What a Dilemma [Private]

[Akako]

• • 
    It was early morning as prospective employees lined up in the cafe. While the customers were few, those hoping to work for Wonderland’s Queen filled the establishment. Character actors, performers, servers, bouncers, bodyguards and the like came in the couple dozens. Most of them were those auditioning to be the new Mad Hatter as the last one had... retired. Some were here for the art; most were just here for the money.
    
    “Alright! Those auditioning for a character actor role or a performance slot, line up on the left! Bouncers and bodyguards, to the right! Servers, waiters, dishwashers, with me!” one of the present Card Guards called above the din of the crowd and ushered a few young shinobi, hoping to make a penny or two, to follow him through one of the back doors. They would have no need to see upper management, granted that they could do their job well. A basic interview would get them where they needed to be.
    
    The character actors and performers were next to be called in. These bunch would have to meet with Alice first, who would then narrow them down before they auditioned with the Queen herself at a later date. She didn’t want to waste her time on talentless clowns, after all, being one for the arts herself.
    
    Finally, the last of the wannabe Wonderlanders, the muscle (literal or otherwise), were led. They would be the first to meet the Queen of Hearts. After all, she would want to meet with those who would be guarding her, first hand. Bouncers, bodyguards, whatever one wanted to call them... they would be Card Guards to start off with, granted that Aika saw potential in them anyway. No snivelling cowards allowed. And they had to have a bit of brain, not completely brawn too.
    
    This would be the first time she would be employing protection for herself though. And it was certainly weird. Her current Card Guards, three in total, were all former colleagues of her from their days in Mist’s Wonderland Casino. It was merely coincidence they had met here in Stone. With them needing jobs, she offered the position to them. That was all there was to it.
    
    But they needed to bolster their numbers. Running a good number of the village didn’t sound too bad. The Shoukyou and the Isaki’s ways made sense, somewhat, now that she herself was in upper management.
    
    Seated on her signature throne, the woman’s eyes narrowed as those auditioning were lined up in front of her like a bunch of prisoners in front of a firing squad. “So, what sort of Humpty Dumpties think they’re capable enough to protect me and my kingdom, hm?” she hummed. Her tone had more vinegar than honey today.
    
    Clearly, she was not in a good mood.
    

---

• • Out of Character Notes
    • Private topic for Tomatsu. If you want me to change anything, tell me.

 

[Keigo Oen]

'Shit. . .'​

BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ! The alarm clock sounded off like a rooster in heat. Though the blonde boy did not move. Almost dead to the world as he would sleep the morning away. BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ! He didnt realize it now, but he'd be late to one of the biggest auditions of his life. To protect one of the predominant people in the village by title. Then again, he could have applied to be a Kage Guard, though he would never get the job. He didnt have the credibility. But this? This was just something that might be in his range... Then again dealing with women was his sort of thing to begin with. He loved his mother for being as strong as she was. IT was admirable. To be beautiful and strong. It was something hard to truly find when most of the women were so pompous to know their beauty and use it as a weapon, it was unnerving. Though, what was wrong with confidence? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. It was the weaponry he hated. Looks. Beauty. Tomato felt this was... something of a disrespect... Calloused in the thought of it-... bzz bzzz.... buzzz... BUZZZ... BUZZ BUZZ!

"SHIT SHIT SHIT!", he flailed in bed looking at the time as he flipped out of bed. Looking around he'd frown, looking as he'd still be in the pajamas he had from the night before. Though! ALL WAS NOT LOST! He would be able to change quickly and using his immense power of fire he'd be able to cannon himself to the audition if he aimed his body with the right trajectory. Oui oui! he would! Though he had to look up the map... maybe if he blasted himself he could land on the stage? That wasnt likely... but maybe atop the roof of this place he was to go...

That was more plausible. Though not likely... He could run really fast and be the very last audition but he'd risk losing the spot to someone who took the time to wake up on time. It was... Not a good situation. Hell in thinking about it... he had already lost five minutes. Shaking his head, he'd dive into his closet and come out moments later after attacking the clothes hangers and wires with his 'warrior' skill. Then coming out with his loose, cream-colored pants, held up by suspenders, which are attached to the pants' loops by square-shaped rings. Over them, he dons distinctive dark blue galosh-esque footwear that reaches up to his thighs and attach to the upper edge of his pants. With that he'd shift and take the route to his roof before looking at the map then at his location. He'd have to decide against the immaculate entry. So he'd have to hurry, risking himself to be the final spot.

So he'd try to lift himself maybe he could catch himself with the 'Save the best for last.' Maybe... Maybe not. Who knew... but as he'd arrive it would be later in the morning. Bouncer at this establishment. Or a personal body guard.That was what he needed. Wanted. And hoped for.

So he'd approach the Wonderland Cafe... Well the whereabouts of it in the caverns of the Mine shaft. This was quite mysterious but as he walked up to his stage and took his note... he'd look to the stunning dark skinned queen before him. "Hello? I'm Kappatsu Tomatsu, I'm applying for the body guard position... or the bouncer position..." he'd bow hoping to be able to be fit enough to do such a thing... then again.This could end up bad... Who knew.


[MFT]

 

[Akako]

• • 
    It was one disappointment after another. Many of them didn’t have the couilles for the job. Those that were ballsy enough were pathetic. The best one of them could do was try to kill her with their halitosis which was pretty bad. Out of the fifty men and women who tried to employ themselves under her, she only took in a former ANBU on a probationary status.
    
    Suffice to say, Aika was thoroughly and utterly disappointed at the turn out.
    
    Her Card Guards and servers started to clean up the mess the auditions wrought upon. The Queen herself was ready for the lunch crowd, perhaps perform on stage to vent her frustration about what a huge waste of time that was. When, suddenly, some arsehole thought he could join the party fashionably late.
    
    “You’re late, Tomato kiddo. The interviews and auditions are over. Go home to your momma’,” the woman drawled, not even bothering to look up from the folder in her hands. The boy was late and he was damn lucky she wasn’t that pissed. Otherwise, she might have put his head through a wall. But she wasn’t feeling generous enough to give him special treatment either, unless there was actually anything special about him.
    
    Still with her attention on the former ANBU’s dossier, she paced back and forth in front of her throne, not particularly minding the lad whether he left or not. She hummed under her breath, tapping a foot as she flicked through the pages. Servers and Card Guards still fluttered about here and there, attending to whatever responsibilities they had.
    
    One server, who looked to be in a superior position compared to the others, approached nervously. “Today’s lunch menu specialties? Tell the chef to make the mini chorizo buns, plum financier tarts, chocolate muffins... croissants, lemon tarts and blossom cakes. The quiche too,” she laughed, at whatever he told her. Most likely it was about the place’s daily specialties which helped keep up their facade of being an authentic cafe. “Oh, me? I want a panko parmesan crusted chicken with wasabi tomato sauce, a white chocolate mint éclair and a Grasshopper at my table by one o’ five. And I think a lemon shisha will be fine today. Give Cheffy my thanks, dear.”
    
    From one person to the next, it was obvious that the Queen had experience with handling such a business. When the server rushed off in the kitchen’s general direction, she pulled aside another with a quirk of her lips. “Could you be a dear and move my five thirty to seven? If Missus Takamoto arrives early, give her one of those sakura cakes she’s fond off and have Joker distract her.”
    
    Tomato boy would probably have to do something to garner her attention.

 

[Keigo Oen]

HIs heart sank in his chest and he'd watch her go through her notions. She was a powerful woman. That was to be respected. He wouldnt let this be the end... he couldnt. Though he couldnt be too rash with how he'd go about this. He didnt want to go too hard with the thought. 'What am I going to do?', internally Adramelech, 'You think too much. Just be yourself.'<i></i>, nodding outwardly as he'd close his eyes, 'Fine. . . Fine.', he could feel his hands clamming up but a sudden shift in the air around him would would occur. HIs angelic white blaze release. Nearing its perfection. It was the beginning of his Scorch Release. He'd been working on it for a while, though he hadnt gotten it down. So with everything in him he would find himself simply allowing Adramelech's chakra enter into his core. Causing the White, Heatless flames to flow around him. It was so hot that it would have to be channeled towards someone to actually hurt or emit heat.

"Miss, I wish you could reconsider, my skills will be an asset to you. As I am nearing perfection of my certain skill set.", he'd look up allowing his oceanic sapphire orbs to gaze upon the woman once again. Stepping forward he'd clench his fist eagerly. He'd finally allow his heat to channel a bit before stepping forward off the stage. "I am one of the best. Actively in duty. And I can be at your side as you may need me. Twenty-four, seven... Madam, I need this. I believe you're a busy woman, but I would not be here if I didnt think I was the best. Better than the other's that might have come. Even potentially better than anyone you might've chosen." nodding he felt it. He felt he could be better than anyone. He was skilled. A strategic mind of battle. There was nothing he couldnt do in his mind. And if he didnt know it. He could definitely learn.

"Does not a Queen such as yourself deserve the best as opposed to the second rate squabble? I apologize for being late, and for that I do not deserve a chance, That I understand. But I cannot allow for you to put yourself at risk by being handled by anyone that has less devotion to protection as I am, Show me a person that has more heart. And I'll step back and leave you be.". His eyes had the fire... but his voice had the motive. The motivation within him to surpass everything set infront of him and show his heart to be the truest form of Valor. He fought within the rights of justice and he felt in his heart that if she had someone below him in terms of that same devotion they would ultimately look out for their own livelihood instead of her own. Tomatsu would do both. He didnt plan on not living up to his destiny and whilst doing that, he would do any job to the point of dying himself for someone else to live on.

That was his devotion.​

 

[Akako]

• • 
    The hustle and bustle continued around the boy as if he were a mere speck of dust until the heat flared. The five Card Guards along with an odd dozen or so servers immediately went on the defensive just waiting for him to make a move towards the Queen. The newly hired, probationary one seemed especially trigger happy, twitchy and eager to prove himself.
    
    Still, after that whole spiel, the Queen took her time. Reading the last page of the dossier, she finished it off at her own pace before looking up with a raised brow. "Excuse me? Young man, this is a job interview. This is a job. It ain't about heart. That's a plus, sure, but it takes skill first. You've got the balls to talk to me in that way, kiddo, but I've yet still to see you prove that you're the best as you say,"she hummed, putting one leg over the other, a bored look on her face.
    
    As the woman talked, her employees relaxed a smidge, although the guards remained tense and cautious. They knew that the Queen of Hearts could take care of herself. But the moment she had to lift a finger in her own defence, it was a moment that meant they were being useless and not doing their jobs properly. The woman was skilled, a Jack of All Trades but everything was made more efficient with her delegating and handing out tasks to make the Wonderland community a well oiled machine.
    
    "If you can't be on time to this, how do I know you will be punctual on duty? What if I'm trouble, unlikely, but it is necessary for a Card Guard to act quick. Will you be tardy to that too? I'd be bleeding over the floor by the time you've arrived," she scoffed. Aika looked at her fingernails and sneered at the colour. Red... perhaps she should have them changed to green for this week? "But I guess it won't cost me much to let you try. Maybe you'll make a fool of yourself and give us all a good chuckle. So, go on, Tomato boy. Tell me why you want this job first, hm?"

 

[Keigo Oen]

And just like that he was put back in the spotlight. What would he say? It wasnt like he had something planned for this or anything. So he'd just go with the flow, though. With everything and everyone now with their eyes on him he would have to know that he was going to mess up every now and again. This was his test to show some of his leadership qualities. "Ahem. Whilst I am the cousin to the Main line of a family that was prominent in the village. The Yukata. I am no leaning on name alone to get me where I am trying to be. I'm the son of a modest farmer. And my tardiness is something that will only happen once as I had stopped from a mission the night before and I've tried to catch up on a slight bit of rest. However, I push through that even now...", nodding he'd look to the person standing to her side seemingly anxious to get some action. Tomatsu would use that to his advantage later. His chakra sense gave him a slight read on the person... though it wasnt too accurate at times. Though he was a strategist. So even if he was 'outmatched' he could find a way to win at any level. He definitely was, 'If there's a will there's a way' type of guy.

"But, unto your question Madam. First impressions are hard to exceed when you've already made up your mind about someone's character. Why I want this job is to not only make you look good as you do now, but to make you exceed what you are now. A woman of perfection in her own right. A Queen. I want this job to protect, perfection and keep its beauty intact. It will be both good on my resume of things, as well as on your personal resume that you allowed a future leader of this country to provide you with nothing less than excellent service to the tune of anything you needed. I'm not just a body Guard. I'm a strategist. A fighter. And there is not a challenge that I will be met with or brought to that I will not overcome.", he'd pause for a moment and smile, "Given, I'm not perfect myself... I cannot provide perfection, it will not always be pretty. However, you will never have to worry about being hurt under my care. I double as a minor physician. I've learned from some shaman and medics on both spectrums I look to use that as apart of my skill set to provide the optimum protection for you and whomever you wish me to look after.", nodding once again he'd take a breath from his long winded response but he had just a little more to say...

"...I will do nearly anything you wish of me. The only reservation is to do anything that would hurt the village I've grown up in. But if there is a person of the village that tries to rise up against you . . . My hand will be used for your glory.", nodding one last time he'd smirk. He'd hoped this was good enough for her. Though there would be a demonstration to be made later, "I'll take any challenge if that pleases you. Right here and now."

 

[Akako]

• • 
    Aika's eyes attained a cruel and disdainful glint at the mention of his relation to the Yukata. Perhaps it was bias of her... and it was, quite honestly. That clan was known for their ties into the Nara bloodline. And while the good doctor Mizushima Nanami was part Nara, the woman had proven herself during her stay at Hashima Island. The Yukata on the other hand... she saw them as she would have, had Kirigakure still lived and those Minamoto roamed about. Minamoto who thought themselves equal to the might of the Shoukyou clan. It did not help that the Yukata clan had their hand in weaponries and artifacts as well. Perhaps, in another time and place, the Shoukyou and the Yukata would have been business rivals. And to make matters worse, there were rumours of their corrupting influence in the Temple of Arcadia.
    
    To make a long, venomous point of view short... as far as Aika was concerned, the Yukata and any of their ilk was bad business.
    
    But having employs, if they were to become blindly loyal as this one seemed to imply he would be, were fairly good assets. And that's what gave Aika pause. Was it worth the risk? Did the pros outweigh the cons? Really, aside from his connection to the Yukatas and his awful first impression, the only con Aika could see at first glance was his annoyingly, cheesy, self righteous attitude that made her want to gag.
    
    A test. A test would have to suffice. He said it himself, didn't he? He'll take any challenge that pleases her.
    
    Lifting a finger and beckoning him over, she grinned maliciously. "You know what, baby boy, you've changed my mind. But, do I have a challenge for you. I've been needing someone to run an errand for me and, lo and behold, here you are. I'll accept you as a Card Guard on probation, much like our friend here," she hummed, sweeping a hand in the former ANBU's direction. "He has to lead a mission of his own and you'll have yours. Is that agreeable?"

 

[Keigo Oen]

In his head, he'd smirk. This was going to be interesting. Adralamech would nod along with the boy not entirely knowing what was going on. Though it was for his own glory in the end. He wanted to become the best. So why not? Then again this woman was... quite beautiful. He'd never have a chance though, not with how she looked at him. He could feel it. At best she'd tease him with the thought of applying any sort of physical mannerisms. Even though internally he'd long to touch her ebony skin. . . her grace and eloquence would find his mind almost lost even in her look of disdain. Hell, at least she was looking at him, right?

Though, she spoke up and ended the silence, and he couldnt help but smirk. Simple. He'd clench his fist looking at the ANBU wanna-be. He could outdo that bastard if he needed to. He was skilled enough to be a Jounin... but just not quite there yet. Handling every situation to the best of his abilities. "Right. Anything you need me to do. . .", turning his gaze back to Aika. Though he'd see her... leading him close. And without even knowing his feet would move as if he were floating. As he'd finally hear everything she'd say.

"Whats the errand?", he'd speak presenting is evenly toned body. He wasnt overly muscular like most males tended to try to be. He was built for optimal flexibility. Like a Warrior. Shinobi. Anything. He was built for nearly anything. Endurance. Core Strength. Stamina. You pretty much name it. He had to figure out how to fully harness the Mental training and Yoga study he dive into. Hmph. Oh well, "So when do I start?"

 

[Keigo Oen]

[Topic Left - Inactivity]