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noa-de-cajou · 8 days ago

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The Hawthorne Case, part five

Skill index

Part one

Part two

Part three

Part four

Toshiki and Ian (mentioned) belong to @corneille-but-not-the-author

Disclaimer: This particular part deals with some serious themes like substance abuse, mental health issues, war-related stuff and domestic abuse, as well as traumatic flashbacks. But well this is the fifth part you get the gist~

HYPERMNESIA – It's dark here. Cold. You pull on the doorknob but it’s stuck. You've been banging furiously on the door for what seems like hours. Screaming for help. For someone to come open the door. But your cries fall into deaf ears.

FACELESS MOB OF CHILDREN – “How about we leave you in there until lunch break, huh? To see if you get all dried up without your precious light!”

HYPERMNESIA – Those assholes. Fucking eke nukmar.

RHETORIC – Motherfuckers.

HYPERMNESIA – Locked you in a toilet first thing in the morning. Now mom and dad are going to think you ditched class and it stinks here! Come on! Open, you damn door!

LOCKED CABINET DOOR – It doesn't budge.

STOMACH – Hungry… So hungry…

THROAT – Water… Want… Water. Can't… scream anymore.

HYPERMNESIA – You're scared. There isn’t even the slightest ray of light. It’s like being in a beast’s maw, but colder. What if no one ever comes to get you? What if you die here?

COMPOSURE – Hey.

SUN-POWERED-POWERPLANT – …

COMPOSURE – Hey, you.

SUN-POWERED-POWERPLANT – … Huh ?

COMPOSURE – Yes, you. She's spiraling out of control. Do something.

SUN-POWERED-POWERPLANT – … What for? You never listen to me anyway.

COMPOSURE – Have you always been this meek?

BLOODSTAINED DOOR – It’s the darkness. She’s useless in the darkness.

HYPERMNESIA – You're useless in the darkness. But you can’t cry. Can't have them call you a crybaby. Can’t have them see dried tears on your corpse.

BLEEDING HEART – But someone came, right? Someone came for you.

HYPERMNESIA – … Yes. Someone did. Right before lunch.

LOCKED CABINET DOOR – Someone is rummaging with the lock outside. Muttering to themself.

FAMILIAR VOICE – “Chewing-gum. Typical.” Then, louder, “Taiven, are you there? I’m getting you out. Wait a moment.”

HYPERMNESIA – Toshiki. Toshiki found some solvent in the janitor's closet and removed that gum from the lock.

BLOODSTAINED DOOR – But Toshiki isn’t here right now.

ASSERTION – Stop this right this instant. You're a grown woman, for Day's sake! You don’t need your friend to get you out of every fucking pickle you find your ass in, do you?!

THICKSKIN – It’s just a door. And a room. You’re not some stupid brat anymore.

NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS – Ugh, if only you could have a smoke right now.

NERVES – A-Agreed.

STREET SMARTS – Wait. Do you have cigs in your purse?

NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS – Of course. You always have cigs. If most people are made of 75% water, you're made of 75% tobacco.

STREET SMARTS – Then you obviously brought a lighter along too. Use it. It's not gonna be much, but it’s better than nothing.

THE HUNT – No. There's something lurking in the shadows. Waiting to pounce. You’re gonna give your location away.

SMARTASS – You haven’t left the door since you were pushed in. If there's someone here, then they already know where you are. Use the goddamn lighter.

SOLLERTIA – You steady your shaky hands and pull out your lighter.

SENSES (HEARING) – Click.

A thin flame lights up in the pitch black darkness. It doesn't help much. Taiven can barely see her own feet, but at least she isn’t completely blind anymore.

FOCUS – The room is narrow but long. You can see the walls to your sides but not the one farthest from the door.

THE HUNT – Someone’s here. You can't see them but you know they see you.

ASSERTION – Don’t show fear.

THE HUNT – They can smell it.

“Anyone there?��

SENSES (HEARING) – No response.

FOCUS – That room has furniture, although you can’t make out anything but faint shadows. Your voice isn’t echoing like it would in an empty space.

THE HUNT – They're laying low. Analyzing you like you're some kind of caged animal.

ASSERTION – Fine. Let's try this again. Louder.

“Listen. I know you're here. Come on out so we can talk. I’m unarmed.”

RHETORIC – At least for now.

SENSES (HEARING) – Still nothing.

SMARTASS – But there are people here. You know it. You heard them talking.

STREET SMARTS – Maybe it was a trap. It’s not unlikely that Heinrich warned the others that you were snooping around, you know. Did you think him being a little into you would make him trustworthy?

SHADOWSELF – Well. I mean. It usually works.

SMARTASS – Maybe they were prepared and you were ambushed. But in that case, why lock you in here? And if someone's here, why not show themselves?

STREET SMARTS – They're testing you. How, you don’t know.

Taiven takes a slow step forward. Then another. Squinting with her lighter held out in front of her as she tries to make out her surroundings. The flickering flame barely casts any shadow on the nearby walls.

THE HUNT – The farther you get from the door, the more exposed your back is. Remember that.

THICKSKIN – Pft. And? You can take whatever’s coming at you.

ASSERTION – A little hide-and-seek won’t throw you off your game.

“Well? I’m waiting. Scared I'll rummage around and see what you're hiding? Or who?”

REFLEXES – DODGE!

Too late. Something lunges at Taiven, grabs her shoulders and digs their nails into her jacket.

NERVES – You grit your teeth as your back slams against the floor.

THICKSKIN – It's nothing. It’s fine. You're fine-

FEISTY FLESH – You grab their shoulder as well, you both roll around the floor, your feet bumping into boxes.

SENSES (HEARING) – A hiss.

THE HUNT – Something flashes in front of your eyes. Fangs. Pointy but not enough for a vampire’s.

SMARTASS – Mayumi. Shit.

STREET SMARTS – Of course. She’s the technician. Easiest access backstage.

FEISTY FLESH – Doesn't matter. You need to get her off you, now.

BLEEDING HEART – She’s basically a kid! You can't hurt her!

FEISTY FLESH – And how do you suggest we get her off you then?! By asking nicely?!

SENSES (SIGHT) – We can’t see shit in here, while her vision is actually better in the dark! This isn’t good-

REFLEXES – Careful, she’s on top again!

FEISTY FLESH – Screw this. You push your palm against her chin, before pulling your legs out from under her just like you were taught and just like you taught yourself, before giving a big nice push with both feet on her chest.

Mayumi falls back with a little cry of surprise and pain.

NERVES – Leather boots against her plexus. Must hurt a lot.

BLEEDING HEART – Can't we just talk it out?

THICKSKIN – How?! You barely have the time to breathe!

FEISTY FLESH – Remember what you did when you got out of that fucking toilet cabin? Think you just talked to Toshiki? Think you talked to your teacher like a little goody-two-shoes? No. No, you didn't do that. You know what you did?

HYPERMNESIA – The sounds of bones cracking under your fists. The cries of pain. Look who’s begging now.

FEISTY FLESH – That's right. You beat the fuck out of them. Get. Back. Up.

Taiven gets up, takes off her glasses, puts them in her bag.

SENSES (SIGHT) – Doesn't make much of a difference, but at least you won’t break them.

THE HUNT – She’s gonna lunge at you again!

REFLEXES – On your left!

AIM/READY/FIRE – Parry and-

THICKSKIN – You're sent flying into something as you're kicked right in the abdomen.

BLEEDING HEART – Fair enough.

SENSES (HEARING) – A loud metallic crash, weirdly muffled.

NERVES - OW.

ASSERTION – She clearly doesn't have the same qualms as you.

THICKSKIN – You’ll probably sport a bruise or two, but overall, you're surprisingly okay. Seems you landed on… clothes? A clothing rack?

STREET SMARTS – Clothing? That's it! Take one!

THE HUNT – Quick, she’s getting closer again!

Taiven grabs the first thing she finds, then scrambles to her feet. The cloth is quite big and heavy, most likely some kind of coat.

SCATTERBRAIN – Fluffy…

SHADOWSELF – Fur coat. Classy.

STREET SMARTS – Okay. Now wait for her to get closer.

SENSES (HEARING) – A step.

STREET SMARTS – Closer.

SENSES (HEARING) – Another step.

STREET SMARTS – Just a tad more…

SENSES (HEARING) – She stops.

THE HUNT – Right in front of you.

REFLEXES – NOW!

AIM/READY/FIRE – You throw the coat right in her face, like a huge sheet, making sure that it covers her entirely.

SENSES (HEARING) – You hear a scream, then a hiss, then the loud thump of someone falling to the floor while thrashing furiously against the fluffy fabric.

SCATTERBRAIN – Awwww. Kitty!

THE HUNT – Very furious and dangerous kitty.

THICKSKIN – You start to regain a somewhat normal breathing.

“Okay, Mayumi. What the fuck was that for-”

Something zooms past Taiven's ear, missing its target and finishing its course against the nearest wall.

THE HUNT – There’s more of them.

AIM/READY/FIRE – Whatever attacked you, it’s not a vampire. Or if they're one, they can't aim their fist in the dark for shit.

Taiven dodges another attack, running away to the other side of the room, while Mayumi is still trying to get out of the accursed fur coat.

AIM/READY/FIRE – Careful, you almost tripped on her!

THE HUNT – And there's more of them around. You can feel them.

STREET SMARTS – Okay. I have an idea. You have glitter spray in your bag, don’t you?

SOLLERTIA – Sure do!

STREET SMARTS – And you still got your lighter, right?

SOLLERTIA – Yep! Kept it in your hand even as you fell. Why?

SMARTASS – Oh. Ohhhhhhh. Pressurized air.

STREET SMARTS – Bingo.

SHADOWSELF – This is gonna be ridiculous, isn't it.

THE HUNT – Who cares? It might save your life.

Taiven steps back, reaches into her purse, then brandishes the lighter in her right hand and the glitter spray in the left.

“Touch me again and I'll burn this whole place up!”

Everything stops.

THE HUNT – Uncomfortable shuffling on the other side of the room. You don’t hear Mayumi anymore.

SCATTERBRAIN – You’ve always wanted to do that.

NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS – Set stuff on fire?

SCATTERBRAIN – Arson is bad but it sounds kinda cool.

RHETORIC – You’re not actually setting anything on fire. It’s just an empty threat.

BLOODSTAINED DOOR – Ian is gonna be so mad when he finds out.

THEATRICS – Let’s make sure he doesn't, then.

Taiven’s breathing slowly steadies as she squints into the darkness.

“Alright. Are you ready for an adult conversation now-”

SENSES (HEARING) – Bzzzt.

THE HUNT – Don’t move. Don’t move. Absolutely do not move.

AIM/READY/FIRE – Taser.

THICKSKIN – You probably won’t die if it hits you, but you wouldn't be fine either.

ASSERTION – Hah. At least they’re not underestimating you.

Taiven keeps her hands up, clutched around her spray bottle and lighter. Silence stretches on, until the taser-holder decides they had enough.

“Alright. Now that we’ve all calmed down, would you be so kind as to state your business?”

SENSES (HEARING) – A calm, deep yet airy voice.

BLOODSTAINED DOOR – It seeps through your pores, through your head. Whoever it belongs to, it sounds like a shiver, like déjà-vu, like something that isn’t quite there.

RHETORIC – There's no hostility. No threat. Just cautiousness and a smile.

THE HUNT – The real threat is the taser at your throat and they know it.

RHETORIC – Answer with confidence. Straight to the point.

ASSERTION – Hold your ground. You won’t be shaken that easy.

PARTI DU PEUPLE – Remember what – who – you're here for.

“I’m here to talk to Charles and Magali Delestre.”

SMARTASS – They’re here. You’re sure of it.

THEATRICS – There’s been signs. Heinrich and Julieta’s reactions. The facility with which Heinrich let you access the backstage. The fact that you got locked in and attacked.

THE HUNT – They want to know whether or not you're a potential threat. Charles and Magali are not just here, they’re being protected.

NERVES – The hair on the back of your neck stands on end as the taser gets closer to your skin.

“Really? What for? They’re very busy, you see. We cannot have them waste their time. Who sent you?”

ASSERTION – That guy's strong and they know it. They have that kind of lazy confidence you’ve only seen in one type of people.

SMARTASS – Tsk. Mages.

RHETORIC – Don’t get distracted. They basically confirmed that the Delestre are here. Just answer the question. And don’t get cheeky.

“Janelle Venegas.”

PARTI DU PEUPLE – She knew what she was doing, giving you that paper. There shouldn’t be any danger in revealing she gave you the info, on the contrary.

SENSES (HEARING) – There’s a small gasp coming from the darkness in front of you.

“You know Janelle?”

HYPERMNESIA – That voice… You've heard it. It’s the drag show host. El Penne Izzy.

SCATTERBRAIN – Right! The penis!

FOCUS – I can’t believe I have to say this, but now’s not the time for thinking about penises.

NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS – It’s always the time to think about penises.

NERVES – Not with a taser at your throat?!

“I’m the one asking the questions here, Penny,” the voice behind Taiven says calmly.

SMARTASS – So the real name’s Penny. Good to know.

SCATTERBRAIN – It still sounds like penis.

PARTI DU PEUPLE – She's Janelle's main contact here.

“So, Janelle Venegas. And what did she send you here for?”

ASSERTION – Penny got completely quiet. I think even Mayumi has completely stopped thrashing around. Taser person is definitely in charge around here.

SMARTASS – They don’t sound like Gordianus Gens Laurentia. And unless he’s on a stepstool, they're much taller. So, not the owner.

RHETORIC – Now or never.

“I’m here to help out someone. Tristan Hawthorne. Sounds familiar?”

Silence. The person behind Taiven seems to be waiting for something. She tries to keep her breathing steady, to not show her nervousness. Worse case scenario, she gets tased. And best case scenario…

“... Snowfeather. Let ‘er go.”

The voice doesn’t belong to Mayumi, Penny, or the one named Snowfeather. That voice is deeper, hoarse, tired, belonging to someone older than Taiven.

NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS – Heeey, a fellow chainsmoker!

RHETORIC – Their accent is a mix of countryside rosarian and Vertdegris neighborhood. You used to hear a lot of them when you were a kid.

HYPERMNESIA – Aunt Camille came from the Vertdegris neighborhood.

CITY GIRL – The Vertdegris neighborhood, affectionately nicknamed Quartier Vert by its residents, stands far from here, on the northwest of the city. It’s all tall apartment complexes and trees.

HYPERMNESIA – Your aunt loves taking the family out to the park when you come to visit. Everyone knows her, everyone wants to chat with the “pharmacy Mam'zelle” who left the Quartier to pursue her dreams elsewhere. Most of the residents are demons or descendants of demons. You didn't think skins could have so many colors. Your aunt and uncle gently shoo you and Estelle away to the monkey bars. You don’t hear what the adults are talking about. The only hint you have that something is wrong is the way their smiles are faded when you come back.

BLOODSTAINED DOOR – Enough. Aunt Camille is gone.

CITY GIRL – On the third floor of a ten-story complex, two brothers are looking out their window. The façade has been repainted recently. Trees have been replanted in the park. It’s not enough to hide the mutilated shape of the other buildings. At least there were few casualties during the bombings, since most of their inhabitants had already been deported or starved to death. Humans and demons alike are helping each other rebuild. The help mostly comes from the local Cliques, since the government would rather pretend that this neighborhood never existed. The monkey bars are the only thing still intact in the park. An old lady with bright orange skin and small horns sits on the bench, eyes far away. It’s been ten years. It will take many more for the Quartier to live again. For now, although the walls let the wind in and the grass doesn't grow, it’s somewhere to be. And they'll never be kicked out again.

SENSES (SIGHT) – White, bright neon light suddenly floods your vision, and the room. It takes some time for your eyes to get adjusted.

THE HUNT – No more electrical buzzing near your neck.

SUN-POWERED POWERPLANT – Light. Thank the gods.

SOLLERTIA – You cautiously put away your spray and lighter, and put your glasses back on.

The room comes into focus. There’s a lot of clothing racks with various costumes, the one Taiven got thrown into lays pitifully on the ground. Next to it, a brown haired human woman in her mid-thirties, probably Penny, is helping a very confused Mayumi gets the big fur coat off of her.

BLEEDING HEART – She gives you an apologetic glance. She was just trying to protect what she loves.

NERVES – Yeah, and you can still feel your ribs hurting.

FEISTY FLESH – You're pathetic. That's a sixteen year-old, you should have been able to knock her out in a second.

COMPOSURE – There's no pride in knocking out a sixteen year-old.

STREET SMARTS – And just because you could, doesn’t mean you should have.

BLEEDING HEART – Just let it go, okay?

Snowfeather circles around to look at her. They’re incredibly tall, with long, flowy platinum hair, grey eyes and a long, glittery white dress. A slight smile raises their lips.

COMPOSURE – It’s their default expression.

THICKSKIN – That's all? Really? Some lanky fucker in a dress? You could have just taken them out.

THE HUNT – No. They’re powerful. You can't tell how but… whatever power they’re hiding, you don’t want to fuck around and find out what it is.

HYPERMNESIA – Don't they look… familiar somehow?

“Apologies for the uncourteous welcome, miss. We couldn't take any risks, you see.”

ASSERTION – Yeah, like that excuses putting a goddamn taser to your neck?!

RHETORIC – You did threaten to burn the place down.

“You can call me Snowfeather as the others do. I’m this bar’s costumer… Among other things.”

RHETORIC – Yeah, you don't know many costumers that walk around with a taser.

SMARTASS – You don’t know many costumers at all, to be fair.

SCATTERBRAIN – Snowfeather’s such a pretty name!

SHADOWSELF – A pseudonym, no doubt. Do not give them your full name.

“Taiven. Pleased to meet you.”

COMPOSURE – You’re having a hard time sounding pleased at all, but they don’t seem to take it personally.

“Likewise. Take a seat, will you?”

They gesture towards a chair, situated at the far end of the room. Said part of the room is littered with mannequins, a lot of them wearing half-finished clothes, other being used as support for various sewing instruments. Square mirrors are lined on the wall, above a few tablets covered in cosmetics. And sitting in front of those tablets, two people, a man and a woman. The man is wearing a dress, the woman a suit.

HYPERMNESIA – You recognize those costumes. Charlotte and Coquincinelle.

SMARTASS – I won't say I was right. But also. I was right.

They share the same short red hair, the same pair of brown eyes, the same tan skin.

BLEEDING HEART – The same tired look. They’re looking you up and down, warily.

PARTI DU PEUPLE – There they are. Charles and Magali Delestre.

NERVES – Finally.

SENSES (SIGHT) – They look extremely similar. Same haircut, same head shape. Magali is shorter and you can see a beard shadow on Charles’ face, but that's about it.

Magali stares at Taiven for a while before shooting Snowfeather a look. The costumer nods back and turns to Mayumi and Penny, who are still waiting at the same spot.

“Girls, you’re free to leave. No need to guard the door. Oh, and Penny? Please be a dear and check up on Heinrich. If Gordianus finds him convulsing at the bar again, I'll never hear the end of it.”

SHADOWSELF – Let the fucking cunt choke on his own tongue and die for all I care.

NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS – Honey, why so angry? You’re the one who started hitting on him to get what you wanted. And look, it worked.

SHADOWSELF – Whatever.

NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS – You know I'm right.

Penny and Mayumi make their exit, even if Mayumi seems a little reluctant. She glances at Taiven again before the door closes. Taiven doesn’t glance back and turns to Snowfeather instead.

“I assume you’re not leaving?”

The costumer grins.

“For everybody's safety, I'd rather not. But don’t mind me.”

RHETORIC – Figures.

SCATTERBRAIN – Kinda hard to “not mind” them…

“Yeah. Right. Enough chattin’.”

That was Magali speaking. Taiven straightens her back.

NERVES – That plastic chair is so uncomfortable and Magali’s stare isn’t helping you feel any more at ease.

“Well? You just gonna stare and gawk at us or you gonna start askin’ questions?” she continues, brow furrowed.

RHETORIC – She may sound harsh but she’s actually being relatively polite. She’s lending an ear because you said you'd help Tristan.

BLEEDING HEART – He’s important to her… no, to the both of them.

“Yes. Right. Thank you for humoring me.”

COMPOSURE – She makes an impatient gesture. Her brother just stares at you.

RHETORIC – Spare them the pleasantries.

“I’m a comrade of Tristan’s at the People's Party and I've noticed… things that worry me. I don’t know how close you are, or how well you know him, but are you familiar with his wife?”

COMPOSURE – Teeth immediately clench. Charles drums his fingers on his thigh and Magali’s face twists in disgust.

PARTI DU PEUPLE – The “we hate Charity Hawthorne” club is just getting bigger and bigger.

FEISTY FLESH – As it should.

“Oh yeah. We’re real familiar with the missus. Why?”

BLEEDING HEART – This… is different from the other people that told you about Charity. This is pure, personal hatred.

“Because I believe that she’s abusing him. At the very least physically. And he seemed to be needing help, so I took matters into my own hands and my investigation led me here. To the both of you. I can't ask him to file a complaint without proper testimony to back it up, especially since he’s a non-mage. The last thing I want is to put him into more danger.”

Charles and Magali listen quietly. Exchange a look once Taiven's done.

THEATRICS – They don’t seem shocked or surprised in the least by what you just told them.

SMARTASS – So they knew?

“Why’re you doing this?”

Taiven blinks. Charles finally spoke up. She recognizes the voice that ordered Snowfeather to let her go.

“What do you mean?”

The older man scoffs.

“Why would you wanna help him? Don’t seem too worse off yourself. You’re just lookin’ for trouble, roaming bars out there.”

“Because I care.”

THEATRICS – You couldn’t be more serious.

“I’m a non-mage too and I'm sick of people treating us like we’re disposable. If I can help Tristan, then I will. But I can't do that on my own. And I can tell that you already know what's happening. Probably better than I do. You know the facts, I know the procedures. We could get him out of here.”

SMARTASS – That administrative law degree isn’t just for show.

SHADOWSELF – They still don’t seem fully convinced, though. You need to pull at their heartstrings and you need to be subtle about it.

“... Tristan is really important to you, isn’t he?”

The siblings turn their gaze back to Taiven. Then Charles speaks up again, with a tired smile.

“You bet he is. Known that kid since he was born.”

COMPOSURE – Magali shoots him a look of warning. He looks at her and shrugs.

“What? She wants to help, Maggie.”

“Yeah, right. Who’s to say she ain't a snitch?”

“I ain’t no fucking snitch.”

REFLEXES – That came out on instinct.

SHADOWSELF – Ugh. Really? After all the work your teachers and parents put into making you lose that kind of language?

HYPERMNESIA – “They already think we’re savages, you want to prove them right? Is that what you want?”

STREET SMARTS – Oh, get that stick out of your ass. This isn’t the Party and you’re not eight anymore. You gotta meet people where they're at.

RHETORIC – And if reverting back to that accent makes you sound less like a pompous bitch, then we’re doing it.

THEATRICS – And your family didn’t even talk like that. You just liked to imitate the big kids in the neighborhood, was that so wrong?

COMPOSURE – Charles smirks.

BLEEDING HEART – He likes people who don't forget where they’re from.

“You heard the little lady, Maggie. Ain’t no damn snitch around here.”

Magali looks at her brother. Then at Taiven. Then sighs.

“Fine. But don’t blame me if it comes back to bite you in the arse.”

Taiven and Charles exchange a smile.

SHADOWSELF – Good. Keep him talking.

“You said you knew him since birth?”

“Yeah. Him and his folks. We were technically his ma’s foster siblings but we were more like domestics really.”

BLEEDING HEART– There is no bitterness in his voice whatsoever. More of a “oh well, what can you do”.

“T’wasn’t easy when she got married. We followed her, like part of a trousseau. Started having kids at nineteen, we were barely twelve. And she had seven of ‘em.”

SHADOWSELF – So many kids, and for what? Must have had money to waste.

NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS – Hey now, some people just like to fuck. And what do we do when people like to fuck? We listen and we don’t judge.

“Was Tristan’s family rich?”

“Eh. Bougie rich, maybe, but they weren’t no aristocrats. In the mage society, they were almost considered poor.”

RHETORIC – In the what now?

“Tristan comes from a family of mages?”

Magali snickers.

“That he does. But I guess something went wrong during the process or somethin’, ‘cause of the seven kids, only the oldest three were mages. The others could do some minor stuff and that was it.”

SMARTASS – Did something go “wrong” or did they start getting short on money after the training of the first three? Who knows!

“Tristan was the shy kinda boy,” Charles continues, “but I'll be damned if I didn't say he had the biggest heart I know. We took care of him a bunch since mister Angus and miss Tierney were just five an’ three and miss Eithne was still breastfeedin’ young miss Faye.”

BLOODSTAINED DOOR – A shadow passes over his eyes at the mention of that last name.

SMARTASS – So with one older brother and two older sisters, Tristan is the fourth kid out of seven.

SHADOWSELF – A non-mage in a mage family, and the middle child? Someone probably didn’t get much attention.

Magali shakes her head, arms still crossed protectively over her chest.

“He was such a sweet kid. Spent his time readin' and watchin’ stars past his bedtime. Said he'd be an astronomist one day. He wasn't good at magic but he was good at school.”

PARTI DU PEUPLE – Today, Tristan Hawthorne went to the People's Party district quarters and looked around for you. Dlawenn told him you weren't there. So he limped to his seat, grimaced as he sat down. His ankle is so swollen it could barely fit in his shoe this morning.

BLEEDING HEART – This wasn’t the life he wanted.

BLOODSTAINED DOOR – This wasn't the life you wanted, either. But it’s the one you worked so hard to achieve.

“I’m guessing something happened?”

Magali sighs deeply. For a brief moment, she looks way older than she is.

“Same thing that happened to all of Encre, miss Taiven. La putain de Guerre.”

RHETORIC – The fucking War.

“Mister Diarmuid, Tristan's father, died on the battlefield. Then we lost the young mister Ruairí and young miss Brianna. And young miss Faye was shot on liberation day. None of 'em were even adults yet.”

BLEEDING HEART – So that's what the shadow was.

BLOODSTAINED DOOR – Poor young mister Ruairí. Poor young miss Brianna. Poor, poor young miss Faye. Just children.

“So then it was only miss Eithne and her four remaining kids. Two mages and two non-mages. They got mister Tristan married to the Hawthorne spawn, and young miss Cliodhna… Well… Poor thing was kicked out and died almost two years ago.”

BLOODSTAINED DOOR – Poor, poor miss Cliodhna.

HYPERMNESIA – Wait. Cliodhna… Cliodhna… Were have you seen this name before…

RHETORIC – “The Hawthorne spawn”? Wow, so they hate hate her.

“If I may ask… How did they secure a marriage deal with the Hawthorne family? A marriage between a prestigious family of mages and a non-mage of a decimated one…”

Charles and Magali both laugh bitterly.

AIM/READY/FIRE – Almost in sync.

“Because the Charity gal’s crazy, that's why,” Magali almost spits out.

“More like she needed a non-mage to test out her stupid theories… An’ it needed to be someone with a good name but whose family wouldn't care much about. The Ó Séaghdha were just that.”

HYPERMNESIA – Ó Séaghdha? Wait. So. Cliodhna Ó Séaghdha?

SMARTASS – … No fucking way.

HYPERMNESIA – You remember. One name hidden in the dozens of adoption files you skimmed through in 194 with Ian.

Up for Adoption

Establishment: Schuyler Care Home for Children under three

Child information

Full name: Ó Séaghdha, Ujin Leigh Brianna

Date of birth: May 5th, 192

Place of Birth: Encre

Species: Half-human, half-gaikamshigthai

Sex: F

Siblings: None

Biological Father

Full name: Ochirbat, Tarkhan

Date of birth: June 11th, 167

Place of birth : Gaikamshigthai Steppes

Species: Gaikamshigthai

Profession: War veteran

Status: Unknown

Relatives: Unknown. Information given by the military.

Biological Mother

Full name: Ó Séaghdha, Cliodhna Eve

Date of birth: January 3rd, 176

Place of birth: Encre

Species: Human

Profession: Undetermined

Status: Deceased

If deceased, specify date: June 3rd, 194

Living relatives: Mother, older brother 1, older sister, older brother 2. All other relatives deceased.

Details:

Mother found dead in her flat. Confirmed overdose on alcohol and Tyalfen. Suicide likely. Child sleeping in room next door with traces of physical abuse and malnourishment, as well as lice. Valerian later found in her system. Flat not fit for a young child.

Child needs:

Anxious child. Doesn’t speak or babble at all. Doesn't smile. Easily upset. Not potty trained, overall poor hygiene and manners. Severe separation anxiety. Refuses physical contact. Doesn’t play with other children or adults. Likely retarded. No physical disabilities. Health recovered efficiently.

In need of a stable home. Mother’s relatives have refused to take her in. Father unreachable. Adoption by a financially stable, childless couple is preferred. Several pre-adoption meetings will be needed.

Contact the assigned social worker for any additional information

ASSERTION – Of course a twenty-four months old was not going to be potty trained. Idiots.

BLOODSTAINED DOOR – It reminded you of so many painful things you put the file away at first. But you came back to it. Every day. Until you said to Ian you needed to adopt that little girl and not another.

SMARTASS – Wait. Wait wait wait. Hold up. That means Tristan is Ujin’s…

FOCUS – Is this any relevant to your investigation?

HYPERMNESIA – It could be.

FOCUS – But it isn’t relevant right now. I’ll take note of this discovery and save it for later use.

SMARTASS – But-

BLEEDING HEART – The less we involve Ujin in all this the better, don’t you think?

SMARTASS – … Probably. Isn’t it a little too big of a coincidence, though?

BLOODSTAINED DOOR – I mean. It’s not like it’s a subplot that's going to heavily impact the main narrative. Just this one.

RHETORIC – What the fuck are you talking about.

BLOODSTAINED DOOR – I may be a door but I'm also handling the fourth wall. Whatever would you do without me.

FOCUS – Thank you. Back to the investigation at hand.

“Hey, missy, you alright?”

Magali is staring at Taiven with a slight concern.

COMPOSURE – You can’t let your inner emotions show.

“Yes. Yes, I'm fine. It’s nothing.”

“I get it,” Charles says in a somber tone. “Were probably just a kid yourself durin’ that Guerre, eh? Sorry if this brings back bad memories.”

BLOODSTAINED DOOR – For once, that wasn’t the issue, but the intention is appreciated.

COMPOSURE – You smile to reassure him.

“Thank you. I promise you I'm fine. You were talking about Tristan’s marriage?”

“Yeah. We followed along. Couldn’t leave him alone and the rest of the Ó Séaghdha wanted us gone anyways.”

“I see. So you're part of the house staff now?”

“You can say that, but we don’t get along with the others. All loyal to the missus, you see.”

“And ‘s why Tristan encouraged us to not stay with him all the time. To keep performing,” Charles says as he looks down at his dress.

BLEEDING HEART – They’re as important to him as he is to them.

THE HUNT – This is why they're being protected. If someone knew that this was their off-work hobby… If that someone were to be Charity…

SCATTERBRAIN – This bar, those costumes, it’s their escape.

COMPOSURE – But as soon as the make-up and wigs come off, all that's left is two tired people who’ve seen and lost too much.

BLOODSTAINED DOOR – Aren’t you the same?

“He really cares about you, doesn't he?”

“Yeah, bless his stupid heart,” Magali mumbles.

COMPOSURE – Shoving her hand in her pockets so they don’t give her emotions away.

“If you're part of his staff… Does that mean you witnessed the abuse?”

NERVES – They tense up.

THEATRICS – They have.

RHETORIC – But they won’t talk about it.

THE HUNT – They’re risking a lot just with this conversation already.

Taiven leans in, crosses her fingers.

“How about this. I can guarantee your anonymity of your testimonies. They might ask for your official contribution if they launch an investigation, but you’d be safe until then. I’ll take care of all the rest.”

“And how d'you know we won’t get in trouble? We, or you. You’re just a kid.”

ASSERTION – You are not.

“Respectfully, miss Delestre, this isn’t my first time doing this.”

Magali raises a skeptical eyebrow.

PARTI DU PEUPLE – It’s true. Since you’ve been married, you've started looking for discrepancies in the Party. For corruption. Illegal fundings. Made entire files of evidence given anonymously to the authorities.

BLOODSTAINED DOOR – Legal evidence and testimonies. If you went on a purge without proof, you'd be no better than them.

HYPERMNESIA – Six cases over the last three years. One in 193, two in 194, two in 195, one in January 196. Only one of those was dismissed due to lack of sufficient evidence. All other five warranted an investigation, four ended in a trial, all of them saw sentences. Some were forbidden to participate in any political election or meeting. Some were fined. Other were given restraining orders. Only a few actually got a jail sentence. Charges were numerous: corruption, illegal funding, domestic violence, sexual harassment or abuse, blackmail, death threats, tax fraud, theft, conspiracy, poll rigging, and so on. Some investigation unraveled more names than the ones you initially pinpointed. Several important faces never showed themselves again.

PARTI DU PEUPLE – Fang Xue (Center), Jean Laignel (Moderate), Nino Maler (Radical), Dolores Martinez (Radical), Elliott Tiffany (Center), Anna Harrison (Moderate), Bernardt Dabrzycki (Moderate), and more.

SHADOWSELF – Oh, some suspected you, of course, but they couldn't prove anything. You knew exactly how to do this.

RHETORIC – And to them, you wouldn’t have a motive, since you’re not running for parliament.

THEATRICS – Your traces are always covered.

ASSERTION – So they better start taking you seriously.

HYPERMNESIA – May I remind you that all your politico-legal achievements have not stopped your first time changing a diaper from being an absolute disaster?

SHADOWSELF – … Color yourself humbled.

“Alright then, miss been-there-done-that. Whaddaya got? ‘Cause we ain’t giving you testimonies without a better plan.”

RHETORIC – … But if there is one, they will. You got through their reluctance, you just need to think this through.

FOCUS – You can be really good at thinking things through when you put your mind to it.

“Alright. Then let’s play a game.”

“A game?”

“Of trust.”

Taiven starts waving her hand around.

“You don’t have to testify right now. I’d have to jot it down and that'd make it unreliable. Plus, I don't have anything to write with on me right now.”

HYPERMNESIA – You don’t usually need to write anything down.

“So here's my proposal: we're leaving it at that for tonight. I’ll let you think about testifying. But if you do intend to do so, then I want either two written detailed testimonies or an explicit written refusal to testify in my hands by next week. Different handwritings will convince the authorities much more than a copy.”

Magali crosses her arms again, a defiant glint in her eyes.

ASSERTION – She doesn’t like being bossed around either. Too bad.

“And how? We can't be seen with you or we’re done for.”

“I mentioned Janelle Venegas, right? She’s a People’s Party secretary and it seems she has a contact here. Penny, right? What's her full name?”

“Penelope Trescott,” Snowfeather chimes in from behind.

“You can give your testimonies or refusals to her and tell her it’s for Janelle, who will then hand them to me.”

SHADOWSELF – How can you be sure that this Penny's trustworthy?

PARTI DU PEUPLE – You can’t. But if nothing else, you trust Janelle's judgement.

“... Fine by me,” Charles sighs. “How much d'you need?”

BLEEDING HEART – He’s on board.

“As much as possible. The longer the better. Don’t spare any details. We’ll need everything if we want to bring Charity to justice.”

He nods. There’s a new determination in his eyes. Magali still seems conflicted.

SHADOWSELF – She’ll come around eventually.

“And… Even if you change your mind, I want to thank you both for being honest with me. It means a lot.”

Charles smiles again, ever so slightly.

“Heh, no sweat. You seem like a good lass. You coulda been way harsher on us after what we put you through.”

FEISTY FLESH – Yeah. You could have.

“Don’t thank me yet,” Magali grumbles. “I’m still not sure about you, but… Yeah. I’m not gonna nitpick. Not when someone finally cares ‘bout Tristan. Keep an eye on him for us when you can, aight?”

Taiven smiles back.

“Sure thing.”

PARTI DU PEUPLE – Comrades help each other out when they don’t bring each other down.

Behind Taiven, Snowfeather lightly clears their throat.

REFLEXES – Wh- you didn't even hear them get closer.

“If this conversation’s down, perhaps I can escort miss Taiven back to the exit?”

“Oh, that’s very considerate of you, but I'm fine. I don’t need an escort.”

Snowfeather tilts their head.

“Really? Can you try standing up for me?”

“Of c-”

THICKSKIN – Oh, fuck. Your vision went blurry for a second. Are your… Are your legs actually shaking?

NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS – Woops. Guess we should have gotten more coffee, eh?

SUN-POWERED POWERPLANT – I told you. I told you the night was going to weigh us down eventually. If anyone just listened to me… This wouldn't have been happening.

FOCUS – If anyone listened to you, this investigation would still be at square one.

ASSERTION – Why's Snowfeather still smiling like that? I swear, if they dare laugh at us, you’re ripping that damn smile off their face with your teeth.

“That’s what I thought. For your safety, I'd rather walk with you until you at least get to a place with more people, in case you feel faint. After all…”

They lower their voice.

“We wouldn't want your husband to snoop around here looking for his missing wife, wouldn’t we, Mrs Markhov?”

THEATRICS – Fuck, how do they know that?!

COMPOSURE – Don’t react. Charles and Magali are still watching.

“No, we wouldn't. Lead the way, then. Good night to you, Mr and Miss Delestre.”

“See ya, missy.”

Snowfeather walks to the door, opens it, and does a little curtsy.

“After you.”

STREET SMARTS – Of course. They want to keep an eye on you.

THE HUNT – To not get backstabbed.

Taiven cautiously passes the threshold, still a little wobbly on her legs. Penny and Mayumi are still waiting in the corridor, despite Snowfeather’s statement about not needing guards.

NERVES – They look at you with apprehension. And perhaps a tinge of fear.

BLEEDING HEART – You can’t really blame them.

COMPOSURE – Despite this, you smile at them.

SHADOWSELF – Gotta keep a good relationship with potential sources.

“Good night to you two. Oh, and Penny? Amazing show.”

NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS – It was pretty great.

COMPOSURE – Penny blushes, utters a stammering “thank you”, Mayumi still looks at you with shame plastered all over her face. Then shyly waves you goodbye.

FEISTY FLESH – You wave back. Despite everything.

BLEEDING HEART – You always had a soft spot for kids.

Now it's just Taiven and Snowfeather in that corridor. They both stay silent. Only when Penny and Mayumi are out of sight does Taiven stops in her tracks to turn and stare at the costumer.

COMPOSURE – They don’t seem surprised in the least.

“Yes?”

“We’ve met before, haven’t we.”

Their face lightens up slightly.

“So you do remember! Even though it’s been such a long time… Great memory you have there.”

HYPERMNESIA – Normally you’d agree, but the thing is…

“I don’t exactly remember the details. And I don't really remember you.”

“That doesn’t surprise me. I looked much different then, the bar didn't even have the same name, and you were… maybe thirteen, fourteen?”

HYPERMNESIA – Fourteen?! But… The bar opened in 190. I’m sure of it. Are they saying I'm wrong?

SMARTASS – Nah, you're not. The “Brickwall” did open in 190. But if the bar had a different name before that, then maybe it was actually rebranded in 190. And remember what you said? You went into Solomon Street once, stoned, and you don’t remember what you did in there. Yet you remember what a drag show is, you remember the owner’s name and face, and you remember that costumer. So…

“What was the bar called then?” Taiven asks, trying to keep her voice steady.

Snowfeather chuckles.

“Oh, Gord and I opened it in 187. We called it the Finish Line, because we thought it’d be the end of our lives and that peace wouldn’t last. Turns out it was just the beginning, so we ended up choosing a less depressing name.”

BLOODSTAINED DOOR – The Finish Line. Of course fourteen year old you would be drawn to a place named that.

SMARTASS – So Gordianus and Snowfeather opened it together?

“So you're also the owner?”

“Not legally, no. I’m not exactly good with customer service or logistics, you see. I prefer the company of my mannequins. I just needed someone to help me rebuild the place I used to live in, Gordianus just suggested the idea.”

CITY GIRL – At his counter, Gordianus Gens Laurentia looks over his bar. Almost ten years since it opened, and the place flourishes. It’d all be perfect, if only they didn't have to pay that godforsaken credit.

SMARTASS – Uh, true. How did they manage to rebuild this place, just the both of them? With the decors and everything?

“Where did you get the money for that? The War didn’t make anything cheaper. Not by 187, at least.”

“I had to pull a few strings here and there, but we managed to get a credit.”

“Yes. Because you’re a mage.”

COMPOSURE – Their smile twitches. Just a little, but it twitches.

RHETORIC – That was a shot in the dark and it was the right one.

“Why yes. I am. Is that so strange?”

“In this place? It is. I saw the graffitis when I came in, I saw the kind of clientele you have. They don’t like mages much, around here, and you know it. Otherwise you wouldn't stay hidden backstage. Why didn’t you open somewhere else? You’d have made better numbers.”

“I'm not in for the money, Mrs Markhov.”

BLEEDING HEART – For the first time, there’s a bitterness in their eyes.

“I’ve always felt much closer to the non-mages than to the mages, you see. What happened during the War, the deportations, the arbitrary killings, the oppressions, it was nothing new to changelings like me.”

SMARTASS – … A changeling. Of course. That explains the weird feeling.

“They just broadened their scope. And I was not spared for being a mage.”

They slowly touch their own cheek. Glitter dusts off their skin.

“Do you see this face? It’s not mine. I borrowed it from a dead body and tweaked some details. And my name, a mere alias. Because they made sure I wouldn't remember either my real face or my real name by the time I got out of the cell they put me in.”

BLOODSTAINED DOOR – They weren’t the only one. Many, many changelings lost their entire identity during those times. And the end of the war just meant they'd have to go back into hiding.

BLEEDING HEART – You went a little overboard with your questions here.

“... I’m sorry if I was intrusive. I didn’t mean to downplay what you went through.”

Snowfeather shakes his head.

“It s quite alright, honey, I'm not blaming you. Especially not you. I’m the only mage here and I've seen how much everyone in the staff has suffered because they weren’t. I’ve seen, although briefly, how you suffered too.”

HYPERMNESIA – Right. You met. While being stoned.

NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS – Hey, don't look at me! You just know you went into Solomon Street when stoned, not if you went into the Finish Line stoned as well.

“... How… exactly did we meet?”

“Not in the best of circumstances, I'm afraid. Our bar had opened very recently, and we were having our little success with the drag shows we were hosting, although not as much as today. I know we were hosting one the night we met, but I was at my usual spot backstage and… well. Let’s say I was not expecting to find a teenage girl curled up in between my costumes. In the exact clothing rack Mayumi threw you at, by the way.”

HYPERMNESIA – Damn it. Just how much things do you not remember because of the damn drugs?!

NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS – Not that much, honestly? I promise you that the Dlawenn incident and this are exceptions.

HYPERMNESIA – I should fucking hope so.

“Uh. I… What was I…”

Taiven lets out a deep sigh.

“Okay, I'll just ask. Was I high?”

“No, you weren't.”

NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS – IN. YOUR. FACE.

“But you were on a big drug comedown.”

RHETORIC – In whose face now?

NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS – You still weren't high. I stand by what I said.

“Gordianus was after you because apparently you had started panicking in the middle of the bar and you fled backstage. I told him I'd take care of you and that he should go back to work. I didn’t want him to stress you out more, not when you were having a full-blown paranoia crisis.”

BLOODSTAINED DOOR – … Of course you were.

“Kept saying over and over that someone was going to catch you. That you would die, that they were coming back to finish what they started because they knew it was all your fault.”

BLOODSTAINED DOOR – It was. It still is. You’re never washing it off you.

“I didn't ask. I gave you something to eat, a cigarette, and you calmed down eventually. You stayed until morning, until I was sure you could walk home. You left pretty quick. I think you were ashamed.”

SHADOWSELF – As you should have been.

BLOODSTAINED DOOR – There are only a few things to not be ashamed of about you.

“I wasn’t expecting to see your face when I turned those lights on, I admit.”

“... You recognized me?”

“Dear, you’re talking to a changeling. No disguise can fool me but my own. As for your name, I'm quite an avid TV watcher and radio listener. It keeps my eyes busy when my hands sew. Glad to see you overcame that fear of crowds.”

RHETORIC – It’s easier when you’re speaking to the crowd and not part of it.

NERVES – It's also easier when you stop doing drugs.

NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS – Hey, don’t look at me!

“Well… Thank you for taking care of me that night and not letting me put myself in danger. I have one more question, though.”

“Do tell?”

“You still haven’t told me how you got the money to rebuild this place.”

HYPERMNESIA – If they thought you forgot about that, they were wrong.

COMPOSURE – Yet their smile remains the same.

“I didn't. And I don’t intend to, since it’s not relevant to your investigation. I believe we’re at the end of this corridor, Taiven, and therefore of this conversation. Be careful in your endeavors.”

RHETORIC – Straight-up refused to answer, uh.

SMARTASS – That's alright. You have a few theories on where the money came from. Think about it again. A bar that promotes small drag artists, with a mage in the two founders, a mage who talked about “pulling some strings” to get a credit…

PARTI DU PEUPLE – … Do you think the money came from a Clique?

SMARTASS – It could have.

RHETORIC – It’s a maybe, maybe not situation. There’s tons of strings you can pull. Most of the staff is non-mage. They could have gotten the money from elsewhere, it’s just a possibility.

BLOODSTAINED DOOR – A possibility best left alone.

THE HUNT – Cliques are dangerous.

Taiven slowly shakes her head, then gets out through the same door she entered backstage with.

SENSES (HEARING) – The bar is still animated. No one notices you.

THICKSKIN – You're stable enough on your feet. The bike ride home shouldn't be too much of an issue.

PARTI DU PEUPLE – You might have two testimonies by next week. Good work.

Heinrich is still at the counter, she passes by him without so much as sparing a glance as she goes out out of the bar.

SCATTERBRAIN – Huh- You could have at least said goodbye…

SHADOWSELF – He can go fuck himself.

NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS – Damn, you really can't handle rejection, huh? Kinda ironic considering how quick you are to reject people.

SHADOWSELF – I’m not taking any shit from you out of all of us.

HYPERMNESIA – Agreed. What the hell was this? You made us go into a random bar on a drug crash? What if it had been dangerous?

NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS – Uh, given our state, it was more dangerous to stay out in the street at night. And see, it turned out fine.

THEATRICS – You call that fine?!

ASSERTION – You know how it feels, walking around on an investigation and just randomly bumping into people who only see you as that idiot, unconscious junkie kid?!

BLEEDING HEART – Someone who only ever gets pity?

COMPOSURE – Think about our image. About how you irreparably damaged it.

PARTI DU PEUPLE – What if the Party found out? Dlawenn and Janelle already know and Janelle has spread rumors about you before. And she’s engaged to Anthony. If he ever were to spread the word that you’re a former addict, your credibility goes down the drain.

THE HUNT – Like it wasn’t enough putting us into danger. And you keep doing it too. Trying to get us to drink and smoke and relapse. All the time. It’s exhausting.

FOCUS – We can never lead a proper, serious investigation without you disturbing our thought process.

NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS – … Oh. Okay. Okay! So that's how it is, huh? I'm the bad guy! I’m the one who gets you into trouble! I’m the devil on your shoulder! Gods, you're all so fucking stupid. Or just conveniently blaming me for your incompetence.

RHETORIC – What?

NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS – Do you even know why I'm around? Because I fucking saved you, that's why. Because none of you holier-than-thou fuckheads managed to keep us going. Because you made us remember stuff no matter how painful it is-

HYPERMNESIA – It's not like I have a choice!!

NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS – Neither did I! I fucking had to lead you to safety so you wouldn't go sleep on the street, to keep your brain going through drugs because it couldn't keep up on its own, because either no one else was here or the one who were actively brought you down!

BLOODSTAINED DOOR – … I tried to protect you too.

NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS – Yeah, by putting you in constant pain. You were only manageable when you took substances. Because it made you shut the fuck up. Without me, this body would have died in a ditch somewhere and none of you would be here to lecture me. Who the fuck do you think handled everything when miss sunshine and rainbows over there wasn’t here?!

SUN-POWERED POWERPLANT – …

SMARTASS – Well, it’s not like your contributions are ever helpful.

NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS – Because you keep trying to shut me up. To shut me out. Like you don't need me anymore now that you got your shit together. Like I'm not the one who made you like exercise so you could all handle the pressure you put yourselves under. Like I'm not the one who remembers how to have fun, who makes you care, like I'm not the one who makes you actually enjoy being alive. It’s pretty fucking convenient to have me around, gives you someone to blame when all you know how to do is scream at each other. You know why we’re struggling? It's because you can't handle the fact that this isn’t my fault. It’s yours. Because you suck at dealing with the consequences of me helping you all survive. I'm always counting on you to handle the rest and the truth is, you can’t. You're all fucking useless. But if you want to be some workaholic, martyred ball of nerves that can’t find any joy in life, then be my fucking guest.

BLEEDING HEART – That's mean. You're mean.

NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS – At least I know my worth instead of guilt tripping myself over any emotions people might feel.

SHADOWSELF – Shut up. You're embarrassing yourself.

NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS – Oh am I now? At least I find some satisfaction within the shit you put me through trying to play all grown-up, you little self-absorbed bi-

SCATTERBRAIN – Stop! Please. Please. All of you, just- just stop. You're being dummies and idiots. No one is gonna shut anyone up, okay?!

RHETORIC – Well, you just shut them up.

NERVES – No, but… Really. I think you’re very, very tired.

SOLLERTIA – Your bike’s right here. You should get going before you pass out.

THICKSKIN – You’re not gonna pass out-

SUN-POWERED POWERPLANT – Stop playing tough. I’m begging you.

SMARTASS – Do you guys really want to stand there and argue like a bunch of kindergartners?

NUCLEUS ACCUMBENS – … No. I want to go home and see my husband and kid.

BLEEDING HEART – Me too. I miss them.

BLOODSTAINED DOOR – After what you learned tonight, you really need to hug Ujin.

FEISTY FLESH– Good! Then we hop on and we go the fuck home.

BLOODSTAINED DOOR – Home.