[NRP] Martin & Lirilei's Journal (125 views)

[Jirachi's Wish]

POKEMON | CHILD

Name: Martin

Gender: Male

Pokemon: Lillipup

Stage: Child

Player: Lirilei

Artist: Mewmouse

This journal belongs to Lirilei, no posting without permission.

[Lirilei]

Updates:
6/12/2013 - Martin's on the case!
8/30/2013 - Martin becomes a child!

Martin

Name: Martin
Pronunciation

Gender: Male

Age: Child

Weight: A little on the fluffy side

Height: 4'3 or so

Sexuality & Status: He's currently got more important things to worry about. Like walkies....

Hair Color: Brown

Eye Color: Brown

Type(s): Normal

Moves Known: Tackle, Odor Sleuth, Bite,
Will learn: Snarl, Take Down

Nature: Social

Likes: Benny! ...err Benedict.

Dislikes: That feeling of shame Peabody elicits in him since changing.

Personality: At this point in his life, Martin is a happy playful pup. He enjoys spending time with his trainer Peabody, and more importantly with Benedict the Abra who he views as his best friend. He enjoys all the detective work his trainer and Benedict's does, but his mind isn't focused on the job usually, preferring instead to pester the brilliant Benedict.

Since changing to a child, Martin has become somewhat quieter thanks to the reaction of his trainer Peabody, and the shame he endured immediately upon waking up in his changed state.

[Lirilei]

Requirements:

2 Months Time:  10/30/2013

1 Response to the growth: For better or for worse

4 PDs:  All that glitters...might be Christmas lights!,  The Game Is Afoot!,

2 Solo RPs: One, two HUP!

1 Skill Learned:

1 Evolution: Yes please! Herdier!

SPOILER: Click to show

Child > Teen


Name: Martin

Stage: Teen

Pokemon Breed: Lilipup

Evolving: Yes, to Herdier

Gender: Male

Hair Style: Once more in your capable hands

Eyes: A little harder...more serious looking. He's serious now after that whole military debacle.

Attitude/Nature: Martin is social once he gets to know someone a bit, and he gets on well with almost everyone. Very loyal to his friends as well as affectionate.

Clothing Style: Still of the comfortable sort. Jeans, maybe transitioning from hoodie to a sweatshirt, or long sleeved shirt?

Body Style: A little on the soft side. I'd like him to have a comfortable feeling to him. Cuddly!

Pokemon Features: Same as before please!


----------

Teen > Adult

SPOILER: Click to show

3 Months Time:

1 Response to Growth:

5 PDs:

2 Solo RPs or Journal Entries:

2 Skill Learned:

1 Evolution: Stoutland please!

SPOILER: Click to show

Name: Martin

Stage: Adult

Pokemon Breed: Herdier

Evolving: Yes to Stoutland

Gender: Male

Hair Style: Your call once more heh

Eyes: Still serious looking but not as harsh as his teen stage...a slight softening.

Attitude/Nature:

Clothing Style:

Body Style: Little taller this time, still on the soft/plush/cuddly side

Pokemon Features: Same as before please!

[Lirilei]

Miscellaneous:

Family -
His trainer: Peabody S. Epstein, P.I.

Benedicts trainer: John Dullard

Benedict, of course

Friends - Benedict

Foes - That not so nice cat girl.

Possessions - Various clothing items from Peabody and John.

Plot Stuff -
To learn:

As child - Snarl, Take Down

Teen - Giga Impact, Retaliate

[Lirilei]

Musings...

Peabody was playing the piano again as he always did when he was deep in thought and troubled by something. Or bored. But he looked thoughtful so I was assuming he was working through the particulars of another case.

Benedict...well he was somewhere his trainer John was not. I worry about Benedict sometimes...he's really unhappy with his trainer because he's "an idiot" I don't know, I like him myself...but then he rubs my belly and gives me attention when Peabody is too busy which is often.

Of course Benedict finds Peabody's work absolutely fascinating and always tells me his own theories on it all...which amazingly always end up being the same things Peabody comes up with. At times I wonder who's the private investigator, him or Benny.

Heh...Benny...oh he hates being called that and yet sometimes I do it just to watch some sort of expression cross his face, he's usually so poker faced...so rolling his eyes in exasperation with me is fun.

But I don't do it often...I don't like making him mad especially at me. Because then he does things like ignore me...or wrap me in blankets in sit on me. Of course I get back at him in my own way and I think sometimes he almost laughs because of it which is good.

I just wonder at times if he wouldn't be happier with Peabody as his trainer...or worse...being away from them all together and out on his own...this is worse because I'm almost certain this would mean away from me as well.

At times I worry I fall on the same side of the line as John and it's not something I want. Benedict's my best friend...but still...I worry.

[Lirilei]

It's a curious thing...


I wonder sometimes, why do Peabody and John try to keep their relationship a secret? They spend relatively little time together outside of the house unless it's for a case...John goes to the tracks...what ever those are. Benedict hasn't ever explained that one to me...and at times it makes Peabody mad at John, but you can tell he loves him anyhow.

Peabody has this habit of smoking up a storm when he's on a case (which is often) though he does it outside and never inside. But John remarks on occassion about ashes...and Peabody will go and and do something and come back and John will approve.

But they almost never do anything together outside unless its work related. Why? I don't understand why they hide it. Once in awhile at a scene I'll see Peabody give John a secret little smile, meant only for him. A brush of fingers on an arm. Little signs and signals but never anything overt. Not like once they get home.

John could get away with murder with Peabody once they get home and have locked the doors. But why does Peabody act so cold towards John so often...and why does John tolerate it?

So much to think on. I don't think I'll bother Benedict with it though and try to puzzle out an answer for myself this time. It's a curious thing...

[Lirilei]

I have to show Benny!


Peabody was working on a large case and Benedict was busy looking over all of Peabody's notes and clues trying to make sense of them himself. It was a usual thing for the pair and it was no wonder Peabody and Benedict got along as well as they did. Benny was so smart! It made no sense to him, but then again he couldn't read so it was fine. There was funner things to do anyhow!

John was out at the market at the moment to get some things needed for tea time...snacks were good for boosting up thought power...easier to concentrate when there wasn't an empty stomach getting in the way. He knew he couldn't think when his stomach was growling and grumbling. Well at least, he couldn't think about anything that wasn't food.

Not that I had much in the way of thought going on. At least not related to this whole missing heiress case Peabody was trying to work out...Nope my attention was...as usual....on other things. For once it wasn't a ball, or some other toy, or going walkies. Though I really liked walkies, and toys, and snacks...and ooooh belly rubs! Those were super great!

We were at the scene of the disappearance at the moment and the two of them were looking for anything that might have been missed. I was too, to a point. Sorta. I could smell something, and I wanted to find the source. It was a bright smell...but smelled different. I didn't know if it had anything to do with the missing lady or what but I had to find it. So I started to sniff all over trying to track down the source, while staying out of Peabody's way. He got grumpy and yelled a lot when I got sniffy. So I tried to be careful where it was I was at when the urge to sniff hit.

I was in an entirely different room than Peabody and Benedict, and semi stuck in part of a wall that had started to crack and crumble, but that was okay, the smell was in there and it was close...and something was shining! This had to be important right!? I wriggled my tail harder and slipped further into the wall then. <<Benedict!>> I called out for him as I got in deeper, and grabbed the shiny thing. Maybe it's a clue! I backed out with it firmly between my teeth, only to take a few steps and start to stumble...and then completely fall over...the last thought had being I have to show Benny! because I just knew he'd know what to do with it. Know how it tied into their case. That maybe, just maybe it was the clue they'd been missing to break the case wide open!

Too bad I fell over as soon as I was free of the wall and fell sound asleep. Good job me.


(500 words)

[Lirilei]

For better or for worse
(reaction to growth)


Martin woke with something along the lines of a cough, a sneeze and a fart all of which startled him awake faster than any single thing combined. He yawned some, and shook himself a little as was habit and looked around. Thirsty...then some food...then I gotta go out and peeeeee! the Lilipup bounded out of his bed and immediately fell on his face.

"Ooooowwwwww...." he paused. ".....ow?...." he sat up with a puzzled look all thoughts of hunger, and trips outside to urinate gone from his mind as he tried to make sense of things. He looked down at himself and gasped. He looked...not hairy and missing legs! What had happened to his front paws? No wonder he'd fallen on his face!

Looking down at himself he pieced together that he looked sort of like Peabody and John now...he had those hand things...those were useful for picking things up! But how did he walk now? This bipedal mode was so weird...he was used to the quad legged approach to walking.

Finally after another try he was up and wobbling unsteadily to where his water bowl was...and he dropped down and tried to lap up the water instead making a huge mess.

Peabody came in about then. "Ugh. No Martin. That's NOT how you drink water. Come along boy." and there went a hand curling around his wrist and yanking him to his feet and dragging him into the kitchen where he poured a glass of water and handed it to Martin...who promptly dropped it, the glass shattering. Peabody took a deep breath and reached for a plastic cup this time, showing him how to hold it.

That done Martin brought the cup up...and proceeded to dump the water all over himself, soaking through the shirt he hadn't realized till then he was wearing. It was so big...and smelled like John. Had to be one of his. Peabody looked to be gritting his teeth as more water was gotten and he handed it over. Martin drank it slowly though he still wore a lot of it.

All the sounds of running water, the wearing it...the drinking it had him suddenly dancing back and forth and moving to the door with a whimper, glad Peabody was quick and had already swept up the glass. He needed to go out. Now!

"No! Martin! You do not go outside, go into the bathroom and go. Martin frowned in confusion but ran for the bathroom as quick as he could and burst inside, about the same time he felt a warm stream coursing down his legs and he looked down in confusion. That...was different. Of course Peabody wasn't having this and a cry of "JOOOOOOOOOOHN! Come help Martin this instant! He's a lost cause!" rang through the rooms...and Martin stood there eyes downcast, tail tucking between his legs as he stood in his own urine.

"Bad Martin! Bad!" Peabody shook a finger at him scolding. "Gods I hate children! John! Help clean him up...we'll be packing them up to go. I refuse to deal with children! Especially stupid ones!" Martin's shoulders hunched and he looked exactly like a kicked dog did. "I...I'm sorry...I didn't mea..." "Quiet! I don't want excuses." and with that Peabody stormed off, leaving Martin standing there alone, and feeling wretched.

What did he mean 'they'? ...and where would 'they' be going? He sniffled softly as he heard John approach, a whispered "I'm sorry I made a mess..." He felt a hand ruffle his hair, and there was a kind smile and a soft "For better or for worse, you are what you are. We'll figure it out Martin. Now, off with that shirt and we'll wash you up."


633 words

[Lirilei]

All that glitters...might be Christmas lights!
(Martin meets Marissa)

SPOILER: Click to show

Martin:
Martin was so excited! It was his favorite time of year, or well one of them. The colors, the lights, the sounds, the snow, the smells! it was all too much for the excited Lilpup child to handle with ease. As a pokemon he'd been even more wired around the holidays, but now...he was chattering incessantly to the annoyance of his trainer turned unwilling parental figure. So to get the talkative boy out from under his and Benedict's feet so they could go over a case he had, he'd sent the boy and John out with some money to buy trinkets. Except Martin had run ahead and ditched the man utterly, and now...well now he wandered wide eyed and amazed!

Marissa:
Another child had left their home in search of trinkets, but with the inability to buy them, the girl wasn't sure what the point was. Marissa was sure all her torn jean jumper-pocket held was a half eaten cookie, and that wasn't worth anything to anyone, except herself. In which case, it was her lunch. One strap hung off of the girl's shoulder, the front had lost a button long ago. She wondered if she would ever learn to repair it. Maybe if she found a button, and bought a needle--huh. She pondered this, studying the window of a stop. All this red and green! It must have meant something! Was it a day to celebrate stop lights? She made her way past, nearly bumping into Martin. "Oh, I'm sorry!" She said.

Martin:
Martin had been staring in at a shop intently, nose pressed to the glass and his tail wagging as he stared at the various decorations in the window. The toy train, the mechanical...everything. It was the apology that tore his gaze away from the window, tongue lolling just slightly. "It's okay! You alright?" he started to sniff the air a moment curiously. Something smelled funny. What was that?

Marissa:
"I'm okay!" Missy assured him, glancing at the window he'd been studying so intently. Her eyes widened in wonder. "Oh, wow," she muttered. None of those things would fit into her pocket, she knew! Maybe there was something small, and just as valuable? She could sell it for food! She wasn't sure what Masamune would eat, but--something! "What's all this stuff for?" She asked. "Everything's all decorated. Why?"

Martin:
Martin canted his head to the side with a smile. "Christmas is in a few weeks! This is decorations to make everything all sparkly and magical." there was a firm nod of his head tail still wagging. "Don't you know what Christmas is?" how weird she didn't!

Marissa:
Marissa blinked. Christmas? She'd never heard of it! She wondered what it was, and why everything was made sparkly for it. She didn't like admitting that she didn't know something. She shook her head, "No. What is it? Everything is red and green--and silver." She wondered if the silver ornaments were worth anything.

Martin:
"There's also blue, and purple, and gold and a bunch of colors. The shops want people to come in and spend their money to buy gifts to put under the tree." they didn't have a tree yet, Peabody didn't like them but John always got some small dinky thing for them on Christmas Eve. So they would have one yet even if not the prettiest! He had a little money in his pocket that John had given him on top of what Peabody had given and he smiled. "C'mon lets go inside this place here." he sniffed at the air again, something smelled good there! Something here outside the toy store smelled stinky!

Marissa:
"Ooh. I don't have any money," Missy confessed, awkwardly. Shop people wanted money? "What tree?" She asked, curiously. She blinked at him. "Any tree? Will someone bring gifts to me, too?" She hoped so! Maybe she could sell them! "Why do people put gifts under trees? Aren't they worried they'll be stolen?" She followed Martin inside.

Martin:
"A Christmas tree. See this is a toy one here with toy presents under it. But people buy big ones and buy presents for each other and wrap them and stick them under the tree for Christmas morning to open. I don't know what for but it's fun." he usually got a chew bone though he didn't think that would work so well anymore. "I don't know do you have someone to buy you something?" he knew there was no 'Santa' or who ever that brought things. It was up to adults and other people.

Marissa:
"Huh. I've never even seen one," she marveled at the small tree, with the toy presents. She knew they wouldn't have a place to put a tree. It was a nice thought, though... "People are strange. Bringing trees into their houses? Silly. But the decorations are pretty. Masa might like them."

Martin:
"My trainer doesn't see a use for them and hates holidays. His partner likes them though and brings in a small tree eventually and put a present to my trainer, my friend and me under it...and eventually Peabody puts something he's had tucked away under as well." it was amusing to him really. Benedict was the same as Peabody, hating the holidays and all. Martin ducked inside the one shop finally and looked at stuff. Benedict and John had been teaching him things. Like how to read and he smiled. "I can buy you something if you want...but it has to be under five dollars. If its cheap enough I can even get you a candy cane if you want." why not?

Marissa:
Marissa didn't see how anyone could hate something so beautiful. The ornaments, how they sparkled. And the star on top of the tree in the window, it shone brightly. "Its very pretty," she said, "Christmas is." She hesitated at his offer, eyes widening. "Really?" She asked. Five dollars was a fortune! She could buy anything for five dollars! "Er. What's a candy cane?"

Martin:
Martin nodded and stepped inside and looked at all the small baubles and trinkets, the various toys and what not. “I’ll help you find something so you can have this, and a candycane.” He pointed to the red and white swirled confection sitting in a container where they would eventually have to pay. “It’s peppermint and good to eat.”

Marissa:
Marissa smiled at Martin gratefully. She had never met anyone so generous! "Thank you," she said. "Can I do something for you in return?" Maybe one day, she would be able to buy him something! "Its almost too pretty to eat," she observed, glancing at the candy canes. And it was large enough she would be able to share it with Masa!

Martin:
There was a bright smile on his face at her pleasure and his tail wagged as he bought the candy cane for her, and of all things handed her the change. There was a lot of change since it hadn’t cost much. “Yup! You can take this and use it on something you want okay?” he smiled at the girl happily. He was glad he’d made her smile!

Marissa:
Marissa stared at the money in her hand for a long moment, before moving to place a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you," she said again. "I've never seen so much money at the same time! You're so nice! Oh... I didn't get your name! Mine's Marissa." She was horrified by her lack of manners. This boy had been so kind to her, and she hadn't remembered to ask his name.

Martin:
He blinked at the kiss to his cheek, blushing some. Well that was new! His tail wagged again as he opened his mouth to give his name, only to have the shop door burst open and a breathless "Martin! There you are! I've been searching all over for you! Come along now, we're quite late getting home!" reaching him. A sheepish smile was given to her. "I'm Martin...and apparently I have to go. Oh! Don't forget your candy cane!" he thrust the bag that held it at her and smiled. "It was nice to meet you Marissa!"

[Lirilei]

The Game Is Afoot!
(Martin & Benedict meet up with Bast)

SPOILER: Click to show

Martin:
The snow was long since grey from people walking through it and the grit of the city settling on the mounds sitting about. Not that Martin had noticed, or cared. He was still bright eyed at everything he saw, tail in near constant motion as he trudged down the steps of the building and looked down the streets keeping "busy" as he was told to do by an exasperated Peabody. Apparently he was a bit too energetic for crime scenes, plus he had a stuffy nose that made his nose currently useless to the detective when it came to hunting down clues.

The sniffles bothered him more than anything, he didn't like the feeling and was constantly attempting to suck up the drips to make them stop. He had a feeling it was the constant sniff coming from him that had him banished from Peabody's presence currently.

Benedict:
Benedict had been kicked out of the house, banished due to the incessant snuffling of a certain Lillipup boy. The Abra often felt like the other child’s keeper. He always had to keep an eye on him, so he wouldn’t foul anything up. Today seemed much more dull than usual. The bleak streets around the flat only mirrored Benedict’s bored mood. Without their trainers’ cases or Peabody’s experiments, he was undoubtedly going to have a rough go of today. And of course, it was all Martin’s fault.

Benedict’s normal, blank expression, did not lend any clues to his annoyance at being sent away. Instead, he silently followed his shorter companion down the stairs and wherever he was planning on going. If he knew Martin, he’d probably head for the park. Despite having changed into a humanoid of sorts, the dog in him still loved to play just as before. Fetch? Fantastic. Belly rubs? Amazing. It had amused Benedict slightly when they’d first gone through the ordeal, but now it was all rather predictable. He needed excitement and the Lillipup was definitely not that.

Martin:
Martin was rather oblivious to his companions unhappiness with being sent off with him. Peabody was well aware of where the Lillipup would choose to go, as he usually did and so hadn't bothered to ask where they would be. He'd merely waved them off after begrudgingly giving Benedict some money after an exasperated noise from John had prompted him to do so. It was still strange to him to have to provide money for the pair.

With another loud snuffle Martin dragged the sleeve of his sweater over his nose catching an insistent drip that wouldn't suck up, and without paying close attention to where he was going, started to step off the curbing, only to blink and pause a moment to look both ways a sharp (and recent) reminder from Peabody coming to mind.

Once it was clear he scampered across the street and into the park with a bark of delight bounded off towards the playground equipment he'd recently learned of...only to frown in dismay. It was...not there! Why? Where was it?!

"Beeenddddeeeediiiiiiccccctttt!!!" his stuffy nosed whine echoed across the mostly empty park. "Where's all da swings ad slides?" he looked and sounded truly dejected at this point, tail and ears drooping. He didn't realize the city was using the poor weather to replace equipment that needed it...which was most of it.

Benedict:
The Abra boy followed closely behind. Instead of walking across the street like the other boy, he simply teleported to the other side before the Lillipup even made it half way across. No sense in being in harm’s way when it could just as easily be avoided.

An exasperated sigh escaped Benedict at the question, “You didn’t pay attention. Why should I be surprised? The city is replacing most of the equipment; it was hazardous to little imbeciles’ safety. They were not paying attention to all the cracks in the wood and their own weight. Not to mention, their parents and guardians would never keep their eyes on them. Needless to say, if one were to become injured, it was the city to blame, not the inept adult.” He huffed again, keeping a flat tone as he merely explained the whole ordeal. Well, he felt he was stating the obvious, but he’d come to realize most were fairly oblivious to the obvious.

Martin:
Martin sighed as he listened to Benedict's explanation another dejected sigh coming from him. That's right he recalled John mentioning it the other day, but he'd thought enough time had passed the new things would be up by now! Obviously, he had no concept of the true passage of time.

There was a sigh from him as he started off down a path instead, kicking at a rock as he went hands jammed into his pant pockets, another grumble as the rock he kicked went skittering off into a bush and out of sight.

A hint of a mutter, possibly a swear word came from the boy and one could only thank Peabody for the picked up colorful language if that was the case (and it was) as he kicked at the bushes a bit.

"I'm boooooooooooored!" he huffed a little as he walked along. He hadn't felt boredom before but now he was...and he wasn't liking it. There was a sneeze from him suddenly and once again his arm swiped over his nose his sniffling temporarily over since he could breathe like normal just now.

Benedict & Bast:
“Ugh, do you mind?” Came a very annoyed voice from the bushes that Martin was harassing.

Benedict’s eyes narrowed as he stared at the area the disembodied voice came from. By the sound of it, it was a young girl, probably their age. She definitely thought highly of herself, whomever she was. He could tell just by the way she addressed them. And she had to be up to no good. There were no other children around and she was hiding in the bushes, not unlike a common thug. He tensed under his large Inverness Cape.

A lithe Meowth girl emerged from the bushes, the rock Martin had kicked in one hand, a small scratch from where it appeared to have hit her on her right knee. She exited on to the path just as Martin sneezed and wiped it on his sleeve, a disgusted look on her face. “That is so gross. I can’t believe you just did that… even after you assaulted me with this!” She thrust the rock forward, almost punching the Lillipup boy with it. “I’d say you owe me some compensation for the recent… trauma you’ve caused me.” She hissed and crossed her arms. He cat-like ears were pinned flat against her head. She had absolutely no sympathy for dogs.

Benedict kept quiet and observed the girl. Martin hadn’t hurt her; that mark on her knee was self-inflicted. The scratches were all wrong. Had she indeed been hit by the rock, there’d be more of a indentation and bruising around the injury. He’d pondered what her game was briefly until she offered up the information. A slight smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. Too easy.

“Ey! What’re you smilin’ ‘bout?” she shouted. “Yer buddy here, jus’ hit me with this rock! I wouldn’ be smilin’ if I were you. What if I call the cops? Huh?” She stamped her left foot, wincing as her weight was shifted.

Oh, she wasn’t bad, but far from a challenge for Benedict. At least this little exercise in deduction would alleviate his boredom for a few moments. Still, he remained silent; interested to see what other information she was willingly going to give him.

Martin:
Martin sniffled a little even at the surprise of the girl popping out onto the path in front of them and he stared at her a moment. She was a cat! and was like the two of them. His ears perked a little, and his tail began to wag some. This was better, this was less boring!

Though, his ears drooped again. He'd kicked it at her and hurt her? That hadn't been his intentions at all, and it mortified him to see the injury.

"I...I'm so sorry! Are you okay?" he panicked slightly, this was new territory for him. "Compensation?" he turned to Benedict with a confused look. What in the world was she going on about? Turning back to her, he frowned some. She wanted something but what? All he had on himself...was...well his sweater. Which he began pulling off of him the slightly garishly striped thing held out to her as he stood there in his short sleeves and shivered at the cold air seeping into his body.

"This is all I have." well it was true. he hadn't been given the money. Hadn't noticed Peabody hand it to Benedict either. He sneezed again and snuffled hard making a face at the stuff that filled his mouth and swallowed it down. This having a cold thing was wretched!

But it was her mentioning the police that made his ears lay back a little. "Oh....don't do that. Peabody and John won't like if the Inspector has to be involved with this...they see him enough for work..." his voice was a quiet plead.


Benedict & Bast:
“Ew, no.” Bastet recoiled at the offer of Martin’s sweater. “That’s disgusting, why would I want that? I need actual compensation, you know, money? I’ll need a few dollars for bandages and probably another few for disinfectant.” She was beginning to think both of the boys were a bit… slow. Sure they were boys, but Lorne looked like a freaking genius compared to these two. The Abra one was starting to make her a bit uneasy though, she felt like he was studying her.

Her eyes went wide and her ears shot forward. “The Inspector? What, you know that guy?” There was suddenly worry in her voice. “What’re you two, like junior cops ‘r somethin’?!”

Benedict had her figured out. She was just a common criminal… well maybe not so common. She was rather young and she was a changed Pokemon like himself and Martin. But, her motives were far too common. Still, though, she was giving him all the information he needed and he was remaining silent. Perhaps there was some use to Martin afterall.

Martin:
He shrugged and pulled his sweater back on though it was already cooled off from his body heat and he’d lost plenty so he shivered again as he felt the familiar material slide against him as he got it down and against his jeans again to trap the body heat in proper. He probably should have put on a heavier coat but he’d forgotten it back at the flat and by the time anyone had noticed it was too late. Still he was warmer already and generally warm enough with just the sweater.

He shrugged a little at the mention of money however a sheepish smile on his face. “Sorry I don’t have any money. We’re just waiting for our…” well trainers didn’t fit well anymore did it? Peabody’s face looked pinched when that term was used, and parents wasn’t it either. “…associates. They’re probably talking to the Inspector now.” There was a nod at the question. “Of course we know him….Peabody Epstein and John Dullard are who we’re waiting for.” He stared at her a moment a note of pride in his voice. He knew they were well known for what they did and he was quite proud of that. “If it’s money you want, them come along with me. John should have some!” and he reached out then for the girls hand and curled a hand around her wrist hanging on tightly and gave a light tug. “He’ll even make sure your knee is okay won’t he Benny?” he beamed at his friend then, slipping into the realm of names he should not ever call the other…


Benedict & Bast:
Fear shot through the feline as her wrist was grabbed. She tried to wrench it free, but much to her dismay, he had a strong grip on her and she couldn’t break it. She started to panic and squirm. “No, let me go! Let me go you filthy boy!”

Benedict winched at the pet name that Martin tended to use when he was excited. “Martin,” he nearly snarled, “that’s not my name. I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t make me constantly remind of this simple fact.” He pinched the bridge of his nose between his eyes and rubbed as if he was getting a headache caused by the Lillipup. Regardless of what Martin was doing to annoy him, though, Benedict didn’t let his eyes off the girl. She was in a compromising position at this point and she may try something drastic, especially now that Martin had a hold of her.

His voice sent a shiver up Bast’s spine, causing the ridge of fur on her back and neck to stand on end. There was something very commanding in his voice. It would be something she’d probably find useful in an underling, but she was obviously not going to proposition these two for a spot in her group. They were two sides of a coin; law verses criminal. This was even worse than she had originally thought. “Please let me go, I don’t want to see your friends ‘r anythin’!” her voice was pleading at this point. She would do anything to get away from the situation at this point.

An eyebrow raise was Benedict’s response to Bastet’s plea. “Oh, no, we need to take you to our associates. You said it yourself, you needed medical attention; luckily, one of our compatriots is quite versed in first aid.” He directed his attention to Martin at this point, clasping his hands behind his back. “Come along, Martin, I do believe we need to head back with Miss…”

“I ain’t givin’ you dirty cops my name!” She spat, clinching her free hand.

“Well,” Benedict cleared his throat, “I suppose your name is of no import to us currently anyway, so let us get you to our flat. Lead the way, Martin.”

Martin:
“Not filthy. Peabody makes me shower every day thank you. I’ve just got a cold.” He snuffled again unhappily at the reminder of being sick. Sick yes, filthy, far from! This hurt his feelings slightly, but he hid it well enough, keeping his hold on the girl.

Though his ears lost their perk at the snappish tone in Benedict’s voice and he whined just a little bit at the others unhappy voice. “Sorry Benedict…I forgot again…” he sounded so sheepish and contrite before he cleared his throat some. His friend would get over his annoyance soon enough, especially if he left him alone for awhile once home, he knew that much.

Martin’s fingers almost let go…almost. They retained their hold for the moment though once Benedict began to talk again, strengthening his resolve to get her to John. “He’s right, John’ll fix you right up, and give you money to pay you for my being a pain…” he started to walk then, disregarding the fact the feline didn’t want to come with them, letting her lag behind as she wished, though his grasp didn’t waver as he marched along.

Though he blinked a little and looked over his shoulder at her. “We’re not cops. We’re just…well us. Benedict is smart enough to be an investigator like Peabody though! He see’s things even Peabody doesn’t at times, he’s brilliant!”

Benedict & Bastet:
“It’s not so much that I’m brilliant, as that others aren’t observant.” Benedict stated simply as he followed behind the other two, preventing any easy escape routes for Bastet. He stayed far enough back, however, on the off chance that she would lash out.

Bast planted her heals in the much, amounting to nothing but creating ruts in the path. Martin was far stronger than she was heavy. On any other day she’d praise her figure, but right now she wished she weighed as much as a Snorlax. Her free hand began pushing and pulling at Martin’s. “Let. Me. Go! Or… or else!” She wasn’t really sure what the “or else” would be at this moment, but she’d think of something. She was pretty good at coming up with punishments.

Benedict, called her bluff, tough, “Or else, what? Miss, you are in no position to try and assert yourself. I’m sorry, but we are taking you in.”

At this, something in Bast snapped, “Oh like HELL you are!” She flexed her claws on her free hand and dug them into Martin’s hand.

Martin:
“I still say you’re brilliant Benedict, I’ve seen you figure out things that even Peabody had been stumped on and we both know he’s pretty smart too.” Martin was becoming more knowledgeable on the fact that while Peabody didn’t know everything, Benedict seemed to. It was an interesting contrast between human and poke-child.

Martin was oblivious to the fact that Bast had dug in her heels and was not wanting to go with him, he was wanting to make sure she was okay in the end, she’d been so insistent before, so for a change of mind to come about so suddenly, made him think she was hurt worse than she knew, and she was behaving irrationally. She needed to see John!

It wasn’t until he felt the claws in his hand that Martin yelped in pain and his grip faltered clutching his hand to his chest eying the spots of blood welling up on his hand and he couldn’t help but let out a rather annoyed growl. “What’dya have to go and do that for!?”

Benedict & Bast:
As soon as the chance arose, Bast broke free and bolted in a direction that was opposite either boy. This pretty much resulted in her running towards an alley on the other side of the street. She didn’t even bother to look both ways or anything. Luckily, she had the reflexes of a cat and managed to dodge an oncoming car, making it safely to the other side. Her leg was obviously not hurting her.

“Martin! The game is afoot!” Benedict had a mad smile on his face as he began to chase after Bast. He too narrowly dodged a car, though his way was far less harrowing; he simply teleported to the opposite side of the street. It was almost like he had given her a head start just for a bit of fun.

Bast was fast, though, faster than Benedict, on foot at least. It was also handy that she knew this city and it’s alleys. Benedict knew them too, however, and he was hot on her trail. She would try to lose him around a corner, but he’d just find a different route. It was quite the game of cat and mouse… though the roles were a bit off. She only had one other choice, she thought, she may be able to lose them on higher ground.

Bouncing off one wall to grab a hold of a fire escape’s ladder on the opposite building down one alley gave her a little bit of a break, she hoped. She knew dogs weren’t very good climbers, but she wasn’t really sure about the other boy following her. He seemed to be keeping up with her pretty well. “Oh well,” she thought, “Just climb now and we’ll figure out the next bit later.”

Martin:
Martin ran after the two of them, darting behind a car before the next rush began, keeping a sharp eye on the pair as they made their mad dash ahead of him. He wished he could smell proper right now, that would make it a lot easier to keep track of them! Still he was keeping up well enough minus the slight wheezing from his cold making it hard to breathe. He ignored it and pushed himself, not wanting to lose the girl who’d injured him.

Skidding around a corner he looked around, where was she? Tilting his head back his jaw dropped. “BENEDICT! She’s climbing!” running for a trash can he knocked it over and pushed it to the base of a fire escape and began a rapid climb after jumping for, and grasping the lowest rung. All the park time had come in handy! Pulling himself up the ladder quickly he ran across the short stretch before moving up to the next landing, and so on. She was going to run out of running room once she reached the roof he wagered!

Benedict & Bast:
“I know; I can see her!” Benedict had already been watching her assent with narrowed eyes. He did not like where she was taking this and was honestly debating on letting her go. She was just a simple con artist, after all, not worth this much hassle.

He blinked when Martin kicked over the trash bin and began climbing up after. “Martin,” he muttered under his breath as the other climbed. It was not within earshot of anyone, but he wished the Lillipup would just think for once. Why was she going up to the rooftops? Dogs don’t climb and surely cannot land on their feet all the time. With a half annoyed sigh, he teleported to the bottom level of the fire escape and began the climb upward after the other two.

It was windy and far colder on the rooftop. Bast was instantly regretting her current decision. Regardless, she hurried over to the other side of the roof and peered over. No much but a long drop on this side. She cursed in one breath and took a quick glance behind her. “Something… something… come on….” She searched all over, trying to find something she could use to her advantage… or escape. Grinning, she spotted something; now time to get the boys off her trail.

She spun around and headed for one of the ledges closer to the fire escape, hoping that the dog would be the first one up… or the first one to come after her up here at least. She had a feeling the other one would be too smart for her next trick.

Martin:
Of course he was continuing the pursuit doggedly, not giving up. After all he’d been the one assaulted physically, not Benedict. Not to mention insulted more than the other. It had grown quite personal with her harming him, and he wanted to stop her! His eyes narrowed a little as he assessed the situation a bit, wishing he knew a better way to stop her than chasing her like a fool over the rooftops.

He reached the top of the ladders and he felt the fur on him whipping in the wind, his fingers tightening on the metal. “It’s over! You’re out of places to run!” his body continued up the last few inches of ladder, feet planting firmly on the rooftop as he started towards her intent on capture. He was mad!

Benedict & Bast:
“Then come and get me! Or are you some scaredy dog!” a venomous grin crossing her lips. She was playing a dangerous game at this point and if it didn’t go according to her plans, she may end up seriously hurt… or worse. But she tried not to think about it. She had to have faith in the dog’s blind rage at this point. He sure looked mad.

Benedict wasn’t rushing up the ladder at this point; he was trying to visualize the layout of this particular building and the ones surrounding it. He knew he had seen the blueprints and had “filed them away” somewhere in his mind. He just had to find it. So, he took a quick pause and shut his eyes, thinking. Surely Martin wouldn’t get into too much trouble up there, right?

Martin:
Martin hesitated by the ladder, something felt slightly off about this whole thing, and it might have just been the fact he was up on a roof that was doing it, but no…he thought it was something else. Still, he didn’t like being taunted like that and so he despite taking a breath to calm down, took off after the feline anyhow. Though he was making sure to stay away from that ledge a bit, he wasn’t sure he wouldn’t fall over…or be pulled over his luck! “What are you stupid or something climbing around on that ledge? Come back up here on the flat roof where it’s safer, honestly!” Now, he sounded exasperated!

He turned away a moment however, looking for Benedict, where in blazes was he? Sure was taking his sweet time with getting up here, especially when Martin knew he could just teleport himself up here. But no, apparently he wasn’t climbing today. This irked Martin a little too. Seemed the Lilipup was currently in an all around bad mood thanks to the Meowth girl here.

Benedict & Bast:
“Scaredy dog! Scaredy dog!” Bast taunted, inching closer to the edge. “Come an’ get me!” At this point she blew a raspberry at Martin. Despite her taunting, she was getting a little worried… and irritated. The dog was being smart and staying away from her and the ledge. So much for this plan. At least she had a general idea of where the other one was, since he kept looking back towards the way they’d all come up.

Martin:
Oh she was annoying! Martin grumbled and came closer to the ledge intent on grabbing her before she somehow toppled and fell. That was the last thing he wanted to see after all! So with a huff he pushed the sleeves of his sweater up his arms as he moved even closer, hands reaching. “Come off the ledge before you fall…I don’t want to see you splattered on the ground you know.” Annoying yes…wanted dead hardly! He glanced down as he got closer, distracted in that moment by Benedict still down there doing…whatever it was he was doing and he sighed. Fine. He’d get her down off this building by himself. “I’m not a scaredy dog you stupid cat!”

Benedict & Bast:
As he reached for her, Bast danced out of the way quickly and ran for the ledge she’d originally looked at. It just so happened that at this point, Benedict popped his head over the edge, eyes narrowing at the cat as she beamed at the two, giving them a rather rude gesture. “G’bye, boys!” And with that she hopped off the ledge.

Bastet managed to grab a hold of a laundry line that was strung between the two buildings as she fell. The speed of her fall combined with her weight, however, caused the line to snap. Still, it slowed her descent enough for her inherent cat-like abilities to kick in. She swung to a window ledge and clung to it for a brief moment before letting herself drop the last few feet to the ground.

Benedict did not seem concerned in the slightest and took his time finishing his assent to the rooftop, then over to the ledge Bast had just jumped from. “What a boringly ordinary waste she turned out to be.” He sighed. “And here I thought she’d be of some mild entertainment.” He shoved his hands in his pants pockets as he watched the Meowth girl land neatly on the pavement and skitter out of sight.

Martin:
Martin gaped not at the rude gesture, but at her leaping off the ledge so suddenly, his fingers grasping at thin air as she grabbed hold of the line. He couldn’t help but gasp in worry as the line broke, worried she’d be hurt. She’d been rude sure, but it didn’t mean she deserved injury, or possibly worse!

So when she managed to land he did breathe a sigh of relief, and he pushed the arms on his sleeves down, suddenly looking and sounding tired. “I’m sorry we can’t all entertain you Benedict.” The words were…flat. Martin pushed past his friend and moved towards the fire escape, and began the arduous climb back down, the lack of adrenaline making it seem like it was taking much longer to get down than it had to get up.

Back in the alley he looked around. Which way had they come from? This way he thought…..and so he started off in what he believed to be the right direction. It was in any case, the opposite one the girl had taken, so all the better in his opinion!

"We should head back before they come looking for us, and we get into trouble."again. being the unspoken thought.

Benedict:
Benedict merely watched Martin and the Lillipup headed back to the fire escape. He met him at the bottom, having teleported down. The other boy walked right past him again and again, Benedict looked on. It wasn’t until Martin started heading the wrong way that either said anything more.

“Hey,” Benedict caught up to Martin with little trouble and pulled lightly on his sleeve. A weird sensation washed over the Abra as he held his hand there briefly. He looked curiously at his hand, but after more silence, dropped it to his side and looked at the other boy. “It’s this way.” And he headed back in the direction he knew the flat to be. “Come along, Martin. As you so deftly put it, we should head back before they come looking for us.”

Martin:
Surprise. There really was no other word for the feeling that Martin had right then as the other tugged on his sleeve. It was very probably the first time the other had ever touched him in any way, of his own free will. Martin bouncing around being a pest…or John and Peabody scooting them into one another as they moved about didn’t count. No…this was the first time the Abra had deliberately touched him in any way, and it was not lost on Martin who couldn’t help but stare at those fingers with some level of fascination.

Looking up at the other walking away he took a moment longer to process and began to follow behind, sniffling again as he did so. At least he’d been able to run while sick and no hard time breathing, that wouldn’t have been fun he was aware. No, just his ever running nose. He stayed a few paces behind the other, not even bothering to keep a look out for the girl even though she’d come this way he thought. Maybe not. Maybe he was too muddled just then. He was awfully worn out from that sprint after her and his hand was starting to ache a little from where she’d injured him. He pulled the sleeves over his fingers and clamped down on the cuffs to keep his fingers inside the sleeves so they would hopefully warm. It gave him something else to think about anyhow.

[Lirilei]

Snack time?
((Martin runs into a spot of trouble while out and about on his own))

SPOILER: Click to show

Martin
Peabody had a case, again and Martin while ever eager to be of help had been waved away by both his trainer, and his best friend. They had work to do, and John was busy with something else. Which left Martin on his own. He was steadily growing used to this whole being on his own thing.

He shoved his hands deeper into the pocket of the coat John had gotten him, glad he had proper fitting clothing when he'd started to grow out of the previously gotten new clothes, Peabody had protested but John waved it off and got him some things. He was more than a little thankful to Benedict's trainer for the help with stuff his own couldn't be bothered to even pretend to care about.

Tonight though, there was a slight drizzle coming down, and Martin was shuffling along aimlessly. He didn't want to sit home alone after eating the food that was there...it was so boring on his own. Stifling. So he'd written a note and stepped out. It'd been pleasant then but that had been hours ago. Now...well now he was a little chilly and looking for somewhere he could hide away from the cold for a few minutes. He'd already rummaged his pockets looking for loose change to buy something hot to eat or drink with no luck.

Blowing a drop of water off the end of his nose, Martin's eyes scanned the nearly empty streets looking for a deep doorway, a covered store front, something he could stand under for a moment.


Edith
Edith pulled the hood of her sweatshirt down over her eyes to stave off the growing rain. Her wings hung wet and damp behind her, clenched as close to her person as possible through the slats she had cut in the hoodie. Every few seconds the young teen would twitch, and roll her head as the ache came upon her.

It had been hours since she had left the cabin. After making sure there was a warm pot of soup left by the fire for Kole, should he actually show up, she had gone out for a quick snack. That snack had turned into supper and then borderline starving the longer she stayed out without finding anything. Was it the rain? Edith had seen a few humans and Poke’mon along the way, though none could have possibly sated her appetite.

Until she smelled it.

She could only describe it as finally smelling a cheeseburger after walking through a desert for weeks. It had pulled Edith along the streets in an unconscious hunt. The longer she followed the scent the more her predatory side came out. By the time she saw it was a child she had already hunkered down behind a postal box, biting her lip with her fangs in anticipation. He’s just a boy! Edith licked her lips and looked on mournfully. Ever so slowly she moved out to follow him once again, this time her mind reeling. Was she…? Could she…?


Martin
It was growing darker, lights were flicking on along the street save of course the portion he was wandering, the bulbs above dead as could be, not even a hint of a flicker or the promise of a hum of a light trying. They were in need of repair. Still, he didn't let the dark bother him at all, he was merely wandering...and was glad when he finally found a mostly drizzle free spot he could stop.

Standing there under the slight over hang he had found himself under he pulled his hood off his head for a moment and wiped a hand over his face to get the water off it. Maybe it was about time to head back home. He was feeling colder now, and he figured the others would be home soon. Maybe. He didn't have a watch on him to see the time, so he wasn't sure. He was so absorbed in drying his face up he didn't realize the fact he was in a bit of danger.


Edith
Her veins were singing the song of the Damned. Edith put her hand up to her ear to try to block it, but the closer she got to the little lillipup the more she craved. He was a pudgy little thing; surely he had enough to spare and then some.

Edith moved in closer, starting at as casual a walk as she could manage. She grasped her elbow with her opposite hand, rubbing the vein there with her thumb to calm it. There was so much white noise in her head that the quiet street seemed to vibrate. Edith knew she had an allure to those of the type she could feast on, but would it work on a child..? Would he be so caught up in looking at her that he would forget? The thought only vaguely touched her mind when she was right upon him. The next breath she took brought his scent in as strong as if the cheeseburger had multiplied and she was swimming in them.

Reaching out, Edith snatched his arm, but hesitated. No! No he’s just a boy! But it wasn’t like he was an infant...


Martin
He'd dried his face and stuffed his hands back into his pockets to keep his hands warm while he attempted to stay dry for a couple minutes before he'd make a dash for it and head home. Though he did hope that the weather would let up quickly so he'd have a dryer walk back.

As he'd began to pull a hand out of his pocket to don his hood again he felt his arm being grabbed at and he blinked in surprise and looked up to see who it was, and smiled at the girl standing there. "Well hello! Are you okay?" he figured maybe she was lost and wanted directions. "Do you need any help?" he was a friendly, out going child, who wasn't seeing anything wrong in this situation as he stared up at the Staravia teen with a bright smile waiting for her to speak.


Edith
Edith tilted her head up to look at the boy. His smile twisted like a snake in her gut. It writhed, undulating against what was left of her soul, sinking it’s venom in until the last of her resolve broke.

She nodded and tightened her grip on his arm so that she could pull him into her arms. Edith held him like that for a moment, seemingly content in the hug before her hands started to pull back the cloth of his coat and push back his collar. She couldn’t see it, but a primal surge built up in Edith the moment her senses told her it was there. Right there! All she had to die was take it...take it from a happy child..If he fought her it would have been so much easier.


Martin
He was surprised by the hug, but he did get so little of this sort of thing at home that his own arms curled around the teen and he hugged her back happily for a moment. Sure she was a stranger but if this is all she needed, he didn't see the harm. That and she was kinda pretty in a way that he didn't understand with his child brain. But he didn't push her away as she hugged.

Nor did he try to stop her when she began to push his hood back, though he was more than a little curious as to what she was doing at this point. He lifted his head up in confusion to ask her what she was doing and was once more struck by how pretty she was and any sort of question he might have had died on his tongue before it fully formed.

Edith
If he had pushed her back then that would have been the end of it. She could have attacked without mercy, but his embrace...It was too much! Pulling her head back for a moment Edith smiled sweetly to the boy. She reached up with her free hand, stroking his hair like the good little boy he was.

Such a sweet child. He really was too kind for his own good. Using her hand in his hair as leverage, she pulled the head away to expose his throat. Without a moments notice, Edith pounced on the exposed vein and sunk her teeth in deep.

Martin
He couldn’t help but wag his tail a little as his hair was stroked, a low rumble in his chest in delight. He really was an affectionate boy, had been as a pokemon as well, so it really was no surprise it’d carried over into this newer body.

Martin was just thinking how nice she was really, when he felt something sharp at his neck and began to whimper softly, his fingers tightening in her shirt in despair. What was she doing!? Why did it sort of hurt…his heart pounded frantically a few moments, before his eyes closed with a soft sniffle coming from him, not even fighting at this point. He was rooted in spot in fear at this point!

Edith
She could smell the fear coming off of him in waves. It drew her in like a moth to the flame. Edith held tight, her fangs sinking deeper as she drew the blood from him. More, more, more!

The burning was finally starting to ease and the claws that dug into her stomach were releasing. Her own clawed hand dug into his shoulder, tearing through the cloth of his collar to get a better grip. Her bite was sloppy; a novice trick that was less about technique and more about ripping flesh.

Martin
The pain in his shoulder as he felt her fingers dig in was nothing compared to the pain he felt in his throat, as he felt the burn of tearing flesh and there was a whimper from him, words coming out almost strangled given the crushing feeling against his throat.

“P…please…do…n’t….kill me….” The words were a quiet plead, all he could do. He was well aware he wasn’t strong enough to fend the teen off, or to get free. He had the niggling feeling if he tried, he’d be sorry. Though he was pretty sure he was going to be sorry anyhow.

Edith
Edith's hand instinctively went from his head to his mouth. She covered his pleas as she pushed him up against the side of the building. There was nothing holding her back down. The Staravia drank with reckless abandon, ignoring the blood that slid from her own lips down his shirt and onto her own clothes.

When she had enough to see the world as it was and not through crimson lenses, Edith began to slow. She felt warm flesh in her arms and it was enough to get her to drop the boy in an instant. Martin's blood coated her mouth, sliding down her chest like a scarlet waterfall. She wanted more, so much more...but the boy! Her face was a mixture of horror and menacing hunger before she hid it behind her hands. The same hands that had clawed into him, had left a bloodied mark on his face...She shrieked into them. Without the use of functioning vocal cords the sound was hollow and piercing. Why couldn't she make it stop?!

Martin
To say he felt light headed was putting it mildly. That he felt like he might die of fright, also an understatement. He didn’t know what he’d done to deserve what was happening just then, but he figured it was something due to when he’d changed and caused so many problems for his trainer…or maybe it was constantly pestering Benedict. His eyes slid out of focus as he felt her hand on his mouth, silencing his weak words, and instead focused on a mental image of his best friend…that was almost certain in this moment of strange lucid clarity…only tolerated him because he had to not because he wanted to. It about broke the Lillypup’s will to fight and live when he realized that.

So lost in his dark thoughts, his growing despair that he didn’t realize a moment she’d stopped…that she’d let him go. He slid down against the building limply, staring up at her with wide eyes, the eyes of a frightened, confused child and there was a gurgled “Why…..?” he weakly raised a hand to his throat and felt the warm stickiness coating it, and cringed. This was it then was it? He was going to die? Martin felt certain of it.

There was a noise not far off, someone bringing trash out into the alley just a short distance off. Maybe…he could get help. But then he thought back to Benedict…and Peabody…and that brief moment of self preservation died as quickly as it sparked up and he slumped against the wall silently. He was too weak to call out…to move. At least it had stopped raining.

Edith
Why...?

Why had she hurt him, or why was she letting him go? It didn't matter; what was done was done and she was soiled. When Edith lowered her hands she saw the face of a broken child, and hitched her breath. This was it, then? If he was just going to die here, then wouldn't it be better not to waste...

Edith tore her gaze away from him to the direction of the noise. She needed something to bring their attention to the boy. Something to get them to come over, and take her away; to save him! But what...? She pounced on the balls of her bare feet and looked around. Finally, her eyes landed on his shoes, which Edith stripped off of him. She made her way down to the lip of the alley, and waited until their backs were turned to her before she chucked one of the shoes. The other she made sure to coat with blood she had rubbed off from her cloth.

Edith turned back to Martin one last time, and fled.

Martin
He was barely aware of her gaze on him, but he was sure he was staring at his cause of death right here. At least she’s pretty… a small voice in his head said. Though it made no sense to him. Why did it matter if she were pretty?

His eyes closed, unable to keep them open any longer and he merely waited. So it was a surprise when he felt his shoes being taken, but there was a grim smile on his face. Maybe she needed them, and its not like he’d have any use anymore, right?

The shoe thrown at the back of the person in the alley had it’s desired effect and the man turned around to see what hit him, swearing some and began to head towards Martin, since the shoe had come from that way. He could just make out a small shape against the wall and frowned as he came upon a smaller, blood coated shoe. Seeing Martin, and the state he was in had the man simultaneously whipping out his cell phone and kneeling down to call for help while he did what he could for the boy. He’d not seen Edith anywhere, and Martin’s incoherent whispers made no sense. Attacked? There was no one around!