helllog

(2:11:59 PM) Earthflame: It's a warm day in Hell. The sky is clear, the sun is bright... And a miracle is about to happen. A delight only seen in the summer season, when a good mood strikes Smoke, giving him motivation to drag out the musty old plastic chairs he keeps in his back room, arraying them in front of his shop. But that's only the beginning... Faded sun umbrellas follow, the white gone yellow and everything
(2:11:59 PM) Earthflame: else returning to white, marked with the logos of long forgotten brands.
(2:12:01 PM) Earthflame: After all the furniture is ready, the dusty slide-away window beside his counter is pulled back, and the tarp removed from one of his prized possessions... Four tanks, blades whirling through brightly coloured slush, with four spigots ready to dispense cold, sweet drink into old cardboard cups, announced by the placing of a creaky, rusted sandwichboard, advertising their good fortune... Slushies
(2:12:01 PM) Earthflame: for sale!
(2:16:29 PM) ***Liangxiao peers out of her shop at it... then makes a sudden sound of delight. "Yue! Yue! Help me down! Smoke's got slushies, oh my god! I haven't had a slushy in years! We gotta go before all the blue flavor is gone!"
(2:17:29 PM) Black-Bound_Bird: "Slushies?" Yue says with a confused look as she gets to the straps attached to the wall, gently lowering Liang back onto her feet. "Isn't that... melting snow?"
(2:18:17 PM) ***Liangxiao gets back to her balance a bit. "No, no, they're drinks! Frozen drinks and they taste delicious! I haven't hda any since..." SHe bites her lip a bit. "You'll love them! Come on!" She's already bouncing out the window; she's excited enough she's actually had Shengli untie her hobble skirt so she can move faster.
(2:19:49 PM) Black-Bound_Bird: Yue quickly follows, ensuring that her friend doesn't fall over in her hurry "Well... if they're that good I have to try one as well!" she concludes with a broad smile
(2:21:56 PM) Earthflame: There's already a queue forming, with people standing around or sitting at the tables, sipping at the chilled slush and shuddering as the brainfreeze overtakes them. Smoke is actually smiling, chuckling beneath his breath as he doles out cup after cup of tooth rotting gloop.
(2:22:22 PM) Liangxiao: "They're great!" She says, getting in line. "Oh, I hope there's still blue up there when we get there, blue's my favorite flavor..."
(2:22:41 PM) ***Xiaozhi is already outside, with Mimi, both of them dressed lightly for the heat. The pink-haired girl waves a greeting at the other two as they emerge, waiting in line and hemming and hawing over what color to pick. "I kinda wish Smoke'd let us mix 'em together, actually," she comments to the (somehow) smaller girl with her.
(2:23:22 PM) Earthflame: "We can always ask!" Mimi says brightly. Today has been a quiet day at the clinic, mostly handing out salves to sooth sunburn, but she's still grateful for the break.
(2:23:25 PM) Black-Bound_Bird: "I thought blue was a colour?" Yue inquires as she waits alongside Liang, smiling and waving at Xiao.
(2:24:31 PM) Liangxiao: "It is, but in the case of things like slushies it's also a flavor," she says. "It's tecnically raspberry I think, but it doesn't taste anything LIKE raspberries, so..."
(2:24:59 PM) ***Liangxiao is bouncing up and down in line, which does interesting things to her physique; especially once they're in line and her hobble can be retied. Shengli pats the girl on the head a bit, chuckling.
(2:25:25 PM) Earthflame: And then it's Xiaozhi's turn! Smoke smirks at them. "Sure cats can drink this stuff? Whaddya want?"
(2:25:40 PM) Black-Bound_Bird: The spirit nods slowly, her smile widening "Hmm, I will have to pick a colour to try then..."
(2:26:09 PM) Xiaozhi: "Mmm...can I do some blue and green and red?" She gives him the adorable-est expression she can muster, green eyes wide.
(2:28:37 PM) ***Liangxiao nods rapidly to Yue. "They're all nice. Blue, though, blue's my favorite," she says with a happy sigh, biting her lip a bit.
(2:28:49 PM) Earthflame: "Now what did the yellow one ever do to you, to be ignored like that?" He turns to the machine, the three spigots depositiong the brightly coloured ice into a large mug, the whole machine shaking and wheezing, which is probably why he doesn't use it often. Mimi pipes up "Yellow and Green please!"
(2:30:45 PM) Xiaozhi: "Mimi's gonna make up for me being so mean to it!" she chirps with a wide grin.
(2:32:35 PM) Earthflame: "You're cruel, makin' an old man go to all this extra work." Still, he can't avoid smiling as he hands each of them the drink. "Right, shove off. Next!"
(2:33:02 PM) Xiaozhi: She nicks a spoon straw and meanders away, waiting for her assistant to join her, taking little bites to avoid the sharp pain of brainfreeze.
(2:33:47 PM) Earthflame: Mimi is less wise than Xiaozhi, sticking her straw in and taking a big gulp.
(2:34:29 PM) Adrielle: Tide's in the back of the line at the moment. She's out hunting for somebody... and since they've got the whole Ice thing going on, well, she made some possibly incorrect assumptions really, that they might come here to resupply on chill. She's her usual self of course, though at least making an effort to not jam the lines with people who are distracted by staring at her... so she's performing
(2:34:29 PM) Adrielle: a definitive kindness for the old man.
(2:34:56 PM) Black-Bound_Bird: Yue smiles at Liang "Your turn~" she tells her
(2:35:15 PM) ***Liangxiao vibrates as she steps up. "Blue please Mr. Smoke!"
(2:35:38 PM) Earthflame: "We're fresh out." He's blatantly lying, the tank of it is still about two thirds full and it's right there...
(2:36:45 PM) Liangxiao: She pouts. "I can see through Shengli's eyes, Mr. Smoke..." She says.
(2:36:54 PM) ***Xiaozhi giggles mid-bite and nearly chokes on it.
(2:38:02 PM) Earthflame: He just laughs, filling a cup of blue and passing it to Shengli. "Hope she doesn't mind the cold." He then turns his eyes to Yue. "And you?"
(2:39:15 PM) ***Liangxiao yays, pays, and steps off. Shengli doesn't mind it, and holds it with both hands until they can find a table to sit on.
(2:39:41 PM) Earthflame: Mimi smiles and waves them over to sit with her and Xiaozhi.
(2:44:34 PM) ***Liangxiao walks over, sitting down with a smile; "Hey you two!" She says as the fairy settles the drink in front of her and she takes a big gulp of it, letting out a soft groan. "OH god... this is so delicious..."
(2:46:28 PM) Liangxiao: she winces slightly... but doesn't stop. Shengli sighs softly and pats the girl's head.
(2:48:46 PM) Xiaozhi: "Mmnah," she agrees, leaning back in her chair; she might be taking small bites, but she's eating hers *fast* and it's half gone. "Days like this, you can almost forget where we are~"
(2:49:47 PM) Black-Bound_Bird: "Uhm..." Yue taps her lips in thought "Green." she concludes with a bright smile
(2:50:19 PM) Earthflame: "Ahh, poison. Good choice." He deadpans as he hands her a big cup of it, waving her off towards the rest.
(2:51:11 PM) ***Liangxiao smiles. "I never forget where we are, but..." She sighs happily. "It's been so long since I had one of htese, it tastes just like I remember. Mmm...~"
(2:52:04 PM) Black-Bound_Bird: Yue laughs "I don't think mortals are quite that insane." she replies, taking her cold treat and heading over to the others, coming to a sudden halt shortly from the table as she has her first taste.
(2:52:53 PM) Earthflame: Mimi is quiet as the others talk, enjoying her own quickly and quietly, while the line shuffles along... Not too many interesting people around in Tide's eyes, save the group sitting together, some recognized, others not.
(2:54:42 PM) Black-Bound_Bird: "Mmm, this is wonderful!" the spirit exclaims with a delighted expression
(2:56:28 PM) Liangxiao: "I know, right?" She smiles at Yue, wincing a bit as brainfreeze gets to her.
(2:56:32 PM) ***Xiaozhi makes quiet little nomming noises as she powers through the rest of hers.
(2:57:57 PM) Adrielle: Tide pretty much has to say hello to them... but she'll do it once she gets a blue and green. The most common colors associated with the depths, of the four.
(2:59:07 PM) Earthflame: Smoke nods to Tide as her turn comes up. "Hmm... You're connected, right?" He asks, as he puts together her order.
(3:00:17 PM) Adrielle: "Connected?" She's not certain of what to, though if he clarifies...
(3:01:21 PM) Earthflame: "The Ocean of Coin, and the people who run the place." He gives her a knowing look, and bangs on the side of the machine as one of the blades gets stuck, to start it moving again. "New parts, or a new machine, would earn you a lot of store credit."
(3:05:17 PM) Adrielle: "Aye, I am. I run a loan and trade business myself, best rates in all of Hell." Well, it's TRUE, she DOES give the fairest contracts and most reasonable rates. "I'll see what I can do about getting you what you need."
(3:05:24 PM) Black-Bound_Bird: Yue goes wide eyed with realization "Oh dear, I have somewhere to be!" she says, moving over to Liang and giving her a peck on the cheek. "Thank you for showing me these slushies. See you later!" she smiles, before she jumps onto a nearby roof, disappearing from sight.
(3:05:41 PM) Black-Bound_Bird is now known as Deedles
(3:06:21 PM) Earthflame: "I know." Smoke tells Tide flatly. "Y'aren't the only one with connections." He leans closer to her, whispering something only she can hear.
(3:07:00 PM) ***Liangxiao smiles at Yue; Shengli waves. "Mmm..."
(3:10:00 PM) Adrielle: She shudders slightly... it's hardly noticable, save for a faint rustling sound in her braid. "Thank you Mr. Smoke, sir." With chilly confection in hand, she moves toward the familiar face... assuming he has no further favors to hint at. She knows well enough to eat slow as well.
(3:10:49 PM) Earthflame: He lets her pass at that, still having plenty of eager customers.
(3:12:05 PM) ***Xiaozhi sets her now-empty mug down with a sigh. "Thaaat hit the spot. Hi Tide!" she calls, waving again as she spots a familiar redhead.
(3:14:57 PM) ***Liangxiao looks over. "Friend of yours, Xiaozhi? I bet she's nice! She looks nice!"
(3:16:16 PM) Adrielle: Tide raises her spoon-hand to wave between bites. "Hello. New friends Xiao?" Nice? Well, I suppose if you consider sharks nice, and not at all creepy.
(3:18:06 PM) Earthflame: Mimi gives her a slightly nervous smile, surrounded by Xia... She seems a little intimidated.
(3:18:46 PM) Xiaozhi: "And neighbors, too. You just missed Yue, she had something to do so she ran off, but this is Liangxiao and her seeing-eye fairy Shengli...and this," she adds, plopping a hand on Mimi's head, "is my new assistant and cutest thing around, Mimi!"
(3:19:28 PM) ***Liangxiao smiles. She's fairly creepy looking herself, to be fair. "Hello!" The green-haired fairy on her shoulder waves as well, looking over Tide with a soft frown; Tide gets a bit of a 'fellow predator' vibe from the tiny thing, and more than a bit of a 'prey' vibe from Liangxiao.
(3:22:22 PM) Earthflame: Mimi blushes at that. "You're way cuter than I am, Xiaozhi..."
(3:23:41 PM) Xiaozhi: "Nah." She waves dismissively. "Anyway...Mimi, Rending Tide. Tide, Mimi. I'm borrowing her from the Feathers so she can help me run my clinic!"
(3:24:00 PM) Adrielle: "I wish I'd brought my assistant along to meet everyone as well. You all seem very~ interesting~. Still, it's nice to meet you all." For a predator, Tide mostly seems friendly at the moment, like a lioness who happens to be stuffed full and is relaxing in the shade. "As an aside... have any of you met a Yun Clan girl lately? I'm looking for one... for several reasons."
(3:25:09 PM) Liangxiao: "I've met one! She seemed nice, but a little cold, no pun intended. She had a motorcycle, I think? I met her once at Ma Sin's and once at my shop!"
(3:28:25 PM) Adrielle: Tide is... taking mental notes, while she slowly munches on her frozen treat. "Oh? Excellent. My client didn't mention a motorcycle, but... I need a Yun Clan for a prior contract anyway. Can you tell me anything else?"
(3:29:54 PM) Liangxiao: "Not really, unfortunately," she says. "I liked her, though!" "Mistress, you like almost everyone you meet," the fairy says with a sigh. "Yes, Shengli, and?" Is the blind girl's reply.
(3:30:24 PM) Xiaozhi: "Are you talking about Jade?" she asks.
(3:31:38 PM) Adrielle: "...Am I the only one not to have met her yet? I suppose it makes sense, I've been focusing on my business lately, and putting its reputation and name out there."
(3:32:42 PM) Liangxiao: "Maybe! I mean, you hadn't met me yet, either, but I've been doing the same, basically! You wouldn't happen to want to buy any slightly cursed talismans for any reason, would you?"
(3:33:11 PM) Xiaozhi: "I met her once or twice, since she came to Ma Sin's while I was working, but she pretty much wanders where she pleases. Her motorcycle's *really* loud," she adds, with about as much distaste as she can muster right now--which isn't much.
(3:34:20 PM) Adrielle: "...Maybe. Depends on the effects. Given my current business I need... well, some luck, and maybe a fireproof hazard suit."
(3:35:45 PM) Xiaozhi: "Anyway, Jade's the only Yun clan person I know of. You'll know her when you see her, 'cause she's like half-ice anyway, with a big gun and bigger saber. I think she's compensating."
(3:37:04 PM) Liangxiao: "what would she be compensating for? Don't only guys need to compensate for... stuff like that?" She asks, then directs her attention back to Tide. "Oh, well, you can come look over my stock when we're done! I also take commisions!"
(3:38:02 PM) Xiaozhi: She shrugs. "Dunno. But is there really a reason to carry things that big?"
(3:39:36 PM) Liangxiao: "I dunno, I get asked that sometimes! I'm not sur ewhat about, though," the girl says, leaning forward to take another gulp. Given her figure, probably her breasts.
(3:41:21 PM) Adrielle: Tide grins a bit as she eats. "Chi works in interesting ways. That sort of thing isn't exclusive to men exactly."
(3:44:57 PM) Liangxiao: "Oh, huh, really? Neat!" She says. "Sounds sorta like a best of both worlds situation? Hmm, or maybe a worst. Still, it sounds neat!"
(3:46:38 PM) Earthflame: Mimi blushes a little at that, finishing hers. "I should head back to the Clinic, Xiaozhi... But take your time, I can handle it!"
(3:49:06 PM) Xiaozhi: "If you want to," she nods, giving Mimi a smile. "I have to work at the teahouse tonight, so don't push yourself too hard for now, okay?"
(3:50:10 PM) Earthflame: "I'll be fine!" She smiles at Tide. "It was nice to meet you!" Before giving Xiaozhi a quick hug and bobbing off.
(3:51:44 PM) Xiaozhi: After she heads out, her smile fades a bit. "Tide...she was one of the girls we rescued from the Lotus. She's doing so good now..."
(3:57:00 PM) Adrielle: Tide reaches a hand out, to squeeze Xiao's. "...I'm glad they're slowly recovering... and you know you can come to me, if you find another den to break up, right?" She's surprisingly serious all of a sudden.
(3:57:42 PM) ***Liangxiao quirks her head to the side; Shengli looks between the two.
(3:59:48 PM) Xiaozhi: "Yeah...thanks." She gives the girl a grin. "I might have to take you up on that sooner rather than later. I got permission to set my clinic up as an extension of the Crimson Feathers...there'll probably be a lot of chumps looking to take it down, but they'll have to get through me first!" She pats herself on the bicep.
(4:01:40 PM) Liangxiao: "Can I help too?"
(4:01:53 PM) Xiaozhi: "Naturally~"
(4:03:41 PM) Adrielle: Tide lowers her voice. "Any help is appreciated... as for me... I have to raid 43 soon. A bunch of my loan recovery jobs have all converged on one point."
(4:03:50 PM) Liangxiao: "Yay!" The bound-up girls happily. "I should give you a key, honestly, just in case of emergency... Hmm? 43?"
(4:05:13 PM) Xiaozhi: "Forty-Three C," she puts in. "It's a club. Supposed to be a hot place, in both senses."
(4:05:35 PM) Adrielle: "Have you ever heard of the Fire Cult?"
(4:05:53 PM) ***Liangxiao pauses for a moment, frowning. "I have," she says. "Not directly, but I know about the Banes."
(4:09:36 PM) Adrielle: "...Basically, one of their number is my target. One Scorched Veil. She stole a prized item from one of my people, and she's been going around cheating people out of their fortunes in... particularly crooked gambling scams. The kind that end in her branding everyone she robs, as a reminder. Found out that one when I went to collect on a sizeable debt..."
(4:10:29 PM) ***Liangxiao nods. "Branding people?" She bites her lip a bit, flushing. "Well, that's certainly interesting. She does't sound nice. How can I help?"
(4:12:49 PM) Deedles left the room (quit: Quit: Hard work pays off in the future, laziness pays off now).
(4:14:03 PM) Xiaozhi: "I've kinda wanted to see what the club was like," she muses, though there's a twinkle of mischief in her eye. "Think they'd be mad if I brought my tools?"
(4:15:30 PM) Adrielle: "...That's half of why I'm searching for a Yun Clan. I want an Ice specialist, who can keep me from reaching the temperature the human body uhh... dies at. Ideally they'd be able to chill the whole club, just in case... and no, I believe your medical skills would be welcomed."
(4:17:19 PM) Liangxiao: "I can't offer help with ice, unfortunately, but I'm sure you can find a use for corrupt sorcery in this... assualt? Infiltration? Party?"
(4:18:07 PM) Adrielle: "...Why not all three?"
(4:19:18 PM) Xiaozhi: She waves the concern. "I mean, Jade can help, certainly. Course, I can do a little something to help your heat tolerance too~"
(4:20:48 PM) Liangxiao: "Yay! I like parties!"
(4:23:11 PM) Adrielle: Tide glances around. "It's... good to see you again. It's just been my assistant, occasionally the princess, and my clients, since..." She sounds like she misses being with a group.
(4:24:51 PM) Xiaozhi: She nods in understanding, scratching the back of her head. "I know what you mean. Ever since, it's just been...well, kinda burying myself in work. Sounds like we had the exact same idea, huh?"
(4:26:58 PM) Xiaozhi: "Oh! I should totally ask Minx if she'll want to come help you find your Scorched Veil, too. If nothing else she'll probably just like the excuse to go the club...but she's pretty strong in her own right, if it comes to that."
(4:28:26 PM) Adrielle: "Seems like it. The work is good... and I'm getting my name out there... but you know. I'm not JUST here to set up business."
(4:30:24 PM) ***Liangxiao nods. "I, um, know I'm pretty much a newcomer to this whole thing, but I'd like to help out. Xiaozhi's been nice to me, and I want to learn, train, and grow, and it seems like you guys will get into plenty of trouble, so!"
(4:33:29 PM) Xiaozhi: She grins at Liangxiao, then turns it into a sly smirk that she slides toward Tide. "You're still shooting to rule the place some day, right~?"
(4:40:20 PM) Adrielle: If Tide had a moustache, she'd be twirling it. "I wouldn't be the great white predator of the depths if I didn't"
(4:42:56 PM) ***Liangxiao chuckles a bit. "I'm not interested in ruling, myself. I just want to learn and grow."
(4:46:40 PM) ***Liangxiao frowns a bit, glancing up.
(4:47:37 PM) ***Liangxiao frowns a little deeper, apparently lost in thought.
(4:50:35 PM) ***Liangxiao then nods slowly.