A robot and a roadie walk into a bar

[apothecarry]

Characters: {Alfyn | Johnny Appleseed} & {9S | The Scholar}

Campaign: ?? Break still?

Format: [ brackets ]

Open

Summary: Just intro stuff! Breaking into houses and trying to get used to living in a world with different rules.

They wound up just outside of town together and that's how they walk into it...

[A]

[ Alfyn and 9S have been given a plethora of shiny new keys -- and where a key exists, so too must its lock. Unfortunately, the keys don't come attached to a convenient street address, nor is there a map to point them in a likely direction.

There are, however, a number of unusual residences scattered around town. As he and Alfyn come across one of these houses, 9S impulsively takes his key ring and tries to jam a couple of keys into the front door lock while Alfyn watches with shocking complacency. The first keys don't work, of course, but it's worth being thorough.

9S continues trying all of the keys on his overly abundant keyring with single-minded focus. ]

Hey, let's try your keys too.

[ He speaks to Alfyn without turning around. Perhaps this is the perfect moment for the actual owner of the house (a.k.a. you) to catch a pair of strangers trying to break in? ]

[B]

[A few hours spent trying to break into houses sure works up an appetite! Alfyn grins and throws his arm across 9S's shoulders, making all his gestures with the draping hand.]

I don't know about you, but I'm starved! Got a favorite food? It looks like we could find just about anything we wanted around here, long as we've got the leaves for it.

[He found that coin pouch in his satchel! That oughta be plenty for a meal, even if the coin is weird-lookin'. That's what you've gotta expect from a story, right? The look of the coin only matters when it's important to the tale anyway. He steers 9S toward the nearest restaurant-tavern-looking building with a spring in his step.]

Or an ale? You look a little young for the alehouse but I'm bettin' that ain't quite the truth.

[9S doesn't get much of a chance to protest any of this? Before Alfyn throws the tavern door open and looks around for the barkeep. He's still grinning. He can almost taste his cold drink already...]

Table for two, please! [He miiiiight have shouted that a bit? Into a crowded-ish bar. Whoops.]

[[Joint intro-ing for 9S and Alfyn! Please catch them breaking into your house. Or failing to, because the keys don't work, and that makes for a good reason to drink.]]

Comments

prologue (closed to Alfyn)

[decryptic]

[ The last thing he knew was a space of blinding white. Then: words. They were of indeterminate origin. Help us, they said. Were they Machines, or something else? He had no real reason to agree... yet no real reason to refuse. He was not needed, yet he wanted to be needed. He didn't care to know about these strangers, yet his curiosity whispered at him that he did. He did not feel like himself, yet the essence of his programming compelled him to action.

I will fight for humanity with all my strength.

The choice was already made for him.

He agreed to be whisked away.

And so his body lies unmoving on the edge of the Index. Without his Pod to activate him, 9S is slow to boot up. He is content to sleep for a while longer -- until he's needed. ]

[apothecarry]

[Alfyn had an easier wake-up...probably. He's got to admit the whole prospect of stepping into a book sounds more like somethin' up the Professor's alley and that't not even mentioning how it shouldn't be possible. And he's come up against a bunch of impossible stuff already. Come out fine, too! Hopefully that lasts...

He's walking and whistling and almost trips over something real solid; when he sees it's a body his eyes get very wide and he crouches immediately beside it.]

Shucks, sorry about that. [Whoever this is, he looks young, and is solidly unconscious and Alfyn's kicking him probably isn't the reason. Most of his good-natured apology evaporates, and he searches for a pulse on the poor kid with one hand while tugging up the blindfold with the other, to have a look at his eyes. They aren't what he's used to seeing from...well, eyes, but then he thinks about how the black band kinda seems intentional, and maybe he can't really see, anyway. That'd explain it. Besides, his pulse is strong and he doesn't look like he's bleeding anywhere.

Maybe he's just asleep? And Alfyn's little nudge wasn't enough to wake him up. So he gives the boy's shoulder a decent shake, which takes more effort than expected. Solid fella.]

I'm not tryin' to interrupt your nap or anything, but I feel like I've gotta make sure you're okay.

[As far as he knows he's still talking to someone out cold.]

[decryptic]

[ A distant voice touches 9S's consciousness, but the words don't register. His data system is sluggish, which is probably to be expected.

Redeploying in offline mode...

... is what his Pod would say, were it around to nanny him. But he knows what to do. Run diagnostics, activate sensory functions, yadda yadda. It's simple stuff for him -- it just takes time.

Which is why Alfyn's effort will have no outward effect on 9S. He continues to lie there, apparently comatose. ]

[apothecarry]

[Welp.

That's not workin'.

When some shaking and heying get no reaction at all, Alfyn's back to worrying the boy really is hurt, and it's an injury he just can't see. Been a while since he's seen to anybody in such a bad state if that's true. And him without his satchel. He's got a satchel, of course, with things inside he's never seen before and little vials of untested potions...and it's not the same at all.]

Okay then. [Still! If this kid needs more and better help than Alfyn can give him, he's gonna make sure he gets it.] It ain't the best idea I've had today, but I'm thinkin' it sure won't be the worst. You just sit tight. [The strap for his strange satchel goes over his head, so he doesn't have to worry about it slipping off while he hoists the kid up onto his shoulders, potato sack style.

Or...tries to.

What happens is he stays on his hand and knees, panting, after several failed attempts to lift the boy in any way at all. What in tarnation is this about?]

[decryptic]

[ As 9S finishes his boot sequence, he becomes aware of someone panting heavily beside him. He's instantly on the alert, sitting up quickly. He takes in the person on hands and knees, the nearby forest, the looming town, and recognizes none of it.

But -- and it's the craziest thing -- the person beside him registers as neither android nor machine. Even without his sensors to tell him, it's obvious: the texture of the man's skin, the way he moves, all the differences are as subtle as they are overwhleming. A notification flashes inside his combat goggles that hardly needs to be said: Human lifeform detected.

9S begins to tremble ever so slightly. The tremor reaches his voice, and it's hard to tell if it's out of fear, disbelief, or hope. ]

You're... Who are you?

A

[starseeing]

[ She lives in the woods. She lives alone in the woods.

She lives in the woods because her Essence was apparently a half-fox spirit, and her magical set of keys had unlocked a door leading into a fox's den. Fortunately the initial rock cave she had first wandered into her very first day here was indeed only a storage space of her proper house, which is a modest hut within the forest area of the town.

Ophilia isn't expecting visitors at this time when she hears the door shake-- but wait, an actual visitor would knock, wouldn't they, and not just attempt to pull at the handle, right? After the recent event with the Story Eater wrecking the city and the floor of Erasers terrorizing the streets, she's still a little bit on edge and not feeling all that well because of it.

But oh boy, whoever's out there really wants to get into her home! Her heart begins to race within her chest, as she laments how her staff had been broken in the recent battle. She has no weapon, she really should fix that. So she grabs the nearest object next to her-- a brass candleholder-- and brings it just over her shoulder, readying it to strike.

Whoever is going to force that door open and walk in first is going to get a nice solid thwonk on the head. ]

[decryptic]

[ Maybe it's the uneven forest footing. Maybe it's some awkward maneuvering between 9S and Alfyn as they try to trade places at the doorway. Whatever the cause, there's a shout-- ]

Wh-whoa!

[ -- and then Ophilia's front door busts open as a teenage-looking, blindfolded boy stumbles through the entrance. Not a second later, that thwonk resounds throughout the room (is it just you or does it sound a little dense?), followed by an even heavier thud as 9S faceplants on the floor of Ophelia's entranceway. ]

[apothecarry]

[Egads! Alfyn, still outside the door and holding the end of a shiny, thin key, watches the whole thing unfold while apparently frozen, wearing a hesitant and sheepish not-smile and wincing at the sound of metal on...solid head.]

H-Hey! [Then he has his hands up, keys forgotten, moving through the doorway as if to block the next blow, but also looking to keep peace.] He didn't mean it! Sorry, we're looking for where at least one of us is, uh, supposed to live? And darn if it ain't taking hours, and nothing's turned up-

[Whether or not this house's owner goes for a second swing, Alfyn lowers his arms in surprise. Happy surprise - the grimace and worry are fast becoming a big bright smile of relief.]

Ophilia?

[starseeing]

[ HE'S DRESSED IN ALL BLACK TOO, if not an Eraser then clearly an burglar!

Only--.... now she doesn't know what to do now that she's successfully knocked him on the head and he's collapsed on the ground. He still could be dangerous, but, but....! He's faceplanted on the ground and he could need some help! Goodness, she didn't think this far ahead!



Of course she immediately kneels beside the intruder even as the second one enters, eyes full of worry as she gingerly nudges at his shoulder. ] Oh-- ooooh, no, I'm... so sorry, I didn't mean-- [ Wait, no, she did mean it. ][ Still nudging him. IS HE ALIVE?! She looks around, and that is when she sees him-- ]

Alfyn?!

[ Now she has a different dilemma. On the one hand, she totally just hit this stranger on the head. On the other, it would be rude to not properly greet him at the door! The cleric looks between the two, helpless. ] What-- but... [ Just. Slumping a bit. ] Oh my.

[decryptic]

[ IT'S OKAY, OPHILIA. 9S was brought down by physics more than any actual damage to his head. He quickly pushes himself up to his knees when she starts apologizing and holds his hands up in placation. An immediate feeling of guilt nags at him -- he hopes he didn't damage her door. ]

N-no need to apologize, ma'am! I was the one who came barging in.

[ Then he turns halfway on his knees to look between Alfyn and Ophilia. ]

You two know each other?

B for booze

[trustfallen]

[Therion's in the alehouse because of course he is, especially after the adventure of the past few days here. A drink or two takes the edge off - but more importantly, it gets people talking, and he's curious to hear more of the local perspective on current events. So here he is, chilling at the bar with an ear cocked for anything interesting.

And that's when he hears it: a loud, obnoxious, familiar voice.

He doesn't even need to look to know it's Alfyn, but he looks anyway, and against his better judgement, he finds himself smiling a bit as he drains the last of the mug he's been nursing and slides off his stool (leaving a few coins behind as payment). He slips through the crowd and pops out before Alfyn and -- whoever this kid is the apothecary's managed to drag with him, affecting the impatient, yet solicitous air of a busy bartender.]

Right this way, gentlemen.

[Even with the acting, and even though his clothes are a bit fancier than what he wore back home, he's pretty sure Alfyn will recognize him. And unless Alfyn physically stops him, Therion turns and beckons, hoping Alfyn and the kid keep up as he leads them to a table that - by sheer luck - happens to be newly emptied.]

[apothecarry]

Hey, thanks, I-

[Alfyn turns to grin and be courteous to the waiter who has a really familiar voice for some reason? And takes in the pale hair and sharp eye and disaffected shoulders all at once and in the space of a few seconds, his arm is around the man and he's smiling so broadly his eyes aren't quite open anymore.]

Therion! This is great, I can't believe you're here too. Hey! [That was to 9S, who Alfyn beckons to with big enthusiasm.] C'mon over!

[Introductions can wait until they're at the table. Therion always has a knack for getting the best places in taverns. Alfyn pulls out chairs and arranges anything that might be on the table before he himself sits solidly down and motions to the thief first.]

9S, this is Therion. We're friends back home! Therion, this is 9S! [Another sweeping hand gesture.] He's- uh, maybe I'll let him tell you...about himself?

[Of note, Alfyn says it as "Nines".]

[decryptic]

[ Alfyn sure is well-connected. It's good to see that Alfyn isn't alone in this strange world, but 9S can't help feeling the hole at his side all the more.

He follows the two men's lead to the table. There he pauses, waiting for Therion to sit first. It wouldn't feel right helping himself before a human. ]

Well, my official designation is 9S. YoRHa Unit No. 9, Type S. But some people call me Nines.

[ He tacks that last part on because apparently 9S doesn't sound like much of a name? ]

I'm an android. [ Then, helpfully: ] It means I'm made out of metal. Nice to meet you, uh... Mister Therion?

[ He leans toward formality, still testing out how polite he should be. ]

[trustfallen]

[Therion shrugs off the arm around him as a formality more than because he honestly minds. He won't admit it, but he's missed the apothecary. He's missed the whole group, really, and in his lonely cottage with its seven small beds he didn't ask for, he's found himself thinking about them a lot. Again, not that he would admit it, and if he's been seeking out Cyrus and Ophilia's company more than necessary here, well, neither of them have outright called him on it yet.

In any case, taverns are pretty much the same in worlds of books than they are anywhere else, and a tap on the shoulder of a passing barmaid will see them supplied with drinks soon enough and food after.

Settled in his seat, Therion studies this Nines and his mannerisms and that blindfold, wondering if it's real or just for show. Or if it's part of whatever Essence the kid's got. He doesn't look like he's made of metal, but magic can do all sorts of weird things, so he doesn't press that point.]

Just Therion's fine. Likewise. [He lifts his eyebrows, a bit of a smirk pulling at his lips.] I bet most people are going to be calling you Nines. Your... 'official designation' [the whole YoRHa Unit blah blah bit] is a mouthful.

[And 9S doesn't sound like a name. Still, at least the metal kid's all right with that rather than it just being something Alfyn's foisted on him in his friendliness.]

[apothecarry]

["Just Therion" makes Alfyn remember he doesn't even know if Therion's got a surname.

Taverns being pretty recognizable is a big source of comfort right now. He can settle in at a table, have a few good drinks, really enjoy the warmth of the atmosphere even if it's full of strangers, the works. For his part, Alfyn doesn't seem to care about the blindfold or the statement about being made of metal.

Also, he's been introducing the kid as Nines, so...that'll probably get around fast.

Alfyn takes a big gulp of his drink - it's good! Great, even! So he grins, again - and nudges 9S with the elbow not attached to a mug.]

Don't let his teasing get to you. He's a good guy.

B

[rokubro]

[Rokurou is nearby at his own booth, just lounging a bit and enjoying his own meal and, more importantly, second mug of ale, when he hears the shout. Watching the two curiously, he just chuckles. They must not be from around here if they're shouting like that.


Like he can say much because he's only been here for what a few days? Week? What is time in this world.]

I got some room over here if you want. Just grab a chair.

[decryptic]

[ Despite being nearly a foot shorter than Alfyn, 9S isn't too bothered by all the arm-draping and steering. He isn't used to all this friendliness this fast, though, and he can't help thinking about how the Resistance androids were closer to this man than YoRHa like him ever were.

His train of thought is derailed by Alfyn suddenly shouting next to his ear, and 9S looks askance at him. Are all humans this preoccupied with food, or is it just Alfyn? ]

Don't worry about me. I haven't got much of an appetite.

[ Even the promise of real human cooking isn't as exciting as it should be. ]

But what do you mean, "a little young"?

[ Then he hears the invitation from one of the people sitting at a booth. A unique-looking individual. 9S looks at him without discernible expression, observing. He'll follow Alfyn's lead on whether to take the offer or not. ]

[apothecarry]

I mean you just don't quite look like you're old enough to be drinking at taverns. [The drinking age for him is apparently twenty or twenty-one so he's used to anyone younger than that just...keeping out of it. Mostly.

The guy in the booth across the way seems friendly enough. Alfyn doesn't know him, but he doesn't know most anybody here. He strides over to that table, all smiles and disarming charm.]

Hey there! Thanks for offerin'! Long as you're sure, I'll just pull a couple chairs over and we're set.

[rokubro]

[...Yeah these two definitely seem to make for an interesting pair, and Rokurou can't help be amused, a brow arched as he watches the older guy approach.]

Wouldn't have offered if I didn't. [And he'll also move things to clear out some space.] And if you're worried about the kid—they have juice and milk. [A teasing smirk.]

[decryptic]

[ 9S senses that he's too culturally removed to fully understand the fun of the tease... but he gets the jist of it: alcohol is for adults around here, and they're proud of it. ]

I don't see why there's an age limit. Restricting kids from alcohol is like admitting that there's something inherently wrong with the alcohol itself. So why should anyone get to drink at all?

[ His words are pointed, but his tone is genuinely inquiring. He really would like to know the answer. ]

A

[hatesviolence]

[Shizuo had just been out for a walk, kind of taking a look around to see how things fared from the recent Story Eater attack as well as trying to familiarize himself more of his surroundings. Living by a large park and without having any close neighbors, would be good to know who and what is close to him in case of an emergency or something.

He's just gotten some fresh groceries to make himself a late breakfast when he walks up to the front of his house and...sees two suspicious people trying to break in?

The fuck.]

HEY! The hell you two doing!?

[They have TWO seconds to either scram or explain themselves before Frankenstein's monster blows his top.]

[apothecarry]

[Alfyn has just realized his key is plain not gonna work in this here lock. He's trying to get it free now, wiggling it around and shaking the handle, which looks a heck of a lot like breaking in, doesn't it?

Someone yells hey and he damn near jumps out of his skin, but he turns with a sheepish and weak smile toward the...guy with groceries.]

Hahaha, hey there! You're gonna tell me this is your house, right?

[Obviously it isn't Alfyn's house. He tugs at the key again with no luck.]

Good thing you came by to let us know! We've been trying to unlock the right door around here for more'n an hour now. I'm getting tired of dead ends! Any idea if we should be looking for something in particular? Trying every door we come across is going nowhere fast, you know?

[decryptic]

[ 9S immediately settles into a defensive stance at this person putting the anger in stranger. Alfyn is pretty good at sounding nice and disarming, so hopefully that'll do it, but the stranger looks pretty steamed, so 9S hovers uncertainly. If an attack is imminent, then he'll do his best to defend Alfyn?? ]

We weren't trying to steal your stuff! Honest!

[ #helping ]

[hatesviolence]

[Twitching. So much eyebrow twitching as he glares at the two. But their talk of keys and trying locks...

...

His temper is put on temporary hold as he stares at them for a moment more, the air buzzing with electricity before he finally speaks.]

Yeah, that's my house. Did you guys just get here or something?

[apothecarry]

It's probably been...what, half a day now? Definitely more than a couple of hours.

[Alfyn frees the culprit key at last and holds up his ring of keys, giving it, then Shizuo, his best disarming grin and shrug.]

Anyway, I only gave this one a shot because you've got a door that looks like it might work. Some places have keyholes that're definitely wrong. We're sorry for causin' you any trouble over it.

[His hair is standing on end even more than usual and he runs his free hand through it, trying to dissipate the feeling?]