(closed + open prompts)

[tricksune]

Who: Yusuke Kitagawa (tricksune) and co.!
What: february catch-all; quests, intro event, etc. mix of closed/open prompts.
When: all this month
Where: olympia and wyver both
Warning(s): violence maybe, nothing serious

[ Feel free to PM/Plurk me at scythed to plan something out; I'm open to most quests, but I prefer writing individual starters for anything that requires sign-ups! Feel free to ask for an event prompt too, or just wildcard it since he'll be in both Wyver and Olympia, I'm easy. ]

Comments

quest - need to know basis (closed to red)

[tricksune]

[ As far as research goes, Yusuke is no expert—his grades (for a school that doesn't matter in a world that doesn't exist) were good, but this isn't his wheelhouse, and he knows it. It's more happy circumstance that brings the two of them to task on this, and one he doesn't mind tagging along for. After all, Red's helped him out a number of times now.

But he's more accustomed to an enemy with swords or magic—a book is a different foe entirely. Red has the heavy tome in her hands, almost comically large in her thin arms, musty but intimidating in its own way.

He cocks his head slightly. ]

Do you have a plan of attack?

[ So to speak. Vandalism is off the table, apparently. ]

[persistor]

[ The book is huge. And largely unfamiliar. She's lived her life digitally, from terminals to terminals; the only exception being the notebook to write music. So while she's not completely clueless, the musty smell of a library or a giant book to translate is weird, to say the least. Less room in the margins to scribble notes, less opportunities for her to multitask, to pull up multiple files.

But — she'll have to make do in the way that she can. She's confident, if nothing else, in her abilities — language is language, at the end of the day.

She sets the book down with a small thump, and a small cloud of dust appears. Rip. She does pull out her phone though, since they don't have scrap paper anywhere yet. ]

I studied linguistics in school, with music. Hopefully it helps.

[tricksune]

[ The cover is ornate, though it gives little indication to what they might expect inside, spine worn. Still, Red doesn't seem cowed, so he won't be either. ]

Impressive.

[ She's a little older, so it'd make sense that she might've had time to finish up university or such. For his part, he does grab for a thick stack of paper and two pens, handing one off to her, just in case. He can at least take notes... according to the acolytes they'd spoken to, the books were very uniquely fussy. Didn't hurt to have two pairs of eyes paying attention to what might happen. ]

I'll be relying on you, then. Ready when you are.

quest - playing preacher (closed to akira)

[tricksune]

[ Putting their targets to rest wasn't so hard; today, two shamans sleep very, very soundly in their chambers after a little herbal remedy, their garments stolen and donned by two delinquents instead. And Yusuke does rather feel like a vandal—the brew they used was harmless, but it's still strange to be doing this business in the real world sometimes.

Still, thievery for the cause is their gambit. And it's important they get their ear to the ground of local crime. (Besides... Wyver ritual is a curious thing. Worth scaling up to get a better look.) He pulls up his hood, speaking quietly as they climb the winding, mountainside path. ]

Joker, [ Masks might be off, but they're still on the job. ] I don't think it's too much further to the altars.

[ So far, so good, but there might be some traffic ahead. ]

[larsenist]

[ The air thins and chills around them enough that it's hard to stop from shivering under the stolen robes. Akira braces himself against the cold and holds fast to a small satchel of ceremonial miscellany, its contents and uses memorized in haste: blessed dragon bones to be strung into necklace pairs, decorated vessels for blood and potions, curious herbs to be tossed into the altar's central fire... ]

...Hope so.

[ (He's freezing and wouldn't mind offering himself up to an open flame right now.) But joking aside, the hardest part is indeed just ahead of them. They'd spent most of the day before simply observing shaman behavior from a distance, successfully gleaning enough of their mannerisms to at least make it past the temple entrance.

Once inside, however, it isn't long before they're filed into a line with the other practitioners, as they gather in the main atrium for an impending ritual... ]

[tricksune]

[ Even with the shamans' usual wares, the actual poultices and ingredients that they're tasked to retrieved are only up in the holy altars themselves, tucked away in medicine racks. There aren't too many people inside, and enough other (actual) shamans around that they're not likely to be bothered as people trickle in for rituals—for good luck, victory, or a cure for what ails them. It should be simple enough to bypass it all and get where they need to be, enough so that he can quip back quietly. ]

I didn't think you had a death wish.

[ But whether it'd stay that straightforward was another question entirely, because nothing ever seems to go so painlessly. He keeps his steps brisk as they step inside, the first of the pyres already warming the air, but they can't get very far as the various ceremonies begin. After a moment, he slips to the side of a pillar, gently pulling Akira's robe to nudge him along. In a low murmur, softer than the various chanting, ]

We need to get to the leftmost atrium...

[ Surely they could be left alone the whole 30 feet they need to travel. ]

quest - bone to pick (open)

[tricksune]

[ Deep in the Wyver wilds, Yusuke muses quietly amidst the chirp of wildlife, the small knapsack with some hiking supplies (expected) and a bone saw (weird) silently bouncing off his shoulder. ]

The last time I came through this area...

[ It'd just been the once, but that's all it takes for a strong impression: ]

The people of Wyver are very protective. We're little better than looters here—treading graves for their spoils.

[ And treated as such, or worse. But his curiosity has the better of him here, hesitant as he is to disturb the remains of anything (anyone) they find; he's dressed in darks, sunlight already fading, and when he breaks out of whatever quiet reverie he's in, his voice stays low. And... curious. Actually, he should've asked this before they set out. ]

—Ah, you know how to sneak about, don't you? [ That'd be good to know, given that they're like, committing a crime. You know how it is. ]

[middy]

[ Hush was prepared kindly by Yusuke this trek and hike of sorts as well, dressed in black with a dark bandanna hiding most of his blond hair. He's used to working labor, so he opted to carry the larger backpack. Not that he's carrying that much more for them both right now, but after. His bone saw (still weird) is at his lower back. He had to be a bit more careful walking through narrower areas, but it bothered him less than over his shoulder. ]

That's why I'd usually leave those folk be. I understand why-- but we took on this quest. We get it done.

[ Simple as that. He worked at a mercenary company that didn't have the best ethics, Yusuke won't have to worry about Hush's doubts. That question of his skill though. It's heard to see when the sun's about to leave, but he has to think. Look he's never had to speak of his own skills when either a.) what he knew was standard for his job and b.) self-esteem. At least he isn't going to boast, especially with that bit at the end. ]

I lived on the streets as a kid, so I've stolen food with my friends if it came down to it. Nothing professional, though... if you have tips, I'll take them.

[ The tone in his voice is the part of him that's curious, now. Yusuke spoke about elegance, artfulness. Yet, here they are about to loot for bones with his peer asking that pretty calmly, like it isn't so odd or wrong. Hush doesn't see how these the two things he's picking up work together, he doesn't have that culturedness to help make a case for it. But they understand the job, risks, and so forth. It'll be fine. ]

[tricksune]

[ It's not exactly savory work, but he's got the right of it—they'll still manage. Truthfully, he has his own motives for exploring around here, but having the cover of a job is helpful anyway. As is a partner who actually seems to know what he's doing. He wasn't sure what to expect with Hush, but it seems he'd be fine...

He keeps close to the tree trunks anyway, ready to hide in the thickets if necessary. For now, he keeps his wits about him, but still spares a curious glance aside to Hush. ]

...That's plenty of practice. More than I've ever had to do.

[ He had trouble making ends meet sometimes, but he'd never had to resort to pilfering for a mouthful of food. ]

You didn't have a place to stay? [ A family? ]

quest - preaching in a material world (open)

[tricksune]

[ The crystals they're after come in two flavors, but given that his last excursion out into Wyver waters nearly ended with getting eaten by a giant snake, Yusuke suggests the caves—they're quiet, if a bit damp and unpleasantly musty from how isolated some of the structures are.

...Some of the crystals are stubborn, too. There's a sizeable, quartz-like chunk sticking out of the wall, which refuses to budge no matter how painstakingly he wiggles it in place. ]

This may take some time...

[ His exasperation at this stupid, inanimate object is starting to show. But before it has any time to get worse, there's a sound, reverberating softly against the cave's walls; Yusuke feels it vibrate through the crystal, flickering at the disturbance.

He stops. The noise stops, but its presence still hangs in the stale air. Quietly, ]

What was that—?

history lesson - artistic differences (open)

[tricksune]

[ His venture to Wyver wasn't entirely for odd jobs and thievery; lately, he's hit a creative block. Not that he'd stopped drawing—anyone who'd hung out with him for more than five minutes knew that wasn't the case—and the niggling uncertainty in his brush hadn't dulled his technique any. He still creates, and he's had his moments.

But now that he's on a venture for inspiration, all the way out in Wyver to stoke the fires of imagination and whatnot (at an competition for the arts, for god's sake)—he suddenly has very, very large canvasses and not the ideas to fill them. The desire is there, but... He taps the brush he's borrowed against his pursed lips. His mask is in place (the festival is a buzzing atmosphere, easy to disappear in, but people were not always in the best of spirits towards the Olympian-leaning before), though his eyes look troubled through it. ]

A celebration of victory—that calls for something triumphant, doesn't it? A grandiose...

[ He trails off at first before shaking his head, continuing with a huff. ]

No, that's too obvious.

[ Bah. (Give a guy a nudge in the right—or very wrong—direction, maybe.) ]

[trample]

[ However it was he ended up here as opposed to anywhere else was anyone's guess. And why he chose this particular artist to observe was probably pure coincidence. It might have been the genuine struggle that piqued Eren's interest. Most were having an easy time of it - they were the ones all caught up in the celebration. So what was there for those that weren't? ]

You are correct. Instead of grandiose, [ His voice comes out as gravelly as ever, but somewhat more affirming and well-meaning than usual. ] How about trying for what most people never see? Fill your canvas with what's in the shadow of victory, rather than its perfect image.

[tricksune]

[ Honestly, if there's anything he could do with, it's a little perspective; an outside opinion is worth its metaphorical weight in gold. Because for all he knows about color and composition, his knowledge of the world—and the people in it—is sorely lacking. And how could he possibly make a compelling piece without proper context?

So he quickly smooths his surprise over to look sidelong at his new... advisor. There's a slightly guarded hesitance in his response, but nothing overtly unfriendly. ]

What do you mean?

[ Too basic a question. His mouth twists slightly. ]

That is to say... what sort of things lie in the shadows of conquest?

throws misfires out the window for this

[catfident]

[ The spirit is willing but the body is weak. Or something like that.

Yoruichi's own artistic talent had bloomed early and fizzled out just as quick, in the form of mealtime vegetables arranged into various mimicries of those around her. Still, the chance to immerse herself in art of all sorts - and get away from the dreary overtones of human politics - is enough to land her in the middle of the competition, though as a bystander and not a competitor.

Some of the contestants are doing quite well for themselves, canvases dotted with paint and sculptures nearly fully formed. Others? Well... ]

Really? I wouldn't have thought anything would be more obvious than a blank canvas.

[ Buddy, you've got nothing there. ]

uwah catfriend

[tricksune]

[ He's visibly startled out of his reverie, blinking over at her before his expression sours slightly. Ugh. He doesn't need a peanut gallery if they're not going to be useful. This isn't Deviantart, get out. ]

Says the one who composed a salad.

[ She doesn't need to rub it in. He folds his arms, a tiny, frustrated noise caught in his throat; his brush doesn't even have enough paint to drip onto his sleeve. Even if she's a shitposter, his aggravation is misguided, largely directed at himself. Flatly, ]

Though I suppose a vegetable medley still has more appeal than this. [ A whole lot of nothingness. ]

[logpose]

[ Yo, she isn't an artist, but the natives around her sure are giving her strange looks for not participating. Cold looks, in fact, as if they've started to suspect her for not being as gung-ho about the victory of Wyver as she should be. With how she saw the crowd turn on a person they branded as an outsider and throw all his things into the fire, Nami's made a note to lay low, to blend in as best she can.

While she does want to stay alive, she's not particularly motivated until she overhears someone speaking of just how grand a sum some of these art pieces can go for, especially if Shanrian takes a liking to them. If there's ever a reason to get off her butt and get to work, it's this. When it comes to art, though, her talent is sorely lacking ...

That's why she's latching on to whoever looks somewhat-reliable. This guy, for example, who appears so deeply immersed in his canvas. ]

Having trouble with inspiration? Maybe you just need a cute muse ❤

[ She's joking ... But really, she'll help you out if they can split the profit later. ]

[tricksune]

[ Even if he's doing a heck of a lot more staring than actual painting right now, no one could accuse him of not participating—he's practically glaring ahead, brush held between his fingers. There's really no proof that he's any good at this, actually. But the thinking, planning, and creative brainstorming portions are important too.

Which is why he really doesn't have time for any nonsense right now. Why is this thottie talking to him... isn't it clear he's busy. He sounds a bit distracted, blinking over at her only briefly. He sounds more distracted than disdainful, tone almost airy. ]

Certainly. If you see one, please direct them my way.

[persistor]

[ They seem to be doing a lot of this, lately — Red walking in as Yusuke dreams up his next big project. Maybe it's coincidence, or just people with similar enough interests being around similar places, but —

She catches the end of his dramatics as she walks by a canvas ( figures she'd find him here ). A glance over at the grand, white space behind him — not unlike staff paper, blank and ready to be used — tells enough of a story for her to piece two and two together. She'd hate to interrupt someone in the middle of his artistic process, but desperate times will sometimes call for desperate measures.

She taps him on the shoulder. When he turns around, Red's already got a message prepared. ]

Obvious isn't always bad.

[underwhelms]

[ There's definitely something very sacrilegious about all of this. Normally, JJ would balk at the idea of impersonating a religious figure.

And so he had. In fact, he'd balked so hard he's surprised that Yusuke hadn't called the entire thing off in a fit of frustration, since JJ had been useless from the start (he'd looked the other way while Yusuke acquired them their disguises uses methods still unknown to him). He'd been unnaturally quiet as they'd donned their costumes, masks slipping into place, and he can't imagine that the out of character had helped to build much confidence.

They've divided the work: JJ would do most of the socializing while Yusuke performed sleight of hand moves to snag supplies when possible. It felt awful, JJ's throat tight with regret, and tongue heavy every time he offered someone that approached a kind word or advice. They're such frauds! And yet so many people already are coming to him for advice, from work questions to professional ones. He has to wonder if it's normal for shamans to be approached so frequently.

Or perhaps they can sense his innate wisdom. If only they knew that he was a sham... ]

Psst.

[ Hovering (he's just trying to copy the gliding way that the other shamans walk) over to Yusuke, he hovers at his side for a second before grabbing his arm and gently pulling him along. ]

They're asking us to head to the front. I think it's just one more thing and then we can get out of here.

[tricksune]

[ Frankly, maybe he should have had them quit while they were ahead. Though not because of JJ's incompetence—he's doing fine as far as advice goes, telling the good people of Wyver how to handle their affairs well enough that no one's suspected anything. In fact, he's so distracting that no one seems to notice when Yusuke slips an herb or potion away into his bag, and they have everything they need besides a clear escape route.

No, it's mostly that JJ doesn't seem all too happy to be here. 'Crime' as they committed back home was never a huge source of guilt, so... it's hard to imagine how hard this must be for an innocent, law-abiding Canadian.

Best get him back home quickly. Yusuke nods and heads up without question, ready to advise whoever and get back down the mountain. But his steps slow minutely, holding JJ back a second as they approach the altar. There's a large, bronze bowl on a pedestal, more shamans in robes blessing whatever's poured inside.

It's the smell that gives him pause. That coppery, acid-sharp twinge in the air is unmistakable. Very, very softly, so as not to blow their cover, ]

Blood...?

quest - safe haven (closed to koltira)

[tricksune]

[ It's been a while since they'd crossed paths, but there's no forgetting—or missing—someone who cut as striking a figure as Koltira. And though Yusuke's appetite for portrait painting is at a low lately, he has no qualms asking for a partnership for the sake of bringing some folks to safety (and earning a little silver while they're at it).

The temples even give them a little boost to get the job done. As they get further and further into the outskirts... ]

Here.

[ He holds both crystals out, letting Koltira have the pick of the litter. He seems... combat-ready regardless, but it doesn't hurt to let his guest have first draft. ]

We're nearing the first outpost... I was told they've been attacked by local wildlife a number of times now. [ And maybe more than that, but reports are hard to come by. ] They're likely to prey upon us as well.

[respired]

[ Hmm, difficult choice. He feels he has little need for teleportation, but blending with the shadows--given his size and his constant glow, that might be useful. He reaches for the purple crystal. ]

I have no fear of them.

[ He gives Yusuke an assessing look. He's lived too long and known too many great warriors to underestimate anyone when it comes to combat, but he has to ask. ]

Have you seen much of battle, boy?

history lesson - pyres (closed to sandra)

[tricksune]

[ Yusuke isn't too familiar with the Wyver ways and customs; most of his time here was spent being sick or recovering, and that doesn't leave one in the best mindset for experiencing culture. Which is why he's attempting to make up for it now, trying to absorb as much of it as he can, climbing to the altars with wish-papers in hand.

Of course, he takes some precautions (the atmosphere between the two countries is only getting worse), 'disguised' in face-paint and not quite alone. As he nears the temple, people chattering and casting their desires into flame, he opens the flap of his messenger bag. To let Sandra get some... fresh air? Seems strange to not look someone in the metaphorical eye when he's addressing them directly.

Either way, he peers down at his friendly neighborhood orb, who he's more or less dragged along without explanation. Such is the fate of someone who can't run away from an invitation. ]

Were you able to catch all that? [ The wish 'ritual,' and the purpose of this place. He's got a couple broken explanations of both by now, during the trek. ]

fire & blood - closed to clair

[tricksune]

[ Shooting for the palace might just be an instinct from ye olden days—when trouble's abound, surely that's where the crux of it is going to gather. And while it'd be a stretch to say that Yusuke feels deeply entitled to the crown... the chaos befallen Olympia is still their business. Whatever they can do to help soothe the unrest is better than sitting on his hands, bemoaning the loss of some art supplies and canvasses.

Or maybe he doesn't want to think about everything that just went up in flame. Either way, he's trying to quell problems where he can, and there's plenty opportunity in the palace. Clair—bless her—wasn't one to wait and hope either, searching amidst the wreckage as well as he yanks open one of the doors in halls connected to the main atrium, where vandals have already shattered windows and left furniture broken, curtains strewn about.

There's a scream to greet them, some of the servants having huddled inside for safety, already being harassed and cornered by some rioters that'd beat them to the room. ]

Lady Clair—in here!

[cajolery]

[ Clair was drawn into the palace by the tales of the servants who escaped—knowing that there were still more of them in there facing the brutality of the rioters. The palace itself mattered less to her than the innocent people inside—whatever her own or anyone else's feelings were towards the Empress, the people who served her didn't deserve this kind of treatment.

So she didn't waste any time in plunging inside the palace with Yusuke, her spear gripped in one hand. Now she brandishes it as she enters the room and quickly advances on the looters. ]

Blackguards! Cease this savagery at once!

[ She must look furious enough (or her lance dangerous enough), because they actually stop and take a half-step back. ]