♥ Gear 001 [Written]

[clockworkchild]

My name is Hugo…

[A pause in the script which is neat, but fitting best for a grammar school child]

….Hugo Cabret.

I don’t know where I am, or why I’m here, but right now that is not important. I’ve lost something and I need it back. I know it has to be here. It was in my hand right before I arrived. If you’ve taken it, please give it back. [Another pause before a repeat of the last word in large less neat letters]

PLEASE.

[A few meaningless drops of ink follow, then a bit of a smudge before the writing commences again] It is a key. Shaped like a heart.

[A drawing follows, clumsy but clear of a key whose tip forms a heart shape] Like this. [An arrow is drawn to the drawing for emphasis]

I cannot tell you why, but I must have it back.

Comments

dictated because she can't be bothered to write

[persequor]

You won't get it back.

Dictated

[clockworkchild]

Why not? Did you take it?

Give it back!

Dictated

[persequor]

If I had it, I wouldn't tell you, stupid. It's probably your loss.

Re: Dictated

[clockworkchild]

What do you mean?

[persequor]

The castle. It takes something from everyone when they come here. It probably took your key.

[clockworkchild]

How do I get it back?

[persequor]

I don't know. No one's ever got back what the castle took.

[clockworkchild]

Why does the castle take things..and why am I even here?

[persequor]

[ Said in a matter-of-fact tone: ] The castle brings people here to feed on their souls.

[clockworkchild]

[Give him a second to just let that sink in]

Our.....souls....?

[persequor]

That's what a book we found about this place said.

dictated

[not_mafia]

Ah, I'm sorry, I haven't seen anything like that. But, if it's really important to you, then there's a good chance you might not be able to get it back...

[clockworkchild]

Where is this book?

Re: dictated

[clockworkchild]

So...there is no way to get it back?

dictated

[not_mafia]

Not that I know of... Sorry. Everyone loses something important to them when they come to the castle.

Re: dictated

[clockworkchild]

[There may be the sound of something getting pushed over in frustration before Hugo's answer]

Then I need to get out of here. I need to go back.

dictated

[not_mafia]

Mmn... you won't be able to go back for awhile, either.

[written]

[modernholmes]

[Another child? Conan could never be too pleased at another kid being pulled into this situation. After some thought he begins writing back in a deliberately child-like script, appropriate for the seven-year-old he appeared to be.]

If this was something important to you, it has most likely been taken.

[persequor]

Not here. It was in a library, but we can't get there anymore.

[clockworkchild]

Why not?

Re: dictated

[clockworkchild]

There is no exit? How can that be?

Re: [written]

[clockworkchild]

It was [Hugo writes back, but scratches that out]

It is important.

[written]

[modernholmes]

But it vanished when you arrived in this castle?

/dictated

[cricketycricket]

Oh dear. [ahem]

Ah, hello? Hugo, is it? Please, don't panic, you're quite safe. Look for a book, nearby, if you can... You aren't hurt, are you?

Re: [written]

[clockworkchild]

Yes. It was in my hand and then it was gone.