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Crossroads the Next
[Ohya sits behind the counter with a glass of iced whiskey. It's the first night in weeks that she has remembered to actually open the bar. A notepad sits beside her, mostly blank, though it has some notes about the recent events of the Nexus jotted down in it.]
Wonder if that crowd is gonna come back tonight.
*Gamma sits down in a corner of the bar and chuckles*
Imagine that, I never drink, but I keep ending up visiting a bar anyways. Well, its hardly the strangest thing to happen around here anyways.
[Kazuma walks in the familiar bar, he is swinging a small chain from side to side, whistling and, from time to time, singing a song.]
Chosen over anyother one we...shall begins, the pai-
[He notices the drunken woman, and the pink guy right in front of him. He decides to walk up to the counter and, as the chain slowly vanishes, he sits down, smiling at the woman.]
Why hello there miss, it's been a long time since the last time we didn't speak at all~
*The roar of a motorcycle approaching and being shut off snakes into the bar before the sound of heels hitting the concrete replaces it.*
https://68.media.tumblr.com/fa389cad7cce7147135a4e98c4d89c67/tumblr_nafibngf8b1qbdgqxo3_250.gif
*Red hair and an expensive fur coat are what would draw attention the most as Mitsuru enters the bar. She takes a seat near Ohya and orders a gin and tonic. Brushing her hair out of her face she sighs a bit as she waits for her drink.*
*Gamma looks up at the motorcycle's roar, and quickly takes out a shard of ice to inspect as Mitsuru walks in*
Been quite a while, hasn't it? I take it you've been quite busy recently. No matter, its nice to see you again I suppose.
[Ohya gets up and starts looking around, trying to remember which drinks are kept where.]
Nice to see some familiar faces, and someone new.
[Hazama walks through the door following his doppelganger, singing a completely different song than Kazuma's.]
Thought control, deadly hedonism...Vicious thoughts are on my mind...
[He places his hat and coat on the rack near the door, and looks around with a smile.]
It has been a bit, last time I was here Mr. Hero was being a bit of a bother. Still, I like the atmosphere here. Nice choice for tonight's celebration, Kazuma.
Why thank you Mister Hazama, I do what I think is the best for the two of us after all.
[Kazuma taps his finger on the counter and moves his head from side to side, somehow making a cracking noise.]
Now then, since I chose the place, it would be fair to let you choose the drinks, Hazama.
*Makoto enters Crossroads looking tired. She goes and sits on a near by chair and checks her phone sighing*
Never would have thought I would have to come in here...
*She looks around at the bar seeing the several people in here*
I hope he gets here soon.
*She turns to Gamma and smiles softly with her eyes briefly closed.*
Yes, I believe it has been quite some time since I've come out. There's trouble almost everywhere you look and it's kept me quite busy. Tell me Gamma, how have recent events been. There are more than a few faces roaming around that I don't recognize.
*She glances back at Ohya and nods.*
A pleasure to meet you. I heard good things about this bar and came to get a taste of the atmosphere myself.
*A brown haired detective pops his head into the bar and steps inside, keeping a goofy smile on his face as he takes a seat,
Hey! Who wants to talk about murde-cough cough.. sorry old habits, what's up with this crew of misfits?
Hmm, that'll be a problem. I can't say I'm too experienced when it comes to alcohol. How about we ask the regular here, hm?
[Hazama turns to Ohya with a small bow.]
Tell me miss, what would you recommend to two gentlemen looking to have a little celebration?
[She finally passes a gin and tonic to Mitsuru after rummaging the shelves for a bit.]
Well, I'm glad I can keep the good reputation up in Lala-chan's absence. Seems business has improved with me taking the lead *giggle*.
*Gamma puts away his shard and turns back to Mitsuru*
As far as I'm aware nothing significant happened. Though Migrant and the others have been talking about some kinda war. *shrug* Not sure what that's about. As for myself, I'm taking part in a fighting tournament of sorts. Supposedly the winning team will get to split three wishes. Don't believe in that part, but take it as you will.
*Gamma gestures to Makoto and Kazuma*
As for them, well, you know how the Nexus is. All sorts of people are being brought in. There's a group of people who go around talking about gashats, they seem to be good friends.
[She gets out two glasses with ice and pours a bit of whiskey in them, passing them along to Hazama and Kazuma.]
Probably not the best, but it's a favorite of mine. Enjoy.
*Chais enters the bar with his usual twisted smile plastered on his face as if something amusing is about to happen. However, he simply sits at a booth with a somewhat indifferent expression.*
Might be nice to just relax for once. I've just been too busy these last few days. That's the price to pay if you want to have some fun around here, though.
*Mig wanders on in, looking decidedly okay with everyone present.*
Hey folks, so this is the famous bar.
OOC: Oh. Huh. Maybe I should not enter after all.
*Mitsuru's eyes narrow at Adachi's entrance before taking a sip of her drink and addressing Ohya's claims.*
A stroke of good fortune, or perhaps you really do run things better. I certainly think I'll be able to enjoy this drink at least. You're not too bad at this although...
*She turns her attention to Makoto.*
Is it alright to let minors in here? I'm sure you're aware of the consequences of letting her consume any alcohol.
*At the sound of Gamma's voice she turns her attention back to him and listens closely. Her eyes widened slightly at the mention of a war and wishes being granted.*
It would seem I spent too much time focused on the future. I've been neglecting the present a bit too long. Who was it that arranged this tournament?
OOC: It'll be fine, fights are easy to avoid as long as you keep in mind to act passively in someone else's establishment.
Ah, the recommendation of a professional is always nice.
[Kazuma takes the glass and in a quick movement, he chugs the whole glass down without much of an issue.]
Miss Bowl Haircut, you have a really good taste and all, I'm amazed by this.
[Kazuma chuckles for a moment, before letting out a sigh of relief.]
Ah, I believe this celebration can't possibly get better!
No, wait!
If only I had some hardboiled eggs with me right now, it would be perfect.
Oh, and Miss Trinity too, she is decent to talk to...compared to SOME people running around.
OOC: What do you mean? I'm a totally chill person after all. Got some nice development probably while no one was looking.
[Hazama takes the glass, and smiles at Ohya warmly.]
Much appreciated, ma'am.
[Hazama takes a slow sip of the drink, and gestures to the rest of the patrons.]
So, what's going one with you folks, hm? Why don't we share stories?
OOC: I was more pointing out Mr. "I'll kill you before you ruin my fun."
*Makoto looks at Mitsuru*
Oh, no. I'm not here to drink, I know I'm under the age. I'm just waiting for a friend to come by in this area, its better than standing out on the streets...
*She smiles nervously*
*Gamma looks up at Hazama's words and shrugs*
Well, I was in the middle of telling miss Mitsuru anyways, so I suppose I may as well go first.
As some of you are aware, I'm participating in a fighting tournament hosted by some guy named Jin. Jin.... Djinn.....
Well, if I wasn't suspicious of the wish thing, I sure am now.
Anyways, to the point, my partner Bartz and I were paired against Lux Tenebris and Aitome..... Something, I can never remember honestly.
*Anyway settles up to the bar.*
[She thanks the green haired fuckers before addressing Mitsuru.]
Ah, don't worry about it. Lala-chan got on me enough, so I know not to serve drinks to the kids, but they can stay if they like.
I can get her some water if she likes though.
*Chaos simply sits at the booth with a somewhat bored expression.*
What exactly do you mean by "interesting"? I have a lot of interesting stories but I can't just go around telling anyone, might ruin the fun.
And I do hate spoil sports, makes moving around all the more annoying.
*Gamma clears his throat before continuing*
Back to the story, we had a fairly lengthy fight with a bit of a lake as our battlefield, back and forth and all that good stuff, Bartz and Aitome ended up going out around the same time, leaving just Lux and I. Got into a bit of an argument during our fight, when something strange happened with his persona. It kinda went nuts and after a while.... Lux sort of vanished. He probably could have beaten me in a little bit, but well, something complicated happened.
*Gamma shrugs*
Regardless, I'm moving on to the second round of three, a pretty significant step closer to getting to the end and seeing what the prize really is.
Oh of that weird wish tournament, huh? Yeah... something about that thing rubs me the wrong way. Maybe it's the rumors that people who lose go missing?
Oh yeah, I heard about that Lavvy. I considered entering, but a god telling me I can have any wish is one of the least believable things I've ever heard. Besides, we all know I hate violence right?
[Hazama laughs at that, taking another sip of his drink and loosening his tie a tad.]
Supposedly people go missing? Never heard anything like that. Have you seen Ai, Kaz, or that seal thing recently? Those are the three people I know lost....
Come to think of it, I haven't seen any of them, but I kinda assumed they were just avoiding me. *shrug* Can't say I'm the most comforting person to be around after all.
Man, you ask for "interesting" and you get old news, I sometimes just ask myself, where did all the wonder and surprises went in this world.
[Kazuma keeps smiling, even if he feigns sadness.]
But man, was that a victory over a dumb jackass. Who could have thought that person was trying to play both of us and split us, how arrogant could he get?
[Kazuma smirks and laughs loudly for a moment before calming down, claring his throat.]
I'm very sorry, everyone inside this bar, I went a little crazy there.
*Gamma makes a show of shrugging before looking back at Kazuma*
Well then, if you're such a wonderful little storyteller, why don't you make one up? Better be something new too. After all, "old news" is so boring.
*Gamma takes out a broken feather from his pocket and examines it as he waits*
Saeko stumbles in, her eye looks blank, and she looks tired. She wanders to a nearby booth and takes a seat, vaguely waving to everyone in the bar, before she drops her head down onto the table in front of her with a loud thunk.
Actually I think Kaz is what started the rumor. Apparently some people are saying he's up and vanished without a trace.
And according to Yu, Ai was kidnapped by some weird guy....
*Chaos laughs a bit, it seems he found something Kazuma said funny.*
Why wouldn't you want to go crazy? Isn't it much more fun to just let loose rather than just hold it in? Aren't your own desires more important than that of those who are beneath you? Those with power have their desires granted while those who don't are crushed by the prior. That's how the world works no matter where you go.
[Hazama extends a pinky toward Chaos, raising his glass.]
See, that's what I say. Humans are all animals, who want nothing more than to kill and destroy to get what they want. It's in their nature.
*Gamma sighs and walks over to sit across from Saeko, he absentmindedly looks at his feather as he speaks*
I see you're taking this all quite well miss Saeko. Can't say I didn't try to warn you, even tried easing you into all this mess. But well, the damage is done I'd say. All you can really do is try to move on. Once the shock is over of course.
I would if I cared enough to tell any of you, besides Weakling, others are around for my sake, and my sake only.
[He chuckles and points to Chaos too, but laughing at the sudden appearance of Saeko.]
Haha~
Basically this guy, he's got it all figured out. I'm here to satiate my own curiosity and maybe "find out who I am".
But for now, I get to have fun with my boy Hazama here.
[He chuckles louder and points with his thumb at Hazama.]
Saeko sits up at Gamma's voice and leans against her left hand.
"What... have I gotten myself into, in this world? Is this hell, is this my punishment?"
[Hazama laughs a bit and claps Kazuma on the back.]
Well, it's hard to argue with that. Glad to be here with you Kazuma.
[Hazama perks up at Saeko and Gamma's chat across the way.]
Oi, Lavvy. What's her deal?
*Gamma blinks for a moment, and keeps his eyes on the feather in his hand*
Look, I dunno what kinda terrible things you might have done back home, but trust me, if this is hell, you sure don't belong. Really, its just another world. A weird one, but another place nonetheless. Don't go blaming yourself for the crap that happens. That sort of thinking could drive you nuts.
*Chaos smiles at Saeko with a cold look before responding.*
Punishment? Don't think of it like that, this is a world full of possibilities, after all. Plenty to gain here for those with the thirst to grab for it. You just have to take the first steps. Nothing comes to those who hold back, that's how people get stronger.
"I feel like I am already going insane. Is this the sort of activity you all say happens all the time? How can you react so... simply to this chaos?!"
*Chaos laughs at the mention of his name in its proper context.*
That's quite simple really, you embrace the disorder and chaos and accept it as part of yourself. That's why my name is Chaos because I love and strive for it above all else.
Well, like I said before, my sin is nothing but one of curiosity.
As long as something happens, I have a chance to "understand" more about reality itself, which is already infinite.
This is "bootleg Boundary" if you will, but it serves well for me.
[He leans against the counter, rubbing his chin with both eyes open.]
The chaos really is something else, back then, even the Black Beast was interesting...!
*Gamma shrugs and turns over the broken feather in his hand*
After a while you kinda get numb to it all. At least, that's what happened to me. Its ridiculous, its insane, but it happens, and we deal with the consequences. That's what it means to be alive here. To move ahead with neither rhyme nor reason to do so.
*Taking all the information in Mitsuru appears to be lost in thought. Taking periodic sips from her glass she puts her left hand on her temple. Softly sighing when she's left with only a fourth of her drink.*
The amount of things one misses while away... I only hope that this doesn't affect the state of Tartarus...
*She finishes her drink and sets the class on the bar counter before addressing Ohya.*
If I may, I'd like a glass of whiskey.
Whoo, someone finally broke the silence. Sure is awkward even with all these people here.
[She pours a glass of whiskey for Mitsuru and slides it towards her.]
[Hazama flattens his mouth, and takes another sip of his drink. His cheeks are obviously getting a bit flushed at this point.]
Wow, alright. Ignore me then, didn't take you for one lacking in manners like that Lavvy.
[He undoes his tie entirely, leaning back in his seat and looking up at the ceiling.]
I suppose you do have a point there, Kazuma. This place feels like a parallel to our own universe, scarily so actually.
*Gamma sighs and looks around*
Yeah, I'm gonna go ahead and apologize for that one. Somehow any conversations take a weird turn around me. I like to imagine its just a coincidence.
*After standing up Gamma waves to the others and heads for the door*
You guys have fun, I'll probably just turn in a little early tonight. Good luck with... Whatever you're doing.
You give yourself way too much credit, Gammy.
[He takes the glass from a random NPC lying around that was somehow there, chugging it down. He laughs quietly after this.]
But...you guys are all weird as...like...
[He unbuttons his shirt and leans more against the counter, looking at the ceiling.]
Like...worms or something.
Also bye pink haired butterfly~!
*Chaos stares back with a snicker.*
Worms? Strange, I was thinking along the same line. People don't have much value until they prove themselves first, right?
*His expression turns dead serious for a moment.*
Sor currently your all nothing but play things to me...
*The smile returns as he looks down.*
Don't take it personally, it's all part of the game, right?
So.... what's going on in this Thug Tug?
Saeko watches Gamma leave and looks around at the dead but active place around her before her head hits the table once more.
Woo, harsh. Then again, it's not untrue. People get where they want at the expense of others, and that's fine.
[As a result of the alcohol, Hazama seems to be dropping his usual act.]
Pretty sure that's entirely not fine and in fact was something the Phantom Thieves fought against, but okay.
*Yu sighs and gives Migrant a look of disappointment.*
Come on...
You've already seen me drop the act. DO I really seem like the type to care what the Phantom Thieves think? Fairy Tales like that are nice and all but what did the Phantom Thieves even gain in the end? Things like friendship and peace are so...
Impermanent...
What's the point? What's more fun than watching people struggle against a force they can't possibly match only to be crushed because they're too pathetic to help themselves?
I think you're lying to yourself, Peg Leg. You take advantage of other people just as much as anyone else, but you're just lying to yourself and to us. You're just a big fat liar!
[Hazama stands up and gets right up in Migrant's face. A wicked grin visible on his face.]
Guess that makes us pretty similar, huh?
*Shoves Hazama back*
I don't use people. Name one person who I'm using.
Can you honestly sit there and tell me you've made it through your life without ever taking advantage of someone else's weakness? You use everyone around you, especially your so-called friends. It's just a word, all friendship is is a mutual agreement that you're of use to one another. The second they do something you don't like, you drop your so called friends like a rock. Dear Peg Leg, don't deny it. Embrace it. Be free of the moral bullshit you've led yourself to believe in. Just let go.
[Kazuma claps with amusement.]
Yay, now this is a show.
Good speech Hazama, my brother in crime.
[He then hits his chest with his fist, letting out a small laugh.]
I.... no, anyone who I've used has been entirely on accident! I don't drop people just because they do something I don't like!
I-I even tried ot make up with Yu!
Oh, really?
Tell me then, when Yu showed up at that hospital room, BEGGING you to take him back and to give him a chance...the first thought to cross your mind wasn't "Oh I have my friend Yu back, hooray!" was it? No, it was probably more along the lines of "Now we can use Yu's knowledge to defeat our enemies!" right?
*Chaos laughs and looks at Migrant with a gleam in his eyes.*
Am I not proof enough of how brittle bonds really are? One wrong step and I'm sure you already know what could happen. Not just my twin either, somewhere out there, has the thought occurred to you that there may also be a version of yourself that made the same mistakes and ended up getting taken over by a being like me?
*a large, airy sigh can be heard from outside the bar. A moment later, Gamma steps back in*
Honestly, do you idiots have no tact? Consider the time and the place before you go around insulting people's beliefs.
Needling will do you no good really. Know when to pick a fight and when not to, it's all I can really ask at this point.
*Gamma glances at one of his pockets before continuing*
Too bad the latest sane person vanished really. Seems the place only gets dumber by the day.
..... The first thought that crossed my mind was "is this a trap."
*Oh, though Chaos here hits a weak spot*
Same... mistake....?
*Laharl enters and approaches the bartender.*
I'll have the sake.
*Sigh*
*Laharl turns to the crowd in the bar and begins shouting for no apparent reason*
Why does no one here ever speak japanese!? Wouldn't it make more sense to speak the native language!?
*Chaos smiles at Migrant almost warmly.*
That's right, you know. Killing someone, a friend specifically. Maybe Yu had the advantage on you in my own world and this one but what if things had gone differently.
What if you were the one who ended up a murderer? That guilt...
If it consumed you and the roles became reversed. Do you doubt that such a thing could be possible? Bonds mean nothing, there will always be death and that death will always cause pain and that pain...
...It always consumes. Understand what I mean?
Having a bond...only makes you susceptible to such things and only spawn more people like me.
A bit hypocritical, don't you think Lavvy? You're the one who has these sorts of friendly discussions far more often than you do civil ones. Well, whatever. That's not my business.
[Hazama stands up shakily and walks over to retrieve his hat and coat. He puts them on with a flourish and walks toward the door. He stops briefly and turns around.]
I'll be taking my leave now, but before I go consider this. If I'm a monster for manipulating, destroying, and killing to get what I want; then what does that make all of you who do the exact same thing only for a cause you tell yourselves is right? Stop lying to yourselves and accept the monster inside, it's way more fun that way.
[With that, he exits the cafe and the only trace of him being there is his empty glass, and enough money to cover his drink, Kazuma's, and everyone else's while still leaving a sizable tip.]
Sure, let me write that down in my "I don't care" list.
[Kazuma smiles at Gamma with irony, using both hands to make it appear as if he was actually writing.]
"I'm smart, you're idiots, I'm better, but somehow I never win unless it's a cat".
*Laharl stealthily slips the tip into his pocket*
*Chaos gets up and starts walking out the door as well with an indifferent expression. He yawns slightly as if bored.*
I think I've made my point and it seems like everyone's leaving. This was such a fun conversation, too. Oh well, see you again some time, Migrant.
So, who wants to conquer an alternate dimension? People here really need to expand their horizons beyond just this "Purseowner" thing they like to summon
Aw~
Damn, the fun people are all leaving.
[Kazuma stands up buttons his shirt once more.]
Well, this place got really lame, but the drinks were really nice.
This might not mean much but I WILL comeback, I have to thank Mister Hazama for paying.
[He makes a small chain appear as he walks out, twirling it and whitling once more the same song he did the moment he entered the establishment.]
Death may be everywhere.....
But that doesn't mean I have to give into it.... right? I can try to stop it....
Hah! You think you can stop death! Humans really are arrogant!
[Ohya slaps Laharl with a bottle of whiskey.]
Tip.
Now.
*Laharl gets knocked to the ground*
Like hell I'd listen to a human, like you!
*Laharl's eyes litterally catch on fire, along with his fists*
[Ohya grabs a glass of water from the counter and pours it on Laharl.]
*The water instantly evaporates, and Laharl remains burning*