Session Start: Sat Oct 16 14:38:39 2004

<Ked> Previously, on Hunters:
<Ked> Lady Goggles - Junko - was kidnapped from the scene of a ninja assault 
after the mall it happened in collapsed.  Half-collapsed.  Or something.
<Ked> The ninja were the obvious suspects, but after tracking them back to 
Taki's family clan and making a cease-fire with them it became clear that 
someone else had taken the girl.
<Ked> So the team has returned to Tokyo, meeting at the Blossom Agency site to 
figure out what the hell they should do next.
<Ked> [Saturday, January 31, 2004 - 1415 local time]
<Ked> [outside the Blossom Agency]
<Ked> [session start]
* Lord_Darkmoon walks amidst the others, lost in his own thoughts.
* LadyRoyal looks thoughtful and tired, walking up to the agency with the group.
* Taki shows up finally, having trailed far behind the group again. She doesn't 
look at all happy, but she's no longer really angry either. She's just... blah.
* LadyMallet is almost-walking with Haruko. With an ice cream cone.
* LadyMysteria moves along at a slow pace, looking rather nervous all things 
considered. The rings are out, which is a definite sign she's thinking about 
something.
* Haruko is staring at an ice cream cone, licking it just enough to keep it from 
dripping
<Ked> The agency door looms in front of the team, daring them to come inside.
* LadyMysteria doesn't waste time, moving to open it.
* LadyMallet steps behind Haruko, and gently nudges her in first with one hand, 
ice cream still in the other.
* PrincessSakura is waiting for the team, sitting behind the Secretary's desk.
* Lord_Darkmoon utterly fails in his courtesies, for once, just going on in 
without so much as an effort to get the doors for the Ladies.
<Taki> Sakura!
<LadyMysteria> Sakura... anything?
<PrincessSakura> Shhh.
* Taki sounds strangely happy despite her demeanor.
* PrincessSakura puts a finger to her lips.
* LadyMallet waves at Sakura, once she's in after Haruko.
* Lord_Darkmoon looks up at Sakura's shushing, questioningly.
* LadyMysteria shuts up and nods, looking around.
<PrincessSakura> We have a visitor.  I need all of you to be transformed, and 
for heaven's sake don't use your real names.
* Lord_Darkmoon bows. "Of course. Uniforms, or casual?"
* LadyRoyal frowns a little, but nods.
<PrincessSakura> Any of our real names, except for Junko.  Doesn't matter.
<LadyRoyal> ...ah.
<Lord_Darkmoon> Very well. *seems to choose uniform, as it forms around him*
* PrincessSakura is in yet another business suit - this one is a dark coat-and 
slacks number, though you're not sure that the barely-pink silk sheath 
underneath came with it.
* LadyMallet hasn't changed out of uni since the hike down the mountain.
* Taki looks around nervously, but doesn't feel so bad about her transformation 
right now, so just transforms.
<PrincessSakura> *blink*
* Haruko sighs, and mumbles something, her costume appears in its normal eye-
piercing fashion. When the flash fades, she seems much happier than before.
<LadyMallet> Whoisitwhoisitwhoisit?
<Lady_MakeBelieve> And why are we meeting them?
* LadyMallet jumps up and down, practically vibrating in place, excited.
* LadyNightshade says to Sakura quietly. "Yeah, I have some stuff I need to talk 
to you about..."
<PrincessSakura> That's a new look for you, Taki.  I take it something happened?
<PrincessSakura> Shush, Leena.  You'll find out soon enough.
* LadyMallet pouts, but doesn't act any less excited.
<LadyMysteria> ... wait. Should I reshift, Princess?
<PrincessSakura> Re... what?  Why?
<LadyMysteria> Full outfit... but never mind, this will do.
<LadyRoyal> She sa--yeah.
* LadyMysteria puts on a faint smile, then goes back to working on the ol' 
rings.
<PrincessSakura> Right.
* PrincessSakura stands.
<PrincessSakura> Remember, no names except for Junko.
<Lord_Darkmoon> May we refer to Junko by both appellations?
* LadyNightshade pulls her coat back over herself, despite her comfort with her 
new costume color.
* LadyMysteria nods once, having a look on her face that tells that she has an 
idea who's there.
* PrincessSakura moves to the back of the lobby and unlocks the door.
<PrincessSakura> Yes - she's the reason we have our guest.
* LadyMallet bounds up there.
* PrincessSakura walks through the door.
<LadyRoyal> Mm.
* LadyRoyal follows.
* Lord_Darkmoon nods, and follows.
* Lady_MakeBelieve strides forward
<Ked> There are two people waiting for you in the back.  One is a familiar face, 
one is not.
* LadyMysteria tags along, putting the rings away.
* LadyMysteria can't help but flash the faintest of smiles upon seeing Anzu.
* LadyHandcuff waves to the new arrivals.  She's in uniform today, though the 
handcuffs are both hanging off of her left wrist.  She has a legal tablet 
balanced on one knee and a pen in hand.
* LadyMallet waves at Handcuff.
* Lord_Darkmoon smiles and offers a small bow of greeting to Handcuff before 
finding his accustomed place.
* LadyNightshade lurks in the back of the group, doing a good job of staying out 
of sight and away from the focus of attention. She takes up her usual spot in 
the corner.
* LadyMallet doesn't slow down as she gets into the room proper, though. She 
jumps over one of the armrests and lands in a couch with a whump, knees-first.
<Ked> The other person is a twentysomething man in a slightly-rumpled cheap blue 
suit.  His short dark-brown hair frames a sharp, intelligent face, and his eyes 
scan through the group as if he was trying to memorize your faces.
* Lady_MakeBelieve walks in, examining both closely before standing in some open 
space
* LadyMysteria sits far more properly than Mallet, paying special attention to 
the man.
<PrincessSakura> This is an old friend of mine, Detective Morioka.
* LadyMallet shifts her position to a sitting one after landing, and waves at 
the man.
<PrincessSakura> Mori-san, this is my current team.
* Lord_Darkmoon almost instinctively brings his open Tessen up before his face 
at the man's close scrutiny. His eyes narrow over the top of it before hearing 
who the man is.
* LadyRoyal nods and smiles, both actions polite but rather tight.
<DetectiveMorioka> Pretty impressive, Sakura.  You told me you'd moved up in the 
world, but I didn't think you'd have this large a group.
* LadyMysteria nods politely to the Detective.
* PrincessSakura smiles a little knowing smile.
* LadyNightshade studies the detective herself, sizing him up.
<PrincessSakura> Guys, if you would introduce yourselves to the Detective?
<LadyMysteria> Lady Mysteria. A pleasure to meet you.
* LadyRoyal inclines her head.  "Royal."
* Lord_Darkmoon bows formally. "I am Lord Darkmoon, Detective Morioka. I am 
pleased to make your acquaintance."
* LadyMallet jumps up, and spins with one foot on the couch. "Lady Mallet, 
pleased to meetcha!" This is followed be her not keeping her balance, and 
falling off the couch.
* PrincessSakura facepalms.
* LadyRoyal grits her teeth and studiously ignores Leena.
* LadyMysteria sets her jaw as she does all she can to keep from laughing her 
ass off.
* Lady_MakeBelieve offers a hand, "Lady Make-Believe, enchanted to meet you"
* Lord_Darkmoon coughs, and chuckles as he walks over to where Mallet fell, 
picks her up, and plants her firmly -seated- on the couch. "Careful, Lady 
Mallet. Let's not hurt ourselves." He then moves over to stand someplace nearby, 
facing the detective once more.
* LadyMallet quirks an eye- the hot pink one- at Darkmoon, then turns back to 
watching the detective with both of them.
<LadyNightshade> ... Lady Nightshade.
* LadyNightshade nods politely.
* DetectiveMorioka nods back, gravely.  He still hasn't smiled once.
<LadyMallet> ... he doesn't smile, does he.
* LadyMallet makes a face at him, stretching out her mouth with her fingers and 
wiggling her tongue at him. "Complete limit snicker bar eskimo!"
<PrincessSakura> The Detective and I go back a long way.  He was rising through 
the force and caught some of the spillover from some of my early missions.  We 
can trust him... mostly.  He's helped us out before.  You might remember the 
situation with Lady Handcuff?
<PrincessSakura> ...Mallet!
* Lord_Darkmoon tessenthwaps Mallet. "Behave."
* LadyMallet holds her head, pouting more.
* LadyRoyal nods, still ignoring Mallet.
* DetectiveMorioka eyes Lady Mallet balefully.  "I'd have thought you would be 
taking this situation much more seriously, girl."
<LadyMysteria> Seriously, Mallet. This is important business.
<LadyMallet> Doesn't mean you have to forget how to smile. Mou.
* Lady_MakeBelieve pats Mallet.
* DetectiveMorioka scowls.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> "It's fine"
<LadyMallet> I'd hate it if I ever forgot how to smile when dealing with this 
stuff...
* LadyRoyal rubs the bridge of her nose.  "We're sorry about this, detective."
<Lady_MakeBelieve> Mr. Morioka, you had business to discuss?
* Lord_Darkmoon nods at Royal's statement.
<DetectiveMorioka> I get assigned to a lot of matters that arise out of magical 
girl... situations, and the Junko matter was one of them.
* LadyMysteria leans forward a little, arms on her knees.
* LadyMallet thinks back to that, and "'eh-hehs."
* LadyNightshade listens quietly, eyes on nothing in particular, as she leans 
against the corner.
* Lady_MakeBelieve pays close attention to Morioka, making the appropriate "Go 
on" noises, as needed.
<DetectiveMorioka> The rescue teams were on site pretty quickly, and we were 
able to pretty well excavate the site within six hours or so.  Junko's parents 
had come to the scene, and let us know they were certain she was in the 
building, especially since her friends were.
* Lord_Darkmoon listens, grinding his teeth.
* LadyMallet listens.
<LadyMysteria> Mmmmn.
<DetectiveMorioka> ...but she was not found in the rubble.  I would have thought 
she just ran away or something, but Sakura got in touch with me to let me know 
that she was... Lady Goggles.
<DetectiveMorioka> And Goggles certainly was seen in the fracas that went down.
<DetectiveMorioka> I am aware that you were on the scene, and approximately what 
your role was in that situation.  Could you tell me what happened in your own 
words?
* LadyMysteria clears her throat and takes a moment to collect her thoughts.
* LadyMallet looks just a touch nervous. She'll let someone else start it.
* Lord_Darkmoon taps his Tessen near one corner of his mouth, thoughtfully. 
He'll let Mysteria tell it first, and go when asked to.
<PrincessSakura> As he said, he understands what we do, and he has kept it 
largely to himself in the past.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> Perhaps you would like me to tell the story?
<LadyMallet> Sure! As long as it's not me. ^__^
<LadyMysteria> I simply had to collect my thoughts, Princess.
* Lady_MakeBelieve defers to Mysteria, since she was the one who led us on the 
whole merry chase.
* LadyNightshade does her best not to groan when MakeBelieve offers to tell a 
story.
* LadyMysteria sits back. "We had previously received... well, I personally had 
received information from Junko regarding what she said was a 'strange feeling' 
or something of that nature around the mall she and her friends frequent."
* DetectiveMorioka starts scribbling notes.
* LadyHandcuff is already frantically taking detailed minutes.
<LadyMysteria> I felt it had some weight, so we looked into the matter and 
discovered that her hunch was on-target. On our second day of observation, the 
Ningyo attack occurred; Junko and her team acted, but outsiders interfered on 
the Ningyo's behalf. We were obligated to act, and the fight went on.
* LadyMysteria looks at Mallet for a moment.
* LadyMallet whistles innocently.
<DetectiveMorioka> May I ask what you found that confirmed her hunch?
* LadyMysteria takes a breath. "The interlopers themselves. They were carrying 
items that set off our natural senses, much like how a Ningyo does. It's... hard 
to explain. Like how your skin crawls, only different."
<DetectiveMorioka> Hmm.
* LadyRoyal nods in confirmation.
* LadyMallet growls to herself, clenching a fist.
<LadyMysteria> In any event, the battle went on until an unintentional strike to 
the third floor damaged it enough to allow the water the Ningyo had brought with 
it to bring it down. It was only a matter of time before the rest followed.
* LadyMysteria pauses, and looks ready to ask something... but looks Mallet's 
way and stops herself.
<DetectiveMorioka> The property damage is a concern, of course, but that happens 
with a Ningyo attack.
* Lord_Darkmoon nods.
* DetectiveMorioka cracks a grin for the first time.  "There are some insurance 
agencies that want your ass, though."
<LadyMysteria> Hazards of the workplace, I can imagine.
* LadyMallet slams aforementioned fist into opposing palm. "Let em try."
* LadyRoyal rubs the bridge of her nose again.  "Mm."
<DetectiveMorioka> And what of Junko through this fight?
* Lord_Darkmoon rests a hand gently on Mallet's head. "Shh..."
* LadyRoyal opens her mouth to say something, then flicks a glance at Leena and 
looks back.  What's the use?
* LadyMysteria returns a small smile, which quickly fades. "At that point, we 
were in the base floor; everything had come down, the area was somewhat flooded, 
and the Ningyo was still there, but it was too dusty to continue the fight." She 
winces as she recalls, voice weakening. "... badly injured, early on. She 
probably survived, though..."
* LadyMallet nods.
<DetectiveMorioka> She was transformed?  She was Lady Goggles?
* LadyMysteria nods. "At that point, she and her teammates were doing their 
job."
* LadyMallet nods again.
* Lord_Darkmoon looks at Maya, hoping to get her attention, then looks 
significantly at Mallet, then back at Maya, questioningly.
* DetectiveMorioka nods, as if this confirms other information.
* LadyMysteria glances back at Darkmoon, for just a moment. "Hm?"
* LadyRoyal watches Morioka carefully.
<DetectiveMorioka> And she was injured.  Was she still on her feet, in the 
fight?
* LadyMallet shakes her head, wincing.
* PrincessSakura is sitting quietly, listening closely to the interview.
* LadyRoyal frowns a bit, thinking back.
<LadyMysteria> Not at all, no.
<DetectiveMorioka> ...could you expand on that at all?
* LadyMallet sighs, and half-heartedly expands. "... she had a Sea sword jabbed 
through her head. You didn't have to be a telepath to see what she was thinking, 
if you know what I mean."
<LadyMysteria> ... as to how badly she was hurt?
<DetectiveMorioka> Hmm.  But you're pretty sure she wasn't dead?
<LadyMysteria> ---Mallet. Not exactly through, but it was a very solid strike. 
Still, our kind have survived that and worse, sometimes.
<LadyMallet> It was iffy. If she was still alive at the end, even just a little 
bit, she'd recover quickly enough, though.
<DetectiveMorioka> *nod*
<DetectiveMorioka> Okay, so the fight went on, and the floors collapsed into the 
basement...
<LadyMysteria> And at that point, things ground to a bit of a halt. The 
interlopers withdrew while we searched for Junko's team.
<LadyMallet> The attackers were hurting pretty bad, at that point. They wanted 
nothing more than to get out of there.
<LadyRoyal> We found one girl dead, another injured.  The third member of the 
team was on her feet.
* LadyMallet gulps.
<DetectiveMorioka> But you didn't find Junko at all?
* LadyRoyal gives Leena a slow and steady glance.
* LadyMallet squints her eyes closed, and keeps them closed, lowering her head. 
"I did."
<LadyMysteria> Not at all, no. We spent considerable time looking after---...
* LadyMysteria turns to look Leena's way.
* DetectiveMorioka moues, just barely disconcerted.
<LadyMallet> There were two guys, and they were carrying away Junko. It couldn't 
have been anyone else, because she was Junko-sized.
* Lord_Darkmoon closes his eyes, and then opens them again, watching Mallet 
sympathetically.
<LadyMallet> I was in just the right spot to stop them, but I didn't realize 
then that it was her.
<DetectiveMorioka> Uh-huh.
* DetectiveMorioka sits back, and thinks.
<DetectiveMorioka> Sakura told me that you were out of town chasing after the 
attackers.  I take it that you didn't find them?
<LadyRoyal> It seems we were on the wrong trail.
* LadyNightshade doesn't look very trustingly at the Detective and passes Mallet 
a worried glance.
<LadyNightshade> ...
<LadyMallet> ... we found the attackers, but the attackers weren't the 
kidnappers.
* LadyRoyal nods.
<DetectiveMorioka> Really.
* DetectiveMorioka doesn't sound especially surprised.
* LadyNightshade looks rather nervous now.
<LadyMysteria> So it would seem. We're trying to determine who else could have 
been there...
<LadyMysteria> ... as I imagine you are, too.
<DetectiveMorioka> Indeed.
* DetectiveMorioka opens up a small bundle of stuff sitting on the coffee table 
and pulls out an unmarked videotape.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> So, do you have any ideas Mr. Morioka?
<DetectiveMorioka> Sakura, if you would?
<PrincessSakura> Of course.
* LadyMysteria leans forward again... then spots the tape. "... eh?"
* LadyRoyal raises her eyebrows at the tape.
* Lord_Darkmoon 's expression could be brother to Royal's.
* PrincessSakura snatches the tape, and jams it into the appropriate slot in the 
AV stack.
* LadyMallet blinks.
<LadyNightshade> ...
<LadyMallet> Huh?
<DetectiveMorioka> Once I had Sakura's assurances that this wasn't simply a 
runaway case, I started doing some looking.
* LadyNightshade is looking even more uncomfortable about the whole situation 
now.
* PrincessSakura hands a remote to the detective, then sits back down.
* LadyRoyal folds her arms and watches, still standing.
* LadyMysteria nods slowly, teeth clenched.
<LadyMallet> ... I guess we'll see what you found soon enough.
* Lord_Darkmoon crosses his arms inside the hakama sleeves, feet spread 
shoulder-width apart as he watches.
<DetectiveMorioka> The intersection between the mall and the train station is 
very busy, so we put a traffic camera up there about eight years ago.
* DetectiveMorioka starts the tape, lets it run for a few seconds of somewhat 
frantic-looking traffic.  The camera is looking north,  with the (smoking) mall 
on the right of the frame.
<DetectiveMorioka> ...there.
* DetectiveMorioka pauses the tape, then reverses it just a few frames.
<DetectiveMorioka> There.  On the upper-right corner of the image.
* Lady_MakeBelieve peers closely
* LadyRoyal peers.
* LadyMysteria leans in for a closer look.
* Lord_Darkmoon likewise peers.
* LadyMallet looks?
* LadyNightshade was watching closely already. :P
<Ked> It's not very clear - the camera is pointing at the street more than the 
sidewalk, and it's at a long distance, but there are clearly two people in black 
coats.  One of them is carrying a girl in a short skirt and, notably, 
sunglasses.
* LadyRoyal frowns.
<LadyNightshade> ...
* Lord_Darkmoon mutters something under his breath.
<LadyMysteria> ... what else can you tell from this? What direction did they go?
<Lady_MakeBelieve> Do you have any enhanced images of this?
<LadyMallet> ... those aren't the attackers.
<DetectiveMorioka> Those two walk north out of the image in a few seconds.  
Enhancement isn't what you see on TV, girl.  There isn't a lot more to get out 
of this.
<LadyRoyal> Hmm.
<DetectiveMorioka> There's no point when you can really see their faces, either.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> If you don't have any enhancements, do you have any leads?
<LadyMallet> Well... is there a timestamp? Figure out what trains to where they 
might have taken?
* LadyRoyal sighs ruefully, a bit of a grin tugging at her lips.  "Go figure."
<DetectiveMorioka> Not really - we're about to start reinterviewing other 
witnesses about this.
* LadyMysteria looks up, nodding. "We need... well, anything, right now. I... 
it's our responsibility to recover her."
<DetectiveMorioka> And they're walking away from the train station.  But there 
is a parking lot a few blocks in that direction.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> Of course, half of the city is also in that direction.
<PrincessSakura> More like a sixth, actually.
* LadyMallet voice hardens. "I will get her back. It's my fault this happened."
<LadyMysteria> But even if they went north, they could have driven anywhere.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> My point is still that it is a very large area.
<Lord_Darkmoon> No more your fault than any of ours, Mallet. *voice cold* Don't 
ever blame yourself for the evil acts of others.
<DetectiveMorioka> But I should start with you kids - do you remember a couple 
of guys in black coats hanging around there?
<LadyMallet> Bullshit. I shouldn't have gone easy on them when I came across 
them in the basement.
* LadyRoyal snorts.  "In our business, they all blend together after a while."
<LadyRoyal> But....I don't think...hmmm.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> The only people in black that I remember were the ninja's and 
the Girls.
* LadyMallet shakes her head. "Don't recall any people in black there."
<LadyMysteria> I... don't, either.
* LadyMysteria rubs her temples, eyes shutting.
<Lord_Darkmoon> ...weren't those voyeurs wearing black? *looks hard at the 
screen, trying to see if they look similar*
<LadyNightshade> Um... Yeah. They were.
<LadyMysteria> ... eh?
* LadyMysteria glances up.
* DetectiveMorioka looks back from the screen, for once with a fully-engaged 
expression.
<Lord_Darkmoon> They -did- have undue interest in the schoolgirls, but we 
dismissed it as standard lechery. *looks at Mysteria* They were in the Arcade, 
m'Lady.
<LadyNightshade> I didn't think they were anyone to worry about though...
* LadyMysteria pauses, then shivers.
<DetectiveMorioka> Tell me about this.
<LadyRoyal> We were focused on the weapons...
<LadyMysteria> They... they were the original reason Junko talked to me. She 
thought it was them...
* LadyMysteria takes a moment to breathe.
* Lord_Darkmoon tilts his head to the side, trying to remember more clearly. 
"Really, that's about it. Junko mentioned that she had a strange feeling, and 
thought her team was being followed. But they didn't have the 'scent' on them, 
and were not acting unusually. They weren't even paying more attention to 
Junko's group than to other girls in school-fuku."
<LadyMallet> ...
<LadyRoyal> Or so we thought.
<LadyNightshade> ... I should've stayed with them...
* Lord_Darkmoon nods to MakeBelieve. "It was her Pet that actually pinpointed 
them, at first. --Lady Nightshade, you couldn't have known, and were needed when 
all hell broke loose."
* LadyNightshade looks down, an expression of guilt on her face.
<LadyMysteria> Mmmmn...
<Lord_Darkmoon> Stop it; it's not your fault. No more than it is Mallet's, or 
mine. It is THEIR fault. THEY are the ones who have kidnapped. Not you.
<DetectiveMorioka> Huh.  Maybe it was just a crime of opportunity - a girl of 
their fantasies, already unconscious, falls - literally - into their hands?
<LadyMysteria> ... please, Detective. Find what you can.
<DetectiveMorioka> Let me get this straight - some of you got a really good look 
at these two guys?
<LadyMallet> You. Quit. Saying. That. Junko's my fault. I was too naive, and too 
dumb.
<LadyRoyal> ...but why would they stick around...although I suppose they may 
have been caught up in the mayhem with everyone else.
<Lord_Darkmoon> ...I...MIGHT. be able to remember them if I saw them again.
* LadyMallet sighs.
<LadyMallet> I didn't get a good look, just a general one through all the dust.
<LadyNightshade> I bumped into them...
<Lord_Darkmoon> I watched them for a good thirty seconds, before taking my own 
senses back after deciding they weren't a problem for us to deal with.
<LadyNightshade> They were unarmed. Weren't even very strong...
<LadyNightshade> I shouldn't have just dismissed them...
<DetectiveMorioka> But you did see them.  Would you - please - come back to the 
station with me, and help with a composite sketch?
<LadyRoyal> We were looking for the weapons, not for them.  You couldn't have 
known they were more than ordinary innocents.
* DetectiveMorioka is smiling grimly now.
<LadyNightshade> ... I-- *looks over to Sakura* Yeah. I can.
<PrincessSakura> Let's call that an order, kids.
<Lord_Darkmoon> As can I.
<LadyMallet> All of us?
* Lady_MakeBelieve nudges Sakura
<PrincessSakura> Just those of you that saw them.
<PrincessSakura> ...yes, Makebelieve?
<Lady_MakeBelieve> *whispers* "Is Norcliff safe?"
<LadyMallet> .. I'll go, too. I didn't get a good look at them, but I might be 
able to help.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> "He saw them more than anyone else"
* LadyMysteria continues to look down at her feet, strangely quiet.
<PrincessSakura> Mmm.
<PrincessSakura> Mori, I assume you will keep our contributions anonymous?
* Lord_Darkmoon looks reassuringly at MakeBelieve. "I saw what he saw, m'Lady. 
He needn't go if you do not wish him to."
<Lady_MakeBelieve> Norcliff saw them longer
<DetectiveMorioka> I can, to some extent.  Not if we take this to trial, but at 
this stage, yes.  It would be easier if you went in costume, though.
<LadyMallet> Was planning on it.
* Lord_Darkmoon coughs. "I, um, took those memories while I was in his mind, 
MakeBelieve."
* Lady_MakeBelieve looks sharply at Darkmoon.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> Don't.
<PrincessSakura> In that case, there's nothing wrong with a Pet going along.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> Again.
<Lord_Darkmoon> No, I think you misunderstand. He still has them, I just viewed 
them myself. ^^;
* Lord_Darkmoon looks embarrassed, and uncertainly guilty-feeling.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> Did he give you permission?
<DetectiveMorioka> That would freak out the artist, but that's nothing to worry 
about.
<Lord_Darkmoon> I thought it was implied. More to the point, it was simply part 
of finding which two he was referring to. I apologize, if I've offended. *bows, 
sheepishly*
* LadyMysteria looks back up at Detective Morioka, then sighs, obviously trying 
to think of something to say.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> Would you like me reading your mind?
* DetectiveMorioka nods sharply.  "This could break the case wide open."
<Lord_Darkmoon> That, m'Lady, I had permission to do. Norcliff? I haven't 
invaded your privacy, have I? ^^;
* LadyNightshade tries to ignore Make Believes objections as best she can.
* Lord_Darkmoon actually seems more concerned that he might have upset Norcliff 
than MakeBelieve.
* Lady_MakeBelieve is only concerned on Norcliff's behalf :P
* Norcliff sighs. "It was for the good of the people, so I don't mind."
<PrincessSakura> It may be so, Morioka-san.  Is there anything else?
<Lord_Darkmoon> ...I'm sorry...
<Lady_MakeBelieve> As long as you're fine with it.
* LadyMallet hops to her feet, and walks over to Darkmoon, and snags his Tessen-
now-Squeaky Mallet. She walks out of the room momentarily, returning in white 
shinyleather pants with a sparkly purple belt, and a low-cut short-sleeved thin 
white lace shirt.
* LadyMallet plops back down at her previous spot. "So when we going?"
<DetectiveMorioka> I don't think so, and... Leena, what are you doing?
* DetectiveMorioka did not say that.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> *To Darkmoon* I'm sorry for being so curt.  Many people like 
to treat him just like an animal.
* LadyMysteria raises an eyebrow. "Being herself."
* LadyRoyal refrains from comment.
* Lord_Darkmoon closes his eyes, takes a deep breath that he releases as a sigh, 
and composes himself. And then blinks at his empty hand.
<DetectiveMorioka> I don't think there's anything else, and I'd like to get back 
to the station as soon as I can with them so we can start canvassing.
<Lord_Darkmoon> If you want us in uniform, I am ready. As you can see.
<LadyMysteria> Please do. If you find out anything, call me after you let Sakura 
know first.
* LadyRoyal nods.
<Lord_Darkmoon> Lady Mallet...may I have my Tessen back, please?
* DetectiveMorioka stands up, and moves for the door.
* LadyMallet tosses it back to Darkmoon. "Oh, forgot I had it." She grins 
sheepishly.
* LadyNightshade looks uncomfortable down at her own outfit, even if it is 
black, skirts were embarrassing.
* Lord_Darkmoon catches it neatly. "I'd prefer if you asked before taking it. It 
is not something I can afford to lose. Good day, all." He exits, following the 
Detective.
* LadyRoyal , being already on her feet, opens the door for the detective.  
"Thank you for your attention to this case."
* PrincessSakura calls after the group.  "I want copies!"
<Lady_MakeBelieve> So, Sakura, was there something you wanted the rest of us to 
do?
<DetectiveMorioka> Of course, Sakura.
* LadyMallet follows Darkmoon following the Detective, before catching up with 
him, jumping, and getting on his shoulders.
* DetectiveMorioka closes the door.
<DetectiveMorioka> (eep!)
* LadyNightshade stops by Sakura. "I... need to talk to you. When I get back?"
<PrincessSakura> ...I imagine so.
* LadyMysteria stays seated, looking back down at her feet.
* Lord_Darkmoon stiffens, then sighs and even smiles wanly a bit, holding 
Leena's ankles to steady her.
* LadyNightshade sighs heavily and follows the rest of the group out of the 
office.
* LadyRoyal glances at Haruko, then purses her lips and leaves the door, taking 
a seat for the first time.
<PrincessSakura> Haruko, if you want to go, you can.  It's been a long 48 hours, 
I'm sure.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> If you need me, its fine.
* LadyHandcuff has stopped writing, and started shaking.
* LadyRoyal glances sharply at Anzu.  "Are you okay?"
<LadyMysteria> She's probably feeling the same way I feel.
* Lady_MakeBelieve pulls a handkerchief out of nowhere and offers it to Anzu
<LadyHandcuff> Gods - that so could have been me.  Disappeared, in the hands of 
someone of dubious moral standing, my family unlikely to ever find me...
<LadyHandcuff> Are we going to find her, Princess?
<LadyRoyal> ...ah.  That.  Yes.
* LadyHandcuff takes the handkerchief gratefully.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> But it wasn't.  And I'm sure this will all turn out well in 
the end.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> It always does.
<LadyMysteria> I pray it does, yes.
* LadyMysteria slowly pulls her ever-present trick rings out and gets to work; 
she's doing pretty badly, so she's obviously upset.
<PrincessSakura> I hope so, Anzu.  And I have an idea, too..,
* PrincessSakura plays through the videotape again.
<PrincessSakura> Look, it's good enough to see that she's not bleeding profusely 
from the head wound you described anymore, and she isn't totally limp like a 
corpse is.
* LadyRoyal walks up closer, to Sakura's level.  "...you're right...that's good, 
at least."
<PrincessSakura> They couldn't possibly get very far before she woke up from 
this state.
<LadyRoyal> But there's no telling how she'd react to something like that....
<Lady_MakeBelieve> I'm sure no girl would be happy with it.
<LadyRoyal> Well, I didn't mean emotionally.  Although you're right.
<PrincessSakura> *shrug*  She could have overpowered them.  Especially with her 
ability.
* LadyRoyal scratches her chin.  "Outnumbered, but she should be powerful 
enough, except that she was wounded and most likely dazed..."
<LadyMysteria> True... still, this should've never happened. But...
* LadyRoyal blinks.  "What *is* her ability, anyway?"
<Lady_MakeBelieve> But then why hasn't she returned?
<PrincessSakura> She's somewhat like Anzu - she can materialize goggles on most 
anyone within a few meters.  I should say eyewear, really.  And of whatever form 
she wants.
<LadyRoyal> ...ah.  *winces*
* LadyMysteria winces as well.
<LadyRoyal> ...perhaps those two met up with a group of friends?  I still don't 
think they were *just* perverts, although I suppose that's a warped sort of 
wishful thinking.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> Perverts could easily serve a source of evil.
<PrincessSakura> Eh... when we find them, we can find out.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> The Dragon King, the Sea Queen, who knows what other forces 
are out there.
<LadyMysteria> Definitely.
* LadyRoyal flops down on the couch, head in her hands like she's got a full-
fledged headache.  "Yeah, which is what I'm--I mean, don't get me wrong, I don't 
want anything bad to happen to her, but then at least we'd have *something* to 
trace!"
<LadyMysteria> ... need some tea.
* Lady_MakeBelieve offers forth a cup
<Lady_MakeBelieve> *it looks slightly strange, but smells good*
* LadyMysteria blinks... then takes it and chances a sip.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> *Tastes good too*
<PrincessSakura> So... if she didn't wake up before they restrained her, then 
they must have gone to ground really close to the mall.
<LadyMysteria> ... this reminds me.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> Would you like it sweeter?
<PrincessSakura> No more than five minutes walk in any direction.  We can cover 
that sort of ground ourselves.
* PrincessSakura grins ferally.
<LadyRoyal> If they stopped there.
* LadyMysteria goes back to it. "We could do our part and---no, thanks---try to 
find out something. And... Sakura? I have something that I should mention while 
it's on my mind."
<Lady_MakeBelieve> Of course, they could have moved her since, but its a good 
idea to check out.
* PrincessSakura turns to Maya.  "Shoot."
<LadyRoyal> If they realized what they had on their hands they could have 
switched her off to someone els--
* LadyRoyal glances at Maya, then at Haruko.  "Ah...right."
<LadyMysteria> On the way down from Taki's village, we happened to chance upon 
the... home of one of Haruko's friends. Well, mainly because Haruko had managed 
to brain herself on a tree and pass out and she showed up.
* LadyMysteria mutters 'Battleship' to herself, then sips more maybe-fake tea.
* LadyRoyal purses her lips and glances at Haruko nervously.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> Excuse me?
<PrincessSakura> ...interesting.
<LadyMysteria> ... Dani, right? I'm still trying to remember them all.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> I'm sorry I was so clumsy.
* LadyRoyal nods.  "I believe so, yes."
<Lady_MakeBelieve> Dani Sanders, yes.
<LadyRoyal> It's all right, Haruko, it was tough going.
<LadyMysteria> But in any case, we took Haruko there and it seems that one of 
her old enemies decided to show. Some... large creature... thing. But... well.
<PrincessSakura> Hmmm?
* Lady_MakeBelieve shudders "The Dragon Lord of the North"
<Lady_MakeBelieve> One of the four.. well, three now, servants of the Dragon 
King
* LadyMysteria makes a face; memories of puppydom dance in her head, and she 
shivers. "The thing was busy turning everyone there into... puppies. And managed 
to even succeed with me and Taki, for a time."
<Lady_MakeBelieve> That was the Centaur, actually.
<LadyMysteria> ... right, right.
* PrincessSakura has a very neutral face on now, though she does quirk an 
eyebrow at this.
* LadyMysteria takes another, deeper sip.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> The Mystic Warriors appreciated your help with that, by the 
way.
* LadyRoyal quirks a smile.  "We appreciate their help too."
<LadyMysteria> But in any case... that occurred. Haruko came to, and we hurried 
here.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> The Dragon King wishes to turn everyone into cute defenseless 
things, so they will be powerless before his rule.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> No, I came to long before that, I was watching you all 
fight.
<PrincessSakura> Very interesting.
* LadyMysteria almost spits out her tea.
<LadyMysteria> ... yes. Yes it was.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> I would have helped, but I'm not very good at fighting, and 
you all seemed to be able to handle it.
* LadyMysteria nods. "Hopefully there's not too much of a clash between the 
Warriors' enemies and our own in terms of appearances..."
<PrincessSakura> That... would be... difficult.
<Ked> It's clear that difficult isn't the word Sakura wants to use.
* Lady_MakeBelieve nods quickly
<PrincessSakura> Do you think they will be a problem, Haruko?
<Lady_MakeBelieve> I hope not.
<PrincessSakura> Did they ever interfere with your old team?
* LadyRoyal watches and listens quietly.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> Only once, and I don't think that was planned.
* LadyMysteria looks at the tea again, boggling a little.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> Neither the Wicked Stepmother nor the Dragon King seem to 
like working with others.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> Evil usually doesn't.
<PrincessSakura> That would be a good thing, I guess.
* PrincessSakura is smiling, but not for the reason Haruko probably thinks.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> Which is probably why the Queen doesn't want to help them... 
she doesn't look outside her own duty...
<PrincessSakura> She is pretty focussed.
<LadyMysteria> Extremely focused.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> I'm glad you all aren't like that.
<LadyMysteria> ... well, we're just foot soldiers. She has all of Japan to worry 
over, not just us and her Princesses...
* Lady_MakeBelieve sighs
* LadyMysteria stares into the cup. "I can't blame her for being a bit detached, 
really."
<PrincessSakura> *somewhat bitterly* ...yeah.
<Lady_MakeBelieve> The burden of duty.
<LadyMysteria> Mmmmn.
<PrincessSakura> Maya, think about what you heard at the Court a couple nights 
ago.  Just think.  *with the force of command*  Don't share it, but... be 
prepared.
* LadyRoyal looks up through veiled lashes at Sakura, but remains silent.
* LadyMysteria flinches at the command. "I've been prepared for a very long 
time, Sakura."
* PrincessSakura looks down.  "That's not what I meant."
<Ked> [end session]