2023-11-03 - MGLN SeekerS: An Awakening
| MGLN SeekerS: An Awakening | |
|---|---|
| Summary: The recovered clone of Fate wakes up at last. She shares a piece of critical intel and discovers the joy of sugar. | |
| Who: Fate Testarossa, Setsuna Higashi, Endo Naoki, Mikoto Minagi, Kyouka Okazaki | |
| Where: Harlaown Residence, Tama Outer City | |
| OOC - IC Date: 11/3/2023 - 4/6/2016 | |
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+ Tama Outer City +*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*
While the the 23 wards of the Yamanote and Shitamachi zones comprise the
core of Tokyo, an equally populous and geographically larger section of the
city lies inland, to the west. This is the Tama region, consisting of a
multitude of districts that, like the wards of inner Tokyo, are considered
cities in their own right, but which combine together to form the
megalopolis of Tokyo.
In inner Tokyo, the government has to build and protect little squares of
nature, but in Tama, nature is the default, and humans build squares of
civilization. Surprisingly close to the city, one can find clean rivers,
open fields, and, of course, great snow-capped mountains. The Shitamachi
zone may be down-to-earth, but its residents are still thoroughly cityfolk,
part of the "Floating World." In Tama, the urban culture intermingles with
the rural, giving a taste for what life is like in the rest of Japan,
outside of the big city. Buildings are low, sidewalks are wide, and cars are
much more viable means of transportation than anywhere else in the city.
High up in the foothills, one can even find a few tiny villages, whose
residents technically live in Tokyo, but whose lifestyle is more akin to the
most rural of provinces. The majority of Tama, though, is more of a suburban
area, with modestly developed downtown districts scattered throughout.
Life in Tama is less frantic than in Inner Tokyo, and natural beauty
abounds. The Tama river forms the southern border of the zone, and many of
the nearby mountains were considered sacred, and even today they are guarded
by Shinto shrines near their peaks. Inner Tokyo's dense, churning morass of
emotional energy holds a certain sort of power, but a more primal magic
sleeps under Tama, and because of this, it is home to the Infinity
Institute, which secretly trains a new generation of sorcerers away from the
bustle (and inevitable collateral damage) of the big city.
<Pose Tracker> Pink Moon Stick [Admin] has posed.
PREVIOUSLY ON NANOHA SEEKERS
One of the older clones of Fate, previously the carrier of Dark Heraut, fell into the custody of the Harlaowns after a fierce battle to protect Ren Aizawa and her family. However, the clone was unconscious at the time of her recovery (or capture, depending on perspective), and has yet to reawaken...
...until
NOW
Endo, Kyouka and Setsuna were together when they got the call; freshly out of another trip into a dream of the past, one that took them to the very precipice of the Pericosmic Array that Time-Space Criminal Jail Scaglietti is racing them to find. And one that revealed that the original wielder of Souverain Heraut was none other than the Pillar of Cephiro -- a princess who escaped doom at the hands of the Belkan Queen and joined some of her Knights in a rebellion against her.
Lindy's message was simple: the sleeper is rousing, and now, perhaps we can get some answers...
---
The Harlaown residence is a wide ground floor Condo within a Tama area complex that's just a few blocks from the Midori-ya Bakery. From the outside, the complex has a sleek and modern Western feel, likely put up to attract foreign business owners.
It certainly shows, the inside is absurdly spacious, a wide open hardwood paneled floor that's connected to kitchen that's amply stocked for a whole family's needs. The ground floor apartment look on the exterior immediately challenged by the presence a second story of bedrooms connected to the ground floor by a spiral staircase in the living room, that lines the outer boundaries of the apartment in walkways one can traverse to reach the family bedrooms.
There is an entertainment center, but right now it's all turned off, and more than adequate seating, with numerous couches and chairs. Photographs that are 'Earth Guest Safe' are placed around the room, while others may remain in more discreet places in the living rooms.
Snacks are served, as well as tea. The tea station seems... especially overstocked, with numerous sugar cubes, honey, chocolate, boba, milk and various other sweets that seems out of place around tea. It is perhaps fascinating to anyone who has never spent much time around the Harlaown family. Even the decision to provide such things at what is a very grave and serious bedside visit is a Choice, but... well, that's Lindy Harlaown.
Do not mistake her excessive respect (and simultaneous disrespect) for Earth's tea traditions for a lack of seriousness. A retired timespaceship captain, Lindy is very much not retired as a magical resource -- especially of knowledge and tactics. Lindy, to put it succinctly, knows what's up, and is one answer to the question 'what happens when a magical girl grows up to be a magical mom?'
A magical mom who's had a hospital bed set up in the living room for weeks now.
The girl who could be an older Fate lies within it. She's attached to some Midchildan equivalent to a vitals monitor, and a more typical Earth IV. Both medicine and magic have been applied to heal her considerable injuries, but under neither practice was she expected to stay out for this long. Lindy, with as much help as her children wanted to provide, has nursed her patiently, and mostly without comment.
Indeed, now, as the dark device carrier finally stirs, Lindy remains in the background, encouraging her daughter, and her daughter's friends, to take the lead.
On the bed, long, golden eyelashes flutter. They're almost longer than the young woman's hair, which is battle-helmet short. Gone is the black bodysuit that was part of her barrier jacket; she is in a plain white hospital gown, and also beneath a sheet.
Her eyes, as they open, are very, very red. Just as red as Fate's. But not as expressionless as they have been, in battle. Though that expression is confusion, bewilderment -- it is so, so much more than nothing.
Her lips part, and she begins to cough.
<Pose Tracker> Fate Testarossa [Infinity Institute (5)] has posed.
Perhaps it is not so much a mystery why it's been so much more difficult to catch Fate Testarossa outside of school hours lately, after all, the hospital bed answers it.
A sleeping bag and dog bed rolled up in the corner answers it. As does a hastily cleared area for homework, a stack of books, and a CD player with a stack of cases. She's been spending too much time here in this living room, ever since this girl came to dwell here.
It doesn't take much to guess why, perhaps, especially to those who know her. The uncertainty is there - but so is the possibility.
Of the cycle continuing, from big sister to little sister, of feelings passed down from a girl who never should have been able to speak to her.
And indeed, as the carrier finally stirs, Fate's eyes snap to that point, wide - and suddenly full of uncertainty. The best case, or the worst case?
Who could say?
It takes Lindy's prompting to wipe that uncertainty off her faces, out of those red eyes after a glance to all of the others. She swallows, closes her eyes as if psyching herself up, then opening them steps forward. Her expression suddenly turns braver, full of entrusted resolve.
And tries to lock eyes with a mirror - both older and younger.
"You were asleep for a long time. I hope you slept well." The words could be threatening, but there is instead, genuine concern. Softness within them. As she puts a hand over her chest, "My name is Fate Testarossa." Just a hint of uncertainty returns in that moment, as what should she say next.
"I imagine things are very confusing right now, and you might have a lot of questions for us. I can tell you that you're safe - and you're being taken care of. So for now... I'll only ask, what's your name?"
As she was taught long ago, calling someone by name... is how this starts.
"So we know how to call out to you."
<Pose Tracker> Setsuna Higashi [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
It was a strange dream, and sad. Setsuna can't say she 'liked' it, but dreams are strange to her in any case; she never remembered most of them, back in Labyrinth. Now, though...
This one she remembers.
But there will be answers, and SSetsuna Higashi is here for that. Surprising perhaps everyone, Setsuna has not elected to have snacks just yet. She's too worried to eat, and for someone like Setsuna, that is very worried indeed. She lets Fate take the lead, of course, but...
She is quiet. She waits for this answer, first. To build upon, for all the rest.
<Pose Tracker> Endo Naoki [Juuban Public School (12)] has posed.
Endo was already tired out from a full night of dreaming, but the news of Lindy's guest waking has gotten him to shake off his stupor and head to take part in the welcoming committee.
He's left the tea along for now, hovering a few feet back from the bed and Fate. Hands are clasped together patiently, though the constant shifting and rearranging of feet betrays his nervousness.
When Fate greets her mirror self, Endo merely peeks from the background. And smiles, because that seems like a non-threatening thing to do.
<Pose Tracker> Mikoto Minagi [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Mikoto Minagi, on the other hand, has eaten the snacks. You can't really fault her: she has the kind of red-hot metabolism that demands constant meals. She doesn't particularly want to collapse and have more dreams.
She downs the rest of her boba tea in one fell swoop, though, when that girl rouses. She creeps up, behind Setsuna, staring in a way which some might call 'owlishly' but we who know better would surely call 'cattishly'. Her eyes are gold, and bright, and curious to her answer.
And she's definitely staring, but never mind that.
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Sometimes things seem safe and quiet for a while... and sometimes things seem to happen all at once. No sooner had they taken another trip into memories, witnessed a harrowing battle and a choice revelation... did they get a text, beckoning them to come check on Fate's sister.
Of course, they rushed over as fast as they were capable. She sucks in a sharp breath as she sees the hospital bed. As she scans the area and sees that sleeping back, the area hastily prepared for study... it doesn't take many leaps to figure out how Fate's been spending her time. And Kyouka doesn't much blame her.
She'd be doing the exact same thing, in her shoes.
"Evening, Harlowne-san. Thanks for texting us." They're here to see Fate's sister, of course, but Kyouka approaches Fate first. "Hey... you holding up okay?"
She lets Fate make the introduction first, of course. That only seems proper. But when Fate's sister starts to cough, Kyouka goes for the tea station--not to have tea, but just to get a simple glass of water. "Here, you're probably parched," she comments as she offers the cup. (Or even helps her sip if she needs it.)
<Pose Tracker> Pink Moon Stick [Admin] has posed.
The young woman looks up at the older-younger version of herself. They spend a long and quiet moment together, and what Fate sees is neither a mirror nor an endless pool. It is -- she is -- shallow, compared to locking eyes with someone like Nanoha. Lacking complexity. Lacking, perhaps, experience.
The others look upon her, some smiling and some not; she seems to have no instinct to smile herself. Nor to hold the glass, but when Kyouka brings it to her lips outright, she drinks automatically, and with a quickly-accelerating thirst.
Moisture lingers on her lips, after.
"Name," she repeats, softly. "U."
There is a beat.
She clarifies.
"I am you."
Again.
"'You There.'"
She looks away from everyone, into the middle distance. Her left hand wavers up to her temple; two fingers press against pain that is leaking, inextricably, back into her expression.
<Pose Tracker> Fate Testarossa [Infinity Institute (5)] has posed.
Whether Fate is holding up okay is a complicated question, all tied up in a thorny past, but in the moment at least she looks up to Kyouka, then smiles, and bobs her head in a nod, "I am, because you're all here with me." So many of them have been here from the start, after all.
They shaped how she have dealt with her feelings about Precia, and Alicia in the aftermath of it all, and even if she was the only one who got to know her within the Book of Darkness, it is thanks to all of them that she was able to have that conversation at all.
The lack of complexity in locking eyes does not perturb Fate overmuch. Perhaps in a sense, she expected this possibility. Some things can just be simple. Some things can just be a start.
Kyouka offers her the tea, and she watches her drink, giving Kyouka an appreciative look.
Her answer, Fate's brows contract for a moment in confusion. Then the clarification seems to trigger understanding. There is a complexity of feeling in this moment for her.
Sorrow.
Anger.
Violation.
Yet she tries to let none of it show, in the sickly feeling of what Jail Scaglietti has done, created a person to be an object. Even more of one than she was. An agent to actualize her Mother's desires, but never a daughter. At least... not until...
... perhaps that's wishful thinking.
"U." Fate repeats quietly. For a while, she just wants to rip that away, to just give her another one on the spot, but-
Even she kept the name, of the Project that birthed her. And made it her own.
"Alright. For now, I'll accept that." As she then asks Arf, "Arf. Can we get her something for her headache?" The wolf woman offers a silent salute, and mouths 'Right away, Feito.' before setting off to do that.
Ordinarily she'd do it herself, but she doesn't want to step away right now.
"Can you tell us more about yourself, U? Whatever you're able."
It is perhaps very open ended, but it is also - testing the waters, in a way. Her answer will direct the conversation further.
"If you need more specifics, then, your life before now, and your mission?"
It is not, strictly out of a sense of pragmatism she asks, but - because once upon a time... her mission was everything.
Arf returns soon enough, with a few pills of something from the medicine cabinet, which are handed over to Kyouka.
<Pose Tracker> Setsuna Higashi [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Setsuna is looking much like Mikoto is, but more blankly; so focused is she on what she's thinking and feeling in the moment that she doesn't remember, at first, to express any of those feelings on her face.
At first. She glances around when she hears motion from Endo, and seeing his smile, she remembers. She tries to put on one, too. "It is nice to see you awake," Setsuna offers U.
She continues to let Fate take the lead, but, "We are all here to see you. My name is Setsuna Higashi." She speaks softly; she doesn't want to overwhelm her.
<Pose Tracker> Endo Naoki [Juuban Public School (12)] has posed.
Endo frowns as the older version of Fate speaks and the magnitude of her words dawns on him.
He glances at Fate, and when she decides to accept U as the girl's moniker, he figures that it must be good enough for now.
"Hello, U." Endo chimes from the back of the group. "Nice to meet...U."
He falls silent again after, letting the newly awakened girl explain what she can of herself.
<Pose Tracker> Mikoto Minagi [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Mikoto examines U, as she replies. A frown crosses her face. "Even my family named me," she says, scowling with displeasure. Even if they're all thinking it -- she comes out and says it.
She's never really been much for social graces.
But she shakes her head, and slinks out from behind Setsuna, smiling to the girl in the hospital girl instead. "... 'kay. U? U. I'm Mikoto!" She points to her chest, helpfully, when she says so. This is the person she is introducing. It's important information.
She has one more question to add onto Fate's, of course. And it's this: "You hungry?"
This isn't quite as ridiculous as it sounds. Mikoto still remembers how Mai convinced her she was kind, when she was sure the world was her enemy. It was, in fact, entirely through food. Why wouldn't she offer the same consideration to U, now?
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Kyouka has a smile to give back to Fate in return for that answer, and she nods. "Whatever you need, we're here for you."
She's not quite smiling for Fate's sister, but she is showing clear concern and sympathy, nonetheless. This is not their enemy. This is, to be blunt, a victim of Jail's machinations. Or, to put it another way, someone who needs help, and Kyouka can't help but provide what she can.
She's patient with the cup, holding it for as long as she needs it and is willing to drink. There's a nod back to Fate for that appreciative look. 'Of course.' And when she goes to refill the cup, this time she takes an extra moment to source some ice.
Her name is 'You there.' Kyouka pauses as she processes that, glances to the others. Her expression is a bit grim, and serious, though inside she's a bit mad, too. Furious, even. There's a lot she wants to say about that, but... Fate's sister doesn't need to hear it. She gives Mikoto a little shake of her head as she makes that comment. Not the time or place.
But she's all concern again as she looks to Fate's sister. It's hard to accept 'U', but if Fate is going to roll with it... well, if any of them have any kind of first hand experience for what this poor girl is going through...
Kyouka takes the pills from Arf with a grateful nod, mouthing a 'Thanks' back to her.
There are a few introductions, and Kyouka doesn't want to overwhelm U, but since she's about to give her pills... "I'm Kyouka," she says gently, pointing to herself. "It's nice to meet you." She offers the hand with the pills. "We have something that should help your headache. Do you want help with that?"
(Is she, with the tone of her voice, oh so subtly trying to emphasize that U can make a choice, and that it's okay for her to make a choice for herself, or even to want something at all? Maybe!)
And if she does want help, she'll do as she did before and help U with both the pills and the water again.
<Pose Tracker> Pink Moon Stick [Admin] has posed.
The young woman only ever called 'you' by her creator may or may not be able to differentiate between that and the way these people are also calling her 'you,' but there are some clear distinctions: in a variety of ways, each of them is being very... kind. Sometimes rude, but kind all the same. And surely this is, in its own way, extremely alien.
She has yet to try to sit up. There is at least some possibility that someone needs to suggest this to her, or reveal it as permitted, or otherwise provide assistance. Kyouka's extended hand, full of pills, is a mystery to her.
And there have been so many questions.
Mikoto's is answered first, in an entirely nonverbal way.
- rumble*
That she does not blush, or indeed react in much of any way at all, speaks volumes as to her lack of socialization.
Slowly she looks around at the group. Setsuna sees a citizen of Labyrinth; all control and no individuality. Endo sees a girl his own age, yet somehow not the same at all. Mikoto sees an animal; a polite animal, at the moment, but, if not literally feral, certainly not domesticated either, or at least not in the right way. Kyouka sees a patient, gaunt from her coma, no matter how well-cared-for. And Fate sees a sister...
"Memories," she says, finally. It's likely that she's answering Fate, who she looks to again last of all.
And that corroborates with something Jail once said: he described his search to claim the 'Ultimate Memory' for himself.
Her forefinger grinds into her head again.
"Memories, of... him, and of her..."
Her gaze seeks refuge anywhere but Fate's face, and lands on Endo's hand.
She stiffens.
"...and of them...their memories..."
Fallen Stern chimes from the young man's knuckle.
<< AGREED. >> he affirms. << EVERYTHING IS LEADING TO THE COMPLETION OF OUR MEMORIES. THE FALSE DEVICES... AND THE DREAMS. >>
From the bed, the girl nods, cautiously.
Haruka Tenoh arrives from Tokyo.
<Pose Tracker> Fate Testarossa [Infinity Institute (5)] has posed.
It is perhaps a curious thing that Fate acquiesces to calling her 'U.' for now, but she's worried that she might be overwhelmed if Fate renamed her - or being asked to rename herself. Really, she needs to find out more about her before she can ask her to field such things.
She looks to each of them appreciatively as they introduce themselves before telling U, "These are my friends. I know you've fought all of them before but, you can trust them. None of them mean you any harm."
When U answers her with 'Memories'. She assumes she speaks of her mission. And the way her gaze moves, speaks of them - the way Stern responds.
Eventually, she nods thoughtfully, thinking of how to follow up. And...
... while perhaps it would be more practical to talk about Jail, to ask what his end goal is, how to find him, for any specifics and details...
"What about yourself?" Fate asks gently before following up, "What about your memories?" Perhaps, she can already guess the answer, but she does ask.
"Before I was given a mission, I was entrusted with memories that weren't my own, once, and did not realize who - or what - I was. Not really."
Those words may perhaps be difficult to swallow for those who have strived to convince Fate that she is simply someone born a little different from everyone else, but, in this moment perhaps it is important for her to acknowledge this.
"What is it like for you?"
Even if she can guess, the cruelty of this stark objectification, she wants - no needs to know the answer for sure, before she can start to help her.
<Pose Tracker> Setsuna Higashi [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Setsuna nods to Mikoto, as she mentions names. Her 'family' didn't name her, of course--but she knows by now that it's a normal thing, to have a name. That Jail didn't bother...
It makes her angry. But not at the girl she knows now as 'U'. She doesn't understand the interaction between Kyouka and Mikoto in the moment, but she understands Kyouka trying to help. And then...
"Food is important," Setsuna says.
And then, memories...
Setsuna does not argue with Fate's origins. Instead, she listens to the first question. But she notices the way she stiffens, cautiously nods...
"We'll protect you," Setsuna promises her.
<Pose Tracker> Endo Naoki [Juuban Public School (12)] has posed.
"Ah." Endo says, as if he understands everything.
"I guess you know Stern already." He notes. "I'm Endo." It seems appropriate to introduce himself, given everyone else is doing the same. "Setsuna's right, you'll be safe here." He agrees.
The rumbling of the girl's stomach doesn't go unnoticed. And she'll have to be upright to eat. It might help with the drinking too, so Endo leans to Kyouka and asks: "Can you sit her up?"
In the meantime he moves to find some snacks, whatever's at hand that will ease the evident hunger.
<Pose Tracker> Mikoto Minagi [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Much like Setsuna doesn't understand from the outside, Kyouka's efforts sadly fall entirely flat between her and the catlike girl here; Mikoto isn't versed enough in allistic communication to understand the subtleties of the little 'You Did A Thing I Don't Like' headshake. Maybe if she asked someone about it, but she likely wouldn't think to.
"We're not enemies!" She volunteers, helpfully, to support Fate saying that they can trust them all. And this, too, is logical in Mikoto's mind; it's the most important thing to establish, starting a meeting. Safety, danger. They're very basic hindbrain concepts, but Mikoto recognises another feral girl when she sees one.
And Mikoto's question was answered, in a sense. She heard that rumbling growl. And so she scurries off from beside Setsuna to the Tea Table, where she examines the snacks carefully for a moment before selecting some nice little milk biscuits. They're mild enough that they shouldn't upset her stomach -- Mikoto still remembers the curry bun -- but still pleasant to eat.
Hopefully, by the time she returns to U's bedside, Kyouka has managed to sit her up. Mikoto waits patiently, before she offers the biscuits to her. Remembering how she acted with the water, she keeps one of them to herself, and says: "Watch." Mikoto slowly and demonstrably lifts the biscuit to her lips, takes a bite, chomps, chomps, chomps (she makes a big show of chomping, because she doesn't want U to choke), and swallows. "Like that. Now you try. Okay?"
She waits, staring, waiting for the surely successful results of her education.
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Well, the need for food is confirmed... she doesn't know how U's needs were being met before--or even if they were--but they can tackle this one thing at a time. But first, the medicine... She offers the pills again. "Can you do me a favor and open your mouth? I'll feed you these pills and then ask you to drink some water so you can swallow them down. These should help with the headache, okay?" She, of course, helps with the pills and the water, this time walking her through that process step by step.
Memories, of a 'him' and a 'her'... Kyouka frowns, a bit perplexed as she glances to the others. Stern ahs something to add, and Kyouka contemplates that, too.
She appreciates the seriousness of what it means for Fate to recall her own origins in that way... she's never seen Fate as anything less than a person--though it helps that she met Fate far, far later on that journey to self-actualization.
She nods in agreement as Setsuna says they'll protect the girl. Kyouka can't do as much in that department, these days, but... she can do what she's doing now, at least.
Kyouka nods to Endo. "Yeah, I can do that. We should get her something simple to eat... thinking hospital foods? Jello, oatmeal, broth, that sort of thing." But to U she does, now, offer a reassuring smile. "U, I'd like to help you sit up. Would you be okay with that?" She might not have the magical strength of a magical girl, but her own, mundane strength is more than up to the task, should U agree.
She does offer a smile to Mikoto as she demonstrates. She wouldn't have thought to go that far, but... maybe it'll help. She can follow through with helping feed U, should she need it.
<Pose Tracker> Pink Moon Stick [Admin] has posed.
Fate understands better than she realizes, because U just repeats herself:
"His memories. Her memories. Their memories." And she clarifies, for good measure: "Master's. P...Precia's. Souverain Heraut's." The first two seem to cost her something to say aloud; she speaks of 'master' with her uncanny emptiness of the battlefield, stumbles over Precia as though the name is unfamiliar to her, foreign, and the dark Device she used to carry with no affection, but a frankness, a directness, that suggests that she is more used to referring to it than to either of the other two.
All this analysis about tone might be a lot less interesting than the revelation that she has experienced, that she contains, not only Precia's memories (of Alicia, one can only assume) but Jail and Dark Heraut's memories too. Clearly the link the latter two have, in different ways, formed with her, were each not entirely one-way. Jail's been in her head, and Heraut too. Perhaps they've each left something behind.
The hand holding her forehead comes down, and with a fingertip, she traces a shape on the bedspread. With the tiniest application of familiar lightning-yellow mana, she leaves a rune behind. Not a Midchildan, Testarossa rune. And not -- quite -- a Belkan rune, either.
It looks like something Heraut might use.
It looks VERY like the runes that Soaring Sky and Fallen Stern have earned, with the help of their friends, on their dream journeys. Runes that were puzzles -- and maybe coordinates. Part of a map. Endo just came away with the last rune he thought he needed to transfer to this mysterious destination, but now there is another. An extra rune...
<< TWO POSSIBLE ENDPOINTS, >> reflects Fallen Stern. << I THINK WE SHOULD USE MINE. >> Whether this is out of reasonable caution or a native dislike for anything Heraut-related is for the listener to decide.
Kyouka is able to adjust U to an upright position without any trouble; the bigger girl is as limp and unresisting as an object. Obediently, she watches Mikoto demonstrate eating.
With shaking hands, she accepts the biscuits, takes a tender bite...
...and disappears in a cloud of crumbs as she demolishes it, and then another, and then another.
For the first time an emotion dawns in her pretty red eyes other than bewilderment.
She looks like a girl who has just found her first love...
OMF NOMF NOMF NOMF NOMF
<Pose Tracker> Fate Testarossa [Infinity Institute (5)] has posed.
"That's..."
so cruel
"... so much."
Fate amends, because in the end, whatever she thinks of it. It is still her. Her eyes close, and she takes a deep breath, trying to calm the anger she feels.
She watches her draw a rune, and Fate steps forward, in curiosity. It's not what she expected at first, but she did say Heraut's memories, right?
And there is a smile even as Stern reflects on using his rather than Heraut's, "Thank you, for sharing this with us."
Then... a blink, as she makes a biscuit vanish. And another.
"Ah. You should slow down." She says awkwardly at first, but with increasing seriousness, "You'll make yourself sick."
Fate does ask Arf, "Can we get more food for her? Something easy on the stomach-" Arf's already off.
Fate's eyes grow as wide as saucers at the rapidity, looking at her with a certain fascination. "...I- hm." Suddenly Fate has a vision of sharing a piece of cake from the Midori-ya that was leftover, and intended for after supper, but...
"Ah. I promise. If you slow down-"
Fate says, with a certain gravity as she makes a motion towards Arf, who cranes her head out of the pantry. "-you can have as much as you'd like."
"<Arf. We may need you to break into your stash.>"
Everyone hears a strangled whine from within pantry as Arf ducks her head back in.
"<If it's for you... Feito.>"
Arf busies herself grabbing things, while Fate... well, she waits as she's not gonna ask her anything with her mouth full.
But once she's finished falling in love, she asks...
"Do you feel obligated to return to him, of your own accord?"
She refuses to use the word Master.
Somewhere in the near future, Arf comes back with an armful of junk food. The snack table just grew significantly in size of what Mikoto can offer her...
<Pose Tracker> Setsuna Higashi [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Precia Testarossa still scares Setsuna, long gone. But this isn't her; this is her memories, and Setsuna continues to stare thoughtfully as she hears of all three. "You have their memories..."
"So you remember more."
The rune. Something Heraut might use. And Fallen Stern has an idea, but, "I think we should talk with Ren, Heraut, Lera, and Sky." A pause. "We may only get one chance to try."
But Fate has the matter of slowing down.. uh...
"They're very good, aren't they?" Setsuna says brightly.
<Pose Tracker> Endo Naoki [Juuban Public School (12)] has posed.
Endo acts as Mikoto's assistant, since she's the eating expert. He hands her more food to pass on to U once Mikoto's run out, making a conveyor belt into the newly awakened and very hungry girl's mouth.
He's more concerned with the wellbeing of their guest, but the revelation of another rune gives him short pause.
"We'll have to figure out which one to use." He agrees.
Once he's run out of snacks he waits for Arf to bring more food, waiting to hear U's answer to Fate's very important question.
<Pose Tracker> Mikoto Minagi [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
Ther memories... and Heraut's, too. Mikoto reflects on the way Miroku might prefer they use U's rune, just because Fallen Stern suggested they use his. This, unlike the other things which popped into her head, she doesn't give voice to.
Well, it's fine to cover for Miroku a little, isn't it?
But Mikoto's smile grows ten sizes, seeing U's growing love of biscuit. "Yup! Like that!" She encourages her, eyes shining. She does not tell U to slow down, because she doesn't even think that's a problem, but luckily, Fate's here too.
And luckily, Arf is here. Mikoto scrambles back to the table to find more snacks for U, only to find Arf delivering the motherload. "Wooow!" She gasps. "Arf's saved U! Okay!!" She proceeds to gather up some snacks -- and remembering what Kyouka said, the first thing she picks up are little jell-o cups. There's no oatmeal here, but there are candy bars, which are like oatmeal, in that oatmeal also comes in bar form sometimes, so she grabs those too. And some little cups of peaches, which are almost healthy. "Endo, help me carry this, 'kay?" She asks, passing each selection over to her astute assistant.
Once they bring the snacks over to U's hospital bed, Mikoto says: "This food's in cups. Look, like this," she peels off the lid of the jelly cup, and tips it into her mouth, making sure to show U the empty cup as well as the chewing-and-swallowing. "It's stored in this. But you don't eat this bit. It's plastic, tastes bad, it'll make U feel bad later. Not like what's inside. Inside's good. Wanna try?" She peels off the lid of another cup, and holds it out for U.
Yes, Mikoto has apparently never heard of the invention called a 'spoon'. Kyouka may need to help her out, here.
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
Of course that bastard would make Fate's sisters address him that way. Of course.
As if she needed any more reasons to want to slug Jail in the jaw someday.
But the mention of Precia gets an eyebrow raise. She glances to Fate to see how she's taking that news. And to offer her an encouraging smile for moral support. She can't imagine this is easy for Fate, but... Kyouka will do her best to support her.
And a contemplative smile as she sees that new rune being offered up. It looks like... hrm. Stern has an opinion, but so does Setsuna, to talk to the others. Kyouka nods to her. "That's probably a good idea."
And Mikoto's demonstration leads to... U demolishing several cookies in a spray of crumbs. There is an odd reaction from Kyouka, sort of a mix of a sigh and an amused chuckle. "Well, alright..." She gets up and finds a towel, then comes back and helps clean U up a bit.
But Endo, Mikoto, and Arf all conspire to bring U more junk food. (Yes, it is a conspiracy! Kyouka takes food and nutrition very seriously.) "Guys, guys, hold on a--" She stands up after she finishes cleaning U up. "Keep the jello, but let's get U a spoon--" And Mikoto just... tips the cup back. "Mikotoooo..." The name drags into a mildly annoyed grunt.
She takes a breath to calm herself. "Let's get her some real food. Even if she eats junk food slowly, it'll still make her sick eventually. U will need some nutrition if we want to help her recover her strength." She looks desperately to Lindy. "Harlowne-san, since you're more qualified to watch the equipment, do you mind if I use your kitchen?"
Well, she technically asked first, but she's also already headed that way anyway. She comes back in a couple of minutes with a bowl of oatmeal (she cheated and used the microwave, but time was of the essence), and a small plate of scrambled eggs. And most importantly, utensils.
"Okay, U, I have something for you to try." Kyouka offers up a forkful of eggs. "Open up for me, please."
<Pose Tracker> Pink Moon Stick [Admin] has posed.
"Not necessary," U replies calmly to Fate, spraying crumbs everywhere. "He will return to me."
Maybe not the most comforting of answers. She speaks of this inevitability with much the same acceptance that the populace once had for the divine right of kings.
She pauses, reluctantly, amid the junk food Mikoto and Endo and Arf have gotten for her, to look carefully at Setsuna, who spoke of gathering and talking.
"Hurry," she suggests to her. "Whoever gets the Ultimate Memory first, will..."
Her inflection changes subtly, as she recalls Jail saying, or perhaps thinking, "...determine the course of everything."
She chases this revelation with a jello shot, and then stares down the end of Kyouka's fork with a faintly suspicious expression.
Her nose wrinkles at the sight of the scrambled eggs, all pale and congealed and weird-looking. Not at all like the simple symmetry of a cookie, or bright colors of a jello cup.
She twists where she sits to look back over at Mikoto.
"'Wanna try'," she echoes, looking at the great smorgasbord her newfound food mentor has provided.
<Pose Tracker> Fate Testarossa [Infinity Institute (5)] has posed.
Dread floods her, at the answer to her question. However her eyes harden and, "I see." He called himself her father. Yet he regards girls with her same face, with those memories... Fate's hands feel smaller than ever, in the same way Nanoha once described herself to her.
'Hurry,' U suggests to Setsuna, 'Whoever gets the Ultimate Memory first, will...' '...determine the course of everything.'
Part of her wonders, is she really encouraging them forward, over him? Could this be a trap? Even if it is, she decides to take her at face value, because...
"Then we'll hurry, but." She takes a step forward, her eyes upon her even as she rejects the scrambled eggs (Sorry Kyouka)... as she focuses on the food, trying to ignore the crumb spray.
"I want you to know, that even when he does."
It would be such an easy thing to promise to protect her, a promise so easily broken, before Jail's strange and overwhelming magic that she can't even begin to understand.
"We'll find you. We'll come for you. I may not know anything about an Ultimate Memory, or what it makes so special to him."
It takes her some time to regather herself, to continue, "But I do know I've made many precious memories that are my own ever since I met all of them. And I want to give you the same opportunity."
Fate isn't certain if she'll even understand, or think it's something that can be taken seriously at the moment, but perhaps - what matters is making the attempt.
Even if her hand feels smaller than ever.
"If you'll let us."
She can still reach it towards her. And let the others do the same, with gestures... sometimes as simple, as letting her eat what she wants.
<Pose Tracker> Setsuna Higashi [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
He will return. That's very ominous, but Setsuna is not surprised to hear it. She imagines it to be true. Just as true is her warning, in Setsuna's mind. Whoever gets the Ultimate Memory first...
"We'll hurry," Setsuna assures her. When Fate resassures her, too, Setsuna is quiet for a moment. But... All the same...
"The memories of finding your own place in the world... the feelings of discovering other people. They're precious."
Then she looks to Kyouka with a bright expression. "I think she's eating what she's eating!" Then, a thought, and she tilts her head. "If you can find something healthier that's pre-packaged..."
Setsuna explains, "I had a some trouble with Earth food that wasn't like donuts at first. It was so inconsistent from meal to meal; the same ingredient could taste and feel like it wasn't the same ingredient at all."
"Now I really like it even when it's not always the same. But that wasn't true at first."
She smiles, at the girl they're calling 'U'. "...I like peaches, too."
<Pose Tracker> Mikoto Minagi [Ohtori Academy (11)] has posed.
"Don't need one!" Mikoto tells Kyouka, cheerfully, on the matter of a spoon. Oh, is that why she's just teaching U to throw the shots back like some kind of -- of -- party girl!?
But when U says that her master will return for her, a frown crosses Mikoto's face, again. She looks to Fate, silently, and then to Setsuna. The alarm on her face doesn't really need a translation: Jail's coming back for his things. They can't let that happen, but would U let that happen?
Probably. That's why she doesn't say that part out loud.
What she says, instead, is: "Fate never gave up on me when I was fighting everyone. If Fate says she'll come, Fate will definitely come. Me too, okay?"
But Kyouka has returned with eggsh, and Mikoto looks from the plate to U and back again, before she figures it out. "Oh! No, it's good, see? Like this." She takes the fork, and takes a bite of scrambled eggs, chomp, chomp, swallow. "This is eggs. They're mostly round, but these ones got mixed together. It's okay when they're white and yellow, too." She passes the fork back to U, and encourages her: "Try!"
Mikoto can't just let someone not know the wonders of eggs.
<Pose Tracker> Endo Naoki [Juuban Public School (12)] has posed.
Endo frowns thoughtfully when U speaks of her 'master' coming to claim her. It's not a pleasant thought, but he shakes it off with a wobble of his head.
He has important work to do assisting Mikoto, after all. So he focuses on that, only half-contemplating what the significance of the Ultimate Memory could be, and what could be done with it. Probably nothing good if that's Jail's ultimate goal.
"Well, as long as you're here you'll get to eat all kinds of food. So I hope you want to stay for a long time." The boy suggests helpfully, offering a bright smile.
<Pose Tracker> Kyouka Okazaki [Juuban Public School (10)] has posed.
He will return for her... which raises a whole host of worrying concerns. But also... he hasn't returned yet, which raises... well, just more concerns, really. But she has to believe that Lindy is aware of the risks and has accounted for them.
Not to mention, Jail is one wielder down, now. Though he may have more...
Ultimate Memory, Pericosmic Array... Kyouka's still not quite sure what any of this is, but if Jail is willing to go to such lengths, surely it can't be good news if he achieves his aims, right?
And her scrambled eggs are met with... suspicion. Kyouka shouldn't be offended, she knows she shouldn't, but she is trying, here... (It is also in this moment that she has the dawning realization that... she is, more or less, trying to convince a child to eat something healthy. She's not ready to be a parent... Lindy, help??)
Fate steps closer, expresses a desire to give U the same opportunity to develop her own memories, just like he had the chance to. Kyouka reaches out to Fate to rest a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
She looks to Setsuna appreciatively as she shares her perspective, and the difficulties she had adjusting to earth food. Healthy but prepackaged... "Well, that's not a bad idea..." She sideeyes the junk food. "... oatmeal bars...? Jello's not bad for a start, at least..."
And a grateful smile to Mikoto as she just... demonstrates eating eggs. Which might actually be helpful. "See? They're good."
"That's right," she adds on to Endo's statement of eating all types of food. "I can cook waaaay more interesting things than eggs and oatmeal, too."
But to the reassurances being offered. "... If you want a place here, we'll make one for you. Promise."
<Pose Tracker> Pink Moon Stick [Admin] has posed.
U gazes around at everyone's distress, and seems a little upset herself -- though if it's their feelings, or something of her own, she is unable or unwilling to communicate. She shakes her head softly, even when Mikoto bravely consumes the suspicious-looking eggs.
Her mouth opens and closes a couple of times, but not for eating or even for saying. In the end, she closes her eyes as well, apparently overcome with exhaustion. Or maybe feelings. Probably both.
But if she didn't feel safe among the group, surely she would not rest so easily. She reopens her eyes and leaves an only slightly sticky fingerprint on Fate's cheek, tracing along her face very gently for a short moment.
"Let's let her get some rest," Lindy suggests. "I'll look after her, and finish cleaning up. You all need to figure out your next move... and quickly, it seems."
<< AFFIRMATIVE, >> chimes Fallen Stern. << MY MEMORIES ARE AT 98% COMPLETION. THE MAIN THING I NO LONGER REMEMBER... IS WHY I FORGOT. >>
