Orca

Undertaker noted his words and tucked them away for later. This ‘Orca’ seemed unwilling to let others in. The guard and walls were tight around him; almost impossible to wiggle fingers through the bars. Hm, it reminded him of that time in captivity; hearing the few who were allowed freedom to cling to the bars and beg for redemption. For an end to their suffering. 

For, for, for…

                      … For what? He wondered.

But, Orca had it right; to not trust the mortician. Informant. Casket seller. He wasn’t someone to trust entirely. Not someone worth handing over the idea, the notion, of having one’s back. He’d gladly tell anyone who asked him about what he had been requested for - if they had the right fee.

Most times though, he was a rather loyal soul amongst the blackguards. 

“I should come by more often, though I doubt your leader would appreciate me lingering around just for tea.” So he would have to enjoy it. Savour the time, the space between the seconds. “But thank you, all the same. I do hate having miscommunication, especially in my line of work.”

      Be it that, or the fact that Orca felt there really isn’t anything about him worth giving information about. However, unless the heroes manage to get in contact with him, then he’ll probably have no choice but to silence him. If the order was given, of course. He can only hope that he doesn’t end up helping SPOON. Perhaps they should make sure he keeps himself away from the heroes. Suppose once he speaks to Baek more, he’ll be able to talk his way to that. In his own way..

      Not that the heroes didn’t know anything about them. It was them who even hid anything about their attacks and crimes from the public. It was them who kept them under wraps while simultaneously trying to end them. It’s honestly a mess.

“Oh…No….I have no family.” she explained as she hummed and sang along with the tune she played “But um…Let me think….to be honest I’m not interesting either. Most of what I do is….serve people. It’s my purpose.”

      Huh. Neither does he, technically.

      He felt bad though, hoping he didn’t offend her in any way. Poor miss already has to deal with someone as awkward and anti-social as himself. All the more reason to feel a tad guilty for wasting her time with this. He literally just came in here to pick up the tea, see if they’re fine by Baek’s standards, and be on his way.

Undertaker offered a warm smile and a chuckle, arms crossed loosely against his chest after setting his cup down. The mortician had heard the spate of rumours; and seen a fair few of the recently departed in his shops. Though it wouldn’t entirely surprise him if someone were using the hospitals as a means to collect these people for their own nefarious means.

Humans, and non humans, were incredibly greedy, after all.

“Good conversation and a familiar face, s’all I ask for. Oh, and for a cuppa. You make a nice tea.” He said in return, tilting his head in a bow of sorts. “Though I reckon your boss will probably wonder how we’re familiar. Would you prefer I keep quiet on that, or would you like for him to know?” For future visitations, of course. Familiar faces may help ease potential hostilities, and Undertaker preferred to not be on the business end of a weapon if he could avoid it. 

      Perhaps one day, Undertaker will grow to hate him in the end. That probably would be the best case in scenario in his eyes. It would make things..hard, but it would honestly just be better that way. He wouldn’t really know what to do if he started making new friends--or just generally grow close to anyone else other than the people of KNIFE. Thinking it over, the two are at least in the field of good acquaintances. Suppose he’ll see how this goes for them as these interactions continue.

      It really is a mess however. How both humans and hybrids will basically sell each other out if it benefits them one way or another. To either take on the other species, or betray their own, if there’s a reward to it, they’ll definitely act up on it. Especially when it comes to those with powers it seems. Be it power by civil means, or actual super powers.

“Most men like to speak at me, more so than have me speak. It makes them feel important, I think.” she replied. She held out her hands, a portal opening beside her and a lute coming out, which she took and began to gently strum “Hmmh…I think things have been going well for me….I have met many interesting people lately….present company included.”

      Sounds like it. Usually those with a lot of cash to throw around would be that way. In Orca’s case, he just has nothing to really share. Nothing of importance to say, nothing that he can even say at all. All his life has been just..villain work. And if it isn’t that, it’s just taking care of the team by cooking, cleaning, driving, whatever the fuck. A literal tool to the group.

If it were information he was seeking in regards of missing persons or dead bodies… certainly. Undertaker’s influence stretched rather far given the numerous hospitals, and even in so far to the lower rungs of nobility. Not that he’d ever say that, of course, given that a certain Viscount adored the man. Something about the morticiain enamoured him to the Viscounts of Druitt, and it had no small measure of reach given their own, illicit activities. 

A nod of his head, all the same. “Then he’s asked the right person if you ask me.” A warm smile now, taking a measured sip of the tea. Nothing would truly affect him, but Undertaker was a cautious fellow, never taking more than he wanted. The cup was sat down, and the mortician leaned back in his chair some, right leg tucking over left. 

“No need to be worried about whether or not you can talk to me freely, by the way.” Skittish young man, Undertaker thought to himself, “I’m not a noble or a well-to-do merchant. Just an undertaker. Address me as you like.”

      There’s definitely a shit ton of those happening as of recently. While it, unfortunately, isn’t unusual for hybrids to get taken away by certain people, or even killed for their parts, it’s starting to get out of hand as of late. Even hybrids who are much higher in the social rankings have been taken. The most recent report being that one of the business men who even funds the police and hero department has been brought up as missing or killed. The only thing left of him was an arm that was left behind. No one has any sort of lead still for the matter.

      For them, the boss may be looking for someone specific. See if they’re still around and if they posses a power. And if they did..maybe he’ll have a part of them be reduced into the pearls he had undertaker look at some time ago. These pearls--the ones he had shown to him previously were empty. But the ones that had power in them come from the remains that are trapped within the pearl. Made by using the tears of a mythical. His only guess right now is that his boss wanted to have pearls as insurance, so to speak. If the heroes used the one with teleportation and mind powers, then Orca can use a pearl to redirect his power away from them. Or even send them somewhere else.

      There’s...a lot happening, honestly. The one big news right now are mainly the missing half-bloods. “..you’ve been nothing but helpful, so it’s no surprise that he would ask for you once more..”

      The idea of Shirou catching him after having murdered someone wasn’t..much of a bother to Orca. He’s dealt with that situation countless times, unfortunately. If anything, it was his own decision to either off that person, or cripple them enough for him to escape. He even has something in his pouch that allows him to have a certain ability. So for a move to land on his is rare. It should be..relatively okay enough for him to be able to escape Shirou rather than kill him too.

      However..

      Orca trying to take a break for once in his life.

“That’s ok…I am a hostess….I’m supposed to entertain you.” The woman sat down at the low table, her chest mushing against the wood as she took her seat “I can play music for you if you like. Or tell you anecdotes.”

      “Ah--right..” Lord it’s been too long since he’s even gone out to do these things. Even grocery shopping would just be a straight-forward thing with him. If any worker decides to compliment him, he’d be a blushing mess before leaving. Social interactions? Who’s she?

Ironashi tilted her head a bit as she noticed how he kept glancing at her, though she was used to it. Her pale skin and short stature made her stand out amongst most, and her…rather bodacious curves only added to that. No amount of padding would give her the smooth straight silhouette meant to be worn with kimonos, though she did her best….still, she attracted attention.

She simply placed in his orders, and showed him to a table to wait while the teas were prepared “Would you like company while you wait?” the woman asked, giving him a respectful bow.

      The way she reacted to it had him snap right back to earth. Adjusting himself as he didn’t want to make things awkward. He already didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable with him. So the last thing he’d want is for someone to think he’s a pervert of sorts. After all, his gaze mainly focused on her face than her body structure. Sure, it’s definitely something that stood out, but he wasn’t going to stare.

“No, not at all.” Ironashi replied “I am comfortable.” she thought for a moment, mentally going through the catalogue of teas in her head. Though they were primarily a tea house based on traditional Japanese tea ceremony, due to the lack of interest they had begun to expand slightly, and serve different kinds of tea as well as do take-home orders. 

“We mostly serve various types of green tea, like Hojicha and Matcha…I do believe we recently got a general berry tea in stock but it is not omija-cha, though it might be a fine substitute….as for the ssanghwa-tang if you are specifically looking for it’s medical properties a genmaicha might be good…though if you would prefer something sweeter I would suggest the gyokuro!” 

      He took note of pretty much anything she was able to suggest to him. Thinking it over, since he’s mostly familiar with Korean teas, it honestly wouldn’t hurt to take the ones she suggested. Hell, he honestly won’t mind taking anything else she might suggest just to try it himself. Or well..if he ever remembers to take some time for himself. The guy often forgets to eat a meal or two as is.

      “..I’ll take both, just in case. As for the berry teas..I’ll go by whichever you recommend.” He spoke softly while digging into his pocket. Because of the ‘work’ he does along with the team, he’s able to bring some money and even convert them to the appropriate currency to use here. Orca does however find himself looking to the woman from time to time. Something about her was unique, for some reason. He isn’t sure why, though he’s reserved as hell as is. So whatever thought or questions he may want to ask of her, he won’t even bother. Perhaps he’s only curious if she only knew Korean, or if she comes from Korea.

What was his name?

Undertaker had to chuckle at that, “No offense taken. The name’s Alaric. Alaric Callows.” An alias, but only a fool used their real name. Their true name. Names that were long buried and washed away by a river. 

Names that will never see the light of day.

However… hearing that bit about his boss, it caught his attention. The tiniest sip of the tea, “Healing people, hm? Is he a doctor of sorts? I’m afraid I was only recently requested to bring something to him, so I know very little.” 

      He gave a small nod. He’ll keep note of it. Whether it’s a real name of his or not, Orca wouldn’t know. And even if he did, he won’t question him. It isn’t in his place to, why make it his business to begin with? Still, at least he’s able to put some sort of name to his face. Address him properly, if he ever were to see him more. If he’s allowed to.

      Orca couldn’t help but look to the side upon hearing the question. He wasn’t entirely sure on how to answer it. The plan is still under heavy construction, and it seems like Baekmorae needs not only the man who provided a sum of money, but it seems like he needed the Undertaker’s services as well. He moved his head slightly towards Alaric’s direction, his body language remaining steady, “He’s a doctor, yes..It’s been a while, though.. We’ve heard word of the young girl undergoing an terrible illness--not even a single doctor were able to help her.. So..we arrived here and he was able to heal her, no problem.. What he wants with you however, he didn’t say.”

“I am not afraid.” she responded, giving a bow before standing up straight “I am simply interested.” Ironashi smiled to the best of her ability “Welcome to Shirayuri…how may I help you today?” she questioned “Is this a personal ceremony, or are you part of a group?” the woman asked “We also have begun filling tea orders for customers to take with them…are you interested in one of those?” 

Ironashi blushed a bit before adding on quietly, as if embarrassed “I apologize for making you think I was afraid…I just…like whales and sealife…”

      Afraid wasn’t what he had thought. Though it had him look to her slightly. Though, perhaps scared would fit the category of what Medusa wanted him to look into people. Fear, disgust, unease, whatever it may be. She wasn’t showing any of it however, thank goodness for that. The last thing he would want to deal with is someone who couldn’t stand hybrids like him. He didn’t smile back, but he did at least return the bow with his own. Greeting her in his own quiet way.

“The tea is good enough, thank you kindly.” His tone shifted stilting away from the jovial, playful tone he preferred when speaking in public to a more, calmer voice. Soothing and more relaxed, as if the voice he adopted out in public was merely a façade to hide his true self. Though why he dismissed the inquiry of cookies, well, was anyone’s guess.

Undertaker settled in the chair and reached up to take his hat off, resting it in his lap. Felt a mite strange without it on, but being indoors, and an impromptu guest at that was at least cause enough for him to remember manners. A smile was given at Orca’s statement of it being nice and quiet, nodding. “’Tis different from city life, and the brilliance and horrors that come with it, but there’s a certain… charm that comes with getting away from it all.”

He tilted his head back, the scar encircling his throat briefly seen as he pushed back silver locks with a small shake. “Quiet is better. Helps keep the mind from wandering too far and getting quite in a fit over things.” A small smile at Orca, “So, tell me; how are things with you?”

      He gives a nod before he’d excuse himself, stepping into the kitchen to get tea prepared for him. Since it wasn’t too far, he was able to at least keep up with the conversation. Listening to the other while grabbing a small box, which had some tea bags he had made on his own in his spare time. While the team had more supplies under their belt now, as well as some security to keep them under wraps, he can’t really understand what all this was for. Even if they were to blow up a whole city, the hero organization SPOON would just cover up their existence again.

      He’ll just keep work aside while the Undertaker was over. There’s no need to look so down..as he usually would. Once the tea was ready, he pours a cup for the Undertaker, setting the cup down in front of him before taking a seat. Orca would briefly glance at the scar that was on his neck, pondering about it for only a moment. The two aren’t close, so he wasn’t going to bother with asking too much so soon.