victory_road | 3rd Castoff

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jean kirschtein (attack on titan)

3rd Castoff

[It's an actual video with his face this time. It's clearly snowing and Kira looks cold. His cheeks and nose are flushed red but other than that he's pretty pale. This boy isn't exactly dressed for the weather. (He's not really dressed for real life in general) His Butterfree is though! And occasionally the eager butterfly pushes his way into the camera, showing off it's white and blue scarf that matches Kira's outfit.]

Let's see... It's been four months or so. And I definitely don't hate it here. It's actually pretty great. But-- [He's too proud to say it.]

Anyway, I used to be a doctor back home. A marine surgeon actually. I'm from Japan and had a roommate and friend. The only friend I've ever had and he was pretty cool. I have one sister and my mom is sick currently. I was looking for a cure for her. But I'm sure my friend is looking after her for me.

I was just curious, I guess, about all your stories from home. I don't think anyone can complain too much about where we are but it's not home, you know?

I'm also freezing my ass off and I want to read some cozy stories about your lives. Some of you are more interesting than the creatures here.

Where're you from? What's your story?

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I can do that. Just, uh, give me a minute. Just Kira, then? I do speak Japanese and have worked in pretty much every Asian country at some point, although I'm rusty on my Mandarin. Valentine's pretty common because of the nature of my work, but Jill's fine.

[ That gets a little chuckle, soft and airy. Seems like she agrees. ]

That's how I feel about my partner.

A lot seem based on puns, too? Not sure how well they translate but I guess maybe think of it like wordplay in Japanese? Might help a little. [ Or make it messier by throwing in another language into the mix. Although Jill loves the jokes tbh. ] Hear there are some islands, too? Not sure how accessible they are to newer folk, but I'm going to try to go on the suggested routes first. Just seems to make sense to me. Johto now, then Kanto. Unless I find reason to settle in for a bit. Think you've got the right idea, though.

Shit, really? I'll keep that mind if I ever need a refresher on my own native language. [Which he just may depending on how long he goes without speaking it. He's not too concerned about it right now but if enough time go by you can start to forget things.]

I feel that. Did your partner manage to come with you? I was seperated from my friend so I'm also waiting for him to show up someday.

I can appreciate a good joke too. Though I do wonder how it translates from language to language, if it does at all seeing as we all speak the same thing now.

Right, the islands. I remember hearing about all that. I already had enough on my plate so I sort of backlogged that information. It was just too much to process. But yeah, it sounds like we have the same sort of plan. Doesn't feel like aimless wandering if everyone has the same sort of idea.

I'd be perfectly happy to assist, if that's the case. Mostly work-related, but it's nice to you know, have conversations that are normal.

[ It's a comforting thing, too. A reminder of where you come from in a place that's more than just foreign. ]

He showed up more recently, oddly enough. Have to double around for him, but we've known each other for about fifteen years now so it's a begrudging sort of affection if I sound stressed about it.

[ She is, admittedly, pretty annoyed at having to go back for him but not anywhere near as happy as she is to see a familiar face. ]

I'm pretty curious about that, myself. Does it just translate the humor the same way it does the language for us? Guess it would depend on a person's sense of humor to begin with... as for the islands? Mm. Too much with this huge region and another one to traverse. It's interesting but I'll take my time getting there. Think the weather's a tad bit better so if this lasts much longer I might have to seriously put Johto on pause.

Normal conversations are my favorite. I'm up for regular everyday chatter anytime.

Well damn. That's lucky. Being in a strange place is better if you've got someone you know. Lots of people seem to have not necessarily come in groups but they find people they know. That's gotta be pretty nice.

[He's trying not to care that he's on his own. But he cares a little bit.]

You and I have the same game plan from start to finish it sounds like. Which is nice since it means I'm probably doing something right. I mean, it seems like the obvious course of action but having someone else do something similar makes me feel better about the path I'm taking. Not that there's any wrong path necessarily but, well, you know what I'm getting at.

I'm honestly more used to what people would probably consider abnormal, but it's an odd standard between normal and not nowadays. What's even normal when you're transported to another world and you're collecting and fighting with monsters, right?

[ A good-natured chuckle, but she's clearly a little uncertain and despite the joke, genuinely means the words she's saying. ]

Definitely. I was expecting to be stuck here alone but it seems a lot of people who come here end up with people they know showing up. Wonder if there's some kind of rhyme or reason to it?

[ She's not sure if she's better off or not with him here. On one hand, she knows she's always better off with Chris around but on the other... having time to process things on her own made her feel more confident and strong. She didn't have to let him see her upset or uncertain. ]

Yeah? I was kind of thinking the same thing. There's always something reassuring about someone who seems to have a good head on their shoulders agreeing with you. I mean, I feel pretty stuck in my decision and as happy as I can be with it, but a second opinion exists in every field for a reason.

[ At least a second opinion that's from someone who seems solid helps. It's easy to second-guess yourself when you're alone. ]

I guess that's true. I guess it's not as weird for me. This'll sound bizarre, but certain people and basically everyone in my family had these abilities called stands. And mine was a pink humanoid cat that blew things up. The only difference here is that I can have more than one. Yeah this please is a little weird and jarring but I grew up with a muscle cat in bondage gear that only I could see. So you know... I feel desensitized at this point. Is that a dinosaur? Maybe. I'll throw a ball at it regardless.

Yeah, everyone seems to have friends. I technically know someone? We found out we might be related. That was cool. But I haven't heard from him in a while. Otherwise I'm still waiting for my friend to wash up. If there is some kind of reason to it that is...

[Any day right? Yeah, probably any day...]

Exactly. And as a doctor my second opinion his highly valuable. And even though you're not a doctor you're not a small child which is basically all I've talked to here so your opinion is highly valuable to me in return.

The weird part is where you continued with "and mine was a pink humanoid cat that blew things up," but after being here for a while it's less strange than it might've been otherwise. [ A muscle cat in bondage gear that only he could see. She pauses, but shows no other indication that she seems to still think it's well... you know. Maybe a tiny bit weird. ] I guess the question is how serious you are about something that looks like a dinosaur, then. Guess it says a lot about someone what kind of pokemon they choose.

Really? That's -- hopefully, anyway -- pretty fortunate. I mean, I wouldn't be unhappy to have more friends show up, but at the same time I don't want them pulled here against their will, either. Then on the other hand, if I have to deal with this, then so should they.

[ What a wonderful friend she is. ]

Ha, gosh, sorry to hear that. I mean I've run into a few adults but they seem on the younger side. Very disproportionate with the young folk, but it's not so bad. Just makes it all the more obvious that I'm closer to forty than not, though...

That was probably a weird statement to just drop on someone. [Saying you're riding on the back of a water dino is one thing. Saying you have a pink muscle bondage cat as your bound soul companion is another. Makes sense, honestly.

What you get does seem to match up pretty well. I got a Lapras which is the equivalent of my yacht at home. And some girl who says she used to be a squid got a squid pokémon. What'd you get? If I was more familiar with all the creatures I'd make a guess but I couldn't even begin to make something even somewhat educated.

Well, there's worse places to be after all. Might as well have them all show up.

[He's clearly not so great himself.]

No kidding. I'm almost thirty... But you're pretty close to forty, hm? So I'll make a note that says I have finally found one person older than me. Heh~

Just a little bit.

[ Considering what she deals with, though, it isn't that surprising, is it? Beats mutated people and animals by a long-shot, especially if its on your side. ]

You calling me a Normal Type, pal? [ But there's a careful chuckle, obvious that she's just pulling his leg about it. For a while it bothered her that Eevee seemed weak and the whole Normal thing, but it was fast like her and though not terribly strong, it didn't get hit often. And its potential was incredible. So maybe it was a compliment from who or whatever brought her here, though she's not quite sure if she'd say they're similar. ] I've got an Eevee. Haven't heard of Lapras before, though.

[ There is a small pause, in which she's looking it up on her gear. It's pretty impressive to look at and it seems like it can be quite powerful, too. What a cool pokemon. ]

Based on what I know, I would've thought something like Mienfoo or Riolu would be more my type. Guess it's interesting when it's something on the outside making the decision for you.

I hit the big three-five recently. Not like most women and going to make a stink of it, but you might want to be careful when you tease a gal about her age...

[Okay. No more talking about the pink bondage cat or at least phrase it differently. That's honestly fair.]

Wouldn't dream of it. [He has to double check his dex to make sure he's got the right pokémon in mind. Oh. A fuzzy little fox thing. Hm. Not what he expected.] I thought for sure you'd have one of those dogs. Like the big shepherd looking ones or... the dobermans. If nothing else cause your career is kind of police force like. I don't know you enough to analyze this Eevee without accidentally offending but... These guys can become nearly anything you want them to be with the right push, right? Lots of potential... at least that's what I'm reading. I haven't come across one myself or anything.

Fair enough fair enough. I'd catch hell if I was being rude to girls back home. Thirty five isn't bad at all. We're closer in age than I expected. I naturally assume I'm older than everyone... I know twenty-nine and thirty aren't old by a long shot I just feel that way. It might have to do with all the kids running around here. My sister was also a lot younger than me as was my close friend so that might have a lot to do with that as well.

[ Hard to describe it so adequately in such few words in other ways, though... ]

Ha, yeah, of the ones I've met I've become pretty fond of those types. I'd really like to get my hands on a Growlithe. [ But for unpredictable reasons. The ears remind her of a partner -- which to her partner, probably wouldn't be looked at as a compliment. ] Yeah, from what I've seen they can be pretty much any type? I was thinking Glaceon, but I guess I'm gonna leave it up to him if he wants to evolve.

[ Not quite sure how to go about doing that, but it seems only right. Admittedly she still favors Glaceon so far, but she can't exactly say what might happen in terms of attitude adjustments; each pokemon is its own individual, though traits seem to be shared through species.

It's frustrating. ]

Hmm, well, I didn't really think you were being rude or anything. Guess some women take age pretty personally and would think that, though. [ She nods to herself on the part about assuming he's older than everyone. Been there, done that. ] Seems to be the case. I mean there's a lot of late teens, early twenty types, but anything past twenty-five doesn't seem very common. I'm on the younger side when it comes to people I hang out and work with back home, but it's the opposite here. Your sister much younger than that or is she in the "teen camp"?

The Houndour look pretty legit too. I'm more of a cat person though.

That's not a bad way to go about it. Maybe in its heart of hearts it wants to be a Vaporeon or something like that. If I ever find one of those things maybe I'll go about it a similar way. Seems like the fair and right way to do things.

Yeah, you'd be one of the few over that twenty five hump. I spoke to another guy on the network. He looked old as shit. He was some kind of doctor too. Though not a medical one. We talked a lot about biology and where eggs come from and why do plants have eggs. We didn't learn shit but at least we were on the same page when it comes to everyday nonsense here. it was nice to talk to someone about it all.

Kyo is twenty two. Which is a seven year age gap which is pretty significant when you're growing up. She's young but doesn't act that way at all. No teenage shenanigans and because of that the age gap doesn't feel quite so large. But I'll always see her as my baby sister, always needing my help for this and that. She was helping me with my mission back home so I hope everything worked out for her and everyone that I ended up leaving behind.

Edited 2017-03-20 23:21 (UTC)

Never had either. I guess I've grown partial to dogs -- or at least pokemon that resemble them -- because of their loyalty once you gain their trust. Some seem to be more difficult to train or gain the trust of than others, but I guess I can relate to certain aspects of them.

[ Needless to say, she can relate to the unwavering loyalty and willingness to take a hit for a comrade. For Jill, their sacrificing nature and how they'll do anything, at any cost for the people they care for... it's qualities she also displays. Admittedly for very select few. ]

Get the feeling if one bonded to you, it'd be the kind that would want to be a Vaporeon. They're pretty interesting looking, I wonder what they feel like? Furry? Scaly? Something else?

Don't start me on that part. The egg thing kinda... you know, it's weird to begin with but the amount of time it takes to hatch and how they just appear. Guess I'm better off leaving it at that. Rather not consider pokemon reproduction seriously.

...mm, yeah, That's pretty big. My partner and his sister have a five year age gap, so he'd probably know about this all better than I would. I'm an only child. Figure it's hard not to get out of that gear; my partner still looks at his sister that way sometimes, even if she's perfectly capable of taking care of herself. Then again, he's a year older than me and I always feel the need to take care of him. I guess it just goes that way with people you care about, you know? [ For her, her feelings were overwhelming in a way she can't articulate. He's more than a work colleague and a friend, family wasn't right. Partner felt like the only way she could explain their relationship, though even that left questions aplenty to most people. ] Hope things worked out for you guys. Guess it sounds a lot like Chris and his sister; we kind of work together sometimes, but she does completely different work.

Me either, can't have a pet when you spend months at sea. With your job I'm guessing the reason is the same?

[Maybe when he gets back, since Josefumi rooms with him he can have him take care of any future pets. Oh, hell yes. He's going to get the sweetest aquarium.]

Oh, I've been called out already. But yep nailed it. That's the one I'd hope for. But you're right about how you want to go about it. Just let them pick.

You're telling me the egg thing is weird. Me, a simple man, trying to research things and trying to figure out where this shit comes from. It's bizarre. I did have a neat discussion about it but ultimately learned jack. And you talk to locals about it and they just laugh and go "yeah" not a big deal here. Just sort of roll with the punches apparently.

[It's a touch frustraiting. He wants to learn things but he gets blocked at every turn about everything.]

I think it's natural to feel that way about the people you care about? I mean, I'm not a person expert. Well I am because I'm a doctor but not on any kind of emotional level. But I don't know. I'd do anything to protect my sister and my, I guess you'd call him partner. Like... no hesitation I would die for these people. I think, that's probably natural, yeah?

But... yeah it sounds the same. We were all in this together but she was doing something much different.

It's hard enough to keep my furniture from being covered in dust, I don't want to think about bathing a living, breathing creature.

[ That probably tells you a lot about her experience with taking care of animals, that she'd compare the to a coffee table. Might be hard to find an aquarium large enough for a Lapras, but that's jumping way too far ahead in a lot of strange possibilities.

Jill would definitely take some time off for her Eevee, though. ]

I mean, they're all cool looking, but I wouldn't want anyone telling me the way I need to look right down to my hair color and what kind of skills I should have. [ It all hits too close to home. Maybe that's the real reason she was given an Eevee after all that's happened. To give something else the autonomy she'd craved and finally been afforded. ] Especially weird since a lot of them seem to be mammalian, right? As for the locals, anything beats someone telling me to call them mom who is probably the same age as me or younger, you know?

[ Jill wants to learn things, as well. Especially why that woman's calling herself "mom"... maybe she was hired by the government to help people that showed up here and took her job too seriously? On second thought... it might be a mystery she'd like to keep shrouded. ]

You're a physiological person expert? That sounds more accurate, anyway. Think it can be natural, but I don't think that... it's as easy as saying or feeling it? The average person would never be in the kind of positions you're also undoubtedly put in and since it's not fiction, mortality is pretty black and white. Guess that's too much existentialism, though, for me to really talk more about. Figure it's pretty rare in some ways, but it's nice to have someone around that can relate.

You mean surgeon... stuff, marine stuff, or the "other" part. [ The magical cat person part. ] For me, I guess I have the "found family" thing going on.

Fair enough for sure. I have my sister come in and clean up for me while I'm away. I can't come home to an apartment full of dust.

[He's right there with her and didn't even find that comparison strange.]

Oh God... That would be terrible. I'm so glad I don't look like a father of any kind. A lot of shitty things have happened to me but that would be the absolute worst thing hands down.

[He's exaggerating... probably.]

There we go, that's the kind of expert I am. But you're right... Regular people don't do what we do. Giving up your life for someone you care about seems like the obvious choice. And I am sure a lot of people would say they'd do that but it's different when you're not in a position where it could actually be a possibility.

Oh. The other part.

There's nothing wrong with that. Family is family no matter how it's put together.

I need to get one of those. Someone, I mean. Not a sister. Chris' sister would leave a bigger mess, but not sure I trust anyone to clean things up. It's not like I have a hundred porcelain figures or anything, though, so it's no big deal.

[ How reassuring of her to mention this. ]

Pretty much. I kinda grew out of the mom haircut in the 90s. I mean it wasn't mom then... You know what, let's drop this one.

[ It was an alright at best cut. The shape was a little awkward, but it was easy to take care of and if she didn't get a chance to cut it for long it didn't get in her eyes and drive her nuts. That was literally the criteria she had for it. ]

Mortality can be a scary thing. Especially if the other person would do the very same thing. But the average person doesn't have to make a split-second decision like that, as romantic an idea as it is.

[ She means in a more traditional "romantic" way, but she guesses it works for every definition. She supposes that's why she did it, too. Not the idea of it, but knowing that every second of living and breathing and knowing she could've saved Chris would have killed her more quickly than any mission might. No, she'd do it again without hesitation for him. People try to find other ways, fight it harder, refuse to accept it in those situations. For her, the snap judgement had been to rush Wesker and pray that Chris was left behind.

She doesn't regret it. ]

Guess it's nice when it's a bunch of people who are similar in some aspect, too. Not that blood-related family members can't be.

Yeah, I was going to say. Getting a sister is not a choice you yourself make. You can't just go get one. Maids are nice but pretty expensive I prefer my free sister one.

See. You said it like that so now I think you do have a hundred porcelain figures.

[He has some precious figures too. (Only two!) But his are a little easier to replace if his sister decides to knock one over.]

Consider it dropped.

I wish it wasn't such a romanticized thing. That's not a favorite trope of mine. You do it cause you want to save that person. And I think there's a thought that maybe you won't die if you take the hit but if they do, they will. And, even if you know you won't make it if you take the hit... there's something human in you that has to save that other person. Sure you could love them but that's not the driving force. You just want them to live.

And there is nothing super romanic about you being dead and that other person having to live with it. It's super shitty and not great.

[His friend already has some severe abandonment issues. If he dies on that boat it'd mess that kid up forever. But he wasn't going to let Fumi die for his choices either... it's such a hard split second choice but he's not going to stand idly by and let a friend die. There's not a bone in his body that would allow him to do that.]

I hear what you're saying. I suppose in your line of work your whole squad must feel like that.

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3rd Castoff

what a peach

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sorry about the speed! just got over the flu, i swear i will make myself super available from herein

No worries no worries! And feel better!!

i'm working on it, slowly but surely o7

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