Welcome to Tokyo, Japan. January, 1991. The world has entered the technology era, portable phones, home computers, internet, video games. Japan quickly became the epicenter of the latest and greatest. Companies and factories flourished. Where money was, people followed. And while many rose to live a comfortable, happy, and delightful life from this new found money... Others did not. You see, money has this effect on people that can't be outdone. People will do anything for it. And when it starts slipping into the wrong hands, it's impossible to stop. Benethe the day time laborers and the double-shift workers, a seedy underbelly of syndicates exists. Narctics, black market, organized crime, money laundering, you name it and it's been growing as fast as the upper world economy. While many do it just to stay alive, there's those who make it their posh lifestyle. Either way, there's only one question. What would you do if the money was good enough?
JAN 29 2021: Welcome!! ƎLEMENT has been open for two weeks now and we're so happy to see such a bright beginning! If you're new feel free to drop into the discord and say hi before joining.
This was a new low. Hikaru had worked with information brokers previously, had made dealings with a plethora of horrid, simple-minded, big-headed bastards with too much info and ego to be of any use to the right side of the law. [break][break] But Seiko was different. [break][break] Hikaru had known Seiko since she was a kid... sort of. He'd certainly known her father that long, his relationship with Seiko perhaps a bit more cursory for the majority of his years before leaving the force. Now, though, she was interning at her father's firm, going to law school... [break][break] And Hikaru was going to convince her to get him as much dirt as she could. [break][break "God, I sound like a fucking sleazebag," Hikaru groaned, slumping against the little two-seater he'd found in the back corner of Mimi's Cafe. [break][break] He'd orchestrated their little meeting, really, on a whim; snagging her class schedule and "just happening" to bump into her between her course-to-course commute. A quick hello, an invite to coffee to catch up, exchanged numbers, and Hikaru was in. A three-minute conversation and here he was, feeling like a piece of shit, meeting an innocent young girl for coffee, planning on manipulating her into committing crimes for him. [break][break] "Definitely a sleazebag..." he grumbled, tapping a little discordant rhythm against the table, golden gaze flitting over to the door until that familiar head of silvery hair came strolling in with the ringing of that bell. [break][break] "Seiko!" he called, standing, shooting her a wave and that patented smile, forgoing honorifics in some attempt at quickly building familiarity... and because he'd always been bad about using them; being raised by a German mother and holding a deep-seated rebellion towards his traditional Japanese grandmother had made him not the best at their usage.
[attr="class","yeehaw"]takahashi hikaru / 360 w. / a bit short but here u go!
[attr="class","wordz"]
Seiko had thought it perhaps a little odd when she ran into Hikaru not too long ago. There was something that felt convenient about it – similar to when Francis first approached her some years ago – that she couldn’t quite place her finger on. She hadn’t seen him for a long time, why was she suddenly seeing him now? Seiko hadn’t seen him on campus before. She has no reason to decline him however, so she doesn’t question it aloud. Instead, she gives him her number, and organizes coffee with him. She wonders what he wants, and decides to wait and hear him out. People don’t talk to her unless they want something. [break][break]
So, when Seiko has a day free from class and work, she readies herself for the conversation ahead. It doesn’t take her long to discover that Hikaru retired his career as a cop some time ago - not too long after she stopped seeing him around her father’s work, cooperating on various cases it seemed. She pulls her hair back, and throws on just enough makeup to classify as presentable. Seiko looks a lot more grown up now, no longer a little girl. Instead of dresses and flats she wore blouses and dress pants with heels that would break the average person’s pocket. [break] Seiko strolls into the café, fortunately not too far from her student complex. She looks up at the sound of her name, but cringes slightly at the lack of formality. With a deep breath she walks over with a polite smile, accompanied by a small wave. [break]
“Takahashi-san, good to see you,” she greets a little more carefully than he had, but slides into the seat across the table from him nonetheless. “Thanks for inviting me out.” Seiko settles into her seat, adjusting herself and placing her bag onto the seat space next to her. She picks up the menu, scouting the options briefly before bringing her attention back to him. “What have you been up to recently?” Seiko softens her tone and facials a little, in some attempt to be more casual – match his energy – as difficult as that may be for her to do.
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This was... not the Seiko he remembered. Sure, it had been a few years since Hikaru had actually seen her, and with his nerves in the moment on campus he hadn't really taken the time to really process her visuals, but Seiko actually looked like an adult now. A professional adult. A professional adult that could kick his ass in a courtroom any day. That's because she IS an adult, you buffoon, his mind chided as she strolled over, Hikaru grateful in that moment that he'd mildly dressed up. Slacks and a nice button-down, though perhaps not as formal as that impressive little ensemble Seiko bore, were a pleasant residual of both his time on the force and his days living in the Takahashi household. Look good... especially if you're trying to get something from someone. [break][break] "Takahashi-san, good to see you." [break][break] The formality was a little jarring, though Hikaru wasn't one to be put off so easily. His grin brightened at the thanks, widening just a bit more in some pleased expression as the young woman slipped into the seat across from him. He sat down as well, order already decided, and watched her carefully as those pretty violets scanned the menu. [break][break] "Oh, not much, really," he replied as casually as he could, allowing himself, in these early moments at least, to quell that guilt-ridden voice in his head with some authentic catching up. As much as Hikaru tried to avoid most things having to do with his life on the force, the people he'd known were definitely the most difficult to move away from, to forget about. He righted his glasses just a tad as he continued observing her movements. "Odd jobs here and there, enjoying my time as a free man." A light, airy laugh escaped him. "It's not quite as exciting without the badge and gun, but life's been good. What about you?" and he gestured towards her, towards the makeup and outfit, the way she sat so prim and proper. Gods, she was so different than he remembered... "You're... what? Twenty-two, now? Twenty-three? Gods, it feels like just yesterday you were flitting around your dad's office, all big-eyed and bushy-tailed. What's the great Murakami Seiko been up to these past few years?"
[attr="class","yeehaw"]takahashi hikaru / 292 w. / short again sorry e_e
[attr="class","wordz"]
Seiko hums thoughtfully, listening to Hikaru. Interesting, she thinks, as she traces her fingers down the menu. A manicured nail taps at her choice and she makes a mental note before setting the menu aside. She smiles softly at his playful words. It may have been a half joke, but there was something about being referred to as great that made her a little happy. It wasn’t condescending, and that was refreshing. [break][break]
“Twenty-three as of last year,” she clarifies with a chuckle. “For me, those days of curiosity feel so long ago now. I’ve been caught up with a pretty full schedule in the last year or so,” she jokes with a dreary tone. She mentally thinks over all the things she must do in the near future, and sighs. Life was a lot more hectic these days. Trying to make a name for yourself, to gain recognition as a woman was hard work. [break]
“For the most part, most of my energy has been focused on my studies. Law, obviously. Can’t deny that’s what us Murakami’s do best. Aside from that, I’ve been interning at a firm and been in a relationship for the last few years. Those two things make up the rest of my time,” Seiko explains calmy. She acts cool about it, like it wasn’t a big deal. This was simply all she did. They weren’t quite accomplishments, not yet. There are much bigger things waiting for her yet. Seiko wouldn’t remain mediocre like this forever. [break][break] “I assume you’ve already got your order figured out?” Seiko smiles gently, careful of each movement. She still isn’t quite sure what it is Hikaru wants from her. She wonders if he’ll bring it up, and if he would be straight with her.
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Well at least she was smiling; that was a good thing, right? And laughter too. If nothing else, the gestures made Hikaru at least a bit calmer, knowing he could still elicit the reactions from the young woman. It did, however, also further increase his anxiety, knowing what he was shortly going to ask of her. [break][break] Before that moment, though, he allowed himself the time to revel in her company, to justify that incoming request by listening intently and with authentic interest to her explanation. He laughed along with her, admiring the way she managed to maintain that regal, controlled air even when joking around. He almost wished he'd actually just called her out for a quick catch-up. Not like this has to be the only time you see her, he silently noted, though in his fretting he had the sneaking suspicion that she wouldn't want much to do with him after a deal was struck, especially considering he viewed this little request as more an act of manipulation than anything reciprocal. He hid as much of that lingering anxiety as he could, though, behind an endeared smile, hanging on each of Seiko's words, nodding and chuckling along. [break][break] "Sounds like you're kept pretty busy," he replied, authentic admiration coating his tone and expression. "You're kind of amazing, aren't ya, Seiko?" He chuckled, flashing her a playful, affection grin. "Though I guess I shouldn't be surprised; you Murakamis have a tendency for success." Finally, glancing at his discarded menu on the table, he confirmed, "Yep! Ready when you are!" [break][break] As a follow-up, assuming she knew what she wanted, he flagged down the waitress and with a pleasant, friendly smile, ordered his cappuccino and panini. He looked at Seiko expectantly afterwards, fully intending to pay for her order, the idea of using that moment as a segway into his request coming to mind. He needed just a bit more, though... [break][break] "So how has interning been? Enjoying it?" he questioned after their order was placed, trying to act sly, perhaps not doing the best job of it.
[attr="class","yeehaw"]takahashi hikaru / 389 w. / seiko is impatient lmao
[attr="class","wordz"]
She feels a moment of warmth in her chest that bubbles up as a modest chuckle. With a wave of her hand, she dismisses the compliments, not really sure how else to respond. It was almost overwhelming to hear praise. She shouldn’t have been so deprived and desperate for validation, but she can’t help but smile genuinely in return. [break][break]
“You flatter me Takahashi,” she throws out in return. Sweeping lilac strands behind her ear she nods. “But thank you, I appreciate the recognition. Nobody is satisfied with anything these days,” she sighs heavy, but mostly exaggerated. She gestures for Hikaru to wave over the waiter, and waits patiently for her turn. Seiko picks out a savory croissant and a double shot mocha; she could really use the caffeine. She flashes Hikaru a smile once she is done, and she watches his body language. Seiko had a feeling his mind was caught on something. Perhaps it was to do with whatever he wanted from her. She cautious in that moment, thinking about their conversation so far. She absentmindedly taps her nails rhythmically on the table. [break][break]
“It’s been good. I can’t wait to finish university so I can work as an associate rather than an intern, because while I may get to see some pretty cool things, I don’t particularly get a lot of interesting work to do myself. I have so much more to offer, but I suppose I’ll just have to wait,” Seiko pulls herself back from her thoughts when he talks again. She hums pleasantly, accompanied by a little nod. The young woman interlocks her hands, resting her elbows against the table, and looks at Hikaru with thought. [break][break]
“Any particular reason why you’re suddenly so interested with my work at the firm?” Seiko queries him with a sprinkle of faux ignorance to lighten to question. “Not that I mind it, but there’s a reason why we’re meeting years after the last time we saw each other. Right?” She acts calm, not even upset by any means. Seiko wasn’t one to fluff around, she wanted to get straight to the point. She aimed for efficient, not friendly. For Hikaru, she was willing some casual conversation, but it was a little hard to enjoy while the looming question of what he was going to ask for hung over her head.
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"Any particular reason why you're suddenly so interested with my work at the firm?" [break][break] Hikaru was supposed to be good at this, wasn't he? He was supposed to be able to keep his cool and maintain that suave, friendly countenance through any sort of scenario. He'd managed it--usually--well enough when he was on the force; why the hell was it so difficult now? Because she's not some scumbag lowlife, he silently mused, that gut-wrenching guilt hitting him once more. [break][break] "Not that I mind it, but there's a reason why we're meeting years after the last time we saw each other. Right?" [break][break] The blonde paled, clearly caught in some act he thought thoroughly heinous. He ran a hand through his golden locks, sheepishly glancing away from Seiko's younger form. [break][break] "Heh, you're going to be one hell of a lawyer," he murmured, distracting himself momentarily by watching the waitress behind the counter give their order to her coworker. [break][break] After a moment, though, he knew he had to come clean, the visage of embarrassed submission as he turned back to her. He raised his hands in some mock surrender, a playful grin surfacing amidst that sheepish expression. At least she didn't seem mad. Maybe he'd underestimated her maturity levels; wouldn't be all that surprising considering how he remembered her from years past. [break][break] "Ya caught me," he relented, hands returning to the table after a moment as a gentle sigh left him. "Like I said, I left the force a while back. Been doing odd jobs around town since, but more so uh..." He paused, lips pursing in contemplation of how to proceed. "Did you ever watch Batman? I'm kind of like that. I didn't like how the law was being handled and so I started uh... taking it into my own hands. I guess you could call is vigilantism... I suppose..." Another pause, still a bit uncomfortable with the term. "So anyway, my big focuses are on getting at the bad guys that are wrongfully let off and getting at the bad guys that let those bad guys get away with it." He grimaced, realizing he was perhaps saying too much, letting his nerves cause a bit of rambling. "Look, I remember you being... a really decent sort. I thought that maybe you'd be willing to help me get a bit of... information from the firm your working for. Names, addresses, records; that kind of thing." He rushed on, waving his hands in front of him in some feverish effort to quell any innocent concerns she might have. "This will by no means be able to come back to you! I absolutely guarantee that I won't let anything bad happen to you! And I'm willing to return a favor for a favor, obviously. Maybe you've got someone that needs roughing up? Or maybe uh..." He contemplated offering some wine-and-dining type of thing, but remembered her mentioning a boyfriend; probably not the best course of action. "Anything that you could maybe need me for, I'd be happy to help out!" [break][break] Finally, he breathed, a hopeful smile on his face as he waited for her response, ready to get the hell out of dodge if she came back, as he expected, with some offended or terrified rebuttal.
Seiko couldn’t help the smirk that tugged at her lips, shimmering eyes scanning the flustered reaction of a criminal caught in the act. She chuckles, pulling back, and folding her arms coolly across her chest. [break]
"Heh, you're going to be one hell of a lawyer." [break] “Damn right I will,” Seiko almost teases, as though that should have been obvious. It should have been, really. Seiko wasn’t just anyone. She was born into the affluent family of lawyers. The Murakami name had remained on the firm's door for generations. Seiko was a Murakami, just as much as her father or her brother. She wasn’t any less than either of them. Perhaps she was young, and still had things to learn, but she was beyond the abilities which they had at her age. Seiko knows this, even if no one else does. Hikaru was going to be one more person that knew. One by one, people would respect Seiko the same way they did the men in her family. One day... [break][break]
Seiko occasionally darts her eyes to check in on their order, as the conversation progresses. By progressing, she thinks, more like Hikaru nervously rambling for the next few moments. She listens to his monologue about vigilantism, about favors and about being decent. Seiko would consider herself relatively decent too. She can’t help but chuckle as he stumbles through his words. She swings her foot under the table, perhaps enjoying her position a little too much. Feeling in control, that was what she was supposed to feel all the time. Seiko wanted this, all the time.
[break][break] “Listen, Hikaru. I’ll let you in on a little secret,” she leans in, speaking in a whispered, playful tone. “I may be a lawyer, but that doesn’t mean I like the way the law works either. What do you think I’m doing here?” Seiko pulls back, watching as the waitstaff arrive at their table. She receives her order politely, perhaps sweetly, because that contrast between moments was so invigorating to her. Seiko watches carefully as the waitress leaves, before returning her attention to Hikaru. [break] “Generally, I wouldn’t give out information on a ‘favor’. I usually prefer more direct payment, but I’m sure we can work something out.” Seiko holds back a grin. She loved doing this. Arrangements like this feel so much more than she would normally. How exhilarating.
