Session Start: Sat Jan 07 16:29:39 2006 Previously, on Hunters: Things are coming to a head, and the decision to relocate Minami to the Palace for safety triggered a busy evening as the team first had to retrieve her father, then move her and the family's stuff all the way around the bay. Taki disappeared during the moving stage, though nobody really minded since Leena could carry the really really big trunk all by herself. Settling in at the Palace took a little time, but Mina shooed everyone out so she could have some private conversation with her father. [Tuesday, March 29, 2004 - 0230 local time] [Mina's new room at the Palace] [session start] * Father watches the door close as the team marches out, then turns to his daughter. * Minami finishes pushing helpful teammates out the door and closes it quietly, leaning against the back of it and pinching the bridge of her nose. "...oofah." Mina-pu... WHAT THE HELL? Don't worry, we're making arrangements for mother as well. * Father sits down on a leather footstool and grimaces. Did you get the rest of the cash? * Minami nods. "Of course." I hope they didn't insist on throwing it away there too. Nah, they were too busy fussing over yours. I couldn't believe... but then there isn't a lot I can believe about what's happening tonight. * Minami shakes her head. "Well...I suppose they are under a lot of stress. Still, though." Point. * Minami straightens up and looks curiously at Makoto. "They told me some of what happened--what did you think of it?" * Father pokes the hand-stitched quilt on the bed. "Nice digs, here. The room is small, but nice." * Minami nods, looking around. "There's that at least." No landlords or tax collectors, either. Oh, well, I really didn't get much of it, except that someone was following us and that insane girl driving managed to lose him. Them. Whatever. Oh, good. Yeah, our driver's a bit crazy, but it tends to work in our favor most of the time. * Minami , without looking, steps forward from the door, reaches behind her, opens it a crack and then slams it shut. "I said *out*, Leena!" The room is indeed nicely upholstered - a little smaller than a hotel room, and no attached bathroom, but it has a nice couch and a good western- style bed. * There's a sound of surprise, then loud, exaggerated stomping away. "FINE!" The landscapes decorating the walls are of middling quality, but you think that those frames may actually be trimmed with real gold leaf. ...Mina, how bad is this? Really? * Minami rolls her eyes and shakes her head. "3 out of 5 chance she'll be back." She eyes the place speculatively. * Minami looks down, then up, then at her father. "Well, between you and me...pretty bad." * Father waits, apparently for an explanation. * Minami goes over to the couch and takes a seat. "Well. Okay, uhh...well, you know about Takeuchi, of course...oh, and you remember the Americans? They've given us some info on one of our main enemies." Right. Good for them! Judging from their profile...the chance of them making an even bigger hit is pretty high. Plus, one of the other groups against us has...we don't know what they're planning, so it's making people really, really edgy. Are all the girls and their families being moved here? I saw a lot of people in the halls... * Minami nods. "We're actually one of the last families--most of the others came in after the whole thing with Takeuchi." It's...the safest haven we could think of. * Minami taps her leg with one hand, her eyes flickering to the door and back. ...but? * Minami shrugs, scratching her arm. "Well, you know. You never know. We thought TM was safe, too...of course, here the security's better, there's a higher concentration of us...but you know I tend to hedge safely." ...because I don't? Well, where d'you think I got it from? * Minami coughs into her hand. "whenyou'resober." * Father half-shrugs, not wanting to address that issue. ...yeah. So... I've been nagging them with every breath I have about Mother. They've moved her into a private room and everything, very VIP. * Minami half-grins a little. "She's probably got nicer digs than we do." Oooookay... So how long do I have to stay here? * Minami half-shrugs. "We're...really not sure. We are sure it's temporary, and if things go for the best, it won't be long at all." I suppose it's a good thing I don't have a real job. * Minami nods. "Not sure what kind of accommodations the working parents here have." * Minami brightens. "Buuuuut...." I bet they're starved for entertainment. In fact, they'd probably appreciate a little...game night. * Minami grins wolfishly. ...if I have to live here very long, I probably shouldn't. * Minami shrugs again and rubs away...most of her grin. "Well, your choice, of course. And yeah, hopefully it won't be very long. I'm going to see what I can do to get you somewhere s--else." * Father blinks. "...what are you doing for them, that they're giving your family such special treatment?" Well...a lot of it has to do with the team I'm with. And then, of course, I don't think many of us have family in the same situation as Mother is in... Plus, we were the b--reason the Americans found us, and they've helped us out a lot. Aaaaand....I sort of agreed to work for them. For a while. After all of this is over. Oh. Is that going to be... I mean, will that really be all right? * Minami shrugs. "Should be, I think. The person I'll be working with...I don't know her as well as the one that was in charge of us, but she seems to be fairly reasonable. And it's nice to actually have a plan for my future other than 'finish school, and then....' " Nothing unsavory, though? * Minami shakes her head. "Shouldn't be, no." * Father gets up and starts poking around in the luggage for a change of clothes. Or maybe pajamas - it is 3 in the morning... Will I get to meet the people in... charge? * LadyNightshade walks up behind Leena. "Leena, why are you bothering Mina?" ...um. I really don't know. Leena gets shooed away from the door once more, and Taki sticks her head into the room. Uh... Mina? * Minami looks up. "Hey, Taki. 'dyou just get Leena off my back again?" Yeah, she was lurking. Can we um, talk? Please? * Minami snorts a bit. "I figured she'd be back." Er...? * LadyMallet peeks in after Taki, and waves. "Hi!" * LadyNightshade pushes Leena's head back out of the door. * Minami looks at her dad. "Um, if there's anything else you need, I'll be back. Should probably let you get some sleep though." * LadyNightshade glances over at Mina's father. "... Alone?" I should be okay. * Minami glances at Taki and nods. "I know, I'm coming. Da needs his sleep, anyway." * Minami heads out, looking back in as she shuts the door. "G'night, Father." Night, Mina's dad. * LadyMallet hrmphs. * LadyNightshade looks around the hallway for a place they can be alone. * Minami glances at Leena, and rolls her eyes expressively. "One of these days, your nosiness is gonna get you in a lot of trouble, Leena." It'll take a helluva lot of trouble before I can't handle it. They wander out to the Palace lobby, which reminds everyone of a small hotel lobby. There's someone in an office around the corner, but otherwise it's empty, and the lights are dimmed. * Minami snorts. "As if that's not just the kind of trouble we get on a routine basis..." * Minami yawns and scratches her head. "So. Where'd you wanna go, Taki?" * LadyNightshade glances around the Lobby. "I guess here works..." Leena, go away. This doesn't involve you. ... Please, Leena. * LadyMallet puts her hands on her hips. "Make me. I've had it with these bloody secrets when we're supposed to be a team." * LadyNightshade has one of those I'm really serious looks. We don't pester you about your life, do we? If you have a problem with it, go take it up with Sakura. No. I'm taking it up with you. You're the one who looks like you're dying inside. * LadyNightshade sighs. And you're worrying me all to hell. Leena, let us have our personal lives, okay? Taki does look a bit stressed... Leena. Please. I'm asking you nicely. * LadyNightshade is trying really hard not to get angry. Or at least show her anger. Whatever this deep, dark secret is, I'll keep it secret, too, but I WANT TO KNOW WHAT'S EATING AT YOU! LEENA. Now is not the time. Do I have to call Sakura to get you to go away? There's only two ways you're going to stop me. And you can guess what they are. I'm sure she's really busy and doesn't want to be bothered with you right now. Reeally, Taki... Leena, get a grip on yourself. I'm worried about you. Not everything is about you. And I'm not going to let it drop. If she doesn't want to say anything, she shouldn't have to just because you can't leave it alone. * LadyNightshade pulls out a phone and starts to dial. Right. Because obviously people trust me enough to let me know what's up with my friends lives. You don't *have* to know everything. I don't want to know everything. I sure don't see the difference. I just want to know what's killing Taki inside. And you think browbeating her into is going to make her feel better? You're not helping Leena. You'd rather force it from her? Then -let- me help. Quit excluding me. It wasn't our choice who to exclude. * Minami shoots Taki a warning look. * LadyNightshade stands up again. "Fine. I guess it'll have to wait. I'm sorry, Mina." * Minami snorts. "'s fine..." Dammit. Can't you see I'm worried? What the hell is the big deal that no one is allowed to tell me anything? Why do you have to force everything all the time? Why can't you just let people decide when to tell you things, instead of demanding all the time? Leena, stop it. Stop trying to bully everyone. I wouldn't have to bully if you'd trust me. Trusting people doesn't mean letting them force you into telling them things. When it's eating them up, maybe you have to. Okay fine, Leena. I'm gay. Are you happy now? * LadyMallet blinks. Then blinks again. * Minami gives Leena a "Look what you've done" look. ... is that all? ...what d'you mean, "all"? * LadyNightshade can't help but blush a little. It's not like it's easy for her, and here you are, pushing and pushing at her. Now can you leave us alone please? * LadyNightshade makes a show like she's about to tear up. * Minami puts a calming hand on Taki's shoulder. "Easy..." * LadyMallet blinks again. "... ... why didn't you tell me sooner?" Because you'd think differently of me... It's not that simple, Leena. Haven't you ever read any of those pamphlets? ... why would I? Because that's what you do. You're still Taki, and no matter what, you're Taki to me. Not some weird perverted monster or anything, no matter what changes. Look how you reacted to Maya and Rinada. ... that's because... well, ahem. Because you have secrets too. * LadyMallet coughs. "I had a crush. I'm over it." * LadyNightshade tries not to snicker at that. ... so, now that I know your big bad dark secret, where were you going? * Minami gives Leena a Look. "Where do you *think*?" * LadyMallet blinks, and a light bulb almost appears over her head. "... that kind of poker..." * Minami chokes. "Uhh..." * LadyNightshade coughs and blushes. ... okay, uh, have fun. No it's... no. We. Yes. That's right. ...uhh, yeah. Um, thanks. And uh... * LadyNightshade is bright red. * LadyMallet blinks yet again, and waves. Then, uh, scats. * Minami looks at Leena. "...don't tell anyone, please?" Cross my heart and hope to die! ...thanks. There's still a lot of...well...thanks. * LadyNightshade can't say anymore and just sits down, embarrassed beyond all belief. * Minami watches Leena go, waits a few seconds to make sure she's not coming back, then sighs in relief and flops into a seat, rubbing her forehead. Oh god, the things I do for these people... * LadyNightshade tries to speak but can't even make a sound. She's absolutely glowing red with embarrassment. Sorry about that. Once you gave her the hook, I just went with the first thing I thought that would get her out of our hair. I... I mean, you're not...? * Minami sinks her head into her hands. "...*god*. She's going to be *insufferable* to be around from now on..." I-it's just that... * Minami looks up at Taki. "Huh? Oh. I don't think so." ...why? She's going to tell everyone... Yeah, I know. * LadyNightshade risks a quick glance up at Mina. "No reason..." But if we can get this out of the way quickly enough, it won't be for that long. Anyway, if it gets out of hand, we can just have a really messy breakup. ... Yeah... We...? But... * LadyNightshade is busy trying to reboot her brain, so she can focus once again. Then you can run to her for it and she'll be so glad you're confiding in her about your heartbrokenness that she won't think about anything else. * Minami is getting into this. "You can tell her I was a cold-hearted bastard, and I only wanted you for your looks." And then she'll try to set me up with every girl she knows, watch... And that I snore, and talk in my sleep, and steal the covers and kick! No, see, 'cause I was the love of your life and no other girl after me can match up. Wait, we, but I wouldn't... I mean... Can we stop talking about this now? * Minami nodnods with a completely straight face. * Minami then breaks down into giggles. "Sorry, sorry, sorry." Please? * Minami nods again. "Yeah, back to business." * Minami coughs away a last giggle and sits up. "So what's really got you so worried?" I... need to lay down. *leans down on the side of the chair she's in. Well, I followed the guy that was following you from your place. He was the only one watching your place that was following... * Minami nods. "And the others?" Or was he the only one you saw? * LadyNightshade rubs her head, trying to relax. There were 3 different groups. I'm pretty sure one was the Americans, since we know they were watching you. Two men that were in a car. They went into your place after you guys left. ...mm. And one guy that was up on a roof. He was the one that tailed you guys onto the train. Did he seem like he was with the guys in the car? Not from what I could tell. Hmmm...no radio on him that you could see? He wasn't the brightest guy. He twisted his ankle just trying to jump off the roof. He had a gun, and a cellphone. * Minami snorts at the ankle-twisting, and nods. And he barely made it to the train, he was in the far back car. As soon as it started moving he started moving towards you guys. New guy, I'm guessing. Gets all the shitty jobs and sucks at them... I had Mitsuko in the car with you guys just to be sure you were alright. * Minami nods. "I was pretty sure at least one of you guys was there." I like Mitsuko, she's almost as paranoid as me. Yeah, he was going to go into the car you guys were in and just give himself away. I had to... stop him. * LadyNightshade sighs. * Minami raises her eyebrows. "Fatally or no?" No... Not quite... * Minami tilts her head. "Go on...." I thought I could convince him to stay in the car and just keep following. * Minami nods. He made a call before trying to move in... I should've just knocked him out... * Minami frowns. "Short call or a long one?" It just didn't seem like the right thing to do with all those people around... Long enough to report in. Hmm. So they know he saw us, and...? And I was trying to think of something to get him to not go in there. He guessed I was a magical girl... I told him I was trying to help him... He didn't buy it. At least he didn't give himself away. Who knows what the rest of the team would've done... What's he think? * LadyNightshade swallows. * Minami snorts. "Overkill, probably." I don't know, I took his gone and he lost his cellphone. I just left him there. I couldn't just kill him in front of all those people. It wouldn't have been self defense... there would've been questions... He left the station when you guys changed stations and three more men got on. They at least didn't try to give themselves away. Mitsuko is watching them right now... We-ell, it certainly wouldn't help if we're going to do a big press thing later. * LadyNightshade closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. "Sakura is gonna kill me..." * Minami frowns. "Wait, what? I mean, this is leading to the end result that we planned for...right?" Yeah. But. I don't know how they're gonna react when that guy reports in. * Minami scratches the bridge of her nose. "...what d'you mean?" I mean... What if I freaked them out? I don't think they knew about Pie or Hardhat or that Lord or anyone... They think we all work together. They'll wonder why I was trying to get them to find out about the Palace. What exactly did you tell him, or how did he react to it? ...ah. You told them about *all* of that? No. Not exactly. I just told him I wanted him to succeed. I didn't want him to give himself away and fail his mission. I was trying to imply that I was working on my own. ....oh. Hmm. * Minami sucks in a short breath from between her teeth. "I begin to see why you're so worried." I just... I mess everything up. * LadyNightshade sighs again and closes her eyes. * Minami waves Taki down. "No, no, I don't think things are quite that bad, yet." This...could be worse. I think we can fix this... What if they are? How? Not...*quite* sure yet. Will need some discussion with Sakura before anything else, of course...off the top of my head, we could do a number of things. What it all boils down to is that whatever else, they *know* there's a huge concentration of MGs here. If we can think of a way to, hopefully subtly, provoke them enough, they could well forget about you. ... * Minami frowns. "I hope they don't have our team on file." Faces, etc. If they had that I'm sure they would've attacked us already at the Agency. * Minami taps her fingers. "True. So far, if they know anyone, it's me." ...shit. Unless he saw the rest of the team while we were en route to or on the train. * Minami shakes her head. "Well, we're all still here, that's the important bit, the palace..." * Minami eyes Taki speculatively. So wait...you think he didn't believe you at all about being solo, or was he just surprised? He didn't believe me. They're too brainwashed to even consider something like that. ...well. So now, unless we *can* get them to believe you, they think we all want them here. Is that it? * LadyNightshade shakes her head. "I don't know..." But that's what you're worried about, right? I'm worried that it just made everything worse. * Minami makes a noncommittal noise and looks off into the distance. They'll be more paranoid and more people are likely to die because of it. The two...most obvious solutions, or bandages, or whatever that I can think of are: Launch a pre-emptive strike or making it seem like you really *are* a renegade. We can't launch a strike. It'd make us look like the bad guys. That's why we're going through all this trouble to lure them here so we look justified... * Minami waves her hand. "Not that kind of strike." A dummy one, enough to make them think they've gotta take us out. Leaving no evidence for anyone *else* to pick up, but they'd know. Well we have team watching the palace. We could still try and scare them off. Between the two of us and the higher-ups...it would be...*possible*. It probably wouldn't be a good idea for me to go in at this point though... No...probably not, unless we could throw you back out afterwards... * Minami hmms again. We should talk to Sakura. I may not be allowed to do anything anymore... * Minami snorts. "We should, but I doubt you'll be locked out--we all need you too much for it, there aren't enough people on the in in this." If nothing else, we could use you as bait. I doubt they'd allow me to help them even if I did convince them I was a traitor, which doesn't seem very likely at this point. You wouldn't have to help them. But seeing, say, me and Sakura and N--whoever else gang up on you, possibly trying to attack us... Basically, what we've got here is that we either need to enhance your credibility, or push them to the point where your credibility's not an issue. What if they know about the orders? Would they believe you'd actually fight me instead of just ordering me down? I don't know what would work short of killing a Lady right in front of them... * Minami shrugs. "I don't think they know about Sakura being a Princess, and Ladies can't order other Ladies down unless they're special, like Maya." * Minami shrugs. "Well, we could also fake your death. Or mine." They do know you know who I am; it'd make sense for you to be following me so's you could make a hit on me, too. I'd have to give away some of our secrets. I think we shouldn't consider this till we get an okay from the Princesses. Well, we shouldn't go through with it right off--that I agree. But we should be thinking of alternatives to give 'em. If nothing else, maybe that'll distract 'em from being angry at you. Thank you. * Minami shrugs. "No prob." I thought you might be madder too. * Minami shrugs again. "Wouldn't serve any purpose." I'm sorry, for what it's worth. Don't worry about it. We'll work something out. And now I'll never be able to look Leena in the eyes again... Well, then you won't have to crank your neck all the time. * Minami snorts. "Sorry. Height joke. Couldn't resist." * Minami has the good grace to look embarrassed about that, at least. * Minami gets up, brushing invisible dust from her pants. "Anyway, I don't even know what time it is, but it's late, so I'm going to go turn in. You can invis yourself back to the Agency, right? Wouldn't do for 'em to see you coming and going from here." Yeah, that's how I got in here. * Minami nods. "Okay, then." * Minami heads back to her room, but can't resist stopping before turning the corner to shoot Taki an evil grin. "'night, Lovergirl." * Minami then snickers...and *runs*. * LadyNightshade blushes mightily. "I hate you so much..." [End session] Session Close: Sat Jan 07 18:56:44 2006