PSL (closed)

[foundfate]

[The shop had finally settled again. It was a bit of a relief, because it hadn't anchored to a world in nearly two weeks, and Watanuki's food stores had started to run low. A shopping trip would be in order, mostly to replenish his nonperishable before the shop set out looking for another world in need of his help.

Usually Watanuki could guess when a move was about to happen, but sometimes it happened out of the blue. Like this last move, which had come so soon after arriving in the previous world. That usually meant that his services were in dire need and that people's souls were calling out to him, even if they didn't quite know it themselves yet. Watanuki would just have to wait for them to come to him.

His first visitor, at least, wouldn't take too long to get there. Watanuki always had a sense of when someone was to arrive, and as soon as the shop's gates had opened and revealed itself to the busy streets of Yokohama he had felt the impending arrival of a customer. It was enough to pique his interest, because he didn't usually get a visitor on the same day after a shop move. Someone was very perceptive, it seemed.

By the time his guest would arrive, Watanuki had already set up some tea in one of the sitting rooms. The summer was at its end, and the cool breeze felt nice enough that Watanuki had decided to open the movable doors to reveal the backyard, which was still bathed in the greens of summer. They could stay cool without the need of an air conditioner that way.

From there, he waited. He had a feeling that his guest was a particularly clever one, so he felt sure that they would find their way to the sitting room on their own.]

Comments

[foundfate]

[It honestly got crazier than just 'two abilities', but that was for Dazai to find out later. Baby steps into this world of noodles.]

There's no spellbooks, and my broom is very much a normal one for sweeping. And no, I haven't been involved in any organization shenanigans in Europe. I only recently inherited this shop from the previous owner, though, so I cannot speak for their activities.

[Plenty of questions were fine, Watanuki didn't mind answering them. He did pat the porch wood next to him, though, inviting Dazai to sit as well. If they were to have a conversation, then Dazai might as well take a load off of his feet.]

I cannot imagine this shop will remain hidden for long, though. Your interference with the barrier has likely revealed my location to many, many shady individuals. I will have to have Maru and Moro prepare for an influx of guests.

[He held a finger up, and a small yellow bird flew over suddenly and landed on it. It appeared to be a small yellow cockatiel of some sort, possibly a pet given how easily it went to Watanuki.]

[neverwashere]

[So just this place, disconnected from any known Organization.

North America was also easily discounted as a place of potential membership - Fitzgerald had eyes and ears everywhere. Had he known about this guy, he wouldn't have bothered visiting Japan.

Also thanks for pointing out how he screwed up your screening system, shopkeep. The very least he could do was take up that offered seat.]

So it's not something that reforms automatically.

[Probably required actual spells. Spells. Baby steps into noodle land indeed; this required a little more flexibility in adjusting his world view.

Also, he raised his hand in greeting to both the shopkeep and the bird. He rarely went first for introductions, but given the circumstances...]

Dazai.

You must be well known in different circles [read: not the ones he knew] if you're expecting to be swarmed already.

[foundfate]

It isn't, no. You should apologize to Maru and Moro for ruining their hard work.

[His tone wasn't a scolding one, though. This was a conversational tone, a gentle chiding at most. The barrier would be up again soon, there wasn't a problem with having it disabled temporarily.]

If you intend on visiting again, they can form the barrier with that in mind.

[The 'well known' comment, however, got a smile from him.]

You could say that. I think it is more accurate to say that the title 'Witch of Dimensions' is well known. I am still rather new at this job.

[The bird chirped, and then flew off from Watanuki's finger, heading into the open wall of the shop.]

You may call me 'Watanuki' instead of 'The Witch of Dimensions', though. The title gets clunky in conversation.

[neverwashere]

Should I meet them, I will do so. And I won't say no to visiting.

[Even if he didn't know whether he'd push through, it was nice to keep options open.

He'd also be rather annoyed once he figured out just how off his guesses were. The way the shopkeeper talked about who did what seemed to indicate that instead of putting up the barrier himself, he relied on two other Ability users.

Unless this had to do with being a Witch. Not something Dazai was quite ready to buy into yet.]

Watanuki, then. What does 'rather new' entail - a year?

[Because the man certainly seemed comfortable.

Also, he wasn't about to bring up the circumstances of Watanuki's inheritance. Really, there were a select few ways of doing so regardless of trade, and if this guy seemed more attached to certain older customs as his way of smoking seemed to indicate... well.]

[foundfate]

I started working for the previous Witch at 15, and inherited her shop at 17.

[That didn't technically answer Dazai's question, but Watanuki looked to be about 17 or 18, so maybe it did?]

The previous Witch had this shop for a very, very long time though. Many of my customers are previous customers of hers. They still call me 'newbie' sometimes.

[With the bird gone, Watanuki set the pipe aside in favor of pouring some tea. He poured two cups and left one on Dazai's side of the tray, while he picked up his own to drink from. After a small sip, he spoke again.]

If I may ask, what drew your attention to this shop in the first place?

[neverwashere]

[He blinked, then studied Watanuki's features. Covering up the act was useless this time, given the topic of conversation.

A modern day apprenticeship, was it? Then again, both Tanizaki and Atsushi had joined the Agency at 18, and the mafia had no qualms with getting younger recruits if they had enough talent. He would've asked if Watanuki had been a part-time student once, but he dismissed the idea - the shopkeep's gestures had a certain elegance that gangly teens as he knew them didn't have.]

Dealing with older patrons must be pretty tough. Some of them can be rather exacting, no?

[Of course, he was thinking of human customers, and the stories barkeeps and food stall owners have told him in casual conversation over the years.]

This is the kind of building I would've noticed being constructed. [Dazai drew a horizontal ring in the air with his index finger, indicating the neighborhood.] You can say I know this neighborhood well enough.

The security guard in the building to your right also couldn't focus on the topic when I asked him. I suppose that's your doing?

[foundfate]

'Exciting' is a nice way to put it.

['Deadly' was another, though Watanuki did not say that. Instead, he listened to Dazai's explanation, nodding along with Dazai's assumption.]

The barrier works by casting an illusion on this place. If someone has a wish they want granted, they see the shop. If they do not, they see merely an empty lot. If they don't see the shop, then they won't know what someone is talking about if they do see it.

I haven't had many lookers yet, admittedly. That white-haired teenager with the long belt has definitely been by a few times, though. I wouldn't be surprised if he finally made it in by the end of the week.

[neverwashere]

[What a multi-faceted Ability that was.]

Is intent your only qualifier? [Doubtful, but it was good to know the basic principle the barrier operated on. He tipped his head back.] If it is, I'm surprised your schedule isn't booked. I don't know if you scouted this city ahead of time, but you should be aware of how greedy some of its residents are.

[He wasn't even talking about Mori this time: Yokohama was a cesspool of crime precisely because it also served as an underground gateway in and out of the country.

At the mention of Atsushi, though -]

That teenager. Is he that memorable?

[Read: that tiger's been targeted too many times, so don't you dare.

Assuming it actually was Atsushi and not some other kid who was headed for places like Shinjuku or Harajuku on weekends.

Still. Atsushi likely having a wish wasn't a surprise given his history, but that wasn't the main issue here. Did Watanuki even bring him up because he knew about the Agency, or was this just sheer coincidence?]

[foundfate]

He's the first one to come by several times. A few people have definitely noticed the shop, but have only been by once. He managed to find time to walk by four times today alone.

[That, and his power was monstrous and decidedly not-human. He was definitely a vessel of some sort, Watanuki was sure of it. But that part he would keep quiet until he got confirmation.]

You are the first visitor, though. And intent is the main qualifier, but 'fate' does play a part in it too.

[neverwashere]

[Four times?

Dazai's smile turned a touch humorous.]

Are you sure it wasn't from that guy pacing around out of anxiety?

[It was also interesting that Atsushi was here of all places, when Dazai himself hadn't run into him. It was also a part of the neighborhood he didn't remember the tiger frequenting.

And as for 'fate' --- well.

Hitsuzen. Inevitable. Not the preordained destiny of unmei. His gaze sharpened as he leaned back a little, bracing his weight on an arm.]

If you put it that way, I suppose it does. It's not often an establishment like this gets set up, and recent events have made what you've told me of your Ability all the more... significant.

[An indirect admission of his own curiosity, and a question of how Watanuki's definition of hitsuzen exactly applied in this situation.

From a strategic point of view, there were just some things that were inevitable, but what mattered more were the factors that influenced that outcome.]

[foundfate]

It could have been anxiety, but I think it was more than that.

[He said that with a huff of amusement. However, that mirth didn't last long, as Dazai seemed to be talented at bringing up unfortunate truths about the future.]

You're thinking of a certain object, aren't you?

['The book', though he didn't say as much out loud. Given how sought after that item was, it seemed cursed to mention it out loud.]

Just because I grant wishes doesn't mean I grant every wish. I do practice some discretion.

[He doubted that would reassure Dazai much, as they were strangers. Also, he didn't outright deny having the book, nor being willing to obtain it. His statement only meant that he was unlikely to grant wishes related to it.]

Many find my prices to be quite steep anyway.

[neverwashere]

[Unfortunate truths came with the territory, sadly enough. It was just one of those things Dazai had to prepare for where groups like the Rats and the Decay of Angels were involved.]

So I am! And I'm sure you do.

Should I presume you or your predecessor created that troublesome object?

[It was something he needed to confirm first, before he could even ask about how steep those prices were. What did it matter, if scribbling a few lines of story on a piece of paper seemed to circumvent any kind of barter Watanuki could deter from?]

[foundfate]

Neither I nor my mentor are ones who create objects like that. Wish-granting is our purview, which means we acquire items for people sometimes. But we do not make them on our own, not usually.

[So no, the book didn't come from either of them. Watanuki would confirm that much at least.]

The item you are thinking of is distasteful anyway. It violates taboo, and I will have no part in something that violates taboo.

[neverwashere]

[...ahh. Good. That was good.

Watanuki might notice the slight easing of tension in Dazai's shoulders after his guest stretched his arms above his head.]

Well, at least one person here has sense.

In your professional opinion, is destruction or retrieval out of the question? Or is that why you set up shop here at this particular time?

[foundfate]

If sense is in short order in this city, then my broom may need to swat a few big-headed idiots to make their egos smaller.

[He sounded a touch grumpy there, but in a 'I always have to do that, people are the same everywhere' kind of way.]

Destruction is not possible. The cost of such a task cannot be paid by one person. Containment, however, is a possibility. It is likely a better outcome than simply hoping for the best. I can think of painfully few people who would not be tempted to use it.

If I had to guess, everyone's collective desires related to that object may be why the shop settled here. But I cannot know for certain until people arrive and ask for wishes.

[neverwashere]

Maa. You may want to have a few spares lined up in the event of wear and tear.

[There were plenty of heads to smack. Assuming it did actually happen, Fitzgerald might be a little more forgiving. Dostoevsky was still the one Watanuki had to watch out for.

As far as Dazai saw for now, it was really a chicken and egg situation: the Book was rumored to be in Yokohama; therefore, those who wanted it flocked to the place, and this Shop (or, perhaps, even the Book itself) manifested here because of that desire.

Well, he wouldn't mention it for now. Best for the practitioner in the field draw his own conclusions for that.]

Out of curiosity: what is the price of containment were a group to wish for it?

[Spreading the cost was his thought process here, after he heard Watanuki mention the cost for destroying the thing.

He had a feeling money wasn't the main issue here, though he didn't know up to what extent this trade was different.]

[foundfate]

It depends on the people involved. Prices are decided by person, not by wish. If you and a co-worker made exactly the same wish, you two would end up paying different prices.

[That was said with a sense of nonchalance. Watanuki wasn't one to hide the details of his job, and this was just one of them: cost was personal. Asking for $1,000 from a homeless man and asking for $1,000 from a millionaire was not asking the same cost of both of them.]

Why do you ask? Are you thinking of getting a group in on containing that object?

[neverwashere]

Equity, in other words, not equality.

[How intriguing! He could already imagine a certain mafia boss trying to wiggle his way out of such a deal, if Watanuki was unfortunate enough to meet the man.]

More like considering my options. That item has caused a significant amount of disruption for me and my coworkers in the past year alone, and I think we could all do with a little more peace and quiet.

So let's say sealing it away works out. Will your, ah, hitsuzen get in the way of it if there is someone who must inevitably find or use its pages?

[Just checking how airtight this whole thing was.]

[foundfate]

Exactly.

[Time to sip that tea again as he listened to Dazai's talking. Truthfully, Dazai's assumption wasn't wrong. If someone was fated to get the book, they would get it. Watanuki's magic could attempt to change the future, but some things were unavoidable. But instead of admitting that, he said something else entirely.]

The hitsuzen could be your arriving here and negotiating that deal in the first place, though I would be hesitant to do any negotiating with you in regards to that object in the first place. Even if your intent was to bring it directly to me for containing, you would not be able to resist the temptation of using it. You're better off searching for someone trustworthy to pass that task to.

[neverwashere]

[The lack of an answer didn't escape his notice.

This was an interesting switch of topics, though. What exactly had Watanuki picked up on? Dazai didn't think he had any tells that'd lead to that conclusion.]

Eh? I do know someone who can qualify. However, what do you think I'd wish for? Even if there was something I wanted, it's probably unobtainable.

[Four years ago, perhaps, the temptation would be strong. At the present, he was just resigned to some things never happening in his lifetime.

OG Dazai isn't aware of any alternate realities. As far as we can tell, anyway.]

[foundfate]

The way you carry yourself speaks of someone who holds regrets deep inside their heart. Giving that person access to an item that can change the past isn't a wise decision.

[Watanuki didn't know Dazai specifically, but he can see the echoes of hundreds of previous customers in Dazai's features. He doesn't need to know Dazai's specific brand of regret to know that he has things he would change, if given the chance.]

Since you seem interested in my wish-granting, I will tell you this much: I will not kill someone, and I will not return someone to life. The former is a weight I do not want to carry, and the latter is a Taboo that even I will not violate. Most other wishes I will at least consider and name a price for.

[1/2]

[neverwashere]

[...hmm.

Wasn't this too short a time to be called out like that?

Then again, he couldn't fault someone for being too perceptive, even if it placed Dazai himself at a personal disadvantage.]

[2/2]

[neverwashere]

[Neither was he obliged to confirm or deny anything, and Watanuki's own guidelines just proved that a certain old half-boiled want of his was still moot. So, moving on!]

I see you aren't adding to the recent surplus of hitmen. With abilities like yours, most of them would have had to face the dreaded prospect of finding a less lucrative job for longer hours.

In this place, the name of the game is organizational control. I'm sure you can see where acquisitions and loss might lead to in this context, even if murder and resurrection are out of the question.

[It wasn't something he needed to say outright, but he might as well clear that up. Tit for tat, if Watanuki had just revealed to him some of the conditions for his practice.]

[foundfate]

[Well I mean. He did ask.]

I can certainly imagine. Yokohama is hardly unique in that respect.

[Crime was everywhere, and Watanuki had been through his fair share of brushes with the seedy underbelly of humanity in the past. Most of those types only made the mistake of crossing him once.]

So what 'control' are you after, then?

[neverwashere]

[So he did, and Watanuki could've dodged more questions. Knowing how abilities worked was currency for someone often involved in conflicts that included them.]

Not unique, yes, but its frequency is pronounced here.

As for what I'm after: a favorable situation for me and mine. Hardly anything unusual or fancy.

[Mind, he could've gone for an indirect answer, but he considered it a less productive route at the present.]