hello

Detective Blythe's Story

A very long time ago before Blythe lived in the Town of Grumms within Far Water, he was born and raised on an Island called Crystal Cay. His hometown was Onyx, where he lived with his family in a sizable home for a family quite big. His mother a kind heart and soul, Miss Bernadette Beryl Sanders and his father was frigid and stern Mister Albert Lee Sanders.

He was not alone though, no sir, for you see young Blythe was born third after two older twins. Owen Jett Sanders and his other half Ethan Jade Sanders, pleasant as can be and rarely ever seen apart. Even from their little brother, they refused to be split as overbearing as it may seem. They only cared for him as siblings should, even stood up for him when he seemed to cower at the big family gatherings.

And then there was his little sister Sanders, adored and loved by him and the twins. Such a precious gem, adored and loved by her parents and brothers three. Little Ruby always played hide and seek with Blythe in the garden. They both preferred to be out wandering like their great grandfather, who was quite the explorer.

"But Narrator!" You may be shouting by now, "What could have happened to a boy like Blythe to turn from timid and small to angered and loud?"

During his childhood one would say he had a hard time forming friends. Twas a difficult feat for Blythe to gather any ounce of courage to come out of his shell and trust me the boy tried but he was incapable of holding his head higher. Even speaking much louder than the squeak of a mouse.

He had Owen and Ethan by his side however, aiding their shared baby brother in overcoming his fears, for a few years that came and passed like seasons do little Blythe had improved. He was out with his older brothers in the town walking around, excited and hopeful to give the concept of friends a go. He joined in play with kids his age, how thrilling it was to feel welcomed and know joy! Even if it was a journey to grow.

But alas, for where there is joy? Something unpleasant is bound to always follow any poor fellow.

When Blythe had reached his age of middle adolescence, there were blokes who were spiteful and cruel. Perhaps even heartless. They could care less for those that they saw as weak or meek. They picked on young Blythe, running him down to the docks after school. Though the lad quick soon he was cornered, they didn't care for what happened next.

Shoving their helpless victim off the docks, Blythe stared at the bullies in horror and shock. As he fell into the cold cruel gentle waves of the waters below.

Blythe gasped and flailed, a fight to stay above a potential watery grave. The young blokes on the wooden docks sneered and jeered at the sight, "Hah! He can hardly swim, it's like a fish without fins!"

Where the young man thought his life would end, the tides swiftly turned to his favor and his luck had turned up! A loud SPLASH! and KERSPLOOSH! with one heavy KERPLUNK! As Blythe resurfaced once more a life line he found, offered and outstretched by a young lady who cried, "Hurry and hang tight, we'll need to run before those bullies get out!"

Not a moment was wasted, no not one second, as Blythe hurried even scurried grabbing onto the life line to be pulled up onto the docks. Blythe was met with a comforting sight, both twins in sight now up close giving him one big tight squeeze.

"Dear God above, we feared that we'd lost you!" Owen sobbed.

Ethan sighed pulling back from the hug, "We had been given quite the scare, but we've no time to spare! Come on, let's make like mice and scamper outta here!"

The twins grabbed both their brother and their young lady acquaintance in tow, hair golden like rays of sunshine, her eyes soft and kind with a voice of an angel. To Blythe a savior.

"Thanks for coming to my rescue, might I know your name angel in blue?" He asked.

The girl looked over to him with a grin, "Alice Clements, it was no trouble to warn your older brothers. When I saw that bunch of bad apples slinking behind you, I brought these two to get help and we came to the rescue!"

If you asked or wondered what happened from there, Blythe got to know Alice well even be her best friend. She was quite a unique person, so ladylike yet fierce and bold. As for the bullies, they were dealt with accordingly I can promise you that as many deserve justice and you shall have it be served. Through suspension those lads were given a light sentence, but you won't see them again I swear to that.

As seasons came and went, days flew by and life kept changing. Blythe alongside Alice their bond had grown strong throughout the ages. Though his heart fluttered for only her, oh how the poor soul struggled to speak his feelings for the woman all attempts were stuttered out. Yet where Blythe assumed she never knew his love for her had been blooming for her, sweet loving Alice had known for quite some time.

When spring came around and the duo spent their afternoon at Rainbow Quartz Falls, it was then Blythe finally mentioned to Alice how he knew something had been rather concerning. He had been studying her expressions, her gaze, every feature and eventually he came to a conclusion.

"So then tell me, 'Detective'..." Alice weakly teased, "Have you solved my mysterious mourning or do you only have theories?"

Blythe anxiously hugged his knees to his chest, "I am unsure but if there is something bothering you I can see right through you! Why have you been so silent about your suffering? Maybe I can help alleviate whatever may be weighing so heavy on your mind." He offered to her.

A soft hum was all she gave in response to his proposal, "It isn't so simple and it isn't just afflicting my mind but my heart as well. This problem, I can't solve it nor run away from it. For it is a fate and I've come to accept it. Even if it leaves a wound deeper than a knifes blade ever could."

That was when Alice Clements came clean to Blythe Sanders, an arranged marriage proposal whether she liked it or not. How could this be?! Why would her family do such a thing? Did they have something to gain? What were her family promised in return? Whatever the case was it would remain a mystery to both of them. It hurt that this was how everything would soon end. Alice would be wed to another man and Blythe's heart left to bleed.

No, surely he could help her escape!

"Let's run away together then, Alice! Take a boat, sail far from Crystal Cay! Maybe we'll move away? To the countryside or even the town Grumms of the island Far Water just a few waves across the ocean away!" Blythe wept, he refused to give up so easily. "Please, you can't seriously be accepting this fate!"

Alice sighed, a small smile graced her lips as she gently kissed Blythe on the cheek. "I'm sorry dove, I'd rather not take chances. So understand this is my stance, you were my truelove and I don't regret loving you back."

Blythe felt his eyes well up in tears, his voice cracked like glass as he replied back. "I loved you too."

This was really it, the final day to hold her hand and say all that he could before it was over. There was no escape no matter how Blythe tried to reroute it. Fate is one cruel son of a bitch, inescapable for certain and incapable to change. Of all the people here on Crystal Cay...why did it have to be sweet Alice Clements? Was it his own fault for not being more forward? Perhaps had he confessed to her sooner, maybe things would be different. She and he would both be together forever, but that was just wishful thinking.

It's over now, no point in dreaming. No saying 'What ifs' not even a 'maybe', when all Alice wanted was spending her last moments a free maiden.

As the afternoon became a beautiful evening, she made one last request.

"Could you perhaps perform at the wedding? I wish to hear you play and sing one love song, just for me when the time comes to separate." Alice had quietly pleaded.

Blythe felt his heart sank from such a request, but if it was to say goodbye and lessen the pain in some way? He was going to let Alice go by letting her know how much she was loved.

He got down on one knee for there was no need to see her beg or plea, "For you my Queen, anything."

They shared their first and last kiss together that night, a bittersweet farewell in order for what was to come soon. A wedding they both feared so they held one another tightly, Alice wept as she curled up into Blythe's arms while he whispered sweet comforts to his lady.

The wedding was held late in the Spring, how beautiful the setting and atmosphere were to gaze upon yet Blythe could only stay distant from the crowd as he waited for the moment to see Alice down the aisle. That was when he would sing his love and play his heart out before he'd eventually leave for another town across the sea for that was a long time dream.

Though it was more of a plan after all he had endured, a fresh start and the desire to see the world perhaps.

As the families of both bride and groom settled down with the bridesmaids and groomsmen waiting at the altar beside the groom and minister. Then down the aisle with her father's arm around her's was Alice. A beauty for a bride truly a sight for one's eyes. Blythe plucked and strummed the strings of his guitar, a song he had written now sung for the bride.

Their eyes met briefly before Alice made it to the altar, she heard every note and cherished every lyric. Blythe loved her enough to let her go but he'd never forget her.

That was the last they had seen of one another.

While Alice had been wed and Blythe's heart broken, he chose to refocus and set out to Far Water. Not a letter left behind for his family, not even the elder twins or little sister. Hitched a ride on a boat after packing his things, never looking back...well maybe just once. His heart aching still, a mixture of missing different halves of a whole.

He may as well be empty and cold, but warm deep down.

As the ship docked and Blythe hopped off, he had done it. He was now in the town of Grumms on the shores of Far Water, life was drastically different of course he knew it would be. But that did not stop the man from pursuing college and of course having his own agency.

Forensic Science and Criminal Justice was his game and Blythe was scoring quite high, the thrill of solving a case and connecting the clues was so very exciting! He had learned a few things from reading but the classes in this town were quite nice, people kept to themselves or sometimes like old times worked in pairs.

And yes, he had worked up the courage to write to his old home. To his mother, his brothers, his sister and dear old friend Alice. Letting them know he had regret not leaving a note behind, for Blythe had been in emotional ruin. Acting on feelings rather than thinking.

The future detective looked forward to his degree he was doing all he could to ensure his victory!

Surely in time, he'd done it! Blythe had what it takes to do his own thing, sure, he could have easily worked with other lawmen and fellow investigators. But he was not one to work in a crowded space. With all that clicking and clacking of keys, the loud chitter chatter and all that background noise would ruin his flow state.

None of that would do, so he rented his own space. It was just the right amount of space and perhaps in due time he might find the right people for hire.

During his time in the town of Grumms, Blythe slowly took up a few cases and even shut them close. Nothing big or too serious in his humble opinion, just the usual homicide cases which were very few in this small town.

He would write home about it, let his family know how he was doing. In turn they would send him a few pictures or small memorabilia, something to say "We miss you, here's something to keep us close by." Alice of course would write back frantically, asking him if he had any scars and taking good care of himself. She thought him to be a tad reckless maybe but Blythe promised he was alright.

But there came a letter far later from his dear Alice, a message that contained a hidden cry for help. For which Blythe had packed a quick overnight bag and made for the docks to catch a boat to Crystal Cay in the sake of saving his dearest friend.

It was night when he arrived to his hometown and he needed rest for how was he to help if he had no energy?

He'd regret it that night, for when the sun rose and Blythe ran to Alice's abode..he saw a rather grim looking sight. Police men, yellow tape and a Detective already here before him all over the crime scene. No. It couldn't be. What happened here?

Detective Blythe Sanders seeked knowledge and to look it all over as well, provided a badge of his own and let in. He was questioned by the law already here letting them know he had just gotten here, Alice was last alive yesterday night but now...how had she ended up dead? After being questioned the other detective informed him, he was far too close to the case. The victim especially. It'd be best to go home and avoid any harm being done to him.

But not without asking for all they had gathered, for Blythe wanted to try and solve Alice's murder back in his own safe space.

So he was given a few notes, evidence, the works and one little envelope left to him from Miss Clements. They'd keep in touch updating Blythe all they could yet in the end even from Far Water away from her..he couldn't make sense of it. Blythe kept retracing everything from top to bottom and in the end.

Nothing.

The other detective had struggled as well even when there within reach of it all. Perhaps, something worse had occurred and they had reached a breakthrough..but never had got to share that info.

Blythe would never know until he received a threatening letter, "Stop poking around before you end up a corpse, just like your acquaintance I had taken down." The case was forced to go cold.

He felt awful, felt cheated out of closure and justice for her.

In due time after putting away Alice Clements case it was back to his normal small cases in Grumms. Though, there was one case he struggled to solve all alone for you see their sudden passing involved botanical knowledge. No weapon in sight and all Blythe had found was a small tea pouch with a scent he couldn't quite understand, it was sweet just like wisteria.

Alas his knowledge on plants was all but limited, "Damnit!" Detective Sanders cursed. "Looks like I'll have to find someone else who understands plants better than I do."

Searching the town and asking around, he gained some insight on who to find. Out of town far from Grumms there lived a young lady named Marlow Woods, she was known to be an odd ball by many, kept to herself yet knew a lot about plants. More than anyone else really.

Blythe came to her home seeking her aid and in return the woman could ask for just about almost anything. Marlow swore he need not make such a deal for her assistance and knowledge were free but the detective refuted and said he'd return her favor. Handing the young woman the little tea bag from the scene of the crime, Miss Pines explained what plant was involved.

"Rosary Peas, don't you see? These nasty red things are the third deadliest thing! Someone had been doing their research or had common knowledge, they made it into a handmade tea bag!" Marlow explained.

Blythe snapped his fingers with a grin, "They tried to be clever and hide their crime in plain sight, foolish plan really. Perhaps even clumsy of them."

From that case alone, he had grown fond of the young lady. Treating her more like a friend maybe for the visits became frequent and he offered her a desk in his workplace for her as Assistant Investigator. In Blythe's eyes her knowledge invaluable, he and her shook hands and their friendship both valued.

To the detective he felt a tad better, he still mourned but with Marlow around his heartache felt lighter. A friendly presence and coworker brought back his smile.

From here things grew stranger over in time for you see, our friends here would eventually look into the people who never returned from an island just a ways from their town shore. Greatmaw was it's name and the residence there was the genius man Doctor Morose.

Blythe made theories and bold claims with only Marlow to listen, sure enough late one night the lady botanist had gone to the docks to see a man she had seen a few times before. Alerting her chief Marlow Woods had exclaimed, "Howard Plunkett is taking a boat, we should follow him!"

Blythe jumped from his desk to rush out the door getting his trenchcoat and fedora on, "Philip Maude has been gone for so long I had a feeling something was wrong! He's going to that damned island and so are we too!"

The duo hurried to the docks shouting and screaming, "Please wait!" "HOLD UP, WE'RE TAGGING ALONG!"

Both Blythe and Marlow leapt aboard before Howard could take off all alone, now with two stowaways and a stolen boat this trio was headed to The Island of Doctor Morose.

-----

And that is all you shall know for now, since Kaiser and I will be roleplaying along and writing the rest. I hope that this tale was satisfactory at best.