Nice to NEET you [OPEN]

[karappo]

1) Arrival | Casino

(Note: Limited first-come first-serve to 1 player introducing Kara to the idea of Executors/bringing him back to Limbo/etc, but anyone can respond just generally otherwise)

[Coming to to the realization that "hey, I'm dead actually" should be a much more upsetting revelation than it is. It's not a good thing to realize, no...but for reasons he can't explain, it feels less like a horrific coming to understanding and more...familiar. Expected.

What sense does that make, he wonders?

Unfortunately, it's a revelation he has entirely alone. He finds himself at a train station platform, just so happening to awaken a few minutes before the next train is due to arrive. With no understanding of what's happened to him or memory of anything else besides, he chooses to try to take the train to see if it will bring him to wherever he's meant to go next. Only...he isn't allowed to board it. Only "Executors", he's told, before the train leaves him with no other choice but to walk deeper into the layer, right into the heart of Avaritia itself.

It isn't long before he realizes that the afterlife has the same stupid stipulations as when he was alive, meaning his truest enemy is something he'll never escape: capitalism. With no money on his person and no ability or desire to make any, he's unable to buy food much less partake in the undeniable allure of the gambling nature of the layer. Memories or not though, he's still a Matsuno...]

N-n- non non non, you- you misunderstand! I have no malicious intent, I will pay you back! If you would be so generous as to allow me a few more coins to try aga- hhgk!-

[If you're able to suffer through the racaous noise of the pachinko machines, you might notice a strangely dressed man(???) being held up by the throat of his collar by a much burlier spectre, red in the face with anger. Whatever sort of deal this guy has made with him just to be able to taste the sweet nectre of gambling has certainly gone awry...as it tends to do when you lie about having luck that you simply don't.]

2) Bar

[By this point, "Second" has been brought up to speed as to what's going on here, more or less. And...he's still not sure it makes much sense to him really at all. Having gone from realizing he died to being throttled to becoming an Executor in a matter of hours has been more than a bit disorienting, but one thing he can at least be thankful for is the fact that he isn't alone. At least, not alone in the sense of true loneliness. These people are strangers to him in a technical sense, but they seem to be more aware of the situation than most others here. Strangely willing to help provide him with basic necessities, food, probably a little money so he isn't killed again...

He doesn't understand why the generosity fills him with such an intense feeling of loneliness, but it does. It's reflex, then, that brings him to one of the bars in the city. Not that he has enough money for even a single drink, but he can at least recall enjoying this particular vice as much as pachinko. Thus, he's here.

...sitting at the bar with a glass of water, pretending that it's something it isn't, like whiskey. Maybe nobody will call him out on it.]

3) City Streets

[As soon as Second leaves the bar, it's as if the entire bottom drops out of the sky.

People are left scurrying to get off the streets because as much as some don't even mind walking around in the light drizzle, this is way different. It's a deluge that basically requires you to be indoors, to which Second immediately attempts to do just that.

Only to remember that, right. He didn't leave, he got kicked out. Something something loitering without paying and annoying the customers by existing WHATEVER- there are more bars, he'll just have to find one that can tolerate him long enough for the rain to stop.

But a lack of memory of a lot of things does not change the awful way that he is, and within an hour every establishment down the street is disallowing his entry. By now he's so soaked through it doesn't really matter if he finds shelter or not. Still, it would beat standing out here miserable, so he pivots to look for somewhere else to go...only for one of his stupid boots to slip in a heavy puddle collecting near the gutters, sending him toppling chest-first onto the side of the street with a startled cry. And there he lays...a dirty, sad, broke little man that has already been kicked out of nearly every functioning business on the street because people can't stand him that much.

He turns his head to the side so he can huff a laugh to himself, his face half-submerged in the puddle.]

Hah...so this is Hell.

Comments

1, I WANT TO SEE MY BOY

[twibeast]

[ Beast has been... trying to investigate more now that he's not quite so deep in the throes of an existential crisis. Be more useful than he was in the underside at least. He still doesn't really have the hang of the gambling business so he tries not to get too involved with it but the casino seems pretty unavoidable if they're going to figure all this out...

So it's probably a good thing he's there when this smaller man gets picked up by the bigger one. Some sort of bet gone wrong he figures and normally he would let a gambler reap what they sow but it's hard to leave behind someone who sounds that distressed and desperate.

Hmm, what was it Frost said to do...? Cheat them? Hmmmm...

Making his harp materialize in one arm he approaches the two, easily towering over them both with his height. ]

Pardon me, but is there some sort of... issue here?

please save him Beast he is dying (again)

[karappo]

[He wasn't expecting to be rescued. If anything, he figured he'd either get pummeled or maybe somehow killed a second time and erased from existence for good, which would probably be fitting for garbage like him. Not that he wants to die even more, oh no. On the contrary, now that he's realizing he's maybe McFuckedUp he's positively quaking in this guy's hold, only for a third person to approach unannounced.

Like the desperate opportunist that he is, he nods fervently just in time to get himself shaken vigorously by the man who has clearly no intention to let him go any time soon.]

"This little weasel bet he could double my earnings for a cut-in, promised he'd pay it back, and blew it all!"

I-I intend to pay it back, truthfully! I just...I need to win it ba-

[Oh, he's being choked now.]

[twibeast]

[ ...wow that's real dumb. But he's involved anyway now, so! ]

Well now, that sounds somewhat on you for taking such a dubious bet now doesn't it? You have to protect yourself a little too, you know.

[ He taps his chin thoughtfully. ]

Tell you what, since you both seem to be in a bit of a bind right now how about I make a new bet with you?

[ He holds up his harp so both can see it. ]

I happen to be quite an accomplished musician you see, and my pride does so love the occasional chance to show off. So much so in fact that I bet you that my music may actually be the most beautiful sound you've ever heard, sweeter and more effective than any mother's lullaby.

Let me play to prove it and if you agree then you let him go and forget this whole mess ever happened. But if my playing fails to impress you then you can have all my money. How does that sound to you, good sir?

[karappo]

[In the wake of Beast's offer, both Second and the guy prepped to throttle him sort of stare at Beast like he's grown a second head. Like...he's joking, right? Even if he were a wonderful musician, Second has no doubt in his mind that he'd just lie and say it sucked to get the money and win the bet. What is the goal here...?

Unsurprisingly they're on the same wavelength as Second finds himself suddenly dropped unceremoniously to the floor, wheezing and clutching his neck as he wobbles before eventually regaining his footing.]

"Tch- Alright, wise guy. You're on."

[It's said with a tone that he's pretty convinced he's just made a killing for free since apparently both of these guys are morons in some capacity.]

"But if you try to double cross me, you're both gonna get it. Got it?"

[Meanwhile, Second...is immediately sidling away from the brute as carefully as he can, hoping his attempt to put space between them isn't noticed...]

[twibeast]

Of course, my good man. I would never dream of such a thing.

[ Getting his harp in position, he begins to play another song of Orpheus' that he knows well. As with all his playing there is definitely a somber beauty to it...

But it's the intent in his plucking that makes it more than just a pretty song. He's using his executor powers, the spell that lets him make people drowsy and too sluggish to move. He hasn't honed the ability quite enough yet to make it put revenants or executors straight to sleep but it has in the past done just that for specters, which is what he's hoping for.

...And thankfully that's exactly what happens. Like that day on the roof in Invidia when they first met Esme, the specter starts to get drowsy before inevitably having to brace himself against something to avoid falling where he stands when he starts to fall asleep. And not just him either. Some of the other specters in the area minding their own business or who perked up to listen have also found themselves falling asleep at their machines.

As he finishes, Beast does a polite little bow seemingly pleased with himself. ]

What did I tell you? More effective than any lullaby.

[ He has not turned yet to see if Second is still standing or not though. ]

3

[emberserker]

Ugh, this rain is insufferable...

[A grumbling teenage girl with an umbrella is stalking down the sidewalk when she comes upon Second and stares.]

Purgatory, but some days it's close enough.

[karappo]

[Karamatsu turns his head a bit more without lifting it from the gutter (why) when he hears that someone heard him, an exhale causing bubbles to burble up through the edge of the drain.]

I would believe them to be one in the same, at this rate. Please, do not let my presence obstruct your path...

[Says the guy literally laying in the road.]

[emberserker]

You literally are. You don't even have anywhere to live? Not even those slum houses Lion's been fixing up?

[karappo]

Houses...

[Right. He knows there are places for them to stay, but that's not the problem he's having right now.]

Non, you misunderstand. I am here of my own choice.

3

[crypddyd]

[After a few moments there's a massive looming shadow over Second. Large enough to partially block the rain even. Shorter than Beast, but likely a good deal heavier]

Excuse me, are you alright?

[karappo]

[Gee Lion, does he look okay? He might have actually drowned by now if you hadn't come along.

Also why are the people here so big...]

I will survive, for as much as that can occur in a place such as the afterlife...

[He squints past the muddy water obstructing his vision, lifting his head up just slightly.]

...you are not from the casino, are you?

[Please don't be another guy who wants to beat him up he's already been through that once.]

[crypddyd]

Afterlife... ah, you must be Second, then.

[Gossip travels fast among the Executors. He kneels down and just... hoists him to his feet???]

And no, I personally can not stand the place.

[karappo]

[Ah. He was not expecting to just be lifted like a toddler but it's happened so fast he can't really complain. He just lets it happen, arms out straight at his sides as Lion places him down on his feet. He's wet and filthy now, but at least he's no longer face down in the middle of the road.]

Yes...Second.

[It's all he recalls of his name, anyway. It feels fitting, but still...not right.]

I see...you must not be the gambling type.

2

[heir_to_ruin]

[Ruin has been.... better? Uh... better. about this whole, drowning his sorrows in hookers and blackjack thing since his last talk with Lion so he is, instead, sitting at the bar doing his best to schmooze. Asking a leading question here and there between flirting with anything that moves. The patrons, the bartenders, even the bus boy. It makes him stand out, all bright smiles and scarlet curls.

So it's only a matter of time before he works his way over to Second with a grin and wink.

No one mentioned another newbie to him, sorry bro.]

Hey~ Lemme buy ya a round. [It's not a question, it's a statement and Ruin waggles his fingers at the bartender to get his attention.] What's your poison?

[karappo]

[One hopes your flirting attempts are going much better than Second's, because most people are trying really hard to pretend he isn't existing right now. Not that they can be blamed...how are you supposed to react to such a weird, painful person.

It is kind of him, then, to chat Second up even as he's sitting there pretending he isn't just drinking water because he's broke.]

Eh...?

[That's strange. He's never had anyone offer to buy him anything before, let alone drinks. Isn't he the one who's supposed to be trying to buy drinks for the ladies here? Which...he would if he had money...

Well, no matter. He might as well take advantage of an opportunity.]

I prefer...Brandy.

[heir_to_ruin]

[Oh Ruin is a natural but he's not doing any serious attempts to get in anyone's pants. He's here for information more than hook ups. Which is weird for him as it is. Of course he's made absolutely no effort to hide that he is an equal opportunity flirt so Second might find himself with that handsome smile just a little closer than he'd like and maybe a hand on the back of his chair to give the illusion of an enclosed space, like he absolutely has the redhead's full attention and there's nowhere he'd rather be.]

Brandy huh? Hmmm.... something indulgent I think... [The look he gives is appraising but the way he says the word is absolutely sinful. Appropriate, really.]

Two Brandy Alexandres~ [Huh... he also says Alexander weird... odd.]

[karappo]

[Now, the funny thing about what's happening here is...if this were anyone but Second, they'd probably not appreciate this sort of attention. His siblings that he can't recall at the moment, specifically. Second however utterly thrives on attention, be it from men, women, or anyone inbetween, and it's not something he's exactly afforded often. In fact, Ruin being so friendly and forward is much more unexpected than not, leaving Karamatsu a bit stunned as their drinks are ordered.

Naturally, the pride that represents him eventually settles into the crevices of his surprise. Of course Ruin wants to be in his company. Who wouldn't want to be!]

You must be a man of refined taste yourself, non?

2

[curiositydies]

[ It's fine! There's another guy here with a glass of water and a severe expression, so you're at the very least not alone.

Though he might look more out of place than Second does; he certainly doesn't dress like someone who goes to bars regularly (or at all). ]

Don't you look miserable. [ No promises on the 'not-calling-out', though. He gives him a look more reminiscent of a schoolteacher than anything else. ] This layer isn't agreeing with you?

[karappo]

[Miserable is a word for it. He's feeling more...lost than anything else. Mind overflowing with more new information than he knows what to do with, it comes as no surprise that it's just more than he wants to deal with. He just wants to go back to the way things were before, but...that's not going to be so easy when you're dead.]

It isn't the layer specifically and more...the situation I have found myself in. I am not sure where to go from here.

[curiositydies]

At a bit of a loss, are you? [ He sounds dispassionately curious rather than sympathetic. Everyone seems to take all this differently, and this one is newer even than he. ]

Well. You could count yourself lucky you're not among this mass of unfortunate souls, at least, but that's hardly a sustainable feeling. Unless you're the type to enjoy that sort of thing. [ He makes no assumptions either way. People are what they are. ] Find something that makes you feel different, that's my advice. Something that makes you want to reach into the world and grip it until it gives you what you want.

Do you have such a goal?

[karappo]

[Karamatsu is at least not Ichimatsu, so much as he can't remember him now. He never yearned for the sweet embrace of death quite so much as that man.]

Something that makes me feel different...

[It makes Karamatsu think, for once. And at first...he isn't sure if he wants to say exactly what his "goal" is. It's not something that's ever panned out really, living or dead.

But...something compels him to say, eventually.]

I want to be acknowledged by my peers. I want...

[...]

I want very much to be appreciated. It feels like that is something I've always wanted...I think.

3, sorry for the late tag

[ourtomorrow]

[ It's Purgatory. But someone else has already made that observation, so in the interest of minimal repetition despite his particular nature, here's Monarch standing here in the rain, dripping and staring. This....Is this something a Specter would do? He isn't sure. ]

Um.....

[ Not the most inspiring address, no. But Monarch is, after all, just this skinny elementary-school kid in drab clothing. He's doing his best. ]

no worries!

[karappo]

[More than likely, it isn't. Second is just...extremely dumb, and what bits of his life he does remember were strife with misfortune and a lot of getting himself injured in hilarious accidental ways. Falling into the gutter on the side of the road is really no different from that.

He's pushing himself upright just as he hears someone speak nearby, turning his head with his hair falling damply into his eyes.]

Ah. Am I in your way?

[ourtomorrow]

N-no...but...

[ He'd...he'd mentioned Hell. If this person is that cognizant of their situation, then...

In the odd position of being both self-conscious (Second is clearly having an Evening, so Monarch's timing is poor) and super blunt (he can't think of any other way to put it), Monarch blurts: ]

Are you an Executor?

[karappo]

[Executor...right. That sure does ring a bell, and so Second is nodding even as he's wiping mud off his face.]

Quite recently I have become one, but I am one all the same, yes.