3421/The Jester and the Witch Talks

The Jester and the Witch Talks
Date of Scene:	19 November 2015
Location:	Techno Urbania
Synopsis:	Hisoka and Medusa discuss loyalties, interests and what really matters in life.
Cast of Characters:	22, 799

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Medusa Gorgon (22) has posed:
    Sometimes it's nice to take an evening off from work just to spend some time on your own. While she always has things to do, never running out of potential research at the Citadel, Medusa Gorgon knows when to take a breather. And it's not like she plans to spend the entire evening here in Urbania either. It's a place to go for a short while, to see the sights and just grab a drink. And why not do so while having a good view?

    It's easy to get into certain high profile places if you know how to act, and the witch is manipulative enough to know how to get a spot in one of the nicer sections of this restaurant, overlooking the city from high above. The nightlife here is certainly something else, with vermin creeping all over due to the law staying away from this part. Not that it bothers the chaotic witch. With one leg crossed over the other she leans back in her seat and sips her drink, lost in thought in her relatively quiet corner as the rest of the restaurant. Music is playing, but at least you don't need to shout in order to hear things in here.

Hisoka (799) has posed:
    It might be easy for some people to get a spot in a place such as this on short notice, but how easy could it possibly be for someone to do so on REALLY short notice? Like, say, from the time you first spot someone to the time they are enjoying their first drink?

    That is assuming Hisoka hasn't actually been stalking Medusa since the time she'd arranged her reservation, of course. Probably that'd be difficult. She's got to be fairly hard to stalk without being spotted right?

    Hisoka comes to the table, though for the moment it's not clear that it's the fancied-up jester doing so. You don't get into this sort of place without proper attire, at least not without raising a fuss. Hisoka's dressed in a nice outfit, classic bow tie, black vest and white shirt, and his hair... well, it's gathered in back, not its usual spikey mess. He's even carrying a small tray.

    "Can I offer you anything to drink?" Hisoka asks in a confident voice. Not the subservient voice of a skilled waiter, but his own tones of light mockery. "You seem to already have something, which is a shame. I seem to have missed my opportunity..." he grins.

Medusa Gorgon (22) has posed:
    When she's spoken to Medusa turns her head just slightly, arching a fine eyebrow at the waiter... who seems strangely familiar.

    "My my my..." The witch's tone is clearly one of amusement as she lowers her drink from her lips, offering him a knowing smirk. "If it isn't a stray little Magician, working in such a place... no wonder, though~"

    Her movements are fluid and slow as she turns around in her chair, resting her arm on the back of the chair as she looks up at Hisoka, tapping her index finger against her chin. "I did read about how you seemed to have problems fulfilling jobs that my fellow Confederates have hired you for," she teases him. Though she doesn't look upset. Instead she glances at her half empty glass. "Hmmm. What sort of drinks do you recommend, dear~?"

Hisoka (799) has posed:
    "Working?" Hisoka says with clear sarcasm. He lets the drink tray fall, fortunately empty, only to quirk a finger and have it bounce like a yoyo on an invisible string. He shrugs, continuing to play with the 'yoyo' absently. "Well yes, I suppose I could claim to have fulfilled the job. Up until my employer turned on me, that is. I didn't think it important enough to insist on payment though." he muses. "I'm not very interested in money, I'm afraid. Normally I'd kill someone who turned on me, but then what would be the point in killing a machine?" he grins.

    Hisoka flicks his wrist, sending the drinks tray spinning up to the ceiling where it sticks. He gestures to the seat with Medusa, apparently requesting permission. "Champagne is good when you have something to celebrate, I suppose. Wine goes with dinner. I'm partial to brandy before a meal. But then, anything can be pleasant in the right company~"

Medusa Gorgon (22) has posed:
    Somehow the trick with the drink tray seems to amuse Medusa, as she sits calmly in place. Having fought with Hisoka before, well... it does leave her with the knowledge that this guy is able to manipulate objects on a whole different level. How she does not know, but it appears he likes showing off. So let him. "Machines are unchanging. Boring. And yes, killing a machine is a bit pointless, isn't it? It's not like it was alive to begin with~" Medusa muses as she cants her head.

    When Hisoka gestures to the seat she nods her head once with a soft smile. Be her guest. "I don't think I have anything to celebrate, not now. Perhaps I'm too old... I've already eaten, so I'm here for drinks. The colourful type of drinks, mostly. If those aren't to your liking then perhaps we could share a bottle of wine...?" the blonde suggests. "After all, I never did get to accept your invitation that you so warmly extended my way during the WMAT. I have always been a busy woman, I'm afraid~"

Hisoka (799) has posed:
    Hisoka is playful. Showing off is just part of his thing. He doesn't always do it but when he does, it's generally in a whimsical way like this. Not inviting someone to wonder how he's pulling off the tricks, just being amusing. Sometimes people die when he gets amusing... but not this time.

    He eases gracefully into the seat. "Colourful drinks?" he shrugs. He doesn't look sincerely displeased, but more like he's putting on an act. An obvious act. "I'll have to be sure to enjoy the company then." he states, grinning playfully. "I can afford a few drinks, I suppose. though..."

    Hisoka pauses, studying Medusa, then shrugs. "No, I don't think I have any need to look for work." he muses. "Not that I have a problem with your Confederacy in general, but I wouldn't really call that sort of thing work. So much better to do the kinds of things you enjoy, wouldn't you say~?" he asks playfully.

Medusa Gorgon (22) has posed:
    Well, she can hardly blame a person like himself wanting to show off. Some people are showmen, enjoying the limelight and getting attention. Hisoka seems like one of those people.

    "Hmm? Does that mean you're buying~?" Medusa smirks, not about to complain either way. "And well, perhaps my company is enjoyable even if I'm not going to stab you with needles this time..." It's a tease, really. When she treated his injuries during the WMAT he did seem to enjoy her unconventional medical methods.

    Perhaps it's prudent to figure out a bit more about Hisoka on behalf of the Confederacy. And of her own sake too, of course. The multiverse is full of interesting people. After the report HK-47 filed after the failed assassination attempt it does seem important to figure out whether Hisoka can be trusted if he's hired for further missions. "You seemed only happy to work with Tesla during our involvement with Brockton Bay," she points out calmly, then downs the rest of her drink. They are getting new ones, after all. "So... you don't do it for the money. But for enjoyment. Does that mean that you will always go for the missions that can give you the most fun, then~?" she prods, not looking even the slightest bothered by that possibility.

Hisoka (799) has posed:
    Hisoka muses on whether or not to buy. In the end, he doesn't say. He'll pay, but it seems more amusing to him to leave the question hanging for now. No point in being too straightforward after all... it would only confuse the possibly more important issue underway.

    "That did catch my interest." Hisoka smirks, remembering Brockton Bay. Perhaps not all the specifics, all the names, but he remembers the situation fondly. "But what about yourself?" he asks, turning the question around. "With your skills, you could work for just about anyone. Make a fortune doing anything you chose." he claims lightly. He reaches out with one finger, the nail on that finger pointed like a talon. He taps Medusa's hand lightly with it, assuming she doesn't move the hand away, then scratches the nail delicately along. Not to break the skin, but just hard enough to be difficult to ignore.

    "What is the point, if you are capable, of doing something you don't enjoy?" Hisoka asks, his eyes unblinking. "I'm sure you wouldn't betray your employers any more than I would. Foolish to risk so much for so little, unless of course the goal became worth such a betrayal. At least, I assume you would consider that true~?" he asks cheekily.

Medusa Gorgon (22) has posed:
    It doesn't really matter who buys the drinks, really. So Medusa gestures to another waiter, and when he comes over she orders two of the speciality drinks this place has. And then he walks off.

    As Hisoka extends his hand and touches her hand with his nail, the witch sits completely still, calm and collected. Even when he scratches at her skin does she look bothered. "I guess I could, considering I have considerable working experience... but few people seem to enjoy my company after they get to really know me," she jokes. "But indeed... I pick jobs after what I find the most interesting. I am a scientist, after all~" She sighs softly at the thought. "Sometimes you do have to do thinks you don't enjoy. And well... sometimes you do it for the sake of doing interesting things later. As for betraying the Confederacy? Why, the very idea is preposterous," she claims with a smirk, only to turn her head slightly when the waiter returns, carefully setting their drinks down. Sure, he does give Hisoka a brief glance, but he turns and is quickly on his way again. Medusa picks up the cocktail glass, eyeing the gradient of red and yellow in the glass, as well as the lemon slice on the edge. "What I want... is motion and chance. It's what the world needs, as well~"

Hisoka (799) has posed:
    Of course Hisoka's unaware of what HK-47 has said of him. Or for that matter, what the other side said of his behavior during the battle. None know, he assumes, of his true actions. He has to assume some of what Medusa's fishing for is because of that, and he needs to do some form of damage control... but he doesn't know what exactly is known or suspected. And of course, Medusa herself is intriguing and interesting even if verbally jousting with her weren't a potential path to gain Confederate interest.

    "I can't imagine why someone wouldn't enjoy your company." Hisoka claims, and while there's amusement in his eyes there's also a certain flattering intent interest. "I'm familiar with putting off enjoyment for a time, for the sake of later interest." he adds. And yes, he's flirting. His tone makes it perfectly clear he could just as easily be discussing the small talk now instead of speaking of work. His grin widens. "Betraying the Confederacy would, I suspect, have someone having very little fun for the rest of a quite short life. Or perhaps a much longer one than they might like..." he smirks.

    He turns to the drink for a moment, sniffing it, then cupping it before his chin and examining Medusa over it. "When things are too settled..." he muses. "... people tend to be less interesting?" he ventures. It's not exactly his own philosophy, such as it is, but he suspects it might help to establish some common interest.

Medusa Gorgon (22) has posed:
    His response earns a soft smile, and Medusa chuckles slightly. "Most people dislike witches, I'm sad to say. It's practically a death sentence in my world~" she informs him.

    It's a bit more interesting to talk about him, but she can imagine that he will know if she fishes too much for information. It's not a big worry however, as Medusa is entirely relaxed. "It's good to meet others who can focus and invest, really. Too many young people are way too... impatient," the blonde witch states as she narrows her eyes. She raises her own glass and takes a sip of it. "The Confederacy itself is no laughing matter. Neither is the Union... both have power and shouldn't be underestimated if you manage to rub either of them the wrong way." She should know, as several Unionites seem to dislike her after all she's done. Then again she's never crossed the line. At least not yet.

    "Yes... I think that goes more for the Confederacy, however. The dungeons can be quite harsh. I have found some test subjects there in the past, though I did cut their life short in some cases." It's quite nice of high command to let them use useless people for the sake of research.

    His guess makes Medusa bite the inside of her lower lip, making a thoughtful sound. "Hmmm. Perhaps that is the right way to put it. After a century or two things become boring if they don't change. Humans are creatures of habit, many resist change... but creatures like me need change. Which might be a bit confusing to some. To deny change is to deny life itself..." She sips her drink slightly.

Hisoka (799) has posed:
    Hisoka swirls the liquid in his glass with a delicate movement of fingertips alone. It's perhaps slightly jarring, fingertips with those talons doing something dextrous and delicate. Perhaps as jarring as the way he half scratched, half tickled Medusa's hand.

    Seeming to make up his mind, Hisoka abruptly downs half the drink in a single gulp. Lowering the half-empty glass to the table, he smiles after licking his lips. "I've no interest in upsetting either the Confederacy or the Union." he says with a certain blunt honesty that might suggest he's completely serious. Or faking it well, at least. "Though I've found individuals of both that are ... interesting." he grins. "The Union isn't as intriguing though." he shrugs. To say more... no. Not the time. He decides to let the implication stand for now. It's obvious enough the Union wouldn't like him. For him to say so aloud would be fatuous. Worse, it could seem like sucking up if he were to say more in favor of the Confederacy.

    A question though... perhaps not so dangerous. Not so obvious. "Am I in trouble, do you think? With the Confederacy?" he asks. The casual way in which he asks makes it seem something of little concern. Idle curiosity rather than a cause for alarm.

Medusa Gorgon (22) has posed:
    Having drinks with a potentially dangerous person is nothing new in the multiverse. Medusa knows many people would hesitate to share a drink with her, and well... Hisoka seems like the type many would avoid for several reasons. But how can you learn more about other people unless you spend time with them?

    "Do you intend to be on good terms with both, or...?" Medusa can't help but tease the Hunter where she sits, knowing fully well that people like him don't aim to please everybody. "And I'm glad you've met people to your liking. Then again, that deems on what you consider interesting. I myself know of many interesting people in the Union. I must confess, it was a bit fun when they were less... suspicious of me. Then again, I can hardly blame them, now can I~?" she adds with a soft chuckle. Still, Hisoka's words are interesting in themselves. It's not like he's stating an outright preference for the Confederacy. If he would it would be outmost suspicious.

    His next question makes Medusa smile. "Have you seen anybody stalking you or attempting to repay any trouble you might have caused the Confederacy?" No, she doesn't seem worried. "Though I do warn you... if you wish to work with Confederates again you might have to set up a more solid work contract the next time. If you wish to get paid, that is," she suggests.

Hisoka (799) has posed:
    This sort of wordplay, in its own way, is fun. It's a dangerous game. Show the wrong interest at the wrong time, and you lose the game. The stakes may not be life or death, but in a way they're higher... they're for the long amusing game, worth a lot more to Hisoka than any one fight would be.

    "I make no secrets about myself." Hisoka says, lying so blatantly he almost seems honest. "If I want money, I play cards for it." he grins, reaching out to pluck a card off Medusa's shoulder. A flick of his fingers turns the single card into five. Another flick, and they vanish in a small puff of purple smoke. Never mind that he just put a card, which Medusa would have witnessed carving into flesh, near the witch's vulnerable neck. He's not eager to kill this moment though, and he doubts someone as skilled at surviving as Medusa would flinch so easily.

    "If you have suggestions of someone trustworthy I could do work for..." he pauses and grins wickedly. He's well aware Medusa implied people who know her don't trust her. This is fun, after all. "Then perhaps I might consider a... how did you put it? A more solid contract." he grins. "After all, it's good to do work you enjoy... with people who are interesting."

Medusa Gorgon (22) has posed:
    Games are fun whenever they are played right, and it's not often that Medusa runs into others who enjoy these sorts of mind games. It's a bit refreshing, honestly. Playing for the long term payout, getting to see just who can raise the stakes and win in the end.

    "Oh really? Where's the fun if you can't keep a secret or ten~?" Medusa chides the Jester with a smirk. Though she sits still as he reaches a hand out towards her shoulder. Her golden eyes glance towards his fingers, and she merely raises her eyebrows slightly as she spots the cards. A look of curiousity, not alarm. "Well, you /are/ good at sleight of hand," she points out. But would he be quick enough to slice her throat if he wished to do so? They both know the other is strong and quick, and Medusa is a witch who specializes in melee combat. Her speed and agility gives her an advantage up close, and her magic also allows her some defense. Perhaps Medusa would have far less calm if she had sensed any killing intent. But there is none.

    Hmm. Who to recommend to Hisoka...? "Well, you know Tesla," she begins casually, tapping her black finger nail against the cocktail glass. "I do think a Confederate ally of mine might need be in need of some muscle help. Sadly, it seems her hired muscle at the time is all brawns, no brain. Perchance you could get a job opportunity there...?" Medusa suggests, then raises her glass. "To many wonderful job opportunities in the future~"

Hisoka (799) has posed:
    Hisoka can hardly deny that Tesla is an interesting woman. He's even flirted with her, but didn't get quite the same reaction he got from Medusa. They're both interesting in different ways of course. Tesla's more straightforward, more proactive. Medusa's more intriguing and menacing.

    He nods, smiling that half smirk. "Hired muscle is fine, if all you want is things pushed around." he agrees. He doesn't mind working alongside such, so long as he's not confused for a grunt laborer. And if he is? Well... he's assumed worse roles for the sake of amusement before. Of course if it turns out he can do something more to his nature, he'd be quite happy. And, he supposes, he does have to earn back something of a reputation for success and bloody-minded ruthfulness. With luck, he won't be hired to kill someone he finds intriguing, or at least not an unripe fruit so temptingly tasty-looking.

    "Many wonderful opportunities~" Hisoka agrees to the toast, more or less, and drains his drink. Quite likely it won't be his last, though he'd be a fool to completely lower his guard around this woman. Just because he hasn't seen assassins trailing him doesn't mean the Confederacy might not want to act against him. He suspects Medusa to be more intrigued and pragmatic than that... but while he'd gladly take the risk of getting in a fight with her, he's not lightly going to take the risk of putting himself completely in her hands.