That Was Close [Open]

That'd been close...

That'd been really, really close...

Ikue let out a breath, a small groan almost escaping soon after as she crouched towards the ground near the opening of an alleyway.

She'd almost been chased by a hollow...almost... She hadn't normally caught their attention before, but... She was starting to become more noticeable...it seemed.

That... That wasn't good, she hadn't manifested any abilities yet, so she had no way of protecting herself. She doubted she was really fast enough too...

...That had been really close...

Now she just needed to sit...and try to calm down, just...get composed again and then she would be fine!

There was a hollow nearby... its cry was loud and she should have been running far from this area of town. But she had an ice cream cone and hadn't wanted to rush away with it... Besides the hollow seemed preoccupied with something, or someone else before it left as if its interest wasn't pulled enough.

She'd gotten better at hiding her signature, but as she stuffed the remainder of the cone in her mouth and had her hand on her phone just in case... Hibiki or Muika would come at the call or sign of trouble if she needed, but she'd rather not bother them.

Maybe she should investigate what the hollow had been somewhat interested in. That was as good of plan as any! Adjusting the bag on her shoulder, she bounded over to the alleyway where she'd seen someone dart in to escape notice.

"Hello?" Miyako peeked around the edge of the alleyway, noticing an older woman crouched and panicking, older than her at least. "Are you okay Miss?"

V-Voice?

Ikue looked up from her crouched position, meeting the eyes of a young, purple haired woman. Quickly, she gave a small nod in hopes of reassurance.

"Y-Yes, I'm just fine, just...ah..." U...Uh oh, explain this. Explain this, she'd never had to deal with this before! "Just a bit out of breath, aha..."

Hopefully...that...that was a good enough excuse...

She needed to think up better excuses for future reference though.

She was pretty! Was Miyako's first thought and she smiled as her eye for details took in the elegant designs of her clothing. The nod wasn't too reassuring and Miyako stepped into the alleyway with a reassuring grin of her own. "They are really scary, just pretend you don't see them and they'll generally leave you alone. Here!"

Rifling through her pockets, Miyako bent down and pulled out a candy bar before offering it to the woman. She hoped the sugar would soothe her and maybe settle her nerves. "I can go get you a drink from a vending machine nearby if you need one."

Hollows were terrifying...

H...Huh?

Ikue blinked, this...this person then...this person could see them? T-Then she didn't need to worry about excuses...

"I-I've never had to deal with them...before... B-Before they never...noticed me..." She replied, glancing down for a moment before looking back up to the girl.

"A-Are you sure...?" She was being offered the candy bar, but...but... She would accept if that's what the girl wanted, b-but she wanted to be sure. "Um... T-Thank you..."

She could...g-get a drink, something cold from the vending machine may help...

"Aah that's not good. Not good at all... S-Sorry! I'm Miyako Inoue, I'll be back. We can talk more then!" Maybe after they moved her somewhere else, alleys were exactly the nicest and she had been too exuberant already... Waving her arm, she tried to smile reassuringly even more. "I'm definitely sure, super sure. I-I can explain in a bit! Welcome!"

Little baby otter was rather excited but also worried and she shot Hibiki a text saying she found another spiritual person as she scurried over to the nearby vending machine, he was at work today so she had been out alone. She would have texted Muika but the woman was also at work... She'd feel bad bothering her if it wasn't important.

Putting a few coins in, Miyako got three cans of various drinks after realizing she'd run off without asking what the woman would want... She came back with an armful, her purple hair slightly disheveled from her hurry. "Back! Here, take your pick. Its pretty...scary... you need something calming."

"A-Ah, it's nice to meet you, I'm...I'm Ikue Iseri." Ikue introduced, almost wanting to apologize for the stuttering and such, but...she was still a bit shaken up so it wasn't something she could entirely help. P-Plus, she tended to stutter a bit even without being like this...

Attempting to stand after accepting the candy bar, she watched as Miyako headed off to towards the vending machine, standing by until she returned.

Her pick?

"Okay..." Ikue didn't think too much about it, not wanting to keep Miyako there holding her armful for too long and just picked one of the drinks, luckily it was a type she liked. She gave a nod at the girl's words, "Y-Yeah...it was..."

"Nice to meet you too Iseri-san. Erm well I guess not nice since well hollows and all..." Miyako didn't question her fortune or just the random meeting of the woman, smiling as she took a drink. Stuffing the others in her bag, she leaned against the wall next to the woman and put a hopefully comforting hand on her arm.

"Did you start seeing them all recently then, Iseri-san?" She was curious and thought maybe talking about things might help her out. Miyako was out of her element, unsure of how to help but calming her down first was the main thing.

Opening the drink, Ikue took a small sip from it; she'd get to the candy bar in a short moment. Both should...definitely help. She'd hopefully be able to relax quicker...

At Miyako's question, not minding the gesture of the girl's hand on her arm, she shook her head; "I've been able to see them for awhile...ghosts mostly, I'd hardly ever run into hollows; I'd seen them...but I never caught their attention before."

The matter of seeing one was to just look the other way and keep walking if they didn't notice you...

This one though...almost...

"Mm...that's really scary then. I guess you know all sorts of spirit stuff then?" Miyako blinked, realizing she was taking for granted the woman knew all this stuff. It seemed like it, but it was possible that Iseri had no idea!

At least she was drinking the drink and Miyako stayed near so that maybe her presence would be helpful and calming. "I guess you also don't have powers too huh... Oh man, not paying attention to them as best you can is the best thing for now then. U-Um I don't know too much myself. B-But that helped me before!"

Before...she had been nabbed by... That wasn't smart to bring up and she laughed sheepishly.

"I've learned a few things, I've met...others and they've taught me a few things, it was good to know I wasn't alone with all of this..." It'd been really good to know, she'd been worried about it for years...even a bit scared, but...

She was happy to know that at least, that there were others.

"I haven't developed any yet, I sometimes wonder what kind, but...I'm not sure if they'll develop anytime soon." It was a complete mystery. She could only hope they would be something that could help her...

Ikue gave another small nod at Miyako's words; it was best to avoid them as best she could.

"Sorry I just kind of... pushed myself into your business. I just was a bit worried since I heard the call myself and thought I might have to run for it." Miyako admitted, reaching up to play with the ribbon holding a bit of her hair back. She stepped away from the wall and Iseri with a happy smile and laughed. "Still it is nice to meet more too! I met some people a while back and they taught me too. I was just like you now, but... well I still am I guess."

"My stuff's not useful for fighting at all so I just run or call my friends. But I'm really sure you'll get some soon! I mean once they start noticing you... its how I got mine." She was sharing an awful lot but just... even if it was in an alleyway she felt like she should soothe the woman more with everything. Just maybe talking?

"I-I guess now would be the time for proper introductions. I am Miyako Inoue and I go to the Osamoto Art Academy here. If you are feeling better maybe I could take you somewhere else for now? It's better to be around others for a bit so you don't get too scared... And if it comes back I can call in backup!" Would that help her feel better?

"O-Oh no, it's...it's fine!" Ikue quickly attempted to reassure; it really was! It... Miyako's presence was helping her calm down after that, so it was good she was around and it was nice to find more people with spiritual awareness!

She was happy she'd been able to meet another person like her.

So this girl had powers though...they weren't useful for fighting? Ikue was a bit curious, but she wasn't going to pry!

Proper introductions... A-Ah right!

"It's nice to meet you! I should too then, I'm Ikue Iseri and I attend a nearby university...majoring in astronomy!"

She was quick with her introduction, which led her to not including the name of her college; the information slipping her mind for a moment.

"I-If you'd like we can go elsewhere, I just...stopped here because I was tired of running...and-and it was hidden some!"

Miyako accepted that it was fine with a relieved sigh, pleased she hadn't pushed proprietary boundaries. Iseri was nice and all but it'd be bad to force her company on others! She noticed the curious glint in the womans eyes and held up her finger to her lips. "I'll show you in a bit if you really want to see! But first lets go sit somewhere, you need to calm down more before anything else exciting happens."

She felt a jolt though as the woman's introduction caused the rather disturbing realization that she was babying a woman older than her by a bit. Miyako laughed sheepishly but powered through with a smile. "Oh wow thats cool! The best I can do is paint space, hahah, those sorts of topics always are much harder for me. We can definitely go somewhere else! There's a little secluded park nearby, more like a little space where people can stop and relax than a real park. The drink and candy bar might help, we can talk about things if you'd like there too."

Sticking by the startled woman seemed best for now, it wasn't like she had anything important to do anyways. Besides she was another human with powers! Or well some spiritual energy! It was her first real one! Other than Souma...

Ikue gave a small nod, "R-Right..."

It was best to calm down before anymore excitement; once she was calm down then Miyako would demonstrate her powers! S...She didn't have to of course, but if she wanted to...

"That place sounds good too, we can go there; more talking is fine too!" It sounded perfect for calming down! A nice and relaxing little area...

Sitting down, and talking would be good; it'd take her mind off of recent things and she could relax, and even get to know Miyako!

Right! It was her job... as the...spiritual Senpai! Yes, if she thought of it like that she would be fine! Miyako grinned and moved a bit ahead of Iseri before peeking around the edge of the alleyway and trying to sense out more hollows.

None in the area!

"All clear Iseri-chan. Just leave it to Spirit Senpai Inoue, we'll get everything sorted out." Iseri might be older but Miyako could manifest her powers, hence she was senpai of spirit stuff. She held out her hand just in case Iseri needed it for comfort before moving off out into the streets. "So you move here for schooling or are you from the area? I moved here for the dorms at my school, but I'll be living here full time soon!"

Talk about normal things for now!

Seeing Miyako's outstretched hand, Ikue took it as the girl led them towards the area where they could sit and talk. It was comforting, definitely; she was happy to have encountered Miyako honestly she was nice to talk to!

"I moved here, my hometown is a...bit of a long ways from here, but I wanted to come to the university here!" She kept in contact with both her mother and sister! Her sister wasn't even in Japan but they still kept in contact!

"Mine's about an hour and a half by train, on the ocean so its somewhat close at least. It must be a bit painful not seeing your family then?" Miyako felt a bit bad for the woman, alone in a city far from home and finding out about spirits and stuff? Or had she known it all along....? Right now it was more important to get her to a spot she could sit though.

"Do they really have that good of an astronomy department? Well I guess it is really heavy on the nature nearby... Probably less light than a bigger city area I would think." Rambling a bit as they reached the little park area, Miyako giggled as she lead the woman to a bench and plopped herself down. She let go of her hand to pat the seat and make sure there was room.

"M-Mine's...probably a few hours by train, but this university's a really nice one and I was even encouraged to go! My older sister is all the way in the US so...in comparison I didn't go too far..."

Following Miyako to the bench, Ikue seated herself after the girl had made sure there was room and motioned for her to sit.

"I miss them a lot, but...we call each other and text too so I can't feel too homesick."

"Oh awesome! To the US? Woooah. How did she get to go there?" Miyako was in awe, her eyes sparkling with bright interest that didn't fade as Iseri admitted they kept in good touch. She reached into her bag for one of the drinks now, letting it settle against the bench for the long haul as she snapped it open and took a drink.

"I got to see my little sister and parents recently for my birthday so I don't feel too homesick. Though... I guess I'm starting to think of this city as home now! I've been here three years and probably a lot more since I'm going to University at the attached one with my high school." She'd be moving in soon too, which was nice. "So do you have an apartment and stuff? Or do you live on campus."

Maybe in a bit they could talk about spirit stuff...

"Her work brought her there, though she really wanted to go for fun as well!" Ikue answered, giving a small smile as she went about getting a sip from her drink as Miyako went to get another out of her bag for herself.

A smile was on her face now as the younger woman spoke, claiming that this place felt like home now all things considered. She'd been here for about over a year...and while it was far from her childhood home, this city was really nice...

"I have my own apartment, it's just me living there but it's nice and cozy!" When she'd moved here, it was strange not having at least someone else at home, like her mom, but she had gradually grown used to it.

She slept with lots of pillows!

The thought of getting a pet had crossed her mind, as she did like animals, but with her studies she was afraid she wouldn't have time to properly care for one... She wouldn't want to make it sit at home and miss her while she was off at school! Maybe in the future...

"Does she send you lots of gifts? As a younger sister its your duty to ask for souvenirs." Miyako nodded in affirmation, knowing as the older sister most wouldn't mind if the younger wanted presents... Iseri seemed quiet too so it probably wasn't likely she was asking for things!

Taking another drink, her eyes darted over to see Iseri was relaxed now as she smiled. "I bet! I'll have one soon, I'm moving in together with my boyfriend soon and it should be nicer than a dorm. He's got a fluffy kitten who is getting really big now!"

"Are you feeling a bit better now?" Miyako felt like she was, but it was best to ask.

"Hehe, I don't really ask for much, but she sometimes sends me things!" Sometimes Honami sent things to her, and she was happy to receive whatever her sister sent! Sometimes she sent accessories she found, or postcards, sometimes clothes that she knew she'd like. It was really nice of her, and Ikue was happy to have such a thoughtful sister.

So Miyako would have her own place soon too? With her boyfriend from what she'd said, and they'd even have a pet. "That sounds really nice, I'll bet the kitten is adorable too."

She hoped the two would find a nice apartment, it was good to have your own place and it was even better if it was well suited to you.

At Miyako's question, she gave a small nod and a matching smile; "Mhm, I-I am. Thank you..."

"Haaah! How niice. Maybe one day my sister will be a lacrosse star and end up traveling to america and get me all sorts of snack souvenirs." Miyako could only hope and her mouth almost watered as she finished the can of sweet drink.

She giggled and nodded though as Ikue responded about her and Hibiki, just all smiles over the man. "They both are! Regalia's really adorable, she's a fluffy ragdoll baby but getting reaaally big. Hibiki is really sweet but quiet and a bit shy, he's got really cool powers too! Maybe one day you can meet him. If you want... I mean, it'd be nice to have more friends if it's not too much trouble Iseri-san."

Her smile only grew as Ikue admitted to feeling better and she closed her eyes and tilted her head. "Ah, thats really good then. Welcome."

Ikue couldn't help but laugh a little as Miyako brought up her sister, wondering if she'd become famous and travel and send her things. It seemed the woman really liked food, but Ikue couldn't blame her...she did as well!

"M-Maybe one day, I wouldn't mind; it's nice to make more friends... I'd love to have more too!"

She would love to make more friends, it made her happy to have them, and she was happy to have met Miyako. They were having a nice conversation!