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Post by beastly on Jan 27, 2023 20:49:05 GMT -6
"'My human time.'"
Oh, was he tempted. Even knowing that was the point, he was tempted. An address. Maybe, the wolf was living his life oblivious to the fact he'd ever bitten anyone a few cities over. Simon would knock on the door, explain what had happened all those years ago, and tell the guy he could make it right if he just let Simon prick his finger for a drop of blood. And for what, time? The curse'd had him for twelve hours a month for ten fucking years.
There'd be a catch, though. There always was. Like he was being told, magic had a cost. Deals with infernal powers, doubly so. He didn't need to use the monkey's paw, he told himself.
"I think, sir," Simon said after a small war had been fought in his brain, "I think I just wanna book. 'N to pay with money I got by giving my human time to my boss, heh, y'know?"
Ah, capitalism.
Simon looked over the books the devil was stacking. That was quite the chunk of change, but he'd budgeted 550 for books. He'd hoped to get books plural, but...
"...I was interested in the Book of Alchemical Sorcery IV."
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Post by jarahamee on Feb 1, 2023 11:27:15 GMT -6
Yoshio’s eyes traveled over Simon’s face slowly, and, almost reluctantly, he nodded, closing the tome with care.
“We are very reasonable here. Five hundred dollars.”
His eyes traveled over Simon’s features knowingly. He would not give up the sorts of things that a creature like him would really want. A shame, he had such high hopes.
“You should take care. This is an old book, and likely not subject to the same sort of restrictions as most modern ones, but you may wish to take care and consider who you may show this piece.”
Some people might take offense to even viewing some of these formulations, even if Simon had no interest in making them. None of them were strictly illegal, per say, but they were…frowned upon in polite society.
“I would recommend reviewing any and all titration techniques before attempting any of these potions, and find a suitable source for any ingredients.”
Yoshio looked down at his hands;
“I do get shipments fairly frequently, so if you would like to come back and check in, we might have a different assortment.”
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Post by beastly on Feb 6, 2023 22:40:31 GMT -6
Simon watched Yoshio watch him, meeting his eyes carefully. Five hundred. Fine. He wouldn't give the guy anything else of him. He smiled, looking back at the book.
"Right. I gotcha."
Curiosity here, at least, was winning over what polite society would've accepted. It wasn't illegal and Simon wasn't going to be doing the more advanced things in that book, not for a while if at all. He probably wouldn't even showing off his books to anybody who would know what they'd be looking at, really.
"I'll, uh, keep that in mind. Like I said, I'm still around the basics, but I like to 'read ahead'. If I need something for a potion, I'll poke my nose in."
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Post by jarahamee on Feb 10, 2023 3:01:50 GMT -6
"I'm sorry there was no easier way to find what you were really looking for."
Said the devil, making an exaggerated frown as he gazed back.
Yoshio looked back at Simon and half-smiled, inclining his head. The book was filled with advanced material, and while one might be able to scan it and put it online, ensuring that it was legitimately sourced, and the spells actually worked were another thing entirely.
“All of our items come with a contract; we have a very special store with special services, and we ask that you do not speak to anyone about what you may have seen here, or persons witnessed within. As long as you can adhere to that, the translation spell that comes with the book is free with purchase, and you can return with customer service questions or if you are interested in any of our other services. Does this sound reasonable to you?”
The devil offered a hand to shake, waiting patiently for Simon’s response. If the man declined him, and did not wish to purchase the book, it was unlikely that there would be much basis to investigate him. He’d just prefer things were fine and tidy as always.
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Post by beastly on Feb 20, 2023 20:42:57 GMT -6
Simon made his own slightly sad face sympathetically and gave a shrug.
"c’est la vie, huh?"
Simon's eyes narrowed at the new information. The devil man wanted him to sign a contract for buying the book? He was torn. He wanted the book. He didn't want to be tricked, though. He didn't wanna leave with a massive debt to this guy over fine print. But he was curious. He wanted to come back, maybe. Some ingredients, like ones for healing potions, were rare. He couldn't agree to something without reading it though. He was curious, not a complete idiot.
Simon ran a hand over his head, eyeing the outstretched hand in contemplation.
"Reasonable, mmhm. I think I'll need to read it first, before I agree to that. That okay?"
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Post by jarahamee on Feb 21, 2023 0:16:04 GMT -6
Mr. Sano’s eyes glowed the burning red of dying flame, and suddenly a piece of paper appeared in his hand. He looked down at the paper, nodded, as if in approval, then turned it around so that Simon could read it.
The contract read:
I, Simon Groves, enter a solemn contract in which I will not disclose to anyone specific information about persons witnessed or any items peddled within the store which were not purchased. Should I try to disclose any information regarding either of the above stated matters, I will find myself incapable of speaking. In return for this agreement, I will receive a free translation spell that will work on my Book of Alchemical Sorcery IV, and no other tomes. I reserve my rights to contact customer service should I have any questions or concerns regarding any object purchased, or if I wish to make further purchases.
Yoshio read the terms in painstaking detail out loud, and then looked back at Simon, waiting expectantly. This was about as clear a presentation as he could have, aside from manifesting a forked tail and horns.
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Post by beastly on Feb 26, 2023 23:31:33 GMT -6
Simon read the paper carefully.
This was not a good idea. It was not a good idea to enter into any kind of contract with any kind of magical being, if you could help it. But his own curiosity was too much. The whole thing was too much. Maybe he signed it because he was more shaken up by the potential werewolf cure than he thought. Maybe he signed it because the idea of missing out on a 'bigger on the inside' infernal shop was something he didn't wanna deal with. Maybe he just wanted his damn book.
Whatever the reason, Simon patted his pockets for a pen, only to find that the shopkeeper was offering one.
Taking it, Simon signed his name.
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Post by jarahamee on Feb 27, 2023 2:13:30 GMT -6
The contract snapped shut, sealing itself with wax seal out of nowhere, then folding itself away into nothingness again.
Yoshio smiled brightly, and presented Simon with a single business card. On its front read “‘Obscura Oddities and Curio” in vintage script. Below was a simple note “Contact Me If You Need Help.”
“Let me know if you come across any troubles with your purchase. And of course, if you have any concerns at all.”
He nodded, watching Simon’s face. He knew, in his heart, what he really wanted, and it was all a question of what he’d do when he got there. Would he indulge in his desires?
Maybe the man just had to think about it more. Perhaps he’d come to the decision to save himself.
“You are always welcome to come back, as long as you follow the rules.”
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Post by beastly on May 8, 2023 21:40:13 GMT -6
Simon watched the contract shut and magic itself away, instantly aware that he'd made an impulsive and perhaps worrying decision. But, it was done. It wasn't his soul, or anything important, and he could keep his mouth shut about a bookshop. Easy, no problem.
The idea of a cure rang in his head, but he pushed it away. He was done for today. He was gonna take his book, go home, and watch some mindless TV. He didn't need to think about it anymore, it didn't exist. It wasn't an option.
He took the little card from the devil man carefully, turning it over to look at the lettering on the front. He turned it over another time, before sliding the card into his bag.
Simon looked back at the shopkeeper, watching him watch his face. He offered a smaller, polite smile.
"Right. I'll keep that in mind. Thanks."
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Post by jarahamee on May 15, 2023 18:06:27 GMT -6
“Any time then.”
Mr. Sano moved aside to allow Simon to take his leave, a neat side-step like a butler might perform, pushing open the front door for him. The night air beyond was cool and dry.
As Simon stepped out onto the street, he felt the otherworldly aura of the strange shop fade from his peripheral senses. The narrow alley he entered was perfectly ordinary, and should he look behind him, the front of the store he apparently exited appeared to be entirely empty and abandoned.
There was nothing there at all.
In fact, he might have believe there had never been anything in the empty shop front, had he not still been clutching the tome in his hands.
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