Second Dark Hole

[cueball]

[Phone;]

I must say, for the first time I've ever been part of one of these random occurences of the town deciding to be exceptionally cruel, it seems that the cruelty is coming more from the people in the town than the ones who control it. The people being of course you, whoever you are listening in on this. How many times have people said 'killing is wrong' and 'this is a clear and obvious trap' now, I'm starting to lose count. Why can't people say more cheerful things, like how nice the weather is or that half of the town isn't dead yet.

Or is half the town dead? I doubt you're keeping count, being too busy either hiding in your home or slaughtering others, claiming you did in self-defense, but really who believes you? For then record, I believe you.

Overall I give this a 4 out of 10. I expected a lot more out of a town that apparently tortures us. Really, making others do your own dirty work? Your own prisoners at that. You aren't being very gracious hosts. After I went through all the trouble of filling out that census, hoping for something more shocking. Maybe I'm just getting too old to be exceptionally horrified that people kill other people. Ground breaking news. Next time we'll learn that the color of Earth's sky is blue and that most humans have a lifespan averaged on about 70 to 80 years. Haa Haa.

Keep up in good spirits everyone, there is nothing to fear but fear itself and let me prematurely insert any empty morality filled speech here. You can fill in the blanks, right?

[Phone; Filtered to Touko Aozaki]

You said you were a seamstress once. I have a job for you and I promise upfront compensation for your efforts.

[Phone; Filtered to Charles Fei-Ong]

Good day Charles. Don't try to think how I got your number or that I know you live at 767 Bunker Street, it isn't important. What is important is that I drew you as my next target. I hope you won't be offended if I come over and kill you. Or maybe you will kill me. My omniscience isn't working as well as it should be, so nothing is really certain. Don't take it personally - your luck just didn't come out well on this particular occasion.

If you want to take it personally that's fine too.

Comments

Filtered

[puppeteerings.livejournal.com]

Ah, people aren't reviving right away, but according to one phonecall, all this will be over eventually and all the dead will come back. Until then, it's just people caving to mental pressure, or reveling in the chaos because that's simply what they do. There are probably other reasons too, but those two must be the most common. Death isn't a trifling matter, but I do confess that I can't take it seriously right now, not with how this town has arranged things to be. Good to hear from you though, Doctor Scratch.

[Hey there was a segment but nothing's stopping her from addressing the whole!]

Oh? That does sound interesting, but given the times, you can't be asking me to make you a new shirt. I can probably guess it, but might as well hear it from you. What do you need done?

Filtered

[cueballer.livejournal.com]

So I have heard. I'm merely taking part in this nonsense as an educational experience. Learning more about Mayfield through this method will help me fill many of the dark holes that surround me. Receiving my powers, however temporary they may be, is an added bonus.

Back from my dimension there was a man who tailored the coat of my boss. He also doubled as a pseudo-medic, though his qualifications dubious. A long story that you wouldn't care to hear short, I need stitches around my arms.

Filtered

[puppeteerings.livejournal.com]

That happened to me too, but I haven't killed anyone. It seems like my target got himself killed, but I got a new notice anyway. I do agree, however: it's something of an eye-opener.

Hah, maybe you can tell it to me some other time. Do know that seamstresses normally don't stitch up people, though that would also make me an exception. I'm well-versed in the human body, so if it's something like a bullet wound, I can take care of it. Where and when would you like to meet?

Filtered

[cueballer.livejournal.com]

I can meet you anywhere that is comfortable for you. Provided you won't use that sewing needle to poke my eyes out. Having them is a strange feeling, but without them I can't exactly see.

[puppeteerings.livejournal.com]

[She laughs a little.] I haven't been as busy as you have, Doctor Scratch. I've just been focusing on staying alive, and unless I've somehow been reassigned to you, seeing that I've spoken to my supposed killer a few days ago, that would be a big waste from both our sides. You would also be gracious enough to let me know if you had to kill me, would I be wrong to assume? So either way, I'm not too concerned. [Not even touching the other side because well... while YES she's not powerless, she's also aware that she's pretty squishy and hence would be quite easy to kill. Fairly certain that he can get rid of her in an eyeblink, so there was no use to elaborate on her side.]

Heh, I've already dealt with a couple of bullet wounds from my employee earlier this week, so I have all the necessary tools in my house. It would be simpler if you could come to 1765 Beaver Street; as long as you let me know by at least 10 minutes in advance, so I can get my things ready. How does that sound?

[cueballer.livejournal.com]

That sounds more than fine. I'll make sure to call you as soon as I'm done with my next target. It should be an easy enough kill. [Thanks to his omniscience he already knows what Charles looks like. Not a very intimidating person at all either, in Scratch's eyes.]

[puppeteerings.livejournal.com]

My, you do sound busy. What's your current count, if you don't mind me asking? [This is totally a good topic.]

[cueballer.livejournal.com]

Currently? So far two. However, the town seems to think I have killed three oddly enough.

[puppeteerings.livejournal.com]

One of your targets must have offed him or herself through some other way; that's happened to me. I have an acquaintance who's also climbing through the ranks; good luck to you both. [Though the tone pretty much indicates that she's not counting on luck for any of them.] Ah, I'll be waiting for that call. Until then, Doctor Scratch?

filtered;

[encored]

[he knew that line would come back to bite him on the ass some day, last time he'll ever use 'don't take it personally' on anyone.

once the initial shock subsides, Charles's grip on the phone tightens, not out of fear, but adrenaline. it's been days since he's fought anyone, days since the overwhelming feeling of being abandoned started plaguing him. feeling something that isn't sick-to-your-stomach loneliness is a strange but welcome change, even if it had to come in such an unlucky form.

he stares at the neat bedsheets covering Hong Kong's body and then at the window, free hand resting on the stack of books by his side. no sense in leaving now. god knows where this guy could be. outside waiting with a sniper sight, maybe? getting ready to pump poison through the ventilation? it's not like he can run anyway.]

...My, I am offended. You ought to work on your greeting, that was horrid. If you already know where I am, it would be much less impersonal to greet me face to face, would it not?

filtered;

[cueballer.livejournal.com]

You didn't appreciate it? I'm terribly apologetic - what can I do to work on it next time? I only plan to be a gracious host to the person who will die at my hands very soon. Of course, if you prefer a face to face meeting I would be happy to oblige as well.

filtered;

[encored]

Being cordial with someone you've threatened to kill is a fine art, you know. There's very little you can do to improve if you haven't mastered it already. [a beat] Though I suppose I do appreciate the warning. I've never been a fan of cowards who do their business when people turn their backs.

filtered;

[cueballer.livejournal.com]

Neither have I. It doesn't give you much of a sporting chance if you don't realize I'm going to kill you. Which I am. Successfully so.

Are you ready?

filtered;

[encored]

[the soft click of a loaded gun in the background; his own courtesy warning.]

Don't keep me waiting, I've been left with nothing to do long enough. [and he hangs up, smile fading as he fixes his gaze on the window. cocky act aside, there's a lot to worry about, especially since the people who have died haven't come back.]

filtered; -> action

[cueballer.livejournal.com]

As you wish.

[With that he hangs up the phone.

And then immediately teleports himself into 767 Bunker Street, leaning on one of the walls across from Charles.]

I hope I didn't keep you long.

[encored]

[he jumps at the stranger's sudden appearance and quickly snatches his gun from the book pile, having expected more time between the phone call and a fight.

being surrounded by people who got a kick out of appearing at random has lessened his reaction to the ability itself, but he's clearly on edge now, sitting up straight in his seat and tense despite his smile.]

Not at all. That was much better than your initial greeting.

[cueballer.livejournal.com]

[Scratch makes no movements when Charles goes for the gun, simply staring at Charles with general curiosity. The demeanor the child in front of him put up was not that of the age he appeared. Another immortal of some sort.]

I'm glad to know I met your expectations, high as they may be I am sure. I am always an excellent host, even when I am not the one hosting. So, shall we begin? You can make the first move.

this post is muteist >:U

[thinkwportals.livejournal.com]

[cueballer.livejournal.com]

[It takes him a moment to put his finger on the breathing, his omnipotence not extending beyond phone lines, but he finally realizes it and makes a small 'ah' sound in response.]

That is you, right Chell?

[thinkwportals.livejournal.com]

[cueballer.livejournal.com]

I see. A pity you cannot seem to speak on this topic, as it would surely prove interesting. If you wish, I can take time out of my day to visit you. Just breath into the phone if you want to take up my offer.

[thinkwportals.livejournal.com]

later on...

[cueballer.livejournal.com]

[That's more than fine. But, he doesn't go to look for Chell immediately. He's going to make a detour to 767 Bunker Street first to take down his target and claim his next reward. And once he does...

About an hour after the short call, Scratch will use his omniscience to find Chell in town and teleport to her location. She might not recognize him on first glance, seeing as his head is now a giant cueball. A giant, very handsome, cueball for the record!]

Chell?

[thinkwportals.livejournal.com]

[cueballer.livejournal.com]

[The eerie silence does nothing to affect Scratch's demeanor, as he is polite as ever. If he still had a normal human head he would even smile and offer her something to drink. Well, if he had a human head and they were in his home.]

Good day, Chell. May I sit down?

[And yes, while his appearance may seem different, it is unmistakably the voice of the man who stood out in a patch of grass with her.]