The Exception, The Guardian, and The Monster

CONTENT WARNING: BLOOD/VIOLENCE

Momo
==On the outskirts of Verbinden lays a small town. It seems rather out of the way to travel to, and it doesn't quite connect with any main roads. However, many people have made their way to and from there for it is a place where a few potion shops have settled. Hunters with knochen parts and bones to sell, and mages with money to spend on the potions that give them their strength. While most of the trading that happens in town is less obvious, there is one building with a simple potion shop sign hanging over the door.==

Plat

>Outside the shop, the obviousness of the sign does not escape the unsettling presence at its doorstep. Eyeing the sign with an unchanging expression, the figure lingers in his position for a few moments as he takes in the building, before pushing the door open and making his way into it, searching around for signs of human life.<

Momo

>Inside the shop is a woman, not exactly young, but she isn't too old either. Her brown hair is pulled back into a braid and she seems to be busy grounding up some herbs. She glances up and smiles a bit.<
???: Oh, hello. Welcome!

Plat

>As you glance up to get a good look at him, the man who enters your shop appears to be uncanny in appearance. Black horns sprout from the tip of his forehead, and patches of the skin on his face are replaced with red, rough looking skin. You'll likely take notice of the sword hanging on his belt as he comes closer, and the thin sliver that is his pupils as he stops in front of you.<
Esredes: Hello there. What a cute little shop you have here. >He smiles in a seemingly polite manner, but the bits of sharp teeth that are revealed by doing so don't help to give off that impression.< I'm all good on potions for now, but I was wondering if you would be willing to examine something for me... for whatever price you deem acceptable, of course.

Momo

???: >Her eyes widen as she looks him over.< .... oh my... what sort of awful potion did you take?

Plat

Esredes: Oh, this? It wasn't from a simple potion. I've been this way for a long time. >That's how magic users work, right?< Anyhow... >He holds up a pouch at chest length, that sounds full of coins from the noises it makes, just like the other mages outside. The hand holding it is not at all a regular human hand, instead covered in golden skin of a similar kind to the patches on his face, also sporting claws.< >He also observes your face for a reaction to the pouch.< >With the other hand, thankfully a seemingly normal human hand, he reaches into the sheath on his sword and pulls out a dart, holding it up for the potion maker to observe.< I want to know what's in this dart.

Momo

???: Hmm... >The woman looks down at the dart. She picks it up and holds it close to a candle where she can observe it better in the light.< .... Ah, I've heard about this... this wouldn't happen to be one of those darts that turns you uncanny, would it?

Plat

Esredes: You know about them...? >Has the lady been here before??<

Momo

???: I've been hearing rumors from all over. When people start going uncanny for no good reason, the mage community always talks about it. It's been bad for business, a lot of people are afraid that it's bad reactions to potions. But... that's not the case... >She looks the dart over a bit more.< Hmm... I've had a few theories on what this could be...

Plat

Esredes: It must be your lucky day, then. Think you can find out the real cause of it all?

Momo

???: that's the problem... it's just a dart, no matter how you look at it. If there was a sample of whatever potion or serum it gets coated in, it could be more helpful.... hmm.... my best bet would be two things. The first is that whatever knochen this is made out of, it's very strong.

Plat

Esredes: And the second...?

Momo

???: The other is... this is a potion maker who's doing everything but their job. >She stands up and reaches behinds her, pulling out a small vial.< The key to potion making is finding the right balance between enough magic that a mage can become stronger, but not too much that the uncanny effects immediately take place. Like this right here. But- >She holds up the dart.< Rumors are that this turns you full uncanny in seconds, and the user turns feral.

Plat

Esredes: The rumors are true, too. I saw an uncanny that had a dart stuck into it. The skin looked stretched in an unnatural manner. And it certainly was feral.

Momo

???: I was afraid of that... >She sighs a bit.< Mmm... I wonder if.... eugh, no, that's disgusting. >She shivers a bit.<

Plat

Esredes: If what...? >a lot of things are disgusting.<

Momo

???: If this potion maker is getting their materials from a live suspect. >She replies.< But then they'd have to be keeping them caged up- like a wild animal- and taking pieces from them.

Plat

Esredes: >That’s not entirely unlikely... but he winces too< If they’re turning humans into uncanny like it means nothing, I think it’s possible they’re that cruel.

Momo

???: Where did you say you found this again? >She asks, holding out the dart to him.<

Plat

Esredes: >He takes it back for now.< Let’s just say the perpetrator didn’t have perfect accuracy on the one they tried to turn uncanny instantly.

Momo

???: I don't know, friend. You're looking pretty uncanny to me. But, at least you're sane. >She smiles a bit.< You get a look at the perpetrator?

Plat

Esredes: I sure didn’t become that way through a dart, that’s for sure. As for the perpetrator, it’s a woman. Blonde and blue-eyed with glasses.

Momo

???: Blondie huh? ... ... now that you mention it... I think I saw someone like that pass through here once.

Plat

Esredes: Really? >he looks a little surprised at this<

Momo

???: Yeah, it was several months back. >She replies< I noticed her cause she had a strange smile on her face, and this big bodyguard with her.

Plat

Esredes: Do you remember what the bodyguard looked like at all?

Momo

???: A tall man, dark skin but light hair. He had reptilian legs, a huge tail, and he was wearing a cloth to cover his mouth. Definitely uncanny looking fellow. He never spoke a word, he just followed her.

Plat

Esredes: Sounds like an appropriate bodyguard...

Momo

???: Yeah... but there was more. His arms looked strange. The skin pigment changed halfway down, and he seemed uncomfortable. I tried to talk to him but that woman got in the way. She gave me the creepiest smile and asked me to mind my own business... I wish I didn't back down back then.

Plat

Esredes: How did the skin pigment change?

Momo

???: It changed around here- >She points to her own elbow.< Then there was some scar markings, and then his forearm was a lighter color....

Plat

Esredes: And you don’t think it was a result of being uncanny?

Momo

???: With uncanny, there's usually a gradience... Not a sudden shift in color. I always found that extremely odd.

Plat

Esredes: I bet she did something to him.

Momo

???: Damn... Well, I should tell the neighbors and everyone else to keep an eye out for her. A lady like that is giving us potion makers a bad name, and she's just too dangerous.

Plat

Esredes: I agree. But if even a potion maker can’t figure out the dart for certain, do you think anyone could?

Momo

???: If I had more information. Like notes this woman had, or to see her work station. I can only make educated guesses, and I'm not gonna prick anyone with this dart. It's way too dangerous.

Plat

Esredes: Oh, certainly. Well... do you think you could work off a verbal account?

Momo

???: My best account would be the woman is using fresh... no- "Live" resources. She has a knochen, or multiple, in order to get what she needs... And whatever she's using, it's strong, and she's not holding back on the magic.

Plat

Esredes: Her work station is a laboratory where she imprisons both. From the bloody tools all over the place, it’s definitely apparent she harvests their parts.

Momo

???: Whoa- You've seen the place?

Plat

Esredes: It was very unsettling and recently abandoned. Many of her notes detailed where she put the parts... but none of them mentioned in the darts. I suppose I hadn’t thought of that yet.

Momo

???: Wh-Whoa- You have to take me there! >She replies, her eyes going wide.< That place could help figure out how she's doing this and we can stop her.

Plat

Esredes: Well, it’s quite the journey from here. Think you could handle traveling that far?

Momo

???: If it can help stop all of this, then yes. >She replies.<

Plat

Esredes: You must be quite dedicated to your work. Then if it’s worth it to you, I could show you the way.

Momo

???: >She smiles brightly and places her potion back up in a cabinet before running into the back of her shop.< I'll be right back! Let me pack up!

Plat

Esredes: >Well, this will be interesting.< >He’ll just wait there, wondering what weapons she’ll take. Unless she’s truly stupid enough to not take any.<

Momo

???: >After a few minutes, she rushes back down with a satchel and a staff in her hand.< Ready! Let's get going!

Plat

Esredes: >He observes the satchel a moment, then back to her.< All right, follow me.

==Esredes humors the woman for half an hour, leading her away from the village and into a much more secluded wooded area. Finally, he stops and turns to her.==
Esredes: All right, you’ve come this far. To tell you the truth, I know a way to make this trip a lot shorter. But you have to show me what’s in the satchel and promise not to panic.

Momo

???: >The woman blinks a bit and she opens her satchel, pulling out a notebook.< This? It's a notebook. There's also a few glass vials in here to take any samples if there's any of her potions around. And this- >She holds up a smaller bag and lightly shakes it.< Trail mix.

Plat

Esredes: Just essential things. All right, you can put that away. One other stipulation, you can’t look back. Give me a moment. >He walks past her, disappearing behind a couple trees.<

Momo

???: >She seems a bit curious, but she doesn't look back. She whistles a bit while she waits and spins her staff around.<

Plat

Esredes: >He takes his time transforming, then peers back around the trees at her. Hm, she’s keeping her promise. I’m impressed. Quietly, he takes a few steps until he’s close enough to her, then reaches a hand out and wraps it around her torso, tightly but not tight enough to constrict breathing. Certainly tight enough to make sure she can’t get her staff hand free. When he’s certain she’s secure, he then promptly takes off to the skies in the direction of the lab. It doesn’t matter if she screams or not at this point.<

Momo

???: >Whoa- WHA- WAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!! >She wiggles a bit in his hand and starts to scream.< Hey HEY HEY HEY HEYYYYY!!! Oh gosh- this is it- I'm gonna die!! I never got married! I never even got to own a cat! This is it! >She shuts her eyes, as if anticipating for the moment he's going to drop her.<

Plat

Esredes: >Own a cat?< >He finds that almost funny, not for the prospect of enslaving the animal but for how minor it seems.< >He won’t try to say anything unless she keeps at this, just flying on.<

Momo

???: >She stays quiet for a bit before looking up.< Eh... You're not dropping me? Oh, I get it, we're heading to the place, right? Huh... so you were a knochen.

Plat

Esredes: >I’m grateful you didn’t keep screaming.< >Sorry, he’s not going to say anything. You’ll just have to endure the wind.<

Momo

???: Huh... So you can't really speak like that.... ... ... can you just... nod or shake your head or something?

Plat

Esredes: >He nods, a subtle nod but a nod.<

Momo

???: Oh, awesome. So, I haven't even told you my name. I'm Kokol! Nice to meet you, Mr. Knochen. >She giggles a bit.< I've never been this high up before.... and it's scary... so I hope to trust in you that you're not gonna drop me?

Plat

Esredes: >Another little nod.<

Momo

Kokol: Okay.... Awesome. >She lets out a deep sigh and slightly clings to his arm as the flight continues.<

Plat

Esredes: >After some time of this, he spots the clearing with the abandoned village in the distance and prepares to be landing soon. He begins to descend in altitude, eventually stretching his legs out to make contact with the ground. With one hand he plants it on the ground, and with the other he sets Kokol on the ground, releasing her and taking a step back, shifting down back to his pseudo uncanny appearance.< Surprising, is it not? You have to admit it beats walking all the way there. Here we are.

Momo

Kokol: Hey, on the way back, you should let me know when you're about to scoop me up. >She pouts, brushing herself off and tightly gripping her staff.< That was a real dick move.

Plat

Esredes: Mmm, apologies for it. I wasn’t sure if you’d use that thing on me given fair warning.

Momo

Kokol: Hmph... I guess I understand your reasoning... whelp, show me the way!

Plat

Esredes: Very well. >He turns towards the laboratory building.< It’s that one up there. >He starts walking toward it, looking back occasionally to make sure she’s following.<

Momo

Kokol: >She's following along, although a bit slow.< .... this place gives me the creeps... what happened here?

Plat

Esredes: I believe she and whatever help she had decided to cause chaos before they abandoned the place.

Momo

Kokol: I see... >She makes her way towards the abandoned building and starts to step inside.< And you say you've already been here?

Plat

Esredes: I have. I’ve been wanting to find and end the lady myself. Unfortunately she’s not here anymore.

Momo

Kokol: I see... >She continues to walk through, taking a glance into the rooms along the hallway before continuing to walk.< This place reeks of blood.... eugh.... >Finally, she makes it to the end of the hall and finds the room with the desk and left over papers. She quickens her steps and starts to pick up the papers, looking through each of them carefully.<

Plat

Esredes: >He won’t say anything as she does, simply observing the process.<

Momo

Kokol: .... This is... insane.... >She mumbles, looking over the papers.< This is insane- This is INSANE! >She looks up at Esredes and holds up a paper with a random uncanny test subject.< The number on this is 388- That means she's affected probably more than 388 people or knochen- One person can't possibly do this alone, can they?

Plat

Esredes: She has to have help. I’m just not sure what it is.

Momo

Kokol: >She keeps flipping through the random pages.< .... Most of these are simple.... just random people shot with a dart and observing the effects... but then there are ones where she performs operations. That can't be a one man project... and then there's this... big needle.

Plat

Esredes: Freakishly big, isn’t it?

Momo

Kokol: Yeah... Why would she need such a big need- ... ... This is it. >She looks up to Esrey.< This is it! The needle is it! This is what she uses for her potions! For the stuff in the darts!

Plat

Esredes: You’re certain of that? The page on what’s in the needle is missing from her notes. But whatever it is is something that gives a human unstable permanent magic when injected into their lower back.

Momo

Kokol: It has to be.... I could be wrong but if I'm right, and I think I'm right- then it's how she's been able to do all of this. So- when we make potions- we get bones  and materials and stuff- I won't go into too much detail- but we have to work quickly. We need to clean them, we need to dry them out, we drind things down- we're only using the base of the bone. But she's using that big needle to use the stuff inside our bones.

Plat

Esredes: >He looks a bit surprised. She may actually have it figured out.< Inside the bones...?

Momo

Kokol: Our bones aren't just solid. They do have stuff inside of it- like a liquid of sorts. We always clean it out or it's hardened when we get new pieces. It's usually in chest pieces, or hip pieces, not really from limbs parts. But if she can extract that stuff from living knochen.... if that material actually works then not only is it quicker and more efficient than chopping a limb off, but she could get multiple drawings from one knochen without them dying.  >She looks down at the documents again.< There's one that she talks about taking multiple samples... but no limbs are missing, it's still alive.

Plat

Esredes: >He also looks down at them< So... she sticks the needle all the way down inside the bone to extract it, then injects it into humans and puts it into darts...? >Eugh. That is absolutely awful.<

Momo

Kokol: This is horrifying.... >She seems to gag a bit but she gets a hold of herself.< Eugh... This is... too far. This is crossing a line. Do you have any leads on where she could have gone?

Plat

Esredes: I’m trying to find one, but no luck so far.

Momo

Kokol: If I could get a hold of her notes... do you think there could be a cure for any of this...?

Plat

Esredes: A cure for what, exactly?

Momo

Kokol: For her darts... I mean, no mage has ever truly reverted to what they once were but... ... all these people... I hate the idea of thinking there's nothing we can do to help them.

Plat

Esredes: I wouldn’t know how it’s possible to heal a real uncanny.

Momo

Kokol: ... you're probably right.... >She looks around the room a bit more and gathers whatever papers she can find. She starts to open the drawers of the desk and search through them too.< Maybe we can find more about her if we keep looking.

Plat

Esredes: If you’ll give me a moment, I can retrieve more for you.

Momo

Kokol: Oh! Great! >She smiles.< Two pairs of hands are better than one pair after all.

Plat

Esredes: >He steps into the other room, and returns a moment holding the stack of files he took originally. He hands them all off to her except for the map.<

Momo

Kokol: Oh... OH! That was fast! >She takes the files and looks them over.< Thanks! Let's see let's see.... >She reads them over, makes a small gagging noise during the process, but continues to read as if nothing happened.< .... These experiments are disgusting... it's like she has no regard to life whatsoever...

Plat

Esredes: >You’re not one to be talking.< I’ve heard she’s as insane as she sounds.

Momo

Kokol: You've met someone who's encountered her then? >She asks, glancing up at him.<

Plat

Esredes: It’s how I found out.

Momo

Kokol: How are they doing if I may ask.... are they alright?

Plat

Esredes: Mostly. Clearly traumatized by the matter, though.

Momo

Kokol: Ah.... I'm sorry to hear that.... I hope they recover well.

Plat

Esredes: Me too. >He pauses before speaking again.< So the substance inside bones is inside the dart... is there anything else you can gather from these files?

Momo

Kokol: Yeah, she's tried using them in different ways. In the beginning, it was just darts. However, later on, she's gone as far as to use that big needle and stick it into her new subjects and just inject them with it.

Plat

Esredes: Right... and most of the results have been uncanny.

Momo

Kokol: Most of them... but she mentions in these later notes how there's been one success... Some poor soul who got injected directly managed to survive and not hold any uncanny effects. It's usually been instant death or turned uncanny.

Plat

Esredes: And we have no idea how or why that one got lucky.

Momo

Kokol: I think even she's trying to figure out how or why this one got lucky. In my experience... it's usually due to compatibility that a mage can get good results from a potion. Types of magic or knochen seem to be more compatible with some people depending on things like personality and health... Whoever this person is... they got lucky. The sample taken from the test subject must have been really compatible with them...

Plat

Esredes: >So she was right...< That’s strange... How can one even figure out how two different creatures are compatible or not?

Momo

Kokol: That's the problem. You'd need to run a lot of different trials, and it seems like that's all this woman has been doing. I wouldn't be surprised if she tried something more extreme on this person again.

Plat

Esredes: Like what...? >he seems to be concerned at this<

Momo

Kokol: I don't know... but she seems to push the limits wherever she can. My guess is that she'll do what she did to the successful subject again. A second injection. None of the other experiments here that have one have gotten a second one cause they've all failed.

Plat

Esredes: >Oh no. What would that even do to her??< That would be awful...

Momo

Kokol: ... All of this is awful... Here- >She hands the papers back to him.< I... don't really want to look at these anymore.

Plat

Esredes: >He takes them back, tucking them away in his belt.< Most people can’t do it for long.

Momo

Kokol: ... Take care of your friend, okay? >She looks up at him.< I'm gonna guess they're one of these former experiments... and this lady seems to obsess over the ones that do survive and are sane. I could be wrong, but it wouldn't hurt to keep an eye out.

Plat

Esredes: I’m already trying to. They’re aware the lady is on to them.

Momo

Kokol: Oh, that's good. Now all that's left to do is catch this lady.

Plat

Esredes: Indeed. Sadly it seems to be a harder task than I originally anticipated.

Momo

Kokol: That may be true, but two heads are better than one. >She smiles brightly.< I'm sure we'll be able to find her.

Plat

Esredes: You think so?

Momo

Kokol: Mmhmm! Definitely!

Plat

Esredes: Perhaps you’ll be able to add something if I show you this... >He pulls out the map, unfolding it for her.< I’ve been investigating these trails, but I haven’t found anything.

Momo

Kokol: Ah- >She walks over to the map.< Let's see.... hmm... We're right here now, near this small cluster of towns. There aren't a lot of main roads that travel through here, it's pretty out of the way.... If I were here, and I had an operation this big, I'd need another facility. ... Or.... >She looks up to Esrey.< To maintain the amount of experimentation she does... My best guess is that she already has another base. Probably more than one.

Plat

Esredes: I’d have to agree. It’s the logical reason why she’d abandon this one...

Momo

Kokol: She must have another location then. The problem is... I don't know where. This place is secluded, so it could be another small town, but who's to say it couldn't be in a big city. And these lines... these pathways, did she send someone out looking for something?

Plat

Esredes: I’m not sure. It could be possible.

Momo

Kokol: Guh... I can only hand out educated guesses... The only good news we can go on is that this was a big move, so she intends to stay at the next place for hopefully a while. We'll have time to look for her and find her.

Plat

Esredes: You’re right... >he smiles at that< I sure hope I can make such a place crumble to the ground.

Momo

Kokol: >She smiles brightly.< We better get investigating then! I'll have to tell the others to keep a look out for her. Ah, it'll be best if people travel in buddy systems from now on too.

Plat

Esredes: Correct. Someone traveling alone is her best target.

Momo

Kokol: Well let's not just stand here then! We have to make our way back! >She starts to run down the hall, heading out towards the exit of the building.<

Plat

Esredes: >He hesitates a moment, contemplating to himself, before following her.<

Momo

Kokol: >She makes it outside and stretches a bit before turning to him.< Y'know, you're my ride home.

Plat

Esredes: Of course. But first... what exactly is your plan?

Momo

Kokol: Well, I have to alert my clients and customers. >She replies.< To keep a eye out for her. We're like a little community and everyone looks out for everyone, y'know?

Plat

Esredes: You think any of them can help us find her lab?

Momo

Kokol: But of course. >She smiles, then her smile turns weak.< Eh... You best let me do the talking to them. Some of them are... hunters....

Plat

Esredes: I’m sure they are. Ones that can hunt more than knochen for us, you think?

Momo

Kokol: Yeah, definitely. I'm sure when they hear about this, they'll set their sights on her.

Plat

Esredes: Good to know. >He pauses a moment, as if lost in thought.< >What would Alise find better? What are the chances they’ll be any help, or any danger to the investigation? The chances they wouldn’t find any benefit of their own?< One last question. Just how many clients do you know?

Momo

Kokol: Mmm, I can't give away that information. A client is a client and I won't reveal their names to you.

Plat

Esredes: I’m not talking names, just numbers.

Momo

Kokol: Hmm... I've had some come and go. It's hard to say. I usually have about twenty dedicated customers, but some of them sometimes stop showing up, or I get new ones.

Plat

Esredes: I see. Just the way of business, I presume. Very well, let’s go back. But you know the rule. No peeking.

Momo

Kokol: >She nods and shuts her eyes.< No peeking.

Plat

>You’ll hear his footsteps as he walks someplace behind you. There’s a moment of silence as he’s presumably shifting. But instead of feeling the grip of his large knochen hand close around you, you’ll feel an elongated arm close around your torso, and the feeling of cold metal pressed against your throat.<
Esredes: Thanks for the offer. You’ve been a great help today, but I think I have this investigation under control.

Momo

Kokol: >She seems to stiffen up and he can feel her body start to shake.< .... hah... so it's going to be like this, eh?

Plat

Esredes: You have an unusually sweet demeanor for a potion maker, I’ll give you that. But that doesn’t change the things you’ve done to my species.

Momo

Kokol: It's not like you're all innocent either.... Can't you dispose of me or something once we've caught her?

Plat

Esredes: Oh, but then you still wouldn’t have your cat. >He sounds like he’s mocking you.<

Momo

Kokol: But I have someone I need to look after.... >She replies, her voice starting to break.<

Plat

Esredes: Like who?

Momo

Kokol: ... her name is Yuu... She's young, but she always comes to visit me. I've never seen her with her parents- I'm the only one who looks after her.... please...

Plat

Esredes: What a poor thing. Perhaps her next caretaker will be someone with a less questionable profession. Or I can see to it that she’s put out of her misery.

Momo

Kokol: >Something seems to snap within her, because she makes a quick jab into Esredes' ribcage with her elbow, disregarding the blade held to her neck.<

Plat

Esredes: >That hurts, but he doesn’t let go. He only digs the claws of the other hand into her side in response. Despite that, the venom slips out of his tone as he speaks next.< Anyhow... your efforts aren’t going unnoticed. As a reward, I assure you I’m skilled enough to make sure you won’t feel a thing. >With that, he brings the blade across her jugular vein, severing it. He then lets go of her to let her drop to the ground.<

Momo

Kokol: >She lets out a broken cry as she falls to the ground, the blood spilling out from her neck. She seems to be trying to say something, but the light slowly fades from her eyes.<

Plat

Esredes: >He crouches down and slits her throat to make it fade faster. Was that painless? It was close enough. He watches her eyes until the light looks completely gone to be sure.<

Momo

>She doesn't move, her breathing stops, if she wasn't dead before the second cut, she is now.<

Plat

Esredes: >All right, that’s over with. Thanks again for being helpful. Maybe a wild cat will enjoy your corpse, who knows.< >Well, his work is done here. After taking a second to put a hand on his chest where she elbowed him, he assess the pain will be gone in a day or two. And now he can tell Alise and Aclyone a sure answer. Today has been a good day.< >He shifts back, and takes off, empty handed but with all he could’ve hoped to get.<

Momo

>Once he's left, a small figure emerges out towards the building. A young girl with a polka dot dress and twin low pigtails steps forward. She runs out towards Kokol's body and kneels down to her. Her hand desperately tries to stop the bleeding while she grabs the staff and holds it over Kokol.<
???: I'm sorry.... I'm sorry- please don't die...  >She sniffles and starts to cry.< I'm sorry....