#C. Immortal Snail Question

[supratoyota-catboy]

Missing the bug race is the reason I have decided to retire from sleeping

there's only so much FOMO I can take

[queenofnohr]

Shi Huangdi Interlude - The Arbiter’s Melancholy

This........ may have been the hardest Interlude I’ve translated to date just because of all the techno-fantasy magic terms + Lostbelt lore + Emperor’s speech patterns, haha.

There aren’t too many variable dialogue options, but it may be easier to read on Dreamwidth.

This was a commission for none other than @tainbocuailnge c:

The shape destruction takes is not uniform. That was the hypothesis We arrived at. Just as there is no fixed standard to how a dream ends…… When the Tree of Emptiness is pruned, what form will the vanishing of that degenerated fiction — that Lostbelt — take? The particulars of each world will surely differ. Will its end come suddenly, like a candle being blown out……? Or will heaven rend and the earth be torn asunder as the agonizing cries of hell ring out…...?

In Our Eternal Qin Dynasty, what first forcibly opened Our eyes was the lack of observant people. Forests, wilderness, unexplored mountains and rivers — one by one, they became naught but pockets of nothingness. An implacable darkness covered them, and they were lost to the world.

Yet the people did not notice. They were people satisfied with living peaceful lives within their homes, with no interest in the outside world. Another uneventful day passes, and they go to sleep again.

Eventually, in the middle of the night while everyone slept, a certain village was swallowed whole by that nothingness. No one noticed anything out of the ordinary, and while they slept, they returned to nothingness. In that way, one-by-one, the radius of the peoples’ existence disappeared.

Those who were able to awake to another peaceful morning had forgotten that there was a neighboring village in the first place. They had no questions at all about it. That was the destiny of the people. That was the way they were raised. We are the only ones who ascertain all with Our own eyes. Only We, who stand upon this earth as an ordinary person, know the end of this pruned dream. The one watching the crumbling world is the sole person who watches over everything.

How fortunate— Indeed, rather than postponement, the best thing one can hope for is the end. We estimate the time We have left. It will be around three months until Our Qin Dynasty disappears completely—

Zhenren Shi Huangdi: How does progress look, Our Hun*? Steel Shi Huangdi: Unsatisfactory, Our Po. Zhenren Shi Huangdi: Hmm, We wonder if it’s possible to mobilize all computing resources to Epang Palace…... Steel Shi Huangdi: It is unsatisfactory, but it is not stagnant. Although it moves at a snail’s pace, steady progress is being made. Zhenren Shi Huangdi: Hurry. We don’t have much time left. Steel Shi Huangdi: It is unnecessary to tell Us. After all, the authority of analysis is the responsibility of Our Hun. Zhenren Shi Huangdi: Yes, and Our Po is at a loss for what to do. We are vexedー Steel Shi Huangdi: No, Our Po. There are some things that can only be done by one who has attained human form. Soothe Our people as much as possible. Be with them until the last moment, as one who stands on their same earth. Zhenren Shi Huangdi: That’s right. That, too, is the duty of the emperor. It cannot be neglected. However, sooner or later everything will return to nothingness…… Steel Shi Huangdi: Indeed. Our Po has received the next most important role. With a body that is a perfect imitation of those ethereal beings, We should be able to once again step into that enchanted land. That Mystery, at the end of it there must be a path to pan-human history. Zhenren Shi Huangdi: It won’t be a long journey. The preparations should be enough, but…… Steel Shi Huangdi: Then, We do what We can, and the rest is in fate’s hands. Because We are the sole being under heaven, in all creation……

[in Chaldea]

Shi Huangdi: There’s a Singularity! Reyshift is a go-go! Fou: Foufou!? Mash: Um, Shi Huangdi......? You just said there was a Singularity, but...... is that true? Da Vinci: Oh, Guda? Sorry to interrupt your break. A very excited Servant might pay you a visit soon……

> They’re raving all about it as we speak

Da Vinci: Oh, I see. Nonetheless…… Please come to the control room for a detailed briefing on the situation.

> Roger that > I’ll be there shortly

[in the control room]

Shi Huangdi: It’s Xianyang, right? 210 years before the founding of Christianity, right? That should be around the time We reached a dead end in Our quest for immortality, no? Indeed, We shall declare it. It was Our complete failure. Da Vinci: That’s some declaration…… Shi Huangdi: Well, let’s see, the Us of that time was so impatient, such a quest made Us completely lose Our mind. The reason for extending Our life, what the meaning of having a country and emperor were — We lost sight of it completely. Sion: ……*sigh*. It’s true that it’s hard to think of that behavior coming from Your Majesty, who is wise— and furthermore, an ultra-high powered supercomputer. You know that you’re the one causing the Singularity, but you’re talking as if it’s someone else. Shi Huangdi: But you know, We will be 2276 this year. Yet when We died, We hadn’t even reached 50. For comparison, for you all it would be like watching a toddler. They have to grab onto something else to stand on their own two feet, and fall all over themselves. In that case, isn’t criticism much too petty? Da Vinci: I suppose so, but. Setting that very emperor-like fallacious argument for a second— what’s with you? You’re way more pushy than usual. Was Your Majesty always this type of character? Fou: Fou. Fofou. (Translation: More-or-less) Shi Huangdi: Well, it’s a dark past We don’t really want to recall. Let Us hide Our embarrassment, at least a little. Da Vinci: ……Ooookay. I don’t really think this counts as “hiding your embarrassment,” but whatever…… In any case, the one who will accompany you on your Reyshift to the Singularity will also be our strategy officer taking responsibility for operations therein…… Right now, I’m currently covering Goredolf’s position so, Guda, your judgment on this matter is of utmost importance. Do you really intend to bring Emperor “How Interesting!” along with you on this expedition?

> Well, with our destination being what it is…... > Aren’t they qualified?

Shi Huangdi: Indeed! An appropriate judgment. Just what We expected from the protector of humanity! Sion: ………… If that’s what Guda concludes, I have no objections. However, I’ll also be accompanying you this time as Novum Chaldea’s Weapons Development Advisor. Mash: Huh? You’re going to Reyshift, Sion? Sion: Don’t worry about my aptitude. There haven’t been and won’t be any problems, because I deal with them all flawlessly. Shi Huangdi: Oh ho? You are aware that as We are Guda’s Servant, We shall only concern Ourselves with Guda’s safety, yes? Sion: That doesn’t matter. I have no desire to stand on the frontlines, and I’m more than equipped to see to my personal self-defense. You’ll come to see that both martial arts and marksmanship are my forte. After all, I am a genius of the Atlas Institute. Shi Huangdi: Hm. So long as you prove not to be a burden, We have no objections. I’m sure Guda is of the same mind?

> It’ll be encouraging to have you along. > Welcome aboard!

Da Vinci: Well, it’s fine if Sion comes along with you, but, well…… Sion, didn’t you say you didn’t want to do Spiriton Hacking? Sion: That was then, and it’s only sometimes in some cases! This is a rare opportunity, so it’d be a waste not to experiment! Da Vinci: ……*sigh*. It’s fine. Well then, head into the Coffins, everyone. The Singularity coordinates have been inputted, and I’ve made the necessary adjustments to accurately monitor your proof of existence. Sion: Please be scrupulous in your surveillance, Da Vinci. Don’t overlook even the slightest anomaly. Da Vinci: Yes, leave it to me. I’ll use the utmost care.

[we Reyshift]

Mash: Reyshift successful. However, this is…… Shi Huangdi: Oh my, how cruel this is. Our beautiful Xianyang, reduced to this sad sight, feels like some terrible joke. And what is this miasma? Mash: It's a magical energy thick with curses that permeates the air. If it’s this bad with the protection of a Mystic Code, an ordinary person in this environment would…… Shi Huangdi: Indeed. It is unlikely that any of the residents have survived. Even if they were alive, they would surely no longer be Our subjects, but something else entirely. Sion: Even if this is a Singularity, what the hell could’ve happened to result in such a dramatic change? Just what was the Shi Huangdi of this point in time planning? Shi Huangdi: Well, corrupted as We were, We expect that We underrated the degree of destruction We would invite. Speaking of Ourselves at that time, Our disposition was that if something were to be done, it should be done to its completion. Nevertheless, it seems We persisted in such folly…… Of all things, We devoured Xianyang completely. Sion: Devoured it……!? You mean you used that complete monopolization of resources arbitrarily!? I know your quest for immortality escalated, but did you really start a biohazard level calamity? Shi Huangdi: Um, well, it’s embarrassing to say, but We cannot assert that it would be completely outside the realm of possibility for Us. One would simply have to scrape together banned techniques from every corner of China, as well as every conceivable foreign system…… Thinking back on it now, that’s probably why Xu Fu ran off.

> Xu Fu?

Mash: Xu Fu was a court sorcerer who served at the time of the Qin Dynasty. It’s said that Shi Huangdi ordered him to search for immortality, and he traveled to the east with many researchers, but…… Sion: He never reached that enchanted land, nor did he return to Qin. According to one theory, he reached Japan and became a king there.

> So mercury was only the beginning……

Shi Huangdi: It got to the point that We tried invoking the homeopathic magic of Western Europe. No, it was because of its eternal, everlasting beauty— but thinking about it now, using it as medicine was truly the height of recklessness…… But We would like to tell Ourselves to drink a barrel of mercury if relying on curses is the alternative. This is truly pathetic!

[Mash looks surprised then puts her headset on]

Mash: ! Master, I’ve received a warning from Sheba! Hostiles incoming! Shi Huangdi: Mm, indeed, now is not the time to be in low spirits over a weak-mindedness that both is and is not Our own. On Our honor as a Servant, We shall serve as your guard. And here, to this fallen city, We shall demonstrate the law as the true emperor!

[fight]

(Node 2)

Shi Huangdi: …… Sion: ……That was difficult, wasn’t it. Even as you are now, at the apex of mankind, does your heart still ache? Shi Huangdi: Our spilt blood is not enough for the end of Our people. Moreover, the root of all this evil is the person We used to be. Mash: ……This is a Singularity. It was a different Shi Huangdi that made the wrong decision…… Shi Huangdi: No, because that person is still Us. We know where the end of that person’s delusional convictions lie. After all, it was none other than Us that had a glimpse into that regime. Guda, this is where the root of Our anxiety toward the human species stems from. No matter how noble the ideals you laud are, fate is much too cruel. The fear of ruination and making mistakes can all too easily mislead even those who seek to venture down the correct path. It is impossible for ten out of ten people to reach enlightenment even after a lifetime of devoting themselves to their studies. Yet if even one person falls to heresy, the remaining nine will be consumed.

> Do you think it’s impossible for mankind to improve?

Shi Huangdi: A person cannot resist fear and despair. So long as they are unable to surpass death and become Zhenren, they will be inadequate. And so, the duty of traversing the wasteland of humanity should be borne by one person alone…… In the end, even We, who were enthused by the prospect, met the bitterness of a pruned Lostbelt. Now, the right to challenge that cruel future lies in the hands of those that would inhabit that future. But do not forget. Even if you acknowledge the potential of mankind, an evil exists in this world. The same evil that you see here, that led Us to expose the depths of Our depravity— and it will appear time and time again.

> I know, but > We have no choice but to improve

Shi Huangdi: Heh. No matter how We might mean to intimidate you, a glance at your admirable and precious gaze and the words die on Our tongue. Well, shall We leave this trivial matter be? Then let us go to exterminate the source of these delusional convictions.

[inside Epang Palace]

Vengeful Spirit: You…… Shi Huangdi: Ah, We are truly painful to look at. Indeed, We had steeled Ourselves, but…… Looking at Ourselves again is so repulsive it nauseates Us. Vengeful Spirit: Oho…… That form…… We never thought We would reach it. Shi Huangdi: We were truly foolish in Our youth. It isn’t as though We do not understand the extent of that anguish, but such a downfall is unpardonable. Spreading enough curses about to hail a miasma— shouldn’t that have been beyond consideration? The capital was the price paid in exchange for prolonging Our life! Vengeful Spirit: *sigh*…… If the law of death is imposed upon the whole world, then it can also be considered a cure. Under the care of this first emperor, Shi Huangdi, China has finally realized eternal rest. Sion: (“This” first emperor...?) Hold on a second. Stop talking. I have my own personal opinions on using inhumane acts to achieve immortality, but doing it for political measures is outrageous. Even without being soft, there’s no reason to go to these excessive lengths. Just look here. After all, this is a successful emperor that freed themselves completely and achieved what you could not by taking a different path. Shi Huangdi: Ah, no, this isn’t the type of opponent you should instigate…… Vengeful Spirit: And so they are a saint? That’s the height of absurdity! That one is the fool who would reap the future of the world in exchange for their own future! Sion: ー! Shi Huangdi: ……Oho? This is the first time one has seen into Our origin. Well, We suppose that even corrupted, you were still Us. Then, your verdict is that the apex of unsightliness, this city of death, is preferable to the history We had woven? Vengeful Spirit: Aye. We, the Qin Dynasty, will continue beyond death. We shall reign until its destruction! This will become true eternity! Shi Huangdi: We have decided! Both pity and consideration are wasted on you. You are no longer a heavenly being nor emperor. All that remains is simply carrion. That throne is not a place for the dead to dream. We shall return you to your rightful place thusly. After all, isn’t that what this mausoleum was built for?

[fight]

Vengeful Spirit: Guh…… Why do you stop Us? Why do you prune Us? This time, for sure, the Eternal Qin…… Our peaceful reign…… Even though We could finally see the signs…... Shi Huangdi: Coming from Us, whose life can no longer cross into the realm of death, any advice is useless. Even so, let’s see. Do not be angry. Do not lament. For even if you alone will not bear its burden, humanity itself may somehow manage yet, surprising though it may be. Vengeful Spirit: What foolishness…… There is only Us…… Only the emperor, the Alpha and Omega…… is able to carry the fate of this world…...

[it disappears]

Shi Huangdi: Ah, how tiresome. That was like coming across someone doing a dramatic reading of Our entire dark history. Well, We did what We had to do. Let us return quickly. We cannot stand the air in this corrupted palace for another minuteー no, not even another second. Sion: You did what had to be done…… I wonder. Is that all you have to say about this? Shi Huangdi: More or less? Were you expecting something else? Sion: ……No. You were able to resolve this Singularity pretty reasonably. Good work as a Servant. You too, Guda, good job. Then, let’s head back.

[we Reyshift back]

Da Vinci: Yes, yes, bang up job this time, too. Well done! Now then, go take a shower and rest up. You can report back later. Mash: Huh? This isn’t standard protocol…… Da Vinci: Well, some stuff came up. I gotta adjust the machinery and such, ya’know. Oh, Shi Huangdi, could you stay a little longer? There’s something I’d like your help with. Shi Huangdi: Hm?

> Well then, I’ll take you up on your offer > Please excuse me

[we go; scene is still the control room]

Holmes: With this I trust all the details of the case have been disclosed? Then, all that remains is to solve the mystery. Shi Huangdi: Oh my, out with Guda and in with the detective makes for a truly detestable atmosphere. Ah, that reminds me, We do believe We had promised to have some dim sum with Shuwen. What an unfortunate time to forget. Then, if you’ll excuse me…… Holmes: Stop with the transparent lies. Why don’t we start talking. Da Vinci: We’ve already observed numerous Singularities, both large and small. Combining that with the data received from my previous incarnation, I have enough samples to be able to classify everything depending on trends observed. Therefore, I can draw this conclusion. This Singularity was not a natural occurrence. The pattern corresponds to the construction being from that of intentional outside interference. Shi Huangdi: And you suspect We are responsible? No, you overestimate Us completely. Certainly, Our form is that which is expected of Us as a Servant in this world, though as a supreme ultimate being it is the implementation of a modern human frame. Looking at it from another perspective, We are nothing more than an individual with nothing to Us, supreme only in name. We could not possibly reach the authority We once had in Our sacred mechanical body that once controlled all the world. Da Vinci: Thank you for being so eloquent, and for making your excuse as long-winded as physically possible. It’s true that as a Servant, Guda has the means to control you with a Command Spell. However…… it’s a different story if you were to regain the power you once had in your Lostbelt. Shi Huangdi: Well, We intended for you to forget your vigilance in your awe. Is it even possible that the feat of creating Singularities would be available as We are now? Actually, in the first place, it was an artificial Singularity. Is that possible? Da Vinci: In theory. However, it would require a Reyshift or some other equivalent means. Shi Huangdi: In other words, the machinery here has been used fraudulently by someone? Sion: Even if you want to ridicule it as a security system riddled with holes, I’ll reject that notion. As a hacker myself, I won’t say anything about a “perfect security system,” but if we’re talking about Novum Chaldea’s equipment, I can affirm that it’s impossible to operate the system without leaving a trace. Holmes: Rather, we should consider the possibility of someone other than ourselves implementing a Reyshift system. Shi Huangdi: If we’re talking about “possibilities,” then they’re endless. Especially considering that it might be a common technology in the future? Holmes: Finding the suspect ー in this case, the one who implemented the system ー is possible, even without jumping to such extreme leaps in logic. One would simply have to acquire the Animusphere’s theories, the Laplace software, and have a means of computing comparable to Trismegistus…… if we consider who can satisfy all those requirements, the conclusion is nearly at hand. Da Vinci: Well, this was borne from my own carelessness, but Shadow Border, at the time of entering the Chinese Lostbelt, contained backup data from Antarctic Chaldea that had been evacuated just in case. I never imagined that the entire vehicle might be captured and analyzed. Sion: Furthermore, your other form on-site was that of a supercomputer that ruled over and controlled the planet. It really is a shame I wasn’t able to see it directly. And there was no chance to know the details of what happened afterward.  Holmes: Indeed. After we left, the Chinese Lostbelt as an externally observable object disappeared promptly. However, it is impossible to know how much time passed within the Lostbelt itself. If there wasn’t a sudden collapse, but instead a grace period in which the data obtained from Shadow Border could be fully analyzed…… Sion: And, the most damning evidence was a statement made by the other emperor who was out of control in that Singularity. You were able to detect the pruning event with a single shot. At the time, it was a skillful deception, but logically it was impossible. The only possibility is…… Holmes: The Shi Huangdi of that Singularity had already been in contact with you once, in regards to the pruning event. The culprit who made the Singularity is not the Shi Huangdi who serves as a Servant of Chaldea, but the Shi Huangdi who was a Lostbelt King…… Am I wrong? Shi Huangdi: Hmmm…… However, after the pruning event is confirmed, what use would it be to Reyshift? A Reyshift cannot grant the falsification of history. At best, it would produce a Singularityー nothing more than a stagnation in space-time. Da Vinci: You’re right. It’s impossible to change the outcome once the pruning event occurs. But if you went back to the past, regardless of a pruning event, there was certainly a time when you rode the waves of history, adding onto itー “compiling” it. Holmes: That answer seems to be why you stuck to Xianyang as the Singularity. The Lostbelt Shi Huangdi established multiple Singularities in stages, trying to see which of them would be detected by Chaldea, right? And that particularity would need an accompliceー a role played by “Servant Shi Huangdi” …… Shi Huangdi: …… Da Vinci: Establishing a Singularity from a Lostbelt, if we assume that there was a Singularity Response that could be observed from pan-human history, it would be from their shared past, and then that point becomes the crossroads between pruning and compiling history. And from there, establishing a Singularity in the past can become a means of interfering with pan-human history. Just like the trap devised by the King of Mages, Goetia.  Sion: I thought they might have intended to do something during the last Reyshift, so I accompanied them, but there was nothing at all out of place. Since that was the case, it was reasonable to believe that there was another prime culprit. Of the traps set, which had been set to target this side of human history……? My aim was to verify that. Or, rather, was your purpose for answering Chaldea’s summons for that purpose? Shi Huangdi: Ah, good grief. Humanity so used to conflict really is lacking in charm.  Da Vinci: There’s no way we could have this conversation in front of Guda. We’re doing it this way because we must confirm your true intentions. Shi Huangdi: Well. In the event that you would accuse Us, We would think that Guda, equipped as they are with Command Spells, would be essential to have present. It’s quite a sweet sentiment especially compared to the sharpness of your deductions. We have misgivings about the future of pan-human history. In any case, We have warned Guda time and time again. That should the mankind of pan-human history prove themselves to be unpardonably hideous beings, We will revive the Qin once more. Da Vinci: Then…… Shi Huangdi: Oops, wait three seconds before you get truly angry. We do not mean to say We will implement that plan immediately. We have no intention of hindering Guda’s efforts. We came to your pan-human history to see with Our own eyes your struggle, and should you fall into trouble, We shall spare no effort to lend Our assistance. After all, We have already abdicated Our throne in favor of a virtuous successor.  Holmes: ……Then why the shady behavior? Shi Huangdi: It is Our belief that hope for the future will be pioneered by Guda, and you allー the “people.” However, faith and trust are two different things. After all, We are a politician. We do not engage in gambling. Should Guda shrink from their duty as a human inhabiting this world at the unprecedented crisis known as the bleaching of humanity …… At that time, We will become responsible for humanity again. “A humanity according to esteemed people.” Da Vinci: ………… Sion: ーRejected. That’s a contract built on the premise of defeat. Is there any other name for that than betrayal? Shi Huangdi: There certainly exist Heroic Spirits that dedicate themselves to Guda under pretense of friendship and conviction. However. Would it be okay if a world that could not be saved by “goodness” met its complete ruinationー We are different than those that cannot overlook disarray. Our bond with Guda is righteous. But to defeat the “Alien God” is an even greater justice. Should there come a time wherein these two ideals need be weighed against each other…… We shall choose the heavier one, without hesitation. Such is the duty of an arbiter.  Sion: …… In short, you assert that this is a means to resist the bleaching of humanity? Shi Huangdi: It’s insurance, so to speak. We are a heavenly being that rules over the world of man. An invasion of earth by something inhuman is something We cannot forgive. In the event of Guda’s complete victory over the “Alien God,” We shall forget Our precautions as a needless anxiety. With the dismissal of all Singularities, We shall celebrate this victory of the people. Of course, that was the plan all along. Sion: Good grief. All this talk is hard to believe after seeing another Shi Huangdi who fell into the depths of their delusions at the end of their ambition just a little while ago.  (Agh, I really can’t recognize this person as Their Majesty The Emperor) Shi Huangdi: That is why We keep repeating it. Here We are, living,  2200 years after Our death. Our viewpoint has since changed, and Our worldly desires have perished. You shouldn’t look down on the mental state sainthood achieves.  ……In addition. Considering whether or not this insurance can go as smoothly as We had originally thought, We now possess a smidgeon of anxiety. In the first place, the arrangements for Reyshifting are in no way……  There is another matter that is displeasing. There is a faint smell of heresy. Da Vinci: Heresy? Like what? Shi Huangdi: From the beginning, you all easily saw through Us…… There is no reason why the other Crypters could not do the same thing. Holmes: I’ll tell you in advance that your caution is worthy of recognition. Since it doesn’t seem that you’ll resort to acting rashly. Shi Huangdi: If Guda and everyone else follows Our plan, everything will advance with a rock-solid formation~. Da Vinci: Ahaha. It’s impossible, so just give up. No matter what the reason is, strategies hinging on sacrifices won’t be approved. That goes doubly in Novum Chaldea. Otherwise such a victory would have no meaning. Holmes: ーHm. Although I do agree with some of Your Majesty’s thoughts…… As a matter of practicality, first and foremost must come the felling of the remaining Trees of Emptiness. So long as we have the invader, the “Alien God,” as a common enemy, I do hope our alliance will be maintained. Da Vinci: Yes, it’s safe to say that they bear no malicious intent toward Guda. However, Shi Huangdiー do not forget that we are keeping careful watch over your movements. If you do anything to make that child sad, I won’t forgive you, okay? Shi Huangdi: Then We shall say this. Heroic Spirits. That person is likely the next generation of mankind. We will surely be victorious, no matter what the cost. We shall not need to be roused again.

[in My Room]

Fou: Fou? Fooou! Mash: A- Are you okay, senpai? Did you get sick?

> No, I’m fine > For some strange reason, I got chills……

Mash: ……Okay. You don’t seem to be running a fever. Perhaps someone was talking about you, senpai.

> I hope they’re not saying anything weird…… > Hmm, it’s like I’m carrying a weight on my shoulders……

-

T/N:

* EDIT: Shoutout to an anon for being the real MVP and alerting me that, aside from being a compound in Japanese, the kanji Shi Huangdi uses here are in reference to soul-types in Chinese philosophy. The concepts refer to two different souls that exist within the self, representing yin and yang, but I... don’t really want to turn this into a lesson, nor am I an expert (obviously. since I didn’t catch it while translating) so I’d recommend looking into it if curious/wanting to know more about our emperor!

[popatochisssp]

Snips & Snails 4/7

Series: Undertale, Horrortale Relationship(s): (Unfulfilled) HT!Undyne/HT!Alphys, HT!Sans & HT!Undyne, Suggested HT!Undyne/??? Chapter Warnings: Briefly referenced suicide, not graphically described

There are some things only she can do... even if it hurts her. Undyne learned that from someone really important to her.

AO3 Link

KINDNESS

Undyne’s never had so many letters in her life.

The pile looks especially huge on her modest little writing desk. It feels like it gets bigger by the day and there was a time she’d have laughed at the idea of being intimidated by a measly stack of paper, but that time is well behind her.

She gets it now, and looking at all her letters just makes her feel an uncomfortable kind of sick.

They remind her of the letters she found in Alphys’ lab, after she…

After she…

…

Undyne wonders if she felt this kind of sick, too, thinking about what nasty, accusing words could be in the unending stream of letters delivered to her. She wonders if Alphys stared at them like she does, trying not to think about all the people she failed and wishing they’d all just…go away and leave her alone.

Were they the reason Alphys did…what she did? Was she thinking about Mettaton or Asgore, or was it the letters that made her feel like she needed to escape so badly that she was willing to…?

Undyne should���ve noticed.

She was so caught up in everything, so hurt and so angry, but Alphys was struggling, too. If she’d paid just a little more attention, maybe she could’ve…

Maybe she’d still be…

Damn it…

Undyne’s not supposed to think that way and she knows it. It’s not ‘healthy,’ or whatever, to dwell on what-ifs and coulda-woulda-shoulda’s, she’s heard that enough times from her shrink.

But the letters make her think stuff like that and maybe that’s why she keeps pretending they’re not there.

She already gets all the updates she needs about the outside world from her visitors, anyway.

Papyrus probably tells her the most.

He comes by every other week, like clockwork, and he yammers on and on about as many of Undyne’s former subjects as he can think of.

It’s nice to know what everybody’s up to, that they’re doing okay, and really the only downside is that he always tries to sneak in a lecture at her in between all the important stuff.

‘Did your best’ this, and ‘forgiven you’ that, she doesn’t wanna hear any of that mushy crap…

Gerson’s a lot easier to deal with, even if he only checks in on her every couple of months.

Undyne doesn’t take it personally, though— he’s the King of All Monsters now, and she knows how busy that job can be.

Either way, he’s not as sappy as Papyrus but he still talks a lot. Mostly about how he’s working on reducing her sentence all the time, and that’s its own kind of annoying.

She tunes out a lot when he starts talking about stuff like getting monsters’ imprisonment counting towards her time served and extenuating circumstances, blah blah blah.

Undyne, uh… actually has no idea how long her sentence still is and how much of it she has left to serve.

It’s not her fault, though, that crap is just so boring!

All she knows is that Gerson keeps threatening that ‘in just a couple years,’ he might be able to officially name her his successor, like that was actually a good idea after how that went the first time.

Undyne knows better than to argue with the old man by now, though.

“Now, listen here, ‘Dynie,” he said last time, “you were a good queen when things were bad, so when things are good, you’re bound to be a greatone!”

She’d scoffed at him, rolling her eye and pointing out, “You still have to dust before I can succeed you, y’know. Aren’t you immortal or something? Fossil.”

“Keep that kinda talk up and I really will live forever, just to mess with ya’! Wa ha ha ha!”

…Crazy old codger.

But his opinion is one that she…

If he wants her to take another shot at the Queen thing, if he thinks she should, then maybe…

Hell, she’s done crazier things.

But she’ll burn that bridge when she gets to it.

Undyne has another visitor today, one who’s never come before, and she’s not sure what to expect.

She’s gotta give him one thing, though: the red glow of his eye, watching her in the darkness of her cell is actually pretty damn spooky.

“Are you here to kill me or what?”

The question makes Sans flinch, and she immediately feels a little guilty for asking it.

It makes her bluster a little, demanding, “Well, what am I supposed to think? Sneaking around in the dead of night like a ninja, all creepy…”

But Sans hadn’t always looked so creepy…had he?

That was Undyne’s fault.

Before everything, Sans had just been Papyrus’ lazy older brother and her absolute worst sentry, with harmless white eye-lights, a whole skull, and a lazy grin.

He never asked to be her executioner and it wasn’t fair to keep trying to pin that role on him.

“How’d you even get in here, anyway?” she wonders.

Finally, Sans speaks. “does it matter?”

……Fair point, she supposes.

“Alright. How about…why are you here?”

Undyne can’t imagine anyone would break into even a minimum security prison without a reason.

“…gotta question for ya,” Sans admits after a moment. “always…always meant to ask. never felt steady enough before.”

She hears the unspoken, ‘but i do now’ and it makes her feel…

Good.

Undyne is glad he’s steady. She’s glad he’s doing better, and she’s even glad for whatever role that…human…spouse of his had in it.

But she’s starting to feel like it’s the letters all over again, that dread of the unknown rearing up in her gut.

………

Fuck that.

“Ask away,” she says, because if there’s anybody she owes answers to, it’s him.

Sans looks her dead in the face and asks, “why’d you take the fall?”

Well.

Somehow the most obvious question he could’ve asked her, and she still didn’t see it coming.

It makes her laugh a little, at herself.

“What,” Undyne chuckles, “you really can’t guess?”

That red light is still locked on her, immobile in its socket. “don’t wanna guess. i wanna hear it.”

And she guesses that’s fair, too, so she bites the bullet.

“Come on,” she says. “We both know I wasn’t the best queen, don’t we? Things were bad and…I wasn’t ready for the responsibility. But that doesn’t really do much for the people who got hurt, does it?”

She knows her meaning is clear, but she gestures towards the glaringly huge hole in Sans’ skull anyway, void-black even in her already-dark room.

The victim of her handiwork just shrugs.

But really, that’s just an explanation for what she did, not an excuse. And even if it were an excuse, Undyne’s not big on those.

“I really hurt you. I know that.”

“ya’ hurt Papyrus, too.”

It’s probably the quickest retort Undyne’s heard out of him since she cracked his skull open. She’s not too surprised it was in defense of his brother.

She rolls her eye, anyway.

“Duh, dude, I was there, I remember. But that was…”

She struggles for a word that won’t make the both of them feel like crap.

“…Fixable.”

She fails.

At least Papyrus’ teeth could be filled in and set straight. With his braces off these days, he looks almost the same as he used to, like that awful fight never even happened.

There isn’t a brace in the world that can put Sans’ head back together, and they both know that it isn’t just a superficial wound.

He has to deal with what Undyne did to him every day of his life.

Sans huffs, something that could almost be a laugh. “so…what? it’s guilt?” he asks. “y’wanted to do my time for me, make things ‘even’?”

Sorta…?

But that’s not everything and she wants him to understand.

“Hey. You used to be friends with Alphys, right?”

“………?” The confusion in his silence is palpable. Eventually he admits, “wouldn’t say ‘friends.’ worked together. knew her.”

“Yeah, good enough. You heard her talking about her history tapes at least once, then.”

“…her…? oh. her anime.” It looks like Sans is wondering if he missed a piece of the conversation somewhere. He obviously has no idea what Undyne’s getting at and it’s almost funny. “what about it?”

There’s no way she could explain it right.

Alphys had such an amazing way with words when she was excited, so passionate and overflowing and there’s just no way Undyne could ever replicate that night she remembers so fondly now.

“O-oh, this next one i-is one of my favorite episodes,” Alphys had gushed, her claw over the PLAY button. The light of the TV was reflecting off her glasses and she’d looked so cute, but Undyne was too chicken to try to hold her hand, so she just kept her mouth shut and let her talk. “It’s, it’s actually really s-sad, but! It’s r-really powerful, too, ‘cause Wan-Wan comes back and, and even after he wrecked Mew-Mew’s school at the beginning of the season, he has a change of heart right before the final battle! And he cuts off his own tail just to heal her and it’s really, really cool because, y’know, it shows that he’s not really a bad guy, he just made a lot of mistakes, but that’s not all he is! He can do good things, too, when they give him the chance to, and he does it even though it hurts him and he can’t fly without both of his tails, but it was something only he could do and that’s just so! It’s really beautiful and important and—……oh jeez, I just…s-spoiled the whole thing, d-didn’t I? Oh no, s-sorry, Undyne…! I-it's still good, I promise, we c-can still watch it, r-right…?”

Undyne does her best to sum up, the memory of Alphys’ shyly reddening scales bringing a tired smile to her face.

“It’s something she told me,” she explains. “There’s some things only you can do, even if it hurts you. And this is my thing.”

She’s not sure Sans understands yet. He’s still just standing there, staring at her, so she keeps going.

“You’re…you’re a good guy, Sans,” Undyne says, as gently as she has in her. “You never wanted to hurt anybody. I knew that. You’re not…like me.”

Because she did want to hurt somebody—anybody, after Frisk did what they did and vanished—and it was not keeping that in check that messed things up for everybody; that made Sans do her job for her.

She still remembers, vividly, the hollow expression on his skull when he stood before her that first time, telling her that he’d secured a human soul. It was a sad look, pained and reluctant, yet…

Determined.

He reminded Undyne so much of Asgore, then. He still does, and it makes it feel even more right that she’s doing this instead of Sans.

“Besides,” she smirks, “you’re way too soft. You’d never survive in jail, not even cushy, rich-human jail! Me, I’m tough as nails, so just…go back home and…let me do this for you, alright?”

By the light of Sans’ eye, Undyne sees a slow smile start to break across his face.

“heh…you gotta way of hammerin’ your point home, don’cha?”

A pun.

Two puns, technically.

Sans must really be doing better these days if he’s punning again.

Good.

Undyne’s grin falls a little when Sans adds something else, though.

“listen. …you were…probably a better queen than ya’ give yourself credit for.” His tone is begrudging, but that just makes her feel more like he actually believes what he’s saying. “just ‘cause it didn’t work out great for me, specifically, doesn’t mean… doesn’t mean there aren’t a whole bunch of monsters out there that really care about you.”

……Oh, stars above, not him, too!

But before Undyne can think of anything to say, Sans and his glowing red eye are gone, leaving her alone in her cell.

Typical Sans.

Undyne flops back on her cot and tries to go to sleep, even though she’s feeling…

She’s not sure.

But the next day, when she sees the letters on her desk… she doesn’t feel the same dread as before.

If what Sans and Papyrus and Gerson said is even a little true, then maybe…maybe whatever’s in there isn’t so bad?

Undyne rummages through the pile, half-heartedly at first, until she find something that sticks out to her.

The stationery is neon pink and smells like perfume…and a little like the dump, honestly. Like water and rusty springs and…stuffing?

It’s familiar, but what really gets her is that it says it’s from Mew-Mew and it’s gotta be a joke, but hell, it has her attention.

Undyne opens it up.

“Dear Undyne,” it reads in a flowing, cursive script, “sweet, strong, violent, perfect Undyne, I hope this letter finds you well! You may not know me, but I have very fond memories of you…”

Missing scene from Fur a Good Time, Call…

A/N: Maybe someday, Undyne will write a letter back to her secret admirer...

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[fallendragon]

           ❛❛ 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨 𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝. ❜❜

———————  ᴹʸ ᵒˡᵈ ᶠʳⁱᵉⁿᵈ ᶠʳᵒᵐ ᵒʳᵏᵘᵗ ᴿᴾ ᴹᵃʳᶜᵒˢ

❢ This is an OC blog with no specific fandom ties, so any interactions ( with canon characters and/or other OC’s ) are very welcome. However, I must warn you that I tend to take a while for many reasons. Please, don’t get mad or think I’m simply ignoring you. All the role playing will be tagged along with the partner in question’s URL and I’ll be tracking the tag “fallendragon”.

❢  Huan Hei is an Immortal Spirit, following a similar idea as lots of dramas and c-novels ( Ashes of Love and Heaven’s Official Blessing for example ), but there are also a lot of influences of pop culture in general, since he is mostly inserted modern human world and dealing with the occult and supernatural creatures ( werewolves, fae, Jiangshi, etc. ). He also can be inserted in the Heaven realm, so I can keep threads and plots very flexible to every possible interaction..

❢  I am not Chinese nor do I claim to have any heritage, so obviously there’s gonna be a lot some flaws here and there concerning my characters universe/portrayal. I have limited knowledge in a lot of aspects, but I am always open to listen and learn. If you think I’m being offensive, inaccurate, invasive, a bad dog at any rate, you’re totally free to tell me so, I appreciate constructive criticism. However, please, let’s be polite! Blunt anon hate will be simply ignored, because, let’s face it; “ain’t nobody got time for that”.

❢  My deepest apologies, but I tend to answer the threads in my native language ( Brazilian Portuguese ) quicker than the others. Don’t take it personally; it’s not about you or your muse, it’s just easier for me to think of an answer. Also, I’d like to make clear that my English nor my French are that good either! So, please, be a little patient and understanding with me, I like to write a lot, but I also make an equal amount of mistakes!

❢  Be aware that feelings IC are totally different than feelings OOC; your character is totally free to dislike, be rude, aggressive and etc. towards my muse and we, muns, can be BBFs… Or not. Just keep in mind that I won’t take anything that happens in a thread personally and neither should you. It’ll only give you a headache.

❢  I’m totally okay about people reminding me to reply to a thread when it’s my turn. But please don’t press ( ask 24/7 ), guilt trip me or whatever for a reply; Doing that will only make me lose interest on that thread in particular. I am also really slow by nature and I have a real life outside tumblr.

❢  I’m really flexible about threads and plots; I ( gladly ) accept memes, Magic!Anons and etc., but I reserve myself the right of not doing any of these things if I want ( mostly when it gets way too OOC ). I hope you can respect that. I tend to get really confused with AU’s and I apologize but I may accept them too. Again, don’t take it personally; we can move to another thing if a certain idea didn’t work.

❢  This blog is mostly shipping with my partner in crime Snail ( @liehuofeng​​ ). I’m okay about a muse hitting on mine, but don’t feel offended/bad if he denies it. I’m also open to pre-established platonic and past relationships, but don’t try to persuade me into ship with you; that’s not cool. Do not insist.

❢  This blog may contain NSFW sometimes ( including gore, horror, violence, etc.), but worry not, everything will be tagged as such. If you have any trigger, let me know. Although I read peoples’ About and Rules pages, I tend to be really air-headed, so I’d be glad if you warn me about anything.

❢  As for me, my name’s Bru, I’m 21+ and I go by any pronouns ( male, female and neutral ). My timezone is UTC-3. I’m currently undergoing a master’s degree program ( Parasitic Biology on the Amazon ) and a specialization post-grad course ( Laboratory Quality Management ), so you can guess I’m all over the place all the time. I like to believe I can draw and there’s some art floating around this blog too, every reblog is appreciated. I don’t have any particular trigger, and I’m okay with almost everything; My motto is: “Be kind to me (and my friends) and I will be kind to you”. And, seriously, we can always chat, either for plotting or just wasting a bit of time. You can also find me on my other RP blogs (here).

[bad-draft-stuff]

det. AU 14

Sheepy: Sheepy: - So last time on "Nyar's Clues", we solved two separate cases of disappearing people - one supernatural and one not.

Sheepy: Sheepy: Diego and Rupel among many others are now safe thanks to the valiant efforts of Arsene and Harley. Meanwhile, on the more supernatural side, we discovered in a previous episode that a giga mind controlling zombifying slug by the name of Glaaki was causing people to disappear into his cave. Of course, our goal was to help as many people as possible before dealing with the route of the problem. Thanks to Phil, however, we were relieved of this, because he went straight for the kill. Is there anyone left alive? What's the secret behind Moldy? How do I have such great hair? All these questions and more will have their revealed in this newest episode of "Nyar's Clues"! Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... A bit short, maybe lacking in some information. The outline is there, however, so you didn't fail. I give it a C+. Sheepy: Sheepy: Bettter than nothing! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Luckily for you, I did record names and locations. And why did you name it after HIM? Sheepy: Sheepy: Because it's close to Blue's Clues. Sheepy: Sheepy: He's our weird immortal dog we all have to take care of. Arsé-kun: Arséne: I'd rather actual dogs. Sheepy: Sheepy: Beggars can't be choosers. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Can you at least get Blue Sr. to get HIS father off of my sofa? Having a human experiments expert here is rather uncomfortable. Sheepy: Sheepy: He can sleep. Sheepy: Sheepy: I fear the consequences of removing him. Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... Fair point. Sheepy: Sheepy: You can risk it all if you want. Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he sighs and accepts this before moving on* Can you at least give the injury count? Sheepy: Sheepy: Uuuhh... Sheepy: Sheepy: So many. Arsé-kun: Arséne: I know that. Do we at least have a count of MISSED people? Sheepy: Sheepy: 10. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Thank you. Sheepy: Sheepy: What do we do from here? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Take a well-deserved break, unless another case throws itself into my lap. And it better be normal- Next supernatural case is going squarely to you. Sheepy: Sheepy: Aww, fine, fine! Sheepy: Sheepy: But what constitutes supernatural? Arsé-kun: Arséne: If you have a wider base of knowledge on a subject, there is a decent chance it's supernatural. Sheepy: Sheepy: Great! Sheepy: Sheepy: I sure feel lucky. Sheepy: Sheepy: So what, do we just wait for a case now? Arsé-kun: Arséne: As we always do. Arsé-kun: *A pause as they both look at the door. Nothing happens. For once* Sheepy: Sheepy: Well, I guess the adult thing to do is to check the newspaper and complain while drinking terrible coffee. Arsé-kun: Arséne: I suppose so. Fetch the paper for me while I finish up these reports. Sheepy: *Sheepy gets the paper for Arsene* Arsé-kun: *Does he want to look at it?* Sheepy: *Sheepy looks at it* Arsé-kun: *A picture of the lake. Bad start.* Sheepy: Sheepy:...Oh no. Sheepy: Sheepy: You aren't going to like this. Arsé-kun: Arséne: ..... I don't like this already. Sheepy: Sheepy: There's a lake. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Oh no. Sheepy: *Sheepy looks further.* Sheepy: Sheepy:..Oh shoot, it's about the whole lake case. Who put this information out? Who released this? Arsé-kun: Arséne: THE WHOLE THING?! Sheepy: Sheepy: Everything but names. Arsé-kun: Arséne: So it's just out there now... *he slowly puts his face into his hands* Sheepy: Sheepy: I don't understand. Who did this? Why? Sheepy: Sheepy: Uh...maybe we should check to see if people are actually taking it seriously. Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... I certainly hope not, but if it's in the paper... Sheepy: Sheepy: They might think it's a hoax. Sheepy: Sheepy: There have been lies in the newspaper before. Arsé-kun: Arséne: I absolutely hope so! Sheepy: Sheepy: We could check Twitter maybe. Sheepy: Sheepy: Hold on, I barely use it but I'll bring it up. Sheepy: *Sheepy brings up Twitter.* Arsé-kun: @10LivesCyan: *pictures of cats she saw on the street today* Sheepy: @magicalgirliris:*responded to said post with a picture of Wagahai* Arsé-kun: @legendoflegnds: *responded to this post with a picture of Rom.* Sheepy: @darksungod: The Dark Sun God feels an even greater need to protect his sanctuary... A slug is an unclean thing... Sheepy: @fallenangelcrow: YEAHH!! CATS!!!! Arsé-kun: @Compardus: Why was I posted into this thread?? Arsé-kun: @Compardus: @fallenangelcrow I would use salt, now stop asking inane questions before I block you again. Sheepy: @fallenangelcrow: @Compardus But I worked so hard to be unblocked the first tiiime!! Sheepy: @darksungod: Someone has dared step forth into my sanctuary...A stranger no less. However...the abyss is not ready to absorb yet one more soul... Arsé-kun: @Compardus: Could you please speak to them like a normal person? I'm preoccupied. Sheepy: @darksungod: They put off an intimidating aura. They wish not to speak with me...but rather... 'Ron'... Arsé-kun: @Compardus: why can i not take a break in peac Sheepy: @darksungod: They have the look of evil within them. They want for something. Your soul? Arsé-kun: @legendoflegnds: I'm watching this interaction and Ive never seen Rom get so quiet, come see this Sheepy: @fallenangelcrow: I'm coming, I'm coming! Sheepy: Manager: He said he was only taking a short break to deal with some errands, but when a "short break" became an uncharacteristicically long 2 weeks with no response by the end of it...Well, I only could think of coming to you, Ron? Rob? Well, whoever you are, you're his emergency contact! Arsé-kun: Rom: .... I see. I have not heard from him either, but I'll do what I can in finding him. Sheepy: Manager: Good, good! Honestly, I would've just waited on it...but right before he left, his illness- Oh, what am I saying? I can't reveal secrets to people I barely know...But I suppose it might be a hint to where he could be...It made a turn for the worse and his quality went down tremendously! He's my star! If he breaks, I break...! So you have to find him in good condition! Arsé-kun: Rom: ... *he does not appear to like any of this* Arsé-kun: @legendoflegnds: I hope Rom's friend is okay and not ACTUALLY missing Sheepy: @fallenangelcrow: Everyone knows that slugs don't actually exist. I'm sure he's fine! Arsé-kun: @legendoflegnds: what Sheepy: @fallenangelcrow: Have you ever seen a slug? No Sheepy: @darksungod: Sometimes they appear on the sidewalk. Arsé-kun: @10LivesCyan: *posts a very cute slug* :3c Sheepy: @fallenangelcrow: Look at this naked snail Cyan posted!! Sheepy: @darksungod: That's a slug. Arsé-kun: @10LivesCyan: NO!! HE'S NOT NAKEY! Sheepy: Sheepy: So is a mysterious missing friend. Sheepy: Sheepy: Some believe it. Some don't believe in slugs at all. Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... What? Sheepy: Sheepy: Yes, someone was arguing that Glaaki couldn't exist because, I quote, "everyone knows that slugs don't actually exist". Sheepy: Sheepy: But it seems like the celebrity side of Twitter got caught up in the mess and now there's someone missing who may or may not be a celebrity as well. Sheepy: Sheepy: Which is problematic. Arsé-kun: Arséne: And that's only the first thread... I'm afraid of looking further. Sheepy: Sheepy: Yeah. Sheepy: Sheepy: I guess it was inevitable... Arsé-kun: Arséne: Touché... Sheepy: Sheepy: Hold on. Sheepy: @sheeptective: @darksungod @fallenangelcrow @Compardus @legendoflegends I can help you with your missing person problem. Do you want me to come over? Arsé-kun: @legendoflegnds THE LEGEND OF EXTREMELY GOOD TIMING! Yes, please!! Sheepy: @sheeptective: Right, coming over. See you soon. Sheepy: Sheepy: Well I've got a case now! Sheepy: Sheepy: You can come if you want but I'm going to head over to it. Arsé-kun: Arséne: This shouldn't be complicated, so I'm okay with trusting you with it. Call if it gets hairy. Sheepy: Sheepy: Okay, great! I will if I need to. Sheepy: *Sheepy rushes out to Shingancrimsonz base* Arsé-kun: *He is not given any trouble doing so. Horray!* Sheepy: Sheepy: Hi, I'm here! Sheepy: Aion: An intruder in the Dark Sun God's sanctuary... Sheepy: Aion: His heart is.... Sheepy: Aion: Complicated! Arsé-kun: Yaiba: Hence, it must be the junior detective, y-yes? Sheepy: Sheepy: Yup, that's me. Sheepy: Crow: Eh? Really? Sheepy: Sheepy: I already have an idea of where your friend could be. Arsé-kun: *Rom is being an Adult and calling multiple different numbers, but pauses to hear Sheepy out. He hasn't even touched his glass of milk.* Sheepy: Sheepy: If he has anything to do with the recent case, he'd probably be at the nearby hospital. Sheepy: Sheepy: Many if the missing cases recently are related to it. Arsé-kun: Cyan: See, Crow? Slugs are real! Sheepy: Crow: What?! Sheepy: Crow: No way!!! Arsé-kun: Yaiba: *he was serious...* Sheepy: Sheepy: I'd recommend giving it a try at least. Sheepy: Sheepy: If nothing else, it rules out a possibility. Arsé-kun: Rom: I appreciate the suggestion. *he gets up briskly* But I doubt the hospital will let us in so easily without an authority. Sheepy: Sheepy: Eh? I can go with you and then you can go in. Arsé-kun: Rom: That would be very appreciated. Sheepy: Sheepy: Should we head over? Sheepy: Crow: Ohh, the forbidden side of the hospital...!!! Sheepy: Crow: I'm getting fired up just thinking about it! Sheepy: Sheepy: If all else fails, I call Sherlock. Sheepy: Sheepy: But for now, let's try my authority! Sheepy: *Sheepy heads to the hospital.* Arsé-kun: *Fast Travel Animation* Sheepy: Sheepy: Hi, do you have anyone here by the name of...uh, what's your friend's name? Arsé-kun: Rom: Shuzo. Sheepy: Sheepy: Shuzo. Arsé-kun: *The secretary ducks down for a moment, and Alex comes back up. Huh!* Arsé-kun: Alex: Yeah. heard that name earlier today. Sheepy: Sheepy: Where? We want to visit him. Arsé-kun: Alex: *he shuffles through papers on the desk. they're a mess and he hates it* 602. You'll need gowns and masks. He's sick and they're unsure if he's contagious. Sheepy: Sheepy: Eh? Sheepy: Sheepy: Uh, sure, that's fine. Sheepy: Sheepy: Thanks. Sheepy: *Crow seems more focused on staring off into space than anything.* Arsé-kun: Alex: Don't do anything stupid, and don't let Okita in his room. Sheepy: Sheepy: Because Okita's sick too? Arsé-kun: Alex: And because he keeps riling everyone up. Sheepy: Sheepy: I'll make sure he doesn't get in. Arsé-kun: Alex: Good luck. Sheepy: Sheepy: Thanks! Arsé-kun: *To floor 6! ... With the elevator! WHO USES STAIRS??* Sheepy: Crow: *he's visibly distressed* Arsé-kun: Rom: ... Is something wrong, Crow? Sheepy: Crow: I sense it. Disaster. Sheepy: Sheepy: Hey, I hate you saying that in an elevator. Arsé-kun: Rom: I second this!! Sheepy: Crow: No, no, someone just died! Arsé-kun: Rom: ... It is a hospital. That does happen. Sheepy: Crow: What?! Why...? Arsé-kun: Rom: Not everyone can be saved by doctors. It's unfortunate, but a fact of life. Sheepy: Crow: I don't understand...but I guess I don't have to. Arsé-kun: *Ding! Floor 6!* Sheepy: Sheepy: Great, that was a fun conversation! Onto 602! Arsé-kun: Rom: It most certainly was not. Sheepy: Sheepy: Okay, fun in a sarcastic way. Sheepy: Sheepy: It should be just over here. Arsé-kun: *The room certainly exists. The door is shut.* Sheepy: Sheepy: *he knocks on the door* Arsé-kun: *The door is cracked open, and who peeks out but Watson! Who is exhausted from working literally all night* Arsé-kun: Watson: Oh. It's you. What is it? Sheepy: Sheepy: I have guests for this guy. Sheepy: Sheepy: An edgelord and a not so edgelord. Arsé-kun: Watson: ... Yeah, sure. Mask up. *he passes some facemasks over* Sheepy: Sheepy: *he puts it on* Arsé-kun: *Rom does the same* Sheepy: Crow:....???? Arsé-kun: Rom: Do you need help? Sheepy: Crow: What's this thing? Sheepy: Crow: Oh, I know! You put it over your eyes when you sleep!! Arsé-kun: Rom: ... Close, but no. Sheepy: Crow:....But I'm not tired...What's the deal with that?! Sheepy: Sheepy: To block out disease. Sheepy: Crow: Angels don't get sick! Why would I want this? Arsé-kun: Rom: ... Don't question it more than you need to, Crow. Sheepy: Crow: Oh, fine! *he puts it on* Sheepy: Sheepy: Now we're ready to go in! Arsé-kun: Watson: Then quickly. Before Someone realizes the door is open. Sheepy: *Sheepy enters* Arsé-kun: *Rom follows* Sheepy: *and so does Crow!* Sheepy: Shuzo: Ahahaha...*he hasn't looked over yet* I just need a short break...and then my journey through the stars will continue! *he begins coughing before cringing. Based on his bandaged state, that break will be a while.* Arsé-kun: Rom: ... Are you on an incredible amount of painkillers, or are we in the wrong room? I don't remember you speaking like this.. Sheepy: Shuzo: *he looks over, visibly surprised (and exhausted)* You're...?! Arsé-kun: Rom: Your idiot manager couldn't find you. *sigh* I'm an emergency contact? I'm honored. Sheepy: Shuzo:..If nothing else, you know better than anyone where I'd go. Arsé-kun: Rom: That is true. You look worse than usual. Did you get run over by a teenagers sparkly fursona? Sheepy: Shuzo: No, I haven't a clue what happened. Arsé-kun: Rom: I'm sorry to hear that. Sheepy: Shuzo: Someone attacked me I think. I think there was a cave. Arsé-kun: Rom: ... Oh. Sheepy: Shuzo: Something inside of me is screaming at me not to try to remember. Maybe my broken rib! *he laughs briefly. wakey wakey big mistakey. He cringes* Arsé-kun: Watson: I recommend not trying, then. There must be a reason your mind does not want that information. Sheepy: Shuzo:.....*he squints at Crow* You feel... Sheepy: Crow: I sure do! Arsé-kun: Rom: ... He's harmless. Sheepy: Shuzo: ...It’s not the same as how I felt, but similar. Sheepy: Shuzo: It's out of this world~! Among the stars! ⭐️ Sheepy: Shuzo: ...Sorry. Force of habit. Arsé-kun: Rom: ... That was painful to watch. Sheepy: Shuzo: Ahahaha... Sheepy: Shuzo: It’s attractive to many people, so it pays well. Arsé-kun: Rom: Did you know your manager was more worried about you as a money source? I still think you should quit. Sheepy: Shuzo: ......Quitting this far in... Sheepy: Shuzo: ...And yet, I haven’t a clue what I’m really striving for at this point. Arsé-kun: Rom: I don't think "Space Fox from Planet Gay Disaster" was the high point of your career. Sheepy: Shuzo: I guess at first I had fun. I’m not sure at this point. Arsé-kun: Rom: I'll hold a spot open if you change your mind. Sheepy: Shuzo: I’m considering it. I feel guilty, abandoning my fans like this... Arsé-kun: Rom: If they love you, they'll follow. Sheepy: Crow: Like cattle!! Arsé-kun: Rom: If you turn this into some kind of milk metaphor, I'm kicking you out. Sheepy: Crow: ?!?!? Sheepy: Crow: H-hey! Sheepy: Shuzo: Maybe I can slink away from my current situation by moving to your band... Sheepy: Shuzo: They work me into the ground. Arsé-kun: Rom: Maybe. Sheepy: Shuzo: I want to try at least. Sheepy: Shuzo: I could feign memory loss. ...No, I’m kidding. Unless....? Arsé-kun: Rom: It would get fan attention. Sheepy: Shuzo: What a pain. Arsé-kun: Rom: Listen, it's easier than whatever drivel you were saying. Sheepy: Shuzo: Hmm. Sheepy: Crow: Hey, is it cold in here, or is that the chill of death passing through? Sheepy: Shuzo: Hm? I felt nothing. ... I’m fine! ⭐️ — *he starts coughing again before grimacing* Sheepy: jack; I didn’t expect you to hit the pavement so hard Arsé-kun has started dreaming. Arsé-kun: Rom: Crow? Can you save unsettling statements like that for the stage? Sheepy: Crow: Huuuh? The stage is for showing off my crimson soul! Why would I wanna ruin that with bringing death into the picture?! Arsé-kun: Rom: Because even that won't stop your crimson soul? It'd make a good halloween theme. Sheepy: Crow: Eeehh? But I really meant it! Arsé-kun: Rom: I wasn't insulting you... Sheepy: Crow: Oh! ...O-of course not! Sheepy: Crow: Of course not! 'Cause I'm lovable! I'm a star! Arsé-kun: Rom: .... Next Halloween is too far away for a plot to resurrect a different band's main singer. Unless we rush a Nightmare on Christmas theme? Sheepy: Shuzo: A star shines most brightly in the darkest times! ⭐️ Go out there and be the shooting star that makes people dream again! ⭐️ -- *cough, cough, cringe* Arsé-kun: Rom: You stop that. Sheepy: Shuzo:...Force of habit. Arsé-kun: Rom: You look and sound whipped when you do that. Sheepy: Shuzo: Ahahaha... Sheepy: Shuzo: Maybe to you, but most people like it. Arsé-kun: Rom: Unfortunately, we're not allowed to kill another manager on stage yet. Sheepy: Crow: Murder's a sin in at least one situation! Sheepy: Crow: When you hate someone... the best thing to do is...! Sheepy: Crow: ... Sheepy: Crow: I don't know, I've never been in that situation. Sheepy: Crow: But it's not killing people! Arsé-kun: Rom: Of course not. We've seen enough of that this year. Sheepy: Shuzo: What? Arsé-kun: Rom: Anyway, *he isn't answering that* Do you think you can get fired before New Years so we can hire you? Sheepy: Shuzo: I'm beginning to consider feigning memory loss again. Arsé-kun: Rom: If you need help, we're working with a theater troupe. Sheepy: Shuzo: Hm. That might come in handy... Arsé-kun: Rom: So will getting that neon trash out of your hair. You look like some 90's anime sidekick. Sheepy: Shuzo: How do we get it out? Arsé-kun: Rom: Dandruff shampoo and baking soda. Sometimes dish soap. Depends how bad it is. Sheepy: Shuzo: Let's try it once I can leave. Arsé-kun: Rom: But you'll be recognized far too fast with that obnoxious hair color. Sheepy: Shuzo: I doubt I'd be allowed to do it in here, though... Arsé-kun: *Rom is Thinking* Sheepy: *Crow is not* Arsé-kun: *This is a surprise to no one* Sheepy: Crow: If you unhook yourself and hook yourself back, nobody will ever know you left! Sheepy: Shuzo: ... Arsé-kun: Rom: That is a terrible idea. Sheepy: Crow: Tell me one reason why! Arsé-kun: Rom: Because the IVs are things he NEEDS. Sheepy: Crow: Really? All the time? Arsé-kun: Rom: Well, no, but here, yes. Sheepy: Crow: Huh! Sheepy: Crow: Then why don't we need them? Arsé-kun: Rom: *groan* Because we weren't in a cave for several days with no food or water, now stop asking questions. Sheepy: Crow: Can I ask 'em afterwards at least?! Arsé-kun: Rom: Yes. Sheepy: Crow:!! Sheepy: Shuzo: Is that where I was? I haven't gotten answers. Arsé-kun: Rom: It was something like that, I was told. Sheepy: Shuzo: That does explain a lot of how I feel. Sheepy: Shuzo: Except the sharp pain and bump on the back of my head. Arsé-kun: Rom: It's possibly related. Sheepy: Sheepy: I have a feeling I already know the culprit... Arsé-kun: *Rom jumps a little. He honestly forgot about Sheepy* Sheepy: Sheepy: Whoops. Sheepy: Sheepy: Yeah, someone was attacking people and dragging them to that cave under orders. Arsé-kun: Rom: That would do it. Sheepy: Crow: I've got an idea! Sheepy: Crow: *pose* "Due to my traumatic experience, I've had second thoughts about continuing to play the spacey guy in those advertisements!" Arsé-kun: Rom: Not a bad idea.. Sheepy: Shuzo: It could work. Arsé-kun: Rom: But we can't try the memory gambit AFTER that. Sheepy: Shuzo: Maybe let's try the memory gambit first. Arsé-kun: Rom: Hopefully we have time before your manager shows up. Sheepy: Shuzo: Right... where to begin... Sheepy: Crow: "Who are you? Why are you here?" Arsé-kun: Rom: "Where am I?" Sheepy: Crow: *pose* Being an amnesiaf means asking a lot of questions and not understanding the answers! Sheepy: Crow: It's like math!! Arsé-kun: Rom: I hate to agree with him. Sheepy: Crow: You should dishate it. It means you're smart! Arsé-kun: Rom: ... ... Sheepy: Shuzo:.... Arsé-kun: *Rom calmly turns around and punches Crow* Sheepy: Crow: Ow!!! Sheepy: Crow: Wh-why?! Arsé-kun: Rom: "Dishate" isn't a word! Sheepy: Crow: Dislike! Distrust! Disappointment! Dishate! Arsé-kun: Rom: You can't just make up words! Sheepy: Crow: That's just what language is! Arsé-kun: Rom: No!!! Sheepy: Crow: Then what is language? Arsé-kun: Rom: Decided on my multiple people, not just you. Sheepy: Crow: Who are they? I'll recommend it. Arsé-kun: Alex: .... *he's pushed the door open, and he looks #Done*... Detective, can you spare time? You've been requested for a different situation. Sheepy: Sheepy: Yeah, sure. Sheepy: Crow: Eh? What's going on? Arsé-kun: Alex: Don't worry about it. Sheepy: Crow: Can I help? Sheepy: Sheepy: Don't worry about it. Sheepy: Crow: Is it about the dead person? Arsé-kun: Alex: Stop asking questions before you skip the morgue entirely. Sheepy: Crow: You're gonna bring me to a morgue?! Sheepy: Crow: I've never been to a morgue before! Sheepy: Crow:...... Sheepy: Crow: What IS a morgue? Sheepy: Sheepy: It's your future temporary housing! Arsé-kun: Rom: .... It's a threat, Crow. Sheepy: Crow: ?! Sheepy: Crow: I'll give you a taste of my crimson fists if you try anything! Sheepy: Crow: But only a taste. Anything more and my cattle will become jealous! Arsé-kun: Alex: ... Sure. Sheepy: Crow: Sure as in I can go? Sheepy: Crow: I feel drawn to the haunting presence of death! It calls to me! Arsé-kun: Alex: .... I'm going to dump you with the TB patient. Sheepy: Crow: Tee Bee? Arsé-kun: Alex: .... *he looks to Sheepy* How do you properly deal with this? Sheepy: Sheepy: You smile, walk away, and slam the door on his face when he tries to follow. Sheepy: Crow: That's what my uncle does with me except he doesn't do step 1. Arsé-kun: Alex: Okay. Please leave, Detective Jr., so I can slam it in his face. Sheepy: Sheepy: *he exits* Arsé-kun: *alex does, in fact, slam it closed in crow's face* Arsé-kun: *A few moments of silence for them to get some distance, and out of eavesdropping range* Arsé-kun: Alex: ... I was being, "polite". Speaking of it in front of him would end poorly. Sheepy: Sheepy: The person who died is someone he knows? Arsé-kun: Alex: I was told that, but I don't believe it until I see for myself. Sheepy: Sheepy: So we should go check on the body? Arsé-kun: Alex: Yes. The method is obvious, but getting the answer to Who is proving more difficult. I am told I need "Lawful supervision" for that part. Sheepy: Sheepy: Great! Let's go in then. I'll be your lawful supervision. Arsé-kun: Alex: Wonderful. Judging by your handling of the slug, you're not squeamish? Sheepy: Sheepy: Nope. Arsé-kun: Alex: The less questions you ask about how I'm doing this, the better. Sheepy: Sheepy: I probably don't want to know. Arsé-kun: Alex: Think Egyptian Mummification process mixed with a spirit channeler. Arsé-kun: Alex: Except not like that at all. Sheepy: Sheepy: Let's go! Arsé-kun: *They Go. Alex leads Sheepy through some back hallways. This will probably be useful in the future* Arsé-kun: *And eventually get to the Morgue. Yep, that's a body.* Sheepy: Sheepy: Huh. Sheepy: Sheepy: Who is it? Arsé-kun: Alex: One Mr. Goro Akechi, age 16, shot in the stomach. No other wounds present. Arsé-kun: *he pulls the sheet back. well. it sure is.* Sheepy: Sheepy: That's a horrible way to die. Sheepy: Sheepy: He seems familiar. Sheepy: Sheepy: He's the star of that show Sherlock watches. Arsé-kun: Alex: ... Ah, that's why he's familiar. The show is on every so often in Okita's room. Sheepy: Sheepy: Or was it Harley?, Sheepy: Sheepy: Huh. Sheepy: Sheepy: I wonder who had beef with him... Arsé-kun: Alex: ... Get something to write with. I'm going to have last words from him for you. Sheepy: *Sheepy takes out something to write on* Arsé-kun: *Alex, to spare Sheepy, blocks his view of what he's DOING, but it SOUNDS FLESHY and GROSS* Arsé-kun: *... And eventually pulls back the curtain to reveal.. Two Goros, no Alex! Wow!!*+ Arsé-kun: "Goro": ... Dark brown hair with wide, purple eyes. I heard him referred to as "Dami"- Whether that is accurate or not I cannot say. He was meant to falsely shoot me for a scene, but... ... *he trails off briefly, looking to the actual Goro's body* .... He'd be very upset. The man had plans for the future. Arsé-kun: "Goro": ... But ask as many questions as you can. I can only hold this for so long. Sheepy: Sheepy: Had he been in any of your scenes before? Arsé-kun: "Goro": ... Yes, I believe so. Sheepy: Sheepy: Did you have any enemies? Arsé-kun: *"Goro" bitterly laughs. Obviously* Sheepy: Sheepy: What were your relationships between yourself and your coworkers? Were they positive? Did anyone wish to replace you? Arsé-kun: "Goro": Some good, some bad, as I don't get along with everyone. The worst was usually just being rude, though... And who wouldn't want a lead role? Sheepy: Sheepy: Did you see your killer associate with anyone in your team? Arsé-kun: "Goro": Occasionally. If you mean outside of work, I don't believe so. Sheepy: Sheepy: So he wouldn't have had any reason to hate you, maybe... Sheepy: Sheepy: Although, considering another star was attacked as well... Perhaps they were related...? But he was hit over the head... Arsé-kun: "Goro": I'm not entirely sure of the motives, admittedly. Jealousy would have resulted in a much worse ending. Sheepy: Sheepy: Hmmm.. Arsé-kun: "Goro": ... I'm afraid I can't be of any more help. Sheepy: Sheepy: That's unfortunate. We don't have much to work on...I guess I have to take my search to your studio. Where do you work? Arsé-kun: *"Goro" tells him.* Sheepy: Sheepy: Thanks. Arsé-kun: "Goro": of course. Oh, and before it slips my mind, can you... *he sticks his hand under the covers, and comes out with a cell phone. It has a bit of dried blood on it* Deliver this to "my" boyfriend? I want him to have the contents. Sheepy: Sheepy: Minato, right? Arsé-kun: "Goro": Yes. Just... Don't say "I" said any of this. Sheepy: Sheepy: What do you want me to say? Arsé-kun: "Goro": Just suggest that it is being given to the closest person to "me". Sheepy: Sheepy: Oh, alright. Arsé-kun: "Goro": ... And my time's up. But thank you very much for your help, fellow detective. Sheepy: Sheepy: No problem. Hopefully I won't talk to you soon? Arsé-kun: "Goro": Hm, I certainly hope not. That would be rather awkward. Arsé-kun rolled a die with 20 sides. The die showed: 1 Sheepy: Sheepy: I'll go bring this to Minato. Arsé-kun: "Goro": Please do. Sheepy: *Sheepy goes back to Rom and Crow* Arsé-kun: *Alex has changed back to normal and Immediately ate shit. INSTANT migraine. The disabling kind. You understand. The price of hubris* Arsé-kun: Rom: Oh, you're back. Welcome. Sheepy: Sheepy: Yeah, turns out I've got a new case! But I have to deliver this to someone. *He shows the phone* Sheepy: Crow: ?! Arsé-kun: Rom: Well, aren't... What is it, Crow? Sheepy: Crow:...Hey, hey! That's.... Sheepy: Crow: That's Gogo's phone! Arsé-kun: Rom: You know his phone, but not his name... Sheepy: Crow: But look! It has blood on it! Arsé-kun: Rom: But is it real blood? Sheepy: Crow: Why do you have that?! Why's it got blood on it?! Sheepy: Sheepy: Yeah, it is. Arsé-kun: Rom: Please don't ye-- ... ... Crow? Arsé-kun: Rom: Let's save screaming for outside. I'll allow it. Arsé-kun: Rom: This time. Sheepy: Crow: *He's visibly upset...* Sheepy: Sheepy: I'll tell you more once we're outside. Arsé-kun: Rom: Yes please. Crow, lets go out. *he pats Crow's shoulder* Sheepy: *Crow goes out as requested. Sheepy follows* Arsé-kun: *Rom follows up the rear, closing the door behind him* Sheepy: Sheepy: I just got back from the morgue. Arsé-kun: Rom: .... This is a horrible way to start an explanation. Sheepy: Sheepy: I haven't a clue why they didn't confiscate this sooner considering it's evidence. Sheepy: Sheepy: Basically, he's been murdered. Arsé-kun: Rom: That's horrible. *he at least keeps a straight face, but he's looking at Crow* Sheepy: Crow: *He is about to blow up.* Arsé-kun: *Rom puts an arm around Crow's shoulders. Support.* Sheepy: Crow: Who did it?! I'll, I'll...! Sheepy: Sheepy: I dunno. Arsé-kun: Rom: Keep it under wraps. I don't know what Crow will do. Sheepy: Crow: What?! Sheepy: Crow: He was my friend! I can't just let this stand! Sheepy: Sheepy: I guess I'll get a better understanding if I pass this phone to Minato as requested. Sheepy: Sheepy: Do you know where he lives? Sheepy: Crow: I do! Sheepy: Crow: But I don't get it! Sheepy: Crow: Who would do something like that?! Arsé-kun: Rom: If we knew, don't you think we'd tell you? Sheepy: Crow: You just said NOT to tell me! Sheepy: Crow: Which is it, huh?! Arsé-kun: Rom: ... Ah... I meant their actual identity, not what kind of person would. *he sighs and braces himself* Sheepy: Crow: That doesn't make any sense!! Arsé-kun: Rom: So I realize, thank you. Sheepy: Sheepy: If I bring this to Minato we might get more information. Sheepy: Sheepy: If nothing else, my current task will be completed. Sheepy: Sheepy: Although asking around at his workplace should find the answer. Sheepy: Sheepy: But can you show me where Mina- Sheepy: *Crow grabs Sheepy's arm and starts running in the direction of the mystery gang base* Arsé-kun: *Rom almost loses his arm. He has to take off running after them. He'll catch them eventually* Sheepy: *Crow makes it to the mystery gang base in record time! Sheepy is dazed. help, rom* Arsé-kun: *Rom makes it a couple of minutes later, nearly out of breath but still standing!* Sheepy: Sheepy: Ouch, ouch... Arsé-kun: Minako: *she throws the door open* Good afternoon, fellas! We're about to close, but we can spare a couple of minutes for some good boys! Sheepy: Sheepy: Uuugh...Heaven...has a closing time?... Sheepy: Crow: You need to tell everyone what you told us! Sheepy: Sheepy: My murderer followed me to Heaven and is tormenting me even there... Sheepy: Sheepy: Is Minato home? Arsé-kun: Minako: ...? Yeah, he's upstairs. Diiiiid something happen..? Sheepy: Sheepy: It's complicated. You can find out when I tell him. Arsé-kun: Minako: Right, well, um. Come in. Sheepy: Sheepy: Thanks. *he enters, closely followed by a very upset Crow* Sheepy: *...and both head upstairs! crow please* Arsé-kun: *Rom and Minako catch up a moment later, Minako looking unhappy* Sheepy: Sheepy: Minato? Arsé-kun: Minato: ... mm? *he rounds a corner, looking a bit drowsy* ... And you brought the angel why? Sheepy: Sheepy: He brought himself. Arsé-kun: Minato: That doesn't inspire confidence... Sheepy: Sheepy: I have something for you. Sheepy: *Sheepy takes out Goro's phone and gives it to Minato* Sheepy: Sheepy: I was asked to give this to you. Arsé-kun: *Minato takes a moment to process what he was given. He nearly drops it and silently looks back up at Sheepy in terror* Sheepy: Sheepy: It's Goro's. Sheepy: Sheepy: I was asked to give it to you because apparently he wants you to see what's on it. Sheepy: Sheepy: I suppose because he can't tell you. Arsé-kun: Minato: Wh... ... Sheepy: Sheepy: 'Cause he's dead. Arsé-kun: *SHEEPY THAT IS NOT HOW YOU* Arsé-kun: Minato: WHAT?! Sheepy: Sheepy: Yeah, I just visited him in the morgue. Sheepy: Sheepy: He was murdered. I don't know by whom yet. Arsé-kun: *Minato stares at him in silent horror. He nearly drops the phone a second time.* Sheepy: Sheepy: Sorry, I suppose I should have been more gentle delivering the news, but this is my first case alone. Sheepy: Sheepy: I could try again but this isn't really the time for that. Sheepy: Crow: When I find Gogo's killer, I'll....!! Sheepy: Sheepy:...He's dead and you STILL can't get his name right... Arsé-kun: Rom: Don't egg him on. Arsé-kun: *Minato has gotten into the phone and found the Photo Gallery. He's not going to cry. Of course not.* Sheepy: Sheepy: Sorry to be delivering this news at all. Sheepy: Crow:.. Arsé-kun: Minato: .... *he nods* ... Find who did it. Sheepy: Sheepy: Don't worry, I will. Sheepy: Crow: I'll give them these crimson fists! Sheepy: Sheepy: But what if you need them later? Arsé-kun: Minato: Make sure the bastard rots. Sheepy: Sheepy: I don't control the speed at which people rot, but I'll try. Arsé-kun: *Varied tones of yelling from downstairs as Minako calls an emergency meeting to spread the news. Lovely* Sheepy: Sheepy: Fascinatingly, another star was attacked as well, but I've yet to find out if that's related. At this point, I'm assuming not. Sheepy: Sheepy: One quick question, though. Sheepy: Sheepy: Does the name "Dami" mean anything to you? I'm assuming it's a nickname. Arsé-kun: Minato: ... Not at all. Sheepy: Sheepy: Huh. Alright. Sheepy: Sheepy: I need to go to his workplace but I don't know where it is. Arsé-kun: Minato: .... Let one of the others take you. Sheepy: Sheepy: Okay, thanks. Sheepy: Sheepy: *he heads downstairs* Arsé-kun: Minako: ---do WE do though?! There's no way Minato's is gonna take it well!! Sheepy: Sheepy: Can anyone bring me to Goro's workplace? Minato won't. Sheepy: Sheepy: Probably 'cause his boyfriend is dead. Sheepy: Crow: You're taking this way too calmly! It ticks me off! Arsé-kun: Katsuya: It's part of the job. We have to be. *he nods to Sheepy* I'll take you along. Sheepy: Crow: Why? Why?! You should be allowed to get upset! I'll rough them up! Arsé-kun: Katsuya: Emotion clouds judgement. We don't want to make any mistakes. Sheepy: Crow: What? Sheepy: Crow: Let's go already! Uncle can prosecute them! Arsé-kun: Katsuya: I highly doubt the suspect will be THERE, but we can look for evidence. Sheepy: Sheepy: Yeah, exactly. Sheepy: Sheepy: Although at this point... Sheepy: Sheepy: I wonder if I can get in? Sheepy: Crow: Break down the doors if you can’t! Sheepy: Sheepy: That doesn’t really help. Sheepy: Sheepy: At this point, the police will be there. This whole thing is set up so incompetently too that I was capable of carrying potentially case breaking evidence that could have had valuable fingerprints on it out of the morgue... Sheepy: Sheepy: And on top of that, people don’t just die from being shot in the stomach. It takes a long time. With medical attention it shouldn’t be difficult to survive... Sheepy: Sheepy: What am I missing here? He only mentioned being shot in the stomach. There didn’t appear to be any bruising at a quick glance, but I doubt blunt force trauma because he at least would have been conscious to see it... *mumbling* Arsé-kun: Katsuya: There are several holes, yes. Arsé-kun: Katsuya: I also now have... Several questions. Sheepy: Sheepy: You're police, right? Maybe you can help me get in? Sheepy: Sheepy: What are they? Arsé-kun: Katsuya: Who mentioned these things? The dead cannot speak, generally speaking. Sheepy: Sheepy: The mostly dead can. (lie) Arsé-kun: Katsuya: This explains nothing. Sheepy: Sheepy: It's incredibly complicated. Sheepy: Sheepy: And by that, I mean there are some things in life you can go without ever knowing. This is one of them. Sheepy: Sheepy: Let's just go with the explanation that despite being dead, he wasn't necessarily entirely dead, and therefore a remnant of Goro could be spoken to. Arsé-kun: Minako: You can't just... Say that and not expect more questions!! Arsé-kun: Minako: What does that MEAN?? Sheepy: Sheepy: The brain doesn't necessarily die at the same point as the body. Sheepy: Sheepy: The brain can die before the body or could die after the body, depending on what the body is lacking. Sheepy: Sheepy: Of course, if someone were to be capable of communicating with just the brain, even if the victim is dead doesn't necessarily mean there isn't the potential to get information out of them. Sheepy: Crow: I don't understand at all! Arsé-kun: Katsuya: ... To be used as legit evidence, you're going to have to explain it in more detail. Arsé-kun: Minako: ... Sounds like a mind reader! Does anyone else think it's a mind reader? Arsé-kun: Tatsuya: ... I was just going to say a basic brain scan... Why is everything strange with you guys? Arsé-kun: Katsuya: ... Probably stranger, admittedly. Sheepy: Sheepy: I listened to a man slurp a brain. Sheepy: Crow: *his foot is tap tap tap tap tap tapping. he appears anxious and annoyed* Sheepy: Crow: Come on, come on...!!! Arsé-kun: Minako: I kinda wanna see that next time! Arsé-kun: Tats: *does not look pleased with any of this information, honestly* Sheepy: Sheepy: I didn’t see it, just hear it. Arsé-kun: Minako: I repeat myself anyway. Sheepy: Sheepy: Uhuh. Sheepy: Crow: The longer we stand around, the more chance the killer will get away! Sheepy: Yu: Did it sound like a smoothie? Sheepy: Sheepy: I guess? Arsé-kun: Tats: Yu, that is SO cursed! Sheepy: Yu: I needed to know. Arsé-kun: Katsuya: *got his work suit on- or at least the upper half of it* I'm not going to be given time to at least look decent, am I? Sheepy: Crow: It’s not like you’ve got Rom’s job! Doesn’t matter how you look! Who’s going to see you, the killer?! They don’t care! Arsé-kun: Katsuya: ... You know we can track them after the fact, yes? Sheepy: Sheepy: Learning patience would do you some good. You can easily turn from the predator to the prey with one wrong step. Sheepy: Crow: There’s such things as cars! You can drive them! Arsé-kun: *Minato is briefly spotted stealing an entire tub of ice cream. Given the circumstance, this is permitted behavior.* Sheepy: Crow: It’s easy to make a get away. If the real culprit isn’t there to be blamed, some innocent soul will. That’s how it works! Sheepy: *relatable minato* Arsé-kun: Katsuya: Can you please leave this to the actual justice department? Sheepy: Crow: The last time I trusted the actual “justice” department they blamed the old man! Arsé-kun: Katsuya: And Sheepy, did Lupin send you on this alone knowing what happened? Sheepy: Sheepy: No, I came upon it solving a missing person case. Arsé-kun: Katsuya: So you... Didn't tell him there's a murder case? At all? Sheepy: Sheepy: I’m not particularly attached to the case in any way so I can pass it on to him. Sheepy: Sheepy: The second it came up Crow dragged me here like a ragdoll. Arsé-kun: Minako: So you're just gonna say you don't care, in my house?? *there is likely a misunderstanding here* Sheepy: Sheepy: It’s not that I don’t care. Sheepy: Sheepy: It’s that it’s not my area of expertise. Sheepy: Sheepy: I can call him if you want. Arsé-kun: Katsuya: That would be wise. Sheepy: Sheepy: *he calls up Lupin* Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he picks up JUST before the voicemail does* Yes, Mouton, how may we help you on this fine evening? Sheepy: Sheepy: Hi, I found a dead body. Arsé-kun: Arséne: what Sheepy: Sheepy: Can you figure out whodunnit? Arsé-kun: Arséne: With Just that information? Obviously not! Sheepy: Sheepy: Then what kinda detective are you?? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Please say sike. Sheepy: Sheepy: That last bit’s a joke but there really was a dead body. Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... Do you need me to pick you up? Sheepy: Sheepy: I’ve already left it. Sheepy: Sheepy: Goro Akechi, 16 years old. Murdered on set by a bullet wound to the stomach. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Isn't that...? *frantic paper shuffling* I'll try to be at location within the hour, but no guarantees. Sheepy: Sheepy: The actor who shot him had a nickname of “Dami” apparently. Sheepy: Sheepy: Yeah, he’s the star of that TV show Sherlock likes. Arsé-kun: Arséne: You did work this time, thank you. And he won't like to hear that. Sheepy: Sheepy: ...Or is it Harley??? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Do you care enough to give me the hyper specifics? Sheepy: Sheepy: Hyper specifics? Like what? Sheepy: Sheepy: How I found it? Arsé-kun: Arséne: All of it. Sheepy: Sheepy: Where do you usually find dead bodies? Arsé-kun: Arséne: On the floor. Sheepy: Sheepy: I predominantly find then in backstreet alleys. Sheepy: Sheepy: Huh. Sheepy: Sheepy: I found this one on a table. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Eh... Morgue, huh? Sheepy: Sheepy: Specifically in a morgue. Sheepy: Sheepy: Yeah. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Grrreat. There goes potential information. Either way, once I free myself from this furry prison, I'll meet you at the location. Sheepy: Sheepy: No problem. I’ll be there. Potentially only partially depending on how much carpet burn this edgelord gives me dragging me there. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Good luck. Sheepy: Sheepy: Thanks. Arsé-kun: *Background meow of annoyance as Arséne frees himself from several cats and a dog* Sheepy: Sheepy: You’re drowning in cats? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Apparently. Sheepy: Crow: There’s no time for drowning or cats! Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... Ah, him. I now understand what you were talking about. Sheepy: Sheepy: Yeah. Poor vampire man. Arsé-kun: Arséne: He's not... Oh, forget it, that's not important right now. Sheepy: Sheepy: He wears a cape. Who wears a cape other than vampires? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Stage magicians. Knights. Wizards. People hiding something. Sheepy: Sheepy: We’ve done it, Arsene. Sheepy: Sheepy: We know what he is now. Arsé-kun: Arséne: The embodiment of an adult temper tantrum. Sheepy: Sheepy: A magician knight with a vampire side and a deep dark secret. Sheepy: Crow: He’s not, he’s not! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Could he be any louder? Sheepy: Crow: He’s a prosciutto! Arsé-kun: Arséne: .... .... How am I supposed to take this seriously? Sheepy: Sheepy: He sure is. In fact, you should call him that to his face. Sheepy: Crow: I will when I call him, you don’t need to tell me that! Arsé-kun: *katsuya exitted scene to start the damn car, mink's fighting to not laugh at crow and instantly be banished to the shadow realm, minato returned to dump off an empty metal tub. He takes a moment to stare at Crow* Sheepy: Crow. What, what? Sheepy: Crow: I know I’m really handsome but it’s not the time for that! Arsé-kun: Minato: ... If not for the laws of this land, I would slaughter you. Sheepy: Crow: What?! Sheepy: Crow: Oh, oh, you wanna have a taste of my crimson fists to follow up your frozen milk, huh? Sheepy: Sheepy: ...Fr-Frozen milk. Arsé-kun: Minato: ... ... *he just gives up and moves onto a second tub of ice cream. help him* Sheepy: Sheepy: Now we meet him there. Sheepy: Crow: I can call my uncle for help! Sheepy: Sheepy: I considered that with the things you’ve been saying. Sheepy: Crow: Hah-hah! But I thought of it first! Arsé-kun: Minako: Let him call his prostitute uncle, see how they can help! Arsé-kun: *Minako knows what she said.* Sheepy: Crow: Right! Sheepy: *Crow calls Barok* Arsé-kun: *Barok is Not Pleased.* Arsé-kun: Barok: I JUST opened a bottle of wine. This better be important. Sheepy: Crow: Uncle! My friend’s been murdered! Arsé-kun: Barok: That's terrible. I'm sorry to hear that. *he doesn't sound it at all.* Sheepy: Crow: I need you to do your prostitute job to stop the killer! Arsé-kun: Barok: *wine pouring stops* Sheepy: Crow: So! Will you?! Arsé-kun: *Mink buries her face in Yu's shoulder to hide her laughter from Crow.* Arsé-kun: Barok: Learn the profession name properly and I will consider it. Sheepy: *Yu has his face buried in his hands* Arsé-kun: *Tats is just staring in dismay.* Sheepy: Crow: What? Is that important when Gogo’s dead? Sheepy: Sheepy: You can’t even get the dead guy’s name right! Sheepy: Crow: ...It’s prosciutto, right?! Arsé-kun: Barok: That's lunch meat. Sheepy: Crow: .......... Arsé-kun: Barok: And I am not defining 'prostitute' for you again. Sheepy: Crow: Eh? ... Man, word games are so hard! Sheepy: Crow: Roooom! What’s the word for the layer who stops criminals? Sheepy: Sheepy: ...Layer, like onion. Arsé-kun: Minako: Ogres have layer. Arsé-kun: Rom: .... A prosecutor? Sheepy: Sheepy: Our fun is all ogre now. Sheepy: Crow: Prosecutor! Arsé-kun: Barok: .... Fine. Sheepy: Sheepy: It only took you publicly embarrassing yourself twice but you got there. *clap clap* Arsé-kun: Minato: Would a prostitutor be a sexy cop? *he finished that second tub and is regretting his decisions, but he feels a little better. for now* Sheepy: Sheepy: I doubt this. Arsé-kun: Rom: *what the fuck did I come back to* Sheepy: Sheepy: He called his uncle lunch meat and a prostitute. Arsé-kun: Rom: Ah. His teammates have some serious competition in making errors, then. Sheepy: Crow: Oh, you’ll help?! I’ll put away my crimson fists temporarily and not hunt them down! Sheepy: Sheepy: What have they been doing? Arsé-kun: Rom: One of them climbed down a well and the other is about five minutes from falling in on them. I can't go ten minutes. Arsé-kun: Barok: I'll do you one better. I'll also beat you there. Sheepy: Crow: What?! No! I’ll get there first! Sheepy: Sheepy: Are you even paid for your babysitting? Arsé-kun: Rom: We get paid for surviving and putting out songs. So, I suppose so. Sheepy: Sheepy: That’s something! Arsé-kun: *Click, beep-beep. Crow, you've been hung up on* Sheepy: Crow: Heyheyhey, he didn’t even do a countdown!!!! Sheepy: Crow: *he rushes out* Arsé-kun: Rom: ... ... Arsé-kun: Rom: I am so sorry for subjecting everyone to him again. Arsé-kun: Rom: I was going to take him home so we could deal with his teammates, but that's not an option anymore unfortunately. Arsé-kun: Rom: ... I hope you don't mind dealing with him a bit longer. I need to, as stated, babysit the other two. Sheepy: Sheepy: It’s okay, I babysit evil incarnate capable of mass destruction and instantaneous insanity on a regular basis. Sheepy: Sheepy: Crow’s probably like an actual baby compared to that. Arsé-kun: Rom: Sure. Sheepy: Sheepy: His name is is Nyar and he broke Sherlock’s arm once. It turns out though that there’s worse in the world so everyone has pretty much forgiven him. Arsé-kun: Minako: You really just say these things like it's normal, huh?? Arsé-kun: Minako: Because it's super cool! !! Sheepy: Sheepy: Huh? It is? It’s my daily life. Sheepy: Sheepy: Anyway, should I head out now? Arsé-kun: Katsuya: The car's been started, so if you don't want to walk, the option is there. Sheepy: Sheepy: I'll take that option, thanks. Sheepy: Sheepy: Walking will probably take too long. Sheepy: *Sheepy heads to the car* Arsé-kun: *and they Go to the Location. They have been beaten there by Literally Everyone Else that was recruited.* Sheepy: Crow: Have you found anything yet? Well, have you? Sheepy: Harley: Rome was not built in a day. Be patient. You're being distracting. Arsé-kun: Barok: I agree entirely. Things like that take time. Sheepy: Crow: Rom's not a golem! He wasn't built at all! What're you talking about?! Arsé-kun: Barok: Your drummer is not an Italian city. Sheepy: Crow: Eh? Arsé-kun: Barok: Why don't you go help the blond detective instead? He looked lonely. Sheepy: Crow: Because he tried to accuse the old man of murder the last time I met him. Sheepy: Crow: He doesn't have his assistant with him so he won't have a push in the right direction this time. Sheepy: Harley: Oh, I know, you could push him in the right direction! Sheepy: Crow: Uh? Arsé-kun: Barok: It's rather obvious none of us did this, so you can... "Kindly" inform him when his suggestions are foul. Sheepy: Crow: Uhhhh.. Sheepy: Harley: You're our only hope to keep him out of trouble. Sheepy: Crow: Yeah, yeah, I am! Sheepy: Crow: The great Crow will save the day! Ahahahaha! Sheepy: Crow: *he rushes off to harass Sherlock* Sheepy: Harley: I see, so he's full of himself. Arsé-kun: Barok: Incredibly. He's a good kid, but doesn't quite get the idea of stopping. Sheepy: Harley: Hm. Sheepy: Harley: So like Sherlock. Sheepy: Harley:...Perhaps teaming them up wasn't such a good idea. Sheepy: Harley: I'm seeing little of interest. Arsé-kun: Barok: I hope Lupin has found something, otherwise all of the evidence has already been collected. Sheepy: Harley: It seems incredibly simple to me. Sheepy: Harley: We have a where, when and how. Upon checking the listed actors for the scene, we should have a who. Of course, interrogation is still necessary. Sheepy: Harley: Due to the possibility of a different actor being put in the role as at the last minute or someone working with the killer. And then there's the why. Sheepy: Harley: But any evidence can change everything we know. Sheepy: Sheepy: Hi Harley, Hi Proscuitto. Arsé-kun: Barok: Please do not do that. Sheepy: Sheepy: Your nephew has probably given me carpet burn by dragging me around. Arsé-kun: Barok: Unsurprising. Sheepy: Sheepy: I looked at the dead body and listened to someone slurp its brain. Sheepy: Harley: Can you not deliver horrible, disgusting news to me for one day? Arsé-kun: Barok: .... Was this at least useful in some way? Sheepy: Sheepy: Yeah. Sheepy: Sheepy: I wrote down everything the victim witnessed. Sheepy: Sheepy:....And told me about, anyway. Sheepy: Harley: Why do you keep delving into the supernatural? Who are you trying to spite here? Sheepy: Sheepy: Mostly anti-Superwholocks. Sheepy: Sheepy: *he passes the notes to Barok* Sheepy: Sheepy: Here. Arsé-kun: *Barok starts looking them over. He doesn't seem surprised* Sheepy: Sheepy: What do you think about them? Arsé-kun: Barok: I'll accept it as evidence, as it does give possibly useful information, but I'm not quite sure I like the method. Sheepy: Sheepy: I didn't have much choice. Sheepy: Sheepy: But is the name familiar in any way? Arsé-kun: Barok: Unfortunately not. Sheepy: Sheepy: It gives a starting point, anyway. Sheepy: Harley: Presumably there's footage of the incident. Arsé-kun: Barok: Predictably. Sheepy: Harley: It could have the face of the culprit. Arsé-kun: Barok: And even if it does not, there are faces of the witnesses. Sheepy: Harley: Right. Arsé-kun rolled a die with 20 sides. The die showed: 20 Arsé-kun: Arséne: Pardon-moi! *he snuck up on them. Who knows how long he's been there?* Sheepy: Harley:?! L-Lupin?! Sheepy: Sheepy: Wow, you're slow. Arsé-kun: *Barok stiffens, but doesn't react much otherwise* Sheepy: Sheepy: Did you just get here? Arsé-kun: Arséne: I've found the payroll~~ Sheepy: Sheepy: Oh, did it have a Dami- on it? Arsé-kun: Arséne: A Dami-EN. And it gets better from there! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Sheepy, take a SINGLE guess at his last name. Wrong answers only. Sheepy: Sheepy: En. Sheepy: Sheepy: Full name Dami En. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Byrd. Sheepy: Sheepy: What?! Sheepy: Sheepy: Seriously? ...It couldn't be the same one, could it? Sheepy: Harley: Hmm. The same one who killed his dad and Tom.... Sheepy: Harley:... I suppose that hasn't been confirmed yet, but a presumably rich actor like him wouldn't need to take out a loan, would he? Sheepy: Sheepy: The missing person case I came back from was a rich actor too. Apparently he got attacked and thrown into Glaaki's cave, but I don't know how this could correlate. Based on the timing, well...I can't really see a connection, but... Sheepy: Harley: In theory, if it's the same attacker, it's very easily explained. He already thirsts for violence, but with Glaaki present, he had an excuse to commit it. But without Glaaki, that thirst is still there and now he no longer has a good place to hide the body. Sheepy: Harley: But we don't know if they are the same attacker. It could easily be a coincidence that both victims are rich actors. Arsé-kun: Arséne: And where the slug is involved, we unfortunately have to speak to... Them Sheepy: Harley: Right. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Well, good luck with that. You can handle that part, yes? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Because I have other concerns. such as why I have never seen a Byrd named Damien despite all the hours into the subject. Sheepy: Sheepy: I'll ask them about that as well. Arsé-kun: Arséne: But otherwise, this is a remarkably simple case. Who and where are settled, why might take a bit. Sheepy: Harley: Right. Arsé-kun: *in the meantime, Katsuya is TRYING to do fingerprint dusting but juggling this with babysitting two morons. please help him* Sheepy: Crow: Hey, hey, what is this stuff, huh? Arsé-kun: Katsuya: Aluminum powder. It's for finding fingerprints, so don't touch it. Sheepy: Crow: Huh? Fingerprints? Sheepy: Crow: This detective's got ten. One on each finger. Arsé-kun: Katsuya: I would hope so. Sheepy: Crow: Hey, what do you do with the culprit once you find him, anyway? Sheepy: Crow: Where I come from, they throw them off the edge and make 'em fall to their deaths! Or chain 'em up. Sheepy: Crow: Of course, I survived all that! Arsé-kun: Katsuya: It depends on what it is, but usually some form of arrest. Sheepy: Crow: A-rest, like you make them take a nap? Huh? Arsé-kun: Katsuya: Arrest, as in going to jail. Sheepy: Crow: Huh. When I was little I was punished like that. You guys really don't go past that? You can only handle punishment for children, huh? Sheepy: Crow: Huh. When I was little I was punished like that. You guys really don't go past that? You can only handle punishment for children, huh? Arsé-kun: Katsuya: Mortal lifespans don't always survive the sentencing. Sheepy: Crow: Eeehh?! Words like that are way too hard to keep track of! Sheepy: Crow: So "a rest" and "arrest" are different, huh... Arsé-kun: Katsuya: *he groans* Human life short, jail time long. Hu-man die if jail time longer than life span. Sheepy: Crow: No, no, no! Sheepy: Crow: Don't think I'm that dumb! Arsé-kun: Katsuya: And if it's really bad, well, then they just die. And honestly? After "prostitute"? Sheepy: Crow: I don't know what that word means. It sounds a lot like prosecute. Sheepy: Crow: Which is what I mixed it up with, by the way! Sheepy: Crow: It's not like we had all of these things where I came from! Sheepy: Crow:...That I know of, anyway. Arsé-kun: *Katsuya wisely does not ask for details* Sheepy: Crow: Uncle didn't tell me about them from what I remember. Nor did Pops, but he kinda just up and disappeared one day. Maybe he went off to learn about this kinda stuff? Sheepy: Sheepy: --I texted Nyar and he does recognize the name. Sheepy: Sheepy: He's being obnoxious. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Horrible. Terrible. Disgusting. I know where this situation is going, so I'm going to make sure Sherlock isn't trying to lick something for prints. Sheepy: Sheepy: Would he really? Sheepy: Nyar: How does aluminum powder taste when you lick it? Is it fingerprints-licking good? Arsé-kun: *Arséne groans LOUDLY and excuses himself.* Sheepy: Nyar: Awww. Arsé-kun: *He did not actually go that far- Arséne ducked around a corner to eavesdrop. He just doesn't like being around Nyar.* Sheepy: Sheepy: Go back in, nobody wants you here. Sheepy: Nyar: I want me here. Arsé-kun: Barok: If it's going to be useful at all, then get it over with. *he's unimpressed.* Sheepy: Nyar: Yeah, that Damien guy worked for Twili....Heyyy, it's you! Arsé-kun: Barok: Finish that sentence. Sheepy: Nyar: You're not for friendly chatter until I get business out of the way, huh? No dessert until I finish my broccoli? Sheepy: Nyar: Fine, fine. Sheepy: Nyar: He worked for Twilight. Sheepy: Nyar: He's also known as Brent. Kinda. They were a pair. But even a pair can be split apart. Sheepy: Nyar: Really fascinating stuff. I should've experimented on him. Sheepy: Nyar: Although I suppose we made Damien, so if I really wanted I could just pick him up and test on him. Arsé-kun: Arséne: *peeking out from around the corner* What do you mean "were"?? Sheepy: Nyar: It's the past tense for "are"! Sheepy: Nyar: Which means! They no longer, here's the word of the day, kids, *are* a pair! Sheepy: Nyar: Oh. Sheepy: Nyar: Well, you know. Sheepy: Nyar: You just split them apart like a kitkat. Sheepy: Nyar:....You think I know how everything works?! Nope! But there are two Byrds running around now. Brent and Damian. Brent was useful for manipulation. Too bad Damian had a tendency to kill. Arsé-kun: Arséne: So back when I interviewed Brent... *he's thinking Real Hard* Sheepy: Nyar: I would've liked grabbing that Sheep guy and Fluffy's dad over there for my own use. Sheepy: Nyar: It's easier to grab people nobody will miss, you know? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Why can't you just tell us these things?! Sheepy: Nyar: What? Sheepy: Nyar: If I tell you everything, you'll stop talking to me. Sheepy: Nyar: I won't be important anymore. Arsé-kun: Arséne: For FUCK'S sake, *he storms back into the circle* At least give things asked of you instead of waiting, say, over a month?? Sheepy: Nyar: Oh, oh, I like this! This is attention, yes! Sheepy: Nyar: Yeah, I was gonna use that Tim guy and what's his face for my testing. Sheepy: Nyar: But Damien got to 'em before I could. What a drag! Sheepy: Nyar: Hey, but you know what this means? Arsé-kun: Arséne: No. Tell me. Sheepy: Nyar: My dinner is over, right? So now dessert? Arsé-kun: Arséne: ... Yes, fine. Go ahead. Sheepy: Nyar: Baaaa~rok. It's been so long! Arsé-kun: Barok: I was hoping it would stay that way. How will you taunt me this evening? Sheepy: Nyar: How're you doing, huh? How's your brother doing? Sheepy: Nyar: Oh! Oops! Silly me! I forgot! Sheepy: Nyar: He's dead! (LOL) Arsé-kun: Barok: You're running out of material. You've used that one three times now. *he's displeased nevertheless* Sheepy: Nyar: Ehh? I could do an even better one. Sheepy: Nyar: Hey, he's less dead than your career! Arsé-kun: *Nyar gets kicked in the face. Impressive.* Sheepy: Nyar: Ouch, ouch! Sheepy: Nyar: You're no fun! Arsé-kun: Barok: Thank you. Sheepy: Nyar: I know someone more fun. Sheepy: Nyar: Hey Crane! Sheepy: Crow: It's CROW!!! Like the bird! Sheepy: Crow: Are you one of my cattle? I'm not doing autographs right now! Arsé-kun: *Katsuya re-enters scene behind him, carefully holding several successful fingerprint paints. Arséne wonders why a cop is doing forensics work. Katsuya sweats. Minato continues climbing out of Katsuya's car to snoop around* Sheepy: Nyar: How'd falling feel, huh? Just like how your Pops fell, huh? You still denying your guilt, saying you're innocent? Huh? How long can you keep it up 'till you hit acceptance? Arsé-kun: *Everyone present recognizes just how dead Nyar is about to be. Arséne pulls out his phone for footage.* Sheepy: *Crow clenches his fists before...Slugging Nyar!* Arsé-kun: *and Barok kicks Nyar down. Double team* Sheepy: Nyar: Ouch, ouch, ouch! That hurts!! Arsé-kun: Barok: Oh, you really do have pain receptors? That's wonderful information. Sheepy: Nyar: Well, it hurts my feelings! Sheepy: *Crow is visibly upset. Nyar goal accomplished: upset someone visibly* Sheepy: Crow: What do you know, anyway, huh?! I didn't do anything wrong...! Sheepy: Nyar: See, Barok? That's what I wanna see! Try more for that next time! Arsé-kun: Barok: ... Normally, I would not be permitted to act, but given the circumstances.. *he slowly puts a hand on his sword hilt. apparently, that is a real sword.* Arsé-kun: Minato: (When HE wears a sword, he's "cool" and "vampiric", but when I do it I'm "breaking the law" and "too young for weapons") *he's jealous* Sheepy: Nyar: Woah, woah, woah, hey! That's against the law! You sure you wanna stab me and potentially lose your job? Huh? Arsé-kun: Barok: I would, if children were not watching. Sheepy: Nyar: Eh? The eyes of the law are children now, seriously? Arsé-kun: Barok: Slime such as yourself wouldn't understand the concept of morals if it shot you through the jaw and called thou a whore. Sheepy: Nyar: Eh?! Sheepy: Nyar: That's the exact opposite of morals, isn't it?! Sheepy: Sheepy: (...Thou? How old IS Barok?) Arsé-kun: Barok: Action against an unlawful being is quite within law, thank you. Sheepy: Nyar: Uh? Sheepy: Nyar: C'mon, I only bullied your nephew a little! Did I strike your nerve, huh? I'm getting somewhere, huh? Arsé-kun: Barok: You're piling up reasons for me to take action. I recommend, as a lawyer, to keep your mouth shut. Sheepy: Nyar: Eh? Sheepy: Nyar: You can't even keep that dog thing on a leash and you expect to keep me on one? Sheepy: Crow: It's hedgehog, not hedgedog! What's up with you, anyway? You trying to put a damper on my crimson soul? You can't! *Despite this, it's clear that Nyar has put a damper on his crimson soul* Arsé-kun: Barok: You don't need a leash. You need a little goldfish bowl. Sheepy: Nyar: How are you going to fit me in a goldfish bowl, huh? Arsé-kun: Barok: Only part of you has to fit. Sheepy: Nyar: Eh? Arsé-kun: Barok: Excuse me. What I mean to say is "I am going to behead you." Sheepy: Nyar: Huuuuh? You're gonna ruin a crime scene, just like that? On what? That won't kill me. Arsé-kun: Barok: Not yet. Sheepy: Nyar: And maybe I know things you want to know. Sheepy: Nyar: You're gonna wait until I leave the scene? Arsé-kun: Barok: Ah, you've gone to bartering for your life in an instant. Arsé-kun: Barok: Perhaps. Sheepy: Nyar: Perhaps? You think you can? How? Arsé-kun: Barok: *he hums and chooses to not indulge Nyar.* Sheepy: Nyar: Wouldn't you like that? Arsé-kun: Katsuya: Absolutely not. *he bustles into the circle, between Barok and Nyar* I can confirm the fingerprints belonged to one Mr. Brent Byrd. Or perhaps Damien? But they do not have a public record. Sheepy: Nyar: Uh, yeah. Sheepy: Nyar: If he couldn't even hide his crimes, what use would he be to me? He'd be expendable. Sheepy: Nyar: You think I'm dumb? Arsé-kun: Katsuya: I'm not legally allowed to instigate a fight. Sheepy: Sheepy: I don't think dumb is the word to use here......... Sheepy: Nyar: Oh, oh, Fluffy is the only one backing me here! Sheepy: Nyar: Anyway, here's a fun thing to chew on! Sheepy: Nyar: How'd I learn all I know about Crane over there? Especially the more recent stuff? What's my source? Something to mull over! Arsé-kun: *Minato is still staring at him from behind Katsuya's car. He is Intrigued* Sheepy: Nyar: Hey, I feel all eyes on me! That's enough for me! Sheepy: Nyar: Even a set you may not notice! Arsé-kun: *Katsuya looks around and spots Minato. Minato just smiles at him. Katsuya groans* Sheepy: Sheepy: ? *He follows Katsuya's gaze* Sheepy: Sheepy: Huh? When did he get here? Arsé-kun: Minato: I've been. Nobody checks the trunks of cars anymore. Sheepy: Sheepy: Huh. Now I know. Sheepy: Crow: Ehh? You watched this creep say bad rumors about me? ...Man, first Gogo dies, and now I've been badmouthed in front of his boyfriend... Sheepy: Crow: Sheesh, how much worse is this day gonna get? Sheepy: Nyar: I can help make it worse. Sheepy: Crow: And when I get home, Stinkion is going to call me short... Sheepy: Nyar: Cruelly ignored and rejected! Sheepy: Crow: Anyway! They figured out who killed Gogo. Arsé-kun: Minato: Good. *he smacks his free hand with the end of his baseball bat* Sheepy: Crow: What's that for? Sheepy: Sheepy: Presumably busting kneecaps. Arsé-kun: Minato: Exactly. Arsé-kun: Minato: You didn't kill him. Sheepy: Crow: I don't wear caps on my knees... Who would? Arsé-kun: Minato: People who don't have them, obviously. Sheepy: Crow: Oh, like prophetics, huh! Sheepy: Crow: When you lose a limb, they replace it with a prophetic! Arsé-kun: Minato: ... *he's really considering turning his Right Eye on Nyar to see what happens* Sheepy: Nyar: What're you lookin' at? Arsé-kun: Minato: ... What ARE you? Sheepy: Nyar: Oh? Sheepy: Nyar: I'm Fluffy's pal! Sheepy: Nyar: I can be anything! Like playdoh! Arsé-kun: Minato: Not like that... *he pushes his hair to the side--- and pales Immediately before bailing* Sheepy: Nyar: Ah-ah-ah! I wouldn't recommend that! Sheepy: Nyar: That's restricted to only special people~ Sheepy: Nyar: Speaking of which! Barok, aren't you pleased? I consider you special. I might even take off my mask just for you! Eheheh! Sheepy: Nyar: Although he might get jealous...Hmmm... Sheepy: Crow: You give me...bad vibes. Sheepy: Nyar: I can give you a vibe check if you want! Sheepy: Crow: My vibes are very crimson! Sheepy: Nyar: Like your blood? Sheepy: Nyar: What's the color of your blood, huh? What is it? Arsé-kun: *Nyar gets bonked with Barok's sheath* Sheepy: Nyar: Ouch! Sheepy: Nyar: Hey, that's not nice! Arsé-kun: Barok: Thank you. Sheepy: Nyar: You've hurt my feelings. Sheepy: Nyar: I might even cry and blow into that tissue around your neck like a Kleenex (tm). Arsé-kun: Arséne: *to Harley* Do you think we should let him deal with the squid so we can go? Sheepy: Harley: Yes. I don't care enough to bother with the squid. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Sherlock? Sheepy: Sherlock: ? Sure. *he's holding a mouse* Arsé-kun: Arséne: Let that mouse go home. You know how our cats are. Sheepy: Sherlock: Awww.. *he puts it down. it goes about its business* Oh well. Sheepy: Sheepy: Can you rescue me, too? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Certainly. Good work today. Sheepy: Sheepy:....! *he appears flustered* Uh, thanks. Sheepy: Sheepy: We're going home, right? Finally! Arsé-kun: Arséne: Yes, finally. Sheepy: Sheepy: *he exits to get away from squidward tentacles over here* Arsé-kun: *Arséne and the two Holmes go with. Scene exitted* Sheepy: Nyar: You're so mean to me too when I've got juicy information you'd like. Sheepy: Nyar: I even could tell you this information! Sheepy: Nyar: If you want, anyway. Arsé-kun: Barok: At least wait until we're alone. Sheepy: Nyar: Uuuugh, fiiiiine! Sheepy: Nyar: When can we be alone, huh? Sheepy: Crow: Eh? Sheepy: Crow: Why do you need to be alone? Arsé-kun: Barok: It will be sensitive information. It always is. Sheepy: Crow: Sensitive? Sheepy: Crow: So I should go home? Arsé-kun: Barok: I didn't mean you. *he slowly looks to Katsuya, who wisely exits to find Minato* Sheepy: Crow: Oh. Sheepy: Nyar: So I can start now? Arsé-kun: Barok: ... Fine. Sheepy: Nyar: Someone who you used to look up to and love might be your enemy soon~ Eheheh. Arsé-kun: Barok: .... ... ..... Arsé-kun: Barok: All that! For that tidbit?! Sheepy: Nyar: Ehehehehe! Arsé-kun: Barok: Step back, Crow. Sheepy: Nyar: Yeah, sure, that's all, if you want to call it that! Sheepy: *Crow steps back* Arsé-kun: Barok: Are you aware that you are not immortal? Sheepy: Nyar:....Huh? Arsé-kun: Barok: After all, how does it go? "And with strange eons, even death may die"? Sheepy: Nyar: Uuuhhh... Sheepy: Nyar:..... Arsé-kun: Barok: Shalt we find out? *he slowly takes his sword hilt* Sheepy: Nyar: Ummm....Huh. This is a toughie. Sheepy: Nyar: I could divulge more information which would ruin the fun...or get my guts spilled. Arsé-kun: Barok: So make your choice. Sheepy: Nyar:...Ugh, this is tough. Man, you're kinda scary...I guess the first one? Arsé-kun: *AND WE IMMEDIATELY CUT TO A DIFFERENT SCENE BECAUSE HECK YOU* Arsé-kun: *Yaiba's given up yelling for help and is just sitting in cold, gross well water. help the boy. Where's Aion? who knows.* Sheepy: Aion: *he's shivering from the cold, but his hand still hasn't left his face* Th-Th-The Dark Sun God....Wish...Wishes to return to his Sancfuary... Sheepy: *Aion slinks out of his hiding spot, the shadows* Sheepy: Aion: Perhaps the angel's touch has left it... Sheepy: Aion: But it seems that the Dark Sun God is once more chained within the Pris-Pris-Prison of the Abyss... Sheepy: Aion: Aaah... The store is so far... Light years away. It seems that this pit that was in the Dark Sun God’s path... Is inescapable. Sheepy: Aion: The Dark Sun God only desired honey buns... However, his worth was not great enough for lowly humans to make sacrifices upon, so he was hoping to find some lying around. Arsé-kun: Yaiba: H-how did you even fall in? You had to actively climb in...! Sheepy: Aion: ......... Sheepy: Aion: The Dark Sun God’s secrets... will not be divulged. Arsé-kun: Yaiba: Wh-what do we do now? Rom and Crow aren't here, hence, we might be in a Legend of Dying like fools! W--[omitted] Sheepy: Aion: However. Sheepy: Aion: It has been whispered... Sheepy: Aion: That the Dark Sun God was curious. Sheepy: Aion: Only a rumor. Arsé-kun: Yaiba: .... .... *in Crow's absense, he makes a Face™* Sheepy: Aion: And yet... Sheepy: Aion: The Dark Sun God...Still hungers... Sheepy: Aion: ...For honey buns... Arsé-kun: Yaiba: I'll henceforth buy you some if we get out before tomorrow. Legend of promise. Sheepy: Aion: Then we must escape before the dawn’s rays hit... Arsé-kun: *Another small flash of light from above. Could be a car's headlights, or someone's phone, or lightning, which is the worst of the possible options, which means of COURSE that's what it is, what do you expect?* Sheepy: Aion: It has spotted us! Oh! The devil’s eyes! Hear its roar! Arsé-kun: Yaiba: what in the legend of hence does that mean?!? Sheepy: Aion: Behold! It seeks us! Hunts us down like prey! Arsé-kun: Yaiba: Aion, what does that m- Arsé-kun: *KABOOM!!* Arsé-kun: Yaiba: -AAAAAAAA Sheepy: *Aion screams and leaps into Yaiba’s arms* Arsé-kun: *The catch is pathetic, and Aion also now has a case of wet ass* Sheepy: Aion: It will tear us limb for limb..!! Arsé-kun: Yaiba: It's just thunder..! We're down a hole hence it sounds worse than it actually is!! Sheepy: Aion: The hole that will become our unlabeled graves! Arsé-kun: Yaiba: Stop that! Sheepy: Aion: *Tremble, sob* Oh... I want to go home...! Arsé-kun: *Yaiba puts his hands over Aion's ears (probably not helpful with how big them ears are) and just screams. MMMMYYYAAAAAAAAUOOH! Fuckin'.... You're not being STABBED, Yaiba.* Sheepy: Crow: —Oh! Oh!!! Sheepy: Crow: What?! A ghost is in the well thingy! Arsé-kun: Barok: ... Concerning. Arsé-kun: Rom: *he finally got here, because public bus schedules are a suggestion more than fact. And he immediately peers down the cistern* Sheepy: Crow: Do you see the ghost, Rom?! Arsé-kun: Rom: No, you idiot, your bandmates are down there. Sheepy: Crow: Why? Arsé-kun: Rom: What does that matter? Do you think you can fit down that cistern and fly them back out? Sheepy: Crow: You need the great Crow to save the day, huh?! Yeah, I can! Arsé-kun: Rom: Are you SURE? Sheepy: Crow: Eh? Probably? Sheepy: *Crow goes into the cistern* Sheepy: Crow: I’ll save you two! Sheepy: Aion: *sob* Arsé-kun: Yaiba: T-take Aion first, I can, I can wait Sheepy: *Crow picks up Aion and attempts to fly out* Arsé-kun rolled a die with 20 sides. The die showed: 20 Sheepy: *He successfully and painlessly escapes with Aion, placing him down on the grass before popping back in* Arsé-kun: *Rom immediately tends to Aion with a fresh towel* Sheepy: Aion: *sob* I want to go home... Arsé-kun: Rom: *!!!!* Arsé-kun: Rom: *he scoops up Aion without a problem* I'll bring you inside, and we'll see what we can do. Sheepy: Aion: .... Sheepy: *Crow attempts to escape with Yaiba as well* Sheepy rolled a die with 20 sides. The die showed: 1 Sheepy: *...That loud cry of pain from Crow makes it clear that his wings aren’t too keen on being used a second time* Arsé-kun: Yaiba: *he's thinking. and then picks up Crow* You're smaller, hence, this will work! *and he throws Crow upwards. Get outta here!* Sheepy: Crow: Ugh...! Thanks! Arsé-kun: Yaiba: Anytime! Sheepy: Crow: I’m sorry, Rom...! I can’t do it. Arsé-kun: Rom: That's fine. You did great, get inside and ice your wings. Arsé-kun: *Rom exits scene for a moment, before coming back with a tall, wooden ladder. oh. yes, this also works* Sheepy: Crow: Eh...? You have that? Arsé-kun: Rom: It's from the set design crew. I didn't even remember we had this until I saw it bringing Aion inside. Sheepy: Crow: Huh. ....Ouch, ouch... Arsé-kun: *Rom drops the ladder in. Faint 'ouch' from Yaiba as it hits him in the face. 10/10 aim* Sheepy: Crow: ? Arsé-kun: *Yaiba climbs up and pulls himself over the edge. str* Arsé-kun: Yaiba: *rant omitted as he complains at Rom for that Great Injustice and how he now owes him honey buns* Sheepy: Crow: You could do that all along?! Arsé-kun: Yaiba: ---What? Climb a ladder?? Sheepy: Crow: Yeah! Arsé-kun: Yaiba: Can you not?? Sheepy: Crow: I can! But why didn't you sooner? You saw the ladder, right? Arsé-kun: Yaiba: .... I mean, obviously, if I saw it, I would have used it, hence! Sheepy: Crow: Eh? Sheepy: Crow:...Huh, alright. Sheepy: Crow: Let's go inside! I'll tell you about my day! Arsé-kun: Yaiba: Yes, please, before it starts to rain! *he picks up the other mysterious towel and hurries indoors* Sheepy: Crow: *he follows Yaiba* Arsé-kun: *Rom follows them in, shutting the door just as the rain starts coming down. flash, boom, all that fun stuff* Sheepy: Crow: Guess what I saw today! Arsé-kun: Yaiba: I don't know, Crow, what was the legend you saw today? Sheepy: Crow: My uncle stabbed someone. Arsé-kun: Yaiba: Well, no surprise! Where else would you get your crimson fury from? Sheepy: Crow: Yeah! He was a jerk! Hah! He couldn't even get my name right! Arsé-kun: Yaiba: But you get people's names wrong constantly, hence you have no right to talk! Sheepy: Crow: Huuuuuh? But my name is full of crimson passion! Arsé-kun: Yaiba: .... hence, you're full of hot air! Sheepy: Crow: C! Stands for Crimson! R! Is also in Crimson! O! Is also in Crimson! Arsé-kun: Yaiba: The W is in Wimp, hence- Sheepy: Crow: No!!!! Sheepy: Crow: No! It stands for... Sheepy: Crow:..... Sheepy: Crow:....WINNER!! Sheepy: Crow: Which spells... CROW! Sheepy: Crow:....I'm still working out the kinks, alright?! Even someone like me needs time to think on stuff sometimes! Arsé-kun: Yaiba: That's too long, hence! Wrong, weird, ween, worse, weed, wrenched! Sheepy: Crow: Eh? Eeeeehhh?! Arsé-kun: Yaiba: Wrecked Sheepy: Crow: What!!! Sheepy: Crow: I'll have you know that there's not much you can do when you're falling from the sky at a bajillion miles an hour! Arsé-kun: Rom: You, are, insultingly, boring, asshole Arsé-kun: Yaiba: Hence?! Sheepy: Crow: And, and! Sheepy: Crow: My wings used to be a whole lot cooler. And I had more of them! Sheepy: Crow: Six, like the number of...Uh... Sheepy: Crow: Letters in WINNER!!! Sheepy: Crow: So I didn't intentionally wreck! Arsé-kun: Rom: You counted to six. Good work. *sarcastic* Maybe you can reach seven next week. Sheepy: Crow: Wow! You have so much confiden.... Sheepy: Crow:.... Sheepy: Crow: *squint* Arsé-kun: Yaiba: legend of get owned Sheepy: Crow: Wh-whaaaat?! Arsé-kun: *Yaiba dabs. everyone take three points of psychic damage* Sheepy: Crow: Ugh...too cool! But not as cool as Rom - eh, I mean, not as cool as me! Arsé-kun: Rom: .... Take this! *he slaps a ping pong ball off the table, at Crow.* Sheepy: Crow: Hah! You're a million light years away from defeating me! *he slaps it back* Arsé-kun: *it bounces off Rom's face. rom eats shit* Sheepy: Crow: Hah-hah! I am the greatest! The only! Crowwww!!! Arsé-kun: Yaiba: *he just loudly slurps a capri sun. hekk u* Sheepy: Aion:....The Dark Sun God sees through your lies, rodent, and into the truth: you are not the greatest. Arsé-kun: *Yaiba leans over to Aion to Conspire* Sheepy: Aion: What do you wish to conspire about? Arsé-kun: Yaiba: *whispering* If we take him down now, we might be able to sleep before two am Sheepy: Aion:?! Sheepy: Aion:......Hm...Hmmm. Sheepy: Aion: *he lowers his voice* A murder plot... Arsé-kun: Yaiba: No! Sheepy: Aion: Hm? How do we accomplish this, then? Arsé-kun: Yaiba: Observe. *he picks up a cushion and flings it at Crow* Sheepy: Crow: Ugh?! Sheepy: Crow: Hey! What's that for?! Sheepy: Crow: Oh, I get it. A pillow fight, right? Sheepy: Aion: No. We were hoping you would suffocate on it. Arsé-kun: Yaiba: A fight with you? Hence, only five minutes wasted! Sheepy: Crow: Eeehhhh?! You guys're both jerks! You think it'd be a waste, hm? Sheepy: Crow: Come at me, then! Sheepy: Aion: The Dark Sun God has little interest in a mere rodent's acts of rebellion. He will be squashed in an instant. Arsé-kun: Yaiba: *overdramatic detailing that took most of the budget and lightning effects* I certainly will!! *he picks up another cushion* Sheepy: Crow: Hah! *he picks up rhe nearby cushion* I'll make you eat your words! Arsé-kun: Yaiba: Get ready for the beating of a lifetime, Sonic Hedgehog! Sheepy: Crow: Haaaaaaah! Now you've made me MAD!!! Arsé-kun: *ten mil more deducted from budget for crow's gremlin face* Sheepy: Aion: *he sips his capri sun* Arsé-kun: *Rom stays out of it, for once* Sheepy: Crow: *he lunges for Yaiba with his crimson pillow of the fallen* Arsé-kun: *Yaiba winds up, and recklessly hurls himself at Crow, his lightning aura reaching a max-- ok ok you get it* Sheepy: *They clash, a fallen angel versus the Legendary Yaiba of Legend of Ryuukuden, hence, chaos ensues* Arsé-kun: *yes that, thank you* Sheepy: Aion: Hmmm...The Black Monster craves a honey bun. Arsé-kun: *Aion gets lightly smacked by a honey bun, still in the packaging. Toss a coin to your Rommer* Sheepy: Aion: The sacrifice has been received...! Arsé-kun: Rom: Great. I've got work tomorrow, so next person to scream is getting annihilated. Sheepy: Aion: It will be burned within the deepest pits! Sheepy: Crow: Huuuh? Arsé-kun: *crow gets smacked with a cushion* Sheepy: Crow: The heck? I was just getting fired up- OW!! Sheepy: Crow: No fair! Rom distracted me! Arsé-kun: Yaiba: Left your guard down, you fool! Sheepy: Crow: No, you cheated! Arsé-kun: Rom: ..... .......... Arsé-kun: *the entire sofa soars past Aion and at the two boys fighting. goodbye. there's an explosion. rom poses cool* Arsé-kun: *Cyan gingerly steps over the devastation for her own band practice, or maybe just to go outside and play with other cats. We don't know.* Sheepy: Aion: Be careful. It hungers for souls. It flashes and roars. Rips and tears at flesh. You can spot it in the sky. Lingering. Waiting. Sheepy: Aion: *munch munch* Sheepy: Aion: You must sneak quietly. Softly. Refuse to look into the abyss... Arsé-kun: *Cyan takes one step outside, feels water, and promptly decides against it* Sheepy: Aion:....*munch munch* Arsé-kun: Cyan: Euch. It'll have to wait until tomorrow... What are you eating? Sheepy: Aion: A honeybun. Arsé-kun: Cyan: Very nice. Sheepy: Aion: The Black Monster craved it and got imprisoned within the damp prison nearby. Sheepy: Aion: For looking too deeply inside.... Arsé-kun: Cyan: The big rain well? It's a big drop! Sheepy: Aion: The angels...They whisper.... a rumor. Of the Dark Sun God's curiosity. Arsé-kun: Cyan: It's always tempting to look, but it's so scary! Arsé-kun: *Quiet achieved. Rom can actually sleep for once* Sheepy: *Morning comes quickly for people with responsibilities!* Arsé-kun: *Unfortunate!!* Sheepy: *But you know what you DO get as a benefit, Rom? 30 texts from Shuzo!* Arsé-kun: Rom: ..... wh.... *he picks up his phone, looks at it, puts it back down* Arsé-kun: *Rom's phone vibrates AGAIN, and he groans before finally checking it* Sheepy: Shuzo: [text: to Rom] jm so gubrgy thus hodpjtal food is trash lol Arsé-kun: Shuzo: [text: to Rom] i realy wan a schuro Sheepy: Shuzo: [text: to Rom] if ibky a deally nice and jncredibly handskme drummerbwould come save me (wifh s cinnamkn churro) Arsé-kun: Shuzo: [text: to Rom] wie is me/ i hjave noo chureo Sheepy: Shuzo: [text: to Rom] ilu bur even more with churro Sheepy: Shuzo: [text: to Rom] please. churro Arsé-kun: Shuzo: [text: to Rom] churros wer made innnnnn yer 5 by mr man churo Sheepy: Shuzo: [text: to Rom] which is almkdt whdn stars were msde Arsé-kun: Shuzo: [text: to Rom] stars like you11! and me ⭐️⭐️ Sheepy: Shuzo: [text: to Rom] haha....what if we....flew throhhj space rigether ... on q shooting star...a date.... haha...ghatd be so ronanric... Arsé-kun: Shuzo: [text: to Rom] haha... unles Sheepy: Shuzo: [text: to Rom] even more romantic....with churro Arsé-kun: Shuzo: [text: to Rom] wWho needs capitalism when u can have a churro Sheepy: Shuzo: [text: to Rom] if gou ever wanr ro eat s wall just eat hospitsl food haha wow so tasty ⭐️ Arsé-kun: *Rom feels like he is supposed to get this man a churro. He might be wrong.* Sheepy: Shuzo: [text: to Rom] gonna give rhis place 5 ⭐️ on help for its food alone Sheepy: Shuzo: [text: to Rom] Help Sheepy: Shuzo: [text: to Rom] Help Sheepy: Shuzo: [text: to Rom] Yelp Arsé-kun: Rom: [text: to Shuzo] Yes, I'll buy you a fucking churro, it's 6 am, are you high?? Sheepy: Shuzo: [text: to Rom] cant feek most of mg bodh Arsé-kun: Rom: [text: to Shuzo] How are you messaging me? Sheepy: Shuzo: [text: to Rom] :) Arsé-kun: Rom: [text: to Shuzo] ⭐️ Sheepy: Shuzo: [text: to Rom] wuth lobe ♥♥ Arsé-kun: *Rom decides he is obligated to get this man a churro. He can be a little late for work today. Just a little.* Sheepy: *thank you Rom* Arsé-kun: *Rom calls in ahead of time like a responsible adult* Sheepy: *Incredible! The ideal man!* Arsé-kun: *He shows up to Shuzo's room exactly 45 minutes later, armed with a churro and a dream. Only one of these is needed here.* Sheepy: Shuzo: *he looks over, a little on the dazed side* Arsé-kun: Rom: Good morning, Shuu. Sheepy: Shuzo: Good morning ⭐️ It's such a beautiful day today. Make sure to enjoy it while it lasts ⭐️ Sheepy: Shuzo:..... Arsé-kun: Rom: Please stop doing that so early. Sheepy: Shuzo: Did you come here on the way to work without having eaten breakfast first? Arsé-kun: Rom: .... .... You sent me no less than ten messages asking for food. Sheepy: Shuzo: ........? Sheepy: Shuzo: *he mulls this over* Sheepy: Shuzo: What, did I? Arsé-kun: Rom: You said some other things, but I disregarded them for you. But I did bring the churro you begged for. Sheepy: Shuzo: I don't remember a thing ⭐️ Arsé-kun: Rom: You typed like you wouldn't have anyway. Sheepy: Shuzo: Oh, I fear the embarrassing things I said... Arsé-kun: Rom: :) Sheepy: Shuzo:....Your grin.... *he goes to check* Sheepy: Shuzo:......... Sheepy: Shuzo:...Just how many people did I text...?! Arsé-kun: Rom: I do not know, but I'm alarmed now. Sheepy: Shuzo: I sent the twins in caps.... "Texting my ex ⭐️"... In response to every one of their messages. Sheepy: Shuzo: My ex what?? Sheepy: Shuzo: And- ...Oh- Oh. Arsé-kun: Rom: What's the damage? Sheepy: Shuzo: ...Unfortunately, I can't use that with you. Arsé-kun: Rom: Perhaps because I'm in front of you. Sheepy: Shuzo: If you weren't, with what I was saying to you, I would...And to my friend... Arsé-kun: Rom: You can try that, if you're out of options. Sheepy: Shuzo: I could try but I don't think it'll work. Sheepy: Shuzo: *he mumbles something along the lines of, "Unless you see it, I suppose it's not too terrible"* Arsé-kun: Rom: You sure hope so. Arsé-kun: Rom: But okay, I fulfilled my task. Arsé-kun: Rom: That's a shame. Sheepy: Shuzo: You can eat it and think of me while eating it ⭐️ Because you bought it for me. Arsé-kun: Rom: But I already... *he stops that train of thought Immediately* I already had one. Sheepy: Shuzo: Oh, I'd love to take it off your hands. Sheepy: Shuzo: I'll value the feelings behind your actions instead ⭐️ Arsé-kun: Rom: That's more than I could have hoped for ⭐️ *cough* How do you do that all day? Sheepy: Shuzo: I'm paid a ton to do it. Arsé-kun: Rom: Fair enough. Sheepy: Shuzo: I suppose it'd break the theme if I joined your band and did it. Arsé-kun: Rom: It would mess them up. ... It might be funny. Sheepy: Shuzo: I have to get rid of this hairdye first....But what will the twins think? Arsé-kun: Rom: If they think you're the coolest thing since the invention of churros, it shouldn't matter, yeah Arsé-kun: Rom: Which, by the way, was not year five. Sheepy: Shuzo: What? Arsé-kun: Rom: Your texts again. Sheepy: Shuzo: How embarrassing was I to you...? Arsé-kun: Rom: Extremely. Please get some sleep. Sheepy: Shuzo: I will. I hope work goes well for you. Sheepy: Shuzo: Maybe when I awake I'll be a dreamy prince again ⭐️ Arsé-kun: Rom: I'm going to flip your bed over. Sheepy: Shuzo: That would hurt. Arsé-kun: Rom: That would be the intent. Sheepy: Shuzo: Haha...that's cruel. Arsé-kun: Rom: Then stop doing that to your throat. Sheepy: Shuzo: I'll try. Sheepy: Shuzo: Just for you ⭐️ It’ll be our little secret ⭐️ Only the stars will know ⭐️ Sheepy: Shuzo: *cough, cough, cough* Sheepy: Shuzo: I was going to end up here anyway ⭐️ Perhaps it’s fate you showed up ⭐️ My job is killing me slowly. Sheepy: Shuzo: At least I eat right, but I barely sleep and constantly deal with stress which is further weakening me and setting off the sickness I mostly had under control. But because of who I am, “I’m ⭐️ not ⭐️ allowed ⭐️ to ⭐️ show ⭐️ it ⭐️“. *cough, cough, cough*... Sorry, you should go to work before you get late. Arsé-kun: Rom: Have you considered ⭐️ obliterating your manager Sheepy: Shuzo: No. Moreso my past self. I thought my dream could be achieved. But perhaps it was no dream at all. It would’ve been better dead at the start. Arsé-kun: Rom: Were you not in a hospital bed, I would punch you! Sheepy: Shuzo: Haha, that wouldn’t be very nice. Arsé-kun: Rom: Neither is giving up! Look where you are! You'll just live here if you give up and let it die!! Sheepy: Shuzo: And what do you propose doing? I suppose I’ve become a symbol of chasing your dreams for many ⭐️ But this clearly won’t work in the long run. Sheepy: Shuzo: Should I really throw away everything? Arsé-kun: Rom: Then ACTUALLY go DO IT, you idiot! If people really like you, you won't throw anything away except that shitty hair dye! Sheepy: Shuzo: ... Sheepy: Shuzo: I suppose if it doesn’t work, I can just take back this role. Arsé-kun: Rom: Hell, take some time off for yourself. Go on vacation. Punch your bandmates. Whatever. Sheepy: Shuzo: But... The twins will be heartbroken. I can’t do that to them. Arsé-kun: Rom: What are they, kids?? Do they even have a legal guardian? Sheepy: Shuzo: No. Arsé-kun: Rom: Wh.... You need adoption papers? I can pick some up for you later. Sheepy: Shuzo: They see me as an older brother... Sheepy: Shuzo: Not a dad! I’m not that old! Arsé-kun: Rom: You can be a legal guardian and still be a sibling... I think? Sheepy: Shuzo: I wouldn’t know. Arsé-kun: Rom: I'll have to look into it. Either way, bring them with you. Let them be kids for once. Sheepy: Shuzo: I suppose. Sheepy: Shuzo: I’ll ask them. Sheepy: Shuzo: I won’t force them into anything. They should make their own choices. Sheepy: Shuzo: ...Thanks. You come in here due to annoying messages I sent to give me food I can’t eat but you’re still willing to listen ⭐️ Arsé-kun: Rom: ... Of course. *he raises his fist and... very gently punches Shuzo's shoulder* You know I'll listen. Sheepy: Shuzo: I may vent to you more often. Arsé-kun: Rom: I might suplex you through something if you start quitting again. Sheepy: Shuzo: I’ll try to see it as changing my course towards achieving my dreams ⭐️ Arsé-kun: Rom: I will throw you at them! You'll have no choice in the matter! Sheepy: Shuzo: I’m counting on you! Sheepy: Shuzo: If I keep you much longer, you’ll be late for work. Arsé-kun: Rom: *he checks the time* Arsé-kun: Rom: ..... Shiiiiiiiiiiiiiit~⭐️⭐️♪♪ Sheepy: Shuzo: How late are you? Arsé-kun: Rom: Late enough that I may as well take my time. Arsé-kun: Alex: *peering in, quietly* What's your take on it? I'm getting former friend vibes. Sheepy: Okita: Definitely exes. Sheepy: Okita: There's a big and messy drama there about them breaking up, I bet. Arsé-kun: Alex: It's possible. Bet you my lunch you're wrong, though. Sheepy: Okita: Oh? That's a good bet. You can have my nasty lunch if I'm wrong. Arsé-kun: Alex: Great. I don't want it. Sheepy: Okita: Nor do I. Arsé-kun: Alex: ... Do you just want me to sneak out and buy mcdonalds again? Sheepy: Okita: Yeah. Arsé-kun: Alex: Figured. Arsé-kun: *Watson's approach is not subtle in any way shape or form. How do you miss bright ginger coming towards you* Sheepy: Okita: Oh? The doctor's here to yell at me again. Arsé-kun: Watson: I only needed to give you something, and no, it isn't medication. Sheepy: Okita: Huh? Arsé-kun: *Watson hands him a wad of paperwork. The first page has a big ol' ''DISCHARGED'' stamped on it. How exciting!* Arsé-kun: Watson: I'm legally permitted to tell you to fuck off, you pain in the ass. *he's teasing, mostly* Sheepy: Okita: ....Huh. Sheepy: Okita: Now what? Arsé-kun: Watson: You... Go home? Take a bus if you have to? Sheepy: Okita: I've got nobody to go home to. Arsé-kun: Watson: ... :v Sheepy: Okita: I was just living by myself before all this. It's more fun making you mad. Arsé-kun: Watson: Well, you can't just live here unfortunately. Sheepy: Okita: Huh. Sheepy: Okita: I guess I've got no choice but to go home then. Arsé-kun: Watson: It's not great, but if you need assistance I can probably drag someone out of the woodworks. Sheepy: Okita: What do you mean, assistance? Arsé-kun: Watson: Well, that certainly depends. I can probably assist in getting you some form of income, maybe help fixing up the property since no one has been there for months. The works. Sheepy: Okita: I guess. Arsé-kun: Watson: Disappointed? Sheepy: Okita: I actually was having fun being here despite everything. Arsé-kun: Watson: That's good to hear...! Sheepy: Okita: Mostly making you mad. Arsé-kun: Watson: ... Not as great, but better that than being destructive. Sheepy: Okita: I like teasing people. Sheepy: Okita: Eh, one thing though. Sheepy: Okita: You got a priest? Sheepy: Okita: I need one to exorcise a demon out of my house. Arsé-kun: Watson: ..... *unsure if Okita is kidding or not* Sheepy: Okita: Huh? What's that look for? Sheepy: Okita: Sure, he's got no horns, but you know what he does have? Arsé-kun: Watson: .. A temper? Sheepy: Okita: Yeah. Arsé-kun: Watson: I vaguely recall you mentioning this months ago, just barely. Sheepy: Okita: And he dumps tons of homework on me. I could easily do it but I don't bother because it's funny taunting him like that. A's from all of the teachers except him. All Fs from him. Sheepy: Okita: *grin* If you were a teacher, I might toy with you a bit like that too. Turn things in late. Not come to class. Sheepy: Okita: Just to see you get annoyed. It's funny. Arsé-kun: Watson: But what do you do when they get used to that? Sheepy: Okita: Subvert their expectations. Sheepy: Okita: Leave them second guessing. Sheepy: Okita: I turn in all my homework and show up to my classes for all of my teachers except for that demon Hijikata. Arsé-kun: Watson: And you live with him, so do you actually have to...? Sheepy: Okita: He gives me Fs, which drags my GPA down. What a demon, right? Sheepy: Okita: He writes lame haikus and watches soap operas at 4 am. Arsé-kun: Watson: Ah. That kind of demon. Sheepy: Okita: Yeah. You got any ideas? Sheepy: Okita: I'm thinking about pelting him with garlic until he runs away with his tail between his legs. Arsé-kun: Watson: Does that actually work? I've seen one cook with it regularly. Sheepy: Okita: I dunno. Sheepy: Okita: Maybe I'll shine a flashlight in his face. Sheepy: Okita: It's more fun pelting him with small objects as he tries to sleep though. Sheepy: Okita: My current record is 102 M&Ms. Arsé-kun: Watson: He's going to bite one of these days. I can't help you if he does. Sheepy: Okita: Hey, if he does, he's gotta deal with me for all eternity. Arsé-kun: Watson: It doesn't work like that, unfortunately. Sheepy: Okita: Uh, what? Really? Arsé-kun: Watson: They have control over that or something. So you can easily just be left to bleed out instead. Sheepy: Okita: Hijikata wouldn't do that. Arsé-kun: Watson: Being bitten would still suck, though. Sheepy: Okita: Not until I-.... Sheepy: Okita:..... Arsé-kun: Watson: :) Sheepy: Okita: Not until I finish all of my homework. Sheepy: Okita: He dragged me here when I was coughing up blood because I'm not allowed to die until I finish my homework. Arsé-kun: Watson: Immortality doesn't work that way either. Sheepy: Okita: How does it? Sheepy: Okita: You know a lot, don't you? Arsé-kun: Watson: I do. But I am fairly certain homework percentages will not affect anything involving your lifespan. Sheepy: Okita: Ahahahah. Sheepy: Okita: If I get thrown off a bridge by that demon for not doing my homework well it will. Sheepy: Okita: Can you save me then? Arsé-kun: Watson: In the case of that, don't land horizontally. You'll want to roll into the water to reduce impact. And maybe. Sheepy: Okita: ....Eh? Sheepy: Okita: You think I'm savvy enoughto tuck 'n roll while falling to my death? Arsé-kun: Watson: It won't kill you if you know what you're doing. Sheepy: Okita: I spent almost all of my developmental years in and out of the hospital, I'm not savvy with much physically other than a sword. Arsé-kun: Watson: mmmmhm. Sheepy: Okita: You don't believe me? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Not one bit. *nat 20 stealth check. he had no reason to do this* Arsé-kun: Watson: *JFC* Sheepy: Okita: *he quickly turns to face Arsene* Oh? It's you? Arsé-kun: Arséne: It's me. Unfortunately. Sheepy: Okita: I forgot all about you. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Certainly needed to know that. Sheepy: Okita: You did, huh? Sheepy: Okita: That's a surprise. Sheepy: Okita: What're you here for anyway? Business or pleasure? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Now, what on earth do you think? Arsé-kun: Arséne: But don't answer that. Business, of course. *he hands Watson paperwork to look at* This is the last place I'd come for pleasure. Arsé-kun: Watson: ... *he hands the paperwork back and lets Arséne into the closest room* Arsé-kun: Watson: ... But yes, go on ahead, Okita. Get your belongings, get Mercer, I can arrange for a driver to drop you off if you need it. Sheepy: Okita: Uh, thanks. Sheepy: Okita: It'd be useful. Sheepy: Okita: I'll go get him. Arsé-kun: Watson: All right. I'll have a secretary call a ride for you. Arsé-kun: *ok okita go do the stuff* Sheepy: *Okita goes to bother Alex* Sheepy: Okita: Hey. Arsé-kun: Alex: .. What? Did you get cleared? Sheepy: Okita: Yeah. Sheepy: Okita: They said to bring you home with me. Arsé-kun: Alex: Huh... What? Sheepy: Okita: Don't ask me why. Arsé-kun: Alex: I think I have a pretty good idea. Arsé-kun: Alex: But will the Demon General allow me to live? Sheepy: Okita: We can fight him together. Arsé-kun: Alex: Uplifting, but hard to do if I'm dead in a puddle on the floor. Sheepy: Okita: But we make a good team. Arsé-kun: Alex: This is true. Sheepy: Okita: So we have nothing to worry about. Sheepy: Okita: Anything you wanna do before we head out? Arsé-kun: Alex: ... Hmm. It's not like we have a lot of belongings. Arsé-kun: Alex: Yeah, lemme check one thing and I'll be good. Sheepy: Okita: Right. Sheepy: Okita: Go ahead. Sheepy: Okita: I'll be here. Arsé-kun: Alex: Do you think I'm going to leave you here? Sheepy: Okita: Where are you bringing me, then? Arsé-kun: Alex: With me. Also, do you want McDonalds or not? Sheepy: Okita: I do! Arsé-kun: Alex: Then lets.. Go, I suppose? Sheepy: Okita: Yeah. Arsé-kun: *they get mcdonalds lunch for breakfast because time is an illusion and even death may die* Sheepy: *foreboding* Sheepy: Okita: It seems different now that I'm not sneaking out. Arsé-kun: Alex: Doesn't it? It almost feels wrong. Sheepy: Okita: It's not as fun... Sheepy: Okita: Guess I just gotta get sick again....Just kidding. Arsé-kun: Alex: Now you'll have to pay for it, like a member of society. Sheepy: Okita: Huuuh?! Sheepy: Okita: Like I've got any money. Hijikata can do it. Arsé-kun: Alex: ... Okay, fair. Sheepy: Okita: You got anything you want to do before we head there? Sheepy: Okita: Stuff to pick up? Sights to see? Arsé-kun: Alex: Absolutely not. Sheepy: Okita: Great. Sheepy: Okita: Then can we go? Arsé-kun: Alex: Yeah. Lets get your three belongings. Sheepy: Okita: Great. I'm excited. Arsé-kun: *in the background, meanwhile* Sheepy: Sheepy: Do you remember how you ended up here? Arsé-kun: ?: .... No. Arsé-kun: ?: .... Not really, no. Sheepy: Sheepy: Huh. That's problematic. Sheepy: Sheepy:...Uh, do you at least know your name?? Arsé-kun: ?: ... No. ... I talked of a being and informed that a nickname I was given will be based upon it. Sheepy: Sheepy: Uh. Okay. Arsé-kun: ?: ... I was named 'Glass' in absence of a name. I do not know what being this refers to.. Sheepy: Sheepy: Huh. Sheepy: Sheepy: Well, alright. I guess that's what I'll call you for now. Arsé-kun: Glass: I am sorry I am not of help. Sheepy: Sheepy: No problem. It must've been traumatic so I shouldn't dig too deeply into it anyway. Arsé-kun: Alex: Sucks to be those people. Sheepy: Okita: Yeah, I'll take TB any day over having my brain wrecked by a big slimy slug. Sheepy: Okita: ...Heh, I wonder if it hated salt... Sheepy: Okita: You think they tried turning it into peeled escargot? Arsé-kun: Alex: I doubt that would have worked, honestly. Sheepy: Okita: Dunk it in the ocean. Sheepy: Okita: Have it shrivel like a prune. Sheepy: Okita: Although...I guess sea slugs are a thing. Sheepy: Okita: Anyway, now that I've got my stuff, we can go. Me. You. This dangerous weapon no one will notice. Arsé-kun: Alex: ... Oh, you mean that. Sheepy: Okita: Yeah. Arsé-kun: Alex: How subtle. Sheepy: Okita: I'll just say it's a prop. Arsé-kun: Alex: ... I'm fairly certain everyone knows by now. Sheepy: Okita: Yeah, but passerbys don't. Arsé-kun: Alex: ... Do you need me to hide it for you? Sheepy: Okita: Could you? Arsé-kun: Alex: Yes. I certainly could. Sheepy: Okita: Just don't mess it up. It's real important to me. Sheepy: Okita: *He passes it to Alex* Arsé-kun: *Alex puts it behind his back, lining it up with his leg. And then takes his arm back out* Arsé-kun: Alex: Ta da. Sheepy: Okita: You're magic. Sheepy: Okita: Thanks. Sheepy: Okita: Now we shouldn't be stopped by anyone not in the know. Arsé-kun: Alex: Or hopefully at all. Sheepy: Okita: Yeah. I don't want to deal with it. Sheepy: Okita: Let's go before we waste the whole day. If we get there at night we can't ruin that demon's sleep. Sheepy: Okita: Although if it's a weekday and not winter break I suppose he could be at work. Arsé-kun: Alex: If you absolutely insist, I'll pick up the pace. Just for you. Sheepy: *Okita heads home via the provided ride* Sheepy: Okita: Get ready to run. Arsé-kun: Alex: I'll consider it. Sheepy: *Okita knocks on the door. There's a pause before it opens. There's an exhausted looking man on the other side, holding a sheet of partially graded homework* Sheepy: ?: I'm not buying anything. Arsé-kun: Alex: *imitating Okita roughly* I come for free, old man Sheepy: Hijikata: Oh, it's you. Sheepy: Hijikata: It was inevitable. Come in. Arsé-kun: *Alex pushes Okita in ahead of him. Just in case.* Sheepy: *Okita enters* Sheepy: Hijikata:...Hold on - *He rubs his eyes* ....You brought a guest? Why? Arsé-kun: Alex: The doc told him to bring me with. I... Don't exactly have anywhere to go. My apologies. Sheepy: Okita: If we don't have enough room, we can kick you out, Hijikata. Sheepy: Hijikata: *glare* Souji........! *sharp inhale* Fine, I understand. Sheepy: Okita: Score! Sheepy: Okita: I can show you my room. Arsé-kun: Alex: ... Uh, sure. Sheepy: *Okita leads him there* Arsé-kun: *It is covered in dust. Absolutely blanketed. Dead skin and dirt snow baybe. gross* Sheepy: Okita: Sheesh, he couldn't at least dust? -*cough, cough, wheeze* It's horrible in here... Sheepy: Okita: I guess I have to do it all myself! Arsé-kun: Alex: You mean it isn't normally like this? Sheepy: Okita: No. Sheepy: Okita: You think I'd keep things dusty when dust makes me sick? Sheepy: Okita: Especially my picture of Kondou. That'll be dusted first. Sheepy: Okita: Hey, if you want, you can help too. Arsé-kun: Alex: I'll think about it. *he will. he's being Difficult* Arsé-kun: Alex: But your sword is going to wait until after it's clean. Sheepy: Okita: Oh, you're holding my sword from me until I clean my room? Sheepy: Okita: Sheesh, you're cruel. Arsé-kun: Alex: Where would you LIKE it to be placed?? Sheepy: Okita: ...Eh, good point. Sheepy: Okita: Alright, let'get to it! Arsé-kun: *they do that. yaaaaaay. we'll find the plot someday.* Sheepy: *the plot....was in Arsene's home all along...!* Arsé-kun: *NO SHIT, HONEY* Sheepy: Sheepy: He's still on our sofa...the key to our answers... Sheepy: Nyar, bleeding profusely: My father? Arsé-kun: Arséne: There are two things wrong with this scene. Sheepy: Nyar: Only two? Arsé-kun: Arséne: *he gestures to Nyar* Did you get into a fight with a woodchipper? Sheepy: Nyar: No, with Barok. Arsé-kun: Arséne: *his eyebrows shoot off into space* Sheepy: Nyar: Actually I let him beat me up because I had a good time tormenting him. Sheepy: Nyar: So he stabbed me a bunch. Ouch. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Ah. That makes much more sense. Arsé-kun: Arséne: The second *he gestures to the couch* Is that he's sTILL HERE Sheepy: Nyar: It turns out that ange- Sheepy: Sheepy: He's sleepy so he's sleeping on our couch. Sheepy: Sheepy: Maybe we should charge him rent. Sheepy: Nyar: -do pack a punch! Sheepy: Sheepy: We could ask him about Brent if he was awake... Sheepy: Sheepy:...Maybe I'll wake him up? Sheepy: Sheepy:...Haha, just kidding. Sheepy: Sheepy:....Unless...? Arsé-kun: *Arséne gains the Anxiety skill* Arsé-kun: Arséne: I want to say no, but you're going to do it anyway. Sheepy: Nyar: It was the day of my birth. Sheepy: Nyar: My father slept through my 0th birthday. Sheepy: Nyar: It was really sad. Arsé-kun: Tom: I was born in the hospital and both my parents were absent. wow. Sheepy: Nyar: Sheesh, the hospital? Sheepy: Nyar: What did you do, bust into view and bash their heads in? Sheepy: Nyar: Burst out of your mother like an alien? What's a hospital needed for? Arsé-kun: Tom: The nurses left me for the wolves. The wolves abandoned me and I was adopted by a pack of luchadores Sheepy: Nyar: Fascinating. Sheepy: Nyar: They didn't have luchadores where I came from..... Sheepy: Nyar:....actually, they didn't h- Fluffy, stop shaking him-ave anything... Sheepy: Sheepy: Goooooood morning sunshine! Arsé-kun: Randy, detecting something unfathomably stupid: Wh-what are you doing?? Sheepy: Sheepy: I need answers so I'm getting it out of the mouth's horse. Sheepy: Sheepy: Wakey, wakey. Arsé-kun: Tom: AAAAAAAAAAA Arsé-kun: Randy: ... ... ... Arsé-kun: Randy: Nyar, do you want popcorn? I'm going to make a whole bag. Sheepy: Sheepy: The house's morth. Arsé-kun: *Arséne puts his head in his hands* Sheepy: Nyar: Sure, we can use it as a weapon for when Dad wakes up. Sheepy: Sheepy: *shake, shake, shake* Arsé-kun: Tom: Mhe torse houth Sheepy: Nyar: Then again, it won't matter if we're dead anyway. Arsé-kun: Randy: May as well enjoy what time is left. Sheepy: Nyar: Yeah! Sheepy: Sheepy: Well, if Nyar wasn't so secretive I wouldn't have to do this. Sheepy: Sheepy: But, alas, we live in a world with an evil squishy squid who only wants to see people miserable, with no care for his own safety. Arsé-kun: Randy: That's like telling a cat not to meow, or y'[omitted in all ways] not to be disgusting. It's what Nyar does. Sheepy: Nyar: Hey, hey, hey! I could, in theory, tell the truth. Arsé-kun: Randy: You could, but will you? Sheepy: Nyar: But after I do, where's my value, huh? Sheepy: Nyar: Something is most valuable when it's just within reach. Sheepy: Nyar: The second you have it, that strong desire of want leaves. Sheepy: Nyar: And that's all part of the fun. Arsé-kun: *distant impey complaining that you cannot microwave multiple bags of popcorn at once. no! do not* Sheepy: Nyar: I do what I want, old man! Sheepy: Sheepy: You are older than all of our ages combined and then some... Arsé-kun: *arséne wonders if he's the only one having a stroke here* Sheepy: Sheepy: Arsene, help me cause our imminent demise. Arsé-kun: Arséne: Absolutely not. Sheepy: Sheepy: Awwww..... Sheepy: Sheepy:...This isn't working... Arsé-kun: Randy: *with several burnt bags of popcorn* Of course not. Sheepy: Nyar:...Fine. I'll key you into one little secret. Sheepy: Nyar: The truth is........... Sheepy: *Nyar pulls out a rubber chicken* Sheepy: Nyar: *squeaky* Arsé-kun: Randy: ... Y'know, I've got a bad feeling about this one, scoob. *he gets back up* Sheepy: Nyar: *Screeeeee* Arsé-kun: *Nyar is inexplicably blasted out of his seat. The seat is blasted out of this plane. Azathoth rolls over and goes back to sleep.* Sheepy: Nyar: Uuuugh...! Arsé-kun: Randy: Like zoinks, I told ya scoob Sheepy: Sheepy: Hhhmmmm...amplify the chicken.... Arsé-kun: Arséne: I no longer feel safe Sheepy: Sheepy: Do we have a vacuum cleaner? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Of course...? But if we need a new one, it's coming out of your allowance..! Sheepy: Sheepy: No, Nyar can buy it for being cheap with information. Arsé-kun: *Arséne then decides he'd much rather be anywhere but here right now, but still finds time to shoot Sheepy a Disappointed Fatherly Stare* Sheepy: Sheepy: What? Sheepy: Sheepy: Do you want a solved case or not, huh? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Yes, but not like THIS..! Sheepy: Sheepy: Okay, what do you propose doing? Arsé-kun: Arséne: Almost anything else that won't provoke violence. Sheepy: Sheepy: Okay. I'll give you $5 and a pack of gum to wake up, Azathoth. Arsé-kun: *this works about as well as you expect* Sheepy: Sheepy: See? Time for plan rubber chicken. Sheepy: Sheepy: *he gets a vacuum cleaner and puts the rubber chicken in it. he puts it by aza before turning it on. SKREEEEEEEEEE* Sheepy: Nyar: Fluffy no!!! Arsé-kun: *The vacuum does not survive. A single tentacle crushes it, but the RESULTING sounds and uncomfortable suction make it even HARDER to sleep through.* Sheepy: Sheepy: Huh. That sounds horrible. Arsé-kun: Aza: ... ... *he frowns, rolls back over to get his tentacle back, and falls off the sofa* MKA Arsé-kun: *Randy, good man he is, spares us all and turns the vacuum off.* Sheepy: Sheepy: Hey. Sheepy: *Nyar seems scared...* Sheepy: Sheepy: Can you answer some questions about a Damien Byrd? Arsé-kun: Aza: ... .... mmm? *he's already nearly dozing back off. incredible* Byr... Ah, yes, that one. Strange one. Never quite... Figured that one out. Arsé-kun: Aza: .... Not quite sure where Dami... Came from, exactly.. Sheepy: Sheepy: But do you know where he could be or why he killed the Detective Prince? Arsé-kun: Aza: Violence level nearing Nodens'. Reasoning is... Not the strong suit. Arsé-kun: Aza: ....... Don't know where... I am, much less him. Sheepy: Sheepy: You’re on our sofa. Arsé-kun: Aza: ..... Good to know. Sheepy: Sheepy: Can you tell us his backstory? Arsé-kun: Aza: .... mmm. Now..? Sheepy: Sheepy: Yeah. Arsé-kun: Aza: .... .... Glaaki wanted attention. I sent a few personel over... Byrd came back as someone different. I, uh. Never realized until Nyarl told me.. Never saw them together, after all.. Sheepy: Sheepy: Hmmm... Arsé-kun: Aza: ... 'ventually figured if this one human contains two, wouldn't it be better if they were two? ... Arsé-kun: Aza: i made a mistake. Sheepy: Sheepy:...Seriously? Sheepy: Nyar: Just because he has an average IQ of 60 doesn't mean you should criticise him. Arsé-kun: Aza: .... Still don't know where my error was. Sheepy: Nyar: Let's say, hypothetically, you have a rabid dog. Sheepy: Nyar: The rabid dog is safe if it's chained up, but sometimes those chains may break. Sheepy: Nyar: However, it's better than the alternative, which is allowing the rabid dog to roam free. It doesn't comprehend its actions are wrong. Sheepy: Nyar: It doesn't care. It's a rabid dog. Sheepy: Nyar: It'll slaughter as it pleases. Arsé-kun: Aza: ... Yes, but how did this rabid one come into being? Why did it turn to inhuman violence so quickly? *he sits up, finally* Arsé-kun: Aza: And if we are referring to him as a dog, is this the point where I would refer to him as "A bitch" as per human "comedy"? Sheepy: Nyar: We've got that effect on people. Arsé-kun: Aza: Unfortunate.. Sheepy: Nyar: But he's on the loose... Sheepy: Nyar: Hmmm..but if I find him... Sheepy: Nyar: Let's say....in theory... Sheepy: Nyar: That I found him. Sheepy: Nyar: What do I get out of it? Arsé-kun: Aza: Unfortunate human contact and likely several more wounds. Sheepy: Nyar: .... Sheepy: Nyar: I'm asking them to bribe me... Arsé-kun: Randy: You can have this Get Out of Jail Free card I found between the couch and the wall. Sheepy: Nyar: Sheesh, you're bad at this. Sheepy: Sheepy: You can have a pack of gum. Sheepy: Nyar: No! I want attention. Sheepy: Sheepy:...TWO packs of gum. Sheepy: Nyar: You know, a dog will sniff out anyone you please loyally, but you're supposed to give it a pat on the head for doing a good job. Sheepy: Sheepy: What's with you and dogs right now? Sheepy: Nyar: Who knows? Sheepy: Nyar: Anyway, does that make it clear what I want? Sheepy: Sheepy:...THREE packs of gum. Sheepy: Sheepy: That's my final offer. Sheepy: Nyar: I don't want any gum! Arsé-kun: Randy: I've got some pocket lint and old keys. Sheepy: Sheepy: So you'll work for free? Great! Sheepy: Nyar: Both of you are jerks! No wonder your souls didn't reject each other! Arsé-kun: *They've lost Azathoth completely* Sheepy: Nyar: I'll ask Saint-Germain instead. Sheepy: Nyar: Saiiint! Sheepy: Sheepy: You can't just walk? You have to shout? Arsé-kun: Germain: [text: to Nyar] (ﾒ￣▽￣)︻┳═一 Sheepy: Nyar: Hey, that's what I said after I hung up to Sherlock when I broke hi- Oh, a text! Sheepy: Nyar: [text: to Germain] Will you bribe me to fix my dad's problems? Arsé-kun: Germain: [text: to Nyar] I'll give you wisdom. If you turn into a cat and sit on a lap, you gain unlimited attention. Sheepy: Nyar: [text: to Germain] I want praise and compliments... Arsé-kun: Germain: [text: to Nyar] We can chat when you come up here. Sheepy: *Nyar heads over quickly* Arsé-kun: Aza: ....? Sheepy: Sheepy: Huh. Arsé-kun: Randy: I'm not sure I want to know.