Children of the Gods: Arc 2 [Game/Closed]

[Rogue Trooper]

Jonathan couldn?t help but look at the new arrival without a hint of annoyance. She was called Rias and from what Jonathan could hear from the on-going conversation she was hunting one of Zeus?s mercenaries or ?butchers? as she called them. This particular word was more or less aimed at Jonathan, as Rias obviously knew of his past work and now and again threw contemptuous looks towards him, making it quite clear to him and everyone else in the group that she disliked him. Why? Jonathan couldn?t say. Maybe someone she knew was killed in the past year and Jonathan was an easy target to strike out or perhaps it was something simpler and Rias just had it in for paddies.

Regardless of her attitude Jonathan had to admit that she was strange looking girl by the fact that she had some feline features; namely cat like ears instead of normal human ears. When Jonathan saw her exit the train carriage with Andrew and Nicole he couldn?t help but attempt to make a joke and was in process of making an off ?handed comment to Shiro about his country?s viewed stereotypical interests. But he stopped himself when she approached and began shooting daggers at him.

The old him would have most likely lost his head and began either swinging digs or shouting his head off, which would have made a bit of a scene in the train station. But he had changed since a year ago and it was better to leave it alone, at least for now; no doubt that he and Rias would buttheads sometime in the future but until then Jonathan agreed to try and ignore her. If she wanted to fight however, he?d give her fight she wouldn?t walk away from.

With the rest of the group in conversation Jonathan decided to take a seat down on a nearby bench which Andrew had also sat on. Jonathan didn't really have much to say to the guy and he couldn't be sure if there was any bad blood between them, after what happened at the pub. But a bench is a bench and it's not like Andrew was going to try and stab him...well hopefully not anyway. Once sat down Jonathan took in a spot of people watching, a few minutes past before the Celt decided to try and break the silence that surrounded the bench

"So, I heard you?re a doctor of some sorts. How?s that working out for yeah"?

 

[CrazyGirl17]

"Good morning Toshiro. I represent Orochi Musuko - do you have a moment?"

Shiro spun around in surprise, seeing this woman appear out of nowhere. Even stranger, she knew his name, so it was likely she knew something about him.

Eyes, narrowed, she got into a fighting stance. "Who are you and what do you want?" He asked in Japanese. "And how do you know me?"

 

[IFS]

Nicole noticed Andrew going off to sit by himself and decided to leave him alone, he seemed like he needed some time to himself. At least Prommy said they were friends, that will probably help things along. Man now what though? I'd rather not deal with the new girl, but unless she starts a fight I should be able to ignore her. Sighing she walked over to Prometheus and stood near him.

"So how long until we're at our destination?" she asked "And is there anything in particular we should keep an eye out for while we're there?"

She already knew some of the answers but it wouldn't be a bad idea to refresh her memory, besides she could go for some small talk to distract from the annoyance she felt towards their new addition.

 

[DarkRawen]

Andrew barely had the chance to listen to the group discussion before he was addressed, by Jon, rather surprisingly. |

"So, I heard you're a doctor of some sorts. How's that working out for yeah?"

Andrew glanced towards Jon, who had taken a seat next to him on the bench. There had been a moment of complete silence before this which had been nice, though it wasn't a question Andrew minded. Examining the other to see if there was a underlying intent, he nodded. Jon, despite of their disagreement the last night, didn't seem to be trying to be aggressive or rude.

I suppose I can't blame him either way.

Seeing as it seemed safe to reply -and that ignoring someone was even more sure to anger them- Andrew thought of how to respond. Correcting the man and saying that he was a surgeon, not a doctor was not only nit-picky, but also sort of wrong.

"Yes, I became a surgeon very recently," Andrew replied, facing Jon and muttering so that he wouldn't catch the attention of the feline demigoddess or the rest of the group. They were discussing something entirely different, after all.

"It's working out well, I've had no unsuccessful operations so far. It has helped develop my healing abilities too, by giving me experience and further knowledge about the human body." He didn't know what else to say, though he added;

"And it allows me to help people, though I would like to train further, work with cardiothoracic surgery or neurosurgery, so that I can actually use my talents for what they are worth."

His tone was more eager than when talking about other subjects, and there was a mix of pride and responsibility to be heard in his voice. His general attitude was polite, not arrogant as one might assume from his words. Figuring that he might as well keep the conversation going, Andrew spoke some more.

No need to be rude, after all.

If only he thought that each time he opened his mouth around the group, honesty still seemed to be difficult to balance.

"How about you? You're a baker, is that correct?" he asked, remembering the bread from the day before. "Is that going well? I mean, I did taste one of the breads yesterday, so if those were yours, you're pretty good."

 

[Green Shoes]

Prometheus smiled at Nicole - this would most likely be the easiest trip they made together.

"About two minutes, we just have to go through a couple of doors, checkpoints etc. Contrary to popular belief, this market is probably the safest place to be at the moment. Crawling with Hermes' security. Certainly safer than the Saharan Tents, for now."

Noticing Shiro conversing in Japanese, the Titan made a somewhat annoyed face. His concern for what was going on was slightly overridden by the fact that he had yet to learn many of the East Asian languages - thus rendering him somewhat useless if they were to travel there.

Murmuring to Shiro, he gave him a polite nod as he started walking towards the green door.

"We'll just be through there when you're ready. There are no turns or anything, so you can't get lost."

Motioning at Andrew and John to follow him at no particular rush, he opened the door for the others as they brushed past him. Inside were rows of pale-green lockers, sitting atop a granite floor, and belying a granite ceilings. Striding straight through, he heaved on an identical green door with red handle, this time giving way to a set of stairs descending, lit brightly by warm, yellow lights.

The stairs ended abruptly in a well-lit, renovated Old London Tunnel. Though the bare-brick above was left gloomy, the floor was a uniform, navy carpet. The tunnel continued someway onwards, though it's end was obscured by the bustle of people. On either side were makeshift stalls and shops - some far more established than others - with all manner of things on display.

The denizens were all dressed differently, and the space was rather crowded - suits flashed in and out of sight, followed by jeans, dresses, and the occasional kilt. Standing stock still, like islands amongst the sea of people, were dark-skinned men and women in suits - their eyes featuring golden, feline iris'.

Prometheus took a deep breath, and turned to the group.

"Hymir, you're going to want to find someone dealing in information - generally their desks will be bare. If you find something you want just call out - the owner will find you. Rias, as you're also searching, I suggest you go with him. For anyone else, now is the time to ask questions or get weapons. The prices these people want will vary greatly - don't agree to anything you can't fulfill."

Spoiler: Shops

Table - Assorted Scimitars, two bars of gold, a set of scales.

Pedestal - Human eye, encased in glass.

Large silver bowl on table - assorted jewelry, all of different materials, scales.

Short Table - Skin drum & beater, one sandal, large carving knife.

Shop facade with table - bare.

Table - Stacks of books and parchment, several maps, bowl full of turkish delight.

Twin Pedestals - two broadswords, similar.

Long table with glass display - one silver arrow.

Shop facade with table - Two Chinese swords, three phials of black liquid, small pouch of teeth.

Short table - two leather knuckle-guards.

Several pedestals - Green leg-guards, green gauntlets, short sickle, White Rope

Small table - jar of dirt.

Table - Rolled hide, pair of boots, scales.

Display pedestals - three stones; one jade, one amber, one onyx.

----------------------------------------------------------

The woman smiled politely and was quick to re-assure Shiro, showing him her folder. She continued in Japanese. She had instinctively drawn her left foot back at Shiro's change in stance, though she smartly drew it back in.

"No need for a fight, Toshiro. My name is Kyoko, and I work for Orochi - all I carry is this folder. I was simply sent to ensure you were aware that Orochi wishes you well, and that if you are ever in Japan, you are welcome to his hospitality. He hopes that any familial bad-blood does not pass down.

Quickly checking her folder, she presented Shiro with a sealed envelope, with his name etched into the front in archaic Japanese.

"For if you visit Osaka. Good day!"

With that, she spun smartly on her heel, and walked away. Shiro noticed her look back, and he met her glance; aware she had been caught looking back, she tossed her head and disappeared into the crowd.


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[Lunar Templar]

Rias signed internally at the Titan, who did he think he was? She'd never said she'd join them just that she was willing to deal with them. Rias simply fallowed them into the market place, remaining silent for the short trip. Rias listened as the Titan gave them a short run down of what they could expect in the market as well as a warning about not making any deals they couldn't pay off.

Rias simply nodded and walked with the Norsemen to find an information broker.

 

[Rogue Trooper]

"How about you? You're a baker, is that correct? Is that going well? I mean, I did taste one of the breads yesterday, so if those were yours, you're pretty good."

?It?s going alright? Jonathan replied scratching his bearded chin ?It was one of those useless skills I gained way back, before I met any of you guys. Then everything went pear shape for me and I fell back on it, it calms me as cliché as it sounds and I have to admit it is nice seeing people enjoying something you make?.

After saying his piece Jonathan waited on a reply from Andrew, unfortunately Prometheus decided it was time to move. The titan led them through a side door and then after fiddling with some lockers, Jonathan found himself in what appeared to be some sort of underground black market. It was strange place, the items that the vendors with their freaky appearances sold, looked like something you?d pull out of the bottom of a deadly dustbin. Although it wasn?t the first I?ve to a black-market before Jonathan thought remembering of his experiences in Prague.

?For anyone else, now is the time to ask questions or get weapons. The prices these people want will vary greatly - don't agree to anything you can't fulfil."

?You heard the man; don?t promise your left nut or your first male born child unless you can? Jonathan said jokingly, he then turned towards Andrew ?We?ll finish our talk later buddy?. Spying a potential buy Jonathan then went over to the short table to ask about the price of the two leather knuckle guards which lay on top of it.

 

[DarkRawen]

"It's going alright. It was one of those useless skills I gained way back, before I met any of you guys. Then everything went pear shape for me and I fell back on it, it calms me as cliché as it sounds and I have to admit it is nice seeing people enjoying something you make."

Andrew smiled. "Yeah, I suppose it is." He wasn't much of a maker of things, but there was something in that. People enjoying what you did, or at least drawing benefit from it wasn't exactly a bad thing.

Even so, it's surprising to talk to him like this, though.

He'd only seen Jon angry or annoyed, or at least most of the time. The other was surprisingly calm, and not at all concerned about what had happened.

Not the type to hold grudges, then.

Andrew was, but even so, he found no reason to do that now. He'd already almost sold out the other, something that he should perhaps mention at one point, if Prometheus didn't. The titan motioned for them to follow, and as Jon did, Andrew figured he might as well. What met the group through the door could only be described as surprising. A lot of different kinds of people, stalls selling objects, some less common than others. He had to admit that the silver arrow drew his attention, though so did the books.


"For anyone else, now is the time to ask questions or get weapons. The prices these people want will vary greatly - don't agree to anything you can't fulfil."

That goes without saying.

Andrew knew how to make a deal, after all, and he had a certain set of things that he wasn't very willing to part with.

"You heard the man; don't promise your left nut or your first male born child unless you can. We'll finish our talk later buddy."

First-born son and body parts are definitely items I don't want to part with.

Andrew nodded as a response, then went over to the silver arrow. It was peculiar, not because it was there, but because it was sold as one of a kind. Either it was a special object of some kind, or simply sold like that to make it appear as if that was the case. He went over to the long table, and addressed whoever was the seller.

"Excuse me," he started off, no need to be rude, after all. "What exactly is special about this arrow, and what is your price?"

 

[IFS]

"Hymir, you're going to want to find someone dealing in information - generally their desks will be bare. If you find something you want just call out - the owner will find you. Rias, as you're also searching, I suggest you go with him. For anyone else, now is the time to ask questions or get weapons. The prices these people want will vary greatly - don't agree to anything you can't fulfill."

Nicole nodded and set off into the strange marketplace, she already had a weapon with her sword but certainly there had to be other things worth picking up. Jon's warning did concern her though, I don't have much to pay with... Certainly not going to enter into some sort of deal with the devil, guess I'll just have to see what I can manage to afford.

A number of pedestals bearing pieces of green armor caught her attention and she walked over to them, examining them for a moment before looking around for whoever was selling them.

"Excuse me," she said "What exactly are these? And what do they cost?"

She wasn't certain she would actually buy anything of course, but armor certainly wouldn't be a bad thing to have.

 

[CrazyGirl17]

"No need for a fight, Toshiro. My name is Kyoko, and I work for Orochi - all I carry is this folder. I was simply sent to ensure you were aware that Orochi wishes you well, and that if you are ever in Japan, you are welcome to his hospitality. He hopes that any familial bad-blood does not pass down. For if you visit Osaka. Good day!

Shiro listened to her words with a bit of skepticism. From what he knew, Orochi was the nine-headed dragon his father had slain a long time ago. If he was still around... well, wouldn't he still hold a grudge? Still, he took the folder, figuring he could ask Prometheus about it later.

The woman - Kyoko - then disappeared into the crowd, but not before Shiro gave her one last look.

When he lost sight of her, Shiro tucked the folder away into his bag and went looking for the others.

 

[hiei82]

Hymir made his way through the market with the cat-woman beside him. He stopped to look at a few items of interest but largely ignored the shop fronts. The set of stones intrigued him briefly as he thought they might be rune stones but, upon seeing one of them was made of jade determined the likelyhood of that was small. If they really were rune stones, he'd need to stop by after finding an information broker. After all, rune stones usually meant Odin was involved and finding Odin would be a great boon.

Eventually, the pair spotted an empty storefront and walked over. As they approached, Hymir steeled his mind and readied himself for the great task of haggling. Getting information involved quite a bit of hiding information and in his experience it usually revolved around giving up money and information in return. He had a few ideas on what he could offer; things that would help him more than hurt him but would have their own value.

Of course, he figured it would require quite a bit of money to get any truly juicy information; something they sorely lacked. We all didn't get to be the children of Lakshmi with effectively infinite material resources at our disposal after all. When Hymir finally reached the table, he stood there until someone arrived. When someone finally did, Hymir quickly assessed the person to try and figure out how they could make a deal that was favorable and honorable.

 

[Green Shoes]

Responding to Jon's question, a rugged-looking man with a short, grey beard detached himself from a conversation and swung round to face him from the opposite side of the table. Staring keenly with pale green eyes, he sized Jon up, before folding his arms against his crisp, white shirt.

"Mmm, good choice those, not many people left that would use those. You always want to throw your weight from the legs, not the arms."

The man threw two quick punches at the air, before smiling.

"I could part with them for a Fae corpse, if you're up for some hunting. Can't keep up with them at my age. Unless you have something else I might be interested in?"

He raised an eyebrow, doubtful that Jon had anything to offer other than his services.

-----

Andrew was met by a woman with gleaming red hair that fell in curls to her shoulder. Her skin was near translucent-pale, and her eyes thin and darting. Striding over in tank-top and jeans, she lifted the top of the display case, and plucked the arrow from it's stand. Holding it neatly in the palms of her hand, she spoke in a thick, Scottish accent.

"This is one of the last remaining arrows made for Leto's twins during the Trojan War. It's for killing half-Gods, so don't go wielding it around in here. It's also a fine shot, if I say so myself - very well balanced."

A small ring of buyers had formed as she had been speaking, and she quickly returned it to the glass case, keeping a close eye on those around her.

"I'm only trading for Scathach's head or a weapon that will cut the *****. If you're not interested then piss off!"

-----

Prail's question was met by silence, until she spotted a short, dark woman waving her over to the table with the rolled hide. Her black hair was frizzy and uncombed, and running up both of her arms were numerous tattoos, too faded to be discerned. As Prail approached, the woman grabbed her hand and settled it on the hide. Prail could feel it shifting and trembling, ever so slightly.

"If you're looking for armour, this is as good as it gets. Don't listen to anyone else - you tan it, you wear it. Makes a monster out of you - very powerful, very old."

As she tapered out into silence, a large man with a long, black, bushy beard tapped Prail politely on the shoulder. He was wearing a brown, tweed jacket and tartan pants, as well as a broad, silly smile.

"My dear girl, if you need protection, then test a piece of the Green Armour! I've yet to meet anyone, or anything, that can scratch it! Leave this woman and her...unsavoury tastes!"

Turning and expecting Prail to follow, he quickly greeted Nicole, removing the pair of gauntlets from the pedestal and offering them to Nicole for inspection.

"These, good friend, are pieces of Green Armour. Worn by Bercilak himself, if you believe the stories. If you don't, then you'd be happy to know that it's near-unbreakable. And, as the last pieces of the set, they're on sale! Four quarts of Titan blood, or something of equal value."

-------

Hymir stood sternly as a rather striking woman came up to the table, seemingly emerging from nowhere. She was dressed in a cleanly cut white dress, and her ringlets of brown hair were held back by a blue headband. Coming to the table, she smiled sweetly and offered her hand.

"Good morning North-Man. Looking for someone in particular?"

 

[DarkRawen]

"This is one of the last remaining arrows made for Leto's twins during the Trojan War. It's for killing half-Gods, so don't go wielding it around in here. It's also a fine shot, if I say so myself - very well balanced."

Interesting. It sounds like it suits me perfectly then.

Andrew hadn't counted on running into an item related to the Leto twins, and especially not one that could be as useful as this. Of course, the price would likely be rather harsh, and, for as highly as he thought of his ability to talk, he doubted he could afford it. Even so, he kept listening.

There were only a few demigods on the list. It is almost guaranteed that we'll run into one that is hostile eventually.

If not this Rias turned on them and attacked them first. He had certainly read about the Trojan War, and he knew what roles the twins had played.

"I'm only trading for Scathach's head or a weapon that will cut the *****. If you're not interested then piss off!"

That is not something I can offer. And I doubt that I could say that I have a right to it because of who I am.

Andrew didn't want to reveal who he was, if it wasn't obvious to the others by his appearance, then it would if they knew who Zeus wanted dead. Besides, he doubted that mattered, it was a long time since then. And, if he remembered correctly, the silver arrows were Artemis'.

Regardless, I can try to offer something.

He leaned forward a bit, the people there had no business listening in on what he had to say, as he had been the one to approach the seller. It was surprising how quickly he had learned to talk to angry, demanding goddesses -and other powerful not entirely human women- , though he wondered what exactly he did to keep getting himself into that exact situation. With his eyes set on hers, and an expression somewhere between playful, polite and serious, Andrew spoke.

"Sadly, I cannot provide you with either, especially as I don't know this Scathach. However, I can make you a venom that should be able to harm her through her skin, or a poison that can be hidden in any kind of food or drink without giving off a flavor or texture. You choose the effects, it can be as painful as you like."

This seems like a warrior type of person, though, the kind that values honor. Perhaps poison seems too cowardly.

He didn't stop smiling, just changed his tone, slightly.

"Of course, if the ways of poison isn't to your liking, I can provide you with medicine as well, or offer my services as a healer, I am willing to heal anyone you'd want me to heal. Be it now or later, as long as I have the ability, I will keep them from dying." Standing back up, he didn't break eye-contact one moment.

Hopefully, I'm not telling her too much.

He wasn't entirely comfortable with letting a stranger know the most of his abilities. Even so, there was nothing that revealed his hesitation, about him, flawless confidence and trustworthiness was what Andrew knew how to fake the best.

"If none of those sound good then I apologize for having wasted your time. However, that is what I have to offer."

 

[Lunar Templar]

"Good morning North-Man. Looking for someone in particular?"

"A couple people actually. One he wants, One I want." Rias said making her presence known. "Depends on the price asked though" Rias added. She had no intention of letting some one rope her into something that might compromise a past alliance or this potential current one, even if she didn't like or really trust them.

"So then, what are you asking for as payment for the locations of Loki, and Autolykus" Rias asked 'Well, less the location of Loki and more confirming the rumor ...' she thought as she waited for the shop keepers reply.

 

[IFS]

"These, good friend, are pieces of Green Armour. Worn by Bercilak himself, if you believe the stories. If you don't, then you'd be happy to know that it's near-unbreakable. And, as the last pieces of the set, they're on sale! Four quarts of Titan blood, or something of equal value."

That does sound useful, though I'm not sure Prometheus would be willing to help pay for them. Then again Andrew can always heal him, so it can't hurt to ask...

"I might be able to pay that price," she said "though I am curious, what would qualify as equal value?"

If she could find something less painful to acquire that would certainly make things easier, she didn't exactly like the idea of hurting Prometheus, even briefly, just to pay for armor. But then again it would certainly be useful to have, though she didn't know anything about Bercilak. Will have to look him up, maybe I can get wifi in here...

 

[hiei82]

Hymir was going to speak when Rias took the initiative. He bit his lip when she mentioned who they were looking for; that was potentially valuable information in and of itself. Instead of using it to his advantage, Hymir just had to play it as though such information were a non-issue. Something mundane. As such, he kept a straight face and merely confirmed what Rias had said. "As the lady said; we have rather cunning prey for which we need information to track down."

He paused for a moment before adding. "The real question however is what do you want in return?" he said, more as a statement than a question.

 

[Green Shoes]

The red-head rolled her tongue in her mouth as Andrew spoke, deep in concentration. At the mention of poison, her eyes lit up and she moved as if to challenge Andrew - though was cut short by his anticipation. Having listened, she exhaled sharply, looking back to the arrow. She ran an errant hand over the back of her neck, tracing a barely visible scar. Stepping forward, she spoke in a whisper, eyes watching for anyone eavesdropping.

"If you can make a poison that can paralyze a half-God, you can have the arrow. But I need proof before I buy. Understand?"

Looking around at the other denizens, she changed topic and raised her voice.

"And that's why dropping the elbow gives you a harder strike - putting all your weight behind whatever weapon you're holding. Or your fist."

Maintaining eye contact, she watched Andrew, hands nervously patting down her shirt.

-------------------

Withdrawing her offered hand, the woman pulled a bar-stool from under the table and took her seat, folding her legs and re-tying her headband, speaking as she did so. Her voice was airy and light, seemingly without a care in the world.

"Everyone's looking for Loki - Where's Loki, Where did he go, I must destroy him, - on and on it goes. I deal in information - and protection for myself - the price for Loki is high. As for Autolykos, it wouldn't be fair for me to charge a great deal for his whereabouts..."

She tapped her lips and hummed, before producing a notebook. Flipping through the pages, she spoke.

"I'd be happy to give you Loki if you can tell the big men at Bifrost to let me cross in and out of Asgard. Safe place, for now. Unless you happen to know where Odin is - that man is excellent at hiding, I'll give him that. As for the Greek, tell me who you travel with. All information is good information."

She looked at both Hymir and Rias, before beginning to sketch in her book.

----------------------------------

The burly man was pleased that Nicole was willing to pay. Looking her up and down, he spoke as he fitted the pieces of armour back on their stands.

"Equal value? Well, I'm a trader by nature, traveling here and there, most often alone. My fighting days are behind me, so I suppose if you had anything like a bronze man, or better yet, a Golem, I'd be happy to trade! Anything that can keep me safe and keep me company."

Giving her a big smile, he quickly searched the room, wondering from where she would procure the blood.

--------------------------------

The dark woman gave a somewhat terrifying smile as Prail returned, patting the hide with one hand. Grasping Prail's wrist once more, she felt her pulse, leaving one hand on the trembling hide.

"The hide protects - that was it's purpose, and so it shall always be. This small part of the Beast will bond to you, with time. With a hunter like you - very powerful."

Releasing her grip, she folded her arms and nodded down to the strange roll of material.

"There are only two weapons that can cut this - one of them is lost, and the other belongs to a man locked deep in a cave. The price is easy - someone you travel with knows where two half-gods were burnt after battle. I just need the location."

 

[DarkRawen]

"If you can make a poison that can paralyze a half-God, you can have the arrow. But I need proof before I buy. Understand?"

Andrew's smile got a little wider, and he nodded.

Very well.

However, there was the question of how he'd prove it. Doing it on himself was out of the question -he couldn't prove that he wasn't just acting and he certainly didn't want to experience the poison himself- but who?

I'll have to figure that out.

"And that's why dropping the elbow gives you a harder strike - putting all your weight behind whatever weapon you're holding. Or your fist."

"I see, that makes sense," Andrew replied, and got the water bottle from before. It was half-filled, but he figured it was easier to make it more potent like that.

Let's see...

Taking a sip, he left the lid off, and turned it in his hand, tilting it so that he could touch the water with his finger.

Paralyzing a demigod. That should be pretty easy.

Since he didn't know what she would use it for, he ensured that it would paralyze both through ingestion and the bloodstreams, be strong enough to paralyze just about anyone for at least 10 minutes, and still look like normal, clean water. It would be very potent, act quickly and spread even quicker.

That should be enough. I should remember not to drink of the water if this deal ends up going wrong.

As he did this, he spoke, making it look more fluid and harder to detect; "I'm not too fond of fighting in close-range, though, I prefer having the advantage of distance." He put the lid back on, and showed her it, voice lowered again.

"There. How do you want me to prove its worth? It wouldn't be much use if I did it on myself, and I assume you don't want to be lucky one."