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Post by notdomino on Aug 18, 2023 17:43:27 GMT
The sun was on it's way down in the city. Once the business men and women of Osaka went home, it was time for the city to wake up. Lights and signs decorated the street with more than inviting smells and scenes. There were bars, and lounges, some traditional some new. There were some foreigners following tour guides, and plenty of street food vendors. The city has its own vibe compared to Tokyo and Musutafu. There was a sense of safety here, a neighborly feel that made people feel fine with talking to one another. To be honest, this invitation was only sent due to the retirement of Koneko's hero name, chart ranking and license removal on the Hero Charts database. And it was done in such close proximity of fighting two vigilantes, the head of the NJPD wanted to hear all about it. The letter was from a woman known to be Izumi Hack. As far as records, went she was almost the same as a missing person, only showing up in a report of being saved as a child. Then, she seemingly burst back into the scene as a philanthropist years later. It's possible she could have gone into witness protection or some sort of similar agency, but was that really what was important here?  What was important, was Koneko herself. How was she feeling? What prompted such a change? Izumi was dying to find out and more important than that, she was wondering what the former hero would think of the hidden organization within the New Japan Prefectural Development org. The HQ wasn't as grand as its outreach centers, and apartment developments. This place sat on the city's bay, and was cloaked by a path of construction sites before reaching the doorstep. Some of the sites were old haggard buildings being redeveloped into apartments. Some sites were being developed into parks and art gardens. Some were layered thick with large concrete walls, and some halfway constructed buildings made from recycled shipping containers. Seemingly the organization had bought multiple blocks, and despite not being a bustling as the city, there was plenty of movement in smaller bursts. Outside of the building, Kako and Franks seemed to be directing a group of kids for some sort of project. They all stood over a table, looking over some sort of document and a blueprint for a build right underneath it. The door to the establishment was open, and a gentle breeze from the place's AC was wafting out. Not too far was an elderly woman selling some treats from her cart. She'd smile to the newcomer, and wave. "Hey dearie. Wanna try some pastries?" Naturally all at the table within ear shot looked up and pinned there eyes on the former hero. Kako and Frank sprang into fighting stances, Franks tendrils whipping against the ground, and Kako's electricity reverberating through her hair. "Seeking us out for a round 2? Pretty bold I must say..." Frank said shoving a hand into his body, and pulling out a knife. "Can't say I'll hold back this time. That blue flame is too destructive, I won't even let you get that hot.""If you're looking for trouble, you can find it somewhere else! LEAVE!" She snarled. This kids all sprinted into the building to let the rest of the staff know. Interestingly enough, a window would open from the top exposing a white hair woman who smiled big at the view. It was the Regent herself. "OH! She's here for me." Izumi proclaimed. "Welcome~!" Not the best first impression... There was supposed to be a brief of Koneko's arrival, but the detail slipped her mind among getting other things done. Still, outside of Kako and Frank's distinct ire, Koneko was more than welcome here! |
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Post by FreudTastic on Aug 19, 2023 17:58:19 GMT
It hadn't been that long ago since Koneko received the letter from this "Izumi" person, but she had always wondered why it came in such a close proximity of her own denunciation as a hero. It had to be a coincidence. It HAD to. But no, it was far too intentional for her, and it made her... nervous? No. Curious? Maybe. Were these people looking to exploit her, now that she was no longer an official hero, and thus out of the clutches of the oppressive Hero Society? Well if that's what they had in store for her, she'd just torch them all. Still, she would show up at the place designated in the letter, and seeing just where she had ended up at the bay. All of these rickety 'buildings' surrounding her now... they seemed to be made out of necessity, rather than out of some big project.
Regardless, the woman at her cart almost startled her, but what really shook her was Frank and Kako immediately springing to action from the crowd of children. Why were THEY here?! Were they part of this group that "Izumi" had rounded up? She dug her heels in regardless, preparing to fight... but a voice cut into their stand-off, as she'd look up to spot the white-haired woman calling her in. Almost immediately, Koneko's stance vanished, as she'd just stand upright and walk past both Frank and Kako, not even offering them as much as eye contact. Then her boots flared up with flame, as she'd burst herself upwards and towards the window, landing on the windowsill and gently hopping inside, soon staring up at Izumi with a deadpan, but somewhat wounded expression.
"... I guess yer Izumi Hack, nyeah?"
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Post by notdomino on Aug 21, 2023 5:57:12 GMT
"Yes, that's right." Izumi would back up from the window, allowing room for Koneko to come in. The woman was in a dark colored gown. She'd lend a hand out. "I run the New Japan Prefectural Development organization. Pleasure." She didn't wane at Koneko's expression, or Kako and Frank's disagreeing stares. Her office was an organized mess. Everything has its place, and every file could easily be found. The most important things were pinned on her board, a newspaper clipping of the blue flames that night for example. It was sloppy but expertly done. On her desk two high piles of paper sat on either side, a check pile and an unchecked pile. This gave a solid gap for the ladies to view one another. "You've been a topic of discussion among many circles. One could say you're retiring is a huge question mark. Is okay if we talk a little about it?" She didn't seem to hold any malice, nor did she seem all that judgemental. Izumi was very much happy, the girl showed up. That took courage.
"Or if you'd prefer, I can explain a bit about our organization. Your pick." An open book method. She couldn't give or take away without giving or taking away. The best way in her mind was to firmly place the ball in Koneko's court. Well... with a nudge of course. "I'm sure you've got questions, too. I'm a complete stranger after all. "
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Post by FreudTastic on Aug 21, 2023 18:08:47 GMT
Koneko would glance out the window for a bit, only catching Frank and Kako's disapproving stares for a fraction of a second before turning back to Izumi. Not accepting her hand for now, she'd just look around the office, seeing all of the pins on the board about newspaper clippings of her recent outburst, which made her wince and frown even more. She'd just stare at Izumi for a bit, seemingly lost in thought. Izumi could literally SEE the gears turning in Koneko's head for a while, all while most of what she said passed over her ears, before she'd state;
"... You were the one I saw laughin' at me when Frank an' Kako left, weren't nya?"
She stated. It wasn't so much a tone of having figured it out, but more a brash, sudden guess. But she could not pin it on any other person. Especially after having heard her voice, and recalling that evening.
"Anyhow. If nya wanna talk about it, I guess I could chat. But don' expect me to be so cheery fer a while."
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Post by notdomino on Aug 22, 2023 4:04:07 GMT
Not that simple, eh? She let her hand fall down to her side. Izumi rubbed her chin, a smile prevalent. There was plenty of ash to cover her appearance that night. Well, it was less about hiding, and more about making a proper escape. Still, quite the observation. It was always interesting to know what people could pick out in situations. This was fine, it meant she didn't have to start off with lies, improv, or coercion. As long as the conversation wasn't frivolous, it seemed like Koneko didn't mind a conversation. Good good. "Yup, that was me. You had quite the expression that day. It was inspiring, cheery or not. I think it felt... REAL. Like a person waiting to burst out of their shell." She'd lead on. In a short period of time, it was clear she was a theatrical speaker, probably someone who enjoyed movies too much. "I'm not sure what spurred such a prominent blue to show up in your flames, but I am a sucker for untapped potential." Truly her honest thoughts... but she'd hurry and get to the point-" But, these things aren't important." She had to get to the point before verbally dawdling into oblivion. It was weird. It felt like Izumi was acting, but this was indeed her true self. From facial expressions to movement, there was flair.
"Origin stories, hard-fought, triumph and brutal losses to learn from. I think these things are important. Motivation is pretty important, too. I'm wondering where yours went." So the question was, "Why would a young hero with the world ahead of her, suddenly quit? From what I know of UA and its heroic alumni, it's a bit cult-y, but a lot of you guys print hero on your whole identity. This seems like a complete 180 for someone so well ranked as a recent graduate."
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Post by FreudTastic on Aug 22, 2023 4:30:58 GMT
Koneko was trying to figure out if Izumi was actually being sincere, or if she was just putting on an act for her... but it was SO difficult to tell! She just ran with the idea that she was genuine for now, and listened to her inquiries about her, and she'd rub her arm a bit at the question of why she quit while being just a young hero with potential. Why, indeed. She'd sigh a bit before she'd look up at Izumi, her gaze soft, yet steeled at the same time.
"... I guess I jus' got the glasses taken off'a me. The rose-tinted glasses 'dat every U.A student got on 'em, thinkin' being a Hero is all amazin' and cool. Which it is! But... is it really 'dat cool when all ya do is train to become a licensed bully? I just don' understand. How come people like Frank, who jus' wanna help people, don' get to help an' be a hero just 'cause of a stupid piece o' paper? If 'dat's all bein' a 'Hero' is, then I don' want it. I'd rather help people as a person, rather than a poster-girl."
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Post by notdomino on Aug 22, 2023 4:55:38 GMT
Bully? Izumi held in a snicker. Quite different than what she was expecting. Perhaps these thoughts had always been in this girl, and seeing some vigilantes sparked it in her. She mentioned Frank, someone Izumi knew well by this time. Everyone had their idealisms of what a hero was supposed to be and in a way, hero students were a victim of that. Either drown in the righteous cocktail of expectations like Kako and get fed up or notice distinct inequalities in the world like Koneko. Both were just fine. Both weren't wrong for coming to their own conclusions. "Poster girl. I think that's a perfect way to put it." She nodded. " Frank's always talked about his soreness about not becoming a hero, but he's just as much a hero as anyone else. Plus he's got a really sincere opinion on things." She'd spread her arms wide. "To some, even I can be a hero. I can't quite say I'm cut out for all that though. I prefer sitting on the sidelines or organizing." Yes. Without much hiding it, she- "If you're interested I can provide just that. A place where you can help without all the extra noise. No silly papers or rose-colored glasses. "
"Best of all, it's a place where you can find yourself, be yourself, and be a part of a community. " She'd say with a wink. "We're all very different, and have plenty differing opinions, but we're all connected. We protect our own and anyone who asks for help. We build each other up and teach what we can. Not much else to it. We're New Japan. " Without explicitly saying so, Izumi was letting Koneko know this organization was legit, and simultaneously a vigilantes' den. She didn't need to prove anything, the very people Koneko fought were right outside, working on a project. On top of that, there were neighborhood watch signs all over the city.
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Post by FreudTastic on Aug 25, 2023 19:18:41 GMT
Koneko had leaned up against the office wall whilst Izumi spoke about the group's purpose and goals, idly listening whilst she was just mentally weighing her situation. She had really gotten herself into this, hasn't she? Well, there was no turning back now. She was stuck to this route, and she'd be taking it all the way to the end. At the notion of finding herself, she'd let out a soft huff to pause Izumi.
"I... I think I could really use 'dat right nyeow. I dunno what to do, or who to turn to. All I know is 'dat I refuse to be a hero an' prop up a false image of myself as some kinda savior... when I clearly ain't."
She sighs, eyes glancing down to her hands, which were still burnt at the fingertips from her last use of her newly-awoken Quirk powers. Her hands curl into her own arms, and she lets a soft 'Tch' slip out. She clearly had some residual turmoil from that one evening, hating the fact that she lost control like that, over something so small and stupid as letting her emotions show. Or was it really that stupid? She had gotten stronger because of them. Regardless, her hands relax on their grip as she looks up at Izumi again.
"Just so nya know, I'm more of a fighter than anythin'. I'm willing to try and help. But... I jus' dunno if I'm cut out for a whole lot other than a good scrap. I'll pull my weight any way I can... Boss? Lady Hack? What do I even call nya?"
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Post by notdomino on Aug 29, 2023 4:40:45 GMT
Ah, so easy. The woman reveled in this moment, despite never waning or shifting in facial expression. She'd place a hand on her chest, and humbly reply-"Izumi's fine. Or Regent. Really, you can just follow whatever feels right to you." She didn't seem like much of a leader by being so easygoing. Those traits would show elsewhere, but now wasn't the time to show leadership skills. She mainly just wanted to connect with Koneko. "I can say your first mission is to explore the city and make yourself at home." She'd continue on. "We have places to stay, or would you rather find an apartment close by like Kako and some of the others did?"
She wondered how she, Kako and Frank could squash their beef. It was true people didn't have to get along, but there would be times when they'd have to work with one another. It also was worth introducing the new NJPD member to others. She fell quiet. "Do you want a welcome party?"
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Post by FreudTastic on Aug 29, 2023 18:42:32 GMT
She'd just huff and nod. 'Izumi' it is, then. She didn't feel well about the whole 'Regent' deal, so that'd have to do for now, at least until she got to know this person better. Regardless, she was a bit surprised when her first mission was 1) Given to her so soon, and 2) Such a simple thing as exploring the city. She had already explored a lot of Japan's cities, which was a breeze considering she could just burst around with her quirk by using her feet as mini-jets. But, she figured it was more to TRULY memorize the city they were in, and to get a feel for each and every bit of it. Tactical knowledge, she figured. But it was the next bit that would make her a bit concerned;
"We have places to stay, or would you rather find an apartment close by like Kako and some of the others did?"
She'd freeze up for a bit, not really having expected something like this. She had expected the want to recruit her into their folds, and the fact that this was more or less her fully abandoning the road of a hero, and living on her own... so to be offered housing accommodations this quickly was a bit daunting. She'd open her mouth, close it, and repeat a few times, before she'd mutter out.
"I-I'd... I'd ratha' have a place o' my own, if y'can find one. I don't think stayin' in the nearby apartments here would do good fer... some others."
She was obviously referring to Frank and Kako, but she did not want to say it out loud.
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Post by notdomino on Aug 30, 2023 3:47:18 GMT
Oh? Quite the reaction. This girl was an entertaining, a good addition to the team indeed. Izumi chuckled. "Nonsense nonsense, I'm sure someone's apartment complex has vacancies. The referrals are great for getting a discount on the first and last months. You don't like discounts?" Didn't everyone like discounts? She wouldn't force anything. In fact, she'd spin this into a joke. "Hmmm. I shouldn't have disrespected your expensive taste. There are condos for sale downtown. You've got a former hero's budget, after all." A finger tapped on her chin as if in thought. She was more interested in why she didn't when a welcoming party was mentioned. Entertaining indeed. "I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's not worry about housing for now. That's the easiest part. You're going to need supervision on your first mission. We need to see how successful this first go around is... and I'm too busy as you can see. " She didn't seem all that interested in her desk work, but it was important to give Koneko some space after accepting the offer. With a long calculating look at Koneko, she knew just who to pick. She'd pull a walkie talkie out, and request a name. "Borla." Not too long after, a young boy appeared into the office. He was a skinny thing, grey hair and a sickly look about him. Raccoon eyes were an understatement for him, but he seemed to be plenty awake considering. A short glance to Koneko. "Why""Cuz..." A smile from the Regent. "Kay... First mission?" Easy to convince, wasn't he? "First mission." She nodded, waving goodbye to Koneko. Was this some sort of code? Apparently everyone had a first mission. "Koneko, Borla... You to become good friends, okay?"
Legal Name:Alias: (Code 111) Borla Quirk Name: Rev Hang < (Drug Enhanced) High Horsepower Picture:  |
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Post by FreudTastic on Aug 31, 2023 17:33:31 GMT
"... I'll think 'bout it. How's 'dat sound?"
She asked, willing to at least meet in the middle-ground with Izumi, since she seemed to be so insisting on the apartments nearby. But she was right; she hadn't lost any money on her sudden step down from the Hero world, and she had quite a bit of it on her account still. But she did not feel like she deserved any luxury right now. But, the mission was her No. 1 focus right now, and Izumi seemed to pick out a partner for her on this. As Borla stepped in, she'd just stare at him for a bit, a bit in disbelief at how absolutely wrecked and sleep-deprived he looked, as he'd glance at Izumi with a look that just silently said, 'Really?' But she wouldn't judge this 'Borla' too early. She did that with Frank, and look how that turned out.
"Well, guess it's nice t'meetcha Borla. Y'can call me..."
Again, she froze for a bit. Her whole Hero title felt a bit inappropriate right now, so she went with something shorter;
"... Call me Hellkitty. Apparently my firs' mission is to get 'round town and get a feel for it. If nya wanna tag along, I hope nya can keep up with me~"
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Post by notdomino on Aug 31, 2023 18:46:12 GMT
"I think that's fair." The white-haired woman would nod. Izumi wasn't phased by Koneko's stare. Most people reacted to him this way on first impression. "Good luck~."
"To me or her?" Borla murmured.
So this was who Frank battled against? She didn't seem so tough... There was no ill will toward her. In fact, he just seemed annoyed to be moving around more than he intended to for the day. The order was to supervise, so he would. He'd lead her out of the building. "Mmm." With a nod, albeit correcting her with the verbatim words. "Explore the city and make yourself at home" Everyone's first mission was the same, indeed. Him knowing only meant, he chaperoned plenty of people before her despite being younger than her. "I'm gonna be honest here..." He'd say. "You're probably going to fail." He wasn't saying this to be mean and he didn't go into any further detail about it either.
As they passed by the group of kids out front, he'd hold his hand out. They'd pummel it with high fives and excited tugs. They'd also waved at HellKitty. If she were with Borla, maybe she wasn't a bad person. Kako and Frank were quiet as they passed. So she was joining after all? They held far less hostility than the moments before... at least outwardly. They'd leer at her with judgmental eyes. While their physical wounds healed, their emotional wounds still seemed raw.
"Don't mind them. They are super nice once you get to know them. You probably just really made them mad, or hurt their feelings." He'd say, before continuing, "I don't know either of them to hold a grudge for long." This guy was an honest one, sincere in his thoughts and actions. Another person flew overhead, his wings beating sounding like a helicopter. "Yo..." He'd say. Borla would wave."Yo!" "Newbie?" "Of course." "Sup, Newbie?" The flyer wouldn't stay and chat. Instead, he made a B-line to Izumi's office, likely coming home from a mission of his own. Using one's quirk was still illegal, but doing so seemed so... normal here compared to other cities... -Musutafu especially. To Koneko, "You'll meet him soon, too... He holds grudges."
A lot further away from the base, Borla would fold his arms. "Welp, it's your mission. We can go and do, anything you want around the city. "
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Post by FreudTastic on Sept 9, 2023 13:49:34 GMT
"I'm gonna be honest here... you're probably going to fail."
Well so much for being a god-damn helper in this mission! Koneko did not appreciate at all how Borla seemed to have such low hopes for her and so she would immediately address it as soon as they were away from the base. At least that helicopter dude seemed nice enough... even if he assumedly held grudges.
She'd spin to face Borla and jabbed him in the shoulder firmly to get his attention.
"Oi, just 'cuz you're assigned to be my minder or whatever, don' mean I have to take any shit from ya, y'hear me? I can explore 'dis city with ease! I'll be feelin' like home in no time! Anythin's better than bein' back in Musutafu and people chokin' me with their constant worship of somethin' I'm not! You jus' watch!"
She snaps at him firmly, making her disapproval of his judgment clear. Then she'd turn from him as her feet blazed up with her temperamental flame, bursting into jet-like explosions as she took off into the air, blasting from her feet again to realign herself and shoot off towards the nearest rooftop to get a better, overhead view.
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Post by notdomino on Sept 10, 2023 6:29:21 GMT
Borla rolled his eyes when HellKitty pelted him in the shoulder. He raised an eyebrow at her outburst. He wasn't completely nonresponsive, in fact he'd drag his reply far after she'd already flown off. "Kay..." Borla sighed deeply. He'd continue down the street and notice an elderly woman to help across the street. While the old bat talked his ear off as he helped her, his eyes remained trained on the building she'd flown to. He'd deny any money the lady tried to offer, before respectfully bowing and sprinting the other way. A engine's rev could be heard in the distance, and with a distinct and loud incoming vroom Borla appeared on the very same rooftop the newbie had perched on. The engines would spurt and sputter until finally relaxing into a low rumble. He'd exhale a black cloud, following it up with a cough. "So what's your game plan? Just fly around some more and be dramatic?" He wished he could take her more serious, but she was a former hero. It wasn't an awful idea. It was a rather big city, and was in close proximity to Kyoto. There was bound to be some action, somewhere. It really depended on how one looked at things.
Standing beside her now with his quirk at a satisfying idle, Borla looked along the streets. Some things caught his eye, others felt less impressive. As far as points of interest went, there was a dark alley with some tough-looking punks in it, there was a grouping of food carts with a growing crowd and a cat stuck in a tree. The boys looked like they were up to no good, but the foot carts seemed like an easy place to steal from. There was no telling which would get more action. As for the cat in the tree, it was quite relaxed despite not knowing how to get down. The owner seemed tired of the cat's bullshit, but equally longing for it to just return to her arms. What would HellKitty pick? Borla already had his sights on one of the 3, but he was on supervisor duty. His eyes pulled to the new vigilante before jumping down.
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