Session Start: Sat Dec 10 16:44:42 2005 Last time, on Hunters: The meeting with the Queen turned into a meeting about the Queen, as Her Majesty did a header off her throne of cushions, laid low by another devastating premonition of peril. The assumption was that this was at least of the same magnitude as the premonition before Takeuchi Memorial was hit, and there is only one target with that high of value left to the Hierarchy - the big banana itself, the seat of their power... the Palace. The Princesses decided that Squeegee would take charge for the moment, and developed a plan to defend the Palace, meet the enemy in pitched battle, and perhaps use the opportunity to turn the tables on the Tokko and strike it a disabling blow. It's a good plan, but there are dangers, particularly to the Ladies in the field who are most exposed. Royal is going to be moved to the Palace tomorrow... and she has made it clear that her father can not be left behind. She needs to pack, though, so it has fallen to the rest of the team to track him down and deliver him to safety. [Monday, March 28, 2004 - 1950 local time] [The lobby of the Blossom Agency] [Session start] * LadyMallet is totally geared up, equipped, and ready to go. * Kyouko is fiddling around with her new MP3 player. * Secretary is there in full salary woman getup. "Minami-san left me a list of his usual hangouts, and the van is ready... do you know how you want to do this?" He'll recognize us, hopefully, so we find him, ask him to come along and toss down Mina's name if we have to. * Lord_Darkmoon is practically lounging in one of the chairs. Other than a decorative gold-and-black bracer on his bare left arm that would look less out of place in an anime than real life, he's positively boring today in blue jeans and a black shirt with a white Nike swoosh over the left breast. Then give him a lift to the Palace. ...we should be careful. Didn't Minami mention that he thought he was being followed? * Kyouko looks over the list. Can we even go into some of these? * LadyMallet snaps her fingers, and holds up a fist, then lets one finger up. "One! Find!" Another finger, now a V. "Two, get!" And a third. "Bring him to the Palace!" If he's being followed, it's not like they don't know where to strike anyways. The ones we can't get into we can stake out, if we can't find him elsewhere. The list of bars and poker rooms does look a little intimidating. ...there are likely rats in those we cannot enter. I will search those. And if there aren't any, I can go in and look for him! You think we can get him with a beer bottle attached to a fishing pole? Right. * LadyMallet grins. You can. Just be careful; if you're seen, they may not be kind to a perceived flying rat, however unfair the characterization is, Norcliff. Please, like a bunch of drunk idiots could catch me. Sober bartenders, on the other hand... Yeah yeah... * Secretary jingles the van keys. "Are you ready to go?" * LadyMallet moves over right next to the Secretary, and raises an arm. "Shotgun!" Yeah. * Lord_Darkmoon rises smoothly to his feet, adjusting his Tessen in his belt as he does so. "I am ready." He opens the door and holds it for the ladies. Tonight's van is a grey panel van that you haven't seen before. It's a little larger, and there will be adequate seating for everyone, even Norcliff if he wants a whole seat for once. Let me stash my notebooks upstairs. * Haruko dashes quickly up and down the stairs before running outside to take a seat in the back row. * Kyouko climbs into the very back seat, like usual. * Lord_Darkmoon opens the passenger doors, and would open the driver door if the Secretary didn't beat him there. Then he waits for the others to climb in ahead of him. * LadyMallet gets into the front passenger seat with a small jump, landing in it rather than setting down. *whump* * Taki climbs into the back, not having said much since well, ever. She's dressed casually and kinda just stares out the van window. * Norcliff decides he wants to have a good view, and abandons his normal perch on Haruko's shoulder for the exciting new territory of Mallet's head. * Lord_Darkmoon closes the shotgun door for Mallet, then climbs in and claims the seat next to the sliding van door before closing that, too. * Secretary revs the engine, and the van leaps into the street. Norcliff has to hold on for dear life. * LadyMallet waves Secretary flags- only occasionally grabbing onto something to stabilize herself, content to roll with the van's normally gut twisting motions rather than fight them. So... where do you want to try first? This van seems more stable than the previous ones - more weight, wider wheelbase, possibly a bit less power, too. * Norcliff grips onto Mallet's hair, trying not to pierce the scalp. * Taki doesn't even really notice the movement as her body sways around with the gravitational forces at work. She continues looking out at nothing in particular. Perhaps we should try the nicer places, first. The seedier a dive, the more likely it is to be open later at night. Can't hurt to stop by his home first. Hmmm. The list isn't really sorted by quality. We have three poker dens, four bars, and one sports bar. Lets try the sports bar. They play sports during the day. I think Minami-san would call us if he was home. It's a bit late, but they do still play sports now-ish. May as well hit that one, first. We might even be allowed inside it. All right... * Secretary careens across two lanes to get onto the freeway. She head north, towards downtown Tokyo, but pulls off in the first ring of districts outside the core city. * Haruko pries her grip from off the armrests of the van. * Lord_Darkmoon sits calmly, hands in his lap. ...is his seatbelt oddly secure? * Taki has awesome ninja balance skills to keep her relatively in place. Also, apathy. * Kyouko is in the middle and somehow uses Haruko and Taki as braces. The van loops past the train station and two blocks east into the edge of a mixed-zoning region. All sorts of buildings here - shopping and factories and apartments and quite a few bars. The van pulls up across the street from one of the nicer-looking ones - it has an actual backlit sign above the main entrance, with a picture of mixed drinks with soccer balls floating in them rather than ice cubes. * Lord_Darkmoon opens the passenger doors, and gets out of the Ladies' way. * LadyMallet opens the door up, pats Norcliff, and jumps out- he still needs to hold on for that. * Norcliff lets out a muted "Yehaw" * Kyouko climbs out and looks around. * Haruko climbs out, color finally returning to her face. * Lord_Darkmoon moves to hold the door to the bar for everyone. * Secretary keeps the van running. * LadyMallet goes in the FRONT DOOR. * Haruko hangs back, waiting to see if Mallet gets kicked out. * Kyouko has never been inside a bar before. * Taki looks over as everyone piles out. "Should we really just all be going in at once?" * LadyMallet hasn't either, but she doesn't care. ...point. Perhaps just two of us. Taki, would you care to be my date for about five minutes? *winks, grinning rakishly* * Taki doesn't blush. "Well uh, Leena has already gone in it looks like." Leena finds herself in the midst of dozens of televisions and some moderately-kitsch sports decorations. It's loud, it's bright, and there's virtually no one here. * LadyMallet looks around for The Dad. Excuse me, are you alone? * Lord_Darkmoon nods. "So she has." He heads on in, and strides over to join Leena. We should probably go check in on her though. *heads in the door too* * LadyMallet nodnods. "Yeah." So, Kyouko, you just wanna wait out here? On one wall is a huge photograph of the 1998 Japan Ladies Hockey team. It appears to be autographed by all the players. I'm meeting some friends here. * Lord_Darkmoon lays a hand on her shoulder. "Boo. Find anyone else yet?" You'll have to wait for them, then. We don't serve underage patrons if they're not in groups. Yeah. I don't think we'd really fit in there. and we keep an eye out for him if he's coming from somewhere else! * Taki walks up behind the pair, looking around the place. * LadyMallet taps Darkmoon’s hand with her own. "Well, I've got a group!" ^__^ Leena hasn't seen him - in fact, the only customers in the building are a pack of teenage punks who are watching American hockey replays. * Haruko looks around. "I wonder if any of the shops around here are any good." Doesn't look like he's here. * LadyMallet looks up at the waiter. "Be right back. Bathroom." And turns to Darkmoon. "Scout out a good table, will ya?" There's a clothing boutique down the street that looks half-decent, but it's not open this late. Hm. Are you sure this is the right place? --okay. * Taki eyes Leena. We're staying here? * LadyMallet then walks at her usual hop-walk, only vaguely heading for the bathroom to take another look around for The Dad. * Lord_Darkmoon looks around, apparently puzzled, or perhaps concerned. * Waiter looks annoyed, but waits. Well, Terazaki-san isn't in the Ladies' room... We should probably move on to the next place. *looks at Darkmoon* * LadyMallet whispers into the mike. "Don't see him." And heads back to Darkmoon and Taki. ...or much of anywhere else that she can see. So can I get you a table? * Lord_Darkmoon rises, and hands the waiter a 100-yen bill, glancing pointedly at the name of the bar wherever it's displayed. "I think we got the wrong place. I'm going to visit the men's room. Sorry for the inconvenience, sir." He heads back to the men's room. * LadyMallet glances back at Darkmoon. "They don't have any tables my height. Seeya outside." * Waiter looks at the bill with some annoyance, but stuffs it in his pocket and disappears into the kitchen. * LadyMallet heads outside. * Taki eyes the pair oddly before she steps outside. * LadyMallet then gets her shotgun seat back with Norcliff before anyone else takes it in her absence. =p Darkmoon doesn't see anyone in the men's room, either. * Taki climbs back into the spot in the back. Do you think we should get back in the van? Leena already gave up. Yeah. ... we need a better plan. * Haruko slides back into the van. We've only checked one place. We need father radar or something. Taki, take point and sneak in with your ninja magic into these places. Why can't we just go ask? Ask who? Because this was the easy place, and they won't let us in? Do we have a photo? The people at the bars. No. We do not want to spread it around we're looking for him. * Lord_Darkmoon closes the sliding door once everyone's in, and buckles up. Why would a high school girl be trying to deceive them? What's the difference? I figure I can just run into one of these places and say I'm looking for my dad. I don't want to use any names, though, his or Mina's or mine. It could draw the attention of those who are trailing him. We would like to spirit him away as smoothly as possible. They'd probably ask you what your dads name was... I did bring a picture, but it's... not one I would prefer to show around. * Haruko sighs "If you need another picture, I can make one" How's this. At each place, one of us runs in to use the restroom. Look for him on the way to said restroom. Norcliff, if you think you can manage it, go search the men's room when I'm not the one going in. That seems like a pretty good plan. * Norcliff risks loosing a paw long enough to hold his nose. "Men's rooms always smell, but ok" I'll piggy-back on your senses, if you like. ... ... you *like* the smell of men's restrooms? Hardly. But, that way you're not going it alone. Though I have been told those I take over still have command of their senses, so you're not going to escape it. * Secretary drives off. I'll be fine. So what if he's in a backroom gambling? Are you just going to accidentally break into there while looking for the bathroom? It's easier just to ask. We're already suspicious anyway. If there are back gambling rooms, Norcliff will have to scout those, too. Okay... one of the bars is close to here. It looks like it's a hotel bar... Taki, it's not us being suspicious that concerns me. It's revealing who exactly our quarry is. Charge the drinks to the room! Or we could split up so this goes quicker. We only have one van. I still like the idea of shoving my way in and angrily saying that I'm looking for my dad. They already know who he is. But they probably haven't met his daughter... * Lord_Darkmoon reaches forward and tousles Mallet's head, avoiding crushing Norcliff in the process. "We know, kiddo," he says, grinning. They know who he is, but they don't know he's being sought by a group of teenagers. * Norcliff runs up Darkmoon's arm and sits on his head, just for the change. Oh, you mean they as in the bad guys. Who would he be being followed by who didn't know about us? And what are they gonna do if they do know? * Lord_Darkmoon chuckles, and sits perfectly still to provide the little sugar glider a stable seat. Rin's posture practice is good for something, isn't it? ...why are half of you not transformed, by the way? Tail us back to wherever they take him. I wasn't sure if we needed to be or not... ... because it makes me feel funny, and no one said I should be... * Taki looks down. "Oops." Well, it's your identities. It is probably for the best that Haruko is not transformed, given her transformed state's appearance. * Taki transforms real quick in the back of the van, keeping her normal clothes. * Kyouko luckily has on a skirt over a pair of bicycle pants and a sweater, so she takes them off then transforms, mentally trying to minimize the steam. She mostly succeeds * Kyouko pulls on the sweater and skirt, which hide her uniform. I still say you should open a cleaning service with that. * Lord_Darkmoon uses the Tessen to waft the worst of the steam away from his face, and pointedly looks out the front windshield, rather than back at the stripping magical girl. * LadyMallet opens the window. * LadyNightshade sighs. * Secretary sends the van into the downtown section, finally slowing down in front of a ritzy building marked "Meguro Imperial". She waits a moment for traffic, then dives into the parking garage. Okay... this is it. So then if just one of us went and asked, would that be okay? That's the plan. Kyouko's turn, then? Okay. And Norcliff, if you'd take the men's room, and any rooms Kyouko can't reasonably look in while seeking the restroom... Can do. * Norcliff jumps out the window, and scampers off. Super Squirrel Spy go! * LadyHeat climbs out of the van and goes inside the building, looking for the bathroom. * LadyNightshade gets out to idly look around while Kyo goes in. * LadyHeat asks someone who seems official. "Excuse me, but could you please tell me where the bathroom is?" The elevator takes her to a sumptuously decorated lobby. Perfectly uniformed staff wait stiffly for customers. Off on the far side is the entrance to a darkened room - Kyo can see the end of a bar inside. Are you a guest, miss? Yeah... I don't think I can wait to get into my room... can you please direct me to the bathroom? * Norcliff tails LadyHeat, assuming the Men's bathroom will be next to the Woman's * Bellhop silently points to the corridor beside the front desk. * LadyHeat heads down it, hoping she can find a way to get into the bar afterwards. The bathroom is swank, too! Kyouko begins to wonder how much a room here must cost. * LadyHeat goes into a stall. "This place is really expensive! I'm not sure I'll be able to get into the bar, I don't look rich enough." ...I can make you look rich enough. If needs be. But I doubt Mr. Terazaki will look 'rich', either, but he apparently hangs out here all the time. It does seem strange... No, the bellhop or whatever has already seen me, and I know I don't look old enough to drink... * Norcliff hides by the men’s room door until someone opens it then darts inside He probably plays cards with the help staff in the back room. I'll try to get in, then. The sugar glider doesn't have any problems with the smell here. Unless he's particularly unfound of cleaning solutions. No sign of their quarry, though, and he has to wait five minutes for the door to open up again. * LadyHeat exits the bathroom and then wanders casually towards the bar. The staff is too proper to stop her. If you can't get in, I'll see about Norcliff's chances. If Norcliff gets in trouble, Haruko can, quite truthfully, come rushing in, looking for her pet. * LadyHeat looks around the bar for Minami's father. The bar is dark, and relatively quiet as she walks in. The one spot of bright lighting is a table in the back, where a card game of some flavor seems to be in progress. * LadyHeat speaks in a low voice. "There's a card game going on, I'll check there. " * Norcliff follows after Kyouko, looking for any side rooms Excuse me, young lady. Yes? I'm sorry, we can't serve underage guests. I don't want a drink, I'm looking for someone. It's kind of important. * Bartender raises an eyebrow. "Who?" Terazaki-san. * Lord_Darkmoon frowns a bit, but it's gone a moment later. Which one? I was looking for Mr. Terazaki... Both Terazaki and Mina-chan occasionally deal here. Minami does...? ...but neither of them are in tonight. I think he's going to do Thursday and Friday this week... Have you seen her father lately? ..two weeks ago? I was off the last day he was in the schedule. Mina-chan covers for him some nights - I wish I could get her to deal more often, she's more popular with the guests. * Lord_Darkmoon suppresses a chuckle at that. * Norcliff mutters "I bet." If you do see him can you tell him to call Minami? She needs to talk to him. Thank you very much, sir. * Bartender looks at Heat funny, but nods. "I will." * LadyHeat leaves after a slight bow and heads back to the van. Out in the parking garage, Taki has seen... cars. Nice cars, I might note. * LadyNightshade heads back to the van when she hears Kyouko is heading back. * LadyHeat finds her way through the garage to the van quickly, thanks to her good sense of direction. * Secretary cranks the engine as they climb back in. * Norcliff jumps in the window before the van drives off. * LadyMallet catches Norcliff. * Norcliff struggles briefly out of reflex. I never knew Minami dealt cards with her dad like that... So... let's see. What's next? The poker clubs are further into Tokyo, the bars are more back towards their house. I guess we should start further out and head in. Hm. I was thinking the opposite, actually. If he's dealing professionally, he'll probably be there all night, but if he's bar-hopping, he might head home afterwards. Thus, hit the clubs, then work our way out to the bars and his house. I think that's what Taki-san meant. Since their place is only a few klicks from the agency, anyway. Yeah. * Secretary swiiiiings out of the parking garage into traffic, and heads up the freeway once more towards the lights of Shinjuku. Ah. Proceed, then. *leans back, smiling slightly* Wheeeeeeee!~ * Haruko is finally getting reaccustomed to this crazy driving. The freeway takes them right past the Tokyo Tower - it's a shining pillar in the night sky, a beacon of solidity and permanence of civilization. * LadyMallet glances down at the sugarglider, up at the Tower, and mutters something about sky lines. * Lord_Darkmoon double-checks to make sure the tower is, in fact, right-side- up. Don't all magical girl stories end up here? Yes indeed, right-side-up. They do. And we've not seen the last of it, yet. It's so pretty. Indeed. * Lord_Darkmoon , for no apparent reason, flares his eyes purple for a moment as he repeats, "Indeed." It's a building. You humans and your buildings. * LadyNightshade idly looks out the window at it but doesn't remark at all. ... * Secretary drives on into the evening. * Lord_Darkmoon chuckles lightly, to break the tension. ... * Haruko sighs, and stares at the Tower ... if something nasty does go down there, I hope it can hold up to the Mallet. * LadyMallet grins. Just a little. It's another fifteen minutes into the glittering Shinjuku streets. Parking is impossible outside this club, so you're going to have to drop someone off. Taki, you're up! * LadyNightshade shrugs and crawls out of the van. Yeah, you're the fastest, so if you have to catch up with us... Norcliff, you get her shoulder this time. * LadyNightshade looks the club up and down. * Norcliff hops on Taki's shoulder and gives his *cutest* grin. "Hi" * LadyNightshade raises an eyebrow at the rat. "Uh, hi." "Ready when you are." This club does not seem to have a name. A simple sign showing apparently naked girls peeking around the edge of a very large ace of hearts adorns the front door. ... * Secretary pulls away into traffic as Taki gets out of the van. Whatcha waiting for? ... fun place. Kick em in the balls if they get too fresh! Nothing. * LadyNightshade heads towards the front door, bracing herself. The door opens, revealing a small foyer lit brightly by naked fluorescent bulbs. There's a window here where you can apparently check your coat and pay for entry. * Norcliff stays out of sight behind Taki's hair. * LadyNightshade does not let the critter on her neck bother her. * Guy comes to the window after a minute. "Yeah? You here for a job?" * Guy eyes Taki up and down. "Maybe with some makeup help..." Uh... *blushes* I'm looking for Terazaki-san? ...everyone wants Terazaki-san. What the fuck is up with that? But he ain't here. We're not open Monday nights. What'd he do, anyway? He uh... I'm trying to find him for a friend... Who else was looking for him? Sure... dunno, this guy. Smelled like a cop, except even straighter- laced. That was a couple hours ago. * Norcliff makes his way into the club for a quick look-see while Taki is busy talking with the bartender ... What'd you tell him? Norcliff gets no farther than the inner door, which is not opening. I told him to fuck off, and come back if he wants a good time, but not to bother our good customers. * Norcliff silently curses his 6" stature..... and his lack of thumbs You're a lot more interesting than him. Come on in, strip down, and we'll see if we can make a dealer out of you. * Lord_Darkmoon actually looks a bit angry at that. "I think we've got what we can from this guy." ... ... ... she doesn't seem the type. * Guy leers. * LadyNightshade opens her mouth and doesn't even know how to begin to respond to that. I'm only 16! Remember what I said about kicking them in the balls if they get too fresh! She's also quite out of this pervert's league, and needn't demean herself by wasting any more time with him. So? All the better. * LadyNightshade goes bright red. "No!" * LadyNightshade closes up her coat up tight and storms out. Oooh, you blush real good! * LadyNightshade whispers into her radio. "Please get me out of here..." ...We're coming. Madam Secretary? * LadyNightshade doesn't sound very good once she's out of his sight. Gimme thirty seconds... * Lord_Darkmoon does not grind his teeth. Hang in there. We're coming! * Norcliff gives up trying to find a way to bite the guys ankles and hurries out before the door closes on him. * Lord_Darkmoon mutters under his breath, repeatedly, "I will -not- let Rin have at this guy." * Secretary swings into view, and stops in traffic to let Taki board, ignoring the horns of the cars behind her. * LadyNightshade gets into the van not at all gently and as quickly as she can. She looks almost like she's shaking and about to throw up. * LadyHeat awkwardly pats Taki's arm. * Norcliff returns to Haruko’s shoulder this time. "Men are such pigs." ... you okay, Taki? I'm... no. * LadyNightshade can barely squeak out a voice. ...I'm sorry, Taki. I tried to find a way to bite him for you. Remind me to stop by there on the way back so I can show him how to properly respect a Lady. ...No, Leena. Regardless of his unacceptable behavior towards our Nightshade, we cannot stoop to petty vengeance. * Lord_Darkmoon offers a warm, supportive smile to Nightshade. .. * LadyNightshade isn't even looking up at anyone to acknowledge the smile. ... I wonder if it'll still be like that if the Palace pulls this off. ...come on, a girl walking into a place like that? Get some spine. * Lord_Darkmoon mutters, "No, Rin. You won't." ... what's next. Haruko, do you want to go in next? Or should Leena or I take our turns? I'll take it. Just another klick up here... The streets don't look much different here, though there are a few more kids around this area than at the last stop. The van parks about two blocks short of the location. Leena wants it, so let her. * LadyMallet hops out, securing Norcliff. Take care. You know the drill by now. Let's go! * LadyMallet takes off in that almost-walk, almost-run kind of skip. Hey, Norcliff, if I say wasabi, jump off and run amok throughout the place so I have an excuse to chase you, okay? Sure. This place seems to be another hole, so far as the front looks. Just a blank storefront with blacked out windows and CARDS stenciled on the door. She's crazy. *not into the mike* * LadyMallet opens the door, and walks in. * Lord_Darkmoon just smiles and nods in agreement with Nightshade. The foyer here is dimly lit, and the walls, doors, everything is painted black. *bored* 1500 yen cover. And kids can't play at the cash tables. * LadyMallet forks it over, cheerfully, then cracks her knuckles and walks on in. * Man pushes a button, and the inner door buzzes, allowing Leena in. * LadyNightshade bundles up in the backseat, trying to keep herself from shaking anymore. * LadyMallet scopes it out, looking around under the pretense of finding the right table. Nightshade, remember, you're a ninja. Ninja are not bothered by foolish misapprehensions of lesser people. *gently* Inside it's just as glum. Black everything in here, except for spot bulbs highlighting the green poker tables. Men and a few women sit around them, looking quite serious. There are a few kids playing at some roped-off tables in the back. There's no music, and no conversation other than the games and a little chatter at a small bar in the back. ... I know what a ninja is. Don't see him just yet. * LadyMallet takes a look over at the bar, whispering, "Norcliff, check the men’s bathroom." * LadyNightshade didn't mean that to sound as icy as it did. * Lord_Darkmoon chuckles. "Better than I would, certainly." * Norcliff slinks off to the bathroom, trying not to smell to much. I know it's my problem. I'll deal with it. Leena moves around the room, getting a good look at everyone. He's not at the bar, but as she turns around to look back at the entrance, she spots her prey at one of the tables close by. ... bingo. * Lord_Darkmoon grins. "Found him? Excellent." Get him out here so we can go. * Norcliff bravely enters the men’s room, not knowing that he doesn't have too. * Terazaki-san has a massive pile of chips in front of him. I've got to wait on Norcliff. He's checking the bathrooms. * LadyNightshade climbs out of the van and looks around the street to make sure they'll be safe. I'll get him. *eyes glow* ~Norcliff, Leena's found him. Find her.~ * LadyMallet heads over to that table, tapping The Dad as she passes by and leaning against an empty seat. The dealer looks up and growls, "No kids at cash games." * Norcliff wastes no time in leaving the restroom, and nimbly dodging past patrons to jump on Leena's shoe. * Terazaki-san twitches and looks back at Leena. Not playing. Just need to talk to Terazaki-san for a moment, privately. I don't know you. Got a message from your daughter. I'm... ahh... a partner of hers. * Terazaki-san blinks. Okay... * Terazaki-san stands up and ambles back to the bar. "Can I get a fizzy green giant for... what's your name?" Don't give him your real name right now; you're transed. * LadyMallet blinks, and follows. "Reisha." You and her need to meet. Now. We're gonna give you a lift to her. The bartender hands over a small, narrow glass of bubbling green something. I don't know you, girl. * LadyNightshade just shakes her head as she paces outside. Leena, call Mina on your cell. Let her talk to him. It's a shame, because I'm really a fun person. *she pauses, listening to something* Here, call her yourself. Tell her it's her work partners. * LadyMallet pulls out her cell, pulls up Mina's number, and hands him the phone. * Terazaki-san looks askance. ... Why couldn't you have- But I'm winning! 400k so far! Time to cash in for the night, regardless. I'm sure his gaming partners will be so sorry to see him go, but... Mina, you can't- What about your mother? ...no! We can't do that! I don't care if they're paying for everything, she deserves to have us there! ...you wouldn't. * LadyMallet glances around, seeing who's paying attention. * Norcliff is Lady Mallet sees nothing! Nothing! You and I are going to have a loooong talk, Mina-pu, a long talk. * Terazaki-san hangs up. * LadyMallet talks softly into the mike. "Get some eyes here. I don't see anything, have some eyes here to make sure no one follows." Good plan. We can't really do anything about it in there, but if anyone tails the van... Nightshade, Haruko, Kyouko, you'll need to watch out the back window as we're driving off. Okay. * Terazaki-san hands the phone back to Leena. "I suppose you're... you know." The one and only. ^__^ * LadyMallet tucks the phone away. "Ready?" Huh? ...no, I've got to cash out. * LadyMallet nods. * LadyMallet eyes the green fizzy thing curiously. * LadyMallet then daringly takes a sniff of it. It smells tart. * Terazaki-san goes over to his seat and gathers up chips onto plastic racks. And then stacks the racks. Next stop is a barred window near the door where he hands over the chips. * LadyMallet shrugs, and heads over to stay close to Terazaki-san while he cashes out, murmuring, "Meet where you dropped me off. Watch the exit and the way we come, make sure we're not followed." Yeah. Duh. Planning on it. *scoots over to the far window from the sliding door, and grips his Tessen long enough to materialize some sunglasses. Then his eyes go purple* Glad we're all on the same page. It takes a minute, but a grimy duffelbag is shoved back through the bars. Terazaki-san tilts his head at the door, then walks out. * LadyNightshade glances up and down the street while she waits for Leena to come out. * LadyMallet makes sure Norcliff is accounted for, Terazaki's accounted for, and takes the lead, walking in a normal fashion. * Terazaki-san stops outside the front entrance. "I assume you have a ride." Yeah, no parking here, though. * Norcliff reports, ready for duty * Terazaki-san follows along. * LadyNightshade trails the pair, looking casual why she looks for others. There's a fair amount of people around here, and Nightshade can't be sure of anyone. * Terazaki-san reaches the van before too long. * LadyMallet waits for him to get in, then hops in herself. * LadyNightshade climbs in after them. * Terazaki-san looks around. "Great, it's a whole squad. Mina must be in really deep shit." * Lord_Darkmoon is sitting in that too-stiff posture that the other Hunters should recognize right off. The faint purple glow that leaks from the glasses in the dark van might be a tad unsettling to those who aren't familiar with it, too. Meanwhile, a bird with glowing purple moons covering its irises circles overhead, watching for any vehicles that coincidentally leave simultaneously with the van. ... something like that. * LadyHeat starts looking out the back. * Secretary peels out. Whoa! And buckle up! * LadyNightshade goes back to looking out the window. * Norcliff starts braiding Haruko's hair Nice to meet you face to face finally. Large...blue...motorcycle. * LadyMallet isn't buckled up- she's turned around on the seat, holding onto the sides, and looking into the back of the van. * Secretary turns east onto the freeway, increasing speed as she takes the downtown route. Hey, this isn't the way back to the house! * LadyNightshade looks for what Darkmoon is referring to. You're moving! Can...you...lose...it? As the Secretary gets fully up to speed, the girls in back can see a motorcycle keeping pace with them. Barely. ...I don't know. [end session] Session Close: Sat Dec 10 20:34:10 2005