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Autumn, October 1st (Backdated) - As one tale ends, another begins
Intro - Closed:
Video - Memoria Park/Shrine:
[ Ayame arrived in Genessia quietly; making no hassles and just calmly followed the breadcrumbs left for her by the authorities of this world. She listened to the hologram, read the pamphlet, and even went to the welcoming company office to get herself sorted out. It wasn't her intention to go to this world in particular. She was simply jumping from one random universe to another and ended up here. Her first impression wasn't muddied by the cold dampness of the Bay, and the sight of a peaceful modern city was enough to put a weary smile on her face. Dressed in her kimono-esque battle uniform with arms clad in armored bracers, and armed with a sword at her side, Ayame felt out of place and just want to get changing to something more comfortable. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, prepping herself for a new beginning. ]
Video - Memoria Park/Shrine:
[ After getting changed to some civilian clothes and checking in at a hotel, Ayame decided to go for some fresh air with nothing but her purse in hand and her necklace she got from the Bay complimenting her overall look. She spent all day and afternoon in Genessia City, getting a feel of the place. Taking pictures of flowers and trees at the garden park, that Gothic temple, then going to the grocery store and checking out the library. Ayame's excitement for this new world, apart from her inability to sleep, made her compelled to go outside once again right after dinnertime.
Ayame ended up seeing a Shinto shrine in the city, much to her bewilderment. She's always had a complicated relationship with her "religion" given how she was brought up. She simply looked at the shrine itself, not bothering to ring the bell or offer a prayer. She wandered around the grounds until she ended up at the Memoria Park nearby, seeing the marble slab with all the names carved neatly in the stone. Ayame looks at the names, reads them in her mind until she found a name that gave her pause: Troy Dantes.
A gasp and a moment later, the puzzled Ayame took a moment to get her bearings while reading the name over and over again. Is this even the same guy she knows? Granted, Troy wasn't a close friend of hers yet, but he made a good impression enough for her to know and respect him. It was nagging at her mind. While it was likely this is a different man, there was also the slight chance that this is him. After all, she was drawn to this world against her will, who is to say someone else from her world was taken the same way? There was only one way to find out...
Taking her comm device, Ayame hesitated for a minute as her mind began being flooded with what-ifs and anxious thoughts of having to put herself out there for others to see. But it was the only way to get this out of her head. She chose the video option and places her device on a flat surface. ]
Hello? Good evening. Pardon me for asking, but does the name "Troy Dantes" mean anything to any of you? It's the name of someone I knew from my world, I only want to know if it is the same person. Please, if you have known him, I would like to confirm if this is the same man I know of.
[ Her body language was polite and calm despite how befuddled she was at the revelation. It may not seem like a big deal to many, but if this meant two people from her world have been taken here, who is to say there weren't (or aren't) more from the same place. ]
no subject
[ The Troy that Gale knew would be much younger than when Ayame first worked with him in actual combat. But Troy was one of those people who don't seem to age, so even when he's a few years older in the photograph, his appearance remains the same as Gale would remember. ]
I suppose it is a shame. I may not feel it now, but having some company with someone who could relate and know where you came from sounds like a nice thing to have in this world in the long run.
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[He shrugs.]
But I hope you don't have that same workaholic attitude that Troy had. Name's Gale, by the way.
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[ Ayame gives a small bow. She doesn't really know what to say about the workaholic comment, since she's her own brand of that too. Troy has a good balance of work and play, and even if he works overtime, he balances it by going harder doing crazy things the next day. Ayame just likes her alone time even before her life took a nasty turn ]
And I don't mind crazy. We can't have things too easy now, would we?
[ Ayame cracks a faint smile, but with a slight tilt of her head to make up for it, showing she's teasing. Even though deep down, she's not really looking forward to any of that supposed crazy just giving her more stress again ]
Granted, this is only my first day in here. But judging by your carefree demeanor, I don't suppose it's too crazy?
no subject
[He gives a small salute in response to her bow and then chuckles a bit. She was right though, they can't have everything too easy. It'd probably get boring otherwise.]
Usually it's not too crazy, so long as you keep your head out of the land of nutcases that is bounty hunting. But I also tend to take things less seriously since it kinda goes with my whole 'mercenary' nature. That and I own a nightclub, so I gotta be carefree.
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[ Now that pinged her interest. She's actually never been in one before, even for someone who drinks a lot. The noise is just too much for her when she's not tipsy yet.
The mention of bounty hunts didn't fall on deaf ears, either. She just doesn't know what to feel about that. Combat is all she knows well in life, but she also wishes to avoid it, putting her in a crossroad ]
I never thought I'd meet a "mercenary" who also owns a night club. Even more amusing that you call Troy a workaholic, since I can't even imagine the amount of work you have to sift through regularly.
no subject
[That time, he was at least more joking than anything. He was still partially serious - because a little self confidence never hurt anybody - but that grin was well plastered across his face.]
I used to be one of two owners of it, but unfortunately my associate left, so now it's solely my place. It's nice bein' my own boss. Let's me control my own hours. I can offer ya a free drink if you ever wanna swing by Nova City.
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My, how generous of you. But only one drink?
[ She'll almost grin again. A free drink is tempting. Very tempting, in fact. She'll lull it over, humming and tilting her head slightly in thought ]
Nova City... I have that scheduled as the last city for me to explore, but I don't see myself being able to find sleep anytime soon either. You wouldn't mind if I take that offer now, would you?
no subject
[He gives her a wink. He probably will offer a couple of free drinks regardless, because he's a charmer like that. Or at least, he tries to be.]
But of course. I can't say no to a gorgeous lady, plus the club's open 24/7 anyway. This is one of the best places to go if you're gonna be up all night... not that I'm bragging or anything.
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[ Ayame responds normally, though deep down she doesn't really see herself as interesting in a conversation unless it's for a mission or part of her cover. She hopes having a mutual friend would save her from an awkward time. ]
Would midnight be too soon?
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[She's easy on the eyes. He's far from disappointed in any sense of the word.]
Not at all, show up whenever ya want. I'm usually here all night.
[Especially when it's 2 AM. He's very much around by those times.]
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[ While Ayame has noticed the cyborg bits, being there all night sounds like a long time to spend awake. Unless Gale sleeps in the mornings... She doesn't know how bounty hunts here work yet ]
What's the name of the club?
no subject
[Some reasons innocent enough. Others not so much.]
Place is called After Life. I can send ya over the coordinates to get there.
[Video] -> [Action]
[ After the location information has been sent, Ayame went back to her hotel room and prepped for this as it would be another mission undercover. She stuck to the classics and picked a simple little black dress to not make herself stand out, but with sheers that still leaves enough to make a good impression on the people she do chose to interact with. She lets the gem necklace she was issued with on her arrival be her sole accessory, along with a bangle on her right wrist to complete the look.
As midnight struck, Ayame arrives at the club. She tried not to let the loud music get under her skin and just subtly brushes a lock of hair behind her ear, while she slowly looks around the thick crowd of party-goers for a familiar face. She sent Gale a text message right before she entered the club doors, but without cheating and using her power or training to spot someone, she wouldn't see Gale from the flashing lights being reflected off of the crystal walls. Besides, there's a lot of pretty people in here... Wow. Consider Ayame distracted. ]
no subject
Aaand, there was his target. Under his mask, his eyebrows lifted in slight surprise, seeing the attire she'd chosen to arrive in. Hey, at least she fit right in with the atmosphere in that kind of dress. He would drop himself into a nearby chair, crossing one leg over the other.]
You look a little distracted there, honey. Anything I can help with?
[He's grinning quite a bit at her. Don't mind him.]
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Yes. Some ear plugs would be lovely. Loud thumping music and I mix like oil, water, and a headache.
[ Ayame speaks as her heels clacked on the floor, walking besides Gale and resting her shoulders on the bar counter. Her eyes briefly eyed the display of colorful drinks. Some look familiar enough, while others are pretty alien ]
You have quite the crowd here, I must say. Plenty of pretty faces.
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No kidding. The pretty faces this place always has is one of my favorite things about this job. But I could also be saying that because I'm absolutely shallow.
[Which he is. Still, he then proceeds to hop out of the chair, waving his hand to signal her to follow him.]
But if you're not fond of the noise, lemme take ya elsewhere. It's a little more relaxing in the VIP room, and I'd feel terrible if I caused a gorgeous lady to get a headache.
no subject
[ Ayame responds dryly while subtly nursing her temple. She follows Gale while her eyes wander around, looking at the people and the futuristic interior of the club. It felt like an entirely different world almost. Everything is sleek and curved, which is an endearing aesthetic in their own way. It gave her an inspiration for outfit designs that she thought about writing down later.
Passing through the velvet ropes and entering a door that muted the noise outside, Ayame feels the air cool and the lights more inviting. The mix of warm blue with the hint of violet was definitely more pleasing to the eyes than the bright and flashing ones on the dance floor. Hosts and guests gathered in their booths having indistinct conversations caught Ayame's eyes, as well as some broody looking characters by the side that she recognizes too well. Fighters from the look of some of them ]
Are these men yours? An awful lot for security.
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Nah, out of all of 'em, only the hosts work for me. Some of these other folks just tend to work in more dangerous fields. The club's friendly to all kinds so long as they know to behave themselves in here, otherwise they'll be gettin' their asses handed to them.
[And that wasn't an empty threat either. Gale takes safety in the club seriously, and frequently breaks up fights before or as they start. He enjoys knowing that he and his bouncers aren't the type to be trifled with, and frequent club goers know that well.]
Most people back here tend to be more leisurely than the folks out front. Gambling's usually the most interesting thing that goes on back here.
[He shrugs, lifting off his mask.]
Anyway, I'm not one to go back on my word, so what kinda drinks do you prefer?
no subject
[ Ayame nods with a satisfied hum; a smile almost forming in her face following Gale's mention of gambling. Booze and games? With hot stripper ladies? Where have you been all her life? ]
Ah! Whenever I go to a new bar, I like to start with their signature cocktails. It's a good way to get to know the club environment through taste.
[ Finding the more quaint bar in the VIP lounge, Ayame traces her fingers on the glass counter before she sits on the stool, resting her elbows on the smooth surface in front of her and crossing her leg over the other. ]
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Oh? Somethin' I say tickle your fancy?
[He hoped so. He wouldn't mind seeing a girl like this around here often. But given how she felt outside this particular room, he didn't really expect it.]
Wellll, our more... 'signature' drink shall we say, I try to serve on certain nights at very particular times. It's not particularly for the faint of heart either, buuuut I could make an exception if you really wanted to.
Or we can start ya off light, either one.
[He'd feel a little bad if Prism was the first thing he gave her, buuut... he'll at least give her a bit of a warning about it.]
no subject
[ She gives him a vague response, and she might come back here until a bigger gambling place shows up. If she's drunk enough, she can actually tolerate the loud music ]
Why is it only served on certain times? You made me curious enough about this drink now that I just want to try it even more.
[ She spoke in the most gentle way possible, even if it basically translates to "bring it" ]