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[It's an odd thing. Charles can objectively look at himself (or well, the Cat masquerading as him) and know he was attractive. It didn't strike him as a new revelation, but as something he'd been aware of before. Had it been something he made use of? Charisma got a person far when the smiles and banter came from a handsome face after all. And that seemed right too, which made him a little nervous as he didn't know yet why he was familiar with that sort of tactic. Surely if he was friends with people who were so interested in doing good that they'd formed a detective agency, he wasn't doing it to be a prat.
But what if he'd pulled the wool over their eyes too?
Luckily though, the Cat didn't seem to be lingering in the shape overlong, returning to the shape they seemed to prefer-
Or something close enough to it. Female rather than male, but still obviously the Cat. Charles' brows lifted as he took in the differences, curiosity and interest blended once again.]
Prefers... [Charles blinked, gaze back on those big golden eyes again, considering the idea now that it was presented.]
I... well, you're a real stunner like this, but I think you knew that already, [Said easily with a smile and a tilt of his head.] But... I meant it when I called you fit before too, yeah?
[Where did that leave him? He wasn't sure. He also wasn't sure why something about saying it, at least the second part of the admission, made him feel exposed in some way.]
But what if he'd pulled the wool over their eyes too?
Luckily though, the Cat didn't seem to be lingering in the shape overlong, returning to the shape they seemed to prefer-
Or something close enough to it. Female rather than male, but still obviously the Cat. Charles' brows lifted as he took in the differences, curiosity and interest blended once again.]
Prefers... [Charles blinked, gaze back on those big golden eyes again, considering the idea now that it was presented.]
I... well, you're a real stunner like this, but I think you knew that already, [Said easily with a smile and a tilt of his head.] But... I meant it when I called you fit before too, yeah?
[Where did that leave him? He wasn't sure. He also wasn't sure why something about saying it, at least the second part of the admission, made him feel exposed in some way.]
[ That kind of seals it, and so the Cat lets the form drop, reverting to his initial form. But not before giving Charles a satisfied smirk at the easy, oh so easy, compliment. ]
Mmhmmm... [ He hums, less a considering noise and more the sound of someone who's just had their question answered. He knew Charles had had a little fling with their resident psychic — according to the reports from his cats, at least — and he knew Charles didn't reciprocate Edwin's feelings in any meaningful way despite throwing a host of jealous looks around when anyone else got too close, but had been flirting back pretty successfully earlier when the Cat had been laying it on thick... ]
Bisexuality isn't a crime, you know. I don't know how much you've forgotten, but no-one's about to push you in a locker for thinking I'm hot both ways any more. Things have changed a lot since you were alive. It's not perfect, but it's easier.
[ He wonders if something happened in Charles' life to make him lean towards girls, or if he was doing it out of habit. The idea that he might possibly not be attracted to Edwin doesn't compute in the Cat's mind, so that's out. Even though the Cat wants to ask so badly about it, but doing so would mean bringing up Edwin, and reminding himself that he wants to, that it would more than likely fix this, that Charles would have something familiar and comforting to guide him through this instead of the Cat's heavy-handed paws. ]
C'mon, let's keep going. [ He says, starting to walk onwards down the steps to the beach. And then, because his curiosity is making his tongue feel light and sharp in his mouth, and he needs to sate it before he says something ridiculous, he asks: ]
Do you remember anything about your human life, or has the curse taken everything? [ He could get away with feigning concern and magical speculation on the parameters of how this curse has affected Charles with a question like that. But not with what he asks next: ] Do you remember how many girls you've kissed? How many boys?
Mmhmmm... [ He hums, less a considering noise and more the sound of someone who's just had their question answered. He knew Charles had had a little fling with their resident psychic — according to the reports from his cats, at least — and he knew Charles didn't reciprocate Edwin's feelings in any meaningful way despite throwing a host of jealous looks around when anyone else got too close, but had been flirting back pretty successfully earlier when the Cat had been laying it on thick... ]
Bisexuality isn't a crime, you know. I don't know how much you've forgotten, but no-one's about to push you in a locker for thinking I'm hot both ways any more. Things have changed a lot since you were alive. It's not perfect, but it's easier.
[ He wonders if something happened in Charles' life to make him lean towards girls, or if he was doing it out of habit. The idea that he might possibly not be attracted to Edwin doesn't compute in the Cat's mind, so that's out. Even though the Cat wants to ask so badly about it, but doing so would mean bringing up Edwin, and reminding himself that he wants to, that it would more than likely fix this, that Charles would have something familiar and comforting to guide him through this instead of the Cat's heavy-handed paws. ]
C'mon, let's keep going. [ He says, starting to walk onwards down the steps to the beach. And then, because his curiosity is making his tongue feel light and sharp in his mouth, and he needs to sate it before he says something ridiculous, he asks: ]
Do you remember anything about your human life, or has the curse taken everything? [ He could get away with feigning concern and magical speculation on the parameters of how this curse has affected Charles with a question like that. But not with what he asks next: ] Do you remember how many girls you've kissed? How many boys?
[Oh if only the Cat knew. If only he knew how Charles' absolutely burned for Edwin in every way. It was such a part of him, such a vital element that it didn't even strike him as strange. As natural as the sun in the sky. And like the sun, that fire was the reason he existed, at this point.
But then he'd known so few examples of love in his life, was it any surprise that he hadn't realized the potential in that intensity, until Edwin's shaky confession had held up a mirror and let him see the shape of things for the first time?
And where did that leave him now, with all that fire but uncertain where to direct it?
Unaware of the Cat's inner turmoil, especially with his comments about sexuality to chew on, Charles was more than willing to follow the prompting, falling into step alongside his companion as their steps turned them towards the beach. Considering the question that followed, a sensible enough one with what happened, even if the addition had him chuckling faintly.]
I... don't remember, nah. S'all just fog and water. Sometimes you'll bring something up or I'll see something and it'll seem right. Or a bit of memory shakes out. [A vague gesture with a hand, as if he knew that wasn't especially helpful, but it was what he had. But he gives himself a centering shake and a wry smile.]
A gentleman doesn't kiss and tell, Your Majesty, [As if he was a gentleman, the very idea, his teasing smirk seemed to say.] But the idea of kissin' either... feels familiar, yeah.
But then he'd known so few examples of love in his life, was it any surprise that he hadn't realized the potential in that intensity, until Edwin's shaky confession had held up a mirror and let him see the shape of things for the first time?
And where did that leave him now, with all that fire but uncertain where to direct it?
Unaware of the Cat's inner turmoil, especially with his comments about sexuality to chew on, Charles was more than willing to follow the prompting, falling into step alongside his companion as their steps turned them towards the beach. Considering the question that followed, a sensible enough one with what happened, even if the addition had him chuckling faintly.]
I... don't remember, nah. S'all just fog and water. Sometimes you'll bring something up or I'll see something and it'll seem right. Or a bit of memory shakes out. [A vague gesture with a hand, as if he knew that wasn't especially helpful, but it was what he had. But he gives himself a centering shake and a wry smile.]
A gentleman doesn't kiss and tell, Your Majesty, [As if he was a gentleman, the very idea, his teasing smirk seemed to say.] But the idea of kissin' either... feels familiar, yeah.
Edited 2025-09-28 19:19 (UTC)
Mmm. Boring. What's the point in doing anything naughty if you don't brag about it afterwards? [ Heaving a dramatic sigh. ] Well, it's a good thing you remember you're dead, at least. That would have been an awkward conversation, and I couldn't have done much to open your eyes to anything of your life before. I met you post beating heart, I'm sorry to say.
[ The apology sounds tongue in cheek, but it feels oddly genuine when he says it. While the Cat can often joke and tease, he very rarely actually lies; he withholds information, sure, he dodges the truth as gracefully as one might expect a feline body would.. but lying doesn't come easily to him. It sits strangely in his mouth, makes his magic feel wild, makes his awareness feel shaken. Even if the truth will actively do him harm, hurt him, make things worse... If Charles asked what was missing, what the no doubt empty feeling in him is because of, why it feels comfortable but wrong to walk beside the Cat, the Cat would tell him. He knows he would. And he hates that.
And now, as he tells Charles that he's sorry he didn't meet him when he was alive, he's not lying about that either. He wonders if he was the type of boy who was nice to cats, despite clearly preferring dogs.
But, he does know something, doesn't he? He knows Charles chose to stay here, in the world that he was taken from, to instead stay by Edwin's side and to promise to stay there even if it took the press of claws and teeth to keep him so. There must have been something in life that made Charles feel like he needed a second chance, if he gave up on an afterlife for this. Perhaps it's better he doesn't remember. ]
I think you and your little detective team came down here once or twice.
[ He says, as he starts to pick his way along the stony beach, toward the shoreline that loops back around to the docklands, to the cannery. ]
Looking for some giant fish, or something. Nothing to do with me, though I might've helped if you'd asked. Cats are good at fishing.
[ The apology sounds tongue in cheek, but it feels oddly genuine when he says it. While the Cat can often joke and tease, he very rarely actually lies; he withholds information, sure, he dodges the truth as gracefully as one might expect a feline body would.. but lying doesn't come easily to him. It sits strangely in his mouth, makes his magic feel wild, makes his awareness feel shaken. Even if the truth will actively do him harm, hurt him, make things worse... If Charles asked what was missing, what the no doubt empty feeling in him is because of, why it feels comfortable but wrong to walk beside the Cat, the Cat would tell him. He knows he would. And he hates that.
And now, as he tells Charles that he's sorry he didn't meet him when he was alive, he's not lying about that either. He wonders if he was the type of boy who was nice to cats, despite clearly preferring dogs.
But, he does know something, doesn't he? He knows Charles chose to stay here, in the world that he was taken from, to instead stay by Edwin's side and to promise to stay there even if it took the press of claws and teeth to keep him so. There must have been something in life that made Charles feel like he needed a second chance, if he gave up on an afterlife for this. Perhaps it's better he doesn't remember. ]
I think you and your little detective team came down here once or twice.
[ He says, as he starts to pick his way along the stony beach, toward the shoreline that loops back around to the docklands, to the cannery. ]
Looking for some giant fish, or something. Nothing to do with me, though I might've helped if you'd asked. Cats are good at fishing.
[The newest case had seemed straightforward at first. A librarian noting the vanishing of one of her patrons, reaching out to the Dead Boy Detective Agency for assistance in tracking them down. Even she admitted that it was possible that he might have moved on, but something about it didn't seem right to her. So they agreed to look into things.
And they found this was not the only ghost to vanish. One or two was an unfortunate coincidence, but close to a dozen now, that only the ones that they'd found word of, those who had others who noticed their disappearance? That spoke to something larger.
The one thread that bound all the myriad vanished spirits was mention of the Night Market. Not entirely strange- they accepted all sorts there, dead, alive, in-between so long as they obeyed the rules of the place. It was an excellent source of all manner of things, from the mundane to the supernatural. One had to be careful bartering though. It was no Fae thing where consumption bound a person, but anything was up for trade. Most tended towards magical artifacts or trinkets, knowledge and secrets, but some vendors would accept payment in memories. Emotions. Traits or luck, years from a person's life, the color of their hair. Anything had value to someone, and while the rule was the transaction must be willing, that didn't stop someone from having buyer's remorse because they didn't think about what they were trading away.
Normally, Charles wouldn't come here without Edwin. The other was always so much better than him at sussing out the sort of trouble that came from this place, knew more magic, knew more about the supernatural. But he was in the middle of a ritual that couldn't be left unattended, that couldn't be put off, so it was with no small amount of unease that he'd agreed.
Worried or no, Charles couldn't help but be a bit excited. As dangerous as the place could be, the Market was always interesting. So he just made sure his coat was snugged tight around him, that his pack was secure on his shoulder as he cut into the crowd. He tried not to just run into or through people- keeping corporeal for the moment helped with that, but he still had to dodge out of the way of the rare sort who, for some reason despite being able to get to the Night Market, were unable to perceive him. He had his little bundle of things to trade for information, his warnings thanks to Edwin, and knowledge of several ways in and out if things got too dangerous. He was absolutely ready for whatever was to come in this little solo adventure.]
And they found this was not the only ghost to vanish. One or two was an unfortunate coincidence, but close to a dozen now, that only the ones that they'd found word of, those who had others who noticed their disappearance? That spoke to something larger.
The one thread that bound all the myriad vanished spirits was mention of the Night Market. Not entirely strange- they accepted all sorts there, dead, alive, in-between so long as they obeyed the rules of the place. It was an excellent source of all manner of things, from the mundane to the supernatural. One had to be careful bartering though. It was no Fae thing where consumption bound a person, but anything was up for trade. Most tended towards magical artifacts or trinkets, knowledge and secrets, but some vendors would accept payment in memories. Emotions. Traits or luck, years from a person's life, the color of their hair. Anything had value to someone, and while the rule was the transaction must be willing, that didn't stop someone from having buyer's remorse because they didn't think about what they were trading away.
Normally, Charles wouldn't come here without Edwin. The other was always so much better than him at sussing out the sort of trouble that came from this place, knew more magic, knew more about the supernatural. But he was in the middle of a ritual that couldn't be left unattended, that couldn't be put off, so it was with no small amount of unease that he'd agreed.
Worried or no, Charles couldn't help but be a bit excited. As dangerous as the place could be, the Market was always interesting. So he just made sure his coat was snugged tight around him, that his pack was secure on his shoulder as he cut into the crowd. He tried not to just run into or through people- keeping corporeal for the moment helped with that, but he still had to dodge out of the way of the rare sort who, for some reason despite being able to get to the Night Market, were unable to perceive him. He had his little bundle of things to trade for information, his warnings thanks to Edwin, and knowledge of several ways in and out if things got too dangerous. He was absolutely ready for whatever was to come in this little solo adventure.]
[Courtney used to be a regular at the Goblin Market, when it was something she had access to. She learned early on not to eat or drink anything, not to say 'thank you', not to accept gifts. Knowing that her uncle would ground her for lifetimes to come, for foolishness, kept her from bartering things she couldn't afford to lose, for the most part. She did trade the A+ she got on a book report once. It wasn't worth a lot, but the hobgoblin who bought it said there was a niche market for things like that.
She never cared much about her grades, anyway.
The Night Market isn't quite the same, but it's similar enough that she's at home there. If there is some nefarious trafficking of spirits about, she's not (yet) aware of it. Rather, she's been buying ingredients for a particular spell, and having obtained most of what she needs, she's standing by a pen of vampire pumpkins, which are rolling back and forth in the low light, burbling faintly.
She wants ten. What happens if you carve a face into a vampire pumpkin? Will it bite?
She senses a chill, rather than hearing or seeing him coming, and she looks up in time to see him dodge another patron, one who seems oblivious to his existence. Her nose wrinkles in mild disdain: it just seems rude to trip on a ghost. Failing to perceive them is no excuse.] Eesh. You'd think you'd be hard to miss here.
She never cared much about her grades, anyway.
The Night Market isn't quite the same, but it's similar enough that she's at home there. If there is some nefarious trafficking of spirits about, she's not (yet) aware of it. Rather, she's been buying ingredients for a particular spell, and having obtained most of what she needs, she's standing by a pen of vampire pumpkins, which are rolling back and forth in the low light, burbling faintly.
She wants ten. What happens if you carve a face into a vampire pumpkin? Will it bite?
She senses a chill, rather than hearing or seeing him coming, and she looks up in time to see him dodge another patron, one who seems oblivious to his existence. Her nose wrinkles in mild disdain: it just seems rude to trip on a ghost. Failing to perceive them is no excuse.] Eesh. You'd think you'd be hard to miss here.
Edited 2025-10-10 01:31 (UTC)
Some folk sure, just completely ghosted by the lot of ’em… except you!
[His tone is cheerful as he replies, taking refuge near where the stranger was for the moment. Charles enjoyed a crowd, but if he was going to investigate, he also needed to chat people up, right?] Careful now, that sort of attention comes with a bit of responsibility, yeah?
[He'd been about to start in on conversation that would lead that way- easy enough as they were already talking about people's lack of consideration for a ghost and all. But the movement in the little pen they were standing near just drew his attention, and turning to look. Unable to help the way his expression brightened seeing the little gourds rumbling around in little packs.]
Aw! Aw look at these lil lads! [Should he stick his hand down in the pen for one of the closer ones to investigate? No, but then they were so cute he really wanted to see if they were amenable to pets. Which, given his entire lack of blood, was about the only reason that one was bumping his hand, which just had him beaming in delight.] They yours, or are you just a pumpkin aficionado?
[His tone is cheerful as he replies, taking refuge near where the stranger was for the moment. Charles enjoyed a crowd, but if he was going to investigate, he also needed to chat people up, right?] Careful now, that sort of attention comes with a bit of responsibility, yeah?
[He'd been about to start in on conversation that would lead that way- easy enough as they were already talking about people's lack of consideration for a ghost and all. But the movement in the little pen they were standing near just drew his attention, and turning to look. Unable to help the way his expression brightened seeing the little gourds rumbling around in little packs.]
Aw! Aw look at these lil lads! [Should he stick his hand down in the pen for one of the closer ones to investigate? No, but then they were so cute he really wanted to see if they were amenable to pets. Which, given his entire lack of blood, was about the only reason that one was bumping his hand, which just had him beaming in delight.] They yours, or are you just a pumpkin aficionado?
Edited 2025-10-10 01:56 (UTC)
Well, I'm not a fan of the idea people are gonna think I'm talking to myself, but whatever. If they're not here for weird, they're gonna be disappointed.
[Folding her arms, she rests her elbows on the edge of the pen.] Yeah, yeah, with great power comes even greater pains in the ass. If you've got a message or something, I'm game. [He looks about Will's age, and that's a little upsetting, imagining what could kill a teenager...
Then again, Will's already lived an entire lifetime in the Twilight Kingdom so he's not a model of normalcy, either.
She chuckles softly at his interest in the pumpkins, shaking her head.] No, I'm shit at growing things. Kind of tempted to buy a couple, though. There's something cute about the way they growl. Like a spicy feral kitten.
[Folding her arms, she rests her elbows on the edge of the pen.] Yeah, yeah, with great power comes even greater pains in the ass. If you've got a message or something, I'm game. [He looks about Will's age, and that's a little upsetting, imagining what could kill a teenager...
Then again, Will's already lived an entire lifetime in the Twilight Kingdom so he's not a model of normalcy, either.
She chuckles softly at his interest in the pumpkins, shaking her head.] No, I'm shit at growing things. Kind of tempted to buy a couple, though. There's something cute about the way they growl. Like a spicy feral kitten.
Message? Nah, nothin' like that, [He gently gives the pumpkin a nudge to set it rocking back- the thing seems to like that, burbling before rolling back at his hand again to let him catch it and rock it back again like a little game.] Been a lot of ghosts vanishing lately outta London, and this place is the only thing they've all got in common. Came to see what I could find out.
[As if he wasn't just as at risk, what with being a ghost and all.
Another pair of pumpkins came rolling closer, one bumping at the one by Charles' hand, the other doing little hopeful circles within Courtney's reach as if hoping for some attention all it's own.]
I think I'd get that huge one over in the corner- the one that's all bumpy and green? Name 'm Gourdzilla.
[As if he wasn't just as at risk, what with being a ghost and all.
Another pair of pumpkins came rolling closer, one bumping at the one by Charles' hand, the other doing little hopeful circles within Courtney's reach as if hoping for some attention all it's own.]
I think I'd get that huge one over in the corner- the one that's all bumpy and green? Name 'm Gourdzilla.
Cause it's exciting, obviously. [Said with a cheeky little grin, entirely unapologetic.
The apology, joking as the tone was, sounded genuine enough. A casual air painted over actual emotion was a thing Charles was finding familiar in some way, beyond simply knowing people who operated like that. With his own knee-jerk response to things being to smile, to be chipper and make jokes himself despite the situation he'd found himself in, he could only imagine how often he did that himself.]
Aces, means you can't bust out any embarrassing little kid pictures yeah?
[And the prompting was helpful. He had a sense of familiarity in looking around the stretch of beach, but the confirmation did encourage him to be a bit more mindful in his examination of their surroundings. Pausing when he spotted a little bit of seaglass, stooping to pluck it up before continuing to follow, turning it thoughtfully between fingers.]
Remember there was some seaglass that was important. Not sure why, but it seems that way.
[A tilt of his head, considering.]
Cats are good at fishin' yeah, but isn't it a thing that you're not fans of water?
The apology, joking as the tone was, sounded genuine enough. A casual air painted over actual emotion was a thing Charles was finding familiar in some way, beyond simply knowing people who operated like that. With his own knee-jerk response to things being to smile, to be chipper and make jokes himself despite the situation he'd found himself in, he could only imagine how often he did that himself.]
Aces, means you can't bust out any embarrassing little kid pictures yeah?
[And the prompting was helpful. He had a sense of familiarity in looking around the stretch of beach, but the confirmation did encourage him to be a bit more mindful in his examination of their surroundings. Pausing when he spotted a little bit of seaglass, stooping to pluck it up before continuing to follow, turning it thoughtfully between fingers.]
Remember there was some seaglass that was important. Not sure why, but it seems that way.
[A tilt of his head, considering.]
Cats are good at fishin' yeah, but isn't it a thing that you're not fans of water?
[ The Cat doesn't stop for Charles' perusal of the beach, but his ears do perk up at the mention of sea glass. He'd seen that little interaction for himself, rather than through the eyes of his cats; where Niko had given Edwin some sea glass for courage, just after Edwin had been staring at Charles without realising it, when the realisation dawned on him. That had been the day he'd transformed into Charles to tease him, hadn't it?
He doesn't like to think about it. It was a massive faux pas, but it was also potentially the first push to the snowball effect of Edwin's feelings for Charles coming to a head (even though he almost definitely had feelings for him before that) and thinking about it makes the Cat feel... weird. Not angry, not upset, but weird.
He chooses instead to latch on to the latter part of Charles' comment, since it's always so much easier to indulge in talking about himself. ]
I'm not a fan, sure, but I live on the docklands of a coastal town — I'd be in a sorry fucking state if I couldn't handle a bit of water, don't you think?
[ He asks, meandering closer to the water's edge so he can kick a few pebbles into the rolling tide, as if to prove his resilience to the stuff. ]
It's mostly domesticated house cats who fear water. Once you've been a stray for long enough, you stop being so worried about things you don't understand.
He doesn't like to think about it. It was a massive faux pas, but it was also potentially the first push to the snowball effect of Edwin's feelings for Charles coming to a head (even though he almost definitely had feelings for him before that) and thinking about it makes the Cat feel... weird. Not angry, not upset, but weird.
He chooses instead to latch on to the latter part of Charles' comment, since it's always so much easier to indulge in talking about himself. ]
I'm not a fan, sure, but I live on the docklands of a coastal town — I'd be in a sorry fucking state if I couldn't handle a bit of water, don't you think?
[ He asks, meandering closer to the water's edge so he can kick a few pebbles into the rolling tide, as if to prove his resilience to the stuff. ]
It's mostly domesticated house cats who fear water. Once you've been a stray for long enough, you stop being so worried about things you don't understand.
[The sea glass goes into his pocket for the moment, along with the other little bits he'd found there almost without thinking. Clearly a habit of some sort if he pondered it, but for the moment his attention was more on the Cat than the little habit as he lengthened his stride enough to catch up with him.
Not that it was hard- he hadn't been running away, he just hadn't stopped.]
I mean... could be like... exposure therapy? That's a thing.
[Charles hummed thoughtfully at the second part though. That... sounded right. He wasn't sure how he knew, but it did, so he just nodded his understanding.]
Makes sense though. Stray cat's got loads more to worry about than a bit of water, yeah? World's a scary place, 'specially when you're little.
Not that it was hard- he hadn't been running away, he just hadn't stopped.]
I mean... could be like... exposure therapy? That's a thing.
[Charles hummed thoughtfully at the second part though. That... sounded right. He wasn't sure how he knew, but it did, so he just nodded his understanding.]
Makes sense though. Stray cat's got loads more to worry about than a bit of water, yeah? World's a scary place, 'specially when you're little.
[ Oh, but that makes him smile. Helplessly charmed by the idea of Charles showing any kind of empathy such as that to stray cats, the Cat King feels his opinion of Charles sliding from a place that's already pretty positive, toward an even more affectionate one. God, he's so easy; all it takes, really, is a handsome face, enough mystery to keep him keen, and a reluctance to be mean to animals. It's no wonder he falls so hard, so fast and so often. ]
Little, huh?
[ He asks, then snaps his fingers and reappears a moment later as a sleek black cat, tail high in the air, golden eyes like a sunset framed against the blue of the water behind him as he splashes his paws in the white surf. ]
There's nothing little about a cat, puppy. You should watch your mouth.
Little, huh?
[ He asks, then snaps his fingers and reappears a moment later as a sleek black cat, tail high in the air, golden eyes like a sunset framed against the blue of the water behind him as he splashes his paws in the white surf. ]
There's nothing little about a cat, puppy. You should watch your mouth.
Oi, I didn't mean anything by it! [He didn't sound upset by the chiding, especially not with the trick of that transformation to distract him. He didn't hesitate to shift to an easy crouch to be more on the Cat's current level.]
Little's just about size. Nothin' bad about being cat-sized. Makes it loads easier to sneak around, and get into all sorts of places people don't want you gettin' into, I'm sure.
[And unable to help but to grin and give a teasing response to the last bit-]
I mean I could, but you could watch it for me.
Little's just about size. Nothin' bad about being cat-sized. Makes it loads easier to sneak around, and get into all sorts of places people don't want you gettin' into, I'm sure.
[And unable to help but to grin and give a teasing response to the last bit-]
I mean I could, but you could watch it for me.
[She seems a little relieved by that. She'd do the job if he asked, but she doesn't really want to be Haley Joel Osment to his Bruce Willis, as it were. So yeah, it's also good that he knows he's a ghost. Simplifies things.]
Ghosts vanishing? [Then again, maybe it's not simple, after all.] In a way that suggests they didn't just...go into the light or whatever, I take it?
[Not at the Night Market. Not where memories and souls are up for trade all the time. Courtney leans a little lower and scratches the pumpkin next to her obligingly, fingernails making little tapping noises on its rind.] That could be problematic.
[She chuckles at Gourdzilla, though.] I think this group takes cash, for whatever that's worth. You could go for it. I like the little smooth white ones.
Ghosts vanishing? [Then again, maybe it's not simple, after all.] In a way that suggests they didn't just...go into the light or whatever, I take it?
[Not at the Night Market. Not where memories and souls are up for trade all the time. Courtney leans a little lower and scratches the pumpkin next to her obligingly, fingernails making little tapping noises on its rind.] That could be problematic.
[She chuckles at Gourdzilla, though.] I think this group takes cash, for whatever that's worth. You could go for it. I like the little smooth white ones.
Yup. Not a trace, and the ones with friends we talked to all said the same thing- nothing was different, and none of 'em seemed to be sortin' their unfinished business to move on, [A tilt of his head as he pondered the problem, brows furrowing.] No signs of Death havin' shown, no blue light or even red. Like they just waltzed in here and-
[A lift of a hand to imitate a puff of smoke along with a soft sound effect.]
Hmm... I could... [He considered the big pumpkin, humming thoughtfully.] It not having a mouth does mean it can't chew on the first editions, so Edwin won't have any reason to kill me over it...
[A lift of a hand to imitate a puff of smoke along with a soft sound effect.]
Hmm... I could... [He considered the big pumpkin, humming thoughtfully.] It not having a mouth does mean it can't chew on the first editions, so Edwin won't have any reason to kill me over it...
I mean...there are a dozen different types of summoning spells you can use to command a spirit to do your dirty work, but people don't usually use human spirits for that. [Most of them aren't as, um, versatile as a demon. It's a possibility, but not a super likely one, she judges.
And it wouldn't explain why they disappeared here, of all places.] Not sure I like the sound of that.
[A snort of amusement.] I'm told they don't bite. It might roll across your feet and try to trip you up, that's about it.
And it wouldn't explain why they disappeared here, of all places.] Not sure I like the sound of that.
[A snort of amusement.] I'm told they don't bite. It might roll across your feet and try to trip you up, that's about it.
[Charles hemmed at the idea, clicking his tongue against his teeth as he shook his head.] Nah. Like you're sayin, there's loads of better options. Takes a lot more juice than it's worth to press a ghost into service like that, unless they've got some specific skill you're looking to use. And none of these ones were anything like that. Pretty mundane bunch other than the hedge witch, Maryanne.
[Charles liked the idea even less than Courtney did, and it was something to think about, but he was also somewhat relieved that it was a highly unlikely thing in this case.]
Yeah? They get underfoot, well then he's got experience dealin' with me, [Charles chuckled, nodding at the thought.] Y'know, I think I will. The idea's growin' on me.
[And it would be an excellent in on chatting up the owner of this particular setup- he'd spotted her on the other side of the pen, smoking her pipe as she haggled with what looked to be a sprite of some sort over a small strawberry with a multitude of blinking eyes in a tiny glass jar.]
Charlie Row [As close to his actual name as he'd dare giving out- this wasn't the Fae, but there were enough around, let alone other sorts who could do some damage with a name, that he and Edwin just went by close alternatives here. Whatever the case his smile was genuine as he held a hand Courtney's way.] Of the Dead Boy Detectives at your service.
[Charles liked the idea even less than Courtney did, and it was something to think about, but he was also somewhat relieved that it was a highly unlikely thing in this case.]
Yeah? They get underfoot, well then he's got experience dealin' with me, [Charles chuckled, nodding at the thought.] Y'know, I think I will. The idea's growin' on me.
[And it would be an excellent in on chatting up the owner of this particular setup- he'd spotted her on the other side of the pen, smoking her pipe as she haggled with what looked to be a sprite of some sort over a small strawberry with a multitude of blinking eyes in a tiny glass jar.]
Charlie Row [As close to his actual name as he'd dare giving out- this wasn't the Fae, but there were enough around, let alone other sorts who could do some damage with a name, that he and Edwin just went by close alternatives here. Whatever the case his smile was genuine as he held a hand Courtney's way.] Of the Dead Boy Detectives at your service.
[Randomness is worse, in a way. To a witch, that suggests something is grabbing just anyone it can get, collecting energy or souls for some massive undertaking. Ominous.
Also, she can't help but notice a lone ghost boy is kind of sticking his neck out, here. That seems risky. Risky enough that she decides to just...stick around for a little while, as he haggles for his pumpkin.]
Caitlin Crumb. [She answers archly, taking his hand carefully. Her concerns about real names are the same as his, but also her uncle was a rather infamous hunter of wicked sorcerers and powerful vampires, and advertising her connection to him in places like this is like painting a target on her forehead.] Cait for short.
Dead Boy Detectives, huh? How many of you are there?
Also, she can't help but notice a lone ghost boy is kind of sticking his neck out, here. That seems risky. Risky enough that she decides to just...stick around for a little while, as he haggles for his pumpkin.]
Caitlin Crumb. [She answers archly, taking his hand carefully. Her concerns about real names are the same as his, but also her uncle was a rather infamous hunter of wicked sorcerers and powerful vampires, and advertising her connection to him in places like this is like painting a target on her forehead.] Cait for short.
Dead Boy Detectives, huh? How many of you are there?
Cheers, Cait. [And like most ghosts who've been there a while? It's like shaking hands with anyone else. Maybe a touch under the normal body temperature but can't have it all!]
It's me and my best mate Edmund, [He can't help the way his grin brightens as he talks about them, fake names or no.] Normally it'd be the pair of us, he's proper brills at investigating, but he's got a ritual to babysit so it's down to me!
[If Courtney has any sense for people? How bad Charles has it for his partner is blindingly obvious.]
It's me and my best mate Edmund, [He can't help the way his grin brightens as he talks about them, fake names or no.] Normally it'd be the pair of us, he's proper brills at investigating, but he's got a ritual to babysit so it's down to me!
[If Courtney has any sense for people? How bad Charles has it for his partner is blindingly obvious.]
[Impressive. She hasn't known a whole lot of ghosts personally, but she's familiar enough with the lore to make a guess or two. She's also familiar enough with teenage boys in love that she picks up on the subtext right away. For a second, she gives a subtle smirk, but then she's back to business.]
So you're stuck doing the legwork, huh? You're not worried something's going to snatch you up while you're investigating?
So you're stuck doing the legwork, huh? You're not worried something's going to snatch you up while you're investigating?
Nah, I'll just give 'em a proper swat, really make 'em regret tryin'. [And an idle wriggle of a hand where a little charm bracelet flashes silver just under the edge of a leather glove.] And if that fails, got a tracking charm, so he'll know right where to go.
[Not that this was the only charmed tracker Charles carried, but he wasn't about to say that. And tracking charm or no, he had utter faith in Edwin to find him no matter where he wound up.]
What about you? What's got you hangin' around, aside from the adorable vegetation?
[Not that this was the only charmed tracker Charles carried, but he wasn't about to say that. And tracking charm or no, he had utter faith in Edwin to find him no matter where he wound up.]
What about you? What's got you hangin' around, aside from the adorable vegetation?
If you say so... [She begins, but then the glimmer of the bracelet catches her eye and she looks like she wants to laugh out loud. She twitches her sleeve aside subtly, and a similar piece of jewelry glistens on her own wrist.]
Ha! See, mine only goes one way. Tells me if my brother's in trouble but he doesn't get any news about me. [The last thing she needs is Will trying to come to her rescue again. He's getting better at looking after himself, but he shouldn't have to consider her in that equation.]
Ritual components for a spell. [She shrugs.] Phalaris grass is hard to come by, even in specialty stores.
Ha! See, mine only goes one way. Tells me if my brother's in trouble but he doesn't get any news about me. [The last thing she needs is Will trying to come to her rescue again. He's getting better at looking after himself, but he shouldn't have to consider her in that equation.]
Ritual components for a spell. [She shrugs.] Phalaris grass is hard to come by, even in specialty stores.
[Charles can't help but laugh a little at that coincidence, expression brightening.]
Y'know, I tried to convince Edmund to do it as a two-way, but he just gave me this look yeah? [He does his best to mimic the level of 'really Charles?' that Edwin had managed, but he didn't quite have the stoicism for it, or the eyebrows to really sell it.] Nice though, that your brother's got you lookin' out for him.
[It always cheered Charles up to see families where the members cared about each other.]
Phalaris grass? [A soft little hum as he tilted his head, considering.] I think my partner had us harvestin' that a bit back- had to go back a bunch of times, so he could get some during the full moon, waning, waxing, new, all that. Something about the moon changing the properties? Would likely consider some of that a fair trade for helping me canvas the place for what's happenin' to our missing ghosts.
[Edwin would not, but he could hardly say no to Charles at the best of times.]
Y'know, I tried to convince Edmund to do it as a two-way, but he just gave me this look yeah? [He does his best to mimic the level of 'really Charles?' that Edwin had managed, but he didn't quite have the stoicism for it, or the eyebrows to really sell it.] Nice though, that your brother's got you lookin' out for him.
[It always cheered Charles up to see families where the members cared about each other.]
Phalaris grass? [A soft little hum as he tilted his head, considering.] I think my partner had us harvestin' that a bit back- had to go back a bunch of times, so he could get some during the full moon, waning, waxing, new, all that. Something about the moon changing the properties? Would likely consider some of that a fair trade for helping me canvas the place for what's happenin' to our missing ghosts.
[Edwin would not, but he could hardly say no to Charles at the best of times.]
[She laughs again, softly and a little wryly. At least she doesn't get quite that level of sass from Will, most of the time. Big sister is a softer authority figure than a parent, but still authoritative enough to brook no arguments.] I try.
I'm shit at dealing with people in general, but I try.
[Not like her parents put forth a lot of effort to care for him, but that's...complicated. She thinks they like him at least as much as they ever did her, but it's a low bar.]
Yeah, it's--huh. Is your guy a sorcerer or something? That's a lot of work. [If he doesn't consider her tagging along with Charles a fair trade, she could probably share some of her books.] I'm curious what's up, anyway. I was trying to think of a way of following you without being creepy, so I think we have a deal.
I'm shit at dealing with people in general, but I try.
[Not like her parents put forth a lot of effort to care for him, but that's...complicated. She thinks they like him at least as much as they ever did her, but it's a low bar.]
Yeah, it's--huh. Is your guy a sorcerer or something? That's a lot of work. [If he doesn't consider her tagging along with Charles a fair trade, she could probably share some of her books.] I'm curious what's up, anyway. I was trying to think of a way of following you without being creepy, so I think we have a deal.
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