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

[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.]

[myrdd]

[score!

that is a fun modern parlance; he has to use it again sometime]

Thank you kindly.

[and ooh, sword! he may not be as overly enthusiastic about them as smiths very much married to their craft, but merlin will end up asking fukuzawa about the one at his hip along the way to the site, inadvertently revealing his own knowledge on how various medieval weapons are used.]

Shall we head there now? If you aren't otherwise occupied, of course.

[allmenare]

[Merlin your sword knowledge. Fukuzawa is wondering why this didn't come up before, he keeps the sword displayed in his office. But no matter, Fukuzawa will try to answer as best as he can, though he won't reveal much about his actual skill with swords. He's naturally one to be reserved about his own abilities.]

We should go now, to be back before the end of the day.

[He doesn't want to walk into the office late and reveal to everyone that he went on a tour of the town with this strange man. Even if it's a part of the job, he would still be embarrassed. He doesn't do tours typically. Usually Ranpo and occasionally Dazai are the only ones who can get him to do silly things like this.]

idk why this suddenly became vaguely thirsty but

[myrdd]

[talking about it while it's displayed versus having it at fukuzawa's hip is quite different, y'know? in the sense that he can better admire how it looks at fukuzawa's hip with the man donning this country's traditional attire. the way his current host speaks and conducts himself reminds merlin of the kind of hopes and dreams people have associated with the round table sans the chivalric romance: honorable and dignified.

...well, "dignified" until (or is it even when?) the knights' mishaps are to be recounted, though fukuzawa seems to not be the type that'd fall for the same silliness as far as defending his honor is concerned? as far as merlin can tell, the guy's not one to fall for the humiliation conga trope!]

Ahh, yes. Not the sort of area one might relaxedly enjoy after nightfall. [maybe except if someone likes living on the edge. anyway, merlin gestures at the door, his other hand on his chest.] After you~

Merlin your thirst

[allmenare]

[If your name was Dazai then you might enjoy the danger of the port after nightfall. But Fukuzawa, as skilled as he was, also carried himself with a sense of practicality. He could fight his way out of trouble, but what point was there in causing trouble in the first place? That kind of effort was best saved for critical moments, like when the mafia tried to kidnap a subordinate of his and sell him to a foreign power. The fight needed to have an honorable reason for it to make Fukuzawa draw his blade so readily.

Another similarity, to someone from long ago. "The battle must be against evil" and "the enemy must be stronger than oneself" and so forth.

With a silent nod to Merlin, Fukuzawa steps out of the agency and heads down the stairs. The port isn't far away, but they will be taking the train there. Is Merlin familiar with the trains of Yokohama? Or is he going to gawk like a tourist?]

simp + incubus. simpcubus?

[myrdd]

[now he's only been around yokohama for a week or so, but that doesn't mean he won't look around with poorly-veiled fascination! ahh, to be granted the opportunity to soak in the sights and sounds of modern humanity --- you bet he's enjoying this as a tourist with zero sense of danger.

that said, fukuzawa need not worry about having to teach him how to use electronic boarding passes. for a 5th century wizard an eccentric, he, too, is up-to-date with modern technology and the pedestrian commute!

...okay, not necessarily all of the latter: merlin's quite flummoxed at just how many people one carriage can pack even after seeing it from afar. did he just happen to pick rush hour?]

I see. So it's really like this. [he glances at his stoic companion --- unbothered by the crowding, perhaps? or are the others naturally inclined to stay away from him, even now?] I'm assuming there's special dispensation involved for you to carry that even here?

[the sword, he means, because hey - fukuzawa's the first guy he's seen carrying such a weapon around in public?]

sounds about right

[allmenare]

[Merlin's right about that one: most people in Japan don't legally carry weapons. In fact, outside of a museum, it's pretty rare to see anything other than decorative swords around. And certainly nobody is carrying a decorative sword on their waist.]

I have a permit.

[That had been a pain to get, but it was better than operating in a legal grey area. Swords weren't quite as restricted as guns, but the Agency already needed lots of permits to operate with handguns so an extra permit to carry a sword hadn't been that difficult.]

I also have the good sense to not make a big deal about it, so most people don't even realize I'm carrying it.

[Indeed, people were standing around him while paying him no mind, and he did the same in return. No need to cause a ruckus on the train, they all needed to stand in a cramped space and it was better to just mind your own business and cause no trouble. Fukuzawa and most of those on the train were in agreement there.]

[myrdd]

Huh.

[is that all there is to it? as a prankster, yeah, he can agree that not making a big deal out of things is a good way to not get noticed, but that alone isn't enough by his estimate. perhaps the guards at the entrance have long become used to the sight or are in good terms with the agency? he wouldn't be surprised if that's the case: a few documents he's poured over mentioned incidents at train stations.

that aside --- merlin glances out the window every now and then. or, at least, the gaps between people and over their heads. from here, one can't even tell this city's a hotspot for criminal activity, complete with a winding river and a beautiful sky.]

One would think that's enough of a deterrent for any potential troublemakers at our destination.

[allmenare]

It can be, for some. Those without abilities know to keep away.

[And those with abilities...well. Sometimes they can be a bit too bold. It's a good thing that Fukuzawa is so skilled with a sword though. His ability does not help him in combat, so he only has his own hard work and talent to go by.

Just...as long as they didn't run into Akutagawa, it probably would be fine. The rest of the ability-users in the mafia usually let him be. Akutagawa was the one who would attack first and ask questions never. And while Fukuzawa could find an escape for himself, helping a civilian escape might be too difficult.

Several train stops down, and Fukuzawa nudged Merlin to indicate that it was time to get off. Once they were off the platform and outside the train station, Merlin would be able to get his first clear glances of the port. Wide open areas of calm blue waters, with a gentle breeze and a mild sun. It really was an idyllic day. Plenty of people were going to nearby parks to enjoy the weather, even.

Fukuzawa, meanwhile, would defer to Merlin.]

This is the port area.

[They weren't down by the docks yet, but it was close enough. Merlin could let his curiosity lead them to wherever he wanted to go.]

[myrdd]

[and what a port it is. for all that the waters aren't as pristine as they can be, it's still a sight to behold. merlin briefly closes his eyes to let the faint breeze wash over him, lets go of a breath he hadn't known he'd been holding.

then, he chuckles.]

In hindsight, this is the obvious place to look into.

[if he didn't meant to dawdle at the archives, that is. funny how being within the city's main areas for only a handful of days can make the wide expanse of sky even more beautiful.]

Shall we? [he gestures --- not to where the site of old yokohama is, but to one of the stalls.] After that ride, some refreshment is in order before we get down to business.

[totally a coincidence that his focus momentarily strayed to a guy walking past them with a fizzy drink in his hand.]

[allmenare]

If you wish.

[Merlin is, after all, a client. And while Fukuzawa is finding this trip a bit tedious, he still won't be disrespectful to a client. He must have his reasons for his odd behavior, after all. Fukuzawa just had to watch and see what this man was hiding under his many layers.

Fukuzawa will absolutely go for a can of coffee, though. He's not one for sugary drinks, so he'll skip the soda. It's only after he gets his own drink that he realizes something important though.]

Do you need assistance picking one?

[Fukuzawa doesn't know Merlin's true backstory, but he does think Merlin is a foreigner. Does he even know what all his drink options are? Kanji can be difficult to read.]

[myrdd]

My thanks.

[and while they're in line, he'll stare at the cute sings that come with a tiny stall needing to stand out. mind, it's not that he needs help in reading the signs, but ---]

What would you recommend?

[--- it's his first time tasting a carbonated beverage]

[allmenare]

[Fukuzawa's first thought was to recommend a coffee drink, but it's Americans who drink coffee right? Don't British people drink tea?]

What do you prefer to drink normally?

[Whatever Merlin says, Fukuzawa is going to pick some canned, fizzy version of it. He has options.]

[myrdd]

[with zero hesitation:] Alcohol.

[plus certain bodily fluids and the stuff of dreams, but that's neither here nor there.]

[allmenare]

[Well. At least he's honest.

And while the drink Fukuzawa picks out is non-alcoholic, it is a fizzy ginger drink that is reminiscent of beer if you squint at it.]

[myrdd]

[what's this, now?

merlin blinks at the bottle handed to him and scans the label before holding it close to his lips. the scent tickles his nose, causing a perplexed look to show on his features.]

These aren't hops.

[what a way to state the obvious. in any case - he tips the bottle in fukuzawa's direction and winks.]

Kampai!

[do they use that outside of boozing it up? ahh, well, he'll find out shortly enough, and he takes a sip.

merlin's eyes become wide as saucers.]

--- this is pretty good!?