SoleAccord

A Symphony of Elements

Uh yeah I can probably find a lighter version of red pretty easily, is it a big deal enough that I need to edit or can you handle it this time?

A Symphony of Elements

THE MAYOR WAS A USELESS ASSHOLE, HOLY SHIT LOL. WHAT DID HE EVEN DO!? I'd say a nonbender for each bender on the council, they'll need to find a replacement for Tarlokk soon.

I think Toph had it in her to be a mother, she just needed a strong opposite to fill the roles she couldn't do on her own. Toph had to be a mother and a father for the majority of her children's lives. She couldn't be both at the same time, and despite her failures she did care for her children enough to completely absolve one of responsibility for her activities and send her away. Although Suyin never got punished due to the rebellious attitude onscreen, I think she found the ability to let go of something whereas Lin couldn't do it for years. A big difference, especially when Lin didn't even want to see her and probably would have died never seeing her again if fate didn't suggest otherwise. Sad.

Dude Zuko didn't let age stop him from trying to kick some serious ass, I'm amazed Toph just refused to get involved period, not even a threat to Kuvira for fucking with her family. She was just DONE. And no idea about Zuko's son-in-law, I thought Mai would be the worst one for any man to impress when it came to Zuko's daughter. He could be reasoned with. Mai seemed like she'd just do a background check and wish a motherfucker would mess with her daughters emotions xD

I felt like Mako and Bolin's relationship didn't really grow from the betrayal and I think you and I both feel sad about that, but hey, we're changing it ourselves. On the subject of the roleplay, I felt like Korra really adopted a Mama role in her own way, and that was cute as shit for me. You've got your fluff in all areas, bask in it.

A Symphony of Elements

Tenzin’s attitude upon his return to the station had been the exact opposite as it was this morning; the upbeat nature of a man seeking to tackle the day was overwritten by a much more serious, pressing demeanor. He was happy to see Lin, remaining pleasant and entirely respectful of her authority. Allowing him to join her on this venture was something he continued to be grateful for. It was for that reason that the airbender remained patient after they had left the station. Shortly after that, Lin had handed over detailed files of the victims suffering from the same sickness as his wife. The contents were examined thoroughly as Lin had admitted that she was confused, something Tenzin easily understood. The people listened in the files had no relation whatsoever. Their chosen jobs and career paths did not suggest they’d be a threat to anyone or anything, and he had never known a banker or a grocer to be entirely unhygienic either. His list of probable cause was rapidly diminishing, mind entering an overdrive to attempt and consider other meanings for why this was happening. Pema valued a clean, germ-free home. Meelo was a different story. Once Lin had stopped he had done the same, carefully resting the files back inside the folder and looking to his old friend. Taking the files from him, he allowed her to continue uninterrupted.

Infection was what he believed, yet there was never a sickness of any sort that targeted a set demographic. An internal attack by any foreign substance did not discriminate; if it could infect something, it would have, so Lin’s theory had some weight to it. Troubling him even more was the confirmation that it was fatal. None of the files he examined had implied that any of the victims were particularly sickly folks. It was a grim piece of news Lin offered him but he had to remain strong, not falling prey to his fears and doubts once more. As the details of the apparently failure to bend had emerged, the eyes of Tenzin widened in horror. Korra, in a short time, had difficulty coping with the idea that she could no longer bend as she used to. To be bedridden and suffer the fact that even should you recover you might lose a piece of yourself was a nightmare he could not imagine. The most he could do now was be thankful that Meelo had managed to recover, a feat both miraculous and astounding.

“A piece of advice Lin,” Tenzin gently offered once the question of who could have done this had risen. “Don’t underestimate anyone, no matter how innocent, no matter how unlikely. The man behind Future Industries had been allied with the Equalist movement the entire time, and you remember how shocking that was for the both of us. If a man like that can be on the side of the enemy, there is no telling who the allies of this new enemy are. Let’s keep our suspicions open, shall we?” A comforting squeeze on her shoulder had followed his opinions, afterward they had continued their evening together by meeting with family and friends of the victims. The worst part of this was that no answer could be offered to those questioned. Lin did her best to reassure them that they were on this case, but to keep the rambling and fear-stricken panic to a minimum as they did so.

Eventually this would come out, and when it did they would hopefully have something to offer the greater public than ‘we’re doing our best’.

“Well, that’s the best we’ll get for tonight.” There was very little that could be taken from what they were told. He wanted to sleep on what he discovered tonight, and most importantly get back to Pema and tell her what he’s discovered. Lin had offered him dinner in response, moving on a nearby food stand before Tenzin could politely refuse and suggest an alternative. Waiting for her to return, he reached out for a vegetable-centered skewer. Lin preemptively mentioned that the term ‘dinner’ was loose in this regard, making him smile. “No, it’s good, it’s fast, and it’s food. You didn’t promise me three courses.” He chuckled. To add emphasis on his thanks, he took three heated chunks of vegetables and chewed heartily. She offered to join him at the Air Temple and check on his family. Kind of her, but unnecessary, Tenzin had prepared to refuse until she had followed up the offer with the mention of her own family. Swallowing immediately, his eyes peered at her closely, face frowned and posture dropping slightly. Difficulty had always been a part of Lin’s home life; if it wasn’t her brewing issues with her sister, it was that her mother was …well, she was Toph Beifong, he could only put it that way. Growing up he had his own share of difficulties with his family. Jealousy from Bumi and Kaya when it came to the attention of their father was prevalent, especially when mother wasn’t around to lightly scold them about it. The two had their share of familial issues but there was no doubt that Lin had endured the hardest between them. He had a wife and children waiting for him, Lin had nothing but another day to wait for. It never occurred to him until that moment, until Lin had said what she said, yet Tenzin had begun to suspect that the Chief of Police was becoming vulnerable.

His heart wrenched in his chest, and had nearly prompted him to clutch it with his free hand. There were rare times when he could examine Lin lowering the guard she had spent all her life building up, yet he was having a glimpse of her offering herself emotionally to him, something she had not done in years. She may not have noticed it, or perhaps she had, hoping he’d indulge her needs.

“Stay with us tonight, Lin.” Tenzin asked of her, voice strong and clear so no mistake could be made. “After the sacrifice you made for us when we had to flee Republic City, after our history as friends, you are entirely welcome to come spend the night with us whenever you’d like. The kids might be asleep now, but you’d be a welcome sight in the morning for them. Besides, Meelo might be able to learn some patience from you.” He leaned in, bringing his hand to the side of his mouth opposite Lin. His voice went low, tone playful and warm. “I’d be careful though, he mentioned trying to chew through that armor of yours. Keep it guarded; if there are any teeth marks, just know you were warned.”

Lin would know that Meelo tried anything new and fun, especially when it came to chewing on foreign objects. Anything beat her leg, arm, or head. Standing back straight and quickly finishing his skewer, he took aim at a nearby trash bin and flicked the pick towards it. With a little airbending skill, he managed to let it soar directly into the bin despite its small, lightweight state of being.

“It would be nice to have breakfast with you again, like we used to. We can run to your home and get you some clothes, it won’t take long.” He paused to let her consider her options.

~-~

Mako awoke startled in one of the comfortable armchairs in the living room. Sitting on his lap was the police force’s version of an ‘employee handbook’ specifying exact details and demands of the job. He was tasked with reviewing the information and returning tomorrow; after a draining orientation with a self-referred ‘bad ass’ of a sergeant, he had come home immediately to eat a light snack and properly review everything without someone breathing down his neck about how he was not ‘man enough’ to be on the police force. Stereotypes aside, the firebender sat up from his slouched position as Asami came rushing into the living room appearing as if she had found gold. “I’m awake, I’m awake.” He mumbled sleepily, climbing out of the seat in time to be immediately hugged. Blushing at contact he hadn’t known for what felt like months, Mako was unable to ask what happened before she had taken his hand and practically tore it off leading him outside.

“Whoa—Asami!—“He stuttered. Asami’s enthusiasm was nothing new but this was a level of excitement he had never witnessed before. If he didn’t know any better he’d have thought she ran someone over and had their body in the back seat of a car. Inwardly he groaned at his own terrible example. The ‘drill’ sergeants list of horrific scenarios designed to dissuade newcomers to joining was still fresh on the mind. “Alright, I’m standing back. What’s the—“

Flame. It wasn’t new to him, it was a part of him, of multiple benders across the world. So when Asami had thrown a punch and fire left her fist, his eyes had gone as wide as they had been when he had first met her. He didn’t immediately question what he was seeing, even as she continued to demonstrate that this was indeed real and not simply a hallucination or an accident. She was firebending, effortlessly, and had enough skill to create an object out of it. Mako’s hands came to the side of his head, making clear his bewildered state. Teach her smooth moves when she could already do so much? Go shopping?

“Asami, do you have any idea what you just did!? YOU WERE BENDING! FIRE!” Mako exclaimed. “That’s …that’s unheard of! I don’t even know what to do right now, forget about my day, what have you been doing today?” A disturbing growl from his stomach had put their exchange on hold. In his excitement his body had been aware of how hungry he actually was, and a celebration with Asami usually meant a good meal and some excitement. He was shivering with confusion and excitement at her newfound abilities. “Okay, celebrate, then you tell me how you can do this!”

She was ready, he was ready, and so it took no time for them at all to hit the road together. The exchange of dialogue was limited to Mako’s awe at his discovery and Asami’s own childlike joy. A casual dinner together had involved a good meal, as well as the old firebender staring at the new one. Infatuation with Asami was not new to him. She was the happiest he had seen her since they had begun to date and before he had ruined everything. Over dinner, when his mind wasn’t still in shock, he managed to talk about his day. The stress of the one behind the recruitment process was covered, as well as the hefty manual he had fallen asleep reading. He made mention of Bolin’s small exchanges with the recruiter, prompting others that happened to sign up with the brothers to laugh. Once dinner had concluded, they had gone grocery shopping. Meat, vegetables, fruits; it seemed that nothing was going to be skipped over for Asami. Their choice of dessert was not premade. A taste for a cake of their own concoction was on her mind, complete with several different types of frosting that didn’t allow them to settle on one. By the time they had managed to leave, Mako found himself waddling out with the number of bags he was managing to carry, yet he didn’t complain once.

Lastly they had to pick up an outfit for Asami at her own insistence, all for the sake of training her. They had gone through several sets of outfit types that appealed to Asami, but Mako would shamefully admit to himself that he just wanted to stall for a little longer. There was no telling if she’d wake up this excited tomorrow, if she’d look at him the same as she did now. It was as if they were normal again and her trust in him was whole again, not to mention watching her try things on for his opinion was a pleasure. Asami had once again settled on buying a handful of outfits that, to Mako, placed some emphasis on the modesty she wanted to maintain, all while offering her the freedom of intense movement.

By the time they had gotten back home, the stars were out and shining against the dark background of a cloudy night sky. Thankfully the servants would get everything inside, leaving the two of them to convene in the living room for a short time before bed.

“Okay, I know you’re excited, but just don’t do firebending during any important meetings or calls.” Mako joked, rubbing the back of his neck and taking another moment to admire Asami brimming with happiness and the confidence to learn her new art. “Imagine if people found out about this. Do you know what it would mean for nonbenders? It could give them some hope. I mean if you can bloom this late, others might be able to. Talk about a miracle …and irony.” Her father’s hatred of benders was kind of laughable now considering his daughter was now wielding the power he hated so much. “We need to tell Korra and Bolin tomorrow. Imagine what they’ll say!”

~-~

“Oh, flattery, this late?” Korra smirked at Bolin once he returned from washing up. Managing the soup while Jinora had watched the bread, it was only a matter of time until the aroma of dinner had brought Ikki and Meelo to the kitchen, followed by Bolin quickly correcting himself. “Hopefully Katara or Pema won’t show up next, you’ll end up with a foot in your mouth twice.”
In the back of her mind the Avatar was thinking about Tenzin and Lin, yet there was something undeniably freedom-giving in allowing others to handle the investigation for once. Today, at the very least, she could spend some time with the family of her predecessor. Jinora had taken over her father’s duty and offered her some guidance on air bending in his place. Bolin’s interest was welcome, yet was diverted to tell Meelo that he had beaten him in finding the answer to the age-old question of if sticking a spoon in your nose was a possibility. She laughed quietly and assisted him in preparing a bowl for Pema, making sure the amount was enough to fill her but not overwhelm her. While Bolin handled the main course, Korra carried a glass of water and napkin for her. With Jinora to help her siblings and herself get their share, it allowed Korra and Bolin a little time alone as they moved to Pema’s room.

“Jinora’s filled in for Tenzin while he’s busy. I learned how to make an airsphere, and even ride one, but it took some falls before I could nail it entirely. And after that I just distracted the kids for a while if I wasn’t talking to Katara about everything that’s been going on with Tenzin and myself.” She bumped shoulders with Bolin lightly, leaning her head forward. “So, “Chief”, how were things today? You and Mako worked hard, right?”

Solace In Night: A Kingdom Hearts RP

A greater explanation of who and what Aeva was had been put on hold. The focus of the rebel group were all placed on the newer arrivals: a pair of adults, one familiar to Lin in a negative light, and both unfamiliar to Rika. To allow Ace the opportunity to grow, as well as the rest of the group, Aeva stood in silence and waited for the exchange between the youth and the unfamiliar to go on.

The assassin and the great warrior in training were listening with care. Much more than Ace and Shizuka, they were observing the mannerisms of the strangers to break down the positives and negatives, if any, in their appeal for assistance. Rika's posture expressed a lack of caring; her posture was no longer straight, arms crossed over her chest and head tilted to her left in a mixture of disbelief and loss of appreciation. There were some holes in this presentation that were glaring, almost blinding the blonde after the woman of the pair began to tear up. Unable to help but roll her eyes and slowly shake her head no more than three times, Rika glanced back towards Aeva for a moment, finding her patience astounding in a situation such as this. Aeva looked back, prompting the two to have a silent exchange in expression, practically communicating through them. Determining that Aeva had not been in any hurry and was letting this play out, Rika pointed to herself. Aeva gestured towards the pair, offering a silent approval of her voice in these matters. Just as the guy began to wrap up his big exposition as to what the hell he was doing here, Rika cleared her throat to keep Ace, Shizuka, or anyone else present from interrupting.

"So, that presentation of yours, kind of weak." she bluntly stated, placing apathy in the tone of her voice and the shrug of her shoulders. If left up to Ace he would probably fail to understand just what was wrong with all of this, or worse, he'd probably let his emotions for the guy being Empire completely decide the outcome of this laughable attempt to get recruited. Hopefully he would keep silent and learn a little bit, as she hoped Shizuka and Lin would.

"It's good to value your abilities, but the shock value of someone who used to work with the Empire having knowledge of who the Princesses are? Nonexistent right now. The fact is, we know who they were, you knowing isn't of any consequence to us, or a boon. Congratulations, you know what we know." The green glow of Rika's faultfinding eyes looked to Flora. "Your girlfriend almost saved you. Almost. Ace apparently asked you to take care of a little problem before, which I wasn't present for, and you apparently failed in that task. So riding on the coattail of an emotional outbreak was probably your best chance. Heck, it might even work on some of them, but then ...you shot yourself in the foot." Her attention returned to the male. "You don't suggest to join forces with people and then build yourself up at the same time. You came to us. You need us. All that attention to Ace is cute, yet his role as leader is subjective, pretty much a kindness. Everyone here gets a say on this decision, so your best chance was to offer your attention to everyone present. And-- can I just say something else real fast?"

Holding up her hands, the demeanor of a judgmental assassin had turned to one of unbound cheer. She was recalling something in recent memory, the build-up of laughter practically becoming contagious again when she thought about it. The loss of Asahina aside, it was going to be funny to her for the rest of her life.

"We are dealing with possibly the worst -- the WORST -- strategic leaders that the Empire can offer. Hell, maybe even the worst of all time. I suppose you were missing in action when they crippled their own base of operations and rendered that bloodsucking factory inoperable of their own accord?" The laughter died, yet the grin was still on display, no sign of dying down just yet. "But you want to know what really, really killed you? It's the fact you can't help but underestimate each and everyone one of us when it comes to this info of yours, and I doubt you know the full extent of what we are all capable of to begin with. No strong foothold to make your companionship desirable, going in a subtle circle about how your information is so important, how we'd be crazy to pass this opportunity up -- none of this helps you. What helps you most is stepping off that high horse and coming down to the level of everyone else, of properly valuing the people you actually seek out for assistance. Sucking your own dick is a great talent, yet it's not useful here. You couldn't even offer any legitimate intel before you did so. Beautiful."

Rika clapped her hands together just once, peering around at her comrades. "Was that everything or does someone have something to add? Because my vote is pretty damn clear right now."

Lin's hand had shot up immediately, although her physical attention had never left Cerden. Highly unusual for her, her eyes had been narrowed slightly to capture every inch of the man's attitude and choice of expression. Throughout Rika's monologue, she was left to look into her own heart to make a decision she could feel comfortable with. This was a decision that everyone should come to, not only one. She believed in Ace's decisions and believed in him, yet her previous feelings about Cerden had not changed. Nor had he. Lowering her hand, the young warrior offered her own opinion on the matter.

"You're conceited. The way you smiled about our group losing two people, people important to us and those not present, was disgusting and shameful. And not only that, but the way you speak of pride getting in the way is most ironic, especially if you consider that you did not intend to humble yourself upon announcing your intentions. Not once did you offer any condolence for our predicament, even when you had made clear that you share it." The normally peaceful, balanced Meilin was shaking lightly, fists balled tight at her sides. In her eyes was unmistakable contempt. "After last time, after you arrogantly observed as innocent people were put at risk and stood by, I believed you might have seen the error, that you might have opened your eyes to the helplessness of others."

The silence that followed was deafening. For Rika, it was something major when the sweetheart of the group was being realistic about everything. She smiled still, her cheer replaced by approval.

"I dedicate my life to helping others, but you're ...impossible. If you changed, if you could humble yourself, I would have gladly forgiven you." Lin lowered her head in thought, wanting to choose the next set of words carefully. The passion in her voice had not wavered, even now. "For now, I say no. I do not wish to travel with you, even if it is for a short time."

~-~

The deep brown eyes of the Mayor stared back at the distraught visage of his sudden visitor. His guest was shivering with fright at the abrupt appearance of this young, beautiful woman with a stare so hard it could kill were it directed entirely at him. Meanwhile, as the colorful group of his personal unit came to join just behind Ryoko as if waiting for an order from him, Shinobu raised a hand to halt any sudden action from them. He stood up quietly, his firm form easily towering over his guest. Extending a hand, the intimidation that the Mayor carried appeared only due to his size; pleasantly, and with an apologetic tone, his address to the guest was brief but meaningful. The majority of their discussion had already been concluded, fortunate for Ryoko considering he had valued his word being kept. If you scheduled time with him, you got it. Offering thanks, the man had grabbed his things and quickly left the room. The Turks had not let his wide range to stay clear of Ryoko slip by them. The redhead snickered quietly and closed the door behind him, moving past Ryoko and taking the seat the man left. All at once the desire to be professional had left him. Strange to those that might not know him, Shinobu had said nothing about the casualness of his guard's actions.

"You know, only two women in my life could get away with that comfortably." Shinobu took a seat once more, gesturing an open hand towards one of the free seats that weren't taken by his guard. As if on cue the redhead moved to place his feet on the desk, which prompted an immediate look of dare from Shinobu, resulting in the young man trying to play it off by stretching his arms and sinking into his chair.

"One of these days she's going to make me actually have to escort her out of the building," Reno joked, offering a wink to Ryoko. Rude, Tseng and Elena had taken placed in different areas of his office. Rude had settled beside the door, Tseng comfortably stood beside Shinobu, while Elena had stuck her tongue out at Ryoko before moving to the free side of Shinobu's flank.

"Calling worked too, by the way." Shinobu stated, "I'd offer you a drink but I'm currently out of stock ...and given that look in your eye, something tells me you either want to drown in booze, or kill someone. Let's hear it."

Cherry Blossoms Under the Silver Sky

Alright, ciao.

Cherry Blossoms Under the Silver Sky

We're cool dude. I'm just currently not believing in myself and procrastinating because of it, hold on, about to get crunk to some music and see if I can't do something tonight X.X

Cherry Blossoms Under the Silver Sky

I was referring strictly to the comment about 'wishing you had a LoK post' when it's the hardest thing I have to reply to out of our trinity. I understand the comments about fanfiction. It's just when you make remarks like that without a greater implication of being lighthearted, it becomes disheartening, like I'm a failure because I can't put these posts out as much as you.

I'm fine, just wanted you to know how that can make a guy feel, we're cool~

Cherry Blossoms Under the Silver Sky

Thanks, and to respond to that last remark you made: "Forced writing can be painful for both a reader and a writer.", and saying things like that tempt me to force my responses rather than slowly and carefully consider them. I'm sure you don't mean to and it was a light-hearted thing but from one friend to another, keep in mind that I already have low self-esteem about my rate of posting and my overall ability, I'd rather not rush and make things worse :C

Cherry Blossoms Under the Silver Sky

The hardest part of any physical activity is starting. In a way, it's the same with writing a story, as I full well know. Think I'm nearly ready to announce I'm going to add another chapter to Heaven's Lament and see if I still have passion for the story. Considering the prompt isn't of my own doing I think I'm doing okay, I'll just need to see if I have the fire within.

Cherry Blossoms Under the Silver Sky

Go outside and walk gurl, you don't need your mom to do it :IIIIII