[ He smiles at Kazuya's description. He's sufficiently self-aware that he knows a lot of that could apply easily enough to him. Even so, he flicks his hair like this and says in what he hopes is an insufferably smug voice: ]
It's difficult being a genius! Besides...
[ He slides his hands back in his pockets. ]
You're going to get your wish very soon. Look closely.
[ He points at the poster. He's familiar enough with the wiles of this place. People from one's life who aren't here in the city, appear in various guises and then vanish without a trace or explanation. ]
[Hyoubu got a weird side glance at the hair flip, but Kazuya was quickly distracted by Naoya's visage disappearing from the merchandise. His expression could easily be summed as 'what the fuck']
This place is going to be bad for my mental health, I just know it. [On the bright side, at least there was accessible food and no ravenous demons lurking around every corner to eat you. That was something, he supposed, crazed soul-stealing photographers aside...] What rules is this world even running on? Nonsense, that's what. Absolute nonsense. Even Babel's domain made more sense than this, and that was a pocket dimension!
[ This kid can summon hurricane-force winds, fire, and even heal people. Do his skills involve dimension-hopping as well? If so, he might be alllllllmost as gifted as Hyoubu himself.
(how modest, Hyoubu)
Not only that, but he might, in that case, be useful in getting everyone out of this place. His own return he believes to be predetermined; he'd set the trigger before disappearing. But even though he's confident that he'll be able to return to his own world, Kaoru, Shiho, and Andy might need help returning to theirs (different timestreams means different parallel universes, and all that jazz). ]
[Kazuya stopped suddenly. He'd gotten so comfortable with Hyoubu's presence that he started speaking without thinking. Dimension hopping wasn't a normal thing, even in other people's worlds! Otherwise places like Cerealia would be commonplace!
Humans couldn't do that naturally. He didn't want to explain how he could do it. He couldn't lie to save his life]
I mean... a gateway was opened by... science stuff. I didn't really get it. My, er, friend did it, so...
[Kazuya looked a little troubled about that, but didn't put up much of a protest as he trailed after Hyoubu like some sort of lost puppy, Metatron his quiet shadow. What could he say about Babel's domain that wasn't incriminating? Why the hell did he even mention it? Of course the average, nosy old-haired guy would be all "what's that?" Goddammit, Kazuya, why didn't you ever think before you opened your stupid mouth? He could just bolt and hide, but the amount of effort it would take to flee wasn't worth it. Plus this guy was one of the few decent lot he ran into! He didn't want to alienate him so early... that'd most likely come later anyway, once he found out about, well, him. So better to enjoy it while it lasted]
W-Well, there's not much to tell about it. Uh, it's a pocket dimension that holds Babel. Y'know, that... [Shit, what was it in 'normal' knowledge? It was a Christian thing, or was it Jewish? Honestly, Kazuya had no clue. Either way, religious lore wasn't his 'thing', ironically enough] That demon tower that God had a hateboner over, because... I think there's something about languages in there. I know the internet was involved for... uh.
[Kazuya clammed up, looking shifty, and glanced over his shoulder at Metatron as if expecting the angel to admonish him for something. Thankfully, Metatron made no comment, although it was somehow conveying irritation without moving a single facial muscle]
It's a weird place, that's all you need to know. It doesn't even technically exist, so yeah. Really boring subject, hahaaa...
[ He glances back, over his shoulder, an eyebrow raised. ]
"Doesn't even technically exist."
In that case, you should feel right at home here. Oh look!
[ He's found his own stall, and starts rifling through the merchandise, without any semblance of shame.*** Hey, he used to plaster his image all over his PANDRA products, the airwaves, the internet, royal receiving halls, and so forth — not only because of his gigantic ego, but also in no small part because he knew it sent BABEL into fits.
Meanwhile, he thinks.
Is this kid really talking about the actual Tower of Babel? He's a bit amazed, whilst also cringing at "God's hateboner" and the vague reference to languages, as if he doesn't actually know the story. Kids these days. And the the internet played some role...?
Either this Kazuya is seriously confused, or "Babel's domain" is code for something else. How the weird pet angel robot fits into this is anyone's guess.
Presently he finds something in the stall of particular interest, which he lifts up and dangles before Kazuya. ]
Ha! These are collectors' items, back home.
[ It's a Hyoubu-shaped phone charm. Of course it is. ]
*** apart from the doujin, and he (now) knows better than to look at that.
[Kazuya was relieved that Hyoubu didn't probe further about Babel's Domain, and instead stared at the little phone charm dangling before his nose. It was cute, he had to admit - he had a weakness for phone charms ever since he kicked Beldr's ass with one - and shifted his gaze to give the esper a considering look]
'Back home'. You have these back home? [he looked at the stall, with the various Hyoubu focused merchandise, then back at the keychain - and slowly, the corners of his mouth tilted into a smile] Oh, I get it. You're like Midori.
[Yes, there was definitely a mischievous air about him now, his smile growing more amused as if enjoying a little, private joke. He was, really. Imagining this guy as an internet celebrity camgirl, or, rather, a camboy, was pretty funny. Hey, what would he look like in Midori's cosplay? It was pretty cute...
...
Oh, those thoughts were sinful, he could practically feel Metatron's judging gaze on his back for them]
[ He'd expected the boy to be a bit more curious about what he meant regarding this place not technically existing. But he looks to be a relatively new arrival, and so perhaps he's still just trying to wrap his head around everything.
Poor kid. Poor kid with strong powers. Poor kid who's had bad experiences with other espers, it sounds like. Well, he'll look after the boy, and... ]
[ He's not familiar, but the single-name reference makes him think that the person Kazuya's referring to must be an idol. He can't tell precisely what the boy's thinking, but he doesn't trust that smirk, nor the way he's staring, not one bit!
In a terse, clipped voice, as he eyes Kazuya balefully: ]
[Kazuya's grin only widened, looking more like the kid he was, rather than the tense, high-strung thing from moments before]
Ah! The evidence is all piling up! [he cupped his chin and theatrically posed in a thoughtful manner. He was being silly, he knew it, and it wasn't something he did all that often, but Hyoubu did remind him a bit too much of Naoya, and he could never help but poke fun at his 'too-big-for-his-boots' brother! Besides, in this weird place, it was nice to throw off his worries and stress even for a stupid act like this] Hyoubu Kyousuke~ Now that I think about it, that is kinda catchy for a camboy's name. Hmm, I wonder what your gimmick would be...?
[He held out his hands, linking his fingers together so that he was peering at Hyoubu through a makeshift 'lens']
[Kazuya just blinked innocently at Hyoubu's squawking, as if he didn't understand why he was getting so worked up - in truth, he had meant it in a non-dirty way, honest! A delinquent who dressed up neatly in his middle school uniform... okay, not quite high school wannabe yakuza, but still there, kinda. If Hyoubu wanted to think "naughty schoolboy who shows up on borderline illegal DVDs owned by local perverts" then who is he to judge him- oh, wait]
Mm... you? Come on, you totally look like the type of guy who'd do mean things, but since you're so cleaned up, teachers won't suspect you, and so you have a sneaky reign of power over the other students, making them your slaves all throughout your school career...!
[Great plot, eh? Eh? Speaking of...]
Just how old are you anyway? I mean, that's a middle schooler's uniform, but you're kinda... like, Naoyaish. Grey before his time even though you look, like, fourteen? Are you an old soul too, or were you held back by like a billion grades and have the luck of ageing like... um, what's the idiom again? Fine wine?
[ The sad thing is, he was never that kind of kid. He never even went to school; that path was closed to him, as a special esper, in those days. And yet…
An idea begins to form in his mind. He could hypnotize the Children's school and become…. become class president or something? Yes that is a good idea. Why did he never think of it before? It might impress the Queen, and it would absolutely give that idiot Minamoto fits.
(it would also embarrass "his kids" something fierce, but that's yet another reason to do it, heh.)
This idea is enough to mollify him, and he even hands Kazuya his phone charm. ]
Fifteen... and change.
[ where "and change" equals about seventy years, shh ]
Tell me more about Naoya. An "old soul," did you say?
[Kazuya accepted the keychain, although held it in a somewhat bemused manner, as if he wasn't quite sure what to do with it. Yeah, it was cute, but... well, Naoya being brought up again snagged his attention, and the keychain was forgotten as Kazuya sighed. Deeply]
Old as the dirt we walk on. [And sadly, that isn't an exaggeration either. He was probably the one to invent agriculture or something ridiculous like that] I don't know what else to say. Did I mention he can be a jerk sometimes? Because he can be... guess you score higher on that then. I mean, you sprayed me in the face with a fire hose, but aside from that, you're okay. You've been pretty nice, considering.
Actually, that was a pretty good question. He supposed, technically speaking, he was old as dirt too - probably even older than Naoya, if one brought in the messy business of Bel into this - but unlike Naoya, he didn't remember any of it. This life was the only one he 'remembered', while Naoya recalled every single one. He felt like a baby next to Naoya, sometimes, for all he knew and understood about the world. It was bizarre to have such an innocent question throw him for the loop, but this was the first time he really thought about his actual age. Older than dirt, older than sin, yet no memory of all those centuries. It was... unsettling in a way he couldn't describe]
I... don't know...
[he stared at the keychain in his hand, looking genuinely troubled. Why did he even bring the old as dirt thing up? Jeeze, this conversation was such a disaster on his end, in terms of trying to maintain the cover of 'normal kid with magical powers'. He didn't know why he bothered at times]
... I'm an old soul too. It's weird. [he closed his fingers around the keychain and looked up at Hyoubu with an unreadable expression - before he seemingly perked up, smile and all. It was incredibly artificial looking] Hahaha, nah. I'm just messing with you. I'm young and cool - your regular seventeen year old twerp. Guess that makes me your senpai, huh?
[ He studies Kazuya, as the boy thinks. It doesn't seem that he's dissembling; it's as if he really is confused about his answer. When he says he's an old soul, it seems that he's simply stating something he knows to be true, rather than something he feels. ]
[ Senpai. What a funny thought. He's used to being the oldest one around — well, except for Fujiko. Even so, his "kids" are always trying to take care of him. That will be at an end, soon enough. He handed off control of PANDRA to Magi, just before he left, and told him "do as you see fit."
Just as the thought crosses his mind, a second figure shows up on one of his commemorative plates: Magi, standing behind him, looking as long-suffering as always. ]
[To say Kazuya was unimpressed with the hair ruffle was an understatement. He glowered, cheeks puffed out in irritation at what he saw to be open patronisation - but curiously didn't dodge it. He tolerated the hair ruffle, only ducking his head and turning away once Hyoubu was done]
Smartass. [his eyes skimmed the merchandise without really looking, although he paused when he saw someone new on there] Oi, who's that old guy with you? [he pointed at one of the commemorative plates] Is he your dad or something?
[ It strikes him that Magi has been acting like his parent since they first met, when Magi was an angry young teenager. Still, in his mind's eye he sees Magi as that child, so to hear him described as an "old man" is jarring.
How they grow up and change all around him. What magical alchemy. ]
Yes. Or something. Aren't you going to ask about the hair?
[ Because even on the plate, Magi's membership in the long luxurious flowing hair club for men is readily apparent. ]
[Long, flowing locks on male figures was something that had become the complete norm for Kazuya - strangely, it was the fashion of choice when it came to male-bodied demons, and he had to admit, it was a good look when pulled off right. Hell, Kazuya would try it himself, except he was fairly certain that Jezebel would possess his hair and make everything weird, which he just didn't want to deal with]
Hmmm, it looks pretty thick too, man, I bet that's a nightmare to deal with in the mornings. Still, it looks like it'd be nice to touch... [Kazuya seemed to contemplate the man on the plate, head tilted and eyes appraising, before he shrugged and turned away back to Hyoubu] His eyebrow game is strong too.
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It's difficult being a genius! Besides...
[ He slides his hands back in his pockets. ]
You're going to get your wish very soon. Look closely.
[ He points at the poster. He's familiar enough with the wiles of this place. People from one's life who aren't here in the city, appear in various guises and then vanish without a trace or explanation. ]
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This place is going to be bad for my mental health, I just know it. [On the bright side, at least there was accessible food and no ravenous demons lurking around every corner to eat you. That was something, he supposed, crazed soul-stealing photographers aside...] What rules is this world even running on? Nonsense, that's what. Absolute nonsense. Even Babel's domain made more sense than this, and that was a pocket dimension!
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[ This kid can summon hurricane-force winds, fire, and even heal people. Do his skills involve dimension-hopping as well? If so, he might be alllllllmost as gifted as Hyoubu himself.
(how modest, Hyoubu)
Not only that, but he might, in that case, be useful in getting everyone out of this place. His own return he believes to be predetermined; he'd set the trigger before disappearing. But even though he's confident that he'll be able to return to his own world, Kaoru, Shiho, and Andy might need help returning to theirs (different timestreams means different parallel universes, and all that jazz). ]
How did you get there?
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[Kazuya stopped suddenly. He'd gotten so comfortable with Hyoubu's presence that he started speaking without thinking. Dimension hopping wasn't a normal thing, even in other people's worlds! Otherwise places like Cerealia would be commonplace!
Humans couldn't do that naturally. He didn't want to explain how he could do it. He couldn't lie to save his life]
I mean... a gateway was opened by... science stuff. I didn't really get it. My, er, friend did it, so...
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Right.
[ It's difficult to keep a straight face, but he perseveres. ]
Well, let's have a look around, if you've seen enough of your own face.
[ Hyoubu naturally wants to see if his own face is plastered about somewhere. He begins to start walking away, towards a different set of stalls. ]
You can tell me about Babel's domain while we walk, okay? And then I can tell you a few things about this place.
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[Kazuya looked a little troubled about that, but didn't put up much of a protest as he trailed after Hyoubu like some sort of lost puppy, Metatron his quiet shadow. What could he say about Babel's domain that wasn't incriminating? Why the hell did he even mention it? Of course the average, nosy old-haired guy would be all "what's that?" Goddammit, Kazuya, why didn't you ever think before you opened your stupid mouth? He could just bolt and hide, but the amount of effort it would take to flee wasn't worth it. Plus this guy was one of the few decent lot he ran into! He didn't want to alienate him so early... that'd most likely come later anyway, once he found out about, well, him. So better to enjoy it while it lasted]
W-Well, there's not much to tell about it. Uh, it's a pocket dimension that holds Babel. Y'know, that... [Shit, what was it in 'normal' knowledge? It was a Christian thing, or was it Jewish? Honestly, Kazuya had no clue. Either way, religious lore wasn't his 'thing', ironically enough] That demon tower that God had a hateboner over, because... I think there's something about languages in there. I know the internet was involved for... uh.
[Kazuya clammed up, looking shifty, and glanced over his shoulder at Metatron as if expecting the angel to admonish him for something. Thankfully, Metatron made no comment, although it was somehow conveying irritation without moving a single facial muscle]
It's a weird place, that's all you need to know. It doesn't even technically exist, so yeah. Really boring subject, hahaaa...
[The worst liar in the world]
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"Doesn't even technically exist."
In that case, you should feel right at home here. Oh look!
[ He's found his own stall, and starts rifling through the merchandise, without any semblance of shame.*** Hey, he used to plaster his image all over his PANDRA products, the airwaves, the internet, royal receiving halls, and so forth — not only because of his gigantic ego, but also in no small part because he knew it sent BABEL into fits.
Meanwhile, he thinks.
Is this kid really talking about the actual Tower of Babel? He's a bit amazed, whilst also cringing at "God's hateboner" and the vague reference to languages, as if he doesn't actually know the story. Kids these days. And the the internet played some role...?
Either this Kazuya is seriously confused, or "Babel's domain" is code for something else. How the weird pet angel robot fits into this is anyone's guess.
Presently he finds something in the stall of particular interest, which he lifts up and dangles before Kazuya. ]
Ha! These are collectors' items, back home.
[ It's a Hyoubu-shaped phone charm. Of course it is. ]
*** apart from the doujin, and he (now) knows better than to look at that.
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'Back home'. You have these back home? [he looked at the stall, with the various Hyoubu focused merchandise, then back at the keychain - and slowly, the corners of his mouth tilted into a smile] Oh, I get it. You're like Midori.
[Yes, there was definitely a mischievous air about him now, his smile growing more amused as if enjoying a little, private joke. He was, really. Imagining this guy as an internet celebrity camgirl, or, rather, a camboy, was pretty funny. Hey, what would he look like in Midori's cosplay? It was pretty cute...
...
Oh, those thoughts were sinful, he could practically feel Metatron's judging gaze on his back for them]
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Poor kid. Poor kid with strong powers. Poor kid who's had bad experiences with other espers, it sounds like. Well, he'll look after the boy, and... ]
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Midori?
[ He's not familiar, but the single-name reference makes him think that the person Kazuya's referring to must be an idol. He can't tell precisely what the boy's thinking, but he doesn't trust that smirk, nor the way he's staring, not one bit!
In a terse, clipped voice, as he eyes Kazuya balefully: ]
I'm famous. That much is true.
[ Infamous, actually, but. Details ]
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Ah! The evidence is all piling up! [he cupped his chin and theatrically posed in a thoughtful manner. He was being silly, he knew it, and it wasn't something he did all that often, but Hyoubu did remind him a bit too much of Naoya, and he could never help but poke fun at his 'too-big-for-his-boots' brother! Besides, in this weird place, it was nice to throw off his worries and stress even for a stupid act like this] Hyoubu Kyousuke~ Now that I think about it, that is kinda catchy for a camboy's name. Hmm, I wonder what your gimmick would be...?
[He held out his hands, linking his fingers together so that he was peering at Hyoubu through a makeshift 'lens']
... naughty schoolboy?
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Excuse you, he is over eighty years old, and he can't read your mind, and so he doesn't know what you mean by that, you kids and your weird lingo. ]
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what ]
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[ every fucking time, and he hasn't even done anything! ]
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Mm... you? Come on, you totally look like the type of guy who'd do mean things, but since you're so cleaned up, teachers won't suspect you, and so you have a sneaky reign of power over the other students, making them your slaves all throughout your school career...!
[Great plot, eh? Eh? Speaking of...]
Just how old are you anyway? I mean, that's a middle schooler's uniform, but you're kinda... like, Naoyaish. Grey before his time even though you look, like, fourteen? Are you an old soul too, or were you held back by like a billion grades and have the luck of ageing like... um, what's the idiom again? Fine wine?
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An idea begins to form in his mind. He could hypnotize the Children's school and become…. become class president or something? Yes that is a good idea. Why did he never think of it before? It might impress the Queen, and it would absolutely give that idiot Minamoto fits.
(it would also embarrass "his kids" something fierce, but that's yet another reason to do it, heh.)
This idea is enough to mollify him, and he even hands Kazuya his phone charm. ]
Fifteen... and change.
[ where "and change" equals about seventy years, shh ]
Tell me more about Naoya. An "old soul," did you say?
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Old as the dirt we walk on. [And sadly, that isn't an exaggeration either. He was probably the one to invent agriculture or something ridiculous like that] I don't know what else to say. Did I mention he can be a jerk sometimes? Because he can be... guess you score higher on that then. I mean, you sprayed me in the face with a fire hose, but aside from that, you're okay. You've been pretty nice, considering.
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… ]
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[ Now that he has divested himself of the phone charm, his hands are free to slide back into his pockets. He gazes at Kazuya appraisingly. ]
So, if he's "old as dirt," what does that make you?
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Actually, that was a pretty good question. He supposed, technically speaking, he was old as dirt too - probably even older than Naoya, if one brought in the messy business of Bel into this - but unlike Naoya, he didn't remember any of it. This life was the only one he 'remembered', while Naoya recalled every single one. He felt like a baby next to Naoya, sometimes, for all he knew and understood about the world. It was bizarre to have such an innocent question throw him for the loop, but this was the first time he really thought about his actual age. Older than dirt, older than sin, yet no memory of all those centuries. It was... unsettling in a way he couldn't describe]
I... don't know...
[he stared at the keychain in his hand, looking genuinely troubled. Why did he even bring the old as dirt thing up? Jeeze, this conversation was such a disaster on his end, in terms of trying to maintain the cover of 'normal kid with magical powers'. He didn't know why he bothered at times]
... I'm an old soul too. It's weird. [he closed his fingers around the keychain and looked up at Hyoubu with an unreadable expression - before he seemingly perked up, smile and all. It was incredibly artificial looking] Hahaha, nah. I'm just messing with you. I'm young and cool - your regular seventeen year old twerp. Guess that makes me your senpai, huh?
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[ He reaches up, to ruffle the boy's hair. ]
Please take care of meee~!
[ Senpai. What a funny thought. He's used to being the oldest one around — well, except for Fujiko. Even so, his "kids" are always trying to take care of him. That will be at an end, soon enough. He handed off control of PANDRA to Magi, just before he left, and told him "do as you see fit."
Just as the thought crosses his mind, a second figure shows up on one of his commemorative plates: Magi, standing behind him, looking as long-suffering as always. ]
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Smartass. [his eyes skimmed the merchandise without really looking, although he paused when he saw someone new on there] Oi, who's that old guy with you? [he pointed at one of the commemorative plates] Is he your dad or something?
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[ It strikes him that Magi has been acting like his parent since they first met, when Magi was an angry young teenager. Still, in his mind's eye he sees Magi as that child, so to hear him described as an "old man" is jarring.
How they grow up and change all around him. What magical alchemy. ]
Yes. Or something. Aren't you going to ask about the hair?
[ Because even on the plate, Magi's membership in the long luxurious flowing hair club for men is readily apparent. ]
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[Long, flowing locks on male figures was something that had become the complete norm for Kazuya - strangely, it was the fashion of choice when it came to male-bodied demons, and he had to admit, it was a good look when pulled off right. Hell, Kazuya would try it himself, except he was fairly certain that Jezebel would possess his hair and make everything weird, which he just didn't want to deal with]
Hmmm, it looks pretty thick too, man, I bet that's a nightmare to deal with in the mornings. Still, it looks like it'd be nice to touch... [Kazuya seemed to contemplate the man on the plate, head tilted and eyes appraising, before he shrugged and turned away back to Hyoubu] His eyebrow game is strong too.
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