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Rocking Around The Christmas Tree
A light flurry begins to blow through the night sky and starts to coat the several trees lining the sidewalk. These trees were already caught up in festive cheer as the lights twinkle to life. A blue and white medley for the eyes to behold. However, this sight is only an appetizer as the wandering barista makes his way up to Plaza 66. The man grins with excitement as he sees his goal before him. I've heard tell of this but seeing it in person. It is beautiful! He begins to tear up as he slows down and pulls off to the side of the plaza. The target of his fascination comes in the form of the ten meter tall Christmas tree adorned with beautiful amber lights. A wave of bliss would wash over those who see the tree. I never got to see this before. Ah! Well no time to mope around! Let's get brewing shall we? He does a quick pose before laughing and moving to open his stall. The small flecks of snow continue to dance in the night sky.
A new person wanders up the snowy street, watching the tree as he approaches. My oh my, the tree is looking extra beautiful this year. Oh, and there's even street vendors this year. He stops at the coffee stall and nods to the man working it. I take it this stand is your's?
Yes sir! Welcome to the Wandering Barista! Ryoma gives a small bow before standing back up with a warm smile. My name is Ryoma Sakamichi, the wandering barista himself! May I get you something?
Hmm, I'll have whatever your specialty blend is, Boss. The man grins and nods his head at Ryoma. So... how long have you been in the city?
Alright. My personal blend should do the trick! He prepares his tools methodically. Placing the percolator and the grinder in the center of the counter top, while he sets the kettle to the right and plugs it into a battery pack. I have only been in town for roughly a week. Spent some time abroad, but I was pulled back home it seems. The man smiles softly as he pulls a container from a small shelving unit on his left. The container reads "Bike Blend". Ryoma would quickly toss a scoop of beans into the grinder and start cranking away slowly. What about you, sir? What is your story?
The man watches Ryoma make the coffee with a close eye, even noting the name Bike Blend. I'm Takehiko Sasaki. And I actually work at a cafe out in Book Town. It's a bit of a trip, but I like the work. Though this city can certainly be... exciting at times.
That sounds absolutely wonderful! I should stop by whenever I get the chance! Learn some tricks of the trade, grab a book, and cozy up with a cup of tea! The grounds begin to release their aroma begins to dance around the nighttime air. Ryoma would then empty the grounds into the percolator as the kettle starts to whistle. And Takehiko Sasaki? A splendid name! Rolls off the tongue easily! The man smiles as he grabs the kettle and slowly begins pouring it over the grounds. His actions are calculated though his attitude seems very relaxed. The percolator slowly drips into the cup below as the scent of the beans reaches a crescendo before Takehiko's nose. The coffee has a simple bitter smell, but without warning a wave of cocoa would hit his nostrils at full force. Such is the way of the Bike Blend, perfectly average until you find the special secret. With the cup now full he'd hand it to the man. Here you are sir!
Hmm, it certainly smells professional. Takehiko takes the drink and sips at it, mulling over it for a moment. Intriguing, a totally average drink at first.... You are a man of many surprises yourself, aren't you? But then again, aren't we all full of surprises?
Ryoma grins at the man's words. That's a secret of course! But I'm glad you enjoy it. I developed that blend myself while I laid my head in France for a time. He looks dreamily at the tree as his grin starts to fade. That was my first Christmas away from home. That seems so long ago now.
France, huh? I'll admit, I've never been outside of Tokyo. Though I dream to see what's beyond the sky someday. Silly, I know, though I just have to hold tight to what I believe in and I'm sure it'll happen. He looks over at the tree as well, though his grin grows as he sees the tree.
The man takes a moment as he hears the words. Beyond the sky? You wish to see the stars? Do you want to be an astronaut, Mister Sasaki?
No, though I do hear that space is awesome. I merely want to know what is beyond. Outside the city, beyond the sunset, beyond the sky. Other cities, other countries.... other worlds. I just want to travel.
Ryoma absolutely lights up upon hearing this. Sometimes you just need to take the first step. I typically stay in hostels or shelters during my travels. The only thing that's a guarantee for me is my bike. No matter where we are, she always pulls through for me!
*Suddenly Urumi was here*
Well, you must be quite strong in the legs if you peddle all over with this. I'd probably need a motorcycle for that much travel. He laughs a bit when a watch on his arm beeps thrice. Well, it seems I'm needed elsewhere. I'll make sure if I see you stand again to stop, though, Owner. He bows to Ryoma before heading back down the road, the way he came...
A teen would walk through the streets,his jacket replaced by a bigger,fluffier one and his fingerless gloves with actual goddamn gloves. "Heh,Christmas is already coming up?Damn,guess the months pass by fast here..." Spotting Ryoma,the teen would walk over,his expression more melancholic. "Heya buddy." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsMeavnp2rs
(edited by Eito)
What can I say, I'm a pedalling peddler! Ehehe! The man laughs softly at his joke but quickly collects himself as the man begins to leave. Adieu, garçon! I'll see you around! With a wave he'd finally notice Urumi. Ah! Bonne nuit, mon cher! How are you?
Im ok... I guess *Urumi takes out a blanket and puts it around herself*
Surprised by Eito's appearance, the man turns and waves. Ah! Good evening, Eito! How are you tonight? The man frowns at the girl. Are you chilly, my dear? How about a nice warm drink. Would you like some hot chocolate?
(edited by Ryoma_Sakamichi)
Eito smiles like always,though once again,it is somewhat different,sadder perhaps. "Doing good,very good in fact." *Sigh* "You?"
He grins. I'm enjoying the sights of the season. I couldn't be happier. The man leans against his stall as he lowers his voice to address Eito. Mayu had a point. We are terrible liars. So what's wrong?
*Urumi nods to both of Ryoma questions*
Ryoma grins at the girl. Right away, mademoiselle! He'd quickly reach for a container of peppermint hot chocolate and bring a scoop into a paper cup. He'd quickly fill it with hot water before stirring it vigorously. After a few moments, he'd present the girl with her drink and drop a few marshmallows into it. Made with extra Christmas cheer! That should do the trick! He gives a warm smile and a wink.
*Urumi takes the drink and smiles kindly* thank you
Eito too leans up against the stall and puts one hand up against his left eye,before speaking,not bothering to lower his voice. "It's just...It's Christmas,man!" "When you think Christmas,you think about a new year..." "I have been here for a paltry...What is it,2 months?" "In the time that i've been here,all I really thought about is surviving and getting my situation straight." He leans up against the stall more heavily,as if struggling to support himself. "Well,I managed to do that.I have a place to stay,a job,a mentor to train me and enough money to support myself." "I have those,no matter how temporary they are."
*Mayu wanders into the area, sees everyone and walks over* Heya guys. Good to see y'all again.
Ryoma doesn't speak as he steps around his cart. He puts his hand on Eito's shoulder and smiles. You have such amazing adventures, you have people that want to see you grow, and you have an income. The man laughs softly. So who cares if you've been worried about surviving and little else? Everyday has been a struggle for survival since the turn of the 90's. I live every day in fear for my own life and the lives of others. But if I had an ounce of what you have here, I'd be invincible. He pats him on the back. The new year is a new beginning. And I personally look forward to seeing who you become.
Eito,somewhat soothed looks at Ryoma. "Thanks but..." *Sigh* "That ain't what i'm worried about..." The teen pushes off the stall,having found new strength. "As I said,I don't care about that." "I don't give a rat's ass about my situation here." "What my problem is wether or not i'll be able to go back!" "I don't know about you,but I had a couple things going on for me back home,friends,family..."
Ryoma waves at Mayu before turning back to Eito. Don't worry about that stuff. Me and the other Riders will find a way out. So long as you don't give into despair, then hope will find a way!
*Urumi puts the cup near her and begins to make some stuff*
Hey, I was finally noticed. Sup. *Mayu sits down nearby* So, what you guys talking about?
(edited by Mayu)
*Urumi puts the stuff she made into her back*
Eito nods,a smirk builds itself on his face. "You know what?" "Fuck that." He puts his hands on his sides. "Ryoma,you are amazing." "Motivated,active,skilled and pleasant to be around." "You're the kinda guy i'd wanna be if this whole fucking thing didn't happen to me." "But this whole fucking thing did happen to me." "So my answer to your little motivational speech there is gonna be a 'No'." "I'm not gonna rely on you or anyone else any more!" "I'm gonna find a way to do this!" Eito's eyes literally start glowing red for a moment.
He turns his head to answer Mayu. Just talking about our experiences in the Nexus and our plans for the new year. Turning back to Eito, the man beams. Then I look forward to working alongside you! He notices the flash of red but decides not to touch it for the time being. We'll get out of here for sure!
"Exactly!" Eito pulls out his wallet and slams down 4500 yen. "Now get me three cups of coffee!"
Ryoma blinks in surprise at the man's order. I really must have these beans checked! I promise they shouldn't be this addictive! Hahaha! The man would then set to work preparing the requested cups of coffee.
Not lying today, Mr Ryo? A slight shame honestly. *Mayu smiles before putting 2000 yen on the counter* Same as yesterday, please.
*Urumi begins to think "what did that thing mean by my mind is an interesting one... I still don't know..."*
(edited by Urumi_Koto)
Ryoma heeds Mayu's request and prepares another coffee before serving both Eito and herself. And here we are!
Thank you kindly. *Mayu takes her coffee and sits nearby Urumi* Something on your mind, mask girl?
*Urumi looks at Mayu* yea... I fainted one day... soon I woke up inside of my mind... some stuff happened and a monster tried to make a deal with me... but I said no three times.... then I had to fight the monster but before the fight started it said... my mind is an... interesting one... I dont get what the monster means...
(edited by Urumi_Koto)
Eito snorts at Ryoma's surprise. "Anyway,got any plans for the immediate future?"
Well, crazy people say that they're mind is an interesting place. Oh, or maybe the monster demon guy likes you now. What was the deal the monster guy tried to make? Was it "Grr. Give me your soul and I will give you more strength than you can imagine. Then, you can murderelize all the peoples. Ha! ha! ha!*
He lowers his voice as he speaks to Eito. I'm going to find the source of Burner's forces in the Nexus. If I'm here, then my old boss might be too. And that means innocent people will be turned into monsters, the Junkies. Nothing like the spiders we fought.
No nothing like that... I do not wish to think about it... it will just hurt my mind just thinking about it
A mind fuck, huh? I getcha. Well, you're a good person, Uru. Keep being a good person with a strong mind and you will win the not getting cursed by an evil monster demon... award? I don't think that statement works as a metaphor. *Mayu scratches her head*
Eito lowers his voice down to a conspiratorial whisper. "I wanna help." "The fact that you have to deal with this is simply unfair." "And to be quite honest,you don't seem like the kinda guy to be able to do this by himself." "So i'm not going to let you." Eito's eyes once again seem to have turned faintly red,though without the glow.
*Urumi smiles* ok.
*Mayu glances over to Eito and Ryoma* You know whispering just makes you seem much more suspicious than I think you intend to be, right?
*Urumi takes out her phone to check a message*
Ryoma takes note of Eito's behavior but smiles. I appreciate that! It'll be tough. But we can do it if we work together! He frowns slightly. I just need to work on my finishers. My suit is a bit too much to take right now.
*Urumi looks up at the sky*
Eito shrugs. "Cool,by the way..." "Where's the coffee?"
Workin' on your... finishers? She pops out from behind the nearby tree. Skating over to the group after her sudden entry. Ah, ya must be talkin' 'bout that game right? Guessin' it's got some custom options.
*Mayu waves at Sachiko* Heya Sachi. Hows it?
Ryoma points to the cups he put out earlier. Right there. However, he lets out a panicked squeak at the emergence of Sachiko. A-Ah! Miss Kurenai! Y-Yes! I was talking about the custom options for Masked Rider: Burst! Haha...ha...ha... And with that he wipes the sweat from his brow nervously.
*Urumi rolls her eyes, knowing that was a lie since she heard what they were talking about*
*Mayu shakes her head, mumbling to herself* Learn to lie, Mr Ryo
Eito grabs the coffee cup but nearly drops it after ebing surprised by Sachiko,eyes briefly turning yellow. "Y-Yup!It-uh-It's got quite a bit of customization and the developers are-uh-adding even more!" Eito gulps down the coffee to the last drop and soon relaxes. "You've gotta stop doing that." *Sigh* "Ryoma,get me another cup!" Eito briefly eyes Mayu and speaks quickly and quietly. "Please,for the love of god,stop..."
(edited by Eito)
Hmm? Sounds pretty cool. She takes out about two thousand yen and waves it in front of Ryoma's face with a grin. Asking for coffee in an odd way. So, what's everyone been up to?
*Suddenly a box appears above Urumi's head and hits her* Ow! *Urumi looks at the box* they really need to fix on that teleporter
*Mayu catches Eito's glare and grins.* I visited a theme park for a bit before the boss forced me back to the lab. That reminds me. I'm supposed to be looking for someone. Should probably get back to that eventually.
He slides Eito the remaining two cups with a silent "thank you". He'd then smile at Sachiko and take her cash. Just a moment, Miss Kurenai! He begins the process as he speaks to the girl. And I've just been reminiscing about the holidays of years past.
(edited by Ryoma_Sakamichi)
*Urumi picks up the box and opens it up to find some new knives and some more info about people*
Eito takes the cups and starts slowly sipping on one,eyes blue in color,something he has yet to notice. "Yeah,got anything you wanna do for the holidays?"
(edited by Eito)
*Mayu looks back to Urumi* Whatcha got there, Rumi?
*Urumi looks at Mayu* new knives and some info about people
As for my plans Eito, I'm working on a new blend. He offers a knowing wink as he finally presents Sachiko with her drinks.
Neat. So, you're a chef or an assassin something? Or do you just like knives? I know someone who likes knives. She's an alien.
Thank you, Owna'! She takes a sip. Ooh, still a bit hot. Well, I haven' been up to much. Afta finding out I'm in the ~future~ I ran off for most of tha day, lookin' around.
Im like an assassin... I mostly use knife *Urumi picks up two of the knifes and throw them on the ground spread out in a horizontal, soon a shield appears (The shield is see through but people know that the shield is up)* interesting
(edited by Urumi_Koto)
He smiles softly at the girl. I can only assume it was quite a shock. It threw me for a loop too. To see it all with my eyes though, it certainly helped me to believe it to be true.
Pretty archaic. I mean knives work, but poison, espionage and snipers work better. *Mayu relaizes what she's saying* I mean. From my experience with games, it just seems... better... yeah.
Eito continues sipping,looking at Sachiko. "I actually have a question for you." "You're from the nineties right?"
Im just more used to knives *Urumi picks up the knifes and put them away, she soon takes out the papers that was in the box and begins to read them*
(edited by Urumi_Koto)
Yeah, that's right. Sometime around then. Quite a shock to tha system, suddenly endin' up in both the future and the big city...
Eito's phone rings.After pulling it out and seeing who it is,Eito speaks. "Sorry,gotta take this." OOC:That's my excuse not to post for a bit.Sorry.
*Urumi puts the papers into her backpack and checks whats in her backpack*
So what have you checked out so far? The city seems a lot different than back in our time. I was surprised by how much has changed! His smile becomes a bit sad. I wonder how everyone is doing back in our time...
*Urumi looks at Mayu* Hey Mayu what do you do normally when your not working?
Eito smirks as he looks at both Ryoma and Sachiko. "Man,there is so much you guys haven't experienced." "There is a new series of Star Wars movies,there has been an explosion in super hero movies,video games have advanced so much!" Eito's eyes turn pink as he begins excitedly spouting out the advancements of the 2000's "Also,now that I think about both of you would be 20 years older if you reached my time..."
(edited by Eito)
Ha. Not working. Good one. I'm always SUPPOSED to be working because the boss sucks, but I always find new ways to slack off. *Mayu smirks* The boss can't stop me.
Ryoma laughs shyly at Eito listing off everything they missed. All in due time, Eito. Work before play! That's how I live my daily life!
She laughs a bit at Eito's nerd eruption before leaning to whisper to Ryoma. I ain't got a clue what he's on about, what 'bout ya?
Oh *Urumi takes out a necklace that she made out of her backpack* I have mostly been making stuff like this necklace... I don't know why I keep making them
He leans to the girl and offers a small laugh himself before whispering. I'm as lost as you I'm afraid, Miss Kurenai. I guess it's something from his world or timeline? I don't really know what to tell you my dear! Haha...
Eito takes the last coffee cup and downs it in one go,the caffeine seemingly getting to him. "Anyway,got stuff to do,can't spend all my time here unfortunately." "See y'all later!" Eito turns around and jogs off.
I'll head out as well. I'm hunting for some loser with a robotic snake. Catch you later. *With a wave, Mayu walks off.*
Ryoma waves the man off with a smile. Farewell, Eito! Stay safe out there! He looks down and begins wiping his counter. That probably wasn't a healthy amount of caffeine. He'll be fine. I hope.
*Urumi puts the necklace away and drink the hot coco that is still hot somehow*
He looks up and waves to Mayu. You too, take care Mayu!
She grins and waves as the two depart See ya nerds!
*Urumi sighs as she looks up at the sky*
What do you think of this world so far, Miss Kurenai? The man continues to clean his station. I know it was certainly a surprise. I've seen a fair share of interesting things since I've been here. How about you?
Well, it's been fun ta look around at everythin'. Can't say I prefer the hustle 'n' bustle over the quiet countryside, but new experiences, and explorin'... Always a good time.
I'd be inclined to agree. A lot more culture comes from smaller towns. He finishes wiping down his stall and starts to put his things away. And I've done quite a bit of exploring around this world. And it would seem that not everything here is as it seems.
*After finishing the hot coco, Urumi throws the paper cup into the trashcan*
*Urumi sighs*