Session Start: Sat Nov 13 16:05:34 2004 Last time on Hunters: Princess's little excursion for the team went variously awry. As expected, a Ningyo showed up. What wasn't expected was that Princess Squeegee would be on hand as well to give the team a helping hand. She also held an impromptu planning session with the team over dinner, just sort of feeling out what the team could do to deliver bugs to certain offices at Universal Shipbuilding. Nothing final was decided, but the Princess seemed to be leaning towards using the team rather than hiring some "outside experts". ...perhaps Princess having another memorable bad dream should have been expected - this one was even less clear than the last one, except perhaps that she has some duty to perform in a future crisis, and that some Lord will oppose her in that situation. The next day was very quiet - no Ningyo, no crises, no unexpected guests, just a crisp February day at the hot springs. And that tranquility extended on into the week... at least until Thursday. [Thursday, February 19, 2004 - 0945 local time] [second period History at Takeuchi Memorial] [session start] * Kyouko is bent over her notebook, doodling and taking occasional notes. * Taki sits in her spot in the back not really paying any more attention than she has to. Stupid School. * HistoryTeacher is droning on about the economic implications of the outcome of World War 2 on Japan and its regional neighbors. ...and... Hmm. Taki, can you summarize for the class the long term effects the mass importation of American media during the occupation had on our own culture? * HistoryTeacher sits on the edge of her desk and waits for an answer. * Taki stands up and drones out an answer that more or less answers the question and even throws in a bit of her own fangirlism. * Taki sits back down quickly. Ah. Well, I suppose that's all true, but you would be better off sticking with the book answer. American cinema influences are a little more... obscure than all that, I think. The bell rings, and the class packs up. Taki, Mina, Kyouko... would you mind staying for a moment? * Taki gets her stuff and... doesn't quite make it out the door even though she's the first one there. * Kyouko packs up her stuff then goes and stands by the teacher a bit nervously. * Taki turns and heads back over to the teacher. * HistoryTeacher scribbles a few questions on the chalkboard as a quiz for her next class. * Minami raises an eyebrow and heads over to the teacher, satchel slung over her back. Actually, I'd like to adjourn to my office for this. She scoots out the door as the next class just begins to arrive. * Kyouko follows after her, weaving through the next class. * Minami shrugs and follows. * Taki mumbles to Minami, "Watch, she's a Ningyo." Her office is near the front of the building. The door opens and reveals something that looks more like a closet - there's not hardly going to be enough room for all four people. * Minami murmurs back. "Too subtle." * HistoryTeacher closes the door behind the others. Claustrophobia ensues. * HistoryTeacher doesn't even try to sit down. * Taki is crammed into the corner of the room, being the one who displaces the most room. ^^; * HistoryTeacher frowns sharply at the three girls. * Kyouko "...", she's probably the most used to being crammed in small spaces with lots of other girls, thanks to the swim team. ...so, tell me. What's going on? * Minami sticks her hands in her pockets and looks at the teacher curiously. "What do you mean, sensei?" I was sick for a while...I kind of got pneumonia. * Taki hides in the back and tries to avoid speaking. * HistoryTeacher folds her arms and waits for a real answer. We have work... It's uh, private. Uh, huh. Talk to the Principal about it. He's the one that excuses us. I got handed this note just before this period *waves paper* saying you and your buddies are probably - but not certainly - are going to be absent for the next few days. Yeah, our work-study program...our schedule can be kind of erratic sometimes. ... And are our grades good enough to excuse us for those day? What sort of lame operation is this? This isn't a work-study program at all - no rational educational program can operate on a basis like this! Moroboshi-sensei's tried to speak with them about it, but the truth of the matter is, the stuff they have us working on can't be anticipated a lot of the time. It's really none of your business... I think your education is exactly my business. * Minami shoots a sharp glance at Taki for talking back to the teacher. * Kyouko stays quiet. * Taki shrugs at Mina. Are you going to fail us? * HistoryTeacher sneers. "I hadn't thought of that, but maybe I should." Based on what? * Minami steps forward, or would if there were enough room. Instead she just kinda nudges up a bit. "Sensei, believe us, the unpredictability of our schedules isn't by choice. And--hey! We always do the make-up work you and the other teachers assign..." I spent more time doing homework than resting when I was sick, sensei... It's not like we choose to miss class at all... ... You know, I actually believe that, having seen the effects whatever this is has on Leena. And that makes it even more suspicious. What is going on here? Some sort of gang activity? What? Gang activity? We're excused by the Principal himself. If you have questions, you should just ask him. Sensei, you can't possibly believe that Moroboshi-sensei would allow us to take time off school for something like that! The principal is an idiot - he acts like a teenager in our meetings. I would believe anything about him - and if he is involved in this too, you should tell me. Involved in *what*? I don't know! That's what I want from you! But we've told you what's going on...you don't believe us... Oh, sure - it's a "work-study" thing. Work where? Of what type? Who is your boss, and how can I contact him? We can't really tell you... Actually! Er... * Taki leans down and whispers to Mina. "Maybe we should just give her Sakura's number and let her yell for us..." * Minami rummages through her satchel. "Now, where did I put it..." * Kyouko looks at Minami surprisedly. * Minami gives Kyouko a quick "shut up and play along" look. Because I didn't have the information off the top of my head... * Kyouko tries to pick up what she said earlier. * Minami manages to find, slightly crumpled, the card she picked up waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back when, from the agency, and thrusts it desperately at the teacher. "Here!" * HistoryTeacher eyes the card skeptically. ...a detective agency? * Minami winces self-deprecatingly. "I know it sounds hokey, but I assure you, it's the truth." Yeah. What, do they use you as lures? Sure. Why not. ...sometimes. We really just do what the boss says. We learn deductive reasoning skills too. * Minami nods. "Sometimes we help with the reports." ...this can NOT be legal. What? Oh, the lure thing...it's never for *dangerous* missions. * Minami sighs. "They make us stay inside during all the exciting ones. We only deal with the paperwork when that stuff comes up." Oh, sure, so non-dangerous paperwork is why Leena comes back despondent every few weeks? And the rest of you look a little haunted too from time to time. * Minami shrugs. "Late nights. Plus, they don't let us have ice cream while we're on duty." You know how Leena is. She really has a hard time when there's no ice cream. ... * Taki shakes her head. ...this is complete crap. * Minami looks vaguely upset. "I still don't understand why you don't believe us, sensei, but we've told you everything...if you want more detailed information, I guess you need to talk to Moroboshi-sensei..." * HistoryTeacher scowls again. "I'm going to call this place, and when I don't like what I hear, I'm going to take it as far as I can go. Look, the point is no matter how much you dislike or don't agree with what we're doing you can't prevent us from doing it. If you're going to fail us, we'll talk to the school board. * HistoryTeacher opens the door back up. "Don't think for a second that this situation will stand." * Minami shrugs. "If that's what it takes to convince you, sensei." She casually kicks Taki's foot and makes a show of looking at her watch. "Um, if there's nothing else, can we go now? We all have classes, and it wouldn't do to be late..." Everyone is already late, but the teacher writes up several excuse slips. And that idiot principal is not going to stand in my way. * Taki winces at the kick and glares at Mina. * HistoryTeacher stalks back to her classroom. * Kyouko sighs and heads out of the closet. * Minami bows politely as she takes the slip. "Thank you, sensei." Then she dashes off. ... ARGH. Yeah. That's really bad. We should get her fired. There's nothing she can do. Why do we flirt around the issue? No ice cream? What the crap is that? We should talk to Sakura. Or Sq--Mayuki. Soon as possible. Yes. We should. * Minami gives Taki an exasperated look and lowers her voice slightly before responding. "Look, I'd like to at least *try* and get this settled without more coming out that needs to. Stonewalling her would just be more suspicious." We don't want other teachers to get suspicious or something... Yeah but if she goes to the school board or whatever then it already becomes a spectacle. Like she *wouldn't* if we had just stood there and refused to answer? If we had just shut her up right now then it wouldn't need to go beyond this. We need to talk to Leena. She's making it worse for the rest of us... I doubt it. The whole issue that she'd go to the school board over would be the program in the first place. You heard her, she was already suspicious. No matter what we'd have said, it'd be suspect. Yeah, but this is the Queen's school. We have the authority here. Like hell we do. What, are you going to blow your identity for one cranky teacher? Let her see what she can get from Sakura. She's the one with real authority. And she can make the calls we don't have the right to. We don't have to blow anything. We don't know exactly how much information the faculty and staff here have. We should still try to be careful. * Kyouko is trying to stay out of the argument. ... Fine. Can we get out of this office, you're pressing against me and I don't like that. * Minami is already out. * Kyouko is out too. * Minami gives Taki a weird look. * Minami looks at her watch again, for real this time. "Look, we can squabble about this later, but I've gotta scramble. Quiz in calculus." ... Yeah. Whatever. * Taki walks off towards her next class, and taking her sweet time. * Minami veers off for class. * Kyouko heads off after Minami. [a couple of hours later, Taki heads upstairs for lunch with Card Club] There's rather a lot of loud conversation on the roof as Taki arrives. * Taki eyes the conversation, knowing she's going to be pulled into it, but tries to avoid it all the same. Taaaaaakiiiii!!! * Taki edges towards her corner with her lunch in hand-- Crap. Yes, Sanako? * Sanako looks like she's been crying a little, and is waving a newspaper in one hand. * Taki sweats nervously. * Taki cringes as the girl with way too much energy approaches. Have you seen today's Asami Shimbun? Taki notices that there are a lot of girls reading a newspaper up here today. Yes? Then you know! Isn't it horrible! * Taki peeks at the paper in Sanako's hand. "Magical Girl Raped and Mutilated! Saved by her peers!" * Taki shudders at the memory. And she went *here*! It was Junko! ... * Sanako glomps onto Taki, sobbing. Yeah... * Taki O_o's and uh... um... uh... uh... um... pats her head? There isn't anyone up there that finds this sudden hysteria inappropriate - they're all looking quite grim. ...I never thought about the crazies out there - maybe being a Lady isn't so nice... No... I suppose it isn't all puppies and rainbows... * Taki doesn't cry, but she does look rather grim. She keeps a hand on Sanako's head, not really sure what else to do. * Sanako lets go reluctantly, and foists the newspaper off on Taki before huddling on the roof beside her. * Taki sits down reluctantly next to the other girl, glancing at the paper in her hand... Three of the other club members appear to be building an impromptu shrine to Junko using spare Lady Goggles cards. * Taki didn't really want to relive the story again. She skipped it entirely when reading the paper in the morning... "...appears that she was tied down, blindfolded, and tortured for nearly thirty-six hours straight. Police sources say that a normal girl would have been dead at least three times over before they stopped." * Taki now feels like she's going to throw up. She sets her lunch down next to her and doesn't even look at it. They... they weren't even monsters... How could regular people do that to a girl? "...finally freed when a group of her colleagues tracked her down and captured the accused men, who were only minorly injured in that fracas." Should've killed them... Sanako? ...Taki? Um... Do you think the girls that rescued her should've just killed the men instead of capturing them to turn over to the authorities? *sniff* I... uh... They're worse then Ningyo! They should have pasted them! ... * Taki looks down sadly. ...but it sounds like they'll be executed anyway, so I suppose that's just as good. What about like, what's right? And the greater good and all that? They'd have been bringing themselves down to their level and... I don't think that's how a magical girl should be... You're so sensible Taki... but the greater good would have been for there to have been no Ningyo attack and these creeps never getting the opportunity... ... Yeah. Or... * Taki looks down. "...don't know how police were able to determine so quickly that the missing girl was actually a Lady, or why they were so certain she was missing from the very beginning. " I wish I could've been there to stop them... Looking over the edge of the building, Taki sees a large number of vehicles parked outside the school grounds, including several television trucks. Fuck... This is way out of hand. It's all my fault. Huh? Nothing... I was at the mall that day. I... saw the guys following her. They just seemed like normal uh... perverts. Harmless, you know? Oh, geez! I should've known... ...maybe you're a magical girl and don't know it yet, to be attracted to a situation like that... Isn't it already kinda late to be finding something like that out? And besides, if I was a magical girl, I would've sensed their evil and stopped them, right? There's new ones all the time! Shout some phrase and try to transform! Err... I'd rather not... Aw. * Sanako has at least momentarily forgotten to be upset. I couldn't be a magical girl. I'm no one special... [downstairs - The Tea Club] There are plenty of newspapers here - strange how all of them got into the building through the morning - and the girls are hunching over them in groups, clutching teacups with shaking hands. * Leena comes up behind Athena, balancing her own food with one hand, and a bottle of Tabasco sauce in the other. * Minami sits a few tables away, eating lunch and reading the paper, a frown on her face. * Kyouko sits with Minami, she can barely eat her ramen, she just found out what had happened. A girl across the table Leena doesn't know very well looks up and sees Leena. You're one of them, right? * Leena blinks, and quickly hides the Tabasco sauce behind her. Huh? * Haruko sits next to Minami, and pulls out her homemade lunch. One of the ones who rescued Junko. ... * Athena turns around. "Yes. Yes she is." * Leena shakes her head, slower and quieter than Athena. "No, no I'm not." You don't have to hide it any more, Leena - the Queen okayed telling everyone about your team. ... please don't attach any responsibility of saving her on me. I don't deserve it. But... you were there. You and the others... * Leena continues on to her seat, whipping out the bottle of Tabasco sauce and dumping it out over Athena's lunch on the way. "And don't -you- go around telling others what I did or didn't do." ... * Athena sticks a finger in the sauce, touches it to her tongue, and winces. * Leena sits, and glances at all the papers, starting on her own lunch, slowly. *slightly snarky* She's just feeling guilty because she couldn't figure it out faster and get to the poor girl any quicker. One of Athena's minions goes running to the counter for another plate of food. * Minami notices the commotion, but doesn't do more than glance over. * Leena grips the table. Hard. She flips her hair to where it covers her eyes. But... you did save her, Mallet, and for that we are all grateful. *gestures at her plate* This one is a freebie. * Leena shakes her head again. "Save it for the ones who deserve it." ...I don't understand you, Leena. Was... was it as bad as the paper makes it sound? ... this isn't something to be proud of, or something to be bragging about. I was stupid and naive and didn't realize what happened at all. I don't deserve any praise, and I sure as hell don't want any. * Leena continues, softer. "And yes. It was that bad." But... if anything happens to the rest of us, you'll be looking into that, right? ... not me. *looks up and glances at the others of her team at the table.* Us. * Kyouko looks up at Leena, a single noodle trailing from her mouth into the cup. * LadyGoban nods. "I know, and I don't say this to mean that they're any less than you, but I really trust you, Leena." ... why me? * Athena mumbles something incoherent. I just think that you care a lot. * Leena sighs, propping her head up on a hand. "You think so, huh?" She stares off spacily. * Athena turns to Princess Oak, and comments, "I'm glad we did make the Hunters public when we did, or there might be even more panic now." ... poor Junko. I wish that wasn't front-page. Did you have to let the police know? * Leena tightens a fist. "... wasn't my idea." I tried to get her team there.... * Oak looks down at a bit of the article. "I guess they already did know, sort of." Remind me to strangle Tiara until she coughs up blood next time I see her, okay? Oh, what did Maggie do this time? ... I don't know all of Junko's team, or how to get a hold of them. I guessed she would. ... I don't know if she did or not, because she completely blew me off when ONE OF HER OWN TEAM MEMBERS was rescued... ... just because I accidentally wrecked her mall. Oh, were you the person that called her during the start of the conference? ... yeah. * Athena giggles madly. Everyone looks at her strangely. Oh, did she piss off the wrong Lady... * Leena shakes her head. "You Princesses are all insane, I swear." It seems that way some days. Mags is part of the real oldschool bunch. She was with the first team, and won't let the rest of us forget it. * Leena almost hisses out, "I'm sure a good whack to the noggin will do wonders for her recollection ability." * Athena starts giggling again. "...wait, so were you literally at the... scene when you called her?" ... does it matter? * Oak looks like she wants to strangle Athena. ... while it's on my mind. How's her team taking it? Goggles' friends? ...well, you'd have to ask Tiara to know for sure. ... fuck that. I'd heard from Sakura that the police aren't letting Junko see anyone at all except family, so they only have third-hand reports like this paper is. ... I'll have to see them, then. They deserve to know more than that... ... especially after Snowball... * Leena sighs. * Athena frowns, then perks up slightly and turns to find the other Hunters. * Kyouko is still eating the ramen. Hey, could you guys come over here for a few seconds? * Haruko is feeding the last bits of her lunch to Norcliff * Minami is also still eating. The newspaper's making her go more slowly than usual...she looks up. "Hm?" What do you need? * Kyouko finishes the bits she's eating and puts her chopsticks down. * Minami cautiously puts down her chopsticks and wanders over. "What is it?" * Kyouko gets up and walks over. * Athena makes gathering gestures to the Tea Club table, and the girls huddle up around her. * Leena doesn't gather. She starts eating, slowly. Ladies, these are the Hunters, or at least most of them. Leena's over there, Taki eats somewhere else... Maya is gone today? ...and there's a Lord, too. So obviously he's not here. Maya's sick, I think. She didn't look too well yesterday. Minami, Haruko, and Kyouko. Royal, Make-Believe, and Heat, respectively. I hope she didn't catch my cold... They were the ones who tracked down Junko, and they're the ones that will help you if there are any... human-based threats. * Minami looks around a bit to make sure no normals are paying attention. In this school? Pay attention? Pshaw. I know we told you all about them a couple weeks ago, but after... you know... I think it's good that we refresh your memory. ...if you have problems, please tell them. Junko did, and if she hadn't they might not have found her at all. *whispered to Mina* Could you just give them a few words of encouragement? Please? * Minami blinks. "Well, okay." * Minami looks around a little nervously. "I know you probably feel a little weird about the idea of coming to people you don't know about your problems, but if you think that there's a possible threat or....something coming from a non- Ningyo quarter, *please* tell us. You all have your jobs. Ours is to make sure that you can do them. Maya's our leader, but you can come to any of us if you feel the need..." * Minami trails off and whispers back to Athena. "Was that okay?" * Leena looks up at the speech. * Kyouko nods a little. * Athena nods and smiles gratefully. "Now, we need to put together a care package for Junko. Any suggestions?" I can make some cookies! I could send some manga... [after school - after fighting their way through the media circus outside] * Leena cuts back into the school to transform and change into after-school clothes, after seeing the crowd. She doesn't want to be recognized, and she does want to have an easier time pushing through the crowd. * Taki avoids the shit of the circus, sneaking out the back. * Minami takes one look at the crowd and does the same. * Taki spots Minami behind her and approaches her. I'm sorry about earlier... * Minami is still looking slightly frazzled from the sight of the crowd. "Huh? Oh. That." She shrugs. "Difference of opinion." Yeah. I'm just glad you're not mad or anything. What's there to be mad about? The situation's out of our hands now. * LadyMallet looks around at the vans and stuff on the way through crowd, at least as much as she can at 4'3. It just really pisses me off cause WE'RE the ones doing the right thing. And we can't even tell her that so we have a bunch of bullshit to deal with... I just didn't want things to get...worse. * Kyouko walks a bit nervously with Haruko, the two have never really met before, let alone talked. Yeah, I know how it can get. ... Did the newspaper make the rounds at the Tea Club too? ...mm? I guess so, I saw a bunch of them reading it, and then Athena called us over. It's everywhere today, I think. * LadyMallet rejoins the others, waving. We all make it? * Minami nods back at Leena, then looks around. "Uh-oh. Looks like Kyouko and Haruko got stuck out in that mess." ... oh. We should wait for them. ... >< We should rescue them, I suppose. Yeah. * Kyouko looks around for the others. "Haruko, can you see them?" If they need rescuing... I hope they didn't get noticed. * Taki moves back into the school, weaving through the crowd towards the other two girls. * Minami goes around the perimeter. * LadyMallet goes outside the crowd, copying Minami's actions in the other direction. * Taki loops an arm around Haruko and Kyouko and drags them through the crowd, ignoring the reporters. "Come on..." There you are... * Minami catches up and closes in to one side of the three girls, blocking media from that end. Sorry, I'm not good at crowds.. Sorry about that, didn't think y'all would try and leave from here. * Taki tries to catch up with the other two girls on the other side. * LadyMallet arrives a little after Minami- she's not so quick to spot them as her. I didn't think it would be that bad. * Minami tchs and shakes her head. "All right, we're all here. Let's move it." Alright, this everyone? * Taki meets up with the other girls. "Yeah, let's head to the agency." * LadyMallet pumps a fist. "Yosh!" Leena's cell phone rings. * Taki eyes Leena. * LadyMallet 'eeps' and fumbles through her bag, digging it out, flipping it open and answering before seeing who it is. "Hello!" ...Leena? It's Anzu - you know, Lady Handcuff? Hi! * LadyMallet moves away from the crowd, so it's not so loud in the other end. What's up? Hey, I got your number from the secretary... not a lot, but I did want to invite you all to a slumber party. Ooooooooooh * LadyMallet eyes turn starry. You can almost hear that over the phone. *_* Tonight? * Taki EYES Leena. Eh? * Minami looks up. "Uh-oh." * LadyMallet cups the phone slightly away. "It's Anzu. She says there's a slumber party, and we're all invited!" Somehow, I get the feeling I'm not gonna like this.... ...ha. Knew it. Yeah! Sakura said it would be okay, and that you might all need some relaxation after this afternoon... Slumber party.... Yay! Ooh. Ooh, ask if we should bring snacks! *half-worried* I think I saw a couple of you in the live shots from the school. * LadyMallet continues to the others, "Yeah, tonight!" Then back to the phone. "Should we bring snacks?" ... hopefully everything will turn out okay. Nothing we can do about that now.... Snacks, games... pajamas. I did invite Lord Darkmoon as well, so modest pajamas, unless of course you... nevermind. * LadyMallet switches back to the girls. "Rinada's gonna be there, so dress to impress!" ... Is Sakura going to be there? * LadyMallet goes back to the phone. "And Sakura?" * Minami facepalms at Leena. And maybe Taki. Who knows? Um... I didn't really invite her? If you want, I can try... * LadyMallet holds the phone away. "Did you want to invite her? Anzu says she could try..." Sure, why not? * LadyMallet switches back to Anzu. "Yeah, try!" Yes. * Taki looks down sheepishly. * Minami is clearly speaking out of "If I have to do it, EVERYONE MUST DO IT." I guess. And try doubly hard! Minami and Taki are both all in favor of it! Not at her place, is it? Okay... I'll call her again. We'll see. * Minami winces. When and where? Um, if you can be at my place at 730 sharp? * Taki mumbles. "Didn't we just get through doing this with Princess?" Ano... where's your place? * Anzu gives directions. "I'd think you'd remember..." * LadyMallet blinks. "Oh, right. Seeya there!" * Anzu hangs up. * LadyMallet waits for Anzu to end the conversation on her end, holding just the earpiece close and smiling at the other girls. She flips the phone closed. * Norcliff pokes out of Haruko's pocket, tugging her sleeve a little. Oh? What is it? ... * Taki grumbles. Sakura better show up... I know how much you love these things, but I don't think you should go Haruko. 7:30 sharp, Anzu's place! ... why not? And Anzu said she'd try! I dunno, something doesn't feel right all of a sudden... ...? * Norcliff pats her distractedly. Girls, Norcliff says he has a bad feeling about this. ...? * Minami frowns. Oh? * LadyMallet blinks blankly again. Huh? * Taki stifles her unproductive replies of "SO?!" ... then that's just all the reason more to show up. Something... unusual. Not the Dragons' minions, or the new Sea monsters either. I don't know what's going on, but it's making me kind of sick. ...sick how? Wouldn't want Anzu to have a slumber party alone with whatever happens. ^_^ Just... I don't know how best to describe it. ...would you be able to...sort of transfer what this bad feeling is to Darkmoon? That's weird... * Minami nibbles on her lip thoughtfully. ... I can keep watch. You guys enjoy yourselves. And with all of us there, what could possibly get by all of us? ...hn. I don't know, I could try it with the Chef, but I've never encountered this before. Maybe we should try before we go in. Just as a precaution. Maybe Rinada will be able to articulate whatever this is. Probably a good idea. Should I call him? * Minami shrugs. "We're going to see him sooner or later anyway." We should make sure Anzu isn't alone in any case... Or Sakura... They're strong, but if it's really bad we should be there... * Norcliff curls back into Haruko's pocket, muttering very softly. * LadyMallet nods. We just need to all be careful So... everyone goes their separate ways to gather supplies. The train schedule pretty much lands everyone is Soka within five minutes of each other, so there's a sudden gathering of Hunters on the platform. * Leena has her school backpack with her, only it's pretty well stuffed with something that's not her books. Hi everyone! * LadyNightshade doesn't look very pleased to be doing this, but feels it's her duty to protect everyone. * Lord_Darkmoon smiles and waves at everyone. He's got several bags from various food-places with him. "Good evening, Ladies." ^_^ * Haruko has brought a gym bag full of all sorts of things. Sakura better show up... * Kyouko has her usual backpack and is carrying a case of CDs. Music for the party. * Leena is wearing a pair of low-cut jeans and a sparkly shirt that's mostly Cute but has a dash of Sexy with it. Her hair's Leia style, the buns on either side held in place by Hello Kitty hairpins. * Norcliff 's hiding in Haruko's pocket, curled up into a tiny ball and trying not to vomit. * Minami arrives with her usual satchel and something new: A gleaming silver case. * Minami nods at everyone, then turns to Haruko. "How's Norcliff? Feeling any better about this?" Nope, if anything he's worse I hope he's ok. * Lord_Darkmoon looks from Minami to Haruko. "What's wrong with him?" ... He's got a bad feeling. We were wondering if you could translate it any more accurately than that. * Minami nods. ...oh? Is he here? *sets down the three bags in his right hand, and holds it out* Let me see him. You should let...yeah. * LadyNightshade heads off ahead of the group, heading to Anzu's place, not wanting to deal with the cute fluffy animal. * Haruko gently retrieves Norcliff from her pocket and hands him to Darkmoon. Be careful. * Norcliff cringes some. * Lord_Darkmoon holds the sugar-glider gently in the palm of his hand. "It's alright, Norcliff...just let me feel it. You can do it, I'm listening." * Norcliff turns an eye to Darkmoon. "I still don't know, but it just keeps getting worse." * Lord_Darkmoon turns almost green. "Not...the usual sensations. *shudder* Poor guy, you've been feeling this for how *swallow* long?" since class got out. Since The Hammer's phone rang this afternoon... * Leena half-raises an eyebrow at the sugar glider. "Mallet." * Norcliff groans. I wonder if they're connected...this is not normal. But it's coming from something that wants to hurt...us, I think. Or just be harmful in general. I'm not sure." * Minami frowns, and then gasps. Do you know something Mina? * Minami shakes her head and blinks. "...gah. Sorry. Just a sudden bad-- weird--idea." What? * Lord_Darkmoon carefully sets down the other bags in his left hand. Glass can be heard clinking on the hard ground. He then gently pets Norcliff with one finger. "Shh, it's okay... *swallow* You'll be okay..." It's at Anzu's place. And...I don't know, I just thought maybe...Hardhat, d'you think? It's...a completely random idea. Hardhat? ... ... ....Huh. But. I mean, Norcliff hasn't reacted to the stuff we usually deal with, and so I was trying to think of something else it could be... ... best not to put it off. ... Mina. What? Whatever this is, do you think it's a good idea to try and avoid it? * Leena is genuinely asking, a bit confused-sounding. If you all still want to go, I'll go with you, but I'm worried about Norcliff now. Has...*swallow again* has it gotten worse as you got closer to here, or just worse with time? * Minami frowns. "....gah. I honestly don't know. We don't even know if Norcliff's feeling is related to there being some kind of a threat around Anzu's place, or if it's got something to do with us going the--" She stops and waits for Norcliff to answer Darkmoon. It's been getting worse all afternoon; I couldn't even help make the snacks... * Minami lets out her breath and looks around. "What do the rest of you think?" So it's because of the time? As you stand at the platform, another train rolls in. ... I think we should go. * Lord_Darkmoon shivers. "I... " he just keeps trying to comfort the little guy as he looks up. "This feels like something is influencing it, not like a natural disease. If it's getting worse with time, then it's probably heralding something big." * Leena sounds worried, now. "It sounds like... whatever it is will happen whether we're there or not." ...yeah. Haruko? Do you want to take Norcliff back, or would you rather I carry him? *looks positively sick himself, right now* So we'll go... * Leena looks at the time! * Minami eyes Darkmoon. "Let Haruko carry him." Otherwise you'll be twice as bad. *both be I'd rather carry him, yeah. * Leena snaps her fingers. * Minami shakes her head to clear it, then takes a deep breath. "Okay, then. Let's go." We're gonna be late! * Lord_Darkmoon shakes his head at Minami as he hands the sugar-glider gently to Haruko. "I'll be fine; I'm just feeling it while he sends it to me. I *swallow* I'd almost rather he keep doing so. I can keep tabs on how he's doing that way." I'm going on ahead, okay? * Leena jets, not waiting for an answer. * Minami starts walking. "Just don't let it get *you* all bent out of shape, either. If this is really that bad, we're going to need all the help we can get..." * Norcliff shakes his head and looks around. "Odd." * Leena breaks into a run- she's really trying to get there on time. * Lord_Darkmoon carefully picks his bags up again--and freezes halfway up. I'll do my best. * Lord_Darkmoon sighs, relieved. "Whatever it is...it's faded a bit. Not so present." I... I don't feel it so much now. * Norcliff looks to Darkmoon. "I really don't understand this. You have any ideas?" Not really...it just suddenly faded. Let's get going. Don't want to let Leena get too far ahead. She might eat all the food! *winks jokingly* * Minami pauses and glances in the direction they're supposed to go speculatively. "Hm." I've never felt anything like it before. * Norcliff jumps down and runs after Leena. "I want food too!" You're not familiar with it, either, Norcliff? *starts walking, carrying his bags* I hope this is turns out okay. * Minami walks quietly with Rinada and Kyouko and Haruko. * Kyouko clutches her CD case to her as they head on. * LadyNightshade waits out front of Anzu's place idly wondering why everyone has to take so friggin' long. It's a little bit of a walk to the house - unfortunately there's no easy bus line to go straight there. The team turns the corner onto the correct street. There's nobody around that you can see, and the neighborhood is pretty quiet. * Haruko hustles up with everyone else. * Lord_Darkmoon walks along, taking deep breaths of the early night air. He looks better, and seems to be enjoying the walk. * Leena continues running. * Minami continues walking. And thinking. And watching. Is it better now, Rinada? Much. Still there, but not nearly so...imminent. Leena is visible to the rest of the team as she approaches Anzu's house... and then she's very visible as something burns a streak across the night sky, lighting up the ground for miles around. * Minami actually *jumps*, she's so tightly wound, and twitches reflexively. * Haruko stares at the sky. * Leena stops, and spins on her heel to turn fast enough to keep track of it. "What the...." * Lord_Darkmoon 's eyes widen, and he sets down his bags again, with exaggerated care as he watches the sky where the streak fell. !! The streak angles down and intersects with Anzu's home, which explodes in a mass of flaming timbers. ....oh my god. no... WHAT?! ...fucking... * Leena 's eyes widen, and she doesn't waste a second dropping her bag and transforming. * Minami RUNS toward it. * Minami also transforms. * LadyMallet dashes in head-first. * Haruko shouts, and transforms as well. * Kyouko drops her case and transforms Annnnnnzu! * Lord_Darkmoon runs towards it himself, after a moment of shocked pause. * LadyNightshade makes her way in ahead of the group, already having been inspecting the grounds. Fucking shit fuck hell shit fuck... * Haruko creates a fire extinguisher on her way there. Taki, hiding in a tree a couple of lots over, is pelted with siding fragments. Strangely, they're not as lethal as one might expect. * LadyRoyal continues her stream of curses as she gets there. * LadyMallet searches frantically. "Anzu, Anzu! Can you hear me?" Here, take these! * Haruko starts making more and passing them out. Ow! * LadyNightshade falls out of the tree. * LadyRoyal grabs one and runs in, applying it liberally where needed. * LadyHeat sprays the house with the extinguisher. * Lord_Darkmoon 's clothes become thicker, and a cloth mask extends up over his face as he runs. He takes one of the extinguishers from MakeBelieve when offered, but keeps focussed on the burning building. As everyone approaches, there's more left of the house than you might have expected from a distance. The north side is flattened and fragmented, sure, but the south side is just now starting to collapse. * LadyNightshade limps a bit, sprinting over to the house. * Lord_Darkmoon starts spraying as he gets near, looking ready to charge right in. * LadyMallet does her best to get in there and hold the place up, and keep it from collapsing more. * Haruko starts looking for people, putting out fires as she goes. * LadyNightshade makes her way into the house, searching for survivors. Despite Mallet's efforts, the southern end of the house does collapse in on itself, though in slow motion. * LadyRoyal does the same. * Lord_Darkmoon does likewise, spraying anything that burns in his path. He's looking for people. * LadyHeat continues spraying the worst parts, trying to think of a way to help with her powers. There's also less fire than expected - between the efforts of the team, most of the flames are out within a minute. * LadyMallet panics as it collapses anyway, before composing herself. "Annnnzu! Anyone!" ...did Maya mention a basement floor?? Does anyone remember? The rubble of the south end has completely settled now, and the scene is eerily silent. * LadyMallet helps with the searching, going especially for the bigger pieces she can handle easily. * LadyRoyal continues searching frantically. * LadyNightshade moves as quick as she can, looking for what caused the damage. Anzu! Anyone! Call if you need help! *looks around frantically, standing still and looking either heroic or silly, depending on the beholder's opinion, as he holds the fire extinguisher like a spray-weapon* * LadyHeat goes about helping the others lift and move pieces, as she has strength as well. Is anyone here! Hello! Anyone! * Lady_MakeBelieve does her best with a conjured crowbar. Taki finds herself in the bottom of the crater on the north side. Judging by the angles and memory of the fireball impact, it must have come through the north wall. * Lord_Darkmoon drops the extinguisher when no one answers, and his clothes become heavy work-garb as he joins the lifting and sifting efforts. * LadyNightshade looks around for wreckage or something. ...the fragments of the house in the crater are too small to recognize. ...the two-meter, steaming, yellow hardhat embedded in the concrete foundation is instantly recognizable. * LadyMallet glances over at Taki, slowing down, then tossing a final piece away and making her way over to her and the crater. ... Holy shit... * LadyHeat heads towards the other two. "..." Leena turns around too quickly to see the slender arm that she just revealed. * Lady_MakeBelieve walks up behind Taki Wha--fuck. Looks like you were right Mina. WHY THE FUCK DID YOU GUYS TAKE SO LONG?! What? *looks up from what he was lifting, slowly* * LadyRoyal winces. "Wish I weren't." BECAUSE NORCLIFF WAS SICK! * LadyMallet eyes widen, and she blinks a few times, slowly. ...wha? ... no... Taki, we could have been inside! ... not Hardhat... We gotta find her. Now would you like to keep shouting, or would you like to get something done? You guys find Anzu and her parents... We need to keep looking for people. * LadyRoyal nods and turns around, going back to work...and sees the arm. * LadyNightshade dashes off in the direction the hardhat came from. ....oh, geez. * Lord_Darkmoon keeps looking for bodies. Hopefully living ones. ... why? Why...? I've been LOOKING for you! And you go and do something stupid like this! WHY? * LadyRoyal walks over and slowly tries to uncover more. * LadyHeat turns around at Royal's exclamation. There's certainly more body being revealed... Did you find something Mina? * LadyHeat helps Royal move rubble. ...yeah. Oh my lord. * LadyMallet picks up the hardhat, and flings it away. We found someone... Where!? ...I think I found someone. *starts pulling more rubble away, as quickly as he carefully can* * LadyMallet whirls around, and goes to the cries of 'body!' It's definitely a girl, though she's awfully bloody. * Lady_MakeBelieve attempts to figure out if she's still alive. Dammit, why can't we heal others? *starts checking to see if she's alive* * LadyRoyal gulps and continues. Darkmoon finds... a pulse? Is she alive? ...she's alive. I'm calling an ambulance. *pulls out his cell* ...oh, right...shoulda done that... There are already sirens sounding in the distance. * LadyMallet looks. Is it Anzu? In the dark, with the blood, it's hard to tell, but she's the right shape. * LadyRoyal rips off part of her ribbon and wipes the blood away. "Haruko, can you get us some light here?" * Lord_Darkmoon puts his phone away at that sound. And gets takes off his shirt, which becomes a blanket that he lays over the girl. "Best keep her warm, until the paramedics get here." * LadyMallet clears the rest of the debris around her away, if there's any left. * LadyNightshade looks around the neighborhood for anything suspicious. * LadyNightshade finally just pulls out her cellphone and calls Sakura. We should look for others, too. Her parents...might be in here, too. ...yeah. * Lord_Darkmoon suits action to words. * LadyRoyal looks like she's trying not to throw up. "Yeah." * Lady_MakeBelieve passes out flashlights, now that the light of the fire isn't available. ... if we had been on time.... Thanks. * LadyRoyal starts off by taking a closer look at the girl they found. And her parents weren't around? Don't think about what-ifs now, Mallet. They can't help. With a light, it is definitely Anzu. ... You're right... ...oh, Anzu... ...at least whatever was making Norcliff sick is gone. So, if this was it, it's not happening again. * LadyRoyal glances at the crater. "No, I wouldn't think so." [end session]