closed

[insist]

Who: Kishibe Rohan (insist) & some people
What: Quests! And random other things.
When: April.
Where: Places.
Warning(s): Probably none???



[ Yeah, I don't actually have anything to put here, but you can hit up my plotting post if you want to do a thing. Or ping me on plurk @ capsu. The quest post is here because I keep being unable to find it. ]

Comments

ANN - BIRB QUEST

[insist]

[ As much as Rohan hates listening to the whims of others, he does need money. He knows how to be an adult (most of the time), and sadly that usually means sucking up and doing things you may not necessarily care for. Drawing manga is his real passion, but actually getting a series in print isn't too easy in what might as well be a medieval town. He doesn't care about training birds, but it will be easy money with an ability like his. Plus, when he thinks about it, his bird anatomy might need some practice.

While he doesn't actually want a partner - honestly the less people he has to deal with the better for him - he is happy to see that his assigned partner is someone he can actually tolerate. This girl turned out to be alright, even if she couldn't understand Rohan's interest in the frog that last time. ]

Ohh, look who it is. We meet again, but I really can't remember your name. [ rude??? whatever, he just moves on. ]

I suppose you aren't that bad of a choice, when it comes to partners. [ Mainly because this girl went along with his antics the last time and didn't annoy him too much. ]

[pussywhips]

[ For her part, Ann just thought that this looked like a pretty easy way to make some money, especially since she doesn't exactly have a real job yet. How hard can it be to train some birds? I mean, it can't be that bad, if they're letting anybody just do it.

Case in point... they're letting this guy do it. Ann looks pretty surprised to see him again—though, maybe observing birds is part of his artistic process? Or whatever Yusuke is usually going on about. ]

Oh, you— [ Wait. He forgot her name already!? And he doesn't even seem to be sorry about it!? ]

It's Ann! Geez... what's that supposed to mean? [ This is going to go great. ]

[insist]

I can't have a partner who doesn't do as I say. We worked well together the last time, don't you think?

[ At least, he only thinks so because she went along with his whims and didn't oppose him that much. She probably feels differently about ... last time. He also expects this time to go the same way, aka he's the boss just do what he says. ]

Anyway, I hate wasting time. Let's get started. [ Rohan moves toward where the birds are being kept, inspecting them. ]

[pussywhips]

[ Did they really work that well together? Ann is pretty sure she was just stuck with him because she was trying to save that poor frog, not because she was particularly enjoying herself or anything. Consequently, she has a lot less higher hopes for this endeavor than he does, apparently. ]

Hey, wait! [ Let's go back to the first part. She follows him towards the birds, then puts her hands on her hips. ]

I'm not just going to do whatever you say, you know.

[insist]

Sure, sure. [ Sorry Ann, he's not even listening at this point, now focused instead on the birds. Though they haven't quite been trained to carry letters and retrieve items well, they have been accustomed to human contact, having been raised by humans. Rohan shows one of the ravens his finger and it climbs on, perching onto his hand. ]

So docile. It must have been raised by humans from the egg. [ He doesn't like cats, but he doesn't mind birds so far. Rohan does stroke down the raven's head with his finger. ] Of course, I don't actually have time to train some birds.

[ So he activates his Stand's power, giving the bird a little nudge with his finger. It collapses into his hand immediately, its skin peeling open to reveal ... pages inside? There's also a ghost boy now floating beside Rohan, mimicking his movements and facial expressions (occasionally). ]

what the actual fck is jojo

[pussywhips]

[ And he makes it pretty obvious that he's definitely not listening to her anymore. Ann can already feel her soul slowly trickling from her body. This is going to go... just great. ]

Seriously...

[ She's a lot more cautious with the birds, eyeing them warily before sticking her hand out and letting a raven hop onto her outstretched fingers. It's definitely a little... strange... but it's not pecking her eyes out yet, so—she glances over at Rohan, her gaze falling to the limp bird in his hand. ]

Hey! What are you doing?!

[ What the hell?! ]

yoruichi and vane - three's a crowd when exploring ruinkuns

[insist]

[ Rohan was actually only supposed to do this with his quest-assigned partner, but he's decided to drag Vane along for the ride because he's that needy friend who will pull you away from anything you happen to be doing for his own purposes. Their mission in question for today happens to be to document the ruins, whether through pictures of sketches. This sort of thing is also just up Rohan's alley. To be paid for something he already intended to do in the first place? It's perfect.

And spending time with a homie only makes it more perfect. Too bad he also has to endure this other person he's questing with, but surely it won't be all that bad.

They're a few minutes late, though... ] Hmph. Don't they know the appointed meeting time? 'Fashionably-late' only applies to people who actually are somebody.

[ No manners!! This other person!! ] If they take a minute longer, Vane, let's ditch them.

shoves rohan into the mud

[catfident]

[ On the contrary, manners and decorum have been drilled into her head so often since she was a child that little brings her more joy than flaunting them now that she has the chance.

For once in her life though, she's not late, just lingering in a nearby bush to get a better idea of her appointed quest partner. Honestly, once she sees just who it is, she's tempted to ditch them entirely, but money is money and there's a chance she might be able to further mess with him.

So. ]

How rude. I've been right here this entire time.

[ And she slinks out of her hiding spot in the bushes to pad her way over to where Rohan and Vane are standing.

If the cat looks familiar to Rohan, it's definitely because it's the same cat that peed on his shoes. ]

are there legokuns in there?

[defenses]

[ at rohan's impatience, vane gives an uneasy laugh, before patting him on the back.

if anything, he was accustomed to rohan's moods and naturally... the attitude and statements that it often entails. not that it really bothered him. though, for the sake fo their mystery partner, he is a little worried. he's about to speak up on behalf of this partner...

only he's most definitely been distracted by the talking cat.

it's not his first time seeing one, no. but it doesn't make his mouth go any less agape for a few fleeting moments. ] Y-you're our partner—!? [ and also ... you're a cat!! honestly, vane has always liked feline companions and so he finds himself pretty eager to squat down to its level. holding his hand out. ]

why would there be legos in the mud that is cursed

[insist]

[ Rohan, on the other hand, isn't quite as pleased to see this cat. No, very much the opposite; the moment he hears that familiar voice, he becomes livid. Vane won't even get the chance to pet Yoruichi, because Rohan's pretty much cutting in immediately. ]

You ...! [ He sounds very much like an arch-nemesis right now. ] You're that cat from before! Damn you, are you following me?!

[ Whether or not that cat is following him, the outcome is all the same. Rohan feels slighted and he's hell bent on revenge. ] Don't think you'll ever be forgiven for what you pulled before! I had to throw away those shoes!

[ Vane better stop him, because he's going to use his sketchbook to smack a defenseless cat. ]

yes there are legokuns in the mud for extra pain

[catfident]

[ Actually the last thing she wants to do is follow this self-absorbed buffoon anywhere, but money is money and he's (on occasion) an easy target, and there's enough buffer in the form of a third person that Yoruichi feel safe enough loitering on the fringes of this group.

Even so. ]

They were ugly shoes to begin with. I simply did you a favor.

[ Actually she doesn't even remember what his shoes looked like, but they were probably ugly.

Even without Rohan half chasing her around, Vane's attempt at petting would have gone ignored, with Yoruichi dancing around the group as she continues to skitter just out of reach of Rohan's wildly waving sketchbook. Since Vane seems to be the more rational of the two, she addresses her next words to her. ]

Yes, I am your partner for this upcoming task. Now are you going to rein in your companion or stand there gawking like a fool?

i believed it

[defenses]

[ they appeared to have some sort of ... history?

what kind of history... well, vane can't exactly detect it from the conversation itself. but, it seemed like this cat may have stole his shoes or damaged it? still, even vane thinks it's pretty difficult to stay mad at a cat. but, he keeps this comment to himself as he watches their exchange. it isn't like he has the leisure to really think about it either when he's a.) now trying to stop rohan from hitting a cat with his sketchbook, b.) trying to respond to the cat that... might be insulting him? ]

Guys! We're going to be working together so there's no need to get so heated! Right? Right?

[ ... also, he still might not be over this cat calling him a "fool."

... was this cat just like percy? so far it's seeming like it, but he keeps that thought to himself. he tries to put his arm around rohan, at least enough to pull him away and maybe give yourichi a bit more space to walk without being at risk. ] Besides, they say once the sun is up, it's a new day!

[ please ]

takasugi - hunting for some ass

[insist]

[ Just about the last thing he wants is a partner. In Rohan's experience, having assistants helping him with his work would only ever slow him down. While he hasn't actually been in that many fights, he still finds that fact true -- everything's easier when you do it all on your own. The more people around, the more troublesome things get (unless he's with one of the maybe 2-3 people he actually likes).

Those are the rules, however. They'll be assigning him a partner for this, and there's really nothing he can do but accept it. Accept it he will, but will he actually make an effort to get along with this guy? Probably not. In fact, he sets that record straight from the immediate get-go with the lousy attitude he takes the moment he meets up with Takasugi. They're somewhere outside the temple, but Rohan looks like the last person who would be coming here for prayer with the dismissive expression on his face. ]

Ahh, you must be the one. I'm not the sort of person who beats around the bush, so I'll be straight with you. It's better for the both of us if you just do what I tell you to and stay out of my way. I already have a plan for this. I don't want to see it ruined.

[ His plan, of course, being that he'll be infomodding the temple workers until he can find someone with information on that one shaman that their benefactor is looking for. ] Actually, if you'd rather give up and go home instead, that's fine too.

[shikomizue]

[The sentiment is mutual - down to expecting the inconvenient partner to shut up and listen to directions. Takasugi's had mixed experience with Cree's assigned 'companions'. Some have been useful, content to follow along with his lead. Others obstinate, nothing but dead weight.

This guy, however, might force Takasugi to expand his description of 'awful company'.

That'll have to be mutual, too.

Takasugi listens to the pronouncement with an unwavering grin. Nothing makes him want to ruin something more than being told not to ruin it - he's not above simple pettiness.]

Oh? No, I'm quite comfortable letting you do all the work. [False.

But for now, he'll let this guy carry him however far he can.

Not that he'll be taking orders. Takasugi slips into the temple after his contrary confirmation, leading the way into the cult's labyrinthine halls.]

[insist]

[ Petty meets petty, incredible. Rohan was half hoping this 'partner' would decide to get up and leave. Not only are they staying, but they've got some attitude to them that he finds himself disliking immediately. Sure, he told Takasugi not to do anything, but now that that same idea is framed in a slightly different way and thrown back at him, giving the implication that Rohan is carrying the whole mission, he doesn't like it. He said 'do what I tell you to', not 'don't do anything'! Rohan hates it when people sass him right back or do anything to undermine him, so he's hating the circumstances already. ]

If that's your answer, I'd prefer if you just went home. [ HMPH!!! But oh, the guy is walking in already, things are set into motion. This little bitchfight can be settled later, because Rohan does know how to focus on a task when he wants to. ]

With Heaven's Door, I'm able to extract the information I need out of whoever I want. All I'll need is someone to use it on. [ Surely one of the temple's workers will know where that one shaman they're looking for is. ]

extra violence is the only option

[shikomizue]

['Going home' had never been an option - Takasugi would be more likely to abandon his partner and go about the mission alone. See who could skewer the bastard Shaman first. But if he'd been contemplating it, it'd be off the table now.

Much like anything else Rohan expects of him.

The bitchfight will never end.

Announcing a power's ability and name isn't impressive. This guy just sounds like he's trying to posture as some sort of hero. Villain? Takasugi doesn't offer any response as he continues deeper into the temple and turns down a narrow hallway.

A pair of shaman approach, their faces hidden in the shroud of their hoods. No doubt surprised by the unannounced guests in their halls, they waver - but Takasugi doesn't. He darts forward, ramming his elbow into one's gut before grabbing the other by the scalp and slamming his head into the wall.

There's a crack; the Shaman under his palm loses consciousness, while the other sputters on his knees, left for Rohan to read as he wishes.] Get the layout of the place, while you're at it.

chill out taka 1/2

[insist]

[ He's no fighter, not quite the type who's accustomed to seeing violence unfold around them. Before the Storm, Rohan's main occupation was only that of a manga artist after all, even if he was a manga artist who often had to deal with bizarre attempts at his life. His eyes can barely follow as Takasugi performs his fluid series of moves, subduing the men before they even have the chance to respond, and before anyone knows it they're on the ground. ]

What?! When did you --

[insist]

[ Okay, he will acknowledge, though very begrudgingly, that his opponent has some skill in fighting. He won't give the guy any praise though, or even acknowledge his skill in any outward way. Takasugi just ordered him around after all, and with his petty personality he hates it when other people try to control him. Rohan composes himself almost immediately, huffing loudly. ]

Shut up. I'll get whatever information is needed. [ Which means that, yeah, he's going to get the layout of the place too. Of course, he won't be doing it because Takasugi asked him to. Rohan steps over the other shaman, stealing a quick glance at him to see how he's doing. The man has lost consciousness, but he does appear to be alive. That's ... good, he doesn't want to be an accessory to murder, even if he won't be caring enough to go dragging the guy to the hospital either. Now, on to their unwilling victim -- ]

And there's no need to knock them out; my Stand would have anyway. [ Rohan touches them with his finger and the skin of their face, chest and portions of their arms open up, revealing not flesh, but pages. Much like a book. It's all readable and Takasugi is free to peruse. Also, while all this is going on, there's an odd-looking ghost man that's hovering by Rohan's side.

The pages will contain pretty much everything this person knows, feels and has experienced. Of course, it'll take time to get through all that information. With his now nerfed power, they only have 1 minute before the effect wears off. ]

[shikomizue]

[Rohan's surprise is acknowledgement enough. That Takasugi acting so unexpectedly didn't deter his partner from his task only guarantees he'll do as he pleases again. Not that the odds of that were low, to begin with.

With a reaction that seems unaccustomed to violence, is left to wonder if this guy is capable of anything himself. Or if he's just all talk, and no action. Usually people who name their abilities aren't worth much.

Takasugi's smile stays, plastered across his face, as he moves to the side for Rohan to access the unconscious man. He gives the strange apparition a glance, but more interesting is the flesh-rended book that's come to life before him.] Hoh-

[He only needs a moment of gleaning its pages to know the contents are specific to the man they're peeling apart.

So there's some credence to Rohan's skill, after all.

Wasting no time, Takasugi reaches to turn the page, already skimming for anything that looks like blueprints or a map of the hall. When he finds it, he'll rip it from the 'book'.

What does that mean for the victim? Who cares.]

mikamika - revengekun

[insist]

[ With local shops under Cree's protection being looted by up-and-coming gangs, many items have been stolen from the shopkeepers - jewellery, precious gems, valuable garments made of cashmere, the losses cannot even be counted. One item in particular is their focus for today; it's a large clam, as big as a human chest, with an equally impressive pearl. This is an important piece that would have gone for thousands if the rival gangsters hadn't stolen it away. Of course, Rohan knows - from stealing whatever information he can - where it's to be found: An abandoned warehouse in the red light district, where the shadier people in town have been meeting up for trade. He might have been right to enlist some help after all. While his ability is powerful, he cannot use it on numerous people at once - especially not the number of people he'll be going up against in this mission. He's also unskilled in physical combat, so if things go awry, he'll be at a disadvantage.

How they're actually going to sneak out of there with something so large is still up in the air, but surely that's something they can figure out later. Right now, he has one of the gang members under his control with Heaven's Door, and that gangster is practically opening the door for them so they can enter ("I will allow Rohan and Mikazuki into the building.") ]

It goes without saying, but we should try to keep a low profile. My ability can't work on this many people at once. [ And Mikazuki might have caught on by now that he's really just a tall nerd, he can't physically defend himself that well. ]

revengekun arrive

[sparsity]

[ If he's being honest, he hadn't expected Rohan to go for such an obviously dangerous job. Most people sated their appetites for money or rewards with easier fare, but he supposes boredom is a compelling motivator too. Mikazuki feels much the same, when he doesn't have something edgy to focus on. In that way, he seems to be a little livelier than usual even if it's hard to tell just by looking at his flat expression. It's more a feeling, an aura.

It extends to Rohan also, because Mikazuki definitely knows he's a tell nerd, no matter how mouthy he gets. So he nods to the advice, gaze sharp on the way Heaven's Door works. ]

I won't do anything reckless.

[ He says now —

More like he means he won't throw the first punch, if it comes down to that.

But the gangster Rohan has a hold of admits them to the grouping of warehouses that serve as the main hub of "commerce" for this group, stolen and exploited wares changing hands and lining pockets with money.

Mikazuki enters, already on the hunt for their item. ]

[insist]

[ Hmm, 'reckless' is kind of fun though, but Rohan knows he'll be in trouble if everyone in the room were to try and kill him. Still, he's hoping this adventure won't be a boring one. While he is doing this job for the money involved, he also wants to get a good experience from it. There's a reason he picked the most dangerous quest offered to him, after all. That kind of excitement is where the good material is at. ]

Well, nobody said you had to restrain yourself too much ... [ Don't be boring either! Rohan follows the man under his spell, eyes kept peeled for any sign of what they're looking for. They're speaking about the mission, but he's commanded their escort to be deaf to any of their words that aren't a direct command. He's physically incapable of listening to their conversation. ] The largest pearl ever found back in my world was produced by a clam probably similar to what we're looking for -- the Tridacna gigas. That sold for $130 million. [ Throwing around random trivia because he likes looking smart and knowledgeable? Yeah. ] It's no surprise that they would go to these lengths to hide a clam.

[ Anyway, it's probably in the 'exotic creatures' section if the thing is still alive. Rohan makes their escort lead them there. It's a warehouse deeper in and it houses many strange-looking creatures, all caged and looking like they've seen better days. ]

[sparsity]

[ Reckless is kind of subjective for him as is, so while his word is as good and strong as the rest of him, the execution might be a little...

— well, either way, Mikazuki hums in response to the trivia. Slight as he is, looking less threatening for the size of the cloak he has thrown about him, his footsteps are pointed and heavy, almost stalking, through this space as their guide leads them further into the underbelly. There are all types around, some more scummy than others, but with an escort, no one's really paying them any mind.

It's a really handy ability, though maybe Mikazuki would have been more comfortable fighting his way in than trying to blend in. His gaze is cool and even though, voice low. Neither are eager enough to give him away. ]

Who wants to make it worth that much money?

[ It's just a rock inside a big weird sea creature that probably smelled, right?

As they make their way through the various sections of goods up for trade and sale, the expression on his face furrows at the sight of animals being locked up in cages, dirty, malnourished, and numerous. Only when he detects movement beyond a wall of enclosures does he perk up, gaze zeroing on the sight of a man talking up what look like to be two wealthy clients, beckoning them further in.

Whatever it is, it doesn't look like the everyday backdoor deal. ]

Over there.

[insist]

[ He should really focus on their task, but he's going to answer Mikazuki's question anyway because doing so makes him feel smarter. ] Hm. Pearls have no value to me as well, but plenty of people covert them for their beauty.

[ Now, Rohan may be a self-centered asshole, but he isn't callous to the clear suffering of innocent people and animals. He can't say he likes animals on a personal level very much, but he still finds the state these animals are put in very deplorable. There's a frown, and his lips curve as a show of disgust. They aren't here to help the trapped animals today, however, and he probably wouldn't even succeed in freeing this many. They're here to carry out their job. ] You have a good eye. That appears to be where their most valuable item is kept.

[ And it's probably that giant pearl, or at least something of equal value. No sense not checking it out. True enough, the item on display happens to be exactly what they're looking for.

There's no other way to describe it, other than 'giant clam with a giant pearl'? All the buyers seem very excited about it, at least, musing about what price they should offer. It's the size of a pumpkin, however. Not exactly something they can pickpocket and go. ] Shall we kill the lights?

[ Maybe he sounds quite delighted to do this. ]

[sparsity]

[ Paying a lot for something simply because it was beautiful makes no sense to him, and the expression on his face makes no secret of it. Then again, his sense of aesthetic is a little skewed. Mostly by the virtue that he doesn't know he has one at all.

It's overridden by stronger instincts, like that of an animal not in a cage. He moves out, keeping the sight of the locked-up animals in mind. i can't believe this is gonna be them later

Still, he silently tucks the compliment close to his chest, even if he thinks his eye is pretty normal. ]

People here think they're safe. It's lax.

[ Is he throwing shade... probably.

He hovers next to Rohan, body electrified by the thought of a fight, like he just wants to tear in and get it over with. Only the question gets his gaze drawing up and aside at the taller boy. ]

You can do that?

[ Delighted is good. Maybe it gets him fired up too. ]