[005]

[grip_on_reality]

[Menzies has chosen to stay at the information kiosk today, hoping that it will be a good place to catch a lot of passersby. it seemed to work last time, after all. and after her conversation with Grey and subsequent conversation with Conan, she's eager to share some information--and look for people willing to help her get more of it. so she's leaning against the kiosk with her arms crossed over her chest, her expression serious despite her casual position]

Hey! So I'm guessing you know about the disappearances? 'Cause I've got a feeling something's going to happen soon, and I don't want to just wait around and find out what. Got a minute?

Comments

[lamb_of_gold]

Several, as it were.

[grip_on_reality]

[well, that's one person in particular she was looking for. good luck, that]

Good, 'cause you might be able to do something about it. I paid a visit to the shop and met a bloke called Grey. It sounds like he knows where to find our toothy culprit--only he won't share unless someone "special" drops by. But, naturally, being the wealth of information that he is, he wouldn't explain what he meant by "special" either. [she quirks her lip; it seems like everything around here is out to be as frustrating as possible] I've got some ideas, but it's a toss up, really.

[lamb_of_gold]

[His attention. You has it.]

Special, hm? What sort of ideas?

[If you even think about Athena....]

[grip_on_reality]

[she's on the short list, not that Menzies is going to start by saying so. this is why she thought about asking Athena without telling the others...]

Well, it's not me, and that's about all the real narrowing down we can do! [she sighs]

But I'm guessing you know about the, erm, Machine blood some people've got? That's one idea. Otherwise, maybe someone who's the right species or who's got the right ability--or even somebody in the right position in their world. Could be anything, which I'm sure is exactly what this place had in mind when they set all this up. [her annoyance is palpable]

Good news is--well, Grey told this story about special people and this normal kid. Very Brothers Grimm. What it boils down to is, even if you're normal, you can get to the right place as long as you're with the "special" person. So whoever fits the bill, they won't have to go there alone. [her lip twitches] At least this place doesn't want us getting lonely.

[and, since she is hoping to bring Athena into it...] And I'm not gonna say Grey's not dangerous, but he doesn't seem to have any interest in causing us trouble for looking. If anything, he's the lonely one, so he's got himself a good excuse to bring in some visitors. Basically, I don't think he's going do anything to anybody who drops by to talk to him; he doesn't seem the type. Unless he's provoked, but we'll just have to hope the people who would do that won't be the "special" ones. [not that she didn't annoy him a bit herself, but at least she knew when to backpedal]

Think you might be up for a trip?

[lamb_of_gold]

Given that I fit several of your theoretical criteria, I think I may. Did he mention whereabouts the 'special' person was to go? Or was that as vauge as anything else?

[moveslikestrider]

Whoa, hold up. Disappearances? [Dave pauses in mid-step, his white eyebrow raised and expectantly waiting for the rest.]

[grip_on_reality]

For the boys in the story? A forest. But somehow I doubt he'd just up and volunteer the real answer, whatwith making such a big deal about needing a special person! For a start, I'd say stop by the shop. You might be able to get something out of him.

[watching Mu closely for his reaction] And if that doesn't work, you might try stopping by with that goddess friend of yours--together, of course. Wouldn't want to leave a goddess to do all the dirty work for us humans.

[grip_on_reality]

Ah, you must be new then. [she shifts positions, watching for how Dave reacts] You haven't noticed any people back where you live up and disappearing? No explanations, no clues?

[moveslikestrider]

Days fresh, yeah. [He shifts to face her, hands in his red pants pockets.] You'll have to specify on that front. Or that all is known at the moment?

[grip_on_reality]

[her expression grows rather more grim] Well, we know if you wait long enough, they turn back up. But, ah, I think I'll spare you the details.

[moveslikestrider]

They're dead when they come back. [He deadpans, nary a shift in his expression. But the air about him is more serious than it was before.] I have question for you.

The ones that disappear, are the pivotal players to their reality's future?

[grip_on_reality]

[yet another mature kid! she really shouldn't be surprised anymore] If you want to keep it simple.

[well, that's an interesting turn of phrase] No. I've got a feeling the "pivotal players" are us--at least as far as this place is concerned. And somebody wants our attention.

[lamb_of_gold]

[There is an instant and almost palpable shift in his attitude.]

I will not expose Her to potential dangers.

[moveslikestrider]

Then it won't affect my reality because all that's left are meant to keep the time line going.

[He says it with air of finality to the deadpan he's still using.]

Any leads on what this 'thing' is that wants our attention?

[onperfectlips.livejournal.com]

What sort of something?

I'll do anything I can to help.

[grip_on_reality]

[she raises an eyebrow. what sort of world would have so few people in it? this kid is sounding stranger by the minute] If you say so.

[she sighs] I doubt the "thing" is the one arranging all this, but we know there's some creature with rather large teeth doing the dirty work. Grey in the shop knows more about it--the trick is getting him to share.

[grip_on_reality]

[she's sighing inwardly. he's going to be that protective, is he?]

[placatingly] All right, all right. Just thought you might want to take her with you instead of risking her catching wind of this and going on her own.

[grip_on_reality]

Most likely the sort we don't want to know about. Unless I've got the wrong impression about the Plane's hospitality! You never know, they could always turn around and start giving us the missing people back unharmed. [can you hear the sarcasm, Gwen?]

[Menzies nods] Good, 'cause I get the feeling we're gonna need it. What do you know already? I'll fill you in from there. [and, just in case this woman can reveal new information, Menzies pulls out her notepad and a pen]

[lamb_of_gold]

If she chooses to come of her own volition I will not stop her, but I will not be the one to put that idea in her head. And she will not go alone; one must pass my temple to leave the Sanctuary. I don't think even she is capable of teleporting out of there.

[God knows, the Athena from the 90's has a hard enough time staying out of trouble, and he doesn't know Sasha's temperment well enough yet.]

[spacewich.livejournal.com]

[Jade's passing by when she catches the latter end of discussion regarding the disappearances. One of her ears twitches as she turns to the stranger at the kiosk.]

"Disappearances"? You mean here on the Plane, or somewhere else?

[Or maybe even everywhere, for all she knows.]

[grip_on_reality]

[dismissively] Whatever makes you feel better.

Let me know what you hear from Grey. [she frowns. considering Mu's way of dressing, he's probably from before her] But I'm guessing you haven't got a mobile?

[grip_on_reality]

[Menzies raises an eyebrow at the passing girl. animal ears! that's a new one. and she is always going to wonder why just about everyone around here seems to be under the age of 20]

Somewhere else. A whole lot of our worlds, even! People are just gone without a trace--until they turn back up, anyway. [her expression is grim]

[onperfectlips.livejournal.com]

I know that people have gone missing from a lot of different worlds. That there doesn't seem to be a pattern connecting the disappearances. And that the bodies of those who have gone missing have been found without their left hands.

[lamb_of_gold]

...Actually...

[He vanishes briefly, then returns with a small mobile Phone in his hand.]

I recieved this a long time ago from a gentleman who no longer comes here. It hasn't seen much use, but I keep the battery charged as best I can.

[spacewich.livejournal.com]

[She has concern written all over her face.]

You mean, most of the people who went missing haven't been found yet? How long have they been gone?