4 || [audio] backdated to August 1st

[incriminating]

[Adachi's communicator clicks on for the first time in a few days. Hey brats, did you miss him? There's the sound of languid footfalls for a few minutes as he makes his way through the village and then silence. His even breathing is all the audio feed picks up, until -- ]

Knock, knock.

[His voice curls around that one word, his tone feather-light

Comments

[video]

[theeyeoftruth]

[That one visible eyebrow is arched just a little, his gaze watchful.

There's something like a ripple in Adachi's tone, something that runs deeper than a simple tremour in tone. It's well swallowed up in that audible smile, but Sheik catches it - hidden things are oft the domain of the Sheikah, after all.

There's something to be seen here, and so he hopes to look.]

That's interesting...

I wonder, my lord, have you been wandering far?

[video]

[incriminating]

[Adachi usually prefers to reserve the video option for those he enjoys toying with, namely the brats, but the lilt in this youth's voice, that one red eye -- well, Adachi's interest has been piqued, to say the least. Normally, he would protest such a title, but tonight Adachi relishes in it, contents himself with the simple power that accompanies "my lord."]

Hmm, not far. Just long. I found what I was looking for though, heh.

Nice getup, kid.

[video]

[theeyeoftruth]

[And there it is. He can see that there's something else lingering just beneath and around the form of Adachi - like he's a poorly fitting mask for something else. The ripple in his voice is a ripple manifest around him, something like a heat haze of blood red and lightless black.

He responds with a languidity that does not betray his keenness, but it's there regardless, a sharpness in his gaze that he does not try to hide.]

Cultural.

[He leans back a little, must have propped up the camera, because there's a pause and then he shifts, and then the top of a lyre can be seen and there's music, inobtrusive and lilting.]

What were you seeking, may I ask?

[video]

[incriminating]

[There's something striking in this kid's piercing gaze that painfully reminds Adachi of Dojima-san, watching him over the rim of his coffee mug. The detective smiles bitterly at the camera and then glances away, but that doesn't mean that Sheik isn't being watched.]

Aha, that must be an interesting culture then.

[Adachi eyes the lyre and cocks an eyebrow, but says nothing. The music is pleasing.]

Heh, I was looking for...

[Answers? An escape? A new game?]

I was searching for myself.

[video]

[theeyeoftruth]

What a noble search that is.

[His voice is light, cryptic, as if he's sharing a riddle. Nobility, or, indeed, much self-awareness, isn't what he's getting from the man.]

Was it lost to you?

[video]

[incriminating]

[Adachi's eyes widen, but his smile is frozen.]

What the hell are you saying, kid?

[He grimaces.]

I know what I am now. No, I know who I am. I've found it.

I see the goddamn truth.

[video]

[theeyeoftruth]

[His own expression, as far as Adachi can see, is unchanged, but there is the faintest of smiles in his voice.]

Eyes that see truth... surely a double-edged sword.

[Private, difficult to hack]

My lord, might I ask a question?

[video]

[incriminating]

[While it's difficult to tell over a video feed, Adachi is now positive he understands what's up with this youth. Years on the force have acquainted him with many various unpleasant scenarios, after all.]

...kid, are you stoned?

[Private, difficult to hack]

Uh, yeah sure. Shoot.

[video]

[theeyeoftruth]

[Amused.]

No. And I'm a great deal older than you.

[Private, difficult to hack]

[He leans forward slightly, as if to look at him more closely. The music continues, however, unchanged, though that sharpness in his gaze has now been bared in full, like a dagger now drawn.]

Who is that, that walks beside you?

[video]

[incriminating]

[He doesn't share your amusement, Sheik.]

Listen, brat. I know I don't look my age, but knock it off. I don't appreciate that shit.

[Private, difficult to hack]

[Eyes narrowing, Adachi positions the comm further away from him, as if he could put distance between them. When he answers, his voice has lowered to a dangerous hiss.]

And what, exactly, are you talking about? You sure you aren't riding the tail end of some trip?

[video]

[theeyeoftruth]

[That gets a dark, brief little chuckle.]

As you wish, my lord.

[Private, difficult to hack]

Turning a blind eye, are we?

I'm speaking about the one with you.

[video]

[incriminating]

[Adachi burns with the desire to childishly mimic Sheik's reply, "As you wish, my lord." Grinding his teeth visibly, he forces himself to smile instead.]

[Private, difficult to hack]

[How the fuck does this kid know? Adachi almost glances over his shoulder, almost looks for the oppressive shadow of his persona, and then catches himself. This is dangerous territory, even behind a filter. Adachi has no interest in revealing his secrets, especially not to this stranger.]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[video][private, difficult to hack]

[theeyeoftruth]

Really?

Then perhaps you're not yet seeing all you should.

[video][private, difficult to hack]

[incriminating]

Who the hell are you?

You're a resident here, aren't you? Not one of...h-her...?

[video][private, difficult to hack]

[theeyeoftruth]

[Her? He's willing to bet Adachi doesn't mean Zelda by that - considers pressing, but now is not the time.]

Just a resident, my lord.

[video][private, difficult to hack]

[incriminating]

Yeah? Then what's up with all these questions, huh?

[Oh, he's growing restless now. Magatsu Izanagi, uneasy, shudders beneath his skin and moans in his head.]

I m-mean, what's your problem? I don't even know you, but you're...urgh.