jigokulogs | I hitched a ride until the coast to leave behind all of my ghosts

["Maybe we can check out how that one bar we met up is doing?" was something Gojyo had said in passing. It was someplace familiar that both he and Norimune had experienced together.

But he forgot the major issue to choosing such a location--

Right.

The place was a combined host and strip club. And it was one that was meant for those who found special interest in 'carnal masculinity'.

It was easier to ignore that back when it was just himself and Norimune because it was relatively empty and they were the ones doing the brunt of the work. But now he was a guest, and the place was most certainly a little more active than it was when he had last visited. Various spirits and youkai chatting it up at their respective tables, drinking and celebrating as they saw fit. And the dancers, various kitsune, Muijina, and Inugami, all very obvious male, seemed to be serving and dancing up on the stage respectively.

In fact, a rather enthusiastic Tanuki was very exuberantly showing off his scantily clad wares just the stage over from where Gojyo sat. The poor red head doing his best to keep his eyes averted as he sipped slowly at his drink. A drink that was very much offered on the house by the clubs all too grateful owner.

Man... And he invited a man to meet him up here too.

This is going to look so bad.]

[The club is thriving. He can tell upon entering through the doors. The owner happens to spot him and came over to happily welcome him. After asking if Gojyo's around, the kodama personally lead him to his table.]

Oh, you don't have to.

"I insist, I insist!"

[Spotting Gojyo, Norimune raise a hand. He didn't seem that bothered by the club's various entertainment.]

Yo, Gojyo. I hope I haven't made you wait too long.

Ahhh, I don't think so.

[Although, for some reason it certainly felt longer than it probably was. Yeah-- Some reason.

His expression was strained, but he did his best not to think too hard on it. Instead, pushing the glass of hard liqueur on ice that he had already prepped for Norimune's arrival over to the stool beside him. A silent offer for Norimune to join him.]

The ice hasn't melted yet.

[A good enough sign. Come. Sit down and have a drink.]

[Norimune take his seat. His hand gently grasp the drink set for him. It feels cool against his fingers.]

This club is doing quite well.

[Like incredibly well, which means there's less chance of the club owner come crawling for their aid. After glancing around, he turn his eyes to Gojyo.]

And what about you, my friend?

Eh, you know. Living.

[He gives a wry smile with that as he leans onto his stool and makes himself comfortable. Sipping lightly at his drink before he continues.]

Boss is an ass. I work with a bunch of brutes. But the cities nice, the girls are good, and it sure ain't 'hell' in any traditional sense.

[Quite the opposite in fact.]

How about you? Never did get to catch which group you ended up in.

[He sip his drink as he listens.]

Ooh, sounds like a lot of fun. I'm in with the Enma department. I never thought I'd find myself working in the office again.

[His retirement isn't supposed to be like this.]

'Again,' huh?

[So the sassy blonde was a paper-pusher before this, huh?]

I never considered you the type that would get bunched in with the cops.

[He meant that. Norimune always seemed to carry the air of a troublemaker who would have initially gotten placed anywhere but there. Gojyo had never met a cop that was so lighthearted and upbeat.]

Guess we're kind of on opposite ends of things, huh?

Uhahaha! It's not something I usually talk about. But I wasn't with the police, I'll have you know.

[Both because it's not a fun topic to discuss, along with it being technically confidential. The nature of the job isn't something he would discuss openly. This does tell him the other Norimune didn't tell Gojyo anything important.

Also, he's not a former cop? Life with the Enma makes him imagine something similiar for his world... A mixture of excitement and boredom. He chuckle to himself.]

It seems like it! But I hope that won't get in the way of us drinking together.

True enough true enough. Just be sure to be nice to me whenever ya find me in a spot of trouble and I promise I'll do my best to be as good as my clan will let me be, yeah?

[With that he chugs down the rest of his glass with a sigh before raising his hand to call the bartender back over.]

It's weird but, you don't come off as the paper-pusher type to me either. So what, you working for Enma's law firms or something?

Oh, I'll make sure to be nice to you! And you'll try to cause less trouble, because the paperwork can be so boring.

[Which is the bigger pain, really.]

Oh, I'm actually with the Enma's police department. I wasn't in law enforcement back in my world... but I bet they think I'm good enough to have around.

[Technically, it's true. The nature of his duty in his world isn't covered by the usual laws of society. He finishes off his drink, smiling as he do.]

Oooh, that's nice.

Right? The quality of the booze almost makes all the sausage in this place worth it.

[Almost.

But sure enough, he was already getting the both of them another round, the bartender more than happy to start handing out the drinks.]

So you weren't police before you got here, but whatever you did was close enough that they thought you'd be a good fit, huh? And you said something about working in an office before.

[Yeah, he's trying to figure out some Norimune.]

Well, I guess that makes sense. I never did organized shit back home either. But I worked in close enough circles that I at least knew how they were run.

[Is he admitting he was a delinquent even back in his world? Yeah. What about it?]

That's what I think as well. Regardless of what I think, I'll just do my best at work~

[The paperwork are boring. But being in the department do give him an opportunity to access their files... as long he gain access to them.]

Oooh? It sounds like you live quite a fun life in your world. That means you end up meeting all sorts of people, right? People who likes you, and those who don't.

Eh, I guess. It was less about the people and more about surviving, I think.

[He was an extrovert at heart, it was true. But with the circles he ran and the lifestyle he lived-- No, perhaps because of simply who he was-- He had known better than not to get too interested in anyone.]

Not that I don't have far more stories than a guy my age probably should have regarding people I've met.

[He grinned with that, picking up his next glass and bringing it to his lips.]

But that's about the same as here. There are just as many interesting people in this world, I think. Some who like me, some who don't~

[He playfully smirked as he looked over at Norimue]

I'm sure even as a cop; the same can be said for you, yeah?

[Figure, he gets someone to check him off as fuckable in that dumb dating app, and he ends up challenging to meet her up for a fight instead.

Not that this wasn't the first time they had fought one another. And, hell, that last time ended nicely. So who's to say it might not end nicely as well this time?

God damn, here he had easy access to a good time, and somehow he ended up here at the Shuten clans' one-and-only fighting arena instead.

Maybe he did deserve to be signed up with Toraguma's grunts.

They were already here, so there was no point thinking too hard about it.

Gojyo stood fairly aloof on his side of the stadium circle, his right hand hanging from his jacket pocket and a cigarette dangling from his mouth as he looked at Julietta. Casually holding a long metal staff with a sickled end in his left hand as he spoke up.]

Oy. Are you sure about this? I heard it isn't polite to show a girl your rod on the second date.

[They had agreed not to hold back, that weapons were fine, and they genuinely wanted to see each other's limits. But was this okay? She was skilled, sure, but she was still a human girl.

At least, that was how she seemed.]

[ This might as well be how their date went. The first time kind of did set a precedent. Not that she minded. This kind of thing really got her going. She needed to be active, testing herself, touching things to learn more. She stood before him with a knife in each hand. ]

I didn't come here to be polite.

[ And she flung one at him. ]

Well if you put it like that--

[It was surreal how naturally he sidestepped the blade as she flung it in his direction. A sly smirk forming as he inwardly chastised her for already losing one of her weapons.

Instead using the act as an invitation to start as he immediately segway into a run towards her. Holding the monks spade out until he got just close enough to wind up and make an attempt to swing the side of the pole into her side.

He wasn't going to resort to using the blade-ends just yet.

No, first he wanted to test the waters.]

[ She'd stop to admire his moves if she wasn't actively fighting him. The challenge was satisfying for her. Fighting well above her level and pushing herself to her limits was how she improved. She knew how to take the hit and stay standing. Wincing as she held the spot he struck she launched at him with the remaining knife. ]

[Really, the first thing Gojyo took note of was Julieta's choice in weapon. Daggers could be useful when utilized properly, but he already had the advantage with the longer range of his staff. And the fact that she had already discarded one of them meant that her overall range of attack had been halved. Certainly good things to go over with her later.

Weird. He never thought he'd be the type of person to teach others how to fight.

He was experienced, perhaps far more so than most others. But he never saw himself as the type to ever take on such a roll.

But he managed to side-step again. Using the shaft of his shakujo as a barrier between them so that she remained distanced. Putting a little extra effort into the pressure of the swing of his staff so that he could swat her away and, hopefully, off-balance.]

Come on, you're trained for this right? You better not be holding back. ♥

[ Trained, but not for this exactly. She had never encountered anyone with a staff before. Definitely a learning experience. His ability to keep her away was a problem, she could see that. But it wasn't a problem without a solution. She would keep coming at him from the front while she lifted up her discarded knife remotely from the ground to strike him from behind. It couldn't move very fast but it had the advantage of being silent. ]

[Surely, that was the one thing Gojyo most certainly wasn't expecting. After all, she was just an average human, right? At least, that was how Julieta had presented herself in their time getting to know one another. And she seemed pretty inexperienced to matters of direct combat, nonetheless magic.

So it was only a bit too late when he caught movement out the corner of his gaze. Reacting with another side-step, but this time a bit too late as the blade managed to hit the shaft of his staff only to veer off and graze into his size.]

'Tch!!

[Okay.

That smarts.

Thank god he was far too used to the sensation of blades cutting through skin, as he instead backed away, holding his Shakujo in a more defensive stance.]

Oy. You didn't tell me you can do something like that now~

[Yeah. Yeah, Gojyo was most certainly flirting after just getting stabbed.

What about it?]

I guess I didn't. Do you like it?

[ Her knife returned to her hand. Now he was aware she was more of a threat at range than she appeared. It felt pretty good to land a hit on him. Maybe she was getting the hang of this. She wasn't about to wait around for him to retaliate. Flinging them both back at him again she also directed a pair of shackles to close around his ankle while she kept moving. ]

[He couldn't help but find himself smiling in response to her snark. He had gotten so used to her more blunt yet serious and forward demeanor that seeing her tease back like that was a welcome surprise.]

Gotta say, you're mighty interesting Julieta. ♥

[Taking the sweet stinging sensation in his side as a wake-up-call, he was quick to swing his weapon and deflect the blades away. It was true, he knew to expect more from her now. It meant that he would take this a little more seriously. Quickly ducking down and charging in closer towards her, he lifted his leg up, aiming to drive a firm front-kick into her stomach.]

Is that a compliment?

[ His weapon was far too much metal for her to be able to take control of it. If she could manage to trip him she wouldn't need to. She aimed to snap the shackle around the foot coming at her. But she couldn't do that and dodge at the same time so she took the hit, staggering backward. ]

Might just be. Why, you that curious to know how I feel about ya?

[He chuckled with that. Taking the opportunity with her distraction and thrown guard to make another swing at her with his monks spade, aiming it towards her side. He was hoping that the previous hit was enough to throw her off balance to his wider blows.]

Maybe after this battle I'll show ya just how interesting I think you are, yeah?

[Man he missed this. The thrill of the fight. The adrenaline. It still wasn't anything in comparison to life back home or in Hakagemachi. But it gave him a the smallest semblance of a reminder of life back then. Back when he was constantly striving to survive.]

[ The staff hurt but at least it wasn't the business end of it. He really was skilled. And he was even speaking so casually at the same time. The blow stunned her. She managed to get one cuff around his ankle. Now she would try getting the other side locked around his other ankle and trip him while she tried to put distance between them. ]

[Ah, but she was certainly taking her time, wasn't she? And while Julieta may have been busy attempting what she was with the other cuff, Gojyo was slowly approaching. A dangerous gleam in his eyes countered the playful smirk as he slowly lowered the blade side of his weapon. Lightly brushing it over the skin of her neck, not quite enough to cut, he instead nudged her chin up with it.]

I believe this training session is over, yeah? ♥

Looks like you've won. What are you going to do with me now?

[ Not so bad for a first attempt at learning her new abilities. She can recognize where she may have done things differently. Most of all right now she's feeling something else. The blade at her neck gives her a shiver. Her cheeks burn as she looks up at him with intense desire. She's hoping for him to indulge her. ]

I dunno.

[With that he pulled the blade away. Quickly twirling it over his shoulder to fasten it to the make-shift holder he had set up.

It was another small casual reminder of how much he had missed the usefulness of his abilities back home.]

I think the better question is what you're planning with me.

[He smirked with that, casually tracing his hand down to tug at the one shackle along his belt line that had just barely been hanging on.]

Not often a girl tries to undress me while in the middle of a fight.

[And yet, it isn't like it hasn't happened before.]

Don't tell me you liked getting your ass handed to you that much now.

That's a weird thing to be into.

[ Right? Couldn't be her. She glances away. She isn't even sure what she's planning. Her intention had been to practice her new ability and she did that. So now she isn't sure what's next. ]

Ah? Is it really? You'd be surprised to the things people could be into.

[He offers a light hearted chuckle as, with that, he pulls the blade away before offering his free hand out to her.

A sign of good sportsmanship.]

You did good though, for someone who doesn't fight like this normally. It shows that you have an eye for combat.

If you're interested wouldn't mind helping you refine it one of these days.

I think I'd like to learn from you.

[ She takes his hand to pull herself up. So it's decided. Fortunately she isn't so injured she can't get up. Just some soreness. Must have been going easy. That just makes her want to try harder. ]

Mnn.

[He gave a curt nod as he grinned out. His eyes alight with approval for her dedication.]

You're pretty well trained. It's just pretty obvious you haven't really utilized hand to hand fighting much. None the less used it for survival.

I'm not going to go easy on you though. You sure you want to do this?

I was able to survive in my world. Clearly yours is something else entirely. I've already decided.

[ Now she was more curious about where he came from. What it was like and who he fought against. He was skilled and she respected him for that. It was a good experience to get to see him fight even if it wasn't at his full power. Maybe someday she would get a chance to see that too. ]

Yeah, I guess you can say something like that.

[Well, more so in recent times. Not that Shangri-La was particularly a walk in the park even before it all.]

But! I'd have to be waaaay more drunk to talk about shit like that. What do you say--

[With that he let go of her hand, tossing a playful wink in the process.]

Wanna go get an 'after-fight drink' to relax a little?

I like the sound of that. Let's go.

[ She gave him a wry smile. After what happened last time they had drinks after a fight she was expecting something like that again. There were always more things he could teach her. ]

Ahahah, so you'll finally let me take you out again, huh? Even after that debacle that was our first date?

[Not that anyone besides Gojyo would ever think to call it a date.]

So shall we make our way over to the Tamamos then? They usually have the best booze in the city.

It'll even be on me. ♥

[Take that insinuation as you will.]

This time for sure. I don't have money with me.

[ Yes really. She was impressed with his skill. She'd like to know more about him. Maybe just a little she felt bad for misjudging him. Besides drinks were just what she wanted right now. ]

Ahaha, who am I to turn down getting a cute girl a drink? Especially after being so tolerant of me with how rough I was playing?

Do you have a preference for drink and food? I know I'm a beer and meat guy myself, but I don't want to drag you around to things only I like.

[He started leading the way, strolling casually towards the Arena's main exit, digging out his coat pocket to pull out a pack of cigarettes and pop one into his mouth.

Something about tobacco after a good fight was too hard to resist.]

This way, I can keep a lookout for something that we both may enjoy. ♥

Actually that's my favorite too.

[ That was another point in his favor. He'd all but redeemed himself. Good for him. She'd pass on the smoking but she didn't mind if he wanted to. Walking by his side she hoped it wasn't far. She was sore after all that. ]

Eh? Seriously?

[Huh. Same taste in food. Go figure.

That had actually managed to take Gojyo off guard a little, but not for long. A small smirk tugging at his lips as he slowed his pace. Keeping to Julieta's side as his shoulder playfully brushed against hers while they walked.]

Well then, screw the Tamomo district. [~~Literally. Kyeheheh.~~] I know a great little dive bar right here in Shuten that makes a pretty mean barbecue if you wanna go for that. ♥

[With that he dug into his pocket for his Zippo. Quickly lighting the tip of his cancer stick in order to get a good few puffs in. Have to hurry up if they're going to be going somewhere close.]

I'm hungry after all that.

[ She was just beginning to notice. If he was paying she was going to eat her fill. That was all part of getting stronger. Barbecue sounded perfect to her. As long as she didn't have to wait around for a table.]

Yeah, you work up a sweat, then you gotta build up your energy with a good meal after.

[Gojyo couldn't help but look at Julieta curiously. He was absorbing the sight of a girl like her walking through the streets next to him. He would have never suspected upon meeting her two months ago that this was how things would end up.

Friends with a cop, huh?]

Hey. Do you mind if I ask a question?

Go ahead.

[ He had the right idea. Glad they could agree on that. He actually seemed like someone she could get along with. She didn't even set out to make friends and wouldn't have expected it with him but here she was. But if he was expecting an answer with any kind of thought he might have to wait until after she gets something to eat. ]

I hitched a ride until the coast to leave behind all of my ghosts

For Norimune

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For Julieta

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