cerealia prompts

[queensordnance]

a.) [ Shopping District.

It may or may not be well known, the fact that Kiiko does enjoy shopping. Not only is it a pleasant activity but it also allows her a brief reprieve from all of the testosterone she's usually surrounded by back home. Not that she doesn't love and respect them all dearly, but there is only so much male bravado the she can take.

Here, however, she seems to be doing more browsing than actually shopping. ]

b.) [ Entertainment District.

Old habits die hard, maybe that's why she's keeping an eye out for criminals versus actually partaking in any of the entertainment. The loud music and lights leave little to be desired but Kiiko is hardly deterred by the so-called "most dangerous" title the district holds. Someone would be in for a rude awakening should they underestimate her.

A pleasant smile or a slight nod, she switches between the two to greet the occasional passerby. But her eyes are passing over the other inhabitants just a second later, searching for familiar faces. ]

My, my.. what a lively place. [ Loud and obnoxious, as if it were the personification of Tenka. ]

c.) [ Pleasure District.

.. no, she isn't there for the most obvious reason. Pleasure is the furthest thing from her mind, it's the setting that has lured her here. The familiarity of the Cherry blossoms, despite being virtual, offer a more pleasing scenery than some of the others she has seen. It's a reminder of an earlier, much more carefree point in time full of pleasant memories.

With a thoughtful smile. ]

What would you have thought of this, I wonder?

Comments

b

[sunshrouded]

[It's almost like she rang.

Tenka's wandering right out of a bar - but looking remarkably... sober. Nah, he's pulling his hair out of the bun that it was in, deciding to abandon his vague attempt to look more respectable for his job, and if anything he just seems tired. Not even remotely on edge despite the apparent dangers of the district. Nah, he's just as at home here as he is anywhere else. Before he even notices Kiiko, he flashes a grin at a passerby and there's some joke cracked--

When is Tenka not in his element when people are involved!

Still though, when he catches her eye, his grin just widens more as he gives her a friendly wave.]

Oiii, Kiiko! What're you doing here? I don't need to be walked home.

[what does it say that tenka puts kiiko in the guard position in their relationship like honestly]

[queensordnance]

[ Oh, no. Can she take it back?

As usual he appears to be as casual as ever, the wild appearance his hair takes after being freed from the bun only emphasizes that. She takes a moment to glance at the person he was previously joking with, completely unsurprised that he's familiar with a face she doesn't recognize. She might be worried if it were anyone else handing out friendship like it was candy.

Really, Tenka. Be more mindful of who you befriend.

The statement earns him a look, one he should be very familiar with. ]

For once, though it's early yet. Don't look so proud. [ No, she did not come to check up on him. Yes she did. ]

Where are you off to?

[sunshrouded]

Bahahaha!! No worries, no worries. My usual drinking buddies left me by myself tonight. No temptation to get drunk. Even Soramaru would be proud!

[Yeah, he's looking proud even after she just told him not to. Welcome to the life and times of Kumou Tenka. Still though, he's approaching her after putting his hair right back into it's dumb crab-like hairstyle. What was even the point of taking the bun out when he was going to put it back up, at least it looked neater before...]

I'm probably just gonna head back to the apartment, though.

[To his makeshift home that's practically overflowing with people now. So he offers her a grin then as he tilts his head.]

Wanna come with? Sousei's probably still awake.

[queensordnance]

None at all? Are you unwell?

[ Despite the jest she's looking exasperated, as he continues on despite her telling him to do otherwise. This is why she's in the guard position, you man child. ]

That would be for the best, I won't walk you home if you change your mind.

[ Stop taking in strays, Tenka. The grin earns him a defeated smile. ]

I think I've had enough entertainment for one evening. [ Then, while walking in the direction of the residential district. ] You look tired.

[sunshrouded]

[Okay that just makes Tenka snort as he shakes his head.]

Hey, hey, I don't get drunk on the job!

[How's he supposed to throw people out for being rowdy when he'd probably be insanely rowdy and drunk himself? Gotta have some kind of credibility. Still though, he shrugs faintly at her observation.]

Well you know, long, busy day. I'm a very important person!

[yeah alright calm down, asshole, you're not even as important here as you are in Otsu]

[queensordnance]

How thoughtless of me, you wait until after.

[ Oh, he would certainly find a way to do so. The shrug results in a frown which she is quick to direct up at him. ]

That much is your own fault, you have no one else to blame in your befriending of everyone.

[ Try to tell her otherwise, just try. He's only busy because he has a tendency to make the business of others his own. He will never remember that he isn't in Otsu anymore. ]

Just don't run yourself ragged.

c;

[deontology]

[Sousei is about as out of place in the pleasure district as a Sousei could be. He does not belong here, but--nonetheless, there are people he knows who work here, and nonetheless it would be remiss to not properly explore the entire city.

Even if this part of the city is really awkward.

He's mildly surprised to see Kiiko here, especially with a smile on her face, but he's not really going to question it (kiikos gonna kiiko).]

Sasaki.

[A thoughtful look, at that.]

What are you doing? [this is a curious question, and not a Captain Question. There's a definite difference.]

[queensordnance]

Captain.

[ If he is surprised, then she is shocked. Sousei, she never pegged you to be such a person.

Neither of them should be here but, as they are, she may as well make the best of it. It's likely that neither are here for what this district is intended for. She has an idea of why he may be here, however. ]

Thinking. [ A pause. ] I should have chosen a better venue.

[deontology]

[Don't look so skeptical!!! He's not........here for that.... Though he's at least aware of where "here" is and why it's so questionable.

Vaguely, he crosses his arms.]

Perhaps. It isn't as if you aren't capable of handling this place. [he's pretty sure anyone hitting on Kiiko or implying Questionable Things would regret it pretty fast, so if Kiiko wants to think in the pleasure district, that's fine.]

Are you finished thinking?

[that's sousei for "do you wanna come patrol with me"]

[queensordnance]

[ She's not here to judge his habits.

It's true, she isn't the type of person who would frequent an unfamiliar place without being prepared for the worst. ]

Being armed has done me few favors, some people will never learn. [ A hint of exasperation. One would think her carrying loaded firearms would deter said questionable people. ]

I am. [ Ah, a most welcome diversion. ] Where do you intend to go?

[deontology]

I cannot say that surprises me.

[yeah the people here are morons who never learn. He sure wouldn't approach an armed Kiiko to flirt with her BUT APPARENTLY some people don't value their lives.

As for that--]

The city is not large, but there are many winding pathways and alleyways. I have been attempting to memorize them during my time here.

[because he's neurotic, partly, but mostly because they might need to know the lay of the land someday when things get dangerous.]

a

[hoasen]

[kicks out the peanut gallery above.

While Kiiko is browsing, Vietnam here is with a purpose to leave with something (but what is this something, we wonder?) She normally plans more than she browses, not that she minds the activity itself.]

Hmm...

[At the moment, she's looking at some sale items. Coats on sale! They're not exactly well made though.]

These are still rather pricy.

[queensordnance]

[ Adieu, sausage fest!

Normally she wouldn't eavesdrop but, being a fellow shopping indulger, it would be a crime if she didn't comment on that very thing. Not that she is the fashion police, but gurl drop that coat. ]

Pricy and likely not worth it. [ She smiles over at her. ]

It would be pointless to spend excessively on something that won't hold up, wouldn't it?

[hoasen]

[It was nice knowing you! /WAVES TO THEM.

Yes, the cons outweigh the single pro here of something affordable after the price dropped. Thankfully, another voice means her eventual decision to drop the junk becomes reality. SAFE.]

You are definitely right. [AND it's put down. Go trick someone else, price tag.] It is probably why they now cut the price down, it wasn't selling.

[queensordnance]

Most likely. If it's a coat you're looking for, follow me.

[ We're onto your blatantly trickery, sales people. They won't be walking long before Kiiko pauses near another rack of clothing and gestures to the selection.

She'll even go one step further, thumbing through selections until she's found a similar coat for her. ]

It isn't on sale. [ Holding it up to her, checking to see if the sleeves and length are satisfactory. ] But it's similar.

[hoasen]

[And she follows! Because this young woman so far is much more helpful than the tricky sales people, and she's pleasant too.

Oh, look at that, it's a lovely pick.] Oh! That is very nice. [She's giving it a look over as well.] The fabric and cut are of better quality for sure. It might not be on sale, but it is something I should still think about.

You have a wonderful eye for this.

c

[defeets]

[Jae-ha may or may not be around for the obvious reason. Perhaps that's already done and over with, perhaps he hasn't even gone into that hostess club at the corner of the street yet! Who knows.

Either way, he's not too far from Kiiko, sitting out of the path of the main walkway with his erhu in front of him, playing a song.

Then at the voice, he raises his head and just about falls in love. Hot damn.]

You're so at peace, beautiful lady.... and yet why do I feel as though this isn't your usual venture?

[Aside from the fact that he's absolutely certain he hasn't seen her before because he would remember a face like that.]

[queensordnance]

[ Kiiko was quite enjoying the song and may have even begun to smile, at least until the voice drags her free from her thoughts.

Being in this district has automatically made her less inclined to want to continue this conversation with him. Sorry, Jae-ha. Regarding him warily for a moment, she finally decides to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Never judge a book by its cover, maybe. If he's a creep, she's armed. ]

Oh? How did you come to such a conclusion? [ A beat. ] Though, it's correct.

[defeets]

["Well, I'm a frequent patron of this place myself and haven't seen you around before" isn't really the best answer to give when they're in the Red Light Distrct, is it.

Okay, new plan, Jae-ha.]

Call it an educated guess. Your air of refinement stands out and your beauty outshines even that of the flowers.

[He plays one long note from his erhu before adding thoughtfully:]

Though your eyes tell a story of nostalgia. Perhaps your home is closer to the peace here than the bustle of the city? [He smiles faintly.] In which case, I would think I find myself in good company.

[queensordnance]

[ Educated, huh? No, Kiiko, don't be mean. Suddenly, she looks amused. ]

The time you spend playing music would be better spent working on your lines.

[ She's not feeling wooed, Jae-ha. Get to wooing. He is right, however, she has managed to find some semblance of peace here. She folds her arms. ]

You're observant. I find myself wondering if I should be impressed or concerned.

[defeets]

[The amused look manages to get a glance in her direction as he gives her a smile. Well, that's reminiscent of Captain Gi-Gan, isn't it? There goes his heart.

Still though, he just chooses to focus on her latter statements even as he laughs faintly and pulls his bow gently across the strings of the erhu again, letting another note ring through the air.]

I'd hope to never be cause for concern for a lady. [SO BE IMPRESSED- but no, it really does just align with his aesthetics.] That would certainly go against my way of life.

Kill him; c

[kaihentai]

What's a pretty girl like you doin' in a place like this?

[The blossoms are lovely, a faint reminder of home.

Supposedly. It's easy to forget just how fake they are- An imitation can never replace the real thing.]

Waiting for someone to pop your cherry?

Loading her guns!

[queensordnance]

[ The pretty girl comment, at least in this district, already has her on edge. It isn't so much that she feels threatened, more like she's certain there will be more cheesy lines to follow.

.. then he crosses the line. Looking utterly affronted. ]

Are you always so charming when it comes to meeting strangers?

[kaihentai]

[Sakamoto gasps loudly, raising a hand to his chest, affronted.]

Excuse you! I'm always charming when I come.

c.

[beaconed]

[ Much like Kiiko, Jaune isn't here much for pleasure as he is for business. It's a long story, however he has accidentally landed himself a job in this district and has been familiar with it for a few weeks now. He's aware of the fake pleasantries and ulterior motives in this town... nobody's really loved for their personality, only for the contents of their wallet. So when he hears Kiiko speak up, he naturally assumes that she's just another worker, ready to charge him for her time... be it physical or emotional! ]

M-Me? Why are you asking me? Do you-- I-I don't have any money! You're lovely, but please don't waste your time!!

[queensordnance]

What?

[ .. ah, now it makes sense. Jaune, meet Kiiko's unamused stare.

She just stares at him for a moment, wanting to thwack him for being rude but the stuttering saves him. Considering she's female and visiting said district, it was likely an honest mistake. Still.. ]

In the future, you shouldn't go around making assumptions.

C

[allfortheclan]

[ On his way to work, after some discussion with his brother and assurance that his twin can, in fact, go places by himself -- after living in a cave and then a prison, the sense of direction is not strong in his brother. But things are... progressing. So it's time for the employed twin to go back to work.

He has less familiarity with Sasaki than Abe, but he at least knows all the Yamainu's faces by heart. And all this just means... more Kumou. (Even if Sasaki and Abe are Yamainu in name, Tenka clearly considers them family. So, Kumou.) ]

More Yamainu, I see.

[queensordnance]

[ The white hair is the first thing that catches her attention but it's the voice that causes her to turn and look at him. The only reason her hands don't reach for her weapons immediately is the Kumou brothers. It's more than a little obvious that being in his company is not something she finds particularly enjoyable.

Still. If he can be amicable, so can she. ]

What are you doing here?

[allfortheclan]

[ Shirasu raises an eyebrow at the question, and is very aware of her movements. ]

I work here. Or, were you referring to me being in Cerealia? Because I'm afraid I can't answer that question.

c

[datengu]

[ She's not the only one there for the cherry blossoms. Rather, he knows that he should not even be seen in the Pleasure District, in case people from his world shows up. An idol can't be seen in places like this, because it will turn into a scandal.

However, cherry blossoms has a very special place in Kurama's heart, and he can impossibly keep away. Although it's a bit of a painful place. He can hide that, though, and look calm, collected, and even peacefully cheerful.

Since he is close by, he hears what she says, but decides not to comment on her words. ]

Beautiful, isn't it?

[queensordnance]

If I didn't know any better, I'd have thought they were real.

[ Had she been aware that he decided not to comment, she would have been thankful. That subject is a particularly painful one. ]

[datengu]

[ Were they that realistic? Perhaps to humans, then. But to a supernatural being like him, it felt too different to be real. Not that he's going to say anything about that, either. ]

Yeah, they've done a good job at making all these holograms.

b!

[bunnymaster]

[ And in a lively place, lively people gather. One person who has gone there is Cat, who is in the middle of putting on a little dance show, complete with song and winks. She doesn't notice what Kiiko is saying, but at the chorus she comes over and urges her forward to dance with her. ]

.. oh, Cat.

[queensordnance]

[ .. what in the world?

Really, it's all she can think when this random girl walks up and tries to get her to join her. In the end, she holds up a hand to put an end to this before it even begins. She's the furthest thing from a dancer. ]

I'm going to have to decline.