video | un: birdinthehand | july 4th, 6:55 pm

[chichichi]

[ This video opens to the image of a woman with entirely too many pitch feathers in her long hair standing with her back to the camera in what might appear to be a traditional stadium for those with the eyes for it. ​]

I have an important announcement that may be relevant to your interests. If I could have a moment of your time --

[ And she gets straight to it, turning to face the camera in a fluid, graceful motion. Her voice is feminine and remains both lower than the higher, cutesy depiction common in her culture and assertive, commanding -- the sort to turn heads and draw eyes where a smaller stature dressed in red and gold might otherwise fail. ]

My name is Setsura Light [ -- yes, Light, a discrepancy anyone who met her before April might notice given she introduced herself as Setsura Yamaguchi before that time, but she doesn't miss a beat -- ] and it is my privilege as owner and operator to announce that the Kennel, Tokyo's premiere fight club, is now actively hiring for all shifts and positions.

The Kennel is a business created with several purposes in mind. I'm certain I'm not the only refugee unaccustomed to such a peaceful climate and while dojos serve their purpose, many do not typically promote the largely unrestrained combat that allows finer tuning and a greater rack up of experience. The Kennel is first and foremost not a dojo; it is an arena where dogs may fight to their heart's content and the public may find enjoyment in it... for a price, of course. To that end, we are hiring dogs -- fighters, that is, moderators whose sole purpose it is to prevent fatalities among dogs and the audience, security, healers and medics, additional maintenance, and janitorial staff among others. We are also looking to welcome third-party vendors through our doors with a generous contract in promoting their business, so if you own or happen to know of a business you'd like to see under our roof, please contact us right away.

However [ and there's something sharp in her smile ], if that business should be suspected of being affiliated with the criminal organization responsible for the recent kidnappings of refugees and some natives, don't bother. The Kennel is an organization that is friendly to refugees and accepts human, yokai, hanyo, and everything in between. We do not welcome or condone discrimination or that sort of hostility.

[ And just like that, that sharp edge is gone. ]

Now, there are additional benefits provided to staff beyond a paycheck including free use of the locker rooms and baths, private rooms, various equipment and pr --

[ Please hold. There is an extremely large black puppy -- like, pony sized -- with red accents about his fur, a floopy tail, the floppiest ears, and gleaming red eyes shoving his whole, somewhat already occupied face against Setsura's stomach. In his mouth, quite visible on the screen as he pads up? Two vibrating jack rabbits whose beads are being ground to bits. Is that the remnants of a leather collar -- a harness maybe?? Hanging out of his mouth, too? It's hard to see after a moment because he's sitting front and center and Setsura's eyes have dropped from the camera to... well, the occupying bits of in her teething son's maw. ]

Props. Oh, you naughty boy! [ The way she says it, too. ] Those are fresh inventory!

[ There's a low little wine as she holds a hand out to have the drool covered contents spit into her hand. ]

Still teething, I take it. We'll get you a good chew toy when we go on break, but first -- [ and it's back to the camera ] -- we here at the Kennel hope you'll join us in one way or another.

[ The puppy pads over to sit at her side and turns to face the camera. Is he about to sneeze? How cute! He sneezes a little fire, nostrils smoking as Setsura continues, interruption taken in stride.

That's a bow -- a proper one, smooth and graceful if you've never seen her present one to a body -- and the puppy glances up at her and... attempts to replicate it. ]

We greatly appreciate your consideration and look forward to welcoming you to our grand opening this upcoming Friday at twilight in the entertainment capital of the nation, Yoshiwara District!

Comments

un: rashomon | video

[blackbeastcoat]

Hm. I've given it some thought since you had last approached me about this matter.

[ Something in his expression softens just a slight touch, then he sighed. ]

If you still wish to have me be a part of it, then you will have me.

[chichichi]

Of course I do and [ and ] I won't be beat by your current employer. It'll be well worth your while, Akutagawa-san.

[blackbeastcoat]

I would much rather work for someone whom I know I can trust and is much more refutable, and you fit those qualifications.

[ Which essentially means he will go and intend to resign at his current place of work when he is done here. ]

That alone is enough for me.

[chichichi]

Akutagawa-san, you're getting paid and that's final.

[ Considering she's had to -- well, literally shove money in certain helpful people's pants recently, she's firm. ]

Am I clear?

[blackbeastcoat]

Mm. Very.

[ He nodded and crossed his arms over his chest, proof that he had his magi-tech device propped up at the moment to speak with her. ]

If that is your wish, then I have no complaints. Consider me to be working for you quite soon.

UN: Taintedsorrow | Video

[darkdisgrace]

Well you already know I'm all in for this. It'll be way more enjoyable than the other jobs I'm doing now.

[His grin is excited, playful.]

[chichichi]

I'm surprised you've been able to contain yourself. You've been restless for some time now, haven't you?

[ Like she hasn't been. That grin suits him, though. ]

[darkdisgrace]

Well, I've found some ways to keep myself entertained in the meanwhile.

[He offers her a wink. Really, he's been helping her with the setup during his spare time. Not to mention the regular spars--]

But you're right about that. I can't remember the last time my life was this peaceful, if it ever was. I need some regular action, y'know? I'm sure you feel the same itch.

[chichichi]

I wonder where you could have gotten that idea.

[ The corner of her mouth tugs upward in a more solid grin. She leans back after a moment. ]

Are you coming down today? The flyers have already brought a lot of whelps in. I'd be surprised if you didn't want to size them up.

un: ares | video

[doommate]

Ah, it appears my progeny is doing quite well in your care. I may have to take a visit sooner than expected.

[Ares smiles, pleased at the hound's liveliness! The pup is well on its way to being a proper man-eater much like his other more monstrous children.]

[chichichi]

Come now, Ares. Did you have a doubt?

[ Someone sounds excited, though, and is presently sticking his nose against the device's camera. Father? Hello, father!! ]

[doommate]

Offspring of mine can be a handful for others - I admit I may have been skeptical.

[ it warms his bloodthirsty heart to see the pup adjusting so well. Ares looks amused at his antics on camera, addressing the snout in view. ]

Patience, my kin, there will be time for affections soon.

[chichichi]

And when do you think "soon" might be?

[ The pup is coaxed into sitting and allowing Setsura to wipe the camera clean. A healthy, wet nose? Naturally. ]

You should spend some time with him. He misses you, you know.

[doommate]

Sooner than you may expect, I promise you.

[He looks forward to the day he can bring his progeny with him on a hunt - he suspects the nascent beast would enjoy it very much.]

I would like to give my blessings to the commencement of your fighting contests.

video; un: malanore

[sweet_malanore]

[Nephelea looks as lovely as ever in her kimono. She is brushing through her thick, white-blonde hair as she speaks.]

Hello! I am much more of a healer than a fighter, but I would be happy to help!

[chichichi]

[ Oh, how striking. ]

We'd be happy to have you. Healers and medics are absolutely vital and you'll be properly compensated for your time and skill, of course.

[sweet_malanore]

I would appreciate that very much. Is there a place we should meet to further discuss these arrangements?

[chichichi]

The Kennel itself. Are you familiar with Tokyo?

[sweet_malanore]

Yoshiwara, mostly. Is it near there? I'm very good at following directions, so either way I'm appreciative.

un: tartaglia | video

[acutabove]

[ This is the face of someone that looks entirely too interested for his own good. ]

I was starting to think it was a little too ordinary and boring around here. Where do I sign up?

[chichichi]

[ That is the face of someone that looks entirely too interested for his own good and this is the face of someone who's very much into that. Bingo! ]

You can come down now if you'd like. The construction is done. You'll be able to tour the facility as well.

[acutabove]

I think I might just do that. Did you say it was in Tokyo?

[ He's making a mental note of the route he'll have to take to get there. it's still a new thing from him, especially coming from a place where boats, wagons and gliders were the norm for travel. ]

Is this an all day thing, or should I schedule an appointment?

[chichichi]

It's in Tokyo in Yoshiwara. You can't miss it. It's one of the largest stadiums and clearly marked with guides to usher applicants the right way. If you get lost, just ask and you'll be pointed in the right direction and yes, it's an all day thing.

[ Is there a large puppy snout attempting to nuzzle its way onto screen? Yes. ]

Every day leading up to our grand opening, actually, if you can't make it today.

un: heine | voice

[streunerhund]

You really went all out on the dog theme, huh?

[Oh, conflicted emotions. But Heine also refers to himself as canine enough to see some humor.]

Is the new pet the mascot?

[chichichi]

[ That initial question earns a particular quirk of her lips, something solid that reaches her eyes. Her portion of the feed remains video. ]

It's fitting. No need to reach, but I suppose that works both ways, hm? He would make a good mascot. I imagine he'll be even more appropriate as he grows into his paws.

[ And nose, which is being pressed into her shoulder now. Who are you talking to, mother?? There's no person visible in the box??? ]

I don't suppose you'd be interested, would you?

[ Leaving that vague on purpose? Hm. ]