A Bit of Shopping (Sakuya)

[Setsuna Hanamori]

Setsuna wasn't the typical otaku. Normally, she didn't even care about anime and manga, nor was she ever concerned with electronics. So why was she in a place that many considered to be the Holy Land for otaku? Because she was still obsessed with samurai-related anime and manga. She had been saving up for a while, waiting for several dvds and manga to finally come out. On this day, the 12th of November, they finally came out, and Setsuna was on a shopping spree.

It had only been a few days since she was recruited by SEES, though not much had happened since. It was still a major adjustment for her, and even then, she still wasn't 100% sure of what exactly was going on. Just that some sort of power that had been laying dormant within her has awakened, and, eventually, she would start fighting creatures like the ones she encountered on the fateful night in which she was recruited. But, for the moment, that was all she needed to know. For now, she was more concerned about finding everything she had been saving up for.

Stopping for a moment to rest, she sat on a bench to look over everything she had bought so far. There had to have been at least eight manga and seven dvds between the four bags that she was carrying with her, indicating that she had gone to multiple stores. The only reason she didn't get any video games was because there weren't any coming out that she was particularly interested. It was at that point that her stomach began to growl. Looking at her watch, she noticed it was almost one o'clock, and she let out a sigh "Wow...this late already?...well, since I'm out here, I guess I might as well stop somewhere to get some lunch..." She muttered quietly to herself, though anyone nearby would be able to hear her. Not that she really cared, of course.

[Kyoudou Sakuya]

Sakuya had come to Akihabara on business from her father, who called her up a few hours ago to look for some particular anime and manga for one of her dad's nieces, one who was quite fascinated (one might perhaps call her a bit obsessed with the matter) with such things. Sakuya herself held little interest, perhaps just enough in passing to make it matter. However, she never did like Akihabara, for she would often receive strange looks from other males in the area. Little did Sakuya know that her demeanor may have had somewhat of the opposite effect on some of the guys here than what the girl had intended, perhaps they had known she carried a blade in there? Nevertheless, Sakuya tried her best to be inconspicuous as she did some window-shopping, especially trying to find the titles that her father had asked her to fetch in Akihabara. He said he would have done it himself except for the part where he was busy with work.

The girl had noticed a vaguely familiar face along the way as she eyed the time on her cellphone. Apparently, Sakuya had been so engrossed with looking for all the things her cousin wanted that she had lost track of time, and found out that it was almost one. Though, she wasn't particularly hungry. The person sat on a bench did indeed look familiar - it was a new recruit into the ranks of SEES, someone who had only recently discovered the power deep within them. A pretty girl, she was. Sakuya smiled upon seeing her and approached her, vaguely hearing her intent to have some lunch. Sakuya was now standing by the girl sat on the bench. "heyas. aren't you the new recruit over at SEES? you look hungry, too. wanna have lunch together?" Sakuya innocently asked, a stark contrast to her demeanor towards that of the opposite gender.

Sakuya smiled and extended a hand towards her, in fact she didn't even know if it was for a handshake or for something else.

[Setsuna Hanamori]

Setsuna was busy looking over the new additions to her her ever-growing collection, while also deciding on where she wanted to go for lunch. Afterwards, she figured she would either hit a used game store to see if they had anything worth checking out or head straight home. Thanks to catching some unexpected sales, she ended not spending nearly as much as she thought she would have to, so she had quite a bit leftover. Needless to say, it was a pleasant surprise, and she definitely wasn't going to complain about it.

It wasn't until Sakuya was right next to her that Setsuna noticed someone had approached her. As Sakuya spoke to her, she was unable to help but blush lightly. After all, she was quite attractive. It took her a moment, but she did remember seeing her when she was briefly introduced to the other SEES members. Either way, she smiled shyly and, assuming the outstretched hand to be a sign of her wanting to shake hands, gently took it in order to do so "Y-yes, I am. I have to admit...I'm still having trouble believing everything that's happened." When Sakuya brought up lunch, she took a moment to think about it.

She felt a tad awkward, partly because of how friendly Sakuya was being...it was something she wasn't quite used to, especially from someone she barely knew. The other part was due to the fact that she found her attractive. It made her slightly nervous. After what happened to her, anyone would be. Still, in the end, she nodded, her face turning slightly redder. Still, as awkward as she was, she wasn't planning to be rude to someone she just met...and besides, Sakuya seemed fairly nice, so she figured there wouldn't be any harm in taking her up on her offer. "...um...sure. I don't come to Akihabara very often though...so...I don't really know my way around this area."

[Kyoudou Sakuya]

Sakuya had noticed Setsuna's demeanor soften significantly, it was only until just now that the former had remembered her name - Setsuna Hanamori, a pretty name to match a pretty face indeed. Sakuya would make note to be more caring and accommodating towards her... She did not know if this new entry to the ranks of SEES had any dark secrets of her own, but she could feel some sort of kindred feeling emanating from her. Like Setsuna had experienced some trauma much similar to Sakuya's. It made Sakuya want to protect her. Plus, she was pretty! Kinda cute, too! Sakuya liked her. It was a change of pace considering before Setsuna's entry into SEES, Sakuya was one of the only acting females around. It got lonely. Finally, that would change! Setsuna's soft handshake further cemented Sakuya's opinion of her, too.

She mentioned that she hadn't been to Akihabara much, so she was still rather unfamiliar with the area. Unfortunately, neither was Sakuya. She had happened upon this particular area by pure chance. Oh well. Sakuya giggled in response to this little quip and made a little confession (or rather, admission) of her own. "ahaha... sorry, i don't come here very often either! perhaps this will be an adventure for the both of us. don't worry, i'll make sure to keep you safe! ...it is my job to keep others safe." Sakuya blurted out in an unusually soft and kind manner, those in SEES who saw Sakuya's behavior now would be (or should be) veritably shocked!

"perhaps we may be able to stumble into some sort of food establishment! i will 'take care' of anyone who may even dare as to threaten your wellbeing." Sakuya curtseyed, her cylindrical case almost opening out all the way. Setsuna, if she were observant, would note the hilt of the blade Sakuya kept in it.

[Setsuna Hanamori]

Setsuna let out a soft sigh as Sakuya admitted to being just as clueless about the surrounding area as she was, but a soft smile appeared on her face. If she was going to be lost in a place full of otaku, then it was nice knowing that she would be lost alone. She had trouble opening up to others, sure, but it didn't mean she doesn't enjoy the company of others. She was just a bit shy and awkward around strangers, more than anything else. And she couldn't help but be slightly amused by the way Sakuya put it...calling it an "adventure".

By then, her blush had finally died down, Setusna having settled down a bit and gotten more or less used to the other girl's company. Then came the talk of protecting her, and her face once again turned red. She wasn't quite sure what to think about it. On one hand, she loved the way it sounded. On the other hand...did she really seem that weak and defenseless? It made her a little happy, but it also annoyed her somewhat. Eventually, however, the happiness outweighed the annoyance. With a shy nod, she spoke "...th-that sounds great...thank you..."

She stood up, and took a moment to get a better look at Sakuya. Setsuna was a bit on the short side, so the first thing she noticed was that Sakuya was a bit taller than she was. She was also about as flat as ironing board, while Sakuya...well, let's just say that Setsuna found herself staring at Sakuya's chest with a mix of admiration and jealously. Once she snapped herself out of her daze, she gathered her bags, then nodded "A-anyways...I'm ready when you are...um..." She paused for a moment, trying to remember her name. Then it finally registered "Oh...Kyoudou-san...right?"

[Kyoudou Sakuya]

Sakuya hadn't hoped to make an incorrect assumption about Hanamori-san, but in any case, she wouldn't go back on her word. She could not help but melt inside upon hearing each word that Setsuna was saying for some reason, was it because of how shy she was? Or was it something else entirely? Either way, it compelled Sakuya to try to be as good of a friend to her as she possibly could. Furthermore, she remembered her name! Sakuya smiled as she looked at Setsuna warmly, nodding. She had also completely ignored the fact Setsuna was looking at her chest for a very short moment but even if Sakuya had noticed, she probably would have found it way too cute more than anything. "um, y-yes, Hanamori-san! and please, just call me sakuya. i am content and more comfortable with that. so, let us go~" Sakuya softly chuckled and decided she was going to take Setsuna to the north-bound area of Akihabara, not really entirely sure where it was she was going aside from the fact she needed to find some sort of food establishment. "well, let us go this way!"

[Setsuna Hanamori]

As Sakuya insisted that she call her by her first name, she smiled lightly and nodded. It was slightly awkward for her, but she wasn't so formal that she would have a hard time doing it, either. "Very well...in that case, feel free to call me Setsuna." For some reason, she was able to relax around this person. It might have had something to do with how attractive she was...for some reason, she was a little different than she expected when she caught a glimpse of her when she first joined SEES, but whatever. She was actually enjoying her company, which was nice for a change...of course, she still kept her guard up regarding her sexuality. That would remain a secret even if it cost Setsuna her life.

As they began walking together, Setsuna found herself unable to help but wonder about something. Thus, for the sake of striking up a conversation, she decided to ask her something. "So...how long have you been in SEES?...and did your power awaken the same way mine did?" More than anything else, she was just curious. A small part of her was hoping that their experiences were similar...it'd help her to know that she wasn't the only one. Of course, what she didn't know was that Setsuna was a Devil Summoner, and she, being completely new to all of this, was completely ignorant of the difference between them and Persona Users like herself. But hey...one step at a time, right?

[Kyoudou Sakuya]

Sakuya stopped moving for a moment as Setsuna spoke. "So...how long have you been in SEES? ...And did your power awaken the same way mine did?" was what Sakuya heard the girl (who happened to be right around her own age) said, and perhaps it would have been most polite to have answered. "hnn... i've been part of SEES for a while, actually. guy who called himself the leader invited me while i was out on investigation under directions from my father. but... you're probably not so interested in that," Sakuya said, stifling a laugh. "i'm not like you, Setsuna-san. i was born with my power; i am the 14th summoner of the kyoudou clan. a long family of devil summoners dedicated to upholding justice and such ideals in this scarred world we live in. i do not know the intricacies of persona-users, but i am well aware that their true power lies inside. however, i wield the power to make 'contracts' with demons, and allow them to fight along side me." Sakuya said this quite slowly, to make sure she wasn't going too fast.

"by the way, you got any idea where you want to eat?"

[Setsuna Hanamori]

The look on Setsuna's face made it painfully obvious that most of what Sakuya had just told her went completely over her head. And yet, she was able to grasp just enough...she knew that there was a difference between Devil Summoners and Persona Users. She let out a sigh "...I see...so then...why did this power suddenly awaken within me?...er...what I mean is...why me, of all people? I mean...I don't mind it, really...but it's kinda overwhelming...you know? I had no idea such things existed...hell, even now, I can't completely get my mind wrapped around it."

It seemed as though this was really bothering her, and it was painfully obvious that she was having some serious doubts as to whether she'd be able to handle all of what was going on. However, when she realized how much she was complaining, and was quick to apologize "I-I'm sorry! I must be killing the mood...it's just...it's a lot to take in...especially since it all happened so suddenly..." She let out a sigh, and decided to leave it at that...at least, for now. When asked what she had in mind for lunch, she blinked "...actually, I don't know. I honestly didn't think that far ahead. Anything sounds good, really. Er...do you have anywhere in particular that you like to eat?"

[Kyoudou Sakuya]

Setsuna's expression changed and contorted in strangely cute and alluring ways, to express her confusion and slight doubt at her current predicament. She seemed to be apologetic about her so-called 'complaining' but to Sakuya, it meant absolutely nothing negative; in fact it compelled Sakuya to do even more to help Setsuna in whatever way she could possibly help.

"mmm, it's not a problem! after all, it must be difficult to come to terms with everything seeing as you have just experienced all this. no worries, no worries. you will learn in due time. i also am sorry that i cannot tell you why certain people have the powers that they do; i am no genius or something after all!" Sakuya spurted out as she looked about the area and saw a quaint little cafe at the corner of her eye. "hey, i think that cafe over there looks like a promising place to have some lunch," Sakuya said, pointing at the cafe (completely ignoring the fact that there would be an 85% chance it would be a maid cafe but then again it could not be and the latter would be much more favorable) "what do you think, Setsuna-san?"

[Setsuna Hanamori]

She nodded quietly as Sakuya spoke. She was right. This wasn't something that could really be rushed, and, looking back, she would have been a little surprised if she actually knew the answer to her questions. As such, she figured she'd just have to be patient and take it a day at a time. She was feeling slightly better about the whole thing, even though she didn't really get any answers. Mostly, it was just a relief knowing she had someone who could, if nothing else, watch her back.

As Sakuya pointed out a cafe, she blinked. Cafe's weren't really her thing, but she figured it might be worth a try. She could smell some of the food from where she was standing, and it did smell rather good. After giving it some thought, she nodded quietly "Sounds good to me...let's go" Thus, she began heading for the potential maid cafe. Of course, if it did turn out to be one, things would probably get a bit awkward.

[Kyoudou Sakuya]

Sakuya trailed along with Setsuna as the two of them made their way to the cafe that the former had suggested they go to for lunch; hopefully the cafe in question wouldn't be something so awkward and strange, daresay even... alien, but fortunately, upon the pair's entry, they discovered that the cafe was quite a regular one in itself. There were one or two tables occupied already by some patrons, regulars or not, Sakuya didn't really know, but... Either way, she wasn't complaining. "well, this looks nice enough."

The cafe itself seemed to have a different ambience than most; it felt more like a bar or one of those food and beverage establishments in a noir film. There appeared to be no one to ask for a table - it seemed to be a free seating establishment. Sakuya pointed to a table by the window. The window itself was quite small, it really did seem to be an old-fashioned cafe of sorts. Sakuya liked those kinds of places. The waiters and waitresses themselves were dressed quite dapper as they milled about to serve the needs of the patrons. "shall we sit there, Setsuna-san?" Sakuya asked, gesturing to said table by the window.

[Setsuna Hanamori]

It was definitely a very good thing that it wasn't a maid cafe. Otherwise, Setsuna would have become extremely self-conscious, since those tended to attract a lot of male customers...usually for fairly obvious reasons. Luckily, that wouldn't be an issue here. Either way, she looked around the place as they entered, smiling likely. It wasn't quite what she expected, but she liked what she saw so far. If the food was as good as it smelled, she'd definitely have to keep this place in mind.

She glanced over the menu, figuring on getting a sandwich or something. She didn't come to places like this very often, so she wasn't entirely sure of what kind of food they served. Most cafes were known for selling coffee of some sort, but Setsuna didn't really like coffee all that much, so she never saw the appeal. Of course, they had to sell some food...and if they didn't, she'd seriously have to wonder how such places could possibly stay afloat on coffee alone. But, while she debated on what to get, she decided to strike up a conversation "...so...um...were you born here in Tokyo?...or somewhere else, like me?"

[Kyoudou Sakuya]

Sakuya tilted her head as she looked at Setsuna, who asked a question. Sakuya had been eyeing the menu for a good while, and was considering getting a pasta with perhaps some juice. But deciding on what food to eat would have to come at a later time. The cafe was still relatively empty, apparently there was chatter about the place being more filled at night or late in the afternoon. "...So ...um ...Were you born here in Tokyo? ...Or somewhere else, like me?" Setsuna had asked, still sounding a tiny bit shy, but Sakuya didn't mind - it sounded, once again, cute and endearing. Sakuya smiled warmly, starting to appreciate Setsuna's company much more. She didn't like feeling alone, and being able to talk to someone like this made her very happy. "i, was actually born in Tokyo... Aoyama, yes. Aoyama. i was born there..." Sakuya continued, sighing, she would be exuding some sort of aura of melancholy, a very weak one. It seemed to Sakuya herself that she had been dredging up some rather unpleasant memories as a result, and she soon idly looked out towards the window. "aaah... Setsuna-san, i apologize~ i must have been thinking of some bad memories! ehehe~ i don't look fondly back at Aoyama, you know~?"

[Setsuna Hanamori]

Setsuna listened quietly as Sakuya told her where she was from, and noticed when she seemed to fall deep into thought. She knew right away what it must be, and the following apology only confirmed it. "It's okay...I...know how you feel. A little too well, in fact. I was born in Saitama, and I didn't come to Tokyo until the start of the current school year...so...I guess it's been about 7 months. Either way...I...well...let's just say I'd be very happy if I never have to go to Saitama again..."

The look on her face said it all. In that moment, she was reliving her last year of middle school...the abusive relationship she was in, and the harsh bullying she endured after it was let out that she was a lesbian. Being shoved to the ground and repeatedly kicked was the least severe beating she was put through. It wasn't until her misery reached its peak and she tried to kill herself that it finally came to an end, and, shortly after, she moved to Tokyo. All of this was seven months ago. It was hard for Setsuna to believe it had been so long ago. Little by little, she was beginning to come out of her shell, but she had a very long way to go before she would ever come close to being her old self.

However, the moment she realized how deep in thought she had gotten into, she snapped back to reality, her face somewhat red "Ah...s-sorry. Now I'm the one spacing out..." She let out a sigh. Still...it was nice to know she had something in common with her. While she couldn't have ever guessed what Sakuya had been put through, and that her issues paled in comparison to what had been done to her, it was still comforting to know that she wasn't the only one who had some emotional scars. Perhaps it what destiny that they met...and perhaps Sakuya was just what Setsuna needed to finally make a full recovery. Of course, the moment she began thinking like that, her face went beat red "...a-anyways..." Try as as she might, however, she couldn't think of anything to say.