Taylor Lin (
sharktoothtotem) wrote in
nexus_crossings2022-03-29 11:24 am
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Taylor's sitting up on a small wall, she's looking at the sketch in her lap, She's just glad that the Twins let her look at their hidden blades so she could figure out what to do about rebuilding hers. Though she had other things on her mind too.
"If you were given the chance to lead a group of people... Only because they think you'd be the best for the job, even though you're still only a Novice.... Would you accept the offer?"
She was just glad that they weren't asking her to lead the WHOLE brotherhood, just a small subgroup of about thirty people. Most of them were double her age, though those were the men and women that had suggested that she lead them.
"Or would you come and hide here vowing never to return?" Because really, that's one of the options she's liking more because really, she's no leader, she just wants to go on treasure hunts, and surf. Neither option is really leadership qualities.
To top it off, she had just found a perfect store front for an antiques shop, which would give her something else to do here.
The sketchbook with the plans for her new hidden blade went tucked away into one of the pockets of her cargo pants.
"If you were given the chance to lead a group of people... Only because they think you'd be the best for the job, even though you're still only a Novice.... Would you accept the offer?"
She was just glad that they weren't asking her to lead the WHOLE brotherhood, just a small subgroup of about thirty people. Most of them were double her age, though those were the men and women that had suggested that she lead them.
"Or would you come and hide here vowing never to return?" Because really, that's one of the options she's liking more because really, she's no leader, she just wants to go on treasure hunts, and surf. Neither option is really leadership qualities.
To top it off, she had just found a perfect store front for an antiques shop, which would give her something else to do here.
The sketchbook with the plans for her new hidden blade went tucked away into one of the pockets of her cargo pants.
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“Accepting a position of leadership is not a decision to make on a whim, so it is good that you are weighing your options carefully.” Isamu mused aloud. “Though, you should not base your judgement on whether you define yourself as a novice or an expert in your field. Many studies have shown that it is personality traits, not skills, that serve as key predictors of leadership effectiveness. Most notably, sociability and enthusiasm, followed closely by organizational ability and work ethic. Traits that this group must see within you, or you would not have earned their recommendation.”
Minoru, meanwhile, hopped up on the wall next to her, and sat down. “So, what’s got you thinking twice about it? Maybe we can help you figure it out?”
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"The others of the group that want me to lead are all mentors of their own. And well, I was raised by people that are against their beliefs." She started to answer Minoru. "Hell, by their standards I'm a novice when it comes to my training. I still don't know how I managed to earn their trust enough to be considered a Mentor. I mean there have been a very small number of Mentors in their thirties. Someone in their twenties? I'd probably be the first."
It was clear that it was something she wasn't sure she wanted. It would mean she'd have a bodyguard around all the time. Yeah, there were two people she wouldn't mind as it, but it would also mean no more surf competitions.
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“Minoru, to a certain extent, such things are unavoidable. With leadership comes a level of responsibility - for oneself and others.” Isamu countered as gently as his often-stoic tone allowed.
“Not ALL of it. Not ALL of the time.” He insisted.
“Clearly, if you took charge to provide a boat, you have accepted some degree of responsibility before. Perhaps without even being asked. And dare I say, your willingness to acknowledge those with the strengths you need to complete the task at hand, in this case, your navigators, shows quite a bit of conscientiousness in and of itself.” He continued. “And age does not make one a mentor. Experience does.”
Neither of the twins knew that Mentor had a capital M, that it was some kind of title. Honestly, neither of them knew what kind of leadership role she was being offered.
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She chuckled at that. "Isamu, most of the people who want me in charge, have already commanded armies! I'm not really a fighter, I mean I can if I need to, but I spent most of my childhood buried in books and taking lessons on how to be a 'proper lady' and respectable in high society. I've been trying to ditch that since I left." She wouldn't correct him on the capital M bit. Since really that was something that should have stayed within the organization. Though she knew none of them would let it slip to anyone who could be a threat. "I really don't think I'm the person they want to run a group of covert ops." Ooops another slip up.
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Covert ops? Not, say, her world’s version of a city council? That was… different.
Minoru, though, was less shocked. Unlike Isamu, he didn’t have a specific preconceived notion in his head to back track through. “Well, is it a thing you HAVE to accept? Or, even if you do, is something you have to accept right now?”
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She glanced at Isamu. "Don't worry, the group I'm with only go after really bad guys, the kind that want to steal free will from others."
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“…this isn’t the kind of thing you can actually say ‘No’ to, is it…”
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She rubbed her arm. "And really the group of them that want me to lead them do care about me, they're not like the other branch." She glanced at her closed book. "They've become more of a family than my blood family since I only found out that I had blood family about the same time as we were thrown together." Okay not exactly true, she had known the others her whole life, well other than her dad, but he was dead... or thought of as dead so that complicated things.
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“While I do not wish to be so bold as to automatically assume similarities to the Yakuza, or Japanese crime syndicate, I must admit that is the first thing that crossed my mind.” Isamu admitted, blushing slightly. That was not an accusation he wanted to make. Still, he tried to put this into perspective. “Though, I suppose a more appropriate comparison might be closer to a shinobi clan, albeit there is a fine line between historical evidence and legendary exploits. But there would still be very specific rules and regulations that are best adhered to.”
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“Bro, change is still change. Not feeling like you’re good enough. Not feeling ready to handle something. That’s pretty universal.” Minoru shrugged a little. “Truth is, you never know what something’s going to be like until you get there.”
Usually, for Minoru, that worked out just fine. Like picking up and moving to a new city, and looking for a new job, every time his brother changed schools. He followed him into interdimensional space, after all. They both lived and worked here in the Nexus.
“You won’t know if you can handle it until you do it.” This time, he thought more about going back to school and then dropping out. “And if it turns out you can’t, you figure it out as you go along. Until you find a way that works for you and you can.”
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Just saying that last word made her shudder, that wasn't her. She had never fit in with the order and strict laws that they went by, she was too much of a wild child, which was why as soon as she could she escaped. Setting her book down she hopped up from her perch giving both of them hugs and a kiss on the cheek. "Isamu-kun, Minoru-kun, Domo arigatou gozaimasu." She knew she didn't have to be that formal with them, but they had helped her.
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“It doesn’t hurt to ask, right?” He encouraged, and was soon met with a hug.
Hopefully, Taylor would forgive the disgusted expression he made to being kissed on the cheek. He tried to be polite, but that caught him completely off guard.
Isamu, however, smiled. He replied back in matching formality, humbly insisting that it was no trouble at all.
“We are pleased that we could provide some comfort and advice during a moment of need.” He added. “While the circumstances may differ, Minoru is right. We have all faced similar hurdles. And sometimes, we could all use a sounding board.”
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Taylor chuckled at the look, she knew public PDA was kind of a no-no in Japan, And she really didn't mean anything romantic by it, so she wasn't going to take the look personally.
"I did, thank you. Would have felt weird talking to the group about it."
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This was really just Minoru’s personal quirk - the feeling of wet lips on his skin was icky. (There’s a reason why Ziggy’s always nuzzling him on the top of his head. That fluffy hair is a kiss shield!)
“I can see how that would be awkward, yes. But now you have a plan with which to structure your conversation. So it will undoubtedly be less so.” Isamu smiled. “Good luck!”
“Yeah, let us know how it goes!”
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Basically they liked the idea of a safe place for her to go if they thought it was too dangerous for her, all because of the agreement they had made with her family to keep her safe.
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Viktor wasn't ashamed of being kicked out of his house for being a "delinquent" kid. Burning shit down with fire bombs and just getting on the wrong side of the law. Flitting between his own world and the Nexus was becoming easier now that he understood how the PINpoint worked.
"What about you? Are you thinking of becoming leader to a group of people?"
He lit up a smoke and blew a thin trail above his head.
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"I was asked to, but I don't think I'm really the leader kind. Part of me wants to say they're wanting me to lead because no one else wants the job." Taylor reached beside her for the cup that was filled with a weak rum and coke, about two shots of rum in a 24 oz coke. "I mean I'm flattered, but it just seems like a bit much to put on the 'kid's shoulders' since all of them still see me as a child in comparison." It might be her showing she's a little worried about it.
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Viktor watched her drink and nodded. He could understand. As for water sports? He'd never been one for those much preferring fire over water. Pyromania was his thing.
"My kind of sport is crafting molotov cocktails and throwing them at cop cars or authority buildings. Piss off the state kind of shit."
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"Fire Bug." She said it with a grin and giggle. "Probably more dangerous than this Minnow. Though Fuck yeah on the whole screwing over those in authority. Many of them have their heads so far up their banker's asses that they don't know what's really going on in the world."
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The punk shrugged and inhaled his smoke just sighing softly. Would he not see his father for another nine years now? Who knew. Unless they reduced his sentence but that was unlikely.
"A lot of people have their heads up their asses. Authority dicks and the like."
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"I unfortunately was raised by one. Which is why as soon as I could I left. It was probably the best thing I ever did."
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It sounded rough that she was raised by an authoritative asshole. Viktor felt sorry for her but was glad she got out when she did.
"As well as pyromania I like wrestling."
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"Treasure hunting is my other hobby, and MMA."
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A treasure hunter? Maybe her ancestors were pirates. Viktor smiled.
"Mixed Martial Arts? What kind?"
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Well, if you believe what her bio-dad says which is 70% BS they are from a pirate family. Though she's pretty sure it's something else.
"I practice Fencing and Akido, with a little boxing and good old brawling. You don't have to have a formal style in bar fights."
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He has his son's hand in one of his as he gently bounces him a little in the bjorn and a bag of some things like diapers in the other. he smiles softly and listens raptly, and looking thoughtful before answering.
"Depends on the alternative I suppose.." He murmurs before adding, for clarity. "And as to why and or where they need leading." Though it was hardly, completely uncommon back home per say. There were usually folks and advisors about too. He can't help the slight proud of her smile though. If she was in such a position. Or least being considered for it. "Many things can be learned. While some can't. Like if one has a heart for duty..or to ahem serve their people before themselves."
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"I'm guessing it's because even though I am a novice, I'm the only one who knows how the world off the island I reside on really works. It's a lot different than how they know." She debated a moment. "And really there is no difference lately between those that raised me to those that raised my mother. Both groups are lost too far in the shadows. Maybe it is time to bring the shadows back to the light." She was musing mostly to herself. After all the people she worked with, none of them had ever been bad, all their actions were out of emotion and sense of right and wrong.
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Gawain's little tail which looks like a golden retriever puppy's wags happily and a mile a minute as he scents the air excitedly. As his paw-pa, walks closer to the nice lady.
Dor hums and nods with a diplomatic head tilt as he listens, taking that in as she sorts some things out. His wife sometimes did the same when figuring certain things out. "Hmm, tis not uncommon that." He murmurs half in thought himself and strokes his chin. As he rubs his cheek gently against his son's head. Earning a wee giggle from the tot.
"Da dada dada." He babbles in his cute way. Dor beams at him proudly. "That's miboy, we learn something new everyday..or at least it's good to keep doing so no matter our age.." He murmurs warmly, and to sharpen ones skills. He nods softly, "Mayhaps, though such things oft need a more sharpel approach I find." He gently advises. Not wishing her to get into a tangle mes of trouble without allies and backup.
He then asks gently, "Have ya had lunch yet lass?" Thinking both the company would cheer Aal and well such things should nto be decided in haste nor on an empty stomach.
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She then nodded to Dor. "I know, it's just... I know all of them had the same weight put on them before, just... they kinda knew who they were first. I'm still trying to figure that out."
"I was actually debating if I wanted to go grab something before going out to where I tend to think best." She nodded in the general direction of the beach. "Let me guess, inviting me to chat with Aal?" She wouldn't mind, both of them were good company.
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Gawain coo, roos, and then softly giggles. "Ooh, " He murmurs his blue eyes lighting up in glee. As he gently reaches for the shiny. "roo roo, hank roo." He murmurs and swoops it around with one hand while nomming on his plushie a bit. As he looks between and watches them raptly.
Dor hums and nods softly, understandingly. "Indeed. That's rather important to have at least some of such figured out." He agrees. Recalling a time in his own life when he was a wee bit younger than she was. Though he did his best to surround himself with good people.
"Exactly," He murmurs warmly with a wry but fond smirk. When he follows the nod with his eyeline. "Ah, well that could be arranged methinks..and thought it might be good for ya both..Mmh, a small outing for the pups wouldn't go amiss as well." He murmurs mulling some quick ideas and plans etc through his head. If the beach had a spot they could order or cook some things up all the better.
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Which causes the older wolf to chuckle. "Aye, now I like the sound of that.." another warm chuckle. "As does Gawiany." He murmurs stroking his son's head. "Sounds like a lovely plan lass." His tone's both warm and greatly pleased by the suggestion and her quick and considerate thinking.
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Well, shopping would get her mind off her troubles for a bit. She stretched a little and went through a mental checklist of things she should get as she headed first for the nearest butcher shop. A proper roast wouldn't be ready in time, but she could make do with burgers and steaks for the adults.
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"Baabaaroo." Is Gawain's little slightly confused farewell looking tween them. But leans into his papa's pets so he's not too sads. He probably likes hanging around Auntie Tay tay as much as his mum does. And or has a good portion of her curiosity pared with is Papa's liking to explore.
Two golden furred tails wag as they head toward the familiar apartment which is half mid-transition of being used and half-packed with thins not needed imminently to be moved to their new larger spot once things are in order.