A Penny For Your Thoughts [Open]

[Isaac Strazos]

A soft ticking filled the moderately sized office like a metronome left on repeat. Papers were scattered across the sole desk located near the back wall in front of the rear windows, and still more of the forms were haphazardly stacked around the room. A pile on the sofa, on a chair by the right wall, a few more on the coffee table beside the door... it was a mess. The man in charge of keeping everything sorted and neat was currently leaning back in his chair with his feet up on the desk, black fedora covering his face. The man was still dressed formally in his suit, although the coat was hung on a rack in the corner of the room.

The one known as Isaac Strazos was fast asleep. It wasn't at all uncommon for him to spend the night in his office, as he had nowhere else to go back to. Sure, he could easily afford an apartment within the city, Lord knows that there were enough vacancies, but such arrangements would not suit his purpose. Isaac needed to be here, at the office. Available. His door was always unlocked, and he welcomed company- so long as they were interesting, anyway.

He was fairly well known in the city as a sadistic loan shark who had gang ties, but such a description didn't do him justice. Isaac was a simply money lender. His loans came with no need for collateral and charged no interest. He assumed that the rumors cropped up because his offer seemed too good to be true- after all, how could he possibly make money if he never attempted to make a return on the investment? Obviously, that was impossible. But Isaac wasn't in it for the money. No, he would gladly throw away the wealth that the original had accumulated just to learn a small measure of what it meant to be human; to know what humans were truly capable of. After all, they were such fascinating test subjects...

[Akira Nakajima]

Akira had put much thought into how to approach this individual. Isaac Strazos was a money-lender. Numerous rumors circled around him- loan shark, ties with crime, typical things you'd expect from some shady individual. The thing was, though, that people like that existed normally within the spectrum of human morals. In other words, just because this person had potential ties with criminal organizations did not mean that he was necessary a Shadow. More than that, even if he was a Shadow, there was no absolute guarantee that he would be the same Shadow. They could have likely been allies or co-workers. Or something else like that. Whatever the case, Akira resolved that this person was just possibly the Shadow he met. He had every intention of taking precautions, but information was something that did require a cost- sometimes a risk.

That was why the boy came dressed normally. He could have come in drag, sure. In fact, against humans, that would have been better. However, if this man was that Shadow, then coming dressed like a girl would pose the issue of potentially causing the man to clam up. He needed verification, and verification needed proof. While he looked similar between being “normal” and “swapped”, the fact of the matter was that clothes, hair, and the lack of glasses created enough of a gap between appearances that even most people that met both sides of the coin could not realize it was, in fact, the same coin. Of course, coming in normally posed a few issues. Namely, he could be traced back to his family, putting them in danger. However, his younger sister was a User like him. And the older sister and parents were not exactly stupid. Hell, he wouldn't have been shocked if his parents could fight Shadows without Personas. So, after much deliberation, the boy was not too worried about coming in while dressed like a man.

The front door was unlocked. So, without hesitating, the boy entered. His hair was pulled back into a ponytail. He wore no glasses. He wore a maroon, button-up shirt, somewhat thick and half-covered by an unzipped black jacket. Despite the appearance of being casual, the shirt was tucked into his blue jean pants, further sealed into place by a black belt with a design incorporating small holes in the middle of the strip every two or so inches. As for shoes and socks, simple tennis shoes and white socks finished the ensemble. It was a drastic far cry from him in drag. More than that, it was the new “rare”, considering how often he went out in drag nowadays.

Either way, the young man stepped a bit further into the office before noting the situation. Then, drawing a hand to his mouth, he cover a light cough intended to rouse the fedora-face man.

[Isaac Strazos]

Isaac was known to be a fairly light sleeper, and true to the title, he was roused as soon as the door opened. But he lay still, curious to see what the newcomer would do. One could consider that another of his many tests. But when it became clear that the person wasn't a thief or thug, the man simply smiled from underneath the hat without bothering to move it out of his eyes. "I apologize for the clutter. But just what is it that I can help you with today?" Isaac pulled his legs off the table and sat up straight in the chair, although he left the fedora drooped down, not bothering to physically look at the visitor yet. After all, their apperance wasn't what mattered- only what they had hoped to find here.

[Akira Nakajima]

So the man had been awake? Or had he been awakened that simply? Either way, Akira received an apology for the army of papers strewn about everywhere. He didn't really mind. Hell, if the fedora-face was the only one working there, he would have been a bit unnerved if the place were clean. That was why the boy simply waved his hand dismissively at the apology, even if the man was doubtful to have seen it. Drifting a bit closer to the desk where the man sat, the boy slid his hands into his pockets, letting them rest there. The absence of weapons in the jacket's pockets was pretty obvious.

”An acquaintance of mine brought it to my attention that I could acquire money here. I was hoping to verify that information, and, perhaps, acquire funding for my hobbies.” The boy had gone through a few measure in order to provide some truth to his words. The utilization of double meanings as well as loose interpretations supported his first statement. The second half of his statement, however, was a mixture of half-truths. ”Have I come to the right place? Or have I perhaps been misled?” The question was punctuated with a tilt of the head. He just stared and awaited a response- a response, and some form of evidence for his real investigation.

[Isaac Strazos]

The man's smile widened a bit as he listened to the boy drone on. He had half a mind to ask exactly what these 'hobbies' were, but they didn't really matter in the end, did they? He'd loan money to whoever passed one of his tests, regardless of what they planned to do with it. Still, it was good to know exactly what you were financing so that the cops didn't show up at your doorstep later... "You aren't wrong. I'm perfectly willing to loan out any amount of money you ask for; no interest, no collateral." Isaac placed a hand on the top of his hat to slide it back onto his head, finally getting a look at the boy standing before him. He raised an eyebrow for a moment when he noticed the boy's features, but otherwise didn't react, "I am a bit... interested in these hobbies of yours, though. What is it that you think this money can buy you?"

[Akira Nakajima]

An affirmative response was given. The boy watched. He waited. He knew if there was anything that'd be a definite giveaway, it'd be within the first moments of visual acknowledgment. And, in fact, when fedora-face removed his trademark fedora and revealed his real face, an eyebrow rose. Of course, on its own, it could not be considered evidence. It was a singular piece that needed further support. As things stood, all he could guess was that there was something on his face. Or that the lender was a flaming homosexual that found Akira to be attractive. One or the other. Maybe some other things. Whatever the case, it was one step. The man asked a question, and Akira just smiled.

”Games and systems.” He summarized his role's desire for the money. In truth, he had no need for additional money for games. He actually planned to take up a certain redhead's offer for free stuff soon. ”My situation is one along the lines of 'having it, but not enough of it'. So I was hoping to find supplementary funds to finish off my savings.” Figuring that was a sufficient answer for the man, the boy went silent, waiting to see exactly how far and where things went. The longer they spoke, the more chances he would have to find evidence. If nothing else, free money was always nice.

[Isaac Strazos]

The money lender shifted again, placing an elbow on the desk to hold his head aloft. His eyebrows drooped a bit when the boy explained his need- a sign of disappointment, although his small grin never faded. "That's not really a reason why I gave money out, you know. It's for people to turn their lives around with." The man made a dismissive motion with his free hand, as if suggesting that the boy should leave, "That's not to say I would deny you a loan, but I won't make it easy for you either. Such a selfish reason... that personality of yours is wholly unattractive." His smile widened a little. At first, he thought there was some resemblance with that girl from the Museum, but it couldn't be. There's no way that someone like that could obtain the power he sought to observe. After all, humanity's strength came from selflessness, right?

[Akira Nakajima]

The boy maintained a pleasant expression as the man went off, commenting on his purposes. “Turning lives around” seemed to be his goal. Okay, so he was a saint with the smile of a sinner. That was nice. As the man went on, he noticed something. The words themselves weren't entirely special. The phrasing, itself, wasn't even that special, either. The message that he conveyed, however, was key. He was pointing out the boy's personality. Now, people always had things to say about Akira's personality, but they varied. Most note-worthy were the old claims of others that he was “conceited” or “full of himself”, wielding some “holier-than-thou” standard. Amusing claims, all of them, but they were always direct. This man's, and the Shadow's, statements? A bit more roundabout.

“That personality of yours is wholly unattractive.” He said.

“Not that that attitude of yours is particularly attractive-” The Shadow had said.

The eyebrow from before was one small thing. Even the words there were just a small thing in the overall scheme of things. They didn't match exactly. They were close, sure, but the key point was that it was a vague statement regarding his personality- his attitude. He'd at least make a mental note of it. For a moment, the boy just stood there. Then, slowly, he tilted his head to the side, still smiling every so pleasantly. There were plenty of ways to go around that.

”I'll accept that it's a selfish desire. Impatient, even, since things would work out eventually, no doubt.” He conceded on those points. He'd never be a lender, himself. He didn't want to be involved with people looking for quick solutions or handouts. ”That said, you still said you wouldn't deny me. I'm the type of person that enjoys a challenge. Might I ask what hoops you have for me, then?” His smile was polite and pleasant- the kind you'd expect from a straight-laced student. Hell, even his “purpose” for the money was a rather benign and innocent thing.

[Isaac Strazos]

Isaac leaned back in his chair and lifted a leg to rest his right ankle on his left knee, interlacing his fingers in his lap as he observed the boy. It didn't seem like he would give up any time soon, so the Shadow decided that he'd play along for now. After all, he did have his own suspicions to confirm- even if it did mean breaking one of his prized habits. Usually the money lender took great joy in studying the person standing before him in this dingy little office, figuring out their flaws and fears with a mere glance before assigning some kind of test that played off those weaknesses. But this time was different. This boy was a special case- and as such, he would receive a special test.

After a moment's hesitation, the man grinned widely and shrugged, letting his arms drop to his sides limply, "Well, if you insist. There's an item on display in the Grand Museum- the Hero's Medal. Awarded for being an outstanding soldier who is exemplified for their bravery and dedication. Prove yourself worthy of the medal, and you'll prove yourself worthy of a loan." It was the first time that Isaac had ever given the same test twice, and would likely be the last. If the boy was able to produce the medal after it had been taken by that girl from earlier, then...

[Akira Nakajima]

The boy listened, and the man spoke. The mission was given, and her remembered the item the Shadow tossed to him. If that wasn't a dead giveaway for this man's true identity, it was damn well bloody close. He was, at the very least, definitely tied to that trickster. In any case, that was certainly a bothersome prospect. He had, indeed, taken that medal. In fact, if he was there for the money, he could've headed home and returned with that thing within an hour. The issue was proceeding with this particular goal without giving himself away. It was now a game of cat and mouse. If he slipped, he'd be suspicious. He was actually beginning to enjoy it a little. It was different, and yet similar, to the games he played to assume his position of President.

”At the start, you make it sound like a simple location and acquisition. Towards the end, you make it sound as though there's some sort of test to acquire the item in question.” For a moment, the boy went silent, crossing his arms and shifting his legs to relax his posture. ”Is there a catch, or do I simply need to locate it in the museum?” He figured the best way to ensure a follow-up would be to establish what was expected of him. With a bit of planning, he could warp the goal into something more achievable. If this man was a bit more difficult, though, he'd be hard-pressed to get this lead to work.

Either way, though, he had sufficient evidence for assumption, he believed. Anything more was just for the sake of being thorough. And for money.

[Isaac Strazos]

The man raised his hand and wagged a finger at the boy, as if disappointed that he was being doubted, "No catch. All you have to do is retrieve the medal. Of course, since it's on display, you'd have to bribe someone, or steal it, or maybe even convince the family that donated the medal to take it back to give to you." Well, there was a catch of sorts. It was no longer at the Museum as far as he knew, since the girl took it with her when she left. Although, it also meant that if he was able to produce the medal, then the two were definitely connected. "But, you know, this is a test. As I said, I don't ask for collateral. But how, then, do I know who is worthy of a loan and who is not? The test is a measure of dedication. If you can see my request through to the end, then I'd consider you worthy of having what you desire. Wouldn't you agree that that's fair?"

[Akira Nakajima]

Seemed that the man had no intentions of saying much else. Nor did he seem to want to mention the dangers of wandering into a museum. Of course, the boy couldn't just point these things out. Unfortunately, that wasn't how this game was played. In the end, he'd probably go there, find something that was near the medal, present it with a shrug, claim he got the money he needed, then skip along on his merry way. Eh, either way. Things would work out. He had all be received the verification he needed, and he was no fool to ruin what shaky grade of a cover he had. The boy just smiled. Frankly, he didn't care about the fairness of the offer. The fact that the man was knowingly, willingly telling a person to go to a dangerous place to find something was enough of an issue, but he maintained his silence.

”Nothing in this world is free. Everything, from the food we eat, to the water we breathe, was produced through the sacrifice of energy and time of another existence. You're offering money, and you're demanding compensation. Rather than calling it an issue of fairness, shouldn't we just say it's the way the world works?” The boy maintained his smile before bowing slightly. ”If that's all, then I suppose I have some preparations to make.” He did leave a hole to be filled by the man. Whether there was another further to say was up to him.

And as for his raid on the museum, he would, for the first time, head out while dressed like a man. No scissors. Evoker in his clothes for safety. That should have been enough.