Hunters and Tea [Social w/ Ailene & Mélusine]

[Alacrán]

Alacrán had returned to the Human World to return to a certain hunting spot he'd visited not but a couple days ago. He was still somewhat sore from that particular fight, even after he'd completely healed, however it also didn't help that he had shoved himself inside the rather uncomfortable form of the gigai that'd he'd purchased from a rather unsettling man whom he had an even worse feeling about however that was another story. He pulls at the collar of the shirt that was suffocating him as he stepped inside the café he'd seen his 'prey' leave just the other day. However they wouldn't, or at least shouldn't, be able to figure out that he was inside a fake body.

He glanced around the shop, this being his first time inside an establishment of any kind since he'd become a Hollow and his time as a human was all but a blur now at this point. Still he was at least familiar with the concept of a café. He wondered if they'd perhaps have any of that tea that he'd had during his visit with the Sexta Espada. Perhaps this wouldn't be a complete waste of time if they did. Really he had no idea why he had decided to even crawl inside this empty body and show up here but something about the woman and her dragon and intrigued him.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Kitai Brand Gigai}Description: Kitai has the ability to create bodies through the use of his Darkskill, bodies that can be worn and used by any spiritual being. These bodies can be made to look however the user wants upon creation. The body that is created must be something possible to have been made in nature, however unlikely, and cannot be something like a living brick wall or the like, but are not strictly limited to the human form. Just note that once you have the body, you cannot change how it looks later. These bodies, due to the nature of Kitai's power, have built in durability. Normally they would include physical stats in addition to that, but these bodies have been modified to have static numbers, in order to both sell more copies, as well as to not have something better than his own versions.

This item is a highly durable type of armor, with a form of built in Heirro. Damage that would be taken is still transferred onto the user, but because of the defenses of this item, that likely won't be much. While wearing the item, the user's physical stats will be reduced to the IP of this item. This does not increase the physical stats if one has less than the IP of this item. The user can willingly take off the bodies whenever they wish, at no cost to themselves.

Class: 8
Item Type: Armor/Utility
Item Power (IP): 100
Offense Type: N/A
Durability: Double IP (200)

Bonuses: While not released, the user will register as human to anyone with less than 300 ES plus 50 for every point they have in Stealth. When taken off, this item can be ordered to run to safety on a kind of autopilot, at a speed equal to its IP. The OS of attacks that impact this body are reduced by half of the IP of this item, with the rest of the damage occurring as normal to the item.

Drawbacks: This item is not available to Fullbringers, Quincy or Bount. Users cannot use releases while wearing this item. If they do, they will be forced out.

Cost: 2,500

[Ailene Haschiro]

The last few days had certainly been interesting for Ailene. The head barista of Rēgīna had been left with serious injuries after her encounter with the Hollow, Alacrán. Practically beaten into unconsciousness and ferried back home by her familiar, Mélusine, Ailene had been feeling a little more than sore these past few days. Her body was an absolute wreck. She had spent the last few days simply lying in bed and resting. Today, however, was the time to open up Rēgīna again. 

Her unsightly injuries were at least covered by her uniform. Alas, she couldn't rest for weeks. She needed to get back on her feet. She did so with great difficulty, but she eventually made it to the tea room. Normally she'd have done an inventory the day before, but she was in no condition to do so and Mélusine would never do it even begrudgingly. She rubbed her temple. "Great. We may be out of certain tea today... not to mention the delayed delivery of baked goods..." Oh this was terrible for the entrepreneur. 

She couldn't dwell on the negativity though. It was time to get out there and hopefully put a smile on the faces of her customers. Looking over at the main door, Ailene utilized Soul Command to flip the sign from Closed to Open. It was quite a nifty tool around Rēgīna. She utilized it for just about anything nowadays. Cleaning, convenience and most importantly, heating up tea. At least just for the times when they had some more customers on their hands. Yui and Amber needed to take time off with school ramping up. Ailene certainly knew that feeling.

As she set up her gaiwan and took the time to check up on the tea leaves, the familiar ring filled the room. Ailene briefly turned her head to see who had entered Rēgīna. It was a rather interesting man. Dark, tan skin with a head full of rather long, black hair. She had never seen him around before, but that didn't matter. Rēgīna welcomed all. It was Ailene's single tenant. Nobody would ever be turned away from the tea house. At least not with proper cause. Troublemakers and antagonistic behavior were rare, but they did happen. Ailene had them promptly removed usually.

Ailene welcomed new patrons. The sweet aroma and display of baked goods captivated the senses of many. The soothing and comfy atmosphere made sure to convey that Rēgīna was like a second home. The Fullbringer smiled briefly before greeting him. "Welcome to Rēgīna. I am its head barista, Ailene Haschiro. Pleased to make your acquaintance." She'd idly motion towards the empty seats. "Please, make yourself at home. I'll be with you in a moment." She'd definitely ask his name later. After all, it was common courtesy.

For now, Ailene still had some things to take care of. A few shelves up, just out of view, a familiar presence stirred. The slumbering dragon had finally awoken. Stretching her small frame and wings, Mélusine looked down from her perch point. She'd stare at Alacrán for a moment before going about her business. The draconian spirit always leered at customers when they first entered. Having emerged from Ailene's spirit, most couldn't see her at least. The spiritually aware either usually questioned why there was a dragon around or had simply seen it all. Regardless, Mélusine had no idea whether she could be seen by this newcomer.

Finally finishing with a rushed inventory, Ailene turned on her heel and looked at Alacrán. She'd speak with a brightened voice. "I'm so sorry for the delay. We've been fairly short staffed lately, Mr..." She'd trail off with the hopes of getting an answer. Alas, even if she didn't, she'd continue with the same attitude. "There's a menu on the table. We may not have all of it in stock, but I'm sure we can find something to your liking." It was poor form. To be so unprepared, but there was nothing she could do about it. She could only hope to make do with what she had. Hopefully it wouldn't taint her first impression...

[Alacrán]

Alacrán turned his head at the sound of the woman's familiar voice and watched her for a moment. He'd forgotten what it was like to try and hide your emotions which is wait he was trying to do at the moment as he felt a grin wanting to settle on his face. However he couldn't allow that or else she might become suspicious of him and why he was really here. He finally decided to move to one of the empty tables, pulling of the rather fancy coat that he was given to dress this body in, along with the button up collar shirt, it's complimentary tie, slacks and loafers. Not exactly how he'd have dressed it but he didn't really feel like taking it out to buy more clothes so he'd make do with it for now.

His attention is quickly drawn to the sound of the dragon stirring and when she fixated her gaze on him he shifted his own to hers. He watched her as she stared down at him and just before she turned away he couldn't help but let a little grin slip in before he returned his attention to the menu that was placed on the table he'd sat at. He glossed over it's selection but really he had no clue what he was looking at as he hadn't even been a real avid coffee or tea drinker even during his time as a human.

The woman had finally come to address him and an odd opportunity presented itself when she asked for his name. He seems to ponder this for a moment before he smirks and glances up at her, brushing back some of the strands of his long hair back over his ear, "It's Alacrán. Alacrán Atteradorez." He then glances around the shop, noting it's vacancy for the moment, "An' aye don' dink yer stafving situation ain't da problem 'ere." It was the first time he'd ever conversed with anyone while in this body and he'd suddenly become very self-aware of his own heavy accent. It was probably something he'd have to work on but for now she just hoped that his voice wasn't too familiar.

He then closes the menu and sets back on the table, "An ta be quite honest wit ya, aye don' even know what aye want so aye dink aye'll jus let ya decide on all that." He then slides the menu towards her with an odd smile on his face. He then motions over towards Mélusine, now seeing how she'd react to him inquiring about her familiar, "Also, if ya don' min' me sayin but ya 'ave quite the interesting choice in a pet."

[Ailene Haschiro]

Mélusine would certainly be a little surprised. As she looked at Alacrán for that brief moment, it almost seemed... that he was staring back at her. Their eyes had met and Mélusine's suddenly constricted. She'd look away, but already it got her thinking. "Blind luck or... could he actually see me? No reaction to me though?" It left her perplexed. Confused. She didn't question it in the moment. She had more important things to take care of. In the meantime, Ailene would be pleasantly surprised as she got a name. 

"It's Alacrán. Alacrán Atteradorez." The way he brushed his hair back had Ailene giggle a little. "An' aye don' dink yer stafving situation ain't da problem 'ere." The accent was thick and it sounded a bit familiar. She couldn't put her finger on its origin. Regardless, she was on duty and wouldn't try to ask him a million questions about it. Mélusine, on the other hand, shifted her gaze back to Alacrán. "That accent." Much like Ailene, she didn't recognize the voice behind it. However, it made her blood boil. It reminded her so much of that Hollow they fought a bit ago. 

"An ta be quite honest wit ya, aye don' even know what aye want so aye dink aye'll jus let ya decide on all that." Ailene tilted her head before chuckling and nodding briefly. "No worries." She thought about it for a moment, tapping her arm. Suddenly, she had a lightbulb moment. "Oh! I know just the thing." She took the menu and pressed it against her chest. She didn't even notice Alacrán gesture, but she would surely have a reaction to his next comment. "Also, if ya don' min' me sayin but ya 'ave quite the interesting choice in a pet."

Ailene was a little suprised, but Mélusine stared at the man with fire in her eyes. She growled ever so softly. Ailene knew that this would go rather poorly at this rate. She cleared her throat and spoke before Mélusine even hoped to. "She's not a pet actually. She's my partner. A dear friend." She'd give him a little bow before returning to the counter. From there, she'd kneel and get what she needed. Opening up a glass jar, she'd shovel out the pomegranate loose leaves. 

As usual, she'd allow them to settle in the gaiwan. As a nearby kettle that she set on the stove earlier howled, she'd carefully grab it. Pouring the water in, she'd watch it sear the tea leaves. It'd take less than a minute to finish, but it opened up the floor for other things. The Fullbringer looked up at Mélusine. The dragons' eyes were completely fixated on Alacrán. Her reiryoku almost seemed to spill out from her. To someone like Ailene, the room almost seemed to grow cold. Shadows seeped from the familiar's form, threatening to swallow up everything around her. All merely sensory tricks aroused by Mélusine's malice.

Ailene did her bet to ignore it. She took a deep breath and sighed. "It's not often that someone comes in and notices her. Mélusine, I mean." She'd motion up at the dragon. "Much less with such a calm demeanor. Someone like you must've seen it all." She chuckled heartwarmingly I mean. After about 35 or so seconds, Ailene produced a tea cup. With impressive dexterity, she poured the tea without spilling even a drop. Opening another jar, she take some grated ginger and sprinkle it into the tea. Ginger, after all, had numerous health benefits.

Finishing the tea, Ailene moved over to the display case of baked goods. Among them, she'd grab a slice of what appeared to be a chocolate cake. Sliding it onto a plate, Ailene grabbed hold of it and the tea. Moving over to the table with equal dexterity, she set both down in front of Alacrán. The sweet aroma of the cake almost perfectly contrasted the slightly bitter tea. Ailene clasped both of her hands together. "Allow me to introduce you to the House special, Hell's Delight. Pomegranate Green Tea and a slice of Devil's food cake. A meal that could make Lucifer blush." She grinned. It was a special she had fashioned in honor of Orobas. The Akki had not come by ever since the opening of Rēgīna. Nevertheless, they were Ailene's benefactor. She felt as though she needed to do something for her friend. 

[Alacrán]

Alacrán did his best to keep a straight face as he felt Mélusine's malice towards him growing. This was going to be quite the entertaining endeavor if she was this easily provoked. He gives Ailene a nod as she bowed and stepped away, immediately returning his attention up to the dragon. The grin returns to his lips as he watches her get all bothered by his comment and simply gives her a nod. He keeps staring up at Mélusine as Ailene spoke up, "It's not often that someone comes in and notices her. Mélusine, I mean. Much less with such a calm demeanor. Someone like you must've seen it all." Alacrán chuckles as he shakes his head, "Aye wouldn' quite say dat jus' more so dat wut aye 'ave seen makes stuff like dis not all dat surprising."

He glances down at the cake and tea provided to him and while he wasn't quite the fan of Hell or it's residents he could at least appreciate the cleverness of the name for the combo. He picks up his fork, holding it rather oddly with a fist rather than gently holding it between his fingers as most would. He eats a piece of the cake and seems to be debating whether he actually likes it or not as it had been so long since he'd had actual food and not just the souls of the dead.

Deciding that he did like he continues to eat the cake before finally moving over to the tea which, much to his dismay, wasn't the soul tea he'd had before however the slightly bitter taste was a nice contrast to the overly sweet cake, one that he was actually enjoying. He nods with approval, "It's been quite sum time since aye had an'thing like dis."