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 Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2017 11:22 pm
She was quitting. That was what was happening. She was, right now going to turn in her henshin pen to whatever cat she saw first and was going to be done with this whole business of powering up. There was just no sense to it, and it made her very unhappy.
Of course...that was the plan until she felt the aura of an eternal of her kind, and her dumb mind obviously thought it must be Acubens, so there she went to find the girl and just tell her she was done. And she was sorry, but this was what was best for her. Unfortunately though, it wasn’t Acubens that she ran into. It was Remarque.
For a moment, Chione just gaped and then sighed. “You’re not who I figured you’d be. Sorry to bother you.” She did not want to be having such a conversation with Remarque. He was a prince in the court. That was far too fancy to listen to her stupid issues about wanting to not power up anymore...but…
...If she could get his blessings on the matter...then Acubens couldn’t fuss, at least.
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Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2017 5:45 pm
Remarque had been out tonight, between trips to Mirrorspace. Even now, he could only spend so much time in the same white walls with nothing new to show for it. The presence of another Dark Mirror Senshi was pleasant and he didn’t shy away from it. He didn’t know who to expect, but he recognized Chione and was as glad to see her as he would have been to see anyone else.
Though, he did seem a bit surprised that she would think she was a burden. “No,” he replied after only a second. “You’re not a bother to me. Who were you looking for? I’ve got some time to burn if you need to find someone.”
He seemed fairly relaxed, but he was clearly glad to see her in one piece after the whole Mirrorspace thing. He offered a polite smile and asked, “Unless it’s something I can help with?”
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Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2017 5:48 pm
Chione sighed. “I wasn’t really looking for anyone. I just felt you and figured you were Acubens...but you’re not so, that’s why I said don’t worry about it…” She shrugged, her lips jutting into a pout. “I don’t think I want to do this anymore, Remarque. I know you don’t really know me, and I’m pretty sure you’re going to be more gung-ho about this than Acubens is, but I don’t like it. I don’t like fighting, I’m terrible at it. I’m not happy in the court, not happy powering up, and I want out. I was out looking for some cat to give my pen to so I can return it. I mean, as much as I’d like a full refund, I don’t think any refunds will be applicable to my time given.”
The senshi drew in another breath and sighed heavily. “I’m sorry. I just...I wasn’t cut out for this, and I’m tired of being pressured into liking it...because I don’t. I don’t understand it, and it’s just not for me so...that’s all.”
There. Now he would either get angry...or give his blessing. Or just attack her or something. She wasn’t sure what he would do. She didn’t know this guy, sure they had talked once but...that had been so long ago, she couldn’t remember anything about what they talked about.
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Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2017 5:49 pm
At this, Remarque paused. He looked at her for a short while, just listening and taking it in. He drew in a breath and planted his hands on his hips before he exhaled and shook his head.
He didn’t get angry. “All right.”
He looked up at her and then, finally, nodded. “I get it.”
The Court wasn’t going anywhere for a lot of people, and he knew that a lot of them hadn’t asked for it. “It’s a lot of pressure, and not everyone has time to power up and do school and work and have a social life. Not everyone’s got it in them to fight. But I don’t think it’s a good idea to give your pen back to a cat. Truthfully, I don’t know what any of them would do with it, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they—Order, or Chaos—tried to take it apart and find some way to use it against us. And,” he shrugged, “Just because you have it doesn’t mean you have to use it. There may come a day when having the ability to move through mirrors or utilize magic might save your life.”
He gave her a moment to sink in, let her consider when it might be useful. Trapped in a burning building? Mirrorwalk out. Getting chased by some guys who want to mug you? Pop into an alleyway and chase them off. Get in a pinch with a Negaverse agent? Power up and see if it saves your life.
“Keeping the pen doesn’t mean you have to power up. It’s not an obligation, and if you’re not interested in the Court, you don’t have to force yourself to fight. But I do recommend that you do what you can to make sure you can protect yourself. Whether you’re in this war or not, Destiny City is a dangerous place. You don’t have to like fighting, but I’m sure you like living. Whatever choices you make, just do what you can to be happy, and survive. And if you ever need someone to have a match with or teach you anything—whether you’re powering up or not—I’ll give you my number. I used to box more than I do now, but I was pretty good at it. I’ve got some good moves to teach, still.”
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Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2017 5:49 pm
Slowly, Chione nodded, letting his words sink in. She supposed it made sense. At least a little sense...and hadn't it been useful in getting away quickly from that senshi? Just jumping through the mirror...and if she was totally honest with herself, she did like the ease with which she could travel using the mirrors…but that wasn’t the issue. The issue was when she had to run into people. She really was a terrible fighter and it made her not want to do anything but…
“You...you’d really teach me to be a better fighter? I think I need it. I uh. I helped this other senshi the other day, not my choice ah um. A knight forced me into it, but he had this attack, and he used it right away and it was just...glass everywhere like I was stuck in some church window or something and It gave me the creeps, it reminded me of being in mirrorspace and I freaked out…”
She was talking too much, she knew it, but now that she had begun she couldn’t seem to shut her mouth.
“If you could teach me how to fight...maybe I could stay. For a while longer. Give it a little more of a chance...maybe.”
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Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2017 5:49 pm
A smile drew onto Remarque’s face and he nodded. “Yeah, absolutely. Come on, I’ll teach you something real quick. You all right after that last fight? Senshi magic can be a hell of a thing, and there are very few Knights I trust. I don’t know what their agendas ever are, or if there even is one, but.” He shrugged. “It’s always just been easier for me to think of Senshi as more approachable because they can be spoken to, convinced to join the Court. On a good day, at least.”
He’d helped a few convert to their numbers, but it wasn’t enough. It was never enough.
He gestured for Chione to move a little closer and instructed, “Here, take a stance like this. Keep your legs spread like this. Not too much more, not too much less. It’ll keep you grounded and able to maneuver, and if the enemy hits you, it probably won’t send you flying or knock you to the ground. When your feet are comfortable, use this stance.”
It was clear he had been a boxer—and probably a serious one—judging by how easily he took the stance he was instructing her to take. His hands were clenched into fists in front of him and he waited to give her a moment to mimic him.
“If you were worried about this, I’m not going to hit you. Felt like I should clarify. But Acubens and I used to go to the gym. She and I used to spar, so if she hasn’t warned you about me, I’m probably not that bad.” He cracked a quick smile, hoping she understood he was just trying to keep the mood light. “If you think you look silly, you don’t. Self-preservation is one of the most important things you need to remember, so nothing’s too silly if it’s keeping you alive and safe. Though,” he couldn’t read her very well just through a quick look; he asked, “Do you play any sports or anything? Do any dance, or outdoor hobbies?”
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Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2017 5:50 pm
Chione nodded and drew in a breath, moving and taking a stance like Remarques. She hadn’t missed the smile on his face when she asked for help, and honestly...it made her feel a little guilty. She didn’t want to make anyone feel bad for her wanting to leave, but she still didn’t want to really be there but...maybe if he could help her fight better…
“I figured you weren’t going to hit me, but still...you can’t blame me for being a little apprehensive...but...you’ve done this with Acubens? She...she’s really all wahoo for the court, isn’t she?”
She raised her fists and gave a little smile. “Quite honestly, and don’t you dare ever repeat this to her...but she scared the crap out of me when I first met her. She was so...almost...rude about it? Like, she couldn’t understand why I didn’t absolutely want to give my life's blood for the court...and I still don't’ feel that way, I hope you’re not upset with that...but obviously you’re not. You don't’ care if I leave or stay so...Thank you. Is this stance okay? I’m not really a move it shake it girl, I mostly...I don’t do much, okay.”
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Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2017 5:50 pm
Remarque laughed, not mockingly, but with understanding. “Acubens is devoted to the Court in a way I don’t push onto anyone else. Sometimes she gets a little too excited about things, but she means well. Don’t tell her I said anything, but,” he glanced around, as if he expected Acubens to jump out of the shadows. “…Sometimes she still scares me.”
His eyes returned to Chione and he smiled again. “Your posture is great, but the one thing I have to correct you on is that I do care if you leave or stay. But I’m not going to force you to do something you’re not comfortable doing. I’m not upset if you’re not up to the task—I get it. A lot of the Court takes breaks when life gets tough, and I’ll be honest, there are quite a few I haven’t seen powered up in some time. It’s your life, Chione. You have to live it how you’re going to live it. I’d rather we be on good terms than bad ones. But, just because I’m not bullying you into staying doesn’t mean I don’t care.”
He gave it a second to sink in and then rolled his shoulders. “Are you left handed or right handed? I’m left, but this works the same for either arm. Your dominant one is just going to be stronger.”
He drew his left arm back and displayed a hook that looked easy enough. He repeated the gesture with his right arm and alternated between the two before nodding for her to do the same. Only, he released his pose and walked to stand before her, holding up his open palm. “I want you to try that. Aim for my palm. If you miss, don’t worry about it. Focus on aim more than power—a weaker punch is better than no punch, and if you’re feeling eager, you can lift weights or do any exercise to build up upper body strength so you’re packing more power.”
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Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2017 5:51 pm
Chione nodded slowly, listening to Remarque and finally, she smiled. “Okay. I...I really appreciate this, Remarque. I really, really do. And not just the fighting skills you’re trying to teach me...you’re just...thank you.” It did mean a lot that he cared. She didn’t want to admit that she actually wanted the court to like her...but she did. She was only human after all...and a lonely one at that.
“So, you want me to just...punch your hand? That’s it?” It sounded far too easy...and of course she would use her dominant hand, that was always the easiest thing to do, so, drawing in a breath, Chione raised her hand and tried to perform the same punching motion that the other senshi had done...and missed his palm completely.
“Oh.” Well. Maybe that was why he said to go slowly. “Hang on, let me try that again, I wasn’t...um I wasn’t focused enough or something.”
She drew her hand back again, and this time tried to put more focus into the punch, her face lighting up as her fist connected with the palm of Remarque’s hand. “Ah! There we go. See, I’m not totally useless.”
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Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2017 5:51 pm
Remarque grinned as soon as her face lit up—and again, when she managed to make contact. “Good! You did that faster than most people. Usually it takes a few more hits before they get a better idea of how much pressure they need and how to aim their arm. It’s funny, how you can live with these things all your life and still not know what they’re capable of. It’s harder to throw a good punch than the movies make it out to be, but if you keep up hits like that, you’ll be a natural in no time.”
He nodded for her to try again and continued, “The more you get used to it, the easier it’ll be. And, hopefully, the next time someone tries to pick a fight with you, you’ll give them a good slug, right to their face. Teach them for messing with you. And it works when you’re not powered up, too. Some guy harassing you at a bar? Right in the nose. Some hag trying to take the last loaf of bread on your shopping run?” He shook his head. “Goner.”
He seemed like he almost might have been enjoying this; it wasn’t just about wanting to give her some reason to stay in the Court, but there were parts of Remarque that missed this. He hadn’t gotten into any altercations in a long while himself, but at this point in time most people seemed to have wizened up to picking fights with him.
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Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2017 5:52 pm
Chione laughed and hit his hand again, trying to put a bit more strength behind her punch. “Yeah, so nobody better mess with me, or I’ll knock all of their teeth out.” She punched his hand once more, then switched to her other hand, just wanting to see if it would be as effective. Obviously not, but it was worth a try.
“You know...maybe even if I don’t power up anymore...maybe we could still do this? You could train me to box a little? We could meet at the gym and I could...I mean, there’s something to be gained for working out, regardless if I’m powering up or not, right? Maybe we could be friends? I think I could use a few more friends in my life, if I’m going to be honest here. I’ve become a pretty big loner...and I think I’m pretty much borderline depressed most of the time too. Again, not sure why I’m telling you all of this, but here we are so…”
The other hand connected with Remarque’s palm, and though she knew it didn’t have half the strength of her dominant hand, she was still pretty proud of the fact she had hit him at all.
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Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2017 5:53 pm
“Very nice,” Remarque said when her other hand made contact. He admired her attempting to mix things up and was nodding before she the next punch. “Sounds like a good plan. Do you have a gym you go to, or do you want recommendations? I’ve hopped around a few over the years so depending on what you’re looking for, I’ll make sure we find a good one.”
He seemed comfortable with the suggestions to be friends; he didn’t get out as often as he’d like and he missed going to the gym like he used to. He was fortunate he wasn’t out of shape; he kept busy, but there was just something refreshing about actually boxing—actually having someone to box with. He doubted he could compete much anymore, both because of his schedule and because Raven simply would not accept a fiancé, much less husband, with a broken nose or anything otherwise disfiguring.
“You stick with me and we’ll see if we can’t get you out a little more. You know, exercise is good for depression? All those natural endorphins. Also really good for stress relief. Or for trying to catch a pretty girl’s attention. I’d say ‘for healthiness’, but let’s be real. My favorite thing to do after a workout has always been go out for a burger. Greasy, fast food, no good for you, burger.”
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Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2017 5:56 pm
“I don’t have a gym that I go to, didn’t you hear me say I’m nothing more than a lazy glob of flesh? You think I actually go to the gym at the moment? Not a chance, Remarque.” Chione punched his hand once more and let out a laugh that seemed to really reach all the way to her belly. “Yeah, okay. So maybe you might be right. Exercise might be good for depression, but so is having friends, and I think you know as well as I that I already have a pretty lady in my life. Seeing as she decided kissing me in mirrorspace would be the best thing to do...still not quite sure about her timing, but I’m not...complaining.”
The senshi let her arms fall to her sides and gave a little smile once again. “I think going out for greasy burgers after working out sounds like a fine way to spend the day, so, I’m absolutely game. I’m already sexy as hell, so it’s not like I’m working out to get in shape. I have a shape. And it’s a good one.” She did feel better. A lot better. Tonight had started at about a two, and she figured she was already up to about a six, so that was a very big improvement.
“You better watch out for next time, because I’m going to be punching so hard, your hands will hurt” She winked and hesitated, powering down and pulling her cell phone out. “What’s your number? I’ll text you and you can tell me where to go and when. I really...I really want these lessons to be a thing. I think it would be good for me. In more ways than one.”
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Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2017 5:56 pm
It was easy to talk to Chione, and Remarque was genuinely disappointed that he hadn’t had the opportunity to speak with her much before this.
“You’ll be there faster than you think,” he said, reaching to rub at the palm of his hand out of habit.” He gave her his phone number and double checked that she had the right one. She seemed like she was in a better mood since he’d run into her, and while he wasn’t foolish enough to hope that such a thing meant she might stick around in the Court for longer, he figured it was a start.
He wasn’t going to force anyone to stick around if they didn’t want to, but if all she needed was someone to make sure she was safe—and to go eat burgers with—hell, that was easy enough, and it sounded good to him.
“When you get home, text me when you’re free and we’ll work something out. I’ll show you a good burger joint, too,” he promised. Convinced that there wasn’t anyone around to see them, he powered down too—just to make sure she knew who she was meeting. It was better than him texting her a selfie later; somehow he could only expect Raven would see it and wonder what his intentions were—even if Chione was clearly interested in girls.
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Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2017 5:57 pm
Lavender nodded. “Sounds good! Thank you again for this, I’m...excited. I’m honestly excited...so I think that might be a good thing.” Giving a wave, she turned and began to walk home. Maybe, just maybe staying in the court wasn’t such a bad thing...maybe if she got stronger with some training...maybe she’d want to stay a little more.
Of course, there was no way she’d go telling anyone that, lest she change her mind…
But just maybe she wouldn’t quit. Not right now, anyway. One more chance.
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