isleofavalon | September Catch-All

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September Catch-All - [OPEN]

🧙 WHO: Ochako Uraraka + All
⚔️️ WHAT: Quests and Various Shenanigans
🕒 WHEN: All through September!!
🗺️ WHERE: All over Avalon
⚠️ WARNINGS: None, will title as needed.

i. (You are filled with) Shear Determination

[It sure has been a trying month for some people. Ochako in particular has had a go of it, slowly coming out of the rut she was in through the support and love of those around her. Though she's lost friends, she's been constantly reminded that the ones still here value her and care about her wellbeing. It's been a big help, and shined a bright light on her when she fell into a bit of a dark hole. And now that the new month has started, it's high time she got out and started doing things again. Worked, busied herself, earned her stay in this world (and a bit of coin, too).

Quests are the easiest way to go about that, and while she's not diving headfirst into anything overly dramatic, drama always tends to...lock onto her, or people she knows in some fashion! A casual little bout of shearing some sheep turns upside down when the little creatures start bleating flames and catching things on fire. Ochako's not only attempting to herd the tiny arsonists, but she's also putting out flames with her elemental magic - puffs of ice or rain to douse the flames, or ~~waterbending~~ pulling water from barrels or troughs meant for the livestock to drink from.]

Ah, eh...p-please calm down, little sheepies!! It's okay, n-no one's going to hurt, you, promise! The shears don't hurt at all - it's just a little haircut--oh!

[Oh lord, there's another one getting spooked by the buzz of the electric clipper, and shooting fire from its mouth onto another one in line. Ochako is swift to douse the flames, the splash of water spooks that sheep and it in turn barfs embers and...well. Snowball effects. But with fire. Fireball effect??Anyway.

Help.]

ii. Cult Classic

[Welp, after the shear calamity (hurhur) of the sheep debacle, it's late, the sun has set, and Ochako is tired. She's a bit sore, lets out a massive yawn, and is making her way back from the farmlands into the city of Camelot proper. The streets are barren, most people are aware of the rumors about the criminal skulking about at night, causing violent acts and even deaths to innocent people...but Ochako hasn't been out much, kept mostly to herself, and really didn't keep up with gossip or much in the ways of news.

Her own folly, definitely, because she doesn't seem to notice that she's being followed, step matched for step, by someone moving towards her...keeping mostly to the shadows and avoiding the glow of the lamplight. She doesn't stop, per say, but Ochako's pace does slow just a bit as she stretches out and hears her stiff joints crack and pop a little, and her pursuer seems to take the opportunity to act. The lamp above her flickers and suddenly goes out - magic, most definitely - and Ochako finally realizes something is up. Movement, fast, footsteps approaching at a run...

The terrifying visage of a horror mask, a startled yell, the glint of a blade--]

iii. Unicornhole

[Welp, sure is nice to be reminded there are villainous scumbags in any and every world, yup yup. Ochako has no intention to do any sort of poaching, and is instead out to stop anyone she finds trying to poach unicorns for the shitkicker that requested it. However the hell she got wind of this kind of thing...well. Better left unsaid, but she's not here to do anything other than kick ass and take names. And maybe punch something, for good measure.

She's not fully suited up (because SOMEONE still owes her a new pair of boots!), but Ochako does have her headpiece on, and the gauntlets/wrist guards as well. The grappling hooks inside might prove to be a good tool to use to close the gap if anyone tries to flee the scene...and can also be used to deliver a hearty shock now, what with her elemental magic thrown in as well.

But, uh...erm...the whole job itself would be a heck of a lot easier if. Um...w-well--]

Ehe...ehehe--! Ah! Shhh...you're so cute and pretty, but you need to shoo! Go--shoo! [She's practically whisper-hissing, gently pushing at the nose of a unicorn that's nudging her rosy cheeks as if to give her kisses. It doesn't seem to budge, mouthing her hair and nuzzling her shoulders and arms. She moves away, trying to get into a better spot to hide, and comes upon another one that trots after her cutely.] Noo...go away...! I'm trying to save your horns, I--hehehe...no! No more kisses!! Stop!

[WHY ARE THERE THREE NOW?? WHERE ARE THEY COMING FROM????

Apparently, and unbeknownst to Ochako, the unicorns can feel emotions, and they're sensing some bad mojo radiating off the young teen, and are drawn toward her to try and make her feel better. Animal therapy or...something.

Friendship is Magic™.]

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[Later in the month, or when Ochako's just not doing quests, she actually seeks out a certain someone she met a while back. A particular bard who played her a very beautiful few songs to cheer her up when she was feeling down. Venti, if she remembers right, and...well, she's not sure where he's staying in the Inn (or if he's staying at the Inn at all), but he did offer to teach her to play an instrument, to which she agreed. Ochako always loved music, and she wants something other than just quests to occupy her time. Something that's not always going to be dangerous, or put herself or others in harm's way. Besides, it feels right to keep the memory of her musically inclined friend in her heart, and share a special song she wrote with everyone, once Ochako is good enough.

Getting a violin wasn't exactly hard, there's plenty of places that sell them in Camelot, but they certainly are expensive and Ochako had to choke out a pretty penny to get even one that was secondhand. At the very least, the shop owner was kind enough to tune it for her, make sure it was fit to play (by playing a little ditty himself for her real quick), and even made sure her bow was in tiptop shape. The only thing is...she never really agreed to a place to meet with Venti, but she's pretty sure she knows where to find him...

Up she floats (because what are stairs, really?) to the roof of the Inn with her kinetic magic, and she peer around for that familiar face, or turns her head to one side to maybe catch the note of a lyre being played.]

[Never fear, Venti is a lazy freeloader who will leech off the hotel for as long as they let him stay there. He has an odd roommate that comes and goes and a roof over his head, what else could he need?

The roof is where Venti can be found again. When he sees her float up he gives another smile. He had been worried that the poor girl might not take him at his offer. But he can sense the curiosity in the girl. Her desire for something new. And he's glad to see her.]

Why hello again, Miss Ochako Chan!

[He takes his hat off to give a small bow.]

Here again for lessons, I hope?

[Once she spots him, Ochako actually beams. She really had hoped their little meeting spot from last time would work out as a good place to start, as unconventional as it is. Hurrying towards Venti with a wave of her hand (the one not holding the case for her violin), she stops before him and bows herself in greeting. Always one for manners and being polite, this girl.]

Venti-san! I'm glad you're here again!! [She giggles at the familiar and charming way he calls her, too endeared to really correct him. It's cute, even if the use of the honorific is completely wrong.] Mm, I am. Sorry it took so long...finding an instrument that wasn't too pricey was harder than I thought, ehehe.

[She looks in better spirits. Considerably better, in fact. Not all the way there, but the color has returned to her cheeks and face in general, the dark circles around her eyes have gone slightly, and she smile seems to be reaching more into her eyes. It's amazing what a little bit of encouragement and support can do. Not to mention sunshine, and a good diet.]

Had I been more prepared...I might have brought some tea or something.

[Even if he were to be corrected about his wrong use of Japanese honorifics he's come to enjoy calling her that. It rolls right off the tongue. It's cute.

And look at her now. Seems she's picked herself up and opened her wings. Venti is so pleased to see that and returns her excitement with a happy smile and a giggle of his own.]

Ehe, of course! Seems we'll make the roof our personal classroom from now on! I'm glad you found a violin as well, I almost considered finding one for you.

[~~he would have stole it so it's a good thing she purchased one~~]

And don't worry about the drinks, I do have some apple cider we could share at the end of our first lesson. Seems this world has apples just as sweet as home does.

[~~V E N T I.~~

Ochako waves her hands at that though, shaking her head quickly as she goes to take a seat by him and get everything prepared. It should be tuned and ready to go, since Ochako didn't really touch the thing since she got it, but still...may as well have her teacher take a look to make sure everything is in order for what they're going to do today.]

Ah, n-no!! You're already doing so much, I could never accept something like that! Besides, as a student, shouldn't it be my responsibility to be ready for classes? Hee, that means making sure I have all my required tools.

[Lord, any one of her teachers at UA would probably give her A Look™ if she was unprepared for their classes. Even Mic, as wonderful and down to Earth a person and Hero as he is, he's still her teacher...and expects more from her. It's kind of why Ochako feels so bad for being absolute shit at English.]

Oh, I think I know about that!! Its the sweet stuff they make by crushing apples and stuff here, right? I think now is a perfect season for it, so you're in luck, Venti-san! [S-Sweet summer child...it's not that kind of apple cider...]

Edited 2021-09-18 19:18 (UTC)

[Sweet summer child who is so diligent and pure. Venti almost feels bad.]

Ehe, that's right. Rich and sweet apple cider to perfectly match the season changing to red and oranges and sunsets that glow. With just the right warmth and sweetness to comfort a heart. Doesn't that sound nice?

[Okay, maybe he doesn't feel that bad.]

Here, take a seat with me. Let's see the instrument you've gotten yourself.

[He'll take a look at her violin!]

Edited 2021-09-24 16:55 (UTC)

[There's a little hum as Ochako imagines the taste Venti is explaining and feels her mouth water a little bit. This season has actually become one of her more liked ones, though she'll always be a winter baby at heart, considering her birthday right around the start of the New Year, and how special and important the holiday is to her culture. But the harvest season has so many delicious foods and drinks...and Ochako loves food, so it's a damn close second in her heart.]

Mmh...that does sound lovely. Do you like apples, Venti-san? [Asked as she does indeed take a seat next to him, with a bit of a sly side-eye. If she can figure out his preference (he seems to be a bit of a picky eater...), then Ochako will bring something he'll especially like the next time they meet up.] I actually have a few people I know who are big fans of them, and it's the season for them now, so...maybe I'll learn something new to make.

[Back to the task at hand though - she's handing over the instrument carefully. It's definitely well used, but looks in pretty good shape nonetheless.]

How is it?

Ehe. [He'll match her smile right back at her.] Nothing compares to the sweet and tart taste of an apple, yes. I do like them.

[Now, he takes the violin carefully with slim well-trained fingers. Testing the strings gently for the correct tightness. He marvels at the wood and nods.]

It looks well-loved.

[And that is not a bad thing. It's a good thing, in fact. Venti takes the bow and gives the instrument a gentle test of a few sweet notes. Then he hands it back to her.]

It's perfect! You've picked well! I hope you didn't pay too much for it!

[Ohoho! Ochako will remember that - another apple lover in her growing list of friends!! Thankfully there's quite a few tasty dishes she can make with the tasty fruit, and bring along as a little gift for Venti. Grinning broadly, she's already going through a few of her mental files of recipes for goodies to start making, and...a trip to an orchard to go apple picking sounds like a nice treat, too...to get fresh ingredients!]

Mm! The owner of the store I got it from said that, too. It belonged to someone who looked after it a long time, so...I bet it's got a lot of history, ehehe. [She takes the instrument back just as carefully and holds it close. This is so exciting!!] Eh...heh, it was a bit expensive, but I'm not upset. Actually, um...you know, Venti-san? There's an old folktale back home in my world that says that items used by people again, and again, begin to have a soul...and if they're well taken care of, those items actually protect the family they belong to.

I hope I can do that for this one, too.

[If she goes that far for him Ochako will become one of Venti's favourites. She's so sweet already that Venti would be just completely fond. Plus he loves free food.]

My, what a beautiful folktale that is. We'll have to do our best to honour this piece by writing our first song as a homage to the previous owner and to future stories, won't we?

[He smiles and can't help but like that tale to that of his own lyre. It too has quite the history after all. And yes, he would say it carries a piece of Venti's soul.]

Let's try a few easy chords to get you used to where the strings and notes are held.

[He'll gesture for her to prep her violin to play, showing her how to properly hold it.]

[Abd Ochako likes to cook - she's trying hard to expand her knowledge a bit, and not totally mooch off the free food at the Inn and at the school cafeteria (even if it is basically gourmet food...). Just as much as Ochako loves food, she loves to make and share it with people, and Venti is really, really nice...if a bit odd sometimes.]

Mm!! I'd really like that a lot, and I'm sure that whoever owned it before would be really happy, too.

[And Ochako watches and follows along diligently, though there are a few hiccups here and there that Venti has to correct. The chords she plays at first are very squeaky and unpracticed to start, but as time progresses they get a tiny bit better. It really is just all about practice, practice, practice! Nothing will come without a whole lot of effort and hard work.]

Venti-san, how long have you been playing for? Oh, o-or should I actually call you sens--eh...'teacher'?

[Venti will very gently show her note for note while making small adjustments here and there. Lifting her elbow or adjusting the height of the violin as it sits under her chin. While explaining to her how gentle and firm she must hold her hand. The notes will be squeaky at first but as she practices the simple basic notes they will get smoother.]

Please, call me Venti. [That's all he needs!] And I've been playing music for as long as I can remember. There isn't a time where I've been alive and I haven't loved music.

[It's all part of being a god of freedom- but also love and music. Not that he'll share that specific detail.]

Have you ever woken up one day and thought... This is precisely what I wish to do? What I wish to be?

[Venti is an exquisite teacher, and it might be the lack of having that schooling experience for so long that Ochako just seems to hang on everything the young bard says and does. She honest to goodness missed this - just being a student again - and the feeling is somewhat bittersweet. It's so odd, how just being a student and attending UA has become such an ingrained part of her...she misses it. She misses them - her teachers and other classmates - but that's part of why she's learning this. There's a song she wants to play, when she can do it well.

An important one.]

Actually, yeah...kind of. [Ochako loses a bit of her focus just for a second, so the next note kind of comes out a little sharp, but she adjusts quickly.] Ever since I was really little, I loved seeing people happy, and smiling. I liked helping people who needed help, even if it was just little things like getting my papa the newspaper from the other room, helping my mama clean the dishes after dinner, or picking up an old granny that fell down once, and dropped her groceries - but that was when I was older, ehehe.

I decided a long time ago I wanted to help my family by being a Hero...but I think over time that grew to me wanting to help everyone I can. Because everyone deserves that chance to smile and be happy.

[He has a passion for teaching others as well so it comes naturally to him to want to guide her properly. Make sure her wrist isn't collapsing, how to adjust the violin strings, how to stretch fingers. Reading music will come next.

Her response to his question has Venti smiling.]

That's very admirable! A true hero is one that wishes to make the world a better place for all. That sort of love and passion can be hard to come by in people. I'm sure your parents are so proud.

[He takes out his old wooden lyre to show her some of the chords similar on a violin.]

I believe that music has the same sort of heroic effect! There is always a tune or song that will make someone's day that much better. We should strive to play for others as much as we wish to play for ourselves, ehe!

Edited 2021-10-18 16:35 (UTC)

[That puts a bit of a bittersweet smile on her face. It's always a bit difficult talking about her mother and father while in this world. Many things have happened over the months that has lead her to being more and more homesick - desperately wanting to see and hold onto them - but the precious memories she has, and thinking about things like what Venti said...it makes the ache a little easier to bear.]

Thank you, Venti-san, I really hope so.

[She watches carefully how his fingers move, the placement and position, and moves to try and mimic him as best she can. The minutes tick on as they work and talk, and yet it feels like no time has passed at all. It's so calming, so relaxing... Ochako really feels at peace here.]

Ehehe, I couldn't agree more with that! In fact, a few months ago in my world, my class and I put on a musical performance at a festival at school. It was really special, and...a-and I think it helped a lot of people with a lot of underlying fears and stress have a bit of hope for the future, you know? There's plenty of ways to be someone's Hero, not just the ways you immediately think of. It's a whole lot more than that. [Ochako leans a bit into her new friend and teacher, bumping his shoulder affectionately with her own.] I'm sure you know, ne?

Oh, I'm sure I know quite a bit about that.

[He smiles in return, giving her just as gentle a little nudge of shoulder to shoulder. Like old friends easily talking, she is a sweet little bird that he quite likes hearing about.]

Some heroes play behind the scenes while others nudge the players in the right direction! It's not all front and center, now is it? Still, that doesn't make your role as a main hero any less.

[Fly high, little dove!]

Now! Tell me a little more about this musical performance your school put on! What was your role? And your friends? Perhaps with time, we could put together a musical performance of our own?

[For there is a lot of underlying fears and stress in the city as is.]

[Likewise. Ochako is definitely a friendly and personable sort - she can get along with most people - but there's something about her newest friend here that she just sort of...tunes into quite well. Venti's definitely got the same sort of fun, airy (no pun intended), and slightly mischievous vibe she has sometimes. Plus, he's kind - Ochako can easily see that. It feels like they've been friends for far longer than they have, and that's just...really nice.]

Mm, not always. But back in my world, strong Heroes do tend to grab attention sort of like any kind of celebrity. But, there are others who hate that kind of limelight and stick to the shadows. [Aizawa, who coveted his privacy and scarcity in the media, versus someone like All Might, who reveled in being the Symbol of Peace, and world's greatest.] I'm not so sure I can be someone that gets so much attention, e-even if it is part of what we have to do...

Hahaha, I knew you'd ask about that!! [Why she brought it up, actually. Ochako grins, setting her violin down so she can better talk. Break time, for just a few minutes.] It was my entire class - all twenty of us working hard. I mainly did dance, since I really like to move, and when I still had my quirk...it'd be hard for me to play an instrument, since I'd need all my fingers for it.

Jirou-chan was the main vocalist - she's amazing - and actually composed the song we played, and played on her guitar. She also taught everyone else how to play instruments, since she comes from a family of musicians, ehehe. But Bakugou-kun already knew to play drums, so he just took to it like a fish. Others did the lightning and set the atmosphere...behind the scenes stuff. Mmmhh...I'll never forget it, it was so much fun, and everyone was so happy!!

[It is very pleasant to watch her light up as she talks about heroes and schools and classmates. It must mean so much to her. Venti smiles and listens with a nod here and there. Attentive and gently kindly listening. A break time is just fine they have been working well so far.]

Well. What kind of hero would you like to be? Front center stage or back up dancing?

[He giggles and puts a finger to his chin in thought.]

With so much talent in one class together it's no wonder that you were able to pull off such a big group in a musical number. Ehe, I would love to see that sort of thing in a place like this.

[But that does seem like a lot of work...]

If anything I would enjoy putting together a show with you and my other student Asriel someday. The two of you would make quite the lovely sound with practice!

[What kind of Hero? Hah, what a question to ask, as if it's not something Ochako has asked herself many times before. No one really knows at first...they think they do - always filled with hopes, dreams, and aspirations - but those things so often and so quickly change once one really sees and feels the weight of what their duty is. Ochako thought she knew what she wanted - to get enough money to help her parents out of poverty, and to give them the easy and carefree life they deserved. While that's still a goal, of course, it's only a piece of a much bigger puzzle now.]

Neither. [Ochako smiles, putting a hand on her heart and closing her eyes.] I don't want the spotlight all the time, I really don't care much about it, but I don't want to be on the sidelines all the time, either. I want to be recognized for the work I do, but I never really need to be to make myself feel good, you know? I just want to help people - whether that's front and center, or backstage, it doesn't make what I want to do for everyone any less valuable to me.

So long as I can keep everyone safe and happy, I don't care if I'm the number one Hero of all time, or the lowest ranked on the charts.

[Weird to say, considering rank definitely equates to clout - to a higher income and pay, but Ochako knows what sort of person she wants to be. She doesn't need to be drowning in riches to be happy, as nice as it sounds. Just enough to settle her parents' finances, to let them live out the rest of their lives pleasantly. To give them a vacation in Hawaii. Anything after that? It's just icing on the cake.]

Oh!! You're teaching Asriel-kun, too?! He and I are friends! Really good friends!! I'd love to perform together sometime, once we're good enough!!

[Venti listens with the same sweet smile on his lips. Her words are so earnest it reminds him of someone he knows very well. Working for the happiness of others...]

If there is one way to describe a hero, and I know there are many ways, I would like to think I would see your name. I might just have to make a song of it. If you don't mind. You're quite inspirational!

[He giggles.]

And that's great news! Two birds of a feather! Once you two are done with your lessons we'll set up stage!

[Okay that? That makes Ochako splutter a little bit, cheeks reddening as she nearly drops her violin wholesale. Songs?? About her?!]

Th-That's not ne-necessary!! I'm really not all that cool or anything! I'm, um...n-not even technically a real Hero, yet. I mean, um...I-I'm still just in training. I just have my provisional license and stuff, so not...r-really a Pro or anything. [Finger poke.] And I'm not even really cool, or flashy, or anything like that...

[MOVING ON.]

Eh...heheh! Yeah!! I'd love to be able to perform again! I already have an idea of what I want to try and play.

[Venti has to giggle. Oh sweet girl, even in all of that Venti finds inspiration for a song. Perhaps she'll find herself hearing his song soon.]

All that and already thinking ahead to a song you wish to play. I'm not wrong, Miss Ochako Chan. You're worth a song or three.

[He smiles. And then motion for her to continue her lesson.]

Shall we get finish so you can do just that?

[Oh my god. Ochako meeps quietly to herself, holding her reddening cheeks and trying not to wriggle out of her skin entirely. Man, she's really not ever going to be used to being in the limelight at all. Something she'll need to improve on, considering the near celebrity status of most Pros, but...woof. Plain Girl/Country Bumpkin Uraraka Ochako isn't ready for songs to be sung about her.]

Uwaaah...i-if you really th-think so...I can't stop you.

[She shakes her head again, hair whipping around, then inhales a sharp gulp of breath through her nose, puffing herself up to try and bolster her confidence and push back her nerves. It...kind of works, but makes her look like a balloon.]

Right!! L-Let's get back to work!

[It's too late. Venti has been inspired and there is no turning back now. He'll craft a song all about her and sing it from a rooftop.]

I do think so. Ehe.

[But back to lessons! They'll continue to work on her lesson with Venti patient and kind. Correcting where he can and teaching her the basics to play some simple tunes. He'll tease her every now and then with a smirk. But overall it's a very pleasant and productive afternoon. And if she finds herself easing into it, finding that learning the notes makes her feel lighter? It's all worth it.]

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September Catch-All - [OPEN]

CLOSED - Venti

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