Discouraging Chords (Pierce/Closed)

Vespera Velázquez

"Always ready to rock!"
Color Code: 0088d5

"How did it go...?"

Vespera Velázquez was not having a pleasant week, and her current lack of enthusiasm was displayed outwardly in her more "normal" choice in clothing today. She had spent the entire weekend trying to find musically-inclined students at the Academy and came up short, mostly because she simply didn't know how to spark up conversations. She wasn't worried about finding anyone who was actually good at playing; lord knows as she strummed her blue sunburst 335 body guitar she was far from being a professional. Right now she was trying to recall how a song went. The lyrics were easy enough to remember for the most part, but she just wasn't feeling like she was nailing the guitar from it.

"I hear the sound of your voice..." she sang in a whispered voice, trying not to attract too much attention to herself. She was using her normal British accent for now as opposed to the fake American accent she had been cultivating ever since she picked up a guitar.

In reality she had decided to practice during lunch today in an attempt to draw in any fellow aspiring musicians, but right now she was just trying to get the sound of Omoide Kakera correct. It was a Japanese song, but a singer called Nano had made an English version of it, much to the blue-haired Weapon's delight. She loved the sounds of the songs that Nano had translated, and now that she had accompanying English lyrics that made sense and actually flowed correctly she could actually perform them in theory. But first she needed a bloody band! And a name for the band. And many, many practice sessions.

Vespera tried to learn songs by ear, but it really wasn't working out, as displayed by multiple missed notes trying to emulate the chords of Omoide Kakera. It was only reinforcing her current disappointments. She only had one friend, and that was her fellow bibliophile Hunter. She hasn't been able to get a band together due to a combination of timidness and a lack of self-confidence in her guitar playing and her singing. And above all else, she still wasn't able to get a Meister to partner with her! There were so many other cool weapons out there and she was an ordinary metal staff! Who would want such a basic weapon?!

The frustration finally got to her, and she stopped playing the guitar, opting instead to simply fold her arms over the guitar and lower her head, feeling defeated from all angles.

It wasn't right to kick a girl while she was down and this girl looked like she really needed whatever encouragement she could get as he swaggered up behind her. She was playing, trying to hit the right chords to a song he didn't know but he could tell her soul ached in a way he might actually be able to sympathize with. Maybe offering her an ear and some decent company would be good enough for the service he was hoping to procure from her.

What to do about her mood to make her more amiable? Child's play, every musician selling their soul to the crowd of a street corner knew the bounds of kindness of a stranger's tip for the effort. He quietly pulled a twenty out of his wallet and leaned down on top of the girl's head to wiggle the bill in her face. "Not a concert I'd pay to get in to but I don't invest in things that'll go nowhere." He grinned and let go of the bill so that it could land in her lap as he removed himself.

"You the bo staff weapon I've been looking so hard for?" He smirked as he moved to sit on the ground in front of her, pulling his knees up to his chest and casually crossing his arms atop them. He leaned forward until his head was on top of his arms and took in her appearance. She didn't seem to be having a good day at all, he could see it in her eyes and the way she breathed. She seemed like she just wanted the day to be over. If the tip didn't work to make her a little more amicable hopefully the denomination of it would. What was there to lose?

His usual school attire draped his form, his jacket hanging off his left shoulder with the lace accented shirt and his cravat adorning his neck. The single blood red stone set at his throat winked slightly from the shadows under his neck. A whip like swish of his head brought his braid draping over his shoulder so that it wouldn't get caught in his jacket when he stood. He studied her quietly, the soft blues of his eyes staying on her face to scrutinize her expressions. He couldn't drive her away immediately with his callous demeanor, she'd have to toughen up but for now he needed to offend her as little as possible. Why did people have to have so little self control? If everyone could just grow up, toughen up, and take the jokes in stride maybe people would get along better. Oh well, he had to play her emotional rules until she gave him an answer. The worst she could do was tell him to go away, transform and smack him.

Vespera Velázquez

"Always ready to rock!"
Color Code: 0088d5

Vespera almost felt like going to sleep. Doing anything else today would just feel like a further drag and getting some extra sleep might help refresh her. Refresh her mood, her spirits, and most importantly her musical ear. She didn't want to blow off classes, though, so she raised her head, and it was just in time to see some money being dangled in front of her face.

"Not a concert I'd pay to get in to but I don't invest in things that'll go nowhere."

The single twenty dollar bill landed neatly in her lap. Vespera's green eyes just stared blankly at it. Did she seriously just get money for that mess? ... Well, money is money. Before she could start formulating what she would do with the money, the boy said something that genuinely shocked her.

"You the bo staff weapon I've been looking so hard for?"

Vespera looked at him and simply blinked a few times, completely confounded as to what his meaning was. It's not like she's very popular right now, and since she didn't have a partner she couldn't have a reputation. Could he have been looking specifically for her? Why? Then she stopped and realized she had to look really silly sitting there just looking at this guy, so she stood up and set her guitar against the spot she was sitting down. She smiled and nodded her head.

"I suppose so, I'm the only bo staff I know of here. Vespera Velázquez, pleased to meet you. And you are?" she asked, her British accent still in full swing.

Pierce grinned and slipped a sleek card holder out of his pocket, opening it and presenting one of the many finely printed business cards he always carried with a flourish. "My card." His rumbling baritone gave the words more of an impish sound than it should. He offered the card to her barely lifting his head so much as turning it to keep his eyes on her as she stood up to greet him.

The card read:
Charon Ferry
Revenge Specialist, handyman, used item broker.

"Call me Pierce, it's easier." The words dripped like honey from his lips. He almost felt bad, she seemed really out of it. Looked like he'd just have to take the wheel in conversation then. Her gears weren't turning yet. "Come, on miss. You look like the first thing you need is a cup of coffee." The suggestion slid out effortlessly from between sharp teeth as he stood, pressed the card into her hand, and settled a hand on her shoulder. "At least a short walk to get you perky. I should, of course, probably tell you why I've been tracking you down so heartily hmm?" He flashed her the most disarming grin he could muster and nudged her gently to get her feet moving as he scooped up her guitar. He hoped she accepted the silent offering of doing business along the way.

Her accent was nice. He liked the different sorts. She didn't seem so bad, maybe a few flaws on the surface but not bad. He wondered what kind of secrets she might have in her emotional box but his curiosity of the subject couldn't be satisfied this time. She was off limits unless it was absolutely necessary. He kept his stride short and loping to let Vespara keep up. "Anyways, as you might be wondering; I'm here to ask about possibly getting some private tutoring from you so to speak. I need to refresh my memory on staffs as it's been quite some time since I've properly trained with them." He let that digest a bit as he steered her along the winding path around the school grounds.

There was one bombshell, now for the other. He liked being thorough with knowing what he was leaping into. He had his particular carrot to win her ready since he started her direction. "I'm certain there's some way you'd like to be compensated for the time and training but the problem lies between me and my partner rather than any of the actual school curriculum. He prefers to be used like a weapon of your type and I'd like to learn to wield him better. Surely, you of all people here would be the best to ask?" And there it was. Bombshell number two, she was his most promising (and probably his cheapest) lead.

Vespera Velázquez

"Always ready to rock!"
Color Code: 0088d5

If Vespera's eyebrows could raise off her face, they likely would have, as several things here resulted in that very reaction from the Weapon. First was the card. Who in the world puts "Revenge Specialist" on their business card?! A psychopath, that's who! And more to the point, what is a DWMA student doing with business cards?! This guy was trying his best to be charming, and while part of it was working, Vespera was being very cautious with her trust process.

She wanted to raise an eyebrow at the notion of getting coffee as well, but going for a walk didn't sound half bad, and while she had her concerns about someone else handling her precious guitar, he certainly seemed to know how to handle one. She grinned slightly and continued followed him, then he explained the nature of his business with her. As soon as he mentioned a partner she stopped for a moment and dropped her shoulders and her head in disappointment. She was sincerely hoping she was about to get a partner! Ugh. Heartbroken.

She decided to hide it for now and continue following Pierce as he explained the situation further. Wanting to work with his partner better... an experience Vespera wanted to have herself, but can't yet. Someday, Vespera! Someday! Keep it positive! As he finished his not-so-subtle recruitment pitch, the blue-haired Weapon stopped in her tracks and crossed her arms. She looked like she was in deep thought, trying to figure out how to respond to this.

"Well... I'm not sure if I'm an expert on wielding a staff, I mean, I turn into one, but it's not like I can wield myself. Still... I guess I could try and help you with some basics on how I'd want to be wielded if I had a partner." she explained, giving her own not-so-subtle hint at disappointment that this wasn't a team-up offer.

Pierce's eyes narrowed and he smirked all the wider. So that was what she wanted. How kind of her to voice it for him. It was always easier to sway people when you knew exactly what they wanted. So be it. "Well, if you need something I am a handyman. I'm sure I can find you anything you may need?" Pierce shrugged and looked at her sideways with half lidded eyes. "Of course I'd have to spend time getting to know you, the real you, in order to find someone who doesn't grind your gears."

He grinned and began to walk slowly off as if he was still waiting up for her. She'd voiced it herself. He'd offered her what she most wanted. He'd watch every unpartnered meister in Shibusen if he had to. Maybe set up a few discreet 'study' spots. If she really wanted it as eagerly as he hoped she'd catch up to him. Normally his services would require a fee but if she helped him he'd not charge. Scratch my back and I'll scratch yours.

He wasn't terribly worried about it. If she didn't want to help he could find somewhere else. Maybe there was a local martial arts dojo he could sign up in for it Students of the DWMA had a lot freer access to resources. Somehow it just felt wrong to use more of their money than needed. Almost dirty. He hadn't earned it. He hadn't even stolen it fair and square. It was just a mystery of himself he pondered a bit as his steps began to lengthen. She'd stop him or let him go. Maybe he could track down someone who had more martial arts training and ask them. The worst that could happen would be falling back on the DWMA's resources. Blegh, oh well. Going once...

Vespera Velázquez

"Always ready to rock!"
Color Code: 0088d5

Well that was quick and to the point. Vespera glanced up for a moment in thought, raising a finger to her chin as she thought about it. She wasn't getting a Meister here, but Pierce did say that he would help her find one, and if they get to know eachother then she'd get a friend. Sounded like a win-win to her, but communism works on paper too, right? All of these niceties certainly made a positive impression on the blue-haired Meister, but... seriously, Revenge Specialist? This sounded like someone you'd never want to get on the bad side of.

Well, what did she have to lose at this point? Vespera smiled softly and an improvement in her mood was evident as there was now a bounce in her step as she came up alongside Pierce rather than following him, her hands swinging at her side.

"All right, Pierce. Ask me anything you want to know!" she said, still smiling.

Pierce chuckled darkly. the sound bubbling in his throat like a malignant, black tar. "Well, first I need to ask how many styles of martial arts you've trained in if any." He stared at her sideways as he crossed his arms behind his neck and leaned his head back. It was a small prick but a prick nonetheless. If she wasn't useful then why was he here? Maybe because he was too stubborn to admit there were some people he just liked more than others. There were still plenty of options left.

"If you turn out to be less experienced than I need I'll just have to find us a tutor for a few styles then hmmm? I guess we could call it bonding time and get to know each other as comrades." He seemed to slither out of his current position as he clapped one hand on her shoulder amicably and flashed her a wide grin. "It'd certainly give me time to get to know you well enough to hold up my end of the bargain." He hoped the suggestion of a way to peaceably aid each other regardless of her skill would give her a bit of hope.

He let go of her shoulder and leaned back into his previous nonchalant lope. He watched her lazily from beneath his lashes, as if he didn't mind too much where he was heading. "And it'll look more impressive to potential partners to have some fighting experience yourself." It was good advice, a way to better herself and for him to actually make a friend for the first time since childhood. Every good meister and weapon should learn their own potential. Would she take the shark's bait? Hook, line, and...

Vespera Velázquez

"Always ready to rock!"
Color Code: 0088d5

Oh lord. Here it is. Probably the number one reason no one wants Vespera as a weapon: lack of actual combat experience. She's only ever been on one fight, and the aggressors in that battle ran off just as soon as her partial transformation triggered. It's not like she's out of shape or anything, in fact she was very nimble and quick, but it seemed to her that most of the Weapons here have been in at least some actual fights. No reason to lie, though, since Pierce said he's help her.

"Well... I know some basic self-defense, nothing major, just knowing what moves to make and being able to judge whether I would have to fight or flee. I tried studying an actual martial arts style one time... ugh, I can't remember the name it was so long ago, I was really bad on it. It focused mostly on kicks, which seemed like a good fit since I'm a football player." she explained, holding her hands behind her back, slightly embarrassed by these facts. Except for the football thing. She was quite proud of that-- oh. Wait. "Oh, sorry, soccer just to clarify." she added, this time shifting to her American accent. She did this by lowering her tone to try and match how American people sounded.

She had a huge grin on her face, waiting to see if that would throw Pierce for a loop. Most of the songs she listened to, no matter where they were actually recorded, sounded like American singers. If she wanted to be able to sing those songs, she felt like she needed to mimic the accent herself. After all, Masterplan was a German band and they sang in perfect English. Granted, Power Metal might not be a genre she should cover given the complexities of the guitar sections. The grin was still just as large as ever as she decided to add an explanation, switching back to her normal accent.

"Usually I try to sing with that voice. Still a work in progress, though."

Pierce grinned as he listened to her and shook his head. "Alright then, you want a style that focuses on legs for attack? I got ya covered on that. We'll find a tutor for the staff training and alternate between classes. You'll have to brush up nice and bright if you wanna get a partner who's going anywhere." The words cam casually as he gave her the usual once over to judge her possible muscle mass. She looked like a quick and nimble sort, not made to deliver a highly damaging blow so much as to evade and wear an opponent down before delivering some justice.

He almost grimaced at the thought of being genuinely friendly, he wasn't sure what genuine was coming from him. Still, he patted her on the shoulder and kept her walking along with him toward the first place in the school he thought they could find coffee to discuss business over. He'd probably foot that bill as well but more to keep her happy than out of generosity. Sometimes business required you loosen your grip on your funds.

He chuckled softly as she put on her American accent and spoke. She'd be good to practice with. She was a cheery one with a dreamer's heart. He'd have to be gentle with her feelings or he'd send her crying. She wasn't weak so much as simply inexperienced. He had some experience, none of which he'd really want to share with her for wisdom though. The least he could do was be honest though. He had promised he'd make everything right before he went back home. There was so much left to do and so much good advice he had yet to take.

Pierce's smile matched her own as they walked. "I'm not much on singing. I like to listen and experience. Been told I have a handsome voice but parents can be terribly biased you know? Like I said though, maybe not a concert I'd pay to see but I won't invest in anything that isn't going anywhere." He chuckled and ruffled her hair like he would a little kid's.

"Besides, your usual voice is pretty enough. No need to fake a sound that comes from the soul right?" Compliments that weren't wrapped in barbed wire were a rare thing from him but she seemed the sort who wouldn't deal with his usual prodding well. Oh how he wanted to poke her and pick at her to make her react or respond.

Everyone had an ugliness inside them and he had a morbid fascination for knowing what the people around him kept pent up inside. The things they wouldn't share readily under friendly circumstances. The horrible things they stifled and smothered as best they could around other people. The dangerous secrets and feelings. It was his form of empathy and getting to knowing someone. He brushed the urges to the side and stuffed his hands in his pockets.

"You know... Maybe I can count our training sessions as part of my dealing with people therapy. My counselor would be thrilled to death to hear any news of me anyways." He threw his head back and laughed darkly with squinted eyes to hide a stray tear that sprang up unexpectedly with a sudden realization. "Oh man, I just realized it's been almost a year since anyone that side of the state has even heard news at all of me! Oh, I think my counselor just might have a heart attack if I called him now!"

He rubbed his palm over his cheek as strong fingers brushed through his bangs. "Damn, I should call mom. She hasn't heard from me either." His mood seemed to drop as his trademark grin fell away as if the mask had simply fallen off his face. "How far are you from home kiddo?" The words came out with more sincerity than he'd expected from himself but the soft whisper of his voice took none of the edge from his voice that bespoke his current shame.

Had it really been so long? He'd always promised himself he'd call and make sure she was all right. He'd promised he'd call later and ask how Dad was doing too. What if Mom was gone? What if she had been looking for him? It sounded like something she'd do. Drop everything to try and chase him down to drag him back home. She could hardly stand the thought of him ever getting hurt. How would she take the news of his acceptance into the DWMA? Would she proud of him or mortified? He was an EAT class student. Veritably an elite amongst the students though he knew very well there were bigger bads around. He seemed trapped in his thoughts as he and Vespara seemed to walk aimlessly now.

Vespera Velázquez

"Always ready to rock!"
Color Code: 0088d5

Vespera looked genuinely delighted at the idea of learning to fight on her own. As soon as Pierce mentioned it she put her hands together then interlocked her fingers and put a huge, open-mouthed smile on her face. This guy was awesome! Her expression went to a regular smile afterwards and she lowered her hands to her sides again when Pierce talked about performing music. When he mentioned that the accent change wasn't really necessary, she shook her head for a moment, the smile still affixed to her face.

"It's not so much about confidence in my voice as it is feeling the need to do justice by the songs by singing them with the right kind of voice. I could sing with this accent, but I think most of the songs I want to play would sound too odd with a British accent, you know?"

The blue-haired head on the Demon Weapon tilted to the side a bit as Pierce rambled on about therapy, his home town, and his counselor? Did he have some sort of mental problems...? I mean, the whole "Revenge Specialist" thing was definitely odd but this was like the icing on the cake. Still, he seemed sincere enough. He didn't appear to be a bad person, after all he was willing to help her on her out so she was willing to help him out. If their future training sessions could be considered therapy then Vespera was willing to help out with that. She didn't quite know what to say to all of that, though. Fortunately Pierce solved that problem by asking how far she was away from home.

"Quite a way, I'm afraid. I'm from Britain if you couldn't pick up on my accent. Really I just had a few friends and my mum, and I keep in touch with them pretty regularly since I moved here. How about you?" she responded, complete with asking the same question in return.

His senses sharpened to a fine point as he snapped back into reality. Pierce smirked and turned to walk in a backwards lope while facing her. He seemed to have perfected this style of walking long ago as he seemed perfectly aware of everything in his path. He kept his hands in his pockets and kept his back straight as he took to leading them somewhere again. "Therein, it lies with confidence. You stay within the box, feeling that to be justified you must hide away a part of yourself instead of letting yourself shine. You hold yourself back starting at the soul and so nothing escapes but a glimmer of hope that could easily be a dream." He hoped she accepted the compliment on the potential he perceived in her even if it was a little flowery.

He grinned when she gave him a funny look for having confessed about his counselor. He wasn't sure how many people actually had counselors here let alone needed them. It was a stinging point in his pride but if it helped him feel human he was willing to give it a try. At least she wasn't looking at him like he was a monster, her expression showed concern and confusion but not fear. He scratched the back of his head sheepishly, trying to put on a disarming smile. "Wow, I've never heard a British accent before speaking with you to be honest. You're only about the second friend I've ever made in my life so... Er- Yeah," Pierce paused somberly and dropped his hand back down to slide into his pants pocket. He stepped over a small curb, onto the following sidewalk and veered toward the library. Research would come first.

"My apologies in advance for my roughness. I'm not terribly fond of being nice to people. I won't bother you with a sob story but I should duly forewarn you that I'm a berserker. So, if you ever see me start to get angry; don't help me, just run. Got it?" He grinned as he swaggered into a turn that faced him in the right direction again. "If you'd like to join me for meditation every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11:00AM You're welcome to as well. It helps me deal with the curse and it will help you find the center you need for martial arts. I will train you well Vespara and I will push you hard. Meditation is some of the best rest you can get." He said it with a casual tone as though he was far too used to this introduction. The offer was genuine though, he sincerely believed that she deserved to see her own potential as not only a weapon but as a person. It was his own fashion of offering to be a friend here in this place that was far from home for both of them.

Vespera Velázquez

"Always ready to rock!"
Color Code: 0088d5

Vespera blushed just a little and turned her head away just a small bit when Pierce tried to encourage her singing with her normal voice. On the one hand, it was something she had never really considered. She listened to the songs she wanted to do covers of so many times she never really thought about how they would sound with a different accent. She still wasn't entirely convinced that it was possible, but it made her feel good that Pierce thought it was possible. Her face returned to normal and she turned her head back towards Pierce as she listened to him explain that he'd never heard a British accent before, something she found very surprising, and that he had a lack of friends. She wondered why that was, because Pierce was definitely odd but she could tell he wasn't a bad guy.

And Vespera finally had the answer. If Pierce was a berserker it would explain why he seems so strange, had so few friends, and why he might need counselling. The blue hair on the Weapon seemed to cover her green eyes as she lowered her head. She thought about how terrible it must be to live with something like that. Even if he made friends, he had to warn them to back off if he looked angry. It was sad, in a way. It'd make him a dangerous fighter, but it came at the cost of a strained social life. Vespera didn't consider herself a particularly outgoing person, but at least she had the option. It was fairly easy for her to make friends. Well, she was Pierce's friend now, so she was going to be as good a friend as she could. She lifted her head back towards Pierce and smiled brightly.

"I've never tried meditation before, sounds like as good a time as any to try! Thank you, Pierce. I'll do my best with the training."

Pierce grinned, she seemed to genuinely like him. If only his own twisted conscience would let him enjoy it more. She just wasn't worth picking on, she reminded him a lot of his mother. It just wouldn't be right to start needling her now. Unlike his mother she might actually get angry. Ma'ma would have liked her but he knew she'd ask and then his secret would have to come out to his family. Nah, she probably wouldn't ever care enough to meet Mam anyways.

The weapon graced him with a breathtaking smile and he couldn't help but respond in kind. So this was what having friends was like? He could dig it. Maybe he could show her a fun party some night or other. She seemed like she'd enjoy a fun evening and friends did things together right? He only had Damien and Vespara to count for it, otherwise he'd simply be too busy doing his own training and business as usual. One thing was for sure, nobody would pick on Vespara while he was around or they'd find themselves with his fist in their face.

She seemed sincerely excited about the offer to train her in meditation. It was a habit he needed to get back into anyways. "Meditation is great. It helps you expand your mind and your soul in a way. It helps you open yourself to the world around you. I'm naturally pretty blocked off but the meditation helps me keep my cool when I've actually kept up my schedule. Usually, you'll just catch me cat napping hither and thither to rest but meditation is honestly the best way I've ever found to rest my mind without sleeping deep enough to dream."

He bit his lip a moment unsure of why exactly he was telling her so much. Was this something else friends did? Yeah, he thought he'd heard that line once from the counselor. Friends open up to each other Charon, if you don't open up to anyone you can't make friends. Did this even count as opening up or just confessing to the further sins against human nature that the curse brought with it? If nothing else she at least seemed to care about listening. "Well, without having to worry about the curse waking up before I do and sending me on a bloody rampage."

He scratched his head and looked at her questioningly. "Wait, you're gonna have to guide me through this, there's no manuals on making friends for guys like me." He seemed to pout with the admittance about needing help with something. Being genuinely nice was still kind of new to him. Vespara seemed good at it, maybe he could take a few pages from her book and compare notes. Would she mind taming the beast to be man? He hoped so, there was still so much in the world he wanted to see and do.

The first thing he wanted to do when the witch was dead was go visit all his family. The entire Ferry clan would be thrilled to hear of his victory for them and he'd have something for his mother to be proud of. Deliverance into Elysium came by crossing the river of Styx. If Vespare could help the ferryman himself cross the river instead of wandering by the banks and drinking the poison water metaphorically he would return every favor she ever did for him. Yeah, that's what friends did, they watched each other's backs and stuck up for them. He had her back 100%, she was the second friend he'd ever made after all.

Vespera Velázquez

"Always ready to rock!"
Color Code: 0088d5

Vespera nodded along as Pierce explained how meditation helps him. Maybe meditation could help her focus more when trying to figure out how to play these songs she's wanting to do so much? Then he mentioned the rest without sleeping, the risks involved in him actually going to sleep. Her expression saddened again. It sounded ...

"... That must be awful, having to worry about that all the time." she said quietly, not really sure if Pierce would hear it or not.

"Wait, you're gonna have to guide me through this, there's no manuals on making friends for guys like me."

She had to brighten back up for his sake though, when he mentioned he needed help on making friends. She wasn't sure where to start. She raised her hand to her chin in an inquisitive fashion as she tried to put something together. She had to put herself in his shoes, but she didn't quite get his method of thinking yet. She was going to need to figure that out first. She could tell he was a good person, but that was it.

"Tell you what, we'll make a guide. You get to know me, I get to know you, and I can help you out with that. How does that sound?" she said, smiling again.