maskormenace

[heartchain]

You realize that this isn't nearly as funny as you seem to think it is, right?

[But it totally is, Kurapika. Look at the facts! That world is one that is chock full of superheroes, several of which are using spider-related monikers!

And the Spider's head is there, too.

You're going to flip your shit, and it's going to be hilarious!]

It's because he's there that I'm even considering this.

[...you really suck at taking a joke.]

I'm not like you. I'm not amused by the fact that Gon and Killua are on their own in such a place. [He looks thoughtfully away, expression darkening.] They're strong, but they're also outnumbered and outmatched. Even if they've managed to gain plenty of allies, do you think it's reasonable to presume strangers to our world could compete with the likes of those the other side has gathered?

[OMG, Kurapikachu, do you think your presence is going to make that much of a difference, though?]

...It probably won't. I'm aware of that. But I can at least take care of one problem and even the playing field for my friends.

[One-track-minded as always, aren't you?]

Comments

[goldenlegacy]

Ah. Gon did mention that... about Hisoka, at least. Sadly, avoiding him is no longer an option for me.

[Which sounds like, Eh, I'm not too worried.]

I've yet to meet the other two.

[heartchain]

Ah...I'm sorry.

[No, he really is. Hisoka's a piece of work and he thinks you're in for one hell of a headache, Giorno.]

How did you manage to get involved with him?

[goldenlegacy]

I hired him!

[Well, someone had to.]

If you like, you can consider it a reformation effort, but actually I just needed someone skilled at handling cards and capable of suppressing rowdy types if they get out of hand.

[heartchain]

You—

[—hired Hisoka?

Yes, that is for sure what was said. He heard correctly. Still...

Kurapika stares for a moment before...slowly nodding his head. Based upon Giorno saying that Killua was interested in his abilities, it's not too improbable to conclude that Hisoka also has an interest in those powers. After all, that is precisely the sort of person Hisoka is. Which means that Giorno must actually be quite impressive.

That, at least, is a little relieving.]

Well, he's...certainly capable of performing well in those areas. Providing he doesn't get carried away.

[goldenlegacy]

I wouldn't worry about that. He did just recently get released from prison.

[Besides, if he acts out, Giorno will pull out Requiem on him. But really, he's not worried about it.]

[At least not for a while.]

He doesn't seem especially eager to return.

[heartchain]

I'm a little surprised to hear he was captured in the first place.

[But definitely more surprised to hear that he was released.

Anyway...]

If you're operating a gambling den, it's likely he'll be kept preoccupied. That's good, I guess.

[Especially in Gon's case.

Heaven help that poor child's ears if Kurapika ever learns Gon went to Hisoka for training, though.]

[goldenlegacy]

[In fairness it was because Chrollo scared him half to death. But that's another story that Giorno doesn't know.]

Yes, I've gathered that the rules are a bit different between your world and this one. Ah... and better enforced.

[heartchain]

[...that really depends on who's doing the enforcing.

But Kurapika doesn't say that.]

Different isn't so bad. It might be a nice change of pace.

[It might make the job he has to do less difficult.

Or...it could make it harder. Things to consider, he supposes.]

[goldenlegacy]

I suppose that depends on what you're used to, and whether it worked in your favor.

Well, opinions on changes usually amount to that sort of thing. Personally... I prefer less corruption in my governments, so even enforcement is welcome already.

[heartchain]

[Kurapika gives a nod.]

Less corruption...that's desirable. But that doesn't necessarily make a government competent.

[He touches his chin.]

And in my experience, governments are usually one or the other.

[goldenlegacy]

How cynical.

[Not that he even disagrees. In fact he's smiling a little.]

Ah well. I think people tend to repeat the same sorts of mistakes from world to world. Personally... I'm only a recent resident, so I can't speak with much authority on the matter. But I'm... watching?

[heartchain]

I prefer realistic, but that might also be subjective.

[Kurapika chuckles.]

In any case, I think that it's wise to be watchful, especially in a foreign environment. Although...I do hope the government there will prove to be consistently reliable and that too many mistakes won't be repeated.

[goldenlegacy]

One can hope. Hmmm... the environment is partially self-policing due to the unusually high concentration of special abilities in this world. But...

...where there are people of good intent, there are also those of great malevolence, including here and among the powers of this world.

[heartchain]

That isn't surprising in the least.

[After all, Kurapika knows personally a few of those that are capable of great malevolence. Which isn't to say that some of them might not argue that those with good intent are far more sinister in the end—because, given half the chance, they would. As if they've any right.

Sigh.]

Though, I suppose that's just one more reason among many not to let one's guard down.

not here >_>

[cephalothorax]

[idk what you're talking about there's no MALEVOLENCE present in MoM, sheesh.]

[goldenlegacy]

Indeed. Of course, anyone who has lived in a world with humans in it knows the dangers of that.

To keep one's guard active seems a necessity of life, especially in any environment with abilities some might call "superhuman."

[heartchain]

Of course, even in seemingly ordinary environments, those with extraordinary talents tend to crop up.

[Meaning that remaining vigilant always is...as Giorno said, a necessity. And that's the bottom line.]

I'm assuming you come from a place where you have a lot of experience in that territory?

[goldenlegacy]

That's fair to assume. Although, I would mention that most people aren't aware of it. I wasn't, myself, until relatively recently.

I'm not sure what triggers development of a person's "potential," actually. Aside from genetics, sometimes, and mystical artifacts, sometimes.

And you?

[heartchain]

I think that experience is also something that can trigger "potential".

[And why not? If experience can help give shape to what makes a person who they are, why should it not also affect their potential?]

As for me, if it's true that you've met Gon, Killua, and Hisoka...you'll understand. The world that we come from is one whose "potential" to be cruel is outstanding.

It is especially unforgiving of those who choose to drop their guard.

[goldenlegacy]

I find the most effective method for dealing with Hisoka is to refuse to take him seriously.

[IT'S LITERALLY THE ONLY WAY.]

Gon and Killua... they've been harmless so far. That said... I can understand what you mean. I'm a little shocked by the difference in norms between your world and the one I'm used to. Just speaking to the two of them has shown me that much.

[heartchain]

Refuse to...?

[Well that's...certainly one method. And Kurapika can't help but look a little amused at the thought. It's not something he thinks he'll ever try (he knows Hisoka too well, and the man's connection to Chrollo makes it difficult not to take him seriously at all times) but he can certainly see why that approach might appeal to and benefit other people.]

Just be careful. I'm sure you're already aware of how relentless he can be, but it's worthwhile keeping in mind that...he can be even more so when he's fixated on something.

[And denying someone something, even being taken seriously, is an effective way of earning their fixation. He's kind of an expert on that himself.]

Anyway...Gon and Killua are really quite young, but they've accomplished so much. In an ideal world, children their age wouldn't have to worry about the things that they do. And that is, I suppose, the greatest—and most unfortunate—testament I can provide to the kind of place we come from.

Out of curiosity, what other sort of differences became apparent to you through speaking with them?

[goldenlegacy]

It's fine; I'm capable enough of handling him.

[Well, he wouldn't win a fist fight with Hisoka, but he can stop a fist from being thrown to begin with.]

So far so good, anyway - aside from a few uncomfortable innuendos.

...I guess the main differences that come to mind, though... my world would certainly frown on children being involved in dangerous lifestyles like that. Actually, it would be illegal. I have enough trouble with it, and I'm three years older than they are.

But really, anything lethal would be heavily regulated on my world. You can't simply have a lethal competition or test, for example.

[heartchain]

Mmph.

[Honestly, Hisoka...]

I'm sorry.

[...he really needs to stop apologizing for the magician, though. Wow. But it's hard not to say, "I'm sorry you've had to put up with him on any level," when speaking with someone who seems genuinely nice and undeserving of Hisoka's...outrageous behavior—to put it in a way that's not totally obscene.

And as there's really nothing else to be said or done about it, he moves on, focusing on the other topic at hand.]

Is your world a lot more similar to the one you were brought to, then?

[goldenlegacy]

I would say mine is fairly similar, yes. Perhaps this one is... more strict, or at least better enforced.

[heartchain]

Then, I have a request.