Re: A Spoonfull of Joy [Mai, Rio]

Fri Oct 11, 2024 3:31 am

“Its kinda hard to imagine you losing Rio, but everyone does at some point I guess. You are still helping though; you’re helping so many. Its a heavy burden you’ve been handed to carry, but if anyone’s got the grit to carry it on its you,” Mai said, giving her friend the kind of warm smile you’d expect from Mai.

“Its okay to feel those losses, as long as you use it to keep yourself improving instead of just living in the moment of that failure,” Mai continued, trailing off again; this time it was more curiosity that seemed to stump her though, as she touched the spoon to her lips and looked furiously pensive for a few moments.
“Where did I read that? Arrrg, it’s right at the edge of my thoughts but I can’t think where I saw that quote from,” the blue haired girl groused, suddenly annoyed before letting out a huff and chuckle.

“Well, more important to remember the quote than the source in this case I think. Can’t let the slip up keep us down. That reminds me actually, I wanted to ask you for some help Rio. Not right now, and probably not super soon,” Mai started, waving her hands frantically in a gesture of negation. She had not exactly meant to even bring this up right now, but sometimes her mouth got ahead of her brain ya see. I know, shocking.
“When ya get some time though...I was hoping you might help me with some training. I’m wanting to go back over my Hakuda. I’ve figured out some new applications for it that I think would be helpful, and I don’t know many people better at it than you.”

Fri Oct 11, 2024 10:26 am

A Spoonfull of Joy [Mai, Rio] - Page 2 ADXoQ6j

RIO SHIHOIN

"No warrior has ever gone undefeated in existence. Even with all the pride I have in my talents... When faced with the unexpected, I'm just as susceptible to defeat as anyone else. Defeat builds character. In due time, I'll get over my own. It will take some time, no doubt, but perhaps there is something I can learn from this invasion, after all..."

Rio knew how difficult it was to come to terms with everything right now. Hakuyou's death still weighed heavily on her soul. No day would pass where she wouldn't regret being unable to save him, but then, as a defender of Soul Society, as a Captain of the Gotei, the eventual acknowledgment of his passing would become a reality.

They were soldiers at the end of the day. Their duty was to fight for the balance of the realm. If Kanae's words proved true and he truly was a traitor - a claim that left her suspicious - then perhaps it was meaningless to remember him fondly anyway. At any rate, Rio allowed her attention to shift to Mai's encouraging words. All things considered, it was welcomed advice.

Nodding her head in response, Rio furrowed her eyebrows at Mai's next words. True, she didn't occupy a long-term position in the Academy as a teacher, but surely she learned something important during those lessons, no? Flashing a disappointed pout, like a mother to one's child, Rio accusingly pointed her spoon at her former student.

"Go back over your Hakuda, you say? When time permits, I have no objections to teaching you. Do you remember anything I taught you from the past? Or was one of my former student's heads in the clouds?"

END POST | Shieldsworn Aegis

Mon Oct 14, 2024 7:53 pm

“Um, not exactly but...well you see I just had...er I guess I was...but I...” Mai began, her hands waving yet more frantically as her face began to redden at the accusation. After a few moments of this though she suddenly stopped, taking a deep breath and letting out as she calmed herself down. When she opened her eyes again she had regained some of her composure, though there was some embarrassment still there.

“Truthfully, what little I do still have of the basics of Hakuda largely came from your classes. I...tend to get lost in the things I am interested in. And at the time, I didn’t have the proper appreciation for Hakuda. Beyond my own interests, I didn’t think it would ever be all that relevant to me since I’m not much of a physical fighter. I’ve figured out that I was wrong to view it that way though,” Mai said, putting together words that had been in her head for days now for the first time.

“I can’t promise I’ll be your best student if you’ll help me out, but I can promise I’ll bee the best student I can be. It doesn’t have to be any time too soon; I know you’re busy.”

Sat Oct 19, 2024 7:38 pm

RIO SHIHOIN

"Hmph..."

Rio flashed a playful frown as she consumed her cold treat. Ten or so scoops of peanut butter and chocolate euphoria passed, and the carton was empty. Sighing softly as she neatly tossed the carton into the trash, the frown curved into a smile as she shook her head. When was the last time she trained someone? She recalled her spars with Nanashi, and how awkward it was to impart lessons to her due to her eccentric nature. In truth, she wasn't entirely sure she'd be the best student, but if Mai wished to be of aid to the Soul Society and this could improve her overall repertoire as a member of the Gotei, then who was she to turn her down? Rio offered her hand as she nodded.

"I can't promise my immediate services with so much at my table right now. That said, if you promise to pay attention and follow my lead, I'll do my best to bring you up to par."

END POST | Shieldsworn Aegis

Wed Oct 23, 2024 4:52 pm

The embarrassment on Mai’s face was chased away by a beaming smile.
“Thank you!” Mai shouted with glee, springing up from the chair and wrapping both her hands around Rio’s.
“I kinda figured it wouldn’t be any time too soon. Everyone is busy, and if I’m being honest I’m gonna be wrapped up with Second Division work too. When things calm down though I’ll come looking for you if you don’t find me first,” Mai said, nodding and smiling just as brightly as before.

After a moment she released Rio’s hand and went back over, checking her own ice cream and her bag. She seemed to consider for a moment before she put the lid back on it, and stuff the container back in her bag.
“Speaking of, I should probably leave you to your work and get back to check on mine. I am glad we got to catch up though!” Mai said, flashing Rio a smile as she made for the door. She paused however at the doorway, looking back at Rio.
“I’m glad you made it through Rio, even if things are tough. You tougher, you’ll make it through. If I can help, or you just want someone to talk to, I’ve always got time for people,” Mai said, flashing one more smile before waving goodbye, making her way out of the office and barracks of the Sixth Division. Her smile firmly in place as she headed back to help those people still injured for the attacks.