
"Hmm," Mami says. "That does make sense," she says of Akari's statement. "An incomplete Device could present a danger to people around you if something goes wrong; that it hasn't yet doesn't mean that Strike Wolf might not have some accidental discharge later."
"Someone who helped design him is likely to know better than the rest of us."
"...So, Akari-san, do you think it's likely?"
<Pose Tracker> Endo Naoki [Juuban Public School (12)] has posed.
Endo frowns. He glances over to Kyouka, and then back to Akari.
He looks ready to interject again, but holds off for now. He lets Kyouka handle thingshe'd agreed it was her decision, after all.
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Akari nods to Mami's observation about the danger it could present to others. "That is correct. However, it could also present a danger to Miss Okazaki herself." She looks to Kyouka again. "Unfortunately, I cannot say for certain whether this is likely without doing a full analysis. We are not privy to his complete operating conditions, after all... But tell me, hve you encountered any difficulties in using Strike Wolf? Things you were unable to do, or has he suffered any any damage during operation?"
"I... Well..." Kyouka hesitates, glancing aside. "Yeah, but... Strike Wolf and I know he's missing components, and we worked around them as best we could..." She looks down to Strike Wolf, and they're both silent for a moment. There is one other thing she doesn't want to say, but...
Strike Wolf offers it anyway. <I suffered catastrophic system failures due to energy output exceeding maximum tolerances.>
After the fight with Shadow Stern, Strike Wolf went completely offline until he was repaired. Kyouka had been... rather beside herself with worry.
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
"A danger to Okazaki-san, too..."
Mami is thoughtful about that, tilting her head to the side as she observs each person in turn but particularly Akari. Then, Kyouka. While they're both quiet...
She looks to Endo again. "Any other thoughts?" she wonders of him, as she looks to the two of them again.
"There's always danger in fighting, of course. This sounds like you expect more than that."
<Pose Tracker> Endo Naoki [Juuban Public School (12)] has posed.
"Well," Endo offers, "Why don't you make sure Strike Wolf is safe, and then Kyouka can have it?" He suggests.
"That way there won't be any accidents, and they can stay together. Since they're already working with each other so well."
He glances toward Mami, as if to judge her response to the idea.
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Akari gives Kyouka an appraising look. She'd gotten a feel for her magic just by watching her fight the previous night, but if the power output was that high... But then she just nods. "I thought as much." To Mami says, "Well, naturally, but the danger is only enhanced if your device you're counting on to protect you is unreliable or has flaws that need to be addressed."
But Kyouka chimes in after Endo speaks up. "Yeah! Look, Strike Wolf and I are doing a lot of good together. We've stopped a bunch of monsters, helped protect a bunch of people, we're... well, there's things we still need to help with. Couldn't you make sure he's safe, or... even finish his construction to make sure he's operating at his full capacity?"
The fox woman gives a sympathetic frown, "That would be nice, but I'm not sure if that will be possible at this time. Due to the dimensional instability, acquiring new parts to build intelligent devices with is incredibly difficult at this time. And though I cannot say more, for reasons of confidentiality, Strike Wolf was meant for a different mage to use."
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Mami seems to find Endo's suggestion reasonable--but at the same time, she assumes Akari has a reason not to do it, so it's measured. She glances back at Endo, and then back to Akari. "Of course," as regards the flaws. But Kyouka speaks up too at the suggestion, and the senior magical girl looks at her consideringly.
"True. Getting Midchildan parts is a problem I've seen from more than one Association member at this point, and it's not a problem I can particularly help with."
"It sounds like we can't count on that being a definite possibility, then."
"I'd propose a compromise there; while you can't necessarily give Strike Wolf back to her, given their bond, you could inform her later, when he's repaired and finished, just so that she has some idea of his fate. Would that seem reasonable?"
<Pose Tracker> Endo Naoki [Juuban Public School (12)] has posed.
"Aaah..." Endo sighs, scratching at the back of his head. The boy glances down at his own device uneasily. Then his gaze returns to the fox woman.
"I guess it's like that after all, then." He says mournfully. Eyes go to Kyouka afterward, awaiting to see if she'll be amenable to Mami's suggestion.
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Akari and Kyouka both seem to consider Mami's proposal. Akari with a thoughtful expression, and Kyouka with a more sullen one, as she stares down at Strike Wolf's gauntlet form, as if they're conferring telepathically somehow.
This time, it is Akari who speaks first. "Yes, Miss Tomoe, I believe it would be." A moment later and she nods to herself. "Yes, I believe that would be acceptable to my master. I understand that the bond between a mage and an intelligent device can be exceptionally strong, and I believe that we can provide assurances that Strike Wolf is doing well after he is examined and repaired. I do hope that would ease the loss of your... partner, I believe is how he put it?"
Kyouka is more somber. "Well, Strike Wolf... it's up to you. I know we wanted to keep working together, but if that's not possible or safe, then I just... want to make sure you'll be okay."
Strike Wolf takes a long time to consider his reply. But finally he says, <I agree to this arrangement.>
Kyouka nods, "Then I agree too."
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Mami would prefer a solution that left everyone happy, of course.
But as Endo says, it's 'like that'. Mami waits for them all to finish thinking or talking or whichever they want to do. But when Akari speaks up, Mami nods.
"They do appear to have a very strong bond," Mami agrees, looking to Kyouka with sympathy. Then, to Kyouka, and the gauntlet. "All right, then. If you both agree..."
"Then I'll stand as witness."
<Pose Tracker> Endo Naoki [Juuban Public School (12)] has posed.
Endo doesn't seem entirely happy with that, but with Kyouka and Strike Wolf's agreement he doesn't protest. Instead the boy merely gives a short nod of acknowledgement of the deal being made.
"Me too." He echoes after Mami. "Make sure you take good care of Strike Wolf." The knight says to Akari.
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Kyouka nods to Mami and Endo as they both say they'll stand witness to the deal. "Thanks, both of you." Then she steps forward, but then stops.
"Actually, if we're doing this, then I have one more condition. Strike Wolf and I have access to some sensitive information. I'll trust his judgement, but you have to promise you won't force him to reveal anything that he judges should be protected. Do that, and we've got a deal."
Akari nods, "I can agree to that. We've no desire to pry into anybody's personal business."
"Good." Kyouka walks forward, and then holds out her hand to shake. Which also happens to be the one Strike Wolf's active form is on.
Akari looks down at, studies Strike Wolf's active form, and then reaches her own hand out.
And they shake.
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
One more condition. Mami listens to it--and she nods.
"All right then," Mami says, as the two of them come to their agreement, and nods to Endo, when he says he will witness, too. "I'm sure she will. Just like Okazaki-san has."
She just has to watch the rest of it, now. But she doesn't really expect that much more trouble...
"In the meantime, I'll make myself available again if necessary."
<Pose Tracker> Endo Naoki [Juuban Public School (12)] has posed.
Endo gives as satisfied a nod as he can manage. Now that the deal has been made he relaxes a little more.
A grateful nod is also given to Mami as well, and he scoots to the side a bit more, as if preparing for their exit now that the negotiations are done.
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
They both release the handshake, and Akari gives Mami a grateful nod. "Thank you, Miss Tomoe. I do appreciate your assistance in resolving this matter."
Kyouka looks down to Strike Wolf and nods a little. "Well, you've been... an amazing partner. I hope you go on to do even greater things. You take care of yourself, alright buddy?"
<Thank you, Kyouka. Please take care.>
Kyouka's barrier jacket vanishes, leaving Kyouka standing in her regular outfit of jeans, parka, and hiking boots. She unbuckles the leather bracelet that houses Strike Wolf's standby form and removes him from her wrist, then holds him out.
Akari reaches out with her hand to take it, but Kyouka suddenly puts her hand over the fox woman's once she makes contact with the device. She's wearing a deep frown as she gazes intently into Akari's eyes. "Mark my words. If I find out you've let any harm come to him, you'll have me to answer to. Magic or no magic. Got it?"
Akari's composure cracks for the first time that night as she blinks, looking rather taken aback. "Ah-- Of course, Miss Okazaki. All we want is the best for everyone involved, including Strike Wolf."
Kyouka nods and lets Akari's hand go, leaving her holding Strike Wolf.
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Mami can expect Endo to take care of Kyouka from here for tonight. But watching the two of them part, Mami nods back, to Akari's thanks. "You're welcome," she says. And then she finds it... sad, to see them part. But it is what they've all decided--what Kyouka and Strike Wolf and Akari all decided.
But Kyouka...
"I think she means it," Mami reflects. "...But if I thought you were being duplicitous about this," Mami says, "I wouldn't have agreed to protect you."
She turns to Kyouka. "I hope that you've made the decision that's right for you." Then to Endo, a nod.
<Pose Tracker> Endo Naoki [Juuban Public School (12)] has posed.
Endo waits until Kyouka has handed over her device and said goodbyes before scooting over to pat her on the shoulder.
"I'm ready when you are." He says, giving the girl a small nod of encouragement.
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
"I know, I know," Kyouka says to Mami. She rubs at the back of her head a little. "Sorry, I just..." She lets that thought trail off. "... Anyway." She steps back from Akari and Strike Wolf.
"Um... I'll text you about catching up," she says to Mami. To Akari she just gives a silent nod, and then turns away. Once she's no longer facing Akari, Endo can see the expression on Kyouka's face quickly change. She gives Endo a brief, but sad, smile at that encouragement and nods. "Let's go."
Akari nods back to Kyouka, gives Mami a quick 'Thank you', and then a bright green spell circle appears under her feet as she and Strike Wolf wink out of sight.
