#and i fear that bringing her back to reality by saying i cant afford it has ruined her vibe also

[sampilled]

friend asked me to impulsively move into a flat with her and it has ruined the vibe of my night

[homestucky]

ok ok this is like not anything new but still since i havent been on here i havent fully ranted about this yet. big long rant incoming

re the epilogue (spoilers etc)

ok. i have onl y read meat. but fucking? dirk? dirk? ok? dirk??

no.

i am aware of what happens in candy. i know he dies.

i also know in the version i read, in meat, he becomes his ultimate self, all versions of dirk. as many people have said, this includes AR, this includes bro, this includes even to some degree, LE. its an interesting idea ill give you that. but its also.... shitty and not backed enough by well, anything?

so heres my personal rant about the shitty things in Meat.

when i first finished it i couldnt help but think. was the dirk narrative even necessary? on the one hand it was meant to be the MAIN PLOT and it defined the narration etc, but.... it honestly didnt seem to have any importance. i know it was likely  a set up to imply future stuff like making the next sburb or whatever but like

who CARES? why on earth would that be interesting or important? maybe im crazy but like, the ‘b plot’ which was mostly about character relationships and jobs in earth c, was compelling and enjoyable. the narrative with john ‘not important and not the main character anymore’ egbert had details and conclusions ACTUALLY RELATING TO HOMESTUCK, THE COMIC I LIKE AND WANTED TO READ AN EPILOGUE FOR. it was tragic and frankly very upsetting! im not saying i liked it!! but the tragedy felt compelling and significant. 

i appreciate that dirk as narrator IS BIASED so him saying that these narratives are less important is inherently like. not to be trusted but. just. i cant help but feel like you could have cut the whole ‘main dirk reality affecting’ narrative OUT 

and that seems to me maybe like... not good? if such a central part of your narrative has almost no bearing on homestuck or anything anyone cares about?

but im sure there are other people who found it compelling and necessary. thats fair. cant relate but you do you. there are other issues. 

me saying that the dirk narrative felt weirdly isolated and insignificant sounds pretty weird given that it put jade into a coma, manipulated kanayas mind, effectively killed rose and destroyed rosemary right? WELL that brings me on to the next thing. people have noted that meat barely passes the bechdel test. and hey, sometimes things like that can just be a coincidence or unlucky. but the repeated erasure of the female characters minds, motives, identities and autonomy was????  a little too consistent to dismiss. like ok terezi was still her dope self in a lot of ways. jane kinda did some stuff (under dirks direction, and only shitty stuff but . whatever). 

(sidebar: ofc it doesnt make sense to talk about calliope and roxy in the context of the female characters in Meat but either way they were very in the background. like cool an all, and i always love roxy. and i respect they were mostly just minding their own businesses??? which is fair)

 i just. urgh. homestuck has such a genuinely good track record of giving female characters genuine motivations and powerful abilities etc. the fact that almost ALL the female characters involved were working for or manipulated by DIRK. DIRK of all people. is like... is this even based off the real comic? idgi????

roses loss of autonomy.... rose is such an important character. and she goes along with everything dirk says because dirk is suddenly all OP and ‘theyre basically the same person anyway’ like i get that there was some magic bullshit going on or whatever but at the end of the day rose was still written as weak and passive. dirk as strong and skilled and decisive. i get the undertones.. hes a prince of heart. a destroyer of souls, and identities. he messed with kanayas identity , destroyed roses, repeatedly ignored roxys and calliopes, and god i wont even get started on jake yet. but that doesnt make it satisfying to read. or even really feasible.

so theres a possibility im missing something. but im confused about WHY dirk is allowed this power. in the narrative its waved off as a kind of ‘i guess because im like a prince of heart or whatever and im just super good at managing identities and being a strong boy’ like ok if theres some implication somewhere that that is MEANT to be a bogus explanation id be interested to know because it sounds pretty goddamn bogus. why would this happen to dirk? why? literally? one reason? one that makes sense? because there arent any i can think of. why, in the new universe, would dirk, a prince of heart, manifest into a narrative controlling supergod. and fucking WHEN has dirk showed any actual capabilities in this area before?? he KINDA sucked at it in the game. dirks an idiot! hes smart and capable in like, some ways but. its like

why is dirk so powerful suddenly -> its because hes become super ultimate dirk -> ... ok why -> uh because like. hes just so naturally inclined towards being a great manipulator yknow..... canonically.... uhhhh

it just. canon dirk to epilogue dirk is the most ridiculous leap character wise, skill wise, arc wise, personality wise, with minimal reasonable explanation. 

which brings me on to the next thing. so i roasted dirk and said he wasnt strong enough to be able to manipulate things this well. well, obviously through some other means dirk HAS been afforded this power. but what about his personality? its obviously gonna be warped with self importance and knowing how things ‘have to be’. but hes heartless, cruel and hateful. in some ways it seems like canon dirk levels of ruthlessness, especially when it shows that he is actually doing something dumb and petty like his treatment of jake. that shows that he STILL has emotional connection to people as dirk. he also seems to care about some people, like dave and roxy, and cracks jokes and wants to have ‘fun’. this makes the ways in which hes so warped and cruel seem even worse. maybe on the one hand im giving dirk too much credit, everyone knows he has the potential to be a real bastard. but i dont think that was the trajectory he was on when we last saw him. and if this is truly due to him just.. becoming other versions of himself too including LE and bro and stuff..like. i dont see how it could have gotten that bad without say, roxy or dave noticing. 

‘oh they didnt notice because hes just so good at hiding’ why on earth would i believe that!! dave especially this is kinda insulting for. dave is shown to have an almost supernatural ability to detect danger. partially this might be timeline stuff, knight stuff, but also notably im sure his upbringing is involved too. he was trained to be hypervigilant. who was he trained to be hypervigilant for? bro. bros manipulation and traps. near the end of the epilogue we show that dave IS capable of detecting the mindfuckery thats happening. how would that not set off 1 million alarm bells? theres literally apparently a twisted dirk-bro mutant INSIDE HIS HEAD telling him what to do. i just. know that scene was played for comedy and romance but at the very least thats gotta like???? mess with u if ur traumatised? and thats like , why i think dave should have had an inkling abt what was going on!! this is exactly the thing he hates and fears and was traumatised by! and it just going under his nose n him not even knowing , and still pretty recently being all buddy buddy with dirk seems just stupid and infeasible to me. maybe this is me being naive or kind of a stretch but i just feel like daves danger instincts would have been kicking up a whole assed ruckus that whole time. 

also kind of unrelated but i associate sunglasses with strider style toxic masculinity and hiding things so like. ok transitioning or changing gender presentation is one thing but roxy apparently permanently wearing sunglasses makes me NERVOUS

and ill probably wrap up this mighty rant soon but i wanna also say jake was done so fucking dirty. i know he was like, meant to be, because for some reason god dirk just hated him? like ok petty much. but. urgh jake is such an interesting character with a lot of potential and while i appreciate that him being manipulated by someone who may reasonably have a problem with him may make him do stupid and embarrassing stuff, all the narrative seems to have taken a backward step in how hes represented. jake isnt stupid, dirk clearly knew this in canon and he maybe was the only one even including jake. and there was some acknowledgement of this near the beginning of the epilogue. but then for some reason it goes back on itself. everyone still thinks jake is just completely stupid, including the embittered superdirk. so yeah i guess hes upset with jake or whatever but. its still dissatisfying to be like oh yeah jake isnt stupid he actually has a complex set of motivations and potential etc BUT over the X number of yrs on earth c no one else has realised this yet?? hmm. then his narrative is just gonna end up with him being a total joke and essentially becomes as stupid and incompetent as his worst critics say he is. feasible given the mind control ? yeah. enjoyable to read or having any kind of satisfying bearing on anything? nope!

so anyway. i feel like any criticism i have could be argued back with ‘but oh it has to be this way’ or ‘mind control!!’ or ‘not everything has to be nice and happy !!’ but like. dude. there are flaws. many of them. and seeing characters just get shat on is never gonna be good writing. 

[chimswae]

Chapter 2

Untold: Tale of a Luminary

Foreword:

Some stories are better left unsaid.I couldn’t change anything for the world, although the fame part of this industry is tough to handle.Do i have a life? Yes I have my fans.Do i have friends? Yes the members that I cherish. Do i have love? No I have to let go.Life always offers you a second chance. It’s called tomorrow. But do i have any tomorrow?

Pairing: Jimin x OC (Other characters: BTS, OCs, Lee Taehwan)

Genre: Idolau, Fluff, Romance

Word Count: 3,280

Author Note: I crosspost this story from my Asianfanfic account. Mind you, clicheness OVERLOADS.

1 | 2

Chapter 2: Every time I see you, i fall in love all over again 

The perks of being an idol you had to tolerate with hectic schedule which sometimes annoyed the hell out of you but it was indeed a good price to pay in exchanged of your popularity. 

Bangtan had worked so hard to be in this position. It was not easy to earn people’s heart and became one of the best idols in the country or they could say their popularity soared high outside Korea too. It took them years after all the sweat and tears that they wasted to reach this far.

Popularity that they received overwhelmed them. Therefore it made them worked even harder to pay those loyal fans that had been there for them since forever. Bangtan never considered them as a legendary idol even though some might call them as one but they thought the future ahead them was still far. There were still a lot of things to be fixed and their main goal was to become a group that people wouldn’t forget throughout times.

Only god knows how much tears that they secreted before becoming this big, it was worth it. Tight schedule might be annoying sometimes but they learnt to tolerate them. The burning passion from Armys somewhat gave them strength.

“Your mineral” Jin tossed a bottle to Jimin. He caught it with style and mouthed a thank you to the older boy. They just had their goodbye stage on Ingkigayo, although it was sad to wrap up the promotion this early they were grateful to see lots of Armys came to show their passionate support. They were burnt up with desire to comeback real quick after their world tour.

“Hongdae fansign in five minutes, wrap up everything and get to basement” their manager clapped his hand together as a sign for their next schedule of the day. The stylists were helping them to gather their microphones to be passed back to the crew, before leaving the building.

“Jimin hyung..did you see your fans holding a Jimin’s memes?” Jungkook nudged his side with a goofy smile.

“No I don’t” he raised his brows knowing what was inside the younger boy’s mind. He was all geared up to tease him, he knew it in a heartbeat. Just then, he saw Jungkook pulling put a kind of fan and waved it in front of his face.

“See Park Jimin.. your memes” he gave Jimin a mocking laugh before continued teasing the poor boy. It was two different picture of Jimin showing his double chin and had his eyes rolled back. Jimin didn’t expect Army would have so much creativity to turn it into some kind of merchandise.

Jimin frowned slightly embarrassed by Jungkook’s teasing “Yah tone down Kkuk.. Are you planning to tarnish my image so you can absorb my handsome vibes?” he threw an arm around his neck, squishing it in between.

“Hyung you know I am the handsome one ever since I hit my puberty” Jungkook grinned.

He ruffled his hair with knuckles “Puberty my ass. You are just acting in front of our fans when in reality you are still a baby boy” Jungkook puckered his lips into a pout.

They felt a body crash against them from behind, it was definitely Jin.

“I heard someone talk about handsome.. You do realize I’m in charge of good look right? I am the handsomest one here! I glow like there’s no tomorrow and it may stings your eyes” the younger boys cringes accompanied with a loud snicker.

Namjoon shook his head frantically when he saw the three boys made their way towards the exit “Get inside quick, you don’t want to make our fans waiting!” he patted Jin’s back, shoving him inside the black urvan slightly.

Other members were already settled at the back seat. Yoongi had his eyes close while listening to music from his phone whilst Taehyung was busy soothing his soft hair. Meanwhile Hoseok was too engrossed with his phone not caring when Jin squished in between him and Yoongi.

“Mom, when are we going to meet daddy?” Minyeol tilted his head cutely with a pout.

“He isn’t here, but we will be meeting him soon alright?” Yeoul kneeled down, stroking his hair with a genuine smile. They were waiting in line with other fans for Bangtan’s fanmeeting, and it was tense to stand in between bunch of teenagers although some were around her age or older but it wouldn’t change the fact that she appeared older because she had a child with him.  

She pressed one hand against her churning belly, then took a deep breath. Why was she feeling this way? She secretly anticipated this day to come but Yeoul was also frightened. The thought of meeting Jimin after years were crazy especially with Minyeol.

Would he notice Minyeol resemblance with him?

Or would he just shrug the thought away?

What if he thought she was married to someone else?

Yeoul shrugged all the weird questions gnashed her mind. She must get back on track because she came here for Minyeol.  A pair of small hands was cupping her cheeks then she was brought back to reality.

Her eyes softened upon seeing Minyeol pouty face “Mommy, are you alright?” the boy really knew how to sound like a real adult.

“Why darling? Mommy is alright..” she stroked his wrist, bringing his one hand close to her lips and planted  a soft kiss.  Minyeol cracked the cutest grin ever; it reminded her of Jimin’s famous eye smile and his natural squishy side.

God, she was missing Jimin so badly and it ache her heart.

“Baby, do you want play a game with daddy?” Yeoul suggested. She couldn’t afford Minyeol bluntly called Jimin as daddy in this huge crowd. People would spread malicious rumour about this and it might ruin his reputation. Neither did Yeoul wanted to fool her own son, but that was the best way for now.

“I like games” Minyeol clasped his hand together with a cheer.

“Alright. The game is called hide and seek but we don’t need to hide from daddy. In this game, the one who call up each other first will lose. For example, when Yeolie see daddy and you call out “DADDY”..” Minyeol blurted before she could finish her words.

“Yeolie will lose?” he pouted.

Minyeol chuckled at his quick wit “Good boy, that’s right yeolie will lose. So, if daddy calls Yeolie as “My son” he will lose the game. You must win the game, then mommy will give you present” she patted his nose.

His nose scrunched up cutely while nodding “ I want play this game and win” Yeol was grateful that her son would actually bought the lies. Minyeol was a bright kid so it was easy to make him follow whatever she said which later benefit them.

After waiting for thirty more minutes, she heard loud squeal from the crowd so she assumed the guys were already there. She arose from her feet, holding onto Minyeol hand tight afraid that she might lose him in the middle of this chaos.

There stood seven beautiful boys on stage not far from where she was, her eyes were diligently scanning their face and it stopped right on the person that she wished for, Park Jimin. His hair was pink and he looked extremely dashing as always. Even though it had been years since they last met face to face, she wouldn’t forget every detail on his face.

His cute lips, smiley eyes, that one cute mole not so far from his chin as well as those small and tiny hands which fitted hers every time they were holding hands, how she missed them.

Little did she knew Jimin was actually staring at her way ‘It cant be her right, I must be imagining things’ he convinced himself since it was not possible to see his past love to appear out of the blue between the crowds.

Jimin took a final glance at Yeol’s direction and squint his eyes for a better look ‘Na Yeoul? Is that you’

What was he thinking? It would be a lie if he didn’t miss that girl. They broke up in peace without any hatred, but they never contacted each other since then.  Jimin did try to reach her but she changed her contact number and it was almost impossible to find her again in Busan.

He was told that Yeoul’s family moved away to their family house one year later. Every time he went back to visit his family whenever they had a short break, he hoped to see Yeoul around but she was like a ghost, nowhere to be found.

Jimin on the other hand believed in destiny, so one day he wished to see Yeoul again. Taehyung snapped his fingers in front of his face breaking his fuzzy day dreams.

He heard chuckle from the crowd and it made him shy “Where were you? Hawai? California? Brazil?” his fellow 95-liner partner in crime joked with a grin.

Jimin unconsciously frown while the corner of his lips were tugged into a slight pout “Stop it” his voice was low but being Jimin whatever he did on stage made the fans squeal in his seat. The mochi title really fit him.

His eyes trailed following the crowd in front of him as he tried to look for Na Yeoul’s doppelganger again, but he shrugged off the thought away quickly took a seat beside Yoongi. The real drill had started, each one of them were excited to meet Armys again since this would be their final fansign. They would cherish every moment with them.

As the line was getting shorter and shorter, Yeoul’s fears doubled.  It was a matter of time before her turn came and the reality was in front of her. She would be meeting Park Jimin for real, and there she was being blunt bringing their son at his fansign. How fucked up was that?

She could see the owner of one of the cutest dimple on planet, Kim Namjoon. Smiles never left his face ever since the fansign started. The sunshine of the group, Jung Hoseok who happened to sit just beside Namjoon was waving at the crowd giving away his fanservice.

Yeoul chuckled softly to watch these idols acted all dorky in front of fans when in reality they were exhausted as hell. She respected their professionalism in that sense. One of the staffs gave both Yeoul and Minyeol a polite smile “Your brother?” he ruffled Minyeol’s hair.

“My name is Na Minyeol, I am this woman’s son” he bowed while smiling cutely and sounded protective for no reason. Amused, the staff burst into a small laugh which caught some of the members’ attention except the one who sit afar from where they stood, Jimin, Taehyung and Yoongi. They were still busy giving their fan services.

“Oh well, I am surprised that this is your son. You are quite young to be one, but not judging” the man raised one of his hand in defeat but Yeol was not offended with that. She was used to questions like this so she didn’t take that to heart.

The man kneeled down at Minyeol’s level “ Nice to meet you Na Minyeol. Be a good kid and protect your beautiful mother from a man like this oppa” Minyeol crossed his arms, giving the guy a hard look.

“You are definitely an ahjussi. I will tell my daddy about you” Minyeol stuck his tongue out earning a chuckle from the latter. Namjoon and Hoseok who had been watching them closely cracked a small laugh while shaking their head.

“Yeolie don’t be rude” Yeoul scolded him while stroking his hair “I am sorry about that, he has loud mouth and a little too bright for a kid at his age” she muttered softly.  

Smiling, he got back on his feet “It is okay, he is just a kid and being protective of his beautiful mother” Yeoul blushed slightly at the compliment; her lips were pressed into a thin line.

“It is your turn, enjoy the fansign Minyeol. See you again” Minyeol waved cutely with a nod, as he excitedly tugged his daze mother to the first member, Namjoon. He had been waiting for the pair to come since he was eyeing Minyeol ever since he overheard his blunt replies to one of the staffs.

“Hi kid, I am honoured to have cute kid like you in our fansign. It is no easy to see one” Namjoon gave the pair a grateful smile. Yeoul was on her knees following the previous fans before her ‘Maybe it was batter to match their levels like this since the members were sitting down’ she thought.

“He is excited to see all of you. He is urm..kind of a big fan you know” Yeoul mumbled. She had no idea to talk to idols neither did she ever experience going to event like this. So she was contemplating whether to be careful with her words or just be normal.

Namjoon grinned while his hands were busy signing the albums “Really? Minyeol, who is your favourite hyungs then?” Minyeol roamed his eyes from Namjoon face until it reaches Jimin.

Hoseok was following his gaze as he stroked the younger boy’s hair “I think I know who’s on your mind little boy” Yeoul smile inwardly. Of course, he would choose his own father. Even before knowing Jimin was his father, he still chose to like him over others anyway.  The father and son bonds were that strong.

Minyeol motioned Namjoon to lean closer “I will tell hyung, but it is a secret” he giggled. Namjoon blinked but leaned over the table anyways “It is the pink hair man” he heard Minyeol whisper that caused him to chuckle.

“You have a wild choice kiddo” Namjoon laughed.

“What about this hyung? You don’t want to tell me?” Hoseok pouted in his seat while giving Minyeol a pat on his nose.

“No, I will tell hyung another secret okay?” he winked earning a squeal from Hoseok. Hoseok was acting like a real child; he couldn’t handle the cuteness flashed by that kid. For some reason, Yeoul was proud of her son, his charms were undeniably amazing.

Therefore, not to forget he was Park Jimin’s son who you kidding?                                  

Jimin stretched in his seat after the fan left to Yoongi side, he looked over at the line and there one two fans left ‘Didn’t expect it will end this fast’ his eyes darted to Minyeol.

“A kid?” he tilted his head in curiosity. The hyungs were too engrossed talking to the little kid and he snickered when he heard Hoseok high pitch squeal.

“Hobi don’t hog the line I want to meet the kid too. Don’t charm him too much” Jin gave a little wave to Minyeol who had his attention on him now.

“You are just jealous, he is about to tell me a secret” Hoseok held Minyeol hand tight with hope in his eyes.  Yeoul patted Minyeol’s butt “Come let’s move to next one. You don’t want to make others waiting” her long hair was covering her face making it hard for Jimin to take a good look of her.

‘Something familiar about her.. Just what?’ Jimin rubbed his head while sighing softly. He was getting nervous for no reason, the kid presence with a lady behind her somewhat sent chills down his spine.

Why on earth would he feel this way?

“Hyung I will tell you the secret next time” Minyeol was smiling from ear to ear. The maknae of the group was already grasping Minyeol’s hand to his side “Don’t tell him, just tell me” Yeoul was amused to see Jungkook this close. His visual was no kidding either.

Each one of them had their own charms, and up till Jungkook, he was indeed a golden maknae. He was good looking and had this one unusual charm that could melt any heart, but when he smiled, he’s a real baby bunny.

Hoseok was about to argue Jungkook but his attention shifted back to the fan in front of him, as a result he only gave the younger boy a light kick.

Jungkook smiled brightly “What is your name?” he stroked Minyeol’s air and his eyes really sparkled which mesmerized Yeol.

“Na Minyeol… nice to meet you Jungkook hyung” both Yeol and Jungkook were surprised to find out that he actually remembered his name.  As far as her concern, Minyeol never mentioned the members name in front of her except Jimin. She didn’t know he would actually know Jungkook.

“You know my name?” he smiled amusedly. His free hand was signing the album while the other hand pinched Minyeol cheeks softly.

Minyeol nodded and then used his elbow to push him closer to Jungkook “ Because you are my enemy since you are as cute as me” he whispered.

That was it, Jungkook couldn’t take it any longer. He got up and pulled Minyeol to his lap, he squished him into a tight hug.  Yeoul tucked a strand of hair behind her ears ‘This kid..’ she chuckled away and watched the two babies in front of her.

Jin didn’t miss the chance to stroke Minyeol cheeks “You are too adorable. I wonder who is your parent” he questioned.

Taehyung who sat beside Jin at first already moved to Jungkook side and embraced them from behind “Im TaeTae, please love me to Minyeol” he mumbled cutely. He was watching all this time so he caught his name when he was talking to Jungkook.

Minyeol squirmed “Mommy, this weird hyung who is not Jungkook hyung is squishing me” he complained while burying his face in Jungkook’s shoulder. The boys moved their eyes to Yeol, she blushed instantly at the sudden spotlight she received.

“That is your mother Minyeol? She can’t be… she must be your nuna” Jin looked disbelief.

“Hyung get off, Minyeol hates you so do I. Go away…” Jungkook whined but Taehyung didn’t care as he continued to rock Jungkook and Minyeol side to side with deep chuckle. Teasing Jungkook had always been in his checklist.

The fans in the crowd went wild as if they started to squeal and squirm to see the boys playing with Minyeol.  Without doubt, that was the best eyes fan service for the fans.

Bangtan Sonyeodan playing with kids, weren’t that the best sight that any fans could wish for?

“Mommy… this weird hyung did it again” Minyeol high pitched squeal earned attention from everyone in the area included the staff. They decided to not rush the boys to finish the fan sign even the fans after Yeoul was having rainbow thoughts watching her favourite members fooling around with a kid.

“Both of you let go, Jimin to the rescue” Jimin unwrapped Jungkook from squishing Minyeol even more and he picked up the younger boy in his arms. Yeoul’s mind was fuzzy as she had no idea when that guy moved from his seat to join the childish fight.

“Whoa maknae line is obsessive over a kid. Confirm, they will get married first and have kids before the hyung line do” Jin shook his head.

“Pinkie hyunggiee” Minyeol wrapped his arm securely around Jimin’s neck, and stuck his tongue out at unhappy Taehyung and Jungkook.

Jimin was carrying Minyeol so naturally and it made Yeol wanted to shed tears in her spot, that sight of Minyeol and Jimin overwhelmed her. His eyes caught Yeol who had been staring him ‘Na Yeoul?’ he bit his lower lips holding back his feelings.  

Did he just see Na Yeoul?

Previous | Next

This work belongs to  Chimswae © 2018. All Rights Reserved.

[allofbeercom]

The final bar? How gentrification threatens America’s music cities

Austin, Nashville and New Orleans have thrived on the success of vibrant music scenes. But as rents rise and noise complaints become more common, do they risk ruining what made them famous in the first place?

At a Sixth Street bar in the heart of Austin, Texas a pop up version of Sebs jazz club from the Hollywood hit film La La Land is being set up its blue letters yet to be switched on. Nearby, a replica of Breaking Bads Los Pollos Hermanos fast food restaurant has appeared, causing a minor Twitter frenzy.

These are just two of the attractions materialising in the city in time for the music and media festival South by Southwest (SXSW), and throughout the 10 days of the event it is hard to find someone who isnt wearing an official SXSW wristband worth $1,000.

What started 30 years ago as a celebration of Austins local music scene, though, is now in danger of harming the very thing that made it unique. SXSW brings in hundreds of artists from around the world, 200,000 visitors and $325.3m (250m) to the citys economy. Its success has helped Austin establish music as a fundamental part of its development, but at the same time, as many as 20% of musicians in this self-appointed live music capital of the world survive below the federal poverty line.

According to a recent study by the Urban Land Institute, the city is in the effective 11th hour of the endangerment of the live music scene, brought on by Austins rapid growth it is now the fastest growing city in the US in terms of population, jobs and economy.

A downtown wall mural in the shadow of new high-rise construction in Austin. Photograph: George Rose/Getty Images

Its a difficult reality for the city to confront. Austin is one of the three major US music cities, alongside New Orleans and Nashville, that have capitalised on this local culture at the risk of ruining the scenes that made them famous in the first place. In Austin, the local live music scene is now paying the price for its success. Brian Block, of the citys economic development office, says despite an apparent city-wide financial boom, local musicians income is at best stagnating, and possibly declining.

Hayes Carll, a 41-year-old Grammy-nominated artist who recently won Austins Musician of the Year, says that for most Texans, Austin is the mecca of music cities. It was where it all came together: the songs, the record stores, the community, the identity. It was the first place I went where I could say Im a singer-songwriter and they didnt ask me what my real job was.

Music lives throughout Austins 200 or so venues, the annual music awards and festivals, and the many brilliant artists including Townes Van Zandt and Janis Joplin who have called it home. It was where Willie Nelson allegedly reunited the hippies and rednecks when he first went on stage at the Armadillo World Headquarters in August 1972. Today, Austins love of local creativity is immortalised in folk singer Daniel Johnstons Hi, how are you? mural, depicting his iconic alien frog near the citys university.

SXSW brings $325m to the Austin economy each year. Photograph: Larry W Smith/EPA

But despite this rich history, long-standing venues in Austins downtown Red River District are being forced to adjust to an influx of new neighbours mostly expensive condos or hotels. Rising rents have forced venues like Holy Mountain and Red 7 to close, while noise complaints are an ongoing problem hotels offer earplugs for a better nights sleep.

Therere some less than wonderful aspects to the growth process, and I know a lot of friends who have had to leave Austin, says Carll, a Texan who has lived here for 12 years. Austin is going to have to fight to keep some of the things that made it special like the affordability and how you could be yourself and do whatever you wanted. When you become the hot cool city that everybodys moving to, some of that freedom can get pushed out.

The city government is keen to stress that theyre working to preserve the live music scene. In 2013 the Red River District was given its cultural title to highlight its local significance. Block says they are now implementing a Red River extended hours pilot programme in the hope that an extra hour of live music on the weekend will bring increased revenues to help cope with rising costs, and more paid work for the musicians.

Willie Nelson performs in his annual 4th of July Picnic at the Austin360 Amphitheater. Photograph: Gary Miller/Getty Images

The city is also revising its land development codes for the first time in 30 years in an effort to raise the profile of entertainment districts. There are other support systems that come from outside government too, such as Haam which provides access to affordable healthcare for low-income musicians. Music is very important to the culture, to the local economy and I think it will remain so. Hopefully we can get ahead of the issues we know are coming, Block says.

But some feel its too late. Im worried Austin will change negatively, says Carll. Its great that Austins identity revolves around music, and that the city government is trying to do things to correct it. But none of that will matter if musicians cant afford to live there, or the venues are shut down because of noise complaints, or you cant get to the venue because youre stuck in traffic on the highway.

New Orleans: music from cradle to grave

Louis Armstrong and his All Stars in a still from director Arthur Lubins musical New Orleans. Photograph: Frank Driggs Collection/Getty Images

Across the state border in Louisiana, New Orleans is facing similar problems as it develops and gentrifies. There are fears that without local government actively supporting musicians, the scenes survival could be at risk.

How do you keep a [music scene] real and authentic and yet encourage people to get involved? Its a paradox, says Jan Ramsey, editor of local magazine OffBeat. Theres an authenticity to the music and the people who make it, and the integration of black and white culture here we never want to lose that.

John Swenson, journalist and author of New Atlantis, Musicians Battle for the Survival of New Orleans says the music accompanies you from the cradle to the grave; its born out of the neighbourhoods and permeates all levels of society. Jazz was born here, tracing back to the mixture of African drums and European horns played by slaves in the late 19th century; and part of its musical heritage is a long list of prodigious artists, from Louis Armstrong to James Booker.

The Spotted Cat. Photograph: Alamy

This culture attracts some 10 million tourists to the city each year. But what is unique about it and gives the scene greater strength is how it has become an invaluable lifeline for the citys regeneration after the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

In the Spotted Cat, one of the long-standing venues on Frenchmen Street, manager Cheryl Abana talks quietly as a jazz singer performs to a crowded room. For a couple of years [after Katrina] it was pretty sad here and the music scene really helped out with trying to get everyones spirits up. It really helped build the city up again, she says.

One of the most successful programmes to support the creative community following Katrina was Musicians Village, devised by Harry Connick Jr and Branford Marsalis alongside Habitat for Humanity. Situated in the Upper Ninth ward one of the places hardest hit by the hurricane it is a community of homes built by volunteers to support displaced musicians. Its a symbol to musicians that my community will be there when I get back; were going to keep that tradition alive, says Jim Pate, executive director of the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity.

A decade on, and artists of all genres and ages live in the village, including some of the godfathers of New Orleans heritage like Little Freddie King. The musicians came back to New Orleans because music lived here, says Swenson.

People listen to music at a home in Musicians Village. Photograph: Mario Tama/Getty Images

Nashville: the original music city

In Nashville, Tennessee, just a few blocks away from the famous honky tonk highway of Broadway, mayor Megan Barry sits in her office overlooking the state capitol. She is surrounded by motifs of Nashvilles music history: theres a framed photograph of DeFord Bailey sitting on the steps of the Ryman auditorium, the first African American to perform at the Grand Ole Opry; and in the foyer hangs a painting by Chris Coleman of Kings of Leon. He gave it to Barry as a gift.

Music is everywhere. Although it has a heritage as influential as New Orleans, here it spreads further: from inside the mayors office and the governments music council, to pretty much everyone you meet in the city who either plays it, writes it or listens to it (every taxi driver I meet is a musician; my Airbnb host is a songwriter).

As soon as I mention the phrase music cities, Barry interrupts jovially: Well, I think theres only one! Music has been part of Nashvilles foundations since the 1800s when it established itself as a centre for music publishing. Its heritage goes back to the Fisk Jubilee Singers who were based here the African American a cappella band who were the first musical group to tour the world, raising money for freed slaves. Upon hearing them, Queen Victoria allegedly coined Nashvilles title as a music city, which is now plastered across Tennessee billboards.

Bars and honky-tonks line Broadway in Nashville. Photograph: Brian Jannsen/Alamy

In 1925, WSM radio station was founded, which went on to broadcast the Grand Ole Opry now the longest running radio show in the US that gave rise to some of the greatest names in country music. Music Row, the 200-acre area near downtown at its peak housed 270 music publishers, 120 record production agencies, 80 record manufacturing companies, 80 booking agencies and more. Elvis Heartbreak Hotel was recorded here at RCA in 1956; Bob Dylans Blonde on Blonde was recorded nearby at Columbia Recording studios 10 years later.

Now, the $10bn industry music industry provides 56,000 jobs, supporting more than $3.2bn of labour income annually. We cant undersell its importance to our overall economic viability and continued growth and prosperity, says Barry.

Nashville is projected to grow by 186,000 residents and 326,000 jobs in the next 25 years, and like Austin, has to confront uncomfortable growing pains in the form of gentrification. But music is firmly intertwined with the citys municipal plans for how it will develop in the future.

DeFord Bailey was the first African American to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. Photograph: GAB Archive/Redferns

The city provides affordable housing for musicians, and music programmes for school children, as we know our graduation rates go up when kids are involved in music, says Barry. They go on and they have a career in music and then it feeds the job creation. Its about feeding that pipeline.

I think that although music evolves and changes, the ability for Nashville to grow and change with it has been part of our success.

At Dinos bar in east Nashville, 26-year-old musician Cale Tyson is sipping on a beer. He is one of thousands of artists who moved here because of its history. I feel like Nashvilles a town where musicians are treated really well. I dont think anythings closed off here, says the Texan singer-songwriter. In Nashville the competition and being around so many good artists forces you to work a lot harder.

People continue to migrate to Nashville because of this (about 100 a day), and this influx has inevitably changed the music scene for better or worse. The country music capital of the world which ignited the careers of Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn and Kitty Wells to name just a few is now home to a burgeoning hip hop scene in the citys so-called DIY clubs. Jack White moved in and set up a branch of Third Man records in 2009, while bands like Paramore, Kings of Leon and the Black Keys have all migrated here.

Nashville has even spawned a genre called bro country, where burly men sing about chewing tobacco and celebrate being a redneck (with lyrics that repeat red red red red redneck), their odd rap verses a world away from the original country music that formed the soul of this city.

But the commercialisation of Nashville has led to accusations that country music is dead. A few years ago US country singer Collin Raye made a heartfelt plea for the city to get back to its roots and remember the musicians who built and sustained the Nashville industry and truly made country music an American art form, he said. It needs to be that way once again. God Bless Hank Williams. God Bless George Jones.

And people are still trying to keep this alive. I dont think traditional country went away, says Brendan Malone who runs a traditional honky tonk an event celebrating country music in the east of the city. The fire was still kindling. It just needed to have some gasoline poured on it.

At Malones Honky Tonk Tuesdays, a man in a check shirt is barbecuing some ribs in the car park of the US army veterans club. Inside, ageing regulars sit at the bar nursing whiskeys to the sound of Hank Williams on the juke box.

In the main room, men and women of all ages wearing Stetsons and western shirts take turns two-stepping with each other as the band covers songs of Ernest Tubb and Red Foley. They perform against a backdrop of the US flag laid out in fairy lights.

Theres a sincere sense of pride in Nashvilles history here, despite how far the city and its culture has changed. With support from the mayors office to the local community, it seems Nashville took a bet on music and it paid off.

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from All Of Beer http://allofbeer.com/the-final-bar-how-gentrification-threatens-americas-music-cities/

[bad-draft-stuff]

det. au 10

Arsé-kun: Arséne: -- All in all, you only missed so much.

Arsé-kun: Arséne: There was assault and murder at a theater troupe, but Sherlock and Watson cleaned it up rather quickly. The quirky kids crew was involved, I am told? After this, Sherlock went ahead and apologized to the professor, as well as updating him on recent events. Even the Napoleon of Crime didn't know entirely what Twilight was about. In the background, Impey provided insight on the professor and his son- They're vampires. More people to be irrationally terrified of for me. *he pauses, hoping Impey didn't hear that bit. Or Nyar. Or... a lot of people, lets be real.* Arsé-kun: Arséne: Nyar proceeded to confirm that angels exist. While this is mostly irrelevant to any cases, it's worth noting. Sherlock is still banned from using the oven freely. Anyway. After a tiny success for myself, we made a truce with Azathoth himself to get the extra soul removed from Sheepy. It took a bit longer than I'd hoped, and I saw things I don't want to see again, but it worked. That is why Sheepy is allowed to sleep in today. Sheepy: Tom: woah Arsé-kun: Arséne: We also learned that Azathoth has absolutely no moral compass and a limited ability to tell fiction from reality. I'd rather Watson use this information than myself, though it may come in handy. Sheepy: Tom: hes nice Arsé-kun: Arséne: Is he? Sheepy: Tom: he gave me a nice outfit Arsé-kun: Arséne: I see. It's very cute. Sheepy: Tom: thank you Arsé-kun: Arséne: At the last minute, the Saint finally took pity and shared his knowledge with us. Twilight was an experimental group split off of Idea- Who is apparently able to bully eldritch beings? They've apparently got assassins, so going after them is a big non, non, NON. As well, the Saint was once part of this group, explaining his fighting ability. Twilight is no longer the primary problem- Idea is. ... Also, Saint is capable of some healing? Sheepy: Tom: why is idea the big problem Arsé-kun: Arséne: Because we spoke with Azathoth. He may be rethinking things, so we can take some time to focus on the original group. Sheepy: Tom: but what did they do to us? Sheepy: Tom: someone might be related to a group, but just because this person is our enemy doesn't mean that the original group is our enemy as well Arsé-kun: Arséne: Their leader had someone close to some of us killed. The full group may not, but.. Sheepy: Tom: ... Sheepy: Tom: ok. Arsé-kun: Arséne: .... This is getting ridiculous. I'd really like an unrelated case. Sheepy: Tom: then find one Sheepy: Tom: it shouldnt be too hard Sheepy: Tom: crime happens every day. you just need to advertise yourself better. Sheepy: Tom: "a detective that rivals the abilities of sherlock holmes!"... something like that. Arsé-kun: Arséne: How rude. Why would I want to challenge him? Sheepy: Tom: ? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Maybe I'll go looking for trouble myself. Sheepy: Tom: because you live next to him Sheepy: Tom: if you live next to detectives worse than you you'll be chosen instead Sheepy: Tom: but youre living next to a famous detective Sheepy: Tom: so youre at a great disadvantage. Arsé-kun: Arséne: .... Yeah, you're right. Sheepy: Tom: heres the many possibilities Sheepy: Tom: they dont like sherlock so they go with you. sherlock is busy so they go with you. sherlock lacks an interest in the case so they go with you. sherlock drags you along. they hire you expecting sherlock to come along. they fear they cant afford his work so they hire you. you are less known and thus better for secretive work and thus they hire you Sheepy: Tom: they come when sherlock is sleeping so they hire you Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... Merci. That makes me feel kind of better. Sheepy: Tom: i believe in you Arsé-kun: Arséne: Thank you. *he goes and pats Tom's head* Sheepy: Tom: no problem Sheepy: Tom: if you ask sherlock he may be willing to give some cases to you Arsé-kun: Arséne: Those are his, though. Sheepy: Tom: i dont get it Sheepy: Tom: because they expect him? Sheepy: Tom: they still need help Sheepy: Tom: anyway ive got a good feeling Arsé-kun: Arséne: Eh? Do you? Sheepy: Tom: yes. about you getting a case Arsé-kun: Arséne: Then it must be so. Thank you. Sheepy: Tom: no problem Sheepy: Tom: ill root for you Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he pats Tom's head* Sheepy: Tom: if you get desperate you can create cases of your own Arsé-kun: Arséne: Tempting, but no. Sheepy: Sheepy: You should go out with a sign that says "free trial for detective work". Sheepy: Sheepy: But the trial only lasts 5 minutes. Arsé-kun: Arséne: No. Also, good morning. Sheepy: Sheepy: Bad morning since you won't take my genius advice to heart. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Maybe push it up to an hour? ... Oh, but I'd rarely be home if it kicked off. Sheepy: Sheepy: Good. Sheepy: Sheepy: I mean, bad. Arsé-kun: Arséne: What do you mean "Good"? You'd be coming with me. Sheepy: Sheepy: Ehhh??? Why? Arsé-kun: Arséne: You're my assistant, aren't you? Arsé-kun: Arséne: I'd like you to come with me for anything we do. Sheepy: Sheepy: Well, okay, I guess. Sheepy: Sheepy: I guess you do need comic relief to add levity to the situation and make you sound smarter. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Th-that's not why I wanted you with me at all. It does help, though. Sheepy: Sheepy: Then why? Arsé-kun: Arséne: You help. Sheepy: Sheepy: I do? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Certainly. Sheepy: Sheepy: I can't see how, but whatever you say. Arsé-kun: Arséne: You damn know better than that. Sheepy: Sheepy: Whatever you say. Sheepy: Sheepy: What're your plans for today? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Not deal with current events. Sheepy: Sheepy: Well, okay. How do you intend to go about that? Arsé-kun: Arséne: No idea. While you're there, go get your... What did we decide? Being your brother doesn't exactly make sense.. Sheepy: Sheepy: I don't know where he is but I'll go look for him. Sheepy: Sheepy: *He goes hunting for Randy!* Arsé-kun: *no luck so far!* Sheepy: Sheepy: *Where is Randy??? He's nowhere to be found...* Arsé-kun: *Keep looking?* Sheepy: *Yes* Arsé-kun: *Sheepy eventually finds a locked door. what's this?* Sheepy: *Interesting! A lock to pick!* Arsé-kun: *He's gonna do it isnt he* Sheepy: *Yes* Arsé-kun: *easy success* Sheepy: Sheepy: *he picks the lock and emters* Arsé-kun: *This is... Saint Germain's room. Oops? Anyways, he's not awake... And neither is Nyar, who's curled up with him. Nor is Randy, who kinda took over the rest of the bed. It's his city now* Sheepy: Sheepy: *OH TIME TO LEAVE* Arsé-kun: *remember to close the door on the way out* Sheepy: *Sheepy closes the door* Sheepy: *Sheepy returns to Arsene* Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... Eh? Didn't find him? Sheepy: Sheepy: I did. Sheepy: Sheepy: He's asleep still. Sheepy: Sheepy: I picked the lock of the room and it turned out to be Saint-Germain's and he's still asleep. Sheepy: Sheepy: So is Nyar, who I wasn't aware had to sleep. Sheepy: Sheepy: Then again... Azathoth does, so... Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... ... They were together? Sheepy: Sheepy: Yeah. Sheepy: Sheepy: Together together. Arsé-kun: Arséne: A lot has been explained to me in that answer. Sheepy: Sheepy: Like, you and Sherlock level. Arsé-kun: Arséne: The mystery of some of Nyar's statements has been solved. Thanks, assistant. Sheepy: Sheepy: I did it. Arsé-kun: Arséne: You sure did. Sheepy: Sheepy: Now what? Sheepy: Sheepy: I want to help on a case like you offered but you don't have one. Sheepy: Tom: ask sherlock for one of his cases Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... Well, I suppose. You seem to be insistent I do that. Sheepy: Tom: well how else are you going to get one Sheepy: Tom: as i said a famous detective is living next door and despite his clumsiness in cases he still ends up getting the presumably right answer, bringing a lot of cases in Sheepy: Tom: so he probably has a lot on his plate as is and if more come in he'd probably be happy to hand them over to you Arsé-kun: Arséne: I suppose. *he picks Tom up* Lets go find out ourselves. Sheepy, you come too. Sheepy: Sheepy: Okay. Sheepy: *They go!* Sheepy: Sherlock: Hullo! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Bonjour! Sheepy: Sherlock: What's going on? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Tom is encouraging me to snag a case or two from you. Sheepy: Sherlock: Hmm...... so you haven't been getting any cases recently? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Non. It doesn't help we've been busy or out a lot- I could have missed potential cases from it. Sheepy: Sherlock: Well, I'll think about it. Sheepy: Sherlock: The one I have I've currently "sunk my teeth into". Sheepy: Sherlock: But if I get another one today, I'll hand it over to you if the client's fine with it. Arsé-kun: Arséne: How kind of you. Thank you. Sheepy: Sherlock: No problem! Sheepy: *There's knocking at Sherlock's door...* Sheepy: Sherlock: Hullo! Come in! Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he puts Tom down and slicks his hair back. Priorities* Sheepy: *An old lady bursts in! She looks frantic!* Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he immediately abandons his seat for her to sit in* Tu fais quoi? Sheepy: *The old lady doesn't seem to register what he said, let alone the fact a seat is open* Sheepy: Old Lady: M-My daughter...! Arsé-kun: Arséne: What about her? Please, mademoiselle, do take a seat..! Sheepy: *The old lady sits* Sheepy: Old Lady: She's ... she's being accused of murders she didn't commit... I know she didn't do it! You have to believe me! Arsé-kun: Arséne: I certainly do. *he pats Tom's head before looking to Sherlock* I'll handle this. Sheepy: Old Lady: Thank you, thank you...! Sheepy: Sherlock: He's a good detective, a great detective. There's nothing to worry about. Sheepy: Old Lady: Yes, yes, of course...! *she turns to Lupin* Thank you, Mr. Holmes! Where do I start...? Do I bring you to the scene of the crime...? Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... Oui. That, or by covering what exactly occurred. Sheepy: Old Lady: My daughter works at our family-owned cafe. ..Well, cafe isn't quite the right word since we specialize in tea and herbs. Sheepy: Old Lady: Recently, people who have been drinking the tea she makes have been dropping dead...but it's not what it sounds like? She doesn't have a murderous bone in her body! Sheepy: Sheepy: That's good. It'd be weird if your own bone murdered you. Arsé-kun: Arséne: sheepy no Sheepy: Old Lady: The point is...! It can't be her! I know she's the one making the tea, but it has to be someone else! Arsé-kun: Arséne: There's a high chance that's true. Sherlock, any opinions? Sheepy: Old Lady: ...? Sheepy: Sherlock: There's two potential possibilities. First being that the poison is being added before she uses the materials to make the tea. Sheepy: Sherlock: The second is if the poison is added afterwards. Sheepy: Sherlock: The former would imply it's whoever grows, sells, or provides the tea leaves or tea bags. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Then it'd be far more widespread. I'll treat it as the latter for now. Sheepy: Sherlock: The latter would imply it's the one providing the tea to the customers, such as the waiter. Sheepy: Sherlock: Not exactly. Sheepy: Sherlock: If it's a family owned business, they may grow their own tea. Sheepy: Sherlock: Hmm...tea... Arsé-kun: Arséne: Touché, I suppose. Work on your other case, you poodle, and brush your hair. Don't get sidetracked. Sheepy: Sherlock: I'm hungry... Sheepy: Sherlock: Fine, fine. Sheepy: Old Lady: If you aren't Mr. Holmes... are you Dr. Watson? Sheepy: Sheepy: Don't insult Watson like that. Arsé-kun: Arséne: I'm almost hurt. *he ruffles Sheepy's hair* My name is Arséne Lupin. At your service, mademoiselle. *he politely bows to her* Sheepy: Old Lady: He did recommend you I guess.. Sheepy: Old Lady: Please save my daughter. Sheepy: Sherlock: Hmm... cafes... Arsé-kun: Arséne: I'll do my best. Sheepy: Sherlock: Perhaps I should quit my job and open a cafe... Arsé-kun: Arséne: .... Not to be scathing, but I think it's better I do handle this. You seem.... distracted. Sheepy: Sherlock: Scathing hot like coffee. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Okay, enough. Sheepy: Sherlock: I can't think about my case. I have a lot on my mind. Sheepy: Sherlock: Cases satiate my hunger for puzzles but not for food. Sheepy: Old Lady: Is there anything else you need to know? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Just one thing. Where exactly does she work? Sheepy: Old Lady: *she states the name and address* Arsé-kun: Arséne: Merci. Sheepy, get my hat and your coat. We're going. Sheepy: Sheepy: *he does so* Do you want me to put it on your head too? Arsé-kun: Arséne: You can try! Sheepy: Sheepy: I'm too short Sheepy: Sheepy: Bend down. Sheepy: Sheepy: If you think I can try to put it on your head, at least give me a chance. Sheepy: Tom: i want to come Sheepy: Sheepy: And we're bringing you. Sheepy: Tom: i want coffee Sheepy: Sheepy: They don't sell coffee Tom. Arsé-kun: *Arséne bends down for Sheepy* Sheepy: *Sheepy hops onto Arsene's back and puts the hat on his own head.* Arsé-kun: Arséne: That's not my head. Sheepy: Sheepy: Let's go. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Give me my hat Sheepy: Sheepy: *He puts the hat on Arsene's head* Arsé-kun: Arséne: Now we can go. Sheepy: *They go to the cafe!* Sheepy: Sheepy: Ah, it looks like an old people place. Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... Thanks. Sheepy: Sheepy: You're an old person, so you should lead the way. Arsé-kun: Arséne: I was going to ask Mrs. Clover here to do so. Sheepy: *Heather Clover, AKA Old Lady, enters.* Sheepy: *Thus leading the way.* Arsé-kun: *and so, Arsene enters, half dragging sheepy along with him* Sheepy: Sheepy: I can't enter old people places or I'll become an old people. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Quiet, you. Sheepy: Sheepy: Where are we starting, boss? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Up to you. I'm thinking in the back. Sheepy: Sheepy: Good idea. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Check everything over. Ask everyone who works back there. Sheepy: Sheepy: Sure, sounds good. Sheepy: *Sheepy heads to the back.* Arsé-kun: *Arséne follows him* Sheepy: Waiter: ...Ah... Sheepy: Sheepy: It's people to talk to! Arsé-kun: Arséne: m-hm. Shall we split up to interview? Sheepy: Sheepy: Yup. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Fantastic. Meet you here. Sheepy: *The two split up.* Arsé-kun: *arsene goes to speak with everyone in the kitchen* Sheepy: *Sheepy goes to talk to the waiter and waitress!* Arsé-kun: Waitress: Good afternoon, sir, but nonstaff are not permitted in the back! Sheepy: Sheepy: So if I get paid I can be back here? Sheepy: Sheepy: I've been hired to look into the deaths connected to this cafe. Sheepy: *The waiter looks uncomfortable but says nothing* Arsé-kun: Waitress: Oh, but you're so young..! Shouldn't you be in school? Sheepy: Sheepy: No, I'm an assistant to a detective. Sheepy: Sheepy: The law doesn't have time for school. Sheepy: Sheepy: That being said, I want to ask some questions. Arsé-kun: Waitress: Certainly. Sheepy: Sheepy: Starting with your and his names. Arsé-kun: Waitress: He's Oliver. I'm Bella. Sheepy: Sheepy: How long have you been working here? Arsé-kun: Bella: I've been here since it opened. Sheepy: Oliver: Uh...a month or two. Sheepy: Sheepy: What is your relationship with the accused? Arsé-kun: Bella: Younger sister. Sheepy: Oliver: Cousin...? ...Probably... Arsé-kun: Bella: I was told cousin. Sheepy: Oliver: Then...maybe? I didn't even know I had one... Sheepy: Sheepy:...Uhuh. Sheepy: Sheepy: How much contact exactly do you come into with the tea you serve? Arsé-kun: Bella: Retrieve and hand it to the customers. Sheepy: Sheepy: Your shift schedules? Arsé-kun: Bella: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 11 until close. Sheepy: Oliver: Uh... it's unpredictable...so when I'm needed. Sheepy: Oliver: So when it's crowded, I'm called in. I'm still learning from Bella so I can't handle a shift alone yet... it's complicated work. Arsé-kun: Bella: You should be able to work alone by the end of the month. Sheepy: Oliver: I don't know if I'll stay until the end of the month...I can't really stomach the fact that the tea that we served killed people... Arsé-kun: Bella: That's a good point.. Sheepy: Sheepy: It's not as though you're responsible for murder or anything. Sheepy: Oliver:.... Arsé-kun: Bella: That would be downright terrible. Sheepy: Sheepy: Of course. Arsé-kun: Bella: ...? I heard something. Excuse me for a minute. *she goes further back* Arsé-kun: *it's awkward.* Sheepy: Sheepy: What were you needed for? Sheepy: Oliver: I told you, when it's crowded I come in. Sheepy: Sheepy: A place like this becomes crowded? Prices are high, the focus only meets very specific people's tastes, and I've never seen it advertised in my life. Sheepy: Oliver: W-well, I don't know. I've only seen it crowded a few times.... Sheepy: Sheepy:...And yet, you're only here when it's crowded? Sheepy: Oliver: ...No...I'm only here when Bella calls me here... for when she needs help. Like... when it's crowded. Sheepy: Sheepy:......... Arsé-kun: *And then something makes contact with Sheepy's head, hard. CLANG.* Sheepy: Sheepy: Ugh! Sheepy: *Down he goes!* Sheepy: Oliver: Did you need to do that...? Arsé-kun: Bella: Of course. Do you want to get me caught? Sheepy: Oliver: W-well, it wasn't right, so... Arsé-kun: Bella: Thank you, captain obvious. You really think so? Sheepy: Oliver: People died. Arsé-kun: Bella: It happens. Sheepy: Oliver: It shouldn't, though... Arsé-kun: Bella: People die every day. It's not much different. Now make yourself useful and dump him in the closet or something. Sheepy: Oliver: But what if he can't get out? Arsé-kun: Bella: Shit happens, claim he trapped himself or something. Sheepy: Oliver: But he didn't. Arsé-kun: Bella: You'll be joining him if you keep this up. Sheepy: Oliver: I will...? Arsé-kun: Bella: Do I have to do everything myself?? Sheepy: Oliver: ?! Arsé-kun: Bella: .. Are you stupid, too? Hurry up! Sheepy: Oliver: Maybe we could just explain to him what's going on...! Sheepy: Oliver: We don't have to put him in a worse situation! Arsé-kun: Bella: You are stupid?? He's a detective. Sheepy: Oliver: Yes, but... Sheepy: Oliver: He's just a detective's assistant. Arsé-kun: Bella: That's even worse. Sheepy: Oliver: The detective probably knows he was talking to us... so if he disappears, the detective will come after us. Sheepy: Oliver: So...maybe we should just apologize and explain the situation...! Arsé-kun: Bella: Not if we get the hell out of here they won't. Fine, you stand guard. *she bends down to grab Sheepy's wrists, and drags him into the janitor closet* Sheepy: Oliver: H-hey, be careful. You might hurt him. Arsé-kun: Bella: *she drops him and comes back* You seem to forget that I don't care. Sheepy: Oliver: You should! He's a human being just like us! Arsé-kun: Bella: Stop talking. Sheepy: Oliver: I'm sorry... Arsé-kun: *Bella considers the kettle.* Sheepy: Oliver: But you should really try to stop hurting people. Arsé-kun: Bella: I'll consider it. Arsé-kun: *She considers this as well. She then picks up the kettle to look it over- before smacking Oliver with it. Hard.* Arsé-kun: *She grabs him and dumps him in the closet, too. She goes to leave when she notices an extension cord.. One long enough to be an effective rope. One tie-up job later, she closes the door and probably leaves.* Sheepy: Sheepy: *He stops faking being knocked out and begins to untie himself* Amateur...Hey, wake up. Arsé-kun: Oliver: .... ..... .......? Sheepy: Sheepy: Wake up. *He nudges Oliver* Arsé-kun: Oliver: ...... *he groans* Wh...? Sheepy: Sheepy: She hit you pretty hard. Sheepy: Sheepy: Don't scream. Keep your voice down. I'll deal with this. Arsé-kun: Oliver: ... She did...? *he goes to raise his arm and, of course, can't* ... ? Sheepy: Sheepy: *He finishes untying himself and takes out his phone* Sheepy: Sheepy: [Text: to Arsene] IM IN CLOSET WITH WAITER. WAITRESS IS MURDERER. Sheepy: Sheepy: [Text: to Arsene] SHE RAN AWAY. MAY NEED HELP GETTING OUT. ITS DARK. Sheepy: Sheepy: *He finishes untying himself and takes out his phone* Arsé-kun: Arséne: [Text: to Sheepy] Im coming right now hold on Sheepy: Sheepy: [Text: to Arsene] YOU KNOW WHERE I AM RIGHT Arsé-kun: *and the door swings open a few moments later, by Arséne, who looks downright terrified. how could this happen.* Sheepy: Sheepy: Hi, I'm alive. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Are you all right?? Sheepy: Sheepy: She was an amateur. Sheepy: Sheepy: She hit me with a teapot but couldn't even knock me out. Sheepy: Sheepy: This guy helped in the murders but didn't seem willing based on what I grasped. Arsé-kun: Arséne: I see. *he starts untying Oliver, making sure to support him so he doesn't end up lying on the floor.* Sheepy: Sheepy: He's hurt. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Noticed. Sheepy: Sheepy: I am, too, but I'll just shake it off. Sheepy: Sheepy: More important is catching up with that waitress before she runs off. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Ah, y-yes, of course. Let me just... *he sends off a quick text and glances away* I'll go after her. Make sure nothing happens. Don't play dead again unless necessary. Sheepy: Sheepy: Hey, hey, I kinda had to. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Now I know. Hold down the fort. *and he runs off* Sheepy: Sheepy: Sure. Sheepy: *Sheepy, as Arsene asked, holds down the fort, watching Oliver closely.* Arsé-kun: *Oliver seems a bit tired, and in a lot of pain, but okay otherwise* Arsé-kun: *after.. a while, i guess, a Watson arrives. it's him. he's here. He's probably not alone because that's a bad idea* Sheepy: Sheepy: Hi, we both got hit with a teapot. Sheepy: Sheepy: Really hard. Sheepy: Sheepy: Don't focus on me. Focus on the waiter. Sheepy: Sheepy: Apparently, playing dead means you'll be locked in a closet, so unless it's necessary don't try that. Arsé-kun: Watson: That doesn't surprise me at all. Sheepy: Sheepy: It surprises me a little. Arsé-kun: Watson: If a suspect thinks you're dead or unconscious, they tend to try and immediately dispose of you. ... I learned that the hard way. Sheepy: Sheepy: Hmm... Sheepy: Sheepy: Good point. Arsé-kun: Watson: ... What, you're not even going to ask about that? Sheepy: Sheepy: Did you get put in a garbage compactor? Arsé-kun: Watson: I would not be here today if that happened. Sheepy: Sheepy: Then why would I ask if it's not about garbage compactors? Arsé-kun: Watson: This is the first time you've brought up compactors. Sheepy: Sheepy: Tell me a more exciting adventure than being thrown into a trash compactor. Sheepy: Sheepy: Being buried alive is not an answer. Arsé-kun: Watson: Nearly being burnt in an incinerator? Sheepy: Sheepy: I want details. Arsé-kun: Watson: In a moment. *he finishes up and pats Oliver's shoulder* You're good to go. I highly suggest you take the rest of the week to recover. Sheepy: Oliver: But...but, I should turn myself in... Sheepy: Oliver: She blackmailed me into helping her...but I'm just as responsible as she is...since I didn't go to the police... Arsé-kun: Watson: But you can get a severely reduced sentence for turning yourself in and explaining. Sheepy: Oliver: That's not why I want to turn myself in. Sheepy: Oliver: I'm not looking for a lighter sentence. Arsé-kun: Watson: I was simply stating a fact. Sheepy: Oliver: I did something wrong so I should take responsibility and be punished for my actions. Sheepy: Oliver: Because... the fact that I was blackmailed won't bring the victims back. Sheepy: Oliver: Do I just go to the nearest police department... Sheepy: Oliver: or is there someone present..? Arsé-kun: Watson: No, no. I'll bring you myself. It's safer that way. Sheepy: Oliver:...Thanks. Sheepy: Oliver: I didn't know her until recently...she claimed that I was her cousin so I could work here...I never knew I had a cousin... Arsé-kun: Watson: We'll see about that. We'll just have to check records. Sheepy: Oliver: Maybe I should have done that... Sheepy: Oliver:...Probably... less people would have died potentially... Arsé-kun: Watson: Possible, but no guarantees. Sheepy: Oliver:...Yeah. Sheepy: Oliver: I'm ready...I think. Arsé-kun: Watson: Great. *he looks to Sheepy* Come here and let me check. Sheepy: Sheepy: Darn, I nearly got out of having to be checked. Sheepy: Sheepy: I'm fine. Dr. Tom checked and he said it's fine. Sheepy: Tom: you've come down with terminal 7 brain cancer and you have three hours left to live Arsé-kun: Watson: Tom isn't even h- ... .... I see you brought him along. Sheepy: Tom: im a gangster who studies medicine on the side Sheepy: Tom: if you take a medicine and a medicine youll die Sheepy: Tom: but if you pay up we may be able to help you just a little Sheepy: Tom: thats my doctor advice watson Arsé-kun: Watson: *he approaches Sheepy to check his head, and also to hide his smirk from Oliver* Sheepy: Sheepy: I'm being attacked. Sheepy: Sheepy: I'm fine. Arsé-kun: Watson: ... Yes, it seems just like a bruise. You get off lightly. Sheepy: Sheepy: See?? Sheepy: Sheepy: Now stop acting like a doctor towards me. I hate doctors. Arsé-kun: Watson: I'm not. I'm acting like a detective's assistant, making sure there are no injuries to note. Sheepy: Sheepy: Yeah but I hate doctors. Arsé-kun: Watson: I'm hurt. Sheepy: Sheepy: Why should I consider you an exception to the rule when you do the same thing as other doctors? Arsé-kun: Watson: I'm being harassed. Hello, police, a child is verbally attacking me. Sheepy: Sheepy: I'm no child. I'm an assistant detective. Arsé-kun: Watson: Close enough. Sheepy: Sheepy: Just because I'm not a prodigy like Iris or an old man like Sherlock doesn't mean I'm a child. I have my skills! Sheepy: Sheepy: Like... ... ... Sheepy: Sheepy:............. Sheepy: Sheepy: Ehhh... Sheepy: Sheepy:...Anyway! Arsé-kun: Watson: I'm going to take this man with me. Will you be okay alone? Sheepy: Sheepy: I don't need a babysitter anymore. I'm independent, have a job, and have no intent to use the stove. Arsé-kun: Watson: Good to hear. Sheepy: Sheepy: Now shoo so you can't ruin my fun. Arsé-kun: Watson: I'd love to. Sheepy: Sheepy: I'm the boss of this shop now. Sheepy: Oliver: Um..when are we going? Arsé-kun: Watson: Right now. Sheepy: *they go* Sheepy: *Sheepy waits for Arséne.* Arsé-kun: *Arséne returns finally!* Sheepy: Sheepy: You took fooorever... Sheepy: Sheepy: Watson called me a child too! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Désolé. I had to hand her in. Sheepy: Sheepy: Let's go. Sheepy: Sheepy: As in, home. Watson is turning the Waiter in. Sheepy: Sheepy: He said I was fine, too. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Did he? That's good. Sheepy: Sheepy: Yeah Sheepy: Tom: hes going to die Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... Thanks, Tom. Sheepy: Sheepy: Well, yeah, everyone does. Sheepy: Tom: woah Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... Lets go. Arsé-kun: *they start going home. Arséne seems Particularly Sour* Sheepy: Sheepy: What's up? Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... If you'd actually been harmed, I wouldn't have known what to do. Sheepy: Sheepy: What do you mean? Sheepy: Sheepy: Watson would've just patched me up and I'd be okay. Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... ... More than that. You keep getting hurt when I bring you along. Sheepy: Sheepy: That's just my job, isn't it? Sheepy: Sheepy: Whether you bring me along or not I get hurt. Arsé-kun: Arséne: You're not angry about me dragging you into these kinds of things? Sheepy: Sheepy: Why would I be? Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... Thank you. I got a bit worried. Sheepy: Sheepy: People's lives are fragile things, sure, but if you worry about getting hurt, you'll never improve as a person. Sheepy: Sheepy: If my life is ended before it's supposed to be, that's fine, too. It'll probably be while doing something important to me, which is better than slowly dying off from old age. Arsé-kun: Arséne: I'm not worried about me. I was worried about you..... Why are you the way that you are? Sheepy: Sheepy: Why am I? Sheepy: Sheepy: Hmmmm... Arsé-kun: Arséne: We just don't know. Sheepy: Sheepy: You. Sheepy: Sheepy: Probably. Sheepy: Sheepy: How much do you value your own life? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Mine..? Sheepy: Sheepy: Yeah. Sheepy: Sheepy: Who else do you think I'm talking to? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Tom. Sheepy: Sheepy: No, I'm talking to you. How much do you value your own life? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Enough that I'd like to keep it. Sheepy: Sheepy:...Hmm. Sheepy: Sheepy: For me... Sheepy: Sheepy: I don't. Sheepy: Sheepy: Perhaps that's just me being a kid. Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he stops entirely* .... P-perhaps it is because of Randolph's influence? Sheepy: Sheepy: Maybe. Sheepy: Sheepy: I'll be happy if I make even the tiniest impact on the world before I die. Arsé-kun: Arséne: You already have. Sheepy: Sheepy: Have I? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Absolutely. Sheepy: Sheepy: How? Arsé-kun: Arséne: You've made huge impressions on others, right..? Sheepy: Sheepy: I guess I have. Arsé-kun: Arséne: None of this "I guess". You have. Sheepy: Sheepy: But that's because of my looks, right? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Perhaps at the beginning. Sheepy: Sheepy: Hmm. Maybe. Arsé-kun: Arséne: ..... Look, I'll be frank with you. Sheepy: Sheepy: What's up? Arsé-kun: Arséne: I don't know if you've noticed, but you're probably the most important part of my life. If I lost you, I'd probably have no will to go on. *he shifts his hat to cover his eyes* Now enough of this depressing conversation. Sheepy: Sheepy:...I seriously don't understand you. Arsé-kun: Arséne: I don't mind that. Sheepy: Sheepy: You shouldn't worry about filling that gap. I'm pretty expendable. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Enough. Sheepy: Sheepy: Fine. Sheepy: Sheepy: Juuuust trying to help! Arsé-kun: *and so, the rest of the trip is made in complete silence- at least, Arséne is* Sheepy: *Sheepy is silent as well...* Sheepy: *Upon their return, Sherlock looks up from whatever he's doing.* Sheepy: Sherlock: Hullo! Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he grins* Bonjour! We have returned and were successful today! Sheepy: *Sheepy mumbles something along the lines of, "like him" and walks off. goodbye sheep.* Sheepy: Sherlock: That's good! Sheepy: Sherlock: I've accomplished.... Sheepy: Sherlock:.... Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... You've barely moved. Sheepy: Sherlock: I slept after you left. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Thrilling. If you don't mind, I'm going to head upstairs. Sheepy: Sherlock: Go ahead! Sheepy: Sherlock: Rest well! I'll be here. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Thank you. *he heads up* Sheepy: *Sheepy heads to Nyar and Saint.* Arsé-kun: *I'm not quite sure what they were up to, but they're both sitting in chairs across the room from each other when Sheepy enters* Sheepy: Sheepy: Are you two dating? Arsé-kun: Germain: *he nearly chokes on his tea* Pardon me?! Sheepy: Sheepy: Are you two dating? Sheepy: Nyar: Uhhhhh... Arsé-kun: Germain: *his answer is to look horrified- and red- before he hastily attempts to regain his composure. failed step one* Sheepy: Sheepy: Is that a yes? Arsé-kun: Germain: .... Yes. Yes, it is. *he puts his face in his hands* Sheepy: Sheepy: Oh. Okay. Sheepy: Sheepy: So are you dating him as a human or as Nyarlathotep? Sheepy: Nyar: Wow. You really like to get into people's personal lives, don't'cha? Sheepy: Sheepy: Uhuh. Sheepy: Nyar: *he turns his direction to the rubiks cube he's fidgeting with. ah. he's already solved it. unfortunate.* Well, don't let me butt in. Arsé-kun: Germain: No, please, butt in. Sheepy: Nyar: Okay, sure. Do the rubiks cube thing for me. Arsé-kun: Germain: But you solved it already. Sheepy: Nyar: No, no, unsolve it. Arsé-kun: Germain: Ah. Sure. Throw it over. Sheepy: *Nyar throws the rubiks cube at Germain* Arsé-kun: *Germain neatly catches it.* Sheepy: Nyar: While you do that, I'll deal with Fluffy. Arsé-kun: Germain: *he starts messing with the cube* Sheepy: Nyar: Okay, kid, ask me anything. Sheepy: Sheepy: How do you heal the emotional scars caused by having a deeply depressed person harboring your body for your entire life? Sheepy: Nyar: Next question. Arsé-kun: Randy: I am so sorry. *he leans in the room. there he is* Sheepy: Sheepy: Hi, Arsene was looking for you earlier. Sheepy: Sheepy: And, don't apologize for things that you aren't responsible for. Sheepy: Sheepy: Neither you nor I are responsible for it. No one here is. Arsé-kun: Randy: Maybe not, but my depression directly caused yours. Since I'm here and not there, it should get better, right..? Sheepy: Sheepy: Uhuh. Sheepy: Sheepy: Don't worry about it, though. Sheepy: Sheepy: I'll get it worked out. Sheepy: Sheepy: Anyway, as I said, Arséne was looking for you, but I'm pretty sure he wants some distance from me right now. Arsé-kun: Randy: I hope you do. Sheepy: Sheepy: I upset him by accident, but I was telling the truth. Arsé-kun: Randy: It happens. Sheepy: Sheepy:...? Does it? Arsé-kun: Randy: Sure. Sometimes people don't want to hear the truth, no matter what it may be. Perhaps that was one such thing. Sheepy: Sheepy:.....I guess. Sheepy: Sheepy: But hurting him isn't my intent. Sheepy: Sheepy: And there's nothing I can say... Arsé-kun: Randy: There's always something you can say. It just may not be wise. Sheepy: Sheepy: What do I do? Arsé-kun: Randy: Maybe reword whatever it was you said. Maybe it came across poorly. Sheepy: Sheepy: I'll go talk to him. Sheepy: Sheepy: *he heads upstairs...* Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he's sitting on his bed, shuffling through papers* Sheepy: Sheepy: Hi. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Bonjour. Sheepy: Sheepy: Are you busy? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Not at all. Sheepy: Sheepy: Are you still upset? Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... A little. Sheepy: Sheepy: *he comes over and sits down next to Arséne* Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... I overreacted before. My apologies. Sheepy: Sheepy: Don't apologize. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Too late. Sheepy: Sheepy: You have your own views. I have mine. In the current emotional state I'm in, I won't understand why you value me so much. One man's trash is another man's treasure, right? *he lets out a pained laugh...* Sheepy: Sheepy: This isn't me and I know that. Arsé-kun: Arséne: ..... I suppose you are right. Sheepy: Sheepy: It's just... really stressful. Crowded. I'm tired emotionally and physically. You know when you have a huge amount of work that's causing you to lose sleep? Sheepy: Sheepy: And then you finally finish it and you just crash? Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... All too well. Sheepy: Sheepy: I guess that's how I feel right now. But since that "work" is technically gone, after the crash I should recover. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Glad to hear it. Sheepy: Sheepy: Hopefully that made you feel better. Arsé-kun: Arséne: It did. *he ruffles Sheepy's hair* Sheepy: Sheepy: *he grins* Good. Now stop being so mopey. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Oh? What's this? Sheepy: Sheepy: You're mopey like you think you're to blame. Sheepy: Sheepy: I mean, you apologized, so you do, right? Arsé-kun: Arséne: That isn't what I was going for at all. Sheepy: Sheepy: But are you a cultist? Have you been hiding this all along? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Oy vey, I certainly hope I'm not! Sheepy: Sheepy: Then you aren't responsible! Sheepy: Sheepy: I mean, technically, you kind of are for me feeling crowded and overwhelmed, but you're the least influential in that respect. It's everyone else. Arsé-kun: Arséne: But I'm not irresponsible, either! Sheepy: Sheepy: I guess you aren't. Arsé-kun: Arséne: More importantly, what was that on your face? *he pokes Sheepy's cheeks* That was no frown. What was it? Sheepy: Sheepy: I don't know, what was it? A mouth, presumably. Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he lightly pulls on Sheepy's cheeks* What was it! Sheepy: Sheepy: A smile. Arsé-kun: Arséne: A rarity! I declare a national holiday in honor! Sheepy: Sheepy: Does that mean I need to smile on this day every year? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Non. Sheepy: Sheepy: Then I can get behind its holiday status. Sheepy: Sheepy: This is an important part of the holiday. Sheepy: *Sheepy hugs Arséne! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Integral! *he hugs Sheepy in return. excellent* Sheepy: Sheepy: Sooo, what're those papers? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Legal papers. Don't worry too much. Sheepy: Sheepy: Okay, if you say so. Sheepy: *...Meanwhile, downstairs. There's faint singing.... it's getting closer...* Arsé-kun: *Horrifying.* Sheepy: *The door whips open! Crow takes a pose!* Sheepy: Crow: Crow has arrived! Sheepy: *Sherlock screams and falls out of his chair. RIP* Arsé-kun: Watson: ... You've also probably given at least three people cardiac arrest. Sheepy: Crow: I forgot to pay you two the other day! Arsé-kun: Watson: This may be a new record in fastest payment. Sheepy: Crow: And it slipped my mind until earlier, so I flew here as fast as my wings could carry me! Arsé-kun: Watson: Yes. Money can be exchanged for goods and services. Sheepy: Crow: I don't know how much I was supposed to pay! Arsé-kun: Watson: *he considers this, working out the math. this should be mycroft's job, but he's at HOME* Arsé-kun: Watson: .... ... *he gives up* How much do you want to pay? Sheepy: Crow: ...??? Sheepy: Crow: Money is no substance to a fallen angel like me! Sheepy: Crow: So I don't understand it! Sheepy: Crow: So it's better to ask someone who does. Sheepy: Crow: Actually! I could ask someone who might know. Sheepy: Crow: [Text: to Rom] How much do I give a detective for solving a case??? Sheepy: Crow: [Text: to Rom] Is $5 a lot? Arsé-kun: Rom: [text: to Crow] No???? That is nowhere near the proper amount. Tack a few zeroes on the end, pal. Sheepy: Crow: [Text: to Rom] But I don't have any zero dollar bills... Arsé-kun: Rom: [text: to Crow] NOOOOOOO. $500? Maybe throw another zero at the end there? Sheepy: Crow: Rom said $500! Are there $500 bills? Arsé-kun: Watson: Uh, no. Do you at least know basic addition? Sheepy: Crow: I do! Sheepy: Crow: I was asking because I didn't know if there was a simpler way to do this! Arsé-kun: Watson: There isn't. Sheepy: *Crow begins hunting through his wallet...* Sheepy: Crow: ........................... Sheepy: Crow: This is $500! *He hands over $500 worth of $5s, $10s, and $20s...* Arsé-kun: Watson: .... .... Well, it's still better than the time someone tried to pay entirely in coins. Sheepy: Crow: Eh? Did you want coins, too? Arsé-kun: Watson: Absolutely not. Sheepy: Crow: Is there anything else I need to do? Arsé-kun: Watson: Not at all. Sheepy: Crow: Then! *He strikes a pose* This fallen angel will descend once more! Off, away! Back to his newfound home! Sheepy: *Crow leaves!* Arsé-kun: *don't bump into that tree. wasn't it closer to the other window before?* Sheepy: Crow: ....? Sheepy: Crow: Oh! Moving trees! Arsé-kun: Adam: ... ... *he stops cleaning the window and looks down* Oh, it's the ant again. Sheepy: Crow: Eh? Ant?? No, no! I'm the fallen angel! Not the fallen ant! Arsé-kun: Adam: Maybe I should borrow a magnifying glass from the detective, because I can barely see you. *sick burn. he seems proud of himself* Sheepy: Crow: What're you doing here? Arsé-kun: Adam: I... Live... Here? Sheepy: Crow: Huh? Sheepy: Crow: But the detective does. Sheepy: Crow:...Ah! I know! Sheepy: Crow: These are these "apartment" things I've heard about! Arsé-kun: Adam: Y.. Yes. Sheepy: Crow: In apartments, people all live together like one big, happy family! Sheepy: Crow: I wasn't here because I live here, though! There's a detective. Sheepy: Crow: I paid my first "bill" today. Sheepy: Crow: *He puffs up with pride* No longer do I need people to do the paying for me! Sheepy: Crow: Tree! Sheepy: Crow: We should go somewhere together! Sheepy: Crow: Since that's what friends do. Arsé-kun: Adam: ... Can I at least put the cleaning supplies away, first? Sheepy: Crow: Yes! Sheepy: Crow: I'll wait here. Arsé-kun: *And so, Adam does exactly what he said he was going to do.* Arsé-kun: Adam: ... *he returns* .... You're still here. Sheepy: Crow: Why wouldn't I be? I said I'd wait so I am. Arsé-kun: Adam: ... I was under the belief someone would spot you and chase you off. Sheepy: Crow: Well, that's a good point. Sheepy: Crow: But it didn't happen. Arsé-kun: Adam: ... I see. Sheepy: Crow: Where should we go? Arsé-kun: Adam: ....... I don't know. Sheepy: Crow: Then... Eh.... Sheepy: Crow: ... Sheepy: Crow: [Text: to Yaiba] Where's a good place to go? Arsé-kun: Yaiba: [text: to Crow] Not here, hence, good luck. sheep: Crow: [Text: to Yaiba] I don’t know where to go... Sheepy: Crow: [Text: to Yaiba] You can't recommend anywhere? Sheepy: Crow: I could ask Rom but he's at work, and Aion doesn't leave home often because he's scared of the outside world. Sheepy: Crow: We could ask that detective! Sheepy: Fran: *He joins Adam's side, unsure of what's going on* Are you looking for someone? Arsé-kun: Adam: Ah... No. Sheepy: Crow: *he strikes a pose* A crimson flash in an unwavering - Sheepy: Fran: Ah, so he's a friend of yours? Arsé-kun: Adam: .... Apparently. Sheepy: Crow: W-wait! I wasn't done...with my introduction...! Arsé-kun: Adam: ... Do you want people noticing you? Arsé-kun: Adam: Then shush. Sheepy: Crow: Normally, it's fine! But today I have come on a very important mission. Sheepy: Crow: Glasses-man, where is a fun place to go? Sheepy: Fran: I, uh... Sheepy: Fran: It depends on your hobbies... Sheepy: Crow: My hobbies? Sheepy: Crow: Tree! What're yours? Arsé-kun: *Adam is considering this.* Arsé-kun: Adam: ...... I don't do very much. Sheepy: Crow: You photosynthesize right? Sheepy: Crow: That's why you're tall. Arsé-kun: Adam: .... Um. No? Sheepy: Crow: But aren't you part tree? Arsé-kun: Adam: No? Sheepy: Crow: Then why is your name Tree? Arsé-kun: Adam: It is not. You decided that yourself. Sheepy: Crow: Then what is it? Arsé-kun: Adam: It's Adam. Sheepy: Crow: Like from "Adam and Eve"! Arsé-kun: Adam: Yes. Sheepy: Crow: Okay. Who's that then? Arsé-kun: Adam: Victor..? Sheepy: Crow: Victor... Sheepy: Fran: Frankenstein. Sheepy: Crow: Ah! Like the green zombie guy who goes "grr"! Sheepy: Fran: No. Sheepy: Crow: ???? Arsé-kun: Impey: Not too far off! What's happening over here? Sheepy: Crow: But then who's the zombie guy? Sheepy: Crow: *he poses* Arsé-kun: Adam: That would be me. Sheepy: Crow: Oh! So you're the Frankenstein! Sheepy: Crow:... Sheepy: Crow: I never watched it. Arsé-kun: Adam: .... Me neither. Sheepy: Crow: I! *he poses* am a crimson-hearted angel, burned by the darkest flames of sin! Fallen from false crimes, I have descended to Earth, unable to ascend once more until my name has been cleared! Sheepy: Crow: I am Crow! Sheepy: Fran: You spoke too fast for me to understand you. Arsé-kun: Impey: *he glances upwards. Somewhere in that general direction is Iris squeaking. probably* Sheepy: *She is. It's her current favorite singer!* Arsé-kun: *Does she. Does she want to come downstairs?* Sheepy: *Iris comes downstairs* Arsé-kun: Impey: *he's tempted to call her a squeaky toy, but alas he does Not. He moves out of the way* Sheepy: Iris: Hello! Sheepy: Crow: You're the person with the cat! Cyan likes your cat. Arsé-kun: Wag: *in the distance* mrow Sheepy: Iris: Yes! Sheepy: Crow: Adam, do you know her cat? He's a calico. Arsé-kun: Adam: *he glances inside after ducking a little* I can see him from here. Sheepy: Crow: He's cute. Arsé-kun: Wag: *the door! It is open! I will. put a single paw on the doormat.* Sheepy: Crow: *!!!!!!!!* Arsé-kun: Wag: Mrooooow! Sheepy: Crow: *CAT!!!!* Sheepy: Iris: Who were you visiting for? Sheepy: Crow: The detective, but my business is done. Sheepy: Crow: I know where we should go! Sheepy: Crow: Here, here! Follow me! Anyone else can come too, though. Sheepy: Crow: We're going to a shop! Sheepy: Fran: Adam, did you want me to come? Arsé-kun: Adam: .... Actually, yes. Sheepy: Fran: Okay. I will, then. Sheepy: Fran: *he looks over to Impey. Is he coming, too? Arsé-kun: Impey: ... What? Sheepy: Fran: Oh, uh, you don't seem like you're in a good mood, nevermind. Arsé-kun: Impey: ? ? ????? Sheepy: Fran: It was about joining me, but you don't have to. Arsé-kun: Impey: Why would I not?? Sheepy: Fran: Well, okay. Arsé-kun: Wag: nya. Sheepy: Crow: *he leads Adam, Fran, and Impey to the sweets shop* Arsé-kun: Minako: Good afternoon- Oh! Hi, buddy! Sheepy: *Crow poses* Arsé-kun: Minako: *she poses back at him* Sheepy: Crow: I'm trying to befriend them! First thing is bringing them somewhere, right? Arsé-kun: Minako: You've got that right! That and feeding them is always a big plus! Sheepy: Crow: Well, then. Let me treat you! Arsé-kun: Impey: No one is stopping you! Sheepy: Crow: Crimson passion makes one unstoppable! My fiery soul will burn through all boundaries! Arsé-kun: Minako: Except the law. Sheepy: Crow: Huh? Sheepy: Crow: Law... Sheepy: Crow: Well, I can't break that. Sheepy: Crow: Decide on what you want and I'll get it. Sheepy: Yu: There's more to friendship than that. Sheepy: Crow: Of course. Sheepy: Yu: A friend is someone you're comfortable to talk to. You start off by discussing a topic you both find important and go from there. Arsé-kun: Minato: Thanks captain friendship Sheepy: Yu: Compliments help, too. Sheepy: Crow: Praise isn't something to just throw around. One has to earn it for it to be worth something. Sheepy: Crow: Otherwise, the words are meaningless. Sheepy: Yu: No, they can make people feel comfortable if used right. Arsé-kun: Minato: Both are valid. Now shut up. Sheepy: Crow:...OK. Arsé-kun: Minako: Anyways! Browse as long as you'd like to! We're open until super late tonight! Arsé-kun: Minato: No, we're no- Arsé-kun: Minako: We're open until decently late tonight! Sheepy: Fran: I'm sorry, we don't mean to impose on you. Arsé-kun: Minako: Don't worry about a thing! Sheepy: Crow: *he plops down at a table* Arsé-kun: Adam: *he considers this... and sits on the ground. it's much easier* Sheepy: Crow: Huh? You don't want to sit in a chair? That's fine. *...He joins Adam by sitting on the floor as well.* Arsé-kun: Adam: I don't quite think I would fit well. Sheepy: Crow: Then! I'll sit on the floor with you. Arsé-kun: Adam: .... Oh, but then you'll get your pants dirty. Sheepy: Crow: I'll wash them! Sheepy: Crow: What's your occupation anyway? I'm the lyricist and singer for Shingancrimsonz. Arsé-kun: Adam: .... I've guarded the jail, but that's about it... Sheepy: Crow: Well, that's a vital job, isn't it? So it's not measly. Arsé-kun: Adam: It's the only thing I was able to do... Sheepy: Crow: Well, there's no problem with that. Arsé-kun: Adam: ... Do you think so? Sheepy: Crow: Uhuh. Arsé-kun: Adam: ... Good to know, I suppose. Sheepy: Crow: *He turns his attention away from Adam and to the doorway* Oi! Aion! It's not as cursed as you think! It's only minimally cursed! Sheepy: Aion: ............................*He's trembling in the doorway, his hand clutched tightly on the front of his face...* Sheepy: Aion: The Black Monster will be swallowed up by the cold, drab abyss if he takes one step forward! Arsé-kun: Minako: There's no abyss in here! Just a small black hole, it's called his stomach! *she points at Minato. he flips her off* Sheepy: Aion: Only the dark sun god can see it! He! *he points to Adam* is a guard of the Frozen Abyss, harbringer of the Black Monster's demise! Sheepy: Crow: Stop being such a drama queen, Wimpion. There's no abyss and no guardian. Sheepy: Aion: Rodent! Your sins have blinded your view! Someone so tainted with guilt such as yourself could never even sense it! Arsé-kun: Adam: *I have no idea what is going on.* Sheepy: Crow: *he groans and looks to Adam* Don't mind him. Wimpion just has... burdens like the rest of us. Sheepy: Crow: He rarely leaves his room because of it. He's just scared of the unknown. It puts him out of his comfort area. Arsé-kun: Minako: That's fair. Well, he can come whenever he wants! It won't be unknown if you've shown up multiple times, right? Arsé-kun: Minako: at least, I think that's how it works Sheepy: Crow: Mhm. He'd be more comfortable if it was the entire gang, but Rom's at work and Yaiba is...*he shrugs* Arsé-kun: Minako: Busy? It happens. Sheepy: Crow: I guess. Sheepy: Aion: *He still looks downright terrified, trembling in the doorway. What a brave lion.* Sheepy: *Crow gets up, takes Aion's free hand, and leads him over to where he was sitting. He takes a seat. Aion seems wary of Adam, standing behind Crow as though he's an impenetrable wall or an invisibility cloak.* Arsé-kun: Adam: ... *he glances at Aion, before looking elsewhere. whoop di do.* Sheepy: Fran: *he looks to Adam. You ok?* Arsé-kun: Adam: ... Yes, Victor? Sheepy: Fran: *his worried expression turns to a flustered one upon being prompted* It's nothing, really.. Arsé-kun: Adam: If you say so. Sheepy: Fran: I-I do! Arsé-kun: Adam: *he briefly considers the scene, with Impey blocking Fran's path. He decides to not comment.* Sheepy: Crow: ...So this is Aion. He'd the other guitarist. Sheepy: Aion: ....... Arsé-kun: Minako: .... Not feelin' it today? That's okay. Sheepy: Aion: I... *his hand begins to relax some* Yes. Sheepy: Crow: So then, are you not coming to practice later? Sheepy: Aion: I still am. Sheepy: Aion:.... Sheepy: Aion: *He once again puts on his cool, aloof air* The dark sun god will consider it, Rodent! Arsé-kun: Minato: .... .... *he grabs Yu's shirt collar and tugs it down. Get down here, you asshole* Sheepy: Yu: ? Arsé-kun: Minato: *he lowers his voice* I'm gonna eye 'em. Sheepy: Yu: ...OK. Arsé-kun: *Minato does so. He looks at Aion. Nothing. Looks to Adam and raises his eyebrows. Looks to Fran and Impey, then decides THAT IS ENOUGH OF THAT* Arsé-kun: Minato: ..... That was interesting. Sheepy: Yu: Was it? Sheepy: Yu: What'd you learn? Arsé-kun: Minato: That this discussion needs to take place upstairs. Sheepy: Yu: That's fine. Arsé-kun: *and so, yu gets dragged upstairs. not to the second floor- to the third* Sheepy: Yu: What's up? Arsé-kun: Minato: How good of hearing do vampires have, again? Sheepy: Yu: ...Vampire? Arsé-kun: Minato: m-hm. Just one. Sheepy: Yu: Which? Arsé-kun: Minato: Redhead. Didn't get any aggression, though. Sheepy: Yu: Hmm. Arsé-kun: Minato: Maybe we should get new references. The vamp one is a couple of years old.. Sheepy: Yu: Good idea. Arsé-kun: Minato: It'd be good for our accuracy. On the other hand.. I'm not exactly sure what I was looking at before that. Sheepy: Yu: What do you mean? Arsé-kun: Minato: It was a mess. Didn't recognize what it was. Sheepy: Yu: Huh. What about the black monster or whatever? Arsé-kun: Minato: Human. Arsé-kun: Minato: ... I'd go take a second look, but.. heepy: Yu: But? Arsé-kun: Minato: Don't feel like splitting my head in two and we don't have the ice for it. I don't think we've had that much ice since the time we had that minifridge with the yuki-onna in it. Sheepy: Yu: That's unfortunate. Arsé-kun: Minato: Isn't it? That was a nice minifridge, too. Sheepy: Yu: It was. Sheepy: Yu: There's something off about the big guy though. Arsé-kun: Minato: Who did you think I was talking about when I said I wasn't sure? Sheepy: Yu: Maybe he's some kind of creature we haven't seen before. Arsé-kun: Minato: We can't just ask. Sheepy: Yu: True. Sheepy: Yu: We could watch from a distance. Arsé-kun: Minato: I hope you don't mean stalking. Sheepy: Yu: No. Sheepy: Yu: He's in the store so it's okay Arsé-kun: Minato: That's still... Sheepy: Yu: He's a customer though. Sheepy: Yu: We need to pay attention to him to serve him. Sheepy: Yu: Although, I doubt he'll order anything. Arsé-kun: Minato: Yeah, you're probably right. Sheepy: Yu: It's worth a shot. Arsé-kun: Minato: M-hm. Arsé-kun: *they go back downstairs* Sheepy: *Crow is babbling on and Aion seems fidgety.* Arsé-kun: *Aion wants to go home probably* Sheepy: Aion:...*that he does. he's keeping a close eye on Adam.* Arsé-kun: *Adam has a bit of interest in Aion, but is keeping to himself.* Sheepy: Aion: *he puts his hand in front of his face* You are a demon like myself, aren't you? Arsé-kun: Adam: I'm not, actually. Sheepy: Aion: ?! Sheepy: Aion: Then, how are you so big? Sheepy: Crow: Sometimes, people are tall. I don't know the secret because milk hasn't helped! Sheepy: Aion: No, Rodent, this is different. Sheepy: Crow: Not really... Arsé-kun: Adam: The best I can offer is being part Dutch and part Norse. Being German does not help, either. Sheepy: Aion: *he appears confused* Sheepy: Aion: What are those? Arsé-kun: *a moment passes where someone could potentially yell "WHAT ARE THOOOOOOOSE?!". No one does* Sheepy: Aion:....??? Sheepy: Crow: They're places with people. Sheepy: Aion: I know that, Rodent. Sheepy: Aion: What is norse? Arsé-kun: Minako: Isn't that kinda both? Sheepy: Aion: The Black Monster wouldn't know, for his memory has been erased of most of his life. Sheepy: Aion: Before bestowing my power upon the Shingancrimsonz, I, the dark sun god, was trapped in a cageof death and despair to supress my powers so I may not unleash my reign of terror upon the world. Sheepy: Aion: Thousands of years were wasted in that jailcell. Sheepy: Aion: The Black Monster broke out of his prison, lacking memories of more than his life in that cage, his powers drained by those who held him hostage. Sheepy: Aion: I am sure I interacted with these "Norse" at a point of time, but the memories of it have been stolen. Arsé-kun: Minako: Does the dark sun god want anything while he's down there? Sheepy: Aion: Hm? ... Sheepy: Aion: Cake. Arsé-kun: Minako: *she disappears into the back. where th cake at* Sheepy: Aion: And you? Sheepy: Aion: You must have a story. Sheepy: Aion: Unless you don't remember it. Arsé-kun: Adam: I do. Sheepy: Aion: I see. Arsé-kun: Adam: Do you know how evil places are always guarded by a large creature of varying attributes? I'm the creature. Sheepy: Aion: ! I understand! Sheepy: Aion: We two have been displaced from our homes, left wanderers! Eternal wanderers! Sheepy: Aion: I understand your pain. Sheepy: Crow: *He appears to be getting fidgety. Perhaps he's feeling left out, or...* Arsé-kun: Minako: I found cake! Who wants some? Sheepy: Aion: *he raises his non-face hand* Sheepy: *Crow doesn't appear too interested, meanwhile, instead focusing his attention on his bottle of milk* Sheepy: *Aion continued to babble on, seemingly enjoying himself. Adam has made a potential friend! Crow, meanwhile, once Aion got started, shut up and kept to himself. His attention was mostly kept on the (quickly emptied) milk bottle he had and fidgeting with the horned skull pendant on his choker. Fission mailed? Perhaps he'll be friendlier next time.* Arsé-kun: Minato: *he drops into a seat next to Crow, sliding him another milk bottle* Why the long face, angel? Sheepy: Crow: *he takes it and opens it* Thanks. I have very mixed feelings. I'm not sure if they're right or wrong. Sheepy: Crow: Certainly, I'm happy that he found someone he's comfortable around, but I can't really relate to what he's saying so I just feel... left out. Arsé-kun: Minato: You don't have to. *he shrugs* I don't. Sheepy: Crow: *he frowns but doesn't comment verbally.* Arsé-kun: *Crow can deal with not being the center of attention for ten fucking minutes* Sheepy: *you clearly dont know crow. im kidding* Arsé-kun: *This is getting boring. You know what it's time for? That's right? Going to characters we haven't even seen before!* Sheepy: Jack: I hope we find ancient jewelry! A lost past! Or just money, that'd be nice too. Arsé-kun: Rupel: I, for one, am particularly hopeful for the jewelry. Sheepy: Jack: We'll just take what we find. Some of it should have value. Arsé-kun: Rupel: And if it goes poorly? Sheepy: Jack: Uh, run? Arsé-kun: Rupel: Steal the entire site? Sheepy: Jack: How? Arsé-kun: Rupel: Didn't get that far. Sheepy: Jack: And what would we even do with it? Arsé-kun: Rupel: Put it where it doesn't belong. Watch news. Profit. Sheepy: Jack: Excellent idea! Arsé-kun: Rupel: Thank you. It'll infuriate our foxy man, too. Sheepy: Jack: Now we just need to come up with the process. Arsé-kun: Rupel: Big shovel machine and a zeppelin. Sheepy: Jack: I've got the latter. Arsé-kun: Rupel: I know the old fart has a diggy thing. Sheepy: Jack: Mhm, although I wouldn't call him that to his face. He can be...scary. Arsé-kun: Rupel: What's he gonna do, kick me into 3017? Sheepy: Jack: Potentially! Sheepy: Jack: And then hurt his back... Arsé-kun: Rupel: Then I'll be stuck. Sheepy: Jack: Exactly. Fox will be ticked too. Arsé-kun: Rupel: Maybe lets not do it. Sheepy: Jack: Let's not. Sheepy: Jack: So we get the digging thing, dig up the place, have the digging thing put it on a platform, and fly off with it after attaching the platform to my airship. Arsé-kun: Rupel: I suppose. Sheepy: Jack: Great! Then let's start with step one. Arsé-kun: Rupel: Getting the thing? Sheepy: Jack: Yes, that's what I mean. Sheepy: Jack: Let's do that. Arsé-kun: Rupel: All right, lets get our power shovel! Sheepy: *The two go to Silver Heart! Who's doing Silver Heart things. Fox is there too but he's flopped on the couch and has a newspaper over his face. What a good secret agent.* Arsé-kun: Rupel: *he beelines for the sofa and sits on Fox while picking up the paper* Did anyone do the crossword for today? Sheepy: Fox: Hrk! *His eyes snap open. That's one way to wake him up. He puts a hand on Rupel's face and pushes him some* Get off! Arsé-kun: Rupel: Ah, you are alive! *he gets off, taking the paper with him* Sheepy: Fox: Why wouldn't I be?! Arsé-kun: Rupel: Who knows?! Sheepy: Fox: Why is your solution to thinking I'm dead sitting on me? Arsé-kun: Rupel: Because in no way would you allow it were you among the living! Sheepy: Fox: So if I was dead for real, you'd just use me as a seat? Arsé-kun: Rupel: Maybe for a few minutes. Sheepy: Fox: Ah, I see. What a terrible ally you are. Sheepy: Fox: Now that I know you have very little concern for my life, I'll make sure not to ever need to rely on you. Arsé-kun: Rupel: Grow a sense of humor. Sheepy: Fox: I have one. Arsé-kun: Rupel: You'd need a circular glass just to see it. It's so tiny... Sheepy: *In the background, Jack is getting the diggy thing but that's unimportant.* Sheepy: Fox: No, you're just not funny. Arsé-kun: Rupel: And you're a hobo Sheepy: Fox: No you aren't. Arsé-kun: Rupel: You're right, I'm Rupel. Sheepy: Fox: How would I feel? Arsé-kun: Rupel: Sad? Sheepy: Fox: Possibly. Sheepy: Fox: You'll twist what I say so there's no point in saying it. Arsé-kun: Rupel: Oh? Sheepy: Fox: As I said, you'll twist it. Sheepy: Fox: *he thinks for a moment on how to word it before speaking up* If you weren't here, I feel as though something would be missing. An unfillable hole. Arsé-kun: Rupel: That's much better than I had anticipated! Sheepy: Fox: And what did you anticipate? Arsé-kun: Rupel: You not caring. Sheepy: Fox: Not caring is the harshest emotion. Arsé-kun: Rupel: I expected the worst. Sheepy: Fox: Why? Arsé-kun: Rupel: So I'm not disappointed. Sheepy: Fox: I could give you the worst if you want Arsé-kun: Rupel: Please don't. Sheepy: Fox: You already expected it so I don't want to let down your expectations. Arsé-kun: Rupel: I don't want it. Sheepy: Fox: Why ask for my opinion if you only want your truth? Arsé-kun: Rupel: I didn't want the worst option, but I expected it so I couldn't be surprised if it was true. It's not, I'm wrong, I'm happy. Arsé-kun: Rupel: You like the sound of that? "I'm wrong?" Bet you do. Sheepy: Fox: You finally admit it about something Sheepy: Fox: How would you feel if I wasn't here? Arsé-kun: Rupel: Lonely. Sheepy: Fox: Lonely? Arsé-kun: Rupel: You're the only one around my age here. Old man Silver's gonna kick it one day, and Jack's probably going to make a solo attempt. Sheepy: Fox: You say the latter like he isn't going to be here anymore. Sheepy: Fox: Do you think Jack would just leave us after a solo attempt? He can't live alone... Arsé-kun: Rupel: Yes, but I still expect it. He'd probably return quickly, but.. Sheepy: Fox: But? Arsé-kun: Rupel: But he'd still be out, and you wouldn't be here. Sheepy: Fox: True. Sheepy: Fox: Then I'll strike you a deal. Sheepy: Fox: I won't leave you if you don't leave me. Arsé-kun: Rupel: Deal. Sheepy: Jack: I've got it ready! Arsé-kun: Rupel: Great! Sheepy: Jack: Now what? Arsé-kun: Rupel: Let us be off, Jack! Sheepy: *They go!* Arsé-kun: *onto the zeppelin, which has a bulldozer in it now. cool* Sheepy: Jack: We're here! Arsé-kun: Rupel: We sure are. Why else would we land..? Sheepy: Jack: Uh..I don't know. Arsé-kun: Rupel: Me neither. Did either of us scope this area out ahead of time? Sheepy: Jack: Nope! Arsé-kun: Rupel: We'll just have to be extra careful. Sheepy: Jack: Mhm, it's probably abandoned. Arsé-kun: Rupel: "Probably" is the keyword. Sheepy: Jack: It slipped my mind, okay? Arsé-kun: Rupel: It's fine. I also did not check. Sheepy: Jack: I have my cards if we're desperate. Arsé-kun: Rupel: I have my cane. We should be fine. Sheepy: Jack: *he gets out of the airship* Arsé-kun: *Rupel follows* Sheepy: Jack: Where to go first.. Arsé-kun: Rupel: Not the lake. It's too late to start carelessly diving in. Sheepy: Jack: Good point. Sheepy: Jack: Let's go that way. *he points* Arsé-kun: Rupel: Sure. Sheepy: *They head in that direction.* Arsé-kun: *in that direction is an abandoned house. It was cleared out, apparently.* Arsé-kun: Rupel: Of course. There must be something of value. Sheepy: *Jack rushes inside!* Arsé-kun: *Rupel follows him in, but not as fast.* Sheepy: Jack: Hmm.......do you see anything of interest? Arsé-kun: Rupel: No. Sheepy: Jack: Darn. Sheepy: Jack: Nor do I. Arsé-kun: Rupel: Perhaps we've been beaten here. Sheepy: Jack: Anything good is probably gone Arsé-kun: Rupel: Yeah... Shall we continue on? Sheepy: Jack: Well, there's no point in giving up! Sure. Arsé-kun: Rupel: Hmmm... Have we checked everything here? Sheepy: Jack: I don't know. We could look over one more time? Arsé-kun: Rupel: Just in case. Sheepy: Jack: Right. Arsé-kun: *Recheck!* Sheepy: *They find a hole!* Arsé-kun: *It is indeed a hole- Covered by a trapdoor, which was covered by a carpet, in the basement. Detail!* Sheepy: Jack: I found a hidden passageway! Arsé-kun: Rupel: Oh? Interesting. Shall we explore it? Sheepy: Jack: Yeah. Arsé-kun: Rupel: *he raises his cane and shifts his grip to the middle of it. At some point during that gesture, it became a flashlight* Great. I'll go first. Sheepy: Jack: I'll follow in case someone tries to jump us. Arsé-kun: Rupel: I hope you follow. I don't intend to go alone. Arsé-kun: *With that, Rupid descends into what appears to be a cave system Hoo boy.* Arsé-kun: Rupel: Interesting.. Sheepy: Jack: What is? Arsé-kun: Rupel: That this is here. I wonder what it leads to. Sheepy: Jack: Maybe a secret base. Arsé-kun: Rupel: We could steal some secrets..! Sheepy: Jack: Yeah! Sheepy: Jack: Or we could steal a map to treasures! Or a super secret weapon. That'd be concerning. Arsé-kun: Rupel: Oooohh.. Sheepy: Jack: ...Ooh, what's over here? Sheepy: *Jack takes a sharp right!* Arsé-kun: Rupel: What's what? *he turns the flashlight in that direction* H-hey, wait! Sheepy: Jack: Just walk faster! Arsé-kun: Rupel: *he breaks into a run to catch up* What?! Sheepy: Jack: My treasure senses are tingling! Arsé-kun: Rupel: Oh? Mine aren't.. Arsé-kun: Rupel: Am I getting old..? Sheepy: Jack: You already are old, old man! Arsé-kun: Rupel: Not as old as Silver! Sheepy: Jack: True. Arsé-kun: Rupel: *he looks around* I don't see anything.. Sheepy: *Jack picks up a notebook on the ground* Sheepy: Jack: This was making my treasure senses tingle! Arsé-kun: Rupel: *he shines the flashlight on it* Do open it. Sheepy: *Jack opens it* Arsé-kun: *it has writing in it. a lot. quality varies. language varies. shitty drawing of a spiked slug varies. like someone used ten pens on that* Sheepy: Jack: Wow! That's good art! Arsé-kun: Rupel: I can't read some of this. Can you understand this page at all? Sheepy: Jack: Ummm...Nope. Arsé-kun: Rupel: A catepillar? I don't know Sheepy: Jack: Oh! Or an alien. Arsé-kun: Rupel: Do aliens even exist? Sheepy: Jack: How could people get abducted by aliens if they don't exist? Arsé-kun: Rupel: Who said they were actually aliens though? Sheepy: Jack: The victims Arsé-kun: Rupel: ok true Sheepy: Jack: Seems like my senses were wrong, unfortunately. Arsé-kun: Rupel: It may be valuable in some regard. Lets hold onto it. Sheepy: Jack: Sure. Now what? Arsé-kun: Rupel: We keep going? Arsé-kun: *they hear voices and stop.* Arsé-kun: Aza: ---Tell me that there was no effort on anyone's part? I had been under the impression Yog had been watching you. Sheepy: Nyar: "Watching" is used very loosely. Sheepy: Nyar: So no, there wasn't. Arsé-kun: Aza: Ah. Not surprising. We only really developed the ability to care for young after watching others do it. Arsé-kun: Rupel: *he backs away to hide. adios* Sheepy: Nyar: You could make up for it. Sheepy: Jack: *he follows Rupel's example* Sheepy: Nyar: But... Now's not the time for that. *he glances around* Where is he anyway? Arsé-kun: Aza: I don't know. You tell me. Sheepy: Nyar: Why would I know? Sheepy: Nyar: You think I've got a slug detector? Arsé-kun: Aza: How should I know...? Sheepy: Nyar: You've interacted with him more than I have.. Sheepy: Nyar: So you'd know better than me. Arsé-kun: Aza: .... ..... *he leans on Nyar* ... Yes..? Arsé-kun: Rupel: ..... *he waits for them to get out of earshot and uncovers the flashlight* What was that all about...? Sheepy: Jack: Seems like they were looking for something... Sheepy: Jack: One of them mentioned a slug...? Arsé-kun: Rupel: Slugs live down here, I guess..? Sheepy: Jack: Maybe, but slugs live above ground, too. Arsé-kun: Rupel: They certainly do. Sheepy: Jack: So why look for them down here? Arsé-kun: Rupel: Rare slug? Sheepy: Jack: Oh....maybe...? Arsé-kun: Rupel: Oh, well. Not our business, unless its super valuable.. Sheepy: Jack: I doubt it.. Arsé-kun: Rupel: ... True. Arsé-kun: *... A light turns on in one of the caverns. It's not the one Nyar and Aza went into, and it's not the way Rupel and Jack came from..* Sheepy: Jack: What's that? Arsé-kun: Rupel: ... I'm not sure. Sheepy: Jack: Should we check it out? Arsé-kun: Rupel: Perhaps. Arsé-kun: *They start going towards The Light. it's pretty.* Sheepy: *It is! That makes Jack more eager to check it out!* Arsé-kun: *As is Rupel, who puts his arm around Jack's shoulder as they approach.* Arsé-kun: *Except, he didn't..? He's holding his cane and the notebook..* Arsé-kun: *But that probably isn't important. The Light is More Important, Jack* Sheepy: Jack: What'd'ya think it is, anyway? *He seems to think that that's Rupel. Also, he approaches the pretty light* Arsé-kun: Rupel: I'm not quite sure.. *he stops and proceeds to look at Jack* Hey, wait! Sheepy: *Jack stops and looks over* Arsé-kun: Rupel: Something's on you! Sheepy: Jack: Wh-what? Where?! Arsé-kun: Rupel: Shoulder! Sheepy: Jack: That wasn't you!? *he looks to his shoulder* Arsé-kun: *the tendril sitting on his shoulder stays put.* Sheepy: *Jack, understandably, screams and tries to get it off* Arsé-kun: *It comes right off and lies on the ground. Maybe it's dead?* Sheepy: *Jack makes a beeline for Rupel* Arsé-kun: *More tendrils extend from the darkness behind The Light, wrapping around Jack's waist and easily lifting him up* Sheepy: *Jack is no longer interested in the light! Struggling is his top priority!* Sheepy: Jack: Get off, get off! Arsé-kun: *It does not Get Off. Instead, it does the next best thing and smacks Jack against a wall* Sheepy: Jack: Ugh! Arsé-kun: *Rupel steps in to help! ... Only for the grounded tendril to grab his ankle and trip him.* Sheepy: Jack: R-Rupel! Arsé-kun: Rupel: I'm fine! *he hurries back to his feet and tries to reach Jack* Sheepy: Nyar:....My, my. You humans reaaaallyy know how to stick your nose where it doesn't belong, don't you? Sheepy: Nyar: *he approaches the scene* Glaaki, drop him. Arsé-kun: *Glaaki does not do this. Glaaki ignores him, in fact* Sheepy: Nyar: You're being a thief, you know. You're giving me a reason to steal from you. Arsé-kun: Glaaki: Y'nw. Y'nyth. Arsé-kun: *They do not let go of Jack still* Arsé-kun: *Meanwhile, Azathoth wanted to interfere and was easily distracted by The Light.* Sheepy: Nyar: My sight, my playthings. Sheepy: Nyar: And I saw them before you did. Sheepy: Nyar: *he looks to Rupel* Get behind me. Sheepy: Nyar: -So if you won't give me that one, you need to give me two of the ones you've infected. They're worth less than the ones you haven't. Sheepy: Nyar: *he steps on Aza's foot. heellooo, wake up!* Arsé-kun: Aza: ...! Arsé-kun: *Rupel goes behind Nyar, albeit warily* Sheepy: *Nyar puffs his chest out some to further emphasize his air of confidence.* Arsé-kun: Glaaki: ... ... nafl-hai. Sheepy: Nyar: Sorry, did I hear that right? Sheepy: Nyar: *his grin widens* You meant "Yes", right? Arsé-kun: Glaaki: Nafl-mg. Azathoth athg k'yarnak phlegeth. Arsé-kun: *being rupel is suffering, meanwhile. HEARING r'lyehian can fuck someone up hard. i think* Sheepy: Nyar: And so when he gives you that information, you'll drop the kid, right? Arsé-kun: Glaaki: nafl-tharanak. Sheepy: Nyar: I only work on contractual deals. Sheepy: Nyar: You either give the kid back and get the information or you don't get the information. Arsé-kun: Glaaki: ... h'-ya-nyth Arsé-kun: Azathoth: ... *he feels like this is the Absolute Worst time to share anything with Glaaki- Specifically that he was going to end the deal, since he no longer needs toxins from Glaaki.* Arsé-kun: *and then he remembered something important. Glaaki is a telepath.* Arsé-kun: *Which means Glaaki heard that. And whatever Nyar is planning, probably? No guarantees there. I doubt it though* Arsé-kun: Aza: ... Uhm. Son, I have news that is bad, and some that is not so bad. Sheepy: Nyar: What is it? Arsé-kun: Aza: ... Well, Glaaki picked up what I wished to tell. Arsé-kun: Aza: ... Which means I no longer need to. However, I do not think Glaaki is particularly approving of my decision. Sheepy: Nyar: *he shrugs* Stinks for Glaaki. Arsé-kun: *and so, Nyar gets grabbed and slammed into the ceiling. eat shit bitch* Sheepy: Nyar: Ugh! Arsé-kun: *and he's dropped to the floor.* Sheepy: *Nyar quickly pulls himself to his feet* Arsé-kun: *... something drips on him* Sheepy: Nyar: *He looks up* Arsé-kun: *the ceiling is leaking... it seems to be plain ol water.* Arsé-kun: *And now, a casual reminder of how gravity works. More water seems to be spilling through that crack..* Sheepy: Nyar: ................. Sheepy: Nyar: *He looks to Glaaki* Arsé-kun: Glaaki: ... *they have noticed it as well* Arsé-kun: Glaaki: ... Uln ya ep-hai. *they start wrapping more tenrils around Jack..* Sheepy: *Jack continues to struggle* Sheepy: Nyar: You mean you're still willing to make a deal? Arsé-kun: Glaaki: Ep-hai. Sheepy: Nyar: ...Fine. Arsé-kun: Glaaki: *they cover Jack's face and at least one of their eyes looks at the ceiling, which is beginning to fail...* Sheepy: Nyar: Isn't it high time you leave? Arsé-kun: Rupel: .. Huh? *he glances up as well* Certainly.. Sheepy: Nyar: And don't you worry about your friend. However, there's always a price to be paid for assistance. Just remember that. Arsé-kun: Rupel: Ehh? Arsé-kun: *And with a thunderous crash, the ceiling gives in, allowing the tunnels to almost instantly flood* Sheepy: Nyar: Oh dear. Arsé-kun: *aza opts to stop existing on this plane.* Sheepy: *Nyar goes octopus mode and escapes* Arsé-kun: *Glaaki turns around and leaves with Jack* Arsé-kun: *Poor Rupel gets swept away* Sheepy: *RIP Rupel* Sheepy: *Later on, Diego is busy taking a walk.* Sheepy: *He is in good health and has moved out of the apartment he temporarily housed in and has been staying in his mansion. With all of the Twilight nonsense being removed from his life, he's had a rather peaceful month.* Arsé-kun: *Good for him!* Sheepy: *Does he see something during his walk?* Arsé-kun: *Probably. He has eyes and generally uses them.* Sheepy: *Okay but I mean plot related* Sheepy: *Like Rupel's existence* Arsé-kun: *well now I don't have to say it* Sheepy: *Diego approaches Rupel. How is he?* Arsé-kun: *The exact opposite of well. He collapsed at some point. Anything else, other than Rupel looking downright ragged, would have to be observed up close* Sheepy: Diego: ...! Sheepy: Diego: Hey! Are you okay?! Arsé-kun: *No reply* Sheepy: *Diego lifts Rupel up and because he's smart rushes to the nearest hospital.* Arsé-kun: *Man with the most common sense of the year award.* Arsé-kun: *Anyway, Rupel is freezing cold. ♪He's still alive but he's barely breathing♪. And not shivering.* Sheepy: Diego: *He busts into the hospital. Blease Diego* -This man needs help! Arsé-kun: *Diego continues to do things Properly. Where was he when everything else was happening?* Sheepy: *Probably just going on a walk or something I dont know* Arsé-kun: *Good point.* Sheepy: *Anyway, Diego sticks around the hospital because he's worried about this stranger he just picked up... ... ... he takes out his phone and goes to text Lupin. Perhaps he'll know something about this?* Arsé-kun: Arséne: [text: to Diego] I'm not busy. What's up? Sheepy: Diego: [text: to Arsene] I'm currently at the hospital and not for myself. Sheepy: Diego: [text: to Arsene] I found a collapsed man who may have been freezing to death. Do you know of anything about this? Is this something that's been going on in one of your cases? Arsé-kun: Arséne: [text: to Diego] Non, and no. Do tell me more, though. Sheepy: Diego: [text: to Arsene] He was barely breathing and cold to the touch. Despite being cold, he wasn't freezing. I was on a walk and found him on the ground, collapsed. I can't think of much else. Arsé-kun: Arséne: [text: to Diego] I suspect foul play. Maybe someone dumped him into the lake? Sheepy: Diego: [text: to Arsene] Good idea. I can ask him once he's awake... Sheepy: Diego: [text: to Arsene] I'll update you when he is. Just stay safe, alright? Arsé-kun: Arséne: [text: to Diego] Of course. You too. Sheepy: Diego: [text: to Arsene] Don't worry about me. I can handle most things. Arsé-kun: Arséne: [text: to Diego] Except not putting the letter Z on everything. Sheepy: Diego: [text: to Arséne] I can.... Arsé-kun: Arséne: [text: to Diego] And my son is friends with aliens. Meanwhile, I'm the king of russia. Sheepy: Diego: [text: to Arséne] :( Arsé-kun: Arséne: [text: to Diego] Only one thing I said there was true. Anyway, I mean it. Stay safe Sheepy: Diego: [text: to Arséne] I will...! Arsé-kun: Arséne: [text: to Diego] Good! Sheepy: *Nyar struts in, looking pleased with himself* Arsé-kun: Arséne: What did you do now. Sheepy: Nyar: My dad acknowledged me. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Good job. How many people died because of it? Sheepy: Nyar: Not because of it. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Meanwhile, then. Sheepy: Nyar: No clue. Sheepy: Nyar: A slug kidnapped someone and a guy probably drowned? Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... .... How... Convenient. Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... Might I ask where? Sheepy: Nyar: *He states the location* Arsé-kun: Arséne: [text: to Diego] wait I'm back, was it by the lake you live closeish to? Sheepy: Diego: [text: to Arséne] Yes. Arsé-kun: Arséne: [text: to Diego] Never mind, I know someone apparently knows. Hold on Arsé-kun: Arséne: They survived, Nyar. Sheepy: Nyar: Of course the one stolen by Glaaki did, but I'm kind of surprised about the other guy. Arsé-kun: *in the background is a suddenly concerned randy. carry on* Sheepy: Nyar: But what's important is that my dad acknowledged me. Me! Arsé-kun: Arséne: That's fantastic. Sheepy: Nyar: Isn't it?! Arsé-kun: Arséne: But what happened now? Sheepy: Nyar: We were attending to business and then a kid with a mask got picked up by a slug. Arsé-kun: Arséne: And then..? Sheepy: Nyar: The slug smacked me into the ceiling and water started pooling in. Arsé-kun: Arséne: And someone else was there..? Sheepy: Nyar: Yup. Arsé-kun: Arséne: So, what? They got pushed out of the super secret alien cavern or something? Sheepy: Nyar: Naw, it got flooded, as I said. Arsé-kun: Arséne: I meant by the water pressure. Sheepy: Nyar: I left because there wasn't a reason to stick around. As did Glaaki and my dad. Sheepy: Nyar: So I wasn't paying attention to something as insignificant as them. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Harsh. Arsé-kun: Arséne: [text: to Diego] He was exploring a cavern near the lake and it flooded, I'm told. Sheepy: Diego: [text: to Arséne] So it wasn't an act of violence... Good. Sheepy: Nyar: It's not harsh. Arsé-kun: Arséne: From a human perspective, it's harsh. Sheepy: Nyar: Imagine you're me, the messenger of Azathoth, okay. Sheepy: Nyar: My job is to go around talking to creatures that are so old that they make this Earth look like it's still in its diapers. Arsé-kun: Arséne: I never doubted you. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Instead, I hate how used to this I've become. Sheepy: Nyar: So why would I care about someone I don't know and has no impact on me? Sheepy: Nyar: Really, humans interest me because they're so egotistical and so weak. Sheepy: Nyar: They're greedy, foul creatures. Faceted. Not like us. Sheepy: Nyar: We're all simple idiots who bumble about our lives with little thought to give meaning to our actions. That being said, as much as I find you humans interesting,I'm notgoing to waste my time on ones I don't care about unless it outright benefits me. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Is that where you got egotism from? Sheepy: Nyar: Yes. Sheepy: Nyar: I'm not like them Arsé-kun: Delly: *in the far, far background* he can walk through walls disappear and fly, he's much more unique than the other guy Sheepy: Nyar: He isn't wrong... Sheepy: Nyar:...Mostly. Sheepy: Nyar: Not so sure about the disappearing part. Arsé-kun: Delly: Try harder! Sheepy: Nyar: I could if I was whole. Sheepy: Nyar: But for now all I can do to compensate is use camoflouge. Arsé-kun: Randy: ... *he steps Out* Sheepy: Nyar: Actually, if I was whole, I wouldn't need to rely on you to solve my problems. Speaking of solving my problems ... Arsé-kun: Arséne: Good luck on those. Sheepy: Nyar: Actually, I need help. Arsé-kun: Arséne: From weak humans? What is it? Sheepy: Nyar: As I said, I'm not whole, so I'm stuck relying on you and your friends. Sheepy: Nyar: Don't rub it in any more than it's already been rubbed in. Sheepy: Nyar: I need to take the kid back from Glaaki. Arsé-kun: Randy: *he leans back in* Dibs Sheepy: Nyar: Have fun with that. Arsé-kun: Randy: I won't. *he ducks back out and beelines straight to Sheepy* Hey, do you wanna go rescue a man from a mysterious alien slug? Sheepy: Sheepy: I sure do! Arsé-kun: Randy: Neat. Sheepy: Sheepy: Then let's go. Arsé-kun: Randy: Yes, lets. *he checks his pockets, and removes his cat from one* You can't come. Arsé-kun: *Shaggy meows and trots away. Adventure!* Sheepy: *Sheepy waves to the cat. Bye cat.* Arsé-kun: *goodbye, human* Sheepy: Sheepy: Let me get ready first. Arsé-kun: Randy: Okay. Sheepy: *Sheepy goes to get ready and returns in his Joker outfit* Arsé-kun: Randy: Lookin' cool, Joker. Sheepy: Sheepy: Thanks, I don't try. Arsé-kun: Randy: I know. Sheepy: Sheepy: Now let's go. Arsé-kun: Randy: Hold on. Now I feel like I stand out too much. Sheepy: Sheepy: Okay. Arsé-kun: *Randy exits scene, and returns with a mask of his own. I think he just used rubber bands and paper. Randy.* Sheepy: Sheepy: ....... Sheepy: Sheepy: Um, I'll make one for you later. Arsé-kun: Randy: :') Arsé-kun: *You tried, Randy, but stick to writing.* Sheepy: Sheepy: It looks painful. Arsé-kun: Randy: It's uncomfortable. Sheepy: Sheepy: Don't wear it then. Arsé-kun: Randy: Do you not want me hiding my face like you are? It might get you caught.. Sheepy: Sheepy: Why would it? Arsé-kun: Randy: ... Only being cautious. Sheepy: Sheepy: Well, keep wearing it if you want. Arsé-kun: Randy: ... I'll find something else. Sheepy: Sheepy: Okay. Arsé-kun: *Randy exits and enters multiple times, offering different- and mostly ridiculous- headgear. He's just entered with one of Arséne's spare masks.* Arsé-kun: *... Not being told no, this will be his equipment for tonight.* Sheepy: Sheepy: Let's go. Arsé-kun: *ONE CARTOON BATMAN TIMESKIP SWIRLY SCREEN LATER, SOUND EFFECT INCLUDED* Sheepy: Sheepy: So where is this slug? Arsé-kun: Randy: From what Nyarly said, somewhere in these tunnels.. Sheepy: Sheepy: My guess is that it'll ve in the last place we expect to check... Arsé-kun: Randy: That's a good rule to live by. Arsé-kun: *So they go into the caves. It's wet. The ceiling was somehow repaired. Don't ask questions.* Arsé-kun: *There is a psychic lovecraft slug that can turn people into zombies here, that wants human followers at all times, and it's from space. We don't think too hard about these things too hard* Sheepy: Sheepy: *he seems hesitant...* Arsé-kun: *As does Randy. What if they're captured? What if the kid is already dead? What if they drown? What if they die? What if they go insane? What if...* Arsé-kun: *And that has been your casual reminder that Randy is the most depressed human being on the planet. Maybe not actually, but pretty close. Also anxious.* Sheepy: Sheepy: *He sneaks further in. Where's the slug* Arsé-kun: *Fuck if I know. Probably at the bottom.* Sheepy: *Time to get to the bottom of this mystery. ha. haha* Arsé-kun: *HAAAAAAAAA.* Arsé-kun: *in other news, it smells like shit.* Sheepy: *Sheepy is disgusted by this.* Arsé-kun: *And so is Randy, but bad scents he can deal with. Maybe.* Arsé-kun: *oh and thats a dead body* Sheepy: Sheepy: *OH* Arsé-kun: *it's green and falling apart and occasionally still moving a little. No wonder Glaaki needs replacements so often.* Sheepy: Sheepy: *THAT'S DISGUSTING* Arsé-kun: Randy: ... That poor person. Sheepy: Sheepy: Th...this is messed up... Arsé-kun: Randy: *he nods* Sheepy: Sheepy: ...Let's just...find him... and get out. Arsé-kun: Randy: Y-yes, lets.. Sheepy: *...Eventually they find where Glaaki is I guess?* Sheepy: Sheepy: ....We don't have a plan, do we? Arsé-kun: Randy: Nope. If anything happens, run. Sheepy: Sheepy: *he didn't like that idea.* Arsé-kun: Randy: You're probably faster. Okay, new plan. We go in on a count of three. Sheepy: Sheepy:...Three... Arsé-kun: Randy: .... Lets... Just go. Sheepy: *Sheepy stalks in.* Arsé-kun: *It seems like Glaaki doesn't notice, except one of its eyestalks turn to look at him. Oops. Glaaki definitely noticed* Sheepy: Sheepy: *No point being sneaky now* Hi, Mr. Slug. We came 'cause Nyarly is lazy and pushed his work on us. Arsé-kun: *Glaaki turns another eye towards Sheepy. ...* Sheepy: *Jack hits the third eye as hard as he can!* Arsé-kun: *Glaaki is PROBABLY used to this, but doesn't bother using any other eyes to watch Jack.* Sheepy: Sheepy: *he doesn't appear to notice nor care Jack's actions, who, meanwhile, is slowly staggering away from Glaaki* Is there anything you want in return for letting him go? Arsé-kun: *Sheepy is promptly thrown out. Jack is thrown our directly after. Be goooooone* Sheepy: Sheepy: *he helps support Jack, who's understandably unsteady on his feet* Let's get going, Randy. Arsé-kun: Randy: That went surprisingly well... Oh, yes, lets. Sheepy: *the three exit the tunnels* Arsé-kun: Randy: ... Lets not ever wing it again. Sheepy: Sheepy: Sorry, didn't expect to be seen. Arsé-kun: Randy: It's fine. I expected to be of more use. Sheepy: Sheepy: You were of help though. Arsé-kun: Randy: Moral support..? Sheepy: Sheepy: Mhm. ...Ah, right. Sheepy: Sheepy: I should tell Arséne... but my phone is dead. First thing's first is to bring him to the hospital I think. Sheepy: Jack: Rupel... Sheepy: Sheepy: Eh? Sheepy: Jack: Where's... Rupel? Sheepy: Sheepy: Hospital, where you're going. Sheepy: Jack:.....But.... Arsé-kun: Randy: At least for a little bit. We can claim you were trapped in a cavern, and caused your condition. Arsé-kun: Randy: ... You'll have to lie, though. I don't think I would be able to pull it off. Sheepy: Jack: .... Sheepy: *Jack nods. He doesn't appear to have much to say.* Sheepy: Sheepy: No problem. Arsé-kun: Randy: Thanks.. *he joins in supporting Jack* Sheepy: *Eventually, they get him to the hospital* Sheepy: Diego: *he looks up* Oh, you found his friend.. good. Arsé-kun: Randy: m-hm. Sheepy: *Some [visibly overworked] hospital attendants come and take Jack away* Arsé-kun: Randy: ... I don't like this place much. Sheepy: Sheepy: Why? Arsé-kun: Randy: It gives me a bad feeling. Where's all the staff..? Sheepy: Sheepy: Out because they're sick maybe? Arsé-kun: Randy: I hope so. Sheepy: ?: Actually, they've been disappearing. Maybe dying. Arsé-kun: Randy: That would explain some things. Sheepy: Sheepy: That last part was a joke, right? Sheepy: ?: *His smile would be visible if it weren't for the flu mask, but he doesn't answer Sheepy''s question* Arsé-kun: Randy: ... Most likely not. Considering what we just encountered..? Sheepy: ?: ...You found the one who's causing the disappearance? Sheepy: *His eyes light up, visibly interested. His fists are clenched...* Sheepy: ?: Tell me who they are and I'll cause their disappearance. Arsé-kun: Randy: I can't. It's not safe. Sheepy: ?: I don't care if it's not safe. Arsé-kun: Randy: I cannot allow you. It would lead to a fate worse than death. Sheepy: ?: The people here are my responsibility and I'm useless if I don't deal with the one who's- *he turns his head away and goes into a coughing fit. ... The white flu mask he's wearing is now dyed red...* Arsé-kun: Randy: ... And that will only attract their servants. Sheepy: ?: ... Sheepy: ?: Servants? *he looks back to Randy* Arsé-kun: Randy: ... Yes. *he shakes his head* I truly do not recommend it. Sheepy: ?: ...Whatever. It's not like I'm up to it anyway Sheepy: Sheepy: You've got a little something on your face. Sheepy: ?: You don't look sick. Arsé-kun: Randy: Not physically, in my case. Sheepy: ?: So then you're here for other reasons. Arsé-kun: Randy: We just dropped someone off. Sheepy: ?: ...OK. Arsé-kun: Randy: ... If you wish to assist, though... Do prevent staff from visiting the lake. Sheepy: ?: Sure. Arsé-kun: Randy: Thank you. Perhaps try to get the area well lit. Sheepy: ?: It's difficult without much funding. Arsé-kun: Randy: Hm. Sheepy: ?: This place also is just a bad omen. Sheepy: ?: ...Apparently. I don't care about that. Arsé-kun: Randy: I can understand why. Sheepy: ?: It's understaffed and underfunded, which leads to people avoiding it and crime, which leads to loss of staff and funding. Sheepy: ?: ...Maybe not crime. Sheepy: ?: But the disappearances count as crime. Arsé-kun: Randy: I'll have this detective assistant put a few words in. Sheepy: Sheepy: Death is bad. Arsé-kun: Randy: Thanks, Sheepy. Super. Sheepy: Sheepy: Don't worry about it too much Sheepy: ?: I'm not worrying. Arsé-kun: Randy: Good, good.. Sheepy: Sheepy: As for the whole lack of staff and funding, if Watson mentions this place in one of his books, wouldn't it raise interest? Sheepy: ?: ...Oh, him. *a look of disgust spreads on his face* Every time I've had the misfortune of dealing with him it's always about how serious my condition is and how I need to- *he goes into a hacking fit* Arsé-kun: Randy: ... That is the exact opposite of what we want, Sheepy. Considering there is a cult as well as.... It, down there. Sheepy: Sheepy: Ooohh... true, but... Sheepy: Sheepy: People still need a good hospital to go to... Sheepy: ?: It's a fine hospital. I'm stationed here. I know. Sheepy: ?: You wouldn't know because you probably haven't been here before. Arsé-kun: Randy: Oh, we have. Sheepy: ?: ...I haven't seen you around. Arsé-kun: Randy: And I have not seen you. It doesn't change anything. Sheepy: ?: *cough* I'm here all the time. *he's eyeing Randy suspiciously...* Arsé-kun: Randy: That does not mean you are in the exact same place I would be, though. Sheepy: ?: You've got a point. Sheepy: ?: But it's still my duty to make sure you aren't related to the disappearances past knowing the perpetrator. Arsé-kun: Randy: I am not. Sheepy: ?: I'll believe you. Just don't do anything to make me shake that belief. Arsé-kun: Randy: I won't. Sheepy: ?: Isn't there anything you can do about the perpetrator? I'm not a patient but I'd still rather not let this place stay threatened. Arsé-kun: Randy: We can give it a shot, but no guarantees. Sheepy: ?: Good. Arsé-kun: Watson: ... *he wisely does not get involved. He has better things to be doing than chasing the fucking samurai wannabe around* Sheepy: ?: *he looks to Watson* ...Ah, you. Sheepy: ?: ... ... *he goes to say something before going into a coughing fit briefly. if you were curious how he's doing, Watson: that's your answer* Arsé-kun: Watson: ... Mask is on? Then I will not complain. Sheepy: ?: I haven't improved at all. *he huffs, irritated* Arsé-kun: Watson: It's almost like you refuse to take your medication. Sheepy: ?: I don't like the taste of it...! Arsé-kun: Watson: Okita, I swear to god. Once you're cured, you won't have to taste it ever again. Sheepy: Okita: It's so bitter... Arsé-kun: Watson: So are my feelings about the matter. Sheepy: Sheepy: Watson is here! I have someone to who I can have an intelligent conversation with now. Sheepy: Okita: Bitter means it's poisonous. Sheepy: Okita: My body knows what's up. My taste buds say it's bad so it's bad. Arsé-kun: Watson: You said the same thing about dark chocolate. Sheepy: Okita: Dark chocolate is disgusting! Arsé-kun: Watson: Point made. Sheepy: Sheepy: Nevermind, I don't think you're capable of intelligent conversation anymore. Arsé-kun: Watson: It was not my personal opinion. Sheepy: Sheepy: Then what is your opinion? Arsé-kun: Watson: irrelevant. Sheepy: Sheepy: Awww... Sheepy: Okita: You actually bond with your patients past nagging them to take their medicine? Arsé-kun: Watson: Surprising, isn't it? Arsé-kun: *randy, going to find the bathroom in the background,* Sheepy: Sheepy: I'm not his patient. He's my uncle. Arsé-kun: Watson: ...! Arsé-kun: Watson: ... Hey, wait a moment! You still are. Sheepy: Sheepy: Okay, then I'm not just your patient. Sheepy: Okita:...Uncle? Arsé-kun: Watson: A... Apparently? *he seems just as confused as Okita* Sheepy: Sheepy: When Iris says this stuff it's considered normal but when I say the same thing from the bottom of my heart it's considered weird and a source of distraught. Arsé-kun: Watson: It did startle me, I will admit. Speaking of being a patient, I haven't checked that old wound of yours for a while. Sheepy: Sheepy: Go ahead, I don't care. Arsé-kun: *And so, Watson does* Sheepy: Sheepy: How does it look? Arsé-kun: Watson: It healed well. Sheepy: Sheepy: Well, that's good. Arsé-kun: Watson: ... Didn't think I was looking, Okita? Don't sit on the floor. It's filthy. Sheepy: Okita:...I'm tired, I'll sit where I please. Arsé-kun: Watson: You'll get the floor sick at this rate. Sheepy: Okita: Floors don't have feelings. Arsé-kun: Watson: Or the ability to fall ill. sheep: Okita: *he hesitantly pulls himself into a chair, grimacing* sheep: Okita: *he coughs and mumbles something along the lines of, "I’ll kill this cold"...* sheep: Sheepy: Pretty sure you don’t have a cold. sheep: Okita: Kids really like to stick their noses where they don’t belong, huh? sheep: Sheepy: First, I’m probably as old as you are. Second, from all things I’ve seen thus far, I at least act like an adult because I don’t turn my nose up at medicine that could save my life purely over its taste. not sheep: Okita: *he huffs but otherwise doesn’t respond* Arsé-kun: Randy: *this is what he came back to* ... So anyway..! Sheep: Sheepy: Randy, breaking up heated debates is no fun. Arsé-kun: Randy: I don't mean to interrupt. I'm rather lost now. Sheep: Sheepy: This guy is calling tuberculosis a cold. Sheep: Sheepy: I corrected him and he didn’t appreciate it. Sheep: Okita: Tuberculosis is fatal. I’m not dead. It’s a cold. Sheep: Okita: Even if it were tuberculosis, the medicine that keeps being shoved at me is bitter snakeoil and isn’t going to cure the incurable. Arsé-kun: Watson: But it can be... Sheep: Okita: The medicine didn’t help the time I took it. If it was tuberculosis it would’ve since it’s medicine for tuberculosis. Arsé-kun: Watson: It doesn't work if you only take it once! Sheepy: Okita: Why not? Arsé-kun: Watson: Because that's not how medication works..! Sheepy: Okita: Nobody told me this. Arsé-kun: Watson: I've told you this before.. Sheepy: Okita: Then why don't I remember? Arsé-kun: Watson: How should I know? Sheepy: Okita: *cough, cough* The days and nights mix together. Arsé-kun: Watson: Speaking of Nights, it's starting to get a tad late. Sheepy: Sheepy: Oh, you're right. Arsé-kun: Watson: You two get going. Unless you'd like to wait a bit for me. Sheepy: Sheepy: I want to wait for you. Arsé-kun: Watson: Then find somewhere to sit down. As for you, Okita.. Back upstairs with you. Sheepy: Okita: Why? Arsé-kun: Watson: Because you need to eat something. When was the last time you ate? Sheepy: Okita:........ Sheepy: Okita: ............. Sheepy: Okita: I'm not hungry. Arsé-kun: Watson: Load of shit. Lets go, before I get you a wheelchair. Sheepy: Okita: *he stands* I don't need one. Arsé-kun: Watson: I'm glad to see that. Sheepy: Okita: I wouldn't sit in one anyway. Arsé-kun: Watson: So you say. Sheepy: Okita: What evidence do you have that I would? Arsé-kun: Watson: Necessity. Sheepy: Okita:...Sure. Sheepy: Okita: I'm going now. I haven't had an appetite all day. I still don't. Sheepy: Okita: The food they give us tastes like nothing. Arsé-kun: Watson: ... Don't tell the nurses I gave you this. *he hands Okita MONEY* Go buy yourself something decent for once. Sheepy: Okita:...?! Sheepy: Okita: I can have this? Arsé-kun: Watson: Yes. You're not going to improve much if you're only given the same thing, day in and day out. Sheepy: Okita: *cough, cough* ...I really don't know what I want...I'm not that hungry... Arsé-kun: Watson: Please eat something. Even if it's junk. Sheepy: *Sheepy plops down in a seat* Arsé-kun: Randy: *he follows suit* Today was... Something. Sheepy: Sheepy: Tiring. Arsé-kun: Randy: Exhausting. Sheepy: Sheepy: Stressful. Arsé-kun: Randy: Yes, that's the word. Sheepy: Sheepy: I hope the guy we rescued is okay, though. Arsé-kun: Randy: As do I. Arsé-kun: *meanwhile, somewhere more well lit, and neater, and generally better. maybe* Sheepy: *Rupel receives a phone call!* Arsé-kun: Rupel: ... *he groans and reaches for his phone. Answers it* Bonjour..? Sheepy: Fox: Rupel! Where are you?! Arsé-kun: Rupel: ... Hm..? Sheepy: Fox: You've been gone for a long time! Arsé-kun: Rupel: .... Huh? Wait, what? *he sits up and looks around* Eh?? Sheepy: Fox: You've been gone for a while. Arsé-kun: Rupel: I heard you the first time... I'm just not sure how I got here. Sheepy: Fox: "Here"? Arsé-kun: Rupel: Uh.. Yeah. I forgot the word for it... Big health place. Sheepy: Fox: Hospital?! Arsé-kun: Rupel: Yes, that. How did I get here...? Sheepy: Fox: I don't know but I'm coming to get you. Is Jack with you? Arsé-kun: Rupel: I don't know... Sheepy: Fox:...Don't worry about it. Just stay put. Arsé-kun: Rupel: Uh. Okay. Sheepy: *Fox rushes over to the hospital!* Arsé-kun: *Rupel stays where he is. He's not entirely sure what happened.. He recalls the flood. That must be why he's here. He doesn't recall what happened to Jack, though, and calls him up* Sheepy: *Jack is probably still conked out...* Arsé-kun: Rupel: ... *he doesn't try again. Instead, he realizes he lost his hat. A shame.* Sheepy: *Fox arrives at the hospital!* Sheepy: *But has no clue where Rupel is. Meanwhile, Okita is actually eating (and took his medicine), but that's unimportant.* Arsé-kun: *It is a christmas miracle* Arsé-kun: *Anyway. Fox, you gonna go in the dark and scary hospital?* Sheepy: *He goes in!* Arsé-kun: Watson: ...? Sheepy: Fox: Is my friend here? Arsé-kun: Watson: There is a possibility. Who are they? Sheepy: Fox: One's named Jack Jones and he wouldn't reply to his phone at all. The other one confirmed that he was in the hospital. His name is Rupel and he has long, purple hair and wears fancy clothes. Sheepy: Diego: Actually, I brought him here because he was collapsed... Arsé-kun: Watson: Both are here, definitely. Sheepy: Fox: Where are they? I need to make sure they're okay. Arsé-kun: Watson: Both are upstairs. I'll bring you to them. Sheepy: Fox: Thank you! Arsé-kun: Watson: Quite welcome. Arsé-kun: *So Watson brings Fox to Rupel* Sheepy: Fox: Rupel, why are you here? Arsé-kun: Rupel: ... Fox? I... There was a flood. I made it out, I think.. Sheepy: Fox: Flood?! ...Really, I shouldn't be surprised considering where you were, but... Arsé-kun: Rupel: ... *he glances away.* .. Have you seen Jack yet? Sheepy: Fox: No. Arsé-kun: Rupel: Neither have I.. Sheepy: Fox: The one who showed me to your room said that Jack is here as well. Arsé-kun: Watson: He is. Sheepy: Fox: Is he okay? Arsé-kun: Watson: I believe so. No injuries. Sheepy: Fox: Thank goodness... Arsé-kun: Rupin: That's good.. Sheepy: Fox: I should let you rest. Sheepy: Fox: I'll wait in the lobby for you. Arsé-kun: Rupin: Don't leave me here! Sheepy: Fox: Huh? Arsé-kun: Rupin: I'm coming too..! Sheepy: Fox: Alright. Arsé-kun: *And so, Rupel jumps up to join the party. He's still a bit chilly, so he takes a blanket with him. Best thief* Sheepy: *Fox and Rupel go to the lobby.* Arsé-kun: *no running in the hospital lobby* Arsé-kun: *Watson arrives a bit after them, carrying Jack* Sheepy: Sheepy:....*he looks up* Watson, you shouldn't be doing that. Arsé-kun: Watson: Why not? He's not hurt. Therefore, there's not really a reason to stay. Sheepy: Jack: *he still seems a bit on the disoriented side.* Sheepy: Sheepy: I'm not concerned about him. Sheepy: Sheepy: I mean that you shouldn't be the one carrying him around. Arsé-kun: Watson: Point made and noted. *Fox wins a free Jack. here you go* Sheepy: Fox: Thank you. Sheepy: Fox: We're going now. Arsé-kun: Watson: That's fine. Stay safe. Sheepy: Sheepy: We'll leave when you go, Watson. Arsé-kun: Watson: ... I was going to stay put because no one else did. Sheepy: Sheepy: We'll stay with you. Arsé-kun: Watson: If you'd like. Sheepy: Sheepy: Yeah. Arsé-kun: *A wild timeskip appeared* Sheepy: *The three eventually return home, Sheepy never having contacted Arséne that he was okay...* Arsé-kun: *Which means that Arséne is at his desk, trying Not To Worry. Failed step one.* Arsé-kun: *Step two was to Not Rush Sheepy on Entry. FAILED STEP TWO* Sheepy: Sheepy: Woah! What's wrong?? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Where have you been?? I've been trying to call you all morning..! Sheepy: Sheepy: Ah. My phone died. I was at the hospital. Arsé-kun: Watson: And not for himself, either. Sheepy: Sheepy: I was Watson's escort. So was Randy. Arsé-kun: Randy: Randy is going to bed. Sheepy: Sheepy: Sleep well. Arsé-kun: *Randy trudges out, stage right.* Sheepy: Sheepy: We saved him and the slug was nice to me. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Well done. Sheepy: Sheepy: Sorry for worrying you though. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Forgiven. I should be more used to you being out at night. Sheepy: Sheepy: But I should have been back sooner. Sheepy: Tom: *stare* Arsé-kun: Arséne: It happens. Sheepy: Sheepy: I'll try to make sure it doesn't again. Sheepy: Sheepy: I'll keep an eye on my phone. Sheepy: Iris: ...Oh! Daddy's back! *Iris, overjoyed, bounces over to Watson and hugs him.* Arsé-kun: Watson: Hello, Iris! Sheepy: Iris: Hello! Arsé-kun: Watson: Sorry for only getting home now. I had the late shift. Sheepy: Iris: I babysat Holmsies for you. Eventually Herly took over. Sheepy: Iris: It's okay! Sheepy: Harley: Never leave me alone with him ever again. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Someone's being salty this morning. Sheepy: Harley: I'm tired. Sheepy: Harley: He never shut up. Arsé-kun: Watson: It's better than the sad violin. Sheepy: Harley: That's true.... Sheepy: *Speaking of violin, there's the violin. At least it sounds pleasant?* Sheepy: Harley: When you like someone, it's much easier to put up with their shenanigans. Sheepy: Harley: Hence, my difficulty with Sherlock. Sheepy: Sheepy: I can understand that. Sheepy: Sheepy: Just because you're his brother doesn't mean you like him. But... perhaps, it isn't a problem with him but you. Sheepy: Harley: *glare* Sheepy: Sheepy: You blame yourself because of what Sherlock became after his head injury. He has a brilliant mind damaged by a brain injury, causing his clumsy, forgetful nature. All you see in that is your past mistakes and inability to protect him, despite you probably not being at fault. So you convinced yourself that you hate him with a passion. ...But is that fair to him? Is that fair to you? Sheepy: Harley: Who gave you the right to decide my reasons? Sheepy: Sheepy: Juuuust pointing it out~ You can just ignore my input as always, 'cause I'm just an annoying brat. Sheepy: *A smug grin flashes on Sheepy's face. Iris's attention is caught by this. She puts her hands on his face and tries to make it come back. So, the norm.* Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he returns to his desk and rests his head in his hands. Same old, same old* Arsé-kun: *Meanwhile, in the background, it's cooking with your local neighborhood vampires. Mostly Impey though. Delly can't even reach the counter.* Arsé-kun: *Also meanwhile, Germain is watching out a window, as if he expects something. Or someone. Van is nearby, and about twice as bored* Arsé-kun: *Other things of note: While Sheepy, Watson, and Randy were out, someone finally picked up the Jackson kids. Finally* Sheepy: *The bickering eventually stops. Also, Fran is here to help cook but he's not good at it.* Arsé-kun: *Fran can Learn* Sheepy: *Which he is doing.* Sheepy: *There's a scraping and rattling noise outside.... there's a knocking at the door...* Arsé-kun: Germain: Ah. I'll be going now. *he goes to the door and cracks it open* It's both of you, yes? Sheepy: Hansel: Yes. Arsé-kun: Germain: Back up. I'm coming out there. Sheepy: *Hansel backs up* Arsé-kun: Germain: *he opens the door enough to slip out, and closes it* It's been a while, hasn't it? Sheepy: Hansel: Yes. Sheepy: Hansel: Too long. Arsé-kun: Germain: My apologies. Sheepy: Hansel: Fine. Sheepy: Hansel: It is unfortunate how things turned out. Arsé-kun: Germain: It is. I'd have let you in, except.. Well, you read my message. Sheepy: Hansel: Unfortunately, apologies will fix nothing... according to Guinevere. Arsé-kun: Germain: It's a formality. Sheepy: Hansel: I see. Sheepy: Hansel: How are you? Arsé-kun: Germain: I've been well. Yourself? Sheepy: Hansel: hungry. Arsé-kun: Germain: Other than that. Sheepy: Hansel: I've been myself. Arsé-kun: Germain: Have I missed anything of importance? Sheepy: Hansel: Lady Omnibus has been doubting Nyarlathotep's loyalty, understandably. Sheepy: Hansel: So...the norm. All is well. Arsé-kun: Germain: Nothing has changed. That is good. Sheepy: Hansel: Guinevere baked. I have brought some for you. The mediocre ones were made by me. Sheepy: *Hansel hands Saint baked goods wrapped in fabric to make a bag. I dont know the word* Arsé-kun: Germain: Thank you. Sheepy: Hansel: What is the situation with Twilight? Arsé-kun: Germain: The human experimentation should be stopping, I hear. Sheepy: Hansel: Good. Sheepy: Hansel: Lady Omnibus will be pleased. Arsé-kun: Germain: M-hm. So we no longer have to worry about that. Sheepy: Hansel: Yes. Good. Sheepy: Hansel: Why do you live here? Arsé-kun: Germain: Because Carter's mansion got ransacked. It being his is no secret anymore, so... *he shrugs* It got lonely by myself. Sheepy: Hansel: I see. Sheepy: Hansel: It's been lonely without you. Arsé-kun: Germain: ... *he tips his head to Hansel. He Is Sorry* Sheepy: *Hansel doesn't react to this. He probably doesn't understand it.* Sheepy: Hansel: Guinevere has been out often. Arsé-kun: Germain: ... Has she? *he straightens up* Sheepy: Hansel: Yes. Arsé-kun: Germain: Out working? Sheepy: Hansel: Yes. Arsé-kun: Germain: Hm. Sheepy: Hansel: I am not useful for most missions due to my tendency to leave evidence, but I don't mind. Arsé-kun: Germain: .. And you, Gretel? Arsé-kun: Gretel: *she presents herself from the fork* I don't mind it either! Sheepy: Hansel: We're happy. Sheepy: Hansel: *he looks over to the window and waves. hello. is he that interesting?* Arsé-kun: Germain: *he looks as well* .. ..... I am not even remotely surprised by this. Arsé-kun: *Nobody eavesdropping moves an inch. Iris and Watson are staring. Everyone else is piled on each other like hellhounds waiting to devour raw meat, while heavy metal music plays to incite violence* Sheepy: Hansel: The hate they feel for me slipped my mind. Arsé-kun: Germain: This is precisely why I wished to speak with you out here, and not in there. Sheepy: Hansel: *he looks directly at Watson and Iris* ...I'm sorry. It doesn't lessen my guilt, but I had no choice in the matter. Arsé-kun: Gretel: Neither of us did. Our orders were absolute. Sheepy: Hansel: I tried to find a way out of it... there wasn't one. Arsé-kun: Gretel: It was either do what we did, or let someone else raze the house to the ground. Sheepy: Hansel: In the end... it was two lives or three. I knew this. Sheepy: Hansel: As Gretel mentioned...and considering she was in the house at the time... Arsé-kun: Gretel: We're not children killers. Sheepy: Hansel: Yes. Sheepy: Hansel: We aren't guiltless, but we have no violent motives. It's fine to hate us, but please don't be afraid of us. Sheepy: Nyar: Kid, you failed your mission anyway. You killed the wrong target. Arsé-kun: Gretel: what. Sheepy: Nyar: The baby survived. Arsé-kun: Watson: *he promptly goes and grabs Nyar by the collar* And this is the first time you make mention of it?! Sheepy: Nyar: You really think a mother dying can stop my father from using her unborn child? Sheepy: Nyar: Ah? Oh, you're here. Sheepy: Nyar: I guess it must've slipped my mind. Sheepy: Nyar: Here's the deal. Sheepy: Nyar: Our powers are never positive to humans. Sheepy: Nyar: Yeah, the mother died. Yeah, my dad took the kid. You think he's actually human anymore? Arsé-kun: Watson: Removing a fetus doesn't miraculously change its species, no matter the age. So until proven otherwise? Yes. Sheepy: Nyar: If he was human, he'd be dead. Sheepy: Nyar: You've interacted with him. You don't remember it but you have. Sheepy: Nyar: Hmmm..that's all I'm in the mood for sharing. Figure out the rest yourself. I've got more important things to deal with. Sheepy: Nyar: Anyway, I'd appreciate it if you let go of my collar. Arsé-kun: Watson: Real damn helpful. *but he lets go.* Sheepy: Nyar: You really don't get it, do you? Arsé-kun: Watson: If I did, I wouldn't be asking, would I? Sheepy: Nyar: Information is the strongest weapon you can have. Sheepy: Nyar: Why would I sacrifice what makes me useful when I still need you and your friends to help me just a little more? Arsé-kun: Van: *he levels his shotgun with Nyar's head* Stop talking. Sheepy: Nyar: *he doesn't appear too bothered by it* So, then, that's a no. Unfortunate. Sheepy: Nyar: I don't know anything it seems. Arsé-kun: Germain: *he opens the door* You stop that. Sheepy: Nyar: Saint-Germain. I'm not sacrificing something precious just because someone wants it. I've given enough as it is. Arsé-kun: Germain: Not that. Sheepy: Nyar: What? Arsé-kun: Germain: Van, put that gun down. Nyar, you do know things, but you tend to share them at downright awful times. We've been over this. Sheepy: Nyar: I don't know anything in terms of this topic until I get the help I want. Sheepy: Nyar: Upon being threatened, I understood that there's no way I'll get it, so I'll simply leave it at "I know nothing, nevermind". Sheepy: Nyar: Which is unfortunate, because if I knew something on the topic, I'd certainly release everything. Arsé-kun: Germain: "I only tell things when it's entertaining or necessary". End quotes, you. Sheepy: Nyar: Ah, using it as a negotiation tactic is necessary. Sheepy: Nyar: People don't do anything for free, after all. Arsé-kun: *Gretel just kinda looks at Hansel. This is stuff that is happening* Sheepy: Hansel:....*he mumbles "Im hungry"* Sheepy: Nyar: Anyway, Dearie, help me and I'll reunite your son and you and reveal all of the circumstances, thanks! Sheepy: Nyar: But right now I've got better things to do~ Arsé-kun: *Watson groans. He doesn't turn it down, though* Sheepy: Nyar: But before I go! Sheepy: Nyar: Phil sold his emotions away stupidly along with his ability to lie and while trying to help him I accidentally got stuck serving the one who tricked him. Sheepy: Nyar: She took part of me as well, hence my inability to just deal with my problems myself. Sheepy: Nyar: Also, if you think about it, if I were whole and could deal with everything myself and not need to rely on humans to help me, this whole thinvnever would have happened and you wouldn't have met most of your friends 'cause I'd be working for Twilight and not interacting with you guys at all. Sheepy: Nyar: So! In a way, my mistakes helped many and caused true love to bloom. Surely, a sweet story to throw up about because it's stomach ache inducing sweet. Arsé-kun: Delly: Gross! Now stop saying so many words! Sheepy: Nyar: But, anyway, if you help me, I'll reward you generously for assisting me. OK, I've got to make sure my dad's fine and nor being dumb. That's just how it is, being born with the explicit purpose of serving him. Sheepy: Nyar: Toodles! *Off he goes!* Sheepy: Hansel: I see. He's disloyal. Arsé-kun: Gretel: I hear. Are we going to do anything? Or shall we let this play out? Sheepy: Hansel: Our job is to follow her orders. I don't know. Arsé-kun: Germain: I planned on letting it happen, if it helps any. Sheepy: Hansel: I'm sorry that you've gotten involved in this mess ... ... ...Watt-sen. Arsé-kun: Watson: ... It's fine. I would have been dragged into something equally as ridiculous, I bet. Sheepy: Hansel: Yes. Sheepy: Hansel: Technically. Sheepy: Hansel: There is a possibility that much like with Gretel, Lady Omnibus could bring your wife back. ... But. I wouldn't recommend it unless you're desperate. Arsé-kun: Watson: Don't bother. Sheepy: Hansel: Yes. I understand. Sheepy: Hansel: Because she would force you to inflict the same suffering on others. Sheepy: Hansel: Again. I'm sorry. It's not much, but if you need help, you can call on Gretel and me to protect you unless you are opposing Lady Omnibus in that situation. Arsé-kun: Gretel: And I'm already dead, so I probably can't do much there. Sheepy: Hansel: Yes. Sheepy: Hansel: She is my mother. I can't simply betray her, but I also don't agree with her. Sheepy: Sheepy: I wouldn't want to be the child of a horse-pulled car. Sheepy: Hansel: *he doesn't respond. a brief look of confusion appears on his face but it's quickly replaced by a look of boredom* Arsé-kun: Gretel: huh Sheepy: Sheepy: Those horse-pulled cars from back then were called omnibuses. Arsé-kun: Gretel: oooh! Arsé-kun: Gretel: Hansel. Shall we share what we came across on our way? If we are lucky, the trail remains for us to follow. Sheepy: Hansel: Yes. Sheepy: Hansel: There's a detective, after all. Arsé-kun: Germain: There are multiple. Go on, though. Sheepy: Hansel: We came across a murder, along with a few birds. They ate my bread crumbs.... Arsé-kun: Gretel: All of them? There must be some left.. Sheepy: Hansel: There might be. Sheepy: Sherlock: Murder? Sheepy: Hansel: No, I'm pretty sure they were pigeons. Arsé-kun: Gretel: No crows! Arsé-kun: Germain: No, no, you two. Sheepy: Hansel: What? Arsé-kun: Gretel: The actual murder? Sheepy: Hansel: Yes, an actual murder. Arsé-kun: Germain: Where...? Sheepy: Hansel: Ah, it was this alley with graffiti. Sheepy: Hansel: It was a fresh corpse posed in a way to look what seems to be thr last moments. Very bloody. Arsé-kun: Germain: ... Sherlock? Sheepy: Sherlock: ...... Sheepy: Sherlock: I'll look into it. Sheepy: Sherlock: Watson, you should rest, meanwhile. You worked the night shift last night. Arsé-kun: Watson: ... Oh, fine. Sheep: Sherlock: When you’re feeling more rested up I’ll bring you along. Sheep: Sheepy: I’ve been wondering. Are you two the ones from Hansel and Gretel?? You wandered into the forest because of your stepmom and found a gingerbread house? Sheep: Hansel: Gingerbread... ... ... I’m hungry... Sheep: Sheepy: And then a witch happened and you killed her? Sheep: Hansel: I wonder what Guinevere will cook for dinner... ... *he gives Sheepy a blank look, apparently having snapped out of being hungry* There was no gingerbread house. Sheep: Hansel: Gretel starved to death. I was on the verge of it. Omnibus gave me a second chance at life and granted my wish. She reunited me with Gretel and adopted us. Arsé-kun: Gretel: I'm hungry. Sheepy: Sherlock: *he doesn't seem too interested in this, instead getting ready to go* Arsé-kun: *Meanwhile, Impey's squatting on the roof. Get the fuck down from there. Something has his attention.* Arsé-kun: Impey: .... *he glances up at the sky. It's still broad daylight. He frowns and jumps down to the lawn* Yo, Sherlock, hurry up! Sheepy: Sherlock: Sorry, I'm ready. Arsé-kun: Impey: Neat. I think I've got a handle on where it is. Kinda. Sheepy: Sherlock: Right, I'll follow you. Sheepy: Hansel: We'll come with you. Sheepy: Hansel: We can show you. Arsé-kun: Gretel: Yep. Sheepy: Hansel: *he starts heading to the scene of the crime* Arsé-kun: *Gretel returns to the fork. No one needs to see her floating around* Sheepy: *Sherlock follows Hansel hesitantly* Arsé-kun: Impey: *he strides on ahead, takes a big sniff, and considers leaping a building when he recalls that the rest of the party can't do this* It's, uh, this way, I think. Sheepy: *hansel leads them to an alley. there's a dead body* Arsé-kun: *also knocked over trashcans, graffiti, and is generally a mess.* Sheepy: *And Yusuke, who's trembling, horrified* Arsé-kun: *This is the second time he's been traumatized this year, and this time he got to watch. This is the thing Watson would turn his attention to if he were present.* Sheepy: Sherlock: Hansel. Can you take him back to Watson please? Sheepy: Hansel: *he silently takes Yusuke's hand and begins to lead him back to the office* Sheepy: Sherlock: Tell Watson that he discovered the body. Arsé-kun: Impey: *he wrinkles his face* This paint is fresh, smells awful. Sheepy: Sherlock: Mm. Looks like the victim was making graffiti before being attacked. Sheepy: Sherlock: The graffiti appears to be unfinished. Sheepy: Sherlock: It's possible the murderer painted this, but I'm doubtful due to its unfinished state and the fact that the victim was in this alley in the first place. The paint canister further suggests the victim drew this. Sheepy: Sherlock: This is where the victim died. As you can see, the body wasn't dragged anywhere. Instead, it looks like it was posed to appear as though the victim was begging for his life Sheepy: Sherlock: *he puts his goggles on and hits a switch on the side. A photo pops out of a slot on his bag! He takes pictures from different zoom levels and angles.+ Sheepy: *Hansel, meanwhile, has left with Yusuke.* Arsé-kun: *Impey bends down and inspects the body once Sherlock is done* Sheepy: Sherlock: I'd say the victim was played with before being killed, like a mouse being toyed with by a cat. This is suggested by the small nicks on the victim's face and neck, specifically near the eye. Eventually, the killer grew bored and killed the victim once and for all by slicing their wrist and allowing them to bleed out. This would explain the cut on the victim's wrist that is currently elevated. Arsé-kun: Impey: I'd agree with most of that, but you'd want to lower a limb to make it bleed more. If you raise it up like so, it'd take even longer.. Sheepy: Sherlock: That's a good point. Sheepy: Sherlock: It appears as though the killer tried to recreate the last moments before death... shoddily. Maybe it was the point at which the killer gained the most satisfaction... Sheepy: Sherlock: Was it for enjoyment's sake...? Arsé-kun: Impey: *he shudders* How messed up do you gotta be to enjoy that? Sheepy: Sherlock: I've seen worse. Arsé-kun: Impey: Well of course you have. Sheepy: Sherlock:....There's a word here... Sheepy: Sherlock: By the victim's feet Sheepy: Sherlock: "Longing". Arsé-kun: Impey: What is this, an entry piece for art school?? Sheepy: Sherlock:....! Sheepy: Sherlock: Impey, you genius! Sheepy: Sherlock: That would explain the pose! Arsé-kun: Impey: Huh? ..I mean, I am, aren't I? *he puffs up a little. +2 confidence* Sheepy: Sherlock: So then, our culprit is an artist... or thinks that they are one. Sheepy: Sherlock: And they attacked someone who was drawing...painting? Sheepy: Sherlock:....Jealousy? Opportunity...? Arsé-kun: Impey: Being a nutcase? Sheepy: Sherlock: Possibly... Sheepy: Sherlock: Well, certainly, but that isn't guaranteed to be the motive. Arsé-kun: Impey: Oh, yeah. Maybe it was personal or something. Sheepy: Sherlock: Right. We'll need to ID him, but that's up to the police. Sheepy: Sherlock: For now, I'm going to look around a little more and then I think we should go talk to the one who discovered the body. He seemed to be going through shock, though. Arsé-kun: Impey: What do you mean "shock"? Like, electrical? Sheepy: Sherlock: Emotional. Sheepy: Sherlock: The kid's mother was a victim of another case of mine - a recent one. Sheepy: Sherlock: I ... can't fathom how he feels right now. Arsé-kun: Impey: Probably really bad. Sheepy: Sherlock: Definitely. Sheepy: Sherlock: So in this case if Watson is awake and clear minded I'll ask the witness a few questions. Otherwise, I'll leave him alone until Watson is ready. Sheepy: Sherlock: Also, it'll do him no good to be out here. Arsé-kun: Impey: Yeah. Hope forkguy didn't get himself lost! Sheepy: Sherlock: I don't see any clues, so I think it'd be best if we head back. ...And that too. Arsé-kun: Impey: Righto. You wanna walk back? Sheepy: Sherlock: Yeah. Sheepy: *The two head home!* Sheepy: *Hansel is there and is watching Yusuke silently, leaning on his fork with an absent expression in his eyes.* Arsé-kun: Impey: Lively. Sheepy: Sherlock: What is? Arsé-kun: Impey: *vague gesture. this room. the activity levels!* Sheepy: Sherlock: Ooohhh... Sheepy: Sherlock:....Why is he still here? Sheepy: Hansel: My mission isn't over yet. Sheepy: Sherlock: Mission? Sheepy: Hansel: Is not over. Arsé-kun: Delly: Then get your ass moving! Go, shoo! Sheepy: Hansel: You stated that I must return Yusuke to Watt-sen and tell him that Yusuke saw a dead body. Sheepy: Hansel: However. Sheepy: Hansel: I returned him here, which does not constitute as returning him to Watson. Sheepy: Hansel: Furthermore. Sheepy: Hansel: Lastly... ... my trail has been eaten by birds, so I cannot return home Sheepy: Sherlock: Why don't you just use a map? Sheepy: Hansel:... Sheepy: Hansel: My trail is all I can rely on. Sheepy: Hansel: And... if I return home, Mother will be worried because I did not inform her of my departure. Sheepy: Hansel: Simply, I've been rebellious. Sheepy: Sherlock: Aren't you an adult? Actually, what do you even consider a punishable offense? Your mother is just fine with you murdering people. Sheepy: Hansel: Sometimes when I'm feeling particularly rebellious ... ... Ah, you'll tell her, so perhaps it'd be best not to reveal my dark secrets. Sheepy: Sherlock: I won't. Sheepy: Hansel: You'll tell Saint-Germain then. Arsé-kun: Germain: Or you can say it directly. Sheepy: Hansel:?! Sheepy: Hansel:..Sometimes. Sheepy: Hansel: When I'm feeling particularly rebellious. Sheepy: Hansel: I stay up an hour later than I'm supposed to. Arsé-kun: Germain: ... Is that all? Sheepy: Hansel:...No. Sheepy: Hansel: Sometimes I sleep in later than I'm supposed to. And sometimes I wear my robes in the middle of Summer even though Mother tells me not to. Sometimes I wear my shoes on the wrong feet even though I'm supposed to wear then on very specific feet...or I don't tie them. Sheepy: Hansel: I'm sorry, Saint-Germain. Arsé-kun: Germain: ... ... *try not to laugh. succeed step one* ... Hansel, none of that was awful. Sheepy: Hansel: What? Arsé-kun: Germain: It's not worth getting antsy over. None of that is. Sheepy: Hansel:...I see. Sheepy: Hansel: Why not? Arsé-kun: Germain: It's so.. Mundane. It doesn't harm anyone. Sheepy: Hansel: It doesn't? Arsé-kun: Germain: It doesn't. Sheepy: Hansel: Then why are these rules enforced? Arsé-kun: Germain: Because the last time I asked, you said you were ten years old. Sheepy: Hansel:.. Sheepy: Hansel: I see. Arsé-kun: Delly: Gee, do you? Sheepy: Hansel: Do I what? Arsé-kun: Delly: Do you see? Sheepy: Hansel: See what? Arsé-kun: Delly: You said "I see". Do you? Sheepy: Hansel: I do. Sheepy: Hansel: I see with my eyes. Sheepy: Hansel: How do you see? Arsé-kun: Delly: With my special eyes. Sheepy: Hansel: Where? Where are they? Arsé-kun: Delly: *he points to his face* You tell me! Sheepy: Hansel: ...? Arsé-kun: Delly: .... What do you think?! Sheepy: *Hansel looks to Saint-Germain. Where are the special eyes?* Arsé-kun: Germain: .... Hansel, he just pointed to his own eyes. Sheepy: Hansel: Ah. Arsé-kun: Delly: Woooooooow. Sheepy: Hansel: What? Arsé-kun: Delly: This is why humankind isn't ready for immortality. Humans can't tolerate it. And you're an idiot. Sheepy: Hansel:... Arsé-kun: Gretel: .... Sheepy: Hansel: I see. Sheepy: Hansel: Are you enjoying yourself? Arsé-kun: Delly: Absolutely! Sheepy: Hansel: I would like to ask you something. Sheepy: Hansel: Why do you believe that I am the face of immortality, or that immortality is a good thing? Arsé-kun: Delly: I never said you were. You happen to be one of many that I notice fit the cri.. crit.. fit the damn thing. Didn't say it was good, either! Use your ears better! Sheepy: Hansel: "Humanity isn't fit for immortality". Sheepy: Hansel: It's that statement that reveals everything. Sheepy: Hansel: Lady Guinevere and I never wished for immortality. We wished to save those we could not - those we caused to suffer, to die, from our own clueless actions. Arsé-kun: Delly: You needed help knowin' my eyes are in my head. You're still clueless. Sheepy: Hansel: I did not understand "special eyes". Sheepy: Hansel: And perhaps I'm clueless because all I've learned all my life is how to be a weapon. Sheepy: Hansel: Before judging, consider the other's situations. Arsé-kun: Delly: How am I supposed to know that?? Sheepy: Hansel: If someone is struggling and you make fun of them, they'll give up all together. Sheepy: Hansel: Perhaps you should try clarifying what you mean or not playing mind games with someone who is clearly struggling with things you consider simple. Arsé-kun: Delly: *he considers this.* Sooo.. What you're saying here is you're not a stupid person, just troubled. Sheepy: Hansel: Yes. Arsé-kun: Delly: That'd be nice to know beforehand. *he gives a pointed glare to Germain. Germain ignores him* Sheepy: Hansel: Sorry. I didn't know to tell you. Sheepy: Hansel:....Why are you staring at Saint-Germain? Should I stare as well? Arsé-kun: Delly: I was expecting. A response. From him. About that. Sheepy: Hansel: Ah? Arsé-kun: Germain: ... Delacroix, it's not my place to share the issues of others unless it's of the best interest. Do stop glaring at me as such. Arsé-kun: Delly: Peh. *but he does stop* Sheepy: Hansel: Ah. Sheepy: Hansel: Thank you, Saint-Germain. I overshared. Sheepy: Hansel: My mistake... Arsé-kun: Delly: Oh, I've got an idea. Arsé-kun: Delly: You're a guide when you're not being told to commit homicide, right? Sheepy: Hansel: Yes. Sheepy: Hansel: Why? Sheepy: Hansel: I'm....not told to do it often, as I said, because I leave too much evidence and I mess up. Arsé-kun: Delly: Well, you'd perhaps be of assistance with that job of yours. It wouldn't be weird for you to be bringing someone around. Sheepy: Hansel: What do you mean? Arsé-kun: Delly: I mean, I have somewhere to go, but cannot go myself. Sheepy: Hansel: Where? Arsé-kun: Delly: To my Father's. The journey would be too much for anyone else, and you're not a pussy. Sheepy: Hansel: Where? Arsé-kun: Delly: I can't share that all willy-nilly! Get.. Hold on! *he gets up on a chair, so he can whisper to Hansel. he almost said 'get down here' but that is not Fitting of the Vampire Prince now IS IT* Sheepy: Hansel:? Arsé-kun: *and delly tells him* Sheepy: Hansel: I am unsure if I'll be allowed to... Arsé-kun: Germain: You could excuse it as part of your day-job. Just.. A child asked you to guide them back home, as they've got no trail of their own. Sheepy: Hansel: ... Is that my day job? Arsé-kun: Germain: Well, I suppose so. Sheepy: Hansel: ...I see. If it is my duty, I must do it. Sheepy: Hansel: When? Sheepy: *Sherlock, meanwhile, is pacing back and forth, lost in thought. Harley is pulling a Sherlock and taking a nap in one of the chairs, Wilson on his lap. Nyar hasn't had attention for 0.2 seconds.* Arsé-kun: Germain: ... What, Nyar? What is it you want? Sheepy: Nyar: I don't know, what do you want? Sheepy: Hansel: Why are you here? Sheepy: Nyar: I don't know, why are YOU here?? Sheepy: Hansel: Because- Sheepy: Nyar: I don't actually care, kiddo, don't answer that. Arsé-kun: Germain: Don't do that to Hansel. And I want to know why you're giving me the insulted nightgaunt baby stare from across the room Sheepy: Nyar: Because I'm looonely. Sheepy: Hansel: Why would you ask me a question and then tell me not to answer? Sheepy: Nyar: Here's an idea, kiddo. Sheepy: Hansel: No. Sheepy: Hansel: Mother told me that your words are full of lies and that you're a pathological liar. Sheepy: Hansel: Simply, I can't accept any advice you give or follow any orders you command. Arsé-kun: Germain: I want to know what she's said about me. Sheepy: Hansel: Ah. Sheepy: Hansel: That you are a good apostle, a trustworthy one so long as I analyze your words clearly Sheepy: Hansel: ...But. I trust you fully, no matter your words. Arsé-kun: Germain: ... I hate to break this to you.. But do you think she's honest either? Sheepy: Hansel: What? Sheepy: Hansel: Of course she must be. Arsé-kun: Germain: Are you sure? Sheepy: Hansel: Is there something you know about her? Sheepy: Hansel: She is my mother, so why would she lie to me? Arsé-kun: Germain: ... Because she isn't an honest person. Sheepy: Hansel: What? Arsé-kun: Germain: I already said too much. We don't want her thinking you're up to anything suspicious. Because she would. Sheepy: Hansel: I don't understand. Arsé-kun: Germain: That's fine. Lets leave this matter alone. Sheepy: Hansel: ... Sheepy: Hansel: ...Anyway, I’ll try to bring you there. Sheepy: Hansel: When? Arsé-kun: Delly: How about... Now? Sheepy: Hansel: Fine. Sheepy: Hansel: Come, take my hand. Arsé-kun: Delly: *he makes a face, but does so* Sheepy: *And Hansel leads him to the closet.* Arsé-kun: *Which is hysterical out of context.* Arsé-kun: *and they exit scene with aforementioned closet. ooooooooo magik* Sheepy: Hansel:...? Sheepy: Hansel: It's...big. Sheepy: Hansel: This is it, correct? Arsé-kun: Delly: Yeah! Sheepy: Hansel:.....I'm not confident in my ability to not get lost, so I'll follow you. Sheepy: Hansel: Because I...don't like getting lost. Arsé-kun: Delly: Who does? Weirdos. That's the list. Just weirdos. Sheepy: Hansel: I suppose so... Sheepy: Hansel: So. Lead the way. Arsé-kun: Delly: .... It's a straight line forward. Sheepy: Hansel: So, lead the way. Arsé-kun: *and so, Delly does..?* Sheepy: *Hansel follows, dropping bread crumbs on the ground as he goes.* Arsé-kun: *It's not that close, but they'll get there one day* Sheepy: Hansel:...Why are we here? Arsé-kun: Delly: I wanted to go home. Sheepy: Hansel: Ah... Sheepy: Hansel: I understand. Sheepy: Hansel: Before I can...I must mull over Saint-Germain's words and find my way home. Sheepy: Hansel: He has never lied to me. Sheepy: *The guards are on high alert due to the rattling and scraping noises Hansel's fork is making...* Arsé-kun: Delly: *he raises his voice and* Chucklefucks, open the gate or fight me! Sheepy: *They quickly open the gate* Arsé-kun: Delly: New record! Arsé-kun: Delly: *he looks up at Hansel* Well, you did the guide job thing! Sheepy: Hansel: Yes. Sheepy: Hansel: Do I follow you? Lady Guinevere said not to enter homes unless I have explicit permission from the owner, one of the apostles, or Mother.... Arsé-kun: Delly: No. Go home! Sheepy: Hansel: ... Sheepy: Hansel: Then, how will you get back? Sheepy: Hansel: I've left a trail, but by the time you leave, the birds will have eaten it already. Arsé-kun: Delly: I'm going inside. I don't think I'd need such a thing. Sheepy: Hansel: No, no. Sheepy: Hansel: To the detective's home. Sheepy: Hansel: How will you return? Arsé-kun: Delly: You know? That's a good question. I'll probably just use a damn map! Sheepy: Hansel: ... Sheepy: Hansel: Then. Sheepy: Hansel: I'll return home, but your return won't be as fast as how you got here. Arsé-kun: Delly: No shit. Sheepy: Hansel: And you still want me to go home? Arsé-kun: Delly: You're an adult, you decide! Sheepy: Hansel:.... Sheepy: Hansel: I'll stay here and wait. Sheepy: Hansel: I know very little about you but I don't like the thought of you potentially getting lost on your way back. Sheepy: Hansel:...So. I'm going to wait for you. Right here. Sheepy: *Hansel sits on the ground* Arsé-kun: Delly: Don't do that Sheepy: Hansel: I need to mull over some things before I go home. Sheepy: Hansel: Where do I go, if not the ground? Sheepy: Hansel: Do I have to stand while I wait? Arsé-kun: Delly: Go home!! Sheepy: Hansel: *he frowns and heads off.* Arsé-kun: *adios Hansel* Arsé-kun: *And now, an indeterminate amount of time passes. It's actually like a day.* Sheepy: Sherlock: -Eggs? I don't recall anyone by that name. Sheepy: Sherlock:..Although. Sheepy: Sherlock:.......Eggs... Sheepy: Sherlock: I want Eggs. Arsé-kun: Impey: ... Yeah, me too. Sheepy: Sherlock: Harley may knkw Eggs. Or Iris. Sheepy: Iris: Holmsies, Eggs is Professor Moriarty's son. Eggs Benedict. Sheepy: Sherlock: I'm hungr....Moriarty? Sheepy: Sherlock:... Sheepy: Sherlock:..What were we talking about again? Food? I'm hungry. Arsé-kun: Impey: I agree! C'mon, lets take over the kitchen again. Arsé-kun: *and so, impey and sherlock hijack the entire kitchen. this is normal* Sheepy: Iris: Why do you need Moriarty's son anyway? Sheepy: Harley: I'm pretty sure Mycroft is friends with him. Sheepy: Harley: I could call him for you if you want? Sheepy: Harley: Actually, I should anyway... I haven't checked on him in a while. Arsé-kun: Delly: Because I'm dragging people to an important meeting, and I've been "informed" of his general absence. That's why! Don't ask more questions! Sheepy: Harley: So is that a yes or a no? Arsé-kun: Delly: Yes. Sheepy: Harley: Fine. Arsé-kun: Delly: Fine! Sheepy: Harley: [Text: to Mycroft] ( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ Arsé-kun: Mycroft: [text: to Harley] o/ What is it? Sheepy: Harley: [Text: to Mycroft] Delly wants to get into contact with Moriarty's son. Not sure why. (´｀;) ？ Do you know where he is? Arsé-kun: Mycroft: [text: to Harley] In my line of sight, waiting for the copying machine. I'll speak to him when I'm on my luncbhreak. Sheepy: Harley: [Text: to Mycroft] Thank you. (*•̀ᴗ•́*)و ̑̑ Don't bring it up with Sherlock, though, he's getting upset over the mere mention of him. By upset I mean he just went into the kitchen to avoid the situation. I'm afraid of what will come of it. Arsé-kun: Mycroft: [text: to Harley] 2x noted. Will text back when I have the time. Sheepy: Harley: [Text: to Mycroft] Hope everything goes well. (*^▽^*) Ah, and now that I'm thinking about it, don't ever allow Sherlock into your kitchen. Just...don't. (,,꒪꒫꒪,,) I've seen him do terrible things through the power of science. Things I want to unsee. Arsé-kun: Mycroft: [text: to Harley] 3x noted Sheepy: Harley: He's with Moriarty's son right now and will talk to him later. Arsé-kun: Delly: Fine. Sheepy: Harley: Fine. Sheepy: *Harley goes back to what he was doing.* Sheepy: Iris:...By the way, Delly. Did thd Fork Man threaten you at all? Arsé-kun: Delly: Pffff, him? Threaten anyone? Cute! Sheepy: Iris:?! Arsé-kun: Delly: He acted like a five year old! Sheepy: Iris:... Arsé-kun: Delly: It's like.. Giving an idiot kid a knife and telling them to poke someone. But stupider. Way stupider. Sheepy: Iris:....*She appears frustrated* Sheepy: Iris: But.... Sheepy: Iris: ...So, the actual target was my baby brother and he didn't even really know what he was doing? Sheepy: Harley: Obviously not, considering he stabbed her in the chest. Furthermore, Nyar mentioned that his father somehow salvaged the child, so the assassin couldn't even do that right. Sheepy: Harley: Sherlock and I were hunting for her killer on the side, but now that we've found him... I've got a sense of... Sheepy: Harley:...Disappointment? Arsé-kun: Delly: Lets group thinking. Fork was told to do it by someone else. Lets go beat up his boss! Sheepy: Harley: No. Are you stupid? Arsé-kun: Delly: You got a better idea? Sheepy: Harley: All we can do for now is cooperate with him along with Nyarlathotep and hope that we somehow manage to take the organisations down by... "manipulating" them. Sheepy: Nyar: Woooooow, you reeeaallly think highly of yourself, don't'cha? Arsé-kun: Delly: Woooow, shut up! Nobody asked you! Sheepy: Nyar: Do you hope to get on my good side by being nasty towards me? You humans really are funny. Arsé-kun: Delly: Vam-pi-re! Get it right! Sheepy: Nyar: What's the difference really? Arsé-kun: Delly: A lot! Don't group me in with 'em! Sheepy: Nyar: One's the predator and one's the prey, but the moment we go one level higher, there's barely any difference. Sheepy: Nyar: At that level, they're both playthings. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Stop saying words, the both of you. *here he is, the star of the show! just to drop into his seat and stare* Sheepy: Nyar: Don't order me around. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Please stop, then. Sheepy: Harley: How is it, Lupin? Arsé-kun: Arséne: A mess. A good and awful mess. Sheepy: Harley: How unfortunate. Arsé-kun: Arséne: It'd do you good to help me later today. Sheepy: Harley: He should have considered your feelings more before sticking you with that, but he said it was boring. Sheepy: Harley: What do you mean? Arsé-kun: Arséne: I mean exactly what I said. Sheepy: Harley: Do me good in what respect? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Getting outside without Watson breathing down your neck. Sound good? Sheepy: Harley: It does, but I have a feeling it's not going to be that easy. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Step one: Leave building. Profit instantly. Sheepy: Harley: Just don't be his stand in and we've got a deal. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Deal. Sheepy: Harley: If you nag me about my health I will leave and personally solve the case without your presence. Arsé-kun: Arséne: That's almost tempting. Sheepy: Harley: Don't. Sheepy: Harley: I don't want it. Arsé-kun: Arséne: I won't, I won't! Sheepy: Harley: Good. Sheepy: Harley: Let's hope he doesn't decide to follow. Sheepy: Harley: When are you going out? Sheepy: Sheepy: I'm no longer Arsene's assistant so you don't need to worry about me. Sheepy: Harley: I was not referring to you. Arsé-kun: Arséne: :< Sheepy: Harley: I was hoping Watson wouldn't go, not you. Sheepy: Sheepy: What, why are you frowning? Arsé-kun: Arséne: You're still coming with, Sheepy. Why would I not bring you? Sheepy: Sheepy: You have Harley now so you no longer need comic relief. Sheepy: Harley:...What's that supposed to mean? Sheepy: Sheepy: Well, you're such a big joke that none of mine can compare. Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... Well. Sheepy: Harley: You-! ... *he breathes in. calm down.* Arsé-kun: Arséne: The only currently running joke is his current detective work. The thing even the police are doing more of. Sheepy: Harley: .... Arsé-kun: Arséne: And that's ending when he comes with us. Sheepy: Harley: *he doesn't comment, instead looking away* Arsé-kun: Arséne: A real joke goes like this: Sherlock's cooking. Sheepy: Sheepy: Here's a joke: Arsé-kun: Arséne: The police. Sheepy: Sheepy: Your ability to improve sitiations you just damaged without a second thought. Sheepy: Sheepy: No, wait. Sheepy: Sheepy: That's me. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Stop that. Sheepy: Sheepy: If you kick me in the crotch I'll move out and not come back. Sheepy: Sheepy: Which is not necessarily a threat to you, but it's a threat to Arsene, Sherlock, Watson, and Iris. Arsé-kun: Delly: *he kicks the trashcan* Fight me over it! Sheepy: Sheepy: I can and will do it Arsé-kun: Delly: I'm already kicking your junk! *he kicks the trash again* Sheepy: Sheepy: Wow, that joke was so unfunny that I can't even bring myself to pity laugh. Arsé-kun: Delly: Then shuttup. Sheepy: Sheepy: Okay. Arsé-kun: *then it was awkward for a minute* Sheepy: Sheepy: So, when're you going out? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Eh... Sheepy: Sheepy: Eh? Sheepy: Sheepy: Eh isn't a time. Arsé-kun: Watson: *hello, I exist?* Sheepy: Harley: *He doesn't comment on Watson's existence.* Sheepy: Sheepy: Oh, hi. Arsé-kun: Watson: Hello. The kitchen is toxic again. Sheepy: Harley: Consider it Sherlock's feelings about Moriarty- Sheepy: Sherlock: ? Sheepy: *...Sherlock's got perfectly normal looking food, for once...* Arsé-kun: Delly: He doesn't smell like poison at all! What gives? Sheepy: Harley: Sherlock, what did you do? Sheepy: Sherlock: ? Sheepy: Sherlock: I did something? Arsé-kun: Watson: ? Arsé-kun: Watson: It wasn't him this time. Sheepy: Harley: Ah, of course, you didn't cook that. Sheepy: Sherlock: Yes I did. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Ouais? Sheepy: Sherlock: Of course. Sheepy: Harley: Are you sure? It actually looks like food rather than a science experiment. Arsé-kun: Arséne: But is it edible? heepy: Sherlock: Yes. Sheepy: Sherlock: Oh yeah, what's that smell? Arsé-kun: Watson: Van's cooking. Sheepy: Harley: ...Someone is worse than Sherlock...? Arsé-kun: Watson: Horrifying, I know. Sheepy: Iris: Daddy, can you be poisoned by the smell of bad cooking? I'm worried about Abby. Sheepy: Sheepy: You're the little one, and size is important when it comes to poison. Sheepy: Iris: You're not much taller! Sheepy: Sheepy: Pshh, I'll hit a growth spurt sooner or later and then that won't be true anymore. Sheepy: Iris: You've been saying that for a year now! Sheepy: Sheepy: You have to be patient when it comes to perfection. Arsé-kun: *arsene and herlock exit scene like ninjas* Arsé-kun: Watson: Bad cooking, no, not usually. Whatever just happened doesn't classify under bad cooking. Sheepy: Sherlock: Arsene left you behind, Sheepy. Is Harley well enough to go out? Because he did. Sheepy: Sheepy: I told everyone I'd be replaced and it was taken as self-deprecation. Now it's come true. Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he comes back in, picks up Sheepy, and leaves again. ah* Sheepy: Sherlock: Have a safe trip! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Merci! Sheepy: Sherlock: Keep Harley out of trouble. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Absolutely not. I'm not a babysitter. *and he actually leaves* Sheepy: Sheepy: Where are we starting? It's been a day since the crime occurred... and it's not necessarily our job to do anything. Sheepy: Sheepy: Technically, since we don't work for the police, we need to be hired by the police to check into this in order to be legally allowed into the crime scene. Sheepy: Harley: Stop. Arsé-kun: Arséne: If we get yelled at, we mention that Sherlock found the site in the first place. Then we come back later tonight. Arsé-kun: Arséne: And while I'm speaking. Harley, thought you'd be up for banter, didn't mean to be a dick. Sheepy: Harley: Fine. Sheepy: Harley: All you were doing was stating my feelings about the situation. Sheepy: Harley: There's nothing wrong with stating the truth. Sheepy: Sheepy: There's nothing wrong with needing time off to recuperate. Sheepy: Harley: There's something wrong with contributing absolutely nothing with one's existence. Arsé-kun: Arséne: I wouldn't say you were useless. You did things around the house. Sheepy: Harley: I did, yes. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Then you've already done more than half of the household in a week. Sheepy: Sheepy: What's that supposed to mean? Sheepy: Sheepy: I do schoolwork. Arsé-kun: Arséne: I was insulting Impey, for one. Sheepy: Sheepy: Doesn't Impey cook??? Arsé-kun: Arséne: That's the most I've seen him do. Sheepy: Sheepy: ... Now that I think about it? Sheepy: Sheepy: Does Impey even have a job? Sheepy: Sheepy: Does he just bum off of us in exchange for food? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Oui, to both. I'll pummel him if he doesn't get back to making us vests. Sheepy: Sheepy: What was Twilight even kidnapping him for? Sheepy: Sheepy: Although, Fran contributes less than Impey... Arsé-kun: Arséne: His armory and building skills, I'd suppose. Not his personality. Sheepy: Sheepy: ...I think. Sheepy: Sheepy: I never see him leave his room.......I doubt he's got a job. Arsé-kun: Arséne: He's a scientist. Sheepy: Sheepy: But scientists work in labs. Sheepy: Sheepy: Is he a freelance scientist? Sheepy: Sheepy: Or is he just a mad scientist with a sweet outside? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Non. I suppose 'alchemist' is a bit closer to truth, but... Now, would you describe him as mad? Sheepy: Sheepy: Yeah. Sheepy: Sheepy: There's a difference between "mad" and "insane". Sheepy: Sheepy: "Mad" kind of implies that they were pushed into their current status, while "insane" means they're naturally like that. Sheepy: Sheepy: "Mad" also implies doing something that they should not be doing - something mankind has not accomplished, but perhaps, it's not our role to accomplish it. Arsé-kun: Arséne: But does he fit either category? That is the main question. Sheepy: Sheepy: Creating artificial life is kinda in the mad scientist category. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Can't deny that. Arsé-kun: *ok enough chat here's the crime scene. stinky* Arsé-kun: *about half an hour later they ACTUALLY get into the crime scene. smart-talking police, throwing sheepy over a fence, the usual moves.* Sheepy: Sheepy: Wow, looks like it was a gruesome death. Arsé-kun: Arséne: From Sherlock's observation, it seems to have been "artistic". *air quotes included* Sheepy: Sheepy: Doesn't look it. Arsé-kun: Arséne: According to the notes.. *which he pulls out* On discovery, there was a title written next to it. I can't read half of this. Sheepy: Harley: *he looks* Arsé-kun: *it's sherlocks handwriting mixed with writing really fast* Sheepy: Harley: Sometimes I think, "Ah, this must be Watson's handwriting. He's a doctor"... Sheepy: Harley: ...But then I remember that Watson's handwriting is actually legibile. Arsé-kun: Arséne: mhm Sheepy: *There's singing.* Arsé-kun: Arséne: Can the police do their job and keep innocents out? Sheepy: Crow: -Crow is here to help!! Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he moves to block the view* No, no they cannot. This is a crime scene. Sheepy: Crow: ? Sheepy: Crow: Why not? Sheepy: Sheepy: Who even let you in? Sheepy: Crow: Let me in? Sheepy: Sheepy: It's really illegal for you to be here! Sheepy: Crow: I've heard mention that my uncle's an attorney so I should be fine? It's for the good of the people to use my angelic powers for justice! Arsé-kun: Arséne: We need a new police force. So badly. Sheepy: Crow: Whaaat??? No! I like them! Sheepy: Crow: I looked into the Sherlock Holmes books but they got really boring fast~ There's no mention of his cat anywhere! But~ The point is! Sheepy: Crow: Nowhere is it mentioned in what I read that he went through detective school! He just decided to be a detective one day, probably! Sheepy: Crow: So following my sense of crimson justice, I will assist you as a detective angel for a day! Sheepy: Crow: By proving my passion for justice, I will prove that I am innocent! Sheepy: Sheepy: That's a logical fallacy. Arsé-kun: Arséne: I've lost IQ. Call me when this makes sense. *he turns around to actually work* Sheepy: Sheepy: ARSENE! You can't leave me with him! Arsé-kun: Arséne: I haven't left. He lives with the witness. Be of use. Sheepy: Crow: ? Arsé-kun: *someone gives crow a short, legal version* Sheepy: Crow: Ooooh! Sheepy: Crow: So find Yusuke and question him! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Too soon. Sheepy: Crow: Why? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Let the licensed professional do that part for us. Sheepy: Crow: fine. Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... *he sighs* You still want to come with us? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Sell yourself. What can you do that we cannot? What would make us want you to join us? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Other than what you've already said. You weren't very clear. Sheepy: Crow: Eh? Sell myself? Why would I do that? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Because I'm not convinced that you'd be an asset yet. As far as I'm concerned, you're a curious civvie. Sheepy: Crow: ? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Civilian. Innocent. Etc. Sheepy: Crow: So, you believe me to be innocent! Good, excellent! Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... It's kind of a given. Innocent until proven guilty, after all. *he glances back. harley, sheepy- help* Sheepy: Harley: You're obnoxious. Sheepy: Crow: That means I'm accepted to help, doesn't it? Be ready to see my crimson passion, my cattle! Sheepy: Harley: You're obnoxious. Sheepy: Crow: That means I'm accepted to help, doesn't it? Be ready to see my crimson passion, my cattle! Sheepy: Sheepy: We never said yes... Sheepy: Crow: *He is more focused at looking at the crime scene.* Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... I suppose we could have a word with his uncle afterwards, to prevent a repeat. Sheepy: Sheepy: You know who he's talking about? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Not a damn clue. Sheepy: Sheepy: Ugh... well, if he drops the guy's name, you can go ahead and do that. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Already intend to. Sheepy: Crow: The artistic passion behind this is overwhelming! Every strike was filled with the creativity of their soul! ... Simply, the killer's someone obsessed with art. Arsé-kun: Arséne: .... You've proven your use. The notes left about it also suggested it had that intent. Sheepy: Crow: Great! Arsé-kun: Arséne: *@sheepy* Also, I told you so. Sheepy: Sheepy: Told me what? Sheepy: Sheepy: Ehhh..right. Arsé-kun: Arséne: .. Nothing has been changed at the crime scene. Hmm. Sheepy: Sheepy: Why would it? Sheepy: *Harley is busy investigating. He sniffs at the title* Sheepy: Harley: Who would name their murder? Sheepy: Crow: Once you give something a name, you give it power. Sheepy: Crow: And so, by naming it, he gave his art piece a personality and identity of its very own! You can see it as: Sheepy: Crow: "This person is incomplete, impure! Ugly and a waste of potential! They don't even deserve their name! However, I will turn them into a masterpiece! I will dye their clothes a crimson red and give them a new, eternal form! With that, they will be given a new name that will make them live on forevermore!" Sheepy: Crow:...And so on. Sheepy: Harley: You are really loud and make no sense. Sheepy: Crow: Well, that's what they were thinking. Arsé-kun: Arséne: I'm not even going to try and translate that. Sheepy: Crow: You don't need to, huh? Because you understand an artist's soul! Sheepy: Sheepy: No, it makes absolutely no sense. Sheepy: Crow: Well that's what they were thinking! Sheepy: Crow: Basically, a name justifies something's existence. It gives it presence. That's why songs, paintings, sculptures, and people all have names. Sheepy: Crow: By stripping away their name and labeling them with a new name, the killer's not only putting their inspiration into their "creation", but they're also showing that they have more authority than their victim or their victim's parents. Sheepy: Crow: Once you give something a name, it also becomes immortalized. Such as! Sheepy: Crow: ...Eh, what's a book's name? One that's beeen around for a while? Sheepy: Crow: Or, even better! The Mona Lisa. Sheepy: Crow: Without a name, how would humanity remember the Mona Lisa? How would it live on in history? Sheepy: Sheepy: Now's not the time for philosophical questions. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Oui, merci. Tais-toi. Sheepy: Crow: *He tilts his head* Isn't their motive worth anything to you? Arsé-kun: Arséne: It is, but there was no need for three paragraphs worth of it. Sheepy: Crow: I was telling you what I could tell. Word for word. Sheepy: Crow: It's not right to force your own beliefs about a poetic piece on others! It comes from the heart of the poet! Arsé-kun: Arséne: mmmmmmmhm. Sheepy: Harley: If you're so magical, why don't you just find the killer and be done with it? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Because I've already got a plan for that part. Sheepy: Harley: For which? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Step one: Get forensic results. Step two: Can't say this part with civvies around. Step three: Conveniently jump into an open window and arrest a man. Profit. Sheepy: Harley: Good idea. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Thank you, thank you. I'll take my award now. Sheepy: Crow: *He appears frustrated.* Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... *he seems to be thinking* Sheepy: Crow: I've given you a lot! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Ah. I've got something. Sheepy: Crow: They're attention seeking, creative in their own mind, and probably takes a while to prepare for their next murder. Arsé-kun: Arséne: You have been very helpful. However, I think from this point on, you'd have the best role in assisting the witness. I believe you know them, after all. Sheepy: Crow: Where can I find Yusuke? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Back at the office. He should be with the Doctor. Sheepy: Crow: I'm going to go see him! Good luck! Sheepy: *Crow runs off, which is incredible considering that he's in 4" heels.* Arsé-kun: Arséne: .... I'm almost jealous. Sheepy: Sheepy: Of what? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Eh? Never mind. Arsé-kun: *and so, we now return back to The Office, our regularly scheduled program* Sheepy: Crow: *He enters, announcing his presence through song* Arsé-kun: Watson: ............ You can knock. Sheepy: Crow: Isn't that boring? Arsé-kun: Watson: Excruciatingly. *he turns his chair back to the laptop* But it needs to be done. Sheepy: Crow: Why? Arsé-kun: Watson: Because it does. Sheepy: Crow: You're like my uncle. He shoots down perfectly good questions with "Because I said so"... Arsé-kun: Watson: There's a proper answer, but I'm a bit busy. Sheepy: Crow: Where's Yusuke? Arsé-kun: Watson: Upstairs. Door with the tape where the knob once was. Knock first. Sheepy: Crow: Aw, okay. *He strolls over to Iris's room and actually knocks.* Sheepy: Iris: Who is it? Sheepy: Crow: It's me, Crow! I'm here for Yusuke! Sheepy: Iris:! *She opens the door* Hello! Sheepy: Crow: Tree!! ... I mean! Adam! Arsé-kun: Adam: Ah. Good afternoon. Sheepy: Yusuke: Crow. You're here. Sheepy: *Yusuke stands and poses...* Sheepy: Crow: Yusuke! *he does the same pose* I, the fallen angel Crow, have come unto you to deliver my assistance! Arsé-kun: Cyan: Nyaa! *she pops up from around Adam and also poses at Crow* Arsé-kun: Cyan: Surprise! Sheepy: Crow: I tried to help solve a murder and they told me to leave. Sheepy: Crow: They said that I made no sense. Uncle solves murders all the time and nobody comments. Sheepy: Crow: What am I doing differently? Arsé-kun: Arséne: That's not what I said at all. *he strolls in, carrying Food* I've also been asked to bring this up. Sheepy: Yusuke:! Sheepy: Yusuke: *he has locked eyes on the food* Sheepy: Crow: It's what the purple guy said! Arsé-kun: Arséne: He's a jerk. Don't let it get to you. *he gives the food to he who is looking at it like a hungry velociraptor* Sheepy: *Yusuke takes a portion and eats.* Sheepy: Crow: Then why work with him if you don't like him? Sheepy: Crow:...And! That doesn't answer why my uncle gets to solve murders. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Because it pays to have different perspectives and because he probably studied really damn hard. Sheepy: Crow: I don't know. Sheepy: Crow: He fell and disappeared. Sheepy: Crow: But I've seen him. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Can I at least get a name? Sheepy: Crow: Barok. Arsé-kun: Arséne: .... N.. Noted. Sheepy: Iris:?! Zieksy's your uncle?! Sheepy: Iris: But he's so pouty all the time! And he always looks angry! Sheepy: Crow: Oh, that sounds like him. Sheepy: Crow: Why do you ask? Sheepy: Crow: Did you want him for something? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Perhaps I do. Sheepy: Crow: So you're going to go see him...? Sheepy: Crow:...Um. I want to see him too. I've tried to get into contact with him. I haven't had much luck. It must be because he's busy. Arsé-kun: Arséne: He seems to be very busy, yes. Sheepy: Crow: How can I get into contact with him? Sheepy: Iris: Sometimes Holmsies and Herly see him. Sheepy: Iris: I think Holmsies annoys him. Sheepy: Sherlock: *sigh* Sheepy: *Sherlock is sitting in the corner nearest to Arsene, pouting* Sheepy: *And moping* Sheepy: Sherlock: I just annoy everyone, don't I? Sheepy: *...When did he get here, anyway?* Arsé-kun: Arséne: You stop that. Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he picks up Sherlock. this is normal* I'm stealing this. Sheepy: Sherlock: Do I annoy you? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Of course not. Sheepy: Sherlock: Really? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Ouais. Sheepy: Sherlock: Are you sure? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Oui, yes, certainly sure, mon cher. Sheepy: Sherlock: But I'm annoying. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Shut up. *smooch* Sheepy: Harley: It doesn't matter if you're annoying or not, because the people who are annoyed by you aren't worth the time. They've given up trying to relate to you and instead blame you for their own faults. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Oh? What's this? You care? Sheepy: Harley: Of course not. Arsé-kun: Arséne: owo Sheepy: Harley: I don't care about anyone. You know this. Arsé-kun: Arséne: OWO Sheepy: Harley: S-stop! Sheepy: Harley: Stop staring at me like that. Sheepy: Harley: It's creeping me out. You're creepy. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Oh, I'm creepy? Eh? Sheepy: Harley: Yes. Arsé-kun: Adam: Do this somewhere else please. Sheepy: Harley: Fine. Sheepy: Harley: I only showed up to make sure the witness was safe and secure. Not because Sherlock was upset. I've confirmed the witness is fine so I'm done here anyway. Sheepy: Sherlock: Harley really does hate me... Arsé-kun: Arséne: :I Arsé-kun: *and then adam kicked them out* Sheepy: Sherlock: What did I do to make him hate me? Sheepy: Harley: Stop talking about me like I'm not right here. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Then stop acting like you don't care. At least to him. At least! Sheepy: Harley: I'm not going to fake how I feel. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Stop lying. You're damn awful at it. Sheepy: Harley: Am I? Arsé-kun: Arséne: You are. Sheepy: Harley: If I'm a bad liar, you must be oblivious. Arsé-kun: Arséne: And we're the kings of the arctic. Sheepy: Harley: What do you mean? Arsé-kun: Arséne: I mean, you're full of bs. Sheepy: Harley: I don't understand your point. Arsé-kun: Arséne: You care. We know you do. This isn't the first time we've discussed this. Sheepy: Harley: ....Is that why he keeps trying? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Yes. Why should he stop? Sheepy: Harley: He should stop trying. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Get your head out of your ass. Sheepy: Harley: Or maybe you should stop being oblivious to the truth. Arsé-kun: Arséne: I'd kick your ass if you weren't considered injured. Sheepy: Harley: What would it change? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Nothing. Like your statements! Sheepy: Harley: I'll accept it's not working. Sheepy: Harley: And that's fine. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Great. Sheepy: Harley: Because I always have a backup plan. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Leave the building and I'll keep Wilson for myself. Sheepy: Harley: I'm bringing Wilson with me. Arsé-kun: Arséne: I'll tell Watson. Sheepy: Harley: Tell him all you want, I'm sure he'll understand. Arsé-kun: Watson: Watson is completely unwilling to deal with any of this. *he enters scene with some paperwork, which he smacks Arséne with (he's closest)* You've got work to do. Sheepy: Harley: Fine. I'll work on that and then leave. Sheepy: Sherlock: I don't really get it, what did I do? Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he puts sherlock down, which frees his hands to go onto his face. facepalm x2* He's being distant. You're fine. Sheepy: Sherlock: But why? Arsé-kun: Arséne: If I knew that, I wouldn't be so annoying about it. *and Arséne gets smacked with the papers again* Ow! Why?! Arsé-kun: Watson: One of you take this so I can go on break. Sheepy: Sherlock: *he takes it* Arsé-kun: *And Watson exits scene. Finally, he can eat and take a nap.* Sheepy: Harley: Watson, make sure to eat and drink. Do you need anything- Arsé-kun: Watson: ... No, but I appreciate it. *and he actually exits scene proper* Sheepy: Harley: *watson appreciates him?! he's beaming.* Arsé-kun: *Harley's happy?? A rarity. Look how cyute he is* Sheepy: *He is!* Arsé-kun: *IS GOOD* Arsé-kun: *THEY NOW HAV THE INFORMATION THEY NEED. IT IS TIME TO DO SOMETHING* Sheepy: *They use the info to find.... the killer's house!* Arsé-kun: *Disclaimer: Forensics does not work this way, or any way similar. All issues with that scenario are due to not giving a damn about time constraints. Thank you for your time.* Arsé-kun: Arséne: This it, you think? Sheepy: Sheepy: Yup. Sheepy: Sheepy: It's menacing rnough. Sheepy: Harley:....Hm. Sheepy: Harley: Let's get it over with. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Lets. Sheepy, with me. Sheepy: Sheepy: Sounds good. Sheepy: Harley: And I'll go with Saint-Germain. Arsé-kun: Germain: And I with you. I'm honored to have been chosen for this mission. Sheepy: Harley: Good. Sheepy: Harley: This'll be my last case around here, after all. Arsé-kun: Germain: *he completely disregards all of that* Is there any specific role you need from me? Sheepy: Harley: Just do you. Arsé-kun: Germain: That's doable. Sheepy: Harley: Excellent. Let's get going. Arsé-kun: *and so, the team splits up* Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he heads to the backyard, expecting Sheepy to follow* We've got the plan down, yes? Sheepy: Sheepy: Yup. Sheepy: *Sheepy and Arsene presumably head in?* Arsé-kun: *they do head in the back* Sheepy: Sheepy: So we just find evidence. Arsé-kun: Arséne: While they keep the suspect distracted, yes. Sheepy: Sheepy: Let's hope they succeed. Arsé-kun: Arséne: m-hm. Arsé-kun: *And, of course, a few minutes into their Absolutely Legal Search, someone screams. Seems everything is going well, as per usual.* Sheepy: Sheepy: ?! Arsé-kun: Arséne: For the love of..! I'll meet you downstairs! *and he opens the window and leaves that way. is faster* Sheepy: *Sheepy rushes downstairs* Arsé-kun: Germain: This is fine. Do stop screaming. *he's got a knife in his chest. nice, man* Sheepy: Harley: You've been stabbed! Sheepy: Stephano: ...Stabbed? Arsé-kun: Germain: Not again. Are you going to want this knife back? Sheepy: Stephano: ... Sheepy: Stephano:...No, no, you won't do at all. Sheepy: Stephano: You're ugly. Unnatural. Even in the face of death, you feel no fear. Sheepy: Stephano: If I can't bring out your fear...I can't turn you into a masterpiece.... Arsé-kun: Germain: Well, that's certainly a shame. Sheepy: Stephano: What must I do to bring you fear? Sheepy: Harley: Back off or I'll shoot. Sheepy: Stephano: ...*he grins* You have so much potential! Sheepy: Stephano: There's so much disgust and terror on your face! What should I do to you? How should I complete you? Sheepy: Harley: I will shoot! Sheepy: Stephano: You don't have any bullets. Sheepy: Harley:... Arsé-kun: Germain: ..... You're only encouraging him. Can't we settle this over tea? Sheepy: Stephano: You disgust me. Sheepy: Stephano: Your hideousness taints my place of musing. Arsé-kun: Germain: I'd gladly scream for you, but there seems to be a knife in my chest. Sheepy: *Stephano removes the knife* Sheepy: Stephano: You... are like a broken canvas. Sheepy: Stephano: No one loved nor cared for you... Sheepy: Stephano:...So you wore down. Arsé-kun: Germain: I didn't know I signed up for therapy. *he glances down at his wound, which is now allowed to bleed on everything. nice* Sheepy: Stephano: And now that it's finally come time to use you to create a masterpiece, you're too broken. Sheepy: Stephano: I can do nothing with you. Just bleed out, and perhaps I'll use your body for scraps in my next sculpture. Arsé-kun: Germain: Will there be a next? Sheepy: Stephano: Of course. Sheepy: Stephano:...You, my purple-haired model, are my next work in progress. Sheepy: Harley: Tell me. Why did you attack that man in the alleyway? Sheepy: Stephano: I didn't ATTACK them! Sheepy: Stephano: I made them beautiful! Sheepy: Stephano: He doesn't understand that. He tells me not to. But he doesn't get it. Arsé-kun: Germain: That's awfully vague. Who can we thank for the privilege of seeing your artistic visions? Sheepy: Stephano:..... Sheepy: Stephano: He won't let me create art, so you can thank me! Sheepy: Stephano: That director wouldn't know art if it hit him in the face! Sheepy: Stephano: Just because he gave me a place to stay after I was released in exchange for killing those in his way.... doesn't justify his inability to understand beauty! Sheepy: Harley: "Released"? Sheepy: Stephano: My work in progress, I used to be a photographer. But one day...he found me...and opened my eyes. *he tilts his head, causing his hair to move and reveal his right eye is missing* Sheepy: Stephano: And now...I must share his artistic sense with everyone! I can't possibly ever become like him....never, but I can strive to create a masterpiece that he would bat an eye at! Arsé-kun: Germain: ... ..... (I've got the sudden urge to strangle an eldritch being.) Sheepy: Stephano: I will turn you and your friend into the image of inspiration! So he...So the masked man will finally look upon me once more! Arsé-kun: Germain: So what you're saying is you're trying to be noticed by senpai? Sheepy: Stephano: I don't understand what you mean, but you will help me achieve my goal! What he created... was so impressive. Arsé-kun: Germain: ... I'm inclined to agree, presuming I know the one which you speak of. Sheepy: Stephano: You know of him? Sheepy: Stephano: How well? How well? Sheepy: Stephano: I need to see him again! I must learn from him! Become his protege! Arsé-kun: Germain: .... I don't think I wish to answer that question in public. Sheepy: Stephano: How well?! Arsé-kun: Germain: Intimately. Sheepy: Stephano: I need to see him...! Sheepy: Stephano: He must teach me, a lowly artist! Arsé-kun: Germain: Perhaps you should attempt a self-portrait. Sheepy: Stephano: I cannot, since I feel no fear. I will forever be hideous. Arsé-kun: Germain: But you said even hideous things can be part of art. Sheepy: Sheepy: *From behind the nearest door, in Nyar's voice* Before I simply accept you willy-nilly, you need to prove yourself able to follow directions. Sheepy: Stephano: ! Sheepy: Stephano: My teacher! Arsé-kun: Germain: Oh? I didn't think you'd show. Sheepy: Sheepy: For your first act of loyalty, how about you leave my protege alone and walk outside? Sheepy: Stephano: Your protege! So this man is... I apologize, I didn't know. Arsé-kun: Germain: *he grins* Even the hideous are accepted, don't you worry. Sheepy: Stephano: Good, excellent! I will do as told! *..He exits.* Sheepy: Sheepy: *He heads over and pulls the knife out of Sanchan* Arsé-kun: Germain: I didn't even notice it re-entered my torso. Sheepy: Sheepy: Here, now you've got your very own artist-busting tool. *He hands Sanchan the knife* Arsé-kun: Germain: I do hope whatever plan you have will succeed. *he takes the knife* I don't think I can do much more. Sheepy: Sheepy: Is your injury really that bad? I kinda just assumed that you were a weird non-human who can't actually get hurt. Arsé-kun: Germain: Oh, I can absolutely be hurt. *and he sits down on the floor* Arsé-kun: Germain: Y'know how.. Uh.. Cats? Nine lives? I'm like a bunch of cats, sort of human shaped. But not that at all. I'm not any cats. Sheepy: Sheepy: Does that mean I'm supposed to treat this wound? Arsé-kun: Germain: Of course not. You've got better things to be doing. Go help your dad. Sheepy: Harley: S-sorry, I'll help you. I know a little from Watson. Sheepy: *Sheepy goes to find Arsene.* Arsé-kun: *Arséne's just. Lying on the pavement. At least there's no knives* Sheepy: Sheepy: Arsene! Sheepy: *Sheepy rushes over to his side and kneels down* Sheepy: Sheepy: Are you okay?! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Oui. He surprised me is all. What the hell happened in there? Sheepy: Sheepy: Saint-Germain got stabbed, Nyar is the cause of him being the way he is and he really wants Nyar to notice him... Sheepy: Sheepy: And Harley seems shaken. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Why can't we have normal cases anymore? Sheepy: Sheepy: Because Nyar. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Dammit. Sheepy: Sheepy: I'm conflicted. I'm happy Iris has made all of these friends, but I really wish none of this nonsense ever happened. ... I guess? Sheepy: Sheepy: Either way, let's try to find where he ran off to. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Right.

[captain-spookycandycollecti-blog]

How do you pass the state insurance exam?

"How do you pass the state insurance exam?

I am taking the health accident and life test. I am using the pass package to study with

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Okay so I just graduated boot camp and moved from Texas ( residency) to Virginia. RIght now I have my car insurance through Texas (Geico) and I called them cause I was going to switch it to Virginia and it went up $120 a month!!! I was wondering since im in the military if I can just keep it in my residency state or if I have to switch it where im stationed? Also I am thinking about getting a new car which I would buy here in Virginia so it would have Virginia plates, would I have to switch it then to Virginia insurance? Sorry this is a loaded question but I would greatly appreciate it if you can help me out here and if you have any ideas what I should do , Thanks.""

Massachusetts car registration/insurance?

I need a bit of help here people. Most likely from someone in the Mass area. I just bought a car in RI (Private deal, used). I have a Mass license, so that's where it will be registered. My question is pertaining to where the car is being kept. I work and attend college in RI, so that is where my current residence is. Can I set my insurance to RI where I get my mail, and still have it registered in Ma? Or do I need to use a Mass address for my insurance as well? I called the insurance company and they did not have a clue, and I also called the RMV who just put me on hold for 40 minutes.""

No medical insurance?

I had pain in my lower right abdomen in january for 7 days. I went to the ER because I don't have medical insurance and someone told me they are good at working payment arrangments. I just got a bill for over 5 thousand dollars in the mail. I called and they said they would send me the paper work via mail to apply for payment arrangments, but I couldn't set it up over the phone. My question is, how good are hospitals (mine is in California) at working with people who don't have medical insurance and have a limited income? I am a full time graduate student so this may be difficult to pay back..""

Can I insure another persons car?

Can I get insurance on a car thats not registered to me?

Car Insurance.?

Does anyone know if there is a temporary car insurance you can get, so you only have to pay for it when you are driving the car. My car insurance is $150/month for plpd(partial), it is the cheapest there is, and my car is only worth around $2000. I only drive my car once a month for a 70 mile round trip. I just think its a lot to be paying $150 for a 70 mile trip. More than $2 a mile just for the insurance seems like quite a bit to me. There is no taxis or public buses where I live, and I dont want anyone else to take me. I am only interested if someone can give me information about the insurance. And a motorcycle wont work. Thanks.""

An affordable car to purchase with cheapest insurance for a 17 y/o?

Hey, I'm 17 and looking to purchase my first car. Of course, insurance is a big issue for me. I was wondering what car would be a good buy where insurance wouldstill be cheap? I'm looking at spending around 500 for a second hand car, so all these new electric economic cars which cost thousands that google keep bringing up are too miuch for me. I heard about ford KA's, Nissan Micra's, Renault Clio's and Vauxhall Corsa's being good, however, when I look on insurance websites there's about 50 versions of each car with different engines, doors, years etc, and I don't have the slightest clue which version of the car would be the cheapest, other than having a smaller engine. I was wondering if anybody could provide me with the make and models of the cars which are the cheapest to insure, but are still well priced and can be picked up easily second hand. Thanks""

Any car insurance which insurances foreign cars?

Hi! I live in Italy and I am italian. I heard that there are some english insurance which insurance cars and people in foreign country. Is it real? do you know anything about that? Could you give me some advice about that? I am waiting your answers! Bye!

Car insurance even though do not own a car?

Hi, I got my license on may and since then I drive my mom's car. So my mom tried to add my name under her car insurance and I have to pay the same amount of car insurance as her. I only drive during the summer and they told my mom that even if i dont pay the insurance now, they will still accumulate the rate starting from the day i got my license and sums it up and give it to me when i start paying insurance. So either way I would have to pay the same amount of insurance. Is this legitimate? I mean I only drive during the summer and im in school during the year. im 18 by the way and I live in new jersey""

Liability insurance rates?

I am trying to figure out what it will cost me to have liability insurance on my company. I am the only employee. I only need it to setup a stand on occasion at different locations. I don't know what a general rate would be, so if anyone could give me an idea, that would be great.""

What is the best car and best insurance to go with?

I'm 20 years old new driver I know my insurance going to be high I'm taking A 6 hour road ready driving school but at the end what is the best car I'm not really into cars I'm much more into kind of truck sure enough that would be the best type of car and insurance car insurance that help new drivers not Kill they wallets / bank account

What are the costs of running a car?

Firstly, I'm in the UK. I want to know if I can afford a car, so I need to know what you have to pay for. At the moment I'm aware of insurance, the cost of the vehicle (and petrol) and MOT. Are there any other costs I have to take into account? Thank you.""

Auto Insurance Help...?

I'm new to this car insurance thing and I need help picking out which one is best. What do I need to ask for? How much roughly is car insurance? My parents used to pay for mine on theirs which was $134....I want to try to keep around that range. Should I wait until I turn 21 to get it? Help me please!!! :) Thanks

How do you pass the state insurance exam?

I am taking the health accident and life test. I am using the pass package to study with

Is california an affordable and nice place to live?

I live in ohio and I want to move to california to go to cal state in concord. I just need a little information from someone who lives there. Like is food and clothes expensive and is it expensive to buy furniture. I have already got the cost of a house and found some cheap ones. I just need to know how much money I will need. So can anyone help?

Car insurance question?

I have basic liability insurance with American Family Insurance, About a week ago my boyfriend (who has a suspended license) took my car when i was sleeping, almost hit a deer and went in a ditch with my car and im pretty sure its totaled its a 97 lumina. I have a title loan on the car, will insurance pay it off?""

Problem with insurance?

I got in an accident that I am not in fault. Basically I was stopped at the intersection behind the red lights. A car from opposite side ran the red light hit the crossing car and the second car spin and hit my car. I have full caoverage and fixed my car with my insurance and have my insurance claim the money from the first driver insurance company. I rent a car under my coverage and also pay $500 deductable to fix my car. Now is almost a month pass and I keep calling my insurance to know if they got paid by the other insurance and requesting to pay me back for rental and the 500. My insurance is telling me that they may not be able to get ever thing they might be get only the cost of the fixing my car. What should I do? Should I sue my insurance or not?

Would you let someone ride in your car who didn't have health insurance?

Would you let someone (maybe your friend or someone you know) ride in your car who didn't have health insurance?

What are the requirements to become a licensed insurance agent in Texas?

I have applied at GEICO and I want to know what the state of Texas requires, besides taking the exam, to become a licensed insurance agent.""

How much higher will my insurance go up with a point on my license?

How much higher will my insurance go up with a point on my license? I got pulled over for not stopping at a stop sign completely... this is in california. My insurance is like 300 every 6 months typically.

Looking for cheap insurance?

just baught a van and looking for insurance companys numbers,thanks sean""

Do I need to get new car registration and insurance if I just had a title transfer?

I live in Minnesota. My dad was the previous car owner. He gave me the car as a gift. Do I need to get my own new insurance and get a new registration?

International students and health insurances?

hey guys. i'm an international student in US. I want to get a health insurance and i was just wondering if i can get a basic health insurance from anywhere when i'm in F-1 ? if I cannot is there any good and reliable health insurance I can consider ? any suggestions ? thank you.

Insurance for senior parents?

I'm considering enlisting in the military. One of the benifits I will recieve is life insurance at an affordable cost. I can get a joint policy with my 2 senior parents (who are currently uninsured) given that they are my dependents. In order for them to qualify, my parent's AGI has to be less than $3200. My father is a licensed chauffer (cab driver) and my mother retired early, and is recieving SS benifits. Will the annual SS amount disqualify her? My father does not file for taxes, and currently owes for not filing. (cabbies don't deduct taxes, they make what they make, I guess) My question is, will this be a stretch to try to get them insured via my military benifits, considering their situations?""

Is there a Health care or insurance convention in Las vegas right now?

The week I'm looking for is February 27th 2012 till March 2nd 2012. I looked online but couldn't find anything. I'm looking for conventions or conferences somewhere in Las Vegas regarding health care or insurance in a wider context. Thank you.

Motorcycle insurance question?

I will be 18 in two months and i want a bike. I am planning to go to the classes which i assume lowers insurance. I also thought by having a smaller bike would cut insurance costs. I only plan to ride around town and not on the highway. If i bought a 250cc bike like a GZ250 or a Honda Rebel, how much would seasonal insurance be roughly? I only want the types of insurance that are mandatory in order of me being on a budget.""

Good cheap car insureance?

need help wiht insurance for my car my car is a little ford fiesta 1.3 cheap 2 insure i no but i have 6 points :( so im gettign qoutes of artound 4000pound to insure my fiesta and im jsut wodneriing there must insuracne companys out there hu specialize in this field if no any can u let me me cheeers

How much would car insurance be for me?

I'm 15.5 and I really want to get my learners permit, but I gotta talk my parents into it. I would pay for EVERYTHING. I just need to know how much. I know its hard to calculate, but please estimate! :) When I buy insurance my info will be 16 years old Male 3.8 GPA driving a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Los Angeles California And I would want medium coverage the help would be great! thanks :)""

Insurance through the military?

My dad was in the USMC back during the Vietnam War and is now on 100% disability. I was approved for the Dependents' Education through the GI Bill and now I'm wondering if I can get low-cost health insurance through the military as well. I'm 18 and am his only child living at home. We live in New Hampshire and I am currently going to school full time. Like I said, he is on 100% disability through the VA and I was looking at the US Family Health Plan at Martin's Point but I'm not sure if he has to be on the plan so it would be a family plan or if I could do it as an individual plan. He is covered 100% but has to travel like 2.5 hours away to go to Togus in Augusta but I'm not sure if I would be covered in any way through any of this or if I could at least get affordable health insurance through him? Thanks for reading and thanks in advance for any of you who attempt to answer my questions! (:""

When getting an insurance quote do you have tell them what your tickets have been reduced to or....?

I am going to get an insurance quote and need to know if I can tell them what my tickets were reduced to or if I have to tell them what I was actually pulled over for.

How much is car insurance?

we are moving to newmarket, ontario. we are wanting to get rough ideas about the cost of car insurance. i hear it is quite expensive but was wondering if someone could illustrate in some way or give an example of how it is worked out. also could someone reccommend a trustful dealer?""

If my car insurance finds out that i scratched my rental car will my rates go up? (it's my second incident)?

i am renting a car, i scratched it, my credit card will cover the damage but i have to first report it to my car insurance. will this make my rates go up?""

Is nationwide a good car insurance?

im thinking of switching from geico to nationwide it would be way cheaper but i know cheaper isnt always better

Financing a car and someone els pays for insurance?

If I'm financing a car can someone els buy me full coverage and pay for it? . (Car being under there name for insurance yet under my name for the car payments with the bank)

Health insurance and medical abortion?

so i just took a pregnancy test today im 18 and pregnant. i cant sleep i cant eat im a mess. i need to terminate this pregnancy asap so i can get on with my life. i called my health insurance HealthNet, and they DO cover the medical abortion (abortion pill) thats not plan B. its the abortion by medication. they also said i need to find an obgyn to approve it or something then its all covered. so i called one and they said i have to pay 750 dollars!!!! even if they do cover it i still have to pay that! im in california btw, and i dont even have 100 dollars. could i go to a hospital that covers me and get it for free? or for atleast 100$? at most? or do i have to go to plan parenthood at spend the 350.""

What would be the cheapest car to insure for a 23 year old malel uk?

Every car i seem to look at has really high insurance costs, it ricockulous! seems ill never be able to afford to insure a car. Si i have 2kids a girlfriend and a job, im 23, and really need to get on the road. so does anyone have any suggestions as to a few cars i should check out insurance costs on that they think would be the cheapest options>? anuy ideas would be fab, thanks.""

Does my car insurance go up if I got a speeding ticket out-of-province?

So I have an Ontario license and I got a speeding ticket (15mph over - 24km/h over) in NY near the border. Keeping in mind that this is my very first traffic ticket: 1. How much am I likely to pay? 2. Does it affect my insurance? 3. (I don't really care cause this probably won't happen again) Do I lose any points?

What is an average auto insurance cost for a sedan in Alberta?

I am wondering what an average auto insurance cost is to be suspected. If this helps I will be a 16 year old male driving a 2007-2010 Mazda 3 Sedan.

Do i qualify for VA insurance?

I just found out that i am pregnant last week and we don't qualify for state insurance because we make too much. But my husband just got out of the marine corp in August so does anyone know if we can get insurance through the VA even though he's already out even if we have to pay a little a month. Or if anyone knows of any insurance i can get for cheap, by the way i don't know if it helps but my husband is unemployed right now. Thank you.""

How do you pass the state insurance exam?

I am taking the health accident and life test. I am using the pass package to study with

Car accident now what? insurance question?

I was in my first major car accident, my car was totaled. I was waiting at the light to make a left turn, the green arrow came on and i went and some one coming from the opposite side of the lane in the opposite way ran a red light and hit me, he claims on the report he doesn't know how the accident happened. I just wanted to know what do you think will happen? A witness was talking to the cops but his information is not on my police report. It has to go through his insurance what are the odds that they will know that he was in the wrong and not me??""

Is there anyone who insures motorcycles just for theft? dont need other coverage...?

Hey I have my 08 r6 being insured for 166 every 6 months but it doesnt cover theft. I got various quotes and nobody will do theft without doing full coverage. the difference is literally 10 times the cost. They want $320 a year without but with full coverage (aka theft) it is $3200 which is absolutely ridiculous. I was wondering if there was any insurance agencies out there who offer bike insurance (being only theft insurance)

Why can't I get quoted on the same model but older year of a car?

Hi I'm 18 and have just passed my test. I was looking to get a diesel fiesta, the 1.6 TDCi Zetec S to be exact. I was checking out quotes on insurance on them. For some reason I get quoted and can insure the 2007 and 2008 models, but the ones before that I don't get a quote. I looked up the cars specifications for all years and they all have the same torque, bhp, weight & everything. I wanted to know why I can't get quoted on the older models?""

My auto insurance covers anybody who drives my car...is my teen covered? I cannot afford to list him....?

Me and my teen have a car. I have both cars listed on my insurance with full coverage. If he is not covered is there an insurance company that will cover a driver of his age without ...show more

Home insurance?

I am buying a home. How do I find a home insurance company? Will my mortgage company help me with that?

How to make car insurance cheap as possible!?

im 17 and just passed my test and i need to get cheap insurance. i have a 1.0L 05 plate corsa and i need to get it on the road asap. its my aunties car she had given it me but wont let me use it till i get insured. i need help to make it as cheap as possible so please help!

Buying a car v.s buying car insurance?

My father doesn't have credit history because he never used credit card or anything. My credit is way better than him. I'm getting an car loan but worrying about the insurance problem. I'm only 21 in college my insurance will be extremely high so i'm just wrondering can i buy a car with my name and buy insurance with my dad's name? Are we allowed to do tat?

Health insurance?

do you need a ss# or be legal resident to have health insurance?

What is the lowest car insurance for a Kia?

I need insurance for just 1 vehicle a 2002 Kia Rio valued at $2500 How can i get an insurance policy that would pay for repairs and the other persons medical bills for under $300 a year Is there any plan that offers car insurance at this rate or less

How much would insurance cost for an 18 year-old college student on a used 2000 honda CBR 600?

How much would insurance cost for an 18 year-old college student on a used 2000 honda CBR 600?

For how many traffic ticket you get before insurance rate increase?

i had a speeding ticket 3 yrs ago and it was dismissed after one yr. now i just got another red light ticket. will my insurance consider this red light ticket as second ticket or first and will they increase rate?? and for how many traffic ticket you get before insurance rate increase?

""Looking for cheapest car insurance, see discription thanks!?""

I'm 16 I get a 3.8gpa and own a 1977 formula 400 pontiac firebird, and live in california... I want to get cheap insurance my family doesn't make allot of money. what is the price range for someone with my credentials.""

Cheapest Scooter Insurance for 16 year old?

I just turned 16 and want to get a scooter The actual license and scooter isnt too expensive 50 for provisional, 89 for CBT, bout 20 for the thory and 60 for practical However, insurance is a pain!! :/ does anyone know who the cheapest insurer is for a 16 year old? I would love to be able to drive on the scooter but insurance is too much. Also, what is the best scooter to get. By best i mean a scooter which has the cheapest insurance? THanks a lot!!""

Can I get decent car insurance through Aetna?

I have them as health coverage through work. I just moved from FL to DE and my insurance through Geico DOUBLED!!! I am trying to find a better rate.... any ideas? Thanks

How can I get medical insurance?

I been diagnosed with Crohn's disease for a few years now so it's been very difficult trying to get any medical insurance. I was wondering how can I get it without any more problems?

Im 15 and how much am i looking forward to pay on my car insurance? The car is a 2005 chrysler 300c?

It's a black car V6 engine i live in the city it will be parked in the garage and we have a low crime rate in the city ? i would like specific answers or similar stories?

I am currently finishing my prerequisites to get into nursing school and I am interested in the different...?

I am almost done with the prerequisites and the huge waiting lists for ALL nursing schools...state and community college...are scaring me. I started to look into the trade schools that offer the RN programs and I know they are more expensive but I was wondering if employers look at them differently. If I decide to go to a trade school I wonder if it will be a disadvantage. Could anybody please give me advice. Thank you.

Is there a type of car insurance where anyone who drives is covered?

hey is there a type of car insurance or a plan of car insurance where anyone who drives the car is covered and not just the person who is under the insurance Thanks P.S. I also need to know how much it would be

California insurance testing help!!! Please! ?

I've been studying for the California life health and accident license and I haven't been able to pass. I'm rescheduling and I wanted to know where I could find more information or ways to study. Where can I find tests similar to the actual one and so forth. Please this means alot and hopefully I can finally pass.

Driving Someone Else's Car...Do I need Insurance?

Okay lets say that I have my license but I don't have car. If I have a friend or a family that lets me drive their car and I get into accident...who's fault would it be? Mines or the owner's? And If I do drive someone else's car..do I need insurance to pay for the owner's car if I accidentally damage their car? Or no?

Temporary car insurance?

i am trying to get my boyfriend insured on my car for 1 week. there are many companies that do tempoary car insurance but i have been told that you can not have 2 policies on one car? i have Fully comprehensive car insurance but my insurers will not insure both of us on my car as we are under 25 so if i went with another insurance company who specialises in short term cover would this cover my boyfriend on my car?

I want a good car like a 1992 - 1997 supra for my first car. How much will the extras cost?

If I do well in my senior year of school, my parents will by me a car! I have done a bit of research, and concluded that i would like something along the lines of a Toyota Supra. I am not too interested in power and racing qualities e.c.t but i love the way it looks. A Toyota Celica also looks looks on the cards. As im on a budget of around $15 000Au (Around $20 000 American) i am looking at one of the 1992-1997 models. I am concerened that this seems too good to be true, and I am going to have to pay for repairs, insurance, fuel (Gas) and rego. I have heard that these cars are reliable but I REALLY don't want to have to pay for large amounts of these extras. So basiclly how much will i probs have to pay for these? If its alot, what other similar cars are there?""

Motorcycle insurance for an 18 year old?

Realistically, how much would insurance be per year on a 600 cc sportbike for an 18 year old male with no car accidents(if that matters at all)? And what about any other costs? Thanks""

Insurance rates on classic sports cars for new drivers?

obviously, insurance rates are higher for new drivers and even more so if they drive a sports car, but aren't rates lower on classic cars? if so does the reduction make up for the car being a sports car? for example, a 1965 Ford Mustang.""

Car crash and keeping insurance out of it.?

I have caught the back of a car whilst parking up. I have offered to pay for the repair whilst not involving our insurance companies. The third party accepted this, I have found a company who can repair the damage at a decent price but the third party are saying they wish to get other quotes. Who's decision is it ultimately to where the vehicle gets repaired?""

How do you pass the state insurance exam?

I am taking the health accident and life test. I am using the pass package to study with

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ameriprise-renters-insurance-quotes-larry-kennedy/"

[viralhottopics]

Violence, prejudice and low pay: all in a day’s work for migrants in Malaysia | Pete Pattison

Undocumented workers in Malaysia put in long hours for little money, are often excluded from healthcare and schools, and face routine intimidation

Sonam Lapcha might have been able to handle the putrid toilets, dirty drinking water and drunkards staggering around his workers hostel, were it not that he had to share a single hall with 300 other men.

Lapcha, 30, a migrant worker from Nepal, spent five years crammed alongside hundreds of fellow migrants from Nepal, Myanmar and Bangladesh, all employed by a factory close to Malaysias capital, Kuala Lumpur.

The toilets had no doors, and there were only two kitchens to serve the entire workforce. It was much worse than Nepal, says Lapcha. We even had to buy our own beds and bedding. The company only gave us a metal frame.

Lapcha, though, did not spend much time in his bed. His shift started at 8am and did not finish until 10 or 11 at night. Then he had to face the dangerous walk back to his lodgings during which, he says, the workers were regularly beaten and robbed by locals.

Worse still, he was barely earning any money. The company didnt pay us what we were promised. And we had to spend the little we did make on food and transport, he says. Instead of earning money, I was throwing it away.

Eventually, Lapcha fled the factory in search of a better job, joining an army of undocumented workers across Malaysia that some NGOs and trade unions say is more than 4 million-strong. Most arrive through legal routes but then, like Lapcha, become undocumented to escape dire accommodation, low pay or because employers refuse to renew their work permits. One official at Nepals embassy in Kuala Lumpur says: The workers are not illegal they are made illegal by their employers.

Others, like Srey Uon from Cambodia, never had legal status in the first place. Uon, 32, works for 15 hours a day binding bunches of herbs in a bustling hypermarket in Kuala Lumpur. It is tedious work, but the 1,200 ringgit (220) she earns each month is more than she could hope to make in Cambodia. Like an estimated 70% of Cambodian migrant workers in the country, Uon crossed into Malaysia illegally with the help of smugglers.

I worry a lot here, especially when I go outside, she says. Its not comfortable but I have no choice because I have to support my family.

Uon came to Malaysia with her husband, but she had to leave her two young children behind with her parents. That was two years ago and, because it costs so much to return to Cambodia, she is unlikely to see them for another three years. I really miss my children. Its so difficult. But I cant afford to visit them.

Working alongside her, My Som, 44, chose to bring her seven-year-old twins with her after her husband died in Cambodia, but she barely sees them. I work from 8am to 11pm every day. I get two days off each month, Som says. Even if Im sick I have to come to work. If not, they will threaten you because you are undocumented. Som has to spend a third of her monthly income on childcare because government schools in Malaysia generally dont admit the children of undocumented workers.

Many hospitals are also out of reach for undocumented workers, as Mahesh Mondal knows to his cost. With an energy drink in one hand and a saline drip attached to the other, the 20-year-old from Nepal explains how he resigned from one job when a friend persuaded him he could earn more as a security guard. He had to leave behind his passport, which his employer had confiscated.

Six weeks later, however, he contracted dengue fever. Local clinics told him to go to hospital, but he was turned away because he had no passport, leaving him to resort to a cure for dengue fever, popular among migrants 10 cans of energy drink every day.

I feel dizzy the whole time. My whole body hurts, says Mondal. My family tells me to come home fast, but I feel bad. I never made any money. I will not come back here.

The exclusion of undocumented workers from public services reflects wider discrimination against migrants. In a recent report, the International Labour Organisation said: Scapegoating of migrants, regardless of the realities, has contributed to an environment where exploitation and abuse are sometimes viewed as acceptable.

Nepalese migrant workers say they never go out alone or in small groups for fear of being assaulted or robbed mostly by Malaysian Tamils, they claim.

Mahesh Mandal, 20, from Nepal was suffering from dengue fever, but could not get treatment at a hospital as he was an undocumented worker with no passport. Photograph: Pete Pattisson

Where is it safe? Its risky for us in the morning and afternoon, not just at night. There is a daily incident in this area, says one Nepalese migrant in the southern city of Johor Bahru.

People dont behave nicely nowadays, says a migrant who has lived in Malaysia for eight years and runs a restaurant in the centre of Kuala Lumpur. They think we come here to take their food, their money, their place. They treat you like a second-class person. It really hurts me.

Migrants, especially those who are undocumented, are also afraid of the police, whom one worker described as robbers in a uniform.

As soon as Vani, an undocumented worker from Cambodia, sat down at an outdoor cafe, his body tensed. He had spotted a police officer he recognised driving by on a motorbike. Im very nervous when I see the police, he says. You have to walk slowly and not show that you are afraid. He has been picked up four times by the police, and each time has had to pay them off with a hefty fine.

The first time, he tried to talk his way out of it but, he says, the police beat him up and he had to hand over 700 ringgit, almost a months wages. Now when they catch me I dont talk, says Vani. I just ask them how much they want.

Vani and millions of other migrant workers are caught up in a system that is arbitrary and indifferent, says Sumitha Shaanthinni Kishna, coordinator of the Migration Working Group Malaysia. The informal sector is thriving; locals dont want to do this work and the cost of recruiting documented workers is unaffordable to some employers, explains Kishna.

There is very little political will to deal with the problem. As long as someone is making money out of migrants, the exploitation will not stop.

Read more: http://bit.ly/2kX5Xxh

from Violence, prejudice and low pay: all in a day’s work for migrants in Malaysia | Pete Pattison