Sentimentality (Luka)

[Ayakura Alisa]

I found myself at the good old Cafe at the Golden Alice District that I always enjoyed relaxing at. However, I found myself feeling a little unhinged. Ever since I learned about that, I had become unable to handle my emotions. I had a large cup of coffee on me and I brought my own sketchbook with me today. I was drawing stuff on it, yeah? I needed an outlet. What I was drawing didn't make any discernable sense. It was a whole bunch of abstract shapes. Mostly abstract, anyway, upon closer inspection you could make out the shape of a knife. I hadn't colored it in yet but I planned to do that digitally, anyway, once I got back home and scanned that shit. I looked around and wondered if there was anybody else nearby.

Probably not. Was that for the best? Maybe I needed some time to be alone. I continued drawing and working on this particular set of abstract art, though I couldn't help but think about what Chidori had drawn in her own sketchbook... It distracted me and I had to hold back my tears again.

[Luka Kurokawa]

Luka felt like spending some time outside the house. It was partly to get a little sun as well as some fresh air. As such, the first place that she would head to would be the Golden Alice District. The girl had recently become familiar with a nice little cafe within the district. Being an avid tea lover, the girl only found it fitting to head there sometime. This little outing presented her with such an opportunity.

When she entered, she was greeted with the scent of coffee and tea. She herself didn't like coffee, but she liked the smell just fine. Something about it was calming. Perhaps it was because whenever she smelled coffee she was having tea? Regardless, the girl ordered a large cup of a very specific brand of Earl Gray with double burgamot. A drink like that wasn't something one should drink in excess, but Luka figured it was alright, given that this was a special treat. after paying for and receiving her drink, Luka looked around for a an empty table. A place like this was nice to sit down and enjoy a hot drink.

Of course, her searching was ended quickly as she spotted a familiar face. Alisa? Her eyes locked onto the woman whom she could call her ally. She was one of the first people she had met under the circumstances of the city. While she had seen the woman on a number of other circumstances, she hadn't gotten the chance to really talk to her on a day other than that. From the looks of it, the woman seemed to be drawing something. And upon closer inspection, the woman seemed pained for some reason. Luka didn't mention anything about it. Not yet. Do you mind if I sit with you? Her voice was quiet; introverted even. Her reason was that the woman seemed a bit off. Luka herself was a little hesitant in how to approach her.

[Ayakura Alisa]

I continued drawing in my sketchbook when I heard the sound of a familiar voice. Looking up I saw that it was Luka who dropped by with some tea for herself. I blinked and continued to look at her, putting down my pencil. After taking a sip of my coffee Luka asked if I didn't mind if she sat here with me. Well, I suppose some company would be alright, I guess. It would be rude to turn her away too. I wasn't really expecting anyone to drop by either. "Sure, go ahead. There's a lot of seats at the table." I nodded, forcing a weak smile before I went back to continuing my drawing.

"So, Miss Luka, what brings you here? Looking to relax, or something?" I asked simply, still drawing. I figured she came here to relax of course, but it would be silly to let her sit and then go back to being completely silent. I mean, I tried to relax here too, but I couldn't stop thinking about those terrible events.

[Luka Kurokawa]

With the woman's approval to sit down, Luka smiled and nodded before taking a seat across from her. Though, something about her expression seemed off. It seemed forced. From the looks of it, Alisa had been enjoying a cup of coffee while doing a few sketches in a sketchpad. Luka couldn't be sure if it was because the paper was facing the other way, but she couldn't locate any specific "picture." There just seemed to be a bunch of different shapes that held no real significance. As the two of them sat there, Alisa continued drawing. It seemed like she was really into it. And as she drew, she spoke. I just felt like getting out of the house. Getting some fresh air seemed like a good idea. Taking another sip of her tea, Luka felt its warmth through her body. This was certainly a good idea.

I didn't know you could draw. Well, anybody could draw. Drawing well was something else entirely. I had always considered trying to learn, but. . . I guess I found other hobbies along the way. Thinking on it, she spent a good deal of time playing games and reading manga. Neither of those were anything that she could really boast about sadly. Her triple-S scores on dance games were likely irrelevant as well.

For a moment, Luka simply watched Alisa with great interest. She seemed very focused for some reason. On what, she could not tell. She simply watched her while taking sips of her tea periodically.

[Ayakura Alisa]

As I was drawing, I realized Luka was trying to see what on earth I actually was drawing. She didn't seem to see anything. Which was fine; abstract art tended to be hard to make any real sense out of. To be honest, my mind made virtually zero sense right now. Soon, Luka mentioned she just wanted to get some fresh air. She also expressed a very small surprise at the fact I could draw. "I see. Getting fresh air is cool, I guess," I said softly, sniffling. "Other hobbies? Let me guess, reading books or manga, and playing video games, just like other folks your age?" I forced a small laugh. "Yeah, sometimes, I'd like to be able to experience the things the younger folk could enjoy again, somewhat. But times change and the circumstances can get pretty rough."

I started smudging parts of the art to make some melding effects. I took another sip of my coffee and squinted at what I had just drawn. Well, it was almost done anyway. Just a chaotic mess of shapes that seemed to slowly blend into what appeared to be a knife. "I mean, all I do nowadays is be nosy. And I guess be mad at Shadows."

[Luka Kurokawa]

Alisa continued to draw as Luka simply watched her hand-movements carefully. Perhaps she had been trying to figure out her technique? Not that it would have mattered much. Alisa's comment took Luka completely off guard as well. She was blushing slightly now. Auu. She had been read like an open book it seemed. Was manga and video games really all most kids did these days? Being a kid herself, Luka likely should have already know this. Was she really that far out of the social loop?

Nevertheless, she continued to listen to Alisa curiously. From her point of view, it sounded like an adult who seemed to miss the opportunities that kids had. Meanwhile, the picture that didn't seem to make any sense to Luka was starting to take the form of a knife. It seemed like such a strange object to try and draw to Luka. And then, Alisa said something else that threw her off a bit. Specifically when she mentioned "getting mad at shadows." Shadows were their natural enemy as users, but why was she getting angry at them? She had been saying a few things that seemed just a little off. In fact, each comment may have been insignificant on their own. But together, they made Luka wonder if she was imagining things or if something was wrong. Even still, the girl refrained from commenting directly. Well, I suppose we all have a reason to be mad at shadows. They've taken a lot from all of us.

She took another sip of her tea. This stuff was seriously really good.

[Ayakura Alisa]

"They sure have taken a lot from all of us," I shrugged and looked at Luka. "But I hadn't expected someone close to me that I haven't even known for years let alone months suddenly get taken away, too." I shook my head in disdain. "It just makes me feel terrible because I could have done something. I could have been there. Yet, I wasn't. It makes me mad. And sad, too. Don't you sometimes get the feeling you could have done something to save someone, but couldn't because you weren't there? It's so guilt-rending." I continued drawing and placing the final touches on my piece of work. I took another sip from my coffee.

"Regardless... I don't mean to regale you with my lamentations. Is that good tea? You look like you're enjoying your drink quite a lot. It's a little aromatic, but I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with what it is you're drinking."

[Luka Kurokawa]

Luka listened to what Alisa had to say again. About to take another sip, the cup made a sudden stop as Alisa mentioned losing someone important to the shadows. She couldn't have been talking about her parents. No. Did someone else die? Luka simply looked at her wide-eyed for a moment. Was it someone that she knew? That was a possibility. But before she could really ask anything, more words came in the form of a question.Yes. I do. Luka looked at Alisa with an unwavering gaze. She was serious. Twice, in fact. Luka had lost her family twice. Both times, she watched in horror as they died. Naturally, she always felt like there was something that she could do. But then. . . I realize I need to keep moving on. For their sake. As she said that, her gaze lowered into her cup. She looked at the sad face reflected in her drink. Someone died huh? Luka was finally getting a better idea of just what was at risk when she and everyone else went out there to defend the city.

Earl Grey. That was all she said to Alisa in response to the questions about her drink. She took another sip before looking at Alisa. I also know how it feels to feel guilty of ones death. I lived with such accusations for most of my life. It had left an imprint on my way of thinking. Luka rested her head on her hand as she propped it up against the table and gazed out the window for a moment. Yet, I overcame that as well. Perhaps I still am. She didn't smile.

[Ayakura Alisa]

I guess so; I think maybe it is best if I didn't dwell on it. Still... I had to get rid of the anger somehow. Or deal with it at best. I don't know what happened to Luka, but I wasn't about to ask. I dealt in information, but personal stuff was out of my league. It wasn't my business, and I had no reason to make it business. I had ended up finishing my drawing when Luka mentioned she was drinking Earl Grey. Looks like it was infused with something. Bergamot? Probably... I nodded. "I see. They say time heals all wounds. Okay, well, I am thinking, I need to move on as well. I'm just frustrated at myself, you know? Need to take it all out on something. Well, I have an idea on how to handle that." I shrugged and forced a laugh again.

"Just gotta let it go, huh?" I chuckled again, fists clenched. "Haha..."

[Luka Kurokawa]

Luka examined Alisa's movements; her eye movement mostly. She listened to her tone. From what Luka had gathered, Alisa didn't seem like she was in a good position right now. In a way, her words seemed almost scary to Luka. It made her worry. But more importantly, it made her wonder just how she could help. She was beginning to realize that this would be a perfect opportunity to try and help someone. So for a moment or two, Luka remained silent. All she did was think for the time being.

Hey, Alisa. She smiled at the woman across from her. Would you like to go out somewhere some time? We could have some fun. Her words were mostly inspired by what she had said about not getting a chance to experience things the kids could. This was something Luka could relate to on a number of levels. As for plans of where to go? Luka had them all figured out from a bit more inspiration.

[Ayakura Alisa]

As Luka spoke, I turned my attentions to her properly, hearing what she had to say properly. She offered the opportunity to go out somewhere and enjoy life for once. I heaved out a soft laugh and nodded my head without a second thought. Being able to forget about my troubles and inner turmoil would probably do a good number on me. "I wouldn't mind, Luka. I think it would be nice to spend some time away just to relax and take some time away from all the noise and chaos..." I smiled softly but weakly. "Thank you. Some time. Give me a call or a message. I haven't the slightest idea of where we'd be going, so maybe you'd be better in that department. Ahaha..." Yes, I think this would be a good way for me to divert my attentions from the doldrums of investigation and hunting Shadows.

[Luka Kurokawa]

It came as a bit of a surprise to Luka when Alisa turned her head to face her completely. The laugh only made her even more confused. As it would have seemed, the idea went over well with her. Great. I'll call you sometime when I've got everything planned out. I hope you don't mind if I invite a few others as well. She smiled at Alisa.

Maybe she was doing something good? She felt that she was, at least. Taking another sip of her tea, she noticed that the cup was almost empty. Well, it was good tea after all. She could head out soon, since she had only come to drink tea in the first place. After all, she had some new games waiting for her at home. I think I'll be taking my leave in a moment, though. It was nice talking to you again. Even if it was short. With a tilt of her head, she smiled again.

[Ayakura Alisa]

"Alright," I nodded off to Luka as I sipped my coffee and faked a languish. "Haha. It was nice to see you again as well. Please take care of yourself and be sure to tell me if you see anything interesting I could hold onto. I mean. Information." I continued. I knew Luka was up there on the ladder in terms of strength so she could probably explore the more dangerous areas. I'd need to rely on her and some of the others to ensure I captured everything. I couldn't always rely on myself, especially considering that I was still growing somewhat. Gotta be careful and I gotta take advantage of the connections I had. I would proceed to wave off politely to Luka and bid a goodbye to her whenever she decided she would take her leave. Which was probably right now...