PSL

[allmenare]

[On the shoreline stands two figures. One standing on the shore, and one out over the water's surface. The one on land respects the one on water, and listens while they speak.

Words are exchanged back and forth. Some agreeable, some not. Then the being over the water holds out their hand to the other, and...

And...

This is where the dream always ends. It doesn't come to him every night; sometimes he'll go weeks without seeing it, only for it to jolt him awake in the early hours of the morning. But when he does dream of the still waters and the two persons there, it's always the same. Eerily calm waters, a conversation, and an extended hand.

It feels significant, but Fukuzawa has never been the best at interpreting dreams. Nor does he have the drive to consult an expert about what the dream might mean. It's an annoyance, but nothing more. Some random bits of memory mixed together to make something both familiar and unrecognizable at the same time.

Even though it's only half past four in the morning, Fukuzawa decides to get up. Falling back asleep after that particular dream is always a chore, and he decides to skip it this morning. Instead, he spends the extra time before his alarm goes off playing with his pet cat with several of the toys he had bought for her. A feather on a string, a laser pointer, a crinkled up foil ball, all of it is fascinating to the small grey tabby cat. Said cat is well tired out by the time Fukuzawa thinks to get dressed and get ready for work.

The dream is far from Fukuzawa's mind by the time he arrives at the office. He has no reason to ponder such strange nighttime thoughts, not with all of the work to do. There's clients to meet, deals to arrange, and new subordinates to properly train into great detectives. Fukuzawa may be a kind leader, but he is also a strict one. A certain level of capability and professionalism is to be expected from anyone he counts as 'his'.

All in all, it's a normal Tuesday for Fukuzawa. Up until 11 am rolls around, at least. He has a meeting scheduled, but it's one that nobody remembers putting into the calendar, nor were any details about the potential client taken down. No, this is going to be a surprise meeting, one that will change Fukuzawa's life forever. He just doesn't know that yet.]

Comments

[allmenare]

[Fukuzawa has a guess at where Merlin is going with this, but he's still not sure of Merlin's intentions. The last few smiling foreigners definitely had malicious intent to their actions. Would this one also prove to be dangerous?

Oddly enough, Merlin gave off a vibe similar to Dazai's. But Dazai got the benefit of the doubt in Fukuzawa's mind. Merlin hasn't earned that yet, so.]

If you're looking into something specific, then the Agency will hear your request. But we need to know what you're looking to find before we can promise results.

[myrdd]

I told you: whatever it is that's tying together the odds and ends of this place. Can't get any more specific than that!

[Does he already have general knowledge about the Book? Sure. Will he admit to that? Of course not; he's just supposed to be some ordinary guy with niche interests!

Merlin sighs, shakes his head, and shrugs his shoulders in seeming resignation.] Ah. But if that's not enough reason for you, I suppose I'll just have to live with it, do my own digging, and try my very best to not get extorted along the way. Or worse.

Can it get any worse? I mean, I can always expect to run into a gunfight between two gangs or something if I take the wrong turn, but how much of that excitement is a movie-only thing?

[sheltered weirdo here plz halp por favor :D :D :D]

[allmenare]

[Fukuzawa does consider dropping all of the information in Merlin's lap and letting him spend months- if not years- sorting through all of it. Maybe a week of that would show Merlin that he needs to be a little more specific with what he's looking for.

But in the end, Fukuzawa decides to show a little bit of mercy. Mostly because he doesn't want to have to save this man from the mafia later, that's a headache he could do without.]

I'm not going to send you out there on your own. It's less about the reasons and more that I don't know what exactly to give you beyond 'files about ability users', which is nearly every case that the Agency has handled. You're asking for literal decades worth of information here. Unless you have an ability that lets you speed-read paperwork, it's not going to be that useful to you.

[myrdd]

[Rude, wanting to have him handle through all those big meaty points of data on his lonesome without even an offer of snacks or aftercare. What if he swoons and overheats from exhaustion?

But either way, looks like he's getting... someone. Merlin claps his hands delightedly --- please let it be the guy sitting in front of him!]

'Fraid I don't have magical infodumping talents, so I'll be in your care for the time being.

How's this going to work? I presume you'd rather want all the files in one place?

[something something this isn't a public library!'

[allmenare]

The files are in the office and will remain in the office. You may peruse them during office hours. Dazai will be the one to assist you.

[Dazai is absolutely the best pick to babysit Merlin. For one, Dazai will only work exactly how much he wants to at any given time, which might be enough to get Merlin to talk more about what he's looking for. Secondly, Dazai is an excellent judge of character, and Fukuzawa trusts Dazai to take care of any potential problems the strange man might bring. Nullification is a powerful tool after all, and if Merlin means ill then it will be nipped in the bud immediately.

Though of course Fukuzawa will peek in from time to time to check on those two. Them becoming drinking buddies and ditching work is a distinct possibility.

Well, time to go alert Dazai to his temporary job duties. Fukuzawa pushes himself to his feet and strolls across the room, trusting Merlin to follow him. Dazai should be in the office, as he hasn't been assigned to any cases today. But the question is if he's actually there or if he ducked out to go hide on the roof again.]

rusty :x

[myrdd]

"Dazai..?"

[Who now? Not that he has to wonder for too long, of course, seeing how Fukuzawa's already out the door, and there's a spring in Merlin's step as he follows suit.

As for Dazai --- he's been napping on the roof again. Not that he'll still be lying down when he hears a second set of unfamiliar footsteps: they have a guest at this time? He doesn't recall any office gossip about this new appointment.

Well, whatever the case - he's up, both hands stuffed in his pockets when the door swings open, coat slightly rumpled and swaying in the breeze.]

Good morning, President!

[Slightly less chirpy now that his eyes have slid over to the guy walking a step behind Fukuzawa, a bit to the right --- huh. Well, that's a face he hasn't seen before.]

Friend of yours?

[That's a reasonable assumption..? Fukuzawa, after all, has a lot of connections, and that's where plenty of their clients are from.]

it's ok you're good

[allmenare]

A client.

[So someone who is not a friend, but who was able to get a meeting with Fukuzawa himself somehow.]

This is Mr. Emrys Collins. He has requested to go through our case files looking for some information, and I have decided to assign the task of assisting him to you. Mr. Collins, this is Dazai Osamu, one of our best detectives. He will be a valuable resource during your time here.

[It's a bit of an odd introduction, but these are two odd men so hopefully they won't mind it too much. And hopefully Dazai understands just what Fukuzawa is actually asking of him, because 'Mr. Collins' seems a bit too sharp to do double-talk in front of.

In a couple days Dazai will have to be pulled off of this assignment to deal with a more pressing issue involving an ability-user and a hostage situation, and Fukuzawa will have to take over in his stead. But for now, Dazai actually has to work a full day's work, assuming Merlin pokes him into doing it.]

[myrdd]

Hi!

[Merlin puts a hand on his chest and dips his head --- a customary greeting of his that probably can be passed off as a foreigner adapting to the local custom? Or something like that.]

Looks like I'll be in your care. Nice to meet you.

[Either way, it looks like he'll have to obtain actual modern clothing for his next visit if he's spending time around this guy for the foreseeable future: there's no telling how that deadened air about Dazai will interact with magecraft! The atmospheric mana in this era is already low, but having a complete absence of it around the guy is still stands out to Merlin like, oh. A negative highlighter? Something like that.

Dazai, for his part, waves. There's something off about this guy - did he put on a new set of clothes just before showing up? That aside, Collins looks completely at ease around Fukuzawa: another remarkable thing given how regular clients also get intimidated by the guy's presence.]

Hi.

And sure thing. [That's to Fukuzawa with a respectful nod. Going through the archives and playing babysitter sure can be boring, but figuring out this guy's deal will probably make up for it. Why else would Fukuzawa hand this over to him instead of someone like Kunikida, who's more familiar with the contents of the files better than the secretaries?] If you'll follow me.

So what are you looking for, exactly?

[So off they go, with Dazai handing over stacks of relevant not-super-secret files for Merlin to pour over, and Merlin providing both color commentary and hums, as if he forgets Dazai's there half the time.

By the time they surface, it's for an afternoon break --- Dazai's had chips to munch on, and Merlin just forgets to keep track of human mealtimes until Dazai invites him over to the cafe downstairs for coffee.

But before that --- Dazai will also knock at Fukuzawa's door and poke his head in if the president's not busy.]

We're going down for a bit.

[A meaningful look. Does Fukuzawa want some of his observations now, or shall he save it for later?]

[allmenare]

[Knowing his subordinates inside and out is exactly how Fukuzawa knew to pick Dazai. Kunikida would know more about the files, but he's more of a forthright person and would probably be fooled by Merlin's disguise. Ranpo would see through it instantly, but he was about as subtle as a sledgehammer and would lead to an incident when he directly accused Merlin of whatever he had going on with him after 10 minutes of file-searching. Dazai was the perfect choice because he could both Perceive and keep his cards to his chest, a talent that Fukuzawa made a point of having Dazai use for the sake of good. Let the guy learn how to be a good person, even with his bad habits.

Fukuzawa also doesn't miss that look on Dazai's face when he peeks in at lunchtime, and he nods.]

Just a moment then, I need you to take down a lunch order for me too.

[Fukuzawa, who usually doesn't eat lunch at the restaurant, giving Dazai a couple minutes to say the most important parts first. He's sure Merlin is waiting by the door, which is why Fukuzawa will wave Dazai over to the desk and make a movement like he's writing down a lunch order on a piece of paper.]

[myrdd]

Alright. Something different than the usual, I take it?

[Yeah, let's pretend this is a normal late lunch for busy people. Dazai's wandering over, although he'll only start scribbling a message down once Fukuzawa lists down a few menu items.

preliminary: reads like he's browsing for entertainment

So far, that's the best way he can sum it up, and it's the most pertinent detail as far as assessing those vying for the Book is concerned. Of course, the guy hasn't shown his cards yet either, so Dazai will just add these in rapid succession:

doesn't seem the type to purposefully commit acts of terrorism
talked about pranking

[allmenare]

Mmm. Something lighter today.

[Fukuzawa scans over what is written, and his brow crinkles in confusion. Entertainment? Pranking? Is this stranger really looking for something to keep himself busy? Fukuzawa does trust Dazai's assessment of the situation, the man is rarely wrong when it comes to things like this. But there must be more here that they're missing.

Fukuzawa takes the pen next and hastily scribbles 'Ability user?' on it. If Merlin tried to use an ability, then Dazai would have known.]

[myrdd]

Sure.

[Dazai shrugs. The guy in question, incidentally, has already wandered from hovering near the door of Fukuzawa's office to chat up the secretaries, although Dazai will carry on with this pretense just to be extra careful.

0 signs so far, doesn't mean anything

They'll need to spend more time around Collins until they can safely conclude that the man doesn't have any actual Abilities. After all, aren't there those that can only be used under highly specific circumstances? Like Alcott.]

I think Uzumaki has a teriyaki sandwich special. Other than that, there's always tuna.

[allmenare]

Teriyaki it is, then.

[Aware of their guest lingering nearby, Fukuzawa takes the slip of paper and folds it once, then slides it into his desk. He'll dispose of it once Dazai takes 'Collins' downstairs for lunch.]

I suspect you might enjoy the tuna more than me.

[It's not crab, but he knows about your like of seafood, Dazai. And maybe some gentle chiding will help make the conversation seem normal. If Collins is smart he'll know that information is being passed, but Fukuzawa wants to keep up the pretenses of a normal conversation for now. He's not going to strike at Merlin until there's proof of wrongdoing, and he wants Merlin to relax his guard enough for Fukuzawa to find that proof.

Incidentally, what is Merlin talking to the secretaries about? Because they definitely will give more information away than Dazai or Fukuzawa will.]

[myrdd]

You think? [Dazai grins and heads to the door with a salute.] Well, I hope it doesn't disappoint.

[A lifetime of avoiding outright admissions is hard to change.

As for Collins - in between lightly sprinkled compliments, it seems he's interested in how the secretaries like their job. And pets, apparently, because they've moved on to feline care, and Collins finds it quite remarkable that cats in this country seem to be cuter than the ones he's come across elsewhere after being told how Haruno and Mii-chan met. Alright, fine, having cat food on his person would probably do the trick ---

And it seems it's time for afternoon tea! Or a late lunch.

In the days leading up to Dazai reassigned, more observations get added to the list. Collins seems to prefer stylish yet comfortable clothes, eats about as much as Dazai does (which is to say, not much at all) yet commentates about what he samples as if it's his first time sampling staples like tea and cake, and continues to read wherever his interests lead him. Dazai, too, finds that Collins' questions alternate between getting a clearer picture of how these abilities look like ("Like, how big of an explosion are we talking about?") and might work ("Eh? Isn't it easier to just do this instead?")

For someone interested in esoteric stuff, his working knowledge extends to old myths, but not to the newer urban legends. As for an actual job, Dazai does get a confirmation that Collins retired from his old one before pursuing his hobbies, although nothing more specific beyond being a tutor for a handful of students is given.

He is, all in all, about as slippery as Dazai himself when it comes to revealing information about his past, although Dazai can estimate that their client isn't the malicious type.

Dazai, for his part, looks quite entertained every time he reports his findings, even after the occasions Collins gave him the slip after Dazai offered to walk the guy back to his hotel to point out the areas to generally avoid at nighttime.]

It's not an ability. He's as good as I am with misdirection and using the crowd to disappear: the only difference is that he announces it'll happen sometime beforehand to avoid causing alarm.

I think it's safe to say he wants to remain on friendly terms with us.

[allmenare]

[Not malicious, yet unfamiliar with a lot of modern conventions...is this guy a shut-in? He's not as rude as Fitzgerald, so it can't be that Collins is just rich and unaware of how the world works. No, this speaks to something else entirely.

For a brief moment, Fukuzawa imagines something out of a western fantasy story: an old kooky wizard imparting knowledge on a young student while also being aggressively old-fashioned about everything. For some reason, the thought tickles a nostalgic part of Fukuzawa's brain. Must be some long-repressed memories of childhood stories or something.

But as long as Collins isn't making a move against the Agency, Fukuzawa lets him stay. Fukuzawa is confident that nothing bad will happen with the sharing of information like this- there is no direct mention of the book anywhere in these files, after all, and the more serious cases like 'decay of angels' never got a file written in the first place- and if this is all part of some nefarious plot then keeping the mastermind close at hand means he'll be easy to dispose of. But still, Fukuzawa has the gut feeling that it won't be necessary. And Fukuzawa has long since learned to trust his gut.

He doesn't approach the mage in disguise until nearly a week later though. Dazai is sent out to support Atsushi on a mission- a bit of a break from the office, since Dazai has earned that by now- and Fukuzawa himself ends up in the records room with Collins. It's not just to babysit though, he's actually sticking some newer files away now that recent cases have been closed. Some of them needed his signature, so he's signing them and filing them away for long storage.

None of them are anything exciting. In fact, some of them have nothing to do with abilities at all. It's the usual small-time cases that the Agency gets in-between big incidents. The one he's looking over right now is actually a budget listing from a formal dinner several members of the Agency had attended a few weeks ago. They all needed fancy outfits, and that's an office expense. That one he sticks into its folder as he speaks up, asking Collins an offhand question:]

Any closer to finding what you're looking for?

[A week's worth of effort must have gotten him something, yes?]

[myrdd]

Yes and no.

[Dazai's assignment goes unremarked. Merlin had, of course, wished the man well, but he can tell that... ah. They're kind of similar in experiencing a gap between themselves and human beings, and he doesn't need to enter Dazai's dreams to notice the shadows lingering in the man's eyes. How they were lightened, somewhat, when that new task was mentioned. The detective must be quite fond of that colleague of his, setting aside the boredom of hanging around the archives.]

You guys have been through quite a lot, haven't you?

Anyway, I find it hard to believe that this city's the only hotspot for criminal activity in the country, to not even mention the rest of the world. Tell me: why are ability users considered an open secret here, when I've heard neither hide nor hair of individuals with your talents in Britain?

[allmenare]

It's only natural, seeing as how we have been open for over twelve years.

[It's a long time to take on cases, especially with Ranpo's reputation. A reputation that Merlin probably has heard about by this point, considering that most of the case files in the storage were solved by Ranpo himself.]

I wouldn't know about how things are in Britain, I've never been there.

[He'll just point that out before he goes quiet again. It's a quiet accompanied by a thoughtful look on Fukuzawa's part, because he's giving the question the proper consideration it deserves. Is there even one specific reason for why it's such an open secret? How does one even begin to explain decades of backstory to that question.]

There isn't a definitive answer for it, but I suspect the war some years back is a part of it. Japan used ability-users to try and bolster its forces during those skirmishes, so many soldiers came home with stories of men and women with extraordinary abilities.

[As a former-assassin from that time, he is well-versed in that particular bit of history.]

Add to that the fact that the same war made many orphans- orphans who grew up without an ability-user parent telling them to keep their abilities a secret, and who are now reaching the age of majority- and you have the reason why many young folk are a bit more blatant with their abilities than the older ability-users.

[myrdd]

[Oh, indeed, he does know of Ranpo --- and the rest of the Agency. In the days prior, he paused from reading every now and then to take a peek at the office's general area with his Clairvoyance, matching names to faces to personalities. On the one hand, they're less, oh --- duel-oriented than the Round Table. On the other, the Agency's about as adventure-prone as the knights are: when trouble finds them, the ball sure gets rolling.]

Indeed. [He gestures at twelve years' worth of files --- or whatever's in here.] I sure hope your clients are paying you well enough; insurance isn't cheap!

[Amongst other things. Yes, he was curious enough to to check that side of running this business --- or at least, how modern ones are run --- after estimating how costly reparations and the like must be. This is also how he discovered the invention of hazard pay: good to know that such things have been made official!

Dealing with a moment of silence is easy enough, too, for he's quite accustomed to waiting on kings in and out of court while they gather their thoughts. Fukuzawa has that kind of dignified look, even if he's just taking a break from file sorting to make inquiries, and Merlin wonders how he'd look like on a throne.

No, not something super garish --- seems out of character. An austere hall, perhaps? Practical, without the need for grandiosity. Fukuzawa's sheer presence is enough to fill the room.]

Sounds complicated. [Said in a tone that implies, 'well, can't be helped.' Merlin leans back and rubs his chin.] And most of them just migrate to this area? I still don't see why they haven't occupied other parts of the country if they're so keen on using their abilities unhindered. It makes more sense for them to have other bases of operations away from your government's seat of power instead of close to it.

[allmenare]

[It's true, Fukuzawa doesn't need a throne to be regal. Just give him the head seat at any table or meeting room and his commanding personality will take care of the rest. For someone of common birth and an average background, Fukuzawa certainly gives off a distinguished impression. His spirit carries the impressions his background lacks.]

Cities have resources the countryside doesn't have. It's also easier to blend in with a crowd when that crowd has millions of people in it.

[It's far too common of a story: go to the city looking for opportunities, only to get swept up in a gang. It's a fate he's tried to avert for those in his charge, though for some it was too late to spare them the damage that Yokohama can do to the spirit.]

Yokohama is also an international port city, which makes it easier for foreigners to enter. That may have an effect on how people gather here.

[myrdd]

[That's the thing, isn't it? From Merlin's perspective, all humans have the same potential, wants and needs, with their expressions influenced by the arbitrariness of the circumstances of their birth and opportunity. It was with that thought in mind, amongst other things, that he designed the Round Table to be, well, round, denoting equality amongst peers regardless of seniority, rank and accomplishment, and Arturia herself was never one to be blinded by such things.

He thinks she would've liked this guy. It's frighteningly easy to picture the two of them having tea in a garden, enjoying the relative peace and birdsong.]

...ah. You're quite right, of course. [Wryly:] I may have gotten used to thinking of known outlaws preferring the outskirts of town, but obviously, there's no sense in downsizing their already limited list of options.

[As for Yokohama:] The same can be said for the entirety of the bay, no? And to certain cities along this country's coastlines. [Nagoya, Osaka, and Kobe, just to name a few. Here, a hint of a whine blends into his tone as he gestures ---- okay, no windows here, but at the general direction where one should be] It's not even an really, really old harbor! Nor can I find any writing about folkloric sea monsters trawling these waters. Doesn't that make all this activity here weirder?

[allmenare]

[Imagine the two of them sitting down for tea. That would be quite hilarious, given things that would come to light later.]

Japan had closed borders for centuries, until an American by the name of Perry came to re-establish trade in the 1850s. Originally he had landed just slightly north of here in Kanagawa, but that city had important national resources in it, so they moved the port of entry for all non-Japanese persons to a small fishing town nearby. Since that date, Yokohama grew exponentially, as for many decades it was the only way for people to enter the country.

So really, it not being an old harbor is exactly why it served as the port of entry for so long. It didn't have national secrets to hide.

[myrdd]

[Merlin whistles. So that was that guy's name. Admittedly, his attention was elsewhere in the world when that happened, so he only caught wind of it a few years late.]

Ah. I see. And afterwards, it's become significant as a "gateway for foreign matters."

[A sharp-eared listener might hear the subtle inflection that slips from Merlin --- as if there's a certain importance assigned to the concept of being a gate.

Of course, whether or not this answers Merlin's supposed question is irrelevant: there's no need to burn up an excuse to visit this guy and his people so soon until it's run its natural course!]

Care to show me where it is? The general area of that original fishing town, that is. I doubt it was as big as this entire city.

[allmenare]

Exactly.

[Fukuzawa is indeed a sharp listener, and he notices the inflection. So Merlin's interest is piqued, is it? It's not enough information for Fukuzawa to figure out exactly what Merlin is after, but it's another piece of the puzzle that he squirrels away for future use. He'll figure out Merlin eventually.

As for that last request, it's an unusual one to be sure. Fukuzawa wouldn't even know where to begin. Those old roads have long since been paved over and turned into modern infrastructure. Some research would be needed to find the exact place. But there's a problem besides that.]

It would be down near the port, probably, but that area is dangerous. You might get mugged.

[Among other things.]

[myrdd]

Scary.

[For a shut-in, he sounds unafraid. Amused, even, as if he's not taking seriously the possible harm that might come to his person beyond an initial acknowledgment.]

Shall I ask for an escort, then?

Oooor just tell me what streets to avoid I can just look up the directions on an app before heading there. It should be fine.

[Probably~!

(It'd be easier if Fukuzawa took the bait, but in all seriousness - Merlin can, actually, manage just fine. Not that he wants to advertise that for now.)]

[allmenare]

[This is his life now. Escorting this questionable man around.

He's increasingly questionable too, because what normal person isn't afraid of the possibility of being mugged? It actually makes Fukuzawa just a touch curious, he wants to see what Merlin would do in that case.]

There are too many to avoid. I'll accompany you.

[Both to watch, and as protection. Merlin is a client, after all.

Fukuzawa is definitely taking his sword with them though. Merlin may have seen Fukuzawa cleaning the sword at some point, but he doesn't regularly draw or use it. Normally it just sits either at his beltline or on a rack in his office. Will it be used? Who knows. But Fukuzawa can keep pace with ability-users if he is armed, so he is ready.]