Post-15 Strangers CMO!

[superstylishsquid]

For post-round shenanigans with Alastor, including renting his services as a multiversal taxi. People who wanted to keep in touch would have been told the proper pronunciation of his name to draw his attention from wherever he may be.

Comments

For Roland

[superstylishsquid]

[Visiting Roland's home was interesting, but eventually, Alastor had wanted to return to his own world. That doesn't't mean he's saying goodbye to his lover, however...with his invitation to the world he called the Trinity of Realities accepted, he calls up his power, once again causing the sky to darken with sudden clouds. Lightning burns runic sigils into the air, marking the edges of a larger portal than the one he'd arrived through. He takes an exaggerated bow to Roland, gesturing with both his hand and one extended wing to the gateway.]

After you, mi amour.

[Passing through the portal is like walking through a paper thin doorway. One step he's in a secluded alleyway in France, and the next? The next, he's in a dimly lit bar, the runes of Alastor's tunnel casting dancing shadows on the elaborate door it opens in front of. Across the room, a man is standing behind the bar, smoking a cigar and seemingly playing some sort of handheld video game console.]

[godspiousjasper]

[ To say he was excited about the prospect of actually being able to visit Alastor's world was an understatement. He'd of course, had to make some proper arrangements with the other chasseurs alongside the church with saying he was taking a little bit of time off.

It was the first real time Roland had willingly done so, but given his 'harrowing' experience in that cursed vampire's domain and then working straight after that? They were lenient enough, and he'd had to go and instruct Maria and Georges on what to do in the meantime until he came back. Of course they'd seemed worried, given who they were talking to, but still.

He paid Olivier a visit in secret, and informed him of what was happening before returning with Alastor once he was properly prepared to go. Once more he got to witness those sigils burn into the air alongside with a new portal appearing, and there was no understating the soft smile he wore at his love's words along with that bow of his. Something that lingered even as Roland moved to step through the portal, blinking a couple times as he already found himself in a brand new world in such a short time. ]

Mon Dieu... truly incredible. This place is quite lovely, too.

[ Green eyes shifted over to the man curiously. He looked busy with something, otherwise he just the same would have easily greeted him. ]

[superstylishsquid]

[The man behind the bar glances over with a wry chuckle.]

If you're looking for works of God, holy man, you're in the wrong place. But something gives me the feeling you already know that.

[The bartender looks past Roland, to where Alastor is stepping out of the portal and waving. He's taken no pains to hide his demonic features, not even putting his helmet back on.]

Hey there, you old devil. Just got back from out of town...miss me?

[godspiousjasper]

[ There's a brief look of surprise because he knew he had only his rosary with him and had taken more of a casual-ish look for coming here and yet was already figured out so easily. It doesn't stop him from smiling amiably all the same and nodding. ]

Of course! I still can absolutely appreciate the attention to detail in this place though!

[ Something in recent memory does nag at him. He's sure Alastor had possibly mentioned this man before but sometimes names were a bit tricky to keep in line at times. ]

An old friend of yours, Alastor?

[superstylishsquid]

An associate, at least, and the oldest. Don't let appearances fool you, this nerd is the first angel to Fall.

[Rodin takes a long drag from his cigar and waves it at Alastor as he exhales.]

You're one to talk, Thunderboy. [He turns his shaded gaze back to Roland.] And that means you must be Roland. Alastor mentioned you last time he was here.

[godspiousjasper]

[ Things people should learn not to mention in front of Roland: Angels..

His whole expression lit up. A fallen angel was still... you know. Not that one would think such a thing by looking at such a typically intimidating looking man. If he was to take in everything as well as what had to be the name of the bar behind the other man, he could follow enough contextual clues to put some pieces together.

So that at least was distracting from what might have been a fanboy moment of sorts... until he registered that nickname given to Alastor and the tidbit that followed. ]

Oh? Did he now?

[ Roland chuckled and flashed a courteous smile at the older man. ]

Yes. That would indeed be me. It's a pleasure to meet you. [ A hum, then time to see if his guess was right. ] Perhaps it may be way off, but... would you happen to be Rodin?

[superstylishsquid]

Glad to see I won't have to hope you guess my name.

[It's Alastor's turn to snort a quiet laugh as he crosses the room to drop into one of the barstools. He does so love when furniture is accommodating to certain types of extra limbs.]

Thought he'd get a kick out of hearing about you. Plus, I wanted his input on something I was worried about, though it turns out it was moot anyway.

[godspiousjasper]

[ To get such a confirmation was truly satisfying and he beamed, shortly following after Alastor to sit on the barstool next to him. Also possibly while admiring the scenery because it sure was much more advanced than what he was entirely used to. ]

What would that have been?

[ It was hard to temper his curiosity honestly, though Roland felt he had some vague idea here of what Alastor was talking about. ]

[superstylishsquid]

[There's an impressive spread behind the bar, ranging in quality. Most of it is hard liquor, but Rodin turns and grabs a vintage wine bottle to pour a drink for Alastor.]

An oooold prophecy, about how the intersection of Dark and Light would bring calamity. Alastor came to me hopin' that sorta thing wouldn't apply with someone from a different world, since he didn't know it'd already been fulfilled.

Yeah well, I was kinda being used as a magic doorstop five centuries ago. Get Roland something strong, by the way. He holds his liquor a lot better than you'd think.

[godspiousjasper]

Aah.. I'm glad it's not something that applied to us all the same.

[ He shifted over with one hand on the counter to place a chaste kiss on Alastor's cheek happily before turning his attention over to Rodin with eyes as bright as ever. ]

Mm-hm! Remember when you found that out? You were pretty drunk by that point and you'd said something about it being a bit.. rude or something like that?

[superstylishsquid]

It's still unfair.

[He curls a finger in Roland's hair to pull it playfully.

Rodin, meanwhile, starts pulling bottles off the shelves and from under the bar.]

Sounds like you've got a tolerance to build up there, Alastor. Always glad to give you a place to spend whatever currency you've got burning a hole in your pocket.

[godspiousjasper]

Even though I truly can't help it?

[ That pulling on his hair just makes him laugh all the same, quite unbothered by it. It probably didn't help he was also distracted by Rodin's words as well. Yes he was aware he was asking all kinds of questions but given the circumstances he thought it was absolutely acceptable here. ]

So you take all kinds of currency then...?

[superstylishsquid]

Could've at least given me a warning that I needed to be pouring you extra tall drinks.

[That was before they gave up on glasses entirely, after all.

Rodin tosses several bottles in the air, somehow simultaneously mixing a drink and doing an elaborate juggling routine, snatching the bottle he needs and pouring from it and twirling it around his finger to flip onto the counter. Each used bottle lands perfectly right up, in a line as straight as if he'd placed them by hand.]

Any currency good in the human or demon worlds. I do business with all sorts.

[godspiousjasper]

Hahaha okay, you've got me there! Apologies for not giving you a proper warning first.

[ For what it's worth, Roland at least looks - and sounds - genuinely apologetic about that but was VERY much distracted by however it is that the older man is able to pull something like this all off.

It's enough to get an impressed whistle out of him, eyes bright and a grin back on his face easily. ]

Fascinating!! I'd imagine it would truly never get boring, then.

[superstylishsquid]

'Never' is a Hell of a long time...but I find ways to keep myself entertained.

[Rodin gives the concoction a few good shakes, then strains it out into a martini glass and plunks it down in front of Roland.]

At least now I know to always order you the strongest thing on the menu.

[godspiousjasper]

I suppose one would have to, given how long you've been around and all.

[ It's such a strange thing to think about, so easily conversing with supernatural beings while dating one. About 4 months ago he never would have even remotely even imagined this kind of thing to be possible at all.

Outside of vampires, that is.

Curious green hues blinked at the beautifully displayed drink set before him, carefully taking ahold of the glass to bring it up for a closer look. He recalled there'd been several things added in, and as such had him chuckling a little bit. ]

You realize if it works as intended, you're the one carrying me out of here, yes?

[ He then made to take a sip of it, the pure strength of the drink strong but also enjoyable with the taste of blackberries. ]

[superstylishsquid]

A bit late to be asking me to sweep you off your feet, don't you think?

[Alastor gives a playful wink as he brings his own glass to his lips.]

Helps that you humans are always coming up with interesting new ways to waste time. Speaking of which, I've got a water level puzzle to get back to.

[godspiousjasper]

Perhaps. Though I daresay you wouldn't mind another chance to do so again.

[ Roland flashed Alastor an amused smile, getting the feeling he wasn't at all needed to rush with this. So it meant very contentedly giving Rodin a look, then following it back up to Alastor once again. ]

...Is that one of those... video game things, then?

[superstylishsquid]

One of the classics, at that. Originally came out on a static console, you know.

[Alastor chuckles and slinks his tail over to wrap around Roland's waist. If it seems a bit longer than usual, well...perks to being a shapeshifter.]

You wouldn't be wrong about that. Especially after everything that happened, it's good to have you in my arms without worrying what new form of stress the middle of the week will bring.

[godspiousjasper]

[ Apt interest flashed across his face at that, definitively distracted when that tail wrapped around his waist. He may not have otherwise seemed to react to it, unless one could count his free hand coming up to brush a couple fingers along it idly. ]

Console..s? So there's different types?

[ Slowly he's learning about all these brand new types of technology bit by slow bit. It was a bit much at times but never to the point that he didn't ever not wanna know more about them. ]

I completely agree. There's no life or death stakes being held over our heads, which is truly quite nice.

[ With that said, he moved to take another sip of his drink. It sure was quite strong, with a hell of a kick. There was no doubt in the world that he was going to be drunk by the time he finished this. ]

[superstylishsquid]

Oh boy, you've gotten him started. He's a curious one, Rodin.

[He seems to mean it as a complement, from the grin on his face and the way his tail curls around Roland's hand.]

Heh. Yeah, there's different types. Most of it's just a matter of who came up with the damn thing, different brands battling it out for customers. Some, though... [He pauses his game again to take a drag from his cigar.] Some you gotta plug into your own screen and can't really take 'em anywhere. Others, like the ones I like, are all wrapped up in a portable little box that you can take with you anywhere. Even Inferno if you feel like it.

[godspiousjasper]

[ There's something in the way he laughed afterwards, thumb brushing affectionately against the bit of tail that had curled around his hand.

So while he looks invested in Rodin's explanation, it wasn't like he was neglecting his love in the slightest. His eyes brightened, almost seeming to sparkle as the pieces clicked in his mind. Thankfully being on the ship and around Alastor left him a little less clueless about such things, so that was one less thing to worry about. ]

Small handheld game consoles that you can take with you?! Fascinating!! I like the sound of those ones quite a bit.

[ They sounded like useful ways to spend one's time and he wished he could have one when he was on missions but it was truly impossible, which was a little saddening. Cue another small sip of his drink. ]

[superstylishsquid]

[Alastor has never felt neglected with Roland, even when his attention has been on other things. The moments they share when left more or less to themselves had left no doubt in his mind about how the human man feels about him, even before he'd regained his full senses and all but tasted the love radiating from him.]

Maybe I'll get you one. While we're at it, you oughta get a phone. These days, they're wireless and can fit in your pocket.

[godspiousjasper]

[ It was truly to the point that even Moriarty had brought up that overabundance of love he held in his heart, so there was never once a doubt about how he felt. He sometimes forgot to reign it in, but never worried he was coming off as being at all too much as he felt it was something Alastor may happen to bring up if it did reach that point. ]

Wireless handheld consoles AND phones small enough to go with you in your pocket?!

[ Roland laughed happily, feeling a bit of that buzz starting to kick in. It was sooner than expected but this was also much stronger stuff than anything he'd ever really had before. ]

I've said it before, but modern technology truly is incredible!!

[superstylishsquid]

[It's a lot, sometimes...but it's endearing. In a world where even angels can be callous, Alastor considers the abundant love for everything some people have to be almost a breath of fresh air. It had also factored into his decision to discuss polyamory, he'd been all but certain Roland was too full of love to only ever feel the romantic sort for one person at a time.

He chuckles and reaches into a pocket that really only exists as an entrance into his storage spell, producing a new looking smartphone in a protective case.]

Phones have come a long way while I've been off in Movieland, too. Now they have screens that respond to touch, plus a ton of other things you'll need to see some other bits of modern technology to understand the value of.

[godspiousjasper]

[ The way it was currently, if someone else mutually piqued their interest it probably wouldn't be off the table to introduce a third party into their relationship and he'd give them just as much love as he did with Alastor. Something that they could tackle when the time came, really.

For now?

Words couldn't describe the absolute giddiness that showed on his face, leaning in to get a closer look at it, even setting his drink down so he didn't end up spilling any of it. ]

Amazing!! I truly can't wait to learn about all of it!

[ One could almost liken him to a child with how happy he was about all this, and not a 6 foot tall vampire hunter. ]

[superstylishsquid]

[It's honestly something he finds endearing about Roland, how enthusiastic he is to learn about new things. So many people, both mortal and immortal, get stuck in ruts once they find themselves comfortable in their self-sufficiency.

His wing spreads out to wrap around Roland's shoulders as he leans over. He unlocks his phone to show the home screen, fairly sparse thanks to how new the phone is, but already with a couple mobile games installed.]

Well, for one thing, phones are practically a game console of their own these days. There's a ton of games designed to run on them.

[Ever helpful, Rodin decides to demonstrate another function of modern mobile phones...by taking a picture of the two being snuggly at the bar.]

Heheh, cute.

[godspiousjasper]

[ That familiar wing wrapping around his shoulder is quite nice and very much welcomed, and whether it was done out of pure habit or something else? His one arm moved over, careful as ever in minding the wings to reach over and place his hand on the devil's back even as his attention was mostly riveted on the little screen. ]

What? Really?? I'd have thought they'd need to be much larger devices to be able to contain multiple games..

[ Roland was genuinely interested AND baffled by how this little thing could do so much. Phones in his time were not this small, and only had the base function of just doing calls and then modern ones could play numerous games on them???

Then there was the off-hand comment from Rodin. Had he taken a picture? If so.. that had been super quick. How...? ]

I can only surmise that these phones can also take pictures as well..?

[superstylishsquid]

[Alastor gives Rodin a huffy look that's undercut by the violet tint to his cheeks and the childish way he sticks his tongue out. Maybe one would expect him to be more serious in the presence of the oldest and most powerful of devils, but in practice, they treat each other more like peers.]

They can, and instantly save them. Beats carrying a disposable camera around.

[Rodin ignores Alastor's rude expression and goes back to his game.]

Older consoles were pretty damn bulky, but humans have been determined to make them portable. You oughta see my old Nintendo system.

cw animal harm, infernal imagery, themes of mind control, chainsaw man manga spoilers, bad greek

[yesorwoof]

((This does not take place in main 15 Strangers postgame continuity but rather an alternative WCB R5 Epilogue scenario for casual fun. And serious character exploration!))

[Not a lot of people set foot inside Makima's two-story Tokyo apartment. Even fewer have seen the inside of her home office. Thus she has gone overboard with the flames in the lamps and the wall-mounted shelves of grimoires. It's a good thing the filing cabinets don't take up too much floor space, as she's had to move even the swivel chair she sits in beside her desk against the back wall of the room. (There's a red landline phone and no computer. Very 1990s.) A full-grown boar takes up a lot of space, barely fitting on the black cloth on the floor within the summoning circle of red chalk. There's blood on his tusk, and a gnaw mark on the right flank. She remembers the fracas over the lamb Kira found, and so this sacrifice will go over better than a rabbit, Makima thinks.

Now for the hard part. After being cut off from her reincarnations the first time, accessing six thousand years of Control Devil memories has never been the same. Makima has to focus her worldwide surveillance on the revivalists in Greece, the priests who remember the ancient rituals. An invocation of Chronos is what she can get in a pinch, to listen to and carefully repeat. That he might be able to hear her... that she knows she can't hear him, there's something he can do that she definitely can't... The knowledge makes her blood boil. She chills it. Makima knows that this is the only option she has left.]

Ω Ἀλᾰ́στορ, σε παρακαλούμε, καθιέρωσε το εδώ στο χώρο.

O Chronos ALASTOR (vocative!!), beseech to designate our time SPACE as future HERE.

[Makima summons Varatha and the two prongs of the spear gore the heart and throat of the boar.]

[superstylishsquid]

[The sacrifice isn't truly necessary to reach him, but it is a nice bit of encouragement to answer. As much as he has ready access to pre-butchered meat, that has the blood drained from it before it even leaves the slaughterhouse, and so isn't quite as valuable to him as something so freshly slain. It's enough, then, to convince him to answer Makima's call...and the full ritual eases the process. The circle flares with light, violet electricity crackling over it as the boar sinks into the ground with an effect that almost looks as though the floor beneath it has become an opaque liquid. A few moments pass, and then the floor ripples again as a pair of horns emerge, and then the rest of the devil, wings spread as though carrying him on an impossible updraft. Though he has other clothing these days, the outfit he's chosen for this visit is the same spandex from the ship, now layered with a breastplate, pauldrons, and a helmet that wouldn't look out of place on a Greek soldier if not for the visor of red glass across his eyes.]

Well...there's a voice I didn't expect to hear call my name, especially not with a full invitation and offering.

[yesorwoof]

Always with the theatrics...

[Makima sits there with her hands (all two of them! thanks again Eva!) folded in her lap as she watches Alastor magically rise up. She hadn't really known exactly how it was going to happen so she's looking closely but presents a facade of disdainful indifference. If he's absorbing the animal somehow or took it back into his own realm for later, she supposes that's less of a distraction.

(For both of them. She really does hope Alastor doesn't realize that. After all, that was always one of the easiest things for Makima to control.)

Likewise she's wearing the same Public Safety Devil Hunter uniform as was usual on the ship, now without the wear and tear. Makima should probably start with something other than what her suspiciously circular eyes drill in on.]

So nothing but the name was really necessary? I'm glad you at least appreciate the effort.

[So used to mind games that she really did overlook something that simple. Well, she got the job done. Seeing that the surreal effect of Alastor's entrance did not actually cover him in any kind of goo, Makima seems fit to take an invitation and hand it to him.]

You won't be surprised that I had absolutely no other choice. Did you know about this?

[superstylishsquid]

Drama's a weakness of mine, so sue me.

[He shrugs and lets his feet touch down on the now solid floor. The light fades from the runes, and the electricity dies down to nothing.]

The effort on your part did make it easier, so I guess I should thank you for that. The name just gets my attention, the rest has been on me with most other people.

[He takes the invitation and reads it over, then frowns and shakes his head.]

First I'm hearing of it, though I have been a bit busy. More interdimensional kidnapping?

[yesorwoof]

Using your energy?

[Interesting... Alastor might even dare to speculate this expression is a relative of her "devil lore nerd" face. She didn't listen for too much detail about reserves of mana or whatever powered the spells that he couldn't use while they were under Eva's tampering on the Gigantic. Makima is still feared strongly, her individual self and the concept that corresponds to her. That's her "power level" that's the biggest deciding factor in confrontations. Perhaps Alastor can relate to that more than she thought. At least Makima didn't bother him as much as he could have by summoning him in a way that demanded a large effort. She starts chattering again, getting into the cinematic details.]

Then perhaps it's possible to reverse the process and make it harder for someone to be taken. Wards, perhaps. That's what I want. I think we can work together on that common goal. [She shrugs.] Brain-kun and Akane-chan were taken to represent just one of several groups. It's sweet that Heart-kun was found along the way, but a little much. I didn't want to step away from my work for too long, so I'm still getting ahold of the full ramifications.

[superstylishsquid]

Using my energy, yeah.

[Energy, mana, magic. The specific terms aren't important, especially since he's already thinking about her suggestion. If the Gigantic wasn't just an isolated incident, then it does make perfect sense to look into ways to protect people.]

Wards to make it more difficult to leave a specific area are pretty common, but they fall short of what we'd need in a number of ways. Still, spatial manipulation magic is one of the areas I'm good at, so I think I can help you figure out something on that front. It won't be easy, but it should be doable...

[The light of his eyes sharpens, giving the impression of him focusing intensely on Makima.]

Especially for two powerful devils after the same thing.

[yesorwoof]

[Makima is listening thoughtfully as he mentions the limitations they may be facing. It's true - she considered ringing the summoning circle with herbs or salt but saw the hostility of it. For them to travel freely within their environments, from the house to the corner store and so on, a single binding circle won't do at all.

Before she starts giving voice to all these ideas, he says that. Makima tucks her head down just a little bit. The angle of her bangs and eyelids obscures the chicks in her irises a lot. Nothing can dull the amber of her eyes, a color not unlike the candlelight.]

Alastor-kun, what you're suggesting doesn't make any sense. Roland-kun had the power of true sight. He could see the form Ritsu-chan had in her heart. What did he see when he looked at me?

[She's just... insistent in her youthful, flat voice. Even though she shouldn't bother with the denial unless there's some kind of fear.]

Somewhere dark, somewhere deep, somewhere dead

[godofblood]

[Well. Here goes nothing. Hopefully a certain someone back in the House won't mind.]

...In the name of Hades, I summon thee...Alastor.

[superstylishsquid]

[The summons reaches him immediately, stronger and more directly inviting than any mortal request for his presence. Sensing who it's from sends a jolt of mixed emotions through him, his mind having been racing with worry, and he all but leaps to answer. With the dimensional barrier unlocked from the other side, it takes no time at all for the smell of ozone to flood the area in front of Zagreus. A second later, violet sparks appear in the air, followed by a bolt of like colored lightning striking from ceiling to floor.

The light of the bolt fades, and in its place is Alastor, still dressed in his spandex, but now with the addition of armor. His visor turns the light of his eyes pink, diffusing it so that it's difficult to read their intensity, though the curling and swishing of his tail betrays his tension.]

Wasn't expecting to get called back here quite so soon.

[godofblood]

Hey, mate. Long time no see.

[He quietly rolls his shoulders.]

You up for a run through the underworld? The security system isn't going to test itself, after all.

[If Alastor gets the feeling something else is going on, well.


There's definitely something tense in those rolled shoulders as the prince extends the invite.]

[superstylishsquid]

[He's not sure how his empathic sense will work on a god, but humanoid body language is still the same. He tilts his head, wings stretching and folding.]

Offering me a challenge, huh? Can't say I couldn't use the exercise, makes for a good way to vent some frustration.

[godofblood]

Of course. Lots of wayward souls in the way and all.

Though I can't do a count with you. Than would be pretty upset if I did it with anyone but him.

[superstylishsquid]

Jealous rival, huh?

[He chuckles. He's honestly not sure how Joe would feel about him getting into a contest with someone else...their relationship is still settling into something stable.]

Well, that's fine. After all, this place should have some pretty impressive heroes and villains hanging around, right?

[godofblood]

More like concerned.

And, well, yes, but most of them we won't encounter, and the few we might are...


Well, it's Theseus and Asterius. Asterius is a good man.


And then there's Theseus.


[He unsheathes his sword and does not elaborate.]

[superstylishsquid]

Huh...I guess I get him, I've been concerned about Joe a good few times. Guess it comes with the territory of having a friendly rivalry with a hero.

[His smile turns wry as his own blade appears in his hand. He doesn't call on Lucifer yet, but the Devil Sword Alastor crackles with energy.]

A real hero, that is...not one of those jerks who're just in it for their own egos.

[godofblood]

Can't imagine anyone who'd ever do that, hm.

[That might be sarcasm on the Prince of the Underworld's lips-]

What do you mean might be?

[-there is definitely 100% percent sarcasm on the Prince of the Underworld's lips as he scans the area for enemies.]

[superstylishsquid]

[He turns his head as though listening for something, then mutters a 'huh' and casts his own gaze around. Though there don't seem to be many shades this close to the House of Hades, the souls he does see are unmistakable for what they are. And unmistakably armed, at that.

His fangs show in an eager grin, and he waves a taunting gesture at the first spirit to notice them. The Lout's charge is...rather disappointingly easily sidestepped with a brutal slash to the side as a punishment.]

That friend of yours again? I think this is the first time I've sensed sass as an emotion in its own right.

[godofblood]

!

Oh, right, yes. She's back and talking. I almost forgot you know about her. At least she lets me concentrate on my work for the most part.

[I also know why you invited Alastor-]

Don't start on that bridge mate, we barely started.