A Maladjusted Jester

That isn't how it works.

[Firm.]

You need to find an adult you trust.

From:

[Blink. Blink.] That's not how it works?

[She could've SWORN that would do the trick, but this new friend says it won't, so she'd better find someone to go with her.]

Okay, Mister! I'll ask someone if they'll come with me to help you look for the treasure!

From:

I think I've arranged some help. He should be in touch soon.

From:

[After being directed here by Break, Mukuro isn't entirely sure this is a good idea, but hey... even he's allowed to do silly things sometimes.]

Bubbles, would you like to look for the treasure with me?

From:

Okay, Mukuro! You're a grown-up and I trust you!

From:

Perfect. You first clue is at these coordinates.

[He sends them both an x,y set, not too far from Horst's bar.]

From:

[He peers at the coordinates, and smiles at Bubbles.]

I'm glad you trust me. I'll meet you here, okay?

From:

Thank you for finding me a partner, Mister Stranger! [Bubbles smiles.]

Okay, Mukuro! I'll meet you there.

[And ZIP! She's on her way!]

From:

[Being unable to fly, it takes Mukuro a little longer to get there, but he doesn't make Bubbles wait too long. After all, she needs an adult! A trustworthy one.]

Did you find our clue?

From:

[Yay! There's her trustworthy(!) adult helper! She waves happily to him.]

Not yet! I didn't want to start without you! [She smiles.] Now we can look together and hope we find one!

From:

[He waves back, with a smile! He's not being particularly creepy. Maybe he likes Bubbles.]

Thank you, that was very polite of you. I'm sure we can find the clue if we try.

From:

[It's waiting, nailed to the bar door.]

North, south, east, west?
Which direction do you like best?
Pick the coldest one of all,
Your clue hidden thirty steps past this wall.

From:

We can do it, Mukuro! I know we can!

[Bubbles searches around for a clue with Mukuro, finally coming to stop in front of the bar.]

I don't see one anywhere, Mukuro! There's just a funny piece of paper on that door, but that's all!

[/facepalms quietly over here]

From:

Hmm, that's all? Well, maybe the paper can tell us something.

[He tears it off the door. Bubbles is pretty young, maybe she can't read yet - and he is supposed to be helping. Mukuro can totally be helpful.]

Which direction do you think is the coldest, Bubbles? West?

From:

[She blinks.]

Well, it kind of depends on where you are, I guess! Sometimes it's colder over there [she points] or over there... [she points again]

[Now she's scratching her head.] But it really depends on what time of year it is!

[Pause.] Oh, but Mukuro, do you know what?? The North Pole is really cold! [Pause.] But Sokka used to live at the South Pole and I think he said that was cold, too.

[Bubbles can't be helpful. I'm so sorry. XD]

From:

Well, that makes it hard. I guess we should go north or south, but you're right, they're both really cold.

[HMM. ...Mukuro could be a lot more helpful than he's being, but what fun would that be?]

One of us can go north and one can go south, and the first one who gets cold should shout. Then we'll know.

From:

That might take a long time, Mukuro! The North Pole is pretty far away and I can fly, so whichever way I go, I'll get there first!

[She thinks for a few minutes, REALLY taxing her brain here.]

I think we should go this way! [She points in a random direction.]

From:

[He seriously considers going along with her random idea. They could wander for hours and get completely lost, and that might be fun.]

[...but he'd probably get tired. And bored.]

That's a good idea, let's try that next. But did you know that if you walk north for thirty steps, turn in a circle three times, touch your nose, and make a wish, it'll definitely be granted?

From:

[Blink. Blink.] I didn't know that, Mukuro! Are you sure? Does it only during treasure hunts?

From:

It's a secret, that's why you don't know. [Why is she so cute and so gullible D:] But you're right, it's only during treasure hunts. Do you want to try? You might not get another chance.

From:

Okay! Since it's a treasure hunt trick, then I should wish for another clue, right? [She smiles.] I can do it, Mukuro! Watch! Watch!

[She starts walking... the wrong way. Well, she eventually gets the direction right (with his help, I'm sure XD) and marches 30 steps PRECISELY! Then she turns in a circle three times EXACTLY and touches her nose.]

[She makes her wish quietly, then looks up and smiles.] I did it, Mukuro! I did it!

From: