FOURTH INVESTIGATION

[whimsicalism]

INVESTIGATION

Good morning!

...Except it really isn't a good morning for the students at Ira Academy, after all. The deadline prescribed in this week's motive came just as quickly as the one's before it. It might be difficult to repel the sinking sense of dread that bleeds into Friday's early hours. That secret written on a slip of paper might even feel heavier for some. Perhaps it's Father's hate-filled words instead: I’m getting a little antsy about your performance. Do something to spice things up, won’t you? By now, is a grisly discovery every Friday morning a guarantee?

Though you're surely awake at the same time as usual--if you slept at all--there's a certain gloomier, late-year feeling to the artificial light keeping the Academy illuminated and providing the illusion of a complete world outside. There are no real seasons to speak of in this part of Closetland; one step into the playground proves that easily enough. And yet, as you emerge from your rooms, free to go wherever you wish today, it's hard to deny it. You've been enrolled here for quite a while, and time has passed.

Will autumn come and go before you get out of here?

Locations | IC Profiles | IC Rules | Week Four

Comments

[canismajorcontrolfreak]

[Wait, this is too tall-and face is too human! Not right!

But...does that...

The owl flies back, landing on the bed. He gives Fret a worrying look, tilting its head-the best an owl can tilt its head, anyway.

He lets out a questioning "Hoot?"

It seems clear what he's asking.]

[shinedsobright]

[Man this weeks for the birds. First the ghost kid gets erased for talking to him, then a dog he liked got killed, and now he has to explain it all to this poor sentient owl whose caretakers keep dying! After he rights himself, he shoves his hands in his pockets.]

Sorry Owlbert. Dol- I mean, Dylan, he's not coming back.

[canismajorcontrolfreak]

[...not coming back...again...

Congratulation, Fret. The tiny owl is crying again.]

[canreallymove]

[He's going to get his clothes for Kuro when he sees...

Oh.

Oh no.]

Hey, Owl...hey.

I'm still here.

[He'll go to pet the owl, if he's allowed.]

[canismajorcontrolfreak]

[Allowed? The little guy flies right up to Sonic once he makes himself known.

Owlbert is having a bad time right now.

Why do friends keep dying?]

[canreallymove]

...I'll be comin' back after this trial. I promise.

[Because Sonic? He doesn't like making promises he can't keep. So he intends to keep this one.

He gently strokes the owl's head, letting out a sniff of his own.]

We'll find a way, bud. I won't let what's happening to you been in vain.

[canismajorcontrolfreak]

[Owlbert doesn't respond at first, just snuggling into the affection as much as possible.

But once Sonic finishes speaking, he sniffles.

He looks the hedgehog in the eye.

He nods.

I'll hold you to that.]