CLUES of the Past [closed]

((Monday: Fourth week of the third month))

A few days prior, Cheshire and Liseran had received messages from the Beacon office individually stating that they were chosen to take on a temporary job as student hunter and huntress as a part of their training. It was later that they learned from each other that they both received the same job and were heading for the same place. Apparently they were co-workers in this.

The two caught a boat and rode their motorbikes for about a day. Cheshire tried to keep a good face and talk to Liseran along the way but the faunus boy seemed slightly distracted as if his mind was wondering off somewhere.

After hours of driving they managed to reach their destination by mid afternoon. It was a large three story manor surrounded by a large lush green field and fenced inside the boundaries of iron gates. The manor sat on a hill overlooking a small rural town.

Cheshire's tensity seemed to have increased the moment you two entered the town borders. As you road your bikes up the slope towards the manor you leave them parked at the top and walk up the stairs to the front door. Cheshire rings the doorbell and almost immediately a man comes and opens it.

"Ah, you must be the temporary guards from Beacon," the man states. He wore a black suit and his hair was gelled back to a sleek shine. He had a well trimmed goatee and a stiff posture. "You may call me Mr. James Body. I am the owner of this manor. Well come on in, don't catch a cold now."

The well groomed man practically pushes you two into the house and closes the door. There is a long hallway going down from the front lobby leading towards a winding staircase. Along the hallway were six doors, three doorways each slightly ajar along each wall. In the lobby you see a large chandelier above and some chairs. Sitting in one chair is a man wearing a purple tail coat and a violet cloak. He held onto a cane with one hand while his other held onto a book. Like James Body his hair is gelled back and he had a thin mustache. Unlike the host though he had black cow ears. Looking up at you two the man nods.

"New guests?" he asked James Body.

"No Edgar," James Body stated, "They're the temporary body guards until I can hire professionals."

"Well then," Edgar said as he lifted himself off his chair and walked towards the two, his cane tapping against the floor with each step, "My name is Edgar Allen Plum. I am one of several other guests staying here not including the maids and the butlers. It is a pleasure to meet you two."

Liseran didn't know if she was excited or nervous about the mission. Aside from the fact it'd be her first ever, she was going to be in the mission with Cheshire. She was much more at ease with him now since they're rendezvous together but it didn't mean she didn't get butterflies in her stomach when she saw him.

You have to stay professional about this, she kept reminding herself.

They had talked on the boat and it had been natural, but she was still bothered.

That nagging feeling was only appeased after her eyes clasped onto the manor. Large and intricately designed, it made the Vale Archives' setup look like a school library. She and Cheshire were soon introduced inside and greeted by a man known as Edgar Allen Plum. Liseran gave a small bow, not sure if "curtsying" was something guards did.

"Liseran Dormirse, ready for duty," she said. "And it's a pleasure to meet you, too, Mr. Plum."

"Cheshire Schrodinger," Cheshire greeted with a small bow.

"Not sure how I feel about being guarded by kids riding motorcycles," Plum said, "but you two seem to at least have matters."

"The Bandersnatch and the Raven are by no means comparable to common biker thug vehicles," Cheshire stated.

"The Raven..." Edgar murmured as he trailed off in thought, "The Raven... hunters knocking on the door... hunters who fight nevermores..."

Edgar seemed to be deep in thought when his eyes suddenly lit up. "I must find my pen!" He bolts down the hallway and runs up the stairwell in a hurry as if his life was in danger unless he found a pen.

"Don't mind him," James Body said, "Those writers need inspiration as much as we need air. They take it at every chance. Anyway, I welcome you to my humble home. In this floor you will find the dining room, the kitchen, the break room, my studies, the library, and the trophy room. Upstairs are the living quarters. There are two rooms with signs on them. Those are yours to choose from. The guests are in the other rooms. The uppermost floor is the pool and the green house as well as the observatory.

Your job is simple. Walk around, make sure everything is proper and there's no shady characters, take care of any thieves or whatever the like tries to break in, and above all else make sure I'm alive. Understood?"

"Understood sir," Cheshire said with a salute.

"Good. There are some other guests living here but they shouldn't cause you any trouble. You may eat with us at dinner at 6 o'clock but you're not allow to sleep until 1 o'clock in the morning and you best be awake by 5:30. One of you must be at my side all day while the other patrols the house. You seem tall and intimidating so you get to be my shadow first."

Mr. Body was pointing at Cheshire who nodded in recognition. "I'll be in my studies. Please follow me."

Mr. Body turned around and walked towards one of the rooms. Before Cheshire followed he quickly squeezed Liseran's hand and gave her a reassuring look before letting go and walked away to follow Mr. Body to his studies.

Liseran listened carefully to the instructions and reluctantly watched Mr. Body and Cheshire go to his study. Liseran thought about what to do. The mansion was, by no means, "humble" by the looks of it and if Liseran were to guess, there were a lot places a man could go through in order to get in or out.

"I should familiarize myself with the layout," she said decidedly.

She touched the handles of Weeping Cerinthe for a moment, but decided against taking them out, feeling it would draw attention.

Blend in and you'll find those who are trying too hard to do the same.

With that, she left the main room and made her way to the other rooms, starting her duties, nonetheless.

The first room you pass by to your right is the kitchen where you spot a beautiful lady with long white hair wearing a maid uniform. Even though you can spot other maids walking around the mansion, this one is alone in the large kitchen as she prepares food of all sorts. You notice that her maid uniform is slightly different from the others making her stick out that much more. The maid spots you and smiles.

"Well hello there," she says cheerily. "You're one of those new guards right? I saw you come in earlier but didn't get the chance to say hello. My name is Betty White."

Liseran makes sure to keep note of the fact her maid uniform is a bit different and she props her glasses. She feigns a smile.

"Good day," Liseran said as she gave a small bow. "Yes. My name is Liseran Dormirse. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Liseran is alerted to the fact that Betty White is cooking something.

"Preparing for meal time, Ma'am?" she asks.

"Yes, regardless of how much the real maids protest," Ms. White states. "Oh, let me explain. I'm not a maid of this household, not anymore anyway. I'm actually one of the guests here. I used to work for Mr. Body as his head maid you see but now I'm pursuing other careers. He was kind enough to let me stay in one of the guest rooms until I get some solid roots somewhere. Sadly though the rest of these amateurs don't know the first thing about cooking a good meal so I took it upon myself to prepare dinner for tonight... and well every other night. Well come now young lady, don't stand there like a statue."

Ms. White beckons you to come into the kitchen with her, her warm smile reassuring and almost motherly.

Liseran is not entirely sure she trusts Betty White’s statement, but she follows as it would be better to have someone under her eyes rather than not. She brings her glasses closer to her nose.

“Ah, yes, I see,” Liseran says. “I’ll do what I can to assist you, Madame.”

Liseran is led to the kitchen, a large and wide area gleaming with steal and smooth with granite.

“So, Madame,” Liseran says. “Just how long was it that you worked for Mr. Body?”

"A whopping twenty years," she states. "I know, this face is too young to be that old but I assure you that I was one of Mr. Body's most trusted maids. He dared not eat anybody else's Salisbury steak. Speaking of dinner, what kind of food does your companion like?"

"Twenty years..." Liseran muttered.

Upon Betty White asking about her companion, Liseran couldn't help but blush. She turned away a bit.

"O-oh," she said. "He's fine with anything, I guess. In fact, he doesn't eat as much as he should. I'm sure anything prepared would be fine."

She examines some of the ingredients in the kitchen and notices a set of vegetables for a salad.

"Would it be alright if I wash these for you?" Liseran asked.

"Now hold on," Ms White said smirking, "Before we talk about salad let's talk about your friend. He's a new guest at our table tonight and I want to make sure he and you feel welcomed. He has to like something. Ever seen him order at a restaurant?"

Liseran felt uncomfortable about where the conversation was leading, but she definitely remembered the time they had been at a restaurant and he ordered. It wasn't the best moment of that happy day, but she remembered all the same.

"Shrimp carbonara with a little extra parmesan," Liseran said as she fixed her glasses again. "That's what I recall he ordered."

"Oh, so he's the type who likes his cheese eh?" Betty stated as she fished some shrimp from out of the freezer, "And we can't forget seafood. I should have known that black cat's got a thing for fish. Now..."

In almost an instant, Betty had set up a variety of ingredients on the kitchen counter. She crosses her arms and smiles at Liseran.

"How would you like me to teach you how to cook for your boyfriend?"

Liseran could feel the blood rush up to her cheeks but she put her glasses down and began buffering them nervously.

"M-Mr. Schrodinger and I are here for p-professional b-business," she said. She put her glasses back on and cleared her throat. "Though...it'd be a shame if you were to prepare dinner alone. So I'll help..."

"Oh my god you are so cu~ute!" Ms. White squealed giddily like a school girl, "You can act coy all you want but I saw the way you two were when you were together. Now, first I'd like you to help with the soup. First chop these vegetables into bits like this. See that? Here's the knife, now you try."

Betty White smiled warmly with every word and direction. She gave off a motherly atmosphere but at the same time she was almost like an older sister.

"Learning how to cook is the pride of every woman in love," Betty stated, "When you see your man eat your cooking and like it I guarantee you'll feel happier then you can possibly imagine. Young lady, you are about to undergo housewife training!"

Liseran's cheeks felt hotter than the surface of a stove, but followed instructions obediently all the same. She knew basic cooking skills and, at home, her punishment kitchen duty had taught her a couple of dishes.

This did not stop her however from imagining Cheshire's face at her own home and eating something she made. Just thinking about it made her feel all the more flustered and she was close to hitting her own head with a wooden spoon, but this wasn't her own kitchen.

Professional! Liseran urged herself.

It then occurred to her that there was something strange about Ms. White's statement, but she cast it aside as the woman gave her another set of instructions. As she did, she chopped the light vegetables evenly, trying to enjoy the small "lesson".

She also wondered where Cheshire was. She knew he was with Mr. James Body but what could he thinking about right now?

Way more professional than I am, I'm sure, Liseran thought with a sigh.

Betty white continues to instruct you on how to make the clam and potatoes chowder as well as a recipe for her special shrimp and chicken carbonara.

Meanwhile in Mr. Body's studies...

"Knight takes pawn," Cheshire mumbles as he moves the black wooden chess piece and knocks over a white painted pawn.

"Ah ha!" Mr. Body exclaimed, "Now I've got you! My bishop takes your knight!" Mr. Body moves the proclaimed chess piece halfway across the board and knocks over Cheshire's knight. "Ah ha! Captured your knight!"

"Yes you did," Cheshire deadpanned. He reached over and moved one of his pawns one space. "But next turn my pawn will enter your territory and I will gain a queen. Much more valuable then a knight won't you say?"

Mr. Body stares at the board intently. He remained silent, scratching his chin as he glared at the board and the pieces scattered around it. ".... Do over."

"That is against the rules Mr. Body," Cheshire deadpanned.

"Please let me do over my turn..." Mr. Body whined.

"I will regain my queen next turn Mr. Body," Cheshire stated.

Mr. Body shakes his head in dismay. "I'm getting my rear handed to me by a mere student. Where have I gone wrong..." Mr. Body leans back and lets out a tired sigh. "Speaking of regaining your queen, care to tell me your relation with that huntress you came with?"

"It's your turn Mr. Body," Cheshire said bluntly, though his eyes have narrowed and his face was starting to redden.

"Good show old cat," Mr. Body smiled, "Glad to see your heart finally started beating again."

"You asked me to play a game with you Mr. Body," Cheshire stated, obviously trying to shange the conversation, "You should at least play all the way."

"Right, right," Body grumbled as he quickly moved a chess piece without really thinking about it, "But you certainly surprised me. I haven't seen you in so long and here you've come as an intern bodyguard."

"I know the area well so it was only natural that I would be picked to be assigned here," Cheshire stated as he moved his pawn, replacing it with a queen.

"Indeed," Mr. Body nodded, "So will you be visiting that girl while you're here? She's been waiting for you."

"I talk to her every night. She couldn't have missed me that much," Cheshire stated, "But I will find some time to visit her personally. Don't tell Liseran alright?"

"Lips are sealed," Mr. Body stated, "There are some things better left be. I'm sure the other guests of the house will honor the same."

"Checkmate," Cheshire deadpanned.

"GAH! Rematch!" Mr. Body demanded.
~~~

In the kitchen the chowder is already simmering in the pot and Ms. White is now teaching Liseran how to season the shrimp to give it a better aroma and more flavor.

"Here's a little trick. I like to do," she stated, "Sprinkle just a little curry powder over the shrimp and stir fry it lightly in garlic, onions, and melted butter. Keep the flame at a medium temperature so you don't accidentally singe the shrimp."

"Who knew such concentration was needed for shrimp?" Liseran smiled as she asked Ms. White. Once they were done, Liseran inhaled the aroma deeply. "It smells wonderful."

She could see that Betty White was pleased by that statement and after a while, they finished making the entire dish. But Liseran had already let too much time pass.

"I really enjoyed that," Liseran smiled as she gave a polite bow to the ex-maid. "However, I should really continue making rounds to make sure everything's okay. Such a dish should be savored undisturbed during mealtime."

"Oh yes of course. I'm so sorry," Ms. White apologized, "Yes, you should go back to your real job. Oh, and don't worry..." Ms. White winked at Liseran. "I'll make sure your boyfriend gets a nice big plate of your cooking."

Liseran's cheeks turned red again and her glasses fogged up. Regardless, she made a small bow to Ms. White.

"Thanks once again," Liseran said. "I hope you can manage alone."

With that, she left the kitchen to go around the manor once more. It felt much bigger now for some reason, but perhaps this was because the all the lights that were now on. She went from room to room, trying to memorize the layout and noticed no one was really around yet.

Probably getting ready for dinner, she reflected.

She then wondered if she needed to get ready for dinner. If that was necessary. After all, she was in her combat outfit and though she had worn it most of her meal times in the archives, it might not do with the fancy company.

A little later, she thought. Maybe I should go scout around outside the manor, too.

The outside of the manor has no irregularities other then some under watered petunias. The gardener is hard at work trimming the hedges. On the back patio there is a broad man wearing a yellow army formal dress. He had a large number of ribbons pinned on and his insignia showed that he was the rank of General. His face was hardened and he had a large but well groomed mustache that connected with his bangs. He sat on a patio chair with a glass of pink lemonade. He was gazing out at the garden. His eyes even followed some bees buzzing around.

"Ah," he sighed, "I do so love the sight of white roses and bumblebees. The image is best viewed with some gold ol' pink."

The man in army formal dress sipped from his glass of pink lemonade and continued following the bumblebees and watched for the white roses.

The sight of such a high-positioned man made Liseran feel a bit nervous and despite wanting to smoothly walk behind him, a stray arching root caught hold of her boot and she tripped with a loud scream.

The army man turned around, both startled and intrigued, but Liseran got up as fast as she could and dusted herself. Her glasses were tilted a bit, so she straightened them. Without further ado, she bowed apologetically.

"Good evening, sir," she said. "I'm so sorry to have surprised and disturbed you. Anyways..um.."

She cursed herself for fumble and gave a brief salute.

"Liseran Dormirse, sir," she said. "I'm just here on a small patrol. Don't let me bother you any further, so if you could excuse me..."

She was just about to leave the way around and, lo and behold, her other foot caught hold of the stray root again and she tripped onto the ground again with a yelp.

"Oh dear," the general said he lifted himself off the chair and hopped off the patio to aid Liseran. He attempted to help pick her off the ground. He was a fairly strong man for his age, his gray hair only distracting frmm the wrinkles on his face and hands.

"Are you alright young lady?" he asks, "Wait, you're a new face around here. Ah, you must be the new temporary guard. No need for formalities young lady, I'm retired. I'm General Winston Mustardhill, but you can just call me Mustard."

"O-o-oh!" Liseran said as she awkwardly stood up. "Thank you for your help, kind sir. It's a pleasure to meet you General Mustardhill....uhm...I mean, Mustard."

She dusted herself again and fixed her glasses.

"Yes, I am one of the temporary guards," Liseran confirmed. "I thought I'd scout the area around to familiarize myself."

And then, with a little mutter in her voice,

"But in seems the roots have already gotten the best of me."

The crickets were chirping and the moon was extremely bright. It gave the roses a nice pale tint.

"Uhm, forgive me for asking, sir," Liseran said as she fixed her glasses. "But what is a kind gentleman such as yourself doing alone out here? I'm sure its much warmer inside."

"You have learn to enjoy the finer things in life," Mustard stated, "When you're at my age you learn that peace is the best past time.... besides..." The retired general raises a hand and rubs the side of his temple, a pained look on his face. "That idiot Plum just kept on rambling. He's in the room next to mine and he just kept on and on mumbling something about a raven and his chambers and something about nevermores. It sounded creepy and I wanted some peace."