strongroots | [thecity] inbox

[ Wow, is that sincerity, or is Robby being teased? It feels like the latter, but even so- ]

Yeah? Sounds like you really wanted that maybe, then. [ He can play along with it, the smile on his lips less sly or aiming for smooth, but--okay, it's a little bit of that, but also more just sweet. ]

Did you have something in mind?

Huh--oh, right!

[ Wow did she forget that part of it, possibly. It's fine, Tsuruno is humming thoughtfully as she also pulls a Robby and nimbly vaults the counter, even though she then has to strain up on her toes and bounce up a little to try to snag her prize from further in the back. Why are they all dangling from the ceiling like this, it's rude to short people. But she calls back to him, after a minute. ]

Maybe a spar? I know you know karate.

[ Romance??? ]

[ Romance is croaking over here, face in its hands. ]

You could've asked me for that without game win. But alright.

[ No take-backsies now! But, this does make him think to ask: ]

You deal with weird stuff back home and never learned any self-defence?

[ Never thought to karate chop pool monsters, Tsuruno?

(Also, how is getting that prize going? You need some help?) ]

No, I did. [ There's a pause, as though she's debating how to answer him... or rather, how much to say. ]

I actually took lessons at a dojo for a while, when things changed for me, because I didn't want to just rely on the other stuff. I even, um. Picked fights with other girls to try and get stronger, even though I definitely shouldn't have. But for this, I just feel like practicing.

[ Someone sounds embarrassed. But finally she gets enough air on a leap to snag her prize, dropping down with it safely in her arms. As she returns, she leans across the counter to offer it to Robby.

It's some kind of ferret. The eyes are red and look more than a little demonic and it has five tails for some reason but it's very soft! ]

... Sorry. Closest thing to a prairie dog I could find.

[ The....!!! ......not prairie dog plush has been retrieved! Which, Robby is spending a good second just looking at that thing's face once it's in both hands.

Weird thing, it looks like a cartoon. But he shoves it under his armpit to be carried all the same, its head poking out. Devilishly. ]

Looks just like one. [ Glancing. ] ...on another planet.

[ Totally counts, right? He'll offer out a hand if she wants it getting back over, but she might find her own two hands better. Regardless: ]

You wanna get those ice creams? Unless we wanna see if one of the rides wants to kill us first, then eat. [ He's looking now from their place, the different booths and buildings that can be seen. He thinks he can spot bumper cars, but Tsuruno's knowledge of the carnival is better than his semi-guessing.

...and there is more on his mind than just the games, and he looks back at Tsuruno. ]

But I wanna ask more about you, too. I don't care the order we do it in.

[ It's not said like a warning, even if it can be taken as one. A heads-up that it's in his cards, a plan. He's the one who has to see if he can handle her, wasn't it?

And learning that is about more than whatever life Tsuruno's come from, that had her fighting girls. ]

[ She can get over with her two hands and even though she kind of pauses yet again when he continues, she's the one to reach out to take his hand with a bit of a heavy exhale.

Well, it can't really be helped if things come up that aren't the usual "getting to know you" questions. That's a big part of getting to know her. ]

Ice cream and then finding a quieter ride to eat on? You can ask me things whenever you want.

[ On the way to get food, on the ride, after. ]

We could swap questions, to make it fair.

[ Her hand is unexpected, but he lets his fingers squeeze comfortably against hers when she takes it, something appreciative in the gesture. She doesn't mind slowing down; and maybe it's his previous dating experience that didn't have him expect that, but he doesn't mind, stepping in line with Tsuruno. ]

Sure. [ ... ] But you did get a head start on learning the bigger stuff. I know about your family's business, you know how I ended up in juvie...

[ What a start, huh? And he just knows she has special friendship mugs. ]

Then you can ask the first question. Whatever you want.

[ That only seems fair. It's true he'd blurted out all of that information about almost beating someone to death and going to juvie, even though she'd done her best not to hear about it. She was still just barely getting to know Robby at the time.

And, go figure, here they are now. ]

[ Whatever he wants, huh. He's still holding onto her hand as they walk--and it is warm, isn't it? He had chalked it down to his imagination earlier--and he considers what to ask first. ]

Then... how would you describe yourself? What you do, who you want to be. [ After all: ] You take investigating danger pretty seriously.

[ If Robby had to guess anything about her. But if he doesn't just chalk down her reaction to the pool monster to her experience in the mall, then rushing off like she did is a sign of someone serious about investigating and dealing with problems.

And Robby does remember things she had said then, despite the severity of everything going on. She feels like she has to take everything on so other people don't have to. ...but most people aren't trying to take on possible monsters.

In Robby's experience, anyway. ]

[ And there it is. Tsuruno lets out a quiet breath, gazing down as they walk. ]

I want to be the Mightiest Magical Girl. So to put it as simply as I can, they're girls who made a contract to get powers and fight certain monsters in exchange for a wish. They can do whatever they want outside of that, but most of us... usually try to protect people from getting caught up in weird and dangerous things back home. It's a pretty closely guarded secret; even my family doesn't know.

[ And she says this almost apologetically, because she's aware it sounds insane. ]

Back when my friend died, I... wasn't there. The restaurant was really busy and the others told me it was fine, they'd deal with the problem without me.

But then Mel died. And someone told me it wasn't on me, it wouldn't have changed even if I'd been there. And I felt like she was saying "you're not strong enough", so I decided I'd change that. I'd become strong in every way I could. Someone supportive, someone who worked hard, who could win in any fight, who always smiled and who could handle things on her own.

[ She closes her eyes briefly, voice quieter. ]

Ultimately, I think I just want to be someone who makes people's lives better. I just sorta fell into old habits here because I hardly knew anyone and I didn't want to give them someone extra to worry about.

[ Robby listens without interruption, without much change to his expression. Nothing overly shocked, no more dramatics; he watches between Tsuruno and the way they're walking, but isn't interested in their directions or the visuals of their surroundings. The story she says is bizarre from the beginning, it's true, but Robby's reminded of Izuku and his superhero school. The concrete he punched a large dent into, the lives that people have, their powers.

And the bubbly, always offering to help girl--the same he met by throwing a milk bottle at her--is the same as that. An extraordinary life, and yet it seems normal in a way; normal in that there's people like this that just exist.

But there's more to Tsuruno than just her abilities. But her loss, too.

The way she responded to it isn't so strange, really. ]

I get it. [ His voice is softer, or what the noise of the carnival will allow it to be without becoming lost in the tunes. Watching her, eyes sympathetic. ] After I got out of juvie, I thought the way I'd become a better person was to be someone who didn't rely on others, who learned to stand up by himself. [ He huffs, a sound of faint amusement. ] I did it for opposite reasons from you: I just wanted to be stronger because then I wouldn't have to trust anyone again.

...but I could do something about the hurt I'd been carrying if I became a better person, and then-- it wouldn't be so bad. Everything that happened.

[ Nearly killing Miguel. Thinking that everyone saw him as the lowlife that couldn't be saved, changed, by becoming someone who didn't have to care. Who stopped trying to be the right kind of person, and just someone who could survive, regardless.

His motives were never for other people like Tsuruno. But many people deal with hurt in similar ways, anyway.

He looks ahead briefly, but rubs his thumb against the skin of her hand idly. ]

I don't blame you for not telling me anything. [ He looks at her again, head tipping slightly. ] ...but I'd like it, if you would.

[ She's not sure what she expects to see, when she lifts her eyes again to glance at him. Bewilderment, maybe. Derision? It sounds naive of her, she knows; Henry had pointed that much out. Robby had been so angry when he'd caught up with her, upset at her recklessness. But she knows he'd been worried and the look he gives her now is a lot more understanding than she would have anticipated.

But then he continued and she sucks in a quiet breath, a little surprised. He gets it. Oh.

It sounds... lonely. And she'd been exhausted, trying to be that powerful, cheerful presence that never bent to adversity, but to make yourself strong so you didn't have to rely on anyone?

His thumb rubs lightly over her skin and she glances at their hands, then back at his face. She squeezes his hand, gently. ]

I will. It might be a lot to hear, but if you really want to know, I'll tell you.

... You have people you can trust now, right?

[ He tugs on a smile at agreement, though as for trust -- he gives a smaller laugh, short. ]

I guess I have you and Mister LaRusso. [ He voices it like a joke, and yet: ] I haven't come out here for anyone else. I was avoiding it after the mall because--it made me see myself die.

[ He does pause before admitting that, but--he'll go through with it, awkward as it is. If he's asking her to share with him, shouldn't he be honest, too? ]

What about you? Are you opening up to working together with people here too? There's a lot of magical people around.

[ To a guy like Robby. ]

[ Tsuruno doesn't quite hesitate so much as pauses briefly before lightly nudging their shoulders together, head tilted so she doesn't bonk him with the hat. ]

Okay, but how many people asked you to go out with them to the fair? [ it's light, a little teasing, after that bit of solidarity. If he doesn't want to talk about it more than that, she's not going to make him. ]

But yeah. After some weird guy yelled at me and reminded me I shouldn't do everything on my own, I wound up talking to a couple of other people about my... deal. Because at the very least, I want to be able to trust some people a little more.

I won't accidentally get you involved in anything dangerous now, too.

The heads up about your magical monster fighting experience helps click a few things. [ To be fair. ] Even if me and that really handsome-sounding guy had the right idea 'bout shouting at you.

[ A friendly arm nudge right back! ]

[ A little snort. ]

That guy? He was only kinda cute when he smiled.

[ SLANDER. But she's pointing to the stall they're now approaching--namely the soft serve ice cream machine. ]

So, chocolate, vanilla, or swirl?

... That doesn't count as my question, by the way.

I didn't know we were keeping track.

[ of the questions. But he sounds amused, and totally considers making a fuss, except-- ]

Swirl. Hit me with a question and an ice cream?

[ Tsuruno releases his hand to properly work the machine and honestly, it's been nice to have ice cream that isn't about to make you start rapping or start crying or any other thing that the usual parlor does.

But she opts for swirl as well, returning to Robby with two cones and offering him one of them. ]

Okay, then! What is it you want to do? Got any goals or dreams? It could be something not that far off or something in the future.

[ Since he definitely doesn't seem like the type of person he'd told her about, the one who just wanted to get strong so he didn't have to place his trust in anyone else.

And this way, he can tell her only what he's comfortable with talking about. Maybe he wants to learn something new or maybe he's got something he's working towards. ]

[ This is what he means by trusting Tsuruno...! Because Robby sure as hell hasn't been eating ice cream otherwise (that, and he hasn't thought about getting any from the stores). He takes the cone, eyeing it for a second, but there's the question that's got his interest before a lick.

Well... ]

Trying to get back into my old school for my last year--the one before the accident. My mom was trying to make a case for me, but if I can't, I'll get my GED. See about going into college next.

[ There's a shrug as he explains, not much enthusiasm behind it, and he tips the cone as he holds it in his hand. The ice cream itself is okay, he's just playing with it...! ]

Other than that, I don't have a dream. I wasted a few months preparing for a karate tournament that didn't mean anything, and before that, I never had any big goal. Except keeping a roof over my head.

[ Through less than clean means, but hey, when you're desperate... (or just that sick with life.)

He finally lifts the cone, but does pause. ]

Speaking of, does being magical pay well? 'Cause if I can karate a pool monster and help the community for a pay cheque...

[ :) ! ]

[ Keeping a roof over his head? Did his family have financial problems, then? Tsuruno blinks at that, pondering what it means, as she licks at her own ice cream. Might as well work her way through it while he's talking. ]

... I hate to break it to you, but it's not as great as it sounds.

[ Does it sound great? She has no idea. ]

It is kinda a shame that you can't really make money here, though. It sounds like it's been a little rough for you and I wouldn't mind taking some back for my family, too.

[ He does start on his own ice cream, since he's not the one talking; giving a moment to make a disappointed sound to monster work not being all it's cracked up to be (honestly, Robby doubted it). ]

If some big, unknowable force back home let us live rent free and have whatever food we wanted, that'd solve a lot of problems for people.

[ He does say it like a joke, but you know? Where's the lie. ]

I don't know... didn't you say you get some kind of payment for doing the job? You said something about a wish.

[ Sounds like a possible payment to him?? ]

Yeah. Actually...

[ She pauses to lick her ice cream again. Sometimes one needs the comfort of vanilla and chocolate together before talking about less happy things. ]

When my grandpa died, my dad took over the restaurant, but it wasn't the same. It was struggling pretty hard, and my dad wasn't as good a cook. So when I got... scouted, more or less, I thought about what would help my family out most, so I wished to win the lottery.

And I did, but my grandma and my mom... accidentally took the money I won and went on a really long vacation with it.

[ "Accidentally." ]

So the reason I became a Magical Girl kind of disappeared, just like that. [ With a soft huff that might be a laugh, except it's more rueful than amused. ]

There are things you're not told about that contract, too. I don't know if it was worth it in the end, but I can't break it, so I might as well keep going, right?

[ """"""Accidentally""""""

Holy shit.

Which Robby is having to bite his inner cheek on, because he knows what that's like. Horrible family situations, even if none of his circumstances were ever like that. But living on little to no money because it mostly all gets spent on other habits--

Yeah. Robby knows a lot of accidents like that. ]

I dunno--finding a way out of it sounds like a goal. [ Though... ] But how long does the contract go for? That wasn't the end of it? The wish?

[ Defeat the monsters, get the wish, the end (sorry for your shitty family)? ]

[ Robby really just finding a way to make her talk about the things she really doesn't want to talk about. It's almost like an art form. ]

... The way it works is that by taking the contract, your life kind of becomes tied to the monsters'. You have to kill them to keep yourself going.

But what they don't tell you is that the monsters--Witches, we call them--were originally Magical Girls in the first place. Ones who overdid it or got overwhelmed by their own bad feelings.

So...

[ She really is doing her utmost to just speak calmly about this. ]

Right now, the only way to end the contract is to die, I guess. On my terms or theirs.

[ Sorry that one's natural curiosity for what they don't understand leads them obliviously down into worse and worse news.

Which, really, sorry. Because while Robby's been able to semi-accept this situation of people (girls in particular?) gaining powers through some...magical means, the actual full extent of the situation makes him pause as soon as Tsuruno means her dying, his eyes trained on her and nowhere else. ]

What? [ She'll die--or get overwhelmed or--feel too bad? Robby understands the words, but hardly the correlation; it's only death that he understands, and having no out.

Maybe he's taking it to its extreme? Maybe she just means she's stuck in a really shitty contract with no immediate end, but still-- ]

But... there has to be an end to it. How many of the monsters are there? Who would make a contract like that?

[ What purpose is there in that? His questions come one after another, but not in rapid fire; but in how the absurdity of the situation hits him, from one point to the next. ]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject