#📌same deck of cards... (au)

[polaroid-angel]

>[While sipping away at a rather mediocre coffee, Coworker looks up to see... another himself? No- this guy isn't quite him, hair's too long, and the clothing he's wearing is... yeugh. Coworker stands, approaching curiously but warily]

"Uh, excuse me sir?"

>[He waves slightly to get his attention, the look on his face only worsening when he sees just how perfectly his the facial features of the other man are.]

"...Oh yikes."

>[ @classified-coworker]

Valefar was reading a book on reincarnation. His eye narrowed, his expression serious as he studied every word in the book.

"... so why...?"

Before he could ponder any further, he heard a familiar voice. His own.

He turned to the grey man, stunned by his appearance. Not that he didn't mind the monotone. Oh no, he looked...

Eugh.

"Hm? Thou look ill, and exhausted, too. Dost thou rest at all?"

[polaroid-angel]

Valefar had wandered off once again; though his interest had peaked once he spotted a man in full red. He snuck up behind him before snickering.

"I've heard that thou ist searching for a doctor?"

[[ rp starter! any interactions are welcome! ]]

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈

[ It’s not important. It’s not important. Just a crumpled note in his hands and a pendant, stained with dried blood, a ghost of a memory he doesn’t want to face. ] [ He shoves them both into his pocket, tries to forget, tries to erase the images flashing in his mind—La Gueule De Saturne. And Vincent. ] [ No. Don’t think about it. Just smile. Smile like nothing happened. Practice the lines you’ve repeated a thousand times. He warms up his voice, singing a short note as he tries to get his mouth used to the sensation of speaking. ] ❝  Hi! I’m… Rody Lamoree, I’m…sick- ❞

[ No. No, no, no. That’s not right. That’s not how it’s supposed to go. ]

❝  I’m Rody Lamoree. I’m looking for... a... doctor? ❞

[ Better. That’s better. ] [ An improvement. ]

[polaroid-angel]

> "My, what a sorry sap you have become."

He's back at it again, exploring histories as they are not meant to be. His presence is often-so, sinister. Looking the man up an down, Rexer let out a small, but mocking chuckle. He looked ridiculous.

> "If I am not mistaken, you must be... Valefar, correct? Is that the foolish name this realm has bestowed upon you? I must say, you are much different from many other despicable look-alikes such as yourself..." (@protagonists-catastrophe)

"Nay, I bestowed that name upon myself."

How interesting.

This man looks seriously sinister.

He made sure to play it safe with this man. Anyone who resembled Porter was usually very... shy. But this one had a more oppressive aura to him.

No, he would dare to compare him to the Director.

"Though it be suspicious that thou knowest mine name. Who art thou?"

He asked, fiddling with the crystal hanging delicately from his neck.

[polaroid-angel]

74686520736561

With orders in hand, June’s eyes catch on a young man, white hair, one eye covered in a bandage. Just like the description. But he’s not alone. Others crowd around him, and she can’t tell if they’re all together or not. 🍸 “Hi there.” She smiles, charm sliding into place effortlessly. “I’m a singer, and…”

Her voice dips lower, like she’s confessing a secret.

🍸 “I’m a bit embarrassed, but I’m low on cash right now... Do you think you and your pals could listen to my song for a dollar?”

God, why is she doing this? It’s humiliating. But she keeps the smile anyway, as if the words didn’t sting her pride.

[[ @wordsofthespirits ]]

An artist. Forcas always appreciated those who dabbled in art—musically or painting. Yet he could sense something was wrong with this girl.

Hey. Take caution.

He kept his hands pocketed, smiling at the woman politely as he fixed up his hair.

"Good day to you, Madame. Of course, I'd be willing to listen to your song."

"I'll even share it to my friends, don't worry."

[polaroid-angel]

An embarrassing encounter. One he wished he had forseen, unfortunately, the Angel was missing and could not be contacted.

For now, he spent time and wallowed in his own pitiful mistake, allowing an asset so valuable to the Director to slip from his hands like grains of sand.

And he too, had to lie about it. Not that it was hard.

"I-I'm fine, considering the circumstances..."

His eyes were not focused on this individual. He had an odd look. Almost mystical, but pretty normal.

The golden eye he had is the strangest thing about him.

Now he's completely fucked up. If the Angel wasn't missing, this wouldn't be an issue, but not only did it mean a potential leak, it also meant his safety had been compromised—considering what he had encountered, his fear was justified.

Timekeepers are one of a kind, after all. You don't usually make another one.

He was visibly distressed, acting very differently from most who looked just like him. If he had his eyepatch, he wouldn't be complaining, but no. No, no, no. That's far beneath him now.

( @polaroid-angel )

((🩵: hi hi!! Don't mind if I take a while to respond,, I'm redoing Valefar's sprites rnn!!))

[polaroid-angel]

Oh, great. A famous person.

This would have been good if he met someone he actually admired. Unfortunately, growing up in a cult meant his role models were limited. His only famous person was the Lord himself.

He hesitantly took his folder back, looking around to see another version of his Coworker.

Was... Valefar changing his style...?

"Hey, um... nice style...?"

As usual, he failed to maintain eye contact. Communication was something he was never good at, but he made an effort to understand other's words.

Especially how they dressed. It told a lot about one's self.

He came by looking for something. A restaurant, maybe hoping he could catch a break while he was at it. He looked around, dazed and confused, pondering his next move before he—

"Woah!"

He stumbled into a stranger, dropping a folder he was holding.

"S-Sorry about that...! I..."

( @polaroid-angel )

“HEY—! Watch where you’re going—!”

“…Oh? Well isn’t this a cliche.”

> Stryker helps him pick up the folder, messily putting the papers that flew out of it back in.

“It’s okay, I guess, but watch where you’re going next time!”

“I’ll have you know that I’m famous, and if I get a single scratch on this beautiful body then—!”

> They were rambling.

[polaroid-angel]

"... Forgive me, I seem to have forgotten to inform the Director."

Valefar's breath hitched, he was nervous, it could be heard over the phone.

"M-My coworker... isn't too much of a threat, but he's basically my bodyguard just- just don't get too pissed about this—"

"Tell him about the Director's response."

"R-Right, yeah. The um... the Director... he's approved of your contact... i-if you want... anything, just tell me, okay?"

This was not a conversation he wanted to have... nevertheless, the same number called. A personal one.

"H-Hey, uhm... so... my coworker found out about you... nothing bad! He's in the same rank as me, everything's fine...-"

"Who're you calling, Val?"

"I-It's that Tanner guy..."

( @polaroid-angel )

"...As I've heard."

"So, can you tell me exactly why he found out about me...?"

>[He can hear Porter's voice in the background and scoffs, though he corrects his tone to something less... hostile.]

"I mean- if I remember correctly, our deal was to be directly between me and Mr. Director, with you as a middleman, yes?"

[polaroid-angel]

Valefar  does  not  notice  this  spirit.  Instead,  he  continues  to  gloat  about  his  achievements,  making  grand  gestures  and  acting…  far  too  childish  to  be  an  investigator. 

 “Cowards! I do beseech thee, reveal thyself!”

Are  you  getting  second  hand  embarrassment?  Because  I  am,  holy  crap,  he's  so…

…  extravagant.

Compared to the previous investigator, this peculiar one was more fond of ghosts. He had an eager aura to him, smiling quite like an idiot as he looked around, boasting about his feats to lure out a particularly strong ghost.

“Hark, spirits! Mine name is Valefar, and I am here to seek proof that beings such as thee do exist, and if I be correct, to engage in combat with one of thy kind!”

He's asking to be humiliated and humbled...

( @polaroid-angel )

>[Smoke began to fill the room as a ghostly humanoid emerged from the darkness. The ghost was just minding his own business until he spotted Valefar from afar, to which he was inclined to approach.]

["How strange. We've been getting many visitors lately."]

[polaroid-angel]

Angelica?

A vessel in his nose burst at the mention of her name. It was too familiar to forget, yet he didn't feel attached to the name. He doesn't know if this was the right way to go about this...

"It's too early for you to know this, kid."

He heaved as he began to hallucinate once again.

"Ugh...! W-Well... thanks f-for helping me..."

A hooded figure walks into the store, fiddling with a wallet in his hands. The hood obscured his eyes, and it doesn't help that the dark hid most of his features.

The only notable thing about this figure were the burn marks on his hand and face.

"Hello there. Do you happen to have an elixir to put people to sleep?"

( @polaroid-angel )

>[The man at the counter turns to face you, leaning over the counter.]

"Uhhhh... we do, but you need to show a magical license to buy it. Risks of potential lawsuits if the potion ends up being used in the wrong ways."

"Do you have one of those? I don't know if I can sell you one if not.."

>[He grins, acting very pleasant despite the man's suspicious appearance. Almost like such a smile is his default, like he was born cheery. It's good for customer service.]

[polaroid-angel]

Oh. Now this was a problem. This was Director related shenanigans—he could not really speak to him at all.

If Tanner wasn't around this posed a huge issue.

"... er... pardon? What dost thou mean by 01 and 0932? Thou canst not be jesting with me at this moment..."

He sounded tired, not to mention the audible noise of paper shuffling told more than how he restrained himself from talking.

There is a call from a number. Expected, after all, these two were contacts, it was only part of the deal, no? It was late in the night. Concerning, maybe, but still. A yawn could be heard.

"... Hail. Pardon mine intrusion... I do keep myself awake at this hour."

It must be important since he doesn't usually call.

( @polaroid-angel )

"...Hello? D-0932 speaking. Apologies, but the man you are trying to contact is currently... busy."

"What business do you have calling 01?"

>[The voice on the other end is similar, but not quite Tanner's. But.. who is this 01?]

[polaroid-angel]

"No, no, no! No need! I-I don't need any payments! Just tell me what's wrong, I'll see what I can do!"

License? Oh, man... he didn't have any, did he? No, he did—but it's an arcana license. Valefar chuckled awkwardly.

"W-Well, if an arcana license be counted as a doctor's license?"

He then held out another hand, holding an arcana license, finally speaking more comprehensibly and cautiously. His expression was serious.

"No, seriously, I use healing magic. Are you sure you wanna let me help you?"

[polaroid-angel]

License? Oh, man... he didn't have any, did he? No, he did—but it's an arcana license. Valefar chuckled awkwardly.

"W-Well, if an arcana license be counted as a doctor's license?"

He then held out another hand, holding an arcana license, finally speaking more comprehensibly and cautiously. His expression was serious.

"No, seriously, I use healing magic. Are you sure you wanna let me help you?"

"Aye, thou didst seek a doctor? I am a healer... if it doth count."

Valefar held out a hand, eager to provide his service. He seems way too eager for this, excited to help yet showing no hint of restraint.

[polaroid-angel]

"Aye, thou didst seek a doctor? I am a healer... if it doth count."

Valefar held out a hand, eager to provide his service. He seems way too eager for this, excited to help yet showing no hint of restraint.

Valefar had wandered off once again; though his interest had peaked once he spotted a man in full red. He snuck up behind him before snickering.

"I've heard that thou ist searching for a doctor?"

[polaroid-angel]

Hooded figure? But there's many people wearing hoodies... Ah, whatever.

Ey, ey, AYE.

He listened, captivated by the beauty of her voice, yet something within him remained untouched. Despite the melody's grace, it felt hollow, as if her words carried no emotion. For all their charm, they failed to stir his heart.

"(... what a beautiful voice... still, something feels off about the way she's singing.)"

His golden eyes swept languidly over her gown, a cascade of blues and pinks like the fading hues of twilight, twinkling with starlight.

With a quiet sigh, he folded his arms, shifting his stance as her voice filled the air.

The melody was perfect in its execution, yet bereft of the passion it should have carried. And yet, as he glanced at the crowd, they were mesmerized, hypnotized by a magic that seemed to miss him entirely.

Even the hooded man behind him seemed entranced.

74686520736561

With orders in hand, June’s eyes catch on a young man, white hair, one eye covered in a bandage. Just like the description. But he’s not alone. Others crowd around him, and she can’t tell if they’re all together or not. 🍸 “Hi there.” She smiles, charm sliding into place effortlessly. “I’m a singer, and…”

Her voice dips lower, like she’s confessing a secret.

🍸 “I’m a bit embarrassed, but I’m low on cash right now... Do you think you and your pals could listen to my song for a dollar?”

God, why is she doing this? It’s humiliating. But she keeps the smile anyway, as if the words didn’t sting her pride.

[[ @wordsofthespirits ]]

An artist. Forcas always appreciated those who dabbled in art—musically or painting. Yet he could sense something was wrong with this girl.

Hey. Take caution.

He kept his hands pocketed, smiling at the woman politely as he fixed up his hair.

"Good day to you, Madame. Of course, I'd be willing to listen to your song."

"I'll even share it to my friends, don't worry."

[polaroid-angel]

His premonition was telling him something. A foggy vision, overlapping reality. His hands were clammy as he was bound to a wall, shackled and chained with dark black restraints—seemingly made for this one purpose only.

No, what if he was wrong this time? He had to stop doubting his gut and ignore the voice for once.

"No, I'm being serious, kid. Listen to me."

He shook his head, ignoring the voice as he inquired with a shaky voice, fearing the response of the shopkeepers.

"U-Um... I know it may sound strange... but do you happen to know a woman like this...?"

He gave the two a picture of a nun. It was... less than pleasant, but her name wasn't visible anywhere.

"Witness records say she's the leader of a cult, I'm tasked with dismantling it."

A hooded figure walks into the store, fiddling with a wallet in his hands. The hood obscured his eyes, and it doesn't help that the dark hid most of his features.

The only notable thing about this figure were the burn marks on his hand and face.

"Hello there. Do you happen to have an elixir to put people to sleep?"

( @polaroid-angel )

>[The man at the counter turns to face you, leaning over the counter.]

"Uhhhh... we do, but you need to show a magical license to buy it. Risks of potential lawsuits if the potion ends up being used in the wrong ways."

"Do you have one of those? I don't know if I can sell you one if not.."

>[He grins, acting very pleasant despite the man's suspicious appearance. Almost like such a smile is his default, like he was born cheery. It's good for customer service.]

[polaroid-angel]

Forcas bit his lower lip. He wanted to show them how it worked, but again, it was their choice. He smiled awkwardly, touching the scale gently.

He did try to convince them still, he couldn't shake the feeling that Elliot was in pain.

"I-It's fine... b-but if you want, I can give you my phone number in case you need it... a-ah, I'll also give you my license if you're doubting it...!"

A hooded figure walks into the store, fiddling with a wallet in his hands. The hood obscured his eyes, and it doesn't help that the dark hid most of his features.

The only notable thing about this figure were the burn marks on his hand and face.

"Hello there. Do you happen to have an elixir to put people to sleep?"

( @polaroid-angel )

>[The man at the counter turns to face you, leaning over the counter.]

"Uhhhh... we do, but you need to show a magical license to buy it. Risks of potential lawsuits if the potion ends up being used in the wrong ways."

"Do you have one of those? I don't know if I can sell you one if not.."

>[He grins, acting very pleasant despite the man's suspicious appearance. Almost like such a smile is his default, like he was born cheery. It's good for customer service.]