Hinote Kagari has been worried sick about Shinobu. Text. Text. Text. OH GOD he finally got a reply.
Whoops!
Hinote Kagari texts: Ah! Shin-chan! You're okay! Um! Come--- over to.. well come over to my place, when you're well enough okay!?
It's followed by the address.
Hinote is sitting relived on the couch in the main living area as he watches the news- mostly about all the damage done to the city as he watches intently. He strokes his chin ponderingly a moment as she sighs and closes his eyes a bit. All the other Guardians were either currently out, or in other rooms!
Shinobu was just walking back to her dorm when her phone chirped. It's been off much of the day due to being at the hospital. Not to mention a certain witch had her a little tied up. But, she does turn it back on and she quickly replies to Hinote. So much for getting the smell of those horrid chemicals out of her hair. Quickly she changes directions and moves towards The Waldian house.
Despite the witch and a friend being in the hospital, The weather is rather nice which given the chaos of the weekend, is a good change of pace. Things are drying off and that is definitely needed. Quickly Shinobu makes her way down the street and to the door of the Waldian house.
*Knock Knock Knock*
"Hey it's me. You called so here I am!"
Hinote Kagari ohs! He opens the door and motions Shinobu in. "Hey---in here." he says softly. He closes the door behind her and----- Shinobu gets a very tight hug because Hinote's actually been super worried.
"I was worried when you didn't reply and I've been needing to stay put for a day. Mom and Dad freaked out at me and Mom freaked out because she wasn't here to help with ecavautation but ugh." he mutters.
He sighs and gently pats the couch. "Sit down. You smell kinda chemically. Did something happen?" he asks.
Shinobu Kimura walks into the place quietly. She smiles as she is hugged and hugs back happily. She was worried about Hinote as well. just clings for a few minutes. Its really nice.
"I'm sorry! Yesterday I just needed to rest a while after the fight with Walpurgisnacht. I've never seen that much magic in one place. I burned through a whole grief seed myself! That thing was HUGE!" She exclaims as she nods and takes a seat beside Hinote.
She crosses her legs and takes a deep breath, "Tsubasa is in the hospital. She sent me word where and I went to check in on her. She's stable and recovering. I tried healing her a bit but she really hurt herself. She used a technique that basically removed the safeties from her magic and it caused her to wind up really hurt."
"That leads me to why I smell like chemicals. When I left the hospital I was down to half a grief seed so I went on a hunt. This witch decided it would be cool to have a dark room motiff for her labyrinth, complete with foul smelling chemicals. I was getting lightheaded just going through the thing. The witch though, she was nasty. I almost wasn't able to return the phone call."
Hinote Kagari ughs. "I see. Did you get the grief seed at least?" he asks worringly.
"Remember... if you need help. I'm always ready to." he smiles. "--and I can try to get the other knights to help you, too." he says. "If they will. It's up to them." he says with a curt nod.
He sighs and shuts the TV off. "Dad's already making a lot of sizeable donations to relief efforts but that isn't surprising." he rubs his forehead a bit and sighs. "A lot of the places I like to go are by the seaside too. I'm just glad Mom and Dad aren't home- the townhouse is a /mess/. It won't take too much to get things spic and span and as dad always said-- s'just things.." he smiles.
"Most of my stuff is here in this building now thou." he nods.
"Do you like it? Runealy and Valeria picked the decor. They wanted something that reminded them of home- living thier castle and manor estates." he smiles.
Shinobu Kimura nods slowly, "Yes. I got the Seed. That witch was nasty. You know what I can do with my magic and this witch completely overwhelmed me. I was tied up and everything. Nothing more messed up then being engulfed in a mass of celluloid." She shutters. "Then the whole teeth thing? She was gonna eat me! Who does that!"
She smiles a little and just takes the place in. "I'll bet. I had an up close and personal look at the damage. Both while it was happening and now. I was at the harbor. Thats where this witch opened up shop. The thing had like thirty people lined up to go for a long walk off a short pier. Maybe someone could organize a cleanup crew cause this job might be too big just for city officials."
Then her attention is fully on the building. She smiles a little. "This place is really nice. I like it. It feels really cozy."
Hinote Kagari smiles widely. "I like it. It is cozy." he nods some.
"My parents are coming home early for the emergency, so...I'll be able to have you meet them sooner than later." he says softly. "Dad is..." he mutters.
"I guess I should explain now." he clears his throat. "Dad was a 'wild boy' around the same age I was. He expects me to be like that when I was the age he was. This means, he constantly asks how many girlfriends I have and other silly questions. It's also why he has no problem introducing me to numerous other girls. Do you know what it's like to have a dad... that..."
"That is dissapointed because you aren't like quad-timing girls and aren't sneaking beer or doing anything 'wild'." he scoffs.
"I find it silly. I mean..."
"I guess you could say I'm privledged but.. Dad also didn't have a mom who's a police officer." he laughs.
"So yeah know?.." he asks sheepishly.
"So -- if dad says stuff silly like that.. it's-- just how he is.
He shakes his head. "Sorry to bring it up." he smiles softly. "I Just wanted you to be aware so you didn't get upset when he asks stuff like... 'Oh we get to meet one of your girlfriends finally! Hope the other three don't know.' with a serious face." he chuckles.
Shinobu Kimura blinks a few times as she listens to the curious case of Hinote's dad. She simply smiles and nods. "My mom's a lawyer. Not a cop. I'd probably be beating witches with batons if she were a cop." She giggles a little.
"Hey it's okay. You're dad was some school aged playboy, Mine was a thief who blinded me. I think we both hit the motherlode when it comes to dads."
Then as the topic of the upcoming meeting with his family she laughs a little. "I make no promises that I won't have to tell him about my five additional boyfriends just to prove a point." She winks playfully.
Hinote Kagari tsks. "He'd just call that 'fair play'." he laughs. "Hey-- I still have the spoiled rich kid thing going for me /sometimes/ like--- well there's a reason I know good hangover cures." he laughs. "My dad made me go off with some guys when I was in germany one time and I woke up in a trash can in thier boys school dorm and it was kind of hilarous." he laughs.
"Other places are more lax with thier liqour laws." he nods. "I don't underage drink usually in any event. Not on purpose anyways. Spiked punch is still a thing." he says.
He smiles and tugs Shinobu over, a slight half hug. "I'm just glad you're alright. Things got pretty terrible. Lots of people were losing hope at the shelter." he admits.
Shinobu Kimura hugs Hinote back. "The things that happened there. It was rough. There was just so much magic being used. It was really something to see. The light show from the Senshi, the attacks from the other Puellas. Have you ever seen a full naval salvo going off in person? Its loud. Very nasty!" She laughs it off a little bit.
"Oh and you aren't the only one who has learned a bit from your dad." She smirks and puts something in his hand. His watch. "I guess somethings rubbed off. My dad thought I would go into his line of work. Mom taught me some law stuff too. Who'd of thought I'd go into killing witches instead."
She leans back and gets comfy. "I honestly never drank much. The whole thing at the party was the bulk of what I've drank and I likely won't be drinking again anytime soon. I like my teas and juices. Apple is my favorite."
She gives a relaxed sigh, "You know, There is one big goal I want to experience again. I've not been able to truly enjoy it since before I lost my sight. Hanami. I remember it being so pretty to be under a pink sky. I loved it so much. Then I couldn't see anymore and I couldn't enjoy it anymore." She smiles, "If I live long enough to see it, You gotta promise me you will take me. Okay?" She beams bright.
Hinote Kagari blinks and looks down to his wrist. He looks slyly at Shinobu and hehs and puts the watch back on. He grins. "I think you just took from the wrong bowl on accident. One was labeled okay to be spiked. I think Madoka was upset that all her dances had spiked punch at one time or another."
He looks over and nods. "Sure, you'll see it. And I know you'll live to see it. Like I said-- I'm here to help. As long as I'm helping, you should be okay. As long as anyone is helping you- you'll be okay..." he nods.
"Of course..." he says.
"I'm not saying you need help. But-- things are easier when you can split a workload, or help you expend less magic---"
"Shared Joy is doubled, Shared Pain is Decreased." he smiles.
"Or something like that."
"It's been a long time since I read that book..." he taps his chin a bit thoughtfully.
Shinobu Kimura smiles a little, "I'll trust you. I just know that unlike the other magical types, Puellas aren't exactly known for their long life span. But hey, Every day is a gift right?"
"You're right. Just because I can take down a witch on my own doesn't mean I like it. I think it's better to go out and do this stuff in a group. Though honestly, I think I am worried about going out with some of the other Puella Magis. I mean I don't mind fighting beside people I think I can trust but I dunno if I can trust them just because they are like me. Some just want seeds and I get why. Ugh. This is just a pain ya know?"
Hinote Kagari nods and gently places a hand to Shinobu's shoulder. "I want to talk to you about something." he says.
"When The Princess first offered to make me a Knight, she made it clear that we'd be doing some pretty terrible things for a greater good." he says softly.
"So we attacked random magical girls. Not Puella. Runealy made that clear we weren't to attack them." he says.
"And we used these crystals to drain thier energy. We did this a few times, to countless 'heroes'." he says. "I felt bad doing it, but I also knew thatg- out there- was a world that- if it didn't get this energy- was going to be subject to a horrible fate--- and Earth was going to be next." he says softly.
"Eventually. We realized we made some big mistakes- and we came clean to some trusted individuals." he says.
"I still feel bad honestly- but many of the people I drained I call friend now. They realize why we had to do what they did because they saw the barrier that was keeping the demons at bay-- and how close it was to failing." he mutters.
He says. "So.." he says. "I get that things are scary.. and about not trusting people because of 'what they need to do'." he offers.
"But there's always a reason for it. And sometimes understanding that reason can help you cope with it." he says.
Shinobu takes a deep breath. She frowns a little and just scoffs, "I understand. Growing up, things were black and white with my mom. Things were legal and illegal. With my dad they were grey. Though he didn't have to do what I do."
She frowns a little. "I am sorta learning some rough things. Doing the right thing isn't exactly as easy as it used to be. I mean I've tried holding back and just using enough force but that fight with Riventon really threw me. If I do that again I'm toast. Hino, I gotta train with my magic but if I do, I'm going to burn out of it. The only option is getting enough seeds to actually train without burning myself out but that is difficult as well."
She sighs, "What should I do?"
Hinote Kagari thinks.. "You know..." he says softly. "...I'll talk to some people I know. Maybe they know a way to--- 'simulate' this power so you can 'train' with it? I've heard something to that effect from a friend of mine- that-- she fought in a 'simulation' before without her actual magical power in her grasp." he says.
"And maybe they'd be willing to help." he nods matter of factly. "So I'll talk to her." he smiles. "And if she can help, well, that'd make it easier for you."
"Though." he says. "I can't promise.." he frowns.
"Just for now, stick to mundane practice. Certainly, that should carry over a little, shouldn't it?" he asks.
"--and if this person can help. She will. She's a good person and if she /can/ help someone, she /will/ help someone." he nods gently.
He stands up and walks into the kitchen. "Just a moment." he says.
He returns with two cans of juice- simple- easy. He offers one to Shinobu. "Here."
Shinobu Kimura accepts the can of juice and pops it open. She takes a long sip and gives a content smile. "Ahh that tastes yummy. That will be awesome and you don't have to tell me twice. I train with more then just the bo."
She snickers, "You know I've been doing weapons training since I was like eight right? Its why the whole martial end of all of this comes easy. Its the magic end that I am having issues with. I train a lot though. Even in the Kabudo club at school."
She gives a sigh. "Part of me wants to give up on the whole radio thing. Even if I graduate and become an intern somewhere, There is no guarantee that I'll be around long enough to achieve that dream." She frowns. "It kinda sucks really. Its the only thing I really wanted to do with my life. I didn't get to even do my broadcast this week because of that big bad witch."
Hinote Kagari shakes her head. "Keep chasing the dream." he says softly as he takes a sip. It's said matter of factly.
"When Runealy is ready to go back... I've already made my choice. I'm going with her and my friends. That won't be for a very, very long time. But just because I know I won't be here..." he says.
"Doesn't mean I should give up on acting or-- trying to get a proper acting carrer going, or anything like that." he smiles.
"Or chasing a girl...~" he says teasingly.
"--and situations can change. Maybe Runealy decides she wants to call Earth her home--- and we don't go back at all. Lots of things could happen. Keep on track.. that's how you keep hope."
He nods a little.
"Keep at it, alright? You should never give up your life for---" he motions towards her ring-- "For this. You need both."
Shinobu Kimura smiles and hugs Hinote tight. "I just. I don't know what is normal anymore or how to hold onto hope. Everything is so dark anymore. I guess I am not as unscathed from the fight with Walpurgisnacht as I thought. I guess hope is just in small supply these days."
A glance down at her gem would show that she's not cleared it from the battle earlier. Its dark. Not black but dark enough. She needs to purify it.
Turning to Hinote she just tears up, "Hino, What am I going to do? I feel like I am going to be chasing my tail for the rest of my life."
Hinote Kagari holds Shinobu, he just holds her for a bit because that's all he can do right now. He knows this life is hard. He's been there before--- worried crying when Runealy made it clear she was killing herself to save her world with--- faustian demon magic. Something she hid from the Knights. Because she felt so afraid and weak.
...and the thing he told her. He meant it. But it was never meant to come out. He knew the burdern a Princess had. He knew he was not suitable. He said it anyways-- but it had it's intended effect. Perhaps that's enough.
Right now, all he does is take a soft breath. "As you said.. one day a time. Every day is a gift. Just keep on it, Shinobu." he says softly. "You're not alone- even though I know you feel like it. You have others." he says softly.
He pats Shinobu's back.
"Is there anything I can do to help you feel a little better?" he asks. "Take you home so you can get in a shower? Take you to a shop, my dime, I can just sit here too with you." he smiles a little.
Shinobu Kimura shakes her head. She simply holds close to Hinote and continues to cry. "That damn thing. I fell for it all. I should have just let the familiars take me out. My vision isn't worth all of this." She frowns.
"Maybe I'm just a coward. I'm too scared to face the music. So I grasped the only line I could get my hands on. I didn't know you and the others were there. If I did I wouldn't have." She frowns. "Who am I kidding. I would have. I would have made the deal. The idea that I could actually do something was too strong to shake."
Hinote Kagari shakes his head. "Please don't think of it that way." he says softly.
He keeps his voice soft as he can. "You told me, leading up, that you were going to make the wish. You were ready for it. You made your wish before you wanted I'm sure- but--" he says.
"I don't think you made the wrong choice." he says softly. "I wouldn't had made it in time. Mami and her friends were too far behind me. You /would/ had died."
He gives Shinobu a kiss on the forehead, soft, gentle- trying to do his best.
"Now you can help people. Fighting Witches--- these things prey on people Shinobu. They drive them to suicide. To control them and make them hurt others..."
Shinobu Kimura takes a deep breath and just hangs her head. "I'm trying to not be like this. Its just really hard. I just feel so hopeless." She focuses and in a flash of viridian light her ring turns into the full on egg shaped soul gem.
"You know how dark my gem got during the big fight? I didn't think my soul could ever be like that. I just purified and kept going because people needed help. I guess thats what I am supposed to do now. Just purify and keep going. Thats all there is to this anymore right?"
She just sighs. Her eyes close and she simply begins to think back. Back to the last time she seen the cherry blossom festival. A picnic under a pink sky. Quietly she pulls out a grief seed and touches it to her gem. "I'm going to make it there if it kills me."
Hinote Kagari shakes his head. He sighs a bit. "I wish I knew more about Puella Magi , Shin-chan, I'm sorry. All I can tell you, is that, it's worth it, to see the people you'll save and help." he says softly. "It makes me angry when-- I see creatures like--- Witches and Zakenna or Youma or people like Ikuto prey on people. I want to stop that."
He nods. "--and I accept that-- someday? I might not come back from one of those fights. Maybe I'll be careless. Maybe it's a demon trap. Maybe I'll just be outclassed." he shrugs softly.
He hugs softly. "I promise you that I'll take you. And I will." he smiles. "Perhaps I will even exert my rich boy privlege and reserve an area of the park just for us." he smirks teasingly.
Shinobu gives a soft smile. She is still really down but she isn't out right now. She gives a little smile, "I can't wait. Its something to hope for. This is going to be a long road."
She returns her soul gem to its ring form. Its back to the bright viridian color at least. "I just hope I can get past this and keep going. Who knows maybe things will get better right? Maybe one day we will look back at this and just laugh?"
She smiles and gives Hinote a kiss.
Hinote Kagari accepts the kiss, he in fact, gives a quick kiss back.
"Things will get better." he says. "I can't promise you that." he says softly. "But.. things will get better. It may not happen immediatly." he says softly. "But it will."
He grins.
"So." he says softly. "I think getting you home, getting you into a shower and getting you to bed is going to be the best thing for your mood right now. Maybe some food. Do you keep food at home?" he asks curiously. "I know dorm life is different for everyone." he smiles.
"If not- we can pick up something on the way back."
Shinobu Kimura smiles a little. "Cure Gull has been cooking for me since before I got my sight back. I think she enjoys the practice. She really isn't bad of a cook. Though some of her stuff does need a little work. Its more fun when she cooks American style foods. She gets some really interesting dishes."
Shinobu stands up and stretches. "Sorry I broke down. This is all really difficult. Anyway, Yes I should get home. Walk me there?" She asks with a smile.
Hinote Kagari grins and stands up. "That's the plan." he says as he looks around. "Alright...let's go." he says as he picks up the two juice cans, taking care of them quickly as he escorts Shinobu out the door, and back home!