What's in a Name?

[betel_geuse]

[Video: Locked from Dracula]

Betelgeuse appeared on the vid screen. He wasn't smiling and his brows were furrowed in thought. After a moment he cleared his throat and spoke.]

"I don't think I've made many enemies here. Leastways, I haven't been aiming to and that's gotta count for something. Look, some of you know that I have kind of a problem with my real name, including not being able to say it, m'self. So, for personal reasons, if you're one of those that does know my actual name...could you kinda keep it to yourself for a spell? There are certain people I'd just rather they didn't know it, not just yet, okay?

I mean, sure sure, someone's name doesn't seem like such a big thing to know, but it's like that fame thing. Too many people learn a guy's name and suddenly he can't walk down the street, without getting mobbed and wolf called, and whatnot! It's just a hassle and I don't want to deal with that right now. I appreciate it."

Comments

[Video]

[beautifulmidboss]

[Oh, hey, he remembers you from the rooftop pool party.]

It sounds as if you've run into some trouble?

[betel_geuse]

"Oh, hey, it's you! Hiya, pal. What, me? Nah, nah, no trouble," Betelgeuse assured him hastily. "Uh. Really I'm trying to prevent trouble a bit is all. I mean, it might be for nothing, not even necessary, but why take risks, y'know? Nope. I'm good. ... How are you?"

[beautifulmidboss]

"People do not normally avoid 'certain people' uncovering information if they to not perceive a threat at the very least. Mais bien sûr, there is no harm in sensible caution," Midboss replied, but for now be let the excuse slide. "As beautiful as ever, I assure you, a couple of minor setbacks aside."

[betel_geuse]

"...Yeah, okay, that's fair enough. Sure, the person could be a threat. I'm not sure they would, though," Betelgeuse explained. "Sorry to hear about the setbacks, though. Anything I can help with? I'm for hire."

[beautifulmidboss]

"Does their name happen to begin with an 'L', by any chance?" he replied warily. "I have had a certain individual causing me some headaches as well, hence the...setbacks."

Still, he gave a smile at the question. "Thank you, I will let you know, but...I fear the next time you host a rooftop party, I may have to take the stairs." Less said on that, the better.

"That aside, is there anything I can do to assist you with your issues, in the meantime?"

[betel_geuse]

"Uh, no. An 'M,' actually, for the first name," Betelgeuse said, frowning lightly. "Not sure I know anyone with an L. Why would you have to do that? Someone stealing your juice?"

Betelgeuse was rather talented at sticking his feet in places they shouldn't go. He also wanted to make sure he didn't get into any trouble with the mysterious L person.

"Nah, just don't say my real name, if you happen to know it. Long as that doesn't get bandied about, I'm safe enough."

[beautifulmidboss]

"Hm, not someone I could immediately guess, then. Although I would be surprised if you had not...encountered the other individual in some capacity. The one who destroyed half of Genessia City some months back," he hesitated at the question, looking a little uncomfortable, before replying. "He...took my wings in our fight."

Quickly, he focused on the other part, thinking back. Had he heard his real name before? "Ah, yes, your name was announced in the Beauty Pagent a little while back, if I recall? Although I am not certain whether that was your real one... Even so, what would you rather I called you in the meantime?"

[betel_geuse]

"Oooh, him, yeah. I remember his work, but I never came up against the guy, m'self," Betelgeuse explained. "Yeah, they said it at the pageant. I'm hoping most people have forgotten that part. BJ is fine. That's what most people have been calling me."

[beautifulmidboss]

"I would not advise it...he is rather powerful, and certainly a vicious foe," he replied, "Well if it helps, that was some time back, and not everyone came to watch."

...BJ? Midboss hoped that Betelgeuse had already realised the potential implications of that nickname. "...BJ it is, then."

[betel_geuse]

"Yeah, but I gotta feeling people here, a lot of 'em, might have longish memories," Betelgeuse said, still worrying about it. "Yeah, well, I'm the ghost with the most! It takes a lot to beat me at the magic game."

[beautifulmidboss]

"Well I imagine I am not the only one, certainly, but people here disappear all the time. Still, I will make sure to keep the name to myself," he replied. "Oh really? What skills can you call upon then, if I may ask?"

[betel_geuse]

"Thanks, fella, I appreciate that," Betelgeuse assured him. "I'm kinda hoping those that disappear go home, when they do. It'd be nice to think our stays here don't have to be permanent."

[beautifulmidboss]

"I imagine we do. After all, there are people here from my world who have experienced events in my future. Thus, when I return, that must be where I will end up," he said.

[betel_geuse]

"Huh. Kinda comforting I guess. I don't think I'd like being told my future. What happens to me should be something I control, not people's memories of some future."

[beautifulmidboss]

"It is rather a strange feeling, I must admit. Although, at least from what I have been told, everything seems to work out for the best," Midboss shrugged. "It does make you wonder how much of our actions have already been predetermined."

[betel_geuse]

"Pffft Even if there's someone pre-determining my future, no one determines my actions, but me! Believe me, fella, they've tried. The people running my world's afterlife have learned that the hard way."

[beautifulmidboss]

"Now, it sounds like there is an interesting story behind that," Midboss chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Might I ask what happened?"

[betel_geuse]

"Aw, they made me an assistant to a dame whose job it is to help new ghosts adapt to being dead," Betelgeuse explained. "They thought using my talents would allow them to rein me in. Didn't work out. I refused to play by their stuffy, obstructive rules. Finally, I cut myself loose and went freelance."

[Video]

[lookprofessor]

[Here is a small child... wait. Is he not looking at the camera? Yeah, definitely. Luke's gaze is off to the side when he speaks Sorry Betelgeuse, you just look a smidge scary for Luke's tolerance]

Um... what would you like to be called then, sir?

Re: [Video]

[betel_geuse]

Betelgeuse was used to nervousness in living people, being the ghost with the most and all. He gave what he considered a charming, reassuring smile.

Re: [Video]

[lookprofessor]

[He wouldn't call that smile charming but at least it isn't menacing.

Mostly.

Luke has one eye on the video now, at least.]

Hello...

/facepalm I rearranged stuff and forgot to paste the comment back in.

[betel_geuse]

Wel, now that he could see part of the kid's face...

"Hey, kid, how are ya? I'm known as BJ in these parts. What do they call you?"

I have 100% done that before! Also you are using prose so I"m gonna swap =)

[lookprofessor]

"Um...hi, Mr. BJ. I'm Luke."

Is he looking unsure? He is definitely feeling unsure about this guy. He seems friendly...

"I'm all right. Still getting used to the city."

:D

[betel_geuse]

"Good to meet you, look. You don't have to bother with the mister. It wasn't really used in my day," Betelgeuse said, chuckling. "Newbie, huh? Hey, don't sweat it. We all started out a bit lost and confused."

[lookprofessor]

He nods warily. The stranger seems friendly enough--so much so that Luke wouldn't have thought twice if he had only heard the man talk.

"Newbie? Um...yes, I suppose. I've only been here a few weeks. I'm still trying to find a job. Lots of shop keeps won't hire me..." He huffs slightly, crossing his arms. "One man said he didn't think I could even reach the counter. I don't think that's fair since he didn't even let me try!"

[betel_geuse]

"Well..uh. Maybe you should go into business for yours, then, kid," Betelgeuse said, shrugging. "What can you do? Trust me, working for other people sucks."

[lookprofessor]

"Well. I've never worked just for myself. I'm in primary school at home, and I help the Professor but..."

He pauses, tilting his head.

"I am good at making tea. But that shopkeep wasn't wrong when he said he wouldn't hire me 'cause of the counter top."

His face is a teensy bit red, and he sighs. "Some things are so high, you know?"

[betel_geuse]

"First time for everything," Betelgeuse said, then shook his head. "Kid, kid, of course he was wrong! What the hell else were step stools invented for, right? Ya just gotta take some initiative."

[lookprofessor]

"Maybe I'll open a tea shop and all the counters will be low so I can reach! "

One day, Luke, you will reach your growth spurt. Today is not that day.

"Then taller people will have to stoop though and that isn't good either. I'll have to kerp thinking!"

[betel_geuse]

"Hey, it's not that bad an idea. Just put pillows next to the counters and people can lounge about, while drinking their tea."

[Audio]

[blackkirin]

From what I was told, if I know the name of something I've managed to tame it. [read: Warning Will Robinson!!] So I guess names are a big thing to some. So I suppose I shouldn't try to learn your name.

Re: [Audio]

[betel_geuse]

"I would appreciate, if you didn't," Betelgeuse agreed, sulking a bit. Another one?! "I mean, I don't consider myself real tamable, if you know what I mean, but I'd rather not risk it. What do you mean by tame anyways? Controlling is bad, but taming just seems unnecessary. What's so good about tame?"

Re: [Audio]

[blackkirin]

"Gouran wasn't easy, either, but if I hadn't he would have killed Gyousou-dono and Risai-dono. So... As long as you don't try killing me, I won't." Yes, this kid is quite seriously that innocent but also factual about potentially making Betalgeuse a slave for life. "I can't protect myself so I'm supposed to get shirei to do it for me."

[betel_geuse]

"Why would I wanna kill ya? You'd become a ghost, probably, and I'd have to listen to you complaining for eternity. Nah, kid, I ain't gonna kill you," Betelgeuse assured him. "You behave with me and I'll...well, yeah, I won't kill you."

He couldn't quite bring himself to choke out a promise to behave, but a no kill promise he could do. Hopefully, he won't regret it.