A cheery young woman wanders down the city streets with a grin on her face, it's a nice day out by her standards. Chilly, and the sea isn't churing around all that much either. Upon the other hand though she'd spot a somewhat familar figure and decide to walk over and greet him with a slight shrug and lopsided grin. "Yo there, you sound all serious and stuff from what I overheard. I'm feeling pretty bored and I don't wanna go looking for work today so, feel like giving me an excuse ta slack off?" There's a wry smirk as Akia looks over at Kazuo and absently takes a sip from a bottle of what looks like beer she'd conjured from thin air without a second thought. "Really though, I don't know ya too well at all. And that can amusing sometimes make talking useful, get an unbiased view and all right? Oh and you want any? I don't see anyone here bout to lecture me." She just chuckles a bit while awaiting a reply from the boy.

Kazuo would be unable to notice the silver-haired, well dressed misantrophe, anyone onlooker may be able to hear his voice but his form was still mostly obscured by the shadows formed by the clouds. He ominiously whispers to Kazuo from behind, a dark chill following in his words. "Now, now, I didn't say I would be that difficult." He steps out of the darkness, seemingly forming from nothing, a fact which would be unclear as it simply looked like he was always there. "At any rate, as long as you're involved with my sister I can't quite allow you to be ignorant."

[He would wave his hand in front of his face as he feels Akia suddenly appeared. He knows this is Sen's friend. At first he was weary and almost anxious, like he was caught talking to someone no one should know about. Still, he was willing to drink. True, no one would nag them anyways, and he didn't exactly look like a kid anymore either. As he tries to reach out for the bottle, Apollo startles him. He almost even takes out his rapier to face whoever it was but, quite obviously, it wasn't anyone that signified much danger.] Akia, Apollo... This is so sudden. [He relaxes and simply takes the bottle off of Akia's hands before taking a quick drink from it, then returning it.] I have the time, it's not like I'm on the hurry to do anything. [He rests against the railing while looking at both. His usual calm expression was there but he seemed a bit down.] ... I know Akia was bored, but what about you?

Apollo snorts, shrugging before loosening up, putting his hands in his pockets as he attempts to rest on the railing right next to Kazuo. "Just now, you said you wanted extra help. What better chance for me to earn your faith." He then takes a glance at Akia, giving her a mocking smirk. "Heh, a drunk? The self-destructive nature of humanity is baffling... I suppose their desperation makes for quite the fervent prayers, though."

The woman would grin a bit before taking it back. Apollo though, that's a new one. "Huh, naming yerself after a god... Either you have an ego that could rivial the volumes of booze I've had over my short little life. Or you're a god, and round here I almost think the second one given how strange this city is. Ah well." She just shrugs at Apollo's accusation. "Eh, I ain't destroying myself. Not really, let's just say that this stuff hurts me a lot less than it would most people. Bet I can get your ass drunk though pal, god or no." She'd smrik a little bit while just leaning back against the railing herself and eyeing Apollo a bit for a reaction. There's just something about him that annoys her a bit, but ah well. She'd then address Kazuo casually. "Anyway sure go on man, I'm almost curious if Mr. High an Mighty has any good advice or anything."

My faith? So, you want me to start praying. Your sister may have a better chance at getting me to do something like that, but... I appreciate the sentiment anyways. [Kazuo would close both eyes and smirk, acting all cool all of a sudden. Could it be the effect of the alcohol on a young man who doesn't really drink? Could be, but right now, he didn't feel a single bit of anxiety or awkwardness.] What I want help with is... Figuring out where to even take my life, you know? Recently I met a... girl that's a bit different from all the other people I usually face around here. And her appearance and what she brings makes me feel strange. Then there's Asami, the only person I can actually even call a friend around here, who showed up at random too. She's been nice to me and strangely accepting too. [Kazuo would take off his hat and keep his eyes again glued at the ocean.] I'm just... feeling confused, that's all. Conflicted, even. Not used to all this.

Apollo would chuckle at Akia's snide remark "Says the one named after a convenience store." He then remains silent, letting her continue with her dialogue as well as allowing Kazuo to go on. "What's to be conflicted about? You have a path to walk and those with whom to walk. If you ask me, you're just overthinking." His gaze would drop to the side as he cocks his head.

The young woman would smile a bit with closed eyes while listening to Kazuo talk, after a while she'd just speak up in a serious voice. It's a sharp contrast to the cherry carefree teasing he'd seen at the ramen joint. "Ah, yeah I can relate to that kinda. I mean not here but once upon a time... Honestly, take it and run with it is my advice. See what comes of that stuff, for good or ill trying to make something from it is always better than just ignoring it. Ignoring may be easy, but it's not any fun." She'd sit on the railing with starting grace for a woman who's almost always drinking, not to mention taking another swig of whiskey before going on a bit more. "Ya ask me, truth is no bond is unbreakable. People change, feelings change, but that... Some would tell you that means it isn't worth having any bonds to begin with yea? That's dumb, we all know how life is gonna end evetually, even if the same were true of relationships with others it'd be just like life. All about the journey. Or that's my take at least." With another slight sip she'd go quiet for a bit, just staring out at the sea as well and absently listening for the others to reply.

... I came to grips with my path to be a solitary one, completely separate from both side of the coin. That's why I'm so conflicted. I told myself I didn't need anyone and won't ever as long as I have my power. [He shakes his head.] The smallest show of trust and affection got me acting strange, honestly. What am I even saying...? [He reaches out to the bottle again, this time keeping it as he drinks some more.]

Akia would giggle a bit upon hearing that, she can't help finding it funny honestly. Sounds like herself as an early teen, not that she'd generally admit to it. "Geez, quit being so relateable would you? Speaking from personal experience I can tell you this, supernatural power is great and all but being able ta do weird shit doesn't replace the simple fact that humans are social creatures by nature. You're just one man, no matter what kind of power you got ya can't do everything alone. Not and hope to stay sane, anyway." She'd gladly let the younger man hang onto the bottle, not as though Akia can't just make more whenever she wants to anyways. And it's not as if she expected to end up getting all serious up here today, but oh well. It's kinda fun trying to actually talk to somebody about something beyond small talk.

Apollo dissuadingly smiles at Kazuo, assuring him that his prior assumption that he would be alone no longer held up. "You had accepted an uncertainty. No matter what the result of that is, it's still your deliberate action." He half-smiles, staring Kazuo in the eye. "And yet, does that really change anything? You can always make your own answer. In the end, you have all the control as you did in the past."

Staying sane, and having control, huh...? I wonder. [His look was still somewhat lost as he pondered these ideas, and spoke to his inner voice of sorts. Was he really sane anymore? He certainly could never go back to a normal life, and that's why Sen made him feel that strange longing for more simple times. And having control, he had to wonder the extent of his own freedom too. After all, he had signed a contract, although from his own will, wasn't will also binding?] Do you two ever wonder about fate or something like that? I'm sure you Apollo have some duties as...whatever it is you are, and you have your bounties. But do you expect to reach any new height, or a big goal? Do you ever feel like being where you are is exactly what you were supposed to be? [He lets out a sight of exasperation. Of course he knew fate, at this point, was very much real. At least, it applied to him and the people from his world. The issue with it being that they were mostly unaware.] Ignore me, let's talk about something else for now. ... How is Asami doing, and Sen? I've been kind of wondering about that.

"Separate from both sides of the coin? Maybe we are similar after all. Though seems your confused, mind if I throw my two cents in? What's wrong with having a bit of fun and still caring about yourself? That's the best way to live." The green haired man would begin walking towards the group, of course, he'd stop just short of where they were, holding his mirror in hand and smiling. "I guess it's just like someone so young to get overly emotional. Perhaps you need a reminder of what's really important. A reminder of where fate really intends for you to go." He'd hold up the pocket mirror as he said this, keeping the reflective side pointed at himself.

Akia would cackle a little bit before responding about fate and all that, she can't help herself from saying something on it. "So, I don't speak for anywhere else but back in my home? 'Fate' as some would say is just inertia frankly. It's the natural tendency of the world to go in a certian way when any given action is taken and the power to change it isn't any Epithet magical artifact or something stranger. Life is what it is, and nobody is supposed to be anywhere. Or that's my thought." She'd smile a bit while staring over at the green-haired man and replying to him though. "Heh, a reminder? I'm always curious about takes like that honestly, what in the world can possibly make you think there's any grand design to it all? I'm not trying to be a jerk either, just... Honestly very curious." She'd sound honest while saying that, mostly because she is. The Inscribed has her own reasons for not putting stock into such things, but those who do are usually interesting in their own ways.

Apollo sincerely smiles at Kazuo, his demeanor being more friendly. "Asami? She's doing great. Between the two of us, she's better off, in fact. I certainly don't share her penchant for technology." He would briefly sigh "Speaking of which, she text you any yet?" He then aggressively glares at the green haired man, taking a threatening step in his direction and holding a fist to his own chest. "What I need is for creeps like you to mind your own business. Or do you truely wanna see me go out at this hour? Speaking of which, what time is it?"

A... reminder... ? [He would turn to face Marcus, intriguied by his choice of words. He was of course glad Asami was doing just fine with her phone, although he cannot really say if she's texted him yet. Better off to say she hadn't but...whatever was the case, everything seemed to be null the moment the man's offer became a factor.] What do you mean, exactly? [He would finish the last of the bottle as he stares at the man with interest. Not having much else to add in general.]

Marcus' expression seemed to light up as those around him seemed to at least show some signs of intrest. He'd quickly look over at the one attempting to fight him off but would simply smile a laugh in response. "Geeze, man. Chill out, you could cut a roast with those daggers your shooting my way. I'm not really one for violence normally either honestly." He'd finally get ready to explain himself closing the lid on the pocket mirror to cover the reflective surface up. "This little mirror and I are interconnected I guess you could say. It's purpose is simple. The one you have true appreciation for the beauty of shows up for whoever gazes into it directly. So, if you were to look into it you might be able to remember what it is that truly matters to you. Maybe would help you make up your mind on a few things. People forget things rather easily, after all."

Apollo would frown and cross his arms, raising an eyebrow at Marcus. "Yeah, like common sense. Or did you think I couldn't see right through you?" He would then hold his arm out in front of Kazuo, temporarily obstructing his path "If you have any knowledge about mythology, you'd know to stay as far away from these types as you can."

Remember what is truly important...? I've...had the feeling I'm missing some details somehow. Of myself, and what I really want... so I... [He would look at Apollo directly to his eyes as he stands in his way, right before he begins to walk forward. He looks down again, holding his head, like speaking to something which he assumes is himself. His inner voice. But... is it really his own? Certainly, although he says he walks between two ends, he doesn't exactly know what he himself means. And in getting to know Sen, and then Asami... he became conflicted.] Apollo, I think it's starting to make some sense, maybe. Besides... if I were to stay away from this kind of people... shouldn't I also stay away from you and Asami...? Mythology has plenty of bizarre types of deities, demons and creatures. [He would hold Apollo's arm before moving past it, focused on Marcus.] But if I need to pick a path then... shouldn't I know the truth...? Whatever it may be...?

Without any further objections, Marcus would hold the closed pocket mirror up towards Kazuo. "One can only make a real decision for themselves after they find their own truth. Of course, you'll never know anything if you don't reach out for it yourself. But, you already know that's the way of the world, right? All you have to do is open the mirror and you'll see for yourself." The mirrors cover only needed to be pulled up and its reflective surface would be shown.

"I figured you'd put two and two together, but it's clear you're more hopeless than I made you out to be." He lets out an exasperated sigh "Need I remind you that merely 2 days ago a demon was summoned and approached our group in public? No one responsible for that could have good intentions. You didn't see anyone do it, did you? So they must've been carefully observing us, concealing not only their intentions but their identity as well." He then points at Marcus accusingly. "Know any other suspects, Kazuo? Cause I can smell this one's darkness from a mile away."

[He tries to reach out to the mirror until Apollo's voice stops him, explaining to him what he should be able to figure out on his own. He is a single move away from looking into the mirror, but he stops himself at the last moment.] But... there is no telling if this was the one responsible. I know I spoke to the demon... Pabilsag, I think. Even they didn't say much regarding their master. [He would turn to Marcus, now trying to get it from him.] ... Were you the one who sent that demon out for no other reason than to die...?

Marcus would think for a moment before figuring out what they were talking about. "I don't summon demons. I'm a man with a mirror. All I can do is reflect the truth." There wasn't even a hint of dishonesty in his voice or expression, however, he'd pull away from a moment and seem to get ready to leave. "I didn't come here to get accused though. If you all want to start throwing accusations at me then maybe its better if I do move on. I just wanted to help you out, from one outsider to another."

Akia would just laugh a bit before she decides to finally speak up again, actually seeming rather amused by the exchange. "Geez, do you just walk around accusing people of being evil normally Sunshine? Or is it because he's... Got a mirror? Hell if I know, wanna say that I'm evil cuz I make booze appear next?" She'd just shrug before walking up to Marcus and glancing towards the mirror with a curious face. "Well regardless of what they end up doing I'm still curious, name's Akia Sato. And I'll take a gander at this mirror of yours if ya don't mind, I've never been one to worry too much so what as well prove it ain't all that dangerous myself." She'd just wait while glancing at the man with a curious look, and offering the other two for a moment... It's meant to be a reassuring smile, but she can't help coming off a bit like a bored woman just hoping for excitement at the moment.

Marcus would stop at that and turn back around. His smile seemed to return in full force and he'd bring the mirror back out as he looked back at Akia. "Well, seems you get common courtesy, Akia. And I'm not one to refuse someone if they want to see my mirror trick. Not that big a deal to me either way." He'd extend the mirror to her as well, the cover still in place. All it would need is to be lifted up and the reflective surface of the mirror would be revealed. "Oh yeah, I'm Malachai Masahiko but I'd prefer just Marcus. Less of a mouthful that way."

Apollo's glare remains suspicious and fixed on Marcus, his attention really averted mostly to Kazuo. "I don't expect you to take my word for it. In the end, it is your decision. However, I remain convinced of this man's guilt. Even if he does turn out innocent, you'd still be taking a dangerous gamble." He sighs once more, this time exhausted and defeated. "Still, what kinda friend would I be if I allowed you to take that risk?" He takes an inquisitive look at IKEA's direction "Very well, since she seems set on taking the first peek, should nothing happen I will look at it afterwards to ensure there's no threat."

I don't know what to choose... [He was glad Apollo had called him a friend, and that somewhat felt like he was... being moved to one of the ends he is still considering. He didn't quite know what this meant but he could feel it, almost like a scale of some kind. The voice within him aches, like it wants out. Even still, Kazuo shakes his head, paying attention to Akia.] Yes, maybe it's not anything too bad. ... Haha... Maybe I'll see your sister in it, would we stop being friends if that happened? [He was tense, but alcohol was certainly making him more daring in regards to his own jokes.]

Akia shrugs a bit and stares into the mirror, within she'd see it displaying as she starts to look away settle upon a woman with dark red hair going straight down to her back, holding a sword in one hand and with a scar across her left eye that shows she's clearly been in some fights. The Inscribed just sighs and conjures up a bottle of wine upon seeing that, sipping some of it with a wistful look. "Huh... Ah guess it always comes back to someone eh? Oh well, I don't know if ya'all saw that little show or not but if so I'm not explaining it. And if not, then don't ask about it alright boys? Girl's gotta have her secrets. And thanks I think Marcus, didn't tell me anything I didn't know but eh. Cool anyways." Assuming nothing else happened she'd head back to the railing with a slight smile on her face and wave to Marcus casually. As for Kazuo's comment, the woman would just chuckle a bit at that.

The mirror for anyone else who tried to look into it would only have shown them a blinding light for the moment. Marcus would just laugh slightly. "Never said it was guaranteed to reveal something new. The mirror doesn't lie, just as something obvious is well...obvious? Anyway, you probably get the point." He'd turn to face Apollo, his expression calm but his words sharp. "Well, look at that, she's not dead and doesn't seem cursed either."

Apollo laughs, looking between the drunkard and Kazuo. "I wouldn't mind it, really, it could mean anything considering the vagueness of this man's words." He would then turn to Marcus, narrowing his eyes in suspicion and speaking with a just as sharp, condescending tone. "Of course not, she wouldn't be your intended target. As for me, I doubt you even can kill me. Now, let me have a look, alright?" Beneath the deity's iris laid a mirror, of sorts, of his own, albeit hidden from sight. He would stare at Marcus, waiting for him to make direct eye contact.

[Kazuo would cross his arms, waiting to see what was about to happen. It didn't seem like much but even then, Akia was a normal human being, as normal as you can be that is. However, Apollo was probably closer to a god. This had to be interesting, right?] I wonder what I would see...

Marcus would show no hesitation in making eye contact and bringing the mirror forth. He wouldn't even bother covering it now meaning that all Apollo had to do was look down. "Of course. Already said I don't mind who looks. And it's not really about whether or not I could kill you. I don't really want to kill anyone, no reason to do something like that."

Apollo would see what he could appreciate the true beauty of: A vast, empty darkness engulfing everything with bright, white points painting it like a canvas. As for the mirror in his own eyes, it would not show Marcus anything, rather, it would resonate in Apollo's own mind everything that Marcus would know about himself. This included both Marcus' own intentions as well as his emotions. Even what he may not know he knows, such as repressed memories. In a sense, Apollo had stared into his very soul. Whatever he may learn, he would keep this knowledge to himself and simply snort, focusing simply on whether he could confirm his suspicions and how the mirror worked. "Heh, how intriguing."

Unfortunately, Apollo would see nothing. Just an empty void where the man had been standing as if he was simply erased from any attempt one made at reflecting him or even that which he was associated with. "Weird, mirrors supposed to show a person. Guess the rules for you are different whatever you are." He seemed completely unaware at what Apollo had tried to do as he stepped closer to the water. He cast no reflection on the water's surface either. "Well, no danger as you can see. It's just as straightforward as I said."

"Hu... what the hell!?" Apollo would seem greatly agitated and irrational, his fists being tightly clenched and his blood pressure heightened. He would then cast a glance over towards the water. He would then quickly check by the man's feet to see if he even cast a shadow. He would then bellows at the green haired man "Marcus! Why do you not have a reflection? What are you hiding from me!?" Seeming greatly more tense then before, every ounce of Apollo seemed to be prepared to react violently and effectively, his grit teeth signaling his emotional state.

Even Apollo seems to be alright. ... Fine, I will find out this truth within me then, maybe I will understand more than what I do now. [Kazuo would nod with determination as he turns to the mirror, just waiting on Marcus to turn it to himself. He had no other goal in mind right now. Indeed, even his power was based around his understanding of reality.]

"I told you didn't I? I'm the man with the mirror. The one holding the mirror up obviously can't be reflected..." He'd leave it at that for a moment...before laughing out loud and giving a more serious answer. "Kidding, that would be pretty funny though if that was my only explanation. Honestly, don't know, don't really remember either. Been a thing as long as I can recall, though I don't remember home having any mirrors... That's probably the reason why. Not a big deal anyway. Not having a reflection isn't the weirdest thing you've seen here, is it?" Now he would turn towards Kazuo, mirror still in hand. He'd begin walking over to allow Kazuo to look directly into it. "Well, if everyone else has done it you might as well now too, huh? Though, probably more to it than that at this point. I'm almost envious of you right now in a way."

{At the seaside park, there was a girl sitting on a wooden boat. She seemed to be filled with bliss where she sat, camera recorder and everything. Grasping at thin air, she pretends to speak softly into a microphone while looking off into the distance.} "And here we have the idiot with friends that never really liked him. It's not like he liked them enough either. It's the circle of life, y'know? It's so wonderous, how these morons interact with each other. Might as well get a sketch of it." {She takes out a notepad and a pen, flipping it to a blank page and drawing just only who she was talking about. Kazuo. A little humming, and the girl was finished. She showed her picture of a crudely drawn...alligator, to the camera filming Kazuo and gang.} "Ah, wonderful."

With an explanation given, some of the tension would be released from Apollo. Still, he spoke in an irate fashion with more brevity given to his phrasing. "I don't care! No matter how weird someone is, I could always see their true self, so why...?" He was cut off by his own breakdown, his own hand clawed at his forehead. He closes his eyes as his breathing becomes more short and heavy.

[Kazuo would gaze into the mirror and would slowly be able to make the imagine of a naked woman of long black hair inside of a garden, it quickly becoming a wasteland and the woman herself is covered in black, formal clothes, even black lipstick as her own hair spikes. Her skin is extremely pale and her gaze is like that of a viscious viper, eyes pale blue in color. Really the woman by herself was beautiful to a point that she didn't even seem human, and more like the incarnation of a complete fantasy. Then, it hits him all of a sudden. He remembers talking to a man with a face that he didn't even remember, like it was static and then falling for what felt like an eternity. He remembers the halls of an empty, lost high school in complete white and meeting the woman woman there, and her touching his face. Kazuo would then hold his head as he looks down to the ground, feeling an intense headache, enough to make him grit his teeth and take a knee. After a while, he would try to control his own breathing.] I... So that was it...? I always felt like it sounded familiar...! [It made it clear he seemed almost like he had just seen hell itself in the mirror. His expression was darker than usual, and his hair went from somewhat curly to a more static state. Like his hair was trying to get tense itself into a more spiky form]

Marcus would pull the mirror back, look it in it for a moment and then snap it closed with a smile. "Well, hope that was beneficial to you. I personally feel a lot better now." He'd also glimpse at Apollo who seemed to be having a breakdown. "Who knows? Maybe it's just something beyond even your level. Sometimes it's like the universe itself is trying to keep me from answers. Hoping one day I can have a discussion with the powers that be. Something tells me they aren't the easy to sit down and talk with though." It would be unclear whether or not the man was joking as he'd be playfully smiling the whole time.

Apollo would appear to calm down slightly, his demeanor returning to the one in which he would normally deal with strangers. "I suppose there's no other option. Fenrir." Similar to how Apollo had appeared out of nowhere before, a wolf-like being manifested from the darkness. Fenrir (demon language): "FRieND. WHaT iS YouR WiSH?" Apollo (whispered demon language): "Gleam what you can about the green haired individual. Report to me immediately if there is sufficient cause for suspicion." Fenrir: "aS You WiSH." The wolf then walks up to Marcus and stares at him intimidatingly. Apollo: "Very well, Marcus, I will allow you to keep Fenrir for companionship, as a show of good faith."

The man would sigh, it seemed he wasn't being given much of a choice here. He almost wanted to make a joke about being allergic to dogs but that probably wouldn't do much aside from angering them further. "Letting me take your dog for a walk? Well, guess I could use the extra protection, just in case. Well, I better get going. Seems things are wrapped up here well enough. See ya, Apollo? Right? That's what the the kid called you." With that Marcus would leave for now, unsure wether or not the wolf would follow him or not.

[Eventually, Kazuo would go back to normal as he puts his hat back on his head again. Before, he was confused and conflicted, but now... of course he still was, he merely remembered an important part of himself and how he ended up in this place to begin with.] ... Apollo, say hi to your sis for me. I need to go home now. I have to deal with my... mom, so to say. I need a few answers. [And so, Kazuo would quickly walk away from the area. However, he felt a chill run down his spine, like somebode was watching him...again.] That girl is...worrying.

The wolf with an affinity for ice and ability to become nearly homogenous with shadows followed along with Marcus, temporarily obeying whatever commands he may issue to a tee so long as they do not conflict with his true master's. Essentially, it would behave like it was Marcus' own demon for the time being, save being unbound by a contract. Afterwards, Apollo would absently gaze from the direction Marcus left in. "I guess my role here is done. Although, I had hoped a different kind of help would be requested. Oh, and-" He then cranes his neck to the Inscribed "If it means anything, I don't consider you powerful enough to be a threat." With that last piece of what Apollo thought to be consolation for his prior demeanor, he jaunted off in his own direction, heading to answer some prayers he had accumulated throughout the week.