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Post by Beriadan on Feb 12, 2024 12:30:24 GMT
Shinja wiped her eyes as she drew back, and laughed. Relief cascaded from her, and she felt like a huge weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She had thought the worst of the situation. Truly, Shinja had tried not to think about it much at all. It had brought her feelings of anger, pain, angst. All that mattered, all that it all boiled down to in the end, was that her friend was safe. That she was happy. Vigilantes, the NJPD, her history with Jet, it was nothing in comparison to her friendship. Kako meant the world to her, and that meant Shinja's view of the world itself would have to change.
"Hey. It's okay. We're both pretty stubborn when it comes to our feelings, I guess... and I've given the impression that I'd be opposed to your choices."
Shinja took a deep breath, steeling herself.
"What I realised... well, I just... Vigilantes, and the NJPD... I come from a line of Heroes. It's always been in my blood, even if my parents shunned it. So I've always seen the world as black and white."
Shinja clenched her hands together. It was obviously something that had rested on her mind for so long. The fight had always been on her mind. Her parents had tried to push her away from being a Hero, so she had rooted herself firmly there. Being introduced to the idea of Vigilantes, and seeing what the NJPD did up-close, finding them full of ex-villains and violence, alongside the good work they did... Shinja had been able to cover them in one blanket term. Until Kako joined them.
"But you stirred it up. Made me see that there's more than heroes and villains. We're all just... people. Being a Pro-Hero doesn't make you any better than a civilian. I don't fully agree with the NJPD, but I fully trust you, Kako. If this is the path you've chosen, then you have my backing, too. I won't stop you. Just... be careful? Make sure you stick to your values, above all else. Don't let the darker waters muddy your views of what you truly believe to be right!"
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Post by notdomino on Feb 14, 2024 7:49:06 GMT
Kako nodded as Shinja spoke. She learned about the truth of vigilantes from Izumi a while ago. She thought she'd bring it up, but this wasn't about that. She just wanted Shinja to know the new her better... -the happier her. In a way Shinja was still worried and it was showing, but it was her way of being protective. This was her senpai after all. She began, "I really like what I've built for myself. I have a tiny apartment, I have a job with them, I'm a part of my community, and best of all. If I miss you guys I can make a trip out of it!"
She rested her hand on Shinja's shoulder for some reassurance. "Don't worry, we might be growing up but you'll always be my senpai." She smiled, leading Shinja out of the field and toward the main road. Her house wasn't far from here, and that was why she was so livid. She honestly didn't know what she'd do if the villain had attacked her house.
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Post by Beriadan on Feb 14, 2024 12:14:46 GMT
Shinja smiled, true relief in her face as she placed her hand over Kako's.
"That's good. That's really good! You look a lot happier, too. It's... great to see you smile."
She followed Kako, taking in the sights of the landscape. It reminded her of home; the scents, the sights, the feel of a cool breeze on her skin. Shinja saw that her friend had grown up already in this place, unstifled by the city, by Hero society. She could see it made a difference. Some people weren't born to fit in with what was "normal". They carved their own way, and were happier once those chains had been broken. Shinja didn't mind the chains, the rules. It was all she had ever wanted. Now she saw why others would want life the other way. It must be like flying, unbound from the grasp of earth, from the laws of gravity.
"To have your own flat... that's pretty impressive! It must be better than dorm life. How are you finding it? Do you still do the same kind of community work we did together? Have you made any new friends?"
Shinja had questions, and they were bursting at a flood gate that she hadn't realised was there. Kako not being in her life had meant she hadn't had many people to talk to. Jack and Tanzo were different. Shinja and Kako could talk about all sorts of topics that she couldn't with those two. Everyone had their own interests. Shinja nudged Kako with a grin.
"Have you met anyone else who can beat you in a race?"
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Post by notdomino on Feb 15, 2024 10:45:06 GMT
"My place, oh I've gotta invite you sometime soon. I'd like to invite Tanzo too, but I don't even think he can fit through the door." She motioned a cube shape with her hand. "Ughhh, it's 46 square meters I think. Small little room, but it's all mine and I love it. " She thought about it. Since she was so far from her friends at UA, it did feel lonely at times. Just seeing Shinja was bringing in some fresh air.
"Sort of. I'm kind of like a superintendent in my apartment building, and the neighboring buildings closer to the office. Most of the rooms like mine are recently renovated, so there's close to no work to do. I do try to help out with small things like helping people with their groceries, dog sittings, and little deeds here and there. Lots of neighborhood watch meetings too." She explain. "Yeah, most of my friends are people that I work with." Her glance peered away, knowing how Shinja felt about Jet and Lola. There were others from all kinds of creeds and backgrounds.
"I don't race like I used to, so Just you. And speaking of you, how have you been since the last time I saw you? It was pretty heavy stuff before shit hit the fan..."
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Post by Beriadan on Mar 3, 2024 10:43:37 GMT
Shinja slowed slightly. A slight smile was on her lips, a sadness in her eyes, but it was mixed with a form of respect. She hadn't noticed, but Kako had been growing ever since they first met. Shinja looked on her friend with a different light. It wasn't the same relationship that it had been before. Kako had the same kind of experience that Shinja had, all that time ago. Now they stood more like equals, not senpai and student.
"You've... really grown a lot, Kako."
Shinja slipped her hand through Kako's arm with a warm smile, the misty expression fading away like sunlight through a cloud, keeping in step with her friend as they made their way to the other girl's house.
"It was chaos. The villains were trying to lure Nocturne in, using me as bait. It nearly worked as well... but I don't think they expected us to be so hard to handle!"
She grinned, bumping her shoulder against Kako. The weight of that night was melting away. Despite everything she had found out, and everything that had happened... Shinja was looking back at it with positive thoughts.
"November was there too... remember I told you about the Villain who kidnapped me last year? I think there was a lot more going on than a simple Villain attack. The Baron's deeds went waaaay back."
Shinja left the part about Jet, and Cerberus, out. For now, at least. She was here to enjoy time with Kako, not bring the mood down.
"But Nocturne is giving me more responsibility in the agency, which is great experience. I won't be a student for much longer... in a few months, I'll be a pro-hero in my own right!"
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Post by notdomino on Mar 5, 2024 6:42:38 GMT
"You've... really grown a lot, Kako."
"I don't think so at all." She chuckled. She forever felt like she was behind both her and Tanzo. Her expression tightened a bit at the mention of the story. She was dead weight for that mission... Maybe if she were stronger... She pushed her mind elsewhere, trying to stay upbeat.
"He's got a real thing against you... We can hang out for a little while. I bet you're hungry." She said, clutching her fists tight. That's right she'd need to get stronger to protect her senpai. As they arrived to her home, she nudge Shinja. "You already are a pro hero." It was a humble abode. Two stories, but small, a dingey tan building stood. The most expensive thing about the property was the gate. It was taller than both of them, and had an automatic door. Kako would simply walk and and zap the door, causing it to open. It was something she'd always done, mainly because she always forgot her keys.
"Ignore the foolishness in the yard." The yard was sizable, much like the rest of the neighborhood. If it was one thing people had it was land. The yard was decorated with training equipment. It brought bittersweet memories of being here. Kako nudged the potted plant by the door and picked up the spare key hidden underneath.
"HELLO?!?"
Nothing
"Guess I was worried over nothing. My parents aren't even home." Turning to Shinja as she unlocked the door, she- "Welcome welcome~. Shoes off please, slipper on~." Despite being the younger of the too, the rash young lady was quite hospitable. Actually, her temperment seemed different here. She was still herself, just more contained. Who she was wasn't accepted here... Her father wanted her to be a hero. The home was small, and shabby. It was extremely clear where all the money went. Training, training, training. It all her father talked about, meanwhile, all her mother blabbed about was hating Kagayaku. Toxic was an understatement, but one cannot choose their parents.
"Do you want to sit at the dinner table or the kotatsu by the tv?"
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Post by Beriadan on Mar 11, 2024 12:36:32 GMT
Shinja laughed at Kako's comment about her already being a pro-hero. She still had a long way to go, even after graduating. She followed Kako through the open gate, taking in the garden and the equipment. So this was what her childhood had been like. No swings or sandpits. Shinja frowned slightly. Did people really push their kids this much? She wondered if she would have been so fervently orientated to becoming a hero if she had been raised like this.
As Kako was instructing her, Shinja was already removing her shoes, revealing her duel fans that were imbedded in each one. She bowed her head slightly with a smile, slipping on the house shoes and stepping into the home. It was modest compared to the grand Sanyo house that she had grown up in, but Shinja preferred it somewhat. Smaller meant homely, and even though Kako didn't have the best upbringing here, she could sense the family vibes it gave off. For Shinja, whose family often felt more like a business, it was refreshing.
"How about we sit by the kotatsu?"
Shinja stepped through the living room to the small table, turning to Kako as she looked again at the house, the decorations within. Her eyes fell on the girl. It was still stunning, how much difference just a few months of not seeing each other had made.
"Do you stay here often, these days?"
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Post by notdomino on Mar 13, 2024 8:08:05 GMT
She chuckled when Shinja mentioned sitting under the kotatsu. The girl would take a short lived vist to the fridge, with a prompt detour to a cutting board. Over she'd bring cut up apples and pears. She'd slide her feet ride under the warm table's blanket and turn the tv on for a bit of background noise. With a bite, she- "No, it's my first time since joining UA. I avoid this place like the plague. Every holiday, when every went home to visit I kinda just wallowed like a loser." She shrugged at the notion. "Yeah... in Ms Urumi's class. I doubt anyone but you and tanzo-paisen noticed I was gone. Well...no. Some people knew."
Kako wasn't trying to bring the mood down out all. It was the opposite. "I'm wondering how being a third year is treating you. You've got your run of the school." She chuckled.
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Post by Beriadan on Mar 21, 2024 8:18:35 GMT
Shinja watched her friend moving about her parent's house, and not for the first time felt a strange clench inside her heart. Kako had grown. She looked taller, more confident, in mind and body. She smiled, thinking about the effect that hero society had on some people compared to others. Pressure could mould the brightest diamonds, but it could also crack the strongest stones. Kako was thriving outside of that atmosphere. Shinja crossed her legs beneath the kotatsu, took a bite of apple.
"I've always stood out. I'm sure that's why my father hates me, because I could have easily taken his company to greater heights than he ever imagined. Instead, I chose the life of his father-in-law. It's a double-edged sword, as November and his cronies can attest to. Sometimes I'd love to be able to slip away into the shadows."
She chuckled too, eyes bright as they danced across the space between them.
"That's true. First years look up to us in awe. Pro-heroes see us as their equals. It's a great feeling, honestly! I've always dreamed of this life."
Shinja paused. She wasn't sure how much care to bring to this conversation, but... Kako's former self was a shadow in comparison to this new girl that sat before her, glowing like an angel. Shinja smiled across the kotatsu.
"So what happens next, Kako? With you and the N.P.J.D., I mean. What's your goal now?"
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Post by notdomino on Mar 24, 2024 7:07:40 GMT
Kako felt a deep sense of calm. It put her anxiety at ease being here not only in this very living room, but to be here with a close friend. She didn't have these kinds of interactions growing up. If anything, she was a lonely child. Seeing Shinja's perspective of things gave her a smile. It seemed like they both were moving in their purpose. There was no higher high than doing exactly what you set out to do. Shinja was ever-closer to her pro-hero dreams, and Kako closer to becoming the woman she set out to understand.
"Just make sure you don't replace your bestfriend." She teased.
In response to Shinja question, she- "To LIVE." It was short, sweet and to the point, but encompassed everything she could think of. Sure there were some adult tasks that got added to her plate, but she was experiencing soooo much. "I'm in a new city with a job, new coworkers instead of classmates, new relationship with my grandpa... honestly I'm happy exactly where I'm at right now." She wiggled with excitement. "I promise Giga-bite and my old man that I'd come visit, and I'll make that same promise to you."
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Post by Beriadan on Apr 2, 2024 11:09:27 GMT
Shinja grinned. Kako's determination to be herself and live for nobody else... it felt refreshing. It washed over her like a wave. Her friend had found her purpose, and it was to strike out on her own. To be her own person. She stretched out her legs under the low table, took a slice of apple, felt contentment fill her chest, warmth and peace. What better feeling was there, to see her friend blossoming, opening up and becoming someone more than what everyone else expected. Shinja had her reservations about the crowd Kako was in. She still nursed the hurt from what Jet had told her, and the other Vigilantes' actions on that day... but to see her friend happy, it was enough to outweigh those feelings.
"I won't forget you, if you don't forget me. And I don't mind visiting you too! It's a lot easier for me to reach you than them. If you ever needed someone in a hurry..."
Shinja jabbed a thumb at herself, her grin splitting into a wide smile.
"I'm always on call to be a big sis!"
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Post by notdomino on Apr 6, 2024 10:58:57 GMT
Shinja was moving too quickly with the fruit. Kako smirked and slowly revealed a bottle of honey. Carefully she'd drizzle some over the slice she picked out and ate it. "HEAVEN!" It was a bit redundant to pour honey on a sweet red apple, but Kako grew to be a snack connoisseur from living in Osaka. She quickly learned there was more than one way to eat something. "You're the best!" Shinja would seriously be the big sister she'd never had and she knew Tanzo was the big brother she'd never had. The support they gifted her was immeasurable, and she only hoped to be able to supply the same level of support back. At the door was a knock from another person she grew to have a strong bond with. Kako tilted her head. It definitely wasn't her parents, and she wasn't particularly expecting company. In a bolt of lightning, she disappeared and reappeared at the door. The door would creak open, and- "JET! Heyyyy~!" Kako exclaimed. Speak of the devil. The very person on Shinja's mind had shown up! "Excuse me..." He'd step into the home and remove his shoes. "You left too fast for anyone to get a read on what was going on with you. I saw the news of that villain and figured I should check here." The vigilante paused, realizing his fellow njpd member wasn't alone. His heart sank a bit. His usual cool smile dropped to a half smile. "I didn't know I was interrupting... I can come back later if you'd like." Softly, he'd give a bow of his head toward Shinja as a showing of respect. Kako pulled him in and toward the kotatsu. "Plenty of room, bud. Join us, we were just having snacks!" Kako would literally throw him to the ground, though he was bigger than her. He'd land on his knees to sit properly at the table. With ladies around, he wouldn't rest his legs under the kotatsu. Despite his villain background, he had a great deal of manners. Kako would arrive at the table with cool glasses of green tea. It was all they had besides water. Jet nodded his head as a thanks to Kako before putting a bit of honey on a pear slice and downing it. The Osaka snack bug had rubbed off on him too, apparently. "Don't worry, I took care of it." Kako patted Jet's shoulder. To which he'd look at Shinja with worry. He'd heard glowing reviews from Kako about the Aeronaut girl, but Kako also didn't know that the two had their own conversation during Shinja's unsanctioned mission. On top of that, Kako didn't know that he and Lola snatched her before Nocturne and the agency could arrest them. In a situation like that, vigilantes had no place being that close to a hero's watchful eye, a top ten agency at that. Shinja probably saw things differently. They DID make eye contact with Aeronaut just before they escaped Rouge... "I hope you've been well." He say to Shinja. For someone who typically was the definition of composed, Jet seemed nervous and rightfully so. He didn't know how Shinja would receive his presence. The last time he saw her, she was literally cursing him and Lola for taking Kako away. Kako was Njpd's... more than that THEIR comrade and friend... Shinja wouldn't understand. Kako saw light in people no matter their background. Once she accepted someone, she aimed to understand them. They couldn't ask for anyone better and more trustworthy. Legal Name: Jet Alias; Quirk Name: Flame Body Picture:  Notable Achievements: Formerly known as Ace Pilot, member of team air raid. In his villain career, known for arson and hits on minor heroes with Team Air Raid. Was a career criminal before turning his life around and joining NJPD. Seen in a few acts fighting other villains around Osaka and Kyoto. |
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Post by Beriadan on Apr 9, 2024 11:09:08 GMT
Honey dripped from a slice of apple that hung, frozen and motionless, in front of Shinja's mouth. She stared up at the figure of Jet, a.k.a. Ace Pilot. The last time she had seen him, she had been filled with incorporeal rage at him. He had revealed that he had taken part in the death of her grandfather, the original Aeronaut, and had been dragging Kako away with the other Vigilante who had nearly cut Shinja and Rouge in half on her way out... Kako was oblivious on both accounts. Shinja hadn't revealed it, or hadn't had a chance to reveal it. She had felt such anger, such rage, at what this man represented. Not just because he was, in her eyes, the face of the NJPD and Kako's disappearance, but what he represented about her losing her role model, all those years ago.
Slowly, Shinja put the slice into her mouth, chewing, her eyes not leaving Jet even as he politely sat down. She chewed, deliberately, her mind rolling with hundreds of different thoughts. What did she feel now? Kako's smile alone had stripped her anger away. Her growth in that short time since she had vanished had made Shinja forget even her feelings on Vigilantes and the NJPD. Even Jet, and Lola. What was she thinking now, in the face of this man? She swallowed, then abruptly rose to her feet, sliding outside of the Kotatsu and standing over Jet, looking down on the man with a hardened, serious gaze, taking a step or two backwards, clenching her hands tight together.
Shinja's knees hit the floor, then her forehead and her fists. She was prostrate in a serious apologetic pose before Jet, only the Kotatsu between them, yet even that melted away. Suddenly it was just Jet and Shinja, with her in a Dogeza pose before him.
"I apologise for my actions, and my words!"
Kako would be incredibly confused, but here she didn't matter. Not for this. The apology was the only thing Shinja cared about. Jet may have been part of something deplorable, but that was the past. All that mattered here was that he made Kako smile. That he was part of her growth into a person that she wanted to be. Shinja squeezed her eyes closed, pressing down into Kako's floor with all her strength, as if forcing the rest of the negative emotions into the earth itself.
"You gave Kako the kind of support that she deserves, and asked nothing of her. That's all that matters in my heart! Jet... you don't have to accept my apology, but please just keep Kako smiling! If you do, then I'll forever be grateful for what you've done for her!"
It was clear she was removing him from the blame she had designated to him regarding her grandfather's death without saying anything about it in front of Kako. Now, she put him on a pedestal. Jet deserved her apology, even if he didn't accept it, and she would move on with her life. He had made Kako smile, and that was something that cut through her anger like a knife.
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Post by notdomino on Apr 15, 2024 8:56:42 GMT
They were really getting him out of character today. Shinja's apology made Jet's jaw drop, and Kako's tilt fervently to the side in confusion. "Ummm?" She exhaled, unsure how to push to conversation forward. Where did this even come from? Perhaps Shinja overstepped her bounds in some way? But... the girl pondered over it. Maybe there was a conversation she wasn't around for. She shoot a timid gaze to Jet, hoping people she cared about could coexist.
Surprisingly firm, Jet- "Lift your head. I'm hardly worth such a deep apology. I'm a nobody"
His expression fell into his usual smile, finally calm. There was a precious common ground between them despite their differences and it was Kako. Her being Kako's ally was all he really needed to know. She was naive, but Kako had a knack for surrounding herself with protective friends. Jet could do nothing but respect that, as he too, was a protective friend. "-Nobody important enough to... " He'd munch on another honey-soaked fruit slice, unintentionally cutting himself off. The pause let his realize that his first thought wasn't that important. After swallowing, he'd jump to the next point. "Kako is in charge of her own happiness, but we'll support as best we can. "
"What are you guys even talking about...?" An interjection from the subject at hand. She folded her arms and pouted. They were speaking of her as if she weren't in the room.
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Post by Beriadan on Apr 19, 2024 11:20:46 GMT
Shinja raised her head from the floor, moving into a sitting position and staring across at Jet. She wiped her eyes. It had been am emotionally exhausting day.
"You're not a nobody. You're important to Kako, and that means you're important to me."
Shinja looked across at Kako, and laughed at her posture, her tone. She shook her head, smiling as she took more fruit and honey.
"It was a misunderstanding. Jet and I shared some harsh words in the mountain. I just wanted him to know there's no bad blood."
Shinja looked up at Jet as she ate, and he would see the honesty there. Whatever amnesty that had been held for the actions against her grandfather was there no longer. She smiled at him, and across at Kako, swallowing honey and apple.
"It's all in the past, now. I realise there's more important things than holding grudges. True friends hold more weight than false enemies!"
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