A busy night at Karrasi...

[Zeshin Lak-el Ury]

It was nearly Dusk when Zeshin arrived back in Amleia. The long walk back into town gave Zeshin time to reflect. He felt he had made no progress in his battle prowess, losing to Peteo the way he did, and it seemed he was in for another long day of labor at the tavern. While walking into town, someone tried to catch Zeshin’s attention. He noticed who it was and he couldn’t help but smile.

“Hello my boy, why the long look on your face.” said an elderly man tending to his garden. As Zeshin caught the old man eyes from across the lane, he raised his hand to gesture a wave.

“Hello Aki-sama.” Said Zeshin in a very enthusiastic voice. He began to make his way toward the old man’s small home.

“So lad, where are you coming from.” Said Aki, planting his gardening hoe into the earth. He began to walk toward Zeshin, and as he did noticed the rusted sword a Zeshin’s waist.

“I was umm…” Zeshin paused. Was it alright for him to confide in the old man? Aki had always looked out for Zeshin, and Zeshin felt it would only be right to let him in on his journeys to the country side. “I was in the country, training in swordsmanship.” Said Zeshin in a very low voice, as if the words were only for Aki’s ears.

“I see, training alone I take it.” Said Aki, eyes moving from the rusted blade, back to Zeshin’s face.

“No, I was training with Peteo.” Said Zeshin, the minor pain of his lump seemed to resonate when he referred to training earlier.

“So, you must’ve worked hard, looking at the condition of you blade.” said Aki, not at all trying to hid the sarcasm in his voice. “You know Zeshin if you wanted a proper blade all you had to do was ask. I mean I did provide you with your cutlery set.”

Zeshin smiled at Aki’s kind gesture, “I wanted to buy the sword from you Aki, a sword and cooking knives aren’t the same. I wanted to work hard for the money to buy the sword, so I would get you best work, not a second hand blade.” Now Zeshin smile was gone, he liked Aki, but only he knew that the rusted sword at his side was his first creation with fire ability. As shabby as it was it was his, something he made for himself, by himself.

“Zeshin…” began Aki as he reached his hand up to rest it on Zeshin’s shoulder, “You never have to afraid to ask for anything. I’ve known you since the day you entered this world, and it was one of my blades your father used to separate you from your mother. You didn’t ask then, you don’t need to worry now.” The old man then gestured to Zeshin for the blade. Zeshin handed him his most prized possession, careful watching the whole time during his inspection. “Hmm… not that bad, needs a lot of work though, and it doubts it won’t survive too many battles.” He then handed the sword back to Zeshin. “Come see me when you’re ready my boy.” And with that he went back to his garden.
Zeshin began to notice that it was getting darker by the moment.

Many thoughts ran through his head. He thought of sword and Aki’s appraisal of it, as minor as it was. He also thought of someone Aki mentioned he hadn’t thought about in a very long time, his father, the sudden news of whose passing was long ago. He then began to realizes what time it was as he screamed,”Oh god, I’m dead meat.”

“Mom’s gonna kill me if I’m not there before the rush.” Said Zeshin, as he ran to the back of the tavern/inn when he worked, lived, and spent most of his time. Realizing the sword was still at his waist before he ran through the door; he made his way to the back, and took a moment to hide his weapon behind a number of barrels. He then commenced to jump through an open window near the rear of the kitchen, and in no time had his apron on. Then he heard loud crash, followed by a woman’s voice, and she did not sound too happy.

“ZESHIN LAK-EL URY WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!” she cried, making her way into the kitchen. Despite her anger, she was a beautiful woman. As she walked toward Zeshin, her demeanor softened.
“I’m so sorry I was late mom.” Began Zeshin, “Peteo and I were out in the country and…” he paused suddenly, realizing what he was going to say.

“Zeshin I need to be able to rely on you sweetheart, I need you to help run this place.” She said in a soft voice. Her long burgundy hair and gentle blue eyes, made her face soothing, as she smiled at her son.

Looking at his mother he felt a twinge of guilt, he realized that part of her anger was worry. Worrying about him, his safety in particular, he was her only son. “I’m sorry mother, I have no excuse.” he said looking slightly ashamed.

“Don’t worry son, I just care about you, I hadn’t seen you since early this morning, that’s all.” She said, and then she kissed him on his forehead. “Come now, we have a busy night ahead of us.”
And she was right; there was a rather festive crowd tonight, many celebrating the first day of summer. It was a quaint place, many tables and chairs, and a semi-circular bar that led into the kitchen. There was loud conversation, laughter, and the sounds of many people eating, the usual sight and sounds of the local tavern, Karrasi.

Zeshin was busy at work most of the night cooking and busing tables. As the night went on and his workload increased, Zeshin noticed he was getting better at controlling his control over the fire he used on the taverns stove, taking careful measure to make sure he wasn’t being watched. If this was months ago he would have been swamped, complaining about the burden, but cooking tonight seemed like child’s play. It was the first time today he felt good, “Here I am, in my element.” He said boastfully. After a while the crowd died down a bit, giving him time to help his mother at the bar.

After a rather drunken oaf spilled a mug of dragon ale on him, he went to the back to dry his apron. “I wonder…” he started and slowly began to use his unique skill to dry his clothes. He began to smile, his apron actually drying, until the edges began to singe. “Ahhhh!” Zeshin cried as he threw the apron in the sink. Putting out the smoke he walked back to the bar. And noticed that the shabby Inu-jin from the country road was at the edge of the bar alone. Zeshin took this time to rest his elbows on the counter top as he leaned forward, wondering who else would come in before the night was over.

[Sanada Tomo]

Tomo liked this little quaint town; not only did it look relatively peaceful, but it was a place he had never been before--the wooden sign on the dirt road near the entry of the city read "Amleia". The name reminded him of the stranger names usually seen in other realms, and it sparked his interest.

...he was going to shake up this town.

It was night, and contrary to the urban cities that he always visited, this town was surprisingly silent; it actually seemed that the families and residents were sleeping...

It was then that he saw the Tavern, saw the makeshift declaration before the door to the place labeled clearly "Karrasi", even from so many feet away as Tomo stood.

Today, he was bringing the most odd arrangement of allies; they had worked hard for him in the Mortal Realm and all deserved rest. The Machimachi gang, a group of ragabond youkai--and one dragon--that helped him with various activity.

With him was also the seventeen year old Mortal Arashi.

There was something strange about the boy, Tomo knew, and the Celestial was certain that he was not Human by any means; but as this was the boy's claim at the time, that is what Tomo would call him. Exodus was with him as well, recovered from the incident in the castle, and Avalon, his other servant had decided to tag along as well.

He hoped that they would have good times here; it had been a long while since the Celestial King had beaten some unknowning mortals at drinking.

[Mishiranu Arashi]

"umm..Tomo-sama..where are we exactly?"

Arashi wasn't exactly sure he'd ever so much as heard of this place. The earth here smelled strange to him and he was sure the last cat he saw was six feet tall.Not to mention he was feeling uneasy about how well he got along with the ragtag group of Tomo's. It'd been too easy for him to mix with them, they even greeted him as if he was one of them.
It's okay to be used to it right? It's only a dragon, a vampire and a band of youkai..I'm just the odd human.Geez this is twisted. I should be creeped out

Arashi was looking forward to a drink at this point. Any mortal would be. And this seemed to be the only good place to get one.

[Runa Lisger]

Runa started as a large group of people entered the bar; her hand immediately found her younger sisters, and her hopes of the bar having a slow night were shattered. Her younger sister, Felicia, was underaged--but she wasn't drinking, so Runa hadn't thought anything about it.

With this strange group walked in Sanada Tomo...the Ha-ou of Hell. As a youkai, she was obligated to know a bit about her...er--him. Seeing as the previous leader of the youkai, Tsuzuki Reika, had been reincarnated into a Hellion King under Tomo, she really was required to know the information.

Her sister, Felicia, did not do well around people--Runa didn't want her powers to be known to Sanada, or anyone else who may have wanted to take her sister hostage.

[Rosey]

Rosey came down from her room to get a drink or two before going to bed. She had checked in at the inn earlier that day to rest before she continued her travel throughout the mortal realm. However she wasn't going to pass up a chance to try the locals alcohol, nor was going to ignore the aroma from the kitchen.

Rosey went up to the bar and flipped her long brown hair back before asking, "So whats good to drink here?" She hoped that her question was heard by anyone attending the bar, though it look like they could be busy with the other customers. She hadn't notice Tomo or her gang of misfits.

[Zeshin Lak-el Ury]

Zeshin noticed the attractive young woman at the bar and immediately broke from his gazing at the door. By now the bar was full of interesting characters, and since she was at the bar, she merited Zeshin's immediate attention.

"Welcome to Karrasi Ma'am, the kitchen will be closing soon so if you want food, you should order it now." Zeshin said as he started to wipe down the counter. He reached above his head to grab a mug, not averting his gaze for a second. "I recommend the Dragon Ale, the house special if you want a strong drink."

He smiled warmly as he grabbed a clean rag to wipe out the mug, patiently waiting for his patron's response.

[Rosey]

"Well then I'll have that Dragon Ale. It sounds promising. What goes well with a drink like that, you know, as for food?" Rosey rested her chin in her hands and smiled at him. She couldn't wait to taste this drink and her body tingled with anticipation of trying this drink.

The atmosphere of the tavern and the hospitality of the bartender started to make her feel like she was back at home. All that was missing is a group of drunks to break into song and drunken dance or into a small scuffle. She immediately shook the thought out of her head though. She didn't want to think of home while she was out traveling and having fun.

[Machimachi--Group Account]

[A/N: if you can’t keep with the character names, or you need to know who they are individually, please read the Machimachi NPC group profile in the Profiles section. Images are provided to aid in your descriptions. Also note: as of yet, ALL of these characters are in their human forms. I’ll also separate differing character actions.]

As the group entered the pub, Lavi realized that this place was lacking in general entertainment. There was nothing there; an Inu-jin in the back, who received a thumbs up from Lavi--because he looked SO cool--and a neko youkai sitting at the bar with a little sibling, he guessed.

Daring to have a little fun, since the prick King of Hell had "deemed their work worthy of a break", he decided to take full advantage of the situation--it was not every day that the Yami-ou offered to pay for everyone's drinks ALL night--or, at least, as long as the tavern was open.

Plopping himself down next to the neko youkai's whose name he didn't know, he turned to her, saying, “Hello you gorgeous feline, you.”

*****

Hiiro, however, entered the bar and immediately seated himself near the Inu-jin instead of Lavi’s oh so young gesture of waving. There was no need for any words between two old, seasoned warriors, and he wasn’t going to begin anything.

*****

Arcana waltzed in, going straight for the bar. She loved not being an official priestess anymore—she could do what she wanted, and that included drinking. Seeing a cute boy working the bar, speaking with a brown haired customer, she sat down next to Lavi, her dull, iron colored hair still catching some light.

“Hello, darling,” she said to the boy happily, “Are you(italics) on the menu?”

Her friend Tethe’alla sat quietly as her friend began speaking with the boy. She asked quietly, “Do you have any beef? I’ve taken a liking to Mortal beef…a hamburger. Yes. That’s what I want.” It felt good for her to say that. She loved expressing her individual freedom. However, both girls, while behaving cordially, knew that the neko sitting beside Lavi—rather, the girl’s little sister—seemed to have an exceptional amount of power. They weren’t on duty tonight, but still…it was hard to ignore such an energy from from another youkai.

Ishmael followed the both of them, not willing to allow his Charge to go into such a place without him. He didn't really care for Tomo, but if his Charge followed him then he would as well. Sitting down, he said to the boy, "Got any hard liquor?"

*****

Tarion and Cairo sat together, not too far from Hiiro and the Inu-jin .

“Think we should get a drink, maybe?” Cairo asked.

“On the Yami-ou’s dime? I’m not. If I get a drink I’m going to pay of it myself,” Tarion answered. “I’ll wait until that fool Lavi wastes himself; when he knocks himself out for the evening, I’ll go and get my drink. I have a bad temper when I drink; I might end up killing him this time.”

“You always say that,” Cairo said back.

“I mean it this time.”

“Hmm.”

*****

Kisharu, Alpha and Zeta all got a table together, a table that wasn’t too far from Cairo and Tarion and not too far from the bar.

“They’ve got food,” Alpha said.

“I would think so, brother,” Zeta said, an edge to her words. “It’s a tavern. Those things usually have kitchens.”

“How would I know that? I’m not from this damn realm.”

Kisharu lowered his head, just a bit. He was from this realm. Both of his friends looked at him as though, as the only Mortal-born ookami he should validate their shaky facts about the place.
Sighing, he said, “Yes, Alpha; taverns have kitchens.”

“See?” Zeta taunted.

“Well, I’ll get us food,” Alpha said.

Knowing of Alpha and Zeta’s preferences, Kisharu shook his head. “I’ll order my own.”

Alpha made his way up to the bar, where Lavi was hitting on some girl and Arcana seemed interested in the bar boy. “Hey…can you guys serve raw meat?”

*****

Kilara felt…like an outcast. She was not used to the Mortal Realm. As a dragon, this tavern felt even more out of place. She liked to work, keep herself busy. She liked doing good for those who couldn’t help themselves. Honestly, she wanted to ask the young boy at the bar counter if she could help him cook. But, alas, she knew that she would probably be turned down. So she sat in the corner of the room, between Hiiro’s table and the table of Alpha, Zeta and Kisharu, and put her head down to sleep.

Fang made her way through the crowd her group had made as it dispersed, automatically seating herself next to Kilara. "Oh, don't be so sad, sugar," she said, draping an arm around the dragon. "Please. There's too much glitter and bling around your neck for you to dim it with tears."

Soon enough, Namine found her way over there as well, and she just sat, not saying anything but knowing that Kilara needed someone to be there with her. With her she dragged Maetel, whom she knew was going to follow Kilara and sit and wallow.

"Can we get some wine over here?" Namine called out.

*****
Taryn entered last, three white lion cubs all in her arms, teasing and making faces and wriggling as she struggled to keep them in her grip. She sat on the other side of a nice looking neko youkai, with her little sister, she presumed.

Placing the little cubs up on the counter, they called out to the girl, "Do you want to play with us?"

The youngest cub, Quitara, began to run towards the girl, but was tackled by Quessa, the middle daughter.

"No fair," Quitara shouted. "I wasn't doing anything!!!"

"Shh..." Taryn said. "There are humans here, dearies...."

she hoped that the young bartender--who looked about her age--hadn't heard anything...

*****
Quinn and Quen both walked in, their motorcycle parked outside. They simply leaned against the door to the outside once everyone had entered, and eyed the group; being rowdy--they would almost all be in a drunken state later--and their cubs, which they had to keep an eye on.

"I hope you don't mind the cubs," Quen said, her voice melodic as she spoke with authority. "They won't damage too much..."

[now that the characters have been established formally, I won't post anything this long again. I will make them shorter, depending on who actually doing anything. By the way, Mister bartender, that bring the total number of people in the bar to almost twenty-five, including the Inu-jin]

[Rosey]

Rosey started to get irritated. She was here first trying to place her order and these people come in trying to cut in front. She narrowed her eyes and yelled, "EXCUSE ME! I'm was placing order dammit, wait your turn!" Her aura started flare a little but she kept it invisible along with her wings. She didn't want to expose herself or have her hair change color like it did at the pub she was at earlier in her travels.

She turned back to the bartender, "I'll have that Dragon Ale and whatever is good with it. I don't care what it is, just surprise me." She ran her fingers through her hair and let out a breath to try to calm herself. She would feel better once she gets some alcohol and food in her system though.

[Mishiranu Arashi]

Arashi stepped in awed by the rowdiness the group was showing already..
If they're already this lively..what's gonna happen when they get nice and liquored up?
His worried thoughts were eased when he remembered he'd probably be just as drunk by that time..He headed for the bar, slipping quickly through the still shuffling youkai. He noticed a familiar brunet as he made his way forward. Then..before going to sit at the bar he looked around to see who else might have been here before the Machimachi groups raid. He spotted two unfamiliar youkai females one seemed rather young and timid. the other didn't seem to want anyone near the younger one. She looked to be protecting the her, and it didn't help that Lavi had made it his first priority to hit on the her.

Arashi shook his head and sat near Rosey..laughing from her moment of outrage and remembering their last encounter. With another sweeping glass he noticed the awed bartender and grinned.
he's into Rosey now..let's see what happens when she drinks her fill..
"hey barkeep..watcha got besides the dragon ale?"

then he turned to Rosey.

"You seem to have sobered up well..How ya been?"

[Sanada Tomo]

Tomo sat beside Arashi, throwing gold coins across the tavern's counter.



"Get us anything that we want today. I think this should be enough..." Tomo said, and he got up, leaving the bar and shooting Arashi a stare that told him he had better follow the Hellion King, sitting in a chair, leering. Summoning s cigarette and his own drink.



To the bartender, he said, "Just make two dozen of everything and bring it out here!!!!"

[Mishiranu Arashi]

Arashi grinned brightly at Tomo's gaze. His usual what the hell expression. That was a bit unnessesary...I'm not a pet...

Yet, despite his mental dispute to the hellion king's beckon he swiftly rose, excusing himself from his unstarted conversation and following Tomo to the table and sitting across from him. His expression unchanged though he was curious as to way Tomo seemed so...disgruntled. He tilted his head slightly to the side, his only tell of his curious thoughts.

"umm..Tomo? Is there a problem?"

Arashi leaned forward in his chair, his elbows on the table as he was halfway across it. He now held a genuine smile more comforting then his false grin. this guy is just too cool...
Arashi gave an unconscious sigh of dreamy admiration as he awaited Tomo's answer.

[Sanada Tomo]

"I want you to know..." Tomo said, that you will be...paying me back, in some sort of way, for my hospitality. Do you see this group? These will be your comrades. Almost none of them know about the Mortal Realm. You will be their guide on their missions. Get to know them. Get to know them well. Perhaps traveling with them may open up your memory..."

[Mishiranu Arashi]

His smile again wasn't so sincere. He nodded and looked around to the various weirdos assembled in the bar. At least I won't be bored.
"so...how exactly am I to be of any help to these people if I myself don't know anything about the realm..I barely remember my old family so far. I cannot guide them around as if I know this realm. I'm not able to look over entire realms...I'm only.."

Arashi would have said mortal..but he knew it was not as likely as he thought at first. His memories were returning, ever since his outburst in the castle he knew what happened to his real family. He saw it all...the blaze..his shredded parents. The first time his rage boiled over to the point of transformation..but at this point it was irrelevant. He was aware that he had no choice in the matter. any creature with even the slightest amount of foresight could have seen that Tomo would soon give him some form of command.

So..to start his new job as the guide for her Machimachi Arashi rose and bowed his king.

"well then..if you'll excuse me..I guess I should start talking to my fellows ne?"

he rose and awaited Tomo's dismissal. Then started wondering what the hell he was doing and began.

[Rosey]

Rosey just gave the kid a questioning look. She barely remembered who she was with the night she was drunk at the pub. She tried to remember who he was but couldn't all she remembered was Tomo and that she/he was with someone.

Perhaps that was that someone that was with Tomo.

She completely shooked it off though when he walked away with Tomo. She didn't realize it was Tomo until he walked away and had a chance to sense his aura. She wondered if he had any of that alcohol on him that made her really drunk. However she was willingly to try this Dragon Ale before inquiring about Tomo about the drink.

[Zeshin Lak-el Ury]

Zeshin went to take the order of the young lady in front of him, who began to grow more impatient by the second. He began to scratch his head and think, "Griffin Flank and Eggs (steak and potatoes) are pretty good, I also recommend the Chimera Pattie and Shards (burger and fries), or Bison Cockatrice Arms (buffalo chicken wings)." Zeshin said looking at his customer while gesturing at the menu posted above the various bottles of alcohol.

He began to blush as he began to stare into the patron's eyes, giving the names of the food and they're edible translation.

"Umm... my mom came up with the menu, she really into mythical creatures and stuff, she thought it would be neat to have a themed menu, i cook the stuff not name it."

Seeing that the patron patiently listened to his explanation and still wanted to be waited on, he decided to no longer hold the beautiful young women up. But before he could take her order he noticed that his neglect to pay attention to his surroundings was catching up to him. The crowd of Youkai who entered were getting rowdier by the moment, his mother barley keeping up with all the orders, all the while the quiet Inu-jin remained at the end of the bar, slowly sipping his mug of Dragon Ale.

Zeshin was not perturbed by this, the women in front of him was his priority customer, "I'll deal with them later." he said to himself. "Anyway, can I take your order ma'am, before the crowd gets to crazy." he said with a warm smile.

[Rosey]

Rosey was intrigued by the list of food he mentioned although she wondered if these mortals actually seen these creatures before. A Chimera was no easy creature to take down and turned into some pattie. But it didn't matter, she was hungry and couldn't decided what to get.

"I'll just have all that you mentioned. Oh and bring a few rounds of the Dragon Ale would you?" She smiled at him as if it was normal for someone to eat all that food. She wanted to laugh at his blushing but instead she kept it to herself.

[Sanada Tomo]

Tomo decided to be generous. Hailing from his table, he yelled to the kitchen boy, "Aye!!! I'll pay that too, if the pretty fae doesn't mind." Holding up the glass that he had conjured earlier, he took a huge swig, slamming his glass down. "And Dragon Ale for all!!! Twenty Rounds! Whatever it take to turn this place into a drunken slur!"

[Rosey]

Pretty Fae? Now he's broadcasting who I am? That bastard! She gritted her teeth and glared at him.

"Yeah I don't mind him paying for me.", She said turning towards the barkeep. "I don't know where he gets this fae thing from. I mean, I guess I am pretty as one." She laughed nervously and smiled. She hoped that he didn't notice her nervousness.

[Runa Lisger]

"Hey, look pal," Runa said, addressing this pompous idiot of a man who had thrown down solid gold coins like her family did money. "Unless you're paying for my food, too, then you can't throw your weight around here."

Talking to the girl next to her with a little more patience, she said, "My sister and I were here first, so if you don't mind, I would like to take my order first. If you don't mind." She spoke in a way that told the brunette that she needed to step off--she wasn't sure how all of these people knew each other, but she was out of the loop; but that didn't change the fact that she had gotten there first. She had been sitting there when the Inu-jin walked in, and there was no need for any of them to cut in from of her in line.

"I don't appreciate this," she said to the tavern collectively.