Miss Gloomway's House of Horrors

tma dark oc asks + rp blog if you're a bigot, gtfo :) everyone else is welcome, though!

[tourist-trapper]

Hm? You called? Well, hello, then, and welcome to the show! Just a few quick things before we begin the tour:

Elle Corrigan

She/They

Dark Avatar, though possibly some hints of Slaughter with her victims

Two ways to meet her: turning off the lights or having a shadow. They're not picky which :)

Honestly just here to have a good time and pull people into the Unseen, which definitely doesn't drive them insane and wanting to murder anyone and everyone they can find why would you think that

Miss Gloomway is a stage name, used it for her tourist trap and it kinda stuck.

So! Now that you've read all the boring paperwork, take my hand, and let's fall in!

[the-write-ideas]

Send me a △ and ask a really invasive question aimed at my character

They’ll have to:

Rate on a scale of 1-10 how much they don’t want to answer that question.

Answer that question.

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

As Rex was sitting in a spare room in the theater, a familiar voice punched him in the arm as the lights flickered. "Heyyy, Rexy buddy! How ya feeling? You excited?"

- @tourist-trapper

Rex almost jumped at the sudden voice. “God!- I'm never going to get used to that.” he sighed as he turned back around to see Gloomway, a small smile on his face. “I am starving.. I swear to god the next person with flesh that I see is going to be my next meal.. I'm as excited as you are I guess. just, in a different way.”

[tourist-trapper]

She grinned, raising her arms in surrender. "If I give you a burger will you promise not to eat me?"

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

“oh please, I'm not gonna eat you or hurt you. I don't think I could do that.. I can wait” he chuckled a little

[tourist-trapper]

"Mhm suuuure you can, bud. Still not risking it. Here!" She pulls a very greasy burger out of her sleeve and hands it to him. It's about four patties thick and has gummi worms on top.

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

He quietly set the burger on the table in the room. “eh.. I really appreciate it but I don't think I can even eat human food at this point.. I can't remember the last time I ate it and my stomach actually held it down.” rex sighed. “i can wait. really I swear, Gloomway.”

[tourist-trapper]

She dropped the easy grin. "Fuck that. You're not going hungry on me. Been there. Zero stars. Do not recommend. Especially not for you. Something raw work better? Or does it have to be human?"

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

“oh my god gloomly..” he muttered before running his head through his hair to move it out the way. “god. uhhm.. anything just.. meat I guess, if it's not human. Pork or chicken can work fine I guess.”

[tourist-trapper]

She laughed again, pulling out a pound of raw pork. "Then I guess you're eating, huh, kiddo?"

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

Rex's eyes widened at the raw pork, immediately grabbing it the chance he had to grab it. His teeth turned sharp and slightly curled as he absolutely tore into the meat, like he hadn't eaten in literally weeks. He tore into it quite quickly— it didn't even take him 5 minutes before the whole thing was just gone. Not even a strip of meat left.

He growled slightly before looking up to Gloomway, wiping his face with his hand. “er- sorry. Thank you for that, I guess.”

[tourist-trapper]

She handed him a napkin with a warm smile. "Don't worry about it. You gotta eat, right? And nobody goes hungry when I can shoplift that easily. And certainly not my favorite employee!"

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

Rex grinned as he grabbed the napkin, wiping off whatever blood was in that pork and was now on his face. “Gloomway, I'm pretty sure I'm your only employee.. is that why I'm your favorite?”

[tourist-trapper]

She cackled. "You didn't have to call me out like that! But yes. And, I dunno, you're like a kid brother to me. Even if you didn't work for me, I'd still bug you like this."

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

Rex went quiet for a solid moment. “I.. younger brother?..” he seemed to stare off a little as he repeated those words back to her, the simple phrase itself seemed to make him zone out suddenly.. or just made him really quiet.

[tourist-trapper]

"... kid? You alright?"

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

Rex's head shot back up. “Oh- eh.. yeah! Don't worry about it.. I just.. I remembered somethin'.. that's all. Don't be worryin'”

[tourist-trapper]

She gave him a look. "... alright. Hey, wanna do something? It's sooo boring waiting for the right moment."

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

As Rex was sitting in a spare room in the theater, a familiar voice punched him in the arm as the lights flickered. "Heyyy, Rexy buddy! How ya feeling? You excited?"

- @tourist-trapper

Rex almost jumped at the sudden voice. “God!- I'm never going to get used to that.” he sighed as he turned back around to see Gloomway, a small smile on his face. “I am starving.. I swear to god the next person with flesh that I see is going to be my next meal.. I'm as excited as you are I guess. just, in a different way.”

[tourist-trapper]

She grinned, raising her arms in surrender. "If I give you a burger will you promise not to eat me?"

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

“oh please, I'm not gonna eat you or hurt you. I don't think I could do that.. I can wait” he chuckled a little

[tourist-trapper]

"Mhm suuuure you can, bud. Still not risking it. Here!" She pulls a very greasy burger out of her sleeve and hands it to him. It's about four patties thick and has gummi worms on top.

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

He quietly set the burger on the table in the room. “eh.. I really appreciate it but I don't think I can even eat human food at this point.. I can't remember the last time I ate it and my stomach actually held it down.” rex sighed. “i can wait. really I swear, Gloomway.”

[tourist-trapper]

She dropped the easy grin. "Fuck that. You're not going hungry on me. Been there. Zero stars. Do not recommend. Especially not for you. Something raw work better? Or does it have to be human?"

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

“oh my god gloomly..” he muttered before running his head through his hair to move it out the way. “god. uhhm.. anything just.. meat I guess, if it's not human. Pork or chicken can work fine I guess.”

[tourist-trapper]

She laughed again, pulling out a pound of raw pork. "Then I guess you're eating, huh, kiddo?"

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

Rex's eyes widened at the raw pork, immediately grabbing it the chance he had to grab it. His teeth turned sharp and slightly curled as he absolutely tore into the meat, like he hadn't eaten in literally weeks. He tore into it quite quickly— it didn't even take him 5 minutes before the whole thing was just gone. Not even a strip of meat left.

He growled slightly before looking up to Gloomway, wiping his face with his hand. “er- sorry. Thank you for that, I guess.”

[tourist-trapper]

She handed him a napkin with a warm smile. "Don't worry about it. You gotta eat, right? And nobody goes hungry when I can shoplift that easily. And certainly not my favorite employee!"

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

Rex grinned as he grabbed the napkin, wiping off whatever blood was in that pork and was now on his face. “Gloomway, I'm pretty sure I'm your only employee.. is that why I'm your favorite?”

[tourist-trapper]

She cackled. "You didn't have to call me out like that! But yes. And, I dunno, you're like a kid brother to me. Even if you didn't work for me, I'd still bug you like this."

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

Rex went quiet for a solid moment. “I.. younger brother?..” he seemed to stare off a little as he repeated those words back to her, the simple phrase itself seemed to make him zone out suddenly.. or just made him really quiet.

[tourist-trapper]

"... kid? You alright?"

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

As Rex was sitting in a spare room in the theater, a familiar voice punched him in the arm as the lights flickered. "Heyyy, Rexy buddy! How ya feeling? You excited?"

- @tourist-trapper

Rex almost jumped at the sudden voice. “God!- I'm never going to get used to that.” he sighed as he turned back around to see Gloomway, a small smile on his face. “I am starving.. I swear to god the next person with flesh that I see is going to be my next meal.. I'm as excited as you are I guess. just, in a different way.”

[tourist-trapper]

She grinned, raising her arms in surrender. "If I give you a burger will you promise not to eat me?"

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

“oh please, I'm not gonna eat you or hurt you. I don't think I could do that.. I can wait” he chuckled a little

[tourist-trapper]

"Mhm suuuure you can, bud. Still not risking it. Here!" She pulls a very greasy burger out of her sleeve and hands it to him. It's about four patties thick and has gummi worms on top.

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

He quietly set the burger on the table in the room. “eh.. I really appreciate it but I don't think I can even eat human food at this point.. I can't remember the last time I ate it and my stomach actually held it down.” rex sighed. “i can wait. really I swear, Gloomway.”

[tourist-trapper]

She dropped the easy grin. "Fuck that. You're not going hungry on me. Been there. Zero stars. Do not recommend. Especially not for you. Something raw work better? Or does it have to be human?"

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

“oh my god gloomly..” he muttered before running his head through his hair to move it out the way. “god. uhhm.. anything just.. meat I guess, if it's not human. Pork or chicken can work fine I guess.”

[tourist-trapper]

She laughed again, pulling out a pound of raw pork. "Then I guess you're eating, huh, kiddo?"

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

Rex's eyes widened at the raw pork, immediately grabbing it the chance he had to grab it. His teeth turned sharp and slightly curled as he absolutely tore into the meat, like he hadn't eaten in literally weeks. He tore into it quite quickly— it didn't even take him 5 minutes before the whole thing was just gone. Not even a strip of meat left.

He growled slightly before looking up to Gloomway, wiping his face with his hand. “er- sorry. Thank you for that, I guess.”

[tourist-trapper]

She handed him a napkin with a warm smile. "Don't worry about it. You gotta eat, right? And nobody goes hungry when I can shoplift that easily. And certainly not my favorite employee!"

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

Rex grinned as he grabbed the napkin, wiping off whatever blood was in that pork and was now on his face. “Gloomway, I'm pretty sure I'm your only employee.. is that why I'm your favorite?”

[tourist-trapper]

She cackled. "You didn't have to call me out like that! But yes. And, I dunno, you're like a kid brother to me. Even if you didn't work for me, I'd still bug you like this."

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

As Rex was sitting in a spare room in the theater, a familiar voice punched him in the arm as the lights flickered. "Heyyy, Rexy buddy! How ya feeling? You excited?"

- @tourist-trapper

Rex almost jumped at the sudden voice. “God!- I'm never going to get used to that.” he sighed as he turned back around to see Gloomway, a small smile on his face. “I am starving.. I swear to god the next person with flesh that I see is going to be my next meal.. I'm as excited as you are I guess. just, in a different way.”

[tourist-trapper]

She grinned, raising her arms in surrender. "If I give you a burger will you promise not to eat me?"

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

“oh please, I'm not gonna eat you or hurt you. I don't think I could do that.. I can wait” he chuckled a little

[tourist-trapper]

"Mhm suuuure you can, bud. Still not risking it. Here!" She pulls a very greasy burger out of her sleeve and hands it to him. It's about four patties thick and has gummi worms on top.

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

He quietly set the burger on the table in the room. “eh.. I really appreciate it but I don't think I can even eat human food at this point.. I can't remember the last time I ate it and my stomach actually held it down.” rex sighed. “i can wait. really I swear, Gloomway.”

[tourist-trapper]

She dropped the easy grin. "Fuck that. You're not going hungry on me. Been there. Zero stars. Do not recommend. Especially not for you. Something raw work better? Or does it have to be human?"

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

“oh my god gloomly..” he muttered before running his head through his hair to move it out the way. “god. uhhm.. anything just.. meat I guess, if it's not human. Pork or chicken can work fine I guess.”

[tourist-trapper]

She laughed again, pulling out a pound of raw pork. "Then I guess you're eating, huh, kiddo?"

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

Rex's eyes widened at the raw pork, immediately grabbing it the chance he had to grab it. His teeth turned sharp and slightly curled as he absolutely tore into the meat, like he hadn't eaten in literally weeks. He tore into it quite quickly— it didn't even take him 5 minutes before the whole thing was just gone. Not even a strip of meat left.

He growled slightly before looking up to Gloomway, wiping his face with his hand. “er- sorry. Thank you for that, I guess.”

[tourist-trapper]

She handed him a napkin with a warm smile. "Don't worry about it. You gotta eat, right? And nobody goes hungry when I can shoplift that easily. And certainly not my favorite employee!"

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

As Rex was sitting in a spare room in the theater, a familiar voice punched him in the arm as the lights flickered. "Heyyy, Rexy buddy! How ya feeling? You excited?"

- @tourist-trapper

Rex almost jumped at the sudden voice. “God!- I'm never going to get used to that.” he sighed as he turned back around to see Gloomway, a small smile on his face. “I am starving.. I swear to god the next person with flesh that I see is going to be my next meal.. I'm as excited as you are I guess. just, in a different way.”

[tourist-trapper]

She grinned, raising her arms in surrender. "If I give you a burger will you promise not to eat me?"

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

“oh please, I'm not gonna eat you or hurt you. I don't think I could do that.. I can wait” he chuckled a little

[tourist-trapper]

"Mhm suuuure you can, bud. Still not risking it. Here!" She pulls a very greasy burger out of her sleeve and hands it to him. It's about four patties thick and has gummi worms on top.

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

He quietly set the burger on the table in the room. “eh.. I really appreciate it but I don't think I can even eat human food at this point.. I can't remember the last time I ate it and my stomach actually held it down.” rex sighed. “i can wait. really I swear, Gloomway.”

[tourist-trapper]

She dropped the easy grin. "Fuck that. You're not going hungry on me. Been there. Zero stars. Do not recommend. Especially not for you. Something raw work better? Or does it have to be human?"

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

“oh my god gloomly..” he muttered before running his head through his hair to move it out the way. “god. uhhm.. anything just.. meat I guess, if it's not human. Pork or chicken can work fine I guess.”

[tourist-trapper]

She laughed again, pulling out a pound of raw pork. "Then I guess you're eating, huh, kiddo?"

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

As Rex was sitting in a spare room in the theater, a familiar voice punched him in the arm as the lights flickered. "Heyyy, Rexy buddy! How ya feeling? You excited?"

- @tourist-trapper

Rex almost jumped at the sudden voice. “God!- I'm never going to get used to that.” he sighed as he turned back around to see Gloomway, a small smile on his face. “I am starving.. I swear to god the next person with flesh that I see is going to be my next meal.. I'm as excited as you are I guess. just, in a different way.”

[tourist-trapper]

She grinned, raising her arms in surrender. "If I give you a burger will you promise not to eat me?"

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

“oh please, I'm not gonna eat you or hurt you. I don't think I could do that.. I can wait” he chuckled a little

[tourist-trapper]

"Mhm suuuure you can, bud. Still not risking it. Here!" She pulls a very greasy burger out of her sleeve and hands it to him. It's about four patties thick and has gummi worms on top.

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

He quietly set the burger on the table in the room. “eh.. I really appreciate it but I don't think I can even eat human food at this point.. I can't remember the last time I ate it and my stomach actually held it down.” rex sighed. “i can wait. really I swear, Gloomway.”

[tourist-trapper]

She dropped the easy grin. "Fuck that. You're not going hungry on me. Been there. Zero stars. Do not recommend. Especially not for you. Something raw work better? Or does it have to be human?"

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

As Rex was sitting in a spare room in the theater, a familiar voice punched him in the arm as the lights flickered. "Heyyy, Rexy buddy! How ya feeling? You excited?"

- @tourist-trapper

Rex almost jumped at the sudden voice. “God!- I'm never going to get used to that.” he sighed as he turned back around to see Gloomway, a small smile on his face. “I am starving.. I swear to god the next person with flesh that I see is going to be my next meal.. I'm as excited as you are I guess. just, in a different way.”

[tourist-trapper]

She grinned, raising her arms in surrender. "If I give you a burger will you promise not to eat me?"

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

“oh please, I'm not gonna eat you or hurt you. I don't think I could do that.. I can wait” he chuckled a little

[tourist-trapper]

"Mhm suuuure you can, bud. Still not risking it. Here!" She pulls a very greasy burger out of her sleeve and hands it to him. It's about four patties thick and has gummi worms on top.

[flamestoker-deactivated20260401]

As he left the break room, Tim turned the light off. The second he did so, he felt... somebody there. Heard the crinkling of plastic. Felt fingers on his ankle.

@tourist-trapper

Tim kicked as whatever was touching his ankle, hopping away as he yelped. "What the fuck!" He looked into the dark breakroom, his heart racing, pounding in his chest as his back stood against the wall of the hallway.

Looking into the dark breakroom, it seemed to.. spill out of it. Like light coming from underneath a closed door, but now it was the darkness.

[tourist-trapper]

Inside, barely visible, was a woman clutching a bag full of break room amenities. She had seemingly emptied the vending machine and was in the process of removing the coffee maker. She hadn't seemed to notice him, and he rather wondered if she could see anything underneath the bandages. There was Jon, but still.

[flamestoker-deactivated20260401]

Tim stared at her for a while, trying to adjust his eyes. "How do you lot keep getting into the archives.." he mumbled to himself, seeming to calm down. He still rather wouldn't go into the breakroom though.

"If you wanted to grab a snack, you could've just.. not grabbed my ankle."

[tourist-trapper]

The woman started and turned to face him. She pulled on a fake grin Tim knew all too well. "Oh, did I? Didn't notice, haha!"

[flamestoker-deactivated20260401]

Tim slowly started to back away, mentally kicking himself for not being able to keep gis mouth shut. He should know better by now.

"Right well.. i'll leave you to it." Planning to basically bolt for the nearest room with the lights on.

[tourist-trapper]

She looked at him, eyes covered. And her smile turned mischievous. "Don't suppose you'd want to see something interesting, would ya?"

[flamestoker-deactivated20260401]

"Not in particular no.. but I feel like i don't have much of a choice."

[tourist-trapper]

She feigned shock. "Whaaat? People like us? Not having choices? Ha! Nah, I'm just messing with you. It's more fun when they agree to it. Welp." She slapped her knee, standing from the crouch. "See you very soon, Mister Timothy Stoker." And the lights flickered. And she vanished. And there was no coffee maker in the Magnus Institute.

[flamestoker-deactivated20260401]

As he left the break room, Tim turned the light off. The second he did so, he felt... somebody there. Heard the crinkling of plastic. Felt fingers on his ankle.

@tourist-trapper

Tim kicked as whatever was touching his ankle, hopping away as he yelped. "What the fuck!" He looked into the dark breakroom, his heart racing, pounding in his chest as his back stood against the wall of the hallway.

Looking into the dark breakroom, it seemed to.. spill out of it. Like light coming from underneath a closed door, but now it was the darkness.

[tourist-trapper]

Inside, barely visible, was a woman clutching a bag full of break room amenities. She had seemingly emptied the vending machine and was in the process of removing the coffee maker. She hadn't seemed to notice him, and he rather wondered if she could see anything underneath the bandages. There was Jon, but still.

[flamestoker-deactivated20260401]

Tim stared at her for a while, trying to adjust his eyes. "How do you lot keep getting into the archives.." he mumbled to himself, seeming to calm down. He still rather wouldn't go into the breakroom though.

"If you wanted to grab a snack, you could've just.. not grabbed my ankle."

[tourist-trapper]

The woman started and turned to face him. She pulled on a fake grin Tim knew all too well. "Oh, did I? Didn't notice, haha!"

[flamestoker-deactivated20260401]

Tim slowly started to back away, mentally kicking himself for not being able to keep gis mouth shut. He should know better by now.

"Right well.. i'll leave you to it." Planning to basically bolt for the nearest room with the lights on.

[tourist-trapper]

She looked at him, eyes covered. And her smile turned mischievous. "Don't suppose you'd want to see something interesting, would ya?"

[flamestoker-deactivated20260401]

As he left the break room, Tim turned the light off. The second he did so, he felt... somebody there. Heard the crinkling of plastic. Felt fingers on his ankle.

@tourist-trapper

Tim kicked as whatever was touching his ankle, hopping away as he yelped. "What the fuck!" He looked into the dark breakroom, his heart racing, pounding in his chest as his back stood against the wall of the hallway.

Looking into the dark breakroom, it seemed to.. spill out of it. Like light coming from underneath a closed door, but now it was the darkness.

[tourist-trapper]

Inside, barely visible, was a woman clutching a bag full of break room amenities. She had seemingly emptied the vending machine and was in the process of removing the coffee maker. She hadn't seemed to notice him, and he rather wondered if she could see anything underneath the bandages. There was Jon, but still.

[flamestoker-deactivated20260401]

Tim stared at her for a while, trying to adjust his eyes. "How do you lot keep getting into the archives.." he mumbled to himself, seeming to calm down. He still rather wouldn't go into the breakroom though.

"If you wanted to grab a snack, you could've just.. not grabbed my ankle."

[tourist-trapper]

The woman started and turned to face him. She pulled on a fake grin Tim knew all too well. "Oh, did I? Didn't notice, haha!"

[flamestoker-deactivated20260401]

As he left the break room, Tim turned the light off. The second he did so, he felt... somebody there. Heard the crinkling of plastic. Felt fingers on his ankle.

@tourist-trapper

Tim kicked as whatever was touching his ankle, hopping away as he yelped. "What the fuck!" He looked into the dark breakroom, his heart racing, pounding in his chest as his back stood against the wall of the hallway.

Looking into the dark breakroom, it seemed to.. spill out of it. Like light coming from underneath a closed door, but now it was the darkness.

[tourist-trapper]

Inside, barely visible, was a woman clutching a bag full of break room amenities. She had seemingly emptied the vending machine and was in the process of removing the coffee maker. She hadn't seemed to notice him, and he rather wondered if she could see anything underneath the bandages. There was Jon, but still.

[ahunters-bloodyhands]

As Rex was sitting in a spare room in the theater, a familiar voice punched him in the arm as the lights flickered. "Heyyy, Rexy buddy! How ya feeling? You excited?"

- @tourist-trapper

Rex almost jumped at the sudden voice. “God!- I'm never going to get used to that.” he sighed as he turned back around to see Gloomway, a small smile on his face. “I am starving.. I swear to god the next person with flesh that I see is going to be my next meal.. I'm as excited as you are I guess. just, in a different way.”

[tourist-trapper]

She grinned, raising her arms in surrender. "If I give you a burger will you promise not to eat me?"

[tourist-trapper]

There's a tall, strange-looking old woman behind Elle. She wasn't there a moment ago, but here she is now, standing there with the neon colors of her form bleeding through reality and a little candy cigarette in her mouth. "Hey. You the one they call Ms Gloomway?"

@the-mj-line-blogging

Elle started, turning around quickly with a customer-service grin. "Indeed I am! Here for a tour?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"No, no. Just checkin' things out. In with the Corruption, are you?"

[tourist-trapper]

"The what?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Bugs. You do bugs, correct?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Oh. Yeah, I mean, among other things. Jackalopes, Mothman, think I got a mermaid or two in there..."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Impressive. How'd you manage that?"

[tourist-trapper]

She froze, grin plastered awkwardly. "... trade secret."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Hm. Understandable." She bit off a piece of the candy cigarette. "You're a little young for the persona you've created, but I can't say I don't like it. The hat is a nice touch."

[tourist-trapper]

"Ah, well, yknow... pays the bills."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Does it now? Actual money, or... The kind that keeps your patron off your back?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Okay, seriously, what are you talking about?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Oh." She sighed. "You're new. Well, alright. Have you never wondered how you're able to do the things you do?"

[tourist-trapper]

"... the bandages, right? All this happened after I put them on."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"And what do you think they did, exactly?"

[tourist-trapper]

She thought for a second. "Gave me a hall to jump through, made my props more realistic..."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"You ever feel... Fatigued, when you stop trapping people for a while?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Why would I stop? Doing this, it's... all I ever wanted."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

She paused for a moment. "Well... That's good, at least. You won't be hit as hard..."

[tourist-trapper]

"Hit as hard?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

She didn't answer the question, looking preoccupied. "You... Have you had a near-death experience of any kind recently?"

[tourist-trapper]

She frowned. "... you could say that. Just a few."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"What's the worst one you've had since receiving the bandages?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Hm. Since then..? Not many, but I'd say either Rex wanting to rip me open or how I collapsed the day after I put them on. Not been hungry since then, though..."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"And there it is." She sighed. "Alright, chiquita. Listen. You've become... Well, a cultist, effectively. And it's a good thing you like your show, cause you can't close it down now."

[tourist-trapper]

"... huh. How... what... huh."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Power has to come from somewhere. In this place, somebody has to like you a whole lot if you're going to become powerful. And it seems you've gotten got."

[tourist-trapper]

"Who... got me?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"The Dark, I'd guess, from your whole shadow schtick. The Forever Blind."

[tourist-trapper]

"Oh, that's kinda cool actually. What's it do?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Well, it's a fear deity. Feeds off people's fear of... Well, the dark."

[tourist-trapper]

"Huh. Cool. Cool cool cool. Why'd it go for me?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"No idea. But you can't leave now, so I hope you're happy here."

[tourist-trapper]

"Huh. Okay. Deep breath, Ellie. You got this. Big chance. I can do that."

[envys-tma-rp-blog]

"It's quite a realization to have, ain't it?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Th-that's... showbiz for ya. Sold my soul to hit it big, apparently."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Hm. You know, come to think of it, I don't know if souls are a thing here. But I guess that's a good enough analogy."

[tourist-trapper]

"Oh. Cool. Great. Cool cool cool. Fantastic."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"...I'm sorry."

[tourist-trapper]

"No, no, you're fine, it's just-" She chuckled slightly. "At least I'm not going to hell."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Nope. You're one of the demons now!" She laughed. "Ironic."

[tourist-trapper]

"Ha! Y-yeah. Geez. How did things get like this, Ellie?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"...you want a hug?"

[tourist-trapper]

She looked up, frozen. "A..."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

She held out her arms invitingly.

[tourist-trapper]

Elle staggered over and collapsed in her arms, sniffling.

[the-mj-line-blogging]

Miria hugged her gently. "Hey... It's okay..."

[tourist-trapper]

This caused the smaller woman to start sobbing awkwardly.

[the-mj-line-blogging]

Miria just held her for a long while, making sure to keep her voice low now. "It's okay..."

[tourist-trapper]

After a time, the sobs stopped. "S-sorry. Jeez, awkward. Haven't had one a those in... how old am I? Gah, sorry."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

She patted her on the shoulder. "It's alright. Looks like you needed that.."

[tourist-trapper]

This broke her into fresh sobs. "Why are you so nice to meee!"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

She handed her a tissue. "Well, why wouldn't I be? Do you need another hug?"

[tourist-trapper]

She nodded wordlessly, collapsing again on Miria.

[the-mj-line-blogging]

Miria stroked her hair wordlessly, resting her chin on her head. "It's alright, estimada..."

[tourist-trapper]

"I'm s-sorryyyyy"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Don't be. You're okay..."

[tourist-trapper]

"Th-thanks. S-sorry about that. Embarrassing."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

She smiled. "It's okay. You're clearly quite stressed."

[tourist-trapper]

"J-jeez. Fine for... fuck, 7 years? And then it all spills out after one hug. Thought I was a better actor than that."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Seven years is a long time to spend pretending."

[tourist-trapper]

"Shouldn't it get easier?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Seldom does, I'm afraid."

[tourist-trapper]

"That's fuckin stupid. Who decided that..?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Who knows? But we just gotta deal with it."

[tourist-trapper]

"You're really nice. Like if a mom didn't hate me."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Your mom hated you?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Oh. Is that... is that not normal?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"I don't think it is, no."

[tourist-trapper]

"... huh." She chuckled. "I am learning a lot about the way things work today."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Frankly, a lot of mothers do hate their children, but it's not a good thing."

[tourist-trapper]

"Huh. Why?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Why what?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Why do they hate their kids? I think I get it with my mom, is it the same for others?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"I'm afraid I can't read minds."

[tourist-trapper]

"Oh. Duh. Right. Sorry. " She starts listing off, counting on her fingers. "Too loud, pansexual, trans, actor, surprisingly it was actor that was the breaking point."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Oh. That makes sense. Some people are annoying about that sort of thing..."

[tourist-trapper]

"Acting? Yeah, it's weird. Doesn't pay well, why bully us further?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"And the rest of it, too. Some people just can't get their nose out of other people's business..."

[tourist-trapper]

"O-oh. It's... people are. She was. Wrong to do that, then. Huh. That. Helps, I think."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Parents are people, and not everybody is the type of person who should be around kids. It's not your fault, reijou. I'm sorry." She sighed.

[tourist-trapper]

Elle chuckled wetly. "H-hey, I'm gonna cry again if you keep that up."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Well, don't do that." She rummaged in her pocket and pulled out the packet of candy cigarettes. "Do you want one of these? I unfortunately don't have much on me."

[tourist-trapper]

"Do I smoke them?" She inspected one with a faint frown.

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"...it's not a real cigarette. You eat it."

[tourist-trapper]

"Ohhh, duh. Got it." She bit down on one. "Sweet."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"I like you. You remind me of me at your age." She leaned against a wall. "I'm sorry about all the... Revelations."

[tourist-trapper]

"Oh, god, I'm so sorry," she said with a wry grin, then waved her hand dismissively. "Ah, don't worry about it. I was probably gonna find out sooner or later, and... I'm glad it was you who told me... I like you too."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Aw, thanks!" She smiled. "Do you want my phone number? I can write it down if you like."

[tourist-trapper]

"I... don't have a phone. Sold it. O-oh, but if you turn off a light, I'll show up! Probably! I don't really get how it works yet."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Alright. Well, in turn, you can reach me just by thinking really hard about me. And if I can, I will show up." She smiled.

[tourist-trapper]

Elle nodded hard, determined to remember that. "Uh... before you go... can I hug you?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Of course!" She hugged her.

[tourist-trapper]

Elle clung tightly. "Thank you..."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Of course." Miria patted her back.

[tourist-trapper]

"H-hey, any advice for handling a kid with emotional regulation issues who you're almost certain is a serial killer? Love him to pieces, just don't know if I'm good enough to take care of him."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"That depends. Why do you think he's a serial killer?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Well, he's told me as much and is frankly terrible at cleaning up. So either serial killer or he's a very dramatic artist who only works in red. Considering I'm pretty sure he grew claws that one time, I think it's the latter."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Oh. And how bad is the emotional regulation?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Gets very angry, very fast. Really hard on himself for shit outside of his control. Quick to calm down, too. Woulda killed me if I hadn't given him a cool name. That manipulative of me?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"If it helped him and it helped you, it doesn't really matter, does it?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Mm. True. So? Any way I can help him? Cuz I'm pretty sure basically hiring him can only do so much."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

She sighed. "Well, my advice is to keep him close and try to figure out what calms him down. It's different for everybody."

[tourist-trapper]

"Ah. So it's another learn as you go?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Afraid so."

[tourist-trapper]

"Ugh. This is why I went into theater. You get a formula to follow with theater."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"I'm about done with theater and theatrics in general, but I had a good run with it. It's a good career."

[tourist-trapper]

"I know, right? Theater just makes sense. You do this, you get that result. Everyone's got a script. Everyone plays their part."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"I prefer chaos myself, frankly. Much easier to disappear into a screaming crowd. Rigid routines and everything being the same... It's antithetical to my very purpose, but I understand why people find it comforting."

[tourist-trapper]

"Ah, I hate screaming crowds. So messy. So... what is your purpose, if that's not a rude question."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"To travel, to defend, and to nurture. I appear; I find people who need my help; I help them fix problems, win wars, heal wounds; and once they no longer need or want me, I leave and start over again."

[tourist-trapper]

"Hm. How... long have you been doing that?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Well, time is a weird thing. Let's just say... A very long time."

[tourist-trapper]

"Oh." She chuckled. "Somehow I forgot amongst the, uh. Breakdown. That we're living in a cosmic horror story. Brains are weird."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"They sure are. I'm not sure how old I even am, actually."

[tourist-trapper]

"Heh. Well, that's something we have in common."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"I guess so." She smiled. "So. Anything you need to do today?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Nah. Just waiting to put on a show. Should be soon, I think."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"And who are you ambushing?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Eh. Kid wants to take down this eyeball guy, lives in the Magnus Institute. Just got to wait."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"The Institute?" Her face changed. "Which guy? The one in charge, or the one that looks like a drowned rat?"

[tourist-trapper]

"I don't know. Whichever one's been near his house lately."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Oh." She looked conflicted.

[tourist-trapper]

"... Miss Miria?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Hm?"

[tourist-trapper]

"You... okay?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Yeah. Yeah, just... Thinking about risks and things."

[tourist-trapper]

"... such... as?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Well... If it's the guy I think it is, then more power to ya. If it's somebody I don't know, I don't care very much. But there's a very slim chance that I might have to stop you, if it's a very specific person."

[tourist-trapper]

"Th-that's just a small chance, though, right?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Very small, yes. I'll tell you what - if it's the head of the Institute, I support it. Endorse it, even. That man sucks big time."

[tourist-trapper]

"If it's not?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Then I still don't really care, provided it isn't that one specific boy. It's none of my business how you feed, and I am proud of you for finding a way to feed without harming too many people..."

[tourist-trapper]

"... yeah. Yeah, there's no way it's whoever you mean. Small-ass chance." Her breath caught.

"Y-you're..."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Hm?"

[tourist-trapper]

She sniffled again. "S-sorry. You said you're proud of me and I just... I dunno."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Oh... Well, I am. You don't kill, and in this place that's quite a feat."

[tourist-trapper]

"I... thanks." A third sniffle, and she rubbed at her eyes. "Thanks."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Are you okay?"

[tourist-trapper]

She groaned, frustrated yet happy. "You're such a mom, I'm gonna keep crying if you keep this up."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"I'm sorry..."

[tourist-trapper]

"N-no, you're fine. Sorry, don't think I know how to express my feelings without humor."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Same!"

[tourist-trapper]

"Heh. Yknow, the only way I know you're not just like a future me is you haven't killed me or anything. Everything else fits."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"How do you know your future self would kill you?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Why wouldn't she? I have fucked my life up so badly that the only way I'm not dead right now is because some fear god decided it liked me."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Well, how do you know what's in the future? Perhaps it will get better, no?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't my life tied to causing suffering? There's a bit of a ceiling to how much I can improve."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Doesn't mean you can't be happy."

[tourist-trapper]

"... is it bad if the closest to that I remember feeling is in the dreams I used to have where I hurt people?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"That is a complicated question."

[tourist-trapper]

She nodded and stuck her hands in her pockets. Slumping down to the floor, Elle apologized. "Sorry for the mess this place is, by the way. I can't really see well in here. Anywhere else, sure."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"It's fine, dearie. I've seen worse..."

[tourist-trapper]

"Heh. Can you be my mom?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Not permanently. But I can do my best to help if you really want me to."

[tourist-trapper]

"You're... sure? It'd be alright?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Of course. I have other people that need me as well, but there are enough hours in the day. Would you like my phone number?"

[tourist-trapper]

"I... yeah! That'd be great! And... thank you. Really."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"No trouble." She smiled and pulled out a business card. It just had her name and phone number on it, with a pink rose.

[tourist-trapper]

Elle gaped. "Where do you get your cards done." She tried putting it in her suit's breast pocket before remembering that $11.99 suits don't have pockets and slipping it up her sleeve and into the Dark.

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"A friend made the cards. But I made these!" She reached back into her purse and pulled out a fistful of fake IDs. Miria Madison, Mimi Stone, Jade Mueller, and many more names and faces, all of them different beautiful women.

[tourist-trapper]

"Oh my god these are so realistic how did you do that?? I couldn't get the plastic right."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"A magician never reveals her secrets. But if you need one, I can make one for you..."

[tourist-trapper]

"You do magic?! I. I mean, yes please. That would be amazing. Um. Yeah."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

She raised an eyebrow. "You do magic too. Is it really all that surprising?"

[tourist-trapper]

Elle blushed awkwardly. "N-not really. Stage magic. Never got the hang of it. Coordination issues."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Ya drop people into the void. I don't think there's an earthly explanation for that."

[tourist-trapper]

"Well, yeah, but that's not a skill. Not anything impressive about doing it, yknow? Just kinda cut my hands to shreds and woke up like this."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"You did what?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Oh, um..." She played with her hair awkwardly, then winced when a strand touched the palm. "I think I was sleepwalking, and then the frame that I was using to keep these bandages was broken?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Oh. That explains some things."

[tourist-trapper]

She tilted her head quizzically. "Such as?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

She waved her hand. "Oh, nothing. Now, what do you need this ID for?"

[tourist-trapper]

"A-ah, you know, the usual."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"You need a fake name? Fake face? Fake age?"

[tourist-trapper]

"oh yes please that would be so helpful"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"All of the above? Really?"

[tourist-trapper]

"I've had... a lot of shit happen. Yknow?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Oh, I do, darling. I do. Now, could you text me the details of what you want on the ID later?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Uh, is calling okay? I don't think the phone I'd use can text, sorry."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Of course! If you want a different face, you'll still need to show it to me, but everything else is easy as pie!"

[tourist-trapper]

"Uh, I think this one's good, thank you!"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Affirmative!" She clapped her hands together. "Is there anything else you need?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Um... not really? Sorry."

[tourist-trapper]

There's a tall, strange-looking old woman behind Elle. She wasn't there a moment ago, but here she is now, standing there with the neon colors of her form bleeding through reality and a little candy cigarette in her mouth. "Hey. You the one they call Ms Gloomway?"

@the-mj-line-blogging

Elle started, turning around quickly with a customer-service grin. "Indeed I am! Here for a tour?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"No, no. Just checkin' things out. In with the Corruption, are you?"

[tourist-trapper]

"The what?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Bugs. You do bugs, correct?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Oh. Yeah, I mean, among other things. Jackalopes, Mothman, think I got a mermaid or two in there..."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Impressive. How'd you manage that?"

[tourist-trapper]

She froze, grin plastered awkwardly. "... trade secret."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Hm. Understandable." She bit off a piece of the candy cigarette. "You're a little young for the persona you've created, but I can't say I don't like it. The hat is a nice touch."

[tourist-trapper]

"Ah, well, yknow... pays the bills."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Does it now? Actual money, or... The kind that keeps your patron off your back?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Okay, seriously, what are you talking about?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Oh." She sighed. "You're new. Well, alright. Have you never wondered how you're able to do the things you do?"

[tourist-trapper]

"... the bandages, right? All this happened after I put them on."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"And what do you think they did, exactly?"

[tourist-trapper]

She thought for a second. "Gave me a hall to jump through, made my props more realistic..."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"You ever feel... Fatigued, when you stop trapping people for a while?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Why would I stop? Doing this, it's... all I ever wanted."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

She paused for a moment. "Well... That's good, at least. You won't be hit as hard..."

[tourist-trapper]

"Hit as hard?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

She didn't answer the question, looking preoccupied. "You... Have you had a near-death experience of any kind recently?"

[tourist-trapper]

She frowned. "... you could say that. Just a few."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"What's the worst one you've had since receiving the bandages?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Hm. Since then..? Not many, but I'd say either Rex wanting to rip me open or how I collapsed the day after I put them on. Not been hungry since then, though..."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"And there it is." She sighed. "Alright, chiquita. Listen. You've become... Well, a cultist, effectively. And it's a good thing you like your show, cause you can't close it down now."

[tourist-trapper]

"... huh. How... what... huh."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Power has to come from somewhere. In this place, somebody has to like you a whole lot if you're going to become powerful. And it seems you've gotten got."

[tourist-trapper]

"Who... got me?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"The Dark, I'd guess, from your whole shadow schtick. The Forever Blind."

[tourist-trapper]

"Oh, that's kinda cool actually. What's it do?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Well, it's a fear deity. Feeds off people's fear of... Well, the dark."

[tourist-trapper]

"Huh. Cool. Cool cool cool. Why'd it go for me?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"No idea. But you can't leave now, so I hope you're happy here."

[tourist-trapper]

"Huh. Okay. Deep breath, Ellie. You got this. Big chance. I can do that."

[envys-tma-rp-blog]

"It's quite a realization to have, ain't it?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Th-that's... showbiz for ya. Sold my soul to hit it big, apparently."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Hm. You know, come to think of it, I don't know if souls are a thing here. But I guess that's a good enough analogy."

[tourist-trapper]

"Oh. Cool. Great. Cool cool cool. Fantastic."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"...I'm sorry."

[tourist-trapper]

"No, no, you're fine, it's just-" She chuckled slightly. "At least I'm not going to hell."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Nope. You're one of the demons now!" She laughed. "Ironic."

[tourist-trapper]

"Ha! Y-yeah. Geez. How did things get like this, Ellie?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"...you want a hug?"

[tourist-trapper]

She looked up, frozen. "A..."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

She held out her arms invitingly.

[tourist-trapper]

Elle staggered over and collapsed in her arms, sniffling.

[the-mj-line-blogging]

Miria hugged her gently. "Hey... It's okay..."

[tourist-trapper]

This caused the smaller woman to start sobbing awkwardly.

[the-mj-line-blogging]

Miria just held her for a long while, making sure to keep her voice low now. "It's okay..."

[tourist-trapper]

After a time, the sobs stopped. "S-sorry. Jeez, awkward. Haven't had one a those in... how old am I? Gah, sorry."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

She patted her on the shoulder. "It's alright. Looks like you needed that.."

[tourist-trapper]

This broke her into fresh sobs. "Why are you so nice to meee!"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

She handed her a tissue. "Well, why wouldn't I be? Do you need another hug?"

[tourist-trapper]

She nodded wordlessly, collapsing again on Miria.

[the-mj-line-blogging]

Miria stroked her hair wordlessly, resting her chin on her head. "It's alright, estimada..."

[tourist-trapper]

"I'm s-sorryyyyy"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Don't be. You're okay..."

[tourist-trapper]

"Th-thanks. S-sorry about that. Embarrassing."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

She smiled. "It's okay. You're clearly quite stressed."

[tourist-trapper]

"J-jeez. Fine for... fuck, 7 years? And then it all spills out after one hug. Thought I was a better actor than that."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Seven years is a long time to spend pretending."

[tourist-trapper]

"Shouldn't it get easier?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Seldom does, I'm afraid."

[tourist-trapper]

"That's fuckin stupid. Who decided that..?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Who knows? But we just gotta deal with it."

[tourist-trapper]

"You're really nice. Like if a mom didn't hate me."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Your mom hated you?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Oh. Is that... is that not normal?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"I don't think it is, no."

[tourist-trapper]

"... huh." She chuckled. "I am learning a lot about the way things work today."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Frankly, a lot of mothers do hate their children, but it's not a good thing."

[tourist-trapper]

"Huh. Why?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Why what?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Why do they hate their kids? I think I get it with my mom, is it the same for others?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"I'm afraid I can't read minds."

[tourist-trapper]

"Oh. Duh. Right. Sorry. " She starts listing off, counting on her fingers. "Too loud, pansexual, trans, actor, surprisingly it was actor that was the breaking point."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Oh. That makes sense. Some people are annoying about that sort of thing..."

[tourist-trapper]

"Acting? Yeah, it's weird. Doesn't pay well, why bully us further?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"And the rest of it, too. Some people just can't get their nose out of other people's business..."

[tourist-trapper]

"O-oh. It's... people are. She was. Wrong to do that, then. Huh. That. Helps, I think."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Parents are people, and not everybody is the type of person who should be around kids. It's not your fault, reijou. I'm sorry." She sighed.

[tourist-trapper]

Elle chuckled wetly. "H-hey, I'm gonna cry again if you keep that up."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Well, don't do that." She rummaged in her pocket and pulled out the packet of candy cigarettes. "Do you want one of these? I unfortunately don't have much on me."

[tourist-trapper]

"Do I smoke them?" She inspected one with a faint frown.

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"...it's not a real cigarette. You eat it."

[tourist-trapper]

"Ohhh, duh. Got it." She bit down on one. "Sweet."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"I like you. You remind me of me at your age." She leaned against a wall. "I'm sorry about all the... Revelations."

[tourist-trapper]

"Oh, god, I'm so sorry," she said with a wry grin, then waved her hand dismissively. "Ah, don't worry about it. I was probably gonna find out sooner or later, and... I'm glad it was you who told me... I like you too."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Aw, thanks!" She smiled. "Do you want my phone number? I can write it down if you like."

[tourist-trapper]

"I... don't have a phone. Sold it. O-oh, but if you turn off a light, I'll show up! Probably! I don't really get how it works yet."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Alright. Well, in turn, you can reach me just by thinking really hard about me. And if I can, I will show up." She smiled.

[tourist-trapper]

Elle nodded hard, determined to remember that. "Uh... before you go... can I hug you?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Of course!" She hugged her.

[tourist-trapper]

Elle clung tightly. "Thank you..."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Of course." Miria patted her back.

[tourist-trapper]

"H-hey, any advice for handling a kid with emotional regulation issues who you're almost certain is a serial killer? Love him to pieces, just don't know if I'm good enough to take care of him."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"That depends. Why do you think he's a serial killer?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Well, he's told me as much and is frankly terrible at cleaning up. So either serial killer or he's a very dramatic artist who only works in red. Considering I'm pretty sure he grew claws that one time, I think it's the latter."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Oh. And how bad is the emotional regulation?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Gets very angry, very fast. Really hard on himself for shit outside of his control. Quick to calm down, too. Woulda killed me if I hadn't given him a cool name. That manipulative of me?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"If it helped him and it helped you, it doesn't really matter, does it?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Mm. True. So? Any way I can help him? Cuz I'm pretty sure basically hiring him can only do so much."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

She sighed. "Well, my advice is to keep him close and try to figure out what calms him down. It's different for everybody."

[tourist-trapper]

"Ah. So it's another learn as you go?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Afraid so."

[tourist-trapper]

"Ugh. This is why I went into theater. You get a formula to follow with theater."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"I'm about done with theater and theatrics in general, but I had a good run with it. It's a good career."

[tourist-trapper]

"I know, right? Theater just makes sense. You do this, you get that result. Everyone's got a script. Everyone plays their part."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"I prefer chaos myself, frankly. Much easier to disappear into a screaming crowd. Rigid routines and everything being the same... It's antithetical to my very purpose, but I understand why people find it comforting."

[tourist-trapper]

"Ah, I hate screaming crowds. So messy. So... what is your purpose, if that's not a rude question."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"To travel, to defend, and to nurture. I appear; I find people who need my help; I help them fix problems, win wars, heal wounds; and once they no longer need or want me, I leave and start over again."

[tourist-trapper]

"Hm. How... long have you been doing that?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Well, time is a weird thing. Let's just say... A very long time."

[tourist-trapper]

"Oh." She chuckled. "Somehow I forgot amongst the, uh. Breakdown. That we're living in a cosmic horror story. Brains are weird."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"They sure are. I'm not sure how old I even am, actually."

[tourist-trapper]

"Heh. Well, that's something we have in common."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"I guess so." She smiled. "So. Anything you need to do today?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Nah. Just waiting to put on a show. Should be soon, I think."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"And who are you ambushing?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Eh. Kid wants to take down this eyeball guy, lives in the Magnus Institute. Just got to wait."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"The Institute?" Her face changed. "Which guy? The one in charge, or the one that looks like a drowned rat?"

[tourist-trapper]

"I don't know. Whichever one's been near his house lately."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Oh." She looked conflicted.

[tourist-trapper]

"... Miss Miria?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Hm?"

[tourist-trapper]

"You... okay?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Yeah. Yeah, just... Thinking about risks and things."

[tourist-trapper]

"... such... as?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Well... If it's the guy I think it is, then more power to ya. If it's somebody I don't know, I don't care very much. But there's a very slim chance that I might have to stop you, if it's a very specific person."

[tourist-trapper]

"Th-that's just a small chance, though, right?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Very small, yes. I'll tell you what - if it's the head of the Institute, I support it. Endorse it, even. That man sucks big time."

[tourist-trapper]

"If it's not?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Then I still don't really care, provided it isn't that one specific boy. It's none of my business how you feed, and I am proud of you for finding a way to feed without harming too many people..."

[tourist-trapper]

"... yeah. Yeah, there's no way it's whoever you mean. Small-ass chance." Her breath caught.

"Y-you're..."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Hm?"

[tourist-trapper]

She sniffled again. "S-sorry. You said you're proud of me and I just... I dunno."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Oh... Well, I am. You don't kill, and in this place that's quite a feat."

[tourist-trapper]

"I... thanks." A third sniffle, and she rubbed at her eyes. "Thanks."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Are you okay?"

[tourist-trapper]

She groaned, frustrated yet happy. "You're such a mom, I'm gonna keep crying if you keep this up."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"I'm sorry..."

[tourist-trapper]

"N-no, you're fine. Sorry, don't think I know how to express my feelings without humor."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Same!"

[tourist-trapper]

"Heh. Yknow, the only way I know you're not just like a future me is you haven't killed me or anything. Everything else fits."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"How do you know your future self would kill you?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Why wouldn't she? I have fucked my life up so badly that the only way I'm not dead right now is because some fear god decided it liked me."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Well, how do you know what's in the future? Perhaps it will get better, no?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't my life tied to causing suffering? There's a bit of a ceiling to how much I can improve."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Doesn't mean you can't be happy."

[tourist-trapper]

"... is it bad if the closest to that I remember feeling is in the dreams I used to have where I hurt people?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"That is a complicated question."

[tourist-trapper]

She nodded and stuck her hands in her pockets. Slumping down to the floor, Elle apologized. "Sorry for the mess this place is, by the way. I can't really see well in here. Anywhere else, sure."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"It's fine, dearie. I've seen worse..."

[tourist-trapper]

"Heh. Can you be my mom?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Not permanently. But I can do my best to help if you really want me to."

[tourist-trapper]

"You're... sure? It'd be alright?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Of course. I have other people that need me as well, but there are enough hours in the day. Would you like my phone number?"

[tourist-trapper]

"I... yeah! That'd be great! And... thank you. Really."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"No trouble." She smiled and pulled out a business card. It just had her name and phone number on it, with a pink rose.

[tourist-trapper]

Elle gaped. "Where do you get your cards done." She tried putting it in her suit's breast pocket before remembering that $11.99 suits don't have pockets and slipping it up her sleeve and into the Dark.

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"A friend made the cards. But I made these!" She reached back into her purse and pulled out a fistful of fake IDs. Miria Madison, Mimi Stone, Jade Mueller, and many more names and faces, all of them different beautiful women.

[tourist-trapper]

"Oh my god these are so realistic how did you do that?? I couldn't get the plastic right."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"A magician never reveals her secrets. But if you need one, I can make one for you..."

[tourist-trapper]

"You do magic?! I. I mean, yes please. That would be amazing. Um. Yeah."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

She raised an eyebrow. "You do magic too. Is it really all that surprising?"

[tourist-trapper]

Elle blushed awkwardly. "N-not really. Stage magic. Never got the hang of it. Coordination issues."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Ya drop people into the void. I don't think there's an earthly explanation for that."

[tourist-trapper]

"Well, yeah, but that's not a skill. Not anything impressive about doing it, yknow? Just kinda cut my hands to shreds and woke up like this."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"You did what?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Oh, um..." She played with her hair awkwardly, then winced when a strand touched the palm. "I think I was sleepwalking, and then the frame that I was using to keep these bandages was broken?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Oh. That explains some things."

[tourist-trapper]

She tilted her head quizzically. "Such as?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

She waved her hand. "Oh, nothing. Now, what do you need this ID for?"

[tourist-trapper]

"A-ah, you know, the usual."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"You need a fake name? Fake face? Fake age?"

[tourist-trapper]

"oh yes please that would be so helpful"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"All of the above? Really?"

[tourist-trapper]

"I've had... a lot of shit happen. Yknow?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Oh, I do, darling. I do. Now, could you text me the details of what you want on the ID later?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Uh, is calling okay? I don't think the phone I'd use can text, sorry."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Of course! If you want a different face, you'll still need to show it to me, but everything else is easy as pie!"

[tourist-trapper]

"Uh, I think this one's good, thank you!"

[tourist-trapper]

There's a tall, strange-looking old woman behind Elle. She wasn't there a moment ago, but here she is now, standing there with the neon colors of her form bleeding through reality and a little candy cigarette in her mouth. "Hey. You the one they call Ms Gloomway?"

@the-mj-line-blogging

Elle started, turning around quickly with a customer-service grin. "Indeed I am! Here for a tour?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"No, no. Just checkin' things out. In with the Corruption, are you?"

[tourist-trapper]

"The what?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Bugs. You do bugs, correct?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Oh. Yeah, I mean, among other things. Jackalopes, Mothman, think I got a mermaid or two in there..."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Impressive. How'd you manage that?"

[tourist-trapper]

She froze, grin plastered awkwardly. "... trade secret."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Hm. Understandable." She bit off a piece of the candy cigarette. "You're a little young for the persona you've created, but I can't say I don't like it. The hat is a nice touch."

[tourist-trapper]

"Ah, well, yknow... pays the bills."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Does it now? Actual money, or... The kind that keeps your patron off your back?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Okay, seriously, what are you talking about?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Oh." She sighed. "You're new. Well, alright. Have you never wondered how you're able to do the things you do?"

[tourist-trapper]

"... the bandages, right? All this happened after I put them on."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"And what do you think they did, exactly?"

[tourist-trapper]

She thought for a second. "Gave me a hall to jump through, made my props more realistic..."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"You ever feel... Fatigued, when you stop trapping people for a while?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Why would I stop? Doing this, it's... all I ever wanted."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

She paused for a moment. "Well... That's good, at least. You won't be hit as hard..."

[tourist-trapper]

"Hit as hard?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

She didn't answer the question, looking preoccupied. "You... Have you had a near-death experience of any kind recently?"

[tourist-trapper]

She frowned. "... you could say that. Just a few."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"What's the worst one you've had since receiving the bandages?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Hm. Since then..? Not many, but I'd say either Rex wanting to rip me open or how I collapsed the day after I put them on. Not been hungry since then, though..."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"And there it is." She sighed. "Alright, chiquita. Listen. You've become... Well, a cultist, effectively. And it's a good thing you like your show, cause you can't close it down now."

[tourist-trapper]

"... huh. How... what... huh."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Power has to come from somewhere. In this place, somebody has to like you a whole lot if you're going to become powerful. And it seems you've gotten got."

[tourist-trapper]

"Who... got me?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"The Dark, I'd guess, from your whole shadow schtick. The Forever Blind."

[tourist-trapper]

"Oh, that's kinda cool actually. What's it do?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Well, it's a fear deity. Feeds off people's fear of... Well, the dark."

[tourist-trapper]

"Huh. Cool. Cool cool cool. Why'd it go for me?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"No idea. But you can't leave now, so I hope you're happy here."

[tourist-trapper]

"Huh. Okay. Deep breath, Ellie. You got this. Big chance. I can do that."

[envys-tma-rp-blog]

"It's quite a realization to have, ain't it?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Th-that's... showbiz for ya. Sold my soul to hit it big, apparently."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Hm. You know, come to think of it, I don't know if souls are a thing here. But I guess that's a good enough analogy."

[tourist-trapper]

"Oh. Cool. Great. Cool cool cool. Fantastic."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"...I'm sorry."

[tourist-trapper]

"No, no, you're fine, it's just-" She chuckled slightly. "At least I'm not going to hell."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Nope. You're one of the demons now!" She laughed. "Ironic."

[tourist-trapper]

"Ha! Y-yeah. Geez. How did things get like this, Ellie?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"...you want a hug?"

[tourist-trapper]

She looked up, frozen. "A..."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

She held out her arms invitingly.

[tourist-trapper]

Elle staggered over and collapsed in her arms, sniffling.

[the-mj-line-blogging]

Miria hugged her gently. "Hey... It's okay..."

[tourist-trapper]

This caused the smaller woman to start sobbing awkwardly.

[the-mj-line-blogging]

Miria just held her for a long while, making sure to keep her voice low now. "It's okay..."

[tourist-trapper]

After a time, the sobs stopped. "S-sorry. Jeez, awkward. Haven't had one a those in... how old am I? Gah, sorry."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

She patted her on the shoulder. "It's alright. Looks like you needed that.."

[tourist-trapper]

This broke her into fresh sobs. "Why are you so nice to meee!"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

She handed her a tissue. "Well, why wouldn't I be? Do you need another hug?"

[tourist-trapper]

She nodded wordlessly, collapsing again on Miria.

[the-mj-line-blogging]

Miria stroked her hair wordlessly, resting her chin on her head. "It's alright, estimada..."

[tourist-trapper]

"I'm s-sorryyyyy"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Don't be. You're okay..."

[tourist-trapper]

"Th-thanks. S-sorry about that. Embarrassing."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

She smiled. "It's okay. You're clearly quite stressed."

[tourist-trapper]

"J-jeez. Fine for... fuck, 7 years? And then it all spills out after one hug. Thought I was a better actor than that."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Seven years is a long time to spend pretending."

[tourist-trapper]

"Shouldn't it get easier?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Seldom does, I'm afraid."

[tourist-trapper]

"That's fuckin stupid. Who decided that..?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Who knows? But we just gotta deal with it."

[tourist-trapper]

"You're really nice. Like if a mom didn't hate me."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Your mom hated you?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Oh. Is that... is that not normal?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"I don't think it is, no."

[tourist-trapper]

"... huh." She chuckled. "I am learning a lot about the way things work today."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Frankly, a lot of mothers do hate their children, but it's not a good thing."

[tourist-trapper]

"Huh. Why?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Why what?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Why do they hate their kids? I think I get it with my mom, is it the same for others?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"I'm afraid I can't read minds."

[tourist-trapper]

"Oh. Duh. Right. Sorry. " She starts listing off, counting on her fingers. "Too loud, pansexual, trans, actor, surprisingly it was actor that was the breaking point."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Oh. That makes sense. Some people are annoying about that sort of thing..."

[tourist-trapper]

"Acting? Yeah, it's weird. Doesn't pay well, why bully us further?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"And the rest of it, too. Some people just can't get their nose out of other people's business..."

[tourist-trapper]

"O-oh. It's... people are. She was. Wrong to do that, then. Huh. That. Helps, I think."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Parents are people, and not everybody is the type of person who should be around kids. It's not your fault, reijou. I'm sorry." She sighed.

[tourist-trapper]

Elle chuckled wetly. "H-hey, I'm gonna cry again if you keep that up."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Well, don't do that." She rummaged in her pocket and pulled out the packet of candy cigarettes. "Do you want one of these? I unfortunately don't have much on me."

[tourist-trapper]

"Do I smoke them?" She inspected one with a faint frown.

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"...it's not a real cigarette. You eat it."

[tourist-trapper]

"Ohhh, duh. Got it." She bit down on one. "Sweet."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"I like you. You remind me of me at your age." She leaned against a wall. "I'm sorry about all the... Revelations."

[tourist-trapper]

"Oh, god, I'm so sorry," she said with a wry grin, then waved her hand dismissively. "Ah, don't worry about it. I was probably gonna find out sooner or later, and... I'm glad it was you who told me... I like you too."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Aw, thanks!" She smiled. "Do you want my phone number? I can write it down if you like."

[tourist-trapper]

"I... don't have a phone. Sold it. O-oh, but if you turn off a light, I'll show up! Probably! I don't really get how it works yet."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Alright. Well, in turn, you can reach me just by thinking really hard about me. And if I can, I will show up." She smiled.

[tourist-trapper]

Elle nodded hard, determined to remember that. "Uh... before you go... can I hug you?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Of course!" She hugged her.

[tourist-trapper]

Elle clung tightly. "Thank you..."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Of course." Miria patted her back.

[tourist-trapper]

"H-hey, any advice for handling a kid with emotional regulation issues who you're almost certain is a serial killer? Love him to pieces, just don't know if I'm good enough to take care of him."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"That depends. Why do you think he's a serial killer?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Well, he's told me as much and is frankly terrible at cleaning up. So either serial killer or he's a very dramatic artist who only works in red. Considering I'm pretty sure he grew claws that one time, I think it's the latter."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Oh. And how bad is the emotional regulation?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Gets very angry, very fast. Really hard on himself for shit outside of his control. Quick to calm down, too. Woulda killed me if I hadn't given him a cool name. That manipulative of me?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"If it helped him and it helped you, it doesn't really matter, does it?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Mm. True. So? Any way I can help him? Cuz I'm pretty sure basically hiring him can only do so much."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

She sighed. "Well, my advice is to keep him close and try to figure out what calms him down. It's different for everybody."

[tourist-trapper]

"Ah. So it's another learn as you go?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Afraid so."

[tourist-trapper]

"Ugh. This is why I went into theater. You get a formula to follow with theater."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"I'm about done with theater and theatrics in general, but I had a good run with it. It's a good career."

[tourist-trapper]

"I know, right? Theater just makes sense. You do this, you get that result. Everyone's got a script. Everyone plays their part."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"I prefer chaos myself, frankly. Much easier to disappear into a screaming crowd. Rigid routines and everything being the same... It's antithetical to my very purpose, but I understand why people find it comforting."

[tourist-trapper]

"Ah, I hate screaming crowds. So messy. So... what is your purpose, if that's not a rude question."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"To travel, to defend, and to nurture. I appear; I find people who need my help; I help them fix problems, win wars, heal wounds; and once they no longer need or want me, I leave and start over again."

[tourist-trapper]

"Hm. How... long have you been doing that?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Well, time is a weird thing. Let's just say... A very long time."

[tourist-trapper]

"Oh." She chuckled. "Somehow I forgot amongst the, uh. Breakdown. That we're living in a cosmic horror story. Brains are weird."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"They sure are. I'm not sure how old I even am, actually."

[tourist-trapper]

"Heh. Well, that's something we have in common."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"I guess so." She smiled. "So. Anything you need to do today?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Nah. Just waiting to put on a show. Should be soon, I think."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"And who are you ambushing?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Eh. Kid wants to take down this eyeball guy, lives in the Magnus Institute. Just got to wait."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"The Institute?" Her face changed. "Which guy? The one in charge, or the one that looks like a drowned rat?"

[tourist-trapper]

"I don't know. Whichever one's been near his house lately."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Oh." She looked conflicted.

[tourist-trapper]

"... Miss Miria?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Hm?"

[tourist-trapper]

"You... okay?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Yeah. Yeah, just... Thinking about risks and things."

[tourist-trapper]

"... such... as?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Well... If it's the guy I think it is, then more power to ya. If it's somebody I don't know, I don't care very much. But there's a very slim chance that I might have to stop you, if it's a very specific person."

[tourist-trapper]

"Th-that's just a small chance, though, right?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Very small, yes. I'll tell you what - if it's the head of the Institute, I support it. Endorse it, even. That man sucks big time."

[tourist-trapper]

"If it's not?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Then I still don't really care, provided it isn't that one specific boy. It's none of my business how you feed, and I am proud of you for finding a way to feed without harming too many people..."

[tourist-trapper]

"... yeah. Yeah, there's no way it's whoever you mean. Small-ass chance." Her breath caught.

"Y-you're..."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Hm?"

[tourist-trapper]

She sniffled again. "S-sorry. You said you're proud of me and I just... I dunno."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Oh... Well, I am. You don't kill, and in this place that's quite a feat."

[tourist-trapper]

"I... thanks." A third sniffle, and she rubbed at her eyes. "Thanks."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Are you okay?"

[tourist-trapper]

She groaned, frustrated yet happy. "You're such a mom, I'm gonna keep crying if you keep this up."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"I'm sorry..."

[tourist-trapper]

"N-no, you're fine. Sorry, don't think I know how to express my feelings without humor."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Same!"

[tourist-trapper]

"Heh. Yknow, the only way I know you're not just like a future me is you haven't killed me or anything. Everything else fits."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"How do you know your future self would kill you?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Why wouldn't she? I have fucked my life up so badly that the only way I'm not dead right now is because some fear god decided it liked me."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Well, how do you know what's in the future? Perhaps it will get better, no?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't my life tied to causing suffering? There's a bit of a ceiling to how much I can improve."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Doesn't mean you can't be happy."

[tourist-trapper]

"... is it bad if the closest to that I remember feeling is in the dreams I used to have where I hurt people?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"That is a complicated question."

[tourist-trapper]

She nodded and stuck her hands in her pockets. Slumping down to the floor, Elle apologized. "Sorry for the mess this place is, by the way. I can't really see well in here. Anywhere else, sure."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"It's fine, dearie. I've seen worse..."

[tourist-trapper]

"Heh. Can you be my mom?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Not permanently. But I can do my best to help if you really want me to."

[tourist-trapper]

"You're... sure? It'd be alright?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Of course. I have other people that need me as well, but there are enough hours in the day. Would you like my phone number?"

[tourist-trapper]

"I... yeah! That'd be great! And... thank you. Really."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"No trouble." She smiled and pulled out a business card. It just had her name and phone number on it, with a pink rose.

[tourist-trapper]

Elle gaped. "Where do you get your cards done." She tried putting it in her suit's breast pocket before remembering that $11.99 suits don't have pockets and slipping it up her sleeve and into the Dark.

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"A friend made the cards. But I made these!" She reached back into her purse and pulled out a fistful of fake IDs. Miria Madison, Mimi Stone, Jade Mueller, and many more names and faces, all of them different beautiful women.

[tourist-trapper]

"Oh my god these are so realistic how did you do that?? I couldn't get the plastic right."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"A magician never reveals her secrets. But if you need one, I can make one for you..."

[tourist-trapper]

"You do magic?! I. I mean, yes please. That would be amazing. Um. Yeah."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

She raised an eyebrow. "You do magic too. Is it really all that surprising?"

[tourist-trapper]

Elle blushed awkwardly. "N-not really. Stage magic. Never got the hang of it. Coordination issues."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Ya drop people into the void. I don't think there's an earthly explanation for that."

[tourist-trapper]

"Well, yeah, but that's not a skill. Not anything impressive about doing it, yknow? Just kinda cut my hands to shreds and woke up like this."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"You did what?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Oh, um..." She played with her hair awkwardly, then winced when a strand touched the palm. "I think I was sleepwalking, and then the frame that I was using to keep these bandages was broken?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Oh. That explains some things."

[tourist-trapper]

She tilted her head quizzically. "Such as?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

She waved her hand. "Oh, nothing. Now, what do you need this ID for?"

[tourist-trapper]

"A-ah, you know, the usual."

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"You need a fake name? Fake face? Fake age?"

[tourist-trapper]

"oh yes please that would be so helpful"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"All of the above? Really?"

[tourist-trapper]

"I've had... a lot of shit happen. Yknow?"

[the-mj-line-blogging]

"Oh, I do, darling. I do. Now, could you text me the details of what you want on the ID later?"

[tourist-trapper]

"Uh, is calling okay? I don't think the phone I'd use can text, sorry."