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| What it Means to Save Someone; Hiroko & Tsukiko; Graded | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Sep 24 2017, 03:52 AM (663 Views) | |
| Sporky | Sep 24 2017, 03:52 AM Post #1 |
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Idol Trash
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He'd failed. That was all he could think ever since the second round of the U.A. Sports Festival had started, and she'd been mysteriously absent. Contacting her had obviously proven fruitless, as she'd no method of even receiving his messages, as he found shortly after. It was fortunate he'd developed some idea of what had happened, but that was hardly any comfort to him, considering he'd also confirmed that the whole ordeal was partially his fault. He'd sworn to never let this happen again, sworn to be there for her, to pinpoint and annihilate the source of that looming darkness that struck out at his dearest friend. But he'd failed. He hadn't seen enough, hadn't looked far enough past that broken smile. He'd even accelerated things, tried to guide her down what the path she wanted, rather than the one she needed. Then, without even a chance for him to protest, she ran. No, she was running. Presently. Meaning there was a chance, a sliver of hope, to once again stop her in her tracks. A chance to mitigate the damage already done. But Arata Koizumi knew he could not do it alone. The bespectacled Japanese boy glanced up at the darkening skies. It was almost poetic, he thought, that the weather was taking a sudden turn for the worse, much like everything else. He looked back down, at his watch, and clenched the phone in his hand tighter. They'd not much time, she was going to be late. Then again, that was to be expects, given the short notice she'd been given. The only person who Arata believed could help was the one he was waiting for, as he stood restlessly beside the rather nice car, the Koizumi family driver waiting patiently inside. Tsukiko Kimura. That was who he was counting on. That was the name of a U.A. student who would've finished showing themselves to the world mere hours ago. That was the person who'd receive a single text message from the phone Arata held. "Meet me outside the store we met in after the Entrance Exams. We need to talk." He slid the phone back in his pocket, figuring checking the message over and over would do him no good. Besides, he'd already been nosy enough with the device, as it wasn't even his. It belonged to the one responsible for the mess Arata was trying to clean up. A foolish, impulsive, terrified girl whose little 'episode' had no doubt already caused many great confusion, fear, and in some cases, sadness. Her name was Hiroko Maki, the runaway Hero-in-training and Sports Festival dropout. The girl who'd left the event without a word to friends or family. The girl who'd had her world shattered and, in a desperate attempt to find her footing, was risking losing so much more. The girl who was, in Arata's eyes, a victim of the cruelest woman to walk the Earth. That may have been hyperbole, but one could hardly blame him for holding a grudge against Mariko. The same boy checked his watch once again. She'd be here soon, surely. Arata had carefully structured the text he'd sent to elicit her response. There was much more he could've told her, that would've made her even quicker, but for the moment he cold save that for the car ride. Looking up from his watch, glancing up again at the overcast skies, he spotted his guest out of the corner of his eye. In true Arara Koizumi fashion, he turned to the likely confused girl with a slight smugness to his expression, as he greeted her promptly. "I'm not who you're expecting, but believe me when I say I'm who you want. That is, if you want to help me save Hiroko Maki. My name is Arata Koizumi, it's a pleasure to meet you." She'd actually done it. She'd run away, though Hiroko felt the term's connotations weren't applicable to her situation. To say she 'ran away' would indicate her primary intention was to flee wherever she'd been, it'd imply that was where the problem lied. But that was simply not the case. Because as far as she was concerned, there was only one place where any fault, any blame, any problem lied. And it was a point from which she could not flee, one she could not escape from or hide from or even destroy. It was herself. Her guilt. Her weakness. Her fear. Her selfishness. Her foolishness. Everything about her... Everything she was without her... Were all to blame for her running. So it was naturally incorrect, to say she was running away from herself, as such a thing was truly impossible. All she could do was seek a solution, and that was what she ran toward. Not the solution itself, but the solver. The only one who could fix things, or so she thought. Mariko Hiroko found herself once again sighing a little as she glanced out the train's window. She was anxious, afraid, and confused, same as she'd been not long ago when she left the festival. It hurt, leaving everyone there, but at the same time Hiroko figured this was what must be done. She was lost and directionless without Mariko, she'd hurt others as a result, she needed to find Mariko, be saved by her. That was all she'd really ever wanted, right? She wondered then, why it still hurt, running away. Part of her, beneath the boiling pot of emotions that directed her, knew that this was not at all a smart thing to do... But it was all she could do. All there was for a fool like her, was to seek something to cling to. God, the others must be disappointed in her, she thought. She couldn't imagine how disgusted they'd be upon hearing of her actions, upon seeing the weak and impulsive person that lied beneath her surface. "I really have done something silly, haven't I..." |
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| Tsukiko | Sep 24 2017, 04:50 AM Post #2 |
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The Sports Festival, it was an event that the students at the academy considered their most important moment during their three years in training. It was a time when they were given the opportunity to showcase their brand of heroics to the world, a golden opportunity to shout to the world: HERE I AM! And yet... why did it feel so unpleasant? By all rights she should had been celebrating the results of the grandiose event, but something was missing... or rather someone was missing. When the second round of the Sports Festival Tsukiko had left some remarkable results, being the cause of 2 of the 4 students to drop out of the round, and yet few could understand, or even imagine the reason why she had regained such a motivation: It was because she had a promise to keep. However, when the third round arrived and the source of her motivation had been absent, the girl felt something was wrong, a realization that had come too late. Indeed, the person she had been chasing for the entire year was after all way too strong to be defeated in such a battle. No, there was no way that she would fall against the other students, in the end there was a reason why she admired her so much. The only one who stood on par with her when it came to the performance of the students of the first year, the one she happily called her best friend, and greatest rival. She had realized too late, even if the subtle cues should have been noticed she had been blind to the grief of her best friend. To be honest, she felt as if she had been a failure of a friend, the fact that she didn't even try to stop her, or that she had felt her suffering till it was too late. Indeed, Maki Hiroko had gone missing. By the time the festival was over and people were enjoying the aftermath of the event Tsukiko was running down the streets of Tatooin. It was a futile attempt really, asking random people if they had seen a girl matching her best friend's appearance, and if she had been her usual self she would have realized how ridiculous lacking in a strategy her actions were. Then again, she was simply too clouded by thoughts of worry. "Hiro-chan... Where are you?" The feeble whisper of the girl was accompanied with little pants, having run around the city for an entire hour already. "T-Tsu-chan don't push yourself too much." Shaking her head lightly at the worried words of her feline companion the girl was about to reply when suddenly her phone called buzzed with a familiar melody, a quick slide of her hand inside the pocket of her hoodie revealing a text message from a familiar number. Her eyes widened slightly as she broke out into a sprint, rushing in a mad dash toward a nostalgic location: the very place a pair of stories had become interwoven. She had just rushed along the corner of the street the store was at when yet another surprise awaited her. Her gaze sharpened at the teenager who was holding that familiar phone, it was the same model, and at the same location, the message told her to go to. "If this was a movie with spaceships and aliens I'd be screaming 'It's a trap!' right about now." Yami eyed the stranger with a hint of curiosity and suspicion in her eyes while Tsukiko stepped forwards. "Where is she? Where is Hiro-chan!" Her hands were gripped into small fists, her eyes seemingly moist with the early traces of tears. Of course, when Arata addressed her with that faint trace of a smug smile the shadowy cat remarked dryly. "Yeah, you're as much of a Hiro-chan as Tsu-chan is busty..." Ignoring the embarassing statement of the feline Tsukiko's gaze remained firmly set on the boy. It was only after Arata properly introduced himself, the name ringing a familiar message from a past conversation she had with Hiroko once over the phone she finally realized who the young man before her was. "Save her..." Her gaze softened as a mixture of sadness and regret became evident in her expression, soon answering his statement. "Of course I want to save her! B-But how... I didn't even notice her suffering and I was never good at expressing what I truly feel... I... How can I even consider myself worthy of her friendship if I can't even do such things?" Hesitation, memories of guilt surfacing in her mind at the events of the first round. "Even now I don't know what troubles her, and yet I should have known that something was odd..." She raised her small hand toward her head, resting it lightly against her hair as she brushed her hand lightly against it, trying to recall the sensation she felt earlier. "I should have known when she petted my head... It felt like she was saying farewell, but I don't want to say goodbye! I... I don't want to lose my best friend!" There was so many things she still wanted to do. She had her promise to keep to Hiroko, for them to both get into the same class, and to finally see those movies together! To go out and play games at the arcade! To tell her all about her first date with Homura, to introduce her to her girlfriend! She couldn't imagine what type of future she would experience without Hiroko, or rather it was a future she didn't even want to imagine! In the end, Hiroko had always been a source of hope, someone who would give her the courage and the will to stand up and fight! Hiroko had that warmth and light of a true hero, and she wanted to bask in that radiance once more! And then finally it came... "Please tell me how to save Hiro-chan!" She would make up for her failures now, by figuring out a way to save her friend from the darkness that threatened to swallow her! |
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| Sporky | Sep 24 2017, 01:26 PM Post #3 |
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Idol Trash
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She was shorter than he'd expected. That was the first thing Arata thought when he spotted Tsukiko Kimura. True, he'd seen her mere hours ago, but he supposed the television screen really didn't provide the full perspective. After her close proximity to the ground, the next thing Arata noticed was a bit less tangible. Her anguish. She cried out for Hiroko, asking where she was, regret evident in her expression. It was a grim irony, really, that Arata seemingly found himself staring into a reflection of his own mind. The shadowy cat creature - Yami, Arata believed it was called - and Tsukiko herself seemed wary of him, which was natural, but he was quick to clear things up, to a degree. Fortunately, they didn't seem to have any problems with his rather manipulative use of Hiroko's phone to summon them. Arata frowned slightly as Tsukiko went on, detailing fears and feelings he knew all too well. They'd both failed, they'd both been unable to see through Hiroko's deception. And they'd lied too, by calling themselves Hiroko's friends. Arata choked a little, his normally unshakable smirk wavering as he listened to Tsukiko's plea, and couldn't help but find her words striking a little close to home. How many times had Arata promised to repay his bottomless debt to Hiroko? How many times had he told her, with utter confidence, that she'd be a great Hero? How many times had he sworn that one day, he'd save her, like she'd done to him? Well, all those promises, on that day they'd either be broken or kept, that much he knew. Tsukiko seemed to know it as well, expressing that she'd no intention of losing her best friend. "Nor do I." Arata firmly stated his agreement, his expression regaining its firmness, and only growing more resolute when Tsukiko made it clear that their goals were one in the same. "I don't want to deprive this world of a great Hero either. I want to save that idiot, the same as you do. It's funny, we've never met, but it seems we both know what it is we want most, isn't it?" They wanted to save Hiroko. To stop the light in their lives from being extinguished. He nodded firmly. "If you want to help me save her... Then we'll need to catch up first." Arata pushed off the car, before opening the door and gesturing for Tsukiko to enter. It was fortunate, really, that Hiroko had spoken so much about either one to the other, meaning they weren't entirely strangers. "After that... It's simple. We save our best friend, we shatter her illusions, and bring her home." "Of course it's okay." 4 words had saved Hiroko, those many years ago. That was all it took from the mysterious Mariko Matsushita. That was all she'd needed at the time, all she ever could've asked for. She'd been lost, afraid, helpless, much like she was now. And Mariko had appeared from some unknown place, a radiant and confident smile on her face, to tell Hiroko what she wanted to hear the most. That everything was going to be OK, that everything always had been. That there was merit in being the Hero. And over time what she'd said had ceased to matter. It was how she'd said it. With pride and assuredness, the kind Hiroko could only dream of. The same kind Hiroko imagined was behind Mariko's more recent message. The one in which she'd told Hiroko a startling truth, one that contradicted what she'd said before... DING DONG "Attention all passengers, we are approaching our final stop in Yokohama. I repeat, we are approaching our final stop in Yokohama." Hiroko sat up more in her seat as she heard the announcement. She was getting nearer, closer to the one person who could fix everything! And yet, she still couldn't smile at that supposedly comforting thought. Hell, if any of her friends saw her face at current, it'd be near unrecognizable. After all, when before had any of them seen Hiroko with a look of utter despair and desperation? Of course, she thought nothing of it. It was natural she wasn't happy yet, after all, she'd yet to find Mariko. The one who could alleviate everything again, just like she'd pulled Hiroko out of that similiar despair so many years ago... How'd it started, again? "Christ, where do I begin..." Arata groaned as the car sped along under the late afternoon skies. The driver hadn't said a word, and Arata not much more, still collecting his thoughts and trying to, well, actually figure out what he was going to do. It was funny, kind of. He'd always thought himself more mature than his peers, yet here he was, a child taking things into his own hands because he didn't trust any adult to do it properly. "Well, I suppose it starts on the day Hiro-chan met her. Mariko Matsushita. " Arata snarled, his words still enigmatic. "I'm sure Hiroko would've mentioned her to you before, though likely not by name... She likes to talk about the person who 'saved' her, who inspired her to become a hero. And, well, that's her. Mariko, the person who saved and ruined her." Arata shifted his leg slightly in the rather spacious interior of the car. A rather nice model, it was, betraying some form of wealth. But Arata was not at all there to flaunt it, no, every aspect of his actions was simply for convenience. "I don't know quite how to say this next, but... There was a time, in Hiroko's life, where she broke. I'm not sure on the details, as I hadn't really gotten to know her then, but I know she fell into a deep depression, a crisis of sorts. Then Mariko appearred, and saved Hiroko's life at a time when she'd rather have given it up. Ever since, Hiroko's been obsessed with her, with being with her, and being like her." He couldn't help but scoff a little, realizing how stupid it must all sound to Tsukiko. There was more detail to it, sure, but there was only so much time they had. "Tell me, Tsukiko Kimura-san, if you were in Hiro-chan's position, what would you do to be with the person that gave you meaning when you thought you had none?" Edited by Sporky, Sep 24 2017, 01:42 PM.
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| Tsukiko | Sep 24 2017, 06:14 PM Post #4 |
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It was odd how sometimes a first encounter could be accompanied with a certain sense of camaraderie. Certainly, she didn't know Arata that well aside from the things she heard from Hiroko, but the fact they were both concerned about her, and shared the same desire to save her had allowed the girl to at least trust the young man faster than she normally would have. "Of course! Hiro-chan's place is in the sunshine, surrounded by her friends as they work together to overcome the hardships life throws at them!" She nodded her head firmly, yet as he opened the car's door and voiced the first stage of their rescue operation that the moment Tsukiko took a seat inside the car the shadowy feline remarked in amusement with a little whistle to accompany her words. "Now this car is what I call fancy~" But Tsukiko's thoughts were more focused on their ongoing conversation, looking at Arata while she inquired with a hint of curiosity in her voice. "Do you have an idea where she might be going to?" Nonetheless, Arata was right. They would find Hiroko and defeat whatever had been haunting their dear friend... and then bring her back! It seemed whatever had been haunting Hiroko, it was clearly deeply ingrained in Hiroko's mind, for it appeared quite a story awaited her. "Mariko-san..." She had heard about her before, about the person who had saved Hiroko during a time where she was struggling, the one that pulled her from beneath the sea of despair that threatened to swallow her. It had clearly been someone who Hiroko admired, to the same degree that she admired Hiroko, for the girl seemingly had found her inspiration for becoming a hero from her. Still, Arata's words were enigmatic and ominous, for he declared that Mariko had both saved and ruined her life. "I remember hearing about her before..." She seemed to think about the matter, in the end she knew all too well what power a source of motivation had on someone. In the end, Hiroko had been the very embodiment of the reason why she was working so hard. The reason why she left such remarkable results across the year and performed so well at the festival! It was because she was always chasing after Hiroko, always desiring to catch up with her so that someday they could walk side by side. That was the reason behind her promise with Hiroko. "But Hiro-chan should remain Hiro-chan! Admiring someone and having them be a source of inspiration and motivation is fine, but to let yourself become consumed by your admiration is harmful." She pondered for a moment, a hand raising to her cheek as she tilted her head slightly sideways, resting it against the palm of her hand. "Do you think she is seeking out Mariko-san?" "I..." She paused for a moment, closing her eyes as she allowed the memories of the year surface within her mind. When she had met Hiroko at the store and bonded with her over their similar interests, the happiness of having made her first friend had been the start of everything. While she was heartbroken at the results of the placements she had made a promise with Hiroko. She wanted to reach the A course, and for that reason, she studied hard, performed at her best during every single test that the academy threw at her. She even survived that rigorous training schedule from her mentor because the thought of fulfilling her promise to Hiroko had been such a powerful motivation that she felt she could overcome anything. "To be with Hiro-chan... I would overcome any obstacles! Every day of this year I spent chasing her, all that time our promise was the reason I was able to keep on fighting. Because I wanted to reach her! I wanted to become able to walk at her side rather than behind her! I... I wanted her to feel she had a place to come home to whenever the hardships of reality would threaten to consume her." She raised a hand to her chest, her fingers grasping a hold of the hoodie's fabric around the area her heart was at and whispered softly. "But I guess I wasn't able to make her realize that yet." If only she could have said those things to Hiroko, if only she could have told her that everything was okay, not because she would solve it for her... but because when they were together they could overcome any problem! Yami flopped down onto her shoulder, her gaze shifting out of the window while she inquired with a hint of curiosity. "Where are we going to? This doesn't seem to be Tatooin." Tsukiko's gaze soon followed after the shadow cat, peeking outside the window to see that they were indeed leaving the city behind. "To be able to walk at Hiro-chan's side we'll need to take her home again... We need her to realize that no matter what happens she'll have a place to return to." She turned toward Arata, for the first time causing a smile to appear on the girl's lips. "We'll become Hiro-chan's sunflower, the place where she feels the warmest and most comfortable, and to be the one she can always return to if something happens." The Shadowy feline snickered softly, remarking with a hint of amusement. "Considering that you both already got a girlfriend you might want to decide your words more carefully Tsu-chan. Well... Unless you'd decide to build a harem, I think Ara-chan wouldn't mind supporting a Yuri harem! it's a rather rare occurrence in any anime series!" The poor girl's cheeks flushed up in embarrassment at Yami's statement, quickly shaking her hand in a panic as if she was trying to deny the idea. "I-I mean that I want Hiro-chan to know she isn't alone! You understand me, right Arata-kun? We can't let Hiro-chan run away! If she keeps on running and chasing after Mariko-san then... she might cease to be Hiro-chan!" Edited by Tsukiko, Sep 25 2017, 05:38 AM.
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| Sporky | Sep 25 2017, 10:06 AM Post #5 |
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Idol Trash
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"I know exactly where she's going..." Arata admitted to Tsukiko after her question as she entered the car, a hint of guilt in his tone. He gulped a little, steeling himself as he continued his confession. "I... May have lead her there. I was the one who told her where Mariko may be..." He would state regretfully, though didn't say anymore on the matter as the headed off. That would only make things more complicated, to do so before the bulk of the story was given. As Arata expected, Tsukiko had heard of the (in)famous Mariko before. The mysterious disappeared girl had a place at Hiroko's very core, particularly her motivation to become a Hero, so it was only natural Tsukiko would be even vaguely familiar with the older girl. Arata elucidated further the intensity of Hiroko's admiration for Mariko, and Tsukiko seemed to understand just how harmful it was. "That's exactly the problem. Hiro-chan's admiration has become idolization... And that's why Hiro-chan is seeking her out now. It's probably because she's lost, and thinks Mariko can show her the way..." Arata explained, his face slightly twisting into hatred every time he mentioned the name of Hiroko's lost idol. After posing his hypothetical, Arata couldn't help but turn away as he noticed Tsukiko's distress. It was a little too confronting, seeing someone so similar. That, and seeing another bit of the damage Hiroko's self-destructive episode was causing, the same episode he'd been entirely unable to prevent. He sympathized with Tsukiko, an a level he rarely did with others. It showed just how integral Hiroko was to them, much like how Mariko was integral to her. Though, to a much more unhealthy degree. Arata could say nothing to her, cause he'd no idea what to say. After all, if he knew what words could comfort their guilt, he wouldn't be feeling the same way. Fortunately, there were other questions Arata could answer. The shadowy cat inquired as to where they were going, and the bespectacled boy answered immediately. "The train station in Yokohama, Tokyo's little sibling." He would state with a slight smirk. "It's our opportunity to intercept her. She's likely already there, but it's not her final destination. We'll use the window between the train times to catch her." He explained with a hint of pride. He knew her moves, and that was reassuring. It reminded him that he could save her. He'd repay his debt. His intellect would surely allow it. His confidence was further bolstered as Tsukiko reaffirmed their goals. They needed to establish for Hiroko that she, well, that she didn't at all need Mariko. That she wasn't nothing without that, that there were those who knew her worth, who she could confide in and return to. Yami's more humorous nature further alleviated the mood, though the apparent revelation that Tsukiko had a girlfriend didn't at all surprise Arata. He'd become quite perceptive, after all. Tsukiko stated firmly that they had to save Hiroko, asking if Arata agreed. "Of course, that's exactly it..." Arata continued, his expression resolute as he grasped on what he felt was the core of the situation. "...I don't want her to run away either... Even if that's what she wants. She's helped me in the past too, she was there for me. So I'll be here for her..." His resolution wavered, however, as he realized there was an important aspect he still needed to explain to Tsukiko. "I know this has all been sudden, but please understand that Hiro-chan's actions are not without cause... Yes, she's chased Mariko for a long time, but it was only recently that it strayed her from the path of a hero..." Arata would suddenly speak up, reaching into his pocket for the same phone he'd had before, opening it with the passcode '6498'. "Mariko Matsushita disappeared over a year ago. Hiro-chan almost did what she's doing right now, but stopped... Because she believed that going to U.A., becoming a Hero like Mariko, would help her find her." He explained grimly, navigating through the phone's menus until he entered the messages portion. "I've been beside her, and Hiro-chan's likely been living with the pain of wanting her since... And then she was pushed to her breaking point." Then, he found the message history between Hiroko and Mariko, and turned the phone to Tsukiko to show the most recent message. The only one in over a year... Dear Hiroko. I'm sorry I haven't talked in so long, but I need to tell you something now. I saw you, at the Martial Arts Tournament, as you said you represented U.A. I'm sorry, that I didn't know you'd still end up attending, and trying to become a Hero. I'm sorry for those words I told those years ago. I was wrong. It isn't OK, there's no benefit to sacrificing yourself for others. Please, Hiroko, do not become a Hero. I've rejected that foolish notion, and it'd be best if you did too. I'm sorry, for guiding you in this direction in the first place. I'd like to explain everything to you, but I can't promise you I can if you keep on this path. But I do hope we meet again soon. That being said, I'm afraid this is the only message I can send you for some time. - Mariko She'd cried when she'd first received the message. Then the ringing in her ears had started, the tinnitus brought on by stress, which only further urged her towards the panic attack. It was horrible, suffocating experience. And ever since, Hiroko had never quite regained her breath. She'd pushed her friends, utterly ignored Miyu, and well... She'd run away from the Sports Festival, obviously. Because there was one person who could restore her, one who could save her. That, and if she was so weak without Mariko's guidance, what business did she even have at U.A.? None. She didn't deserve to be there. That was obvious. Right? Hiroko's thoughts slipped again, distracted only by the announcement to disembark the train. Everything would be OK soon, she reminded herself. Yes, she was letting people down, but at the same time she was sparing them any further disappointment she would've wrought. Who knows, maybe she'd see them again some day... Even... Miyu... |
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| Tsukiko | Sep 25 2017, 11:31 AM Post #6 |
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If this wasn't a complicated scenario, then gods know what might had been it. For a moment Tsukiko even felt like the protagonist of a certain anime series, and to think that this time she would need to fight her battle with words... "I guess it's to be expected that she would be searching for Mariko-san." She paused for a moment, thinking about the dangerous situation Hiroko was in right now. Yami had seemingly prefered to just see the scenery, all too well aware of the fact Tsukiko was thinking seriously about the matter. "If only we knew more about what happened that led to Hiro-chan's admiration for Mariko-san. Right now we're trying to create a strategy with too little facts to rely on." She said aloud while listening further at Arata's explanation. "Yokohoma! Wew, good thing you have a car, walking would be exhausting." The cat mused out loud while trying to think about the matter. It appeared Arata had an idea about the route Hiroko was taking, what meant that they were most likely to intercept her along the train station. "So our mission duration is the time window between now and Hiro-chan's train." It would be a tight schedule for sure, perhaps even impossible with the few facts they had. "Mhmm~ We'll make her realize that she isn't alone!" A nod of confirmation followed, yet she noticed the wavering expression of the young man as he pulled out Hiroko's phone, listening carefully to his explanation. "Something that made her stray from the path of a hero?" It was a confusing thing to imagine, yet when she peeked at the screen of the phone, the message that followed making her eyes go wide in disbelief. The mentioning of the Martial Arts Tournament surprised Tsukiko, briefly recalling the memories of her roasted state after the fight against Koruso, but the message was unexpected, and to be honest it filled her with a mixture of sadness and anger. "This... What is she even thinking of writing such a thing?!" raising her voice in anger the girl shook her head violently. "What she is asking is for Hiro-chan to reject herself. It doesn't matter if she attends U.A or not, Hiro-chan is the type of person who can't let a cry for aid go unanswered. I can't and won't let that happen." The moment they arrived at the train station Tsukiko darted out of the car, addressing Arata quickly. "Arata-kun, with me! We got a hero to save!" Yet little could Tsukiko expect the things that would follow. During the rush toward the platforms the girl had in her hurry not paid attention to her surroundings, instead entirely focused on finding Hiroko, when finally she did spot the girl at one of the platforms. "H-Hiro-chan, wait!" Panting softly the girl tried to catch her breath while Yami tapped her shoulder softly. "Houston, we've had a problem here... our backup is missing." A soft gasp of surprise came from Tsukiko, her gaze shifting around to hopefully find Arata, seems she was doing a one-girl rescue operation now. How in the world was she going to solve this? She wasn't even sure was to say or do, could she even properly convey the words that she wanted Hiroko to hear? A step forward was made, closing her eyes while taking a deep breath. The only way she could save Hiroko was by being honest with herself, to say the things she wanted and do the things she wanted to do. "HIRO-CHAN YOU BIG PRINCIPAL-SIZED DUMMY!" shouting at the top of her lungs the girl's actions caused a brief look of surprise from the passengers, some possibly even recognizing the duo from the festival. Another step forwards was made as she opened her eyes, her gaze softening at Hiroko while she continued. "Why are you running away from us?" Another step followed as she asked yet another question. "Why didn't you talk to me about it?" Two painful questions followed till she stopped right before Hiroko's feet, her tiny hands attempting to gently grasp Hiroko's own as she declared firmly. "I might be clumsy with my words, and might not know the right thing to say at the right time, but I know that if I let you go right now I will regret it immensely for the rest of my life." A nod of affirmation followed as she explained in a softer tone. "So talk to me. Tell me everything." At the same time, she spoke Yami looked at Hiroko, seemingly deciding to let Tsukiko do the talking for now. Gods, she really wished there had been a strategy to discuss prior to rushing head-on into the situation! |
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| Sporky | Sep 26 2017, 12:09 PM Post #7 |
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Idol Trash
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Arata watched closely, his eyebrows furrowed, as he showed the message to Tsukiko. He'd only seen it himself several hours ago, when he'd gone rummaging through Hiroko's belongings upon her disappearance. He'd been once again lucky to have that opportunity, fortunate that he'd had the quick thinking to look for an immediate clue at her own home - where she'd spent the past few days, prior to the Sports Festival. Had her family not wanted to see her, her father not wanted to train with her in advance... Well, there was certainly no way Arata was getting into a U.A. dormitory. But, as fortunate as these events had been, Arata certainly didn't feel 'lucky' when he'd found the same message Tsukiko was now viewing... He, in a surprising move, actually smiled a little as Tsukiko reacted to Mariko's odd words. That anger towards the one who - in Arata's eyes - had caused so much harm to Hiroko was definitely something the bespectacled boy could understand and get behind. But, as much as Tsukiko understood the cruelty behind the message, Arata frowned as she pointed out that being heroic was simply in Hiroko's nature. He didn't say anything and kept an uneasy doubt to himself... After all, there was far more to this than just removing the Mariko obsession, and that itself would not be at all an easy task. "It's not just about what Hiro-chan wants to do... We need to give her the chance to find out what she wants in the first place. She's spent so long admiring Mariko, so long trying to be like her... And at a point, I could understand that. Until, this..." Arata scowled at the phone, at the message Mariko had sent. A quiet anger filled him, seeming to coincide with the increasing darkness outside, as the weather turned to a light drizzle. "I hate liars, as I'm sure Hiro-chan would've mentioned. I hate this bitch, who's controlled Hiro-chan for so long, and for what reason? It's clear she's not the benevolent person Hiro-chan thinks she is... So, quite frankly..." A vicious smirk formed, as he looked back to Tsukiko to give her one last comment as they neared their destination. "Fuck Mariko." They pulled up at the train station, as close as they could, but still not close enough for Arata's liking. They'd need strategizing, he felt, if they wanted to find Hiroko as quickly as possible among the various platforms and the crowd. He turned to Tsukiko, opened his mouth to say something, but didn't get a word in as the small girl eagerly dashed out of the car. "Wait!" Arata called out in vain, attempting to scramble out of the car behind her. It was around then that Arata scolded himself for being so unathletic, as he tried to follow after Tsukiko only to lose the speedy girl in the train station's afternoon crowds... Once again, he cursed himself. He wanted to be the one to save her, after all. Some deep, morbid part of Hiroko felt some semblance of excitement at the prospect of reuniting with Mariko. She'd get to hear her voice and see her face, things she hadn't been able to do for so long now. There was even more than just Hiroko's desire to be saved by her, and to become just like her. There was a desire for her as well, a deeply rooted and immature feeling that had lingered within Hiroko for so long. The same lingering feeling that had caused so much strain on the bond she shared with Miyu, and a feeling she'd only recently accepted. Hiroko Maki loved Mariko Matsushita. But, at the same time, it confused her. As she sat waiting for the next train, the one that would take her to her true destination, Hiroko couldn't help but wonder why. Why what was supposedly love did not comfort and soothe her like she thought it would. If she was doing this for her own happiness, if she was doing this to not burden her friends and family, if she was doing this to find direction and meaning... Why was that voice still inside her? The one that screamed at her to turn around, and go back home. No, that was surely just her cowardice, right? In the end, she was just afraid to do the 'right' thing. Right? To go to Mariko, that was what she needed to do. It was what she wanted to do. Right? "Namu Myoho Renge Kyo..." Hiroko softly uttered her mantras under her breath, trying to calm herself down. It was too late now for regrets. Besides, as scary as it was to run away from home, to run after Mariko... The idea of returning to her life without Mariko, of continuing on without meaning, without understanding... That was so much worse. "It'll be fine... I'll get to see her again... I'll get to see that again..." Hiroko reassured herself, a semblance of peace coming to her ill mind. Only, it would quickly be broken by a sudden and unexpected yell from nearby. Hiroko recognized the voice immediately, and just as readily, her mind scrambled. She turned wide-eyed to the smaller girl, trembling, choking, panicking... Ts-Tsu-chan... Her legs felt weak as she fixed her eyes on the shorter girl, unmoving but focused. And then it started, like it always did, at a low hum. Then it grew stronger, more piercing. The ringing in her ears made it difficult to hear what Tsukiko was saying, but Hiroko could still make it out, and it only made her heart sink more and more. Because Hiroko knew the answers, knew why she was running, why she hadn't said anything. It was because she was a coward. Tsukiko stepped forward, reached for her, but Hiroko just stepped back, eyes still wide. The suddenness of her appearance, combined with that creeping darkness that still clutched Hiroko, made the friend before her seem more like an apparition of guilt than anything real. Tsukiko continued to speak, talking about how she didn't want Hiroko to go, but the taller girl didn't understand at all. Things would be better if she left, right? Her heartbeat quickened, even more, she was restless yet frozen, until she finally spoke. "I'm sorry, Tsu-chan... But I... I... Can't... Please, just leave..." Shaky words would try and fail to carry across Hiroko's message, leaving a dead silence in the air. Then, the panic in Hiroko's heart was finally transferred to her body. In a sudden and simple movement, she turned, and she ran. She bolted, through the crowds, some of which had been watching in with interest. In particular, a smoking woman in a green coat raised an inquisitive eyebrow at the scene they'd left behind. "HIROKO!" Arata's voice would shout as he caught up to them, pushing and running through the crowds. He already looked exhausted, and above all else, desperate. His glasses were crooked from pushing through, his neat hear disheveled. His words reached Hiroko, but she didn't even glance back, just continued running through away from the platform, as the many bystanders made way, eyes wide with surprise and annoyance... "DAMMIT!" The bespectacled Japanese boy exclaimed as he tiredly jogged after her, and likely after the much faster Tsukiko, as Hiroko took flight, away from the train station, and down the streets of Yokohama, with no goal in mind, just to get away. She'd keep running, even if she was chased, and didn't look back... But that was likely the same for Tsukiko, and Arata behind her. Hiroko ran, and ran, but only they could stop her... No, only one of them could stop her, really, as the bespectacled boy continued to lag behind their rapid pace... |
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| Tsukiko | Sep 26 2017, 01:13 PM Post #8 |
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It was odd, how nostalgic Hiroko's actions right now felt. At that time during the first round of the Sports Festival, she could have felt exactly the same. The desire to run away, the darkness that encroached into her world and the desire to simply disappear being accompanied with a cry for a savior. Perhaps it was for that reason that when Hiroko tugged her hands away and started running away from the train station that Tsukiko rapidly pursuit her, their chase down into the streets of Yokohama. It was unfortunate, that on terms of speed that Tsukiko was even-matched with her best friend, but she knew that Hiroko was more martially inclined and as a result had the superior stamina of the two. Running down the streets only confirmed that as Hiroko's desperate flight from the station didn't seem to slow down in the slightest. "Wait Hiro-chan!" She needed a plan, a method to catch up with Hiroko before her stamina gave way, but how? "Water Waltz..." Yami's eyes widened in surprise at the whisper, the shadowy cat shaking her head lightly while declaring in a worried tone. "Without your boots, you won't be able to properly manipulate your flight path!" But Tsukiko didn't mind, in the end, there was only one path straight ahead! A soft humming came from Tsukiko, a melody Hiroko likely recognized as it had been from the very anime show she had recommended to the girl, and it was at that moment as the humming began that her plan was set into motion. A sudden burst of water erupted from behind her, pushing the girl straight toward Hiroko, while she did something one might have considered typical of Tsukiko: She attempted to give Hiroko a koala glomp from behind, hoping the added weight would slow the girl to a halt. Panting softly the girl rested her face against the back of Hiroko's head, whispering in a soft tone. "It's going to be alright Hiro-chan." it was a soft and gentle whisper, and this time Yami was ensuring the use of her own physical strength to ensure Hiroko wouldn't dart off again. "You should know by now that running away is futile because you'll never be alone. Even if you were to run to the end of the world I would chase you." a gentle pressing of her body followed, hoping to make Hiroko feel a bit more secure and comfortable in the embrace she tried to force upon the girl while she continued speaking. "I'll be at your side, no matter what happens Hiro-chan, but please don't run away." She paused for a moment, thinking of the best course of action when finally she decided the best way of approaching the situation. "Besides, do you truly believe that running away from the academy will make you cease being a hero? That's a silly thought. Remember during the entrance exam when the robots attacked the group you were at? While most people would think about fighting the robots or protecting themselves you were the first to jump into the fray, not to attack but to save. Running away from things isn't the answer: Because Hiro-chan is the type of girl who can't ignore a plea for aid, your heart is that of a true hero, and no matter how much you run you can't outrun yourself." A soft sigh followed while she whispered further. "Hiro-chan... Do you know why you can't outrun me either? It's because you're not Mariko-san. You're Maki Hiroko, and because you're Hiro-chan you will never be able to escape from me." A soft giggle escaped the girl's lips as she nuzzled her face against the nape of Hiroko's neck, the soft whisper continuing. "So am I going to continue playing a koala bear, or will you finally talk to me?" A momentary pause happened when finally she expressed the words that haunted her for so long. "Now, actually I'm kind of comfortable like this. Hiro-chan is after all my sunflower, the one I feel the warmest and most comfortable around, and who always ensured I had a place to return to, and I'm not that heavy so I could function like a packed backpack. But if I need to make you realize the message I'm trying to convey, then I won't mind going PLUS ULTRA on you." A hand was raised, almost as if she looked like she was going to attack Hiroko, but obviously that wasn't the case, for instead, the girl started to gently pet Hiroko's head with one hand as she continued. "I umm... I know where you are going to, but along the way you forgot something really important, didn't you Hiro-chan?" The girl finally let go of Hiroko, hands folding up behind her back as she leaned a bit forwards and explained the thing that Hiroko had forgotten during her flight: "What is it that Maki Hiroko truly wants? Who do you want to be, what do you want to do?" A hand lifted itself slightly, trying to rest it slightly against Hiroko's chest, to be more specific the area her heart would be at. "Only Hiro-chan knows that answer, and neither I or Mariko-san would be able to provide you with those answers." She sighed softly, raising a hand to her head in a playful salute. "Although I didn't find a walkthrough for reality, so that's a journey we'd have to walk together~" A gentle and serene smile appearing upon her lips as she looked up at Hiroko, and finally she decided to address the difficult matter. "Did you know there are a lot of similarities between us Hiro-chan? We both like anime, we both like girls, we both admire someone immensely and we both started to walk the path of a hero because we desired to be closer to that person." Her gaze softened a little as she enclosed the distance once more and continued her explanation. "But the difference between us is that I chased you with the intention to walk beside you someday. I want to be able to hold your hand and walk side by side as we have countless adventures together. But you... you always only thought about walking behind Mariko-san, as long as you remain walking in her shadow you will neither be able to walk side by side with her, or find the answers you seek." Admiration turned into obsession truly could be dangerous... |
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| Sporky | Sep 28 2017, 04:16 AM Post #9 |
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Idol Trash
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Where am I going? Such a stray rational thought occasionally whispered in Hiroko's mind, only to be drowned out by the beating of her heart and the ringing in her ears. She didn't know where he wanted to go, just that she wanted to run. What she was running from, she was unsure. She just so afraid, so unwilling to face what she'd caused, that all she could do was run, and hope that she somehow ended up in the arms of the only person who she thought could save her. It felt like she was losing herself, feeling herself slip away, unable to discern what she wanted to do, where she wanted to go. Everything a mess, particularly her own mind, but Mariko could make everything OK, fix everything, do anything... But those thoughts could not comfort her, could not aide the mental or physical symptoms. She could feel her energy draining as she sprinted along, her desperate expression growing more strained as she made her way through unfamiliar streets in the light rain. There were only a few people about in the weather, who glanced confusedly a the chase going on, but did nothing to stop. Not even when a certain tiny girl suddenly rocketed towards Hiroko, latching onto the other girl from behind. "Eh?" A small confused sound escaped Hiroko's mouth at the sudden weight and impact. Combined with her own mentally induced fatigue, she almost immediately stopped. She just, stopped there, her mind almost grinding to a halt. She couldn't run, she couldn't hide. Tsukiko was here, like a specter of the mistakes she'd made. Her legs felt weak, and she collapsed onto her knees, Tsukiko still on her back. Her face was blank, drained. That darkness she'd run from, it'd caught her, she thought. The pain she'd caused others... Was here to give her what she deserved. After all, Tsukiko was surely angry with Hiroko's betrayal at the sports festival... "It's going to be alright, Hiro-chan" Her words felt piercing, in the greatest way. Hiroko felt a lightening in her heart, ever so subtle but ever so noticeable, as Tsukiko's words, like a needle, pierced a hole in the darkness surrounding Hiroko. For but a moment, she breathed a little easier, as some deep and rational part of her thought that the green haired girl just might be right. But it was minuscule, and Hiroko was, above all else, confused, her eyes widening as she stared at the ground trying to figure out why on earth Tsukiko was not punishing her, but... Comforting her? "Why..." Hiroko uttered ever so softly under her breath, as she continued to stare blankly into the ground, feeling and hearing Tsukiko's words in her ears. Words on how she'd chase Hiroko, how she'd be there for her."Why don't you hate me..." She couldn't grasp it, after what she'd done at the Sports Festival, after Tsukiko had seen the person she truly was, without Mariko's guidance... But even though she couldn't understand, even though her chest only tightened more at the development, she didn't want to run. She just wanted to stay there, feeling the warm grasp, and just listening to Tsukiko... She talked about how Hiroko had acted during the Entrance Exams... How Hiroko had stood there, protected others above all else... How she'd the 'heart of a hero', but Hiroko couldn't understand. Was it not Mariko's guidance, Mariko's own confidence in Heroism, that'd been the reason Hiroko acted that way? "Tsu-chan... I..." Hiroko said inaudibly, her lip quivering as she found herself unable to let out any words. She just listened more, as Tsukiko remained apparently comfortable on Hiroko's back. She listened to words that continued, bit by bit, to carve away at the darkness encompassing here. She didn't quite understand it, she didn't know how it was that Tsukiko thought so highly of her, and she couldn't even manage a word as Tsukiko continued to act as a koala pack. All she did know was that the ringing in her ears was reduced to a light hum. Tsukiko went on about what Hiroko wanted to do, about the path she wanted to walk... And Hiroko listened, taking in those words as her expression softened, ever so slightly. But, at the same time, as Tsukiko talked about how Hiroko was never going to be beside Mariko, how she'd remain in her shadow... Hiroko felt something rise within her, reaching a bursting point. "Tsu-chan... I..." She uttered again after Tsukiko stopped speaking. There was a brief silence, and Tsukiko probably wouldn't have heard it, the sound of Hiroko's tears amidst the light rain. What she might hear, was a single, soft, stifled sob. I... Tsu-chan, I'm.... I'm just so scared... Another sniffle, another sob, as Hiroko slowly moved her shaking hands to Tsukiko's. There was nothing on her mind any more, nothing clouding her, as she acted only on her feelings... Feelings that she so desperately wanted to finally let free. "I'm scared of a world without Mariko-san's guidance... I'm scared of the world ahead... I'm scared of the person I am..." Hiroko continued, her words shaky and colored with anxiety and uncertainty. "She saved me, she gave me hope... She's everything I've wanted to be for the past three years... Back then, back when she rescued me, I was so afraid... My world had fallen apart, and she put it back together. She saved my life, because back then, I... I..." A small, pitiful scoff escaped Hiroko's mouth. "I didn't want to live. Not in this world, where giving yourself to others gets you hurt... Not as this weak, pathetic, person I am... I was so lost, so afraid, and she gave me something to find hope in! Her smile, her confident smile, when she told me it was OK to be a Hero... I've been chasing it for so long..." Hiroko's hands gripped Tsukiko's tighter, but she didn't look back at the girl, just continued to look into the ground. "I'm sorry... I'm nothing without that guidance, Tsu-chan. The only reason I acted that way in the Exams, was because I wanted to be like her, to be the Hero that knew it was OK to put others before yourself... She was everything, she was my dream... She's the only reason I've ever done anything decent... Right?" A sort of wry smile formed on Hiroko's face, not that the other girl would've been able to see it. "So really, you should just leave me now... Because I'm not the person you've been chasing..." The dark haired girl looked up from the ground now, only to stare into the dark skies. "I'm just a stupid, weak, thoughtless girl... You saw that, right? I hurt you... I hurt the pair behind me and Shirou-kun... All because those are the mistakes I make, without her... I'm not a Hero. Did I ever want to be one, really?" She let go of Tsukiko's hands, letting them slip out of her own, as she let them hang helplessly at her sides. "Please, Tsu-chan... Just let me go, let me find her... I've already gone too far, by running this far..." Hiroko uttered with despair. "I'm too weak for my friends at U.A., and I'll likely never see you in A-class...I've been a burden to my girlfriend, pushed her away and hurt her... Everyone supporting me, everyone who taught me, I was too weak to live up to them... So just go, and be the Hero you are..." Finally, Hiroko turned back to face Tsukiko, showing her all the despair and tears. "Because I don't know who I am anymore, I can't tell if there was any reason other than Mariko... For me entering U.A. It's pretty pathetic, isn't it? Doing something so important for such a selfish and pathetic reason. I really am the worst, huh? You're kind of an idiot for bothering with a coward like me." Despite her words, despite her harshness, despite her insistence... Something within Hiroko told her, that she was lying. And her expression betrayed it, as the look she gave Tsukiko could only be described as 'pleading'. Pleading, for hope, something Hiroko needed more than ever. |
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| Tsukiko | Sep 28 2017, 05:47 AM Post #10 |
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It seemed that her attempt to stop Hiroko had at least succeeded, but now it was a matter of reaching her. The hesitant question about why she didn't hate Hiroko made the girl tilt her head slightly in confusion as if it had been an unusual thing for Hiroko to say. "Why would I? Friends don't hate each other. Sure, they might fight and argue at times but there is no such thing as a hateful friend." She continued to listen to Hiroko, the words spoken by the girl's shaky voice clearly betraying the insecure feelings that plagued her heart. In most cases, she would have likely taken a moment to decide on the best answer to provide but this time there was no need for a perfect answer, in the end, she just needed to be truthful to herself. "Hiro-chan, there is no need to be afraid of this world, especially not when you have others to accompany you. Every hero is accompanied by a party of friends, it's exactly because of this fellowship that the hero is able to overcome the hardships of their journey." Her tone was soft and gentle, tender even as she explained her answer in a way that would be typical for Tsukiko. If only she could help banish that fear, but just illuminating the darkness wouldn't be enough. She needed to give Hiroko a means to lighten up her own path along the way also. Hiroko spoke about the event that led to Mariko saving her from the despair that had once shrouded her, the very darkness that was consuming her right now. "Think back about that time Hiro-chan, would the Mariko-san that saved you at that time, truly ask of you to abandon who you are?" She shook her head gently as she continued. "Every action has a meaning and a consequence." She paused for a moment, raising a hand to her chest while she whispered gently. "Did you know Hiro-chan, what a true hero is like?" She waited for the girl to provide a reaction before she continued. "A true hero is someone who finds their body moving before their mind realizes it, because they saw someone who needed help. They are someone whose presence inspires others to overcome their hardships, it's someone who brings people hope." She tilted her head slightly to the side as she asked with a hint of curiosity in her voice. "I'm sure you got hurt a lot before, but can you truly say you didn't feel proud and happy when you saved someone as a result? Just those words 'Thank you for saving me!' are often the one thing a hero needs to be able to keep on going." While it were words once spoken by her Grandfather, she firmly believed in the truthfulness of the message it tried to convey. "Although, do you truly believe that your actions till now were all mistakes and lies?" She felt the grip of Hiroko's hands tighten, yet Tsukiko didn't intend to let go of her either and as Hiroko continued speaking she sighed softly. "You aren't nothing without her, in fact, you don't need any guidance at all! The only one who can honestly tell you what to do and where to go is yourself, the actions you did up till now might be influenced by Mariko-san, but by no means are they solely because of her. In the end, my best friend is Hiro-chan, not Mariko-san, and I genuinely doubt that you tried to cheer me up simply because of wanting to be like Mariko-san." Hiroko's statement that Hiroko was not the one that Tsukiko had been chasing had caused Tsukiko's hands to slip slightly, as she listened to Hiroko's words. "I was indeed hurt during the festival, but that was because you are too nice and wanted to help Shirou-kun reach the next round. That's not a mistake per say..." She smiled weakly, recalling the feelings that had haunted her at that time. "Then what do you want to be Hiro-chan?" A little shake of her head followed from Tsukiko at Hiroko's plea to let her go and find Mariko, the words that followed only confirmed for the green-haired girl that if she were to grant Hiroko's request, then surely it would be destructive for the poor girl. "You are weak because right now you don't believe in the strength of your bonds, you keep on running away oblivious to the fact that the bonds you forged carry the strength you need to brave this world." The look Hiroko gave her, the tearful desperate plea in the girl's eyes had made the girl instantly take a step forward and hug Hiroko tightly once more, stating with a soft yet resolute voice. "It's true, I am an idiot, but I'd rather be an idiotic hero than to be a failure of a hero who couldn't save her best friend." She looked up at Hiroko, her lips curved up into a smile as she added with a wink. "Guess that makes us two dummies~" She could only hope that Hiroko would start to realize the importance of her message. "You're not alone Hiro-chan, you are connected to so many people now, to the point that you don't need anyone at all to have a purpose or meaning, just be yourself and do what you want to do. From the moment you were born you already had meaning, and your actions throughout your life shaped your purpose. And right now my purpose is to be Hiro-chan's ray of sunshine in the darkness so that she can find her way home again." Yet there was one important part she still needed to address, something that Hiroko mentioned earlier. "But you are the one I been chasing all this time, you're just a bit lost right now, so I'll help you find the way once more." It was the least she could do for the person who given her the joy of experiencing friendship. She wouldn't rest, or let go of Hiroko until that darkness was banished from her heart! |
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| Sporky | Oct 2 2017, 12:38 PM Post #11 |
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Idol Trash
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Bit by bit, the fog cleared. Bit by bit, cracks in the palpable darkness that had surrounded Hiroko appeared, as Tsukiko relentlessly beat it down, simultaneously confusing and relieving Hiroko. She was confused, to hear that Tsukiko did not hate her, but inexplicably relieved that she had not irreparably hurt her friend. But at the same time, that else made her feel immense guilt, for thinking she could so easily abandon such a friend. That Hiroko had doubted her... Made it seem only so much worse. And yet she still found comfort and warmth in Tsukiko's tiny grasp, and continued to pour her heart out, even if she didn't think she deserved such an attentive listener. "Those friends... I lied to them too, I abandoned them too... How many of them have I already let down? How many of them have I relied on because I was weak?" Hiroko lamented, her mind still unable to consolidate the fact that her friends did, in fact, care about and support her. There was a wall which she could not see through, a confusion with how they could possibly be willing to put up with her, when even she couldn't stand herself. And yet a part of her, deep inside, whispered as softly as Tsukiko, that the green-haired girl was right. "What... A Hero is?" She uttered softly, a hint of intrigue in her tone as Tsukiko continued. The cracks widened, Hiroko's mind began working to try and decipher what it was Tsukiko was getting at... Moving before their mind realized when someone needed help? Hiroko's mind distorted into utter confusion... Shifting back to the times she'd actually experienced such a thing. When she'd rushed to help Tork take on terrorists while still in *Middle School*. When she'd abandoned earning points in favor of shielding her allies in the Entrance Exam. When she'd been unable to accept Jace's sacrifice. When she'd instinctively responded to the cries for help in their Mid-Terms. In all cases... It hadn't been thought that guided her. It never was. But to suggest she was, therefore, an instinctive Hero, no, that couldn't be the case! "I...I'm sure I only acted that way... Because of Mariko, right?" Though the darknesses defenses had been momentarily weakened, Hiroko's inability to accept that she was something without Mariko had brought them right back up - only to be shattered again as Tsukiko asked Hiroko the all-important question: How had she felt saving others? There was actually an intake of breath, as the words struck through to Hiroko's core. How she'd felt? How had she felt? In her depressed state, it was hard to recall... But bit by bit, it surfaced... Her heart tightened, as it slowly, slowly came to her... "I... I... Don't know if they were lies... And that's the scariest part... It makes me feel like I don't know who I am." Hiroko admitted to Tsukiko, but rather than thick with regret and sadness like much of her speech, those words contained, above all else, a deep sense of realization. Hiroko continued to listen as Tsukiko insisted she wasn't nothing without Mariko, but Hiroko did not respond to her words. Because Hiroko knew that even if that were the case, she was nonetheless decided closer to nothing without Mariko. So much of what she believed and relied on was underpinned by Mariko... And she was afraid of a world she'd have to come to understand herself. Afraid of what she'd find if she had have to find who she really was. So she made her plea to Tsukiko, pointing out the mistakes she'd made at the Sports Festival, but the other girl was hearing none of it. She dismissed the pain caused as Hiroko being 'too nice', which only confused the girl further, but what struck her most of all was the simple question Tsukiko asked. About what Hiroko wanted to be. "I don't know anymore..." She uttered at first, though a single thought crossed through her mind, only to be consumed by the stil present darkness. "I want to be happy" the thought had said. Tsukiko shook her head at Tsukiko's request to just leave her be, and somewhere deep inside, Hiroko felt relief. But the darkness still prevailed, and Hiroko grit her teeth as she became a bit frustrated, even as Tsukiko spoke of her not believing in the strength of her bonds "I don't the deserve those bonds then!" She snapped, as her expression broke even more. "Because I've already run away, I've already hurt them! I'm such a burden, so it's better... If I just forgot those bonds for now, for all their sake! It'd be stupid to do anything else! I can't keep being so selfish... Ri-" It surprised her at first, the sudden warmth that embraced her yet again. It stopped her words, stopped her thought, and stilled her heart for a moment. Then Tsukiko spoke, apparently admitting to her own stupidity and smiling up at Hiroko, the much shorter girl even giving a friendly wink. Hiroko could only return it with a confused stare. Why, why was she so insistent on this? And then came her most powerful words yet. "You're not alone Hiro-chan." It was scary, being in the dark. Not knowing where to go, not knowing who you were, not knowing what to believe. But then came in Mariko, a flame-like flicker that Hiroko had pursued, one with brilliance and direction that Hiroko had clung to and pursued. It was her only guidance, she thought. The flicker of light ahead of her was the only thing lighting the path she walked, she thought. And then, it'd gone out, leaving Hiroko back in the terrifying blackness... She thought... "You are connected to so many people now, to the point that you don't need anyone at all to have a purpose or meaning, just be yourself and do what you want to do." But the path was still aglow, still bathed in light. Hiroko had just been too afraid of a world without the flicker of flame to notice all the brilliant lights behind her. It made her feel incredibly stupid, not realizing until now, who'd shon those lights. Who was it, after all, who'd actually told her she could become a Hero? If she was really so willing to leave them, if she really felt it was for their sake... Why did she feel guilty? "It's because... I don't want to leave them... I don't want to leave my friends, I don't want to leave my family! I don't want to leave Miyu... But it's better if I do, right? No... How could that ever be the case? I'm just... Too scared to face them..." Bit by bit, the fog cleared. "But you are the one I been chasing all this time, you're just a bit lost right now, so I'll help you find the way once more." "Tsu-chan..." Hiroko sobbed, her lip quivering. In a sudden and powerful movement, she would suddenly return her hug, gripping tightly as though she was afraid to let go. For but a moment, Mariko didn't matter, she was not the guidance Hiroko sought... Because Tsukiko promised it too. And unlike Mariko, Tsukiko was not Hiroko's idol. She was something much greater. She was Hiroko's friend. "Why don't you get it..." She uttered helplessly, almost collapsing onto Tsukiko with her embrace. "I'm a coward... I've run away because I'm scared and lost, because I depend so much on Mariko... I still do... I still want to see her... I'm pathetic, weak, useless and selfish. I've already done so much damage... I gave up the Sports Festival, I ran away from everyone I cared about... And even now, taking a step away from Mariko? I'm too scared, too confused, too stupid to even do that..." Hiroko held on, even more tightly. Tsukiko could probably feel them now, her falling tears, now distinguishable from the rain as the skies began to clear up, and a light fog began to permeate through the area. "I'm all those things... I'm lost, I can't handle this uncertain future... I don't know anymore, who I am or what I want to do... So please, please, just..." A small sob was stifled in Tsukiko's shoulder. "Don't let me face it alone..." Edited by Sporky, Oct 4 2017, 10:08 AM.
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| Tsukiko | Oct 3 2017, 09:37 AM Post #12 |
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It felt like she was almost there, just a little push in the right direction and she could pierce that palpable darkness that surrounded Hiroko. If it was her usual self Tsukiko likely would had struggled to make it this far, having to spend so much time and effort into picking the most logical answers, but then again this wasn't the usual Tsukiko. This time there were no 'right' or 'wrong' answers, the only answers she could provide were 'honest' ones, answers that didn't come from her head but from her heart. If there was one thing that could be said about Tsukiko, then it was without a doubt that beneath that calculating side of her was an incredibly emotional child. "And as long as they truly are your friends they will understand. It might not be easy, it might take a while and they might be upset. Nonetheless, they will understand." She whispered softly in return, yet it appeared that while Hiroko was slowly coming to terms with the fact she indeed had friends, she also lamented the actions she had caused, feeling she had betrayed them. "Do you know why humans usually live in communities? It's because we are weak and need others to rely on. Even the strongest of us have someone, or something they rely on as a source for their courage and strength." She explained in a gentle tone about how she felt that weakness was a natural aspect of the human heart. In the end, it was for that reason why she had been considering her actions for the next year at the Academy carefully. Not that she was going to tout her own horn, but she genuinely believed some offices might be interested in letting her intern at them, and she was thinking about the ideal solutions, solutions that also applied to the current conversation. If she had chosen to pursue the advice of Red Justice, then she would try to enlist for an internship at Spectrum, the concept of growing stronger through collaborating with others being a tempting idea that she had seen working throughout her first year at the academy. However, deep inside her there was still a tiny part that wanted to shoulder the danger by herself, but her mentor had made it clear that she wasn't strong enough for such a thing, the amount of power and resolve needed for that was immense... and so she was also considering Vitality as one of the offices that caught her interest. "Mhmm~ A true hero is someone who unconditionally acts because someone needed to be saved." She was confident that Hiroko would understand what she was getting at, in the end she had seen, heard and experienced Hiroko's nature firsthand. A little raising of her hand happened as she gently karate-chopped Hiroko's forehead and retaliated to the girl's question about her actions being the result of her obsession with Mariko. "No Hiro-chan, you acted that way because it's a part of who you are. That desire to help and encourage people is so deeply engraved into your being that it's not something Mariko-san or anyone else can just take away. To do so would mean to reject yourself." Nonetheless, she was one step closer to the solution, and as Hiroko voiced her fears and the concern about feeling like she didn't know who she was, the words had stirred a recent memory in her mind. It was her meeting with her mentor Genevieve, of how talking to her had allowed Tsukiko to embrace the idea of being truthful to herself, and to do that she first needed to find who the 'true' Tsukiko was, the end result of that search being the girl in front of Hiroko right now. "I'm sure they aren't lies, if they were you would instinctively know, because it means your trying to hide your true self beneath them." Their conversation continued, the struggles of Hiroko to get the courage to stand on her own and find out who she really was had left a heart-wrenching feeling in Tsukiko. It truly hurt her to see Hiroko suffer so much, but as long as she could be the cure to Hiroko's agony, then she would continue this treatment as long as necessary! In the end, there was a saying that there were two types of wounds: The physical that could be healed by any means, sure they might hurt but it was easy enough to cure them. The really pesky ones were the ones that were known as 'Wounds of the Heart', a Wounded heart was much more difficult to heal, in the end, there was only one known medicine in the world for those type of injuries: Love... and there was no love as pure as that of a friend who cared about you. Step by step she illuminated the darkness surrounding Hiroko's heart as if each word she spoke was a ray of sunshine into that abyss of darkness. The snapped response making Tsukiko shake her head once more at the frustrated response of her friend. "You do deserve them because those bonds are built upon the unconditional feelings the two sides feel. The reason behind this is because those bonds, the bonds of true friendship are connected to the heart, they won't break that easily, and that is exactly why you won't be able to escape from someone like me~" The sudden return of her embrace came without warning, to the point she lost her balance slightly and Yami had to stretch slightly to keep the girl from tumbling onto her back, but it was a pleasant feeling, that warmth that reminded her of the fact Hiroko was still here, that she could still be saved. "Because I don't want to get it~ I'd rather be an ignorant fool trying to save her best friend than to let you disappear again." She mentioned running away from the Sports Festival, causing Tsukiko to shake her head lightly. "Then work on repairing the damage you caused, return to us and show everyone that you won't run anymore, that you'll stand bravely against the hardships and show the world that the friendship and trust others placed in you are rightfully so~" Due to the difference in height she could feel the tears of Hiroko's face dripping down onto her own, causing the girl to raise her hands slightly to Hiroko's cheeks, squeezing them lightly as she tried to gently wipe away the tears with her fingers, gentle and tiny brushes as Hiroko made her final plea, a heart-tugging request that made the girl push herself upwards till her forehead bumped gently against Hiroko's own, the two of them being face to face once more, quite literally. "You really are going to need to visit a plumber if you keep making me repeat myself." A soft smile lingered as she finally said the words she believed that would pierce the darkness. "You never were alone. Even if all the lights in the world would dim and threaten to consume you into a void of darkness, you'll always have your path illuminated by the light of our bond. It is an inextinguishable torch of friendship that will continue to keep you warm, no matter where you go or what you do." Hands raised to the back of Hiroko's head, trying to pull her a bit closer so that the girl could whisper into her ear. "I'll always be there for you~" |
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| Sporky | Oct 7 2017, 05:52 AM Post #13 |
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Idol Trash
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There was light, inescapable light. That was what Tsukiko continued to supply to the girl so desperately in need of it. A light that broke through the cloudy darkness that was clouding Hiroko's mind, light no less brilliant than that which began to shine through the dispersing dark clouds. But it was not only Tsukiko's luminescence that began to wear down Hiroko's self-imposed barriers, it was also the manner in which it was shined. Her appeals were not to logic, there was no debate of sorts going on between the two. Instead, Tsukiko managed to calm Hiroko by targeting the inherent source of her troubles - her wild and uncontrollable heart. Emotion, not wits, would end up saving her. And there were few emotions that were quite as effective, especially for Hiroko, as love. The kind Tsukiko assured Hiroko still had plenty of, as she insisted that Hiroko's friends, who she had hurt so badly, would understand. But she didn't believe that, didn't believe they'd truly know how she felt. "Understand? How could they..." Hiroko began, her voice full of disbelief until the moment she realized. Understanding... Was what Tsukiko had been doing this whole time. How else had Hiroko so easily poured her heart out, after all? As Tsukiko said, sometimes people needed others to be strong... And Hiroko immediately knew what she meant. There were so many people she'd relied on, not just Mariko... But was it really OK to keep on relying on them? Was it really OK, to be weak? Hiroko was unsure, but Tsukiko's words on those bonds alleviated her heart a little bit more... Because the more her friend spoke, the more weight the words seemed to carry for her. But it wasn't yet enough, as there was far more to Hiroko's situation than mitigated self-esteem. Part of what made it so easy for her to loathe herself as much as she did was the fact that she her grasp on her own identity had itself begun to slip. And as much as Tsukiko insisted that Hiroko's own actions weren't solely because of Mariko, she was having trouble comprehending that in her depressed state. She was simply unwilling to accept that she was anything close to a natural 'Hero'. Fortunately, Tsukiko did not give up easily and went about forcing into Hiroko's head with a karate-chop, before once again affirming her belief, with such conviction that Hiroko could not help but be moved by it. "You really think... That's who I am?I... I don't know if that's right... But I don't if it's wrong, either. I've only ever acted, I never think... So how am I supposed to know?" Hiroko admitted. Though there remained a lack of clarity on the matter, Tsukiko's outside opinion had stilled her, as had the other girl's insistence that Hiroko would know if she'd been lying... It brought her back to trying to recollect how and why she'd acted in the few moments Tsukiko was describing. Her mind was still something of a mess, but she found Tsukiko's talking and embrace were giving it the time and stability it so desperately needed. Truth be told, she couldn't deny that she'd felt rather nice in all those Heroic moments of hers. It'd been a sensation that struck her very heart, but Hiroko was still uncertain. Was that really so engraved in her as Tsukiko suggested? Or... Was it just because she'd felt good, about being more like the image she'd made of Mariko? She just didn't know, and in the end, not knowing made it so much worse. She felt like she was going mad, unable to grasp her own psyche, and that drove her deeper into her despair. But as the two continued their heartfelt exchanges, although it seemed like Hiroko was cracking more and more, her 'wound of the heart' widening with each statement, that was not the case. It was only that, as Tsukiko's love broke through Hiroko's emotional defenses, the wound became more and more apparent. Yet, as much as Tsukiko tried to heal it, there was no chance for it being closed in those few moments. But, as light poured in, the strength to begin healing was filling the gap, bit by bit. The darkness prevailed yet, however, and as much as Tsukiko assured Hiroko about her bonds, Hiroko could still not accept it. She couldn't accept that she deserved their affection, let alone that she already had it. But not only did Tsukiko show her that these bonds were every bit as legitimate as they'd ever been, but she explained to Hiroko how there was meaning to be found in then. And for the first time since they'd begun, Hiroko did not at all doubt her words. Because that was how she'd always been, she'd always been focused on other people, found meaning and love and life in the bonds she formed. And she realized that she didn't want to abandon that, that her fear was pushing her away from the people she loved. All because she was lost... When in reality... They would guide the way. And so, bit by bit, the fog cleared Hiroko embraced Tsukiko tightly, a cry for help and a desperate grab for some kind of support. She lamented that Tsukiko still didn't understand, although deep down she knew that wasn't the case. She truly meant all the horrible things she said about herself, but Tsukiko wasn't hearing any of them. Because Tsukiko rejected Hiroko's self-loathing, in spite of how warranted it may have been. She encouraged Hiroko to reapir the damage she'd caused, but the other girl gave no response. Instead, she gave a final plea to Tsukiko, the only conditional she could think of in return for Hiroko facing her fear. That she wouldn't do it alone. Tsukiko pulled herself up to Hiroko wiping away her tears and clasping her face as she readied her decisive blow to the shadows that haunted Hiroko. As she did, all Hiroko could do was breathe softly as she took them in, the downfall of her tears easing. "You never were alone." Bit by bit, the darkness was broken. "Even if all the lights in the world would dim and threaten to consume you into a void of darkness, you'll always have your path illuminated by the light of our bond." Light crept in, at first slowly. "It is an inextinguishable torch of friendship that will continue to keep you warm, no matter where you go or what you do." And then... "I'll always be there for you~" All at once. "I... Am not... Alone..." "Tsu-chan...!" Hiroko stifled helplessly, as she gripped Tsukiko tighter. She felt her heart swell to some great size, some blissful clarity wash over her as Tsukiko's words found their mark. It was more than there closeness, more than how genuine they were. More than just how they'd targetted Hiroko's deepest fears, and met her condition. It was how they'd made her feel, that felt like a great realization. At last, she grasped. How she felt, and why. "That's right... This... This is what it always was... This is how it felt... To be saved..." She uttered softly to herself, her face distorting into a wry smile. She didn't get it all, her mind couldn't comprehend anything. Her heart, on the other hand... It finally knew. This was what it had always been, what it had been when Mariko saved her all those years ago... When she'd come to love that feeling. "Tsu-chan... I think I... Understand, a little. I wanted, I always wanted... To share this feeling." It felt like a light in the darkness, an oasis in the desert, a savior for a lost soul. It felt just how it had all those years ago. That was what it felt like to be saved. And she'd wanted to share it, wanted to savor it. That... That was why! That was why she'd so desparately wanted to be like Mariko, to follow her, to be saved by her and save people like she had. "I'm sorry, Tsu-chan..." Hiroko whispered, still hugging the girl close. The previous despair in her turn was nowhere to be found. "I just wanted... To be saved by Mariko-san again. But really... I wasn't ready to accept it." She stated cryptically. Like an epiphany, Tsukiko's words had sparked something within Hiroko. Something which Mariko could never take away from her, because it had nothing to do with her. "That... She never could save me. Because even if I loved her..." Tears started falling again. But they were not tears of sorrow. "It wasn't her love that saved me... Not during the Entrance Exams, not during the Midterms, not at the farm... Not now..." Their words seemed to echo in her head, one after another, the things they'd all said that had saved her. How could she have been so cruel... To disregard them all, just because Mariko was the first. And it wasn't just them either, it was more than the people who'd saved Hiroko... It was the one's she'd saved too. She'd been their light too, the light for Jace, for Yukine, even for Tsukiko... And then she realized something else. "Tsu-chan, I'm so sorry, but I still don't get it all... What I'm supposed to do, who I'm supposed to be..." Hiroko lamented, her grip on Tsukiko loosening. She wasn't slipping away, but rather, her desperation was fading. "I'm still... Terrified. But at the same time, I think... I might... I just might be able." Hiroko's hands tightened, a miniscule resolve settling in her heart. Only now did she realize, that for so long she'd strived for Mariko's confident smile, strived to see it again. But it was only natural she hadn't... How could she, when she was the one who'd worn it? She recalled it now, how she'd felt, when she'd taken those so-called 'Heroic actions. She'd felt happy. Because she'd gotten to share it, the feeling of being saved. She'd gotten to make others feel... How she was feeling now. "I... Don't know, at all really, if it's true. Maybe it'll fade after this moment, but right now... I think... I can keep going, somehow. I just..." Tears of happiness, of relief, of temporary salvation continued to fall. Hiroko's heart was far from healed, truthfully. Uncertainty still plagued her, self-loathing still coursed through her. But all she needed was that single moment, where everything felt OK. And then... She could take the first step. "I can't do it alone. I never could." She once again made her plea to Tsukiko, but this time there was no desperation. Only, immense affection and gratitude. Hiroko softly released herself from Tsukiko, pushing back and now standing before her, tears still streaming. Her face was still an ugly mess, but there could be seen a concious effort, to keep it all together. "Jeeze... I'm so pathetic... Running back, after all the damage I've already done. My head... Is such a mess, I don't even know what I'm thinking..." She scoffed at herself. "Hey, Tsu-chan, can I ask you something?" Hiroko looked to her with pleading, resolute eyes, before asking a question to which she felt she already knew the answer. "Is it really OK? For me to keep going like this... Even if I'm so uncertain, so much a coward and weakling... To still stand along those with resolve? To still put my broken determination next to theirs? To be so... Pathetic...Is it really OK?" As Tsukiko gave her answer, she might notice shifting figures in the light fog that had built up around them. A pair of figures, one leant against the other, approached her and Hiroko, though one would be certainly familiar to both of them. A bespecatcled Japanese boy was glancing towards them, leant against and limping alongside a stranger in a green coat, who was apparently helping him. As he saw them, Arata Koizumi was smiling softly. Edited by Sporky, Oct 7 2017, 06:00 AM.
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| Tsukiko | Oct 7 2017, 07:09 AM Post #14 |
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There was a certain series that Tsukiko was quite fond of because in her opinion it represented the current situation quite well. In that story despair was often compared to a contagious disease, a darkness that threatened to consume the hearts of others. Right now Hiroko had been inflicted by this disease known as despair, a seemingly bottomless void of darkness that threatened to swallow her whole. But just like the hero in that story, Tsukiko was a beacon of light, a source of hope that would surely infect Hiroko! Certainly, it might had not been enough to heal her wounded heart, but it could at least start giving her back the strength to stand on her own, to be able to start the recovery process and regain that smile that Tsukiko was so fond of. However, for someone who often relied on logic, it had been a difficult challenge for Tsukiko to accomplish, primarily because in order to properly convey her emotions she needed to be honest with herself, and who could have been a better canidate than Maki Hiroko, the first person Tsukiko could happily call a friend. There was no denying that love was a powerful emotion, one that came in various forms and shapes. To her the love for Hiroko was clearly different than the one she felt for Homura, in the end the friendship she shared with Hiroko was a different, but equally powerful bond to the point she almost considered Hiroko more like a sister. Then there was the fact that Hiroko was far from a loner, surely they would be able to understand Hiroko's plight if she talked to them? "Of course they can, and they will. If they truly are your friends, then there is no doubt they will understand you." A gentle smile remained upon her lips as she added in a soft tone. "There is no shame in relying on others at times. Even I tend to rely on others every now and then. Like if Eve-nee didn't train me, I surely wouldn't have performed that well during the festival." Of course, the words were spoken by Red Justice at that time still lingered in her mind: To learn to rely on others and work together with them in order to improve herself and become a talented hero someday. Of course, just like a castle under siege Hiroko's darkness didn't make the way that easily, and as her emotions were poured into her heart like a legion of knights climbing the walls of an impenetrable fortress she prepared the next wave of emotional siegefare. "If you don't know for sure, then you don't know for sure if it's not the case either." She giggled softly as she continued to explain. "Besides, when you force your actions people can see it, or feel it. I might not be a cat, but I'd recognize a fake Hiro-chan right away!" the girl proclaimed with a smile as she continued to listen to Hiroko's concerns. It was clear that Hiroko was worried about whether her actions were done by herself, or simply the consequences of the persona she tried to build up in response to Mariko's influence upon her past. Of course, Tsukiko was adamant in believing that Hiroko was simply Hiroko, and so she decided to continue believing in her best friend. "I believe in Hiro-chan, and no matter what answers you find, I will continue to do so~" Indeed, she would stand by Hiroko's side till the end of their days, in the end that was what Tsukiko believed was part of the meaning of friendship: to be there for each other, to support each other, to set each other on the right path and no matter what happened, to never abandon each other. For Tsukiko, she could understand Hiroko's plight, the lack of awareness of your true self, the fear of discovering what was hiding beneath all the memories and thoughts. Tsukiko had once experienced it also when she promised her mentor Genevieve that she would face her true self, accept it and embrace it as part of who she was, and in the end, it was the girl standing before Hiroko that was the true Tsukiko. A silly girl who might have been competitive at times, loved to make long-winded speeches and cliche encouraging lines, a closet pervert who barely was able to hide the times lewd thoughts drifted through her mind, yet along all of those she was also a sweet child who wanted to support her friends and be there in their time of need. In the end, her dream was to become a hero who brought hope and courage to others, and where better to start than bringing your best friend hope when she was trapped in an abyss of darkness? Nonetheless, she hoped her words and the hug would at least calm down Hiroko enough. Like a catapult launching a gigantic boulder the girl's words started to blast chunks through the darkness, the gaps exposing the terrified girl that was hidden within. That was after all the embodiment of her quest: a siege upon the castle that surrounded Hiroko's heart, and once the castle walls were breached she would be one step closer to saving her. Still, it was clear the damage inflicted upon her would not be cured overnight, no... but at the least she could make her reach out for her, to make her find the desire to escape from the prison she had to build around her. Of course, Tsukiko's army of emotions and feels was yet to be defeated, and as if it had been a case of war in a fantasy realm her words came with the strength of a raging dragon, the titan of a beast crashing through the walls while their commander, an adorable little midget clad in a knight's armor raised a flag into the air, the flag that represented friendship and hope, the embodiment of their bond! "Besides~ Even now, while you're running away the power of your bounds are still at work." She whispered softly, and figuratively it could have been interpreted as a familiar bespectacled boy riding a giant griffon that was soaring beside the dragon-riding commander. "Your friends will guide the way in your time of need, they will be the light for you to chase when you're lost in the dark." And it seemed that her attempt to convey it had worked perfectly, a bit too perfect perhaps for what was about to follow had nearly made the poor girl topple onto her back. The tight embrace and the cry for aid went not unanswered, the lamenting that she might not understand what Hiroko was saying, that perhaps she believed all those horrible things were true, Tsukiko clearly was unwilling to hear anything of it. In the end, she had known Hiroko well enough to know that was not the case, and as such, she rejected the self-loathing like a knight's shield deflecting the strike of a sword. The lack of a response to the words and the plea that followed had clearly forced Tsukiko into the final phase of her siege. If the darkness surrounding Hiroko's heart was a castle, then her feelings were a prison that contained the terrified maiden that represented Hiroko's heart. It was akin to the grand finale of a epic battle, the door to the dungeon being breached as the party of three, a midget knight, a bespectacled rogue and a feline sorceress, for obviously one could not forget Yami who was doing her utmost to keep Tsukiko from falling back due to the height difference between the duo. "You never were alone." It were words that clearly reached Hiroko's heart, as the tears noticeably started to lessen, the dungeon breached as the three escorted the trapped princess out of the dungeon. Indeed, the fellowship of friendship had saved the damsel in distress, sure it was a badass martial artist who could summon Kaijuu-sized clones of her own, but right now she was the terrified princess in need of saving! Of course, as she was led out of the dungeon the freedom of the bright world must have started to creep in slowly, illuminating her vision as despair made way for hope. Why... Why did she save Hiroko? If she was to be asked that question, Tsukiko would have been unsure of what to answer, aside from the fact that she felt that Hiroko wanted to be rescued, even if her words sounded otherwise. Perhaps it was because she cared so much for the girl? She had just finished saying those words and pulled herself downwards as Hiroko's tighter grip caused the poor girl to be pushed forwards, rather comfortably getting her face pressed against a pair of covered pillows while at the same time the poor girl was flailing softly in her grip. "c-c-c-can't breathe" but at the same time the actions following seemed to no longer be laced with the venom known as despair, and that by itself made the girl smile briefly as she finally regained her freedom and looked at Hiroko with a smile. "Mhmm~ This is how people feel when they are truly saved, to be able to make people feel like this... Isn't it amazing to be able to do that? To be a hero?" She explained cheerfully as she nodded in agreement at Hiroko's words. It seemed Hiroko at least recalled how it felt to save people, the desire to share this feeling she was experiencing right now. "This is what makes being a hero so wonderful, to be able to make others feel this kind of hope." And she truly felt glad that she had made Hiroko remember this feeling, by doing exactly the thing she had been trying to do all along: To save Hiroko. "There is no need to apologize Hiro-chan." the girl whispered gently, the hug yet to break as she shook her head gently as Hiroko explained her desire to be saved by Mariko again. "Mhmm, I might not be a busty heroine, but I can save people also you know~" she declared with a little grin as she noticed Hiroko had started to cheer up little by little. The tears that followed were different, not of sorrow but some sort of happiness at the realization Hiroko made, and as a result she decided to simply, and soundlessly pull herself closer into Hiroko's embrace, letting the girl express the feelings and thoughts that were dwelling through her mind. It was clear Hiroko was starting to realize just how important she was to some, of how she had become a precious bond in their life, an essential part of their story. To call her existence useless or without worth would have been a downright lie. As the hug was finally broken the girl grinned sheepishly at Hiroko, declaring with a cheerful tone. "I'm sure that if we work together it becomes a lot less terrifying, everyone will support you along the way! You don't even need to make clones for this type of teamwork!" Indeed, she was starting to believe that she had at long last succeeded in her quest, her attempt to get Hiroko to come back. "It won't fade~ Because as often as needed, I will continue to save you~" A confident nod followed by the girl as she tilted her head slightly to the side in confusion as she started to make her plea again, the words clearly calling for a companion to stand by her side. "Mhmm~ it's okay for you to keep going like this because friends support each other even in their weakest moments!" It was a confident declaration as she smiled brightly before her smile curved into a more mischievous grin. "Besides, you already repaid me for the act of saving you!" It was a playful statement as she raised her hands into the air, seemingly counting on her fingers. "Hmm, A... B... I'd say somewhere between B and C? Mhmm! If I can take a nap on Hiro-chan's pillows someday I'll consider it more than worthy of a price for saving you anytime, any day and any place!" As she remarked about Hiroko's bust size the girl teasingly pulled out her tongue and added with a smile. "Teasing aside~ As long as you remain at our side, I or one of your friends will surely end up saving you. Besides, I'm not the only hero who came to save you." As Tsukiko added that statement, the shifting figures in the light fog revealed two figures, one seems familiar to the girl. "See~ Ara-kun is here also! Albeit, he seems to have picked up a party member along the way that I'm unfamiliar with." A little thumbs up sign was made by the girl as she added with a grin to Arata. "One badass martial arts princess delivered to safety~ I'd say this part of the quest chain is complete!" Meanwhile, Yami stretched her arms lightly and hummed softly. "Phew, all those blasts of the feels cannon, I was worried we might nuke the city with all those emotions being poured out today. Hopefully nobody is allergic to them~" Edited by Tsukiko, Oct 7 2017, 07:14 AM.
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| Sporky | Oct 8 2017, 04:51 AM Post #15 |
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Idol Trash
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Bit by bit, then all at once. That was how the light that healed Hiroko, even temporarily, had poured in, as Tsukiko addressed all of those things that troubled Hiroko. It may have seemed incredulous, really, how many problems and doubts had suddenly arisen within her, but truth be told, many of them had always been there. And yet, it was only now that Hiroko had decided - or rather, been forced - to finally open her heart to let a dear friend see all the wounds inflicted. Mariko's disappearance and sudden reappearance, deep-seated self-loathing, tinnitus-aided mental issues, so many different holes to fill, but Tsukiko addressed them all. Perhaps they would not all be fixed permanently, but that didn't matter. For Hiroko to finally open her massive heart, to finally allow others to help her would ultimately end up saving her. After all, when one's problem seemed overbearing, sometimes all it took was a bit of talk with someone you held dear to remind you that you can get better. They'd continued on for some time with their heartfelt conversation fueled only by honesty, raw emotion and an unconditional almost familial love between the two. Tsukiko had done well to lecture her troublesome 'older sister', to renew Hiroko's faith in the strength of bonds, to assure her that she was not without meaning, and to remind her that it was OK if she was scared - because she wouldn't have to face it alone. She'd have Tsukiko, and all her other friends, if she'd only amount the courage to explain things to them... And she may have even the chance to talk about all this with Miyu, she realized. Though, the very concept filled her with guilt and dread. But that was a problem for her to confront when she got to it, and for now, all she could do was savor the moment of clarity Tsukiko was providing her. Tsukiko's words struck at the core of Hiroko's problem, simply by stating she wouldn't have to do it alone. Hiroko's self-isolation had finally broken, and as she'd tightly embraced Tsukiko, she herself realized that, among other things. Hiroko's heart was only lightened further to hear how Tsukiko understood what it was like, what it meant. To save someone, that is. To share the hope that Tsukiko was giving her right then. Hiroko only hugged her tighter, not realizing in the moment how short of breath Tsukiko was as she nestled the smaller girl in her chest. As lost as Hiroko was, she was finding meaning in the path lit by others, who seemed to know her better than she knew herself. Yet she still felt so guilty, and apologized profusely for her actions, for how pathetic she was being. But once again, all her fears, her worries, her doubts were dismissed by Tsukiko, intensifying her moment of clarity, her moment of insight into her own soul. Even as she pulled away from the embrace, its warmth remained, Hiroko's fear suppressed to a whisper. Her doubt, however, was loud as ever, even if the ringing in her ears was long faded. She expressed that same doubt to Tsukiko in a final plea, and the answer she heard... Was exactly what she wanted, precisely what she needed. "It's really OK then? I'm... Glad..." Hiroko responded softly, a small semblance of a small forming on her face. With so much faith placed in her friend that moment, those few words were more than enough to satisfy her for now. She eve grinned sheepishly at Tsukiko's mischevious comments, which only lightened the mood that bit more. "J-Jeeze, you're kind of a perv, huh? And they're not for you! Er, I mean..." Hiroko tried to tease back, only to realize how embarrassing her statement was. A bit depressing too, as it reminded her of how she'd have to confront Miyu, too. But her smile did not fade, as Tsukiko pointed out the approaching figures from behind. "Hiro-chan..." A familiar voice uttered as Arata Koizumi limped alongside a rather awkward looking stranger. It was a woman in a long green coat with short brown hair, who seemed more than a bit confused. Not nearly as surprised as Hiroko though, he suddenly remembered that Arata had been chasing her too. She looked away from Tsukiko, turning to her oldest friend with tears still in her eyes. She staggered before him a few steps, her mind racing. It felt like despair was creeping back in, as she was so soon confronted with one of the people she'd hurt. But she knew Tsukiko was at her back, so continued to step toward him... "Arata-kun, I-" Hiroko began to say softly, before Arata was suddenly hurtling towards her. He'd pushed off of the woman who'd been supporting him, hopped a few steps and eventually collapsed onto Hiroko, who caught the light boy in her strong arms, a look of surprise on her face as Arata began the simple act of hugging her tightly. A few moments of silence passed, before Hiroko began embracing him back, her tears starting to fall again. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry..." She whispered, no more words needing to be said between the two. Hiroko was already far from runnign from her friends again. "It's OK. Everything's OK." The bespectacled boy said firmly as he collapsed to Hiroko. He looked over her shoulder and back at Tsukiko, giving a grateful smile. "So, you were everything I hoped then? Of course, it had to be you in the end, didn't it..." He said with a half-smirk. He'd been annoyed before, that it would not be he who would save Hiroko, but right now he was just happy to see his dear friend smile again. And in the end, it had to be Tsukiko who returned that light to her. After all, Tsukiko knew exactly what it was like, to draw light from someone, and have them run away... Fortunately, things had ended better for her. "S-So, uh, you kids all good?" The woman in the green coat suddenly spoke up, more than a little awkwardly. She shoved her hands into her coat pocket as Arata released from Hiroko, almost falling to the ground before she caught him. "W-Woah, are you OK!?" Hiroko suddenly exclaimed her concern as she became his crutch, his right leg the only one on the ground. "I'm fine... Just not the best runner, I suppose." He joked, though it could be plainly see he was in pain. "Wouldn't worry too much. Likely just a sprain. Keep him supported and get it check it out when you can. Before you ask, I saw him trip over his own feet as he ran after you lot." The enigmatic woman in the green trench coat explained quickly, as though she wanted to get out of there as quickly as she could. Understandable, really, as she seemed nothing more than a stranger who'd decided to help. "Oh, dropped this too." She uttered as she pulled a phone from her pocket and handed it to Hiroko. It was her own phone, the one Arata had stolen to help explain things to Tsukiko. "Th-This is how you..." Hiroko muttered in realization as she took the phone. Her mind had been a mess before, and she only now realized that there was really no way Tsukiko could've known about what happened - unless that message had been shown to her. Hiroko looked sideways at Arata, her expression full of affection and gratitude as she began to grasp that not 1, but 2 of her closest friends had come to her rescue. "I can't thank you enough for helping me here, Miss...?" Arata thanked the mystery woman, who simply waved her hand dismissively. "Not important. Good luck with... Whatever." She groaned quickly before turning around and wandering away, reaching into her pocket and pulling out a pack of cigarettes as she did. It seemed Yokohama had quite the friendly populace. At least, for now, when Hiroko did not know exactly what the woman sought. As she left the group to be confused and a bit thrown for a loop by the strange interaction, an awkward silence fell over the trio of teens. "What... Do I do now?" Hiroko asked softly, still supporting Arata as she turned to Tsukiko and Yami. There was clearly much that Arata had missed out on, clearly still much even she and Tsukiko still needed to talk about. Hiroko could feel her momentary insight fading, the darkness returning its dormant form, but for now she had the strength to step forward, so she'd take it in the direction her friends chose. Fortunately, Arata made clear that their path was simple. "Now... We go home." The trio, all damaged emotionally and some physically, slowly made their way back through the soaked streets of Yokohama toward the car that Arata and Tsukiko had arrived in. Very few words were shared between them on their journey, only the occasional question by Arata about what had transpired. Otherwise, words were entirely unnecessary. All any of them need to know was that on that day, in those few minutes, Hiroko Maki had been saved. Saved from her own darkness, her own doubt, her own mind, her own heart. Saved by the love she herself had fostered, in the friends that cared so deeply for her, bonds strong enough they created meaning on their own. Bonds she clung to as she wandered almost aimlessly toward her uncertain future. Her mind's bliss and despair were both gone, and all that was left was an uncomfortable calm. Uncomfortable, because even as Hiroko walked along with her dear friends, she could not see the future before her, could not know where she was going. But she would march on regardless, and just figure it out as she went. A foolish plan? Perhaps. But the thing about fools was that they often had potential, and for Hiroko, that was enough of a reason to follow through. She didn't hesitate as the trio piled into the car, giving space for Arata and his wounded foot. She was headed to the one place that could give her meaning. Not Mariko, but her home. Tatooin, her city, the city of Heroes. Once again, there would be few words exchanged between the three, though Hiroko stuck close to Arata and Tsukiko throughout the trip, almost like she was ready to hug them the moment her mind's darkness took over again. "Hey... Arata-kun, Tsu-chan... There's something I should admit..." Hiroko suddenly spoke up at one point, looking to them with an expression softened by her previous tears. She smiled wryly, before continuing on. "I think... I still want to see Mariko-san, one day." She stated softly, causing a raise of eyebrows from a clearly concerned Arata. His worries would be dismissed, though. "I don't know what happened to her... But if I can find her, maybe I can find out. Not that that matters... Cause what I really want, is to show her 'myself'. Not now... But at the time when I've become strong enough, that I can find her without chasing her. The time when the old me, the childish me who fell in love with her and became obsessed... Is gone from my heart." Hiroko explained as she gazed wistfully out the window. Once again, her eyes started watering. "If the future is still uncertain, then I'll let at least this be my goal... To be proud of myself, one day. But... The only reason that seems within reach, is because of you guys...'" Hiroko uttered softly, turning to them with something the pair would have been sorely missing. Her trademark, radiant, ear-to-ear smile. "Arata-kun, Tsu-chan... Thank you, for being my friends. I... Love you both, so much! I promise, that even though I'm so scared, I'll continue... Whatever happens next, I'll be ready for it, I promise." On that Summer day of the year 425, an event occurred, that could be described only as 'Heroic'. It was a display of compassion, of love, of courage and strength. And yet, at its end, only 3 people were truly aware of what had happend in those moments. There was no media, no parades, no rewards, aside from the return of a dear friend to the place she belonged. Because the actions of that day were done for only one reason: Love. The love that pushed others to reach into the darkness, in spite of everything, and bring light to someone who needed it most. Thus, nothing short of Heroic. Because that's what it meant, after all. To save someone. Edited by Sporky, Oct 8 2017, 04:52 AM.
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3:38 PM Jul 11




