[Manjoume doesn't object to being called out--he had just been sorting cards in his room, not really doing anything that could be considered too important. Even if organizing his Duel Monster cards does help him take his mind off certain things, like how much this place sucks even worse than usual lately...
Manjoume manages to catch the helmet without dropping it, thankfully, as he approaches the motorcycle.]
Sure.
[There's a pause, like he's about to ask where they're going, before he then seems to decide not to--he's willing to just wait and see where Elan decides to go once he's put the helmet on and gets seated here.]
[ If Manjoume had asked, Elan would have responded that it's a surprise. He's figuring it out last minute so where they're going is a mystery even to him. ]
Grab on.
[ He tells Manjoume before revving the motorcycle and speeding off... Only for them to get stuck in Neo Tokyo rush hour traffic right away because someone's crashed their vehicle up ahead on the freeway or something. Just great. Elan sighs. ]
Yeah, we're not gonna sit through that. Hang on!
[ The engine growls as he propels them forward and starts weaving in between the cars. ]
[It's a little embarrassing to have to hold on to another person when on the back of a motorcycle, but Manjoume sucks it up since he does not in fact want to end up being sent flying off the back of the vehicle here. Initially it's a little awkward, but not necessarily clingy, until Elan proceeds to then decide to try to beat the traffic by quickly weaving in between cars, which has Manjoume give a slight yelp at the sudden increase in speed and tightening his hold on Elan here.
... Listen, he has not been on a motorcycle before until he ended up here in Neo Tokyo and has since been exposed to them more often.
Thank God for the helmet so that he can hide the way his face is probably wearing the expression of a startled raccoon or something until Elan either slows down again or they've reached wherever their destination ends up being.]
[ Don't worry, Elan's not about to pull any dangerous stunts, he's got enough sense of self-preservation. That said, he is feeling more thrill-seeking than usual. He expertly weaves through traffic until they're clear of the jam and puts on speed until they're flying down the highway, wind whipping in their faces and hair. The hum of the engine and rush of air makes him feel alive and free. With a laugh, he calls back to Manjoume. ]
You good back there? Keep your eyes open or you'll miss the view!
[ They're coming up on a bridge now and Tokyo's skyline can be seen washed orange in the sunset. On their return journey, when it's a little darker, the bridge itself will be lit up in neon colors, but first they'll be touring the island attraction! ]
[That is the response Manjoume gives back, because you better not be turning that head of yours to look back at us here when you address him here. But otherwise, Elan isn't wrong either about that view--once they've stopped weaving through traffic, Manjoume does actually relax a bit more and take in the view of the bridge and the sunset on the skyline. It's actually rather nice and calming to take in alongside the rush of air from riding behind Elan here.
He'll have to remember to thank Elan for giving him the chance to actually see this view when they stop next.]
[ Elan's got his eyes on the road, though he contemplates being contrary just to give Manjoume a fright. He's too easy to tease. He decides they've both been through enough stress lately he doesn't need to add to it, and slows down when they pull off the highway and onto local roads. ]
What do you feel like doing? There's a waterfront park, a shopping mall...or we could take a spin on that.
[ There's a ferris wheel visible in the distance. Although once the words escape his mouth he wonders if the ride would bring up any uncomfortable memories, given Manjoume's history with amusement parks... ]
[Oh, right. This is supposed to be a date. So it makes sense to go to date-like places even on very platonic friend ones and not romantic ones... right?
Manjoume would not know, on account of the fact that this is the first "date" he has ever been on. Oops.]
Hey, at least it'll be a calm ride. You seem like you've had enough of thrills.
[ Elan remarks cheekily. Manjoume only has to bear with the motorcycle ride for a little longer. The ferris wheel is quickly growing in size as they near it. Elan's looking forward to it. It's not as if he's been on one before nor gotten to invite someone on one. Simple moments like these is the closest he's ever felt to a normal life. ]
Who said I had a problem with thrills? I'm one of the most thrilling people out there to be around.
[What a weird thing to be defensive about all of the sudden... but that's Manjoume for you. Getting bothered by the silliest things so easily sometimes.
But then the ferris wheel is coming closer and closer into view, and Manjoume actually goes quiet again, watching it grow in size the closer they drive toward it. Despite his words, he actually does seem to be interested in the ferris wheel, even if it is not perhaps the most thrilling amusement attraction out there.]
Uh-huh. [ Elan says in the voice of someone who totally believes him. If he was in the position to, he would give Manjoume a playful jab in the side right now. ] I still remember having to drag you onto the rollercoaster! Feels like ages since we've done anything fun.
[ Their ride in the old amusement park feels like a distant memory. Things had felt...not exactly carefree, but less stressful back then without their bosses placing constant demands on them. Pulling into the parking lot, he brings the motorcycle to a halt and unbuckles his helmet. ]
And I still maintain that it was a miracle that coaster didn't collapse underneath us.
[But yeah, it does feel like that was a long while ago... they've all been so stressed lately that it feels like its been ages since they've had that kind of fun.
Upon arrival, Manjoume hops off the bike once its safe to dismount and removes his own helmet too, shaking his head for a second to fix his hair--gotta make sure his iconic fringe is still looking good and that he's not dealing with helmet hair...]
And you say you like thrills... Where's your sense of adventure?
[ With employers like LILITH, they pretty much have to make their own fun around here. Anyway, enough ruminating about how shit's fucked. Elan wants to enjoy the evening and his company. He ushers Manjoume towards the ticket booth - don't worry his hair is looking fantastic - and purchases two tickets for the both of them. ]
Being wary of a potential death-trap doesn't mean that I don't have a sense of adventure!
[But hey, now that they're going to a place that has probably more professional experts maintaining their rides, Manjoume shouldn't have any complaints anymore, right? Though he does blink in surprise when Elan says he's paying for both of them rather than Manjoume having to pay for his own ticket.]
... Well alright, if you say so. Thanks.
[He'll have to remember to return the favor in some form later.]
We tested those rides with weights, you know, but fair!
[ Manjoume's right to scrutinize. Anyone with sense would. That's what Elan likes about him. More people could stand to be critical around here.
There are people before them as they line up to get on the ferris wheel. Families with children, young people, a lot of couples... Elan gives Manjoume a sideways glance as they slow-shuffle forward. ]
[Calling that time he ended up in two seperate alternate dimensions and died temporarily in one of them is probably not the best example, so, hmm. What's a good one to share... oh.]
Probably that time when I was 14, I stole a boat from Duel Academy's island and tried to sail back to the main city on my own, only to end up going off course, sinking the boat, and having to survive in the northern icelands until the school located there let me inside.
[He says this as if this is a completely normal thing to happen to a kid.]
[ Yeah, that gets a raised eyebrow and amused look from Elan. He would ask what kind of school he went to, but he's set foot in Duel Academy before during the memory glitch back in the desert and knows already it's a weird ass school. The detail he hones in on is— ]
You, stealing? I didn't realize you were a rule-breaking kind of student, Jun Manjoume! Bold of you! [ Elan looks pleased to discover. ] Too bad about the shipwreck but good for you there was a school in the tundra [ wtf ]. I take it back, you definitely have a sense of adventure!
See? Told you that I was capable of adventure or thrilling escapades when I feel like it...
[Granted, there were some less than ideal reasons behind why Manjoume had tried to get away from Duel Academy to begin with, but he won't bring those up yet if he can help it. Instead, he focuses on recounting the cooler parts of said adventure... which may involve quite a bit of embellishment.]
North Academy--the school that was located in that iceland, has a test where they only let people in if they can find enough cards scattered around outside to build a deck to play Duel Monsters with. So in addition to survival in general, I had to look for these cards to pass their test: I climbed up icy cliffs, fought off giant bats and bears that got in the way, and so on until I found forty cards and they finally allowed me entry into the school.
After that, I had to do a second test by using said cards I had found to play against the top 50 students and thus earn my own rank somewhere within that top 50--which, was a mistake on their part, because I was just too good at this game and ended up defeating all 50 students myself, including having fought five of them at once just to prove that I could.
[ The more he learns about Manjoume's school the less it makes sense. Manjoume clearly lives in a different reality where fighting bats and bears to enroll in school is the norm and wouldn't get the place shut down over concerns of child safety. ]
You beat some astounding odds! You ever think that's too much adventure for a school? Here I thought the school I was sent to was weird!
[ There were plenty of duels at Asticassia too! But way less bear fighting. He claps Manjoume on the shoulder. ]
Anyway, dueling prodigy, looks like our ride's here.
[ They're up next. Elan gestures for Manjoume to come with and hops into the open ferris wheel compartment. He wastes no time getting comfortable, sitting down legs extended and arms behind his head. ]
Oh, definitely. My school had way too much stuff going on that I'm pretty sure wasn't supposed to be part of the Duel Academy experience...
[... Oh hey, Elan's right, their ride is indeed here. Manjoume follows into the compartment, moving to take a seat across from Elan here. (Unless he's supposed to be sitting next to the person when you're on a "date"? What's the protocol here, he does not know.)]
[ Oh good, sounds like he still has a sense for what is and isn't normal. Manjoume won't lack for excitement in Tokyo; they're just fighting souped up versions of bats and bears now. Elan leans back against the glass with an ironic sigh. ]
All that trouble just to play a card game! I can't understand it. What makes this game so special?
You mean other than the fact that it's the most popular game that my world has to offer, to the point where most people build their entire careers around it? [pause] Well, it probably has something to do with the fact that people like Seto Kaiba and Pegasus decided one day to use technology to try to make it look like the cards could be brought to life, and it caused the game to explode in momentum in getting everyone to play it to see the life-like monsters for themselves.
You've seen me summoning dragons and stuff before during missions to block off enemies or take a hit, right? Those are my Duel Monster cards being projected as hard light holograms with my Duel Disk, which has some of the most recent tech and programming back home to give it that edge over other older models.
So you got inspired to become a professional duelist? I don't get the craze, but I prefer your world's version of monsters.
[ No offense to planet earth, but monsters who eat people are kind of a bummer. The ferris wheel resumes its rotation and Elan feels a jolt as they start to rise. ]
Yeah. There's a lot of strategy involved in building a deck that works with whatever playstyle you prefer, and it's exciting when you get to fight and take down a strong opponent on a stage in front of a cheering crowd...
[... Damn, he misses it. He really wants to play his favorite game in front of audience again, not be stuck here fighting kaiju...
The ferris wheel moves, jolting him momentarily out of his thoughts as he quickly turns his gaze to the window to look outside and watch.]
I forgot to ask before, but how long do these rides usually last?
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yeehaw
Manjoume manages to catch the helmet without dropping it, thankfully, as he approaches the motorcycle.]
Sure.
[There's a pause, like he's about to ask where they're going, before he then seems to decide not to--he's willing to just wait and see where Elan decides to go once he's put the helmet on and gets seated here.]
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Grab on.
[ He tells Manjoume before revving the motorcycle and speeding off... Only for them to get stuck in Neo Tokyo rush hour traffic right away because someone's crashed their vehicle up ahead on the freeway or something. Just great. Elan sighs. ]
Yeah, we're not gonna sit through that. Hang on!
[ The engine growls as he propels them forward and starts weaving in between the cars. ]
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... Listen, he has not been on a motorcycle before until he ended up here in Neo Tokyo and has since been exposed to them more often.
Thank God for the helmet so that he can hide the way his face is probably wearing the expression of a startled raccoon or something until Elan either slows down again or they've reached wherever their destination ends up being.]
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You good back there? Keep your eyes open or you'll miss the view!
[ They're coming up on a bridge now and Tokyo's skyline can be seen washed orange in the sunset. On their return journey, when it's a little darker, the bridge itself will be lit up in neon colors, but first they'll be touring the island attraction! ]
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[That is the response Manjoume gives back, because you better not be turning that head of yours to look back at us here when you address him here. But otherwise, Elan isn't wrong either about that view--once they've stopped weaving through traffic, Manjoume does actually relax a bit more and take in the view of the bridge and the sunset on the skyline. It's actually rather nice and calming to take in alongside the rush of air from riding behind Elan here.
He'll have to remember to thank Elan for giving him the chance to actually see this view when they stop next.]
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What do you feel like doing? There's a waterfront park, a shopping mall...or we could take a spin on that.
[ There's a ferris wheel visible in the distance. Although once the words escape his mouth he wonders if the ride would bring up any uncomfortable memories, given Manjoume's history with amusement parks... ]
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His tone is one of slight confusion, though not for the reason Elan may be thinking at the moment.]
Isn't that a ferris wheel? I've never been on one before, but like... I heard somewhere that's usually the sort of thing you ride on dates, isn't it?
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Exactly! So shall we?
[ Because this is a date! Elan takes a turn and they're speeding towards the ride situated just outside a shopping mall. ]
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[Oh, right. This is supposed to be a date. So it makes sense to go to date-like places even on very platonic friend ones and not romantic ones... right?
Manjoume would not know, on account of the fact that this is the first "date" he has ever been on. Oops.]
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[ Elan remarks cheekily. Manjoume only has to bear with the motorcycle ride for a little longer. The ferris wheel is quickly growing in size as they near it. Elan's looking forward to it. It's not as if he's been on one before nor gotten to invite someone on one. Simple moments like these is the closest he's ever felt to a normal life. ]
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[What a weird thing to be defensive about all of the sudden... but that's Manjoume for you. Getting bothered by the silliest things so easily sometimes.
But then the ferris wheel is coming closer and closer into view, and Manjoume actually goes quiet again, watching it grow in size the closer they drive toward it. Despite his words, he actually does seem to be interested in the ferris wheel, even if it is not perhaps the most thrilling amusement attraction out there.]
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[ Their ride in the old amusement park feels like a distant memory. Things had felt...not exactly carefree, but less stressful back then without their bosses placing constant demands on them. Pulling into the parking lot, he brings the motorcycle to a halt and unbuckles his helmet. ]
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[But yeah, it does feel like that was a long while ago... they've all been so stressed lately that it feels like its been ages since they've had that kind of fun.
Upon arrival, Manjoume hops off the bike once its safe to dismount and removes his own helmet too, shaking his head for a second to fix his hair--gotta make sure his iconic fringe is still looking good and that he's not dealing with helmet hair...]
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[ With employers like LILITH, they pretty much have to make their own fun around here. Anyway, enough ruminating about how shit's fucked. Elan wants to enjoy the evening and his company. He ushers Manjoume towards the ticket booth - don't worry his hair is looking fantastic - and purchases two tickets for the both of them. ]
This one's on me! You just try and relax.
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[But hey, now that they're going to a place that has probably more professional experts maintaining their rides, Manjoume shouldn't have any complaints anymore, right? Though he does blink in surprise when Elan says he's paying for both of them rather than Manjoume having to pay for his own ticket.]
... Well alright, if you say so. Thanks.
[He'll have to remember to return the favor in some form later.]
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[ Manjoume's right to scrutinize. Anyone with sense would. That's what Elan likes about him. More people could stand to be critical around here.
There are people before them as they line up to get on the ferris wheel. Families with children, young people, a lot of couples... Elan gives Manjoume a sideways glance as they slow-shuffle forward. ]
So what's the most adventurous thing you've done?
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[Calling that time he ended up in two seperate alternate dimensions and died temporarily in one of them is probably not the best example, so, hmm. What's a good one to share... oh.]
Probably that time when I was 14, I stole a boat from Duel Academy's island and tried to sail back to the main city on my own, only to end up going off course, sinking the boat, and having to survive in the northern icelands until the school located there let me inside.
[He says this as if this is a completely normal thing to happen to a kid.]
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You, stealing? I didn't realize you were a rule-breaking kind of student, Jun Manjoume! Bold of you! [ Elan looks pleased to discover. ] Too bad about the shipwreck but good for you there was a school in the tundra [ wtf ]. I take it back, you definitely have a sense of adventure!
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[Granted, there were some less than ideal reasons behind why Manjoume had tried to get away from Duel Academy to begin with, but he won't bring those up yet if he can help it. Instead, he focuses on recounting the cooler parts of said adventure... which may involve quite a bit of embellishment.]
North Academy--the school that was located in that iceland, has a test where they only let people in if they can find enough cards scattered around outside to build a deck to play Duel Monsters with. So in addition to survival in general, I had to look for these cards to pass their test: I climbed up icy cliffs, fought off giant bats and bears that got in the way, and so on until I found forty cards and they finally allowed me entry into the school.
After that, I had to do a second test by using said cards I had found to play against the top 50 students and thus earn my own rank somewhere within that top 50--which, was a mistake on their part, because I was just too good at this game and ended up defeating all 50 students myself, including having fought five of them at once just to prove that I could.
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You beat some astounding odds! You ever think that's too much adventure for a school? Here I thought the school I was sent to was weird!
[ There were plenty of duels at Asticassia too! But way less bear fighting. He claps Manjoume on the shoulder. ]
Anyway, dueling prodigy, looks like our ride's here.
[ They're up next. Elan gestures for Manjoume to come with and hops into the open ferris wheel compartment. He wastes no time getting comfortable, sitting down legs extended and arms behind his head. ]
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[... Oh hey, Elan's right, their ride is indeed here. Manjoume follows into the compartment, moving to take a seat across from Elan here. (Unless he's supposed to be sitting next to the person when you're on a "date"? What's the protocol here, he does not know.)]
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All that trouble just to play a card game! I can't understand it. What makes this game so special?
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You've seen me summoning dragons and stuff before during missions to block off enemies or take a hit, right? Those are my Duel Monster cards being projected as hard light holograms with my Duel Disk, which has some of the most recent tech and programming back home to give it that edge over other older models.
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[ No offense to planet earth, but monsters who eat people are kind of a bummer. The ferris wheel resumes its rotation and Elan feels a jolt as they start to rise. ]
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[... Damn, he misses it. He really wants to play his favorite game in front of audience again, not be stuck here fighting kaiju...
The ferris wheel moves, jolting him momentarily out of his thoughts as he quickly turns his gaze to the window to look outside and watch.]
I forgot to ask before, but how long do these rides usually last?
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