Don't I know you from somewhere?[Semper]

[Anna Banana]

How many Careers can boast that they have read as many books as I have, from fiction to non-fiction I've read it all, and all in the pursuit of knowledge. Actually in truth I wondered how many of the dimwits around here even knew how to read or for that matter write a single word. It was torture to sit in the training facility all day watching a bunch of muscle bound brutes hit each other with training swords. Like most Careers I had my training schedule layed out infront of me...hit this, punch that, knock out this person in X amount of time. I took a different approach to it than they did though, more scientific and intellectual than simply bashing at one another like barbarians. I saw it more as a work of art or an art form, something that could look beautiful while being executed. Today though, today was one of those days where I hated everyone and everything. They didn't happen often, I was generally an easy going guy to hang out with.

I didn't even hang around with my usual group of gossiping, giggling girls placing bets on who would win the mock fights that went on around us. I think part of it had to do with this mystery person that I had followed a few weeks back. It was bothering me that I had made no attempt to find out who it was, or hadn't made a better effort in following whoever it was. Chances were I'd never see them again or for that matter recognize them even if I did see them. So yes, this is the basis for my angst and irritation, and yes I did take it out on my friends and even the trainers. Before you ask...yes...I was kicked out of training for the day, so that left me with a full day of wandering around and trying to find something to entertain myself. I was fresh out of books so that ruled reading out of the equation, and my parents wouldn't be home so that ruled out using our study. That left only one other option...wandering around like an idiot looking for something to do.

There were only a few things in the world that ever made me feel like an idiot and wandering around with nothing to do was one of those things. Lucky for me most people were either training or working so the streets weren't all that crowded...so no one could see me like wandering around. I will admit though, seeing the district like this had it's advantages, after all I basically had it all to myself, if you didn't take into account the usual people that wandered around at this time. I could do anything I wanted...and yet their was nothing I wanted to do. Why is it that when you have the freedom to do something you never have or want to do anything? I shook my head wanting to clear it of all the questions and foolishness that was swirling around. Just once I wanted to look at something at face value rather than from an intellectual stand point...if you could even call it that.

I wandered around not bothering to take note of where I was going, and I found myself approaching a neighborhood I don't recall ever being in. It was a strange looking place, with shops I didn't even know existed lining the streets. The one that stood out the most for me was a taxidermy shop/house that stood alone on one side of the street. Perhaps it was curiosity or even a touch of stupidity, but I suddenly felt the overwhelming drive to take a look inside. I decided to shut out my mind and just go before I talked myself out of it, even though curiosity killed the cat. Putting my hand on the door I pulled it open and stepped inside to a scene that resembled something out of one of the horror stories I'd read. Swallowing and refusing to closely at anything I walked up to the counter waiting for some freak or hideous creature to show itself to me.

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OOC: This post is crap I'm so sorry, I don't know what's wrong with me lately

[semper]

Lieutenant DiNiro Richter

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Business has never been overwhelming for the little taxidermy shop. Hardly anyone knows we’re here, really; just the locals and a few outliers keep this place running, and when they fail us, that’s when we resort to creating. That, however, is more Brig’s area of specialties: he’s the mastermind behind the half cat, half bat-like creatures that are set on pedestals around the shop, the ones that people oooh and aaah over. I hate to admit that I’ve always been rather jealous of Brig’s ability to just whip up a creature purely from figments of his imagination but I don’t think he ever did it to show off. No, that’s not like Brig at all. He did it to keep this shop alive.

But now he’s gone and I don’t have the creative mind to keep his mutants alive.

I stretch the deer hide across the table’s surface, keeping it nice and flat while I take a knife and start to scrape off the little bits of flesh that remain connected. The flesh turns into little rolls in front of the knife’s edge, falling off to the floor and leaving a smooth, somewhat soft top behind. I’ve been doing this for years so each stroke is precise and efficient, and soon the main part of the hide is complete. Now all that’s left is the underside of the nose.

I pull the hide close, sticking my fingers on the exterior nose pad so it pushes the cartilage up. Taking the knife again, I carefully carve out the little ridges, ensuring that the knife doesn’t make any incisions on the hide. Little tiny nicks are alright (if you’re careful with them when mounting) and can easily be hidden, but anything larger than a few centimeters can be catastrophic to the hide. I need the money so I take extra care in maneuvering around the nose so as to not ruin it.

On the outer edges of my consciousness I hear the front door being opened. It disrupts the sync my knife was taking, but the longer I take to finish the nose area, the greater the nagging in the back of my head becomes to go and see whoever it was that came into the shop. I set my jaw and reluctantly put the knife down, carefully placing the hide beside it and leaving the back room to go greet the person.

He’s standing behind the counter, looking almost as though the taxidermies will come to life at any moment. I can’t hide the small grin that comes to my face; he’s doing what most people do – everyone’s reactions to the taxidermies and creations are usually the same and it’s either fear or a grimace. He, I believe, is doing the grimace. I set my hands on the counter in front of him nonchalantly, not really going for a professional look. ”How can I help you?”
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[Anna Banana]

The person that walked from the back room was not exactly what I was expecting. A boy, probably about my age, decent build, and very sweet eyes...suffice to say he wasn't a monster like I thought would be working in a place like this. I was silent for a few more seconds while I looked closer at him. There was something very familiar about him, but I couldn't quite place my finger on exactly what it was. Maybe at a training facility, in one of
the local shops, or had I passed ihm on the street at some point? Either way I had a feeling if I stared any longer I would make him uncomfortable, so I slid along the counter till I was standing infront of him, and addressed his statement.

"Well, to be quite honest I'm not sure if you can help me. I'm not sure anyone can help me at this current point in time. I find that in order for us to learn anything we have to do things ourselves and observe the reaction and results. Sooooo, now that I'm thinking about it, no, I'm pretty sure that I don't need your help." I began to wonder though, if having a customer in this place was the highlight of this boys day, in which case I may have just insulted him by telling him that I didn't want or need his help. Clenching and unclenching my fist I cleared my throat to begin again, hopefully with a bit more tact and consideration then the first time. Or at least attempt at making polite conversation rather then boring him with facts and other stupidity.

"Excuse me, pardon my rudeness and lack of tact. I would love for you to give me a tour of this place and show me around, maybe explain to me exactly what you do here. I mean aside from the obvious taxidermy stuff that you do here. Oh, and a name probably wouldn't be a bad thing to know either, and in payment for that I'll give you my name. I'm known around District 1 as Hunting Harper, infact I'm known just about everywhere in the world as Hunting Harper...just call me Hunting." Nice, way to ramble on like an idiot to a complete stranger, good way to make friends if I've ever known one. I mentally reprimanded myself and made a note to myself that the next time I'm talking to someone I'm going to actually use my oversized brain for something.

As I looked at him again though I couldn't shake the feeling that I knew him from somewhere. I would be willing to bet my life that I've seen him before, and yet he seemed to have no memory of me. Perhaps in my attempts to find that mystery boy from months ago I was beginning to imagine that everyone was him. I had already broken some of the finer rules of etiquette and common sense by acting like an idiot in front of him so why not take the risk of asking if I knew him. "If you'll pardon my asking sir...that is I mean to say...I can't shake the feeling that I know you from somewhere. Have we ever met before, in a training facility, on the streets...come on please tell me that you've seen me somewhere I feel like I'm crazy. You just look so familiar to me, I'd swear that I've seen you before."

[/justify]

[semper]

Lieutenant DiNiro Richter

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The way this guy speaks reveals that he’s far more educated than I am. Maybe he’s from the rich part of One. I try to not already start forming assumptions about this guy but the way he answers my question irks me. I have no idea what he’s trying to get at – something about learning and that he doesn’t need my help. Well, that was rather rude. I’m taken aback by his reply, narrowing my eyes onto him. All that mumbo jumbo filler he used did nothing but confuse me. Not only that but he seems pretty confident in not needing my help.

The smile leaves my face and I can’t help but stiffen at his answer. If you don’t need my help then why are you standing at the counter, hot shot? I take my hands off the surface, straightening up and still looking at him strangely. His words leave a sour taste in my mouth that he quickly tries to cover up, asking that I excuse his “rudeness and lack of tact.” This isn’t a situation where I’ve been terribly wronged so I should be able to forgive him, but I’ve only said five words to the guy and he’s already trying to smooth over a mistake he’s made. He rambles, eventually getting to the point that he’s known everywhere in the world as Hunting Harper. What world? His own? Frankly I don’t believe there’s any other “world” than Panem. I’ve found no evidence to support this “world” he’s speaking of, so I slowly start to get the sneaking suspicion that this guy may have had a few trips over the cuckoo’s nest.

But Hunting doesn’t stop there. He drones on, asking if we’ve ever met before. Some trick to make me forget his rude comment earlier? I’ve never seen Hunting before; I paid no attention to my peers in school, I paid no attention to anyone at Career training before I dropped out, and I hardly leave the shop anymore so I don’t think I’d remember him even if I saw him.

”You must be crazy then.” I reply in a flat tone. I heave a little sigh before heading around the counter to his side, pulling out the mental cue cards of what to say on this little tour of sorts. ”Name’s Lou. I’ll show you around.”

I turn and start toward the wall that has a majority of Brig’s mutts. ”We can make any combination you want so long as you provide the hides.” I motion toward a hissing cat with two pairs of bat wings on its back, fur still bristling because of a special mixture of spray Brig and I came up with once. ”You don’t have to just do a two animal combination; some people have brought in three, four, and one time even five pelts to be used on one creature. You can provide an idea of what you’d like us to make, or just tell us to surprise you and we’ll create something you’ve never seen before.” I take the time to point out many other mixed creatures, most of which are Brig’s doing.
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[Anna Banana]

While I will admit that my behaviour earlier had left a lot to be desired I wasn't sure that it warranted the reaction that this boy...Lou...was having. He seemed cold and stand offish now, like he would rather be any other place but here. On top of that he accused me of being crazy...me...Hunting Harper...crazy...that was one of the dumbest things I'd ever heard in my life. I could be called a lot of things but crazy wasn't one of them, and the fact that this strange boy...albeit a cute one...thought that I was crazy made me angry. I was about to give him a curt reply and leave the building in dramatic fashion, but he spun around beginning the tour of this rather frightening building. I wasn't about to let him off the hook that easily for insulting me like that though, I'd just have to wait to make my move.

For now though I was content with letting him explain exactly what this place was. Apparently this freakish place was some sort of taxidermy joint...or maybe a mad scientists lair by the look of half of the things that are lining these walls. I honestly couldn't decide if it was the most grotesque thing I had ever seen in my life or if it was beautiful in its own twisted way. The way he explained it to me it seemed almost as if he was proud of the creations that were here, and yet there was also a sense of longing in his voice. Perhaps there had been an assistant or a partner in this business with him previously...someone that he cared about. Well, well, well what do you know...Lou had a heart after all, maybe he wasn't entirely without a soul after all. Perhaps it would be worth the effort to learn more about him, rather then his business.

"That is all well and good Lou, but I'm afraid that...well...I find these creations to be a bit disturbing. I suppose growing up with these things around you would be okay, but for me...well it just sort of creeps me out. I am however interested in learning more about you and...maybe your partner in this endeavour, while this business doesn't interest me the people who work at it do...or rather...you interest me Lou. Forgive me though, your previous accusation that I was crazy, well I'm not crazy by any means Lou, a bit eccentric but not crazy. I suppose that's what happens when you read most of the day." I suppose that was the extent of my humor these days, a terrible joke about my daily habits. I gave him a lopsided grin to show him it was supposed to be a joke, or at least part of it was a joke, wanting ot know him better wasn't.

"I truly believe I've seen you somewhere before Lou, would you humor me by closing up shop or something and keeping me company. Today would prove to be rather boring without some company, I was kicked out of my training today for not really focusing on the exercises. We can talk about whatever you want...or not talk at all...that would be okay if you wanted to do that." I was babbling again, I really needed to learn when to shut up and just stop talking. It's honestly no wonder why Lou thought I was crazy, even I was beginning to question if I should add crazy to the list of things I was. Oh well, to late to take back what was said and what was done, all I could do now was hope that he didn't think I was a total lunatic, and give me a chance to get to know him better.

[/justify]

[semper]

Lieutenant DiNiro Richter

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I tell him about the “mutts,” how we I stitch the hides together and comb the furs together until it looks natural; I show him the “natural” ones, like the deer and dogs and cats. Those are the ones that people treasure most: they bring their dead pet in, devastated that it died, and ask me to stuff the body so they can keep it. It’s a little disturbing to think about, I’ll admit, but it brings in money that I desperately need. The others are the “unnatural” ones, like the mutts and combinations. People don’t very much like those but it’s something that we I offer just as an alternative to the boring mainstream ones. I purposefully leave out anything too specific about my brother choosing to try to keep him a secret for as long as I can.

This Hunting fellow seems to pay attention enough, listening to what I have to say but I can’t quite tell if he comprehends it. I’m still a bit irked that he was so—so rude earlier, but at least he’s making up for it by letting me talk about something I enjoy.

Hunting cuts me off as I take a moment to pause and catch my breath. He finds them disturbing but that’s nothing new. Nearly everyone on this end of town avoids my taxidermy store for that reason alone: ”It’s creepy in there, don’t go there.” People used to accuse Brig of stealing their pets and accused me of being involved with some sort of dark magic. It’s nothing dark or devilish. I try to not feel very defensive as he speaks because everyone is – unfortunately – entitled to their opinion, but taxidermy means a lot to me and to be told that it’s “creepy” or “dark” does not settle well with me.

I set my jaw tightly, hoping he doesn’t see, until he smooths the situation over by saying I interest him. Me? I’m taken aback, looking curiously at him. And he’s a reader, so no wonder his vocabulary is so wide and I can hardly understand him. But then he continues, saying once again that he’s seen me somewhere. A small sigh escapes me until it stops dead in my throat – Hunting asks me if I’d close the shop to go out with him to keep him company. A warm feeling rises to my cheeks and I quickly look away, hoping he didn’t see the color tinting my face.

”I, um…” Close the shop? I can’t exactly do that. This place is my livelihood, how I make money to keep my head above water. Although… when’s the last time anyone has even considered doing anything with me? No one has ever invited me out to the town, let alone think I could keep them good company. ”I guess I could. I mean, I’m not really busy or anything.”
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[Anna Banana]

After I had asked my question I watched him carefully. I needed to get a good idea of how he would react to it, to my rather abrupt and rude attitude. I knew at times I could be arrogant, I had a problem with people I felt weren't my intellectual equal. Of course that meant most of the muscle bound idiots that ran around the district, but there were some people here that could get past my strict judgement, people like Lou. This isn't to say he didn't have any faults, but there was something special about him. I didn't feel that usual irritation bubbling up in me, instead I felt like I needed to be careful around him. I wanted to make sure I didn't irritate him and drive him away. So naturally when he said he could leave the shop and be my companion for the day I felt relief and maybe even some joy. I couldn't rationalize what I was feeling or even why, at least not yet, just that the thought of spending a day with Lou made me feel light and happy inside.

I gave him a thorough once over just to ensure that his body language didn't betray any doubts or suspicions about what he had said. Once I was satisfied that he had meant what he said I gave him a small smile. A smile that grew just a bit wider when I noticed a little color in his cheeks, and I chuckled faintly, feeling some heat rise to my own cheeks. Dropping my own gaze I traced the tip of my shoe on the floor, suddenly at a loss for words. Running my hand threw my hair I looked up at him and gave him another genuine smile of happiness. "Well that's fantastic, I feel certain that this will make my day a whole lot brighter. I knew there was something special about this place, of course I figured it was the items in the shop. Little did I know that it was the owner of the shop that was special. Don't take that the wrong way Lou, I mean...well you seem different than everyone else."

I was babbling again, I don't know what it was about Lou that made me lose my edge. Some unknown feeling combined with the feeling that I had seen him somewhere were making me lose control of my usually well in control feelings. I felt excited and ready to take on the world, and considering I wasn't the most brilliant fighter by any stretch of the imagination. It was just a feeling I got from being around him, that there was definitely something special about him. I was hoping that with this trip I would be able to learn more about him, learn more about what made him special. I was intent on learning more about this fascinating boy, and of course it did help that he was cute. "Alright Lou, since I came up with the idea for a day out on the town you can decide where we go alright? I mean it's only fair we go places you like since I'm dragging you away from your store for the day."

[/justify]

[semper]

Lieutenant DiNiro Richter

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There’s something about Hunting that puts me off and I’m not quite sure what it is. He’s rather wordy with what he says, but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he’s just always like this. He probably just thinks too much and therefore needs more words to explain what his thought process is.

He smiles at me but once again I’m hesitant. Hunting seems friendly, he really does, but the way he is explaining himself starts to stir up things I don’t want to think about. ”Well you seem different than everyone else.” That’s how my mother first voiced her concern for me liking gardening and botany a little more than all the other boys, and that’s how I first started to realize that I was different. Some was, and still is, very much wrong with me. Maybe that’s why Brig left: he, like dad, couldn’t handle my quirks, or maybe he was just far too tired of protecting me. It wouldn’t surprise me if that was the reason why he all of a sudden vanished.

Part of me hopes that the look on my face is enough to let him know he’s made me uncomfortable; the other half prays that my secret hasn’t been revealed too quickly.

I shift my weight back and forth from foot to foot, ducking my head and avoiding eye contact with him. All of a sudden I don’t want to leave the shop anymore, but when would this opportunity arise ever again? I’ve no friends other than Remo and Annastasia and they’re both usually busy, so why not at least try? I can always sneak away if I get far too worked up over this little outing. It won’t be the end of the world and Hunting can then go find the company of some more “stable” people.

”I don’t care where we go,” I mumble.


((Lou did not want to cooperate xP ))
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