> "I'm not really sure. I think I've basically done everything I wanted to do today. You got anything that needs to be done?"
> "I'll try and think of something, but now I feel kind of bad for dragging you out here considering how bored you were. Let me make it up to you. Is there anything you'd like to do right now? Anything at all!"
>"Do you get free texting?"
> Blush slightly at mention of being a date. How long has it been since we've had one?
> "Yeah, that sounds nice. Let's go!"
> "Well my employer Nitori helped me get into the University for the appointment regarding the exam."
>Completely unrelated thoughts
>If we can't resolve this today, do we have any vacation time from Nitori?
>If not, is there any way we can take tomorrow off for health reasons, even if it's unpaid?
> "Yeah we might be able to try that then. Even if its just the University we might catch a break."
>"I've also heard that the people from the Moriya Shrine are connected to it, somehow. There's a girl there that's... a pilot or something, if I recall correctly. But I don't really know them, and if anything the one I talked to probably thinks I'm crazy."
>examine office buildings
> Head south
> Have Parsee take your arm in an escort fashion, her leading.
> Loosen our arm and start to disengage.
> "Sorry for being forward. Hindsight says that I should have asked, or offered my arm first. But, I'm a little excited to be honest. It's been quite some time since I've been around with a date."
> If Parsee seems reluctant to release us, then do not disengage.
> "Anywhere in particular you'd like to go?"
> "I suppose you have a point. I'm not usually this direct, or clingy, but today's been pretty heavy. That's pretty much the best reasoning I can come up with on the spot like this."
> Head further south for a bit, then turn around and head towards the movie theater to examine and see what's playing, then head over to the pawn shop.
> "But um, would you mind if we took arms again? I did rather like that."
>Try not to look.
>"By who?"
> "Is she wearing a mop hat? I've only run into 2 blond women today and both had mop hats."
>"Sorry, two other blond women."
>Wait, are we remembering that right?
>"Any other identifying features? Or maybe she's just going to the pawn shop?"
> "Well, you go without saying unless you're somehow talking to me and following me at the same time!"
> Laugh loudly and turn towards Parsee. Push lightly back on her head so she knows it's a joke.
> If we're good enough to not be noticed, steal a glance at the woman behind us. Look to estimate height and outfit most importantly.
> Afterwards, turn our attention back forwards.
>What about that biker chick named Yuugi?
> Wonder how many blondes on the island bleach their hair.
>offhand, do the girls' proportions match either Yukari or Maribel?
> Did we see how long her hair was?
> "Sorry, the head-pushing gave me an opportunity to steal a glance at her. She doesn't look like anyone I've seen before."
> "What should we do?"
> "Don't do any of those. Neither of us have any reason to be followed, unless you're not telling me something. Keep an eye out, as you've been doing, and maybe we can find out what she wants indirectly. You wanted to have a look at the Pawn Shop, right? Let's head there, see what happens."
> Nod to the shopkeeper, whisper to Parsee: "She still after us?"
> "Well, since we're in here, you might as well look around for now. We can also think about how to handle her."
> "Do you think the shopkeeper'll let us out through a back exit?"
> Examine the trombone, Swiss Army Knife, and the Netbook.
>examine Black Jesus statue, wedding dress
>ask Parsee if the camera would be a good idea for evidence purposes
> Examine camera.
> Examine collapsible baton
>Examine jewelry box.
>Ask what's inside.
>Check for any hidden compartments on everything we've already checked.
> Inventory
> "I think we might be able to confront her. She seems to be alone and unarmed. Plus, if we can leave out the back, we can circle around and may be able to surprise her. I don't know what to ask her about though."
> "Are you looking for anything in particular?"
>Browse for Parsee's stuff. We have build a STRONG TEAM FRIENDSHIP!
> Call Parsee over and show her the shelves.
> "And hey, maybe we can use these to clobber her over the head?"
> "Well, let's get the shelves for now. We can also ask about a back exit."
> "Well we there's someone outside who has been following us for awhile and we wanna make sure we slip under her radar a bit."
> "Did she mention what the task was exactly?"
> "Uh... I'll think about it."
> "Are you ready to go Parsee? Or is there something else you want to do here?"
> Check on the green-haired girl.
> "Ah. Hello."
> "S-sorry. We just didn't really expect to find anyone back here."
> "Your alley?"
> Check on Parsee.
> "Um... No thanks, you can have it. "
> Hope this doesn't lead to her taking it as an insult somehow and something ridiculous happening
> "We were on our way out anyways. sorry to bother you."
> Walk over to Parsee.
> Exit the alley.
> North
> "Parsee, that woman's over by the bus stop. You think we should approach her?"
> "It would probably be the best thing if we did. I wanna know why she did it."
> Start walking over to the bus stop.
> Wait a bit for a reaction.
> If no reaction is observed, inquire why she was following us.
> Now that we're closer, is she the same woman?
> If she is, examine her.
> "Were you the one following us earlier?"
> Actually, do we want to say this to her?
> Repeat the question. Too late to turn back now.
> "If I'm paranoid, then why why did it seem like you were following us since we got off the bus awhile ago?"
>Curse our lack of confrontational grace.
>Give Parsee a pleading look.
> Recall important facts pertaining to the situation.
> Are there any rental stores on the Island that rent out scooters or stores that let you test-drive them? If so, are there any in this area that she easily could've ditched her scooter at?
>So, she's claimed that she hadn't ditched her scooter, and she's still here, to be clear? So the she didn't go on the bus?
>Ok, I guess it's time for me to TRY to rescue you flailing fuckshits >=[
>"Well, as far as I can tell, you couldn't make the motor scooter disappear. So, assumably, you would have left it near the store we were just in, were you following us. In which case, if the motor scooter isn't around that area, we probably were terribly mistaken. I'm sorry to bother you like this but for our peace of mind could you accompany us to look around for a little bit?"
>ETA to the next bus arrival
>"Ok, ok, I have an idea. But it requires your help, Parsee. I can go look for the scooter. What I'd like from you is to go on the bus with...um...sorry, what's your name again? I know these aren't the best circumstances for meeting and greeting but it would help to know who everyone is I think. I'm Utsuho. Anyway, Parsee, you accompany her for the bus ride, hell, you two don't even have to sit together, I'll try to find the scooter, and I'll meet you at your destination when I have a result. Where are you headed?"
>"Sure, that's fine Parsee. As it happens, I feel a pressing need to take the D bus. How convenient. And that's what we're trying to find out, Elspeth. Whether you want to be near us for whatever reason and why, or if we're just crazy paranoid and silly. Parsee, how do you plan to catch up to us? Um...do I have you cell number in that phone you gave me, so I can tell you where I'll be?"
>"Um, yes, I do"
>Take out notepad and note Parsee's number.
>"It's not as if we're standing in a dark alley, and I'm sure there will be other people on the bus as well. I'll be fine."
> Ponder chances of "Elspeth" being a fake name.
> Followparser'sParsee's instructions
>"Mom, did I ever mention how much I loved you? Haha. Anyways what is it you needed me for now?"
> "I'll do that then. Nice talking to you~ You don't need anything else, right?"
> If Parsee doesn't make any response that's relevant, hang up and wait.
> Run after her
> "Just where do you think you're going?!"
> If we can get our phone back out without slowing down, do so, and call Parsee.
> If she answers, immediately tell her "She made a break for it! She's heading back toward the nursery and the alley. I'm following her, meet me outside the alley."
> Don't call Parsee yet then. Instead, focus on catching up with Elspeth.
> If we pass by a convenient object that could be used as a weapon, pick it up, assuming it doesn't take too much effort to do so. If she attacks once cornered, we're going to want the advantage.
> "You can't get away! Stop, and just tell me what's going on! Please!"
> If she doesn't stop, attempt to tackle her to the ground.
> Hold on tightly to her.
> "Please! I just want to know what's going on! Why were you following me?!"
> Try to move our head to get whatever is blocking our vision out of the way.
> "Why?! Why should I, when you won't even tell me why you were following me, what the hell is going on! Do you have any idea what my day has been like?! From the time I woke up, I knew something was wrong... I felt like I was insane! And then I find out that someone is following me!? Who sent you!? Why were you following after me?! Just tell me, or so help me, you're going to get a lot more than just your legs held onto!"
> "That's it!"
> Struggle to get further on top of her, so that we can keep her pinned without having to keep our arms around her.
> If successful, give her as hard a punch as we can in the softest bit we can find.
> Don't hit her anymore.
> "I don't suppose that they told you just why they wanted you to watch me, did they? And fine, I'll get off, but don't try anything just yet, unless you want this to just repeat itself."
> Get up off of her, and call Parsee, assuming that she doesn't try to run.
> "She made a break for it, but I caught her. She says the Scarlets sent her. Should I do anything else, or just let her go?"
> Also give Parsee our location.
> Do as Parsee instructed, while listening for police. Start with obtaining info and "liberateing" some of her things.
> "I don't plan on hitting you any more right now, so I'd take advantage of the temporary kindness and tell me EVERYTHING. The Scarlets must have told you enough to know what to do and why they wanted you to do it. Who exactly were you reporting to, tell me! I'm not in a good mood, so if you try anything or if you hold out on giving me the info I want to know, it'll be a repeat of your poor eye, comprende?"
> Give it a moment...
> "I'm sorry about that... it's just I'm feeling really stressed, and then I notice I'm being followed, makes it even worse. I guess I went over the top... sorry. To be honest, I'd rather be friends with you then enemies, so I hope we can put this behind us."
> Consider helping her up.
> Introduce ourselves and bow poltly.
> "Do you follow people or spy for a living? Or did the scarlets just hire you out of the blue?"
> "Despite the fact that the Island's government hired someone to keep tabs on me I'd say I'm alright."
> "From what she said, the Scarlet's hired her to track me. Although I am otherwise fine."
> "What did you say was the reason they hired you to track me again?"
>Facepalm at self
> "Oh right, you said that they didn't tell you why."
> "Uh, um... Well, when she wouldn't answer, and kept trying to get away..."
> "A-anyway, I don't know why the Scarlets would have any reason to watch me. Although, I did try to help Akyu out when her house was wrongly condemned... And as far as what she has, I don't know. I didn't really search her, and I decided maybe it wasn't worth the effort... I dunno, maybe you can handle it if you really need it?"
> Give Elspeth a warning look, in case she tries to run away again.
> "How much?"
> "Don't take all of it, she didn't come out of this anywhere near the top. Still, she's not much help, and she didn't complete the job. Take half"
> Examine keys
>Ask Nue about the copiedlooking key and what it unlocks.
> "What does the design on the leather flap represent? I'm kind of curious, is it a company logo?"
>"If that key goes to where you live... what about this one?"
>Point out the one that looked like a house key.
Y'all are jackasses you know. You just fucking mugged Nue. I mean, yeah, she was following you, but do you REALLY think Satori would approve of this rough behavior? Seriously, you all should have let her go with the black eye.There's a plan in play.
I didn't want to take her money :| But it had already been done by the time I got back to see it. Maybe it can be undone...>Don't do this yet, we need leverage.
> Feel guilt wash over us.
> "Actually, Parsee... Maybe we shouldn't take her money after all. It doesn't feel right..."
> Give the portion that Parsee handed to us back to Nue.
>Don't do this yet, we need leverage.
Wouldn't it, you know, be helpful if she DIDN'T hate us? Even if we give her what we got back now, we still just let Parsee take the other 500. But if we at least make the effort to get Parsee to give it back, that will be more helpful at least, and we could feel less horrible about ourselves. Even if that less is only slightly less because we still let it happen to begin with.She works for money, she'll want back what she can get. We also didn't take all of it and she knows that. She could have run at any time since we aren't physically restraining her right now, and she also could have gotten off a cheap hit on us. Clearly, she has some unfinished business keeping her back. Who says we feel horrible about ourselves? We're Utsuho, and this world isn't even real!
She works for money, she'll want back what she can get. We also didn't take all of it and she knows that. She could have run at any time since we aren't physically restraining her right now, and she also could have gotten off a cheap hit on us. Clearly, she has some unfinished business keeping her back. Who says we feel horrible about ourselves? We're Utsuho, and this world isn't even real!
When did we stop thinking this world was real? We knew that something was wrong, but when did we become convinced that EVERYTHING was a lie? And what kind of rationalization is that? We can still think, this isn't one of those dreams where we can't even control our own actions. Are we trying to make ourselves simply fall into insanity?We came to that realization AT THE START OF THE DAY when we realized that EVERYTHING WAS WRONG! What do our actions have to do with insanity anyway? We've been on the path of righteousness from the beginning and are still pursuing it now. There may be a slight hiccup, but Buddha would be proud.
> Feel guilt wash over us.
> "Actually, Parsee... Maybe we shouldn't take her money after all. It doesn't feel right..."
> Give the portion that Parsee handed to us back to Nue.
> Ask Parsee if we need anything more from Nue.
> If not, ask Parsee to wait outside the alley, since we still have a few more words for Nue.
> Once Parsee leaves, crouch down to Nue and whisper.
> "I know you said you didn't know why the Scarlets asked you to investigate me, but the truth is that I need some help. All day I've been feeling like something is amiss here in Gensokyo. I can't put my finger on it, but everything just feels wrong. As a result, I'm looking around. I have no idea what exactly I'm looking for, but I'm following up any kind of lead I can manage. You seem to be someone valuable to know, and I'd like to stay in contact. I'm truly sorry for hitting you, but I just had to catch up to you. I need to cast as many nets as I can. Would you be willing to help?"
> What denomination are the bills Parsee gave us in?
> Be prepared to roll away if Nue attacks us
> "Well... What if I gave you your money back? I didn't expect Parsee to take your money when I asked her to handle the search if she felt like it was needed, but then when I realized she was going to... Well, I didn't think I could completely stop her, but I thought I could convince her to leave half at least. I can try to talk to her later and see about it, but for now... Here."We can still use her though. Try to avoid giving her the money back until we have no use for her anymore. Or ultimate goal is to help, not to take her money, so she's going to get it back, but surrendering it now leaves us without a leg to stand on.
> Give her back the 500☼
> "You never ran away despite your several chances and you never really fought back even after I let you go. Either there's something you're not telling me or you just have unfinished business."
> "I think you're doing more than just investigating me. In fact, I wonder if you're investigating me at all when she's much more likely to be a disturbance than I am. I think you're looking for something else altogether. Maybe I've been framed for something, or maybe I just got people talking today. Still, if you're looking for information about something I bet I could do a much better job than you even without your disguises, or maybe I've already found it out today. Talk with me a little more and I'll give you your money back, since that's all your really concerned about."
> Pull out the money we got from Parsee and hold it out of Nue's reach. Be ready to yank it away if she moves for it.
> "What do you say?"
> Be ready to dodge attacks still.
> Extend our hand.
> "Only as good as your word, shake on it."
> Until we're done with this interaction, be ready to dodge.
> Give her the money, but get ready to attack if she tries something.
> "So will you help we this?"
> "Not yet. Do you know anything about that crazy pharmcist or the robbery last night?"
> "Pharmacy in the Skids, run by a blonde. Nothing?"
> "I've run into the speed gang already today, but do you know their base? Be easier to find them that way than to hope they show up again randomly."
> "I see. Any other things you know that might benefit me?"
> "I'm not gonna pounce on you ya know."
> Bid Houjuu farewell and let her go.
> "Sorry for the trouble!"
> Turn to Parsee.
> "S'all good."
> "M... Maybe..."
> "In exchange, I got her to drop some more information that might prove helpful, though!"
> Share what we learned with Parsee.
>"Ah man..." Parsee shakes her head. "You can't be too soft-hearted with these kinds of people, you know. They didn't get into all this cloak and dagger business out of the goodness of their hearts."
> This voice leaves for a bit and suddenly everyone develops delusions of grandeur.
> This voice also notes that nobody thought to ask who she would be reporting to, and when.
> Steel our voice. "Also, about that. I'm not about to aid and abet in armed robbery. Give me the money, Parsee. We'll use it to tell the Scarlets that we know what they're doing, but it's going back to its owner."
>Dang it! You should have asked that! Stupid memory!
>Parsee frowns. "Oh goddamnit. You're the worst date ever, you know that?"
>She hands you back the money.
>"I better get a real nice gift for this. Because 500☼ is just too much to spend on a first date, even with you. So, how are you going to use it?"
>_
> "I figure if we march into City Hall and say that we would like to return something that belongs to one of their employees, it would send the right message - that we know what they're doing, but we aren't going to have a war with them about it. I really don't have a reason to be followed, I swear on anything, so it would be best to nip whatever misunderstanding is going on in the bud."
> "You're right, though, I'm causing you a lot of trouble today. Sorry, you deserve better than that."
> Bow apologetically.
>"Wow, that's gutsy," says Parsee. "But what do you do when they sic security on you or something? I mean, I'm down with confronting power and stuff. But if they're willing to have you tailed, I don't think they're gonna think twice about making you disappear if you cause problems for them. Or maybe your family. Or they'll just play dumb and make you look like a fool. Do you have a plan?"
>You apologize to Parsee and bow. "Well, I guess you are kinda right. It's just annoying, I guess. Got my hopes up and stuff. So don't worry about that. But you can do that a few more times if you want."
> "I don't think they're at the point where they'd need to disappear me. They'd need to have a reason, at least for show's sake, to take me by force. Neither is it in their interests to play dumb, now that they've shown their hand."
> Look glum.
> "You're right about my family, though. Warning them will help, but not much. I'd need some independent help to protect them. Maybe those bikers, they seem like they're the stick-it-to-the-man type. I've talked to them earlier, I might have an in - how good are you in a fight?"
> "For all I've put you through, I'll do anything you tell me to, today."
> Bow again.
>"You might be right. I would expect a runaround, though. And, well, they can invent causing trouble at City Hall as an excuse. But if you're gonna do that today, we should hurry. They close their doors to the public at 7."
>"As for your family...Well, um, I don't know about anyone reliable. I wouldn't trust the bikers, they're just as likely to get drunk on the job and cause problems. And I've never really been in a fight before. I do have Scotty here, but I don't think it'd do much against the police or any half-decent security."
>You bow again, and Parsee laughs, "I keep that offer in mind. My windows do need a cleaning..."
>_
> "Let's take the initiative, do it now."
> Head for the bus stop. Objective: City Hall!
> "At least the bikers can be counted on to raise a ruckus if the man comes calling. That's a last-resort kind of thing, though - if they really do... come for them, things're gonna have become far worse than a scuffle in the street. Which is why I want to solve this now."
> Cocky grin.
> "Offer's good while it lasts. I can do a mean polish."
>The bus comes, and the two of you board. It is fairly empty, as most of the people on board have gotten off at your stop. You and Parsee are able to find a seat easily. "So, what's the plan?"
>_
> "Walk in, find the front desk, slap down the..."
> Look around, make sure nobody hears. Continue speaking in a hushed tone.
> "Wad of cash. The receptionist won't be able to just accept it, so they'll call in someone with a bit more clout. Once that happens, the word will get out onto their grapevine, and we're golden."
>"I suppose that will work, if they don't call security," says Parsee. "I guess that'll be the trick. If they call security, we'll have to do a runner or something."
> "Hmm. About that... Parsee, if they call security... I think I'll let myself be caught. I'll be able to find out more that way. You, on the other hand, I want you to run... If you don't hear from me for several hours, then I trust you to be able to raise as much of a ruckus in the right places as you can. More importantly, though, if you don't hear from me, please warn my family, tell them to run and hide."
> Head into City Hall. Execute plan until first unexpected event.
>You mention you have something for an employee there that was lost, and present the money with a dramatic gesture. The woman looks at it with a raised eyebrow and a kind of grimace, then asks, "Um, who does this belong to?"
>_
> Consult notebook.
> "A Miss Nue Houjuu?"
>"I believe she's what would be called a...contracted advisor"
>She covers the receiver again and says, "I'm afraid we have no such record of that person. Are you sure she's with us?"
>_
> "Pretty sure, although I could have misunderstood something. Could you please have miss Izayoi check again? If it's nothing, then please extend my apologies for the trouble, and I'll be on my way."
>She covers the mouthpiece again. "Could you explain how you came across this money, and how you know it belongs to this person?"
>_
> "She misplaced it near a bus stop, and, very unfortunately, forgot about it. I noticed her bus pass at the time. By the time I realised she'd left it there, she'd already gone."
>She covers the receiver again. "Miss Izayoi would like to know how you know she works with us, exactly? It doesn't sound like you know the woman at all, if you had to find her name off her bus pass."
>_
> "I think it would be easier if I spoke to Miss Izayoi directly in person, please - this back and forth over a phone is a bit unhelpful."
>"I'll relay that, if you would answer the question?"
>_
> "Noticed it was one of those special transport passes that gives you huge discounts - only government workers, war veterans and the disabled get those. She didn't look like the latter two, so I put two and two together."
> Thank you woman behind the desk and set off for Izayoi's door.
> Upon arrival at the door, knock to announce our presence, but do not enter yet.
> Aside to Parsee: "Quick what don't you like?"
> To door: "Thank you!" and open the door.
>"Hmm? Don't you have some explanations yourself? Sometimes you have to give to get. Why was Nue following us?"Oh god don't confront her do you want to get yourself killed we like being alive and Parsee would revive us just to kill us again
(Delay command until other voices weigh in. But I think this is what is desired)
Oh god don't confront her do you want to get yourself killed we like being alive and Parsee would revive us just to kill us again
> "It's as the woman at the front desk says: A woman named Nue Houjuu left this money behind and I figured she would work here based on her bus pass. I'm here to return it to her."
> Ponder asking to return it directly.
>"Hmm? Don't you have some explanations yourself? Sometimes you have to give to get. Why was Nue following us?"
> "It's as the woman at the front desk says: A woman named Nue Houjuu left this money behind and I figured she would work here based on her bus pass. I'm here to return it to her."
> Ponder asking to return it directly.
> No, no, we're here to confront. UK has the right idea. We're not playing innocent any more, this Izayoi person looks reasonably high-up, and we really would like to know why we're being followed.
>You decide to be direct.
>There is a moment of tense silence. Finally, Sakuya says, "Who are you?"
>_
> "I'd have thought you know, if you're having me followed. That suggests that you don't know. I am Utsuho, and I am just an ordinary citizen, although I've been having a bad day. I work for a maintenance shop, and I'm trying to get into university. Recently I found out I was being followed, and, when confronted, the person doing the following claimed that she was working for the Scarlets. If this rings no bells, then it is either a private project by the governor herself, which is worrying, or she is lying, in which case the governor is being slandered. Either way, I believe I'm in the right place to sort out the problem."
> Write down the above reasoning in notebook.
> "A third option that I will also entertain, and I mean no offense, is that you are lying to me to cover for something. However, for the sake of co-operation, I'm going to shelve that for the moment. Is it within your ability to check the city record for this Nue Houjuu, find out where she lives? You could then ask her personally why she's namedropping the Governor without permission."
>"Let's keep entertainment to entertaining things, shall we?" Sakuya says. "And I will need to obtain some permission to get access to such records, but this should not be difficult to obtain. We shall see what proceeds from there. You understand that all I have on this is your own word. Is there anything else I should know?"
>_
> "There's the matter of Miss Hieda's - the principal of... Armistice High, was it? - her house being condemned. It's been professionally examined, and it's nowhere near the state where condemning it would even be a consideration."
>"That would be Commissioner Tenma's problem," says Sakuya. "I would recommend you make an appointment with him."
>_
> "I will do so, thank you very much. Beyond that, I have nothing of urgency. Thank you very much for your time."
> Get up to leave, pause a bit to try to check if we do, indeed, have nothing more to say.
> "What about this money?"
> Glance at Parsee to see if she thinks we should keep the money.
> "I think we'll take care of the money for now. Thank you for your cooperation in the previous matter."
> If all is well, bid Sakuya farewell and head back into the lobby.
> Arrange an appointment with Commissioner Tenma at the desk.
> To Parsee: "I'm not sure. I don't think I really know enough about the Scarlets, or that Nue gal to say which... Do you have any idea? Either way, we might want to see if we can find more help, in both finding out what's going on and dealing with whatever comes of it."
> To receptionist/whatever: "Yes, that should work." if we don't actually have any other plans for that time.
> Talk to Parsee as we walk out
> "Do you have any friends that might be able to investigate either Nue or the Scarlets? And do you know anything about Tenma by the way? Since having that before I go to talk with him might be helpful, if there is actually something going on."
> Pause for a moment
> "Come to think of it, I wonder... Would it be possible that Nue only thinks she's working for the Scarlets? If she was approached by some contact who claimed to be working for them, maybe it was actually Tenma... I mean, I already knew that something definitely seemed to be going on around them... Of course, that still leaves the possibility open that Nue herself was lying either way, but... Eh, whatever. Maybe I'm thinking too far into this."
>"I'm... Not sure. I'm really not used to this kind of stuff. I don't know how to prepare for if things go wrong, I don't know how to find out more to make it less likely that things will go wrong... I just know that we're in some deep stuff here and if I do even one thing wrong, I'm probably screwed."
> "Yeah. Let's try and see about those bikers first, because I think that might be more important. It's not like that ghost really has anything to do with anything that can really affect me... As far as I know... But yeah, talking to them seems like the best option."
> Would telling anyone else we know about any of this stuff be more likely to help things, or just serve to worry them?
> "Ah, I see... If you don't want to go, I guess that's fine then. I guess I'll try to figure out how to deal with it on my own."
> Would any of them likely be helpful with any of this? This is the important part. We already told Orin about stuff feeling wrong, it might be best not to tell anyone else about any of these problems without reason. At least not right now. Although, the situation with being followed might be relevant. We don't know just what we're dealing with here, so it might be possible that whoever sent Nue might try to strike at our family if they have some sort of grudge against us for some unknown reason.
> "Either way... I think I'll do it a bit later. There are some people I want to talk to first..."
> Try to remember if the Moriya Shrine is having a feast tonight. It may help us find some more info.
> "Its all good. I know that you don't wanna get mixed up with them."
> Estimate of current time.
> Ponder whether we should head home for the night.
> "Um, you know Orin, right? I was going to talk to her and mo- Er, Satori. We don't really know what we're dealing with, so it might be best to warn them that something could happen, just in case. Or maybe I'm just developing paranoia on top of all this..."
> "Oh, thanks. I might do that."
> Did we know where to go to find the bikers?
> If so, "Anyway, see you later."
> If not, ask Parsee if she knows where to find them, before we head off.
> Either way, head to talk with Orin and Satori.
> Consider who else would have the money to hire someone just to follow us. Any of the Shrines? Usami Investigations? The Military?
> Quests.
> "It'll probably be for the best to leave the bikers for tomorrow, so I might swing by the pharmacy and see what that 'job' is about."
> Take Parsee up on her offer of using her couch.
> Hit up the pharmacy first so that we can get it out of the way.
> Make a note to call home.
> Go ahead and call home now.
> "Hey, Orin, it's me. Um..."
> Take a deep breath and then just get it all out.
>"There's some weird stuff going on, and I'm not going to be home tonight. Someone was following me, and I'm not quite sure why. I confronted her and managed to get her to tell me that the Scarlets sent her, but I got in to talk with that Izayoi gal, the one who works straight for Remilia, and she said she has no idea about any of it. Um... I don't really have any idea what I'm dealing with, so I think that you and mom should probably be prepared just in case something happens."
> Sigh
> "This is all so unbelievable..."
> "I'll be staying with Parsee. And I'm, um... Not really sure. I can barely believe that all of this is happening, much less figure any of it out. I guess... You might wanna try seeing about finding somewhere besides home to stay for now too. That's the best I can really think of. Other than that, just look out the window before answering the door if anything like that comes up, and try to avoid strangers. If there's a bunch of them, or they say that they're government officials or something, you might wanna just run. Or something... Gah, I don't know. I feel like I'm going crazy, but I just can't make sense of the whole situation. I know that Akyu had her house falsely condemned and Tenma has something to do with it, and then I helped with that... So I know the government is involved with some weird stuff somehow."
> "She's been helping me out with all of this stuff. I'm not sure I would have caught the gal who was following me without her, to be honest, nor would I have managed to talk with that Izayoi woman afterward. She's been a big help... Though she didn't really go along with me to where I'm going to have to be going soon, so I left her outside City Hall."
> "As I said, she's been helping me out. Why are you so upset about it anyway?"
> "Not that I can think of. I'll call you again later if anything else comes up, alright?"
> "Oh, yeah, just let me ask her."
> Take phone away from head and turn to Parsee
> "Hey, it's fine if I give Orin your number so that she can reach us, right?"
> If answer is yes, then give Orin the phone number.
> "Alright, I will. And thanks. Bye~"
> Hang up the phone.
> "For now at least. I hope my fears are unfounded, but I didn't want to risk it."
> Our destination was the pharmacy, right? Head there if so
> ...This sounds incredibly shady. Do we really need the money that badly?
> Well, if we don't do it, there's a good chance that someone else will... Isn't there?
> "Um... I'm gonna think about it a bit more. If I decide to go on and do it, then I'll bring it back to you, but I'm not gonna make any promises right now."
> "What do you plan on using it for? Just curious."
> "I'll see what I can do if I have time then. And... Yeah, I'm kinda new to this stuff."
> Is Akyu's house nearby? If so, go see about trying to talk with her.
>Try to think why the ribbon looks so familiar...
> "I'll see what I can do if I have time then. And... Yeah, I'm kinda new to this stuff."
> This stuff is called "theft." We don't stand for that. You hear me, other voices?
> Well, we didn't promise anything... And simply taking it MIGHT not be the only way to get it. Maybe. Possibly. Very very freakin' slim chance. But maybe we can look into it and see.
> Attempt to walk by the high schoolers.
>KILL THEM ALL.
>We have the technology, we can do it. o . o
> Look at Parsee
> "Still have that stungun?"
> "Sorry, I'm not interested in coming down to your level, no matter how much fairer this would be then. I've had a very bad day, and I'm not in the mood to deal with this, so bug off. "
> Step back from whatever she plans to swing at us.
> Inventory.
> Kick toward the green-haired one, and try to get into a position where it's easier to defend ourselves from coming attacks and not be ganged up on.
> "Stupid brats... I can't even walk along the street without something happening. Get out of the way and leave us alone!"
> "Guh... Can we leave now?"
> "Guh... Can we leave now?"
> Not quite yet. We take these shortcuts frequently, don't we? Yet we've never seen these kids hanging around here like this before, have we? We should ask a few questions.
>This is the first time you've seen them, and you do like your shortcuts...
>_
> "I've never seen you kids here before. What the hell're you doing here?"
> Try to sound more incredulous than angry.
>"Actually..."
> Look down at the blue-haired girl.
> "Interesting little racket you have going. Asking for tolls and trying to beat up people who don't pay? So tell me, did you actually manage to make any money from it? If so, tell me who you took it from."
> "Alright, go on then. And if I hear anything about you harassing people who pass by, you're gonna be in for some hurt, got it?"
>"Nah, next time I'll have one of my own ^-^"
>"Huh, maybe I'll get two for you then ^-^. Don't blame me if you get a taste for violet wands though ^-^. Oh wait, you could totally blame me. Oh well."
>Ponder if the zapping is anything we've come across before.
> "You've got some balls talking down to someone while you're sprawled out like that, especially since your, erm, crew abandoned you like this."
> "You talk a story though, what do you mean by that?"
> "Hard to respect someone who prefers not to fight and tries to get it overwith as quickly as possible when she finds herself in one? Huh. I find it hard to respect someone who picks fights for no real reason. Go figure."
> "I didn't do anything because I wasn't interested in having a brawl! Not everyone's first reaction to seeing someone else is 'beat them up' you know."
> Roll eyes
> Look to Parsee.
> "Anyway, let's go."
>Continue on to Akyuu's house
>Keep a casual eye on the teenager until you're out of sight
> "Oh, hey mo- er, Satori."
> "Oh, that's Satori. She sort of raised me and Orin, and now she's our landlady... I think that's the word?"
> "Er, yeah, it was the right word then. Anyway, I didn't come back here just to visit home. I wanted to try and talk with Akyu."
> Go up to Akyu's door and knock
> "Um... I wanted to talk to you about what happened with your house being condemned. It's kinda important because um... Er, is it alright if we come inside? It might be better not to talk about it out here."
> "Well, I'm glad she was able to be helpful... The thing is that she said there was no reason for your house to be condemned. There were a few problems, but it wasn't below code. Tenma had something to do with it, right?"
> Pause.
> "Um... I'm sorry if I seem to be going into stuff that's not really any of my business. The thing is, I'm having some problems of my own. I was kinda... Followed, today. I confronted the one tailing me, and she said she was sent by the Scarlets. I talked to that Izayoi woman, and she said she knew absolutely nothing about it... So I don't know who's lying. But then it occurred to me... Maybe it was Tenma. After all, I was trying to help you out, and he got your house wrongly condemned..."
> "Ah, I see."
> Pause a moment.
> "There was something else I wanted to ask you though, if you don't mind. You're principal of Armistice High, right? I would think that it would pay pretty well. So why are you living in a place like this anyway, and why would you have trouble with Nitori's bill?"
> "Well, yeah... Is something wrong? You look like something's bothering you... I mean, if you don't want to talk about it, I guess that's fine... I'd like to try to help if I can though."
> "...Ah, I see. I wouldn't tell anyone or anything like that... Your house isn't bugged or something, is it? Or would that be too much information if it was?"
> "Well... Alright. If I make it through all of what's going on, just know that I'm around to try and help if you need it... Whatever is going on."
> Pull out a notebook, a big one.
> Write "Can we speak freely here or is it dangerous?"
> Show this to Ms. Hieda while saying: "I went to this place called Rosa's for dinner tonight. Good pizza, have you been?"
> Write "Risks unimportant, investigating suspicious activity. Meet somewhere else to discuss?"
> "It's not too impressive to look at, but the pizza's good. Always nice to find some good no frills food. Do you get meat on yours?" while showing the new note.
> Write "I see. Still wish to help. If you change your mind please let me know."
> "I did, but she introduced me to it. We had just a pineapple pizza today, and it's was surprisingly good. It's not a vegetable, but it might be up your alley." while showing the new note.
> Nod and put the notepad away. Tear a page from a small notepad and write our number on it with "Memorize and burn" underneath.
> "Oh, I understand. They probably have some good veggie pizza there as well. If you ever want to have a break and grab a slice, let me know."
> Pass the sheet to Ms. Hieda.
> "Well, it's been nice talking to you. I think I should be going now, lots of stuff to do."
> Leave house
> Once outside, turn to Parsee.
> "...Do you think I handled that okay?"
> "Tact isn't always my strong point, even though I usually try..."
> Quests
>"Well... I guess I'll go try and talk with those bikers next."
> "Alright."
>Head to the bus stop, and then go to where the bikers are supposed to be
> Nod.
> "Gotcha."
> Head for the biker's hideout.
> Groan
> "This had better be worth it..."
> Go up and knock on the door. And hope the door doesn't crash in when you do so.
>And for caution's sake, stow the stungun somewhere out of sight, but which is also easily in reach if it comes to it
> "YO."
> "NOT EXACTLY! COULD YOU TURN THE MUSIC DOWN FIRST?!"
> Explain why we're here
>"SWEET PARTY SIS"
>"Sorry."
>"Don't want to be a downer, but I'm actually looking for some information. I hear you might... know some people."
>Try to look confident without being too forward. Don't want to look as nervous as we feel, but also want to avoid provoking anything.
>On the one hand, the idea of being in a confined space with multiple, potentially druken bikers, is none too appealing. Chiko, in particular, if she feels like following up on this afternoon's 'confrontation'. On the other hand, perhaps joining in might be disarming, and lead to hearing some information we wouldn't otherwise. Yuugi, at least, seems to be less of a hot-head.
>"Um, sure"
>Follow her inside
>Hope you're not making a terribly stupid mistake
>What are we 'huh?'-ing about?
>Hang by the door a bit, without interrupting Yuugi and Chiko's staring contest.
>See what happens.
Edit: (Oh god, I just realized who Chiko is...)
>"Hey." Nod in Chiko's direction
>Step into the room.
>Grab a seat or lean up against the wall or something. Try to look comfortable.
>"Ha, it's been one hell of a crazy day, today. You know the kind?"
> "Oh, not really police. Might be close though. Some gal was tailing me, and I managed to catch her, and get some info from her. She says that the Scarlets sent her. Naturally, when I went to talk to that Izayoi gal who works for Remilia, she said she didn't know anything about it."
>"Hah, what happened? Too many things to list, I'd think. Well, no police chases, at least. Did get tailed by someone else, though. Managed to catch her before she got away, although I don't know if her story checks out. I don't suppose the name Nue Houjuu means anything to you?"
>"Hmmm.... technically, I actually DID offer a considerable amount of money, but she gave it back to me."
> "No, I don't suppose I did really expect to get a real answer if they did have anything to do with it. Not quite sure why I went and did it anyway. I've never been tailed before, and I'm not really used to dealing with all this kind of stuff. Though I'm thinking it might not actually be the Scarlets anyway. See, this neighbor of mine had her house condemned. But there's really nothing wrong with it that even the governments' standards could do that with. So I figure something's going on, and then I find out that Tenma has something to do with it. So maybe Tenma sent Nue. Best lead I've got."
>Catch the bottle.
>"Thanks."
>How well can we handle alcohol?
>In any event, try to nurse the drink slowly. This probably isn't the best time or place to get drunk.
>"Although Tenma would have to be pretty quick on his feet to send someone after me by this afternoon. I only started looking into the condemnation this morning, and even then, only through a casual word or two to my boss, who certainly isn't mixed up in any of this. I'd have a hard time believing I'd come to his attention over something like this that quickly. There's definitely something more going on. Don't really have a clue who would throw that much money at keeping an eye on me, though."
>"Hmmm... she did seem kind of nervous, so I suppose it's possible."
>Consider if we have had any antagonistic relations with someone that hasn't already come up today
>Assuming the answer to that is no: "Enemies? I don't think so. Besides, you'd have to be pretty determined to plunk down 2000☼ to tail someone."
>"Huh, you'd think 2000☼ would buy you someone more stealthy, now that I think about it..."
> Ponder if Nue's just some stalker that we only just noticed today.
>"Hmm.... rush job? I suppose it's possible."
>"I don't suppose you have any idea where I could start looking for who hired her? Or, if she was indeed working for the Scarlets, how I might be able to find out for sure? I can't say for certain, but I get the feeling this is bigger than just me. Surely you must know a few people who have their ears on stuff. Nue said I'm "digging into matters I'm not supposed to be into" and heck if I even know what she meant."
>"Hey, I'm not asking you to do any legwork, necessarily. Just point me in the right direction. And then you don't have to give this two thoughts, again, if you don't want to. Surely you can't mind if I end up sticking my nose into the government's business a bit. No love lost there, I figure."
>If this doesn't seem to be getting anywhere, and no one else makes a helpful comment: "Well, I can pay you for it."
>We still have the 500☼ from Nue, right? If they ask for a specific figure, give something low, but not low enough that we think it will offend them. Don't want to spend any more money than we have to. But be willing to negotiate up a bit.
>"No, I don't need anyone's ass kicked." Pause thoughtfully. "Well, at least not yet. I don't even think Nue knows any more than what she told me. I, uh... already gave her quite a black eye, I think."
>"And... I'm not even sure I know exactly what I'm looking for. So much has happened today. If the governor really did hire Nue, I'd like to know if there's anything if there's anything she's involved with that I might somehow be connected to. Or who else Nue might have been working for, if she was just lying to my face. I really wish I knew where to begin."
>"Who's this Ace person?"
>Nice rack? Hmmm... compliments in strange places, today.
>"I'm not with the police. Heck, I don't even remember the last time I had contact them, to be honest. But, uh... I'm not sure how I can prove to you that this isn't all some sort of a setup. Is there anything I could do that might make you feel more comfortable? Collateral? Something?"
>"Um, robbing a store isn't exactly my style. Besides, I don't want to draw any more attention to myself than I have to, given the circumstances."
>"And now that I think of it, I'm not sure that I have anything on me that would work as collateral, really. Mostly old books and random junk. Other than plain old money, which doesn't inherently do a lot to prove one's loyalty. "
>"Yeah, I've got a computer at home. As for ID, you mean just a regular old ID? I'm sure I have something like that. What for?"
>Is the bus pass we have a photo ID of some sort?
>"Oh, and 'Ruined for life?' That sounds... unpleasant. What counts as 'fucking up?' to her, I wonder...?"
>Check the time.
> "Well I wasn't planning on ratting on her in the first place."
"Well, it's a possible lead, anyway. Thanks a lot."
>"So, uh, were you going to give me an email address for her, then?"
>"Oh, um, sure."
>Give them your email address
>Show them your driver's license
>"Well, I'll keep my fingers crossed, I guess. Thanks, again."
>We don't own or have access to a bike, do we? (I don't think the circumstances of driving that scooter were ever specified back then)
>If so, "Nah, I don't own one. I've driven a few times, though."
>"Ha. Hell, I'm sure I can WALK faster than one of those things moves."
>"I don't actually own anything you can drive."
>"I'm not exactly rolling in money over here."
>Out of curiosity, is money at least a factor in why we don't own any transport? (Our pay was specified as pretty good, but we still seem to not have a lot of surplus cash)
>"To each their own. Who knows? Maybe some day."
>Even if we don't especially care, it's probably best not to give them that impression.
>"Sure, you can keep me in mind if you find something. You do have my email, after all."
>Hope they don't actually do this. One has to wonder the legality of any vehicle a friend of Yuugi wants to 'unload'
>Glance at the clock.
>"Well, I should probably be heading out, actually. I've got someone expecting me, and I don't want to keep her waiting too long. Thanks for the help, again. And the beer."
>Assuming we're not accosted for any other reason, and no one says anything requiring a calculated response, head back to Parsee's place.
>Step into the apartment, and flop on something soft.
>"Phew... Well, that wasn't nearly as bad as I was afraid of, actually. They were rather friendly, actually, although kind of brusk. You'd almost get the impression they liked me for some reason. Telling me to come back tomorrow. Yuugi's evidently keeping an eye for a bike for me to buy, because this is something all real women need, or something. Who knows."
>"Glad to be out of it, though, just the same."
>"Might have found a lead, anyway. Someone who goes by the name of Ace. Yuugi gave her my story about Nue. She seems like a secretive type, and certainly into some shady business. I've been left with the distinct impression that if I rat on her in any way, she'll ruin my life in the process. Ha, although who knows where it's going at this rate, anyway."
>"And, uh, it's kind of hard to rat on someone you know nothing about..."
>"Anyway, this Ace person is evidently going to leave me an email if she cares enough about my situation, which is anyone's guess at this point. Hmmm... I think I might have to pay her, too, but if she finds something good, it's probably worth it."
>Take the stungun out of your pocket and hand it to Parsee.
>"Here. At least I didn't have to use this."
>"Sure, thanks."
>May as well check out email, although there probably isn't much chance she's gotten back to us, yet.
>If there's nothing of note there, we may as well check out that URL Reimu gave us. We're not expecting much, but hey, why not. Besides, idle downtime would be appreciated at this point.
>Hmmm.... Test_Pilot rings a bell. It's only a screen name and all, but today's the kind of day that makes you look into any co-incidence.
>Look at Test_Pilot's profile, or posts or something, and see if this might plausibly be the younger miko from the Moriya shrine
>Scan though some of her posts. See if we can find anything interesting. Or at least get a sense of her attitude / thoughts on the supernatural
>Also, check out that Box Car's URL while we're at it
>Hmmm.... well, that's two suspicions in a row, confirmed. Probably best not to let on to Parsee that we know she's Box Car at the moment. Don't know how guarded she is about that. Wouldn't want to make her more uncomfortable.
>Actually, on that topic: delete that page from the browser history
>Make a note that it might at least be worth visiting this Test_Pilot. If she takes her spiritualism seriously, maybe we could talk about the forest spirit with her a bit. There's also the military connection, whether it means anything or not...
>Did we ever find out when the next Moriya Shrine dinner was being held?
>If not, I don't suppose they have a website? Everyone has a website these days...
>Check the time
>Was tonight a new moon?
>Make a note of the time and date of the dinner. Baring nothing happening in the meantime, it would probably be good to check out.
>Are we hungry?
>If so, ask Parsee about the possibility of some food.
>Try to relax a bit, and hopefully wait for a call from Renko. I wonder if they found that tree....
>We offered to tag along on the investigation of possible mysterious animal in the skids during a new moon. I don't think we actually got an answer back on that one, though... The way today has been, it's probably best to look into everything, no matter how peripheral.
>Did we actually jot down the specific location of that pin?
>If we don't hear anything back from them for a little while, consider taking a look around that area ourselves (if we know specific where we're supposed to go)
>"Hmmm.... at least it's not a total failure, I guess. How'd it go?"
> "Mixed in what way?"
> While we talk to her, pull out the laptop and check MinaseDate's site.
>"Hmm... well, not quite what we were hoping for, but maybe it'll be worth going back to have another look at some point."
>"On that note, were you guys still planning on looking into that odd animal report in the Skids tonight? If so, think I might be able to tag along?"
>"Sure, sounds good. I'll meet you there, then."
>Tell Parsee about our plans to check that out with Renko and Maribel
>We're made an appointment with Tenma for 10AM tomorrow morning, but aren't we supposed to be into work at 8:30 the same morning?
>Is there some way we can get in touch with Nitori to ask if we could have a brief bit of time off work during that period, to follow up on the house condemnation business?
> Current time
(Hmmm.... is that a retcon on the work time? ^^;)
>Honestly, barring something urgent coming up, a little routine might be pleasant or reassuring at the moment. And, frankly, if we're planning to get into university, we probably need whatever money we can get. Probably best to plan to be at work tomorrow.
>Let Parsee know that we're heading out to meet Renko and Maribel later tonight. Invite her to come if she's interested, although you can tell her that you're not necessarily expecting to find anything. It's just, given the situation, you want to look into anything that comes up.
>In the meantime, relax, watch a little tv, maybe. Eat. If we're not too mentally exhausted, maybe page through one of the textbooks with us.
>"Well, I won't be alone when I get to where I'm going. Besides, the neighborhood is near where I live, anyway. I know the place. It isn't as bad as some people think it is."
>"Of course, if you're concerned about my safety, you could always lend me your stungun again. Hopefully I don't run into anyone else out hunting for me, though..."
>"And thanks again, for everything. I know it's a lot to dump into someone's lap on short notice. I do appreciate it, really."
>If nothing happens in the meantime, wait until whatever time is required to make the arranged meeting with Renko and Maribel
> Type this to Ace:
>> "A person named Nue Houjuu was following me today, definitely a tail, had a disguise and everything. She claimed that she was hired by the Scarlets earlier that day to follow me personally. I have no idea why because I've never had any kind of interaction with the Scarlets. I want to find out whatever I can about Nue though, especially who hired her. Apparently someone's been keeping tabs on me and decided today to do something about it. I'd like to know who, but Nue's my only lead. I'm looking for as much information as possible."
> Don't send it off yet.
> Turn towards Parsee
> "Password for the door? Should I knock before I come in or just waltz on in when I'm back?"
> "Sure you don't want to come?"
> "And I agree, it is nice to have other people around. I've really enjoyed the day with you so far."
>Write a message back to that email address:
>"I assume you've probably already looked into things a little, or you wouldn't bother to have contacted me. Yuugi mentioned I was tailed by a Nue Hojuu. I caught her when she tried to run, and pressed her for information. She says she was paid 2000 by the Scarlets to observe me and report back. I don't know why they would care, and she claimed she had no idea, either. She did have that much money on her, though. I confronted Sakuya Izayoi about the altercation, and she claimed to have no knowledge of this Nue person, or anything she was involved in. Which, in retrospect, was a pretty predictable response. Might have been a foolish thing to do, but if they really had hired Nue, she'd have told them I was onto them, anyway, so it's not like I let the cat out of the bag by talking to her.
>"Anyway, I'd like to know if there's any way to find out if the Scarlets had REALLY hired her, or who else she might be working for. And, more importantly, why anyone would care to hire someone to keep an eye on me, anyway. I'm a pretty ordinary person, for the most part."
>"Yuugi gave you my info as insurance, but maybe you could also take a look into ME, and see if there's anything that might have caught someone's attention for reasons I don't even realize."
>"Also, I don't suppose you know why someone might want to wrongfully condemn a house owned by a Heida Akyuu? Could she have gotten herself involved in something unpleasant? I'm sure you're subtle anyway, but if you do any checks on her, please try not to alert anyone that someone's looking into her. I'd like to keep her out of this entirely, if possible."
>"I realize I may be asking a lot, and I'm sure there's a pricetag on this, but we can work that out later. Give me something I can work with. Thanks."
> "Well, the right company makes even the dullest thing enjoyable. And isn't that what friends are for anyway? To make things entertaining? At any rate, I hope you've been enjoying yourself."
> "Nah, you don't have to come if you don't want to, but I'm not exactly sure what I can expect on this...little outing. Just thought it'd be nice to have someone along that isn't a ghost chaser. They really don't seem to bad, but I haven't actually been around either of them for too long."
> "I wonder how the investigation is going to go though. The more I sit here and think, the more I wonder why I bother. Chances are high that even if there is a creature, it won't have anything to do with my situation and won't lead me to find why I was followed. Oy vey. Maybe I shouldn't have mentioned the woods at all. What do you think?"
>"Well, at least you can't say it was a boring first date." Smirk a little at her.
(Out of curiosity, is there any reason we're not sending the email right away?)
>Head out for the meeting at the appointed timeWe've still got time to kill
>"Well, I'd be happy to have you along. And yeah, after today, I'm willing to entertain things I would never have considered, before. And since I still have no idea what's going on, who knows what may or may not be connected."
>(Assuming no objections at this point) Send the email.
>Head out for the meeting at the appointed time
We've still got time to killbest time to trigger flags
> "I know you have class in the morning, but isn't that what college is for? Going out later on adventures with your friends?"
>"Haha. I suppose that can be arranged."
>Smile at her.
>"Have anything in mind? Or want me to surprise you?"
>Ponder Parsee's taste in stuff from what we can see around her place (knick-knacks, posters, etc.)
> Time.
> Sift through some memories that took place before today.
>When would we need to leave to be at the Mad Mart bus stop by 11:30?
> Sift through the childhood memories that stand out the most.
>Can we remember any encounters with paranormal or at least 'odd' events, of some kind? Even if we had written them off as nothing, at the time? Anything which seems vaguely 'out of place', considering the events of the day, and our general sense of 'wrongness' with the world?
>If nothing else comes to mind, get ready to head out with Parsee
>Fake conspiracy theories, as in even Parsee said she considers them fake?
>The site gave out fake information to people OUTSIDE the USSR? Or inside it?
>Wave to Maribel and Renkko and walk over to them.
>"Hey, guys. Sorry if we're a little late."
>"Here's hoping this pans out a little bit better than your last stop, eh?"
>"Do you have any more information on this sighting other than 'strange animal'? Any sounds or whatever to look out for?"
>"Well, it might be a little late to question people at this point. Even if we bump into some people around at this time of night, it's not exactly the most unthreatening-seeming for a gang of people to walk up to strangers at midnight and start asking them strange questions."
>"How specific an area were you given for these sightings, anyway? A street? A block?"
>"An alley? Well, at least it's nice and specific."
>"Lead on."
>Follow them.
>"Although, whether it's 'that' kind of spirit or not, I don't know that a shimenawa made out of a towel would make much of a difference in any case. But still... it does seem somehow appropriate."
>Glance at Parsee. "Yeah, I know what you think. I'd probably think the same thing yesterday. Uh, no offense intended to anyone else present, really."
>To Renko/Maribel "Actually, you must get sick of getting that attitude from people, after a while. No one likes for other people to think they're nuts. Haha, for that matter, I suppose ALL of us have been there, now."
>And to think, yesterday, we might have thought ourselves one of the sane ones...
>Follow Maribel towards the center of the alley
>Look all around you, as you go, keeping both your eyes and ears peeled for any signs of motion or anything unusual
>"There what is?"
>Can we tell what it is Renko just grabbed?
>"Oh, hmm... I see. Kinda co-incidental one happened to be right here. What was in it?"
>Continue to pace around slowly and keep a watch out for anything unusual
>Ask Maribel what the smoke detectors are for.
>"Well, yes, I understand that they detect smoke. I was just wondering how that helps, here."
>"How temperature sensitive are they? Are you hoping to pick up anything living that moves near them, or something? And, uh, if that's the case, wouldn't we just set them off ourselves?"
>"And, uh, sorry if I sound like a moron. I don't really know how you two do things."
>"Yeah, I suppose it can't hurt."
>"Any reason why you're banking on colder, though?"
>"So... any plan other than set these things up, and wait and watch?"
>"Oh, ghosts, yeah. For some reason, I'd thought this was a sighting of an unusual LIVING thing. But, hey, who knows, I guess?"
>Wait around and observe for a bit
>If nothing of note happens for a while, go over to Parsee and say quietly: "If nothing comes of this, I'm sorry for dragging you out here. You must be bored out of your tree. I'm not really sure what I was expecting to happen. Maybe I'm just getting paranoid. After the events of the day... well, I almost expect things to jump out at me. Another crazy stalker, some 'thing' that science probably says should not exist and so forth. Maybe this is just another in a long list of hoaxes, for all I know..."
>"M-making eyes at me? Don't you think you might be overreacting a bit, here? I'm sure they're not used to having anyone tag along on their little excursions. Probably doesn't know quite what to make of me."
>Lean up against the fence with her, and take Parsee's hand in yours for a moment.
>"Look, I know you don't put much stock into this paranormal stuff, but try not to hold it against her if you can. She seems well-meaning"
>"Nasty? Ah, c'mon...."
>"Ok, for the sake of argument, let's say she IS checking me out. And you feel that's disrespectful to you. Well, what reason would SHE have to realize this? You were only introduced to her as a friend of mine this afternoon, and she'd never seen any real sign of affection between us. If you were in her position, now, what do you think you'd be doing? Think you'd be worrying too much about the friend hanging off to the side?"
>Try to non-obviously pay attention to Maribel, to see if we think Parsee is ENTIRELY imagining things
>Sigh to yourself... one evening and it's already THIS.
(Although, frankly, I probably should have seen this coming ^^;)
>"Try not to let it get to you, ok?"
>Give Parsee's hand a friendly squeeze.
>"I'm going to wander around a little bit more, I think."
>Poke around the area, again. Range out a little further than people have been doing, so far.
>Headsnapturn. Don't be noisy, but try to see what Maribel saw.
> ...But if this world is wrong, then why would would not being from it make it wrong?
> Slowly and cautiously approach it.
> "W-what are you...? I need to know... What's going on... This world..."
> Try to think, what does this feel like, compared to the wrongness of the world around us? We know the world is wrong... So if this isn't from it, then what is it?
> Is it just a pure black cat or is it wearing anything, like a collar?
> It's hard to be sure of anything anymore... Between what we feel, and what we know, everything that's happened today, maybe we shouldn't take anything for granted.
> Stand our ground and continue to watch it, but be prepared to move quickly if it jumps at us or something. We don't know what physical contact with it might do.
> "It seems to be... Just sitting there. I'm not entirely sure what I'm doing though..."
>Try talking to the cat, again, to see if you get any reaction out of it
>"C-can you understand me?"
> "Orin?"
> "Orin? It's me, Okuu. Come here."
> Crouch down and hold out our hand
> If we're calm enough, take some deep breaths.
> Continue observing the "cat".
>Can we see any details, now, or is it still just a flat silhouette, except a transparent one?
>How quickly is it fading out?
>"No, don't go!"
(I'm torn between whether touching it would have been a useful or very, very bad thing to have tried)
>Do we have anything in reach that we could use (in a non-aggressive way) to see if it's tangible or not?
> Quickly try the birdseed method.
> Observe effects.
>"I'm... uh, I guess I'm ok. I..."
>"I don't know how or why, but... I think something about that... seemed familiar, somehow. I- I don't know..."
>Collapse and try to breathe
> Look up.
> "Uhh... What now? I've had my fill of extranormal for the day..."
> "What's going on?"
> Turn in the direction they seem to be looking
>"What the hell is what?"
>"Uh, show me what?"
> "Show me. This could help me determine what's going on."
> "Yes you should show me".
>"What are you so nervous about, anyway?"
>Watch the video
>Turn your head towards that shoulder and look behind yourself
>"Um, I'm not the only one who sees nothing at the moment, am I?"
>"Oh, God... You're not all going to think I'm possessed now, or something, are you? I-I'm... not possessed... right? Oh God...."
>Concentrate. Can we sense anything? Any presence? Anything that we cannot attribute to being scared out of our head at the moment?
>Take out our "Peace of Mind" charm and hold it tightly. Maybe it'll help? Probably just a piece of paper, but at this rate, we're getting prepared to believe just about anything.
> "Film me again, now!"
>Turn to Parsee. "What is it? Are you ok?"
> "And this happened to none of you?"
> "I'm gong to try and touch it. Guide me to where it is."
> Follow their directions
>To Parsee "You didn't feel, anything, though, did you?"
>"Reimu said that the stories her Mom told her about the forest spirit said it was friendly. A guardian angel, even. I don't know. Maybe it doesn't mean us any harm? It doesn't seem to have harmed us, anyway...."
> Try and touch the bird. Ask for guidance to its exact location.
>Reach up and attempt to touch the bird on our head
>Try to reach around behind you, to the left, with your arms, without actually moving your body
>"Why can the camera see it when we can't?"
>"This spirit has been visible around me since I stepped into the camera shot, right? Does... does that mean it could have been there a lot longer than that? Like, like since I woke up this morning? Could that have something to do with that feeling we woke up with?"
>Try to collect ourself. True, this is extraordinarily freaky, but it doesn't seem to be DOING anything at the moment. And a clear mind is probably going to help us more at the moment than anything. Breathe.
>"Um, ah, any suggestions, guys?"
> "Let's try outside the alley."
>Watch that royal We.
(Oops ^^;)
>"Do these smoke detector heat sensor things of yours pick up anything unusual?"
>Walk up next to one of them such that the spirit behind you is IN the detector
>"Rude? Well.... it went into a tree of its own accord. A fence probably doesn't bother it. ...I hope."
>"Do you have sensors for anything else? Radio, EM, I don't know... If something as mundane as a video camera can pick it up, it's possible it's visible to something else, too."
> "When you two got to the tree there was still residual warmth, right?"
> Turn to Parsee.
> "Give me a hug and tell me if I seem abnormally warm. We've been holding hands all night, so nothing weird is going to happen."
>"Fooling the brain? Well, they can't be fooling our ability to perceive them entirely. I mean, our brain is still processing their image, whether it's on the camera or in person. But... I don't know how ghosts work."
>"I wish I could talk to it, somehow. Ask it why it's here. Why THEY'RE here, for that matter. I wonder if they could even speak if we were on the same 'plane', or however that works."
>"Ok, this is probably stupid, and I'm sure I'll regret it in a moment. But let's say the spirits really are somehow here to protect me. Someone pick up a rock or something and throw it at me. Um, not at my head or anything dangerous. But enough that it might hurt it a bit. Let's see if anything happens."
>Cringe at the likely outcome of this
> Call out the names of all the crows we've named.
> Have then watch for a reaction from it.
>When WAS the last time we got our picture taken, as far as we can recall?
> "I like crows, so I named a few of them that I see a lot. After the cat seemed to respond to Orin's name, I thought the crow might react to one of those names."
> "Uh, anyone have any ideas for what to do next?"
>"Actually, is the ghost visible in any old camera? Everyone who has a camera in their cell phone or something, take a picture of me with it."
>If the phone Parsee gave us has a camera, take a picture of ourself with it, too
> "Wait, the bird-like spirit on top of my ribbon, any... odd or intresting details about it's appearence or size, for what you can see with the camera? If it's a spirit, it might have something different."
> "No matter what, so long as the spirits mean us no harm, I don't think we need to worry about them."
> "Waiiit, i'm gonna try another name... Yatagarasu..." Wait a few seconds then say to the others "Anything?"
>"Ok, here's an idea. We'd like to be able to see video or pictures of me from earlier, but recently, right? Well, no one's tried to INTENTIONALLY video me, but I've been in a bunch of places today that almost certainly have security cameras. The museum, for one. Probably the pawn shop. Some other places, maybe. Does Usami Investigations have any?"
>Does Kawashiro Heating and Air?
> "Hmm, I thought it might react to that."
> Do we pray to any Gods, Goddesses or Deities of some sort? If so, which ones?
>"Hmm... too bad you don't. Might be kind of hard to convince a stranger to let me look at their security footage. Mightn't hurt to try a few of those places tomorrow, though. Maybe I can come up with some sort of pretext, like saying someone stole something from me while I was in there, and would they be able to let me look at the records for that time to see if I recognized them. Maybe."
>"And yeah, maybe we should just head home. Probably not much else we can accomplish here tonight."
> Bid the investigators farewell and say you'll be in touch tomorrow.
> Head back to the bus stop with Parsee.
> "Sorry to drag you through something else again, but I'm really grateful you were there as well. I really do owe you for this, big time. Is there anything in particular I can do for you?"
> "Well yeah, it was surprising for me too but I kinda feel obligate to apologize for showng you some scary shit."
> "Hm, maybe this is why I'm being followed? At any rate, let's just deal with that in the morning."
> "Heh, they're not exactly people, so I doubt they'll really be in the way. Not like you have to take care of an incorporeal house guest anyway, haha."
> Offer our hand to Parsee.
>"Yeah, I know what you mean, but... they don't really seem to care much about what we're doing, at least in the sense a person does. I wonder how aware they are of us, even?"
>"Besides..." try to smile a little, and take hold of her hand. "what do we have to feeling embarrassed about, anyway?"
>"Is... is it wrong of me to want to feel as if at least SOMETHING is normal, at the moment? If I always act as though some curse or something terrifying is constantly hanging over my shoulder.... well.... I'm just tired...."
>"No, you're right. I can't lie to myself. I couldn't even if I wanted to. Even before tonight, I knew something was wrong more strongly than I have ever known anything in my life. And I WILL get to the bottom of this. I have to."
>"I just want to try and claim some little bit of peace in my own mind amid all this craziness. Or I think I might just lose it."
> "I need to feel that their is something normal, or ok, here. I could end up going off the deep end if something didn't even seem normal."
> "To be honest, having someone to talk to about this, and be around, really helps. You know the cheesy video game line "The Power of Friendship can overcome any obstacle" or however it went, well, it seems kinda true with how I'm feeling. This morning, I thought I was going insane, now though, I feel a lot more relaxed."
> Briefly stare longingly into Parsee's eyes.
> Ponder if a tape recorder may be able to pick up some sound from the ghosts.
> Just because we couldn't hear anything doesn't mean the recorder won't pick something up.
> Pitch the tape recorder idea to Parsee.
> Make a note in our notepad to pick up a tape recorder at the pawnshop tomorrow.
> Head back to Parsee's and catch some Z's.
> "You seemed quite lost in thought on the way back, is there anything you want to talk about before you head off to bed? I'm not exactly tired yet anyway."
> Current time
> "People? Like give a report on what you saw?"
> "Ah, so you've got some dedicated readers that are going to wonder what inspired the sudden change of mind? I see, that might be a touch stressful."
> "Well, since you've already decided to skip class tomorrow, would you like to work on an explanation together?"
> "I'd rather not have that posted right now. Besides, posting it wouldn't really help your purpose since they never came out too clearly on the camera. Plus, you'd be showing a video like that to other conspiracy enthusiasts, the first thing they'll want to do is prove it fake."
> "It's been a long day, so resting does sound good. What are your plans for tomorrow without class?"
> Find some kind of alarm to set for tomorrow morning
> "If you happen to wake up around eight and I'm still not up, could you wake me? I wanna make sure I make that appointment with Tenma tomorrow before work."
> "Good night."
> If possible, check the update to her blog real quickly.
> Settle down for the night and catch some Z's.
> Commence the cleaning of our person and the picking up of our clothes.
> Time.
> Roll our eyes
> "Keine~"
> Summon our crows with our mind
> "Yeah, creepy green thing, what should we do about this?"
> Point at the thing
> "Is it just in the mirror or is it behind me as well?"
> "Also, where's Parsee?"
>Place your hands on the mirror where it's hands are.
>Delayed wait what the fuck.
> Welp, might as well do what we came in here for
> Clean ourself up for the day
> Have the crows pull clothes for the day if they can
> What are our plans for today?
> Examine charm
> Turn to thing in the mirror
> "What? You see something you like?"
>Do we feel like the world is wrong anymore?
>Did we ever feel like it?
>What do we remember about yesterday?
>Of course there was a yesterday. It came before today. It's not like everything just popped into existence all at once when we woke up.
>What do we remember doing yesterday?
>Well, what boring things do we normally do in a day?
> Are we naked?
> If so:
>> "Nitori, do I look any different today?"
> Do we live with Nitori?
> Wake up.
> Wave to the thing in the mirror.
> Does it have the shape of anyone we know?
> Gesture towards our breasts and watch its reaction.
> Does it even have breasts?
> Squeeze our breasts together and see if it follows suit.
> Chuckle
> OK, time to quit playing around. Let's get dressed.
> What were we planning to do today after work?
> Who do we live with?
> Who are our friends?
> Ask Nitori if she's ready to go.
> Do we know anyone by the name "Parsee" or "Nue"?
> Regardless, we should go to work if it's time. Check the current time.
> The Nitori that poked her head in a few minutes ago of course!
> Check the mirror again and examine our appearance.
> You know what? Fuck work
> Fuck this mirror too!
> Put on shoes and go find something hefty to break the mirror with
> The solution is clear: Become one with beast in the mirror.
> Smash the mirror!
> Walk down the corridor, and ask the crows if they know where we are.
>Continue down the corridor.
> "Hey Greeny, what's the deal?"
>Well, that's not terribly new... we saw her in the mirror, right?
>Continue until something else worthy of note happens!
>Try to find what seems to be watching you.
>There is no choice but to move ONWARDS!
Also, >Inventory
> Take a deep breathe, whatever is behind the door can't possilbe be to much for us to handle.
> Go up to the door, and force it open. Being afraid does us no good, we need to confront whatever is behind that door.
> Verify that we're in Parsee's apartment.
> Check for crows in apartment or outside the windows.
> Check the bathroom mirror for visible Green Beast.
> Deep breaths
> Try and find the light for the bathroom.
> "Holy crap."
> Wait for eyes to fully adjust
> Examine the mirror closely
>Is our hair ribbon still there? Or did we take it off when we went to bed?
> Examine:
>> Hair
>> Eyes
>> Bust
> If nothing is different, look for a camera
> Try to sort ourself out a bit, so we look more presentable. It might just be due to us having only just woken up and our messy look doesn't seem right.
> Lets hum a little tune~ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TE9XSVfl5KA&feature=related)
> Take our picture and examine it
> Check on Parsee
> Consider giving a light knock on her door.
> Is their a porch or balcony we could step out onto?
>Can we tell approximately what part of our reflection is missing? Was it our face? Or lower?
>Is this something missing that we feel was there before we went to sleep?
>Take out our Eye Pendant, and put it on.
>Try looking at ourself in the mirror again
>Examine your arms
> Examine:
>> Legs
>> Feet
>> Torso (everything)
> Picture yourself with large raven or crow wings, see if it helps.
> "What is wrong with me?"
> We know of the Metroid or Megaman games, correct? Picture ourself with an arm-cannon like objext on our right arm, like in Metroid/Megaman, along with the wings.
> Does this seem leave us feeling any better?
>So, is the world still wrong?
>Imagine us wearing a white cape with starry galaxy pattern on the inside!
> Time.
> Examine the background reflection in the mirror instead of our own reflection.
> Check behind the mirror just in case.
> If search is fruitless, consider going back to sleep.
> Fruitless to stay awake, we've had an odd feeling all day.
> Head back to sleep and hope we don't have any more weird dreams.
> Rub our eyes and stretch
> Yawn "What time is it?"
> Are we still at Parsee's?
> What's that smell?
> "Morning Parsee~"
> Walk over and give her a little hug.
> "Did you sleep well?"
>Oh, she's cooking breakfast for us? She's a keeper!
>Take a deep whiff of her cooking when you hug so that Parsee knows you appreciate it!
> "Nah, not really. The smell of breakfast is helping me wake up more."
> "You're so modest, it's not just for anyone." Yawn "Silly."
> "Can I go wash my face real quick?"
> "Thanks."
> Head for the bathroom.
> Wash face.
> Does something still feel missing with the mirror?
>After we're done, go back out
>Ask Parsee if there's anything we can do to help with breakfast or whatever
>Ask her how she's feeling this morning, after the events of last night
>"Oh, I'd almost forgotten about that. Never heard back from them last night, but I think it can wait until after breakfast; I'm starving, and I'd hate for this to get cold. Thanks a bunch, really. It looks delicious."
>Eat breakfast
>Afterwards, check email
>Compose a responding email:
>"The only person I can possibly think I might have pissed of is whoever was responsible for the wrongful condemnation notice I mentioned to you in my last email (whether it turns out to be Tenma or someone else). Yesterday, I got another professional to examine the house, and confirm that the condemnation was incorrect. Might have pissed off whoever tried to condemn it in the first place. Mightn't be big enough to provoke that kind of reaction, but I think there's more layers to that issue than I realize. Someone wanted the place condemned, and Akyuu was terrified of something, but she wouldn't tell me what. There might be something there."
> "Yeah. Still haven't worked out everything, but I think I've made some headway."
> When should we leave if we want to make the Tenma appointment?
>"Yeah. What would normally be good news, but probably bad news at the moment. Ace looked into my background and says she can't find any reason anyone would want to tail me. I'm, ahem, 'boring'. Hell, I mightn't mind being a little more boring at the moment. But this means she hasn't found anything useful, and she's supposed to have crazy connections or something..."
>"She asked if I'd pissed anyone off. I mentioned the bit about Tenma and Akyuu's condemnation notice, again. I suppose if someone really wanted the place condemned for shady reasons, they mightn't be too happy about me getting someone else to prove it shouldn't be condemned. I'm still not convinced he's behind this, though."
>"Speaking of which, I do have an appointment with him this morning that I need to attend to."
>What time would we need to leave here to make our 10AM appointment?
>What time is it now?
>"I'd kind of thought she WAS a hacker, actually. But who knows."
>Based on her normal schedule, do we think Orin would be up, yet?
>If so, give her a call and let her know we're still ok.
> Consider showing Rin the video to prove we aren't insane.
>"Hey, Orin, it's me. I just wanted to let you know I'm still in one piece, mostly. I hope everything's been quiet over your way?"
>To Parsee. "Hey, Parsee. Did Renko send you that video yet?"Didn't we get it right away?
>"Well, I spent one evening with her and she's already throwing rocks at me. Am I a charmer or what? Uh, long story.... but one you should hear, anyway."
>Relate the encounter with the black cat, and our 'ghosts'
>"I'd like to show you the video. Maybe you won't think I'm so crazy, afterwards. Not that this whole situation is anything BUT crazy, mind you."
>To Parsee. "Hey, Parsee. Did Renko send you that video yet?"
> "Nah, not last night but maybe later."
>Ask Parsee to send a copy to Orin.
>"Now, don't go spreading this around, or anything. But I hope that you'll believe me when I say this is real, unedited footage."
>"Um, okay, give me a minute, Satori's playing Neopets, so I'll have to go to the other side of the house."
Must... Not... Laugh...
> "Yeah... I know it looks terrible, but I swear its real."
>"I swear to you it's 100% real. You have to believe me that this isn't some sort of elaborate joke."
> "The only thing crazier than that is the fact that I've got two ghosts hanging around on my person all the time..."
> "I can assure you it's real. I have to swing by home in a bit. If you don't have class soon I can prove it to you, all we need is a camera."
> "Sounds good."
> Current time.
> "I'm gonna go home a bit in order to take care of some things. You wanna come with me Parsee?"
>"Oh? What's that?"
> Lean in closer to her
> Smirk "Bold, aren't you"
> Ready kissing lips
> "Absolutely, with what's going on with me right now, "messing around" is the last thing on my mind. I fully intend for this to be real, no joke. You've been with me every step of the way once things started going crazy and I could never just throw that away."
> KISS HERYOU STUPID SON OF A BITCH
> "Maybe not, but I felt that it was appropriate punctuation for my sentence. Sorry about cutting you off though, what were you saying?"
> Okuu x Parsee OTP
> "Dishonesty never gets people where they truly want to be, I've always tried to be as forward as I can as a result. Also, being nice is always more rewarding than being a dick. The world may not be a good place, but if one looks at it with such unrelenting negativity, then it'll turn out worse than it actually is."
> "And, I'd be lying if I said I didn't like you too"
> "Lunch is a possibility, depending on several factors. I have than meeting with Tenma at 10:30 and then work at 12. I haven't thought of an excuse to cut it yet, so I doubt I'll even try and skip it."
> Do we have a lunch break at work?
> "Would you like me to stay another night?"
> "I'll probably stay here again unless something drastic comes up later today."
> "What time will you be busy today? I'll try and work my lunch break around that."
> "I'll probably be in touch after 2, but I can't say exactly when."
> "Anyway, I should head back for now and get ready for today. Thanks for, well, everything really!"
> "Aww"
> Return with a nice warm hug, hold it longer if Parsee starts to loosen up.
> "It doesn't have to be spontaneous, long as it's real it's good enough."
> Hugz~
> When it ends: "I'll be touch later, bye Parsee!"
> Current time
> Head home for now
>Continue heading towards home
>Toss a handful of bird seed towards the crows as we pass by
>If Satori can see us, wave
>When we get closer: "Hi. I-I hope you weren't too worried about me yesterday..."
>"I wish I knew, to be honest. I'm still trying to find out. I mean, you know me. I'm not usually the kind of person who gets into that sort of trouble."
>"That's sort of why I'm not sure I should hang around here too much, just yet. I don't want to get you and Orin tangled up in this if I can help it."
>Consider asking Satori to look at the video / photo-taking with Orin. Do we think it would be kinder to leave her out of it for the moment?
>"That makes two of us who'd like to know what's going on. I promise I'll tell you more when I figure this out."
>"I need to go have a quick talk to Orin about something, now, and then I'm off to an appointment at city hall to see if I can straighten out that business about Akyuu's house. Try not to worry too much about me, ok? I'll be back around."
>Give her a hug
>Head into our house
>"Haha, nice to see you, too. Actually it IS nice to see you. Yesterday was the longest day of my life, I swear. It feels like it's been weeks since I've been home..."
>"So... got the camera? Let's get this over with."
>"Just take a picture of me. Nothing special seems to be required. You should be able to see my 'guests' in the photo."
> "Or something. I don't know what's up exactly though."
> Give Orin a run-down of our adventure in the forest and everything with the investigators to try and explain the beasts.
>"So... convinced I'm not crazy, yet?"
>"I was actually to 3 separate shrines and temples yesterday, which, to the best of my knowledge is all of them, here. None of the people there seemed to pick up on anything. Of course, I don't know for sure when these guys started tagging along. I saw the big one in the forest yesterday afternoon. It might have attached itself to me, then, but for all I know, it could have been there for ages. Multiple aspects of the same being in different places at once. Heck if I know how this stuff is supposed to work. The crow is anyone's guess. Might have been there since the last time anyone took a photo of me. So maybe they couldn't sense anything because nothing was there? But I met Reimu, the shrine maiden in the forest temple, AFTER my encounter with the spirit. Of course, I think she might have been a bit of an atheist in the first place..."
>"There's another miko at the Moriya shrine that I didn't meet when I was there, though. Read a few of the stuff she's written on this shrine maiden website, though. Seemed to deeply believe all this spiritual stuff. Whether that means she'd be able to sense anything from me or not, I don't know. Might be worth a try, at any rate..."
>"At the very least, these spirits don't seem to have tried to harm me, yet. In fact, they don't seem to be doing... anything. Reimu said her mother told her the forest spirit was something of a guardian. I'm hoping she's right about that..."
> "Should we tell mom about these things yet?"
>"Hmmm.... technically the miko I was thinking of talking to about this works as a military test pilot..."
>"Yeah, it did seem a little odd to me, but I guess they must be."
>"But, I suppose, as a spiritual person, hopefully she wouldn't think that this sort of thing was military business in the first place. You worried they'll haul me in and experiment on me, or something?"
>"...I wish I could say that sounded as ridiculous as it would have been a couple days ago..."
>"Either way, I think I should risk it. I have nothing but questions. I need answers."
>"Besides, if these things stay like they are, I'm sure other people will find out eventually, anyway. Get caught on camera somewhere or other. I'd rather I be the one to take action first."
>"Anyway, I have an appointment in an hour or so to talk to Tenma about Akyuu's house being condemned. Hopefully I'll learn something useful. I hope I'm not just getting myself into more trouble. There seems to be no end of it, lately."
>"Thanks. And I'll be as careful as I can."
>Change your clothes and generally get ready to go
>"Now that I think about it, can I borrow that camera for a little while? I might need to convince someone I'm not crazy later today."
>Get cleaned up
>Head to City Hall
>Try putting the charm back on. Does the image disappear, again?
>If so, try taking the charm off and waiting. Does the image become more substantial?
> If it does affect the image, it could be helpful to keep it off to keep an eye on that thing. There is the possibility of this backfiring, though.
>Take photo of Orin, look if there's any "guests" with her as well.
>Wave to green thing. It responded in the dream, maybe it would now too.
>Remember to give Eye Pendant to Satori on the way out. It was supposed to be a gift for her, right?
>Remember to give Eye Pendant to Satori on the way out. It was supposed to be a gift for her, right?
>Can we actually see the spirit if we look behind us now? (As in, not in the mirror)
[/quote
>You look over your shoulder.
>It is uncomfortably close to you, its face, as it were, less that a foot your your own. Its eyes seem to be looking into yours; you can't really tell, as they are just bits of ruby-colored flame.
>It's getting just a bit hard to breath properly, part of you wants very strongly to run very fast, as far away as you can from here.
>_
>"Uh, hello? C-can you understand me?"
>Call out to Orin. "Uh, sis, I think maybe you should see this."
>Try touching the spirit's hand with our own. Is it still insubstantial?
>We ARE still decent, right?
>Make sure the charm is still within quick reach, in case something bad starts to happen
>Wait and see what happens
> "Orin, get in here NOW!"
> "So, you saw it too."
>"I wonder why it ran off? Maybe it doesn't want to be seen by anyone else?"
>"It started to show up when I took this charm off. I guess there really WAS some spiritual power in it. I was kind of growing to think it was just a piece of paper..."
>"I- I wish I knew what it wanted it with me. I'm still not sure whether I should be terrified or not..."
>"Do I have a choice?"
>"...to be honest, sometimes I think I'm just growing numb to it all. It's almost too much to process, you know?"
>"Every now and then, if I let the events of yesterday sink in a bit, I just want run away and cry and pretend that none of it happened. But I can't. I know that unless I find out what is wrong with... with everything, none of this is going to go away. I just have to keep going."
>"Oh, Orin... Am- am I going to be ok?"
>Give her a hug.
>"Well, talking about it and keeping it a secret at the same time is kind of hard to do when the only other people I can think of talking about this to, I don't even know if I can trust. But I think I probably have to try."
>"And I'm honestly not sure whether taking the charm off is a good or a bad thing, at this point. I don't know why the spirit is following me. Maybe it's trying to tell me something, but it can't quite reach me? Of course, if it's actually trying to harm me, somehow...."
>"I think I should still meet my appointment with Tenma. But after that... maybe I should try dealing with this spirit situation immediately. Wish me luck, sis. Or pray for me, even. I seem to be treading in the realm of the kami at this point."
>"And if anything at all unusual happens, give me a call. Promise?"
>Finish getting ready
>Before we leave, check our email, on the off chance Ace has any new and relevant info for us before we meet Tenma
>Head to City Hall
>Take the charm with us, but don't put it on, yet
>Try to remain calm
>"Can you communicate with me somehow? What do you want?"
>Wait for some action on the spirit's part
>Finish getting changed
>Don't put the charm back on, but take it with us
>Ask Orin to take another photo of us, to see if the thing's gone altogether, or just settled back into its old, less-visible position
>Try to smile at it
>"Well, uh, we seem to have gotten off on the wrong foot, here, but let's try again. I don't mean you any harm if you don't. Deal?"
>If we can detect an emotional aura from it, perhaps it can detect ours? Focus on trying to 'project' our own non-antagonism
>Can we sense anything more specific from the spirit if we concentrate as hard as we can?
>"Maybe you don't understand me any better than I understand you?"
>Well, as interesting as this might be, we still have business to attend to. Our guest doesn't seem to be going anywhere.
>Finish getting cleaned up.
>Check our email
>If there's no email, head to City Hall
> Is the crow still on our head?
> Take a few deep breaths.
> Ponder how Parsee'll react to this new "discovery" we made.
>Grab the bus towards City Hall
>What time is it?
>Exit bus
> Try to think what to do until it's time for our appointment
>How long would it take to get to the Moriya shrine and back from here?
> Consider going back to the museum as we seem to be a magnet for things that shouldn't exist.
>If anything interesting or paranormal happens at the shrine or museum, there's a good chance it could take more than 20 minutes. Probably best to check them out after the meeting
>Go into the building, check in with whatever receptionist is required, and wait patiently for your meeting time
>May as well read a little while we wait
>"Not used to being out of the forest much, I guess?"
>"You probably ought to keep your head down while we're here. Of course, you've already been pretty good at staying out of sight when other people are around."
>"What is it about me, I wonder?"
>Continue towards the waiting room
>Take a seat outside the office we were instructed to wait by, and wait
> "Thank you."
> Head into the office and when we meet Tenma, give a polite bow. First impressions are the biggest after all.
> Sit down
>"I'm here about a building condemnation notice that I believe was filed in error. I understand you're the person to talk to about this?"
>"Someone in my neighborhood had her house condemned on account of plumbing issues. However, I've since had a professional plumber in to look at it, and he says that only minor repairs are needed, and that it isn't nearly cause to condemn the house. There must have been a mistake, somewhere along the line. I'm sure you understand how stressful finding your house condemned must be, especially when it's not in such bad shape."
>While we're talking, try to notice if we get any unusual reaction, even subtle, at the mention of this story
>He frowns a bit during the story, then nods. "And you are inquiring on behalf of your neighbor. That is very kind of you. Now, look at me. You have a report that says this, yes? Show it to me."
>_
>We left the papers at Nitori's, didn't we....?
>If so: "I don't have the papers on my person at the moment, although I do have a copy of the report. I wasn't sure the procedure for dealing with this sort of issue, or even if you were the person to give them to."
>Otherwise, show him the papers
>"Well, I had connections with the plumber, and it was my idea to get it checked out again, so I offered to look into the situation for her. I think she was feeling rather overwhelmed by the notice, to be honest. Just wanted to help out a neighbor, if I could."
>"I'd like to find out how the original notice would have been sent in the first place, actually."
>Politely ask if you may see.
>"Under what circumstances was the original inspection conducted?"
> "Oh, that clearly is not good. What, may I ask, is different between them?"
> Hope that Tenma will un-condem Akyu's house.
>Look for discrepancies in the major findings of the two reports
>"So, someone lodged a complaint with this department, and an inspector was sent from here? Does the department have its own inspectors, or is that sort of work contracted out? Is it possible to get the inspector's name?"
> "I understand then."
> Look over some of the aspects that aren't related to the plumbing.
>Doesn't match in what way?
>"What is the standard procedure for resolution of conflicts like this, then?"
> "Hm..."
> Bring this discrepancy to Tenma's attention.
>"So, is that it, then? Just a misplaced paper? You'll rescind the condemnation order, now?"
>Take a look at the order
>"Thank you very much. I'm glad this could be settled so painlessly."
>"Now that I think of it, how did you know the case number off the top of your head? Did someone else bring up the same case recently, or something?"
>"Well, I guess the only thing left to do is the internal paperwork, then? Nothing else you need from me?"
>"Thanks again for your time, and the speedy resolution of this issue."
> "I see. Well I'm glad that everything turned out well for both parties."
> If possible, shake the good Commissioner's hand.
> Bid Tenma farewell.
> If we have time before work, make a beeline for the bus stop so we can give the order to Miss Hieda.
>Head out of the building
>Give Akyuu a call. (at work, presumably)
>...didn't we call her at work the other day?(Oops, that was before we had this phone, so the number wouldn't be stored there)
>Look for a nearby payphone with a phone book, look up the number for Armistice High, and give Akyuu a call
> "It's me, Okuu! I have good news, I managed to sort out the situation about your house. It looks like it was all a mistake, some stuff got mixed up. I have a paper with me canceling the demolition of your house. I wanted to let you know. Um... I'm not sure how to get to where you are to give it to you though. I don't wanna get lost and be late for work, so would you mind telling me how to get to Armistice High from City Hall?"
>"I'm just happy I could help, that's all. I can drop it off at your place when I'm back around home. I hope this is some worry off your back, at any rate."
>"Sure. Have a nice day."
>Head towards the Moriya shrine. May as well see if that other shrine maiden is there, or when she'll be around.
> Turn to the Forest Spirit
> "You'd rather be in the forest, wouldn't you?"
> How long would it take to get to the shrine in the forest?
>"What's wrong?"
>Can we get a better sense of the nature of its discomfort? Does it feel different than the way it was uncomfortable in City Hall?
>Is there time to drop in on Reimu and still get to work on time?
> How close is the forest shrine to work?
> What time does Nitori head into work?
Do we want to go to see Reimu first though or would we rather show Nitori our Beast and see if she'll let us take a personal day ?I think we should see Reimu because there's the chance that Nitori won't let us go even if we are possessed and we'd have to wait longer.
My personal opinion is that the fewer people who know about the ghost, the fewer possible complications, at this pointExactly, and if the Beast is visible without cameras now, do we really need to be driving around servicing air conditioners? Much less being at work when we could be doing research?
Exactly, and if the Beast is visible without cameras now, do we really need to be driving around servicing air conditioners? Much less being at work when we could be doing research?
Well, I don't know that all of our work normally involves service calls. And the spirit seemed to keep a low enough profile in City Hall. In either case, I don't think it would cause us to be wandering around in public any MORE than we would be if we were off work. As for using the work time to do something more directly related to this issue, I suppose that's a point. I hadn't really thought there was anything important happening in that window, though. To be honest, I think half my reason for not favoring skipping work is just to try and keep a little normalcy for poor Okuu's sake, if that makes any sense. And I didn't think it would hurt.The upside to getting a day off work though would be we could check the museum out a bit more.
Either way, I think we should go to the forest shrine now, and work out whatever is up with Nitori afterwards.
> Would Nitori let us call out of work possessed, or is that something we'd have to show her?
> Head for Reimu's shrine quickly on foot. I bet she'd want to see the forest spirit.
>Nah, take the bus
>Continue towards the forest shrine. We should know the more direct route through the forest after Reimu showed it to us yesterday.
>Knock on the door
>Is her scooter around?
>If we see no sign of her, try walking back to that big flower grove near where we first encountered the spirit
>"Oh, I tied that around the tree so that I could find it again, later."
>"I think Maribel must have added the charms, later."
>"Is this your tree? Or was it just a tree you happened to be next to at the time?"
>"I think shimenawa are supposed to keep spirits in, or out, or something. But I have no idea whether this thing actually does anything or not."
>"Does it bother you?"
>"Do you want me to remove it?"
>If we get the feeling she does, or is ambivalent, try doing so
>"Hmm... just testing something. I guess it really is just a towel, after all."
>"You know, I still don't know why you're tagging along with me. Was there some reason you did it, or did you accidentally get stuck with me, somehow?"
>Put our hand on the tree
>"I don't suppose you felt like something was wrong with the world, too?"
>"Well, I guess if you want to stick with me for a bit, you can. I think I may be getting strangely used to it, actually."
>Current time?
>"Well, I should probably head to work, unless I want to be late."
>Head to work
> Head for the store.
>"I've been running around town most of the morning. Figured I may as well head over here, now."
>"I've been given the go-ahead to write the entrance exam. Going to have to work pretty hard to prepare for it, but I'm going to give it my best."
>"Good news on the Akyuu situation. Had a meeting with Tenma this morning. It seems that a page in the original report which led to the condemnation had got mixed up with a different case file. Files fixed, problem solved, I think."
>"Of course, I wonder why someone reported her house as suspicious in the first place. I mean, I don't think it looks much worse than a bunch of other places in the neighborhood"
>"Yeah, maybe."
>"So, what should I be doing, now, then?"
>Proceed to dismantle the unit as Nitori asked
> Probably not a problem, but pray that the Forest Spirit doesn't randomly materialize in front of Nitori.
> Procede to do as Nitori asked, taking apart the window unit(AC that goes into a window?) while humming a little tune (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xy_-7OXophY) or two (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tX0PwiwvLnE)
>"Last night? I think I heard someone mention the other day that the owner is a bit of a scrapper, but nothing specific. What happened?"
>"Any idea what it was about?"
>"Oh. That's... unpleasant. Were they just a couple of passers-by?"
>"Yeah, it can't be nice to have that happen right outside your place. Heck, it's probably bad for business, too."
>Answer the phone
>"Hello?"
> Continue working away while talking to Maribel.
> "Yeah, I'm doing ok. Did you find anything out?"
> Is Nitori close enough to us that she could easily over-hear our convorsation?
>"Oh, hey there."
>"Yeah, I'm doing ok. Better than I'd expect actually. I crashed pretty soon after getting home, though. What kept you guys up all night?"
>Is there some place private we can move to take this call so that Nitori doesn't necessarily overhear anything about the ghost incident?
>"Sorry, we won't be available for lunch, but maybe I can stop by after work?"
>DO NOT forget that we owe Parsee our time!
>"I already have lunch plans booked today, I'm afraid. But maybe we can hook up after I'm off work? Would that work for you?"
>Considering Parsee's reaction to Maribel last night, it mightn't be a good idea to invite her along to lunch, at least this once.
Edit: (I have to laugh at the essentially identical response, here)
>"Yeah, I think you could say that. Look forward to seeing you, later."
>"Oh, this? Yesterday, actually. A friend ended up loaning / giving me an older one she had lying around."
>"Oh, that was one of the people whose air conditioner I fixed yesterday, believe it or not. We talked a bunch while I was over their way, and ended up hitting it off."
>"Yeah, them. They seem pretty nice."
> "Heh, Heat sink eh? What's the issue with it?"
> Can't give Nitori the whole story just yet, so if we tell anything, it needs to be vague hinting.
>Well, we can probably tell most of the truth without telling anything compromising at this point. After all, it should be easy to get someone to assume there are no ghosts
>"Well, I feel kind of silly about this, but those two are also sort of... ghost-chasers, in their spare time. And they convinced me to tag along on one of their 'investigations' last night, since it was near where I live."
>"Well, I had a look at some of the equipment they brought along with them. They had smoke detectors modified into heat sensors with some sort of remote reporting system, which was kinda neat. Metal detectors, Geiger counters. They take this stuff pretty seriously. It was... a different sort of experience, anyway. Although most of it was sitting around and waiting, and chatting. Of course, how much paranormal activity would you expect to find in the Skids, anyway?"
>"Haha, yeah, that might work. And I'm honestly not sure where this interest of theirs started. I think they may actually have come to Gensokyo in the first place because we apparently have a reputation for that kind of strangeness."
>"But they don't seem like the usual nutbars you associate with this sort of stuff, so I don't really mind."
>"Bet they're wishing they got a round trip ticket," says Nitori. "But what sets them apart? If they got all that crazy equipment, it sounds like they're pretty typical in the field, trying to pretend they're good science."
>_
> "The 'usual' paranormal people seem borderline, if not, completly insane. Those 2 however, you wouldn't guess that the had anything to do with paranormal stuff, and they definately seem perfectly sane."
> Continue working while saying this.
>"Huh. Must've been a shock when they pulled out all that junk, then. But it's good to hear you're meeting nice people, you know? They any good at KoF?"
>_
> "Who knows, I don't think I asked. Although, I wouldn't be to shocked if they were. Speaking of KoF, after we finish up these things, wanna go a round? Or is their more on the to do list?"
> "Sounds good."
> Continue to dismantle the AC Unit.
>Give Parsee a call
>"Hey, there. It's my lunch break, now. Want to get together and grab something to eat?"
>Can we think of a half-decent place to eat in the general neighborhood of where we are?
>If so, suggest this to Parsee
>How about pasta?
>Suggest this place to Parsee
>"Of course, if there's anywhere nearby you'd rather eat at, that's fine with me. I'm not a picky eater."
>"Ha. Yeah, you could say that. I'll tell you all about it over lunch."
>Is there time to quickly drop into the pawn shop on the way to the restaurant and see if we might be able to find something for that gift we promised Parsee?
>"That was the girl I mentioned earlier who gave me the phone. I'm taking her out for lunch."
>"Anyway, I probably should dash. I promised I'd pick her up something, and I'd like to get it before she gets here."
>"See you in a bit!"
>Wave goodbye to Nitori
>Go to the pawnshop
>Can we find any sort of middle-eastern themed nicknack, of reasonable quality? Something that looks like it might match the decor at Parsee's place?
>Oh, the lamp for sure. The Persian rug, despite being more expensive, is still a fake. Even though the lamp probably wouldn't be a genuine thing either, it isn't the kind of thing one would expect to be real. Plus, it's probably of more use than a fake rug.
> How much money do we have?
> Pay for it if we haven't already.
> Head for the restaurant.
>Grab a table in the least populated / most private area of the restaurant and wait for Parsee
> Wave to Parsee
> "Heya!"
>"You like it? I bought it for you, actually. Wasn't quite sure what to get you, but I tried to find something that wouldn't look out of place in your apartment."
>"And I'm actually doing pretty well, considering. More at peace about at least a part of my situation. Heh, a bit of a story to that one..."
>After the waitress is out of earshot:
>"Well, you know that charm I was wearing the other day? Turns out it's not just a piece of paper. I took it off when I was getting cleaned up, this morning, and as soon as I did, the spirit materialized next to me. I think it must have been keeping her suppressed, or something."
>"I can actually sort of communicate with it now, vaguely. I mean, I can sense a general impression of what it's thinking, and it seems to be able to do the same thing to me. It's pretty vague, sometimes, but... well, I'm sure that it means well, now."
>"It's really shy, though. Tends to pop out when I'm alone, and vanish whenever anyone else is around, although Orin did get a glance at it this morning. I... kinda hope that doesn't happen at a bad time."
>"I went back to its home in the forest this morning, but I think it wants to stay with me. I... get the sense that it also feels like something is wrong with the world, too. But it's hard to really tell what it's thinking, sometimes. It seems very confused by most of the city. I guess it's never really left the forest. I wonder how old it is...?"
>"Anyway, I think we're in this together, now. For better or worse."
> "Um, yes, it is here right now... As for how it thinks, I'm not really sure. It's close enough that I can at least make some sort of sense of the emotions that it seems to project. And it does seem to understand me to at least some small degree when I try to communicate with it..."
> "I'm not entirely sure it actually can go away. When I offered to let it stay with me, I got a feeling like... It was already set. I mean, I'll try, but don't get your hopes up... Anyway, it's not like it's going to report to anyone or anything like that."
> Try to convey to it that it would be best to have a little privacy for now.
>"It's not 'spying' on anyone. That implies intent. She's not trying to find out your secrets, or anything. She barely understands half of what I've been doing, anyway."
>"And, frankly, I don't know that I CAN tell it to go away. I'm not sure if it's just following me, or actually attached to me in some way."