I Think, Therefore I Am; thus Here I Stand

SPORADIC ACTIVITY (online on Tues/Thurs evenings UTC+8) || Senki Zesshou Symphogear || indie Maria Cadenzavna Eve rp blog written by jess tracked tag - silversongstress Updates: (10/07/2017) +Verse page: brief intros ::

[knight-of-redemption]

A precious gift

[silversongstress-blog]

[ my love ] :

Thel was shocked, truly shocked, did Maria really spend time making this ? It was just the size of the real armor; but perfect for casual times ! It didn’t took very long for him to have tears of joy on his eyes; laughing a bit he cleaned the tears and removed his armor to be replaced by Maria’s handmade sweater. Even the hoodie was perfectly made to fit his head, with a smile of sincere exitement Thel extended his arms and turned around, so Maria could take a look. “ There are not enough words as to describe how happy I am right now. Thank you very much my love, this handmade sweater is beyond amazing, finally I have something to wear aside my armor, and it wouldn’t feel odd because resembles my armor. I will treasure this item forever …. but, I have to tell I have something for you aswell, just wait here for a moment “

Thel took about a minute to come back, and he was carrying a painting. It was a painting of Maria, wearing the dress of that concert she did in London along Tsubasa; but in the painting he added angel wings and a white ring over her head. Representing how to him Maria is the angel that brought happiness to his life. “ I spend a lot of time doing this. From learning how to paint using tools meant for human’s hands; to all the process that involves painting. I actually had to remade this like 10 times until I managed to impress how for me, you are more than a human lady, for me Maria, you are an angel. The most pure heaven can offer. I hope you like it “

It always feels great to do something for the person you love, doesn’t it? Undoubtedly the sweater had taken her a lot of effort to complete, but all is worth it for the happiness that lit up Thel’s face, literally overflowing in tears. Still she wasn’t confident how well the whole suit would fit her husband’s toned and well-built body, so when everything matched perfectly it was her turn to shed tears with joyous laughter.

“I’m just delighted that you love it! And surely I shall knit more of these so that your wardrobe will be filled with clothes that make you feel at home. The one and only pairs of clothes; just like our love!” Being cheesy wasn’t Maria’s thing but there are just occasions where the woman caved to her dreamy side.

Funny how she’d prepared Thel a gift, yet it never occurred to her that the man would do likewise. Eagerly she waited, and how it paid off!

“!!! Isn’t this-!” She recognized the outfit at first glance, quickly taking in the details Thel had painstakingly replicated on his piece of art. Each curl and frill, the transparency of the skirt’s outer fabric, he left nothing out. Fingers gently extended to trace its surface, Maria completely entranced by the sheer dedication that filled the painting.

“… ‘Like’ it? I love it.”

The woman choked back a sob, her voice soft but resolute. Oh, what has she done to deserve an equally precious angel like Thel! She handled the painting with care, setting it down before jumping up to hug the man.

“I love it. I love it so much, Thel! But if I’m your angel, then you’re my angel too! My keen-eyed guardian angel who wields his blade like the Archangel Michael…!”

[silversongstress-blog]

[ Tsubasa ] :

The blonde found herself somewhat starstruck as she noticed the other Tsubasa come into the room. What was she supposed to say, though? The other Tsubasa had plenty of fans, so the blonde didn’t want to come off as creepy…

“U-um… th-thank you for your hospitality…” Tsubasa said, quickly standing up and bowing to be polite. She didn’t even know if the ones before her were the ones she should be thanking, but she didn’t know what exactly to do otherwise…

Darn, talking to people seemed much easier when she was in Cure Swan’s superhero mindset! And when she had nobody to help as plain old Mizuno Tsubasa, she got even more awkward. Dang it! Surely didn’t help that there was a literal pop star in the room.

“U-uh… I… erm…” and now she was struggling to find the right words to say.

The sentinel moved with grace and still silence that came almost naturally to her, a neutral expression framed her face as she acknowledged the blonde girl’s thanks. One would think she’d brush it off and return to the main topic on hand with how serious Tsubasa was known to be, moreso as she wasn’t in her capacity as an artiste right now. But slowly and surely, her lips curved into a gentle, modest smile.

“No. We should thank you all too, for hanging on in spite of the ever-present threat that haunts us. It’s only because you don’t give up, that we can carry on protecting those in need.” A hand rested on her shoulder in an attempt to console the girl. The blue-haired pop star probably hadn’t realized how much Tsubasa admired her.

“So, Maria,” She redirected her focus onto the older woman. “what are you doing here? Weren’t you supposed to be with my father?”

Oof! She did not just---

Maria was supposed to be collecting test results at the administrative headquarters, but she’d requested for an early return upon learning of the large-scale Alca-Noise attack. Thankfully nothing too disastrous had happened.

“Like I said, I came back because my job there was done!” She stressed the words, explaining herself to an adamant Kazanari Tsubasa. “There’s also the component break-down of that undefeatable snake, which they realized comprised elements vastly different and purer than what Carol had used… ah.”

“Actually, Tsubasa-san, you should sit in for our briefings too. You have unique powers of your own too, don’t you?” She questioned, head tilting to a side and sounding unsure if she’d gotten her facts correct.

[silversongstress-blog]

[ Thel ] :

Thel grinned, rubbing his neck at Maria’s reaction when she knew that the new training system is in part his doing.

“ Well, Genjurou has his own way to train you and the others; and is actually good I have to say; I just want to add a few things into your trainings since I had the experience of leading entire armies into battle; always at the frontlines. When you are actually fighting along the rest of your soldiers; you learn more things than when you just watch from the distance; again, I do not intend to offend the man “ 

“ And dont worry, everyone in several moments of our lives have these moments where for some reason or another can’t pull off an event despite having all the odd and resources on our favor; on the bright side it makes us learn about how to not fall in desperation when those moments do come. Eventually all of you will see what I mean “

Maria started to lead the way towards the training room, Thel following close

“ You can be sure I will. As long as I am present in the battlefield, I promise none of the Attuned will be severely harmed, even if that means I have to take the heavy blows for all of you “

Eventually they reached the room, and are greeted by the little Elfnein

“ Yes, we are. Maria wants to see the changes you have done into the training system. And of course I will aid her, tough I cant deny that I am also curious about what you have done. Can you show us my dear ? “

‘Thank you.’

Tender words of gratitude. The woman’s thoughts drifted back to their hallway journey en route to the main training room. Despite the lack of a verbal response, his words his promise; the affirmation of being valued both as a trusted ally on the battlefield and a special someone to protect, she held them close to heart for it was an important promise. One that she would vow in return to him whose existence weighed more than the promise itself.

Back to present time Maria couldn’t help but note the pride and anticipation that shone in Elfnein’s eyes. The young alchemist must’ve outdone herself with this new training program she’s created.

“Of course! I’m more than eager to see the practical results the system can achieve too. It is still in its testing phase, but rather than run simulations, it’s better to obtain real results with real testing, won’t you agree?” No, she wasn’t going crazy. The girl simply was too excited, do pardon her.

She handed them each a device, one that was clearly mean to be worn like sun glasses. There was even one that had been designed specifically to fit Thel’s face shape!

“Please put these on after gearing yourself up. In it will contain all the information you’ll need to make decisions with. Then, I’ll initiate the training system!”

Maria heeded the instructions, donning Airgetlam in a flash before resting the eye-wear device on the bridge of her nose. What she saw through the tinted lens was a surprisingly detailed head-up display. Compass bearings, elevation, and a smart target sight that immediately marked Thel with a blip once he was in sight.

“Wha--” The contraption was… unexpectedly tactical.

They weren’t given all the time to experiment in peace, though. Soon their surroundings changed, holographic walls adopting a rocky terrain akin to the base of a mountain ridge. Puzzled, the songstress opened her mouth to speak when a simple message occupied their screen.

[ Become king of the hill. ]

[knight-of-redemption]

// The Beauty and the Beast //

@silversongstress / @datxra

[silversongstress-blog]

[ Miku ] :

Learning together sounded like a great idea, one Miku didn’t mind at all. Whenever she could spend time with the girls, she wanted to take it. They were busy with missions and threats so often that she understood if they were tired or didn’t come back right away.  But…

“Alright. Thank you, Maria.” The awkwardness of cooking never escaped her, even if it was something as simple as making sandwiches. Cooking was something she had to get better at, of course. So as they continued, Miku came up with another question.

“Say, Maria…do you see a lot of new things on your missions? Hibiki tells me about the places you go to. What’s it like?”

Pan and spatula were brought into the picture once she’d offered to help. She’d make eggs, yeah. Maybe try her hand at an omelet; something she couldn’t nail despite the many times Shirabe coached her. If she failed, suppose that’ll be their little midnight snack then.

“New things?” She paused to ponder the question. Clearly it wasn’t the main thing on her mind to appreciate scenery while on a mission.

“…You’re right… It’s an obvious statement, but when you’re out there your eyes are opened.”

“Discovery shows do reveal much beauty of the places we rarely go, but it’s always breathtaking to witness it yourself: flying above a vast rain-forest, desert plains that extend beyond the horizon --the heat is real-- , a lone tiger chasing after a herd of giraffes. Honestly those I see are not new to me; I’ve heard of them, seen them from behind a screen. But being there in person validates what you know. That’s how I see it.”

[silversongstress-blog]

[ Tsubasa ] :

After hearing that last name, the blonde couldn’t help but laugh a little bit.

“You work with another Tsubasa? I hope you aren’t getting confused right now, Maria-san!” Tsubasa joked. However, she was pretty sure that the Tsubasa that worked with Maria looked completely different than her. And probably at a normal height.

What would she call this other Tsubasa if she ever met her? Realistically, probably by her family name to avoid confusion. But what if they were in the same room together and someone wanted to get the attention of only one of them? That would be interesting!

The woman couldn’t resist a laugh after watching the girl ease up at the name. Admittedly the songstress was shocked when she first knew the blonde’s name, thinking how she’d differentiate both of them, since she only ever called others by their given names. Thankfully she found her way of addressing them both; her tone being slightly deeper --or harsher?-- when referring to her idol partner.

“Well, I won’t be confused! You both are my precious friends, so surely I’ll know how to tell you both apart.”

As though being summoned by the mere discussion of her name, the room’s door slid open for the singer, Kazanari Tsubasa, and her manager, Ogawa-san.

“Sorry, we’ve returned late.” The woman reported, her tone serious.

“The live interview was held up for the same reason as the attack.” Ogawa added. “How is everyone?”

“We managed to fend off the attack, though I would say this is like the other times; only a diversion to test our response. Due to the site of attack being near to headquarters, we had some evacuate here for shelter…”

[silversongstress-blog]

[ Thel ] : @knight-of-redemption

“ Okay, I like the sound of that “

Then the alien commander listened to his wife’s words; in the middle of her explanation he gave a few chuckles

“ So you evolved as an artiste, the same way I grew up as a soldier. Initilly my training were just focused on close quarters combat and the use of firearms; but as I spent time in the battlefield by watching and trying I also learnt how to fabricate weapons, repair my combat armor, operate and repairing a large variety of vehicles and finally, how to give commands to people. And how to earn the respect from others so they will follow your orders without hesitation. Is interesting don’t you think ? In one way or another, our lives are so alike “

“ Lets see …. both kind of clothes are fine for me. The form fitting ones would be perfect for trainings; and the loose ones would be ideal for when I want to enjoy my free time taking some fresh air and relaxing myself “

“That’s right! Picking up skills on the way… mostly out of necessity I believe, both you and me in our respective situations. Still, it’s a joy to learn new things each day, equip ourselves for a better tomorrow, climb to higher heights, conquer challenges we couldn’t overcome before.” Maria smiled, pleased at the reminder of their similarities, things that brought them together and allowed them to related with one another.

She tapped the empty page with her pencil’s end, already lost in thoughts for designs to work around for Thel’s clothes.

“For now I’ll take inspiration from your current combat wear for your form-fitting training outfits. The human counterparts for training wear have… really in-depth studies behind how they’re made. So I’ll need to read up on those! Breathable, anti-perspirant materials and other gimmicks, it’s crazy.”

“As for casual wear…” Her hand moved to produce sketches.

“How about something like this? The inner piece will be airy while the outer robes fastened to your preference with a belt or sash. Feels tribal or rustic, but it reminds me of the engravings you had on your armor; quite like tribal embroidery patterns on their traditional garments.”

[silversongstress-blog]

[ Hibiki ] :

With all the examples Maria threw out, there was at least one that Hibiki managed to understand…maybe two actually. But the gist was that Maria felt like a burden has been lifted, and felt a little lighter than before. Hibiki was certain it didn’t solve all her problems, yet this was just enough for her, right? At least for now. 

“Eh? Do you mean those sort of emotions that linger from the past?” That’s what she got from that statement. If so, Hibiki provided a small chuckle. “Maybe! They might be pretty awkward to sort out, but we’ll get there eventually. Right?”

“Does make things a bit harder sometimes though, haha.”

“Yes yes, those! And because it’s from the past it’s always like that habit that’s impossible to shake after growing up with it. Like… a stigma? It does get tough.” Maria allowed herself a modest chuckle.

What is she saying? As though making a big life discovery out of a common emotion experienced by many. Surely others must have felt the same when attempting to shake off their old selves. Some successful, others not as much.

“But sometimes I think, or rather I’m convinced, that the saying of ‘time heals all wounds’ holds some truth. While time doesn’t exactly heal all wounds, it is through time that special opportunities arise where we see our wounds in a new light and allow ourselves to recover from them. … Have you experienced anything like that before?”

“Visiting Serena just now definitely felt like once such moment, different from the many times I’ve visited her on my own.” Whenever she went alone, it was always just that; alone. Nothing happened even as she spoke to Serena; no hint of a reply or closure even though she knew very well that her little sister would not ignore her nor hold the incident against her. All those times it must’ve been her twisted thoughts that veiled the assurances Serena wanted her to hear.

[silversongstress-blog]

[ Maroon ] :

"Well that’s one of my reasons, you’re right on that. I have a duty to fulfill, but…” He said as he closed his eyes and smiled.

“I also came back here because there’s a certain girl that I like. After talking, training with Hibiki for a bit, I’ve gotten a good feeling that I actually started to like her.” he rest his right index finger on his crystal as he opened his eyes again.

“She’s a sweet and gentle girl, a kindness that I have not seen anywhere else as of now. Her morals are amusing for me since she believes that the world can be united in harmony…But for as silly as that might sound and as impossible it is, I support that desire of her to unite the world." 

"With her good friend Miku that I’ve met, Tsubasa, Chris, you now too Maria, that I can concider this as my secondary home and family.” Though on the point of family, he did hear and see a certain girl at one point, though he hasn’t met her yet…

“Though…I’ve heard of someone named Kirika..I think we’re related, somehow.”

“Huh~” Maria hummed and brought a pause to her light weight lighting exercise, lips curling into a coy smile. “So someone is in love~ ufufu”

Naturally she wondered who this girl could be, figuring that only Hibiki fit the bill as Maroon described this wonderful lady he’s set his eyes on. The songstress chuckled to herself, unsure how this would end. Hibiki wasn’t really…

“I suppose this could be your second home and family,” The adults here did have a knack for adopting new members into the team, welcoming them with family-like warmth even if everyone weren’t related by blood. “It was quite a similar situation we went through, being drawn in by them.”

Maria took on a fighting stance as their conversation went on, perhaps inviting --through gesture-- for the other to join her in a light sparring as that chatted. The woman hopped lightly on the balls of her feet. A brow raised at Maroon’s statement.

“Kirika? Related…? Do tell.”

[silversongstress-blog]

[ Thel ] : @knight-of-redemption

“ I know. I was the one who gave Elfnein the idea after all.“

Said Thel, making his way to pick up and save the hologram proyector in the process

“ I promised to protect you, to protect your dear friends from the enemies you all face. But at the same time I want to improve all of your current skills, you can say it’s an old habit of mine as a Supreme Commander. I have seen records from all the events you have been trough, since the earliest days where Tsubasa and Kanade fought Noises back to back until Kanade’s demise. The rise of Tachibana as a Symphogear user, the battles with Chris and Finé. Then when Kirika, Shirabe and you were their enemies along the doctor. And finally the encounters with Carol and her autoscorers. Tough I have been restricted from certain information, I have seen enough to notice that the Noises, despite their large numbers, are relatively easy to handle. But when the rival is someone who can actually think and react to your attacks, the things change. Hibiki, Tsubasa and Chris faced that dilema when they had to fight you and the girls. And the same happened with Carol and the Autoscorers. “

“ So I tought, what if ‘my’ girls learn about how to fight against large groups of organized warriors ?. I explained this idea to Elfnein, and I am so glad she actually took my words into account and made this new training system “ 

he gave a brief laugh

“ Tough, I have to be honest, if there happens to appear a new enemy. Whatever it is, you now will have the support of two commanders, one that will be the guardian eyes for the group; giving support from the backside. And one that will step right into battle along you; and that will become your sword and shield. In my point of view, that makes things a lot easier when the time to fight comes “ 

“So it was you! I did think the idea was radically different from what we’d usually come up with. It had me wondering who suggested them to Elfnein. Other than, perhaps, the Commander…?” She giggled. Genjuuro was smart and hardened with experience, but there always was this impression that his inner kindness prevented him from fully exposing the girls to major threats as complicated as a tactical invasion. It just didn’t seem like the kind of things they’d deal with as a disaster response unit.

Thel on the other hand had a vastly different set of experience that had Maria speechless in awe and thrill of the strategies he develops. The more you learn each day, as they say.

“No, this old habit of yours is perfect. It’s what we need to grow and prepare ourselves for the unexpected. We can’t deny that we often hit a wall when faced with enemies who can think just as much as we do. It’s frustrating to say the least. Sometimes we’re just unable to come to consensus on how to respond… sometimes we know what to do, but do not have the means and strength to pull it off.” Things like the Ignite Module… no doubt a great boost of power, but Maria didn’t exactly like the idea of reliance on it whenever they fought a losing battle. If they could improve themselves, that would be best.

The woman nodded at her thoughts and at the words of Thel’s perspective.

“I’d like you to lead and guide us as the commander of the frontlines. Show me how to move on the battlefield that’s designed by your experiences!”

They’d set foot into S.O.N.G.’s spacious training room, greeted by Elfnein’s cheerful voice.

“Ah! Thel-san, Maria-san! Are you both here to view the new training system?”

[silversongstress-blog]

[ Hibiki ] :

“…!” With her body in motion, Hibiki couldn’t necessarily stop her movements midway. She planned on hitting Maria straight on, yet didn’t anticipate Maria’s kick. Perhaps her awkward motion to protect herself lessened the impact, but as Hibiki moved forward, she felt Maria’s leg make contact with her abdomen anyway, or primarily the side of her body. It didn’t push her away too far, but she had to keep her balance.

She flexed her fingers out of habit, keeping her eyes on Maria as she realized her punch had made contact. This only meant they were getting in the swing of things, right? But she couldn’t hesitate and had to keep the momentum going, making her way right back towards Maria to plan a follow-up, this time planning to do a mixture of jabs and a kick for good measure. During training, the Commander really seemed to enjoy keeping the intensity up since in a real fight, the enemy wouldn’t give you a break to rest.

Training with him for the first time really was the most challenging thing she’s ever done.

Her jaw felt sore after receiving that hit. No doubt it would’ve knocked a few teeth out had she not noticed it in time, or if Hibiki had thrown that while in gear. She welcomed the discomfort; it meant they weren’t pulling punches, which was the main point in any spar.

Maria maintained her stance with both arms raised front as Hibiki approached, ensuring her muscles weren’t tense but relaxed so that they could follow the fury of jabs with ease, blocking each blow with her forearms in a familiar movement as when she defends herself using Airgetlam’s dagger.

There came a kick, one she decided to use its momentum to her advantage. An opening was created to lure the kick in before her arms snaked around the limb, grabbing it tight and, with herself as the pivot, flung Hibiki across.

[knight-of-redemption]

“ The love that bloomed under the brightest star “

// @silversongstress //

[carolnein]

tsubasa is the friend that sends people homemade memes at midnight in their time zone

[laguzmage]

The new Symphogear opening features Maria being both Muscular and punching in a training sequence and boi am I living

[le-soleil-et-lalune]

Visit Original Link

Young - Vallis Alps

[silversongstress-blog]

[ Maroon ] :

“Yes- no, this is more of a way to boost my powers and yes, it’s okey! It’s hard to break it, especially the fact that this is the so many'th crystal I use as a core. It’s kind of like upgrading my body in a way." 

he held another crystal in his hand. It didn’t glow and it has precise holes, like they’re kind of veins.

"This core specifically is when real danger is coming, since this one has a suprising amount of energy stored in it due to the properties of this specific kind of crystal. We call this crystal the ancient helix crystal and I have found it in my city.”

“But most importantly, yes, I do come from a different dimension. I got here first because of my father, but I returned back here by my own will. You see, I need this core to generate the strength neccesary to create portals–" 

he cuts off adbruptly to open up a dimension gate leading to his homecity: Lawain.

"Like so! My father’s a deity believe it or not. He started out as a normal half dragon himself. I plan to surpass him and take on my father’s role as god of dimensions so people do not have to worry about their dimension being fused with another, or destroyed due to the fact that my father’s running low on energy.”

Inquisitive turquoise eyes widened as Maroon held the crystal in hand, allowing her better view of the minute details hidden on its back, hidden against his chest prior. “I see...”

It was a little of an information overload that she hadn’t expected, since they’d only first met, but Maria still appreciated how forthright he was. It could be that Maroon was confident in his abilities, which was why even if others knew of his crystal’s power, it wouldn’t be much of a disadvantage to him? That would explain those crushed training dolls piled in the distance.

Portals. Did he mention portals? A deity too, as well as being a half dragon. Some terms flew over her head till Maria settled on one point, physically already grabbing two dumbbells in each hand while Maroon elaborated on his father.

“Then... ahh, I hope I didn’t misunderstand, you returned to this dimension so as to train and build yourself into someone strong enough to inherit your father’s duties and legacy?”

[silversongstress-blog]

[ Artic ] :

In all honesty, it was not uncommon for him to be stopped and confronted by people and authorities. Quite troublesome for him, but he suspected that it would happen. After a moment of thinking, he just shrugged. “I’m not picky. Just get two of what you normally get.” He said simply.

“Alright.” She smiled in reply, turned, and headed for the ordering counter. There would be a queue and a couple pair of eyes following her from where she came from, perhaps wary in nature due to her companion, but Maria paid no attention to the latter. Humans are curious creatures. But at times that curiosity need not be sated. Minutes later and the lady would return with two pipping hot mugs of Americano.