life of a disaster master

[4thdimensional]

WHO: Doc Brown and anybody!
WHERE: Assorted places in De Chima and Heropa
WHEN: Throughout August
WHAT: Brooding, searching, shopping, and more!
WARNINGS: old man angst possible


a. De Chima

Doc's finally saved up enough to resurrect his beloved science truck, and with his personal life in disarray, he needs the distraction more than ever. If he's not home, he can likely be found driving this baby: silver, with simple black lettering on the side.

'Dr. E. L. Brown Enterprises: 24 Hour Scientific Services'

The addition of the middle initial makes it sound more professional, in his opinion. He's been driving it a far and wide across town, occasionally stopping at a curious knock to open up and demonstrate. Today's offerings: no time machine cars, unfortunately, but he has ultra-compressed air conditioning units and a garbage-powered light source. Yes, he's picking up banana peels and discarded bags like a garbage man, dropping them right in to create the whirring lights.

"Now that's what I call clean energy," he says with a wink.

b. Heropa

After some bargaining with a few imPorts he knows, he's managed to reach Heropa through unofficial channels. He's here with a purpose, to see his new ally at the broom shop, but in the meantime he's happy to take in the sights.

He's easily spotted with a luau shirt and a wide=brimmed hat, beating the oppressive heat as best he can. He waves to passersby, sipping on a slushie and taking in the sights with interest. The hero scene's so much busier here, he notes.

There's one pressing need, and he extends a hand in the hopes of catching the next passerby's attention.

"Excuse me...would you know where I can locate the library? Or a newsstand, at the very least?"

c. wildcard!
[[feel free to throw a starter or ask me for one!]]

Comments

closed to vicinity of De Chima 03

[4thdimensional]

Doc's housemates may have noticed that the old man's been far less outgoing lately. He largely stays inside his room when he's home, and when he does leave he doesn't say much. The smile never really reaches his eyes anymore.

One night, his frustrations build to a boiling point. He cobbles together the remains of that backyard training course, clenches his fist...and sets it alight, throwing lightning bolts more aggressively than ever before. He moves more quickly than a man his age should be able to, and his fury lights the sky.

It takes a few minutes, but he soon reduces most of the course to smoking rubble. When it's over, he finally drops to the ground, breathing hard. Why the rampage? There's one clue: as soon as the rage passes, he sits for a minute looking longingly at the house next door. How did it come to this?

But this is no time to feel sorry for himself---not in public, anyway. He swallows and starts to push to his feet---just as the sky chooses this moment to open up. Feels like a thunderstorm, and that's perfect for his mood right now. He seems numb to the rain soaking through, eyes still drifting to house 4.

[monge]

Komasan probably picked one of the weirder times to finally settle back into the house he was assigned to in the first place, because this is definitely not how he'd expect his nights to go. Before the storm even hits, a very sleepy manboy wobbles to the back door, leaning against the frame as he watches Doc go all out.

No one told him he had lightning powers, if only Komajiro were here to see this.

But before he can reminisce about what could be, Doc starts acting even weirder and Komasan's only left with more questions. ...And rain. He's also left with rain. Now his special 'fries before guys' pajamas are totally soaked.

"This is a weird way to sleepwalk, zura."

[4thdimensional]

The familiar voice snaps Doc out of his stupor. All at once, it hits him---the loud rampage, the storm, the cold. This is getting ridiculous, and just because he's making a fool of himself doesn't mean Komasan should suffer for it too.

He shakes his head, noting with a dry laugh how soaked through his hair is. "Sleepwalking would be the more believable excuse. I lost my mind for a few minutes...but here, no need for both of us to freeze."

He rises and starts for the doorway, gently prodding Komasan's arm to bring him along. No point in them both catching cold.

[monge]

If Doc's hair is soaked, so is Komasan's stupid mass of whatever you'd want to call it, his curls pretty much devouring the top portion of his face. It's because of this that Komasan is so eager to follow the prodding due to his temporary blindness, he probably would've hit the doorway otherwise.

"If it's lost, shouldn't we look for it, zura?"

Unless he already found it. But with the way he kept staring at that other house, Komasan can't help but wonder if he left it there. Who lives there that steals minds...?

[4thdimensional]

It takes Doc half a beat to catch up with Komasan's train of thought---maybe he did lose it after all.

"It's a figure of speech," he clarifies. "No need to worry about anything but getting ourselves warm and dry."

To that end, he wrings out his clothing as much as he can in the doorway---these sweats retain far too much moisture. Then he moves in, racing for towels while avoiding trailing water as much as he can. The bigger and fluffier one is tossed to Komasan.

"What were you doing out there? It's a bit late," he says hypocritically.

[primadovea]

Mint doesn't live in De Chima 3. But she lives next door in De Chima 2. The sight of lightning in the backyard next to hers almost makes Mint drop the tea she's got in her hands. Normally she wouldn't bother...but well, Mint likes Komasan. And if that little komainu is hurt, then she wouldn't know what to do with herself.

So, after she finishes her tea, Mint walks over to next door and, smoothing down her skirt in the process, knocks on the door a few times. She looks every bit the picture of a calm and composed lady that she wants to be. Just ignore the fact that she's worried as hell about poor Komasan.

[4thdimensional]

Doc won't be going to sleep any time soon, so he's first at the door. His hair's still a little damp from that brief downpour outside, but he's otherwise a fairly normal old man.

"Good evening," he says somewhat awkwardly to the young woman at the door. "If this is about the noise, I sincerely apologize, but I assure you I've stopped."

He certainly looks apologetic. Please don't call the police, he doesn't need that trouble right now.

[primadovea]

Oh...it's an old man. Mint was ready to read him the riot act but the fact that it's an old guy softens her anger slightly. The fact that he's apologetic only helps soften her anger. Still, she keeps up her calm and composed nature as she shakes her head.

"It's not about the noise. It's about the lightning." And hold the phone wait a moment, Mint frowns a bit at his words. "Wait, was that you?"

She knew people had superpowers here. But even this guy?

[4thdimensional]

"Yes, it was," he admits casually. "I've had an adversarial relationship with lightning in the past---I suppose the porter thought it would be amusing to give me control over it."

He straightens his robe with a sigh. "But nothing was damaged except the pieces of the training course, and I intended to demolish and rebuild it anyway."

closed to Mr. Gold

[4thdimensional]

It's another humid morning in Heropa when Doc at last reaches the familiar broom shop. He slips inside, and for reasons he can't entirely explain, he's very glad indeed that he's here. This broom will be a perfect addition to his tiny working space, and aside from that, he's somewhat looking forward to the maker's company. Something had happened the other day, and he intends to get to the bottom of it this time.

"Mr. Gold?"

[cantwalkwithoutit]

Gold was prepared for Doctor Brown's visit. He sensed something amiss in their last conversation, and it had left him with much to consider. If the scientist speaks of it at all, the shop could leave him comfortable enough to do so, or it might soothe his worries to the point there's no need to speak of it all. However, if it's the former... He doesn't know if he wants that.

It's less than consent. And for most, why would he give a damn? But with the doctor?

Even the shop's calming aura wasn't enough to stop him thinking this over, but he wasn't agonizing at least. It helps him come to a conclusion.

"Hello, Doctor." He still wears an easy smile, removes his apron and hangs it as he comes to the front of the shop to meet him.

[4thdimensional]

Doc's attention immediately refocuses from the brooms to Mr. Gold. Oh, they're grand brooms, and he still intends to fulfill his intent to purchase one. But that's only a small part of the reason he's come.

Whatever his issue is, it's still apparent---there are obvious dark circles under his eyes, and his clothes seem to hang a little more loosely than usual. But the doubts feel further and further away.

"As usual, you have fine work on display," he says with a thin smile, stopping in front of a handsome cherry red. "Do you think this suits?"

[cantwalkwithoutit]

"Oh, certainly." Gold joins him at his side to take the piece down off the wall, holding it carefully in his fingers to show it is balanced. He checks the bristles for any imperfections in the weaving.

As if he needs to.

"If you like it, it is yours."

b!

[drizzle]

Work has ended a little earlier than usual for Nike today. There was no double shifts as she usually gets on a daily basis with Riku being unable to work due to looking after Kagami as his patrol officer; however she doesn't believe taking half a day break was so bad neither. She could actually do something else today other than shopping for more food or other much needed items. At least, that was the direction she was going until a familiar voice catches her attention,

"Oh, you aren't too far from neither. They're both down a block away or so. Would you like me to take you the--"

She'll stop talking the moment she notices who was next to her. Of course a big smile will appear on her lips upon seeing him,

"Doc! You're here today. Oh, you should have told me! It's been a while. How are you?"

[4thdimensional]

Doc pauses too when he hears that voice. He knows it well, and it appears he's found another friend.

"I forgot you lived here," he apologizes, a smile clear on his face anyway. "It's wonderful to see you...have you been well?"

He's avoiding her question for the moment. That's not the safest territory, he thinks.

[drizzle]

There will be a laugh at his apology. Maybe even a shake of her head.

"And you even came to visit me once before too. Am I that easily forgettable?" All asked in good fun, of course. She knew Doc was a very busy man. Maybe the summer heat has finally gotten to him?

Either way, she will notice he does dodge her question, but for now she won't pry too much over it. After all, he was smiling at her. For now, she will return the smile and roll with it.

"As well as a sole bread winner can feel. I've been so busy taking care of my roommates and our living costs that I haven't had time for anything else. It really is good to see you!" Then she'll point in a new direction now. "I know you said you wanted to go and visit a new stand or library, but I do know of a book store close by that has a mini cafe inside. Will it be okay to go there to get some coffee and catch up for a bit?" And to stop him from rejecting the offer, "We may even find whatever it is you're looking for there too. What do you say?"

[4thdimensional]

"No, I've just had quite a bit on my mind," he says with a thin smile. Her presence really does brighten his day, though---he's walking with a normal stride now instead of shuffling.

"I'd be glad to---I can hardly imagine how stressful that is. You could certainly use some relaxation time." And his brain will be going into overdrive to attempt to find a way to help her, of course.

B!

[burnseternal]

Saint Walker spends much of his time walking - or drifting, as the case may be - around Heropa, from place to place. He keeps himself busy, whether it's through his volunteer work or shopping, and in this case, shopping appears to be what he's here for; on the crook of his arm is a large, canvas bag, clearly weighed down with some heavy goods.

Once he hears someone calling out for some directions, he's quick to turn his head and backtrack a little until he's standing right in front of Doc.

"Why, certainly! I was thinking of heading there myself today, in fact. Would you like me to escort you?"

[4thdimensional]

"Saint Walker, how good to see you again."

Doc's smile isn't quite as bright as usual, but he's honestly happy to see a familiar face. "Yes, I'd be grateful for that---how have you been, as of late?"

Heropa's quite the busy place. He hopes it's been kind to him.

[burnseternal]

"And it is good to see you as well -- as yourself, this time. I'm afraid I wasn't quite myself the last time I spoke either."

He does not, however, know about the hubbub that went on with the elections. He had been distracted with other things, and immediately afterwards, occupied with his own work. Habits that have come with being a hermit don't fall away easily, and it is far, far too easy for him to become caught up with his work, with volunteering, with life to even think about turning on the television on a regular basis.

"Other than that, however, I've been quite well! And yourself?"

[4thdimensional]

Ah, that. Doc waved his hand as if shaking off those particular memories. "No, but I wasn't able to harm anyone. That's the important thing."

His smile's not quite as enthusiastic as usual, but he does manage one. "Simply enjoying the city while I'm in town---visiting a new friend to see his wares. There's quite a lot to see, but I can't say I'm a fan of the sunshine."

He's definitely returning home as soon as his business is done.

B

[salty_parabolas]

Holtzmann slows to a halt when this weird old dude comes up to her. Upon turning, it's obvious she's lugging a large piece of tech with her - the proton pack, in fact, since she was just heading out to blow shit up. Test the differences between using it in her world and this one. Also, blow shit up.

"What's the newsstand for?" she asks, confused. People reading newspapers in 2016? What? "You doing paper maché?"

[4thdimensional]

Doc's heard the question before---he answers with a sheepish smile. "I'm aware that it's available more readily on my device, but I'm fond of paper. Call it misguided nostalgia, but there's a tangible quality to the printed word---it's also another finger on the city pulse."

And that has its uses, Doc thinks as he considers the unfamiliar woman. He didn't bother lugging anything too impressive through the portal, but he certainly notices the bulking pack.

"On your way to a tech demonstration?"

[salty_parabolas]

Well, hey. If this old guy likes his papers, then she won't argue too much. She just grins and hoists the proton pack.

"Guess you could say that," she says. "I'm staking out a good place to test out the new beam size. Wanna see?" Holtzmann is al about having an audience.

[4thdimensional]

Doc nods eagerly. "My inventions are more pedestrian than they once were as of late---my imagination could probably use the jump-start," he grins. "And I'm always glad to learn something new---that device is entirely unfamiliar."