A lone figure walked in the midst of the late-summer storm that bashed against his body. He wore a trench coat that offered little to no protection against the element. Bracing against the harshness of the winds, he noticed the faint outlines of his destination: Kaidan Restaurant. A place infamous for their spine-chilling menus.
He strode towards the entrance, the slightest hint of a smile plastered on mask-like skin. A couple of steps later, he reached the doorstep. Hanging on the outside was a sign that indicated the current status of it; closed. But a mere sign has never stopped him from doing what he wants. Reaching to the handle, a quick turn of the knob indicated that the door was unlocked.
The man cocked his head in amusement; he had expected much more hindrance. After all, this place is a place that many rumors sprouted from. Perhaps all is not true. ‘Interesting ♫~’ he muses as he stepped in, glad to be away from the freezing breaths outside.
His eyes brightened at the sight of the empty restaurant. The space was lined with skeletons hanging from the ceiling, similar to how a puppet is connected to a string. He wondered briefly if there is a top man controlling all of these. Dismissing this irrelevant and unnecessary thought, he moved in deeper. The door closed behind him abruptly and he shrugged, he was half-expecting that to happen and so wasn’t surprised.
‘This place is strictly reservations only and we are not opened for business yet. Please turn away.’ A voice boomed and echoed within the space, he looked around, unable to determine the source of it. He could feel the hostility pouring out though he was not intimidated. Hanging around death the majority of your time tends to have this effect on you.
‘But I meant no harm~ ♪’ He hummed, taking off his trench coat and tossing it aside absentmindedly. ‘There’s a storm outside and surely you don’t have the heart to throw me out do you?’ He knew he was testing his luck but he has an agenda to fulfill and he’s not walking away empty-handed.
Silence occupied the room as neither party moved, ‘I said, you’re not welcomed here.’ A voice from behind the male’s back startled him though he masked it well under his indifference. He turned around and was surprised by the sight of a beautiful woman. Her beauty was scarred by the scowl she had on her face. Her arms were closed and her stance indicated that she’s ready to fight him if he were to make a wrong move.
‘You’re not welcome here.’ The beautiful lady repeated, her voice leaked dangerous vibes and he could feel his survival instincts kicking in. Not one who wears his emotions on his sleeves, he instead of cowering, started laughing which baffled her.
‘Kaidan Restaurant certainly lives up to its reputation. If I am anything average then I suppose I should be shaking with fear ♪♪~~’ He chuckled and raised a hand in mock defeat, ‘I meant it when I say I meant no harm. My name is Gayle Wicks, I was the disciple of Lamont. I heard that you’re familiar with him ♪~ Plus I was told that he is heading towards Shiroku High, I am wondering if you know anything about that.’
The woman stood still, refusing to speak as she observed Gayle and his eccentricities. In a way she could see that Lamont’s shadow on him but she’s doubtful that a man like him would take in a disciple as he claims to be.
‘I don’t believe you,’ she replied, straightforwardly. Her doubts about his claim were apparent. Gayle shrugged, anticipating her objection. He smiled, cocked his head in amusement before reaching into his pocket and pulled out a golden pocket watch. It appeared to be an antique, mechanical and is showing signs of age. On the surface, a half-skeleton wrapping its arm around itself. The phrase, “To live is to die” was engraved on the circumference of it.
Gayle placed the pocket watch on the table and stepped away. She approached, the warily in her eyes slowly diminishes as she picked it up and studied it. He knew that it was the proof of who he says he is, it was a memento left by Lamont himself; one of the few things that’s left to remind him of his presence.
‘I would like to have it back if possible♪♪~’ Gayle said, after a while. He’s confident that with that, he could at least be granted a hearing audience with the beautiful lady. She paused, exhaled before returning the watch to its original owner.
‘Fine, you’ve proved yourself. Just what do you want?’
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