dreamcrystals

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01

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?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[The name isn't familiar to him, maybe Gregson mentioned Miss Lestrade to him in passing sometime? But most of the time, the inspector just told him where he needed to be and what he needed to do, before giving him his identification papers. Meetings have always been somewhat brief like that, and that was fine with Vigil, since he suspected the man to be very busy with his police work.

...Sometimes, however, Gregson looked at him with real concern. And maybe something a little more? He's not sure, and guess... well, he won't be able to ask him of anything when he returns. Because Gregson is already dead, even in his time.

As Vigil buries his head in his hand, Susato may feel that earlier sensation around her throat, just squeezing lightly once more. Thoughts of Gregson has him deeply troubled, not to mention the name of another person that he doesn't really recognize.]

...No, I don't recall that name at all. Is... is she someone I'm supposed to know by now? I'm deeply sorry, Miss Mikotoba, this must be tiring for you to deal with.

[ Susato finds herself clearing her throat, lightly rubbing at it once more when the sensation hits. It is deeply unpleasant; nevertheless, she shakes her head sheepishly. ]

N-No, it's quite alright. I should be the one to apologize. I hate to upset you like this... If it is tiring for me, I can't imagine how it must feel for you.

...Maybe it would be best if I answered your queries instead.

[Oh dear, he really hasn't been great company, has he? Of course, he could fault the topic of conversation, but Vigil is under no illusion that he's normally a fantastic conversational partner. He'll have to work on that!! He... wants to, if so that people don't entirely regret speaking with him. Not to mention, he doesn't want Miss Mikotoba to feel bad for anything, especially when it comes to his memories.

He pulls his head away from his hand, and while he isn't smiling, Vigil doesn't look like he's about to collapse. So, sort of an improvement.]

Please, don't feel bad. I... the memories that escape me are most likely no one's fault but my own. I can only express my appreciation that you aren't pushing that subject more.

This Gina Lestrade... is there something in particular I should know about her?

[ Despite the improvement, which is welcome, of course, Susato still watches him like a hawk for any changes. Even though he isn't smiling, she starts to, lips curling--which hopefully helps a little. ]

She is... a bright young lady who grew up in the East End slums. A pickpocket who was once on the dock herself, who turned her life around and found herself working at the Yard... thanks to Inspector Gregson. [ ~~And Sholmes.~~ ]

The Inspector assisted Miss Lestrade with getting a job at the Yard?

[As rough as Gregson could be, hearing this extra bit from Susato only increases the respect Vigil has for him. He truly cared, didn't he? Assisting him with money, even though he didn't have a reason to. He could've just ignored him as Gossip and went along his day.

...

His voice is still quiet, but he smiles just a little, a new appreciative tone coming from him.]

That sounds like him. He was always thinking about others, even outside of his job.

[ Susato nods quietly. Even though Stronghart had tried to take that job away from her... she chooses not to dwell on that and has a somewhat pleasant, reminiscent look on her face. ]

He meant a great deal to her. Much like he did to you.

You two would have that in common, I think. [ She wonders if, even in Vigil's future, whether they ever had a chance to realize that. She doesn't think so. ]

[He really hasn't thought of Gregson in that manner before, but he doesn't really have it in him to argue against her observation. The inspector provided him with a good amount of money to keep his family afloat, but it's not just about the money. Maybe it's the kindness behind Gregson's actions that stick out...

...

Although, is it really that simple? Vigil would like to think that, but there's still something nagging in him. It's not large enough for him to air out that particular concern, however.]

I'd like to meet her someday... it sounds like she's carrying on Gregson's legacy. [He raises his hands suddenly, one resting on his shoulder and one resting on his waist.]

I... don't think the man had children, so I imagine that it would mean a lot to him.

[ She... can't comment on Gregson's family or whether he had children. The inspector seemed content to keep to himself, and he can only guess how accurate Iris's stories are. If she really was estranged from his wife, she would've dared not ask him about it.

Even so, she'd like to agree with him, both for his sake and Gina's. ]

Last I checked, she was... trying very hard. [ Progress was a struggle, but progress nonetheless. ] In truth, I don't know whether I can hope in good conscience that she will show up here, but...I shall be happy to introduce you if she does.

[He's not entirely sure if he'd want more people to be brought here... not even his lovely wife. This place can be dangerous and Vigil would never forgive himself if something were to happen to her. ...He wonders if Miss Susato's father feels the same way, having his daughter be here. It's the responsibility of a parent to watch over their family, after all.

But he nods appreciatively, because he's trying to stop himself from worrying too much about something else.]

Thank you, Miss Mikotoba. [...] I'm unsure if I'd be able to give her much closure regarding Inspector Gregson, but... I wouldn't mind trying.

[ Gina could be difficult, but it seems he's already had plenty of practice with someone far more so in Barok. A small smile grows on her lips, and while she is not standing, she still bows her head lightly. ]

I'm sure you would be great.

[ There's a pause as she considers what to say next. ]

In light of everything... I would advise you just be careful if you are ever to run into the name Seishiro Jigoku. [ ...To use someone he's a little more familiar with... ] Or... Mael Stronghart.

[It's great that Miss Mikotoba has so much faith in him...... he'll do his best to live up to that.]

I'm unfamiliar with Jigoku, but... [It's not hard to figure out that this Jigoku individual is most likely connected to Gregson's death, probably the actual person responsible for that crime. Japanese, sounding, if he knows anything about that. However, Stronghart is definitely more familiar to him.]

...Lord Stronghart? I do know of him. I can only assume that he's involved with the darker conspiracies that you've mentioned about the British upper-class.

... [ She confirms this with a firm nod. The more she thinks about those two, the more livid she gets, so forgive her if she's a little short on the topic. ] I'm afraid he's at the heart of it all... yes. The very top.

[ Granted, he's already been stripped of any power by her time, but she's still not sure what a man that unhinged is capable of doing. Especially with dreamotion. ]

[He notices the anger coming from her, mostly because he's never really quite seen Miss Mikotoba display any sort of hostility towards anyone before. Granted, he still doesn't know her all too well, but... he's gotten the picture of just how vile Lord Stronghart really is. It's starting to sound like Gregson's death is not the only death he's somehow responsible for. Or at least, had a hand in.

It's scary to think that such a terrible person holds such power in their judicial system. Vigil raises a hand to his chest, gripping it slightly as he considers everything she's said.]

...I've spoken to many murderers over the years. Most of them lack any regret for the crimes they've committed. [Especially if they're the ones sentenced to capital punishment in the most secure prison in Britain.]

[ The only regret she saw or heard from Stronghart mainly came from being caught... though, what he says then does give her a stark reminder that it was Vigil's life at one point. Dealing with the worst of the worst.

Even though she was the one who wanted to open up the floor to questions, of course she finds a way to ask one herself, curious as she is. ]

Over the years... that must have been quite horrible to hear, over and over. I can see how you would have come to block it out.

... I do wonder if you miss it sometimes, though. Your old job.

...I remember most of my time at Barclay. Perhaps not every conversation I've had, but I do remember all of the convicts that I've watched over.

[...Is that right? No, he's probably missing something that happened 10 years ago. It's been an ongoing theme whenever he talks to someone from their world. It's something he really should try to remember, but there's just something stopping him-- preventing him from going too far.]

I left voluntarily. [He certainly misses the stability of the job. But he left for a reason, right? He... woke up in the hospital one time, it probably has to do with that.] But there's some benefits to it that I miss. I... want to provide the best life possible for my family and my job as the chief warder assured that.

[ He still thinks that............ aaahhhh. Susato nods, not wanting to say anything different, because he specifically requested this of her. That his memories from ten years ago be something he personally work on.

Financial stability is certainly an important point not to be ignored, but Susato isn't quite sure that's what she was getting at. ]

Didn't it scare you, though? Being around that many criminals... [ Maybe not Genshin Asogi, but even he had killed once. ] Did they ever try to hurt you?

It was a little scary at times, especially in the beginning, but they weren't in any position to attack, since they were shackled and I always had a firearm on my person.

[Sometimes, they looked like they were going to attack him, but they took one look at him and decided to forgo it. Vigil is pretty sure that he's not an intimidating person, so maybe it was a change of heart?? Or just the gun on him.]

On very rare occasions, they tried to hurt me, but ah... they never got very far. [Except for the time he ended in the hospital, but was a criminal truly responsible for it? That would make the most sense.]

[ The irony that they'd allow something like the Karuma for Genshin to hide his 'weapon,' and yet have a hard rule against something like writing utensils... she can't help think that Vigil might've been a bit lucky too, at times. ]

Well, that's good. The system worked for you in some regard, at least... [ Though the same system also screwed him over massively. ] Maybe once you get your memories sorted, you could write about your experiences.

[He's never thought about writing about his experiences before. It seems almost morbid, but crime novels are quite popular-- look at Herlock Sholmes for one. Reading about death row inmates before they're finally executed... Vigil can see some people wanting to read that.

But he can also see some people look at that with great distaste. He mostly wonders if Evie would approve of such a thing.]

...Writing full on stories isn't something I've done before. Do you think people would want to read about the final days of some individuals? It's... often sobering.

... [ Well Susato would read it, for one. But perhaps she should not volunteer so readily for something so morbid. ] I have read that it is therapeutic, and I can attest first hand that writing makes me feel better.

It would mainly be for your benefit, Mr Vigil. Though my guess is... you are currently wondering whether your wife and family would approve.

[He can see the appeal of it to some degree. He doesn't distrust Susato's claim that writing can be therapeutic, but...

Ah, it seems like she already has figured out his hesitation about all this. Vigil isn't sure if he should be a little intimidated about how easily she can read him, but he nods in response.]

...While I was employed at Barclay, my job was never a topic of discussion with our neighbors and such. I dare not put my family in an uncomfortable situation just to make myself feel better.

[ In truth, Susato is rather at a loss for what to say. Even though she managed to pinpoint what worries him, it is not as though she can speak for Evie, and she cannot blame him for worrying about it as if she were here.

... ]

At the same time... I think they would want you to feel better. It could be private, like a diary of sorts, at least until you have decided how you feel.

...

[Evie definitely worries about him sometimes, and he loves her with his entire being. It's always a balance between being fully honest about keeping his anxiety and negative feelings inside and actually telling her what's been eating at him. He's already been quite terrible keeping his unemployment from her.]

A diary...? [He seems to slump a little, but despite his reaction, Vigil doesn't completely brush the idea aside.] I... I suppose that wouldn't hurt anyone. Maybe I should write things down before I start forgetting even more.

[ His initial reaction doesn't inspire confidence. Somehow she got the feeling that he wouldn't be completely sold on the idea--she doesn't know if diaries were just "girl" things or what. Either way, since he doesn't reject it completely, she nods. ]

Exactly. I... I have plenty of notebooks if you need one to get started.

[ Except they are all pink/purple/varying degrees of Susato-flavored, so... ]

[Perhaps in a predictable manner, Vigil starts to protest, his words coming quickly.]

I couldn't possibly take one your notebooks--

[He's already troubled her enough with his problems and everything. If he really wants to start doing something like this, he can probably pick up something on his own; Vigil really doesn't want to waste something she owns when she probably has far more use for it.]

I'll find a shop once I'm ready.

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