Session Start: Sat Oct 22 15:43:54 2005 Previously, on Hunters: The team had a long, long evening at Universal Shipbuilding. USC CFO Haga called in the Tokyo police to make trouble for the Americans and the Hunters, forcing the team to leave the Navy base. They proceeded to get lost in one of Haruko's... things. Rin did a favor for a pixie, and wound up with a little glowing problem. Eventually, they slew the Dragon Lord of the North, and were dumped back into the normal world in Haga's office, where Rin slew him. While they were out, a Ningyo attack had started, and while the team did for the Ningyo that blocked their path back to the base, the powerful Ningyo there succeeded in washing a goodly number of trailers and personnel over the seawall before taking off on her own. The operation to destroy the wrecked carrier was accordingly pushed forward. If you knew what you were looking for and were on the west shore of Tokyo Bay just before sunset on Tuesday, you would have seen several black aircraft overflying the site of the shipwreck and dropping large guided munitions into holes that suddenly appeared in the sea. The Hunters have been informed that they are no longer needed at the Navy base, which is packing up anyway, so Wednesday morning they're feeling somewhat at ends. Fortunately, their tutor has something to say about that. [Wednesday, March 23, 2004 - 1045 local time] [The Agency] [Session start] * Kyouko studies the lesson in a zombie-like manner. Good! Then I can start assigning some real research papers! * Taki isn't really paying attention as she lounges on the couch. * Inouye-Sensei rubs her hands together briskly. "What to start with... ah, right. How about ten pages comparing and contrasting the American, English, and Japanese systems of national government?" * LadyMallet pauses, mid-handstand, and looks upside-down at the teacher. "Oro?" Ten pages? Feel free to write more. ... * Taki grumbles. Can we do field research? Do you want political theory, or governing practice? Both would be good, Mina-kun. * Minami hmms and jots that bit of information down. Because you can't just read about it. It'd be more thorough if we went to those places to see it in action. ^__^ That's what CNN and SKY News are for, dear. Yes, because the agency is going to pay for you to fly to different countries so you can write a stupid paper. Can we find the constitutions in the library easily, or should we look online? Of course they will. You can't put a numerical amount on a proper education. * Rin smiles quietly - glowingly, one might say, were that not a horrible pun for her current condition - as she steps out of the kitchen. "Both would be good ways of getting ahold of them." Online would probably be faster. Oh, and if you find the English constitution, I want to see it. ^_^ * LadyMallet leans back, flipping and landing on her feet. And, Leena-chan, if you wish to go sightseeing, you should consider using your share of the fees we got from Yukino-san. Why, is there more than one? * LadyMallet mutters something about stupid laws and stupid legal age and stupid greedy teammates and stupid bikes and stupid stupid. Grr. Less than one, dear. Why not? Not like I can get it anyways. Oh. * Minami snerks. * Taki yawns, boredly. * LadyMallet blinks, suddenly enthusiastic. And latches onto Inouye-Sensei's legs, looking up on her. "If I do really well will you get me a bike? I got the money and everything but I'm not old enough yet? Please please please please please!" ... Decorum, Leena-chan. Decorum. ^_~ * Minami shakes her head, resigned. I think Sakura-san is the one who can make that happen for you, not I. Leena, you still have to be old enough to drive it. * Kyouko realizes after a moment's thought that Leena means a motor bike. Do not! Just have to be old enough to legally drive it! That's what Taki just *said*. Then look forward to it. Even Magical Girls don't get everything they want all at once. * LadyMallet jumps back from Inouye-Sensei, and pumps a fist, powerposing enthusiastically. "I'll ace this paper! And I'll get my bike that I deserve!" No one is getting you a bike. You can't just declare that it's going to happen. Not no one, someone! Sometimes, Inouye-san, we get things we don't want even faster. *glows* If you do well, I'll put in a good word for you. That's all I can promise. Yes... Rin, are you certain I can't get you an appointment with a doctor? Or a dermatologist? I thought dermatologists fixed acne, not glowing. * Rin inclines her head. "I believe that such are both unnecessary and unlikely to be helpful, though your concerns and thoughts are most appreciated." So how long do we have to do the paper? * Rin chuckles. "And it would be quite difficult to explain the condition's causes without revealing more than is wise." Oh... well, there's some math tests coming up, so I'll give you some extra time. Next Friday. * Minami jots that down, too. * Taki sighs. Tests. Better get on it then! Going to the library, anyone coming with me? I thought you were supposed to heal fast, though. It doesn't seem to be an injury, technically speaking. * Minami eyes Rin. She doesn't seem hurt... It's her new super power. Magical Glowing Samurai Princess Rin! * LadyMallet practically vibrates in place, waiting for an answer. * Secretary clears her throat over the intercom. "Ano..." * Taki dives for the button. "Work?" ... what? * Minami sighs. "What've we got now?" No, not now! I got a paper to write! It can't be now! * Rin nods. "Speaking of, is Haruko-san still sulking, or is she up for discussing her friends? --oh, hello, Secretary-san." Um... Morioka-san is here. And... Junko. ...we'll be right down. Crap, we gotta transform. Yeah. * Minami dashes off to the bathroom. * Kyouko just transforms there. * LadyMallet sobers up from hyper to 'oh no' in 10 seconds ago. * Rin steps out of the room. Should I... Yeah, probably. * LadyRoyal changes and rushes out to the lobby, or wherever Morioka and Junko are. * Inouye-Sensei is obviously frustrated by yet another interruption. * Taki steps into another room and changes, leaving her clothes how she had them. ... everyone in costume? The tutor slips out the stairs door without comment. * LadyNightshade heads out to meet the guests. * Lord_Darkmoon steps back into the room after a purple flare, and after Inouye is gone. * Morioka looks like he hasn't slept in three days. * LadyRoyal frowns. "What's up." * LadyHeat heads down. Are you guys okay? * LadyNightshade suddenly looks a lot more energetic than she did when the tutor was around. * LadyMallet follows, stepping slowly and lightly. * Junko has dyed her hair, and has a large amount of makeup on. She's wearing a bulky sweatshirt, and looks tired, but not so tired as the detective. * LadyRoyal sizes up Morioka and Junko's appearances, and her frown deepens. We'd better go inside. * LadyRoyal nods and lets them in. * Morioka eyes the secretary mistrustfully. ... didja lose who's following you? * LadyNightshade waits for everyone to head in before closing the door behind them. * Junko ducks through the door without a word. * LadyHeat sits down when she's inside. * Morioka collapses on the couch. Nightshade, is your sister at work out there? * Lord_Darkmoon is wearing his hakama, seeming not to have bothered changing. Noting the visitors' condition, he pulls a chair around for Junko, and offers them some strong tea, if they like. * Junko accepts the tea quietly, but remains standing, just barely tense. She's no-- Yeah, I'm sure she's out there. * LadyRoyal looks between the two and raises her eyebrows. "So." What's going on? * Morioka raises his head, and looks around the room. "It *was* you." Oh? What? * LadyRoyal leans against the wall. "Care to elaborate?" Haga-sama. ... ... ... Sorry, what? * LadyMallet looks away. "Anyone else know?" How is he? You can leave dead Yakuza strewn from here to Hokkaido - nobody will care. But decapitating the third-most-important man in the largest shipbuilding firm in Tokyo... oi. * Junko fidgets nervously. We did what needed to be done. Decapitation isn't our style. ... you look like you've got more worrisome things going on, though. * LadyNightshade stands next to DM in a supportive sort of way. You didn't just come out here to confirm your suspicions- what's up? * Lord_Darkmoon raises his hand in a calming gesture, and smiles in a decidedly Rin-like fashion. "What is wrong, Junko-san?" * Morioka looks at Darkmoon with frustrated, bloodshot eyes. "Why did you do it?" We'll get to her. WHY DID YOU DO IT? * LadyRoyal keeps quiet for now. Too many cooks, etc. * LadyHeat tries not to remember the decapitation. * LadyMallet frowns. * Lord_Darkmoon turns to face the tired, seated man, looking down at him pityingly. "He besmirched the honor of my friends and myself. He interfered in our duties to protect this nation from the depredations of its enemies. He was a traitor, and a lying snake. He did not have the honor necessary to his position, nor did he have the right to serve my--" he pauses. "His life was mine. He was a traitor, and died a traitor's death." * LadyNightshade stands firmly besides DM, to help emphasize the seriousness of his point. * Lord_Darkmoon says this with no rancor, with no humility or sorrow. Just with certainty, as if stating a simple fact. As if it was entirely his right to do what he'd done. I need more than that. I need to know why this is worth lying about. I need to know if this is worth my career. ... he was an agent of the Ningyo. I don't know if that makes it worth it your career or not. He endangered everyone's life on that base when he brought the police in. * Lord_Darkmoon blinks, genuinely surprised. "I see." He falls silent, letting the others speak for a bit while he thinks. ... I'd rather you not throw it away, though. We can deal with enemies, as long as we have -some- friends. There's a very good chance they got whatever they were after because he forced us to hide away from the attention. * LadyRoyal snorts. "Not throwing his career away means he's gotta give us to them. Try thinking." And if any sort of disaster befalls the city because of that it will be his fault. * LadyMallet shrugs. "He can just point the finger at our name. No one really knows who we are, or where we're from, or where we're at." * LadyMallet looks at Morioka. "Right?" Who would believe MG’s decapitating a businessman? ...have you forgotten half of the stuff we've-- * LadyRoyal clenches her teeth and rubs her forehead. I know. Do not lie, Morioka-san. Investigate this to the best of your ability, as if you were not privy to the secrets you are. In two and a half weeks, your superiors, or their superiors, will no longer care. Hitachi 2-osen will handle it. * Morioka scowls. "What does THAT mean?" I promise you, our good and loyal friend, that if this comes back to haunt you, I will see that you are well cared for. Loyalty does not deserve the trials you are going through. Goddammit, I came here for TRUTH, not for you to bribe me! I have no intention of bribing you. I would call no-one I would bribe - none who would take such - my friend. *looks disgusted* You are no Haga. * LadyMallet frowns. "Truth? Haga lured us away from the Americans so that the Ningyo could go in and get whatever the hell they wanted from them without us around." Well, not lured. More like drove us away with red and blue sirens. The supposed "brothel" at the base was us. * Lord_Darkmoon -scowls- at the mention of the "brothel". Why were you working with the American Navy? To protect them and their nukes from the Ningyo. * Lord_Darkmoon closes his eyes. "What Mallet tells you is the truth, but it is not information that may be known." Hitachi 2osen was working with the Ningyo to get the Americans, for some reason. We thought it was their nukes... We were protecting our interests. We were protecting Japan. ... but maybe it's not what they were after, after all. * Morioka sinks further into the couch. Now is not the time for such speculation, Lady Mallet. Yeah. * LadyMallet looks back at Morioka. "To answer your question, about whether this is worth your career.... Haga was part of that effort. We'll respect whatever decision you make, now that you know what happened." ... at least our side of it. I am truly sorry, Morioka, that this is causing you such distress. Things came to a head two nights ago; things must now shift, and I have yet to complete my move. The key piece will not be available for two weeks. Do not throw your career away over this. You need not protect me. It is time this war were taken from the defensive to the offensive. * LadyRoyal frowns and looks as if she's about to say something, but stops, saving it for later. You're right, that we can't really prove anything. * LadyMallet frowns, then looks from Morioka to Darkmoon. ... Morioka, didn't you say some time ago, that you thought we were all that's keeping this from becoming a full, blown out open bloody war? Do you still hold that opinion? * LadyRoyal puts a hand to her temple, sighing. The security cameras show a bunch of kids - you kids, to be exact - fleeing the building at the time of Haga's death, and just before some MG's killed a Ningyo. But you can't prove it was us. But, sure, we can't prove that the three events are all strung together. Probably could make it to trial, but a good lawyer would get you off. Mm. We won't be put on trial. You would also have a hard time finding the 'kids' on the security cameras' tapes. Magical Girls are not known for wandering around transformed. And, in fact, because some of you kids have come back to the police station with me before, when we were tracking down those sick fucks who took Junko... * LadyRoyal watches Morioka and Junko thoughtfully. * Junko shudders. * LadyRoyal winces. * LadyMallet closes her eyes, for a moment. I see. ...I can't deny that I've met you, and know you're MG's. What my superiors don't know is that YOU are my MG contacts. It is such a pity that your MG contacts are refusing to, or unable to, divulge the mortal identities of the suspected perpetrators, is it not? I suspected that was going to be the case. We do not keep in strong contact with all of the teams working even in the city, let alone across the nation. Hn. ...unfortunately, that makes my contacts guilty of harboring fugitives. If they can be proven to know the mortal identities in question. So then what are you going to do about it? * LadyRoyal nods. They do - they put me in touch with those persons before. They have? * LadyMallet lets Morioka talk through the logic. YES. The Goggles incident. Doesn't matter if they know who the normal identities of these people are, they obviously know how to get in touch with them as MG's. Could be different contacts. Bureaucracies are known for changing things around, aren't they? What does this have to do with her now? Why did you bring her here? Not if the MG's in question are refusing to -be- contacted. After all, could you find a policeman who went into hiding from the police, just based on your being a policeman? * LadyRoyal snorts at that. That just makes them appear more like criminals though. ... what happens if you do get in contact with the MG’s in the tape, and they refuse to come? ...well. That's the tradeoff here - the decision was made that if the Ladies were not going to help us in this investigation, then we were no longer going to protect her. We will not fight the police, Lady Mallet. It will not come to that. The matter will be quietly forgotten in less than a month. I figured. Nice little situation there. ...I did not choose this. I think it's not just inhumane, but downright illegal. We can protect if we have to. If that's what this has come to. But that decision includes her family too, doesn't it? As we've witnessed in past instances, the laws do not always matter to those who seek to abuse their power. We're already protecting our families as it is. * Morioka bares his teeth. "No - her family is being kept. Which really smells." ... HA. * LadyRoyal doesn't look at all amused. "Lovely." ... and what if one of us goes? You're not going Mallet. Why not? Because it's not worth the risk. It'll be a chance to tell the authorities about Hitachi 2osen and the ningyo! We didn't do anything wrong. The authorities are the ones trying to kill us! But maybe some of them will listen! Uh huh. And once we arrest you, we have to make that public. And? As if they can't twist that around for their own use. * Lord_Darkmoon turns to the girl in question, addressing her directly. "Lady Junko, if you desire it, I shall grant you my personal protection. It is my action that has caused you to be in this untenable position - it is my duty to protect you until I have resolved it." You'd be the one under arrest, not them. And what has happened to every Lady who has been outed in the last two months? Assassins. Don't you realize how much they'd love to have one of us on trial? Oh, like they'll ever figure out who I really am. Do you really think it'd be a fair trial at all? Might as well put up posters around town, on the "logic" of "maybe someone will read them." That doesn't guarantee t hat anything will be done. If they make us look like the monsters that they really are then they've won. They'll know where you are. That's enough. Lady Royal is correct. While there is a time to go public, this is not it. The shadows of mystery protect us; public adulation is as protective as it can possible get. It'll have to be a fair trial. We can get Handcuffs mom- sneak her in- to cover it and make it public. *possibly ... Oh, and endanger her too, eh? That won't matter Mallet. ... is there any way at all short of sacrificing ourselves to save Junko, her family, and Morioka? You wouldn't survive to have a trial. Exactly. * Morioka sighs. Yes, Lady Mallet, there is. Well if you know they're going to have us killed then what are we even discussing here? We told you why we did what we did. ... if we're gonna buck the police, then, we need to make sure Junko's family is okay. If that forces us to watch over Junko ourselves, then so be it. * Lord_Darkmoon smiles again. "While I said it is not wise to go public, it - is- time to let certain people know the...truth. Certain...influential people." If we have to extricate her family too, we'll do that. * Morioka stands. Bottom line: Do we really need to add a third front to whatever this is? You can't contact me again. I can't contact you again on any sort of official level. So you still plan on using us? * LadyRoyal frowns. "And unofficially?" * Morioka gestures at the girl standing behind him. "And I have to leave her here. Now." * LadyMallet sighs. "... I'm sorry, Morioka. Thanks for all you have done, and stay safe." * Lord_Darkmoon bows. "It has been an honor knowing and working with you, Morioka-san. May it be so once again some day." He rises, going to the door to open it when Morioka's ready. "Take care of yourself." Unofficially, I need to cover my ass, so I'd better stay away from you. Right. If you ever need to call in a favor... I guess, I owe you several. Feel free to call them in whenever this mess is over. We'll see. Mm. Well, thanks. Don't get canned. I can't speak for all of us, but I can speak for myself. * LadyNightshade barely acknowledges his leaving and moves over to Junko to move her into the room to be more comfortable. * Morioka turns around to Junko. "I'm sorry. About everything. I'll try to keep them safe." I know... * Junko reaches out, almost as if she wants to hug him, but stops short and just takes one hand in both of hers. "I'll miss you." * LadyNightshade eyes their little moment a bit uncomfortably. Me too. * Lord_Darkmoon moves to the others, and points out something 'interesting' in the room for them to focus on that isn't Morioka and Junko. * LadyMallet isn't looking anywhere else. She has to focus a bit from the water in her eyes, blurring her sight. ;_; * Morioka reaches up to touch her cheek. She flinches, but smiles, then he turns away and heads for the door. Good luck, kids. Hope we can make this right someday. * LadyRoyal turns back and nods to Morioka as he leaves, lips pursed in calculation. You and me both. Yeah... * Lord_Darkmoon turns to bow to him again, respectfully, as he leaves. * LadyNightshade sighs heavily. Junko, come in and have a seat please. * LadyHeat sighs. I'm sorry... It's not your fault. * LadyRoyal snorts. "Not a fault-bearing situation." * LadyMallet closes her eyes as the door shuts, and wipes her eyes. None of this is your fault. * Junko sits down on the couch where Morioka was. If you need anything from us please don't be afraid to ask. If anyone's, it is Haga's. You don't have any stuff with you, do you? * Junko shakes her head. It's okay, we can pick you up everything you need. And Squeegee will be more than happy to pay for it. * Lord_Darkmoon chuckles at that. * LadyNightshade gives the girl the best smile she can muster. Ha! Yes. Lady Nightshade, I believe we have something to request of your people. * LadyNightshade raises and eyebrow at Darkmoon. Junko-san's parents need to disappear. * LadyMallet turns back to face Junko, then blinks. "... how're you and Reaper doing?" ...Reaper probably hasn't *seen* her, Mallet. I haven't heard from her... Why, did something happen? Not to Reaper. * Lord_Darkmoon turns to actually face Nightshade. "If your request alone is insufficient, my cousin will employ them." No, don't worry about it. ...what? * LadyRoyal bites her lip and shoots a mini-glare at Mallet. "How much have you heard about your former team?" * LadyNightshade runs a hand through her hair to gather her thoughts. As Morioka-san said, the 'keeping' of your parents is suspicious. I would see them in safer hands. * LadyMallet winces and looks apologetic. ^_^; Or was that not what you were asking about? ^^; I'd rather look into it personally before I involved anyone else in the matter. Well... I saw Snowball go down hard at the mall... ... I'm gonna give em a call. * LadyMallet heads downstairs, grabbing her cell. Leena, really she doesn't need to deal with this right now. * LadyRoyal perches on the arm of the couch, giving Junko some distance. Are you hungry? Or more tired than hungry? * Lord_Darkmoon shakes his head. "No, Nightshade, this must, above all else, not be connectable to us in any way. Given what those we would hire were doing when our team first met them, it would be easy enough to make it appear that the police had failed against exactly those from whom they are ostensibly protecting Junko-san's parents." It was a long drive. So, bed first, then food? No one will find out. I'm getting hungry too. If this is your base of operations... should I really be staying here? Why not? The rest of the girls are. It's the best place to keep you safe. For now, anyways. Nightshade, we -want- them to find out. We want them to find out what we want them to think. If we are to wage this battle in the field of public opinion, the public must see us being betrayed and failed by the authorities, not as fugitives there from or opposition thereto. The Palace might move you later, but you need to rest now. ...all right. ... You're asking a lot. I can talk to them if it'll make you happy. * LadyRoyal gets up, offering Junko a hand. "Come with me." * Lord_Darkmoon turns to smile kindly at Junko. "Do not worry. You may stay here as long as you like - the girls' teacher will be glad of another student, I am sure. If you find it too cramped, I invite you to stay at my cousin's home, instead. She did enjoy the impromptu slumber party when another of her friends came by the other night." Safety, Darkmoon. We don't know how many people know she's here, or should know for that matter. Besides... * LadyRoyal makes facial contortions indicating that that could blow Darkmoon's gender cover clear up to the sky. Morioka-san... he thought you'd send me somewhere. Thought it was too dangerous to keep me in the city. * LadyNightshade blushes a bit at that. We'll keep that in mind. We can talk to the Palace after you get some rest. ...Good point, Lady Royal. Lady Nightshade, could she stay with your family? * LadyNightshade sighs. I suppose. * LadyRoyal shakes her head and waits. I still offer my cousin's home, but it is far less remote than yours. Perhaps, after I speak with my parents, their home could be offered. But that is most likely unwise. God no. You know who your Dad is. I'd hope he would. * Junko takes Lady Royal's hand. Yes, I do. He will be dealt with as soon as possible. So then let's not just hand him anymore... bargaining power. * LadyRoyal pulls Junko up. "We can decide on a semi-permanent location for her afterwards. For now, she needs some sleep." * LadyRoyal brings her to the rooms. * Lord_Darkmoon bows. "Of course. My apologies, Junko-san. Rest well." * LadyMallet peeks her head in. "Give me a chance here. Geez." * Junko is pulled! * LadyNightshade sighs and slumps in a chair. If they're going to find her here, they're going to find her anywhere. We should let the Palace know soon. So then let's call them. * LadyNightshade hits the intercom button, "Miss Secretary, can you get the palace on the phone for us please?" Who do you want to speak to there? Princess uh... *sighs* Sakura if she's around? Just a second... ...I will speak with her if you wish, Nightshade. * LadyMallet makes an annoyed sound, and comes back in. I'm fine. As you wish. *stands supportively nearby* Hello? * LadyRoyal comes back into the room. "She's--ah." Sakura? We have uh... some complications. Morioka can to see us today. * LadyMallet waves at the intercom. "Hiiii!" Okay...? They want the people behind the Haga killing. They left Junko with us and they're keeping her family hostage. And he had questions about Haga. We told him why we did it. ... the police are gonna abandon all MGs, Junko and her family included, if we don't own up and go with them about Haga's head. Hmm. Long story short, he handed Junko over to us, and we're not allowed to contact him anymore. And she said he thought it'd be safer if we put her someplace out of the city. That's just great. Tell me about it. Isn't it. * LadyNightshade sighs. I'm sorry. Well... if we need to put her up at the Palace, we've made a little more space now. We are working on the situation, my Princess. We simply thought you should be kept informed. Yeah, absolutely fantast-fucking-fabulous. Language, Mallet. Would it be wise to keep her with everyone else? What, I'm duty-bound to shoot people, and I'm not allowed to fucking cuss? So, Palace? Taki and Rin were thinking of sending her to their respective relatives. I didn't say that. * LadyMallet rolls her eyes. We can't send her to Rin's. Well, Rin was thinking of sending her to Taki's relatives. No, probably not. RIN'S FAMILY? I told them it was a dumb idea. A thought I since rejected for exactly that reason, my Princess. * LadyRoyal snorts. "I wanted to keep her *here*. Or in the Palace." And no, you are allowed to cuss, Mallet-chan, but it reflects poorly on one so bright as you. I didn't argue with keeping her here. Taki's... I dunno. It might well be healthier than the Palace. She's as safe here as anywhere. * Lord_Darkmoon smirks at Sakura's comment, but does not say anything. * LadyMallet blinks- several times- at Darkmoon. ... you can't mean that. * Lord_Darkmoon smiles at her. "If I did not mean it, I would not have said it." We're worried about her family though. The authorities are still holding onto them. That's... disturbing. It's got to be a trap. * LadyMallet narrows her eyes, then opens them wide, and looks away, cheeks flushing with color. "... liar." She doesn't sound too convinced of her own words. Of course it is. It is imperative that we do not send anyone directly affiliated with us to handle the situation. Darkmoon suggested sending my family. However, we know an organization dedicated to exactly these practices. I will work with Nightshade on acquiring their services. The purposely didn't wish to be involved though. Maybe better to just leave them alone entirely? If they've got her family, they can use them as a lever. Do you think they'll be safer that way? Oh. Well, if they would do the job, it might be all right. For...basically, whatever they want. I doubt Morioka's going to be able to influence that that much any more. There is no greater safety than your enemies believing you slain, and not knowing where you possibly could be. Pursue that, then. You know them better than I do. * LadyNightshade sighs. ... wait, what? You want them to think the ninjas kicked our ass, and are after Junko themselves now? As you wish, Princess. And Junko? We can keep her here? ...surely not there. Right. ... I don't think it'd be good for Junko for her to be here. Palace, then, or Taki's again. Like I said, we can take her at the Palace now. Especially after all that's happened. Her going off to Taki's family would probably be the best for her. I don't think the Palace is very good idea... * LadyNightshade sighs again. * LadyRoyal turns to Taki. "Well, hope your family's ready for houseguests." ... especially after she finds out about her team. All that ninja discipline might help her deal. No, Mallet, that they kicked the police's ass, and -got- Junko's parents. More precisely, that assassins did. 'Ninja' may be, hopefully, too far-fetched for the immediate powers holding them hostage to suspect. Excellent thought. If she could learn from Nightshade's family, it may be wonderful for her. You know, I think we could manipulate the media coverage on this, turn it into a real publicity coup. Allow Nightshade's people to get used to a magical girl, too. That’s what we like to hear. * Lord_Darkmoon laughs. "My Princess, that is a brilliant idea." What, what? Tell the media that the cops are holding Junko's parents? Brown-nose. Yes, but only after the cops let them get kidnapped. Actually, I can hardly call it less when I had the same one. *sticks his tongue out at the telephone* ... oh. * LadyRoyal snorts. * LadyMallet pumps a fist. "Sounds awesome!" Alright, I... I guess I'll call my father. Let me know if I need to reserve a room for her. Will do. ...I suggest informing him you are coming home for a couple of days, to make a proposition. Rin should go with you. And Junko as well, if she wishes. This sort of negotiation must be conducted in person. ... I was hoping that I could get Reaper out here while Junko's still here... ... give them some time together. But she's not answering yet. Rin, are you still glowing? Yes. I have not had a chance to speak with Make Believe about summoning Young. ...if you want, I could get Princess Purity to try to do something about it. She's helped... others out in strange magic situations before. I can't guarantee it would work, and I can guarantee it would be unpleasant, but... Is it going to be as bad as what she did to Leena? She won't be trying to clobber Rin, at least. ... ... yeah, right. She might rip out your soul by accident. Perhaps as a last resort. I wish to find out -why- my untransformed state glows, and see if it may be resolved more...naturally. As of this moment, I do not wish to be stripped entirely of my magic. ...even if Feral is becoming...unreliable. She's been able to do these things without causing problems like Leena had. Usually. ... I would still prefer not to utilize her in this manner, if possible. ... good. Thank you for your concern, though, my Princess. Okay. Too bad about Morioka, I guess. Hope that can be worked out eventually. We'll just have to see. Mm. * LadyRoyal grunts in agreement. Keep in touch. *click* * LadyRoyal sighs. "So." So. * LadyNightshade pulls out her cell phone and stares at it. * Lord_Darkmoon checks to make sure that only the other Hunters are in here, then detransforms in a flash of purple. * Rin rests a hand on Taki's shoulder, supportively. "They're your family. They'll love to hear from you, and to see you. Just take some time and talk for a bit." We can ask for aid and explain what we need in person. Perhaps this weekend? Yeah... ... good chance to build ninja and MG relations. Junko should be invited, as well, if she is to consider living there. *smiles at Mallet* Precisely, Leena-chan. And you seemed surprised at Rinada's compliment. *winks* * LadyMallet glares at Rin. "... yeah, because he's lying." No one has ever called me smart, whether I am or not, and I don't think they will unless I beat it out of them. * LadyRoyal ignores the conversation and heads into the kitchen. * LadyMallet stalks out of the room, back to Rin. You -are- smart, when you choose to think. Moreover, you are bright in spirit as well as mind. Do not insult yourself so, and throw not compliments back in the givers' faces. Leena-chan, you are one of my two best friend-- *sigh* ... * Secretary punches the intercom button again. "Minami-san! There's a call for you!" Can we buy her some self esteem for her birthday? * LadyRoyal pokes her head out of the kitchen. "What?" Call for you. * LadyRoyal comes out and pushes the button. "What is it?" * LadyNightshade idly twirls her phone in her hand. It's the hospital! Something about your mother. * LadyRoyal freezes. "How serious is it? Is she relapsing? Wait, I'll pick up." * LadyRoyal picks up the call. Hello? Hello? Terazaki-san? Yes. Yes, what is it? * Rin freezes, and her face is immediately in its formal mask once more as she turns to Taki and Kyouko. "Let's go make lunch," she suggests, sweeping them into the kitchen to leave Minami alone. Let's. Miss, you mother had a bad seizure early this morning, and we had to operate. * LadyRoyal hisses. "Is she...all right?" * LadyNightshade is sorta drug off since she's not really all there at the moment anyway. She's... recovering, but we're moving her up on the transplant priority list. * LadyRoyal groans. "We don't have the money...how is she, I mean, how did it happen? Is she stable? Is she conscious?" We think she'll wake up soon... Miss, we've been unable to reach your father. Can you contact him? I, I, I'll try, yes. We can come in and see her, right? As usual? Yes, of course - she'll be weak, but family support will be... good. * LadyRoyal takes a deep breath. "Right, doctor." If you could come, soon, and be here when she wakes up... ...yes. Yes, I'll be there as soon as I can. Good. Good. I hope you have a safe trip here. * Doctor hangs up. Yes. Thank you for informing me, doctor. * LadyRoyal calls her home number. There is no answer. * LadyRoyal lets out a stream of muttered invective, something about better not having gone out to drink with the "boys" again and leaves a brief precis of her conversation with the doctor as a message. ...? * Rin led a flurry of small sandwich-making activity in the kitchen. She comes out with a single plate when Minami hangs up, and offers it to her. "How is she?" So, uh, what happened? * LadyRoyal then hangs up and leans against the wall, back to everyone, pinching the bridge of her nose. After a few moments, she shakes her head and turns around, striding off to the bathroom to detrans. "I'm going to the hospital." * LadyMallet tilts her head to the side. "Ara?" Take a sandwich. Is there anything we can do? * Minami comes out and grabs her jacket and a sandwich with a muttered "thanks". I sort of doubt it. Ask the Secretary to drive you. It will probably be faster. If you need anything, you know how to reach all of us. * Minami hesitates, then nods. "Good idea. Thank you." * Minami heads out to talk to the Secretary. ... I'll come with. Don't want you to go alone. ... ya'know. Just in case. * LadyMallet follows! * LadyHeat comes out with a plate of sandwiches. * Rin grabs Mallet's shoulder. "...only if she wants you along. Be calm, and supportive." Yes, Mina? This is Minami's family; it is her choice whether she wishes us along. ... sure, Misses Sunshine. Leena, just listen for once. * LadyMallet shrugs off Rin's hand, and KEEPS FOLLOWING. Can you--is there any way you could get me to the hospital? As soon as possible, really. * LadyNightshade sighs and slumps on the couch nibbling on her veggie sandwich. * Rin steps out to follow, as well. To observe, for the moment. Of course. Let me get the van out of the garage... Thank you. * LadyNightshade eyes Rin. "So we're all going now?" * LadyNightshade gets up to follow. * LadyHeat gets up, bringing her food. * Minami nibbles on the sandwich absently, then makes a face, looks inside it, and picks off the celery, throwing it away discreetly as she follows the Secretary. * LadyNightshade detrans before stepping out. * Rin peeks back in. "Apparently. Bring the sandwiches, would you, please?" ...and I should transform. Ironic that my transed state is more concealable than my normal, now. *Performs her usual antics with the Tessen and a rising purple moon* I'd personally rather walk around as the me who isn't wanted by the law. But then I'm not glowing... * Lord_Darkmoon shifts his garb to a more civilian-like red t-shirt and blue jeans. * LadyMallet frowns, and twiddles with her hair for a moment, wrapping it around her finger. She stands nervously for a moment, then lets the Earth Magic fall away... Maybe you should just talk to Purity. * Leena looks down at herself- STILL in the Takeuchi Mem uniform, and her hair dye still in making it black. * Secretary screeches to a halt in the street outside the front door. "Hop in!" * Minami jumps in shotgun. * Kyouko climbs in the back and offers up sammiches. * Leena fingers her outfit for a moment, frowning, then gets in. ...hm. You have a point. Give me a moment. *walks to the bathroom, where he waves the Tessen in front of his face for a bit; he comes back out looking subtly different, with his hair tucked under a jacked to make it look shorter and his face a bit...off. Is he wearing makeup? Nah...* * Lord_Darkmoon climbs in, too. * Taki crawls into the back, not really able to say anything comforting to Mina. * Minami blinks as everyone piles in, but doesn't say anything. * Minami then blinks again. "Wait...if you all are coming along, what about Junko?" ...I will stay with her. It is probably wiser than going out in public. Rin, you're good at the soothy sweet talking and the drunk tea. Take care, Minami-san. *smiles kindly at her, and then turns to go back in* * Minami pauses, then nods. "Right. And...thanks." ... keep her company. * Secretary slams down the accelerator as soon as the doors are shut, and the van squirts out into traffic. I will. *waves as the van flies off* * Minami has her seatbelt on and holds on to the armrest, but otherwise lets herself be moved around as the Secretary weaves along, her eyes focused on something else. She's driven you faster before. But not during noon traffic, and the trip towards the city center is a showcase of how to not let clogged roads slow you down. You don't quite put down rubber outside the hospital entrance. * Taki sorta distantly looks out the window, mostly ignoring the ride. Should I park in the garage, or do you want to find your own way back? Whichever you think is best, miss. I'm asking you. Probably would be good to wait, at least until we know more. * Minami sighs, unclicking her seatbelt. "Go ahead and park, I guess." * Minami opens the door and jumps out. "Thank you." Fine. I'll find you in the hospital. Yeah. * Taki follows after Mina. * Minami stalks inside. * Leena heads out, following up Mina and Taki like a good little posse member. * Taki whispers down to her, "You want me to sit on Leena while you deal with uh... matters?" * Kyouko finishes a sandwich as she leaves. * Minami shrugs. "I doubt they'll let non-relatives in right at first anyway." But thanks for the offer. * Minami gives Taki a tight not-exactly-grin. * Leena would throw a shoe at Taki, but she didn't hear that. So. * Minami checks in and heads down one of the corridors like she knows exactly where she's going. * Doctor emerges from the room just as Minami stalks up. "Terazaki-san!" Checks his watch. "That was fast." I came as fast as I could. * Minami sighs. "Da's not picking up, though." Oh. Um... Maybe he's on his way? * Doctor looks around. "Maybe only you should hear this..." You want us to check on him? * Minami looks at the doctor, and then at the rest of the girls. "Nnno. I think he's f--just don't worry about it." * Minami looks back at the doctor and nods her head in the direction of the room. "In there, then?" * Leena nods to herself, and waits, giving Minami a thumbs-up. Yes... she's very weak. And she's going to be groggy - the anesthetic is still in her system. * Taki takes the other girls to the waiting area to sit. * Minami nods. "Okay." Minami-kun... the rate of atrophy is increasing. We were able to restart her heart this morning, but I don't know how many more times that's going to work. * Minami bites her lip, wincing. "...what's your prognosis?" Only a couple of weeks, unless we find a matching donor. * Minami sags against the wall. "...and how likely...and expensive...would that be?" An artificial heart might keep her alive longer, but I understand you don't have coverage for that. * Minami nods curtly. How likely? We got her moved up the list... it's hard to say. Historically, it's about a 60% chance, but these things seem to be really streaky. We'll have a month where we get all the donors we need, and then we'll hit a patch where it seems that no organs are available. ...I...see. The government coverage would pay for the actual transplant, but she would need rehabilitation afterwards, and... well... * Minami nods, pressing a hand to her forehead. "Riight." * Doctor grimaces. "There are programs available. I'll get paperwork to you, if you can get your father to do it." * Minami snorts at the bit about her father. "Yeah. Thank you, doctor." * Doctor tries to give Mina a comforting smile, and opens the door for her. * Minami gives him a halfhearted one in return and goes in . The room is full of machinery, and it seems that all of it is connected to the two patients inside. Minami's mother barely moves her head towards the sound of Mina coming in. The other patient is laid out and not moving at all in his bed while a nurse tucks him into place and double-checks all the equipment. ...mina-pu? ...mama... * Minami rushes over to her mother's side and takes her hand. * Mother tries to lift her arm, but it is obvious she has no strength to do so. * Minami pats her mother's arm down, not letting her exert herself too much. "So...I hear you had a...busy morning." ...I- this morning, I thought I'd never see you again. * Minami gulps down a wail at that, and settles down, putting her forehead against her mother's hand, clasping that with both hands. "..." We're...we're trying...the doctor said, I, maybe... and I was so sad... I’d put off telling you... how proud I was... my own girl, a lady... * Minami sniffles, then blinks and looks up. "You kn--papa told you?" yes... he was having a conniption... had to calm him down... did you make nice with those Americans? * Minami laughs, weakly. "Yes, we did...everything's all r--that part of things is over." * Minami leans her head back, looking at her mother. "...you...said you're proud of me? For being a Lady?" ...good, good... you kick those mermaids' tails for me, all right? ...kick your dad's ass, too, get him off his butt. ...so proud, mina-pu. so happy you've found a purpose. * Minami grins again, surreptitiously wiping her eyes on the sheets. "Thank you, mama...I will." The noise of the nurse walking out of the room catches Minami's attention. * Minami turns her head to look after the nurse... Her face is composed, and doesn't reveal anything, but Mina catches the woman looking her way for an instant. I love you, mina-pu... * Minami turns away, forehead creased, whispering to herself. "...stupid, stupi--" * Minami looks back up at her mother, frightened, and puts a hand to her cheek. "I love you too, mother." * Minami leans up and kisses her mother on the other cheek. * Mother relaxes. She doesn't quite doze off, but she doesn't force herself to keep speaking. * Minami settles back down, watching, thinking, but not speaking. [End session] Session Close: Sat Oct 22 19:25:05 2005