Too Shy to ascream (Tristan)

Tilting his head to the side, Ritsu looked at the shop that he stood in front of. This was one shop he'd never been to. He'd never had because he'd never had a need to. All his needs were met with the shop in diagon. Willing to try something once after considering if it would kill him or not.

But this place seemed...run down and depressing. Even by Knocturn's standards. "If I get murdered, I am haunting your ass," he muttered as he stepped inside. Looking around he went to the pre-jarred purchases. Someone was already there. "Hello, Tristan."

Tristan liked it here...it was silent. Nobody was trying to talk to him. Nobody was asking questions. Girls weren't trying to be his friend or guys. He was antisocial but at least here...his scent was masked. Here he could hide in the shadows and not be harassed. Here he felt semi-safe for a bit. He liked Ali and that lady wasn't too bad either but he was afraid to cause more people to die because he trusted them or interacted with them long term. He rubbed his arm. He heard someone enter and mutter when they did. Hiding further in the shadows nuzzling Fluffy. He tensed as someone said his name. The voice, nor the scent, he didn't recognize. Coughing in pain he wheezed from the poisoning happening again but did it silently. Lifting fluffy. "Fluffy wishes to ask you how you know Tristan's name when you have never met Tristan before. Fluffy states Tristan does not recognize your voice nor your scent." The antisocial hollow voice tried to imitate a voice not his. Not soulfully withdrawn from everyone. "Tristan says don't talk to him it was quiet and if you talk you may get hurt...by evil shadows."

Watching the boy, Ritsu looked at the fluffy colorful thing. He thought he'd seen them on sale somewhere but never like this one. Knowing better than to reach out a hand and touch the colorful thing, he kept his hands in his pockets. "Austin told me," he replied. "Described you and him to me."

Taking a hand out he reached out to take a jar of some herb amd read the label. He set it.back on the shelf amd.continued to talk to "Fluffy". Maybe it was a coping mechanism. "Said you knew about this stuff."

Nodding to show he understood, he perused the shelves quietly while trying to work out what he meant by evil shadows. He silently reaffirmed his vow to haunt a certain someone if he died here. He wasn't sure about Zhen. The black cat had been the runt of the litter and went everywhere just about with Ritsu. At hogwarts Zhen liked to curl up in his robe pockets. Out and about it was his shoulder, hood of his shirts and jackets. She was smart and might hold a grudge if he died one of the few times she was left at home.

Picking up a jar of blue leaves that didn't have a label he turned it about. "What is this?"

Tristan blinked a bit. Looking at the older boy who spoke. "Austin? Fluffy and Tristan do not know an Austin. There is never anyone seen here but the ghost that helps with people buying things." He said simply. "Fluffy is unique compared to other Puffskeins. Tristan will stay in shadows so you can't be hurt by demons of the shadows." He said through Fluffy. It was a coping mechanism in a way. It was the only way he didn't mumble unless angry.


He looked at him. "Fluffy says Tristan eavesdropped when he wasn't being an attempting Houdini from the evil Devon. He knows a lot and has learned more listening in the shadows while the customers came in. Also Fluffy heard some people talking about others. Others Tristan has experienced or researched.

Fluffy states Tristan only hides in this place because it is the most logical way to mask ones scent from those who would track like tracking dogs or werewolves or vampires. The overpowering mixture of herbs, plants and poisons thus mask the scent of prey. Fluffy adds plus logically speaking a kid on the run from evil forces wouldn't hide in the most populated location for evil sources or on the darker side of town due to the fact it is where evil frequents. Thus...Knockturn Alley herb shop is the safest place to hide ones scent and oneself."


A paused then he continued as he'd had to find his voice again. "However, Fluffy thinks the older boy is quite arrogant to try to say Tristan knows this stuff...there is a lot Tristan does not know." He responded simply. The antisocial tone was there like he really didn't even want to be conversating thus using Fluffy. It was a hope that he'd not have to talk much himself. Fluffy could do all the "talking".


He stood and moved through the shadows. Hisses of pain left and his right hand tugged on the illegal artifact til it wasn't rubbing the already raw skin that much. Letting it go to watch the wisps of white leave his fingers. Staying deep in the shadows. He moved closer and looked at the jar of blue leaves. "Fluffy says its a jar the boy with oriental accent should put down and pretend he never saw. If you still wish to know about the jar of blue leaves Fluffy will tell you once you put it back. You don't want to make the shop guardian or its master mad. Fluffy says the scorpion of gold will get you." He said warningly.

It was Ritsu's turn to blink uncomprehendingly. 'Ghost?' He hadn't been sure if he'd believed in ghosts until he'd gotten to Hogwarts. His father's side of the family believed in such things. It was one of the reasons behind certain traditions. His mother never believed in ghosts. She also said magic was evil and was why he never wrote or voiced all he'd seen at his school. Which was why he took what the boy was saying with a grain of salt.

'Demons in the shadows?' Demons were something that both sides of his family agreed upon existed. Ritsu did not want to meet any demons for himself and had just nodded stiffly. Glancing at the kid he began to wonder just who he was. Obviously he was smart. You learned a lot by observing and overhearing. And adults weren't all that conscious that you understood things at a young age.

"Tristan is very smart for throwing off the scents. And to be hiding in plain sight. If something is supposed to be hidden, they won't look right in front of them." Ritsu nodded in approval. As if thinking about it, about being arrogant he replied, "Yes, I'm arrogant, but being truthful. Tristan knows more than I do. You said yourself Fluffy, he spends a lot of time here and hears things."

Seting the jar with the leaves down, he knew better than to hold onto something if someone told him to put it down. He was very curious though about why he should pretend he never saw them. What could they be that would have him wanting that? And what? Turning to fully look at the boy and his pet, Ritsu looked beyond him to the thing he was talking about and paled a little. "Has it 'gotten' others before?"

((ooc:Given permission to enter thread))

Terrance hadn't been back long but it was long enough that he recognized a new face that was becoming a regular. While most people that visited his shop or even knockturn were...odd, a kid stuck out. Oh, he got the brats trying to come into his shop but they didn't return after their first trip. Whenever a child entered his shop he would give them a vimlet eye and make sure they didn't do anything stupid. No, what caught his attention with this one was quiet and tried to make himself unassuming. At first, Terrance had kept an eye out in case he was a theif even if he didn't give off that vibe.

Having never heard the kid speak, he had wondered if the boy was mute. There were all types in Knockturn. Even werewolf pups that had no interest in going to Hogwarts. They usually stayed clear of his shop unless getting herbs for before or after the full moon. In fact, the only one that continued to visit his shop on daily or frequent basis was Scrappy.

Hearing Scrappy's name and that the kid was near a certain section, had Terrance look up from where he'd been about to find where Scorpius had gotten too. Casually he made his way closer to eavesdrop and observe while still searching for the trigger happy 'bot. It was like when heard their name and was instantly in tune with their surroundings. He only heard a few words since neither boy was speaking very loudly. He did pay attention when Scorpius was mentioned. The phrasing of it actually had him staring at the boys out of his peripheral vision, keeping his face without expression. Not showing what he thought about the teenager asking that question, interested in how the other would reply.

Tristan looked at the boy. Moving fluffy as to indicate behind the counter. "Fluffy says boy should be more observant as you were here the other day helping the shirtless boy. You did not see the shopmaster who was on business trip or something. Good herbalogists usually pick their own herbs." He said. "The shirtless boy did something then left so the ghost watched the shop with the scorption of gold." He said as if it was basic logic through Fluffy.

He was speaking a little louder but it was only due to rising annoyance that didn't show in his voice. He gave him a look behind Fluffy that was fleeting that said he didn't need him to patronize him or shower him with empty compliments. He didn't even respond to it. "Tristan thinks boy is really noisy." He muttered too softly for Koruda Ritsu to hear. He watched him.

He didn't really look at the boy he was observing him with an antisocial difference and really wanted to get this over with yet had a feeling "talking time with Fluffy" wasn't anywhere near over. mentally annoyed by this his expression didn't show. Lifting his gaze to the boy he watched him pale. catching a change to the scent on him that told or nervousness tension or fear possibly something else.

He would go with uneasy fear and nervousnous as the older boy asked a loaded question. His nose scrunched up as if going wow what a way to ask a loaded question. How stupid can you be? Do you really think I'd just go Yes. He has? He narrowed his eyes then sighed. Mumbling to Fluffy and hid his face. Retreating into the shadows to contemplate the best way to answer without answering yet answer without saying anything.

When he was able to be seen again it was doubtful ritsu would notice but the master of the scorpion might understand it even if ritsu noticed the expression flicker through his eyes it wasn't easily translated. Silence as he tossed them around. Lifting fluffy but the look was obviously you already know the answer somewhere within but I'm not stupid enough to say yes. I will answer his question with a question. He looked down.

"That is a stupid thing to ask someone. Figure it out yourself. I see nothing. Hear nothing. Know nothing. Though scorpions of a desert are known for striking out at travelers are they not? It is a scorpion who guards so anything is possible. Do you think a scorpion of gold that acts like a scorpion of the desert would act any different?" he asked. Not answering yet answering..

He saw him set it down. "Fluffy says that herb is called Blevarius Naxturine...it is an extremely rare, at times volatile and dangerous, yet multi use herbs. In laymans terms its called the Blue Thought as it seems to have "thoughts" in the right temperature circumstances." He took a breath. "It seems to cause depressing thoughts or emo feelings in people. It is a dual use for it can be a poison or venom. It can also be an antidote for some poisons to help nullify or lessen the extreme poisons or venoms." He took a breath.

"Its compound uses as a powder allow it to be used in more sinister potions such as pop bang vials. There is many uses for it but eaten as is you will be dead, even some weaker vampires such as newly changed, within the hour. Chopped to use in various other things it was eaten as a drug in the midevil eras." he said simply. "It can also be used in incenses in which case it no longer holds that risk but still causes a calming sensation over those who catch its scent." He breathed. "In paste form it actually works like a stinging burn cream or pain reliever. Though it can have allergic reactions in some people."
He took a breath but he knew that one from first hand experience. "Fluffy says people of fair skin are far more sensitive but it is known to give oriental folk rashes if handled without a coating of a strange white powder on their hands first." He finished explaining it and fell silent. He hoped they were done soon but had a feeling they weren't.

Recalling what Dagger had said about this boy, he muffled his irritation. He'd been told about the owner's absence. And knew about the 'ghost' now. The teenager had never paid attention to the little robot because he wasn't one for robots. He knew that his friend was a genius in them, but that didn't mean Ritsu had to like the same thing. In fact, he stayed well away from most anything that was electronical.

He'd learned about how badly muggle technology and magic mixed during a sweltering summer in Sapporo. His grandparents hadn't gotten angry at him for blowing up and ruining their fan. His father had hid and lied about the incident from his mother. It wasn't until he'd gotten his mentor he learned why they didn't work well together. Since then, he was cautious whenever around things that could malfunction.

And he was aware of that most herbologists and some apothecarists would collect and have ininterest in the subject of herbs. He'd only been telling the truth and thinking outloud.

'I think you're a pain,' Ritsu thought wondering again what he was doing here. This was why he avoided people, especially people younger than him.

He'd known Dagger's inventions could be deadly, but it wasn't as if he'd asked what the one in the shop was for. He knew he really shouldn't assume things, and should have taken in the form of the robot. It was a scorpion. Of course it would have a 'stinger'. That had him wondering what kind of person this shop owner was.

Ritsu almost gave an annoyed glare but checked it. How would Joshua have approached or talk to the boy? Had this been what the man had felt when he'd been a kid and bargained lessons from him? His interest and curiosity had him peering at the blue herbs again. Now that was fascinating.

He understood about the see, hear, know nothing. It was how he'd had to pretend when 'home'. He felt empathy with the younger boy but that was as far as it went. His hand went to the wooden beads of the rosary looped through a belt loop and disappeared into a pocket. His mind automatically going over a catchism and a sliver of guilt for what came to mind. He'd been tempted and wondered what would happen if he'd sent some leaves to his mother.

"Forget I asked. That was a stupid question," he admitted once he'd finished his mental recitation. His hand stayed in his pocket.

Hearing that Scrappy had been in his shop while he'd been gone wasn't anything that he hadn't already learned. It was appreciated, but what wasn't was learning that the puppy had allowed someone else in his shop. Granted, he'd made it so that teenager was part owner so technically he could invite whomever he wanted inside. It still rankled a bit that someone had been here that he hadn't approved of yet. Terrance was a very territorial person whether it be people, to a place, to things such as the contents of his shop. Maybe he should threaten Scrappy with some Stringing tree leaves. Making a mental note that he was getting low on that particular leaf as well as Monkshood, he took down the jar that was nearly empty.

Silently he shook his head at the older kid apparently not understanding he was upsetting the younger one. For a quiet kid, you had to listen to the inflections which the teenager was missing entirely. At the question of whether or not Scorpius had 'gotten' anyone before, had him pause. Had the little bot shot someone while the kid was around? They'd have to have a little chat about that. And wouldn't the teen have known about the 'bot if he was going 'round with Scrappy? There was something odd with that. His eyes narrowed as he mentally went over the past few days while simultaneously listening to the basically one sided dialogue going on.

His gaze sharpened when the boy went into the shadows and the look that flashed ever so briefly in the eyes that should not belong on a child. The reply that was next out of the boy's mouth had Terrance wonder again at his young noncustomer. That type of answer was learned. You learned when you were 'allowed' so to speak; to hear, see, and know something. Of course, that was already something that he'd suspected what with the boy's ventriloquism act. A smile came to lis lips because hadn't he gotten some sort of similar lecture from the puppy about Scorpius being a scorpian? And as the younger said, it was a common sense type of answer although common sense was on the decline.

A flash of surprise was visible in Terrance's eyes before he contemplated on how the boy would know about that particular plant. That was as he'd stated rare. It had been...a gift. More or less. It wasn't like the person who had it would need it anymore. He'd not liked how it had made him feel and had quickly made sure that Scorpius was about whenever he had to handle the damn herb. Partly so the little bot could give him a low zap to focus him and turn his dark thoughts to irritation at the 'bot. That usually led to a merry game of chase the damn 'bot while keep from being zapped at a level that was on par with the crutiatus curse. Of course the value of the plant more then made up for the hassel of having it in his inventory.

Turning so he wouldn't alert them at his presence, Terrance had to stifle a chuckle. He was impressed. The kid had delivered a threat and warning. From the teenager's expression it was clear that the comment was missed for what it really was. What a shame. His eyes had zeroed in on the hand movement and wondered what it was in the boy's pocket. Not a wand. He wasn't giving off the intention of hexing the younger boy. Deciding to make his presence known since the younger boy clearly didn't wish to continue. He likely used up a years worth of words on the teenager.

"Are you going to do something other than window shop?" Terrance leveled a look that clearly stated that the answer had better be a negative at the teenager.