~ Strange Paths ~
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Post by Deleted on Sept 28, 2012 18:20:20 GMT -6
Date: May 18th - 2003Time: 10:00 A.M.
The fluttered sound of a page being turned echoed through the quiet environment. Like a vibrating machine her eyes skimmed across the text that decorated the pages that belonged in the book. Her small fingers brushed against the next page ready to turn it to reveal more of what the story had for her. An interesting story Kazue had thought, and did not rip her attention away from the book. The young soul decided to take a walk around the town reading a book that had caught her attention.
She began to walk unconsciously to a nearby turn thinking of nothing in particular. Before she reached the corner, however, she slowed as if a wind had sprung up from nowhere, as if someone had called her name. Kazue's hair seemed to shift as she began making the turn, her attention slowly being broken from the story and into reality around her. The air seemed charged with an unusual presence as if someone had been here for decades, quietly, and only a moment before she came, she was nothing but a shadow.
Perhaps her sight was playing tricks on her. Kazue's ocean blue colored eyes seemed to give off a glow of the unexpected surprise. The echo of tree leaves reached her eyes as her arms slowly lowering as her gaze was never changing. The wind blew over the pavement of the street as the area Kazue found herself in seemed traditional - almost as if this place hasn't been touched by evil in centuries.
A familiar face greeted her gaze as a young girl was before her a few feet away. The young girl had never visited a place such as this before, yet the familiarity of that face seemed to strike her.
The wind whispered against her hair as it carried it off to the side, the body of the wind light, and she stared at the girl with an emotionless expression. The book that was held in her hands never closed, and the pages stopped at her small thumb to seize them from capturing her place in the book.
A strange place and a familiar presence... How convenient...
Kazue clamped her book and held it softly in her grasp as the site of the girl in a certain uniform left her thinking. She lost herself from reality once more and sunk into the sea of her being.
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Post by Kirishima Anzu on Sept 30, 2012 5:24:23 GMT -6
It's a nice, warm day with plenty of sunlight from the clear azure sky. The ideal weather for going out and have fun. However, while she enjoys the pleasant spring weather, she still has a job to do. Taking care of the shrine.
Well, it is pretty much a janitor's work. Sweeping the yard, watering the plants, checking the offering box, sprinkling water around the area on hot dry days, and so on. Still, Anzu knows that being a miko of this shrine, it is her duty to take good care of the sacred ground in order to make visitors feel more welcome.
Now, standing on the ground, which is still damp from the rain the previous night, Anzu proceeds to sweep the leaves which are carried away by the wind during that time. Even though this is spring, sweeping the leaves still remind Anzu of one of the Japanese' favorite pastime. During fall, people like to use the leaves to grill sweet potatoes. The potato is covered in aluminum foil, put in a shallow hole, then covered with the fallen leaves. After those leaves are burnt out, the potatoes can be collected, piping hot and ready to be eaten. Those sweet potatoes have a rather unique taste, probably from the way they are prepared.
The sun shines more brightly as noon is approaching. Anzu stops for a moment, looks up and enjoy the sight above her. That blue color, one of her favorites, can be so breathtaking, just as many other works of art drawn by nature. No wonder humans got so captivated by it they wanted to reach it, just like the birds.
The birds... They can spread their wings and soar freely in the endless sky, fly to wherever they want. Well, most of them. Anzu continues her work without breaking her thinking streak. She knows she has pretty much stayed in one place since childhood. Being born as a Shinto priest's daughter, didn't go out much due to a sickly childhood, volunteered herself to help her family without thinking much. Still, Anzu thinks she still has a huge debt, which she is more than willing to pay by doing anything within her strength. That's... her duty.
Anzu turns around, and immediately realizes that she is not alone. A visitor? Anzu can only recall having seen that face a number of times before in school, so she decides to keep her courtesy:
"Good morning... How may I help you?"
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Post by Deleted on Oct 4, 2012 19:54:30 GMT -6
Kazue had the most unusual feeling tainting her system as if on instinct she was ordered to stay on the edge. After that time ago, in her childhood, she never was easy to communicate with after that horrible day. The girl tightened her muscles, tensing up as if it was a button being pushed telling her to commit the action. A defense mechanism she would call it if one were to ask her why she was acting in this manner - if they ever noticed anyway. The girl's lips parted softly to reveal only a small part of her teeth, and her eyelids seemed to slowly caress her eyes downward as parts of her irises were now hidden behind the blanket her eyelids offered.
The expression shouted that she was tense and now wary. Kazue felt her heart beat racing, her ears in tune as this stranger spoke.
"Good morning... How may I help you?"
Breathing seemed to come to a slow as she felt her pulse race even faster than before. The girl's skin began to grow warm as her system activated the feeling of nervousness to pulse through her world. The many array of emotions encircled her inside the imaginary brick wall she kept around herself; it made everything seem so closed in on her. Just this girl's very greeting seemed to tip her off of the platter and down to the ground, yet she put forth her effort to remain calm.
"Good morning to... you as well... I don't need any help. I-I just stumbled upon this place by pure accident."
Her reply stuttered out as she spoke her voice sounding slow, her brain processing the choice of word's available in this situation carefully. Kazue began to note how the girl was dressed her eyes scanning her up and down. The outfit looked familiar; then the familiar pattern had danced its way inside of her mind. Usually one would wear an outfit such as this unless it was for something important, or for a job that they were assigned to that required a uniform of sorts. The young Freshman had read it in a book once.
Kazue tightened her grip around the book in her fingertips, keeping her mouth closed like a safe. The very beating of her heart against her chest was making her ever so uncomfortable. She didn't know what to say nor did she know how to communicate with this fellow student.
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Post by Kirishima Anzu on Oct 24, 2012 18:11:06 GMT -6
"Oh, all right. Still, if you want to write any prayers, the wooden tags are over there." Anzu replies in a professional tone, just like the employees in a department store. "If you just want to hang around, then please don't mind me. I've seen a number of people coming here without make any offerings, as this place has a rather nice view."
Anzu's not the type to brag about someone, or something. This shrine is one of the few places in town where one can find peace and quiet, especially sacred grounds like this place. The vegetation just gives more of a calm, relaxing feeling to this place, alongside some fresh air. In fact, Anzu's glad that her school is on a lush, scenic hill which is located near the suburban area, which makes her trips to school and back more enjoyable.
Then, Anzu realizes some familiarity in the unexpected visitor. Has Anzu seen her at school, she wonders. It's Sunday today, so the high school students are rarely seen outside with their school uniform, so she has to use other ways to confirm it. It'd be nice if that girl is someone from her class.
"Excuse me. Are you from Hikarizaka High?"
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2012 13:27:50 GMT -6
Listening to Anzu's words Kazue merely stood there with a blank face that held no emotion - no purpose. With a blink the girl looked around at the environment once more holding the book she had brought with her close to her being. With a mental sigh Kazue didn't know what to say nor do in this situation. She merely stumbled upon this place by accident - no plans to pay the shrine a visit intended.
The blond did have to admit that the scenery did feel calming to a certain extent. The lush environment provided a comfortable atmosphere for those wanting to visit this place and seek some form of sanctuary. This professional in front of her did strike some form a familiarity now that Kazue looked at her again - more carefully.
"Excuse me. Are you from Hikarizaka High?"
The answer she was seeking had been provided with that simple question. Have they crossed paths before? The freshman would be able to recollect if they had done so. With light blue colored eyes turning their attention to Anzu she replied to the question with the slightest bit of hesitation.
"Yes, I am... If I recall correctly, I believe I've seen you before."
It was a strange prickling feeling in the back of her mind, and Kazue couldn't deny it. Anzu did indeed look familiar to her - as if she had seen her in a flash on many occasions. The wind seemed to dance by softly the leaves dancing and brushing against one another to create a calming noise that echoed through the environment. Despite how nervous the girl was on the inside she stood there allowing herself to talk to this acquaintance before.
All she could do was wait to see how things would unfold in this meeting.
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Post by Kirishima Anzu on Jan 7, 2013 19:52:15 GMT -6
This girl... has seen Anzu before. If that's so, it's very likely that they are in the same class, or at least their classes are close.
Anzu really enjoys the delightful feeling of meeting her classmate, or even a schoolmate she's never met before, outside of school hours. Whenever that happens, she always try to say hello to them. Anzu's still not so sure why, but she acknowledges that those encounters can reveal something about those people that don't show at school, like their favorite after-school hangout, or a part of their daily routines.
Then Anzu realizes that she has seen the guest in her class before, mostly due to the latter's hairstyle. Those two girls haven't acctually had a decent conversation with each other yet. But Anzu still believes she's closing in on the mark. It helps that she can remember most of her classmates' names.
That doesn't mean those names never slip her mind though.
"Wait, are you... are you in class 1-B? Uh... um... what's the name? Matsuya... no. Matsuri-san, isn't it?"
Anzu feels like she's trying to find a safe's combination, as she struggles to find the correct syllables of her guest's name.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 12, 2013 10:56:58 GMT -6
Standing there in place her fingers began to curl around the book she kept at her side. With a gaze hardening Kazue attempted herself to remember a name for the acquaintance present. The dancing of the leaves seemed to block out the thoughts unable to focus on the attempt to remember a name.
Anzu began to speak her voice tickling Kazue's eardrums alerting her to pay attention to her words. Though the blonde could feel a small emotion cause her to heave a sigh through her nose as the girl before her spoke.
"Wait, are you... are you in class 1-B? Uh... um... what's the name? Matsuya... no. Matsuri-san, isn't it?"
Cocking a brow the freshman could do nothing but stare for a moment not realizing the expression on her features. Lips pursed with a gaze of unknown thoughts she simply stood on the spot oblivious to the reality before her. Soon enough a switch was flipped on in her mind causing the girl to shake her head dragging herself back into the reality around her.
Gaze shifting to take in the view around them a reply was given to the priestess before her each word patiently making its way through the wind. It was difficult to make eye contact with other individuals unable to look at them with a calm demeanor. Not used to social interaction nor comfortable around others it was already beginning to prove difficult for the girl. Fate seemed to be putting her in the uncomfortable situations; it was as if it was pushing her to meet others.
"Kazue Masumi of Class 1-B."
Quickly glancing Anzu's direction she inhaled a deep breath her fingers bending as they began repeatedly tapping the hard cover of her book. With a slight incline of her head and a heaved sigh Kazue gazed to Anzu attempting to recollect a name. "Are you... Kirishima?" She asked the question in a sluggish manner almost afraid to ask said question.
Gaze hardening and flitting back to the world around Kazue couldn't help but gaze away finding her muscles tensing and nerves growing.
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Post by Kirishima Anzu on Jan 27, 2013 19:20:34 GMT -6
"Uh, oh, right. Right. That's it. Kazue Masumi-san. I remember now."
Anzu lets out a sigh while trying to prevent herself from stuttering. It is an odd mixture of relief, as her instincts about that visitor being a classmate is proven to be correct, and embarrassment, as while she does recognize the girl, she struggled to remember her name. The brunette quietly makes a mental note to herself: memorize the class register thoroughly.
And... the visitor actually just beat her in the "who's who" game, as she guessed correctly the shrine maiden's name on the first try.
"Yes, I'm Kirishima Anzu, class 1-B. Nice to meet you here." the miko replies while bowing immediately, as if she's welcoming an important guest. Still, to this place, all visitors are important, both for reputation and... yes, donations. Even though Anzu always believe that there are things more important than money, she admits that the latter is still a very important thing nonetheless. Otherwise she and her sister wouldn't have a decent life like they do now.
Anzu's not really sure about what to say next, then a book on the other girl's hand caught her sight. Still holding her broom, Anzu gazes at the cover, but can't make out the partially obscured title. Seeing something potentially easy to talk about, she decides to focus on that subject:
"Um, well, you were holding that book the whole time. Would you let me know what it is?"
At least, Anzu thinks, talking about the things her partner in conversation likes is a safe route.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 15, 2013 19:26:34 GMT -6
The stutter of the mize before her simply erupted a slight tilt of the head from Masumi. It was as if she was lost in thought almost; mentally even scolding herself. Not wanting to delve too deep into thought the minor kept in tune to reality. It was harsh enough that life constantly reminded her world of how colorless it was. With what little colors that splashed their way in only seemed to confused the blonde. It was the thoughts about the reason those colors started appearing did her mind constrict on itself. With each individual there was a story - with each story there was an ending. With each each ending there was another life. The words Kazue constantly kept close to her heart from a book she read in the past always fascinated her. The words were simple yet described so much.
It was as if...
With a slight bound of surprise from Anzu's voice the attention hovered from their introduction to the book in her possession. Light blue eyes drifting to the fellow classmate for a few seconds before back to the novel Kazue raised the book for a better view so the young woman wouldn't have to bend over for a look. The dark green color of the book gave a soft tone to align with what the contents held. The trimmed golden lettering that described the book's title was near impossible to read, yet the blonde was familiar of the title by heart. Having the book since she was a child her mother and father would read it to her day and night when she was younger. Loving the story of the possibility of the many forms of love, another world fictionally beautiful in her heart, and the bond of friendship tickled her childish heart.
It still fascinated her and still would no matter how much she aged.
"'The Climb'. I've had this book ever since I was a little girl."
Bringing said book closer to her Kazue hugged it in her arms and held it close gauging Anzu for a reaction of some sorts. The nervousness from before had all but washed away, and the young woman couldn't proclaim why. Ever since her world had started to receive its colors again the wall that encircled her had grown smaller with each passing moment that held great importance.
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Post by Kirishima Anzu on Mar 24, 2013 19:04:49 GMT -6
"Oh. That's very nice. If you cherish it for a very long time, that book must be very precious to you". Anzu replied with a mixture of curiosity and amazement. While Anzu loves reading books, there are very few of them that she can read many times over without getting bored. The others, she keeps it carefully in her collection, just to make sure that their condition won't deteriorate too quickly, and give her a chance to have a look at them again after a long time.
"The Climb. That's a rather philosophical title, I think. What's it about? I'm curious how you can keep reading it."
The books Anzu used to read very often are the children stories such as Grimm's Fairy Tales or The Wizard of Oz. And she used to ask her parents to read them to her, even after she had learned how to read in primary school. The stories had also been keeping her company whenever she was bedridden. So she knows that there will always be some books that linger in a person's mind for many years.
Even though she has learned a lot from this world since then, Anzu still dreams about doing something amazing in her life. Maybe that's another reason for her enthusiasm in helping people around her, as she always want to make a difference.
"I'd like to hear about it." Anzu smiles once more, as an attempt to make her visitor feels more at ease, while diligently sweeping the last cluster of fallen leaves.
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Post by Deleted on May 14, 2013 16:51:04 GMT -6
Anzu had hit the 'nail on the head' as the fellow classmate thought. Kazue had enjoyed such a novel ever since she was little. Despite the occasional drama and depressing moments the story held, it carried one thing that she was always fascinated with: The bonds of friendship each of the characters shared. The world was so different from reality - as always - and developmental changes for each and every character. No matter who they were they still learned at least something from whatever they came across no matter how big or small it was. It fascinated her, and it caused her to dream if she could ever find such bonds of friendship.
Maybe even love.
"The Climb. That's a rather philosophical title, I think. What's it about? I'm curious how you can keep reading it."
Kazue seemed to relax her shoulders slightly as she held her book. The question of what said novel was about seemed to reach her. Obviously the girl seemed to relax ever so slightly, and if one could tell, a small glimmer of light surfaced in her eyes. This was one thing that Masumi cherished dearly; this very book.
The way Anzu had smiled seemed to at least help with evidence that she was interested. This classmate didn't appear to be holding ill will, but Kazue still wouldn't bother even considering to let her guard down. It was just the way she was. She couldn't trust anyone easily, nor could she make friends easily.
Though in these circumstances it was different. Anzu seemed generally interested to say the least.
"Alright... I'll tell you. The... story is mostly revolving around the possibility of the many forms of love, another world fictionally beautiful... in my opinion at least... and the bond of friendship."
Slightly embarrassed the freshman hugged her book close to her, and shoved a hand in her pocket while looking away. One could tell that Kazue didn't even need to think twice about the story itself overall. It was something she memorized by heart. This story held a deep meaning of importance to her; a type of importance that no one could take away from her she believed.
It allowed her to dream a more happier life.
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Post by Kirishima Anzu on Jul 7, 2013 20:18:20 GMT -6
"Many forms of love?"
Now that's a curious subject. To me, "love" - "恋", is a simple-sounding word, but has a broad definition in itself. Just like a number zero, nothing, yet has a sense of infinity.
I have been able to sense love from my family since my childhood. The way my father prayed to the gods just to help me get better. The way my mother fed me porridge when I was bedridden. The way Yuka-chan following me around, calling me "onee-chan, onee-chan", trying to cheer me up with an unwavering smile not unlike a sunflower. They have been helping me in many ways, and I like to help them back anytime possible, for all the things they have done.
The other kind of love, the love between a male and female (or even two people of the same gender), the one with "romance", is still rather unfamiliar to me. It's very common in fiction, but I have not met many boys my age since my elementary school days, and now the high school boys' interest in the opposite sex kind of unnerves me. I wonder if I can get close to any of them.
Friendship, is also a precious thing to me, especially in dire situations where you cannot accomplish your goal all by yourself. Like how Dorothy's companion in the world of Oz helped her in her adventures through a strange magical world. Still, lots of people insist that one must be able to stand on their own two feet. Those two ideas seem to contradict each other. And yet, I know at least I could not understand a lot of English words without somebody who managed to compile the knowledge of that language into a book called a dictionary, and without my teacher's explanation.
After finishing my train of thought, I decide to put the broom away and sit next to my visitor, and continue our conversation:
"Another world? Sounds interesting. What does it look like?"
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Post by Deleted on Jul 25, 2013 22:12:43 GMT -6
Surprised by the sudden question, her gaze shifted over to the fellow classmate. It was something that Kazue wasn't expecting - it caught her off guard. She never thought that Anzu would be interested in such a children's fairy tale. The wall that was built around her had cracked, and she worried if the expression that formed on her features made that completely obvious.
The hand in her pocket clenched as a tinge of caution surfaced. With the other, the blonde parted her gaze from Anzu to the soft green book, and began talking about what the world was like. In the book you had to think about it yourself in order to truly experience the wonders of the novel. Not even taking the time to gaze to the fellow classmate Kazue simply chattered on and on about the story, and the world itself. The people in that world were all in sorry states but they eventually formed unbreakable connections. With each bond made they changed as time passed by; the story went far enough to even mention 'family'.
It's just a children's fairy tale, though. It's not like that can happen in real life, right...? No matter how hard you wish for something, it can never come true until you do something about it.
The thought echoed in her head as the time passed by.
... Unless you do something about it...
The soft breeze of the wind danced by, and the soft chiming of bells could be heard in the distance. Fate intertwined again it seemed with Kirishima Anzu - a girl who seemed interested in a fairy tale that she enjoyed. It was certainly a strange meeting, but one that she would remember for quite some time.
It was... fine. ----------- END
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