genessia | 002 [action]

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002 [action]

Everglade - general

[Considering his first instinct on being assigned Everglade's jewel as one of his most prominent had been to dash the pendant against something until the gem smashed, Lancer would be the first to admit his surprise that it is here, rather than Fayren, that he has chosen to settle. True, it's not somewhere he'd choose to attach any subarchways he might generate but the fact that he both lives and works there is something he still can't quite believe, at times.

It would be different, if it were at a Master's behest. But in this place, he cannot even say it hasn't been of his own free will.

Which doesn't make it the easiest place for him to be. Just because he's learning to separate his hatred of Dracula from his feelings about vampires in general doesn't mean he's convinced he's not just making exceptions for the odd person and beyond that, his resemblance to the manifestation of his alter ego (denied as it is) earns him an uneasy reception for those who know their history.

When he's not working, he has a few favoured haunts. Given his general sense of style, Michaelis's Tailor & Company is a frequent stop for him now that he's earning some money and now he has some free time to spend reading, Periodicals and Paperbacks is somewhere else he tends to stop by when he has some reds to spare. And of course, on advisement from others who spend a lot of time in Everglade, he makes The Rabbit's Foot a frequent stop, too.

Wherever he is, he exudes the same air of authority and regal bearing as he always has; just because he is not King of anywhere in Genessia does not mean that old habits die quite so easily.]

Everglade - PD and Sheriff's Station

[Even as a lowly officer, Lancer has been doing all he can to ensure that he does not remain bottom of the pile for long. He's not disruptive - he patrols as he's ordered, handles whatever work is sent his way - but he's also doing little to disguise that he has ambitions beyond his current station.

Which he does mostly through being as helpful as possible. When there are unruly prisoners, he handles them with all the weight of authority he's used to, often before the higher-ups can even be alerted to a potential incident in the making. When those above him appear under deluge with their workloads, he's usually the first to see if there's a way for him to assist. And even as he's still uncertain of his personal feelings regarding certain non-humans, he makes the best effort he can to ensure that all of Everglade's laws - even the more distasteful ones - are being upheld.

He's not Lawful Neutral for nothing.]

Genessia City - Library/Bars

[For all that he's adapting to Everglade, Lancer still finds he needs to escape it for a while during his days off. And one of his most frequent choices of places to spend his time is in the library. Particularly those sections relating to history or religion, factual more than fiction if only because even in his spare time, he can't shake the need to be doing something useful. Which isn't to say he's closed off to conversation - if anything, anyone within the same section may find themselves hearing enquiry as to what makes for useful reading around here.

When he's not at the library, he can usually be found at one of the bars. He tends to prefer higher-class places over anything else, still accustomed to finer tastes even if he can't afford to indulge quite so often these days. He's a little more sociable here, though he still seems a little out of place - not uncomfortable, exactly, but it's clear that he's not used to the kinds of venues present throughout Genessia.]

Nova City - general

[Though he would never admit it, Lancer still finds the atmosphere of Nova City more intimidating than he might like. Truthfully, were it not for certain individuals giving him reason to visit, he wouldn't set foot there at all. But he does, because it's a challenge he wants to be able to conquer even if he might never come close to understanding even the tiniest percentage of what is possible here.

When he does brave Nova City, he can be found at one of two places: the museum, which allows him to absorb himself in older times, and the City Hall courtyard and other spaces around the central seat of power. Because in this place full of intimidating factors, it's the most intimidating area of them all where he feels most at home, taking time to read or just sit and reflect in hopes he'll start to feel even a little more comfortable here.]

[ooc: If anyone wants a more specific starter with Lancer let me know through PM or Plurk (

amazinglystrange) and I can set one up!]

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You're starting to become a permanent fixture here.

[Augustine states after catching a glimpse of Lancer at the courtyard. He was on his way to work when he stumbled upon this scene upon him. Still dressed to the nines but slightly subdue, Augustine greets the old king with a slight bow before daring to approach. He's somewhat proud to know that the beauty of Nova City has truly captured the old king's heart.

However, he's somewhat surprised that Lancer would make the trip here on his own. That means progress been made.]

How are you fairing, Lancer? It's been rather cool weather wise as of late. I fear Autumn is near.

[It comes as little surprise that Augustine, of anyone, would take note of Lancer's presence here. Given that it had been he who had been so keen that Lancer came to enjoy what Nova City has to offer, it had really been all but inevitable.

Lost to idle thought as he had been, Lancer soon looks up at the familiar voice, head inclined in greeting and allowing him to mask the flicker of amusement at the deference still shown. Truly, some might say Augustine does his ego no good but for one in a land where he is largely stripped of his renown, he can't help but take small comfort in what acknowledgement he finds of who he once was.

He stands, then, as Augustine approaches, a more genuine smile crossing his lips as he does so.]

So it would seem. Though I imagine there are many who favour the respite from the heat we have seen these past weeks.

[For his part, the change of season mostly serves to highlight the time he has spent here, something he has not much paused to think on before now.]

As to your question, I suppose you have already determined that I am growing ever more adventurous as I spend more time in this world.

[Spoken with a hint of amusement, an awareness of what it means that he has found his way here and without requiring an escort.]

[It's out for respect that Augustine greets Lancer with such grandeur and flourish. Lancer might not be a king anymore but he certainly was a king. That much he knows after sussing out this man's identity. It didn't take Augustine long to understand the truth due to their odd resemblance that neither wishes to admit.

However, Augustine never once thought he would be speaking to the actual man behind that fearsome legend and not the monster born from it. That is what amazes him about his friendly ties with Lancer. He's quite amazed that this old king would willingly give him the time of day despite his dislike for vampires.

It's quite...humbling.]

Indeed, indeed. [He admits as he stands besides Lancer, his gaze focused upon the sights around them.] I know I'm quite eager for summer to end.

[He's a winter baby, after all. Summer was never his favorite season, that would be Autumn.]

I'm glad to see you here, honestly. This odd realm has much to offer despite some of its absurdities. You're slowly becoming accustomed with it.

You will not have long for your wish to be fulfilled, then.

[And his own, if he's truly honest, though the passage of time has held a little less meaning since his resurrection as a Heroic Spirit. How that holds up here remains to be seen.

His smile turns a little more genuine at Augustine's admission. There's much that makes their association a strange one but in a world full of so much that he finds difficult to understand, that familiarity separated from the monster that is another shared connection of theirs is reassuring.]

I have been given good reason to do so. It is not always easy to determine which goals should take priority, here, when there is no urgency of war to guide my thoughts. For that, I must look elsewhere for meaning.

[And he supposes there are worse places to start than what few personal connections he's been able to forge.]

But forgive me, you were headed somewhere, were you not?

The lack of guidance in this world would bore even the most adamant of souls. Therefore, I hope you'll find what your seeking even if metaphorically.

[He knows that Lancer has taken a shining towards law enforcement within the Everglade. While he's certainly not against the idea, Augustine cannot help but wonder if the old king is purposely trying to wage a war. Probably, especially with Dracula hiding up within his castle. Nevertheless, Everglade will feel safer with Lancer there. That is something Augustine is quite pleased about.]

Ah, yes! [He quickly takes a moment to check the time on his phone.] I have work today but it's still a little early.

I always tend to come in too early just to get that half 'n hour worth of serenity.

We shall see. At the very least, I shall still be preparing for the worst.

[He's not entirely sure how, yet, given that part of said preparation would require relinquishing something of value and he's not yet certain of what would qualify that he would be willing to lose.

He isn't exactly planning to wage war, despite his establishment within Everglade. That doesn't mean he wants to be ill-prepared should war find him.]

A wise call. It is always best to take advantage of such serenity where it can be found. Despite that there is more of it available here, that does little to reduce its value. Do you have a busy day ahead?

[He's not sure what classes as a busy day for a museum curator but this is as good a means as any to learn.]

[It's all about playing it safe at this point. While Augustine won't readily admits that he fears the Count, he's content knowing that evil bastard stays locked up within his castle most of the times. However, should the day come that Dracula decides to step out from the shadows of his grand abode---that's might be the beginning of the end for them all.

Augustine knows that he won't be able to best the monster behind the legend but he will damn sure try. He has to at least try if push comes to shove but he dreads such an event. Absolutely dreads.]

Nothing wrong with being prepared, I can assure you.

[Augustine quickly chases such thoughts away once Lancer asks about his work. It's then that he wears a more placid expression. Despite the sometimes long hours and endless meetings, Augustine loves working as a museum curator. It's a passion he never thought he would find here in a world as awkward as Genessia. He's quite content.]

Not so busy today but we do have several esteemed guests coming to visit the Asterdome today. So, it could get a little hectic...especially since we need another tour guide.

[He frowns slightly as he takes up a more thoughtful expression.]

We honestly need more than just two guides at this point and perhaps should consider hiring for visitor services as well.

Certainly better than the alternative.

[And he'll admit it. There's a part of him that has its reservations about what the true impact of a Dracula who owns that identity might be upon his own powers - irrelevant as it may seem, while he sees no reason to be forced into using them, but the concern has nestled itself in his mind all the same. And with that concern comes determination to find a way to strengthen his position, to bolster his other strengths so that he might cast out or shut down the inner demon entirely.

It might not be possible. But he's going to give it a decent shot all the same.]

It does sound as though you could use more hands than you currently have at your disposal. Should I happen across anyone who appears as though they might be suitable, I will be certain to let them know that you are hiring.

[He'd offer, but now he has a foothold in a law enforcement agency he's determined to see just how far he can go with that ambition.]

You're telling me.

[He mutters under his breath once his thoughts stray a little. It still bothers him to this day that Rip refers to the Count as her "father". It's something he hasn't quite addressed with her but he's not very happy about Rip's relationship with that monster. Just thinking about the Everglade now brings it up towards the forefront again.

Maybe he ought to talk to her finally. Augustine cannot help but frown a little now. Just the thought alone nags at him terribly.]

That would be quite kind of you, Lancer. [He smiles somewhat.] However, don't feel pressured to do so.

I dare say you should be recruiting more for your task-force in Everglade. You are the sheriff now, yes?

[The frown alone tells Lancer that Augustine has something further on his mind, something he is not disposed to sharing. And Lancer won't force the matter - he will listen, but that does not make him entitled to another's thoughts, even if that someone might be loosely related, generations down the line and a universe apart.

And so the moment passes, prompting a less than dignified snort of disdainful amusement at Augustine's question.]

It's flattering that you think they would bestow such responsibility upon me so soon but alas, I am expected to work my way up the ranks as any other would. Which is a refreshing challenge, I will not deny.

[He's had to fight for much in his lifetime, but privilege and rank have never truly been amongst them.]

[Evenings and late nights always found Rip wandering the Everglade for either work or her own personal amusement. After all, her own gems signified her connection to this particular place and it was one Rip couldn't deny.

The only reason she didn't live within this haven for her kind was simply due to wanting to be close to her lovers. But, that didn't stop her from working there or visiting frequently. It just so happened this evening she was wandering the dark streets after hours when she decided to pop into the bar and spotted a rather familiar face.

Rip made her way over and sat down across from Lancer and leaned on the table. Just ignore the hint of blood splatter on the cuffs of her dress shirt. She might have punched someone earlier while out on a job...]

Good Evening~. I do hope you're enjoying zhe night. It's a beautiful one zhis evening.

[It had taken time for Lancer to find suitable drinking grounds within Everglade that didn't risk ending the night in a fight. While he could hold his own in a fight - he wouldn't be able to work for the police force here if he could not - that didn't mean he sought trouble if it could be avoided.

Still, there were yet some places here where residents could coexist despite their differences, and on occasion it was far simpler to go to one of those rather than cross to another city. And even here, now and again he could find himself a friendlier face to talk to.

As turns out to be the case this evening. His expression, guarded as it has been, shifts to something just a little more welcoming as he recognises who has seen fit to join him.]

Indeed it is. Although one not without its trials, I notice.

[Yes, he's seen the blood splatter. And based on the last time they fought alongside one another he can only be left to wonder at the state she left the other party in.]

Oh?

[She glanced down at her sleeve and finally spotted the blood splatter. She had the decency to look sheepish as she idly tried to rub it out with her fingers, even if it wouldn't quite solve the problem.]

A client got handsy earlier. I might haf broken his nose in response.

[At least she left him alive and more or less... unharmed? Well, she didn't kill or maim him so it counted in her books.]

I swear vhen zhey call Jolly Eddy's, zome of zhem don't realize ve are a protection escort service, not a sex escort service.

[She huffs softly before she finally stops trying to rub out the stain.]

I'm sure I'll deal vith zhe call later if Namur doesn't.

Well, if one will overstep someone's boundaries, they are fully due whatever consequences they may reap.

[True, there may be more diplomatic means to get the message across but Lancer is also very aware that there are those for whom diplomacy does nothing and in those instances, a more direct and physical lesson must be taught.

And frankly, for what he knows of Rip, the client ought to be thankful a broken nose is all he is dealing with.]

I must admit, however, I would be intrigued to see how he might attempt to justify his poor behaviour to the one forced to endure it. Assuming he has not taken the lesson for what it is.

I completely agree.

[The man had been rather pushy and slightly drink. Personally Rip felt she should have broken the hand that dared to squeeze her ass and tore out his tongue for making the suggestion she stay awhile in his company. Rip was perfectly happy with the men in her life and really wasn't about to sleep with every drinking asshole that made a pass at her.

The man really had gotten off light with a broken nose and hopefully he'd think twice about doing such a thing again.]

Very poorly. He tried zhe like 'You know you want it babe.'

[There was definitely a look of annoyance and disgust on her features.]

Drunks... vhere I'm happy to get paid for vat ve do, zhere are times I vish I could just kill zhe client and be done vith it.

[Then again...]

Zhough, zhe funniest zhing is, if he calls to complain, I'm zhe one zhat answers zhe phones vhen I'm not out vorking.

That would rather defeat the object of escorting them safely, would it not?

[Not that she'd be entirely in the wrong to do so, if her own safety was at risk, but Lancer's not sure of what it would do for the company's reputation if death rates of their clients were to start rising.]

And yes, so I'd inferred. Though perhaps with sobriety may come a desire to apologise instead, if pride does not forbid the acknowledgement of shame.

[Could go either way. And in either instance Lancer is quite certain Rip can handle it, though whether she ought to be the one handling it is another matter and not his business to involve himself with.]

Sadly, yes.

[She's well aware of what might happen to the company if they started to kill clients. That doesn't mean she's happy about not being able to. What can she say? Even while in control of herself, Rip's still a little blood thirsty just below the surface. ]

...Sometimes, not alvays. Zhere Pride demands zhat ve vere in zhe wrong. But, zhen I get to politely tell zhem to shove it up zheir ass and remind them that we're the people keeping his drunk ass safe on his way home.

[There's just something eerie on how she can say that with a smile and pleasant tone. Obviously, Rip's done this a few times. Not often, but a few. As to whether she should be the one handling the phones in those instances? Proobably not. Then again, she IS the Assistant Manager...]

[The eeriness has not gone unnoticed, though Lancer does not noticeably react to it. He might not agree with all of her ways but at the same time, he cannot deny that the same ruthlessness is in himself.

He's not sure he likes the implications of what that might mean, that they are similar even or perhaps especially at their darkest. But - if not for Rip's sake then certainly for Augustine's - he'll do his best to grind that thought down to be ignored for the time being.]

Of course. A man's pride can be a wonderful and yet terrible thing. Still, if they were rendered no longer able to use the service then I'm sure they would learn the errors of their ways soon enough.

[At least in the stretch of time they still survived. And even as one of the city's law enforcement officers, Lancer knew he would have law on his side to not intervene.]

One vould hope.

[Because there's only so much she can break before she gets in trouble somewhere.Like with law enforcement if she stepped too far.]

But, enough about vork. I came here to haf a drink zo I may as vell haf one.

Of course. My apologies, I did not mean to make your thoughts linger where you would prefer to forget. Perhaps you might permit me to buy one for you, to serve my penance.

[Or because it just seems the polite thing to do, despite that he's quite aware she can afford her own way. Call it her attachment to Augustine inspiring a certain element of familial consideration in him, though that by itself would not be enough if he did not care for Rip herself.]

[She smirked and definitely would allow it, though, she'd be easily buying her own drinks after that. Besides, if she didn't feel some sort of kinship with the former King, she wouldn't bother drinking with him.]

Vell, vhen you put it zhat vay, zhen please do. I can buy my own after zhat~.

Of that, I have no doubt.

[He's perfectly aware that she would not socialise with him unless she wished to, and with none of the social obligation some may have felt back when he had been known as royalty. It's a refreshing thought, once he considers it, though it isn't one he intends to linger on.

Once he has ordered for the both of them, he settles back into his seat, further letting go of the stresses of the day.]

And how have you been when you have not been contending with difficult clientele?

[As if him being a King would have stopped her if she had wanted to bother him. Rip tended to do as she pleased when she pleased and heaven help anyone that pissed her off.]

Fine more or less. Between vork, Augustine und Namur I tend to keep myzelf razher busy. It's refreshing hafing such freedoms in a place like zhis.

[Sabo is just working in the shop today, though admittedly, he's kind of bored. Maybe it's more like he still doesn't know what to do here, as he hasn't had any actual tailoring jobs yet.

Plus, he's somewhat still in the 'workaholic' mindset from his world, so he often ends up lost in thought about past events/memories of home as his way of working his brain.

He wanders to the cafe side of the shop after a bit, to take a little break from thinking about tailoring and what to even do. The regal air of the other man kind of intrigues him when he first walks into the cafe, and he decides to say hello.]

Hello! I'm new to the tailor's shop, so I haven't seen you around before. Are you here frequently?

[It's rare that Lancer veers towards the cafe area of the tailor's - though he can't deny a certain degree of fascination that two such businesses can exist in tandem like this - but after a particularly harrowing confrontation with an individual now fully remanded into custody as they deserved, he figured he was about due a break.

At the greeting, his brow arches ever so slightly - enthusiasm cannot be faulted, but he's not certain how usual it is to be quite so honest upfront. Still, he sees no reason not to be polite.]

Only as necessity dictates, I would say. Which is far less frequently when one must contend with a rather stricter budget than usual.

[It's not a complaint - if anything, he takes it as a challenge - more just an observation that further adds to the notion of just who he had once been.]

[Sabo's second impression of this man, after his appearance of course, is his manner of speaking. He talks more like a noble than anyone he knew back home, including even those from his childhood. Of course, he has forced himself to not remember much from then...]

I see. Yeah, nicer clothing does cost quite a bit. Thankfully, this outfit came with me, and I like it enough to just have it cleaned pretty much all of the time.

[Which is kind of not normal, but he's used to it.]

If I may, your manner of speaking is pretty unique. What kind of world did you come from?

I cannot imagine there are many who have found themselves waking here to find they do not have at least the clothing they were wearing.

[That strikes him as needlessly cruel and unlikely from a group that would give them lodgings and a stipend to live off. That someone might be brought wearing something they would sooner be rid of is another matter.

But Lancer had been fortunate in that, and even now his usual attire does not differ so greatly from what he had started out with. Never let it be said that he is immune to aesthetic.

He pauses a moment at the question, trying to determine the link between that and the prior observation. Perhaps this man simply has more experience with other worlds, or else is so intimately acquainted with his own that he would know if something existed in his own.]

Unique? I would not think that eloquence is so rare as to be constricted to a single world. To upbringing, perhaps...or does royalty not exist as a concept in your own world?

[Because that would be interesting, for someone who has been defined by his lineage even before his own actions cemented his identity.]

[Sabo thinks for a moment at those words. Yes, it would have been really odd if everyone were just thrown into this world without their familiar clothing. He'd definitely have some issues coping with that, since he considers his pipe a piece of his outfit in a way.]

Hm.

[Royalty does exist back home, but not in the same way. The nobles often don't have this manner of speaking; though, he's tried to stay away from most of them, unless work dictated otherwise.]

It does exist, but the nobles usually don't have the same manner of speech as you do.

[In an alternate universe, Sabo may have been one of those nobles, but thankfully, that's not the case here.]

Were you a king?

Indeed I was, though that was quite some centuries ago even by my own world's timeline.

[And yet despite that, he still carries himself as though he still had a kingdom to rule - easily maintained when his abilities now allowed him to feed off his own reputation even so far after the fact.

Not that any of it applied here. But he's old enough that he's very set in his ways, even in a world where he has nothing to rule over.]

Still, it would seem then that the nobility of your world had other priorities?

[Ah, so his hunch was right!]

I see. Since it was so long ago, I'm going to guess you don't miss the title at all, huh?

[The nobles from back home were a ... troublesome topic for him, so he decides to keep what he says brief.]

Pretty much. Regular nobles were just heartless, arrogant [pause. calm, Sabo, calm] uh, they were just annoying to deal with. World nobles were more of the ones in power, who lived in their own sacred land.

You're assuming I have lived through that entire stretch of time.

[Which is the most polite way he can find right now to refute that assumption. Had he truly aged during that whole time, perhaps he may have softened the regal edge with which he still carries himself - but as a Heroic Spirit, summoned as all are during their prime, he is still the proud King he was in life.]

Hmm. There is, of course, a distinction between the true ruling class and those who are just below. They have their uses, but that does not make them all tolerable.

[Something he'd seen more with Yggdmilennia than during his own time, because the nobility of his era had been too caught up in war - as had he, and much of his country - but he's still seen enough to have some idea.]

That's true. Sorry for the assumption. [He rubs the back of his head kind of sheepishly.] I just have a bit of a history with nobles from my world. Trying to not think about my past too much here, though, since it's kind of like I'm starting from nothing!

[He smiles.]

In a way, I like how relaxing it has been here.

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002 [action]

Nova City - Courtyard

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Everglade - Michaelis's Tailor & Company

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