⇨ WISMUTH

[ringleaders]

Who: Everyone!
When: S2:D6-D11
Where: Wismuth and the Carnival Grounds
What: The carnival enjoys a few days in Wismuth, a coastal city on this planet's version of the American east. However, there are a few things very unique about this version of the planet...
Warnings: The usual, wholesome fun.

PILLAR OF CREATION↴ Upon arriving, things in Wismuth will seem pretty peaceful. It's a massive city, with no shortage of things going on, but things like violent crime and homelessness are at an all time low. You can wander the streets without much scrutiny, presumed to just be tourists, and most people here come across as helpful and friendly. ► VIBRANCY: The main thing that sets this planet apart is its vibrancy - AKA, the raw creative energy its filled with, flowing from its status as a Pillar of Creation. There is no literal pillar, but Wismuth and its planet is a place where Creation's energy comes through strongest. As a result, everything here feels somehow more real, more intense in a way that's hard to put a finger on. Life is abundant, and its bleeds through in every sensation. ► ATTRACTIONS: There are plenty of things to see while going around the city. First and foremost, there is a lovely beach area bordering the ocean, and a number of tourist aimed attractions built around it. There are giant malls, movie theaters, live stage performances, museums and all kinds of other points of cultural interest. Anything you can do in a big city you can do here, but better. ► ALLOWANCES: The Ringmaster will be giving everyone a reasonable amount of local currency for a few days on the town. You can't make any massive acquisitions with it, but it's more than enough to eat out, see some shows, go to the beach, and whatever you like. You can feel free to pick up some casual supplies, like mundane clothing and souvenirs. There will be more given out later, after the performance week. ► PERFORMANCE: Performance week is starting early this time, after only a couple days of exploration. When the carnival has already been on vacation for a month, the Ringmaster figures they may as well get right to it, and then do more touring afterwards. Members of the local populace will find themselves in the carnival once performances begin, dazzled by the other worldly sights. Magic doesn't seem to exist here, despite the fact that it will flow easier for people bringing it from other worlds.

Comments

[exaomori]

I'd be questionin' your sanity if you were.

[He's definitely not alone in in feeling that way. How Rin and that other guy she met seemed okay with being changed like that was beyond her.]

[worldlyafflictions]

It wouldn't be so bad if I could pick...

[HE DOESN'T WANT TO SOMEHOW BECOME PART BUG...]

[exaomori]

[what about some cute little antennae tho??]

Mebbe so.

[What would Shura change about herself? Absolutely nothing, she's good as she is.]

But ain't like we got much choice about it now.

[worldlyafflictions]

[...]


You gonna be okay, Sensei?

[exaomori]

Eh?

[W-wait, was she looking that pathetic that Shima was asking her that? Damn it.]

Tch. It's just a year. Ain't anything worse than the other jobs the Order's given me. C'mon, I'm going to check out.

[And... get a pedicure after this or something.]

[worldlyafflictions]

[He may have been laughably useless in the fight against Hachirou but he was conscious for enough of the incident to have a general idea of what Shura's issues might be. Maybe not the most comforting person to know your dark secrets, but probably not the worst?? Speaking of secrets though.]

Ah, well glad ta have helped! I've still got some stuff I was hoping ta buy, so...!

[BYE SHURA, THIS WAS A PLEASANT ENCOUNTER LET'S HAVE MORE OF THE SAME NEXT TIME!]

[exaomori]

[Maybe he'll be kind enough to explain to the twins why she'll be so bothered by her first change, since Rin's too stupid and Yukio's too self-absorbed to put two and two together about it.

But did you think you were excused, Shima??]

Hahaha~ [That's not her usual dirty laugh. That's her scary laugh she saves for Mephisto. Son, you aren't done here, and Shura will happily reach out to grab him by the collar of his shirt if he tries to leave.]

We still have somethin' to talk about, don't be in such a hurry ♥

[worldlyafflictions]

[He definitely tried to leave, but as soon as he's grabbed he knows not to do anything stupid like try to yank out of her grip. He still leans against the pull though.]

O-oh, we do?

[exaomori]

What, afraid of sensei all the sudden~? I promise, I don't bite~

[So keep ur butt right there while she checks out, shima, or else she will come find you. Feeling relatively satisfied that he won't make a break for it, she'll release her grip on his shirt to buy the shirts. At least checking out is fairly painless and quick. Spending money that wasn't hers was great, and Shima doesn't have to wait too long for his doom!]

Nyeheh, at least this Ringmaster pays decent. That Mephisto's a tightwad when it comes to giving out bonuses.

[Well, maybe he had a bit longer to wait. At least until they're out of the store they were in and make their way down the street a bit.]

Maybe I should get a pedicure while I'm out~ It's been too busy back home for me to have any fun!

[or... maybe she'll just take her sweet time and see if she can make him sweat a bit.]

[worldlyafflictions]

[Shima at the least really did have stuff he wanted to purchase so he gets that squared away before Shura drags him out of the store.]

Um... why do I have ta come along for that...?

[He'll sweat, but also he'll whine.]

[exaomori]

[She expects the whining. She isn't deterred.]

Aren't ya interested in the things girls like?

[Like pedicures. They're great!]

You'll get to learn first hand how nice they are!

[worldlyafflictions]

[Sounding dubious]

First hand...?

[exaomori]

Mm, should I say first foot instead?

[ that is not a real question do not try to be clever shima ]

Unless there's something you'd like to talk about instead, of course! Ya seem so jumpy around me recently~

[worldlyafflictions]

Umm, I'd be okay with it if ya'd just assume the best and nothing has ta be talked about!

[exaomori]

Ahaha~

[that was the wrong answer]

If yer gonna be that way, then we'll just have to make it quick, won't we?

[And take this conversation down the next empty alley or side street they find.]

[worldlyafflictions]

[IS THERE A RIGHT ANSWER HE CAN ACTUALLY GIVE? He slows and lingers, reluctant enough that Shura might have to grab him again to drag him along.]

--On second thought, I think I see a directory for the boulevard; ya might be able ta find a salon listed?

[exaomori]

[Of course there's a right answer! And cooperating with her is the first step, you little spy. So if she has to grab him by the arm to get him moving at a decent pace, she will. But wouldn't it be more relaxing to walk around without Shura's vise-like grip on his upper arm?]

What a good idea~

[It is a good idea! It makes finding the little spa a couple blocks up that much easier. It's too bad she wants to keep her hands free--a mani/pedi would be great right now. Alas, interrogating Shima was more pressing than her need for relaxing. But it's a busy day--all of the technicians are busy, but there's sure to be an opening for this brother-sister pair in fifteen minutes! In the meanwhile, would they be willing to wait in the quiet little lobby and sip on a refreshing beverage? Of course they would, Shura assures the lady in the front. And of course they'd be willing to take a look at the service menu while they wait.]

Nyeheh, maybe we should get a massage, too!

[Sitting right next to Shima on a chic loveseat, she just wants him to sweat just a bit more. Just a bit.]

[worldlyafflictions]

[Shima sits, holding a cup with both hands and sipping his unusually delicious cucumber-strawberry water meekly. He's trying not to give Shura more reason to use stronger intimidation tactics... but also... look, there's no way he's not secretly enjoying himself, in a slightly twisted way, playing spy games and doing stuff he normally wouldn't get to. So he's trying not to let on about that either, because then he'll definitely be in trouble. He doesn't want to die...

Mostly.]

Haha, I don't think I have the funds, but I wouldn't mind hanging around ta watch.

[exaomori]

You aren't that lucky ♥

[This isn't the beautiful woman who will let him lay his head in her lap as he dies! And though she's hesitant to go all out on a kid like him, he still works for Mephisto, which isn't earning him any favors in her mind. Circus or not, he's a danger to Yukio and that has to be taken care of before she can let her guard down.]

Maybe that's something you should save up for. Y'know, since you've been gettin' along with Yukio so well recently. He prolly deserves somethin' nice for puttin' up with you!

[worldlyafflictions]

That guy probably could use a massage... Ya sure switched over fast ta wanting ta spoil him, I'm jealous.

[Only slightly jealous though. He doesn't need Yukio's problems.]

[exaomori]

Mm? I wanna spoil him?

[excuse you what are you saying shima]

I'm jus' sayin'--with all you're doin' to him, you'd better be willing to take care of him.

[worldlyafflictions]

Wait, am I marrying him, suddenly? What do ya think I've been doing??

[exaomori]

Nah, I'd be kinda relieved if you were just marryin' him!

[seriously if yukio fell in love with someone and was having fun she'd be super happy, even if it was this particular shima...]

But since you and your boss seem intent on taking him out of the Order, I guess it's pretty close!

[worldlyafflictions]

[Plz Shura, that'd be an unmitigated disaster.]

[But there it is, the direct accusation.]

Ya do know he's the kinda guy who plays himself, right? I didn't really do anything but tell him what the options are and wait.

1/2

[exaomori]

[anything for the okumura twins' happiness, even if it means that...]

Of course I know that~ I ain't blind!

[She pauses, takes a long sip of her water. She'd remember this later--Rin could make something like this for her, right?]

I'm not going to be angry about you snatchin' Hachiro. [a bit of a lie] But Yukio's not the same story. Since you're the one who's been extending the invitation to him, I expect you're willin' to act as his guardian while he's out gettin' his answers!