Scratch

A message shared by the Pigeons:

Have you got a mystery that needs a solution? Are you, or do you know, a Spirit that needs help? Perhaps you’re just looking for some new friends?

Well, look no further than the “That’s the Spirit” Detective Agency! We’ll be able to solve your problems faster than you can say “That’s the Spirit”.

Come visit us in our office, in the Purple Tunnels of the Nether Labyrinth. We look forward to meeting you!

Another message shared by the Pigeons, quite often just a few seconds after the first:

Do you enjoy solving mysteries or helping Spirits?

Then the “That’s the Spirit” Detective Agency is looking for you! We are now hiring!

Come visit us in our office, in the Purple Tunnels of the Nether Labyrinth. We look forward to meeting you!

“I entered the office and looked around. It wasn’t a large space, just a hollow within the walls of the Nether Labyrinth, but it was enough. On the desk were strewn a number of notes about various cases, as well as a small plate filled with nuts and berries. And there, behind the desk, was who I had come to see.”

You look at the visitor for a while. You gather quickly that they’re a Spirit. The light seems to shift around them, and they appear to be entirely greyscale. You think you hear some faint jazz the longer you look at them.

They’re certainly more descriptive of their own actions than a typical visitor, but you notice they’re not talking to you. Instead, it almost seems like they’re just saying their inner monologue. “Can I help you?” you ask.

“This mongoose has experience: he’s battled through waves of deception, sorted truth from lies, and managed to solve the cases of food thefts last year. And now, he’s in the business of helping Spirits as well. Yes, I’ve been told he’s one of the best. ‘Can I help you?’ he asked, and I responded.”

They turn to you and say, “Perhaps you can. (I pause for dramatic effect.) You see, I’ve heard you’ve made a name for yourself by solving mysteries and helping Spirits. Well, I’m the Spirit of Mystery… or, at least, that’s what some folks call me. In truth… (another pause…) I don’t have a name. I was hoping you could help me find one.”

Helping a Spirit find a name? That’s certainly a new one, but you’ve never been one to turn down a case. Buddy seems to agree, looking curiously at the “Spirit of Mystery”. Now that you’re helping Spirits as well as animals, this PI business is going to get a lot more interesting.

Mid-Summer, ???

It’s silent. Well, apart from the rain, of course. The monotonous pitter-patter as it hits the leaves of the Forest seems like it will never end.

And there, huddled in a bush beneath the canopy, is a mongoose and a raccoon. Scratch and Knick-Knack. Rivals for years, now working together.

Three days prior, “That’s the Spirit” Detective Agency

“I’m close. I know I am. All of the clues are pointing to this being their next target.” Knick-Knack points at a crudely-drawn picture of a tree that they’ve slammed down on Scratch’s desk. “Just one stakeout and I’ll be able to wrap up the greatest case of my career so far. The Moonlit Phantom’s reign of terror will be no more!”

Scratch raises an eyebrow. “So, why have you come to me? Surely you want to catch this “Moonlit Phantom” by yourself.”

Knick-Knack hesitates for a moment. “Well, I’ve never been great at stakeouts. Not by myself. I’m worried that I’d get distracted or fall asleep or… something.”

“Then why not take Bric-a-Brac with you?”

“Bric’s got to stay behind in the office. Look, I promise it won’t take long. Let’s just head over there now, alright?” He walks out of the office, not waiting for a response.

Back to the present…

The two continue to sit in silence. Still no sign of the thief, and both are beginning to give up hope. But they both agree they can’t give up. They’ll sit there for as long as it takes.

They stay silent. Partly because making noise might ruin the stakeout, but partly because working together does not come easy for them. After being at each other’s throats, constantly trying to undermine one another for years, they’ve found it difficult to put that past aside for a common goal.

And being sat in a bush for the past three days hasn’t helped.

Scratch’s stomach growls. Knick-Knack looks over at him with a smirk on their face, but then they reach into a pouch beside them and pull out a berry. They hold it out to Scratch, who accepts it after a moment’s hesitation.

Perhaps they’re not quite friends yet, but their working relationship has certainly improved.