Justice in Sunflowers - Prologue 0-2
[WARNING: Justice in Sunflowers is a story about a detective working on murders. As such, there will be dark topics that may indicate uncomfortable subjects or descriptions of crime scenes involving the dead. Viewer Discretion is advised.
(This prologue uses the OLD portraits, as to maintain consistent visuals, they will continue to be used till Ch1.)
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Dawn arrives on the Hopes n' Dreams Express, I wake up partly slumped into the wall by the window. I pull myself off the wall with a big stretch of both my arms, a small jolt runs through my right arm. The feelin' of electricity on that side is quite normal, so it ain't bother me, but my hair is a mess from contact with the wall. I take a moment to get a brush out n' comb it, jus' so it ain't knotted or anythin'. I glance over to see if Martlet stuck around, she's not here, bet she went to the dining car for a meal.
I check my phone, 45% battery, it's currently 10:30 am on April 26th. We'll be arriving n' Golden Ridge 'round 11:30am, Pa' will be busy with his 'rounds. Puttin' my phone away, I stand up and stretch my legs some, can't let 'em get stiff! I glance down the aisle, seems most the passengers got off in New Home earlier, probably for that so-called idol concert. I never got the excitement behind Mettaton, or that TV headed feller... but who am I to judge. Once I am done stretchin' a bit, I start walkin' down the aisle an' into the dinin' car.
Upon entry to the Dinin' car, I see Martlet at the barside drinkin' some kinda coffee. I was never a coffee drinker myself, gives me way too much energy. Plus, I got used to always drinkin' cold drinks, runnin' around Golden Ridge was always exhaustin'. Even this car is empty, guess it's a slow day? Martlet's talkin' to the attendant behind the counter 'bout somethin', so I come over n' sit by 'er.
Masked Monster? She couldn't be talking about Masq'd right? My father used to try trackin' tha' monsters movements due to the convenience of his appearances. Every time a murder happened n' Golden Ridge... the monster was seen the day prior. My father always seemed to think they had a connection, but hadn't found solid proof.
That's Masq'd alright, a cat you can never keep track of n' a way of creepin' folks out. Why they would appear on a train though, I don't know. Father never once mentioned them movin' via train. This is all so suspicious, yet there ain't much to go off of.
We talked a lot yesterday night, but the one thing I never shared with 'er was that I'm a Detective. Tha's right, newly graduated from Snowdin Police Academy, but still trained for investigation. I threw away my dream to pursue this case, for those lost n' the livin' who mourn. I have this feeling I should keep the whole detective thing on the low, 'n case they're amongst us. Masq'd isn't dangerous, I know they aren't, I've seen them before just... not as themselves.
I appreciate 'er diligence though, tryin' to keep someone perceived as a civilian outta danger. Or maybe she's just tryin' hard so 'er promotion stays n' sight? Either way, she's tryin'... even if she ain't seem cut out for it.
I simply nod n' head back to the car with my stuff n' it. As much as I wanna say "I'm a Detective from Golden Ridge, I can help!" It's actually smarter to withhold tha' info, I don't know whether Masq'd is the one behind everything n' town or not. They've always had a knack for appearing when bad things happen, Kes always seemed to think otherwise though. They were once saved by them, which is hard to imagine... but I guess it is possible. I slump into my seat and look at my phone to see what Kes wrote me.
K: When you get back, I got a present for you. Since I missed your birthday.
K: I hope it helps with what you're going through. We can talk at anytime if you need someone.
They always were there since tha' day, they had it worse than me an' yet... they pushed through it. I was always so jealous of the way they jus' push past everythin' n' look ahead. I wonder sometimes, how are they always so unfazed by it all? Maybe tha's why we get along, a balance to a scale where one shines bright n' the other darkens the room so others can see.
C: Awww thanks Kes~! I'll be alright though!
C: I promise we'll hang out after I get home.
K: I'm holding you to that, Sunshine.
C: Of course! If I ain't keep it, gimme a little zap!
K: Heh, you know I won't.
C: By the way, how's yer sleepin' been?
K: Rough, barely any last night. I was recommended someone who might be able to help.
C: Really? I hope it helps! It'll get those bags out from under yer eyes~! You'll be the 2nd most dashin' soul n' town!
K: After you, I assume.
C: Of course! Two of a Kind!
K: When will you be home today?
C: About n' Hour, we hit New Home about n' hour ago.
K: Cool, tell North Star that Mo' has his package.
C: Right-o!
I lean back against my seat n' close my eyes for a moment. It feels like forever since I've been home, I missed it so much. Now I get to see it all again, run the dusty roads like I once did. Head out into the fields again n' play guitar 'n my special spot. I can picture it now, sunset n' the fields with a pouch n' a flask a' water. Playin' tunes to the rhythm of my own heart. It was always how I got away from it all, 'cause the past always eats me alive. That's when I hear them... well... me... but not.
Masq'd, a monster who takes the form a' the faces they've memorized. It varies on how accurate it is, and the original can always see their mask. They tend to refer to people n' this strange way, either "masks" or "faces" Anyone else lookin' n' on this... probably think I 'ave a twin. They're the one my father always seemed to mention as the most likely to 'ave killed the victims in Golden Ridge. I'm not so sure, but the fact they can replicate people doesn't help their case. Nor does them conveniently appearing before a murder occurs.
Don't look over somethin' tha' seems small? Like... as n' don't look at somethin' small? No... maybe more like if it seems small, don't just think it has no relevance. I got a bit lost n' thought, so much I didn't realize tha' they took their leave. As much as I wanted to ask them more, I know they likely won't appear again. I wouldn't be able to tell if they were a person on the train or not. That, n' Golden Ridge is quickly approachin', searchin' the train will become a lot harder the closer it gets to our stop. So for now, it's probably better jus' to wait n' catch 'em in the future while n' Golden Ridge.
I lay across my seat now n' sigh quietly, I really hope their appearance ain't gonna cause somethin'. I glance at my phone, 40min till arrival about, it's currently mild n' the ridge with no sign a' rain. Normal day really, atleast I know I'll come into town n' be able to see everyone. Though, after a long train ride... I should probably jus' rest. I gotta lot to think 'bout when I start work afterall. Continuing to lay there, I wait for when the train arrives.
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