The curtain man, he watches as you sing

[astudyinviolet]

Who: Sherlock and others
Status: Open
Where: Eltrut for the most part
What: MANTA Bounty: Mary Watson & G. Lestrade, MANTA General: The Thornbind Sickness, and Basker
Warnings: none at the moment

MANTA Bounty: Mary Watson & G. Lestrade

[ Whether it's early in the bounty or later on, Sherlock has a case that he can't delay for the sake of keeping a low profile. He doesn't want to dump the case on Heizou even if they now have the S.H. Detective Agency to coordinate their investigations better. In fact, that is even more reason not to because they are trying to build a reputation for their joint venture.

Early during his bounty, Sherlock might not be aware there is even a bounty on him because he hasn't done anything worth putting a bounty on his head. (So he thinks.) He'll be easier to surprise but also not very concerned once he learns of the bounty.

Towards the middle of the bounty, Sherlock will go out in disguise more often, trying not to keep to one disguise for too long. He has reason to hide his identity.

However, at the latter part of his bounty, Sherlock seems tired, like he has been chased a few times or had a few close calls. If it was possible to call off a bounty by explaining to the MANTA Board the truth, there wouldn't be any bounties at all. He also can't compromise information or people on an on-going investigation. Sherlock won't be at his usual haunts (like the Surasthana Cafe or the Conservatory) as often. Instead of doors, he'll use his Ring of Returning to return home and then escape via some other exit like a window. (And is he trying to build a paper mache bust that looks something like him?)

Warn him via shellphone, meet him in person, try to catch him... How Sherlock will react depends on when the thread happens. ]

MANTA General: The Thornbind Sickness

[ In an attempt to change his habits and also avoid would-be bounty hunters, Sherlock goes to try and help the people suffering this strange illness... only to fit the sickly Victorian stereotype and catch it himself. He's taken to rolling up one sleeve to accommodate the thorny growth on his wrist.

Well, damn... that didn't go as planned. ]

Basker Funtimes (Eltrut)

[ After having found the missing Cerberus pup, Sherlock has started to play with Basker using scents as he showed an interest in learning different smells. This has led to Sherlock hiding various scented objects around the Conservatory and seeing how well those three noses can identify and track a smell.

For now, and for everyone's benefit, Sherlock has chosen non-offensive smells. ]

All right, Basker. Try to find this scent.

[ Sherlock is rewarded with three wet nose prints on his trousers before Basker runs off. ]

Wildcard

[ Want to do something else? Write a prompt or drop me a line at Sherry's journal, aviekokyre, or on Discord @ aviekokyre and we can plot something out. ]

Comments

Bounty - Middle

[wherethereislight]

[Tracking this target has proven to be a long and arduous task. Starting back from the auction and retracing this Watson/Lestrade's steps. They can't be that foolish to reuse the same disguise, so they could also look like anyone else. And that's where the challenge lies. Although the sketch of "Lestrade" did seem...familliar.

He's not one hundred percent on it, so it's on the backburner while he's following a lead. He's been shadowing an individual around town, going between rooftop to rooftop, keeping out of sight to find an opportunity to jump them without causing too much of a scene.]

[astudyinviolet]

[ Sherlock walks around disguised and keeping relatively to the shadows. He huffs a few strands of hair out of his eyes then strikes a match to light a cigarette. Trying to act as nonchalant as possible, he leans against a wall and seems to watch a location out of the corner of his eye. There aren't many people around, and they don't seem the type to worry about others. People get taken all the time in this part of town.

He doesn't expect someone to be watching him from the rooftops, and he needs to keep watch on the location more than the above. ]

[wherethereislight]

[Shadow notes they seem fixated at looking in a particular direction. He doesn't particular care why, it just means they're not paying attention to the rest of their surroundings. An opportunity to strike. He's not here to eliminate, set to only knockout and bring back the suspect.

He quietly paces, making sure he has the angle. He has one chance to hit his target, so he can't miss. Sherlock's only indication that something might be up, is when Shadow jumps to descend onto them, he disturbed a few birds on the way down. Fist reel back in preparation.]

[astudyinviolet]

[ The sudden flight of birds draws Sherlock's attention from the area. He pulls away from the wall he was leaning against to turn toward the sound. He knows he'll draw attention to himself, but he hopes he can pass it off as being easily startled.

Shadow will still have a chance to hit Sherlock, but his aim will be off, missing his intended target location but still possibly landing the hit. ]

[wherethereislight]

[Tch. A minor miscalculation is enough for him to just miss Sherlock. They'll feel that rush of wind, telling how close they got from getting clocked. Shadow doesn't let it stop him and continues the assault. He swings his legs, hoping to knock his target off balance. Will make it easier to follow-up with a knockout hit.]

Basker Funtimes!

[brokenlight]

[Ventus has started visiting the Conservatory, so he's a bit surprised when he sees a--

Is that...a three-headed pup?

He looks a bit startled by it as it seems to be getting closer.]

Uh? Hi there?

[astudyinviolet]

[ Basker speeds up when he sees someone new but stops short of jumping on Ventus. He sniffs curiously around him. Nope. Not what he's looking for, but hello new person. Are you friend or intruder set on harming the other animals? ]

Are you done for today, Basker?

[ He kneels down to ruffle the fur on one head after the other before looking up at Ventus. Even those looking alike have tells which set them apart from each other. ]

Hm... Ventus?

[ Basker sits down. If Sherlock is talking to this new person, then he must not be a danger to the other animals. ]

[brokenlight]

[He holds his hands up to the pup as if to show him he means no harm before Sherlock walks over.

He perks up.]

Hey, Sherlock. Long time no see.

[Ven smiles at him.]

Is this your friend?

[astudyinviolet]

He is. I rescued Basker, and now he lives here with the other creatures.

[ Yes, rescued because that breeder was an irresponsible and negligent person who purposely bred the Cerberus pups knowing that they would be difficult to handle when grown. The breeder losing track of the remaining pup who then created havoc only strengthens Sherlock's thoughts on the matter.

Basker puts his paws upon Sherlock's thigh and tries to get closer to lick his face. He is a very happy puppy. ]

He has proven to be a diligent guard of the Conservatory's gates and those inside.

[brokenlight]

[There's a brief look of curiosity at that. Rescued? He wonders who Sherlock had to rescue Basker from, but from the looks of it, the pup is happier here anyway.]

I'll say: he already seemed like he was about to fight me if I was an enemy.

[He smiles at Basker as he tries to get attention from Sherlock.]

He really seems to like you, too.

Thornblind Sickness

[seasaltkeys]

[Yeah, no, it doesn't look good.]

I got a pretty good idea of the Paladin archives now. I can try looking up a cure?

Do you even know what it is?

[astudyinviolet]

I haven't been near any plants of this type beyond those who carry the illness, and I do not have plant magic. I do not seem to have any other symptom besides this vine. However, these vines are not an illusion. The thorns scrape and pierce the skin.

[ Sherlock tries to remain a bit away from Roxas in hope of not passing the sickness along to him. They still haven't figured out how it is transmitted. ]

I would isolate yourself first for a few days to confirm you don't carry the illness. It is contained to these locations for the time being, but we can't risk it traveling further.

[ The more populated areas might fall victim to the sickness at alarming rates. Being from Victorian England, he knows how deadly an outbreak can be. ]

[seasaltkeys]

[Roxas is nodding along. He doesn't have plant magic either so that goes a little over his head.]

Sure. But what about you?

Are you going to be okay?

[His offer still stands, after all.]

[astudyinviolet]

[ He's just thinking out loud over the possible ways this illness is manifesting. Do not mind him, Roxas. ]

It is too early to say, and I will not discount the dangers this poses. The vine is around my wrist now, but I've seen those with the vines encasing their entire body. I've heard of a man succumb to his wounds. An elderly man, yet at least one death can be recorded.

I will run some experiments on myself. If nothing else, I will not have to worry about inflicting any possible pain on another during my studies.

[ But at expressing and intending to act on that desire causes the vine on Sherlock's wrist to grow another few inches. He winces as another thorn pierces his skin and a leaf unfurls. ]

[seasaltkeys]

[Unfortunately, he worries.]

Okay, but something about what you said just now made it worse.

So, maybe do the opposite of that?

[Times when he wishes he were smarter.]

Hello Basker

[velocityraptor]

[ Unfortunately for Hawks, he is one big distraction from training. He was patrolling around, as he is wont to do to keep poachers away from the Conservatory. Chris hired him, and Turo met him - but that's about it, he tries to stay in the air to keep the animals from being bothered by his presence.

He thought where he landed wouldn't be a problem, just to catch his breath, only to find a dog coming towards him.

Hawks freezes and stares at him. Well, at least it's not a cat. He tucks his wings firmly behind him. ]

Hey there. [ He offers his charming media smile. ] Are you a fan?

[astudyinviolet]

[ Basker is distracted by the bird person, and even as he runs up to the newcomer, he doesn't attempt to jump at him. He gives a soft woof and starts sniffing around him. Maybe there is something about his scent that he recognizes faintly and can now commit to some form, but right now, his puppy mind(s?) is trying to connect the scent to a thing and also decide if this person is friend, creature to protect and guard, or foe.

Sherlock comes running after Basker because that is not a direction he hid anything in. ]

Hullo there. Was Basker giving you any trouble?

[velocityraptor]

[ A lot of people are probably the type to coo over animals and try and pet them. Hawks is not. He looks a bit uncomfortable, standing still and watching Basker circle him and check him out. He's probably a bit odd to a dog, considering, but he can just wait him out.

When Sherlock comes running, Hawks offers him a smile. ]

Uh, no, not really. Basker's just checking me out, I think.

[astudyinviolet]

[ Basker has three heads, and plenty of people with animal features exist in this world. Hawks is not the strangest Basker has seen. (Have you seen those strange butt birds?)

When Sherlock catches up, Basker stops sniffing around and trots to his side. ]

He takes his guard duties very seriously, even when we are doing something else.

[ The puppy is rewarded with some pets regardless. ]

[velocityraptor]

[ The butt birds were the strangest of them all. It's definitely less Basker being wary than Hawks who feels like animals in general don't like him and he's more nervous than anything.

However he does smile in Sherlock's direction. ]

Of course, he seems very diligent.

Bounty (Latter)

[catsgothistongue]

[Imagine Ranma's surprise when he saw a vaguely familiar-looking individual on the bounty board this month. It's true Ranma isn't the brightest crayon in the box in certain regards, but he can piece together two and two. While he isn't the most au courant with mystery novels either, the male figure under the pseudonym Watson is such a dead giveaway, it's borderline grave-robbing.

Time to go hunt down a Victorian detective and find out what's the sitch.

Takes him a while to track down the bounty, doing so by jumping from trees or rooftops, but sooner or later, he finds them. Watson/Lestrade. Remaining on higher ground, he inches close above them...

SPLASH!

... and dumps a bucket of freezing cold water from above. Not on them, just in front of where they're standing. To catch their attention.]

[astudyinviolet]

[ Sherlock walks around in a long auburn wig that is simply platted with a blue ribbon and wearing a black dress underneath a warm blue cloak. The heavy cloak helps hide how his shoulders hunch from exhaustion. Makeup manages to hide the bags under his eyes, but Sherlock never thought he'd have to evade bounty hunters this long. He thought the matter would have been cleared up by now. The hunters are persistent, and he no longer has the trick of paying off his bounty to a hunter and being left alone

As such, he hasn't been seen as often around his favorite places, and it only makes Sherlock feel worse because he misses the companionship he has grown accustomed to. However, he can't risk them getting caught up in this any more than he can stop his investigations. He has to find and record evidence of Turo and Freminet's innocence. Alhaitham is harder because he assaulted the ones arresting Freminet. That was his crime charge. However, he'll hold onto anything that might help him as well.

Lost in his thoughts on how much he still needs to find, Sherlock jumps back when the water crashes down in front of him. He doesn't stay to find out why. His first thought is danger. He starts running in the other direction. ]

[catsgothistongue]

[Uh oh, spaghettios.

Somehow, the thought that dropping a pail of water right in front of the guy who's on the lam without warning being a terrible idea never crossed Ranma's mind. (Said guy being a thalassophobe afraid of things H2O adjacent probably didn't make it any better). Eh, hindsight's 20/20.

When Sherlock books it in the other way, Ranma keeps a steady pace on the roof's edge. Sherlock might've given a plethora of bounty collectors a wide berth, but he can't outrun him! Ranma goes over the corner of the roof he was perching on, dropping down right before Sherlock could make it past.]

Burning the midnight oil, Ms. Watson? Or, is it Lestrade?

[That knowing tone and look on his face says it all: he knows it's you, Sherry.]

[astudyinviolet]

[ Despite having sung the praises of the ample space to hide things in a woman's dress, that space comes at a cost of being easy to move around in. He has to dodge his way through the streets avoiding people and things that might catch his dress alike.

Sherlock is about to throw a punch at his assumed assailant when he recognizes who he is and stops himself. ]

Not so loud.

[ Sherlock hisses, still using tone that he's been using for his lady's disguise. ]

What's wrong? Who's been captured now?

[ His first thought is who else he needs to gather evidence to prove their innocence. ]

Apologies for the delay

[catsgothistongue]

[Probably unsurprisingly, Ranma doesn't flinch at the fist being inches away from connecting with his face. Half from being so used to it, the other half... Sherlock's punch would hurt about as bad as getting smacked in the face with a pillow. With all the strength of a sickly Victorian child.

Something that did get him to react and blink with perplexion, was the sudden info dropped on him.]'

What? No one.

[To his knowledge... Ranma stores that in the 'deal with later' filing cabinet, and produces a flyer... that he briskly folds into a paper airplane and gingerly toss it over to the dressed detective. Should the detective unfold it, he'll find a bounty poster that he's probably sick of seeing by now.]

I just wanted to know what's the deal with [Points at the poster] that.

[The crossdressing too, but that's picayune to this.]