(sfw) the coffee club

[descendsanathema]

*Kalluto had badly needed a few days out on the open sea, engrossed in the sun and salt, not caring at all about how childishly hackneyed and simplified and bastardised the seamanship itself turned out to be. It was much more like a vacation than a tour of duty, befitting Barbieland. Back in his cabin, he took long, indulgent shower without incident comparable to the last long one, then changed back to his regular kimono.

He'd slept well, and he supposed it might have been early morning as he trawled himself through the airship, inspecting plaques and surroundings of doors to find one that he might like. He stopped at one called The Coffee Club.

He hated the taste of coffee, but he did enjoy the smell. His stomach rumbled. Somehow he'd managed to eat and be sustained by plastic hardtack (like putting a hat on a hat) instead of ruining his guts, but the prospect of further indulging himself in bistro food had him almost diving through the doorway.

He entered the cafe, finding it moderately occupied. There were enough people that he could people watch if he was bored, but there were also spots where he could have space away from the humdrum of conversation. As he considered whether he wanted a table or a booth, a pleasant girl not much older than him greeted him and indicated the six-page menu laminated and mounted on a lectern facing him.

For food, on offer were all day breakfasts, lunch melds and toasted sandwiches, various steak cuts, an assortment of salad types, and every variety of Italian cuisine he could think of. There were two pages of coffee types which he skipped over, and knew immediately that he wanted an iced chocolate when he saw a serving girl bringing out one for a prior customer. It was always good when they used real parfait glasses.

He went to the counter to order, where he found another huge selection of baked goods behind the glass - pies, filo pastries, rolls, cakes, cheesecakes, brownies, cookies and such - as well as cold sandwiches, rolls, and cups of cold dessert.

When he'd made the order, he noticed someone distinctive in the line behind him, with cat ears that reminded him of when he'd first joined.

Comments

[galacticgroovin]

Pitou tapped her foot impatiently. Having woken not long prior, she was hungry for the eggs Benedict with smoked salmon. As well as a French vanilla latte. The aroma of coffee wafting around her only wet her appetite further.

She looked to her arm as if looking at a watch. Though no watch was to be found, she still inspected it, as if expecting a scar to be visible from when she broke it. She knew no such mark would be there.

Why is this place so busy? I don’t even recognize anyone in here. She mutters. Wondering if all of the people in here are fake like the bartender. One face did stand out among the crowd. A small child. Their outfit certainly stood out. Nobody else was wearing a kimono.

”Is that someone new?” She pondered. Her tail swayed behind her curiously. Her attention was quickly taken from the child so she could order.

[descendsanathema]

*Kalluto brushed past the crowd, taking a stand with his order number to an empty booth and sitting against the soft padding. He watched as the permanent cat room girl ordered, and when they made eye contact, he directed his gaze to the seat opposite, inviting her to sit.

Leaning back, he closed his eyes and awaited his order.*

[galacticgroovin]

Pitou placed her order and stepped away from the counter. Her head tilted slightly to the side in curiosity. “Do they want me to join them?”

With order number in hand, she made her way to the booth, quietly sitting opposite of the child.

I..don’t believe we’ve met. Are you new here? She leaned forward on her elbows, placing her chin on her hands. Quite the outfit you have on.

[descendsanathema]

*Kalluto was surprised, face to face so close with the other person. This had to be the Chimera Ant that Gon had killed to avenge Kite, bringing himself to the brink of death himself.

He was suddenly uncomfortable, not because it was her - obviously this version of her was more friendly - but because it reminded him of a gratitude that he owed his sister, and the demon swimming around inside of her.*

I don't think we have met, but you might have heard of me? I quietly keep to my family, both of them in succession.

*He flashed a half-hearted smile, the most he could muster, when she mentioned his outfit.*

Thank you. I can wear what I please, and this looks the nicest for the work I have to do.

[galacticgroovin]

Really? Pitou puckers her lips in thought. I hope he told you good things. I haven’t talked to him in a while. I miss his company.

She shakes her head quickly, ridding herself of Gon from her mind. I don’t know if anyone has ever mentioned you. Granted I don’t know your name either.

Your hair however reminds me of a little girl I know.

[descendsanathema]

*Kalluto giggled, trying his very best to intone the pitch of it downwards.*

What's she like?

[galacticgroovin]

She’s sweet. One of the few who wasn’t put off or afraid of me when I first arrived. Pitou explains. Killua didn’t like me being around her. Nor did he like me being around Gon.

She taps her fingers on the table lightly. Despite Killuas objections, Alluka liked to spend time with me. I started to refer to her as princess. She giggles. She did something..peculiar one time I saw her.

She waves her hand dismissively. You seem to know something about me, tell me about you.

[descendsanathema]

Kalluto leaned back against the cushioned backrest of the booth, stretching his arms back behind his head, but paid avid attention. He wondered what Killua might think of Pitou being around him. Shrugging, he figured the situation would be an afterthought.

I gather intelligence.

He placed a hand in front of himself, holding it out as a peace offering.

- But I'm on vacation right now.

[galacticgroovin]

Intelligence? Pitou asks. Well, given we are on this ship and can’t leave, I’d think we are all on a vacation of sorts, wouldn’t you?

I’m sorry, but what is your name? Who is your family? There’s a familiarity to you that I can’t place. She taps her finger to her chin. You know me to some degree, yes?

[descendsanathema]

Kalluto offered a friendly smile.

The Phantom Troupe. You might know them also as the Spiders, because of their distinctive tattoos. As for how well I know you...

He frowned, now, choosing his words carefully, but trying to keep a friendly tone to his voice.

I wouldn't say I know you at all, really. I've heard one person speak about you, and by that time, you'd ceased to be a person to them. You were a symbol.

[galacticgroovin]

The phantom troupe? I do know of them. At least a little. The Gon I know told me about them from when he was in Yorknew. Pitou explains.

Ceased to be a person? So whoever told you about me hated me in some way..well, I’m not sure who it would be to be honest. Whatever version of me you’ve been told about isn't me. My full name is Neferpitou. I just go by Pitou.

[descendsanathema]

That... wasn't quite right. There had been hatred, sure, but over the years of Gon maturing and having new experiences, the feelings that remembering Pitou inspired had all faded away. Now it was a matter of what they represented. Still, Pitou seemed irritated by the line of discussion, so he dropped it out from the bottom of his thoughts.

This was a new person, anyway.

My name is Kalluto. What brings you to this cafe?

[galacticgroovin]

The coffee mostly. Pitou answers with a slight hint of excitement. Of all human foods, I think coffee is one of my favorites. Soda is..I don’t like the carbonation. Feels like it burns my tongue.

Even better, it’s a place I don’t have to cook. I don’t mind cooking of course. However it’s nice when I can just sit back and enjoy myself.

She took in a deep breath. Enjoying the smells that wafted around the room. Fresh brewed coffee, pastries, and more, all mingling in the air. Do you come to this little cafe often? The only other I’ve seen in here in a while might be Bisky.

[descendsanathema]

This is my first time here. I prefer to cook, too, but I've been sailing for a few days.

[galacticgroovin]

Pitous ears perked up in interest. Sailing? There’s a room to go sailing?

She wasn’t overly fond of water. She didn’t hate it as most cats might, but it wasn’t always her favorite activity. I haven’t thought about sailing in a while.

Only times I have been is when I would go to or from Gons home island. But most of the world you travel by train or airship.

Her attention was momentarily grabbed by a waiter bringing over her own food and drink. I enjoy the open sea. The smell of the salt, the breeze and the sun. I remember Gon trying to keep me from getting in the way of the sailors my first time.

[descendsanathema]

Yeah, there's a room for it... in a manner of speaking.

*Kalluto made space on the table for the iced chocolate placed at his table. He had a meal coming, but he preferred to have dessert first whenever he could.

He leaned down and sucked some milk out with the straw, causing the floating ice cream and topping whipped cream to sink below the rim of the glass.*

It was Barbieland, really, but I found a boat and sailed.

[galacticgroovin]

Pitou gently blew at her steaming drink before lightly sipping at the hot liquid. She intently listened to what kalluto told her.

Barbie land? Like..the little plastic woman? She asked. Doesn’t sound like where I would expect one to go sailing. Was everything all plastic and fake?

She set her cup down and lifted her fork beside her plate, easily cutting into the eggs Benedict. The golden runny yolk, spreading along the dish.

[descendsanathema]

*Kalluto scoffed the ice cream and cream, digging up chocolate sauce from the bottom of the glass to stir through it.*

The boat was. And me. But the sun, the water and the wind were all very real.

[galacticgroovin]

Pitou stares at the person opposite her. Her own mental image being a Barbie doll in a kimono. Stiff slender arms abs legs.

She scoops some of her food into her mouth in thought. This place continues to confuse and intrigue me. Changing things biologically is one thing. But to be turned into plastic?

Not what I would call something pleasant. Plastic can be rather fragile.

[descendsanathema]

*Nodding, Kalluto dabbed at his mouth with a serviette.*

I suppose it didn't feel different until I realised it had been days and I still hadn't had to pee, or even feel the compulsion to.

*He put down the serviette, looking at Pitou intently.*

What's the weirdest way that the airship has changed you?

[galacticgroovin]

Hmmm the weirdest way it changed me? Pitou leaned against the table, chewing thoughtful on a piece of salmon.

Well, I have two that come to mind. Twice I’ve been turned fully into a cat. Couldn’t talk. Just..an animal.

She shudders. It’s the worst kind of feeling. When you try to converse and the other can’t understand you at all. All they do is think you are some random cat..

The other time I was with Killua. We found ourselves in a sauna. It ended up splitting us into two separate selves. On one side I was still me. Sitting in the sauna. The other I was in some toxic hellscape.

It was the opposite of relaxing, but did give the two of us a chance to understand the other better.

[descendsanathema]

Just an animal? That reminded Kalluto of... though it's been such a long time since he'd thought about it... There was a lot to unpack from both answers, so Kalluto chose to focus on one.

That's interesting, for me being a cat would be the opposite. *He leaned back in his chair, stirring the last dregs of his iced chocolate.*

Being petted, and you just have to sit there, and you can come and go wherever you please? Sign me up.

*He leaned forward.*

Are you affectionate? On balance, I mean.

[galacticgroovin]

Pitou smirked in a small laugh. I mean…sure, yes I’m affectionate. I do like getting attention as any cat might.

But I’m still part human. I don’t want to be treated like an animal. The hunter association certainly tried to originally..wanted to put me down with the rest of my kin. She sipped at her drink. Finding it easier as it cooled.

If I had some say as to when I became a full cat, I probably wouldn’t have minded that much. But it happened without my consent.

I suppose you could say it was a little scary. What if I was to turn into a full cat again and someone not realize it’s me? Far as I know, I could end up a stray in the streets or worse..

She sighed. I doubt it would happen here. Where would someone toss me? I don’t think anyone here is cruel enough to throw a cat out a window…at least I hope.

She looked at her hand. Remembering looking at it when it was a small white paw. She returned her gaze to kalluto. If you do decide to visit one of those rooms that does do that, let someone know first. Better they know it’s you rather than a random feline.

[descendsanathema]

*Kalluto was attentive to what Pitou was saying, but he found his thoughts wandering in the same way as when he catches Leorio for a few minutes passing each other in the hallways - what was it, exactly, that put Pitou on this path instead of the one from his time? That one threw herself into the fangs to protect her Master, was always too much of an Ant, not a cat, not a human, to entertain being designated a Magical Beast by humans, much less whatever nonsense the Hunter's Organisation had planned before he and Illumi bailed from the Black Whale.*

I might be interested in a room that outright makes me a cat, feral rather than a mixture... just to try it. But you're right, I'd need people to know it was me. Would need someone keeping me safe...

*And pampered, Kalluto flushed a little on admitting to himself. He smiled.*

I'm feeling chatty right now, which is why I'm here in this cafe, but I believe in general I wouldn't mind not being able to talk. It was not expected of me when I was growing up.

[galacticgroovin]

Really? Your parents didn’t encourage you to express yourself? Pitou paused to finish off her meal, lightly licking the egg yolk and hollandaise from her fork.

Gon is a very expressive boy. Something I imagine his aunt encouraged. The Killua I know never talked about his family. The one I’ve met here only mentions his sister and occasionally mentions an older brother.

She rests her elbow on the table, resting her cheek on her hand. Killua is expressive in his own way. It’s..easier to say I’ve gotten along with the Killua here than from where I am.

Her tail flicked from side to side. But, if you’d like, I can show you. The cat room turned me into a cat once but I think that’s because of my different anatomy. But the other room is less a room than it is a small closet.

[descendsanathema]

*As he listened, Kalluto tucked gracefully into the pastry and salad on the plate which was just dropped at his table. It was interesting how much this Pitou knew about other people here, especially Gon.*

I had quite a lot of that sort of encouragement. Speech would not be my favourite, where fashion is.

Thank you, but I think I'm acquainted with that room. And you're right, it barely turned me quarter of the way, let alone half-cat.

[galacticgroovin]

Pitou nodded in understanding. Well, perhaps you may enjoy being a feline more. If you do, you should come to my room. You’ll learn a proper cat experience.

She giggled, purring at the prospect of having another like her in some way. She supposed Alluka is like that, but after the last incident, she chose distance.

But let’s see, that was only one of the experiences here. Would you care to know about the other as well?

[descendsanathema]

Kalluto hummed. That might be nice... but could I bring someone with me?

First, though, yes, I'd love to know the other time the airship messed with you in an odd way. It still feels like I only just got here, so I want to know what to expect.

[galacticgroovin]

Bring someone with you? I don’t see why not. Though, could be hard to guess who they are if you both arrived at my door as cats.

Pitou smiled, settling into her seat with drink in hand. She took a breath thinking back to the sauna. The smile fading from her face. Well, this room wasn’t pleasant like I had mentioned.

It’s a big sauna. Well you enter into a very clean looking lobby. The moment I entered my clothes were gone and replaced by a bathrobe. I went to the sauna in the center and opened the door to find Killua.

It was…awkward to say the least. Very tense between us. Then there was a blinding light! I found myself somewhere else entirely.

She pauses to sip at her drink.

[descendsanathema]

Kalluto must have missed something while daydreaming. He'd need to ask Pitou later how exactly, and which room, might make him a cat proper. He listened to her describe the next room.

It teleported you? Maybe the room picked up on animosity between you and my brother.

There were myriad reasons why the two would not see eye to eye, but he was a little intrigued because any experience Killua had had would have been on the airship, exclusively with this Pitou. Should he pry?

[galacticgroovin]

Well..teleportation isn’t fully accurate. But I’ll explain that as I get to it. Pitou set down her cup, having finished off her drink.

This place could only be described as a hellscape. It was dark and everything was covered in a disgusting green slime. She sneered at the memory, her tail bristling. I was covered in it. I felt I was overcome with rage and my instincts.

I thought it was some kind of attack from Killua. To keep me away from Gon. She clears her throat. So I ran trying to find him. All I wanted..all I could feel..was the desire to make his life end at my claws.

She lifts her hand, showing her claws to make her point. Fortunately it didn’t come to that.

We came to discover that it wasn’t an attack from the other and we weren’t covered in that slime. We WERE that slime.

[descendsanathema]

You were the slime? So it brought out your worst traits?

There was no way that Killua could have an attack like that, but Kalluto supposed that Pitou would not know this. It wasn't his place to point this out, he decided, not wanting to steer the conversation in that direction at all.

[galacticgroovin]

You got it almost just about on the head. Pitou nods slightly.

We were toxins. Could feel no pain. I cut off my own finger and it just grew back. But we were what we considered our worst traits. All of my hatred and animal instincts all rolled up into one.

I wanted to kill him. At this time Gon..Gon had recently broken away from me. I blamed Killua. When I realized I couldn’t do that in there, we came to a..agreement. We learned more about each other.

In the sauna we both still sat. I felt different but didn’t realize it. I had forgotten about Gon. All my hatred and more was gone. I felt free.

What is still somewhat confusing is I remember the experience simultaneously. Conversation in the slime and in the sauna itself. As we tried to find our way out, our bodies were trying to find a way to recover their toxic emotions.

Do I feel better about recombining? I can’t say for certain. It’s arguably better than being stuck in that machine.

Never. Ever. Go there. If you leave without trying to recover yourself, you won’t be yourself. She emphasizes the seriousness of the room.

[descendsanathema]

*Kalluto could barely hide his retching as Pitou described being constituted of sentient toxins, and with the assistance of his hand over his mouth, he betrayed no reaction to learning of Pitou's past relationship.

His thoughts careened. He'd need to process that later. This airship's Gon was not who Kalluto thought he was.*

Regardless of whether it was right to keep your toxic side. You know, then, that holding on to him is not good for you.

*Kalluto had not seen him since that buffet breakfast that seemed such a long time ago, and he wondered if that deep-seated fascination, first seeded all those years ago, and blooming after his brother vanished, would end up stuck in the tank, too. Whether he would have tried to take those toxic traits back.*

[galacticgroovin]

Pitou leaned back into the seat, rubbing her eyes. Your reaction is about what I expected. It’s not pleasant. It had taken my memories but in the end, it gave me something worse.

Tilting her head back, she looked at the ceiling. The scary thing is, I think this ship could hold even more horrors. And we’d never know until crossing into the door.

She sighed. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to half break down on you. She said returning her gaze to the boy.

[descendsanathema]

Kalluto made a steeple out of his hands, resting his chin on them, blankly regarding Pitou as she worked through her emotions.

It's okay. I'm sorry for bringing it up. To be honest, I've found this place to be unadulterated adventure - the only horrors are the ones I've taken with me.

[galacticgroovin]

Pitou tilted her head slightly. You experienced horrors outside the airship? I suppose I should expect that if you are part of the Phantom Troupe.

When Gon had told me about them, he said they were cold blooded killers. Or he may have called them hypocritical..

From what I know, one of Gons friends killed one of their members. So while they killed without feeling, they mourned him.

She paused thinking on it more than she had previously. So..you are a killer yourself?

[descendsanathema]

Kalluto stared, carefully considering the words Pitou used, as she said what she knew of the Troupe. It was two, actually - but Hisoka had killed more of them, anyway.

I'd prefer to keep that part of my life away from this place, thank you.

He sucked out the last ice cream from the bottom of the parfait glass, then licked his lips, trying to smooth his response out with a friendly smile.

Like I said, I'm on vacation.

[galacticgroovin]

Pitou puckered her lips, her ears flattening slightly. Despite not having a straight answer, she had a sense the answer was yes.

I see. I guess you and Killua are alike in that regard. Keeping things separate.

She scratched her cheek, her gaze softened. Do you have a new question for me? Ever since you told me about being told of a different version of me, I’ve been curious as to what happened to her.

[descendsanathema]

Only through stories from one person, I've heard bits and pieces about the version of you from my world. As I said, you were a symbol to them. The unfairness of the world, the folly of his ignorance, the proof that he wasn't mature enough to be on their own... you represented quite a lot to him over the years.

*There was no effort, now, to the warmth of his smile.*

I'm glad to meet you. You're more than what you mean to other people, after all.

[galacticgroovin]

Pitou rested her chin on her palm, leaning against the table, listening intently. She felt a little disappointed that kalluto didn’t specify anything. “Why won’t he tell me? Does he not know what happened?” She ponders.

I wonder who he is..What she had done to leave such an impact..

She gave the boy a smile of her own. I am glad to have met you as well. I like to meet someone new. I’ll have to ask Killua why he never mentioned you before when next I see him.

[descendsanathema]

*Kalluto's smile broadened, even as he tried to mute his reaction.*

I'm sure it was nothing personal. He's a very devoted brother.

[galacticgroovin]

Oh? Killua is your brother? That certainly raises more questions..so Alluka is your sister as well? Pitou asked.

A four sibling family? I assume that is the case as Killua mentioned he had an older brother once. You don’t..look older than him. Pardon me for assuming.