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I Hope they serve Beer in Hell.; Chizu [Star], Lawman [Selene].
Topic Started: Dec 18 2010, 12:08 PM (517 Views)
North

{The following events take place immediately following the Arcadia Briefing.}

It's called a changeover. The movie goes on, and no one in the audience has any idea.

It starts with a wardrobe change - The moment Knox decided he had had enough of the antics inside the Mansion-thing, he made his way for the door. Between the bathtub full of popcorn, shouting adolescents; Hell almost all of the interesting people he saw there, left to go on the mission. So those Ley-lines...was that why he was in Japan again? He'd have to call Grim once he got back to the pub; but for now, all he cared about was the exit. For a moment, he chided himself for not giving a final thank you, or goodbye, to the two girls that had been kind enough to help him out when he was inside the control room; just a shrug to himself and he ducked out of the room. Oh well; things could have been worse. He could have stabbed someone before he left.

It wasn't until he reached the door; the threshold and stepped through, did the clothes on his person melt off; materialize and morph back into the leather jacket with the bullet-holes; dark jeans instead of whatever sort of tunic Ezio wore. Someone had even called him Signore, so it must have been true. Gotta love looking like a video-game character. It all started with the blade on his wrist [which we'll keep sheathed] and stretched into something more. Just think about it, she'd said, and it'll happen. Yeah; good thing, too. To look like a renaissance pirate-hooker knockoff wasn't exactly in the realm of his style preferences, but it wasn't exactly his choice how it happened either. Either way it felt comforting to be back to himself again; ruffling his hair to shake off the previous events. But now, there was a bigger problem.

Nevermind the dark, evil looking bastard walking out of the backroom of the small bookstore; no, of course he didn't just plant a terrorist bomb in there. He's sweet, really; on the inside. You know. Like a sour-patch kid. But as long as the man was in a bookstore, he should at least do a little research. Ley-lines in Japan. He ducked behind bookshelves and kept his nose in various titles. It didn't help that the majority of them were written in Japanese - a language he was learning to speak, learning to understand - but could not read. He groaned. Figures. Of all the gin joints in all the world, he had to walk into one that served ink with zero alcohol content in a taste he couldn't stomach. Perfecto.

<"You'd think bookstores would accommodate the illiterate...">

It was around that time, back to the world and head in the wall of books, he started humming 1900's italian opera to himself. Renato's records at their finest. Somewhere in this bookstore had to be an English book; and by the Buddha himself, he'd find it.
You know...on second thought. Didn't Star say she worked here? Maybe she could help. Where's an Italian girl when you need her? Eh. Until he spotted her, he'd stay the course. Aimless wanderings of a madman.
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Chizu
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Figures. The first time since ever that they'd have an Arcadia mission before the sun went down, and Star wasn't invited to the party. She tried not to feel too bothered by it. After all, she had been a little delayed in throwing her hat in. She stepped out of the backroom and sighed, her black and white Arcadia uniform disappearing and revealing her Hyakuji High school uniform underneath. She hadn't bothered to change before going to work today, although she was starting to wish that she had. Her school uniform bore its usual edits--a pair of ironed on silver stars contrasting against the darker color, and the same pattern but smaller on one of her socks.

Star sighed, running a hand through her hair. The shop wasn't due to close for a little bit longer, but without sensei around she wondered if she should just close up for the night and go home. Then again, it wasn't really too difficult a job to stay and watch an unattended bookstore. It wasn't like customers came in too often, and Arcadia was already deployed. Plus, she was kinda hoping they would come back in one piece.

You've officially succumbed to the madness, Star dear, she thought to herself. After all, the day she got disappointed because she wasn't picked for a mission was the day the world ended. Then again, she did make that decision to stop being so afraid. She took out her pink cellphone, flipping it open. She hadn't seen Meglumar at the meeting. She wondered if he got the message. Her screen was clear, though. No new messages.

Probably a good thing. Meglumar and texting was still an awkward combination. She had yet to explain the concept of emoticons to him.

She frowned as she saw a familiar person walking around the backroom looking for a book. Ryan? Star walked up to him, tucking a strand of blond hair behind her ear. <"You know, Tsukasa-sensei doesn't really let people touch the books back here,"> she said, in English except for the sensei part.
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Lawman
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After Ryan and Star, Selene was the next to step out of the portal, emerging in the back room of the Eldritch Influence. Seriously, was Shad treating the whole thing like a movie, with the popcorn and all. Either way, the English heiress was glad to be out of sight and out of earshot of him. Perhaps she should head back to the school, or the Frostfire Building. But part of the corporate heiress wanted to wait until Hiro and his team returned from the mission, and hopefully all in one piece.

"You know, Tsukasa-sensei doesn't really let people touch the books back here," Selene heard Star speaking in English, and weaved her way past the rows of shelves towards where Star was, as well as Ryan, who appeared to be browsing through the shelves for books. Seeing how the other two have already dispelled their Arcadia uniforms, the corporate heiress saw little point in remaining in hers as well as she dispelled her own, her outfit returning to her street clothes - a sleeveless white blouse with pink highlights, accessorized with a lilac silk scarf around her neck and a long (halfway past her knees) ruffled pink skirt.

"Star's right," Selene interjected as she stepped up next to Star. "This isn't quite your typical bookstore, as you've already known." While not one of Hiro's helpers at the Eldritch Influence, Selene was nonetheless also familiar enough with the place to know that the back room is where Tsukasa-sensei kept most of the really nasty stuff - containment devices for sealed demons, tomes on Eldritch lore and forbidden magic, magical artifacts with unpredictable effects and the rest of the works. She was there with Morgan on that day after all, and wasn't eager to see a repeat of that incident to say the least.
Edited by Lawman, Dec 18 2010, 11:45 PM.
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North

Sensei. I won't be caught dead calling that boy sensei....

That voice, familiar. That didn't take long at all. He had to commend the bookstore on their excellent service; you simply think of an employee, and they come to assist you. Or, in this case, tell you exactly what you're doing wrong. With a twist he had a hand at his hip, rummaging his fingertips through his locks with cavalier contempt. She seemed more than a little upset. Because she wasn't picked for the mission, after her speech? Or because Ryan was breaking bookstore rules and she was using the 'sir, this just ain't right' instead of the 'get the hell out' approach. Either way, he smiled slowly at her beyond the beard. It crept into those dark eyes, just a little and portrayed an apology he didn't even have to voice - the subtle twist at the end of his lips, that's where the apology was. Love that body language. Best course he ever neglected to take.

Bingo - and behind lilac scarf, we have contestant number two - the only other person with enough charm to even address the shady newcomer during the Arcadia brief. Seriously. A button-down shirt and a good shave, he'd look like a real human being again. Maybe people wouldn't eye him like he was about to pull a gat. Nevermind he had one inside his jacket, but...hey. Convicts gotta come prepared, ya know? But the somber smile at Star turned to the coy one directed at Selene; bright colors, bright personality. It suited her. Nothing plain about it. Maybe it was the ruffled dress or the way the blouse hung about her, but neither girl [including Star, in her school uniform, presumably? - except for the stars running around it] seemed to be one to enjoy being wallflowers. A trait he admired in them immediately.

<"In another life..."> He started, wrapped in his own little dimension, spinning and eying the objects around them. <"This looked like my workshop. Mythical weapons lined the walls. Books from the Underworld, from other dimensions, spellbooks that, after being written, people died for. Hell, I'd swung the Reaper's Scythe once or twice."> and he laughed. <"But, neither here nor there, no?"> He smirked, spun back around to the two girls, and smiled again. His age was showing; and more than a bit of his past. On his face was a map of the world.

<"Either way. I wanted to thank you, both, for explaining things to me, at the mansion. I can't tell you how lost I'd have been without your help. So for that,...> He bowed, politely. People did that in Japan, right? <"You have my respect. Star, I'm sorry I've intruded on your store. We'll see you next time, ladies.">

Who the hell was 'we'? Why was he being so....weird? Jeez. If that wasn't enough, he slipped between them, and ducked through the back door. Through it, he was in the Main Section Of The Store, The Eldritch Influence. Once inside the regular store once again, he resumed his search for a good book; preferably, written in English.

No...They don't all make sense...
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Chizu
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Star barely blinked as Ryan started talking, her friendly smile still stuck to her face as if she listened to mad ravings all the time. While she didn't really have the privilege of listening to anyone talk about how they had swung the Reaper's Scythe--and she was imagining the Grim Reaper here and not an ordinary grain reaper--Hyakuji was still an interesting town. And besides that, Star was willing to listen to anyone that wasn't obviously evil or boring, and insane people were many things, but they were never boring.

Besides, it wasn't insanity if it was true. Star knew that pretty well.

<"You're welcome,"> said Star, inclining her head. <"Anytime. I'm not the best fighter in the world, but I'm pretty good at greeting new people."> She giggled. A part of her did feel a little guilty about kicking him out of the back room, but she didn't want a repeat of the accidental demon summoning that had happened when she first applied for the job. Especially with Tsukasa-sensei having bigger fish to fry.

She followed Ryan out of the backroom and walked back over to the counter she usually sat behind, glancing around to make sure that her bag was still in its proper place. Somebody had already unlocked the door--probably one of the other Arcadia members leaving. She walked over to the door and flipped the CLOSED sign back towards OPEN, deciding that she might as well finish whatever was left of her shift. She then turned towards Ryan, who was now in the main portion of the bookstore, where he probably wasn't going to find anything actually magical.

<"What sort of book are you looking for?"> she asked. <"I can't go into the backroom myself, but I can tell sensei when he gets back.">
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North

[[From the Author; Awfully sorry for the wait dear. Holidays and all.]]

Back again. Hmm. Masochist or curious? Time would tell.

<"Ya know, I havent entirely decided yet...">

To be honest, was there much of anything? Unless he started pulling books on classical music, raising a cat on your own or renovations and furnishings, he was out of luck. He had to turn to look at Star with that quiet charm on his face. Remove him from the back room, follow him to front, after the helpful bits during their brief. Hiro hadn't taken her, even after her speech about why she was the one to go. So what was she then - a bad soldier in the line of duty? Or was she simply not chosen for this part of the escapades because they wanted fresh blood out on the field? Who knew. Hiro knew. That was enough; at least for now.

<"But, come to think of it...you think you may have any books on Restaurants? Cuisine? Business management? Going to need it. Should be a complicated month...">

Ah, the pub. Not long since the Lawyer had been down his neck, telling him to reopen the old establishment; but what did a simple criminal know about things like running a business? Nothing. Not a bloody thing. It was the blind leading the blind and when you have to look up payroll in a bookstore - let alone trying to figure out the actual mixed drinks a typical bar offers - things get out of hand fast and there was only so much wisdom he could draw from his neighbor. With no schooling in the area, that left one thing. Books. But this didn't seem like that kind of bookstore - but who knew. He might luck out.

<"Trying to open an establishment. Wont lie, I don't know the first thing about how to start. Interesting position to be in...">

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Lawman
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Interesting. This Ryan dude didn't fail to capture Selene's attention as he related part of his life experiences. In another life? So, does he remember his past lives? Or perhaps it's just another way of saying he once lived a different life, in a different place? Perhaps like Lavender and Lorenzo, this man was also an outworlder? The British magus followed Star and Ryan out of the back room and into the main store area as Ryan continued his hunt for books.

"What sort of book are you looking for?" she asked. "I can't go into the backroom myself, but I can tell sensei when he gets back." The blond photomancer offered, sounding pretty professional. It would after all, be a lot easier if the man told Star what kind of books he was looking for.

"But, come to think of it...you think you may have any books on Restaurants? Cuisine? Business management? Going to need it. Should be a complicated month... Trying to open an establishment. Wont lie, I don't know the first thing about how to start. Interesting position to be in..."

"Wow, we have an entrepreneur right here," Selene beamed. "Food and beverage is indeed a lucrative business... but competition in that industry is ruthless too. It's really not just about being able to cook up excellent dishes and serve up good drinks," the English heiress continued. While food and beverage isn't one of the businesses that Frostfire Industries invests in, the English heiress knew enough that when it comes to creating a successful business some of the underlying principles and strategies are universal, regardless of what industry one is into.

"That being said,"
Selene paused briefly, resting her right hand on her chin thoughtfully. "Star, I don't suppose there are any books on entrepreneurship strategies and self-help on sale here, is there?" the corporate heiress asked.
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Chizu
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Star frowned. Books about restaurants, cuisine, and business management weren't likely to be found at this particular bookstore. Unless, of course, they were books about how to cast a spell to gain business success. And from how she understood it, those spells were pretty much rubbish anyway. The actual magic was kept in the back room, which was why she wasn't allowed to take books off the shelves on her own. Of course, since only a few people even knew the back room existed, there weren't really many customers here.

Hiro was right when he told her that aside from the occasional paranormal incident, this would be the easiest job she had.

<"I don't think you'll find anything that practical over here,"> said Star with a small grin. <"Unless you're looking for a spell to get you that sort of success. But..."> She walked over to the counter, digging out her school bag and fumbling with the flap. She pulled out a notepad and a purple glitter pen, twirling the pen around between the fingers of her left hand before she settled down and began to write. She was left-handed, another thing that made her a little different.

She tore off the pad of paper, handing it to Ryan. On it was the name of another bookstore, a larger one that would have books like that. The name was written both in English and in Japanese, in case he needed to match letters. Underneath that was a small map that led out from the store and written directions in English, since she knew from personal experience that Japanese street names were a pain.

<"That place should have what you need,"> she said. She smiled. <"That's where I go to buy novels and stuff, but they have a non-fiction section. And some of it's actually in English.">
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North

Entrepreneur. No one had ever called him that before - hell he'd never even thought of it. Up until that point he'd seen it as a mixed blessing. He had legally possessed a place to live under the premise the place was returned to it's rightful occupation - ipso facto, you can have a roof over your head, if you turn yourself into a manager. He wasn't allowed to give the responsibilities to another and live upstairs - that voided the contract, but what did a two-timin thief know about that? Euch. But Entrepreneur. It made the whole thing seem, sound easier. A step above where he'd come from, to where he was headed. He liked it. His chest rose a little, a morsel of confidence returning. Maybe he could pull it off after all. His slow smile wrinkled his eyes. Selene seemed to know what she was talking about.

<"Got any tips for an old man, dear? I'm open to suggestion.">

Ahh, Star to the rescue. God love 'er. He took the small note from her with a grin - bookstore further downtown. Perfect. Now he just needed a cab. One of these days, Maybe, he'd invest in an actual set of wheels for himself - but then again, maybe not. Time didn't allow for luxury - he had a lawyer up his shirt collar. It was unpleasant. He bowed courteously at Star, slipping the note inside his jacket pocket. The rustle of it made the bullet-holes in the back a bit more evident - but when he stopped, they smoothed out and went away.

<"Grazie, dearheart. I appreciate it.">

The old man, then, felt old. See, with peers, he'd ask them to coffee. But these weren't peers - he was old enough to be their fa-...well, maybe uncle. Ten years or so on either of them. The city seemed oddly sparse in the way of attractive older women. Hell, it'd be grounds to move if he didn't need a place to stay. He turned back to Selene with a light mmm~? - awaiting to see if the Heiress did indeed have some starting-out pointers for the old man.
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Chizu
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Quote:
 
Sooo sorry for the late post. I can't believe I forgot about this topic! >.<

"Prego," said Star with a grin and a slight giggle, tipping an imaginary hat towards the American. Or at least, she assumed he was American. It wouldn't be the first time Star had been dead wrong about someone. Although she couldn't really remember the last time she had been dead wrong. Maybe slightly wrong... <"I know how confusing it can be. I can't even really figure out street signs myself. I--">

Star paused, cutting herself off suddenly as music started playing from her pocket.

Ringtone, starting at 0:30

Even if you embrace me and kiss me
My feelings of growing to love you won’t cease
I just get through the blustering romance
With tension, optimism, and philosophy

Advance, my aff--


Star frowned, fishing her phone out of her pocket. Light glinted off some of the stickers she had stuck on the back of it as she motioned for Selene and Ryan to keep talking, taking a few steps back and pressing the phone to her ear, cutting the lyrics off abruptly. <"Hey, love,"> she said, giggling slightly. <"You're a little late to the party...Ah, everything's fine. Sensei took some people out on assignment, but I'm still here at the store...Really? Haha, you're just that much closer to being a big brother! Can't wait!..."> Star frowned. <"What's that? Why am I speaking in English?...Hmm, I wonder!"> She giggled. <"Alright, I have to go, I'm with a customer. Regards to your mother!...Oh, want me to say anything to Selene?...Alright. Bye...Love you!...You better."> Star laughed, hanging up and turning back to the other two.

<"Sorry about that,"> she said, before turning to Selene. <"Meg says hi.">
Edited by Chizu, Jan 16 2011, 01:48 AM.
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Lawman
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"There're a few things to consider, but I'll make it a summary for convenience's sake," Selene replied, returning Ryan's smile with a friendly one of her own as Star left the two of them to their own devices while she answered a phone call. How old was this guy? He appeared to be in his late twenties or so, which made him a few years older than her eldest brother, Thomas. Despite him being American (which was all so obvious from his accent), the corporate heiress had to admit that with a clean shave and wearing a fine business suit, and he'd fit nicely amongst the young entrepreneurs and businessmen. "First thing to consider would be real estate and location," Selene began, raising her left hand with her index finger pointing up as she rested her right hand on her hip.

"You probably wouldn't want to set up your establishment in a place that's too secluded. Sure, rental rates would be lower, but lower human traffic means less potential customers. On the other hand, a more densely-populated area means higher rents, but at the same time more potential customers." The corporate heiress turned her attention back to Star briefly after the photomancer hung up and addressed the two of them.

"Sorry about that," the photomancer said, before turning to Selene. "Meg says hi." The magus nodded and smiled; she'd somehow been guessing Star was talking to none other than her boyfriend Meglumar, judging from her tone and choice of words when she was talking over the phone.

"And where were we... yes; but a prime location isn't going to assure you customers either," Selene continued. "Like I said before, competition is tough. That brings us to the issue of specialty - a food and beverage establishment needs to have some kind of specialty that sets it apart from its competitors. Might be that you have a particularly cosy ambience, or maybe it's the quality of the food and drink, or maybe it's a particular style of cuisine that's not too widespread in the region... there're a lot of definitive and abstract factors in this one." And too many for her to touch on - this was something that really takes exposure to the industry and frequent dining experiences to find out for oneself what is the je ne sais quoi that makes a successful food and drink outlet a successful one. The corporate heiress decided to take a break, mainly to catch her breath, and partly also to see if Ryan was following thus far.
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