genessia | Summer, August 13th

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Summer, August 13th - Reaching Out

[ It's been a busy week for Ayame. She spent her weekend back in a replica of her homeworld's Dubai, and her duties as Deputy Guardian have been time consuming. Though the latter was just all patrolling and paperwork so far, thankfully. It's definitely better than trouble. Now that she's free again after keeping to herself and her friends, Ayame feels like using this day to reach out to more people. ]

Video - Public

[ The video starts with the camera pointing forward. Her cat Hibiki sits comfortably on a basket in front of a bicycle as it passes through a small street, with small patches of farm on either side. It wasn't long until the camera switches to Ayame on the bike, with the comm device floating to show her face while her hands are both on the bike. ]

Good morning, Genessia. Autumn seems close now, isn't it? I'm excited to see the leaves turn color and for this heat to subside.

[ She smiles, slowing her bike down slightly ]

Getting to my point - I'm simply here to ask you what your favorite dish is, or something that you miss eating back home. Whether it is an actual meal on to itself, a dessert item, or even just a snack. I'd love to hear about it. My free time is now spent improving my skill to cook and bake, so I'm open to new ideas and challenges. I will even try my best to make it for you.

[ Crossing some train tracks, the background begins to show more signs of infrastructure. She's in a more suburban area of modern Tokyo from the looks of it. ]

Though I'm still a beginner, I will accept ideas from alien cuisines that normally isn't available in the Earth-like Genessia City. To think that I've been to many worlds for most of my life, traveling from one alien realm after another, yet I never got much of a chance to try what tastes a lot of them had to offer. Hm. In any case, it should be entertaining to experiment and attempt to recreate them using what ingredients we have available in this world. So please, let me know.

Action - Nova City - Public

[ As a newly appointed Deputy Guardian, Ayame is getting reacquainted to yet another familiar feeling - to serve a greater good with using her skills as a soldier. She only joined to take Satsuki's place, but thankfully there's a big difference in being a Deputy and being an Archon that makes this job easier for her to bear, and is that she's given more opportunities to interact with civilians and not just a life of going from mission after mission. Her first goal as a Deputy is to build rapport with the citizens of Nova. Hair up in a bun and clad in a new attire inspired by Satsuki's Junketsu, Ayame can be found patrolling her assigned sector in Nova City.

While on her break, she stands at a plaza speaking to citizens, one of whom lets Ayame carry their baby in her arms. Gently rocking the child like a mother would, Ayame's smile beams as she lets the baby grip her finger. She turns her attention to the person that caught the baby's gaze away, Ayame nodding and greeting them in a friendly manner ]

Ah, hello.

[ She said, playfully waving the baby's arm at this person. As Deputy, she felt the need to ask: ]

Is there anything that I can help you with?

[ Something minor? Something major? Either way, Ayame would try her best ]

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*August 13th is Faye's last day of being young, so she is out and about in Nova trying to find an outfit for her birthday. She alwayd likes to look good, but goes the extra mile for a special occasion.

So she has an arm full of shopping bags and really isn't paying attention to absolutely everything around her when she sees Ayame with a baby and suddenly stops*

Damn... Ayame... Did you leave to have a kid?

[You know who loves to talk about food? Orihime loves to talk about food.]

I love trying new things too! But there are definitely some dishes I miss eating, ha ha! My favorite is baked sweet potatoes with cheese and butter. You should definitely try it if you get the chance!

[She clasps her hands together.]

If you want to learn how to make any of the desserts in Cake Town, you could intern here whenever you want. I'd be happy to teach you! Although most of the recipes are for big batches, they came from smaller ones that I multiplied. So I still have the originals!

[ Seeing Faye looking dolled up isn't new to Ayame. Faye always looks great, so the extra mile largely went unnoticed. The idea of this baby being her's took precedence in her mind as a small laugh leaves her grin. Hugging the baby closer that it's face is next to her's, she playfully replies: ]

Why? Do we look alike?

[ Ayame smiles, lowering her arms back to its original position as to not make the child feel uncomfortable. A short glance at the innocent face looking at her curiously, Ayame felt for a moment that she might actually enjoy being a mother. As impossible as that is to her now. ]

No, this lovely girl isn't mine. I'm just socializing with the citizens, and they're just letting me carry her a bit.

[ Ayame cocks her head toward the child's mother standing near her ]

Baked sweet potatoes, hm? I do enjoy those, and adding cheese and butter makes it sound like such a guilty pleasure.

[ Ayame laughs. She tries to eat healthy, but occasionally indulging in such delights are healthy for the soul. ]

But that prospect actually sounds good, that's very kind of you to offer and I gladly accept. Take good care of me, sensei.

[ Orihime has earned enough of her trust that she feels more comfortable being playful around her. ]

When can I start?

Edited 2018-08-13 15:41 (UTC)

Yeah, they're the best! And fall is coming up, so it'll be prime sweet potato roasting season. I can't wait!

[She's delighted, too, to have a chance to spend more time with Ayame. Orihime knows she hasn't been all that available for her friends since she started training as a deputy guardian and she feels a little bad about that. But this way she can still hang out with Ayame and not neglect her work at the bakery! Everyone wins!]

Any time is fine! I usually start baking really early in the morning, around four a.m., to make sure everything is stocked. You definitely don't have to be here at that time, though! Any time after that is okay too.

*Faye tilts her head at Ayame and the baby. She didn't think they looked hugely alike, but then she didn't know who the father was. Could it even be Dante? But then Ayame gestures towards the other woman, and Faye looks over, making sense of it now. She nods, a bit embarrassed by her suggestion*

Right. Well. I guess that's a new one. They seem to like it anyway.

*At least, until Faye butted in*

[ The citizens around Ayame didn't mind at all, much like the Deputy herself. It's good for her image to see that she has friends that she can be playful with. Carefully handing the child back to her mother, Ayame gives the child a wave while the baby just looks at her. Ayame turns her attention to Faye, seeing the shopping bags ]

I know one of those shops. They sell excellent quality products.

[ Ayame compliments Faye's taste, walking toward her friend. Only then does she notice that Faye's stepped it up today, fashion-wise ]

You're looking good. How have you been?

[ Ayame feels the same way as Orihime. Being a deputy takes a lot of her free time. It's only because of knowing time management that she can do other things. ]

Such dedication, I'm impressed! Very well, I shall be there at about 5:30? Once I'm done with my morning rituals.

[ She wakes up really early too, whenever she decides to sleep. Nodding and making a note of this in her mind, colorful banners that beckon customers with promises of a sale, soon grace the background of the video as she reaches the compound of a supermarket. ]

And funny enough, I had sweet potatoes in my mind the other day. I had the idea of grilling them on hot stones while camping in Fayren, once the leaves start turning. I would love to have you with me. Camping alone with my pets is fun and all, but having a friend along would be even better.

You sound like someone who really appreciates food.

[No matter how much he eats that is one thing he likes. He is always thankful for what he does have when he can get it.]

Ha ha! I wouldn't say that...

[She just does it because she loves it. Still, she appreciates the compliment, so she'll take it!]

Ohhhhh...that sounds like fun. I've never been officially camping before!

[Finding a hiding spot to sleep while sneaking into Soul Society doesn't really count because that didn't involve fun camping activities like burning marshmallows and finding out that streams are really cold.]

It'll be a good chance to learn some wilderness survival skills, too. I didn't do too well when we had that blizzard, ha ha!

*Faye just watches Ayame interact with the baby, curious for a moment as she does. Then she looks down at her bags and nods in agreement*

Yeah. They do. They're one of my go to places.

*She isn't very used to getting compliments on her appearance from women, but she tries a smile cause that's the polite thing to do, right?*

Okay. I guess. Nothing special. You?

[Of course Satsuki would be in Nova City! However there isn't anything nearly as interesting going on with her today- she's adorn in her usual attire, with Furfrou plodding along as she seems interested in sniffing every little thing she sees today.

This eventually leads to her bumping (not literally) into Ayame, and her brows raise at the sight of the Deputy's attire, which catches her attention more than the baby does.]

Yes, ah... Greetings.

[A beat. Why *does* that stand out more? She realizes why and the a sigh follows- with a very slight smirk.]

You appear so... Natural with a baby in your arms. One could not pay me enough to do that.

[ Satsuki's reaction and gaze towards her attire got Ayame to smile with her eyes. The compliment that came after was nice, although it did made her thoughts drift to other things for a moment ]

Is that so?

[ She playfully asks, rhetorically. ]

I suppose that's a good thing. This would be the first in the longest time that I have held a child in my arms. Hopefully it wouldn't be the last.

[ She admits, still holding the baby and wiggling her finger at them. Ayame is certain she'll never have a child of her own, and quite frankly she doesn't want to. But she loves children, as well as doting on people. So those made her wonder how she would be like as a mother. ]

You could say that.

[ Ayame nods, agreeing with Allen's statement as she keeps on going on her bike ]

I didn't have this much appreciation for it until I've found myself in Genessia. Certain people have greatly influenced me. I assume you like the culinary arts as well?

Oh my, that blizzard. I certainly remember that...

[ Luckily for Ayame, the cold never bothered her anyway. But that's exactly why she didn't know what else to say regarding that time. She's glad Orihime managed, though. ]

But ah that's perfect. Then I shall teach you some wilderness survival tactics in exchange for your help in my baking journey. Should another blizzard strike us this coming winter, you will be ready.

[ Ayame hums; those short syllables often say something is hiding beneath that person's demeanor. Though despite catching on to it, Ayame spoke casually in response to Faye's answer, humoring the other woman's attempt to put the spotlight on her instead ]

Apart from becoming a Deputy Guardian? Nothing very spectacular. Most of my free time is spent with friends I've met in my previous stay.

[ Then, in a subtle way to ask Faye what's wrong, Ayame motions for them to walk together away from the crowd's earshot before Ayame asks indirectly: ]

Nothing special as you may put it, but it seems you've been busy. I hardly see you around in the network, or even in Gale's clubs.

[ She would invite Faye to hang out more, but she isn't sure where she stands with Faye as a friend or an acquaintance. They're very different kind of people ]

I appreciate any food I get.

[As much as he eats a lot it's something he was very good at anyway.]

Cooking it wise I still would, but I feel bad when I mess up.

Messing up is part of the learning experience. Unless of course, you're trying to save money or the supplies for the ingredients you're using are limited... Then messing up is more damaging to one's confidence.

[ A sheepish chuckle follows her words. She speaks from experience from her many failed attempts in the past. But luckily she can just reverse time for said ingredients and start over. Still sucks for her ego though ]

Edited 2018-08-16 14:29 (UTC)

I'm always trying to save money.

[He always lived in debt, so saving as best as he can was always on the top of his mind to prevent that again.]

But you are right. It is a learning experience. A good one too.

*Faye shrugs at the 'deputy guardian' thing - all these friends in high places...*

That's good. You must be glad that you had familiar people to come back to.

*Not everyone was so lucky, she knew. Still, she is surorised at Ayame's claim that she's been busy - she wasn't sure anyone had noticed*

Nothing important. I was taking care of a friend's business for a while, but that's gone too now so...yeah. Nothing special.

[ Ayame is torn on pursuing the subject and prying deep into whatever Faye was hiding. The temptation of reading the other woman's mind had very briefly crossed her own, but ultimately found it to be morally wrong to do so. ]

Mm. I see.

[ They aren't close, which is why she understands Faye's guarded demeanor. She can respect Faye's want of privacy if she kept being vague in her responses, so Ayame nods and offers: ]

What business was it, if I may ask? Perhaps now that you're free we can spend more time together and add some special in your life.

[ Ayame turns her head to look at Faye directly, showing her honesty. They manage to have met on unusual circumstances in the past, and it's too soon to tell whethe they would really get along as friends, but Ayame implies it in her words that she does want to befriend Faye. In part due to how reclusive the other woman is being, and in part of her own loneliness and lack of friends closer to her age. ]

[The 'is that so' is enough to bring pause to Satsuki since she suddenly is uncertain if she's about to walk into a teasing statement or not. Thankfully that doesn't appear to be the case, and she relaxes.]

Well.. Not just with babies, but the young in general. I think you connect with Anastasia better than I do as well, for example. I wonder.. What drove your decision to take position as Deputy Guardian instead of, say, opening a Day Care?

[ Ayame gently hands the baby back to its mother as she listens to Satsuki's words. Nodding with a small hum, she turns her attention back to Satsuki with a light flutter of her fringes that made her beaming smile stand out ]

I can handle being in their presence in moderate doses. A day care would likely stress me out.

[ She admits once she's out of the mother's earshot, waving goodbye at the civilians as she takes small steps towards Satsuki, eyeing the Furfrou very briefly because bitch she remembers your haughty ass get the fuck outta here ]

*Faye just doesn't have any women in her life that she trusts is all. So in depth conversations with them are hard*

It was an art studio...

*Yeah, she knows how it sounds - she isn't exactly known for being arty or creative*

Right. Sure. I mean... I'm still at the casino, helping Gale out a bit too but - yeah...

*As much as she tried to make it sound like she was busy, out of pride, it's clear that Faye has no idea what she's doing with herself, and has quite a bit of free time on her hands*

[Well that's unfortunate. Furfrou was very much looking forward to having Ayame show her some affection! As if sensing Ayame's caution, the moment their eyes meet, the elegant pokemon's tail proceeds to wag.

It's a trap, of course.]

That makes sense.

[After what she admitted, tt isn't like Satuski would offer to help make said profession a reality, so as far as she's concerned there isn't anything she can add to that. Which allows her to shift the subject to something else such as,]

So.. Has anyone confused you for me yet?

[There's a very slight smirk with the question. She's.. Half-joking.]

[ Ayame knows Satsuki enough to catch that attempt at humor. Ayame blushes, finding it adorable to see in her friend. It never gets old, really ]

Not to my knowledge, but I'm sure some of them have for at least a moment. It helps that I'm still wearing those hairpins you gave me.

[ Ayame taps at the hairpins on the side of her head. Being a new face makes some of the citizens wary of approaching her. That family she was just talking to are one of the exemptions. ]

How about yourself. How is life now that you're free from the Guardianship duties?

[ Ayame sets aside the topic of the art studio, despite being pretty curious about it. Faye's demeanor has become worrying that Ayame drops her soft, caring tone in favor a more serious one. It wasn't strict and overpowering, but enough to show her concern in a more serious manner ]

With the way you speak, it tells me you're at war with yourself.

[ Ayame gazes forward, walking tall and matching Faye's stride. Her eyes look to the side, gazing at Faye from the corner of her eye ]

Your heart is desperate to be honest with what you're feeling, but your mind keeps wanting to hide it. I've seen that before so many times.

[ Mainly from herself. But she wouldn't admit that right now, though more to tell Faye that she's on to her ]

What's on your mind, truly?

*How is she even doing this? And why? How is it so easy for this woman to see right through her like that? It's really quite unnerving, but Faye doesn't want that to show. So she pauses in her walking and looks at Ayame steadily, shrugging her shoulders as nonchalantly as possible*

Look, Ayame, I really don't know what you think is going on here. I've just been doing some shopping, that's all. And right now I'd just like to sit somewhere and relax, you know? So, thanks for being a concerned deputy and all, but I'm fine.

*The lady doth protest too much?*

[ If anything, Ayame knows pride when she sees it. And how people cover up their weaknesses by pretending everything is not affecting them. That fact made her see herself in Faye, making her empathize and come to a decision ]

Very well. I must confess that I don't believe you. Your demeanor alone says it all even if your words betray it. But if privacy is what you prefer, then I will respect it. After all you and I don't know each other well so for me to push further would only be rude.

[ Ayame stops and matches Faye's steady gaze, offhandedly making a portal to Gale's apartment where Faye is currently staying as far as she knows. Gesturing towards the portal Ayame, puts a friendly hand on Faye's shoulder ]

But know this: I will always be cheering for you. I hope you find what makes you happy, Faye.

[ With that out, she lets go of Faye and letting the woman use the portal towards her current home. Ayame cares too much for other people, to the point she forgets to care for herself. In a way, it's what she uses to cope with her own loneliness. Convincing herself that if she makes other people happy, then she can be too. But this encounter with Faye would linger in her mind throughout the day, making her question things about herself... ]

[Satsuki appears more relaxed around Ayame as well, though it isn't exactly visible in the way she walks so it isn't nearly as visible to the others.]

You wear them well- perhaps this Halloween we should go all out.

[What could she mean by that? Two words: outfit swap. As for herself?]

I would say it is slightly more quiet. I had expected to be able to do further investigating during my free time, but somehow I have managed to continue to have my hands full.

[Dealing with both Kaguya's and Koishi's antics may as well be considered a part-time job.]

Investigating? Do explain. What could you be investigating now?

[ That word in particular stood out to Ayame that the thought of outfit swapping was immediately set aside. ]

[She shakes her head, as if signifying that it isn't a criminal investigation.]

The situation with Genessia.

When the barrier was breached again and there was some new information that was discovered during the occurrence. Unfortunately the information on its own did not make much sense.

Edited (OOC: Derp, Ayame was around for that. DX ) 2018-08-30 00:27 (UTC)

In what way did it not?

[ Ayame's eyes look down for the moment. That bit was a bitter reminder of the prison-like sentence that was forced upon them by whoever the spirits are. She looks up again, gesturing towards a direction that they could start taking a stroll to. ]

Right, I should have specified. The party I was in discovered a crystal possessing some sort of.. Recording. Or memory. Here.

[Satsuki walks along as suggests, then takes out her device; with a bit of fiddling, she redisplays her grainy recording of the crystal.]

Notice that the background shows a setting like Nova; but I was unable to find any evidence of the place once being ruins. I also have not found a trace of anyone named 'Atty' or 'Dr Glade' on the network, things like that.

There is also the likelihood of additional crystals but the attempt to round them up appears to have slipped through the cracks.

Rather interesting though, don't you think?

*Faye took a breath, bristling slightly at what Ayame correctly assumes about her. Ayame is able to see through her so easily that it unnerves her. Her only reaction is to continual denial, even though she knows that Ayame sees it for what it is*

Right... Sure. Me too. Who doesn't want to be happy, right?

*She looks down at her feet, unable to meet Ayame's eye. Faye took a deep, uncomfortable breath and took the portal as offered. But on the other side... On the other side she just wants to get a drink to relax - she doesn't want to be lonely or scared, and she doesn't want anyone to recognise that she is...*

It certainly makes one's imagination run... Perhaps you won't find any more clues until another breach occurs, fate forbid... You said you were a part of a party. Who else is investigating this? I ask since this matter might concern all Guardians.

That would be unfortunate.

[But it's by no means unrealistic either. Satsuki's frown deepens a moment, then shakes her head as she shuts her device off.]

Only during that time; we have gone our separate ways since. I am afraid I do not know who else is involved- At one point Professor, or Doctor, Olivia Moore made a call to bring other potential clues together but..

I am uncertain what came of that, as she is no longer here. I had considered picking up where she left off, but I would not know where to start- That kind of work is a ways outside of my field.

[If only Inumuta were with her. Alas.]

Edited 2018-09-12 04:33 (UTC)

I see.

[ Ayame taps her chin with her finger, thinking ]

I make no promises, but if you need any resources from the current Guardian team, I'll do my best to help your quest.

[ She's willing to abuse her position as Deputy Guardian a little if it means helping Satsuki find answers. ]

In the meantime, do you have a location in mind? Since I'm already escorting you, I would love to walk with you there.

[ She said, blushing and fixing the fringe of her hair. Ayame's is happy to put the topic of Genessia's nature aside for what to her is more important: Satsuki's well-being and anything about the other woman. Satsuki has been elusive and more distant to people in general it seems, and Ayame still feels elated whenever she's around the other woman. Even if it's just to appreciate Satsuki's beauty. ]

Thank you; I truly appreciate that.

[Especially since she ended up losing Garrus as a contact; aside from verbal, her expression shows similar appreciation. While it is true that she has been distant, it really isn't difficult for Ayame to draw her in- for example at this point seeing Ayame acting a bit unusual again, fidgeting, is translated as a sign of herself getting cold again- so of course Satsuki opts to turn that around somehow.]

Oh.. Ah, yes. I was taking Furfrou on her walk and decided to head to the arcade. A long time ago, when Ryuko was here, she spent a lot of time there, and I believe that Anastasia has some interest in it as well. I believe if I study the locale, I may be able to find something.

[A beat. She should clarify.]

Anastasia is performing well in her Summer classes, so I want to get her a game that she will like. That said, I would like the company.

[Kaguya would probably be more knowledgable, but she's honestly worried that Kaguya would trick her.]

[ Ayame takes a moment to pause, nodding in Satsuki's approval of her company. A few steps after, she continues their conversation about Anastasia ]

I see she has been studying as a school student. She's actually the first person I saw upon my return, but I haven't spent time with her since then. Apparently she has been studying too hard.

[ She saw Anastasia's public video a little bit after she returned (on July 15, was the video). It doesn't take a rocket scientist to tell that the girl was overdoing things. Given how she knows Anastasia having a need of outside validation, it wasn't hard to tell that the girl was doing so for approval ]

I am inclined to agree. From what I understand youth do tend to imitate their elders, but I had expected her to be inspired by other high school students behavior in this case.

[She then nods.]

I will have to adjust her schedule for when the school year begins. Speaking of which, I have been aiming to have my pokemon gym ready for opening then as well but the logistics are still rather shaky. I would like it to be more than a place where enthusiasts can battle- I want to to give trainers an opportunity to aim for something higher.

It is a far more entertaining of the puzzles for me to work out at least.

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Summer, August 13th - Reaching Out

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cracks up