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| A Helping Hand, and Hoof, and Paw.; Chicago | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jan 31 2014, 09:53 PM (1,478 Views) | |
| Nero | Jan 31 2014, 09:53 PM Post #1 |
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"Oh, how can we ever repay you Mr. Redwood?" A short, old man in a bright pink suit and pants was hopping behind another man about twice his height. His purple handlebar mustache was bouncing up and down with every hop the old fellow hopped. This man happened to be the mayor of Momoiro Island, one of the less infamous islands inside the Hitsuji Archipelago. The taller man, who was only about six feet tall, which really said a lot about the older man's lack of height, paused and looked out across the landscape. Trees were collapsed in the streets, buildings were ruined with their roofs torn away and their contents spilled wildly around their interiors and exteriors. Every window was shattered. One would be a fool to try walking around without shoes on; with the amount of glass and other debris filling the streets no naked foot was safe. Those with shoes, however, could usually be seen scavenging through the rubble looking for food that was safe to eat or other valuables that they, or someone else, may have lost. The only thing pleasant about the view was the sky. Not a cloud. Though one could guess that was a very different story not too long ago. "Hmm...good question." Were it not for the tragic circumstances, Redwood, better known as Solomon to some men and women in Osula's slums, may have smirked at his little wisecrack. However, these were not smirking times, and so he kept a solemn demeanor and continued on his way to the tavern. What was left of it at least. "O-o-oooh but Mr. Redwood!" The old man, who happened to be the mayor of this town, continued to bounce behind seemingly very distraught. Redwood's answer was certainly very cool and unfortunately very spot-on; the town didn't have very much to offer him. But still! "I can't have you rebuilding our homes for free! Surely you'll take cash!" Having reached what was left of the tavern Redwood set down the heavy pile of lumber he was shouldering. It wasn't really lumber, just the sturdiest looking pieces of wood that he could find lying in the street. He then started to pace around the building, surveying the damages. "You'll need money to buy food and supplies, stuff the town needs...I wouldn't feel right taking any from you." That answer didn't seem to satisfy the mayor one bit, for he continued to hop about, twisting his mustache feverishly. "Look..." Redwood sighed, turning to the mayor with a slightly annoyed expression, "I'll probably be in town for a while if I'm going to fix all this. Once you're back on your feet then we'll figure something out. Now I'm sure you have other mattes to attend to." This answer seemed to at least appease the mayor, who smiled beneath his mustache and happily hopped away and out if sight, "Oh yes! Yes, Mr. Redwood I suppose that will do then! Please, make yourself at home, and thank you once again! Thank you thank you thank you..." The carpenter shook his head. It was a bit of a culture shock to come from a place like Osula and then arrive here, the land of the Bouncing Mustacheod Mayor. But he could appreciate that the man was friendly, if only he could reel in the bouncing. Well, it wasn't really a problem, so without further ado, Redwood took out his trusty hammer, stuck a few nails in between his teeth, grabbed a plank of wood and got to work. |
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| ♠ The Unspeakable | Feb 2 2014, 02:24 PM Post #2 |
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THUNKTHUNKTHUNKTHUNKTHUNK. There was that sound again. No matter where he went, it seemed to follow him. There was work to be done, couldn't anyone see that? Nessus wondered just how backwater a town had to be when even the sick and injured couldn't tell that they needed medical attention. Sure they seemed vaguely aware of it in that 'could somebody help me, my leg hurts, or at least I think it does, I'd know for sure if I could find it' sort of way, but none of them truly understood the gravity of their situation. "Take two of these and call me in morning." The patient nodded, a dreamy smile on his dirty face, as he accepted the pair of sparkling pills. They were tiny little tablets made of pressed powder, but they shone like gems in every colour of the rainbow. Anything that looked that fancy, he reasoned, must be very good for you. Also, it was made from real unicorn horn, which meant it must be brimming with healing magic. He knew this because he'd watched the unicorn snap off a bit of it's horn and grind it up in his little bowl right infront of him. "Next," said Nessus, by way of reminding his last patient that there were others who still needed to be tended to. THUNKTHUNKTHUNKTHUNKTHUNK. The doctor could feel his hair rising with irritation. His floppy, mane-like hair was beginning to stand on end, looking rather more now like a mohawk. A motherly old woman with some nasty looking scrapes on her arms, where she'd no doubt been protectively embracing others and sheltering them from the bits and pieces of village that had so effectively scoured her, ambled forward with a hopeful look on her face. "It's really not all that bad," she said, raising her arms for him to see, "but something for the pain would be nice. Makes it hell trying to get my chores going, you know?" Nessus did, in fact, know. He hated it when the patients began their little trip to see him by giving some hokey, backwards, self-diagnosis. They invariably mucked it up. The doctor was certain that they were doing it on purpose. Backwater places like this seemed to dislike the educated, modern sort, and always found some way to visit small torments upon him, even if he was healing their wounds. Holding in a long-suffering sigh, Dr. Ausfaller gave the woman a looking over and a proper diagnosis. "Generally speaking, the wounds are largely superficial," he informed her. "I'll give you an analgesic in the meantime. This should help alleviate some of the difficulties you'll face in getting back about your daily life." The woman nodded slowly, as did most of his patients, as he shoved out their hair-brained back-water medical hokum and replaced them with his own refined medical knowledge. She graciously accepted two pills, made as always from fresh Unicorn, thanked the doctor, and happily made her way to the door, which was a bit redundant given that the tavern in which Nessus had set up his temporary office lacked a roof and most of it's walls. "N-" THUNKTHUNKTHUNKTHUNKTHUNK. Before he could instruct the next patient to step forward, that damn noise shattered his thoughts. What was it with these people, he wondered, that made them so damn determined to give him hell? Did being smarter and more successful and cultured and better looking than them really set them off that hard? If the ignorant rabble would spare him a moment and get to know him, Nessus was certain, they would see how humble and gracious he really is. Holding up a warning finger to the boy with the scraped knees who had likely suffered no injury in the storm itself but only playing in the wreckage afterwards, Nessus rose to his feet and walked over to one of the few standing bits of wall. Walking around it, he found the source of his constant distraction. While Nessus' face was always long, it somehow managed to lengthen yet further as he put on his most reproachful scowl and crossed his arms. Shaking his head at Redwood and lifting his finger to adjust where his spectacles would have been had nature been kind enough to gift him with the near-sightedness that most men of his profession usually bore, he gave the carpenter his most condescending doctorly glare. "Good sir," he began, a slight whinny joining the last word, "some of us are trying to do work here. As you can see, there's been something of a disaster, and some of us are putting in a bit of relief effort." Dr. Ausfaller paused for a moment to let his words sink in, before gesturing broadly. "Do you mind?" |
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| Nero | Feb 2 2014, 07:02 PM Post #3 |
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Redwood made note of the doctor's presence and was also aware that the long-faced man was complaining, but only narrowed his eyes as a response and continued to pound away with his hammer. It wasn't until the nail he was hammering in was completely secure in the wood that he paused. He turned his head to the side so that could address Dr. Ausfaller, but his hands were already readying the next panel for another round of loud, disruptive pounding. "Just what do you think I'm doing?" He asked, picking a nail out of his teeth as he spoke. He was just turning his head back to his work in a complete dismissal of the Doctor's complaints, when he did a double take and found himself staring at the man's horn. "Uhhh..." he slowly lifted his hand up to his skull and tapped his forehead with his thumb, "you've got something there. A horn...maybe you should see a doctor about that." He gestured towards the tavern. "There's a doctor in there, I think. I've been hearing someone giving medical advice in there at least." One might think Redwood was a little slow to not realize the man before him actually was the doctor, but to be fair, people expected Doctor's to be healthy, and in Redwood's eyes a man with a horn growing out of his skull, not to mention a gaunt visage like that, was definitely ill with something. In the end though, he didn't really invest himself in this complaining man's affairs, and got back to work hammering away, not caring if the man went to see the doctor or stood around to complain further. |
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| ♠ The Unspeakable | Feb 2 2014, 07:34 PM Post #4 |
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Nessus watched the belligerent carpenter ignore him with fascinated horror. The man seemed hell-bent on wasting the doctor's time. He wondered how deep the coalition of doctor-hating locals ran, how much time and effort they had put into planning this well-choreographed little charade. It struck him as odd that a small town on a small island just smashed by a big storm would have better things to do than waste time and energy and manpower figuring out how they were going to harass their saviours. Clearly, he thought, their priorities were very mixed up. "Of course there's a doctor in there!" responded Nessus. "Or rather, there was a doctor in there, until some self-absorbed yokel started smashing up the place and raising such a row that he couldn't do his job, necessitating that he come outside and see about getting his working conditions back into proper order!" As he was ranting, the doctor was also subconsciously reaching his hand up to his forehead to feel around for whatever had gotten stuck in his head. There was debris all over the place, and even now, after the storm the winds kicked up now and then. It was entirely possible, Nessus reasoned, that he may have sustained a bit of shrapnel to the head without noticing, what with the grand scheme to torment him out of his wits going on all around him so flawlessly. A quick feel, though, revealed that there was nothing unusual sticking out of his forehead. "And past that, you're speaking in nonsense. My head is perfectly healthy." At this point, though, the hammer man had already gone back to his senseless wood-smashing activities. Again, Nessus could feel his hair standing on end. He re-crossed his arms and stood watching the man for a few moments. "No sir, I don't like it." Walking around the remains of the wall, Nessus turned to the line of sick and injured islanders. They stared at him expectantly, and he returned their gaze. As cruel and petty as they were being, they were still patients. As a magical unicorn brimming with healing powers it was his job to heal them, whether they liked it or not. That didn't mean, however, that he couldn't do it on his terms. Waiting for a pause in the nailing, Nessus addressed the crowd loudly enough to be heard on the other side of the wall. "I apologize, ladies and gentlemen, but it seems that the repair of this tavern is being prioritized over the repair of your health. I will endeavour to find another workplace, one with conditions which will enable me to offer my best services and allow me to properly minister to you. This may take several hours, unfortunately. Is there one among you well enough to help me carry me things?" Growing up surrounded by nut-jobs, Nessus had learned early on in life that passive aggression was the kind that resulted in the least stab wounds. If the nasty little labourer didn't care what the doctor thought, that was fine. With any hope, though, he might give a damn or two for the patients. Edited by The Unspeakable, Feb 2 2014, 07:35 PM.
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| Nero | Feb 4 2014, 04:26 AM Post #5 |
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Redwood bore Nessus's nagging with an annoyed grimace, but remained silent save for the constant pounding on nails. Any amount of guilt he was meant to suffer failed to harm his work ethic, though to be fair his brow did furrow a bit when he realized through Nessus's ranting that the long-faced man was in fact the doctor. Redwood was a bit caught off guard by that -- hence the brow furrowing -- but it didn't make him feel remorse for all the racket he was making. The fact that the doc didn't seem to mind the horn sticking out of his head was pretty surprising too. But, Redwood considered that he himself was a man who could become a fox, so perhaps a man with a horn growing out of his head was not an impossibility. Still, it was quite odd for sure. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Redwood was given some peace, and as soon as the doctor had gone around the corner and was out of sight, a long, frustrated sigh burst out of the carpenter's lips; the frustration had been mounting so much that it was practically involuntary. "God damn..." Well on the bright side, Redwood was once again left to his work. And work he did. He hammered away with his hammer, perhaps even louder than before, and perhaps out of spite. Or perhaps he just wanted to get Nessus's voice out of his head. Unfortunately for him, that same voice suddenly invaded his ears again, and while at first Redwood tried to ignore it and continue working, it didn't take him long to realize that the doctor was actually trying to bother him further. For whatever reason he chose to listen, and it wasn't long before he was listening with a hand pressed against his face in exasperation. The hand slowly slid down his face, tugging at the skin as it went, and by the time his fingers had slid off his chin, Nessus had finished ranting and Redwood was on his way around the corner. He couldn't believe he had to do this, but unfortunately, he had to. Otherwise this doctor, who was nearly making Redwood ill with his attitude, would be forcing his patients to wait another several hours for treatment. "Look, Doc," Redwood began, arms crossed as he stared Nessus down with a disproving glare, "I need to get a roof and walls on this tavern before nightfall, at least. That way people who have nowhere else to stay can sleep here until their house gets fixed up." He wasn't exactly a master debater, but he really couldn't think how the doctor could argue against the necessity of a public shelter. Still, a part of him felt like somehow he would, and so with a sigh he suggested a small compromise, "How about some earplugs? If you let me have a look at your ears I can make a pair of earplugs for you. That way we can both get back to work, right?" He didn't smile, but he did his best to change his expression from something that said "I think you're an idiot" to something more like neutral. Though of course that was facade, and inside Redwood was considering clubbing this gaunt faced guy over his horned head if he refused the far-too-generous compromise. |
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| ♠ The Unspeakable | Feb 6 2014, 04:58 PM Post #6 |
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It seemed to Nessus that he'd finally gotten through to the stubborn hammer-and-nails guy. The doctor was certain that there was a proper name for people who performed trivial and unskilled labor like smashing one thing with another thing for prolonged periods of time, but the name eluded him. At last, he gave up on his relentless noisemaking and peaceably came over to discuss the issue at hand. On one level (a very low one, Nessus was sure), the repairman was in the right. His patients did need a place to stay after he treated them. It had seemed to him that there was enough shelter left after the storm that nobody should lack for a roof over their heads, provided the owners of these fortunate structures weren't shy about sharing what space they had. All the same, getting a communal structure ready for all those that couldn't find some other place did make sense. Nessus wasn't particularly prideful, nor was he spiteful enough to cause his customers harm just to get his way. Wearing earplugs was one solution, but it didn't fully solve his problem, either. "I need to hear what my patients tell me. When I've asked them a question, I mean." Nessus added the last part in, lest he leave the false impression that he cared what his patients had to say before he'd asked them a question. "There will also be times when I must use my stethoscope, and I will need absolute quiet. Some tests needs must that I listen to the heartbeat of my patient, as well. It is not just that your racket is irritating, sir - though mind that it is, insufferably so - it is that I cannot properly treat patients without the unobstructed use of all of my senses." The doctor strokes his chin, pondering the dilemma. It looked to Redwood almost as if he face was growing longer as he continued his profound, thoughtful rumination. All at once it snapped back to it's original size, and the doctor fixed the carpenter a good look and nodded. "I will endure the hammering and nailing and all associated construction noises. However, you must keep an alert ear out for me. When I call for quiet, I must have it. "To ensure that my patient is receiving the best care I can possibly give, of course." Nessus paused, then smiled slightly. It was not a nasty smile, but it was also not a friendly one. It was a smile to indicate that there were neither hostilities nor civilities between the two, but simply an understanding that they were both morally bound to do their best for the people around them. "I swore the oath, after all." |
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| Nero | Feb 6 2014, 10:22 PM Post #7 |
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With one hand held against his head as if he was trying to rub away a headache -- a very insistent headache -- Redwood leaned himself against the side of the tavern. Maybe that wasn't such a good idea, considering the shape it was in. A lot of the buildings in town looked like they'd fall over with one good shove, and the tavern wasn't in too much better shape. Happily however, Redwood didn't suffer any embarrassment by knocking the whole wall down as he leaned and pondered the doctor's demands. The thought of having to stop working whenever this man demanded seemed almost ridiculous, and only 'almost' because Redwood could unfortunately sympathize with a doctor's need for quiet whenever they were using a stethoscope, or answering questions, or whatever else Nessus said. "Stop whenever you want me to? Jeez..." He mumbled, not really quiet enough to be heard by the doctor. But Redwood didn't really care if Nessus knew how he felt about him. Besides, Redwood was sure the Doc didn't hold a very high opinion of him anyways. "This really...sucks." Naturally he didn't really care much for Nessus and all his nagging, and wouldn't even consider doing something that 'sucks' for the doctor, but in the end it wasn't about Nessus, it was about the people. Redwood didn't want the patients receiving incorrect diagnoses, or having to wait longer for treatment, or some other unfortunate thing that could occur from the hammering being too noisy. So, with a somewhat defeated sigh, Redwood pushed himself off the wall and shrugged, "Alright, Doc. You win. Just as long as I don't have to stop every minute." Having given his reluctant compliance, he turned his back to Nessus and the crowd and returned to his pile of lumber around the corner. But, not a second after he went out of sight, his head as well as a finger poked around the corner. The finger was pointing and waggling right at Nessus, and Redwood's eyebrows were raised, as if he was lecturing, "Though keep in mind: The sooner I finish, the sooner you can have all the peace and quiet you want." He then looked beyond Nessus and towards the assembly of sick and injured townspeople, "And the sooner I can get to work on all your houses." He didn't want to be seen as a bad guy, after all. He waited a minute, staring at the doctor to make sure he was heard, before disappearing back around the corner. Hoping that Nessus took his words to heart and would use his silencing power sparingly, Redwood picked up wood and hammer again and got back to work. Keeping his ears open of course. This time, however, it was clear that the pounding was happening at a much quicker tempo. Yes, Redwood hoped he wouldn't have to stop very much, but at the same time doubted he would get the chance to work as much as he would like, so he would be sure to get as much work done as he possibly could before it was too late. |
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| ♠ The Unspeakable | Feb 11 2014, 01:36 AM Post #8 |
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Nessus listened with an unusual look of calm on his face, his scowl the smallest Redwood had seen thusfar. What the carpenter didn't know was that as a doctor, he had to show that he had patience. Especially when he had patients. When the woodworker had spelled out all his terms, he was given a curt nod of understanding. "Thank you kindly," replied Nessus, nickering slightly on the "y." Getting back to work wasn't actually all that difficult. More than anything, what Nessus had wanted was control over his workplace. Now that he knew he could make the hammering stop at any time he wanted, it didn't bother him nearly as much. It was almost two full hours before he called for his first silence, and only then because he couldn't tell if his patient had a case of the galloping consumption of just a simple chest cold. The townsfolk suddenly seemed on their best behaviour, too. For some reason, after his little falling out with the builder, everyone was all polite smiles and no irritating uneducated self-diagnosis. Another seven hours and eight unicorn-horns later, the sun was setting over the island and his line of patients was gone. Most of them, of course, would still need to call him in the morning. Nessus leaned on the bar and took a look out the window, towards the setting sun. It had been a good day's work, and he'd done good work that day. Healing people with his fanciful magic powers was it's own sort of reward; any doctor who'd value money over that was a quack and had no place in either the medical profession or prancing fairy land, where all those who use their powers for the benefit of the weak go. Still, the ease with which his day had gone unsettled him. His instincts told him that nothing would be that easy unless something else was about to go even worse. He'd have to be careful, that much was certain. If the islanders had ceased their small, petty attacks, it could mean that a much larger, more focused assault was on it's way. "You did good work today, Doc," said the bartender. "Have one on me, eh buddy?" His hair once again rising, Nessus shot straight up to his feet, making a loud clattering as they momentarily become hooves out of instinct. He looked at the barkeep, who was leaning on the bar. There hadn't been a bar when he'd started working. Or a roof, or four walls. When the strange mix of awe and outrage had faded, the doctor felt a sense of vindication. Here was the grand screw they'd been plotting on him all day! "How did you do it?" Nessus demanded, looking around again to make sure he wasn't seeing things. "Err...do what, buddy?" "Don't play this game with me. When I started here it was just before noon, and this place was a shambles. Now, it's good as new!" The bartended waited in the kind of mute apprehension expressed by those who know they can't say anything, but nonetheless have to say something eventually before things turn ugly. The doctor cut him a break by continuing his own narrative. "This is how you treat me then, is it? I come here to heal, and you play these childish games on me? How did you make me think this place was broken down before?" "It...it was broken down, doc." The gall of these people was awe-inspiring. How did they know about his past? What drove people everywhere he went in this world to play such cruel mind games on him, when he only ever wanted to help them. Paling a bit, Nessus turned from the bar. Then, he reeled in anger 180 degrees and pounded (everyone in the bar thought it was the most mild, quiet, and polite pound they'd ever seen) both his fists on the bar, his whole body trembling with suppressed rage. "How...wh- "How!?" Edited by The Unspeakable, Feb 11 2014, 01:37 AM.
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| Nero | Feb 12 2014, 12:21 AM Post #9 |
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Just as Nessus was making a scene at the counter, another scene was starting at the door. It was none other than Redwood, the very man who had caused Nessus such distress. He was being led, or rather, dragged, into the bar by the bouncing pink mayor. "Oh, it's a good thing I found you, Mr. Redwood! I'm sure you would have worked yourself to death out there if I hadn't come along!" The mayor sang, looking up at Redwood, smiling, apparently oblivious to the carpenter's annoyance. "I told you, I'm fine." Redwood responded, his voice low but clearly fed up. It sounded as if he'd had to repeat that phrase a number of times already. Clearly to no effect. "Don't you want your town fixed?" "Of course! But you've put in a hard day's work and no one will mind if you have a drink or take a nap! Look!" The mayor thrust a pointing finger over to one side of the wall. It seemed the locals had taken the liberty to dismantle a section of wall and add in a fireplace, and a number of happy Momoironites were warming their hands or napping by the warm flames. "Doesn't that just look cozy!" Redwood leaned forewords, eyebrows raised and knitted together in disbelief. After some scrutinizing, Redwood determined the fire would probably not burn the entire bar down, and his expression returned to normal. Still, he felt like he had to say something. "You know wood is flammable, right?" The mayor waved a hand in front of his face and had a nice laugh, "Of course we know that! Of course! Hohoho…" The mayor then took Redwood by the wrist and led him over to the bar and showed him his seat. "Now, you're already here; practically sitting down! I won't let you leave until you've had at least one-- no, two drinks!" With that, the Mayor bounced over to the door and stood in front of it like a sentry. With no other option, Redwood sat himself down at the bar. Conveniently, there was already a mug waiting for him. "You deserve it, buddy." Said the bartender with a small smile and a nod. Returning the small smile with one of his own, Redwood lifted the mug to his lips and drank. He was no stranger to alcohol, having grown up in a gang of criminals, and probably could have guzzled down the requisite two drinks and gone back to work. He would have, if he wasn't secretly planning on enjoying his break. "Oh. Hey, Doc." He noticed Nessus, who was across the bar from him. It was a wonder he hadn't noticed him sooner, seeing as he stuck out like a sore thumb…or like a horn on one's head. "I gotta say, I thought our compromise would be a lot more annoying. Glad I managed to get this bar built and you managed to treat the sick and all." He shot the doctor a brief smile, though not a courtesy smile like he had given him hours ago; this one was genuine, "Maybe you're not such an ass after all." |
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| ♠ The Unspeakable | Feb 12 2014, 04:50 PM Post #10 |
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Traitor! Just like that, the carpenter's words provided Nessus with the last piece of the puzzle. He said he was 'glad [he] managed to get this bar built', a clearly impossible task. Everything up to now, the hammering and the rude patients and the stubbornness and...and everything, it was all just setting up to this. Create a calm before the storm, then strike all at once. "You're very right sir, I am not an ass. I will not succumb! You must have some pride in yourself as a trickster, I imagine, to endeavor so sincerely on what amounts to no more than a cruel - if overarching and elaborate - child's prank!" Once again, Nessus bristled with restrained outrage. He'd thought maybe that the carpenter was a reasonable man, but it seemed that he was just like the rest of them; no more than another set of staring eyes, always staring, always fixed on him, grown into their sockets in their mother's womb for the express purpose of staring at him. The carpenter was just another whisper behind his back, another hushed giggle from the room over, another petty scheme aimed to foil his day. Everyone inevitably was. Some, though, were not quite as bad as others. This man had gotten him once; maybe his role in the global conspiracy to drive Nessus as crazy as everyone else from his homeland had been was over at that. It was unlikely, but the possibility demanded attention. Taking just a moment, the doctor marshaled his emotions and regained his external composure. "Doctor Nesbit Ausfaller," he offered after a pause, extending his hand. "Though I tend to preffer Doctor Ausfaller or, if you don't stand much on formalities, Nessus is fine." He made sure to leave the customary pause, indicating that reciprocation of both hand and name were expected. |
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| Nero | Feb 13 2014, 03:06 AM Post #11 |
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Redwood took a moment to stare at the hand in front of him, and then up to the man attached to it, and then back to the hand. The outburst about tricks and pranks had caught him completely off guard, but before he could even prepare a counter-attack, it was as if Nessus was offering a peace treaty. Well, Redwood saw no point in getting in a verbal conflict, especially with someone who seemed so conflicted himself, so he slowly extended and grasped Nessus's hand and gave it a firm shake up and down twice, keeping an eye on the doctor's face in case this was some sort of trick. "Solomon Taylors, but call me Redwood." He released Nessus's hand and leaned back in his seat, keeping a curious eye on the doctor as he tried to discern just what his issue was. Normally he wouldn't bother socializing with someone so odd, but there was hardly more interesting company around at the moment. "So, Doc," he began, completely disregarding all the names Nessus had introduced himself as, "if you don't mind me asking, why is there a horn on your head?" He was honestly curious, and it was a good question to start a conversation anyways. He hoped the doctor's answer might shed some light on his peculiar behavior, though he couldn't help but fear that Nessus would deny that there was a horn on his head, and would accuse him of being a prankster again. And at the same time, he was also entertaining the idea that the horn was a chunk of shrapnel that had been lodged into his brain long ago. That would definitely be an explanation for the odd behavior! Whatever the explanation, Redwood figured he knew Nessus well enough by now that it would be a lengthy one. He silently took another sip from his mug and prepared his ears. |
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| ♠ The Unspeakable | Feb 13 2014, 07:01 AM Post #12 |
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It seemed odd to Nessus that anybody with a name as proud and seemly as Solomon wouldn't choose to go by it. The man's obsession with his craft was such that it had taken over his very identity. All given, it wasn't much different with him; for many, his profession had replaced his name, as well. Being called for your job wasn't uncommon, he reasoned, but still, Solomon would have been his pick. If he wished Redwood, though, so be it. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Nessus declared as he broke the handshake. It sounded a bit flat, but not entirely insincere. Sure enough, the man had already taken to calling him "Doc," though he'd just given him two far better options to address him by mere moments ago. The man seemed to project his need to order things around him by their purpose onto others. Nessus spared a glance towards the bartender, who was watching the two of them and cleaning a glass. That man, too, had used replacement names like "Doc" and "Buddy." More evidence the two were in cahoots. "I'm glad you asked," said Nessus. In fact, he was. "I'm a unicorn, you see." Smiling politely, Nessus said no more. For whatever reason, the world abroad had very little knowledge of unicorns or their magical healing powers. It was difficult to understand, but the doctor had found that most people needed an explanation - sometimes, even a demonstration - before they understood just what it meant to be a unicorn. Still, hope springs eternal. The doctor would give Redwood a chance to know what he meant in saying that before explaining any further. Though rare, there were those who could accept his unicornitude on the authority of his words alone, and those moments were one of the quiet little pleasures in his life. |
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Democracy Incoming
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| Nero | Feb 13 2014, 04:20 PM Post #13 |
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Redwood waited silently, expectantly, waiting for some sort of rant about unicorns, or how it should have been obvious that he was a unicorn. Something like that. However, no such rant ever came, to Redwood's surprise. "Alright, Doc, so you're a unicorn." Perhaps to everyone's amazement, (not that anyone else was paying attention to their conversation) Redwood didn't seem to have any issues with the doctor's assertion. And why would he? He himself could turn into a fox, so why wouldn't Nessus be able to become a unicorn? It made perfect sense to him. Sure, it seemed unlikely that he would meet another person like him in this big, blue world, and so soon after he started his journey, but there was no reason to think the doctor was lying. Then again, Nessus could just be crazy. He put a hand to his chin and pondered that possibility. After a moment's ponder, he looked back at Nessus and stood up from his seat. "You mind proving it?" "We can head outside, it'd probably scare folks if they saw unicorn appear before their eyes." He suggested, gesturing towards a back exit. When he had installed the exit, he didn't really know why he had done it, but most of the bars on Osula had back exits, so he had followed their example. However, most of the time those exits only served people trying to sneak out to avoid paying their tab, or people dragging customers outside to beat their tab out of them, so in hindsight it had seemed sort of like a mistake. But now with the mayor guarding the front door, he was glad he had built it. "And if you really are a unicorn, then I'll let you in on a little secret about myself." He found himself really hoping that Nessus was actually a zoan like himself; it would be neat to meet a fellow animal person. |
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| ♠ The Unspeakable | Feb 13 2014, 10:02 PM Post #14 |
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Not Responsible
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There was a brief silence as Nessus digested Redwood's request and the odd offer that had followed it. In reality, he didn't much mind proving his sincerity to people. Skeptics usually came equipped with all five senses, but none they believe so well as seeing. In the course of time, it was common for him to reveal his true form, but it was not common for him to do so on demand. Still, Redwood's initial reaction had sparked the doctor's interest. "I can abide by this," answered Nessus. Gesturing for Redwood to lead the way, he joined the other out behind the newly repaired tavern. As soon as they were outside, with no fuss or adieu or anything, Nessus had transformed. By the time Redwood had turned around to face him, there was no him; in the place he would likely have been was a horse. A horse, in fact, with a big pearly spiral horn and mother-of-pearl hooves. By all accounting, the doctor appeared to be a bona fide unicorn. He was white, that pure an untainted kind of white that you only see on a fresh snow or an animal that grows new fur in several seconds and doesn't have a chance to get it dirty. What had looked like an odd, floppy mohawk now made much more sense as a long, downy, dignified mane. Even with no light now but the moon overhead, Nessus seemed to be self illuminated, glowing with a ghostly light. Still, though, there was something about the horse that was distinctively Nessus. The muzzle was just a touch skinny, and while well-muscled, there was a hint of an outline of the beast's ribs, as it if were shorted a few ounces of feed every day. And there, right around the eyes, was that same scrutinizing tightness of muscle, that same glassy wide-eyed look like the world around them was hiding a gun under it's coat and waiting for him to blink so it could draw and fire. Nessus stomped the ground a few times and did that uncomfortable horizontal horse-stepping thing they did when they were nervous or otherwise uncomfortable with the prospect of standing still. For a moment he considered the merits of rearing up dramatically, but decided that he wasn't the sort of showy, over-the-top unicorn who would do that. That's the sort that shows before kings for an omen and only consorts with virgins. While the doctor could certainly understand the merits of such a lifestyle, he had more pressing priorities. With similarly little fuss to his earlier transformation, the human doctor was there again, straightening his tie and fixing his pants, which always seemed to ride up a bit after transforming into his full horse form. He was generally far more comfortable in his human or hybrid forms, finding that being a quadruped, while helpful for covering long distances quickly, was not nearly as useful as having opposable thumbs for the tasks of everyday life. "As you can see, I am the genuine article," Nessus insisted, sounding just a tiny bit proud. "It is my magical nature that makes me so successful as a healer. I did receive a fine education in the science of human medicine and physical anatomy, of course, but this was merely to round-out my specialty. I carefully question and examine every patient to determine, as specifically as possible, every last injury and ailment they suffer from." Pausing his speech for a moment, he snapped off the tip of his horn and ground it to a fine, silvery dust, letting it trickle from his hand out into the night breeze, becoming a brief swirl of diamond dust before fading away. "Then, I cure it all with magical unicorn powder." Crossing his arms, Nessus fixed Redwood with another scrutinizing look. Undoubtedly he'd given the man plenty of ammunition to use against him in his next act of mental attrition. Still, though, he'd proven just a shade different than the rest of them. For now, he'd keep playing friendly with the carpenter and see where it took him. The doctor didn't see any problem with being a bit friendly with somebody, as long as he kept his guard up, after all. Edited by The Unspeakable, Feb 13 2014, 10:03 PM.
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Democracy Incoming
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| Nero | Feb 19 2014, 03:57 AM Post #15 |
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No doubt every single person and their pets would have been stunned by the sudden appearance of a unicorn where there used to be a man, but not Redwood. Instead, as he turned around to face Nessus, he was half-expecting the transformation. He just smirked instead of gasping in surprise or going wide-eyed and slack-jawed, and even chuckled under his breath, "Heh. Small world." He crossed his arms over his chest, still wearing the smirk on his face, as he admired the sight before him. Indeed, Nessus made a lovely unicorn, but Redwood was far more entertained by the fact that he had actually stumbled upon another zoan like himself. Aside from a desire to help out those in need, he didn't think he and the doctor shared anything at all in common. But now, he almost felt a sort of kinship with the fellow, and wanted to suggest going back into the bar and sharing animal stories over a few drinks, but first he had to uphold his end of the bargain. "Not bad, Doc. I'm a little shocked that I'm saying this, but you really are a unicorn as far as I can tell." He said, his lips still curled into a smile as he began to stretch out his limbs a bit, as if preparing for something. It's not like he needed to get limber to transform, but stretching was just something one did before showing off. "Alright, here's that secret I promised." An image of red-furred fox flashed in his head, and in the blink of an eye he had become just that, though his bandana still remained around his now canine skull, his pointed ears somehow finding their way through the fabric. At first it was frustratingly difficult to get the transformation to happen on command like that, but now it was as easy as breathing; maybe even easier. He gave his new form a shake from snout to fluffy tail, ensuring all the parts were as they should be. Satisfied with his transformation, he grinned at Nessus, barring a set of long white canines, and opened his mouth to speak, "Not what you were expecting, I bet." "I'll admit, a fox does seem sort of mundane next to a unicorn, but it has its perks." He held up one his four black-furred paws, his front right one to be precise, and made sure his claws shone in the moonlight, and bared his fangs again for good measure, just in case Nessus had missed them the first time. He also found that being a fox gave him a new-found talent at hopping into the air, but even if this was zoan show-and-tell time, he, like Nessus, opted out of the showier maneuvers. "Of course, I can do this as well." He stood up on his hind legs, and suddenly grew upwards, taking on a more human appearance, though still retaining a number of foxy features. Notably the tail, ears, snout and legs which still looked like that of a fox's. He transformed back into a human, not having very much to show off in his hybrid form anyways, and remained quiet, waiting for the doctor's reaction, and though the smirk had yet to leave him, he really had no clue what he expected to come out of Nessus's mouth. |
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