sholmes catchall

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[ If it had been anyone else, he would have offered a different expression. But it wasn't. He gives him a wry look, shaking his head a bit. ]

Honestly? No, not really.

[ There's a faint huff of a laugh, but carrying no merriment behind it. His eyes cast down to their feet, Finley just bowing down further to the ground. ]

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...

[He stares at him for a moment, before letting out a sigh.]

Evil days are upon us again. [His mouth twists to the side, displeased.] I suppose Qi Rong was not the only one eager to do such a deed.

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[ His shoulders tighten a little, is he trembling just slightly...? ]

I don't like the idea of having to doubt anyone here. To believe any of them could do this...

[ And, a little quieter. ]

And who it might be that's missing...

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...Miss Susato gave a valid argument earlier that stated that out of the five that are missing, four could likely be on a little journey like you were. It is...hard to think of five people dying at once.

[He doesn't want to think of that.]

But it seems we may have yet another trial upon us. It seems a pattern, at this point.

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[ There is a half nod, appreciative of the slight shred of hope, but somewhere in that hope, a dark feeling lingers deep down. ]

Yeah, that's probably true.

...Do you know how long any of them have been missing?

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Hm.

[He thinks for a moment.]

I know for a fact Mr. Kim Dokja has been gone since Wednesday. The rest, I cannot say.

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[ He feels his heart sink a bit and he nods absently. ]

Then if we're going based on that timeline...

[ He doesn't even want to say it. He didn't want to even think it, but now that growing dread is building. He doesn't want any of them to be gone, but.

While he reaches up to pull his cap down a bit further, Finley completely flattens herself on the ground, resting her head between her paws. ]

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...Have heart, my dear fellow.

[He's reaching forward to pull that hat up to expose his eyes.]

Let your eyes not be clouded so. We have still yet to know what may have occurred. For the time being, regardless of what happened, I do not think our missing would want us to wallow in pain and not do a thing.

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[ He swallows hard, like swallowing a bitter pill, lifting his eyes to look back at Sholmes. ]

I won't. I've been looking around for any signs... of anything. If...

[ He takes in a deep breath, trying to regain some composure, casually tossing the bottle aside that he'd been holding. ]

If it is Nine, I don't know what to think. I tried everything to help keep the three of them safe yesterday, only for this to happen.

[ There's a thick layer of guilt in his voice. A layer of regret. Maybe he could have done more. ]

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...It isn't your fault.

[His hand removes itself from his hat, only to grasp his shoulder, giving it a squeeze.]

Please, remember that. In this situation, we were all powerless, and I would not want you to treat yourself this way because of it. We all wish "we could have done more". But doing more will now be for looking for whoever we can, if anyone is truly missing, and doing our part in our inevitable trial.

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[ He lets out a sigh, but he nods a little bit. ]

You're right. It's just hard not to think about after yesterday.

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...I understand.

[A tilt of the head.]

Let your feelings push you forward, and don't look back. We will find the truth, whatever it may be.

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Kind of what we talked about last night, right?

[ Finley lifts her head to look at Sholmes, the lion slowly shifting back into tiger before she rests her head more easily now. ]

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Yes, indeed.

[His eyes glance to Finley, before fixing themselves on Kotetsu.]

You said you would assist this great detective in his investigations, yes? I won't have you being left behind.

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Yeah. I wouldn't want to let you down on that.

[ There's a hint of, hm, a smile that shows in his features. At the very least, he seems more relaxed. ]

Did you have plans of where you wanted to look?

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[He seems pleased at the change in other's demeanor, giving him a nod.]

Anywhere and everywhere, my dear fellow! You all did come out from somewhere rather random, I would say, so no stone must be left unturned. But we can check the nearest place to here, and continue our journey from there.

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Then lead the way. I hear your instincts treat you well.

[ But then, a little softer. More sincere. ]

Thank you.

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...

[He tips his hat forward to hide his eyes, grinning.]

You're very welcome, Mr. Kotetsu.

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[ There's a light pat on his arm in return. ]

Now what was that phrase again... Ah, right.

[ He gives Sholmes' arm a soft squeeze. ]

Come along, Sholmes. The game's afoot, yes?

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[He tilts his hat, eyes twinkling almost boyishly.]

That's right. The game's afoot, my dear fellow.

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[ His hand spreads forward and he's going to drape his arm over Sholmes' shoulder. He might be better than yesterday, but hey. He's still got a limp and he's going to use him for support because he can. ]

Then we shouldn't let this investigation wait any longer.

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[He's about to reply "absolutely", but pauses, gesturing to the limp.]

Is your leg still hurting you?

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A bit, but it's fine.

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Are you sure? Or are you trying to play tough?

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What, would you offer to nurse me back to health if I was only acting tough?