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.
Was she trying to fit with the atmosphere? Her eyes, her smile, even her tone were bordering spiritual. Chiharu gives the woman a strained smile, spinning her discomfort into faux embarrassment. If the woman thought she knew what was going on, there was no need to correct her. At least prying eyes and ears would have little to learn. Chiharu lets her face flush red. Nodding shyly and whispering a thanks, she scurries off towards the rooms, looking for number 406. When she was sure the woman's prying eyes were gone, Chiharu straightens up.
Door 406 is pale blue and adorned with the occupant's namesake flowers. Chiharu lightly runs her finger along the wreath. The flowers are still fresh, their gentle scent floating around her. Did everyone have such personalized rooms? She couldn't help but feel like she was intruding in someone's house. She raps her knuckles against the inviting wood. It seemed such an action was unnecessary, as a bell's chimes announced her arrival. She steps inside and shuts the door behind her.
If Chiharu thought the door was rather personal, walking inside might as well have been hearing a well-kept secret. The boy inside is beautiful, a strange sort of beauty that came stright out of a fairy tale. His eyes shimmer with some deep emotion, eyes like a tumultous sea where many have lost themselves. Without even realizing it, Chiharu found herself relaxing. Something about the room put her at ease, and if someone were to ask her later, she might say it was the gentle colors and inviting smell. It felt like home away from home. ( And in a way, wasn't that what it was? )
The spell ends with his broken Japanese. His painfully foreign accent breaks through his equally broken sentences. Chiharu finds herself wondering what the child was doing so afr from home. What drove him to this strange new land in such a hurry? The thought turns over itself in her head, but she remains silent. Even if she spoke, she wouldn't know how much he understood. Chiharu shakes her head and laughs at herself. How much could she expect?
"Thank you," Choosing simple words and shorter sentences, Chiharu follows his lead. "The pleasure is mine. Hydrangea is a lovely name. You like those flowers? I saw you had a wreath outside." Chiharu nods to the door. The small talk is both an attempt to put him at ease and a test of his language skills. After all, Chiharu's entire job revolves around communication.
"You can call me older sister if you'd like," She smiles lightly. "But Shun also works." A name for a name. It seemed neither saw a reason to give their real ones. Chiharu calmly pours them each a steaming cup of tea.
It wasn't often Sakai asked for a favor. That's why, when he asked Chiharu to check up on something, she immediately agreed. Not only was she sure his case was serious, but given all the man had done for her - from recruiting her into the family to practically adopting her as a sister - this was small in comparison. A simple tracking mission, how hard could it be?
Apparently very hard. Perhaps she should've seen this from the start. Perhaps if she had been more careful, it would have been different. Sakai dealt with weapons after all. Guns, knives, and other tricky items. Bringing the in was hard enough, and to sell them successfully? In a country where even legal weapons were heavily frowned upon and bullets counted to the last one, that had to be no easy feat. Chiharu should've known the competitor was someone special. She had to give it to them; they played her perfectly.
The first couple of drop-offs were hard to track, and even then Chiharu hadn't been sure they were the ones. But somewhere along the way, they must have figured out she was watching. So after confirming that they were, in fact, the ones Sakai's clients flocked too, she started looking harder. And suddenly, they had become that much easier to find. Chiharu originally attributed that to her renewed efforts, but looking back, they were surely baiting her out.
She curses herself. Be careful, Sakai had said, something seemed off. When she described the people she'd seen, the way they talked, he grew thoughtful and advised her not to make sudden actions. She'd brushed him off, saying how close she was to tracking them down. But look where she was now. Hell, she didn't even know where she was. Chiharu blows hair away from her face.
A dark room with pale yellow lighting. Whatever windows there were are narrow strips high off the ground. The heavy metal door mocks her from across the room. Keys sparkle from someone's pocket, daring her to reach for them. But of course she couldn't. Her hands are pinned behind her as the men in the room wait silently for something (or someone). Well, she had put up something of a fight. But even if she hadn't, Chiharu doubted they would've left her alone. With physical resistance clearly futile, she too waits.
If Yuto drageed her out one more time this month, Chiharu would, well, she didn't know what she would do, but it certainly wouldn't be pretty. Sure, their group had been a long time partner of Tsumaru, and of course she had to be lenient with payments, but what was setting up a meeting every week or so, only to buy her a drink and make excuses about why they couldn't pay up this week. Would it kill him to look for her only when he actually needed to? Her time was precious. Chiharu runs a hand through her hair. The man's hemming and hawwing continued until the night was dark, no doubt on purpose. When he offered to walk her home, Chiharu promptly left.
She walks determinedly away from the area, slipping between clearly intoxicated and far too excited people. A shout from an alley off to the side draws her attention. Chiharu hesitates. People fought around here all the time, especially with a couple extra drinks in them. Would this not just be looking for trouble? She steps closer regardless. Squinting against the darkness, she just barely catches someone being thrown against the wall.
Even Chiharu winces at the hit, though the stranger manages to stay on their feet. She glances to the people in front. Two men, one clearly intoxicated and looking for a fight. Doable, she thinks. She pulls a flashlight from her pockets and takes a breath.
"Nobody likes pushy old men." Her tone is light, but her movements fast. Without giving them time to react, she shines the light straight into their faces. A deft kick to the knees brings the apparent wingman down. She holds him down under her knee. Drawing a small object from her pocket, she presses it into his back. "No sudden movements, or I'll put a hole through him." Hopefully they were drunk enough to fall for her bluff. Guns were prohibitively hard to come across, and so the was simply poking him with a wooden baton, but they didn't need to know that. All they needed to do now, was walk away.
His face lights up and Chiharu can’t help but smile softer. Would it be arrogant to think she was the cause? Either way, being wanted was never a bad feeling. She shakes her head at his cheery attitude. One might have thought those bruises were simply for decoration. He drops a couple pins on the ground and Chiharu snorts.
“Pretty clumsy today,” she teases him. “Speaking of clumsy, that little girl with the red and black skates finally learned to turn and stop. She doesn’t need to find a nice patch of grass to fall onto anymore. And Miss Goyza didn’t lose all seventeen. I was actually out with my neighbor the other day. Helped her find a couple. Unfortunately for my neighbor, he’s allergic to dog fur and hadn’t taken his meds.”
After the sixth or so dog had launched herself at Sakai’s face, the poor man was quite literally crying. To be sure, he loved dogs and dogs often liked him, but he certainly hadn’t expected to meet so many that morning. And poor Miss Goyza was beside herself with worry. In the end, they could all be glad the only lasting damage done was to Sakai’s dignity. Perhaps that was why he’d refused to come out today. “But never mind them, you seem to have done quite a number on yourself.” Chiharu frowns at the way he winces. “Something exciting on your part?” The answer was clearly a resounding yes. The question was, was he willing to share? Then again, Chiharu supposed it was hardly her business. She herself certainly wouldn’t walk around telling others what she did. What if his occupation was just as dangerous? And if she were to know, who knows where that knowledge might land? A part of her hopes he’ll simply brush the question off.
Chiharu finishes her stretches while looking skeptically at him. Judging from his earlier reaction to the small action of bending over, she doubted he had actually stretched. He was pretending, trying to keep her from worrying. She appreciated the effort. “Right, but you know, I think the place we should be jogging to today is a hospital or something.” She pauses. “But if you really think you’re alright, I still think jogging would do you more harm than help. How about a walk instead?”
@[takahashi hikaru]
Nakamura Chiharu
I'll give them shelter, like you've done for me
When Chiharu leaves her apartment in the morning, she finds a plain paper bag hanging from the handle. It’s not heavy. She looks inside to find a small bottle and a note. Picking the note up, she snorts. Nakamura, it reads, please stop waking my up at ungodly hours to go jogging with you. I don’t know why you choose to drag me around these days. My old bones can’t take it. Bring this instead. Sakai didn’t have an old bone in his body. If he did, perhaps he’d drink a little less sleep a little earlier. The man habitually came and went at odd hours into the night. Chiharu would know; she'd been his neighbor for a couple years now.
She rolls the bottle out of the bag and into her hand. Pepper spray. Chiharu nearly laughs. Trust the weapons dealer to give her something like this. If she were to use it on anyone, Chiharu knew she’d be the one held accountable. Shaking her head, she slips it into her pocket anyway. In this complex, nearly half the residents Chiharu knew belonged to Tsumaru – a majority of which Sakai had recruited, herself included. It was the thought that counted. And who knows, maybe it would come in handy?
It’s a short walk to the small park. True to the ‘ungodly hours,’ not a soul was in sight. Chiharu follows the familiar path down the hill, the concrete road dipping lazily under ginkgo trees. The fan-like leaves are just starting to turn yellow. Stopping by a bench, Chiharu reaches out to the tree above. The tree laughs at her, playfully brushing against her fingertips. She smiles and pushes stray hairs (roused by the wind) back behind her ear.
She starts to stretch, but footsteps behind her catch her attention. Chiharu turns to find a familiar face. It truly was a small world. Ever since she’d first noticed the blond-haired man, Chiharu quite literally started seeing him everywhere. From coffee runs to morning runs, the two hardly went a day without bumping into each other. The morning runs especially had become a sort of routine. It was always a nice way to start the day.
Except, he hadn’t been showing up recently. Only then had Chiharu realized that she didn’t even know his name. Would they meet again, she had wondered, or would their paths split forever? Seeing him again, a strange sense of relief spread through her chest. The natural question, then, was where he had been. But since they weren’t close enough for her to just ask that, Chiharu settles for walking up and waving at him. Her eyes scan his face, then flicker down to the rest of him. He’s looking a little worse for the wear – likely the reason for his disappearance.
Half past ten. Despite arriving on the dot, Chiharu unhurriedly enters the bar. All good things to those who wait. Conversation buzzes in the air, loud enough that hushed voices fade into the background, but quiet enough for people close together to hear each other. She spots her client sitting at an unassuming table by the wall. Green index card flipping over and over in their hand, they spot her too.
Their first reaction is to frown and look away, letting their searching eyes wander to other people. A moment later, they look back. The man's eyes focus on Chiharu’s hair and she can practically hear everything click into place. He looks down at his index card, then back to her hair. The colors match. Chiharu smiles and nods. She quirks an eyebrow when the man visibly relaxes, then looks around her for anyone else. Chiharu’s grin tightens. She knows this type of client. Of course, anyone that came to her was cunning and calculating, but some just didn’t know when to stop. Everyone seemed surprised that ‘Shun’ was a woman, as if that somehow changed who she was.
Chiharu makes a point of waving at the people by the counter. A couple of the outgoing type wave back. Though they’d never met before, to others, it might have seemed like Chiharu knew them. Someone like her client – on guard – would definitely err on the side of caution and dismiss any underhanded ideas She continues without missing a beat, sliding into the chair across from him. From her seat she can nearly the entire bar. “Kido, is it? I believe I have something for you." Chiharu produces a couple of dull paper packets. Taking to one on top, she glances it over before handing it to the man. “Okura Kyo. He’s made his share of questionable choices, but given what he does, it’s not unexpected. Wasn’t he your business partner? Is this the right person?” If looks could kill, Chiharu would be facing her final judgement. She holds his gaze, eyes revealing nothing. Eventually Kido gives up. He ignores her comment and confirms that this was, in fact, the right person. His agitated hands wrinkle the paper.
“Great. I have the rest here." She motions to the remaining papers and pulls out a cassette. Movement across the room catches her eyes. She pauses briefly to squint at the bartenders. Was that? A cough brings her attention back. Chiharu gives a quick apology. “Now for your part. The favor we talked about. Has it been settled?” As the man fidgets – perhaps looking for excuses – Chiharu's eyes drift back to the counter. That posture, those gesture he couldn’t help. She couldn’t help but feel the bartender seemed familiar.
A vibrant cityscape glows brightly against the moonless sky. It’s cold. Chiharu shoves her hands deeper into her pockets and her chin further into her coat. Her long ponytail spills out on her shoulder, but with the prim and proper long off the streets, nobody gives her a second glance. Except, of course, the advertisers. Dressed far too thin for a night like this and smiling far too wide for a job like theirs, they pull on Chiharu’s arm, offering warmth for the night. She politely removes turns down the first few, carefully removes the next, then eventually resolves to ignore them.
Instead, she turns to read the signs she passes. It wasn’t often she found herself in these streets, and certainly wasn’t often enough for her to know the locations. She looks to street signs and shop names, hears soothing managers and tipsy customers. As she passes intersections she knows, Chiharu starts to build a mental map of the place. Who knows when she might need it again? Many bars and several nightclubs later, Chiharu finds herself at the base of a particularly tall building. A tower out of a fairy tale, she absently thinks to herself.
Chiharu pulls a note out of her pocket. This was it. Fourth floor, the paper says. To the fourth floor she would go. The girls outside welcome her, excited to have brought another ‘dear customer’ in. Chiharu merely nods to them before heading up the stairs. But even this action seems to be more than enough; they wave her along and happily head back to their spots.
Chiharu shakes her head. Of all places, it had to be here? Then again, if history was anything to go by, it was more surprising she hadn’t needed to visit the red-light district before. At any rate, her target this time left her no choice. This drug ring had appeared almost overnight – which was obviously impossible. That they eluded Tsumaru for so long was concerning; that they were determined to crush a group supported by the Family was alarming. It had taken them months to trace the activity back to its apparent leaders, and even then they were grasping at mere shadows. Here however, promised more clues. At least, that was what Aki claimed.
She arrives to a rather cozy hall. Something about the lighting whispers home. Looking around, one might have forgotten where they were. Chiharu stops only for a moment, before seeking out what she assumes to be a receptionist. “A friend of mine arranged a meeting for me. It should be under the name Shun?”
I was born to join in love, not hate. That is my nature.
Personality
[break][break] Perhaps it's a habit from her childhood, but Chiharu is a girl of few words. She's a believer and practitioner of "actions speak louder than words." And because she relies on actions, she prides herself on her ability to read other people, to understand how they feel and what the really want. At the same time, she often doesn't know what to do with that information. Chiharu tends to approach things head on. It works great on the job and with everyday tasks, but often causes more harm than help when it comes to emotions. On the other hand, Chiharu makes for an extremely reliable friend.
[break][break] Chiharu's childhood dream was to change the world. After all, it would be great if everyone could get along. Her naive belief that people were inherently good soon disappeared. She now knows that to make a change, you need power. And power is what she's after. When the path laid out could give her none, Chiharu paved her own. Knowledge is power, and with the right people, information was priceless. Thus began her slow descent. For her, the ends will justify most means. Chiharu is a smooth liar with a stoic poker face.
[break][break] When it comes to other people, she's now quick to categorize them. To those she deems misled, she can often come across as condescending. The only exception is with children. Chiharu loves all children; they are pure and straightforward, unlike adults such as her.
[break][break] Physical Description
[break][break] Despite her usual endeavors to fit in, Chiharu dyed her hair green. It was something of a defiant gesture from right before she left home that ended up a habit. Other than that, her appearance is rather normal. At about 165 cm and 50 kg, Chiharu is surprisingly strong - she can pick up some of her smaller peers. When it comes to her clothing, anything that fits her and fits the crowd is good. First appearances really do matter, and her closet reflects that.
[break][break] Biography/History
[break][break] The Nakamura couple wanted children. But try as they might, it never worked out. Fearing they would miss the optimal timing, they decided to adopt. One child would be lonely, they thought. The couple noticed how close Chiharu was with one of the older boys. She’d run up to him, much like a blood-related sibling would, and show him drawings and books. He’d ruffle her hair and smile back. A perfect sibling dynamic. Thus, at the age of 3, Chiharu and Jikai found themselves a warm foster family. Chiharu liked reading, so they bought her many books. Her brother enjoyed sports, so they smiled and let him stay long after school. For Chiharu, it was a dream come true. [break][break] About a year later, a miracle happened. Chiharu was going to have a younger sibling. She didn't realize the problem until her younger sibling was born. How could an adoptive daughter compare to one's own flesh and blood? Chiharu began to notice. Her foster parents unwittingly spent less and less time with their foster children. It was fine, right? Because babies need much more attention. It was also around this time that Chiharu finally took notice of the rumors about her. Though her elder brother did a good job of keeping it under wraps (by beating up the offenders), Chiharu inevitably heard her classmates gossiping about where she came from. Now that her family had a real child, perhaps Chiharu would have to go back, they speculated. [break][break] The family really starting tearing at the seams as Chiharu approached high school. Chiharu's younger sibling was constantly being compared to her. The parents only wanted to motivate their youngest. But who would've thought that their youngest child would take out their frustration on Chiharu? The parents may have been oblivious, but Chiharu's brother wasn't. Only when he picked on his youngest sibling, did they pay more attention. But only to reprimand him. Why couldn't he be more like Chiharu, they said. He needed to study more, or he wouldn't have a good ending. His only response was to stay out later every night. Chiharu was worried, but what could she do? She clung to him, asked him what was wrong, but her brother still treated her like a child - patting her head and sneaking her candies. Was her brother getting involved with the wrong people? He skipped school more than usual, and she would see him from time to time with groups of tattooed friends. But before she could do anything, her brother disappeared. [break][break] Well, that was an exaggeration. They kept in contact, when they could. But there’s only so much one can hide from their parents while living in their house. Chiharu got a stern talking to. She wanted to leave. The sooner, the better. As Chiharu tried to figure out how one just left, her mask slowly started slipping. And when she didn’t make it into a decent university, Chiharu was finally done. Under her parents disappointed words, Chiharu slipped out to find family of her own. [break][break] It wasn’t easy. Who wanted a stray teenager? And a girl too? Well, yes, there were certainly some, but Chiharu wouldn’t stand for it. It was their loss; Chiharu was strong for her size. Picking up odd jobs and living wherever sketchy landowners let her, Chiharu slowly gained footing in the underground. Her talent caught Tsumaru’s eyes and her compassion to fellow lost children did not go unnoticed. They approached her, with a tempting offer. She wanted to find her brother, right? Well, how better than to become an informant herself? She certainly had the skills. [break][break] It was for her brother, she told herself at first. There was nothing wrong with it, she told herself later. When Chiharu could hide no longer, she embraced the power. A slip of the tongue and someone across the city might lose their job. But that was their problem. Despite her habitual lying these days, Chiharu was a family member at heart. She was strongly against violence and many of Tsumaru’s less pleasant dealings. What money she could spare, Chiharu never hesitated to help a child on their way.
