( open ) march catch all

[cranekin]

WHO: Tsurumaru and you
WHAT: Museum lore, civilian shenanigans, and collecting sword friends
WHERE: Misc.
WHEN: March
WARNINGS: N/A for now

i'm also open to reusing any tdm prompts if you want to carry any prompts over to this log.
tdm top level and cr meme comment for reference.
if you would like an original starter or have your own idea, hit me up yosakoi | discord: diejoubus

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( OTA ) a certain museum

[cranekin]

(Not far from LILITH's main base, close to whatever has become of the imperial palace, there is a certain museum where one can come see select national and imperial treasures. or rather, it's a place where many people can see holograms of said treasures. many things have been lost since the first kaiju appeared and attacked the city. what is actually left is kept securely locked away. are the holograms really bad, though? when they don't have to be kept in temperature cool cases under strict lighting rules and only allowed out for limited times in the year, holograms can't wear and holograms can always look perfect. in this way, aren't these artifacts more accessible to the masses?

there are virtual displays of fine kimono, shoji screen, lacquer jewelry boxes, and elaborate armor. the quality of the holograms is so high, one would never know they were just images unless they caught them in just the right light or at the perfect angle.

in one cool and dimly lit room labeled "swords", empty display cases can be found. by touching a panel, one can swipe through a list of options to project an artifact into the case. a white haired man in a white coat holds his hand over the screen, tapping on different articles. with each one, a new sword manifests in the case along with a short description. )

Ichigo Hitofuri...

Uguisumaru...

Hirano Toushirou...

Onimaru Kunitsuna...

(he stops on one sword when he senses someone approaching him. the room is so quiet, it's hard to miss it.)

You can learn a lot about the history of this world here.

(or, if you wait just long enough, you can catch him looking at one display. on a hologram panel, you'll be able to catch a name,)

Tsurumaru Kuninaga...

[the_fourteenth]

[Raidou had been avoiding the museums since he'd arrived, wondering if it would just feel too strange. Over 350 years removed from his own time, he'd surely see things from his era there as antiques. Would it make him homesick? He didn't want to invite that feeling in if he didn't have to.

But he's been here a few months now, and has gotten curious. The virtual displays are a bit of a disappointment, and Raidou is tired of the falseness of digital things in this time. So hard to get your hands on things like paper, a book, a pen and ink...

When Tsurumaru speaks up, the teen silently walks over to look at the screen to take a peek of what reading. Thanks to his stealth, se catches sight of that name.]

Did that say...?

[cranekin]

(As if prompted, he begins to read, his voice calm and quiet so as to not disturb the peace in the gallery,)

Tsurumaru Kuninaga. Forged by Gojo Kuninaga in the first year of Tengi.

(Tengi 1: In the Heian Era, approximately 1053 CE. Raidou can catch the rest of the placard easily enough.)

Inscription: 国永 (Kuninaga)
Designated Imperial Property

Are you surprised, Raidou-kun?

(Not everyone at LILITH knows. Heck, most people don't. He hasn't really gone out of his way to share it.)

[the_fourteenth]

[He both is and isn't. If it were anyone else besides Raidou, maybe, it could be seen as a coincidence. But Raidou is sensitive to things most aren't, magnetite in his world, magic or whatever elsewhere. His constant proximity to demons in his life meant that someone like Tsurumaru felt similar, but not the same. It's the case for many Outsiders, though, and he can't make heads or tails of all the other supernatural forces out in the universe yet.]

I... am not sure of what to make of it.

[This is within his purview, but still outside it.]

Can I ask how this is... related? [He's not even sure how to ask this without being too prying.]

[plagiarists]

[ Back home, museums were great for obtaining some good items, especially if they were connected with a constellation. While it did cross Sooyoung's mind to check out a museum or two and see how tight the security is out of sheer curiosity (this is a lie), she never followed through.

At least not until today.

Her previous encounters with Tsuru never were so quiet as this one is. She doesn't respond to his words—she doesn't have much to say in the matter as this isn't her world and its history doesn't really affect her. Instead, she just watches the holograms and speaks up when Tsurumaru Kuninaga is displayed on one of the panels. ]

Look, it's you.

[ She sneers, shifting her gaze from the sword to Tsuru. ]

[cranekin]

(If only Sooyoung could be free and live her best life like a cat and get her artifacts. This museum is empty of artifacts though, save for (maybe) an authentic piece here or there for special exhibition reasons.)

Just an image.

(The only Tsurumaru Kuninaga in this building is him. )

It looks like I'm not here in this world.

[plagiarists]

[ She can get better stuff on the black market, the museum can keep its holograms and mostly useless artifacts. ]

I see, you wanted to touch yourself. Such a shame.

[ She crosses her arms on her chest and peeks at Tsuru. ]

I'm waiting for Tsurumaru Kuninaga info dump, just so you know.

( OTA ) do you sell them?

[cranekin]

(in a quieter part of neotokyo there are stylish boutiques and aesthetic cafes for people to visit on their leisure. each shop is small and cozy and it's a popular place for people who want to get away from the regular flashy lights and sounds of the city… if they don't mind paying a little more for the peace.

there's a cafe popular with photographers for having a storybook vibe and a kimono shop that sells high quality robes in traditional and modern styles. situated between them is a flower shop. the shop sells "designer" flowers that have been modified to come in various natural and unnatural flowers. some of the flowers have had their scents enhanced and others have them muted depending on the purpose. for other flowers, you can control when they bloom or manipulate how they grow to always be the perfect size or shape for your living space. they live longer, they look better, and they can be arranged into elaborate displays or delicate corsages for custom order.

and in the back, in a certain display, there is a smaller selection of flowers. they're just as beautiful as the rest of the stock, but if one looks closely, they'll catch faults: blemished petals, withering leaves, and flowers blooming at different stages. these are real flowers. natural ones that are coveted by traditionalists. most of them are white for the upcoming white day holiday and the prices are… high.)

Are you interested?

(judging by the apron he's wearing, it's obvious tsurumaru is working here today. whether you knew it before or not... his civilian identity is one "rindou adachi" and he's a florist. he's at one of the counters arranging a bouquet for an order.)

I can give you a special price~

[leveling]

[ While wandering the streets of Neo Tokyo, Jinwoo feels like he's been thrown into a sci-fi movie except there are no props, decorations, or actors. However, everything is real and people live in this city, and have jobs and families. He feels a bit silly thinking of movies under his current circumstances right now, but at the same time, he just can't help it.

It's a relief that after exploring some of the busiest parts of the city, Jinwoo finally ends up in a quieter area. When he passes the boutiques or the cafes, they seem somewhat familiar, even if he can spot the differences easily—the holograms and the robots remind him that this isn't the Earth he knows.

While that isn't a part of his plan, he stops by the flower shop after seeing the designer white lilies and some other enhanced plants. Jinwoo takes a while to look around before noticing the display in the back with the flowers that look less appealing compared to the artificial ones he's seen just a moment before. ]

Me? I'm just looking. [ Currently, he sure is staring at the bouquet Tsuru is working on. ] Those are real flowers, right?

[ There's something strange about this florist and his aura, but he can't really pinpoint what it is. ]

How much for a bouquet just like this one?

[ White flowers remind him of someone he's met at the main base, so maybe it would be a nice gift. ]

[cranekin]

Oh, you can tell!

(This pleases him and he smiles. Lifting his hands from his work, he shows off what he's done so far. It's a nice bouquet, each flower carefully arranged to make the whole thing come together. When hears that Jinwoo is interested he replies naturally,)

100,000 kryptos.

(Almost 700 dollars. This is it. This is the special deal.)

[leveling]

[ After hearing the price his gaze shifts from Tsuru to the bouquet and back to the Tsuru again. Jinwoo even opens his mouth to say something but no words come out for a while. ]

...

[ After considering his options for a while, Jinwoo finally asks: ]

What about one flower?

[crisantemo]

[ Lapis has been doing her best to explore around Neo-Tokyo as much as possible, both for information purposes and for her own interests. It's all so... bright and loud, crowds brushing by her as people go on with their lives, despite all the looming threats. It's strange, but she doesn't mind it - it's nice to see a place so lively, when she's spent so much time to herself before.

But she's still glad when she stumbles across somewhere more quiet, and the moment she spots the florist, she can't help but gravitate over. Both because of her own love of flowers, and because there's... something else. A presence she's never felt before.

...?

Lapis recognises the florist, as she steps in, but what she senses from him is something completely different - why didn't she sense this before, were her powers not fully... uploaded or whatever? For a moment, her focus is solely on Tsurumaru; head tilted, as she regards him with an almost bird-like curiosity. What is he...

Then her gaze flicks over to the flowers, the real ones with all their blemishes and imperfections, and she feels a pang as she thinks about the flowers she was growing back home. She supposes they'll still be fine, if 'she' is still technically there, but still.

Though the prices sure are... painful to look at. ]

Ah... I'm not sure if I could afford them even with the deal.

[ Which is disappointing. She would've liked actual flowers in her room, even if the designer ones are still pretty. ]

[cranekin]

(The bell at the door's entrance jingles and he knows a customer has entered but he doesn't greet them. If they want to buy something, they can find him and he's more than happy to surprise them if they ever thought they were alone.

He works on his bouquet until his guest comes into view over the many displays. Recognizing her, he only smiles,)

You might be surprised. If you never ask, you'll never know.

[crisantemo]

[ Lapis considers that for a moment, before stepping closer - mostly to take a better look at the bouquet he's working on. It is very pretty, but she also has a massive bias for white flowers. ]

Mm, alright. Then how much is it?

[ Though that's only one of the questions on her mind, but she'll start with that first. ]

[icyspicy]

[ Winter is more or less trying to get the lay of the land. He is stuck here whether he likes it or not, and it pays to be prepared. His implant has a map, but navigating it is another matter. He's much more of a parchment and ink kind of guy, but since he can't get that with his very meager starting stipend, then in person will have to be the next best thing.

While visiting a flower shop might not be the most tactically relevant choice, he is curious about the flora in this world, having stopped by the base's greenhouse a bit ago. As he's perusing around, he does note that the real flowers are very expensive indeed. He glances up at the fellow in the apron, noting dimly that he's seen him around the base. Perhaps even in his team's wing? ]

Really? For little old me? You're just saying that because I'm pretty.

[cranekin]

(He's hard to miss at the base. White hair, pale skin, and always wearing white, and probably flitting around from one place to the other like if he stays still he might combust. But right now, he just seems to be relaxing and working at his arrangement.

In turn, he recognizes Winter. He's one of the newer arrivals, right? They hadn't spoken but now, he's glad they are. What confidence! What charisma! How can he not be endeared? )

Consider it a welcome gift.

(And he smiles,)

For a pretty face.

(Winter started it.)

[icyspicy]

[ Yes, the more Winter looks at him, the more he remembers seeing him flit around the base. His fellow Outsiders are really all over, aren’t they? Even the nicer parts of the city.

Winter smiles back, amused and a little pleased to find someone who plays along so easily. ]

Thank you. Still, I’ll have to decline. Even discounted, I doubt I could afford it. Not when I’ve just arrived.

[ aka he has NO MONEY. ]

[queenofkur]

[ There is no denying those designer flowers are beautiful. They remind her of the flowers Merlin could create at will... The ones he had filled her Underworld with for a short but oh-so wonderful time. And normally, she would have been content purchasing them, had she not stumbled upon those flowers in the back. Real flowers. They're so beautiful. Imperfect. Ephemeral. Just like humans... And it's not like the designer flowers aren't beautiful! She would fill her Underworld with them if she could, without hesitation. But those real flowers... There is beauty in imperfection, isn't there? In how little time they have to live, yet how brightly they shine during that time.

Then why are they in the back, why are they so hidden from view?

Oh, she knows all too well. What a silly question! Because they're not perfect, of course. Because their withering reminds people of their own mortality. How disgusting it must be, to the humans of this world. Why would you put something so hideous and repulsing in the front window? It's best to put them in the back, where they can be forgotten and ignored. It's best to put a ridiculous price over them - so that even should someone stumble upon them - they'll turn away and focus on the perfect flowers. Nobody cares for hideous, imperfect things.

As she is about to reach for them, she hears a voice-- ]

You...?

[ Is he stalking her? Hmpf! Unlikely... At least this time she's properly dressed so she won't have to back away if she is to reveal who she is. ]

How much?

[cranekin]

(Of course he isn't stalking her. He works here when he feels like it and today is just one of those days. )

You've just arrived, right?

(She's a newbie. Fresh meat. And he remembers what that's like. They didn't have much money to spend.)

485 kryptos.

(Signigicantly lower than what they're being marked as.)

[queenofkur]

[ 485 kryptos...? She doesn't know much about this economy, but this sounds very low! She'd been expecting for there to be a couple more 0s and she would have totally paid that much if needed for such beautiful flowers! ]

T-That little?!

[ She is tempted to buy them all for that price!! But that would be incredibly selfish, and a perfect goddess ought not to give in to such impulses. Other people deserve to enjoy those flowers as well. ]

Are you sure this is alright...? [What if he's paying from his own pocket for this discount? She cannot accept such kindness!] I am ready to pay more if needed.

[wheft]

[ it's a shop that quickly caught ishmael's eye as she makes her way down on her hoverboard. the flowers on display makes it stand out from the neon landscape, and her curiosity got the better of her. nothing else to it. she's got plenty of time to get back to the base after poledancing practice anyway.

as expected, the flowers here are artificial. not surprising since the City doesn't have real flowers anymore, or at least, none that she knows of. then she spots the natural flowers further into the shop and she goes in, observing them up close and jumping slightly upon hearing tsurumaru's voice. ]

Huh? Er --

[ blinkblink ]

I'm just looking. I can't afford these anyway.

[cranekin]

They are pretty expensive.

(He says it plainly because, well, he really is just stating the obvious,)

I'm surprised since it costs nothing to pick them if you find them.

(Not that he's seen any in the city but he wonders what it's like outside the main city. Surely, the fields and mountains beyond the new capital would have something for them to find.)

I've never seen flowers for such a high price before.

( OTA ) training and maintenance

[cranekin]

(whether it's at the main base or at one of the martial art halls outside it, tsurumaru can be found dressed in his own clothing for the day instead of LILITH's suit or whatever uniform a hall may require. he's checking out some of the practice swords on the wall. they all look the same but actually, if you grab one, it will calibrate with your implant and auto-adjust to be the perfect weight and length. if you aren't happy with the auto-adjustments, you can customize things even more with a menu using your implant.)

Woah...

(he tries another practice sword and the same thing happens. even if it isn't his, he can feel how the weight almost perfectly mimics his blade even if this is a simple (by this era) practice sword.)

Have you tried this? It's like I'm carrying my own sword! Hey, practice with me. I want to see how it works.

(Alternatively, maybe you're at the main base and you have whatever weapon you usually use out on display after a training session. He also has his own sword at his side for the time being, )

Did you bring that with you? Or did you get that here?

(Since some people have been getting weapons from LILITH and what not... he's curious!)

[eyescar]

[ Yuji is heading off to do a little work with his own sword in his hands, but there's a little creature flying behind him who keeps trying to grab at it; since the delivery, it seems as though his hummingbird drone has decide that the sword belongs to it, and not Yuji, and intends to make him suffer for every second of his theft. He lifts a hand, trying to stop the bird from pecking at his face. ]

Wasabi, stop! I'm just going to do some training, you can have it back later!

[ He twitches away, wincing as the bird gets him on the back of his palm. It's not really the most painful thing he's experienced, but it's similar to a paper cut - a strange ache that seems to hurt more than it should. ]

Stop that!

[ But then there's Tsurumaru, and Wasabi seems excited that there's someone new, immediately abandoning Yuji for the stranger. ]

Huh? I got this one here.

[cranekin]

(He holds up a hand, offering a finger as a perch for "Wasabi.")

What's this? Something interesting?

(Maybe his affinity as a birdkin spirit will make Wasabi behave. Either way, he'll try to get it to calm down before giving Yuji his attention,)

Ah! You have a real one!

(And not a practice tool.)