Session Start: Sat Nov 15 16:05:40 2003 Last time, on Hunters: Hide and Seek at the mall with Lady Sakura ended with a last second win for the newcomers, thanks to Lady Nightshade and that nifty invisibility trick. * Taki bows. Before they could finish their food, though, there was a slight Ningyo crisis. Lady Sakura didn't want to get involved, but something changed her mind. The team got mildly trashed, but numbers and Darkmoon's feral form beat down the ravening flood-monster before anyone was permanently dead. [Sakura's office/house: Saturday, November 1, 2003, 13:25 local time.] [session startu!] Yaaa. * Kyouko wanders in, headphones on as usual. * Sakura waves as Kyouko walks in. * Taki sits in the corner quietly waiting for everyone else to show up. * Lord_Darkmoon is already there, in the white shirt and black slacks again, his tessen at his left hip. * Leena is humming to herself as she almost-walks in, with a hot springs pamphlet in hand. * Kyouko eyes the pamphlet and takes off one headphone. Hot springs? I've never been to hot springs. * Taki is wearing a black corset top over a long sleeve fishnet shirt. Neither have I. They're relaxing. * Kyouko has on a t-shirt reading "SPREAD BEAVER" and jeans. Was gonna see if I could convince Lady Sakura to excuse some time off to visit one. ^__^ Heh. * Minami is there. Shuffling. Quietly. O.o With our luck, a Ningyo would show up. * Leena blinks. ... Yeah, that's right. Yes, hot springs are bad, bad luck for Magical Girls. but it would die really..well...relatively...sort of quickly. But then we'd beat it up and have some peace and quiet for a while! I thought you'd have noticed that by now. * Sakura looks around, and nods. If there was a resort left... Maya sends her regards - we'll just get started without her. * Taki also has a long shin length skirt on and knee-high boots on. * Lord_Darkmoon nods silently in acknowledgement, and turns his attention to Sakura, waiting for today's instructions. Is she okay? Yes, she just got shanghaied by one of her teachers, since she's leaving for Takeuchi Memorial. Oh. ...that's right, you're all - almost all - starting there on Monday. * Leena looks at the ground pointedly, tucking the pamphlet away in a pocket. * Taki sighs at the thought of Takeuchi. Great... * Minami nods... Oh well...it's not like anyone at school will miss me... * Leena sighs. * Sakura shrugs. "It's a good school. * Lord_Darkmoon carefully doesn't react. There are students there who aren't magical girls, rigth? * Secretary walks back into the living quarters, wearing a huge backpack. Are we ready yet? * Kyouko waves to the secretary. Are we going hiking? Not quite. And no, we are not. So what's the plan today? ...how many of you have ever been shot? We doing any actual work or more testing? * Leena looks up, her worried/annoyed expression instantly replcaed by a happy/cheery one. "Ready? For what?" * Minami looks a little taken aback. "I haven't." ...not me... *looks...uneasy* I..haven't. I've been shot at... .... S-shot? * Sakura nods. * Secretary looks really serious. Well--yeah, I haven't. Not really. ...Are we gonna get shot? Not me. Most of our enemies are not going to be magical - they're just going to shoot at you. ... I could probably take it transformed, though. It's almost inevitable that you *are* going to get shot in this job. I imagine it can't hurt...too much...more than a ningyo attack. * Minami bites her lip a little. "I see." But..Ningyo attacks don't stay in you. And you can take it, transformed. *nod at Darkmoon* It's a different sort of hurt, but yeah. * Lord_Darkmoon takes a deep breath, and pushes his unease away. "Very well." Just don't get hit. Unless you take one right between the eyes... *taps her forehead* ...you can't be killed by one shot. * Secretary and Sakura exchange knowing glances. Yeah! Us magical girls can spring back from anything that dosen't kill us! And that's...happened before? Oh yes. * Kyouko winces. ...oh. * Taki smirks at the other girls reactions. * Lord_Darkmoon seems not to react, face set in stone. So today, I- Sakura's cell phone rings. She stops, annoyed. *to phone* Yeah? Huh? ...you're kidding. No, of course you're not. * Sakura sighs. "Where is it?" Right. See you later, Princess. * Taki looks almost excited. That sounds bad. * Leena blinkblinks, and bounces in place. * Minami winces. "Oh, boy. Bets on what this is about, anyone?" * Sakura closes her phone. Hmm. Another Princess is taking a vacation and we get to beat up the Ningyo for her? Sakura-san? * Lord_Darkmoon regards Sakura darkly, waiting for her to speak. Offering 2 to 1 odds of FRICKIN' POWERFUL NINGYO. No, nothing that pleasant. Okay, change of plans. No, of course not. I'm in the doghouse team now. -_-; Bow wow. *sardonically* * Sakura pulls a gun out of a belt pouch, theatrically. * Minami favors Leena with a brief annoyed glare. I *was* going to run an exercise where I was actually shooting at you. But instead others get to do it for you? ..Oh. Let me guess, now--what Taki said. .... people? Yes, Leena. People will be shooting at us. * Leena blanches. * Sakura puts it back. "Unfortunately we have to do some stuff later on so I'm going to have to scale it back a bit. I don't want to fight -people-. Any of you ever play paintball? No... * Minami blinks. "No. Never had the--er, time." Pfft. * Lord_Darkmoon offers Leena a sympathetic glance. Then turns back to Sakura. "Can't say that I have." Of course not. C'mon. Paintball? No. * Leena cheers up some. * Sakura scoots out ot the building and makes good time for the train station. Eep? * Leena dashes after her. * Minami ...does the same, then! Woo. * Kyouko runs * Taki tails the group as per usual. * Kyouko is glad she's got strong legs. * Lord_Darkmoon maintains pace with the group. This time, it's a subway south just a couple of stations to Shibuya. Sakura leads you up out of the subway... then right back down a very similar set of stairs, though these are not nearly as well-maintained. Here we are. * Kyouko stops and breathes a bit heavily. * Lord_Darkmoon looks around as they go down. "Messy." At the bottom of the stairs is a grungy sign in English: "Paint Shoot Shoot!" * Leena gets to the feet of the stairs, and does a carthweel. * Minami looks around. "Great. So where *is* 'here,' then?" Huh? * Kyouko looks at the sign Another favor? * Sakura opens the door, and you emerge into a brightly lit store/checkin area. Does it matter? This is obviously where our game of paintball will occur. * Minami blinks. "Er...so wait, why are we doing this again?" Hey, Sakura. How you doing? To toughen you up. *slaps Minami on the shoulder* * Sakura waves. "Pretty good" * Minami takes it surpisingly well. "Okay, yes, but wouldn't our first plan also have done that? I mean, not that I was particularly looking forward to it, but still..." * Minami shakes her head. "Ack. Confusion. I feel like I'm in English class." * Sakura hands a credit card to the manager. He swipes it, gets her signature, then bows and heads out the front door. "Always a pleasure, miss." Hmph. A real magical gi- *glances at the manager* Err... * Secretary is looking at racks of paintguns. * Sakura turns around. Okay, here's the drill: This is going to be a lot like last time. Okay.. The tracking part? Except with shooting. * Lord_Darkmoon stands silently, looking around and listenting. I'm going to run around the facility, and you're going to try to protect me. This time, I'll have a paintgun. * Minami nods slowly. So how do we win? I have to shoot her three times. You have to hit me once. Okay. I...see. * Lord_Darkmoon smirks. Wait, we have to use... those? .... * Taki gestures at the guns. You do not get anything except what you would normally take with you. Oh good. * Leena grins. Oh. So when you say "hit," you mean like actual tagging. Quite. Hit me with an attack. Try not to mess me up too bad, since we have something else later. * Lord_Darkmoon pulls a bokken from his left hip with his right hand. ...Mallet, we're underground. Do you think you can avoid bringing the ceiling down on us? * Leena nods. "Sure!" ^_^ Should I not boil you then...'cause even in Lady form you might get pretty hurt. ...you have to throw the bottles, right? No, I just toss the water. but I could throw them. Get her wet. That can count. Can you only heat it a little? I'll try. I'd like to keep this as realistic as possible. If I get a little hurt, I'll just live with it. Oh, yes. If I shoot you once, you're out. * Minami nods. "Got it." Great. *sarcasm* * Sakura goes through the next door. There's a locker room here. * Taki looks in. And of course, we will use our powered forms. So then we change now? * Sakura transforms. Cherry blossoms litter the tiled floor. * Minami looks at Taki. "You wanna use it first? We can wait." Taki. * Taki heads into the ladies room with her duffle. Hmm? * Kyouko transforms * Taki stop. * Taki stops. * Secretary has shrugged off her backpack, and put on some thick overalls and goggles. Here, you can borrow this. *tosses the bokken to taki; it reverts to a tessen* No need. *tosses it back* Just pose with it when you're done transforming, and think of what you want to be wearing. I need it back, though. Okay...*catches it* I bought a change. *holds up the bag. * Lord_Darkmoon nods. I have more goggles here for anyone else that wants them. * Taki heads into the restroom. There is a bright flash of pinkness around the outline of the door. * Leena takes her turn transforming, as well. Enter two-toned eyes, freaky- looking MG costume from hell. With Mallet. * Minami shrugs and uses the locker room then. * LadyHeat adjusts the straps on her backpack. * Taki changes quickly and heads back out in her casual tanktop and loose cargo pants. * LadyRoyal comes out a little later, dressed in a plain T-shirt and jeans that look trendy, but also somewhat water-damaged. * LadyRoyal looks at the goggles. "I guess I'll take a pair. Thanks." * LadySakura ducks into the changing room, and comes out in dark grey cargo pants and a light grey t-shrit. * Lord_Darkmoon accepts goggles from the secretary with a polite "thank you". He dons them. * LadyHeat goes into the changing room and comes out ina pair of blue shorts and a blue tank top. You can see that her arms are indded rather well developed. * LadyHeat takes some goggles too and puts them on. They're a bit dirty. * LadyHeat takes them off and cleans the lenses with her shirt. There. * LadySakura has a paint pistol in one hand, and a larger, rifle-like paintgun slung over her shoulder. Starting rules? * LadyMallet accepts a pair of goggles, slipping them on. Oh! And your radios. * Secretary pulls a pile of electronics from the bag. * LadyRoyal takes one, eyeing Sakura a little suspciously as she does so. Okay. I'm going to go into the game zone. My assistant will signal for you to go ahead in four minutes. She will enter the zone a minute later. * LadyMallet picks up on the of electronic gizmos, too, putting that on. Okay. * LadyHeat adjusts the straps on her backpack again, and the belt of waterbottles. * LadyNightshade grabs a communicator and puts it on. * LadySakura finishes strapping a (different) belt pouch on, nods, and ducks through the prep-area curtains and into the game zone. And I suppose we're not to tail her directly, or cluster? * Lord_Darkmoon dons the radio, hiding it with the fall of a lock of hair. * LadyHeat grabs a radio and puts that on as well. Strategy is, as always, up to you. * LadyMallet singsongs quietly, "I like furry furry friends... bunnies stacked in piles..." Then louder, "That get through?" * LadyNightshade flips off Mallet in confirmation. So no secret disqualifiers this time? Yes. Speaking of furry friends...I'm going to see if we've any bats or similar flying critters down here. Once we get started. I believe Sakura prefers to tail her protectees, though she's always worked with just one or two helpers before. * LadyRoyal nods... With more of you... maybe some other strategy is feasible. * LadyRoyal nods. We're going to need someone to track Sakura anyway.... * LadyMallet tosses the Mallet up in a spin, catching it with the other hand. * LadyRoyal glances at Nightshade. Wait. We're underground. That means spiders doesn't it? * LadyHeat shudders and twitches. I've knocked away Ningyo attacks with this. A mere paintball shouldn't be a problem. ^__^ Of our group, Lady Nightshade seems to be the best tracker. Though who she should track is a good question. * Lord_Darkmoon eyes Mallet uneasilly. "Just be...gentle...with that thing." * LadyNightshade yawns. "Look, I'll find Sakura and tag her so we can get on with doing the real stuff." I think she should go after Sakura. Not only is she the best tracker, but I think she's also got the best close-combat moves. * LadyRoyal nods. "Yeah." Agreed. .... Ahem. The rest of you just don't get shot. However, we won't always know who our...target...is. * LadyNightshade checks the time. * LadyRoyal looks at Mallet. "The ones with least collateral damage, at least." * LadyMallet winces. "Fine, fine." * Secretary shakes her head. I don't like spiders. Time to go, madam Secretary? I'm going to get shot. I know it. * LadyHeat twitches more at the thought. Just a minute more. * LadyRoyal looks at the secretary. "We greatly appreciate your vote of confidence. Really." Not with me by your side! ^_^ Sorry...we'll do our best to protect you. * LadyRoyal ponders. "Maybe we should have two people concentrate on Sakura. Just in case. Nightshade can't be everywhere..." Don't worry about me. * LadyRoyal half-shrugs. "Never hurts to have a backup." I've got good aim... Don't get me wrong. But she has a lot of experience, and a number of advantages here. * Secretary looks at her watch again. "It's time." I will look for her. *nods to the secretary, and heads out* All right, then...I guess that's that. Okay, let's go... * LadyHeat follows after Darkmoon, not staring at his butt. Really. Well this time she's up against a -real- magical girl. We'll see. * LadyRoyal cracks her neck, and goes in. * LadyNightshade heads out and vanishes, literally, behind a pillar. * LadyMallet heads out herself. * Lord_Darkmoon looks left, looks right, and proceeds right, looking for some cover. Preferably some cover with a view of the door he just came through. * LadyNightshade moves as quickly and quietly as she can through the area, scouting for any sign of Sakura. You emerge into an old, unused subway station. The tracks are even still there, though the tunnel is obviously blocked off, at least at the near end of the platform. There are lots and lots of support columns here. * LadyRoyal heads a little ways down and takes cover behind the nearest column to the entrance she can find, with the most running room. She waits for the secretary to emerge, listening and occasionally looking for any sign of Sakura. * LadyHeat heads towards the south, ducking behind columns. * Lord_Darkmoon heads for the three-doored room that pokes out onto the platform, checking the open/closed status of said doors. * LadyNightshade moves down the length of the tunnel, looking for potential spots Sakura might be at. * LadyMallet sticks near the entrance, keeping both eyes open. * Secretary tentatively pokes her head through the entrance, then starts walking slowly south on the platform. I'll stay on defense for now. If you can pin her down, let me know. Darkmoon quickly discovers that all the doors have been modified to be latchless, and swing both ways. Going back into the hallway, he finds himself in some old offices. Apparently the subway system did business here. * LadyRoyal tracks the secretary, angling out to be not too close, but still close enough to block an attack. Hopefully. * Lord_Darkmoon enters the room and settles against the east wall. * LadyMallet almost-walks along, staying ahead of the secretary. * LadyHeat watches the Secretary, Royal, and Mallet from her pillar. * LadyNightshade checks up and down the length of the tracks, peering over the edge. * LadyRoyal slows down a little more, then, to get a back view. The south iend of the tracks extend into the former tunnel for a ways. There's less light back there, though still enough to see that it is blocked off after a while. Nothing seems to be hiding on the tracks. * LadyNightshade checks for any openings/vents/windows/snipe points in the main platform area before head toward the south door. * Secretary continues down the platform, then about halfway to the southern end she decides to hop onto the tracks. * LadyHeat heads down the platform towards the old service area * Lord_Darkmoon 's eyes glow briefly, then he shakes his head. "Of course it can't be easy." He starts exploring the rooms back here, sweeping south then west. "I've found a whole hive of rooms; they all let out here, though, so I'm going to set up watch in case Sakura comes through there." Platform appears to be secure. Remember what she pulled last time. * LadyNightshade heads through the south door. I'm going to the room in the south. Where would you be if you knew the area? In the manager's office. * LadyRoyal stays on the platform as the secretary walks the tracks. Up. * Secretary is past the end of the platform now. I would have already won. That's what I've been thinking too...but I haven't seen any way to get someone from overhead. * LadyMallet continues walking ahead of the secretary, but not hopping onto the tracks herself. Maybe she can um...fly. Shadows in the corner? She might be hiding in a box... Doubtful. I'll check for rat-holes big enough for people... *his eyes glow again* * LadyNightshade checks out the old service area. * LadyHeat heads into the southern door. * Lord_Darkmoon shakes his head. "Ouch. On second thought, I won't." * LadyMallet hops onto the tracks herself, and follows, then. The old service area is much like the station platform. There's a ledge, and below are several old hulks of equipment resting on rails. Do any of the pillars have openings in them? * LadyRoyal pauses, and decides against hopping on the tracks. I'm in the Old service area. I'm gonna check the desks. All the pillars are solid. Alright. Here's how we can handle this, I think. We need to find all the ways into the main area, and watch them. Then the watchers can stop Sakura if she comes out of one of them. Nightshade and Mallet can take out Sakura if she's out here already. Hang on! If she is there, have some backup before you check. I'm guessing either somewhere with a good amount of free moving space, or somewhere that she's absolutely sure she won't be seen. She'll remember Nightshade this time. If walls are between Sakura and the Secretary, she's safe. Sakura has to come out to be a threat. ...unless I'm missing something. * LadyHeat approaches the desks and readies a waterbottle, fumbling with the cap some. ...tunnels....draining, sewage, vents. * LadyNightshade hops from the tops of the equipment, top to top, scouting the area as quickly as possible. * LadyRoyal checks for them. There's a CRACK from the equipment area of the service area, and Lady Heat has a huge red paint blotch on her chest. It *hurts*. Then there's suddenly a storm of cherry blossoms, obscuring your view of everything. * LadyRoyal hears the crack over the radio. Shit! Who was that? * LadyNightshade checks trajectories. Damnit! I'm hit. Alright, bodycount. Who's still up? Call in! Who was it? It was me! Heat--service area! Nightshade? aren't you near here? I -told- you to bring backup! Nightshade thinks it must have come from behind the south-east equipment pile. But now she can't see more than two meters... * LadyNightshade stays quiet. * LadyHeat winces and leans against a desk. "Oww." Mallet, keep with the secretary. I'll keep on intercept, just in case. * LadyNightshade heads they direction as best she can, moving as fast as she can. * Lord_Darkmoon steps out of the south door from the room he's in, to watch to see if Sakura breaks into the open. * LadyRoyal backs into the corner just before the platform ends, trying to keep in the shadows. * Secretary starts to make the turn into the service area, then sees the blossoms there and stops. * LadyRoyal doesn't do what she just did, she hops down on the tracks, taking the opposite position to Mallet. * LadyMallet holds Da Mallet out in front of her like a shield. * LadyNightshade cusses under her breath. * LadyNightshade continues searching the area, moving towards the loading doors. At least we...sort of know where she is. I'll bet you she's not still there. * LadyHeat continues standing where she is, a she's effectively dead. Status on the secretary? She's fine for now. Secretarie's fine. For the moment, anyhow. * LadyRoyal listens and watches for anything abnormal. Especially from above. Where? * Secretary, Nightshade, Royal, and Mallet all sort of come together here at the loading door. * Secretary ignores them, then, as the blossoms disappear, walks into the service area. * LadyNightshade stays out of sight. * LadyRoyal slides ahead of the secretary, searching the shadows. * LadyNightshade scans the room trying to think of which direction Sakura might head. There are doors north. Obviously she didn't go out the service entrance. Unless she;'s still there. * LadyMallet keeps an eye out. Status? *listens carefully to his own surroundings, to hopefully hear if Sakura comes through the door inside the room behind him* You suddenly notice that the Secretary has very non-sensible shoes on - fice centimeter heels, at least, and they are clicking quite loudly as she's walking. Mmph... * LadyRoyal whispers "fine. might want to keep the noi--ah, screw it." * LadyNightshade grumbles under her breath. * LadyNightshade moves over to the shelves, having found nothing in the equipment area. * Secretary has walked across the service area, and climbs up the ledge with difficulty. I would.... if I was gonna shoot someone... * LadyRoyal climbs up ahead of the secretary, probably a little faster on account of not wearing deadly-painful shoes. Darkmoon doesn't hear anything. He suddenly feels very alone in the huge station area. * LadyMallet reverses course, heading for the loading door. * LadyRoyal looks around from up top. * LadyNightshade makes a quick pass down the length of the shelving area before heading out ahead of the secretary toward the office area. Someone start opening doors. Nightshade has found nothing but old boxes as she searched the row of old shelves. Why does she have to be so sneaky! Grr... Alright, I'm doing no good here anymore. *heads back into the door he came through, and then through the west door into the mass of rooms, checking carefully before going through each* * LadyMallet goes north from there, to circle around and get back to the old service area from the northern entrance. * Lord_Darkmoon peers through both southern doors in the room with the long counter. * LadyRoyal slides up close to the shelves as she walks, parallel to the secretary. Darkmoon finds an old closet and a corridor with access to restrooms. * Secretary moves past the shelving, and to the first office off the service area. She opens the door and steps in for a second. * LadyNightshade heads over to where the office doors are and waits and watches. * Lord_Darkmoon mutters, "Dead ends...", and goes through the door in the west wall of the long counter room, still peering carefully before entering and ready to leap to dodge at the slightest provocation. * LadyRoyal rushes to sneak in somewhat-ahead of her, taking a quick peek in to check it out. Could probably use some backup here, if anyone's spare... Darkmoon is in what was once a communal office. The cubicle partitoins are stacked against one wall, but there are still desks all around the room that someone could hide under. She'll probably do another flower storm before she strikes... * LadyRoyal blinks and steps back behind the secretary, actually, remembering something. Masllet reaches the platform, and doesn't find anyone. * Secretary emerges from the office, and heads north. Backup? Where you at? * Lord_Darkmoon crouches and does a quick look under the desks to see if there are any tell-tale feet. Offices, heading north. I'd appreciate someone on her other side. He doesn't see any... * LadyNightshade shadows the secretary so close as to slip through the hall door as soon as she opens it. * Lord_Darkmoon rises quickly now, and looks around paranoidishly. "Where are you? I'm in an office area." * Secretary starts north up the hallway, walking at a normal pace. * LadyNightshade stays just ahead of her. * LadyRoyal pauses and blinks. "...nevermind that." North up the hallway from the offices. Offices, offices... Um. Nevermind? Oh... * Lord_Darkmoon opens the more eastern of the two doors in the south wall, and looks carefully in - keeping the door open so he's not suprised from behind. * LadyNightshade lets the secretary do any door opening and just tries to slip in around her. * LadyMallet runs north to get to the entrance of the cluster of small rooms, (east of Darky's current position) * Secretary gets close to the end of the hallway... * LadyHeat sings to herself and ponders going back to the prep area. * LadyRoyal doesn't bother to slip in ahead of the doors anymore, just uses them as cover. Darkmoon opens the door and blinks in surprise as he sees Secretary and Royal. ...then blinks again, as a closet door at the opposite end bursts open, and Sakura dives inot the hallway, shooting! * LadyRoyal then mutters "ah, fuckit," then mouths something else silently, holding her hands out and placing her index fingers and thumbs together to form a triangle. A flurry of cards shoots out, obscuring everything. *blinkblink* *charge, bokken swinging!* * LadyHeat blinks as she hears the gunshots over the radio. * LadyNightshade leaps over the secretary and dashes toward Sakura. Where!? End of the hall, northside! Darkmoon takes one in the thigh - he's out! The secretary yelps as she's tagged once in the back. Damn! I'm hit. Secretary's hit, too. *melodramatic death gurgle to silence* * LadyMallet runs that'a'way. * Lord_Darkmoon collapses to the ground, and lays where he falls in the hall. * LadySakura throws herself out the southern door of thecorridor and backwards into the service area, barely eluding Royal's cards. Nightshade runs, once more into a blizzard of blossoms. * LadyNightshade runs full tilt through the blossoms. Nightshade ends up in the service area and finds it, too, all pink and swirly. * LadyHeat notes that Sakura must be in the service area again, as she's covered in the blossoms. * Secretary gets up and moves on into the office space. * LadyNightshade tries not to vomit as she tries to reach the edge of the cloud. * Lord_Darkmoon twiddles his thumbs in the hallway that is his "final" resting place. * LadyRoyal follows the secretary, walking backwards. Mallet, where are you? On route to the attack site. ... let me guess. She's not there? I think Nightshade's got her, I saw something blocking a blossom storm into the service area. I told you guys to start opening the fu-- Opening doors. Please. I'm no good at this stealth stuff! Bit late for that. * Secretary goes east, into the outer office, and heads for the door back towards the platform. South? North? Which way? Towards the platform door from outer office. * Secretary exits onto the platform, and decides to sit down against a column for a minute. Right. I'll try and cut her off. Hows the secretary? One hit, otherwise fine. I need you to run cover for me, hopefully she can only get one at a time. I'll be there in a moment. * LadyNightshade looks around the service area futily. The cloud of blossoms around Nightshade evaporates. At a glance, it looks like she's alone in the service area. Where is everyone now? Platform, with the mark. On my way to Royal. * LadyMallet stops, with a light hop, nodding to Royal. * Secretary looks up at her guardians. Too bad the cute guy had to get hit. * LadyRoyal gives a bare nod back, and slides around the other end of the column, keeping eyes and ears open. * LadyNightshade heads toward the equipment loading doors, think there's where Sakura is likely to have headed. * LadyRoyal blinks, and circles around as well, keeping in any shadow provided. * LadyMallet grins at the Secretary in response, then starts looking around. Nightshade pokes her head through the service entrance, and sees Sakura, almost halfway up the tracks, using the edge for cover. * LadyRoyal stops at the southern face of the next column down, on the inside edge, still scanning the area, including any visible part of the tracks. * LadySakura checks six, but doesn't notice her stalker. * LadyNightshade speeds up to Sakura. * LadySakura is under a lip of the track ledge. Nightshade, see anything? Tap if you can't speak. * LadyNightshade sidles up next to Sakura and wraps her arms around her neck. "So it appears we meet again." EEEEK! * LadyRoyal takes that as a "yes." * LadyNightshade almost whispers this in her ear. The ladies on the platform are startled by the sudden sound just south of them. * LadyMallet assumes a defensive stance with The Mallet. * LadyRoyal jumps a little. "Nightshade, status! That wasn't you, was it?" * LadySakura turns around and eyes Invisible Girl. ...you make this too hard. ...oh, good. I try. * LadyRoyal heads back to the others. "I think this means game end, our win again." Or Nightshade's, at least. So it's over? * LadySakura hops up onto the tracks. Can I come out now? Are we dead now risen? I still got shot, though. ;_; Stiffy, you can come out now. Probably, yeah. * LadyNightshade hops up behind Sakura appearing out of nowhere. Yeah, game over. * LadyHeat heads back to the platform. Nightshade is scary at this stuff. Very well. *he steps out onto the platform less than a minute later* But thank you for the lesson. *bows to Sakura* I see we need to work on our group skills. Look on the bright side, we could *completely* suck. Then you'd've been shot three times. Another shirt ruined. * LadyHeat sighs Perhaps you should get some throw-away shirts for our work, Lady Heat? * LadyMallet waves one hand, summoning a portal in front of her, and tosses The Mallet into it. Give me a receipt, and we'll cover the expense. It looks like I will... Heh. You think it was cheap renting this whole place on a Saturday afternoon? We can pay for a shirt. So you could cover a hot springs trip! * LadySakura looks at her watch. Only if we were doing it for training, most likely. ...no. Squeegee audits the books, and she doesn't tolerate graft. It would be dishonorable, anyway. Thought it'd be something like that. Yeah... Right. And what part about getting assigned to the doghouse team is honorable? So now do we have some actual work to be done? ...yes. Though you're not going to like it. ...whose cat's gone missing this time? * Lord_Darkmoon quirks an eyebrow at Sakura. No one, but the Queen has a package that she needs picked up at the docks. Okay... ... Docks. Docks mean water. And this is a problem, because? * LadyNightshade dismisses Mallet. "If you don't like it here, you could always take it up with her royal highness." Not a problem, just annoying. Wheee. We get to play UPS. Anything special about the delivery? All she said was that I'd need all of you to handle it. * LadyMallet glances at Nightshade. "Hmph. I would if I could." ... I Hm. So it's a BIG package. Is it okay if I tenderize it if it moves? *shrug* Must be. Should we stay transformed, then? I think so, yes. * LadyRoyal glances at Mallet. "Probably not. What if she's expecting a pet elephant?" Well, it could definitely be worse. You'd probably go from the "doghouse" team to the "shit-sweeping" team. * LadyRoyal refrains from saying anything further, though she looks like she was about to. ...shoot. I know Darkmoon can change into something unpainted, but what are you going to do, Kyouko? If I get that low... I'm going to seriously try and get out of this gig. -_- Good luck. ..Didn't Darkmoon say that what he had can change other people's costumes, too? I could wear my transformed outfit I guess. with the shorts. * LadySakura looks over at Royal. "You don't want to get demoted off this team. Trust me. I've tried to get out. They won't let you. It would look wierd though. * LadyRoyal shrugs. "I'm not the one whining about it." So then we still don't get to do any actual wet work yet... ? We did wet work last week, remember? Not today. It's been a few weeks since there was an incident, though, so there's got to be something coming soon. Comforting thought, that. Only not really. I've got an idea! I can't believe I'm a *grumble*ing courier now... * LadyHeat goes off to the changing room and come sback a few minutes later wearing the clothes she arrived in. Get used to it. ...okay, shall we go? Better than fighting people... Okay. Sure. Let's go. * LadyNightshade looks even more depressed now whereas before when she was almost excited that she'd actually get to fight something. * LadySakura locks the door behind her, and leads the team out to the train station once more. * LadyNightshade drags her fight behind the group. ...well, here's where I part ways with you guys. * LadyNightshade follows even further behind that before. * LadyHeat waves to the secretary. Good day to you then, Madam Secretary. I'll see you around. Don't get shot! * LadyMallet almost-walks along, as per usual. * LadyRoyal nods at the secretary. "See you, then." * LadyNightshade mumbles a goodbye and doesn't even make eye-contact. *wink* * LadyHeat hums a perky tune, tapping her hands against her thights as they walk. * LadySakura takes the train through Tokyo to the docks just west of Tokyo Disneyland. We're going to Disneyland? No, not today. Thank god... Her Royal Majesty must want a Pluto dolly. * LadyNightshade snickers, but hides it. Maybe she wants a really big stuffed animal. * LadySakura stops at a slightly-seedy looking wearhouse marked "Kasai Import- Export". If it was that, why wouldn't it just be picked up there instead of the docks? Hold on a second. It's...really really big? * LadyMallet seems rather distracted, looking of in Disneylands direction. * LadyRoyal stops. "Problem?" * Lord_Darkmoon regards the place stoically. * LadySakura ducks into the office, and returns with a well-muscled dock hand. * LadyNightshade leans against the far side of the building, arms crossed and brooding silently. The guy smiles at the pretty girls, and silently leads the team inot the warehouse. He stops and gestures at a crate. "Here it is. Pay our respects to... her. Okay?" * LadyRoyal eyes the crate. * LadyMallet blinkblinkblinks at the guy. * LadyHeat looks between the guy and the crate. * Lord_Darkmoon eyes the crate, trying to decide if they need a dolly to cart it on. Do we have to carry this? The crate is about two meters tall, and less than a meter square, resting on one of its small ends. Ano.... I'm confused. He knows about us to? He knows who we represent. * LadyNightshade finally bothers herself to follow the group in, just as the guy walks off. I don't suppose anyone has magical crate-toting abilities? Oh... Sakura, do we have a lift or something to carry this on? * LadyMallet walks over to the crate, and tries to pick it up. * LadyRoyal checks it for "this end up" signs, or anything of the like. No, I'm a detective, not a freight handler. Careful, Mal, it might fall over. So then what are we doing here? * LadyHeat gets on the side opposite of Mallet to make sure she doesn't push it over. There is a small stencil indicating that it is fragile, and should be stored long-term in the orientation it is in right now. So what's in it? Hm. Think these people would be willing to loan us one while we take it to the high-and-mighty one? * LadyRoyal looks at the stencil. "right. Long-term." * LadySakura smirks. "I guess we all are today." Well, we can probably turn it on its side for now, and all of us can try carrying it. ...so who's strong, here? I am. * LadyMallet tries to pick it up. :3 Only moderately. *o_Os and gets ready to steady it if it falls due to Mallet's "care"* doesn't someone also have TK? Mysteria. Oh. You've got the wrong card mistress here, I'm afraid. I don't do heavy lifting. Mallet manages to get the box off the ground... but it tips over and lands on top of her. ...shit. Erp. *muffled* ...Damnit. * LadyRoyal goes over and tries to carefully lever the box up. * Lord_Darkmoon tries to catch it to keep it from toppling, as he said he was... and obviously fails. * LadyHeat tries to lift it off of Mallet * Lord_Darkmoon helps Heat and Royal. Royal and Heat, combined with Mallet's strength from underneath, manage to get it off of her and on one side. ...so. Hm. Is this the right side? * LadyHeat studies the box ...I don't think I heard anything break or move in it. ...Are you okay, Leena? Did anyone hear it break? ^^; *eyes the box warilly* * LadyMallet winces. "Gimme a little bit..." I don't think so.... Well, this proves that two or three of us can handle it. At least. I say we carry it horizontally, each with a section, until we get to our destination. I'd still like to see about borrowing a wheel-lift. You know we could just open it up and carry what's inside it. * LadyMallet looks around for any convinent holes/cracks to peer into it. I don't know about you, but I'd really rather not. The warehouse seems deserted now. Everyone is gone. I'm pretty sure opening would break some kind of imaginary rule. ...it might be a bad idea to open it. So I guess we carry it? But we -can- just peek.... Let's just flip it, take it out, deliver it. Then we can all go home. * Lord_Darkmoon looks about the warehouse for one of those two-wheeled box- carriers. Why? Why do you care what she gets? Besides, there's no assurance that what's inside will be any easier to manage. the Queen would kill us. A lot. You okay now, Leena? * LadyRoyal nods. "For all we know, it could be a lot of small things stacked together. I've no interest in anything _she_ would want. *almost sneering* I'll be fine. Yeesh. Like condoms or tampons or something. It's illogical to assume the 6 us could manage such a big box when none of us drive and we have no means to easily pick up the box. Maybe it's a really big aquarium. * LadyRoyal looks at Nightshade. "Well, we could just...y'know...carry it." So I say open it up. Screw her secrets. Hopefull it's something we can carry separately. Carry it where? Across town? Okay. Leena and Kyouko pick it up from the ends, and then the rest of us will stabilize it. Right! Open it it is! And? Logic has little to do with her Majesty's whims, it seems. We'll go to the train station. You're not willing to help carry it anyway, so what does it matter? * LadyRoyal nods at Sakura. He can't really carry it though. I was talking to Nightshade. * LadyMallet punches a (small) hole into the side. Two of them. "Better handgrips." ^__^ Is this thing even going to fit on a train? I don't imagine them allowing us to just take it on there. * LadyHeat eyes the holes. It'll fit through the door. The holes reveal... styrofoam padding. * LadyRoyal eyes the holes and Mallet, but refrains from saying anything, taking a somewhat-central position. "Ready to tip?" * Lord_Darkmoon sighs. "Okay...group carrying it is..." He takes up a position at one end, and bends his knees to get a grip on it. "Lift on three?" * LadyHeat gets in place. Are we sure this is the right way up? Mmph... Still no secrets revealed.... Yeah, I'm ready. 1, 2, 3! * LadySakura gets her hands under an edge, and lifts. *heft* * LadyRoyal takes her bit of the lifting. * LadyHeat lifts. * LadyNightshade sighs and shakes her head. * LadyMallet lifts, duh. * LadyRoyal ignores Nightshade. "Off we go, then." * LadyNightshade uncrosses her arms and helps carry relunctantly. The... thing goes up! And the group gets moving. Fortunately there's a train stop only a half klick away... * LadyHeat shuffles and attempts to keep her hold on the box. Her backpack is kind of heavy. The group gets some strange looks as they get on board a train and stand it up, but the dock area is pretty well deserted so they don't have a problem. They get lucky, and only will have to change trains once, out past Chiba... Would you like me to take your backpack when we have to lift again, Kyouko? * LadyHeat blushes. Okay..that would be v-very nice. * Lord_Darkmoon nods. "Not a problem." * LadySakura leans against the crate. The train fills a little, then empties a lot as you pass out of the metropolitan area. Not a lot of traffic out of Tokyo late on a Saturday afternoon. * LadyRoyal shuffles idly. So... what's in there? Any guesses? * LadyNightshade sits by herself on the far side of the car. A really big magical rock, maybe? * Lord_Darkmoon does not deign to speculate, and just stares out the window with a stoney expression. My guess was a really big magical statue. * LadyRoyal keeps a straight face. "A crocodile." It would have to be sedated though... I bet it's expensive. That's all I'll guess. And? I don't want to be carrying a live crocodile. Why a crocodile? Why not a crocodile? The point is, what does it matter what's in it? If it tries to bite me, I'll flatten it! * LadyRoyal sighs. What if it was a ningyo? ... Okay, if it was a ningyo, Mallet could flatten it then. Then if we find out it's a ningyo, I'll beat it to a pulp? I still don't think we should check. Maybe it's a bunch of trading cards. Maybe it's Sugizo! * LadyHeat drools a bit. * LadyMallet nods sagely. "It's good to be the Queen." * LadyRoyal shakes her head and walks over to the other far side of the car. The train rumbles through Funabashi, then Chiba, making lots of stops, though not a lot of people get on. You end up in a smallish town, Ichihara, and the train stops. We have to change trains here. Eh. Well, let's get to it, then. * Lord_Darkmoon nods, and takes Lady Heat's backpack, puts it on, and gets into position to lift again. * LadyNightshade sighs and helps get the box off the train. Everyone ready? Yep. Yes. * LadyRoyal gets ready. "Ready." * LadyMallet nods, and picks it up enoguh for everyone else to get a grip. *oooomf!* *lift* * LadyHeat lifts! * LadyRoyal hefts! * Lord_Darkmoon grunts involuntarilly as he lifts. At least the backpack also helps balance him, even if it's heavy. You move carefully across the station to a waiting train. This one is even more deserted - you have a car completely to yourself. Wow....it's not even that late. Everyone must be in Shinjuku. There isn't a whole lot out this way - just the base at Kisarazu. And who heads out of town on a Saturday night? Lady Courier? Us? Point. * Lord_Darkmoon sighs a bit in releif as he takes off Heat's backpack, and sets it on the ground beside him. Us slaves with no free will or lack of ability to make any decisions in counter of the insane Queen? Exactly. * LadyNightshade mutters something about what she thinks about the queen. * LadyMallet grumbles. * Lord_Darkmoon smiles darkly at Nightshade's assessment. The door to the next car opens just as the train leaves the station, and three large young toughs walk in. * LadyRoyal is sitting off by herself, seemingly asleep, ignoring everyone. * LadyHeat eyes them and goes back to pondering what could be in the crate. * Lord_Darkmoon notes their arrival, but otherwise cares not. So long as they leave us alone, at least. * LadyNightshade sits, quietly brooding, watching the men out of the corner of her eye. ...oh, looky here. A buncha little girls and their big box... what's in the box? Can we have it? Heheh. * LadyMallet blinks, looking at them. ...I guess it's not deserted enough. No...it's ours. Sure. Come and try and pick it up. ^_^ * Lord_Darkmoon turns to look at them, finally, and gives them a flat stare. Leena! * LadyRoyal shifts a little, seeming to mumble something. Her hand moves, just a little, but she still doesn't seem to be awake. * LadyHeat reaches across and baps her on the head. * BigGuy leans over Kyouko, leering at her. "I think it's ours now, okay?" No taunting the gentleman, Leena. * LadyHeat moves back from the guy. His breath is icky. * LadyMallet is bapped. ;_; You don't really want it... What was that for? * LadySakura just grins watches. (and) * BigGuy cracks some knuckles, and grins. No cops on this train, girlies. We checked. So if I say that box is ours... * LadyHeat watches as the guy cracks his knuckles. * LadyMallet holds the box down, but it just looks like she's resting her hand on it. Sure. If you can pick it up. ^__^ * LadyNightshade idly sides down her seat, behind the seat in front of her and disappears. I think it's time for you to move along. And leave the box to us. * Lord_Darkmoon rises to his feet, and idly holds his bokken beside him. "I'd really rather you left us alone." Oh, the pretty boy has a toy sword! I'm so scaaaaa~ared. * LadyHeat rummages into her backpack and grabs a water bottle. * LadyRoyal idly looks like she's idly sleeping. Idle idle idle. * Lord_Darkmoon grins, and pulls the bokken apart a bit, revealing real steel beneath, before *schik*ing it shut again. * BigGuy doesn't even notice. ...go ahead, kids. Have some fun. * LadyMallet just stands there, holding the box down. No real steel, though, right? Or can I cut them a bit? Nothing too permanent. * LadyRoyal mutters something. Sounds kinda like "If you say so, Sakura!" * LadySakura looks out the window, amused. * BigGuy looks puzzled for a moment. * LadyNightshade makes her way over the seats, towards the thugs, while staying invisible. Darn. *assumes a kendo ready stance* Ah, well, which of you gentleman is first? I had to miss kendo once this week, this'll be a good practice. * LadyRoyal whirls to her feet, shaking off the mock-sleep and mouthing something as she tosses a handful of cards at the ruffians. Aw... * LadyHeat opens the water bottle and flicks some water at the toughs. Are you just gonna stand there and talk big, or are you gonna come and get it? The thugs are carded, boiled, and thwacked in a matter of two seconds. The biggest one takes a moment or two to fall over... "Eeep." * LadyMallet cocks her head curiously. Mou.... taking all my fun. Well. That was easy. We got there first. * LadyRoyal nods. "What Kyouko said." ...you know, they're in our way for getting the crate off the train - no, Mallet, we don't want you having fun. ....boo. Hmm. ...wimps. *tosses his hair out of his face* Well, maybe Mallet can have some "fun" tossing them out of the car. * Lord_Darkmoon starts pushing them onto the benches...then turns to Mallet. "Yes, go ahead." ^_^ * LadyMallet stomps over, and kicks the biggest one in the stomach. Thats what you get for being stupid! ... ...right. * LadyMallet grabs one with either arm, and drags them off. Are we almost at our stop? * LadyNightshade makes her way back to her seat, the thugs having been dealt with. The train slows down, and Sakura stands up. "This is it." * Lord_Darkmoon puts on Heat's backpack again, and gets ready to lift. * LadyRoyal stretches. "If nothing else, this should help build some upper-body strength." * LadyHeat gets ready to lift. ...you know, I'm really not looking forward to climbing the hill to the mansion. Leena? * LadyMallet takes her position. "Ready." So let's just leave it in front of they gate. I'm sure she has people. * LadyRoyal gets into position. Unfortunately, that would be rude. Pfft. Ready? Lift! Yes, _we're_ her people. *mutters something most...ungentlemanly* And the Queen isn't? * LadyMallet lifts, too. * LadyRoyal lifts! *heave!* * Lord_Darkmoon grunts. * LadyHeat hefts! * LadyNightshade lifts... It is indeed a nice climb up a hill - it's not all that far from the station, but the fifteen percent grade wears all of you out before you get it to the front door of the mansion. Nnn.... * Lord_Darkmoon 's stoicism is cracking a bit by then; he looks like he's straining. * LadyRoyal winces, shaking her hair out of her face. "Bleh." * LadySakura is sweating profusely as the team sets it down carefully. * LadyNightshade looks severely annoyed. Sakura knocks on the front door, and it is immediately opened by a servant girl, who recognizes her and calls for someone. Now I suppose we have to transform and look presentable... * LadyMallet leans against the crate, waiting. * Lord_Darkmoon gestures with the tessen and is now attired in clean versions of what he was wearing before. * PrincessSqueegee sticks her head out the door. * LadyMallet looks up.... and starts laughing. * LadyNightshade gives Squeegee and extra big stupid smile. Ah. You made it! It was getting late, and I wondered. It's Squeegee. * LadyHeat tries not to giggle. That's Princess Squeegee to you, girl. * LadyRoyal shrugs. "Had some problems with maneuvering it." Sorry. Had to 'mop' up some goons. * LadyMallet snickers. * LadySakura looks at Kyouko, warningly. It wasn't me... * Lord_Darkmoon rolls his eyes, and just levels a stare at the Princess, waiting for her to actually say something useful. He's not holding his breath, though. Right. Sakura, can you step inside for a moment? The rest of you, would you please pull the crate apart? Thank you. * LadySakura shrugs and goes in. * Lord_Darkmoon uses a katana like a prybar on the crate. now we get to find out what it is. Yaay. * LadyNightshade waits for the door to close before she says, "I fucking TOLD you guys." Yay. *flat, toneless, probably sarcastic* * LadyRoyal levels a glare at Squeegee's back the second she turns around, but get to taking it apart anyway. * LadyHeat grabs a side and pulls. * LadyMallet punches new handgrips into one side, and uses those grips to rip off one side. The crate comes apart without too much problem, and the styrofoam cladding is even easier. Don't destroy it now, destructo-girl. * LadyHeat rips some styrofoam off and waits for what is surely a rather diappointing surprise. * Lord_Darkmoon looks at this heavy whateveritis, once they're done uncovering it. ...revealed is a grandfather clock. A gold grandfather clock. Whether it's solid gold, or gold plating, you can't tell, but that's why it was so freakin heavy. * Lord_Darkmoon also takes off the backpack and sets it down, arching his audibly popping back. * LadyMallet blinkblinks. ...well, I dunno, Nightshade. You might wanna carry shit like this around town, but I'd really rather not. * LadyHeat blushes and picks it up. Thanks. * LadyHeat stares at it. You are welcome. ... Oh this is bullshit. It sure is....shiny. * LadyRoyal looks tired, and her accent seems to be getting a little street. .... UPS could've done this. * LadyMallet gives it a nice kick, accompanied with a muffled sound of annoyance. * Lord_Darkmoon shakes his head. "It is the Queen's privelage to receive only the best service from her vassals." His tone belies his words as being less polite than they sound. * LadyNightshade walks off in a huff and kicks some nearby flowers. Real smart, Mallet. We carry th'damn thing all th'way up here, and then you scratch it up. Watch her order another one and make us carry that'un, too. * LadySakura steps back out, with a folder in hand and a serious look on her face. She's followed by dozens of servants, who eye the clock with trepidation. Mallet, stop. Maybe it's a magical clock? ... Let's get out of here. * LadyMallet steps back, with another sound of annoyance. "Gladly." Way ahead of you. I thought you'd never say that. * LadyHeat turns around and heads back down the hill. * LadyRoyal turns on her heel and heads out. * LadyNightshade starts off ahead of the group walking at a faster pace than normal. ...we have some real business coming up this week. * LadyMallet casts a withering glare at Squeegee, and takes off herself. * Lord_Darkmoon goes with them. "Oh? Relating to that clock? Or are we done with it now that the Queen has her new toy?" The Queen gave me some intel *waves the folder* on a new threat. * LadyMallet is actualy walking, not almost-walking like she usually does. Maybe it's got something hidden in it. Or it's just big and shiny. And maybe the Queen has the utmost respect for us. -_- And maybe I deserve to be on this team. And maybe you should all just shut up and stop whining. If that is all, I am going home. Good day. I'm going to need you starting Wednesday afternoon. ...get some rest, okay? ... if you go to a karaoke booth with me! ^__^ * LadyRoyal coughs afterwards, but not in a "I'm trying to pretend I didn't say that" way. * LadyRoyal nods at Sakura. Karaoke is fun. * Lord_Darkmoon nods to Sakura, and heads off towards the train station at a ground-eating walk, taking full advantage of his stride. [session end]