2102/The Cybodies of Southern Cross Island

The Cybodies of Southern Cross Island
Date of Scene:	24 November 2024
Location:	Sugata's House
Synopsis:	Sugata and Takuto are sparring, when Wako brings Chiyo over for a question and answer session about what exactly it means to be a Star Driver. Much is shared, and a decision is made. Also, Takuto is possessed by a demon, truly.
Cast of Characters:	Sugata Shindo, Takuto Tsunashi, Wako Agemaki, Chiyo Sakai

---

Sugata Shindo has posed:
It's early morning at Sugata's House (though, as usual, house is a breathtaking understatement), which means that Takuto and Sugata are in the kendo hall, sparring and working on technique. Usually, this time is as calm as a work out can be, given that Takuto is tired-but-driven and Sugata is awake-and-focused, but today -

Well, today, Takuto is a menace, and Sugata is going to lose their match.

It's a good thing no one is here to see it, right?

Their bokken clash, but Takuto is better prepared and braced, and Sugata has to lunge back to avoid Takuto connecting and getting the hit. "That is cheap."

Takuto Tsunashi has posed:
"All I did was lick my lips! You just happened to be looking and I took advantage--" Takuto protests, laughing. "Do you want me to be worse? I can always be worse~"

Takuto is worse.

This time when their bokken connect, Takuto makes a *sound*--

His hair's damp and moving with his motions instead of sticking up and out every which way, his skin is pink and flush with exertion, and his face is full of mischief and more and more energy as they keep fighting, and his eyes sparkle with challenge and amusement.

Wako Agemaki has posed:
"--Takuto-kun will probably be glad for the interruption," Wako is saying to Chiyo as she leads the way through the ridiculous sprawl of Sugata's house. "He wouldn't train this early if Sugata-kun didn't make him."

At exactly the most embarrassing moment possible, she slides open the paper door to the dojo, just in time for both girls to witness the byplay between the two boys.

Wako's eyes get big.

"...should we come back?" she asks, cheeks very pink. There's a look in her eyes that her boys can probably guess means what she really wants to ask.

Chiyo Sakai has posed:
Chiyo Sakai had been in the 'house' a few times now but not really having visited the training area they were approaching. The sound of the bokken connecting could be heard but little else. Mostly because she was paying attention to Wako as she walks beside her.

"It is pretty early," she had to agree with a knowing nod, even if SHE was usually up at this hour already working on the mochi. It was something she was starting to miss doing--She felt as if she was losing muscle! Something that wasn't ever a concern for her before.

When the door slides open making the conversation in the 'fight' obvious, as well as that SOUND Takuto makes, her own eyes widen with her face going several shades of pink.

Wako's question earns a dart of her eyes in that direction only for her cheeks to darken further. "... Should *I* leave?" comes out in an uncertain squeak because clearly Wako *wanted to join in* whatever was going on.

Sugata Shindo has posed:
Sugata's face burns. It's the least composed he's been in half a year.

"I didn't say that -"

Too late. Takuto can be worse. Takuto is worse.

It's not just the sound, it's the sight, of his flushed skin and his damp hair and the sparkle in his eyes. It's not just the sound, it's the scent, of sweat in the air and the oil they store for polishing the bokken -

His face is nearly as red as Takuto's hair. His hand clenches around the bokken's handle, and there's a look in his eyes, as intense as he is flustered, that suggests that in a moment the sparring won't just be with weapons -

So it's both blessing and curse when the door slides open. Sugata freezes. The two girls freeze. Takuto might not freeze, given he's evidently possessed by a demon.

"You're fine," he barks out, rising from his ready stance, straightening and turns his back to them to store his weapon. "Wako-chan wouldn't have come to interrupt us unless there was something you needed. How can we help you, Chiyo-san, Wako-chan?"

This is a blatant lie. Wako would interrupt them for the sake of a snack, given that Takuto often desires rescue from early morning training. He needs the rescue though, and he's clinging to dignity.

Takuto Tsunashi has posed:
At the very least, the look in Sugata's eyes, the intensity, stills Takuto-- who also blushes, but he smiles. Yes good. Maybe if he provokes Sugata enough--

--but then he's turning to also greet the girls, and it's a shiteating grin they're met with instead. "Hello hi you two! No, no, we were just sparring, as usual, nothing strange or untoward going on at all," he says cheerfully, also blatantly lying.

He also moves to put his weapons away, but he's looking extremely satisfied with himself as he does so. The plan proceeds apace.

Takuto mashes his damp hair out of his face and laughs, and the sound's bright, and as he turns to the blue-haired boy, his gaze slides over him. "We done today, Sugata-kun?"

Wako Agemaki has posed:
There are so many questions written all over Wako's blushing face, but she will not ask any of them. Not right now, in any case. Chiyo would definitely make a run for it, and there are things that need to be talked through.

"I'm beginning to understand Phillip-kun's concerns," she remarks, giving both boys an arch look before she pushes the matter aside with a physical wave of her hand.

"Chiyo-chan wanted to talk a little more about Reshbal," she explains, stepping across the threshold into the dojo. "And what it would mean if she became a Star Driver." Here she glances sidelong to Chiyo, brows lifting slightly in an unspoken question - a prompt to fill in any more specific questions she might have.

Chiyo Sakai has posed:
Chiyo Sakai lifts her fist to cough into it a single time when Wako remarks about Philip's concerns. If she weren't already blushing, that topic being brought up certainly would do it. "I did assure him that's not the case," she murmers a bit guilty at having brought it up at all.

Her hand slides back to her own hair to twist a bit of the curl around her finger giving it a firm tug to help get her mind back on track. It's tucked back behind her ear immediately after only to flop back out. Darn curls.

"Yes, right. About Reshbal. Wako-chan told me that was the one you were all considering letting me use if I accepted and uhm. Well, she mentioned your father had used it at one point Takuto-kun so I wanted to make sure that wouldn't be an issue?" Of course Wako had assured that it wasn't but it was still worth checking.

Poor Sugata earns a sympathetic glance his way as if she knew he was being tormented by the far more outgoing redhead. It was clearly a redhead thing.

"Also, ah... How *would* I become a driver? And is there anything I ought to know about how the powers work?"

A pause before she clarifies, "I never had any others to ask about my last powers so I guess I may be asking unnecessary things. Sorry."

Sugata Shindo has posed:
An actual problem with actual solutions. Sugata has rarely, if ever, thanked divine entities, given the Cybody of it all, but in this moment, his very soul is giving all thanks to Wawna. Clearly, she alone is merciful.

Who Philip is and why he has concerns is irrelevant, given that it's made Chiyo blush harder. No, this divine blessing in the form of talking about work, is being seized with both hands.

"Coming to us with your concerns was an excellent idea. Wako-chan may have been the one to extend the offer, but we're all in agreement that you're the only real choice."

Otherwise, Reshbal could stay with Ryousuke-san, in slumbering unused as the man denied Head. Tokyo seems to have things covered, otherwise.

Takuto is given the chance to answer on whether or not he minds Chiyo using Head's one-time-use Cybody or not, but after -

"We would have to take you back with us to Southern Cross Island, where the current bearer would transfer his Mark to you. It's the Mark that allows you to connect with your Cybody, which is what would ultimately give you your power. As for the powers... did either of you ever see Head use Reshbal's first phase?" A faint frown, as he realizes he's not sure what ability would be conferred.

Takuto Tsunashi has posed:
"Nah, it wouldn't be weird. You'd have to put up with Reshbal knowing what my father was doing, but you can ask him not to talk about it if you don't want to hear it. They have long memories. Someday we'll be part of those memories, too," says Takuto, getting a towel. "And no, I never saw Head use it, but Head also couldn't see anything, and didn't want to see the truth anyway."

After he says that, he starts vigorously drying his hair, and his voice is a little muffled. "Reshbal will also tell you how to fight with him. I'm thinking we should open up the main zero time on the island so you can spar with me as you learn, since you won't actually get to drive Reshbal himself out here." A beat. "Or herself, I guess?"

Takuto straightens up and puts the towel in the bin, shrugging. "Reshbal is Tauburn's twin. I don't think you'll be able to completely get away from the Ginga Bishounen drip, but you can definitely work with him to come up with a design that suits you both."

He glances in the direction of the privacy screen, considers putting his clothes on before showers, decides against it. So he just sits on a bench in his hakama and stretches out his legs. "Honestly Reshbal can answer a lot of questions after you get the mark and apprivoise for the first time. My jii-chan taught me how to fight and keep my mind focused and see what's essential, and I got the memories and got better as a fighter later. Not until what, three years ago? I think three. Two? What grade were we in...? It doesn't matter, the point is Tauburn taught me a lot of moves and attacks once I apprivoised."

Wako Agemaki has posed:
Wako shakes her head at Sugata's question, opening her mouth to answer - but then she pauses, a peculiar look coming over her face at Takuto's words. She looks away for a moment, head canted like she's listening to something the others can't hear.

"Wawna thinks that's why Reshbal and Head were a bad match," she says, looking to Takuto again. "I think maybe 'seeing' has something to do with Reshbal's first phase? But Takuto-kun is right," she adds, shifting her gaze to Chiyo, "you'll find out a lot from Reshbal directly once you apprivoise."

Her expression becomes vaguely meditative. "The first time I apprivoised with Wawna, it was like a flood of information. It was kind of overwhelming, to be honest. Of course, I was pretty young back then, and I wasn't expecting it at all." She smiles reassuringly. "You've already had some experience with magic, so there's nothing to worry about."

Chiyo Sakai has posed:
Chiyo Sakai lets out a small breath of relief when such things are explained further. Since they're sitting she moves to take a seat herself, taking care to leave her shoes by the door. This was one of those traditional houses after all and she can manage sitting seiza for awhile if it comes to it. Unlike Takuto who was lounging like some ronin from an old drama.

"I think part of the issue with being a Culinary Guardian was I was the first one, so I had to make a lot up on the fly. Bonito says that 'the next batch' will be revised a lot based on what I went through." It causes a little quirk of an amused smile from her. "Having an older being to work with might be a nice change of pace."

The odd little pause from Wako has her looking toward her friend with mild concern. She'd seen her get that far off look before, but never outright asked. "That actually makes me think of another one. They talk to you?"

There's a lot going on she has to consider, but she was taking it all in stride. "I've dealt with dying. I think I can handle a little information overload for a bit until I get used to it. Besides, a trip to the island would at least put me somewhere kind of 'safe' out of Obsidian's reach until I get used to it."

"Philip wanted to know if I had to go there, too. It makes sense." She pauses a moment realizing... And she flashes an apologetic look to Sugata. "Ah, Philip is my boyfriend. Takuto-kun has met him and Wako-chan approved him before we started dating. You know, given my history with things." Ahem.

Sugata Shindo has posed:
Takuto and Wako's confirmations are helpful, though the thought of what Reshbal could see certainly is intriguing. Chiyo will have to tell them all about it.

"You handled yourself well, for being the first of your kind," Sugata says, and he's sitting seiza as well, pointedly not looking at Takuto's lounging pose, his relaxed air, or the fact that his hakama had to be tightened a bit after their exertion. "It won't be like that, as a Star Driver - even without us, you would have Reshbal."

Because, as the others have explained, they have long memories. It's easy to drown in all of that, but - when you're prepared, at least it won't come as a surprise.

"They do talk to us," he confirms, and looks at her more seriously, now. "The majority of Cybodies are fairly cooperative. The first time you apprivoise, you'll receive a flood of their memories and knowledge, which will tell you how to use your powers and wield your Cybody. You'll also be able to communicate with them, from then on. Outside of Samekh and Ayingott, they seem generally more interested in working with their Driver, than causing them trouble."

Yes, the other ones are generally fine! Not his, though.

"Reshbal might be a bit bombastic, if Tauburn is any indication, but that doesn't seem like it would be a problem for you."

A blink. History of things - oh the window incident, that's right.

"Philip had good instincts, then. And Takuto is right; being in Zero Time on Southern Cross will give you the opportunity to truly work with Reshbal, which would be invaluable for you."

Takuto Tsunashi has posed:
"Well, 'seeing' is what Tauburn was saying, so probably, yeah. Though that's uhh... I mean, Katashiro-san has an eyepatch," Takuto says, going still for a second. Then he frowns, picking briefly at one of his cuffs, and glances up. "Tauburn says anything else and you'll have to ask Reshbal."

He sighs, then laughs. "Having someone older but deferent is a trip. We really are partners, they can't function without us. And they can be really opinionated-- like if I ever dare to think someone is dressed fashionably."

The lounging Takuto then proceeds to get up and meander, not pacing, but having too much extra energy to sit still any longer. Then he's opening his collar a little more while Sugata's turned his way, but not looking at him. If he were looking it would be a taunt, but as is, Takuto is perfectly innocent. He's looking at Wako instead, eyebrows up, eyes twinkling.

Then he frowns again, this time turning fully to look at Sugata. "Which by the way, Samekh was supposed to teach you how to do the armor, but he's a dick, so: you yell apprivoise instead of apprivoiser and tack your cybody's name to the end of your introduction, and basically sort of shrug into thinking like you do if you're piloting, and then you're as tough as that and it looks really cool."

Wako Agemaki has posed:
Wako catches Takuto's look. Her lips purse, half suppressed grin and half pout; her cheeks are turning pink again, but her eyes are sparkling nearly as much. In on the joke and collateral damage at the same time. She can't decide if she wants to scold him or egg him on.

She turns her focus very pointedly toward Chiyo instead, laughing a little. "Some of them talk quite a lot," she confirms. "Reshbal looks quite a lot like Tauburn, so chances are they'll be the most similar to each other... especially as they're both warrior Cybodies, and Wawna and Samekh aren't. But Tauburn is right - to really know more than this, you'll probably need to apprivoise with Reshbal yourself."

She links her fingers together behind her back, considering. "Takuto-kun's idea of letting you try out a full sized apprivoise in Zero Time - the real Zero Time, on the island - is a good one. In any case, it'll definitely be safe there for you to figure out the first-time stuff. Most of the people who were in Glittering Crux are allies now, and there's people keeping an eye on Head to make sure he can't start any more trouble. And we've never seen any youma there or anything. I think maybe something about the Cybodies keeps them away."

Chiyo Sakai has posed:
Even as the talk of the Cybodies continues, something has Chiyo apparently on edge. Enough that she fiddles with the edge of her skirt picking at it and fussing even though there's nothing wrong with it. It's only due to this that she misses the teasing look Takuto flashes toward Wako. Maybe a good thing.

"Right. Ah... Before we get back to that, I really feel like I owe an explanation on Philip." Looking up to Sugata she clears her throat slightly. "You remember Phantom, the one that was hunting Pretty Cures and trapping them? That's... That's him. Or *was* him. He doesn't have powers anymore. He's trying to find an item that will help him to lock away Mirage again, too, so he's kind of on our side now." Sugata had been there when they found that mirror. Of course she had to explain it. A guilty look is flashed toward Wako too.

"If you're all right knowing that I associate with someone that used to be an enemy, then. I think I'd like to move forward with this. With becoming a Star Driver."

Sugata Shindo has posed:
"So that's how you did it," Sugata is genuinely pleased to have this information - pleased enough so that he turns in Takuto's direction, promptly sees the widened collar of his hakama, and is trapped looking, because turning away means admitting that Takuto is having an effect on him, and also that he's losing to that effect, and he's managed to regain some pride, which means he can't concede.

So he looks.

"Samekh is refusing to teach me more than he absolutely has to as long as I'm refusing to let him drain so much as a 'single pathetic human city'," he rolls his eyes, which conveniently breaks eye contact with Takuto's exposed collar, and lets him look into laughing eyes, before he glances at Chiyo. "You won't have problems like that. None of the others are interested in stealing the Drive of the planet to use as fuel."

Just to be a reassurance, to their friend and new recruit that this won't be a universal problem.

As it turns out? She has her own concerns, and though her choice of partners is questionable... "If he's seeking to repair the harm he caused, and you won't get in the way of stopping him should he go back to those ways, I don't see that as a problem. My Cybody wants to destroy the planet; the majority of the other Drivers spent most of 9th grade trying to release him. Your actions going forward are what determine your future, not your association with someone trying to make up for his own poor choices."

Takuto Tsunashi has posed:
Grin grin grin at Wako, and grin at Sugata when Sugata finally makes eye contact; he was absolutely possessed by a demon. Finally, Takuto swaggers into the spot next to Wako, completing the loose circle; he drops himself down unceremoniously, directly into Sitting Properly do not pass go do not collect Y31,000.

"Reshbal will at least probably talk out loud so other people can hear him; Tauburn doesn't, not even when I call out his chibi-self. Wawna does, and Samekh does. But oh," he says, arranging his hakama ostentatiously, "by the way. If Reshbal actually gets damaged -- which is unlikely to happen unless something on the island changes -- it takes sooooo much Drive to restore them? Oh Drive is our personal magic energy."

Ostentatious rearrangement-- and then Takuto leans on Wako, and he has not showered yet after fighting. "Is there still breakfast left for us?" he asks plaintively.

Wako Agemaki has posed:
"I agree with Sugata-kun," Wako tells Chiyo, seeming to have no reservations about her association with Philip or his erstwhile villainy. "I mean, if he starts going evil again, we'll have to kick his butt, obviously. But I mean... a bunch of my classmates spent all of ninth grade trying to kidnap me and break Wawna's seal to release Samekh, and a lot of them are friends now. Or at least allies. Some of them were friends of ours before that. So--"

Here's where Takuto leans on her and asks after breakfast, and Wako abruptly loses the power of speech. Her face turns scarlet.

Takuto gets a shove, and she lifts her chin as she turns toward him. "You'd better go shower and hope there is by the time you're clean," she informs him. "Come on, Chiyo-chan, let's go see what Tiger and Jaguar made for us to eat."