PUBLIC CHANNEL - D158

[atouts]

[ And now for something unrelated to Pokemon, faeries, and even Greysol, delivered in his more or less constant deadpan, as if this news, in particular, is somehow as exciting as watching paint dry. ]

If you are a carnival worker who has been given an extra job under the Acquisitioner, I would highly suggest answering this as soon as you possibly can. Failing that, I will come find you.

[ Definitely not a threat... right? It doesn't sound like one, honestly, but considering he can show up anywhere that has enough shadows in it, well... ]

For the rest of you, and assuming there are some who are new among you, this is John Childermass. I've been promoted from magician to a supervisory role. If you are in need of something being collected for you that the carnival is currently unable to provide, submit a request through your supervisor.

If you are lacking in one, we can work something else out. [ And here, there's a pause. A very, very short one, but one nonetheless. ] Assuming, of course, that you aren't a blatant troublemaker or asking for anything ridiculous.

[ That's all, folks. You are now free to continue on with your day. ]

Comments

[soft_focus]

...So you're my boss now?

[This is a Child speaking. A 'sounds more like grade 1' child. Welp.]

[whattaprick]

Finally. Does this mean I can get my cigarettes from you now?

[ PRIORITIES, MY DUDE ]

[kingsroads]

What?! Why am I just learning this now?

[ because buddy, the world doesn't revolve around you ]

[atouts]

[ Yeah, Childermass was a child thief himself, that means so very little to him. ]

If the Ringmaster has told you that you'll be stealing or talking people out of their hard-earned valuables, then yes, I am. [ And even though that still really does mean little to him, he still has to ask, ] Who is this and how old are you?

[soft_focus]

Reira Akaba.

....I don't know but Yuuya says he thinks 7.

...I liked 18 more.... [Foster said it was the age you could just not listen to anyone, see.]

[atouts]

Well, you are your own supervisor, so I suppose you must.

[ Lambert, really? ]

[anti_nonsense]

[Well, at least this explains how all his stuff disappeared out of the blue.]

I'd help you move, but... it looks like you got it.

[Also, no she wouldn't.]

[atouts]

Because the only person who would have known before now is the Ringmaster. I didn't bother to tell anyone else.

[atouts]

It was only a matter of tossing a bag or two through the shadows, but thank you for the thought.

[ Yeah, he wasn't even going to ask because no, she wouldn't. ]

I'm sure you'll be happy to know Baker is coming with me.

[whattaprick]

How about monster parts?

[atouts]

You don't get to choose an age at random. [ No dice, kid. ] Is there a reason the Ringmaster assigned you to the Acquisitioner, Mr. Akaba?

[kingsroads]

Honestly, that doesn't surprise me.

[ John "secretive bastard" Chidermass. ]

Anyway, congratulations on your new appointment. I assume this means I can borrow Baker for my act?

[soft_focus]

[Rude.] It wasn't random. I don't know my age, so since everyone can only guess, I liked that one more.

...I'm a girl.

[You'll see about why thievery later, she's feeling Bratty now.]

[atouts]

Ms. Akaba, then. [ More importantly— ] You didn't answer my question.

[soft_focus]

She said I had to steal things because I'm good at doing that, that's all.

Mostly I'm just good at being quiet and getting into small things, but I sometimes had to take things for soldiers I guess.

[atouts]

Thank you. [ Super secretive bastard, at that. ] And perhaps. It would entirely depend on how you want to include him in your act. He was originally trained for the vanishing trick.

[atouts]

And what in the world would you use monster parts for?

[whattaprick]

Potions, oils, bombs. I can make do, for the most part, but there are some things that'd work better if I didn't have to substitute.

[atouts]

I see. Wouldn't be the first time I've heard someone say that about children...

[ Which is a shame. He'd rather not have children working for him at all, but it also isn't up to him. So, he won't bother saying as much. ]

I hope you won't take offense if I ask you to demonstrate just how good. I would like to know who all it is I have to work with.

[kingsroads]

I could modify the vanishing trick for use in my own act, but with reflections instead of shadows. Of course, if that was the case I'd love to see your act through step by step. I've the general idea, but not the specifics of what he knows.

He's not particularly averse to water, is he?

[ Is the fire dog gonna be a big baby if he has to step in a puddle? ]

[atouts]

All of which are useful for the nightrunners, I assume. I may be limited by what world we're in at the time, but I'll see what I can do. What do you use as substitutes, though?

[soft_focus]

Okay.

[Offense apparently not taken...though, there is a pause.] ...Does this mean I have to give you what I find instead of giving it to the Ringmaster today?

[atouts]

You put my dog anywhere near water and let him chew on you, Strange.

[ OVERLY DEFENSIVE DOG OWNER. ]

Fire Pokemon have a weakness to water and I would rather not take that chance. I can show you how the act goes, though. It's honestly more pageantry than magic when you get right down to it.

[destiny_key]

...Why?

[That could refer to so many things. Why would he want you to steal things? Why would the Ringmaster make you Acquisitioner? Why a lot of things.]

I mean, congratulations. But also why?

[atouts]

You'll have to be more specific, Mr. Sora.

[ ...because what is his last name even? Childermass doesn't know. ]

Why what?