"...Darling, Im not blaming you, but with the whole contract thing I guess i assumed some devils might know how the whole tax and finance laws worked.....Well, you were the one who said that Love Coin was a solid investment...ugh i know, I thought it was in Yen not Dollars too!..."
Off to the side of the coffee place a strange blonde appeared to be talking to herself, sitting staring to the empty seat opposite her with a second coffee cup that had yet to be touched. Pulling up her phone, as she mused she idly scrolled while listening and nodding to the otherwise silent seat. "Anyway, i need to meet up with this...Maki-chan about the whole..." she suddenly paused waving a hand at the seat "No,No darling, shes just a employer, Its nothing like that, besides she has nothing on you and you know it dear" The stranger lets off a small laugh though appears slightly nervous as her hand continues to wave, taking a sip of her coffee and looks around to try and change the topic.
Makima didn’t have a lot of dirt on Keikoku, that much was true but she did know about her. It was quite hard for her to hide from Makima’s knowledge and eyes around the streets. The woman entered the coffee shop and her eyes searched the amount of people for Keikoku. It should not be that hard to find her, considering she was a devil hunter.
Of course, Keikoku was sitting by herself and chatting to herself. Every Devil Hunter was strange in their own way. Makima was perhaps the strangest of them all. That’s why they were like her pets.
“So, did you get my letter?” Makima asked Keikoku, sitting in the chair across from her. She looked at her and gave a smile that was menacing enough but also warm. Makima was an intimidating presence but she had no leverage over Keikoku.
The would-be the faint flash of something within Keikoku's eye as she had started to get up at the arrival of Makima, a reflection resembling a humanoid form but not quite right raising her hand slightly before she stopped looking to the new woman's side. "Someone is sit.....never mind" she shook her head sitting back down and smiled, her composure returning to what could be considered normal for her.
"Oh yes that letter....I think i have it around her somewhere" it took a short moment of rummaging through her bag before pulling out a overly crumpled paper slightly stuck together. "Yeah, Pretty much sounded like a great deal, though given its government based i suppose that it includes a pardon for those little...legal issues? Devils are one thing...but the NTA? Thats something else" She gives another sudden pause as if considering something "Hmm, Wonder if there is a Tax Devil? Never met one but that sounds like it would be pretty scary...sorry what were we talking about?" The smile was still present but the somewhat absent mindedness was clear as day with the sudden distraction. PeteTheWitcher
Makima was planning to pardon her for all those little legal incidents that added up, she was given the clear to do so by Public Safety. Either way, she would have gotten the all clear from them. Makima was very pleased that she was on board with this devil mercenary team that she put together. The control devil would nod at her questions about the legal issues and chuckled at the mention of a tax devil. That was absurd and if there was such a thing, Makima would control them.
"Don't be silly," Makima shook her head, "If there is one then it would be weak. What would it do? Threaten you to do taxes? Repossess your things? Bah!" Makima noticed her drifting off topic and was about to remind her to stay on task but she remembered that they were talking about something important. "I believe we were discussing the job," Makima said and placed her hands on the table.
"Yes, you will the pardoned if you agree to be on my little team," Makima answered, "you will also be paid for every day you are on the team and will be provided a place to stay in Tokyo." She hoped that would be good for her and that she wouldn't mind the fighting more devils part of the job that she would soon mention. Also, the working with teammates part, Makima had plans to recruit more devil hunters in the future.
"I hope you're not a lone wolf," Makima said to her, "because besides me, you will be working with several devil hunters that will be different from you or be similar." She would have Quanxi deal with the training portion of the Devil Hunters, trusting her to show them how to behave and conduct themselves.
Tilting her head slightly with some confusion Keikoku considered the woman's earlier words "Repossession. Prison and the rest does seem pretty scary, I mean having to live with nothing would suck, plus those suppose it would be pretty relentless and constantly showing up when least expected." Crossing her arms she nods quickly before blinking and getting back on track.
"Oh right the Job. I mean I'm good on a partner, but suppose a few double dates isn't a issue, guess a chaperone would be ok at a push too..." she stops to turn to her side with a nod "Yeah someone to carry the bags too, But yeah that sounds good, oh right" she turns back and raises a finger "Health Insurance, Dental, 10 Weeks annual paid leave and contract expenditures covered!" a short tilt of her head signals another pause with one more nod "Yes good idea, Cute Uniform and drycleaning allowances as well....Can you do all that?" PeteTheWitcher
Makima listened intently to the girl, she did raise some interesting points about the hypothetical "tax" devil that would exist. Yes it was possible and Makima didn't know if hell was going to make one exist now. That would be certainly interesting if they did though and the measures Public Safety would have to employ to stop it. Makima noticed that Keikoku had interesting ideas and often liked to go on tagents about stuff unrelated to what they were doing.
That was a lot to request from her...but she would have to comply with her demands. Makima sighed and nodded, "Yes I can do that...but if you want a cute uniform you'll have to speak to our resident uniform designer Sadako Ejiri." She was already thinking this could be a mistake but the love devil was powerful. Keikoku would make her staff quite angry by making them do things for her but Makima didn't really care about that and would deal with it in time.
"By the way, you will be on devil hunting duty a lot due to the increase in number of devils appearing," Makima told her, "we also are hunting down a particular devil user called Santa Claus." Makima handed her the file containing information on the Santa Claus dolls and the girl that was seen acting as them usually. Santa Claus dolls were master assassins and killing them would be almost impossible.
PeteTheWitcher
Keikoku's smile grew into a full blown grin, the woman pumping her fist at the list of impromptu concessions all being accepted on the spot, though a second later her mind was starting to question if she should have maybe added more if it was going to be that easy.
"Sure i can have a long chat with Sada-Chan.....but hunting devils is fun, so not like that's really work work, more a hobby turned payed employment..." her face though turns to confusion at the name of the next target "Wait there is a Santa Devil? Pops wasn't lying about that guy existing?...." there was another short pause as if considering something "But how is that a fear?...Oh right, See you when your sleeping and knowing your awake, yeah guess that's a little creepy."
It was only after her musings however that she flicked through the small folder "Huh? So this Devil essentially makes a ton of elves to do his work for him? Hmm so literally drowns people in bodies i guess instead of doing the stuff himself? talk about lazy...guess that's how he got so fat.....Oh good, we don't need to go to north pole at least, Not a fan of that sort of cold, But how do you find the guy? I mean if he had any sense wouldn't he just hide himself in a bunch of civilians or do this from miles away? or do they have a limited range?" Tapping the folder in thought she continues to turn to her side with several strange gestures "Gas seems like it would be cheating, Some sort of broadcast to clear the area would just have them move away and come back later...Yeah that could work, Honey Pot give them something they cant resist in a pre-surveiled area? Plus would get some really great angles of the show. Unless there is already something in mind for how to do all this, guessing its the part where you say by the book and regulations or something Maki-Chan?" She finally turns back to fully put her attention on Makima with a raised eyebrow
After a long walk, Quinn cleared her head realizing despite what she thought, the truth of the matter is Aki was reserved and didn't appear to be the type to cause harm. He would have done so by now on the field, but Quinn's past still has a grasp on her. Trusting doesn't come easily. Perhaps after some time she can. For now, Quinn could at least keep things professional and have Aki at arm's length if until she can understand his motives. Then again, he could just be kind which is foreign to her.
Quinn let's out a heavy sigh before backtracking to the cafe. She throws her hood up and pockets her hands on the way.
Slowly, but surely, Quinn entered the cafe ready to apologize to Aki. Her bloody appearance probably seemed suspicious to onlookers, but thankfully the blood had dried from the cold air. The snow had washed away some of the residue as well. As she approaches Aki, she forces a small smile. Her eyes shift to Makima talking to a blonde-haired woman. "Who is that?" She asked Aki.
Makima listened to the girl speak and didn't really convey any emotion as she nodded along with her. She was a little surprised that the girl was so comfortable with this and her. She wondered if the other one would be as easy. But Makima couldn't focus on the other devil hunter she had to find later on now. The strange woman did appreciate Keikoku's eagerness to get to slaying the Santa Claus person but there was much to discuss still. Plus, Santa Claus was dangerous and should taken with caution.
"I like your ideas," Makima said and smiled, she had to admit that those were good ideas. But of course rules and regulations had to be followed or else Aki would be upset. She was right, they would have to do it by the books and regulations that were put on them. There were rules that they couldn't overstep and Keikoku had already done so in the past. The control devil thought about what she was going to say next to her since she was going to have to make sure she understood the rules.
"Just because I pardon you doesn't mean you can break the rules," Makima told her, "we will have to play it by the book or else we both will be yelled at by Aki-chan." Makima had to admit, Keikoku and Quinn would be an interesting combo. The Love Devil and the Scythe Devil working together, a lot of chaos would erupt. Makima was pleased with Keikoku and that she was willing to work for the Devil Mercenary. She smiled at her, "Welcome to the Devil Mercenary, I am sure you will be a good asset to the team." Makima figured that Aki or Kishbe could go over the rules with her at some point.
"I like your idea of luring Santa Claus in an area since he has to be an idea to control dolls," Makima was back to praise the girl, "What would lure him? Cookies? I mean I could try but I can't make good cookies...Can you bake cookies?" She wondered if Keikoku could bake cookies that would lure a fat devil to an area. Plus, they needed backup. Aki was in a sour mood since Quinn ditched him but he would help if they needed it. She didn't know if she could count on Quinn for assistance but she would be open to it.
"I don't think the two of us can beat Santa Claus," Makima said to her, "He is too powerful for two of us...but if we can get him alone."
As Makima was talking, a young man watched the two girls talk and his arm turned into a blade. He was watching Makima and Keikoku closely as if he wanted too strike. Nearby a woman was sitting with her legs crossed and watching the two girl speak. Who was she? Just a Japanese woman with a special ability.
Aki was not pleased to see Quinn, he crossed his arms as she entered the cafe. Quinn asked a question about the new girl and he felt compelled to answer her.
“That’s the new girl Keikoku,” Aki replied to Quinn, “she’s going to be on the team now.”
Keikoku beamed, puffing her chest out at Makima's initial response, gesturing towards herself with a thumb "Yep! Never had a bad one!....Just ahead of there times ones" letting out a small laugh she however starts to pout at the later part. "Yeah Yeah, I get that part, Dont be allowed being seen breaking the rules, but hey daily bending and stretch is always advised. Sure this Aki-Chan can be a teddy bear if there's an accident though. I might need to bake a little more just to be safe. or there was the cutest little bakery down in Yokohama that I'm sure would appreciate a big order to expense. Hmm as for other bait?" she starts chewing her lip with a few rapid taps of her fingers "Could get some of the naughty list all on one spot...Eh sure something will work, besides the powerful ones just means its more fun then get knocked down, those are the most interesting ones to beat, the ones that think they are unbeatable and untouchable."
She turns slightly as a new arrival makes themselves known "Oh Hi! A new couple to join on our date outings! Its wonderful to meet you two, KeikokuKeisei, Warrior of Love, and Ruinous Glamour!" She spins somewhat in her chair to strike a pose with a wide grin. PeteTheWitcherPumpkid
"A new recruit?" Quinn parroted. There is going to be someone else other than herself on the team? It would certainly be comforting, maybe interesting to have someone on the team. Not that Denji or Power were not enjoyable, but the pair are two peas in a pod doing whatever they wanted without consideration of others. Maybe the new girl will level the plain.
As Aki approached Makima, Quinn followed in toe. The quirky blonde introduced herself as Keikoku Keisei, a "warrior of love". Surely, the woman was acting as some sort of Sailor Moon type hero? Unfortunately for Quinn, the newbie was equally nuts as her peers. She nods at Keikoku in acknowledgement. "Nice to meet you. my name is Quinn." After a slight pause, she realized what Keikoku said causing her to blush. "A couple? N-no! Aki is just my superior."
Aki shook his head as the new recruit referred to him and Quinn as a couple, he did blush a little blush. His composure was a little shaken up and he tried to regain his professorial nature as he stepped away from Quinn, "No- she is just one of the Devil Hunters on the team that I work with." Aki knew that she didn't like him that way. But he couldn't be mad at Quinn for ditching him for long because he needed to focus on the Devil Hunting and training the new girl. Aki glanced at Makima and her, "Maki Chan, are you sure she is ready to catch Santa Claus? I mean she just got hired..."
Makima nodded, "Yes, I believe that Keiko-chan will be a good asset to the team and catching Santa Claus." Makima smiled at Quinn who had just arrived as an acknowledgment. The Control Devil didn't seem to mind that this was called a date outing and seemed to be thinking about the plan that was laid out. The naughty list idea seemed more reasonable to Makima as she thought of a way to lure Santa Claus out.
"Quinn, would you show the new recruit the ropes?" Makima asked, "I spotted a devil around that is not too powerful and not too weak." But Makima wanted to see the so called warrior of love in action.
Keikokus grin widened further at the reaction, eyes darting between the two new arrivals. A low chuckle escaped her lips as she commented on the two "Oooh? Love truly can be a scary thing, I guess.". Tilting her head to the side with clasped hands she dramatically swoons from side to side "Denying the unknown and the risk of pain and vulnerability. You are adorable Aki and Quinn-Chan, This is going to be fun".
Finally rising from her seat she does however turn to wag a finger "But fret not, This wont be my first time dancing with a devil, Ive played with quite a few, Even got a quest from a great wizard once when i did my honeymoon tour over in the states". Keikoku suddenly pauses for a moment to look to her side with an expression of confusion "Thats what i said? It means the same thing right? Of course Darling" she stops to turn back "So devils of all different colors, clown, spice, funniest i guess was the rap devil...never could understand half of what it said though" She seems to be going back to her lost musings before catching onto Makimas final words "Oh but a new one is fun..anything special to know not to do?" PeteTheWitcherPumpkid
Aki's response was somewhat disheartening for Quinn, yet surprising when she noticed his cheeks briefly turn rosy. Did Aki truly take a liking to her? That would be a first for her. Keikoku's observation didn't help the fact that there might actually be attraction between Aki and herself. "I'm not denying anything, just stating a fact." Her blush betrays her statement even as shy tries to play it cool.
When Keikoku faced the empty space, it perplexed Quinn. It was as though she was talking to an imaginary friend. Was she by chance a skitzo? There was no time to think about it as Makima and Aki spoke about Santa Claus. "Wait, what? TheSanta Claus? How is he even a bad guy? The guy is jolly, and there is no way he exists, unless someone is impersonating him or something?" So far, the situation is starting to get bizarre for Quinn to comprehend what's happening.
Makima then asked Quinn to show the newbie the ropes. "Me? I barely know what I'm doing." She said. Makima then mentioned a devil has spawned somewhere nearby as though she sensed it. Quinn raises a suspicious brow, but did not disobey. "Sure, where are they located?" Quinn turns to answer Keikoku, "yeah, try not to endanger civilians. Also keep a low-profile. We don't want to scare people." PeteTheWitcherPlusUltra
Aki didn’t say anything to add to that, obviously Keikoku would use that against him. She had a contract with the love devil and he was aware of what that meant…not that he ever heard about the love devil before her but he could guess what it did. Aki sighed, not really wanting him and Quinn’s perceived relationship to be put on blast. He instead focused on Quinn being surprised about Santa Claus being evil. For all they knew, Santa Claus could be a woman.
“Makima and Kishibe have been discussing potential threats that may be coming from overseas,” Aki explained to Quinn, “we don’t even know if someone is impersonating him but we do know that he is looking for a particular devil.” he wasn’t sure what the devil was but it might be either Quinn or Denji. But the point was that several people were chosen to find it. Aki was determined to find out what devil it was and stop Santa Claus.
“You knew enough to save Mirabele,” Makima said and smiled at her, “besides, it will be good for you to work alongside other people than Denji and Power.” Makima had planned for them to fight a devil together since she wanted to see if Keikoku would be strong enough for the team. She knew that Quinn was strong enough already but wanted to see how the two of them would fight together.
“The Devil is located down in the park by here,” Makima said, knowing that it was suspicious that she knew that. She had to come up with an excuse that would keep Quinn off her back. “I couldn’t get a chance to call for backup or fight it because it managed to disappear into the crowd.” Makima was curious on how the girls would deal with the shapeshifter devil. They would have to be tactical which was something she needed for her better world.
“Are you just sending them alone?” Aki questioned, “I’m coming with them.” he was a little worried about this supposed devil Makima sensed. He had no idea about it and that caught him off guard.
“Very well, but I thought the new girl should get some action on her first day,” Makima said and smiled.
She taller girl idly waves her hand at the concerns "Low Profiles a drag, I mean I though the whole government thing meant we got to put on a show, I mean with the number of Cameras outnumbering the people there's so many good angles to cut a promo from. But sure guess keeping the people who get banged up to acceptable numbers makes sense." She gestures towards Makima for a brief moment "Besides Big Sister is watching, or at least paying someone to watch. If yhe thing got lost in a crowd guess it might be a smarter human looking one, heck if it's sneaky going high key and seeing who reacts differently might be a idea......either way Alonsy Darling, We have a dance in this park to get to".
She reaches into her bag and swiftly pulls off her Heels before replaceing them with what looks the be leather ballet shoes but a little more durable. Once done she claps her hands together and grabs her bag ready to move before stopping "Oh right Maki-Chan, since first day guess I can get all those concessions in writing while the main event goes down. But are we walking, get a car? Or can we go there the fun way?"
There were devils overseas arriving in Tokyo searching for someone? What did they want from them? Maybe Santa Claus is checking his list and attempting to straighten the naughty ones? Still, the ones lurking in the shadows are probably behind it all.
"I had motivation." Quinn admitted. "It's also my job, nothing more." Makima is a high-ranking agent with skills unlike anyone has seen, literally. Her power is kept secret from any and all eyes. Or so she's heard. For the entire week, Quinn made it apparent to learn much about her comrades. There was no way she was blindly trusting people. Especially in a cold world. If a test run is what Makima wanted, then it's a test she will grant Keikoku along with Aki it seems.
Keikoku was against a low-profile. She did make a point about the cameras in every angle, but it was more about not obtain attention that will put the innocent in danger. "If our supervisor is coming along, driving will be efficient." She hints Aki being the supervisor who volunteered to accompany them. "If it's a shapeshifter, we'll have to be wary. Who knows where they will show up."
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Aki looked at the two girls and nodded at Quinn’s little hint. He was going to be driving them and he wasn’t too excited about it since the last time he drove Quinn- never mind. He would be happy to lend his car for this mission, even if he did not want Keikoku to comment on him liking Quinn, which he did not!
“Alright, but be careful in my car,” Aki knew that it would probably be pointless to ask them since Devil hunters tended to destroy a lot of things. He would have to get repairs and it wouldn’t be cheap.
Aki then exited the cafe to get his car expecting the two girls to follow. He didn’t know why Makima wanted to test them but he would be able to supervise them.
“Good luck Keiko- Chan and Quinn-Chan,” Makima said to them as they parted ways, “don’t worry about the concessions Keiko-Chan, just focus on the task.”
Keikoku continues her strut forward before stopping to turn her head backwards as Quinn speaks "Well the motivation is important, this isn't the type of party one can thrive in if its only a job." She gives another giddy grin while heading on, putting her hands on their hips while scanning for the car they will be using. "And the whole shapeshifter thing, well bait does wonders, its kind a fundamental aspect of any hunt really."
Following Aki's gaze Keikoku slid into the back seats with her bag, leaving a space open to the side seat as she looks to it with another faint sparkle to her eyes and loving expression. "Oh and dont worry, I am totally focused on whats important, just want to make sure the whole deal is solid in writing....now what are we waiting for? We have a dance party to get to!"