Closed ♪ I see nothing in your eyes

[meinwaifu]

Who: Mephisto Pheles (meinwaifu) and various others!
What: A catch-all! Bounty hunting, wound-licking, sick people, and more!
When: Throughout October
Where: Throughout Olympia and Wyver
Warning(s): Violence, gore likely. Will warn where it comes up.



Closed prompts to be posted below! I also have a plotting comment here if you'd like to work out a thread!

Comments

Closed to Mipha - The Santuary

[meinwaifu]

[To say Mephisto was feeling a little sore would be an understatement. Much as he's glad to see that the "wounds" on his body haven't been getting worse, they're not quite getting better either. And with the state of his powers right now, he's doing much more physical fighting than he's really used to.]

[Which, in at least one case, has left him feeling a bit more his age than usual. How does a demon throw out his back?? Embarrassing, tbh. But it's not going to be stubborn and just grin and bear it -- not when he knows a certain young lady who offered to help heal him.]

[The Sanctuary would be busier than usual right now with all the sick, and he can't help but regret not coming a bit earlier, but... well, it is what it is. And so he starts to make his way there--]

[But then runs into a little more trouble before actually getting there, has to help out a certain acquaintance from a messy situation, and ends up with a lovely gunshot wound to show for it. But it's fine, he can walk it off.]

[He completely intended to wash up before heading to the Sanctuary, but unfortunately, he's not going to make it that far before he runs into Mipha on the streets just outside it -- his face still partially covered in blood from the point-blank shot he's really only just finished healing from.]

[...he's honestly a little caught off guard here, not even considering what being covered in blood on the street like this will do to his Nice Guy Image™ he's been working on.]

Ah... Lady Mipha, is that you?

[fisherwife]

[There's illnesses and injures from the blast and the aftermaths, leaving Mipha running about like a chicken with its head cut off. She can't say she minds, however--it's the type of chaos she'd seen on the battlefield before, so it's with a grim determination that she moves about, with the air of someone who's seen it all before and is falling back into that familiar role.

She's no good with the illnesses, but she can heal the physical injuries well enough. She's used to dodging people rushing around, keeping an eye out for the familiar, and-- Blood covered??

Mipha stops and does a double-take, eyes growing wide in alarm. She takes a step towards him, hand outstretched uncertainly in case he needs help to sit or balance or something as she quickly tries to make sense of the scene before her. She automatically assumes he's been injured and that's where the blood's come from.] Mephisto! What happened, are you alright?

[meinwaifu]

I-- ah, yes! It's not as bad as it looks...

[--is what he says, but it still looks pretty bad. And this isn't even the first time he's been beaten up like this in the past few days. Was he out of practice, or simply careless? Even he would struggle to find the right answer here.]

[But while the injury itself may seem healed in the sense that the wound has closed, that doesn't mean he's completely okay. Especially when it would only take a glance at the blood on both sides of his head to reveal what happened -- as unbelievable as it would seem, considering he's still alive and standing!]


[Or rather, that he was standing.]

[Because in the next few seconds, he stumbles down to one knee, catching himself before he completely hits the ground, but still looking a little unsteady.]

Hahaa... oh dear, did you get taller?

[fisherwife]

[Mipha gasps and steps up to him quickly, gently placing her hands on either side of his head. The begin to glow immediately, the magic flowing from her to the wound, wherever it was.]

Please, do not strain yourself further. This will only take but a mo-- [She cuts herself off, hesitating, because-- Because the wound itself isn't as bad as it should be and that's the concerning thing in and of itself. Her eyes follow the invisible path of her magic, in one way and out the other and through his brain, she thinks? But that can't be right, because, then, how could he be talking to her still?

Her fingertips press lightly against his head, both to feel for a physical outside wound and as a means to be comforting or soothing as she eases the pain away.] Mephisto... [She trails off, uncertain, because on one hand she really wants to know, but on the other hand she's also aware they're in a semi-public place and the odds of being overheard are still there and maaaybe this isn't something he'd like getting out.]

[meinwaifu]

[He tenses briefly when she presses her hands to his head, no matter how gentle. But then he feels the warm magic spreading through him, easing the throbbing pain he'd been fighting to ignore all this time. The damage on the outside is already gone -- and any bone damage would have been in the midst of healing when she started. But everything beyond that...]

[For as much as he's a little checked-out mentally at the moment, he doesn't miss the way she cuts herself off, the way her fingertips gingerly press into his skin... ah. He came here with the intent of showing her his deteriorating body for the sake of testing whether her healing abilities would have an effect, but her certainly didn't intend for her to learn something like this.]

[It was irritating to think just how many people were learning his secrets like this.]

[He'll stay quiet, eyes sliding closed until she's finished healing him -- which she might find happens much sooner than she would otherwise expect despite the severity of the damage.]

...that is truly a gift you've been blessed with. [With his head still bowed, he reaches into his pocket to pull out a handkerchief, wiping the remaining blood off his face. When he speaks again, his voice is low, and face still angled downward to better mask his expression.]

But as grateful as I am, I fear I may have shown you something rather unpleasant. Please, I hope you'll accept my apologies.

dealer's choice? ♡

[likethelight]

[ What does one expect to find in the shadier parts of Olympia? Back alley deals and illegal gambling establishments, warm beer and fine brandy along with a particular kind of olfactory clash of expensive cigars and cheap perfume. Men with scars and men with none because they know who to pay to do that for them; high dollars rolling in and then rolling out just as fast.

One doesn't generally expect to find nice boys. The kind that politely turn down anything resembling alcohol and don't even bat an eyelash at the bunny girls (where are we? somehow there are bunny girls. there are always bunny girls). Certainly not dressed so smartly like an old-fashioned and proper sort of British gentlenman in waistcoat and tie, seated at the card table as comfortably as if he owned it—

And certainly not making everyone else sweat with the most radiant, yet somehow sharkish smile. ]

I win again. ♡ [ Sounds of disgust rumble around the table as men throw down their cards and get up to leave. Ah.. seems like it's over for the night. Mostly due to there not being anymore players.

It's probably for the best, and certainly he seems outwardly merry as he begins to collect his chips. He hadn't heard anything that was actually of interest since he fist passed by outside... what a waste. The guys who were actually inside knew nothing. Profitable, though. ]

[meinwaifu]

[Profitable, yes, but also dangerous. Here was a man who couldn't possibly be more out of place, coming in and raking in the winnings without so much as breaking a sweat... it's an easy way to earn himself a few enemies.]

[Or at least, that is what's on Mephisto's mind as he watches from his spot in the corner of the bar. He's dressed a bit more conservatively than usual, actually making some effort to blend in with a heavy black coat pulled over his usual outfit. His target was seated at the table -- or rather was, and doesn't look too happy about losing all his money. From what he's gathered, the man was a bit of a sore loser... and though Mephisto had initially planned to play the role of the scammer himself, with Allen in here, it looks like he already has the perfect bait.]

[And so he slides off his chair, pretending to leave, pretending to see Allen in the corner of his eye... and now time to ham it up.]

Well, well! This is a surprise! Is that you, Mr. Walker? I didn't expect to see you in a place like this!

[likethelight]

[ Danger he's also used to. He's had himself run out of more than a few establishments after pissing off a mob boss, and it's nothing worse than what his master put him through.

Though while Mephisto does manage avoid Allen noticing his presence until he approaches as the game ends—he doesn't seem to surprise him that much. A blink certainly, his expression momentarily smoothing, but—only to be replaced with a wry sort of smile this time instead, both snowy brows arching in mild bemusement.

Ah. Of course. ]

And how unsurprising it is to see you, Mr. Pheles. [ It's quite pleasant though dry, as somehow that.. really isn't surprising at all, somehow. He actually doesn't mean anything poorly by it though! Far from it.

Those with showmanship are usually either performers or snake oil salesmen, after all. And neither are surprising in an atmosphere like this. ]

I take it you're well.

[meinwaifu]

[He can't help but snicker at that -- whether he intended for it or not, it was a nice, snarky reply.]

Quite so, yes! But shouldn't I be the one asking that? The last time I saw you, you were looking so... ah, but I suppose that isn't any of my business.

[He shrugs, using that little motion to glance at his target -- ah, he's definitely listening. Perhaps this would be easier than he thought.]

[But for now, the performance continues, and he stretches his arm out all too casually around Allen's shoulders, attempting to turn him towards the door.]

Oh, but it's truly been a while, hasn't it? Why don't we find somewhere a little quieter and catch up? There's the nicest little bistro just down the road... come, I know a shortcut!

[likethelight]

[ Allen? Snarky? Never. Yes.

That little look-back isn't missed, but... he can't tell for whose sake it is, or where Mephisto was looking exactly. Please, especially around someone who rates pretty high on Allen's be cautious around scale and grates all of his instincts the wrong way, he's a bit more shrewd than normal. And he didn't just clean house at the card table by missing everyone's tells. So he highly doubts you came over to be friends just now, Mr. Pheles.

—but Allen's also an excellent performer even if that arm around his shoulders feels uncomfortably gross. He's smiling but don't mistake how stiff he gets at that and will hold momentarily fast. Or the slight twitch of one eyebrow. What is it with these types and being overly familiar anyway... ]

Ho?

That does sound pleasant. [ haha. ha. no ] Then, does that mean it's your treat? ♡

[ Radiance, Mephisto. Pure, strangely sharkish radiance. If you want something from him you're paying for it. ]

[worldlyafflictions]

Aaaaah, jeeez! Why is this happening ta me??

[With tensions running a little high in the city and a man-hunt going on, it was probably inevitable that Shima would witness a troublesome incident or two. What he hadn't counted on was getting caught up in the middle of one, where neither side was actually a wanted associate of the person responsible for the biochemical attack but were suspicious of each other after having heard a rumor that someone was hiding out in this area. When the loud argument had broken out Shima had simply tried to side-step and maybe nudge someone else nearby to call the authorities, but before he knew it attacks were flying and everyone had fled. Except for him. He was trapped in a blocked off stone-work recess that some merchant had taken over as their goods stall.

Crouched behind the counter now, Shima whines and debates with himself what to do. He doesn't want to call on Yamantaka and get these idiots thinking he was the guy they're looking for...]

[meinwaifu]

[AND MEANWHILE--]

[Mephisto had just been on his way to the Sanctuary to visit an acquaintance when a rather interesting fight broke out! But he hardly wanted to get caught in the crossfire, so he found himself a good vantage point to stop and watch the brawl from safely high above.]

[Which means he gets a great view of Shima's little hiding spot as well. Hmm...]

[It's a pretty dangerous fight. One man has magic of some kind, while the other has a pretty substantial array of weapons he's pulling out of seemingly every nook and cranny of that armor he's wearing. Shima's certainly found himself in a tight spot! But what will he do, Mephisto wonders, hand to his chin...]

[worldlyafflictions]

[Mephisto can see him reach for a pocket--only to come up empty and start patting himself down more thoroughly as if that'll reveal what he's looking for--not his staff but his cell phone.

He peeks up over the counter of the stall toward the table he'd been sitting at before the fight broke out--there it is! Sitting right on the other side of the fire-fight. It's miraculously unharmed, but there's no way Shima wouldn't get hit trying to get from here to there.]

Come on...!!

[He sinks back down behind the counter...]

Haaah, the verse is on there too... I don't know the words!

[worldlyafflictions]

[He knows Mephisto said he just ignores it normally but... it's worth a try, right?]


Um.

I could use some help.. Samael. --san?

1/2

[meinwaifu]

[Oho, so it seems technology has failed him after all! ...to think the cell phone method would prove to be so useless so quickly, huh.]

[But surely he had another method, right? There was the actual summoning verse... which he's fairly certain would knock him right out. Or worse, if he tried to power through it. He was a very powerful demon, after all -- he can probably count the number of times he's been successfully summoned on one hand.]

[But just as things start to look even dicier... ah. He actually hears it before he even speaks the name, hearing his heart faintly calling to him. It was fainter than a proper blood contract would be, and if he weren't already so close, eh might struggle to pinpoint him... but Shima doesn't need to know tha--]

[...]

[meinwaifu]

[AND WITH A POOF OF SMOKE Shima is suddenly joined behind the counter by Mephisto!]

[...who's grinning, trying to stifle a laugh.]

Samael-san? Really? I don't think I've ever been called that in all the tens of thousands of years I've lived in Assiah!

[worldlyafflictions]

--gah! [clonks his head on the bottom side of the counter in surprise--it actually worked?!]

[Rubbing his new bump] It's not like ya have a true last name... It's not that weird!

Closed to Rin

[meinwaifu]

Rin. I'm not going to ask you again.

[How many times have they been through this? Clearly far more than once, seeing as Mephisto has already tired of putting on any pretense of politeness. When did he start using Rin's name instead of Okumura-kun? Oh, probably after being smacked in the face by his sword for about the fifth time. His poor clothes are singed around the edges from Rin's flare-ups, and the little curl atop his head is housing a tiny flame like some kind of bizarre birthday candle.]

[He didn't sign up for this nonsense... but he also knows he's probably one of the only people here who can handle Rin while he's like this. And with Amaimon gone, he's not too keen on letting Rin out of his sight while he's still ill.]

Put the sword down and get back into bed. I promise, I'm not going to take it. [YES HE IS.]

[demonly]

[ Rin's death grip on the Kurikara has not ceased; not only is he holding it so hard that were it's cover not imbued with magic it probably would have shattered by now, but he's also holding it as close to his person as he can. While it isn't drawn, he's glowing with a faint blue light in attempt to prevent the other from trying to touch him to grab at the Kurikara - and his posture remains as severely guarded as it could be. ]

Hell....no...'Not gonna take it' my ass. [ His eyes are wide and paranoid, and he retreats more distance away from the other - as if that's going to make a difference. ] That's yer plan all along, right? Take this from me and kill me?

[ It's almost like he doesn't hear the other's request at all... he doesn't move to go to bed nor does he move to put out the numerous small fires that litter the room. ]

[meinwaifu]

If I wanted to kill you, I would have done it ages ago.

[Not that the thought hasn't crossed his mind at least once or twice by now that this is kinda totally Not Worth It™. Rin might not even remember all this, and even if he does, he may still not feel grateful.]

You're going to burn this whole building down at this rate. Think of all the people you'd be inconveniencing! Why, some of them might even wind up homeless! Assuming they aren't burned to death first.

[demonly]

[ Reminding him that Mephisto could totally kill him whenever he wants?? Not a great help for his paranoia. ]

I ain't gonna hurt anybody!!

[ Not again, is left unsaid. He's only gonna (try to) hurt Mephisto if he comes near him - but, while his intention may be to not hurt or destroy anything, the crackling of wood and the smell of smoke in the air seems to suggest otherwise. He gives a short cough into his shoulder, a small mouthful of blood staining his shirt, and when he turns to speak, blood stains his teeth: ]

Just get away from me. I ain't gonna ask you again.

Closed to Jae-ha

[meinwaifu]

[It's not uncommon to find Mephisto perched on a rooftop, particularly when it's late at night and he's less likely to be seen. But sitting up here, crouched down like some kind of punk with a blue katana hiked over his shoulder, he's probably an odder sight than usual. Particularly when seen up close -- his usually pristine white outfit now singed around the edges as though he had just escaped from a burning building.]

[He won't even react when he realizes he's not alone, eyes still focused on nothing in particular down below, a hand on his chin as though in deep thought.]

[razzledazzles]

I didn't expect to find you brooding.

[His graceful landing is pretty silent, but he's not hiding his presence as he steps closer. It looks like Mephisto doesn't really mind or care to look his way, so Jae-Ha takes a seat next to him, one of his arms draping over his own knee as his gaze drops down to where Mephisto's looking.]

What's on your mind?

[meinwaifu]

...a number of things, I suppose.

[Perhaps with most people, he'd make some attempt to masking his expression, hiding away his feelings just as he hides his heart. But he sees no need with Jae-ha. The man's already seen enough sides of him that there was little point. He'd probably see right through it, and somehow, that would be even more annoying.]

It's troubling that no one has recovered from this illness yet. Even the worst plagues of the past have seen some survivors. Though I suppose it could still simply be a matter of time...

[He's not used to feeling impatient. It's just another thing setting him ill-at-ease, being thrown so far out of his own element.]

[razzledazzles]

The ingredients for the cure have been brought together, so it should be soon that it's brought to them and made effective.

[He hopes? God he hopes.] But I have the same worry. Yona dear has worsened to the point that Hak had to tie her to her bed. She begged and pleaded for me to release her.

[He grips at the roof, staring hard at the ground with a pained expression he doesn't bother holding back.]

...Are those burns also from a struggle like that?