sword_breaker | Myth!AU

[There's a slight wind to give signs that colder weather was going to hit the city at some point but otherwise the chill didn't faze many much with the sun pouring down rays without any resistance from white wisps streaking across blue. Another busy work day for most people as they packed the sidewalks in order to accomplish whatever the day asked of them to do, some of them heading off towards lunch break even as the afternoon brought along ease in traffic after the rushing around or rather dead still in the morning commutes that always came like clockwork. The towering skyscrapers piercing above while scattered about were busy shops and apartment complexes ranging to the higher end of the spectrum, fortunate for several residents of them being close to where they worked usually.

However it didn't matter much to the man lying face first towards the blue in an alley, red bursts staining his shirt in an act of fatal defiance against the fabric. He wasn't caring about anything anymore. Pools of crimson have congealing into a sticky mess at his side to keep company with the broken body though it was a waste honestly. A barrier of yellow and black tape announcing the crime scene as if the body and the blood weren't enough already to do so. Officers scurrying about to comb through every little thing in order to scrounge up evidence ranging from fingerprints to shell casings while a medical examiner started jotting down notes as though it were a race.

To be fair, it was a race that was ticking away for all of them but yet he didn't exactly have to put so much effort into finding out the who, why and whatnot of this particular case. Never really showed interest in the exact details of a person's death as it wasn't under his job description nor would he if paid enough, more so content enough with the tasks that were scheduled for him to do. He sends a confirmation of his arrival with a quick text before stowing away the smart phone into his back pocket and assessing the fussing police. No doubt Matthieu was going to blow his phone up with messages after getting the answer but that could be ignored.

Passing underneath the tape, the man eased through the scene with no problems coming from the uniformed others. Though that was the point of having such a decent illusion in order to essentially make him invisible, allowing a much easier time accomplishing his tasks without the stupid questions that would be raised at his presence much less what he would do here. He had the slight frown that could've been considered appropriate for the situation but the claw marks and irrevocably damaged right eye would certainly cause a more sinister thought process to occur. Maybe even be considered as a hit man that had down the crime but to be fair he didn't hunt unless told otherwise and certainly not boring humans such as this idiot. Besides a man decked in a suit stood out in this mess with much help to his disregard of everything save for the dead man who certainly was still brimming with the confused energy of a trapped soul. Definitely need to rectify that.

James crouched down right next to the examiner and fished out a knife before making an incision right at the heart before reaching down to draw out the reluctant soul. The reaper was only doing his job and besides no one was going to see him do his work, not the police nor the surrounding crowd of onlookers.

He was looking forward to the break after this one, sneak away towards his usual haunt; a coffee shop that boasted fantastic blends that were more so a necessity at this rate rather than a mere commodity and plus the perfect spot he claimed by the window in order to watch the world keep moving. The energy from the illusion would be easily restored during that. Then it would be another one in midtown before being able to return back home for the day and unwind. That or check with the bar to make sure a friend or two didn't snoop around more than they should. The former was going to be the most probable though so he shows the other idea to the back of his mind before focusing.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[More and more questions. Alright, though he's reticent to, he'll play the game for at least a little while.]

I mean, word gets around, and sometimes people aren't too tight-lipped with what they mention. Little bit of a trick finding the place, yeah. Makes for a bit of a game though, suppose.

I suppose I should be glad people are talking about us. As long as it's good, I hope.

Games? That's my boss for you. She loves riddles. Since you solved this one, maybe you'd like to try something harder?

Haven't heard anything bad, if you're worried about it.

[But the question brings a raise of his brow, because there's something somewhat suspicious about it.]

Talking kind of strange now, but colour me interested.

Did someone call for me?

[Of course they did, they always do at some point or another. She surveys the newest catch at the bar, picking apart the man's outfit to start figuring him out since Andrei hadn't given any good intel yet. Looked like a biker mostly but there was something else.]

Hello you two.

Hey, Val. Thought I'd introduce you to the new guy. Got any riddles for him?

[Huh. Alright, that was suspiciously fast. Very suspiciously fast. This bar is a little more than he'd bargained for, it seems. Still, he does his best to not show his concerns, instead raising a brow and flashing half a grin over at the new arrival.]

Well aren't I popular right now? To what do I owe the pleasure?

Well from what I heard, you were able to figure out as to where this place is. That and it seems like my bartender has gotten your interested in a harder challenge. So here I am.

[She glances down at his drink, tilting her head in thought before looking back at him.]

So why aren't you drinking? Don't like it?

[He's... No. He's not drinking. He's had just the one sip, but otherwise, he's been completely uninterested in his alcohol. Cheap alcohol. Andrei ought to feel insulted.

Instead he reaches for the looking glass again. He finally has a chance to take a second look.]

Well, I mean I'm a sucker for undeserved compliments and he's pretty generous with them.

[That question though...he just grins good.naturedly and shrugs, taking another small sip and letting wash over his.tongue.]

Not made of.money. Wanna savour it.for as long as possible really.

He's one of the best bartenders I've ever had and knows what the customers like. Can't say that's a bad deal really, rather worthy of paying to keep around. However when people don't drink though....

[That grin doesn't disarm her curiosity and she takes note of the fact that he doesn't swallow let alone that he had to take a sip with her prodding. Definitely a worthy catch maybe.]

Fair enough. I'll give you that. However my other question is would you be up for a harder challenge?

[Her praise always makes him blush. Only a little this time, though.

There's nothing in the looking glass that he recognizes. Just that strange line across the newcomer's neck, and something strange radiating around his eyes. Is he fae? What was Val going on about him not drinking?

...is he not drinking because his head isn't attached?

Andrei mulls over this while prepping a drink for Val. At least he can make himself useful in that regard; Val seems to have an idea who she's dealing with. She won't want alcohol on the job, but he can get her something to keep them both busy: Andrei fills a glass with water and rummages in the freezer for his mint leaves.]

Like I said, don't come by money too often, and like to keep enjoying what I can spend for as long as possible. If you're worrying that I'm takin' up a spot and not generating enough cash, I can take the hint, yeah?

[Really, all this prodding...he doesn't let it ruin his grin though, and offers a casual shrug instead.]

But I mean, I kind of fancy myself at being good at playing with hard things. Suppose I might be up for something.

Then tell me what sort of challenges you like. Though sadly nothing physical as well that is no fun and worth my effort. I can make it worth your while if you wind up beating me.

[A low him as she glances over his neck then down to his drink.]

How about this...if you win, I'll hand over the best sealing charm I have on record? So you can better enjoy your alcohol. Get every bang for your buck as they say.

[A sealing spell?

...Dullahan. That's what--who--he's dealing with. He knew Val was good, but this good? He resists the urge to shake his head, instead breaking the frozen mint leaves into the water and stirring it with a silver spoon until the top turns slushy. Then he adds a wedge of pineapple at the top and hands her the drink. She's quite particular, often with good reason.

And oh, she is interested.]

[That produces a raise of his brow, and oh that certainly doesn't sound entirely like something he wants to deal with at the moment. Still, his grin doesn't waver, and he merely leans back a bit, projecting as much casualness as he can.]

What makes you even think that I'd want something like that?

[She takes her time gauging his reaction to the proposal, sipping at her drink while watching the wheels in his mind turn. Sounds as though someone wasn't willing to turn down a challenge but needed some enticing still.]

Well there has to be some desire to eat and drink. Get the full enjoyment out of things. Must be years upon years since you could've. It would make things easier plus better time passing as a mortal.

[However she is curious. Always has been, always will be.]

Though...I have a question besides from the challenge. Obviously you've been in the city for a bit. So what is keeping you around, dullahan?

You lot don't settle down and say goodbye to open road.

No one said I couldn't do it anyways.

[Now she's just prying, and it chases away the grin ever so slightly. Instead, he shifts his focus down to his glass, playing with the rim ever so slightly as he lets the question roll about in his head. Definitely personal, and definitely something that he's not entirely keen on answering.]

And who ever said I was settling down? Can't a guy treat himself once in a while, or is that not supposed to be a thing?

Well some of us have easier times than others doing that so I wouldn't know about the trouble that you must face so the reapers don't come hunting you down. Besides I was more considered about the drinking and eating. It has to suck that you can only have a taste of something before well...

No one did. I asked, never stated it. So your treat is cheap alcohol then?

Reapers are reapers. They'll do what they'll do regardless of if I'm on good behaviour or not. Most of 'em, anyways.

[A majority really, though hopefully not the one he was supposed to have coffee with tomorrow. Things had been going well, he'd hate for them to be soured so quickly.]

Well, I mean it's gotta be cheap. Life on the road isn't exactly luxurious, yeah?

[Well that was an interesting way of wording things.]

Most of them? Sounds like you've somehow found one that is an exception then. Must be quite the reaper to have a blacklister's attention.

No it isn't but I don't do that sort of thing. Move around, yes, but still in the same city.

Now you're puttin' words in my mouth.

[Oops, little bit of a slip there, and one that he should probably figure out how to rectify. Time to deflect.]

Alright, alright, you win though, I'll take whatever challenge this is that you keep hinting at.

My apologies then but it seems like you're interested in one of them.

[Oh but he's biting at the challenge finally which makes her pleased finally. She takes a sip from her drink as though having all the time in the world before offering over a content smile.]

Thing is it has to have some risk from both sides. I'm offering you a splendid charm. What will you be putting on the table?

Could be, couldn't be. Does it really make a difference?

[That's one hell of a question though, and one he's not entirely certain he has a good answer for, because this feels incredibly sketchy.]

You're the one that wanted to bet. Never said I had to put anything down.

At the moment no. Just curious is all. However that can wait.

[She rests her chin on a propped arm, once more assessing him like a puzzle that could be taken apart and reconstructed as she pleased.]

Well you do here. Fair's fair. No one sided challenges ever occur within this establishment. So either you ante up or nothing is gained.

Hey, point though, I can live without some fancy charms.

[The look that he shoots back is decidedly unimpressed.]

And like I said, don't got.much. Best I can offer is a favour.or.something.