Hanako Huh? Yeah, I guess so. Well, they all say she's strong, don't they? I don't know. I'm not really interested. It's pretty comfortable here, and they don't ask for very much, so why not stick around? There are lots worse places than this. Yeah, she seems pretty nice. Probably gonna get herself hurt some day. Not that it's much of my business. Well, I guess I sorta owe her. No, I know it. But I'm not about to make some grand sacrifice. That's stupid. You've gotta look out for yourself. Besides, those sorts of things never really make a difference. It takes work to do that. We'll see, I guess. Huh? Sure, she'll be okay. She's strong. Everyone keeps saying so, so it must be true, right? * The sword shone silver in her vision, its light illuminating the surrounding rubbish of the alleyway, the rough texture of the brick wall. Natsu took a step towards it, and then another. In the back of her mind, she thought she heard a bird flapping its wings. Slowly, almost unwillingly, she began to reach out her hand... * * * Arcana started by Scott Schimmel Chapter Sixteen: The Hearts of Fools by Lady Brick Chapter Sixteen: Eight Short Lessons About Strength by Scott Schimmel * * * Keisuke The thing you have to realize is, being big like I am is about more than just size. There's a frame of mind that goes with it. A couple of them, actually, but in my case it's the good one. I was raised to be careful, so I wouldn't hurt anyone by accident. It's easy to do when you're as strong a kid as I was. I learned that lesson pretty well, mostly because I really didn't want to hurt anyone in the first place. You probably don't understand that. It's a matter of responsibility. More to it than that? I don't know what you mean. That's why I got her out of there. I don't want to see Hotaru-chan get hurt. I'm not a pacifist, you know that. That doesn't mean I like to fight. And in a case like that... I'm beginning to wonder what we're fighting for. Why are we fighting each other, now? But you know something? I hate myself for thinking this, but I can't help it. It keeps coming to mind. See, I do the best I can, but I'm just a jock. I realize that. Miyuki-chan... she knows things. It's her office. What if she does have a reason? But what reason could she have? Why didn't she tell us? ... Sometimes, I'm just not sure where I should be standing. What use is strength, without direction? * "Natsu?" The light abruptly flared out, leaving spots in Natsu's vision, surrounded by black. She rubbed her eyes, slowly becoming aware that Chris was somewhere nearby, calling her name. Her vision clearing, she saw that the sword had vanished. Both relieved and disappointed, she stepped out of the alley, nearly walking into Chris. Her cousin jumped, and then looked at her oddly. "What were you doing in there?" Natsu shrugged and attempted a shaky smile. "Wrong turn, I guess." Chris blinked at her then sighed. "Look, I just want to apologize for earlier." He dug at the pavement with the toe of his shoe. "I guess sometimes there are things you just have to keep to yourself... and I shouldn't have bugged you about it." "It's okay. I'm not mad." "You're not?" "No, never was. But hey, we'll talk later, okay? I have to go see someone." Natsu took off at a run. "Um, okay..." Chris watched her fade into the distance, wondering where she could be headed this late... * Natsu ... Okay, obviously you think I'm an idiot. Look, I don't listen to voices in my head or out of thin air. I'm not the kind of girl who'll pounce on something bright and shiny because it's just like something she saw in a dream. I don't believe in letting dreams guide me. I'm perfectly capable of guiding myself, thanks. Besides, unlike some people, I'm well aware of the difference between dreams and reality. I don't know what the game is, but my answer is no. Find yourself another puppet. I don't want whatever it is that you're offering. I don't need it. I don't need you. And I don't want to hear from you again. I'm not about to pick up some magic sword and go charging off like a shoujo manga heroine. I've seen what magic does. It only complicates things. All that power hasn't helped Hotaru one bit. If she didn't have it, she could have had a normal, happy life instead of getting caught up in something that apparently nobody understands. If she needs my help, she has it. But not that way. I've had enough of mysteries. I'll stick to what I know. I don't believe in destiny. I'll make my own fate. I'll help Hotaru with my own strength. * "You can't be serious." Joker's eyes were wide, disbelieving. Hotaru fingered the blanket on the bed. "I'd never joke about something like that." "So let me see if I have this correct. Your mother repeatedly sets your alarm clock back every few days, has done so for years, and you never notice?" Hotaru nodded and he burst into laughter, which quickly degenerated into a coughing fit. "Maybe you shouldn't be talking so much," Hotaru pointed out as he managed to quell the hacking. "Worried about me, firefly? I'm touched." He cleared his throat. Hotaru stared at the floor. "I'll go get you another glass of water." * Maki Well, that's not very friendly, is it? I take it you're not interested in joining me, then. And after I showed you that power you're so proud of. I'd hoped you might be more grateful. I could use a man like you... Now, really, there's no call for vulgarity. So you're satisfied with being a petty criminal? Do you think that's what your powers are meant for? Oh, excuse the pacing. Habit. Now, where were we...? Hmm. You certainly sound determined. Are you sure I can't change your mind? You do have power... ...I think not. I am not your girlfriend, and I most certainly am not about to do -that-. You would threaten me? Foolish boy. I showed you your power scarcely a week ago, and you think that you can intimidate me? I've been Arcana for years! What you know is but a minuscule fraction of the knowledge I possess. Oh, indeed, you are the Page of Blades, and I am the Queen of Pentacles. You're very proud of that knife. Compensation, I believe it's called. Look it up. Yes, I know loss of money is hardly a threat to you. I'm well aware that you have none to begin with. ...Oh, I see. You thought that that was the extent of my power? Idiot. The Queen of Pentacles is almost a mirror of the Empress. And those who possess the ability to sustain life... You're not scared? You should be. I don't like to work so... directly. But there's something you haven't noticed. I wasn't just pacing. The path I followed traced out a pentacle around you. Goodbye. ... Hmm. That was very messy. I hope the blood will come out; I rather like this blouse... In your next life, remember: real strength consists of more than brute force. Finding the means to use what you have to get what you want... that's strength. * Heading to the bathroom, glass in her hand, Hotaru paused. It seemed so unreal to her. Here was a guy who had tried to kill her several times, stabbed her best friend. True, he had also saved her life, but it was still very odd to be sitting about and talking as if they were old friends. As if they were normal people. * Tetsuya What the hell do you think you're doing, Keisuke-kun? If I knew where Miyuki was, I'd demand an explanation. I know you've talked to her. So why haven't you said something? Being... what does that have to do with anything? Don't talk to me about responsibility. Responsibility doesn't mean being on time for pointless meetings or refusing to have fun. There's more to it than that, and that's what I've got. What really counts. I know you don't know. That validates my opinion, don't you think? Fine, I'll make it easy for you. Responsibility isn't about following rules. It's about following your heart. Doing the right thing. Not blindly following orders. You got her out. And then what? Did you confront Miyuki afterward? Did you follow through? Or would that offend your pacifist sensibilities? You're hopeless. This looks pretty black-and-white to me. What possible justification could she have? What reason? What could she possibly say? Why hasn't she tried to explain? Maybe because she knows she can't. She won't even talk to us. This has gone much too far. Maybe you don't want to be the one to raise dissent in our cozy little community. Well, it's pretty obvious to me that something's wrong. You don't want to be the lone voice? Fine. But don't try to stop me. This isn't right. I know that, and you should. And I'm going to make my stand, whether you like it or not. No, no violence; but I'm going to demand an explanation. I think we deserve one, if there is one. Afterward... then I'll decide what to do. What about you? You've got it all wrong. As usual. Strength isn't separate from direction. Strength comes out of direction. Strength is doing what you know you need to do, and consequences be damned. * Filling up the glass with cool water, she hurried back to the bedroom. She handed Joker the glass and sat back on the edge of the bed. She found herself staring at the floor again. "Um, I forgot what your name was. Your real name, I mean." "Ishido." She looked up at him, managing to meet his crow-bright gaze. "You can call me Hotaru, if you want." He lips twisted into a somewhat bitter smile. "But firefly, why use mundane names when fate has given us such prestigious titles?" "Well, I'm still Hotaru. I don't care if I'm Arcana, the Magician, or whatever." "That's a noble thought, my dear." His eyes bored into hers. "But do I really look like a fun loving bookworm who you would see in your classes? Do any of the Arcana you've met seem *completely* normal? If you think what is going on isn't going to change you at all, you've been reading too many manga." She was ready to spit out a reply to that, but it died on her lips. Was he right? Could she end up turning into something like him or like Miyuki, to whom nothing seemed to matter except their role as Arcana? "Well, it won't happen to me," she replied lamely. * Hotaru What you're saying about power... I'm not sure, but I don't want it to be that way. I won't be that way. If there's a way out, I'll find it. Power... what good is it anyway? Being able to use power doesn't make you strong. Not having to use it does. If the Arcana passed from this world... would it be such a bad thing? * He leaned in towards her, whispering. "Beware, oh destiny, for the firefly has declared war upon you." His voice was mocking. "Will you stop it?" She grabbed him bye the shoulders, as if intent on shaking what she was saying. "I don't want to end up like you!" Ishido flinched as if he had been struck. Hotaru immediately let go of him, staring downwards. She felt her face flushing. "I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean..." His hand lifted her chin, and she found herself forced to look him in the face. Never had she seen him this serious, no hint of humor dancing in his eyes. She swallowed. "Am I really that bad?" His voice was rough. "I-" He leaned forward suddenly, his lips meeting hers. The doorbell rang. * Sumire Please... there's no need to be frightened. I have no intention of hurting any of you. Don't sneer so, Forrester, you most of all should know I don't lie. Sit, Komatane. Well, then, stand. I know this is not the best time for me to come unannounced, but I could not allow myself to wait any longer. There is something I must say to you, have needed to say to you for some time. I... I am deeply sorry, Komatane. It is not nearly enough, I know. I was upset; I allowed myself to lose control, and that nearly cost you your life. I'm sorry. There is no excuse for that. But you deserve an explanation, at least. If I may speak to you privately... Very well. I suppose I deserved that. Forrester, you can stay. But I would rather not speak of this to the Fool. Thank you. If you would establish a field, Komatane? Best to make certain. I've given my word. I am unarmed. You will be present. And she will have control over the field. Is that enough? Once again, Komatane, thank you. Now I will tell you. It... is not an excuse, but perhaps you will understand why... well, I shall let my story speak for itself. You came into your own power quite suddenly and traumatically, so perhaps you will understand. It was only three years ago. Junior high school. You may find this hard to believe, but at that time I was very much like you are now. Although my best friend was not terribly similar to Forrester. Don't interrupt. This is hard enough as it is. We had lingered after school. That had been my idea. It was my fault that she was there that day. We were... interrupted. By three men. I can still remember the sound of their voices... I ran. She was too slow to follow. I could hear her screaming even from outside. And... I ran. One of them followed me. He was faster than I was. It was only a matter of time until he caught me, and we both knew it. I suspect he enjoyed it. I'd managed almost to trap myself. The shinai came as a surprise. I'm not sure who was so careless as to leave it lying there, but I owe that person a debt. I had never held such a weapon before that day, but I was quick to pick it up. If a confrontation was inevitable, I felt, then I would make my stand, and any weapon would have been a comfort. I remember how he laughed to see me standing there, clutching a bamboo sword like a baseball bat. Then something changed, suddenly. I don't know how to describe it. Perhaps you remember your own experience. By the time he'd stopped laughing, I'd broken three of his bones. I think I was up to fourteen or fifteen before he'd stopped screaming and fainted. I might not have stopped even then, but I remembered Arisa. What came next, I don't remember very well. I know that I ran -- back, this time; toward, rather than away. And I know that at the end I'd beaten both of them. I hadn't been so much as touched. Arisa wasn't so fortunate. That was the day she got her scars. Apologies were futile. What could I say, after that? She left not long afterward. And I began to train to control my power. To control myself. They are the same thing. I thought that I might never see Arisa again. And, until that recent incident, I didn't. I... couldn't blame her. I thought that I could never fight her... And then I killed her. So was it all for nothing? No, I think that control-- ...What? Are you sure? Alive...? Then perhaps we all are given our second chances. Let us hope that we possess the strength to change the outcome. * "Hiya, Hotaru," Natsu called as she bounded into the room. "I've got to ta--" She froze. "Hello again, pretty lady," Joker said as Hotaru twisted herself away. The Magician flushed bright red and buried her face in her hands. * Miyuki I hope that they can forgive me some day. That maybe they'll see... I do what I must do. I am not strong enough to do otherwise. * Lady Brick's pseudo author notes: Thanks to Scott for letting me co-write this part. I was really pissed when I had to skip. Sorry there isn't much here, but I was writing IDG at the same time. What is it with me and making Impro characters hook up? First MC, now this ^_^ * Scott Schimmel's author notes: Thanks to Lady Brick for agreeing to co-write this part. Most of the third-person segments (except the last one) are hers; the first-person ones are my experiment this time out. Don't try to wedge them into strict chronological order; they're arranged more for aesthetics than for that. Hope you liked them. Also, thanks to Yonjuuni and Kate Malloy for last-minute prereading.