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Heart Beats Bar.
| (If you would like to experience the music that plays in Wilhelm's bar, please check out this playlist. Listen to Wilhelm's Heart Beats by ZeroArx #np on #SoundCloud
https://soundcloud.com/user-5590670/sets/wilhelms-heart-beats)
| (ALSO forgot to put Setting in the Title, but I hope it's obvious by now)
| >The young drifter in a varsity jacket enters the bar. He smiles slightly upon hearing the piano solo currently playing.
>He grabs a stool, rocks it a little to check that it's level, and sits down
| "Hello, young man. A pleasure of you to choose my bar for your time."
>Wilhelm states to the young man as he enters, a warm smile on his face as he closes his one visible eye, and adjusts the lavender bow tie of his suit.
"I am the owner of this establishment, Wilhelm Rothin, how might I serve you?"
| >a small pink haired lilim walks in the bar
>she seems to be holding a pink box
"Hey, you're back open."
>she is wearing a long purple jacket with faux fur.
| >the box reads "Kyoko's Sweets"
| "I'm awfully glad you asked me that Rothin. Because I just happen to have two twenties and two tens right here in my wallet. I was afraid they were gonna be there til next April."
>The man chuckles, mostly to himself
"In all seriousness how about a Gut Punch? But sweeten it up a little."
| >>50455
"A Gut Jab then, I'll call it, coming right up Young Sir."
>Wilhelm immediately began a swift set of hand movements, expertly creating the drink by hand with various alcohols on the racks behind him, before sliding the gentle, orange concoction to the man.
"I do hope it is to your liking. A Gut Punch is normally a bitter drink, so I hope I've blended it well enough."
| >>50452
>>50452
He directs his smile to the small pink lilim entering, his eye opening to get a look at her.
"Ahh, I have yet to see you in before. You must have come in during one of my off times, I suppose."
>Wilhelm states with his ever happy and gentle tone.
"I am the owner, Wilhelm Rothin. It would be a pleasure to serve you, Miss."
| >the lilim smiles back, though its a bit off
"A pleasure to meet you. I'm Oda. I didn't come in but a friend did."
>she holds up the box
"I brought cake for your reopening since she liked the place."
| >>50467
>The pleasure is mine, Miss Oda. and I see. I'm usually very capable of telling people apart, and remembering faces. Either way, no bother there."
>He claps his white-gloved hands together in a show of excitement.
"Oh how pleasant. If there is something that I do enjoy it is a slice of cake. And is she the owner of said place, or was she just wanting to show her gratitude?"
>He asked, wanting to clarify the Friend's Position.
| (Derp, my bad.)
| "Just wanted to show her gratitude. Kyoko is just the owner of the bakery a few streets down."
>she places the pink box on the table and opens it.
>inside is a pink and blue swirled cake with eight slices.
| >Nathan is sipping on his Gut Jab and eyeing the cake. ...or maybe the girl? It's not clear but he sees something he likes.
| >>50477
"Oh how thoughtful. And I should give Miss Kyoko my regards when I get the chance to for this piece she has made."
>Wilhelm's smile never wanes as he looks to the Lilim for a moment, checking her over as he closes the cake box.
"As I am a working man, however, I will indulge my sweet tooth later. As a reward, would you like a drink, on the house since you delivered such a kind message?"
| >the lilim holds a finger to her mouth thinking for a second
"Hmmm. . . . Surprise me?"
| "So this very pretty lady brought you a cake for reopening Wilhem? I was unaware you had to close, what happened?"
| >>50487
>He nods, taking hold of the cake box and setting it into a small fridge kept under the bar counter before he quickly mixes a light pink drink in a high cylinder glass, setting it in front of her.
"A Moonblast, for our Pink Sweetheart."
>He gives a genuine smile to her as he moves away a little, taking his attention to the Young Man.
| >>50506
"Damn case of Termites, so have it. Rather rare to find in the city itself. Then again, I did have all natural wood through out the bar. I've replaced and remodeled with a plastic-based composite wood. Highly cheap, but it will serve purpose."
| "A bar with real wood..that must have been a sight. Pity it didn't last"
>Nathan rubs the counter with his finger absently
| >>50512
"It was indeed a rarity. I am sorrowful that I was not able to keep it as such, but the composite material is definitely necessary since that issue."
>Wilhelm sighs, slightly, but returns to his chipper mood.
"So you are also new here, as well. Your name, Young Sir?"
| >A tall, young man walks into the bar, dressed with slightly more layers than usual given the weather outside, and takes a seat next to Nathan.
"Man it's livelier here then usual."
>His stool is a little unbalanced but it doesn't seem to bother him
| >>50519
"Ahh, Mr. CN. A pleasure to see you after our last... Encounter. I trust you are well? How was the Radio Wire party?"
| >Wilhelm takes his attention to the fresh young man with his warm smile.
| >>50520
"Uh yes. It was fine, the children enjoyed themselves. How have things been here? I saw a certain someone earlier and was worried about their well being"
| >>50523
"I'm glad to hear you all enjoying yourselves. I tend to sit back and read a good book most holidays now."
>He looks to CN, in a slight surprise.
"I'm surprised he's up and moving. He recently delivered a rather... Expensive Package out of the city, but he was met with a devilish, pink obstacle."
| >>50529
"I see... It seems like everyone these days has been going through a lot. Not much to be done sadly given how things are. Hope things are calmer for Mega Christmas, I definitely need a good vacation after this year."
| >>50533
"It feels as though it doesn't lately. I wholeheartedly agree though. I would like Christmas to be quiet for that man again. If he can relax soon, I would be happy for him, greatly."
>His single-eyed gaze has much sorrow behind it.
"But the Gunman, is also gone, with the Package. I received word they have made it to their destination."
| >>50534
"Hmm... I guess it might be safer that way... is he going to be alright though since its just going to be him here? Especially considering that certain someone is still running around..."
| >>50535
"He had mentioned that she also left after the incident, possibly in pursuit of the Gunman, but it was too late when she got there. Turns out her main goal was acquiring that Package to their side in some fashion, and that is most definitely a failure now that it has been received in Aria's Possession. She has little reason to be here now. Even then, she understands her high alert status in comparison to the Martial Artist."
>Wilhelm strokes his white goatee for a moment, in thought.
|
"Though, with the Yggdrasil Tree, there is a chance other... /inclined/ individuals might visit the area so that is what I assume Markus is still here for."
| >the pink lilim finishes her drink.
"Oh the rich people's restuarant in central?"
| >>50537
"So she's gone then... I guess that's good but in the end it was the only thing that was letting me divert attention... Oh well, not much to be done about that I suppose..."
| >>50539
>Wilhelm shifts his eye to her, questioningly.
"Restaurant in Central? Is there a restaurant with that name in Central?"
>He stroked his goatee again in thought.
| "Yeah. Yggdrasil. Fancy place. Three drink minimum. They serve good steak."
| "About 10kz for two fancy. And thats just two plates."
| >>50545
"Hmm, I was not aware. But unfortunately, I am referring to the Tree that blew out the Midnight District. Many are calling it Yggdrasil as well, so I hope that does not hurt the business for that restaurant."
| >>50541
>Wilhelm turned back to CN.
"Diverting attention with more trouble is not a wise action, Young CN. I recommend that having a nice drink with friend though, is a good way to relieve the stress of work."
>He places a couple of glasses on the counter.
"Now, what would you like, CN?"
| >>50552
"I suppose you're right, it was the only thing I could have thought of at the time though, given my skillset. In any case, I'll just have the usual Wilhelm."
| >>50555
(I can't remember, but I feel it was a Sugar Rush IIRC)
"Aye, CN."
>Wilhelm quickly whips up and mixes the usual for CN. He also makes a dark blue drink that didn't look familiar for the extra glass. He takes quick attention to the Pink Lilim and Nathan.
"Anything else for you two?"
| >>50557
(Don't worry you're right.)
"Thank you. What's this blue one though?"
>He asks as he takes a sip from the Sugar Rush
| (Yeehaw)
"This here is a Moonlight Kick. A specialty drink here and a favorite of our Martial Artist. A cool, strong blend of Vodka surrounded carefully by a heavier alcohol and a lighter one gives it a Moon-like appearance in the middle."
>Wilhelm was very good at timing the appearance of said Martial Artist in his bar on the regular, known to preparing a drink for him before he even stepped in the door.
| >>50560
"Hmm... I see... You know sometimes I think you're psychic Wilhelm. Or is it just intuition?"
| >>50516
"My name is Nathan, Wilhelm."
>he holds up his glass to CN
"Glad you made it pal."
>Nathan downs the rest of his drink and taps the counter indicating just one Gut Jab isn't doing the job. He laughs and shakes his head
"You guys make being a delivery boy sound real boring what with all the 'packages' and 'gun mens' Making an honest living sucks."
| >>50561
"I'm simply just a magical kind of man, CN. I can feel when he's nearby, is a good way to put it."
>Wilhelm's big grin showed up on his face as he slid the glass away from CN's, placing it an extra seat away from the young hacker.
"You see, knowing where he is can be very easy for people like me with a certain kind of Eye."
| >>50562
"It is my pleasure making your acquaintance, Nathan. And to be fair, he is much more than just a delivery boy. I can assure you it was far more perilous than what you imagine. Either way, you'll get to see him soon enough anyhow."
>Wilhelm states, mixing a full Gut Punch this time to really lay the impact on, setting it in front of Nathan.
| >>50562
"Trust me the illegal jobs aren't that great either. Although speaking of jobs, I heard Merc offered you one at our... place. You thinking of taking it?"
>He seems to be intentionally avoiding specifics of the motel
"You must be someone interesting if she offered you that."
| >Nathan shrugs casually and takes a swig of Gut Punch
"Yeah I think I-"
>He allows the brilliant taste of his own drink to cut him off mid sentence and gives a complimenting nod to Wilhelm
"Yeah I think I can work with y'all. I'm bored, witty, and just bought a truly awful gun."
| >>50572
"Great, so what's your story Nathan? What brought you to GC? Also uh, what gun did you get exactly?"
| >>50575
Well CN my story is memory issues. I just sort of got dropped into the city and am working on figuring out how and why. Right now the best course of action seems to be frequenting bars and public areas to learn as much as I can about this city.
| >>50583
"Memory issues huh... seems familiar... Well what *do* you remember? Maybe I use that to search some info about you online?"
| >Nathan smiles and places a "Light-Fire 70" pistol. Popular for self defense, comparable to 9mm in power. The serial number is scratched off and the paint is chipped all over.
"I've been tazed by a vending machine, attacked by a jealous *but incredibly sexy* cat girl, and robbed twice so."
>What's odd here is Nathan's tone, he sounds overjoyed about experiencing these painful misadventures.
| >Like clockwork, the door opened to a man in a black peacoat and slacks. A blue scarf and hat obscuring most of his face, as he walked to the seat with the blue drink in front of it.
>Quickly removing the hat and scarf, he reveals himself to the bar to definitely be the vigilante Gold Knuckles.
"A pleasure, Wilhelm."
>He states first, taking a drink allowing CN to speak with the other guest without interruption.
| >>50586
"Light-Fire ain't bad, has little recoil so it's good for a first timer. Also I don't think you should be happy about those experiences but hey if that's how you think you'll definitely love this job, never a dull moment with my team."
| >the lilim smiles another slightly off smile
"Always such interesting characters in this city."
>the lilim looks at CN
| "Some more than others."
| >He nods towards GK
"Looks like you've seen better days."
| >Nathan puts the gun away seeing a new face enter the bar
"I look forward to joining but I think your much bigger than me friend needs to talk to you."
| >she pulls out a cosmetic mirror.
"Who knows...Maybe mister tender."
| >Nathan eyes the lilim again, trying to decipher what she looks like under the coat. You wonder if he deserved what he got from the cat girl story.
| >she looks at nathan
"Hmm?"
| >>50594
>Markus, aka Gold Knuckles chuckled lightly at the comment.
"You could say that. If only you could see her though, eh man?"
>He smirked at CN, in what seemed like a while that he had a proper chance to smile. He took another drink of his Moonlight Kick, setting it down after and cracked his own knuckles, each resounding with a sequential popping noise.
"This is most I've been rough up in a while though. I've had a bit of hospitalization before now so, I looked worse."
| >>50596
"Just cause I know a few people doesn't make me anymore important, just comes with the territory of my job I suppose."
| >>50597
>He eyes her suspiciously
"Well I guess bartenders are always the most mysterious in a bar ironically enough."
| >Nathan performs a next to no help self recovery, taking his eyes off the girl.
| >>50603
"Probably another week or so, with proper treatment and such. In general, us kinds of people heal a lot faster from physical injury hence why I'm already out walking around."
| >>50605
"To be honest it didn't even get this big until just a couple months ago. Not really sure how it happened either. Although I guess it's balanced out by my enemies as well. I'm sure you'll meet some of them as time goes on."
| >>50606
"Well that's good at least I guess. You should probably learn how to stay low a little though. I knew it was you second I saw that black with gold trimming."
| >>50597
>Wilhelm chuckled gently to Oda.
"Oh my. I'm nothing too special. Just an old War Veteran who retired and decided to open a bar for weary travelers after his Wife passed on."
>Wilhelm keeps his smile, yet his eye does have a gleam of sadness to it at the statement.
| >>50608
>He opened his Peacoat to show he was wearing a light blue dress shirt now along with a lavender tie to go with it.
"Yeah, I was planning on you seeing that Cred Stick . Why do you think you didn't see me at that Halloween party, or try to contact you in another way so far?"
>He turns back to his drink, smiling a little.
"Trust me, I know how to keep quiet. It's a little boring but After everything that's happened, it's for the best right now."
| >>50610
"Well I guess it's fine then, just things of things as a vacation then. How did you know I was there anyways?"
| >the pink lilim looks back at her cosmetic mirror.
"Hmm...."
>she sticks out her tongue
>very small black spot on the tip.
| >the lilim looks over
You should have seen vall halla with Zane.
| >>50611
"A good bit of intuition and a small Japanese bird told me also."
>Markus gave a quick wink.
"She's also the one who found out the route we took to get our friend out of here too. Turns out the old Abandoned Subway under the Uptown area leads far out of the city."
| >>50613
>>50614
"Oh ho ho. I appreciate the compliment, Young Nathan. I just wanted something to occupy my time with after Junko's passing."
>Wilhelm coughs lightly before continuing.
"Miss Zane is a wild card as well. Her antics are definitely a feat to be bragged about along these shores, that is to be sure."
| >>50616
"It does? That's actually pretty good info to know, remind me to ask her about that route later..."
| "Ah? 日本語を話しますか?"
| >she asks at wilhhelm.
| >>50619
"Yeah will do, damn thing goes on forever too, by the way so be careful with that. Thankfully we never ran into any more of those giant metal scorpions that I going one of a while ago."
>He thinks for a few moments.
"Those may have gotten deactivated though, but I'm not sure."
| "I wonder if that cyborg crab could beat mechscorpions. Probably. Cyberseagull could."
| >>50620 >>50620
"私は実際に日本語を知っています"
>Wilhelm smiles lightly to Oda.
"Hmm hmm, Junko would prefer to speak in Japanese in most situations if she could so I learned for her. I will admit it's been a few years though."
| "Ah how nice."
>the lilim smiles, still off
"I only know some since I was mufactored by Sumaragi Conglomeration."
| >she looks at cn
"はい。"
| >>50631
>Markus takes a sip of his drink, looking toward the Lilim, then back to CN with a questioning look.
"That a problem or...?"
| >>50635
"No it's not, don't worry about them. Consider them a neutral player in the grand scheme."
| >the lilim gives a knowing smug smile at cn
| >>50641
>He rolls his eyes in return
"Well I at least admire all the smugness you bring to the table."
| >>50637
"Mmm, I get you."
>A thought occurs to him as he looks at his drink.
"Oh, yeah, no hard feelings with those chicks out of your group, right? The situation was pretty tense there and I held back since I was sure you knew all of them, so..."
| >the lilim cocks their head upward keeping the smile and looking out the corner of her eye
| >Nathan grins openly at how cute the lilim looks when she's smug
| >>50646
"Okay now, this bar is only allowable of that much 'smug' from the owner, you put that hear back down."
>Wilhelm says, jokingly, surprisingly aware of the connotations of 'anime smug' it seemed.
| (Put that head*)
| >the lilim sticks their tongue out at nathan.
>on the tip it looks like a smashed together "N041"
| "Ookayy...."
>the lilim faces the bar
| >>50644
"Well that's kind of hard to say to be honest... they've had a rough past so as a result they aren't exactly the easiest pair to forgive and forget. Just uh... give them some time if anything."
| >>50654
>He glances back at Oda and this whole smug experience just reminds him of this series he needs to finish watching
| >>50658
"Eh, I get you. Just let them know I didn't intend to harm any of the three, just incapacitate if necessary."
>He sighs lightly for a moment.
"To be fair, at least I got you know who out of the area before he realized who your Purple Lilim friend was, so I wouldn't have to listen to the fact he is now a... Person of Interest, and complain that he's not be able to properly pick up on women here."
| >>50661
"Alrighty, butt like I said man, it's fine. Honestly I didn't even know it was then until you did. Either way I'm sure Mombot would have been fine, most of the time she doesn't even notice those kinds of advances."
| >There's a murmur outside..
| "Oh those humanity first people or whatever? Hahaha I haven't had any trouble with them yet. But if they do"
>their eyes flicker for a second
"It'll be interesting."
| >>50665
"Well I'd still be careful... the situation right now involving that group is... complicated. Either way don't do anything crazy, you're already injured."
| (Wait scratch that last part, I thought you were GK XD)
| (pfft)
| >>50665
"Well I'd still be careful... the situation right now involving that group is... complicated."
| >>50659
"I miss the great outdoors."
>Nathan frowns at the front entrance
"Guys is there anyone out there? potentially listening to our very Japanese and crime filled conversation?"
| >the lilim perks up
"The conversation was crime filled? What have I been zoning out on?"
>they look out the front entrance
| "Well, if they've got business then they can come in. As mentioned by CN, I'd prefer it to be quiet for the time being, since I've been running my ass off lately and dealing with a lot of other stuff right now."
>Markus stated, pulling the rest of his Peacoat off after reaching into the inner pockets and equipping his gloves over his scarred hands. He then quickly downed the rest of his Moonlight Kick as he listened outside as best he could.
| >>50687
"Well you know what I mean, sketchy and nuanced. Also big boy here..
>He holds up a thumb to Markus
"..definitely didn't take those bruises lying down."
| >>50711
"Sketchy and Nuanced is a good way to put it. Either way, discretion is something you have to be good at in what CN and I do. At least you can pick up on it."
>Markus smirked lightly and he held his hands in front of himself, sitting them on the counter, to hide the ornate black and gold gloves with a Sapphire Gem sitting on the back of the hand area, a good VII shown inside.
| >>50712
How did you get the name gold knuckles, Markus? You a boxer?
>Nathan over zealously massages his own knuckles
"I'm into it myself."
| >>50713
"I was originally trained in boxing for about 14 years before I met my still current Teacher. Her name is Cynthia Florence and she has the meanest kicks anyone could ever witness. I've seen her kick a... Massive Power Suited man through from one end of a building entrance to make a new exit, if you catch my drift."
| >He smiles nostalgically as he speaks of her, many emotions can be seen in his eyes however.
"I would best say my style is a large mixture of many martial arts at this point."
| >>50717
"She was great... And I like to think I carry on both her, and her old friend's, ideals and aspirations."
>Markus smiles, bringing his hands to his chin, supporting his head.
"She was one of the people that guided me to be more empathetic toward people and their struggles. I used to just care about the next fight all the time, but Cynthia taught me much more than just how to fight better. She helped me through a lot of emotional struggle too."
| >CN downs his drink as he quietly listens on
"Man it's conversations like these that remind me I need to better prepared for more upfront dangers."
| >the lilim finally stops fiddling with extremely minimal details on her face.
"That reminds me of a question. If you had to be killed, would you rather not know when it was coming, or know when it was coming."
| >>50811
"Hmm... that depends, how long would I know beforehand? Would be right before? Or would I have time to make preparations for when I'm gone?"
| >>50813
"I'll say that I would want to know then. Let myself accept it and get my affairs in order."
| >the lilim's expression remains unchanged and looks to the others in the bar
| >>50772
"You only have that stun gun on you on the regular, don't you? It's just like a normal single cartridge Taser though, right? If you want, I can probably acquisition you a gun that would still only paralyze but you wouldn't have to reload every shot."
>Markus stated, still leaving his hands hidden as best he could.
"I've got some new equipment coming in as well. I just got my clothing first, since that was a huge priority."
| >Whatever it was, it seems to have quieted down now.
| >>50813
"What happened to be your answer, Miss Oda?"
>Wilhelm trains his eye, watching her movements.
| >>50850
"Yea, I use the Riot Police Mk. II. Hmm... if it fires multiple rounds per cartridge is it penetrating? Also what is the voltage on it? I care more about consistency then power to be honest, it's why I haven't upgraded to the Mk. III. It has battery issues."
| >>50851
>He looks back, sighing in relief as he immediately pulls the gloves off, leaving them on the counter.
>The gloves look to be made of a black, stretch leather material with edged golden metal over the tops of each finger, ending in a point at where the last digit of his fingers start, the gold material also housed the Gem mentioned earlier keeping it in place. They looked remarkably pristine.
>Markus places his peacoat over the gloves to hide them from sight, however.
| >the lilim smiles
"My answer? I will make a third way."
| >>50854
"It'd definitely be consistent. I've seen Lucian test firing them before, but it'd be more akin to a regular handgun with specially made Ammunition, is the easiest and most discrete way to put it."
>Markus muses for a moment.
"I can probably request low penetration to the shots, and have him increase the potency of Electricity and added effects though, if you'd like."
| >>50859
"One of the benefits to your kind, I suppose."
>He smiles briefly. Being the oldest member of the Bar at the moment, he felt the melancholy of the conversation personally.
"Humans, in general would like to know when they are going to die. But in my opinion, that is too easy way to make sure you leave behind what you want. I am fortunate in that I feel I have lived a fulfilled life and will have no regrets."
| >>50859
"Third way? Man if I knew that was on the table I would have gone with that. I guess I'm not that good with hypotheticals."
| >>50860
"Hmm... one last question then. How do the shots exactly work? Like is it something I'll be able to resupply myself easily or will I be limited with what I get?"
| >>50864
"Well, in short the bullets with have a concussive electric burst on impact with a scaled effectiveness to make sure the person isn't harmed, but incapacitated thanks to not only the shock, but added benefit of some of... /our/ personal skills, so to speak. It should be just as effective against humans or lilim designs too thanks to it."
>He taps the edge of his glass, indicating for a refill from Wilhelm.
|
"Acquiring more ammo, I can set up a way for you to request delivery from a certain little bird. We can definitely get it approved of, since my boss has taken a liking to you too."
| >>50880
"How much do you think it will cost then, overall? Not just the weapon, but the ammo as well?"
| >>50896
"I'm a little iffy on prices like that. Weapon itself will probably be close to 30-40,000z. Ammunition, I will guess, is probably gonna be around 4000z per 500 round box, if I had to guess. If you need, I'm sure I could barter around a bit to with them."
| >>50946
"Hmm... I think I leave it at a strong maybe for now. I think I'll be fine with what I got now, maybe I'll need it later though, when the time is right."
| >>50955
"Alright then. You've got a way to contact us so just let us know."
>Markus says, tapping his glass again, a bit harder this time for Wilhelm to refill his Moonlight Kick.
"Hey, speaking of, Wilhelm how long until my new Equipment comes in?"
| >the pink lilim jumps down from the bar stool
"Well I guess I should be going, enjoy the cake."
| >Wilhelm promptly refills the Moonlight Kick, before waving off O da.
"Stay safe, Miss Oda. And I will be sure to do so."
>He speaks as she leaves. He turns his attention back to Markus.
"Atonement II should be arriving within a couple of days. Closer to your expected full recovery, I'd say."
| >Nathan has been staring silently at his glass since Oda made him question his own mortality. One hand is resting on his LightFire, fidgeting with the safety. It seems Nathan isn't great at handling death questions...
| >but his higher calling for cute girls kicks in when he realizes Oda has left and he forgot to say goodbye
"Ahh damn it."
| >Markus nurses his drink a little as he wonders what his new gloves could do that his current ones couldn't.
"Great to hear..."
>He looks over to Nathan.
"I wouldn't be too nervous about the question. And if you're going to fidget something, I'd suggest something more friendly than the safety of a firearm. The question is a good way to kill the mood though."
| >>51033
>CN pats Nathan on the back
"Eh don't sweat it so much, I'm sure you'll run into her again at some point, especially if you hand out with the Dynamofucks. You'll probably meet some of her sisters too."
| >Oda waves as she exits
"You too mister tender, green person, and CN."
| >her eyes go dark and she says something under her breath
"I think its fine."
| >>51036
>Nathan takes his hand out of his jacket and rests it on the counter.
"Aheh sorry about that."
| >>51038
"Oh trust me CN, I've got no problem with catching fish. Although that saying doesn't really apply in this city. My god you guys have some of the hottest and nicest smelling half robot half alien girls. There was this one last week, she tasted like...
>Nathan trails off remembering he is still in the presence of the older and more respectable bartender
| >>51096
"Well I mean catgurls and stuff are usually due to augs or mods so it isn't cause they're aliens per say. Although now that I think about it, Merc and Engy are technically aliens since they weren't born on this planet..."
>He seems lost in thought as he thinks about this epiphany, until he seemingly brought back by something.
"Wait taste...? O-On second thought nevermind, don't elaborate."
| >My apologies. The heroine has been very late to arrive, and has missed her cue. Now if only she would actually-
| >Bam! The bar door opens to reveal a girl with her hand thrust out.
"Emergency!"
>She wails.
| >CN jumps and turns to the newcomer
"T-The hell?"
| >Markus thrusts his hands underneath his Peacoat, looking at a mirror strategically placed on the wall behind the counter to see the new entrant, a questioning eyebrow raising.
| >Nathan drops his hand in his pocket but also jumps to his feet, less composure than Markus but still at the ready
| >She disregards all questions and reactions to dash over to the bar counter, clambering onto it.
"Oomph.."
>..Or at least trying to. The girl puffs out her cheeks and thrusts out her legs in uncanny likeness to a flopping fish before giving up and crumpling to the floor. For all observers, they feel a sense of dejectedness emanating from her drooping body..
| >>51186
>CN stand up from his seat and walks up to gurl
"Uh... are you okay? If you need a drink I think it might just be easier to ask the bartender, rather than trying to jump the counter."
| >>51186
"I'm actually thinking she needs to sober up."
>Markus stated in a serious tone as he stands up, revealing his gloves back on his hands.
>He proceeds to the hyperactive girl and grabs her by their collar, almost like she was a cat, and lifted them up to a standing position, not letting go after.
"Oi, what's the deal?"
| >I might just have to correct you, for a cat was exactly what she was. After stumbling to regain balance in a new position she raises her head to look at you. Tiny rounded bumps of an ear sit behind her hairline. Mostly obscured by her wild mane of hair, they make themself noticable by flicking lazily.
"Waaah,"
>She wiggles around in your grasp and fixes you with wide eyes. It's not from fear, you might notice, it's curiosity.
"Whaddya mean, mister?"
| >>51286
"I think he's talking about how you just jumped here saying something about an emergency. What's going on?"
| >>51286
>Keeping an unflinching grip on this cat's collar, he nods to CN's words.
"Exactly. Why'd you break into the bar like that?"
| >>51291
>At the sound of another voice, she swings a total of 1, 2, 3 times to get a better look at the other person behind them.
"Oh, ohh.. I'm looking for a man!"
>She replies after righting herself, explanation useless in a bar full of men.
| >>51297
"A specific man or do you mean like in general...?"
>CN can't help but scratch his head at this development
"If you mean someone specifically, how do they look like?"
| >She doesn't directly answer the first question, but you have a feeling that she wouldn't know what you meant anyway.
"Hafta.. Gotta find him!"
>The girl mumbles, entering a state of deep thought. Or whatever her sour expression is supposed to mean, anyway.
| "He hops on bars! Umm.. Bar hops.. Hop.. Ppphhh.. Hop/ping/,"
>She emphasizes very carefully, addressing everyone despite the angle.
| "And, and.. He drinks a lot, and he gets really mushy when he's drunk, he's like, oh, I feel you man.. Life is tough, and stuff, and then he cries a lot, and he throws up somewhere where no one can see him 'cuz he can't really drink all that much, and whenever I ask him about it he's like, what are you talking about? I didn't do nothin'! I'm a saint! Innocent! Not guilty, sin-free!"
>The entire time she's put on a straight face, almost like this is a Very Important Thing You Need To Know.
| >>51323
"So he's a light weight drinker who bar hops and gets emotional when drunk...?"
>CN half states, half asks as he tries to understand this woman's statements.
"Uh... is there any specific bar he likes to go to? Do you at least know his name or something? This isn't a lot to go on."
| >>51323
"Behave yourself."
>Markus lets go of the collar of her clothing.
"But CN is right. That's too vague of a description for the people involved in Bar hopping. A lot of them will sound like that..."
| >>51325
>She nods obediently, adjusting her crumpled coat. It's a different one from last time - But you wouldn't know that, would you?
"He's Zig. He's thiiiis tall,"
>She reaches up as high as she can go, which isn't far. It might be best to just chalk this up as 'taller than'.
"Spiky hair. Fwoosh,"
>She presses her hands to her head and pulls away quickly.
| "He likes this one place. Before it was a sports bar, but now it's a pub called Moody's!"
>With this vagueness it's hard to say whether the business became another or if his preferences changed.
| >>51356
"So tall, spiky haired dude named Zig... and he frequents Moody's..."
>CN absentmindedly rubs his chin as he thinks to himself.
"Why not start checking there then? Or maybe another sports bars or any other bars similar to it in the area? When did you last see Zig anyways?"
| >>51356
"Hmm... If he's not in any actual danger then, I'm not interested. You said emergency when you came in but it sounds more like you've lost your caretaker of sorts..."
>Markus crosses his arms and looks away.
| >>51421
"Granted, the cute catgirl in distress is something... /HE/ would force me to get into that Sidequest for, but I just spent a little over a week with what could literally be considered a vampire who was watching over my recovery and what not."
>His tone was dry as he spoke, but he brought his gaze to CN, weighing his options, the general innocent will to help out anyone in need swaying his decision.
|
"Ahh I guess. If it leads to me getting a work out, this would be worth my time, I'd say..."
| >>51428
"Yeah, don't worry. I doubt anything else in this city is going to force me to go to the extent I had to with That Woman."
>Markus gives a reassuring, yet tired looking thumbs up as he grabs hold of his drink he'd yet to finish and took a drink of it.
| >The rest of the conversation seems to have gone through her ears and out the other, for she continues with what was last said to her.
"I saw him online. We were textin', an' then he didn't answer all of a sudden, so I waited.. And nothing happened.. So! I visited Moody's, but he wasn't there! So I left."
| "And then I went here, and before that some other places.."
>The inevitable comes.
"But he wasn't there!"
| >She quiets down, looking confused. Looks like she spoke over what you were saying.
"Day.. Something ago,"
| "Alright then so it hasn't been *too* long... do you know where he lives?"
| "Yeaaahhh. I snuck into his house once, so I know."
>..That's not something to look so proud of.
| "Uh right... well why don't you try there next then?"
| >Apparentally the notion had not come to her. The girl gasps loudly, exclaiming,
"I coulda done that, but I didn't!"
| >She mock-salutes.
"Okay, gonna go now!"
>She turns on her heels and runs without restraint.
"Bye-bye!"
>Miraculously she does not collide with the door, but exits through it without any property damage.
| >..I say nothing happened, but the boomer seems to have left a flip-flop in her wake.. It sits on its side, abandoned.
| >CN waves her off.
"Well I don't know about you three but that encounter was certainly exhausting..."
| >He picks up the flip-flop
"Oh god... I'll try and catch up to her..."
>He jogs after the gurl
| >Lucky for you, CN, she hasn't gotten very far. Not only is she easy to pick out from any passerby due to her unusual hair color, she's also hopping around on one foot.
| >He jogs up to the gurl
"Hey you forgot this at the bar!"
>He holds out her flip-flop
| "Woh.."
>The hopping girl manages to face you.
"Thanksies,"
>She accepts the item as gracefully as one can while jumping around, and slips it on her foot. It's a perfect fit! ..But why wouldn't it be?
| "No prob bob."
>He puts his hands in his coat pockets to keep them warm.
"Stay safe out there. I hope you find this Zig uh... I'm sorry I don't I ever got your name?"
| >It looks like she appreciates your words, and decides to give you an answer as soon as her now not-so-shoeless foot reaches the ground.
"Camille,"
>..And then she zips away, already off to another street before you can say anything else. She's surprisingly fast when she can use both legs.
| >Confused by the encounter but also cold from the winter air, CN decides to hastily return to the bar.
| >Soon after the described by no longer existing camera's video feed - a girl in long red hooded cloak enters the bar, what she carries with herself is certainly the largest weapon around - a scythe combined with sniper rifle. The thing transforms, and the girl hides it under the cloak, then puts her hood off.
"Greetings."
| >CN had just taken his seat again and asked Wilhelm for a refill.
"Looks like you've been busy."
| >>51732
"Ha ha, I appreciate it though. I enjoy the company my patrons give."
>Wilhelm states as he preps the new Sugar Rush with his swift bartending skills.
"Everyone deserves a pleasant respite with a glass of their favorite Spirit and I just wish to facilitate that need now."
>Wilhelm sets the new Sugar Rush in front of CN.
"I am not able to do the same work as much as Markus, per se, so I'll assist people how I can."
| >>51698
"Ah, Miss Rose. It is a pleasure to see you again. I trust you're staying out of /too/ much trouble, yes?"
>Wilhelm smiles to her entry.
"How may I serve you today, Miss?"
| >>51753
>CN sips some of his second Sugar Rush.
"Thanks Wilhelm, and I agree with his sentiment there Ruby, your rose petals are quite a telling sign of where you were you know."
>He pulls out his phone as he says this.
| >Nathan can't really decide where to put his focus. The exceedingly cute cat and her entire spiel in the bar or this newcomer with the extravagant weapon.
"Okay I wont be able to sleep if I don't see where that goes. Gentleman, and Rose I'm going after that cat...girl...person.
>Nathan chugs the rest of his Gut Punch, places some Z's on the counter and puts on his jacket
| "CN, you send word out me when you need some work at the hotel or any other adventure!"
>and with the confident stride of a man who's clearly got a cat ears fetish, Nathan exits the bar
| "So, you are aware of the whole thing, i assume. You can't really blame me for the doing, can you?..."
>Ruby shrugged and took a seat at the counter, pondering on what she's going to order, which she spells a moment after.
"A Bleeding Jane, please. In the honor of our bleeding enemies."
| >>51812
"I don't exactly see the point of the senseless murder of 16 people, even if they belonged to a corp."
| >>51812
I must say, I agree with CN.
>Wilhelm does begin work on the new drink, while speaking.
"Indiscriminate murder breeds a very discriminate recompense. I understand the Corp influence through the city is a problem, yet there are some who are not doing that much wrong. It is just the old disputes of years of old."
| (Ignore the double 'old' usage there)
>He finished the Bleeding Jane and set It In front of Ruby, a solemn look to his face.
"Do you truly believe it was right to murder those people, for little more reason than they were part of GenoCorp?"
| "It's not that senseless as you see it. I have just started to act, and i cut the head of the disgusting chimaera we call 'corporations'. So... Yes. I think this was the right thing to do. Feel free to blame me as much as you want. But there is something what bothers me..."
>Ruby took a sip on her drink.
| >>51871
"I think a hydra would be a more apt descriptions..."
>His statement becomes muffled in the glass as he gulps down his drink
"And what is bothering you exactly?"
| "I am educated enough to count to fifteen. That's how much shots i have made. First - to break the glass, earn better vision and kill one of the targets, then fourteen more for every other target - and one had to stay alive. Something went not as planned..."
| >>51884
"That's what happens when you murder a bunch of figureheads... so who do you think the second killer is?"
| "No idea. For now. But there were some events. They have no obvious connection, but if you dig deeper... There are some. First - a dreadnought appears over destroyed Yggdrasil. They set their foof around the burned tree and restrict acess to it. Then... I believe i saw a girl with sniper rifle of enormous size. She seemed too... Supernatural. She's not a human. I conclude this since i saw her around other people and just compared the behaviors..."
| >>51890
"Are you suggesting that an alien from the Dreadnought is going around and picking off the rest of your plate? Using a similarly massive rifle?"
>Markus had been sitting in his seat, listening in for the time being. He set his now empty glass down as he spoke.
"And if you say she's Supernatural, you may want to leave this to a professional."
|
| "That is exactly what i am suggesting. And when assuming her supernatural i meant she is not a human; but i will deal her personally. This is a matter of honor now."
| >>51913
"Well good luck with that I guess."
>CN downs his drink and puts the glass on the table
"Well I'm gonna head out. How much do I owe you Wilhelm?"
| >>51915
"Going to be looking at 250z this evening, CN."
>Wilhelm states, tapping away at a small console he pulled from underneath the counter.
"As always, it was a pleasure serving you tonight."
>Wilhelm turns the console around for CN to distribute payment how he pleases.
| >>51926
>CN plugs a credstick into the machine and puts it away
"See ya later then you guys."
>He waves the group goodbye as he heads to outside to the winter night.
| "Anyway. Deal's deal, it still assumes i can bid some of my time before i get straight to it. So, sir Wilhelm, serve me a drink! Let it be... Blue Fairy this time. No alcohol."
>Ruby's desire seems to be to move the topic away from her mind to some more neutral stuff.
"How things been here lately after i have last visited it?"
| >A man walks into the bar... He throw his cigarette into the nearby ashtray as he walks over and sits on the bar stool not saying a word...
| >>53553
>Wilhelm begins to work up a Blue Fairy drink, still having a stern face about him.
"The bar has been, mostly, fine since the Incident in the Midnight District. Had an interesting case of termites, but nothing my vast knowledge of pest removal couldn't quell."
>He sets the designated drink in front of Ruby.
| >>53589
"And hello, good sir. I am Wilhelm Rothin. How may I serve you tonight?"
>Wilhelm shoots a one-eyed glance to the man as he takes his seat.
| "What are my options?"
>He says muttering under his breath... He seems somewhat stressed...
| >>53947
http://va11halla.wikia.com/wiki/Drinktionary
>Wilhelm takes a moment to produce a laminated menu featuring the BTC drinks
"These are typically the common drink menu within the city, sponsored by the BTC. We so take specific other requests out of the menu as well."
>Wilhelm bows slightly, closing his eye.
| "Beer..."
>He mutter before looking over to his side...Where Ruby sat. His eyes widened...
"R-Ruby!?"
>He says in a somewhat worried tone...It was Graham... Or Big G as she called him...
"Shit..."
>He curses under his breath.
| "What is this noice? Have i heard something yelling my name with a stutter?..."
>Ruby turns in the direction of the noice and a familiar face catches her eye.
"What do you have on your mind when you yell someone's name like this? Are you dumb?"
| "W-What?"
>He studders confused... That wasn't the Ruby he knew, she probably hated his guts though...
| "Should i ask this twice? Why are you yelling my name in inapproperiate manner? After turning down on me you should just ignore my existance. Still, you never answered my question."
>Red kept hare gaze at Graham, she felt pretty annoyed.
| "I-I was just surprised that's all..."
>Yeah definitely hated his guts... Well this was beyond awkward...
| "I still have a lot of things to do in Glitch city. This is all you are allowed to know since you have commited a couple of mistakes.
This is the reality of your relationship with me. Now focus on your beer and keep making it looking like i don't even exist. This will be the best for you."
>The girl lowers her voice.
"I guess you will not really care, but that way it will hurt less if something happens to me and they kill me."
| >He doesn't say a word... He does what shes says and he focuses on his beer... Maybe it wasn't the best time to tell her that he had a girlfriend...
"Right... What ever makes you happy..."
| "This doesn't make me happy, i used to get along with people!... Before... Before you, actually. So what's so much wrong in me that you have turned down on me?!"
| "I-I don't know..."
>He wasn't much help... He's not very good with emotions.
"Well... Um have you been thinking about me since I've well uhh rejected you?"
This thread is permanently archived
| After being closed for a time due to repairs, the Heart Beats has reopened for the masses, with the Elder Gentleman, Wilhelm For him standing attentive at his bar, a stern look on his face.
>Repair costs were lower than anticipated, but the fact he had to forgo the natural wood in favor of a composited material to simulate the texture and look was weighing heavily on his sense of Aesthetics.
>He waited for his first customer of the night.