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.
[ Arms folded truly is the defensive and/or thinky pose. He takes in what Apollo says and... It makes so much more sense than whatever Arpéchéle does, but he hasn't questioned it. It's hard to when it's something you accept and lived with your whole life.
Still, sometimes he thinks about some sent to execution may have not deserved it. ]
I don't doubt that. People find it easier to have a scapegoat.
[ Despicable... But if at all they had systems that worked, then... No, he isn't here for sociopolitical discussion. He had wanted a private place to talk and he cycles back to what Apollo originally asked. Where is he from? Awful question to answer. Next one. ]
I'm here to look for a solution—a cure... For a curse.
[ in this case it is currently the thinky pose. why is arpéchéle the way it is, actually? apollo has plenty of questions about that, but he's more distracted with what else adolphe has to say.
such as the talks of a curse, for instance. yes, yes, they could talk about scapegoats all day, but this is... unusual. ]
A curse. [ he repeats it just to make sure he's understood correctly. ] What... kind of a curse, exactly?
[ And what kind of a cure? Maybe that's the better question. ]
[ ... well. that's not at all where he thought this was going, so pardon him if he's left blinking at adolphe for a moment. ]
Is... living the curse itself, or are you... [ hold on, give him a second. he's almost twenty-three himself, so. ] Elaborate a little for me. Is this the curse or is that what you're trying to do?
... Living to twenty-three also means dying at twenty-three.
[ He tried to soften the blow a bit for someone who isn't from the cursed island, though he normally wouldn't. Right now, he's careful with his words, even though he trusted Apollo enough to take him to this enclosed
messy space.
It's hard to take Apollo as an assailant after seeing this agency, unfortunately, but he is on guard always. ]
It's a phenomena in the country I've been living in... Even though the rest of the world can live past it.
[ that's completely fair. some people have called apollo a demon solely because of his hair. but he hears what adolphe says, and he frowns for a moment because that sounds kind of. uh. bad? that sounds really bad actually. ]
So the country itself is the source of the curse. Do you have any idea how it may have started? Or if the curse will break if you leave the country?
[ You do have weird hair, Apollo, but Adolphe just thinks it's reminiscent of a parrot? A little birdie. That isn't enough for Adolphe to believe you need to be cut down, at least. ]
... I think it's either the island or it's the people there. [ Could it possibly be both? ] There was tale a century ago of a drifter, someone from beyond the sea, who washed to shore and that was how they learned their lifespan is abnormal. There aren't a lot of records dating further back.
[ There's a pause, a bit resistant for whatever reason to give this, but he is a private person. ]
I'm not going to die anytime soon. [ He is an adult by appearance. ] What's this country like?
[ this doesn't help narrow things down, but he listens to the story anyway. ]
And this drifter brought the abnormality to your island. [ well. ] People live almost four times as long as the people on your island. Things are busy here, people have jobs and families and rules in place to keep the country running. I think I told you a little about how trials and the law work here. There's a lot about this country that people may or may not like, depending on where you stand on certain things, but there are some places that're quieter than others. You kinda just happened to step into one of the busiest cities around.
More like the drifter brought with him the truth...
[ And so set the spiral of the people on the island, learning that they should be living longer than what they do. Ignorance is bliss. Adolphe doesn't seem that sympathetic to those plights, though. ]
It was very loud and crowded where I showed up. [ If he had a choice, he'd show up somewhere quieter with less people. It's fine. ] That means everything is normal here?
If you'd never met anyone outside of your island and nobody's ever come before I guess that would definitely turn everything upside down. [ which is its own headache. ]
That's just Los Angeles for you, but... yeah. People are busy and there's always a lot going on. Most people probably don't even think about death until it happens to them. Or they're about to be murdered. [ a pensive frown. there are many murders. ] "Normal" might be a stretch, but things are average here, let's go with that.
The fact that someone had to appear from the outside to even give you an idea people can live longer... [ your island is truly cursed. but he does appear to be thinking because while this is very unusual, apollo does find it interesting and would ultimately like to have some idea. ]
As much as we're an anything agency, I don't know if any of us personally know much in the way of development in technology. I may have some people to refer you to though? At least one. She's a detective with a forensics background, so she would know more about DNA and stuff.
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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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Still, sometimes he thinks about some sent to execution may have not deserved it. ]
I don't doubt that. People find it easier to have a scapegoat.
[ Despicable... But if at all they had systems that worked, then... No, he isn't here for sociopolitical discussion. He had wanted a private place to talk and he cycles back to what Apollo originally asked. Where is he from? Awful question to answer. Next one. ]
I'm here to look for a solution—a cure... For a curse.
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such as the talks of a curse, for instance. yes, yes, they could talk about scapegoats all day, but this is... unusual. ]
A curse. [ he repeats it just to make sure he's understood correctly. ] What... kind of a curse, exactly?
[ And what kind of a cure? Maybe that's the better question. ]
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No talk about scapegoats. Talking in circles does no one any good, so... He tries to find the words for this and every combination sounds insane.
He comes out with it, quietly. ]
... Living to twenty-three.
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Is... living the curse itself, or are you... [ hold on, give him a second. he's almost twenty-three himself, so. ] Elaborate a little for me. Is this the curse or is that what you're trying to do?
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[ He tried to soften the blow a bit for someone who isn't from the cursed island, though he normally wouldn't. Right now, he's careful with his words, even though he trusted Apollo enough to take him to this enclosed
messy space.
It's hard to take Apollo as an assailant after seeing this agency, unfortunately, but he is on guard always. ]
It's a phenomena in the country I've been living in... Even though the rest of the world can live past it.
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So the country itself is the source of the curse. Do you have any idea how it may have started? Or if the curse will break if you leave the country?
[ and then he pauses to look at him. ]
How old are you?
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... I think it's either the island or it's the people there. [ Could it possibly be both? ] There was tale a century ago of a drifter, someone from beyond the sea, who washed to shore and that was how they learned their lifespan is abnormal. There aren't a lot of records dating further back.
[ There's a pause, a bit resistant for whatever reason to give this, but he is a private person. ]
I'm not going to die anytime soon. [ He is an adult by appearance. ] What's this country like?
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And this drifter brought the abnormality to your island. [ well. ] People live almost four times as long as the people on your island. Things are busy here, people have jobs and families and rules in place to keep the country running. I think I told you a little about how trials and the law work here. There's a lot about this country that people may or may not like, depending on where you stand on certain things, but there are some places that're quieter than others. You kinda just happened to step into one of the busiest cities around.
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[ And so set the spiral of the people on the island, learning that they should be living longer than what they do. Ignorance is bliss. Adolphe doesn't seem that sympathetic to those plights, though. ]
It was very loud and crowded where I showed up. [ If he had a choice, he'd show up somewhere quieter with less people. It's fine. ] That means everything is normal here?
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That's just Los Angeles for you, but... yeah. People are busy and there's always a lot going on. Most people probably don't even think about death until it happens to them. Or they're about to be murdered. [ a pensive frown. there are many murders. ] "Normal" might be a stretch, but things are average here, let's go with that.
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It did, yeah. It jumpstarted research and development in technology to prolong lifespans.
[ The fear of death ran RAMPANT. ]
That seems normal enough to me. [ A pause. ] I'm guessing that isn't something your agency would be able to handle...
[ He knows it's an odd request. Frankly, he isn't sure where to start, much like how he wouldn't know where to sit in this room if he wanted to. ]
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The fact that someone had to appear from the outside to even give you an idea people can live longer... [ your island is truly cursed. but he does appear to be thinking because while this is very unusual, apollo does find it interesting and would ultimately like to have some idea. ]
As much as we're an anything agency, I don't know if any of us personally know much in the way of development in technology. I may have some people to refer you to though? At least one. She's a detective with a forensics background, so she would know more about DNA and stuff.
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