I'll tell you all how the story ends

[cleartranquil]

Who: Ghost Quest kids and all those who want to see them.
What: So as it turns out, going against the label might've been a bad move. Who knew, right? 
When: Feb 3rd and after 
Where: Pride HQ
Warnings: Talk of torture, aftermath of violence, aftermath of brainwashing, dudes there's some dark stuff.

For the past three days, the troublemakers and ghost helpers of Pride Records were kept locked away from their friends and their bands. 

As far as everyone else knew, they were just gone. And then they were back. 

They are all worse for wear, some far more than others and some much more mentally than physically, but they are all returned to their penthouses, finally, at the end of their ordeals. 

But, at least they're back. Somewhat in one piece. For the most part. 

Comments

[maipokerface]

[There's an amused snort and then the deadpan woman cracks a sardonic - if tired - smirk.]

Maybe I just liked your face.

[That said, she eyes him back a second as her smirk fades off a little one it's edges.]

It was a hell of a trip.

[sharktrash]

Can't blame you.

[ He grins, but his plan to properly check her out is interrupted by the following admission. Right, he was going to gather information. ]

So I heard. How much of it do you remember?

[maipokerface]

You mean before or after I got locked up and the threatened to break my hands?

[She has no chagrin about talking about it. It's not like they couldn't and her memories didn't seem to be messed up, even if she knew she was way more paranoid that before in some respects.]

[sharktrash]

[ Okay, he'll give her an actually sympathetic look. That's the fucking worst threat someone can make to a musician. It hits extra close to home thanks to the fact that one of his hands had gotten removed recently, and while he figured out how to play again, he was still not completely over it. ]

Holy shit. You must've really pissed them off huh.

[maipokerface]

You could say that. Take my advice, okay? Don't mess around with Pride. It's not really worth it.

[She somewhat regrets helping that ghost out as much as she did. Somewhat. If only because the whole experience has left her almost afraid to breathe Pride's name.]

[sharktrash]

[ Sorry, Squalo's quite a bit behind on that whole rebellious thing. He seems to be more surprised that people actually decided to go and help what he believed to be "evil spirits" than about the label's retribution. ]

[ So, yeah, he's giving her an almost-concerned once-over. ]

Why the fuck would I do that? Took me years to get here, I'm not gonna blow it just because someone begs help from the fucking afterlife.

[maipokerface]

Yeah, it was a pretty stupid decision.

[She admits that much fully and without holding back.]

[sharktrash]

...this is the part where I should say something supportive, but I kinda agree.

[ Sizes her up carefully. ]

You gotta be able to say "no" in this day and age.

[maipokerface]

[She snorts a little in amusement.]

Oh sure, you have to be able to. And normally I have no problem with that. You do know what they call me, right? [Ice Queen.] My image is practically built on me saying no - according to the fans anyhow.

[sharktrash]

[ Yeah, her reputation is truly well known. Adds to the charm, to be honest. ]

So? Got anything useful out of it at all?

[maipokerface]

A brief sense of satisfaction. Beyond that, I couldn't tell you. By all accounts it was a shitty decision and a shitty time after.

[She holds her drink glass up, focusing her gaze on it.]

For me personally what it boils down to is I wanted to know if I was still in control. The label is great and all as far as getting music out there but when it comes down to it, I'm the one in charge of myself, right?

[sharktrash]

[ He listens. Yeah, sounds about right. Satisfaction, though? That's... interesting. ]

...and you decide to check it by doing something you've been told to get into? Sorry, I don't think you thought that through.

[maipokerface]

I wasn't told, I was asked. I know the difference.

[sharktrash]

[ He waves a hand dismissively. ]

Same thing. Asking is just the gift paper that makes it harder to refuse.

[maipokerface]

... Yeah, okay, you've got a point there. I can't argue with that.

[Still it makes her feel like a complete ass if that's the case. Is she a softy after all?]

[sharktrash]

...hey, don't beat yourself over it.

[ He'll reach out to pat her shoulder or something. ]

And sure, the contract can be a bit restrictive, but you're still your own person, yeah? Is there something you've always wanted to do?

[maipokerface]

[Something she always wanted to do? She glances over at the man, chin in her free hand as she studies him thoroughly pokerfaced for a moment.]

Target practice.

[sharktrash]

[ ...a small pause. He could swear he knows someone who loved "target practice". Which mostly included shooting at subordinates, but still. --Ah. Where did that come from. Disregard, move on. ]

[ He grins again. ]

...so you should do it.

[maipokerface]

I'm sort of lacking the necessary equipment.

[Even if she now has an idea of the kind of equipment she wants.]

[sharktrash]

Can't you buy some? Or go to a shooting range or something?

[ Surely they have those kind of places here in Vista City, for anything from guns to archery. ]

[ ...maybe not throwing knives, but hey, catch a carnie (not a Carnie) and you might still be in luck.. ]

[maipokerface]

You point me towards a shop with throwing knives and I'll be set. As it is I have to hunt one down.

[sharktrash]

...knives, huh?

[ Why is there an annoying hissing laugh inside his head? There goes that grinning kid again, holding a bunch of knives spread out like a fan. ]

I'm sure there's gotta be something. I'll keep an eye out.

[maipokerface]

Don't spoil me too much here.

[It's light sarcasm but she adds:]

I would appreciate any tips though.

[sharktrash]

Why not? Would that melt the Ice Queen?

[ Just teasing. Probably. ]

You could always try robbing a kitchen otherwise.

[maipokerface]

Maybe. I can't really guarantee what happens after that.

[That said, she snorts.]

Throwing knives aren't kitchen knives.