i'm glad you enjoyed brandon F

little note about the uniform thing, the reason why he drags on a bit on that is cause he's a reenactor, 18th century uniforms are his insane obsession. he even jokes about it in the video i sent, saying "i'm finally back to my insufferable self!" when talking about the muskets

i don't blame him tbh, after watching his content for a while i had the realization that 18th century isn't like the romans, whose equipment we deduce through archeology, old sources and guess work.

like, the actual documents that standardized 18th century uniforms still exist and are not hard to access, i realized that after Brandon noted that his source was the fucking British Royal Library in London. ( i mean ffs there's literally photos of Napoleonic era vets heres a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npSru7xEzX8)

and i honestly think its relevant, because if a million dollar historical production didn't want to put in the effort to go to a library and get the official documents. then what else they weren't bothered to get right?

but Brandon doesn't just do historical reviews he also talks a lot about the history in general. like, why fight in lines? what were marines in the 18th century? the history of tactics. and what role did cavalry play in line warfare? for example

heavens bless people of utube that manage to get hyperfixated on one topic for basically their entire life and then proceed to make stuff about it for us to watch, right? it's a delight to listen to someone who actually enjoys the subject and their subject therefore basically guarantees the authencity of what they put out

oooh but yes, the concept itself of what we actually get to know about things in what manner is fascinating in on itself. so since i was small i had been very fascinated by chinese mythology and mythology somewhat comes along with other parts of the culture and so on. and you know how the chinese culture is one of the oldest in the world?

as a result i've somewhat grown accustomed to the numbers that are typical to the span of chinese history and now whenever i go look into the history of my own country i'm actually stumped over how recently certain things happened! then again you wouldn't believe how oppressed or manipulated slovaks had been across history. ain't that right -glares at hungary-

to what extent we know which culture's history is so wild. the ability for certain historical things to simply last is absolutely incredible (such as military uniform documents or musical pieces of 18th century). fun fact! there's still messages written in stone by the soldiers of the roman empire on slovakia's territory. right near Danube, i think, p sure i visited that

thank fuck for reliable sourcing and also thank u for that vid that's gon come in handy for clothing references at Some point, i can feel it

and you are absolutely correct, yes! it Is relevant! as mister Brandon has said, there's of course a certain leeway allowed when it comes to more kid oriented stuff, but i'll admit! i was surprised to learn that serious historical productions apparently put less effort into these kind of things than the sea beast did (i don't usually watch those kind of things, i'm very fantasy/sci-fi and cartoon focused)

this kind of muddling of history that may seem "insignificant" to money grabbing bastards really screws up the perception of the eras for people who don't really have the time or the drive to look into things themselves. it's annoying

oh while we are on this history stuff, i saw this originally in utube shorts, but Apparently they are making a netflix movie or smth about Cleopatra and they made her black?? which is weird, considering that Cleopatra was greek and all that stuff. like don't get me wrong, yes give silenced/less known cultures like black folk more space to present themselves and who they are but like don't do it in a way that heavily skews the history? why are you going out of your way to create misinformation that could heavily impact understanding of history by taking out an already famous (not poc) person instead of Actually making the space for historically important black people. like maybe why not make a movie about that one super rich king from the southwestern coast of Africa (i think) that crashed the egyptian economy twice by being just too damn generous. that would be SO much more helpful to black peeps' history than shoving a black person into the place of a white one

i swear films nowadays either lack soul, heart, spine or brain like 98% of time

Daybreak (6/?) [Wolf Keum x Reader x Alex Go]

Summary: The day brings to you Alex Go, and in the night, Wolf Keum. Your past is inescapable. They build you up and tear you back down, but this is what you need to survive.

Genre: Romance, Angst, Drama

—–

The sun was making it’s way down the city horizon when Alex and you stepped out of the restaurant, thick spills of orange and yellow and pinks washing over the peaks of buildings and drenching your world in a sickly honey hues.

“The sunset’s amazing today!”

Alex, like a fool, proceeds to shield his eyes and look directly into the sun. He doesn’t flinch away like you thought he would, instead he closes his eyes to bask in the sun, eyelashes skimming his cheeks and fluttering, catching the fading rays of light and scattering shadows across his face.

The colors splash over his nose bridge and cheekbones and high arches of his browbone, dripping from his visage in a manner that make him look less like a high school boy and more of an angel.

You turn your gaze from Alex to the pastel laden sky, squinting up at the pale brewing clouds overhead, wondering if you should’ve brought an umbrella. The setting sun brings a chill that reminds you that autumn lingers around the corner. You wrap your arms around yourself, a silly attempt to keep the heat in your body.

The uneasiness from earlier still swims in your gut, pushing out of your fingertips and branching through your body like streaks of lightning, searching for something to strike, something to ignite to warm your somber heart.

“Should we go?”

Alex turns to you, a relaxed smile splayed across his lips, green eyes practically glowing.

Your fingers clench into the fabric of your uniform sleeve, heart yearning to skim fingers along his jaw, card your hands through his hair, feel his warm skin against yours, bitter with the cold.

But you fear the darkness that drips from your body like a staining ink, fear that his light will vanquish the grasp it has on you that strangulates yet holds you together. You fear that the moment you lay a touch upon Alex Go, he becomes dyed with a black tarnish, and you fall apart.

“Where are we going?”

He laughs, “Taking you home, where else? I can’t show you all the good places at once, or I won’t have anything else to wow you with next time.”

He pinches a piece of his black hair between his fingers, rolling, voice taking on a quieter tone.

“Well, if there’s a next time.”

Your breath comes out closer to a shudder than a sigh .

The fragments of yourself tear at each other. They demand happiness, demand misery, demand punishment—but you want happiness. You do.

“Yes, I’d like that.”

Alex smiles and you drink it all in while he’s still here in front of you. The darkness is building in the sky and in your soul and you know that you have to pull away soon, before you become too greedy.

“I forgot that I had some errands to run before I go home, so can we save the walking home for next time?”

You flash a grin and tuck a piece of hair behind your ear, distracting Alex from seeing that the smile doesn’t reach your eyes.

His gaze follows the movement of your hand and his lips quirk upwards into a smile.

“Sure thing. This is a goodbye then?”

“I guess so.”

You take a step back, carefully.

Quietly.

Hungry thoughts in your head are swimming and sloshing, threatening to spill over the cusp and consume both of you.

Alex stands still, not moving. His eyes are shining in a way you can’t understand, but it makes your heart pound and contort. It takes him a second to step forward, another second to grasp your hands in his own.

You try to yank them away, you really do, but his hands eclipse yours and they’re so tender, so warm. They make you feel safe. Your mind fogs and resistance melts into a puddle at your feet.

“I had a lot of fun today, and I’m glad you entrusted me with something so important about you.”

His grip on your hands tightens and the pressure tenses your jaw, anchoring your body into the cement to prevent doing something you might regret.

“If you ever need anyone to talk to, I’ll be here. I promise.” He leans closer and you can see the rings of viridian orbiting his dark pupils like the bands on looming Jupiter.

You can feel the heat from his body, his face. His breath hits your lips and puts a seal on your proximity, locking you in place with the enticing promise of something more, something you didn’t dare name.

Then he begins to lean in. He’s tall, long legs, lean body-- he has to angle his head slightly. His black hair brushes your face, lashes fluttering, deep green eyes reflecting the golden rays of the falling sun, the world spinning around him with you at the very center.

But it echoes, oh how it resonates!

The sound of the streetlight flickering with a dull electric hum, the counter in it’s hellish loop of tik tik tik, and the horrible grating sound of his palm- Alex’s palm- smashing into the back of the light, thunder ripping into your eardrums and brandishing fear into your heart. It startles you out of your leaden state and you jerk away from him like you’ve been burned, like you’re scared of the fire that blazes so brilliantly.

He stands there, looking shocked. You can do nothing but stare right back, wide-eyed and chest heaving.

“I-I’m sorry, I-” He stammers, searching your face for something, for a reason, for a sign. “I wasn’t thinking, I should have asked first, I-”

You intervene.

“I’m really sorry, I have to go.”

Your mind is racing, it’s fighting, telling you to stay please stay, begging you not to run anymore, not to be alone anymore, but it’s telling you to turn and flee before he can say anything more, far from here, from him before you hurt him again, before you hurt yourself again.

You take one staggered step back.

This time he doesn’t follow you. The heartbreak is audible, like black ice popping in the heat of the winter sun.

You take another step, then another, and suddenly you’re running. The wind is whipping at your cheeks, and it’s nonsense, you know it is.

You can’t understand why you began to run if you knew Alex could easily catch up to you, why you couldn’t just let a good thing happen, why you had to sabotage everything for yourself when you already had nothing left.

The thudding of your feet on the pavement slows only when your surroundings become unrecognizable, no karaoke bar, no green scaffolding, no Alex.

You struggle to breathe, lungs burning and sweat beading on your forehead regardless of the dropping temperatures.

The sun has long gone, plunging you into a world of blackened skies and scattered stars.

There’s a park entrance by your left so you walk in, legs heavy, searching for a place to rest while your breathing becomes regular.

You find a bench across a stone fountain and take a seat, resting your elbows on your knees and taking deep breaths in, then out, in, then out.

The steady stream of water calms your nerves as you try to piece reality back together. You close your eyes, concentrate on picking up the pieces of yourself you keep dropping until all that’s left is the splintered image of who you used to be.

You recall Alex’s face when you had stepped away, brows furrowed in concern, lips downturned and eyes frantic, like he had committed the single most atrocious act in all existence.

You drop your face into your hands and try to shake the thoughts out of your head, but they keep worming their way back into your head.

Your sigh is deep and scoops out the insides of your lungs. You hold it for a while, trying to memorize the carve of the void inside your chest. When you inhale, you feel nothing has changed.

“…Shit.”

Your spine curves to the shape of the park bench when you stretch, and you drop your head and allowing it to hang over the edge, looking skyward.

You take the time to admire the night, the dark sky draping like a blanket, stretching further into the universe than you could comprehend. This was the home to stars, twinkling like shiny little gems embedded in an inky pool.

Suddenly, the park lamps turn on with a click, flooding the park with soft yellow light. When the two beside your bench go off, your shadow reaches far and long to skim the edge of the fountain, stone and water illuminated an artificial glow, glittering softly.

You stay like this for a while, finding the sound of water soothing.

Some time passes and the night is stagnant until you catch a scent of something bitter and tart.

You pull yourself upright and peek around for the source of the smell, disbelieving your eyes when you see a familiar mop of purple hair through the shrubbery, moving closer to you.

You want to preserve your moment of solitude and consider diving into the bushes, but he turns the corner and catches your eye before you can scramble to your feet.

A divot works it’s way into his cheek. He pulls the cigarette away, smoke billowing from his mouth like a dragon, lips turning upwards in a smile that didn’t seem like a smile at all. His bandages were sparser now, though the bruising was more prominent now that they weren’t obscured by patches.

You sit silently when he’s approaching, when he’s nearing, and when he’s in front of you.

“Do you mope everywhere you go, or do you like to explore new places?”

He raises the cigarette to his lips again and your eyes watch as the bandage by the corner of his lip folds and stretches as he wraps his mouth around the stick of tobacco. His chest expands up and out when he takes a deep puff, holding it in his lungs for one, two, three seconds before turning away to release it into the air.

“…I was just in the area.”

He nods to acknowledge your answer but you are unsure if he was even listening. He sits beside you, crossing one leg on top of the other.

It stays like that for a few moments. The sound of water streaming from the fountain accompanied by the occasional deep inhale, then exhale beside you. It feels strange, feels empty, yet whole.

“How’s the face?

He doesn’t answer immediately, takes another slow drag before turning his head in your direction.

“Better, nothing too serious.”

You want to ask what he deems is “serious,” but decide against it.

“That’s good to hear.”

You’re both dancing around each other. You knew it, he knew it.

All small talk and avoiding the tension that was thick enough to cut through with a hot knife.

Wolf seemed interested in your bravado and the moping manner in which you carry yourself. You wonder if he finds you funny for being the anomaly to approach him like a drunken buffoon, or pathetic for bringing storm clouds to wherever he’d find you.

“Jagga High?” He’s staring at your uniform, and you subconsciously fold your hands over your thighs, where the skirt ends. He looks away, but a smirk rests precariously atop his lips. “Didn’t think you were the type.”

The challenge rests at the tip of your tongue, burning to ask him what exactly he meant by “the type,” but you bite your lip and stop yourself.

“You’re right. I’m not the type.” You watch the smoke curl from his lips and swirl into a dance before vanishing into the air. “But I was.”

You expect him to laugh at you, to mock you, but his lips are set in a straight line and his face is stoic, still facing the fountain.

“People change.”

There’s a peculiar and unanticipated softness in the usual hard edge of his voice. It takes you by surprise, but you push down the reaction because the incident seems delicate, like a layer of glass tempered so thin it would shatter with the slightest of touches.

Your attempt to reel in your emotions makes you miss a beat, then another until it extends again into silence.

You wonder what it is with Wolf Keum and silence. There’s always a part of you that wants to hear him speak more, curious what’s going on in his head, yet it seems unholy, sacrilegious even, to break the quiet and demand his attention.

“Why are you out here?” He asks, and the moment the question leaves his lips you know there’s no room for lying.

“It just happened. I wasn’t feeling good.”

Inhale. He assesses it as the truth, releases his breath in a cloud of methanol and nicotine. Exhale.

“You should know not to sit in a park at night. Dangerous bastards everywhere.”

You look at him, the hum of the streetlights buzzing in your fingertips like adrenaline.

“Are you dangerous?”

It’s a dare, a gauntlet of challenge thrown at his feet. You don’t know why you asked or what you expected, but it was funny to you in that strange, twisted way. It meant you knew Wolf wouldn’t understand your intent either, wouldn’t be able to read into it and take you apart like a puzzle. And you wanted to keep him on his toes the way he did you.

He glances over at you, the burning end of his cigarette pooling a rich ember light in his glasses and cheeks. He tries to understand you, comes up empty handed.

Your lips quirk up and he notices with a flash in his eyes.

His voice drops a bit, a whisper bordering on soundlessness. “Depends who you are.”

Inhale, exhale.

The moon hangs full and low in the sky, melting through the foliage in the trees and casting strange dancing shadows upon your forms.

“Me.”

Wolf lets his eyes slip shut upon hearing your response, a rumbling chuckle sitting low in his throat, dying out before it can make it past his lips. Eyelashes flutter and his eyes are open again, settling on you, on your face, peering into your eyes, into your soul, and again he manages to break you down.

His answer is spoken in a strange manner, thick and dripping with something that sounds like a sickly cross between temptation and a threat.

“Very.”

The simplicity of it is enough to make your mouth run dry.

You wonder how a single word could be spoken with such tenacity. It underscores the overwhelming presence he carries with him-- adrenaline chasing Wolf Keum, risk taking Wolf Keum, takes-what-he-wants Wolf Keum. It raises the hairs on your arms and sends a dark shudder down your spine because it sounds like a promise, and you tear your gaze away from his when you find confidence too becoming on him.

You search for something to return in wit but find that the list of things that come up can’t be spoken without volatility creeping into your voice. So you don’t say anything, and Wolf takes the silence as a viable answer.

He smiles, you can see it from the corner of your eye. A wicked smile, a close lipped smile, a risky one that pumped the blood through your veins faster, made your head spin.

You despised that it set your body and mind alight, so you spit out a question you knew would throw him off.

“How’s Donald?”

The persona he was fitting onto his form drops like a heavy cloak and his smile fades. A frown deepens on his face, bearing irritation at your reminder of his boss.

He leans back and doesn’t seem to want to play any longer. You’re both thankful and disappointed it worked.

“Th’fuck should I know?”

The two fingers pinching the cig exert more force, folding the crisp clean exterior. He doesn’t show it much other than the soft brush of a scowl, but you can tell he’s tenser now because his shoulders bunch more tightly, he breathes less with his stomach and more with his chest.

“Did you talk to him after that?”

He’s quiet. Just when you think he won’t answer, he does but avoids the question.

“He’s a fucking lunatic.”

You hum and choose to stop asking, wondering if you had picked a bad topic to throw his attention with. He seemed sour now, more so than you had anticipated.

You direct your gaze wayward and into the stars, pondered on this Donald character and wondered why someone as fearsome as Wolf Keum should have any reason to dodge an attempt to stand his ground.

Crickets begin to concoct a symphony of the oncoming night, a haunting refrain that eases your bones and melts into your muscles. In your periphery you think you see Wolf take a deep breath and soundlessly release it, shoulders slumping and head dropping.

You consider asking him what’s on his mind, but there’s no point if you know he won’t be honest.

Instead, you both soak in the swathing stillness that always seems to tail the both of you like shadows, an eerie calm that lingers like an aftertaste of something that could’ve been sweet, might’ve been tooth-rottenly addicting, could still be, if either of you chose to do anything about it.

In this moment, neither of you do.

Somehow, sitting under the veil of the night with nocturnal lifeforms coming to life, the gentle hum of the odious lamps and water playing in the background, just the company of an almost-stranger is enough.

Smoke wisps wordlessly about in the air, carried away by a slight breeze and teases your nose with a bitter tang. Then he’s offering you something, palm turned up, the burning stick of tar and nicotine between two lithe fingers. Holds out the cigarette to you, dark temptation.

The hesitation that bars your mind is thin and frail. You part it like a curtain and feel it’s tendrils grasping at you, but it does nothing to stop the endeavor.

A hand is reaching out, and suddenly the source of the acrid odor is pinched between your index finger and thumb.

You can see it in the haze of yellow lights, the darker tinge on the end of cigarette that Wolf had wrapped his mouth around, still moist from sitting upon his lips. Raising it to your lips, there’s the sensation of irredeemable depravation lying heavily in your mind, Wolf Keum’s cigarette. Green eyes flash in your vision, but the decadence sways you, beckons like a siren’s song.

When you seal your lips around the smoke it feels shamefully intimate, paper slightly damp from his use and cooled with the night air. You swallow thickly and you swear the sound does not go unnoticed by Wolf, though he doesn’t turn to look at you. Like a tease, like a taunt, like staring at the water spouting from the fountain is so much more entertaining than you.

You close your eyes and take a slow drag, mordant smoke filling your lungs like a balloon. Hold, then back out again. You cough once, and extend it back to him, deeper in the dregs now than ever before.

When he takes the smoke from you, his amber gaze meets yours and he doesn’t dare break away until he’s wrapped his lips around the filter, where your mouth had been seconds ago.

It coils something tight and hot in your stomach but you wipe your face clear, posing a tranquil air and refusing to give him the reaction he seeks.

His eyes linger, one, two, and it’s gone.

“What’s wrong with you?” He asks.

You know what he means but scoff anyways, shaking your head slightly. “Do you try to sound as rude as possible, or does it come naturally?”

Inhale, exhale. At this point, it’s rhythmic. Calming.

“I just like to get to the point.”

You give a dry chuckle and he pretends he doesn’t notice you dodging his question.

With his wit and banter, you begin to fit together pieces of Wolf Keum’s personality. Dark, elusive, and volatile.

It begs the question, “Have you done things you regret?”

You don’t expect him to respond right away, because he never does. He always turns over the question in his head, examining it from all angles- examining you from all angles- before he puts together an answer.

But this time is different. This time, his answer comes out almost too quickly, snatching the shroud of confidence from him with breathy exhale.

“So many times.”

You look at Wolf in the pooling light of the low hanging moon and the way he stares into the inky blue is sad and evocative. He’s reminiscent of olden renaissance art, eyes gilded with gold, shimmering in the dark, body collapsing into itself like drapery.

The charring ember cigarette dangling from his lips paints an orange hue across his cheeks, his lips, his eyes-- they’re so deep you feel gravity sucking you in, beguiling with dark lashes framing a spiral into inky depths.

He was fragmented.

You could tell with the way he inhaled the fumes without flinching, with the way he could stare at and straight through you at the same time. And yet you could still see pieces of yourself through and within the jagged cracks, like a mirror reflecting the abominable image of itself.

You close your eyes and feel his presence, inhale his scent, sharp and jarring like ink, earth, and smoke. He sounded pained, remorseful. And you understand him.

“Me too.”

It doesn’t take a single word to pass between the both of you, but you both know the conversation is done and you’re fine with that. You don’t get up to leave for a long time, and neither does he.

Not when he finishes his first smoke, the second, or when the owls begin to coo.

“Have you seen Saeran?”

“I haven’t seen him since earlier this afternoon. He hasn’t answered any of my texts, I thought that he might be out with you. He wasn’t in the greenhouse when I checked but I could look again. He usually tells me if he’s going to step out like this.”

Although they were no longer bound in fear of their father or the agency coming after them, that didn’t life that mean was without stress or worries. Life had many curveballs to deal with and they weren’t always pretty or fun. Saeran had been in better spirits but that relative peace and comfort still could get to him.

He may have let go of much of the pain that held him down, it still affected him and the way that he interacted with the world at large. There was no denying it and even though his panic attacks and episodes of confusion were few and far between. 

Him not saying a word to Lila wasn’t a good thing. 

Saeyoung knew that unease in her eyes. He patted her shoulder in a small attempt to reassure her from anything worse for wear. It wasn’t like they had life or death threats anything. That wasn’t something that they had to worry about in this life of freedom. They’d had their K-Drama level adventure and they had their fill of it. 

“I’ll go check outside,” he said, gently. “You check the rest of the house and if we still can’t find him, then we’ll let the others know and then we’ll send out the dogs after him, okay?” 

She couldn’t crack a smile at his attempt at a joke but she appreciated that he was trying his best. Saeyoung always was, even if he had no clue sometimes when it came to calming down his brother in the midst of a fire but he’d always let her know that he appreciated everything she did. 

Sometimes, Saeyoung acted like she knew what she was doing all the time as if she’d trained for it, but she never did. She just took a deep breath and walked in the room knowing that she would handle anything that was happening as best as she could and if she made a mistake? 

Saeran would forgive her and they could make a system for it in the future if it were to happen again. That’s just how they’d settled into their relationship in the first place. It may have started between some messy circumstance but they’d made the best of that and kept walking forward. 

Which is why whenever he didn’t answer her or tell her what was up, she knew that something wasn’t right. She decided that she’d do a sweep of the house to be sure that he wasn’t just holed up playing Animal Crossing again, she caught him playing late one evening and he hid it from her because—

Gosh darnit, that dork was working on breeding flowers to give her again. Which was really sweet, but not at two in the morning when he was supposed to be in bed when she got home from hanging out with Jaehee. He’d always laughed it off whenever she scolded him because it sounded so silly when she did it. 

It was as simply as him saying, “So, this is what you look like when you’re mad? Huh?” She’d bap him on the shoulder with a huff on her lips whenever he teased her like that but it was sweet in his own way. It was just another thing to add to her list of reasons why she loved him.

She knew that she shouldn’t expect anything less than that level of attitude. 

With Ray and Saeran together, it was a perfect harmony of confidence and sincerity that made him his own person. Though there were moments where it felt like those personalities flooded to the surface, she knew that they weren’t gone as they existed in her Saeran, or Saeray, as Saeyoung had playfully joked once. 

They weren’t gone. 

Who they were created the man that she loved very dearly. She loved him, all of him, no matter who she was speaking with. That fact would never ever change as long as she drew a breath in her body. Perhaps that would be tested soon, as she stopped at the last room at the end of the hall. It was her work room that she had separately from the bedroom.

Saeran had insisted that if he and Saeyoung had their own space in the house, meaning that Saeyoung had the basement to tinker on his gadgets and toys as he wanted, and Saeran had the greenhouse to tend to whenever he needed to work on his hobby, then she deserved her own space to be able to sew or paint to her heart’s content. 

Saeran never often came into the space when she wasn’t in there, but it was just slightly ajar. She always shut it. She gently opened the door and peered into the dark room with a frown on her face. It was obvious that someone had come into the room but she didn’t see anyone. “Saeran?” 

“...!” 

There was a gentle thud to her right, so she switched on the light with a soft flick of her wrist and paused, turning to look at the figure that was huddled tightly in the corner. He was looking at her but this was this unreadable confusion and fear in his eyes. 

“I wasn’t sure where you went and...” Lila paused. 

She was surprised to see him tucked away in the nook that she’d set up for herself on the floor. To be fair, it was a cozy area because she’d tucked away all her spare blankets and plush that she’d brought over from her childhood room to decorate the space. 

It reminded her of the way that Ray used to look at her whenever Saeran got far too overwhelmed with his anger back at Magenta. He wouldn’t know who she was for a long moment, nor where he was or what had been going on while he was gone. 

Clearly, something wasn’t right. 

Nor was the fact that he’d been crying. So, something had happened but she didn’t know what exactly happened. He rubbed at his eyes but he never stopped looking at her as if he were waiting for her to lash out. She’d seen the way that he flinched.

It was subtle. 

She had done the same thing when she was a child and her mother yelled at her for the hundredth time for not coming home right after she finished school. It was just something that you learned to do over time when you thought that you were going to get hurt by an adult. 

It had been a while since something like this happened, so she wasn’t sure if he had something trigger a flashback or worse. 

She stayed where she was in the doorway but sank down to her knees to show that she wasn’t going to move or do something rash. She’d never touch him or make a move without him letting her know that it was okay. “Are you okay?” she tried, softly. 

No response.

“Did something happen?” 

His voice was a bit too quiet to pick apart. “...”

Those weak sniffles were still evident in his throat this time. There was no recognition in his eyes, either. There was just that fear that she saw and that broke her heart. She wouldn’t let it show, not for his sake, no, it wasn’t the time to focus on herself. 

He wasn’t okay and she needed to work to figure out the source of this problem. She couldn’t leave him, but at the same time, she needed to let Saeyoung know that she had found him. Lila cursed herself for leaving her phone on the table as she went to look for him. 

She hadn’t thought that she would have to, and this is what she got for letting herself not carry that thing like another limb like she had done when they were together. Lila looked at him once more, deciding to test the waters once more to see if she could discern more. 

“Wait here,” she said, making sure that her voice didn’t raise too high. The last thing Lila wanted was to set him off the way that memories of his mother hit him hard. She needed Saeyoung. “I need to go and find Saeyoung, okay? I’ll be right back with him so don’t go anywhere.” 

Lila wasn’t getting anywhere with him like this, and she knew that if she at least had Saeyoung, they could work together to discern the problem. She rose from the ground and just as she went to step from the doorway, his quiet voice spoke loud enough that she heard him. 

“You know Saeyoung-hyung?” 

Lila stopped, and she looked back. There was something about his tone that seemed different. It was much more soft, more withdrawn. She looked at him, the wide eyed expression on his face and the way that his fingers had clutched tightly to the pillow in his lap. 

“Yes,” she responded. Okay, so he knew who Saeyoung was. That was a good step to knowing where who he was, if he was not Saeran. “Saeyoung is my good friend. He’s just downstairs right now. Were you looking for him?” 

He nodded his head, a bit too quickly. “Yeah... I got... scared,” he looked down at the floor again. It didn’t seem like he could meet her eyes. “I couldn’t find Hyung. Where is he? Is he okay? I need him. He said he— He said he would come and find me but—” 

Lila gently shushed him as the whimpers grew. “Do you want me to go get him for you? I promise I’ll only be gone a minute.”

His eyes widened and he furiously shook his head over and over. The huge fear returned to his eyes as he looked around the room that didn’t remind him of anything that he knew. “No, no, no, no. Please, please don’t leave me alone, Noona. Please. What if mom finds out that— that we’re not home? It’s so late— she’s gonna be so mad, Noona, where’s Saeyoung?”

Mom? 

Wait...

Could it be?

“Okay, I won’t leave. I promise. Saeyoung will find us in a few minutes, we were just looking for you,” she reassured him. Lila took a seat back on the ground this time in front of him but still making sure to ensure that he had enough space to feel safe and comfortable. Relief flooded his features but he grew silent not long after that. 

“...”

He kept his eyes trained on the ground as his fingers tugged at the fabric of the pillow that he pulled at. His eyes would flicker to his wrists and ankles now and again like he was searching for something binding him that couldn’t he found or seen. 

“Hey,” she changed her tone, smiling at him with a friendly look in her eyes. “Can I ask you something, if that’s okay with you? While we wait for Saeyoung to find us?”

He bit at his lower lip but nodded, seeming okay with her question. 

“How old are you?” 

He paused for a moment as if he were trying to think of his age. The nervous pull of his hands let her know that he was uneasy. He lifted his head just enough that she could catch a glimpse of his mint eyes again. “Um... I don’t... I don’t... I don’t know,” he said, quietly. “Hyung was the one that counted. I think... maybe... nine?” 

Okay, so it wasn’t Saeran.

It was a member of his system that she hadn’t met, or known about. As far as she knew, Saeran didn’t know about anyone else, either. It had been quiet for a while... so, he hadn’t really thought about as he started going to therapy again as he needed. 

“And, is your name Saeran?” 

He shook his head. 

A solid no.

She opened her mouth to ask him if he would like to share it with her but she heard the sounds of footsteps from the other end of the hall. She nodded at him when he mouthed his brother’s name, and he looked so much more at ease as the redhead entered the room. “Hyung!” he breathed in relief. 

Lila caught him by the arm and gave him a look, “Saeyoung, we’ve been waiting for you. Why don’t you take a seat?”

Saeyoung seemed puzzled by her statement but he knew that she would let him know what was going on if he didn’t figure it out on his own. He plopped down next to her against the carpet and much to his surprise, it took only a second for the child to sling his arms around him. 

“I thought you were gone forever,” he whimpered. “You said that you’d come back but I couldn’t find you.” 

The redhead stiffened, the very clear memories of those years washing over him like the back of his hand. 

He sucked in a breath and gladly returned the hug as it became appear that his brother wasn’t going to let go of him any time soon. “I’m right here. Hyung isn’t going anywhere.” he told him, gently. “You must have gotten a little lost looking for me, huh?”

The child nodded. 

“It’s okay. You found me, and you’re alright,” Saeyoung loosened the tension in his back as he smoothed down his hair. “What got you so upset? Did you miss me that much?” 

He whispered something that Lila couldn’t hear but Saeyoung did. The redhead breathed in deeply. “You don’t need to worry about Mom right now, okay? She’s asleep and we’re staying a special place where she can never find us. She’s not good at hide and seek, remember?” 

The child slowly nodded his head. He hung on Saeyoung’s every word like it was a lifeline. It seemed like he would believe his brother if he told him that pigs could fly. Granted, Saeyoung knew how to tell a really compelling story, it didn’t take long for him to reason with him that they were safe. 

Though, it was hard for her to know that this one had no memories of her, but only Saeyoung. It made sense. She was just glad that he knew Saeyoung and trusted him because he needed someone and even if that someone couldn’t be her, she wanted it to be someone he knew. 

She just stayed out of the way as Saeyoung handled everything he could, and she silently thanked him for being the saint that he was. Though, after a few minutes had passed, he kept glancing in her direction as if he were trying to see if he could figure out who she was, as if it were some mystery. 

Saeyoung caught onto that very quickly. “Curious about our friend, huh? Don’t worry. She’s really nice. She was really worried when we couldn’t find you so if you get scared again and you can’t find me, you can trust Lila, okay? This is her room, but I’m sure she’d love to share it with you.”

Lila brushed aside a loose strand of her hand from her face as she offered him a smile and a wave. “Of course, I would. You can always come in here if you feel upset. That’s what I would do if I was scared. Free feel to play with anything that you want, okay?

Those distressed tears that he had in his eyes were long but gone. He offered her a polite smile, it was a bit shy compared to the ones that Saeran shared but it was definitely an attempt on his part to show that he appreciated that gesture from her.

If she had been a scared kid, she would have gone to a space that felt like it was made for her, too. 

That quiet voice was still feather light and hard to hear but the quiet room made sure that it was audible. “Thank you, Noona.” 

Saeyoung nodded. It seemed that he wasn’t as upset as he was, so now they could focus on calming him down and ensuring that he felt safe until Saeran had the time to return from whatever triggered him to step away from the front in the first place. “Since we’re not home, what do you say about ice cream for dinner?” 

Those wide eyes lit up again. “Really?!” he nearly squeaked, but covered his mouth as if to stop himself from being too loud. “Really? Can we, Saeyoung-Hyung? Can we?” 

“Of course,” he said, looking back over at Lila. “You don’t mind if Lila comes with us, too, do you?” 

“She’s not gonna eat my half, is she?” a pout came across his face, and the two of them laughed a little. 

“Absolutely not,” Lila promised. “You get the biggest half.” 

A Fan of His Fans

He wonders if he should warm Young Midoriya about it, but no - the boy is a fan himself. He's no doubt aware, has probably created his own share of content; the boy might have a heart attack if he brought it up. No, best to leave if be for now. Midoriya will come to him when he needs the advice, a day which will hopefully be far in the future.

He laughs to himself, imagining the young man's face when the inevitable happens and an eager fan sends along a no-doubt salacious note and a pair of unmentionables. Gran Torino ragged him for weeks.

He'd rag him some more if he read what Toshinori had clicked on in a moment of morbid curiosity.

His soaked white T-shirt is translucent in the sunlight, clinging to golden-tan musculature rippling with suppressed tension. He's so close - you can count the scars on his hands, hands that have broken bone and punched through buildings. Hands that are currently leaving trails of fire over the fabric of your jeans as -

He drops his phone, blood and heat rising to his face, fumbling to catch the device before it hits the floor. He's aware of his own fandom of course, though his exposure has largely been through fanart - the agency prints a monthly newsletter of drawings and fan-creations; he himself keeps several personal favorites framed at home. Fanfiction was a concept he'd been distantly aware of, but never sought out. He unlocks the phone again, hurriedly scrolling away from the... erotic.... scene, choosing to read a few comments instead.

TeaWeather eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

ph0t0b0mb4r i'm SCREAMING

2358-8532 I really like this story and I appreciate all the hard work you put into the crime drama and police procedural but I gotta admit, THIS is what I sat through all that buildup for.

That makes him pause. Buildup? Police procedural? He scrolls back to the top, clicking the author's name and finding himself on a profile page full of stories, the one he just left at the top.

Banana Creme and Fever Dreams

You are a new detective for the Mustafu Police, transferred from the States on a job assignment. When shipments of seemingly-random cargo begin to go missing - a pallet of sheet metal, a crate of bananas, an entire load of silk - it's up to you to connect the dots and find whoever is responsible. And when people begin to go missing? Well, that's when All Might gets involved.

He's eight chapters in and this author has no idea how the criminal justice system works; there's not nearly enough paperwork for one thing. Still, it's ridiculously entertaining, and he finds himself genuinely enjoying the mystery that's developing. It's a little silly, but he bookmarks the page, planning to read the rest later - he can always skip over the inaccurate portrayal of himself. Or at least, pretend it's a different character.

All Might has always been a little bit fictitious.

He finds himself idly scrolling through fanfic websites while lazing on the couch, ignoring the television. He isn't entirely sure why.

The villain grabs at All Might, fast, but not nearly fast enough. His smile never wavers, only grows wider as it finally sinks in for the kingpin of the Blueburn Syndicate - this is one fight he isn't going to win.

Most authors write him the way he expects - bold, confident, ever-smiling. There are differences in interpretation; one All Might is rash, hot-headed even, while another is a warrior poet. There are disaster zones and press conferences,  school-days and Sports Festivals, even office drama at his agency. Recently, there have been stories of what he's like as a teacher.

"Fear not, Principal!" All Might bellows with a laugh. "I will find the villain who keeps leaving the coffeepot empty posthaste!"

It's odd, this knowledge. People writing stories about him, what they think he's like. All of them have little pieces, but none of them have a full picture. He finds he doesn't mind; these are all pieces that he's given to the public. His fans craft infinite versions of him - headstrong, quiet, trustworthy, cool, placid, brash, wise, whatever they need him to be. It doesn't bother him, to be loved in this way.

They're calling him Small Might now, to differentiate between before and after Kamino. It's cute - he likes the nickname. He likes the stories that begin to populate his feed.

He's no less tall for being so slender now, towering over everyone else in line. It's nigh unthinkable - All Might, waiting in line, like anyone else. All Might, stopping in to get out of the rain and enjoy a cup of tea. All Might, idly chatting about the weather with you.

His fans have lost none of their love - if anything, it seems to have grown. Even in this form, the spirit he cultivated for so long remains at the forefront of the public consciousness. Small Might retains his optimism, energy, and willpower, tempered by a muted intensity.

It still isn't him, but it's closer. 

It's the Reader fics that grab at his heart. They're the ones who... not understand, not exactly, but that come the closest. Writers who not only love, but ache to be loved back. There's an intimately familiar sorrow within them, a sorrow he's lived with his whole life, the ache of a child who grew up alone. Who never felt like enough.

Who still didn't feel like enough.

He crouches down on his haunches to meet you at eye level. He's smiling, but it's a different smile than the one you've seen a thousand times on the television. This smile is softer, kinder. He offers a large hand, warm and calloused, and you take it, slowly, letting him pull you up from the ruined street littered with rubble.

He learns quickly how to read the ratings system, how to filter out the mature content. He understands it exists, he's fine with it, really, but he doesn't want to read it. All Might belongs to the world; in that respect at least, his love is spoken for.

Even so, he comes back, again and again, to the ordinary stories. Small meetings in small places. Coffeeshops, book stores, chance meetings on a train, a stranger in the park. It's a gentler, quieter love that soothes his troubles like waves against a boulder. Fans who don't want a hero, but a friend.

"I - I know it's not much, but," you're stumbling over your words like an idiot. "If I can ever do anything to help..." You stop your rambling when his hand alights on your shoulder. It's a light touch, like he's afraid you hurt you, and accepts the card from your shaky hands.

Perhaps he's a fool after all, chasing something that's both a source of pain and a balm to his soul. He relates to that loneliness, that longing, so profoundly that it hurts. He thumbs the star at the top of the browser and places another bookmark. 

To Love, Or To Kill?

Bucky Barnes x Reader (1/?) AU

Anon - Can you write one where Bucky and the reader were dating but they got in a huge argument and are ignoring each other so when they go on a mission together Nat has to go too so they don't fight too much. But when something goes wrong Bucky has to decide on which one to save. The reader, the one he loved, or Nat, the woman who helped him escape. And out of loyalty he chooses Nat and the reader lives somehow and they go mute because the one they loved didn't choose them... angst and drama plz

A/N So I combined this idea with a soulmate AU that was brought up to me by the wonderful @hollycornish so, since this was a request that people anticipated and the soulmate AU intrigued me, I combined both and created a series! Special love for the wonderful @littlemissacorn and @buchananbarnestrash for helping me out! 

Italics are flashbacks

Word Count -1.5K

Warnings - swearing, violence, thats it?

 “We don’t need a babysitter to go on a mission, Natasha.” You snapped, pulling on your gloves as the both of you rushed to the jet. “Looking at the way you two are ignoring each other, I think I do.” She answered back as she smirked when you replied with nothing but an eye roll. “I’m surprised you two are still refusing to talk to each other, one minute you’re going at it like rabbits and being ‘goals’ as I hear kids say, and now you can’t even keep eye contact.” She thought out loud as the both of you got onto the jet, Natasha took the seat beside Bucky as you took a seat on the opposite side, and the opposite end, not wanting to look at his stupid face as you flew to your next mission, or as you hoped, your death.

 As the journey was underway, you glanced down to your wrists; how stupid was it that your soulmate was on one wrist, and your enemy, the one you will have to fight and/or kill in the future, on the other? And who’s idea was it to not tell you which one was which? If it was a god who cursed us with this, what the fuck is wrong with them?

 You looked back up to see James and Natasha in conversation, laughing too - much to your dismay. “Maybe… Maybe he’s the one I’m going to have to-“ “We’re here.” Natasha spoke up, stopping your thoughts and giving you a soft smile as you nodded and unfastened yourself from your seat, checking your weapons were on you as you stood up and that the timer on your watch was right.

 “You ready?” Steve stood up from the pilot seat, walking to you and putting a warm hand on your shoulder “You alright?” he asked, clearly concerned, this was your first mission with Bucky since the argument, which happened months ago, but it felt like only yesterday that the both of you were at each other’s throats; you scoffed, shaking your head in somewhat amusement as you pulled your sleeves down and gloves up to cover up the names that were permanently scarred into your skin, hoping that would fade your constant train of thought. “Am I alright?” You almost laughed, looking up to Steve’s height. “Do you want an honest answer or the answer you would prefer to hear?” You raised an eyebrow, shrugging his hand off your shoulder “Well-“ “Exactly.” You cut him off, walking past Natasha and Bucky, ignoring their existences before jumping from the jet opening to the roof of the building you had to seize.

 "Scanner gives an approximate 98 men in the building.” You spoke monotone, sneaking past some guards before jumping and swinging up into an open vent. “How many floors has this place got again?” “12” Natasha answered Bucky’s stupid question; does he not read the brief? “Not a lot of people for a small building.” He speaks through the comms again, “If he doesn’t shut up in a second I’m gonna-“ “James, James, James…” You hear, freezing in your spot as you continued to listen. “My men implanted bombs on each floor of this building, your now… ex-girlfriend is it? Is in a vent at the bottom floor, silly girl, and your new lover on the top floor, attempting to take out all of my men…” The man chuckled.

 A loud clang echoed in the vent, your eyes widening as you turned to look behind you, seeing the vent you climbed through being locked shut and something sticking up from beneath. You gasped as you hear a bloodcurdling scream follow a large snapping noise from your comms, the scream most definitely coming from Natasha.

 The laugh erupted again. “My men will expose your ex-lady to a lethal gas, and will inject your new toy with a lethal venom. You have 3 minutes to save one and escape before the building goes… POOF.” You could hear the grin through his words.

 You pulled your shirt up to cover your mouth and nose, the fabric would give you a minimum of a minute or less to survive when the gas fills the whole vent and replaces the oxygen; you began to panic, moving faster and looking at your wrist to see if you could find an exit before you were going to suffocate.

 “Your three minutes start now…” The man chuckled. “NO! I WILL NOT CHOOSE.” Bucky shouted, shooting his gun at him but missing, which was not like himself.

 “I-I-I-I….” He stuttered, who would he save? The woman who helped him through everything, who saved him before he had met you, the woman who practically saved him from his other self, who’s name is scarred on his wrist from birth, who loved him…

 “I’m so sorry…” He whispered, beginning to run.

 “He’s gone to save her…” you whispered, wondering whether you should laugh or cry; your body began to feel numb in seconds, you didn’t want to move, you didn’t want to feel, maybe death was the better way out. “I’m so sorry Y/N… I…I….” “I don’t want to hear it.” You spat, seeing the red gas make itself more apparent in the vent you were stuck inside.

 You closed your eyes, ready for your fate to come.

 “Not on my watch.” You heard Steve shout, breaking the vent from beneath you as you fell through the hole into his arms. “I can’t believe he chose-“ “We have one minute left Steve, you might survive, I won’t… just… Leave me here…” You whispered, feeling the gas get to your lungs despite your efforts to stop it. “Not gonna happen dollface.” Steve gave you a soft smile before running to the roof.

 As he ran all you could think was of the names on your wrists, were you wrong? If Buc-James. If James was your soulmate, he would’ve saved you, he would’ve – no, SHOULD’VE, chose you over… over… Her…

 You rubbed your thumb over your wrists, wanting to rid of those goddamn names that seemed to have made the storyline of your life, and ruined it too. “30 seconds…” you heard Steve whisper, you looked up at him, noticing that he had reached the roof. “Nice knowing ya I gue-“ “Nope, you’re gonna hold onto me okay? You’re gonna live. You’re gonna be happy without him-“ “But-“ “No buts Y/N- 15 seconds” he huffed, turning to face the edge of the building. “Steve-“ “Trust me dollface” He smiled, hugging you closer to his body before breaking off into a sprint “Steve!” Your eyes widened, looking up at him as he ignored you completely; “STEVE!” You screamed as he leaped off the edge, the building bursting into flames behind you, the blast pushing you both further away, setting you to land somewhere else, somewhere- well, not very comfortable.

 The building was almost to ashes, Bucky and Natasha stood far from the scene but close enough to see the carnage. “Why did you choose me?” Natasha asked, sighing as a cure was injected to her bloodstream. “I… Owe you a lot Nat, I thought she would’ve got out-“ “You were questioning the Soulmate and the enemy names weren’t you?” She asked, giving a sympathetic smile as she saw Bucky nod slowly, but not surely.

 “You chose me over them both James… Steve and Y/N…  I thank you for that, I owe you everything, my life…” She whispered, making her way towards him. “I know…” He choked out, a tear falling from his eye as he watched the building crumble to ashes.

 You coughed, noticing that you were laid atop of Steve, his arms still firmly wrapped around you. “You okay?” He spoke up, voice hoarse. “More than okay… Thank you Steve…” You smiled, this being your first smile in months. “But…” You trailed off, moving to get off of him and standing as he too sat up to look at you; his eyes stared at you with what looked like curiosity and… fear? “But?” He asked, wanting you to continue.

 You sigh; “There’s something I need to tell you…”

 The storm was raging and the thunder clapping, echoing in the ears of the fighters below as the rain plummeted down onto the scene; their faces were drenched and red, hair plastered onto their faces as they landed hit after hit - knuckles bleeding as well as their wounds.

They clashed together, knives at each other’s throats as they grasp the others collar in rage, breaths quick paced and visible in the cold air; “You destroyed mine and my family’s life… Now I destroy you.”

So here it is! The start of 1/2 series that I have been preparing! Hope you guys like it, I don't know how many parts this will have but- idk haha! Part one of my other series will be posted tomorrow! It will be a Jason x Reader series :)

Tags @missmeganrachel @debzybrazy @darlingpeanut @lostinspace33 @permanent-lines @janellexox0 @onmiontko @lastbeliever @mae-smith99 @brooke-supernatural16

det. au 11

Arsé-kun: Arséne: Today's summary. Tom suggested I get a case from Sherlock, so I did. This lead to Sheepy and I busting the waitress.

Arsé-kun: Arséne: That idol showed up to pay Sherlock. Diego found that other man.. Rupel. It proceeded to be followed by Nyar being very convienient. Sheepy and Randy opted to rescue another man, Jack, from a slug. Randy suggested I write down people's names, so I'll add Okita to this. He's at the hospital, but we rarely see him.. Baldwin picked up the Jackson kids while Sheepy and Randy were out. Hansel and his sister existed. Nyar talked. Also there was a murder? Again? Of a street artist. Poor Yusuke. .. I decided to look for myself, and found it was a mess. Crow joined us for.. Some reason? He proceeded to be an enormous help, honestly. We then proceeded to the suspect's house. .. It didn't take much to find evidence, but the suspect managed to escape. We spent the day hunting, but were unsuccessful. End of summary. Sheepy: Fran: That much happened....? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Yes. There's more, but I haven't finished getting the full story. Like what happened inside the suspect's home yesterday. I wasn't present for most of it. Sheepy: Fran: Understandable. Sorry that I've been of little use. Arsé-kun: Arséne: It's fine. Sheepy: Sheepy: You have a job. Impey doesn't. Arsé-kun: Arséne: He does. He's supposed to be making backup vests for us. The last one I got from him was.. A week ago? Sheepy: Sheepy: That's my point... Sheepy: Fran: He's been much more helpful than me. Arsé-kun: Arséne: You do what's asked of you, though. You earn no complains from me. Sheepy: Fran:... Sheepy: Fran: I feel like I'm not doing as much as I should... Sheepy: Fran: Not much is asked of me so I've been trying to find the cure to Cardia's poison. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Noble goal. If I need anything, I'll be sure to ask you. Sheepy: Fran: Okay, that's fine. Arsé-kun: Germain: *he enters scene, seeming a bit tenser than usual* Good morning, everyone. Am I interrupting anything? Sheepy: Sheepy: You're interrupting my life! I'm 13 now Mom, I don't need you anymore! GOSH! Sheepy: Sheepy: But actually all you missed was us trashtalking Impey. Arsé-kun: Germain: So nothing is new? That is good. Sheepy: Sheepy: Yup. Sheepy: Sheepy: Good morning or something. Arsé-kun: Germain: Thank you. No one would mind if I stepped outside for a bit, yes? Sheepy: Sheepy: Just don't let any radiation in Arsé-kun: Germain: Of course. Sheepy: Sheepy: Okay, have fun. Arsé-kun: Germain: I certainly will. *he takes his hat off the rack and exits* Sheepy: *Ominous!* Arsé-kun: Arséne: It's almost as if he completely ignored our buddy system. Sheepy: Sheepy: He's Saint Germain. He does what he wants. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Thanks, I hate it. Sheepy: Sheepy: Good. Arsé-kun: Germain: *aaaand he's already back. when did he open the door? WHen did he close it??* Sheepy: Sheepy: Hey, welcome back. Arsé-kun: Germain: Thank you. *he's grinning. uh oh.* You may be pleased to hear that I may have a hand in starting some dr- Discord in Idea. Sheepy: Sheepy: Good. Arsé-kun: Germain: I'd like to watch it go down, but I doubt I can go alone. Sheepy: Sheepy: Who did you want to bring? Arsé-kun: Germain: To Idea? It'd be too risky to bring an outsider. Sheepy: Sheepy: So Nyar. Arsé-kun: Germain: Yes. So I'll free the household of his presence for a few hours, at least. Sheepy: Nyar: You called, Fluffy? Arsé-kun: Germain: I've started drama. Would you like to watch it go down? Sheepy: Nyar: Sounds good. Arsé-kun: Germain: Then we shall go together. Sheepy: Nyar: OK. Arsé-kun: Germain: *he opens the door again* After you. Sheepy: Nyar: Thank you! *He goes through* Arsé-kun: *Germain follows, closing the door on his way out* Arsé-kun: Germain: >:) Sheepy: *Ominous!* Arsé-kun: Germain: I've sent back Apostle 27. Should the final member do their part, the remainder shall be simple for you. Sheepy: Nyar: Wow, he's fallen in ranks to be less than the amount of members there are. Sheepy: Nyar: And good thinking. Arsé-kun: Germain: It was the first number I picked. To call him anything but his actual number is accurate. Sheepy: Nyar: Yeah. Arsé-kun: Germain: How long do we have? I'm unsure if we'll make it before the show begins. Sheepy: Nyar: No clue, let's hurry. Arsé-kun: Germain: Yes, lets. If we're really lucky, we'll make it before he does. Sheepy: *Have fun!* Arsé-kun: *Scene changes to a Very Messy Room. One that's never cleaned. One that's rarely entered or exited* Sheepy: *...And sitting on the owner of the room's stomach is Hansel, talking about how sugar might help them.* Arsé-kun: 5: .. .... ..?? *and this is what he wakes up to. poor guy. he goes to talk, but his throat's, like, uberdry* ??? Sheepy: Hansel: Does that mean you want one? Arsé-kun: 5: *he nods and reaches for his water. water good. water keeps you alive* Sheepy: Hansel: Ah, good idea. They're cinnamon buns. Arsé-kun: 5: Th.. Thank you. Sheepy: Hansel: *He hands one to 5* Guinevere made them because she doesn't want me to miss out on the nice things of having a mother. I wanted to share one with you because you're always sleeping. Sheepy: Hansel:...So it might give you energy Arsé-kun: 5: Pardon?? Who did? Sheepy: Hansel: Who did what? Sheepy: Hansel: Make these? Arsé-kun: 5: Yes..! Sheepy: Hansel: Guinevere. Is that a surprise because she's always wearing armor? Sheepy: Hansel: Sometimes she doesn't. Sheepy: Hansel: She wears dresses too. Sheepy: Hansel: But she's usually wearing armor and she's really tall so I didn't know at first that she was a woman... Arsé-kun: 5: I have... Never... Seen this lady.. In all my time of being here..? Arsé-kun: 5: Her armor... What does it look like..? Sheepy: Hansel: You never left your room from what I've seen. She seemed a little worried about that but just assumed that you were shy so she never tried to pursue a friendship. Sheepy: Hansel: Ah? Armor...big, white...fancy L pattern on the shoulders... Sheepy: Hansel: The fabric for it is a little torn but otherwise it's very well maintained. Arsé-kun: 5: ... .... H.. How long has she been.. An apostle..? Sheepy: Hansel: Before I came here. She's been here before most of us... Arsé-kun: 5: what. Sheepy: Hansel: Well, she did say she's never seen you leave your room, so maybe that's why you've never seen her. Arsé-kun: 5: I... I joined to find her... And you're telling me that she has been here the entire *cough* time? Sheepy: Hansel: ? Sheepy: Hansel: I guess so. Sheepy: Hansel: Is that a bad thing? Arsé-kun: 5: Please get off of me. I feel a spot of rage coming on. Sheepy: Hansel:...*He gets off* Angry? At me? Arsé-kun: 5: Non. You are fine. Thank you for telling me. Sheepy: Hansel: ..Oh, good, I don't like it when people get mad at me. Sheepy: Hansel: Well, if you're mad at her, she could easily crush you to bits. She's the strongest of the apostles probably... and on top of that she's got a huge sword... Sheepy: Hansel:...So I'd recommend not fighting her. Sheepy: Hansel: On top of that she's extremely fast and immediately goes for the kill...I've seen her fight a few times. Arsé-kun: 5: I don't wish to fight her, either. *he starts to get off his bed, only to nearly collapse* I've only got a single target. Arsé-kun: 5: I would be willing to bet my life for the idea that she has never once used my name. I'm only a number. Arsé-kun: 5: ... Stay here, the both of you. *he frowns more. this is all that's visible from under his hood* I need to speak with your mother and the Lady. Sheepy: Hansel: ...OK. Sheepy: Hansel: I’ve never heard your name, no. If by she you mean Guinevere, I’ve never heard her call you anything but a number. Sheepy: Hansel: ...You seem unsteady. Why? Sheepy: Hansel: I think Guinevere had something she had to do today, so she’s probably wearing armor. These cinnamon buns are probably payment for me bringing her there, since the others don’t even thank me... but she can’t go until I join her, and I don’t know when she wants to go, so you have time. Arsé-kun: 5: ... Lancelot. My name is Lancelot. Sheepy: Hansel: Lancelot.... Sheepy: Hansel: Guinevere has mentioned you... laughing about how men have hit on her but they'll never have a chance because she's eternally devoted to you. She says the armor serves as proof because it's the only way she can be with you now, even if it's a silly old thing you discarded a long while ago... according to her. Sheepy: Hansel:...And mentioning you other times as well. She alternates between telling tales about the great things you've done and the actions she regrets taking that counteracted them. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: ... Thank you for telling me. *he starts to leave, using the wall as support* Do stay. There may be bloodshed. Sheepy: Hansel: Blood...shed... Arsé-kun: Lancelot: Not from Guinevere, of course. I would never. Sheepy: Hansel: No...you could never. She'd snap you like a twig. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: I wouldn't mind that. Sheepy: Hansel: Huh? Arsé-kun: Lancelot: Don't worry about it. *and he heads out.* Arsé-kun: Germain: *he's just watching in the window. he :). he >:). he's clearly waiting for something. Ominous. he shouldn't even be here, he quit, why is he here* Sheepy: *Lance, if you're hunting for Guin, follow the armor noises!* Sheepy: *She's actually pretty easy to find.* Arsé-kun: *He certainly does find her. It just takes him a bit to get there* Sheepy: *Lancelot try getting up and moving around more it'd do you some good.* Arsé-kun: *He had no reason nor motivation to. Anyway, finally got there* Sheepy: Guin: *She's mumbling to herself while looking at papers* ...And Hansel's grocery request is just "food"... He won't eat vegetables so I should find a way to hide them in what I make... Arsé-kun: Lancelot: ... ... Guinevere. Sheepy: Guin: Mm? *She looks over* Oh, 5. You're up. Good to see you. I was worried about you. Sheepy: Guin: Here, you should write a list of what you want from the store. I'm going later after my mission. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: ... That is not my name, my lady... But I suppose. Sheepy: Guin: Ah! I apologize. I don't know your name...none of us do. I wanted to talk to you, but you were always in your room. I didn't want to disturb you. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: You.. Wouldn't have. *he does take the list and pen, though* Sheepy: Guin: I hope you don't find it rude, but what's your name? It feels wrong to call you by a number. It's all I had, though... Sheepy: Guin: You know me, but I'm Guinevere. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: I know that. *he scribbles something down on the list and slides it back over* Sheepy: Guin: *She takes off the helmet* And so you aren't surprised, this is my face. Sheepy: Guin: *She looks over the list* ...Your armor? I'm sorry, I can't recall taking care of any armor past the set I'm wearing. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: *he can't help but stare* You look as if you haven't aged a day, Guinevere. *and he pulls his own hood off* Sheepy: Guin: ...! But- you can't be... He's dead... But you look like him...! A very tired one, but... Sheepy: Guin:...She would've told me if you were... I've been mourning him for so long... Am I just exhausted and hallucinating...? Arsé-kun: Lancelot: Neither of us.. Have been aware of the other's identity for the last... Thousands of years! Arsé-kun: Lancelot: I thought I was hallucinating whenever I heard your voice. The Lady would say I was and send me away..! Sheepy: Guin: What?! Sheepy: Guin: No, no! I've definitely been here! Arsé-kun: Lancelot: I did this to myself to find you..! All this, and you were here the entire time..! Sheepy: Guin: I'm so sorry...I didn't know! If only I has approached you! But everyone said you weren't to be disturbed... Arsé-kun: Lancelot: But that was so I could search for you..! Arsé-kun: *Lancelot is physically shaking. He is the embodiment of pure fucking rage right now* Sheepy: Guin: I'm so sorry...I didn't know... Arsé-kun: Lancelot: Neither did I, my lady. Neither did I- Arsé-kun: Germain: Hey! You two should kiss! Sheepy: Guin:?! Arsé-kun: Germain: And this is why I sent you back, dear sir! Enjoy the rest of your day! Sheepy: Guin: Saint-Germain?! ... Thank you. Arsé-kun: Germain: Quite welcome, Guin. :) Someone had to do it, and SHE wasn't going to. Sheepy: Guin:...She never told me... Arsé-kun: Germain: She told no one. It was going to remain this way until someone was permanently dead. Sheepy: Guin:....... Sheepy: Guin: I... I... I don't understand... Arsé-kun: Germain: The Lady is not as nice as you think. .. I'll tell you more later. I don't wish to be caught spreading anything. Sheepy: Guin:..... Arsé-kun: Germain: Don't let the buns get too cold, now! Sheepy: Guin: ...Thank you... *She turns back to Lancelot and gives him a hug* Arsé-kun: *Lancelot more or less melts. Not literally. This man needs affection badly* Sheepy: *And affection he shall receive!* Arsé-kun: *they're crying, the buns are going to get cold, and Germain has taken one and left* Sheepy: *LANCELOT EAT YOUR BUNS* Arsé-kun: *HE WILL, CALM DOWN* Sheepy: *BEFORE HANSEL EATS THEM but he's not here yet. he still remembers his orders* Arsé-kun: *Germain considers going home, but he should probably wait for Nyar..* Sheepy: Nyar: Hey hey hey! You've all forgotten about me, huuuh? I bet you were all so sad without me! Especially you, wimpy guy! Sheepy: Guin: Leave. Arsé-kun: Germain: There you are. Let them have this moment to themselves. Sheepy: Nyar: Mmmm, but, whether they like it or not, it'll be short and bittersweet. I can smell it. Sheepy: Nyar: I'm no future teller like the source, though. Hehehe~ Anywho! You two lovers stick together, huh? And fair warning, get buckled in because what's up next will blow your mind. Arsé-kun: Germain: ... Do stay together. There may be a risk, and it would be best mitigated in a group. Sheepy: Nyar: Yeah, yeah, play in traffic, don't stay safe, whatever it is. Sheepy: Nyar: And don't trust that lady any more than you trust me. I'm serious. Arsé-kun: Germain: I can agree on that. Do not. Sheepy: Guin:.... Arsé-kun: Azathoth: She's almost here. It is time to go, you two. Arsé-kun: Germain: Stay safe. Don't do anything too stupid. That's our job. Sheepy: Nyar: Yeah! That advice! I second it! *He scampers off!* Arsé-kun: Germain: *he grumbles under his breath* Way to steal my thunder, you beautiful eldritch asshole. *he strides off after Nyar* Sheepy: Omnibus: ...That's unfortunate. They've already left. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: Omnibus...! Sheepy: Omnibus: I see you two have reunited. I'm happy for you. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: No help from you..! Sheepy: Guin:...Omnibus, why did you withhold his existence from me? Sheepy: Omnibus: I understand you might be angry or upset. Sheepy: Omnibus: However, it was necessary for a better future that I keep you two apart for a period of time. Sheepy: Omnibus: Guinevere. You would not have become so strong without Lancelot's "fall from grace" and subsequent "death" fueling your actions. Sheepy: Omnibus: Lancelot. You wouldn't have become skilled in your forte without your burning desire to find Guinevere. Sheepy: Omnibus:...However, I did put it off for too long. Now Nyarlathotep has taken something very important from us using this as a distraction device. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: It's been over a thousand years! Sheepy: Omnibus: I'm aware. Sheepy: Guin:...There's no reason for you to have not told us by now. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: If it was so important, why didn't you stop him?! I cannot do it..! My skillset does not permit and you know it! Sheepy: Omnibus: I am incapable of it. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: Lovely! Sheepy: Omnibus: Hansel is fast asleep. Guinevere was preoccupied. Philemon is the concern of the situation. Saint-Germain was an accomplice, as was Azathoth. Nyarlathotep was the perpetrator. Sheepy: Omnibus: The others aren't here. Sheepy: Omnibus: Considering that my skillset doesn't permit me, much like yours doesn't, all I could do was watch. Arsé-kun: Azathoth: And I'm still herrreee! Sheepy: Omnibus: I'm aware. At this point all you're doing is watching. Sheepy: Omnibus: You now have found each other and have an eternity to spend time with one another. Sheepy: Guin: What else haven't you told us? Arsé-kun: Aza: What else have you seen and not realized for yourselves? Take the time to figure it out. Sheepy: Guin: What have I seen and not wanted to believe? Arsé-kun: Aza: Or perhaps did not see the truth behind. Sheepy: Omnibus: This is all that I was hiding. Arsé-kun: Aza: That's cute. Sheepy: Guin: Hansel's naivety... Philemon's behavior. Sheepy: Guin: Philemon's behavior felt very wrong to me... Like I was interacting with a robot who was incapable of making decisions on little things and needed input from other sources. Arsé-kun: *Lancelot doesn't input. He's too angry to* Sheepy: Guin: And Hansel knows so little. Why did nobody educate him? Sheepy: Omnibus: That's simply how Philemon is. Arsé-kun: Aza: I take offense to that statement. Do not tell me how my child is or is not. Sheepy: Omnibus: I won't deny you know him better than I. Sheepy: Omnibus: However, that's how he is now. Arsé-kun: Aza: ... There are many things I wish to say, but none are applicable to public discussion. Perhaps we should finish this privately. Sheepy: Omnibus: Perhaps. Sheepy: Guin:....Azathoth. I can get a straight answer from you. Arsé-kun: Aza: Make it quick. I'm getting tired. Sheepy: Guin: What was done to Philemon to make him that way? Arsé-kun: Aza: Mental larceny. Sheepy: Guin:...His mind was stolen? Sheepy: Guin: And that's what Nyarlathotep stole earlier? Arsé-kun: Aza: Not all of it. Just enough to warrant his inability to function on his own. He's only of use when he can't make his own decisions, right Lady? I'll see myself out. Sheepy: Omnibus: ..... Sheepy: Omnibus: I've never said that. Sheepy: Omnibus: Furthermore, he gave it up willingly. Arsé-kun: Aza: I already stated I was leaving. Farewell, fellow apostles. And a farewell especially for you, Omnibus- Tootles! Sheepy: Omnibus: Goodbye, Azathoth. Sheepy: Guin:... Arsé-kun: *and Azathoth steps into a different dimension. that's an exit. bye* Sheepy: *OH* Arsé-kun: Lancelot: ... I'm going back to bed. Sheepy: Omnibus: Good night. *She exits* Sheepy: Guin:... I, um... Arsé-kun: Lancelot: Are you not coming..? Sheepy: Guin: I didn't know I could. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: Please do.. Sheepy: Guin: I will then. *Guin follows!* Sheepy: *Hansel is, as Omnibus said, fast asleep.* Arsé-kun: Gretel: *she's just kinda. Looking through everything? She doesn't put any of it down upon seeing them* Bonjour or whatever! Sheepy: Guin:...! Arsé-kun: Gretel: Hansel's snoozing, but I can take a message! Sheepy: Guin: We, uh, actually didn't come in here for Hansel...I didn't know he was here. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: I didn't think he would actually stay put.. Sheepy: Guin: Sorry, I've told him not to do this before... Arsé-kun: Gretel: Oh, well, mission accomplished! He got his pastry, I got to watch! Sheepy: Guin: I should've made some for you too. Arsé-kun: Gretel: I'm the fork. I'd just be wearing it until Hansel eats it! Arsé-kun: Gretel: Oh, my manners! I'm Gretel. His sister. Sheepy: Guin: Oh, right! Sorry. Sheepy: Guin: I forgot since you're always a fork. Arsé-kun: Gretel: Could be worse! Sheepy: Guin: That's true. Arsé-kun: Gretel: But hey, I'm just a fork, so go ahead and do whatever it was you guys wanted! Sheepy: Guin: I didn't mean offense from what I said. I apologize. Arsé-kun: Gretel: None taken! Sheepy: Guin: Um, Lancelot. Arsé-kun: Lance: mm? Sheepy: Guin: I understand you're probably tired, but I think it's a good idea if you go out more. ... And, while your skill with the sword is beyond mine, I think that it might be a good idea if we try training together. After what I learned today...well, you should be ready for anything. Arsé-kun: Lance: ... I would like that. Sheepy: Guin: Ah! I'm glad. Sheepy: Guin:....Of course, I should return your armor and weapon. I apologize for taking them, but... I was under the impression you were dead, and it was as close as I could get to being with you, I guess. Arsé-kun: Lance: Keep them. You've had them longer than I have now. Sheepy: Guin: ...Are you sure? Arsé-kun: Lance: Yes. Sheepy: Guin: Thank you. Arsé-kun: *And so, since his bed was taken, Lancelot decides the best place to be is on a pile of whatever the hell all this crap is. New Bed* Sheepy: *Lancelot clean your room* Arsé-kun: *no* Sheepy: *Guin takes this as it's time for her to go.* Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Are you leaving? Sheepy: Guin: Well, you seem like you want to sleep. Sheepy: Guin: So I don't want to disturb you by staying. Arsé-kun: Lance: Why would you disturb me? Sheepy: Guin: Ah, well, this armor can be noisy. Arsé-kun: Lance: I know. Sheepy: Guin: Which could wake you. Arsé-kun: Lance: Don't know till we try. Sheepy: Guin: I suppose so. Sheepy: *Guin sits down* Arsé-kun: *Lancelot moves closer to Guin* Sheepy: Guin: *This is fine* Arsé-kun: Gretel: *she'd take pictures but she is a ghost who does not have the most* Sheepy: *Meanwhile! What's up with Nyat and Sanchan?* Sheepy: Nyar: ...I guess. Sheepy: Nyar: *He inhales sharply* ...Well, it's now or never. Arsé-kun: Germain: And we choose now. *he goes to knock on the door* Sheepy: Nyar:...Um. Hey. I'm here to apologize. I know it won't justify what I did, but... Sheepy: Nyar: ...I was selfish. I was focused on what I wanted and didn't even think about the fact I could've hurt you. Sheepy: Nyar: So, I'm sorry. Arsé-kun: *The door is opened, and Nyar is... Glomped on. Ah. It's Kazuya.* Sheepy: Nyar:?! Arsé-kun: Kazuya: I didn't think you were gonna come back, Uncle! Sheepy: Nyar: Huh...? U-Uncle? I thought you hated me...! Sheepy: Nyar: So I stayed with Saint-Germain. Naoya told me to leave the last time. Arsé-kun: Germain: Which was rude, might I add. Sheepy: Nyar:...But deserved. Arsé-kun: Kazuya: He kicked you out.. But I'll gladly let you in! Sheepy: Nyar:...Thqn. Thank you. Sheepy: Nyar: I... should explain. Sheepy: Nyar: I came for another reason as well. ... Phil. Have you noticed how he's always so stiff? Sheepy: Nyar: It's because his emotions were stolen. Before that... He hated me. Sheepy: Nyar: But isn't it my responsibility to get them back? I've sacrificed a lot, including part of myself, to achieve that. And... now I have them. I don't know how this'll go. Sheepy: Nyar: I'm giving you a fair warning that he may have a breakdown. I'm giving you a warning of what he really is. He's a selfish jerk who can't stand the thought of not being the one responsible for helping. He's an introvert who's always focused on what he can do to improve the lives of others. He likes hunting. Sheepy: Nyar:...Most importantly, he's capable of changing. I'm sure you two will be enough to change him, even if he eternally hates me. Arsé-kun: Kazuya: ... .... We can try? Sheepy: Nyar: Great! Sheepy: Nyar: Is Phil home? Arsé-kun: Kazuya: Uh... *he looks back* Naoya! Phil's still here, right?? Sheepy: Naoya: Yeah! He's...doing... something. Why? Arsé-kun: Kazuya: Have you not heard any of this?? Sheepy: Naoya: Oh, I've got suspicions. It's Nyar, isn't it? Phil said he's been told not to let Nyar in no matter what, and that he's up to no good. ... I can't get out of him who told him that, but it doesn't sound wrong Arsé-kun: Germain: Is there any rule about letting me in instead, then? Sheepy: Naoya: Only Nyar was mentioned, and frankly, I don't want Nyar in here anyway. Arsé-kun: Kazuya: You just missed, like, three paragraphs of exposition! Sheepy: Naoya: Exposition? Arsé-kun: Germain: The shortened version is an apology about behavior, an explanation of behavior, the reason for it, and the outcome. Sheepy: Naoya:.... Sheepy: Naoya: Well, I'm fine with you coming in. I guess it's not really my decision anyway. Arsé-kun: Germain: Fantastic. *he steps in, and turns back to Nyar* Whatever happened to being the worst thing that existed? You play by the rules now? I'll take that jar if you won't do it. Arsé-kun: *kaz heads back inside, too, to repeat what Nyar said. not word for word, though- that's naoya's job. literally* Sheepy: Nyar: ...You're right. I'm losing my touch. Sheepy: Nyar: I've been living around humans for too long...or maybe I'm losing it because I'm not whole. What's happening to me? Sheepy: Nyar: *He follows Saint in* Sheepy: Nyar: Work small towards the big goal I suppose. Active rebellion. Sheepy: Phil: *His face is in a potted plant* Arsé-kun: Germain: Maybe you're getting too old for this. Time to retire, get a nice ranch, herd some cattle, commit a triple homicide.. Arsé-kun: Germain: How that pot, Phil? Sheepy: Nyar: Too old!? I'm not old...! Sheepy: Nyar: Dad's older...and he's running evil organizations and everything all by himself... Arsé-kun: Germain: This job may not be right for everyone. Side effects may include going soft, nausea, heart complications, or being a little bitch. Talk to your doctor if you think this is right for you. Sheepy: Nyar: Ugh....... but what doctor would prescribe making me less of a wimp... Arsé-kun: Germain: Who cares? Sheepy: Nyar: I do!...Phil! Get your head out of the plant! I've got news! Sheepy: Phil: Phil isn't here. Sheepy: Phil: The Lady has informed me that I'm but a potted plant. Arsé-kun: Germain: Can you take a break from being a potted plant? Sheepy: Phil: What is it? Sheepy: Nyar: Don't you hate her telling you that you're just an object? Treating you like one? Sheepy: Phil: Hate? Sheepy: Nyar: Yeah...like.. ...oh, wait. Sheepy: Phil: ...I don't know what hate would feel like, unless it's what I always feel. Sheepy: Phil: I don't feel any different looking at you and lookng at a stranger. Arsé-kun: Germain: Nyarlathotep, you're entirely missing your chance. It's getting too personal. Sheepy: Nyar: Ugh.... Sheepy: Nyar: ... Sheepy: Nyar: ..How do I do this... Sheepy: Nyar: Hey, you don't mind a few glass shards in your skin, right? It's for your own good! Sheepy: Phil: Ah, go ahead then. Sheepy: Nyar: *He smashes the Emotion Jar in Phil's face* Sheepy: Phil: !?.................. Sheepy: Nyar: ....................Uh. I did it right. Right? Sheepy: *Phil is wordlessly trembling. ... Shaking uncontrollably.* Sheepy: Nyar: Uh. I think I broke him. Sheepy: Nyar: Well. Time to get Dad to do it right I guess. Sheepy: Nyar: But, like, that was the only jar. Sheepy: Nyar: If that wasn't the right way.... ... Sheepy: Phil: *Hyperventilating* Sheepy: Nyar: Well, it'd be problematic. Right, Phil? ... Phil? Sheepy: Nyar:...Saint-Germain...what do we do? Arsé-kun: Germain: Factor it into our plans and move on. Arsé-kun: Germain: I've got an idea that's too human for your tastes. Arsé-kun: *What he turns out to mean is treat this event as if Phil is having a more normal, human breakdown, and to treat it accordingly. Blankets and nice music are applied. Cocoa everywhere. Is good* Sheepy: Nyar: What's this going to do? Sheepy: Phil:......*sob* Sheepy: Nyar: Eh? What's that? Sheepy: Nyar: Are you laughing? Sheepy: Phil: *sob* Sheepy: Nyar: Or...wait. Well. No. That makes no sense. Arsé-kun: Germain: Laughter would be a worse outcome, I'd think. Sheepy: Nyar: Why? Arsé-kun: Germain: Why would you think? Sheepy: Nyar: Laughter is a happy noise. Sheepy: Nyar: We don't cry. We don't feel sadness. ... At least. We didn't. Sheepy: Nyar: ...But...perhaps. Sheepy: Nyar: You can only feel sadness when you've finally found something truly important to you. Arsé-kun: Germain: Laughter can also be a sign of having been completely broken. You know this- Though I suppose it was always a good thing for you when someone else would, yes? Sheepy: Nyar: ... Sheepy: Nyar: I don't know. Arsé-kun: Germain: Concerned, are we? Sheepy: Nyar: Are you taunting me? Arsé-kun: Germain: Not at all. I enjoy seeing all these different sides of you. Arsé-kun: Germain: This one is.. Rather cute, I will say. Sheepy: Nyar: !? Arsé-kun: Germain: :) Sheepy: Nyar: I'm not...! No! This isn't me! It's just because I'm not whole! Arsé-kun: Germain: So you're missing a few masks. Didn't you do all this for him even before that? Sheepy: Nyar: Uh...! Arsé-kun: Germain: I understand. Not a word from me about this once it concludes. Sheepy: Nyar: You're giving it up that easily? Sheepy: Nyar: "Not a word"...though... Arsé-kun: Germain: Would you rather I declare to the heavens that you had a pure motive? Sheepy: Nyar: ...What, are you going to unleash your hieroglyphic knowledge on the world? That's pictures. Not words, technically. Sheepy: Nyar: And obviously not!!! Arsé-kun: Germain: The world has the rosetta stone. I'm unneeded. Sheepy: Nyar: If I'd waited a little longer I wouldn't have needed to teach you. Arsé-kun: Germain: ... I suppose that'd be correct. Sheepy: Nyar: So obviously there's evidence of me ruining the natural way of things! Sheepy: Nyar: I! Obviously! Don't! Care! Arsé-kun: Germain: I have a reply to that, but there are young ones present. Sheepy: Nyar: Or maybe it's just wrong!! Because I'm a heartless monster! I'm not losing it! Arsé-kun: Germain: Mmmmmhm. Sheepy: *Phil meanwhile seems to slowly be calming down...?* Arsé-kun: Germain: *he glances towards Phil* Has our chattering been of use to you? Sheepy: Phil: ...I don't know what's going on... Sheepy: Phil: I don't know what this is! Arsé-kun: Germain: Nyarlathotep accomplished a goal they have had since you made that mistake. Arsé-kun: Germain: Your ability to feel emotions has been returned to you. Sheepy: Phil: Goal? Mistake? My head hurts so much! Arsé-kun: Germain: But of course. It may take a small amount of time to readjust. Sheepy: Phil:...I don't like it. ...Like? ... ... I don't understand... what is liking something? How does it feel? How do I know if I don't like it? Arsé-kun: Germain: You've just shown you can tell. Sheepy: Phil: I don't know, it was just my first inclination. Sheepy: Phil: Everything is a mess. I can't think straight. Arsé-kun: Germain: Then do not. Sheepy: Phil: I just want it to stop. ... Want? I don't...want things. I don't hope for things. Arsé-kun: Germain: At a time, you did. Sheepy: Phil: What..... Sheepy: Phil: What did I want...? Arsé-kun: Germain: How should I know? I wasn't there. Arsé-kun: Germain: Sort yourself out and- Pardon my language- Get your shit together. Sheepy: Phil: ...I don't understand... Arsé-kun: Germain: Do you not? I was never aware part of your memory was busted as well. Sheepy: Nyar: Nodens, these are collections of feelings you've felt for so long. You never got rid of them. They just grew more and more until they became overwhelming. Sheepy: Nyar: And don't spout off to me about how you don't need them. Without them, you're just a prop for the show. A doll. A tool. You can't make decisions. You just follow orders. Sheepy: Phil: I don't know what you're talking about. Arsé-kun: Germain: Nyar, you did just hit him in the head with glass. Sheepy: Nyar: Okay but hitting people in the head with glass isn't going to make them obnoxious. Arsé-kun: Germain: It can make an obnoxious person more obnoxious, probably. Sheepy: Nyar: Here, let's try smashing glass over his head again and then see. Arsé-kun: Germain: Nyar, no! Sheepy: Nyar: It might right his memory. Arsé-kun: Germain: It doesn't work that way. Sheepy: Phil: I feel sick. Please go harass Nodens somewhere else. Sheepy: Phil:...You're very loud.. Arsé-kun: Germain: I think we've done enough damage for a single day. Sheepy: Nyar: Fine. Arsé-kun: Germain: *he gives a sheepish grin to Naoya and Kazuya* I'm very sorry for breaking your Phil-dot-exe. He will need time to finish his updates and reboot a couple of times- He's been putting off these updates for centuries. He's absolutely a computer, and who had the emoting ability of one. *he waves and pushes Nyar out* Sheepy: Naoya:...Uh... Arsé-kun: Kazuya: ... Hm... Sheepy: *Later! Something fun is happening!* Sheepy: *Specifically! It's time for a good old vampire meeting!* Arsé-kun: Impey: ... I still got an awful feeling about this! Arsé-kun: Delly: Too bad! *he pulls on Impey's braid* You and Eggy already agreed! Sheepy: Eggs: Isn't this the exact opposite of a good idea? ... But Dad goes... Arsé-kun: Delly: I already told you! I need bodyguards! Is it because neither of you have gone? Or because neither of you wear fancy suits? Sheepy: Eggs: And I'm not going to fit in. Sheepy: Eggs: I wear suits every day to work, though. Arsé-kun: Impey: Is "all of the above" a valid option? Arsé-kun: Delly: I said FANCY! Sheepy: Eggs: Yes, I know. Arsé-kun: Impey: I know, too! This is so uncomfortable..! Sheepy: Eggs: However, it'll probably be unnecessary stress for Dad... and he already has a lot going on... ... Arsé-kun: Delly: It's a meeting, not a bar brawl! Sheepy: Eggs:...I suppose so. Sheepy: Eggs: I did agree to it... Sheepy: Eggs:...We should get going, then. Arsé-kun: Delly: Remember! No letting anyone touch me unless I allow it! Sheepy: Eggs: I know. Arsé-kun: Impey: We'll try...! Arsé-kun: *they go inside! they get stared at, a lot* Sheepy: Eggs: *He slowly goes to back up and leave* Arsé-kun: Delly: What're you all looking at?? Get back to whatever you were doing! Sheepy: *If you need something to look at, there's now someone in full armor right behind Delly and crew!* Arsé-kun: Delly: ... What? What're you all looking at now..?? *he turns to look and very nearly screams* Sheepy: *Eggs accidentally bumps into that said someone without realizing they're there. He, too, gives the armored person a horrified stare.* Sheepy: Guinevere: *She takes off the helmet* ? Arsé-kun: Delly: When the hell did you get there?? Sheepy: Guin: Just now. Sheepy: Eggs: We didn't hear you following us. Sheepy: Hansel: Follow? I just followed the breadcrumbs before the birds ate them... Sheepy: Guin: Just now. Sheepy: Eggs: We didn't hear you following us. Sheepy: Hansel: Follow? I just followed the breadcrumbs before the birds ate them... Sheepy: Eggs:....Breadcrumbs? Sheepy: Hansel: I put breadcrumbs. Did you eat them? ...Are you a swan? You look like one, wearing all white. Arsé-kun: Delly: what the hell is going on Sheepy: Guin: I came here for the meeting and Hansel escorted me here because I didn't know the way. Arsé-kun: Lance: *he's kind of behind Guin.* Arsé-kun: Impey: Oh, that's fine! Lets get out of your way, then. *he moves* Sheepy: Hansel: You look like a woodpecker meanwhile. I only like swans in terms of birds but I suppose woodpeckers aren't too bad. *He's looking to Impey now.* Arsé-kun: Impey: Huh, that works. Sheepy: *Guinevere joins the rest of the group. Hansel stays with Impey and Eggs.* Arsé-kun: *Lance quickly follows her. Sorry, Hansel* Sheepy: Hansel:...Ah...they're leaving me... Arsé-kun: Delly: It's you. The tour guide. Sheepy: Hansel: Yes. Sheepy: Hansel: That's me. Hansel. Sheepy: Hansel: I don't know what a vampire is but it wasn't too difficult to find this place. Arsé-kun: Delly: Maybe it's time to move venues. But who cares! Lets get moving already! Sheepy: Hansel: I like swans so I'll stay with you. Guinevere left me so I must fend for myself. Sheepy: Hansel: Ah. Mr. Swan. Now is not the time to stare fearfully at the ground. Now is the time to fluff your feathers and look up proudly. Show the confidence you deserve to have. Arsé-kun: Delly: You're my bodyguard for the day! Huff and puff and all that shit! Sheepy: Eggs: I regret this... *but he does follow Delly. Hansel is following him closely.* Sheepy: Hansel: ...Wheelchair man. You remind me of someone. Arsé-kun: Mori: Perhaps my son which you just referred to as a swan. *he turns back to the people he was talking to for a moment, explaining that yes, that WAS his son, hasn't he grown up well? anyways, back to Hansel* Are you not going with him? Sheepy: Hansel: That's not who I mean. ... But. Yes. I'll go with him. The swan will guide me the right way. Arsé-kun: Mori: Then you may wish to hurry, before you lose them. Sheepy: Hansel: I don't want to get lost again, because then I'll really die this time. *He turns back to Eggs and begins following him again, mumbling to himself "Follow the swan, follow the swan~" before it turning into incoherent nonsense. At least Eggs made a new friend? A new friend who he very clearly is not comfortable with.* Arsé-kun: *Delly is very tempted to tell him to "Sing a bit louder, I can't hear you", but does not.* Arsé-kun: *and eventually, as Delly expected, people try to move in towards Delly. He does Not Approve* Arsé-kun: Delly: G-guards! Sheepy: Eggs: *I am here now! Hello don't get into his personal space!* Sheepy: Hansel:? Arsé-kun: Impey: Lets back it up a bit, folks! Arsé-kun: Delly: But not you, guide. You're okay. Sheepy: Hansel: *He pulls his fork closer* ...I'm okay. That makes me happy. Sheepy: Hansel: Thank you. Sheepy: Eggs:...I hope this doesn't sound rude, but...why are you carrying a big fork around? Sheepy: Hansel: This is my sister, Gretel. We're never apart. I love my sister. Sheepy: Eggs: Hansel and Gretel...like the fairytale? ...So that explains the breadcrumbs and the mention of the swan. But why are you playing the role of Hansel, and why is a fork playing the role of Gretel? Sheepy: Hansel: I loved my mother very much, but she didn't have food for us so she abandoned us. The swan promised to bring us to a new life where we'd have food and happiness, but Gretel starved to death because I wasn't good enough of an older brother. But I made a wish and now we're together again. Sheepy: Eggs:....Are things really that bad? Arsé-kun: Delly: Sounds normal to me by now. Sheepy: Eggs: Poverty is really that bad? Arsé-kun: Delly: Yeah, sometimes. Sheepy: Hansel: It was a drought. Everyone was starving. She threw us away to save herself. Arsé-kun: Delly: I recommend consuming the flesh and blood of the fallen! Sheepy: Hansel: Cannabalism is wrong. Arsé-kun: Delly: Eh. Sheepy: Hansel: That's what Guinevere told me. Arsé-kun: Delly: I guess maybe don't eat people unless you're into that. Sheepy: Hansel: I'm not. Sheepy: Hansel: It's cannabalism. Sheepy: Hansel: I'm a people. Sheepy: Eggs:...A person, singular, or multiple people in one costume? Arsé-kun: Gretel: "People" is plural, Hansel! *she sticks her head out and makes a face at Eggs* Oooh, scary ghost! Sheepy: Eggs: Guh?! Arsé-kun: Gretel: Gottem!! Sheepy: Hansel:...Is it cannabalism to eat a people then, if I'm a person? Sheepy: Eggs: Ghost...?! Arsé-kun: Gretel: Yes? Sheepy: Hansel: No, no, Gretel, not Ghost. I see where you confusion lies. They're similar words. Sheepy: Eggs: ...I don't get it...ghosts aren't real... Sheepy: Hansel: She's my sister. I told you that. Arsé-kun: Delly: The vampire says ghosts aren't real. That irony is delicious! Arsé-kun: Delly: If you don't think it exists? It probably exists! Arsé-kun: Delly: Evil squids? Yep. Unicorns? I think so. Slugs? Not sure about that one. Arsé-kun: Delly: Impey? Apparently not! Where the fresh hell did he go? Sheepy: Hansel:....I don't like slugs. They're squishy. Sheepy: Hansel: I poke at them and they leave. Sheepy: Hansel: That's how I get rid of slugs. Sheepy: Eggs: Why get rid of them in the first place...? Sheepy: Hansel: Because Mom doesn't like slugs nor squids. Sheepy: Eggs: And....Hansel, did you see where Impey headed off to? Sheepy: Hansel: ? Impey? Sheepy: Eggs: The redhead with the messy, long hair. Green eyes. Sheepy: Hansel: Mr. Woodpecker. He left after the thing caught his eye. Sheepy: Eggs: Thing? Sheepy: Hansel: The hot box. It warms you up when you're cold. ...*He pulls his fork closer* I don't like being cold. It's...lonely... Sheepy: Eggs: So you're talking about the heater. Alright. Also, you don't need to worry about loneliness right now. We're here. Arsé-kun: Delly: He had one goddamn job. Arsé-kun: Delly: One, single job. Stay with me. Well, he failed that! Congrats, Eggy, you've been promoted to Better Bodyguard! Sheepy: Eggs: Um...thanks? Sheepy: Eggs: I haven't done anything. Arsé-kun: Delly: You've stayed put! Sheepy: Hansel: Bodyguard? Sheepy: Hansel: Is it dangerous here? Arsé-kun: Delly: Not usually. I just don't want people touching me! Sheepy: Hansel: I see. Arsé-kun: Delly: That's great! I'm glad to know you aren't blind! Arsé-kun: *Impey returns, not at all stealthily, smelling of old vent dust and metal. On the plus side, he's only dusty and not filthy!* Arsé-kun: Impey: What'd I miss? Arsé-kun: Delly: You left! You weren't supposed to leave! Arsé-kun: Impey: *he shrugs* Hey, someone had to fix that vent, and no one else was doing it! Sheepy: Hansel: Vent.......... Sheepy: Hansel: So now no one can get in through there. Arsé-kun: Impey: Well, yeah. Arsé-kun: Delly: What is this, a tortoise meeting? Move it! Sheepy: Guinevere: I apologize for holding things up. I had matters to discuss with your father ahead of time, but I've finished. Arsé-kun: Delly: Old tortoise meeting! *he stomps over and kinda just. Slams his face into her for a moment. not literally* Really old and dusty! Sheepy: Guin: It's not wrong, I suppose. Sheepy: Eggs: You're probably not much older than I, just based on appearance. Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Dear, you can tell them. Sheepy: Guin: Should I...? Sheepy: Eggs:...? Sheepy: Guin: I suppose so. After learning that my family has died out - that past my existence, the only vampires to remain are that of the blood-drinking variant, I've concluded that I must do what I can to keep the remaining members of the vampire kind alive. Simply, I've come to offer my protection. Arsé-kun: Delly: So you smelling like old blood is literal AND figurative! *he seems impressed* Sheepy: Guin: You may have heard of me, although not in a good light. I am Guinevere, once Queen of Britain. You may hold issue with my past, but that does not change the fact that I will do everything in my power to keep you and your families safe. Sheepy: Guin: *With this, she doesn't seem to have anything else to say.* Arsé-kun: Delly: You're older than Dad is! Sheepy: Guin: Am I? Sheepy: Eggs:...*He looks to Impey. Who is Guinevere?* Arsé-kun: Impey: ... What're you lookin' to me for? Sheepy: Eggs: Guinevere? Should I know her? Arsé-kun: Impey: the whole king arthur thing? Sheepy: Eggs: King Arthur? Sheepy: Eggs: Let me think.... Sheepy: Eggs:...No, I don't recall it. Arsé-kun: Lance: *peeking around Guin* It's quite old.. It's fine to not know. Sheepy: Eggs:...Ah, that's good. Sheepy: Guin: I apologize for the interruption to your meeting. Arsé-kun: Delly: It's acceptable! Valid reason was given and old people do it all the time! Sheepy: Guin: I see. That's good. Arsé-kun: Delly: ... Wait! I hear Dad! *and he just. bolts away. good luck keeping up with THAT* Arsé-kun: Impey: ... So are we gonna get a paycheck? Sheepy: Eggs: I can't run that fast. Arsé-kun: Impey: No idea if I could! But you think we're gonna get paid anyway? Sheepy: Eggs: ...Mm? Oh, I was doing it as a favor. Sheepy: Eggs: More than that... ... No, nevermind. Arsé-kun: Impey: Hmmm? Sheepy: Eggs: It's nothing. Arsé-kun: Impey: Oh, okay! Sheepy: Eggs: *Nice! He didn't push it!* Arsé-kun: *Wow!* Arsé-kun: *and after a while, Delly re-enters the main scene, trying to copy his father's gait. He only accomplishes tripping on himself.* Sheepy: Hansel: ? Sheepy: Hansel: Ah, you're walking differently. Arsé-kun: Delly: That's what you notice?? Of all things?? Arsé-kun: *Perhaps Delly's aforementioned father, coming up behind Delly. This imposing silhouette of a man, still heavily shadowed despite the bright lights. scurry* Sheepy: Hansel: ... Ah. Your shadow can walk now. Sheepy: Hansel: Sister, how do you think he's doing that? Sheepy: Eggs: That's not a shadow. Sheepy: Hansel: You're not my sister. Arsé-kun: Gretel: Huh, what? I dunno, who cares? Sheepy: Hansel: I do. Sheepy: Hansel: If I didn't care, I wouldn't have asked. Arsé-kun: Delly: It's my Father! Sheepy: Hansel: I see. I'm happy for you. Sheepy: Hansel: I never got to experience having a dad for very long... So. I don't know what it's like. Arsé-kun: Delly: I highly recommend it! Sheepy: Hansel: I see. Sheepy: Hansel: I'll consider wishing for one for Christmas, then. Sheepy: Hansel: Thank you. Sheepy: Eggs: Nice to meet you. Sheepy: Hansel: You look terrified. Sheepy: Hansel: Do you think he'll attack you, Mr. Swan? Don't worry, my sister and I can protect you. Sheepy: Eggs: Please stop pointing it out... Sheepy: Guin: Good to see you. Arsé-kun: Vlad: ... Have I not just spoken with you? Sheepy: Guin: You did. Sheepy: Guin: However, it was moreso a greeting of "you've arrived". Sheepy: Hansel: Hm. Sheepy: Hansel: Mr. Swan. If you're so scared, why don't you join your dad? Sheepy: Eggs: I'm not scared and I'm here to be Delacroix's bodyguard. Arsé-kun: Vlad: Ah. I misunderstood. Sheepy: Guin: No, I understand why. It's fine. Arsé-kun: Vlad: *he turns his gaze to Eggs and Impey* ... Fresh blood? Arsé-kun: Impey: *he's also scared. a lot of fear.* Uh, um, n.. No? Sheepy: Eggs:...?! Sheepy: Hansel: To my understanding, this is their first time, yes. Sheepy: Hansel: I don't know about Mr. Woodpecker, but Mr. Swan is insecure enough to be new and unfamiliar with his surroundings. Arsé-kun: Delly: Yeah. They're not new vampires, they just never show up to these things! Sheepy: Hansel: I don't know what a vampire is. Arsé-kun: Delly: I thought I told you. Sheepy: Hansel: No. Sheepy: Hansel: You didn't. Arsé-kun: Delly: Oh. Okay. Sheepy: Hansel: Should I know? Sheepy: Hansel: I've heard them mentioned by Mother. Arsé-kun: Delly: Yes! Sheepy: Hansel: Why? Arsé-kun: Delly: Gee whiz, it's almost like you're surrounded by us. Sheepy: Hansel: ... But. You look human, so that doesn't help. Sheepy: Eggs: Vampires are similar to humans, except they're physically stronger and most of them drink blood. Sheepy: Hansel: Humans can drink blood too and the physical strength of humans vary. Sheepy: Eggs:...They run faster? Sheepy: Hansel: The speed of a human varies. Sheepy: Eggs: You... are overcomplicating things. Sheepy: Hansel: ...I feel as though... this will remain a mystery, much like me asking what an elder god is. Arsé-kun: Vlad: ... A vampire is not a human. We are closely related, but not the same. Sheepy: Hansel: I understand that. Sheepy: Hansel: So then. Humans are like ducks and vampires are like geese. They look similar, they both eat bread, and they act differently. Sheepy: Hansel: That's simple enough. Arsé-kun: Delly: Yeah, that! Sheepy: Hansel: I understand now. Arsé-kun: *in the bg, impey, slowly inching away. coward mode activated* Sheepy: Eggs: *He looks to Impey for help* Arsé-kun: Impey: ????? Sheepy: *He's scared too!* Arsé-kun: Impey: *he points over his shoulder. You wanna get out of here?* Sheepy: Eggs: *YES* Arsé-kun: *Cue Sneaky Escape Attempt™* Sheepy: Hansel: Hm. Arsé-kun: Delly: At least try, you cowards! Sheepy: Eggs: I just realized I forgot something at home... Arsé-kun: Impey: I'm gonna check the vent I fixed! Sheepy: Hansel: Why? Arsé-kun: Impey: Because maybe I didn't fix it as well as I thought! Sheepy: Hansel:...Have fun. Arsé-kun: Impey: Will do! *and he drags Eggs out of scene* Sheepy: Hansel: I didn't know he lives in the vent. Arsé-kun: Delly: He doesn't! Sheepy: Hansel:...Then why are they going together? Arsé-kun: Vlad: They're afraid. Sheepy: Hansel: Of you? Arsé-kun: Vlad: It's quite likely. Sheepy: Hansel: That's unfortunate. Sheepy: Hansel: You don't look frightening. Arsé-kun: Vlad: Thank you. I don't hear that often. Sheepy: Hansel: Really? Am I supposed to be afraid? Arsé-kun: Vlad: Not at all. Sheepy: Hansel: Ah. Okay. Sheepy: *Meanwhile! The crunching of footsteps. Cheerful humming despite it being dark out. ... Coughing. Okita is out hunting down the man he had seen a glimpse of earlier - a knife-wielding man who had seemed like he was in a hurry.* Sheepy: Okita: Heh, it's kinda chilly out, huh? Well, guess it's just you and me, friend. And our third pal who'll be at the end of my blade once I find him. It's been a while, really. The doctor wouldn't come with, but I suppose that's a good thing. I might've had to rough him up a bit to even be able to leave if he had. Sheepy: Okita: *He snickers and returns to his humming.* Arsé-kun: Alex: ... You'd have attacked him anyway. Stop making that noise. Sheepy: Okita: Mmm? I'm happy. Is that disturbing to you, considering how I usually am? Arsé-kun: Alex: Is it a song for their upcoming death? Sheepy: Okita: ....Heh. What do you think? Arsé-kun: Alex: I think yes. Sheepy: Okita: Heheheh. Arsé-kun: Alex: But only because we're armed. Sheepy: Okita: Mh, I'd be much better off in my normal outfit. Sheepy: Okita: It's not the same without it, and I haven't trained in a while. Back me up when we catch him. Arsé-kun: Alex: At least you put pants on. Sheepy: Okita: Some days that's hard. Sheepy: Okita: And some days, it's - *cough, cough, cough, wheeze* Arsé-kun: Alex: That. Sheepy: Okita: *He coughs for a bit more before catching his breath* ... Just a silly cough, that's all it is. Arsé-kun: Alex: At least you're not a fountain of blood today. Sheepy: Okita:...Heheheh.... Sheepy: Okita: No, that'll be our target. Arsé-kun: Alex: Sounds good to me. Sheepy: Okita: Although, I suppose it'll look odd if I return covered in blood. Arsé-kun: Alex: Will it, though? Sheepy: Okita: Too bad, really. Sheepy: Okita: Yeah, I'm not going to cough up a liter of blood. Arsé-kun: Alex: That's called dying. Sheepy: Okita: Aha, exactly. That's why it'd look strange. Arsé-kun: Alex: Then I'll do it. Sheepy: Okita: Good idea. Arsé-kun: Alex: ... Do you hear that? Sheepy: Okita: ...Yeah. Arsé-kun: Alex: Arm yourself. Sheepy: Okita: *He unsheathes his sword* Arsé-kun: *They move in closer.* Sheepy: *There's humming coming from their target.* Sheepy: Okita: *He casually strolls into the entrance. The only entrance - and exit.* Sheepy: Okita: Mmm? Are you having fun? Arsé-kun: Alex: *he follows Okita, holding up the rear* Sheepy: Stephano: *His eyes snap to Okita and Alex* Sheepy: Stephano: Who said you could enter? You're disrupting my creation of a masterpiece. Sheepy: Stephano: Be patient, now. You can be the first to the opening show, but it's no good to rush. Arsé-kun: Alex: ...?? Sheepy: Okita: You're killing someone. Sheepy: Stephano: Hah. Of course, people who can't be patient also can't understand my artwork. Sheepy: Stephano: Here, since you're the first to take interest. I will explain its creative meaning. Sheepy: Stephano: Death is but momentary, isn't it? *He looks back at his unfortunate victim, whose head is drooping. Yet, they're breathing. Stephano gently takes the man's chin and lifts his head, looking into their eyes* But the beauty they leave..the beauty of art. The impact of that is eternal. Sheepy: Stephano: *He digs his fingernails into their chin* Aren't you ready to be reborn? ...Haha, you should leave that face. Beautiful! Marvelous! Sheepy: Okita: Listen, if you don't want to become a piece of work yourself, let yourself be arrested and I'll be particularly merciful. Sheepy: Stephano: I'm not beautiful. I can't be...no...if I was, he'd have noticed me...! Sheepy: Stephano: Hahaha....he always found others to be more pretty. I was just a failure...he kept coming back to me, trying to make me perfect... ... well, I'll show him that I'm learning from him. Sheepy: Okita: Stop exposition dumping and come here before I turn you into a cadaver. Arsé-kun: Alex: I stopped listening. Sheepy: Okita: You're lucky. Arsé-kun: Alex: Was there anything important? Sheepy: Okita: Nah, just him babbling about his crush trying to make him pretty. Obviously didn't work. Sheepy: Okita: Now. C'mere. I'll make you pretty. Sheepy: Stephano:...You aren't him, are you? He's so talented... I wouldn't leave my body in your hands. Sheepy: Okita: I know where he is. Sheepy: Stephano: ....! Sheepy: Stephano: You need proof! Sheepy: Okita: Mm? Sheepy: Stephano: I've already heard that one once. *He growls and jabs his knife into the victim's shoulder inadvertently.* ....No! No! Sheepy: Stephano: It's ruined, hideous! How will I fix this?! Arsé-kun: Alex: Put a dinosaur bandaid on it. Sheepy: Stephano: You have no idea about aesthetics! You'll always be hideous. Sheepy: *Okita steps closer* Sheepy: Stephano: You've ruined my muse, made me lose my image! Look at what you did! You made me waste a precious model! I hate wasting models! Sheepy: Stephano: Especially you in the back! With your ugly aesthetic! Sheepy: Okita: I'm giving you another chance to come with us. Sheepy: Stephano: I won't go if he isn't with you! My teacher! Nyarlathotep! Arsé-kun: Alex: Tell me more. You've got my interest. Sheepy: Stephano: You wish to know about my teacher? Look, look upon the permanent mark he put upon me! A symbol of his acceptance! Sheepy: *He shifts his hair, revealing the gouged out eye* Sheepy: Stephano: He sculpted so many Twilight members into perfection.... Arsé-kun: *Alex narrows his eyes.* Arsé-kun: Alex: Continue. Sheepy: Stephano: ...But he always threw it away! Yet I, I will never be able to meet the level of his trashed works. Sheepy: Stephano: He never gave up on me... he kept working to make me beautiful. And yet, he couldn't, no one can. Sheepy: Stephano:...And then one day. Sheepy: Stephano: He disappeared. Arsé-kun: Alex: Shut up. I don't care about your backstory. I want to know what Twilight is. Sheepy: Stephano: Twilight... Sheepy: Stephano:...He is a member of Twilight. But he should be the leader...he is the most capable of them. I told him this...and he gouged my eye out, telling me not to insult his father like that. Sheepy: Stephano: They bring in models and make them beautiful. But sometimes they can't, so they put us in outfits to hide our shame. Sheepy: Stephano: They tell us to bring more models...but once he left, I grew tired of waiting, so I left to find models to mimic him. Muses. Sheepy: Stephano: Twilight...I do not know its purpose. It's an organisation. It's perfection, until my teacher left. Arsé-kun: Alex: ... I feel like I've got more questions than answers now. Sheepy: Stephano: What? Arsé-kun: Alex: I asked what it is. You went on about your teacher. Sheepy: Stephano: It's an organisation that shapes people into beauty, like what I'm doing. Sheepy: Okita: So they torture and kill 'em? Sheepy: Stephano: You say it in brutish terms but it's fairly accurate. Stefano: But, won't you understand? Living people are worthless. They'll always be worthless. Once they're motionless, I can make them truly beautiful! Okita: Whew, you're a character, aren't you. You feeling particularly attached to that other eye? Heheheheh. Stefano: Without it, how can I see my art? How can I see beauty? Okita: If you want to see dead bodies so bad, I'll make sure to stick you in a grave with a few other bodies of sick people like you- *cough, cough, cough, cough, wheeze* Stefano: ...? Arsé-kun: Alex: You're going to get to the graves first by the sound of it. Sheepy: Okita: Heheh, shut up. I'm not shirking my job just because of a cough. Arsé-kun: Alex: I'm going to do it myself if you don't. Sheepy: Okita: I'm waiting for you. Sheepy: Stefano: What do you want from me? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Your cooperation. *Hello, up here! He's sitting on the offensive wall that causes this alleyway to be a dead end.* At least, preferably. Sheepy: Stefano:?! Sheepy: Stefano: How did you...?! Arsé-kun: Arséne: I climbed up. There's a very nice breeze up here. Sheepy: Okita: You sure do take a while. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Don't blame me. I've been ready all afternoon. Sheepy: Okita: Our poor victim is bleeding out. Where's the help, huh? Sheepy: *Sirens ring out!* Arsé-kun: Arséne: Right there. *he sighs, loudly.* I feel filthy for working with the pigs. Sheepy: Okita: Haa? Do you think I'm much better? Sheepy: Okita: That's nice of you. Sheepy: Stefano:....! Arsé-kun: Arséne: You're not them. Instant yes. Sheepy: Stefano: *He lifts the knife to the man's neck* Don't come any closer. Sheepy: Okita: Aw, I really did think my constant chattering would distract you. Sheepy: Stefano: You care about him? I'll do it. Arsé-kun: Alex: I have no idea who he is. Sheepy: Okita: I really couldn't care less. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Eh. Sheepy: Stefano:.... Sheepy: Stefano: *He shifts the knife to his own neck* Arsé-kun: Alex: Dibs on his head. Sheepy: Stefano: I know of others. You might be able to stop them from killing again if I tell you. Sheepy: Okita: Now, now, put the knife down. We wouldn't want to get any of your blood on our friend here. Arsé-kun: Alex: Or any of yours on him. Sheepy: Stefano: You're confusing me. You're getting on my nerves. You're a distraction. Sheepy: Okita: That's what that man says. Arsé-kun: Arséne: You ever think about doing something a bit less bloody for good artsy exposure? Sheepy: Stefano: They're easier to pose this way. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Can't argue with that, I guess. Sheepy: Stefano: This one...this one is hideous. Sheepy: Stefano: No matter what I do, he won't die. Arsé-kun: Arséne: What a shame! Sheepy: Stefano: He frustrates me. Sheepy: Stefano:...Like you calling the police! How can I work, surrounded like this?! Arsé-kun: Arséne: I never made a call. Sheepy: Stefano: I don't care if you did it! I don't care if any of you did it! You're in my way! Arsé-kun: Alex: What. A shame. Sheepy: *...But he slowly lifts his hands. He doesn't see any way out.* Sheepy: Okita: You're going willingly? Then why do you still have the knife? Sheepy: Stefano:.... *He puts it down* Arsé-kun: *and finally, Adam arrives, flanked by the coppers. Just in case.* Sheepy: Stefano:...?! Sheepy: Stefano: You...y-you're hideous! Horrifying! Sheepy: Stefano: In every sense of the word, a monster! This! This is the personification of the ugliness of life! Sheepy: Okita: You aren't a looker yourself. Arsé-kun: Adam: I'm used to it. He's right, anyway. Sheepy: Okita: Oi, don't beat up on yourself. Sheepy: Okita: Instead, beat up on him. Arsé-kun: Adam: That's police brutality. *he moves in for The Arrest* Sheepy: Stefano: *He scooches back some, visibly terrified* Arsé-kun: Adam: I'm not going to hurt you. Sheepy: Stefano:.... Sheepy: Stefano:............ Sheepy: Stefano: Don't lie to me. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Oops, I dropped my handcuffs. *and he promptly cuffs Stefano from behind. Plan H* Sheepy: Stefano: Ah?! Sheepy: Stefano: No! I need those! My art is unfinished! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Eh. You already said you messed it up. Sheepy: Stefano:...I... ... Arsé-kun: Watson: *in the farrrr background* can i come in now?? Sheepy: Okita: You might want to sometime soon, doc. It's incredible they're even alive. Arsé-kun: Watson: It's amazing you're alive right now. *he hurries past Okita. time to Work* Sheepy: Okita: Hahaha...*cough, cough* Sheepy: *The victim has a strange symbol emblazoned across the entirety of their chest. Presumably that's just a tattoo. Along with that, there's various stab wounds and cuts on his body, including a stab wound on each hand. He's weakly breathing. He has the faint scent of flowers on him along with the strong odor of blood. Maybe he was around a lot of flowers earlier?* Arsé-kun: *Watson doesn't bother wondering about the weirdness. Tattoos and cologne/perfume/etc are completely normal in the holy year 2018. Instead, he does hIS FUCKING JOB* Sheepy: *Good idea!* Sheepy: Okita: Well, it's probably time for me to head back. Arsé-kun: Alex: It is. Sheepy: Okita: Haha, I didn't ask if it was. Sheepy: Okita: Well, since you agree. Sheepy: *Okita wraps his arm around Alex... only for his [Okita's] legs to go out from under him.* Sheepy: Okita: *cough, cough, cough, cough, wheeze, wheeze, cough, cough, cough. Ah, that's blood. The coughing goes on for a bit, before ending in him panting.* Arsé-kun: Alex: Is this the embrace of death? Sheepy: Okita: 'M just tired. Let's get going. Arsé-kun: Alex: That's what dying people say. Sheepy: Okita: Hahaha.... Sheepy: Okita:...Help me get back to the hospital please. Arsé-kun: Alex: Yeah, sure. It's not like I'm going anywhere else. Sheepy: Okita: Thanks. Sheepy: *The next day!* Sheepy: *The victim from before has apparently woken up, so questioning is an option if you want to bully him this close to when he woke up. Meanwhile, Sheepy wants to know the haps and Sherlock is in a pouty mood.* Sheepy: Harley: Stop playing the violin badly and also get your foot off of my leg. You're being annoying. Sheepy: Sherlock: *Siiiiiigh* A beautiful day to die, isn't it? Sheepy: Harley: Shut up. I'll make Mycroft deal with you if you keep this up. And get your foot off of my leg! Sheepy: Sherlock: Living in a dreary place of gray buildings and gray skies... surrounded by heavy fog... it's almost like we're in a graveyard, awaiting our deaths.... Sheepy: Harley: Fine! I'll go with you later to...whatever you said! Just shut up already, I didn't sleep last night and get your foot off of my leg! Sheepy: Sherlock: Huh? Really? Whatever I say?! Sheepy: Harley: If it shuts you up, yes. Sheepy: Sherlock: Great! We're going to go many fun places today! *He shifts and bear hugs Harley* Sheepy: Harley: I have a migraine! Don't breath on me, don't touch me! Stop opening your mouth! Don't talk in my presence, it makes me want to throw up! Arsé-kun: Watson: Ah, mornings. Nothing is amiss, I see. Sheepy: Harley: Don't "Ah, mornings" me! Come here and get rid of him! Arsé-kun: Watson: I would, but I'm not up to picking him up and dragging him to the kitchen. Sheepy: Harley: What help are you!? Arsé-kun: Watson: Absolutely none. *and he does a 180° turn to leave* Sheepy: Harley: I'm tired and want sleep! Get rid of him or something- stop hugging me! Your presence is making my head feel worse! Arsé-kun: A slightly distant Watson: Lupin, get your boyfriend! Arsé-kun: A very distant Arséne: How dare you make me do anything?? Arsé-kun: *arsene shows up about two minutes later* Sheepy: Harley: He's being annoying! Get rid of him! Arsé-kun: Arséne: No need to yell. *he easily picks up Sherlock* Sheepy: Sherlock: Oh! Arsene! We're going out later. You should come with us. Sheepy: Harley: I never said that we're going out. I said I would if you would leave me alone. Which you did not. Therefore, we're not. Sheepy: Sherlock: You already agreed to it. Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he looks to Harley. Looks back* Lets figure this out after we eat, oui? Sheepy: Sherlock: Sounds good! Arsé-kun: *and arsene brings sherlock to the kitchen. harley is free. the only cooking implement van is allowed to touch is the toaster.* Sheepy: Sheepy: Let me show you how to set a toaster on fire. Arsé-kun: Van: I can figure that out myself. Sheepy: Sheepy: Yeah, but I'm a master at it. Arsé-kun: Van: I like being allowed to use this. Thanks. Sheepy: Sheepy: Do you? I don't know the feeling. Arsé-kun: Arséne: It's almost like you keep setting it on fire or something. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Speaking of fire, I found your lighter stash. I have stolen your lighters. Sheepy: Sheepy: Give them back before I fight you for them! Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he puts Sherlock down, freeing himself to bow to Sheepy* You'll have to find them, first. Arsé-kun: *He gives Sheepy one of his better evil grins- But not one of his photograph worthy ones.* Sheepy: Sheepy: No!! You're evil! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Thank you very much. Arsé-kun: Arséne: I've had years of practice. Sheepy: Sheepy: You sure have! You're the ultimate jerk! Arsé-kun: Arséne: I'll give you a hint! Under which lies under construction, you'll find your contraptions~ Sheepy: Sheepy: What. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Don't tell me a simple riddle will defeat the detective's assistant! Sheepy: Sheepy: I'm not a poet. Sheepy: Sheepy: You think I actually retain any of the poems I have to read when I do my schoolwork? Arsé-kun: Arséne: What kind of calling cards have you left as of recent? "I are stoling yur things?" Sheepy: Sheepy: No? Sheepy: Sheepy: I just state what I'm going to steal and when. Is that a problem? ...Is it supposed to be a poem? Arsé-kun: Arséne: I was unsure if you retained anything else from your schoolwork. Sheepy: Sheepy: What?! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Which you need to catch up on, by the by. Sheepy: Sheepy: Listen! I couldn't care less about history! Arsé-kun: Arséne: But some things need to be known. Like when certain buildings were under construction or when certain contraptions were devised. Sheepy: Sheepy: Is my lighter a bribe for my homework? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Lighters. Plural. Sheepy: Sheepy: You're so cruel... Sheepy: Nyar: Pssshhh, you call that cruel? Arsé-kun: Arséne: No one asked you. Sheepy: Nyar: When people don't follow my orders, I torture them. Sheepy: Sheepy: Like that art guy? Sheepy: Nyar: The who what now? Sheepy: Nyar: D'you know what he's talking about, O Cruel One? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Unfortunately. He called you his teacher. It was disturbing. Sheepy: Nyar: Whaaaat. Sheepy: Nyar: I've got no clue who you're even talking about. Sheepy: Sheepy: He had bangs over one of his eyes and talked about beauty. Sheepy: Nyar: Ehhhhhhh... oh! Him! Sheepy: Nyar: He was really annoying but some guy who worked there told me he could be useful. I gouged his eye out because I didn't like the look in it. Sheepy: Nyar: It's a look I'd love on Saint-Germain but terrifying in this guy, haha. Yeah, I successfully forgot about him until now. Thanks a lot. Arsé-kun: Germain: *his head pops around the corner. he Heard That. Horrible* Sheepy: Nyar: What, you met him? Arsé-kun: Arséne: He was arrested yesterday afternoon for manslaughter and homicide. Sheepy: Nyar: Oh good, maybe he'll die so I don't have to think about him anymore. Sheepy: Sheepy: Why don't you do it? Sheepy: Nyar: Are you crazy? If I did it, he'd enjoy every second of it. Sheepy: Nyar: I am NOT getting anywhere near that guy. No way! Arsé-kun: Germain: I also refuse to do it. Sheepy: Nyar: Understandable Sheepy: *Meanwhile! Ryuu and Asougi finally get to the farm!* Sheepy: Ryuu: ...Is this the place? *He glances around* ...Wh-what a place to live.... Asougi, maybe we should...um... N-no, I guess we have to look around. Arsé-kun: Asougi: It's just a farm! There shouldn't be any big nasty creatures... Right? Sheepy: Ryuu: ...I hope. Arsé-kun: Asougi: For that reason! *he reaches back and pulls out a golf club, which he tosses to Ryuu* I brought a golf club! Grabbed this from the corner office! Sheepy: Ryuu: ........ Sheepy: Ryuu: *He inhales sharply* ...Thanks. Arsé-kun: Asougi: You're welcome. Armed myself, too. *he pats his scabbard* We should be fine this time. Sheepy: Ryuu: Hopefully. Sheepy: Ryuu: Well, where should we start, then? Where do you think a killer would hide? Arsé-kun: Asougi: Somewhere dark. Sheepy: Ryuu: Well, um, after you then. I'll be...backup. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Only if you don't take back-up to mean you backing up and away from this! Sheepy: Ryuu: Um...I'd like to, but...I won't. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Great! I won't either. Sheepy: *The two head in.* Arsé-kun: *it's very farmy. It does not smell like animal shit and nothing else, so it hasn't been properly used in ages* Sheepy: Ryuu: ...Hmm. I wonder why it was abandoned? Arsé-kun: Asougi: Maybe they moved? Sheepy: Ryuu: Maybe...but wouldn't they have sold it? Arsé-kun: Asougi: Did they not? Sheepy: Ryuu: Well, it's clearing abandoned. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Clearly. Not Clearing. Sheepy: Ryuu: Ehh...! I meant that! Sheepy: Ryuu: I-I'm good at English! It's just... *His eyes are darting around* Arsé-kun: Asougi: You've gotta do something about being so nervous! Sheepy: Ryuu: I'm sorry! This just smells of danger! Sheepy: Ryuu:...Smells? Sheepy: Ryuu:.... Arsé-kun: Asougi: Close enough. Sheepy: Ryuu: Uhh, do you think it's safe for us to check inside? I think ... let's pass. Sheepy: Ryuu: Maybe we should just check around the house... Arsé-kun: Asougi: We'll do that next. Lets at least look at the rest of the barn before it gets dark! Sheepy: Ryuu:...R...right... Arsé-kun: Asougi: Look on the bright side! At least we don't feel like we're being watched! Sheepy: Ryuu: Uh...about that... Arsé-kun: Asougi: I lied! Sheepy: Ryuu: I feel a cold gaze.... ... Sheepy: Ryuu: Uhhhh... Arsé-kun: Asougi: Lets hurry it up, huh? Sheepy: Ryuu: ..Yeah. Sheepy: Ryuu: Those feathers by the ladder look suspicious. Let's go there, I guess. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Feathers... It might just be a rooster. Sheepy: Ryuu: I didn't smell any ...barn smells. Arsé-kun: Asougi: ... That's true. I'll go up and check. Sheepy: Ryuu: Should I follow? Arsé-kun: Asougi: *he steps on the ladder. it creaks. Loudly.* Uhhh.. Maybe not. Sheepy: Ryuu: I'll be here in case you fall! Arsé-kun: Asougi: *he nods and heads up the ladder. one of the higher steps breaks under his weight, but he catches himself and peers over the top* Sheepy: *There's a pile of hay.* Sheepy: *There's more feathers near it.* Arsé-kun: Asougi: ....? *he reaches out to grab at the mysterious feathers* Sheepy: *Upon Asougi grabbing at one, a loud yelp comes from inside the hay pile.* Sheepy: *That is a human yelp.* Arsé-kun: Asougi: Oh! *he goes to step down and. forgets that step doesn't exist. gravity wins this one* Sheepy: Ryuu: Asougi!? Arsé-kun: Asougi: I've got it, I've got it..! *he's still hanging on! so allow me to correct myself: gravity WILL win this one* Sheepy: Crow: Heyheyhey! *He shoots up to his feet* You can't just go around grabbing peo- oh shoot! Sheepy: Crow: Uhhhhh....*He gets on his hands and knees and peeks over the edge* I don't think I can reach you......! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Ryuu, are you still good on that whole "catching me" deal?? Sheepy: Ryuu: I-I'll try! Arsé-kun: *Asougi drops. Here he comes* Sheepy: *Ryuu tries to catch Asougi!* Arsé-kun: *He succeeds? They're on the floor but I'll give him a B+* Sheepy: Ryuu: Guh...! Sheepy: Crow: Uhhh...you alive? Sheepy: Crow: *He hops down* Arsé-kun: Asougi: Ryuu, you okay? Sheepy: Ryuu: Uhhh...are you okay? That's more important. Arsé-kun: Asougi: I think I'm good.. Sheepy: Ryuu: That's good! Uh... Arsé-kun: Asougi: ... Oh! *he gets off of Ryuu* Sheepy: Ryuu: *He appears a bit flustered but pulls himself to his feet* Sheepy: Crow: Who are you two, and why are you here? *He crosses his arms. ... His wings are still out.* Sheepy: Crow: .......Uh? Sheepy: Crow: So you aren't murderers? Arsé-kun: Asougi: No! But there's supposed to be one around. Sheepy: Crow: I followed my gut - this place was calling to me. So, here I am. But I heard someone, so I ended up hiding. Sheepy: Crow: But apparently it was just you two. Arsé-kun: Asougi: You never followed us, did you? We felt like someone was watching us. Sheepy: Crow: Whaaaat!? Don't freak me out like that! Sheepy: Ryuu: If there's a murderer, you really shouldn't shout.... Sheepy: Crow: If there's a murderer, I'll apprehend him with my own two hands! My crimson fists! Sheepy: Ryuu: ...What's with the outfit? Isn't it hard to move around with that tail-like thing and the fake wings potentially getting in your way? Sheepy: Crow: Fake?! These aren't fake! I'm a 100% genuine fallen angel! Sheepy: Ryuu: A what? Arsé-kun: Asougi: It's, uh.. Tenshi? Is that the word? Sheepy: Ryuu: Oooooh. Is that what you're dressed up as? Sheepy: Crow: Noooo! Sheepy: Crow: Anyway, what you said was that you were being watched, right? Well, I guarantee you that that wasn't me. Sheepy: Crow: So now we're being watched. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Don't make it worse..! Sheepy: Crow: Sorry, I'm not trying to. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Is there anything else in there..? Sheepy: Crow: In what, the hay? Nope. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Then I guess we can head to the house. You sure you're okay, Ryuu? Sheepy: Ryuu: Uh...y-yeah. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Maybe you should sit down when we get inside. Sheepy: Ryuu: I'll take your advice. Sheepy: Crow: *He, meanwhile, is glancing around, tail twitching.* Arsé-kun: Asougi: You see anything? Sheepy: Crow: Nah, not yet. I'll lead anyway. *He starts strolling forward like he owns the place, eyes still cautiously darting around.* Arsé-kun: Asougi: *he puts an arm around Ryuu's shoulder* Sheepy: Ryuu: *He seems appreciative.* Sheepy: Crow: *He, for once, has gone completely silent. Even his usual humming isn't present. As he passes by a particularly dark part of the barn, his eyes flick to the side and he trails to a stop. ... He throws a kick at the one who has been watching them!* Arsé-kun: *His vicious attack is met by... Getting a shoe on his shoulder. Ah. That's..* Arsé-kun: Barok: ... Do you really wish to start this? Sheepy: Crow:...! Eh!? Pops? You're here?! Sheepy: *He looks annoyed, but his tail is wagging excitedly...* Arsé-kun: Asougi: *SNRK* You're a dad?! Arsé-kun: Barok: We are not to speak of this, or I'll personally execute you both. Sheepy: Ryuu: Uh! But... Zieks-san, why have I never seen him with you until now? And he doesn't look like you with his hair... Sheepy: Crow: Eh? My hair is dyed... Arsé-kun: Barok: What did I just say, Naruhoudo? Sheepy: Ryuu: But it's just...! Arsé-kun: Barok: No. Sheepy: Crow: *He focuses his attention back on Barok before a huge grin forms on his face. He gives Barok a big hug* I've been looking high and low for you! Literally!! Arsé-kun: Barok: ... I have wondered where you were. I'd like to know how you've searched high with... *he gestures to Crow's wings* Sheepy: Crow: Ehh, I did right after you disappeared. I apparently got close to an answer because I was accused of a crime I didn't commit and thrown down here. Sheepy: Crow: I'm a popular singer now! Isn't that cool?! I get paid money and recently I learned how to pay other people money for their services. Arsé-kun: Barok: *he turns his head away and... pats Crow's head.* Sheepy: Crow: I've actually have friends other than you now, too! Tons of em! Like my band members, a bunch of the people at Old Man's studio, Old Man and the other angel living with him.... a pink haired girl who sends me cat pics...aaand a big tree-like guy! Sheepy: Ryuu: *He leans closer to Asougi and mumbles to him... in Japanese.* [Why was Zieks-san following us around? Was he...worried? Or is it something else?] Arsé-kun: Asougi: Uh.. [I'm not quite sure, so now we have two mysteries. Why he was following us, and how he knows this kid] Sheepy: Ryuu: [He looks kinda scary... but I guess he didn't follow us to kill us. Right?] Sheepy: Ryuu: [But then why is that kid here anyway?] Arsé-kun: Asougi: [I guess I'll ask.] Arsé-kun: Asougi: So. Why are you both here? I know you (as in Crow) came because you said it felt right, but Barok? Was it you that's been following us all afternoon? Arsé-kun: Barok: Yes. I'm not sure why anyone thought it was a good idea to send two inexperienced runts to do a search. Sheepy: Ryuu: So, um... you care about us enough to make sure we're safe, Zieks-san? Sheepy: Ryuu: I thought you came to kill us. Arsé-kun: Barok: Don't twist my words nor my intentions. I only followed you to make sure neither of you got into anything you couldn't handle. That would lead to legal problems. Arsé-kun: Asougi: But you didn't deny that you came to kill us.. Arsé-kun: Barok: I just did! Sheepy: Crow: Pops wouldn't kill anyone. What're you goin' on about? Sheepy: Ryuu: *His eyes are darting about. He's sweating nervously* Uhhhh...he's... Arsé-kun: *Barok seems.. Less than pleased* Sheepy: Crow:? Sheepy: Ryuu: *Oh. That's terrifying.* Sheepy: Crow: What's up? Sheepy: Crow: You look mad. Arsé-kun: Asougi: .... He... Always looks like this? Sheepy: Crow:? Arsé-kun: Barok: *he Very Abruptly changes the subject* You two have searched one place and already almost hurt yourselves. Maybe it would be best if you two stopped here. Sheepy: Ryuu: I understand. What do you think, Asougi? Sheepy: Crow:??? Arsé-kun: Asougi: I think we should still go in so you can sit down, but leave the rest to Barok. Sheepy: Ryuu: ...If that's what you think, I'll do it! Arsé-kun: Barok: .... If he told you to jump off a cliff, would you? Sheepy: Ryuu: I trust that he'd know it's safe! Sheepy: Ryuu: He's my best friend. He wouldn't intentionally put me into situations where I'd get hurt. Arsé-kun: Barok: And you'd follow him as he runs through heavy traffic? Sheepy: Ryuu: To make sure he's safe! Arsé-kun: Barok: You're an idiot. Sheepy: Ryuu: !? Arsé-kun: Barok: Your own safety comes first. Sheepy: Ryuu: ...But what'll he do without someone there to help him if he needs help? Sheepy: Crow: Just because you're buds with someone doesn't make them always right in their actions. Sheepy: Ryuu: But you made the same choice in coming here. Sheepy: Crow: But I'm a fallen angel who can handle just about anything a human throws at me. Sheepy: Ryuu:...Then why were you hiding in a hay pile when we got here? Sheepy: Crow: Because I heard you two and didn't want to initiate a fight if I didn't have to... Arsé-kun: Barok: Wise decision. Sheepy: Crow: Eh? You think so?! Sheepy: Crow: Nobody ever says that to me! Sheepy: Crow: Anyway, if there's a killer here, I should go catch him. Although, those detectives wouldn't let me help that other time... Arsé-kun: Barok: You really shouldn't.. Sheepy: Crow: Well, then, what do we do about that? Arsé-kun: Barok: I'll look. Sheepy: Crow: At least let me join you. Arsé-kun: Barok: Fine. Sheepy: Crow: Cool! I'll show you my killer catching skills! Sheepy: *Crow rushes on ahead. Crow blease* Arsé-kun: *Barok sighs* Sheepy: Ryuu:...We should follow, right? Arsé-kun: Asougi: Yeah. Sheepy: *They follow!* Arsé-kun: *They catch up to Crow! Finally* Sheepy: Crow: *He's blankly staring ahead of him* ...Pops, why do they have a horse but no cows...? Why's it in the house? Arsé-kun: Barok: .... Arsé-kun: *there is certainly a horse there. It stares at them.* Sheepy: Crow:...Y'know, I don't like horses. Sheepy: Crow: They're like cows except not endearing in any way. Arsé-kun: Asougi: I don't like them much, either. Did you know there was a case where parts of a cadaver went missing? It turned out the horse was starving and tried to eat it. Sheepy: Crow:...A....ah... Sheepy: Crow:..... Sheepy: Ryuu:............ Arsé-kun: Barok: Multiple like that. Butterflies will drink blood, too. Sheepy: Ryuu:..... Sheepy: Crow:........ Sheepy: *Ryuu's eyes are nervously darting around...* Sheepy: Crow: Like a mosquito? Arsé-kun: Barok: Perhaps? I never looked into it. Sheepy: Crow: Crow:...... Sheepy: Ryuu:...I don't like the look the horse is giving us. Arsé-kun: Barok: Perhaps we should back away. Slowly. Sheepy: *Crow backs off slowly.* Arsé-kun: *as does Barok* Arsé-kun: Asougi: Lets... Go... Somewhere else.. Sheepy: Ryuu:.... Arsé-kun: *they back into a different room. The horse doesn't follow* Sheepy: Crow:...Good. Arsé-kun: Barok: ... Here is a good place to sit yourselves down. Sheepy: Ryuu: Th-thank you...! Sheepy: Crow: Isn't splitting up how people die in these situations? Arsé-kun: Barok: We're not splitting up. They're simply sitting down. Sheepy: Crow: Okay, good! Arsé-kun: *Asougi sits down on the floor* Sheepy: *Ryuu joins him* Sheepy: Crow: So what's the plan? I came here without telling my friends because I forgot. Arsé-kun: Barok: Don't do anything stupid. Sheepy: Crow: In Rom's eyes I already have, probably. Sheepy: Ryuu: You should have told someone. Sheepy: Crow: It's kinda too late for that. Arsé-kun: Barok: Then go home. Sheepy: Crow: *He frowns* But what about you? Arsé-kun: Barok: I can manage just fine. Sheepy: Crow:...What about them? Sheepy: Crow: I don't feel comfortable with you defending them by yourself in the current situation. Arsé-kun: Barok: Fine. Sheepy: Crow: Good. Arsé-kun: Barok: *he looks back out the door. Horse is, in fact, still there.* Sheepy: Crow: Do we beat them out and drag them back with us? The killer I mean. Sheepy: Ryuu:...horse. Arsé-kun: Asougi: It's a horse of course. Sheepy: Ryuu: It's not right. Sheepy: Crow: It's watching us, huh? Like it's going to warn its owner if we get too close. Arsé-kun: Barok: I firmly dislike this. Sheepy: Crow: Maybe we should get help. Arsé-kun: Barok: I am inclined to agree. None of us have the proper experience for this. Sheepy: Ryuu: And we aren't prepared... Arsé-kun: Barok: Not at all. Sheepy: Ryuu: Then let's go back Arsé-kun: Asougi: We can give a report on what we've found, too. Sheepy: *So they begin to head back* Arsé-kun: *the creepy horse watches them through a window. stop. get some help.* Sheepy: *Crow makes like a tree and gets out of there.* Arsé-kun: *and Barok escorts the boys back to their office, looking absolutely exasperated by the time they get there.* Sheepy: Ryuu: Thank you... Arsé-kun: Barok: You're welcome. Sheepy: Ryuu: Have a safe trip home! Arsé-kun: Barok: mmmmhm. *he leaves. finally, freedom* Sheepy: *Meanwhile! Luckily for the victim from yesterday, he's still alive. And he has family who's coming to visit!* Arsé-kun: *hooray!* Sheepy: Bedi: If I'd known about the risk I would've gone with him... Arsé-kun: Merlin: So would I. I knew somethin' was gonna happen, but not this. Sheepy: Bedi: I'm surprised he didn't fight back... Arsé-kun: Merlin: I'm more concerned that he lost. Sheepy: Bedi: He's not too bad of a fighter... who attacked him? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Uh. That's a good question. Arsé-kun: Merlin: I've got no clue. Arsé-kun: Merlin: It had to be someone strong. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Speaking of strong, can we get out of here as soon as possible? This place gives me the heebie-jeebies! Arsé-kun: Merlin: That, and there's a lake, and there's no way Myrd is happy about that! Arsé-kun: Merlin: He can't be happy about any of this, and no one is happy about any of this, and- Yow! Arsé-kun: Merlin: I byt my tong agahn! Sheepy: Bedi: Hm? Oh, were you saying something? Sorry, I wasn't listening. Sheepy: Okita: I haven't seen you two before, so you must be here for the new guy. He's down that hallway, third room on the left. Sheepy: Bedi: Thank you. Sheepy: Okita: Really, you should keep an eye on him. If I hadn’t been tracking that guy on his quick supply run, you’d be setting up a funeral rather than visiting your friend in the hospital. Sheepy: Bedi: Did you bring Myrrdin here? Thank you. ... Did you say you saw his attacker? Can you describe him? Sheepy: Okita: One-eyed artist with a giga crush on the guy who gouged his eye out. I say artist because he wouldn’t stop talking about art and how he was going to make your friend beautiful. Sheepy: Okita: He mentioned some organization as well... Twilight. No clue what it is, but there you go. Arsé-kun: Merlin: *he gives Bedi a look most accurately described as "Why do I bother?" aka moderate annoyance. He IS listening to Okita, though, and frowns more* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Lets not get involved with that. It sounds bad. Sheepy: Bedi: Sorry, did I upset you? Sheepy: Okita: Well, don't let me keep you waiting then. Arsé-kun: Merlin: What if I said something important?? *he looks to Okita* And thanks for the info! Sheepy: Okita: No problem. Sheepy: Bedi:...Huh? Then you'd repeat it, right? Arsé-kun: Merlin: I said I don't wanna stick around long. Sheepy: Bedi: I understand, but that doesn't mean they'll let him be discharged. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Didn't say he had to leave asap. I just said I don't wanna be here! Sheepy: Bedi: I understand. Then, let's meet him and then leave. Arsé-kun: Merlin: You wanna get ice cream after? Sheepy: Bedi: Sure. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Nice. Sheepy: *Bedi heads to Myrrdin's room! He's visibly in a lot of pain. His hands and chest are covered with bandages along with his shoulder and a small part of his face. Thankfully he isn't missing anything except for the comforting walls of his room.* Arsé-kun: *Merlin produces a bouquet of flowers from somewhere as he follows Bedi in* Sheepy: Bedi: Ah, that looks painful. I'm sorry. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Thanks, I haven't had the opportunity to see myself yet so I was definitely worried about whether or not I look as bad as I feel. Arsé-kun: Merlin: You're beautiful. Sheepy: Myrrdin: I feel like an art project. Sheepy: Myrrdin: An abandoned one that's half done. Sheepy: Bedi: Yes, the man up front mentioned that your attacker saw you as such. Sheepy: Myrrdin: I feel stupid more than anything. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Hey, it happens..! Sheepy: Myrrdin: I didn't prepare and I didn't have the energy to use magic. Arsé-kun: Merlin: How can you expect something like that? It's fine. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Because I should've at least done something to prepare just in case. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Lesson learned! Sheepy: Myrrdin: In a terrible way. Sheepy: Myrrdin: He was on me in a flash... Arsé-kun: *Merlin wiggles his eyebrows* Sheepy: Myrrdin: Shut up, it wasn't like that. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Was he at least hot? Was there anything positive we get out of this? Sheepy: Myrrdin: I did see a lady who reminded me of someone I loved, though. She was pretty attractive, I'll tell you that. My heart started racing a bit and- Guh! *he clutches his chest, letting out a small whimper* Arsé-kun: Merlin: And now it's time for a mid-video advertisement! Don't think about kittens! Sheepy: Myrrdin: No! I didn't see anyone attractive. Sheepy: Myrrdin: He looked like a washed up failure of an artist. Arsé-kun: Merlin: That's hot to at least one person. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Not after he pins your hands to a wall with knives!! Arsé-kun: Merlin: That's absolutely someone's kink. Absolutely. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Not mine!! Arsé-kun: Merlin: And now that you're disgusted and disappointed in humanity, we should be back to the status quo. Arsé-kun: Merlin: I still think we should shave that tat off. Skin grows back. Arsé-kun: Merlin: That, or I'll fistfight a watery ho. Arsé-kun: Merlin: *he glances towards the window, where he catches a glimpse of the lake... and something submerging. He shudders violently* Sheepy: Myrrdin: That's literally one of the worst ideas you've ever had in your entire life. Congratulations, I hate it. Let's maybe not try to remove a curse by removing the visual signs of it. Sheepy: Myrrdin: And what, thinking about her shakes you up that much? Yeah, me too. I don't think I can truly love without fear ever again. Sheepy: Bedi: *he's more focused on the window* Sheepy: Myrrdin:...You too, kid? What do you two see that I don't? If you give me nightmares about this place, I won't be happy. Sheepy: Bedi: Ah, they grow big around here. Arsé-kun: Merlin: We can scratch "see a slug larger than my house" off the bucket list of things I never wanted! Arsé-kun: Merlin: I'm gonna make that lake a Great Salt Lake if I see that thing again! Sheepy: Myrrdin: You're scaring me. A lot. Arsé-kun: Merlin: It's just a slug! Calm down! Arsé-kun: Merlin: Do you think slugs will explode if you throw them in the ocean? Arsé-kun: Merlin: I'm gonna try that one day. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Or did I do that already? Sheepy: Myrrdin:....I. I don't know? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Gotta try that then Sheepy: Myrrdin: I don't want to be here anymore. Sheepy: Bedi: That's unfortunate. Arsé-kun: Merlin: We've seen dragons! And a slug is gettin' to you? Sheepy: Myrrdin: Lake slug when I'm injured. Arsé-kun: Merlin: We're right here! Sheepy: Myrrdin: You think I'll be able to do much of anything with this? *He begins to hold up his hands before he suddenly yelps and goes to clutch his shoulder. He hisses and pulls his hand away.* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Do you think I just brought you regular bitch flowers? *he tosses the bouquet over* And maybe! You shouldn't do that! Sheepy: Myrrdin: I can't help it! Sheepy: Myrrdin:...What does the bouquet do? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Increased healing, radar, the usual works. And yes, they're edible. Sheepy: Bedi: The bouquet is a quick and easy gift that rarely has much thought put into it and usually is used as a way to efficiently steal a woman's heart or an excuse to not get an actually worthwhile gift. Sheepy: Bedi: ...Unless you mean that specific one. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Wow, I can't wait to eat some flowers. Sheepy: Myrrdin: And oh, tell me more, o master of romance. Sheepy: Bedi: Ah, thank you. If you insist... Sheepy: Myrrdin: NO, I don't insist- Arsé-kun: Merlin: Hospital food is lame, eat flowers. Eat some greens, Myrrd. Sheepy: Bedi: Those who understand flower language can make their feelings shown in a way that would permanently impact a lover's emotions despite the life of a flower being fleeting. In that respect, bouquets are very sweet. And bouquets can be very lovely gifts, especially if the giver has very little to spare but still buys his lover a gift. But the limited lifespan of flowers is why I see them as a bad gift. Do your feelings die off as quickly as the representation of them? Do those who walk in, buy roses, and leave without close inspection and thought truly feel that the gift is worth something? A gift from someone who doesn't care about it is simply something of- Sheepy: Myrrdin: Stop with your intentionally long-winded explanations! Arsé-kun: *Merlin yawns. Loudly* Sheepy: Myrrdin: *He looks to the flowers* I...don't want to eat these. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Then don't! Sheepy: Bedi: Some flowers can produce a healing effect. Such as- Sheepy: Myrrdin: Please. Sheepy: Bedi: -while I'm thinking about it, my brother gave me good advice when he was alive. Sheepy: Bedi: He said: "If your lover breaks up with you, eat the bouquet of roses they gave you. It gets rid of depression." Sheepy: Myrrdin: He never said that. Arsé-kun: Merlin: He absolutely never said that. Sheepy: Bedi: You're right, he didn't, but you don't want advice from me so instead I'll put words into my brother's mouth. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Lucan would be proud. Also, don't eat roses, that hurts. Sheepy: Bedi: Incorrect. Sheepy: Bedi: The petals are completely safe to eat and do indeed help with depression. Sheepy: Bedi: I read it on the internet and nobody goes onto the internet to lie. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Kid, I've got news for you. Arsé-kun: Merlin: The internet is really really great! For lies! Sheepy: Bedi: Huh? Sheepy: Bedi:...people lie on the internet? Sheepy: Bedi:...that explains that one time... Sheepy: Myrrdin: What did you do. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Which one?! Sheepy: Bedi: It's embarrassing... I feel stupid and gullible now! Sheepy: Bedi: I mixed bleach and ammonia once...you may remember that. Sheepy: Bedi: I thought I did it wrong...so I followed the instructions very carefully once I recovered. ... You may remember that. Arsé-kun: Merlin: I do. That hurt, you know! Sheepy: Bedi: Emotionally or physically? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Yes Sheepy: Bedi: Did you think I did it to hurt you? Arsé-kun: Merlin: No. Sheepy: Bedi: I did it because I thought it'd make crystals and I planned on giving them to you. That's what they said would happen. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Which is sweet, but please factcheck! You'd believe "gullible" is written on the ceiling! Sheepy: Bedi:...*he slowly goes to look up at the ceiling* Sheepy: Myrrdin: You're how old? Sheepy: Myrrdin: And yet you still fall for that....? Sheepy: Bedi: Merlin has no reason to lie! ... but ah, it isn't there... Arsé-kun: Merlin: Why do I have to reteach you about human nature every hundred years? Sheepy: Bedi: What do you mean? Sheepy: Bedi: Isn't it positive thinking to believe that humans as a whole have gotten past lying pointlessly over these years? Sheepy: Myrrdin: Or perhaps you're simply getting forgetful over these years. Sheepy: Bedi: No. Arsé-kun: Merlin: We're never getting past that. Humankind is mischievous. Sheepy: Bedi: Why? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Why not? Sheepy: Bedi: They don't benefit from it. Arsé-kun: Merlin: They live in the present and for enjoyment. It's just how it is. Sheepy: Bedi:...It's reminiscent of how Lucan used to talk about people. Arsé-kun: Merlin: People haven't changed one bit. Sheepy: Bedi: He'd always say, "People do things because they feel like the short term happiness is worth the long term punishment. " ... Before heading in to spar even with his injury. Sheepy: Myrrdin: He was using logic to justify his stupid actions. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Exactly that. Sheepy: Bedi: I guess so. Arsé-kun: Merlin: And it hasn't changed in thousands of years. Why would it? It works. Sheepy: Bedi: It's just weird to me. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Well, yeah. I can see why. Sheepy: Bedi: What do you mean? Arsé-kun: Merlin: You're human and seeing things from our perspective. It is weird. Sheepy: Bedi: ...Yes, I guess you've been around a lot longer than me. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Are we getting existential in this hospital wing tonight? Lets! Stop doing that in public. Sheepy: Bedi: Sorry. Sheepy: Myrrdin: You seem to be tiring out. Maybe you should go. Arsé-kun: Merlin: That'd be a good idea. Don't do anything stupid without me, you hear? Sheepy: Myrrdin: Oh, I'll save all of my ideas for when you come back. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Fantastic! Sheepy: Bedi: Now, what were our other plans? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Go home and let me eat that tub of ice cream. Sheepy: Bedi: I can't stop you. Arsé-kun: Merlin: *yesssssss* Sheepy: Myrrdin: Have a safe trip home, you two. Sheepy: Bedi: Recover well. Arsé-kun: Merlin: And remember not to magic until you've got a full reserve! Sheepy: Myrrdin: I won't. Thanks for reminding me. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Of course! Sheepy: *Bedi begins to head out* Arsé-kun: *Merlin follows, but not before grinning at Myrrdin* Sheepy: *Myrrdin gives a tired smile back* Arsé-kun: *Okay, back to characters we actually care about! Hooray!!!* Sheepy: Tom: aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Arsé-kun: Arséne: -- So can someone please tell me what's going on? THESE two *he gestures in the direction of Germain's room* won't say anything, THESE two *he now gestures towards Impey's room, before looking to Delly* won't say anything, and THIS one *he picks up Tom* hasn't stopped for three hours! Sheepy: Tom: nonononono Arsé-kun: Delly: Yeah, what he said! Sheepy: Tom: dont look it in the eye Sheepy: Sheepy: I was kinda worried because after what happened last time he went silent for a long time. Hes never been silent for that long. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Mhm. It's been... Discomforting? But if something is agitating him, then something is happening or already has. Sheepy: Tom: it knows he knows Sheepy: Tom: twilight has faded and now everything is dark Sheepy: Tom: its so dark its so dark i cant see i cant see i cant see Sheepy: Sheepy: Use your eyes. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Remind me why we're bothering? Sheepy: Tom: he knows he knows he knows Sheepy: Sheepy: We could just leave him be and he'll do this forever. Arsé-kun: Arséne: I'd prefer he not do this forever. Sheepy: Sheepy: Okay, Tom. What do you want? Sheepy: Tom: dont go dont go dont go dont dont dont Sheepy: Tom: its so dark i cant see i cant breathe dont go Sheepy: Tom: aaaaaaaaaaaaa Sheepy: Sheepy: We don't have enough information and he doesn't seem like he'll give more. Sheepy: Sheepy: Maybe we should just sleep on it. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Perhaps. Sheepy: Sheepy: If we sleep on it, we might have nightmares! Arsé-kun: Arséne: What's this "Might"? Sheepy: Sheepy: We wil have nightmares guaranteed. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Not again. Sheepy: Sherlock: *He excitedly dashes in, dragging a dazed Harley with him* Arsene, we did stuff today! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Did you? *he turns and looks at Sherlock* Welcome home, by the way. Sheepy: Sherlock: We met the legendary wizard Merlin twice! Sheepy: Sherlock: Both in the same room. Because there's two. Neither of them look like tbe disney one. Arsé-kun: Arséne: I'm sorry? Did you just imply wizards are real? Sheepy: Sherlock: Well, that's who the victim was. Sheepy: Sherlock:...unless he lied? Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he looks more confused than any set of math memes put together. confused math people* Sheepy: Sherlock: That's what he said his name was.... Well, he said Myrrdin but we might know him as Merlin, although that's his brother's name and he's just sharing because it makes life simpler. Sheepy: Sherlock: Also we saw Mycroft so I told him everything. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Oh, how is he? *he glances at Harley* And also him. Sheepy: Sherlock: He's fine! .. Also whom? Sheepy: Harley: *Dizzy...* Arsé-kun: Arséne: Your other brother. Sheepy: Sherlock: My other brother? I have a fourt- OH! Harley! Sheepy: Sherlock: He was complaining about me dragging him around and running too quickly while doing so. After a while he was quiet though so I think he's fine! Sheepy: Sherlock: He didn't talk very much when we met with Merlin or with Mycroft, though. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Shall I remind you again this year that being dragged around in a heavy coat, in warm weather, is bad for one's health? Sheepy: Sherlock: ? Sheepy: Sherlock: Then why is he wearing a heavy coat? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Because he's stubborn. Sheepy: Harley: Let me perish from heat stroke. It's my life and my decisions. Sheepy: Harley: I don't like any of my other outfits. Sheepy: Harley: They're ugly. I won't wear ugly clothes. Arsé-kun: Arséne: You're an idiot. Sheepy: Harley: I'm not an idiot! *He lets go of Sherlock and huffs* I just hate ugly clothes! Sheepy: Sherlock: ? I don't pay attention to clothes... Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he pulls his phone out and sends a very quick text. it was probably pre-written. and probably to fran or watson about Harley being stupid* Sheepy: Harley: *His angry expression shifts into a grimace before he lets out a gagging noise and slowly sits down on the floor. Lies down on the floor.* Sheepy: Sherlock: I've worn the same shirt three days in a row! Sheepy: Sherlock: Oh, you shouldn't sleep there. Sheepy: Harley: Oh, just go with Sherlock alone! It'll be fun! Ah! No! It's truly awful! Sheepy: Sherlock: You just need to work harder to keep up next time. Sheepy: Sherlock: Oh, Arsene, you should come too next time! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Maybe. It'll depend on if I am working. Sheepy: Sherlock: Great! Sheepy: Sherlock: Also, Harley drank all of my water along with his so I need to make sure to pack more next time. Remind me! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Gladly. Sheepy: Harley: There's no next time. I feel my soul leaving my body. Arsé-kun: Adam: *he enters, slowly, to not slam into the door frame again, and looks down at Harley* ... Why? Sheepy: Harley: He dragged me past my limit and I'm not exactly fully recovered as it is. Sheepy: Sherlock: He wore a heavy coat in the hot sun. Arsé-kun: Adam: I repeat the question. Sheepy: Sherlock: He doesn't like his other clothes and refuses to wear them. Sheepy: Harley: You may as well trample me now because I'm not going to need this body for much longer. Sheepy: Harley: Just don't tamper it too much because your dad might want it after I'm done with it. Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he doesn't look up* Nyar would want it first, and you know it. Arsé-kun: Adam: ... No, and no. No one is getting it. *he picks up Harley like a football* Sheepy: Harley: Be more gentle! Hrk- *cough* Sheepy: Harley: I didn't mean to be insulting...! Ugh! *He begins struggling a bit* Arsé-kun: *Adam just sorta glances down. He's got a Firm Hold on Harley.* Sheepy: Harley: L-let go! Arsé-kun: *Adam does not. Adam instead brings him upstairs and points a fan at him, after plopping him down.* Sheepy: Harley: .......F-fine, I guess this is okay. Sheepy: Harley: ..................Sorry if I insulted you. Arsé-kun: Adam: I'm used to it. Sheepy: Harley: That makes me feel worse. Arsé-kun: Adam: But "It's fine," is a lie, isn't it? This single instance is permitted. Sheepy: Harley: No, that's not it. Sheepy: Harley: Do I insult you often? Arsé-kun: Adam: No. You insult everyone often. Sheepy: Harley: *He frowns* Sheepy: Harley: I'm being honest. Sheepy: Harley: I'm not going to lie about my opinions to make others happy. Arsé-kun: Adam: ... I'll be more gentle next time. Sheepy: Harley: I don't care if you're brutally honest to me in return. Sheepy: Harley: I act the way I expect to be treated, and it's out of my control if people decide to be nicer or ruder to me than I am to them. Arsé-kun: Adam: ... Are you not meant to treat others the way you want to be treated? Sheepy: Harley: Again, I don't care if people are nasty to me. Sheepy: Harley: It'll just make my opinions more negative. Sheepy: Harley: I just don't want you injuring me because I might be needed later. Sheepy: Harley: I also recognize how quickly anyone could turn on me if it suited them. I want to drag their opinions out into the light before I'm betrayed. For example, you could easily kill me right here and now. Sheepy: Harley: We are alone. You are physically powerful and I am in a weakened state. However, you have made no move to kill me. Two possibilities come to mind: Either you wish for me to trust you so you can betray me later or you truly do mean me no harm. Sheepy: Harley: Potential motives include: wanting to form a happy life and murder being th fastest way to wreck relationships, my awareness making you unable to take the perfect opportunity, pity, loyalty to Frankenstein... Arsé-kun: Adam: ..... I... I volunteered to assist you because Father was busy. *he frowns* If I'd wanted to hurt you, I'd have done it by now. Sheepy: Harley: So loyalty to Frankenstein. Sheepy: Harley: Thank you for being honest. Sheepy: Harley: I hadn't gauged you yet, so this helps. Sheepy: Harley: If you'd simply lied and told me you actually care about me as a person after all I had just said, I would've gotten up and left, even if I am extremely dizzy. ...Ah, I expect you to treat me as you truthfully feel about me from now on, but I will notice if you're lying. Sheepy: Harley: I haven't been in this conversation with anyone before, so let me simplify it with this: Give me a reason to trust you and I will. I only trust Watson, Lupin, and Iris. It's not personal. Sheepy: Harley: I've had very little contact with you, so I don't know anything about you. I cannot trust a man I do not know. The same goes for Frankenstein. I've barely spoken to the man. Arsé-kun: *Adam doesn't respond, thinking all of this over. He understands it, but is not going to ask for details. It's not his business. Why would it be? mmmm.* Arsé-kun: *It's kinda awkward now, but quiet. It's almost nice. It's then ruined by Tom screaming. Probably.* Sheepy: Harley: Why!? Arsé-kun: Adam: I've learned the answer is "We don't know". Sheepy: Harley: I would check what's going on, but I'm feeling tired. Arsé-kun: Adam: ... I will. You stay. *he heads Outtie* Sheepy: *Tom is screaming* Arsé-kun: *Arséne was trying to nap at his desk, and has just been woken up in a panic. Thanks, Tom!!* Arsé-kun: *also he probably also screamed. there goes his dignity. oh no, he dropped it all, it's not his, it's for a friend* Sheepy: Tom: nonononono don't go don't go Arsé-kun: Adam: .... Explain. *he enters, easily skipping the last three steps on the staircase. legs for days.* ... I see no one moving. Sheepy: Tom: he's coming for you Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he's pulled out the notepad again, but hasn't fully recovered his dignity. You can't hide it* Arsé-kun: Adam: ... Mm? Sheepy: Tom: you've walked into his hands Sheepy: Tom: he has eyes everywhere Arsé-kun: Arséne: I'm assuming this isn't meant to be at us.. Sheepy: Sheepy: It could be. Arsé-kun: Arséne: But we're not doing anything, so it can't be. Sheepy: Sheepy: But.....i the future? Sheepy: Sheepy: Nah. Sheepy: Tom: the first time was a surprise Arsé-kun: Arséne: Mhm..? Sheepy: Tom: the second time he expects you Sheepy: Tom: no witnesses can be left alive Arsé-kun: Adam: *what is happening* Sheepy: Tom: ................... Sheepy: Tom: ........................................ Arsé-kun: Arséne: Ground control to Major Tom, what's your status? Sheepy: Tom: wheres the horse Sheepy: Tom: horse is gone wheres the horse Arsé-kun: Arséne: Like how you didn't? Sheepy: Tom: information is a powerful thing Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he sorta sighs and keeps writing. They'll figure it out EVENTUALLY* Sheepy: Tom: i told you i told you nobody ever listens Sheepy: Tom: he can always find you Arsé-kun: Arséne: Comforting. Arsé-kun: *Elsewhere, a fair bit of time ago..!!* Sheepy: Ryuu: Is this really a good idea? Arsé-kun: Barok: Absolutely not. Sheepy: Crow: Hey, if there's anyone scary, I'll give 'em a taste of my crimson fist! Arsé-kun: Asougi: *he glances at Ryuu, as if to say "Yeah, right"* Sheepy: Ryuu: *He looks to Asougi, before looking back to Crow* Oh. You're bluffing. Sheepy: Ryuu: Good job! It makes me feel more confident already! Arsé-kun: *Barok just places a hand on his forehead. He's already 5000005% done* Sheepy: Crow: Whaaaat? I'm not bluffing! Pops, aren't I super strong!? Arsé-kun: Barok: When you actually bother. Sheepy: Crow: I bother all the time! Sheepy: Ryuu: Who do you bother all the time? Arsé-kun: Barok: Me. Sheepy: Crow: Eeeeeh?! Arsé-kun: Barok: Okay, shut up and go in first, fearless leader. Sheepy: Crow: Poooops! You're so mean! You've got such a cool kid and- M-me?! Arsé-kun: Barok: That's what I thought. Sheepy: Crow: *He huffs* Fine! I'll go in...! *He quickly enters* Arsé-kun: Barok: *he looks to Ryuu and Asougi* Go already. Sheepy: Ryuu: *He gently takes Asougi's hand* Let's take care not to be separated! Arsé-kun: Asougi: ! *:O* Of course! Sheepy: *Ryuu enters carefully compared to Crow.* Arsé-kun: *Asougi stays with him, leering around the halls, while Barok hangs back* Arsé-kun: Barok: .... [I can hear you, you know.] Sheepy: *Barok, in return, is given a concerning statement: He’s coming for you. You’ve walked into his hands. He has eyes everywhere.* Arsé-kun: Barok: [Elaborate?] Sheepy: *The first time was a surprise. The second time he expect you. No witnesses can be left alive.* Arsé-kun: Barok: [We'll see about that.] Sheepy: *Barok is met with silence.* Arsé-kun: *Barok huffs and goes to catch up. This shouldn't be hard.* Sheepy: Ryuu: *He's glancing around nervously.* Arsé-kun: *as is Asougi. He seems to expect something, but nothing is happening* Sheepy: Crow: Yea, we're definitely going the right way! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Are you sure?? Arsé-kun: Asougi: We've barely been here before.. How do you know which way is right? Sheepy: Crow: .... Sheepy: Crow: *he looks at his hands* Sheepy: Crow: My right hand forms a backwards L. Sheepy: Crow: So if my hand forms a fowards L, it’s the left way. Sheepy: Crow: It’s fine if you struggle with it! I do, too! I only learned that technique recently! Arsé-kun: Asougi: ... I mean.. You're not wrong. And we did head right. Sheepy: Crow: Yes! So we went the right way! Sheepy: Ryuu: .... Sheepy: *Barok finally receives a response: Where’s the horse? Horse is gone, where’s the horse?* Arsé-kun: Barok: [I don't know. I don't see it.] *he pauses briefly, spotting some loose papers where they weren't last time. Striding over, he picks them up before hurrying after the others. Because they'll do something stupid.* Sheepy: *Information is power.* Sheepy: Crow: ...Eh, Pops, I think I’m lost... Arsé-kun: Barok: How? This isn't a mansion. Sheepy: Crow: Well, yes. Sheepy: Crow: But I’m lost... Arsé-kun: Asougi: It feels like we've been walking longer than we should have.. Arsé-kun: Barok: .... Perhaps you have been. Sheepy: Crow: Eeeeeh?! Like time is slowing down?! Arsé-kun: Barok: While that could be a possibility, that wouldn't be it. Lets keep going. Sheepy: Crow: Oh.. Sheepy: Crow: What’re we looking for again? Arsé-kun: Asougi: Any evidence that the houseowner or someone living with them is involved with a current case. Arsé-kun: Asougi: So in simple terms, anything suspicious. Sheepy: Crow: Well, alright. Arsé-kun: *while they're walking, Barok ducks into a small room so he can check his loot* Arsé-kun: *it's an employee list of some kind! The homeowner's name is close to the top. Evidence! Barok carefully folds and pockets it* Arsé-kun: *he steps out and waits. Eventually, Ryuu and Asougi wander back into view, from their original direction.* Arsé-kun: Asougi: Weren't you back there? How'd you get up here? Sheepy: Ryuu: It's as though, by losing that other man, we've found Van Zieks again. Arsé-kun: Barok: You've gone in a circle. Congratulations. I found evidence while you two were being unhelpful. Sheepy: Ryuu: How did we go in a circle!? Arsé-kun: Barok: How else would you pass the same place twice? Sheepy: Ryuu: ...That's a good point..but...! Sheepy: Ryuu: Well, then, wouldn't it be imposssible for us to get lost, then? Sheepy: Ryuu: But we can't find the other man. Arsé-kun: Barok: How did you idiots lose Crow?? Sheepy: Ryuu: I'm very sorry! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Very sorry, sir! Arsé-kun: *very aggressive apologietic bowing from the both of them. they look like those wobbly lawn flamingos that go up and down* Sheepy: Ryuu: I know he's very flashy and impossible to miss, but he also moves very quickly and with little concern for others! Arsé-kun: Asougi: He's very possible to miss if you aren't looking! Sheepy: Ryuu: And he's very quiet when he wants to be! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Which is rare! Sheepy: Ryuu: Yes, he's usually extremely loud from what I've seen! Sheepy: Ryuu: Which is a polar opposite to you...! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Which leads to a lot of additional questions! But now is not the time nor place for that! Sheepy: Ryuu: Like how he's like that when you're extremely serious...! Arsé-kun: Asougi: How did that happen? Arsé-kun: Barok: *he goes to slam his fist and lower arm into the wall, but stops at the last second. This is not his property, nor is it court.* Enough with the comedy act! Sheepy: Ryuu: Ah?! I'm very sorry! It's just something that crossed my mind...! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Comedy is art, and I won't apologize for art. Sheepy: Ryuu: Oh! Asougi! You should apologize when you insult people! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Calling someone loud isn't always an insult? Sheepy: *Ryuu opens his mouth to speak, only to be interrupted by a loud crash in another room, followed by a familiar scream.* Sheepy: *???: I warned you I warned you nobody listens to me* Arsé-kun: Barok: [You did say so. I concede to you.] *he frowns and storms off to go get Crow* Sheepy: *A bloodied man intercepts Barok* Sheepy: ???: *He tilts his head, looking Barok over* Well, I don't remember inviting you! Arsé-kun: Barok: That doesn't matter. *he takes out and unfolds a paper (but not the evidence he snagged. different paper), before shoving it into their face* Investigation warrant. Interrupting the investigation can result in jail time, as can assault of a minor. *he SOUNDS calm, but he's fully ready to throw hands.* I highly recommend you sit your ass down. Sheepy: Brent: ...You know. Arsé-kun: Barok: No. Anything you can can be used against you. Sheepy: Brent: You should've knocked. Arsé-kun: Barok: Didn't you hear it? Arsé-kun: Barok: *he puts the paper back away, but doesn't look away from Brent* You're very lucky. The investigation had no relevant information and was about to end, if not for your most recent actions. Unless it was not of your doing? Sheepy: Brent: My most recent actions? Sheepy: Brent: I've done many things recently. Arsé-kun: Barok: If you tell me that is fake blood, I'll highly doubt it. Sheepy: Brent: Ah, it's not. Sheepy: Brent: I'm a butcher. Sheepy: Brent: I would've cleaned up, but that kid walked in. He saw me, I panicked, and knocked over glass and he screamed. Sheepy: Brent: Because it crashed on him. Sheepy: Brent: I'm assuming you're his friend...? Arsé-kun: Barok: Unfortunately, but I appreciate your honesty. Arsé-kun: *meanwhile, Asougi just looks confused as hell* Sheepy: Ryuu:??? Sheepy: Brent: I'm willing to help however I can. Arsé-kun: Barok: Thank you. In return, your broken property should be reimbursed. Sheepy: Brent: That would be appreciated. Arsé-kun: Asougi: ... *he leans over to Ryuu and whispers* I'm so confused..! Are we supposed to know this much practical law?? Sheepy: Ryuu: I don't know... Arsé-kun: Asougi: And he's being so polite...! He's never like this in court! Sheepy: Ryuu: Scary... Sheepy: Ryuu: Maybe he just hates us.. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Maybe.... Arsé-kun: Asougi: Or is this how he really is, and the rest is an act? Sheepy: Ryuu: Oh! Maybe! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Oh, or this is an impostor! Sheepy: Ryuu: Oh...! Arsé-kun: Asougi: ... I can't think of anything wilder than that. Sheepy: Ryuu: .............. Sheepy: Ryuu: Oh! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Oh? Sheepy: Ryuu: He's lulling us into a sense of ease but he's actually working with the culprit. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Oh, that's wild. How about, uh.... They're both aliens! Sheepy: Ryuu: Well, um, the flashy man did have wings at one point. Sheepy: Ryuu: Like an angel, according to him! Sheepy: Ryuu: So what if Van Zieks is the same? Sheepy: Ryuu: ......No, that's a bit too out there. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Anything could be the truth if there's any reason to it! That's what Holmes-sama said, right? Sheepy: Ryuu: Oh, something like that! Sheepy: Ryuu: His brother said in response, "Don't listen to him, he wouldn't know truth if it hit him in the face"... Arsé-kun: Asougi: That seems unreasonable. How would he have a job if he was that awful? Sheepy: Ryuu: Good point. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Hmmm... Maybe they're all demons? Sheepy: Ryuu: Oh! Sheepy: Ryuu: Even Holmes-san? Arsé-kun: Asougi: No, he's normal. Or an alien. Sheepy: Ryuu: Hmm. Arsé-kun: *Barok eventually returns, with Crow, and with his usual Resting Bitch Face. All is normal.* Sheepy: Ryuu: You're back! Arsé-kun: Barok: What an astounding observation. Sheepy: Ryuu: ...Oh,it is? Arsé-kun: Barok: No. Sheepy: Ryuu: ......... Sheepy: Ryuu: Um, anyway,w e should leave. It's creepy in here. Arsé-kun: Asougi: I agree! Arsé-kun: *and they get the FUCK out of dodge* Arsé-kun: Barok: ... That was almost a complete waste of time. Sheepy: Ryuu: Really? Arsé-kun: Barok: Really. That man was not the suspect, but is certainly related. Sheepy: Ryuu: That's still progress, isn't it? Arsé-kun: Barok: No. This is progress. *he pulls out the evidence he snatched earlier* Written and signed by one Damien Byrd. Sheepy: Ryuu: ...! Arsé-kun: Barok: But, wait. There's more. There's well over twenty other names here, including a few I recognize. Sheepy: Ryuu: Ah... Arsé-kun: Barok: ... Including Fantomas. You're going to want to hand this in. *he hands it to Ryuu* Sheepy: Ryuu: thank you! Arsé-kun: *Asougi peers over Ryuu's shoulder for a peek* Sheepy: *Ryuu shows him the paper* Arsé-kun: Asougi: ... Is this some sort of attendance list? Sheepy: Ryuu: For what, though? Arsé-kun: Asougi: Hmmm... Sheepy: Ryuu: We don't have the information we need yet! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Not yet.. Maybe we can get an actual investigator to go out instead of us?? Sheepy: Ryuu: Maybe we should ask Holmes-san. Arsé-kun: Asougi: And Iris-chan! Sheepy: Ryuu: Good idea! Sheepy: Ryuu: Good luck, Zieks-san! Good luck, other guy! Arsé-kun: Barok: Don't do anything stupid on the way back. Sheepy: Ryuu: We won't! Sheepy: *Ryuu leaves, presumably with Asougi.* Arsé-kun: *And Barok goes to drop off Crow, before going out. Like, out-out. Like, not for business out* Arsé-kun: *he's hitting his favorite pub. he needs a freaking beer. wine isn't going to cut it* Sheepy: Meril: ...Oh! Barok, good to see you. Arsé-kun: Barok: I'd say the same, but you're always here. *he slides onto a stool. this is His Spot, two seats down from the left.* It's unfortunate the curse even covers it's own loopholes. Sheepy: Meril: Hah, well, I've made a lot of friends thanks to it, and it's fairly comfortable. Sheepy: Meril: I also have the windows! Arsé-kun: Barok: But you can't exit using them... Yet. Sheepy: Meril: Ah, right, what'll it be? Or did you just come in to see me? Arsé-kun: Barok: Give me one of those fruity bastards. Sheepy: Meril: *He starts working on it* You certainly do have a way with words! Sheepy: Meril: In return, tell me something interesting. Preferably something I don't know! Arsé-kun: Barok: Two of the young'uns at the firm got stuck in a looping hallway.. What am I supposed to tell them, "Oh there's a magic illusion here!"? Sheepy: Meril: There's nothing you really can say! Arsé-kun: Barok: Said hallway also had a ghost horse. I didn't know that was possible until the other day. Sheepy: Meril:...Ghost horse? Arsé-kun: Barok: Ghost horse. Sheepy: Meril: How would a ghost horse come to be...? Sheepy: *Meril finishes preparing the drink and gives it to Barok. Arsé-kun: Barok: Like every other ghost. Regrets or earthly desires. I'd just.. Never even considered that it could happen. *he accepts and pays for it. no tabs we pay upfront like men* Sheepy: Meril: That's really interesting! I want to see a ghost horse eventually! Arsé-kun: Barok: If I can get some sort of visual on it, I'll show you. Sheepy: Meril: Thanks! Arsé-kun: Germain: Are we referring to the Byrd residence? *where the FUCK did he come from?* And good evening, gentlemen. Sheepy: Meril: Good evening, Saint-Germain! Sheepy: Meril: How are you? Arsé-kun: Germain: I've been well. *he joins Barok at the bar* You? Sheepy: Meril: Oh, the usual. Sheepy: Meril: It looks like a nice day outside. Arsé-kun: Germain: It is, strangely enough. Sheepy: Meril: Strangely enough? Is something going on? Arsé-kun: Germain: Not at all. It's just a strange weather day. Sheepy: Meril:...? Well, alright. Sheepy: Meril: Well, what have you been up to recently? Arsé-kun: Germain: Iiiii may or may not have started some internal fighting in Idea. *he seems proud of this* And get me the same thing he's having. Sheepy: *Meril begins preparing it.* Sheepy: Meril: Oh, good job! Sheepy: Meril: Oh, you know, I was wondering. Arsé-kun: Germain: ? Sheepy: Meril: Have you seen Merlin or Myrrdin? Arsé-kun: Germain: Personally? No. But I know they're about. Sheepy: Meril: Ah, that's good. Arsé-kun: Germain: In return, do you want to know who our pal #5 in Idea is? Sheepy: Meril: Oh sure! *He gives the completed drink to Germain* Arsé-kun: Germain: You already know him. It's Lancelot. Arsé-kun: Germain: Yes, THAT Lancelot. *he accepts his drink* They're both positively livid. Sheepy: Meril: I wouldn't have expected that! Arsé-kun: Germain: Neither did we. I only found out recently. Suddenly, him only doing missions halfway across the world makes sense. Sheepy: Meril: It really does... Arsé-kun: Germain: Mhm... Oh, right, I almost forgot. I brought a friend along, if you don't mind. Sheepy: Meril: I'd like to meet him, actually! Arsé-kun: Germain: Fantastic. *and he plops Tom on the table* Sheepy: Meril: Ah, he's cute!! Sheepy: Tom: stupid stupid stupid I warned you I warned you Sheepy: Tom: you have a target on your back now Arsé-kun: Barok: ... You're much smaller than I thought you were. *he pats Tom* And I'm used to that. Sheepy: Tom: arent you concerned about your friends Arsé-kun: Barok: They won't be involved in the case anymore, if I'm able to get my way. .. But I do thank you for the warnings. Sheepy: Tom:.... Sheepy: Meril: Is he a ghost? Arsé-kun: Germain: Yes. Sheepy: Meril: Hmm. Arsé-kun: Germain: I would joke 'Get this man a beer' but, you know. That would be rather difficult. Sheepy: Meril: I haven't seen a ghost in a while. Arsé-kun: Barok: I'd say "Neither have I", but that would be a lie. Sheepy: Meril: Right, with the ghost horse. Arsé-kun: Barok: That too, yes. Sheepy: *There's the sound of the door opening. Bedi is holding it.* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Good morning America! Sheepy: Meril: I was beginning to worry! Sheepy: Myrrdin: Worrying gives you gray hairs. Just look at Bedi over here. Sheepy: Bedi: ? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Don't call him gray! He's not as old as you! Sheepy: Myrrdin: However, my hair is black and there's not a single gray hair to be seen! Arsé-kun: Merlin: Are you sure? Have you checked? Sheepy: Myrrdin: Well, not within the past week. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Better check once you can do it yourself! Good luck! Sheepy: Myrrdin: You would lie and say I had them if I asked you. Sheepy: Meril: You can't check yourself- what are tbe bandages for...? Sheepy: Myrrdin: I messed up a spell and injured myself, but I'll be fine again soon. Arsé-kun: *Merlin just looks elsewhere. Oh, what's this? What's this little fluffy boy?* Sheepy: Bedi: Oh, that stuffed animal looks soft! Sheepy: Tom: hi Arsé-kun: Merlin: I'm adopting this! *he goes to pick up Tom* You're so cute! Sheepy: Tom: thank you Arsé-kun: Germain: Please do not. I need to return him home. I'll be the victim of arson if I don't. Sheepy: Tom: im tom Sheepy: Bedi: Merlin, we should get something similar. Arsé-kun: Barok: You can get your own ghost. Just commit homicide. Arsé-kun: Merlin: :V Sheepy: Bedi: That's not a good idea. Arsé-kun: Barok: I hope it isn't. If it was, I'd have to do my job. Sheepy: Bedi: Your job? Arsé-kun: Barok: ... I'll give you magic folk a short version. I'm a lawyer. Sheepy: Bedi: oh! Sheepy: Bedi: I know what those are! Sheepy: Bedi: They've been around longer than Merlin has. Arsé-kun: Merlin: I mean!! I guess!!! Sheepy: Myrrdin: I've been around longer than...am I the older one? Or are you? Arsé-kun: Merlin: I thought I was! Sheepy: Myrrdin: I don't mind being the younger one! Sheepy: Myrrdin: That makes me more attractive to ladies- *He clutches his chest* Ugh! Arsé-kun: Merlin: *he nearly chucks Tom at Myrrdin. Stops, puts Tom down. Picks up a towel and hurls that instead* Sheepy: Myrrdin: Ow! What was that for?! Arsé-kun: Merlin: You're already fucked up! You don't need a cardiac arrest on top of it! Sheepy: Meril: What happened? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Like he said, he got messed up~ He'll be fine. Sheepy: Meril: That's vague... Arsé-kun: Merlin: No, that's Myrrdin. Sheepy: Meril: *He appears concerned.* Arsé-kun: *Barok just raises his eyebrows and takes a sip. That's none of his business.* Sheepy: Meril: Oh, did you want a drink? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Oh, that'd be nice! Gimme uhhhhh, you know, liquid unicorn, hold the ice! Sheepy: Myrrdin: I want the strongest thing you've got. Sheepy: Bedi: Maybe getting drunk isn't a good idea. Arsé-kun: Germain: At least not yet, when you've got these two to deal with. Sheepy: Bedi: Ah, and I'll have... Sheepy: Bedi: *He's thinking.* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Eh, just gettem the usual. Sheepy: Bedi: The usual...? I have a usual...? Arsé-kun: Merlin: You mean you don't? What's this witchcraft? Sheepy: Bedi:......?! What is my usual? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Cow blasters, hold the everything else. Sheepy: Meril: Ah, alright! Arsé-kun: Merlin: Anyway, I don't have anything too interesting to report! But I did see a big slug, so that was ok. Sheepy: Meril: Slug? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Slug. Ugly slug. Why are they so ugly? Sheepy: Bedi: Slugs look soft. Sheepy: *Meril finishes Merlin's drink and starts on Bedi's after giving Merlin the drink* Arsé-kun: Merlin: They're so.. Oh, nice. *and he takes a big ol' swig. fuck yea* They're so weird looking Sheepy: Bedi: I wonder if it's squishy. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Definitely. Arsé-kun: Merlin: The only thing weird about it was it was sorta big, but otherwise? Slug be sluggin'. Sheepy: Meril: I get slugs in here sometimes. Arsé-kun: Germain: Better than anything actually harmful. Arsé-kun: Merlin: *he leans forward, onto the bar, and lowers his voice a bit* Don't tell anyone I said this, but by big, I meant really big. Sheepy: Meril:....? Sheepy: *Meril gives Bedi a glass of milk and begins working on Myrrdin's drink* Arsé-kun: Merlin: I could see it from a second story window. I could have seen it from a rooftop. It was massive. Sheepy: Meril: Whaaatttt?? Sheepy: Meril: I want to see it... Arsé-kun: Merlin: Biggest lake bastard I've ever seen. I'll try to get pics for you, but... *he shudders* Thing gave me bad vibes. Sheepy: Meril:...? Arsé-kun: Merlin: But anyway! *he leans back* Knives are bad for your health! Sheepy: Meril: Knives? Sheepy: Meril:...Wait, are Myrrdin's injuries caused by a knife? Arsé-kun: Merlin: When'd I say that? but yes Arsé-kun: Merlin: But he really was exhausted from spells. That parts all true. Arsé-kun: Germain: ... Would this be the event where the "artist" was arrested? The- Arsé-kun: Merlin: Yes! Arsé-kun: Germain: Ah, that makes sense. Even Nyar was disgusted. That takes a lot of effort to achieve. Arsé-kun: Germain: And speaking of, I might do like him and "forget" to not bring other people more often. I know a few people who really need a drink. Sheepy: Meril:.....*He really doesn't appear happy.* Sheepy: Meril: *He puts down the drink he's working on and picks up an empty glass. He fills it with chocolate milk and gives it to Myrrdin, accompanied by an annoyed huff* Sheepy: Myrrdin: Aw, I wanted something alcoholic! Sheepy: Meril: No. You lied, and you need to recover! Milk is good for you! Sheepy: Myrrdin: Merlin, I'm being bullied! Arsé-kun: Merlin: Oh, poor baaaaby! Sheepy: Myrrdin: Are you betraying me!? Sheepy: Myrrdin: I trusted you!! Arsé-kun: Merlin: If I didn't say it, someone else would have! Sheepy: Myrrdin: That hurts even more! Arsé-kun: Merlin: *he's considering a response of some kind, but is unsure about it* Sheepy: Myrrdin: Hey, Bedi, do you want this? Sheepy: Bedi: -- Sheepy: Myrrdin: Great! Sheepy: *Myrrdin slides the chocolate milk to Bedi* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Guess you got it anyway! Sheepy: Bedi: But I didn't want it.. Sheepy: Bedi: Merlin, do you want it? Arsé-kun: Merlin: I guess so! *he takes it and pours it into his drink. sips it* Somehow this works! Sheepy: Myrrdin: You are nasty. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Thank you! One of us has to be! Sheepy: Myrrdin: Like... Arsé-kun: Merlin: Nope! You're not the one with a fantastic man, and still sellin' your dick for money! Case closed. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Nono, out of the two of us? Sheepy: Myrrdin: I'm like, 50% more likely not to shower for over month than you. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Simply, I am more nasty Arsé-kun: Merlin: We roll in dirty river water like real men. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Unlike a certain someone who first thing in the morning always uses up our hot water! Arsé-kun: Merlin: Hey, wait! Don't drag him into this! You'd use it too if you couldn't feel anything! Sheepy: Myrrdin: Maybe I stay up until 6 am before going to sleep and then miss out on the hot water. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Don't judge my life choices. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Whose fault is that, huh? Whose fault is THAT? Sheepy: Myrrdin: Uhmmm... Sheepy: Myrrdin: I've decided it's yours so it's not mine! Arsé-kun: Merlin: Bitch! Sheepy: Myrrdin: If you're older, you should be more responsible about my sleeping schedule!!! Arsé-kun: Merlin: You're an adult!! You can do it yourself! Sheepy: Myrrdin: You're an adult! You can set bed times! Sheepy: Myrrdin: I don't have an authority to listen to so I do as I please. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Okay! As your older brother, go the fuck to bed! Sheepy: Myrrdin: Hmmm... Sheepy: Myrrdin: Right now? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Right now! Get right up those stairs! Begone, thot! Sheepy: Bedi: What is up those stairs? Sheepy: Myrrdin: But maybe I wanna get drunk instead! Arsé-kun: Merlin: Then here! *he reaches over the counter and grabs a random bottle, before handing it to Myrrdin* But do it upstairs! If you fall down the stairs, I call dibs on your stuff! Sheepy: Myrrdin: What?! But what about spending time with people?! Arsé-kun: Merlin: I ain't carryin' you! Sheepy: Myrrdin: Bedi can carry me! Sheepy: Bedi: I'm carrying Merlin. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Eat shit, Myrrd! Sheepy: Myrrdin: Wow!! Sheepy: Myrrdin: I'm hurt! Arsé-kun: Merlin: This is true! Arsé-kun: *They continue bickering, even as Merlin relents and carries Myrrdin up the stairs. During this, Saint Germain pays for his drink, and Barok lies down in a booth. He's still so, so incredibly done with the idea of being a functional adult. Rest in shit.*

why were you drawn to each one of your characters?

(I’m filling out a thing, and this particular answer got So Long, I Had to Separate It.)

OCs: Well duh, they're my OCs, my creations. Dove draws me in because she's so contemplative, thoughtful, and complex in how she interacts with the world; she's full of oxymorons, this timid creature that wants to make huge changes, afraid of the evil within her but wanting to do good in the world, knowing she has, technically, become a murderer, yet actively working every single day to become a hero. Afraid she's too weak to do any good in the world, but wanting to try anyways. She's amazing, brave, and inspiring.

Srentha: His optimism and energy are just plain FUN! His ADHD mind and constant high energy are a lot to keep up with sometimes, and it's hard for my depressed brain to put the Excited Happy Words Together sometimes, but when I'm able to do it, it's absolutely DELIGHTFUL! Plus, he's such a positive person with a great attitude and the kind of genuinely-loving charisma that creates such a positive vibe with just about everyone, and honestly? I admire that about him. He's the person I think about whenever I'm trying to be positive and friendly. Plus, with his immense passion and capacity for really high-powered but strictly-pacifistic magic, his spells are a lot of fun to explore-- especially re: CONSEQUENCES from his spontaneous experiments.

Raven... Oh, holy heavens and hectic hells, where on earth to BEGIN. Raven is, quite literally, the reason I survived past age 12 without doing something... Dangerous. Raven is the reason I didn't go insane trying to figure out what to do with Being An Empath, and a Shadow Witch. I relate to Raven on so, so many levels... and though my personal growth has taken me a few steps beyond being almost a perfect shadow of her, we still have an immensely deep connection that I'll treasure and appreciate for the rest of my life. Raven's story gave me hope, made me realize that I didn't have to surrender to my destiny. Raven's found family helped me understand that I didn't have to be lost and alone forever, that maybe, if I kept looking, I would find someone in the world who fulfilled my need for belonging, and love. And her internal struggles still strike me to the core, to this very day! And as far as writing the JLvTT Raven, specifically: I feel that version incorporated my favorite elements of the 80's comics, the cartoon, and a whole new angle on her story that allows me to explore her past a measly two movies!

The Pokemon stories are easy to explain: I just have a lot of fun imagining what would happen if I was a trainer! I'm very curious about how things in that world work, and I have so much fun applying real world science and mystical theory to figure things out!

Lapis is... hard to explain. Initially I started writing about her because after Jail Break, after she locked herself in a dangerous and toxic and unstable fusion, and then the show seemed content to just LEAVE her there for SO long, I decided I was going to write a happier ending. I've always liked Lapis, as someone I could relate to and admired as far as Gems go. And then canon FINALLY freed her and the blog became so totally canon divergent, I lost my reason to write about her and kinda... lost my steam with her. But now that she's settled and happier, still healing and growing, I think there's a lot of aspects on Earth and newfound Gem Freedom that could be really fun to explore from her perspective!

Blue Diamond and Ryou Bakura are... intensely personal experiences that I don't know how to talk about in public, but if you know about the blackwinged blog? I basically want to write about them because I want to explore their situations, that I've been in, but in a safer environment, with a healthy way to process traumas and regrets and personal growth difficulties, while having another person writing with me to help the process along. (I haven't really written much for them... because I haven't quite found the courage to bear those parts of myself to the world yet. But I want to. I really, really do WANT to... especially since in an RP, we could explore the silly stuff, too! And wouldn't that be nice? To associate such traumatic things with some healing laughter, too?)

With Kary, I have to be in just the right mood to write for her. She doesn't mean to be, not exactly, but she's temperamental and emotional and really likes hiding it behind this mask of anger and righteous fury at the world. She's snappish and fiery (literally as well as emotionally), sometimes to the point where she's caustic and just plain mean, and it can be exhausting writing her outbursts and denial. She does have a lot of love and loyalty once you bond to her though, and I've seen a lot of growth in her, even if it's mostly just around the people she loves. She's a powerhouse in battle and great for stirring up drama, especially on the angsty and mystic-in-denial side. But she's also SUPER determined to move past it and not let her past haunt her, despite being as traumatized as several others in the cast, so she keeps me on my toes.

Evangeline is literally, actually a manifestation-given-life of everything Dove suppresses. She’s sadistic, she’s evil, she’s spontaneous, and wild, and uncivilized and selfish and hedonistic and only ever concerned with her own power, and having a good time. She’s a wildly different sort of character to write for, having this deep-seated insecurity that, naturally, morphed into hatred, about being suppressed all of Dove’s life, and on top of containing everything Dove was ashamed of, she has an independence complex and wants to prove that she is NOTHING like her ex-hostess. Even though she is literally made from the same mental fabric. She has the same genetics. She’s basically demon!Dove. And though exploring her started as “exploring what would happen if Dove stayed evil after DDD”, and exploring her started as an extension of exploding Dove, she quickly morphed into her own character with her own desires, limits, and motivations. I can’t always bring myself to write about the atrocities she’ll commit without a second thought (since most of them are on par with DDD), but at least she doesn’t have Dove’s immense sense of guilt and regret and she does it all with a giddy yell and a delighted smile. And sometimes she doesn’t have to hurt anyone, she just wants to get tattoos and drink and party her heart out, and enjoy having her own body and being able to EXPRESS herself for the first time in her existence!

And then, there's Phobia. I have a confession: I just wanted to try my hand at antagonizing other characters and seeing what kind of drama I could stir up! Phobia's motivations and powers and, well, let's say lack of personal growth stuck her quite contentedly in a niche of terrorizing others and finding herself through others' fears. Of course, she was written by Marv Wolfman, so she got the Character Development treatment quite thoroughly, and there's a lot to know and understand about her. But my headcanons went wild. I just HAD to see what kind of stories I could come up with her. Unfortunately, a lot of the rps she was in were dropped, and I wonder if I may have been a bit too heavy-handed with the terrorizing? (Not that she's exactly a subtle character; not at all.) But when the RPs died and I lost my fascination with the way her powers affected others, my muse for her kind of petered out.

Det. AU Part 10

Arsé-kun: Arséne: Today's summary. Tom suggested I get a case from Sherlock, so I did. This lead to Sheepy and I busting the waitress.

Arsé-kun: Arséne: That idol showed up to pay Sherlock. Diego found that other man.. Rupel. It proceeded to be followed by Nyar being very convienient. Sheepy and Randy opted to rescue another man, Jack, from a slug. Randy suggested I write down people's names, so I'll add Okita to this. He's at the hospital, but we rarely see him.. Baldwin picked up the Jackson kids while Sheepy and Randy were out. Hansel and his sister existed. Nyar talked. Also there was a murder? Again? Of a street artist. Poor Yusuke. .. I decided to look for myself, and found it was a mess. Crow joined us for.. Some reason? He proceeded to be an enormous help, honestly. We then proceeded to the suspect's house. .. It didn't take much to find evidence, but the suspect managed to escape. We spent the day hunting, but were unsuccessful. End of summary. Sheepy: Fran: That much happened....? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Yes. There's more, but I haven't finished getting the full story. Like what happened inside the suspect's home yesterday. I wasn't present for most of it. Sheepy: Fran: Understandable. Sorry that I've been of little use. Arsé-kun: Arséne: It's fine. Sheepy: Sheepy: You have a job. Impey doesn't. Arsé-kun: Arséne: He does. He's supposed to be making backup vests for us. The last one I got from him was.. A week ago? Sheepy: Sheepy: That's my point... Sheepy: Fran: He's been much more helpful than me. Arsé-kun: Arséne: You do what's asked of you, though. You earn no complains from me. Sheepy: Fran:... Sheepy: Fran: I feel like I'm not doing as much as I should... Sheepy: Fran: Not much is asked of me so I've been trying to find the cure to Cardia's poison. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Noble goal. If I need anything, I'll be sure to ask you. Sheepy: Fran: Okay, that's fine. Arsé-kun: Germain: *he enters scene, seeming a bit tenser than usual* Good morning, everyone. Am I interrupting anything? Sheepy: Sheepy: You're interrupting my life! I'm 13 now Mom, I don't need you anymore! GOSH! Sheepy: Sheepy: But actually all you missed was us trashtalking Impey. Arsé-kun: Germain: So nothing is new? That is good. Sheepy: Sheepy: Yup. Sheepy: Sheepy: Good morning or something. Arsé-kun: Germain: Thank you. No one would mind if I stepped outside for a bit, yes? Sheepy: Sheepy: Just don't let any radiation in Arsé-kun: Germain: Of course. Sheepy: Sheepy: Okay, have fun. Arsé-kun: Germain: I certainly will. *he takes his hat off the rack and exits* Sheepy: *Ominous!* Arsé-kun: Arséne: It's almost as if he completely ignored our buddy system. Sheepy: Sheepy: He's Saint Germain. He does what he wants. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Thanks, I hate it. Sheepy: Sheepy: Good. Arsé-kun: Germain: *aaaand he's already back. when did he open the door? WHen did he close it??* Sheepy: Sheepy: Hey, welcome back. Arsé-kun: Germain: Thank you. *he's grinning. uh oh.* You may be pleased to hear that I may have a hand in starting some dr- Discord in Idea. Sheepy: Sheepy: Good. Arsé-kun: Germain: I'd like to watch it go down, but I doubt I can go alone. Sheepy: Sheepy: Who did you want to bring? Arsé-kun: Germain: To Idea? It'd be too risky to bring an outsider. Sheepy: Sheepy: So Nyar. Arsé-kun: Germain: Yes. So I'll free the household of his presence for a few hours, at least. Sheepy: Nyar: You called, Fluffy? Arsé-kun: Germain: I've started drama. Would you like to watch it go down? Sheepy: Nyar: Sounds good. Arsé-kun: Germain: Then we shall go together. Sheepy: Nyar: OK. Arsé-kun: Germain: *he opens the door again* After you. Sheepy: Nyar: Thank you! *He goes through* Arsé-kun: *Germain follows, closing the door on his way out* Arsé-kun: Germain: >:) Sheepy: *Ominous!* Arsé-kun: Germain: I've sent back Apostle 27. Should the final member do their part, the remainder shall be simple for you. Sheepy: Nyar: Wow, he's fallen in ranks to be less than the amount of members there are. Sheepy: Nyar: And good thinking. Arsé-kun: Germain: It was the first number I picked. To call him anything but his actual number is accurate. Sheepy: Nyar: Yeah. Arsé-kun: Germain: How long do we have? I'm unsure if we'll make it before the show begins. Sheepy: Nyar: No clue, let's hurry. Arsé-kun: Germain: Yes, lets. If we're really lucky, we'll make it before he does. Sheepy: *Have fun!* Arsé-kun: *Scene changes to a Very Messy Room. One that's never cleaned. One that's rarely entered or exited* Sheepy: *...And sitting on the owner of the room's stomach is Hansel, talking about how sugar might help them.* Arsé-kun: 5: .. .... ..?? *and this is what he wakes up to. poor guy. he goes to talk, but his throat's, like, uberdry* ??? Sheepy: Hansel: Does that mean you want one? Arsé-kun: 5: *he nods and reaches for his water. water good. water keeps you alive* Sheepy: Hansel: Ah, good idea. They're cinnamon buns. Arsé-kun: 5: Th.. Thank you. Sheepy: Hansel: *He hands one to 5* Guinevere made them because she doesn't want me to miss out on the nice things of having a mother. I wanted to share one with you because you're always sleeping. Sheepy: Hansel:...So it might give you energy Arsé-kun: 5: Pardon?? Who did? Sheepy: Hansel: Who did what? Sheepy: Hansel: Make these? Arsé-kun: 5: Yes..! Sheepy: Hansel: Guinevere. Is that a surprise because she's always wearing armor? Sheepy: Hansel: Sometimes she doesn't. Sheepy: Hansel: She wears dresses too. Sheepy: Hansel: But she's usually wearing armor and she's really tall so I didn't know at first that she was a woman... Arsé-kun: 5: I have... Never... Seen this lady.. In all my time of being here..? Arsé-kun: 5: Her armor... What does it look like..? Sheepy: Hansel: You never left your room from what I've seen. She seemed a little worried about that but just assumed that you were shy so she never tried to pursue a friendship. Sheepy: Hansel: Ah? Armor...big, white...fancy L pattern on the shoulders... Sheepy: Hansel: The fabric for it is a little torn but otherwise it's very well maintained. Arsé-kun: 5: ... .... H.. How long has she been.. An apostle..? Sheepy: Hansel: Before I came here. She's been here before most of us... Arsé-kun: 5: what. Sheepy: Hansel: Well, she did say she's never seen you leave your room, so maybe that's why you've never seen her. Arsé-kun: 5: I... I joined to find her... And you're telling me that she has been here the entire *cough* time? Sheepy: Hansel: ? Sheepy: Hansel: I guess so. Sheepy: Hansel: Is that a bad thing? Arsé-kun: 5: Please get off of me. I feel a spot of rage coming on. Sheepy: Hansel:...*He gets off* Angry? At me? Arsé-kun: 5: Non. You are fine. Thank you for telling me. Sheepy: Hansel: ..Oh, good, I don't like it when people get mad at me. Sheepy: Hansel: Well, if you're mad at her, she could easily crush you to bits. She's the strongest of the apostles probably... and on top of that she's got a huge sword... Sheepy: Hansel:...So I'd recommend not fighting her. Sheepy: Hansel: On top of that she's extremely fast and immediately goes for the kill...I've seen her fight a few times. Arsé-kun: 5: I don't wish to fight her, either. *he starts to get off his bed, only to nearly collapse* I've only got a single target. Arsé-kun: 5: I would be willing to bet my life for the idea that she has never once used my name. I'm only a number. Arsé-kun: 5: ... Stay here, the both of you. *he frowns more. this is all that's visible from under his hood* I need to speak with your mother and the Lady. Sheepy: Hansel: ...OK. Sheepy: Hansel: I’ve never heard your name, no. If by she you mean Guinevere, I’ve never heard her call you anything but a number. Sheepy: Hansel: ...You seem unsteady. Why? Sheepy: Hansel: I think Guinevere had something she had to do today, so she’s probably wearing armor. These cinnamon buns are probably payment for me bringing her there, since the others don’t even thank me... but she can’t go until I join her, and I don’t know when she wants to go, so you have time. Arsé-kun: 5: ... Lancelot. My name is Lancelot. Sheepy: Hansel: Lancelot.... Sheepy: Hansel: Guinevere has mentioned you... laughing about how men have hit on her but they'll never have a chance because she's eternally devoted to you. She says the armor serves as proof because it's the only way she can be with you now, even if it's a silly old thing you discarded a long while ago... according to her. Sheepy: Hansel:...And mentioning you other times as well. She alternates between telling tales about the great things you've done and the actions she regrets taking that counteracted them. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: ... Thank you for telling me. *he starts to leave, using the wall as support* Do stay. There may be bloodshed. Sheepy: Hansel: Blood...shed... Arsé-kun: Lancelot: Not from Guinevere, of course. I would never. Sheepy: Hansel: No...you could never. She'd snap you like a twig. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: I wouldn't mind that. Sheepy: Hansel: Huh? Arsé-kun: Lancelot: Don't worry about it. *and he heads out.* Arsé-kun: Germain: *he's just watching in the window. he :). he >:). he's clearly waiting for something. Ominous. he shouldn't even be here, he quit, why is he here* Sheepy: *Lance, if you're hunting for Guin, follow the armor noises!* Sheepy: *She's actually pretty easy to find.* Arsé-kun: *He certainly does find her. It just takes him a bit to get there* Sheepy: *Lancelot try getting up and moving around more it'd do you some good.* Arsé-kun: *He had no reason nor motivation to. Anyway, finally got there* Sheepy: Guin: *She's mumbling to herself while looking at papers* ...And Hansel's grocery request is just "food"... He won't eat vegetables so I should find a way to hide them in what I make... Arsé-kun: Lancelot: ... ... Guinevere. Sheepy: Guin: Mm? *She looks over* Oh, 5. You're up. Good to see you. I was worried about you. Sheepy: Guin: Here, you should write a list of what you want from the store. I'm going later after my mission. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: ... That is not my name, my lady... But I suppose. Sheepy: Guin: Ah! I apologize. I don't know your name...none of us do. I wanted to talk to you, but you were always in your room. I didn't want to disturb you. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: You.. Wouldn't have. *he does take the list and pen, though* Sheepy: Guin: I hope you don't find it rude, but what's your name? It feels wrong to call you by a number. It's all I had, though... Sheepy: Guin: You know me, but I'm Guinevere. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: I know that. *he scribbles something down on the list and slides it back over* Sheepy: Guin: *She takes off the helmet* And so you aren't surprised, this is my face. Sheepy: Guin: *She looks over the list* ...Your armor? I'm sorry, I can't recall taking care of any armor past the set I'm wearing. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: *he can't help but stare* You look as if you haven't aged a day, Guinevere. *and he pulls his own hood off* Sheepy: Guin: ...! But- you can't be... He's dead... But you look like him...! A very tired one, but... Sheepy: Guin:...She would've told me if you were... I've been mourning him for so long... Am I just exhausted and hallucinating...? Arsé-kun: Lancelot: Neither of us.. Have been aware of the other's identity for the last... Thousands of years! Arsé-kun: Lancelot: I thought I was hallucinating whenever I heard your voice. The Lady would say I was and send me away..! Sheepy: Guin: What?! Sheepy: Guin: No, no! I've definitely been here! Arsé-kun: Lancelot: I did this to myself to find you..! All this, and you were here the entire time..! Sheepy: Guin: I'm so sorry...I didn't know! If only I has approached you! But everyone said you weren't to be disturbed... Arsé-kun: Lancelot: But that was so I could search for you..! Arsé-kun: *Lancelot is physically shaking. He is the embodiment of pure fucking rage right now* Sheepy: Guin: I'm so sorry...I didn't know... Arsé-kun: Lancelot: Neither did I, my lady. Neither did I- Arsé-kun: Germain: Hey! You two should kiss! Sheepy: Guin:?! Arsé-kun: Germain: And this is why I sent you back, dear sir! Enjoy the rest of your day! Sheepy: Guin: Saint-Germain?! ... Thank you. Arsé-kun: Germain: Quite welcome, Guin. :) Someone had to do it, and SHE wasn't going to. Sheepy: Guin:...She never told me... Arsé-kun: Germain: She told no one. It was going to remain this way until someone was permanently dead. Sheepy: Guin:....... Sheepy: Guin: I... I... I don't understand... Arsé-kun: Germain: The Lady is not as nice as you think. .. I'll tell you more later. I don't wish to be caught spreading anything. Sheepy: Guin:..... Arsé-kun: Germain: Don't let the buns get too cold, now! Sheepy: Guin: ...Thank you... *She turns back to Lancelot and gives him a hug* Arsé-kun: *Lancelot more or less melts. Not literally. This man needs affection badly* Sheepy: *And affection he shall receive!* Arsé-kun: *they're crying, the buns are going to get cold, and Germain has taken one and left* Sheepy: *LANCELOT EAT YOUR BUNS* Arsé-kun: *HE WILL, CALM DOWN* Sheepy: *BEFORE HANSEL EATS THEM but he's not here yet. he still remembers his orders* Arsé-kun: *Germain considers going home, but he should probably wait for Nyar..* Sheepy: Nyar: Hey hey hey! You've all forgotten about me, huuuh? I bet you were all so sad without me! Especially you, wimpy guy! Sheepy: Guin: Leave. Arsé-kun: Germain: There you are. Let them have this moment to themselves. Sheepy: Nyar: Mmmm, but, whether they like it or not, it'll be short and bittersweet. I can smell it. Sheepy: Nyar: I'm no future teller like the source, though. Hehehe~ Anywho! You two lovers stick together, huh? And fair warning, get buckled in because what's up next will blow your mind. Arsé-kun: Germain: ... Do stay together. There may be a risk, and it would be best mitigated in a group. Sheepy: Nyar: Yeah, yeah, play in traffic, don't stay safe, whatever it is. Sheepy: Nyar: And don't trust that lady any more than you trust me. I'm serious. Arsé-kun: Germain: I can agree on that. Do not. Sheepy: Guin:.... Arsé-kun: Azathoth: She's almost here. It is time to go, you two. Arsé-kun: Germain: Stay safe. Don't do anything too stupid. That's our job. Sheepy: Nyar: Yeah! That advice! I second it! *He scampers off!* Arsé-kun: Germain: *he grumbles under his breath* Way to steal my thunder, you beautiful eldritch asshole. *he strides off after Nyar* Sheepy: Omnibus: ...That's unfortunate. They've already left. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: Omnibus...! Sheepy: Omnibus: I see you two have reunited. I'm happy for you. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: No help from you..! Sheepy: Guin:...Omnibus, why did you withhold his existence from me? Sheepy: Omnibus: I understand you might be angry or upset. Sheepy: Omnibus: However, it was necessary for a better future that I keep you two apart for a period of time. Sheepy: Omnibus: Guinevere. You would not have become so strong without Lancelot's "fall from grace" and subsequent "death" fueling your actions. Sheepy: Omnibus: Lancelot. You wouldn't have become skilled in your forte without your burning desire to find Guinevere. Sheepy: Omnibus:...However, I did put it off for too long. Now Nyarlathotep has taken something very important from us using this as a distraction device. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: It's been over a thousand years! Sheepy: Omnibus: I'm aware. Sheepy: Guin:...There's no reason for you to have not told us by now. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: If it was so important, why didn't you stop him?! I cannot do it..! My skillset does not permit and you know it! Sheepy: Omnibus: I am incapable of it. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: Lovely! Sheepy: Omnibus: Hansel is fast asleep. Guinevere was preoccupied. Philemon is the concern of the situation. Saint-Germain was an accomplice, as was Azathoth. Nyarlathotep was the perpetrator. Sheepy: Omnibus: The others aren't here. Sheepy: Omnibus: Considering that my skillset doesn't permit me, much like yours doesn't, all I could do was watch. Arsé-kun: Azathoth: And I'm still herrreee! Sheepy: Omnibus: I'm aware. At this point all you're doing is watching. Sheepy: Omnibus: You now have found each other and have an eternity to spend time with one another. Sheepy: Guin: What else haven't you told us? Arsé-kun: Aza: What else have you seen and not realized for yourselves? Take the time to figure it out. Sheepy: Guin: What have I seen and not wanted to believe? Arsé-kun: Aza: Or perhaps did not see the truth behind. Sheepy: Omnibus: This is all that I was hiding. Arsé-kun: Aza: That's cute. Sheepy: Guin: Hansel's naivety... Philemon's behavior. Sheepy: Guin: Philemon's behavior felt very wrong to me... Like I was interacting with a robot who was incapable of making decisions on little things and needed input from other sources. Arsé-kun: *Lancelot doesn't input. He's too angry to* Sheepy: Guin: And Hansel knows so little. Why did nobody educate him? Sheepy: Omnibus: That's simply how Philemon is. Arsé-kun: Aza: I take offense to that statement. Do not tell me how my child is or is not. Sheepy: Omnibus: I won't deny you know him better than I. Sheepy: Omnibus: However, that's how he is now. Arsé-kun: Aza: ... There are many things I wish to say, but none are applicable to public discussion. Perhaps we should finish this privately. Sheepy: Omnibus: Perhaps. Sheepy: Guin:....Azathoth. I can get a straight answer from you. Arsé-kun: Aza: Make it quick. I'm getting tired. Sheepy: Guin: What was done to Philemon to make him that way? Arsé-kun: Aza: Mental larceny. Sheepy: Guin:...His mind was stolen? Sheepy: Guin: And that's what Nyarlathotep stole earlier? Arsé-kun: Aza: Not all of it. Just enough to warrant his inability to function on his own. He's only of use when he can't make his own decisions, right Lady? I'll see myself out. Sheepy: Omnibus: ..... Sheepy: Omnibus: I've never said that. Sheepy: Omnibus: Furthermore, he gave it up willingly. Arsé-kun: Aza: I already stated I was leaving. Farewell, fellow apostles. And a farewell especially for you, Omnibus- Tootles! Sheepy: Omnibus: Goodbye, Azathoth. Sheepy: Guin:... Arsé-kun: *and Azathoth steps into a different dimension. that's an exit. bye* Sheepy: *OH* Arsé-kun: Lancelot: ... I'm going back to bed. Sheepy: Omnibus: Good night. *She exits* Sheepy: Guin:... I, um... Arsé-kun: Lancelot: Are you not coming..? Sheepy: Guin: I didn't know I could. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: Please do.. Sheepy: Guin: I will then. *Guin follows!* Sheepy: *Hansel is, as Omnibus said, fast asleep.* Arsé-kun: Gretel: *she's just kinda. Looking through everything? She doesn't put any of it down upon seeing them* Bonjour or whatever! Sheepy: Guin:...! Arsé-kun: Gretel: Hansel's snoozing, but I can take a message! Sheepy: Guin: We, uh, actually didn't come in here for Hansel...I didn't know he was here. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: I didn't think he would actually stay put.. Sheepy: Guin: Sorry, I've told him not to do this before... Arsé-kun: Gretel: Oh, well, mission accomplished! He got his pastry, I got to watch! Sheepy: Guin: I should've made some for you too. Arsé-kun: Gretel: I'm the fork. I'd just be wearing it until Hansel eats it! Arsé-kun: Gretel: Oh, my manners! I'm Gretel. His sister. Sheepy: Guin: Oh, right! Sorry. Sheepy: Guin: I forgot since you're always a fork. Arsé-kun: Gretel: Could be worse! Sheepy: Guin: That's true. Arsé-kun: Gretel: But hey, I'm just a fork, so go ahead and do whatever it was you guys wanted! Sheepy: Guin: I didn't mean offense from what I said. I apologize. Arsé-kun: Gretel: None taken! Sheepy: Guin: Um, Lancelot. Arsé-kun: Lance: mm? Sheepy: Guin: I understand you're probably tired, but I think it's a good idea if you go out more. ... And, while your skill with the sword is beyond mine, I think that it might be a good idea if we try training together. After what I learned today...well, you should be ready for anything. Arsé-kun: Lance: ... I would like that. Sheepy: Guin: Ah! I'm glad. Sheepy: Guin:....Of course, I should return your armor and weapon. I apologize for taking them, but... I was under the impression you were dead, and it was as close as I could get to being with you, I guess. Arsé-kun: Lance: Keep them. You've had them longer than I have now. Sheepy: Guin: ...Are you sure? Arsé-kun: Lance: Yes. Sheepy: Guin: Thank you. Arsé-kun: *And so, since his bed was taken, Lancelot decides the best place to be is on a pile of whatever the hell all this crap is. New Bed* Sheepy: *Lancelot clean your room* Arsé-kun: *no* Sheepy: *Guin takes this as it's time for her to go.* Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Are you leaving? Sheepy: Guin: Well, you seem like you want to sleep. Sheepy: Guin: So I don't want to disturb you by staying. Arsé-kun: Lance: Why would you disturb me? Sheepy: Guin: Ah, well, this armor can be noisy. Arsé-kun: Lance: I know. Sheepy: Guin: Which could wake you. Arsé-kun: Lance: Don't know till we try. Sheepy: Guin: I suppose so. Sheepy: *Guin sits down* Arsé-kun: *Lancelot moves closer to Guin* Sheepy: Guin: *This is fine* Arsé-kun: Gretel: *she'd take pictures but she is a ghost who does not have the most* Sheepy: *Meanwhile! What's up with Nyat and Sanchan?* Sheepy: Nyar: ...I guess. Sheepy: Nyar: *He inhales sharply* ...Well, it's now or never. Arsé-kun: Germain: And we choose now. *he goes to knock on the door* Sheepy: Nyar:...Um. Hey. I'm here to apologize. I know it won't justify what I did, but... Sheepy: Nyar: ...I was selfish. I was focused on what I wanted and didn't even think about the fact I could've hurt you. Sheepy: Nyar: So, I'm sorry. Arsé-kun: *The door is opened, and Nyar is... Glomped on. Ah. It's Kazuya.* Sheepy: Nyar:?! Arsé-kun: Kazuya: I didn't think you were gonna come back, Uncle! Sheepy: Nyar: Huh...? U-Uncle? I thought you hated me...! Sheepy: Nyar: So I stayed with Saint-Germain. Naoya told me to leave the last time. Arsé-kun: Germain: Which was rude, might I add. Sheepy: Nyar:...But deserved. Arsé-kun: Kazuya: He kicked you out.. But I'll gladly let you in! Sheepy: Nyar:...Thqn. Thank you. Sheepy: Nyar: I... should explain. Sheepy: Nyar: I came for another reason as well. ... Phil. Have you noticed how he's always so stiff? Sheepy: Nyar: It's because his emotions were stolen. Before that... He hated me. Sheepy: Nyar: But isn't it my responsibility to get them back? I've sacrificed a lot, including part of myself, to achieve that. And... now I have them. I don't know how this'll go. Sheepy: Nyar: I'm giving you a fair warning that he may have a breakdown. I'm giving you a warning of what he really is. He's a selfish jerk who can't stand the thought of not being the one responsible for helping. He's an introvert who's always focused on what he can do to improve the lives of others. He likes hunting. Sheepy: Nyar:...Most importantly, he's capable of changing. I'm sure you two will be enough to change him, even if he eternally hates me. Arsé-kun: Kazuya: ... .... We can try? Sheepy: Nyar: Great! Sheepy: Nyar: Is Phil home? Arsé-kun: Kazuya: Uh... *he looks back* Naoya! Phil's still here, right?? Sheepy: Naoya: Yeah! He's...doing... something. Why? Arsé-kun: Kazuya: Have you not heard any of this?? Sheepy: Naoya: Oh, I've got suspicions. It's Nyar, isn't it? Phil said he's been told not to let Nyar in no matter what, and that he's up to no good. ... I can't get out of him who told him that, but it doesn't sound wrong Arsé-kun: Germain: Is there any rule about letting me in instead, then? Sheepy: Naoya: Only Nyar was mentioned, and frankly, I don't want Nyar in here anyway. Arsé-kun: Kazuya: You just missed, like, three paragraphs of exposition! Sheepy: Naoya: Exposition? Arsé-kun: Germain: The shortened version is an apology about behavior, an explanation of behavior, the reason for it, and the outcome. Sheepy: Naoya:.... Sheepy: Naoya: Well, I'm fine with you coming in. I guess it's not really my decision anyway. Arsé-kun: Germain: Fantastic. *he steps in, and turns back to Nyar* Whatever happened to being the worst thing that existed? You play by the rules now? I'll take that jar if you won't do it. Arsé-kun: *kaz heads back inside, too, to repeat what Nyar said. not word for word, though- that's naoya's job. literally* Sheepy: Nyar: ...You're right. I'm losing my touch. Sheepy: Nyar: I've been living around humans for too long...or maybe I'm losing it because I'm not whole. What's happening to me? Sheepy: Nyar: *He follows Saint in* Sheepy: Nyar: Work small towards the big goal I suppose. Active rebellion. Sheepy: Phil: *His face is in a potted plant* Arsé-kun: Germain: Maybe you're getting too old for this. Time to retire, get a nice ranch, herd some cattle, commit a triple homicide.. Arsé-kun: Germain: How that pot, Phil? Sheepy: Nyar: Too old!? I'm not old...! Sheepy: Nyar: Dad's older...and he's running evil organizations and everything all by himself... Arsé-kun: Germain: This job may not be right for everyone. Side effects may include going soft, nausea, heart complications, or being a little bitch. Talk to your doctor if you think this is right for you. Sheepy: Nyar: Ugh....... but what doctor would prescribe making me less of a wimp... Arsé-kun: Germain: Who cares? Sheepy: Nyar: I do!...Phil! Get your head out of the plant! I've got news! Sheepy: Phil: Phil isn't here. Sheepy: Phil: The Lady has informed me that I'm but a potted plant. Arsé-kun: Germain: Can you take a break from being a potted plant? Sheepy: Phil: What is it? Sheepy: Nyar: Don't you hate her telling you that you're just an object? Treating you like one? Sheepy: Phil: Hate? Sheepy: Nyar: Yeah...like.. ...oh, wait. Sheepy: Phil: ...I don't know what hate would feel like, unless it's what I always feel. Sheepy: Phil: I don't feel any different looking at you and lookng at a stranger. Arsé-kun: Germain: Nyarlathotep, you're entirely missing your chance. It's getting too personal. Sheepy: Nyar: Ugh.... Sheepy: Nyar: ... Sheepy: Nyar: ..How do I do this... Sheepy: Nyar: Hey, you don't mind a few glass shards in your skin, right? It's for your own good! Sheepy: Phil: Ah, go ahead then. Sheepy: Nyar: *He smashes the Emotion Jar in Phil's face* Sheepy: Phil: !?.................. Sheepy: Nyar: ....................Uh. I did it right. Right? Sheepy: *Phil is wordlessly trembling. ... Shaking uncontrollably.* Sheepy: Nyar: Uh. I think I broke him. Sheepy: Nyar: Well. Time to get Dad to do it right I guess. Sheepy: Nyar: But, like, that was the only jar. Sheepy: Nyar: If that wasn't the right way.... ... Sheepy: Phil: *Hyperventilating* Sheepy: Nyar: Well, it'd be problematic. Right, Phil? ... Phil? Sheepy: Nyar:...Saint-Germain...what do we do? Arsé-kun: Germain: Factor it into our plans and move on. Arsé-kun: Germain: I've got an idea that's too human for your tastes. Arsé-kun: *What he turns out to mean is treat this event as if Phil is having a more normal, human breakdown, and to treat it accordingly. Blankets and nice music are applied. Cocoa everywhere. Is good* Sheepy: Nyar: What's this going to do? Sheepy: Phil:......*sob* Sheepy: Nyar: Eh? What's that? Sheepy: Nyar: Are you laughing? Sheepy: Phil: *sob* Sheepy: Nyar: Or...wait. Well. No. That makes no sense. Arsé-kun: Germain: Laughter would be a worse outcome, I'd think. Sheepy: Nyar: Why? Arsé-kun: Germain: Why would you think? Sheepy: Nyar: Laughter is a happy noise. Sheepy: Nyar: We don't cry. We don't feel sadness. ... At least. We didn't. Sheepy: Nyar: ...But...perhaps. Sheepy: Nyar: You can only feel sadness when you've finally found something truly important to you. Arsé-kun: Germain: Laughter can also be a sign of having been completely broken. You know this- Though I suppose it was always a good thing for you when someone else would, yes? Sheepy: Nyar: ... Sheepy: Nyar: I don't know. Arsé-kun: Germain: Concerned, are we? Sheepy: Nyar: Are you taunting me? Arsé-kun: Germain: Not at all. I enjoy seeing all these different sides of you. Arsé-kun: Germain: This one is.. Rather cute, I will say. Sheepy: Nyar: !? Arsé-kun: Germain: :) Sheepy: Nyar: I'm not...! No! This isn't me! It's just because I'm not whole! Arsé-kun: Germain: So you're missing a few masks. Didn't you do all this for him even before that? Sheepy: Nyar: Uh...! Arsé-kun: Germain: I understand. Not a word from me about this once it concludes. Sheepy: Nyar: You're giving it up that easily? Sheepy: Nyar: "Not a word"...though... Arsé-kun: Germain: Would you rather I declare to the heavens that you had a pure motive? Sheepy: Nyar: ...What, are you going to unleash your hieroglyphic knowledge on the world? That's pictures. Not words, technically. Sheepy: Nyar: And obviously not!!! Arsé-kun: Germain: The world has the rosetta stone. I'm unneeded. Sheepy: Nyar: If I'd waited a little longer I wouldn't have needed to teach you. Arsé-kun: Germain: ... I suppose that'd be correct. Sheepy: Nyar: So obviously there's evidence of me ruining the natural way of things! Sheepy: Nyar: I! Obviously! Don't! Care! Arsé-kun: Germain: I have a reply to that, but there are young ones present. Sheepy: Nyar: Or maybe it's just wrong!! Because I'm a heartless monster! I'm not losing it! Arsé-kun: Germain: Mmmmmhm. Sheepy: *Phil meanwhile seems to slowly be calming down...?* Arsé-kun: Germain: *he glances towards Phil* Has our chattering been of use to you? Sheepy: Phil: ...I don't know what's going on... Sheepy: Phil: I don't know what this is! Arsé-kun: Germain: Nyarlathotep accomplished a goal they have had since you made that mistake. Arsé-kun: Germain: Your ability to feel emotions has been returned to you. Sheepy: Phil: Goal? Mistake? My head hurts so much! Arsé-kun: Germain: But of course. It may take a small amount of time to readjust. Sheepy: Phil:...I don't like it. ...Like? ... ... I don't understand... what is liking something? How does it feel? How do I know if I don't like it? Arsé-kun: Germain: You've just shown you can tell. Sheepy: Phil: I don't know, it was just my first inclination. Sheepy: Phil: Everything is a mess. I can't think straight. Arsé-kun: Germain: Then do not. Sheepy: Phil: I just want it to stop. ... Want? I don't...want things. I don't hope for things. Arsé-kun: Germain: At a time, you did. Sheepy: Phil: What..... Sheepy: Phil: What did I want...? Arsé-kun: Germain: How should I know? I wasn't there. Arsé-kun: Germain: Sort yourself out and- Pardon my language- Get your shit together. Sheepy: Phil: ...I don't understand... Arsé-kun: Germain: Do you not? I was never aware part of your memory was busted as well. Sheepy: Nyar: Nodens, these are collections of feelings you've felt for so long. You never got rid of them. They just grew more and more until they became overwhelming. Sheepy: Nyar: And don't spout off to me about how you don't need them. Without them, you're just a prop for the show. A doll. A tool. You can't make decisions. You just follow orders. Sheepy: Phil: I don't know what you're talking about. Arsé-kun: Germain: Nyar, you did just hit him in the head with glass. Sheepy: Nyar: Okay but hitting people in the head with glass isn't going to make them obnoxious. Arsé-kun: Germain: It can make an obnoxious person more obnoxious, probably. Sheepy: Nyar: Here, let's try smashing glass over his head again and then see. Arsé-kun: Germain: Nyar, no! Sheepy: Nyar: It might right his memory. Arsé-kun: Germain: It doesn't work that way. Sheepy: Phil: I feel sick. Please go harass Nodens somewhere else. Sheepy: Phil:...You're very loud.. Arsé-kun: Germain: I think we've done enough damage for a single day. Sheepy: Nyar: Fine. Arsé-kun: Germain: *he gives a sheepish grin to Naoya and Kazuya* I'm very sorry for breaking your Phil-dot-exe. He will need time to finish his updates and reboot a couple of times- He's been putting off these updates for centuries. He's absolutely a computer, and who had the emoting ability of one. *he waves and pushes Nyar out* Sheepy: Naoya:...Uh... Arsé-kun: Kazuya: ... Hm... Sheepy: *Later! Something fun is happening!* Sheepy: *Specifically! It's time for a good old vampire meeting!* Arsé-kun: Impey: ... I still got an awful feeling about this! Arsé-kun: Delly: Too bad! *he pulls on Impey's braid* You and Eggy already agreed! Sheepy: Eggs: Isn't this the exact opposite of a good idea? ... But Dad goes... Arsé-kun: Delly: I already told you! I need bodyguards! Is it because neither of you have gone? Or because neither of you wear fancy suits? Sheepy: Eggs: And I'm not going to fit in. Sheepy: Eggs: I wear suits every day to work, though. Arsé-kun: Impey: Is "all of the above" a valid option? Arsé-kun: Delly: I said FANCY! Sheepy: Eggs: Yes, I know. Arsé-kun: Impey: I know, too! This is so uncomfortable..! Sheepy: Eggs: However, it'll probably be unnecessary stress for Dad... and he already has a lot going on... ... Arsé-kun: Delly: It's a meeting, not a bar brawl! Sheepy: Eggs:...I suppose so. Sheepy: Eggs: I did agree to it... Sheepy: Eggs:...We should get going, then. Arsé-kun: Delly: Remember! No letting anyone touch me unless I allow it! Sheepy: Eggs: I know. Arsé-kun: Impey: We'll try...! Arsé-kun: *they go inside! they get stared at, a lot* Sheepy: Eggs: *He slowly goes to back up and leave* Arsé-kun: Delly: What're you all looking at?? Get back to whatever you were doing! Sheepy: *If you need something to look at, there's now someone in full armor right behind Delly and crew!* Arsé-kun: Delly: ... What? What're you all looking at now..?? *he turns to look and very nearly screams* Sheepy: *Eggs accidentally bumps into that said someone without realizing they're there. He, too, gives the armored person a horrified stare.* Sheepy: Guinevere: *She takes off the helmet* ? Arsé-kun: Delly: When the hell did you get there?? Sheepy: Guin: Just now. Sheepy: Eggs: We didn't hear you following us. Sheepy: Hansel: Follow? I just followed the breadcrumbs before the birds ate them... Sheepy: Guin: Just now. Sheepy: Eggs: We didn't hear you following us. Sheepy: Hansel: Follow? I just followed the breadcrumbs before the birds ate them... Sheepy: Eggs:....Breadcrumbs? Sheepy: Hansel: I put breadcrumbs. Did you eat them? ...Are you a swan? You look like one, wearing all white. Arsé-kun: Delly: what the hell is going on Sheepy: Guin: I came here for the meeting and Hansel escorted me here because I didn't know the way. Arsé-kun: Lance: *he's kind of behind Guin.* Arsé-kun: Impey: Oh, that's fine! Lets get out of your way, then. *he moves* Sheepy: Hansel: You look like a woodpecker meanwhile. I only like swans in terms of birds but I suppose woodpeckers aren't too bad. *He's looking to Impey now.* Arsé-kun: Impey: Huh, that works. Sheepy: *Guinevere joins the rest of the group. Hansel stays with Impey and Eggs.* Arsé-kun: *Lance quickly follows her. Sorry, Hansel* Sheepy: Hansel:...Ah...they're leaving me... Arsé-kun: Delly: It's you. The tour guide. Sheepy: Hansel: Yes. Sheepy: Hansel: That's me. Hansel. Sheepy: Hansel: I don't know what a vampire is but it wasn't too difficult to find this place. Arsé-kun: Delly: Maybe it's time to move venues. But who cares! Lets get moving already! Sheepy: Hansel: I like swans so I'll stay with you. Guinevere left me so I must fend for myself. Sheepy: Hansel: Ah. Mr. Swan. Now is not the time to stare fearfully at the ground. Now is the time to fluff your feathers and look up proudly. Show the confidence you deserve to have. Arsé-kun: Delly: You're my bodyguard for the day! Huff and puff and all that shit! Sheepy: Eggs: I regret this... *but he does follow Delly. Hansel is following him closely.* Sheepy: Hansel: ...Wheelchair man. You remind me of someone. Arsé-kun: Mori: Perhaps my son which you just referred to as a swan. *he turns back to the people he was talking to for a moment, explaining that yes, that WAS his son, hasn't he grown up well? anyways, back to Hansel* Are you not going with him? Sheepy: Hansel: That's not who I mean. ... But. Yes. I'll go with him. The swan will guide me the right way. Arsé-kun: Mori: Then you may wish to hurry, before you lose them. Sheepy: Hansel: I don't want to get lost again, because then I'll really die this time. *He turns back to Eggs and begins following him again, mumbling to himself "Follow the swan, follow the swan~" before it turning into incoherent nonsense. At least Eggs made a new friend? A new friend who he very clearly is not comfortable with.* Arsé-kun: *Delly is very tempted to tell him to "Sing a bit louder, I can't hear you", but does not.* Arsé-kun: *and eventually, as Delly expected, people try to move in towards Delly. He does Not Approve* Arsé-kun: Delly: G-guards! Sheepy: Eggs: *I am here now! Hello don't get into his personal space!* Sheepy: Hansel:? Arsé-kun: Impey: Lets back it up a bit, folks! Arsé-kun: Delly: But not you, guide. You're okay. Sheepy: Hansel: *He pulls his fork closer* ...I'm okay. That makes me happy. Sheepy: Hansel: Thank you. Sheepy: Eggs:...I hope this doesn't sound rude, but...why are you carrying a big fork around? Sheepy: Hansel: This is my sister, Gretel. We're never apart. I love my sister. Sheepy: Eggs: Hansel and Gretel...like the fairytale? ...So that explains the breadcrumbs and the mention of the swan. But why are you playing the role of Hansel, and why is a fork playing the role of Gretel? Sheepy: Hansel: I loved my mother very much, but she didn't have food for us so she abandoned us. The swan promised to bring us to a new life where we'd have food and happiness, but Gretel starved to death because I wasn't good enough of an older brother. But I made a wish and now we're together again. Sheepy: Eggs:....Are things really that bad? Arsé-kun: Delly: Sounds normal to me by now. Sheepy: Eggs: Poverty is really that bad? Arsé-kun: Delly: Yeah, sometimes. Sheepy: Hansel: It was a drought. Everyone was starving. She threw us away to save herself. Arsé-kun: Delly: I recommend consuming the flesh and blood of the fallen! Sheepy: Hansel: Cannabalism is wrong. Arsé-kun: Delly: Eh. Sheepy: Hansel: That's what Guinevere told me. Arsé-kun: Delly: I guess maybe don't eat people unless you're into that. Sheepy: Hansel: I'm not. Sheepy: Hansel: It's cannabalism. Sheepy: Hansel: I'm a people. Sheepy: Eggs:...A person, singular, or multiple people in one costume? Arsé-kun: Gretel: "People" is plural, Hansel! *she sticks her head out and makes a face at Eggs* Oooh, scary ghost! Sheepy: Eggs: Guh?! Arsé-kun: Gretel: Gottem!! Sheepy: Hansel:...Is it cannabalism to eat a people then, if I'm a person? Sheepy: Eggs: Ghost...?! Arsé-kun: Gretel: Yes? Sheepy: Hansel: No, no, Gretel, not Ghost. I see where you confusion lies. They're similar words. Sheepy: Eggs: ...I don't get it...ghosts aren't real... Sheepy: Hansel: She's my sister. I told you that. Arsé-kun: Delly: The vampire says ghosts aren't real. That irony is delicious! Arsé-kun: Delly: If you don't think it exists? It probably exists! Arsé-kun: Delly: Evil squids? Yep. Unicorns? I think so. Slugs? Not sure about that one. Arsé-kun: Delly: Impey? Apparently not! Where the fresh hell did he go? Sheepy: Hansel:....I don't like slugs. They're squishy. Sheepy: Hansel: I poke at them and they leave. Sheepy: Hansel: That's how I get rid of slugs. Sheepy: Eggs: Why get rid of them in the first place...? Sheepy: Hansel: Because Mom doesn't like slugs nor squids. Sheepy: Eggs: And....Hansel, did you see where Impey headed off to? Sheepy: Hansel: ? Impey? Sheepy: Eggs: The redhead with the messy, long hair. Green eyes. Sheepy: Hansel: Mr. Woodpecker. He left after the thing caught his eye. Sheepy: Eggs: Thing? Sheepy: Hansel: The hot box. It warms you up when you're cold. ...*He pulls his fork closer* I don't like being cold. It's...lonely... Sheepy: Eggs: So you're talking about the heater. Alright. Also, you don't need to worry about loneliness right now. We're here. Arsé-kun: Delly: He had one goddamn job. Arsé-kun: Delly: One, single job. Stay with me. Well, he failed that! Congrats, Eggy, you've been promoted to Better Bodyguard! Sheepy: Eggs: Um...thanks? Sheepy: Eggs: I haven't done anything. Arsé-kun: Delly: You've stayed put! Sheepy: Hansel: Bodyguard? Sheepy: Hansel: Is it dangerous here? Arsé-kun: Delly: Not usually. I just don't want people touching me! Sheepy: Hansel: I see. Arsé-kun: Delly: That's great! I'm glad to know you aren't blind! Arsé-kun: *Impey returns, not at all stealthily, smelling of old vent dust and metal. On the plus side, he's only dusty and not filthy!* Arsé-kun: Impey: What'd I miss? Arsé-kun: Delly: You left! You weren't supposed to leave! Arsé-kun: Impey: *he shrugs* Hey, someone had to fix that vent, and no one else was doing it! Sheepy: Hansel: Vent.......... Sheepy: Hansel: So now no one can get in through there. Arsé-kun: Impey: Well, yeah. Arsé-kun: Delly: What is this, a tortoise meeting? Move it! Sheepy: Guinevere: I apologize for holding things up. I had matters to discuss with your father ahead of time, but I've finished. Arsé-kun: Delly: Old tortoise meeting! *he stomps over and kinda just. Slams his face into her for a moment. not literally* Really old and dusty! Sheepy: Guin: It's not wrong, I suppose. Sheepy: Eggs: You're probably not much older than I, just based on appearance. Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Dear, you can tell them. Sheepy: Guin: Should I...? Sheepy: Eggs:...? Sheepy: Guin: I suppose so. After learning that my family has died out - that past my existence, the only vampires to remain are that of the blood-drinking variant, I've concluded that I must do what I can to keep the remaining members of the vampire kind alive. Simply, I've come to offer my protection. Arsé-kun: Delly: So you smelling like old blood is literal AND figurative! *he seems impressed* Sheepy: Guin: You may have heard of me, although not in a good light. I am Guinevere, once Queen of Britain. You may hold issue with my past, but that does not change the fact that I will do everything in my power to keep you and your families safe. Sheepy: Guin: *With this, she doesn't seem to have anything else to say.* Arsé-kun: Delly: You're older than Dad is! Sheepy: Guin: Am I? Sheepy: Eggs:...*He looks to Impey. Who is Guinevere?* Arsé-kun: Impey: ... What're you lookin' to me for? Sheepy: Eggs: Guinevere? Should I know her? Arsé-kun: Impey: the whole king arthur thing? Sheepy: Eggs: King Arthur? Sheepy: Eggs: Let me think.... Sheepy: Eggs:...No, I don't recall it. Arsé-kun: Lance: *peeking around Guin* It's quite old.. It's fine to not know. Sheepy: Eggs:...Ah, that's good. Sheepy: Guin: I apologize for the interruption to your meeting. Arsé-kun: Delly: It's acceptable! Valid reason was given and old people do it all the time! Sheepy: Guin: I see. That's good. Arsé-kun: Delly: ... Wait! I hear Dad! *and he just. bolts away. good luck keeping up with THAT* Arsé-kun: Impey: ... So are we gonna get a paycheck? Sheepy: Eggs: I can't run that fast. Arsé-kun: Impey: No idea if I could! But you think we're gonna get paid anyway? Sheepy: Eggs: ...Mm? Oh, I was doing it as a favor. Sheepy: Eggs: More than that... ... No, nevermind. Arsé-kun: Impey: Hmmm? Sheepy: Eggs: It's nothing. Arsé-kun: Impey: Oh, okay! Sheepy: Eggs: *Nice! He didn't push it!* Arsé-kun: *Wow!* Arsé-kun: *and after a while, Delly re-enters the main scene, trying to copy his father's gait. He only accomplishes tripping on himself.* Sheepy: Hansel: ? Sheepy: Hansel: Ah, you're walking differently. Arsé-kun: Delly: That's what you notice?? Of all things?? Arsé-kun: *Perhaps Delly's aforementioned father, coming up behind Delly. This imposing silhouette of a man, still heavily shadowed despite the bright lights. scurry* Sheepy: Hansel: ... Ah. Your shadow can walk now. Sheepy: Hansel: Sister, how do you think he's doing that? Sheepy: Eggs: That's not a shadow. Sheepy: Hansel: You're not my sister. Arsé-kun: Gretel: Huh, what? I dunno, who cares? Sheepy: Hansel: I do. Sheepy: Hansel: If I didn't care, I wouldn't have asked. Arsé-kun: Delly: It's my Father! Sheepy: Hansel: I see. I'm happy for you. Sheepy: Hansel: I never got to experience having a dad for very long... So. I don't know what it's like. Arsé-kun: Delly: I highly recommend it! Sheepy: Hansel: I see. Sheepy: Hansel: I'll consider wishing for one for Christmas, then. Sheepy: Hansel: Thank you. Sheepy: Eggs: Nice to meet you. Sheepy: Hansel: You look terrified. Sheepy: Hansel: Do you think he'll attack you, Mr. Swan? Don't worry, my sister and I can protect you. Sheepy: Eggs: Please stop pointing it out... Sheepy: Guin: Good to see you. Arsé-kun: Vlad: ... Have I not just spoken with you? Sheepy: Guin: You did. Sheepy: Guin: However, it was moreso a greeting of "you've arrived". Sheepy: Hansel: Hm. Sheepy: Hansel: Mr. Swan. If you're so scared, why don't you join your dad? Sheepy: Eggs: I'm not scared and I'm here to be Delacroix's bodyguard. Arsé-kun: Vlad: Ah. I misunderstood. Sheepy: Guin: No, I understand why. It's fine. Arsé-kun: Vlad: *he turns his gaze to Eggs and Impey* ... Fresh blood? Arsé-kun: Impey: *he's also scared. a lot of fear.* Uh, um, n.. No? Sheepy: Eggs:...?! Sheepy: Hansel: To my understanding, this is their first time, yes. Sheepy: Hansel: I don't know about Mr. Woodpecker, but Mr. Swan is insecure enough to be new and unfamiliar with his surroundings. Arsé-kun: Delly: Yeah. They're not new vampires, they just never show up to these things! Sheepy: Hansel: I don't know what a vampire is. Arsé-kun: Delly: I thought I told you. Sheepy: Hansel: No. Sheepy: Hansel: You didn't. Arsé-kun: Delly: Oh. Okay. Sheepy: Hansel: Should I know? Sheepy: Hansel: I've heard them mentioned by Mother. Arsé-kun: Delly: Yes! Sheepy: Hansel: Why? Arsé-kun: Delly: Gee whiz, it's almost like you're surrounded by us. Sheepy: Hansel: ... But. You look human, so that doesn't help. Sheepy: Eggs: Vampires are similar to humans, except they're physically stronger and most of them drink blood. Sheepy: Hansel: Humans can drink blood too and the physical strength of humans vary. Sheepy: Eggs:...They run faster? Sheepy: Hansel: The speed of a human varies. Sheepy: Eggs: You... are overcomplicating things. Sheepy: Hansel: ...I feel as though... this will remain a mystery, much like me asking what an elder god is. Arsé-kun: Vlad: ... A vampire is not a human. We are closely related, but not the same. Sheepy: Hansel: I understand that. Sheepy: Hansel: So then. Humans are like ducks and vampires are like geese. They look similar, they both eat bread, and they act differently. Sheepy: Hansel: That's simple enough. Arsé-kun: Delly: Yeah, that! Sheepy: Hansel: I understand now. Arsé-kun: *in the bg, impey, slowly inching away. coward mode activated* Sheepy: Eggs: *He looks to Impey for help* Arsé-kun: Impey: ????? Sheepy: *He's scared too!* Arsé-kun: Impey: *he points over his shoulder. You wanna get out of here?* Sheepy: Eggs: *YES* Arsé-kun: *Cue Sneaky Escape Attempt™* Sheepy: Hansel: Hm. Arsé-kun: Delly: At least try, you cowards! Sheepy: Eggs: I just realized I forgot something at home... Arsé-kun: Impey: I'm gonna check the vent I fixed! Sheepy: Hansel: Why? Arsé-kun: Impey: Because maybe I didn't fix it as well as I thought! Sheepy: Hansel:...Have fun. Arsé-kun: Impey: Will do! *and he drags Eggs out of scene* Sheepy: Hansel: I didn't know he lives in the vent. Arsé-kun: Delly: He doesn't! Sheepy: Hansel:...Then why are they going together? Arsé-kun: Vlad: They're afraid. Sheepy: Hansel: Of you? Arsé-kun: Vlad: It's quite likely. Sheepy: Hansel: That's unfortunate. Sheepy: Hansel: You don't look frightening. Arsé-kun: Vlad: Thank you. I don't hear that often. Sheepy: Hansel: Really? Am I supposed to be afraid? Arsé-kun: Vlad: Not at all. Sheepy: Hansel: Ah. Okay. Sheepy: *Meanwhile! The crunching of footsteps. Cheerful humming despite it being dark out. ... Coughing. Okita is out hunting down the man he had seen a glimpse of earlier - a knife-wielding man who had seemed like he was in a hurry.* Sheepy: Okita: Heh, it's kinda chilly out, huh? Well, guess it's just you and me, friend. And our third pal who'll be at the end of my blade once I find him. It's been a while, really. The doctor wouldn't come with, but I suppose that's a good thing. I might've had to rough him up a bit to even be able to leave if he had. Sheepy: Okita: *He snickers and returns to his humming.* Arsé-kun: Alex: ... You'd have attacked him anyway. Stop making that noise. Sheepy: Okita: Mmm? I'm happy. Is that disturbing to you, considering how I usually am? Arsé-kun: Alex: Is it a song for their upcoming death? Sheepy: Okita: ....Heh. What do you think? Arsé-kun: Alex: I think yes. Sheepy: Okita: Heheheh. Arsé-kun: Alex: But only because we're armed. Sheepy: Okita: Mh, I'd be much better off in my normal outfit. Sheepy: Okita: It's not the same without it, and I haven't trained in a while. Back me up when we catch him. Arsé-kun: Alex: At least you put pants on. Sheepy: Okita: Some days that's hard. Sheepy: Okita: And some days, it's - *cough, cough, cough, wheeze* Arsé-kun: Alex: That. Sheepy: Okita: *He coughs for a bit more before catching his breath* ... Just a silly cough, that's all it is. Arsé-kun: Alex: At least you're not a fountain of blood today. Sheepy: Okita:...Heheheh.... Sheepy: Okita: No, that'll be our target. Arsé-kun: Alex: Sounds good to me. Sheepy: Okita: Although, I suppose it'll look odd if I return covered in blood. Arsé-kun: Alex: Will it, though? Sheepy: Okita: Too bad, really. Sheepy: Okita: Yeah, I'm not going to cough up a liter of blood. Arsé-kun: Alex: That's called dying. Sheepy: Okita: Aha, exactly. That's why it'd look strange. Arsé-kun: Alex: Then I'll do it. Sheepy: Okita: Good idea. Arsé-kun: Alex: ... Do you hear that? Sheepy: Okita: ...Yeah. Arsé-kun: Alex: Arm yourself. Sheepy: Okita: *He unsheathes his sword* Arsé-kun: *They move in closer.* Sheepy: *There's humming coming from their target.* Sheepy: Okita: *He casually strolls into the entrance. The only entrance - and exit.* Sheepy: Okita: Mmm? Are you having fun? Arsé-kun: Alex: *he follows Okita, holding up the rear* Sheepy: Stephano: *His eyes snap to Okita and Alex* Sheepy: Stephano: Who said you could enter? You're disrupting my creation of a masterpiece. Sheepy: Stephano: Be patient, now. You can be the first to the opening show, but it's no good to rush. Arsé-kun: Alex: ...?? Sheepy: Okita: You're killing someone. Sheepy: Stephano: Hah. Of course, people who can't be patient also can't understand my artwork. Sheepy: Stephano: Here, since you're the first to take interest. I will explain its creative meaning. Sheepy: Stephano: Death is but momentary, isn't it? *He looks back at his unfortunate victim, whose head is drooping. Yet, they're breathing. Stephano gently takes the man's chin and lifts his head, looking into their eyes* But the beauty they leave..the beauty of art. The impact of that is eternal. Sheepy: Stephano: *He digs his fingernails into their chin* Aren't you ready to be reborn? ...Haha, you should leave that face. Beautiful! Marvelous! Sheepy: Okita: Listen, if you don't want to become a piece of work yourself, let yourself be arrested and I'll be particularly merciful. Sheepy: Stephano: I'm not beautiful. I can't be...no...if I was, he'd have noticed me...! Sheepy: Stephano: Hahaha....he always found others to be more pretty. I was just a failure...he kept coming back to me, trying to make me perfect... ... well, I'll show him that I'm learning from him. Sheepy: Okita: Stop exposition dumping and come here before I turn you into a cadaver. Arsé-kun: Alex: I stopped listening. Sheepy: Okita: You're lucky. Arsé-kun: Alex: Was there anything important? Sheepy: Okita: Nah, just him babbling about his crush trying to make him pretty. Obviously didn't work. Sheepy: Okita: Now. C'mere. I'll make you pretty. Sheepy: Stephano:...You aren't him, are you? He's so talented... I wouldn't leave my body in your hands. Sheepy: Okita: I know where he is. Sheepy: Stephano: ....! Sheepy: Stephano: You need proof! Sheepy: Okita: Mm? Sheepy: Stephano: I've already heard that one once. *He growls and jabs his knife into the victim's shoulder inadvertently.* ....No! No! Sheepy: Stephano: It's ruined, hideous! How will I fix this?! Arsé-kun: Alex: Put a dinosaur bandaid on it. Sheepy: Stephano: You have no idea about aesthetics! You'll always be hideous. Sheepy: *Okita steps closer* Sheepy: Stephano: You've ruined my muse, made me lose my image! Look at what you did! You made me waste a precious model! I hate wasting models! Sheepy: Stephano: Especially you in the back! With your ugly aesthetic! Sheepy: Okita: I'm giving you another chance to come with us. Sheepy: Stephano: I won't go if he isn't with you! My teacher! Nyarlathotep! Arsé-kun: Alex: Tell me more. You've got my interest. Sheepy: Stephano: You wish to know about my teacher? Look, look upon the permanent mark he put upon me! A symbol of his acceptance! Sheepy: *He shifts his hair, revealing the gouged out eye* Sheepy: Stephano: He sculpted so many Twilight members into perfection.... Arsé-kun: *Alex narrows his eyes.* Arsé-kun: Alex: Continue. Sheepy: Stephano: ...But he always threw it away! Yet I, I will never be able to meet the level of his trashed works. Sheepy: Stephano: He never gave up on me... he kept working to make me beautiful. And yet, he couldn't, no one can. Sheepy: Stephano:...And then one day. Sheepy: Stephano: He disappeared. Arsé-kun: Alex: Shut up. I don't care about your backstory. I want to know what Twilight is. Sheepy: Stephano: Twilight... Sheepy: Stephano:...He is a member of Twilight. But he should be the leader...he is the most capable of them. I told him this...and he gouged my eye out, telling me not to insult his father like that. Sheepy: Stephano: They bring in models and make them beautiful. But sometimes they can't, so they put us in outfits to hide our shame. Sheepy: Stephano: They tell us to bring more models...but once he left, I grew tired of waiting, so I left to find models to mimic him. Muses. Sheepy: Stephano: Twilight...I do not know its purpose. It's an organisation. It's perfection, until my teacher left. Arsé-kun: Alex: ... I feel like I've got more questions than answers now. Sheepy: Stephano: What? Arsé-kun: Alex: I asked what it is. You went on about your teacher. Sheepy: Stephano: It's an organisation that shapes people into beauty, like what I'm doing. Sheepy: Okita: So they torture and kill 'em? Sheepy: Stephano: You say it in brutish terms but it's fairly accurate. Stefano: But, won't you understand? Living people are worthless. They'll always be worthless. Once they're motionless, I can make them truly beautiful! Okita: Whew, you're a character, aren't you. You feeling particularly attached to that other eye? Heheheheh. Stefano: Without it, how can I see my art? How can I see beauty? Okita: If you want to see dead bodies so bad, I'll make sure to stick you in a grave with a few other bodies of sick people like you- *cough, cough, cough, cough, wheeze* Stefano: ...? Arsé-kun: Alex: You're going to get to the graves first by the sound of it. Sheepy: Okita: Heheh, shut up. I'm not shirking my job just because of a cough. Arsé-kun: Alex: I'm going to do it myself if you don't. Sheepy: Okita: I'm waiting for you. Sheepy: Stefano: What do you want from me? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Your cooperation. *Hello, up here! He's sitting on the offensive wall that causes this alleyway to be a dead end.* At least, preferably. Sheepy: Stefano:?! Sheepy: Stefano: How did you...?! Arsé-kun: Arséne: I climbed up. There's a very nice breeze up here. Sheepy: Okita: You sure do take a while. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Don't blame me. I've been ready all afternoon. Sheepy: Okita: Our poor victim is bleeding out. Where's the help, huh? Sheepy: *Sirens ring out!* Arsé-kun: Arséne: Right there. *he sighs, loudly.* I feel filthy for working with the pigs. Sheepy: Okita: Haa? Do you think I'm much better? Sheepy: Okita: That's nice of you. Sheepy: Stefano:....! Arsé-kun: Arséne: You're not them. Instant yes. Sheepy: Stefano: *He lifts the knife to the man's neck* Don't come any closer. Sheepy: Okita: Aw, I really did think my constant chattering would distract you. Sheepy: Stefano: You care about him? I'll do it. Arsé-kun: Alex: I have no idea who he is. Sheepy: Okita: I really couldn't care less. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Eh. Sheepy: Stefano:.... Sheepy: Stefano: *He shifts the knife to his own neck* Arsé-kun: Alex: Dibs on his head. Sheepy: Stefano: I know of others. You might be able to stop them from killing again if I tell you. Sheepy: Okita: Now, now, put the knife down. We wouldn't want to get any of your blood on our friend here. Arsé-kun: Alex: Or any of yours on him. Sheepy: Stefano: You're confusing me. You're getting on my nerves. You're a distraction. Sheepy: Okita: That's what that man says. Arsé-kun: Arséne: You ever think about doing something a bit less bloody for good artsy exposure? Sheepy: Stefano: They're easier to pose this way. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Can't argue with that, I guess. Sheepy: Stefano: This one...this one is hideous. Sheepy: Stefano: No matter what I do, he won't die. Arsé-kun: Arséne: What a shame! Sheepy: Stefano: He frustrates me. Sheepy: Stefano:...Like you calling the police! How can I work, surrounded like this?! Arsé-kun: Arséne: I never made a call. Sheepy: Stefano: I don't care if you did it! I don't care if any of you did it! You're in my way! Arsé-kun: Alex: What. A shame. Sheepy: *...But he slowly lifts his hands. He doesn't see any way out.* Sheepy: Okita: You're going willingly? Then why do you still have the knife? Sheepy: Stefano:.... *He puts it down* Arsé-kun: *and finally, Adam arrives, flanked by the coppers. Just in case.* Sheepy: Stefano:...?! Sheepy: Stefano: You...y-you're hideous! Horrifying! Sheepy: Stefano: In every sense of the word, a monster! This! This is the personification of the ugliness of life! Sheepy: Okita: You aren't a looker yourself. Arsé-kun: Adam: I'm used to it. He's right, anyway. Sheepy: Okita: Oi, don't beat up on yourself. Sheepy: Okita: Instead, beat up on him. Arsé-kun: Adam: That's police brutality. *he moves in for The Arrest* Sheepy: Stefano: *He scooches back some, visibly terrified* Arsé-kun: Adam: I'm not going to hurt you. Sheepy: Stefano:.... Sheepy: Stefano:............ Sheepy: Stefano: Don't lie to me. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Oops, I dropped my handcuffs. *and he promptly cuffs Stefano from behind. Plan H* Sheepy: Stefano: Ah?! Sheepy: Stefano: No! I need those! My art is unfinished! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Eh. You already said you messed it up. Sheepy: Stefano:...I... ... Arsé-kun: Watson: *in the farrrr background* can i come in now?? Sheepy: Okita: You might want to sometime soon, doc. It's incredible they're even alive. Arsé-kun: Watson: It's amazing you're alive right now. *he hurries past Okita. time to Work* Sheepy: Okita: Hahaha...*cough, cough* Sheepy: *The victim has a strange symbol emblazoned across the entirety of their chest. Presumably that's just a tattoo. Along with that, there's various stab wounds and cuts on his body, including a stab wound on each hand. He's weakly breathing. He has the faint scent of flowers on him along with the strong odor of blood. Maybe he was around a lot of flowers earlier?* Arsé-kun: *Watson doesn't bother wondering about the weirdness. Tattoos and cologne/perfume/etc are completely normal in the holy year 2018. Instead, he does hIS FUCKING JOB* Sheepy: *Good idea!* Sheepy: Okita: Well, it's probably time for me to head back. Arsé-kun: Alex: It is. Sheepy: Okita: Haha, I didn't ask if it was. Sheepy: Okita: Well, since you agree. Sheepy: *Okita wraps his arm around Alex... only for his [Okita's] legs to go out from under him.* Sheepy: Okita: *cough, cough, cough, cough, wheeze, wheeze, cough, cough, cough. Ah, that's blood. The coughing goes on for a bit, before ending in him panting.* Arsé-kun: Alex: Is this the embrace of death? Sheepy: Okita: 'M just tired. Let's get going. Arsé-kun: Alex: That's what dying people say. Sheepy: Okita: Hahaha.... Sheepy: Okita:...Help me get back to the hospital please. Arsé-kun: Alex: Yeah, sure. It's not like I'm going anywhere else. Sheepy: Okita: Thanks. Sheepy: *The next day!* Sheepy: *The victim from before has apparently woken up, so questioning is an option if you want to bully him this close to when he woke up. Meanwhile, Sheepy wants to know the haps and Sherlock is in a pouty mood.* Sheepy: Harley: Stop playing the violin badly and also get your foot off of my leg. You're being annoying. Sheepy: Sherlock: *Siiiiiigh* A beautiful day to die, isn't it? Sheepy: Harley: Shut up. I'll make Mycroft deal with you if you keep this up. And get your foot off of my leg! Sheepy: Sherlock: Living in a dreary place of gray buildings and gray skies... surrounded by heavy fog... it's almost like we're in a graveyard, awaiting our deaths.... Sheepy: Harley: Fine! I'll go with you later to...whatever you said! Just shut up already, I didn't sleep last night and get your foot off of my leg! Sheepy: Sherlock: Huh? Really? Whatever I say?! Sheepy: Harley: If it shuts you up, yes. Sheepy: Sherlock: Great! We're going to go many fun places today! *He shifts and bear hugs Harley* Sheepy: Harley: I have a migraine! Don't breath on me, don't touch me! Stop opening your mouth! Don't talk in my presence, it makes me want to throw up! Arsé-kun: Watson: Ah, mornings. Nothing is amiss, I see. Sheepy: Harley: Don't "Ah, mornings" me! Come here and get rid of him! Arsé-kun: Watson: I would, but I'm not up to picking him up and dragging him to the kitchen. Sheepy: Harley: What help are you!? Arsé-kun: Watson: Absolutely none. *and he does a 180° turn to leave* Sheepy: Harley: I'm tired and want sleep! Get rid of him or something- stop hugging me! Your presence is making my head feel worse! Arsé-kun: A slightly distant Watson: Lupin, get your boyfriend! Arsé-kun: A very distant Arséne: How dare you make me do anything?? Arsé-kun: *arsene shows up about two minutes later* Sheepy: Harley: He's being annoying! Get rid of him! Arsé-kun: Arséne: No need to yell. *he easily picks up Sherlock* Sheepy: Sherlock: Oh! Arsene! We're going out later. You should come with us. Sheepy: Harley: I never said that we're going out. I said I would if you would leave me alone. Which you did not. Therefore, we're not. Sheepy: Sherlock: You already agreed to it. Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he looks to Harley. Looks back* Lets figure this out after we eat, oui? Sheepy: Sherlock: Sounds good! Arsé-kun: *and arsene brings sherlock to the kitchen. harley is free. the only cooking implement van is allowed to touch is the toaster.* Sheepy: Sheepy: Let me show you how to set a toaster on fire. Arsé-kun: Van: I can figure that out myself. Sheepy: Sheepy: Yeah, but I'm a master at it. Arsé-kun: Van: I like being allowed to use this. Thanks. Sheepy: Sheepy: Do you? I don't know the feeling. Arsé-kun: Arséne: It's almost like you keep setting it on fire or something. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Speaking of fire, I found your lighter stash. I have stolen your lighters. Sheepy: Sheepy: Give them back before I fight you for them! Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he puts Sherlock down, freeing himself to bow to Sheepy* You'll have to find them, first. Arsé-kun: *He gives Sheepy one of his better evil grins- But not one of his photograph worthy ones.* Sheepy: Sheepy: No!! You're evil! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Thank you very much. Arsé-kun: Arséne: I've had years of practice. Sheepy: Sheepy: You sure have! You're the ultimate jerk! Arsé-kun: Arséne: I'll give you a hint! Under which lies under construction, you'll find your contraptions~ Sheepy: Sheepy: What. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Don't tell me a simple riddle will defeat the detective's assistant! Sheepy: Sheepy: I'm not a poet. Sheepy: Sheepy: You think I actually retain any of the poems I have to read when I do my schoolwork? Arsé-kun: Arséne: What kind of calling cards have you left as of recent? "I are stoling yur things?" Sheepy: Sheepy: No? Sheepy: Sheepy: I just state what I'm going to steal and when. Is that a problem? ...Is it supposed to be a poem? Arsé-kun: Arséne: I was unsure if you retained anything else from your schoolwork. Sheepy: Sheepy: What?! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Which you need to catch up on, by the by. Sheepy: Sheepy: Listen! I couldn't care less about history! Arsé-kun: Arséne: But some things need to be known. Like when certain buildings were under construction or when certain contraptions were devised. Sheepy: Sheepy: Is my lighter a bribe for my homework? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Lighters. Plural. Sheepy: Sheepy: You're so cruel... Sheepy: Nyar: Pssshhh, you call that cruel? Arsé-kun: Arséne: No one asked you. Sheepy: Nyar: When people don't follow my orders, I torture them. Sheepy: Sheepy: Like that art guy? Sheepy: Nyar: The who what now? Sheepy: Nyar: D'you know what he's talking about, O Cruel One? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Unfortunately. He called you his teacher. It was disturbing. Sheepy: Nyar: Whaaaat. Sheepy: Nyar: I've got no clue who you're even talking about. Sheepy: Sheepy: He had bangs over one of his eyes and talked about beauty. Sheepy: Nyar: Ehhhhhhh... oh! Him! Sheepy: Nyar: He was really annoying but some guy who worked there told me he could be useful. I gouged his eye out because I didn't like the look in it. Sheepy: Nyar: It's a look I'd love on Saint-Germain but terrifying in this guy, haha. Yeah, I successfully forgot about him until now. Thanks a lot. Arsé-kun: Germain: *his head pops around the corner. he Heard That. Horrible* Sheepy: Nyar: What, you met him? Arsé-kun: Arséne: He was arrested yesterday afternoon for manslaughter and homicide. Sheepy: Nyar: Oh good, maybe he'll die so I don't have to think about him anymore. Sheepy: Sheepy: Why don't you do it? Sheepy: Nyar: Are you crazy? If I did it, he'd enjoy every second of it. Sheepy: Nyar: I am NOT getting anywhere near that guy. No way! Arsé-kun: Germain: I also refuse to do it. Sheepy: Nyar: Understandable Sheepy: *Meanwhile! Ryuu and Asougi finally get to the farm!* Sheepy: Ryuu: ...Is this the place? *He glances around* ...Wh-what a place to live.... Asougi, maybe we should...um... N-no, I guess we have to look around. Arsé-kun: Asougi: It's just a farm! There shouldn't be any big nasty creatures... Right? Sheepy: Ryuu: ...I hope. Arsé-kun: Asougi: For that reason! *he reaches back and pulls out a golf club, which he tosses to Ryuu* I brought a golf club! Grabbed this from the corner office! Sheepy: Ryuu: ........ Sheepy: Ryuu: *He inhales sharply* ...Thanks. Arsé-kun: Asougi: You're welcome. Armed myself, too. *he pats his scabbard* We should be fine this time. Sheepy: Ryuu: Hopefully. Sheepy: Ryuu: Well, where should we start, then? Where do you think a killer would hide? Arsé-kun: Asougi: Somewhere dark. Sheepy: Ryuu: Well, um, after you then. I'll be...backup. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Only if you don't take back-up to mean you backing up and away from this! Sheepy: Ryuu: Um...I'd like to, but...I won't. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Great! I won't either. Sheepy: *The two head in.* Arsé-kun: *it's very farmy. It does not smell like animal shit and nothing else, so it hasn't been properly used in ages* Sheepy: Ryuu: ...Hmm. I wonder why it was abandoned? Arsé-kun: Asougi: Maybe they moved? Sheepy: Ryuu: Maybe...but wouldn't they have sold it? Arsé-kun: Asougi: Did they not? Sheepy: Ryuu: Well, it's clearing abandoned. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Clearly. Not Clearing. Sheepy: Ryuu: Ehh...! I meant that! Sheepy: Ryuu: I-I'm good at English! It's just... *His eyes are darting around* Arsé-kun: Asougi: You've gotta do something about being so nervous! Sheepy: Ryuu: I'm sorry! This just smells of danger! Sheepy: Ryuu:...Smells? Sheepy: Ryuu:.... Arsé-kun: Asougi: Close enough. Sheepy: Ryuu: Uhh, do you think it's safe for us to check inside? I think ... let's pass. Sheepy: Ryuu: Maybe we should just check around the house... Arsé-kun: Asougi: We'll do that next. Lets at least look at the rest of the barn before it gets dark! Sheepy: Ryuu:...R...right... Arsé-kun: Asougi: Look on the bright side! At least we don't feel like we're being watched! Sheepy: Ryuu: Uh...about that... Arsé-kun: Asougi: I lied! Sheepy: Ryuu: I feel a cold gaze.... ... Sheepy: Ryuu: Uhhhh... Arsé-kun: Asougi: Lets hurry it up, huh? Sheepy: Ryuu: ..Yeah. Sheepy: Ryuu: Those feathers by the ladder look suspicious. Let's go there, I guess. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Feathers... It might just be a rooster. Sheepy: Ryuu: I didn't smell any ...barn smells. Arsé-kun: Asougi: ... That's true. I'll go up and check. Sheepy: Ryuu: Should I follow? Arsé-kun: Asougi: *he steps on the ladder. it creaks. Loudly.* Uhhh.. Maybe not. Sheepy: Ryuu: I'll be here in case you fall! Arsé-kun: Asougi: *he nods and heads up the ladder. one of the higher steps breaks under his weight, but he catches himself and peers over the top* Sheepy: *There's a pile of hay.* Sheepy: *There's more feathers near it.* Arsé-kun: Asougi: ....? *he reaches out to grab at the mysterious feathers* Sheepy: *Upon Asougi grabbing at one, a loud yelp comes from inside the hay pile.* Sheepy: *That is a human yelp.* Arsé-kun: Asougi: Oh! *he goes to step down and. forgets that step doesn't exist. gravity wins this one* Sheepy: Ryuu: Asougi!? Arsé-kun: Asougi: I've got it, I've got it..! *he's still hanging on! so allow me to correct myself: gravity WILL win this one* Sheepy: Crow: Heyheyhey! *He shoots up to his feet* You can't just go around grabbing peo- oh shoot! Sheepy: Crow: Uhhhhh....*He gets on his hands and knees and peeks over the edge* I don't think I can reach you......! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Ryuu, are you still good on that whole "catching me" deal?? Sheepy: Ryuu: I-I'll try! Arsé-kun: *Asougi drops. Here he comes* Sheepy: *Ryuu tries to catch Asougi!* Arsé-kun: *He succeeds? They're on the floor but I'll give him a B+* Sheepy: Ryuu: Guh...! Sheepy: Crow: Uhhh...you alive? Sheepy: Crow: *He hops down* Arsé-kun: Asougi: Ryuu, you okay? Sheepy: Ryuu: Uhhh...are you okay? That's more important. Arsé-kun: Asougi: I think I'm good.. Sheepy: Ryuu: That's good! Uh... Arsé-kun: Asougi: ... Oh! *he gets off of Ryuu* Sheepy: Ryuu: *He appears a bit flustered but pulls himself to his feet* Sheepy: Crow: Who are you two, and why are you here? *He crosses his arms. ... His wings are still out.* Sheepy: Crow: .......Uh? Sheepy: Crow: So you aren't murderers? Arsé-kun: Asougi: No! But there's supposed to be one around. Sheepy: Crow: I followed my gut - this place was calling to me. So, here I am. But I heard someone, so I ended up hiding. Sheepy: Crow: But apparently it was just you two. Arsé-kun: Asougi: You never followed us, did you? We felt like someone was watching us. Sheepy: Crow: Whaaaat!? Don't freak me out like that! Sheepy: Ryuu: If there's a murderer, you really shouldn't shout.... Sheepy: Crow: If there's a murderer, I'll apprehend him with my own two hands! My crimson fists! Sheepy: Ryuu: ...What's with the outfit? Isn't it hard to move around with that tail-like thing and the fake wings potentially getting in your way? Sheepy: Crow: Fake?! These aren't fake! I'm a 100% genuine fallen angel! Sheepy: Ryuu: A what? Arsé-kun: Asougi: It's, uh.. Tenshi? Is that the word? Sheepy: Ryuu: Oooooh. Is that what you're dressed up as? Sheepy: Crow: Noooo! Sheepy: Crow: Anyway, what you said was that you were being watched, right? Well, I guarantee you that that wasn't me. Sheepy: Crow: So now we're being watched. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Don't make it worse..! Sheepy: Crow: Sorry, I'm not trying to. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Is there anything else in there..? Sheepy: Crow: In what, the hay? Nope. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Then I guess we can head to the house. You sure you're okay, Ryuu? Sheepy: Ryuu: Uh...y-yeah. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Maybe you should sit down when we get inside. Sheepy: Ryuu: I'll take your advice. Sheepy: Crow: *He, meanwhile, is glancing around, tail twitching.* Arsé-kun: Asougi: You see anything? Sheepy: Crow: Nah, not yet. I'll lead anyway. *He starts strolling forward like he owns the place, eyes still cautiously darting around.* Arsé-kun: Asougi: *he puts an arm around Ryuu's shoulder* Sheepy: Ryuu: *He seems appreciative.* Sheepy: Crow: *He, for once, has gone completely silent. Even his usual humming isn't present. As he passes by a particularly dark part of the barn, his eyes flick to the side and he trails to a stop. ... He throws a kick at the one who has been watching them!* Arsé-kun: *His vicious attack is met by... Getting a shoe on his shoulder. Ah. That's..* Arsé-kun: Barok: ... Do you really wish to start this? Sheepy: Crow:...! Eh!? Pops? You're here?! Sheepy: *He looks annoyed, but his tail is wagging excitedly...* Arsé-kun: Asougi: *SNRK* You're a dad?! Arsé-kun: Barok: We are not to speak of this, or I'll personally execute you both. Sheepy: Ryuu: Uh! But... Zieks-san, why have I never seen him with you until now? And he doesn't look like you with his hair... Sheepy: Crow: Eh? My hair is dyed... Arsé-kun: Barok: What did I just say, Naruhoudo? Sheepy: Ryuu: But it's just...! Arsé-kun: Barok: No. Sheepy: Crow: *He focuses his attention back on Barok before a huge grin forms on his face. He gives Barok a big hug* I've been looking high and low for you! Literally!! Arsé-kun: Barok: ... I have wondered where you were. I'd like to know how you've searched high with... *he gestures to Crow's wings* Sheepy: Crow: Ehh, I did right after you disappeared. I apparently got close to an answer because I was accused of a crime I didn't commit and thrown down here. Sheepy: Crow: I'm a popular singer now! Isn't that cool?! I get paid money and recently I learned how to pay other people money for their services. Arsé-kun: Barok: *he turns his head away and... pats Crow's head.* Sheepy: Crow: I've actually have friends other than you now, too! Tons of em! Like my band members, a bunch of the people at Old Man's studio, Old Man and the other angel living with him.... a pink haired girl who sends me cat pics...aaand a big tree-like guy! Sheepy: Ryuu: *He leans closer to Asougi and mumbles to him... in Japanese.* [Why was Zieks-san following us around? Was he...worried? Or is it something else?] Arsé-kun: Asougi: Uh.. [I'm not quite sure, so now we have two mysteries. Why he was following us, and how he knows this kid] Sheepy: Ryuu: [He looks kinda scary... but I guess he didn't follow us to kill us. Right?] Sheepy: Ryuu: [But then why is that kid here anyway?] Arsé-kun: Asougi: [I guess I'll ask.] Arsé-kun: Asougi: So. Why are you both here? I know you (as in Crow) came because you said it felt right, but Barok? Was it you that's been following us all afternoon? Arsé-kun: Barok: Yes. I'm not sure why anyone thought it was a good idea to send two inexperienced runts to do a search. Sheepy: Ryuu: So, um... you care about us enough to make sure we're safe, Zieks-san? Sheepy: Ryuu: I thought you came to kill us. Arsé-kun: Barok: Don't twist my words nor my intentions. I only followed you to make sure neither of you got into anything you couldn't handle. That would lead to legal problems. Arsé-kun: Asougi: But you didn't deny that you came to kill us.. Arsé-kun: Barok: I just did! Sheepy: Crow: Pops wouldn't kill anyone. What're you goin' on about? Sheepy: Ryuu: *His eyes are darting about. He's sweating nervously* Uhhhh...he's... Arsé-kun: *Barok seems.. Less than pleased* Sheepy: Crow:? Sheepy: Ryuu: *Oh. That's terrifying.* Sheepy: Crow: What's up? Sheepy: Crow: You look mad. Arsé-kun: Asougi: .... He... Always looks like this? Sheepy: Crow:? Arsé-kun: Barok: *he Very Abruptly changes the subject* You two have searched one place and already almost hurt yourselves. Maybe it would be best if you two stopped here. Sheepy: Ryuu: I understand. What do you think, Asougi? Sheepy: Crow:??? Arsé-kun: Asougi: I think we should still go in so you can sit down, but leave the rest to Barok. Sheepy: Ryuu: ...If that's what you think, I'll do it! Arsé-kun: Barok: .... If he told you to jump off a cliff, would you? Sheepy: Ryuu: I trust that he'd know it's safe! Sheepy: Ryuu: He's my best friend. He wouldn't intentionally put me into situations where I'd get hurt. Arsé-kun: Barok: And you'd follow him as he runs through heavy traffic? Sheepy: Ryuu: To make sure he's safe! Arsé-kun: Barok: You're an idiot. Sheepy: Ryuu: !? Arsé-kun: Barok: Your own safety comes first. Sheepy: Ryuu: ...But what'll he do without someone there to help him if he needs help? Sheepy: Crow: Just because you're buds with someone doesn't make them always right in their actions. Sheepy: Ryuu: But you made the same choice in coming here. Sheepy: Crow: But I'm a fallen angel who can handle just about anything a human throws at me. Sheepy: Ryuu:...Then why were you hiding in a hay pile when we got here? Sheepy: Crow: Because I heard you two and didn't want to initiate a fight if I didn't have to... Arsé-kun: Barok: Wise decision. Sheepy: Crow: Eh? You think so?! Sheepy: Crow: Nobody ever says that to me! Sheepy: Crow: Anyway, if there's a killer here, I should go catch him. Although, those detectives wouldn't let me help that other time... Arsé-kun: Barok: You really shouldn't.. Sheepy: Crow: Well, then, what do we do about that? Arsé-kun: Barok: I'll look. Sheepy: Crow: At least let me join you. Arsé-kun: Barok: Fine. Sheepy: Crow: Cool! I'll show you my killer catching skills! Sheepy: *Crow rushes on ahead. Crow blease* Arsé-kun: *Barok sighs* Sheepy: Ryuu:...We should follow, right? Arsé-kun: Asougi: Yeah. Sheepy: *They follow!* Arsé-kun: *They catch up to Crow! Finally* Sheepy: Crow: *He's blankly staring ahead of him* ...Pops, why do they have a horse but no cows...? Why's it in the house? Arsé-kun: Barok: .... Arsé-kun: *there is certainly a horse there. It stares at them.* Sheepy: Crow:...Y'know, I don't like horses. Sheepy: Crow: They're like cows except not endearing in any way. Arsé-kun: Asougi: I don't like them much, either. Did you know there was a case where parts of a cadaver went missing? It turned out the horse was starving and tried to eat it. Sheepy: Crow:...A....ah... Sheepy: Crow:..... Sheepy: Ryuu:............ Arsé-kun: Barok: Multiple like that. Butterflies will drink blood, too. Sheepy: Ryuu:..... Sheepy: Crow:........ Sheepy: *Ryuu's eyes are nervously darting around...* Sheepy: Crow: Like a mosquito? Arsé-kun: Barok: Perhaps? I never looked into it. Sheepy: Crow: Crow:...... Sheepy: Ryuu:...I don't like the look the horse is giving us. Arsé-kun: Barok: Perhaps we should back away. Slowly. Sheepy: *Crow backs off slowly.* Arsé-kun: *as does Barok* Arsé-kun: Asougi: Lets... Go... Somewhere else.. Sheepy: Ryuu:.... Arsé-kun: *they back into a different room. The horse doesn't follow* Sheepy: Crow:...Good. Arsé-kun: Barok: ... Here is a good place to sit yourselves down. Sheepy: Ryuu: Th-thank you...! Sheepy: Crow: Isn't splitting up how people die in these situations? Arsé-kun: Barok: We're not splitting up. They're simply sitting down. Sheepy: Crow: Okay, good! Arsé-kun: *Asougi sits down on the floor* Sheepy: *Ryuu joins him* Sheepy: Crow: So what's the plan? I came here without telling my friends because I forgot. Arsé-kun: Barok: Don't do anything stupid. Sheepy: Crow: In Rom's eyes I already have, probably. Sheepy: Ryuu: You should have told someone. Sheepy: Crow: It's kinda too late for that. Arsé-kun: Barok: Then go home. Sheepy: Crow: *He frowns* But what about you? Arsé-kun: Barok: I can manage just fine. Sheepy: Crow:...What about them? Sheepy: Crow: I don't feel comfortable with you defending them by yourself in the current situation. Arsé-kun: Barok: Fine. Sheepy: Crow: Good. Arsé-kun: Barok: *he looks back out the door. Horse is, in fact, still there.* Sheepy: Crow: Do we beat them out and drag them back with us? The killer I mean. Sheepy: Ryuu:...horse. Arsé-kun: Asougi: It's a horse of course. Sheepy: Ryuu: It's not right. Sheepy: Crow: It's watching us, huh? Like it's going to warn its owner if we get too close. Arsé-kun: Barok: I firmly dislike this. Sheepy: Crow: Maybe we should get help. Arsé-kun: Barok: I am inclined to agree. None of us have the proper experience for this. Sheepy: Ryuu: And we aren't prepared... Arsé-kun: Barok: Not at all. Sheepy: Ryuu: Then let's go back Arsé-kun: Asougi: We can give a report on what we've found, too. Sheepy: *So they begin to head back* Arsé-kun: *the creepy horse watches them through a window. stop. get some help.* Sheepy: *Crow makes like a tree and gets out of there.* Arsé-kun: *and Barok escorts the boys back to their office, looking absolutely exasperated by the time they get there.* Sheepy: Ryuu: Thank you... Arsé-kun: Barok: You're welcome. Sheepy: Ryuu: Have a safe trip home! Arsé-kun: Barok: mmmmhm. *he leaves. finally, freedom* Sheepy: *Meanwhile! Luckily for the victim from yesterday, he's still alive. And he has family who's coming to visit!* Arsé-kun: *hooray!* Sheepy: Bedi: If I'd known about the risk I would've gone with him... Arsé-kun: Merlin: So would I. I knew somethin' was gonna happen, but not this. Sheepy: Bedi: I'm surprised he didn't fight back... Arsé-kun: Merlin: I'm more concerned that he lost. Sheepy: Bedi: He's not too bad of a fighter... who attacked him? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Uh. That's a good question. Arsé-kun: Merlin: I've got no clue. Arsé-kun: Merlin: It had to be someone strong. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Speaking of strong, can we get out of here as soon as possible? This place gives me the heebie-jeebies! Arsé-kun: Merlin: That, and there's a lake, and there's no way Myrd is happy about that! Arsé-kun: Merlin: He can't be happy about any of this, and no one is happy about any of this, and- Yow! Arsé-kun: Merlin: I byt my tong agahn! Sheepy: Bedi: Hm? Oh, were you saying something? Sorry, I wasn't listening. Sheepy: Okita: I haven't seen you two before, so you must be here for the new guy. He's down that hallway, third room on the left. Sheepy: Bedi: Thank you. Sheepy: Okita: Really, you should keep an eye on him. If I hadn’t been tracking that guy on his quick supply run, you’d be setting up a funeral rather than visiting your friend in the hospital. Sheepy: Bedi: Did you bring Myrrdin here? Thank you. ... Did you say you saw his attacker? Can you describe him? Sheepy: Okita: One-eyed artist with a giga crush on the guy who gouged his eye out. I say artist because he wouldn’t stop talking about art and how he was going to make your friend beautiful. Sheepy: Okita: He mentioned some organization as well... Twilight. No clue what it is, but there you go. Arsé-kun: Merlin: *he gives Bedi a look most accurately described as "Why do I bother?" aka moderate annoyance. He IS listening to Okita, though, and frowns more* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Lets not get involved with that. It sounds bad. Sheepy: Bedi: Sorry, did I upset you? Sheepy: Okita: Well, don't let me keep you waiting then. Arsé-kun: Merlin: What if I said something important?? *he looks to Okita* And thanks for the info! Sheepy: Okita: No problem. Sheepy: Bedi:...Huh? Then you'd repeat it, right? Arsé-kun: Merlin: I said I don't wanna stick around long. Sheepy: Bedi: I understand, but that doesn't mean they'll let him be discharged. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Didn't say he had to leave asap. I just said I don't wanna be here! Sheepy: Bedi: I understand. Then, let's meet him and then leave. Arsé-kun: Merlin: You wanna get ice cream after? Sheepy: Bedi: Sure. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Nice. Sheepy: *Bedi heads to Myrrdin's room! He's visibly in a lot of pain. His hands and chest are covered with bandages along with his shoulder and a small part of his face. Thankfully he isn't missing anything except for the comforting walls of his room.* Arsé-kun: *Merlin produces a bouquet of flowers from somewhere as he follows Bedi in* Sheepy: Bedi: Ah, that looks painful. I'm sorry. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Thanks, I haven't had the opportunity to see myself yet so I was definitely worried about whether or not I look as bad as I feel. Arsé-kun: Merlin: You're beautiful. Sheepy: Myrrdin: I feel like an art project. Sheepy: Myrrdin: An abandoned one that's half done. Sheepy: Bedi: Yes, the man up front mentioned that your attacker saw you as such. Sheepy: Myrrdin: I feel stupid more than anything. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Hey, it happens..! Sheepy: Myrrdin: I didn't prepare and I didn't have the energy to use magic. Arsé-kun: Merlin: How can you expect something like that? It's fine. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Because I should've at least done something to prepare just in case. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Lesson learned! Sheepy: Myrrdin: In a terrible way. Sheepy: Myrrdin: He was on me in a flash... Arsé-kun: *Merlin wiggles his eyebrows* Sheepy: Myrrdin: Shut up, it wasn't like that. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Was he at least hot? Was there anything positive we get out of this? Sheepy: Myrrdin: I did see a lady who reminded me of someone I loved, though. She was pretty attractive, I'll tell you that. My heart started racing a bit and- Guh! *he clutches his chest, letting out a small whimper* Arsé-kun: Merlin: And now it's time for a mid-video advertisement! Don't think about kittens! Sheepy: Myrrdin: No! I didn't see anyone attractive. Sheepy: Myrrdin: He looked like a washed up failure of an artist. Arsé-kun: Merlin: That's hot to at least one person. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Not after he pins your hands to a wall with knives!! Arsé-kun: Merlin: That's absolutely someone's kink. Absolutely. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Not mine!! Arsé-kun: Merlin: And now that you're disgusted and disappointed in humanity, we should be back to the status quo. Arsé-kun: Merlin: I still think we should shave that tat off. Skin grows back. Arsé-kun: Merlin: That, or I'll fistfight a watery ho. Arsé-kun: Merlin: *he glances towards the window, where he catches a glimpse of the lake... and something submerging. He shudders violently* Sheepy: Myrrdin: That's literally one of the worst ideas you've ever had in your entire life. Congratulations, I hate it. Let's maybe not try to remove a curse by removing the visual signs of it. Sheepy: Myrrdin: And what, thinking about her shakes you up that much? Yeah, me too. I don't think I can truly love without fear ever again. Sheepy: Bedi: *he's more focused on the window* Sheepy: Myrrdin:...You too, kid? What do you two see that I don't? If you give me nightmares about this place, I won't be happy. Sheepy: Bedi: Ah, they grow big around here. Arsé-kun: Merlin: We can scratch "see a slug larger than my house" off the bucket list of things I never wanted! Arsé-kun: Merlin: I'm gonna make that lake a Great Salt Lake if I see that thing again! Sheepy: Myrrdin: You're scaring me. A lot. Arsé-kun: Merlin: It's just a slug! Calm down! Arsé-kun: Merlin: Do you think slugs will explode if you throw them in the ocean? Arsé-kun: Merlin: I'm gonna try that one day. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Or did I do that already? Sheepy: Myrrdin:....I. I don't know? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Gotta try that then Sheepy: Myrrdin: I don't want to be here anymore. Sheepy: Bedi: That's unfortunate. Arsé-kun: Merlin: We've seen dragons! And a slug is gettin' to you? Sheepy: Myrrdin: Lake slug when I'm injured. Arsé-kun: Merlin: We're right here! Sheepy: Myrrdin: You think I'll be able to do much of anything with this? *He begins to hold up his hands before he suddenly yelps and goes to clutch his shoulder. He hisses and pulls his hand away.* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Do you think I just brought you regular bitch flowers? *he tosses the bouquet over* And maybe! You shouldn't do that! Sheepy: Myrrdin: I can't help it! Sheepy: Myrrdin:...What does the bouquet do? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Increased healing, radar, the usual works. And yes, they're edible. Sheepy: Bedi: The bouquet is a quick and easy gift that rarely has much thought put into it and usually is used as a way to efficiently steal a woman's heart or an excuse to not get an actually worthwhile gift. Sheepy: Bedi: ...Unless you mean that specific one. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Wow, I can't wait to eat some flowers. Sheepy: Myrrdin: And oh, tell me more, o master of romance. Sheepy: Bedi: Ah, thank you. If you insist... Sheepy: Myrrdin: NO, I don't insist- Arsé-kun: Merlin: Hospital food is lame, eat flowers. Eat some greens, Myrrd. Sheepy: Bedi: Those who understand flower language can make their feelings shown in a way that would permanently impact a lover's emotions despite the life of a flower being fleeting. In that respect, bouquets are very sweet. And bouquets can be very lovely gifts, especially if the giver has very little to spare but still buys his lover a gift. But the limited lifespan of flowers is why I see them as a bad gift. Do your feelings die off as quickly as the representation of them? Do those who walk in, buy roses, and leave without close inspection and thought truly feel that the gift is worth something? A gift from someone who doesn't care about it is simply something of- Sheepy: Myrrdin: Stop with your intentionally long-winded explanations! Arsé-kun: *Merlin yawns. Loudly* Sheepy: Myrrdin: *He looks to the flowers* I...don't want to eat these. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Then don't! Sheepy: Bedi: Some flowers can produce a healing effect. Such as- Sheepy: Myrrdin: Please. Sheepy: Bedi: -while I'm thinking about it, my brother gave me good advice when he was alive. Sheepy: Bedi: He said: "If your lover breaks up with you, eat the bouquet of roses they gave you. It gets rid of depression." Sheepy: Myrrdin: He never said that. Arsé-kun: Merlin: He absolutely never said that. Sheepy: Bedi: You're right, he didn't, but you don't want advice from me so instead I'll put words into my brother's mouth. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Lucan would be proud. Also, don't eat roses, that hurts. Sheepy: Bedi: Incorrect. Sheepy: Bedi: The petals are completely safe to eat and do indeed help with depression. Sheepy: Bedi: I read it on the internet and nobody goes onto the internet to lie. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Kid, I've got news for you. Arsé-kun: Merlin: The internet is really really great! For lies! Sheepy: Bedi: Huh? Sheepy: Bedi:...people lie on the internet? Sheepy: Bedi:...that explains that one time... Sheepy: Myrrdin: What did you do. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Which one?! Sheepy: Bedi: It's embarrassing... I feel stupid and gullible now! Sheepy: Bedi: I mixed bleach and ammonia once...you may remember that. Sheepy: Bedi: I thought I did it wrong...so I followed the instructions very carefully once I recovered. ... You may remember that. Arsé-kun: Merlin: I do. That hurt, you know! Sheepy: Bedi: Emotionally or physically? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Yes Sheepy: Bedi: Did you think I did it to hurt you? Arsé-kun: Merlin: No. Sheepy: Bedi: I did it because I thought it'd make crystals and I planned on giving them to you. That's what they said would happen. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Which is sweet, but please factcheck! You'd believe "gullible" is written on the ceiling! Sheepy: Bedi:...*he slowly goes to look up at the ceiling* Sheepy: Myrrdin: You're how old? Sheepy: Myrrdin: And yet you still fall for that....? Sheepy: Bedi: Merlin has no reason to lie! ... but ah, it isn't there... Arsé-kun: Merlin: Why do I have to reteach you about human nature every hundred years? Sheepy: Bedi: What do you mean? Sheepy: Bedi: Isn't it positive thinking to believe that humans as a whole have gotten past lying pointlessly over these years? Sheepy: Myrrdin: Or perhaps you're simply getting forgetful over these years. Sheepy: Bedi: No. Arsé-kun: Merlin: We're never getting past that. Humankind is mischievous. Sheepy: Bedi: Why? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Why not? Sheepy: Bedi: They don't benefit from it. Arsé-kun: Merlin: They live in the present and for enjoyment. It's just how it is. Sheepy: Bedi:...It's reminiscent of how Lucan used to talk about people. Arsé-kun: Merlin: People haven't changed one bit. Sheepy: Bedi: He'd always say, "People do things because they feel like the short term happiness is worth the long term punishment. " ... Before heading in to spar even with his injury. Sheepy: Myrrdin: He was using logic to justify his stupid actions. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Exactly that. Sheepy: Bedi: I guess so. Arsé-kun: Merlin: And it hasn't changed in thousands of years. Why would it? It works. Sheepy: Bedi: It's just weird to me. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Well, yeah. I can see why. Sheepy: Bedi: What do you mean? Arsé-kun: Merlin: You're human and seeing things from our perspective. It is weird. Sheepy: Bedi: ...Yes, I guess you've been around a lot longer than me. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Are we getting existential in this hospital wing tonight? Lets! Stop doing that in public. Sheepy: Bedi: Sorry. Sheepy: Myrrdin: You seem to be tiring out. Maybe you should go. Arsé-kun: Merlin: That'd be a good idea. Don't do anything stupid without me, you hear? Sheepy: Myrrdin: Oh, I'll save all of my ideas for when you come back. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Fantastic! Sheepy: Bedi: Now, what were our other plans? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Go home and let me eat that tub of ice cream. Sheepy: Bedi: I can't stop you. Arsé-kun: Merlin: *yesssssss* Sheepy: Myrrdin: Have a safe trip home, you two. Sheepy: Bedi: Recover well. Arsé-kun: Merlin: And remember not to magic until you've got a full reserve! Sheepy: Myrrdin: I won't. Thanks for reminding me. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Of course! Sheepy: *Bedi begins to head out* Arsé-kun: *Merlin follows, but not before grinning at Myrrdin* Sheepy: *Myrrdin gives a tired smile back* Arsé-kun: *Okay, back to characters we actually care about! Hooray!!!* Sheepy: Tom: aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Arsé-kun: Arséne: -- So can someone please tell me what's going on? THESE two *he gestures in the direction of Germain's room* won't say anything, THESE two *he now gestures towards Impey's room, before looking to Delly* won't say anything, and THIS one *he picks up Tom* hasn't stopped for three hours! Sheepy: Tom: nonononono Arsé-kun: Delly: Yeah, what he said! Sheepy: Tom: dont look it in the eye Sheepy: Sheepy: I was kinda worried because after what happened last time he went silent for a long time. Hes never been silent for that long. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Mhm. It's been... Discomforting? But if something is agitating him, then something is happening or already has. Sheepy: Tom: it knows he knows Sheepy: Tom: twilight has faded and now everything is dark Sheepy: Tom: its so dark its so dark i cant see i cant see i cant see Sheepy: Sheepy: Use your eyes. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Remind me why we're bothering? Sheepy: Tom: he knows he knows he knows Sheepy: Sheepy: We could just leave him be and he'll do this forever. Arsé-kun: Arséne: I'd prefer he not do this forever. Sheepy: Sheepy: Okay, Tom. What do you want? Sheepy: Tom: dont go dont go dont go dont dont dont Sheepy: Tom: its so dark i cant see i cant breathe dont go Sheepy: Tom: aaaaaaaaaaaaa Sheepy: Sheepy: We don't have enough information and he doesn't seem like he'll give more. Sheepy: Sheepy: Maybe we should just sleep on it. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Perhaps. Sheepy: Sheepy: If we sleep on it, we might have nightmares! Arsé-kun: Arséne: What's this "Might"? Sheepy: Sheepy: We wil have nightmares guaranteed. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Not again. Sheepy: Sherlock: *He excitedly dashes in, dragging a dazed Harley with him* Arsene, we did stuff today! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Did you? *he turns and looks at Sherlock* Welcome home, by the way. Sheepy: Sherlock: We met the legendary wizard Merlin twice! Sheepy: Sherlock: Both in the same room. Because there's two. Neither of them look like tbe disney one. Arsé-kun: Arséne: I'm sorry? Did you just imply wizards are real? Sheepy: Sherlock: Well, that's who the victim was. Sheepy: Sherlock:...unless he lied? Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he looks more confused than any set of math memes put together. confused math people* Sheepy: Sherlock: That's what he said his name was.... Well, he said Myrrdin but we might know him as Merlin, although that's his brother's name and he's just sharing because it makes life simpler. Sheepy: Sherlock: Also we saw Mycroft so I told him everything. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Oh, how is he? *he glances at Harley* And also him. Sheepy: Sherlock: He's fine! .. Also whom? Sheepy: Harley: *Dizzy...* Arsé-kun: Arséne: Your other brother. Sheepy: Sherlock: My other brother? I have a fourt- OH! Harley! Sheepy: Sherlock: He was complaining about me dragging him around and running too quickly while doing so. After a while he was quiet though so I think he's fine! Sheepy: Sherlock: He didn't talk very much when we met with Merlin or with Mycroft, though. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Shall I remind you again this year that being dragged around in a heavy coat, in warm weather, is bad for one's health? Sheepy: Sherlock: ? Sheepy: Sherlock: Then why is he wearing a heavy coat? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Because he's stubborn. Sheepy: Harley: Let me perish from heat stroke. It's my life and my decisions. Sheepy: Harley: I don't like any of my other outfits. Sheepy: Harley: They're ugly. I won't wear ugly clothes. Arsé-kun: Arséne: You're an idiot. Sheepy: Harley: I'm not an idiot! *He lets go of Sherlock and huffs* I just hate ugly clothes! Sheepy: Sherlock: ? I don't pay attention to clothes... Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he pulls his phone out and sends a very quick text. it was probably pre-written. and probably to fran or watson about Harley being stupid* Sheepy: Harley: *His angry expression shifts into a grimace before he lets out a gagging noise and slowly sits down on the floor. Lies down on the floor.* Sheepy: Sherlock: I've worn the same shirt three days in a row! Sheepy: Sherlock: Oh, you shouldn't sleep there. Sheepy: Harley: Oh, just go with Sherlock alone! It'll be fun! Ah! No! It's truly awful! Sheepy: Sherlock: You just need to work harder to keep up next time. Sheepy: Sherlock: Oh, Arsene, you should come too next time! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Maybe. It'll depend on if I am working. Sheepy: Sherlock: Great! Sheepy: Sherlock: Also, Harley drank all of my water along with his so I need to make sure to pack more next time. Remind me! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Gladly. Sheepy: Harley: There's no next time. I feel my soul leaving my body. Arsé-kun: Adam: *he enters, slowly, to not slam into the door frame again, and looks down at Harley* ... Why? Sheepy: Harley: He dragged me past my limit and I'm not exactly fully recovered as it is. Sheepy: Sherlock: He wore a heavy coat in the hot sun. Arsé-kun: Adam: I repeat the question. Sheepy: Sherlock: He doesn't like his other clothes and refuses to wear them. Sheepy: Harley: You may as well trample me now because I'm not going to need this body for much longer. Sheepy: Harley: Just don't tamper it too much because your dad might want it after I'm done with it. Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he doesn't look up* Nyar would want it first, and you know it. Arsé-kun: Adam: ... No, and no. No one is getting it. *he picks up Harley like a football* Sheepy: Harley: Be more gentle! Hrk- *cough* Sheepy: Harley: I didn't mean to be insulting...! Ugh! *He begins struggling a bit* Arsé-kun: *Adam just sorta glances down. He's got a Firm Hold on Harley.* Sheepy: Harley: L-let go! Arsé-kun: *Adam does not. Adam instead brings him upstairs and points a fan at him, after plopping him down.* Sheepy: Harley: .......F-fine, I guess this is okay. Sheepy: Harley: ..................Sorry if I insulted you. Arsé-kun: Adam: I'm used to it. Sheepy: Harley: That makes me feel worse. Arsé-kun: Adam: But "It's fine," is a lie, isn't it? This single instance is permitted. Sheepy: Harley: No, that's not it. Sheepy: Harley: Do I insult you often? Arsé-kun: Adam: No. You insult everyone often. Sheepy: Harley: *He frowns* Sheepy: Harley: I'm being honest. Sheepy: Harley: I'm not going to lie about my opinions to make others happy. Arsé-kun: Adam: ... I'll be more gentle next time. Sheepy: Harley: I don't care if you're brutally honest to me in return. Sheepy: Harley: I act the way I expect to be treated, and it's out of my control if people decide to be nicer or ruder to me than I am to them. Arsé-kun: Adam: ... Are you not meant to treat others the way you want to be treated? Sheepy: Harley: Again, I don't care if people are nasty to me. Sheepy: Harley: It'll just make my opinions more negative. Sheepy: Harley: I just don't want you injuring me because I might be needed later. Sheepy: Harley: I also recognize how quickly anyone could turn on me if it suited them. I want to drag their opinions out into the light before I'm betrayed. For example, you could easily kill me right here and now. Sheepy: Harley: We are alone. You are physically powerful and I am in a weakened state. However, you have made no move to kill me. Two possibilities come to mind: Either you wish for me to trust you so you can betray me later or you truly do mean me no harm. Sheepy: Harley: Potential motives include: wanting to form a happy life and murder being th fastest way to wreck relationships, my awareness making you unable to take the perfect opportunity, pity, loyalty to Frankenstein... Arsé-kun: Adam: ..... I... I volunteered to assist you because Father was busy. *he frowns* If I'd wanted to hurt you, I'd have done it by now. Sheepy: Harley: So loyalty to Frankenstein. Sheepy: Harley: Thank you for being honest. Sheepy: Harley: I hadn't gauged you yet, so this helps. Sheepy: Harley: If you'd simply lied and told me you actually care about me as a person after all I had just said, I would've gotten up and left, even if I am extremely dizzy. ...Ah, I expect you to treat me as you truthfully feel about me from now on, but I will notice if you're lying. Sheepy: Harley: I haven't been in this conversation with anyone before, so let me simplify it with this: Give me a reason to trust you and I will. I only trust Watson, Lupin, and Iris. It's not personal. Sheepy: Harley: I've had very little contact with you, so I don't know anything about you. I cannot trust a man I do not know. The same goes for Frankenstein. I've barely spoken to the man. Arsé-kun: *Adam doesn't respond, thinking all of this over. He understands it, but is not going to ask for details. It's not his business. Why would it be? mmmm.* Arsé-kun: *It's kinda awkward now, but quiet. It's almost nice. It's then ruined by Tom screaming. Probably.* Sheepy: Harley: Why!? Arsé-kun: Adam: I've learned the answer is "We don't know". Sheepy: Harley: I would check what's going on, but I'm feeling tired. Arsé-kun: Adam: ... I will. You stay. *he heads Outtie* Sheepy: *Tom is screaming* Arsé-kun: *Arséne was trying to nap at his desk, and has just been woken up in a panic. Thanks, Tom!!* Arsé-kun: *also he probably also screamed. there goes his dignity. oh no, he dropped it all, it's not his, it's for a friend* Sheepy: Tom: nonononono don't go don't go Arsé-kun: Adam: .... Explain. *he enters, easily skipping the last three steps on the staircase. legs for days.* ... I see no one moving. Sheepy: Tom: he's coming for you Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he's pulled out the notepad again, but hasn't fully recovered his dignity. You can't hide it* Arsé-kun: Adam: ... Mm? Sheepy: Tom: you've walked into his hands Sheepy: Tom: he has eyes everywhere Arsé-kun: Arséne: I'm assuming this isn't meant to be at us.. Sheepy: Sheepy: It could be. Arsé-kun: Arséne: But we're not doing anything, so it can't be. Sheepy: Sheepy: But.....i the future? Sheepy: Sheepy: Nah. Sheepy: Tom: the first time was a surprise Arsé-kun: Arséne: Mhm..? Sheepy: Tom: the second time he expects you Sheepy: Tom: no witnesses can be left alive Arsé-kun: Adam: *what is happening* Sheepy: Tom: ................... Sheepy: Tom: ........................................ Arsé-kun: Arséne: Ground control to Major Tom, what's your status? Sheepy: Tom: wheres the horse Sheepy: Tom: horse is gone wheres the horse Arsé-kun: Arséne: Like how you didn't? Sheepy: Tom: information is a powerful thing Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he sorta sighs and keeps writing. They'll figure it out EVENTUALLY* Sheepy: Tom: i told you i told you nobody ever listens Sheepy: Tom: he can always find you Arsé-kun: Arséne: Comforting. Arsé-kun: *Elsewhere, a fair bit of time ago..!!* Sheepy: Ryuu: Is this really a good idea? Arsé-kun: Barok: Absolutely not. Sheepy: Crow: Hey, if there's anyone scary, I'll give 'em a taste of my crimson fist! Arsé-kun: Asougi: *he glances at Ryuu, as if to say "Yeah, right"* Sheepy: Ryuu: *He looks to Asougi, before looking back to Crow* Oh. You're bluffing. Sheepy: Ryuu: Good job! It makes me feel more confident already! Arsé-kun: *Barok just places a hand on his forehead. He's already 5000005% done* Sheepy: Crow: Whaaaat? I'm not bluffing! Pops, aren't I super strong!? Arsé-kun: Barok: When you actually bother. Sheepy: Crow: I bother all the time! Sheepy: Ryuu: Who do you bother all the time? Arsé-kun: Barok: Me. Sheepy: Crow: Eeeeeh?! Arsé-kun: Barok: Okay, shut up and go in first, fearless leader. Sheepy: Crow: Poooops! You're so mean! You've got such a cool kid and- M-me?! Arsé-kun: Barok: That's what I thought. Sheepy: Crow: *He huffs* Fine! I'll go in...! *He quickly enters* Arsé-kun: Barok: *he looks to Ryuu and Asougi* Go already. Sheepy: Ryuu: *He gently takes Asougi's hand* Let's take care not to be separated! Arsé-kun: Asougi: ! *:O* Of course! Sheepy: *Ryuu enters carefully compared to Crow.* Arsé-kun: *Asougi stays with him, leering around the halls, while Barok hangs back* Arsé-kun: Barok: .... [I can hear you, you know.] Sheepy: *Barok, in return, is given a concerning statement: He’s coming for you. You’ve walked into his hands. He has eyes everywhere.* Arsé-kun: Barok: [Elaborate?] Sheepy: *The first time was a surprise. The second time he expect you. No witnesses can be left alive.* Arsé-kun: Barok: [We'll see about that.] Sheepy: *Barok is met with silence.* Arsé-kun: *Barok huffs and goes to catch up. This shouldn't be hard.* Sheepy: Ryuu: *He's glancing around nervously.* Arsé-kun: *as is Asougi. He seems to expect something, but nothing is happening* Sheepy: Crow: Yea, we're definitely going the right way! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Are you sure?? Arsé-kun: Asougi: We've barely been here before.. How do you know which way is right? Sheepy: Crow: .... Sheepy: Crow: *he looks at his hands* Sheepy: Crow: My right hand forms a backwards L. Sheepy: Crow: So if my hand forms a fowards L, it’s the left way. Sheepy: Crow: It’s fine if you struggle with it! I do, too! I only learned that technique recently! Arsé-kun: Asougi: ... I mean.. You're not wrong. And we did head right. Sheepy: Crow: Yes! So we went the right way! Sheepy: Ryuu: .... Sheepy: *Barok finally receives a response: Where’s the horse? Horse is gone, where’s the horse?* Arsé-kun: Barok: [I don't know. I don't see it.] *he pauses briefly, spotting some loose papers where they weren't last time. Striding over, he picks them up before hurrying after the others. Because they'll do something stupid.* Sheepy: *Information is power.* Sheepy: Crow: ...Eh, Pops, I think I’m lost... Arsé-kun: Barok: How? This isn't a mansion. Sheepy: Crow: Well, yes. Sheepy: Crow: But I’m lost... Arsé-kun: Asougi: It feels like we've been walking longer than we should have.. Arsé-kun: Barok: .... Perhaps you have been. Sheepy: Crow: Eeeeeh?! Like time is slowing down?! Arsé-kun: Barok: While that could be a possibility, that wouldn't be it. Lets keep going. Sheepy: Crow: Oh.. Sheepy: Crow: What’re we looking for again? Arsé-kun: Asougi: Any evidence that the houseowner or someone living with them is involved with a current case. Arsé-kun: Asougi: So in simple terms, anything suspicious. Sheepy: Crow: Well, alright. Arsé-kun: *while they're walking, Barok ducks into a small room so he can check his loot* Arsé-kun: *it's an employee list of some kind! The homeowner's name is close to the top. Evidence! Barok carefully folds and pockets it* Arsé-kun: *he steps out and waits. Eventually, Ryuu and Asougi wander back into view, from their original direction.* Arsé-kun: Asougi: Weren't you back there? How'd you get up here? Sheepy: Ryuu: It's as though, by losing that other man, we've found Van Zieks again. Arsé-kun: Barok: You've gone in a circle. Congratulations. I found evidence while you two were being unhelpful. Sheepy: Ryuu: How did we go in a circle!? Arsé-kun: Barok: How else would you pass the same place twice? Sheepy: Ryuu: ...That's a good point..but...! Sheepy: Ryuu: Well, then, wouldn't it be imposssible for us to get lost, then? Sheepy: Ryuu: But we can't find the other man. Arsé-kun: Barok: How did you idiots lose Crow?? Sheepy: Ryuu: I'm very sorry! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Very sorry, sir! Arsé-kun: *very aggressive apologietic bowing from the both of them. they look like those wobbly lawn flamingos that go up and down* Sheepy: Ryuu: I know he's very flashy and impossible to miss, but he also moves very quickly and with little concern for others! Arsé-kun: Asougi: He's very possible to miss if you aren't looking! Sheepy: Ryuu: And he's very quiet when he wants to be! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Which is rare! Sheepy: Ryuu: Yes, he's usually extremely loud from what I've seen! Sheepy: Ryuu: Which is a polar opposite to you...! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Which leads to a lot of additional questions! But now is not the time nor place for that! Sheepy: Ryuu: Like how he's like that when you're extremely serious...! Arsé-kun: Asougi: How did that happen? Arsé-kun: Barok: *he goes to slam his fist and lower arm into the wall, but stops at the last second. This is not his property, nor is it court.* Enough with the comedy act! Sheepy: Ryuu: Ah?! I'm very sorry! It's just something that crossed my mind...! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Comedy is art, and I won't apologize for art. Sheepy: Ryuu: Oh! Asougi! You should apologize when you insult people! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Calling someone loud isn't always an insult? Sheepy: *Ryuu opens his mouth to speak, only to be interrupted by a loud crash in another room, followed by a familiar scream.* Sheepy: *???: I warned you I warned you nobody listens to me* Arsé-kun: Barok: [You did say so. I concede to you.] *he frowns and storms off to go get Crow* Sheepy: *A bloodied man intercepts Barok* Sheepy: ???: *He tilts his head, looking Barok over* Well, I don't remember inviting you! Arsé-kun: Barok: That doesn't matter. *he takes out and unfolds a paper (but not the evidence he snagged. different paper), before shoving it into their face* Investigation warrant. Interrupting the investigation can result in jail time, as can assault of a minor. *he SOUNDS calm, but he's fully ready to throw hands.* I highly recommend you sit your ass down. Sheepy: Brent: ...You know. Arsé-kun: Barok: No. Anything you can can be used against you. Sheepy: Brent: You should've knocked. Arsé-kun: Barok: Didn't you hear it? Arsé-kun: Barok: *he puts the paper back away, but doesn't look away from Brent* You're very lucky. The investigation had no relevant information and was about to end, if not for your most recent actions. Unless it was not of your doing? Sheepy: Brent: My most recent actions? Sheepy: Brent: I've done many things recently. Arsé-kun: Barok: If you tell me that is fake blood, I'll highly doubt it. Sheepy: Brent: Ah, it's not. Sheepy: Brent: I'm a butcher. Sheepy: Brent: I would've cleaned up, but that kid walked in. He saw me, I panicked, and knocked over glass and he screamed. Sheepy: Brent: Because it crashed on him. Sheepy: Brent: I'm assuming you're his friend...? Arsé-kun: Barok: Unfortunately, but I appreciate your honesty. Arsé-kun: *meanwhile, Asougi just looks confused as hell* Sheepy: Ryuu:??? Sheepy: Brent: I'm willing to help however I can. Arsé-kun: Barok: Thank you. In return, your broken property should be reimbursed. Sheepy: Brent: That would be appreciated. Arsé-kun: Asougi: ... *he leans over to Ryuu and whispers* I'm so confused..! Are we supposed to know this much practical law?? Sheepy: Ryuu: I don't know... Arsé-kun: Asougi: And he's being so polite...! He's never like this in court! Sheepy: Ryuu: Scary... Sheepy: Ryuu: Maybe he just hates us.. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Maybe.... Arsé-kun: Asougi: Or is this how he really is, and the rest is an act? Sheepy: Ryuu: Oh! Maybe! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Oh, or this is an impostor! Sheepy: Ryuu: Oh...! Arsé-kun: Asougi: ... I can't think of anything wilder than that. Sheepy: Ryuu: .............. Sheepy: Ryuu: Oh! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Oh? Sheepy: Ryuu: He's lulling us into a sense of ease but he's actually working with the culprit. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Oh, that's wild. How about, uh.... They're both aliens! Sheepy: Ryuu: Well, um, the flashy man did have wings at one point. Sheepy: Ryuu: Like an angel, according to him! Sheepy: Ryuu: So what if Van Zieks is the same? Sheepy: Ryuu: ......No, that's a bit too out there. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Anything could be the truth if there's any reason to it! That's what Holmes-sama said, right? Sheepy: Ryuu: Oh, something like that! Sheepy: Ryuu: His brother said in response, "Don't listen to him, he wouldn't know truth if it hit him in the face"... Arsé-kun: Asougi: That seems unreasonable. How would he have a job if he was that awful? Sheepy: Ryuu: Good point. Arsé-kun: Asougi: Hmmm... Maybe they're all demons? Sheepy: Ryuu: Oh! Sheepy: Ryuu: Even Holmes-san? Arsé-kun: Asougi: No, he's normal. Or an alien. Sheepy: Ryuu: Hmm. Arsé-kun: *Barok eventually returns, with Crow, and with his usual Resting Bitch Face. All is normal.* Sheepy: Ryuu: You're back! Arsé-kun: Barok: What an astounding observation. Sheepy: Ryuu: ...Oh,it is? Arsé-kun: Barok: No. Sheepy: Ryuu: ......... Sheepy: Ryuu: Um, anyway,w e should leave. It's creepy in here. Arsé-kun: Asougi: I agree! Arsé-kun: *and they get the FUCK out of dodge* Arsé-kun: Barok: ... That was almost a complete waste of time. Sheepy: Ryuu: Really? Arsé-kun: Barok: Really. That man was not the suspect, but is certainly related. Sheepy: Ryuu: That's still progress, isn't it? Arsé-kun: Barok: No. This is progress. *he pulls out the evidence he snatched earlier* Written and signed by one Damien Byrd. Sheepy: Ryuu: ...! Arsé-kun: Barok: But, wait. There's more. There's well over twenty other names here, including a few I recognize. Sheepy: Ryuu: Ah... Arsé-kun: Barok: ... Including Fantomas. You're going to want to hand this in. *he hands it to Ryuu* Sheepy: Ryuu: thank you! Arsé-kun: *Asougi peers over Ryuu's shoulder for a peek* Sheepy: *Ryuu shows him the paper* Arsé-kun: Asougi: ... Is this some sort of attendance list? Sheepy: Ryuu: For what, though? Arsé-kun: Asougi: Hmmm... Sheepy: Ryuu: We don't have the information we need yet! Arsé-kun: Asougi: Not yet.. Maybe we can get an actual investigator to go out instead of us?? Sheepy: Ryuu: Maybe we should ask Holmes-san. Arsé-kun: Asougi: And Iris-chan! Sheepy: Ryuu: Good idea! Sheepy: Ryuu: Good luck, Zieks-san! Good luck, other guy! Arsé-kun: Barok: Don't do anything stupid on the way back. Sheepy: Ryuu: We won't! Sheepy: *Ryuu leaves, presumably with Asougi.* Arsé-kun: *And Barok goes to drop off Crow, before going out. Like, out-out. Like, not for business out* Arsé-kun: *he's hitting his favorite pub. he needs a freaking beer. wine isn't going to cut it* Sheepy: Meril: ...Oh! Barok, good to see you. Arsé-kun: Barok: I'd say the same, but you're always here. *he slides onto a stool. this is His Spot, two seats down from the left.* It's unfortunate the curse even covers it's own loopholes. Sheepy: Meril: Hah, well, I've made a lot of friends thanks to it, and it's fairly comfortable. Sheepy: Meril: I also have the windows! Arsé-kun: Barok: But you can't exit using them... Yet. Sheepy: Meril: Ah, right, what'll it be? Or did you just come in to see me? Arsé-kun: Barok: Give me one of those fruity bastards. Sheepy: Meril: *He starts working on it* You certainly do have a way with words! Sheepy: Meril: In return, tell me something interesting. Preferably something I don't know! Arsé-kun: Barok: Two of the young'uns at the firm got stuck in a looping hallway.. What am I supposed to tell them, "Oh there's a magic illusion here!"? Sheepy: Meril: There's nothing you really can say! Arsé-kun: Barok: Said hallway also had a ghost horse. I didn't know that was possible until the other day. Sheepy: Meril:...Ghost horse? Arsé-kun: Barok: Ghost horse. Sheepy: Meril: How would a ghost horse come to be...? Sheepy: *Meril finishes preparing the drink and gives it to Barok. Arsé-kun: Barok: Like every other ghost. Regrets or earthly desires. I'd just.. Never even considered that it could happen. *he accepts and pays for it. no tabs we pay upfront like men* Sheepy: Meril: That's really interesting! I want to see a ghost horse eventually! Arsé-kun: Barok: If I can get some sort of visual on it, I'll show you. Sheepy: Meril: Thanks! Arsé-kun: Germain: Are we referring to the Byrd residence? *where the FUCK did he come from?* And good evening, gentlemen. Sheepy: Meril: Good evening, Saint-Germain! Sheepy: Meril: How are you? Arsé-kun: Germain: I've been well. *he joins Barok at the bar* You? Sheepy: Meril: Oh, the usual. Sheepy: Meril: It looks like a nice day outside. Arsé-kun: Germain: It is, strangely enough. Sheepy: Meril: Strangely enough? Is something going on? Arsé-kun: Germain: Not at all. It's just a strange weather day. Sheepy: Meril:...? Well, alright. Sheepy: Meril: Well, what have you been up to recently? Arsé-kun: Germain: Iiiii may or may not have started some internal fighting in Idea. *he seems proud of this* And get me the same thing he's having. Sheepy: *Meril begins preparing it.* Sheepy: Meril: Oh, good job! Sheepy: Meril: Oh, you know, I was wondering. Arsé-kun: Germain: ? Sheepy: Meril: Have you seen Merlin or Myrrdin? Arsé-kun: Germain: Personally? No. But I know they're about. Sheepy: Meril: Ah, that's good. Arsé-kun: Germain: In return, do you want to know who our pal #5 in Idea is? Sheepy: Meril: Oh sure! *He gives the completed drink to Germain* Arsé-kun: Germain: You already know him. It's Lancelot. Arsé-kun: Germain: Yes, THAT Lancelot. *he accepts his drink* They're both positively livid. Sheepy: Meril: I wouldn't have expected that! Arsé-kun: Germain: Neither did we. I only found out recently. Suddenly, him only doing missions halfway across the world makes sense. Sheepy: Meril: It really does... Arsé-kun: Germain: Mhm... Oh, right, I almost forgot. I brought a friend along, if you don't mind. Sheepy: Meril: I'd like to meet him, actually! Arsé-kun: Germain: Fantastic. *and he plops Tom on the table* Sheepy: Meril: Ah, he's cute!! Sheepy: Tom: stupid stupid stupid I warned you I warned you Sheepy: Tom: you have a target on your back now Arsé-kun: Barok: ... You're much smaller than I thought you were. *he pats Tom* And I'm used to that. Sheepy: Tom: arent you concerned about your friends Arsé-kun: Barok: They won't be involved in the case anymore, if I'm able to get my way. .. But I do thank you for the warnings. Sheepy: Tom:.... Sheepy: Meril: Is he a ghost? Arsé-kun: Germain: Yes. Sheepy: Meril: Hmm. Arsé-kun: Germain: I would joke 'Get this man a beer' but, you know. That would be rather difficult. Sheepy: Meril: I haven't seen a ghost in a while. Arsé-kun: Barok: I'd say "Neither have I", but that would be a lie. Sheepy: Meril: Right, with the ghost horse. Arsé-kun: Barok: That too, yes. Sheepy: *There's the sound of the door opening. Bedi is holding it.* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Good morning America! Sheepy: Meril: I was beginning to worry! Sheepy: Myrrdin: Worrying gives you gray hairs. Just look at Bedi over here. Sheepy: Bedi: ? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Don't call him gray! He's not as old as you! Sheepy: Myrrdin: However, my hair is black and there's not a single gray hair to be seen! Arsé-kun: Merlin: Are you sure? Have you checked? Sheepy: Myrrdin: Well, not within the past week. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Better check once you can do it yourself! Good luck! Sheepy: Myrrdin: You would lie and say I had them if I asked you. Sheepy: Meril: You can't check yourself- what are tbe bandages for...? Sheepy: Myrrdin: I messed up a spell and injured myself, but I'll be fine again soon. Arsé-kun: *Merlin just looks elsewhere. Oh, what's this? What's this little fluffy boy?* Sheepy: Bedi: Oh, that stuffed animal looks soft! Sheepy: Tom: hi Arsé-kun: Merlin: I'm adopting this! *he goes to pick up Tom* You're so cute! Sheepy: Tom: thank you Arsé-kun: Germain: Please do not. I need to return him home. I'll be the victim of arson if I don't. Sheepy: Tom: im tom Sheepy: Bedi: Merlin, we should get something similar. Arsé-kun: Barok: You can get your own ghost. Just commit homicide. Arsé-kun: Merlin: :V Sheepy: Bedi: That's not a good idea. Arsé-kun: Barok: I hope it isn't. If it was, I'd have to do my job. Sheepy: Bedi: Your job? Arsé-kun: Barok: ... I'll give you magic folk a short version. I'm a lawyer. Sheepy: Bedi: oh! Sheepy: Bedi: I know what those are! Sheepy: Bedi: They've been around longer than Merlin has. Arsé-kun: Merlin: I mean!! I guess!!! Sheepy: Myrrdin: I've been around longer than...am I the older one? Or are you? Arsé-kun: Merlin: I thought I was! Sheepy: Myrrdin: I don't mind being the younger one! Sheepy: Myrrdin: That makes me more attractive to ladies- *He clutches his chest* Ugh! Arsé-kun: Merlin: *he nearly chucks Tom at Myrrdin. Stops, puts Tom down. Picks up a towel and hurls that instead* Sheepy: Myrrdin: Ow! What was that for?! Arsé-kun: Merlin: You're already fucked up! You don't need a cardiac arrest on top of it! Sheepy: Meril: What happened? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Like he said, he got messed up~ He'll be fine. Sheepy: Meril: That's vague... Arsé-kun: Merlin: No, that's Myrrdin. Sheepy: Meril: *He appears concerned.* Arsé-kun: *Barok just raises his eyebrows and takes a sip. That's none of his business.* Sheepy: Meril: Oh, did you want a drink? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Oh, that'd be nice! Gimme uhhhhh, you know, liquid unicorn, hold the ice! Sheepy: Myrrdin: I want the strongest thing you've got. Sheepy: Bedi: Maybe getting drunk isn't a good idea. Arsé-kun: Germain: At least not yet, when you've got these two to deal with. Sheepy: Bedi: Ah, and I'll have... Sheepy: Bedi: *He's thinking.* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Eh, just gettem the usual. Sheepy: Bedi: The usual...? I have a usual...? Arsé-kun: Merlin: You mean you don't? What's this witchcraft? Sheepy: Bedi:......?! What is my usual? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Cow blasters, hold the everything else. Sheepy: Meril: Ah, alright! Arsé-kun: Merlin: Anyway, I don't have anything too interesting to report! But I did see a big slug, so that was ok. Sheepy: Meril: Slug? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Slug. Ugly slug. Why are they so ugly? Sheepy: Bedi: Slugs look soft. Sheepy: *Meril finishes Merlin's drink and starts on Bedi's after giving Merlin the drink* Arsé-kun: Merlin: They're so.. Oh, nice. *and he takes a big ol' swig. fuck yea* They're so weird looking Sheepy: Bedi: I wonder if it's squishy. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Definitely. Arsé-kun: Merlin: The only thing weird about it was it was sorta big, but otherwise? Slug be sluggin'. Sheepy: Meril: I get slugs in here sometimes. Arsé-kun: Germain: Better than anything actually harmful. Arsé-kun: Merlin: *he leans forward, onto the bar, and lowers his voice a bit* Don't tell anyone I said this, but by big, I meant really big. Sheepy: Meril:....? Sheepy: *Meril gives Bedi a glass of milk and begins working on Myrrdin's drink* Arsé-kun: Merlin: I could see it from a second story window. I could have seen it from a rooftop. It was massive. Sheepy: Meril: Whaaatttt?? Sheepy: Meril: I want to see it... Arsé-kun: Merlin: Biggest lake bastard I've ever seen. I'll try to get pics for you, but... *he shudders* Thing gave me bad vibes. Sheepy: Meril:...? Arsé-kun: Merlin: But anyway! *he leans back* Knives are bad for your health! Sheepy: Meril: Knives? Sheepy: Meril:...Wait, are Myrrdin's injuries caused by a knife? Arsé-kun: Merlin: When'd I say that? but yes Arsé-kun: Merlin: But he really was exhausted from spells. That parts all true. Arsé-kun: Germain: ... Would this be the event where the "artist" was arrested? The- Arsé-kun: Merlin: Yes! Arsé-kun: Germain: Ah, that makes sense. Even Nyar was disgusted. That takes a lot of effort to achieve. Arsé-kun: Germain: And speaking of, I might do like him and "forget" to not bring other people more often. I know a few people who really need a drink. Sheepy: Meril:.....*He really doesn't appear happy.* Sheepy: Meril: *He puts down the drink he's working on and picks up an empty glass. He fills it with chocolate milk and gives it to Myrrdin, accompanied by an annoyed huff* Sheepy: Myrrdin: Aw, I wanted something alcoholic! Sheepy: Meril: No. You lied, and you need to recover! Milk is good for you! Sheepy: Myrrdin: Merlin, I'm being bullied! Arsé-kun: Merlin: Oh, poor baaaaby! Sheepy: Myrrdin: Are you betraying me!? Sheepy: Myrrdin: I trusted you!! Arsé-kun: Merlin: If I didn't say it, someone else would have! Sheepy: Myrrdin: That hurts even more! Arsé-kun: Merlin: *he's considering a response of some kind, but is unsure about it* Sheepy: Myrrdin: Hey, Bedi, do you want this? Sheepy: Bedi: -- Sheepy: Myrrdin: Great! Sheepy: *Myrrdin slides the chocolate milk to Bedi* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Guess you got it anyway! Sheepy: Bedi: But I didn't want it.. Sheepy: Bedi: Merlin, do you want it? Arsé-kun: Merlin: I guess so! *he takes it and pours it into his drink. sips it* Somehow this works! Sheepy: Myrrdin: You are nasty. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Thank you! One of us has to be! Sheepy: Myrrdin: Like... Arsé-kun: Merlin: Nope! You're not the one with a fantastic man, and still sellin' your dick for money! Case closed. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Nono, out of the two of us? Sheepy: Myrrdin: I'm like, 50% more likely not to shower for over month than you. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Simply, I am more nasty Arsé-kun: Merlin: We roll in dirty river water like real men. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Unlike a certain someone who first thing in the morning always uses up our hot water! Arsé-kun: Merlin: Hey, wait! Don't drag him into this! You'd use it too if you couldn't feel anything! Sheepy: Myrrdin: Maybe I stay up until 6 am before going to sleep and then miss out on the hot water. Sheepy: Myrrdin: Don't judge my life choices. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Whose fault is that, huh? Whose fault is THAT? Sheepy: Myrrdin: Uhmmm... Sheepy: Myrrdin: I've decided it's yours so it's not mine! Arsé-kun: Merlin: Bitch! Sheepy: Myrrdin: If you're older, you should be more responsible about my sleeping schedule!!! Arsé-kun: Merlin: You're an adult!! You can do it yourself! Sheepy: Myrrdin: You're an adult! You can set bed times! Sheepy: Myrrdin: I don't have an authority to listen to so I do as I please. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Okay! As your older brother, go the fuck to bed! Sheepy: Myrrdin: Hmmm... Sheepy: Myrrdin: Right now? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Right now! Get right up those stairs! Begone, thot! Sheepy: Bedi: What is up those stairs? Sheepy: Myrrdin: But maybe I wanna get drunk instead! Arsé-kun: Merlin: Then here! *he reaches over the counter and grabs a random bottle, before handing it to Myrrdin* But do it upstairs! If you fall down the stairs, I call dibs on your stuff! Sheepy: Myrrdin: What?! But what about spending time with people?! Arsé-kun: Merlin: I ain't carryin' you! Sheepy: Myrrdin: Bedi can carry me! Sheepy: Bedi: I'm carrying Merlin. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Eat shit, Myrrd! Sheepy: Myrrdin: Wow!! Sheepy: Myrrdin: I'm hurt! Arsé-kun: Merlin: This is true! Arsé-kun: *They continue bickering, even as Merlin relents and carries Myrrdin up the stairs. During this, Saint Germain pays for his drink, and Barok lies down in a booth. He's still so, so incredibly done with the idea of being a functional adult. Rest in shit.*

Movies, 2017 (TV and music too)

I didn’t have time to see too many movies this year, but I saw enough to be generally satisfied. Here they are below, in roughly chronological order. Ones I saw in the theater are marked with an asterisk.

Split John Wick: Chapter 2* Get Out* I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore Logan Kong: Skull Island T2 Trainspotting Ghost in the Shell The Discovery Graduation (Bacalaureat)* Alien: Covenant* Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Baby Driver* Okja Dunkirk* Kidnap It* mother!* Kingsman: The Golden Circle* Blade Runner 2049* The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) Star Wars: The Last Jedi* The Trip to Spain American Made Bright

I’ve just grouped them into a general positive or negative feeling. Many of the negative feelings were just a result of my expectations: if I expect a movie is going to be good, and it turns out to be just okay, then I tend to like it even less. On the other hand, there’s Kidnap.

Generally negative takeaway:

Split (Spoilers):

Oddly enough, it was M. Night Shyamalan himself who spoiled this movie for me on Twitter--well, the very end of it. Anyway, as with this and “The Visit,” I was surprised with Shyamalan’s gall in storytelling, how he implied some unspeakable acts, and killing at least as many people as would be necessary to make it scary, and then some. On the other hand, the whole split-personalities conceit was a little bit stupid. Especially the little kid one. What little kid acts like that? Little kid actors, that’s who.

John Wick: Chapter 2:

John Wick 1 I liked because it was a good action movie that didn’t have filler, not because of the all the “world building” it did. Personally, I could not care less about a bunch of assassins and their version of chivalry. This movie leaned into the world building part and sacrificed the urgency.

Kong: Skull Island:

The part liked the most was its blend of end-of-war Vietnam blue balls with something incredibly silly. Like most modern big action movies, though, aside from a few clever moments, it was pretty run-of-the-mill.

Ghost in the Shell:

I’ve never seen the original, but this movie seemed like it had parts cut out of it, and maybe the original was just so influential that this movie seems old because everything made after it has tread the same ground.

The Discovery (spoilers):

Big disappointment. It started with one of the best setups I’ve heard in the past few years (a scientist proves empirically that some kind of afterlife exists, and millions commit suicide when they hear about it), and then the whole thing devolves into a rip-off of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, without the convincing romance. I didn’t care much about any of the characters--they seemed like maybe the least interesting people the movie could have followed given the setup.

Okja:

Another disappointment, only because 1) it was too long, and 2) knowing Bong Joon-ho’s earlier movies made me ready for this movie to be truly biting, and it did not deliver. At times it was silly to the point of “why am I watching this,” and at other parts, it seemed to pull back when it could have really gotten dark.

It:

The kid-drama stuff was good, the actors were good, but it might have been the least scary movie I’ve ever seen.

Generally positive takeaway:

Get Out:

This movie’s been analyzed to death, and for good reason, so let it just be known that I thought it was one of the best of the year and that the movie kept me completely at unease the entire time. It had great script economy, by which I mean all setups led to satisfying but non-obvious payoffs. That’s one of the great pleasures of storytelling--when you get to look back on earlier parts of the story and realize that you’d read things completely wrong, but the correct reading seems obvious, even inevitable, when you look again. If I had one small criticism (and this is more critical of the online reaction to the movie than it is to the movie itself), it’d be that it wasn’t quite as astonishingly original as it’s purported to be since it had so many parallels to The Stepford Wives.

I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore:

This movie was made by a guy who works with Jeremy Saulnier (Blue Ruin, Green Room), and it was sort of a cross between Saulnier’s stuff and the Coen brothers’ movies. A well-timed sense of humor and well-earned anxiety about meaninglessness made it interesting.

Logan:

Yeah, Wolverine + realism + lots of F-words + no inter-dimensional cataclysm at the end = a better superhero movie than usual.

T2 Trainspotting:

I thought this was going to be some kind of sad revisiting of the consequences of the first one but it turned out to be much better: it was a sad revisiting of the consequences of the first one, wrapped up in a sleazy and funny story. It kind of made Begbie into a cartoon character, though.

Graduation (Bacalaureat):

I saw this movie because I wanted to appear sophisticated and cosmopolitan to the person I saw it with, but it was still pretty good. It seemed to be realistic about corruption--specifically, about the banality of that particular kind of evil. We had a long conversation about what makes a good or bad parent afterward.

Alien: Covenant (spoilers):

Some stuff was telegraphed too obviously so the “twists” weren’t surprising, and occasionally it went into the realm of the schlocky slasher movie, and there was a 20 minute part of the movie that seemed to have no purpose, but at the movie’s best, it was frightening and disturbing and had some big ideas. There’s a reason that when I have good nightmares (i.e., nightmares that don’t involve family sickness/death, or taking a final in a math class I forgot I’d registered for), the alien xenomorph is usually the thing that is after me.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2:

Cool movie.

Baby Driver:

I saw this on my birthday, and I was in a great mood, so I might remember it as better than it was, but I think in retrospect, 1) it was a better-than-average action movie, and 2) it was extremely well choreographed and edited.

Dunkirk (a big spoiler):

One cool thing I realized after getting out of the movie is that aside from one or two shots at the very end, you never actually see the enemy. I think that’s partially what made it effectively claustrophobic. It’s kind of miraculous that this movie was made--it was so spare that it seemed like a gigantically-budgeted art film.

Kidnap:

This one-long-chase thriller I was prepared to groan at, but it was like another movie I saw and loved called Breakdown with Kurt Russell. There were plenty of “why doesn’t she just...?” moments, but there were also a lot of moments where I was thinking “Yeah, do that, exactly! Yes!” Critically, I thought it was unfairly trashed.

mother! (spoilers):

I generally like Aronofsky’s movies, but this one I might like the least of the ones I’ve seen. In the beginning, by the moviemaking craft alone I was totally rapt, up until a little before the halfway point, when I suddenly figured out what was going on. It was like pulling the correct piece of string from a huge knot. The rest of the movie became meaningless when I realized that there was no logical progression to the story.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle:

This movie was of the same quality as the last movie, but it didn’t do anything as surprising as the original one did, either. I was entertained the whole time, but never really caught off guard.

Blade Runner 2049 (spoilers):

I think if I had to choose I’d say this was my favorite of the year. I hope that it gets a nomination for best cinematography. K’s character was great, the setting was great, and the mystery was actually involving (unlike in the first one!). One thing that bothered me, though, is how the most disturbing murders in the movie were of women. One of the murders seemed almost gratuitous. I guess it was meant to push my buttons, in which case mission accomplished. A huge success in atmosphere and acting, though.

The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected):

This movie could almost be a sequel to The Squid and the Whale, but I liked it more. It was more schmaltzy but also more realistic and prosaic (in a good way; lately I have less patience for Lou Reed and the final two shots from The Squid and the Whale).

Star Wars: The Last Jedi (huge spoilers):

Even though I wasn’t as over the moon for this movie as for The Force Awakens (this year, it comes in at second after Blade Runner), I’d say that it was almost assuredly because I had ultra high expectations for it to meet. Since it’s not doing that great at the box office (for a Star Wars movie), I hope they don’t get rid of Rian Johnson for his standalone SW trilogy. In this movie he got the tone right (in my opinion), and he made some weird choices, most of which I really liked. They were different and unexpected, and that is really valuable, even if they don’t succeed. The problems I had with the movie are problems I would have with any movie (e.g. why don’t they just make hyperdrive missiles?, where did that romance come from?...).

The Trip to Spain:

This is the third movie in the series and the first one that feels like a retread. While the first two were able to mine ennui out of the landscapes and the men’s reactions to it, this one felt more like someone decided they needed to add plot in. The result is no ennui drawn from the surroundings, and more like the emotional turns could have happened anywhere.

American Made:

After I saw the movie I looked up the real story of the main guy and the movie is almost a total fabrication. That said, it was well-paced, scripted, acted, and edited. Somehow it made a U.S. citizen’s and the U.S. government’s enormously unethical actions entertaining (while also giving reminders of how awful they were, without having to resort to scenes that viscerally demonstrate their consequences). 

Bright:

This movie and Star Wars have made me a little bit uneasy about my relationship with critical reviews. Star Wars got 86 on Metacritic, and while I really enjoyed it, almost none of the critical reviews I read had any of the problems I had with the movie. On the other side of it, Bright got a 29 on Metacritic, with critics calling it dull, awkward, tone-deaf, poorly plotted, et cetera. I found myself entertained all the way through. I think that other than “dull,” those criticisms are valid, though. Maybe it’s just like I said at the beginning--my expectations heavily color the experience I end up having. I’d say that Star Wars was a better movie, but I don’t think I’d be able to easily point out exactly where Star Wars zigged and Bright zagged. Bright reminded me of something I’d channel surf to in 1997 on a Sunday afternoon and stick with. I’m actually thinking specifically of a movie I barely remember called Alien Nation.

Ok--now, for TV:

Master of None season 2:

I liked this season a lot more than season 1. I think the main reason was because it was a lot less didactic this time around.

Love season 2:

Not as good as season 1. I don’t think I’d want to be spend any time with either of the main characters if they were real people. It got a little too convoluted towards the end.

Stranger Things season 2 (BIG spoilers):

The first few “slow” episodes were the best ones, I thought. I didn’t like the X-Men-style episode. Joe Keery’s character was probably the most entertaining (I know I’m jumping on the internet bandwagon with this opinion). I didn’t like the interdimensional cataclysm at the end, as usual, but there was no dropoff in quality compared to season 1 (though, like with Kingsman, the lack of novelty was inevitable. And the X-Men episode wasn’t so much something innovative within the universe but instead hopping into another, extremely well-tread universe).

Mindhunter:

I have read that some people say this show is disturbing. I don’t think it’s disturbing at all, but it’s really interesting and the atmosphere is totally unique.

The Leftovers:

Oh, damn! How could I have forgotten this? The final season was truly great, and it’s one of my favorite shows of all time as a whole. In only a fraction of the episodes, all my anger at the mishandling of Lost is gone.

American Vandal:

The mystery was excellent. I haven’t been in high school for 15 years, but it certainly seems to be an accurate portrayal. Highly recommended.

Black Mirror:

Still my favorite show, but now I’m trying so hard to anticipate the twists that it’s not quite as mind-blowing as it was in its first two seasons. It really is very similar to the Twilight Zone (my favorite episodes of which were “The Lonely” [except for the end] and “A Nice Place to Visit”). I haven’t finished this season yet, but I’ve enjoyed the five that I’ve watched (episodes 2-6).

Whoa, those are all Netflix shows. Aside from that, all I’ve watched was Ninja Warrior (in a group) and Saturday Night Live (I don’t think I’ve ever mentioned this, but I’ve watched almost every episode of SNL since around...1999 or 2000?).

Music:

I generally don’t listen to music that I dislike, so here are the albums I liked the most this past year, in decreasing order of enjoyment (each one links to a track on the album I liked):

Fleet Foxes - Crack-Up

Father John Misty - Pure Comedy

LCD Soundsystem - American Dream

Mac DeMarco - This Old Dog

The Flaming Lips - Oczy Mlody

Aesop Rock - The Impossible Kid (actually came out in 2016)

Run the Jewels - Run the Jewels 3 (came out on Christmas 2016)

Beck - Colors

St. Vincent - Masseduction

Foxygen - Hang

Beck’s new one was a little disappointing, considering that he’s one of my all-time favorites. I liked the new Arcade Fire album fine, but I got sick of it after about a week.

My friend Dan got me into the hip hop albums. I almost never listen to hip hop (except the newer Kanye West stuff), but these albums were a really big help when I was a bundle of nerves at the lab.