Encounterlogs
Lanaeiss Odd Encounter Sr Liesl 250413
In the elegant and traditional setting of a tea room within the Tsubaki No Tetsu compound, Lanaeis, accompanied by Liliane and their bodyguard, find their quiet morning disrupted by an unexpected intruder. A young man, identifying himself as Eez-Peez SixtyNine Nine Nine, a content creator with a negligible following, breaches the compound's security with the aim of documenting and exposing the supernatural world he believes to be concealed there. His antics, while initially comical and filled with bravado, quickly escalate as he attempts to probe Lanaeis and Liliane for information on the Tsubaki, showcasing a gross overestimation of his influence and underestimation of the situation's danger.
As the situation unfolds, Lanaeis and Liliane decide to confront the intruder, leading to a tense encounter wherein Eez-Peez's naivety and recklessness are laid bare. Despite his attempts to intimidate and navigate the situation to his benefit, Eez-Peez is quickly overwhelmed by the gravity of his error, culminating in Lanaeis forcibly seizing and destroying his recording device. In an act of mercy—or perhaps pragmatism—Liliane intervenes before a lethal blow can be dealt, instructing Lanaeis to merely knock the young man unconscious. With Eez-Peez incapacitated, they decide against further violence, instead choosing to manipulate his memories and ensure his escapade into the supernatural remains a figment of his imagination, thus containing the situation without bloodshed. Their decision reflects not only the depth of their characters' resolve to protect their secrets but also their unwillingness to resort to fatal measures against an admittedly foolish, yet ultimately harmless, individual.
(Lanaeis's odd encounter(SRLiesl):SRLiesl)
[Sat Apr 12 2025]
In A Tea Room
The warmth of polished hinoki wood embraces this room, its clean lines and
understated elegance reflecting both wealth and tradition. A large, low
table rests at the center, its lacquered surface gleaming beneath the soft
glow of a paper lantern overhead. The scent of roasted tea and faint incense
lingers in the air.
Along one wall, dark wooden cabinets with kumiko latticework conceal modern
appliances. A black iron teapot rests on the irori, the sunken hearth still
warm, surrounded by cushions arranged casually.
A wide, glass-paned window offers a view out to a shrine, framed by a silk
noren, its dyed camellia blossoms swaying faintly with the draft. Beyond the
glass, the black torii and distant hum of cicadas seem almost within reach.
Hand-thrown ceramic bowls stack neatly on open shelves while fox-shaped
incense holder rest near the window.
It is morning, about 47F(8C) degrees, and the sky is covered by dark grey stormclouds.
(An amateur paranormal investigator has stumbled onto the truth of the supernatural world and has evidence. Your target and their allies are tasked with containing the situation.
)
Lanaeis is standing against the wall in the tea room of the compound that houses the Tsubaki No Tetsu, accompanied by Liliane and Ritsuk
Lanaeis ritsuka*
Whatever someone was up to here in the quaint tea room is potentially interrupted by the roll of some heavy vehicle announcing itself outside. Tsubaki no Tetsu, and the accompanying district has garnered hushed whispers amongst the Supernatural world. Despite best efforts by the community -- no the world at large under Venice's rule to keep a tight lid, it's expected for things to spring a leak and word to get out amongst those seeking clout. Those who have no business whatsoever in getting involved. What sounds like a young man's muffled voice can be heard enthusiastically speaking out loud, this early into the morning come afternoon.
What could that be about?
Whatever Lanaeis was up to here in the quaint tea room is potentially interrupted by the roll of some heavy vehicle announcing itself outside. Tsubaki no Tetsu, and the accompanying district has garnered hushed whispers amongst the Supernatural world. Despite best efforts by the community -- no the world at large under Venice's rule to keep a tight lid, it's expected for things to spring a leak and word to get out amongst those seeking clout. Those who have no business whatsoever in getting involved. What sounds like a young man's muffled voice can be heard enthusiastically speaking out loud, this early into the morning come afternoon.
What could that be about?
Striding to the window, Lanaeis pulls aside the curtains and glances towards the gate after hearing the young man pull up and speaking. "Visitors?" Lanaeis sighs. "What in the world... is The Hand that eager?"
And whatever Lanaeis and Liliane were up to here in the quaint tea room is potentially interrupted by the roll of some heavy vehicle announcing itself outside. Tsubaki no Tetsu, and the accompanying district has garnered hushed whispers amongst the Supernatural world. Despite best efforts by the community -- no the world at large under Venice's rule to keep a tight lid, it's expected for things to spring a leak and word to get out amongst those seeking clout. Those who have no business whatsoever in getting involved. What sounds like a young man's muffled voice can be heard enthusiastically speaking out loud, this early into the morning come afternoon.
What could that be about? (repost for Liliane's sake!)
Pushing herself up and recovering her crutch Liliane frowns a bit, a labored exhale coming from drug numbed lungs as she asks, laboriously moving towards the window, a clack with each step, "You see someone? Recognize them?"
"That's right, it's ya boy Eez-Peez SixtyNine Nine Nine, coming at you here in Haven! The innocuous town where legends have been whispered about all sorts of crazy shit!" Liliane gets a front-row seat to the spectacle happening outside the window. There's a man who has apparently clambered over the gates leading into the compound, with what looks like some tools to aid in that endeavor. He's pointing frantically at the sturcture that Lanaeis and Liliane are dwelling in, holding the latest iPhone at his face, blustering and sweating, but looking wholly enthusiastic. Brimming with all the energy of a young buck whose got something to prove.
"Yo-key, ghosts, shinobi? Hot babes in kimonos? We're gonna find them HERE!" He starts skipping around and making poses for the camera, but in his excitement falls on his rear, dropping his phone. "Ah. Shit. Technical difficulties, fam."
A smile tugs up at Lanaeis's mouth. "Idiot." Lanaeis says, watching the man on his rear. "Should we... talk to him? Or let him find the operatives? Either would be hilarious." Lanaeis says to Liliane, already by the door in the moment of a breath.
A pained look comes over Liliane's face despite the codeine racing through her veins. Her ears don't pick up his words but the man's energy is unmistakable, her eyes rolling as she makes for the door to the tea room with her bodyguard in tow. "Oh we should definitely handle this ourselves, if only because it WILL be hilarious," she waits for Lanaeis to open the door now, her head motioning a silent command towards him, "Plus I want to tease him a little."
Pulling open the door, Lanaeis offers an arm to Liliane for support, striding out to meet the man. Before they've even reached him, Lanaeis lets out a sharp whistle. "Morning Stranger!" Lanaeis calls, voice ringing out like a church bell in the garden.
In essence, what's chanced upon Tsubaki's district is a pest. He's not a local, that's for certain, and has decided to try and cash in on a surging fad amongst the content creator's space: Being a nuisance for locals, trying to perform as much outrageous activities as possible to get as many likes and subscribes as possible. He doesn't have the looks to get by any other way, and has found the 'perfect' alternative. Local news might have already reached Lanaeis and Liliane's ears about this particular one, causing a ruckus and getting kicked out of a few of the local establishments in Haven. Namely in Devilwood's infamous red light district. Local word of mouth and other reports name him as recently being kicked out of the Succubus for dumping beverages on the floor and trying to get a reaction from patrons.
The man abruptly whirls about and blinks dumbly at Lanaeis and Liliane as they show themselves. "Huh. Yo."
A shit-eating grin spreads on his face as he canters over, socks and sandals carrying his stride. "Do. You. Speak. English?" He's likely practiced and rehearsed this act, and doesn't care at all if Lanaeis and Liliane don't really look the part of being from Japan. He's practicing for when he's actually gotten there. "Nihongo. I don't speak it. Do you? Teach me!" He winks at the camera then, smoothing his hair back in particular when he notices Liliane behind Lanaeis.
Moving slowly, her bodyguard helping her walk as much as Lanaeis does, Liliane responds, her words glacially slow, "I. Do. Speak. English. Very. Good." A one-legged hop follows as she stands behind Lanaeis on her own power now and continues, "Why. Are. You. Here?"
Stopping right in front of the man, Lanaeis keeps just a bit ahead of Liliane, but off to the side so she is clearly visible. When he speaks, he has flawlessly switched over to Japanese. "You are a nuisance. Why are you here." Its likely that only the bodyguard can understand his words.
Liliane asks the right question. It gets the outsider going. "Good one, lady," he snorts back a giggle, straightening and stopping his stroll to a good few paces from the pair. "I mean. You've PROBABLY heard of me. Eez-Peez Sixty Nine Nine Nine, coming right atcha!" He flicks his wrist and gives Lanaeis and Liliane the old finger guns. "Bang bang, baby." He pans the camera at them grinning smugly. "Smile for the camera, yo! It's YOUR lucky day! I'm gonna get you two famous." He squints, looking at what they're both wearing. Lanaeis's the first to get the camera work scrutiny, a soft, dissatisfied hum leaving the creator's lips. He's wearing an old leather jacket and a white undershirt. Brown cargo shorts and long white cotton socks and a pair of well-used sneakers. When he brings his camera over Liliane's attire, he makes a most elated noise. He starts trying to zoom in on the earrings. "There it is! That's what we're looking for! So you guys are part of the deal, huh? I got QUESTIONS!"
Remaining unsmiling, Lanaeis studies the young man, before speaking, this time in English. "First and foremost. Why are you here? Second, I've never heard of you outside of the fact that you've been causing trouble around town. Third, and finally, what kind of person produces the grease to manage that hairdo? I mean seriously, do you wash that ever?" Lanaeis's arms cross over his chest, one hand turning to reveal the tattooed palm.
With a roll of her eyes Liliane replies, "The deal? No, I don't play cards... What did you say your name was again, Eeny-Peen Sixty Nine Ninety Six?" Her phone comes out and she taps away, without a doubt searching for any public trace of his username online as she slides in closer to her bodyguard, sharing the screen. "Let's hear those questions though, I'm sure they're holding your braincells at capacity."
His smile dropping, the uninvited guest wrinkles his nose, casting a look of disapproval for Lanaeis first and foremost. "Hey bro, watch it," he warns, wagging a finger at him. "No need to be rude." That's his job, after all. All that unfounded confidence likely comes from being around someone' height. Perhaps even a scant inch taller. He's used to being pushy and getting away with it, though he does have a few police records under his belt from out of state.
Liliane's investigation on her phone easily pulls up the guys' social media. His YouTube channel has a grand total of... nineteen subscribers so far. X and the like are no better, even worse. Gotta start somewhere. "Chill lady, I'm getting to that," he Z-snaps at her, bobbing his head like he's seen women do, likely trying to get a rise out of her. He knows sometimes you gotta take it when you dish things out. "Tell me about that shit that went down in Japan. Dead soldiers? Was it the Yakuza? You guys planning a takeover? Do you two actually work for the Tsubaki, or are you guys just posers? Huh?"
His smile dropping, the uninvited guest wrinkles his nose, casting a look of disapproval for Lanaeis first and foremost. "Hey bro, watch it," he warns, wagging a finger at him. "No need to be rude." That's his job, after all. All that unfounded confidence likely comes from being around someone' height. Perhaps even a scant inch taller. He's used to being pushy and getting away with it, though he does have a few police records under his belt from out of state.
Liliane's investigation on her phone easily pulls up the guys' social media. His YouTube channel has a grand total of... nineteen subscribers so far. X and the like are no better, even worse. Gotta start somewhere. "Chill lady, I'm getting to that," he Z-snaps at her, bobbing his head like he's seen women do, likely trying to get a rise out of her. He knows sometimes you gotta take it when you dish things out. "Tell me about that shit that went down in Japan. Dead soldiers? Was it the Yakuza? You guys planning a takeover? Do you two actually work for the Tsubaki, or are you guys just posers? Huh?"
His smile dropping, the uninvited guest wrinkles his nose, casting a look of disapproval for Lanaeis first and foremost. "Hey bro, watch it," he warns, wagging a finger at him. "No need to be rude." That's his job, after all. All that unfounded confidence likely comes from being around Lanaeis's height. Perhaps even a scant inch taller. He's used to being pushy and getting away with it, though he does have a few police records under his belt from out of state.
Liliane's investigation on her phone easily pulls up the guys' social media. His YouTube channel has a grand total of... nineteen subscribers so far. X and the like are no better, even worse. Gotta start somewhere. "Chill lady, I'm getting to that," he Z-snaps at her, bobbing his head like he's seen women do, likely trying to get a rise out of her. He knows sometimes you gotta take it when you dish things out. "Tell me about that shit that went down in Japan. Dead soldiers? Was it the Yakuza? You guys planning a takeover? Do you two actually work for the Tsubaki, or are you guys just posers? Huh?"
Glaring at the finger, Lanaeis steps into the guy's space. "You will be respectful while at our compound." Lanaeis tells him. "And put that away, before I take it from you." He motions to the phone.
Turning his head to Liliane, Lanaeis asks "Anything about this one you can find, Liliane?"
Liliane seems impervious to his z-snap attack, his power level far too low to defeat her mental defenses. Or maybe that was the painkillers. Regardless she makes sure he is put on a list with a nod to her bodyguard, any mention of the supernatural scrubbed from his channels by the Tsubaki no Tetsu's network of agents. "Yes, please, recording people in private could get you charged with a crime you know. I think the fine is... ten thousand dollars? I don't suppose you have ten thousand dollars laying around," Liliane adds, eyes flickering towards Lanaeis as she shrugs and mouths the word "irrelevant".
Snuffling softly, he takes a hasty step back, and then some, showing the bit where he's all bark and no bite. Lanaeis's his size, and he doesn't quite like the silent bodyguard that's helping Liliane about either. "Bruh. That ain't kosher. Don't even think about touching me." He points at the sky. "FREE COUNTRY! Remember?" Conveniently ignoring the fact that he's trespassing and just up to no good, thinking, or at least acting like the world revolves around him. He's like the fabled sovereign citizens roving America. The laws don't apply to him, until they do, basically. Checking that his phone is still recording, he points it at someone, trying to circle around him and Liliane in the meantime while stating loud and clear for the cameras:
"Assault. Assault. Don't touch me bro. That's assault. Look at me, I'm leaving the area." On the contrary, he is trying to get past and snoop around the compound. Putting a hand on the speakers, he asks, "Where's the crazy lady chick that leads the Tsubaki? I got information she'd like," he claims, grinning.
Snuffling softly, he takes a hasty step back, and then some, showing the bit where he's all bark and no bite. Lanaeis's his size, and he doesn't quite like the silent bodyguard that's helping Liliane about either. "Bruh. That ain't kosher. Don't even think about touching me." He points at the sky. "FREE COUNTRY! Remember?" Conveniently ignoring the fact that he's trespassing and just up to no good, thinking, or at least acting like the world revolves around him. He's like the fabled sovereign citizens roving America. The laws don't apply to him, until they do, basically. Checking that his phone is still recording, he points it at someone, trying to circle around him and Liliane in the meantime while stating loud and clear for the cameras:
"Assault. Assault. Don't touch me bro. That's assault. Look at me, I'm leaving the area." On the contrary, he is trying to get past and snoop around the compound. Putting a hand on the speakers, he asks, "Where's the crazy lady chick that leads the Tsubaki? I got information she'd like," he claims, grinning.
Snuffling softly, he takes a hasty step back, and then some, showing the bit where he's all bark and no bite. Lanaeis's his size, and he doesn't quite like the silent bodyguard that's helping Liliane about either. "Bruh. That ain't kosher. Don't even think about touching me." He points at the sky. "FREE COUNTRY! Remember?" Conveniently ignoring the fact that he's trespassing and just up to no good, thinking, or at least acting like the world revolves around him. He's like the fabled sovereign citizens roving America. The laws don't apply to him, until they do, basically. Checking that his phone is still recording, he points it at Lanaeis, trying to circle around him and Liliane in the meantime while stating loud and clear for the cameras:
"Assault. Assault. Don't touch me bro. That's assault. Look at me, I'm leaving the area." On the contrary, he is trying to get past and snoop around the compound. Putting a hand on the speakers, he asks, "Where's the crazy lady chick that leads the Tsubaki? I got information she'd like," he claims, grinning.
Its not a moment until Lanaeis is in front of the man, hand reaching out to pluck the phone from the idiot's hand. "She doesn't want to speak to you." Lanaeis says, before there's a 'crunch' and the crushed phone drops from Lanaeis's grip. "You want information on the things that go bump in the night friend?" Lanaeis asks, a dangerous rumble entering his voice as just out of the corner of the eye, golden liht dances and sparks. "Why should I tell you a damn thing, moron?"
Liliane's bodyguard moves to head the man off in time with Lanaeis, steps silent but swift as Liliane stands still where she's at. Waiting a moment, eyes on Lanaeis, Liliane moves closer, the crutch supporting her one-legged form clacking against the ground, "Why don't you come over here with us into this very dark room where we can tell you all about it what you want to know, actually?" The bodyguard likewise moves in closer, invading the man's space as much as Lanaeis.
"H-hey!" the content creator exclaims, reacting far too late to protect his phone. He tried to draw it away, but juggling being a menace and getting some footage was a task too much for him. Somehow, this is the first time the actions come with the consequences, but given how little content he's actually uploaded (mostly conspiracy theories on ghosts, werewolves, vampires and lately Japanese mythology and the Tsubaki myths) it's not a stretch to say this was coming sooner rather than later.
Primal instincts kick in, giving him a choice to make: Fight or Flight. Liliane's approach with the body guard help him make a decision in due haste. He's not liking his odds, and Lanaeis in particular strikes him as very unnerving. "Alright guys, I gotta jet," he says with a forced laugh, turning around and starting to briskly walk off. Escape's probably not gonna come easy, even if they don't give chase. He climbed here after all. "LATER!" His pace hastens to a bit of a jog.
Glancing to Liliane, Lanaeis asks lowly "Do you want him, Brave?" Lanaeis's shoulders have already tensed, his eyes focused on the retreating man.
With a nod to both Lanaeis and her bodyguard Liliane says, "Want him? Not really. But... Go get him. Make sure he doesn't remember coming here."
One foot on a grate, he's hit a checkpoint on his way out. He's gonna start the ponderous climb out of the compound, but he's not exactly the most athletic sorts, giving them ample time to plan and catch up on what to do with the guy.
Without another word, Lanaeis springs, landing on the wall above the man. Golden fire erupts around his body as he stands there, waiting for the man to climb into reach. If he does, a foot will come down, and, with a hard kick, send him flying off the gate. "You should have listened to my friend." Lanaeis calls, leaping down to the man. "Perhaps then I wouldn't have to hurt you."
The man was indeed well on his way to clambering over the wall, doggedly and with an unwavering determination to get the hell out, stoked by his will to survive and be a nuisance once again. Inwardly, he's also praying to God that if he gets out he'll never do this again, but he's used to getting out of a pickle and is always on the same mind to have at it again. He just never seems to learn his lesson. Today might be the day he does.
For a split-second, his eyes go wide at what he sees above him. He wishes he still has his phone, something to record the phenomenon happening before him. "Holy shi-" He does not get a chance to finish that exclamation. Like a sack of potatos, he's flung down back to the ground, crying out in fear. "Don't hurt me!" he screams in the tune of wanting his mommy.
The clack of Liliane's crutch on stone grows ever closer as Lanaeis cuts the man off. Liliane's bodyguard, not as swift, likewise approaches from the opposite direction, cutting off modes of escape as not only Lanaeis and the bodyguard but several others appear from seemingly nowhere, the compound roaring to life to prevent Eez's premature departure. "Ooooh. He's MAD." Liliane calls out, a cough escaping as she exerts herself with the movement.
Nostrils flaring, Lanaeis plants a foot on the man's chest. Noting the labored breathing, Lanaeis glances to Liliane, expression softening mildly even as the golden fire flickers around him without heat. "Don't exert yourself too much Brave." Then his eyes are back on the man, grinding a heel into his chest. "Do you know what I am, human?" He glares down at the man. "And do you know how much danger your in right now?"
Poor guy is definitely mad. Mad with fear, that is. It's unfortunate enough that Lanaeis might easily tell that he wet himself in the ensuing struggle. "Fuck, fuck fuck," he chants under his breath, though that will do very little for him. He keeps his eyes shut, unwilling, unable to meet the bright fervour bearing down at him. He blinks and sees the shadows of Liliane's leg and crutch approach, and looks the other way, finding solace in staring at an blank wall instead. "I know what you are," he insists, briskly nodding his head. "This- This is what I was trying to prove to the world. Fucking monsters exist. You guys are real." Then he laughs, seeing some humor in it, vindicated in a way, even if it now comes under his expense. "I fucking knew it," he wheezes back another laugh, the effort straining his lungs. They're on the verge of collapse, and he's hurting all over, dazed. Just not quite out yet. It'd be a mercy if he was. "I won't tell anyone, though," he promises, suddenly grasping on the gravity of his situation -- and why such things as this are kept a secret.
"Yes, yes monsters do exist." Lanaeis says, unwavering in his resolve to let this man go for now. "You are lucky that I am the monster you met, instead of our leader. I am still mostly human." Lanaeis's knee strikes down where his foot had been, not hard enough to truly injure, but to remind the guy of his situation. "But what am I? What kind of monster are you looking at? Tell me why I shouldn't kill you the moment Brave there gives the word." Lanaeis gives a nod to Liliane. "Oh. And you better start begging her. She's the one that might feel bad if I snap your neck. She is your way out. So. Make a good impression."
Another rasping cough escapes Liliane's lungs, a pause in the clacks as Liliane stops moving but still stands mostly upright. "Mmn, yes, I believe the 'crazy lady' would have ripped you to shreds an hour ago," Liliane concurs. She watches impassively for a moment, her facial expression conflicted as she stares down at the pathetic man before her.
"I-Don't wanna look" he breathes out, his lips trembling, keeping his eyes shut tight, the tears starting to flow from his eyes. Shame burns red hot at the humiliation wrought upon him. It's a medicine that certainly doesn't go down easy when you're used to doling it out in the first place. As they say, wanting is very good and all, but it won't get you far in life if that's the only thing you have handy. He forces himself to look to Liliane at first, staring at her helplessly, conveying the message without outright saying it: Get this guy to let me go please? The command is given anyway and he bursts into more tears, wailing like the big baby he's turned into. It was hiding there all along. "S-shit. Please. I'm sorry. I just wanted to get more subscribers man." He chances to look up her legs, and the woman's visage, and exhales, suddenly not the hot shit he thought he was a moment ago. "I'm sorry." Sorry is the key word here, the term to use. He might even start defining it. "My mom. She's gonna wonder where I am if I don't call her today." He's a true momma's boy. "Don't do that to her." With that out of the way, he reluctantly looks upon the blazing fury bearing down at him. "What are you?" he has to sputter back. Werewolves, vampires, ghosts, those are his forte. "I dunno, man..."
Something breaks through, a part of her not yet ready to prescribe the death of someone so human so instead she kneels down as best she can, body supported mostly by the crutch she hangs onto. "Go to sleep... and remember that all of this was really just a dream, a dream you can make a fun video about later, yes? But none of it is real... you're sleeping... You make content. Entertainment," Liliane commands, though being Natural herself has no way to compel him to do so. Instead she motions towards Lanaeis and whispers, "Knock him out, I'll have someone ensure it sticks."
Giving Liliane a sharp nod, Lanaeis does as instructed. A fist comes with almost no time between the request and the action, cracking the young man in the temple and sentencing him to the land of dreams and nightmares. "Your sure this one isn't better off dead?" Lanaeis asks Liliane after the man has been put into a (probably not very) restful sleep.
Standing, Liliane comments, "He probably is, but..." A pause comes as she scrambles for an excuse and says, "We really shouldn't spill blood in the garden, and I doubt anyone will take him seriously anyways. He had like nineteen subscribers..." Looking down at her phone, Liliane taps the screen, the subscribe button hit as a promise to keep an eye on his future activity before she adds, "Twenty."
Giving Liliane a long look, Lanaeis sighs, rising and leaving the poor sap to the operatives, walking back over to Liliane and offering an arm to help her back inside.
On the verge of hyperventilating, he stares up at Liliane, and after processing the sentence of clemency upon him, smiles up at her. "Lady. You have no idea how much this mean-" He was going to offer endless platitudes in thanks for showing him mercy, and if he was able, probably prop before her and kiss the ground she was treading upon. He doesn't get to that part. He's knocked out cold and off to a place he can gather himself. One hit to the temple and he's knocked unconscious, a gasp catching in his throat. It's finally lights out for him, falling behind the curtain call. Clean up isn't such a difficult thing. Neithe ris messing with his mind. When he wakes up, he'll have no idea what just happened, or where his phone went.
The issue regarding his social media is no threat at all. He's a big nobody in a sea full of others who want their names to be shown. That one subscriber was likely an operative of Tsubaki, waiting for the word to wipe his accounts of any incriminating traces that could lead back to their compound, or the cult as a whole. And his mind was even easier to manipulate.
As the situation unfolds, Lanaeis and Liliane decide to confront the intruder, leading to a tense encounter wherein Eez-Peez's naivety and recklessness are laid bare. Despite his attempts to intimidate and navigate the situation to his benefit, Eez-Peez is quickly overwhelmed by the gravity of his error, culminating in Lanaeis forcibly seizing and destroying his recording device. In an act of mercy—or perhaps pragmatism—Liliane intervenes before a lethal blow can be dealt, instructing Lanaeis to merely knock the young man unconscious. With Eez-Peez incapacitated, they decide against further violence, instead choosing to manipulate his memories and ensure his escapade into the supernatural remains a figment of his imagination, thus containing the situation without bloodshed. Their decision reflects not only the depth of their characters' resolve to protect their secrets but also their unwillingness to resort to fatal measures against an admittedly foolish, yet ultimately harmless, individual.
(Lanaeis's odd encounter(SRLiesl):SRLiesl)
[Sat Apr 12 2025]
In A Tea Room
The warmth of polished hinoki wood embraces this room, its clean lines and
understated elegance reflecting both wealth and tradition. A large, low
table rests at the center, its lacquered surface gleaming beneath the soft
glow of a paper lantern overhead. The scent of roasted tea and faint incense
lingers in the air.
Along one wall, dark wooden cabinets with kumiko latticework conceal modern
appliances. A black iron teapot rests on the irori, the sunken hearth still
warm, surrounded by cushions arranged casually.
A wide, glass-paned window offers a view out to a shrine, framed by a silk
noren, its dyed camellia blossoms swaying faintly with the draft. Beyond the
glass, the black torii and distant hum of cicadas seem almost within reach.
Hand-thrown ceramic bowls stack neatly on open shelves while fox-shaped
incense holder rest near the window.
It is morning, about 47F(8C) degrees, and the sky is covered by dark grey stormclouds.
(An amateur paranormal investigator has stumbled onto the truth of the supernatural world and has evidence. Your target and their allies are tasked with containing the situation.
)
Lanaeis is standing against the wall in the tea room of the compound that houses the Tsubaki No Tetsu, accompanied by Liliane and Ritsuk
Lanaeis ritsuka*
Whatever someone was up to here in the quaint tea room is potentially interrupted by the roll of some heavy vehicle announcing itself outside. Tsubaki no Tetsu, and the accompanying district has garnered hushed whispers amongst the Supernatural world. Despite best efforts by the community -- no the world at large under Venice's rule to keep a tight lid, it's expected for things to spring a leak and word to get out amongst those seeking clout. Those who have no business whatsoever in getting involved. What sounds like a young man's muffled voice can be heard enthusiastically speaking out loud, this early into the morning come afternoon.
What could that be about?
Whatever Lanaeis was up to here in the quaint tea room is potentially interrupted by the roll of some heavy vehicle announcing itself outside. Tsubaki no Tetsu, and the accompanying district has garnered hushed whispers amongst the Supernatural world. Despite best efforts by the community -- no the world at large under Venice's rule to keep a tight lid, it's expected for things to spring a leak and word to get out amongst those seeking clout. Those who have no business whatsoever in getting involved. What sounds like a young man's muffled voice can be heard enthusiastically speaking out loud, this early into the morning come afternoon.
What could that be about?
Striding to the window, Lanaeis pulls aside the curtains and glances towards the gate after hearing the young man pull up and speaking. "Visitors?" Lanaeis sighs. "What in the world... is The Hand that eager?"
And whatever Lanaeis and Liliane were up to here in the quaint tea room is potentially interrupted by the roll of some heavy vehicle announcing itself outside. Tsubaki no Tetsu, and the accompanying district has garnered hushed whispers amongst the Supernatural world. Despite best efforts by the community -- no the world at large under Venice's rule to keep a tight lid, it's expected for things to spring a leak and word to get out amongst those seeking clout. Those who have no business whatsoever in getting involved. What sounds like a young man's muffled voice can be heard enthusiastically speaking out loud, this early into the morning come afternoon.
What could that be about? (repost for Liliane's sake!)
Pushing herself up and recovering her crutch Liliane frowns a bit, a labored exhale coming from drug numbed lungs as she asks, laboriously moving towards the window, a clack with each step, "You see someone? Recognize them?"
"That's right, it's ya boy Eez-Peez SixtyNine Nine Nine, coming at you here in Haven! The innocuous town where legends have been whispered about all sorts of crazy shit!" Liliane gets a front-row seat to the spectacle happening outside the window. There's a man who has apparently clambered over the gates leading into the compound, with what looks like some tools to aid in that endeavor. He's pointing frantically at the sturcture that Lanaeis and Liliane are dwelling in, holding the latest iPhone at his face, blustering and sweating, but looking wholly enthusiastic. Brimming with all the energy of a young buck whose got something to prove.
"Yo-key, ghosts, shinobi? Hot babes in kimonos? We're gonna find them HERE!" He starts skipping around and making poses for the camera, but in his excitement falls on his rear, dropping his phone. "Ah. Shit. Technical difficulties, fam."
A smile tugs up at Lanaeis's mouth. "Idiot." Lanaeis says, watching the man on his rear. "Should we... talk to him? Or let him find the operatives? Either would be hilarious." Lanaeis says to Liliane, already by the door in the moment of a breath.
A pained look comes over Liliane's face despite the codeine racing through her veins. Her ears don't pick up his words but the man's energy is unmistakable, her eyes rolling as she makes for the door to the tea room with her bodyguard in tow. "Oh we should definitely handle this ourselves, if only because it WILL be hilarious," she waits for Lanaeis to open the door now, her head motioning a silent command towards him, "Plus I want to tease him a little."
Pulling open the door, Lanaeis offers an arm to Liliane for support, striding out to meet the man. Before they've even reached him, Lanaeis lets out a sharp whistle. "Morning Stranger!" Lanaeis calls, voice ringing out like a church bell in the garden.
In essence, what's chanced upon Tsubaki's district is a pest. He's not a local, that's for certain, and has decided to try and cash in on a surging fad amongst the content creator's space: Being a nuisance for locals, trying to perform as much outrageous activities as possible to get as many likes and subscribes as possible. He doesn't have the looks to get by any other way, and has found the 'perfect' alternative. Local news might have already reached Lanaeis and Liliane's ears about this particular one, causing a ruckus and getting kicked out of a few of the local establishments in Haven. Namely in Devilwood's infamous red light district. Local word of mouth and other reports name him as recently being kicked out of the Succubus for dumping beverages on the floor and trying to get a reaction from patrons.
The man abruptly whirls about and blinks dumbly at Lanaeis and Liliane as they show themselves. "Huh. Yo."
A shit-eating grin spreads on his face as he canters over, socks and sandals carrying his stride. "Do. You. Speak. English?" He's likely practiced and rehearsed this act, and doesn't care at all if Lanaeis and Liliane don't really look the part of being from Japan. He's practicing for when he's actually gotten there. "Nihongo. I don't speak it. Do you? Teach me!" He winks at the camera then, smoothing his hair back in particular when he notices Liliane behind Lanaeis.
Moving slowly, her bodyguard helping her walk as much as Lanaeis does, Liliane responds, her words glacially slow, "I. Do. Speak. English. Very. Good." A one-legged hop follows as she stands behind Lanaeis on her own power now and continues, "Why. Are. You. Here?"
Stopping right in front of the man, Lanaeis keeps just a bit ahead of Liliane, but off to the side so she is clearly visible. When he speaks, he has flawlessly switched over to Japanese. "You are a nuisance. Why are you here." Its likely that only the bodyguard can understand his words.
Liliane asks the right question. It gets the outsider going. "Good one, lady," he snorts back a giggle, straightening and stopping his stroll to a good few paces from the pair. "I mean. You've PROBABLY heard of me. Eez-Peez Sixty Nine Nine Nine, coming right atcha!" He flicks his wrist and gives Lanaeis and Liliane the old finger guns. "Bang bang, baby." He pans the camera at them grinning smugly. "Smile for the camera, yo! It's YOUR lucky day! I'm gonna get you two famous." He squints, looking at what they're both wearing. Lanaeis's the first to get the camera work scrutiny, a soft, dissatisfied hum leaving the creator's lips. He's wearing an old leather jacket and a white undershirt. Brown cargo shorts and long white cotton socks and a pair of well-used sneakers. When he brings his camera over Liliane's attire, he makes a most elated noise. He starts trying to zoom in on the earrings. "There it is! That's what we're looking for! So you guys are part of the deal, huh? I got QUESTIONS!"
Remaining unsmiling, Lanaeis studies the young man, before speaking, this time in English. "First and foremost. Why are you here? Second, I've never heard of you outside of the fact that you've been causing trouble around town. Third, and finally, what kind of person produces the grease to manage that hairdo? I mean seriously, do you wash that ever?" Lanaeis's arms cross over his chest, one hand turning to reveal the tattooed palm.
With a roll of her eyes Liliane replies, "The deal? No, I don't play cards... What did you say your name was again, Eeny-Peen Sixty Nine Ninety Six?" Her phone comes out and she taps away, without a doubt searching for any public trace of his username online as she slides in closer to her bodyguard, sharing the screen. "Let's hear those questions though, I'm sure they're holding your braincells at capacity."
His smile dropping, the uninvited guest wrinkles his nose, casting a look of disapproval for Lanaeis first and foremost. "Hey bro, watch it," he warns, wagging a finger at him. "No need to be rude." That's his job, after all. All that unfounded confidence likely comes from being around someone' height. Perhaps even a scant inch taller. He's used to being pushy and getting away with it, though he does have a few police records under his belt from out of state.
Liliane's investigation on her phone easily pulls up the guys' social media. His YouTube channel has a grand total of... nineteen subscribers so far. X and the like are no better, even worse. Gotta start somewhere. "Chill lady, I'm getting to that," he Z-snaps at her, bobbing his head like he's seen women do, likely trying to get a rise out of her. He knows sometimes you gotta take it when you dish things out. "Tell me about that shit that went down in Japan. Dead soldiers? Was it the Yakuza? You guys planning a takeover? Do you two actually work for the Tsubaki, or are you guys just posers? Huh?"
His smile dropping, the uninvited guest wrinkles his nose, casting a look of disapproval for Lanaeis first and foremost. "Hey bro, watch it," he warns, wagging a finger at him. "No need to be rude." That's his job, after all. All that unfounded confidence likely comes from being around someone' height. Perhaps even a scant inch taller. He's used to being pushy and getting away with it, though he does have a few police records under his belt from out of state.
Liliane's investigation on her phone easily pulls up the guys' social media. His YouTube channel has a grand total of... nineteen subscribers so far. X and the like are no better, even worse. Gotta start somewhere. "Chill lady, I'm getting to that," he Z-snaps at her, bobbing his head like he's seen women do, likely trying to get a rise out of her. He knows sometimes you gotta take it when you dish things out. "Tell me about that shit that went down in Japan. Dead soldiers? Was it the Yakuza? You guys planning a takeover? Do you two actually work for the Tsubaki, or are you guys just posers? Huh?"
His smile dropping, the uninvited guest wrinkles his nose, casting a look of disapproval for Lanaeis first and foremost. "Hey bro, watch it," he warns, wagging a finger at him. "No need to be rude." That's his job, after all. All that unfounded confidence likely comes from being around Lanaeis's height. Perhaps even a scant inch taller. He's used to being pushy and getting away with it, though he does have a few police records under his belt from out of state.
Liliane's investigation on her phone easily pulls up the guys' social media. His YouTube channel has a grand total of... nineteen subscribers so far. X and the like are no better, even worse. Gotta start somewhere. "Chill lady, I'm getting to that," he Z-snaps at her, bobbing his head like he's seen women do, likely trying to get a rise out of her. He knows sometimes you gotta take it when you dish things out. "Tell me about that shit that went down in Japan. Dead soldiers? Was it the Yakuza? You guys planning a takeover? Do you two actually work for the Tsubaki, or are you guys just posers? Huh?"
Glaring at the finger, Lanaeis steps into the guy's space. "You will be respectful while at our compound." Lanaeis tells him. "And put that away, before I take it from you." He motions to the phone.
Turning his head to Liliane, Lanaeis asks "Anything about this one you can find, Liliane?"
Liliane seems impervious to his z-snap attack, his power level far too low to defeat her mental defenses. Or maybe that was the painkillers. Regardless she makes sure he is put on a list with a nod to her bodyguard, any mention of the supernatural scrubbed from his channels by the Tsubaki no Tetsu's network of agents. "Yes, please, recording people in private could get you charged with a crime you know. I think the fine is... ten thousand dollars? I don't suppose you have ten thousand dollars laying around," Liliane adds, eyes flickering towards Lanaeis as she shrugs and mouths the word "irrelevant".
Snuffling softly, he takes a hasty step back, and then some, showing the bit where he's all bark and no bite. Lanaeis's his size, and he doesn't quite like the silent bodyguard that's helping Liliane about either. "Bruh. That ain't kosher. Don't even think about touching me." He points at the sky. "FREE COUNTRY! Remember?" Conveniently ignoring the fact that he's trespassing and just up to no good, thinking, or at least acting like the world revolves around him. He's like the fabled sovereign citizens roving America. The laws don't apply to him, until they do, basically. Checking that his phone is still recording, he points it at someone, trying to circle around him and Liliane in the meantime while stating loud and clear for the cameras:
"Assault. Assault. Don't touch me bro. That's assault. Look at me, I'm leaving the area." On the contrary, he is trying to get past and snoop around the compound. Putting a hand on the speakers, he asks, "Where's the crazy lady chick that leads the Tsubaki? I got information she'd like," he claims, grinning.
Snuffling softly, he takes a hasty step back, and then some, showing the bit where he's all bark and no bite. Lanaeis's his size, and he doesn't quite like the silent bodyguard that's helping Liliane about either. "Bruh. That ain't kosher. Don't even think about touching me." He points at the sky. "FREE COUNTRY! Remember?" Conveniently ignoring the fact that he's trespassing and just up to no good, thinking, or at least acting like the world revolves around him. He's like the fabled sovereign citizens roving America. The laws don't apply to him, until they do, basically. Checking that his phone is still recording, he points it at someone, trying to circle around him and Liliane in the meantime while stating loud and clear for the cameras:
"Assault. Assault. Don't touch me bro. That's assault. Look at me, I'm leaving the area." On the contrary, he is trying to get past and snoop around the compound. Putting a hand on the speakers, he asks, "Where's the crazy lady chick that leads the Tsubaki? I got information she'd like," he claims, grinning.
Snuffling softly, he takes a hasty step back, and then some, showing the bit where he's all bark and no bite. Lanaeis's his size, and he doesn't quite like the silent bodyguard that's helping Liliane about either. "Bruh. That ain't kosher. Don't even think about touching me." He points at the sky. "FREE COUNTRY! Remember?" Conveniently ignoring the fact that he's trespassing and just up to no good, thinking, or at least acting like the world revolves around him. He's like the fabled sovereign citizens roving America. The laws don't apply to him, until they do, basically. Checking that his phone is still recording, he points it at Lanaeis, trying to circle around him and Liliane in the meantime while stating loud and clear for the cameras:
"Assault. Assault. Don't touch me bro. That's assault. Look at me, I'm leaving the area." On the contrary, he is trying to get past and snoop around the compound. Putting a hand on the speakers, he asks, "Where's the crazy lady chick that leads the Tsubaki? I got information she'd like," he claims, grinning.
Its not a moment until Lanaeis is in front of the man, hand reaching out to pluck the phone from the idiot's hand. "She doesn't want to speak to you." Lanaeis says, before there's a 'crunch' and the crushed phone drops from Lanaeis's grip. "You want information on the things that go bump in the night friend?" Lanaeis asks, a dangerous rumble entering his voice as just out of the corner of the eye, golden liht dances and sparks. "Why should I tell you a damn thing, moron?"
Liliane's bodyguard moves to head the man off in time with Lanaeis, steps silent but swift as Liliane stands still where she's at. Waiting a moment, eyes on Lanaeis, Liliane moves closer, the crutch supporting her one-legged form clacking against the ground, "Why don't you come over here with us into this very dark room where we can tell you all about it what you want to know, actually?" The bodyguard likewise moves in closer, invading the man's space as much as Lanaeis.
"H-hey!" the content creator exclaims, reacting far too late to protect his phone. He tried to draw it away, but juggling being a menace and getting some footage was a task too much for him. Somehow, this is the first time the actions come with the consequences, but given how little content he's actually uploaded (mostly conspiracy theories on ghosts, werewolves, vampires and lately Japanese mythology and the Tsubaki myths) it's not a stretch to say this was coming sooner rather than later.
Primal instincts kick in, giving him a choice to make: Fight or Flight. Liliane's approach with the body guard help him make a decision in due haste. He's not liking his odds, and Lanaeis in particular strikes him as very unnerving. "Alright guys, I gotta jet," he says with a forced laugh, turning around and starting to briskly walk off. Escape's probably not gonna come easy, even if they don't give chase. He climbed here after all. "LATER!" His pace hastens to a bit of a jog.
Glancing to Liliane, Lanaeis asks lowly "Do you want him, Brave?" Lanaeis's shoulders have already tensed, his eyes focused on the retreating man.
With a nod to both Lanaeis and her bodyguard Liliane says, "Want him? Not really. But... Go get him. Make sure he doesn't remember coming here."
One foot on a grate, he's hit a checkpoint on his way out. He's gonna start the ponderous climb out of the compound, but he's not exactly the most athletic sorts, giving them ample time to plan and catch up on what to do with the guy.
Without another word, Lanaeis springs, landing on the wall above the man. Golden fire erupts around his body as he stands there, waiting for the man to climb into reach. If he does, a foot will come down, and, with a hard kick, send him flying off the gate. "You should have listened to my friend." Lanaeis calls, leaping down to the man. "Perhaps then I wouldn't have to hurt you."
The man was indeed well on his way to clambering over the wall, doggedly and with an unwavering determination to get the hell out, stoked by his will to survive and be a nuisance once again. Inwardly, he's also praying to God that if he gets out he'll never do this again, but he's used to getting out of a pickle and is always on the same mind to have at it again. He just never seems to learn his lesson. Today might be the day he does.
For a split-second, his eyes go wide at what he sees above him. He wishes he still has his phone, something to record the phenomenon happening before him. "Holy shi-" He does not get a chance to finish that exclamation. Like a sack of potatos, he's flung down back to the ground, crying out in fear. "Don't hurt me!" he screams in the tune of wanting his mommy.
The clack of Liliane's crutch on stone grows ever closer as Lanaeis cuts the man off. Liliane's bodyguard, not as swift, likewise approaches from the opposite direction, cutting off modes of escape as not only Lanaeis and the bodyguard but several others appear from seemingly nowhere, the compound roaring to life to prevent Eez's premature departure. "Ooooh. He's MAD." Liliane calls out, a cough escaping as she exerts herself with the movement.
Nostrils flaring, Lanaeis plants a foot on the man's chest. Noting the labored breathing, Lanaeis glances to Liliane, expression softening mildly even as the golden fire flickers around him without heat. "Don't exert yourself too much Brave." Then his eyes are back on the man, grinding a heel into his chest. "Do you know what I am, human?" He glares down at the man. "And do you know how much danger your in right now?"
Poor guy is definitely mad. Mad with fear, that is. It's unfortunate enough that Lanaeis might easily tell that he wet himself in the ensuing struggle. "Fuck, fuck fuck," he chants under his breath, though that will do very little for him. He keeps his eyes shut, unwilling, unable to meet the bright fervour bearing down at him. He blinks and sees the shadows of Liliane's leg and crutch approach, and looks the other way, finding solace in staring at an blank wall instead. "I know what you are," he insists, briskly nodding his head. "This- This is what I was trying to prove to the world. Fucking monsters exist. You guys are real." Then he laughs, seeing some humor in it, vindicated in a way, even if it now comes under his expense. "I fucking knew it," he wheezes back another laugh, the effort straining his lungs. They're on the verge of collapse, and he's hurting all over, dazed. Just not quite out yet. It'd be a mercy if he was. "I won't tell anyone, though," he promises, suddenly grasping on the gravity of his situation -- and why such things as this are kept a secret.
"Yes, yes monsters do exist." Lanaeis says, unwavering in his resolve to let this man go for now. "You are lucky that I am the monster you met, instead of our leader. I am still mostly human." Lanaeis's knee strikes down where his foot had been, not hard enough to truly injure, but to remind the guy of his situation. "But what am I? What kind of monster are you looking at? Tell me why I shouldn't kill you the moment Brave there gives the word." Lanaeis gives a nod to Liliane. "Oh. And you better start begging her. She's the one that might feel bad if I snap your neck. She is your way out. So. Make a good impression."
Another rasping cough escapes Liliane's lungs, a pause in the clacks as Liliane stops moving but still stands mostly upright. "Mmn, yes, I believe the 'crazy lady' would have ripped you to shreds an hour ago," Liliane concurs. She watches impassively for a moment, her facial expression conflicted as she stares down at the pathetic man before her.
"I-Don't wanna look" he breathes out, his lips trembling, keeping his eyes shut tight, the tears starting to flow from his eyes. Shame burns red hot at the humiliation wrought upon him. It's a medicine that certainly doesn't go down easy when you're used to doling it out in the first place. As they say, wanting is very good and all, but it won't get you far in life if that's the only thing you have handy. He forces himself to look to Liliane at first, staring at her helplessly, conveying the message without outright saying it: Get this guy to let me go please? The command is given anyway and he bursts into more tears, wailing like the big baby he's turned into. It was hiding there all along. "S-shit. Please. I'm sorry. I just wanted to get more subscribers man." He chances to look up her legs, and the woman's visage, and exhales, suddenly not the hot shit he thought he was a moment ago. "I'm sorry." Sorry is the key word here, the term to use. He might even start defining it. "My mom. She's gonna wonder where I am if I don't call her today." He's a true momma's boy. "Don't do that to her." With that out of the way, he reluctantly looks upon the blazing fury bearing down at him. "What are you?" he has to sputter back. Werewolves, vampires, ghosts, those are his forte. "I dunno, man..."
Something breaks through, a part of her not yet ready to prescribe the death of someone so human so instead she kneels down as best she can, body supported mostly by the crutch she hangs onto. "Go to sleep... and remember that all of this was really just a dream, a dream you can make a fun video about later, yes? But none of it is real... you're sleeping... You make content. Entertainment," Liliane commands, though being Natural herself has no way to compel him to do so. Instead she motions towards Lanaeis and whispers, "Knock him out, I'll have someone ensure it sticks."
Giving Liliane a sharp nod, Lanaeis does as instructed. A fist comes with almost no time between the request and the action, cracking the young man in the temple and sentencing him to the land of dreams and nightmares. "Your sure this one isn't better off dead?" Lanaeis asks Liliane after the man has been put into a (probably not very) restful sleep.
Standing, Liliane comments, "He probably is, but..." A pause comes as she scrambles for an excuse and says, "We really shouldn't spill blood in the garden, and I doubt anyone will take him seriously anyways. He had like nineteen subscribers..." Looking down at her phone, Liliane taps the screen, the subscribe button hit as a promise to keep an eye on his future activity before she adds, "Twenty."
Giving Liliane a long look, Lanaeis sighs, rising and leaving the poor sap to the operatives, walking back over to Liliane and offering an arm to help her back inside.
On the verge of hyperventilating, he stares up at Liliane, and after processing the sentence of clemency upon him, smiles up at her. "Lady. You have no idea how much this mean-" He was going to offer endless platitudes in thanks for showing him mercy, and if he was able, probably prop before her and kiss the ground she was treading upon. He doesn't get to that part. He's knocked out cold and off to a place he can gather himself. One hit to the temple and he's knocked unconscious, a gasp catching in his throat. It's finally lights out for him, falling behind the curtain call. Clean up isn't such a difficult thing. Neithe ris messing with his mind. When he wakes up, he'll have no idea what just happened, or where his phone went.
The issue regarding his social media is no threat at all. He's a big nobody in a sea full of others who want their names to be shown. That one subscriber was likely an operative of Tsubaki, waiting for the word to wipe his accounts of any incriminating traces that could lead back to their compound, or the cult as a whole. And his mind was even easier to manipulate.