2017-09-17 - Tea and a Discussion
| Tea and a Discussion | |
|---|---|
| Summary: Nanoha meets Mami for tea and to discuss the Chevaliers | |
| Who: | |
| Where: Shibuya Shopping Ward | |
| OOC - IC Date: 9/17/2017 - 2/16/2015 | |
*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+ Shibuya Shopping Ward +*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+ Any rural ingenue looking to come to the big city and get swept away at first sight would be well-advised to get off at Shibuya Station, where you could fill a high school yearbook with the people teeming over a single crosswalk, and a legion of ten-story department stores offer a choice so broad it resembles existential crisis. Shinjuku might administrate Tokyo, but Shibuya is its style capital. Its densest concentration of boutiques, retailers, and restaurants is bound together by Shibuya Crossing, a bustling pedestrian intersection resembling an even gaudier Times Square. Within walking distance to Harajuku, Shibuya is less whimsical, and far grander. Its most iconic symbol is the Shibuya 109 department store, a cylindrical grey monolith famous even outside of Japan. Each floor of 109 has about a dozen shops, and with ten flights of escalator to ascend, it doesn't take a mathematician to realize that even this single store can be a lot to take in. But Shibuya too has its side streets and quirks, and it's not hard to find a chic little cafe to rest in. Those who find themselves energized instead have recourse to the night clubs that trade on Shibuya's stylish reptuation. Shibuya Station has a humbler landmark as well. It was here that the loyal dog Hachiko waited for his owner each day, even after the owner had long since died. A bronze statue of Hachiko waits here still, a reminder that love and loyalty never die.
<Pose Tracker> Nanoha Takamachi [Infinity Institute (4)] has posed.
There were a lot of questions that Nanoha had thought about over the last few days. After their encounter with Kozue and seeing Sayaka basically as a shell of a person, the elementary schooler was confused about how Fate was involved or what the Chevaliers were about. Since the meeting hadn't gone as expected, she had sought out Endo. Not only to thank him for his help but also to question him about the events. Most of his direction though had led her to realizing that she needed to talk to Mami more than ever.
So, after getting Mami's number from Fate, they had spoken and decided on a meeting spot. The cafe seemed an ideal place, even though it's not as private as other places. Nanoha was definitely more aware of her surroundings than ever before. It seems like danger lurks in the most unlikely of places and she wanted to be prepared.
Nanoha is still in her school uniform as she makes her way to the Shibuya station and then to the cafe. It's a cute little cafe, she thinks as she looks up at the sign before the door opens and someone pushes past her. Once inside, she doesn't see Mami yet so instead she orders some tea and then she finds a table in the corner and shoves her bag on the floor before setting the tea on the table and warming her hands on the cup.
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (10)] has posed.
Mami Tomoe has had a lot of experience in answering questions in her life... Usually not in class. Class, she would prefer not to consider at the moment and her tone of voice at school remains calm and warm on the phone while she talks to Nanoha. ...Despite distractions.
So amending her plan for the day she takes the train to Shibuya from her school and now...
She is not the first here, even if she is not the only one to be vigilant; every corner could contain the Shepherds after all, and she's refused to avoid being alone in her own city. But now she walks into a cute cafe with salmon walls, a warm and unobtrusive color that tries to transmit a little of that warmth to its patrons, with smart tables and fresh-looking food and wonderful tea.
Mami is in the Ohtori High uniform, save that rather than a red ribbon, she has a slightly larger yellow one. A little change, plus her tights. Her drills are perfect, and her smile is warm too as she slides into a seat across from Nanoha. "Thank you for finding a table," Mami says to Nanoha, and glances her over once, a quick check, before a dip of her head. It's a cold but clear day. "It's good to see you."
<Pose Tracker> Nanoha Takamachi [Infinity Institute (4)] has posed.
After checking her phone briefly, Nanoha glances around the cafe, looking at all the people. She likes to see the people who come in, it's a habit she even does at the Midoriya when she goes there sometimes after school. It's fun to wonder what their lives were like and maybe even if any of them had a secret magical identity. She giggles to herself at that thought for some reason. It doesn't seem far-fetched though given all the recent events.
It's not long though before she notices Mami walk in. She is at least somewhat familiar with the girl even if the extent of what is known about her are tidbits she heard from Fate and Endo. Nanoha smiles towards her, gesturing to the empty seat.
"Sure. It's good to see you too Mami-san!" Nanoha glances to her cup for a minute. "Sorry I didn't order you tea but I didn't want it to get cold before you got here!" Smiling, she drops her phone into her bag, not wanting to be distracted. "I hope your journey here was good."
There is a pause as Nanoha sips on her tea. "I am glad we could meet even though it's short notice." She beams at Mami before growing silent again. It's an awkward silence. The young girl seems unsure of where to begin or how to even approach the reasons she wanted to talk to Mami, even though she had vaguely mentioned them in their phone conversation.
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (10)] has posed.
Uniforms like Mami's aren't seen in great supply at this cafe in particular. But there's two girls talking animatedly about cake at the counter, judging by th way one keeps pointing at one or the other slice.
Mami isn't precisely subtle walking; she stands out in a crowd, bright and golden in her way. But now she's seated, and Nanoha smiles at her and Mami smiles back still. "No no," Mami says, her head shaking slightly. "No apology needed; it's thoughtful to think of the tea getting cold."
Mami waits, hands folding on the table. The distinctive ring on her finger stands out more amidst sunflower yellow fingernails, slightly tarnished. When Nanoha speaks up and beams at her, Mami nods in turn. "I'm glad you were able to get in contact with me," she adds as the silence grows awkward, voice warm and sure. "Ah," she says, and tilts her head, "I believe you had some questions for me, Nanoha-chan. May I call you that?" A beat, "It's all right if it's difficult. Take your time. I'm happy to answer what I can."
<Pose Tracker> Nanoha Takamachi [Infinity Institute (4)] has posed.
Nanoha smiles at the two girls and their animated conversation at the counter. It was easy to excited about cake after all. If she and Mami hadn't been meeting here, Nanoha would have invited her to the Midor-iya but that could be for another time. This cafe seems quieter in general so it's probably a more ideal setting given what she wanted to discuss.
A nod is given as Mami takes a seat. Nanoha idly plays with a napkin before she receives encouragement from the other girl. "Thank you and that is fine!" She never thought people needed to be formal with her and it was kind of weird when they were. Nanoha continues, "The other night was just...unexpected." She frowns, her voice lowering. "Feito-chan told me there would be a meeting but that was definitely not what I planned for and I guess you could say that I am worried?" There is a questioning look as she glances to Mami.
"It's not just for her either but for Sayaka-chan and I guess what I mostly wanted to know is more about what is happening and what you group is about." She pauses to sip her tea. "I know some things about it but I suppose it's better to hear it from you because you're one of the leaders, right?" Nanoha, for now, doesn't elaborate on what Endo told her mostly because there weren't too many details given.
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (10)] has posed.
Mami keeps her attention mostly Nanoha's way... Save for a fairly methodical look to the sides here and then, to her table to check for shadows. But it's unlikely that anything will happen here in this cafe.
Mami dips her head again to acknowledge the form of address and then waits. Nanoha mentions the other night, and Mami's expression goes a little distant for a moment, thoughtful and troubled. But she's still listening, and looks back to Nanoha at the questioning look.
"Yes," she acknowledges. "And I am. I..."
A smiling server comes over and, seeing that the two are talking about something important, slides Mami's tea and saucer quietly before her. "I'll be back if you need anything," she says with a smile, and walks away.
Mami takes a brief moment to inhale the scent of her tea before she looks back to Nanoha again. "...That's good thinking," she says. "The other night was unexpected and unpleasant for all of us. That girl is a friend of Sayaka-chan's... And was a friend of mine. She'd joined us recently."
A sigh, "And what you saw is what happens if you take away a Puella Magi's Soul Gem. Please, keep that quiet." She opens her palm and in a shimmer there is a gold-housed egg of yellow, shining but with strange blackness roaming about it about half its surface, shifting here and there. She takes away her hand and it's gone again.
"Lose that, and our bodies might as well be dead to all accounts. She got it away from Sayaka-chan somehow, and that was that."
Her voice is low too, of ourse, and she glances to ensure thee isn't anyone else coming before she continues, "..Our group is about stopping those magical girls who feel that they can sacrifice others for their own benefit."
<Pose Tracker> Nanoha Takamachi [Infinity Institute (4)] has posed.
There is some amount of worry when Mami gets a distant look in her eyes. Nanoha worries that maybe it was hard for her to talk about. However, she waits patiently for Mami to speak again. Even as the server comes by, the young student only barely acknowledges her with a small nod.
As Mami explains, all kinds of thoughts come into her mind. Like what if that happened to her...or Fate. The draining thing was bad enough from what she knows of it but to be nothing more than a body, merely existing... She tries to shake the thought away. "I see... so is she going to be okay? Sayaka-chan I mean? If they got the key and find it then that means she can be fixed right?" Her eyes sparkle at Mami, hopeful that Sayaka will be okay.
Quietly she adds, "And don't worry. I know how important it is to keep things quiet." Nanoha smiles slightly and then hrms at Mami's remarks. "I can see why Feito-chan wants to be involved. Using others...only as a device for themselves..." It's a terrible thought. "It seems dangerous but I guess it's not moreso than what we already do right?"
Nanoha thinks over things for a few seconds in silence before finally speaking again, "So, does stuff like that happen all the time? I mean, if so, that makes me worry even more for Feito-chan." She sighs at the idea thinking that her friend had been through enough already. "I mean, I trust you all do your best but part of me wants to be there too if things like that come up..."
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (10)] has posed.
Sayaka in danger is never especially easy to Mami, less so when it's like that. She worries about her. ...But it's not only that, either. She reports what she does about the Soul Gem and once it's away, she's already rubbing at the ring with her thumb, visible on the table. She doesn't appear to notice.
"She's fine," Mami reports with a smile. "Physically she made a complete recovery. We were able to find her gem and return it to her in time." She's happy to offer that relief.
But Nanoha reassures too and Mami watches her eyes briefly. "I'm sure you do." A pause, and Mami nods before--Well, she pauses at that, and considers. She doesn't answer immediately as she gathers her thoughts.
"That's only happened once," the blonde says. "...Well, a theft like that. I've seen it twice." This is unomfortable territory. But, "I appreciate your offering to help.. But I should warn you of a few things. First, it is very dangerous, even more than daily patrols or your usual fights against monsters. There's a whole group of them, calling themselves the Shepherds, banding together to defend themselves and for their own ideals. Which..."
"From their perspective, they're defending magical girls from unreasonable aggression, trying to care for their own. These aren't monsters that hunt mindlessly; they believe they're doing what's necessary. ...Particularly as regards their hunt to kill Hotaru Tomoe, who they claim will bring about the end of the world if left alone."
"I won't lie, we could use your help. You would be welcome among us. But I want to let you make your own decision, just like Fate-chan did."
Mami picks up her tea, takes a sniff, and begins sipping it with eyes closed as she waits for Nanoha's response.
<Pose Tracker> Nanoha Takamachi [Infinity Institute (4)] has posed.
Nanoha gives Mami a warm smile when she hears the news that Sayaka is okay. "That is good to hear!" She seems genuinely concerned for Sayaka's well-being. Even if they weren't too well-acquainted, that was just how she was. Never wanting to see anyone get hurt and when it did happen, it hurt her to have to see. Even if she was the one throwing a Divine Buster in someones face, she never wanted things to come to that.
"Shepherds..." That is not the first time Nanoha has heard the term but she repeats it still. "Endo-kun, told me a little about them." She pauses. "So they're basically doing what they think is right, even at the expense of someone else?" It's an interesting dilemma, she thinks to herself.
"I have to wonder what I would do in that situation...I mean I guess both sides believe strongly in what they're doing and what their goals are but still the thought of using someone like that..." Nanoha sighs. "...it's terrible Mami-chan."
Her eyes widen at the name of Hotaru though and Nanoha looks surprised. "What...Hotaru? End of the world?" This seems to be new information to her. "How though? I don't understand." Is that why Hotaru was given those reactions by the others she wonders. At the time she had dismissed it but now it seems like it is relevant information.
After awhile, Nanoha nods. "I know it's dangerous and that things could easily go wrong but..." There is a contemplative look in her eyes as she considers the possibilities. "...I think it's an important job.. especially if it keeps others from being unecessarily hurt or even worse." It seems like a decision is being formulated in her mind, even if she doesn't come out directly and say it.
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (10)] has posed.
Mami spots that concern even for someone who she doesn't think knows Sayaka well, and it warms her heart despite everything. "I'm very relieved," Mami admits, and seems just that little bit more human for a moment.
She waits after her words though for Nanoha, lets it sink in, and the talk of Endo mentioning them brings a nod. "Mmm-hm. They claim that they couldn't do things our way."
Her way, Sayaka might say, but Mami doesn't. Instead she hears Nanoha talking it out. "...Mm. I think it's terrible, too." She pauses at the talk of Hotaru, lifting her cup to take a sip again, but before she gets it to her lips she says, "They haven't told us how. They refuse."
Mami drinks her tea in that while, ad waits. She seems very patient, at least. But she does keep watching Nanoha. "...It's hard to say what you'd do, if you felt your life depended on it. I'm sympathetic to them. However..."
"We can't allow people to die this way, though. ...Speciically... A Puella Magi requires magic to survive. We gain more by fighting Witches, but those Witches create other monsters called Familiars that can spread farther. If one of those kills enough people, it becomes a Witch, which we can then fight for more magic. It makes us more powerful, and it makes our lives more secure. ...At a cost in blood."
"...The Chevaliers, I can tell you, are all friends. It's how we operate, and I feel lucky to have them. We're bound by that idea, that we can't let someone die to magic if we have the power and means to stop it, and by our relationships. You don't have to answer today. ...But if you do choose to join us I'll look forward to standing with you. Fate-chan is our youngest, and is... incredible, honestly. She's a valued member. You would be too."
<Pose Tracker> Nanoha Takamachi [Infinity Institute (4)] has posed.
"I see..." Nanoha says in response to Hotaru. She finds it strange that they would think that way of Hotaru but then again there seems to be way more to this magic stuff than she realizes. It's almost overwhelming and there are times where she doubts herself but then seeing results like Fate being rescued from a terrible life it makes it all worth it in the end and makes her want to fight more for what she believes in.
As she raises the cup of tea to her lips to sip a few times, Nanoha is listening thoughtfully. She is still aware of where they are but for moments it seems like nothing else matters. Once Mami finishes speaking, the young student nods. "I think I understand it a lot better now..." It is not of much comfort to her though.
"I appreciate this information though. It has given me more of an idea of what you're about and I think I get completely why Feito-chan is involved." Her eyes sparkle as she mentions Fate's name. "Before I give you a decision though, I will think about it and talk to her more and now that I have your phone number, we can talk later right?" Nanoha smiles, despite the seriousness of the conversation.
Nanoha's phone chirps at her and she reaches down to take it back from her bag. "Ah. I think I should start heading back towards home. It's getting later than I expected." As she takes one last sip of her tea, Nanoha looks back over to Mami. "Thank you again for meeting me. Next time you will have to come to the Midor-iya okay? Mom and dad make some delicious food!" She beams at the idea.
<Pose Tracker> Mami Tomoe [Ohtori Academy (10)] has posed.
Mami doesn't know Hotaru as Nanoha seems like she might. Still, she isn't going to let her be sacrificed on the word of those girls, the Outer Senshi. Results like Fate though...
Well, it's a good thing Mami can't read minds. She talks instead, and finds she's glad that she has a drink given all of this. She sips her tea again. Now and then, she looks again to make sure that no one is coming. No one does; no one is paying attention to them enough to be able to hear over their own little worlds.
"I'm glad it helps," Mami answers. "...And that you can understand your friend so well." She smiles at that sparkle, seeing how clearly they're close. The fact that Nanoha needs time...
Mami nods. "We can talk later, certainly," Mami says. "Talk to her, think it out. You're going to be risking your life, and that shouldn't be done lightly."
Her phone chirps and Mami smiles back. "Certainly, and you're quite welcome. It was nice to see you, regardless of the subject matter. You're pleasant to talk to."
A little laugh, "I'll definitely go. I love delicious food." A beat, "Take care, Nanoha-chan. I'm going to stay here for a little while."
