Everytime we go out, there's some disaster. I think a patterns forming. Not that i'm complaining, it's like we're comic book superheroes.
"Oh! Ehh, before forget I have things Geralt and Ammon will need to try."
Ammon turns curiously, Does this relate to me having to put my cape away? or is it a gift because i like gifts his tail wagging happily.
"Is like cape thing, Da. Because will also make less likely to die horribly."
Devic turns around almost immediately, not spending the time to look around the groups destination. "Ehh. Weighing options..." She then hops back through the portal, then minutes later, walks back out. This time she's toting what would be a greatsword to her, carrying it against her shoulder, the only way she could be carrying this safely really. The sword has an ornately etched base, and curved tip.
"Ehh, this for you. Try." She passes it off to Geralt, successfully continuing the parties winning streak against the dastardly portal.
"Whoa...I'd kiss you Dev if you weren't under age!" He says, spinning the blade around in his hands, inspecting the expert craftsman ship, as well as the curved blade. Hes now pretty engrossed by this blade and hasn't really taken a look around.
He realizes that he can look at his new toy later, right now Silver and Frida need to be found. So with great reluctance, he puts Red Queen 2.0 away, and takes a look around. Usually there's a grenter here.
~Chapter 5: Dead End in Tokyo~
In addition to the discovery that the plague contains organic, biological material that has been warped in some way, shape or form. It does not resemble plant life, and only vaguely resembles material from living, sentient beings, though the lack of any DNA signifies that this would come from an outsider's body. Further research indicates that the plague actually contains a cocktail of multiple outsiders mixed together, none that you are readily able to identify, for the moment.
On the other side of the portal, standing as if waiting for you, are two figures, standing as if waiting for you. The first, a Japanese man in an all-black suit with a red tie, looking to be in his early forties with slicked back hair and a clean shaven face, turns to the other figure, a woman with an almost angelic way about her and says something quick in Japanese.
See, I told you that they would arrive.
He looks to the group, bows with a thin smile, then says, It is a pleasure to meet you. Silver speaks highly of you all. My name is Takemoto Tomoya Then he turned to Nazuri. And this is Nazuri-San.
Tell them that we do not have much time, and I will offer them an explanation over a quick holiday meal.
Swallowing his Nausea, he looks at the two newcomers, wary and a little on edge.
"...I think most of us can understand you just fine..." he intones, trying to not give anything away about how he's feeling.
His gaze lingers on Nazuri, and once again he's glad his facemask covers the lower half of his face, he can feel a small blush appear as he takes in her almost...angelic features.
He coughs into his hand to get ahold of himself "....I'd like a explanation on where Silver is before I even CONSIDER going anywhere with yo-EITHER of you..."
Mister Tomoya invites you to a special holiday meal in order to discuss a very urgent matter.
After listening the rude interruptions she adds
Wasting time arguing will not help your friend, and may actually make things worse. You may choose to stay if you like, but only joining in the meal and listening to honorable Mister Tomoya will get you the information that you need. Also, while you might know the language, <she looks skeptical> you might want to brush up on the cultural repercussions of your actions. Politeness is highly valued here.
Nazuri blushes and bows to Mr. Tomoya, knowing that he will realize that was a *lot* more than she was asked to translate.
Just a cultural lesson Takemoto-san. He is worried about his friend. Would you care to tell them now, or shall we wait?
Devic would look sceptical if anyone couls see her face.
"Polite or no, man has point. why we follow you? You have time to guilt trip and food, not two seconds to say where our boss is? Walk and talk." She moves as if approaching the pair of strangers, before she gestures for them to lead the way. Cultural understanding doesnt seem to be on her mind.
Ammon's tail flicks back and forth more like a cat's than its usual dog like excitement, We will follow, but know this if i find out anyone i care about is harmed due to you or whatever group your with. Know i can and will break you, Understanding that if people are in danger we have no time for food, relaxation, or diplomacy. He growls, taking a rather serious tone.
Tomoya let out a thin smile, speaking confidently, almost coldly, but unfailingly polite. Break me? He asked.
You are not qualified to do that.
He turned to Nazuri.
I apologize, Nazuri-San. Frida-San warned me they they might be like this.
He returned to speaking english. Silver-San... She is missing. She came here to do business, and she hasn't been seen in an entire week. He said. We both want to find her, yes? Then come, join me for dinner, I've ordered KFC. He said, with a nod. If we are going to interrogate each other, I want fried chicken and mashed potatoes during the process.
He gave them a softer look. I'm not wasting your time. He said, turning back to Nazuri. Will you humor me?
I am sure they are an acquired taste. Silver-San insists they are...
-awesome
Devic realizes her hand is hovering over her gun and drops it.
I'm really glad I already ate. Whats with all the fast food during these things?
"Good enough for me. Where she last?" Her red mask lenses stare directly at Tomoya.
Tapping Devic's shoulder with his overly large scaled hand Ammon whispers, Is KFC Fast food?
Nazuri bows to Tomoya, indicating her willingness to do as he asks.
She turns to the group and adds For anyone that didn't catch the Japanese, Tomoya assures you that you are not qualified to break him.
Also, it may seem strange to outsiders, but KFC is a Japanese custom during the Christmas season. This is a special meal he has pulled strings to get for you, not the last-minute desperation fast food meal it might be elsewhere. I encourage you to accept his invitation. I am just a translator and cultural advisor, but he is a powerful man. I find him to be an excellent ally, and I would not advise treating him as an enemy.
Your choice, of course. I hope you are, indeed, awesome. Your friend will surely need it.
"да. Understand our position. Ehh, We receive unexpected message at unusual time, and find no-one meeting room. Never before this happen. Then, two strangers speak to us, say 'come quietly'. Is suspicious. First time ve work together, find shape shifters tricking us. Is difficult for trust freely during work. Do not simply take offence to caution." Devic looks over the new woman as she speaks.
Ammon nods in agreement, Generally we trust eachother and whoever Silver tells us to. Otherwise its at our own discretion, it'd help if you could prove your telling the truth. It doesn't help that we've not heard of either of you.
"Over... KFC, yes?" It's a good thing her entire face is covered, or that pause might look bad.
She bows minutely to the ratperson. I am not offended, and of course I understand caution. Perhaps you should also imagine what it is like to be waiting to greet heroes and friends and then to be accused and threatened. I'm used to ignorant tourists. It doesn't bother me. Mr. Tomoya will still pay me. Only your mission suffers if Mr Tomoya is offended, but luckily he seems not to be. Shall we proceed, or would you like to share your names first?
She flashes her brightest fake smile, and ushers them forward.
"Will give you that death threat was way, way too far."-Devic looks pointedly at Ammon-
"And possibly he should apologize for it, but hero's? friends? Literally just started do the kum-buy-whatever on other side of portal. Menya zovut Devic Zaitsev. "
We can do both at the same time, no point in dallying. I am Ammon Jakobs, one of the motherless a Qlippoth-spawn from England in service to lord Ragathiel. For however long we work together, your enemies are mine. Ammon suited in his metal plates moves on, unintimidated.
"Pfft. Lame. Lame like cape."
Yeah well, your mask is stupid... says the man wearing a metal helmet, And i won't apologize, i meant it. However as long as they mean innocent people no harm my threat means nothing.
"Uh-huh. Mask is ridiculous see through. Really hope we get gassed so I can use. Ehh, kidding." She's probably kidding.
Geralt looks wholly amused at the fact that people think KFC has anything to do with Christmas, but he moves past that.
"Oi, oi...." he mutters to Devic and Ammon "...can you guys argue about this latter? Silver is in trouble, remember?"
He coughs into his hand again "...and maybe Frida? She wasn't there too..."
Shaking his head, he turns back to Nazuri and Tomoya "...only associates of Silver can tear you down with words like that...you have our attention...and uh...sorry about Ammon, he doesn't really have any impulse control" He turns to look at his teammates, deadpan.
"I know boss in trouble. Is why I wanted skip to business talk. Ask where she last, specific. Get told to mind manners instead of translating." Devic sighs before taking off the gas mask and looking at the welcoming party.
"Agh. Can't breathe in this. Make better one sometime. Geralt remind me be direct with desires minutes ago. Ehh, how about this? We start over vith KFC dinner. Try again?"
Ramiel sits back quietly and observes his allies. He hadn't realized he'd missed the squabbling they did. It was good to be back. He steps forward and offers a hand to Nazuri and Tomoya in turn.
"I am Ramiel. Thank you for informing of what we wanted to know. I think we should go now though, to not waste anymore time and to get to the no doubt wonderful meal you've arranged, Mr. Tomoya."
Nazuri bows to each person as they introduce themselves and relays the information to Mr. Tomoya. She doesn't translate the banter about masks and capes because it doesn't seem pertinent, although it is amusing.
When Devic makes his business talk comment, she apologizes and translates for Mr Tomoya:
Devic would like to know where Silver was seen last.
Nazuri shakes Ramiel's hand and translates his words for Mr. Tomoya as well.
I understand being cautious. Tomoya said. You should be, from here on out. I'm going to point you at a lot of people you shouldn't trust, and I would understanf if you don't immediately trust me. Tomoya said, heavily accented but otherwise without a hitch.
You walk througha long hallway, each of the doors you pass has two names, on in Japanese, the other in a different language each time.
Portal doors.
-Like Silver's He said.
He leads you all into a dining room similar to Silver's albeit without the clock motif and the portals. Practically the entire KFC menu lay on the table. Tomoya takes a seat at the head, grabs a few boneless wings and a packet of BBQ sauce, and takes a bite, swallowing before continuing.
Silver-San and Frida-San were- ah... last here, in the room she stays at when she stays here. This is a... hotel, mostly. He went on, nodding and turning to Nazuri, speaking in faster, more comfortable Japanese.
As well as a hub for everything else I do. Much like Silver-San, I cannot quite be busy enough. I'll admit, I was thinking of forming a team like yours, but I couldn't find enough teens with attitude.
He laughed, then turned serious. I fear that the person... Monster... Involved was a miss Shinzen Ginza. In fact, I am almost sure of it. He said, pulling out a card from his breast pocket, flicking it towards the group.
Her business card. Found in Silver-San's room.
The crad had everything suspected. Business address, phone-number, name, and a white-and-red line motif.
He closed his eyes. She is Yakuza. He said.
And that will make everything infinitely more difficult.
He let out a long sigh. May someone pass the salt? He asked politely.
Devic wasn't hungry to begin with, nevertheless ending up picking at a pile of potato wedges while listening. "Yakuza..." Echoing the host softly, with the sort of tone that suggests a passing familiarity. Almost forgetting to push a salt shaker to Mr. Tomoya.
"Mama has some past dealings vith Yakuza. Would be sorts to kidnap. Generally ransom." Devic retrieves a flask from another pocket and begins drinking.
How should we go about this then? Sounds like you have some familiarity with this kind of stuff Dev. Ammon picks at some chicken, curious at the familiar food from the unfamiliar place, i'd prefer not starting trouble with an entire criminal organisation without a group at my back. Though i have no problems putting them down, if they truly are evil.
"Ehh, no. No ehh, heard of Yakuza first-hand, not deal with them. I would... need to call my mom for help. Otherwise, I know little more than most. Hoping they not recognize my name while we here."
Nazuri translates everything, and then passes Tomoya the salt.
Then she digs into the chicken. Mmm. Extra crispy.
"'Podrostki s otnosheniyem?' *sigh* Nikto nikogda ne uznayet, chto ya vzroslyy." Devic takes a swig from the flask.
It'll make it all the more embarrassing when they find out your smarter than them Ammon responds
"EY. I no use word, ehh, phrase 'smarter than you.' Is not important thing. Work and dedication. Those impor-egh. My god, sound like Mama now too."
That's a good thing isnt it? Duncan always told me if you want to be treated like an adult act like one... but yeah, work and dedication are important, something my family tried to impart
"Strange to think Yakuza seem normal now. I blame the shapeshifters, time virus, and James Bond obsessed aliens..." The teen sighs as he listens to the others and eats quietly.
"Seconded" Geralt drawls
Nazuri, translating the best she can, but not really having any idea of many things they are referring to, asks What's a time virus?
"Time consuming. Would explain, but ehh, bad at english." Devic appears completely unaware of the wordplay.
Nazuri smiles. I know Russian, if that is easier for you.
Devics face lights up at this news, starting to go into detail to answer Nazuri's question.
"Вы делаете? Наконец, англичане заставляют меня чувствовать себя гребаной заторможенностью! Я изучал этот феномен самостоятельно уже несколько недель, и я узнал интересную информацию о его природе." Going on for a couple of minutes to explain, though doing so with much less effort than usual.
That's fascinating. Especially, to me at least, the possibility of Demonic influence. My personal area of study is Angelic influence, She lowers her sunglasses for a moment, so that Devic can clearly see her eyes. perhaps for obvious reasons.
What I do? I'm a translator sometimes, but mostly a tour guide and traveler. I've never really fit in anywhere because of the eyes. Kind of looking for home, if that makes sense. But that's probably just a pipe dream. Mind if I translate your research for the others?
If there's any way i can help: Demons, Devils and the like are ab area i've take to studying since the event. Ammon removes his helm, raising an eyebrow curiously You're an Aasimar?
Tomoya listens intently, but doesn't give any suggestion that he actually understands any Russian. He punctuates the conversation every now and then with a bite of chicken.
It seems that they have certainly been through a lot.
He looks down on his plate.
You all must understand what makes the Yakuza such a formidable enemy. They treat themselves as a legitimate business, rather than the crime syndicate they are, and there would be... Repurcussions, if you were to run in at them swords swinging. We need to play this smart, find better proof than a simple business card to pin on lady Ginza. Luckily, I have my fair share of contacts, too.
He smiled in good humor, turning to Nazuri. They might not like them, though. He said, a wry look on his face.
** spoiler omitted **
"Translator? What ehh, other languages?" Devic keeps an ear out for Tomoya.
To Ammon she says Yes. It was pretty obvious even when I was a baby. Not just the eyes. Also this. Her halo manifests as an intense light centered on her head, making everything brighter in their immediate vicinity, and then it disappears again. I couldn't control it when I was a child. ... Not exactly easy to fit in.
Nazuri translates the Russian for Tomoya, and anyone else who cares to hear, and then responds to Devic:
Chinese, French, German, and studying up for more. I like to travel, so I want to be prepared. I have a secret weapon though.
She pulls a pen out of her bag and writes some Chinese characters on a KFC napkin. She pushes the napkin and her sunglasses over to Devic. You try.
To Ammon she says Yes. It was pretty obvious even when I was a baby. Not just the eyes. Also this. Her halo manifests as an intense light centered on her head, making everything brighter in their immediate vicinity, and then it disappears again. I couldn't control it when I was a child. ... Not exactly easy to fit in.
Nazuri translates the Russian for Tomoya, and anyone else who cares to hear, and then responds to Devic:
Chinese, French, German, and studying up for more. I like to travel, so I want to be prepared. I have a secret weapon though.
She pulls a pen out of her bag and writes some Chinese characters on a KFC napkin. She pushes the napkin and her sunglasses over to Devic. You try.
"Ah. Heh, very useful expect. Ehh, usually look for original writing when search for manuals and such. Is why I use languages I do. Recently study German too. Draconic for arcane texts, other languages for engineering ehh; Dwarven, Gnomish, Goblin, get point. Will have to use one of those to censor self in future."
Nazuri puts her sunglasses back on and tells Mr. Tomoya that the group would like to know where Ms Silver's room is.