user: #B91600 - subject: Missing Hat

[heartsteals]

[ contrary to his fairly casual way of speaking, Lupin types on the forums exactly the way you'd expect a gentleman from the 1800s to write a letter. ]

My dear fellow abductees,

The recent events involving Shadows and Shadow-Monsters led to the unfortunate loss of my hat; with their activity subsided, I assumed that my stolen goods would be returned to me. However, it appears they had one last prank to play on me: I am reunited with a hat, but not my own. It is a navy blue pork pie hat with a red and white ribbon, adorned with a cute pink flower. I've attached a rather poor image of it - my description may be of more use.

[ attached is an artistic depiction of a hat. He did his best with the laptop touchpad and the paint program... ]

If you are the owner of this hat, it shall be returned to you. And if you have my hat - a fine silk top hat with a red tie - this is a notice of my intention to take it back, if you will not hand it over yourself.

Cordialement,
Lupin

PS: Do we have a name for our Town yet?

Comments

[doublecrowss]

Oh? Perhaps it would take a man from a different country, haha...!

[ It's all in friendly jest, of course; he knows very well his role as an Ace Detective is all but a fraud, and if even a true genius like Sherlock Holmes (or rather, Herlock Sholmes) couldn't catch Lupin, he doesn't think there is a lot he could do, even if he were on his track. Which he isn't, anyway. ]

But, I really am not planning to catch you. At this point in time, I'm far more interested in investigating our common enemy. Besides--

[ Here, he lowers his tone, about to relay some classified information: ]

At least in one previous occasion, I have sided with an outlaw for the sake of the greater good.

[ So, it's not really an admittance, because Akechi isn't sure he's ready to truly consider anyone a friend, but at least like this, he hopes to convey he's not an enemy, either. ]

[heartsteals]

Oh? Aren't you supposed to be on the side of the law, not the greater good?

[ although his point of view is plain enough in his words - the law is a separate beast entirely from "good" - they're light and joking rather than serious. That makes Akechi different from Sholmes, in any case. More pliable. More tolerable, too, although Lupin already knows that. ]

[doublecrowss]

[ He offers a chuckle in response, considering how much of his criminal liaisons he should be sharing with Lupin-- just enough to further earn his favors and attention. ]

I do uphold the law, but it's exactly because I'm so closely acquainted with it that I can tell you the system is not without flaw. Sometimes, "lawful" and "just" do not make a perfect match.

[ That is something Lupin is probably well acquainted with, too. ]

[heartsteals]

[ he sure is, which probably isn't a surprise to Akechi; he nods in understanding, although this admission is rather unexpected coming from a detective. Lupin can't understand why he'd want to work in a system like that. But, he supposes, that's why he's a criminal, and Akechi is a cop. ]

Maybe you should think about becoming a vigilante instead of a detective, then. I'll show you the ropes.

[ this time, he's definitely joking... ]

[doublecrowss]

[ He offers a small laugh at that, and while Lupin will probably chalk it up to amusement over that suggestion, it's actually because the gentleman thief is a lot closer to the truth than Akechi would ever admit. ]

I may follow my own sense of justice on occasion, but becoming a vigilante would be far too much. [ Another giggle, and then: ] I don't believe that sense would fashion would suit me, either.

[ Uhuh, yeah right, mr. princely Crow. ]