bakerstreet | Do something cool

1) Hey! Let's see how many bars we can visit in one night before they stop letting us in!

2) I need your help taking down that Kaiju!

3) Think fast! [ Said exactly a second before throwing a ball a little too hard. ]

[want to take someone along? well, maybe more like has no choice in the matter today. no matter! he'll be nice and protective.

options include mundane detective work versus dimension hopping to hell. your choice of fun!]

[How do you feel about a 1930s PI who is also possessed by an eldritch creature??]

[sounds like a match made in hell! heck yeah, let's go! throw me anything or lmk if you want a starter.]

[Let me know if this works or not, also feel free to have Benedict be able to 'hear' John, since others with extra, occult senses sometimes can - although he might also regret that since John narrates everything.]

It's over there. John's voice reverberates in his mind strangely, but it's more of a comfort now, after so long together. Arthur has all but forgotten what it's like to do anything without relying on the voice that outlines the world around him. He stops far enough away to hopefully avoid suspicion and rests his hand on a fence post that feels worn and splintered. The street is quiet, John tells him, and normal enough to avoid much attention. But that building...

There's an energy to it, Arthur. Something is wrong.

"I suppose it's not surprising that this is the sort of place we'd end up," he remarks, his voice low and head turning in an approximation of where Benedict is. "Too much to hope that this might be just a run of the mill kidnapping for money."

They'd already shared their doubts about the wealthy parents offering a sizeable sum for the safe return of their son. Something about the amount, the way they'd felt watched during the meeting, beyond the normal concerns of the wealthy... it hadn't sat right.

"So... shall we try to find a way in, or do you have something else in mind?"

[Likewise with the Companion!! wrt hearing It. Also, I'm laughing at the idea that They can narrate their humans' lives together now. /shot]

Benedict's eyes went from gazing at the house as if in admiration of the view to rest on his current partner for the evening. Like him, Arthur was a private detective. And also like him, the man had an Entity bound to him. That much was distinctly clear even without the Companion's enigmatic clues whispered in his head.

It set him on edge. He had never run into another person like him and the Companion before and he had so many questions he wanted to ask. But that would have been rude. And, more to the current point, it also would have wasted time--time needed to solve the case. While it was uncomfortably strange and, as Arthur put it, probably not a run-of-the-mill kidnapping for monetary gain, there was still a sense of urgency to it. In fact, there was a lot more sense of urgency for that very reason. Especially now that they were here and the house, well, it didn't feel so normal as everything else on the street.

"You would focus on the case more than your own curiosity, Benedict."

"There could be someone in danger." He said with a look at Arthur as if to gauge the reaction to the suddenly vocal Companion. "It's more important to stay focused on one issue at a time. Starting with that house and why it's ...unusual."

"Don't worry, the turmoil is delicious."

"Wonderful." Benedict responded flatly. He didn't need his Companion to remind him how It fed off emotions as if they were on a dinner plate. "So, about your question," Benedict said to Arthur directly, "Let's find a way inside. Probably best to hold any trump cards in reserve in case we run into something really unpleasant."

[At least both the humans would be able to have a moment of "thank god, someone gets it". Also I need to check out this game now.]

Arthur! Arthur did you hear that?

"Hmmm." The hum of agreement could just as easily have been an answer to Benedict's remark, nothing in Arthur's expression indicating a response to John's excitement. Truthfully, they were just as in the dark about their companion as they were about what might really be behind this kidnapping, and if they were alike in their... unusual gifts, then that likely lent more weight to the thought that this wasn't just a regular case. But could they even trust Benedict...?

He's watching us. Perhaps he can hear me as well.

"You're right," Arthur answered, offering Benedict a brief smile before turning to continue towards the building. "We should focus on the matter at hand and take a look around this house first. We can figure out anything else later, once we know what we're dealing with."

John chuckled low in his mind. Well, that is interesting. Perhaps you're not so special after all, Arthur.

"Shut up," he hissed. "And try to find a way into this building."

The windows are all closed against the cold. We could break one, but that would draw attention. There looks to be a door around the back. I can't tell if it's locked or not but it could be worth a try.

Arthur paused, considering. Perhaps there was something to be said for having it out now instead. "Maybe we should ask our new friends which they think is better?"

[Yessssss. I encourage this whole-heartedly. It's a very gorgeous game and be prepared to fall for yet another human-eldritch pair because they will give you feels. Malevolent is on my tdl one of these days, hopefully sooner than later. Love pairs stuck together whether they like it or not.]

Benedict, too, had mastered the art of the pokerface when it came to eldritch voices in the head. He'd learned long ago that it was best not to attract unwanted attention by reacting to his Companion as a child. Though he did converse aloud freely with the Entity when they were alone.

This was strange--it was like looking into a mirror. He'd never met anyone with even a vaguely similar predicament like him much less close mindset. It was both interesting and a bit disturbing. He was, however, ready and willing enough to cut straight to the chase when given the opportunity.

"If the back door is locked," Benedict spoke without missing a beat behind the question, "I can try to pick the lock. I've gotten rather good at it lately if I do say so myself."

"If you're lucky, this one won't have any teeth. Or fingers. Or fire."

"Right. Does that answer your question?" He asked Arthur (and John) while (mostly) ignoring his own Companion.

[It sounds awesome, and I do need something between the monthly episode releases of Malevolent. Although heads up that the podcast does not shy away from gore and violence]

Well, aren't you both peas in a pod.

"I'm certain being able to pick locks is a widely used skill in our area of employ, John. And given Mr Fox can actually see for himself, I'm more than happy to let him try with the door."

With that, Arthur gestured for Benedict to take the lead, following behind him as John made remarks about their surroundings and guided him after. He positioned himself near the door for John to keep an eye out around them, before addressing Benedict again.

"What did he mean? You've encountered doors with... teeth or fingers?" There were a number of questions whirling through his head, and Arthur was well aware that John likely had just as many, the fact that he'd yet to give them voice likely a blessing in disguise right now. But even if they weren't entirely hiding their situations now, it was hardly the time to sit and compare histories.

[I have noooo problem with either of those but thank you for the warning. I did start to listen to Malevolent last night! I ended up finishing the whole first episode because I got really into it and stayed up to finish it ahaha. I love it already!]

Benedict could feel the rustle of the Companion's otherworldly amusement that mirrored his own reaction of curiosity at the name 'John' when it was spoken. Both of them wondered about the name yet they stayed quiet. Maybe later it was a question to be asked.

The redheaded detective led the way silently towards the back of the house. He was also curious about the fact that Arthur could not, apparently, see on his own though a glance backwards at the other man confirmed he seemed to get along mostly well despite the handicap. Not that a blind person was necessarily going to have problems moving around but Benedict hadn't noticed any signs to indicate the man couldn't use his eyes.

His thoughts were put aside as they approached the back door and Benedict stooped slightly to assess the lock. Out of habit, he tried the handle to ascertain that it was indeed locked--he hated when it turned out the door wasn't sealed in the first place and he wasted time on nothing--and confirmed that the door would not open. He took a silver pin from a pocket and paused briefly at the question.

"And fire."

"Sure, in Limbo." He began to work on the lock with his improvised lockpick (a keepsake, really) for a moment before he asked, "Do you know anything about Limbo?"

His focus may have been on the lock in front of him and his work at it, but his attention was completely on Arthur's response to the question.

[Ahh, I hope you enjoy it! Also enjoy Arthur's constant stream of poor choices and bickering.]

"Limbo... I can't say I've heard of it myself. John?"

No... There was hesitation in the entity's voice, as though he were struggling to recall, or perhaps choosing his words. I've told you before, Arthur. I don't recall much of before the Dark World.

Arthur nodded, and was on the verge of asking Benedict further about this Limbo, when a telltale click emanated from the door. With one final mutter from John that they still haven't had any unwanted attention, he turned towards the other man.

"More skilled than you give yourself credit it seems, Mr Fox." Arthur instinctively lowered his voice further, straining his hearing for any signs that someone was within and may have heard the door opening. Silence fell around them, and Arthur let out the breath he'd been instinctively holding.

"Well. Lets see what awaits us then."

[I really really am. I am so glad for this thread and finally getting around to listening to this lovely series. Also, it's nice to have their voices in my head now. They're lovely.]

"Practice makes perfect," Benedict said with the hint of a lilt that turned it into a pseudo-question. His voice matched the low pitch of the other detective, also now wary of any insiders noticing their entrance. It seemed they were unnoticed for the moment so he continued in the hushed whisper.

"The Dark World?" A pause as he let the door swing a little further open and peered inside. "Literal dark or figuratively? Limbo is... Limbo is the Void. It was named Limbo due to the idea that it's literal hell. And it's certainly not for the faint of heart."

Benedict glanced back at Arthur to gauge his reaction before heading cautiously into the house.

"I don't think I'm the one you should be asking about if worlds are literally dark or not," Arthur remarked dryly. "But from what I understand, it's a place where the dead of other worlds end up. So perhaps not that different?"

The Dark World isn't for the faint of heart either. You would know it if you had the misfortune of finding yourself there. Limbo is likely another world entirely, much as the Dreamlands are. John's voice echoed through both their minds, countering Arthur's thoughts of Limbo. But lets not get distracted and forget why we're here.

"He's right, of course." Arthur turned his head in the approximate direction of Benedict. "John said the building is two stories? Do you see anything that suggests someone is on this floor?"

Multiple dimensions... John said not to get distracted but Benedict couldn't help but up get caught up in that revelation. Actual confirmation of other dimensions besides their own and Limbo. He wasn't certain how he felt about that honestly.

"Hm." Benedict snapped out of his thoughts to glance around the back foyer area and where the adjoining rooms split off from here. While he searched visually he prompted his Companion. "Is there anyone living in this house?"

"Yes." The last syllable was drawn out before it ended in a quiet hiss and the Companion continued. "There are two people upstairs. And one below. There were four, Benedict. Now no more."

That strange, otherworldly voice was like a splash of cold water over Arthur's own excitement at finally having someone else to talk to about John and, well, all of it. A sharp reminder that this was not the time to spend conversing and that they had a job to do.

"One below... on this level or the basement?" John provided him with a description of the room they were in, some sort of small entry room with two doors, one closed that likely led to the rest of the living areas, the other ajar and through which John could see what appeared to be a kitchen. There was no sign of movement in either area, but the closed door and the second, strange voice in his mind made it clear that there was nothing to indicate there wasn't something waiting for them beyond it.

"I don't suppose that voice in your mind can tell if there's anything behind that door?" Arthur asked, keeping his voice low and reaching into his bag to draw out a knife. "Are you armed?"

"Always," Benedict replied to the latter question. He emphasized the answer with a gesture towards his gun, although he wasn't entirely certain who he was making the gesture for when he thought about it. Arthur couldn't see. From the constant stream of narration from John though he assumed It could in some fashion.

Instead of drawing his pistol, however, Benedict went for his bayonet and kept his left hand free out of habit. If he needed the gun, he could draw it quickly. But in the tight quarters of the house the bayonet should suffice for most encounters.

"Below this level," the Companion rasped in response to the former question. "The dead is fresh." There was enough of a pause to think perhaps that the Entity was done speaking for now but then It clarified one last thing. "There's interference in the house, Benedict. I cannot read more detail from here. It's...growing in intensity."

"Well, that's just great."

John was more than happy to describe the weapon to Arthur, if Benedict had had any doubts, and Arthur himself made a mental note to ask Benedict about the gun later. It sounded nothing like what they were familiar with; yet another fascinating detail to the young man they'd met.

He's not wrong, Arthur, John added, and Arthur half wondered if his friend was feeling somewhat put out by the attention Benedict's entity was getting. There's an unfamiliar energy here. Be careful.

"We will," Arthur promised, his voice a low murmur. "I can't say I like the sound of a dead body but that's no reason to be reckless. The kitchen door is already open and must lead into the rest of the house as well. Let's try that way, to avoid opening any more doors and making more noise than necessary."

Benedict nodded in agreement.

"Let's look for the basement," he said as he led the way towards the kitchen door and pushed it open slowly. A pause ensued as he confirmed that the room was empty and assessed the layout so that he could traverse it with ease. "If someone started some sort of sacrificial ritual then it's likely in the basement. It could be what's causing the unusual energy and stopping it sooner rather than later is in our best interest."

He didn't add that the kidnapped son they were looking for had the distinct possibility of being the sacrificed individual. It was as likely a scenario as not. The son could be more useful alive for some reason, or he could have been chosen for the sacrifice itself in the first place. They would know when they saw it with their own eyes. So to speak.

Benedict traveled swiftly to the other exit of the room and took position next to it. Then he waited for Arthur to do the same. It had been some years since he'd last worked with a team...but it wasn't that hard to fall into old habits. Besides, it was logical.

He made certain to take the lead though. He didn't know what John was capable of, but he knew his own abilities through the Voidling attached to him. He could take a beating for the both of them.

This entryway had no actual door but it looked like at some point it may have had an easily swung door with no closing mechanism much like the doors in a restaurant. The next room was obviously a dining area so it made sense that it didn't necessarily need a door but perhaps it had had one in the past to keep the noise and heat from the kitchen out of the rest of the house. Benedict couldn't quite place the era it had been built but it had the feeling of something a little more formal than practical so far.

Once Arthur joined him at the door, Benedict moved to be first through the archway and into the next room.

[probably for the best, Ben. Arthur's skills are "attract the horrors" and "suffer"]

"Right." He could hear the sound of Benedict moving and made to follow, a swift warning from John causing him to only narrowly avoid striking his hip on the edge of a counter. Benedict might not want to voice the possibility of harm having come to the child, but the idea had already settled as a heavy, cold weight in his stomach. If something had happened, if they had been too late...

Arthur, your hand is shaking. You need to focus.

"Right, sorry." It wasn't just himself and John this time; Benedict was relying on them as well. Taking a breath, Arthur moved to stand near the other man at the exit of the room, tilting his head so John could look around the frame into the next room. It was empty as well, hopefully meaning that what Benedict's entity had detected remained true and there wasn't anyone on this floor at this point. As they moved through the dining room, Arthur felt a curious, unsettling sensation creeping up his spine.

"Benedict." A break from his earlier formalities, but the note of unease in his voice perhaps made the reason understandable. "John and... associate. Do you get the sense that there's something here with us?"

Edited 2023-08-17 10:56 (UTC)

The lapse in formality hardly registered in Benedict's mind as he tried to peer into the next area, but the unease in Arthur's voice certainly did. Benedict paused to look back at the other detective. He shifted his grip on the bayonet.

"Like a predator in the tall grass stalking its prey unseen," the Companion spoke enigmatically. It wasn't an answer so much as it was a warning of the unknown.

It still set Benedict on alert. He knew how his Companion loved to speak in riddles or anecdotes when least helpful sometimes. Benedict wondered what John would have to say but his focus was returning towards their goal of searching the building whenever the attack came.

No, it wasn't an immediate attack (yet) but the feeling of something brushing against his skin as it ran past startled Benedict into jumping backward with a hissed curse.

"Shit!"

He hadn't seen it coming--and he couldn't spot it now that it was gone. Either it was very quick, or they had an invisible opponent with which to contend. Benedict hated invisible monsters. They were always so annoying.

He glanced back at Arthur once more. "I think I just felt what your senses were warning you about. And unless someone else caught sight of it..." He let that sentence hang in the air as a soft curse against their luck.

I've seen nothing. John's frustration in that was evident, and Arthur could hardly blame him. If there was something unseen here, then they were all at a disadvantage. While being unable to see wasn't unusual for Arthur himself, he still had minimal experience moving about the world without relying on John as his eyes and he doubted Benedict was going to be in a much better situation.

Unless...

"Benedict, your friend... he could sense that there was something in this building before without us entering. Can he sense anything now?" He wasn't certain if the thing the other man felt could be sensed so easily, but they had little other options.

John's description of the next room revealed it also to be empty, a large foyer at what must be the front of the house. The wooden floors were worn and old, and there had to be a leak somewhere as the wallpaper was peeling away from the walls, while a cloying scent of mildew and damp hung in the air. Wooden stairs took up one of the walls, leading up into the second floor of the building, while a narrow hallway on the opposite side showed several other doors.

Despite John's detailed (almost to the point of gagging at times) description, there wasn't anything to suggest anyone else was around besides the pair of them and their unseen companions. And yet... Arthur didn't trust it.

"We need to move, somewhere where we don't risk whoever's upstairs coming down if they hear something-" he began, but the rest of it choked off as the dagger in his hand was twisted sharply free and hurled towards Benedict.

"I think that's what he was telling us," Benedict said as he moved briskly into the next room. He glanced around and his eyes alit on the staircase. Then slide down the side to look for a door. It would likely either be storage under the stairs or the way into the basement. He hoped it was the latter. "And I definitely felt something brush past me back there."

He began to move towards the staircase and examine the area more closely whenever a *hiss* from his Companion caused him to turn around and look for a threat. He threw his hands up instinctively as his eyes caught fast movement headed for him and he felt the Companion react more quickly than even his call for protection evoked. A set of dark inky tendrils moved up to form a barrier around Benedict just before the dagger would have hit.

"What the hell!"

"Not his intention-"

"I kind of figured, but what the hell?" Benedict took a deep breath to break the tension before his Companion complained about the abundance of emotion. "Can you give us more of a warning? This creature is clearly not going to play nice or convenient."

"Hmm."

"That's not an answer." Nothing. Benedict looked at Arthur. "You were saying something about moving somewhere less obvious. Assuming I didn't just alert anyone, let's keep heading for the basement and see what we can lure with us. Maybe...set up a trap."

"A trap. I like it. You still won't be able to see it, Benedict." There was an awkward pause and then, as if an after thought, the Companion added, "And company."

"I'm sorry! Something grabbed for the dagger--" Arthur broke off cursing, knowing that he'd likely been heard elsewhere in the house. If by some miracle they hadn't heard the scuffle already, they most likely had heard the panicked conversation. Unless they had other reasons to ignore the sounds and stay where they were, the pair of investigators were likely about to have more company soon.

"Downstairs then."

While they couldn't hear the sound of anyone descending the stairs or coming up towards them from the basement, Arthur wasn't keen to linger any longer than necessary. The door opened down to the basement, and even John had to acknowledge that they would barely be able to see in front of them down there. But they needed to keep moving and not only was the basement one of the locations they needed to check, but Benedict was right that it would be a good place to set up a trap.

Instinctively Arthur reached for his lighter, flicking it open to provide a spark of light as they started down the stairs.

"Any ideas what we could do to try and trap this thing?"

"It's all right," he assured Arthur as they made for the basement. "I wasn't mad at you."

It was dark down the stairs. Thankfully, Arthur came prepared and the light from the lighter was a welcome addition to their descent. Benedict hummed thoughtfully at the question. He knew why his Companion had liked the idea of laying a trap. Although Benedict had to wonder if it was worth the expense of energy. He knew he would feel this one. Still, the stairs were a perfect place to leave a surprise. There was only one way down after all.

"I do," Benedict answered. "But I don't want to say it out loud."

"I'll take care of what follows. You worry about what's ahead."

Right! Benedict had almost forgotten with the whole invisible predator on their heels that there was likely someone still down here. Perhaps the person who had summoned their pursuing foe. He gripped his bayonet tighter.

"I still should have kept a tighter hold on it," Arthur muttered. "I could have hurt you."

He slowed as they started down the stairs, feeling for where the next step was and listening to John's occasional directions. A difficult task made more so by the factors he was turning over in his mind, the possible thing behind them that they could not see, and whatever lurked ahead. He was reminded then of another time he'd faced something unseen, and stopped abruptly on the stairs.

Arthur, what are you doing?

"The mask," he hissed, pulling his bag open for John to peer inside. "We can give it to Benedict. It might help-"

Of course! John realised just as quickly what he was aiming for and used his hand to reach into the bag. Here, Benedict. Put this on and look behind us.

Well, it was certainly nice to have someone worried about his health rather than out for his blood for a change. He smiled weakly in the dark where no one could see it for the conflicted expression that it actually was.

His thoughts were interrupted by the pair behind him trying to get his attention. He stopped and turned back towards them, confused but curious. His eyes stopped and held on the mask in Arthur's hand. It gave him an odd feeling.

"It holds power, Benedict."

He looked up to Arthur's face. Then, instead of reaching out to take the offered mask, he stepped back up a step and leaned towards Arthur. He placed a hand on the man's shoulder to help keep his balance as he whispered into Arthur's ear.

"I'm not the one keeping an eye out," he said enigmatically. He leaned away. "Let's keep moving."

He pressed the mask into Arthur's chest and then turned back around, heading back down the stairs to discover what was at the bottom.

John gave him a warning not to try continuing down the stairs, but Arthur could already sense Benedict moving towards him. He expected the other man to take the mask but instead he felt the warmth of Benedict's body close to his own, the smell of soap and leather and something that he couldn't quite place a name to that reminded Arthur of the otherness of much his life since coming across John's book. It was strange to find that sense tied to something positive for once, and it caught him off guard enough that it took him a moment to realise what Benedict was saying.

"Very well." It felt stilted and awkward and Arthur busied himself with putting the mask on instead of thinking more about it. Perhaps Benedict's companion had his own ways of sensing what might be behind them, but if Arthur could help by letting John keep an eye out, then it wouldn't hurt.

The mask settled over his face and the smell of Benedict was replaced with something cloying and almost suffocating, a reminder of how they'd come across this particular item and a reminder of why they needed to focus now. With it in place, Arthur started down the stairs more slowly, turning occasionally to glance back behind them for John to keep watch.

No sign of anything yet.

"Are we close to whoever's down here? Benedict?"

The first time Arthur turned around for John to look behind them would have been the first chance the Entity would have to catch a glimpse of It. Black and purple tendrils, swirling like disturbed ink within their vaguely defined confines, dangled listlessly upon the ceiling above the stairs. They waited patiently for a disturbance below, a trap set by Benedict and his Companion for the creature stalking them. Prey turned into predator, and predator turned into prey.

"I can see the bottom," Benedict whispered in reply. His form, too, had a few lingering tendrils curled tightly around him. They seemed not to bother him. Benedict's voice got softer as he continued down the stairs, almost getting lost entirely at the end as he feared being heard. "There's a source of light, but I can't make out anything more yet..."

He could see the space opened up towards their right once they got to the bottom, the landing at the bottom not much more than a small area with walls on two sides of it and the entrance to the basement on the right. The light source flickered in the manner that indicated it was that of a flame, likely a candle or five. He gripped his weapon tighter as his suspicion of a ritual of some sort taken place down here spurred him into readiness.

Oh, Arthur... John's voice was a low purr through their minds, the entity's apparent delight in what he was seeing palpable. He's magnificent. Long tentacles hang from the ceiling like a great beast awaiting its prey, it looks... powerful. Dangerous.

Despite the situation and the need to whisper, a note of amusement crept into Arthur's voice. "John, are you... jealous?"

No! Well. The entity hesitates and Arthur took a couple of careful steps down after Benedict in the silence. It would be nice to be as useful...

Arthur didn't get the chance to answer, almost running into the back of Benedict as he reached the base of the stairs and, up behind him, the sound of something rushing after them came. At the same time there was an unearthly shriek, a howl like trapped storm winds, and something tore from the basement. John yelled about a shape and winds buffeted around them, sucking the very breath from their lungs.

The Entity's words rang softly in the back of his mind, and though Benedict's attention was elsewhere the vague thought to put a pin on what John was saying did occur and he filed the information away. He might have liked to reply as well but they had other things to worry about at the moment unfortunately.

At the top of the stairs, the Companion reacted instantly as a creature tried to run below him. The inky tentacles flicked downwards swift as a whip to wrap around Its prey and subdue it. The creature hung from the ceiling where the Companion clung listlessly. The monster was still invisible but that mattered not to the Companion.

Meanwhile, as Benedict felt the predatory triumph from his Companion the detective had little time to dwell on the feeling before he was buffeted by something else from ahead. Whatever it was it came from the basement, and its presence whipped up the air about the two detectives like a great tornado. Benedict realized he couldn't breath anymore when he felt something slam into him and what little air he had left was knocked out of him. His chest burned as he gasped for air.

"Benedict!"

[Maybe she just fucking YEETED someone into orbit nearby, or she's been hired on as a body guard, either way, you're gonna see some rad combat moves.]

Do something cool

Kafka Hibino 🦖 Kaiju No. 8

Benedict Fox | The Last Case of Benedict Fox | OTA

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Magne Hikiishi | My Hero Academia | OTA