II;

[shotofsherry]

[ PRIVATE ]

Every attempt I have made to replicate the prototype antidote has ended poorly with zero results. Originally I thought it was because I don't have my notes or research with me, but even without them I still have the majority of them memorized. It's usually enough for me to start from.

But every time I try to put the formula to use, it fails. Nothing I do works. The information is correct but the end results are always the same. Always a failure.

[ There are a collection of tiny black dots where she has spent a full minute tapping the page with the pen tip, clearly absorbed in her thoughts. ]

... How could I have forgotten how to do this?

[ FILTERED TO CONAN EDOGAWA ]

We may have a problem.

[ In the kitchens there is a pint-sized kid attempting to make herself a cup of coffee, her journal on the counter beside her. Seeing as she's a little too short to reach it on her own she's currently standing on a stool and reaching for a mug.

Because this is as about as social as she is ever going to be. ]

Comments

[modernholmes]

What is it?

[shotofsherry]

I hope you can refrain from pulling any idiotic stunts in the future that would require the use of the antidote.

[modernholmes]

Oi. What do you mean by that?

[shotofsherry]

What I mean is that I can't make it any more.

[modernholmes]

[He is silent for a long moment.]

Can't make it because of missing ingredients and supplies or can't remember how to make it?

[shotofsherry]

When we were all in Paris I thought I would try to make it while I had the chance but every time I tried to, something would go wrong.

[modernholmes]

A loss, most likely. [He doesn't sound happy about his deduction. Trust the castle to pick the most troublesome loss possible.]

[shotofsherry]

Considering how long it has been, I'm afraid it may be permanent. [ Which is very aggravating for her. ]

[modernholmes]

...No one here has ever recovered a permanent loss from the castle.

kitchen filter;

[bloodsugar]

--Ah! Do you need a hand?

[this loser is poking his head around the corner and -- naturally, seeing a seemingly ADORABLE SMALL CUTIEPIE in need of some help, he is here to save the day! he'll trot over diligently and reach up to pluck the mug up for her. he's a tall bastard, so really, this is a simple task in comparison.]

kitchen filter;

[shotofsherry]

[ LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING but she's still very polite about it. Not expecting the sudden assistance she looked up at him in a moment of surprise. ]

Oh, thank you.

kitchen filter;

[bloodsugar]

We couldn't have you toppling off this, huh? If you're half as clumsy as me, it's always a risk... [he'll hand it to her with a cheerful smile.]

kitchen filter;

[shotofsherry]

[ She'll accept it with a small nod before hopping down from the stool. Unfortunately the coffee pot was a little ways down so there she goes dragging the stool with her. ]

kitchen filter;

[bloodsugar]

[--err. he scratches his chin curiously.]

Drinking coffee? [aren't you... kinda... young for that...]

kitchen filter;

[shotofsherry]

[ She may be a kid but no one will deny her one of the few simple things she has to look forward to in life! Which includes highly caffeinated beverages. :| ]

Mhmm.

kitchen filter;

[bloodsugar]

[...but what. wait.]

Um-- that's... not good for you! Did you know it can stunt your growth? [sh-sheepish. not like he means to be a killjoy... and rain on her coffee parade.]

Are you sure you don't want something like milk instead? Or juice! Orange juice is delicious! [if he were holding an orange, he would be flourishing it right about now.]

kitchen filter;

[shotofsherry]

[ At the thought of her height being affected she had to hold back a chuckle.

Her hand was still curled around the mug of the handle as she looked to it and then Abel. On the one hand, coffee. On the other, she was supposed to be playing up the child act. ]

...

[ Coffee. Making sure not to blow her cover that she is a scientist in hiding. Coffee. Not dying. ]

... Orange juice is fine.

[amiable]

[ Uru is in the castle today so when she enters the kitchen and sees a little kid doing something potentially dangerous...!! ]

Ah, hang on a sec!!

[shotofsherry]

[ When is Ai not involved in something potentially dangerous? ... But that being besides the point she stops in mid-reach for the mug, glancing over her shoulder. ]

Eh?

[amiable]

You shouldn't stand on a stool like that! [ She's going to put her hands on her shoulders, as if to keep her in place. ]

[shotofsherry]

[ For a split second she freezes up when she feels her hands on her shoulders. ] I'm fine. Really.

[amiable]

You could fall and hurt yourself.

What are you trying to get?

[shotofsherry]

I've done this before and I haven't fallen.

[ Stubborn as all heck. ]

A mug.

[amiable]

But you could. [ She expected as much. Now she's the one reaching over to get the mug. When she grabs it, she holds it out in front of the girl. ] Here you go!

[shotofsherry]

[ There wasn't any point in trying to argue. It was silly anyway. Ai accepted the mug with a short bow of her head. ] Thank you.