#kristext.txt

[lostlorndigitalphantom]

Bringing himself back to the present, Paul could only look to Rainer with that one single question. As he said it, he could tell the Sylveon wasn't exactly enthused with that response. Rainer: I take it that's a no, then? Paul: It's not a no. I don't know who you're talking about. Rainer seemed to lock up for a moment as he looked at Paul, gauging whether or not he was being honest with him. Rainer: There's been nothing in the papers or on the news? Paul: I don't keep up with that. I'm sorry, I don't know what to tell you.

Rainer's head seemed to spin as Paul spoke, seeming to take that as a confirmation of his worst fear.

Rainer: She'll know more about it than you seem to.

[lostlorndigitalphantom]

As Rainer moved to fix the lights, Paul glanced cautiously toward him before he made his way across the room toward the black curtain. Surely he could take a peek...

Both the lights coming on and Rainer's voice startled him, and he slammed his paw down on the ground. Rainer: I'd prefer you not go snooping in my personal space without asking me. Paul: A-Ah, sorry... He turned back to face Rainer, although he glanced at the curtain again. Rainer sighed. Rainer: I don't think you'd entirely understand what's in there, anyways.

[lostlorndigitalphantom]

The brief trek through the hidden tunnel was short, albeit dark, and Paul wondered how Rainer figured this was a good place to live. No answer in his mind seemed like a good one, though before he could think of a question to ask him Rainer disappeared behind a curtain.

Pushing past the curtain, Paul entered a room that was much bigger than he'd expected. Despite that, it seemed rather... boring, for someone of Rainer's character.

Rainer: Pardon me for not having visited in nearly a decade. Let me see if the lights still work. Paul: You know that's not what I meant, Rainer. Man, your place is empty. A moment later, he noticed another curtain behind the Sylveon, and wondered if something more was hidden in this small little home.

[lostlorndigitalphantom]

Rainer: Yeah, that's the point. Keeps people from snooping if it looks like it's nothing. Rainer moved to mess with the leafage in the empty hollow, brushing it aside to reveal an opening. Paul blinked with surprise, a little bit baffled as Rainer took a second before he climbed into the hole. Paul: Uh..?? Rainer? A moment later, he heard shuffling as Rainer popped back up from underground.

Rainer: We don't have all the time in the world, so hurry up. Paul: Alright, alright. Don't need to tell me twice. After Rainer dipped back into the hole, Paul hesitated before moving to follow. Rainer: Don't forget to cover the entrance behind you.

[lostlorndigitalphantom]

Paul: Give me a second. I need a minute to get a grasp on what the fuck I'm seeing. Rainer: What? Look, Paul, I need your help with something. Silence seemed to stretch for an eternity as Paul stared Rainer down, unsure of what to say next. After a few moments of staring each other down, Rainer tapped his foot on the ground. Rainer: Look, I need to speak with Anna. It's important. At the mention of Anna, Paul's expression shifted. Paul: I'm not taking you to Anna, dude. Rainer: And why not? Looking around to avoid causing a scene, Paul motioned for Rainer to follow him to somewhere more secluded. Begrudgingly, the Sylveon followed. Rainer: I'd be delighted to know why you think it's not a good idea to speak to Anna, Paul. Do enlighten me. Paul: You want the answer, Rainer? I'll gladly fill you in.

Rainer: ... I'm, sorry, what? Paul: You've been dead for almost a decade, and you showing up to Anna's after what happened would be disaster for literally everyone involved. Rainer stared at his paws, unsure of what to do next. If Anna was out of the question, then what was he supposed to do next? Rainer: Fine. I can talk to Anna later, then. Can you help me? Paul: I'm guessing you're not giving me much of a choice in the matter.

Paul is (officially) open for asks.

[lostlorndigitalphantom]

Anna: It’s been nice here. I think for the first time in a long while, it’s been peaceful.

Anna’s expression was soft as she spoke to Paul, and her gaze remained on him. He seemed to shift awkwardly, looking down to his paws as she watched him. A moment later, he focused his attention back on the Delcatty.

Paul: I’ll admit, I’m a little surprised you waited as long as you did to move after… you know.

Anna: But moving doesn’t just happen overnight, you know? Paul: I know.

He put a paw on her shoulder sympathetically, and she seemed to appreciate the gesture. Things were quiet for a moment or so longer before Paul perked up again.

Paul: Oh, yeah - I hope this isn’t too much to ask. Do you remember anything from the day he died? Anna: Daniel? Paul: Yes. I want to know what you remember from that Christmas day. I-If that’s okay to ask.

[lostlorndigitalphantom]

Paul trotted through Sunspur Town as fast as his legs could take him without seeming suspicious, although he didn't exactly know if he was doing a great job of that. He really only had one priority - the request Rainer had made to speak to Anna. And he was going to make sure he did just that. As he walked, he approached a rather quaint little house.

A moment after knocking, he heard something rifling from behind the door and messing with the handle. Moments later, the door swung inward and the face of a Skitty poked out. Paul knew this was Mayzie. Mayzie: Oh! Mom, someone's here! A few seconds later someone else came to the door.

[lostlorndigitalphantom]

Without saying anything else, Paul turned and left through the tunnel. Rainer watched him for a moment longer before he got to his feet, thinking of what to do next. After a moment or so longer, he turned to head deeper into the residence.

Rainer is no longer available for asks. Paul is available for asks. The cast page has been updated.