The Frog and the Flea: A Hoodrats Story

by Raveg64

A super powered youth has a peculiar encounter with a strange and smelly haggler. Content Warnings: Comedic Body Horror, Depictions of Violence, Discussions of Political Oppression, Usage of Urban Slang

The Frog and the Flea

A Hoodrats Story

Written by:

RaveGrave

Proofreading by:

Norithics

Psychic Sylph/Psyche

Disclaimer

This is a fanmade story. Hoodrats, it's adaptations and the characters that exist within them, are created by ShutupJojo. I am not the creator of Hoodrats nor do I own ShutupJojo's work. I am simply a fan who follows. Please support Hoodrats and any official releases regarding it from now to this point forward. Thank you for your support, and do enjoy the story

BANG!

A decently sized corner store crashes into a thin dark creek. Its impact smashes the side of the wall that served as a barrier between the sewers and the outside world. The shockwave expanded the ditch that the mass of concrete and beige brick stone had now found itself well dug into. The one calm yet grungy stream of water finds itself disturbed and scattered into a chaotic procession of ribbons and loops, the pebbles and muck being peppered along their trails. As the shockwave ends and the first wave of infrastructure has fallen from their initial positions, a tall and clumsy creature stumbles out of a hole punched into the side of the building, but loses some fingers and a leg in the process. In an attempt to reclaim his thumb, he ends up banging his head along what was initially the right wall of his little corner shop. Upon impact, his shabby excuse for ears begin to ring and a horrid throbbing courses through his head. His vison becomes blurred for a bit, but mustering his strength and some will power, he manages to grab his finger and pushes himself out of the ruins into the muddy creek below. It doesn't feel particularly "good", but then again, what does these days? He grumbles and grunts while carefully collecting his lost limbs and plugging them back into himself as if he were a broken action figure. It takes some time, but he manages to get the job done well enough. He tries to stand but he only manages to nearly trip over himself, falling back down onto his ass, and rubbing his crown. He then picks up some muck that lie at the bottom of the repulsive creek and rubs it across his face, and then smooshing a huge glob of it into the spot where he had initially bumped his head. After taking a moment to calm his nerves, and taking things slowly, he manages to regain his footing and checks to see if everything is still working. He kicks up his now reattached leg, wiggles his fingers and bends them which way or the other. Yup, everything seems to still be working. The man lets out a deep sigh which is then interrupted by him hacking up some drywall thats now turned into a muddy paste from the mix of bogwater and saliva. When looking at the spew, he let's out a disgusted grunt, but he doesn't really have time to get repulsed, as if his vague memory serves, there's more important things to do. He turns around and looks upon the wreckage, scratching the back of his head, well and properly unsure as to what he's to do with the fine fucking mess he's now inherited.

The building is well and truly totaled. He doesn't even have the patience to fully register the wreck in its finer details as a fervent rage begins to overcome him, which makes his migraine worse. He feels it all building up, so much so that if he could, he'd probably pull out the structure and toss it back in the vague direction of the fucker that threw it in the first place; alas he cannot do that…and so, he opts to scream into the void instead.

Filthy Man: FUUUUUUUUUCK! DAMN YOU! BLOODY 'ELL DAMN ALL OF YAH FUCKING WANKERS!

He allows himself a miniature tantrum, screaming a number of obscenities that make sense only to him, kicking up mud and dirt, and finishing it all off with a powerful croaky roar that pings off the rocky ceiling of the Bottom Layer. If you were even 10 miles away, you could probably hear it, and the man certainly hopes you would, especially the wench that's put him in this fine mess. He feels a bit better now after having let off some steam, and decides it's about time to check the old memory vault to make sure he hasn't lost anything important. The man looks at his feet away from the now ruined corner store, tightly closes his eyes and begins rubbing the sides of his temple. He recalls that his name is Belfrey Arkens, a self-proclaimed wandering merchant who much like anyone else in these plains, simply does what they can to survive, even if survival means subsisting on garbage and selling mostly useless crap ever bought up by a number of odd characters. The building before him that recently served as a corner store, as well as what had been the object he had spent years saving up for, was his base of operations, and also his home. It was a quaint place, nothing more than a concrete block with a back door and a window, but it was good enough for business. He would do all kinds of work, ranging from refurbishing and selling old garbage people would throw out, taking contracts for whatever task he'd get so long as it wasn't him having to try his hand at intentional murder, and providing artifacts and materials that the local businesses where either too stuffy to provide themselves or would consider slag and discard. He recently got into some trouble with the local mayor, who after spending what Belfrey can only guess was a hefty sum of tax dollars on running him out, finally had about enough of his antics and decided to take matters into her own hands…literally.

Belfrey is relieved to find that his membrane is mostly intact still, and that thought calms him down a bit more. He thinks he's about ready to properly assess the "damages" of his former dream building now. He looks up and with the look of true defeat staining his face, he swivels his head towards the now crumbled block of concrete. It's laid down and dug into the ground on its left end. The window where he would greet customers and take commissions, has been slightly left ajar as the metal door is now bent and knocked off its hinges, and now it looks less like a door and more like a metallic joke for a boomerang. The window opening is slightly crumbled but left enough intact for Belfrey to observe the soggy and haphazard mess that was once his inventory. He'd been saving all of it up for years, and some of it were projects he'd been doing for customers. Seems there's a good chance that Jeffery won't be getting that stuffed frogfish lamp that he'd ordered. The right wall has a giant hole in it, the one he'd recently climbed out of, and it seems like there's a significant bit of ceiling that's poking through, making it look like a toothy maw of a giant worm. Belfrey has to wonder how he even managed to crawl out of that thing and only lost a few fingers and a leg. The ceiling has almost entirely collapsed in on itself, and the tiles are pretty much…everywhere. Gravity spared no expense for it, though the skeleton of it is still intact thankfully. He considers that if it weren't for him contracting his business partner and handyman, Augustus Gormory, he probably would've been buried under most of the tiles scattered about. It wouldn't have killed him, but it would hurt like hell and would've made getting out of the wreckage a hell of a lot more tedious and mind numbing.

He sits on a rock and places his hairy chin into the embrace of his hands, lightly tapping his long fingers across his cheeks and jawline. This isn't the first time he's been evicted or has had to leave a location over a legal disagreement, though this is the first time he's ever seen a professional opponent yank a building out of the ground and throw it into another town. He swears his property taxes are higher than everyone else's, It's like the Bottom Layer's mayor has it out for him in particular. He wouldn't say he's afraid of her, like most others are, though. He's seen many people like her in his days. One day they're the kings of the pond, and then the next day they're just old relics of the past, but Christ almighty they are just the WORST when they have the big chair.

Running about, acting like the world is somehow their own little playground, and the world treats them more like celebrities than criminals. That's because they're either rich enough to get away with it, or they're enough of a problem that the authorities want nothing to do with them. Stomping around and relishing in the fear and terror they incur. It's why Belfrey always loves to see the smarmy bastards get theirs., they always turn out to be the sorest losers too…then again, perhaps Belfrey wouldn't be too different if he was graced with such a position.

A droplet from the Bottom Layer's ceiling falls upon his raggedy hat, which instead of annoying him as it usually would, does help in making sure he remembers that this is in fact the Bottom Layer, and not some random town in the middle of nowhere. He decides to look up and stare at the craggy ceiling for a while. He takes in its rocky structure and lets his mind wander, partly hoping that this nightmare ends, or perhaps a rock finally falls down and crushes him…or perhaps not, as he remembers that something like that wouldn't really be enough to well and truly do him in. He's survived far worse, after all.

In an attempt to avoid a rabbit hole of depressing thoughts and also some potential trauma he had partly hoped he'd forgotten about, he recalls a notorious villain named the Crimson Flea, who used to create entire pandemics that nearly sunk the entire health department. He then got arrested for harassing a teenager at a baseball park and died of a yeast infection in prison. Though regardless of reputation, he takes care to follow the rule that anyone who can lift a building out of the ground and throw it literal miles away is not someone you want to get into a fight with. Being able to size up and assess people is what's kept him alive and away from most of the commotion. Though these days, the commotion has been bringing itself to him.

He's always tried his damnedest to stay out of the way, with most antagonists he was often the person who was in the background and normally kept to himself. Even the real assholes never bothered knocking on his door, unless they were a customer, of course. He's had rough encounters with a few, but business has been fine most days. It's good to be unimportant, boring is a blessing most take for granted, including him at one point. He thinks about his younger years as a delinquent youth who used to con people out of their lunch money. Heh, those were good times.

He continues losing himself in thought and memory but eventually gets up and figures he should start getting to work and finding things that are salvageable. He does some stretches and cracks his back, scratching it after a loud creak. With a huff and a grimace, he begins getting to work, letting the monotony take him. Digging his hands into the collapsed structure now filled with mud and water, he attempts to pull out whatever items might still be good enough for appraisal. There was a time when he used to be squeamish when it came to filth and grime, but nowadays, it's all he's known, and it has even saved his life a few times. He's gotten better at not thinking too hard about it. Whenever he thinks of dirt and filth, whether he wishes to or not he ends up considering the small bits of gristle and slime that makes up the whole mess. The worms that crawl through the ground, the weird tiny objects that shine and float along the mud and streams of water, and the fact that something or someone might've taken a shit in this creek. He shudders a bit and decides to go back to thinking about his history with super villains. The villains he's seen in his life have never really paid him much mind, and he thinks that was pretty good actually…though things have since changed after the "new blood" entered his once peaceful sphere of irrelevance.

"Oscurita", the mayor whose name has mercilessly stained the back of his mind, and has been a serious hemorrhage for business. She's proven to be more politically conscious than most super villains, and has taken an annoying amount of care to pin Belfrey down wherever he would crop up. Probably in an attempt to clean the streets, Belfrey assumes. Great for all the well lived blokes who live in high towers and eat upon their tiny plates, but a real pain in the ass for him and anyone else doomed to live and feed from the scraps at the bottom of the barrel. She's made herself into a fixture in everyone else's lives, can't go anywhere without hearing about her, and oh God does she love every minute of it. You turn a street, there goes a billboard with her face on it. You open the window and try to engage in a conversation with a chatty customer, one of the main topics is about her. You go into a bar and try to wind down, and you look over at the telly, and who's gormless saucers do you find staring right back at you? The bitch is everywhere, and there's no place Belfrey can ever be where he doesn't hear about some nonsense she's been up to. He hears she's trying to take over the world "for fun" bah! "If only I had enough to waste everything on a stupid whim for world domination", Belfrey thinks to himself. He wishes the damned Guardians would do their job and just get rid of her already, lazy bastards, the lot of them. Seeing as how him stopping to think of his predicament is making him even more frustrated and reminding him of faces he would rather not give more attention to, he starts working quicker and considers what he should be doing next. He thinks he should collect some more inventory and head off for a more comfy spot in the water lines that he found some months ago during a nightly shift. Thankfully, he seems to be near a large drain, so that's one step down, he guesses.

A little earlier and somewhere further downtown in a much more presentable space, a young boy finds himself in a predicament that all of his age must come upon. A dilemma that has plagued the youth for generations, and may persist for years to come…the parable…of buying concert tickets. The boy's name is Kermit T. Kid. He's said to be a delinquent by most, but he doesn't let the rumors get to him. He's also mentioned to be quite shorter than most of his peers, and occasionally gets made fun of for his height. Though at this moment, he couldn't care less about any of that and has the thought of getting concert tickets to his favorite hip-hop artist's show. He currently stares at a ticket vendor, who dwells in a darkened booth that, combined with the lighting and the glass window, causes most of his figure to be obscured save for some notable details. His dark greasy hair still reacting to the partial light coming from the outside, the reflection of Kermit staring up from in front of the booth can be seen in his glasses, and of course him donning an iconic blue and yellow stripped uniform that all ticket vendors who work for his company are obligated to wear, even if it does make him look a bit like an idiot. The vendor has just informed our fun-sized protagonist that ticket's to the Sand Rush concert are sold out.

Vendor: Sorry buddy

Kermit: … :(

Kermit considers raising a question, but before the breath can leave his throat, a wave of anxiety rushes over him, and he quickly backs down from the potential interaction. He really wanted those tickets. He was going to surprise his theyfriend "Skid" with them, as they were going to be out of town with their family next week, but it seems those plans have been well and truly dashed. Kermit leaves the stand defeated and dejected, what's he gonna tell them now? He really wanted to make this occasion special. He begins to think of other ways, but isn't coming up with much.

Kermit has just about been all over, scouring every inch of the Top Layer, the Bottom Layer, even taking a short visit to the Floating Islands that lie above, though he probably should've expected nobody would set up shop there for that last one. Just about all the ticket vendors in the Continent are completely sold out, not even a scrap of paper remains. Sand Rush is pretty popular but rarely if ever tours near the layers, so it's likely when the news spread, everyone had to go experience it for themselves. Kermit partly thinks that's probably due to the number of "antagonists" that somehow manage to crop up around here, the Bottom Layer especially. Thinking of it now, Kermit isn't around the Bottom Layer much. Sure he's been down here a few times, but only when he's doing battle with the local crooks and shady characters and not often on his own accord. He's never particularly liked it down here… While the Bottom Layer's size is impressive for being underground, the rocky ceiling that lie above him along with the artificial lights has always made this place feel…claustrophobic. Regardless of whether there's a bad guy around or not, he's never quite felt safe here, always looking behind his back and being much more fidgety than usual.

He wanders the clean streets of Darthview, a town once overrun with crime and delinquency, but since the reformation headed by Mayor Oscurita, the streets and sidewalks seem more peaceful, the riffraff being cleared out. You would think this would put Kermit at ease, but instead he feels that all the good was flushed out along with it. What once stood the life of the thriving man fighting to keep themselves afloat, now stands clean silence and the sound of certain obedience. If you were to walk around downtown you would certainly see some plucky school kids or maybe even a businessman riding a bike to work, but they wouldn't be the friendly sort, not the kind you would ever see yourself talking to. There's a special kind of fear in the people here, ones who have found comfort in perfection, and fervently stay within the lines, making sure not to stir anything, even if it's the usual "hello" or "good night". That mixed with the grey buildings and light traffic always sent a chill down Kermit's spine, it's uncanny how quiet things can get here. Kermit looks up and gazes upon a large billboard that serves as a campaign ad for the mayor. It displays her large black face with a set of stars around it, the large eyes displayed upon it looking down at the city. As the poster leers down at him, Kermit feels small and naked. He feels as though no matter where he goes he's always watched, always seen, always known. While the current environment has been cleared out of any immediate dangers and hazards, none of this was actually done for the safety of the public, and those that lie beneath the mayor. It's less like "reformation" and more like a beast marking its territory, sending the message to all others who would dare try to oppose her, that this is her world, and you belong to her. I guess given the Bottom Layer's history with villains, it only makes sense the most dogged of them would end up taking over. Evil, never truly left the Bottom Layer, it simply learned to hide.

This is a reality that Kermit fervently fights to prevent for the Top Layer. A bordered world of oppression and control. He and his teammates formed The Hoodrats specifically to prevent Oscurita from encroaching upon their world, and if it's ever possible, maybe even freeing this one. Like his father before, and his ancestors before that, Kermit made a vow to himself and to his friends and loved ones to stand against impossible evils, no matter what form they may take. Though, that's a pretty terrifying thing to think about right now. He is only trying to get concert tickets, after all. Perhaps being aimless and having nothing better to do makes one tends to think grandly, or…maybe not? Honestly, Kermit doesn't have a damn clue and if anything is now back to being a bit more dejected. The oppressive atmosphere doesn't help, of course. Darthview has always been well…dark, and Kermit was never around before the reformation, though he did have relatives much older than him that lived here. Hearing passing mentions of the crime that once (and technically still) ruled these streets during family reunions. Uncles and aunts would talk about their childhoods around a crowded dinner table. Kermit always found them fascinating and sometimes fun to listen to, though never paid much attention to the context behind them. Although, his visits to the Bottom Layer do give him a small idea as to to what things might have been like.

As Kermit starts to lose himself within the realm of thought, something hits him…literally. A loud gust of wind pushes against him, nearly knocking him down into the large display window of a clothing store. The strong gust doesn't feel natural in the slightest, and he reflexively shoots his gaze upwards, expecting some super powered criminal to be causing some sort of trouble. Instead, he witnesses the sight of what appears to be a large concrete block soaring through the air like a drunken aircraft. It cuts through the sky like a bullet, and the lacerated wind surrounding it lets out wails of pain, loud enough to deafen a jet engine. As quickly as the object came into view, it ends up crashing somewhere nearby, but not before dropping a wet and sticky object upon Kermit's face. Obscuring some of his vision, though failing to deter him away from the commotion. He immediately jumps to action and dashes off to inspect the crash.

Kermit: …!

Kermit doesn't even think to remove the object from his face on his way to the scene. He might be small and frail looking, but if he was known for anything, it was his blinding speeds. Running is something he's pretty darn good at, and the sound of his heels tearing through the streets of Darthview are more than willing to prove just that. If this is the work of some villain, then he as a small-time hero has an obligation to check things out. He runs off to the source of the commotion, whizzing by street corners and several pedestrians, all of which become more and more blurred with each passing step, determined to lead their wearer to his desired destination. Kermit finds himself at a large ditch, which seems to be connected to a drain pipe where a creek had once stood. The scene has been well and truly defiled thanks to the emergence of its new occupant, though Kermit isn't able to fully appreciate these details as the sticky wet thing that fell on his face is still well…stuck upon it.

He makes an attempt to remove it, the adhesive proving to be surprisingly strong and requiring him to give a few good tugs before it finally and also a bit painfully removes itself from his face, begrudgingly taking some of his hair with it. He looks at the object and finds that its apparently some sort of glove coated in some kind of orange adhesive and having some indiscernible material shoved into it, connecting it to a decently strong rope. Now being able to see, he looks around and immediately see's the building he saw before, now having crashed into the ground and also partly into a wall connected to the pipe, becoming well and truly a part of the infrastructure. Kermit can't help but look at the scene in awe, as he has seen plenty of miraculous and weird things during his time being a hero, but interestingly he's never once seen a building be tossed aside like a wet napkin before, whoever did this was probably really pissed, and he partly hopes he never ends up meeting this person or thing himself. Kermit jumps and slides down one of the slopes, getting himself into the ditch, and further investigating the scene. There's nothing around aside from recently displaced stones and water likely caused by the collision, and also an abundance of roof tiles that are curiously scattered around the area, some even managing to impressively lodge themselves into walls and boulders. The damage looks even worse from this side, than it did from the edge he entered at. From the way things are shaped, he has to assume the building crashed onto the slope and then bounced into the wall before finally falling into the ground.

Kermit also spots some weird knickknacks lying around, accidentally stepping on some kind of green rubber animal with ears that are shaped like air horns and having a set of goofy teeth, which releases a loud squeak as he steps on it. The boy almost feels like he's walked onto some weird comedy sketch, perhaps the building was some sort of storage house for props maybe? However his initial hypothesis is challenged when he sees a series of remote controlled robot toys that he partly wishes weren't buried under mud and sewage water, as his sister and him would've likely loved them if they weren't literal garbage. Kermit, now curious to get to the bottom of things edges closer, and he hears some rustling around inside the building. Cautiously stepping forward, not knowing what's ahead, he sees the rump of a large man wearing some beat up clothes who's poking his head inside the building through what appears to have been a window of some sort, using a bent metal sheet to protect himself from the contaminated earth beneath him. He seems to be looking for something intensely, and Kermit somewhat has to wonder what could be so important for someone to find to be willing to poke their nose around these parts. The man smells…bad, about as best as anyone could hope to describe aura of the sewers radiates from this guy, and given what Kermit can tell, he doesn't seem like someone who could throw an entire building. He sounds to be angrily mumbling something to himself. Kermit attempts to get the man's attention, but he's already taken notice to the boy.

Belfrey: Go away! I'm busy! [mumbles]

Kermit, despite the protest, doesn't leave, and instead kind of just stands there awkwardly, unsure as to what to say. He looks around absent-mindedly, and then looks to his feet, seeing some small pebbles. A somewhat mischievous mood strikes him, and since he doesn't like to talk much, he figures some mild pebble tossing is a good enough conversation starter. He quickly picks one up and tosses one in the general vicinity of the stinky man, He continues to do this until he accidentally hits his rear end, which causes the man to then shoot out of the hole he was rummaging through and angrily confront the boy. Upon closer inspection, Kermit finds the man to be incredibly tall, taller than Oscurita even. He's wearing some beat up clothes and has some gnats buzzing around him. He wears a dark-colored shirt with a smiley face on the chest, an expression that is the very opposite of the one on the hairy face of it's wearer, who doesn't seem to be particularly pleased by Kermit's pestering.

Belfrey: Bloody 'ell, are yah daft!? Can't yah fuckin' see I'm tryin' to get me belongin's out of t'e buildin'!? 'ell's wrong wit' you!?

Kermit: …

Belfrey: …

Kermit: …:I

Belfrey: [Low Growls]

The filthy man we know as Belfrey finds himself frustrated by the now awkward encounter with the small lad, and becomes moreso by his lack of an explanation for himself. He lets out a huff and decides to break the silence.

Belfrey: Christ on me life…If yah ain't gonna say nothin' then shove off! I've got me 'ands full enough already wit' t'is mess over 'ere!

Kermit then points at the building. It takes a minute for Belfrey to process what he's trying to communicate but looks where he's pointing and figures he's curious of the building.

Belfrey: The buildin'? Ain't none of yer business…!

Kermit: … :/

The man let's out a scoff and prepares to go back to collecting his possessions, until he notices the tool in Kermit's hands and immediately turns back to him.

Belfrey: Oi w'a- gimme t'at!

Belfrey snatches the sticky glove away, and quickly begins to look it over, fervently inspecting the object, and being unpleasantly surprised to find that locks of stray hairs have gotten themselves stuck to it's palm, his face recoils in irritation.

Belfrey: Dammit yah got yer bloody curly cues on t'e t'ing! You're gonna 'ave to pay for t'at you know!?

Kermit: …?

Kermit gives an apologetic expression, but let's out a small grunt, implying a sense of confusion.

Belfrey: Don't yah know w'at t'is is?

Kermit shakes his head

Belfrey: Sticky Glove. Like one of t'em little sticky 'ands you get at the arcades, 'cept bigga.

Kermit: :(

Belfrey: Ain't yah ever... A', forget it.

The man now returns to his work, and Kermit assumes that whatever problem occurred here has already been resolved…enough. So he begins heading back, no longer paying mind to the weird Dr. Seuss character. The stinky man on the other hand is filled with relief that the boy has left him be, whatever he was here for he seems to have found the answer to…but that relief quickly washes over him when he begins thinking again. On the one hand, he's in a pretty bad way. O' Scratch doesn't want him setting up shop in the Bottom Layer anymore and is likely on the prowl for any instances of him that may crop up. Scared or not, she's enough of a nuisance to make things…complicated….that lad over there however doesn't seem to be too suspicious of a person. He's small enough to be picked up, somewhat innocent looking, people would probably find him cute…hm… As the gears in, the man head begin to turn, he turns his face around to find that the boy is quite a ways off from him now. Kermit has already walked off and is now going along a side street. He is still at a loss as to what he should be doing. He can't get tickets, and whatever weird happenstance that just occurred doesn't really bring anything of interest either. Guess he'll just have to break the news to Skid, and maybe they can watch movies together? He's knows they like- before Kermit can finish that thought, a drain lid pops open, revealing the filthy man from earlier who quickly calls out

Belfrey: WAI-

Kermit: …!

Kermit without hesitation kicks at the man's face…though weirdly finds his foot immediately gets stuck to the side of his head, causing a gross looking viscus to ooze out. The man looks at Kermit, annoyed, and pulls the boy's foot out of his head. He crawls out of the hole and steps into daylight, standing well above Kermit who is now looking at his newly dirtied shoe completely perplexed both as to what material has now coated his foot, and also why the man is still moving perfectly fine after literally having said foot lodged into his head.

Belfrey: Don't look so surprised, it's 'appened before.

Kermit: A…

Belfrey clears his throat.

Belfrey: ANYWAYS! I am…deeply sorry for being rude earlier! Seems we um…got off on the wrong foot (no pun intended), seems you heh, caught me at an awkward time actually

Kermit: o_o

Belfrey: R-right…The name's Belfrey, Belfrey Arkens! Pleasure to um…make you're acquaintance.

Belfrey, lets out his hand to shake Kermit's, who notices that he's no longer wearing a work glove but a blue rubber glove instead. Kermit is hesitant to accept to handshake, and instead seems a bit suspicious of "Belfrey's" sudden change in mood.

Belfrey: Ah um..y-yeah…I-I wouldn't shake 'ands with meself either. Um well, t'ing is I-i actually wanted to ask you somethin'.

Belfrey waits for a reply, but Kermit instead tilts his head, which the merchant isn't too sure on what to do with, but he opts to simply continue.

Belfrey: Um..well see, t'ings are a bit complicated at t'e moment. T'ere's been aaaaaa recent "tax" t'ats bein' enforced for merchants like meself.

Kermit: …?

Kermit gestures backwards, pointing his thumbs behind him.

Belfrey: T-t'at buildin' you saw well…t'at used to be me shop. Sadly t'e Smog-ridden bro- I-I mean, respectable Mayor of t'is 'ere domicile...um wanted it gone, so she um…took t'e matter in 'er own 'ands.

Kermit: …!

From that sentence alone, Kermit already begins forming a picture in his head. This guy, without a doubt, is a victim of some heinous landlord scheme enacted by Oscurita herself. He's seen and heard of her many villainous acts, but for some reason it never came to him that she somehow had the strength to literally throw an entire building, which gives him some rather terrifying recontextualization of his previous encounters with her, but to preserve his innocence, he opts to stamp those details down. Kermit wonders for a moment what this man had to have done to get her to do…that! Is he…hm…

Outside from Kermit's perspective, Belfrey continues.

Belfrey: Unfortunately because of t'at…business will be a 'ard for awhile, and umm...I was actually looking for some new talent? Y-you seem to be a talented and capable young lad, and I 'ope it isn't too much to ask but t'ere's some merchandise I needed to get rid of, and well…I needed some help in moving t'ings around for a bit. So I was t'inkin' um...maybe you could lend a 'and?

Kermit contemplates Belfrey's offer. On the one hand, this is a person who needs…much help, and what is a hero if not someone willing to help an allegedly innocent person in need, but on the other hand the guy is pretty shady, and he was preeeetty mean to Kermit, and he's also pretty busy making plans for him and Skid's date, so he isn't sure if spending time with some flea-ridden weirdo is the most productive thing to be doing right now. Belfrey on the other hand notices that he's clearly losing the lad here. He has to think of something to get his attention back, somehow, but how? At that moment, Belfrey remembers something that potentially could be in his pockets. He recalls that a bit before his altercation with you-know-who, he snagged a set of concert tickets from a scrappy fella who was jostling him about "paying up". He seemed to be about the same age as this kid here, and as far as you can tell, teenagers seem to like concerts. Many a time has Belfrey seen a teen going mental over their favorite band or idol. He recalls a time during his youth when he would go to parties and clubs to listen to musicians perform, though music for him was quite a bit different back then. However he doesn't have time to think about that right now. He reaches into his coat pocket and feels around to see if the tickets are still there. After a second or two, he finds them and quickly pulls them out presenting to before the wee fella.

Belfrey: I can make it worth yer w'ile!

Kermit: …!

Those…those are the tickets to the Sand Rush concert, but how did he manage to- oh right, he's a merchant. Kermit had always heard there are outside sources that people usually get tickets from but he never figured any of them were real. The wise words of his father, though, echo within his head, the mental image of him giving a disapproving head shake. He was always told to stay away from shifty vendors, but Kermit also really wants those tickets. Ah forget it, Kermit tosses caution to the wind and tries to grab at them, but Belfrey quickly pulls them away and allocates them back into the depths of his musty pockets.

Belfrey: Well! Seems like we 'ave a situation 'ere! I 'ave somethin' you want, and you can provide somethin' I need! I t'ink we can 'elp out each other, don'tcha t'ink?

Belfrey again holds out his hand, still donning the blue rubber glove in preparation for a handshake. Kermit while filled with a bit of anxiety steels himself, and reminds himself that he's helping out this weirdo for the sake of his partner. Besides, helping people is what a hero should do…right? He firmly grasps the stinky yet gloved hand, and Belfrey's shake causes the boy to nearly trip over himself.

Belfrey: Then it's a deal, haha!

Kermit: A..!

Belfrey: Oh, sorry 'bout t'at.

Belfrey stops himself and helps Kermit regain his footing.

Belfrey: So…any idea w'ere I can find a junk yard 'round 'ere?

Kermit: …

Kermit, without saying a word, suggests that Belfrey can set up shop in a park within Bi-Frost. Belfrey is a bit confused by Kermit not talking but assumes he might be mute and decides to leave it. During a job of the two of them raiding a nearby junkyard, Belfrey feels he's getting the hang of Kermit's unique form of communication and manages to figure out what he's trying to say…mostly. The yard is filled to the brim with old abandoned cars and is adorned with trashy mountains that spew fire from them, making them look closer to miniature volcanoes as well as making the much smaller Kermit somewhat anxious. Belfrey though, is more or less used to sights like these, and from the waste yard he finds himself in, he is able to discern that he's in the outskirts of Darthview, speaking to Kermit of times where he would come here to farm for used car parts. He mentions it's a pretty depressing place to Kermit, who already knew that, but the boy figures Belfrey was likely speaking more to himself than to him. Despite his crude behavior, Kermit finds himself fascinated by Belfrey's apparent skills in appraisal, having been able to extract mufflers, oil pipes and even pieces of a car engine from what Kermit had assumed were old and broken down cars. The duo also end up finding some other old belongings, ranging from stuffed animals, bear traps, old game cartridges, and even a some old VHS tapes that are still in decent condition. Kermit begins to question why anyone would throw things like these away if they still worked, but figures this is probably the nature of Belfrey's "business", taking old discarded objects and making them into something new and worth selling.

Belfrey and Kermit make a stop in a sewer connecting the Bottom and Top Layers, where Belfrey seems to have made into a base of operations for restoring and refurbishing old materials. The sewer is large and almost maze-like, and Kermit feels that if Belfrey wasn't around to serve as a guide, he'd easily get lost in here. Belfrey gives some orders to Kermit, telling him to collect any materials and where to stash some of the items they recently attained, saying he'll get to them later. As Kermit is trying his best to lift a number of heavy materials, Belfrey does some work on refurbishing some old clothes. Belfrey takes out a number of needles and spools, and sets the torn outfits upon his messy work desk, which seems to be a recycled folding table that has a number of bins and shelves feverishly sprawled across it's surface. Kermit doesn't see much of the process, but does notice the odd detail that Belfrey apparently owns a hand washing station, and has access to soap, however when using this he seems to wear a large bodysuit that protects his arms, legs and torso as well as a large mask with a strange eyeball symbol Kermit doesn't know the meaning of. Kermit somewhat questions as to why he has to wear such a thing, perhaps Belfrey might be allergic to soap? As the questions begin swirling around in his head, Belfrey having accidentally gotten some soap on himself lets out a loud "FUCK!" accompanied by a stinging noise. Kermit, being a little disturbed, decides to return to his work and figures he probably should leave that line of questioning someplace in the future.

While working, Kermit stumbles upon a closet door that has a sign that says the words "DO NOT ENTER" on it. He would like to not upset his cohort more than he apparently already has, but for a moment considers heeding the call of his curiosity. He allows the emotion to take over and peeks around the corner to see if Belfrey notices,. He appears to still be working on washing clothes in his crude water basin. The boy quietly and carefully enters the room, taking a look around. It appears this space is a small abandoned security room, the monitors and most of the cameras apparently, still being functional showing bits and pieces of the sewer facility as well as the image of Belfrey washing clothes. Though the room is not without a few modifications, such as a weird deer moose bust being mounted on the walls and what should be a folding chair being replaced with a chair that would be more fitting of one of those mall santas Stella was always scared of. He also sees that the room has been refashioned into some sort of office space, and notices a good number of old used books lying around. Kermit sees some pages messily sticking out some of the drawers in the desk and opts to pull himself further into the throes of adventurous mischief. He edges near the desk and checks to see if the drawers might be unlocked, which to his surprise, they are. He opens the desk drawers and within them, finds an obscene number of notebooks, a few being slightly soiled. For what purpose that these exist, is something he decides he ought to find the answer to considering he's already gone this far. He takes one of the books and decides to flip through it. He skims most of the text but some parts manage to stick with him, "wash hands 5 times before...leaving", "shitty psych ward", "septic tank", "rehab...surrounded by miserable munters". It seems to be some kind of journal, though the text within doesn't elicit a strong sense of personality aside from Britinoa slang, and some explicit language. If anything, it reads more like series of notes that a scientist would write after observing certain qualities of a subject. Kermit also has a solid hunch a lot of the events displayed in here, are completely out of order and almost seem...illusory, though it'd be a bit difficult to explain why. The lad then turns his attention to a large damp box underneath the desk. He puts the journal atop the surface of it's former vessel and pulls out the box which is almost about his size. He hesitates for a moment, but eventually flips open the folds and peers into the contents within. What he sees...appears to be an old saxophone. He removes the object from it's mold-infested prison and finds that the instrument isn't in the worst of conditions, though it defintely seems like it hasn't been touched in some time. Perhaps if sent to some kind of shop...before Kermit can fully contemplate, the door slams open, and a pungent odor pushes it's way into the room.

Belfrey: What t'e 'ell are yah doin' 'ere!? Get out 'ere and 'elp me with t'ese clothes!

Belfrey barked at Kermit, who looked at him with vacant surprise. He sees the saxophone in the boy's hands, and starts to have a small headache, though this doesn't prevent him from stomping forward and snatching the device away from Kermit.

Belfrey: Gimme t'at! Can't you read t'e signs!?

Kermit's anxiety overwhelms him, and he quickly makes his exit from the room, but not before taking a look behind him and seeing Belfrey simply...staring at the saxophone, proceeding to use his right hand to hold his head as if attempting to quiet a migraine. After many hours of careful preparation and refurbishing objects to sell, Belfrey finally makes a selection of stock for the day, and following Kermit, heads off into the Top Layer towards Bi-Frost. The Bi-Frost Park is a busy but quiet recreational area where people usually go for jogs, walking their dogs, or teenagers come to hide out in order to dodge school. It has several large hills and inclines, and a lot of wide open space , but it isn't so large as to be overwhelming, it should be the perfect place as to set up shop. The sun beams down upon the two. Kermit is a bit happy to finally be out of the dark and dreary environments he's been walking through all day, and a soft smile forms along his face as he takes in the air and sounds of wildlife in the distance. Though Belfrey on the other hand seems a little more focused on the sun, looking up and squinting his eyes with an annoyed expression across his face. Kermit figures Belfrey probably doesn't get out too much. Kermit attempts to question Belfrey using a series of gestures.

Belfrey: Aye?

Kermit: …?

Belfrey: Ah, nah it's um…fine, it's uh…a good area yea', r-real good.

Belfrey claims to be pleased with Kermit's scouting abilities, but he doesn't sound particularly happy. Instead, he seems more on edge than he was before, hurrying along with his obscenely large sack. Belfrey had Kermit carry some of the baggage, while he carries the rest of it. His compact size unfortunately proves to be a detriment in the area of manpower, but he's proven himself useful enough to get the job done. Not to mention Kermit isn't as chatty as most youngsters, which at first was a bit odd to deal with, but Belfrey has come around to seeing it more as a blessing than anything. Last thing an old man like him would ever want to talk about is the latest gossip about petty disputes, fashion, and other things he couldn't care less about.

Belfrey: Ah, 'ere should be good.

The two find themselves near an area with a good number of trees that even someone as big as Belfrey could effectively hide behind. The area next to it seems to be clear and has some old fencing surrounding the area. This spot while still looking nice doesn't seem like it's been touched by professional hands in some time, save for whoever mows the lawn. Kermit figures that guy ought to get a raise for doing work here, although he isn't sure why, he just has an odd hunch. Belfrey on the other hand doesn't seem to care much for the well trimmed grass and sunny atmosphere, instead deciding to pull out a large red, green, and yellow plaid mat that seems like it was a leftover from a Christmas party that Kermit is almost half sure Belfrey never actually attended. Belfrey lays it out on the ground and plops his bag on the back right corner, closer to the trees. He lays out some of the belongings in the bag, a large bongo with a special watermark carved into it'sside in the shape of Belfrey's face. A stylized proprietary sword that's fashioned after a sailfish, with what Kermit assumes was the creature's head being made into a hilt, it's eyes still being attached and staring deeply into the boy's soul. Another object is a giant rubix cube chest that Belfrey claimed can serve as an actual rubix cube that must be solved before being unlocked. Lastly, he pulls out a trilogy of records regarding musical artists that Kermit recognizes but never actually has taken time to listen to. One is a record for Limp Bizkit Mental Aquaducts, another is a Beatles album for Yellow Submarine, and fhe last one Is a record for John Coltraine, although that one's unmarked. Belfrey sets the objects down and organizes them in a pattern that covers the front of the mat. He then pulls something else out of the sack; a large sign thats wider than Kermit's torso and has a string attached to either side with the words "Antique Sale" painted on with a crude red ink. Belfrey hands it to Kermit and gives him instructions

Belfrey: Awight lad. All yah need to do, is wear t'is sign along ye shoulders, and t'en sit on t'is mat and sell the items you got on display.

Belfrey gestures while he gives his instructions to the boy.

Belfrey: Don't settle for anythin' lower t'an 15 bucks, got it?

Kermit: … :v

Belfrey: 'old on…

Belfrey almost as if understanding what Kermit was about to say, reaches into his large greasy coat, jostling his jands around a bit to search for something. He pulls out a sketchpad, an eraser, and a bright red marker.

Belfrey: Since you ain't got t'e means to talk apparently, yah use this 'ere pad to jot down your thoughts and all that shite. Make sure the customer sees it!

Belfrey gives a somewhat irritated tone, but doesn't seem like he properly intends to come off as disrespectful. Kermit appreciates the accommodation, though he feels like cohort and apparent senior is leaving with the wrong impression. While he does feel bad for making him think he needs to provide such a thing to him, he'd also feel worse to tell him that what he did was basically for nothing. He also would prefer not to be in a situation with the man yelling at him, again. Kermit instead chooses to simply nod in response to Belfrey's directions, taking care to listen to what he has to say.

Belfrey: Awight, should be good. I'm gonna take a kip over near t'e trees, i'll be keepin' an eye on yah to make sure nothin' goes sideways. If you see any coppers, you tell 'em that you sellin' off old junk you 'ad in the garage.

Belfrey let's out a small yawn.

Belfrey: Anyway, good luck to yah…

Belfrey lazly lumbers his way over to the trees, not even spending as much of a thought, settling on a spot next to a large oak that's being covered by three other of the same trees planted firmly in front of it. Belfrey then pulls out a pair of small black pillows from his coat, the light reflecting off of them in a such a way as to imply that both are old and covered in dried stains. He sets one where his bosom will be, and then plops himself down, laying the second pillow behind his head as he leans back, the visor of his large hat now covering what little is apparent of his small beady eyes. He crosses his hands on his belly and stretches his legs out, entering a state which Kermit assumes is sleep. The lights beaming through the leaves of the trees sprinkle down onto Belfrey's head and chest, causing some weird sprouts to grow on them. Kermit finds the sight strange and wonders if Belfrey can actually feel that, though he chooses not to question it too much, and considers maybe asking him after the job is over…huh.

I guess Kermit never considered if he'd ever see this strange man again after this is over. He considers his day spent with him to have been an interesting one to say the least about it. He never once could've imagined a man of this sort would exist in such impossible places, taking what he has and using it to help him get by through all the challenges life had to offer. A pang of pity hits Kermit's heart, and he remembers the building that had apparently served as Belfrey's temporary flight vehicle. He feels that most would probably hold such a man to great contempt, though seeing someone lead a life so different from his makes him have to wonder what other strange people could exist within the layers. Though wonder no more, as for the time being Kermit has work to do, he has to find a way to sell these four strange artifacts and potentially sell the ones left behind in the bag as well. He takes an apprehensive series of steps towards the mat, then looking down at the fabric; somewhat worried it's cleanliness might not be fully up to snuff. Weirdly enough, though, it seems almost completely clean and has a slight warmth to it in certain areas as if some parts of it came out of a dryer. He figures it's good enough to sit on and slowly does so, crossing his legs and putting the advertisement sign's string along his shoulders, resting the sign itself on the top of his ankles.

The first 30 minutes are slow and quiet, during the first period of said time Kermit sits down restlessly, absently looking around, and patting the empty spaces of mat on either side of him. He then gets up for a bit and does some cartwheels, and then goes back to sit down when he gets a bit winded. After the first 30 minutes of waiting, he opts to pass the time by doodling pictures on the sketchpad Belfrey gave to him. He thinks for a bit and reaches deep into his imagination for inspiration, lightly tapping his chin with the marker as he contemplates a weird creature to pull into reality. He comes up with the idea to doodle a terribly drawn horse. It has a large head, a rotund body, goofy teeth, and its limbs are far too skinny and small for it. Kermit is lightly amused by his creation and decides to make another. He erases the horse and then draws a kitten wearing clown makeup, subconsciously giving it the same hair as his clown-adjacent friend, Melody, who has wild messy hair tied into a ponytail and wears earmuffs with stars on them, though Kermit chooses not to include that detail. He thinks if Melody were ever a cat, she'd be the kind to tear up your furniture and pick fights with the other cats in the neighborhood. He laughs a bit at the picture and feels a bit of accomplishment with his creation. He then erases his picture again, and decides to stick with something more simple. He thinks for a bit, and chooses to make a demeaning picture of his arch nemesis, Oscurita. A stand-out detail of hers is her large round head and uncannily long neck, both details the boy includes, but he decides to make the limbs thin and noodly, having them flail about in a squiggly motion. Finishing it off, he draws an arrow and places the words "bluh bluh, huge bitch" next to them. Kermit finds this funny and lets out a small laugh.

Meanwhile near the trees, Belfrey begins to transition back into lucidity, awakening from his nap. He lets's out a long, deep yawn and stretches out his legs, groggily swaying his head around under the strange logic that it might snap him awake. He inches himself up with the grace of an up-turned lobster, stumbling a bit on his way up. With a smacking of his lips, he decides it's probably about time to check to see if his temporary intern is coming along with the task. He peeks over some bushes, and maneuvers himself through the brush in order to prevent himself from coming too much into view for anyone at a good enough distance. He scouts the area with his beady eyes, shifting them left and right, and manages to spot a sporty looking man with a short haircut taking a jog along a path. Belfrey figures the sap is the kind to fall for weird dietary scams as he sees a rather expensive looking water bottle holstered around his calves and branded sneakers that look they cost way too much for what they're made of, a perfect sucker if he'd ever seen one. He looks over to see if Kermit is ready to jump on this prime opportunity but instead he finds the boy has taken to doodling on the sketchpad instead, and seems to be buried in his apparent work. Belfrey takes action, deciding to make hissing noising to the boy to grab his attention. Kermit seems to be surprised by the sudden noise and frantically looks around, before turning his sight to the bushes, where Belfrey's face is peeking out from a small opening.

Belfrey: (Oi! Keep t'em eyes peeled! T'ere's a customer comin' up!)

Kermit: …!

Kermit quickly springs into action, kicking up his legs and rushing over to the jogger. He roughly stops in front of the man and blocks his path, holding out his arms and trying to get his attention. The Jogger stops, being surprised by the little fella that has suddenly appeared before him for some purpose he has yet to comprehend. He's a bit weirded out, but the kid doesn't seem too threatening, and he figures that it wouldn't hurt much to see what this is all about, nothing dangerous he hopes.

Jogger: Oh hey, what's up little dude?

Kermit catches his breath and points to the sign he's wearing.

Jogger: An antique sale…?

Kermit nods.

Jogger: Uh…sure, I guess I can see what you have.

Kermit seems a bit anxious but excited to have his first customer. He leads the jogger over to the mat where a number of odd artifacts lay, but he notices that now there's a large jar of some white powder with a label stuck to it that upon closer inspection says "Special Protein Formula". Kermit is a bit confused by this and panics a little, which causes him to look towards Belfrey's initial direction. Belfrey is still there, peering out but mostly obscured by shadow. He gives Kermit an assuring thumbs up, which the boy guesses gives him a bit more confidence. He turns to face the jogger again, and the tall and toned man is simply patiently waiting for a response while looking at some of the objects with a hint of both confusion but mild interest on his face. He seems to be especially curious of the bottle of white powder, though Kermit's lack of experience regarding sales prevents him from seeing the significance of this. Kermit takes a moment to pick which object to sell to the man. After not all that much thought regarding the parable, he foolishly decides to sell the Yellow Submarine Album to the man.

Jogger: Oh, that's pretty cool, but uh, I was actually going to ask you how much that protein formula is.

Belfrey seems less than enthused by Kermit's lack of experience, and expresses a breath of frustration at him for not jumping at the very easy opportunity he's presented for him. Belfrey for a short moment considers jumping out of the brush and making the sale himself, however upon looking around…the environment is far too clean for someone like him. Sure he could probably get some sales on his own here, but he's usually chosen to avoid places like this as he finds not many take kindly to the presentation of a 6'8 man made of garbage. Even if he freshened himself up quickly with the aerosol he has on hand, it wouldn't be enough to mask the intense stench. Though he is more than willing to jump to action if matters end up turning for the worst and the lad bungles a few too many sales, but for the time being, he's willing to let him handle the first three at the very least, didn't particularly strike him as the charismatic type.

The statement mentioned by the jogger initially confuses Kermit, but he then starts to get a feel for the room and notices he's wearing a pair of Jordan's sports shoes. Kermit's a bit embarrassed by his blunder but tries to pick himself back up by picking up the jar of formula and placing it in front of him. He pulls out his sketchpad and tries to think of a good price. He's never done this before and really spends a good minute calculating hypothetical numbers in his head. The jogger seems to be getting a bit impatient now, starting at his wrist watch. Belfrey notices his impatience and is starting to get a sense that his intern is probably going to end up losing this one. He braces himself for the inevitable sting of a lost sale, and holds his chin in the palms of his hands. Kermit eventually comes up with a number and proceeds to quickly scribble on the sketchpad. He turns it over to the man to reveal what's he's come up with. He figures the man has enough cash on him and decides to go with a daring but subjectively modest number.

Jogger: Fifty…dollars?

Belfrey: (Dammit! T'at price is too soddin' 'igh you minge!)

The jogger after hearing the sudden voice looks up towards the general vicinity of the trees. Belfrey immediately ducks down into the bristle, folding his body by utilizing his lack of joints in order to prevent himself from being spotted.

Kermit: …?

Jogger: Oh, guess I must be hearing things. Uh, anyways little dude, I don't think I really need any of this stuff, but here…how's a fiver sound?

Kermit: …!

The jogger hands Kermit a five dollar bill, mostly because he kind of gets the impression he either might be homeless or doing a favor for his folks at home. Kermit on the other hand pays no mind to considering such a possibility of the jogger having said thoughts, and neutrally takes the $5 from the kind sports person.

Jogger: Hope you find some buyers little dude, see yah!

The jogger leaves and heads off on his merry way, continuing down the path he had initially started on. Kermit feels a sense of small accomplishment but he's a bit confused and let down by the fact that he didn't end up getting the $50 he was asking for. Did he do something wrong perhaps? he was offering the thing he asked for, so what's the big idea?

Belfrey: O' for t'e love of-!

Belfrey pops out of his hiding bush, and in a huff and bother he angrily approaches Kermit, ready to present the lad with some well deserved "constructive" criticism. Belfrey has gotten the strong impression that this situation requires a professional hand, and the quiet kid is probably going to have an interesting time of being shown the technicalities of the business.

Kermit: …?

Belfrey: Don't give me t'at bloody look! It seems I've got to teach you a t'ing or t'ree 'bout hagglin'. C'mon!

Belfrey gestures for Kermit to follow him somewhere. Kermit is a bit confused and concerned about having apparently messed up his first sale. Before the two head off, Belfrey reorganizes the records that Kermit failed to stack into their proper positions, making sure to organize the three alphabetically once again. Belfrey leads Kermit up a nearby hill across from the path the jogger had previously been walking across and the two ascend over the peek. They overlook a chunk of the park and see a number of people hanging around the recreational area. Belfrey takes Kermit by the shoulder and tries to point his attention towards a few of the pedestrians.

Belfrey: Awight, let's do a small exercise yea'?

Kermit: :o

Belfrey: One of t'e biggest rules of sales is to find a proper target audience. 'ave to know who yah sellin' to, and be t'e guy who provides.

Kermit nods.

Belfrey: So 'ere's t'e t'ing, you pick a bloke from the lot 'round 'ere, and I'll "tell" you some t'ings about 'em t'at you can use to sell to 'em, got it?

Kermit pauses for a moment, and then nods. He looks down upon the group. He spots 5 teenagers playing a game of what looks like ultimate frisbee. At first none of them are particularly notable in their appearance, but then Kermit takes note of one of them being part walrus, and another kid having uncannily long legs with a squat head. He witnesses a fun scene of a girl in the group who's wearing a sporty outfit getting nailed in the face with the oblong disk, and yelling at the scrawny kid that made the throw, who looks a bit like Paul McCartney, and whose apparently named "Todd". Panning over to the right, he sees an old lady on a bench, feeding some oats to crows. She has a peaceful smile on her face and seems to be enjoying the sunlight much more than Kermit's apparent cohort. He turns his gaze downwards and sees a muscular man doing push-ups and squats, he seems to be sweating profusely, so Kermit assumes he's been at this for a good while, and is a little intimidated by the intense aura emanating from him. Kermit thinks for a moment, he's not sure if he's able to sus out any specific qualities regarding anyone here aside from the scary looking body builder. As far as he can tell it's just "normal park stuff". Though he is a bit curious as to what Belfrey sees in all this, and more so what exactly he wants him to spot. Kermit decides to point out who he takes as the most interesting and selects the kid with long legs.

Belfrey: Ah…t'at one t'en?

Kermit nods.

Belfrey: Awight t'en. Hmmm….ah

Belfrey carefully examines the long legged boy. He pauses for what seems like only a couple seconds for Kermit before he immediately comes to a decision.

Belfrey: Mm…t'at one seems like an active type of fella. As you can see 'e's wearin' a knapsack and has a lot of pockets, get t'e feeling 'e might like to stash stuff.

Kermit: o_o

Belfrey: 'e seems to like havin' a number of options, might be indecisive and 'ave a 'ard time with choices, or 'e could be a bloke who likes to keep t'ings neat and organized. Maybe 'e's lost an item or two and wants a way to keep track of all 'is shite.

Kermit is in awe of Belfrey's deductions. He'd never even thought to look at the knapsack being worn around the kid's waist, not only that even if he did see it, he probably wouldn't have been able to come to such a conclusion based on a small detail.

Belfrey: See mate, it's all about takin' them quick guesses, right? You gotta size 'em up and take a shot at where t'eir 'ead is at. Course t'ese guesses can be completely wrong, but it's not about workin' wit' absolutes, it's about takin' what yah given and runnin' with it, right? T'at way yah can pull em into a conversation...

Kermit listens carefully to Belfrey continue his lecture about reading potential customers. Kermit points to a subject and Belfrey explains the possibilities of what their needs are, what their interests are, and what they might not turn their nose to. Belfrey points out the boy named "Todd" is clearly a nervous wreck, and probably has a hard time fitting in. Might be worried about how people perceive him. Since he's young, he's likely impressionable enough to fall for the age-old "buy this or else you're a loser" schemes, where in order to better fit in and relate to his peers he has to follow trends. His trendy striped clothes and fanciful keychain attached to his jeans seem to support this theory. Belfrey further points out the old lady, who seems to have a hobby for bird watching, given the binoculars she has placed next to her and the fact that she's using oats to feed the ducks and crows rather than bread like your normal schmuck would. The avian creatures also seem to take a liking to the lady and act as though they've seen her before, being notably less apprehensive towards her than other residents who are currently inhabiting the area. Kermit upon listening to Belfrey speak of these details, comes to a realization that he's never actually paid much attention to such small bits of context, or even thought that much about their implications. Sure, he'd always been aware of his surroundings when he needed to be, wary of when an enemy may show up, or maybe even trying to track down a target, but never has he tried looking at any of the more mundane aspects of the surrounding environment. This isn't to say he's oblivious though, he's made friends, even a romantic partner, and people seem to like him enough. Though the more he looks at the buzzing and warm atmosphere of the park dwellers, going about their day to day lives, coveting their hobbies, taking a break from their normal work, or even having to run a food cart, there's so many interesting little sparks and images that Kermit never bothered to look down at before…he finds the thought of this to be awe inspiring and feels as though in a weird way he's gained a slight appreciation for Belfrey's abilities to read people.

Belfrey: Awight, t'at's about t'e end of t'at lesson! Let's 'ead back to t'e old can yea'?

Kermit: …?

Belfrey: … The mat…

Kermit: :o

The two head back to the "old can" and Belfrey checks over the inventory to make sure nothing was stolen during his lesson. He ended up spacing out a little bit more than he thought he would, and you never know when a thieving hoodlum could sneak out from the shadows and decide they want the whole plate, even if the neighborhood looks nice. He finds that everything is still intact and undisturbed and he turns back to Kermit who awaits his next orders expectantly.

Belfrey: Awight, so I want you to take w'at I taught yah, and try to apply it on t'e field, ay?

Kermit nods.

Belfrey: Keep yah eyes peeled for any other customers! Days a wastin' lad!

As soon as Belfrey finishes this statement, he hears the voices of two women chatting with eachother edging closer to their location.

Belfrey: Sounds like an opportunity! 'ere's yah chance, mate!

Belfrey gives Kermit a smack on the back, which makes the boy wince a bit but Belfrey doesn't seem to either care or take notice to this detail. He heads back off into the safe shroud of the bushes and trees. Kermit looks back at him for a moment, but quickly brings his attention back to the sight of two older looking women who seem to be in their late 30s. One of them appears to be wearing a decent amount of makeup and wears 4 gold bracelets, 2 for each arm, and the other seems to be a bit more plain but still clearly feminine, choosing instead to wear a sweater and having long hair with glittery bits in it, these are only basic observations though. Kermit, determined to make a proper sale this time, applies the lessons that he was taught and chooses to observe the two a bit more closely. The lady with the obscene amount of makeup also has a tattoo on her left arm that's in the shape of a caduceus. He ponders the significance of this and recalls that there's been a few hospitals and medical facilities to have had the symbol on some of their equipment. It's not often seen these days but it's notable enough to give him the impression that perhaps this woman applies the same implications to the iconography, perceiving it as a symbol of health and good fortune. The woman also owns a clamshell phone that she has stylized with a skull on it, but it seems a bit more bedazzled than most depictions Kermit has seen.

"Are skulls associated with health? I thought it was the opposite…" Kermit ponders to himself.

Though he allows for the reality that perhaps skeletons can have more than one meaning, and thinks back to his biology class where the teacher had a large replica of the human body on display. Pulling deep from his memory banks, he also vaguely recalls that a doctor had one in his office. He'd never considered the significance at the time but perhaps now it can serve as a support for this theory of skulls and health, even if it isn't air-tight. While Kermit has spent a good deal thinking, his wits seem to fail in catching up with time and he finds the two women have nearly passed over his mat, and he can hear the vague rapsy ranting of Belfrey rousing him to make his move.

Kermit feels he doesn't have nearly enough context to make a full sale, but following the grain of wisdom Belfrey had lent to him, that a proper salesman takes what he's given and runs with it. Like so, he hops up from his spot on the mat and rushes over to the two women, interrupting their path and holding out his arms to ensure they can see him. The two women are surprised by the gesture, seeing a little man run in front of them. Kermit tries to think of a way to gesture them over to the mat. The idea he settles upon is by doing a small dance slightly based off the fusion dance he saw in the Dragon Ball movie once, but instead of pointing to connect his soul with his partner, he uses it to instead point in a direction. He puts up his right leg and slants the left one slightly, twirling his arms about and then having them settle in a direction over to the right, placing his right foot back down and pushing the rest of his body in as to imply "Hey! Look over here!". The two women giggle a bit at this gesture, and look over to the plaid mat with weird objects on it.

Dolled Woman: Hehehe

Glittery Woman: Funny little guy ain't he?

The glittery women in the sweater brings herself down a bit so as to talk to Kermit better though she takes care not to leer over him to prevent him from feeling intimidated, placing her hands on her knees. She addresses Kermit in a soft yet casual tone.

Glittery Woman: Do you wants us to take a look?

Kermit nods.

Glittery Women: Haha, alright then. Lead us over won't yah?

Kermit feels a bit flattered by the glittery women's kind gestures. He gets the impression that she's a very patient person and probably might think he's a bit younger than he actually is. Though despite that he doesn't feel like he's being talked down to like he does with most adults, and rather feels she's taking good care to speak to him on his level here. The bedazzled lady is also looking on patiently and with a smile on her face, seeming to view Kermit as more "cute" than scary. Kermit gets the impression that the glittery lady probably had a lot of experience with people his age, perhaps she's a teacher of some sort? Holding back the intense urge to blush, Kermit leads the two women back over to the mat, and takes care to show them his wares. Unlike last time he feels like trying to make an assumption about their character here would be a mistake, and instead places himself into a more passive role, allowing them to browse the inventory. The two women look around, the bedazzled one doesn't seem all too interested in anything at first, but is then surprised when her more maternal companion makes mention of the stack of albums.

Dolled Woman: Oh, can we look at the albums you have?

Kermit nods and rearranges the records outwards and then down as to put them on full display. The two women look over the collection and seem to take an interest to the Yellow Submarine Album

Glittery Woman: Oh! I remember this one, my dad loves this band.

Dolled Woman: Hehe, he always used to listen to that one didn't he?

The two women speak to each other in a way that implies a reference to a fond memory. The Dolled Lady turns back to Kermit.

Dolled Woman: Guessing your folks couldn't keep it in the garage forever huh?

The Dolled Lady playfully refers to Kermit, and he's a bit surprised because he never said this was a garage sale. Though given he doesn't need to explain himself and he slightly recalls Belfrey saying to use it as an excuse in case anyone asked questions, he decides to run with it and gives a nod. The glittery woman pulls out her wallet.

Glittery Woman: So how much for the album?

Kermit is stunned, he's yet again about to make a sale, he has the fish on the hook once more, but this time, he's determined to make the sink and haul this bastard into the boat. Kermit eagerly grabs his sketchpad and begins scribing. He turns over to reveal the price.

Glittery Woman: $30 then? Wow, that's a steal!

Dolled Woman: They usually go pricey these days.

An immense sense of accomplishment washes over Kermit, he's confident he has this one in the bag. The kind woman opens her wallet and pulls out a 20 and 10, then hands it to Kermit. With the giddiness of a pre-school child receiving candy but still mad about dropping their ice cream earlier, he takes the funds, pockets them, and then hands her over the Yellow Submarine Album.

Glittery Woman: Thanks you!

Kermit nods and gives a thumbs up and a dopey smile. The women giggle at the sight of the small lad and seem to find him to be a pretty entertaining salesman.

Dolled Woman: Actually, before we head off…

The Dolled Woman interjects to Kermit's surprise. Kermit becomes a little worried about this, did he perhaps do something wrong? Was his intuition off a little bit? Though thankfully this quickly dissipates when Kermit instead sees the lady pull up her purse, slung along her shoulder, reaching her well polished hands inside, and pulling out a little camera. He's a bit perplexed as to why she would want to take a picture, there's nothing particularly interesting around. He finds himself a bit confused while searching around for the justification to such an action and this visibly appears on his face, to which the well dressed woman gives a chuckle in response.

Dolled Woman: Do you mind if we take a small picture?

The woman asks politely. Kermit doesn't get it but who is he to deny a paying customer? The woman gives the camera to her modest friend and asks her to take a picture of her with Kermit in frame. The lady puts her face up to the viewscreen and the Dolled Lady gets next to Kermit and kneels down next to him. Kermit is a bit confused and lightly glances over to the Dolled Lady who gives him a warm smile in return. He looks back to the glittery lady and retains his stoic face, but gives a significant thumbs up.

Glittery Woman: Alright, in 3…2…

The Glittery Woman snaps a picture of the two, making sure to get both subjects in frame as well as the belongings that Kermit has on display. Though while this occurs, Belfrey, the salesman of dubious record, overlooks the events from the position of his little hiding spot, that he's now taken the liberty of dressing up by kicking around some dust and dirt as well as moving some sticks and having hurled them into the forest further back. Belfrey assesses Kermit's work and figures he definitely could've gotten more money out of the two. They both seem to have taken a liking to him and are friendly enough to give him some room to haggle, but hey, atleast he made a proper sale this time. Though Belfrey is more interested in the reaction from the adorned lass, having wanted to take a picture with him and treating the boy more like a landmark rather than a salesman. Hmm…Belfrey ponders to himself and begins concocting some ideas but not enough to put them into words let alone action. He decides to continue observing the boy, and seeing how things progress, but in preparation, he pulls out some fresh clothes he had removed from the inventory sack while he was rearranging the records. He sinks back into the darkness of the plants, clearly with something up his sleeve.

The two women thank Kermit for his time and leave off with friendly faces and a wave, Kermit flashes a light smile to them and a wave as well. He goes to reclaim his spot on the mat, and once returning he takes care to rearrange the records back into their initial positions. He takes in the atmosphere again, allowing his mind to drift into white noise. Soon though, he hears the sounds of footsteps coming from the path again. He looks over and sees an old man with a large nappy beard, a mustache, and is wearing a pair of shades with a quaint bowler hat. Upon further inspection, he's dressed in a similar fashion to beatniks that Kermit has seen but always find are the kinds of people who are often snobby and contrarian, and rant about weird music and art he never understands. The exact person who probably would buy weird useless crap from a sketchy source. While he doesn't look forward to this likely unpleasant conversation, he does need to get sales, and so quickly hops up and runs over to get the man's attention. Kermit stops before the man on the path, somewhat losing his footing on the way and nearly tripping over but stopping himself with his left foot and some hops.

Beatnik Elder: Woah there!

The old man seems surprised but not unpleasantly so. He's been around long enough to have seen a weird thing or two and he guesses a small boy with a sign over his shoulders isn't the worst thing to encounter. Kermit does the same little pointing dance he did earlier, and gestures for the man to go over to the mat.

Beatnik Elder: Heh heh! Sure, why not?

Kermit is surprised to find that the man is a lot more jolly than he initially thought he would be. Guess time changes people, even stuffy snobs. He leads the man over to his mat, and plops down, gesturing for him to look over his wares. The man bends over and investigates the inventory, and he seems to take an interest in the large bongo Kermit has displayed on his left side.

Beatnik Elder: Woah, that's interesting. It still work?

He addresses to Kermit, who looks up to him and then looks to the bongo. He never really thought to test it as it seems to be well made enough. Upon a closer look he notices it's made of some old wood that's been cobbled together with a process he doesn't fully understand, but whatever it may be its given the object a sort of glossy look. He hits the top of the drum two times, upon impact it releases a deep bassy noise that sends small vibrations through Kermit's tiny stature. The sound seems to resonate with the old man as well, but in a slightly different way it appears. He makes a contented grunt and looks up slightly, doing a strange gesture with his hands pointing his index fingers upwards.

Beatnik Elder: Mmmm, ain't that a nostalgic sound.

Kermit: …?

Beatnik Elder: Heh, I used to play for jazz clubs back in the day. I was in a band once but I've since lost the lungs for it.

Kermit nods.

The elder looks over the mat once more and notices the John Coltraine Record Kermit has on hand.

Beatnik Elder: Oho, that's an interesting find.

The man seems to be referring to the record in question. He looks longingly at the record. He reaches down for the artifact but looks back to Kermit before fully committing to the action as if expecting him to provide consent to further look it over. Kermit gives a pause and then a nod to confirm the green light for him, and the man then fully reaches down and picks up the item, looking a lot more closely at it.

Beatnik Elder: I used to listen to this fella a lot. He'd come to the club where I'd worked and I had a pleasant conversation with em. Say….do you…?

Right as the elder began asking, a loud rustling hisses from the brush, ringing into Kermit's right eardrum, and out from it pops out Belfrey, moving at a speed that catches Kermit off guard considering he's much larger and never seemed like much the running type. He's also wearing a different outfit than previous, sporting a floral shirt, wearing a much more modest straw trilby, some cargo shorts, and shutter shades. He has a large yellow smile gleaming across his face, revealing his weird jagged chompers, and has the strong smell of plum scented aerosol on every inch of his body, the scent making Kermit recoil in fleeting revulsion but the other old man seems more curious of the stranger who had just hopped out of the brush rather than upset.

Belfrey: Greetings stranger! It seems you've 'appened upon me 'ere 'umble little merchant rug, heh heh!

Beatnik Elder: Oh, so it seems I have, and you are?

Belfrey reaches into one of the many pockets of his cargo pants, and pulls out a card that looks tiny in comparison to his large, spindly hands. He offers it to the old beatnik with a suspiciously kind smile on his face.

Belfrey: Name's Garret Lowersmitd, 'ere's my card good sir.

The beatnik takes the card, and looks over it vaguely and then quickly pockets it, returning his attention to to "Garret" and Kermit.

"Garret": Oh, and uh, sorry 'bout poppin' out t'ere, saw a customer and I just 'ad to greet em y'know?

Belfrey gestures to Kermit.

"Garret": T'is little lad 'ere is my protégé, it's 'is first time greeting people, sorry 'e's a little bit shy heheh…

Belfrey does a series of gestures when talking to the old man, keeping in conversation with him and making sure he holds his attention. Seems to be working so far atleast, as the beatnik doesn't seem nearly as snobby as Kermit initially thought he'd be and is instead patiently listening to the weird smelling man apparently named "Garret". Seems charisma can go a long way in an interaction.

"Garret": A-anyways, I um, believe you wanted to ask a question t'ere, I'm sorry if I interrupted you

Beatnik Elder: Oh no, no trouble at all! I noticed you have an instrument and some records on display here and wanted to know if your protégé could play an instrument.

"Garret": Oh! Oh yes, 'e can actually!

Kermit: …:?

"Garret": Taught 'im meself!

Kermit: :o !?

Belfrey notices the small protests that Kermit is making, feeling a series of firm nudges knocking against his legs.

"Garret": Heheh, 'scuse us a minute?

"Garret" tries to take a hand to Kermit's shoulder, but Kermit makes a minor protest and decides to simply grab two of his weird fingers and lead him back towards the brush. When they're both back near the safe area, Kermit releases the man's hand and quickly turns to him with his arms crossed, looking up at Belfrey with a stern face.

Belfrey: Oi! Careful 'ow you grab me 'and, mate! T'ings more fragile t'an yah think!

Kermit: …!?

Kermit holds out his arms and does a frustrated yet questioning gesture.

Belfrey: What you mean? I'm tryin' to sell to t'e customer.

Kermit: …?!

Kermit gestures to himself by putting the four fingers on both of his hands near his chest.

Belfrey: Wha- of course it's you!

Belfrey let's out a sigh, pinching his brow for a moment. He then kneels down and faces Kermit, leaning in close enough for the lad to hear him. Kermit returns to crossing his arms, and looks at Belfrey with an angry determination that somewhat sends a chill up Belfrey's spine, but he refuses to let the feeling come across through his expression.

Belfrey: Listen mate. Didn't yah notice it with them lasses t'at came over 'ere not long ago?

Kermit: …?

Belfrey: Can't yah see? T'ese guys are comin' over 'ere for you. I mean look at yer self. You're small, cute, compact. Yah run fast and all t'at. You're the spittin' image of a mascot!

Kermit: … :/

Belfrey: Look I get it might be weird and strange but it's not just weird tick-tacks yer sellin' out there. Yah also sellin' yerself. So 'ere's the plan right?

Belfrey reaches into another one of his many cargo short pockets and pulls out a polished up tyrian harmonica accented with gold across the brim and having a French word written in cursive that Kermit can't quite read, and gets the impression Belfrey probably wouldn't bother expounding the meaning upon him, either.

Belfrey: So you play this 'ere 'armonica, and you go 'round and make sure enough people can see yah.

Kermit: …?

Belfrey: Yes, it's sanitized, rubbed it down several times already!

Kermit: … :/

Belfrey: So yah do a little performance and lead people to the mat to rack up sales numbers. It'll make things plenty quicker!

Kermit pauses for a moment.

Kermit: …?

Belfrey: What you mean?

Kermit does a gesture attempting to imitate the movements of blowing into a harmonica, and then gives a shrug.

Belfrey: Oh come on! 'armonicas are simple instruments, literally anyone with a windpipe can make it sound good.

Kermit: …?

Belfrey: Believe me, played 'em plenty before.

Kermit contemplates for a moment. He doesn't really play an instrument, and he partly doubts the claim that a harmonica is something that just about anyone can play effectively. However, he feels like Belfrey won't let him off easy here, he isn't able to completely make out his eyes but it's easy to tell he's on a serotonin high. He's a salesman, he knows a good sale when he sees one, and given he literally lives in a dumpster it's probably easy to say he's the worst kind, the kind that's always desperate and never lets go of a prime opportunity when he sees one. Kermit reluctantly agrees to play the harmonica, giving a slow nod in response.

Belfrey: Good on yah, mate!

Belfrey hands the harmonica to Kermit, he grasps it and looks it over a little. He looks over to Belfrey for clarification, though he isn't certain if he'll actually get it.

Belfrey: Go on now, give it a good blow. If you want inspiration, I always think of me 'appiest moments whenever I'm playin' somethin'.

Kermit wasn't expecting the supportive reply, but then again, perhaps it's more a nod to how little faith he has in Kermit rather than belief in him, but Kermit is too socially exhausted to allow himself to be bothered by this, besides, he'd probably completely wipe him in a debate. He looks over the harmonica, making sure it isn't too dirty, and it seems to be clean. It's been finely polished to a point where anyone would assume it had just come out of production. Kermit is hesitant, but he puts his mouth to the instrument and gives it a soft blow which he chooses to escalate in strength the further he slides it across his lips, which causes a loud hum to pierce its way out of the object. Belfrey grimaces a little bit but manages to retain his signature toothy grin, although the poise it once held now falters. Kermit noticing this, stops playing for a moment and looks up at Belfrey, who urges him to continue and gives a shifty look back over the bushes, likely to confirm if the old man is still patiently waiting. Kermit tries to play the device again, but this time while doing so, he tries to think of something pleasant like Belfrey had instructed. He allows his mind to drift off into the depths of his subconscious, seeing pleasant lights occasionally dotting its edges. The first memory he comes to, is a memory of his partner, Skid. He remembered the time when the two of them watched the sunset together.

It was a cool summer evening, sometime in June or July. Barely a cloud hung in the fainting sky, which threatened to bring the night. Skid and Kermit had gotten into a fight, a yard bully "Bruno" had accosted Skid by pulling at their ears, and Kermit remembers having stepped in and given Bruno a good crack in the jaw. Skid was a small rabbit person, they were much more frail than Kermit was, and since they were the only one in the neighborhood, bullying wasn't too uncommon an occurrence. A fight broke out between Kermit and Bruno's friends, it was tough and a little bloody and Kermit got his ass completely handed to him. One of the bullies spits on the back of Kermit's head, leaving him on the pavement, battered and beaten. The three laugh to themselves and head off, having had their fun, never to be seen again. Skid approaches Kermit to see if he's okay, Kermit wants to play it cool, but ends up losing it instead, tears streaking down his face and muttering the sound of strangled pain. Skid however, doesn't see less in him for it. Everyone cries eventually, people get hurt all the time, and they honestly wished Kermit wouldn't always try to hide his tears. Kermit though isn't really crying because of his pain, but rather he's worried he made a fool of himself in front of Skid. He was hoping to be the hero, the one who protected them, but instead…he ended up becoming the victim himself, but to Kermit's surprise, Skid gives him a comforting hug, Kermit can feel their warm and fluffy body. Skid warmly thanks Kermit, and turns themselves away to look him in the eyes, giving him a kind smile. Kermit is stunned, but the gesture is enough to cut off the flow of his tears. Skid offers to get Kermit cleaned up, and he obliges. Kermit remembered that not long after, the two of them went to a spot that Skid mentioned liking more than anything, a spot that lets them see the day's end. They settle in a sudden cliffside within a forest. Small yellow and orange buttercups liter the ground, and in the center of it all is a small stump. When they edge closer, Skid offers for Kermit to sit on it, he doesn't say anything like usual and Skid simply replies with a smile. They take a seat on the ground in front of the stump, but Kermit looks upon them simply sitting there, basking in the dwindling sunlight. He remembers thinking that they looked cute just sitting there, and wanted to stare forever. Kermit instead of sitting on the stump, opted to sit next to them, to Skid's surprise. They seemed to find the gesture cute, but Kermit was only thinking about what he may have done wrong in that moment and looked on embarrassed. This just made Skid laugh and they told a joke Kermit can't quite remember. The both of them turn their heads to look at the final embers of the sun, sinking into the horizon to make way for the moon. Skid leans their head upon Kermit's shoulder, and Kermit lie his on theirs. In this moment they were content, Kermit wished that moment could last forever.

Kermit's mind returns back to the present, where all that time he had been playing a heartfelt song of love and protection. He looks up to Belfrey who has an expression he's never quite seen on him before. One that is neither a suspicious smirk or an intense scowl, but rather one that seems almost meditative, implying that Belfrey is deep in focus. Perhaps Belfrey's soul had resonated with Kermit's reverie for just a moment, being stunned at how well the lad had taken to his new tool. Though soon, the obscenely tall man broke from his trance and gave a slight nod drifting off to his right.

Belfrey: Awight…I think yer ready.

Kermit gives a sagely nod. The two head out of the bushes and return back to the company of the elderly beatnik who was gracefully waiting for their return. Belfrey looks to Kermit expectantly, managing to make a genuine smile this time. Kermit looks back up at him. Belfrey gives him a supportive patting on the back, urging him forwards.

Belfrey: Go on, give him a show mate.

Kermit looks to the beatnik and then to his harmonica. Looking down somewhat, he urges forward and pauses. He then begins to play, a reverie of his first sunset. The song echos through the hearts of the two men, igniting an inner peace within both of them that they'd initially thought to have lost some time ago. Belfrey swings his fingers about and hums to the tune, while the elderly beatnik bobs his head. Kermit soon ends the song, and looks to the hopefully satisfied customer. The beatnik to Kermit's delight seems to be pleased and gives an assured nod of approval.

Beatnik Elder: Well then! That's some playing you got there! Seems you've really been studying hard huh?

Kermit looks down to hide his flustered expression, and gives a light nod.

Belfrey: Told yah! He's basically a natural! So uh, I believe you wanted to buy somethin', yeah?

Beatnik Elder: Oh yeah sure, I was looking to take that coltrane record off your hands.

Belfrey: Excellent choice my friend!

Belfrey picks up the record and holds it in such a way as to ensure the man sees its finer details.

Belfrey: Rare collector's item this one! Remember gettin' it off a pawn shop and haven't been able to find a proper place for it heh. Can't remember which shop it was though, long time ago.

The Beatnik Elder listens sagely and spares a chuckle to Belfrey's little gaffs.

Belfrey: Anywho, startin' price is about $50. Pratically a steal, mate!

In response to this, the elderly man gives pause, looks deeply at Belfrey and then begins to give a hearty chuckle. Kermit and Belfrey look at each other in confusion.

Beatnik Elder: …fifty bucks he says…hahaha!

Belfrey: Are you awight, sir?

Beatnik Elder: Oh yeah, I'm fine. But I'm not buying that for fifty bucks…

Belfrey: Uh…

Beatnik Elder: …I was thinking about giving you a hundred

Belfrey: …! :•O

Kermit: …! :O

At that moment it became obscenely clear to the two of them that they had, in fact, struck a jackpot. The rest of the sales became simple after that. Kermit moved somewhere into a grassy plain, a place with dandelions of many shapes of colors, and buzzing bees hoping to collect food for the hive. This place was upon a small hill, a place where Kermit knew the winds would hear his tune; and so he played his memories to the world, tales and stories of friends and family alike. He played the tale of his friend and rival Melody, and the first time they raced. Kermit being smaller and quicker on his feet, won hands down, but Melody in her competitive spirit claimed it was a fluke. Since then she's always challenged for a rematch and has yet to win a single race. One time she got so mad she hardly talked to Kermit for a week, she means well of course but she's never really been great at losing. Kermit remembers the two of them making up with some ice cream bars they got from a nearby gas station.

Kermit plays the tune of a rainy autumn, where him and his sister "Stella" were stuck in the house while both their parents were away. He and his sister looking wistfully outside, listening to the droplets of rain hit the windows. He remembers the two of them breathing on the windows and drawing goofy pictures of clowns and stars. They got bored with it eventually, though, and Stella had asked Kermit if he wanted to play a game. Kermit agreed, and for the rest of daylight they played a bunch of old board games they'd found in the attic. One was a game of monopoly, a game of economics and negotiation, something Kermit wasn't particularly good at, and Stella won everytime. The other was a game where you made little grape creatures with clay molds and had to get them through a gauntlet without getting killed. They then played on the house Genesis, and Kermit watched Stella play Sonic and Knuckles, being astounded by her ability at playing the game. She talked about the character and the world to Kermit, but she mentioned specifically how Sonic the Hedgehog reminded her of him, it's why she liked the game so much. Stella always wanted to be just like her big brother, and always had looked up to him. Honestly Kermit think she's about the only person who thinks he's half as cool as he wishes he was.

Kermit plays a song, of his mentor, Cindy. She'd always been one of the adults he found himself to be closer to, and next to his father he'd always looked up to her as a role model for the hero he hoped he could one day become. He remembers a lesson she taught to him one day, a lesson regarding survival, and knowing how to observe the area around him. Kermit took a hiking trip with her that day, and the two of them had to live off the land. Cindy was a natural at it, she knew which berries to pick, which pathways were clear of wild animals, and could identify creatures based upon the foot prints and the markings they'd leave on trees. She handled most of the actual hunting, though Kermit was eager to help somehow, despite Cindy warning him against it. He found a beehive up in a tall tree, far enough from the ground that a bear or other animal wouldn't bother trying to grab it, he thought. He was good at climbing, and sought to reach after the golden egg as best as he could, but he soon stumbled on a rickety branch and accidentally knocked the beehive far into the forest, and he fell into a puddle of mud. Kermit, soiled, dirtied, and now placed in an awkward position, looked up and found Cindy, whose head was full of hive and honey. He remembers her taking him back to camp and using a handkerchief and some lake water to clean him up. She gave him a talking to, and Kermit mentioned that he simply wanted to help, one of the few times he'd actually spoke. Cindy in reply gave a kind expression, and laid her hands softly on his head. She negotiated with the boy by saying they could probably use some fire wood. He remembers the two of them spending the rest of the day collecting sticks and twigs from the forest, and roasting some of the fish and deer she had spent the afternoon hunting. He remembered her teachings, and the careful hand she held. He remembered the respect he held for her, and the patience she held as a teacher and a third parent to the boy.

Kermit plays a song, a song of his first picnic. He remembers him and his father tossing around a football, in a field not too different from the one where he currently stands. That week was a rather difficult one for Kermit, as it was the one where he had left his elementary school's football team. His Mom and Dad urged him to join and he wanted to fit in with the other kids, so he tried his best. Though his size often made things hard for him and on his first game, his team ended in losing terribly. The coach had requested for him to leave, and he went home, depressed and dejected. He thought his dad would be upset with him, but instead, he saw a proud smile from him instead. No matter his failures, his mom and dad were always there to cheer him on. They knew in their hearts that their son was doing his best, and gave everything his all. Kermit's mom came up with the idea for a picnic, and they went off to the park. It was sunny in the beginning, but it soon rained afterwards, and instead spent the rest of the day in the car singing songs and went across town for a drive. Kermit continued to play the notes of life. Breathing out songs or joyous memories, or friends and family that supported him, and of all the lessons he'd carried from all of them. The denizens of the park grounds heard his tune, and they too were touched by the paintings he crafted with his harmonica. Belfrey was there as well, preparing a hat for the coin, and leading oncoming traffic to his mat. The people loved Kermit's songs and clamored for more, huddling around him and sitting down for a listen. Many people had emptied their pockets, sparing coin and bread in what they assumed was support for him, some of them bought things from Belfrey, others sacrificed bills to the hat, while some simply just came to lend an ear and listen. Belfrey was making a good number of conversations, managing to sell up a majority of stock, and even charging $10 for pictures. Kermit was lost to the song of his harmonica, and simply played for the sake of it. He never thought something as simple as this would end up being something he enjoyed. This simple act brought back to him so many memories of the past he'd initially taken for granted, never seeing the true virtues and gifts held within them.

Though somewhere away from the commotion, a runt much more worthy of the "hoodrat" title, is kicking up a fuss. A wild haired youth, who came to Bi-frost park to vent some steam. He dons a headband, a rugged bandanna obscuring his nose and mouth, wore a tank top revealing the marks along his biceps from many of the violent and dangerous confrontations he's had, and zoomed about the park pavement on a set of gaudy rollerskates. This hoodlum was named "Prince". Henchmen to the villainous mayor Oscurita, and someone who was more than pissed off after learning that some asshole had nicked his Sand Rush Tickets. Like Kermit, he ran just about all over trying to buy new ones, but all the fucking booths were as good as cleaned out, every last person who knows anybody has gotten their hands on them. As such he goes to the place where he usually vent stress, to a park with a substantial skating rink and gliding along the artificial ramps of earth with his favorite Airdog Branded Roller Skates. He loves the way it feels to run around in them. It makes him feel light and spry, as if he were soaring through the air like the graceful and powerful eagle, tearing through any fool who would dare try to claim its air for themselves, reminding those around him that the skies are his, and that nobody ought to piss him off. He soars up a steep ramp with blinding speeds, and rockets through the air, arcing himself downwards. He sticks the landing, does a strong twirl, then strikes a flamboyant pose that he partly hopes others don't see. As sweat pours from his brow, he looks up to the sky and sees the sun beaming down on him. He is suddenly struck with the urge to give it the bird, and flips his middle finger up at the sun saying the words "go fuck yourself" under his breath. He skates himself over to a wooden table a decent ways from the steep ramps and hills of the skate park, and plops himself near where he left his water bottle and towel. He angrily takes a swing from the bottle and washes his face with his towel. He looks down at his feet somewhat dejected, those tickets costed him half an entire paycheck, and he doubts his boss is going to do him a favor and lend him another pair. He lets out a saddened sign and gains the courage to look up again. He then overhears something to his left side. He sees that some kind of commotion is going on further down the path, some people are huddling around an area where the faint sound of a harmonica can be heard. Prince is now curious of this, what could possibly be so great, other than himself, that so many people would feel the need to flock in such numbers? Prince decides to check out the scene and jets down the path to investigate.

As Prince casually glides himself over to the scene, he sees that everyone seems to be looking at some kind of music player and dropping some rather generous donations into a large tophat. Prince finds himself weirdly impressed by how such a small fellow could drive a crowd to such lengths as giving him money, and vaguely contemplates one day attempting such a ploy himself…but then he gets a better look at who's playing the harmonica, and is both surprised and appaled to find that his rival, Kermit, is the one playing, and also wearing a stupid horribly painted sign along his shoulders. Kermit has always been trouble for him and his boss. Him and his band of misfits always being a thorn in their backside and bringing bad luck where ever they go. Just thinking about all the problems they've made for him invites an intense migraine which spreads out into a deep rage…he contemplates going over there and taking his frustrations out on the little gnome…but instead, Prince chooses to take a deep breath, and prevents his rage from reaching it's peak. He could absolutely take on Kermit in a fight, he's basically got two extra inches on him and waaaaay more experience with taking the hits. Kermit's nothing more than a spoiled brat playing delinquent…though then again, he's never really won in a fight against him…or has even really had a "proper" fight with him. Almost every time he's went for it, Prince has him on the ropes and right when he's going to make the most important strike, he ends up getting interrupted by some mook who completely over complicates things, he swears he's almost won some of those too. Well whatever, he doesn't care about Kermit anyways and besides, he's not doing anything to particularly piss him off in this moment. Prince looks around to observe the rest of the scene and sees that some of the people are trailing over to another location, what seems like a reddish mat with a number of weird items displayed across it. It seems to be some kind of sale and the vendor…wait. Prince swears he's seen the guy there before.

The janky tall fucker with greasy hair covering his face. He didn't quite recognize him initially because he was wearing something different, but there's no mistaking that's the person he was ordered to give a "special warning" to this morning. Running by it now, it was around that time frame that he swears he lost his tickets. Prince tries to run through his memories of the events this morning, coaxing a piece of cheese to the rat running around in his head. From what he recalls, he was given orders by his boss to go show the nasty end of the business stick to some jackass dodging his property taxes. His boss remarking on how cool and awesome he is, and that he's the perfect man for the job. He gallanty speeds off to the location presented on a sheet of paper. When he arrived at the scene he found what he initially assumed was the world's largest cinder block, placed smack dab in the middle of an old abandoned parking lot that was wedged between two large corporate buildings. He had initially wondered why any person would set up shop in such a strange area, but the Bottom Layer has a number of weird losers like this, so it made sense, he guessed. All that was on his mind: jostle tax evading fucker, report back to boss, get ready to go to the Sand Rush Concert with Mysterious Friend X. You don't need to know who they are and Prince would likely never tell you, it's a secret not even the most experienced of sleuths would be privy to. He stomps his way to the window and bangs on it, demanding the man to open up. The man quickly and without question opened the door, clearly terrified of the musky figure who demanded every inch of his respect, trying his best to sweet talk his way out of the situation. Prince was determined to uphold the honor of his boss, and told the man he were either to pay up or have the full brunt of the law brought upon him. The greasy bastard was clearly intimidated, but refused to give in easily, and instead opted to try and bargain his way out of Prince's interrogation. Prince tossed every possible tactic at him, but with each failed attempt to make him crack, the cockney bastard just got more confident. Prince hated his stupid smile and maturely swallowing his desire to enact great violence upon the greaseball himself, he instead turned around to head back to home base. Prince for some reason is hit with the sudden memory of staring at a weed shaped rock in the parking lot. It was a cool rock, he loved that rock, had some rollie pollies under it and everything. His memory then blips to a time shortly after he called his boss, he was giving some choice words to the living shit pile in the concrete block who was now taking to mocking him and let out a nasty laugh. Though as if karma itself had taken physical shape, the ground began to rumble around the two and they both looked down. They found that the building itself was being plucked from the ground that connected it to the rest of the earth, and when the building began to rise, Prince looked to see who was lifting it…it was his boss, carrying the entire building…with her bare hands. As she was lifting the building without much effort, she had the look of intense fury upon her face, and roared out with the rage of a bureaucrat who has spend an entire month signing far too much paperwork

Oscurita: MY HOUSE…MY RULES!

The voice was so loud and intense that even someone as strong and brave as Prince found himself swept up in the winds of her wrath, that's the boss for you. He witnesses the well dressed noodle pick up the entire building and punt it far into the air, the shockwave knocking Prince into a telephone poll, and rending the area where the block once stood a massive crater. Prince doesn't remember exactly what happened after that as he was still stunned by Oscurita's surprising feat of raw strength, but he remembers talking to her atleast. He thinks she complimented him for his loyalty…maybe…did she compliment him? He's going to assume she complimented him. That string of memories however doesn't seem to have helped him solve the mystery of the missing tickets though. So he brings his thoughts a little farther into the future-past and recalls him taking off his jacket that once contained the tickets. He recalls when he removed it that he found some weird greasy materials on one of it's pockets that he initially assumed was from the blast somehow but…wait a second…grease. This guy's covered in grease. Prince begins making connections in his head, the few neurons within bouncing around attempting to ponder the possibility of that man and his pocket being connected, as the weak sparks of electricity bounce off their walls. Through some miraculous biological event they manage to multiply, a nirvana creating a new cell that gives an extra edge to the lad's cutting intelligence. It comes to the delinquent in a flash. Wait a second…wait a goddamn second! That guy…that's the guy who stole the tickets! Prince is sure of it now! That fucker has to be the guy responsible for stealing his tickets AND messing up his favorite jacket. Prince opts to rush in the direction of the mat, zipping his way past everyone else around him. He barely spares a thought making a plan of course, but it's likely he going to try and keep a low profile from Kermit, unless the bastard decides to get funny with him.

Prince: Hey, wanker!

Prince yells out to Belfrey in a furious and mocking tone.

Belfrey: Oi, what?

Prince: Don't you fuckin' "Oi-wha" me, nigga!

Prince begins strutting up to confront Belfrey, the filth-ridden merchant.

Belfrey: Ay, ay! Wait yah damn turn yah bloody tod-

Prince quickly grabs Belfrey by the collar, bringing his face in close, close enough to where Belfrey can smell the sheer amount of sweat and adrenaline teeming off of him. The pedestrians witnessing the scene, are scared by the sudden threat of an altercation breaking out between the two, and start distancing themselves from what they fear could be a pretty ugly scene.

Prince: Now you listen the fuck here you Bri'ish dickhead! You got somethin' I want, somethin' that's motherfuckin' owed to me! I know yo greasy ass stole my tickets! Cough em up!

Belfrey: N-now hang on a second here!

Belfrey tries to break free from the agitated youngster's grasp, but his hold upon him proves to be much more diligent than his will to not get the complete crap beaten out of him.

Belfrey: I-I don't know…what yah talkin' about

Belfrey let's out a nervous laugh.

Belfrey: Now i-im sure this is all a b-big misunderstanding-

Prince: …Nigga…

Belfrey: Aye?

Prince: I spent a lot of fuckin' money on those tickets…I slaved away for a whole ass week, planning it with my friend for month, and even had to do my boss a few fuckin' favors…if you ain't willing to give me my shit, then I guess…I ought to cave your face in!

Prince reels his arm back in preparation to make good on his promise to Belfrey. His fist begins to glow an intense and unnatural color of blue, as his rage manifests in the form of literal energy. Belfrey watching the scene unfold before him and also overhearing the faint sounds of screams and panicked words from the audience. He recalls that he always made due to try and avoid situations like this. He was never really a fighter, and even still never intends to be. When you're up against someone with the potential to leap over skyscrapers in a single bound, move faster than light, turn the darkness into a sword, or toss literal stars from their hands, and if you were someone who at best could be thrown into an incinerator and maybe not die…you wouldn't want to be one, either. Belfrey braces for the inevitable blow, but just as he loses all hope, a small blur rushes before him, and tackles itself into the side of Prince, pushing him deep into the forest. Belfrey is somewhat dragged along but the piece of cloth Prince was grasping tears and is claimed by his hand, and sinks into the forest with him. Belfrey looks on at the sight, gobsmacked, and unsure as to what the hell even happened.

In the forest, Prince is being dragged along by the small blur, that then kicks him into one of the trees, his impact nearly snapping it in two. The blur lands near a river, and reveals itself to be Kermit, ready to fight and protect his cohort. Kermit isn't surprised to see Prince here, and even less so to be seeing him causing trouble. He has done battle with Prince before, he's mostly a stubborn meat head who thinks highly of himself, and he thinks he used to date Melody? He opted to knock Prince into the nearby forest in order to prevent anyone else getting involved. Normally Kermit doesn't pay much mind to the collateral damage of his disputes, but he also doesn't want to scare off the customers, and is determined to get those tickets. Prince arises from his spot of impact, and Kermit in response regains his focus and puts his head back into the fight.

Prince: Ugh…fuck…

Prince looks up, attempting to regain consciousness, he smacks the sides of his head and shakes it, turning his focus to Kermit who's across from him closer to the river. Seems the exact event Prince wanted to avoid has come to pass, but whatever, he thinks. He's taken on Kermit before, and he can do it plenty of times over if needed.

Prince: Aight nigga, had to figure you'd been colluding with the geezer. You wanna fight?

Prince smashes his fist into the palm of his left hand, creating a spark of energy and having a bloodthirsty glint in his eye.

Prince: Then less fight!

Prince rushes at Kermit with extreme speed, his rollerskates making him all the more dangerous, and Kermit rushes at him in turn. The two boys leave waves of roaring wind behind them, bending the trees and water around them as if the world were being made into putty within their presence. Their fists clash, smashing together like meteors, burning the grass and pines around them, and creating a blast of wind and sound loud enough to be seen from the heavens themselves, at least within their eyes. The two lads clash, their battle tearing its way through the forest shooting out waves of tension with each impact. Prince taunts Kermit throughout, putting his ego on display for the boy to see, but Kermit remains focused and unfazed, determined to stop Prince from hurting anyone else. Back outside, Belfrey looks on at what he can see of the fight, seeing two dots jumping through the air as if it were simply a dance between a pair of fireflies. Belfrey looks out behind him and sees that the audience is in just as much awe as he is. Some of them have left, others have started taking out their cameras, and some are just shocked at the sudden display of implied violence.

Belfrey looks back to the forest, the darkness between the trees and bushes that had once served as the comfort of anonymity for him, but now like everyone else he's out in the open, exposed to the sun and its intensive heat. He's one with the flock who holds terror at the example of delinquency being laid before them. He should run, every ounce of self-preservation that he has so thoroughly trained, screams this within him. Furthermore, he's already done with the sales, both bags are clean, and he's gotten quite a good deal of money from the scheme. He could walk off and blend in with the crowd, leave this place and never be seen again, taking his earnings with him; he could also fetch a good price for the tickets he nicked from the scrappy lad. All these options buzz around the precipice of his mind, of how to escape, how to take the money and run, and how to prevent himself from coming into harms way. All things considered, he should think himself lucky that little lad jumped in and saved from the bandanna wearing brute. He could leave this without having lost a single thing, something that doesn't happen very often when he's been caught. Though despite all these options, all the fear in the pits of his stomach, and all the urges that call for him to give in to his greed and desire for self-preservation…he still can't help but think of how Kermit without hesitation stepped in to save him. All the hell he's put the lad through, and him going through with it, only for a pair of concert tickets. Belfrey wants to think the boy as selfish as he, but as far as he's concerned he's spared more mercy to him, than anyone else has for years. Belfrey while opportunistic and considering himself a businessman, cannot ignore that he is quite literally…a living piece of garbage. Most he's known either regard him with suspicion, see him as a means to get something they want, or as a monster who lurks in the sewers and snatches cookware in the night. While he can't quite attest to the last example…he finds it odd how Kermit, this boy who all things considered never needed to bother with him, was willing to provide a helping hand to the smelly stranger. Heeded his barking and fussing and put up with him for an entire day, hours more than Belfrey knows he actually deserves. He even took the fight into the forest as not to scare the customers away. Belfrey for the first time in a long while, actually feels a hint of remorse. The wee lad is out there fighting to protect HIM, and here he is standing here, doing nothing, a grown man with his whole life behind him, leaving a child to do the dirty work. He guesses this is why he worked alone. The sound of the harmonica, chimes within his head.

Belfrey chokes down his fear and terror and closes his eyes, then takes a deep breath. He might as well see if the lad is okay. He takes an impossible step towards the forest. One step soon turns to two, then to three, until eventually he finds his legs moving on their own. Though as he begins his trek towards the forest, another much larger blur shoots right past him, nearly knocking him down if it weren't for him breaking the fall by catching a tree that was right next to him. The sonic boom rings inside his cruddy eardrums, and it takes him a moment to regain his balance and hear the people muttering to themselves about some person he doesn't know of. Belfrey regains his posture and returns back to the track he was on…but then a thought hits him and like a speeding locomotive he goes back to the hill Kermit was on and quickly grabs the now empty bags and the tophat filled with money. If he's going to dedicate himself to something that might get him killed, or at the least, in unspeakable amounts of pain, he might as well make sure he doesn't lose too much in the process. Belfrey then makes a mad dash and hops back into the forest.

Back to the perspectives of Kermit and Prince, the two boys continue to clash, knocking over trees and folliage in the process, even giving the local wildlife quite the fright. Kermit is having a much harder time containing Prince than he had anticipated, the brute's hotheadedness making him harder to manage as the fight goes on, and the ruffian's rollerskates proving to be a boon to him. The villian, Prince, is in his element.

Prince: Gettin' tired already?

Prince rushes at Kermit, and in defense, Kermit puts up his hands in order to block the oncoming blow. Prince disappears from view, catching the boy off guard. Kermit already knows this trick from a lot of anime he watches on tv, it's the kind where a person gives off a feint by making you think they're going to do one attack, when in reality they're actually waiting to catch you off guard and go in for a back strike. Though despite this knowledge, Kermit is a moment too late to turn around and retaliate, and Prince lays a swift kick to his back, being sure to dig his skating wheels into it. Kermit is knocked down into a ditch, and rattled through a series of thorny bushes, falling clumsily onto his face. Guess he's beginning to see why so many people tend to fall for that one. His small tired body can't help but lie down in defiance. The youngster hoping that Prince likely hasn't caught up to him yet, but still forces his body to carry itself back up. Actually, now that he thinks about it, Prince is just as fast as him…why hasn't he-?

Prince: Damn ain't you lookin' like a fine fuckin' mess?

When Kermit turns around, he sees Prince kneeling on a large branch, leering down at him like an owl seeking out its next meal. Prince doesn't waste even a moment getting down to business, jumping from the tree and preparing to give a final decisive blow from above. He opts to use his elbow, tapping it twice like one of those wrestlers he'd always seen on televison, and cuts through the air, allowing gravity to serve as his pilot.

Prince: Yo ass is grass, motherfucker!

Kermit is so tired and hiked up on adrenaline that he can barely hear that statement, but him imagining it is enough to make him cringe at how stupid it likely was. Kermit having lost the debate with his mortal shell is substantially slowed down, and there isn't much time to move out of the way without taking some part of the attack. Kermit instead braces for impact and puts his arms up, not knowing if it'll keep the attack from hurting, but knowing it should soften the blow enough for him to maybe escape or lead Prince into a trap. As Prince's bend edges ever so closer to the young man, he winces a bit, knowing this is likely going to hurt and may leave quite a few marks; but it is at this moment where Kermit closes his eyes recoiling from the scene before him, and a large gust of wind accompanied by a bright flash of light brushes past his obscured vision. Kermit opens his eyes in surprise of not being in complete pain, taking a moment to inspect himself, and then puts his arms down to look up at the scene above him. To say he's relieved would be an understatement, as who he sees above him now grasping Prince by his wild locks, is none other than his mentor and senior, Cindy, glowing brilliantly within the air, appearing almost angelic in her presence as if to let the public know that it is now safe.

Prince: Seriously? Again!?

Prince feels incredibly stonewalled to know that not once but twice today has he had someone on the ropes and gets interrupted by a surprise guest. Not to mention, this isn't even the first time Cindy has stepped in to break up one of his altercations with Kermit. He looks to Cindy with a glare filled with bitter animostiy in his eyes, not caring or really even understanding in the slightest about how far up the hero's ladder she is. He at least has the sense to know he can't win a fight with her, so might as well fight back in the only way he knows how.

Prince: Y'know, I really think you oughta butt out of things that have nothin' to do with you.

Cindy: And I think you ought to wear a helmet next time.

Prince huffs and looks away from the dazzling woman, crossing his arms and looking to the direction where he's consigned himself to be thrown.

Prince: Just get it the fuck over wi-

Cindy swings the boy around, as if she were whipping a wet towel. She takes three good swings to gain momentum and as if he were a tennis ball being shot from a cannon, CIndy releases Prince with a mighty throw, and he soars through the air, going miles through the sky. Prince can never say no to airtime, though he often prefers to "fly" rather than ragdoll through the winds like a scarf caught in a jet turbine. He flies far over the trees of the small forest, over and around a few skyscrapers and nearly missing some pigeons along the way, eventually landing face first in a dumpster behind a grocery store, scaring off a flock of seagulls who were enjoying a meal. One of the gulls returns and out of curiosity, pinches Prince's bum with its beak. The shock of the impact not only damaging Prince's favorite roller skates, but also knocking him unconscious. He lost his favorite shoes,,,and also his tickets. Today is not a good day for the young delinquent.

Back on the ground where Kermit had lay, the boy manages to pick himself back up to a kneel after getting some rest on the rugged land. Covered in dirt, scabs, and bruises from his fight with Prince. He's feeling a bit humiliated to have been put in such a situation, even though he's been taught many times that you'll never know how something will go until it actually happens. Though all things considered, Belfrey and the other customers should be safe, now with his pseudo-nemesis gone, personally he's just glad it was only Cindy that saw him. Kermit releases a pained groan, but hears some rustling from the bushes and quickly shoots his head down the right side of him, fearing if there could be another enemy trying to jump him. Kermit without thinking about the action, accidentally breaths in though, and a strong, pungent, yet familiar scent hits his nose, which brings with it a sense of welcomed ease. A very distressed and out of breath Belfrey pops out of the bushes, still wearing his weird "Garret" attire from earlier, and taking a look around to see all the craters and knocked down trees. He mutters some obscenities under his breath at the fear and amazement of the chaos that's been wrought, but immediately brings his attention back to Kermit, who he rushes in to see.

Belfrey: Bloody 'ell mate! What in the name of god 'appened 'ere!?

Kermit: o_o

Belfrey comes close to Kermit, quickly looking him over in a panic. He notices the bruises on his body, as well as the fact that he might've been punched in the face a couple time. His clothes are all beat up too, his hood is down and his shoes are covered in dirt, mud, and whatever else the forest had to offer.

Belfrey: Ah fuck me…fuck me!

Belfrey takes another look around in distress, as if expecting some kind of monster to pop out at any moment and finish the two off. Regret is hitting his mind like a freight train, but the iron horse has already left the station, and there's no deterring the vehicle from it's path. He turns back to Kermit.

Belfrey: Are you awight mate?

Kermit gives a thumbs up and a dopey smile, though one of his teeth seems to be missing.

Belfrey: Don't gimme that rubbish you soddin' tick tack! Of course you aren't awight! (Christ, why'd I even ask the question?)

Belfrey tries to get his thoughts in order. He needs to get Kermit some medical attention. He seems to still be well enough to have his wits about him, but there's no telling what sort of damage this fight will have on him long term. From Kermit's perspective though, he's a little confused and kind of concerned to see that Belfrey felt worried enough to come back for him. It isn't that he's not grateful for the gesture of course, but mostly because that altercation was predominantly for his sake. Kermit was not only trying to protect the customers, but he also was adhering to the lesson presented by Belfrey sometime earlier. That whenever something goes sideways, one should always have an escape plan. It seems somewhere along the way, things got lost in translation. Though this does make him question if most people see his fights this way. He's had his powers of speed for as long as he can remember, and him and his friends have been facing Oscurita and her forces for a good few years now. Maybe he ought to consider how many people he brings to worry with his reckless actions, even if they are mostly intended to be selfless and for what he personally views as the greater good.

Belfrey: Can yah stand?

Kermit nods.

Belfrey carefully helps Kermit up to his feet. The two stare at eachother for a moment, in question as to what they should do next. Belfrey has never really done this kind of thing before, usually he takes off at the first sight of trouble. Like, shit, this really is happening. Never once in his life would he ever think he'd be coming to the aid of a super powered youth. Kermit can see that Belfrey probably has less experience in being the "hero", and decides to cough as a means to break the silence. Belfrey comes to attention, it taking him a moment to realize that Kermit is giving him a cue. Without wasting anymore time, he takes what he's given…

Belfrey: A', right! Now um…seems we aren't bein' "attacked". It's 'bout time we finally got out of 'e-

Like clockwork, as soon as Belfrey speaks of leaving, another person takes the cue and enters the scene. The hero of light, Cindy, stomps herself onto the ground between Belfrey and Kermit. A wave of intense air kicks up from beneath her feet, nearly knocking Kermit down and pushing Belfrey right onto his ass. The grime ridden man pulls himself back in terror, wearily looking up to see the image of the saint leering down at him. Though it is not mercy within her eyes, but something much…much…darker. So dark that even Belfrey in his wisdom can't quite make sense of it. It's similar to the look Kermit gave to him earlier when he initially protested playing the harmonica, but much worse. Belfrey fails to hold a poker face this time, and fear begins to course it's way through him, he couldn't hide it if he tried.

Cindy: And who are you supposed to be?

Belfrey stamers for a minute, barely even comprehending the fact that the entity before him has spoken, but he knows she expects an answer.

Belfrey: Um…a…sales…man?

He gives a nervous grin.

Cindy narrows her eyes in response.

Cindy: Yeah right.

She raises a hand towards the merchant. It begins to glow intensely, and a powerful aura made of pure light and darkness swirls around her hand. Belfrey, has already consigned to his fate. So much for coming out of this unscathed. Kermit is about to intervene, wanting to tell Cindy to wait and try to hear him out, but it's too late. A beam of intense light shoots from her hand, engulfing Belfrey completely. Kermit looks on in horror and shock at seeing his cohort be taken by the rays. As quickly as it came it dissipates, Cindy pulling her arm back and clenching her fist, then shaking the residual smoke off. There is barely a trace of Belfrey left, save for some ashes where he had sat. Kermit is stunned and doesn't know what to say. He wanted to prevent this from happening, he wanted to prevent Belfrey from getting hurt. He's at a loss for words, nothing could possibly describe how he feels right now. Cindy turns to him and addresses him in a significantly less condescending tone, though still holding authority behind it.

Cindy: Kermit

Kermit doesn't look up. He keeps staring at the ash pile. Cindy in response let's out a long sigh and closes her eyes.

Cindy: He's not dead, Kermit.

Kermit looks up at Cindy. He feels almost betrayed by her uttering such cold words and let's out a gesture implying as much. Cindy opens her eyes and looks at Kermit again.

Cindy: Don't believe me?

She turns around and walks over to the charred remains and pulls herself downward, holding her knees. She then lightly pokes at the ashes.

Cindy: I can probably hurt you plenty, but I know something like that isn't enough to kill you. Get up.

Kermit is completely baffled by this situation. His lifelong mentor literally just obliterated the dude he was trying to help and is claiming that his ashes are somehow a state he can still be alive in? Bullshit! He flairs out his arms and makes a choked yet frustrated noise.

Kermit: …!?

Cindy: Give him a minute.

Though despite Kermit's wishes and fears, reality begged to differ. Moments after Cindy's command, the small one hears a loud coughing noise coming from the pile of ashes and sees a large cloud of soot shut upwards. Cindy covers her nose and looks into space.

Belfrey: [COUGH COUGH!] CHRIST ON A CROSS!

A mouth filled with rotten yellow teeth forms itself in the pile of ashes. Belfrey as Cindy had mentioned, is very much alive though seems to be less than thrilled about this fact. A feeling of great relief hits Kermit and he wastes no time running to his side, though before he can edge too close, Cindy stops him with a hand and turns to him with a stern and stoic look on her face. Kermit knows this face, it's the kind she makes when he's about to get a lecture. His once distressed expression quiets itself, and he steels his resolve for the verbal daggers of ice that are about to be poked into him.

Belfrey: W'AT IN T'E 'ELL DIDJA DO T'AT FOR!? YAH NEARLY VAPORIZED ME YAH FUCKIN' BINT! I CAN BLOODY SUE YAH Y'KNO-!

Cindy mercilessly stomps on the pile of Belfrey as though commanding him to quiet. Though he seems to abhor this unspoken command and continues ranting, albeit it being muffled by the mass of the lightbearer's foot. Cindy retains focus on Kermit.

Cindy: Kermit, hasn't your father taught to be careful about who you associate with?

Kermit doesn't reply, instead looking to the side and rubbing his right arm in apprehension.

Cindy: Well?

Kermit winces a bit and pauses, but eventually he gives a nod in response. Cindy sighs.

Cindy: I believe I've also told you this before, too. Kermit you need to be wary of who you're allowing yourself to be around. There's no guarantee this man would've came in after you if the circumstances were just a bit different.

Kermit nods.

Belfrey tries to retort and Cindy scrapes her foot along his "face" in return. It hurts like hell.

Cindy: This man could've hurt you, Kermit, or he could've gotten you into trouble. Not to mention you and these fights with Prince. I came here and saw a large gathering of panicked people thinking something bad had happened, and here I find you and him going at each other and giving everyone a fright.

Kermit: …

Kermit tries to object.

Cindy: No buts!

He stands down instead.

Cindy: You need to be more aware of your surroundings and not rush in and make a situation worse than it already is; even if he did start things first. I will say that you did the right thing in moving the fight elsewhere, but try to apply this in other circumstances, not just this one, okay?

Kermit nods, and is also completely embarrassed. He's never liked being grilled by Cindy, it feels a lot less fiery like an enraged parent and more cold like how a teacher should be he guesses. He's frustrated because he not only scared a bunch of people, but also failed to handle Prince, his inexperience causing the offender to get the upperhand. He also feels bad that Belfrey, someone who all things considered likely wanted nothing to do with any of the three of them was brought into it. Belfrey's eyes reform and he sees the dejected Kermit having been reprimanded by the pale woman standing atop him. He begins to feel a bit bad for the boy, and for his sake, he quiets down as not to make the situation any more awkward. Belfrey as an old man is all too familiar with the feeling of being torched by a senior, especially one that you hold deep respect for. Belfrey isn't sure what Kermit sees in someone as cruel as this, but what does he know, he's only seen a small part of their relationship. Belfrey has gone silent and Kermit stands there demoralized and humiliated by his lack of tact in approaching the altercation. Almost as if in response to both, Cindy releases her foot from Belfrey's char-matter, which sends a subtle signal to Kermit that he should probably work on picking up whatever he can of his slowly regenerating coworker. Kermit approaches the Belfrey pile, and begins scooping him up into his dirty sleeves. Cindy begins to step away, and brings herself off the ground, still looking at Kermit, and Belfrey who now rests within his hands.

Cindy: I have some things to take care of, Kermit. Remember what I told you, and try to stay out of trouble.

Kermit slowly nods.

Cindy: And you

Cindy turns to Belfrey with an intense glare on her face.

Cindy: Stay far away from that boy. DO NOT let me see you near him again.

Belfrey: Fair enough…

With that note, Cindy flies off into the sky like a jet, the air wails with her cuts as she disappears into the atmosphere. The two look up at the sky for a moment, and some relief washes over Belfrey who's just happy not to be dead, though is still plenty bitter in knowing that his act of kindness was met with a one way trip to the ultraviolet incinerator. Kermit though, just feels bad about the whole situation and seems a bit down. Belfrey looks at the boy without much of an expression, considering he can't make one in the state that he's currently in. He decides the best course of action, for now, is to clear is throat and break the tension.

Belfrey: Oi, lad.

Kermit looks to Belfrey.

Belfrey: Mind takin' me back to the sewers?

Later that day, now coming upon dusk, Kermit finds himself sitting on the drain pipe near the broken down corner store. He looks to the artificial lights above, now settling themselves down to signal to the resides below that night is coming. Kermit allows himself to become wistful for a moment. He thinks about the day and the lessons he's learned. He's learned that there are more things than the bigger picture out in the world. If he wishes to become a savior of the people, he ought to learn how to understand them better. Seeing the small, intricate lives they lead, the things they grow to love, and the people they choose to care for. Kermit has even taken time to assess the things within his own life that he had initially taken for granted. All things considered, this day was filled with a number of lessons and trials, though instead of it being the rise of a great antagonist, or some kind of competition, it was a test of personal character, of wisdom, being able to see where he stands in the world, and being able to see the ones who stand with him. While there are always times to let the tide of the vast take you, one must always remember to return to the beaches, to the hands of the grains that they once stood next to. As Kermit contemplates, Belfrey now shirtless and wearing a pair of raggedy pants, drying himself off with a towel. Emanates from the depths of the sewers seeming to be in a much more cheery mood than he was before, either that or he's simply whistling to himself as a means to personal support.

Belfrey: Oooh, t'at feels good!

Belfrey looks outside and sees the dimming lights of the Bottom Layer. He figures it's about time to turn in for the day, he wouldn't want to be caught out here during night time after all.

Belfrey: Mm, seems t'ings are windin' down. Anyways, it's gettin' late don't yah t'ink? Might wanna 'ead 'ome before it ge-

Kermit: Sorry…

Belfrey pauses his statement and looks at Kermit more intensely now. Are his ears deceiving him? Did the boy actually…speak?

Kermit: I'm sorry.

Well shit, seems he did.

Kermit: This shouldn't…have happened…

Kermit doesn't say much else after that, but Belfrey seems to understand the sentiments of the boy. He sees that he's still quite defeated after what happened with his supposed…mom he guesses? Could be his mom, else wise why would she tell him to stay away from Kermit, seems odd to him, but he chooses to put a pin in that. Belfrey scratches the back of his head, and looks away from Kermit for a moment. He then let's out a big sigh and chooses to sit next to the boy, looking at the same sky as him. After another breath, he then turns his head to Kermit and gives a light nod.

Belfrey: Heh heh, you've been like t'at ever since we came back from the forest, lad. Chin up some, we made a good sale and got plenty of cash as well! I'd call that a good day 'onestly!

Kermit: …

Belfrey: …A'…mm…

Belfrey is unsure as to what to do here. Kermit still seems to be a depressed about the events of today, and perhaps feels that in some way he's let Belfrey down. Belfrey doesn't quite know if he's the best with kids, actually no…he knows he's terrible with kids. Though he does figure that while Kermit's feelings may not make much sense to him, they do make sense to Kermit. He sees today as a personal failure, he was chewed out by his parental figure, nearly lost got and pummeled by a rival, and ended up scaring a boat load of people. When they were leaving the park, Belfrey didn't notice anyone regarding them any lesser than usual, sure there were some onlookers but nothing that seemed to carry any malice. However, unspoken words may as well be another form of scorn for the fledgling. To them, he's just a kid who stepped in to save a salesman, but to him, he might as well be seen as a monster, a delinquent who brings nothing but trouble wherever he goes. Belfrey stops and thinks for a minute, allowing a breath to pass his nostrils. He looks at the water flowing through the creek beneath them, and absent-mindedly allows himself to drift. Then, he comes up with something he could tell to Kermit. He doesn't know if these word will reach the young lad, but he figures it might be worth a try. He did give his all in helping him out, so he might as well return some kindness to him, considering all he really did was come back for him. Belfrey returns his attention to Kermit.

Belfrey: Oi…listen mate. Got somethin' I want yah to do.

Kermit turns to Belfrey

Belfrey: Look at me 'ands for a moment.

Kermit: …?

Belfrey: Just a moment.

Belfrey shows his old withered hands to Kermit, who pays attention and looks at them, though isn't entirely sure as to why he's presenting them to him and what point he might be trying to present here.

Belfrey: Y'see t'ese 'ere 'ands?

Kermit nods.

Belfrey: T'ese mitts are…old, used up…rubbish. See, point is…I'm an old man, I wasted me life a long time ago. Spent it on a shite business partner who swindled me out of...well...everythin'. 'Cause of t'at, I ended up w'ere I am now, but in all intents and purposes, best someone like me could ever 'ope for, is to find a good enough 'ole, and then sleep in it.

Kermit: …

Belfrey: But take a good gander at your 'ands there. They're young, virile, full of life. You've got your whole life 'ead of yah.

Kermit looks at his hands for a bit, and he thinks he's beginning to somewhat grapple with the message Belfrey is attempting to present to him. He guesses, he's a bit shocked to see a man like him actually taking the care to try and present him with a grain of his own wisdom. He feels a bit grateful to Belfrey for this, and takes care to listen to the rest of his words, seeing as he isn't done yet. Belfrey looks back up at the ceiling, setting his hands on either side of him, grasping the edges of the pipe.

Belfrey: Point is…you shouldn't be wastin' yah life worryin' 'bout an Old John like me. Far as I can tell, I've got meself a consistent livin' on selling useless crap. I can take meself apart and put all the pieces back together, I mean Christ you just saw me get turned into a pile of as'es and yet 'ere I am! Back to being me old self, 6 feet and all, haha! …Still 'urts like hell though. I also got to see t'at jackass of a business partner kick the bucket, managed to outlive the bastard...

Live...that's a word that resonates with Belfrey a lot more strongly than he was prepared for. He figures now with saying it aloud, the concept starts to hit him somewhat. For so long he thought he was as good as a walking corpse, barely alive save for the desperate need to survive; but in reality...even if it wasn't exactly "fun" or "pleasant", he is alive, and he never truly recognized it before.

Kermit nods in agreement and holds back a soft chuckle.

Belfrey: As far as I can tell, I shoulda been dead many times already, yet despite everyt'in', I'm still 'ere, and I've found me a nice little 'ole. 'Course it's muddy, smells like a right 'og's asshole, and might be cold sometimes…but it's my 'ole, and all things considered, it ain't all too bad.

Kermit nods, being able to see the reasoning behind Belfrey's statements. Belfrey takes another breath, a silence hangs over the both of them for a minute.

Belfrey: Your probably wonderin' if yah ever gonna see me again.

Kermit looks to Belfrey.

Belfrey: Am I right?

Kermit thinks for a moment, and then nods.

Belfrey: Well..t'ing is, t'at's a choice yah make yerself. I know your mum said for me to steer clear of yah-

Kermit: She's not my mom.

This…statement gives Belfrey a number of questions. He looks at Kermit for a moment, and then looks off and make a series of confused expressions. He chokes down the urge to ask him for context, coming to the conclusion that perhaps it's best if he doesn't pry his way into something that isn't owed to him.

Belfrey: …Yea'… Anyway, point is, yer in control of yah life. Me nor t'at glowy lass can tell yah otherwise. If you don't want me 'round, you're free to wander the streets wit'out payin' a single mind to me. But if you wanna come by and 'elp out, maybe buy somethin' or lend a 'and if you want. Solar beams or not, I won't turn you away. Could always use the help.

The two become silent yet again. Kermit looks down at his feet and begins kicking them about, but he eventually hears the sound of paper wafting in the wind next to his ear. When he turns to Belfrey, he sees his arm outstretched, and his hand containing the two tickets that Belfrey had initially promised him.

Belfrey: 'Ere…you've earned it.

Kermit looks up at Belfrey as if expecting clarification.

Belfrey: Do I even need to explain it?

Kermit looks back to the tickets, and takes them from Belfrey's hand. Instead of pocketing them, he chooses to look at them for a moment. He partly can't believe this is happening, though feels like it should make sense. Belfrey simply gives a vacant nod in response and looks back off into space.

Belfrey: Now go out t'ere and live your life. As to w'o you give t'at ot'er ticket to, ain't my business, can sell it if you want. You're young, quit wastin' it 'ere. Cause if you do, i'll sell it for fifty bucks!

Kermit notices the joke from Belfrey and gives a soft laugh, Belfrey in returns gives a hearty chuckle, being oddly proud that he managed to actually cheer someone up. The man then looks over to the wreckage of his old corner store, wondering how he's even going to begin making up for such a loss.

Belfrey: Now…to save up for a new storefront…t'ing took me ages to buy.

Kermit looks to the wreckage as well, and then looks down to think for a second. An idea soon comes to him; one that he feels Belfrey might find amusing. He turns to Belfrey and shakes his head, Belfrey looks confused at the expression.

Belfrey: Whatcha mean, lad?

Kermit does a gesture with his hand , urging Belfrey to come in closer in order to whisper in his ear. Belfrey edges the side of head near Kermit, and Kermit begins to communicate something rather devious into his earholes. Belfrey reels back and turns to Kermit in slight befuddlement, but doesn't seem to turn his nose away from the proposal.

Belfrey: Can we do t'at?

Kermit: I know someone.

The next morning, we turn to a scene of a tall figure cast in shadow, overlooking the city of Forsetty, a fishing town planted near the great lake of Forasizo which connects to both the Top Layer, and the Bottom Layer; the city known especially for it's bustling marketplaces as well as being a popular tourist sight. The powerful figure has placed one of her bases of operation here, putting her mark upon the world beset by scales and lake water. She holds her face to the city and chair to the darkness of her office space, forever obscured by deep shadow. She is currently in the middle of a phone call, and seems to be having a very important conversation with someone, who serves as it's inhabitant.

Oscurita: Yes, you should see it this afternoon. Thank you.

She hangs up the pink phone, and arises from her chair, further bringing out her tall and dominating stature, standing well above the desk where she once sat. She turns around, revealing her large saucer like eyes, containing a wicked soul-piercing gaze that could kill a man dead. She ambles her way across the office, submersing herself within the darkness of the room, falling perfectly out of sight. We cut to her about 40 minutes from that point on. She is now in what seems to be a hot pink dressing room, filled with a number of well ironed and trimmed outfits, ranging from respectable suits, to sumptuous dresses. Beneath sit a collection of warm and dark colored shoes with dignified heels, and boots tall enough to reach up to her knees. These and her other belongings, are protected by the velvet shields of luxurious drapes. She is currently standing before a large mirror, placing her full body on display, ensuring that she is the only audience. She wears a ship captain's outfit accented with soft buttons and a pink hankerchief tucked into her neckline. She is currently placing on her angular captain's hat, checking in the mirrors to see if it fits properly, glancing from the side and tucking in bits of her etherial mane beneath its edges. Upon seeing that it is a proper fit, she puts on her jacket and grabs her cane from the corner of the room near the door, disappearing into it's frame. She descends in a large elevator, custom fit to accommodate for her impressive dimensions. She seems to be humming a tune of some sort to herself, and slowly rocking from side to side. The elevator door opens with a quaintly unfitting jingle, to reveal what appears to be a darkened basement floor. Oscurita exits the elevator and makes her way across the large corridor towards her personally constructed peer, marked by a specialized sign containing the iconograph of a smiling cartoon dolphin. As she walks down the long halls, the villianess begins to chuckle to herself, and her chuckle turns into a series of uncannily cute and contented noises.

Oscurita: Hmhmhm~! I can't wait to drive my new yacht…now that I have all the down payments covered, I can have it all to myself, uuu! "Yacht" hee hee, what a fun little word!

She walks down the peer and towards her personal garage, the only place within these desolate walls that has even an inch of sunshine. It stands upon a personal beach area, cut off from the rest of the world. The look of the endless blue, with the shadow of the garage sitting over it, gives off a somewhat "liminal" feeling. She walks down the peer while singing in a cheerful tone. She is no longer containing her apparent excitement of being able to finally pilot the vehicle she has clearly spent a while working toward acquiring, a fact that is made obvious by her singing the words "yacht, yacht, yacht, yacht, oh I how I love my water drop" repeatedly. She soon arrives at the garage, pressing a button on a remote to open the small lifting doors at the building's side, still singing her little song. Though when crossing a wall towards the main room, she opens her eyes, and suddenly her joyous tone falls silent. What she sees is a less than ideal scene, one anybody would crush the soul of just about anybody. She sees that there is a giant hole, that appears to have been blown into the side of the garage wall, a detail that given it's facing to the lake, she probably wouldn't have caught unless she were on the beach. Soft wind blows through it's gaping maw, proudly displaying the endless tide that lie outside. Worst of all, the yacht that she claims to have loved so much, even so much as singing a little ode for…is now gone. Oscurita looks upon the scene of obvious theft with a vacant expression, now having been cruelly striped of all joy, and instead replaced with an empty rage. She looks dejected for a moment, but then takes a…deep…breath…

Oscurita: What…the…FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!

The beast lets's out a blood-curdling shriek that pierces the hearts of mortal men. Even the most diligent and cold-hearted of salary men, would find a shiver crawl up their spine after hearing such a roar. Unfortunately for the people of Forsetty, it was made quite loud and clear, bouncing off the ceiling of the Bottom Layer. You can't possibly imagine anyone there, who wouldn't have heard it. Though on the other end of the spectrum, in the middle of a wide blue rift, racing along the tides of the local lake, on a specially made pearl white yacht. Our protagonists seem to be in a rather accomplished mood, having stolen from a common enemy, and Belfrey, who among them, had finally gotten a new storefront. It isn't what he had in mind of course, but it'll do, it'll do just fine.

Belfrey: HAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAA! Well t'is sure is a way to get t'ings back online! Wonder 'ow O' Scratch is doin' 'bout know, HA!

Skid: Yeah nigga! She's probably screaming her head off! Think she might end up suffocatin' with all that smoke!

Belfrey: Bah, if only! Oh, right. Remind me to make some touc'es before you lot get dropped off. Don't want to invite unneeded company. Still, one 'ell of a 'eist you two pulled off. Would've never guessed t'ere was a leak in 'er security right 'round 'er garage.

It seems the "help" Kermit thought to contract was his partner, Skid, who speaks more crudely than impressions would give. Their mask obscures their fluffy face and high voice, but Belfrey and Kermit know better of course, though they wouldn't tell them that. Skid and Kermit are small and quick, and combined with Belfrey's ability to multiply and divide his body mass, the job became easy, all they needed to do was set the bombs and disable the alarms. Kermit smiles, overlooking the clear blue waters hitting the sides of the boat. Skid turns to their boyfriend, wondering what to do next.

Skid: So where we goin' now Kermit? That heist was the shit but you were actin' like you had somethin' else for me.

Kermit looks to Skid, still holding the same smile, and reveals the two tickets Belfrey gave to him.

Skid: Yo nigga we goin' to Sand Rush, broooo! This is the best fuckin' date eveeer!

Belfrey: Heheh, seems yah know w'ere t'e next stop is t'en.

Skid: Hell yeah!

Skid steps on the gas, and cruises along the waves, making a daring detour towards the east where hopefully they'll end back up in the Top Layer, where Sand Rush is expected to tour.

Belfrey watches the two lovers talk…or rather watches Skid talk to Kermit, and sees Kermit giving minor gestures, attempting to impress them, but it's obvious to Skid that Kermit is just as happy about things as they are, and is just glad to be spending time with their partner before they leave their life for the next week and a half. Belfrey recalls the days when he and his former business partner used to spend time like this, being a pair of rascals and just enjoying their time with each other. Belfrey for a moment almost allows himself to be lost in a series of garbled memories, though is roused from his mental slumber by Kermit tugging at his pant leg.

Belfrey: Oi, w'at is it, lad?

Kermit offers Belfrey's saxophone.

Belfrey: A…now w'ere in the 'ell did get t'at!?

Kermit urges Belfrey to play.

Belfrey: …Yah cheeky little…

Kermit: … :)

Belfrey: … T'is is revenge for t'e 'armonica, ain't it?

Kermit shrugs.

Belfrey: Hmph…well, yer weird, 'ope you know t'at.

Kermit: …I think you're weird too…

Belfrey pauses, being stunned at Kermit talking. He's still not used to him doing that, having spent most of his time around him not having heard a single peep from him. Belfrey though, accepts defeat, signalling it with a sigh. He takes the saxophone and begins tuning the instrument. It seems Kermit had went through the trouble of getting the saxophone repaired, an act that Belfrey feels he doesn't deserve, but who is he to pass up a free gift? He can't remember the last time he's ever held one of these, both because it's been a good while, and also because he might not actually be capable of properly accessing the memory needed to play it. All of it's just a jumbled mess these days, so tangled and broken that he sometimes wonders if he ever had a past at all. Guess there's only one way to find out...

Belfrey: You'll 'ave to 'scuse me if I'm a bit rusty, 'aven't played one of t'ese in a while, o' and um…I t'ink I'm gonna play it down on the first floor, don't wanna get sick and all t'at.

Kermit offers a thumbs up and a supportive nod. Belfrey descends to the first floor of the yacht. He looks out at the vast body of water before him and see's the natural light pouring in from the Top Layer. He holds the sax to his face, and takes in a large breath; he may not remember how to play it exactly, but he thinks it'll come to him somehow. The man of filth and coin plays a song, a song of a love struck fool who dared to dream. A fool who played his saxophone, and made it to a prestigious jazz club. A fool who lives with fears of filth and pestilence, and managed to conquer them. A fool who had died, and yet managed to survive. A fool who, only yesterday, had remembered what it felt like to live.

THE END