genessia | 002: When Night Falls [Audio/Private Action]

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002: When Night Falls [Audio/Private Action]

[Audio, Public]

[Izanami had been exploring Genessia for sometime, but despite this, she'd come no closer to finding out the meaning of this world than she had since she first arrived. How annoying. For now, though, she needed to find work that would allow her to observe others here as best as she was able to. Perhaps that would give her the answers she needed...or at least, further her understanding of the people here, both humans and otherwise.

As it was, she decided, addressing the entire network by a video-link was not something that she was immediately comfortable with. Thus, she opened up an audio-feed, her voice that of her casual and androgynous disguised self.]

Hey. Anywhere hiring right now? I could really use a source of income.

[Action, locked to Dracula and the residents of Castlevania]

[After her conversation with Dracula three months ago, the Goddess had been intrigued by the offer of sanctuary within his halls. She did not desire his protection, nor did she share his utter hatred for humanity, but she had to at least see the place for herself.

...Besides, if he proved willing, it would be refreshing to have somewhere to stay where she didn't have to conceal her powers or identity. Perhaps she could prod him with more questions about humanity's motivations, as well. Their last debate had certainly been an interesting one.

And thus, she entered the Archway and waited.]

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I would have to interview you first to make sure that you qualify, but I am looking for more people to assist with Schnee Company Welcoming and Travel Services.

[Aha...that sounded like a potentially useful option.]

The Schnee Welcoming Company and Travel Services, hm? Sounds pretty interesting. What sort of work have you got in mind?

I'm presently looking for a Front Desk Attendant, Cleaning/Maintenance crew members, an IT person, a Human Resources Manager, an Administrative Assistant, Security, and a Real Estate Assistant.

Back home I worked serving customers at the town Gas Station, the Front Desk Attendant post sounds like it'd be a pretty similar job.

[Plus it'd allow her to observe the newcomers.]

In that case, I wouldn't mind interviewing you sometime this week. I have a few openings tomorrow morning.

Perfect. Anytime tomorrow morning's good for me. You got a particular preference?

[ There's a brief pause as she double-checks her schedule, then.. ] 8:30 or 10:15, either would be acceptable.

8:30'd be pretty good, thanks. Where should I meet you?

I'll meet you at the front desk at Schnee Company Welcoming and Travel Services. It's located on Oak and 16th, right near the Bay.

Great, see you then. Thanks for hearing me out.

[With that, she ends the feed.

She makes sure to turn up early for her interview, heading into the Schnee Company Welcoming and Travel Services building with a solid ten minutes to spare. Guessing that western dress would be more appropriate for the interview, Izanami had selected an androgynous white shirt and equally smart deep grey trousers.]

[ Weiss shows up exactly on time with a clipboard in her hands. She doesn't hand any of the papers to Izanami, instead looking her over briefly before holding out her hand to shake it. ]

I'm Weiss Schnee. Are you here for the interview?

[ Since they're fairly slow at that moment, it wasn't difficult to figure out who it was. ]

[Well, good to see she was efficient. Izanami was still wondering how honest she should be about who she was and what her intentions were, but it had apparently not struck her that lying to a potential future employer was a pretty poor idea.]

Yeah, we spoke over the comms. My name's Kurosawa, Sen.

[Izanami took Weiss' hand, and gave it a firm shake. As she did so, she tried to sense what sort of power Weiss might possess, if any, and in that moment Weiss might feel a small hint of the Goddess' own power ripple between them.]

Edited 2015-02-10 15:31 (UTC)

[ Weiss did have power, one that had been trained though hadn't reached its full potential yet. Izanami would undoubtedly sense her Aura upon contact, an extension of her soul from which a good portion of her fighting capabilities extended and her own unique abilities like glyphs and her connection with the element of ice. But Weiss wasn't the type of person to let someone feel who she was, let alone a stranger. She'd never even made that connection with someone, like some of her classmates had to activate their auras. So when she felt something coming from the woman, Weiss made a point not to hold on any longer than was necessary to show good will and professionalism. Izanami might've even felt Weiss trying to force any bit of that power out and away from her with her aura, but she didn't reject it enough to even try to hurt her, just enough to try to ward it off before their handshake released. ]

Whatever that was you should probably get it under control.

[ She might be a professional, but she's not the type of person to beat around the bush. ]

It's nice to meet you, Miss Kurosawa. Go ahead and take a seat at the front desk. This isn't going to be your typical interview since I'm mostly interested in your ability to do the job and demonstrate exceptional customer service. You pass this portion and I'll ask you a few more questions, then I'll contact you within the next couple days to let you know if you got the job. Do you have any questions?

[Surprise crossed into the Goddess' face as she felt that power within Weiss. It didn't resemble anything from home, even if the powers of ice could be used by certain Shadows and Persona's, and now she could even sense Weiss trying to resist her. Weiss knew exactly what she was she was doing, enough to try and stop it? That was an achievement in itself. When she replied, the confusion clearly made it into her voice.]

...I'm impressed.

[Still, yes, professionalism was probably for the best here. She would not offer an explanation just yet, instead focusing on the task at hand. The cool demeanour soon returned, and she covered herself with a calm smile.]

Right, sorry. Nice to meet you too, Schnee-san.

[Izanami listened to the instructions carefully, before giving a small nod.]

Sure, that works for me. Anything I should make sure I give the customers when they turn up? I'm assuming my main job's to welcome them and give them a rough rundown of how Genessia works.

Edited 2015-02-11 16:24 (UTC)

[ Weiss wouldn't ask unless it became important. This wasn't a job where whatever abilities someone had were important unless they were applying for the security position or she thought they would be a problem. Or if it was a threat to confidentiality. She still really wanted to know, but that had more to do with being nosy and Weiss knew enough about business from her family to know better than to be overly nosy before you know someone a little better.

Weiss takes a packet from the back of her clipboard. It's 3 pages long. ]

Read that, it'll give you the information you'll need to respond to the scenario, including what they should be given and some information about how we connect with and recommend other companies in Genessia in order to help fund projects. I'm going to send in an aggravated customer, a "new arrival," and someone coming in to ask a question. All of the answers to those questions are in the packet. I want to see how you deal with each of the three people. I'll give you a couple of minutes to read over the information and I'm going to go get the customers.

Edited 2015-02-12 00:42 (UTC)

[Izanami was happy to work with that. She'd rather not disclose her nature just yet, for fear it would jeopardise her abilities to observe. Still, Weiss had certainly caught her attention. It was anyone's guess whether or not this was a good thing...

She took the packet, skimming it as Weiss spoke.]

Looks pretty straight forward. Alright, I'll go look over it, then you can hit me with the customers.

[With that, Izanami went over to take a seat behind the desk, starting to look over the information more carefully. This shouldn't be too difficult...]

Alright, I'll be right back then.

[ Weiss was going to go off to give her time to read, as well as get the 'customers' ready. She came back in a few minutes. ]

Are you ready?

[She took her time to carefully look over the information. That was the least she could do to give herself the best chance of getting this job. When Weiss returned, she offered her a friendly smile.]

Ready when you are.

[ Weiss mostly just wanted to make sure that she was going to be friendly and have good communication at the front desk, as well as be able to handle conflict. Those were the important parts of the interview, the information itself was something that could be learned over time.

Once she'd said she was ready, Weiss went back to the door and motioned for one of the 'customers' to come in, then moved off to the side to observe. ]

Well, hello again.

[Yep he recognizes that voice.]

Ah...it's you again.

[Yeah, she remembered him alright.]

Me again, indeed.

[Yeah he's kind of not impressed. Sorry.]

Do you get the paper? Not through your window, I mean--I know that happens, the paperboy needs a new gig since he's got a propensity for getting papers through people's windows--but at all? They've started publishing classified ads.

[It's fine. The feeling's mutual, certainly.

...She might be more impressed if she knew his role and title, but for now there's mostly distain.]

Hm. I'm surprised someone with such poor aim has kept the role at all. So the paper contains job adverts, then? I may have to take a closer look.

[She may've tossed it after looking at the singles ads.]

There weren't too terribly many things Dracula had asked of the maid upon her arrival. Most of them related to more general duties that she already performed when caring for the Scarlet Devil Mansion. Cooking and cleaning more than anything else. Things she was more than happy to do.

He had, however, asked her to keep an eye out for any non humans who wished to take refuge in the castle, and to greet them upon arrival. This wasn't the maid would normally do on her own. A human in a castle full of monsters was already risky enough, but orders were orders. She had worked hard to earn and maintain her title of 'Perfect Maid' and she wasn't about to let that slip.
---
The moment Izanami entered there was a faint ripple in the air. A sense of otherworldly power that washed over her for a brief moment before a woman dressed as a maid appeared in front of her, bowing deeply. Oddly enough she was very clearly human. And though she was being very respectful, she was also tense. Understandable considering some of the people who must pass through.

"Welcome to the home of Lord Vlad Tepes. My name is Sakuya Izayoi, head maid of the Scarlet Devil." She straightened up, smoothing her apron. "Who, may I ask, do I have the privilege of speaking to?"

Well, this maid was unfamiliar...but she did feel a little more comfortable negotiating with a woman than a man. She seemed polite enough, as well.

Izanami was dressed only in a white burial robe, the nearby fog clinging lightly to her body. She did nothing, here, to hide the power of death she held.

"A pleasure, Sakuya... my name is Izanami," she said calmly. Part of her wondered if either her or the master there would realise the significance of the name. "I came to speak with Lord Vlad Tepes regarding his offer."

Sakuya was understandably wary. As a mortal creature she had death hanging over her on a daily basis and seeing someone like Izanami made her all too aware of that fact. Still, it would be rude to treat her poorly just for that reason, though the maid held fast to that strange energy around her. To let it go completely would leave her foolishly defenseless.

"Miss Izanami." Despite her name, Sakuya was not familiar with Japanese culture and myth. "I will. "If you would follow me, I will take you to a sitting area to wait for him. There you can work out any details. In the meantime I will make some tea. Do you have a preference?" With a gesture, the maid started off in a direction, glancing back to make sure she was following.

Izanami would be lying if she claimed she wasn't a little afraid of the reactions a Goddess of Death might receive from mortal beings, let alone if her true, rotting form was exposed to the world outside. Still, the politeness Sakuya was showing was appreciated, despite the understandable defensive power she showed.

"Thank you, Sakuya. Lead the way," she replied, following her into the building. "...Green tea would be preferable, if you keep any here."

"I make sure to keep a wide variety in stock. Tea is a very common drink from where I am from. Both in my western birthplace and eastern home. Likewise My Lady has developed a taste for it and I myself rather enjoy creating new and unusual kinds."

She led Izanami down a long hall of unparalleled grandeur, past pieces of art and decorative statues, all illuminated by carefully placed candles. They arrived in a sitting area, the maid gesturing to any of chairs or couches of which there were several. Probably more western than she was accustomed to but quite cozy none the less.

"Please make yourself comfortable." With a flick of her wrist and a ripple of that odd, perhaps familiar chilling sensation, a polished silver tray appeared perfectly balanced in one hand. She placed it on the table, setting the cup and saucer in front of her chosen spot. Next to it she placed a small silver spoon, some cream, sugar, and a plate of various tea cakes and cookies. With a smooth well-practiced move she filled Izanami's cup, placing the teapot within easy reach before picking up the tray, tucking it under one arm.

"I will inform Lord Tepes of your arrival. Do not hesitate to call for me if you require anything else." With a final bow, she vanished without a trace, a phonograph in one corner coming to life, filling the room with light music.

Edited 2015-01-22 22:21 (UTC)

"I admit I am more familiar with Eastern varieties, personally."

It was certainly a tastefully decorated place, despite how large and grand it all was. The way the light of the candles flickered just so to make the decor appear as fine as possible. At least that stopped it from taking an obnoxious appearance.

The chill did not bother Izanami, but it was different to the cold realm of Yomi. What was that...? Those ripples, it felt similar to those felt when passing between the real world and the TV World. Time passed differently between them, so perhaps it was the fabric of time or space being subtly shifted around her? A curious power for one who appeared human. Then again, if she had accepted Lord Tepes' offer as well, she could not be entirely normal.

"Thank you for your hospitality," she said, taking a seat once the maid vanished. Now, she would just have to wait for the vampire to make his appearance, but in the meantime, she calmly sipped at her tea. Not bad at all.

It takes a few minutes, but after some time, one of the walls of the room begins to shift, bricks folding back on into the wall before a passage is revealed, and Dracula gliding along it silently.

"Good evening to you, and welcome to my abode." He glides along the room before taking a seat across from Izanami.

"Might I inquire as to the purpose of this visit?"

There was certainly power in this place. Power that - as she expected - bent to the will of it's master. How many secret passages were there in this place, at any one time?

As he emerged, she watched him calmly with her blood-red eyes. "Good evening," Izanami replied, taking another sip of her tea as she took his seat. "And thank you for your kind welcome."

She kept up her usual illusions to present herself as human, but had given up disguising her behaviour. After all, she implied that she was not human in their last conversation, if nothing else as to who - or what - she was.

"I wished to speak with you regarding the offer you made... but prior to that, I don't believe we've been formerly introduced, have we?"

Edited 2015-01-24 20:13 (UTC)

Dracula just chuckles for a moment. "Indeed we have not, and for that affront, I apologize. I am Count Vlad Ill Tepes, lord of this castle, and patron of the inhuman. My fondness for those that humanity would shun out of fear has earned me many names, but the one they seem most fond of is Dracula, or 'son of the dragon' in my native tongue."

He taps his chest, and leans forward in his chair, something of a half bow. Before straightening, he pulls a goblet from within the folds of his cape, the rather distinct smell of blood filling the air as he took a moment to sip from it.

"As to your request, I see little reason to deny you. It is clear you are not human. In fact, if I were to hazard a guess, you may be a sibling of a dear friend of mine. I could not turn you down, in that case."

"A pleasure, Lord Tepes," in his domain, it seemed polite to use the honorific he did. Humans feared death, and thus, feared her...but it was not just humanity, she thought bitterly.

"I doubt you would be quite so willing to accept my request if you were an ally of his. We are not on the best of terms," she replied, "It is not only the humans who shun that which they fear, after all."

Still, for the time being, Izanami rested her hands in her lap, and lowered her head slightly in respect - a half-bow of her own. "I am known Izanami-no-Mikoto, or Izanami-no-Okami, Goddess of Death and Creation. I guard the souls of Yomi, our afterlife."

He smirked, almost knowingly so in response to her full name and title. "It seems my guess was not far off."

He took a small sip before smoothing out his cape. "I know not of your true sibling, but I am familiar with the name. My library has several books that touch on your history, but en Europe ruled by he formidable might of a narrow-sighted church, it is difficult for even one of my stature to get more detailed accounts from the other side of our world. That said, you are not alone."

He stood, gesturing for her to follow as the same passage he entered opened once again, though it seemed to veer off in another direction.

"If you would be so kind as to follow me, I have a feeling you might find the quarters I have in mind to feel more... at home than you might expect. They were tailored to the tastes of my longest ally and closest confidant in my world. He was simply known as Death; the image of what those in the West associate with the Grim Reaper is his face."

She relaxed, a little. At least he was no ally of Izanagi's.

"I was not aware the church had such a great impact within Europe," she admitted, laying down her now-empty teacup. "I've had less...exposure to the world of the living than I would have liked, until recent times."

When he stood, Izanami drifted over to him, feet no longer touching the ground. She would not admit it aloud, but the assurance that she was not alone here was a comforting one, after being sealed away by her brother for so long. Even in Inaba, Souji and his group had made it clear that she was no longer needed in their world.

"Please, lead the way," she said, considering his words, "That would explain how you recognised my power then... I'm glad to hear you were on such good terms."

"The Roman Catholic church holds almost complete sway over Europe. Kings are deposed because the Pope calls for it, and hundreds of thousands gave their lives in a war to reclaim the 'holy lands' from the 'heathens' that dared have a different view on religion than they."

As he drifted through the winding corridor, candles would appear to light the way into the depths of the castle. After some time, though, they reached what appeared to be a dead end before the wall opened up into a large cavernous room with ornate carvings of skeletons along pillars, each armed with a scythe.

"Death was the first to greet me upon my creation, and has been a staunch ally, vassal, and dear friend ever since. I think he would approve of my housing you in these quarters. They are yours to do with as you choose, and please, if you have need of anything, do not hesitate to ask."

He steps aside, sweeping his arm dramatically as an invitation for her to enter. "And please, do not feel as if you need to hide your true self in this place. If you are more comfortable in any other form, please, make yourself at home."

"How troublesome...I never thought the two sides of our world would be so different."

As they moved through the castle, Izanami watched the candles appear either side of them. The castle still warped around Dracula as they travelled, and as it did so, a small sense of unease started to grow inside her. He had given her no reason to distrust him, but the Goddess had no wish to find herself locked away again. "Do these walls shift at your will alone, or can all those who've taken residence here move freely within the castle proper?"

For now, though, she focused on the room that had just opened up before her. It felt strangely homely - comfortable - to her, in ways only a Goddess of Death could appreciate. "If you are certain he would not mind my intrusion," she replied quietly, slipping just into the doorway to examine one of the carvings. The fog followed her, spreading out and curling around the pillars. "It's beautiful...you both have fine taste. Thank you, both for the invitation and your hospitality, Lord Tepes."

She noticed the subtle hint regarding other forms... so he could tell she was shielding her true self with an illusion? Perhaps once she was in private she would return to her true form, but for the time being, she was most comfortable like this.

"Unfortunately, the castle walls move only at my behest..." He places a hand on the stone wall nearest him. "This castle is as much a part of my soul as anything here, and it bends to my will. There are other routes throughout the castle you can take, and the doors will only seal if you will them to. You may come and go as you like, I would never think to cage you here."

He offers a small bow, smiling to himself as she remarks on the decor. "It is an honor to have one of your stature living within the castle again. It was starting to feel a tad hollow."

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002: When Night Falls [Audio/Private Action]

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