Fourth Curse

[bondsofsuffering]

Who: Hizumi Mizushiro, OPEN
Where: Libra Ward (The 20th); Cancer Ward Arcade (The 24th)
Summary: Hizumi's getting his memories stuck in a blender, and the end result is a coffee-loving devil who's acting a little more... well, devious.
Warnings: None in particular.

MAY 20TH

[A fight has broken out on the streets today, involving a few of the residents. Characters who listen to the shouting might, through the heavy swearing, be able to put two and two together and figure out that it has something to do with Mr. Redshirt scamming Mr. Greenshirt's grandmother out of her money.

It hadn't been all that difficult to set up. Redshirt was far too obvious about his ploys, and his data was readily available if you knew how to go about getting it... A single anonymous tip-off was all it took to get the easily riled Greenshirt to dole out the proper punishment himself.

Eventually, someone calls the cops and the two men are taken in, but a certain boy lingers at the scene, sipping idly at a can of coffee.

Is he... smiling?]

MAY 24TH

[Hizumi can be found working his shift at the arcade as usual, but he seems... distracted. He frequently puts a hand on his head whenever he doesn't think anyone is looking, and although he can usually get it together enough to greet customers with the usual cheer, there are times when he can't quite hide a wince.]

'I died. But that can't be right. I can't die. Not like that, not like--'

A card for two hours? Sure, I'll ring you up!

'I don't have a wife. And I definitely didn't work on a farm. ...Right?'

There, that should do it. Have fun!

'I became a demon. But I was already born as the devil. So how...?'

Comments

[otakuro]

Your roommate traveled around the world with you?

[That was kinda strange.]

Well... Anyway, if you'd like some recipes, I can bring them around the next time I stop by here. ...I could never work in a place like this; I'd never be able to keep myself from playing.

[bondsofsuffering]

It was his idea in the first place. I just got dragged along.

[Probably as part of the surveillance thing, but.]

Could you? I'd really appreciate it!

[otakuro]

Sure.

...It will probably be tomorrow, barring anything that comes up. ...I go to these places pretty often.

[bondsofsuffering]

My shift's a little earlier in the day tomorrow. Think you can still make it then?

[otakuro]

...I could sleep over if it helps. It's a Saturday, right?

[The things he does for you Hizumi and not at all because he regularly stays up gaming all night.]

[bondsofsuffering]

Seriously?

[Atsuro is truly a bro-!]

Then I'll really owe you... Hmmm, tell you what, how about I pay for your games today?

[otakuro]

Ah, you don't have to do that! I would feel bad; it's like taking your wages away from you since you're working here, right?

[bondsofsuffering]

It's not that bad, especially with the discount. At least let me get you a couple hours?

[otakuro]

...You can play a few of the multiplayer games with me.

No one ever wants to do the drums they think it's too hard.

[bondsofsuffering]

Drums, huh? Do people really have that much trouble with them?

[otakuro]

Well... Let's just say the game isn't called 'Drum Master' because you can get by as an amateur.

[bondsofsuffering]

I never had that much trouble with it... Are you sure you don't just struggle with getting the rhythm?

[otakuro]

...

Are you saying you are a Drum Master?

...Alright, you have to prove it. Hardest difficulty, Azure Arbitrator, go!

[bondsofsuffering]

Geeze... You really don't pull any punches, do you?

Fine, but wait until I'm off of the clock, alright?

[otakuro]

But this is important! The honor of the title 'Drum Master' is at stake here!

[Atsuro is either really into this or he's just being obnoxious on purpose. Maybe both.]

I'll watch your post for you and you can get started, right? It's less than five minutes; it won't take long!

[bondsofsuffering]

You really are trying to get me fired.

[...Buuut it's also an excuse to play a game instead, and let's be real here, not like anyone is going to suddenly come a half hour before their shift...

With a slightly defeated shrug, he walks out from behind the counter, giving his knuckles a good crack in preparation.]

Alright, fine. But if someone does walk in, you owe me.

[It's not much of a threat at all, everything considered. With a quick glance to make sure no one looks like they will soon be in need of assistance, he strolls right up to that One Generic Taiko game, swiping a card to pay.]

[otakuro]

Hehe... Sure, you got it!

[Atsuro will glance around to make sure no one is in the vicinity before he edges away from Hizumi's station to peer at what the guy is doing.]

Remember - you have to play on Hard or above! Normal doesn't count; it's way too easy.

[bondsofsuffering]

Yeah, yeah, I know.

[He goes through the songs and settings pretty quickly, although he does pause before the last of the selections to shake out his arms in preparation for the song.]

Alright, let's do this!

[Thankfully, the beginning at least relies mostly on being able to match the pace, which he can manage to do just fine. It even works as a good warm up for when the beat gets more complicated.

By the time he reaches the midpoint, he's got a good pace set, his arms practically a blur as he strikes the taiko. Is... is he going to perfect it?

...

Indeed he does. He's got a pretty satisfied look as he finishes off the song, somehow finding the time to do a small flourish for the very last strike.]

1/3

[otakuro]

2/3

[otakuro]

[what]

[otakuro]

WHAT?! No way! Did you just -- how did you -- That's -- ........!!

[Forget watching Hizumi's post Atsuro is now standing right next to the screen and staring at it as if it's bewitched or something.]

What?!

[bondsofsuffering]

[He just gives one of the sticks a flashy twirl - made more impressive by the fact that it's still hooked up to the machine - before setting them both down again.]

Told you it wasn't so bad!

[And, still looking slightly smug, he returns to his post behind the counter.]

[otakuro]

B-But... But -- ........How?

[Atsuro continues to garble and splutter incoherently as he trails along behind Hizumi back to the counter.]

...

You have to show me how to do that!!

[bondsofsuffering]

I already did. You just need to get the rhythm down and make sure you're watching the screen carefully.

[He gives a casual shrug.]

...Unless you can't even play that fast?

[otakuro]

W-Wha -- No one can play that fast! No one who doesn't practice for hours and hours, anyway.

Is your Persona a god of music or something?