Session Start: Sat Oct 02 15:45:15 2004 Previously, on Hunters: Taki's history collided violently with the Hunters' work as a team of her clan's ninja ambushed a team at the Warabi mall. One Lady (and a big chunk of the ninja) were killed, the mall was destroyed, and one of the protectees was missing. Once Taki admitted her connection, the team went looking for Lady Goggles at her hometown. So far, they've found that the village has changed a little from how Taki remembers it - it's richer, for one thing, and her father no longer leads the clan. Technically, he may still be the chief, but the combination of wealthy customers and his own reluctance to force confrontations have crippled his administration. Taki learned the full truth of why she was sent away six years ago. Eventually, with her mother's help, her father was persuaded to take up his daughter's cause. After taking a few minutes to prepare, Heishiro is about to head up to the village and confront the clan council. [Friday, January 30, 2004. 900 local time] [session start] * Taki is quietly sitting on the porch area out front of her parent's house. * Leena isn't back just yet. She's probably still steaming. * Lord_Darkmoon stands stiffly nearby, eyes unfocused, perhaps turned inwards. * Heishiro emerges from the front door in loose-fitting work clothes and a heavy cloak. He tucks a pair of oddly-shaped black objects into an inside pocket. * LadyMysteria seems to be busy looking at her feet on and off, fidgeting a tad. "... what a day." * Haruko is chatting with Norcliff, idly tossing rocks down the road. So... have your friends gotten their differences straightened out, Taki? Uh... *looks up and around at who's around* Leena's not back yet... * LadyRoyal returns, carrying her and Maya's bags. She looks calmer now, or at least not so obviously tired and frustrated. * Heishiro calls out into the forest. "Oi! Kids!" * Taki hops off the porch onto the ground and looks up at her dad. "It's probably better if she's absent for this anyway..." Oh? * LadyMysteria looks up, then proceeds to approach Heishiro. "Ready, sir?" * Leena comes into view just as the call comes, too bad for Taki. She's walking normally, not bouncing at all. I am... are you? As ready as the situation and time permits. I really don't know what's going to happen here. * Taki looks ready to curl up in her bed and cry until she falls asleep, but that's about it. * Lord_Darkmoon makes a visible effort to swallow a presumably acerbic response. Um, are we all going? To speak with the council of this village. * LadyRoyal nods at Haruko. "Are you sure you would want outsiders present?" * Leena stops a foot or three away from the rest, head and gaze downcast. You can see flakes of wood and dirt in her hair and shoulders. We're a team... and as much as we should be respectful of the council and the people here, we need to know what's going on... if you don't want to come, you don't have to, but I'd prefer that you did. Actually, outsiders might be a good idea in this case. If I just bring Taki with me, then it would just be an old man and his daughter. ... I'd like to go. I want to know what kind of person would condone something like this. With all of... you, it becomes a show of force by your organization. And a statement that you and yours know where we live. * Haruko walks over to Royal. ...ah. * Lord_Darkmoon nods once. But-- ... a show of force? * LadyRoyal falls silent, pursing her lips thoughtfully. ... Um, excuse me *hands out her cell phone* maybe you should take this... they probably don't like pictures either. Huh? No, no, just don't use it. * Taki only seems to darken as the thought of all that implies fills her mind. I don't want to show any more force than I have to. --hm? Well...if you feel like you wouldn't be able to help yourself. Our presence is all that will be necessary, Leena. * LadyRoyal gives Haruko a small half-grin. Neither do I, but our presence alone is the presence of the Queen, so... * Haruko kind of fidgets Thanks * LadyMysteria looks Rin's way for a moment. "The idea is to fix this without hurting anything. All we can do is try... sir, whenever you're ready." I don't think there's anyway to avoid someone getting hurt. I'll be happy if there merely isn't a civil war. Do we need any more help? ... I can get one of the girls here.... Keep them on alert, Haruko. * Heishiro shrugs. "I don't know." * LadyMysteria looks Heishiro's way, perhaps a bit sadly. Er, no that's all right I think we can handle it. --what Mysteria said. * LadyRoyal speaks very quickly. ... this really is killing you, isn't it? * Leena sighs. ...it hasn't killed me yet. The clan leader abruptly moves off the porch and starts down the mountain. * LadyRoyal turns and follows at a discreet distance. * LadyMysteria doesn't reply, staying not too far from him. * Lord_Darkmoon follows with ground-eating steps until he's flanking Royal, and follows at a like distance after that. * Taki doesn't say anything, or can't as the case may be. She follows rather distantly behind the group. * Leena waits a moment before acknowledging that it's starting, then follows herself, brushing her hair out with her fingers as she walks. * Haruko manages to hustle up to Heishiro Its ok sir, we don't blame you for this. Just... don't try to moralize to the council. We are, after all, a ninja clan. Kidnapping aside, this is what we do. ... so cow them or kick their ass. We'll see. One can hope there is honor left, as well. * LadyMysteria simply nods, one hand in her pants pocket. Taki's father maintains a slow pace up the mountain. It's become a crisp, clear morning, and the forest sparkles in the daylight. * Haruko looks around, enjoying the scenery. She's a resilient girl. It doesn't take too long before the village comes back into view. The kids have left the practice field, and have been replaced by adults. The impacts and grunts of their sparring are audible from three hundred meters away. * LadyMysteria seems to still be a bit awed by the place, even if she looks a bit wary. * Leena is content to follow Heishiro's pace. She's moved on to braiding her hair while walking. Oooh, Leena, your hair is so cute like that! * Heishiro ambles down the main street, which has transformed itself in the last hour into a small marketplace. Older men and women pause in making their purchases to bow politely as he passes. * Taki doesn't really marvel at anything as her eyes are on the ground in front of her. She's seen it all before anyway... * Leena looks up for a moment at the compliment, surprised. "Uh... thanks." It's like the rest of Japan doesn't matter here... a town that's its own little world. It is beautiful, in its own way. It's pretty nice. ... I'm sad that our guts will probably be hated here after this, otherwise I'd like to come back. You hear a few low-pitched conversations strike up behind you - mostly about the chief's daughter returning. Yeah. Story of our lives, huh? * LadyRoyal just walks along. * Leena finishes one braid, the wraps that around the rest of her, in a spirally ponytail, securing it into place at the bottom. * Taki being in the back, hears most of these conversations. This doesn't help her mood much. ( then wraps that around the rest of her hair. ) * Heishiro ends up at one of the larger structures in the city center. There's a tall, slender tower above a story-and-a-half building. ... although, if one of us did move out here, the Ningyo would suddenly like this place a lot. So still no peace, even if it does go well. ...let's not discuss such morbid subjects. We have enough of that as it is. * Haruko sighs. And... here we are. * LadyMysteria takes a deep breath, and reflexively pulls out the old trick- rings, putting them around her wrists like oversized bangles. * Taki slowly catches up to her father at the front of the building. "I suppose we should go in together..." * Heishiro just barges right in. * Lord_Darkmoon follows, a short smile of dark approval crossing his face as Heishiro does this. * Haruko whispers to Norcliff "Send a message out to the girls, telling them to stand by" Inside, the building seems smaller than outside. There's a low platform in the center of what is obviously meant as an auditorium of sorts. The lack of windows makes it especially claustrophobic. * LadyMysteria raises an eyebrow, then follows as Heishiro doesn't waste any time. * Haruko then follows in. * Leena transforms as she steps in after Heishiro, in a not-so-small lightshow. There are a couple of older men lounging in the specially-padded seats that make up the front row, but no one else in the building. Leena's transformation inevitably gathers their attention - they stand up, and yank out their blades. * Lord_Darkmoon makes no hostile move, but turns a hard glare on the blade- baring men. * Heishiro looks askance at the timing of Leena's change, then waves the two council members back down. It's all right... at least for now. Sit down, please. * Haruko eeps * LadyRoyal winces. * LadyRoyal winces a lot, really. * LadyMallet looks back at them, flatly, holding her hands out in a 'Not gonna try anything' gesture. * Taki just shakes her head as she follows her dad into the hall. ... mmmmn. The old men do not sit back down, but they do sheathe their weapons. * LadyMysteria casts a very tired look Leena's way. * LadyRoyal sighs and follows, next to Maya. * Lord_Darkmoon grinds his teeth. * Heishiro steps up onto the platform, and begins to pull on a rope that hangs from a hole in the ceiling. *BONNNGGGGGGGGGGGGG* The bell in the tower above them sounds, rattling everyone's' teeth. * LadyMallet looks tired herself, as she follows the others. *BOOOONNNGGGGGGGGGGGGG* * Lord_Darkmoon winces and is visibly set on edge by that noise. * LadyMysteria grits said teeth, but keeps calm. Sort-of. The council members look like they would have been surprised if there wasn't already a potential enemy here. *BOOOONNNNNGGGGGGGGGG* * LadyMallet shakes her head, now looking like she has a headache. * Haruko covers Norcliff's ears. * Heishiro shakes his head, then pulls one more time. *BOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNGGGGGGggggggg* * LadyMallet knows it's coming this time, but she still covers her ears. * LadyRoyal tensed at the first bell, but relaxed afterwards. * Taki isn't affected by the sound, but silently counts the rings. * Heishiro counterpulls on the rope, to prevent the bell from chiming again. * LadyMallet silently mouths, "Ow," once it's done. What's happened? * Councilman glances fearfully at Lady Mallet. * LadyMysteria finishes gritting her teeth and waits for the ringing in her ears to stop. This is related to the squad we dispatched yesterday, right? * Taki takes up a position next to her father, not sure what else she should do or say at the moment... * LadyRoyal suppresses an unhappy "aha" grin and just stands. * Lord_Darkmoon comes down off his edge slowly, but remains silent, letting the ninja people talk to each other. * LadyMallet looks at the speaker flatly, silently. Something like that. * LadyMysteria gives the councilman a firm look. * Councilman blinks again, as he sees a familiar face. Taki-sama! You've returned! * Lord_Darkmoon smiles a bit at that reaction, and quickly suppresses it. Yeah... * LadyMallet blinks impassively at the -sama. * Heishiro moves over to the team. "If you would, sit in the second or third row. * Taki looks rather awkward since she's not sure how she should react to that. Sure. Me too? * Lord_Darkmoon bows stiffly and formally, and goes to sit where indicated. When he does, it's with a ramrod-straight back. That posture does NOT look comfortable. * LadyRoyal nods respectfully and walks over. * Haruko moves and sits down in the third row, looking around at everyone. * LadyMysteria nods, taking a seat at the second row. She takes a moment to breath, then puts on an even face. ...to start. I think. You do not - quite - have any formal standing in the council, and this must be done by tradition or it will not work at all. * LadyMallet walks over, sitting down at the edge of the 2nd row aisle, her oversized shoes flopping as she does so. * Taki nods and goes over and sits next to Maya in the second row. Behind the first row of comfy chairs, the other rows are flat, low wooden benches. The floor is a bit sloped, but you'll have difficulties seeing over the first row when those seats are filled. * Haruko folds her legs underneath her and perches entirely on the bench, trying to get a better look. * LadyMallet frowns at the lack of visibility, then hops up and kneels on the seat, her feet and legs bent, crouching on the seat rather than sitting on it. * Heishiro remounts the stage, and puts on a stern expression. * LadyRoyal eyes Mallet and sits in the third row, next to Haruko. * Councilman and his friend sit back down, uneasily. There had better be a good explanation for this. * LadyMysteria waits for whenever she'll be needed, idly spinning the rings on her wrists. * LadyMallet balances herself with her hands, craning her neck to keep a good view. * Heishiro turns and gives the councilman a baleful stare. ...O-sensei. * Heishiro barely nods, and returns his gaze to the door. After a minute, the rest of the council starts to arrive. The youngest of them are in their twenties, but most are at least forty-five. They come dressed for whatever they were doing as the bell sounded, ranging from sparring gi's to soiled gardening clothes. * Haruko looks around at them curiously. Most of them take notice of Leena's garb and Taki's presence, and the conversation those elements provoke are enough to fill the chamber with sound. * LadyMallet watches the incomers come in, tiredly. * Lord_Darkmoon only follows them with his eyes, the rest of him potentially being set in stone, so still he sits. Quickly, fifteen of the eighteen seats in the front row are filled. ...Kurosaki-dono? The other two are away with the squad. * Taki shies away from looks she's getting, trying not make eye contact with any of the council as they come in. * LadyMysteria remains calm and focused, noting each face. There's a barely-noticeable pause in the conversation at the use of that particular honorific. ...right. * Heishiro steps forward to the front edge of the stage. The room doesn't quiet down. OI! * LadyMallet straightens out her crouch to almost-standing as he does that, to get a better view. Now the council comes to order, but there are some members who are obviously peeved about something. * Taki keeps her gaze on her father, around those seated in front of her. * Heishiro folds his arms, then begins. I have... early news about the squad we dispatched yesterday. It succeeded in part. It failed, in part. And it seems to have taken a goodly number of casualties. ...I told you we should have sent more. * LadyMallet raises an eyebrow, and makes an effort not to but in and say something. * LadyMysteria notes the reply, but holds her peace. And the team isn't back yet. Where are you getting this... *trails off, looking at Leena* Yes, that's correct. I got the news from the organization that we attacked. And won't be attacking again. * LadyMallet blinks impassively back. * DifferentCouncilman rises to his feet. "Traitor!" * LadyRoyal grits her teeth slightly. ... Heishiro... sir. May I petition this council to have a few words? Not yet, child. * LadyMallet holds herself back from yelling at him. Heishiro's probably got more to say, and was expecting this. * LadyMysteria keeps her voice quiet and smooth, not betraying any aggravation. "Of course. My apologies." I am a traitor, yes... for allowing you to proceed with an attack on my heir! * Heishiro crooks a finger at Taki, gesturing her to join him. Bwah...? * Taki stands up awkwardly looking rather embarrassed, but trying to stand tall. * Taki makes her way over to where her father is and stands next to him. *whispered* Transform. Now. ... I... *not whispered* Now, Taki, if it means anything to you at all. * LadyNightshade poses in her usual transformation, but is surprised by her own transformation. The air around her darkness and the room seems to get dimmer as black ribbons twirls about her body encasing her in an almost invisible cocoon of ribbons, the shape tightens around her body and vanishes in puffs of black mist as her normally very pink suit is revealed to be completely black. ... I uh... what happened? *looks around sorta relieved but also rather frightened* * LadyMallet blinkblinkblinks. * Heishiro blinks. * Lord_Darkmoon blinks, open surprise on his face. * LadyMysteria blinks, keeping her jaw from dropping somehow. * Heishiro recovers quickly, having only seen the other form once anyway, and addresses the council. * Haruko is confused I thought pink was the new black, not black the new pink. ... I liked the pink better. ;_; Shh. * LadyRoyal averts her eyes from Taki's costume change to seemingly-casually sweep across the room, gauging responses from what council members she can see, but doubletakes as the expected pink turns to black. The council, of course, is all rising to its feet, but the lord of the clan shouts over them. My own daughter - my heir! - is one of the targets we have been hired to assassinate. Well, no longer. The Black Dragon clan is forfeiting this contract, right now. * LadyRoyal blinks a few times, then goes back to scanning, looking more for people who might try to actively attack as opposed to people who are just being silly and surprised. * Lord_Darkmoon 's expression returns to a blank seriousness, as he, too, scans the crowd with his eyes. * LadyMallet watches Heishiro and Taki. * LadyNightshade still has trouble making eye contact with anyone. This changes nothing! We took the vote, and it was decided that this was in our best interest. You want to take a contract on our own? Of course this is the end of it. * LadyMallet smiles a vicious little smile at 'best interest.' She quickly wipes it off her face, though. These are changed circumstances, but it is not your choice to make, Kurosaki! This should be voted on. * LadyMysteria allows herself the tiniest of frowns. That's Kurosaki-DONO to you, and he can do whatever he wants! My word is law here. Why do so few of you remember that? * LadyMallet completely gives up at trying to sit, and just stands on the seat, now that the front row people are getting excited. Short person wants to see! * LadyNightshade remains quiet, not wanting to speak out of place and not sure what to say even if she did. There are assorted cries of outrage from about a third of the council. * LadyRoyal takes note of those, and of those that seem to be accepting this a little *too* easily. * LadyMysteria slowly stands up to get a better look as well. ...and then the chamber doors are flung open. * LadyRoyal spins, fumbling for a card but having the sense not to do anything with it yet. * LadyMallet spins on her heel, to face the doors. The bleeding, dirty, bedraggled remains of the assassination squad march in. * LadyNightshade looks up at the doors. * LadyMysteria casts a glance back... and *tenses*. * Lord_Darkmoon just watches. * LadyRoyal *tenses* as well and disappears the card for now, sitting down slowly and eyeing them. * LadyMallet waves at them, cheerily. *^_^* * LadyNightshade tenses and ducks a bit behind her father. * Haruko looks for the girl they supposedly captured Junko is nowhere to be seen. Akira and Mitsuko come in with somewhat unhappy expressions. Those turn to outright hostile grimaces as they spot (*gasp*) magical girls in the session with the council. * LadyMysteria returns the grimaces with a tiny, smug little smirk. It vanishes fast, though. * LadyRoyal 's face is very closed and cold. Hi there! Come in, have a seat! * Mitsuko pulls out her sword. * Akira unsheathes his dagger. * Haruko eeps again. Daddy... Tsk, tsk. No fighting right now, there's a meeting in session! Have a seat! * LadyMallet waggles a finger at them, cutely. ^__^ We'd much prefer to talk things out. Why are these monsters here! * LadyRoyal clenches her fists veeery tight at that...and then releases them, keeping an eye on the rest of the council. Did you forget, Mitsuko? We had a date. *grins darkly* * LadyRoyal grits her teeth. "Darkmoon, now is not the time." A man puts a restraining hand on Mitsuko's armored shoulder, but she shrugs it off and advances towards the front of the chamber. Sorry, you're right. *muttered to Royal* * LadyMallet waves at Mitsy as she passes by her aisle. * LadyMysteria looks at Minami with a 'thank you' sort of glance, then turns to keep her eyes on the entire council, still standing for now. Don't you get it, Mits-chan? Taki was one of them. Though I don't see her here... Stand down! They are not here to fight... yet. NO! They killed sensei! I... I'm Taki... * LadyNightshade is barely audible over the shouting. And about half of the rest of us - what? *blinkblink* Uh-oh. They deserve to die! For defending our own!? Mallet, not now. Let them vent. * Lord_Darkmoon glares at Mitsuko, as if to nail her to the far wall. * LadyMysteria sounds a step away from a direct order. * LadyMallet glares at them, then sits down. I tried to talk you down... No one would listen to me... You think they'd just line up for you to slaughter them? *turns to the rest of the council* We have been lied to by our employer! These are not simple targets, and they are more than capable of defending their own. And they know where our village is - Taki, how many of you are there, anyway? I don't know... a couple hundred. Nearly three hundred, as of mid-month. * LadyNightshade nods at Maya. * Heishiro quirks an eyebrow - that's even more than he thought. The council looks somewhat agog as well. That's almost as many as we have able fighters. If we pursue this, it will be a war to the death, not a continuing assignment. * Akira moves forward and lays one of the remaining council seats on its back, before sitting in the first row himself. So send the message to our employer - we are voiding the contract. * LadyNightshade looks sadly at the lain down seat. * Haruko wonders who their employer is * Akira looks sharply at Heishiro. "No, we will vote on it. I will vote in favor, but you no longer have the authority to simply dictate. I don't care if you vote to end it! I want revenge! * Lord_Darkmoon leans down to whisper to Mysteria. * LadyRoyal narrows her eyes at Mitsuko. What the hell does that solve? * LadyMysteria gives Mitsuko a look. "Heishiro-san... may I address her?" We've both had losses! * LadyMallet steps into the aisle. "Then take it now, if that's what it'll take to get your clan off our case. That is, if you can." Get your stupid revenge out of your system so you can think clearly about this! * Heishiro ignores Mitsuko for the moment. "When did I ever give up my authority? Sure, I've been playing nice, but it's time for that to end." * LadyRoyal winces at Leena. ... ma'am. Do you think we haven't considered seeking revenge as well? Battle makes monsters out of anyone, but now we have a moment to sit and think about what's going on... * LadyNightshade stands tall by her dad's side, looking rather peeved at all the talk of violence. * Mitsuko looks at Leena, and appears sorely tempted. * Akira smirks. "Oh yes you did, *Heishiro*." Either act on it, or quit whining about it. Or else I'll kick your ass. I can't tell you who to work for and what to believe in, but consider that others might be fighting for something beyond themselves, and will do anything they can to win. If you expected us to stand there and die, you are sorely mistaken. * LadyMysteria gives Mitsuko a narrow-eyed glare. "We have a mission. We will fulfill it, no matter what. Decide for yourself where you stand, but if you stand between us and the Ningyo, you are the enemy." * LadyMallet locks her eyes on Mitsuko fiercely, waiting. When did I ever tell the council that? No, this mockery of tradition ends here. And speaking of mockery of tradition, where did you take the girl you kidnapped?" * Mitsuko backs up a step as she realizes the gravity of what is going on in the council. Her sword stays at the ready, but her eyes move to the front row. We kidnapped no one. * LadyMallet narrows her eyes at Akira. ... * LadyMysteria looks rather disbelieving. Then why do all of my guests say otherwise? * LadyRoyal puts a finger to her lips, her eyes narrowing in consideration. * Akira stands, as the rest of the council looks at him in honest horror. We took no girl. Not even one of these so-called Ladies. I saw her being taken. I couldn't make out who was carrying her, but that was her being carried away. We failed to find her body at the site. And believe me, we searched for her. ... and you were the only other group there. Bullshit. Are you going to take the word of this little girl? I vouch for her word. * LadyRoyal's head snaps up at Leena's admission, and she looks just a little bit *furious*. Are you not going to take the word of the future Lady of this Clan? But... but... If any girl was taken, it was not with my knowledge. * Mitsuko has lowered her sword now. * Lord_Darkmoon 's eyes narrow. ... we wouldn't have come all this way, and tried so hard to find a peaceful solution if not for her sake and the best chance of getting her back alive. I'm sure you can believe -that-. * Mitsuko looks right at Darkmoon. "Regardless of what you believe, we have our honor." You, Mitsuko, I believe. Honor... * LadyMysteria closes her eyes and sighs for some reason. Several other members of the hit squad step up to agree. All of them look rather intimidated by the presence of the team that gave them such a battering. ...can we really do business with a group that comes here and makes such accusations? * LadyMallet closes her eyes, looking through her MG senses, reminding herself of which ones have the Sea Weapons, looking at the bearers as she senses them with closed eyes. Can we do business with someone aiding a force aiming to drown all of Japan? We're not "doing business". We're making a truce, and going on our separate ways. ... * LadyMysteria represses a snarl. "You may well be telling the truth, but right now... yes, just don't cross our paths. Please." ... you still carry evil weapons. No one else has to die. * LadyRoyal reaches forward from the row behind to put a calming hand on Maya's shoulder. * Mitsuko lifts her sword, one handed. "Evil? This? Hardly. It's enchanted with a natural magic, is all." Just because something is natural does not make it good. Nor does it make it evil. The source of that magic wants to drown all of mankind. Just because you're out here and isolated, doesn't mean it will get to you eventually. Or would you wield a weapon that radiated poison, even unto its bearer and her comrades? * LadyMysteria noticeably calms at Royal's touch. "Power is but a tool. Still, how did you come across them?" They were provided as part of the contract... if we cancel the contract, I expect we'll have to return them. That seems likely. A minor loss. I see. And I'll tell you now, that we can sense those a mile away. * LadyMysteria reaches into her pocket and pulls out her cell, seeing if she can get a signal. ... Mallet, *zip it*. She gets four bars! ...excuse me. * LadyMysteria dials up none other than Sakura. Excuse me? * LadyNightshade looks over at Toshinari. * LadyMallet glances at Mysty. * LadyMysteria looks up. "I can leave if you'd prefer. This is important." * LadyMallet sighs, closing her eyes again. Abeno-san. Surprised you had nothing to say before this. * Toshinari steps onto the stage and addresses the rest of the council. * LadyMysteria keeps her voice down, drifting towards the entrance. "Sakura, we might have followed a red herring. They're giving us a negative concerning Goggles." I'm not, and as much as I don't wanna, I think they're actually telling the truth. The whole thing seems to be strictly business. I'm thinking the same thing... how much was banked on us finding Junko? Everything? * LadyMallet listens to Mysty's side of the conversation. * LadyMysteria betrays a huge frown, thankfully looking away from the council. I swore loyalty - fealty! - to Kurosaki-dono five years ago. I was happy when he seemed to relinquish some authority, but despite our differences, I intend to live up to my word. * LadyMallet mirrors Mysty's expressions. That doesn't sound good at all. ... *damn*. I'm sorry... I really am. But we have to try and find some kind of a clue to keep searching. Right. If anything comes up, feed it to home base and we'll do our part. Again, sorry. * Toshinari points to Akira "You will live up to your word, too, or you will incur the wrath of every other former member of the Creeping Mist clan who has made an effort to make this united clan work. * LadyMysteria snaps her cell closed and shakes her head. * Akira looks somewhat betrayed. * Heishiro looks rather surprised. * LadyMysteria turns around and retakes her seat. If our lord has decided to take back power, we will follow his lead. IS THAT UNDERSTOOD? * Toshinari sits back down. * LadyNightshade feels rather proud after hearing that speech. * Toshinari stands back up. But Heishiro? I'm not going to sell your old house back. *sits back down* * Heishiro blinks. ... * LadyMallet blinks, surprised. Uh, that's all right. * Haruko suppresses a giggle The council is looking rather cowed, now. * LadyMysteria catches back up, and smiles oh-so-slightly. "At least there's one victory..." Toshi, it was your contacts that introduced this employer... if you could pass on our regrets...? No problem. ... that's kinda surprising. All that doom and gloom for nothing... ...perhaps. * Heishiro turns to his daughter. * LadyNightshade leans over and says to her father. "I know they took her though... they had to have... No one else was around..." And if you would assure your comrades both here and in Tokyo...? Yes, of course... ... that still doesn't change the fact that -someone- took her. In the basement, when the dust was still covering everything. * Heishiro frowns. ... Mallet. It... it can wait. We'll do some thinking later. Your own teammate said she saw two men take her, but that she wasn't able to really see them. I'm... mostly satisfied. And it would have been difficult for the team to take her, on many levels. Yeah, but... Will you accept the truce? * LadyNightshade looks down and isn't sure what else to argue. Yes. Of course we will. * LadyMallet frowns herself, thinking back. I don't! But I'm still going to keep investigating... * LadyMallet jerks back to the here and now, at Mitsuko's protest. * Haruko will let Taki talk for her. They killed a council member, and my sensei! I have a right to demand vengeance. My offer still stands, but you'd better make it now! The clan has made truce, Mits-chan. You may not. * LadyMysteria fiddles with the rings a bit, sighing with mild frustration. It was self-defense. You attacked first. Then, Kurosaki-dono, if I may not find satisfaction with one of them, I demand a duel with Taki-sama. * LadyRoyal winces. * LadyMallet blinks, then pouts. She is of the clan, and she and her friends are responsible for my teacher's death. This is a valid claim, and you know it. * LadyMallet grumbles, "Only because she knows I'd kick her ass." ...*eyes narrow* ... * Heishiro looks sick. * LadyMysteria holds up a hand in a 'pipe down' manner, but she looks like she's simmering a bit herself. Now wait just one second! She didn't do a damned thing, she tried to talk you out of it, and only defended herself! You can't blame her for that, she'd never do anything like that. Taki, she's right. By the united clan law, the formal dueling ban is over. Leena... this is none of our business. I... I know. * LadyNightshade looks down, shaking a bit. I... accept. * LadyMallet crosses her arms, and hmphs. If you win this duel, Mitsuko-san, you understand that you will have impinged on my honor as well? * Lord_Darkmoon looks...is that insulted or pained? Anyway, not pleased with this. * Haruko pats mallets shoulder * Mitsuko flinches, but braces herself. "Yes, my lord." It's ok, Taki will win. That's not what's bugging me! Then you may proceed. * LadyRoyal grumbles under her breath. "Mallet..." Then what is? * Heishiro steps back off the stage and turns to the other Hunters. "If Mitsuko wins, the truce is still on. This is a clan matter, unless you make it otherwise." * Mitsuko advances to the stage. ... that I'm the one mostly responsible for decimating them. She's seeking vengeance against the wrong person... poor Taki, this is going to suck for her. I am more concerned about your Mitsuko. Are these duels to the death? They can be. * LadyMysteria nods to Heishiro, then turns back to Leena. "There's nothing you or I can do now without violating so many traditions. Let it go." It ends if one is rendered helpless, dead or not. Yeah, I'm just griping now. Gripe quietly. Hmph! * LadyMysteria shrugs, then sits back down. ... Make yourself ready. Daddy... * LadyNightshade settles into a timid combat stance. * Mitsuko starts forward with no warning. * LadyMysteria hugs her knees and watches, quietly rooting Taki on. * Mitsuko makes several looping overhead feints, then lunges with the blade held level. Go Taki-chan! * LadyMallet quits grumbling once the action starts, silently watching the two. The blade tears into the side of Taki's chest, glances off a rib, and angles off to the side. It's a long cut that will bleed profusely, but is not disabling. Taki leaps straight past the blade and puts her shoulder into Mitsuko. Her hands and feet fly, faster than the team has ever seen before. The first few punches and a knee strike are off target, but then she connects with a nasty 1-2 combination. Her fists flash BRIGHT PINK as they connect, and Mitsuko goes tumbling backwards. * Lord_Darkmoon blinks once, slowly. ... hm. * Mitsuko rises carefully to her feet, obviously shaken and wobbling a little. * LadyMallet snickers. * LadyNightshade looks a bit confused at her own movement, but rolls with it, dropping into a more steady combat stance. ...that's pretty impressive. ... I like this pink better. It's prettier. * Mitsuko edges in slower this time, not trying to be fancy, and using whatever quickness she can force out of her wavery legs. Kick her ass with the power of CUTE! * Lord_Darkmoon silently, and without moving more than his arm, gently tessenthwaps Leena's noggin. * LadyNightshade winces a bit at Leena. "You're not helping!" * LadyMallet 'mmph's at the thwap. "Sorry! Just kick her ass, then!" * LadyNightshade dodges the oncoming attack by leaping over Mitsuko's head and landing behind her, moving immediately into a counter-attack. Taki tries a vicious-looking spinning backfist, but somehow Mitsuko manages to deflect it with her blade. This leaves Taki's arm rather sliced up, but she continues with a nice high-kick which snaps Mitsuko's head back with a blinding flash. * Mitsuko somehow keeps her feet, but it's obvious that she's barely conscious. Nonetheless, the girl wrenches her sword around in a powerful, all-or- nothing blow. I don't want to kill you... Please stop this pointless fight... The sword buries itself in Taki's side, slicing into her abdomen. * Mitsuko can't even hold onto it, and staggers backwards. * LadyNightshade urks, clutching her side. Taki! Taki... hold on. * LadyMallet watches Taki, a bit worried, but not overly so. "... she'll be fine, I think." ... if she can get the sword out? *sounds a lot more worried.* Go Taki! Taki steps gingerly over to Mitsuko, who is too wobbly to really dodge, and slams one fist into her gut. The flash seems to pulse through the girl, and she folds over and collapses to the floor. ...Taki! * Heishiro rushes to the stage. * LadyNightshade checks to make sure the other girl is okay. * LadyMallet doesn't waste a second running up once Mitsuko's down. I'll be alright... * Mitsuko is breathing, and not bleeding excessively. * LadyNightshade falls to one knee. You need that sword out of you! * LadyNightshade looks down to the sword in her side. "Ow." Oh, gods... Taki! * Heishiro is pale - it's obvious he doesn't think Taki will be all right. * Haruko hovers behind the concerned people, not sure what to do. Taki, stay real still while I get it out, okay? * Lord_Darkmoon rises to his feet, and walks slowly over. "She will be fine, Kurosaki-san. We heal rapidly." Don't worry, Dad. * Lord_Darkmoon seems quite emotionless as he says that. * LadyMysteria stands and steps closer. "... seriously, yes. Still, something to put pressure on that would be nice..." * Lord_Darkmoon provides a long bandage, presumably taken from some portion of his clothing. ... that works. Taki feels herself getting weaker - this was obviously a bad hit. * LadyMallet takes a breath, and puts one hand on the sword, half-expecting to blow up when she touches it. "Heishiro... hold her. You're her dad. Taki, stay still." Leena... *coughs loudly, blood spraying into her gloved hand* Are you sure you're... the best one to be doing this? The others will do the bandaging, I'm no good at that part! The external wound should be visibly healing by now, but it's not. ...that sword. * LadyNightshade is having a hard time staying up. Her head is swimming. She coughs again, but can't get a hand over her mouth. * LadyMysteria takes it and folds it until it's a suitable size and thickness. That done, she waits for Leena to do her thing... then pauses. "Leena, hurry. The sword... she's not healing." HOLD HER! I'm sorry... To worry everyone... * LadyMallet yells at Heishiro, then yanks the sword out. * Heishiro braces Taki in his arms. * LadyNightshade screams out in pain as the weapon is removed, collapsing in her father's arms. * LadyMysteria quickly goes to staunch the eventual flow of blood, bandaging Taki up. "Let's hope Sea magic doesn't linger..." * LadyMallet holds the weapon in her hands, looking it over, while watching Taki get treated. Blood burbles up... but not as much as you might have expected. Taki's breathing becomes less labored almost instantly, and if she fainted it was only for a second. Her eyes pop back open and she finds herself suddenly alert. * LadyNightshade tears are streaming down her face as she looks up at her dad. "See? All better now..." she says, followed by more coughing. * LadyNightshade shakes her head a bit. Trying to get the feeling of sea magic out. * Heishiro looks grievously concerned, but even he can see the instant change. * LadyMallet watches Taki, the blade taking a secondary focus until she's sure Taki'll be okay. There... there we go. Heishiro-san, just keep her still. She'll be fine, but she'll need time. She should be fine, now, with the anathema out. What about the other girl? ... -will- you be okay, Taki? Yeah... * LadyNightshade looks up at her dad's face again with a smile. She missed this feeling. * LadyMallet lets out a sigh of relief. "Good. ... now please, excuse me, while I destroy this thing." * Akira has come on stage and is examining Mitsuko. He doesn't look too concerned. Outside. Riiiight, Mallet? * Heishiro reaches out and takes the sword away from Leena. * LadyMallet blinks at her empty hand. "Huh?" No. This sword is not yours to destroy. ... * Lord_Darkmoon looks darkly at Heishiro before shaking his head and bowing. "Of course." Turning to Mysteria, "Have we any further business here, my Lady?" If it is ours, then it is ours. If it must be returned to those who provided it, then it is our honor. Is this understood? * LadyMallet closes her eyes, thinking and frowning. I really don't like it... but yes, I understand. Taki is getting a little color back now. None, Darkmoon. As soon as Taki is in good shape, we're going back to sort things out. ... if you're going to do that, could you mark it? I want to at least recognize it if it comes against us again. * Heishiro straightens somewhat, and addresses the councilors who remain. * LadyNightshade tries to stand up to show she's okay, but wobbles and leans heavily against her father. This is my daughter, my heir. She *will* lead this clan - all of it. Is that understood? * Akira doesn't look happy, but he doesn't disagree either. * Lord_Darkmoon smiles approvingly. ... cool. I will get to come back! ... yeah. Looks like we will. * Toshinari stands and bows formally. "Of course, my lord. Of course. [end session]