maskormenacelogs | Adachi Makes the Best Life Choices

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Adachi Makes the Best Life Choices

WHO: Adachi and Crane; Adachi and Dooku
WHERE: Crane's place; a tea shop in Maurtia Falls
WHEN: Before and after the election.
WHAT: With Crane, Adachi's taking a chance and seeing if "nice guy" Crane can actually help him out. With Dooku, Adachi is fulfilling their promised meetup after the election, and likely mocking the hell out of him over the results.
WARNINGS: One or both of these is more than likely going to end badly for Adachi. Warnings, if needed, will be noted in tags, but strangling and drugging are most probable events.

[ Into the Bird's Nest ]
[ He was out of his goddamn mind. ]

[ Adachi stood in front of the door leading to Crane's house, feeling a heavy weight in his stomach. He had to be freaking crazy to actually agree to see the guy as a patient, let alone actually go through with it. Crane knew the things he had been keeping hidden, or he could at least infer most of it from what his crazy self had babbled about. He didn't want him to know about his Persona until he was shoving it in his face, and what he did... dammit, he didn't need to use that for fuel. Asshole. ]

[ But if he really was still a decent guy... it was worth a shot, right? ]

Well... what's the worse that could happen, right?

[ He said it out loud, like it was supposed to make everything magically okay and he wasn't making a really obvious big mistake, seeing as he went back to normal and logic said Crane should have too?! ]

[ Adachi let out a breath, finally giving a sharp knock on the door. ]

[ Coffee is Better than Tea, Dookie ]
[ Adachi at least had the decency to straighten out his suit a little bit before he went out to his promised tea meet with Count Dooku. It was just some boring old tea, and he'd probably have to endure some whining, but he figured he'd be a little nice to the old fart, seeing as how miserably he lost the election. ]

[ Dare he say Dookie's whole campaign went right in the toilet? Heh heh... ]

[ He was a little familiar with the place he wanted to meet; he stopped in once or twice when wandering around where he could, but otherwise he hadn't done much there before, not that this was much of a surprise. Adachi paused at the entrance a moment to look around at who was there, before spotting who he was here for. He offered a bit of a smirk, before heading over to the table. ]

Well, good to see you again, your highness.

[ Hey, he'd be nice. That didn't mean he couldn't have a little bit of sarcasm creep in, right? ]

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[Jonathan Crane had left the Castile yesterday afternoon; he'd come back home to set everything up for tomorrow, and then he'd taken to preparing anything else he'd find necessary. A little bit of comfort for a man who'd come all this way for support. He'd offer him a little bit of a drink before showing him inside towards the living room, which has seen a clean-out lately.

The lock clicks behind the door. His head peeks around the side of it sometime after.]

Ah, detective. It's good to see you. Please come inside.

[ Adachi hesitated where he stood, half surprised that Crane didn't come out with a bag on his head. Dammit, he was so damn paranoid that this was a trap; why the hell was he going through with it? It was a moment before he could slide his hands into his pockets, forcing a casual grin on his face. ]

Sure thing.

[ He swallowed out of reflex, half expecting something to hit him in the face and knock him out as he stepped forward. ]

[Crane doesn't say anything, just pulls the door open and lets his guest come inside. He focuses on not sounding like a pretentious ass, as others call it; not that he believes he is for a second. A few seconds to let the detective look around, to offer his admiration - not that he expects that, either - and then he's guiding him into the sitting room.]

Drink?

[ A drink? Adachi paused at that, absently rubbing a hand against his leg, as if that would help wipe off his nerves. ]

Ah... no thanks.

[ How was he supposed to trust a drink from this guy? Seriously? ]

[A shrug. It was social protocol to host graciously, though it's understandable why this man is terrified, if he's honest.]

Very well. Then perhaps you would like to start?

[He sits in the main chair and gestures his hand to one opposite. Pick a subject. Any subject. He'll roll with it.]

R-right...

[ Adachi hesitated, looking like he much rather start pacing than just side down. It took him forever to do so (and these damn, stupid, stiff ass chairs were still the same), and he shifted uncomfortably for a long moment. ]

Uh. So. Guess I should start with how things really went down on my world, hunh?

If you would.

[He raises his chin and studies Adachi with a little more curiosity. So easy, he thinks, to act utterly calm and pleasant, without a hair or thought out of place. Though he has the distinct feeling lately that something about it just didn't stand.]

Um... okay... well...

[ Adachi let out a deep breath, rubbing his hands together absently. This was the first time he actually told the whole story here; even if he had said it so many times before to the court appointed shrinks and counselors, it felt so weird saying it now. ]

Well, what I said before wasn't completely wrong. There was a murder case where two women died, because they had been tossed into an alternate world where they couldn't face their inner selves and ended up killed by their own Shadows. That was all true.

Ah... the only thing that wasn't was who was actually responsible for that.

[ He paused at that, staring down at his hands. It was a moment before he could say anything, if only because the fact that he was responsible was obvious. ]

...I didn't know what would happen when I pushed Yamano in. I didn't even know you could go completely inside the TV. I just wanted to scare her, and... I lost my grip, and in she went.

[ Adachi switched from rubbing his hands to running a hand over his mouth. Damn, this just made him sound crazy. Maybe he really was, never mind it all actually happened. ]

The high school girl was deliberate. I don't even know what the hell I was thinking or why I thought calling her in was a good idea. Stupid shit, but... well, I shoved her in just because.

[ He let out a breath, glancing over at Crane as if to say, "You sure you still want me as a patient?" or, "You're totally not going to turn this all against me, right? Right?!" ]

[Now that Adachi had gotten it out, Crane imagines digging into the conversation in greater detail. Any part of what's been said would be productive. His lips press into a calm, emotionless line. He holds Adachi in eye contact for a second, if only because it makes him uncomfortable.]

Just because?

[Because he was...bored?]

[ Adachi let out a breath, shifting uncomfortably on the stupid stiff as hell chair and trying to look anywhere but at Crane. ]

...the rumor was that the person that showed up on the Midnight Channel was supposed to be your soul mate. When I saw Yamano, I thought my life was finally going the way it was supposed to go, until I found out the next day she was having an affair with a politician. That was my breaking point. That's why I wanted to scare her.

When I realized I wasn't immediately pinned for it, I... guess I just needed some kind of relief. Rumors were around that Konishi was one of those girls that showed guys a good time for money, and... well, I saw her on that stupid Channel too, so... same deal after she slapped the shit out of me.

[ He let out an annoyed noise, plopping a hand over his eyes as he flopped back in the chair. Saying it out loud, being honest about it like this: ]

...I sound like a mental case.

[If Dooku is cross at all at his humiliating election loss (and he absolutely is), it doesn't show on his face as he sits at the table and greets Adachi. He has always prided himself on his iron self-control, and he won't forget it just because the fools he is surrounded by decided to vote for soft cream instead of progress and reform.]

I am a Count, not a Prince, Adachi. The proper term of address for my station would be "My Lord." But it is good to see you as well.

[At least the boy is wearing his suit more like a suit today. There is hope for him.]

[ Adachi managed to resist rolling his eyes at the correction; who the hell cared? It was all the same in the long run. He shrugged, but he saved the snide comment for later, instead focusing his attention on a waitress that came by to take his order. Ugh, no coffee in this place, what the hell... ]

[ He ordered his fancy oolong tea (it was probably just out of a tea bag with some cream added or whatever), before leaning back in his chair. ]

So... considering you're showing your face around, I guess you're taking your massive defeat well.

[Dooku smiles thinly and without warmth. His tolerance for Adachi's cheek is not as great as it usually is. Because yes, that was a massive defeat, and a repudiation of the Count's ambition of rallying imPorts against the corrupt government that controls them, and a blow to his public image. Despite his self-discipline, Adachi will be able to see that there is a tension in Dooku's body today, moreso than usual.]

Life goes on, as they say.

[He places his own order in an offhand manner, but still maintaining his 'please' and 'thank you' as always.]

But you wished to discuss careers and not politics, as I recall. While the imPort Employment Centre has been rejected, I still believe I can help you.

Well, if it's any consolation, I did vote for you. But man, to even be beaten out by the yokai; that's pretty tough.

[ He let out a little snicker at that, a bit of a lopsided grin coming to his face. It would have been one thing if Komasan acted like the yokai that were in the stories. But the fact that he was just a kitten-like thing that seemed to exist in a level of cute that no creature had any right to touch made it that much worse. ]

[ He shrugged slightly at the topic change, not about to poke the bear any harder than he was already. ]

How's that? Need someone to investigate the poll results?

[ ...okay, maybe he would poke a little. Sometimes he couldn't help himself. ]

[The smile vanishes from Dooku's face. His eyes narrow, his expression darkens. This is simply too much. Adachi is right, of course: he could have stood being beaten just by Baelish. But Komasan? His 'fellow' imPorts have more than earned their imminent dictatorship.]

Have a care, boy. Need I remind you that I am taking time out of my rather busy schedule to assist you? And I do not like to have my time wasted.

[ Adachi couldn't help but snicker a little; oh, did he get under his skin? Whoops, his bad. Only not really; he had a feeling about this guy ever since that incident with the bird. Maybe poking at his buttons could result in some personal risk, but it was worth it in the end, right? Besides, it was better to find out now if he was dealing with another creep artist like Crane then find out later on. ]

Relax, Your Highness, I'm just joking around. You could stand to smile every now and then.

[ The smirk on his face didn't go away, even as he leaned back a little to let the waitress set his tea down. Oh, it actually looked kind of fancy... maybe he could slip off and let Dookie pay for it later. ]

So. What can you do for me then?

[ He glanced up at him, even as he raised the cup to take a sip. ]

[Snickering? Snickering is more than he is prepared to bear, especially after all the other slights and idiocies he has endured since being abducted here. A lesson is called for.]

I must say, I find your lack of courtesy rather... disturbing.

[The corner of the Count's mouth does twitch upward. He waits for Adachi to take his sip, then he lifts a hand from the table and pinches his thumb and forefinger together. It's a small, minute gesture, but to Adachi it will feel as though a mighty hand of cold iron just closed around his throat, squeezing his windpipe, freezing his breath.

To the other people in the shop, it probably looks like Adachi is just coughing from a sip of tea that went down the wrong tube. But Dooku sends his thoughts straight into the boy's head, his mental voice fierce and commanding, so that there will be no confusion as to who is doing this to him:]

I can kill you with a thought, young man. Remember this, and show proper respect if you wish to avoid pain.

[But aloud, he speaks with a concerned voice while still holding that invisible grip:]

My goodness. Are you all right, Adachi?

[ There were a lot of things Adachi didn't appreciate, and two of them decided to happen at once. First, it felt like a ghost had grabbed his throat, and for a moment he flashed back to all the horror stories from his youth, about split faced women and ghostly apparitions out to haunt men that were scumbags. He coughed and sputtered at his drink, just narrowly avoiding getting it all over himself as a hand flew to his throat in a vain effort to get it to stop. ]

[ Then there was the voice in his head. Invading his mind, even if it was just to leave a little message, was something that he hated. A brief flash of an eye like a photographic lens burst into his mind before the headache hit, and his free hand went to his head. He knew Magatsu Izanagi was just responding to him being threatened, but he was not in the mood to have him suddenly busting out in the middle of a tea shop like he had on the Russian sub. ]

[ Adachi knew his eyes had to be yellow right now; it happened every time he got headaches like this. He managed to force his eyes open, giving Dooku the most vehement glare he could manage. Hopefully it conveyed enough, "Knock it off or your favorite tea shop is going up in smoke," before he dropped his head again, coughing and struggling to breathe as he waved his "concern" off. ]

[Glowing yellow eyes? What a curious reaction. Users of the Dark Side tended to develop that trait if they delved deeply enough into the dark arts, although Dooku himself had managed to avoid it thus far. Dooku knew that Adachi had power, all imPorts did, but he was not concerned. He was a Sith Lord, and this boy was powerless against him.

That said, he had made his point, and he didn't want any unnecessary damage to one of the only decent tea locales in Maurtia Falls. So he released his grip, lowered his hand, and remarked mildly:]

Perhaps a glass of water will help calm that cough.

[Ever-helpful, Dooku signaled a server to bring some water like the polite old man he was.]

[ Yellow eyes, unfortunately, meant something different for Adachi. Yellow eyes on a creature were the telltale signs of a Shadow, the other side of a human being that people didn't want to acknowledge. The fact that it could happen to a human that had a Persona... well, Adachi had already been very clear in the fact that it would be a cold day in hell before he ever accepted himself. His Shadow corrupting his human body and leaving him open for possession again was more likely to happen. ]

[ He managed to keep the gracious look on his face for as long as it took for the waitress to bring the glass of water and make sure he was all right. Once she was gone, his expression dropped, narrowing his eyes again at the Count. His head still hurt even if the headache had stopped, and he could feel Magatsu Izanagi on the fringes of his consciousness, just waiting to be called on, like a wild cat stalking prey. ]

Nice trick, Dooku-san.

[ Congrats; Dooku got a little respect out of him, never mind he was still using the wrong address. The smirk finally came back then, though it was a little darker than before as he shrugged nonchalantly. ]

Sorry I can't show you mine, but you know how it is.

[Dooku senses Izanagi within Adachi's mind, fierce and predatory and strong, but without knowledge of Shadows and Personas he isn't sure what to make of the information. Power, certainly, danger, most likely. Something linked to Adachi's deep issues with his self-worth, something that, like the Dark Side, was tied to negative passions...]

Think nothing of it. Perhaps I will see it another time. I certainly understand the need for discretion. You have seen only a very little of what I can do, after all.

[Choking is a basic trick, open to even the novice Dark Side user, and Dooku is far from a novice. But at least he has gotten some courtesy from the boy. Like most people, Adachi can be taught and trained. It only takes the proper... incentive.]

[ Adachi's smirk twitched slightly, though it somehow managed to stay on his face. Geeze, how did he keep finding or running into these psychos? First Sho back home, then Crane, and now this guy. When would he get to take a break? Was this his punishment for letting society's rules drown him? ]

[ Ugh, whatever. He reached over, stirring his tea a little, and giving Dooku a look before daring to take another sip. ]

Hunh; suddenly you trying so hard to win the election makes sense.

[ He shifted a bit in his seat, making himself comfortable. Even if it was a quiet tea shop, he kept his voice low. He didn't think anyone would bother listening in, but he knew how nosy people could be better than anyone. ]

You know, even though I quit, I'm still a cop at heart. What makes you think I wouldn't go to someone about that little stunt you just pulled?

[ Dammit, it was just like being on that damn tower all over again, playing his cards carefully while balancing the combined cold calm of Minazuki and the childish craze of Sho. Only thing was, not only was Dooku frighteningly calm about just choking someone with his mind, but he didn't know what else he was capable of. He doubted it was just choking and mind talking; even he wasn't that stupid. ]

[ He was seriously in way over his head, wasn't he? ]

[Dooku smirked back, and leaned forward a little over the table, his own voice equally low.]

You are many things at heart, Adachi, but I don't think a police is one of them. No. That is why you made that post, is it not? Because you realized you were unworthy of your dream... or perhaps the dream was unworthy of you.

[Dooku was just going to drop that idea into Adachi's head even as he shut him down: maybe the problem isn't you. Maybe you're just above all that.]

Besides, consider your position. We both know you have little social standing here... that you struggle to form bonds. But I have no such problem, and I have gained many allies. If you raise your voice against mine, you will find yourself outnumbered and alone. Not for the first time, I suspect...

[The Count trailed off to let that sink in for a second, then leaned back and added:]

And then there are the benefits you would be forsaking. I still want to help you, you see. Through me, you could gain a clarity of insight greater than you've ever imagined. You wouldn't throw aside an opportunity like that to tell RISE you choked on some tea, now would you?

[And yes, yes he was in over his head. Sorry, Adachi.]

Edited (typo!!) 2016-07-13 01:24 (UTC)

[ Adachi knew what it meant to lose; he had experienced it once before after all. That time wasn't like this, however; it took a moment for it to sink in, but after his game was over he felt... free, liberated. After everything, he was finally able to act like himself for the first time in his life. This time around, however, he just felt cold; like his blood had been replaced with ice water, but if he shivered, Dooku would take advantage of his show of weakness and use it against him. Maybe it was telling that his name was one letter off from doku, the Japanese word for poison. ]

[ It was a moment before his expression fell, quietly admitting defeat in a game that was pretty much over before it even started. It was frightening how he was able to tear him down so easily after only a handful of conversations. He hated how much he just wanted to agree with what he was saying, how he was better than the things that bothered him. ]

[ Shame he already knew he wasn't, and he didn't want to start second guessing that now. ]

[ He let out an irritated sigh, resting a hand on the table, his fingers impatiently tapping against the table. ]

Why help me? Aside from a few tricks, I'm nobody; what I can do... any detective worth the gold on their shield can do too.

[ ...unless he was just an easy target. That was just annoying. ]

[According to Christopher Lee, Dooku was indeed named for doku- but that is neither here nor there. Adachi doesn't need to shiver for the Count to know that he has taken the point, and that they can now proceed without any unnecessary foolishness. He continues to smile and talk politely, as though he is completely unaware of the ice creeping through the boy's veins (he isn't).]

That is what you are today. What you may be tomorrow is another matter entirely. I would not invest this time in you if I did not sense your potential. What I told you at the Swear-In was the truth: your mental talents could lead to great achievements and a high career... if you have the strength to discard that which holds you back.

[He has knocked Adachi down with his previous words. Now it is time to build him back up- with the knowledge that his rising or falling is tied directly to Count Dooku.]

[ He may have knocked Adachi down, but there was enough bitterness built up in him after 28 years that he still had teeth to bite with, even if it was just empty sarcasm. An irate look came to his face, and he let out a rude sounding snort. ]

Yeah, I've heard you say that before, and then you lost an election you invested in.

[ He waved a dismissive hand. ]

If you're not going to be more specific, I have better ways to waste my time.

[The Count casually raises a hand and flexes his fingers, ostensibly to stretch them but really to remind the boy about the whole 'can kill you with a thought' thing they just went over together. But really, it's good to see Adachi still has some bite in him. It shows that there is true strength buried beneath all that doubt and despondency, and Dooku likes strength.]

Those who risk nothing achieve even less than nothing. I was willing to gamble upon the foolishness of our community with the election, and accept the disappointment of their decisions. Just as I am prepared to accept being disappointed by you, should you fail to meet my expectations.

[See, he didn't fail to win the election. The imPort community failed to vote for their own best interests and elect Count Dooku. It's a vital distinction in the mind of the Sith.]

But somehow, I don't think you will. How would you like to help carry out a most important investigation- outside the boundaries of police regulations and social nonsense?

[Dooku thinks Adachi would make an excellent tool for prying into RISE.]

[ Adachi's eyebrow twitched at the reminder, but his expression didn't change just then. It sounded like a lot of BS... a lot of BS he used to believe in. It's not me, it's the rest of the world; if only maintaining that kind of stubborn entitlement would actually get people somewhere in reality. He knew where it got him, and Dooku's little display was a lot less kind then the long drop and short stop that probably waited for him if he ever went home. Somehow he got the feeling that sticking around the old fart was going to lead to bad things, and he almost got up and told him to go get stuffed... ]

[ ...until he finally seemed to guess the right combination of magic words. Adachi hesitated, half way to slipping out of his seat. Everything in his mind was screaming at him to leave while the leaving was good, but instead he slowly slid himself back down, his hands absently fiddling with his tea cup. ]

Well... I'm listening.

[There is a crucial difference between what Dooku believes and what Adachi perceives. The entitled person believes they deserve to receive from the world and acts as though 'deserve' has intrinsic meaning. The Sith know that this is a lie. They do not receive: they take, and make reality reflect their will in the process. The Count will relish the opportunity to instruct Adachi regarding the finer points of this philosophy.]

The election I 'wasted' my time on did have its uses. My former rival, Ambassador Baelish, was impressed with my campaign, and has extended an offer to make peace. He has asked me to conduct a thorough examination regarding the affairs of RISE. They have been allowed to operate unchecked for far too long, and must be held accountable for their excesses.

[A sly smile creeps over the Count's face.]

Those who aid me in this investigation could gain great rewards. And they could make a name for themselves as someone brave enough to challenge the powerful and expose the truth. This is a task worthy of your special talents.

[Of course, it's a volunteer position only... but people Adachi's age like "working for exposure," don't they?]

[ Of all the meglomaniacal... ]

You want me to investigate RISE. The guys that keeps the rest of the creeps the government is dumb enough to pull over in check.

[ Adachi leaned a little heavily against his seat, frowning in annoyance. This seemed pretty obvious, didn't it? Spy on the good guys out to make sure people like him didn't toe out of line. Of course, RISE didn't have to worry about him, he had his promises after all. But this guy...? ]

You almost make it sound like you have something against them.

[ Especially since he seemed to be trying a little harder to butter him up. And dammit, you evil old fart, no one likes working for exposure! ]

What's the deal? I thought they were doing good things.

Oh, is that what you think?

[Dooku raises an eyebrow and gives Adachi his best disappointed face. Time to needle the boy's battered, fragile pride some.]

Perhaps you are not as well-informed as I expected. Serious accusations have been raised against RISE by our fellow imPorts. Multiple speakers at last month's debate demanded action on bias, excessive force, and even killing imPorts. And of course, the team is supported closely by our government hosts... who are themselves no strangers to scandal.

But they will be cooperative with our inquiries. Ambassador Baelish will see to that.

That's what everyone that wants to live peacefully seems to think.

[ He knew he was trying to get to him, and Adachi hated the fact that it was working. From Dooku's words, RISE was starting to sound a lot like the areas of law enforcement that aren't talked about. The little things that are tucked away so the civilians don't know. The fact that they distinguish normal people using the word "civilians" kind of spoke for itself. ]

Not saying I will... but when would this take place? And how can you be so sure they'll be that cooperative? Determined people know how to hide skeletons, you know.

It has been my experience that peace-loving people often have a talent for ignoring inconvenient facts which might disturb their quiet and complacency.

[Which is why people like Dooku are needed to yank their heads out of the sand so that they can see. And if they still refuse to recognize the truth, than maybe those people are the problem to begin with. Dooku considers himself obligated to solve those kinds of problems, as efficiently as possible.]

The investigation will begin in August. You can expect an announcement from myself and Ambassador Baelish. He will ensure RISE's cooperation. He has ways of motivating them to change their ways.

[Dooku will just leave the Helix deal unspoken for now. It's not something that needs to be spread around, with a fortress at stake and all.]

[ Adachi did his best not to react to that response, but there might have been a twitch of muscle on his face anyway. Boy, didn't he know that one; it was much easier to turn a blind eye to what was going on and believe you were safe than to see the real issues. Let those problems be lost in the fog and all that. He preoccupied his mouth with his tea at that, so at least when he swallowed he didn't look like he could feel a deathly, red skeletal hand that haunted his nightmares creeping on his shoulder... ]

[ It was a moment before he set his cup down, emptied, letting out a put upon sigh. ]

Fine, I'll think about it. I don't suppose it's too much to ask for compensation for this kind of work? You almost make it sound like you're hiring out a private investigator here.

[ And he was pretty sure he could hear Shirogane laughing her ass off across realities. ]

[Dooku holds out his hands, palms up, carefully concealing how utterly pleased he is to have the boy on board. From strangling him to recruiting him- not a bad afternoon's work, if the Count says so himself.]

I am afraid that the project's funding is in the hands of Ambassador Baelish. Perhaps you could ask him if a stipend could be spared for your services.

[Petyr can be the one to explain the whole 'investigating a military police unit for zero dollars an hour' thing. Let him handle Adachi's reaction.]

[ Wow, that was a wonderful non-answer. Adachi frowned at that, before he shrugged, slipping out of his seat. ]

Well. Keep me posted with the details, Dooku-san.

[ Now excuse him while he makes a quick exit to skip out on the bill and wonder what the hell he's doing with his life. ]

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