zero zero one

[birthmarkless]

Who: Ookurikara (birthmarkless) & Y O U
When: ICly, 23-ish?? Anytime before the event
Where: Varies between prompts
What: Ookurikara showing how good he is at making friends
Rating/Warning: Safe… Probably? BUT warning in advance for some possible incoming languages

---

[a; Porta Caelestis; OPEN]

[ First place that he have in his mind after he gets the much needed information is none other than this place. Okay, not exactly ‘have in his mind’, but possibly the only place that he can relate to the most at the moment is Porta Caelestis. Maybe it’s the design or maybe it’s the wind around the place, Ookurikara can care less about that. This place gives him enough space and time to look back and put two and two together about what have just happened, to him, to his world, and to literally everything he have ever had.

At the moment, he’s sitting just right in one of the seat with one or two hosts accompanying him (which can be you), looking pretty stiff as he sips the Japanese wine that he have in his hand. He have strong alcohol tolerance, but with his current mood, it’s just a matter of time until he lost it.

Are you going to be there to say hi before he falls into the power of the alcohol? Or are you going to be there, involved with the Rage of Drunk Ookurikara™? ]

[b; Game Center; OPEN]

[ So, uh… Ookurikara, somehow, is now adventuring around the colorful part of the Tellos. Maybe a bit too far for his own good. At first, he was just passing by, but no thanks to the staff of the game center, he’s been pushed to try one of the newest fighting game there for free for one round. Did he refuse you ask? He did refuse, loud and clear, but they didn’t listen to his whim so w e l p.

So in this somewhat-unconventional predicament, Ookurikara is now… awkwardly sitting in front of a machine that he isn’t even sure how in the world it’s working, trying his best to choose one playable character. It’s obvious from the way he is moving the joystick that he’s really, really bad with this kind of shit (HE HAVE NEVER PLAYED ANY VIDEO GAMES OKOK). Are you going to be a backseat gamer, watching and laughing at him from his back, or are you, somehow, in the same predicament and is now sitting on the other side and choosing your own character? Nevertheless, the game is going to start and you sure as hell is in one hell of a ride. ]

[c; CERES gymnasium; CLOSED FROM his canonmates… in a way]

[ Exactly in the virtual training area, Ookurikara is standing tall with a bokuto in his side. If there’s anything that he’s looking forward to see the most about being in Tellos, is about how others could fight. Yes, by others, he means that the one that doesn’t know the Citadel, Saniwa, or anything remotely relevant to him. Get him wrong not, it’s not that he doesn’t want to spar with the fellow talking sword, it’s just that he want to see what kind of entertainment that these ‘otherworlder’ would give him. Who knows? Ookurikara might be in for a surprise. ]

Hey.

[ Yes, you. He’s calling you. If you happen to be one of his swordfriend, you’re only getting the talk. But if you are not? He’s going to drag you to the spot, whether you like it or not. ]

[d; Flowershop; CLOSED TO Mitsutada, Vietnam (and maybe her friends?)]

[ Everyone needs to either: a.) work or b.) play ViVid for living here, that much is already clear enough for Ookurikara. To be frank, he’s not against either of them and he prefers the option b because that means he can fight shittons of monsters, even though it’s just virtually. Sadly, it just happens that someone named Shokudaikiri Mitsutada is being really supportive of Ookurikara regarding that; mumbling on and on about how he needs to socialize and meet new people here. ]

Leave me alone, Mitsutada. I can take care of myself.

[ He's totally going to listen to this whine of him, right? RIGHT? ]

Comments

b!

[uchinoke]

[ Well, what do you know? Mikazuki just so happened to be dragged along in the same sort of predicament as yourself, Ookurikara. Don't you just so happy about that?

The older sword stumbled only briefly upon be shoved towards the machine, eyes only opened half inch more than normal. It was a strange device- something Mikazuki had never quite could have imagined into existence. Yet the more he observed, the more the pieces began to line up as to who the other person fumbling at the joystick was.

Well, wasn't this a surprise... ]

Pardon the intrusion, but perhaps you would allow space for one more? [ Not like he was given much of a choice, either way. ]

[birthmarkless]

[ He wants to say that he's happy but nothing is sacred anymore ehre.

Well, forced to play this thing alone is one thing. Forced to play this thing against Mikazuki? 'One thing' is not really the words he is looking to describe it. Weird. Very. Ookurikara gazes back at his... opponent in the most deadpan manner possible. ]

...What are you doing there?

[ Good question, pops? Good question. ]

[uchinoke]

[ Wow, you can't answer a question with another question...

However, it doesn't look as thought Mikazuki minds in the least. He smiles, a little more warmly as he steps closer- eyes briefly falling over the machine and the odd characters. He slightly mesmerized by the flashing lights, but only for a moment before attention returns. This time spouting out a small fit of laughter. Really, he just finds this whole situation to be amusing, please forgive him- ]

Very much in the same fashion as yourself, I suppose. [ He pauses, eyes motioning behind him. There are two staff members not far from their location- almost as if they're making sure the two of them play. How troubling. ] Though I am most grateful to see that you are unharmed.

[birthmarkless]

[ In response, Ookurikara just stares at Mikazuki blankly. That's it. No more visible reaction.

He does, however, break the ice soon after that. It's barely visible, but the corner of his lips make a small twitch, as if forming a smile. From the way he's speaking, he's the Mikazuki that he have always known, alright. ]

Good. At least I'm not going through this kind of trouble alone. Also-[ Ookurikara always loves being alone, but being left in trouble alone is a different case. Slowly and of course, awkwardly, Ookurikara moves the joystick around, picking a character that looks like... strong enough from their appearances. ] -Nice to see you alive and kicking as well.

[ His final character pick falls upon a character with a sword. Well, dude's using a sword so there's no way he can't play him, right? ]

a

[meridione]

[Well, she's not a host.

She's not really a customer, either; not by choice, anyway. This part of the city is unfamiliar and familiar at the same time - unfamiliar because it's nothing like the streets of Rome, familiar because she's been to Japan's place more than once over the years. Romana is a creature of habit, and as she's wandering this is the most familiar place she can find.

Habits don't mean she takes too kindly to being brought inside by a pair of smiling hosts, though. They mean well enough, ushering her to sit down at a table right near Ookurikara's, but she definitely looks like she's in over her head and she glances at him a little desperately as he sips at his wine. She tries to catch his eye and mouths out a single word:

"Help."

...of course, if he doesn't, she'll just have to figure out some other way of getting his attention. No worries there.]

[birthmarkless]

[ It's funny... that he's still able to taste it. The intoxicating, yet addictive taste of the Japanese wine that he actually preferred to not to drink, because it seemed to distract his concentration back there in the Citadel. Drinking alone at times like this do a lot of magic. It's like he's able to think clearer right now. Clear enough to see that there's a new guest slipping in to the Porta Caelestis, who actually looks... distraught?

...

Fortunately for her, Ookurikara seems to be taking notice of her call.
Unfortunately for her, he doesn't seem to be giving... any sign of being of helpful. Just like he always do.

Still, he does quirk an eyebrow inquisitively at her. If Romana wants something from him, she needs to be less vague about it, because he's never a man of many words and there's no way that he can understand her intention just from that. ]

[meridione]

[Damn it. When he seems to take notice of her plight, she thinks that she's succeeded in securing some help out of this situation. The seconds tick by, though, and soon enough it becomes clear that isn't the case at all. She opens her mouth to say something, but is cut off when one of the hosts taking care of her speaks.

Her attention snaps away from the sword for a few moments, long enough to stammer a really lame answer to the host's question, before she looks back to Ookurikara again.

She nods at the pair of hosts attending him, then gestures at the pair attending her, and when she speaks it's in a low whisper. She's not sure why she's whispering. Maybe she's afraid of what the hosts will do? Who even knows.]

Hey, did those guys pull you in here too?

[birthmarkless]

[ He keeps on staring at the other person curiously (maybe a little bit too curious) as she talks with the host. Call it a wild hunch, but from what he's seeing, it's as if this other person is trying to... pry her way away from this place? ...Not that it's his business to begin with.

The swordsman shifts a bit to pour another serving on his cup, staring at the questioning lady before he gives his reply. His tone is actually friendlier than his usual grumpy tone. Mayhap Ookurikara is getting a little sober. ]

Why would I be here if it's not on my own accord? [ And then, he ceremoniously sips the wine. Slowly. Savoring every drops of it. ] Or is that not the case with you?

a

[sheathwife]

[ Heeh... Now here's another surprising sight. Ookurikara seen sitting in one of the tea houses, the virtual sakura petals floating in the air... It's surprising in the sense that it's familiar. It almost resembled downtime at the Citadel. Horikawa never would've thought he'd see something so close to home.

It's already nostalgic. Even though they've only been here for a day, it felt like a week due to the amount of overwhelming sensations left and right. So this kind of scenery is truly appreciated. Of course, he should go ahead and show himself to his comrade now. Chances for stalking will come plentiful later.

It'll be boring if he simply walks up, though. Feeling the need to lighten himself up, he decides to playfully approach instead. Thus... blending in among the other customers, Horikawa successfully sneaks behind his fellow sword. And. Covers Ookurikara's eyes!! Tsurumaru will be proud of him for sure. A comrade in taking people by surprise... ]

Don't panic, okay?

[ This is Ookurikara, after all. Horikawa doesn't want his comrade to feel threatened and to wildly start swinging his sword out of reflex. So he makes sure to let the tachi know that he's not an enemy!! ]

[birthmarkless]

[ It's not by much, but Ookurikara have to admit, the wine is rather strong. And that's saying so much already because his alcohol tolerance is actually a bit high. Or maybe it's just due to his current melancholic mood that his resistance against the drink is hitting a new low. He can't tell.

That's why when Horikawa sneaks behind him, Ookurikara can't react in time unfortunately for the tachi. He almost chokes on his drink. Almost. Needless to be asked, he is not really amused with the sudden turn of event. ]

...Three seconds.

[ As in, three seconds before he grabs something to throw at the person behind him. If not just throw the person altogether with a shoulder throw, because he's damn sure that the hands on his eyes are relatively small and Ookurikara is strong enough to do just that. ]

and another a

[spes_phthisica]

[Souji hasn't been a host for long, but he can already tell that this will probably be a somewhat... tricky customer. He doesn't look like it'll be easy to get him to smile, certainly, and the demeanor suggests that there is something weighing on his mind. Not so strange, really, considering that people appear to be brought here from all kinds of places and with all kinds of backgrounds, snatched out of their contexts and faced with the... well, the weirdness of this city. No wonder if not everyone feels entirely chipper about it.

And at heart, he is a very compassionate soul, and maybe that is one of the reasons why he has been sent over to talk to this man specifically. Taking a moment to smooth out the flowery silk of his kimono as he sits down, he returns that set scowl with a soft smile.]

You're making a very troubled face, you know.

[birthmarkless]

[ Call it being rude or anything similar to that, but he never cares for others' opinion on him. And such, a company is actually the least of Ookurikara's business right now, let alone a company from someone who is unfamiliar. He have always disliked it when people crowding around him, although in a case-by-case basis he did make a lot of exception. But in general, being alone is his comfort zone, and especially at times like this.

He can't, however, turn it down right here. He knows where and when to become solemn and where and when to not to become one. As he glances back at the host from the corner of his eyes, there's something inside him that seems to be telling that this man before him... have a similar atmosphere like him. A warrior. A swordsman.

Still, he averts his eyes away again just right after that thought flashed by his brain, grabbing another cup to drink. No, he's here to relax and get his mind off of everything, not to put another weight in it. ]

I was born with this face.

[spes_phthisica]

[He almost laughs out loud, because that kind of answer is one he is rather used to in many ways - clipped and dismissive, the answer of a stoic who does not accept compassion very easily. As it is, he manages to at least cover his mouth with his sleeve, turning what could have been unashamed and loud mirth into an at least somewhat more controlled titter.]

I can see that now. It seems to have gotten stuck, huh?

[Still, he can't help teasing a little bit. The habit just runs too deep, and besides, Souji was never very good at self control at all. Nonetheless, there is nothing condescending or mocking about his amusement, and he doesn't seem to actually be making fun of the other man as such.]

But this is a place where people usually come to forget their troubles. You look as if that is giving you trouble.

[birthmarkless]

[ ...Right, that kind of comment. Again. He seems to be getting that a lot lately. This is actually the good time to let out his usual dismissive reply, frankly. Something like 'It's not your problem' or 'Shut up' would do. If he actually cared enough to give two fucks about it, that is. Which he isn't. Ookurikara does but a single sigh, instead. ]

Not by my choice.

[ There is nothing wrong with the other person's attitude, whether he meant well or not, according to Ookurikara's standard. He knows that if he was the one in his shoes, he's probably going to say something similar to him, although it's probably going to be a bit ruder and more cynical. He mean... He can't really argue with Souji's statement: He's troubled and he's possibly a big mess right now. Bigger than he have ever been. And he's not trying to hide them inside. ]

Then kindly- [ He emphasized that one word. ] -tell me what should I be feeling now, Mr. Host.

[ My world is nothing but big pile of history! ... was what he would like to use to continue that sentence. But Ookurikara couldn't seem to find the right phrasing to use so he's cutting the sentence close just right that. ]

B

[newtimes]

( Mutsunokami was not chosen to play. It's literally always the people who don't want to get picked that get picked. But Mutsu will definitely be a backseat gamer. He doesn't even know what's going on but he sees the character selection screen and for a moment, Ookurikara had hovered over one that caught his eye. )

Pick the one with the gun! The gun!

[birthmarkless]

[ Crying so hard IRL hope you're proud eski.

Al...right...? It's possible that he's actually getting the basic gist of it? When he moves the stick thingy on his left hand, the cursor seems to move around? There's like... a big 'SELECT YOUR CHARACTER' written on the top part of the screen so he's supposed to do just that right? Maybe the one with the swo-

Pick the one with the gun! The gun!

...

Instant dead pause. Ookurikara turns his head around sloooooooooooowly (maybe in a bit of horror? At least his face seems to be giving off such a vibe...) and his eyes fall right on the source of the not-so-unfamiliar voice: Mutsu. Right. That Mutsu. So he's alive as well. Very nice.

Not.

Ookurikara does raise an eyebrow, gesturing both 'what are you doing here you shithead' and 'dont just stand there you ass come here and lend me a hand' with that. Mutsu, he knows that you're an idiot but please, just for this once, notice his distress. He is in dire need of help here. ]

1/2

[newtimes]

( Why, yes.

Hello

It is I.

Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki.

Both alive and very well.

I don't really know what I'm doing here but that's okay because i see that you are okay as well.

Are you going to pick the one with the gun? Come on, don't let a guy down. )

[newtimes]

( --Oh, wait, what's that look?

Is that a silent plea for help? It is, indeed, a look of distress! Never fear, good friend, Mutsu would never abandon a comrade in need!

SO HE JUST SKIPS OVER FROM THE CROWD AND MAKES HIS WAY OVER, )

Ya gotta pick your character! ( Look, it says that much on the screen already. ) And then ya just gotta hit... uh...

( There are some buttons. He isn't really sure which button to push to be honest since this is his first arcade video game but he can just subtly press a few and

OH LOOK THERE WE GO I HOPE YOU'RE OKAY WITH WHATEVER CHARACTER YOU WERE ON BECAUSE MUTSU SURE DID JUST SELECT IT ON ACCIDENT )

There!

( He did it. He helped. )

1/2

[birthmarkless]

[ ...Okay, he had expected Mutsu to do something rash and stupid right there (it's Mutsu, after all. Even Ookurikara knew that he was probably the most transparent one compared to the rest). But to just skip over through all the crowd like that... Well, wasn't that just plain extreme?

Sure that there were signs of relief on the tachi's face when the other sword came to help him, but believe it or not, it soon changed in the most drastic measurement ever. Ookurikara's face was actually filled with utter horror when Mutsu just pushed the button. Accidentally. ]

...Good one-

c.

[dragonizing]

[ surprise... indeed.

there's a few things proving to be recognizable amidst the... everything that cerealia provided. not to say masamune quite needed the familiar things to feel settled, but there's a certain habit in swinging a bokuto that makes thinking come easier. not quite comfort, but it's something. his helmet and actual swords (yes, all six) are off to the side--picking up the bokuto was meant to be short, simple: just for a weird sense of nostalgia through the disconnect with everything else.

... then, there's ookurikara flagging him down, and of course masamune can't ignore that. so much for a quick swing before moving on, and in response to his hey, mr. sword is getting a curious glance from one eye. ]

Yo. Looking to pass the time, are you?

[ is what he's assuming as he moves forward, placing the wooden blade over his shoulder. wow that took so much time to convince masamune, Totally. ]

[birthmarkless]

[ And Ookurikara freezes. As in... freezes, without any power to move from his spot for even an inch, and it's applicable to every little bit of his bodily function. Actually, let alone muscles, his brain and breath stop in an instant as soon as he catches sight of the other person.

It can't be. It can't fucking be. Someone is obviously pranking him with this and they're probably laughing from the side as they waited for Ookurikara's response. THIS IS A JOKE AND THE JOKE WENT FAR PAST THE LINE.

However, as Ookurikara's eyes goes to the side to see... the ornament on the helm, the smallest hope in his mind of this being not a joke is... actually there. And he clings onto it, tight. Before the 'dragon' could come as close as he wanted, Ookurikara lifts and points his own bokuto right at the man's direction. ]

...State your name.

[ There is literally no need to beat around the bush. He needs to know whether this person in front of him is the one that Ookurikara think he is. As soon as possible. ]

[dragonizing]

[ ah. wasn't that a bit of a strong reaction, just from seeing him? there's a pause, as masamune considers what ookurikara had just shown him--the glance to masamune's helmet, the odd bits of emotion from a man who otherwise seemed the type to be at least somewhat detached.

there's a moment where masamune considers whether he's seen this one before... but he hasn't, not at all. yet, masamune has the feeling that the one with the bokuto in his face indeed knows him.

is the recognition so odd? no, but the surprise certainly was, alongside a feeling on his end that perhaps the recognition should be mutual. odd, quite odd. ]

Hah. I've got a feeling that that's something you already have an idea about. [ so much for not beating around the bush. it's a little shit response as masamune readies himself into a battle position. still, it's somewhat of an answer. ] Maybe you can confirm that on your own. Or I'll be direct-- [ english, why. ] --Confirm it myself when you show me what you've got.

[ and where normal people would go "yes, it is me, i am date masamune", masamune moves right into FIGHT ME. ]

d - COMES IN LATE WITH STARBUCKS

[candlecutterpikachu]

[ LEFT! Because nope, he's not gonna take that for an excuse. Ookurikara has a friendship quota, and he's determined to meet that...! With MORE PEOPLE, of course. Maybe Kuri will meet someone else who can support him, just like how he's supported his buddy all this while. ]

But we got jobs! [ And that is Very Important, okay? Especially since they get to work together! sugoi. ] It's something simple, too, if we get that done long-term, we'll be able to go do lots of stuff whenever we want.

[ Since, yknow, you actually have to pay for everything here. It's something he expected, but never actually had to do. ]

YOU BETTER HAVE EXTRAS WITH YOU BECAUSE I'LL HAVE MY SECONDS

[birthmarkless]

[ His relationship with Mitsutada is actually not that complicated. One time, he's probably the one who Ookurikara doesn't mind the most, and in the other time, Mitsutada is definitely the one who Ookurikara hates the most. This situation? It's clearly the latter. ]

Look, can't we just play that ViVid game for some goddamn money? [ Or 'credit', but he gets his point across? ] Define 'Lots of stuff'.

[ While saying that, he's... actively trying to slip away from Mitsutada. Hope his Plan R, which stands for Plan Running Away From Mitsutada, works. Like charm, if possible. ]

I DO, ALONG WITH COOKIES

[candlecutterpikachu]

[ And Mitsutada just acts completely oblivious to the not-so-subtle hints that Ookurikara is definitely trying to shove right into his face. Like a nice and well-meaning friend, clearly! ]

Yeah, but ViViD's... well. [ How does he put it... ] Yknow how it's just some simulation program, and they kinda just hooked us up to it? Sounds kinda strange to me.

[ It might be dangerous, that's what he's getting at. He's plenty sure that his best friend can handle any boss that the system throws at him, it's the system itself that he's worried about. ]

Oh, well, stuff. There's lots of places here that we haven't seen. It's a real city, how cool is that?!

[ Thanks to always being busy in the Citadel, most of the swords never did have much experience with the outside world. Mitsutada, for one, is actually kinda hyped about this whole exploring thing.

Plus, it helps him take his mind off a lot of things. ]