Doc Scratch ==> Be short
Scratch was always the near-omnipotent being who'd prided himself on being the most accommodating of hosts.No matter the time or the intent of a visit,many had stepped over the threshold to be met with the same utmost care and discretion.This most recent visit had been no different,it was still just one of many despite the dimensional difference of .00000001% in comparison to his original.
He checked his pocket watch despite the knowledge of exactly just how much time had passed, remaining ever-present in his mind with it being a little past five-thirty P.M.
The white gold cherubim accents brought a much needed sense of whimsy to the timepiece,their inlaid emerald eyes pinpoints that glimmered under the warm lamplight from in-between the silken fabric of his gloves.Being such an important man had the price of dignity to pay,trading convenience for aesthetic and dramatics,what truly was a host if not one who entertained an unseen audience with grace and efficiency at all times?
Tucking the watch into his pocket once more,he gave his surroundings a once-over.The black licorice scottie dogs left in the crystal glass candy dish had been freshly changed,the persian rugs beaten free of any dust or debris,and the cool mosaic tiles swept and mopped by the handmaid before she was sent to bed thirty minutes ago.He was quite satisfied with his work,adjusting the crisp sleeve cuffs of his suit and puffing his fiber-stuffed chest with pride.
Yes,everything was according to plan.No stone was left unturned,fate was truly in his capable hands.
Turning by about eighty degrees,Scratch clasped aforementioned hands behind his back,the flick of a finger opening the main door to allow yet another variant of spades slick to fall through before he could break it free from its framing.Landing on his shoulder,slick let out a low hiss,quickly scrambling to his feet to face scratch.
"Hello,Slick.Perhaps you should try the handle before knocking next time?",he asked,stepping to the side to welcome the ill-fated mongrel in.
Slick sneered at him,pushing past.
Although he had no need for it due to a lack of eyes,Scratch gave him the pleasure of turning in his general direction.As per usual,the carapacian was already rummaging through his sitting room,contemplating which antique piece of furniture should be weaponized against him.
"Mister slick,You must know that attempting to harm me will do nothing to further your mission."
Scratch already knew the next words to leave slick's mouth, unamused as he watched it play out in real time.
"I ain't workin' for nobody but myself."
A telepathic sigh left scratch,knowing that his presence was required for the correct chain of events needed to summon his master to take place.
He strode towards the man,dodging the makeshift club he'd fashioned out of a rather nicely carved spruce chair leg.
"Oh come now,there's no need to act so reckless,is there?"
A singular gloved hand was all it took to disarm him,pulling the mutilated finery from his grasp.
"Oh ho ho,that's quite enough from you-"
Before scratch could fully register how he felt at the situation,slick had gone off script via tossing scratch over his shoulder and placing him on top of his apartment's fridge.
Scratch was left speechless for a second.
"How about you stay up there for a minute,yeah?"
Scratch straightened out the creases in the fabric of his suit to calm his nerves,reminding himself it was only a minor change.A good host must be patient and courteous and he was excellent.
"How quaint.You are quite the prankster,aren't you?"
Slick was already attempting to make his way down the hall.Scratch teleported to move both himself and his guest back to the sitting room.
"I would recommend that you avoid exploring places you were not expressly welcomed into when visiting someone's home."
He sighed as he felt yet another weaponized piece of furniture manage to land a hit against his head,this time being a handsome uranium glass lamp.
"I thought I told ya to stay put,short-stack!"
"I am afraid I will do no such thing,regardless of height."
Scratch could tell that this would be an especially tiring day...












