Private Finished An old acquaintance

Stefan · May 17, 2020

One can only watch from the shadows for so long before they get bored, or curious. Ever since arriving on Manta Carlos, Adryan had played it careful. Staying out of sight, scoping out the law enforcement, and trying to get a feel for the high profile people in town. After feeling comfortable enough with what he knew, Adryan decided to go into town.

He had heard of a certain shop that sold some rather...curious...items. An antique shop. Adryan had dealt with plenty of them in his adventures. Sometimes they held items that's true meaning was lost on the proprietor. He'd offer the shop own what they were asking for the item, usual no more than a hundred or so, and turn around and sell the item for thousands. Sometimes more depending on what the item was and who the buyer was.

It was easy money most of the time. He figured this might be the same, even if the locals were more versed in the existing universe. It wasn't long before he was standing outside the shop looking up at the sign. That was when his demon passenger, Nuxxau, spoke up.

'History's Mysteries...give me a break.'

Adryan chuckled a little and shook his head.

"I think it's clever."

He moved to the door and opened it up. The smell was familiar. Ancient artifacts had a certain scent to them, even after being restored and cleaned. Hazel green eyes narrowed a bit as he looked around. This wasn't a typical antiques shop. He quickly began looking around, making notes of certain items, their locations, windows, rafters, walls, anything that might be useful should he decide to come back at a later time.

"Ohhhh this place is nice."

"Why yes...yes it is."

@EmiRose

EmiRose · May 17, 2020

Mukuchi's stay and living on the island had been quite pleasant thus far. His store had gained some regular customers, Mukuchi had gained new acquaintances that actually remembered him (although Briar remembered Mukuchi for very different reasons when compared to Reytan...) and he was able to live without having to hide his true nature. Although Mukuchi did still remain secretive about himself, it was a habit and Mukuchi preferred it that way.

It was a yet again pleasant day, Mukuchi had been able to finish his puzzle this morning and the shop had already had multiple customers. Though it had been quiet for a while now, so Mukuchi was doing some work in the back room regarding the new item he had received the other day. He had finished restoring it, it was an old vase, but there was something about the material that bothered him and he wanted to hire a secondary professional to get an opinion.

Though right when Mukuchi was finishing up writing an email to said professional he heard the front door open. Mukuchi quickly finished writing the email and sent it away. He pulled out his phone as he entered the shop, ready to type in a greeting (since his only employee wasn't in today he had to do the customer service). But when Mukuchi saw who had entered his shop he froze, frowned slightly and lowered his phone. He didn't need it for this interaction.

Mukuchi lifted his hands and signed
"How may I help you? I would advice you against attempting to steal from my establishment."
Yes, his words were rude, but when you considered Mukuchi aimed them at Adryan Speed he didn't feel even a smidge of guilt or regret.

Stefan · May 17, 2020

With his life work, Adryan had attuned certain parts of his body that Nux didn't give him an ability for. One of those was sound. Hearing the shuffling in another room and then shortly footsteps, he knew someone was coming his way. It was to be expected in a business.

But when he turned to face the worker, he was surprised to see a familiar face. What were the chances? But then, thinking about the surrounding items, it made sense.

"Mukuchi....he's gonna make me translate..." Nux scowled inside Adryan's head. As much company as the demon was and the wonderful things he did for Adryan, he sure was lazy. Cutting his eyes upward, as if almost trying to look inside his own skull, Adryan spoke.

"Just do it."

His hazel green eyes shot back to Mukuchi and he put on a charming smile as he signed to him.

"Oh come now Mukuchi...is that any way to greet an old friend?"

EmiRose · May 17, 2020

Mukuchi held back the urge to roll his eyes when Adryan went through the dramatics to look up and talk out loud to the demon that was possessing him. Mukuchi knew he didn't actually need to talk out loud to talk to Nux, but the man insisted on doing it anyway. Perhaps he was lonely...

In any case, Mukuchi waited for Nux to translate for Adryan, because Mukuchi would rather not go through the trouble of using his phone for this person.
"You cannot possibly be insinuating that I have at some point considered you a friend. Because I am quite certain that you have not done so with me"
Mukuchi signed back, and although he usually didn't emote a lot the line of his eyebrows had the telltale signs of irritation Adryan was familiar with. After a beat Mukuchi continued.
"I am not surprised to see you on this island, but what are you doing in my shop?"

Stefan · May 17, 2020

"He has a point." Nux spoke to Adryan in his head again. He was dismissed this time as Mukuchi continued to sign. Adryan raised a hand up to his chest and feigned being appalled. His mouth dropping open and inhaling a breath sharply. "You didn't actually miss him did you?" Adryan waved the air trying to dismiss him again.

"Mukuchi...don't be like that...you know I have nothing but....admiration, yes lets go with that....for you. The only person that has ever rivaled my own skill."

Although his words and tone were sincere, his face and snarl he gave Mukuchi betrayed his true feelings. Mukuchi was the only person to ever get one over on Adryan, and he never forgot or forgave him for that.

"Plus we have such a mutual love of collectibles, how could I resist an antique shop in a city full of so many magically and mythical inclined people."

EmiRose · May 17, 2020

Mukuchi was not impressed with Adryan's antics and it was clear from the deadpan stare he was giving the man. Mukuchi had long since learned not to trust a word from Adryan and even a person one quarter as perceptive as Mukuchi could tell that Adryan was lying through his teeth. Especially when Adryan apparently physically waved off something Nux said, most probably the truth. Mukuchi had always liked the demon possessing Adryan much more than the man himself.

Mukuchi briefly glanced at the window, hoping Briar wouldn't come over for a surprise visit today. Mukuchi would rather not show the side of himself that came out when he was with Briar. Thankfully Briar usually informed him beforehand if he was coming.
"I have rivaled your skills because your skills rely on your magical abilities and they are not effective against me. I do think that says a lot about the true level of your skills."
Mukuchi signed, and he tilted his chin slightly as a sign of contempt. It was mysterious how even the usually very polite Mukuchi was capable of snark around Adryan. The man was just that infuriating, if you asked Mukuchi.

"The island has other antique stores and establishments that sell such items. You know very well I do not deal in magical artifacts., you will not find any here"
Mukuchi signed, and loosely crossed his arms. He had some magical artifacts in his personal collection, but they always stopped working whenever Mukuchi got near them and some even got destroyed when whatever magic was in them disappeared. Thus Mukuchi's interest had automatically steered towards the non-magical items that their field had to offer.

Stefan · May 17, 2020

"Don't take that tone with me. I was doing this long before Nux came into my life. My fingers are as nimble as ever."

Adryan had started to stroll through the store a little, looking at all the items once more. He ran a finger lightly over a delicate looking goblet, his skin just making contact, but not enough to even leave a trace of oil on the rim. It almost emphasized his point that he didn't need his powers.

"He's getting under your skin," Nux chided to Adryan. Nux knew everything that Adryan knew and felt everything that Adryan felt. While Nux enjoyed his vessel, he also enjoyed giving him a hard time.

"You done? Thank you. Man I hate him sometimes. And I'm offended Mukuchi. Thinking I only deal in magical items. True there's more money in them, but there's plenty in regular ones as well."

EmiRose · May 17, 2020

"There is no tone for me to take, Adryan, I have no voice"
Mukuchi signed back, very much not reacting to anything Adryan did that might've proved the level of his skills. He also wasn't worried that Adryan might damage the items in the store, Mukuchi knew the man had more respect than that, if not for Mukuchi then the items themselves. Mukuchi of course knew Adryan didn't mean the tone of a voice when he said what he said, but Mukuchi could tell that he was getting to Adryan and seeing the man trying to pretend that he didn't care was amusing.
Mukuchi also kept a sharp eye on Adryan in case he attempted to swipe something.

Adryan spoke to Nux again and this time Mukuchi gave a small eye roll at the man's words.
"I think I would much rather be having a conversation with Nux currently, as he is the one who can actually understand me"
Mukuchi signed and let out a slight sigh through his nose. He almost felt like taking off his mask, Adryan knew that he had no mouth under it. But Mukuchi was still in the store and if someone else came in he might risk making them uncomfortable.
"Thankfully the monetary value of an object is not what makes it truly valuable for me. If you are interested in making a purchase may I kindly ask you to make haste? I do not trust your wandering fingers"
Mukuchi signed, his snark could almost be seen from his hands, and he tilted his head slightly as he tapped his foot impatiently against the floor.

Stefan · May 17, 2020

There it was. The sigh. The foot tapping. The snark that was dripping of his fingers as he signed to Adryan. All subtle, almost imperceptible. Adryan trained eyes and ears picked up on them though. He smiled in Mukuchi's direction.

"If my skills are that good, why don't you trust my wandering fingers?"

Adryan full turned back to him and crossed his arms. They both knew they each one valued the items in the shop to allow harm to come to them. Adryan also knew that Mukuchi knew too much of his past and current job to do anything that might warrant him telling authorities.

"He wants to talk to me...let me speeeeaaaak." Nux begged inside the thief's head. Adryan shook his head and threw a hand down in emphasis.

"No way...you are not talking to him. I don't need the two of you conspiring together."

EmiRose · May 17, 2020

Naturally Adryan was purposefully going to stall if Mukuchi asked him to hurry. What had he been thinking? Adryan was a nuisance like that, or as the younger generation said, "a little shit". If Mukuchi was using that term right. It sure felt like it matched Adryan.
"You know very well why I do not trust you around my possessions"
Mukuchi signed, but Adryan had already turned around. Mukuchi touched a hand to his temple, this was going to give him a headache.

Adryan spoke with Nux some more, apparently the demon wanted to talk to Mukuchi. Mukuchi walked to a place where Adryan could see his hands and signed
"I would very much like to say my greetings to Nux as well. Let him speak, please. You know very well there is no merit for either of us to conspire against you. You do not have anything I need in the first place"
The last part was meant to partly mock Adryan, but it was also true. Mukuchi wasn't one to be envious or greedy.

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Private Finished An old acquaintance

Stefan

Well-Known Member

EmiRose

The Shipping Enthusiast

Stefan

Well-Known Member

EmiRose

The Shipping Enthusiast

Stefan

Well-Known Member

EmiRose

The Shipping Enthusiast

Stefan

Well-Known Member

EmiRose

The Shipping Enthusiast

Stefan

Well-Known Member

EmiRose

The Shipping Enthusiast