[CONTEST] Dry Fountain [FIN]

[Zafun Strider]

They say that twilight is the hour of loneliness, but while Miff and me trudged into that town on that dark and starless evening, I knew one thing. I'd prefer twilight to the damp and dull world as it was.

The features of the town passed by like a bland meal. The faces of stone buildings, a dark kid lighting street lamps, even the centerpiece was a shallow husk of its former glory, the fountain turned off for the night.

No one walked the streets, but for those clinging to the edge of darkness. I clenched the damp cigarette between my teeth. "Something tells me the inn won't be much comfort." I grumbled.

[MIFF]

Miff once again thanked his height for sparing him Zafun's second-hand smoke as the pair came upon the Fairy's Fountain; a respectable establishment in a city who's reputation got lower and lower each passing day. The Mad Scrub scurried in after the Zora who knew to hold the door open an extra moment for the one of them without arms.

"What do you mean they won't bring it in?!" a voice was heard demanding inside, past the unused coat racks. None of it was Miff's concern though so he simply followed his taller friend inside. They passed the speaker, a dressed-up Zora, and a quivering mailman on the receiving end of the tongue-lashing.

[Zafun Strider]

The inn was exactly as I expected it would be. The same as it was last year, and the year before. Some familiar faces, some not so much, but as quiet and withdrawn as ever. It wasn't one of those boisterous places. "Stay ready, Miff." I added more out of habit than concern. One thing I'd come to learn about Miff over the years was that he was more than ready. He was eager.

I saw a familiar face, or rather a familiar spine at the bar. "Papagor, old friend!" I called out to an aging Goron, while I approached the bar. The dependable old stone turned, strong set and warm as ever. "Zafun. So you did come around."

"I sure did." I murmured, despite that fact that keeping a low profile around here was about as easy as walking across a piano. "Though I see a certain alley cat is missing. Where's Ruupa? Is he staying out of trouble?"

[MIFF]

Miff took to the bar and hopped up on a stool to sit there. The Deku wasn't too interested in Papagor so he spun around to look at the room's occupants. He was always looking for potential targets. The world was full of trouble-makers and this was one Deku more than happy to set them straight in the most painful way possible.

A blue-haired teen in baggy clothes sat at a table, drinking a glass of water. He looked uncomfortable. Not interesting.

A tall human with armour plating on just his left arm leaned against the wall next to the stairs. He looked royally ticked off and Miff mentally dared him to lash out and start something.

A fat lady was at another table, finishing a huge meal. A target that big was no feat to hit for a marksman of Miff's caliber.

A redhead kid with Hylian ears sat at another table with a book and a bunch of plants. The Mad Scrub thought he might need to teach the brat a lesson in respecting nature by not pulling it apart later. This kid he couldn't wait to have an excuse for.

"He might be the only one," Papagor said with a sigh to Zafun as Miff marked the room's occupants. "Everyone's in a mess around here lately. Even me. Paid a small fortune for some custom fishing gear modifications to the blacksmith by the stairs over there, then he goes bankrupt. Lost every penny of my investment."

[Zafun Strider]

I ordered myself a drink, idly tapped my fingers on the counter. "But the world always seems like its going to hell, doesn't it? These days just aren't the same as they used to be. Everyone's gone cold."

Papagor nodded in response, taking a swig of his own potable.

I turned in my own seat to scout the room, and got a view of inn. People who were more like fixtures than independent beings. How long would they spend in this barroom, drinking away the troubles that hung over each and every one of them?

My eyes ambled over to an Oocca, the only one in a bar who would order a glass of water, only to finally notice a young girl, who had struck up a conversation with him. They looked like conspirators there together, but who was I to judge them? And then up to the doorway, a local merchant who'd been arguing with the mailman made for the nearest table and planted himself down.

"That him? No wonder he looks so angry."
I kept my eyes on him from under the brim of my fedora. "Damn shame, brother. I understand. Puts a strain on everyone when a soul can't keep themselves afloat."

[MIFF]

Miff was still egging on the Human and the would-be Hylian kid to start something. It may have been late but as Zafun knew personally the Mad Scrub was always itching for a fight. His fantasies were dashed when the large woman, a Fairy it turned out, passed by him to take her leave. She paused and made an audible "Hmph!" as she passed the other Zora in the room, then continued out. Miff could see the wig-wearing man grit his sharp teeth before slumping his head into gloved hands, apparently quite stressed out.

"That boy may have caused more than most," Papagor continued. "I hear he's actually been trying to get his money back from the gambling ring he lost it to. No luck, obviously. He's been in the worst mood I've ever seen and picking fights all over town, even with kids like the little one over there. It's enough to make me forgive him for my own loss just so he has less to worry about."

[Zafun Strider]

"Bad habit." Was about all I had to say to that, then I thought better and clarified. "Wasn't wise of him to gamble with other people's money. That tends to make more enemies than cash."

I wondered about the stressed out Zora, the fairy who'd just left. What was their story? Then I wondered about that smith again. The guy with the armored arm. Just what had he been thinking when he committed other people's money to a game of cards? And what was he thinking now that he couldn't get it back? He'd been put in a hard place that I didn't envy in the least.

But I didn't dwell long. "Still fishing, Papagor? I'm surprised we've stayed friends all this time with that pastime of yours. If I ever find a hook in my mouth, you better not be on the end of the line."

[MIFF]

"Oh don't worry about that," Papagor laughed as he took another drink. Miff hardly cared about their pleasantries but there was little else going on tonight, it seemed. "Not interested in catching Zora anymore. Nobody is willing to take your picture with them. Haha."

Speaking of not getting along with Zafun Miff spotted the Fairy Fountain's resident "house cat" Ruupa coming up the stairs. He was smiling coyly, as usual. That Minnish always seemed to know more about people than they'd like him to, at least if they were regular customer here. Luckily Miff had no secrets, he put all his dirty laundry on full display.

Also coming in was that grey-skinned redhead who'd been lighting torches outside. Ruupa walked over and exchanged a few whispered words with him, the boy's expression softening as they spoke. Once the Minnish had moved on though a scowl returned to the kid's face. Good, Miff thought, for he liked that expression on people much more.

The scowling newcomer made his way toward the stairs just as the kid with one wing finished his water and got up to go himself. Heading the same way they crossed paths and the redhead shouldered the taller man hard, easily knocking him back like he were light as a feather.

Miff was stoked. If a fight broke out now he'd be all over it!

"Don't make things worse for yourself," the blue-haired one said sternly, holding his shoulder. This only made Miff more excited as the redhead's expression turned positively livid. There was definitely going to be trouble!

Suddenly the Mad Scrub's mood was ruined as the tall Human stepped between the younger boys and told the grey-skinned one to back off. This made the boy, probably a Twili, back off immediately. His scowl for the blue-haired one was replaced by a brand new grimace specifically reserved for the brunet. He complied though, heading up the stairs without another word.

"Aw man," Miff sighed, turning away from the room and facing the bar to slump over in disappointment.

"Little late for him to act like a decent man," came from a spiteful voice nearby. It was probably that kid sitting near the bar with his plants but Miff was too let down to get his hopes up for a rumble again now.

[Zafun Strider]

A smirk came by my lips. "Just as well. You'd have a permanent piece of evidence that your prey's got better features than your ugly mug." A chuckle uttered by, and his fingers embraced the misty glass. Then people started moving. I bit into my whiskey with a keen stare on the young men as they met at the foot of the stairs. It didn't look like things were about to end well, Miff might have even gotten involved, but then the smith moved in, breaking up the Twili and the Oocca.

The Human folded his arms, coughing slightly, and the water-drinker responded in kind. "Yeah... Thanks I guess. Don't think this makes us even." Nursing his wounds, he met with the mysterious young girl once more, and she tailed him like a shadow out of the inn.

I let out a breath I'd been holding in and nestled back.
"I suppose your blacksmith's not the only one playing with fire. That bird-boy's got a little trouble following him around as well."

[MIFF]

Miffed continued to stew as Papagor explained.

"Well the lad missing a wing is on anybody's bad side, if they have dirty secrets they want to keep quiet. He attracts as much trouble as a law-abiding citizen who knows too much would. That Human though? He's been getting into public shouting matches and exchanged blows with not only that Twili boy and the Kokiri here..." the Goron explained, the young boy in question moving his eyes to look at them group at bar as he was mentioned but returning to his work without a word. "... but even me. Since he was evicted from his home he's had no sense at all. This was the first night I've seem him do something decent in a long time, though he may have been hoping for the kid to not back down. I doubt he was satisfied with just telling him off. The young Twili apparently cleaned up in the same bet that cost that man his job."

[Zafun Strider]

"Hmm. He's gotten himself in bad. Here's hoping we don't have to work with him any time soon..." I waved for last call as the bar stirred with the energy of closing time. "Though Miff might actually like chasing him down. We'll have to wait. Maybe he'll steal a valuable diamond, or something."

The drinks came. "Nayru forbid, maybe he'll murder someone."

Papagor laughed. "Haha, let's pray he doesn't. To an uneventful evening in this dull old town, brothers." I knocked back my nightcap, as did the older goron, and we shook hands before parting.

"A snitch has found himself a home. A smith has become a penniless debtor. That boy who lights the lanterns has an attitude. Ruupa's smug as ever. That zora merchant is stressed too. And everyone else has just as many reasons to be angry. Papagor's the same as ever, but that's hardly much comfort. This town is falling apart." I mused as we climbed the stairs, passing rooms 1 through 4, to get to our's. The last one down the hall.

[MIFF]

Some time later that night...

Miff was awakened by the sound of many footsteps outside in the hall. The Mad Scrub popped out of the flower he'd planted in the corner, wondering if a disturbance needed his immediate attention.

"Hey! Wake up!" he said to the sleeping Zora in the bed. "Somethin's afoot! Or whatever it is you always say."

Miff didn't wait for Zafun as he ran to the door, hopped up and twisted the knob with his spout to open it. Down the hall all the Deku found was a gathering of the inn's patrons outside one of the rooms. They were wondering about some splashing sounds that were coming from inside, worried that someone had slipped in the tub.

Miff found that extremely boring and turned around, happy to let them wonder whether or not to call Ruupa to unlock the door and check.

[Zafun Strider]

I was groggy, when Miff woke me. How long had I slept? It couldn't have been anything more than an hour. The darkness outside was still thick. I grunted and pulled myself out of bed. A handful of the people staying at the inn for the night gathered around the door, most in their pyjamas.

Miff, the zora merchant, and Ruupa yawning and stalking up shortly afterward. No sign of the Kokiri or the Twili though. The splashing had since subsided, and the wigged zora grimaced. "What do you think's going on in there?" He whispered, no desire to make a scene unless he must.

"Doesn't sound like an ordinary bath to me." I muttered, ear to the door. The twili appeared from the back of the hallway, no doubt drawn from the attic judging from the light pouring from the stairs. Maybe the noise woke him. The sound of the bath draining emanated from the room, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Drawing back I muttered a few words to Ruupa, but he dismissed my concerns.

"If there's any trouble, I'm sure it can wait until morning."

[MIFF]

The next day...

Miff was awakened from his flower prematurely once again. This time, however, it wasn't by gentle footsteps but by a loud banging on the door. At least it was actually morning this time.

The lock clicked, revealing whoever it was to have some measure of authority. When the door swung open a Hylian Knight in full gear stood in the entrance.

"Both of you need to get downstairs right no-OW!" he began to order before a Deku Nut cracked apart on his left temple. Miff didn't take too kindly to being woken early.

[Zafun Strider]

Two rooms over, Ruupa stretched as he broke from sweeping. Something about the room was wrong. Mostly the fact that the water-drinker was still huddled up in bed, though there was an implacable air. Ruupa, perpetually level-headed, paid it no mind. "You're going to miss breakfast if you don't get up soon."

He coughed as he moved over to pull the curtains aside, the breeze flowing through the already open window and sunlight streaming into the room. "Not my funeral though, if you miss a plate of hot panca-AUGH!" Glancing over to Riku's bed, Ruupa saw a sight he very much wished he hadn't.

Back in room #5, Zafun was pulling himself up out of bed when the knight stormed in. "Knights huh? Smart move, Miff. They can wait." He reached for his hat, and shirt, when another noise stabbed at his eardrums. A distinct yowl Zafun could place on only one member of the inn's waitstaff. "That, however, cannot." He murmured, hurrying to the doorway.

[MIFF]

Miff scurried after Zafun down the hall. The Knight he had pelted earlier looked ready to arrest the Deku and the Zora for their actions and comments(Respectively), but he also heard the cry and went running. Arriving moments before the pair did the Knight got some whispered comments from a stressed-looking Ruupa before doing a double-take.

"Another one!?" he said in disbelief.

Miff peeked into the room from below waist level.

"Woah. Somebody leave that guy out in the sun too long?" he asked. Lying revealed on the bed was the blue-haired Oocca from the night before, his unclothed skin completely dried up and cracking like he'd been left out in the Haunted Wasteland for days.

[Zafun Strider]

I was at the doorway just as the knight and Ruupa began speaking, the cat kneading his ring of room keys through his fingers, but from a distance I'd already heard the hylian soldier's exclamation. Hmmm. "Two crime scenes..." I paused, only until I saw what Miff had seen. "Two victims."

It was a gut wrenching sight. One I hated to see, but was all too inevitable. Death; and it made my living knees remember for a moment that they were vulnerable to time and stress as much as any other living being.

Stomaching the wave of nausea that always accompanies a gruesome crime scene, I grasped at the Knight's shoulder. "Keep your wits about you. I'll secure this scene, the body needs to be examined immediately. Gather up the inn's patrons, if you'd be so kind."

[MIFF]

"What!?" the Knight asked incredulously. He gave Zafun a look up and down with a frown on his face. "Just who do you think you are, ordering a Hylian Knight around at the scene of a crime!?"

The man was promptly thankful for his helmet as another Deku Nut crumbled against his forehead.

"Don't you know who I am!?" Miff demanded with an irritated tone in his voice. A moment after speaking the Mad Scrub's eyes shifted to the side, recalling that he wasn't here alone."I mean, who we are!?"

The Deku corrected himself in this manner before turning toward his partner and looking up at the Zora from below. A knowing look was in his red eyes.

"Tell 'im, Scales."

[Zafun Strider]

I nodded without looking down to Miff, already knowing. With eyes like daggers, I stared that knight down. He flinched like any dog of hyrule would; Miff and I had seen things, been places that this human would never dream of, and he already knew.

"A hylian knight who hasn't secured a time sensitive crime scene. Who hasn't rounded up suspects and collected evidence. Who runs around and shouts, letting everyone and their murderer know what he's up to. A hylian knight who clearly doesn't know that he's talking to Miff Tracy."

I gestured to Miff. "Best sharpshooter in the land of Hyrule, seen more combat that you can wave your ego at, and brought down more dangerous criminals than all the Hylian Knights combined."

"And myself. Private detective, "Scales" Rockefeller."

[MIFF]

"Since you're at such a loss leave the crime-solving to us," the Deku instructed after seeing the Knight's expression turn to disbelief. He and Zafun had put away more thieves and murderers than the actual law enforcement of Hyrule in the past few months. Being hired on as advisers was how they usually played it. It was a lifestyle that Miff didn't care much about, except for what it meant he could do at the end of each case.

"Solving the mystery will cost ya but we'll throw in roughing up the criminal for free."

- - -

It's funny what time can do to a place. Even a short amount of time, if everything goes wrong in all the right ways, can make an entire country seem like a completely different world. The people here are certainly the same as the men and women they were before, but the paths their lives took is much different than anything you could have expected. In this Hyrule the people have become corrupt and disillusioned. Crimes one wouldn't expect to see anywhere now occur in the safest of places, which aren't very safe.

People have changed to adapt to the way things have gone, usually becoming much more numb and bitter in the process. Many have lost old morals and turned to darker means of getting by. It's hard to blame them really. In the world as it is now you can tell what colour something is but to the eyes of one looking upon the world it may as well be in dreary black and white. With that, of course, comes numerous shades of grey.

Deciding to reside in those shades and accidentally ending up on the darker end of the line is usually how people find themselves in trouble here. That's when they might meet up with one of the rare people who can still bring some hope of justice to this depressing new world. Two such men are here now and you know them well. At least, you know them as they once were, just as you might know the many they encounter during their trials. Still, it is best to remember that this is only a could-be and not a will-be. The names of everyone involved have been changed to protect the image of their present selves, but don't ever doubt that you yourself could change just as much if you saw the world lose its way all around you as they have. Important lessons can be learned from the could-be, so pay attention and you might just stop this from ever becoming your present.

Still, if all falls apart around you just as it has for these poor folk then look here and keep some hope. There are always people who will make sure that the truth is brought to light. This is one of their stories.

- - -

The Heroic Bilby Art Players Present

Detective Scales in:

THE CASE OF THE DRY FOUNTAIN

STARRING

Zafun Ly Strider as Zafun "Scales" Rockefeller

A hardened Zora who's witnessed more carnage than a hook at the slaughterhouse. With a dagger in his belt and a guitar on his back he finds himself in the midst of a mystery when the bodies of two inn patrons suddenly find themselves devoid of biological functions.

Miff as Miff Tracy

Scales' triggerhappy sidekick. More than a little aggressive, Miff's just as likely to rack up more bodies than solve the mysteries already at hand. Still, Scales knows a good partner when he sees one and Miff has no equal in a firefight.

ALSO FEATURING

Papagor as Papagor Decrow

Lauto as Lauto Langsworth

Riku as Riku "Ricky" Sharp

Vix as Victor "Vicks" Lightseeker

Violet as Violet Lestrange

Thomas Springsteel as Tommy Steelsprings

Ruupa as Ruupa Murdock

Soti as Sotivska "Soti" Uchenova


And now presenting for the first time anywhere:

Namina as Namina Jinsani