[rhea]

if i'm a danger to myself Just think what I could do to you no tags

It was foolish for Rhea to put her face out there like this, but maybe she was getting a little too ambitious. She had talent, many other people knew she had talent, and she couldn't keep hiding it. It didn't stop her from being stupid, but thanks to Lilith she had the opportunity to start hiding her identity. By day she was Rose; by night she was Siren.

Tonight in particular she had signed up for the talent show with a back-to-back-to-back performance. She figured she'd touch onto the old classics that she fell in love with and share that love to the world. She had put on an evening gown that was both flashy and accented her curves, and with the tracks loaded up the sound man began as she sauntered out onto the stage, a mischievous smile on her face as the show started out.



"Never know how much I love you~, never know how much I care... she figured she'd start with something with a little mystery, some pizzazz, try and draw the audience's attention. That was the important first step.

0 Victims

OWL

[Rui Matsui]

Some might think a talent show was the last place she could be found. Sitting or standing around, watching people perform for presumably hours? Not Rui nor Mummy had the patience for that, and yet here she was enjoying the show. Each performance was slightly different from the last, although some of them had things in common. Dancers, singers, comedians. It was all interesting, but a little longwinded. She was starting to doubt she could make it through the entire show and would probably have gone home had it not been for her soft drink keeping her company.

That was until this next performance.

The contestant was wearing a pretty dress, but that was hardly the most noteworthy thing about her. During her entrance Rui hadn't seen it yet, or rather heard it. The moment Rhea started singing it was like something inside of her woke back up and suddenly all she could do was devote her attention to watching her sing. It was the same for many others in her immediate vicinity, this woman, whoever she was, had an enchanting quality to her. ''Interesting.'' She muttered to herself, writing something down in the little gray notebook she had brought. Rhea's name, along with a couple others. Next to her name she put a dash and took note of the color of her dress. Helpful if she was going to try to locate her sometime later after the performance. For now, she put her notebook and pen down and just focused on enjoying the song. Where was this mysterious singer taking them next? This wasn't her usual genre of music, but Rui liked what she was hearing so far.

rhea

[Yanai Hebiru]

The Doctor is In

Taking a short rest at the talent show between her patrols through the amusement park was turning out to be a far better decision than Hebiru could have imagined. Originally it had been intended as nothing more than a brief stop for her yet Rhea's performance had drawn the hero-in-plainclothes in. Jazz was one of the genres she most often listened to when trying to relax but none of the songs she'd found thus far measured up to Rhea's performance. In fact, she finally had an inkling of what people meant when they said they were 'lost in the music'. 

So lost in the performance was she that she didn't even notice Mummy in the crowd despite her search for the healer ever since their last meeting. She wondered whether she'd have the time to ask whether the singer on stage performed anywhere else. Duty and interest warred in her before for once in her life she let the latter win out. Hebiru was most reluctant to have this be the only time she could hear her sing. Few things could elicit more than the slightest shred of muted emotion in her but this performance was positively... mesmerizing.

There were plenty of other peacekeepers present and it wasn't like she was officially on duty anyway. Patrolling could wait. Hebiru had the distinct feeling that she couldn't afford to let this opportunity slip.

------

Tags: rhea Rui Matsui

[rhea]

if i'm a danger to myself Just think what I could do to you Rui Matsui Yanai Hebiru

Rhea had thrown her net, and she managed to catch quite a lot from the throw. It was a little surprising, especially since her quirk wasn't in play, but she had committed and she couldn't slow down. As the first some wound down she started into the next with her next breath:



"If you're lookin' for trouble, you've come to the right place. If you're lookin' for trouble, look right at my face..." She was keeping a little of the same mystery, but injecting a bit more energy into her act. She even included a little bit of a dance to go along with it, but made an effort to not leave her spot. She couldn't, as the microphone was right there. She'd stay in this spot, continuing with her performance as the last few notes of the second song began to give way for the last, allowing the energy to continue to build and flow out of her as she finally took the microphone off the stand in order to move around the stage. "'Cause your kisses lift me higher, like the sweet song of a choir, you light my mornin' sky, burnin' love!"

A mischievous smile was on her face, though this one was not because she was up to no good. No, apart from the sickening fury and desire for revenge, music was something she loved, and this was her way of sharing it with the world.

As the last few notes wound down she'd return to her point of origin, setting the microphone back on it's stand as the curtains closed, giving her the ability to pick an exit without immediately getting bombarded. The crowd was fully energized, and it felt good to have that reminder she didn't need to use her God-given gifts for her to be good at singing.

0 Victims

OWL

[Rui Matsui]

The second song was just as impressive as the first, it almost made her sad that all this was, was a fleeting moment in her day. Soon, within minutes in fact, this singer would be wrapping up her set and then another mediocre performer would take her place. That was how these things always went. Even though she was out here scouting for specific people, she already knew no one more talented than Rhea was going to show up. With her elbows on the table she looked around as the curtains closed, grinning when she spotted a familiar face.

''Hey bestie.'' She waved Hebiru down as she casually invaded her personal space, putting her notebook away for the time being. ''I didn't know you liked music. Then again, who wouldn't when the singer is this good?'' She held her arms up to show she wasn't carrying a weapon. ''Don't worry! I'm not trying anything. ~'' She stuck her tongue out playfully. ''I'm more than just the crimes I commit bestie, but enough about me. How's life being a boring goody-two-shoes? Does Jun Bestie miss me?'' She crossed her arms, delighting in the fact that she could annoy this hero, even if it meant she was getting arrested later. She gave her some time to answer, but then eventually took her pen out of her pocket. ''Wanna go say hi to the singer? I don't know about you, but I'm itching to get an autograph. Of course you could stay here, if you don't care for her safety that is.'' She already turned and started walking towards one of the exits to catch Rhea on the way out.

rhea
Yanai Hebiru

[Yanai Hebiru]

The Doctor is In

Hebiru stayed mesmerized the entire time Rhea sang, hanging onto every note and even finding herself humming along. Something that surprised her greatly. She wasn't prone to unconsciously doing anything, not without it being an ingrained behavior created and internalized through rigorous practice until it became automatic. 

She wondered why this singer in particular managed to draw her in so much. If she didn't know better she'd suspect the use of a quirk but if that was the case it'd have to have been exceedingly subtle. Hebiru was no stranger to experimenting with mind altering quirks in her research and had plenty of experience recognizing their effects as a result. While it differed from quirk to quirk of course and she could hardly tell all of them apart it left her fairly convinced this was purely -or at the very least mostly- the singer's skill.

The sudden appearance of Mummy caught her off guard and for a moment she couldn't help but think she was hallucinating, as unlikely as that might be given her physiology. 

"Super Awesome Queen Mummy, Future Prime Minister of Japan was it?" Hebiru stated while widening her eyes, pretending she was pleasantly surprised to see her while she takes a moment to collect herself. While emotions are certainly something she wished she felt more often -and more strongly- the few times she does feel them the effects they have on her thought process, particularly the speed and clarity thereof, are quite inconvenient.

Even so she savors this rare occurrence, her eyes darting to the stage where the singer responsible for awakening them stood before refocusing on the possible aide to solving her problem.

"Indeed. Quite the expected find."

Even Hebiru herself isn't quite sure whether she's talking about the singer or Mummy being here. Judging that this was hardly the time for introspection she put the thought aside for later and paid attention to the matters at hand. It wouldn't do to let opportunities slip through her fingers one of the rare few times they occurred. She nodded appreciatively at Mummy's clarification. That the villain would extend such courtesy was promising. Perhaps a collaboration wouldn't be as difficult to attain as she'd feared.

"Of course. Why, thank you for asking. That is very thoughtful of you." Positive reinforcement was bound to leave a good impression on one with a demeanor such as the young Matsui. Hebiru would simply need to be careful not to overdo the praise and to use it to distract from subjects she can't elaborate on instead. Like information about one of UAU's students. 

"Recent events have been interesting. Have you seen any of the recent arena challenges hosted by UAU?"

Interesting seemed like the best way of putting it. Bringing down the mood with complaints on how busy recent events had made her -or how they'd given her a newfound dislike and appreciation alike for sea life- would be counterproductive. 

"I certainly won't say no to that," Hebiru agreed. She'd been meaning do so regardlessly and keeping both Mummy and the singer out of trouble and danger respectively would provide just the excuse she needed. With the intention to both introduce herself and if possible to establish a connection she headed over as well, simultaneously acting as a sort of chaperone to Mummy to keep the villain's behavior within bounds while ingratiating herself to the horned girl.

If she wasn't used to worse keeping every factor in mind would be positively exhausting. As it was all that she could think of was how to maximize her gains.

------

Tags: rhea Rui Matsui

[rhea]

if i'm a danger to myself Just think what I could do to you Rui Matsui Yanai Hebiru

Well, that was her highlight of the night. She felt pretty good about her chances of winning the talent show, though now that she was backstage adjusting her hair and letting it down she regretted not nudging the crowd with her quirk. Oh well, not like there was any money on the line. She had to keep her financial situation situated, after all. If anything, this might get some people to start looking for her during her busking sessions, which would then net her some cash. Or maybe she'd start getting bigger cuts at the Oasis if they found out she performed there.

...The last one was wishful thinking on her part. That and it would be better to not drag a massive crowd there, her manager would get pissed off. Either way, with her hair down and prepared for a more relaxed evening she left the backstage area, only to be stopped by two people she didn't recognize. One was short, horns sticking out of her head, and thin as a rail. Like...Rhea was sure she hadn't eaten anything since the history of ever. The other was taller, more mature looking...this girl's mother, maybe? Either way, Rhea had no reason to come out fangs showing, she so offered a smile, giving a light bow. "Good evening!" Despite the flawless execution, there was still a tinge of an accent in her words, it along with every other physical marker on her indicating she was not native to Japan. "Was there something I could do for the two of you?"

0 Victims

OWL

[Rui Matsui]

''The one and only! So you do remember me! ~'' She smiled warmly, and any onlookers might think she even meant it sincerely. Anyone who had dealt with Rui directly however, knew exactly how volatile she could be. ''I get told that a lot. That I'm very thoughtful and smart and clever.'' She nodded casually as if it was a given. Why wouldn't she be? She was Rui Matsui the coolest, smartest and cutest woman in the world. The positive reinforcement did indeed leave an impression on her, and entirely distracted her from her original question about Jun.

''Were they fun, were they violent? Did people die? I don't know, I don't tune into hero TV.'' She furrowed her brow, thinking about it. Maybe she could watch streams of it? ''If there's dismemberment involved I'll watch it.'' She concluded. With a grin she skipped on over towards Rhea, happy to know that Hebiru was following her.

''Hi bestie! Loved your singing out there, can I get your autograph?'' She took out the notebook she had been scribbling in earlier and turned it to a blank page. She had also snuck a small note into it hoping Hebiru wouldn't notice. If she did, oh well. That would be trouble for her employer, not herself. The note read:

''Want to earn better money? Call --------''

''I just had to see you up close! What's your name? I'm Rui.'' She didn't bow back, but she was talking with a big smile on her face. ''This is my bestie.'' She gestured to Hebiru and took a small step aside. ''Bestie, meet Bestie.''

rhea
Yanai Hebiru

[Yanai Hebiru]

The Doctor is In

Putting Rui's concerning inquiries aside for the moment Hebiru followed closely behind her as she approached Rhea. While asking for autographs seemed like a surprisingly normal act for someone known to be a notorious villain she knew better than to assume someone's worst acts were everything that was to them. Even the worst tyrants in history often had surprisingly normal personal lives. 

Unfortunately for Hebiru the sheer normality made her subconsciously underestimate the horned devil and completely miss the secret note. With most of her intel on Mummy being second hand knowledge the psychological profile she'd built up carried a bias she'd yet to rectify through in-person interactions. Subtlety wasn't something she was prepared for when it came to the individual known as Rui Matsui, no, Hebiru was paying far more attention to her body language to intervene in case of sudden acts of violence instead.

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Hebiru replied along with a bow that was exactly as deep as the one Rhea had made. After making sure to send a grateful nod Rui's way for the 'introduction' she continued. "I am usually known as The Gorgon or Dr. Yanai, you may call me either. My... compatriot... and I," Hebiru said with an uncertain pause as if she were searching for the right word to use, making it clear they were not exactly well-acquainted, "greatly enjoyed your performance. I was wondering whether you perchance hold performances anywhere else?"

------

Tags: rhea  Rui Matsui

[rhea]

if i'm a danger to myself Just think what I could do to you Rui Matsui Yanai Hebiru

Autograph?

That was...something she wasn't expecting. She had talent, sure, but her exotic nature meant that she wasn't going to be signing any deals anytime soon. Buuut, she was slowly gaining a following. Was Rui one of those? She didn't think that was the case, but she still felt the need to maintain a level of anonymity. "I have a few names, but you may call me Rose," she says, for the first time feeling a bit insecure about using part of her late mother's stage name. The Desert Rose was known in many circles, and in using that as a stage name she was inadvertently grabbing hold of those coattails. Not the best of looks, if she was honest.

Was better than using her villain name, though.

As she looked at the book she raised an eyebrow at the note as she glanced over at Hebiru, both titles making her pause. A hero? It's possible. Gorgon isn't exactly heroic by any means, however...I shouldn't take my chances. Using her thumb she pressed the note against the page, writing out, To my biggest fan! -Rose. She gave Hebiru her full attention as the ink dried, smiling. "Nothing quite as formal as this, I'm afraid. I have a passion for singing, but little chance of making it in the big league. I tend to busk on the side so I have that outlet." She shut the notebook, pressing the note into her hand as she handed it back to Rui. Once that was done she brought her purse up and began to dig through it to try and find the little notepad she kept, though this was more of a ploy to drop the note off. "So you mean to tell me that this girl isn't your daughter? You two seem awfully close."

0 Victims

OWL

[Rui Matsui]

''Rose!'' She exclaimed, seemingly satisfied with the name. ''Do you like flowers, Flower Bestie?'' She watched closely as Rose prepared the autograph, already forgetting about the secret note she had handed her. That wasn't Rui's business anyway, she had just been hired by some people who needed other people. Not that she wanted to say she was currently employed as a people finder with Hebiru participating in the conversation. Her eyes lit up once she was handed the autograph and looked it over for a moment. It was legit! This would probably sell big time big money once Rose blew up and became famous. Then she could use the money to buy the government of Japan, make herself prime minister and prosecute all the heroes and fly them to the moon before nuking it. Then from there, world domination of course!

''Me?'' She giggled, shaking her head. ''She might look old, but we're not related.'' She smiled innocuously up at Hebiru. ''We're more like... Nemeses.'' She insisted while nodding her head. ''Why don't they hire you to sing in the big league, does someone have it out for you?'' If Rose really was being held back by some pretentious industry snobs, said snobs just might find themselves in a car crash a week's time from now. The world was full of coincidences, like people sharing the same name, or a Mummy getting into your car.

''What's after all this?'' She looked at the both of them. ''Plan on enjoying the festival?''

Yanai Hebiru
rhea

[Yanai Hebiru]

The Doctor is In

"Nice to meet you, Rose," Hebiru genially replied in greeting. She refrained from saying anything more for a moment so as to not distract either Rose or the young Matsui from their interaction, preferring to observe instead to see what she could glean from it until Rose turned her way. 

"A shame. I'm certain you will one day," Hebiru said cordially. "Do you perchance have a social media page or something along those lines to advertise your busking?"

She wouldn't be so rude as to insist on asking to be informed about where the singer performed but nevertheless not asking wouldn't produce any results either. Rose's follow-up question unbalanced her almost as much as the song did. Her daughter? How preposterous. Yet was it truly so from Rose's perspective?

Both she and the young Matsui had blonde hair styled into two long locks at the front, the sole difference between them being that her own were braided around each other and Rui's were loose and wavy. Their eyes too bore the same color. The similarities did not end there, for their resemblance was more than skin deep; Or perhaps one could say that skin deep was exactly the resemblance they had.

For much like Hebiru's form was a mere shell shaped like a human surrounding physiology that she had yet to make sense of, Rui appeared to be little more than skin over bones. At least if the conclusions made from analyzing footage of the villain were correct but Hebiru had little doubt that they mostly were. They were both hollow. As she looked at the younger girl smiling at her she wondered if perhaps that was the reason she did so much harm. Whereas she herself devoted herself to research to learn perhaps Mummy took to more practical means to decipher what made people tick. It did not justify her behavior. Nevertheless Hebiru understood. She didn't approve, but she understood.

"Old? You wound me," Hebiru replied with a mock frown. It was unfortunate that nemeses was the first word that came to Rui's mind but Rome wasn't built in a day. "Her words are not incorrect however. We have only met a few times, enough to be acquainted but certainly not related."

In truth this was only their second meeting but Hebiru doubted Rui would care to counter her words and perhaps the familiarity would be internalized. She could hope so. Moving up the timeline of at least one part of her medical research would be highly beneficial. Which made it so the girl's next question left her with quite the conundrum.

It was simple on the surface yet there was a non-negligible chance that her answer would heavily affect the future. Attempting to use this one-time opportunity where their differences as hero and villain mattered little to establish bonds for the purpose of creating a working relationship would be the most beneficial course of action in the long term. By all means it was the one she should be looking to pursue. Yet the singer's performance had made her feel more alive than she had in years and while Hebiru wasn't normally one to value the short term over the long term she was nevertheless hesitant to abandon the chance of hearing more.

The conundrum resolved itself moments later when she considered a single variable she'd forgotten to account for. Rui had called her old earlier and compared to both her and Rose there was some truth to that. Hebiru could hardly insert herself into their matters without it seeming off. Especially given that while there was no problem with interacting with villains today seeking to do so may cause her trouble in the future. 

"I need to finish my patrols before I can take another break to enjoy the festival, unfortunately. Should either of you wish to join me I'd of course welcome the company. If not I'll leave you youngsters to your fun."

------

Tags: rhea,Rui Matsui

[rhea]

if i'm a danger to myself Just think what I could do to you rhea,Rui Matsui,Yanai Hebiru

"I-" she paused, not expecting that kind of a question. She busked for money, sure, but she never started a public page like that. It was a, "Whatever will be, will be," moment. "I've never considered something like that. I'll...have to look into starting one, if people will be asking me for autographs," she says, chuckling a little as a blush crossed her face. "I'll have to ask my girlfriend for some help in that regard." It was 100% up Lilith's alleyway. She had been having increasing pressure to appear in her streams more often, so maybe if she did make a page...

"Here, before you go," she pulled out the small pad and a pen, beginning to write things down as best she could. "There are a few spots I go to fairly regularly. You can catch some of my impromptu shows there." She looked over at Rui, tilting her head a little. "I...will have to take you two at your word. If Nemesis fits, then it fits." And she'd follow this up with a shrug. "Most of what I sing is old fashioned. It has a niche audience, and because I'm not from here no one wants to take a risk on me. There are some studios I could contact, but, well, they don't have offices here. Soooo, I'm stuck." She handed Hebiru the sheet with different locations she could be found at, smiling. "It's okay, though. I've managed to survive. Have a safe patrol, Miss Gorgon."

Rhea adjusted her bag, looking at Rui. "And I planned on enjoying the festival. Maybe sample some of the treats here and there."

0 Victims

OWL

[Rui Matsui]

''Yeah, yeah something like that.'' Rui nodded, agreeing with Hebiru. ''I think people will be asking for autographs, it's just a matter of time, Flower Bestie.'' She was content to watch with curious eyes as Rose wrote down some locations for Hebiru. She wasn't actually going to follow her or show up at those locations herself. Not with the risk of a hero being there, but also because she trusted that the card she had slipped Rose would mean they were fated to meet again someday.

''Old-fashioned or not you have a talent.'' A talent that some shady people could very well put to use. Better that Rose worked for villainy than she got all buddy-buddy with The Gorgon and her hero pals.

''Sounds like a great idea. There's so much to sample after all.'' She caught Hebiru's offer with a glint in her eye, putting absolutely no effort into concealing how suspicious she was. ''Accompany you on a patrol? How interesting bestie, I've always wondered how you hero types go about your day. I'll join you.'' She grinned back at Rose. ''Later Rose! If I see you at the festival I'll join you for some fun. If not, we'll see each other again very soon. ~''

Yanai Hebiru
rhea

[Yanai Hebiru]

The Doctor is In

"Wonderful. I will have to keep an eye out for when it goes up," Hebiru responded while making sure she moved her lips and crinkled her eyes just right for her expression to form into a suitably warm and caring smile in response to Rose's slight embarrassment at the mention of her relationship. She made sure to offer Rui a smile and accompanying acknowledging nod back as well just before. It wouldn't do to prioritize short term joy over her long term goals after all. That way laid an eternity of remaining as hollow as she was now.

"Why thank you," she replied honestly while accepting the sheet of paper, making sure to adjust her expression into one that showed the surprise and gratitude she was sure someone in her situation should feel at the gesture. "I am sorry to hear that you have yet to be recruited. Rest assured that I doubt someone with your talent will remain unnoticed for long. While I cannot claim to have any connections in the musical scene one of my colleagues has a sister who does. If you would like it I could inquire with her or perhaps ask her to accompany me to one of your performances."

Rui's expression was truly interesting to behold. Her face was like an open book. Given that she could turn her skin into cloth-like bandages perhaps the saying 'wearing one's heart on their sleeve' applied to her visage as well. In an uncharacteristic lapse of control one corner of Hebiru's lips crinkled up slightly. It reminded her of her own little sister in a way. 

"What a wonderful coincidence. The next part of my route takes me through the food court," Hebiru lied as naturally as she breathed. "Shall we all walk together until we reach it?" Without a feasible excuse she couldn't quite stick with them but when provided with one Hebiru had no intention on passing the opportunity up. Even so the speed with which she came up with the white lie and spoke it without further thinking things through spoke to her desperation. It was lucky no one nearby knew her well enough to pick up on the
subtle tell.

She had high hopes for the rest of the day. Who knew? Perhaps she could even kill two birds with one stone.

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Tags: Rui Matsui,rhea