[Shiri] Neighborhood

[Sylamb]

PM Sylamb if you'd like to give your home an address.

 

[Sylamb]

　▊ C A L E N D A R
The date is currently June 22
　　　▊ WEATHER　 Foggy & Slightly Chilly

H A R U N O ▪||▫ M I K A


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GINMA RESIDENCE ▪||▫ MASAAKI
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Slightly groggy from the late night at the Grove, the midnight beauty was able to narrow her vision as she traversed the dorms. Eye contact would not be made with any other Subject while she went about her business. Most of them weren't up at this hour, which made it easier to avoid interaction. Tapping her shoes on snugly, Mika took off without a word spoken. Walking with her uniform on, the girl opened her phone to glance over the few text messages she had from Masaaki and Hayate. Neither contained much save for a single exchange, but it still brought the girl a sense of belonging that softened her steeled heart. Subject Rise wasn't much for honest friendliness with her peers, but she was finding it much easier to get along with regular teens than fellow magic users. She was actually excited to go to school and see the two in their uniforms. Maybe she could have lunch with them... most importantly, Masaaki. She had stayed up late last night wondering if he would be free after classes today. A smirk graced her satin lips as she recalled the warmth of his smile when he found Totoro yesterday.

Turning her phone to silent as she approached the school building, the girl was surprised to see the gates closed. It was easy to say she wasn't the only one confused. A group of upperclassmen were gathered around the gate as well. "Cannibalism!? No way! Are there pictures? I wonder who it was..." the group chatted on, catching Mika's attention as she walked over to investigate what they were all going on about. "Haruno, look at this. Bet you're ready to transfer out of here," one of them turned the volume up on their phone as a reporter explained the situation. "I can't believe they're not releasing names. I hope its no one from our class." Panic seized her. Ears began to ring with static as she spotted a pair of officers approaching the school building. Eyes darted about, realizing the atmosphere around her was shaking with terror and the citizens of Ohira couldn't bare to look each other in the eye. What was going on in their little town? What was next? Who was next?

Dark hues falling back on the officers approaching through the fog, Mika could see it written all over one's face; ERA. Without giving him a chance to pass on orders or question her, Subject Rise bolted. With out care whether he dared to take chase, the soldier of ERA only had one thought occupying her mind. "Masaaki!" The ill feeling festering in the pit of her stomach didn't seem logical. For some reason she couldn't think sensibly and needed to confirm his safety before anything else. Heels kicking as hard as they could against the asphalt, the pounding of her heart deafened the crackle of magic threatening to leak out. With the Ginma residence in sight, there were no reporters, yellow tape or police to be seen, but Mika could not bring herself to slow down.

Dirt was kicked up as she took one and then two large steps before leaping over the Ginma's modest front gate. In a blink, her hand was grasping the knob of the front door. Mika nearly broke it down as she turned the latch and flew in unannounced to find Masaaki sitting with his parents. Feet finally planting themselves, after racing across town the midnight beauty felt a wave of relief . "Thank...goodness," she huffed, catching her breath as she attempted to speak, "... you're okay." Pulse began to drop as relief settled over her. Oddly, Mika stood there in her school uniform with her shoes on, silken strands lightly sticking to her face from the dampness of the foggy morning and her panicked sprint.

There was slight rouge to her nose and cheeks from the chill in the air and the color would deepen as she realized the degree of rudeness she was displaying and to a household she had only been introduced to yesterday. "Ah- Please forgive the intrusion," she spoke almost bashfully, turning her head aside in an attempt to hide her embarrassment and play it cool. "It won't happen again," she promised, feeling extremely out of place and out of character. Why did she go bolting across town on foot to check on Masaaki? Heart began to quicken once more as a new feeling turned her stomach into knots. Some soldier of ERA... She couldn't even bring herself to make eye contact with the Ginmas after foolishly barging in to check on her new acquaintance.

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kotaro17

 

[kotaro17]

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Sylamb

▌ tab WHERE: xxx tab ▌ tab FEELING: xxx tab ▌ tab WITH: xxx tab ▌ tab MENTIONS: xxx tab ▌


• 
  tab tab 🎮 Masaaki paced around the kitchen with his phone. His gaze locked on it as if he could will it to buzz and tell him that his friends had texted back. He'd received no response yet from anyone and it made him worry more. His mother trying to calm him down before he had another attack, "Masaaki sweetie breathe, please, sit and just deep breaths. Calm down, it'll be okay." Using soothing tones, speaking calmly to him. His mom and dad pulled over the chair he'd been in moments before in the kitchen so he could sit and calm himself. They'd only just gotten him seated when the door slammed open, making the three of them jump. Masaaki practically white knuckling the arms of the chair, his hands clung to them wide eyed as he saw Mika burst in.
  
  tab tab 🎮 "M-Mika!? You're okay! Ah I was texting you, and trying to call you and Sora but I was getting no answer I got so worried." He jumped up and without much of a second thought, Masaaki threw his arms around to hug Mika. He'd been so worried, he was just so relieved to see she was okay as he let her go a moment later. Watching as she stepped back, her head turned looking rather sheepish now as she'd realized what she'd done bursting into their home. Masaaki paused only inches from where she was standing in the doorway. Masaaki's mother moved to close the door, ushering Mika further in, "Now now dear it's quite alright. You were as worried as Masaaki was I imagine. Goodness the boy almost bolted out of the house himself when you arrived." Masaaki's cheeks going red, his own sheepish look, "I tried to call but no one was answering."
  
  tab tab 🎮 Almost as if it was self aware, his phone buzzed and he saw a message from Sora. Letting out a breath of relief even further, "Sora's okay...he just answered me. Thank goodness," smiling as he looked from his phone to Mika. "I'm so glad you're both alright. T-thank you for coming to check on me," surprised though he was, and he wasn't sure what else to say but thank you. Knowing she'd been so worried too to come running here. "Sit with us, please? We were just having breakfast when the news came on with that story and freaked us out." Masaaki's father grabbed a glass and plate for Mika and set it on the counter, mother going over to the plate of warm strudel pastries she'd made. "Yes please, sit have some, poor thing you must be out of breath after that run." Now that they knew each other were alright, they could breathe a bit easier...aside from the lingering knowledge that there was someone out there committing these frightening crimes.
  
  

 

[Sylamb]

　▊ C A L E N D A R
The date is currently June 22
　　　▊ WEATHER　 Foggy & Slightly Chilly

H A R U N O ▪||▫ M I K A


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GINMA RESIDENCE ▪||▫ MASAAKI
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Guard down after her fool hardy display of barging in, Mika was in no position to deter the pair of arms flailing happily into the air to surround her. The embrace was inevitable. Muscles tensed and bag dropped, the cat got her tongue before she could utter a warning. Subject Rise winced, frightful that her autonomic magic would trickle from her body to cause Masaaki pain. She expected the sound of mana crackling, but the static didn't spit. Instead, the midnight beauty felt the warmth of the kind hearted soul against her while the magical energy flowed freely between. Mouth agape in awe, she didn't know how to react. Was this... How did... Should she... Hands twitched as if they were about to rise to the occasion and hug him back, but within the moment Masaaki had let go. Naturally, Mika stepped back to keep her eyes averted. Luckily, her face was already rosy from the run so no one would notice the severe blush flushing her cheeks. The girl couldn't help but notice the red head still only inches from her, camping out the vicinity of her personal space.

"I... had my phone on silent, because I-I was at the gates to the school when my classmates called me over. They showed me the news! And, I, uhm," for the first time in her life, she was rambling and unable to collect her thoughts. There was a flutter in her stomach making her feel anxious. It wasn't painful, but comfortably annoying in its existence. Masaaki stood in her bubble and she didn't feel like upper cutting his chin with her fist. However, she was nervous for some reason and began digging for her phone. Sure enough, there was a text checking in on her. A light smile played on her lips as she turned the ringer off of silent and cherished the text on her screen. From her recollection, there hadn't been a person to check in on her because they cared for her well being.

With Mrs. Ginma ushering her further inside, Mika almost felt cold as the few inch gap between her and the Ginma's son widened. As her body moved, her chin turned over her shoulder looking back at Masaaki who also reddened in the cheeks. The midnight beauty couldn't help but be mesmerized by how cute his round cheeks looked with that slight pink to them! "Oh- Breakfast?" Still being caught off-guard, Mika whispered to herself as another cup and setting was put out for her to join the family in their morning ritual. Taking her seat, she kept her posture straight as her mouth watered at the sight of pastries. But then it occurred to her how distraught the family was over the news. A murder had taken place in their hometown. By the way her classmates chatted about it... "Is... is this the first time something like this has happened in town?" she asked the table in pure ignorance. Mika had been exposed to brutal scenes that would rival cannibalism. From her knowledge... the rest of the world hadn't witnessed death with their own eyes.

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kotaro17

 

[kotaro17]

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Sylamb

▌ tab WHERE: xxx tab ▌ tab FEELING: xxx tab ▌ tab WITH: xxx tab ▌ tab MENTIONS: xxx tab ▌


• 
  tab tab 🎮 As they were ushered in further away from the door, while his mother closed it, Masaaki was a little wide eyed hearing Mika's rambling. She definitely seemed frazzled, and while he'd only just gotten to know her, frazzled was definitely not how she normally appeared to be. Nodding, "So when you saw the news from the other students, that's when you ran all the way here. Gosh, you ran all the way here from the school, but..." It wasn't like his home was far away from school, but that was certainly enough of a run to take through the city streets. Running at non stop as it seemed she'd done too, "here, here, sit, that run must have been tiring," flustered himself, though he moved to pull out a chair for her at the breakfast table.
  
  tab tab 🎮 Thinking how she must be so winded, or legs feeling like jello at this rate. Well...he'd sure be feeling that way, though he'd likely be having an asthma attack more so from running a block...or trying to. "I'm just glad that you're okay," and glad Sora was okay once he'd heard from him. At least now she could sit and catch her breath, join them for breakfast. His mom putting a plate out for her with the fresh hot breakfast pastry and getting a glass out for her to drink, milk, juice, water, tea whatever she decided on. All settled in after, going back to eating their food. Looking to Mika as she queried about the crime. "This is the first I've ever heard about something so scary happening here so close to home. It's like one of those things you hear about but not here...like you hear something awful happening in other towns and cities but never imagine it happening here. It was definitely a shock to hear about, and that it happened to students from our school. It's so awful."
  
  tab tab 🎮 Masaaki's parents were in agreement, "Certainly we've heard about sort of petty crimes before...just like that strange incident with the missing items the other day. Even though that turned out not to be a person as a culprit." His father remarked, mother chiming in, "yes this is certainly horrific. I do hope they'll be implementing better security for you students whenever school opens back up. I wonder if the town will implement a curfew." Shaking her head, it was just so terrible. Adding, "and Mika dear, next time you and Masaaki are hanging out...if it's rather late at night, I think it'd be prudent if you were to sleep over. I wouldn't feel right sending you kids back out with all this going on," even if the adults were able to escort Mika back with Masaaki and make sure he got home too. Still, better safe then sorry.
  
  

 

[Sherbert Lullaby]

Quote:

Vessels - Re-cooperate from a nightmare in any way you can. You heard a strange melody in your sleep that was hypnotic, you wanted to get up and follow it but a white mage stopped you. In your dream, you witnessed your classmate, Nobu Yuki, have his flesh ripped from his bones.

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Location - Kobuta Brewery

FREAK OUT! "KYAAAAA!" the entire house shook as Ikki's obnoxious cries of horror vibrated the walls. Thrashing this way and that, fighting the blankets as if they going to kill him, Ikki's skull cracked against the floor as he fell out of bed. In a contorted heap of limbs, he had clearly lost the battle. Clothes soaked from uneasy sleep and chest heaving to catch his breath, Ikki's eventually realized he was in his room. He had never had a danky twisted haunted house style gore nightmare like that before! What the heck!? And Nobu was in it? He hadn't talked to the dude in ages! Man, everything was still so vivid in his mind. "Hayate!" he shouted, head twisted to the side so he could look to where his cousin usually slept. "GONE!?" Ikki couldn't believe the guy! Ever since he got back from Tokyo he had been so withdrawn and lame. Plus he left the TV on- The news! Ikki went white as a sheet! You honestly couldn't tell where the boy ended and the sheets began he was so pale from the headline for Shiri. School was cancelled cause of it! Students were victims!?

"MURDER!?" Ikki's mind worked a minute a mile- no wait, A MILE A MINUTE! Springing to his feet as he connected imaginary conspiracy dots, the klutz forgot he was still tangled up in his blankets. With another resounding thud, the teenager toppled over himself and smacked his forehead on the floor. "Everything okay up there?" Ikki's mother called up, knowing damn well Ikki was fine, but she had to fulfill her motherly duties. "Its all good, Mama! Where's Hayate?" he called through the walls as he took the time to free himself from the sheets and throw some pants on. "What? Didn't he tell you he was heading out? I thought it was odd that you didn't go with him-" "Thanks!" His mother stopped mid-sentence as Ikki came barrelling down the stairs and past her, grabbing a banana off the counter while heading to the front door. "Ikki! Grab a jacket. It might rain today!" "Okay!"

Shoes on without socks, Ikki grabbed a zip up hoodie and his skateboard. Wheels on asphalt, he was outside and skating towards town! His brain was a total mess right now. Man, he felt like he could still hear that crazy tune from his dream! Looking over his shoulder, he swore it was coming from the woods to the north. Of all the dumb things Ikki blamed magic for, this HAD to be one of them.

[Exit to Dorm!]

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[Sylamb]

H A R U N O ✵ M I K A
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M A G E ✵ S P A R K

Hearing the answers from the Ginmas placed Mika in a corner. Isolated. Alone. The divide between their worlds was larger than she could anticipate. Death, mutilation and horrors beyond human imagination were a slide show the soldier of UDA experienced on a daily basis. These last few months in Shiri felt surreal and the day spent with Masaaiki felt like a complete dream. Looking down at the perfectly baked pastry on her plate, she had to remind herself that most people only experienced the death of the elderly and nothing more. While her mouth had been watering at first for the home made treat, her lips were now dry. Nausea bled through her innards while Ms. Ginma shared her concerns and precautions for Mika to stay the night if they were to have another late anime session. To be honest, it was in their best interest that Mika stay the night regardless. She was the best weapon against any threat their household could ever face. Eyes rising from the table, she forced the corners of her mouth to gratefully turn. "Mhm," the Mage gave a slight nod with a soft murmur in acknowledgement as her fingers began to grip the hem of her uniform under the table.

Beating against the back of her neck like the hot sun, Mika could feel the burning sensation of an other-worldly energy. There was no doubt an Empyrean was at work in this town. First the missing items and now the sacrifice of an innocent student. It was here to consume its next victim and it would be one with- Mika ceased her thoughts. She had to take a moment to assess the situation or fall victim to her own discord. The sprint through the Ginma's doorway was enough testament to emotional action for the day.

Silencing her thoughts, Mika turned her mind's eye to an objective perspective. Masaaki's parents acted calmly while under extreme discomfort. It was a typical civilian reaction to be passively protective in the given situation. A life of peace dictated reserved and caring reactions. While their inner struggles only scratched the surface of their outward reactions, there was nothing out of place. Masaaki on the other hand...

Slow and controlled, the young woman took a careful breath as she turned her dark hues towards the red head. There were bags under his eyes, which told Mika he hadn't slept well. From what she could deduce from yesterday, he should've slept extremely well with his collectible returned and an evening of enjoying one of his favorite shows with a new friend. Something was wrong in the way he had greeted her and his concern for her safety as well as his friend Sora's. It was true the news held a certain power in shaking one's insecurities, but as Mika cut away her emotions and infatuation with Masaaki, she could tell something was off. "You two enjoy your breakfast. We need to tend to the bakery. Some comfort food will be good for this town today. Stay as long as you like, Mika. You are welcome here," Masaaki's parents took their leave, saying good bye to their son as well and hoping he'd stay in for today. However as business owners, the Ginma's needed to tend to their shop whether it be rain or shine.

It was just the two of them in the room now. "Masaaki-san," the midnight beauty spoke his name while rising slowly from her seat, the pastry before her untouched. One in front of the other, Mika's feet carried her closer to the other. Bambii eyes refused to break their gaze as she made her way to his side. Hand placing itself upon the table beside him, she intoxicated the air of his personal space with her electrifying aura. Expression softening once in close vicinity, the girl's slender jawline tilted with concern. Stomaching her own discomfort, she put Masaaki before herself and her duty. "What's wrong?" her words held depth which dove beyond the surface of the known situation that they were burdened with. Mika could only hope Masaaki trusted her enough to open up and say what was festering under his skin.  

[kotaro17]

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▌ tab WHERE: xxx tab ▌ tab FEELING: xxx tab ▌ tab WITH: xxx tab ▌ tab MENTIONS: xxx tab ▌


• 
  tab tab 🎮 Hands clasped together on his lap, under the kitchen table. His fingers wringing together anxiously as he listened to his parents. Agreeing with them though as they said it'd be good if Mika slept over if ever they were hanging out late again. He'd be worried since the murder happened to students, and he didn't know how well surveilled the dorms were or anything, how safe. But still the whole tragedy had him anxious and nervous, after that nightmare he'd had last night. As graphic as one of his video games, as vivid and intense. It had woken him from a deep sleep. He'd stayed curled up the rest of the night trying to soothe himself back to sleep, but with no luck. He'd been afraid to close his eyes again and see the whole scene all over again.
  
  tab tab 🎮 Snapping out of his thoughts, Masaaki looked up at his parents, smiling a little. "Yea...people are going to want sweets and pastries today for sure. Let me know if you need any help." He'd help his parents sometimes in the bakery. His mom ruffling his hair, kissing the top of his head and assuring him they'd be fine. Just reminding him to relax and not get his breathing all agitated again fussing and all. The two left he and Mika there to finish breakfast and hang out. Wanting Masaaki to let them know if Mika wanted to go back to the dorms at all if it was early in the day, they'd all go to escort to make sure the kids were safe.
  
  tab tab 🎮 Staring absentmindedly at his glass, after he'd drank a little. Half of a second strudel was still on his plate, but his stomach felt unsettled. Jumping a little when he heard his name called after a long moment of silence. Tilting his head up to Mika as she came to stand by him. Flinching a little, he looked away at her question, she could tell couldn't she? Was he acting weird or something? Closing his eyes, they stung, he brought his hands up to rub them. Feeling exhausted, but as his eyes were shut, he saw those images again. Trembling a little, he blinked them open again. Looking up at Mika, he couldn't help the tears pooling at his lids. "This...this crime that happened...Oh, Mika I had the worst nightmare last night...as if I'd seen the crime in action. I saw one of our classmates being ripped apart. I thought it was just a terrible nightmare, but then when I got up this morning and heard the news. I was so scared, it was just like my dream..." Telling her the details of it, the weird melody, and seeing Nobu Yuki torn apart. "I couldn't sleep the rest of the night, everytime I keep closing my eyes, I can still see it. I can't get it out of my head, Mika it's so awful. I...I know in my nightmare which of our classmates I saw...but I was so scared when I hadn't heard from you, when I was texting. I didn't know whose body had been found they hadn't said on the news and I thought the worst." On instinct, as Mika stood in front of where he'd sat, Masaaki hugged her again. His arms around her waist, face practically pressed to her stomach. He sniffled, trying to keep from turning into a puddle of tears. "I was so scared something bad had happened. That's why I was so happy and relieved when you'd run in here."
  
  

 

[Sylamb]

H A R U N O ✵ M I K A
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M A G E ✵ S P A R K

Porcelain features remaining gentle as Masaaki turned his chin to meet her gaze, the midnight beauty felt her question strike a chord. Quickly turning his plum hues away, Mika leaned closer as he rubbed the tiresome orbs. She was not wrong. Deductive and observant, the soldier of uda rarely overlooked facts. His trembling did not go unnoticed either and it made her own heart quiver. Free hand reaching up, the girl wished to place a palm on his shoulder in comfort, but his doleful eyes made her freeze. They glistened with sorrow and fear. Showering her with the details of what tormented his thoughts, the Mage would not dismiss his nightmare as mere coincidence. In the past, an Empyrean had infested the minds of young agents with images of a human's death. The case file had been closed and no further investigation was done since uda couldn't detect abnormalities.

Reaching for her phone, Mika knew she had to report. Agent Spade wouldn't understand the importance, but she had no doubt Yokyrie would. As if Spade was psychic, a text came through her phone. Unlocking her phone, her gaze hardened as she read- A hug. Thoughts came to a dead stop as the divide between worlds was physically bridged once more. Arms reaching about her as before, Mika felt Masaaki's warmth around her modest hips. Satin lips parting in surprise, the midnight beauty could not deny his wish to be close. Every human she had encountered seemed mediocre and trivial, but not him. She could feel the discord as his soul called to her mana in a way she could not explain. Overcome with empathy, the girl wrapped her arms around the boy protectively. "I was so scared something bad had happened. That's why I was so happy and relieved when you'd run in here." Fingertips ran through his tussles of violet-red as Mika held him tightly. "Mhm," she hummed while nodding her head. She felt the same but was unable to say so as openly as he. Eyes closing, Mika found herself silently promising to protect him and his family. There was something precious about Masaaki that she couldn't lose.

Wishing to let the sniffling sweet heart embrace her for as long as he needed, Mika's thoughts couldn't avoid the specifics of Agent Spade's text message. It was expected the soldier of uda would be called to action, but there would be no answer on her end. Heeding their call would mean abandoning the first person she ever felt close to. With a Rank 2 Empyrean loose in Shiri, there was only one place Mika would be; here. And she would do more than just be a soldier. She wanted to pick up his spirits. "Masaaki, pick out a movie you like to fall asleep to. A happy movie to make you dream and if the nightmares dare to threaten your happy thoughts I'll fight them off with..." she paused to lean close to his ear to whisper, "Magic." A rare and honest smile lit up Mika's face, much like the one she had when reading Masaaki's text last night when he got home safe. There was a playful spark that only he brought out. This was a side to Mika no one knew, not even her.

"Once you've rested up, can we help your parents? I've never baked before. I would like it if you showed me-" there was a strong knock on the front door before it started to open. Mika's dark hues turned fearful to see who would be on the other side. Their time was up. No one ignored uda's call...

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Party Crasher.

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The Hugs! /Melts/

 

[Pet Me Now]

G a s a i _ ♠ _ A c e

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Quiet. The town of Shiri showed no signs of life. Fear took the town hostage. Locked behind four walls and a roof, the people thought themselves safe. Ignorance was bliss. Better to have the populace hole up than take to the streets in panic. The headlines. Wasn't cannibalism too extreme? The agent didn't think it was UDA's choice. Possibly an independent reporter grasping straws for spotlight. Tch. Repulsive human beings. UDA would clean up the publicity mess and turn the murder into an animal attack . Whatever the case and clean up, the drive to Haruno Mika's destination went uninterrupted. Gasai really couldn't complain.

Parking in front of the location, Agent Spade figured the Mage was at the bakery. Mika seemed to have a weakness for sweets. The shop was just opening. Cravings wouldn't be the case. Name on the house read Ginma. Pulling details from his PDA, Gasai found Masaaki's file. Asthmatic. Frail. Decent Grades. Otaku. Gamer. Kid's face looked like it wanted to be punched.

Exiting the car, he had waited for less than sixty seconds. Too long. Mage Spark was trained to not waste a second of an Agent's time. Accessing Haruno's location log and report, Spade didn't look pleased. Morning; sighted at the school building. Took off once she noticed agents disguised as police. "What the hell. . . " Gasai grumbled, aggravated by the uncharacteristic behavior of his star pupil. At the door step he could hear Mika's voice, but couldn't make out what she was saying. Two solid knocks. One second of waiting. Door opens.

"Haruno Mika. I said I was en route to pick you up," voice stern, like a disappointed father. Long black hair revealed one disinterested look at Masaaki. He refused to believe she was here visiting him. Passing on his glare to the Mage, he raised his chin. She could see both his eyes. He was judging her. Why the hell was she still in her school uniform? Identifying her bag nearby, he picked it up and passed it to her with a decent amount of force. "Change. Car. 90 seconds. Now." Displeasure roughened his already scratchy voice. He was not screwing around. Gasai needed his soldier before another kid was ripped apart.

Arms folded across his chest, he did not introduce himself to Masaaki. Once he said the few words needed to get the Mage's a** in gear, Spade stared the boy down. Don't you say a ******** word, kid. He was dressed too nice to be military, but held the presence of a commanding officer. "Let's go, Mika," he reiterated, like a controlling father. Naturally, he wouldn't care for the boy occupying his daughter's time. After his interview with Mage Willow this morning, Gasai had enough of teenage drama. He could overlook this fluke on Mika's behalf, but he swore if she didn't get her s**t together. . .

☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷

A g e n t _ ♠ _ S p a d e

kotaro17

Sylamb

 

[kotaro17]

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Sylamb

▌ tab WHERE: xxx tab ▌ tab FEELING: xxx tab ▌ tab WITH: xxx tab ▌ tab MENTIONS: xxx tab ▌


• 
  tab tab 🎮 Holding onto Mika, Masaaki was surprised as he felt her arms wrap around him in return. It felt like an uncertain movement from her, before she wrapped her arms around him. A sense of anchoring as he held her still, feeling her presence solidified in that return of embrace. Reminding himself it was okay, she was okay, she was here. The tension and anxiety in his body felt as if it could ease away as Mika stroked the top of his head suddenly. Her fingers gently brushing through his mop of hair, a soothing, comforting gesture.
  
  tab tab 🎮 He'd only stirred a bit when he heard Mika speaking. She'd mentioned choosing a movie, a real nice, happy movie that always made him feel great, having happy dreams. Next to Totoro, he'd probably choose something like Ponyo, or Kiki's Delivery Service. Because who couldn't have happy dreams after watching an utterly adorable animated movie about a magical fish girl who loves eating ham...or a determined young witch and her sassy talking cat. Just as the thought crossed his mind of which movie he could choose, one you couldn't go wrong with, as any of them were just so cute and fantastical and fun, his attention was drawn to Mika's promise of chasing the nightmares away. She'd said magic, that was the second time she'd told him something about magic. He wanted to ask her more about it.
  
  tab tab 🎮 He'd lifted his head, meeting her gaze as she drew back, seeing the smile that adorned her features. Masaaki felt a sudden heat flash across his cheeks and his heart fluttered when he saw that smile. Eyes wide in wonder, he simply nodded lightly, as he didn't fully trust his ability to form coherent words just then. Smiling in return, it was such a warm look she gave him, a twinkle in her eyes almost, it was unique, special, getting to see such an expression from Mika. "Y-yea, they'd be glad to have our help. I'd like that...to get to show you how to bake some things." Speaking quietly, almost a little sheepishly, he'd barely heard the knock. Until of course someone had barged into the home.
  
  tab tab 🎮 Jolting a bit as the door banged open, his heart racing, as this dark suited, serious man busted into his home. Reluctantly releasing her from the hug. The fact that he'd addressed Mika personally and said he'd told her he was enroute, had more or less gone over his head. Distracted by how abrupt and rude the man was, as he shoved Mika's bag into her hands. Who was this guy, that had the nerve to break into someone's home and accost Mika, a guest here. His mouth hung open a little, floundering to find his words as he listened to this man. Eyes scanning him up and down, he practically vibrated with a tense, stern like energy around him. Despite the warning bells ringing in his head as he looked at this male, Masaaki couldn't get over how incredibly rude he was.
  
  tab tab 🎮 "E-excuse me?! I don't like the way you're speaking to Miss Mika. She's a friend, and a guest in my family's home. You don't get to just bully your way in here and order her around, and she doesn't have to go anywhere she doesn't want to. Not with some creep like you." Stepping in front of Mika protectively, though his body trembled a bit. Who was this guy, what was he doing here, ordering Mika around like that? He looked like he might be able to kill a person, oh gods was this some predator, or like...someone in cahoots with the cannibal. Masaaki's face paled as he thought about that, that this dangerous looking fellow could be here trying to hurt Mika. No, no, no, that wouldn't happen, not like that nightmare he'd had about their classmate. Mika wouldn't get hurt like that, his mind was spinning as he thought something terrible would happen.
  
  tab tab 🎮 Panic suddenly gripped him, a heart clenching fear. As his thoughts spiraled into that nightmare, into what could happen. That someone could possibly harm Mika, Masaaki felt a tightening in his chest. "NO," he'd suddenly snapped, without a second thought, Masaaki had practically threw himself at the Agent. Shoving him with as much strength as he could muster, "GET OUT, You Creepy...dark suited demon, you're not taking Mika. You're not gonna hurt her!" Fists clenched at his sides, as he practically glared up at him, a challenging look in his eyes. Or...at least some semblance of that, as his emotions had run a little wild along with his imagination, thinking the man was some bad guy. Somewhere in the back of his head, part of him, a little inner voice was going 'oh s**t, oh s**t, oh s**t! You shoved him, you actually shoved him! He's gonna kill you!'
  
  tab tab 🎮 Jeez Sora and his other friends had definitely rubbed off on him, Masaaki had never done anything like that before. While yes, he was absolutely terrified that he'd just signed his own death sentence, Masaaki didn't intend to go down without a fight. Looking this guy over, he doubted he'd have a chance in hell, but he could be a good distraction for Mika to get away. Trying to ignore the slight wheeze working it's way up in his lungs. Backing up where he was close to Mika, "Mika you can get away from this creep through the back door, that way." Motioning with a nod of his head in the direction of where he was meaning for her to go. She could go to where his parents were, they could call for help.
  
  

 

[Sylamb]

H A R U N O ✵ M I K A
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▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬
M A G E ✵ S P A R K

Speculation came to fruition as a pair of signature polished shoes walked in uninvited. The cold and unforgiving presence of Gasai Ace drove a wedge between their heartfelt moment. As Masaaki stood to face the intruder, Mika's porcelain features hardened to stone as the agent's gaze carried his displeasure over to her. Chin dipped as she glowered back at him. Although he had sized her up many times, that judgmental stare never lost its potency. The look always hit hard on her ego. Stubborn and determined, Mika refused to bat a lash as the agent threw her bag. Hands reacting without thought, she caught it. However, there would be zero notion to do as he commanded. Silence and inaction was the rawest form of rebellion a soldier of uda could attack with. The Mage was prepared to stand her ground by not moving an inch and the agent would be able to pick up on it immediately. Their stand off would've been a long winter if not for... "E-excuse me?!" Dazzled by Masaaki's sudden protective stance, she wasn't quite sure what to do. No one had ever stood up for her and he went beyond defending her verbally. Taking the ground before her, the gentle young man went as far as insulting the agent by calling him a creep.

Enthralled by his words, it took the midnight beauty a moment to realize Masaaki was trembling as before. Stress from the last eight hours was taking its toll on his fragile existence, but from where Mika stood... he didn't seem as delicate as before. Spade reiterated his orders. Masaaki's rebuttal surprised her further. Never would she have suspected the rising stress and tension in his voice to lead him to his next action. Hands upon the agent, the tender heart put all his might into a weary shove. Spade possessed over a dozen moves to subdue Masaaki. Mika had twice as many to counter it. Emotion fading from her expression, the soldier was primed to react if he dared to touch Masaaki. However, there was no need to jump in. The agent chose to loose ground, stepping away from the pair and taking the push.

Masaaki at her guard once more, directed the midnight beauty to sneak out the back. Coarse and ragged breaths from getting worked up would cause his chest to heave noticeably. Looking to agent Spade, Mika attempted to get a grasp on his perspective. The suit kept his tongue still to give her a chance to think and speak. Not that he had much of a choice. For the sake of the experiment, he couldn't intervene as he typically would. Yokyrie unknowingly turned the tables against Spade. With the upper hand, Mika could do as she pleased. However, fighting alongside an agent the Empyrean threat would be taken care of quicker allowing life to continue as normal. First thing first, she had to diffuse the situation. "Masaaki-san, this is my uncle. Do not forgive him. He forgets his manners when wearing that suit," the mage sneered at the agent. This was not the facility. This was not a battlefield. This was a civilian residence and the agent needed to be reminded of that. "I will change," she stated plainly while making her way to the washroom. No more than two steps away, did the vixen look back over her shoulder. "But I will not be leaving Masaaki-san's side," as cold as the stone they were set in, Mika's words would not be rivaled and her mind could not be swayed. "Deal with it," her eyes narrowed as she silently jabbed at Spade's predicament before disappearing to change. While behind closed doors, Mika would send a message to agent Yokryie...  

[Pet Me Now]

G a s a i _ ♠ _ A c e

☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷

Haruno Mika didn't flinch. An agent had just given the most loyal Mage UDA had to offer orders and she refused to obey. Glaring with bag in hand, the soldier believed this was her post and she would not abandon it. To make matters worse. . . Creep? Kid had guts. Beyond what Ace would've given him credit for at least. The way he spoke for Mika made it clear. The boy didn't know what she was therefore he didn't know who he was speaking to. In a way, Spade felt sorry for the kid. He didn't seem like a typical hungry teenage boy, but one with principles and manners. And here he was, getting tangled in a Mage's web. What a mess. . .

Ginma made a move. Before the kid realized what he was doing, Spade was already moving to counter until he caught sight of Haruno's face. Ace sensed he'd be a dead man if he harmed a hair on the boy's head. "Tch!" Shaking. Exhausted. Flimsy. What little weight Masaaki had was thrown into pushing Spade back. Light on his feet, Ace barely moved from his spot, but still had to reposition his feet. "This guy. . . Really, Mika?" At least the kid had nerve. Brains too for not taking it any further. Most hot headed teens couldn't stop once the first attack was made.

Sizing up the situation? ********. Kyrie was getting what she wanted at the price of a soldier. Experiment Shiri was going to be a tough nut to crack. Holding no signs of hostility or retreat, Gasai stared past Masaaki to the Mage behind him. "You got a choice here, kiddo. Weave a web of lies to hide the facts or trust this boy. You're coming with me either way." Once his silent opinions had been voiced by their exchanging glares, Spade could feel himself placed ********>," he murmured in defeat, realizing he was a pawn and not a king on the current chess board. In fact, this pipsqueak with the punch-able face laid claim to the title as King. Mika his Queen. Strategic advantage was in his favor. He probably didn't even realize it.

Earning a sneer from the mage, a dose of half-truths explained alongside an ultimatum to remain at this squirt's side. . . Gasai had his work cut out. He hated to admit it, but if it were any other mage, he wouldn't be playing nice. The little s**t infecting the mage's judgement would be knocked out and taken for a ride in order to get the UDA powerhouse to oblige. But this was Haruno Mika. The dedication, sacrifice and origin story of this girl held a lock and loaded gun at Ace's heart.

The moment Haruno was behind a secured door, Gasai invited himself further in. His eyes cut hard angles sickened with putrid nausea, glaring at Masaaki until the agent took a seat where the untouched pastry lay- Mika's strudel. "Listen up, kid. Listen good. I'm uncle by name. I live and die by this suit. Which means I have one goal and one goal only," he no longer bore daggers into Masaaki as he began cutting up the pastry into perfect bite size squares. With one long and painful scrape, he stained the air with the screeching sound of ill-pressed cutlery. "Close the Empyrean Gate."

Tossing the knife onto the table, he let the fork roll over his knuckles before twirling it back to his palm. Dark eye turned towards the kid, he crossed one leg over the other nonchalantly. "I need Mika for an assignment. Mika needs you to be safe," he teetered the fork on his index finger, letting it dip one way and then another to visually weigh the two facts. "I'll post six UDA agents around your home. You tell her you're fine. You tell her to go with me. I get the job done. Everyone stays safe," cut and dry. Gasai was lazy when it came to explaining things. As soon as everyone got the point, the better.

Fork stabbing the pastry, the agent quickly brought it to his lips. Teeth sliding against the metal fork, he smacked away at it arrogantly. Gasai had to do everything he could to maintain his dominant aura. Couldn't let this kid realize the type of power he had in the situation. In fact, he'd follow up in case the little s**t had a different idea brewing. One Masaaki could detest, which is the one Ace knew Mika wanted. "C'mon. Its a good deal. You wouldn't forsake your parents over a girl you met, what. . . yesterday?" Gasai spoke, pretty sure of himself. Hell, a pawn could always check a king.

☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷

A g e n t _ ♠ _ S p a d e

Sylamb

Hmph. Hmph. Hmph. Plot, you say?

kotaro17

I hope you find this challenging.

 

[kotaro17]

show spoilerhide spoiler

Sylamb

[quore="Pet Me Now"]

▌ tab WHERE: xxx tab ▌ tab FEELING: xxx tab ▌ tab WITH: xxx tab ▌ tab MENTIONS: xxx tab ▌


• 
  tab tab 🎮 Stunned, Masaaki did a double take as Mika had uttered those words. "U-UNCLE?!?" Exclaiming in sudden surprise at her declaration of this intense, frightening man being her relative. Blinking several times, like he'd come out of a daze as some of the tension in his body relaxed. Knowing that this wasn't some weird creep now, though he was still a bit wary of the man. Nodding as Mika said he didn't have to excuse the man's behavior, not to forgive him. An apology in fact stifling itself in the back of his throat, that he'd been about to say, his lips pressed close as she had explained how the man 'forgot himself' and his manners when in that suit. "I...I see...oh...well s-so long as everything is alright then?" That this wasn't some creepy villain. Even though he looked like there was a dark lightening cloud around this man, like he might be poised to strike at any moment.
  
  tab tab 🎮 Masaaki wasn't quite sure how to act now. Part of him, going back to his usual mild mannered self, wanting to display proper manners and apologize to the adult...now knowing he was Mika's relative. The other part of him was still on guard, reluctant to relax, even though the man wasn't here to cause any harm. Wide eyed as he heard Mika as she retreated to the wash room, announcing she wouldn't leave his side. There was something going on, that she was meant to be 'changing' to prepare to go somewhere it seemed? What...he had to wonder was going on. He felt compelled to agree on the sentiment, he didn't want to leave Mika's side either. Masaaki was worried, that something would happen if she left and he stayed here. That he wouldn't see her again, that fear from his nightmare clenching like a vice grip in his chest, around his heart. It caused a visible tremble to run through him. As he was left there in the room with just Mika's uncle. "Where---" About to ask where he was going to bring Mika off to when the man cut him off as he moved toward the kitchen table.
  
  tab tab 🎮 Originally as he'd looked at the man after Mika's pronouncement, Masaaki supposed he could see he was possibly related to her. Both with dark hair, and those equally intense personalities. Though he'd seen more to Mika, like her wonder and fascination when she'd gotten to watch My Neighbor Totoro and how kind she'd been helping him find his collectible. There was more to her then just this scary intensity that her 'uncle' displayed. He supposed he shouldn't judge a book by its cover, the man might have more to him then meets the eye as well. 'Uncle by name,' so...he wasn't blood related? But he was...Mika's guardian? Or at least that's what it seemed. Watching him cutting up the pastry, flinching a little at the screech of the cutlery as the man emphasized his 'task' to being there...or his goal. Wide eyed, the Empyrean Gate, that thing in the sky. So...Mika was serious when she'd mentioned magic before. But, was it just her alone? It couldn't be, she wouldn't be left to stand alone and take on something like that right?
  
  tab tab 🎮 Listening to Gasai's explanation, or...order? Well it sounded like an order, this seemed to be a man used to ordering people around. That's probably another reason it bothered him so much, how he'd come barging in earlier. "E-everyone stays safe? But..." his voice quiet at first as he started to speak, "But that's not really true is it? Not if Mika is part of 'closing the gate' or...doing whatever assignment you have in mind. It's not as if it's something like homework...like a pen to paper kind of assignment. She's not going someplace that's 'safe,' so...it's not true that 'everyone stays safe' then...sir." A bit of his manners coming out as he responded to the man, calling him sir.
  
  tab tab 🎮 Flinching a little as Gasai remarked about his parents. That struck a chord as Masaaki fought with his conscience for what to respond. Conflicting emotions warring inside him, protectiveness over his parents and over Mika. also it didn't help that it almost sounded like a threat coming from this man. "A 'good deal'? Excuse me...Sir but what you're saying makes it sound like a business transaction. As far as...forsaking my parents, they'd be the first ones to tell me to follow my heart. To do what I feel is right, and I love them and I trust that they'll be safe, and they have each other. I can't...I can't let Mika go alone...it has nothing to do with how little time I've known her, I feel in my gut in my heart that I need to stand with her. I don't want anything to happen to her, and I can't stay here being consumed by the worry and wondering about if she'll come back safely. No offense to you sir, you look...very capable of taking care of her. I just...respectfully, I have to say that what you've said or offered...it's not a good deal for me."
  
  tab tab 🎮 He couldn't believe he was saying all this, even having the courage to declare all this. Still feeling that knot in his chest, that panic. But he knew he was making the right choice, that fear still clung to him, that if he stayed here, something would happen to Mika and he wouldn't ever know or it'd be like his dream of what happened to their classmate. The idea made him feel sick, it made him pale, thinking about something attacking Mika like that. He hadn't raised his voice as he spoke to the 'uncle,' simply speaking and determined. "I have the worst feeling that something bad could happen if she walked out of here with you and I stayed...I know my parents would worry over me...but they'd still support whatever my heart and my conscience was telling me. I'm not strong or tough like my other friends...I know I'm weak and probably can't do anything at all to help. But still...I can be there in Mika's corner, someone to support her." It wasn't like he had some kind of powers like Mika had, but he was still determined to stand with her.
  
  

 

[Pet Me Now]

G a s a i _ ♠ _ A c e

☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷

Couldn't sell the kid short. His gut was spot on. Gasai's definition of safe was more along the lines of alive rather than unharmed. The agent still wondered if Masaaki knew of Mika's ability. The way Ace spoke was to lead him onto thinking she was an agent in training. Serving to close the gate. Attempts to pick up on any awareness to the situation in the boy's speech were fruitless. Continuing to eat casually, Gasai's eye cast down. The kid stumbled during his declaration. Couldn't let Mika go alone? Had to give him some credit. Most boys his age were satisfied having the attention of a girl with a pretty face. Gasai wasn't too old to remember Highschool. But this kid sounded more mature. Maybe Ace would stop referring to him as a child. . .

A respectful decline. Masaaki had balls. Reaching into his pocket, Gasai pulled out his U.D.A Bloodhound. A pinging device used to detect Mana. He didn't make a remark on the teen's disapproval. Listening to the second half of his speech, Gasai checked to make sure Mika wasn't pulling any stunts. "What the hell!?" His ears fell deaf. There were two marks on his radar. One bright. One dim. The strong signal was behind him at Mika's location. Nothing out of the ordinary. She was one of the strongest Mages at UDA. The second was in front of him. . . admitting his worthlessness, but his loyalty to support the Spark of U.D.A.

Eye raising from the nearly finished meal, Gasai gave no indication that something peculiar had happened. "Fine," he stated curtly. No attempt for another deal was struck. The agent had business to take care of. His attention was on the Bloodhound, capturing a screenshot, marking it and sending it to Kyrie. Device was put away. "We're going to the location Nobu Yuki was murdered," Gasai spoke forthright to the pair, turning to Mika who had been standing silently behind them for a moment. "Your boyfriend's coming with," he made the announcement clear, eye cutting over to Masaaki. "Get in the car. Now," he would give no more to go off of before exiting. For as much as Gasai knew, he felt in the dark. He couldn't properly share information if he wanted to. Only one woman had a clear vision of what was going on. Without question, he'd do as she said. Investigate the crime scene with the new modifications to Bloodhound. He'd keep one eye on Masaaki. . . Gasai suspected the device was intended to better track Empyreans. Despite U.D.A's records on the boy, the agent was filled with distrust.

"Equip yourself, Mika. Ginma, get in back," he ordered with no room for argument. Sending one last quick message to Kyrie, Gasai started the car and headed towards the Shoreline. All the while keeping Masaaki in his vision should his suspicions come to reality.

☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷☰☱☲☳☴☵☶☷

A g e n t _ ♠ _ S p a d e

[Exit to Shoreline]