September Catch-All - [OPEN]

[floatsaway]

🧙 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™.]

Comments

[concierto]

[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!

[floatsaway]

[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?

[concierto]

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.]

[floatsaway]

[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!!

[concierto]

[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!

[floatsaway]

[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!!

[concierto]

[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!

[floatsaway]

[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.

[concierto]

[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?

wrapping soon?

[floatsaway]

[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!

wrapping! 🎀

[concierto]

[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.]