( 人斬り以蔵 ) — ᴍᴀɴsʟᴀʏᴇʀ ɪᴢᴏᴜ. (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
hitokiller) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
synflux2023-12-11 09:55 pm
hitokiller) wrote in synflux2023-12-11 09:55 pm
( open ) unfortunately, about me
WHO: Anyone and everyone.
WHAT: Izou being Izou.
WHERE: The busy streets of Shinjuku, what's left of the Nishimuki Tenjinsha shrine in Shinjuku, a run-down looking 7-10, etc.
WHEN: Sometime near the tail-end of the first week.WHAT: Izou being Izou.
WHERE: The busy streets of Shinjuku, what's left of the Nishimuki Tenjinsha shrine in Shinjuku, a run-down looking 7-10, etc.
WARNINGS: Mild violence (right now), severe intoxication.
█ 001, "some people make us feel more human". —
Gerroffa me, you—!
( the sounds of a struggle ensue, and suddenly a couple well-dressed gentlemen are shoving the offender out the club's door. it's pretty obvious he's a bit far-gone with the way he stumbles backwards, arms raises as if to protect himself or perhaps start throwing a mean punch. he doesn't get very far with the idea though, a quick swing of his arm completely missing its target to the irritation of the bouncers who were holding back as best they could. )
T-Try'na... laugh at me. I'll show ya... I'll show ya ALL! I don't forget anyhone... anyone who, crosses my...
( izou quickly discovers how difficult it is to move his mouth properly, visibly flabbergasted at how rapidly his words are starting to slur despite how often he's been through this song-and-dance. it's a familiar strangeness, a something he might find easier to digest as a problem if he weren't so horribly far-gone by most people's standards while a majority of those passing by opt to ignore his cursing and outbursts at the door. gradually, slowly, the chatty drunk realizes that no one's paying him any mind, and, with a couple exaggerated movements, places himself closer to the side of the street against a cold street-light. anything to keep the world from turning for a minute. anything to give him a little comfort.
he'll just... totally get up and leave, any minute now. with a groan, his head starts drooping against the steel that is clearly not designed to be a pillow, hands crawling clumsily up it for support. he's absolutely about to fall asleep in the middle of the city. )
█ 002, "and some people make us feel less human". —
( here, the ever present hum of the city was more faint, and the historic and solemn stone entryway of the temple, adorned with carved pillars and cracks, seemed all the more impressive in the darkness. in fact, one would even call it serene when compared to the hustle and bustle of neo-tokyo, so much so that it's a wonder a spot like this hasn't been entirely torn apart given its proximity to such ruin on the outskirts of shinjuku. tall stalks of grass blow delicately in a breeze, the inherent sensuality of their presence enough to beguile any visitor into venturing up the short steps and into the sacred.
it was easier to breathe here, and those with the courage to approach further into the center of the complex this late at night would see the triumphant emergence of greenery amidst the prayer chambers—new life among wood stained by time and rain. scenery worth committing to memory for anyone who might be losing hope. a glimpse into a world full of air for all who were suffocating.
yes... the perfect spot for some respite, if only a certain man hadn't been tailing behind whatever stranger came here for some peace of mind.
for izou, the night is far from suffocating—it's pleasant, full of sheltered places covered in withered leaves and welcoming to the quick manner his feet move familiarly on the ground without making a sound. a man in his element, aided by an abnormal adeptness in concealing his presence, listening carefully for the slightest shift in movement, the gentle smack of nervous lips. if he weren't so hungry, a cold reminder of how flippantly he tossed his cash around already, the thrill of stalking would bring an even bigger grin to his face... but whatever.
moments later, the soft clink of a blade being unsheathed could be heard as he raised it towards the back of his prey. )
Better start walkin' with a friend at night. Now, take out your valuables.
* alternatively, for those who aren't okay with being surprised and/or more than capable of noticing him following you despite the reduced effectiveness of his presence concealment skill: just assume you caught him before this.
█ 003, "and that is a fact as much as gravity is a fact". —
( it's a convenience store. you know. sickeningly bright, and with the same song looping for the past hour or so. it's the witching hour, and whoever shuffled in was probably just hungry... or bored.
a scrunkly-looking gentleman in an apron at the counter watches whoever's browsing with an impatient expression, a clock in the far-corner wall ticking needlessly the only other sound aside from the shop jingle. after a good ten minutes he smacks a hand down on the counter, shattering the banal background noise with his scratchy voice. )
I'm sick of ya criss-crossin' between shelves like a chicken with it's head chopped off. Buy somethin' or leave.
( my smoke break... )
* Anyone from Brimstone, feel free to recognize Izou from his loud demeanor around their commons.
█ 003, "and that is a fact as much as gravity is a fact". —
( it's a convenience store. you know. sickeningly bright, and with the same song looping for the past hour or so. it's the witching hour, and whoever shuffled in was probably just hungry... or bored.
a scrunkly-looking gentleman in an apron at the counter watches whoever's browsing with an impatient expression, a clock in the far-corner wall ticking needlessly the only other sound aside from the shop jingle. after a good ten minutes he smacks a hand down on the counter, shattering the banal background noise with his scratchy voice. )
I'm sick of ya criss-crossin' between shelves like a chicken with it's head chopped off. Buy somethin' or leave.
( my smoke break... )
* Anyone from Brimstone, feel free to recognize Izou from his loud demeanor around their commons.
no subject
Because I don't think that's still a thing around here. You're just making up excuses at this point.
[ she crosses her arms over her chest. so much for being scared out of her wits... ]
Now tell me what you really want.
no subject
'you shouldn't take such joy in killing others.'
... bah. the longer this goes on, the more it doesn't feel worth it. he lowers his drawn blade just a tad. )
Money. They drag us out here and expect us to get by on practically nothin'. It's insulting.
no subject
anyway, back to izou. with his unkempt looks and katana, she would've easily mistook him as a member of the blade lineage syndicate. but right now, he looks like a man down on his luck, much like any other miser in the city's backstreets. ]
Part time work is a thing, you know. [ speaking of, she's going to have to take one up to make ends meet... ] But I get it. This place... It's a little different from what I'm used to, but at the same time it's familiar.
no subject
( his eye continues to scrutinize her, posture becoming slightly more relaxed. relaxed, but by some miracle of ability or perhaps wealth of experience concerning one-on-one encounters, still seemingly composed enough to strike. anyone who's ever wielded a blade might be impressed—that is, as impressed as one can be by a person trying to shake down others for money.
he continues to speak freely, a growl rising in his throat, the sort that scrapes the craw of those who'd have to beg and scrounge their way through life. )
I know all about pickin' up a side-gig, and I have one myself. But what's a life meant breakin' my back for another grain of rice at some place that doesn't understand... doesn't understand what I'm really meant for? That LILITH or whatever, and their half-assed meal-time, too... they should be treatin' us like lords. Not peasants!
no subject
izou's ramblings does strike a chord in her, if only a little bit. it's a familiar thought, one that she used to have when she decided to quit her job as a boring salarywoman. only the difference here is that unlike her, izou seems pretty sure of who he is, and how he is meant to be used.
the part about the lords does make her roll her eyes, though. ]
Not that I can trust LILITH as far as I can throw them, but they wouldn't pluck you from whatever world you're from if they didn't know how to utilize you.
[ don't get her wrong. ishmael doesn't like this entire arrangement either. but maybe she's just used to companies' bullshit reasons for pulling in randos to do their bidding at this point. limbus company is one such example! ]
Also if you're that hungry, there are cheaper alternatives at convenience stories and food carts. [ she sighs, her breath visible in the nippy air. ] I could use something hot to eat, actually...
no subject
he wonders, for one minute more, when faced with that orange so blinding it might drink up all the sunlight once dawn breaks again, whether he should kill her anyway, a finger itching impatiently for a taste. whether she might just be bluffing and there's something worth taking on her person still.
and then his stomach rumbles obnoxiously, surprising even him.
... human again.
his face scrunches up, embarrassed. )
Tch. As if I haven't already had my fill-a cheap food this week. I'm sayin' if we're such outstandin' candidates and all we should get... ugh, whatever. If you're fine with diggin' at the bottom of a well for water then keep doin' it 'till your nails fall off.
( a pause, and after he's sheathed his blade, because he's not in the mood... anymore: )
Well? Are you buyin'?
no subject
Maybe I'm just used to shitty work conditions. If you want to complain, just take it up to some poor LILITH staff who'd just jot down your complaints and call it a day.
[ whether it's in a prestigious Wing or the darkest dregs in the Backstreets, she can't possibly complain and she's certainly not about to waste her breath when she can just use her energy on something more worthwhile. such is the life of a former wagie... ]
Also if you're hungry, you could've just said so sooner. [ smh. ] I saw some food stalls on the way here. You can tell me who you are while we walk.
[ she'll lead the way, her sunrise hair swaying in the chilly air as she stuffs both her hands into her coat pockets. there are certainly weirder ways to encounter her teammates, but she'll give credit to izou -- he sure picked a nice place to do it. ]
no subject
despite plainly disagreeing with her ideas about just accepting the lot they've been given, he manages to take her comments stride, mouth forming a thin, irritable crease. he isn't sure if her shitty work conditions were his shitty work conditions, the memory of a sweet and exultant smile turning cold over time, his stomach churning with the passage of time and perceived betrayal, but there's no point in arguing about it any further in the midst of the burdened temple and the pale moonlight.
the offer to tell her who he is... is weird as hell, given his abrasive behavior. izou, a bit taken aback by the gleam of her curls wherever they go in the city, follows her down and out of the temple only a few steps behind, the shuffle of his feet strangely inaudible to any who might be paying attention. )
Izou. Tosa's Okada Izou. ( why's he answering her seriously? ??? ghhh, well. ) You're a strange one, y'know that? Goin' along with a guy alone in the middle of the night, let alone one who could've stole yer head. This LILITH really knows how to pick 'em.
( the oden cart they arrive at is just as worn-down as the temple, but the smell of the stock that had been soaking in broth all night was tantalizing. he's just... going to let her pick where to sit first, so he can determine where he's sitting. something about sitting next to someone he's only just met is too embarrassing. too intimate. he sits down at least two whole seats apart from her, hunched in on himself, feeling awkward. )
Gimme some daikon to start off, Gramps.
no subject
You could've lopped my head off at the very first chance you got, but instead you just asked if I have any money on me. [ shakes her head. ] Call me Ishmael, by the way.
[ with the humble introductions out of the way, it's oden time! ishmael's going to sit near the pot of boiling foodstuffs for more warmth, raising a judgmental brow when izou decides to sit as far away from her as possible. like wtf man... ]
Ah, I'll have chikuwa and hanpen, please. [ turns to izou. ] Also, I can't talk to you from here, you know.
[ izou be normal challenge ]
no subject
( talking, that is. what... does she expect him to sit directly next to her like buddies that grew up together? her acceptance of his behavior at the temple was unnerving enough, but this... no way's he gonna get all personal with a woman he barely knows at like, midnight or whatever. especially not with the owner of this cart WATCHING THEM... the hell.
izou returns her disapproving look with a scowl, and then—
inches... slightly closer. there. that good enough for you?!?
then, after a couple quiet moments spent chewing away at his meal, the broth warming his body in a way he hasn't felt since being alive, izou pauses. )
Why... ( a little shaky. he's peering into the bowl he's holding with both hands, gripping it albeit a bit too hard. ) Why the hell ain't you scared of me, after all that?
no subject
she doesn't answer his question right away, choosing to chew away at her food for a moment while relishing in the warm atmosphere of the oden cart. ahh, this is the life. one day she'll get used to taking it easy like this.
and finally, she responds with a shrug of her shoulders. ]
...I've met plenty of guys like you, just trying to get by in the world. If you were actually serious about mugging me, my head would be rolling on the ground by now.
[ if anything, izou's being too vulnerable. the more heinous rats in the backstreets would never hesitate to cut people like ishmael down and harvest her organs for little change. that's just how life is in the City. ]
Also, we're teammates. I doubt LILITH is going to let you get away with murder, unless you're that desperate or stupid enough to get back to wherever you're from that way.
no subject
at least in his mind, she remains reckless.
at least in his mind... )
Fer now, at least. You think you know a guy 'til you don't. And you don't.
( team-mates was just a product of knowing their role. cold, and practical.
anything beyond that, was...
he makes a face like he's bitten into something rotten the moment she implies he might be stupid, and is clearly about to say something if not for how busy his mouth was with the simmered street food. maybe another time.
for the time being, he's content to savor the meal despite their awkward silence. the deteriorating cityscape with all its wounds serving as the ideal backdrop for this awkward interlude spent enduring each other over cheap cuisine. )