Session Start: Sat Jul 03 15:22:39 2004 Previously, on Hunters: Squeegee's little courier job became somewhat fraught, as the contact wanted an extended talk with the team, and then his hideout was raided by competing Yakuza. The team fought them off... well, malleted them into the ground, and completed the delivery unscathed. Maya went in to talk to the Queen about the situation, and got a little surprise - the team is getting a new member! Who can it be? ...well, the next Thursday, Sakura called Maya up and asked her to bring the team down to the train station in Shibuya. It looks like we're about to find out... [Thursday, January 15, 2004 - 1410 local time] [Shibuya train station] [session start] * Lord_Darkmoon is in his usual school uniform with jacket, wearing a heavier coat over that. The Tessen must be tucked into the coat, as it's not readily visible. He's waiting on a bench for people to arrive, reading a book. * Maya is be-uniformed as well, dressed for the weather and generally looking to be her usual upbeat self. And, as usual, she's passing the time by practicing with those rings of hers, getting the timing just right. * Leena is dressed noticeably different today. A carefully picked out outfit, consisting of expensive name-brand jeans, black with silver and purple sparklies embedded in them, a see-through tight white t-shirt, with a sports-bra visible underneath, and similar overall straps to the pants over the shirt. Her hairs back in a french braid, complete with two buns on either side of her head. Along with the usual dose of Cute. * Taki walks up to the train station casually. Punctual as usual, and dressed in her X stitched duster and a simple black sleeveless top and baggy back jeans. Her boots can be seen peeking out under the jeans. * Lord_Darkmoon looks up at the ... brightness ... that is Leena today. "You look cold." * Maya glances over as well. "She looks... like Leena." * Leena smiles cheerily at Darkmoon. "I'm fine. These pants are warmer than they look!" *she flashes a V at him* As you say, m'Lady. * Maya chuckles into her hand, then returns to rings-linking. "So... today, today. I can only wonder what's going to happen." Gotta look good for this new person, yeah? * Taki doesn't say anything as she approaches and stands near the group, but not near enough to, you know, actually be apart of the group. As you say, m'Lady. * Leena bounces in place. She's -trying- to wait and stay still at the same time, but it's not working too well. ... Rinada, might I ask why you're being so... ah... formal? * Maya raises an eyebrow. * Lord_Darkmoon blinks, and looks back up from his book. "Just...distracted, m-- Maya. Thinking." He closes his book; the cover reveals it to be an old copy of some samurai war-poetry. The introspective stuff. * Sakura walks into the train station from the street, and waves cheerfully. She's in a heavy black duster today, with a smart looking barely-pink blouse and black pants on underneath. * Maya waves back, about as cheerily. "Sakura! It's good to see you again!" Saaa~kuuuuu~raaaa! *waves, then glomps* Following her is a girl that none of you recognize. * Lord_Darkmoon rises to his feet at Sakura's arrival, and bows formally. When he returns to a fully vertical pose, he is smiling quietly. * Sakura struggles to breathe. Hi. * Taki semi-sorta Taki-smiles for Sakura. Leena, we have got to stop meeting like - ugh - this! But we don't get to meet that much! *isn't letting go* * Sakura mock-whispers in Leena's ear, "Don't make me shoot you." * Lord_Darkmoon politely gives the stranger a once-over, but does not stare. * Maya notes the new girl, then waves her way. "Leena, really. Easy on her, okay?" * Taki eyes the new girl suspiciously. Aww, fine. *lets go, and lands in a small crouch* * Haruko trails out behind Sakura, She is short, with shoulder length straight black hair, and dressed in the familiar Takeuchi Memorial uniform. She looks altogether plain and unremarkable. Um, Hi. I'm Haruko. * Haruko offers an uncertain smile Hello, Haruko. I'm Maya... pleasure to meet you. * Maya offers Haruko a bit of a bow, putting her rings away for the time being. Haruko will be... *looks around* ...joining you guys. * Leena curtsies at Haruko, then jumps forward and grabs her hand, shaking it vigorously, regardless of whether Haruko accepted or not. "Hiii! I'm Leena!" So, she's the one? I have to admit, it was a bit of a shock to learn about all this. ---Leena, don't scare her! Yeesh! * Norcliff bites Leena Ack! Norcliff, don't! * Norcliff chitters Ack! I'm sorry, he's just a little unused to strangers. * Haruko tucks Norcliff back into her bag. * Norcliff shakes fist * Leena jumps back, looking for what bit her. "... ano. What happened?" * Lord_Darkmoon steps forward, and bows formally. "I am Rinada. Pleased to meet you, Haruko. And you as well, Norcliff." Oh, sorry, I guess I didn't introduce him. * Haruko pulls Norcliff back out. This is Norcliff. He's my friend. Say hello to the people Norcliff. * Maya just stares at Norcliff, an eyebrow up. "... whu..." * Norcliff glares He's a sugar glider! * Taki looks at the little creature uncomfortably. * Lord_Darkmoon smiles. "It is always a pleasure to meet an Animal Companion, Norcliff." * Norcliff bows * Leena looks at Norcliff for a moment, blinking a few times. ... he's adorable! ^^ * Maya walks forward to get a closer look. Yo. Norcliff! We're in public! * Sakura looks around. * Norcliff looks curious. "No good? They feel like fighters..." * Leena points at Norcliff. "You better let me shake her *gestures at Haruko* hand, because I wanna greet her right! So don't bite me!" ... it can talk. Of course he can. I have to be appropriately protective, don't I? I have some... space reserved. Maybe we could move this to a more private setting? Don't you recognize a Pet when you see one, Maya? * Maya squees like a typical girl would squee upon seeing a cute thing. "This is too much! And.. oh! Right, sure." * Lord_Darkmoon seems genuinely amused, and pleased. Oh? Then lets go... * Lord_Darkmoon steps back, bowing slightly. "Lead away, Sakura." I haven't really seen too many of them... but yeah, let's go. Um, sure lets go. * Taki is the anti-squee. She more than keeps her distance from the... thing. * Leena doesn't squee. Because she's cuter than it. * Sakura leads the group down the train station stairs, around a corner... and right down another flight of stairs. This place looks very, *very* familiar to most of you... * Maya tags along, still looking at Norcliff like he's the neatest thing in the world right now. * Sakura pulls out a key and unlocks the door. In they go, a lightswitch is flipped... and the team finds itself in the paintball prep area. * Lord_Darkmoon just follows silently. I have the whole facility for the afternoon again. Where are we? .... hmmm. ... that right. Me and Darkmoon said... * Maya glances about, getting a good look at the place. * Lord_Darkmoon looks at Leena curiously. This is a little facility we use for training sometimes. It's an old subway station converted into a paintball center... and other things. Other things? We're here for the other things... but more about that later. *wink* * Taki follows the group in. Her eyes wander about the place. Norcliff, are you sure these are good people? They don't seem to be BAD people... * Leena Looks at Norcliff. Heh. These are some baaaaad ladies indeed. ... hey. Be careful whose ears you say that around. Haruko, meet your new team. We are what we are, Haruko. And I'm no Lady, as you well know, Sakura. *he mock-glares at the Princess* We're not bad. We're great... and yeah, hi. If by 'bad' you mean 'badass', though, then you're right on the mark with me! *poses again, winking cutely at Norcliff and Haruko* It is a pleasure, Miss Haruko. *sketches a short bow* * Sakura sticks her tongue back out back at Darkmoon. To Darkmoon: Um, I'm really not all that special * Taki isn't really paying attention to the conversation as she moves slowly around the perimeter of the room. Then I envy you, my Lady. *to Haruko* So, Sakura, what do you need from us today? Oh, and did you find out anything else about the whole mess that went down before? Taki finds paintball guns and paraphernalia in bulk! ...which mess? * Haruko waits quietly for the other people to finish. The one with the contacts and Squeegee and whatnot. The North Yokohama thing a couple weeks back? ... I didn't even know their names. They're just 'one' and 'two' to me. * Maya tries to stay as vague as possible. _ * Leena blinks for a moment, her face suddenly serious. Oh... Her Majesty said there was some trouble, but she said you handled it fine. They were men unworthy of names, Leena. Squeegee wasn't unhappy, so I figured everything was good. * Maya smiles a little. "A compliment from the Queen is a good thing. And that's good to hear... anyway." * Maya walks over to Haruko and puts on her most reassuring smile. "I need to welcome you to our special little band, don't I?" * Leena brightens back up. "Anyway. What's next? We get to paint the newbie all the colors of the rainbow?" *she grins mischievously* Please don't... * Lord_Darkmoon 's winter wear, meanwhile, has melted away, leaving him just in his uniform. The Tessen is in his belt, as usual. Haruko, Maya is the team leader. I'm the big boss of this operation, but she's the one who runs it day-to-day. * Haruko bows formally to Maya. "I am pleased to offer what little service I may." Anything you can offer will be more than worth it. We need every drop we can get. * Maya returns the bow, all smiles. Lady Mysteria, do you want to explain our job, or should I? * Taki stops pacing and takes up a spot in the corner. ... hopefully you can pull your weight. *looks briefly at Sakura* Don't want a wimp assigned to this.. although it hasn't stopped the Queen before. You'd probably do a better job than me, Sakura. Go ahead. * Sakura takes off her coat and lays it aside on the store counter. Haruko... this team's mission is not to fight the Ningyo. ... it isn't? Our job is to protect the other Ladies and Princesses. ... who would hurt a Sai.. I mean a Lady other than an evil Ningyo? Evil men. Assassins. Yes, our prime job is protection. And... you would be surprised. *Something* out there is trying to kill our kind, and we have to do everything we can to prevent that from happening. Jerks who needs their asses kicked. * Haruko looks mortified at this realization I was thinking the same thing you're probably thinking. Men that lay in wait for Ladies, and when they appear to fight a Ningyo, will attack them. They attack with guns and blades and... sometimes worse things. We often get some warning, usually from the Queen, and try to protect them. Why do they do these things? Don't they realize the Ladies protect them? They might not care. * Lord_Darkmoon smiles darkly, bitterly amused. ... or there's money involved, or maybe even the Sea's behind some of it. We're not too sure yet. Not sure... * Haruko looks pale. "I'm sorry for interrupting, please continue" I don't care, myself. If I can find out great, but I'd rather find them and destroy them. I don't care what their excuses are. ...and to do that, we use some... well, unconventional tactics. Speaking of which...any luck on Leena and my requests, Sakura? * Sakura turns around and opens up her coat, then pulls two objects out of its liner. Oh, yes. ... are those what I think they are? * Haruko tries to look at them * Taki looks uncomfortably at Sakura. * Leena's face hardens, her eyes narrow. * Lord_Darkmoon watches, a look of enforced calm descending over his face. * Sakura is holding a couple of pistols - one is a duplicate of her Glock, the other is a brawnier, older-styled pistol. ... yeah, they are. * Maya frowns for a second, then relaxes, looking at Norcliff. "... so." What are you doing with those?! * Haruko is slightly panics ...in a previous mission, we were short people. I was useless because I couldn't get there in time, and I won't allow myself to repeat that. Rinada and Leena asked for them, and as I used one for years as an active member of the team, I could hardly deny them, could I? * Taki expels an annoyed sigh in Haruko's direction. But... that's wrong! Magical Girls don't use guns! ... it is. In a way, it is. But all the rules have changed. * Lord_Darkmoon pulls out his Tessen, which morphs into a naked Katana. "It is, perhaps, more merciful than this." But it's more wrong to let those evil men have their way. We're not fighting Ningyo... * Sakura quirks an eyebrow. "They won't do shit to a Ningyo, but they're quite good when your opponent is a human being. * Lord_Darkmoon puts the Katana - now a Tessen again - back in his belt. Sakura, please, let me apologize to the Queen, I don't want to do this! If we stick to the rules against people who don't care about them, we're at a disadvantage. I know that sounds evil, but... Calm down Haruko * Maya pauses at Haruko's comment. "... eh?" ... I'm sorry, Haruko. The Queen doesn't accept many apologies, I'm afraid. * Haruko looks to Norcliff For what it's worth, I'm sorry too. * Lord_Darkmoon's face darkens. "No, she doesn't. And deserves fewer." I'm sorry that you were dragged into this. *she closes her eyes* ... I am so very sorry. I would have to apologize, too. In all honestly, this isn't the best job, but... You don't have to use a gun if you don't want to. But if you want one, just ask. I don't think that will be a problem. * Maya puts on a reassuring smile. "We're doing something vital. It's no fun, but it's still fighting the good fight." * Sakura flips the guns in her hands, grabbing them by the barrels and extending them to their intended recipients. * Haruko looks away, hugging Norcliff to her Rin, I'm sorry, but subguns are just too hard to get. * Norcliff pats Haruko's face * Leena accepts the gun, slowly looking it over. "... I never knew these things had so much weight to them." * Lord_Darkmoon takes the Glock carefully, not putting his finger over the trigger just yet. "I understand." * Maya watches Haruko and Norcliff, smile faltering. "Ah... Sakura, are we going to see what they can do later on?" * Lord_Darkmoon attempts a smile, but it's weak. He seems uncomfortable with the feel of the weapon. "Anything ranged is better than nothing, right?" ... did you get a .. harness? One that can be hidden? Heh. Leena, that's a pretty good-sized pistol - an American Colt .45. That'll *hurt* if you get shot by it. Not yet, but there's a big order of stuff that's going to be delivered to the agency this weekend. However - we can use this facility as a target range. Which is why I wanted to deliver them here. ... Stuff? * Sakura pulls out a half-dozen clips of ammo. "Ready to try?" * Lord_Darkmoon pulls out the Tessen with his left hand, and gestures it over the gun, starting at the barrel and moving back over his right wrist. The gun melts and flows under his sleeve. When he pulls back the sleeve, an oversized watch is there. A close examination would reveal that it doesn't actually work. A reversal of the gesture with the Tessen puts the gun back in his hand. "Yes." ... I guess. Sooner the better, huh? *puts on a not-really-felt half- smile, like she's trying to smile and not quite succeeding.* Yeah, stuff like cleaning kits, holsters, other accessories. ...I don't think I'll need a holster, at least. * Haruko waits for a pause in the conversation. But learning to care for a weapon properly must be a warrior's first lesson. ... I might be able to hide it behind my hair. It's long enough. ...anyway, you should transform before you try them. ... What about the rest of us? Leena, that thing is going to kick like crazy when you fire it - I can't control a gun that size myself - so I expect you're going to need full strength. * Leena sets the gun down, over-slowly, then transforms in place. The rainbow- colored cone of color shatters a moment later. You night as well too - I'd like everyone to shoot off a round or two, just so you know what it feels like and maybe have an idea how to use it in an emergency. * Maya shields her eyes momentarily, then returns to peering at Haruko. ... do I have to? No one will force you to. * Sakura smiles gently at the girl. "I'm sorry, but it's important." ... you need some time to get used to the whole situation, first, I think... ... * Lord_Darkmoon , notably, does not transform. * LadyMallet picks the gun back up, slowly. * Taki walks off towards the women's restrooms to change, transform and redress. ... I suppose I could transform as well. Haruko? Please. Unless you'd like to do it in private like Taki? Um, no I guess I'm ok. On cue, there's a flash of PINK from the ladies' room. * LadyNightshade walks out of the ladies room a few moments later looking pretty much like she did before she went in. * LadyMallet tucks the gun behind her back, and looks up at Haruko. "So what do you do?" * Maya wastes little time in shifting in a flash of harmless pyrotechnics and with a hearty "It's showtime!", leaving behind a lady in a shinyblack magician's assistant bikini-tux and an totally out-of-place bubble eyeshield. * Sakura makes no move to transform herself. Or is she already transformed? * LadyMysteria takes a moment to adjust her tophat, then nods. "There." Friends, To my aid! LADY MAKE-BELIEVE! * Haruko disappears in a cloud of translucent film, as though the substance of imagination itself had wrapped around her * LadyMallet makes big googly eyes at that. @_@ When the cloud disappears, a figure whose appearance denies the laws of reality itself stands before you, a maddening vision in white and blue. * Lord_Darkmoon blinks, twice, then pulls out his Tessen, opening it to shield his eyes. * LadyMallet traces out the butterfly wings, then fingers her own. "You have them too!" * LadyMysteria shields her eyes again, then helps herself to a look at who comes out... and her eyes just go wide. "... hello." ... and I thought my outfit was flashy. * PrincessSakura smiles. "Ah, youth." * Lord_Darkmoon turns his head aside behind his Tessen, almost shyly. Or just to protect his sanity. "You are quite lovely, my Lady." Thank you. Great. *looks anywhere but at that outfit.* Anyway. * LadyMallet bounces in place. "So whatayadowhatayadowhatayado?" Amazing... Can I see... um, your Sword? * Lady_Make-Believe looks at Darkmoon * Lord_Darkmoon coughs, snaps his fan closed, points it out to the side where it flashes into the Katana, and offers it hilt-first to the Lady. * Lady_Make-Believe holds it awkwardly, and concentrates for a moment. * Lady_Make-Believe offers forth both the original sword, and a duplicate that appears hazy and unreal, but feels quite solid. ... so you can create duplicates of objects? .... ooh. Well, not just that. * Lady_Make-Believe concentrates again, and a similarly patterned cell phone appears. Go ahead anyone, it should work. * LadyMysteria reaches out towards the not-quite-real cell. * LadyMallet hmms, and opens up the MalletPortal. "Betcha can't copy this!" As she lets the Mallet that falls out of it drop with a *crash* into the ground. * PrincessSakura watches, amused. * Lord_Darkmoon clears his throat. "May I see the duplicate of my weapon?" ... Leena, stop showing off. Darkmoon, its all yours * LadyMysteria pauses. "I never did show what I can do, did I?" * Lady_Make-Believe reaches over and tries to lift the Mallet. Aside from during fights, of course... Hmph. Showing off is fun! * Lord_Darkmoon gestures with the quasi-real Katana, trying to turn it into a Tessen. Um, I think that's too heavy for me to make. * LadyMallet 'V's at MB, grinning madly. "Toldja! So what else can you do?" * LadyNightshade leans against a locker, feigning interest. ( Of note, the two lines carved into the Mallet are still there. ) * Lord_Darkmoon offers the still-sword Katana back to Lady Make-Believe. "Thank you. If I may have my own back, please...I am uncomfortable without it." You don't need to give that back to me, It's fine. As she says that, the sword disappears. As for what else I can do, well, I'd have to wait for one of the others to come around. * LadyMallet picks up the Mallet, slinging it over her shoulder, and tossing it back into thin air, closing the MalletPortal behind it. * Lord_Darkmoon blinks, but keeps his hand out for his own weapon. ... others? Others? * LadyMallet points at herself, Darkmoon, Haruko, quizzically. Um, well let me see, I think Dani was going to be around here somewhere... Oh, I can call her! She was in Shibuya today! * PrincessSakura pikus. "Um..." Ano... * Lady_Make-Believe grabs the odd looking cell phone and starts dialing. ... wait... what are you talking about? Hey Dani? Yeah, I found some other Warriors! * Lord_Darkmoon puts his Tessen away, and watches quizzically. * LadyMysteria just stares at Make-Believe. * PrincessSakura smiles vaguely, but doesn't interrupt. We're under the Shibuya terminal, in some paintball place.. you don't know where it is? ... I'll send Norcliff to find you. * Lady_Make-Believe turns back to those present. Sorry, she should be here in a few minutes. Um... who was that? Dani? ... warriors? Oh, she's the leader of the Mystical Warriors! You haven't heard of them? Princess Sakura...our group is to be a secret from those not members, right? Well, a few outsiders know we exist already, but... * PrincessSakura smiles gently. "Right... but..." ... but? ... ? No, it'll be ok, I trust Dani completely. ...are the Mystical Warriors your old team, Lady Make-Believe? Oh, like Alfalfa. Well, they are sort of my old team. Sort of. They don't really fight with me all the time though, they are usually busy. I try to help them out from time to time too. Huh. Mystical Warriors... Sakura, are they a popular group, or what? The Queen is mean to them though. Leena, I hope you've not been...never mind. *shakes his head* DANI! Haruko! * Lady_Make-Believe runs over and gives Dani a big hug. * Lord_Darkmoon looks at this new girl suspiciously. Oh hey, Dani, where is Norcliff? * LadyMallet blinks at Dani. He said he had some business to take care of, he'll be back in a while. Funny, that - most of you could have sworn that Sakura locked the door on the way in. Everyone, I'd like to you meet Aidan Sanders. She's the leader of the Mystical Warriors! Sailor Sunbeam! * LadyMysteria takes a look-see at Dani. "... um... Sakura? How's she get in?" * Dani grins broadly at everyone. "Pleased to meet you all!" * PrincessSakura sighs. "Later, Maya." Later it is. * LadyMysteria keeps staring. I can't do much fighting, so the Sailor Warriors help me out when I need it. Sailor? *tilts her head curiously* * Dani pats Dani on the head. It's ok, we know you mean well. Yes, Sailor Sunbeam. You hear ok? Okay... I think I kinda understand. Sailor Sunbeam... huh. * PrincessSakura gestures silently at Make-Believe and Sunbeam, making obscure gestures with her hands. * Lady_Make-Believe looks sad. * LadyMallet frowns, starts to say something, then quits. "... how'd you get to change your title? Is a Sailor better than a Princess?" I'm sorry Dani, I wasn't able to convince the Queen to send aid against the Dragon Queen. * Lord_Darkmoon blinks, then smiles comprehendingly. "I see..." ... Leena... I think a sailor is lower-ranked than a Lady. *speaking strangely, as if that's not -quite- what he means* That's ok. Leila won't like hearing about it though. * LadyNightshade looks over at Sakura with a look of "Are you serious?" ... Anyway, these people were asking me what I can do, and I thought of you guys! Want to show them? * PrincessSakura mouths, "The Queen said so" Ooh, lightshow! * LadyMysteria stops staring as she puts two and two together. "Ah, okay! I'd love to see what y--er, Dani can do!" Well, as long as they are all Warriors, I guess its ok. * Dani takes a flashy pose. * LadyNightshade grumbles something not very nice about the Queen. WARRIOR SUNLIGHT! MAKEUP! Um, maybe we'd better get out onto the firing range. * LadyMallet hurries to the firing range. Excuses to get away from the crazy girl is good! * Dani vanishes into a bright burst of sunlight, unlike a normal transformation you may be used to, this one seems to drag on a bit, as she spins in the air, her normal clothing vanishing to be slowly replaced by a gold and white fuku * LadyNightshade beats Leena out of the room. :P I am the Mystical Warrior, Sailor Sunbeam, and by my purifying light I shall cleanse all evil! ^_^_v * LadyMysteria watches and walks towards the range. "... long transformation." * LadyMallet is so not there, or she would kicked her ass at that line. NOT PURITY. * PrincessSakura leads the way out through a divider curtain onto the old subway platform. * Lord_Darkmoon follows. Um, I think they all left. * Lady_Make-Believe rushes after them. This way, my Lady, Sailor. You're going to hurt her feelings! Well, Sakura asked us to follow her... she can come with us and show us her talents! * LadyNightshade does her best to not retort with "Who cares?" Oh, well then. * Lady_Make-Believe calls out to Dani, come on then, I think they want to see your talents in here! Come, Sailor Sunbeam, let us see you in action. *He bows, gesturing her on in.* * Sailor_Sunbeam follows you all onto the platform. * LadyMallet nervously waves at Sunbeam. "So what ... what do you do?" She's still smiling. It's just kinda twitchy. There are a number of different targets on stands on the tracks - some just bullseyes, some human silhouettes. * PrincessSakura gestures. .. nice. Let it rip, Haru- er, Dani! * LadyMysteria whips out her wand idly, twirling a bit while waiting for Dani to do her magic. * Sailor_Sunbeam poses again turns then turns towards the targets and lets fly Star Tranquil Ovaries! ... Dozens of little sunspheres fly in a cone towards the targets, obliterating several of them ... gah. I'd say she qualifies. ...definitely need to let her in on the "not announcing" secret. ... ... hm. Ah, what the hell. Anything else you all wanted to see? What else do you have? * LadyMysteria pauses from leveling her wand at the targets, looking over curiously. Well the rest of the Warriors have their own attacks. * LadyNightshade is so done reacting to this display that she's just leaning against a pillar several feet away, not even facing the group. I can also purify evil, but there really isn't any of that here right now. .... * LadyMallet clenches her fists. * Lord_Darkmoon smirks. "I could try to provide some..." Lets not make any more evil than we have too. Easy, Leena. * LadyMysteria places a hand on Mallet's shoulder. So if you don't need me for anything else, I'd like to go back now, I was on my way to eat. ... I suspect it wouldn't make a difference either way. * PrincessSakura smiles and waves a little. Well people, do we? Of course not. I think that is...enough. You mentioned other, um, warriors? Thanks Dani! No problem Yes, thank you, Sailor Sunbeam. * Sailor_Sunbeam flashes again, revealing Dani at the end Oh yes, there are 5 Mystical Warriors. Thanks a lot, Dani. Um... glad to have you aboard. ^^ And I'm sure we'll meet them all, eventually. Nice to meet you all, later! Do they, um, ever show up together? * Dani retreats through the paintball field. ... all together? Of course they do... why would they fight evil alone? * LadyMallet facepalms. "Of course." Hm. The more the merrier... I suppose. The others were just busy. * LadyMysteria patpats Leena's shoulder a little more. Or far away, they live all over. I have some other friends, but they are.. shy about coming out in public. It would be hard for them to get here. Her name was definitely not Japanese, so... yeah. It would be nice if you could introduce us, sometimes. I'm sure you'll meet them all. They usually have to fight their own evil though. Maybe you all could help them! They can use all the help they can get against the Dragon King! Oooh, please tell me you won't be mean like the Queen! Su... sure. I'd love to help. Maybe. We have a lot of evil of our own to deal with. * LadyNightshade groans audibly. It'd be great to just bash stuff when I've got the time, with no one to worry about for once. Moonglow's family was all turned into horrible monsters! Monsters of *CUTENESS!* We're not like the Queen at all, so... we'll do what we can. * Lady_Make-Believe looks distraught * LadyMallet GLARES at MB. "HEY!" Anyway, you all had work to do, so I'll just sit in the corner over here. If I may make a suggestion, Sakura, Lady MakeBelieve... perhaps you should change your clothes to something more...subtle. * Lady_Make-Believe tries to look as inconspicuous as possible, hoping that Sakura will forget about making her shoot, and doing a poor job of it. ... anyway. Yes, we normally work in normal clothes. ...but that's not a problem today. Anyway, yes. * LadyMallet does a little spin, showing off all her ribbons and frills and butterfly wings and huge disney shoes. * PrincessSakura gathers everyone into a circle and, demonstrating with her own pistol, goes over the basics of gun safety. * LadyNightshade gathers reluctantly. ... safety, keep away from body... right. * LadyMallet copies Sakura's actions with her own pistol. Slowly, carefully. * Lord_Darkmoon does likewise. ...I know you can survive getting shot, but if any of you ever has an accident with one of these things, I swear I'll come down and clobber you. Understand? Perfectly, my Princess. Yes ma'am. I doubt I'll need one, though... ... this is only a backup. Yeah... But yeah... I hear you. * PrincessSakura smiles. Okay, now lets try them. ...I fear the day the Tessen can become one of these. *half to himself* Darkmoon, you first. * Lord_Darkmoon takes a position in front of a target - one Sunbeam did not devastate - and carefully takes aim, just as Sakura demonstrated. He seems preternaturally calm now, almost zen-like. Stand at about the first line of columns here, and pick out a target. Sight down the barrel, squeeze gently... let the shot surprise you. Yes, my Princess. *checks the safety, holds the gun firmly but not too tightly, gently squeezes the trigger....* *BANG!* *his arm is knocked back and up by the recoil, just a bit, but he doesn't look surprised...until he lets a slightly nervous grin appear on his face shortly thereafter* The shot flies by the target and is deflected into the tracks. * Lord_Darkmoon 's expression returns to the cold calm he'd been forcing before. "I missed," he comments matter-of-factly. Go ahead and shoot out the clip. I didn't fill it, there should be just three or so left. * Lord_Darkmoon nods, and takes aim again, sighting down the barrel, squeezing the trigger... * ...and actually flinching at the last second, sending the shot into the third target to his left. This time, the surprise is even worse, and he fumbles the weapon. ... whoa. ...don't drop it! * PrincessSakura looks like she wanted to dive for cover. * LadyNightshade shakes her head and goes back to standing behind a pillar. A closer one though. Hold onto it this time. That looks... difficult. * Lord_Darkmoon sheepishly regains his grip on it. After a single, calming breath, he once more comments, "I am sorry." He takes another breath, resumes stance, and this time calmly holds it more tightly. Once you get used to the recoil, it's not too hard. * Lord_Darkmoon must have been holding a bit too tight, as the recoil almost knocks him on his hindquarters. The bullet buries itself in the ceiling. Without a word, but with a dark expression, he resumes the stance, and just holds it for half a minute, breathing in and out, slowly relaxing. Rin, here, is not getting used to the recoil. But I'm sure he can do it. Just relax - you don't have to brace yourself so much. * Lord_Darkmoon 's eyes flare purple at that, but he takes a breath and they go back to their normal near-black. Yes, my Princess. * LadyMallet bidahs Darkmoon. "Come on, shoot like a man! Should I call you wuss-moon?" * Lord_Darkmoon takes one more deep breath, holds it while relaxing his stance and taking a firm grip on the gun, manfully ignores Lady Mallet, gently, oh-so- gently squeezes the trigger, and... Easy, Leena. Lay off... this is serious. * Lord_Darkmoon holds his calm expression as the bang genuinely does surprise him. He calmly notes the half-circle cut in the left side of his chosen target, and comments without emotion, "I hit." He'll be fine. If he can't ignore me, how's he gonna ignore other stuff? See? * LadyMallet points. Leena, your turn. ... heh, point. * LadyMysteria shrugs, then goes about twirling her wand while watching. * LadyMallet almost-walks over. Bounce, bounce. * Lord_Darkmoon calmly and smoothly uses the Tessen to make the gun vanish up his sleeve, and moves back to the rest of the group. His expression is still unreadable. Okay, you heard me the first time. Just relax, and don't try too hard. * LadyMallet stands across from the intact target next to the one Darkmoon pegged. ... and stands there for a moment, not brining the gun up, taking a breath. .... if I squeeze too hard, I might just break the gun by accident. Mmm. Maybe - those are pretty sturdy weapons. * LadyMallet shifts her stance, spreading her legs a little further out, and brings the gun up, with both hands. "... here goes." * LadyMallet pulls the trigger. ... After the resulting bang, there's no hole in the target. Mmm. Mmnhhhhh! Keep going. It's hard to describe how to aim. Straight is easy - elevation takes experience. You can do it, Leena. * LadyMallet doesn't waste a second in complying. She shoots almost immediately afterwards, pulling the trigger until it clicks empty. ... still no hits. Too fast. Leena's gun is notably louder and "deeper" in sound than Darkmoon's - and the chunks it blasts out of the backstop are larger too. Let's just say I don't think you're ready to take these out into the field yet. Obviously not. ... apparently. * PrincessSakura smoothly pulls her own weapon out of a semi-hidden holster at the small of her back, and blasts at a random target. I guess it'll take time. *blamblam* *blamblam* *blamblam* Four holes appear in the target, all of them serious wounds were it a real human. You don't have to be *that* good. I have years of practice you don't. It will take practice, more than time. ... years? You were into guns even before the magical girl act? No, I was the first girl assigned to do this. And I don't... didn't have any real offensive powers, so I had to get a gun to do the job. So... years. Yes. Anyway, I've arranged for you two to have this practice range late Tuesday afternoons. * Lord_Darkmoon bows. "Thank you, my Princess." The guy who runs it will be around to help teach you - he's okay, and knows what we are, but I'd suggest transforming before you arrive here. No sense in revealing more than you have to. O--of course. *looks away* * LadyMallet gulps, nervously. "This... bothers me, in some way I can't peg down." * PrincessSakura favors Darkmoon with a half-smile. I was a little freaked out at first, too. Once you get used to it, you may even enjoy it. I enjoy my kensei practice. This should be no different, in function. * LadyNightshade looks down at the ground, a dark look on her face. ... like how I like fish-smashing? I'm never gonna enjoy shooting people! NEVER! * PrincessSakura takes Darkmoon's gun, and reloads it. "The rest of you, take a shot. I just want you to see what it feels li- ...fish mashing? .. ya know. Ningyo, Mallet, previous role as a front-line combatant? Fish. Right. * PrincessSakura puts the gun in Maya's hand. Alright. And... hm. I see you're about used to anything-mashing no---eh? * LadyMysteria looks down at the gun like Sakura'd just dropped a live bomb in her hand. * LadyMallet gives Mysteria a GLARE of DEATH. "Two is too much!" One or two shots. Just relax. Don't you dare try to say I'm ever gonna like this! Because I may get used to it, but I'll always hate it! * LadyMallet drops the gun, and jets out of the subway area. Leena, don't be such a drama queen. ...she wanted the thing. Alright, alright... Go ahead, Maya. * LadyNightshade runs over and catches the gun before it hits the ground. ... meh, she didn't take that well. Ah well. * LadyMysteria takes the gun, steadies herself, and takes aim. "Relaxed, yet ready... and pull the trigger---" * Lord_Darkmoon ... just stands quietly, looking vague. * LadyMysteria pulls the trigger, and the difference between hearing the report and both hearing and *feeling* it throws the shot off. "Gyah!" That's okay... One more, and you're done. ... I need to apologize to Leena. * LadyMysteria sighs. "I wasn't thinking about what I said." She re-steadies, the takes another shot. * LadyMysteria scowls, still slightly surprised, but not quite as off-aim this time. "... I'll stick to the Gun for now." Taki, go ahead. * LadyNightshade walks over and hands Sakura back Leena's gun before taking the Glock from Maya. * LadyMysteria safeties the gun, then holds it out to Taki. As soon as Taki takes it, she heads off to look for Leena. Thank you. * PrincessSakura looks critically at it for damage from when it hit the platform. Just... relax with it. You should be strong enough to handle the recoil without any trouble. * LadyNightshade flips the safety back off, holds up the gun with one hand, sights it quickly at the target and squeezes off three rounds in rapid succession. ... Leena? Leena. Leena, I need to apologize... None of them hit, but she doesn't embarrass herself, either. * PrincessSakura takes the gun back, and decides that she doesn't want to fight Haruko on this... not today. Look, I need to get going. * PrincessSakura unloads the guns and pockets the ammo. Oh. Um. Good day, Sakura. Alright. Thanks for the uh... experience. Take the guns back to the agency - the secretary will check them in. * PrincessSakura offers both of them to Darkmoon. * LadyMysteria keeps a-searchin' until she gets to the prep area, then spots Leena. "... Leena?" * Lord_Darkmoon absently takes them, and makes them vanish up his sleeves - one to each. Haruko, you know about the school change. I'll give you a call tomorrow about some other details, okay? * LadyMallet is in one of the corners of the prep room, legs held in her arms. She doesn't raise her voice much to respond, so she's a bit hard to hear. ".... what?" * PrincessSakura waves, looks at her watch, eeps, and dashes out. I... I wanted to apologize for being so insensitive with that comment. * LadyMysteria approaches, but doesn't get *too* close. * LadyNightshade follows Sakura off the platform. * LadyMallet lifts her head for a moment. "... apology accepted. I'm sorry... it's just..." * LadyNightshade walks over to where Leena is, looks down at her and asks, "You okay?" ... shooting at the silhouette of a person is really really scary. I can only imagine ... what it's like.... for real. It's going to have to happen, like it's happened before. We shouldn't come to like it... but we should be ready for it. * LadyMysteria decides to dole out last shoulder-pat, then backs off. "I'll leave you alone, okay?" ... I'm sorry. I didn't think you meant it that way. I just took it hard. I'll... get used to it. I have to, ne? And here I thought you were supposed to be the tough one. :P * Lord_Darkmoon walks slowly to the door, almost carefully not-looking at the others, expression clouded as he heads for the exit without a word. * LadyMallet jumps to her feet suddenly. "I'm trying!" We really don't have a choice, do we? And... heh. Yeah, you are. ... I should get going. I'll be at the office... I have some files to work on. ... okay. Well then buck up soldier. It's all a part of the job. * Lord_Darkmoon successfully makes it out the door without drawing attention. * LadyMallet MASSIVELY BLINKS at Taki quoting someone from a western. * LadyMysteria catches Rinada out of the corner of her eye, sighs, then simply exits as well. * LadyNightshade smiles as best she can at Leena. What can she say, she likes American movies. Taki... you... *starts giggling, unable to look away from Taki.* * Lord_Darkmoon is, coincidentally, boarding the train to head back to the office. What? You've seen my collection. * LadyMallet notices the lack of others. "... come on! We're going to get there after everyone!" Now come on-- Yeah. * LadyMallet starts a running. She doesn't wanna be last! * LadyNightshade follows Leena out and a casual pace. * LadyMysteria then, coincidentally, boards with Darkmoon... and sits near him. * Lord_Darkmoon is preoccupied. And doesn't seem to note the Lady's presence. Except for one guilty glance that he might not have made in her direction. * LadyNightshade boards the train, sitting closer to the group than she's been all day. ... Rinada? ...yes? * LadyMallet has detransformed on the way. She's back to her previous outfit, with the buns in her hair again, the overall straps and black sparkly pants. She doesn't take a seat, choosing instead to stand, grabbing onto a pole. * LadyMysteria looks down at herself, then eeps. "... we'll talk later." She skedaddles off to find a quiet place to detransform. [end session] Session Close: Sat Jul 03 19:27:23 2004