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[purplexing]

You're conversing with Donatello-

Juuuust not this exact second. Please rank your call by number of priority and I'll get back to you accordingly.

1 - A technical emergency

2 - General inquiry

3 - Miscellaneous

Comments

[purplexing]

That's good at least.



I was at the museum.

[contocricket]

Were you hurt?

[purplexing]

Yeah

Could've been worse I think. My brother and a couple of friends managed to find me.

[contocricket]

Glad to hear that.

[He could've gone out with Pongo to help search since the Dalmatian's nose is incredibly good, but authorities had put out an official statement not to get in the way. He sort of regrets obeying.]

Is there anything you might need that I can get for you? Or can you all get supplies all right?

[purplexing]

We're okay at the moment. Been staying at a friend's.

Haven't been out as much in the day lately.

[Or at all. Leo wouldn't let him go anywhere until he'd gotten over the concussion. Fair, but still, annoying.]

I'm behind in getting stuff done.

Arch, what're you going to do when the hotel deal's over?

[contocricket]

Good idea to stay out of the fray. Just going out for a walk with Pongo can be challenging nowadays.

[He pauses for a moment, chewing his bottom lip.]

I don't know. My plans fell through thanks to losing out on that job. I've started sending out my resume and have a couple of interviews lined up, but with everything going on it's an uphill battle. Too uncertain for anyone to risk hiring on new people.

[They might need that money to, say, move their entire place of business after the building comes crashing down.]

[purplexing]

Can't blame them there, I guess.

The whole explosive spree is probably setting us all back, and anything we had going for Starfallen is definitely going to be turned around with that used as an excuse.

Hope you can land something though.

You're using your phone, right? Or is it something they gave you?

[contocricket]

It's not ideal but understandable.

And I can't blame people for using it as an excuse because it IS a valid point in their favor. One person caused all that destruction using powers only a limited few had access to. Humans aren't as beyond instinct as they think. Concepts like society and tolerance are luxuries that come about when people feel that such things keep them safe. When something like this happens, people's first instinct is to protect their loved ones from perceived -- or, arguably, proven in this case -- threats. It's hardwired into every species. Basic evolutionary psychology.

My phone. It was just easier to use that instead of anything all that fancy. I can work a smartphone and a computer, but I'm still mostly a pencil and paper sort of person.

[purplexing]

[Donnie can't argue with any of that, it's just very unfortunately true.]

Not that it helps us any. The difficult thing is that we're trying to fight against a natural response. It's hard enough that this isn't even our world to begin with, but then that's what makes us seem like even more of a threat to those who actually are from here.

Good. I don't trust anything the guilds give out, especially the Alliance. I still don't know for sure what's really going on there, but my brother and roommate got out from under their umbrella as soon as Fantastic took power.

[contocricket]

Exactly. And I'm glad you understand that. Some people are naturally very upset and offended by it. It's just a mess all around.

Honestly, given the brief time I met him in person during the Guild pitches when I got here and what I've seen since then, I'd be tempted to diagnose him with narcissistic personality disorder.

In any case, I need to figure out what I'm doing and FAST. Pongo and I are getting close to wearing out our welcome here at the hotel. We probably should leave Central since four different thieves attempted to cut Pongo's leash and take him on our last walk, but I don't like the idea of leaving friends behind.

[He means you, Donnie.]

[purplexing]

Things have just been moving way too fast. I really don't like it.

I haven't even met the guy but from what I've heard and seen of his previous social media presence, I'd say that was accurate.

Is there anything I can do to help? Look, Central's already got a Reputation so I can hardly blame you for wanting to leave, especially if Pongo's been at risk. Seriously though? I didn't know people were that hurting for dogs...but then again, you don't see many dalmatians around. I could offer to shadow you guys or tag along on your walks but that'd only be a temporary solution.

[contocricket]

I'm not a fighter, and I'm not particularly strong or brave. I can fly and I think at least one of my other abilities from when I was a magic cricket still works but I really don't want to test that one unless I have no other choice, but I'm pretty much useless if there's trouble. I can thwart a thief, but if a mugger caught me in a dark alley, I'd be in trouble. I definitely appreciate the thought of you following me to protect us, but that'd be just kicking the can down the road. It's not fair to you.

Even without him being so smart, Pongo's incredibly valuable. My Cursed memories had me adopt him from a shelter as a puppy. He'd been abandoned after his original owner bought him and hadn't done their homework on Dalmatians. Which was a waste because he's in excellent health with none of the usual health issues so he likely had a decent breeder. Dalmatian puppies can cost anywhere between $500 and $1500, and that's not including the first year supplies and vet bills. A thief would likely want to use him for breeding stock or sell him to a breeder for top dollar.

[purplexing]

No, I get that. And it sucks to have to live in a place that you can't even enjoy.

[He knows how that is all too well. If he didn't have his brother here, Donnie's not sure where he'd be or what he'd do.]

I figured it was something to do with the breed. That's still pretty sick though. Pongo's so much more than just breeding material.

Look Archie, if you feel like it'll be better for you to get out, then do it. I don't know what's going to happen when things escalate, and I know not everyone can fight back if something comes down to it. But I don't want you and Pongo getting caught up in anything.