[it's the day after a good night at the club - she'd had a nice time, a good showing, and they'd shown off their new song without someone fumbling notes. the applause meant she had gone to bed contented and glad for the next day - it's her day off, and with the lighter weather in the city, she's in need of new reading material. something she can enjoy on her lunches in the clinic garden, maybe.
so it is in one of the branch library locations that she's poring over the shelves, wandering the fiction section with an eye out for titles that seem appealing. the presence of others is noted, but not something she's overly concerned with at the moment. finally, she sees something she wants to look into, but it happens to be half behind someone else. no matter. with a smile and a soft voice (to appease the librarians), she asks that eternal request.]
( Shealtiel had been audience to her performance at the club. Not inside of it, really... But nearby, at a window or a door, listening in. It was reminiscing that led him to that spot, urging him to do things that a certain someone had insisted was the right way to do things. And music? The best way to listen to it was eavesdropping, apparently.
But he had caught a glimpse of her. And it's why when he sees her now, he's momentarily surprised to recognize a face. He glances to the side, at the book in question, and then moves to grab it and pass it over. He has another book in his own hands, some sort of historical piece, but he has no problem looking up from it to interact now. )
You're the one who sang last night. ( Okay, a little odd to say it that way, but he's not really sure how else to. How does one bring up something like that? )
Ah, here... This book, right? ( Now he passes it, glancing at the cover as he does. )
[she hardly looks down at the book - the next in the series of the Beekeeper's Diaries - in favor of looking at the man before her. when she's at the club, she's dolled up, in one of their more fashionable and formal dresses. there, she's every inch the club singer. and in the day, on the street, she's more modest, dressed down and sensible, much quieter.
[it's a good night at Rosolio, to be certain. the chef's not in a temper tantrum, the staff's dramatics are at a minimum, and Emily is happy to be there. they've started her set on the slower side, to give the audience an easier start of things, and she looks calm, content on stage as they bring this one to a close. from the lighting, she can vaguely tell who's in the crowd, but usually she lets herself unfocus and think about just singing to an open room instead. no nerves, that way.
either way, they're probably due for one that the audience can dance to for a bit, and she turns away to confer with the band. it's a good time to grab a drink or order a plate, or hope your favorite gets brought out.
or, in the case of a certain SOLDIER, prepare for what might be coming.]
[ Cloud's been on the look out for entertainment - quelle surprise, with most of his usual options a bit too physically demanding for the taste of medics (despite his high constitution), Cloud is instead looking for some entertainment by checking out the many establishments around the city. Find a hobby, they said! Easy to say when you know where to look. ]
[ He's slipped in, mostly unnoticed. Mostly. He's sure the staff have spotted him, but hopefully this is just a normal establishment, right? ]
[ He's about to cross to the bar, order a drink, soak in the atmosphere. He stops about mid-way, as his eyes focus on the woman on stage. There's a jolt of recognition - he's only seen here a handful of times, but he would have reason to know her, after all - between both being in Sutoku and due to Aerith making sure Emily knew of a strapping young man who could help move supplies when needed. ]
...Emily? [ He says it quietly to himself - hopefully not attracting too much attention. But, well, those wilf blonde tufts of hair are hard to mistake for anyone else, and he's certainly not moving to duck out of sight now that he's been blindsided by Emily on the stage. ]
[it is her, and she doesn't seem to have noticed him yet. in the same respect, if people notice Cloud, they know enough to be respectful of his space and not bug him as a hero. or maybe it's just the attitude of the place, where the music takes priority.
turning back to the crowd, Emily comes back to the microphone with a smile, breathing in.]
I think we could use something a little more upbeat, hm?
[that's the cue for the band to start up their next song, and those that know it are eager to get up and get ready to dance. that said, Cloud is new. Cloud is noticeable, and he's new. and that combined? this crowd is more interested to see if he'll participate over lauding him as a hero.
it's one of the staff, even, who's bold enough to ask - you going to join in? - and from there, Cloud's local fans might start giving him the looks. the ones that mean they are going to pester him for it. it's fun.
[it's a call of doctor! that gets her to come out from the back where she's been organizing. Chiyo wouldn't call like that unless there's a problem - the crane woman is skillful, both with her stitches and with her shifts dealing with the front desk, so clearly, someone needs wrangling. she comes out, prepared to have to lay down the law, but she's caught off guard by who it is.
that's a face she thought had been lost to the unravelling of that world. that's someone she thought she'd never get the chance to see again, never again wave hello to, never again call out-]
it's just, after pestering people for the location after he'd heard a specific name, he doesn't end up making the best impression. maybe it's the lack of a proper response, the dodging of questions, and the series of rather...unhappy gestures he offers. maybe it's all the above. either way, he's irritated, and now she's calling for backup, for fuck's sake.
he's already turning on his heel to cut his losses and ditch when he hears his name, and then his head whips back around with wide eyes before it finally lands on the familiar face. there's a few seconds where he just stares, before he blinks and snaps himself out of whatever that was.
ignoring the indignant squawk he gets when he does so, he turns back and promptly hops over til he's standing in front of the taller woman, peering up with all 4 eyes before he lifts his hand...
and gives a small, hesitant little wave, like he doesn't know what else to respond with. hey. ]
[another doctor coming into the clinic was a blessing, a boon that she doesn't even want to question. as long as she demonstrates basic competency, Emily will be happy to bring her in - any gaps in knowledge, the team was good at figuring out how to cover. so it is that she's doing some work up front with the receptionist, waiting for her arrival - Dr. Heng Yue, pharmacologist.
the clinic is a modest place, and the sign with a red cross in the window announces it. it's in a quieter street, on the border of Sutoku and Enma territory - self contained, but a clean sidewalk and windows. dust would never be allowed.]
[ Despite Heng Yue's own opulent looks, there is no indication that she sniffs at this modest little clinic at all. Her attention is fully on Doctor Dyer herself, as soon as she spots her. For all her beauty, Heng Yue is not the most personable when she is focused on work. She is unfailingly crisp and direct, ]
Doctor. It's good to meet you.
[ Her bow is composed, posture just so; the kind of rich girl who had finishing lessons as a child. The bob of her ears... is distracting, cute. ]
[it's less about her beauty, for Emily, though that is striking. rather, she thinks it must be a nice thing to have clothes like that - the clinic's far more of a modest place, built on hard work and thrift. but she bows back, and offers a smile.]
Dr. Heng. Thank you so much for coming on such short notice. Welcome to our clinic.
[the crane lady at the front desk rises from her seat to bow as well - Chiyo, Yue will find out soon enough, is a capable nurse and a receptionist with zero tolerance for foolishness.]
Did you have any outstanding questions, before I give you a tour?
[ In the time since he's arrived here in the city, he's overheard mentions about the clinic here and there, and once he finally had his living situation sorted out Skylark finally decides to pay a visit. Mostly, he hopes he can be useful here, and partially he knows if he slacks on his studies Azhar would be very disappointed in him. If he learns some useful things it'd be even better.
When he steps inside, it mostly reminds him of how different the buildings here are compared to home. It's not much like the tiny apartment-turned-clinic he was used to. ]
[the crane woman at the front desk looks up from where she's reading - it's a slow day - and opens a file cabinet to pull out a paper, handing it over with a pen to him.]
Fill this out so we know your contact information and availability. One of the doctors will need to sign off on this - Dr. Dyer can speak with you afterwards.
[it's basic information. his name, age, a phone number, what his weekly hours might be, any relevant experience. just things to note on hand for any volunteers. very straightforward as it goes. the woman is unruffled, and quietly turns back to reading while she waits.]
[ This is pretty straightforward, at least. He sits and fills in each field in neat handwriting; Gracious Skylark, 15—a quick pause to take out his phone to check for his phone number (and by gods did it take him a while previously to figure out what that was supposed to mean)—his hours, and experience as a doctor's apprentice in herbal medicine. Once he's done, he hands it back over to the woman at the desk. ]
[this is going to have to be a twofold situation, she explains. while she has some leads thanks to her medical contacts who will be open to a loyal customer, she's heard tell of some folks being more shifty in their dealings. so, a backup is needed - someone with sharp eyes who could watch what happened in the surroundings. strange movements, suspicious activity in the back, all of that. arguably, it's more important that this person be ready to pounce the moment there's enough to go on.]
...more or less, I need to know if they're hiding something, and to be able to pry it out of them. Does that sound like something you can help with?
[ He listens without interrupting, takes a moment to digest the information, and then nods. ]
I am able. [ He states it like a fact. While he doesn't yet have his full range of tools here, he can get creative enough with the ones he has to manage any confessions he might need to get out of someone. ]
Is there aught else you need me to do? [ He's a stickler for clarification, the little just in cases. He doesn't think Emily has left anything out, but it's always good to go over things again. ]
Not that I can think of, other than to say if you notice suspicion, act as you see fit. We don't need to worry about being overly kind - though civility will go farther than brute force.
[it's a stressful situation, to be sure. they need the leaks so they can mend the gaps so Ryouma survives and the Alliance remains secured for the time being. a chain of different links, and all of them need to be tightly welded.]
Is there anything that you need specifically from me, however? What I can do, I'd like to.
[when the two of them were assigned together, Emily had kindly introduced herself and their mission, laying it out simply. she has connections in the black market, she admits, solely for obtaining medicines, but they were still places to start. and some of the leads, she had been warned, were more taciturn than others. ranking or no ranking, Fumikage had an advantage with his appearance - she was all too human for some of them.]
...if what they want isn't outlandish, agree to it, and then let me know what you've promised. I'll arrange anything difficult. And if it seems dangerous, back out - there is no shame in it.
[here, she smiles, pausing so he can ask any questions he has.]
[Fumikage had figured his unique appearance would come in handy eventually, and now it's being put to the test; pretending to be a native tengu to get information on the Stardust suppliers. It would be difficult, but Fumikage was up for the task.]
[After introductions Fumikage listens carefully, taking in Emily's instructions and putting them to memory. He nods slowly at her instructions, though at her pause, he does speak up.]
Should there be anything specific I should know about your business in medicines, in case I am asked? I must admit, I am not entirely knowledgable in medicinal products outside of over-the-counter prescriptions.
You shouldn't have to. If they push, you're a volunteer for my clinic. The intricacies of preparation aren't something you'll have to know for that.
[after all, the volunteers did different work depending on what they wanted to do. some just helped with delivery, some with repairs...]
And...thank you. I won't be able to say it enough for assisting with this. Finding the source on these leaks is actually very, very important to me, so I can't help but be grateful for it all.
[it's a calm evening, so that's why she suggests it. summer brings heat and humidity, lethargy, but it's more bearable higher up, and the stars look better out here. the roof of the apartment complex is rarely visited, so the door sticks when it's trying to open, yet Emily will fight it until it yields again. and so, it's worth it to get that feeling of cool air breaking through the the heat that clings to the city.
sitting on the edge, she closes her eyes for a second, letting the small breeze pass over. that's far, far better, and when she reopens them, she smiles back at Goro, hoping he feels a difference as well, and extending her hand. join her?
things are progressing...as smoothly as they can in this city. progress being made on the black market front, no huge assassinations, only the usual level of chaos. slowly starting to build up the myth surrounding Majima Goro, and at the end of the day, letting him shed that skin. remembering who he actually is. she's doing her best to assist, and carefully shoring up her own illusion - at one point, it'll have to be put to a real test. but not right now. right now, no one is looking at them.]
[ He undoes his tie, loosens a few buttons down his shirt where his necklaces show, lets the cool night air hit him. He can turn off for the day. No one to order around, no one to show his fangs to. He takes her hand and comes to sit with her. He can't help but think of the hot summers in Tokyo, lolling out the window with Saejima while Yasuko sat in front of a fan. They'd gotten slivers of stars and light pollution, but they'd been together. That's really all that matters.
[she doesn't care that it's less safe for a woman alone at night. she has no weapons, no money - nothing that's an enticement, and wings ready to snap out and carry her away if she needs. where she wanders, she barely pays attention to, and she ends up leaning on the railing on a bridge, staring down into the dark waters of the Sanzu.
there's been something nagging, tugging at Emily's core for the past few days. even Hibiki can't quiet it, smother it with her name and an order. if her memory is so patchwork that she forgets entire people (or not, or sees them otherwise), then what else has she lost? who has she lost? and why, if one is blessed to forget, she can't forget the worst of it? these scars that never fade.
wisps of her hair have fallen from her bun, and she feels like she could scream, takes a big breath-
it won't come out. it's not allowed. it's only when she looks to the side and sees a familiar form coming nearer that her melancholy lifts slightly.]
[ Thugs are cropping up, threatening Shuten territory, making a fuss with the business owners that Toraguma's got some kind of trust running with. Nishitani could pass off the task to the lower ranks, but instead he'd wanted to stretch his own legs, remind the streets why they want him happy, specifically, and not just Toraguma. ]
[ His knuckles aren't split simply because he'd brought brass ones along. There is blood splattered across his gray suit, his dark blue shirt, and given how he spits some blood onto the ground before lighting up a cigarette, yeah, some of the blood is his. ]
[ He's half way to his favourite Shuten dive, crossing over one of the Sanzu bridges, when he sees her. She looks-- ]
[ Emikko always looks incredible, but she looks... offbeat. Nishitani throws his cigarette in the river as he approaches. He's not trying to loom, or threaten, or dominate. He's just Nishitani here, walking home from his day (night) job. ] Forget that; you sure have wandered far away from safety, Emikko. This is Shuten territory. Haven't you heard we're dealing with an upstart problem?
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sheatiel.
so it is in one of the branch library locations that she's poring over the shelves, wandering the fiction section with an eye out for titles that seem appealing. the presence of others is noted, but not something she's overly concerned with at the moment. finally, she sees something she wants to look into, but it happens to be half behind someone else. no matter. with a smile and a soft voice (to appease the librarians), she asks that eternal request.]
Excuse me. Might I see that book?
[the one bound in violet, to your left.]
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But he had caught a glimpse of her. And it's why when he sees her now, he's momentarily surprised to recognize a face. He glances to the side, at the book in question, and then moves to grab it and pass it over. He has another book in his own hands, some sort of historical piece, but he has no problem looking up from it to interact now. )
You're the one who sang last night. ( Okay, a little odd to say it that way, but he's not really sure how else to. How does one bring up something like that? )
Ah, here... This book, right? ( Now he passes it, glancing at the cover as he does. )
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[she hardly looks down at the book - the next in the series of the Beekeeper's Diaries - in favor of looking at the man before her. when she's at the club, she's dolled up, in one of their more fashionable and formal dresses. there, she's every inch the club singer. and in the day, on the street, she's more modest, dressed down and sensible, much quieter.
generally, she doesn't get stopped in public.]
You were at Rosolio last night?
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cloud.
either way, they're probably due for one that the audience can dance to for a bit, and she turns away to confer with the band. it's a good time to grab a drink or order a plate, or hope your favorite gets brought out.
or, in the case of a certain SOLDIER, prepare for what might be coming.]
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[ Cloud's been on the look out for entertainment - quelle surprise, with most of his usual options a bit too physically demanding for the taste of medics (despite his high constitution), Cloud is instead looking for some entertainment by checking out the many establishments around the city. Find a hobby, they said! Easy to say when you know where to look. ]
[ He's slipped in, mostly unnoticed. Mostly. He's sure the staff have spotted him, but hopefully this is just a normal establishment, right? ]
[ He's about to cross to the bar, order a drink, soak in the atmosphere. He stops about mid-way, as his eyes focus on the woman on stage. There's a jolt of recognition - he's only seen here a handful of times, but he would have reason to know her, after all - between both being in Sutoku and due to Aerith making sure Emily knew of a strapping young man who could help move supplies when needed. ]
...Emily? [ He says it quietly to himself - hopefully not attracting too much attention. But, well, those wilf blonde tufts of hair are hard to mistake for anyone else, and he's certainly not moving to duck out of sight now that he's been blindsided by Emily on the stage. ]
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turning back to the crowd, Emily comes back to the microphone with a smile, breathing in.]
I think we could use something a little more upbeat, hm?
[that's the cue for the band to start up their next song, and those that know it are eager to get up and get ready to dance. that said, Cloud is new. Cloud is noticeable, and he's new. and that combined? this crowd is more interested to see if he'll participate over lauding him as a hero.
it's one of the staff, even, who's bold enough to ask - you going to join in? - and from there, Cloud's local fans might start giving him the looks. the ones that mean they are going to pester him for it. it's fun.
at least one song.]
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dosei.
that's a face she thought had been lost to the unravelling of that world. that's someone she thought she'd never get the chance to see again, never again wave hello to, never again call out-]
Dosei?
[it's really him? in her clinic, here?]
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it's just, after pestering people for the location after he'd heard a specific name, he doesn't end up making the best impression. maybe it's the lack of a proper response, the dodging of questions, and the series of rather...unhappy gestures he offers. maybe it's all the above. either way, he's irritated, and now she's calling for backup, for fuck's sake.
he's already turning on his heel to cut his losses and ditch when he hears his name, and then his head whips back around with wide eyes before it finally lands on the familiar face. there's a few seconds where he just stares, before he blinks and snaps himself out of whatever that was.
ignoring the indignant squawk he gets when he does so, he turns back and promptly hops over til he's standing in front of the taller woman, peering up with all 4 eyes before he lifts his hand...
and gives a small, hesitant little wave, like he doesn't know what else to respond with. hey. ]
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I can't believe you're really here...it's been a while, hasn't it?
[she beckons that he can follow her, if he wants - they can go into the break room for a bit of privacy.]
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yue.
the clinic is a modest place, and the sign with a red cross in the window announces it. it's in a quieter street, on the border of Sutoku and Enma territory - self contained, but a clean sidewalk and windows. dust would never be allowed.]
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Doctor. It's good to meet you.
[ Her bow is composed, posture just so; the kind of rich girl who had finishing lessons as a child. The bob of her ears... is distracting, cute. ]
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Dr. Heng. Thank you so much for coming on such short notice. Welcome to our clinic.
[the crane lady at the front desk rises from her seat to bow as well - Chiyo, Yue will find out soon enough, is a capable nurse and a receptionist with zero tolerance for foolishness.]
Did you have any outstanding questions, before I give you a tour?
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When he steps inside, it mostly reminds him of how different the buildings here are compared to home. It's not much like the tiny apartment-turned-clinic he was used to. ]
Uhm, hello? Are you still taking volunteers?
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Fill this out so we know your contact information and availability. One of the doctors will need to sign off on this - Dr. Dyer can speak with you afterwards.
[it's basic information. his name, age, a phone number, what his weekly hours might be, any relevant experience. just things to note on hand for any volunteers. very straightforward as it goes. the woman is unruffled, and quietly turns back to reading while she waits.]
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kimmuriel.
...more or less, I need to know if they're hiding something, and to be able to pry it out of them. Does that sound like something you can help with?
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I am able. [ He states it like a fact. While he doesn't yet have his full range of tools here, he can get creative enough with the ones he has to manage any confessions he might need to get out of someone. ]
Is there aught else you need me to do? [ He's a stickler for clarification, the little just in cases. He doesn't think Emily has left anything out, but it's always good to go over things again. ]
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[it's a stressful situation, to be sure. they need the leaks so they can mend the gaps so Ryouma survives and the Alliance remains secured for the time being. a chain of different links, and all of them need to be tightly welded.]
Is there anything that you need specifically from me, however? What I can do, I'd like to.
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fumikage.
...if what they want isn't outlandish, agree to it, and then let me know what you've promised. I'll arrange anything difficult. And if it seems dangerous, back out - there is no shame in it.
[here, she smiles, pausing so he can ask any questions he has.]
Works for me!
[After introductions Fumikage listens carefully, taking in Emily's instructions and putting them to memory. He nods slowly at her instructions, though at her pause, he does speak up.]
Should there be anything specific I should know about your business in medicines, in case I am asked? I must admit, I am not entirely knowledgable in medicinal products outside of over-the-counter prescriptions.
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[after all, the volunteers did different work depending on what they wanted to do. some just helped with delivery, some with repairs...]
And...thank you. I won't be able to say it enough for assisting with this. Finding the source on these leaks is actually very, very important to me, so I can't help but be grateful for it all.
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majima.
sitting on the edge, she closes her eyes for a second, letting the small breeze pass over. that's far, far better, and when she reopens them, she smiles back at Goro, hoping he feels a difference as well, and extending her hand. join her?
things are progressing...as smoothly as they can in this city. progress being made on the black market front, no huge assassinations, only the usual level of chaos. slowly starting to build up the myth surrounding Majima Goro, and at the end of the day, letting him shed that skin. remembering who he actually is. she's doing her best to assist, and carefully shoring up her own illusion - at one point, it'll have to be put to a real test. but not right now. right now, no one is looking at them.]
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He kisses her temple. ]
Nice out here.
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september.
there's been something nagging, tugging at Emily's core for the past few days. even Hibiki can't quiet it, smother it with her name and an order. if her memory is so patchwork that she forgets entire people (or not, or sees them otherwise), then what else has she lost? who has she lost? and why, if one is blessed to forget, she can't forget the worst of it? these scars that never fade.
wisps of her hair have fallen from her bun, and she feels like she could scream, takes a big breath-
it won't come out. it's not allowed. it's only when she looks to the side and sees a familiar form coming nearer that her melancholy lifts slightly.]
Please tell me that's not your blood.
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[ Thugs are cropping up, threatening Shuten territory, making a fuss with the business owners that Toraguma's got some kind of trust running with. Nishitani could pass off the task to the lower ranks, but instead he'd wanted to stretch his own legs, remind the streets why they want him happy, specifically, and not just Toraguma. ]
[ His knuckles aren't split simply because he'd brought brass ones along. There is blood splattered across his gray suit, his dark blue shirt, and given how he spits some blood onto the ground before lighting up a cigarette, yeah, some of the blood is his. ]
[ He's half way to his favourite Shuten dive, crossing over one of the Sanzu bridges, when he sees her. She looks-- ]
[ Emikko always looks incredible, but she looks... offbeat. Nishitani throws his cigarette in the river as he approaches. He's not trying to loom, or threaten, or dominate. He's just Nishitani here, walking home from his day (night) job. ] Forget that; you sure have wandered far away from safety, Emikko. This is Shuten territory. Haven't you heard we're dealing with an upstart problem?
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