[ Do not ask me how magic works... Whichever character you guys choose and wherever they are, they will notice that in a blink a man appears where there was no one standing there. While looking like a regular guy, there's something about him that is out of place.
Maybe it's the fact that if there's a crowd of people, they don't seem to notice that he suddenly exists. That despite how abrupt his appearance, he seamlessly blends into this world. Maybe it's the aura. He looks around cautiously, carrying nervous energy with him, but doesn't overreact.
[ i am not going to ask how magic works or think too hard about why they would be in the same area but i wanted to give him someone close to his age and apollo's the only one with a paid.
anyway, the thing about being himself is that he's very perceptive and very aware of his surroundings most of the time, so despite the fact he's looking at something else, the sudden appearance of someone who wasn't initially there draws his attention. his head snaps around, eyes honing in on the space in which adolphe appears, and he frowns softly as he watches.
Am I crazy?
why is nobody reacting to this man appearing out of the ether? he really ought to mind his own business, but apollo's not really good at that either. so yes, he approaches... ]
Uh. Hi? [ he starts with that because the guy looks a little twitchy, and also he's about to look real stupid if he's actually hallucinating. ]
[ you could play absolutely anyone and not use any icons except for your default and I'd accept you.
It might be that people are too busy with their own lives and interests to notice someone appearing from nothing. At most, Adolphe is an obstacle on their path which they need to walk around and he doesn't intend to stay in the sea of people.
It bothers him, too, that they're not reacting like they should. There are a million questions cycling through his head at high speed and he thinks to slip into an alley, but Apollo shows up and approaches him.
Frown tight, shoulders still tense, somehow he's able to converse calmly. ]
Hey. [ .............. ] You saw all of that?
[ He decided quickly there's no way dancing around it. Oh, right. He definitely has a sheathed sword on him. ]
it's entirely possible people just are busy with their own lives. apollo was initially busy with his, but this man is truly just out here now. standing out.
he notices the shift in body language, and it's why he stops a short distance away and folds his arms over his chest. it's not a defensive stance necessarily, but it's one to reflect the fact he's not actually interested in a fight. ]
I'm starting to think I'm the only one. [ the eyes drop to the sword for a moment, and then shift back up to adolphe's face. ] Was I not supposed to?
[ Apollo can preen himself in being intuitive and perceptive. He can do that. Who can argue? Not Adolphe because again Apollo is the only person that noticed him out of all these people.
Eventually, Adolphe does unwind. It seems that the initial tension tapers off, though the annoyance stays. ]
You might be. [ Which he thinks is ridiculous, but he doesn't dwell on it. There are more important matters. ] ... No, but it'll make it easier—I'm not looking to fight.
[ He made note of Apollo's posture and body language earlier, so he prefaces this before anything else. Already, he expects him to not believe him. ]
[ he can deal with annoyance, that's not unusual. ]
So what are you looking for? [ he doesn't feel his bracelet react, so he can at least believe that much is true. he doesn't drop his stance but he does let his shoulder relax as he continues to scrutinize him. ] Wait, no, hold on. Where did you come from?
[ Thank you, Apollo, for also thinking life is worth being annoyed about at all times.
He's thinking... Does he really benefit from telling him? Can he really make up anything on the spot? God, does it even matter? What a frustrating situation. ]
You're not going to believe me—let's talk somewhere else.
You'd be surprised what I believe. [ dry. but he jerks his head a little sideways, indicating a direction behind him. ] My agency's that way. We can talk there.
[ i suppose this means we maybe are in los angeles? i did not think hard about this, but he turns to begin walking in that direction with the idea of adolphe following. ]
[ His expression spells "what is that supposed to mean?" but he doesn't say it. He does follow closely with his arms crosses, vigilant but not overly cautious. Over seconds, he settles quite well... And takes in the sights he has never seen before. THEY ARE IN LA, OUR ENEMY.
Mostly how tall these buildings can get, the unfriendliness of the architecture (he's just not used to it). He feels like his neck will break if he keeps this up, so focuses on Apollo's back. ]
[ that's a fair question. he does not answer the expression because that is a whole other story. LA, OUR ENEMY. every day i think about the fact the games are set here, but anyway we are walking. i should have put them in a whole other country but it's fine. la overwhelming...
he doesn't seem to mind the actual question though, and though he doesn't turn to face adolphe he seems to be walking at an even pace for him to keep up easily. ]
I'm a defense attorney. [ ... ] Don't... think too much of the agency, it's not exactly...
[ he doesn't entirely explain what that means, waving a hand. ]
[ It's all right. You would need to make up stuff about a different country compared to LA in which we know some decent amount about, which is they're suffering the heat retained in the concrete and there are many cars.
Which Adolphe is also staring at because it's a sight for him, too. He doesn't know what to think of it, but based on his knit brow... Maybe he is not keen on cars. During his every once in a while stray gaze, he does keep track of Apollo. No getting lost here. ]
... Defense attorney?
[ He understands the attorney part, but more in the sense of agent or minister.
And the agency isn't (vague hand gestures)? Is it worth asking if Apollo doesn't want to explain. Adolphe just assumes the agency isn't exactly tied to his official job. ]
[ apollo is technically from a different country and ends up staying there in aa6 but they do not have cars. there are a lot of cars here, and honestly adolphe is justified in not being keen on them. cars are evil. apollo seems to be navigating the sidewalks pretty easily, and then longer they walk the more adolphe will realize they're heading off toward a less congested neighborhood. things are a little quieter here, and there are less people milling about. ]
Yeah. You know, a lawyer. I defend people in court when they're accused of a crime.
[ he seems a little proud still but also straightforward. as he turns down a street he soon approaches a little building and he takes a key out of his pocket, unlocking the door and ushering adolphe inside. it's pretty obvious why apollo said not to think much about the agency, and he shuts the door just as quietly. ]
Mr. Wright and his daughter won't be back for a while. Trucy has a show at the Wonder Bar tonight.
[ Oh, I see. You would take me to an AA'd country which would be funny. Adolphe would recognize a lot of country names since apparently Virche is weird like that. ]
Then this country has a justice system.
[ Weird to think about, but makes sense.
With less people in this area, he becomes more attentive, though he thinks he can take on a good amount of enemies if he has to if this ends up leading him to places he doesn't want to be... He doesn't quite have his hand on the hilt of his sword, but he's ready to unsheathe it if anything were to ambush him when the door opens.
But this is what he gets and he's left. Gawking, a bit. Eyes blinking. My god. ]
... Ah. [ He almost doesn't go in the building, but one step in and it hits him a second time around. ] It's...
[ Tries to find a word as he looks at all the "decor." Is there even any place to sit with everything strewn around? It feels like there's barely a place to STAND. WHY IS THE FORK FLOATING? IS THIS SPAGHETTI REAL? ]
[ yeah just go to the middle of somewhere in asia, it's fine. alas. here we are. ]
Does yours not? [ that is even weirder to think about given how much the law has shaped his trajectory in life. but he notices that adolphe is just... staring... and he feels his shoulders droop a little because: ]
I know. It was like this before I started working here. Welcome to the Wright Anything Agency. [ dry. he is pained. how is anyone meant to take him seriously. there is some space on the couches, but there is so much random stuff for magic shows and props and papers and actual other garbage apollo doesn't even know where to begin. ] Uh, the couch is safe though. Last I checked.
Adolphe gives one more scan of the room, then at the allegedly safe couch. Ultimately, he decides he will just stand. Like Apollo, he also doesn't know where to begin with this agency.
There's no reason to point out the obvious that they both have eyes and shame to see. He circles back to the earlier question. ]
... Not really. Investigations are conducted, but the culprit is sent to execution. There's no place for defense.
[ correct. he does not blame adolphe for standing, but apollo himself goes and leans against the piano that's in the room, arms folded over his chest to watch him curiously. ]
... if a defendant is found guilty, or even if a guilty party is found, and the crime's big enough the death penalty can come into play. But it's not always the case. There has to be an investigation and then a trial where each side presents evidence to prove the accusation is true. [ there's a frown. ] Sounds like you could execute a lot of innocent people your way.
[ Guess who is home! Because his patrol route for the day is in this side of Coene, so he stopped by to ask Salome if there's a free room for him... He isn't going to assume, especially with orphans being found left and right. If there isn't one, he's fine with making do with a blanket and pillow on the floor.
However the arrangements doesn't matter. There's something warm about this place even if it's full of children who had once lost hope. He used to be one of them... And as he lived here into his adult years, he learned a number of things. Not quite hope, not quite dreams aside from the one he already had, but warmth. Love, maybe. As close to love as he could get in this place as an abandoned child.
Whenever he sees Salome face, there is no doubt in his heart that she loves him. She cared for him. She warned him about the twisted darkness of this island and its people. She is his mother...
They can have chamomile tea in the evening after a long day and Ceres can be out for whatever reason we want to decide. She probably is working and staying over at one of those other guys' places? Adolphe doesn't know, so he looks over to Salome, inquisitive though worried. ]
[ Her boy is home! Salome ensures that there is space reserved just for him, a selfishness she hopes to never admit - Ceres may have been given her own room to comfort the children that still feared her, but Adolphe had the privilege of being something precious.
She loved all her children equally, but he was a gift that drifted in from the sea; the currents bringing him to her, just as the shift of wind now brings him home. And despite all the years that pass the sight of her precious son still brings such a warm rush of familiarity, paired with the instinct to remain nurturing and protective.
Salome returns the kitchen-dining area once she’s tucked the children into their beds. The smell of chamomile lingering as she places two cups onto the table. ]
She has been coming a little bit later, but… [ imagine if i went with scien’s route just so she can be a bitch ugh ] Monsieur Lucas should be with her. I doubt it will be long before she comes home, though I do hope it’s soon.
[ There’s still much to be concerned about. Their island only becomes more dangerous as night approaches, and Salome does not hide her concern as she sits across from him. ]
I thought it’d be better to surprise her with your visit, but maybe I should have been straightforward…
YOU CHOSE LUCAS ROUTE... This is fine. Adolphe would have a better reaction to Ceres working as Lucas' aide than Scien's maid... Even though in the end in both cases he'd clam it eventually and let Ceres go. He would have stayed quiet as he watched another side to Salome he had never seen before, spewing curses at Scien while he wonders to himself what is their beef.
While he's worried himself about his sister being out so late, he can sense the tension in Salome. After a sip of his tea, he shifts his priorities. ]
It'll be fine since she's with Lucas.
[ He says this to partly to assuage her, but he does confidently think this, which is so funny in hindsight. It comes from watching Lucas break Yves' ribs, then also carry so much supplies to his house. Lucas is also their dear teacher, kind and gentle.
Just like mother. As much as he'd like to see Ceres safe and sound before he goes to sleep, it's fine. ]
And there's no rush. I'm going to be here tomorrow, too.
[ There's not really a route we can go with that'll be normal. Unless you wanted Salome to sit here and talk about her adoptive children being the cutest couple of the country.
She follows his assurance with a nod, looking to her reflection with a soft smile. ]
Mm. Tomorrow, then. [ Still, she can't help but sigh. ] Though, to be honest... maybe I should just leave the surprises to you two. You've always done a better job at it, at least.
[ They are cute, but it is Lucas route now where it will end poorly in many ways. We have to ship two blonds together right now.
Adolphe is content to see that his reassurance works. Salome worries so much and works so hard, so he'd like to do what he can to alleviate some of that stress and weight.
But uh. ]
... I don't think that's true.
[ Does he really do anything aside from... Not say anything? ]
[ you think you were rid of me The sea is evil... But thank you for giving him value where he can't find any himself.
Relenting with a defeated sigh, he doesn't add more or follow with a counter. What kind of son would he be if he talked back to his only parent? ]
Have you been doing well, mother?
[ Despite all the children here, he does worry if him and Ceres being gone leaves her feeling a little lonely. It has been a while since they've seen each other. Busy, busy. ]
My, my. [ She'd comment on his growing expertise of deflection, but she opts not to. ] The children are all healthy and happy, that is all that I could ask for.
[ A brief pause. ]
I did receive a proposal the other day. That's a bit new.
[ Thank you for taking me back. Also, thank you, mother, for not pointing out how he has become a bad son. Or is this a polite son? There's a tinge of warmth in his expression when she talks about how the kids are, but it ices over quickly.
Soured, he gives her a flat look. ]
New in what way...? [ It's not new, but maybe she means the delivery? Not that he cares, though. He lets out a weary sigh like he's so old and tired of dogs sniffing around his beautiful mom. ] How many times will it take for them to get it?
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Maybe it's the fact that if there's a crowd of people, they don't seem to notice that he suddenly exists. That despite how abrupt his appearance, he seamlessly blends into this world. Maybe it's the aura. He looks around cautiously, carrying nervous energy with him, but doesn't overreact.
approach..... yes.... no.... maybe so? ]
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anyway, the thing about being himself is that he's very perceptive and very aware of his surroundings most of the time, so despite the fact he's looking at something else, the sudden appearance of someone who wasn't initially there draws his attention. his head snaps around, eyes honing in on the space in which adolphe appears, and he frowns softly as he watches.
Am I crazy?
why is nobody reacting to this man appearing out of the ether? he really ought to mind his own business, but apollo's not really good at that either. so yes, he approaches... ]
Uh. Hi? [ he starts with that because the guy looks a little twitchy, and also he's about to look real stupid if he's actually hallucinating. ]
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It might be that people are too busy with their own lives and interests to notice someone appearing from nothing. At most, Adolphe is an obstacle on their path which they need to walk around and he doesn't intend to stay in the sea of people.
It bothers him, too, that they're not reacting like they should. There are a million questions cycling through his head at high speed and he thinks to slip into an alley, but Apollo shows up and approaches him.
Frown tight, shoulders still tense, somehow he's able to converse calmly. ]
Hey. [ .............. ] You saw all of that?
[ He decided quickly there's no way dancing around it. Oh, right. He definitely has a sheathed sword on him. ]
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it's entirely possible people just are busy with their own lives. apollo was initially busy with his, but this man is truly just out here now. standing out.
he notices the shift in body language, and it's why he stops a short distance away and folds his arms over his chest. it's not a defensive stance necessarily, but it's one to reflect the fact he's not actually interested in a fight. ]
I'm starting to think I'm the only one. [ the eyes drop to the sword for a moment, and then shift back up to adolphe's face. ] Was I not supposed to?
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Eventually, Adolphe does unwind. It seems that the initial tension tapers off, though the annoyance stays. ]
You might be. [ Which he thinks is ridiculous, but he doesn't dwell on it. There are more important matters. ] ... No, but it'll make it easier—I'm not looking to fight.
[ He made note of Apollo's posture and body language earlier, so he prefaces this before anything else. Already, he expects him to not believe him. ]
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So what are you looking for? [ he doesn't feel his bracelet react, so he can at least believe that much is true. he doesn't drop his stance but he does let his shoulder relax as he continues to scrutinize him. ] Wait, no, hold on. Where did you come from?
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He's thinking... Does he really benefit from telling him? Can he really make up anything on the spot? God, does it even matter? What a frustrating situation. ]
You're not going to believe me—let's talk somewhere else.
[ Because they're still just out in the open. ]
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You'd be surprised what I believe. [ dry. but he jerks his head a little sideways, indicating a direction behind him. ] My agency's that way. We can talk there.
[ i suppose this means we maybe are in los angeles? i did not think hard about this, but he turns to begin walking in that direction with the idea of adolphe following. ]
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Mostly how tall these buildings can get, the unfriendliness of the architecture (he's just not used to it). He feels like his neck will break if he keeps this up, so focuses on Apollo's back. ]
... What do you do?
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he doesn't seem to mind the actual question though, and though he doesn't turn to face adolphe he seems to be walking at an even pace for him to keep up easily. ]
I'm a defense attorney. [ ... ] Don't... think too much of the agency, it's not exactly...
[ he doesn't entirely explain what that means, waving a hand. ]
But everybody else is gone for the day.
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Which Adolphe is also staring at because it's a sight for him, too. He doesn't know what to think of it, but based on his knit brow... Maybe he is not keen on cars. During his every once in a while stray gaze, he does keep track of Apollo. No getting lost here. ]
... Defense attorney?
[ He understands the attorney part, but more in the sense of agent or minister.
And the agency isn't (vague hand gestures)? Is it worth asking if Apollo doesn't want to explain. Adolphe just assumes the agency isn't exactly tied to his official job. ]
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Yeah. You know, a lawyer. I defend people in court when they're accused of a crime.
[ he seems a little proud still but also straightforward. as he turns down a street he soon approaches a little building and he takes a key out of his pocket, unlocking the door and ushering adolphe inside. it's pretty obvious why apollo said not to think much about the agency, and he shuts the door just as quietly. ]
Mr. Wright and his daughter won't be back for a while. Trucy has a show at the Wonder Bar tonight.
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Then this country has a justice system.
[ Weird to think about, but makes sense.
With less people in this area, he becomes more attentive, though he thinks he can take on a good amount of enemies if he has to if this ends up leading him to places he doesn't want to be... He doesn't quite have his hand on the hilt of his sword, but he's ready to unsheathe it if anything were to ambush him when the door opens.
But this is what he gets and he's left. Gawking, a bit. Eyes blinking. My god. ]
... Ah. [ He almost doesn't go in the building, but one step in and it hits him a second time around. ] It's...
[ Tries to find a word as he looks at all the "decor." Is there even any place to sit with everything strewn around? It feels like there's barely a place to STAND. WHY IS THE FORK FLOATING? IS THIS SPAGHETTI REAL? ]
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Does yours not? [ that is even weirder to think about given how much the law has shaped his trajectory in life. but he notices that adolphe is just... staring... and he feels his shoulders droop a little because: ]
I know. It was like this before I started working here. Welcome to the Wright Anything Agency. [ dry. he is pained. how is anyone meant to take him seriously. there is some space on the couches, but there is so much random stuff for magic shows and props and papers and actual other garbage apollo doesn't even know where to begin. ] Uh, the couch is safe though. Last I checked.
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.................
Adolphe gives one more scan of the room, then at the allegedly safe couch. Ultimately, he decides he will just stand. Like Apollo, he also doesn't know where to begin with this agency.
There's no reason to point out the obvious that they both have eyes and shame to see. He circles back to the earlier question. ]
... Not really. Investigations are conducted, but the culprit is sent to execution. There's no place for defense.
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... if a defendant is found guilty, or even if a guilty party is found, and the crime's big enough the death penalty can come into play. But it's not always the case. There has to be an investigation and then a trial where each side presents evidence to prove the accusation is true. [ there's a frown. ] Sounds like you could execute a lot of innocent people your way.
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However the arrangements doesn't matter. There's something warm about this place even if it's full of children who had once lost hope. He used to be one of them... And as he lived here into his adult years, he learned a number of things. Not quite hope, not quite dreams aside from the one he already had, but warmth. Love, maybe. As close to love as he could get in this place as an abandoned child.
Whenever he sees Salome face, there is no doubt in his heart that she loves him. She cared for him. She warned him about the twisted darkness of this island and its people. She is his mother...
They can have chamomile tea in the evening after a long day and Ceres can be out for whatever reason we want to decide. She probably is working and staying over at one of those other guys' places? Adolphe doesn't know, so he looks over to Salome, inquisitive though worried. ]
Isn't it kind of late?
[ Late for Ceres to be out. ]
virche spoilers right off the bat
She loved all her children equally, but he was a gift that drifted in from the sea; the currents bringing him to her, just as the shift of wind now brings him home. And despite all the years that pass the sight of her precious son still brings such a warm rush of familiarity, paired with the instinct to remain nurturing and protective.
Salome returns the kitchen-dining area once she’s tucked the children into their beds. The smell of chamomile lingering as she places two cups onto the table. ]
She has been coming a little bit later, but… [ imagine if i went with scien’s route just so she can be a bitch ugh ] Monsieur Lucas should be with her. I doubt it will be long before she comes home, though I do hope it’s soon.
[ There’s still much to be concerned about. Their island only becomes more dangerous as night approaches, and Salome does not hide her concern as she sits across from him. ]
I thought it’d be better to surprise her with your visit, but maybe I should have been straightforward…
listen here yeah
YOU CHOSE LUCAS ROUTE... This is fine. Adolphe would have a better reaction to Ceres working as Lucas' aide than Scien's maid... Even though in the end in both cases he'd clam it eventually and let Ceres go. He would have stayed quiet as he watched another side to Salome he had never seen before, spewing curses at Scien while he wonders to himself what is their beef.
While he's worried himself about his sister being out so late, he can sense the tension in Salome. After a sip of his tea, he shifts his priorities. ]
It'll be fine since she's with Lucas.
[ He says this to partly to assuage her, but he does confidently think this, which is so funny in hindsight. It comes from watching Lucas break Yves' ribs, then also carry so much supplies to his house. Lucas is also their dear teacher, kind and gentle.
Just like mother. As much as he'd like to see Ceres safe and sound before he goes to sleep, it's fine. ]
And there's no rush. I'm going to be here tomorrow, too.
[ It can still be a surprise? ]
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She follows his assurance with a nod, looking to her reflection with a soft smile. ]
Mm. Tomorrow, then. [ Still, she can't help but sigh. ] Though, to be honest... maybe I should just leave the surprises to you two. You've always done a better job at it, at least.
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Adolphe is content to see that his reassurance works. Salome worries so much and works so hard, so he'd like to do what he can to alleviate some of that stress and weight.
But uh. ]
... I don't think that's true.
[ Does he really do anything aside from... Not say anything? ]
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Hmm... if I remember correctly only one of the two of us came home with a guest unannounced.
[ same guest is currently living with them but that's beside the point ]
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Relenting with a defeated sigh, he doesn't add more or follow with a counter. What kind of son would he be if he talked back to his only parent? ]
Have you been doing well, mother?
[ Despite all the children here, he does worry if him and Ceres being gone leaves her feeling a little lonely. It has been a while since they've seen each other. Busy, busy. ]
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My, my. [ She'd comment on his growing expertise of deflection, but she opts not to. ] The children are all healthy and happy, that is all that I could ask for.
[ A brief pause. ]
I did receive a proposal the other day. That's a bit new.
[ it's not but like whatever ]
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Soured, he gives her a flat look. ]
New in what way...? [ It's not new, but maybe she means the delivery? Not that he cares, though. He lets out a weary sigh like he's so old and tired of dogs sniffing around his beautiful mom. ] How many times will it take for them to get it?
[ MEN!!!!! ]