Ask Dgs - Blog Posts

To wagahai,

Meow

seriously anon

. ,..........>> .

special credit in this very special ask goes to my friend's beloved Countess Mavis "Bram Stroker's Dragula" of Pissington On Peepeesshire, ESQ

Hi barok… aah how exactly did you dad die?!?

Anon.

My father was a cruel, foolish man. He believed that he could conquer anything, and that included the great beasts of the plains of Africa. He kept such animals in his house without knowing what such "pets" would demand in terms of care. He and his servants were injured many times by the unruly beasts. He was eventually killed by his favorite of his pets, the snake. It was entirely preventable.

Lord Barok van Zieks

Lord Barok Van Zeiks,

We are immensely thankful to receive a response from you. The art of science is the art of collaboration. Every little bit propels us further into the future. We are disappointed to hear the falsity of the rumors, but some of our members have expressed concern there has been a misunderstanding. We are seeking information on a "land crocodile". A very large member of the monitor lizard family, theorized to be residing somewhere in the Indonesian islands. While dragons of myth would be ground breaking, all of our members agree that they reside firmly in legend.

We a currently drafting a separate inquiry regarding how how the exotic animals were maintained when they were alive. Our condolences on your fathers passing.

-Zoological Society of London

To the Zoological Society of London,

Thank you for clearing up the confusion. My apologies for believing that you were referring to the mythical beast, I have a friend who is prone to flights of fancy, and quite possibly does believe that dragons, the great winged lizards, do exist. I have humoured him in his search as of late, and thus it has been on my mind.

As for your true question of dragons, I do not know of this large lizard of which you speak. While my parents were world travelers, I have always much preferred to stay in my home country. I have not gone anywhere near such a place where you believe these dragons may be found.

As for the exotic animals, I do not know if there is any particular way to know how he obtained them. I highly doubt it was in any sort of legal way. I regret to say that I do not have any further information that I can give you.

Signed, Lord Barok van Zieks

Inquiry towards the members of the van zeiks household

We are writing to you in regards to rumors of items contained within the van zeiks manor. We would like to know the validity of the claim that you are in possession of one “dragon skeleton”. If authentic, that would be one of the most monumental discoveries in the history of our great country. While many members have their doubts, it was not that long ago that we discovered that the once mythical okapi was indeed a a living breathing beast. We a truly living in an age of discovery. In addition, we have also been informed of the possible possession of many exotic specimens, both living and preserved. Access to such a collection would be instrumental in helping our organization in our scientific endeavors.

We are eagerly awaiting any further information you wish to provide.

-Zoological Society of London

With regards to the Zoological Society of London,

I understand that this may be quite disappointing, but it must be said that I cannot believe in the possibility of dragons. While I do not study science as much as some of my acquaintances, I believe I understand enough to know that such a creature would not be able to lift its body off of the ground. With that out of the way, I do know what specimen you are speaking of.

The late Lord and Lady van Zieks, my mother and father, were braggarts, to put it bluntly. I do not know precisely where they sourced their bones, though I do believe it was from Africa. I do not know if they themselves put this skeleton together in such a state or if they were tricked into buying it, but, that being said... It's not a dragon skeleton. My best guess would be a large animal such as a giraffe, a hippopotamus, or an elephant.

There are many things that my late parents decorated our homes with, things that I am not very attached to. That being said, I highly doubt any of these things would be of much interest to such a group of scientists. They had owned an exotic snake, cheetah, baboon, and possibly even more animals, though as such animals led to the death of my father, we did not keep these animals.

I am willing to answer any further inquiries on this subject.

Lord Barok van Zieks

Haori, how do you feel after everything you've learned about Dr. Watson?

Dear Anon,

I must admit that I was entirely heartbroken when I learned of his death. I was angry and bitter and sad, knowing that a man who had taught me so much and been so kind to me had been killed. It was unfair!

And, regrettably, when Susato-chan came home, she told me all about what she had learned about him. That he had faked evidence, cooperated in a conspiracy to make an innocent man seem guilty... It was so much to deal with. I did not want to talk about it, but it was clear that my best friend needed someone to talk to about it with. So, I listened.

I've been thinking about our conversation for quite some time now. I think there may be a side to everyone's life that we would rather not know. It is hard to share every aspect of one's life, and to express your most shameful experiences. I do not know at heart what kind of man Dr. Watson was. What I do know is that he taught me great things and he was a good teacher. No matter what his character was, that will not change.

Signed, Haori Murasame

Iris, what are your thoughts on dinosaurs? - 🌹

Dearest 🌹,

Dinosaurs are quite fascinating! I do think that it would be quite fun to journey out and dig for fossils, become a renowned paleontologist. How incredible would it be to discover an entirely new species and put it together?

I've even heard that Zieksie has some fossils somewhere... he won't tell me where. Someday I'm going to find out!

Love, Iris

Dear Mr. Holmes, erm, it's Gina. Inspector Gina Lestrade. You know who I am, we've met. This is probably a stupid question, but... would I be able to come live at Baker Street? Asougi can sleep on the floor. He said he's waiting on a special bed to come in for him. Or I could sleep in the same bed as him. Or I could sleep on the floor! I've certainly slept in worse places.

Inspector Lestrade!

How nice it is to hear from you! I have certainly been wondering if I would receive a request of such kind. There is always a spare couch at Baker Street if you so desire. You needn't pay rent if you cannot afford it, though I would certainly appreciate a spare bit of money. I am an avid spender! My methods are occasionally quite costly.

That being said, you are very near and dear to my family. It is clear that both Kazuma and Iris care for you quite a large amount. Kazuma has received the futon he was waiting on and therefore you could sleep in his old bed if you so desire, so long as you can put up with his general restlessness and tendency to stay up well into the night.

Please, come and enjoy dinner with us, if nothing else! Sit by the fire, recount some of your investigations for us, visit Iris's garden. We would love to have you.

To Enoch… he lives here

Thoughts on Rosie?

Anon,

I am afraid I don't quite know who you are referring to. Is it a woman? A child? An animal? Simply the flower in general? Either way, I seem always a bit calmed by roses. The concept of such a beautiful flower being protected by thorns, especially ones that will not affect me due to the metal nature of my hand...

I cannot help to relate to such a thing. They inspire me. I cannot explain as to why.

Signed, Enoch Drebber

Barok, what are your feelings on Benjamin?

Anon,

I find it hard to say what a profound difference my friend has made on my life. He made me feel like a normal person in a world that I simply could not comprehend. He showed me that, despite being different, despite my constant and unshakeable sadness, I am still someone worthy of being cared for.

I do not know how he feels about me. I do not know if he is aware that he changed my entire life. He makes me feel warm, and cared for, and like I can be a better person. I know that I have been prejudiced and terrible in the past... he makes me feel as though I can do better. I want nothing more than to be better. For him. I want to be a man I... we. Both of us can be proud of.

Dear Gina, losing your boss must've been really hard on you. How are you coping?

Uniquartz,

........

Losin 'im was... the hardest thing I ever been through. He was so important to me. He was my Da... the only one I ever had. Even if he was keepin things from me, I still... I cared for 'im. He took me in. He made me feel welcome.

........

I've been sat here since I got this letter, thinkin. Asougi and I were stayin in a hotel together, but he moved in with Iris and Holmes. Maybe I should go ahead and move in, too. What do you think?

Inspector Gina Lestrade

P.S. - Iris is helpin me write now. I'm much better at it.

Barok,

What does Benjamin even study for a living? He seems both enthusiastic but also a little confused

Anon,

Benjamin can be... a bit of a fool. That being said, he is quite enthusiastic about what he does. He studies the sciences. I know that lately, in the field of science, they have started differentiating based on specialties but Benjamin is, at heart, a scientist.

I do not think he necessarily has an end goal. I feel as though he studies simply anything and everything. Whatever interests him, whatever it is that he wants to know, he will do research into the subject. He has a particular fondness for birds, musculature, and machinery.

I do not appreciate when people try to insinuate that what he does is worthless. He already struggles because of what Enoch had done to him, and he does not need more pressure of that kind. I feel as though he simply has an endless fondness for learning. All he wants to do is learn more about the world around him. I see that as a noble task.

Lord Barok van Zieks

Iris, I've heard that Kazuma is very fond of you. Did you know that? - 🌹

Dearest 🌹,

He is? That brings me such joy! I know that I find him to be quite an excellent older brother to myself, a good friend and a role model.

He seems to be quite down on himself a lot of the time, and in those moments I do try to find some way to cheer him up. I bring him tea, I give him a hug, I ask if he wants to participate in one of my experiments, and I talk his ear off about what I'm working on.

Sometimes when I am writing stories, I ask for his help in trying to figure out what the best word to use would be. He takes quite a bit of pride in his literacy, and I do like to try and give him that boost in self confidence. He is also teaching me to write in the Japanese script, and I hope to exchange letters with my family in Japan soon!

Thank you for letting me know!!! Iris

yeahhhh Ben it might be a good decision to talk to Enoch or someone about it

Dear anon,

I fear you may be right. The moment I received this, I made up my mind to go and visit Enoch, not only to discuss his treatment of me, but also simply to... reconnect. Believe it or not, the two of us were friends, in the amount of time that we knew each other.

He and I never talked much about our personal lives, though, and discussing my feelings and life experiences with a man who hurt me so feels... odd. I know he had his reasons, but, even still... Perhaps when I share my thoughts with him, I can share how he made me feel, what he made me go through. It seems as though it could be cathartic.

Thank you! Benjamin Dobinbough

Dear Mr. sholmes

While I know you use your great powers of deduction exclusively for good, with only the occasional frivolity. What would you do if you decided to pursue more unlawful activities? An evil alter ego perhaps?

Best,

My dear,

I am glad to hear that you have such an opinion of me! I will admit, there are times wherein I will commit a crime if I think it will right a wrong, though I do prefer to be on the side of the law.

In terms of my more unlawful activities, I do think it would be interesting to describe a theoretical crime that may be done, with just enough clues to solve it, and if the individuals I give such a puzzle to cannot figure it out, the crime would commence. Does that make sense? What a puzzle!

Signed, Detective Herlock Sholmes

P.S. - I do quite enjoy the indecipherable symbol you've sent me! It happened to puzzle me.

Sherlock, did you get your partner's letter? - 💜

My dear 💜,

I am very pleased to announce that yes, I have received my partner's letter. I can only assume he answered as quickly as possible, which delighted me more than I can state. The contents of this letter, I cannot share, but let it be known that my melancholic violin playing was unwarranted.

Suffice it to say, I shall be purchasing a boat ticket soon!

Signed, Sherlock Holmes

Dear Benjamin, when you say Barok treats you well, what do you mean? He must be unfathomably rich.

Dear uniquartz,

It is hard to overstate how much happier I am with Barok at my side. He provides money for my experiments, takes me on regular walks around London, even brings me to fine dining restaurants with seemingly endless options for food. I can hardly believe how long the menus are. A few weeks ago, he bought me a pet canary, as he knows I adore birds! What a fine man.

He has measured me for new clothing, and I am pleased to announce that I now have some more proper suits. He also bought me new lab coats, goggles, gloves, tools, and various safety gear. He has given me a room of my own wherein I may conduct all of my experiments--even some of the rather explosive ones--provided I keep water within the room to put out any fires I may cause.

He also offered me my own bedroom, but I felt as though that would be imposing too much. I offered to sleep on the couch, but he asked if I would prefer to sleep in his bed instead. I couldn't say no to such an offer... his bed is very comfortable. And on occasion, he wraps an arm around me and pulls me close. I believe it's because he's so cold all the time...

Fondly, Benjamin Dobinbough

Dear Benjamin, I’m glad to hear that Barok is treating you well! I do hope you don’t mind my curiosity, but what do others think of your, uh, friendship with him? All the best, Ivy

Dearest Ivy,

Yes! Barok treats me incredibly well. I could never have imagined living in such luxury, he is the perfect gentleman. As for your question...

I am not entirely understanding why you are talking about our relationship in such a way. Why do you hesitate to call it a friendship? As for what others think of it, well... despite my love for my screwdrivers, it is hard for them to formulate an opinion that is not my own. I rarely speak to anyone else.

You have me worried now. Should I talk to someone? Who should I talk to? What should I say to them? What do I do? Do you think Enoch would know something about this? He seems intelligent...

Concerned, Benjamin Dobinbough

dearest mr holmes (or do you prefer mr sholmes?), i recently heard the most melancholy of... violin sounds (i am not certain it could be called a tune) emmitting from your home. i hope you are much recovered now! i cannot help but wonder what had you in such a state? with much love & concern,🌾

Dearest 🌾,

To answer your first question, I prefer Holmes, though I will certainly answer to both. I, in fact, will answer to just about anything. I am always listening, even when you think I am not.

As for your second question...

I assure you, normally I am quite an excellent violinist. You pinned down the issue exactly when you deduced it was caused by a great deal of sadness. I was exceptionally melancholy, having sent off a letter to my partner with no idea when I may receive a response. I was lonely.

Iris comforted me. Kazuma confided in me that he has experienced similar issues, though he was sending letters to Naruhodou, Susato, and my partner alike. I suppose the two of us will remain together in our misery until we get some sort of exciting postage.

Sherlock Holmes...

to Benjamin- you sound very fond of Barok. What made you want to get back in contact with him after ten years?

Dear Uniquartz,

You are quite the astute observer! I am rather fond of Barok... The two of us were very close friends in our years at university. He is the closest friend I've ever had! One of the only friends I've ever had...

Oh, my... I can think of only three friends... well, that is to say, three human friends... that I have ever had. That is rather worrying. Perhaps I should get out more. (Not to mention one of those friends tried to ruin my dreams...)

That being said, I had missed him greatly. He invited me to visit him in his home and I could not turn down such an offer. I have struggled with money in the past, and he is helping me to save my pennies. As I said, he is a very, very kind man. I care deeply for him.

Best, Benjamin Dobinbough

To Herlock Sholmes,

Take this!

Is this true, Mr. Sholmes? If so, do you have any favorite disguises of this kind in particular?

Your fan,

Mod Athena

Dear Mod Athena,

How did you access such a photo, and such a caption no less? I was unaware of any sort of camera in the room at Baker Street.

That being said, yes! I do have quite a closet of disguises. I can change into any person within a matter of minutes, it is one of my greatest skills. None but my partner have seen the true extent of this. I have bustles and blouses, facial hair and wigs, hats, pipes, canes, shabby and beautiful clothes, all sorts of things I have bought and scrounged and collected over the course of many, many years.

I am particularly fond of a character by the name of Irene. I greatly enjoy becoming Irene. She was named after a fantastic woman I once met, who changed how I view the world. I cannot thank her enough for this. The idea of becoming a woman to change other people's view of the world... it pleases me greatly.

Additionally, there is no better feeling than confusing all of my partner's friends by dressing up as different women every night. It made him seem quite the suave fellow!

Thank you for asking! Herlock Sholmes

Ryunosuke, what happened with your little aquarium??? Are the little critters alright?? -💖

💖,

...I forgot the aquarium.... I know it would have been impossible to bring with me, and there was so much on my mind I simply... forgot.

Though, that being said, it really was Susato and Iris who tended to the aquarium. They named the... how did you call them? Critters? Within. They cleaned the tank and found plants to put inside of it.

Actually, I feel as though the aquarium is going to be perfectly fine. Perhaps it will thrive now that Iris is responsible for it...

Best, Ryuunosuke Naruhodou

Klimt van Zieks, Where does your first name come from? It seems more like a last name to me..

Dear Anon,

In terms of things I disliked about my parents, one that certainly stood out was their pretentiousness. Yes, Klimt is most certainly a last name. It was taken from a man that my parents met upon their world travels, a man who was very talented in the art of decorating things in gold.

My brother was named after the Baroque period of art, especially the more golden paintings. I am certain you may be beginning to see a theme.

They loved putting up appearances. Our names were simply further steps in that.

Iris, do you ever plan to collect your stories in a more complete format than just the magazine versions? -💖

Dearest 💖,

I will admit, I've put quite a bit of thought into such a question. It would be quite a source of revenue for Papa and I, and I would love to make some new clothes for Ginebean and Kazumie... Though, I feel a bit of the reason for the success of the stories is due to their serialized nature.

Would it compromise the integrity of the story? The spacing? The mystery? Those are questions I have wrestled with. Papa likes to tell his stories all at once, which, while entertaining, does sometimes put me to sleep after the second or third hour. I cannot imagine how much worse it would be with this compounded through a full novel.

That being said, it is a great honour to have you interested in such a product from myself. I am proud of my stories, and I am proud to share them.

Love, Iris

Dearest Yujin

When will you be returning? The mysteries have lost their allure as of late. I yearn for our adventures. With you at my side there was no case too great. Nothing we couldn’t solve through our dance of deduction. Do you remember the late nights we spent together? All the long hours we put in to find the missing piece of the puzzle. Our long conversations as we slowly but surely figured out how it all slotted into place. It must have been difficult on you, I realize that now. But I believe deep down you loved the thrill just as much as I. You wouldn’t wan it any other way. I know you were only here for the briefest time but England is lesser from your absence. I hope to hear from you soon.

I miss you

-your partner

Ps, tell your daughter that I said hello and that I wish her well. She’s just like you in uncountable ways.

Beloved Partner,

I fear I am not entirely sure when it would be possible for me to return to England. You know as well as I do how I long to be there, to continue our investigations of old, to live together once more and never having to leave... My life is lonelier, quieter, sadder without you here at my side. Even now, as I get excited, I find myself starting to tap my feet... I think of you constantly. In the many years we were apart, I thought of you often, but eventually got over the strength of my emotions about having left. Now, I am not so sure when I will be able to become calm once again.

Naruhodou and Susato have been working together to improve the law, and while I trust them fully... I fear that their work is not yet done. I wish to help them, and yet it seems the right decision may be to let her go. Pardon me, let them go. Having left her behind as an infant... I do not know that I can leave once more. While I long for your company, I don't know that I can find a way to give mine.

Though, with that in mind, I know that Naruhodou has been exchanging letters with Kazuma, and it is clear that he longs for a visit with his friend once more. Perhaps it could be possible. Or perhaps you could visit me on holiday.

I miss you dearly. I wish to be with you.

Signed, Dr. Yuujin Mikotoba

P.S. - I could not be prouder of the children we have raised, both together and separate. They are all incredible. Our family is perfect.

To Klimt van Zieks: What made you first decide to become a prosecutor all those years ago?

- De

Dear De,

I decided to become a prosecutor mostly to spite my parents, if I am to be entirely honest. They did not get along with me, and they looked down on a man like me having an actual, proper job.

They approved of me getting an education, which allowed me to find a way out. I studied the law, in a desire to be able to help people who have been in situations such as mine. Some people deserve justice. Some people deserve punishment.

Essentially, I wanted to make a difference. And, as a non-member of the House of Lords at the time, that was the option I had.

Thank you for your question, Klimt van Zieks

For herlock, what are your intentions for my friend and your self proclaimed “partner”?

-genshin

Dearest Genshin,

My intentions for my partner all depend upon what his intentions for me may be. I assure you it is nothing improper, and--

EGADS!

Detective Asougi?! You have been dead for many years! Am I conversing with a ghost? How could this be possible?

Do not scare me like that, Detective! I know I frustrated you in life, but you do not have to frighten me so!

That being said, I have sent him a letter expressing my feelings towards him and asking him to come to England. Perhaps, if he cannot, I may visit him in Japan. I miss him dearly.

Frightened, Herlock Sholmes

Dear sister,

Who is the man living in our house? The tall one with the white hair. Why is he here? Did you allow him into the home… on purpose?

-Barok

[modverse]

Dear Barok,

I have grown rather fond of the strange man living in your house. He is so very fun to watch! He sits upon any surface open to him, crawling inside of cabinets, bathtubs, closets, fireplaces... He reminds me of a feral cat in a very charming way.

As for who let him in, it was actually you! Benjamin asked you if he could have a friend visit, and that person just so happened to be Enoch. It seems you may be stuck with him, as he appears to be rather happy there.

Best of luck!! Rosie

Benjamin, how is living with Barok? - 🌹

Dear 🌹,

I love living with Barok! You would not believe the amount of money one saves when he need not pay for housing or food. I have put on a tad bit of weight--something I previously thought impossible, as my food was rather inedible. And yet now I have time! And food! And funding! And though Dr. Drebber may have had a point about my scientific abilities, well... I still enjoy my projects!

I am quite seriously considering visiting him. I do not know how long his sentence will be. There was something comforting about his presence, his designs, the whir of the robotics upon his hand. I do believe the two of us would make quite a formidable scientific pair, if given the chance.

And, Barok takes wonderful care of me! He buys me clothes, gives me allowance, he even allows me to sleep in his bed! What a kind man.

Scientifically, Benjamin Dobinbough

Rosie, how would you describe yourself?

Dear uniquartz,

That's an interesting question! I think I would say I'm adventurous, and silly, and brave... People have told me that I'm pretty, but that doesn't really matter to me. If my looks have nothing to do with my ability to sing, dance, talk, laugh, run... why should I care?

I also would like to think of myself as a good older sister and a good friend!

Thank you!! Rosie

Kazuma, are you lonely, having been left behind? - 🌹

🌹,

Thank you for putting it such a kind way. That truly made me feel wonderful. Yes, my family left me behind. So did my closest friend.

That being said, Iris is now the greatest thing in my life. Her endless optimism and excitement is infectious, and it is clear that she already cares for me as much as she liked Naruhodou and Susato. It's been quite a long time since I've felt so unburdened when in a conversation.

In terms of her heritage... I am conflicted about it. Mr. Holmes and I have had many conversations discussing my father, and van Zieks' brother, and I can understand that the situation was quite grey...

In another life, she could have been my sister. Perhaps one day I may even consider her to be this. So... around Iris, and even Mr. Holmes and Gina... I do not consider myself to be as lonely as I had once expected.

Signed, Kazuma Asougi