post-impocalypse: a field trip

[farfromgrace]

Vengeance is a Hell that cannot forget the past. Places of violence sometimes waver and reveal their old scars, bullet holes reappearing in fixed tables. It hasn't even forgotten the fall-- white chalk outlines in some of the alleys show bodies bent and crumpled at fatal angles, bodies that if stared at long enough show the pale shadow of wings at their backs. Some of the damned have claimed these angel bodies, hoping for a patron in hell or a weapon against it should they ever stir-- or a favor from Asmodeus, if they bring a waking one to him.

Beyond that, the cramped jumble of a city has the look of a place that belongs in a film noir, the light that's cast from the sky here washes out colors, and at night the fog comes in across the dark water and envelopes the city. So, in opposition to that, the occupied buildings are garish and loud on the inside and with their neon advertisements on the outside, demanding attention and refusing to bow to an environment that seems to want them silenced.

Space suddenly shifts, in a jarring, nauseating way, and you're falling into a landscape that's definitely a city, but not your Tokyo-F.

And land, unceremoniously, in an alley, the portal closing behind you. Nothing special about it, covered in peeling advertisements, full of shadows, littered with broken bottles and crushed cans and other kinds of garbage.

No one seems to have noticed you yet...

Comments

[backstory]

[ . . . . . . . Well of course he takes it. This item is incredibly important. It's a part of her after all. And he will always handle her with the most respect and care.

But having her do something dangerous doesn't make anything easier.

There's a quiet pause for just a moment before he finally nods. ]

. . . I understand.

I know you can do it, and so... I will be sure to guard you should anything go wrong.

[everylast]

[ He nods, keeping a distance away. ]

Though I do not doubt you, Haku - know that you have my blade, as well, should things sour.

[dragonheartedgirl]

Thank you--both of you.

[ She hadn't expected for Horizon to offer his sword as well, but the surprise makes it that much more important that she acknowledge the offered help.

addressing amaranth again, ]

Hopefully if we use Clem's name--between that and being charmed, whoever it is won't ask too many questions.

[ She looks around. Is there anyone in the vicinity she can approach? Or is the restaurant open she could attempt to go inside to ask? ]

[farfromgrace]

[ there's a couple people loitering outside the restaurant—one who seems like a tough customer, a broad woman in a fedora and a bandage around her neck, and one smaller woman with bright red hair who's dressed like she's on her break.

the restaurant is open, though, based on the neon signs in the window. ]

[worthathousand]

That bandaged woman looks like she could keep up with Clem's people. But Hiryuu, I'll let you trust your gut on who you'll be comfortable talking to.

Now: if you're ready—

[ Amaranth concentrates a moment, then changes Hiryuu's appearance to a tall, butch sort of woman with a jagged death wound across her throat. ]

[backstory]

[ It is... quite strange to see his master like... this. O_O ]

Make sure to be careful...

[ Fret fret fret. That's when he receives a text after a short conversation he had earlier. He'll quietly look it over and...

Ah. Good idea.

Going to very STEALTHILY take a few pictures from their cover of the surrounding area, the restaurant, and the individuals across the street. Documenting what they see is a good idea. ]

[dragonheartedgirl]

[ Well, since she is now as disguised as she could possibly be--Hiryuu takes a breath before striding purposefully over. The woman on her break is probably much less of a threat to her than the tough one wearing the hat, but the other one--assuming she works here--would be here every day and would probably be the better bet for information. She can't afford to take any chances. In quick succession she casts Charm on both of them before making contact, fighting the natural impulse to be polite. ]

You two there. I'm looking for someone. See anything--or anyone--that shouldn't be up and about here lately?

[ She sounds remarkably calm and collected for someone who's practically vibrating internally. ]

[farfromgrace]

[ levi gets some decent photos. the light levels are kind of tricky to work with, but that's life.

both women look up as Hiryuu approaches. the smaller one shrugs, and snubs out her cigarette. for a moment, there's the faint impression of wings behind her, before they disappear again. ]



What sorta thing y'lookin' for, lady?

[dragonheartedgirl]

[ Don't get excited

Those wings could be anything or nothing. Heck, there are idols in imeeji that don't have wings....! ]

There used to be a certain someone out here in this alley--a... permanent "resident" of sorts. They're not here anymore. You know anything about it?

[ Internally vibrates morrreee ]

[farfromgrace]

What, you got a job for fallen angels or somethin'? You could tell me.

/3

[dragonheartedgirl]

My mistress has me on fairly strict orders to not spread too many details. Mum's the word, you see?

[dragonheartedgirl]

... However...

[dragonheartedgirl]

... There might just be something in it for you, if you help me out.

[farfromgrace]

Mm, what sorta thing... I mean, if it's you doin' business across gang territory lines I don't know if I can do much for you, but if it's just information you'd pay for... well, we get all sorts in here.

/2

[dragonheartedgirl]

[ ah


as expected, she's not as good at this as yasuragi. or maybe she's much easier than this young woman? ... or perhaps she should not be using yasuragi as her inspiration for hitting on a young woman when she herself looks like an (admittedly boyish) woman.

what

should she do in this situation??? ]

So it's like that, huh?

[ stalling for time to think,,,, ]

[dragonheartedgirl]

... Say, though. What makes you think it's rival gang business?

[ isn't this Clem's territory




did something happen to clem, ]

[farfromgrace]

Just never seen you before, y'know? Pays to be careful. I pay my protection money, but I like to get to know who I'm dealing with. Trust ain't the currency around here, even if you've got a sweet face.

Tell y'what, you can have a drink on me, though. We'll talk about what you're into.

[dragonheartedgirl]

[ oh

levi is going to have an absolute fit. but then again, this is what she's here to do!!!

gonna. continue. talking about this. as if she was yasuragi. ... talking about levi. oh boy this is getting weird, don't think too hard hiryuu ]

Iiiii might have a tendency of biting hands I shouldn't, so my Mistress keeps me on a short leash. But I could tell you a thing or two about myself if you could give me a clue or two to put me on the right track--over a drink--long 's you don't mind taking taking it with a pretty face in an alley.

[farfromgrace]

Why don't y'come along inside?

[ she jerks her thumb at the restaurant. ]

Maybe it doesn't look like much from the outside, but I run a clean establishment, and the new bartender could use the practice.

Hey, Junior! Look sharp and take this lady's order!

1/2

[worthathousand]

[ Oh gods.
She can't just let Hiryuu go in there without backup. Not least because the illusion would fall off.

Amaranth turns to face the remaining group. ]

Give me just a moment—we can't let her get out of sight.

[worthathousand]

[ It's either leave the rest of them unprotected, try to shuffle the lot of them inside without the easy believability of shadows to obscure their faces, or... well, this.
This will have to do: time to be Clem. ]


—Hey Red, what's taking so long?

[ She strides confidently out of the alley, then pauses a deliberate beat, studying the former angel. ]

...Right. Flirting on the job again.

[farfromgrace]

...and of course free drink for you, too, Boss.

[backstory]

[ TRYING SO HARD TO BE A GOOD DOG RIGHT NOW. SO SO HARD.

To the others. ]

. . . I'm going to go too.

[ PLEASE. THIS IS FINE RIGHT? ]

[asonoficeandfire]

[following him a couple of steps]

Wait, Leviathan—

[everylast]

[ hold on this is a VERY BAD IDEA ACTUALLY ]

Wait-