Hold on to normality

[star_of_sad]

[1]
[People with unusual powers such as magic, psychic abilities or weirder stuff - suddenly Setsuko is hovering in your vincinity.]

Umm...

[Finally she gathers resolve and approaches awkwardly.]

How does your thing work, exactly?

[2]
[Star Rose is bright and noisy, especially in the tourist-centric parts of the space station. Setsuko does not like large crowds, but today she finds their presence comforting. It is a reminder what is she fighting for. Lives who are allowed to have a normal daily existence. Well, there's also one more reason why she's there.]


Ahh! It's so good~!

[Que the Glory Star enjoying a huge girly parfait, sitting near the giant space squid aquarium for an extra impressive view.]

Comments

1

[tiger_ken]

My... 'thing'?

[Ken pauses, trying to think.]

You mean... my ki? It's an art.

[star_of_sad]

As in, a martial art?

Do you think anyone could do the same, if they worked hard enough?

[tiger_ken]

In theory. There's a number of variables that can affect someone's development. Some can have a lot of inherent power but never develop it, or total discipline but just too little to work with, and others won't even begin to realise their potential because they subconsciously dismiss it.

[He raises an eyebrow.]

What has you curious?

[star_of_sad]

I want to know where everyone's special abilities come from. I know it's far fetched, but I find a similarity then perhaps I could learn about...

[Setsuko's sentence drifts away before it could end.]

1

[brought_it_back]

My...thing?

[tiger_ken]

About whatever it is you have?

[He pauses, thinking.]

...Well, where my ancestors - on both sides - first learned their art is something of a mystery. One of those things that's been lost to time, as it were, even with what scrolls we have. But some of the basic concepts seem universal enough, so maybe...

[star_of_sad]

Still, we both saw what happened whenever my... Sphere or Asakim was involved, and it has nothing to do with martial arts.

It was silly of me to ask. I'm sorry, Ken-kun.

[star_of_sad]

Your psychic power. I'm sorry if I am not being discreet, but... how does it feel like?

When you use it.

[brought_it_back]

No, it's fine.

When I use it myself...? Something like...lifting a heavy weight with your entire body. Not just the places where you'd normally lift something, but everywhere.

With the Albatross things became much easier, as though they were all lighter-but the startup for that robot felt like having several drills go into my skull, so...

...Why do you ask?

[star_of_sad]

Ah.

[Setsuko frowns slightly. The drills thing didn't sound pleasant at all.]

I hoped to find similarities between what other people are capable of, and, well, what I have.

So I'd be lost in the dark a bit less, regarding what to do with it. Just waiting for Asakim Dowen to make his next move... no, I need to do more than that.

[tiger_ken]

[After a bit of hesitation, he catches Setsuko by the shoulder.]

It did involve your emotional state as well though. Asakim's entire MO indicates as much. Maybe... take up something that might help? Tai Chi at least?

[brought_it_back]

...Your primary ability has been...some kind of dimensional disturbance, yes?

What did that feel like? The Albatross had a teleportation function...that's somewhat similar.

[star_of_sad]

Do you think if I get calm and learn how to control my emotions better...

It will help me control my power better, too?

[star_of_sad]

I'm hesitant to call it my "ability", that'd mean I have control over it...

It feels like. Well, it's hard to say because it shows up only when I am really upset. Or afraid. When I really don't want to be there.

So mostly that's how it feels like.

[brought_it_back]

...That's not...completely different. When I first summoned the Albatross, it was a...fearful time.

...Do you know who your parents are?

[tiger_ken]

Maybe. If you can also recreate the feeling around it... you can familiarise it. Learn to harness it outside of specific mental states. I originally could only summon my ki under intense anger, but after feeling it enough times...

[He opens up his palm, and a light glow flickers like a flame.]

Now I can do this. I'm sure if anybody could figure this all out, it'd be you.

2)

[sang_av_helten]

[Setsuko, as you are busy enjoying your no doubt sweet and delicious parfait you hear a splash and a minor commotion.]

"Mommy look! A kitty!"

"Somebody get that cat out of the aquarium before it drowns or the squids eat it!"

[If you look into the aquarium now, the extra impressive view has a fuzzy guest swimming awkwardly through the water towards the squids. He also has a plastic knife held in between his teeth.]

[star_of_sad]

Huh?

[Setsuko turns to see what the commotion is about. And she sits there, immobilized, eyes wide from surprise.]

...

Skald?

[star_of_sad]

[Nod.]

Yes. I know, however...

[brought_it_back]

However?

[star_of_sad]

It's going to take a lot of time, won't it?

Alright. I'll do it. If there's something that can give me an edge over that person, I am willing to try it out.

[star_of_sad]

Well.

They are no longer alive.

[brought_it_back]

Ah...

...But you do know who they were, right?

I was wondering, if you might also be someone's...creation.

[tiger_ken]

Which then just leaves the question of who'll teach you. I hear there's a club down in the city that offers a good price... or maybe Peola could lend a hand...

[star_of_sad]

I know who my parents were! There are records and everything...

I'm sorry, can we talk about something else? I know you are concerned, but, well. This is not exactly a happy topic.