[center][b][color=limegreen][h1]Kazumin Nagasa[/h1][/color][/b]

[img]https://i.postimg.cc/hPWyKFt6/705180d7-9a87-4496-9b09-a1eaec19a979.png [/img]

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[color=limegreen]Time: [/color]Mid-late morning
[color=limegreen]Location: [/color]Sorian Beach
[color=limegreen]Interactions:[/color] 
[color=limegreen]Mentions:[/color]

[color=gray]
[hr]

Many grunts and curses mutterings beneath panted breaths, Kazumin had dragged and pulled the net of fish, eventually coming to a stop in front of some shop currently unknown to him. 

With a thump the net dropped slouched against the side of the building. Seconds later he was bent over further along the way groaning.”[color=limegreen] Ugh, so much sea water and..I don’t know what those are but…[/color]” An audible sniff as he pulled away coughing into his fist, wiping his mouth off at the same time.

“[color=limegreen] God’s willing my stomach settles by the time for the bonfire… and would be nice if a certain octopus did more than just wave cutely![/color]” Glaring at Otto doing exactly that while sticking against the building above the net.” [color=limegreen]Whatever, damn lucky you’re cute as hell. Now, just where the hell has a certain grouchy Oscar disappeared to?[/color]” Leaning against the edge to rest and catch his breath as he started scouring the beach.

Turning his gaze over the beach scanning as he rubbed at his chin pondering.” [color=darkgreen]Let’s see. If I was a grouchy stuck in the mud knight with hardly an ounce of fun in his body, where would I stalk off to after abandoning Castle Olivuby?[/color]’( don’t worry, your honor shall be avenged) An idle thought as he zoomed in at the small castle with half of it having crumbled away. A tear shed. 

Back to his search.” [color=limegreen]Knowing the crafty bastard he could be hiding or lurking in some shadow keeping an eye out for any sign of danger. Maybe the guy actually ca-[/color]” Turning his head around the corner of the building to see Hugo standing just to the left of some shop idly enjoying a snowcone.

“ [color=limegreen]Ah…well, this makes things easy.[/color]” A shrug of the shoulders as he made his way over to Hugo’s side where he slid onto the spot of the wall beside him.”[color=limegreen] I see you’re enjoying yourself there. Never thought I’d see you make such a cozy neutral face.[/color]”

An acknowledging grunt came from Hugo; a sign of the effort he was willing to put up with his nonsense, wanting to simply enjoy his snowcone in peace.

Tapping the wall in an idle and slightly awkward manner until he saw he would get no further response, did Kazu break the quiet with an equally awkward chuckle.”[color=limegreen] So..pretty crazy stuff that just happened on the beach, yeah?[/color]”

A harsh glance from the knight followed by a curt nod.” [color=lightblue]A sorry state of affairs to lay witness to nary a sign of dignity to be seen, but naught little can be done.[/color]”  Was his response.

A simple nod from Kazu after hearing the absolute jovial knight said.”[color=limegreen] True. True. Guess there’s small comfort to see such a big crowd around Charlotte though and Ruby looks to have settled in well enough.[/color]” 

Both looked at the group mentioned where things looked to have already moved on and Charlotte trying to have fun. Kazumin then shifted his attention to Layla, completely happy and enjoying herself.

“[color=limegreen] Hm,I don’t know. Layla seems pretty fine with her big, strong manly guards that likely hate her just as much as anyone (though he’d dare not suggest her father shared similar feelings)  if not more so.[/color]” Scratching at his cheek as he watched the group for a few seconds.” Still, this doesn’t sit right with me. 

After thinking to himself for a minute, the cowlicked blonde found himself thinking about some of the things discussed two nights prior which has led to him noticing a lot of odd things. 

A tilt of the head as Kazu looked over at Hugo.” [color=limegreen]Hey, did you at least bring..*that* for me?[/color]” Requesting the knight in a purposefully vague coy manner.

An annoyed groan from the disgruntled man who fumbled in his fanny pack until he procured a small notebook and pen who then offered it to the smiling idiot.

“ [color=limegreen]Ah! Thank you. Just need to dot some things down. Maybe doddle a little if I get a spark.[/color]” With a playful giggle Kazu stepped away to lean over the nearby shop’s counter. With an anxious wiggle of his fingers they moved to open the notepad.

`A flash of light emanating from the opened notepad glowing with blinding intensity`

[hider=Murder Most Fowl][center]Murder Most Fow[/center]

The 22nd
Time- Mid-day nearing late day
Interaction: Olivia [@Potter] 
Location: Outside, near some alleyway

Having spent the day shopping with Olivia and Charlotte, both keeping a promise and a much needed uplifter. The trio got along quite well and Kazu enjoyed himself to the fullest with trying out various men's styles and some dresses for a laugh and new experience.
After plenty of laughs and memories were made, Charlotte with her more strict time schedule had to leave first. They would catch up later while Kazumin and Olivia went on for a walk after leaving the things bought in the carriage being brought back to Asteroth’s estate.

An enjoyable stroll where the two chatted along the way. Eventually coming to a stop near the corner of a nearby alleyway. The alleyway seemed to be an ordinary alleyway with no evidence of any fouldoing left behind. However, on further inspection, some specks of dried blood could be found in some cracks of the wall or near bits of grass. 

Olivia stayed further back from the alleyway with her hood on. She had tied her auburn hair up into a messy braid. Her gaze moved around the scenery wildly, and she took several deep breaths. The image of Violet’s face buried with an ax surrounded by a pool of blood caused her stomach to churn. She folded her arms around herself, then addressed Kazumin.

[color=lightpink]”Um.. Over there,”[/color] she whispered as not to be overheard. She continued to keep her distance and blend into the shadows. The last thing she wanted was to be seen near the crime scene. 

Kazu had come to a stop mid-way towards the alley and Olivia upon noticing her lagging behind. He frowned with concern at the scared state his friend was in; coming here was always going to be difficult and it made him feel awful for bringing her out here. But, if he wanted to be able to help he had to try and get some answers or at least a better understanding of this situation. 

And since he can’t just go strolling up to Violet and get her opinions on the situation, he was left with little else. Waiting a moment to let Olive catch her breath before stepping over to her.” [color=limegreen]Hey, I know this place is one of the worst places you want to be right now.[/color]” Nodding his head while slipping his right hand from his pocket to give her shoulder a comforting squeeze.”[color=limegreen] Hang back here, ok? Ten minutes. Just ten..maybe fifteen. In and out. Promise.[/color]” Making in and out motions with his hand as he started walking backwards towards the alley.

“[color=limegreen] And on the way back we can get some good cuppa hot cocoa with Charlotte and spend the night away trash talking Calby… Some Edin if the mood strikes too..[/color]” Kazu said with his winning wink and thumbs up combo

Olivia watched him approach her and nodded quickly. She twirled a piece of auburn hair around her fingers as she waited. She shuffled from foot to foot and then finally settled on leaning against the wall so she didn’t raise suspicion. His remarks made her grin quickly which evaporated as soon as it appeared. [color=lightpink]”Aye aye captain.”[/color] Liv muttered under her breath and watched the nearby passerby who didn’t have any clue what had transpired here the other night. [color=lightpink][i]Come on Zu,”[/i][/color] 

Before long, Kazu had made his way into the alleyway. His friend's recent words still fresh on his mind as he walked a few steps further into the alley before coming to a stop. Both to take a look near the entrance and to chide himself; regardless of why, he still brought Olive to the place that not only traumatized her, but the cause of all the strife now plaquing her.*[color=darkgreen] Ugh..I feel like a complete ass.[/color]* Thought Kazu followed by some grumbles as he scratched at his head.

 *[color=darkgreen] God, I hope I get some results or I might as well be an ass as fat as Edin’s ego.[/color]* A long huff through his nose and a quick smack to his cheeks to rid him of unneeded negative thoughts. 

Having shaken off the jitters and guilt, Kazu got to work on better inspecting the area, starting with mental notes on the specks of dried blood. And taking into consideration how deep into the alley the attack seemed to go down… peculiar for some to splash this far.

Something felt off, though impossible to pinpoint why and after a moment of pondering figured it to be his nerves. Since he had little time to waste, he got to searching the best he could.

Nine minutes later, a frustrated Kazu could be seen clutching his foot, muttering curses as the metallic thud from his foot faded away.”[color=limegreen] Damn those thorogue bastards![/color]” He shouted in a hushed manner wanting to avoid sending any misunderstanding to his friend waiting just around the corner..

With his time running out and seeing as how there seemed to be nothing around, Kazu had little choice but to give up here. Stepping his way back to the spot he saw the dried blood where he took his remaining minute to inspect more closely as many questions popped into his head.” [color=limegreen]So many questions with no answers.[/color]” Talking aloud to himself, disappointed, he then traced his fingers along the crack, pondering what went down here.

So many thoughts and scenarios trying to play out which only added to the cacophony of questions and things he has learned from last night.” [color=limegreen]Ugh..talk about disappointing but better than nothing, I guess. Better not keep Olive waiting.[/color]” A defeated sigh as Kazu slipped his hands back in his pockets to head out and meet back up with her.

Along the way, another thought came to mind. With his head whirling with so much and the disappointment just now had his head hurting, leaving Kazu rubbing at his forehead.*[color=darkgreen] This is all so complicated. And likely to get even more so… think I should get a journal or something.[/color]*

As he rounded the corner.” [color=limegreen]Sorry for the wait! Hot cocoa time though I’d like to make a quick stop alo[/color]- 

[/hider]

“[color=lightblue] Nagasa[/color]” 

“ [color=lightblue]Nagasa![/color]”

A hand suddenly slammed down next to Kazumin.”[color=lightblue] NAGASA![/color]” Hugo shouted straight into the daydreaming blonde’s ear.

An act that had Kazu jumping up, his right hand holding the pencil clutching at his ear “[color=limegreen] The hell was that for?! Trying to make me bloody deaf?![/color]” Kazu scowled out in response.

The stony knight let out an air of annoyance while taking a step back and turning, his right index finger pointing towards the park.” [color=lightblue]Take a look and see what has happened since your little fantasy escapade.[/color]”

A grumbling glare from Kazu before letting his eyes follow the man’s hand to spot the group from before. Only now the tension was far more palpable and by the look of things; a fight seemed likely to break out. With how Olive was directly standing up to the horrid bitch who started the whole mess.

“ [color=limegreen]Seriously? Can’t a guy reminisce for five minutes without noble drama?[/color]!” Kazu exclaimed exasperated.

“[color=lightblue] It's only been two minutes.[/color]” Clarified Hugo.

Kazumin blinked in response at being told this.”[color=limegreen] Really? Huh..felt longer…. meh.[/color]” A shrug of his shoulders.”[color=limegreen] Well this is a sorry right mess. Figures that vile snakes had more venom to spew. I swear, it's like this woman lives off spite and hate or something.[/color]” How else could one explain someone going so far to antagonize everyone, even her own family members at that.

Hugo listened to the peasant while enjoying the remainder of his snow cone.”[color=lightblue] Indeed. So, are you going to help your friends or is all that talk of backing up friends merely that…talk?[/color]” 

The man’s words were goading with a harsh sting underlying it. He would get a raucous guffaw from the cowlicked blonde who waved his hand rapidly in front of his face in a dismissive manner.”[color=limegreen] Are you cracked?! What you got right there is the calm before the storm. Don’t get me wrong, I like stirring shit up as much as the next bored peasant, but even if I was on crack you couldn’t get me to dive into that.[/color]” Kazu said laughing with a shake of his head.

His reaction proved most unexpected and shocking for Hugo. Understandably so as he and most that quickly came to know this man assumed him to be the type to go charging in without hesitation. This left the knight unsure whether to approve or disapprove of the young ward’s decisions.

“[color=limegreen] Don’t get the wrong idea here or anything. I want nothing more than to do exactly what you and everyone probably think I’d do. And normally would be right but…[/color]” Trailing off as he looked back towards the group, taking in the faces of those involved; both those known and new and the despicable snake herself.”[color=limegreen] Anyone with eyes can tell any small spark could set things off…. And I’m done causing my friends nothing but trouble.[/color]” Shaking his head while folding his arms across his chest.

Hugo could only stand there, quietly ruminating what Kazumin said. On closer inspection, he saw the farmer’s hands gripping his arms with a firm grip, tense and filled with frustration.”[color=lightblue] A difficult conundrum then.[/color]” The knight said while crumpling the now empty cup of his finished snow cone.

“[color=limegreen] Tell me about it. I’m already pissed off enough as and now my poor groin will have suffered for nothing. At this rate, my plans for a bonfire roast will go up in smoke.[/color]” Letting his head hang back to stare upwards trying to think up a plan.”[color=limegreen] I can’t just stand back and do nothing…there must be something ...[/color]” Mumbling to himself as he let his head slowly roll to look around in the hopes an idea might come to him.

The sound of crumpling soon got the blonde’s attention, having his gaze hone in on the cup being tossed in a nearby trash can. He blinked a few times before hearing a chime to his right causing him to turn partially to see the ice cream shop then turned his gaze back to the trash can to Hugo then to the group, back to the ice cream shop then to the group then hugo. After several repeated zooms on these four locations, the webbed gears in his brain started to turn until a spark was created.

“ [color=limegreen]Mind burst![/color]” Kazu suddenly cried out loud enough for those nearby to hear, having rushed over to place his hands on his bodyguard’s arms..”[color=limegreen] I-... holy cow![/color]” He exclaimed in shocked disbelief..

Hugo raised a brow at this.”[color=lightblue] What? Has an idea come to you?[/color]” He asked, genuinely curious.

“ [color=limegreen]No..well, yes, but I can’t help but be amazed at how thick and hard your arms are. Has anyone told you’re built like a rock?[/color]” He said shamelessly in awe

“ [color=lightblue]Will you get on with it![/color]” Snapped Hugo who shoved the peasant off him, his tolerance for Kazumin’s antics long since nearing their limits.

“ [color=limegreen]Ok ok. Alright, man. No need to get touchy… well technically I got touchy in this instance…[/color]” Kazu mused ponderingly at the unintended pun.

A growling bull huff came from Hugo.”[color=lightblue] Get on with it or I will toss you into that mess, myself![/color]” The agitated knight barked, veins popping on his forehead.

Kazu reacted with a calm down motion with his hands.” [color=limegreen]Alright, alright. Take it easy. For I do indeed have an idea and a foolproof one at that.[/color]” A wide toothy snickering grin as he said this.

“[color=lightblue] Foolproof? What ar-[/color]”

A sudden rapid disapproving wag of the finger inches from Hugo’s face.” [color=limegreen]A-bup bup bup. Hold that thought. Time is short and I don’t have time to explain it, so for now…shhh.[/color]” Placing the same finger that was only seconds away from being grabbed and broken by the fuming knight to his lips.

A fuming growl rumbled audibly with a fiery gaze fixed on Kazumin now backing up.

“ [color=limegreen]Yes! That is brilliant. Keep up that mean, murderous look as if you want to kill me. No one will approach the shop with you around.[/color]” A double thumbs up, acting like this was planned as he backed his way towards the ice cream shop; spinning mid-way to turn towards it. Doing so quickly lest the knight lose his temper.

He slid his way onto the counter in front of the open window where he would find a woman in his late 30’s behind it. The woman had a somewhat portly body; a bit chubby though hardly fat, her slightly pudgy face sporting a few beauty marks drenched in sweat; hinting at how hard away work she had been even in a cold ice-cream shop. She wore plain clothes typical for peasants while her brown hair showing signs of graying was pulled back and covered by a hair net.

She looked up at her latest customer with auburn eyes warm and comforting as a snug blanket and an inviting smile that further drew you in to match.”[color=hotpink] Aye, what can I get for you, hun?[/color]" She asked, her voice gentle like a mother’s with a bit of hoarse rasp to it indicating overuse.

“[color=limegreen] Hello ma’am or miss…mrs? Sorry, I’m unsure which one fits best in this instance..[/color]” Kazu pondered while scratching at his cheek with a finger from the palm his chin was resting on propped up by the elbow.

A small snort in response.” [color=hotpink]Aren’t you a sweet one? Feel free to call me Molly. By the way, hunl your face is looking real sore there. Might you want some ice for the swelling?[/color]” 

Kazu opened his mouth to speak only to hold up his left index finger and turn away to hide a choked up sob. How long he had felt the kindness like back home…a burst of homesickness struck.

Taking a moment to wipe his nose with a sniff before turning to lean forward, spitting to the side as if something got stuck in his throat..”[color=limegreen] Mhm, sorry about that, damn fly flew down my throat.[/color]” His purplish, blue bruised face gained a shade of embarrassment.”[color=limegreen] An offer I’d love to take, but time is short, but time is short and I have issues that only you can help me with.[/color]” Pausing as he turned his head to the left and tilted to see the net of fish; returning shortly after to hold up a second finger.”[color=limegreen] Make that two things![/color]” He exclaimed with excited enthusiasm. 

The mostly naked and badly bruised cowlicked blonde’s honesty and gusto was too much that Molly could not help but let out a laugh with matching gusto.”[color=hotpink] I like your spunk kid. Go on, I’m listening.[/color]” Eager and curiousity brightened her face to glistening. 

Hugo and even Kazu was taken aback at the fact she was willing to listen. An opportunity Kazu had no intent to waste. Thinking on the fly, his right hand now at his side motioning at Hugo with a grabbing motion. 

An action that confounded the knight still left in shocked throes then seconds later it clicked.* [color=darkblue]The boy surely cannot be this stupid? What would any of this serve?[/color]* The man scowled, refusing at first.

Kazu kept up the motion, more aggressively over time as he shifted into a more relaxed pose.”[color=limegreen] Seeing as how you have an ice cream shop I assume you have a place to store lots of ice cream, yes? I have an item I need preserving, at least just before sundown.[/color]” Standing up, his left hand shooting up, index finger up.”[color=limegreen] Now! I don’t mean for free as I know doing so can be inconvenient. As such, I like to offer the proposition that near closing time I come by and help out with dishes and all that. And I assure you everything will be clean till they are sparkling like diamonds.[/color]” 

Hearing the boy whose name she had in haste forgotten to ask for speak with a rather strange but reasonable request though something seemed a bit off.” [color=hotpink]That’s a pretty fine offer, but I feel it a bit unfair for you. We get by pretty fine, but nothing that gives us too much work.[/color]” She giggled, amused by the gumption clearly intrigued.”[color=hotpink] And forgive me. My mind gets ahead of me sometimes, what’s your name, hun?[/color]”

A shared laugh from Kazu as he leaned forward and shook his head.” [color=limegreen]Ah, no, forgive me. I suppose it would have made better sense if I had made the order first.[/color]” Moving and turning his head.”[color=limegreen] As you can see the beach is more or less..a storm on the verge of breaking out.. And after some thinking, I thought..what would be the perfect treat to soothe emotions.[/color]`` Pausing for dramatic effect.

An effect that worked quite effectively as it left Molly on the edge of her feet with curiosity.

All the while his hand kept up the aggressive grabbing motion directed at Hugo. So far as to mix in silly hand signals mixed in. 

All through it the stubborn man tried, but it was a losing battle from the start. With indignant relent, he reached to his belt to pull something and extended it into Kazu’s hand.

With a triumphant slam, the hand sized pouch full of silver was placed onto the counter.”[color=limegreen] Snow cones! I wish to purchase snow cones for the entire beach![/color]”

Molly stood there just staring without saying anything for what felt like eternity. Nearly half a minute before she burst out laughing as she caught onto what he was on about.” [color=hotpink]Now I’m caught up. Quite the shrewd cutie, tad too good I’d say. Can’t rightfully see a reason to refuse even if it were only a few coppers. Things are about to get busy, hope you don’t get overboard with your partying.[/color]” She coyly said with a playful wink.

A flush from the compliment.” [color=limegreen]Thank you. And as for my name which you can announce…[/color]” Trailing off as a tiny seed of an idea dropped into his mind sending ripples of a possible idea. His head swiveled; gaze zooming in on Layla and the tiniest wicked smirk touched his lips.”[color=limegreen] Actually, before I introduce myself, I think it is a prudence for such a kind gift to be deserving of someone else.[/color]” 

This had Molly’s eyebrows raised to the roof, combobulated that the boy would ask strange request after request, but saw no harm to listen. A simple nod, her response.

With delighted glee, Kazu leaned in ever so gently close to her ear and whispered a few words as a suggestion. He leaned back to where previously had been to see the baffled look on Molly’s face, to be expected.”[color=limegreen] And my name, Molly, is Kazumin Nagasa.[/color]” Said while placing a hand on his chest, honored to give his name.

“[color=hotpink] Kazu-hun, I don’t know what you got cooking in that nogging or what you aim for, but seeing as no reason to resue was given, I happily accept. I just want to give a small piece of advice…be careful.[/color]” Her hand held out forward for a shake. 

Words taken to heart, his hand grabbing hold with firm respect.”[color=limegreen] Deal![/color]” Happily shaking hands.

With a throat clearing cough.”[color=hotpink] Right. Got lots of work. Judd! Mindy! Get the whole family! We got a beachful of customers to satisfy![/color]” She cried out the orders exuding motivation and got to work.

With a victorious thumbs up.”[color=limegreen] Bless that golden heart of yours, Molly! I’ll get the net in real shortly.[/color]” Finishing with a finger snap to pointing forward.

A snorting chuckle rang out.”[color=hotpink] Go on with ya now. Do what needs be done.[/color]” She called out.

“ [color=lightblue]What for? Do you really think this will do anything? Wasting your entire allowance on such foolishness![/color]” Hugo retorted harshly, confused and astounded.

A tired Kazu resting against the counter sighed; reasonably so having just pulled so much out of his ass to pull this off. Taking a moment longer before pushing himself back up seeming ready to respond when.”[color=limegreen] I- ooh, shades! Hey, Mol! You don’t mind if I have one of these do you?![/color]” He asked, holding a pair of decent blue shades.

“[color=lightblue] What are y[/color]-” 

“ [color=hotpink]Huh? Go on, take a few. All square on that.[/color]”

A happy thumbs up to Hugo as he grabbed a second and waved it enticingly.” [color=limegreen]You want a pair?[/color]”

Hugo stared at Kazumin looking as if he wanted to kill him before letting out a defeated sigh, extending his hand to take it.

A giddy hum; dropping the sunglasses into the man’s hand.” [color=limegreen]Excellent. And now.[/color]” Turning around to lean against the counter with his upper back and shoulders, slipping on the shades in the midst of doing so.” [color=limegreen]Let’s see what tales will unfolds.[/color]” Lifting the shades as his eyes sharply shifted to the right.* [color=darkgreen]It should go fine.[/color]* An awkward laugh, his finger moving letting the shades drop over his eyes.”[color=limegreen] Nothing diffuses conflict better than free food…at least 60% of the time anyway.[/color]” Nodding his head with a confident grin.

*[color=darkgreen] And hold the cool pose….[/color]* 

His left elbow slipped out from beneath him causing his body to drop to the floor.* [color=darkgreen]And keep holding……… Nailed it![/color]* 

Jumping back up to his feet where he hopped in place excitedly as if what just transpired hadn’t happened.” [color=limegreen]Right. Let’s get the fish stored away. I’mma do that and…you continue being a sourpuss.[/color]” 

“[color=lightblue].......[/color]”

A clap of his hands with a nod.” [color=limegreen]Got it! Great plan![/color]” Thumbs up leading to his departure.

Pained grunts from the side of the building followed shortly after.”[color=limegreen] Ach! My back![/color]” 


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