#apotropaias

" . . . a-actually, i’m just. kind of lazy i suppose. ”

“Stand up straight. Straighter! Like so.” Makoto can feel Hecate’s surprisingly-warm hands against her back, forcing her to straighten her shoulders and bring her neck back. This must be what Tsubaki feels like all the time.

“Look, I really don’t think-”

“Listen. First impressions are important, you must agree? Especially in matters of business such as this. Wouldn’t your boss be upset if you made a poor impression on a prospective customer?”

“Well, yeah, probably, that’s why I usually just refer people straight to him-”

“Tut tut! That’s just lazy, you know. A good employee should excel in all fields.”

“Alright, alright,” Makoto sighs. Clearly, they won’t get any further than this unless she plays along. “I’m sorry, what’s the next step?”

“That’s more like it. Now, we greet each other.” Standing in front of Makoto, Hecate extends her hand. “Pleased to meet you. I am Hecate, goddess of magic, witchcraft, night, and the moon.”

Makoto takes it, trying to remember the best kind of handshake. Pretty sure it’s just a firm up-and-down. “Oh, yeah, same. I’m Makoto Nanaya, detective at the El-Melloi II Private Detective Agency. Glad to know you’re interested in our services.”

Bright eyes scanning Makoto’s hand, Hecate finally gives a nod. “Not bad. Not great, but not bad. Here, time for the next step.” Hecate reaches into her coat pocket as Makoto raises an eyebrow.

“Hold on, I thought you had something you wanted us to look into-”

“Ah, here it is! My card.” Tucking it away between her fingers, she proffers the item to Makoto, who sighs and takes it. For a moment, Makoto turns it over in her hands before looking back up at Hecate.

“This is blank.”

“Of course it is. Unfortunately, the business I work for doesn’t exist here, so these are just placeholders. I’ll have to get something nicer printed later on. And now for the final step in our introductions.”

Makoto just shrugs. She might as well ride this wave as far as it’ll take her. “Alright Hecate, what’s the third rule? We gonna exchange phone numbers? Trade insurance information? I don’t even have any, so-”

With a fluid motion, Hecate takes Makoto’s hand in hers, and with a gentle bow, presses her lips to the back of her palm. “Makoto Nanaya. I am pleased that the stars have aligned to bring us together this day. I hope that we will both be able to be of service to one another.”

What’s she supposed to say to that? “Uh, I... Likewise, Hecate. I hope this will be a, uh, mutually beneficial relationship.”

Rising up, Hecate claps her hands together. “Wonderful! I’m glad you learned something after all. I was concerned that you weren’t picking up on it, but you turned it around in the end.”

“Well, thanks for the lesson. Now, can we please talk about... whatever it is you wanted to talk about?”

“Ah, yes! I’d nearly forgotten.” Hecate’s smile suddenly became serious, and she laced her fingers together. “Makoto, I think I would prefer to speak to your employer. After all, I’m not too impressed by the conduct of his employees, so I want to make sure my request is handled appropriately.”

It takes Makoto a few moments to push back the desire to hit her head against a wall. Finally, she throws her arms out wide. “Alright, alright, let me get you his office number.” Grumbling, she produces a small business card from her own coat pocket, handing it off to Hecate.

“Oh! You surprise me to the very end, Makoto!” laughs the goddess. “I’ll be sure to put in a good word for you to your boss.”

“Please tell me you actually need help with something.”

 that was clearly obvious. this place was filled to the brim with more than just mortals. demons, being with powers, metahumans and other more powerful beings. but this woman was the first that belonged to the latter of that grouping. Trish knew nothing about her, not what she was nor where she came from, but she could feel it. whatever it was is subdued, as for many it is here, but not completely gone.  usually, the demon hardly points out such things to strangers, knowing that sometimes keeping a low profile is best. but in this place, such a thing seemed pointless. 

       “  At least they’re fair in that regard. “

Welcome to scenic Isola Radiale, Hecakitkat!

You will be housed in TOWNHOUSE 224.

You’ll retain the ability to teleport up to five times per day.