needabourbon | [004] [Voice → Video]

[Voice] [The sound of his journal clicking on is subtle, so subtle that maybe you didn't realize it was even on until he begins talking. His voice more rough than usual and the pouring sound of liquid into a glass is the only ambiance.]

We checked out Goemon's place again. I think we're just assuming the worst... No. The best? That he is out of Luceti. He'll be alright but I'll miss him.

[Video] [All is quiet. Maybe you thought he shut off the journal but he didn't. The sound of glass to a table, then Jigen flips on the video feed. He's quick not to let the screen catch his face as he turns it away. In view now is a scaled replica of Cagliostro... Created entirely from bits of matchsticks. Beside the model you can see a full pack of cigarettes sitting next to a packed ashtray. His glass of bourbon is also beside an almost empty bottle. He turns the camera towards himself now—when was the last time he slept or smoked? Those dark circles look hideous.]

If anyone could bring me more matches, I'd appreciate it... [Pause.] Maybe some bourbon too.

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[He lights his own, the smoke providing a semblence of normalcy and control in this strange, unpredictable place. Normally he liked unpredictable, but not when there was this much at stake.

Politics.

People dying.

Lupin sighs on the exhale, agreeing whole heartedly.]

Least we're in hell together, huh? Goemon'll be fine. This place was waaay too cooped up for him. It's better for him if he's home.

[Another pull, thoughtful as he studies the model.]

Why Cagliostro?

[He exhales the last of the cigarette in only a few minutes then turns to look over at the model. It feels like an eternity since they had been there yet he could remember almost every detail. Even though he wasn't present for the little events that took place--Jigen couldn't forget the entire story once Lupin told him. He still isn't sure why he remembers so well.]

It was the first place that came to mind... [He reaches to press the cigarette butt into another packed ashtray on his bedside table.] I learned a lot about you while we were there too.

[There undoubtedly were memories of that place. Lupin failed there twice. Technically. The second failure didn't feel like that much of one, though. He smiles a little at the memory, at Clarisse's shy little smile and childish wishes.

He was a thief. Of course he couldn't stay.]

It was a pretty crazy job, huh? You didn't learn that much about me, though. [The fact that he'd be dead if it weren't for his friends never left his mind, though. They were more than partners. They were family.]

[He smiles as well. Sure, he didn't learn that much. The experience still left him with more than he expected it to at least.

He sits up and moves to the work table to take the full pack of Pall Malls, slip a cigarette out, and takes one of the matches Lupin brought with him to light it.]

I learned that you're one stubborn bastard when it comes to a damsel in distress, that's for sure. [He could say the same about himself. He knew that they would both go to great lengths to help a woman in need. It was scary and appealing how similar their personalities were.]

[The comment earns a chuckle.]

Like that is anything but common knowledge?

[Thus is why they're brothers, and why Lupin will always cherish their friendship. They compliment eachother--add in Goemon and you have three parts of a whole, working unit.

The Ronin was indeed going to be missed.]

[He's smiling and laughing now, making the dark circles around his eyes feel a little less heavy. This was just what the gunman needed and now he's feeling eager. The moment he was in reminded him of those breaks between jobs, where relaxation from the last heist and excitement for the next seemed to mingle together for a pleasant mini-vacation of sorts.]

We need to do something, Lupin. I feel this need to get out and back to work. [His smile fades, the stress slowly elevating but he's keeping it under control this time. He misses sneaking into vaults and taking all the loot. Having Zenigata and his army of Interpol officers hot on their trail as they make a grand escape.]

I know that, Jigen-chan. We don't even have gambling houses, gullible college girls, or jewelry stores to bust here--it's maddening! [It was why he stupidly agreed to participate in Tony Stark's little fight club, and got himself busted up enough that he's still not in full form.]

...its why I want to take them out, even if it kills me. I'm not getting anywhere fast, though. Been considering, with recent events and all, that maybe slowing down and pacing myself is a good idea on this one, honestly.

[He's already made his decision, but he still wants a reasonable opinion. After seeing Fujiko and Goemon, he knows the fate that he wants to avoid--hopeless, grudging acceptance for the moment.]

[Jigen nods solemnly in agreement. Perhaps the fact he was breaking down so easily was because he was in such a rush to get out. In a hurry to get things done and over with. The Malnosso weren't making it easy on anyone who wanted freedom.

He begins imagining how they would get home when it was all said and done. Would they fall asleep one night and just wake up back in Japan?

A curious thought suddenly crosses his mind. A thick theory that he almost finds unpleasant to mention.]

Oi, Lupin. [His voice lowers as he exhales a thin plume of smoke.] If they brought us here and send us back like with Goemon... If we finally destroy 'em... How do you think we'll get back home?

We'll figure it out as we go along--that's why we can't rush this. [He give a small shrug at this and pours the both of them some cognac, determined to not think about the details for the moment. There was little he could do without the right information. As always, knowledge was a key element.]

In fact, it might even be a little wise to let them think we're being a little complacent. That way, when we do strike, they're not expecting it. The answer will come. It always does.

This isn't much different from that island that Scorpion group used as their homebase, at least for Fujiko and I. [It had been tough work, concocting an antidote for the strange poison that tied them to the island, forced them to either participate or die.

At least here, death wasn't always hanging over their heads.]

[Another nod of understanding. It will most certainly take patience and knowledge to get by the Malnosso. Jigen knew this already but hearing Lupin say it is comforting in a way. He will slow down best he can even though his urge to cause some 'thieving chaos' is strong. Perhaps another outlet will be needed... Besides matchstick models.]

We'll really just have to keep ourselves busy then... [The idea sounds unpleasant but he isn't about to complain about more lounge time.]

Not saying we can't work on any leads we find, Jigen. [He already is, however slowly it may end up being.] Just saying that, since we have infinite time, why not use it?

[He had other means of keeping occupied too--stalking the Barracks (where he now was taking a few lessons), digging through the shops, brushing up on his sleight of hand tricks...

They were all so petty in comparison with his other deeds, however. His attempts at finding something else, so far, has only landed him with broken ribs and bruised pride.]

There's the Battle Dome, where you can program stuff into it and play like its a giant video game, there's various people who want to spar around here for fun...

[A soft sigh. What had their lives become?]

[004] [Voice → Video]

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