[open]

[casaposa]

▶ WHO: caesar zeppeli & you!!
▶ WHAT: event stuff
▶ WHEN: end of may
▶ WHERE: all over
▶ WARNINGS: n/a! will add as needed!

A

[ It’s terrible.

This place has so many bugs and while the general consensus of the people around him seems to be that it’s all temporary and this sort of monthly nonsense happens like clockwork, he still hates it.

The bees are a sticky curse he narrowly avoids whenever he wanders around town and now-

Now there’s something in his apartment, invading his limited personal space and ruining what’s left of his life. He didn’t realize, until far too late, that his socks were starting to go missing-half of them seemed to vanish overnight and he still can’t find his other shoe. He didn’t know who to blame until-

Until he saw that wriggling, nasty creature on the ground after pulling back the curtains to let in some light.

It took one, two, three hot seconds for him to absorb the sight of the nightmare in front of him and-

Anyone in the general area can probably hear the chaos that follows-there are some choice loud curses, sometimes in Italian, and the electric crackle of hamon hitting the walls. At one point, you might see a gigantic worm inside a large bubble floating out of his doorway. What does he plan to do with it now?? Who the hell knows. It’s just a bubbled worm floating in the hallway now with a frazzled guy standing in his doorway in front of an upturned apartment.

It's fine. Things are fine.]

B

[ The farmer’s market is a nice break from just Everything and he’s content to wander the stalls, flirt with some lovely folks and try to wrangle some sense of normalcy out of this situation. Yeah, he’s on a strange world and yeah, he shouldn’t be here, but why not enjoy it? It’s lively and he’s not going to snub a good time.

The various trinkets across the booths catch his eye and he idles in front of most of the tables, trying to discern what some of the more unfamiliar pieces are and enjoying the sight of the few items he does recognize.

Someone might hear him comment, whether they’re nearby or someone selling their own goods-]

Moonlacing-that's really all there is to it?

C

[Since he has a personal vendetta against these creatures now and is trying to find ways to occupy his day without the looming threat of the pillar men nipping at his heels anymore, it seems natural to focus on this.

These damn creatures.

The B-Cube is an easy way to get his revenge and clean up the town at the same time. It’s a win/win situation and he's fine with that.

There's are just a few issues. His aim isn’t bad or anything-it’s the stealth factor throwing him off. He’s never been the type to sneak up and bide his time before a battle. He relies on a fast assault and brute force in most situations. But when the creatures see him, they run, wriggle, and burrow themselves away and so he's had to adjust to deal with it. At various times, he can be seen behind a tree, crouching near a bush or just crawling along the ground.

It's garbage, honestly. But it's a sacrifice he's willing to make for the greater good, which is ridding his life of this nightmare.

Feel free to join him or get caught in the b-cube. ]

d

[wildcard me!! hmu to hash out details @ pillowcased#3068 or drowninginpears

Comments

B;

[demonicbookworm]

[Being new in here, Ruca walks around the farmer's market noting down all the unfamiliar things he sees around. He wants to learn everything he can about this strange world, but he also doesn't want to buy anything he's never seen without making any research first. He's just being cautious.

As he's looking around, he hears someone as a question and, feeling inclined to share what he knows, without looking up from his note he answers:]

Apparently yes. It's kind of awkward, don't you think...? [And only then he looks up, his expression changing from a small smile to absolute horror in a matter of seconds when he sees how big and intimidating the other person looks.

Ruca takes a step back and starts bowing in apology.]

I-I-I'm so s-sorry!!

[casaposa]

It's odd, but-

[The frantic apology surprises him, cutting all his thoughts short, and he casts a glance down at the kid backing away from him.

There was a time when that reaction would fill him with something akin to pride. In the past, maybe, when being stronger, bigger, faster than the other neighborhood kids and thugs meant survival.

Now it just makes him feel awkward and he tries to shake the stoic look from his face, forcing a small smile to his face to lighten the air between them.]

What are you apologizing for? There's no need for that.

[demonicbookworm]

[Ruca stops backing away and instead looks at the man for a moment, before calming down.]

I... thought you might get angry. [He replies, then quickly adds:] I'm sorry, I'm not good at dealing with... people. [Scary looking people, actually, but he doesn't want to say that.

This person actually seems nicer than Ruca initially thought, so he feels bad for assuming the worst.]

[casaposa]

Anyone that would get mad at you for answering their question isn't someone worth your time.

[At least the kid's honest and that's an admirable trait Caesar can respect. His meekness is what throws him off though. That attitude would make you, at best, an easy target among the people he grew up with and at worst, get you killed. And he's been surrounded by such strong-willed, vocal-

Very vocal people ever since. It's an adjustment. This whole place is, really.

He's not blind to the fact he basically towers over this kid too, but there's no much he can do about it. Eat some veggies, Ruca. Grow big and strong like Grandpa Caesar.]

To set the record straight, I'm not mad in the slightest. You don't need to worry. Just talk as you normally would.

A (hope this is ok!)

[axemeaquestion]

[Rochelle herself had also just dealt with worms in her apartment. By the time she's gotten every single one in her bedroom she was out the door, looking to see if anyone else had dealt with similar.

... When.

She sees the bubble.

The woman blinks, and lowers the fireaxe in her hand as she turns to Caesar at his doorway. Not that she's that normal of a sight either - what with the fire axe covered in worm guts and wearing an oversized t-shirt splattered in something similar.

A moment passes, until she silently gestures to the bubble and her axe.

Should she kill it or????]

it's absolutely okay!!

[casaposa]

Don't touch it.

[It comes out sharper than he intends-the edge of anger in his voice is all too clear. The hamon infused bubble won't shatter so easily and he isn't interested in hurting a bystander. One who has clearly fought her own battles with the creatures, judging by her appearance. The worm will eventually suffocate in there, unless it gets out, and he doesn't care to dirty his own outfit by facing it in combat. Insects already make him uneasy and the fact it was slithering around his apartment makes him tense and itchy and-

He's so mad and with a wave of his hand, the bubble starts to float downwards.

He didn't really think this far ahead, but he knows, without a shadow of a doubt, that this creature deserves whatever fate awaits it. It pulled him into the presence of a pretty woman while he was looking his worst. It encroached in his personal space. It stole his socks and shoes-that's unforgivable. ]

I'll deal with it-this one is my problem and mine alone.

[There's a brief pause as he tries to collect himself. Tries to cool down. She came here with the intent to help and it's not fair to direct his irritation at this stranger, no matter how unintentional. He lets out a sigh, runs his fingers through his hair and his voice sounds a bit softer when he asks-]

How many were in your apartment?

cool cool <3

[axemeaquestion]

[The woman quirks a brow. She'd be a little more unimpressed with Caesar's irritation and declaration if she wasn't so distracted by the bubble... and the big gross thing inside it.

At least... somehow, it almost looks secure enough in there. So she follows his lead and drops the axe, letting her posture relax somewhat as Caesar seems to do the same, then peers to give it a better look.]

... if you say so.

[She's seen grosser things (surviving a zombie apocalypse does that), but that doesn't stop her nose from wrinkling as she steps back away from it, pushing some of her own locs out of her face.]

About... eight? Made the mistake of leaving some clothes from last night on the floor and woke up to these guys all over it. [She nods her head at the bubble.] What about you?

A

[trenchdoting]

[The commotion quickly draws the attention of one Dick Gumshoe! The scruffy trenchcoated man comes to check it out, both as a concerned neighbor and as a Moon Knight! He runs down the hallway, only to skid to a stop when he sees the bubbled worm floating just ahead of him. Gumshoe is left absolutely flabbergasted.]

Wh-what in the world?!

[casaposa]

[What in the world is right.

Caesar looks more concerned with the nasty floating creature in front of him and how he's going to deal with disposing it than answering the guy's question, but he does owe him some kind of response. He was very loud and he knows it. It's just hard to hold back, okay?? It's so nasty.]

Are these pests common here or am I just lucky enough to have found one?

[trenchdoting]

[He scratches at his head uncertainly, as he looks between the bubble and the guy nearby. Could he be the guy who bubbled that baddie? Caesar Universe?]

N-not usually, but we're having kind of an outbreak right now, pal. ...So I'd say that you're lucky to have found just</> one!

@ zunge

[casaposa]

[His final battle had taught him one valuable lesson and that was-

There were unexpected consequences to striking ahead alone, even when victory is all but wholly assured (in his own mind). So while the urge to do things by himself-to deal with these creatures in his own manner and time was stronger than ever, he swallowed it down. They were relatively harmless and only a few stragglers remained after the city started collecting them in gusto, but-

The few remaining could end up in his apartment and he's not okay with that.

That's how he found himself working in the company of another and for the most part, it's gone well. There's a mutual understanding between them and a shared goal to simply catch the gross creatures. ]

There's one up ahead by the cluster of trees. I don't think it's seen us yet. We should be able to make quick work of it.

[zunge]

[He peers that way, checking out what he can of the trees indicated.]

I can see it. Those ones are annoying.

[Most of these creatures are annoying, in one way or another. This one happens to be annoying to capture due to its quick reflexes. Catching it off-guard is important.]

[casaposa]

[So irritating and he'll be happy when it's behind the b-cube walls forever. He doesn't care what the scientists do with it-it's none of his business.

He squints his eyes against the sunlight, trying to ensure it doesn't have its equally irritating friends with it.

Looks like it's alone, for the time being.]

Let's go. You take the left and I'll go right-we'll flank it and be done with this mess.

B

[ruinedempire]

So I've heard.

[A smooth voice answers Caesar from behind. Rufus himself is honestly still getting used to the concept that moonlacing can generate energy, so his answer is partially to reaffirm his own knowledge. It's truly unusual, but overall, far from a terrible thing. Certainly, monopolizing Chroma seems impossible here, but Rufus isn't much concerned about it.]

Not an entirely bad deal, especially for those who start with nothing. Newcomers would normally be at a disadvantageous state compared to those well-established, but the ever tight grip of worry over simple needs doesn't apply here.

[He nods over to at a booth selling fruit, although some have a rather unusual appearance. Grapes aren't usually multi-colored, right?] Many stalls accept a simple shake of a hand for food, which would be unheard of in most cities.

[casaposa]

[He peers over his shoulder to find the source of the voice, stepping to the side to make room for the man in case he wants to ogle the items Caesar's currently fixated on-a couple lighters that don't look unique or special in the slightest. The marketplace is spacious, but the booths are only so big and can easily get cramped if a spot opens up for even a second. Better take advantage, stranger. He can be polite sometimes, especially to a person who answers his question without any sass.]

I'll take a stranger's kiss over the bugs any day-that much is certain. I was beginning to think this place had little to offer outside of its wildlife, but this arrangement isn't so bad.

[Honestly, there's more than one shopkeeper he'd be happy to moonlace with.]

Have you been here long?

[ruinedempire]

At least, one would hope that a kiss from a stranger wouldn't be nearly as bad.

[There might be a few instances Rufus can think of where he would rather be attacked by bugs than kiss another certain individual. But as a whole, even if he has no interest in the other person, a simple handshake seems to work, even if it's not as effective.

With easy access to energy and funds, it seems that he can be picky about certain things again.]

Not even a full month. From what I've heard, I'm considered one of the new arrivals to this planet... I take it that you're in a comparative situation?

C

[knightmare_princess]

[ Sorry dog Cornelia just nabbed that thing you were stalking. Or maybe that's a good thing? No one's paying them. That'd be nice.

At any rate, she confidently nudged the now full cube with her foot. ]

You're not very quiet.

[casaposa]

[He doesn't know if that remark is directed to him or the creature. So this is where things get complicated for ole Caesar. This woman just snatched victory right out of his hands by nabbing that nasty creature-it was his problem and he was dealing with it. Under any other circumstance, if it were anyone else, he would've immediately launched into a verbal tirade about it, but-

She's gorgeous and clearly competent enough to decisively catch the beast, so he bites his tongue and shakes off his irritation as best he can.]

Wonderful job, signorina. Your beauty must have stunned the beast.

[knightmare_princess]

[ Eeeh probably both really. Caesar wasn't any kind of stealth operative, but the creatures were far too bold for their own good. Cornelia was often quite a fan of brute force as well, but she could at least be subtle as needed, like now.

She huffs, and brushes herself off. ]

It'll be a sad day when that's all I can rely on.

a.

[penpoint]

[ In the general vicinity if a certain manga-ka, who is doing his very best to simply ignore the nuisances, occasionally stabbing them with a pen nib he has on hand if they get to be too bothersome. It doesn't stop them. He knows it won't be too long before it's over, though. Ignoring doesn't really do much, attacking doesn't do much, so he's not sure what else to do other than deal with them quite yet.

That's when he hears the commotion coming from nearby. Was there a storm going on inside? Infinite curiosity and bad decision making meant that he wanted to investigate it. So, Rohan quickly packed up his stuff and hurried his way towards the commotion.

On the way, he definitely - absolutely - got hit by several pixies. Annoying.

Oh -- Rohan points, almost sounding like he's accusing Caesar of something. ]

What's that?

[ Nevermind the bubble near him. Nope. ]

[casaposa]

[Everything beyond this point is his own personal hell, Rohan. Can't you tell?

Either way the What's that? is met with an exasperated expression and dead silence as Caesar also tries to catch up with the morning's grand event.

What's that?, this guy asks, like Caesar has any damn idea what a huge worm would want with his socks and shoes.

He crosses his arms over his chest and shuts his eyes for briefest second. Just to like, deal with it.]

I don't know. I just want them all gone.

[And he throws a hand up, pointing his thumb back towards his destroyed apartment. This guy helped him set it up so nice too. It's really a tragedy.]

If there's a panel in there for pest control, now would be a good time to tell me.

[penpoint]

[ Totally. Completely looks like hell. Yep. He tilts his head to look inside, then back towards Caesar. He brings a hand to his chin and appears to be considering him. Then, after a moment, he answers: ]

It will pass, most things do. Though no, there's nothing on that panel that will help speed up the process, I'm afraid. After it's over, all it will take is some Chroma to clean this up.

[ He moves his hand to his chin, thinking as he takes in the scene around him. It's pretty interesting, and for a few moments, he disappears into thought. This could be considered inspirational, really. Weird creatures, strange bubbles, giant worms. ]

It is pretty fascinating, though, don't you think? You should expect things like this to happen more often.

[ At least he's not...jumping to insult Caesar again. The bubble does manage to get away from him, a brief daydream, but one nonetheless. It doesn't feature any real person, though. Just a certain protagonist of his in a dark alley. The scene seems ominous, but its' brief. He's never really featured supernatural creatures before, but there's gigantic worms lurking along walls, underfoot, all around. And, Rohan adds, as the daydream starts to fade into something else: ]

Not very inspiring, though.

A

[firstsaderesponder]

[Sougo was actually in a happy mood today. Sure, there were giant bugs crawling everywhere, but in a way, this was an opportunity to be back on a battlefield. Giant worm in the bedroom? No problem. He'll slice it through with his sword. Once the giant insects started to show up, Sougo knew he could have some fun with this. He set out from his apartment and battled the insects, looking like a samurai in a kaiju movie.

Now there's a lull in the invaders on his apartment floor, but Sougo hears the loud commotion of fighting and yelling on the floor above. He grips his sword, rushes up the nearest stairway and--Oh, a worm in a bubble. Interesting. There's a huge muscly guy nearby, even bigger than Kondou. This must've been his work. He clearly seems frustrated, so it would be a shame if the worm got loose again. Wonder what will happen when the bubble pops...which Sougo is trying to do right now, reaching out with his hand to poke the bubble.]

[casaposa]

[His limited patience is immediately tested by this rando that appears out of nowhere, sword in hand like he was prepped to fight a battle that's already been won. He isn't particularly worried about it popping from a simple touch-a person would need to use hamon or some other power to do that, but-

He might sustain an injury from messing around with it and Caesar isn't interested in dragging this guy to a doctor.]

Don't touch it, you fool. It's not an ordinary bubble.

[firstsaderesponder]

[A battle that's already won? Oh, Caesar. The battle's only begun. Don't worry, even if he doesn't have special powers or a Stand, Sougo's hardier than the average person.

Still...fool? Sougo just blinks, and his inexpressive face hides the cogs of curiosity running through his head. Telling him not to do something is only encouragement. Not an ordinary bubble, huh? Good to know. Sougo draws his sword in a flash to swiftly cut through the bubble--which it does, but a shock wave just as quickly repels him back. That catches him by surprise as he draws back again, shaking a little bit. Since Gintama is a sitcom, he's been through a lot worse, but that doesn't make it any less surprising.

But hey, at least the worm is free!]