#yashimatori

[lovelawactually]

[lovelawactually]

One Heart

“What does your heart tell you, Kotori?”

Slender fingers that grip the cup tightly slacken, bright green eyes slide closed and a deep breath is taken.  Ebon brows furrow as she tries to combat the war within her.  For far too long, Tori had been dependent on the transponder - the only means of communication she had with Law, which had gone silent for what seemed like an eternity - she had taken it apart several times, just to be certain that it was functioning properly.  It was also something to keep her mind occupied, so that she would or could not think the worst.  That the reason she had not received even a short message each morning and evening was that something had gone terribly wrong.  Instinct told her to go, to use the skills she possessed to find him.  To do any and every single thing necessary to know that Law and the rest of the crew was alive.  But she was needed there, to protect the sensei - to stay where she was, and provide the care that Sachiyo needed in her frail state - long enough for Law to find a suitable place to move her, so that he could provide the treatment she needed.  In her heart, she knew that he would not break the promise made - that he would return for them both - that she needed to trust in him, have faith that she would hear from him.  As soon as he was able.  In the meantime, she would do what she must.  What she could, from where she was.  

“That I am right where I should be, Sensei.”  With her free hand, she reached to place it atop the Sensei’s smaller one.  “Where I am most needed.”  Sachiyo had become so thin, that even the gentlest touch might bruise her skin.  “Let’s get you to bed.  It’s late, and you need to rest.  You remember what Law said…”  An eyebrow raised, and her eyes sparkled as she noted the displeasure that was made evident in the Sensei’s features.  “…about how it was important for you to take it easy?”  Sachiyo leaned back in the chair and crossed her arms over her chest, a heavy sigh exuded.  “I do.  I also believe that he is far too pleased to throw around the phrase, ‘Doctor’s orders’.”   With a hearty chuckle, Tori stood and extended a hand to Sachiyo.  “That he does, Sensei.  None of us are immune from them either.”  Sachiyo placed her hand in Tori’s and stood slowly, taking small steps on wobbly legs.  A warm smile grew on her face, “He is a good man, that Kame.  I am thankful to have you both.”  Tori stood beside her, an arm snaked around the Sensei’s tiny waist. To support her should she stumble as they made their way to her private sleeping quarters.  “I am glad to have you as well, Sensei…and I bet Law just might blush if he ever heard you say that.”  

@shambledsurgeon

[lovelawactually]

It was something that she did not want to feel.  Never again.  She thought she was done with it - she’d not felt it for quite some time - yet, tonight it plagued her. 

Fists balled up at her sides as she paced back and forth - she needed to work off the anger that was building inside her - to clear her head in the best way she knew how.  She needed to hit something.  Hard. 

The need in itself presented a problem - it was the middle of the night, and she was surrounded by friends - there was no one that she wanted to burden with her issues, or use as a focus for the rage that now burned in her chest.   When she felt this way in the past, the resolution she needed was easy to find - in some back alleyway or tavern - places where more unsavory characters congregated.  It would not take long for her to choose a target - favoring those who had a problem keeping their hands to themselves - those who reminded her of him.  The lecherous bastard who showed her just what some men were capable of, what some men thought women were good for.  When it was all said and done, she would feel better.  Knuckles bruised - covered in blood that was not her own - her mind and conscious clear.   The faces of her friends flashed in her mind.  Those who had become like family to her.  What would they think if they knew?  If they knew what she had done, and that she enjoyed it. Would they still want her around, or would they be afraid?  Would they turn her away? She shook her head as angry tears fell from her eyes, the way she handled things in the past was no longer an option.  Even if it was available.  She was no longer alone.  She had to consider how her actions would affect others now.  Because she cared for them, she would have to find another way. She wiped away her tears with both hands, and balled up one fist - striking herself hard in the chest - a single word echoed in her head.  

Calm.

She inhaled deeply and released a scream - silenced by her Devil Fruit ability - it was feral and guttural, and as the breath left her lungs, all of the anger that she had bottled up inside went along with it.  

[lovelawactually]

Tori could not contain her laughter, or the swell of happiness in her chest - she really loved to see the crew enjoying themselves.  It was rare for her to get the opportunity to see them so lively, and it was even more rare to see Law actually join in on the fun - but it was a special occasion.  Bepo’s Birthday.  

Bepo opted to have a barbecue to celebrate, and fortunately - it did not take much persuading to get Law to agree to it, since their last soiree was held without incident.  

It did take Tori some time to come up with the perfect gift for the Heart Pirates Navigator however - he did not seem to want for anything, nor did he ever mention anything he liked - other than the cold.  Because of this, she used some of the spare parts she found in the workshop and on her ship to fashion a portable air-conditioning unit for him.  

Tori left his gift on his bunk, wrapped in a red ribbon - attached was a note, which would convey her well-wishes for his Birthday - along with a request.  

For my favorite Navigator ~

I hope this gift provides you with the comfort that your friendship has given me. Looking forward to celebrating many more with you, my friend.  

Happy Birthday.

P.S.  - Please do not freeze Penguin and Shachi to death with it.  I like them too. 

[lovelawactually]

Heart In Danger

It took quite some time for Tori to wake up.  Her head pounded in sync with her heartbeat, and the pain that accompanied it felt as if it might split her skull in two.  She attempted to open her eyes, and instantly regretted it - the sunlight that seeped in through the window was entirely too bright - she shielded her eyes with one hand, squinting to get a bearing on exactly where she was.  With an audible groan, she sat up to take in her surroundings.  The movement caused her stomach to lurch uncomfortably.  She felt as if she might throw up.  Maybe she should.  

She recognized the room she sat in as the guest room in Sachiyo’s home, although she did not recall how she had ended up there.  The last thing she could remember was her head against the sensei’s chest - listening to the words she spoke, filled with truth and wisdom - the message that she had been a prideful fool had reached her.  In spite of the nauseous feeling in her stomach, she was thirsty.  Too thirsty.   Her throat and mouth were dry - just like her eyes - they burned, no matter if her eyes were open or shut.  She swung her feet off of the bed and onto the floor - her head throbbed, and every muscle in her body felt heavy - she silently vowed that she would never drink again.  She placed both hands on the bed beside her to assist with the effort it would take to haul herself up out of the bed, so that she could head to the kitchen and get something to drink.  

It took every ounce of energy she could muster to put one foot in front of the other - she moved as if she had been raised from the dead - her footsteps were barely a shuffle, slow and leadened.  The sound of Zoro’s voice coming from the kitchen surprised her, she was only able to make out a few of the words.  Stubborn.  Bastard.  She was unsure who he was talking to - Law or the sensei - who she had anticipated to already be awake.  If Zoro was awake, it was certain that she had slept entirely too long.  As she stepped through the doorway she was greeted with a knowing smile from the sensei, and a smart assed comment from Zoro.  

“Hey ninja girl. It’s up to you when we leave here, but I suggest you drink some of that tea, you look like you need it baka.”  

Zoro motioned to the counter where a teapot sat, along with an empty cup and various herb bundles.  Even though her brain was not functioning as well as it normally would, she was still able to discern that the expression he wore and his tone of voice held a bit of tenderness toward her.  At least his variation threreof.  She stood still and stared at him for a moment, completely caught off guard.  The words were characteristically his, but the demeanor was one that she had not ever experienced from him.  “Mm.”  She barely managed to give a semblance of a verbal response and a nod of her head, which only intensified the pain she felt.  She closed her eyes and brought the palm of her hand to her forehead, massaging it with circular motions.  

“Drink this, child.  It will help that head of yours.”  Sachiyo smiled warmly and offered Tori a cup of tea, cradled in both of her tiny hands.   Tori accepted it with a another nod, her impaired faculties seemed only capable of non-verbal communication at that point.  She sat down beside Zoro at the small table just off the main section of the kitchen.  She sipped her tea quietly, her eyes closed.

The combination of the tea, the darkness, and the sounds of Sachiyo moving about in the kitchen began to soothe away the discomfort she felt.  A relieved sigh escaped her - not just because she was beginning to feel better - but because she was also glad that Zoro was there.  When her cup was emptied, she placed it on the table and leaned over to rest her head on his shoulder.  After a few moments, the warning she had expected to hear finally came.  “Don’t get used to this.”  She could hear the smile in his voice, it brought one to hers as well. “Tch.  What makes you think this is going to happen again?”    

The two of them are certainly two peas in an antogonistic pod.  

Sachiyo shook her head and chuckled at the thought.  She worked to pack a few of Tori’s favorite food items along the herbal remedy she had added to the tea into a bento box she planned to send with them.  She would love more than anything to have the two of them stay and visit longer, but if they did not get going soon they would be out after nightfall.  The area had grown more tumultuous as of late, and it was much more dangerous to travel once the sun had gone down.  She did not worry that they would be unable to handle themselves - it was clear that they were both skilled fighters - it was their number that gave her cause for concern.  

Much like every other visit, when it was time to say goodbye Sachiyo would feel pangs of sadness.  It would prompt her to put on a brave face and do all that she could to prevent the process from taking any longer than absolutely necessary.  This time was no different.  She placed the bento boxes into a floral patterned cloth and tied the corners into a knot at the top, she carried it over and sat it down in front of Tori.   “For your trip home.”  She placed her hands on her hips, there was more command in her voice.  She addressed Tori, “You, eat something before you leave this table.“  She turned to face Zoro, who sat up straight.  “If you are done with your tea, get your behind up and get things ready to leave.  You are wasting daylight.”

Tori and Zoro both did precisely what they were told, without argument.

By the time they were finally on the road again, the sun had already passed the midpoint in the sky - this would put them back at the Samurai stronghold just after sundown.  Tori was feeling much better all around.  The herbal remedy the sensei had given her negated any ill effects of her regrettable night of drinking.  Her head and stomach - after being properly fed - were back to normal.  She was in better spirits as well - her attitude more positive than it had been in days - she felt hopeful and was looking forward to being home.  This was due in part to the visit with the sensei, but also because her last conversation with Law seemed to go much better than the last.  When she contacted him to let him know they were on the way the conversation was short, but he had at least been more responsive.  She would take that as a sign that would suggest he could be more inclined to speak with her, and not just listen to what she had planned to say.  

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, Tori pulled a small tracking device from the pocket of her parka - she could use it to get a better idea of how much further they would need to travel - she had placed a signal beacon on the Polar Tang a while back, to make it easier for Law to keep tabs on it when they were away.  While she was inspecting it, she felt a dangerous presence - multiple presences, they were nearby and moving quickly - they would not have enough time to avoid them, and she knew that Zoro would never agree to hide.  

“We’re gonna have company.”  She stopped her horse abruptly and dismounted, snapping her fingers to soundproof the area.   Zoro followed suit, and led his horse to come stand beside her.   She closed her eyes and concentrated, “Ten - no - maybe fifteen of them.”  She moved to tie her horse to the nearest tree.  “We have less than a minute.”

Zoro stood in the clearing, all three of his swords drawn.  He had a gleam in his eye, and she knew the exact meaning behind the smile he gave her before he placed the hilt of the sword between his teeth.  “Try to keep up, ninja girl.”  Tori grinned and pulled the mask that hung around her neck up over her nose and stood with her back to him, facing the opposite direction. “I’ll do more than try.”

She unsheathed the twin katanas from behind her back and stood ready.   The moment that her swords hit their first mark, she felt a surge of confidence - the weight of the strikes she parried were nothing compared to those that Zoro would assail her with - the blood rushed in her veins as she pushed forward, to cut down one after the other.  When there seemed to be no more enemies to contend with from the direction she had chosen, she turned back toward Zoro.  He was clearly toying with the three attackers that were unfortunate enough to have him to deal with.  If her count had been correct, that would be the last of them.  

No.  She sensed that there was one more on her side.  

Tori turned around to see what could only be described as a monster.  It took the form of a behemoth sized Ox, with a set of horns that appreared to have a length to match the Merry.  Maybe even longer.  It stood on two cloven hooves, and in one hand - which was more humanoid in shape, with four fingers and an opposable thumb - it held a large spiked club, prepared to strike the spot where Tori stood.  The sound of steel clashing was broken only by Zoro’s voice, “Baka!  Move!”  

Zoro grit his teeth and cursed as he saw the course of action Tori had chosen.  She had sheathed her swords and ran directly toward the beast, and proceeded to climb up it - it thrashed about in an attempt to throw her off - she seemed to be holding on for now, but it would only be a matter of time before she would be tossed away.   With his left hand, he slashed the air in front of him hurling a sword strike through the air to connect to the creature’s midsection.  

“Oi!  Milk Cow Monster!  I’m your opponent.”  The impact of the strike knocked the monster backward, throwing Tori hard into a nearby tree.  The combination of the attack and taunt seemed to get the beast’s attention, it beat it’s chest with fury and roared - it lowered its head and took up a stance as if it meant to charge at Zoro head on.  

Tori sat up and groaned, the collision with the tree knocked the wind out of her.  She moved to stand and a pain shot through her side.  She placed a hand on the spot between her hip and ribcage, she pressed into it as she stood.  That seemed to help a little.  Once on her feet, she removed her hand from her side to use to support herself on the tree she had crashed into.  Her hand was covered in blood.  Fantastic.  Out of the trees, two more Zoan-type Devil Fruit users emerged.  Shit.  She used her hand to put pressure on her side and moved as quickly as she could.  Her vision became blurry, she was losing too much blood too quickly.  “Two more!  Incoming!”  She managed to shout the warning and take a few more steps before she collapsed, face down on the ground.  

The sound of Tori’s voice drew Zoro’s attention.  It was weakened and labored, and gave him cause to worry.  A loud growl erupted from him as he watched her fall, his teeth bit down hard on the hilt of his Wado Ichimonji.  

“Now you idiots have really pissed me off.  I am done playing with you.”  He extended his arms in front of him, crossing the blades of his swords in front of him.  “Kiki Kyutoryu…”  His arms moved again to pull his swords to his chest, elbows bent - then again to raise the tips of each sword up at the ready, hilts at shoulder level.  With each movement the image of the previous one remained.  When the technique was complete, he had the appearance of a man with nine arms.  Each holding a sword, prepared to strike. 

“Asura!”

There was no pause - not even a second - no lapse of time between the moment that the last syllable left his lips and when he launched himself forward at all three of their attackers.  He moved so quickly, that they did not see him.  Until it was too late.  Every edge, of every sword hit the mark - slashing deep into flesh - rending the beasts to the bone.  

Zoro was at Tori’s side before the last of the bodies hit the ground.  He rolled her over - his stomach dropped as he saw the amount of blood that soaked her armor.  “No...”  He could see the rise and fall of her chest when he picked up her up off the ground carefully, and carried her over the where she had tied up her horse. “Oi.  You better not die, you hear me?  I’ll kill you.”

Zoro rode hard and fast toward the Samurai stronghold.  Tori sat in front of him, facing toward him so that he could hold onto her.  Her head rest against his chest, his arm wrapped around her waist - to hold her still - and to allow for him to put pressure on the wound.  He had taken off his kosode and ripped it into pieces to make a bandage, leaving him bare chested under his parka.  He hoped that it would help slow the bleeding, until he could get back.  He was unable to feel anything but urgency, so the warmth the garment would have provided was not missed.  

“Law!  Bring Law!  Now!”  The horse Zoro rode on barreled through the front  gate of the stronghold.  He had begun to shout the command over and over from the moment that it had come into view.  He had no intention of stopping until he could hand Tori over to him.  Zoro brought the horse to a halt just outside the dock where the Polar Tang was anchored, screaming as loud and as far as his voice would carry.

“Law!  Where the fuck is Law?”

[lovelawactually]

Where Broken Hearts Go

There was only one thing that would make Tori feel better, and she was now questioning if it would ever come to fruition.   Patience was something that she had never struggled with before - but when it came to Law - things that had once been true about herself were no longer.  Because of her relationship with him, she was not the same.

She wanted nothing more than for Law to come talk to her - to show her that he too, was ready and willing to work things out - but he had not. On more than one occasion, she had to stop herself from going against her word.  She said that she would wait for him to come to her, so she could not just march into his office and press him for him to talk to her.  To give his answer, to the question that tormented her.  What he wanted - of her, from her - what he wished their relationship to be.  She knew Law well - probably more intimately than anyone else on the crew - she understood that doing something of the sort would only make matters worse.  There was also fear, that the answer she would demand could be one she did not want to hear.  

She had to force herself to stop thinking about how many hours - the number of days - that had passed since she said more than the few words to Law.  She would not go out of her way to avoid him, but she did not seek him out either.  The more time that passed, the more upset she became.  The anxious knot in her stomach grew with each day, with each interaction she had with him. The anger she felt had long fizzled out, and was replaced solely by sadness and pain.  For the first time in a very long while she also felt lonely, in spite of being surrounded by friends.  

The change in her behavior - her demeanor - had not gone unnoticed by those who she was closest to either.  Oddly enough, it had been Zoro who seemed to understand what she needed most - he pushed her to train harder than normal, to occupy her mind - working her to the point of utter exhaustion, but he never pressed her to talk about what troubled her.  Not since the first day, when she had told him she did not want to.  On the other hand, Bepo seemed to pay more attention to her than he ordinarily would - asking her if there was anything he could do for her - he wanted to see her smile again.  Even Shachi had been kind to her, foregoing the normal pranks he would try to pull every chance he would get.  He and Penguin noticed her missing at dinner, and he took it upon himself to track her down to bring her something to eat.  

The effect that her spirits had on the others - the concern or disappointment they held when she would reject their attempts to cheer her up - showed in their faces, and she hated it.  Their efforts to show her she was loved - cared for - should have made her feel better, but the energy they put forth only seemed to make her feel worse.  She felt guilty - she detested the fact that for as much as she trusted them, as much as she cared for them - she could not bring herself to talk about the things that made her feel distraught.  The problem was between her and Law.  The emotions she felt were a direct result of her fight with him - compounded by anxiety and fear - she did not feel it was appropriate or fair to discuss with anyone else, much less burden them with it.  

There was one person - excluding Law himself - that she would even consider speaking with about what plagued her.  The sensei, Sachiyo.  Before she met Law, Sachiyo was the only person who she felt that she could share her thoughts and feelings with - she was like a mother to her, she trusted her completely - she sought her insight and wisdom for many things over the years.  Yes, that was what she needed.  She would go to see the sensei - to seek her guidance -  to gain the advantage of her sage advice on the situation with Law.  She would ask Zoro to come along - assuming that his Captain would allow it - it would assure that there would be no complaint from Law for her making the trip, and she thought Zoro might actually enjoy it.  She would bribe him with sake if she had to.  

There was no reason that taking a few days for herself should cause any problem, at least not that she could foresee.  The days that had passed since their return from Zou were spent acclimating the rest of the Straw Hat crew members to the island, and making fortifications to the defenses of the Samurai stronghold that would serve as the alliance headquarters.  Luffy had taken his place as one of the alliance leaders, so there were still logistics that Law would need to work out with him - the process had seemed to take longer than it should - Luffy seemed to be more interested in exploring and holding banquets than anything else.  

With the dinner meal over and most of the crew retired for the evening, she climbed the ladder up the side of the Polar Tang - to go to the place she knew she would find Law at this time of day - she strode through the outer hatch, and along the grated floor of the hallway that led to his office.  She stopped just outside the doorway - she had to steel herself before she could speak with him - taking time to choose the appropriate words to relay the message without causing further damage.   She only hoped that he would be receptive to the request, and the concession she had planned to assuage any apprehension it might cause.  

She stepped just inside the doorway, her hands clasped behind her back.  The movement caught his attention and he looked up at her - the moment that his eyes met hers, her gaze fell to the floor - her resolve would not hold if she looked at him for too long.  

“I would like to go see the sensei.  I only plan to be gone for a day or two, at most.  I intend to ask Zoro to accompany me, I would not ask to travel alone.  Do you have any objection?”

[lovelawactually]

Fragile Heart

The Heart Pirates, including a healthy and whole Bepo -  the Straw Hats, recently rejoined with their Captain and remaining crew members - headed back to the Samurai stronghold, where Zoro and Kanjuro were waiting for them.  

Law and Tori had come to learn from the Mink Tribe Doctor - a small goat mink named Miyagi -  that Bepo’s condition was caused by something he called Sulong.  A primal, feral form which lay dormant that would manifest and magnify the inherent fighting abilities they held.  It was something that all minks possessed inside them - triggered by gazing into the full moon - usually under the supervision of an elder who was charged with training younger minks to control the dangers that came along with it.  Using the form for too long would cause severe exhaustion, or even death. Miyagi surmised that Bepo had activated the form by accident, and luckily inactivated it when he fell unconscious.  Bepo was fortunate to only have suffered a severe case of fatigue from the event.  With a little time and a few herbs native to Zou - along with a list of things he should ‘do and do-not’ - Bepo was back on his feet, good as new.  

Tori should have been in the Galley - celebrating with the rest of the crew - not laying alone in the dark.  She should have been happy - relieved that Bepo was alright - that he had made a full recovery.  That the Straw Hats she befriended were reunited with their crew.  That everyone would return to Wano, safe and sound.  There was much that she had to be happy about, yet she was not.  

She lay flat on her stomach - on the bunk she claimed in the women’s quarters on the Polar Tang - her chin resting on her hands.  She felt distressed, the events of the argument she had with Law on Zou replayed over and over in her head - it saddened her that they had still not reached a resolution - she certainly wanted to, but her pride would not allow her to initiate a discussion with him.  She would wait for him to come to her - to hash out their issues rationally - to apologize for the wrong they both committed while under the pressure of the situation.  Until the time came - when he decided he was ready - she resolved to only speak to him when it was required.   

She began to wonder when the conversation would take place.  If it would take place.  If Law had given up on her, and decided she was no longer worth the trouble.  Tears welled in her eyes as she forced the thoughts from her mind - her hands grasped the pillow that lay beside her, and pulled it into her chest - she curled herself around it, and surrendered to all the emotions she felt.  Pain.  Anger.  Sadness.  Frustration.  Fear.  Hot tears flowed down her face.  The sobs that escaped her - muffled by the pillow that was pressed to her face - continued until she had become exhausted, and eventually fell asleep.  

“Oi.  Ninja girl.”  The sound of Zoro’s voice, frustrated and thick from sleep - along with a hard jab to the ribs - roused her from her slumber. Tori rolled over, and rubbed her eyes - red-ringed, her eyelids swollen - she was not ready to be awake, and she certainly was not ready to deal with Zoro just yet.  She glared at him grumpily, “What the hell?  What do you want?”  Zoro placed the sheathed sword that he used to poked her with against his shoulder, his eyebrows scrunched together.  He could not help but notice that something was not right with her.  “You look like shit.  Are you sick or something?  Do I need to go get Law?”

Tori frowned and sighed heavily, and closed her eyes - she rolled over in the bunk and turned her back to him - she was not sick, but she certainly was not okay.  Law was the problem, not the answer this time.  The issue was not something she felt like she could - or would - discuss with Zoro.  “If you are here to get me to train, I don’t feel up to it today.”

Ordinarily, Zoro would let it go - walk away to go train on his own if she did not want to come - it was not like he needed her to be there.  Not this time.   She seemed to be a little more uptight than she normally was when he mentioned Law.  It made him wonder why.  He sat down on the bunk beside her and crossed his arms over his chest, “I’m not leaving until you get your ass up, ninja girl.” Tori sat up abruptly and spun around to face him, furious.  “I said that I do not fucking feel like it, okay?”  

It was not uncommon for Tori to yell at Zoro, but she had never spoken to him in that way before.   Zoro grit his teeth - not because he was angry - but because he suspected he knew precisely why she lashed out at him.  Why she had been hypersensitive when he mentioned Law.  He just needed to be sure -  and if he was right - he was going kick Law’s skinny ass.  

“Did that creepy asshole do something to you?”  

[lovelawactually]

Boulevard Of Broken Dreams

It was the best and worst part of Tori’s day - before the shop would open - everything silent, everything in it’s place.  The smell of green soap and ink, with a hint of disinfectant.  She would use this time to work on sketches - new ideas or final touches on work for the clients she would see later in the day - it was the only time where she felt any sense of peace anymore.  A time that her mind would slow down enough for her to think.  About her future.  About the past.  That was the part that she did not enjoy.  The reminder.  The life Tori led was a far cry from the life she wanted.  She was thankful for being able to at least do something that she loved - she had begun drawing as a child, something she would do to escape - putting her dreams to paper, her way of making them real.  As a child, she would never have envisioned that she would be a tattoo artist - the manager of a shop - or under the thumb of the Yakuza.  

Tori’s goal had been to work in Behavioral Science when she grew up, something that she had become interested in during her sophomore year of high school.  She had always been a curious child, seeking to understand why people behaved the way that they did.   Her childhood was one that was far from what one would consider ideal - her home life was stable, her parents loving - but it was her father’s circle of friends and family that made it more unconventional.  Tori’s father was a member of the Yakuza - and up until his death, had been considered one of the inner circle - he had been close to the Boss personally, and that afforded Tori and her family access to all the perks that went along with his position.  

It had been the Boss himself who had pulled the trigger - one rainy day in Tori’s third year in college - the one that sent the bullet into Tori’s father’s brain, killing him instantly.  He made no effort to hide the fact from her, or anyone else.  The message he sent was loud and clear.  That there would be no tolerance - that his hand would not stay - even if the one on the other side of the barrel was one that was considered family.  No matter the circumstances between them, the execution was swift.  Tori never believed that her father would betray the family - or the Boss himself - they had grown up together, entered the family business together.  Their families considered an extension of the other.  None of that mattered anymore.  

The weight of the transgressions of Tori’s father - his debt - was also placed upon her mother’s shoulders.  She had been given a choice - she could work and prove her loyalty - or be forced to commit suicide.  In spite of her disdain for the people and lifestyle that had taken her husband - she swallowed her pride and relented - for the sake of Tori, afraid of the impact that losing two parents would have on her.  Forced to work for little more than food, clothing, and shelter - she spent her days as a slave - running one of the many boutiques that served as a means for income for the Yakuza.  

With her father now gone, Tori could no longer afford tuition.  She was forced to drop out of school, and seek employment - with limited skills, she had to fall back on her family ties - eventually leading her to the place she was now.  The job itself was not all bad, she was given the opportunity to interface with all types of people - from every conceivable walk of life - it allowed her to see the different facets of people.  How each person has a part of their personality that comes forth - depending on their surroundings - or the people that they interact with.  It also allowed her to be able to read people - to discern the reason behind their actions - sensing whether they were based on some natural predisposition, or a conditioned response based on environment or upbringing.  Or fear.

Working at the shop afforded her a means to make a living, one that was comfortable enough to allow her to continue to pursue her interest in art - in various mediums - her most recent and enjoyable undertaking being fabrication.  There was something about the feel of a blow torch - the power to create or destroy, depending on the hands which held it - it made her feel a little less impotent.  The more time she spent working with the steel - bending and molding it to her will - she could see parallels in how to relation to people.  How even the most hardened of individuals could be made malleable, given the appropriate temperature and pressure.  The thought - the concept even -  had given her a small push, to find out exactly what happened with her father.  To answer the questions that had plagued her for so long.  To prove what she knew in her heart to be the truth all along - her father was no traitor.  

Tori used her position as a means to try to gather intel - listening more intently to the chatter that occurred between members while in the shop - watching more closely when she took part in Yakuza functions, taking note of which members favored the company of others.  Those who seemed purposefully conspicuous with their actions, or worked to remain strictly in the shadows - both behaviors were considered suspect - in order to perceive the meaning behind them.   Anything she could do to help her find the answers she needed.  She shared some of her insights with the Boss’ son, who had been like a cousin to her - who in turn, shared the information with the Boss - and through that exchange of information, she earned a bit more trust from the Boss as well as other members of the Yakuza.  The thought of helping the man who killed her father sickened her, but the result gave her more freedom - to do more of the things she wanted - to move about as she pleased, and observe.  

A loud buzz echoed though the quiet of the shop, causing Tori to pull her attention from the tablet she had been sketching on.  She saw the familiar silhouette of one of the many Yakuza flunkies - she stopped trying to remember their names after the first year, they seemed to not stick around for long - she pushed the stool away from the desk and strode toward the front of the shop.   When she reached the door way, she turned the three deadbolts and kicked away the bar that secured it.  She turned to walk away from the door without opening it, stopping to lean against the glass topped counter inside.  

The flunkie barked at Tori as he stepped though the doorway.  “Oi.  Why didn’t you open the door?”  Tori crossed her arms over her chest - taking a deep breath before responding - her eyebrows both raised with indifference.  “Do I look like a doorman to you?  I assume you are here to collect the payments from last evening?”  The flunkie frowned and pulled a manila envelope out of his jacket, slapping it down on the counter.  “Yeah.  This is from the Boss.  He said you would know what to do with it.”  Tori eyed the envelope, her jaw set.  “Yeah.”  She bent down and spun the knob on the safe located in the floor, pulling the lid free once the combination had been entered.  She retrieved a zipped and locked bag from within and stood up.  Handing it to the flunkie, Tori picked up the envelope and furrowed her eyebrows.  She turned around to head back to her work.  “Now get lost.  I have customers coming soon, and I need to get set up.  I don’t have time to entertain you.”  

Tori smiled when she heard the bell on the door tinkle, signaling that the flunkie had departed - she hated dealing with them, even though it was necessary - and she preferred to see the message that had been sent for her in private.  She sat down onto the stool in front of her art station, and opened the envelope - she pulled the contents out and laid them in front of her - a photograph and a note, in the Boss’ handwriting.  

Watch this one.  

[lovelawactually]

A Broken Heart

The situation was tense, and Tori was worried.  The joy that she normally felt from being back on the Polar Tang, surrounded by her friends - her family - was replaced with concern.  

Tori and Law had been enroute to Zou on Tori’s ship - to rendezvous with the remaining members of the Straw Hat crew - to lead them to Wano after their successful quest to retrieve their wayward cook and friend, Sanji.  They rushed back after receiving a distressing call concerning Bepo - there was something wrong with him - something that none of the crew could explain.  Penguin was the one to discover him - lying unconscious on the ground - just outside the gate of the Samurai stronghold the majority of the crew had taken up residence in.  Even with their limited medical understanding of Bepo’s physiology, they had always been able to successfully treat any injury or illness he had.  Until now.  Bepo would not wake, despite Law’s best efforts - his blood pressure was dangerously low, his breathing shallow - there was nothing in his system that could explain his condition.

It was difficult to say which upset her more - the nameless malady that affected her friend - or the impact it was obviously having on the man she loved.  She felt helpless, only able to watch while Law furiously poured over the medical notes he had made for Bepo over the years - distraught hands raked through his hair, and growls of frustration echoed against the walls - she knew there was nothing she could say or do to change the circumstances.  All she could do was be present - arms wrapped around the knees that were pulled to her chest, hugging herself in the way she wanted to embrace him - and quietly wait.   She closed her eyes and sighed, and reassured herself.  Everything was going to be fine.  Law will find a way.  She would not allow herself to think otherwise.  Losing another person she loved - that Law loved - was not an option.  

A loud crash pulled her away from her own thoughts, startling her.  Law stood at his desk - the fist that was slammed onto the surface remained in place - he took a deep breath to steady himself, and stood upright.  “We’re going to have to take Bepo to Zou.”  She was unsure why taking Bepo to Zou would make a difference, but she trusted Law completely.   “I’ll go get my ship ready to go.”  She moved quickly toward the door - they did not have time to waste - she would ask all the questions that swam in her head once they were on their way.   “No.”

No?  What the hell did he mean, no?  Bepo was her friend too, and there was no way in hell that she was going to let Law go to Zou - to let Bepo go - without her.  

She turned, the confusion she felt showed on her face.  “Why not?”  Law’s jaw was set, his brows creased with worry and a severe lack of patience.  His tone was sharp.  “Because, we’re not taking your ship.”  He sighed heavily, “We’re taking the Tang.  I can’t monitor Bepo on your ship.”  Her expression softened - she knew that he was upset - the snap that was in his voice was not because he was agitated with her. “Right.  Of course.”  Her eyebrows knitted together as she wondered aloud, “What about everyone else?  They’ll be stuck here without the Tang.”

There would have to be - at the very least -  a small contingent of the crew that would stay behind, to ensure they could maintain the foothold they had on Wano.  The question was, who would Law choose?  He had been forced to make the decision once before, but the circumstances were different now.  Kin’emon and Zoro were the ones that the Samurai rebels trusted most - they were also the ones Law entrusted with leading the alliance forces in his place - Kin’emon had already been overly vocal about his desire to return to Zou, and Momonosuke.  Law remained quiet - fingers pulling at the hair on his chin - a sure sign that he was making last minute calculations before he gave a response.  “I will talk to Zoro-ya.  I suspect he will volunteer to stay.”  She walked over to him and placed her hand on his, “Bepo needs you, go to him.  I can go talk to Zoro.”

It was not difficult to find the Straw Hat swordsman.  There was only two places that he would frequent in the submarine - the Galley, or the lip of the porthole window that sat in it’s side - usually with a bottle of sake in hand.   At the moment, he occupied the space of the latter - fast asleep, his mouth agape - arms cradling his swords as if they were a small child.  As quietly as possible, she sat down nearby and nudged Zoro gently.  “Oi.  O-niisan.  Wake up.”  He opened his one good eye, and glared at her.  “What do you want, ninja girl?”  Tori crossed her arms over her chest, and sighed.  “Law thinks we need to take Bepo to Zou, and he needs to take the Tang.”  Zoro closed his eye and leaned his head against the wall, “So, the bear is in really bad shape then.”  He sighed heavily, “Tell Law I will take care of things here.”  He opened his eye with a grin, and punched her solidly in the shoulder. “Don’t be a baka and get into any trouble without me.”  Tori grinned, she could tell he was more worried than he let on. “I’ll do my best, shoto.”  Zoro reached over and shook the empty bottle that sat next to him, and groaned.  He stood up and shoved his swords into the haramaki at his waist, and looked down at her.  “Oh - if you see that shitty love cook, kick him in the balls for me.  Can’t miss him, the stupid swirly eyebrows give him away.”  

It did not take long for the crew that would make the journey to Zou make preparations and get underway - Kanjuro opted to stay behind with Zoro - Raizo was still away, on the hunt for any Ninja that might still be alive.  Kanjuro did not want to leave without him.  Jean Bart was at the helm - without Bepo to help navigate - they would have to depend upon the vivre card that Kin’emon had in his possession to lead the way.  Law, Penguin, and Shachi did not stray far from Bepo’s side - Tori had to threaten them all with bodily injury to get them to take a break - the tactic did not work as well on Law as it did the others.  She eventually managed to persuade him to take a moment for himself, but only long enough to stretch his legs and get a cup of coffee.

Tori stood alone next to Bepo’s prone form in the infirmary, she stroked the fur on the top of his head gently.  The words she spoke to him were as much for her benefit as they were his.  “Everything is going to be fine.  Law will make sure of it.  He needs you.  We all need you.”  A small smile graced her lips, a single tear fell down her cheek as she grasped his paw in her hand.  She squeezed it softly, “Especially Penguin and Shachi.  Someone has to look after those dumbasses.”

“Which dumbasses?”  She did not sense Law’s presence when he walked up behind her, just in time to hear the last bit of the one-sided conversation she held with Bepo.  “The dumbasses.”  She gave a weak chuckle and slipped her arm around Law’s waist as he sidled up next to her.  He offered her a sip of his coffee, “Samurai-ya said we should be arriving soon.  I am counting on the Mink doctor to have some answers.  I’ve never seen anything like it, in any species.”   Tori gave Law a reassuring squeeze, “I have complete confidence that he will be alright.  In you.”  The remark earned her a glimmer of a smirk and a peck to the forehead, the best she could hope for.  Considering.  

When they finally made landfall, nervous energy coursed through Tori - she followed closely behind the gurney bearing Bepo - carried by Penguin, Shachi, Law, and Franky.  She was relieved that Bepo’s condition had not worsened during their travels, and was hopeful that they would find more than just answers to what affected him.  That they would find what he needed, to make him wake.  She wanted him to be alright.  She needed him to be.  For her sake, as much as Law’s.  She was also excited to meet the rest of the Straw Hats - those who she had only read or heard about - through stories in the paper or from those she could already count as friends.  In addition, she had always wanted to see Zou - a place that she could have only imagined, until now - the emotions she was feeling were overwhelming.  

Nothing could have prepared her for what she saw once she stepped through the open hatch of the Polar Tang - she stopped a few feet from the edge of the dock - wide-eyed, her mouth hanging open in awe.  Minks of every size and shape, humanoid versions of every species conceivable - gathered around what could only be described as a port - surrounded by a lush, tropical landscape nestled on the hind section of an immense elephant.  She was utterly transfixed by the beauty of it, her eyes swept over the vista - taking in the sights, the smells - it was nothing short of amazing.  

She soon found herself standing alone, the rest of the crew had been ushered away - including Law - toward the structures that stood close by.  Wooden houses and buildings - built into and amongst enormous trees - littered along the bases and throughout the boughs.  She followed the sound of many voices - cheering and laughing - in hopes that she would find someone she knew.  That she would find Law, and Bepo - curious as to where they had gone off to.  A sea of Minks congregated in front of her - who appeared to be celebrating, dancing and hugging each other - their number made the task seem almost be impossible.  

Where the hell was everyone?

[lovelawactually]

[lovelawactually]

Not Every Hero Wears A Cape

A video recording played on the monitor that sat above the workbench, accompanied by the animated announcements of Present Mic.  It was previously recorded during the U.A. Sports Festival - one of the biggest events of the school year - where heroes would come to see all the new up and coming Hero students, to find new talent and recruit them for the respective Hero teams.  

Tori had a different motivation altogether.  Each year, she would use this opportunity to study the students - to learn specifics about their quirks, and how they used them - to help her develop new equipment that would be best suited for their use.  She would normally take the week following the festival to find at least one student that really caught her attention - one that possessed a quirk that would interesting or present some challenge - but this year, there were three.  Three opportunities to work on special projects.  She was beyond excited at the prospects.

The number excluded Mei Hatsume, of course.  She had already become somewhat attached to the up-and-coming Support Specialist - they had spent many hours together in class and out - pouring over designs that she presented or discussing the problems she encountered with her inventions.  Tori saw a lot of herself in the girl, and wanted to help her in every way - hoping that one day, she would surpass her - maybe even learn something from her as well.  

She scribbled the names of the three youngsters that had caught her eye this year into her notebook:

Izuku Midoriya Katsuki Bakugo Shoto Todoroki

It had been difficult for her to put her finger on precisely what quirk the young Midoriya possessed, but that was not what had drawn her attention to him.  It had been the amount of heart he showed - the sheer determination of will that he seemed to possess - she would be looking to discover more about his quirk after the festival.  Rumor was that he was polite, even sweet-natured - and painfully awkward in social situations - but he was one that seemed to be most made of the Hero stuff.  

Bakugo was another story.  She had heard from staff and student alike that he was a World-Class asshole - being downright crude and arrogant - and aggressively violent.  Tori was always curious what made kids - or people in general - behave in that way.  It had been his intelligence that caught her interest - his ability to strategically plan had been evident during the competition - that paired with the destructive nature of his quirk could be very dangerous, if not channelled properly.

Then there was Todoroki.  It was no secret amongst the staff that he was Endeavor’s son, but Tori cared little about that.  She had been impressed by the sheer power that the young man wielded, but it was the look in his eyes that made her pause and pay closer attention - the change in his demeanor at young Midoriya’s words during the competition - the toll that his quirk seemed to take on his body and emotional state was significant.  She was not sure why, but he was one she wanted to help the most.  

Tori closed her notebook and shoved it into the inside pocket of her jacket.  Since all three students were in Class 1-A, she would need to speak with ol’ Eraserhead - to get his permission to pull them out of class from time to time - for the interviewing process or development testing needed for her work.  She did not dislike the man, but interacting with him was not one of her favorite activities.  He could be a real pain in the ass.  

With a heavy sigh, she turned toward the door.  “Better just get this over with.”

[lovelawactually]

Shape Of My Heart

Law sat quietly on the cushions that were provided for him to observe - his focus would bounce between the process and Tori’s face - searching her expression for any sign of discomfort, finding only a peaceful visage there.  She seemed to be in a zen state, her body relaxed - he could see no tension in her whatsoever.  Her breathing was slow and steady - she did not appear to be in pain although he knew for certain that she was.  In the silence of the room, he could hear everything - the cloth of the sensei’s kimono rustling as she moved, using her thumb to steady the needles that pierced Tori’s flesh - the way that the tool would pull at her skin, or scrape against the edge of the small pot of ink when it needed to be refreshed.  As he became more at ease, his attention was more concentrated on the technique Sachiyo used - impressed with the skill she possessed to infuse the ink into the dermal layers - he could tell that the procedure was one that would produce the best result, while reducing the risk of scarring.  

Sachiyo could see that Law had relaxed somewhat, she could also sense his attentiveness to the process.  She smiled, not looking up from her task - as she refreshed the ink on the needles, she motioned with a hand for Law move to sit opposite her.  “Come - you can have a closer look.”  Sachiyo continued her work, “You are intrigued - a fellow artist perhaps?”  Law stood and relocated himself to the place the sensei designated, directly across from her.  “No - I am a surgeon.”  Sachiyo raised both eyebrows, clearly impressed. “That would explain why I sense concern - you have a better understanding of the effects this process has on the body, and the mind.”  Law nodded, his gaze fell onto Tori’s face - her expression was peaceful, he wondered if she was really as comfortable as she seemed - his forehead creased with worry.

Sachiyo dipped the tip of the needles into the ink pot, pausing to just long enough to capture his attention again.  She looked him in the eye to say what she felt that he would not want to hear, but he needed to.  Her voice was calm, “It is clear to me - you love Kotori, yet you are still guarded.  You are not yet ready to give in to it - to let go of the comfort of your shell completely, even with her.”  She sighed, “For reasons I do not understand, you have doubts.  Do not doubt that Kotori believes in you - that she loves you.  Do not doubt that there is good in you - I see it - I sense that there is even more than you have shown.  Even Hisoka took a liking to you, and he does not like anyone, including me - and I feed him.”  She sighed, “You might just be even more hardheaded than Kotori.”  Law furrowed his eyebrows - he grit his teeth, instinctively reacting to the sensei’s words.  Tori’s hand reached for him, her hand resting on his knee - Law’s eyes set on her face, her eyes remained closed, yet she smiled.  His smile.

Law sat his hand on top of Tori’s, his gaze shifting to rest on her heart - focused on the image that was being freshly inked there - reminded of the reason why.  He exhaled slowly, fighting to be able to respond in the way he felt he should - the way he wanted to, even though it was difficult.  “I am not sure that I am the more stubborn one - it is because of her tenacity that I try - to fight those things that would give me pause, one day at a time.  There are things that haunt me - things I am not sure I will ever really be free from.  I do not want the darkness of my past to affect her future.”  Sachiyo remained still, listening intently to what Law said - sensing what he was unable to say as well.  When he was done speaking, she resumed her work - she now better understood the symbolism behind the image chosen for the piece in progress - why it lacked the vibrant color of the others.  “Kame, have you considered that she accepts you - your past, and this darkness you speak of - that as far as she is concerned, you are already part of her future?  That she has made her decision - based on who you are now, not who you might become?”

The truth was - Law was cognizant of how Tori felt about him, that she was with him - what he lacked was the ability to understand how she could accept or love him as he was.  He felt that in order to regard himself as worthy of either of those things - he would have to change first.  It was obvious to him, now more than ever - that Tori was willing to trust him with her heart - her future.   The problem had never been her - it was always him.  Tori stirred emotions that constantly challenged him, pulled him out of his comfort zone - since the very beginning.  Because of her, he had been willing to try - to make her happy, to love her - to protect her from harm.  Until that moment, Law had been unable to see that Tori chose him as he was - that her resolution to be his had been made not because she was taking a chance on who he could be - but because she did accept and love him, unconditionally.  The question that weighed heaviest on Law’s heart and mind was whether he would ever be able to overcome his greatest fear - that he would lose her - like all the others who had mattered to him most.  

Law slipped his fingers between Tori’s, giving her hand a light squeeze - his eyes moved to her face, his lips curled into a satisfied smirk as he noticed the color that had risen in her cheeks.  “Then I suppose that I only have to try to prove - that she made the right choice.”  Sachiyo stopped her work to look up at Law, his attention still focused on Tori - she searched his face, to discern the reason behind the smug tone of his voice.  She chuckled softly as she realized that it was due in part to the blush on Tori’s face, but also that her words had seemed to reach him.  “You listen well.”  She pointed toward Tori with a finger. “Perhaps you can help this one learn to do the same.”  Law chuckled and turned his attention to Sachiyo, who looked at him over the rims of her round glasses.  “I am afraid that your expectation of me is too high, sensei.”  Sachiyo smiled warmly at him, “I disagree, Kame.  I have confidence that you will both help each other - when and where it is needed most.”  Law responded simply with a reserved, but genuine smile.

A comfortable silence filled the space of the room and Sachiyo found herself lost in her own thoughts - and filled with mixed emotions. Tori had initially come to her as a young girl, seeking her out to commission Tebori services - over the many years, she had come calling multiple times - Sachiyo had come to care deeply for Tori - viewing her as more than a customer, or even a student - in many ways, she was like family to her.  The daughter she never had.  Sachiyo wondered if this would be the last time that she would see Tori, since she would no longer require her services.  Her heart had been warmed at the thought of Tori finding the peace that she sought for so long, yet as her work neared completion - Sachiyo felt the pangs of sadness.  Tears threatened to fill her eyes as she wiped away the remaining traces of ink and blood from Tori’s skin - cleansing the area thoroughly before she would apply a bandage, treated with healing herbs.  

Sachiyo placed her hand on Tori’s chest - her voice was soft, and reflected her sadness. “Kotori-kun -“  Tori opened her eyes, looking onto Sachiyo’s face - she had felt a difference in the sensei’s demeanor, now she could see it in her expression - she could see the heaviness the sensei felt in her heart.  “I remind you to care for yourself properly after you leave.”  Tori smiled warmly, “I do not think we planned to leave right away.”  She turned her attention to Law, “Did we?”  Law shook his head, he would feel better if Tori took things easy for a while.  “No need to rush, we have time.”  Tori moved to sit up, she groaned - her body was stiff from being still for an extended period of time - the muscles of her chest complaining as she pushed herself up off the futon.  “So, sensei - if you would have us, I would like to stay and visit a bit longer.”  

Sachiyo grinned, “I suppose I should start preparing something for dinner then.  Come to the kitchen as soon as you are able, I will make some tea.”  She stood up and smoothed the cloth of her kimono, “Kame - make sure she takes it slowly, she has a habit of forgetting her limits.”  

[lovelawactually]

Holiday In The Sun

It was absolute bliss.

With her feet kicked up onto the chair in front of her, Tori sat at a table in front of the coffee shop - her table - one hand wrapped around an extra large cup of macchiato, the other held a worn copy of The Complete Works of John Keats.  She had read it many times - the pages dog-eared, and the cover tattered - she mused that she would need to pick a new copy soon.  She had hoped to return in time to find the handsome stranger that had occupied the table across from where she now sat - momentarily disappointed when she did not find him there - she did not allow that minot disappointment to detract from her pleasure whatsoever.  She would take advantage of the remaining sunlight, to sit and read poetry- sipping her coffee - and be thankful that she could.  

Tori had been working pretty much non-stop for the last few months, she’d had a steady steam of clients - she was planning a trip back to Japan - so that was a good thing.  She wanted to bank as much money as possible before she left, so that she could keep up with her expenses and leave a little breathing room afterward.  She planned to spend at least a month there, to visit with her grandfather and force him to take a proper vacation - he had always wanted to go to one of the traditional onsen ryokan - she planned to book at least a week for them at the one located in Hokkaido.  She could not wait to see the look on his face when she dropped the surprise on him.  

For now, Tori would enjoy the time she had free - she had nothing else to do, and nowhere else to be - at least until later that evening, when she would go to the ninjutsu class she had enrolled in shortly after moving into her apartment.  Her training began when she was young, mostly learning from her grandfather - who had learned from his father before him - her interest sparked while watching him practice at her childhood home in Okinawa.  The discipline of ninjutsu was not a common form of martial arts practiced in the United States, so her studies were halted while she was at M.I.T.  Fortunately, she had chosen to settle in New York City after she graduated - scoring a hell of a deal on a loft in Brooklyn - with a reputable dojo nearby.  

A voice called out, audible through the doorway which always seemed to be propped open when the weather was nice.  “Tori-chan!”  

Tori smiled, recognizing the voice - Sachi, the tiny old lady that ran the shop with her husband Herman - she turned around in her chair to see her waving her hands, signaling for Tori to come inside.  Tori closed her book and sat it on the table.  She stood up and responded in Japanese - Sachi’s native tongue - normally only doing so for greetings and such, or if they wanted to gossip about someone that was within earshot.  “Coming, o-bachan.”  

As Tori walked through the door, Sachi pointed toward a bento box on the counter.  “I made curry for Herman last night, so I brought this for you.  You rushed off so quickly earlier, I did not have a chance to give it to you.”  Tori’s eyes lit up - Sachi’s curry was her favorite - especially when she would add pork cutlet, sliced thin and placed on top.  “Sorry about that, I had to take care of a work thing.”  Tori sighed, “Jeans wrecked my calendar again.”  Sachi wiped the countertop with a wet bar towel, her eyebrow raised at the mention of Jeanine.  “She still have terrible taste in men?”  Tori chuckled,  “Horrific.”  Sachi shook her head, “I keep waiting for you to find a boyfriend, maybe bring him in with you.  You should not work so hard.  Make time for it.”  

That did not take long.  

Sachi always managed to give Tori a hard time about not having a boyfriend, or going on dates.  When Tori would express that she just wasn’t interested in the whole casual dating scene - or that she wanted to wait until she had experienced life a little more before considering a relationship - Sachi would tell the story of how she and Herman met when she was eighteen.  They dated for a little over three months before getting married, and had been together for almost thirty years.  She would stress that experiences were great, but the most important things in life were not things, but loved ones - she would also remind her that her biological clock was ticking.  Without fail.  

Lately, Tori had been trying a new tactic when the topic of her love life - or lack thereof - would come up. Acknowledge and divert. “I know, I know.  I just haven’t had time to meet anyone.  I’ve been gearing up to take o-jichan on a vacation.”  Sachi crossed her arms over her chest, it was clear that she felt like Tori was feeding her a line of bullshit.  “Tch.  No time.  There was a fine looking young man sitting in front of the damn shop today, baka.”  

Tori’s eyes widened, she knew exactly who Sachi was talking about. 

Mr Interesting.  With the eyes.  

“Yeah, I’ve never seen him around here before.  Has he come in before today?”  Sachi grinned, giving Tori a look - one that suggested that she knew he had captured Tori’s attention as well - she shrugged her shoulders, feigning indifference.  “Who knows?  Maybe.  I am not always up front to see all the pretty boys that stroll by.”  Sachi winked, her expression cupid-like. “If I do see him again, want me to give him your phone number?”  Tori shook her head, “No.”  She picked up the bento box off the counter as she walked around the backside, to wrap her arms around Sachi - she gave her a quick kiss on the temple - and hugged her tightly.  “Thank you for the curry, o-bachan.  I have a mug full of macchiato waiting for me, and you know how I get when my caffeine levels are low.”  Sachi smiled and pat Tori on the back, “Yeah, yeah.  You’re welcome.  Go drink your coffee.”  

As Tori sat back at her table, she remembered catching the attention of the handsome stranger - if only for a moment - she was not shy, and would have most likely spoken up to start a conversation.  But her phone rang, preventing that potential exchange from occurring.  She had to wonder if the calendar debacle with Jeans was just sheer bad timing - or if the had universe intervened - to save her.  Perhaps she found him interesting because there was still an air of mystery about him - there had been plenty of men that Tori had found attractive - only to have her interest fizzle, as soon as they opened their mouths.  Tori picked up her book - holding it up in front of her face - the faded image of John Keats staring back at her.  “Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard are sweeter.  Right, John?”  

With a chuckle, Tori shoved the book and curry leftovers into her backpack.  She drained the last bit of coffee from her cup.  She stood up slung her backpack onto her back, poking her head into the doorway.  “I am off!  See you guys in the morning! Thanks again for the curry, o-bachan!”  Tori walked over to her motorcycle and pulled her helmet off the seat, placing it on her head.  She slung her leg over and grabbed her phone from out of her pocket.  She enabled the bluetooth connection to the headphones that were installed in her helmet -  queued up the next song in her playlist - and fired up the engine.  

Holiday In The Sun, by The Sex Pistols.  

A smile spread across Tori’s face.  It was a fitting anthem to close out her afternoon.  

[lovelawactually]

A tugging sensation roused Tori out of her unconscious state - her head ached - her back flat against a cold surface.  Her eyelids fluttered as she came to - to discovered who it was that was trying to relieve her of the targeting mechanism on her wrist - a curious Jawa.  

“Hey!”  Tori swiped at the little fellow with one hand - if it was a fellow, one could never really be sure with Jawa - shooing the Jawa away from her.  Her eyesight was still blurry, she blinked and tried to sit up - only causing her head to spin - she leaned back onto her elbow, taking in her surroundings.  She noticed the bars on the door of the room she was in.  Her blasters were missing, as well as a holorecorder with some pretty sensitive data on it.

Fantastic. 

It was not exactly clear to Tori how she had ended up in this predicament, the last thing she remembered she was staking out her latest bounty.  What mattered most was where she was, and how she was going to get out of this mess.  The little Jawa watched her intently - his head cocked to the side - as if trying to determine if she was friend or foe.  Tori held her hand out in greeting, “Name is Tori.  Yashima Tori.”

The Jawa’s eyes bounced between Tori’s hand and her face, as if confused by the action. “You’re supposed to shake it.  It’s like saying ‘Hello’.”  Tori chuckled, and sat up - groaning in the process - she looked around the room to try to find something she could use to bust out of there.  There had to be something that she still had on her that she could use to help - else she would need to just wait for someone to come along - and fight her way out.  She pulled every single thing she had stored in her armor and laid it on the floor and stared at it.  

There was not much there to work with.  It was mostly junk - spare parts for emergencies - nothing that could be used to fashion anything serviceable. The little Jawa inched closer to her - his focus seemed to be overly fixated on the junk on the floor - little hands wrung together with excitement, finally breaking the silence between them.  “Meez can do it.  If you make trade.”

Fortunately, Tori understood Jawaese - having dealt with them in the past while traveling with her parents - although she was not entirely sure what the little Jawa was going to do precisely.  “Meez, huh?  You can make something with this?”  Meez shook his head, “Meez get out of here.”  He pointed to the pile of junk on the floor.  “You trade.”

It sounded too good too be true, but Tori didn't have anything left to lose at this point - she wanted her weapons back - one of the blasters had belonged to her father.  “Sure.  You can have it.  If you get us out of here and help me find the rest of my equipment.”  Meez gave Tori a thumbs-up gesture and scooped up the items she laid onto the floor - securing them in the small pouch on his side - and retrieving a small, round device from within.  He motioned for Tori to follow him toward the door. 

Meez reached through the bars on the door - placing the small device on the outside, near the locking mechanism - with a few turns, one direction and then the next - Tori’s eyebrows shot up in surprise as she heard the lock click, and the door swung open.  “Come. Meez show you.”  

The little guy was no conversationalist, but he was handy.

Tori followed Meez around the corner to a lock box - he had the same small device fixed to the latch - in no time flat, it had been opened and he began handing her the items her still unknown captors had taken.  Contained within were a few things that did not belong to her - but that would be helpful - so she opted to keep quiet about that fact.  As Tori attached the last of her weapons in place on her armor, she checked the status of her blaster.  Satisfied with the state of things, she was ready to make a move. “Let’s get out of here.”

No sooner than the words came out of her mouth, Meez had her by the hand and was dragging her toward a ventilation shaft - he quickly pried off the cover and slid inside -  she followed closely behind him, crawling on all fours.  In a relatively fast fashion - Tori was able to see the light from outside pour through the grate at the end of the shaft - she shook her head, not believing that they would manage to make it out without being seen.  Or without fight.

As soon as the grate was removed, Meez affixed a small grappling device to the  bottom of the ventilation shaft - with a small wave - he hopped out, and dropped out of sight.  Tori poked her head out of the opening, chuckling as she saw Meez standing on the ground below - jumping up and down, hands waving - like he wanted to make certain that she saw him.  She pulled her torso and hips through the opening - setting her heels just so, and pushed away hard - freeing herself from the confines of the shaft and into the open air.  Using the jetpack attached to her back to slow her decent, Tori set down on the ground.  

Meez put his hands on his hips, “Meez do good, yes?”  Tori nodded, he had done very well indeed.  She could make use of the little guy’s skill set on some of her other jobs. “Yes.  You did good.  How would you feel about another trade?”  Meez crossed his little arms over his chest “What you trade?”  Tori smiled, “As much junk as your little Jawa heart desires, and a little adventure.  If you are up for it, that is.”

Meez bounced up and down excitedly, the only thing he loved more than junk - was adventure.  “Meez do it.”  He held out his hand in the same manner in which Tori had, back in the cell.  Tori clasped it in her own, and shook it firmly.  “Seems we have a deal then.  Partner.”

[lovelawactually]

Ready, Set, Go!

Tori stood just inside the doorway of Classroom 1-A - hands on her hips - gritting her teeth.  She had been standing there for at least three whole minutes - waiting for Shota Aizawa to respond - she knew he was awake, he rolled over in his sleeping bag right after she had announced herself.  He was just being a petulant shit, just like when they were in school.  Some things would never change.  “I’m not leaving until you answer my question, Aizawa.”  A long and heavy sigh could be heard, followed by his flat tone - he did not bother to turn around to face her.  

“No.”  

She raised her hand to her forehead - fingers massaged her temples - the man was the only member of the staff that made her head ache, but she knew from experience that his behavior was not because he was an asshole.  He was a good person, deep down.  He just did not particularly care about what others thought of him all that much.  He genuinely cared for the safety and success of his students, and she would use that to her advantage.  “You do not want me to help your students?  Is that what I am hearing?”

“No.”

Tori stepped over to Aizawa’s desk, she picked up a large pink eraser and thew it at his head.  “What kind of answer is that?”  She would revel in the irony of her choice of ammunition later - Aizawa turned over in his sleeping bag, causing her to take a few steps backward - his usual tired, droopy eyed look was replaced by one of annoyance.  “It was an answer to the question you asked last.  Maybe if you did not ask so many questions, you would not be confused by my answer.”  He paused and yawned, “Yes, I want my students to be successful - but - I will not allow you to pull them from my class whenever you wish.  Anything that need be done can wait until after classes or during study periods.”  Aizawa yawned again and closed his eyes, pulling the edges of the sleeping bag around his face.  “Was there something else you wanted to discuss?”  Tori stood still, her mouth hanging open - she was shocked that he had not berated her for throwing something at him - but even more so by the fact that he spoke to her in a civilized manner.  Aizawa did not give her the answer she was hoping for - but it was better than the alternative - and she would chalk it up as a win.  She relaxed, adjusting her clothing.  “No.  That was all.  Go back to sleep.”

It would be two full days before the students would return to classes - they were home for the weekend - it would give Tori time to work up some initial sketches of the items that she already had in mind for each of the projects.  It would also give her time to review the video again, and come up with a list of questions to ask each of the students.  Ones that would assist her in creating items to augment each of their quirks, and match their personalities.  

She strolled down the hallway of U.A, echoes of the time that she had spent there as a student herself filled her head.  The days that had come to shape who she was, and the mark that she would make - she was initially in the Hero class - but opted to go into Support after her third year.  She wanted to become a hero, but struggled in some of the classes - her quirk was not really suited for combat - and after a conversation with the Principal and Power Loader, she transferred into the Department of Support.  Under Power Loader’s strict guidance, Tori was able to catch up quickly - she spent her free time at home tinkering in her grandfather’s garage - until eventually she was vying for head of the class.  It had been those teachers that has seen the potential in her - cared enough to help her find her way - that drove her desire to do the same for others.  

Tori slid open the large doors that led into the Development Studio - she wanted to pull the files for each of the students - to review the designs that they had submitted for their costumes, and any notes that might be there.  As she walked over to the computer that held the records, she spied a new invention on the workstation that was assigned to Mei - still in the stages of infancy - she inspected the blueprints sitting nearby.  A satisfied smile spread across her face.  “That girl is really thinking outside the box with this one.”  

“What’s that?”  Power Loader’s voice came out of nowhere - startling Tori - causing her to bang into the cart of tools that sat beside the workstation.  “Cripes!  You scared me, Sensei.”  Power Loader slid himself from beneath the project he was working on, his back on a flat cart with wheels attached.  He wiped his disproportionally large hands on a towel, “Didn’t I tell you that you don’t have to call me Sensei anymore?”  Tori grinned, “Force of habit.”  Power Loader nodded his head in understanding, “So what’s got you working the weekend?  Finally make your pick this year?”  Tori held up three fingers, her eyes bright with excitement.  “This year, I’ve got three.”  The portion of Power Loader’s face that was visible allowed for Tori to see him smile, “Someone is still an over-achiever, I see.”

Tori chuckled as she sat down in front of the computer, “I learned from the best.”  She punched in the code that was reserved for staff, allowing her to access the student files.  “Just going to browse a few things before getting started.  I want to take advantage of the few days before class is back in session.”  Power Loader walked over to a standing cabinet - retrieving the tool he needed - before settling back into into place on the cart.  “Whatever you need, Tori.  Just make sure to show me what you come up with.  Always interesting.”  Tori gave Power Loader a silly salute between keystrokes, “Yes sir.”  

Information in hand, Tori hustled down the hall to her office, and her own personal workshop - all possible because of Power Loader and Principal Neku - she wanted to get to work right away.  As she rounded the corner, she was surprised by the presence of another teacher - Midnight - who leaned against her office door.  

Shit.

[lovelawactually]

Ready or Not, Here I Come

The hatch securing the speeder bay slid open, and much to Tori’s surprise Meez was not there to greet her - he must be really mad at her this time - she chuckled to herself as the she pressed the control to close the door, sealing it behind her.  She knew precisely where she would find him, but first - she wanted to peel herself out of her armor, it was heavy and it would be a full day’s travel to Hoth - she needed to get comfortable and contact her parents before making the jump to light speed.  It had been too long since they had last spoken, and she wanted to pick her mother’s brain for any intel or contacts she could use for the little adventure she’d chose to go on.

After shedding the last piece of armor and securing it in her locker, Tori strode toward the cockpit.  Just as she expected, Meez was sitting at the navigation panel, his little arms folded over his chest.  She stifled a giggle as he turned his head, his little yellow eyes glowing at her beneath the cloak he wore.  If she had not known him for so long and been able to read his body language, it would have been difficult to discern his mood.  “Are you pouting, Meez?”  Tori’s tone was teasing, her hands on her hips.  A low growl - followed by silence and a rude hand gesture - was the only response that she would get.  At least he didn’t shoot at her or something.  This time.  

Tori sighed and plopped down into the chair in front of the communications panel, “Well, I guess we won’t talk about the job.  Since you are giving me the silent treatment and all.”  Her fingers worked quickly to enter the frequency to contact her father - she turned the chair to face Meez - and waited patiently for a response.  From either direction.  A smile spread cross her face as she heard her father’s voice, “After almost a full cycle, you call and show me your back?”  Tori spun around in the chair, the smile she’d had on her face had grown.  “Sorry, Papa.  Meez is being moody.”  Meez breaks his silence to utter a Jawaese curse directed at Tori followed by a much more pleasant form of greeting for her father, Cargack.  

Cargack chuckled, with one eyebrow raised. “It’s good to see that not much has changed.  You don’t seem to be in a pinch, so what’s the occasion?  You never call to just talk.”  Tori’s mother’s voice chimed in before Tori had time to retort, “What do you expect, Cargack?  She is your daughter after all.”  Tori chuckled, she found the frown on her father’s face funny.  “She has a point, Papa.”  He was a fairly stoic man, but he would allow himself to be a bit more expressive with his wife and daughter.   Cargack furrowed his eyebrows at the comment, signaling to her that he would take the ribbing from his wife - but not his daughter.  Tori cleared her throat, “So - yeah.  I do have a little something that I need help with - and if my suspicions are correct - it could be beneficial for all of us.  Lucrative even.”

The statement seemed to get the attention of all parties - Meez hopped down from the chair and hovered near Tori’s chair - her mother now stood behind her father - all eyes were on her.  Tori recounted the events of her trip down into Nar Shaddaa, including all of the information that she had collected.  She leaned back into the chair - arms proudly folded over her chest - a satisfied smirk on her face.  Her attitude was not without merit.  Both of her parents seemed to be pleased with the news - and unless Tori was just imagining it - she would even say that her father looked proud.  “So - I am heading to Hoth to check out these coordinates, and see about this mysterious Jedi.”  

Domoto Aisa - Tori’s mother - was the first to speak. “Do not take this little adventure of yours lightly, daughter.  Hoth is unforgiving, but that is not the most dangerous part.  The people who we deal with are of the run-of-the-mill dangerous variety - but Jedi - well, they are entirely different.  This one seems like one that does not want to be found.  He could be even more dangerous.”  She leaned forward slightly and punched the keys on the console in front of Cargack.  “I am sending you the information for two of my contacts - be wary, both are quasi hostile - at least at first.  Oh, and whatever you do - do not take off your helmet around them - they also tend to be a little bit debauched around pretty young girls.”  Tori chuckled, “As always - you give me the information I need most, Mama.  Thank you.”  She pressed the control on the communications panel, and retrieved the information her mother sent, “I will be in contact once I reach the surface.”  

Tori leaned forward to flip the switch to end the communication - expecting the connection to have been ended by her father already - she was surprised to see his face still looking back at her.  “Kar'taylir darasuum gar.  Daughter.”  The screen went black immediately.  Tori slowly sat back into the chair, her mouth hung open - the concerned look on her mother’s face as well as the tone  she used was unlike her, but what her father had said had been the biggest surprise.  In all of the twenty-three cycles since he’d found and adopted her - not once - had he ever said that he loved her.  Ever.  The only reason she even knew how to recognize the phrase in Mando’a was the fact that she’d heard him utter the words to her mother - on rare occasion.  

A poke from Meez roused Tori from the shocked state she was in, “Yeah.”  She pat the Jawa - her best friend and partner - gently on the head.  “You can drive this time, squirt.  Can’t have you being mad at me if we are rushing off to certain death, now can I?”  Meez jumped up and down, squealing excitedly as he scurried off toward the helm.  He plopped himself into the pilot’s seat and buckled himself in, clapping his hands in an animated fashion.  Tori slid into the co-pilot’s spot beside him.  

Tori had all the information she was going to get.  The coordinates were set.  All that was left was for her to give the signal to jump to light speed.  She buckled the restraining straps around her torso and waist before she turned to Meez and smiled.

“Alright Meez.  Hit it.”