Nathaniel: Jesus. There ought to be laws against that...
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Good morning, grumpy pants. Coffee?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yes. Slip a shot of whiskey in there while you're at it. I'll need it to cope with the PDA out there...
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Oh? When I got up they were just cuddled together sleeping... Or is that what you're grumbling about? I'll put whiskey in your coffee if you really want, but then I'll be making a face at you.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Heh. Calm down. Retire The Face. I was just kidding. I don't drink. And yes, that's what I was grumbling about. People should not look that attractive when they're asleep. They should be making weird faces and drooling all over themselves like the rest of us.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Well, you know, heterosexuals are people, too... You're just going to have to get used to that sort of thing. We can't all be gay like you. :-P
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah, well, more's the pity for you, then. :-P
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heehee... So, I have something to bring up & I don't know how to say it. I know you're going to try & talk me out of it… Victor is in no shape to crossover again & Yoyo would want to go, too... I'm sure you don't want to go with me. But, I want to go find Poppy & Vincent... Victor's right. It's been too long. They should have been back by now or at least, made contact.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): But... But, I mean, wasn't that the thing you were yelling at him for doing yesterday?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yes, I know... I'm a hypocrite. But, I'm telling you & I'll be right back. I'm going to go to the inn and see what Aiden discovered, if anything. And then, I'll come back. I'm not going to go off gallivanting to the Island on my own... I may be insane at times but I'm not suicidal. Then, we can all figure out what to do next... Hopefully, Poppy & Vincent will be back before then.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): And you want me to stay here.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Oh... I just assumed you wouldn't want to get mixed up in all this crazy stuff... Do you want to come with me?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): I... I don't know. Kinda.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Well, okay... But, you have to listen to me. If I say run, you run. This isn't a game. There are people over there that want to hurt us... Well, kill me, actually. You'll probably be fine. And, did Poppy show you how to handle a sword or gun?
Yukiko (to Zoe & Nathaniel): Good morning... What are you two conspiring about in here?
Zoe (to Yukiko): Oh... we're not conspiring in here, per se. There's coffee, if you'd like some.
Yukiko (to Zoe & Nathaniel): Well then, please go on with your discussion. Don't mind me.
Nathaniel (to Zoe & Yukiko): Ummm... OK. Uh, yeah. Aunt Poppy never showed me much more than some fighting shit. I popped her in the face, and then had a melt down, so, you know...
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Do you still want to go with me?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Um, yeah. We're just gonna ask a couple of questions and follow up some leads, right?
Yukiko (to Zoe & Nathaniel): Go? Where are you guys planning on going? You're not going after Poppy & Vincent, are you?
Zoe (to Yukiko): Yes. Victor had asked Aiden to look up some stuff and he's in no condition to crossover. So, I thought I would go and Nate offered to go with me, as backup.
Yukiko (to Zoe & Nathaniel): That is the worst idea I've ever heard. Zoe, you're wanted by CLANNG & the ISS and Nate, you've never spent any time over there. If you get separated, you have no means of getting back here on your own... Let me wake up Victor. The four of us should be able to come up with a better plan.
Zoe (to Yukiko): Wait... You're not going to try to talk us out of it?
Yukiko (to Zoe & Nathaniel): Of course not. This is Poppy & Vincent we're talking about. They're family.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Oh. Yeah. Right.
A few minutes later:
Yukiko (to Victor): Victor? I'm sorry to wake you, but you need to come into the kitchen. It's important.
Victor (to Yukiko): Huh? Oh, hey. I... Jesus. I feel like the arse end of a plow horse... I'm up. What's going on?
Yukiko (to Victor): Zoe & Nate are talking about going over to the inn to see what Aiden discovered, if anything. I thought you'd want to be involved. You're clearly in no shape to go back over there.
Victor (to Yukiko): The hell I'm not. I'll be fine after a pot of coffee and a pile of painkillers.
Yukiko (to Victor): Is that really such a good idea? You look awful.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. I feel awful, but I'll be fine. Ideally, I'd sleep for a week, but we don't have that kind of time, do we? And if anyone can keep CLANNG from getting their hands on us, it's me and Zoe.
Yukiko (to Victor): Well then, Nate & I are coming with you, too. Don't even try to tell me, otherwise! You are still weak from your trip, yesterday. And, Nate & I are certainly not going to sit here on our own worrying about the two of you.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. I wouldn't dream of telling you otherwise! I'd be a fool if I refused your help. Do you think Nate will be alright?
Yukiko (to Victor): I think he's tougher than he looks. Besides, before I woke you, Zoe & Nate were planning on going on their own.
Victor (to Yukiko): I hope so. I'd hate for something to happen to him... I'm sorry I didn't tell you what I was doing yesterday. I can't believe they were going to go off on their own.
Yukiko (to Victor): We're all worried about your parents, Victor... Here, let me help you to the kitchen. You still seem a little shaky.
Victor (to Yukiko): Thank you. (to Zoe & Nathaniel) So, I hear you lot want to take a jaunt over to Britannia and piss off a homicidal militia?
Nathaniel (to Victor): You say that like this is a terrible idea.
Zoe (to Victor): Yeah well, it's Friday and our calendars are both clear... How are you feeling?
Victor (to Zoe): I feel like shit. I'll be fine.
Zoe (to Victor): Alright... But, you let us know if you start feeling poorly. Any idea of how we do this?
Victor (to Zoe): I will. Carefully and quietly. I want to ask Aiden if he found anything out about Gallagher or the Most Holy Trinity, but CLANNG is watching the inn, so if you or I show up there, it could get nasty. They've also got one hell of an inhibitor set up in the area, and after my stunt last night. I don't think I can open a portal anywhere near the area without alerting half of Director Carver's army.
Yukiko (to Victor): Do you think Nate and I could get into the inn without any trouble? No one knows about Nate and unless, my brother is there no one will recognize me.
Zoe (to Victor, Nathaniel & Yukiko): I could open a portal into the city, but then you two would have to walk the rest of the way. What do you think?
Nathaniel (to Zoe, Victor & Yukiko): Yeah. Makes sense to me. Aiden and Persephone will know who we are, but no one else should.
Yukiko (to Victor, Zoe & Nathaniel): I think it's the best option... We should come up with a meeting place & a backup spot, in case you guys need to move while you're waiting for us. What is it, Victor?
Victor (to Yukiko, Zoe & Nathaniel): CLANNG is limiting all travel and activity around the city. You guys will need paperwork to travel anywhere. We should have blanks in the library. Can anyone else here forge convincing looking paperwork? My hands are still shaky.
Zoe (to Yukiko, Nathaniel & Victor): I think I may have a couple used ones, so you can get the wording right.
Yukiko (to Victor): Sit down, before you fall down... I can do it.
Victor (to Yukiko): Heh. Why aren't I surprised? You're more than a little bit amazing.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko & Victor): Knock it off before you two make me puke. I'll get the blanks. Where are they?
Victor (to Nathaniel): The top shelf on the bookcase nearest the door swings open. There should be a packet of paperwork in there.
Zoe (to Yukiko & Victor): Here, Yoyo... They're not the same type of travel documents, but it should give you an idea.
Yukiko (to Zoe): Thank you, Zoe. I'll do a couple practice ones before I fill out the real ones.
Zoe (to Yukiko & Victor): I'll go get some gear packed up... You know, just in case.
Victor (to Zoe): That's not a bad idea. (to Yukiko) You guys will be careful, won't you?
Yukiko (to Victor): Of course, Victor. Don't worry.
Victor (to Yukiko): I know. It's just that... Oh. Heh heh. Good heavens. Now I know how my parents felt every time I insisted I get involved.
Yukiko (to Victor): It'll be okay, Victor. Your mom's a very good teacher. I'll make sure nothing happens to Nate & I.
Victor (to Yukiko): I know you will. It doesn't mean I can't worry about you. Oof... I think I need something to eat.
Yukiko (to Victor): You sit... I'll fix you something. Sandwich or leftovers?
Victor (to Yukiko): Whichever is easier to make. Both sound good to me. You don't have to make me anything you know...
Yukiko (to Victor): I know I don't have to, but I want to... You're still looking a bit rough.
Zoe (to Yukiko & Victor): I got two packs sorted. One goes with Nate & Yoyo, the other comes with me & Victor... Where's Nate?
Victor (to Yukiko & Zoe): Hmmm? Sorry. What? I dozed off there for a moment. I haven't seen Nate.
Yukiko (to Victor): Eat this sandwich. (to Zoe) I think he's on the balcony smoking.
Zoe (to Yukiko): Okay... I'll go check on him. (to Nathaniel) Nate? Are you okay?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Hey. Yeah. I'm fine. I mean, nervous as hell, but I'd be a fucking moron if I wasn't. I was grabbing a cigarette. Want one?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yes, please... You know, you don't have to go with us, if you don't think you can do it? No one will be offended.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Heh. What? You're NOT nervous? Don't lie. Don't worry. I can do it. I wouldn't make Yoyo do this alone.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Of course, I'm nervous. I've been on the run from CLANNG the moment I woke up... and now, I have a lot to lose if I get caught, but Poppy & Vincent took me in when they didn't have to. And, they risked a lot by doing it, so it seems only fair that I return the favor... And, you'll do just fine. This whole pirate thing is in your blood. I bet you'll surprise us all.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Heh. Yeah. I'm sure I will. I'll bet I'm a regular Errol Flynn. Don't worry. Nothing'll happen. We'll all be alright.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heehee. If you start swinging about from candelabras, will you please warn me first? Because, I'll want to get a photo.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Sure. I'll be sure to stick on one of Uncle Vincent's shirts first... Heh. I would Incredible Hulk that shit.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): ... Huh? Oh, sorry... I was just picturing that... I need a cigarette... Oh, there it is...
Several hours later; in New London, Britannia:
Zoe (to Yukiko): Is Victor still drifting in & out of sleep?
Yukiko (to Zoe):
Zoe (to Yukiko): He'll be fine... I'll keep an eye on him. I promise. You & Nate stay safe & the first sign of trouble, you get back here. Ok?
Nathaniel (to Zoe & Yukiko): We'll be alright. (to Zoe) Stop worrying, shortie.
Yukiko (to Zoe): Of course... We'll be back as soon as we can. (to Nathaniel) Come on, Nate.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Lead the way.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Please, stop pulling on your clothes. You're going to draw attention to us. Try to look like you belong here.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Sorry. These pants are riding right up my ass. Shitty neighborhood rules. Got it.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): We're actually in one of the nicer areas. I was actually more concerned about you looking like someone from the other side. We've got documentation for wandering around the city but not for portal travel. Can you walk a couple steps in front of me?
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): I'm not sure I can help looking like that. Yeah, sure. But, uh, I don't know where we're going.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): I'll tell you... You just need to look like you're leading. It's customary for Nipponese women to walk 5 steps behind... Take the road on your left coming up, then take the third street on the right.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Alright. You seriously have to walk behind the guys when you're over here? Jesus. Tell me you at least spend all your time making faces at them behind their backs.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Heh... Only if no one else can see me. Take the next left. The inn will be on the right. Look for the sign.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Feel free to make them at me while you're back there. ... Is that the Inn up there?
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Who said I'm not? Yeah, that should be it.
Nathaniel (to Yukiko): Heh. I don't doubt it. Thank God. Alright... Victor said the Inn is being watched, so lets look our parts and not get shot.
Yukiko (to Nathaniel): Yes sir.
Meanwhile, back at the Rose & Thorn; New London, Britannia:
Victor (to Zoe): Shit... Did I drift off again?
Zoe (to Victor): Yeah... Yoyo left you a note. She didn't want to wake you.
Victor (to Zoe): Oh. Damn... Hopefully, I can keep my eyes open from this point forward. I'm no good to anyone napping. How are you holding up?
Zoe (to Victor): Nervous & worried, but I'll be okay. There's an awful lot of soldiers marching around.
Victor (to Zoe): That's a good thing. Heh. Believe it or not, the more manpower there is wandering around the more lax security tends to get. As long as we look like we belong in the area, and don't draw attention to ourselves, we'll be OK.
Zoe (to Victor): Heh... What did the note from Yoyo say or is it private?
Victor (to Zoe): Oh, um... No, it's not really private. You know, mostly. She said she would see me soon, and that she loved me, and some... A few other odds and ends.
Zoe (to Victor): Oh. Well, that's sweet. Now, I understand why Nate gets all weird about you guts being mushy.
Victor (to Zoe): What? Why? I didn't think we were being that awful. Have you seen our parents in action? :-P
Zoe (to Victor): He said something about you two curled up on the couch this morning... Oh, um, nevermind. Do you think they made it to the inn alright?
Victor (to Zoe): I'm sure they did. Remember: we assume the best. If we don't, we'll go nuts.
Zoe (to Victor): You're absolutely right. I'm sorry.
Victor (to Zoe): Don't be sorry. I'm worried too.
Zoe (to Victor): So, how should we pass the time? This is a bit new to me. Sitting on the sidelines while someone else takes the risk.
Victor (to Zoe): Yeah. Me too. I have no idea. What do other people do?
Zoe (to Victor): I have no idea, either... I think they talk about inane bullshit, mostly.
Victor (to Zoe): Heh. Yeah... So. How about the, uhhhhh... weather?
Zoe (to Victor): Ummm, yes, we seem to be having some of that.
Victor (to Zoe): Yeah. It comes out of the sky, I've heard.
Zoe (to Victor): I don't know about you, but this is way harder than I thought. It must take a lot of brain power to talk about nothing... So, are you going to move in with Yoyo when she goes back to school?
Victor (to Zoe): Wow. So, jumping right into the non-inane topics, huh? I, uh, I want to, but I don't know... What if I get restless like my parents living in one spot, or what if living with me is dangerous? Or worse, boring?
Zoe (to Victor): Victor, your girlfriend is currently marching through a CLANNG goon squad to help us find our parents. Do you really think she's concerned about danger or boredom... I think she's trying to offer you that stability you always wanted. But, what do I know. My love life is quite non-existent & the only boy I've clicked with is my gay adopted cousin. :-/
Victor (to Zoe): Actually, you probably know better than anyone why I'm confused and weird and a complete ruddy idiot about this whole thing. You know what it's like to feel like you don't really belong anyplace. I'm being a dunce, aren't I?
Zoe (to Victor): I know... But, don't you feel like you belong somewhere when you're with Yoyo? Do what you think is best for you. If you're not ready or unsure, don't do it. If she truly loves you, she'll understand.
Victor (to Zoe): Heh. Hopefully, she understands I'm a bit of a dolt as well. Thanks, Zoe.
Zoe (to Victor): You're welcome, big brother.
Nathaniel (to Victor & Zoe): I see how it is. I leave for two hours, and you start hugging on other men. Forgotten so soon.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heh. It's not other men, he's my brother.
