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Phyx Faraday:
Maddy's Wafflehouse had in many ways become Phyx's sort of home away from home, a social place, a place to do business and make bargains, and the place where he could eat to his heart's content. Contact information for Ars Armory was stuck to the bulletin board, and frequent other notes made it clear he frequented the diner with some regularity.
All of this being true, Phyx had once more snagged a comfortable booth near the counter, a mostly demolished plate of waffles at his side, along with entirely demolished sides. A cup of coffee was at one elbow, though at the moment he was sucking on a milkshake through a bendy straw, which may or may not have come from home. As he usually was when he wasn't specifically doing business, the more-than-mortal was wearing simple jeans, sturdy steel-toed work boots, and a long sleeved shirt, a jacket tossed on the booth bench next to him. A notepad with sketches and doodles and precise, neat handwriting sat in front of him, as did several automotive trade magazines that had been severely tagged with multiple pages sporting a little page finding piece of paper.
As was his wont, Phyx moved lightly even when he was sitting, foot tapping on the floor while his pen kept time on the pad.
Kenzie:
Kenzie's presence was huge despite her size, coming in through the door often like Cramer from the 90's. The short girl was not yet familiar with many places so here she came yet again. She is dressed in a jacket that soon comes off once she was inside, a cropped white tank top now exposed, form fitted cargo pants and black boots of her own. Her eyes eventually land on the guy sitting at a table by himself and she went and sat across from him. "Duuuude, I love that straw. Where did you get it?" She flagged the wait staff down for a chocolate milkshake herself.
Phyx Faraday:
Phyx looked up as the portal to Maddy's opened, grinning at the entrance and giving a polite clap of approval. When the incoming customer came over to sit across from him his smile broadened, and he gave her a tip of a non-existent hat. "I... admit I fabricated it and brought it from home. Everything tastes better through a curly straw." He took another pull through it, as if to make his point. He offered a hand across the table. "Phyx Faraday. Pleased to meetcha." His hand was calloused from physical work but kept well cleaned.
Kenzie:
She reaches across the table but instead of shaking his hand, she kisses his knuckles. "Kenzie, also, yes, yes it really does." She watches him a bit more "What do you mean fabricate? Like, ---" makes a hand motions like magic. "Or mold and make it yourself. Because making them seems really cool"
Phyx Faraday:
Phyx blinked as Kenzie gave his hand a kiss, brows raising slightly. He just chuckled though and shrugged with a tilt of his head. He shot his new table mate a finger gun. "See? You know. You're hip. Souper."
He blinked again at the hand motions, then grinned. "Nah, I make and mold everything myself. I have a whole workshop set up. I'm a craftsman by trade mostly. If someone wants it made, I can probably make it. Straws is easy."
Kenzie:
"You say that as if you hadn't had years of experience. I am as crafty as a 5 year old making noodle art." When her shake arrives, she sips on it happily. "Mmm, this place does have the best damn food."
Phyx Faraday:
Phyx chuckled. "Entirely fair. I should revise that to be "Straws is easier then a V12 engine. Or something like that." He nodded along with her statement. "It really does. I love this place. I've been working my way through the menu and back again for weeks."
Kenzie:
"Well you have weeks on me. This is maybe my third night here. So--- what is your must gets here?" She comfortably leans back in her seat before snagging a menu to look it over for the first time
Aurelio Menegi:
While the pair talked the portal did as portals do, with a taller-than-average dark-haired fellow in an all-black ensemble making his way in. Aurelio did a quick scan of the room, giving Phyx and Kenzie a polite smile and a nod. "Buona sera."
Phyx Faraday:
Phyx tipped his head at that, in a sign of acknowledgement. "Just got into town I gather? Welcome to Philly." He grinned and thought about it. "I mean, any of the waffles are amazing. Or all of them I guess I mean. I really like the fruit options though, I'd say go for that."
As Aurelio arrived Phyx peeked, always curious to see who might come in. As the Lost came over to join them the Lost Boy offered a wave and a smile. "Howdy do to you too friend. How's the night treating ya?"
Kenzie:
She peeks over the menu to see the new arrival, offering an up nod to him before she huffs softly looking over the menu "A fruit guy huh? Strawberry or banana? Hmm, they have a Nutella too. But I suppose thats rather controversial yeah?"
Aurelio Menegi:
"Doing very well, thank you." The Italian of his greeting remained firmly in his accent as he replied, making a 'may I?' at one of the open seats at the table. "Mind if I join you?"
Phyx Faraday:
Phyx's brow furrowed. "Is there something controversial about Nutella? To be fair I'm more of an everything guy, but fruit is tasty and delicious all the time." He smiled at Aurelio and shook his head. "Not in the least friend." He moved his jacket and scooted over. "Come on in. Name's Phyx. Pleased to meetcha." He offered the same calloused hand to Aurelio.
Kenzie:
She too scooted over, Adjusting to sit cross legged on the booth seat, with room next to her as well "There is always room for more, Please sit, enjoy." She lowers the menu gain looking at the new arrival "What say you about Nutella?"
Aurelio Menegi:
Aurelio took the offered hand and shook it, his own marked with the faint burns and nicks that came with both weapons training and working with molten glass on a regular basis. "Aurelio, a pleasure." He added as he took the offered seat, thinking a moment on Kenzie's question. "Do not think I have had that. Is hazelnut and chocolate, no?"
Phyx Faraday:
"I still don't understand what's controversial about Nutella..." He took another pull on his milkshake. "Nice to make your acquaintance Aurelio."
Kenzie:
She nods "Yes, that'c correct." Looking back at Phyx "Yeah, apparently some people are really against it." She shrugged a bit "Oh, names Kenzie. New girl to town, but I often myself being new in most places I go."
Aurelio Menegi:
"Strange...there are odder foods to have opinions on, as I see it." He offered a small shrug, taking a moment to order a coffee and Home Run scramble with a passing server before looking back to the table. "Welcome to the city then. Been here two or so years myself, and it has been good so far."
Phyx Faraday:
"I'm not sure why anyone would find nutella personally offensive, but I'm sort of tempted to look it up. That seems odd." He raised a brow curiously to Kenzie. "Always on the road I gather? What brings you to Philly? Passing through or thinking of putting down some roots?"
Kenzie:
"Right! So many other insane foods." sets down her menu "Yeah, and maybe. I've been on the road for a while and roots would be nice. Actually setting up a real home not in my RV. Make some friends I see for more than a week or two."
Aurelio Menegi:
"Having a place that is solid is helpful, I have found. Travel is good, but having a home to come back to is good too."
Phyx Faraday:
Phyx nodded at Kenzie. "I can well dig it. I was doing sort of the same thing for a while, haven't been here more than a few months or so. If that even." He chuckled. "The time kinda flies by. But it sounds like a good plan. Philly's a nice area, good people. I mean... there's some rough stuff going on, but the city is good and the folks are too. Lot of em anyway. Certainly the folks you meet here." He grinned. "I remember RV living. If you ever need a tune up or repair let me know. Al's 24hr has a really solid garage."
He gestured with his head to Aurelio. "Like he said. If you're looking, I know a few apartments with places coming open. I can always give you a referral or whatever."
Kenzie:
"Yeah, maybe. Im not sure where exactly I want to stay just yet. I'm sort of picky." She offers a soft smile "Any recommends on where to check out and see? Places to avoid? I was told to keep an eye out on the Mark iis at least."
Aurelio Menegi:
"Haven't seen as much of the city as some, I will admit. I stay in South Philly myself near the studio where I work and have found it good for my needs." He frowned a touch at the mention of the robots, shaking his head. "I have heard of such things causing problems, but have not encountered one myself."
Phyx Faraday:
At the mention of the robots Phyx's brow furrowed. "Oh yeah. They're a real pain in the keister. We've learned a fair bit about them so far, but we also now know they have a self-destruct mechanism. Which really steams my beans. Be careful around them, don't let them play with your head, and if a countdown starts get ready to run. That explosion they cause is... supercharged somehow."
At the question from Kenzie, Phyx thought for a moment. "I can give you a list yeah." He started jotting down some addresses and areas before passing it over. "This is off the top of my head, but I'm happy to help look if it turns out you need it."
Kenzie:
She perks up "What sort of studio do you have?" She nods to Phyx "Oh yeah, Tommy and Psyche warned me about them. They were super firm on staying away."
Aurelio Menegi:
"Do they...good to know." He nodded, filing that little tidbit away before looking back to Kenzie. "Murano Studios, doing glasswork primarily, although I work there rather than own it. I dabble in other things as well when able."
Phyx Faraday:
Phyx nodded. “Usual suspects, that sounds about right. They aren’t wrong either. Treat them with extreme caution, and if you need to get in a scrum with one, go as hard and as fast as you can. They are pretty susceptible to mind games though. So there’s that.”
Phyx looked to Aurelio with a curious expression which broadened into a grin. “Do you know? Veeeery interesting. Ever work with quartz before?” He produced two cards and slid one to each of his table mates. It was the Ars Armory card, complete with QR code on the back. “I could actually stand to commission someone who knows how to blow glass. So if you’re looking for more work or are interested in pursuing collaboration let me know.” He looked back to Kenzie. “Or if either of you need something made in the uh…” He rolled a hand. “Personal defenses area, you can set up an appointment to work it out.”
Kenzie:
"Oh nice! That is always fun to watch. Im a photographer myself. Having a real studio might also not be a bad idea." She looks over the card and smirks as she looks back at Phyx "I --- wouldn't know the first thing about fighting with a weapon. Though that probably wouldn't be a bad idea. Im a great runner though. It's why my legs look so nice."
Aurelio Menegi:
"I have, although not as of late." He took the offered card, looking over it briefly before pocketing it. "I would be interested, certainly. New collaborations are always welcomed."
Phyx Faraday:
Phyx grinned at Kenzie. "Nothing wrong with knowing how to book it. If you need self defense lessons I can also offer that, though I do know there's a larger project going on in that vein I'm involved in, so that might get a bit easier for folks to get into. And definitely having a workspace to do your thing is clutch."
He nodded to Aurelio, raising a brow and looking pleasantly surprised. "Well that's just slam dance fantastic. I've got a hafnium carbide furnace I can introduce you to that works quartz like a dream. Tungsten too. Why don't you come by to Al's 24hr sometime? I can show you around the place and talk shop."
Kenzie:
"Hmmm. Sounds like an arrow thing to say to me." Her eyes wander away from the table as something else catches her attention.
Aurelio Menegi:
"Indeed. My main workshop is...not easy to reach for most, but it serves me well." He looked intrigued at Phyx's offer, giving a nod. "Definitely. I have done some metalwork, although they have been more accents to other pieces than something full-scale."
"Arrow?" Cue a curious arch of the eyebrow as he looked Kenzie over. "One of your groups, yes?"
Phyx Faraday:
Phyx also raised a brow. "Arrow? On like the thing yeah. I've heard about this. I need to speak to the Free Council myself. That sounded like my speed. But I'm not one of those, no. I'm not an anything. I can't do magic, so all the stuff I make is just... made."
His grin remained as he spoke to Aurelo. "No worries there. Definitely there are a lot of team based projects I want to work on where metalworkers will be in abundance, but glassblowers will not. Mostly because other than yourself, I don't actually know any glassblowers."
Kenzie:
Her attention is pulled back by the two men "Hmm? Oh, uh, yeah. One of the groups. Not one I elect to be in though." Then to Phyx "Seems a lot of people heading that direction. What draws you to the council?" She rests her head on her chin, elbows on the table
Aurelio Menegi:
"I do not know many others among those who can come here, no. Happy to help where I can, though."
"Ah, I see. One among ours is known as the Silent Arrow, hence my asking." He then went quiet, both due to his food arriving and to allow the pair to chat undisturbed.
Phyx Faraday:
At the question Phyx gave it a good think, finishing his milkshake while he considered. Eventually he shrugged. "To be honest, I could probably do alright with plenty of them. I'm techy, I'm fighty, I'm sneaky, I've got a lot of handy information and know how to be discreet with it... I'm a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll." He grinned. "But I'm a believer in trying to bring everyone up to a better place, and I'm a fan of free thinking or whatever."
"I only know so much about each one, though it's been explained to me fairly well. The fact that I tend to make stuff seems to be what people think about first, and the fact that like I said I'm a multi-faceted operator." He waggled his eyebrows at that before looking curiously to Aurelio at the mention of "Ours" but just nodded. "I'm meeting all sorts. If we work together I suspect you'll meet plenty of them as well. I'm trying to get a whole thing going. Armory could always use more help, and not all of that is being able to build or make something."
Kenzie:
She bursts into a fit of laughter. Eventually she calms herself with a bit more laughter "Oh shit, If only the arrows could be silent in my 'organization' that would be great." Her eyes take in Phyx more, nodding to what he said "glad you have made a choice though. I take it you're a sleepwalker or whatever we're calling you any more."
Aurelio Menegi:
"Not sure if you have met others of the Lost as of yet." Aurelio added when Phyx looked his way. "If not, you have now."
Phyx Faraday:
Phyx chuckled a bit wryly. "Well... made a choice seems strong. I haven't like... had an induction or been to where y'all hangout or whatever. Did meet Fox briefly, and need to get in touch with them again about some stuff, but other than Bones and I gather yourself, haven't met too many." He nodded. "That seems to be the long and the short of it. 'Sleepwalker' that is. Seems apt, if a little on the nose. I might not be able to violate the laws of causality willy nilly, but I've got a fair bag of tricks. Which I guess is what qualifies me."
He nodded to Aurelio, smiling. "I've had the fortune to meet a few. Well, yourself and another. Polly, really nice lady. Great musician. Got to jam together and everything. But I'm glad to meet you buddy. More is always better."
Kenzie:
"Can't say I met Fox, though I am told I really should meet, uuuhm, Chevelle? Something along those lines any way. If you want to be all Former, which I really don't tend to be... Master Aperture, Libertine and Enchanter on the Path to Arcadia, Supernal Realm of Fate and Time, and abode of Fae, Host of the Council of Free Assemblies , Master of Time, Adept of Fate." She bows slightly to Phyx. "Sorry, I literally almost fell asleep half way through that intro."
Aurelio Menegi:
"Glad to be the second behind her, then." Aurelio nodded with a small smile. "We are under the same season, if she explained as much."
He watched Kenzie curiously as she went through her whole spiel, taking a sip of his coffee about halfway through. "Quite the title, that."
Phyx Faraday:
Phyx shook his head at the name. "I don't know that I've heard it, but I got a lot of people to meet, so maybe I'll run across them as well." At the recitation his brows rose and he chuckled at the end of it. "Wow that's a mouthful. Can't say I understood the lot of that, but I've heard of some of it... sort of. Maybe. Still, pretty impressive."
He seesawed a hand back and forth at Aurelio's comment. "I've only heard a bit, so I'm not too up, but she talked a little about that stuff. I try not to pry to hard into folk's secrets, especially not of that sort. Doesn't make much nevermind to me, so long as they're a decent sort and act civil. Figure if folks want me to know, they'll tell me. And the fact that I can get in here probably helps. I like that actually. Makes it easy to vet clients as well. I don't advertise much outside of here at the moment. Not for the Armory anyway."
Kenzie:
She chuckles softly "I like you" She said to Phyx "Thats essentially how I feel about titles and people. Dont be a dick and we will be fine. But basically, Im in the free council, an acanthus and a Master of time." Her eyes glint over to the lost "I have heard a bit of these seasons but I still don't fully know what they mean for you all."
Aurelio Menegi:
"Good way to do it, that." He nodded to Phyx. "I follow similar ways, although if others ask I do not mind answering if I can."
"The seasons are both protection and philosophy, each tied to an emotion. My own is Spring, with a focus on Desire and living freely as one's self despite the hardships faced when we were taken."
Phyx Faraday:
Phyx smiled and dipped his head. "Well thanks, that's mighty kind of you. I don't have any titles myself, so I don't have to worry about it." He snorted slightly. "Master of Time... friggin magic. Still, that's pretty amazing. Sounds handy."
He nodded to Aurelio. "Spring yeah. That sounds right. I've heard a little about what happens to you folks, and I can't pretend it doesn't chap my backside something fierce. You ever need a helping hand fixing someone's little red wagon, you just come hollering. True for a lot of people, but being good friends with people tends to make me want to keep em' safe. And like I said, I'm full of tricks."
Kenzie:
Something caught the acanthus eye again, and with out a word she went chasing it. Soon she portals out to who knows where.
Titania:
Titania wanders in to Maddys. She has been spending many of her nights here. Stopping by the bulletin board before a wave to the staff. They dont move to get her anything and the very clearly a walking corpse looks around the room.
She is wearing one of her working outfits. Shadow Raven on her shoulder and Shadow Cat cradled in her arm.
Aurelio Menegi:
Aurelio watched as Kenzie scampered off, then looked back to Phyx with a nod. "Much appreciated. My time there took much but allowed me to see the world as it is now and meet those who are now dear to me, so there was some good in it "
He looked towards Titania as she entered, her pallid appearance and tenebrous companions making him pause for a moment. Eventually he did offer a nod, however, along with a polite "Bueno sera."
Phyx Faraday:
As Titania entered Maddy's Phyx did his usual peek to check out who'd come in, curiosity always at the forefront of his mind. His brows raised a bit as he caught sight of someone who most definitely had to be a vampire, going up further as he caught sight of the smokey, shadowy pets. "Wow holy cannoli that's really something." He gave the woman a nod in greeting before looking back to Aurelio. "I... can sort of understand what you mean. That sentiment anyway. And you're most welcome. I don't know what all you have to deal with specifically, but so long as it's not a cheaty, backstabbing, thieving plagiarist of a robot, I'm willing to give a good go at figuring out how to break it." He grinned.
When Aurelio offered a greeting to Titania Phyx did likewise, doffing a non-existent cap. "Evenin' miss. Those are some awfully impressive companions you have there."
Titania:
Titania takes a long moment to answer. Looking around like who she was looking for isn't here and now she is stuck.
Her voice is haunted and distant.
"Good evening to you both."
A nod. Then the Raven chirps up and flys over to the table screaming in Phyx's face.
"THANKS!"
Aurelio Menegi:
"Si...quite the companions to have." He replied quietly to Phyx, nodding as he continued. "Can speak on the details later, perhaps."
He blinked as the shadowy bird landed and screeched as loudly as it did, the temperature of the air in the booth dropping just enough to notice; AC unit nearby kicking on, perhaps?
Phyx Faraday:
Phyx just smiled broadly at Titania, giving her a nod. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance. Name’s Phyx.” He offered a hand out, though his look suggested he didn’t expect it to be taken and that was ok. When the bird flew over to land in front of him and scream in his face, his response was just a broad laugh. “Well you’re welcome little buddy. Quite the fancy bird you are indeed. Smart too clearly.”
At Aurelio’s offer Phyx looked curious, nodding. “Sure, I’d love to hear it. Always looking to expand my horizons.” He looked back to Titania. “I gather you’re looking for someone? Sadly, it’s only us chickens at the moment. And staff, of course.”
Titania:
Titania takes the hand shaking it, it can be clearly seen the focused restraint that she must use. The restrain of someone who accidentally breaks things most cannot break on purpose.
"Titania." Then a nod to Columba. "He is and has been extra friendly lately too."
A click in the back of her throat and he returns to her shoulder.
"I was, but, socializing is good for my mental health. Or so ive been told."
Aurelio Menegi:
"Aurelio, good to meet you." He nodded to Titania, watching the raven with a mix of curiosity and wariness. "Very clever."
"It does tend to help. Feel free to sit if you wish."
Phyx Faraday:
Phyx's hand was calloused from physical labor but well cleaned, and perhaps a bit sturdier than it should have been. His brows rose as the woman gave her name. "Well I'm certainly glad he has been. Always like to meet new friends. And speaking of, I was told I should meet you actually, so this works out pretty well for me."
He nodded at Aurelio's offer, gesturing to the booth's seats. "Absolutely it does. Helps mine to no end. Otherwise I start talking to myself or worse, badgering someone on the phone." He grinned.
Titania:
Titania takes the seat with a hint of hesitation. A stroke to the back of Mei as they both speak.
Then a raised eyebrow. "Oh? Now I am intrigued."
Aurelio Menegi:
Aurelio took the opportunity offered by Titania's question to polish off his meal, listening quietly for the time being.
Phyx Faraday:
Phyx nodded, pouring himself another cup of coffee from the carafe and liberally doctoring it with cream and a good deal of sugar. "Yep. Sure as shootin'. Here too. Said you were much learned and wise in the ways of a lot of wild stuff, and that if I wanted to learn things or collaborate on stuff I should give you a holler. I admit, I've been meaning to get around to it but I got exploded last week and then had to cover a few commissions. Wasn't really sure what to bring as a nice hospitality gift though, unless you happen to need a fancy something or other made. I do real good work."
Titania:
She tilts her head at him.
"Oh, learned and wise. I'll take that."
A chuckle then a wave of her hand to continue.
Phyx Faraday:
Phyx grinned. "I happen to be in the field of occult understanding and dealing with specters and spooks and boojums and so forth. I am also something of a chemist and creator of general things and devices and such. So I was told if I wanted to further my understanding of such things in general, I might look to yourself for said tutelage."
He chuckled. "Now, I don't actually know if that's a thing you do, or if you are the sort to do such teaching, or how viable a concept that is, but I am always here for the free sharing of information and the furtherance of knowledge and whatnot. And I can be discreet."
Lyuda:
The portal blips, and a Slavic woman with long dirty blonde hair slouches on in. She's wearing a tank top, bdu pants, and a dingy uniform jacket. The flag is sky blue over cornflower yellow.
She takes a moment to scowl at the room briefly before asking, "Anyone mind if my familiar has waffles. It was a whole thing once."
Also hi.
Titania:
"That dear Phyx really depends what you want to know. I can tell you about most things but I am not one for devices."
Titania looks to the Slavic woman entering. With a tilt of her head. Columba almost rushing off to greet her before a click in Titania's throat stops that.
Columba grumbles at that a garbled. "Meanie." Coming out of his beak.
Aurelio Menegi:
Aurelio glanced towards the portal as Lyuda emerged, chuckling quietly at the question. "This place was made for strangeness. No issues with me."
Leta Abbott:
Following close on the Slavic woman's heels is... well, it's a tiny little Texan woman. Not that you'd know that from looking at her. You might glean it from the accent, though.
"Lyuda, you had better be talking about Oontz Oontz because I'm going to erase the words Cyka Blyat from the cultural canon if you're jokingly comparing me to your weird little DJ friend again."
Leta is currently wearing a pair of ripped mom jeans, an open flannel, and a flowy white crop top with an alien on it that says "Spaced Out."
She does, however, look primed to get absolutely weird with the waffles, so who can say.
Phyx Faraday:
Phyx nodded at that. "I can dig it. Trying to expand my understanding of what's out there, what I might have to deal with. Especially of the spectral, ephemeral, pain in the butt, mess with your head, get in your noggin and take you over sort. That sort of thing I can keep from happening, but I don't necessarily know how to pop them in the snot locker with enough oomph to make it stick. The bigger, meaner ones that is."
At the disinclination towards devices Phyx grinned. "Jewelry? Gizmos? Psychedelics? Mostly I'm kidding but not really." As Lydua came in and Aurelio looked over as well Phyx peaked around the booth, raising a brow at the question. He grinned. "Not at all, as long as I can watch. Dunno what your familiar is, but I bet it's a sight to see."
Lyuda:
A weird, possibly strung out, definitely actually a spirit Korean kid sort of tunes in to this channel of reality, standing next to Lyuda. After a moment of silent staring at his wizard, the kid practically scampers to the breakfast bar, where they sit with a Gameboy to wait for an order the staff are already working on. Spirits aren't known for their novelties.
Lyuda just watches it all for a moment before further asking, "Anyone mind if I eat waffles, too? Also was a problem once."
She then answers Phyx, taking all of that at face value. "Weird. But okay. He's over there playing game boy. They'll also smoke you in Pokémon. Just. The whole thing. All of it. So stop trying."
"Oontz-Oontz, look. It's a drug dealing tinker and jeweler and he wants to watch you eat."
Oontz-Oontz sloooowly turns towards Phyx, lights flashing behind their shades, "cool cool man yeye"
It's unclear how they speak with no punctuation or capitals, but reality is like that.
Aurelio Menegi:
Leta earned a polite nod from the Torrent as she emerged alongside her cadremate, which was followed by a blink of surprise as said familiar manifested and scampered off to the counter. He said something quietly to himself in his native tongue before giving the spirit a nod. "An interesting night indeed..." He added to no one in particular.
Lyuda:
"I would never compare you to Oontz-Oontz, he's never drunk all my vodka. Leta. Remember." Still a sore spot.
"Honestly," she laments to no one.
Phyx Faraday:
"Huh. I admit I didn't expect prehensile thumbs and stuff. I guess that's just normal eating." Phyx shrugged then laughed. "The description is pretty apt though, I'll admit, though I'm not so much a drug dealer as a facilitator of the expansion of the consciousness through the use of various chemicals. Also infused weed products, if you want any of those." He chuckled. "And yeah, Enjoy you some waffles. Not sure exactly what a thing with waffles could be, unless it was some sort of deadly, ninja waffle throwing fight. In which case the real tragedy is the loss of the waffles."
He laughed at the warning and raised his hands. "I'll bow out now and save myself the embarrassment. Never was a Pokémon fella myself, but I think I've got the new Nintendo whatever around somewhere. Mostly I really like Tetris Effect. I think it's super pretty and calming and stuff. And yeah, great when you're tripping." He raised a brow at the name of the spirit though, blinking a little. "Oontz? Like the sound at a club?"
Leta Abbott:
Leta, looks mildly disgusting at the idea of asking permission to eat the waffles before doing so, but she pauses beside Lyuda.
"You offered to share the vodka," Leta holds up both hands as if she's gone through this a dozen times. "I didn't realize you were rationing it! When you said -- and you said it like this -- "Leta. Is Vodka. You want?" I wasn't expecting we'd have to ration it like we were in Master and Commander." She offers the not-quite-truly exasperated sigh of someone who enjoys the exhausting challenge of such an exchange. "Next you are going to tell me his music taste is better and I am going to cry into my tea and--"
Leta pauses her diatribe mid-sentence.
"Oh! A fellow psychonaut. Hello, comrade." She waves at Phyx and offers a little bow. "Doctor Leta Abbot, and you are?"
Lyuda:
"You should get his phone number, too. He's very cute." Lyuda says this to Leta while staring at Phyx which is only weird if you make it be.
Oontz-Oontz brightens up immediately when Phyx understands. And sure enough, the kid opens their mouth, and a beat Daft Punk would nod to just sort of fills the room for a few bars. He then pats his chest indicatively. "yeye man club man club yeye you dance dance revolution question"
Leta Abbott:
... and before you ask, her Lyuda impression is not good at all.
Aurelio Menegi:
"Not something I indulge in personally, but to each their own." Aurelio commented with a small smirk as the spirit spoke, lifting his coffee cup in a small salute. "Such things do not sit well with those like me, from what I have been told, and testing it does not seem wise."
"Aurelio, by the way." He added, taking a sip from his cup. "Good to meet you both."
Phyx Faraday:
Phyx just watched the little tableau with a broad grin, that only broadened as the two went back and forth, and the familiar sat playing video games. At Leta's sudden interest he nodded and responded with a doffing of a non-existent hat. "Pleased as punch to meet you Doc. Phyx Faraday, at your service. General jack of at least a few trades if not exactly all of them."
At the encouragement from Lyuda he just laughed, pointing to the bulletin board. "My card's up there for anyone who wants an appointment with the Armory, but that's probably not what you meant." He ducked his head at the compliment. "But I'm much obliged." His smile kept on, clearly much amused.
Oontz's excitement caused that smile to get even wider and he gave the familiar a thumbs up. "For sure man. I know it well. That I pride myself at being pretty good at. And I DJ every so often under the name Haywire. Music is in my blood friend. Nice to meet you too."
He nodded to Aurelio. "I will remember that, thank you. And will keep that in mind. How about the weed though?" He smiled.
Lyuda:
"Wait, you make guns and drugs? Amazing. Do you do custom pistols, rifles, SMGs and such?" She keeps going, "Mortars, crew served weapons. Or wire guided. Would be nice. AP and HE. Basically if it can punch through the flank skirting of a T-70 or a Mark II? I know a Russian oligarchs daughter's routing info."
She finally moves to join Aurelio's table without asking because she's like that. "Aurelio, wasn't it? I'm sorry if the drug talk bothers you. Any of you. A lot of us use it for magic, but if it upsets you guys? We have other places we can talk about it. Feel free to let everyone know it. One of the Emissaries is my wife, which means I'm a fucking nobody, but I'm still fucking special."
Leta Abbott:
Leta pauses amidst the instroductions to peer over at Aurelio. With a smile, she looks back at Phyx and then tilts her head from side to side.
"Please. Call me Leta, or Doctor Abbott. You may only call me Doc if I am wearing a cowboy hat-- which does happen sometimes, actually... and ennnnhhhh," she looks back at Lyuda for a second. "He's too handsome. There aren't bags under his eyes, and he looks like he still has some measure of faith in the world. Not my type."
She tucks her hands into her pockets and grabs a menu from a nearby table. "Sorry. No offense, Phyx. Would love to hear your thoughts on psychedelics as psychiatric care, but first I have an important waffle-based mission."
Aurelio Menegi:
"No harm no foul." He waived away the apology, not seeming to mind the extra company at the table. "They serve their purpose, as you say. Some of us may still partake, but it is not for me."
Phyx Faraday:
Phyx just smiled as Lyuda took a seat at their table, producing a card that he offered over to the Slavic woman. Like the one on the bulletin board it had the logo of the Ars Armory and a QR code on the back. "I can make anything. Customize anything. Any gun, any weapon, any body armor. Cars, bikes, planes, boats... APDS or HEAT sure, especially if someone can pay for it. I'm your guy if you want a thing what does something useful. EOD, heavy weapons sure. Hell, get me enough Get me enough bromide and argon and I might be able to build you a portable directed plasma weapon. I've been meaning to try." He grinned, though the mention of the Mark II's caused a brief frown.
"Ah yeah, those bastards. Yeah I can get through that armor alright, or at least I could the last time I met one. If it's a gun? That shouldn't be a problem. If it's a hand to hand weapon... probably also doable frankly." He wagged a finger at Lyuda. "They have a self destruct mechanism by the way. Also they aren't really autonomous. They're piloted if anything resembling a personality is in there. Mental connection is pretty deep too, can definitely mess with it, maybe mess with the operator long term. But watch out for that bomb. Blew my defensive gear to literal pieces. I hate being exploded..." Said as though Phyx had repeat experience of things like that.
Chuckling at Leta's critique of himself, Phyx could only shrug. "That's all entirely fair. I admit, I mostly have faith in myself and that people need help. Those two things I try to consider. But by and large I'm not much on faith. I prefer knowledge." At her interest in a subject that was very near and dear to his heart, Phyx just grinned. "By all means waffle up and come back around. And I'll go with Leta then, though now I have an overwhelming urge to go get m- I mean go buy a rabbit themed kigoo just so keep the joke going. And yeah, I can definitely talk about that. Fun fact, due to my personal physiology I'm always slightly tripping."
He waggled his eyebrows again and tapped his temple. Nodding to Aurelio he looked to the Lost. "I can well dig it man."
Lyuda:
Lyuda stares at the card for a moment and notes, "This is probably an easier starting point than garbage." What?
She's staring at Phyx. Fixedly. She, too, sees what she's doing, though. "Too handsome? Enh. I'm not really seeing it. I'm going to keep looking for it, though."
And she does, tucking the card away. "Do you like shooting guns and blowing things up? Cos I have some RPGs and a flamethrower I'm nor really using. You're saying you can refresh my ammo, too? I'm talking NATO grade stuff."
Leta Abbott:
Leta's eyebrows shoot up at the word "us" and things begin to click into place. Dawning realization has her nodding slowly.
"Oh, interesting. You're Lost then, I suppose? I didn't realize quite how psychologically damaging -- or maybe physiologically damaging -- psychoactive substances were for you until a friend explained it to me." There's a pause as she orders her food at the window and, in the few moments that pass, she seems to realize:
"Sorry, I shouldn't have just said your business aloud. My apologies," she tilts her head in Lyuda's direction.
"... and I just happen to think that world-weary exhaustion, being a walking disaster, and wearing an ill-fitting suit are the most attractive qualities a person can have."
She drops into a seat wherever one is available.
"... which is why I am the most attractive woman in Philly. No, I will not take questions on that."
Aurelio Menegi:
"Si, and it is alright. I mentioned as much earlier this evening before you arrived." He motioned to Phyx briefly, listening to the conversation between him and Lyuda but focusing on Leta for the time being. "I try not to pry with others here, but I am willing to answer questions if I can when asked."
Lyuda:
Lyuda scratches her cheek. "But." Yes, Lyuda. "But I was exhausted and world weary and am still a walking wreck. And I haven't gone for alterations since 2006."
She's so confused now. "Oontz, get me waffles."
Phyx Faraday:
Phyx just raised a brow at the comment from Lyuda, but just grinned. “Yeah I could definitely use another flame thrower and some RPGs. I’ve had some ideas along the lines of miniaturized explosive charges but taking a few big ones apart would go along et way. And yeah, I’ve got a reloading bench and all sorts.” He chuckled, if a bit wryly. “I have to make my own because it’s not uh… commercially available, the rounds I use. So yeah I can manufacture you plenty of ammo. Just give me the specs your after..” The tall, Slavic woman’s compliment kept him smiling, and he had the good grace to duck his head. “And thank you. I’m plenty flattered. Can’t say I mind the attention.”
He smiled at Leta. “To be fair I have some suits, but they’re custom tailored so they fit pretty well. World weary is a little harder to pull off I’ll admit. Not to say I haven’t been through plenty, but between the acid and the meditation and my natural brain chemistry im about as stable as a gyroscope.”
Leta Abbott:
Leta reaches over and pats Lyuda on the thigh. "You're still very exhausted and world weary, I promise.
As I said you're not the most attractive woman in Philadelphia -- because that's me -- but you're directly in the middle of a however-many-partners-I-have-way tie for a strong second place."
You can't say she isn't honest, at least.
The bell dings as her order finishes, and Leta slides out of the booth like some sort of ooze. An ooze on her way to get waffles.
"Stable as a gyroscope is a good start. As-is "custom munitions that aren't commercially available." That'll get you real far in our house! You should see the gun cabinet. Its spatially impossible."
Aurelio Menegi:
"Modern firearms never caught my eye, I will admit. Always been more for up close and personal with that sort of thing." He polished off his coffee, setting the cup off to the side for a server to refill it the next time one passed. "They can be rather impressive, though."
Lyuda:
"It's not quite the load screen from the matrix, bit I absolutely had that scene in mind. I had to leave my old stuff in Europe when I burned my old old old identity, Yaroslav. And only rebuilt it to fight beshilu, initially. And I have a custom rifle and pistol I can show you. But. Yeah. If you can keep me in ammo, you can gave some RPGs. Been wanting to heat this war up a notch."
Never trust a Ukrainian sharpshooter who smiles about war.
Oontz returns with a single waffle, butter, maple syrup, and extra extra-crispy bacon. Lyuda accepts it, and Oontz returns to his own waffle and game boy.
"I was a career assassin for a magical order of communists, so firearms were sort of a thing. I agree, though. If we all had to fight using knives, everyone would be much more civil. And much less uptight."
Phyx Faraday:
Phyx just laughed, tipping his head to Leta. "We'll I'm glad to hear I'm off to a good start. I like to think I'm pretty good at connecting on some level or another with most folks. Specially impossible gun cabinets are definitely something I'd like to see. That sounds like my kind of nonsense." Still chuckling, he took another sip of coffee from his own mug, nodding to Aurelio. "I can forge and fabricate melee weapons as well. Depending on what you favor, I'm sure we could work up something exciting. Quartz being just the start." He chuckled at that.
At Lyuda's explanation of her life his brows rose, and he tipped his head again, once more in acknowledgement. "That sounds a bit like my own story, though I admit when I beat feet I took a lot of stuff with me. Or had it set up in advance of me getting here. On the other hand, a bunch of my stuff got blown up by the Mark 2 we ran across, so I am in a slightly tighter spot at the moment. But i can for sure make you ammo, no problem. Custom fit for the firearm of your choice, and with a personal, professional guarantee." He shook his head. "Won't pretend I can say I know what a beshilu is, but if it's a war you're fighting, that I can definitely help with."
At the talk of being a magical assassin, Phyx nodded slowly. "I... was in specialized field work on a floating attachment to various military units through DARPA. I got out a little bit ago, but I managed to take plenty with me."
Leta Abbott:
"Having seen what happens to the body during a knife fight, I am inclined to disagree. Unless you're referring to the deterring factor, rather than the actual act itself."
There's a pause, and she smiles at Phyx. "I wasn't in a communist revolutionary cell, but I am from Texas -- which is to say that my relationship with firearms is equally fetishistic. Sometimes."
She forks a HUGE BITE of breakfast foods into her mouth.
"If you want a truly elegant solution to a person-sized problem, with mastery of Mind, you can simply eradicate someone in their entirety. Not simply from the inside out, but externally as well. From the minds of everyone who knew them."
That might be disconcerting to hear, but she's definitely got waffles crammed into her cheeks like a cartoon chipmonk.
Aurelio Menegi:
"I might take you up on that." Aurelio replied to Phyx with a nod. "I have a pair of blades currently but something with longer reach may not be a bad idea." Not that the six-and-a-half foot tall man was wanting for such things, but you never know.
He thanked the passing server as she refilled his coffee, taking a sip without doctoring it as he listened to the pair speak of their experiences. Leta's final comment made him go as still as the marble statue he truly was underneath the Mask, however, both staring at her and through her for a long moment before he snapped back to reality. He muttered something quietly under his breath in his native tongue, setting down the coffee cup as he massaged the bridge of his nose with his now free hand.
Fox:
Speaking of much less uptight, the door opens to admit one resident of Philly who, if she generally appeared much more relaxed, would just be, you know. Asleep.
Fox apparently decided that today is the day to come to Maddy's in a painted silk robe that she probably stole from somebody else, and underpants. The robe is belted, and she's wearing flip flops. There is a pretty traditional Ukranian floral pattern painted on the robe - Lyuda will recognize it as a prior year's birthday gift to Zoya.
This isn't even weird for Philly at 2 am. Just a little feral woman flip flop flip flop in for waffles.
At least she's extremely clean today. Very well-scrubbed.
Lyuda:
"Good one, Leta. Now they'll think we're all responsible people. Thanks." Lyuda puffs out a very Slavic chuff of complaint, then starts digging in to her waffle.
"I'm a mind Master and I've never done that. I've used tricks similar to it to hide outside of perception, but Unbeing someone is--" Lyuda is a little maybe kinda peeved, actually. "I used to bring people in for that kind of ... thing."
"I'm with the free council. And the children of the tree, too. And also I know where Leta sleeps, so if she Unmakes any of you from my mind and I hear about it, she'll be in trouble."
Reassurance given, she stops staring at Phyx like he's a handsome golden retriever, and starts staring at Fox instead with a little wave.
Phyx Faraday:
"Well, what with everything being bigger in Texas, I'm sure I've put a few things together that you might find fun." Phyx grinned at Leta, though his brows went up at her casual comment. "That's... magic stuff right? I've been picking up the jargon here and there but I can't exactly say I'm on the same page. Just sort of starting to figure that stuff out. Spooky trick though, no doubt. I'm told I need to find someone to pester about 'perfected materials', though I only half understand what that actually means. Would love to mess about with them though."
He nodded to Aurelio with a smile. "Yeah definitely come by and we can see what we can do. Plenty that can be done to improve the quality and efficiency of a cutting surface as well. Drop by any time, or schedule an appointment. We'll cook something up I'm sure."
He snapped his fingers at the mention of the Free Council. "Hey awesome possum, I need to talk to folks about that. I uh... am I guess the word is sleepwalker, and I've been picking up on the situation like I said, but I was told I should think about joining the Free Council. Tech and stuff I guess?"
He shrugged, peeking around the booth as the portal to Maddy's opened again, blinking as he caught sight of Fox in a light robe and not much else, watching curiously.
Leta Abbott:
"That's... entirety fair. I was being deadpan and flippant about something I shouldn't have in present company. Making light of the pleasant dinner conversation about knife wounds, war, and then gleefully passing explosives and other illegal munitions across the table of a diner. I escalated too far. My apologies. This is a problem I have from time to time. I always forget to consider the perception."
Without another word, Leta pushes her plate back, and drains the last of her water cup, rising from the booth to make room for Fox.
"To be clear, I have never done that exact combination of things... and I don't plan to -- but I do also have to get ready for work. We're rounding in on 5am, which is, unfortunately, when I need to be getting into the shower."
She gestures to the plate of waffles -- only half-eaten -- and her seat.
"Fox, I'm glad to see you escaped the siren song of showering with Zoya largely unscathed. I bequeath to you my spot, and my crunchist bacon as proof of your triumph."
Aurelio Menegi:
Aurelio didn't immediately respond to Phyx, the gears of his mind still realigning after that brush with reality-shattering. "Will do." He finally replied, his hands settling around his coffee cup to act as a further anchor to the now. He then looked to Leta, giving her a respectful nod. "Apology accepted."
He then finally seemed to notice Fox's arrival, offering another small nod. "Bueno sera."
Fox:
Flip flop flip flop fling self! First Fox wraps her slim-muscled arms around Leta's neck and peppers the Mastigos' face with kisses, and then she flip flop a few more steps and places herself in Lyuda's lap, as is her rite and custom, giving the blonde Slav a proper smooch and snuffling along her cheek and ear before settling herself in said lap. "Hello, My Heart." A beat. "Hi, Phyx. Hi, do I know you? I don't remember, I'm sorry, it's been a long week." This is for Aurelio.
A rat climbs out of the pocket of her robe and clambers up Oontz Oontz's arm to start grooming the other spirit's hair while he plays video games. Fox barely seems to notice. She adjusts her robe a little, making sure she's not totally tits out, at least, and beams up at Leta. "Whyyy thank you!" It seems like she has a seat, at least. "I didn't escape. She's asleep now." And now, her biggest fox-toothed grin. Nope, those are not people teeth.
Keen and observant eyes may match the dark metal (steel? iron?) wedding ring she wears, with its bands of gold, silver and copper inlaid, to Lyuda's, which is its match, and note the circle of Ukranian flag tattooed over her heart with a female sniper in WWII Soviet uniform in front of it, sighting down her rifle, which is pointed in towards Fox's breastbone.
Phyx Faraday:
Phyx smiled to Leta. "Happens to everyone sometimes. Always gotta find that happy medium. S'struggle in life for all folks, one way or another. Trust me, I've heard all sorts." He grinned at that, raising a brow at the time and checking his watch. "Holy smokes, so it is. Hadn't even noticed. Yeah you have a good night Leta. Drop by sometime and I'll see about setting you up with a custom whatsit."
He tipped his head to Fox as she came over to join them, grinning as the other Mage plopped herself in Lyuda's lap. "Fox. Good evening to you. Or morning I guess. Time sure flies sometimes." He grinned at that. "Glad I was able to catch you again, actually. Got something I've been meaning to get to you, though I dunno if now is a good time or not."
Lyuda:
Lyuda scratches at her cheek slowly, watching Fox's antics with a gravely Slavic expression. She takes a few stabs at her waffle, collects a stack of bites, and overfills her mouth to commence the chewing.
Oontz-Oontz sets the game boy down to play with the rat, because rats are cool even to Pinnochio. He's giving the Gepetto of Odessa some glances from time to time, as though checking in.
Aurelio Menegi:
Aurelio smiled a touch as Fox got all lovey-dovey with her cadremates, shaking his head at Fox's question; those vulpine chompers were noticed but he didn't seem particularly put off by it. Who was he to judge, after all? "Not yet, I don't think. Aurelio, good to meet you."
Fox:
Fox, being Fox, snaps her teeth at Lyuda's waffles as they go by. She flags down a server, ordering her usual -- lamb bacon, extra crispy, lots of coffee, and tiramisu waffles -- before turning her attention back to Phyx. "Oh yeah? For me? What is it?" Her sharp golden eyes fix on him, and she wiggles her fingers with excitement before turning to nuzzle at Lyuda again.
Ratthew squeaks happily, clambering up and over Oontz Oontz like he is the world's biggest playground. Wheeee! He gets happier and more excited when the other spirit stops to play with him.
"Well, kickass. I'm glad to meet you. You can call me Fox, Aurelio. This is my Lyuda, and that was my Leta. I'll share them, but they're mine." Her coffee arrives quickly, and she drowns it in cream before sipping.
Lyuda:
Lyuda is jostled and has the good sense to jostle Fox back. Hee heart's not really in it, though. Preoccupied. Staring at his familiar from time to time, mostly. She glances about for a few moments more, then looks aside and down at Fox with a smile. A slightly sad one, maybe, but it's a smile.
"Leta thought he was too handsome, and I hadn't finished quantifying him yet when you arrived." She lifts some bacon for a crunch, then adds to Phyx a little after the fact. "I'll call you about blowing things up probably." Maybe. Who knows.
Phyx Faraday:
Phyx had noted the unusual chompers as well, but had merely filed it away in the same way Aurelio had. He nodded at the question from Fox, reaching into the jacket next to him to pull a protected, hardened case from an inner pocket and slid it across the table. "Yeah. Soteria's been explaining to me what you've been trying to do with the protocol serum, and I wanted to throw my hat into the ring to help out. Not for entirely altruistic reasons I admit, but not research I'd keep from anyone else either, mind. She said if you could get your hands on some of the real thing then you could copy it, maybe synthesize it on a large scale. So..." He slid the hard case over, opening it to show a single, pristine vial. "There ya go. I'm pretty excited to see what can be done with it, personally."
He chuckled at the repeat of the assessment, shrugging again. "All I can do is work with what I've got. But if you need some extra time to make a more thorough decision on the relative nature of my handsomeness or lack thereof, I'm more than happy to stand there and let you have at it." He made a silly face, crossing his eyes and sticking out his tongue. Things going boom brought him back to at least some level of seriousness though. "Sounds absolutely stupendous. Definitely give me a call sometme and we can shoot stuff and blow other stuff up, or both."
Aurelio Menegi:
"Fox...a fitting name indeed." He said with a small smile, chuckling at the sharing comment. "I have my own to care for, but noted."
He watched as the vial was slid forward, eyeing it curiously before looking between the pair, remaining quiet otherwise for the moment.
Fox:
She reaches out to take the vial, all of her playfulness and silliness just sort of fading away in the face of getting something she needs for an Important Project. Her fingers are clean, but calloused, and close around the vial like someone just handed her the Holy Grail. Proper Ratthew stops playing with Oontz-Oontz to stare over at the vial, too, and then climbs up on top of the anime kid's hair.
"Oh. This is... this is wonderful. I." Fox holds it up, staring at it with a craftsman's eye, her voice filled with delight and wonder. "Thank you. Thank you so much. Really. I."
She looks up over her shoulder at Lyuda and sniffs at her again, then shakes the vial at her. "I want to go home and work now. You come with me? We take our waffles?" The matter of Phyx's handsomeness is not, at present moment, addressed. As soon as she looks back over her shoulder at Lyuda again, it's all about her, and the vial of serum.
Lyuda:
"Okay," Lyuda agrees with an easy nod. "I don't want to leave our new friend, but I have his card." She offers a smile to Phyx, "Thank you. Good meeting you. I'll call about explosions." And then she looks aside to Fox, "See you in me."
And then everything to do with her is gone, familiar included. Waffles, too.
Phyx Faraday:
Phyx grinned, watching in fascination as Fox reached carefully for the hard case, and the vial within. He tipped his head in acknowledgement. "You're most welcome. Trust me, I want you to succeed as much as you do. Or Soteria does. I've got the same issue she does, after all. But at least for now I can keep myself and her and maybe a few others in the approved stuff, until we can copy it. I'd love to be involved in that as well. I might not be magic, but I've got a doctorate in chemistry. Among others. If you need more, I can manage that with some advance notice."
He shook his head with a chuckle as the two focused entirely on the task at hand, and a few moments later blipped out. He waved at the empty space. "Sounds like a plan. Good lu...ck." He lowered his hand and laughed. "Friggin magic. It never stops being buck wild." Rising himself, he tossed bills on the table to cover the collected meal of anyone who had sat there, giving a nod to Aurelio. "Stop by when you can. We can chat about casting quartz for fun and profit, and swords and the hitting of people with them."
Fox:
"Oh! Maybe! I was just going to cheat with magic. But maybe I can help you with a setup."
Poor Ratthew. He was sitting on Oontz-Oontz's head. Fox snaps her hand out and catches her familiar. "What she said doesn't mean what it sounds-- you know what... I think it might." Fox looks thoughtful, and then she wiggles her fingers and tumbles backwards through a portal with the rat in hand. Showoff.
Aurelio Menegi:
Aurelio watched in amazement as the two mages vacated the premises most ricky tick, shaking his head with a small smirk once they were gone. "Most impressive indeed."
He nodded to Phyx in kind, sliding out of the seat. "I will. I look forward to working with you."
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