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Post by notdomino on Aug 18, 2023 7:34:34 GMT
In the bustling town of Osaka, crime had diminished greatly. It was almost eerie how great the level of community was. On a night out on the town, even competing bars would give a neighborly shout if there were any suspicious guys hanging around. Posters were everywhere presenting the watchful eyeball symbol of the neighborhood watch, it was sponsored by the NJPD. Everyone seemed happy to go about their everyday lives. All but one. Kako waited outside of an apartment building. It wasn't the room she got from working with the organization, but her own apartment that she was able to afford from just the year of working with them. The building was a bit shabby, but it was close to the action of downtown and within walking distance from work. The young woman was waiting for family... an odd thought. She was waiting for Kagayaku of all people. She hadn't spoken to her mother and father since she fought her grandfather. Were there really words that needed to be exchanged for how she was acting? An I'm sorry could only go so far. It was about actions now. Nervously, she'd wait for him. She wouldn't realize it, but she looked like a mess. Her hair was a bit disheveled, and her eyes were puffy, an obvious indicator of crying recently. She'd been holding in far too much, and it was taking a toll on her, especially because she wears her heart on her sleeve. There was much-needed space... Space for tears, space for fun, even space for being bored. Just enough space, for her to roll back into a sense of normalcy. In fact, after coming home from their unsanctioned mission, Kako hadn't even spoken to Shinja and Tanzo much. With some patience, Kako was going to set the record straight with everyone one by one. Her grandfather came first. He was... family. For Kagayaku, she'd invite him into her world. This place. It was where she chose to live her life, and where she felt at home now. This was a big gesture, especially from her. She had a specific plan. Something to hopefully bring in some charm, and good tidings for their relationship to come. Kako knew how cold she could be, but she knew her strongest asset was her ability to accept people for who they were. She'd have to show him her full self, the same way he'd been trying to do during her whole freshman year. In a bandaged and limp left hand, was a case of beer; her right sat in a shoulder sling, but tightly held onto a balloon that said Happy birthday. Yes... in JUNE. It was MONTHS late, but it was the only thing she could think of to begin things with a clean slate. To be fair, Kako hadn't heard happy birthday from family since she was a little one. All her birthday wishes came from the few friends she was able to make along the way. Since their birthdays were only a week apart, she figured a gag party with just the two of them would be a fun way to break the ice. The best part was it was a surprise! He wouldn't know what hit him until he'd walk up and see the balloons! She scanned her left, then scanned her r- oh someone was coming. "Hey...Happy Late Birthday, old timer. Don't ask questions just go with it." |
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Post by Beriadan on Aug 18, 2023 8:44:10 GMT
How does one rebuild a life that never existed in the first place? Family had never been on Kagayaku's priority, even after having a child. He had dedicated everything to his life as a pro-hero, and left all that behind. Kako... when he met her for the first time, purely through the will of the fates, he had been stumped. She had been wild, angry and full of contempt, but he saw so much of himself in her too.
Like Kako, he hadn't spoken to his child or her family for a long time. He felt like his one connectioj to his lineage was through a sparky little girl who had shaken his life entirely since she entered it. Kagayaku felt a twisted rope of joy in his old heart. It felt like the daughter he never knew.
He had been to Osaka a lot as a pro-hero, but the city seemed to have cleared up a lot since he had last visited. Kagayaku noted the eyes of the neighbourhood watch program, and nodded. It was good for civilians to be on the lookout for crimes. Kako's place was in a bit of a rougher neighbourhood, but he approved as he strode confidently through it. Her first apartment! It did make him wonder about her studied, and as he saw her, he grew slightly concerned. Was she over-working herself?
Kagayaku stopped before her, and his eyes went to the beer, and the balloon. He let out a hearty laugh, and reached for something in his jacket. A small square present!
"Seems like we had the same idea! A few months late, perhaps? Happy birthday, young Kako!"
Kagayaku grinned, but was tentative about going in for a hug. He simply stood, present in hand, looking with soft fondness at his granddaughter. It was a love that had grown and blossomed, as they had spent more time together.
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Post by notdomino on Aug 18, 2023 9:52:22 GMT
Kako smiled timidly, almost using her hair to shield herself from making direct eye contact. She was so nasty to him the last time they saw each other... Come on, Kako. Forward, move things forward. Steeling herself, she watched as his arms adjusted. She could tell he wanted a hug... It was a warmth that felt like was lightyears away at one point. Kagayaku. He was right there, only a few feet away. With strides forward, his frame outsizing hers. He was right there, only a few inches away. She couldn't hug him if she wanted to. Her arms were too weak. Honestly holding the beer felt like too much. From April until now... beginning of the school year. In a mere month, Kako faced more combat and sticky situations than she had faced in her whole year as a freshman. Tired was an understatement. They say "when you finally stand still after working so hard, your aches will catch up to you", well Kako felt like her body weighed 1 million pounds. Still she will her way forward and into the man's chest. He was right there... he was right there! Weakly, she leaned into him. This was the best "hug" she could give in this destroyed state.
Softly, she-" Thanks for coming." It was brief, but she'd quickly recoil and recover some of the distance she worked so hard to diminish. She wasn't going to let him see it, but with how tender her body was. She was wincing in discomfort. EVERYTHING STILL HURT! Damned Team Airraid... She wasn't about to show him THAT much weakness. Luckily in that embrace, she swiftly traded the gift for the case of beer. She may have felt weak but she was never slow! ~I can do this~ She thought to herself with a relieved breath. Turning, she'd lead him to the apartment. The door was wide open. It wasn't like anyone was going to rob her, even in this rougher area. The neighbors would let her know if someone weird passed by. The entrance was skinny, a short hallway with a coat rack, and a shoe rack for guests. She was wearing flip flops, so going barefoot around the house was fine.
The hallway would lead to main room. A table filled the space, nice and low to the ground. The kitchen wasn't too shabby either. A sizeable fridge sat in the corner. Sitting on the counter was a frosted cake with a slice already eaten. On top, it would read, "Toward the future." Her bed sat in the further corner of the room, right by the sliding door. That door led to a rather tight balcony, but at least the view was nice. There was the actual bedroom, but that door was both shut and locked. With all details being made, it became clear this was a nice sized one bedroom apartment with the main space outfitted to be a studio. The bedroom was likely repurposed for something else. As for what it was used for, she'd only open it if he requested so. "This is it. My humble abode. I can turn some music on, or the tv if you want. " She knew that wasn't the point of him coming. She'd release the balloon, and pull two cold cans out. One for her, one for him. It was cider... meaning she likely was so nervous about his personal taste that she bought both cider and beer. It didn't rid of the obvious note that she was drinking underage. She'd been doing it for a while now... It was nice to come home after a mission and get a warm fuzzy feeling from something as simple as a drink. Never mind that! They were supposed to talk, but she still found herself stalling. The gift sat nestled in her sling. "Can I open it?" She'd sit on the bed, or well... land on her bed in an exhausted plop.
Her eyes bounced between the cider can, and the beer she so graciously place in his hand. Which did he prefer? It was a small detail to key in on, but honestly... they didn't know each other. She'd have to learn him, just like she learned everyone else. Like a limp noodle, she slide off of her bed, and sat at the table. She felt being on her bed like that for her grandfather was rude. Or was it? It was her house, but he was her elder. What were the rules here?
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Post by Beriadan on Aug 19, 2023 17:46:03 GMT
Kagayaku saw the discomfort in Kako's posture and her expression. He took the beer, frowning slightly. It took a lot for him not to raise questions, or scold her. She was too young to drink... but at the same time, Kagayaku had no right to come into her home and start bossing her around. That would be how her mother would have acted, his daughter. Instead he looked down at the beer, then gave her a grin, cracking open the can, raising it towards Kako as she sat opposite him at the table.
"Kanpai!"
Kagayaku took a deep drink. He was a beer man, she had guessed as much. He wiped his mouth, watching Kako with curiosity and slight wariness from across the table.
"So... I'm surprised you found time between your studies to find a place like this. And so far from U.A.! How... are you finding school?"
Kagayaku had an idea, but he was here as a grandfather and a friend. Not Kako's parent, or teacher. He looked around the apartment for a moment. She had really put some effort here... all for him. Kagayaku didn't want to jeopardise any of this.
He nodded as she asked to open the present. Inside... she would find a small key chain. It was an old antique, from thirty odd years ago. A chibi-fied Thunderclap, grinning, arms crossed, with a speech bubble attached to the top of his head; "You have the worst luck running into me, villain!"
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Post by notdomino on Aug 19, 2023 18:25:39 GMT
Kako nodded as the man made his choice. A beer man, hmmm not one for sweeter drinks. Noted. She relaxed a bit but almost choke when taking a sip. Kagayaku was jumping right in wasn't he... "School... yeah." A sheepish response. With a breath, she'd prep herself mentally to begin. "I won't be going anymore. I emancipated myself from my family... and got a job at the outreach organization not too far from here. The paperwork is already set with Principal Terebii." She looked down at the can with an apologetic expression. Another sip, and she'd bring herself back to eye contact. Her spark never left despite her circumstance. Hell this apartment was something to be proud of, she got these things with her own money.
"I've been working hand in hand with them since last year. The only people who knew was Shinja and Tanzo. They were with me when we tried their internship, it was under the general studies list of jobs on the internship job board. I like helping people out in my own way... all the hero school stuff just wasn't for me." She tried to power through with an awkward chuckle. Kako was proud for letting this come to light. She wasn't even sure they could talk like this. And now that they were, it was... nice. She'd push a bit more, hoping he could understand the message without her having to say it out loud. "I still fight for myself and my friends, though. Nothings gonna stop me from doing that. I got these wounds from trying to help Shinja out. Things kinda went hey-wire... but I don't regret it. I'm going to always help where I can." This meant with or without the approval of the law. She wasn't going to out the NJPD. Those who knew, knew and those who didn't would have to find out on their own. Wait... who had she told about leaving school?- "I think only Shinja, Tanzo, Prinicipal Terebii, and Giga-bite know that I use my quirk without a license... Those same people are the only people who know I won't be returning back to school... "
She wouldn't know it but Nocturne knew. Sadly he was out of the school too for a personal leave. He hadn't told Thunderclap, as it seemed like a conversation that they needed to have on their own.
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Post by Beriadan on Aug 19, 2023 19:02:55 GMT
"Oh."
Kagayaku looked down at his beer as Kako finished. So, his worries had come true. Kako had left U.A. behind, and become... a Vigilante. He mulled over his response in the following, awkward silence. He felt something swirling in the pit of his stomach. Was it... disappointment? Was it... anger? No. Kagayaku gave a little smile. It was pride.
"I'm glad... glad that you've found a life that makes you happy!"
He grinned, then fished into his pocket for something else.
"I, too, have made a decision. After so long... I've decided to become a pro-hero once again. Teaching is my passion, but retirement didn't suit me too well. Plus, how can I protect the family that I care about, if all I do is sit behind a desk?"
It was his pro-hero license, a new slither of laminated card. He raised his eyes, looking at Kako slightly sheepishly.
"All... all because of you. I never had much thought about myself. It was always about the job. So when... when I found put about you... well. I knew I had something else to fight for."
Kagayaku leaned back, letting out a chuckle.
"Ah... one sip of beer and I become a soppy old git! Mt apologies, Kako. Thank you for allowing me to be one of those you trust with this choice."
He placed the can down on the table, and gave a little sigh.
"Here we are, celebrating our late birthdays, and I go and say something so pathetic! What a silly old man, I am."
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Post by notdomino on Aug 21, 2023 4:15:42 GMT
"Oh."
Yeah... That's right. That's what she'd imagined his reaction be. Kako found herself staring at the floor, until he reassured her with positive feedback. What? WHAT?!? Her eyes darted to his as he expressed taking on a big leap of faith of his own. "HUHHH?!!?" A spark danced off her eyelash as she seemed repulsed at the idea. "Why?!? You're supposed to be a teacher. I mean." She'd sipped, before unleashing more. "You're too OLD! What if you get hurt? Old people have brittle bones, you know? You live too far from Osaka for me to protect you!" Well there was the reason. Despite wanting to punch his lights out, it seemed as though she wanted to be the only person with the rights to do so. Some convoluted form of being over protective, but it was overprotectiveness all the same. She seemed to forget, Kagayaku won that fight. She glared at his gloomy expression, giving the card back.
"Do what you want... I just started doing it, and I've never been happier." She'd softened up before clinking her can against his. "You should be happy too. Congratulations for doing what feels right... Kompai..." She paused. "We're celebrating our birthdays. That's right. Congratulations for being a hard-headed old man. Kompaaai~" A more enthusiastic clink. She giggled. "And thanks for showing up... Kompai." a softer clink.
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Post by Beriadan on Aug 21, 2023 11:15:30 GMT
Kagayaku grinned as different emotions danced across Kako's face. He tapped his can against hers, swigging the beer and letting the alcohol relax his weary heart and bones.
"Kako, in truth, you can't protect half the people you want. I've learnt that as my time as a hero and as a teacher. All we can do is make a promise to ourselves to always save who we can."
He drank again with the cheer, watching Jo's granddaughter with a twinkle in his eye.
"In truth, it just makes me happy to know you want to protect me! That makes this old man happy. And don't worry about me. I have a few years left of life in me!"
Kagayaku toasted and drank again.
"Happy birthday, young Kako. Oh! You haven't opened your present. It's nothing special, but I thought... I don't know, you could keep it close. I won't see you as often as I'd like anymore... but just always know I'm thinking of you."
Kagayaku shook his head with a light chuckle.
"Hah! Getting soppy again. Age brings with it so many emotions. Listen! Whatever path you choose, just know I'm proud. Proud, like I could never be of myself, or the life I left behind. Whenever you need me, just call. I'll be here in a Thunderclap!"
He brought his hands together in a clap, grinning. Then he looked sheepish, rubbing a callused hand behind his head.
"Hah... a silly old joke of mine."
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Post by notdomino on Aug 22, 2023 6:08:16 GMT
"Kako, in truth, you can't protect half the people you want. I've learnt that as my time as a hero and as a teacher. All we can do is make a promise to ourselves to always save who we can."
She knew that... nowso more than ever. She stared at her bandaged hands. There was a difference between them though. Kagayaku was doing this out of the goodness of his heart. Kako simply focused on what she could do in a given moment, with a distinct and selfish prioritizing of those she cares about. Eyeing the gift, she'd lift the lid and chuckle. How lame, moreover, how precious. She'd grab her key chain and single-handedly loop it through a work of willpower, maybe witchcraft, and honestly a tiny bit of magnetism. In response, she'd take off her lightning bolt charm and gift it to him. Fairtrade.
His joke was... She'd bypass it. Softly she let out a breath. Could it have always been like this? She wouldn't ask something so silly aloud. In her head, she was the reason for the wedge, her family only coached her on how to become a hero and how to hate him. She wasn't even her own person until fairly recently. Tanzo and Shinja's little friend, Kagayaku's granddaughter, the slacker. These were all identifiers, but here in Osaka, as a member of NJPD... she was Kako! She'd finish her can, and sit. Not really noticing she'd gotten, quite but genuinely just letting a few things sink in.
"Wanna walk the city? We're known for our street food, and I'm feeling strong today." She'd flex her limp noodle of an arm, whilst the one in the sling twitched. Quite strong indeed.
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Post by Beriadan on Aug 25, 2023 20:17:20 GMT
Kagayaku finished his beer, tipping his head back and enjoying the last drops. He wasn't a connoisseur of alcohol, just enjoying the refreshing taste as it rundown his throat. Kagayaku let out a contented sigh, wiping his moustache and rising to his feet with a grin.
"Of course! That sounds like a grand plan. I'm famished, and could eat an entire noodle house!"
It made him feel less on edge. Kagayaku wanted to enjoy family time with Kako, and was suppressing his hero/teacher instincts to scold her for a great number of things. Right now... he was just trying to be a friend.
"I used to work Osaka, in my younger days. Did I say that already? Anyway... there was a ramen stall that I used to visit a lot. I wonder if it's still there! Oho, Kako, shall we go relive my glory days?"
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Post by notdomino on Aug 29, 2023 5:08:45 GMT
"I used to work Osaka, in my younger days. Did I say that already? Anyway... there was a ramen stall that I used to visit a lot. I wonder if it's still there! Oho, Kako, shall we go relive my glory days?"
A silence would meet his request. The girl would burst out into laughter. He was so sentimental and looked at life so romantically. It was a breath of fresh air from her mother and father, a spiteful hag, and a slave driver. Kagayaku was refreshing. She cackled, holding her ribs. "You're funny. " Wiping her eye of a tear, she'd slip he feet back into her flip flops. "Yeah we can check for it. Osaka's probably a lot bigger than what you remember. The tourist stuff is still thriving though, like that big castle." In a huff, she stretched as best as she could before heading for the door.
"A day of youth on our late birthdays! Gooooo!" She'd take a step out of the door. Things were livelier than what they had just seen. The food carts were out and about and so were the people. Vibes were good, the night was sweet.
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Post by Beriadan on Aug 29, 2023 14:54:18 GMT
Kagayaku grinned. He prodded the girl with his elbow, feeling a warm, fuzzy feeling squirming in his heart.
"Of course! You can't be a good hero without having a sense of humour, young Kako."
He shrugged on his jacket, casual shoes that he had come here in. He was starving, unable to eat before he had come through raw nerves. Now he was here with Kako, his appetite had returned like an avenging villain.
Outside the air was cool, a night full of good feelings. Kagayaku felt happy, a true happiness for the first time in a while. He poked out an elbow, an invitation to the girl to hook her arm through it.
"Lead the way!"
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Post by notdomino on Aug 30, 2023 3:15:57 GMT
Kako twitched, a deep and guttural noise erupted from her as he poked her with an elbow. She held strong, pretending as if it didn't hurt. "Of course! You can't be a good hero without having a sense of humour, young Kako." He was getting carried away. Hardy har har. She wouldn't crumble. She'd retort with a tiny zap to his side as he lent himself as a personal crutch. Lead the way, she would! Though they would make it far. A crowd was building, and they'd be stopped by a civillian. "Oh my... Kako." She seemed shocked. It was an elderly lady mongering warm wontons drizzled in a sauce of choice. The lady simply wasn't prepared to see Kako latched onto such a muscula-"Quite handsome... Your father?"
"GRAND!" She'd correct the woman. They seemed to know each other, even if only loosely. "I'm showing him around."
"Beautiful. In that case, let me give you two a bowl on the house. Your granddaughter recovered my cash register, didn't you know? She and that neighborhood watch sure are a great hit around these parts. " She'd wave a hand over the assortment of sauces and toppings available. The wontons were a rather simplistic homemade recipe with an option to be flash-fried or steamed. It was how one dressed their bowl that really showed mastery at this cart. Kako beamed at the woman. "Aunty, in that case. I'll take my wontons steamed with garlic, Szechuan drizzle, chili oil, and plenty of fresh peppers!"
"Nice, and spicy?"
"Nice and spicyyyyy." This obviously was her go-to order. How well was she eating living on her own like this?
"Do be shy, let me know how you'd like your bowl Mister Thunderclap." She'd drop Kako's wontons in the hot box, and click her tongs at the man. Perhaps Kako was too young to understand how impressive Kagayaku, but it seemed this sweet old aunty knew exactly how impressive the man was.
"Gramps." Kako would correct her, only for her to giggle in response.
"Mister Gramps?" She'd respect Kako's petty wishes.
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Post by Beriadan on Sept 2, 2023 7:11:50 GMT
Kagayaku laughed at Kako's flustered response. In no way was he young enough to be anything but her grandfather, but perhaps he sensed some light flirting from this lady. Aha... she knew his hero name. It must be a fan, from his old hero days! He gave her his classic Thunderclap smile.
"Ah, young lady, you flatter me! Unfortunately the grey hairs aren't just for show. I shall have the same as my granddaughter, thank you."
He winked, turning his grin on Kako. Kagayaku missed the adoring fans, sometimes. Thunderclap had accumulated plenty in his time.
"Mm... young Kako, it seems like you have carved out a life for yourself here."
He leaned on the counter slightly, looking down at her with soft, understanding eyes.
"You've found your path. It may be different from what you think everyone else wants for you, but the important thing is that it's yours!"
He prodded her in the centre of her chest.
"Listen to an old fool, and follow your heart. Else you may wake up at fifty five years old and wonder what might have been, had you taken a different route in this world."
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Post by notdomino on Sept 7, 2023 5:00:42 GMT
The woman blushed and patted the heroes chest. "I wish I were still a young lady." She'd chuckle, loading up two portions, one for Kako and one for Kagayaku. They weren't enough to get full, but that was the point. These street carts were to give you a great taste of what they had to offer for a fair price. With that they'd be able to walk around and find another cart in search of a new treat. Kako graciously thanked the woman, nestling the bowl in her sling, and ate with her good arm. Hurriedly, she try and yank the man away from the cart so they didn't stay too long.
"You've found your path. It may be different from what you think everyone else wants for you, but the important thing is that it's yours!"
She was enjoying her food, but the thought made her stare at the floor. Dejectedly, she reply "I don't know about that. My parents only know that I'm out of school. I could never tell my dad I do what I do..." A vigilante, neither of them said it but they but understood what she was. It was more important than being a vigilante, she was actually a key part of a community now. She contributed, and people cared about her just as much. "I haven't told Shinja, or Tanzo either..." The sentiment made the food less flavorful, as she thought of the last time she saw Shinja... -cursing at Jet as he pulled her to safety. "I still have a lot of work to do. I just... yeah." She would shut herself up with a last fork full of wontons. It was better than struggling to spit her words out.
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