caughtinanetwork | three flowers ( video / action )

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three flowers ( video / action )

Vatheon... an' already I've gotta belly full 'a it. Everyone fendin' for themselves... da authorities bein' paid ta turn a blind eye and ear to the howls 'a despair dat cry though dese lonely, undawata streets.

Me, though? I couldn't do it. S'not my style. And that's where I come in. I'm here ta watch over dis town and protect my friends. Like da gargoyle keepin' a stony eye on 'is belov'd citadel.

[ ... yep, if you thought things couldn't get any stranger in Vatheon...

Of all the hats Shiemi ended up with, it just had to be the pinstripe fedora. So now Shiemi's just slinking around in the shadows of some ~*~*~*~*~*~MYSTERIOUS LOCATION~*~*~*~*~*~ -- in actuality the Villa -- all while speaking. ]

Today was yet anotha strange day, like any otha in dis town; more hats all ova da city than there were sirens at da local club. No one knows how dey got here, or why dey was here... but then again, if all cases were dat easy I'd be outta a job.

[ A better question to ask would be where that saxophone is coming from. Or why everything around her seems to be impossibly smoky. ]

An' while da city's howls 'a confusion at dese hats hit octaves usually reserved f' callin' dogs, it means I had a case. Th' sound 'a greenbacks slappin' 'cross my palm is music ta my ears any day.

Afta all, I ain't a music critic. I'm a private eye. So whoeva's responsible betta keep their eye on th' shadows...

'Cause I'm takin' ya down.

[ SHIEMI PLZ... anyone want to try talking to her... or if you're in the Villa, just catch her sneaking around the place or something... >> ]

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[To answer the question of where the smoke is coming from, it's from a bucket of dry ice, fanned by hand to fill the room with the fine mist. Adds both a visual and temperature effect to create a richer atmosphere.

The music plays from the SFC at the side of the one so carefully fanning the mist. But just who is this mysterious person in the ninja hood?]

Stranga things have happen'd in my day, and dis was no exception. Th' mystery man contributin' to the mood hidin' nearby look'd like 'e stepped off some marble pedestal -- eyes piercin' th' soul and legs f' days. Like th' paper blowin' in the wind, no one knew where 'e came from or why 'e was there, but I knew a fellow ally when I see one.

[ Grinning, Shiemi just waves at Dhaos, giving him a thumbs up in approval. ]

Thanks f' improvin' the mood, friend. Hard t' find ya kind o' people in dis town, ya know that?

[Although the mask makes it a little difficult to see, the supposedly internal monologue makes Dhaos turn a rather deep shade of red. He knows that he'll probably never get used to other people complimenting his looks and being sincere about it. Nevertheless, he diligently keeps up with his task.]

...I am just fulfilling my duty, Miss. The effect is greater if my presence is not acknowledged.

I see, I see...

Truly a mysterious individ'al. Anonymity was 'is name, rumor 'is existence and silence 'is native tongue, or that bein' how most spooks stay spooks. Truly a mystery how such a slice a beefcake became a spook, but in my line a' work some things are betta left unanswa'd.

Then I'll pretend not t' have seen anythin', okay?

[ SHIEMI PLZ... AGAIN... ]

[Awkward. That's the only way to describe this situation. Very, very awkward.]

...Thank you.

[He'll just... go back to his task and pretend that he's not being hit on by a girl who looks to be a few years younger than his boyfriend. ...Maybe it would be prudent to leave soon. His duty of adding to the atmosphere should have been sufficiently fulfilled at this point, so perhaps a minute more is all that's needed...]

Mmn. Ya welcome.

[ ALL the awkward. ]

Silence 'ung in th' air b'tween us like an oppressive curtain a fog, too think t' cut through... per'aps now it'd be good timin' t' 'ead off on m' case. Besides, we both 'ad jobs t' do, I'm sure...

[ Shiemi no, we don't need you to add to the awkward by narrating about it... ]

[See Rin walk in.

See Rin stop.

See Rin stare for about thirty seconds before wheeling around and attempting to nope right the fuck out of there.

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS BUBBLE.]

Rin Okumura... one o' th' few people I knew from 'ome who found their way ta dis hive of scum, villainy and who knows whateva else. Walkin' 'round him, it was like carryin' a blue light dat washed the stress and lies away. In my line 'a work, ya hold on to people like that.

Normally he was all smiles -- calmin' smiles, certainly outta place among th' plastic regulars of dis town, but today was diff'rent, and it showed on 'is face. Walkin' in wit' bad news written on 'im like October of '29.

[ Shiemi, monologues are meant to be thoughts, not... audible speeches. ]

Hey... somethin' wrong, Rin?

[Shiemi

Shiemi why

just

why]

... nope. No. Goin' to work. That's all.

[ because

B) ]

Ah... work already? I could accompany ya f'r protection...

'Course, I already knew dat he could 'andle 'imself, from what I'd seen of 'im back home, but dis naggin' feelin' still kept botherin' me... oppression like angels takin' a piss at th' same time. On alla us. Not a good feelin' ta have, in any case...

[Okay one Shiemi saying 'taking a piss' would be hilarious in any other context.

And two he's just going to attempt to ignore that supposed to be inner dialogue.]

Uh. Nah. I'm good, really. Nothin' ever happens to me on the way to work.

[watch this would be the one day something did happen]

Ya sure? What if somethin' happen'd ta ya dis time?

Because dere's only so many times a man can go down dese mean streets not bein' mean before somethin' snaps inside a man's soul, afta all... becomin' th' very scum 'n' insanity dey're so against in th' first place.

Or ta use a weatha'd phrase from da Good Book, judgin' others as ya become th' judged. Not knowin' right from wrong if one a dem was helpin' the poor and th' other bangin' ya sister...

[ Shiemi, why are you even using that kind of language... ]

[... cough]

I've got my sword.

[He tended to carry it around during curse weeks anyway because really, you never know what insanity of the week is going to do to people.

Case in point: Shiemi right now.]

[ WOW RIN DAS R00D ]

... are ya sure that'll be enough, though?

Even knowin' his abilities, I still worried. Some say it may be ta th' point a' excess, but wit' dis town, ya never know. Tryin' ta resist its insanity was like playin' Russian roulette -- soona a lata, ya gonna end up bitin' the bullet. And it's not gonna be pretty.

[ She has enough of a mind to follow Rin to his work, you know--! B| !!! ]

[shush you]

Ain't it always?

[Okay maybe being cocky wasn't the best idea right now, but it's Rin, that's par the course for him anyway.

He crosses his arms over his chest, leaning against the door frame he'd stopped near.]

C'mon, since when haven't I been able to take care of myself? And I've been here longer than you. Seriously, Vatheon's shit don't even phase me anymore.

...at that point, I knew I couldn't go against him. 'e 'ad more points in dis convasation than da police 'ad corrupt cops, and dat was sayin' somethin' considerin' dat the crime lords 'ad more scruples dan dat lot.

[ Shiemi, what even are you talking about at this point... whatever the case, she sighs, waving her hand a little before she walks up to and hugs him.

... at least that part of her hasn't changed? ]

... just be careful, all right? I'll still worry regardless 'a ya ability.

[The hug makes him tense for a second, but it passes as he lets a breath out through his nose and returns the hug.]

I know. I'll be careful.

Good... I know ya will be, but I just need t' reassure myself, ya know?

[ Honestly, Shiemi...

also look, the only comment without any monologuing. Yaaaaaaay. ]

[Wow, it's a miracle.]

Yeah yeah, I know.

But I'll be back before you know it, and in one piece too.

... good. I don't wanna come 'ome and find ya in pieces, you dork.

A'course, Rin really was a dork, but it's why I still cared f' him all th' same. I wouldn't want that about him t' change...

... well, dat and I couldn't exactly argue since I was just as much a dork as 'e was unda th' right circumstances...

[ SHIEMI... *facepalm.gif* ]

Che. You're a dork, too, Shiemi.

[But he says it with a smile, because really she wouldn't be Shiemi if she wasn't the way she was.

Even if this was... weird.]

... guessin' we're both dorks, then.

[ And she sticks her tongue out at Rin, as if to emphasize her point.

... ohai, another moment without weird monologuing! \o/ ]

Yup. Guess so.

[He does manage to smile a little at that, before finally giving a wave and slipping out the door.]

[Is she doing her own background monologue...]

[Aya seriously doesn't know what to make of this.]

...Shiemi?

Ah... Aya? Ya okay? You're starin' a little too hard, there...

Now I know what some people might be thinkin': why would ya trust someone who ain't from ya world, right? Well, Aya was different... it's men like him dat remind me dis twisted wreck o' a city ain't beyond redemption. Growin' flowers f'r a livin' ain't exactly the most glamorous o' jobs in this joint, but better th'n starin' down th' abyss day t' day, not knowin' if or when ya were gonna fall in...

[ omigod Shiemi stop. Just stop already. You're being a dork here. ]

[Shiemi, please.]

[Aya raises an eyebrow at the monologue, because how rude. He looks unimpressed overall.]

Why are you saying all those things?

All'a... what, exactly? Y'll hafta be more specific...

A'course, I speak a lotta things, but even I have my discretions. Neva know 'oo might be listenin', afta all...

[ Derp. She sincerely doesn't know what he means thanks in part to the current curse running around...

... also this is amazing, the first response that DOESN'T have a convoluted monologue... ]

[That's, um... wow.]

... Shiemi-san?

Yukio Okumura. Yuki-chan, anotha one 'a my friends who ended up in this dazed 'n' confused city. Known him since we was kids; bonds like that don't die as quickly like th' spirits of the townsfolk. Though lately, 'e's been lookin' like a dead fish - cynical smiles and tired eyes up the wazoo. It makes a girl like me worry.

... not dat dat changes 'is skills at bein' a crack shot, oh no. Ya'd do well not to piss 'im off unless ya wanna be the one gettin' new 'oles to breathe outta.

Whateva the case, 'is expression reeked o' confusion, like th' cheap perfume I've smell'd on some o' th' more... questionable folk 'round the usual dives. Can't really help but notice dat kinda thing.

[ Clearing her throat -- private eye monologues are more taxing on her voice than she'd thought -- she sighed and turned to face Yuki-chan with a tilt of her head. Most likely Yukio's more confused as ever at this, yes? ]

Yuki-chan... got somethin' ya wanted ta talk t' me about?

... Are you alright?

[Because a person talking to themselves like that generally isn't a good sign. He can hear you, man, don't talk about his tired eyes.]

A'course! Why wouldn't I be, Yuki-chan?

Any day that dont involve eitha' crime, gettin' shot at, bein' stalked or any of th' above was always a good day, in my opinion...

[ Shiemi you haven't even BEEN any of the three, shut it. XD; ]

[Number two could technically be a thing if non-bullet projectiles count, but Yukio doesn't really want to feed into this delusion.]

Ah... you just don't quite seem like yourself, that's all.

[ Please don't, Yuki-chan, she's enough of a derp normally. Detective!Shiemi seems to be worse in the derp department. ]

Ah... sorry? I don't mean t' be... not... myself...?

'Course, 't couldn't be helped. Sometimes, when I got lost in a case, I tend'd t' ferget about basic things. Like eatin'... or sleepin'... or takin' care a m'self in general...

[ Do you see how much of a derp she is? ]

[Naoto's heart just jumped a little. Someone ended up with a detective fedora? Specifically a girl? This was certainly going to be interesting to see.]

Ma'am? Are you alright?

[Stupid! Of course she'll say she's alright! That's always what a detective says. She should know! Now she feels dumb, yet still in shock.]

[ Blink blinks. Nlw it's her turn to be the confused one as Shiemi nods rather quickly. ]

O-of course I'm all right! Thanks f'r askin, though...

Now dis person was an interestin' one... hadn't seen them 'round this part o' town before. Newcomer? Been here a while without my noticin'? Despite th' unremarkable grey an' blue of deir outfit, they stood out, though, wit' their youthful face and a sense o' innocence dat seem'd outta place in this dreary, watery world. Beacon of youth among the bored-looking, lathe-thin and wearied populace so common ta dis joint.

'Just you wait, kid,' dis city seemed ta tell them silently, 'one day you'll be tired and dead like us. Just you wait.' A'course, wit' how often people change worlds like a dame changes clothes, hop'fully dis one won't lose deir innocence...

[ Shiemi... *face in hands* ]

Hey, that hat looks good on you!

[ Frankly, she's been here long enough that she's not too surprised about the personality change. ]

Ah, does it...? Thank ya! I'm partial ta it, myself...

Ah, anotha stranga... a girl this time. Very pretty, with a figure and a face most dames in dis town can only dream a havin'... she's an interestin' case. Walkin' down dese mean streets while herself not bein' mean, neitha tarnish'd nor 'fraid... a free spirit 'mong the gumshoes, shamuses, dames and otha unsavory folk dat call dis place home.

... 'course, havin' a kick as strong as th' iron surroundin' the elevator helps. Or so I overheard from Rin, anyway...

[ SHIEMI PLZ ]

You really look very nice in it.

... Are there any reasons for the external monologue, though? I'm flattered that you have so many nice things to say about me, but it's a little .... you know, nevermind.

[ ...................................................

Cue a very long beat here before Shiemi clears her throat, coughing. ]

S'ppos'd t' be th' internal monologue. Th' hallmark of true detectives.

Though 'pparently I still had a ways t' go t' masterin' th' technique if this lovely dame could still hear it... it's a mystery I'm still tryin' t' solve.

[ SHIEMI PLZ ]

... I'll pretend I don't hear it, then.

[ Kohaku Hearts, ruining your curse-induced shenanigans since December 18, 2008. ]

...'least th' dame knew when t' keep quiet. Though parta me want'd t' know if... well.

If readin' minds was a ding. If it were, it'd explain a lot, but it'd also be danger'us, too. 'Specially since she might even be plannin' t' do whateva with what I prose 'bout...

[ Shiemi looks at Kohaku suspiciously, glaring before turning away once more. ]

... I really 'ope she's not on th' side a evil. Othawise, I might need t' take... desp'rate meas'res...

[ ... SHIEMI PLZ ]

... I'm going to go now.

It was nice talking to you ...?

HOLD IT.

[ WOW SHIEMI why are you so forceful. ]

How much'd ya hear--! Tell me!

[ ... omigod, Shiemi just stop... ]

What? Hear? What did I hear? I heard nothing! Nothing at all!

[ CLICK. SFC LINK CUT. NOPE NOPE NOPE NOPE. DONE. ]

Ah, wait--!

[ Whoops, there goes the feed--! ]

And dere went anutha p'tential lead... yet I still felt weary 'bout the whole set-up. 'Specially since she seem'd t' be more aware a my own thoughts dan even I was... and dat was bad news in m' line o' work...

Perhaps I should tail 'er fer a bit, make sure m' secrets stayed secret...

[ SHIEMI... ]

[Izumo is just walking through the villa, eating a snack, when...]

... Moriyama.

What the hell are you doing?

Izumo Kamiki... also know as Izumo-chan. She's... certainly somethin', in a good way. Th' more she talks, the less summa listen... fierce temper, unrivall'd pride... and yet th' most determined girl I eva met. Even wit' her sharp tongue I still think she's onna th' kindest girls I've had th' priv'lige t' know.

[ Yes, Izumo, she IS kind of talking off to some unseen person or something... attempting the private eye monolgue, more or less.

Of course, it's supposed to be an INTERNAL monologue, not... external. ~~Too bad Shiemi hasn't quite figured out how to get that down yet. ]~~

I'm just here, doin' th' usual. Investigatin', tendin' th' garden... ya know. Stuff.

[Izumo briefly blushed at being called kind, before regaining her original scowl]

You do know you're saying all that out loud, right?

"Out loud." 'Twas th' second time I've 'eard dose words. Eitha I was doin' dis 'hole monologuin' ding wrong and I really was speakin' all dis out loud, or somehow someone broke int' my innamost thoughts like dey was breakin' into a bank owned by da Mob.

... considerin' th' kinda girl Izumo-chan was, it's most likely da former. Damn, and I thought I got dis monologuin' down right...

[ Yeah, she's kind of facepalming at herself right now, pausing for a few moments to clear her throat before speaking and addressing Izumo again. ]

... it seems t' be dat way, yes...

[ derp derp derp, all of Shiemi's derp is on display now ]

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three flowers ( video / action )

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