I. First Canto | Auditory

[eats_the_rude]

[A soft, dull whisper directed itself into the receiver with a metallic tinge, scratchy as though tired and overused.]

Mason, we do enjoy our little games, don't we? I must say this particular tactic of yours does not quite speak with the same chicanery as our usual correspondence. Your people have shown a surprising amount of courtesy, though why

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[tiny_schemer]

[There's something about the way the man speaks that seems familiar to Czeslaw, and that's why he listens at first. But it's not Fermet, even if that zen-like, creepy calm way of speaking reminds him.]

I've heard there's a new place right on the sea. Seems kinda expensive though, mister. Did you come with lots of money?

[eats_the_rude]

Yes, indeed. So I myself have just recently heard.

[He'll be finding a way around that. But he'd rather not disclose how.]

But I wouldn't worry about that, my dear boy. Money is no object to me.

[tiny_schemer]

How can it not be an object if you need it to buy oysters? Are you going to get them off the rocks yourself?

[eats_the_rude]

[A soft wheeze. Was he laughing? His lungs were still bruised from the tight strap that had been cinched over his chest, a mark left from the kidnapping.]

Dear boy, I am touched you might be so concerned over such a trivial matter. Though that would be a curious venture, and I should very much like to in the near future, I've not the proper utensils to do so.

[tiny_schemer]

[Ugh, creepy. Nothing like an old guy to remind you what a gift it is to be young.]

Well, if you need food in the city there are better options. Lots of newcomers help out others if they need it. I've made lots of friends and sometimes they buy me lunch or groceries or stuff. Maybe if you asked for some help they'd do the same for you. [Which certainly has a lot to do with him being small and helpless and all by himself at such a tender 'age'.]

[eats_the_rude]

[Yes, well...He hadn't asked the two swineherders to strap him down so tightly when they'd drugged and thrown him in the back of a van. Not exactly enjoyable for him, either. It would heal. In the mean time he'd simply have to endure. Breathing currently was not exactly the most pleasant endeavor.]

How kind. I suppose it is wise to band together where there is strength in numbers, yes? [All the better to blend in.] I myself shall be certain to return the courtesy if and when there is a demand for it.

[Ah, yes. Tender indeed.]

[tiny_schemer]

That's the idea, I guess. Since the natives don't want us here, it makes sense that people stick together and help one another. It's kinda touching. But you gotta be careful. Some of the newcomers are real creeps. There are demons, super-strong guys, and monsters that are even scarier than the Darkness.

[eats_the_rude]

[Ah, there was irony to be had in that statement. Telling a man such as he to be careful.]

Demons? [It was a wonder he was taking this so matter-of-factly at all. But in due time. He had to be patient.]

Might you describe them a little more? I want to know who I'm supposed to watch out for.

[tiny_schemer]

There are so many of them! There's the big chompy creature that's followed by a red-eyed human in the night. There have been vampire attacks and robberies and all kinds of things. Most of the demons seem to have some kind of human form so you can't tell the difference, so I can't really be sure...

Oh, and there's that furry thing that promises to grant your wish if you make a contract with it. I wouldn't trust that thing half as far as I could throw it. It looks like a bunny or a puppy or something, but you can't let its cuteness fool you.

[eats_the_rude]

[Listening quietly. Vampire attacks? Now weren't these claims absurd? Oh, but Lecter, who was neither man nor monster wouldn't object. His own eyes reflected pinpoints of red in the darkness, even as they spoke. He in turn might be mistaken for those creatures whom were frowned upon if he wasn't careful.]

I'll take that into consideration...

[tiny_schemer]

[Okay, creepy. Take it into your creepy consideration.]

It's a dangerous world out there mister - oh, I don't think I got your name...

[eats_the_rude]

Dangerous, yes. [Processing, processing...]

Doctor John Fell. And yours?

oops, sorry about that!

[tiny_schemer]

Benjamin. What kind of doctor are you? [with cheerful excitement] Do you know Dr. Xavier?

[eats_the_rude]

Benjamin? That's a very nice name for a young man.[A biblical name.]

The kind that gives medicinal and institutional care to good [and maybe not so good] little boys and girls, you might say.

And no, I'm afraid not. [He'd only just arrived, after all.]