The wind blowing moves the black curtain; sunlight penetrates without a word

[fapstofire]

characters; kamui (yatotribe), abuto (popquiz), and takasugi (fapstofire)
summary; yakuza/triads au.

[ Yatokai. The most powerful of the Hong Kong triads up until the complete disappearance of its leader Umibozu and his family. Well, it was rumoured that he was dead, even though there was no body found and people in their business should know better than to think a man is dead without looking at his corpse or feeling the blood pour out of their veins. Foolish, so foolish. Almost as foolish as the elders setting up an utter incompetent as the leader of the group just so they can hold the true power.

Now the halls have been painted red from the river of blood spilled. Umibozu's son, they said. A boy who was supposedly dead, but who came back to claim his inheritance by blood and force. It's the most interesting news Takasugi has heard from Hong Kong in years. Interesting enough to make him actually want to meet this new supposed 'Night King', this boy who left the quiet life his father tried to give him and instead drenched himself entirely in blood. So Takasugi begins to drop a few hints here and there to his kumichou, knowing that the words will stick to the older man's mind and solidify.

That's why he's here at, smoking at the balcony of the Yatokai's rather impressively expansive mansion (made all the more impressive by how cramped everywhere in Hong Kong seems to be), looking outwards at the guests. He's idly aware that him being invited here to serve as the bodyguard and companion of the main group's leader when he's only the wakagashira of a subgroup is going to raise the ire of the other subgroup leaders; those supposed seniors of his. Old men with rusty fangs. Takasugi hopes that they would attack him the moment he returns; he has been itching to spill their blood ever since he heard about how Kamui earned his new position.

Ah, there Kamui is. And that man beside him, tall for a Chinese man with light hair... Takasugi draws his cigarette to his lips, taking another drag. That's another old man too, but whether his fangs are blunted... well, Takasugi will have to find out, doesn't he?

He tosses his cigarette butt over the railing before walking through the balcony doors. Kamui and Abuto are walking away from each other now. Takasugi considers for a moment before he makes his choice. ]

That's a nice ceremony you had there.

[ ooc; whatever scenario you want goes here! You don't have to follow the start - I'm just setting up the AU 8D. Anyway, Takasugi can be approaching Kamui or Abuto at this point - depends on what you want! ]

Comments

Kamui + Takasugi

[yatotribe]

[ Even if the ceremony was held to honor him, Kamui was the one enjoying it the least. A complete bore was what it was; he didn't feel like he had a place in that elaborate ballroom, with the solid gold dragons guarding each door and the precious Qing Dynasty vases set proudly on display. It was his house, but he never feels at home among such lasciviousness. He has even lesser a place among the people around him, those cowardly men with their big, bellowing laughs and empty compliments. Honestly, he thought more would come after him for taking down their Night King. He was hoping for it, even; anticipating with eagerness the blood he could spill. Instead, everyone fell in line the moment they saw Kamui drenched in their boss's blood, congratulating him like they were long-time friends. Suffice to say, that was disappointing. He was hoping he could end that night with a little more bang. It wasn't even fun silencing Abo's desperate cries; like slaughtering a frightened pig. And barely a week after, they insisted on this inauguration ceremony --

What a bore, what a bore ... If he has to entertain another guest, bump shoulders with one more coward, he might just kill them.

That's when someone calls out to him, and Kamui finds himself face to face with one of those yakuza from Japan. He'll admit he knows close to nothing about them - the same way he knows noting about most of his guest list - but right now, he doesn't care to know. Does this man want to shake his hand too? That's annoying. ]

You think so? There's a lot of food, so help yourself. [ Though he offers a pleasant smile, there's nothing inviting about it. Kamui already expects this man to be exactly like the dozen who have tried to lick his boots today, and he's closing himself off. He wants to walk away, too ... And he might, if this person proves to be just like all the others. ]

Re: Kamui + Takasugi

[fapstofire]

[ Ah. So he's one of those types. Takasugi wonders, idly, if Kamui has taken this position because of the power it involves, or it just pleases him to kill people. Most likely the latter; the boredom that Kamui doesn't even bother to hide makes that clear enough. Takasugi finds himself chuckling, a soft sound deep in his throat, high-pitched enough to be unsettling. ]

I'm not particularly interested in food.

[ Idly. Takasugi draws out another cigarette, lighting it up before he takes a long drag. He keeps his single eye fixed upon Kamui (the other one hidden beneath swathes of bandages - an old wound, and an even older one), gaze unwavering for a long moment before he lets his lips curve up into a wolf's smile. ]

I came here to meet the man who sharpened his fangs upon some of the supposedly most powerful people of this shadowy world. [ He leans a shoulder against a convenient pillar, blowing out smoke towards the ceiling. ] Instead, I find a bored kid.

It's rather disappointing.

[ Perhaps he's being too bold, or showing his hand too soon. But Takasugi has a strong inkling that this man doesn't take well to subtlety; it'll fly over his antenna'd head. ]

[yatotribe]

[ The comment takes him by surprise. There's no one who has taken this tone with him so far -- not even the heads of the other secret societies. Hey, just who is this guy ...? The empty smile on Kamui's face melts away, and he peers curiously.

Whoever he is, he hit the nail on the head. He looks like he's got guts, and Kamui can appreciate that. ]

I guess I am just a bored kid. With the people in this room, can you blame me, though?

[fapstofire]

[ The interest so plain on Kamui's face tells Takasugi that he has indeed made the right choice by being so blunt and plainly rude. His shoulders lift in silent laughter - he has always been a good gambler when it comes to people - and he lifts his cigarette to his mouth again. ]

If you're bored, then surely you're simply boring yourself. [ He waves a hand towards the ballroom. ]

Isn't this your event? Spice it up a little.

[yatotribe]

[ Kamui makes no effort to hide it -- just how intrigued he is with where this conversation is heading. There are no things being explicitly said, but the implications are practically tangible. ]

Spice it up? Hey, you're not suggesting what I think you are, are you? [ That he coats the red curtains and lanterns with a brighter shade of red? No, he won't actually do it because he doesn't quite think there's anyone else in the room capable of giving him a good fight, but the fact that Takasugi suggested it at all, and right out in the open like this ...

It would be treason, if Kamui were a man who gave a crap about that. He's not, and this person just fascinates him now. ]

[fapstofire]

[ It would be treason, wouldn't it? But, luckily, rules only matter in this world of theirs if they are not strong enough to remake them; Abo had followed the rules rather well, after all, and look where it has gotten him.

Takasugi's shoulders shake again. Half-hiding his smirk behind his hand as he takes a drag from his cigarette, he blows the smoke out in Kamui's direction. Not exactly at his face, no, but enough to hint towards Takasugi's own lack of care about those supposed rules. ]

What do you think I'm suggesting? [ His head cocks to the side, smirk widening. ]

China Brawler-san.

[yatotribe]

[ Oh, a nickname. It's kind of apt. This, coupled with the complete lack of acknowledgement given to ranking and formalities, only intrigues Kamui more. ]

I'm thinking you're suggesting I choke everyone in the room in their own blood. [ He says, bluntly. Perhaps he wants to see how this man will react to that kind of remark. Perhaps there's a part of him that actually feels like doing it. ]

It's just a guess, though.

[fapstofire]

[ Takasugi bursts out laughing. It's a high-pitched giggling, a sharp noise that cuts through the chatter of the ballroom and plunging everyone into complete silence while it goes on. Those eyes are averted, however - they see just who Takasugi is talking to. What a strong reputation Kamui already has.

Looking at Kamui, the laughter ends as abruptly as it begins. Takasugi exhales through his teeth, taking a drag from his cigarette before he blows the smoke towards the ceiling. ]

It's a good guess. But still amateurish.

[ His lips curve up, lopsided and all teeth and thin lips. ]

There are ways to amuse yourself without needing to spill blood.

[yatotribe]

[ In response to that laugh, Kamui only stares, the edges of his lips curving into a smile. It's a good reaction. Most people would get apprehensive or even frightened, and that's usually an indication that they're boring.

But then Takasugi puts something else on the table, and he can't help but be curious. ]

Really? How would I do that?

[fapstofire]

[ Takasugi gives an expansive shrug. He spreads out his hands. ]

This is your territory; shouldn't you know it best?

[ There is a way to tease each man. And it's easy enough to figure Kamui out. Besides, it would be too boring if Kamui follows Takasugi's suggestions wholly; he has come all the way here just to see what he would do, after all. ]

Kamui + Abuto, shortly after umibouzu tasks abuto with taking care of kamui

[yatotribe]

[ If Abuto were looking for the new Night King - this boy who had apparently bathed himself in the last dragon head's blood and usurped his position - he'll find him in the Yatokai headquarters, seated at the center of it all like he's on some kind of throne. He cocks his head a little to the side when he sees Abuto, staring at him with curiosity. ]

Now, there's a familiar face. Aren't you -- Abuto? [ It's a face from his childhood. From when his father sat on this same seat. The great Umibouzu's right-hand man, who had retired when he did. It's kind of delightful, actually - a throwback from the past. Umibouzu rarely let his children see the darker side of his lifestyle, but Kamui was smart enough then to know about the things he was doing and the people he had around him. (Plus, he's met Abuto, anyway.)

He's also smart enough now to know that Abuto's presence here isn't mere coincidence. ]

How did you get so old? [ rude ... ]

Re: Kamui + Abuto, shortly after umibouzu tasks abuto with taking care of kamui

[popquiz]

[It's unsettling, honestly, to see a child he watched grow (who is still growing, in fact), sit upon the most powerful seat the underground world has ever known. He had always thought Kamui had potential, he is the son of Umibouzu after all, but his attack on Aho came completely unexpected. Perhaps nearly as unexpected as Umibouzu's response.

"Let him lead, Abuto. Let us see how high he is able to soar."

It was decided almost immediately that Abuto would serve as his second in command, not as any kind of formality, but as a final favour to an old friend. Of course he couldn't say no.

And now here he is. Here they are. The little boy who would quietly peer up at him in nothing but morbid curiousity now watches him from above. But overall, he is proud, in a sense, to be able to serve the family who've given him so much over so many years.

Though... something does need to be done about that sharp tongue of his however, but well, in time.]

Time bows to no man.

[Said a little rigidly. You can't just tell someone he's old, GOD.]

I'm guessing your father hasn't told you of my duties?

[yatotribe]

[ This really is the same man from his memory. Abuto doesn't look like he's changed much at all, with the exception of aging a few years. Kamui remembers how big a shadow he used to cast; he had to crank his neck back all the way just to get a good look at his face. Abuto doesn't look quite so big now ... ]

Nope. But I have a good guess. [ Why else would a man send his second-in-command, his most trusted subordinate and friend, to see his only son? To keep an eye on him, of course. Kamui isn't too pleased with the thought. It's not because of some adolescent defiance, but he finds Umibouzu weak. His father has gone soft over the years, throwing away the life he was supposed to lead in favour of some boring, mundane home life. He doesn't want the lackey of a guy like that trying to keep tabs on him. ]

So, do you think you can keep me in line, Abuto?

[popquiz]

[Meanwhile, Kamui has changed completely. The smiles and formalities remain, but there is no sincerity in his words. Abuto remembers his hand used to be big enough to fit right over his head, he remembers those bright blue eyes; just like his sister. Just like his mother. Where did that small child go?]

Tch, that old man's as carefree as he's ever been.

[CAN'T YOU MAKE HIS JOB EASIER, MAN. WOW.]

It isn't a question of whether I can or can't. I will.

[He has to. One way or another.]

oops ...changes tag

[yatotribe]

Wow, that's some resolve. [ That sure sounds like a challenge to him. Whether or not it is, he'll take it that way. In Kamui's world, there are only the 'strong' and 'weak', and he doesn't want to ally himself with anyone of the latter. It's been a long time since he's last seen Abuto ... He's kind of curious to know which category he's in right now. ]

What will you do, though? Scold me? I don't need a nanny.

[popquiz]

[He may be getting on in his years, but this world of theirs is about as firmly embedded into Abuto's mentality as Kamui's perception of strong and weak.]

If what you needed was a nanny, then I doubt you'd have taken Abo's head so easily.

I'm here to guide you on your path of carnage. We might look like regular thugs to the untrained eye, but we have our own honour. If you want to stay on that throne, you'd do good to listen.

Abuto and Takasugi

[popquiz]

[It was a pleasant evening overall, no troublemakers, no violence of any sort. But then again, you'd have to be plain suicidal to even think of crashing a gathering of triads. Especially not one in celebration of the return of the Yatokai.

Abuto had been informed, of course, that Umibouzu intended on stepping down from his position, that a short, chubby man named Aho was to take his place. If he was honest with himself, he didn't like the idea one bit; he'd seen the kind of man Aho was. Greedy and lacking in ambition. How is such a man supposed to lead, when he can barely see past his own desires?

Thankfully, in time, Umibouzu's own son answered that question for him, disposing of Aho in a shower of blood, and nobody, not even Abuto, not even the former Night King himself, saw fit to question it. Instead, in a surprising turn, Umibouzu gave his son his blessing. Hah. Like father, like son.

He offers Kamui a low bow when he's dismissed, waiting for his new boss to move off first before he returns to attending to the guests. There are several he intends to check up on, mostly the larger names from overseas, and Abuto has a good idea of where to begin. But before he even has a chance to worry about where that certain Japanese man could be lingering, he gets found first.]

We spared no expense. This is a joyous occasion after all. [Takasugi gets a bow too.] On the behalf of the Yatokai, I sincerely hope you are enjoying our hospitality.

[fapstofire]

[ What Abuto would think of as a pleasant evening is something that Takasugi considers to be boring. He hasn't joined the yakuza for simple things like socialising and mingling, after all - he could've simply gone into politics for that; his father had enough money to support that career, and would have been supportive of him because it would be something legitimate. No, Takasugi's idea of a pleasant evening usually consists of far more blood than what has been spilled tonight.

Still, he knows how to restrain himself, and now he only gives Abuto a small, upward quirk of the lips. Something that edges between a smile and a smirk. ]

A joyous occasion? That's rather rude, for all the blood that has been used to usher in this day.

[ He chuckles softly to himself before his feet shifts, and he gives Abuto an equally low bow. ]

It has been a pleasure to attend this gathering, Abuto-san. [ He lifts his gaze slightly, the green glinting under the bright lights of the ballroom. ] I look forward to seeing the Yatokai rise again.

[popquiz]

[Takasugi gets a rather loud snort in response before he can really stop himself. Surely he isn't serious...]

Not quite the words I expected to hear from one such as yourself. We both know the kind of man the former head was. If not Kamui, then someone else would have done it.

[A beat.]

We will soar higher than before. He is still young, and not entirely educated in our ways- [Even though it's clear he knows enough.] -but he is tenacious, and has already instilled fear in the other groups. [A wry smile.] I daresay there is little to halt our progress.

[fapstofire]

[ Takasugi raises his eyebrow, cocking his head to the side. ]

Those are strong promises to make. [ Slowly, he smiles - a shark's grin. ] I look forward to seeing them being fulfilled.

Still, it seems that you have heard of me already. [ He would expect no less from a man as well-known to be capable as Abuto - there's a reason why the Yatokai had survived under Abo's incredibly incompetent 'leadership', after all - but it's still worth noting. ]

Do you always pay so much attention to the small leaders of overseas groups?

[ His words might seem humble, but Takasugi knows better than that: aside from the sons of the leaders and Kamui himself, he's the youngest person in the entire ballroom. Disappointingly, blood and seniority has a stronghold even in the criminal underworld. ]

[popquiz]

[Small? Abuto almost laughs. As much as Kamui's uprising came out of the left field, he's sensing the same sort of ambition in you, Takasugi. Let's just see how things go in a few months, shall we?]

It's my job to pay attention to any possible connections in the future.

[As well as the disposal of the... lesser important ones.]

This might be too early to say, but I think the Boss would like you.

[fapstofire]

Such flattery. [ The words are murmured and half-hidden from his hand as he takes out his cigarette, blowing smoke towards the ceiling. ] You must be a gambling man, Abuto-san, to place such faith on a cripple.

[ The smirk he doesn't bother to hide belies his words. Slowly, Takasugi cocks his head to the side. ]

Will he? I haven't had a chance to speak to him yet, unfortunately. [ He watches as Kamui flit around the room. ] He seems a busy man.

[ This is a useful skill to have in this shadowy world of theirs: perfectly polite words with just a hit of the sardonic that only the most observant can pick out. ]