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[retroductions]

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[likewinning]

Yes, by all means! I will be waiting in the lobby of the motel with it.

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Then I will be there posthaste with my loyal Stradivarius in tow. We will make a rehearsal out of it!

[He doesn't leave him waiting for long, either. It only takes him a few minutes to show up at the motel lobby; violin held under his arm, the bow in one hand.]

I arrived as quickly as I could. And you'll be pleased to know that my violin remains in tune.

[likewinning]

[ Emmet has the sheet music in hand, Conductor Joltik perched on his shoulder as usual. He smiles brightly, waving. ]

Quickly indeed! You were verrrry prompt.

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Music waits for no one.

[Or he's just very curious to know what's been picked out. Sholmes strides forward.]

And good morning to you, too, Mr Conductor. Now, let us see what compositions the both of you have chosen.

[likewinning]

[ Joltik chirps a greeting! While Emmet hands both pieces over. ]

They are companion songs. He was obsessed with these when we were teenagers. If I still remember them all these years later, then surely he must as well, somehow.

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[Sholmes takes the sheet music and—holding his bow beneath one arm along with the violin—begins rifling through both songs. The musical structure itself is not so wildly surprising, but perhaps the theming itself is.

He can't help but laugh when he's finished skimming.]

I must admit, this is not precisely what I expected. But I am glad to be surprised — romance, betrayal, violent death, tragedy. All the markings of a Gothic novel, but in song. Even I would not have guessed it.

[likewinning]

[ It's okay, Emmet is grinning a bit himself. ]

Right? I remember not caring much at the time because— well, you can see it for yourself. It is verrrry dramatic! I can see why he was drawn to it, of course, but it is still rather sad. And dramatic.

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Quite dramatic. But that suits me fine.

[He is too easily bored to not find some amusement in a very melodramatic piece. Better this than some tired, conventional composition.]

Not that it is about me at all. Now, then… an arrangement for the violin should be simple enough. One need only follow the melody. However, the story itself relies heavily upon the lyrics, which begs the question: will you be singing, Mr Emmet, as I play accompaniment?

[likewinning]

I—

[ He hadn't considered that at all. Emmet stares at him blankly for a moment. ]

Me?

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[Continues smiling!!]

Yes! You! Who else? You already possess a degree of familiarity with the work.

[likewinning]

Well . . .

[ He hesitates briefly, then looks at Joltik. ]

. . . I actually do have to do some sort of performance with the Conductor here for an Echidna quest, anyway. Though they were thinking more of a light show or something, but I suppose we could incorporate him.

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Then it could not be more perfect. Mr Conductor would make a fine musical companion, even if it is just to illuminate himself along with the melody. Or flare brightly at the most dramatic lines and crescendos.

[likewinning]

Yes. Yes! I think that could work. If it is for my brother's memory and the completion of a quest, then I can absolutely do it.

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[Sholmes seems pleased. It is turning out to be very much a performance, which is something to look forward to — much more if it aids Emmet's brother even a little.]

You are a very caring brother, aren't you?

[likewinning]

We are all we had for the longest time. Of course I am.

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Still, it is heartening to see. So you've no other family?

[likewinning]

[ shakes his head. ]

We were raised by our grandparents.

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Then I can only reiterate what I have said before: strange as these circumstances may be, it is a blessing that you have found him in this place. There is nothing quite like the bond between brothers.

[likewinning]

Yes. As strange as it is, I am verrrry grateful to at least have him here. Even if he barely remembers me.

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The latter is what we hope to solve, of course. One step at a time.

…And gently, I suppose. He did mention something about you humiliating him before, in order to spark a memory?

[likewinning]

Oh, that.

He forgot I was asexual, so I pretended I was having sex with lots and lots of people here to see if he would remember. I had a number of conspirators who were all too happy to help.

It worked.

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[pfffbbtt what?]

I—

[Sholmes holds back another burst of laughter, this time feigning clearing his throat into his hand.]

Forgive me. I should not find that as amusing as it is.

[likewinning]

It was a good plan, was it not? My next one is almost as good, if not quite as funny.

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[This man says it with such a straight face that it is so hard not to find it funny. But Sholmes keeps his composure!]

But it does not require a lie, which I am sure your brother will appreciate.

[likewinning]

Actually, the best part about my last plan was that I did not lie to him. I never outright said I was having sex with people. We all merely . . . potentially implied it and let his mind run wild.

[ He pulls out another Pokeball, tapping at it. ]

I guess you could say I have two plans now, given the one we have concocted already. And this one will not require any lying either.