View source for 12796/The Incredibly Strange Tree Creatures Who Stopped Behaving And Became Mixed-Up Pants Thieves

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2022/09/15
|Location=Kian's estate, Kyshan
|Synopsis=Mike's clothes were mostly found.&nbsp; Agatha O'Neil already knows how to fly.&nbsp; And Terry is in Shíri's sights.&nbsp; No, for his artwork.
|Cast of Characters=348,384,339,2900
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:348|Kian (348)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kían was able to address Mike's involuntary lack of clothing, as best as possible under the circumstances.&nbsp; House sensors took the Earthman's measurements, and produced some clothing for him—predictably, a few kilts and sleeveless shirts.&nbsp; Which, depending on one's point of view, is preferable to going '''completely''' native.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, whatever it is that's so irresistable about Mike's clothing, they can figure that out later.&nbsp; The first thing they have to do is '''find''' his clothes, which are probably scattered throughout the canopy hosting Kían's home.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"They build clusters of nests," Kían explains, "maybe four or five in a group, little dome shaped affairs."&nbsp; He's still wearing the translator to counteract the degradation of his accent, and his sister is wearing another.&nbsp; Because of course Shíri would want to help out on a job like this!&nbsp; "Honestly, I don't really have a good idea where they are, I try to leave them alone other than feeding them.&nbsp; Try not to disturb them too much, please.&nbsp; They're perfectly harmless, but if they start climbing out of their dens with drums, torches and spears, we might be in trouble."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He tries to sound completely serious, and manages it for a whole three seconds before the gigglefit takes over.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:384|Michael Hannigan (384)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Of all the words Mike could probably use to describe his visit to Kian's home, 'boring' was not one of them.&nbsp; It has indeed been full of new experiences.&nbsp; New foods, new doors, new sports… heck, he even got to feel what it's like to fly with his senses all intact without having the assistance of a super holding him in the process.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then there's this.&nbsp; Clothing stolen by rodents.&nbsp; Stripped of all of his clothes save for some socks, Mike has ended up wearing something quite different.&nbsp; Instead of his usual solid colored jeans and tee combination, often times sourced form a nearby Goodwill.&nbsp; Mike is instead sporting a black utility kilt that was supplied by Kian.&nbsp; With it ending just above the knees, it actually covers a tad more than his board shorts so he's reasonably covered form the waist down.&nbsp; The sleeveless shirt, while made after taking the measurements seems to be left back at the home in the guest room.&nbsp; With the windows closed.&nbsp; Just in case they find a way to take the kilt too.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The musician listens to the explanation.&nbsp; "So, are the nests like, half spheres but just perfectly rounded, or full spheres with a hole for entrance?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:339|Terry O'Neil (339)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You say that now," Human Terry says, arms crossed and a smirk on his face, "but remember: I am the student of a sentient ninja turtle.&nbsp; Never underestimate the potential for life to evolve in surprising ways."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Agatha shakes her head.&nbsp; "Terry, that doesn't count."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Why not, mom?&nbsp; They've got even more advanced science.&nbsp; Who knows what oozes are oozing around here?"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The woman gives a slight, exasperated sight, and then smiles a little.&nbsp; "I have a theory.&nbsp; Entertain me, if you will—" the private investigator says, brushing her hair back off a side of her face, "—there is something about Mister&nbsp;Drago that these creatures find fascinating.&nbsp; Pheromone.&nbsp; A particular scent in his sweat.&nbsp; Something that becomes permeated in his clothing…."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So we use Nick as bait!" Terry says.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Terry, no–"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2900|Madison Evans (2900)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Madison already has a set of wings strapped on, and is peering oveer the edge of the balcony, turning this way and that in search of the rascally critters.&nbsp; "Bait sounds like a great idea!" she declares brightly.&nbsp; "But like—maybe we use food as bait?&nbsp; What do they like?&nbsp; Or— ummm… hrm.&nbsp; I could try to use my Jedi Mind Tricks on them—I've gotten those to work on an animal once before!&nbsp; And a Queen once!&nbsp; Or… hrm.&nbsp; …they're not sentient, are they?" she asks curiously, looking between the gathered bird people.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This is going to be like a treasure hunt or scavenger hunt of something!&nbsp; It'll be fun!"&nbsp; Sure.&nbsp; So long as it's not her ''own'' stuff that's missing.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:348|Kian (348)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"They ignored food in the presence of Mike's pants," Kían says, somehow with a completely straight face, "so I don't know that '''that''' is going to work."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shíri nods.&nbsp; "Your pants must be something special," she says to Mike.&nbsp; "I've never known ''rut'yw'' to ignore free food."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Anyway," Kían continues, "they're little half-dome dens, usually tucked into where two large branches meet, there'll be a cluster of them.&nbsp; I wouldn't call them perfect spheres, just rounded."&nbsp; He steps into the air, without bothering to look down.&nbsp; "The main problem is that they're going to be trunkwards, which is going to make them awkward to get to.&nbsp; The little critters have an easier time getting deep into the tree than we will."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He turns to Agatha.&nbsp; "We're pretty sure it's something in his clothes from Earth.&nbsp; They not only ignored him, given a choice between him and his pants, but also stole clothes direct from his room while he was out here with me."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:384|Michael Hannigan (384)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hearing the suggestion to use him as bait, Mike turns his head to look over to Terry.&nbsp; Considering the experiment that led to him having NO clothes beyond the socks, he shakes his head.&nbsp; With a pause, he takes off his shoe and proceeds to take off a sock.&nbsp; "They also went after stuff I hadn't even worn yet," he points out.&nbsp; "Although they did leave me my shoes."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He holds up the sock as an offering for said 'bait'.&nbsp; He'll keep the other one.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:339|Terry O'Neil (339)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Terry ponders this information, seemingly trying to puzzle things out.&nbsp; "Well, they haven't gone after ''my'' clothes or anyone else's…."&nbsp; He hmmms.&nbsp; "Okay, can you think of anything, anything at all that would set your clothes apart from ours?&nbsp; Outside of, you know, you being a rock star and therefore buying all of your clothes from the most ''recherché'' and exquisite tailors, of course."&nbsp; This last bit is said with a wink, as the Cheshire teases Nick.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The sock will probably work.&nbsp; But we should have some form of concealment," Agatha points out, "in order to set up the perfect bait.&nbsp; As I understand it, Madison can become invisible.&nbsp; But that will not keep us hidden from whatever acute senses they posses."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Not necessary, mom!" Terry pipes up.&nbsp; "If I turn into the Cheshire, I can make the rest of us invisible… and I could mask our scents with illusion… that way we could make a bait and lure them out…."&nbsp; He frowns.&nbsp; "How does that sound?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2900|Madison Evans (2900)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ooo!&nbsp; Oh!&nbsp; Do you want to ''see'' me go invisible?!" Madison asks immediately, and eagerly.&nbsp; Then she pauses a beat as she seems to realize— "You know what I mean," she adds sheepishly.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She concentrates for a moment and then—poof.&nbsp; Simply vanishes in place.&nbsp; She does a little twirl—that no one can see—which unbalances her on the edge of the balcony, and sends her tumbling over with a startled squeak, followed by, "It's okay!&nbsp; I have wings!"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She flies herself the few feet back to the edge of the balcony, before her voice comes out of nowhere to ask, "So—we put out the bait and then—what?&nbsp; Try to follow it back?&nbsp; Do we wanna put like—a tracker or something in the sock?&nbsp; In case we lose them?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:348|Kian (348)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I don't think we need to hide from them," Shíri remarks, flitting upwards, "and we've got an idea where they are, it's just a matter of finding the dens and seeing which ones have his clothing.&nbsp; The hard part is going to be finding them.&nbsp; Even if we coax one out with his sock, it might not be a ''rut'' that has any of his other stuff."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kían nods.&nbsp; "Chances are they're going to be the ones nearer this balcony.&nbsp; It looked like his pants were awkward to fly with, so they probably didn't go far."&nbsp; He glances to his right, where a couple ''rut'yw'' can be seen gliding.&nbsp; "I know there's a bunch over there, so it's as good a place to start as any."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You know the drill: effortless wingflick, and he and his sister are on their way.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:384|Michael Hannigan (384)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh yes.&nbsp; The fine tailors of Gudhwhill," Mike agrees, giving a tilt of the nose upwards.&nbsp; The musician gives a smile, shaking his head.&nbsp; "Uh, yeah the stage persona does tend to use name brand but I packed my usuals.&nbsp; Other than where I bought them, the only thing I can think of is that they were packed in the same bag on the way over and since I'm not exactly sharing a place with any of you that I probably use different products to do laundry with."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mike turns his head to Madison's suggestion of a tracker.&nbsp; "…I like that idea.&nbsp; I'm running out of the clothes I brought.&nbsp; Do we have a tracker?"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Do we have a tracker.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;HAHAHAHA!<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's the Titans!&nbsp; Of cours—<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;—Oh right vacation.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Do they?<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So, it appears that the bait option's getting shot down anyways.&nbsp; Making use of the pockets on the kilt, Mike shoves the sock into one.&nbsp; "Orrrr we just look for nests.&nbsp; Got it."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a hop, Mike flies up as well to have a look.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:339|Terry O'Neil (339)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That's very impressive, Madison," Agatha says, "just make sure you don't—" and Madison plunges, invisibly.&nbsp; And then she flies up.&nbsp; "That."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, then, nest-hunting it is.&nbsp; Off we go!" Terry says, maneuvering to follow after the rest.&nbsp; "It's just the second star to the right—"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And straight on 'til morning, Terry, but that is the wrong storybook," Agatha observes.&nbsp; She has taken to wings with incredible ease, almost as if she has done this before, which is something that mystifies Terry to no end.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You know, for all we know, Neverland actually exists somewhere," the red-headed boy says.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Agatha frowns as she flies behind her son, and then says quietly, "…Heaven help us."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2900|Madison Evans (2900)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh, I'm fine, Ms.&nbsp;O'Neil, no need to worry about me!&nbsp; I'm a ''Titan''."&nbsp; Yes.&nbsp; She's still slipping that fact into conversation whenever possible.&nbsp; It'd be insufferable if she weren't so difficult to be annoyed with.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"If we ever go to Neverland I am ''definitely'' going!" Madison's voice replies.&nbsp; She leaps off the balcony with the others, searching around her for some of the creatures though—she belatedly realizes she's not sure which of the planet's wildlife they're looking for.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Is that one of the culprits?" she asks.&nbsp; She points—without seeming to realize that no one can see the gestures.&nbsp; Oh, Madison.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:348|Kian (348)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I don't think you still need to be invisible, Maddie," Kían suggests.&nbsp; "Especially because that means none of us can see you if we need to avoid running into you.&nbsp; And the ''rut'yw'' are used to us.&nbsp; They're not tame, but they're pretty well socialized."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shíri has gone higher up and landed on a branch, peering into the depths of the tree.&nbsp; "They're… uh… I don't know an Eart' animal to compare them to."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Raccoony, with a gliding membrane.&nbsp; And not quite as big as an Earth raccoon.&nbsp; And cute enough to get away with stealing things," Kían explains, finding a lower branch to perch on, looking for signs of their dens.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:339|Terry O'Neil (339)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Terry and Agatha take to orbiting carefully, while Mike follows Shiri's lead.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, then," Terry asks, frowning, "how ''do'' we find out the right nest?&nbsp; Look for the ''rut'wy'' who look like they're about to go on a photoshoot?"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I don't think they have photoshoots here, Terry, your reference isn't universal enough," Agatha says blithely, but her eyes are paying attention as she varies her angle for better viewing.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Okay, like they're going to go put on a concert."&nbsp; Terry pauses.&nbsp; "…you ''do'' have concerts here, right?&nbsp; You don't just link minds and ''think'' music at each other?"&nbsp; That would be terrible.&nbsp; He would have the hardest time with his stream of thought not getting interrupted by commercial jingles and, eventually, returning to Leslie Hall's 'Body Rolls' song.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2900|Madison Evans (2900)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh.&nbsp; Right!&nbsp; I forgot, sorry!"&nbsp; A moment later, Madison is back—carefully trying to glide through the branches with a look of concentration on her features.&nbsp; That is, until Kian describes the culprits.&nbsp; "OH!&nbsp; Space raccoons!&nbsp; I met a space raccoon at Coney&nbsp;Island, once.&nbsp; I fed him funnel cake!&nbsp; He liked it.&nbsp; He traded the guy a mechanical eye for the funnel cakes."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She ends up landing on a thick bough, deep inside the tree, looking around for the critters before suggesting, "We could think Tom&nbsp;Lehrer at them, Terry.&nbsp; ''Spring is here, spring is here, life is skittles and life is beer!&nbsp; I think the loveliest time of the year is the spring, I do.&nbsp; Don't you?&nbsp; Of '''course''' you do…''" <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:348|Kian (348)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh, no.&nbsp; Although we do have instruments that are mentally controlled.&nbsp; Outside of ritual, we avoid having that many minds in sync.&nbsp; It's disconcerting.&nbsp; Dis-'''concert'''-ing?&nbsp; Anyway, no, concerts are listened to for the most part, because the other problem is you can't help but feel if several others don't like a particular piece, and that makes it hard to enjoy it yourself."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"If 'photo shoot' means what I think it does," Shíri says, addressing Agatha, "we have those.&nbsp; In three dimensions.&nbsp; You should see some of the trimensionals Kian has of ''qihár'' stars.&nbsp; Especially—"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Perhaps not entirely coincidentally, Kían cuts her off: "Found a nest!&nbsp; Nnh.&nbsp; That's in there deep.&nbsp; But I think I see fabric dangling out of one of the openings."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:339|Terry O'Neil (339)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I understand," Agatha says to Shiri with a smile, "Terry had similar pictures of Ga—"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"MOM!" Terry says, a ''little'' too loud.&nbsp; And then becomes intensely interested in the bit of fabric dangling out.&nbsp; "Look!&nbsp; There's a clue.&nbsp; So how do we—will they bite if we try to get the cloth ourselves?" he asks.&nbsp; And then he snaps his fingers.&nbsp; "Wait… Maddie could Force Fetch it, right?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2900|Madison Evans (2900)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It isn't called Force Fetch!" Madison protests with a giggle.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At least it stops her from finishing the song.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She creeps along the bough, looking for a better vantage point on the bit of cloth.&nbsp; "Okay.&nbsp; Looks like a shirt.&nbsp; Uhhh—was it one of those shirts with 'stylish' holes in it, or have they been gnawing at it?" she asks.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Without pausing for a response, the little Jedi holds a hand out towards it, concentrating as she closes her hands into a fist as if grabbing it, and starts to pull it out, and towards herself. <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:348|Kian (348)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kían shakes his head.&nbsp; "I've never known them to bite anyone, but Maddie extracting it will be the easiest way, if she can.&nbsp; It gets pretty thick in there."&nbsp; It does, too—and while perhaps not as impressive as the redwoods Kían saw on their interrupted drive back from California a year ago, these are impressive old trees.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The shirt responds, appearing to extract itself from the den only fitfully.&nbsp; When it does come free, there are two ''rut'yw'' clinging to it, chittering with some annoyance.&nbsp; Since they can only glide and not fly, they're not so much engaged in a tug-of-war with Maddie as they are along for the ride.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:339|Terry O'Neil (339)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nick recognizes his shirt, and Terry laughs.&nbsp; "Well, the little thieves…."&nbsp; The redhead glides to intercept the shirt and, potentially, catch one of the ''rut'yw'', but gently.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Terry, how many times have I told you ''not'' to reach out for wild animals?" Agatha calls out after him.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hello, have you seen who I'm dating?" is the answer.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His mother shakes her head and confides to Nick, "It would do him well to get bitten for that.&nbsp; To teach him a lesson."&nbsp; And then she wonders, "They wouldn't have rabies, would they?&nbsp; Or a similar disease on this world—"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2900|Madison Evans (2900)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"SPACE rabies!" Madison declares dramatically.&nbsp; "DUN DUN DUUUUUUUN!"&nbsp; Still, there's a grin on her features as she continues to lift the shirt with a gesture—relinquishing her control of it once Terry has hold.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh hey!&nbsp; I think some underoos!&nbsp; Are those Spongebob Squarepants?" she asks—teasing Nick lightly.&nbsp; It seems some boxers were pulled out—or maybe just revealed—when she lifted the shirt.&nbsp; She transfers her attention to that next, giving another tug with a gesture, concentrating on the bit of cloth.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:348|Kian (348)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"They don't bite," Kían says confidently.&nbsp; "And they shouldn't have any diseases.&nbsp; Oh, that shirt is pretty ruined, yeah."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I see another one up here," Shíri calls down.&nbsp; "I think I can get to it!"&nbsp; And she disappears into the foliage.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm not sure any of these will be wearable again, are we just looking for them on principle?" Kían asks reasonably.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A couple of branches crack from above.&nbsp; "I'm okay!" Shíri yells, knowing that she's surrounded by professional rescuing types and an alpha mom and wishing to head off an overhelpful incursion.&nbsp; "And I see two pairs of pants and a shirt and an awfully smug-looking ''rut'' sitting on them."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:339|Terry O'Neil (339)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I am sure we could do a patch job of them," Agatha says.&nbsp; "Not me.&nbsp; I never learned to do that, but—"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But you learned to fly somehow at some point?" Terry finally says, succumbing to curiosity.&nbsp; The red-headed woman glances at her son and gives him a smile.&nbsp; "I spent a few years as a hang-gliding instructor in Maui.&nbsp; It's not too dissimilar.&nbsp; Except, of cours—"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Wait," Terry stops her, "you lived in MAUI?&nbsp; We could have lived in MAUI?&nbsp; You—you moved to ''Brooklyn'' after living in MAUI?"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Not now, Terry.&nbsp; We've got to get Nick's clothes back," Agatha says, and off she goes towards Shiri's voice.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The redhead just stares, and says rather miserably, "I would've liked living by the beach, you know…."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2900|Madison Evans (2900)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I grew up in Southern California," Madison remarks—before adding more quietly, "Still miss it, you know?"&nbsp; But—now she lives in Happy&nbsp;Harbor.&nbsp; And she's a ''Titan''—so the move was worth it.&nbsp; Even if she does still miss her home.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"OH!" she adds, as she frees the piece of fabric, and floats it into her hands.&nbsp; "I get it!&nbsp; It's ''swim trunks''!&nbsp; No wonder they're so colorful.&nbsp; Gosh, he really was ready for anything on this trip, huh?"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Peering at the nest she adds, "I don't see anymore in this one!&nbsp; Unless it's deeper in."&nbsp; She then starts crawling along the bough, looking for a better vantage point to find more clothes.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:348|Kian (348)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hang gliding?" Kían asks mildly.&nbsp; "And we do live near a beach, Terry, it's right outside the Tower!&nbsp; You can't tell me you've never noticed it."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I've seen inside his head," Shíri calls down.&nbsp; "You can't tell me it's impossible for him to miss it."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Good point."&nbsp; Kían throws a big innocent grin at Terry.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Another small crack from above.&nbsp; "I'm okay!&nbsp; This thing doesn't want to give up any of these—I'm going to haul him out of here, someone get Mike's stuff while I'm distracting fuzzy here."&nbsp; She emerges from the treetops holding a pair of jeans by one leg, while a ''rut'' dangles from the other, obviously unwilling to surrender its prize.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:339|Terry O'Neil (339)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I am feeling incredibly attacked at the moment," Terry says, crossing his arms with a smirk, "and so I will have to be convinced to take part of this recovery operation."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Agatha, on the other hand, zooms towards Mike's stuff while the ''rut'' is being tangled with.&nbsp; "This isn't too different from cleaning Terry's room back in high school.&nbsp; Of course, this time I don't have to dig through the pockets to make sure there aren't any drawings of—"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"NEVERMIND I'M COMING TO HELP RIGHT NOW YOU DON'T HAVE TO TIRE YOURSELF OUT MOM," Terry says, suddenly zooming away to help with the recovery operation this time.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2900|Madison Evans (2900)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I draw Wookiees and Mon Calamari and such in the margins of my notes at school," Madison supplies helpfully for Terry.&nbsp; "And an evil duck with vampire fangs and a cloak, who only ever says 'QUACK.'"&nbsp; She tries to make it sound as sinister as possible but—com'on.&nbsp; It's 'Quack'.&nbsp; It's a heavy lift.&nbsp; "And sometimes I try to draw Darth&nbsp;Vader taking an AT-AT out for a walk.&nbsp; You really don't need to be ashamed of your drawings."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She leaps across to another branch—and that's when she spots another of the nests.&nbsp; "Got come more!&nbsp; Gosh.&nbsp; It looks like they really packed it all in there…." <br> <br>

:'''{{#var:348|Kian (348)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"They're clever little things," Kían says, giggling as Terry goes rocketing by.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Aw, no!"&nbsp; Shiri's unhappy passenger seems to have noticed that there's a raid going on at its den and releases the pants leg, catches a favorable breeze, and heads back upwards to defend its ill-gotten property.&nbsp; "Kíi?"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm on it."&nbsp; He flits up to cut off the returning ''rut'', which chitters crankily at him.&nbsp; "You probably want to be quick in there, if he gets into the tree I won't be able to block him."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Just think of it as ''qihár'' practice.&nbsp; And did someone say Terry can draw?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:339|Terry O'Neil (339)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh yes," Agatha immediately starts piling Nick's clothing articles into her arms, ready to beat a hasty retreat out of there with the plundered and re-possessed garments, "he practiced a lot and he got quite good.&nbsp; It was more involved than doodles on his notes, Madison, these were fully detailed drawings.&nbsp; He seemed to particularly enjoy drawing—"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"FOR THE HORDE!"&nbsp; That's Terry, trying to run interference and distraction on two different fronts—away from his mother's revelation, and towards the ''rut''—he is honest-to-goodness going for a tackle-grab, going full Elmyra Fudd on the ''rut''.&nbsp; He will do his best to hold on to it and might even let the wings stop supporting him for a second so that his weight pulls the ''rut'' out of his favorable breeze and forces him to hold on to Terry, who will then try to hold on to it.&nbsp; And try to soothe it a bit.&nbsp; After all, they're just trying to get the things back, not hurt the little guys.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And Terry is totally ''not'' thinking about potentially acquiring a new pet.&nbsp; No siree.&nbsp; It would be an absolutely terrible idea for him to bring a pet that has the propensity for stealing people's clothes.&nbsp; That would be a disaster.&nbsp; Absolutely disastrous.&nbsp; "What do these guys eat, anyways?" he says, asking for a friend.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:2900|Madison Evans (2900)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I wanna see Terry's drawings!" Madison says brightly—seemingly oblivious to Terry's distress.&nbsp; What could really be that embarrassing about ''art'', anyways?<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Even while she's egging the situation on—she's pulling a massive plug of pilfered clothes out of the one of the nests—with several of the strange raccoon-ish creatures holding on for dear life.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You know.&nbsp; My mom was very specific about how I wasn't allowed to bring any alien life home with me.&nbsp; Man.&nbsp; Such a ''drag'', huh?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:348|Kian (348)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Leaves, berries, anything they can pilfer, and you can't bring one back with us, they're social animals, that's why they build their dens in clusters."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kían adds after a moment, "And you shouldn't bring back a dozen either.&nbsp; They have no natural predators on Earth, they'd be uncontrolled and quit looking at me like you think that's a reason '''to''' bring them back!"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The ''rut'' squirms and struggles—but like Kían has said repeatedly, it does not bite.&nbsp; Its clawing can charitably be described as half-assed, like it's only trying to make its displeasure known, not actually be a danger.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shíri has tied the pants legs around her waist so she doesn't have to carry them, and swoops down to help Terry with the ''rut''.&nbsp; "I think I recognize this one.&nbsp; He acts like you should be honored to give him treats.&nbsp; He's noisy but harmless."&nbsp; The ''rut'' paws ineffectively at the pants just out of its reach.&nbsp; "Artist, huh?&nbsp; Brother-by-choice, you and I need to talk…."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:339|Terry O'Neil (339)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No—it was a phase.&nbsp; I haven't drawn for '''years''', I'm way too rusty, and it was just—yeah—no you don't want to see my drawings.&nbsp; And by this point they're probably all—"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"In the fourth drawer of your old dresser, Terry," Agatha says, helpfully.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"MOM—this is patently unfair.&nbsp; Kate gets a land shark for her troubles but I can't have my own cadre of flying thieving raccoons.&nbsp; There is no justice in this world," he says, and looks at the ''rut'' pawing at him.&nbsp; "None whatsoever, eh little guy?&nbsp; You don't get Nick's pants, and I don't get you, although, come to think of it, I at least have gotten int—"&nbsp; He pauses, realizing where his wandering mind is taking him, and amends, "—to enough trouble already.&nbsp; Alright, let's grab the things and get back.&nbsp; Before we find another awesome thing I am ''not'' supposed to do."<br> <br>
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