Heyyy, what's happenin'? You've reached the voicemail of one very fine-lookin' man. Wanna chat? Fanboy all over my mad skillz? Declare your undying love for me? You know what to do. [BEEEEP]
[His eyes narrow. One hand reaches up towards his face; fingers pinching the bridge of his nose.]
Son of a bitch.
[This is how he gets repaid? He tries to reach out to the man; tries to cut a deal with him, and all he gets is his one tie to Jessica taken away for his troubles? He and Stefan are gonna have a conversation sometime in the future. For now, however, he needs to concern himself with Jessica's well-being.]
You said she was coming on Wednesday. Did she say when? Where we should meet her?
[...That doesn't sound good at all. It gets a solemn look in response, though for now, March leaves it be.
Jessica is more important. That much is true.]
Yes. Next week, I presume, though I cannot be certain. [And then March looks vaguely guilty.]
She did ask us to meet her somewhere, but I...don't know where it is. [and, a quiet murmur, clearly recalled from memory:] "Meet at bar"-- and then it cut out.
[Bar-something? For a moment, Wade is nonplussed. What could she have been trying to say? Bar-something... It suddenly hits him in a flash of clarity, and he snaps his fingers in triumph, his eyes lighting up.]
Barrier. She must've meant "meet me at the barrier"! I mean-- duh, right? That's how she usually gets in and out of this place when she comes to visit us.
[Wade shakes his head vigorously, his hand inching downward to rest on his holster. His eyes are filled with a fierce determination, an intense desire to protect the little girl who first called him a hero in this godforsaken place.]
That won't happen. Not if I have anything to say about it. They might've gotten the drop on us last time, but if they think they can just treat that kid like she's their plaything, then they're in for a world of disappointment. And pain.
[Honestly, it's a huge relief even just to see that determination. That will to protect Jessica. This man--he'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
(The problem is that March had tried the exact same, the last time, and Hyobu had still won.)]
...Should we tell anyone else? You're...the only one I've contacted about this. [March clearly tried to keep this as secretive as possible, to keep it from the likes of Hyobu and Junko, but...if they aren't enough, just them two, to protect Jessica, March will never be able to live with it.]
That really depends on if you've got anyone you can honestly vouch for. After the whole clusterfuck that happened a few weeks ago, I'm not sure if there's anyone I trust completely anymore-- either that, or they're people I don't wanna see get hurt if those two decide to pull something again. Would've said Al in a heartbeat, because he's the guy who helped me rescue Jessica the first time, but... that's not an option anymore, apparently.
[He averts his eyes, clearing his throat.]
So. Do you have anyone you can trust? You might wanna think about this very carefully, now. We messed up once-- can't afford to do it again, not when she's already suffered so much.
[It's unclear whether or not he meant that in a threatening tone, but the protective look in his eyes is not to be denied. I'll protect her from anyone who I think is a threat, that look says. Even you. Especially you.]
[People who are trustworthy. Minato? Sharon? Ciel? Jonathan.
...But he makes a good point there as well--people who might get hurt. ...It's too much responsibility. Not with Jessica's life in the balance, not when the girl had sent her that message because she trusted that March would do the right thing. It's a miserable realization.]
There...are people I would trust with my life here.
[...]
But not hers.
[Because there are some things that are even more valuable. And they might get hurt. And...so many variables--but so, March simply nods. If it's only them...perhaps Hyobu and Junko won't even know.]
So it's just us two then. Which means we're gonna have to be extra prepared for any unforeseen-- incidents. And that means we're gonna have to be up front 'n frank with each other about certain things. Powers, skills... that kinda thing. I wanna keep all the bases covered so there're no surprises. None from their end, anyway.
March takes a deep breath, considering that, before nodding slowly.]
Of course. I'm...pretty fast. And strong. [possessed by a demon, it helps. But that's not really what the protaf considers to be true skills, as is pretty apparent, as March holds up a hand.] But this is truly what I can do.
[And as March lifts that hand, a thorny vine, thick and covered in sharp, gleaming thorns, appears from the ground. It follows the movement of March's hand, and disappears when the Ill Hunter snaps a wrist. Of course, that's just a quiet, muted demonstration, but--thorny vines, yeah.]
[Wade steps back as March works magic on the ground, watching with an eyebrow-raise of fascination that would make Mr. Spock proud. He nods when the demonstration is over, silently giving March his approval.]
Pretty impressive there. I think we can use that to our advantage in a pinch. Lessee... well, if we're goin' by skills, I know martial arts, swordsmanship, marksmanship, all manner of explosives-- in the slim chance that we find any in this town-- and I'm strong and quick on my feet.
Power-wise... I can't be killed. No joke. Got a supercharged healing factor that can cause me to bounce back from any wounds in a matter of seconds. Gunshot wounds, stab wounds, amputations-- you name it, I've experienced it and lived to tell the tale. I'm virtually indestructible.
'Course, that also has the added bonus of me bein' immune to telepathy. Managed to drive a few psychics insane when they tried to see what was goin' on in my noggin. Which is why, if the Gruesome Twosome does show up? You leave that Hyobu asshole to me.
[Ah... that's quite the lot of information. March pauses to take that all in, nodding quietly. It's clearly a relief, though, at the look on the protag's face.]
...Thank goodness. I'm...more powerless than I would like to be against him. [It's a bit sobering to realize it, too. March is used to being one of the more powerful shounen protags in the room, after all.
and then he gets a smile, because, well--]
Ah, she truly couldn't have chosen a better hero. I'm so glad. [Jessica will be okay, with this man here protecting her. March is sure of it.]
[Wade chuckles in embarrassment at the compliment, awkwardly rubbing the back of his head.]
Well... I wouldn't say that. I mean, I just sorta fell into it. She's a brave kid, though, and definitely worth fighting for. I just wish we were a little bit more prepared. I mean, even if nothin' happens today, those two will still be there to stir shit up if Jessica ever decides to come back.
Part of me wishes she weren't comin' around at all.
[It almost physically hurts him to say that, but he can't deny that it's the truth. Ever since Jessica had begun to help them her life had been in a downward spiral. She'd lost a great deal just because she'd decided to be kind to the prisoners, some of whom had repaid that kindness by murdering her in cold blood. The idea that she would continue to want to visit them is astounding. Wade would have given them up to be tortured long ago.]
But nothin' I say's gonna stop her from showin' up. So I guess we've got a whole mess of potential fights on our hands in the near future, huh? [He offers March a wan smile.]
[That much March can understand. It's easy to miss Jessica, as she was such a sweet, thoughtful girl. Seeing her smile made the horror of Haven fade away--but it wasn't worth it. Not if it meant that she was going to be harmed.
So March grimaces, nodding slowly.]
I know... I don't know why she's coming back. But so long as she decides to do so...well, I'm glad I won't be fighting those fights alone.
[Because it's just a given that March would fight them regardless.
And the protag takes a slow, deep breath.]
That...was all I had to say. I take it you know where in the barrier we should look for her?
She usually comes around the south side. Least, that's where I've seen her goin' back to when she's finished visiting us. I assume she lives there, somewhere past the barrier.
[There's a hint of curiosity in his voice there; a sort of eagerness to know what kind of place she comes from.]
Assuming I can start to earn Stefan's trust, anyway. I feel like he's the key to all of this somehow. Or can lead us to the key, at the very least.
[Wade's not always a good judge of character, but there was something about Stefan that suggested he was going to play an important part in the fight against Yao. Call it his genre savviness.]
[That gets a thoughtful look, but ultimately, March just nods. This protag's not one for genre savviness, and honestly, the heavy duty thinking has never really been a forte of Ill Hunters in general--so this is something March is willing to follow his lead on.]
If there is every anything I can do to assist, please let me know, sir. There isn't...much I can do here, so much of the time. [But March wants to.]
There isn't much you can do for me right now-- not unless you have any ideas on how to help me out with Stefan, anyway-- but can I call you if I think of anything?
Hey, thank you for keepin' me in the loop! I always like to keep tabs on what the little darling's doin', y'know?
Remember-- I'm just a phone call away. Don't hesitate to call me if it's an emergency. [He pauses.] ...Even if it's not an emergency, it's probably a good idea to call me. Just in case... y'know. It turns into one.
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[Wade holds out a hand as if begging for silence. March is speaking too fast for his brain to process.]
You said that someone took her phone? Did she say who it was?
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Ah...
[...it's been a little stressful, okay.]
I'm sorry, I-- Um. Yes. [deep breath, March.] I...didn't catch the full name. Do you know of anyone whose name begins with "Ste"...?
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[His eyes narrow. One hand reaches up towards his face; fingers pinching the bridge of his nose.]
Son of a bitch.
[This is how he gets repaid? He tries to reach out to the man; tries to cut a deal with him, and all he gets is his one tie to Jessica taken away for his troubles? He and Stefan are gonna have a conversation sometime in the future. For now, however, he needs to concern himself with Jessica's well-being.]
You said she was coming on Wednesday. Did she say when? Where we should meet her?
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Jessica is more important. That much is true.]
Yes. Next week, I presume, though I cannot be certain. [And then March looks vaguely guilty.]
She did ask us to meet her somewhere, but I...don't know where it is. [and, a quiet murmur, clearly recalled from memory:] "Meet at bar"-- and then it cut out.
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Barrier. She must've meant "meet me at the barrier"! I mean-- duh, right? That's how she usually gets in and out of this place when she comes to visit us.
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Ah, of course! That way, nobody else will be able to get there first.
[after all...it's obvious what people like Gyobu and Junko will do at this point.]
...That was all she said--aside from not letting the bad guys get her. Which we won't! ...We can't.
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That won't happen. Not if I have anything to say about it. They might've gotten the drop on us last time, but if they think they can just treat that kid like she's their plaything, then they're in for a world of disappointment. And pain.
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(The problem is that March had tried the exact same, the last time, and Hyobu had still won.)]
...Should we tell anyone else? You're...the only one I've contacted about this. [March clearly tried to keep this as secretive as possible, to keep it from the likes of Hyobu and Junko, but...if they aren't enough, just them two, to protect Jessica, March will never be able to live with it.]
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That really depends on if you've got anyone you can honestly vouch for. After the whole clusterfuck that happened a few weeks ago, I'm not sure if there's anyone I trust completely anymore-- either that, or they're people I don't wanna see get hurt if those two decide to pull something again. Would've said Al in a heartbeat, because he's the guy who helped me rescue Jessica the first time, but... that's not an option anymore, apparently.
[He averts his eyes, clearing his throat.]
So. Do you have anyone you can trust? You might wanna think about this very carefully, now. We messed up once-- can't afford to do it again, not when she's already suffered so much.
[It's unclear whether or not he meant that in a threatening tone, but the protective look in his eyes is not to be denied. I'll protect her from anyone who I think is a threat, that look says. Even you. Especially you.]
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...But he makes a good point there as well--people who might get hurt. ...It's too much responsibility. Not with Jessica's life in the balance, not when the girl had sent her that message because she trusted that March would do the right thing. It's a miserable realization.]
There...are people I would trust with my life here.
[...]
But not hers.
[Because there are some things that are even more valuable. And they might get hurt. And...so many variables--but so, March simply nods. If it's only them...perhaps Hyobu and Junko won't even know.]
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So it's just us two then. Which means we're gonna have to be extra prepared for any unforeseen-- incidents. And that means we're gonna have to be up front 'n frank with each other about certain things. Powers, skills... that kinda thing. I wanna keep all the bases covered so there're no surprises. None from their end, anyway.
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March takes a deep breath, considering that, before nodding slowly.]
Of course. I'm...pretty fast. And strong. [possessed by a demon, it helps. But that's not really what the protaf considers to be true skills, as is pretty apparent, as March holds up a hand.] But this is truly what I can do.
[And as March lifts that hand, a thorny vine, thick and covered in sharp, gleaming thorns, appears from the ground. It follows the movement of March's hand, and disappears when the Ill Hunter snaps a wrist. Of course, that's just a quiet, muted demonstration, but--thorny vines, yeah.]
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Pretty impressive there. I think we can use that to our advantage in a pinch. Lessee... well, if we're goin' by skills, I know martial arts, swordsmanship, marksmanship, all manner of explosives-- in the slim chance that we find any in this town-- and I'm strong and quick on my feet.
Power-wise... I can't be killed. No joke. Got a supercharged healing factor that can cause me to bounce back from any wounds in a matter of seconds. Gunshot wounds, stab wounds, amputations-- you name it, I've experienced it and lived to tell the tale. I'm virtually indestructible.
'Course, that also has the added bonus of me bein' immune to telepathy. Managed to drive a few psychics insane when they tried to see what was goin' on in my noggin. Which is why, if the Gruesome Twosome does show up? You leave that Hyobu asshole to me.
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...Thank goodness. I'm...more powerless than I would like to be against him. [It's a bit sobering to realize it, too. March is used to being one of the more powerful shounen protags in the room, after all.
and then he gets a smile, because, well--]
Ah, she truly couldn't have chosen a better hero. I'm so glad. [Jessica will be okay, with this man here protecting her. March is sure of it.]
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Well... I wouldn't say that. I mean, I just sorta fell into it. She's a brave kid, though, and definitely worth fighting for. I just wish we were a little bit more prepared. I mean, even if nothin' happens today, those two will still be there to stir shit up if Jessica ever decides to come back.
Part of me wishes she weren't comin' around at all.
[It almost physically hurts him to say that, but he can't deny that it's the truth. Ever since Jessica had begun to help them her life had been in a downward spiral. She'd lost a great deal just because she'd decided to be kind to the prisoners, some of whom had repaid that kindness by murdering her in cold blood. The idea that she would continue to want to visit them is astounding. Wade would have given them up to be tortured long ago.]
But nothin' I say's gonna stop her from showin' up. So I guess we've got a whole mess of potential fights on our hands in the near future, huh? [He offers March a wan smile.]
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So March grimaces, nodding slowly.]
I know... I don't know why she's coming back. But so long as she decides to do so...well, I'm glad I won't be fighting those fights alone.
[Because it's just a given that March would fight them regardless.
And the protag takes a slow, deep breath.]
That...was all I had to say. I take it you know where in the barrier we should look for her?
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She usually comes around the south side. Least, that's where I've seen her goin' back to when she's finished visiting us. I assume she lives there, somewhere past the barrier.
[There's a hint of curiosity in his voice there; a sort of eagerness to know what kind of place she comes from.]
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If we could only get there, and see...perhaps we could help her. What she does is so dangerous.
[As a rebel, as a young girl...and if only they could just get through this damn barrier--]
But she remains so brave through all of it. So perhaps someday, we truly will get that opportunity to repay her.
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[Wade's not always a good judge of character, but there was something about Stefan that suggested he was going to play an important part in the fight against Yao. Call it his genre savviness.]
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[That gets a thoughtful look, but ultimately, March just nods. This protag's not one for genre savviness, and honestly, the heavy duty thinking has never really been a forte of Ill Hunters in general--so this is something March is willing to follow his lead on.]
If there is every anything I can do to assist, please let me know, sir. There isn't...much I can do here, so much of the time. [But March wants to.]
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[Boy, does he ever.]
There isn't much you can do for me right now-- not unless you have any ideas on how to help me out with Stefan, anyway-- but can I call you if I think of anything?
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Of course, sir-- Ah, my apologies! My name is March.
You may always contact me whenever. I promise I will come. [For Jessica, obviously, but for him too, since he's important to her.]
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[He extends his hand with a small smile.]
Nice to meet you March. Hopefully we won't have to depend on each other too much every time the little one shows up.
[A nice thing to hope for, but he sincerely doubts it.]
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It's a pleasure to meet you as well. And ah...well, I suppose we can hope.
[From the sounds of things, March doesn't really believe it either.]
But for now, I suppose I will leave you to prepare. Thank you for listening to me.
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Hey, thank you for keepin' me in the loop! I always like to keep tabs on what the little darling's doin', y'know?
Remember-- I'm just a phone call away. Don't hesitate to call me if it's an emergency. [He pauses.] ...Even if it's not an emergency, it's probably a good idea to call me. Just in case... y'know. It turns into one.
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