genessia | Adventures in Babysitting (Backdated to 6/16)

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Adventures in Babysitting (Backdated to 6/16)

After taking Anastasia in, Satsuki wasted little time making preparations for the future; after all, the young princess was sure to be overwhelmed by the technological miracles of Nova City- And having to deal with both that and her distress over.. Recent happenings would surely be a frustrating endeavor.

So in the very beginning she just taught her how to use the air conditioning and spent most of her time sitting around.

The next morning at 6 am, however, Satsuki has plans to get her younger company back on her feet (mostly involving a slew of various lessons) while keeping an ear open for any further information. Of course first things first and that is to get a feel on her company's mood.

Satsuki gently knocks upon the bedroom door. "Anastasia. It's time for breakfast."

That's the first time she's ever done that. It doesn't feel too bad, not that she's the one that cooked it.

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[The last time Anastasia was here, it was in the aftermath of the crises that plagued Genessia and Everglade, causing her to flee from the children's home and seek refuge in the Nova branch of the Schnee company. She met so many people here, including Weiss, Sakura, Hikari and Porrim. It was only a year ago and it felt so much longer.

So Anastasia was not so overwhelmed, but she certainly did not understand how anything worked. She was quick to get settled in Satsuki's condo once she learned how to work the air conditioning. Since then, she had been taking naps. A lot of naps. Her logic being, the more naps she takes, the sooner the winter months will come.

Anastasia was awake, however, when Satsuki announced for breakfast. When she opened the door to meet with Satsuki, the other would feel the breeze of cold air come out. For her to be wearing such light sleep wear shows her high tolerance to the cold, even her own comfort and survival.]

"...Breakfast? Already?"

'Already'?

[Satsuki raises a brow, not because of Anastasia's attire. (although that is impressive considering the temperature). She didn't mind Anastasia taking her naps for the time being as she had plenty of work to do, logistics to work out, and information to keep an ear open for.]

I normally have breakfast at this time so that I may get to work on schedule. I also wake an hour earlier so that I may exercise. When do you normally have breakfast?

[Anastasia didn't answer right away.]

"... I don't remember anymore. It's been so long since I had breakfast at any set hour. I suppose I have it around 7 in the morning."

[After thinking a moment, she motions for Anastasia to follow her.]

Mn, I can understand that. The dining room is this way.

Now that I think about it, it has been a while since your last meal- I suspect that is not out of the ordinary for you but just to be certain is it normal for you to sleep as long as you do?

[The mention of a meal made her tummy growl. Hopefully it wasn't heard. She ignored it to answer the question.]

"For the most restful sleep, yes. Girls can sleep a long time. But I was only taking little naps."

[Satsuki heard that! But rather than comment she takes it as a sign that the smaller one is, indeed, hungry! But now she has to brace herself for possible disappointment.]

Hm. I ask mostly because I have been working on a schedule for a daily routine and wanted to go over some ideas that have come to mind. But we can get to that in a moment.

[Upon reaching the dining room table, there is tableware already set, and Anastasia's side may be more obvious since there is a bowl, several different cereals, and a glass of orange juice and milk each.]

My apologies but it did not occur to me until recently what kind of breakfast is served in your world- And I am certain it is different from Japanese culture.

[Satsuki herself has a small bowl of rice, miso soup, and what appear to be rolls of some sort, with a set of chopsticks to the side. She picks up the boxes one by one.]

So I have cereal today. There is 'Shredded Wheat', 'Bran and Raisins', and 'Frosted Sugar Cocoa-Loaded Ker-pows'.

[Naturally she scrunches her nose at the last one.]

Do any of these sound appealing?

[Anastasia blinked at the last one. That didn't sound like an ideal start to a day. She took a seat as she considered her options.]

"I remember bacon, eggs and bread for breakfast. So, I think I will choose shredded wheat."

That is a relief; I am familiar with those. Depending on how much you eat, you could place that order if you like with a room service call.

[But then she smiles a bit.]

That said, interesting decision. Help yourself.

[She slips around the table to sit exactly across from her company.]

By the way, how do you feel about learning another form of self defense?

"I usually am served a big enough breakfast that I will not eat nearly as much as the day progresses."

[Anastasia poured herself a bowl full of the shredded wheat, but didn't know milk was to go with it. Cereal wasn't a thing in her world.]

"Another form a self defense? Like swords? I had formal instruction back in my world, but I lost any means to keep it going since being brought to Genessia." [She gestured back to the room she was staying in.] "I even have a new sword. The flower shop lady, Terra, got it for me."

.. Really.

[Satsuki recognizes Terra's name, but she would never have expected her to go sword shopping. After looking in the gestured direction, she nods.]

I would like to take a look at it after, then. Unfortunately I do not believe I would be able to continue training your current style, but depending on the blade I could teach you another- I am proficient in three, myself.

[A pause as she looks to the bowl, then she just waits to see what happens.]

"Sure, okay. It is a very nice sword. It's not quite like Riveran swords, but it's close enough."

[Anastasia got a spoon-full of shredded wheat, then took a bite. After chewing for a few seconds, she slowed to a stop.]

"...ss'dry..."

That you appreciate its craft regardless is a good sign.

[Satsuki draws her lips inward to, hopefully, mask her amusement. That was the kind of reaction she was hoping for and it was just as cute as she had anticipated!

She should feel bad but she doesn't, and once she's certain she isn't going to chuckle, she speaks up.]

Cereal is generally eaten wet, Anastasia. Try pouring milk into the bowl until it is about three quarters full.

[She gestures toward the carton rather than pour it for her.]

[Anastasia took the suggestion and took the carton of milk, adding its dairy contents to her shredded wheat cereal. She soon took another spoon-full and took a bite. A small smile appeared.]

"Mmm. Much better."

[After a couple more bites, she spoke up.]

"...Besides self-defense, what else did you have in mind?"

[So cute. Satsuki can't fight back her smile this time, though for a moment she glances off to the side in nearly distant thought, reminded that she doesn't have any memories like this back at home.

But her attention is back once addressed.]

A few things; the first is that I will need to get you acquainted with some of the technology you'll likely need to use in this household. At some point I would also like you to start aiding me at work so I will need to train you for that.

[Then there's Anastasia's leadership role; but Satsuki really isn't certain how worthwhile it would be trying to teach the girl the style she uses.]

[Anastasia nodded in agreement. Satsuki is doing her a favor, and it was her job as a noble to respect it and repay favors within reason.]

"Oh, okay. And what kind of work will I be helping you with?"

At the moment I work in a clothing store here in Nova City by my associate's idea. I would like you to help with inventory, as well as greeting and measuring customers.

[Which will, hopefully, help build Anastasia's assertion.]

Mind, it will not be permanent work. The head designer has moved on and seeing as I am not nearly as skilled as she is, I will need to look for a new job soon.

Edited 2016-07-05 19:36 (UTC)

"A clothing store?"

[She listened to what Satsuki will have her do, then she started to look disappointed.]

"Inventory, greeting and inventory... I was hoping I could model, but... Okay."

[She secretly likes to play dress up.]

Model?

[Satsuki raises a brow. Hmn. Well if she's going to close the store, she may as well go all out, right? Suddenly the faintest trace of a smile forms.]

.. Anastasia, that is a brilliant idea. For a moment, I had forgotten who I was. It would be unlike me to go down without giving my fullest hurrah, would it?

Very well, you shall receive your opportunity to model. But it would be for a catalogue. Is that acceptable?

"Right. That will be fine. I look forward to it, Satsuki."

[Her spirit has been lifted and it shows with her finishing up her bowl of cereal with more energy.]

"When can we begin?"

[Satsuki pauses a moment to have some of her own breakfast, though she also appears to be in a bit of thought.]

I need to attend the Academy this morning for a brief meeting, but once I return I can take you to the shop.

[A pause.]

However I believe it would be better to iron out your self-defense training before we get to your work duties. There is also the matter of how you will go about Nova City should you choose to do so- do you still possess your cooling vest?

[Anastasia lowered her head slightly, watching Satsuki from the top of her vision.]

"Yes... I still have the cooling vest, but it's...not very comfortable."

[Satsuki's expression doesn't shift, but she is disappointed that she would make such an error. At least Anastasia eventually told her about it even if it did take prodding.]

My apologies.

What in particular is the issue? Do you think it can be corrected?

[Anastasia seems hesitant in answering at first. She eventually did.]

"It just needs extra padding, is all."

[Satsuki nods, her tone neutral as she responds.]

Thankfully tailoring is part of the clothing shop. It may not be simple to modify, but I can certainly have it done. Try not to stay outside for too long until then, all right?

[Sure, Anastasia has been in Genessia a long time now, but she still is worried the girl will be found facedown somewhere in the city. After a moment she stops raising her chopsticks to her mouth halfway as she recalls not long ago it was her birthday.]

... Oh. I see. *ahem* Well, that is natural.

"I don't see any reason to go outside."

[She says plainly as she idly examines the spoon she has as boredom begins to set in. She seems to be getting restless.]

"Is it? I had a feeling it was."

Indeed. The same happened for me at your age.

[Oh boy.. Ooh boy, Satsuki did not mean to sign up for THIS. She decides to delay the inevitable for now, in favor of moving on to....

Anything else. She sets her chopsticks down, then pushes her seat back.]

I would like to see your blade, then.

[No reason to go outside, huh. Satsuki doesn't particularly blame her, even if she doesn't approve.]

[Anastasia gave a small smile. Both at Satsuki's understanding and to see her sword.
Anastasia got up from her seat and returned to her room, soon returning with a sheathed sword.

She pulled the sword out with ease, showing that she indeed had some previous instruction. And it was a beauty of a sword, not unlike Anastasia herself if she were pampered and tended to like she used to be.

She returned the sword to its sheath and holds it out for Satsuki to take and inspect at her leisure.]

"It's surprisingly light, but still heavier than what I was used to."

[While Anastasia was away, something changed. Satsuki is still in her seat, but she was looking toward something that turned the corner before she looks back to her younger company. Her brows raise in clear interest toward the weapon and once she accepts it, withdraws the blade once more.]

This is quite the weapon. A classic stylized blade, and yet.. It suits you.

[Satsuki stands up and turns to the side before making a slow, horizontal swing.]

Understood; I will give you strength training as well. I am not used to this kind of weapon but I can teach you a second style that may be of assistance.

Of course, I am presuming that Terra is not already teaching you.

[Anastasia did not see or experience anything while she was on the move. She was glad Satsuki likes the sword. But she had questions.]

"Oh, no. Terra is not going to be my instructor. Also, strength twaining? What is that?"

[She did not realize she mispronounced the word "training." She may still be waking up.]

That's interesting, I was under the impression Terra sold flowers rather than craft weapons.

[Curious indeed. But not completely surprising since she knows the other woman used to be a soldier. The mispronouncing causes her to raise a brow.]

It is pronounced 'training'.

It is a series of exercises that are performed with the express purpose of increasing the amount of weight you can lift. But in this case it would be to make the sword feel lighter for you, and allow you to swing for longer periods of time.

Edited 2016-07-12 00:33 (UTC)

[Anastasia lifted her shoulders in a shrug. She honestly knows nothing about Terra, still. But then, she looked more confused about the correction. She still didn't realize she mispronounced it.]

"Oh, so strength is something girls really can work on after all, and not something only boys can build?"

[That's good to know. It might help her feel useful in some areas.]

[Satsuki stares in silence at Anastasia, but only for a moment. After reflecting upon what she had learned of Anastasia's subarchway, her reaction does make sense.]

It most certainly is. Most, if not all, humans' muscles work the same way. With enough training you may find yourself able to lift many things that you could not before. All it takes is effort and commitment.

[At this point a pokemon, Gothitelle, steps into the dining room with a sheathed sword floating by her side, though the scabbard is heavily decorated with a gold pattern and some stones. Upon reaching the pair, the pokemon bows to Anastasia.]

Does your blade have a name?

[Anastasia is a very old-fashioned girl. Very old-fashioned.]

"And it won't defeat the purpose of having people like bodyguards?"

[When Anastasia saw Gothitelle bow, the girl curtsied in response before turning back to Satsuki.]

"It does not. Should it have a name?"

[She's not against giving it a name.]

I would not say so; think of it like hiring a housemaid- Even though we possess the ability to clean on our own, it is extremely convenient and time conserving to hire someone else to do so. And even if you were to become stronger than a bodyguard, it would serve best as an ace up your sleeve.

[A slight smile.]

For example, I could be considered stronger than my guard. But that is a secret between us.

Traditionally, naming swords reflects the high prestige of the weapon as well as the wealth of its owner.

[She'll introduce her pokemon in a moment.]

[Anastasia's old-fashioned upbringing still makes her slightly skeptical, but she is still willing.]

"Oh, well OK then."

[She peers intently at her own sword, quietly thinking about it.]

"...I wonder what I should name my sword?"

Well, there are other options should you wish to keep things simple. Some swords are named after swordsman's family names.

[She takes the scabbard from her pokemon, then unsheathes it a bit to reveal the black metal.]

Thank you, Gothitelle. My sword is named Bakuzan, however the meaning of the name could be considered complex. It is not so much a name as it is a path one takes to become the best version of themselves.

If there is a word like that from your world; that could be a suitable name.

[Another pause.]

Another classic option is simply to withhold naming it until your sword has performed something noteworthy to you.

[Anastasia was quiet for awhile this time, trying to think of a suitable name.]

"Hmm... Elle qui a la confiance de la Déesse. She has the trust of the Goddess..."

[One can see it in her eyes that the gears were turning.]

"...Confiance. My blade's name is Confiance."

[Satsuki is silent as she lets Anastasia work things out. Once the name is given, another slight smile forms as she nods.]

That is a fine name; well done. Though I am curious; do you know why Terra granted a sword to you? Did it come up in a conversation?

[Anastasia nodded.]

"She found me at Garden Park with a sword catalog in my hand and she offered to find one for me."

I see.. That is generous of her.

[It would be hard to believe that Terra would do anything suspicious to the weapon.. But she wouldn't really know how to tell if it's cursed or anything either.]

Have you put any thought into how will you carry it?

Edited 2016-07-16 01:19 (UTC)

[She is aware of two ways to carry a sword.]

"Are there more ways to carry it besides on my back or waist?"

[Satsuki shakes her head.]

None that I believe to be conventional.

Both ways of carrying have their strengths and weaknesses, but I would recommend that you use your back until you adjust to its weight.

There is also the question of how often you intend to carry it about.

[They might have to get numerous color belts for the fashionable princess after all.]

[Anastasia looked over herself, front to back, trying to envision herself carrying her sword on her back. She stopped for a moment to respond to the question.]

"I think I can carry it as often as you deem it necessary for my training."

Then we have ourselves a plan. I will head to the Academy and give my speech. Afterward we will head to REVOCS and take your measurements, for your scabbard and vest adjustment.

For now I propose that we disguise your sword. I know a person that carried hers in a guitar case which she wore across her back. We can decide on something a bit more your fashion, of course.

After that I will introduce you to your training regime- I will exercise with you, of course. We can start your work training tomorrow. Any questions thus far?

Edited 2016-07-19 21:51 (UTC)

[Anastasia thought about it for a short moment. Back in the day, she wore a hooded cape as customary for a Princess to appear regal as well as hide much of her features for security reasons. But a cape wouldn't do much for hiding a sword.]

"I'm afraid I can't imagine what would make a suitable disguise for my swor-- For Confiance."

Take into consideration that you appear to be of middle school age for starters. Then think about what kind of accessories a student would carry. We could look through catalogs for ideas; but I would not force myself to come up with an idea immediately.

Since I need to head to the academy, you could also observe the students there and see if anything catches your interest.

Gothitelle, if you would.

[Following a bow, the pokemon helps to clean off the tables.]

[Anastasia finds that to be an exciting idea, smiling at the thought.]

"I would love to come with you. As a Princess, I have thus far never attended a school. Is there a certain way I should dress?"

Uniforms are required for students, but seeing as you are not one I would not worry.

[Satsuki replies with a small smile. She glances to the clock.]

My ride should be arriving in fourty minutes so have yourself washed up and dressed within thirty.

Any other questions?

"No, no questions."

[Anastasia excuses herself for a morning bath, returning dressed in a nice, clean outfit, ready to go on Satsuki's command.

However, she was late. A princess takes her time, even if she doesn't mean to.]

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Adventures in Babysitting (Backdated to 6/16)

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