Sup? [Mae]

Subject: Sup? [Mae] Mon Mar 07, 2016 6:22 pm

The choices were surprisingly tough, even though the options were somewhat limited. Sure he knew a decent amount of people, but he would sooner consider those he already knew were available in the first place. Which cut down the numbers decently. He hadn't seen a lot of them lately. He had only managed to keep up a longer conversation with Shun and Mae afterall. For reasons, he wasn't keen on getting in touch with the former right now, so that left...Well, the two of them ended on an awkward note last time too, but he would consider it a better option at the given time.

Well, time to see what was happening in San Malarus while he was busy walking away from the shore. Assuming she would pick up at the moment. The situation was hardly a peaceful one. It was worth a try though....

~

Subject: Re: Sup? [Mae] Mon Mar 07, 2016 6:42 pm

Sup? [Mae] Tumblr_nk692qBgCK1t89rpeo1_500

With Hiro sitting on the floor, and Mae resting on top of the bed, a sudden noise caused them both to jump up from their seats in shock. Turns out what had broke the silence was Mae's phone. The cheery ringtone felt so out of place in comparison to what was going on that it was almost eerie in a way. When she picked up her brand new iPhone (With the same sim-card she had used prior, meaning that despite having a new phone, her number remained the same), the picture of Sharaku was greeting her on the screen... Why would he call her now? Was it because of the demons and what not? Maybe so... She very much remembered on how of a bad note their last encounter had ended, and was a little hesitant picking up and answering. She eventually did though, giving Hiro an excusing look as she went towards the bathroom. At least there, she could speak privately with him...

-Hello? It's Mae Speaking.-

Subject: Re: Sup? [Mae] Mon Mar 07, 2016 6:54 pm

Alright. It would seem she wasn't too busy, at least. That was a good thing. He certainly didn't want to waste too much time trying other people at the moment. Or even trying to figure out just who was a good option to ever try.

~ ''Hey. I hope I'm not interrupting you right now, but I don't really have much of a choice for the moment. I suppose I'd be right to say that the chaos is happening over at San Malarus as well?'' ~

First of all, better make sure they were on the same page. Even though he doubted her answer would be no. It appeared to be a thing on all the islands...because he severely doubted something like this could be confined to specific areas in any way.

Subject: Re: Sup? [Mae] Mon Mar 07, 2016 7:02 pm

As she had suspected, this wasn't just isolated to San Malarus... so the other islands shared the same fate? Judging by what he was saying, it was safe to assume that such was indeed the case. "Yeah... I'm afraid that's the case... I was attacked by one of them not too long ago... Managed to make it out unscathed though, so don't worry about me." She began. "I met this person called Hiro there too... we fought the demon together." Now, obviously he was doing okay, otherwise he wouldn't be calling her right now, but better be safe than sorry. "How about you? How are you fairing?"

Subject: Re: Sup? [Mae] Mon Mar 07, 2016 7:15 pm

Just great. He had expected something akin to that, but he still wasn't enthusiastic over it. At the very least, no one was getting killed yet. Although it has only begun, and this was probably just the tip of an iceberg, was he to make a guess.

~
''Great. This couldn't be going any better....'' ~

He would sigh in faint exasperation. Though his tone would turn into an inquiry moments later.

~ ''That's the guy with a little demon girl as a friend, isn't he?'' ~

He always had the irony of getting involved with people he had already met.

~ ''Anyway, I'm fine. Fought one of them, but he was all bark and no bite. Regardless of that, did you see anything else out of the ordinary? I've been investigating where those monsters are coming from, and it's not looking very pleasant so far.'' ~

Subject: Re: Sup? [Mae] Tue Mar 08, 2016 6:27 am

"Yeah... The island is in a state of absolute panic. I take things aren't much different over where you are now?" Mae asked, knowing full well that it was most likely the case. After the events of two years ago still fresh on everyone's mind, of course they'd panic. How related this was to the angels and primordials was still up in the air however... Was there even a connection? "You think this has anything to do with what happened two years ago...?" Now that was a valid question which she really didn't expect an answer on... not yet anyway. They'd figure things out sooner or later, anyway.

"Yeah... Wait... you know him?" She'd ask, raising an eyebrow, even though Sharaku couldn't exactly see her. So they had met in the past, eh? Or was it recently? Who knows at this point...

"Aside from the Sky turning purple, and the invasion? No, nothing really stands out. Not that I've checked around much. After my encounter with the demon, I headed straight home to my apartment with Hiro. We're here now." Mae said as she started walking back and forth across the small bathroom, deep in thought. "What have you found?" Mae would then inquire, wishing to learn as much as possible. Of course, she'd relay this to Hiro once she was done.

Subject: Re: Sup? [Mae] Tue Mar 08, 2016 6:55 am

''It's probably about the same at the moment.''

Not that it couldn't change though, but right now, the situation was most likely very similar on all the islands.

''Yes, but not completely. From what I've noticed up till now, it is connected in some way, but the cause is coming from a new source.''

There was a connection. The green star from before. The possibility that the other worlds were the same as before. And a few other little things. But a lot was also new. Some new disturbance, apparently.

''We're....acquainted, you could say. In any case, he would know who I am if you asked him.''

That's all that really mattered at the moment. Any consequences of that were not important just yet.

''I see. At least someone is being cautious.''

He would chuckle faintly. Unlike him, who went out on purpose, and walked around investigating while demons were flying around.

''Things. I'll keep it brief for now. But they're coming from the ocean. It would seem that all the water everywhere on the shores has turned into portals. Similar to what we had before, but rather different. The rifts give a weird vibe, and it's hard to tell where they really lead or whether there's a way out once you go in.''

That, and there were other issues not related to his current investigation, but explaining over phone was not the best.

Subject: Re: Sup? [Mae] Tue Mar 08, 2016 9:11 am

Well, that was certainly not good news... But she had expected pretty much that. Otherwise, he wouldn't have called in the first place.

"A New Source...? That's troublesome." Mae replied with a slight frown. "Well, I guess we should keep investigating, then. We can't let things get any worse than they were two years ago." The threat level was just as large as it had been back then... but now, she was stronger now. She could at least hold her own somewhat... And now, she was going to fight on the front lines this time around.

"Ah, I see... Is he trustworthy?" She asked him, moreso out of curiousity than anything else. She didn't have a reason to cast suspicion on Hiro just yet, but better be safe than sorry. Besides, Sharaku's insight on things was something she valued highly.

"Well, someone's gotta be." Mae replied with a light giggle. In times like these, one couldn't be too careful. She'd probably go to investigate things once she felt comfortable doing so...

"Oh... That explains at least where they are coming from... you think the other worlds are experiencing something similiar?" Alternate Penecia and all the other worlds... Had the demons spread there too? "Where are you right now? Can you make it to San Malarus? I'd feel much more comfortable talking about stuff like this eye-to-eye..."

Subject: Re: Sup? [Mae] Tue Mar 08, 2016 9:31 am

Looking up at the sky, he would frown lightly.

''I think it already is worse in a way. We definitely didn't have straightforward invasions before, nor could we use our powers right here as we are.''

Back then, it was mostly contained to the other worlds, with occasional occurences that required intervention on their side...but this? The risk was much higher right now, and it has only started.

''He's alright. In my opinion at least.''

That was just a baseless assumption, to be honest. But he hadn't felt like the guy was a bad person so far. Even though he didn't know him all that well yet.

''And apparently, that someone is not me.''

But hey, someone had to take the risk as well. If everyone ran home and hid, they wouldn't find out anything. And it's not like he was afraid of demons.

''Hm. Not sure. I didn't go in personally to look. Maybe. Something's certainly up though, and it would seem we have a third party in this as well. For some reason...''

He didn't know who that old guy from before was, but he had something to do with it, even if only behind the scenes. Maybe if Oki came back, he could investigate that matter.

''In Penecia still. I was hanging out at the beach for a while. I can try to come over though, but I am not certain whether the subway is working now with the chaos spreading. I may have to walk all the way there if it isn't. Hopefully, I won't get stuck making demon steaks on the way...''

He was surprised he wasn't attacked just yet, to be honest.

Subject: Re: Sup? [Mae] Tue Mar 08, 2016 9:54 am

"Well, if it keeps going this way, yes, things will most certainly be worse than back then..." She bit her own lip slightly. Why did things have to go bad now of all times? Sure, they were sort of prepared, but still... Azores had just recovered from the Event two years ago, and now this? Couldn't these islands catch a break?

"Alright. If he's alright in your book, the same goes for me..." Indeed... He seemed like an upstanding guy. Trustworthy or not, in the end, she was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

"Well, as long as you don't take any stupid, unnecessary risks..." Mae said, in a sort of half-reprimanding tone. He wasn't Jack, that much she knew, but still... she didn't want him to get himself hurt.

"Oh, geez... really? As if these invaders wasn't enough to deal with." She gave out a sigh of frustration. Now they had some unknown third party involved as well... which really didn't bode well... not at all. Perhaps they weren't even on the same side, unlike the Angels, to a degree... oh well, she would find out eventually. This third party would have to make themselves known at some point in the future.

"Well... I wouldn't be surprised if the Subways have ceased working." Figures. Of course there would be complications... ugh. "If you do decide to come here... Just... be careful, alright...? I... I... Don't want you to get into trouble or get hurt because of me..."

Subject: Re: Sup? [Mae] Tue Mar 08, 2016 12:04 pm

''I don't doubt it will. This is only a start, and it's already way more chaotic than last time.''

It was an unpleasant thought, but holding onto the hope that it won't be very bad would most likely end up with them underestimating the issue. Which is naturally a bad idea.

''You'd trust my judgement over your own?''

She had the guy there at her place, and she was relying on his confirmation? She could just take the time to form her own opinion without needing his. Afterall, he could be wrong in the end. You can never know.

''Been there, done that? I went outside on purpose in the first place, so I am technically taking risks I didn't have to.''

His tone was somewhat humorous. He didn't seem too worried about himself at the moment. But he was saying the truth. He could have just stayed inside, for he wasn't out at the moment the sky changed colors and whatnot. Did willingly going out when the report was telling everyone to stay in count as an unnecessary risk? Maybe?

''Yes, but I don't think they'll be an issue right now. And I plan on looking into it more eventually.''

From what he could deduce, he'd say the old man and whatever he was planning wasn't a big issue right now. Most likely relevant in some way, but he doubted it was as an outright enemy.

''I'll just walk then. It doesn't change much. I'm already outside.''

He would snort faintly.

''Trouble follows me regularly. Besides, I doubt we're really safe anywhere right now, so it wouldn't be your fault if I get hurt.''

He had to go somewhere, right? And staying home would do him no good at this point, since that would mean staying alone.

Subject: Re: Sup? [Mae] Tue Mar 08, 2016 3:50 pm

"I... Dunno... I do trust my own judgment... but I just wanted your opinion on the matter, since you've met him before... He does seem nice though. We fought together against that demon." Well, he had a habit of taking the things Mae said the wrong way at times. She was used to this by now.

Sharaku would hear a light sigh on her side. "You know what I meant. No attacking any demon-thingies unless absolutely necessary." Man, she started sounding like mother. That... was just a by-product of her time with the kids at the orphanage, right? ...Right?

"Yeah... They're bound to make themselves known sooner or later, if they are related to this. Right now, we should focus on the more immediate threat... the demons, and the ocean." She said, somewhat determined. She wasn't going to just be sitting back this time around.

"Alright... That sounds good. Not like we have much of a better choice, really... going by boat now sounds dubious, given that the sea is one giant rift right now..." How far did this stretch anyway? A couple of miles around the island? Or more than that?

A faint smile made it's way across her face, although Sharaku couldn't see it. "I'll see you soon then." Mae said in a slightly more chipper tone, now that he had put her worries at ease... Sharaku was strong. She believed in him. Believed that he'd come here safely. "You remember the way to my apartment, yes...?" She asked him, just to be safe.

Subject: Re: Sup? [Mae] Tue Mar 08, 2016 5:07 pm

''I can't say I know him all that well myself, I guess. I don't have any proof for what I said. It's just a feeling, that's all.''

He just didn't want her to take his words to heart too much. He wasn't really basing his observations on a lot of logic in this case.

''Mh. I'm a grown man already. I can handle a few demons.''

You could say he was jabbing at her slightly, but his tone didn't seem to be showing it. In reality, he had no reason to go and attack demons for entertainment, but he didn't feel like he had to be told not to do it. If he wanted to, he could. He knew his limits well enough, and he could sustain himself for a good while if need be.

''I like to search for things that aren't obvious.''

He would answer with an offhanded comment. He was much more productive when he was doing something he actually took an interest in. Besides, the ocean and demons were the most glaring issue there. Everyone would focus exactly on that. They would just walk all over each other trying to solve that, not paying attention to anything that might be happening behind the scenes. It's too late to say 'oops' when something blows, because you didn't classify it as immediate before.

''I wouldn't touch the sea right now. Walking is just fine with me.''

Maybe it took a bit longer, but it was the best bet at the moment.

''Yes, I know. I can't say how long will it take me though.''

Hopefully not long. If he doesn't get attacked, it should go smoothly.

Subject: Re: Sup? [Mae] Wed Mar 09, 2016 4:15 pm

"Well, he seems alright. He didn't run away from the enemy when it attacked, and he helped me fight it... So, in that sense, he's trustworthy..." Mae replied with a light shrug.

He could only hear Mae's giggle in response to the whole adult thing. "Sure. Just make it here in one piece." She said eventually, after collecting herself. Just that comment to her was funny, even though they were in a dire situation.

"Mhm... Given that it's a portal now to god-knows where... I'd rather stay here. Besides, I have people here to protect..." She couldn't just leave San Malarus in the state it was currently. This was HER home after all.

"Alright... Take care, okay? I'll see you around."

After that, she hung up, a little worried, yet happy at the same time. At least he was doing okay... Now, she had to mentally prepare for whatever was coming next. She'd walk out of the bathroom, and rejoined Hiro. "...Sorry it took so long."

Subject: Re: Sup? [Mae] Wed Mar 09, 2016 4:50 pm

''I wouldn't have thought he'd run anyway.''

But bravery in fighting didn't have to be the only sign of trustworthiness. Regardless, the whole point of that was moot. It's nearly impossible to fully gauge someone's character right away, or within first few meetings.

''I don't plan on serving myself as demon dinner.''

Really, he was just fine. As long as the entire demon population didn't decide to chase him, there should be no issue at all.

''Some people you know might decide to go in though. I wouldn't be surprised.''

There were those kinds of people that would rush in headlong.

''Sure.''

Now, to actually pay attention to where he was walking.