farawayplace | A new adventure...

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A new adventure...

A. TURNTERRACE ROAD - CLOSED to buson

"I suppose we didn't need this." As they neared the entrance to Turnterrace Tunnel, Bashou folded the map of Ohritori Island. "You must have walked this route all the time when you worked on the farm...?"

He swung his rucksack around to the front of his body so that he could slip the map back into its pocket. His rucksack had some additions, most notably a length of neatly coiled rope and carabiner clips attached to the side. Bashou, too, was dressed differently. His clothes were more form-fitting, not the usual loose and flowy things he'd gotten used to wearing in Ultern. There was a climbing harness around his hips, and a helmet with an integrated torch on his head.

Would there be any climbing involved in this trip? Bashou didn't know for sure. As with all the Mystery Dungeons, it seemed that this one defied any attempts to map beyond its entrance. But he always liked to be prepared, and going into an unchartable cave system felt a lot more dangerous than the unchartable forest island they'd visited last time...

B. ROUTE 5 / CRABRAWLER COAST (BETWEEN PORT OPPORTUNE AND ADANOOK TOWN), CHURA ISLAND - *OPEN!*

[You may want to take care if you wander off the path. Bashou likes to train his Pokémon around here, often with the 'help' of a creepy-looking cloth mannequin for target practice. He's currently focusing on his newest Pokémon, Roselia. She's learning how to use Toxic Spikes! If anyone gets too close, they'll get a glare and a 'tsk'.]

"You nearly got a face full of poisonous thorns. I'm trying to save my Antidotes for real emergencies, so please be more careful next time."

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Buson was amused as ever by Bashou's (excessive, in Buson's eyes, but he let him do whatever made him feel safer, with only the lightest teasing) precautions. Buson was only going to use a flashlight (because he thought the helmet torch looked goofy, honestly), but he got a harness and rope to match, even if he didn't expect any climbing.

"Yeah, it's a good shortcut to get to where... you were. On the other end'a this tunnel, you'll find the Miltank dairy farms! A little further off are the rice terraces, worked on those too... it's interesting, not like the rice paddies back home. They got the rice growing in terraces, on different levels of those hills, keeps the water in longer and lets it slowly trickle down, watering all the levels... it was a pain getting them up there, but it's nice makin' something grow... feels good to use my strength for somethin' like that," he said, looking at his upturned palms, grasping at air.

If Bashou had still been silently wondering how Buson found that kind of life, there was his answer. It was hard work and Buson didn't like it as much as the freedom of sailing, but... it was reassuring to help something grow, after spending so long reduced to a weapon that only metes out pain or shears lives short.

They won't have to walk so long, since it's not at the other end of the tunnel, but for now, some conversation...

"Yes, I've heard about those systems. Always thought they sounded good. Efficient use of difficult land. Otherwise, it's not that easy to grow things on a hillside. Especially if you're trying to use any kind of machinery."

Bashou sounded absent-minded, still fiddling with his rucksack as he spoke. Finally, he seemed content, and put it back squarely on his shoulders. He realised, then, that the conversation wasn't exactly about farm engineering. Buson's last comment made him smile, since it reminded him of something that he missed.

"I have a little garden, back home. Started out with a few herbs and vegetables, but I'd started growing flowers for my Comfey. Not quite the same as watching a whole hillside come to life with rice, but...I think I understand. It's the feeling of nurturing something, especially something that's going to nurture you in return. Makes you feel part of the world's cycle."

In a different way to Rocket, Bashou added silently.

As they walked further into the tunnel, the light began to fade, but it was still bright enough to see without resorting to torches yet.

"If we had a little space of our own, we could do the same here. An allotment, a house, a farm..."

Buson glanced at Bashou again as he slipped the rucksack back on, and caught the smile.

"That sounds... really nice. I'm glad you have that," he said, picturing the herbs and colourful flowers, and Bashou quietly tending to them in the pale and quiet early morning light... it's a comforting sight.

"Just a little more and we could get one of those little houses in Chura, I got my eye on one... the owner's moving away to Ohritori for work, so, I got a pretty good deal! I think one more paycheck and I should be able to get it."

Hearing about the house brought such a rare rush of excitement, Bashou wondered if he was in the mood for exploring a dark cave instead.

It would be silly to go back now. They were here, they'd already planned it, they were prepared and kitted out (well, Bashou was...). But his mind threatened to be elsewhere, imagining the joy of having their own space. The inn was just fine, but it wasn't theirs, and Bashou knew that Buson sometimes felt he had to tread lightly in its delicate surroundings. Maybe they'd both be able to relax even more, in a place of their own...

"That would be nice." Bashou's understated comment didn't give away even half of what he was feeling. "Work is still slow for me, but I picked up a couple of jobs lately, so I may be able to help a little."

But for now, they were here, and Bashou wasn't planning on wasting the experience by daydreaming his way through it. He'd noticed that there were a few small caverns and crevices dotted around the tunnel; the place they were looking for was one of them, but different.

"Will it be obvious when we find it?"

"That'd be great!" Buson said, grinning widely. "If you helped, maybe we'll have it even sooner... it'll be ours."

He could't know just how excited Bashou is at it, but it's enough to hear him wanting to pitch in... he made the right decision, then! He was excited and happy too, for both the adventure and the possibility of a home. Coming to Chura was a great idea, even if there were relatively few places, it wasn't as expensive as a bustling city, and if was already on good terms with the previous owner...

At Bashou's question, Buson whistled, wondering how much he could get away with not saying—as if he really needed to keep Bashou in suspense!

"Yep, it's another 'you'll know it when you see it' kinda place, Bashou," Buson said, with a lightly teasing tone once again.

Not trying to upset or worry Bashou like the last time, he offered in what he hoped was a reassuring tone, with a light nudge.

"The rocks in the cave glows on its own, like the Midnight Bloom, hence the name. Shimmerstone Cave! You likely won't need a torch, Bashou. They don't know what makes the rocks light up either. Lots'a mysterious places around here, huh? I had a quick look at the entrance when I passed through here when our ship docked in Ohritori... oh, I think it's up ahead!"

There's a faint glow somewhere further down the tunnel, perhaps from the cave entrance in question?

"I didn't bother goin' in because it's another one'a those places that change every time. 'Sides, I had to get back to the ship."

[Ken does often take walks around this area to clear his head, so he's not expecting to almost get attacked. He narrowly steps back to avoid a toxic spike flying his way.]

Ah, sorry! I didn't see you there... Are you training?

[But now that he's looking at this person, there's something about him... Something that reminds him of... A Linoone. Ken blinks, glancing at the silver hairtufts. This couldn't be Buson's partner, the elusive Bashou, could it? It feels like it'd be too convenient to run into him on accident like this. No, he's heard Bashou prefers staying inside, so this is probably somebody else.]

Yes...?

[The curious rise in Bashou's tone is for two reasons. Firstly, isn't it clear that he's training? But secondly, and more than that, there's something familiar about this guy. But Bashou is sure that they haven't met before. Then again, he doesn't always commit people to memory very well, so he could be wrong. He waves for his Roselia to stop and take a rest.]

I feel as though I know you from somewhere. Have we met?

"Well, let's see when we get back. Even if we have to wait a little longer, I'm sure it'll be worth it."

Bashou's usual caution was back, as he checked himself against getting his hopes up. Committing to a house of their own was a big step, with lots to consider. The thought of it still made Bashou feel warm and contented, but he didn't want to get too distracted while they were visiting yet another mysterious place, with no map, and probably some unknown dangers to contend with. Fighting off a bunch of wild Pokémon in a forest was one thing, but battling in a cave could be risky.

"More glowing things, hmm...? I'm sensing a pattern here. Is that what we're looking for? Am I supposed to put the rocks in my tea, too?"

He kept his tone light, to make clear that he was joking. The Midnight Bloom did seem to have some effect on his dreams, so even if they were there to find some other soothing-magical-thing-that-glows, Bashou wouldn't have minded.

As he spoke, he saw what Buson was talking about. At first, he thought it was light from somewhere else, reflecting off a shiny section of rock in the tunnel wall. But as they drew closer, he realised it couldn't be that. The light was coming from the rock itself.

"Well...if it's the shining rocks we're looking for, that was easy. They're right here. But I'm guessing it's not just that."

[First of all, it's small talk, and second, Ken's not all that familiar with training so he had to ask!

Ken rubs the back of his neck self-consciously at the question, used to being recognized, and smiles.]

You might've heard my voice! I'm a Radio DJ, the name's Ken. But, that said... I also feel like there's something familiar about you! Did you ever happen to call my show?

[It seems like a safe question to ask, whether this is Bashou or not! A lot of people call Ken's show, after all. Still, the fact that the thought of Bashou crossed Ken's mind at all has him feeling like he should stay cautious around this person. Not because he's wary of Bashou, but because he promised Buson to watch his behavior around Bashou.]

Buson just smiled. Of course, it'll be worth it!

Buson laughed at Bashou's joke. The delivery's dry as ever, but it's a light-hearted joke and Buson appreciated it. They're in high spirits!

"That'd be some tea! Nah, we're not here to scrape glowy rock salt, although it sounds like it'd make a fun drink... cooler than the marble in those soda bottles!"

Bashou's assessment was also, of course, spot on!

"Nnnope, we aren't here for just that." he grinned wider. "Seems like Steel types thrive in this place and there's rarer stones here... think we'll find somethin' that'll buff our Pokemon?"

Without further ado... time to venture into the cave! It certainly is a beautiful sight to behold, glowing with its own light. Almost like crystals.

[Bashou widens his eyes in recognition - and, then, in embarrassment. He'd tried to use Ken's radio show as a vehicle for intimidating anyone who might have been listening, but thanks to Ken's professional control of the conversation, it hadn't worked out that way.]

Oh! No wonder you sounded familiar. I've listened to your show.

[Bashou hesitates, wondering if he should try to deny that he'd ever called. But he figures there's no point. Ken might have remembered him, and even if not, didn't he hang out with Buson sometimes? It seems silly to try lying to a friend of a friend.]

...and, yes, I might have called once.

[There, he hadn't lied...]

Besides that, I think you may have spent some time with my partner. Buson, or Attila...?

"Steel types..."

Bashou's expression brightened. It shouldn't have been that surprising, to think they might find some Steel types in a cave...but Ultern was so hot and humid, Bashou had almost given up on finding Steel types anywhere around these islands. It seemed like the wrong environment for them. But, of course, if they were going to thrive anywhere, it would be in a place like this.

"Can't hurt to try. Not in the market for any new Pokémon, but let's see what else we can find."

Bashou stepped into the cave. He could see well enough by the light from the rocks, but just as an experiment, he turned on his helmet's torch for a moment, to see if it made any difference. The beam bounced off some of the rocks and got refracted through others, making it more of an artistic distraction than a useful tool. Bashou admired the sight for a few seconds, then switched the torch off.

"Looks like you were correct about not needing a torch. Not in this area, anyway. I won't waste the batteries, just in case."

As he glanced at Buson, Bashou also looked back at the cave entrance. Once again, he was unsettled by the thought that these places were constantly changing, and impossible to map. A cave was much harder to escape than a forest.

"Maybe we should have brought a ball of string, though..."

It was a beautiful sight, wasn't it? A bit bright for Buson, but he still briefly lowered the shades to have a peek at the colours.

"Wow."

As he listened to Bashou's concerns, few tiny Aron skittered by, just out of view, pausing often to watch the two humans from behind the shining stone, and skittering quickly by when they thought they couldn't be seen.

Buson watched one, trying to hide his smile of amusement, that didn't realize he could see it behind his sunglasses. Perhaps Bashou might also see them out of the corner of his eyes!

Seeing Hoenn native Pokemon now felt a little nostalgic!

"... hey."

He noticed Bashou looking uneasy.

"It's gonna be alright. Look, you wanna make a trail to follow? How about we do what wild Ursaring do and claw up our territory?" he suggested with a grin, then brought out a pokeball and tossed it. "C'mon out, Mawile! While we walk, can ya make a little "x" on the wall?"

He made a swiping motion at the air to convey what that might look like to Mawile.

Mawile listened to the orders very seriously, then nodded dutifully and went up to the cave wall, whipping around and using its jaws to carve two long gashes into the stone.

"... it can't taste anythin' with that mouth, apparently, and those jaws can cut through steel. She'll—uh, whoops, he'll... be fine!"

Dropping his voice low and inching closer to Bashou's side. "Confirmed it when I thought it'd be fun to give Mawile one'a my protein shakes and he politely drank a tiny bit in front of me, then, when he thought I wasn't lookin', dumped the whole thing in his back jaws and looked relieved. It was tryin' so hard not to be rude, it's adorable, but it was hard not to laugh, even if it kinda bugged me at the time."

Bashou noticed the Aron, too. Though he'd said he wasn't looking for any new additions to his team, he briefly paused to consider their potential...but, no, he shouldn't be catching anything this early in their trip, if at all. He decided to ignore them.

"I do think we should make some kind of trail. I know we managed fine on that island, in the end, but...a cave seems more dangerous, and we don't have Evie here to help manage any Pokémon diplomacy issues..."

At Buson's suggestion that Mawile could help, Bashou's jaw dropped a little. He hadn't considered leaving marks like that! If he had, he might have suggested that his Pawniard could do the same thing, but...she was still his bodyguard, primarily, and he didn't want her to dull her blades, even though she hopefully wouldn't have to use them here! Besides, a Mawile could reach further and higher with those jaws.

"That's a great idea." Bashou should have left it at that, probably, but he was thinking aloud. His voice dropped to a mutter. "Assuming whatever magic makes this place unchartable doesn't erase Mawile's markings. They're only crosses, though...not arrows or directions..."

Well, if that happened, it was beyond their control. Buson's idea was still a great one, and it was better to try than to leave it to fate.

Bashou stifled a laugh at Buson's story. As they were going along, he occasionally glanced at Mawile with a tight-lipped look of sympathy.

"Can't say I blame him. How useful, though, to have a choice about tasting food." He paused to think. "I might eat natto if I had that ability. I suppose that's as much about the smell as the taste, but those things are often linked. So, what about you? What would you use your back jaws for, if you were a Mawile?"

Bashou's concern did give Buson pause.

"... maybe they'll stick around as long as the path exists for us... I mean, we went back roughly the same way we came on Chichi Island, right? Maybe... if not, well, I guess we'll just have to handle it our way, if we can't be diplomatic."

Mawile didn't hear the earlier conversation, so did not understand Bashou's sympathetic looks, briefly glancing at him out of the corner of his eyes the first time, but otherwise, remained focused on the path. Every time they passed through another opening or tunnel, he carved another cross.

"If I had a second mouth that I couldn't taste with... sharp teeth and jaws that could chomp through steel?"

He smirked, but said nothing, then hummed thoughtfully, clasping his hands behind his head. "Let's see... those jaws make a good can opener! Uncork bottles and stuff too... if I gotta eat, I wanna enjoy what I eat! I'll save it for medicine, cracking stuff open, and maybe doin' tricks."

"Well, this should be an interesting experiment. If this works, maybe we should come back again at another time and try some directional markings, labels, or something like that. See if those last, and if they stay accurate..."

Of course Buson would use Mawile-style jaws for tricks and opening bottles. Bashou smiled wryly for a second, then returned to thinking about Buson's idea of having Mawile mark their way. Bashou hung back and paused to look at Mawile's markings, then caught up with Buson and gave him a slight nudge.

"I know that people say these places change every time, but...that could just be people's perception, no? It's easy to get lost in places like this. Easy to see how people could convince themselves that the path changes, when in reality they've just gotten confused. Perhaps these places only haven't been mapped yet because people have simply swallowed the idea that they're 'magical'."

Just like with Legendary Pokémon, once something was branded a mystery, many people would just accept it and give up too easily. But he and Buson were different, weren't they? Considering what they did - or used to do - as field agents? Many people would have said Raikou could never be found, let alone caught. And yet they had done it, even if only for a brief time. Without any interference, they would have...

"Imagine if we could be the ones to prove them wrong, and produce some reliable maps. Do you think people would pay for those?"

Buson glanced over his shoulder at Bashou at the nudge, curious, but when he heard his idea, he initially looked amused in a mildly exasperated sort of way... the place was already this strange and Bashou still had doubts about magical places with always changing paths?

But, it wasn't too long when he felt silly believing it and he'd heard of failed attempts at making maps, but, he hadn't seen any himself, so maybe... Bashou had a point. Buson tended to take people at their word a bit more, but Bashou questioned more. Buson was a bit quicker to accept that something wasn't likely to be possible, but Bashou had a great way of making insurmountable, impossible-sounding things... sound possible.

Even if it went nowhere, it was a fun idea to entertain and he could always use the money!

A sharp, wolfish grin spread across his face.

"They'd pay handsomely, especially if there's rare stones and gems to be found, but we'd have to be very careful with who to sell it to, if it reaches too many people, they'll ransack the place, and then, what good'll it be? No use to us! If we mark it up and control how many copies are made, or write it differently for each person, so the average person can't make sense of it, that should slow down the spread considerably, too... don't think someone who'd pay a hefty sum would be quick to hand it out for free, that's rippin' himself off, too, but hey, if some idiot tries to cheat us all out, we could make the old map obsolete. Set traps, collapse a tunnel or two, explosives should still work on these rocks, glowing or not, right?"

He laughed and patted a wall.

"... boom. Then, we'll charge even higher for maps of the new path! We could have several houses! Maybe even a mansion!"

Bashou mirrored Buson's grin, surprised (and a little impressed) that he was going so far as potentially re-engineering the whole place. But...that would involve finding the right gear to carry out controlled explosions, without being detected. Bashou hadn't exactly seen any dynamite or industrial chemical stores around Ultern.

It was a fun idea. But definitely one that was better in theory than in practice. The tunnel that these caves led from was one that people actually used, after all, and to damage it would cause a lot of disruption. Not that that would usually stop a Rocket from doing what they wanted, but if they were trying to lay low...

They were just joking, right?

"Or...what about this? I'm thinking aloud here, for once, so this may be a terrible idea, but...if it works, we keep the maps. Memorise them, even. Don't tell anyone they exist. In fact, we stick to the story about how the mystery dungeons are practically impossible to map. But we offer our services as guides, for a price. Then we keep the knowledge to ourselves, and anyone who comes with us is under our control. Could be risky and attract some bad characters, but...I doubt most people could get the jump on us, together, with our Pokémon..."

And their relative lack of regard for morality, and people's lives.

Would anyone choose to go with them, though? They did make a strange pair, probably, to people who didn't know them.

"I wouldn't trust us as tour guides, though."

"Even better!" Buson said with a howling laugh, clapping his hands together. "... that's way better than relying on a bunch of strangers and this way, we wouldn't even have to change up the place or disturb the wildlife. It'll just be us as suspiciously good guides. If anyone tries to squeeze it out of us, what, like we wouldn't hoard all the stones and gems to ourselves if we knew this place like the back of our hand? Get real!"

Buson kicked a stone. "... if it's a dangerous character, we make it look like an accident easy... treacherous environment, unstable rocks, wild Steel types protectin' their territory... a cryin' shame, but not our fault."

The stone continued to travel, clattering along the way, followed a side tunnel out of view, before hitting something with a much higher sound than the cavern floor or the cave walls, a hollow, almost drum-like sound.

"... hey, did you hear something?"

Maybe there was something to investigate?

Edited (That was contradictory, pfft.) 2023-08-19 16:13 (UTC)

[Ken's smile brightens as Bashou basically confirms his suspicions.]

So you're Bashou! Ah...

[Ken slaps a hand over his own mouth, embarrassed at how loudly he said that, and glances around to see if anyone was around to hear it. Fortunately, nobody seems to be around, as far as he can see, so he takes his hand off and gives Bashou a smile.]

Sorry about that! Yeah, I've heard a lot about you from Buson... And I do remember your call! The Pawniard trainer, right?

It's funny, even though I've never met you before, you seemed so familiar when I saw you I couldn't help but wonder, "Is that Bashou?" As if I could just imagine Buson standing by your side... Ah, sorry if I'm talking too much.

[Ken gives a small, slightly self-sepreciating and a little bit nervous laugh.]

Bashou fought back a smile as he imagined himself looking down into a crevice, at the body of someone who'd threatened him, or maybe just offended him a little too much. The peace of Ultern was nice, and Bashou had never considered himself to be an incurable criminal, but this kind of life just didn't offer the same opportunities for satisfaction.

Not allowed to kick someone off a cliff, even if they deserve it...

The distant thud brought Bashou's attention back to the present moment. To his ears, he thought it had sounded almost metallic, like the kind of noise a Steel-type Pokémon could make. But it was hard to analyse a one-off sound like that. Bashou stood still and nodded.

"I heard it. Shall we go...?"

Yes. And you must be...Ken?

[The pause is just Bashou second-guessing himself. He's never been good with remembering names, and even though he's heard Ken's name more times than average - on the radio and from Buson - he's still not completely sure.]

Pawniard, yes...

[Bashou glances down at his Roselia, who seems to be wandering in circles around his feet, perhaps disappointed at this sudden lull in her training. For some reason, Bashou feels the need to comment on the fact that she's not a Pawniard.]

I do have a Pawniard. That wasn't made up. It's just that my Roselia is new, and so we're spending a bit of extra time on her training. She was a gift. From Buson. Anyway.

[He waves a hand dismissively to shut himself up. There's no need for Ken to apologise; Bashou feels like he's the one talking too much, for once.]

It's funny you should say that. About Buson and I. We look so different, most people think it's amusing or surprising when they see us together. But he does seem to have a talent for describing me, I've noticed. Well, describing people in general...

"Sure," Buson nodded, and proceeded carefully, Mawile marking the wall before hurrying to their sides.

The hollow sound might have come from striking a part of the cave wall, the translucent and crystalline nature of which, allowed a near-uninterrupted view of a Mega Stone, not too deeply incased. A little bit of chipping away should reach it.

"Hey, Bashou! Looks like we found some jewel already... looks like... amber, almost, but there's something interesting at the heart of it."

Bashou's guess, however, wasn't wrong, as there was also... a large, sleeping Steelix coiled up front of it looked rather irritable, watching them both with one eye. The stone Buson kicked seemed to have annoyed it...

That's me, haha.

[Ken rubs the back of his neck nervously. He mentally repeats the things Buson adviced him to do when talking to Bashou. No alcohol, no talk about relationships, give him space... Well, that shouldn't be hard! Except that sometimes people mistake Ken's friendly behavior for flirting... He's still not sure how to avoid that, so he'll just have to hope Bashou won't misread him!]

Huh? Oh, I wasn't doubting you. Everyone keeps Pokemon in their Pokeballs sometimes, after all! And you have to focus on your new Pokemon, of course. She seems very fond of you, so the training must be going well!

[Ken smiles at the Roselia, crouching down slightly to wave hi at her. A gift from Buson, huh... That's lovely.]

Yeah, now that you mention it, Buson is great at describing people! And describing things in general, too. I wish I could do it that well. He's got a way with words that just... makes you feel more than see, I guess? Gives you these vivid mental images...

[Speaking of vivid mental images... oh no. Ken freezes, eyes going wide as the subject makes his mind jump to some vivid thoughts he had after Buson described his meeting with Bashou a bit too vaguely that one time. This is the absolute worst time for that, so in a sudden panic to hide, Ken just... drops to the ground, hiding his head behind his arms and knees as he sits in a fetal position so Bashou wouldn't notice his blush or his paleness, whichever his face is showing.

Sorry, Bashou, this is probably incredibly awkward to see in the middle of a conversation, but he panicked.]

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Page 1 of 3

A new adventure...

[A; CW reference to violence and murder--only a brief mention, really!]

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B. (finally, these two meet in person)

[ heck yeah!! ]

[ couldn't resist throwing in the line about the glowing rocks and tea... ]

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[I love that joke... also, oof, just realized how many typoes were in my last reply]

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[1/2]

[2/2]

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[ featuring the return of Bashou's hubris and greed (if they ever went away)... ]

[.... Bashou, no. Please don't encourage this--oh, Buson, not you too! :| ]

[ B&B: Ultern is like a vacation from our old criminal lives... also B&B: let's blow things up ]

[(villainous) castles in the air; CW: implication of killing... in self-defense, but still]

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[ cw: just Bashou fantasising about someone's death... ]

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[(lovingly) they're so messed-up]

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