01

[buriedvigil]

Sender: Anonymous, but signed as 'Gossip' on the bottom
To: Everyone
Subject: Helpful titbit

A place that dozen't ask for any coin, you'd think that'd be a beggar's haven! But findin' myself lacking reason to sell my wares, so feel fortunate you're gettin' the best gossip from Fresno Street for completely free here.

And I got here a bit that's an absolute smasher! Now, got ye eyes glued to the page?

[Since it's all reading now, it's definitely different from telling passer-bys on the street. It's okay, he'll adapt.]

Just between uz, saw a man throw a shoe directly at another fella! Straight from the ground to a treehouse and it knocked the guy clean over! Everyone talkin' about these dreamotion abilities, but I witnessed with my very eyes how effective a shoe can be.

Maybe we should all start practicin' that move. But if you wanna tell me an effective alternative, I got me eyes open. Ya know, in case I run outta shoes.


[Contrary to his icon, Vigil is dressed in a nice enough suit, the blue overtone matching the gloom that seems to surround the man. There's definitely an exhausted air to him as he stares up at the fruit hanging from the tree, because this is apparently his life now. And he thought the whole business back home was tiring...]

Exploding fruits.....

[Because it can't be normal fruits here, they have to explode if touched. So, the only way to get them down is through those abilities everyone's been using, but... he really hasn't been practicing that. He looks around to anyone that's also working on this task and he musters up some courage, before addressing the other person.]

I do apologize, but... are you familiar with these dreamotion abilities?

Comments

[discourtesies]

I beg to differ. If you were familiar with that man, you would know he has a habit of thrusting his arm out quite forcefully. It's hardly worth remarking upon.

[...... okay, he'll maybe bite. Not that he's planning on spreading an unscrupulous rumors.]

Like what?

[buriedvigil]

Eh? Sounds like you personally know the fella with the good arm.

No no, that's not the deal now. That first one was for free, but you gotta tell me somethin' interesting for anything more. Maybe something about that shoe thrower.

[discourtesies]

You seem to misunderstand the circumstances.

[He's not going to outright say he's the one who was assaulted, even if that might be obvious enough to any reader with half a brain at this point. Still!!!

He's half of the equation in this ridiculous message, he's just provided an additional detail, and he still considers Vigil in his debt.]

I have already paid you.

[buriedvigil]

[..........]

I've set me price, Mr. Anonymous. Can't goz around makin' exceptions for anyone here. Aren't askin' for much, only cost you one extra detail.

[discourtesies]

[Look, he's already spent way too long talking shit about certain Japanese legal types. He's trying to reform! But he's also trying to not be humiliated in a public forum, so no details will be given to explain how he's already paid... yet.]

You will change your mind once we next speak in person.

[He'll just have to harass the man with his voice instead of his writing.]

[buriedvigil]

What's that??? Oi, no need to come over. Can't imagine sellin' one piece of gossip when you're spookin' up the place.

[discourtesies]

Do not attempt to evade me. I will find you.

[oh my god barok please]

[buriedvigil]

[Why is he getting bullied!!]

Hold you horses! No need for that! I'll tell you, as a one time deal. Just keep it between uz, can't let customers know I'm showin' any favorites. A pedlar has his code.

[discourtesies]

[What's that? You're looking forward to seeing him, is it? Well, don't worry, van Zieks isn't wasting any more time on responding, when that's time he could be using to find you. :)

He isn't actually going to actively look for the guy today—it's hardly worth it, he's sure—but he's not clarifying that. Sometimes you just need a little anxiety to spice up your life, you know.

They will have a discussion when they next meet, though. Vigil can count on that.]

[buriedvigil]

[Why isn't the Reaper saying anything!! It's somehow even more intimidating! For all Vigil knows, the man is already on his way to deliver Judgment.]

You still there? Got yours listenin' ears on? Heard there's more than one guy with the nickname 'Reaper' that goes around.

[discourtesies]

[Another "Reaper," hm?

He considers answering, acknowledging that the information has been received. Possibly asking for further details.

... but no. Silence is an effective tool, it seems. Even if Vigil ends up considering the current conversation a lost cause, he'll certainly have those details the next time they meet. Van Zieks can simply ask then.]

[buriedvigil]

..........

[Maybe he should go find a hiding spot or something soon. Even though he hasn't really told his location to anyone, he wouldn't be surprised if the man found him through his Reaper powers.]

That's the bit. Don't have anythin' else for you. So, we're all clear, deal's been made. Don't need to show your pale face to me.

[discourtesies]

[Has the deal been made? One must wonder...

Either way, they'll speak again soon enough.]