kaisou | 001;

Entry tags:

ritsuka fujimaru

001;

WHO: Marie and you!
WHERE: Around the city I think
WHEN: 9/1
WHAT: Marie's introduction
WARNINGS: Nah.

i. intro

[Marie's been plagued with nightmares for centuries now, so this isn't anything new. The children that she's failed to save still haunt her to this day, and hearing their cries and their pleas for help aren't new. However, being the harden soldier that she is, she never tried to fully blame herself to cope with the pain. So, when she's berated in this maze like area, it causes her to run in a panic. Anywhere to get herself away from her dead students. That she failed.

Once she emerges from what she thinks is a dream, she lands on her feet. Her eyes peering around the city; a new one at that. She hasn't ever seen a city like this before in her world and she's basically traveled everywhere? However, visiting other words wasn't unfamiliar to her, considering her ability as a time sorceresses. She's been everywhere, and maybe she accidentally landed herself here?

Either way, she's here now, and the military taught her to be adaptable. So, she's walking around now, with this new phone in her hand. Her other phone seemingly gone now, wherever it went. Again, she doesn't try to worry too much about that, and she finds herself wandering around in confusion. Though, she keeps up a smile -- her usual front -- to stay calm and blend in.]

ii. text

Soooo where can a girl get a hot bath and maybe a room? Send some help asap. (づ￣ ³￣)づ

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I know that there’s a group called Zodiac that offers free housing, and I assume that comes with baths. I wouldn’t recommend it, though—best to find an inn and stay there a night.

[ When Lapis first spots the woman, it's when she's meandering to the store for a quick supply run (treats for her cat and herself) - the red eyes catch her attention, a sign she isn't a native of the city, but she doesn't think much more on it. It's only when she steps back out, absently munching on an ice cream she bought for herself and sees the woman walking in the opposite direction, does she decide to approach.

While her expression seems eerily calm, even as she munches on an ice cream bar, there is a touch of something more genuine in her voice when she speaks. ]

... Are you alright?

Depending on how much you trust the sketchy sketchersons that run this thing, yah Zodiac are THERE. But otherwise, yeah you've got other options.

How new are you? Like are we talking "I just got off the bus" new or "I was literally spat into this dimension and I don't know what the hell is going on right now" new?

Yeah? Is it dangerous or something? Honestly, I wouldn't mind getting shit for free, but I gotta be careful too.

[She hears the girl's footsteps from a mile away, and stops in place. There's a moment where she's extremely quiet, analyzing her situation to make sure the girl was safe. Not sensing anything dangerous about her, she turns her head, and faces Lapis with a small smile.]

Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just not sure if I managed to hop into an entirely new world, or if this world is just some fucked up version of my world.

[She turns around completely now, and takes a step forward.]

Are you a native or something?

Not quite so dangerous, but I don’t trust Zodiac not to have some hidden motive, and I’d rather not owe them more than I need to.

But if you truly need their help, I won’t begrudge you taking their offer.

There are people that run this place? Oh boy.

Well, tbh, I was literally just spat out here and landed on my feet kind of new. It's been one hell of a ride getting here, though. I'm not even sure how I got here.

Ohhh, so one of those people. That's fair, I wouldn't trust them either.

Got any recommendations for an inn or something? After being spat out in this place, I feel like I should put my feet up and call it a day.

On the one hand, Ritsuka's definitely not been here long enough to know how to spot when someone's newly emerged from a labyrinth or gate. On the other hand, that's kind of a moot point, because app user or not, if Ritsuka sees someone who looks a little confused or lost, she's just the type to try to help if she can anyway.

"Are you looking for something?"

There's a moment of silence from Marie when she feels, and hears someone close to her. Her eyes trailing toward the unfamiliar stranger, before flashing a bit of a fake smile. Always the wary one for a moment, before her act drops as Ritsuka shows her genuine kindness. A bit surprised that someone from a new, strange world would be so eager to help her.

"Yeah, probably. Some housing, and a nice bath. I uh. Just got here."

A pause.

"Are you a native here, kiddo?"

Ritsuka just happens to be one of those people who has a hard time not doing something if she sees someone in trouble. And hey, usually all most people need is some directions to wherever they're going anyway, so why not?

"No, I just got to town a couple months ago. But I know where a few things are at least."

Of course, the question here is, is this someone a fellow app user, or not? Since it can be a rather different answer, depending... Ah, right, the phones.

"But for places to stay... Do you know the app called Libra?"

She can probably spin things if the answer is no. Maybe. Hopefully.

I can’t speak as to the hotels, as I spent my first few days sleeping wherever I could find shelter. But Midtown has good apartments you can stay in, so long as you’re willing to pay for a false identity.

[ ... Yep, definitely new here. ]

It's a new world all together. You'll probably find some things that are familiar, but it's still different.

[ Another munch of her ice cream, and she needs to... Think of that for a second. ]

Hmmm... It's complicated. I'm not from this city, but I was born in this world. I've been stationed here for a few months, so I can try to help if there's anything you need or want to know.

I think they want to, but nah. They just own this app and do a lot of stuff around here. They for sure don't own everything, THANKfully.

Yeah, that's pretty normal for people not from here. Sorry. Welcome to being sucked into another dimension, I guess!

"Oho, I might have to pick your brain then, kiddo. I'm used to world hopping and all of that nonsense, but this place is completely new. Definitely not one of the worlds in my small little galaxy."

It looks fairly normal, and she's been given a phone, so... It can't be all that bad here. She thinks, anyway.

"I don't. Is it on this phone?"

This isn't her phone from back home, and she waves it around curiously. The woman surprisingly taking it rather easy and casual.

False identity, huh? That really brings me back to my youth! But hmm, I suppose this place doesn't happen to take currency from back home, does it? Wouldn't know what to pay them with even if I could.

bears the question if you wanna go somewhere just for some r+r, or if you want something a little more permanent
some of the hotels in the city cost a fucking hot dime but i know a place that's got a spa attached if you don't mind flipping a bit of coin

Must not be a world from my little galaxy then. I'm usually the one traveling back and forth, not the other way around.

[She reaches for her pack of smokes, and places it into her mouth. Her finger reaching out to light it with her fire magic, per usual, but nothing comes out. Which makes her look more horrified than anything here, honestly.]

Weird. I can usually conjure up my fire...

[As for what she says, she tilts her head in curiosity. A soft hum leaving her, but remaining neutral about the whole thing.]

I see. Well, you'll be a lot of help then, kiddo.

[A pause, before she pulls out the cigarette to place it in the pack.]

For starters, what the hell is this place called?

"It probably is, yeah, if you're talking about traveling to different worlds and stuff."

In other words, that remark pretty much answered the question as far as Ritsuka's concerned.

"Most people here don't know about stuff like that, or think it's just fiction."

Guess I'll have to become familiar with my new overlords, then. Great. Just killed one, and now I have to deal with another.

How long have you been here for?

Wouldn't mind something a bit more permanent if I'm gonna be stuck here. I would prefer not to be stuck here for an eternity, but you know. I'm never that lucky.

I wish I had some fucking coin to flip. But maybe when i do get a bit of coin i wouldn't mind that spa. Mind dropping the name of that place for future reference?

'Stuck here'? Did your car break down or something.

Sure, I can send the name of it along, but it's not terribly cheap. If yer not stayin' in town, I'm assumin' yer not gonna' try to settle down with any sort'a job.

[ he's gonna send her picture, an image of where the spa is in kaisou, it has some fancy name like 'Cherrialan' or something like that, and it sure does look like a cozy place.
Not crazy expensive, but definitely a price of a place you spend a weekend to enjoy yourself at. ]

No, just American dollars. I had some Spanish doubloons in my pocket when I first arrived, but they thought it was some kind of practical joke when I tried to pay with them.

[Ayato keeps an eye on the network but doesn't often reply, mostly to how he's more an observer than one who stands out. Still, it never hurts to assist every now and then, he finds.]

As some have said, there is housing provided by Zodiac- they're the ones who manage this app, so to speak. Most would be wary to trust them after what's happened over the past few months, however.

Still, there's plenty of hotels and other lodgings if you would rather seek those out instead.

[ So, a different world entirely. Got it.

Though that look does cause her brows to furrow, and she's quick to speak up - she doesn't want her to worry for too long. ]

You'll find that some powers don't work, when you first get here. You'll get them back in time, or something new entirely.

[ Lapis sure couldn't manipulate and conjure shadows before, but Kaisou is weird like that. But she's been given a question, and now she'll do her best to answer. ]

A city called Kaisou. It's in the country of America, on a planet called Earth. Due to issues with a phenomenon called a Spirit Vein, a few... off-worlders have been dropped here.

Well, super don't recommend trying to kill Zodiac. They super-murdered a friend of mine for that. He got better, but still.

The city? About three years. I've lived in this world my WHOLE life, though. I wasn't spat out here- there's a lot of us like that.

"There's not a lot of time traveling mages in my world, but it is well known that other worlds exist. I'll have to mark this down as something special, if I can get a hold of a notebook and pen..."

Marie, there's probably an app on the phone for that.

"Are you a traveler of sorts too? Or did the world just suck you up and spit you out?"

I wish I had my car here. But hmm... I suppose I'll have to settle down eventually. This place seems kind of familiar with all the buildings and stuff. What kind of jobs are available here? If it helps, I'm a headmistress of a magic academy. Used to be an assassin in the military, but uh, not sure if a contract killer is popular in a place like this or if it's in high demand.

But thanks for that. I'll keep it saved when I have some money to spend.

Not entirely sure what American means, but I do understand what dollars are. I guess I'll have to get some sort of job to earn my keep here, and have to use that app so I don't have to sleep under a tree tonight. ... As tempting as that is, and reminds me of my time in the military.

Honestly, with how it's looking, I'll probably have to rely on these Zodiac people for the time being, till I can put my foot in the door.

You wouldn't happen to know if a headmistress of a magic school, and maybbeee a contract killer could possibly get a job, would you? C:

Are you fucking kidding me? I wonder what kind of magic I can use here, but trying to practice any spells might blow a building up or two. Can't risk that.

[A pause. Before she sighs again, and wonders if she should go into that convenience store to buy a lighter. Which, you know. Costs money that she doesn't have. They'd probably look at her currency like it's some sort of fantasy dollar bills.]

... Yeah, definitely not in Arygian anymore. You might need to give me a little history lesson over a cup of tea or something when we have time. For now, I should probably find a place to stay, and get some money... Any information for that, kiddo?

Duly noted. No fights then, got it.

I might have to pick your brain for a little history lesson when I get situated. What's your name, so I can reach out to you again?

[She likes his attitude, tbh.]

"Sort of? But I definitely didn't get here on purpose or anything. Apparently the spirit realm here has been pulling people in from other worlds, especially since it was damaged a whole ago..."

Ritsuka is probably not the best person to explain if you want all the technical details, but she does at least pay attention to and remember what she's been told.

Smart move.

And sure! I'm not like, super great at actual history stuff- I'm more of a theatre guy, but I can point you in the direction of some serious history buffs. I'm Zulius! The one and only and most fabulous. You will absolutely hear of me at some point.

[If that is a good thing or a bad thing he will leave to her imagination. ]

There's places you can test it, but we'll go over that a little later.

[ First things first: helping to get this lady settled.

There's a blink at being called 'kiddo', but there's not much reaction beyond that. Instead she thinks for a moment, going over what she knows - there's the Zodiac office in the Undertown, so that would be her best option... ]

While they aren't the most trustworthy, an organization called Zodiac can provide that, along with some documents so you won't have any issues finding a job here. [ She finishes the last of her ice cream, before making a motion for Marie to follow her. ]

It's not easy to find on your own, so I can show you the way.

Honestly, I'm not entirely sure either. There's a lot of history for me to catch up on.

If you don't find a place to stay in before the day is out, there's a bench in the park near a very large tree. I slept off a hangover there my first day.

[ good fucking god give him a second, he's looking at his phone as if it just evolved into some H.R. Geiger creature in his hand and started trying to bite him. The. Fuck? ]

I can't tell if this is a joke and you're fuckin' with me, or if you're serious about all that.

[ sorry, miss marie, he's a normal dude who has no idea he has magic powers yet, and he's still sort of halfway in denial that magic is real. terrible luck. ]

I'dve offered you a job as a secretary at my shop since I'm just setting up, but it sounds like you're crazy over-qualified to be a desk lady at a tattoo and piercings parlour, fucking damn.

"Interesting. Not sure what they think some strangers could do, but none the less, I'm here now, and have to deal with it. Thanks for all the info, kiddo."

A pause. She's been calling Ritsuka kiddo this entire time, without even knowing her name. So, in the moment, her lips curve into a soft, playful smile. Hand reaching out to pat Risuka's head as thanks.

"By the way, what's your name? I'm Marianna, but people just call me Marie."

Ohhh, I have a soft spot for theatre kids. Some of my fav kiddos that I taught were theatre kids, so I'm sure we'll get along pretty well. And we'll probably destroy the town, but that's alright.

[It's probably a good thing, to be fair.]

I'm Marianna, but people just call me Marie. Pleasure to meet you.

Ehhh, it's alright. I work with shady organizations from time to time, so it should be fine. But if they can get me a job as a teacher, or a contract killer, I'd be happy. I doubt the latter is a bit rare, though.

[She follows behind Lapis as she crosses her arms. Surprisingly upbeat, despite being dragged into a place like this, without her consent. There wasn't much she could do, but at least she's gotten help.]

Lead on, then. I'll be right behind you. Thanks again for helping me again! Uh... Sorry, what's your name? I'm Marianna, but people call me Marie.

That must be a pretty comfortable bench if you were able to sleep off that hang over, heh.

Thanks though, I'll keep that in mind. I'm Marie, btw. Might I have the pleasure of knowing your name, dearie?

[She's not sorry, Dabi. She's literally come out from fairy tail land, to be completely feel.]

I dunno if I should lie to you or not, but sadly, I am deadass serious.

[Honestly though, that doesn't sound that bad... She has sleeve tattoos herself and would probably, PROBABLY, be helpful as a secretary, but, you know.]

Awww, that's a sweet gesture. I do love tattoos though, and have sleeve tattoos myself. Maybe I'll go there as a customer sometime. In the mean time though, maybe I'll just get a job as a teacher or something again.

Are you the one doing the tats?

"Oh, as far as the spirit realm bringing people here goes, I'm pretty sure that's mostly an accident from the damage that happened before. It sounds like no one here's figured out a way to repair it yet, either. But that part at least makes sense if you think about it, what's weird is the stuff like Zodiac and their app."

She probably should have mentioned that earlier, but she got a little sidetracked. It happens. She also probably ought to protest being called 'kiddo' and patted on the head by a stranger, but she's so used to Servants with even odder quirks back in Chaldea that sort of thing hardly even registers anymore.

"Oh, I'm Ritsuka. Nice to meet you."

Oh, it was. I wouldn't be recommending it otherwise.

Edward Kenway, lately of the Caribbean. It's a pleasure to meet you, Marie.

Edited 2023-09-08 14:21 (UTC)

Same! Obvi. I own the best theatre in town, the Vogue! It's got a whole pack of theatre kids in there. But heck yeah! I'm always down for some shenanigans.

[Even if he definitely isn't anywhere near being a kid anymore- not that he'd admit that in a million years, of course. ]

Likewise! Welcome to the city! It's a flunking mess, but it's OUR mess.

Mm, contract killer is a little more difficult... But a teacher is doable. [ Lapis seems to... take that little bit of information with a lot of chill. Mostly because she's technically a contract killer for an incredibly shady organisation, but that's a topic for another day.

But she'll lead the way through the crowds, peering over her shoulder at the older woman. At least she's taking this well, all things considered. ]

Nice to meet you, Marie. My name is Lapis... [ She pauses, debating how to explain. ] I'm considered a native of this world, but I remember things from a past life. You'll find there's quite a few people like that, though it tends to vary on how much we remember.

dunno, do what you wanna do about tellin the truth or lyin
not like id know, all the stories of magic and shit all feel super fake to me so how the hell would i know the difference

shop's called troublebound.
im the only employee right now but its not like im lookin for other artists yet
gotta set up a flow of customers first and all
new to this city and all that
if you ever do decide to get work done, ill be the one doin' them.
ya wont be disappointed.

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