Session Start: Sat Feb 07 16:18:04 2004 Last time, on Hunters: The hunt for Lady Handcuff continued, focusing on the Soka area thanks to the help from those capitalist leeches profiting from your hard work as Magical Girls. The team hit the local library, and were able to make a guess based on yearbook information about which high school she attends. Lady Nightshade went in to confirm, and after some flailing about managed to (literally) bump into the girl in the library. ...now it's a day later. Sakura didn't need the team this morning, so it was a typical mission afternoon dismissal for the team. They are meeting, transformed, at the noodle joint they waited for Taki in yesterday. [Wednesday, December 3, 2003 - 1450 local] The weather has changed dramatically once more - the sun is shining, the sky is blue... but there is about six inches of snow on the ground and it is still bitterly cold. * Lord_Darkmoon is there, waiting, with a green tea, in the same uniform he wore yesterday. Hair still tucked down the back of his jacket. * LadyNightshade shows up early to look for more of the mysterious guys with coms. * Lord_Darkmoon is sitting on that heavy cloak, too. Street crews are out in force today, pushing the snow into neat piles along the streets. * LadyMallet is there already, in the school uniform. With the addition of knee- high black leather boots. * LadyMysteria is helping herself to a quick bowl of piping-hot noodles. Needless to say, she's wearing warm grey-colored clothes over her critical MG gear suitable for the weird weather. * LadyRoyal is also there, sitting at a table and absently kicking snow off of her shoes. * LadyMallet is dressed warmer, with an undershirt under the uniform rather than a coat or jacket over it. She's sipping a grape soda she brought with her. * LordChimera sits the with everyone, staring idly out the front window at the snow outside, his coat hung over the back of his seat. What's with the weather, anyway? * LadySakura slips in the front door quietly. She's wearing a long skirt today, which almost-but-not-quite conceals the thermal underwear underneath. The heavy winter coat presents all sorts of possibilities for concealing weapons, which pleases her. * LordChimera shrugs noncommittally. "idunno..." Hey, guys. * LadyMallet waves at Sakura. ^__^ * LadyNightshade wears black loose fitting jeans, a black high necked sweater and her black leather long coat over that. * Lord_Darkmoon nods in acknowledgement of Sakura's greeting. * LordChimera sits up slightly in his chair at Sakura's arrival. Taki, you do know that all that black just makes you a better target against the snow. * LadyMysteria nods Sakura's way, still finishing up noodle-related matters. They'd have to catch me first. I think she means that white would be better camouflage. ... I don't wear white. * LadyRoyal eyes Taki. "Or they'd have to have long-range weapons." * LadyMallet looks up at Taki. "You'd look good in white." ^__^ She's right. Humor us, please? ... * LadyMysteria giggles softly. * LadyMallet blinkblinks. "It's not like it's pink or anything..." Just a thought. * LadyNightshade orders a coffee from the counter, and silently drinks it in a corner, ignoring the conversation. Perhaps a charcoal gray? It would offset your complexion well, I think. * LadyRoyal shrugs. * Lord_Darkmoon said that with a perfectly straight face. * LadySakura gets a coffee and some dessert noodles. Let her wear what she likes. I don't think it's really that much of a deal. I think. ANYWAY. Sakura, I was doing some looking around before you got here. * LordChimera goes back to slouching and staring out the window. * LadySakura sits down and looks interestedly at Taki. * LadyMysteria shakes her head slowly, then finishes slurping down the noodles. "I so don't like this weather..." I saw at least half a dozen of the men in headsets. They looked to be concealing pistols too. That's... different. ...that's a lot. * LadyMallet freezes in place. Half... a dozen? Where? * LordChimera perks up again. Six. That's... not nice to know. I can't remember a situation where there were that many obvious threats walking around. Or that were using so much organization. ( They were walking around town, separately. ) * Lord_Darkmoon looks concerned, but bites his lip rather than saying anything. ...hm. ... there's gotta be someone behind them. Sakura, you think this has any connection to why the queen sent you more of a team to work with? You think she'd tell me? ...really, I don't know. * Lord_Darkmoon refrains from commenting. Oh. Um... sorry. That's going pretty far out on a limb, but it's an interesting theory. * LadyMallet cracks her knuckles. "I don't like this thought... but this might be turning into more of a war against us, than what it's been." Don't they usually wait until a you-know-what attacks before taking on a target? This scheduled business bothers me. Huh. Still... I can understand sending really organized people for someone as strong as her, but... still, it's kinda strange. * LadyRoyal listens quietly. * LadyMallet looks at Sakura. "If this does turn into a war... them striking first every time is going to make sure we lose." I didn't make our rules of engagement. And I don't want to see you trying to circumvent them. We -could- hunt them down now, before they gather. But, as Sakura said, we're not allowed to. Not sure we'd know where to start goin' after them, other than the way we are now. I could find out where they hang out. If they do. For all we know they don't meet in person. Like I said last night... *mumbles under her breath* What was that? * LadyMallet blinks. "Yeah! Split up and tail one of them each!" But you're right. We can't go on doing things the same way forever if our enemies change their tactics. Eh-- Taki? What makes you think that those guys are-- uh... Did they do anything-- er... Are ya sure they're there for Handcuff? * LadyMysteria grumbles slightly. "If there was a way to just stamp them out... still, it'd look terrible, like we'd turned on the city. Who knows how many there are---eh?" She blinks at that suggestion. * LordChimera makes little hand-wavey motions. * LadyRoyal looks at Chimera. It's possible. * LadySakura grimaces. "I really, really, REALLY don't like coincidences." * LordChimera suddenly looks more uncomfortable than usual. 'I -- uh.. didn't mean you-- ... mm hmm' *nods at Sakura* ...which is why we aren't going to just slay them until they unambiguously demonstrate their intent. I mean... we can follow them. We know what she looks like, and we can stay in contact. ... but there might be others, so someone should stay with her... Um. Well there are more of us than them. You each could follow one and I can trail our protectee... Taki, you saw them scattered around the city, right? Why do you think you spotted all of them? Or something. There also may be more of them that us... Because I was looking for them? Did they notice you, or did you go...y'know...incognito? A combatant on each that we know of...but if there are more...we could be distracted when the real thing happens. It's like Go. Mislead your opponent until it's too late and... * Lord_Darkmoon seems to be talking almost to himself. I made sure I wasn't noticed. ...right. * LadyNightshade growls. "Do you have something you want to say, Royal?" At least I bothered to look. * LadyRoyal glances at Nightshade. "Keep your panties on. I was just checkin' is all." That's because you're good at looking. Still, we can't assume that's all. I'd prefer to let trouble come to us instead of rushing to it. * LadyRoyal nods. "Especially if there's more trouble than we think." That means we give the trouble time to prepare. Since they have the first move by the rules of our game, they get to set the stage regardless. Unless you want to go plug 'em each one at a time. * LadySakura is thinking hard - she's almost cross-eyed in concentration. If we were allowed...perhaps Taki should do just that, while we guard the goal. They don't expect us to strike first. We've never been allowed to before. Who knows if they even know we're here. * LadyRoyal just stares at Darkmoon. "And you don't think they'd find out that their friends were getting killed and try to gang up on her? She's good, but she's one person." ...okay, enough. Yeah, she really is. It would be a better idea if we could... * LadyMysteria trails off as Sakura cuts in. Still though-- what if they're not who we think they are? uh- As she said...they'd have to catch her-- *goes silent at Sakura's statement* * LadyRoyal looks at Sakura. * LadyMallet glances at Sakura. We don't have permission to change the ROE's. And we don't have a plan at hand to flush them out. One of us could transform and bait them into attacking. It's a simple plan! We all follow one. If they're after Handcuff, they'll go after the first Ningyo event or go after her. And since we'll be right there with them, we can jump them as they draw their weapons! I'm sure they'll kill any magical girl they could get their hands on... But the thing is, what if they're just blanketing the whole area she's known to operate in? They have those radios, right? * LordChimera gasps slightly. I think-- Well, it would make sense. Rapid response when one finds her. We could follow the guy who's out of position when they start the attack. That'd tell 'e--what's wrong, Kenji? * LordChimera holds up a hand and makes another wavey motion hey- hey hey. *looks almost happy* Mmm? * Lord_Darkmoon regards Chimera curiously. What if-- we could watch them to see if they followed her? * LadyMallet blinkblinks. If I could get a look at her- then I could uh... ... disguise someone as her? Hm... * LadyMysteria looks Darkmoon's way. * LordChimera looks mallet in the eye. "Sure- I could do that. or even just project and image of her." * LordChimera said that last part quieter. ... that could possibly be crazy enough to work. Draw them out. Can you stage a Ningyo fight to go with it? ...I don't know how good you are at that, Kenji. * LadyNightshade stops for a moment and looks at her watch. "When does her school let out, anyway?" ...and we're running out of time. * LordChimera changes his expression to one a bit more crestfallen. "I can only do one at a time..." Oh. Um... Disguise one of us as her, and project a Ningyo fight! Can you alter one appearance and make an illusion separately? * LordChimera lowers his gaze towards the table and shakes his head. " just one at a time... sorry.." * LadyMallet looks at Darkmoon and Kenji as she says each bit. * LadyMysteria listens in, idly biting on her bottom lip. "It's alright, it's alright..." Not your fault. We all have our limits. We need to get going in a minute or two. Look, I'm not comfortable with improvising anything like this today, and I'm convinced we need to center our coverage around her. ...Leena, are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting? *eyes her with a hint of respect and/or fear* * LadyRoyal nods. I haven't seen here yet though- except for your photos.- I don't think it'd be good enough.-- ah.. er I can keep an eye on her while you guys set something up... If you want... * LadyMallet *grins*. "Yep!" ...not today. Sorry, Kenji, but I just don't know what your skills can do well enough to justify it. * Lord_Darkmoon swallows hard, and turns his gaze from Leena to Sakura. Leena's scaring him. ah-- yeah. I understand-- sorry. And Leena, I really don't like putting one of us in that position. * LadyNightshade stands up and looks towards the door. ... well, Sakura. If you say so... ...that's a longer conversation than we have time for. Right. .... * LadyRoyal gets up, shrugging her jacket back on. * LadyMysteria doesn't sound too terribly convinced, but she's getting up and prepping for go-time. Hmph. Sakura, want me to go trail her now? No. As you say, Sakura. *rises, and throws his cloak on again, pulling up the hood* But... Taki, I want you and... ...and... *looks around* I wouldn't ask anyone to take her role... I'd do it. Problem, Sakura? * LordChimera quietly rises and puts on his own coat, still looking slightly more crestfallen than usual. Who's really fast? How fast you talkin' about? * LadyMallet shakes her head, and glances at the ceiling momentarily. I'll be okay by myself... None of us are as fast as Taki, I don't think. But...I could try to keep up. Unless you believe I am more useful elsewhere. Well whatever. The core group will center on Handcuff. Taki, I want you out on the perimeter, actively looking for these guys. * LadyMallet slips on a baseball cap, adjusting it so it covers up her tiara. * LadyNightshade nods. All six? What if they're planning some kinda surround-attack? They split up last time... two groups of three. You'll direct Maya and Minami to the targets you spot, and then continue to search. Ah, okay then. Okay. Is that enough of a plan? * LadyMallet nodnods. I hope so... Let's go. * LadySakura tosses a nice tip on the table. We need to hash out the full plan, disguise and distractions, for next time, though. * LadyRoyal heads out, eyeing Mallet. "The more complicated things get, the easier it is for them to fail." It's not complicated! Geez. Leena is right, though. Against an increasing threat, we will have to change. * LadyNightshade heads out the door, heading to the spots by the school she noticed the men before. * Lord_Darkmoon brings up the rear of the group as they leave. * LadyMallet almost-walks out. * LordChimera looks deep in thought as he follows in the group, slouching as usual. It's not too far to Soka HS 4, as Taki found out yesterday. The sidewalks in the neighborhood are covered with little kids already out of school playing in the snow. * LadyNightshade avoids them like cancer. * LadyMallet doesn't seem to mind the snow. Boots are great for that. ^_^ Some adults stand around watching. Many of them are obviously parents of the children. Some of them are not. * LordChimera says nothing the entire way. * LadyMallet is walking through, in, out, and over the snow, exhibiting entirely way too much bounciness as she does so. * LadyNightshade quietly hurries down the side walk, scanning the crowd. * LadyRoyal doesn't take much notice of the people other than flashing a somewhat mechanical nod and grin at those whose gaze she intercepts. Nobody is standing at the corner where Taki saw the guys yesterday... but a half block down there's an older man in a light trench, hunched over and meandering aimlessly. * Lord_Darkmoon just walks down the road, a guy on his way to someplace, huddled against the cold. Just once, I'd like to do this without lots of spectators around to catch stray bullets. Is everyone's radios working? * Lord_Darkmoon whispers, so just the radio picks it up. "Mine is. I could always transform and scare away the spectators." His tone indicates he's not being serious. * LordChimera checks his radio. '... uh-- I think so..' Affirmative. * LadyMallet pipes into hers, "We should love o/~" * LadyRoyal checks. "Mine is." Remind me to smack you later, Leena. * LadyNightshade heads towards the old man, getting a closer look. * LadyMallet sticks out a tongue at Sakura. =p The guy is in his mid-fifties, and is carrying a shopping bag. But he seems to be looking continually at the school and has a familiar earpiece. * LadyRoyal looks out and around for any other suspicious types. That said, he's puttering down the block and away from the school. I spotted one potential target at (location). Maya, can you keep an eye on him? Maya moves on down the street and quickly spots the target. * LadyNightshade moves on around the area, continually searching for other possible targets. In the next five minutes, she finds two more - a younger man in a snazzy suit, and a frustrated-looking woman in full winter gear. They are near each other, but not with each other, and coming from the opposite end of the block as the older man. Royal, two more targets at (location), think you can watch them both? I'll get on it. * LadyRoyal does so. * LadySakura looks at her watch. "It's time." * Lord_Darkmoon grips the tessen under his cloak, readying himself. The school bell rings, audible even in the street. It's nearly a minute before the front doors open, but when they do it's a veritable horde. * LadyMysteria stays put, keeping an eye on her objective. "... here we go..." * LordChimera tries to spot Anzu out of the mob. * LadyRoyal keeps an unobtrusive eye on her marks. * Lord_Darkmoon does the same as Royal. * Anzu is in the first pack of students out the door. She strides quickly out of the school complex, then slips on the icy sidewalk and lands on her behind. I see her. * LordChimera snerks over the radio then catches himself, "sorry ><" * LadyMysteria would normally giggle, but she's a bit too tense for that sort of thing. * LadyNightshade looks around the crowd for anyone who seems to be paying a bit too much attention to those leaving the school. Maya and Minami both notice their targets stopping and watching the school let out, but they don't think the marks are tracking Anzu directly. * LadyRoyal leans back against a wall, watching for others, as she reports her targets' behavior quietly. Nightshade spots a woman directly in front of the school with an earpiece. She looked like a mother earlier, but the kid you thought was with her then has moved down the street. * Lord_Darkmoon is watching Anzu, though, and not the suspects. Doesn't look like they've got a fix on her yet. * LadyMallet keeps her eyes open, glancing around for Guys With Guns. I see another woman right in front of the school. (describes briefly what she's wearing.) Keep an eye on her. * Anzu is helped up by an enthusiastic young boy. She bows and smiles, and they walk east from the school holding hands. Roger. * LadyMallet lowers her voice. "A woman? ... is that common?" *glances at Sakura. ...not very. One of mine's a woman. That's the second female I've seen with an earpiece. * Anzu is headed generally toward Royal's marks. Maya's guy is still watching kids come out of the school and not following at all. * LadyRoyal heads a little closer to her marks, flicking a few cards out and seeming to play with them innocently. I got a feeling the guy I'm on has missed her... but still. No telling what they've got planned. * LadyNightshade tries to keep well ahead of Anzu, looking around for anyone suspicious. Neither is the woman Nightshade is watching. She's looking all around now, not just at the school, but isn't really tracking any one student. I'm just being paranoid I think... but do they recognize her untransformed? * Lord_Darkmoon wanders in generally the same direction as Anzu, but behind her and not obviously following, watching for anyone to do something overtly hostile. They don't appear to. I don't think so... * LadySakura pushes forward through the students, and takes up a position only five meters behind the girl. * Anzu chats amiably with her boyfriend. * LordChimera heads off in the same general direction, still watching Anzu. * LadyMallet continues watching Anzu, BF, and looking for anyone else who seems to take an interest in her. * LadyMysteria stays on her mark, but tries to keep an eye on the 'big picture', as it were. "... c'mon..." Nightshade spots two of the men she saw earlier in the afternoon a block down the street in front of Anzu. Maya, you're getting left behind, I think. You should start our way if that guy isn't moving. Yes ma'am. Taki, seeing anything? * LadyMysteria does exactly that, more-or-less scanning about at random as she catches up. I see two of the men I noticed earlier just ahead. Maya, you think you can catch up to them? They don't seem to know what they're looking for either, though. * Anzu isn't going anywhere fast. She's more interested in the boy with her than in getting home. I can, Taki. On it. Perhaps...a lure...would be wise, after all? Draw them all in? Perhaps we could choose our scenery, as well, avoiding bystanders. * LadyMysteria diverts course to locate (and then keep an eye on) the two men, keeping a respectable distance from them. I don't see the point of them putting bodies everywhere. Seems a waste of manpower... * LordChimera tries to work his way in closer to Sakura position just behind the couple. I don't know. I just don't know. Have you forgotten who they're dealing with? We're tough to take out, especially when we fight back. ^_^ If I am the bait...I can transform and kill them all, probably. If the rest of you can pull me back before I hurt anyone else... I think they're covering the whole area around the school, just putting watchers in place to spot for someone else. They're just the intelligence, you mean? It would make sense. Pretty wasteful, but gets the job done. * LadyMallet frowns. You're right, though. Who the hell has this sort of manpower? So then our enemy IS more organized than we were originally led to believe... But who has this sort of manpower? ... It can't be the Queen of the Sea, can it? I thought she only had Ningyo... Right now, there's no telling. I'm starting to think that-- that they really aren't after her... ... not after her? ... after.... us? Someone knew enough about her to name a time and place of destruction. And, yes, given what we've seen, they may very well be setting a counter-trap. * LadyMallet suddenly seems a lot more paranoid. * LadyMysteria grits her teeth. "If that's true, then they're organized and *clever* as all get-out... oh man..." they're all over- everywhere except here- right? So- if they were following her, like us-- then why aren't they where we are? -- yeah. Then maybe fight would be a better choice than fighting when the action starts? The fact that they knew who she was, though... Well we have the advantage of knowing what she looks like untransformed... Let's not panic. Yet. ...and as everyone is distracted and spinning theories, there's a sudden spike of sea magic. A second later, a previously-idyllic house about a block ahead of Anzu falls apart as a tidal wave of water washes out from it. ... now we panic. * Lord_Darkmoon glances at his watch, curiously. ... they summoned that. gah! Stay sharp - here we go. * Anzu stops, wide-eyed. * LadyMallet tenses, keeping herself from leaping into action. * LadyNightshade looks wide eyed at the house exploding right near her. Taki is unpleasantly close to the fountain of water, and is thoroughly drenched and washed to the other side of the street. Oh shi-- *glug glug* * LadyMysteria momentarily pats at her pockets to locate her wand, then continues to watch and wait... and fidget. * LadyMallet narrows her eyes, and opens the MalletPortal. * LordChimera stops and darts his eyes between the wave and Anzu. "Do we go in??" * Lord_Darkmoon grips the tessen, looking for the first of the enemy to make their move. * Anzu shoves her boyfriend away from the explosion. He needs no encouragement, and is running, panicked, and forgetting her instantly. * LadyNightshade grumbles and shivers. * LadyMallet whispers into the headsets, "I'm getting closer." * Anzu turns back to watch as the Ningyo floats out of the wrecked lot and into the street. * LadyNightshade pulls herself back to her feet and looks around for the men she was watching. * LadyMallet walks slowly towards the scene, like any other interested spectator. We have Ningyo... almost showtime. The men are moving away from the Ningyo, but just backing away - they're interested spectators too. Why me? * Lord_Darkmoon says nothing over the headsets. * LadyMallet talks lowly, "You're a magical girl and you've never gotten wet? It's a curse." You always get wet. Guys, don't forget to watch the men. * LadyMysteria does the 'interested spectator' thing, too, even as she eyes her targets. * Anzu looks almost wistful for a second, then pulls out her cell. She punches one button, and puts it to her ear. * LadyMallet is, indeed, keeping her eyes on Anzu, the Ningyo, and the 'interested spectators'. Keep yourselves between them and her. The Ningyo isn't bothering with speeches today - it looks like it's having problems directing the flood of water - it keeps turning into ice. * LadyMallet shifts position, so she's right next to one of the men, under the pretense of getting a better angle. She's calling someone - I can't tell who. Right- *tries to stay towards the front of the spectators* ... why would she be calling someone? Maybe it's how she transforms? * LadyMallet whispers, "Partner." maybe- yeah... ( Partner? ) * Lord_Darkmoon also hovers near a radio-wearing spectator. His hood conveniently prevents any chance of said 'spectator' noticing his own headset. * LadySakura strides right up to Anzu, hoping to overhear, but by the time she gets close enough, the girl has closed the phone, turned around, and is walking away from the Ningyo. ... What? maybe--- it's her day off? * LadySakura turns to follow the behind girl once more. That doesn't make sense! It's our job to handle Ningyo at all times... but... ...she's staying in the street. She's not transforming. * LadyNightshade looks at the girl and looks back at the Ningyo confused. or-- what if.. no There's more of a crowd forming to watch the Ningyo attack. * LadyMallet clenches her fists, and whispers, "If it starts attacking and no one shows up, I'm taking it on." * LordChimera scans the crowd for anyone turning to watch Sakura as she follows Anzu. You... don't think we have the wrong girl, do you? The spectators are staying well back - at least a block. Most people would not put themselves this close to a Ningyo willingly... ...but a close inspection shows a few more men with earpieces. * LadyMysteria sighs. "This just feels wrong. It's..." * Lord_Darkmoon says nothing, for fear of alerting the 'spectator' he's standing next to. * Lord_Darkmoon has the tessen pointing towards the 'spectator's back, by the way. Not obviously, but ready to act the moment the suspicious person does. * LadyNightshade realizes she's way too close to the Ningyo and starts moving back toward the crowd, taking count of the earpieces she sees. * Anzu begins to run after a few seconds. Sakura follows her around a corner, and onto a city bus. She's leaving! She's on a bus, and *leaving*! Where's she going? huh?- shit... ... Fuck if I know. You all stay on the scene. But... What... I... Okay. I'll be out of range in a few minutes. Staying. Staying... Why is no one...? * LadyMysteria does her damndest to not fidget obviously, eyes narrowed. * Lord_Darkmoon wonders at the lack of fear of the bystanders. The Ladies must really do a good job, to have the Ningyo be a curiosity rather than a menace. * LadyMallet whispers, "Did she hear about the threat too? This is another way to get the Ningyo to get their way unopposed?" The bus pulls away... and the Ningyo attack proceeds unabated. The poor mermaid has stopped fighting the icing effect, and is instead using it to more creatively rip apart houses near her. ... someone's going to have to do something... Screw this. This fish is going down. But- But... we can't... remember last time? * LadyMallet summons the Mallet, and charges! Leena! Stop! * Lord_Darkmoon whispers, "Kenji, can you make something to distract the Ningyo? Perhaps a fake Lady?" * LadyMysteria cuts off a harsh line of words for Leena, even though she looks half-ready to do something herself. Nothing that'd keep it's attention for more than a few seconds--- Leena starts to sprint through the no-mans-land around the Ningyo, Mallet held at high guard... and as she gets close enough for the Ningyo to notice her, she is joined by two more Magical Girls, dropping from a nearby rooftop. What TOOK you so long!? The older-looking of the two pulls a round plate filled with gooey stuff out of nowhere and throws it at the Ningyo. "NITRO PIE!!!" The plate sticks to the mermaid's chest. * LadyNightshade looks worriedly at Leena, but sticks back by the crowd. Scanning for anyone getting ready to attack the girls. * LadyMysteria hangs back as well, gritting her teeth in frustration. maybe- she called those two? and.. it really is her day off? The other girl has as four-foot spoon in her hands, and has dug a huge chunk of concrete out of the street with it, which she proceeds to sling at the Ningyo. The chunk hits the pie plate, which detonates the nitro... and the Ningyo is tossed hard to the ground. * LadyMallet jumps forward, landing with the Mallet impacting right on center mass of the Ningyo, forcefully sending it several feet into the ground. The frozen ground cracks and collapses around them as the Ningyo's torso is pulped. It's not getting up from this one... * LadyMallet immediately whirls around, Mallet held defensively, for, ya know. Guys pulling out guns. * PrincessPie swaggers up, smiling. "Where'd you come from? Was just in the area! There is no one pulling out a gun. Or a sword. Or even a sharpened stick. The crowd is cheering, though. * LadyNightshade looks confused at those with headsets. Cool. Lady... Hammer? ... * LadyMysteria does have her eyes on the crowd as well... she does cheer, though. Gotta fit in. * LadyMallet shakes her head. "Lady Mallet." Everyone is cheering, even the headset guys. ...though they may be faking it, you're not sure. * Lord_Darkmoon doesn't cheer. Mostly because he doesn't think to. Something's still wrong, here. Mallet, cool. Oh crap, Sakura... You and Spoon here would probably get along. * LadyMallet nods. "I saw." ^__^ I'm going to see if I can catch up to her guys... Taki...good idea. *whispered* We'll stay here, just in case. ... yeah, Sakura. Ohman... gogogo. * LadyNightshade makes her way through the crowd and heads toward the bus stop. * LadyMallet eyes the crowd nervously. The lack of guns is creeping her out more than the presence of them. So... new Lady, or are you just out of your normal territory? Don't usually come out here. There's this store around here that makes a special brand of ice cream that I wanted to try. ^__^ * PrincessPie's eyes narrow. "Which one?" But... um. I really need to go! * LadySpoon grins Because I'm gonna be late! It was good to meet you, Lady Mallet. * LadySpoon extends hands to shake. Maybe we can get together and compare notes. * LadyNightshade checks the bus stop for a map of where the bus goes from here. * LordChimera looks around the crowd nervously, waiting for Mallet to retreat. * LadyMallet shakes Spoons hand, and nods at Pie. "Sure thing. I'll track you down sometime. But I really am late! Seeya!" * LadySpoon has a good grip as she shakes... at least until her head suddenly explodes with a wet "whulp" sound. * LadyMallet stops in midstep, freezing. ... * LadyNightshade takes off running down the sidewalk along the route the bus takes. * LadyMallet slowly turns to look around... "NO!" The sharp CRACK of a distant rifle takes a few seconds longer to reach the scene. * LadyMysteria flinches. "They're going after anyone!" is all she manages to hiss-whisper. * LordChimera takes off in a dead run towards Mallet and the others. * LadyMallet hisses at Pie. "Run!" * PrincessPie jumps straight up into the air in absolute surprise. * Lord_Darkmoon waits a moment, hesitating... and seeing what the person he's next to is doing. When Pie comes down, she scrambles for some cover. Everyone in the crowd is screaming, now. Even the guys with the headsets. ...though they may be faking. You can't tell. * LadyMallet does the same herself. * LadyMysteria is taking a moment to watch the crowd, then looks in the direction the rifle report came from. * LadyNightshade skids to a stop. What the hell just happened? Is everyone alright? * Lord_Darkmoon steps behind the guy he'd been ready for, and hold the tessen to his throat as if it were a dagger. "Who are you working for?" he hisses. Chimera and Mallet see a second bullet tear into the corpse, and then the sound comes again. ....! A Lady's down! * LadyMysteria is inches from panicking, trying to think of *something* to do. * LadyMallet flails. "Do.. um. Do something! Something defensive!" * LordChimera yells loudly, obviously really *really* upset as he makes his way. One on Pie too! * LadyNightshade turns straight into a nearby alley and wall bounces up to the roof top, and takes the direct route back to where the girls were, scanning the tops for the sniper. Mysteria misses seeing the second shot fired, and Nightshade sees no one on the roofs. * LadyNightshade heads to where she heard the shots coming from. What the hell??? Darkmoon sees the man he's holding gnash his teeth strangely, then start shaking violently. * Lord_Darkmoon lets the mad drop, whirls about, and heads for some cover. "Kill the headset-people. They are in on it." The man slowly collapses to the ground, then hisses, "traitor" as he expires. * Lord_Darkmoon , once he gets to a tree or something to huddle under, drapes his cloak about himself and tries to grab control of the biggest bird he can. ...except the headsets have suddenly been removed. No one in sight is wearing one, and there are enough people milling that you can't be absolutely sure who had one before. ... where did... Everyone, GET OUT OF THERE. Why...Taki? Going...to...hit...the sniper. Out of here? What's going on? Police sirens are starting to sound. I have a bad feeling about this... No, it's time to get lost! This is falling apart! ... ...Mallet, did you do this??? * LadyMallet reiterates over the mics, "Getting outta here!" * LadyMallet yells at Pie! "NO! I can't explain, but just trust me and RUN!" * Lord_Darkmoon runs off, still trying to get a big bird, though he won't be able to puppet it until he gets some distance away. * PrincessPie pulls a two-meter pie plate from somewhere, and runs away, using it for cover. * LadyMysteria gets the hell out of dodge as well, wand plainly in hand at this point. * LadyNightshade continues trying to locate the sniper. * LordChimera half-gloms Mallet as he finally arrives and starts to spit out something in a dead language. "... aww craaap-- go!" * LadyMallet nods, and runs, using the Mallet for cover. Especially around the head. * LadyNightshade leaps from rooftop to rooftop, madly searching. * Lord_Darkmoon 's eyes start to glow with the purple moons as he finds a bird, and sets it to looking for the sniper. * Lord_Darkmoon huddles down on a bench a few blocks away, closing his eyes, as he shares the bird's senses. Leena... that could've been you... why did you... Talk about it later! * LadyMysteria doesn't reply, still booking it. * LadyMallet detransforms, ripping off the headset beforehand so it doesn't get eaten, once she's in the clear. The crowd has mostly dissolved now. Only the most intrepid onlookers are brave enough to wait around sniper fire, and they're mostly hiding behind things. * LordChimera pants heavily and stays w/ Mallet but doesn't detransform. "Why did you-- ??" * Leena slips the headset back on, so she's back in contact with everyone. "I'll talk about it later! Run and panic now! * LadyNightshade vainly attempts to search for any trace of the sniper. * LordChimera clearly doesn't understand but nods and follows her. * Lord_Darkmoon does not reply, but he does release the bird when it becomes clear that he's not finding anyone who might have a sniper rifle. He rises, and begins walking grimly away, somewhat aimlessly for the moment, until he hears from his friends again or for until he gets antsy. * LadyNightshade doesn't give up and continues searching in spite of the fact that she's not going to find anything at this point. * LadyMysteria isn't thinking about much at this point aside from getting to somewhere safe and the image of Spoon's head going 'pop'. * LadyNightshade chokes back some tears as her eyes start to water. * Leena cues the headsets, "Everyone okay? And Sakura, are you back in range yet?" What the hell?! Come on, there has to be something here... *talking to herself* What the hell, indeed... * LadyMysteria somehow manages to stay relatively composed, even though her voice wavers a bit. * LadyNightshade finally collapses in a ball on a rooftop, after searching way too long and finding absolutely nothing. * Leena looks around for a good place to meet. She's got a straight face, that betrays hecticness, but no panic, or even tears. Yet. We need to be sure Sakura is not harmed. If she does not come back soon, I'll get the secretary to call her cell, and hope she's got it on vibrate rather than ring. *his voice is calm, grim, and rock steady. Almost monotonous* * LadyNightshade sobs a bit. "I'm such a failure..." * LordChimera appears more angry than anything else for the moment, short angry noises are heard over his mic. We need to gather again. Taki, you did not fail. Mourn, but don't do it now. We have to recover. Taki, not now... we need to find Sakura... Let us gather at the noodle restaurant. Okay? Meet back at the noodle shop, whe- Yeah... Sounds like a plan... * LadyNightshade slowly gets back up and makes her way down to the street and toward the bus stop. Meet back there. Be careful, though. Detransform if you think you need the extra identity cover. * Lord_Darkmoon heads there, not saying nothing more. * Leena lets herself panic some, a bewildered look making it across her face. And stares at the ground, trying to will her feet to move. * LordChimera fumes a bit more behind Leena before finding a relatively safe place to detransform. * LadyMysteria heads along, taking the time to detransform in a well-hidden spot, while saving what clothes and such she can along the way. As he approaches the noodle place, Darkmoon's cell phone rings. * Leena glances at Kenji when he comes back out, and whispers... "Not alive..." She looks haunted. * LadyNightshade looks for when the next bus is going to be arriving at this stop. * Lord_Darkmoon pulls it out when it vibrates silently. "Yes?" ... I should get there. *starts walking, slowly* * Kenji 's furious dispositions softens and stops dead in his tracks when Leena sees him. * Maya proceeds along, trying to hook up with the group proper along the way. * Lord_Darkmoon walks into the noodle place, joining any that are there or claiming a table if none are. He's on a cell phone. * Kenji watches Leena walk away, wide-eyed. She's well ahead of him before he finally starts to move himself. ...dead. Sniper. We're meeting at the noodle place. Should we expect you there, or should we go back to your place? She and Pie, yes. Hammer was lucky it wasn't her. * Maya slips in, finds a place to sit and... just sits. Yes. In the restaurant now. Private conversations are hard to keep private. Two, yes. * LadyNightshade is standing at the bus stop waiting for the next bus so she can find Sakura. * Lord_Darkmoon waits, holding the phone to his ear, not speaking for a bit. * LadyNightshade looks down at the ground as she waits, her eyes are still red from crying and she sniffles slightly. Damn Ningyo water. Yes, ma'am. * Lord_Darkmoon puts the phone away, and waits for the others to arrive. * Maya looks up at Darkmoon, then back down at the table. * Leena shuffles into the noodle shop, dragging her feet along the ground, just looking up enough to make sure she doesn't bump into anything. * Lord_Darkmoon looks at Maya, his face ashen, but not sickly so. He's almost shaking with suppressed...something, but his voice is firm as he speaks. "Do not blame yourself, Maya. We could not have known." He holds up the tessen to get Leena's attention, but doesn't wave. "We're waiting for the rest to get here." I'm not, this was just horrible. Taki, meet us at the noodle place. Sakura's orders. But... Where is she? Is she okay? * Leena slides into a seat, and immediately puts her arms on the table, and her head in her arms, sniffling. She is fine. Anzu made it home without incident. * LadyNightshade sounds as if she's on the verge of tears. I... see. * LadyNightshade slowly drags her feet on her way to the noodle shop. * Lord_Darkmoon patpat's Leena's head, more to get her attention than patronizingly, and holds out a black silk handkerchief for her to use. * Leena shakes her head, not looking up, or saying anything. * Maya reaches out to pat Leena's back consoling, but doesn't say anything. I'm glad you're okay, Leena. *he leaves the hankie on the table before her, but leans back in his seat, putting distance between himself and her* * Kenji walks into the shop and pauses momentarily before he takes a seat. "..." * Lord_Darkmoon nods once to Kenji, in greeting. * Leena snakes a hand out to grab it, not lifting her head. * LadyNightshade finally arrives behind everyone else. She doesn't look or speak to anyway, and just slumps in a chair by everyone else. * LadyNightshade sniffles and sneezes once. *staring solemnly at the tabletop, avoiding eye contact w/ anyone* I hate this... * Lord_Darkmoon offers Nightshade another silk handkerchief. I figure we're not going to win them all. * LadyNightshade takes it and rubs her nose and stuff. * Maya shakes her head. "It still isn't fair, though." *deep breath, release* We are to return to Sakura's place. If you are all ready, we should go now. It's my fault... I was making bad decisions again... It wasn't your fault... I should've stayed put... It's nobody's fault. If anyone, it's whoever did it's fault... * Leena lifts her head, squinting her eyes closed. No new tears are there, but there's plenty on the table below. Even-- if you did.. I don't think any of us could've stopped it.. * Lord_Darkmoon meets Nightshade's eyes with his own, which are diamond hard. "Leena is right, Taki. It wasn't your fault. Come...we must go see Sakura." He rises. Yeah, but I could've stopped him! I should've been looking! I should've... If it was anyone's fault... it was mine. * LadyNightshade goes quiet and just looks down. * LadyNightshade follows everyone out. * Maya sighs heavily and follows behind Darkmoon. "It's just... you hafta wonder why sometimes." * Leena slides out, and stands, slumped. She's not quite shuffling anymore, but she's far from her usual energetic self as she follows everyone else. * Kenji inhales to speak but stops when he sees Leena's tear-strewn face. Instead he stands to leave as well. * Lord_Darkmoon mutters "traitors..." under his breath. * LadyNightshade doesn't respond to that. [session end] Session Close: Sat Feb 07 19:51:03 2004