[BitP:R] Mortal World 3

[HirokatsuGoto]

[Izanagi Aso, Freelance Photographer, Unknowingly Spiritually Aware Human] (in the Furousha shop waiting area)

Izanagi still sat quietly as he waited for Viatrix to come back. He caught himself eyeing Fuchs' form every now and again. He really had no idea what he was looking at, and as much as he tried to deny it being something ominous or otherworldly, he couldnt help but look at it askew. It had obviously saved his life, and helped him, so it couldnt be bad and it seemed intelligent to him Izanagi as well...but that was just a feeling

Izanagi shifted in his seat and finally got the gumption to say something to Fuchs again. "thank you again...for saving me..." he said to the silvery fox being, nodding and closing his eyes in thanks before opening them and looking onto Fuchs, trying to discern what he was looking at.

[KnightDisciple]

Kaito turned his cool gaze towards Sayaka.

"I'll say this again, in a slightly different way: I won't just drop the matter. As far as I'm concerned, this is life or death. Specifically, my life or death, and that of my friends. So if it means a few minutes of arguing, I'll do whatever it takes to give us the best chance of survival."

He stays silent at Ken's words, though he barely manages not to roll his eyes.

'Joy. Stuck in a group with a melodramatic idiot. What did I do in a past life to deserve this?' he thought sarcastically to himself.

[KnightDisciple]

Justice Hall Annex, Criminal Investigation Bureau, Financial Crimes Department

Watanabe Hinata frowned at the monitor in front of her. It was strange. Yakuza weren't perfect, but usually they weren't this obvious about things.

'Then again, obvious to me is probably not obvious to the average person.'

With a smirk, she went to cross-referencing her most recent findings, making sure to pay special attention to the most blatant examples of mis-reported finance. It wasn't the glamorous crime busting skills that movies showed off, but it often worked better than a lot of the stuff you saw in those movies...

Finally, she was finished. A few clicks sent the document package on to the DA's office, and she picked up the phone, dialing that same office.

"Yes, may I speak with District Attorney Mitsurugi please? It's Mrs. Watanabe from the Financial Crimes Department. I just wanted to speak with him about something I just sent over."

[Kasanip]

Sayaka

As Kaito looked at her and said, Sayaka had her cool look. Kaito's divisive opinions did not help. He was attacking everyone. Yes, Ken was annoying sometimes and maybe was lying a lot. But when she had asked to stop, he stopped.

But Kaito had so far attacked Ken, Kina, Sayaka's father, Sayaka and Michiko sempai. He had ruined the meeting at the shrine. He was ignoring everyone's opinions but his own. Maybe his analysis was not incorrect sometimes, Sayaka thought. But he had never learned how to be polite. And that annoyed her. Because of course there would be no teamwork if he was rude to everyone. And he wouldn't stop.

Life or Death? Sayaka knew that. She knew that very well.
But Kaito and Ken arguing about boxing and kendo wasn't going to help.

Valeria had said Nakahiro. Ken also had said Nakahiro. Kaito had said Nakahiro. Nakahiro had said a good thing too. Even if Sayaka didn't know him very well, she was willing to try. And he was willing to it seemed. The only thing he couldn't do it seemed, was to control Kaito. Michiko sempai was probably a good choice too, that's why Sayaka had suggested they work together. Of course things could be changed later.

But for Sayaka, teamwork was most important. More than 'leader'. None of them had enough 'experience' to be a leader. They were all first year (and one second year) high school students!

It was like a bad comic.


Sayaka looked down and sighed. Then she looked at Michiko.
"Michiko sempai, I think it'll be ok if we all work together, right? Nakahiro can lead, and we can defend each other I think. As long as we are all together when things happen, right?"

[Kuroimaken]

Justice Hall Annex, Criminal Investigation Bureau, Financial Crimes Department

Watanabe Hinata frowned at the monitor in front of her. It was strange. Yakuza weren't perfect, but usually they weren't this obvious about things.

'Then again, obvious to me is probably not obvious to the average person.'

With a smirk, she went to cross-referencing her most recent findings, making sure to pay special attention to the most blatant examples of mis-reported finance. It wasn't the glamorous crime busting skills that movies showed off, but it often worked better than a lot of the stuff you saw in those movies...

Finally, she was finished. A few clicks sent the document package on to the DA's office, and she picked up the phone, dialing that same office.

"Yes, may I speak with District Attorney Mitsurugi please? It's Mrs. Watanabe from the Financial Crimes Department. I just wanted to speak with him about something I just sent over."

After a polite "one moment please" and a brief moment of silence, Hinata would hear the sound of the phone being picked up.

"Mitsurugi Reiji speaking. Is that you, Hinata-san? My assistant is looking over what you found out and getting me a report in Braille."

[KnightDisciple]

After a polite "one moment please" and a brief moment of silence, Hinata would hear the sound of the phone being picked up.

"Mitsurugi Reiji speaking. Is that you, Hinata-san? My assistant is looking over what you found out and getting me a report in Braille."

"It is, Reiji-san. I know it'll take a bit to get the report converted in full, but I wanted to touch base with you about the contents nonetheless. The very short summary is: Someone made some major financial mistakes. We've got a solid lead on him. The only problem will be taking it any further; you know how compartmentalized these Yakuza can get."

She leaned back in her chair, staring at nothing in particular.

"I can give you some of the other high points now, but the full report will be best. Perhaps you'd like to spend tonight and most of tomorrow looking it over, and we can then sit down to discuss it somewhere? My husband was talking about having some company over for dinner tomorrow night. Would you like to come? You can perhaps chat with my son more, maybe help encourage his decision a bit more."

[Callos_DeTerran]

Michiko

"Did any of you actually hear me?" she says softly, head cast down so the fringe of her hime-cut obscures her eyes from sight, but it couldn't do anything to hide how her hands tighten into trembling fists and turn even paler from the pressure, "Another teenager like us, my friend, got his soul devoured by one of these 'Hollows'. I watched it happen before my very eyes...and you all want to sit here and debate who has the best leadership qualities?"

I should just tell them why I'm best suited, save a lot of drama later. But that won't really work either, will it? They find that information out and they'll discount me out of hand.

"I risked my life to save Sayaka and I was the one who brought us all together here, right now while the rest of you seemed perfectly content to continue walking around school like nothing had changed acting as a beacon for those monsters." her voice begins to gain fire and passion, but also anger that breaks her ice-queen demeanor, "None of you took any steps to protect the other students in this school, not one thing, but you want me share leadership with the very same people? No. That is, quite frankly, unacceptable to me on every level. Maybe, in time, I could see Nakahiro leading, but not now. Not in these critical stages when our lives are in greater danger then ever."

Aggressive, rude, blunt, none of the normal traits associated with the older student, but the true shock is when she looks up. Her icy blue eyes have melted to show shocking depths of raw, seething emotion that's embarrassing just to see on another person's face. It was almost as profound as if they had seen Michiko naked, she was baring herself to them with no thought of how it made her look. Abruptly her hand stabs out, leveling a finger at all of them accusingly.

"You have my offer, now decide!"

Spoiler

Show

Yes she's acting a bit control-freaky, but I figured it helps matters along their proper path and is...fitting considering Soshi's death and all.

[KnightDisciple]

Kaito narrowed his eyes.

"Your friend died. I am sorry for that. But we did not strike him down, and we cannot change the past. The discussion on leadership is because it's something we can actually control, right now."

He sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

"You may have a point about our inaction. But I ask, what would you have us do instead?"

He shook his head.

"I'm not sure I can simply accept your leadership. Not until and unless you can give me something more. What would you have us doing under your lead? How would you change what you see as the current problem? I can't simply accept your leadership without a better idea of how you'd handle these things."

[nothingclever]

Ken returned his gaze to Michiko and spoke plainly, undaunted by her display of unbridled passion. "Sayaka did something. She's been constantly putting up talismans to ward the school from hollows even though they've been repeatedly taken down. Protecting Sayaka was commendable, but she wasn't going to die. If she would've I doubt you would've survived in her place. Besides, I would've done the same. A few days ago I fought a much tougher hollow that attacked her and rendered her unconscious while I was the only one around that could help. I resisted its attempt to mind control me and assisted in defeating it. I wish I could say I beat it myself but some stranger unexpectedly arrived and ended up doing so herself. Kina coincidentally happened to also appear at some point during the battle and she found it quite difficult to resist the mental compulsion of the monster despite its destruction. I calmly helped her compose herself so her condition wouldn't get any worse before taking her to Sayaka's house to be treated. You say I haven't done anything in response to what happened at the gym and I haven't done anything to protect the other students of this school yet I've asked Sayaka's father to instruct me so I can do what she does. I asked him if he could teach me how to help put spirits at ease. I'm so conscientious I'm looking after the living and the dead. I'm against letting you lead us because you're being awful pushy, presumptuous and acting as if you're off your rocker. Sure, you've got a good reason for being upset, but I question whether you're mentally stable enough to be our leader."

[Dorizzit]

The School
Poolside

Nakahiro bows his head at Michiko's tirade. At first, he seems to be shamed at her admonishment. After she finishes, though, he raises his head. His expression has changed ever so slightly; it is a bit harder, a bit more set. His eyes, too, seem just a touch harsher than normal.

"Michiko-sempai. I am sorry about your friend. But you are wrong. We have not sat idle. I don't know about everyone else, but I keep my spiritual senses running every second, and I can cover the entire school with them. I've secreted objects that are powerful when combined with my abilities all across the school and carry several more with me at all times in case I need to fight. I have fought and killed a Hollow on my own. I train my powers for at least an hour every day. A few days ago, I fought with Izumi-san and Rex-san the exchange student on the roof of this very school to defend it from a spiritually empowered invader."

He takes a step forward.

"So please, don't tell me or anyone else what we have or have not done. Moreover, I think this outburst makes it pretty clear that you're not at your best right now. If I had to guess, I'd say the death of your friend is getting to you. That's understandable, and I am truly sorry that it happened. But at the same time, it makes you unstable. That is unacceptable in a leader."

[Kasanip]

Kazari
[End of Junior High School Day]

It's hot.
Homeroom is finished of announcements, and with triumph, Kazari puts her book in her bag. She turns to look at Chiyoko.
"Hey Chiyoko. What are you doing today?" A secret plan of a certain necklace tsukumogami! It must be mysterious to surprise strongly.


Erima
[☆Special Story★]
[Classroom cleaning with Takara]

It's hot.
Almost cleaning is finished, and with exhaustion, Erima puts the broom away. She turns to look at Takara.
"Hey Takara. What are we doing today?" A secret plan of a certain jewel! It is unknown to a scarf tsukumogami. It is always mysterious and surprises strongly.

[Kuroimaken]

"It is, Reiji-san. I know it'll take a bit to get the report converted in full, but I wanted to touch base with you about the contents nonetheless. The very short summary is: Someone made some major financial mistakes. We've got a solid lead on him. The only problem will be taking it any further; you know how compartmentalized these Yakuza can get."

She leaned back in her chair, staring at nothing in particular.

"I can give you some of the other high points now, but the full report will be best. Perhaps you'd like to spend tonight and most of tomorrow looking it over, and we can then sit down to discuss it somewhere? My husband was talking about having some company over for dinner tomorrow night. Would you like to come? You can perhaps chat with my son more, maybe help encourage his decision a bit more."

"Let's get started on the high points, then. I will probably have finished most of this by tonight, but it's better to be able to bounce ideas off you and your husband.

In so many words, it'd be my pleasure. I don't think he needs much encouragement though - forensics is a science like any other, and the way he spoke, he didn't want to miss out on any of them. He's a good kid, I trust him to make a good choice."

[KnightDisciple]

"Let's get started on the high points, then. I will probably have finished most of this by tonight, but it's better to be able to bounce ideas off you and your husband.

In so many words, it'd be my pleasure. I don't think he needs much encouragement though - forensics is a science like any other, and the way he spoke, he didn't want to miss out on any of them. He's a good kid, I trust him to make a good choice."

"Right. Well, one thing that stuck out was his intake from sources that turned out to be gambling. Not so much him personally doing the gambling, as having a hand in managing the games. Almost all of them at illegitimate casinos. That's probably one of our biggest finds, when you look at the numbers..."

The financial crimes investigator continued on for quite a while, detailing all the ways in which they'd started to corner this particular individual. Taking a break from strictly work-related items, she spoke of her pride and joy: her son.

"I'm glad you'll be coming. And he may not need as much prodding as Akira thinks; he just wants to hedge our bets, if you will. Honestly, I'm not as determined about him following our footsteps as I used to be. Maybe because I'm starting to see him really grow up, you know? But yes, I'm sure that, no matter what, he'll make the right choice."

Reiji could hear the love for her son, and her satisfaction with his current accomplishments, without much trouble at all.

[Kuroimaken]

And were it not for the lack of a camera, Hinata could almost see the smile on his face as he replied to her. "He's got good parents to advise him, too, in addition to being smart. I know he's a little hesitant still - he's taking big steps for someone his age. But I don't think he's afraid.

You know what he told me when we first met? He said he didn't want to be defined by what his parents did, and that's why he was thinking twice about following in both your footsteps. What teenager considers such an aspect of life at his age?

I'm looking forward to witnessing what your son will become, Hinata-san. Whether he takes me up on my offer or not."

[KnightDisciple]

"He's always been mature for his age; sometimes it's a bit worrying. Makes it hard for him to make friends. It's that intelligence of his, I suppose. He almost has an easier time dealing with adults than teens, though there are times that's not true. I suppose it's just the challenge of parenthood."

She scribbled a note on her personal calendar for the next evening, before tucking it into her purse.

"Read over the documents, and we'll meet up tomorrow. Though we won't talk too much shop over the dinner table. I'll talk to you later, Reiji-san."

Once he'd responded, she'd hang up the call and finish getting her things together. She had to go pick Kaito up from school today...

[Kuroimaken]

"He has a good heart. Those who see that will become his friends faster than those who don't, regardless.

I'll see you tomorrow, Hinata-san."

Reiji hung up himself, and asked his assistant to note his own dinner appointment.

[horngeek]

"You mean this afternoon? Well, Izumi-neechan was going to walk me home... actually, she should be at the front gates right now. Isn't your house on the way?"

[tgva8889]

Kina Yoshimoto - Poolside Among Friends

Kina looks from one person to another as they each talk. "The tone...there's no friendship here." She says it almost to herself, though she looks at Sayaka as she speaks. For a moment, she looks from Ken to Kaito and Michiko.

You could just shoot them. Kina wanted to. Well, not exactly; she wanted to just show them that she wasn't useless. Being put at the bottom of the totem pole was expected, but the way she heard her name used hurt. It reminded her of an old man with a cane, who had all her best interests at heart but still hurt her at the core. She massaged her hands, feeling the callouses, the burns from constant use of a bow that just would not fire.

"I don't think...any of us has displayed much leadership yet." Fiddling with her glasses, Kina looks at everyone for a short moment, then turns and goes to leave. "I...have to go home. It's a lot...a lot of stuff to handle. Whatever we decide...we won't decide it right now. It's...hard to think. All the noise...it's a lot."

Spoiler

Show

Now would be a good moment for Kina to get kidnapped...?

[Kasanip]

Sayaka

The meeting was a failure again. Sayaka thought with frustration.


Kazari
[Tsukumogami ideas are not well thought sometimes]

"Ah, I see!" Kazari said triumphantly with grin.
"I have an idea! How about we walk to the high school together to meet her?
You won't have to wait so long, and I can surprise Ren too!"

It's a good idea for Kazari. She can be useful to help Chiyoko go to her sister, and can be proud of her own skillful ability.
Of course, she has not considered suspicious electric lights, dangerous cars, or to easily become lost.

[Callos_DeTerran]

Michiko

The delinquent girl's face freezes in an icy grimace at the continued denials, settling back to the calm 'mask' that was hiding a raging torrent of hubris-fueled rage at those she was trying to help!

Fine. Don't expect my help when the hollows come for you and yours. I wash my hands of you." the chill in her tone could practically cause frost-bite as she whirls and walks back into the school to collect her things and leave. Out of the corner of her eye she spies that Kina is leaving as well but the observation doesn't crystallize into something more important until Michiko is out of sight. Hands clutch into fists as she breezes past other students, not making any eye contact as her brain whirls through different paths to take, circles about, and comes back to them again. It was a frustrating and endless loop that wasn't accomplishing anything besides bringing her back to the advice from her online contact.

They'll regret turning me down, I'll make them understand just what a poor decision they've made!

In her fury, Michiko all but rips her cell phone out of her pocket and sends a quick text to Yuudai. Her fingers tremble as she punches the numbers in, teeth grinding against one another behind her veneer of calm. To any of the other students or teachers leaving school, nothing seems too terribly out of place about the situation. Just a girl grabbing her things before heading for home for a productive evening of completing homework and studying. That's all anyone knew about about Michiko's after school activities on the surface, but the kids from the poolside were going to see a much darker side to the stellar student.

Yuudai

Spoiler

Show

Follow Kina home. Text me with location. Will cover with sisters.

Let's see how well they handle the situation when it becomes just as personal for them!

[Dorizzit]

The School
Poolside

Nakahiro remains silent during Michiko's angered departure. After she's fully out of sight, he stays quiet for a few seconds more. He manages to keep his face clear of emotion, but internally, he is not as calm as he appears. He scratches the back of his neck, somewhat embarrassed over the events that had occurred.

"Well. That could have gone better."

He pauses for a few seconds before continuing.

"But I think that we have the start of something good here. Why don't we all head home, and we can discuss this in more detail tomorrow?"

[Terry576]

[Sora]

Sora leaves the apartment, cracking his back.

"Man that couch is uncomfortable..."

He fiddles with his phone, scrolling through his... three contacts.

Yui, Silva, and Izumi.

"I need to get some guy friends... Or at least some more masculine contacts."

He dials Izumi. Hey, what does he care about the time? To him, the time is now.

[horngeek]

Kazari
[Tsukumogami ideas are not well thought sometimes]

"Ah, I see!" Kazari said triumphantly with grin.
"I have an idea! How about we walk to the high school together to meet her?
You won't have to wait so long, and I can surprise Ren too!"

It's a good idea for Kazari. She can be useful to help Chiyoko go to her sister, and can be proud of her own skillful ability.
Of course, she has not considered suspicious electric lights, dangerous cars, or to easily become lost.

Chiyoko smiles. "Well, she said she was coming here... but we could always meet her along the way."

[KnightDisciple]

The School
Poolside

A frown crossed Kaito's face at Kina's departure. It was rather frustrating on one level, but on the other hand, he could understand somewhat. She seemed like the type who preferred everything happy and for everyone to get along. Pity reality was not all personalities meshed well.

At Michiko's temper tantrum, his frown deepened. He waited until she was gone to close his eyes, sigh, and rub the bridge of his nose.

"And I thought normal high school drama sucked."

At Nakahiro's suggestion, he gave a nod.

"Yeah. That's probably for the best. I'll see you guys tomorrow. I can't stay long after school; my mom's picking me up pretty quick tomorrow. Thing we're having a guest over for dinner or something."

With that, he begins walking out of the room, giving Nakahiro and Val friendly smiles and waves, Sayaka a respectful nod of the head, and giving a shallower nod to Ken.

[Wahrheit]

The School

Rex had stayed later than usual to watch the boxing club. After all, he'd loved boxing back in the States, so he was thinking about joining here. His size would definitely help in competitions. Well, assuming the other schools could find people for his weight class. Still, it was worth a shot.

After getting a general feel of the club, he started his walk home, already planning the night's dinner. He'd just gotten a care package from home, which meant sweet tea and fajitas. Mmmm, fajitas.

[tgva8889]

Kina Yoshimoto

Kina waits after she leaves, running though her thoughts while she waits. As soon as Kaito walks out, she jumps forward. "Kaito!" If he stops, she takes the time to collect her thoughts, otherwise she just keeps walking after him. "I'm...sorry! You're not wrong...but there's a lot to think about." If allowed, she tries to take his hand. "We'll...talk. Okay?"

[nothingclever]

"But I think that we have the start of something good here. Why don't we all head home, and we can discuss this in more detail tomorrow?"

"Sure." Ken waited for Sayaka to start leaving. He intended to walk home with her.

[KnightDisciple]

Kina Yoshimoto

Kina waits after she leaves, running though her thoughts while she waits. As soon as Kaito walks out, she jumps forward. "Kaito!" If he stops, she takes the time to collect her thoughts, otherwise she just keeps walking after him. "I'm...sorry! You're not wrong...but there's a lot to think about." If allowed, she tries to take his hand. "We'll...talk. Okay?"

Kaito slowed his walking pace, but did not stop entirely. His expression was one of frustration, and almost exhaustion.

"I'm not mad at you, Kina. I think you had some good points. This whole thing is just a mess. She had not right to make demands like that, out of the blue.

You're right, though. There's a lot to think about. You've got my cell number, and Val's, and some of the others. Feel free to call any of us. Take care, Kina."

Barring further individuals attempting to slow him, he'll head for the exit and soon meet up with his mother, who will then drive him home for the evening.

[strawberryman]

[Pool]

Valeria frowns as Michiko storms out. "...I feel sorry for her... it must hurt, having a friend..." She shudders at the thought, giving Kaito a nervous wave as he leaves, then nods to the others and makes her way out. After all, she had things to do herself, making her way for a quiet place in the woods to train with Gabi.

[Furousha Shop]

Fuchs "looks" at Izanagi. You do not need to thank me, it was the only decent thing to do. I would do nothing my master would not, even though she hides her softer side under that demeanor. He looks away again. Though I recommend you not say any such thing to her, it would only antagonize her.

Shortly, Viatrix emerges from the basement, carrying a rather curious and old-looking camera. ""I've been wanting to get this thing off my hands for ages... Had to be, what..." She looks to Fuchs. "40 years ago?"

[horngeek]

[Sora]

Sora leaves the apartment, cracking his back.

"Man that couch is uncomfortable..."

He fiddles with his phone, scrolling through his... three contacts.

Yui, Silva, and Izumi.

"I need to get some guy friends... Or at least some more masculine contacts."

He dials Izumi. Hey, what does he care about the time? To him, the time is now.

[Izumi]

Izumi picks up the phone after a bit, while starting to leave school after its done. "Hey, Sora. What's up?"