Vivienne Bianchi
Location: Pinefall High - Campus Grounds
Phase: Evening Phase
Date: 08.09.1994 (THU)
Weather: Overcast
Alex chuckled quietly.
"Well, if you have prepared to be a princess, mademoiselle, then I can certainly be your prince for the evening," she said, offering her right arm to Vivienne while gesturing with her left that they should walk. "Shall we then, my lady?"
From the looks of it, Alex wasn't the type to question what Vivienne had prepared. Indeed, it was quite clear that she trusted the quiet girl enough that if she said she had something planned, Alex was willing to believe it - even if her lack of luggage meant that a normal disguise was quite unlikely. Or perhaps Alex was simply good at taking things in a stride, and adapting to whatever life threw at her.
Still, she listened quietly, attentively, as to what Vivienne talked about afterwards, while the two of them wlaked through the gates of Pinefall's campus grounds.
Once Vivienne was finished, Alex thought for a moment, rubbing her chin... and then shook her head.
"Ah, no. The matchbox itself isn't a problem. It's a mass-produced type after all - I'm willing to bet there's few prepared in all the rooms, and a basket full of them at the main lobby. It's something meant for the visitors of country club to use if they've misplaced their own lighters, or if they are too occupied to search for it. Indeed, the matchbox isn't anything special in itself. We can't use it in the way you suggest, in other words," the reporter explained. "And indeed, the box itself isn't important - what's important is to find the smokers among the current visitors of the country club. Unless, of course, they realized their mistake and made a hasty leave this morning - but then our job will be that much easier."
Alex nodded to herself.
"However, gaining access to the country club and its interior will be a bit harder, depending on how things there are arranged. Usually, country clubs are accessible by invitation only, meaning we cannot move about as freely as we want to. If we are spotted by a regular visitor, I believe I can talk us out of it - it's hardly possible for them to know all the others who visit the club, after all. Staff, and especially the owner, Jack Pinkerton, are a different story altogether..." Alex continued, heaving a little sigh. "... Avoiding the owner is our top priority, because he alone will know we do not have memberships. Staff can be fooled to some extent, but there's a limit to that too."
The reporter turned her head towards the girl walking besides her, and lifted her free hand up, along with her index finger.
"In other words - if we are questioned by the visitors, we'll simply say we are members too who rarely attend, but recently got a chance to visit the area and decided to drop by. We can say we are a couple of socialites from Canada - that would explain my accent," Alex explained. "The staff can be fooled, too... but in order to do that I need to get inside first. If we are seen by the owner, it is no doubt game over, but those who work there are not as invested or as careful. I simply need few important things in order to pass cursory inspection. Bottom line is, follow my lead if needed, and let me handle most of the talking."
A slightly mischievous smile, very unlike typical Alex, floated to her face.
"... We'll do it by the Abagnale method."
It was rather weird.
For the first time since arriving here, Alex seemed almost... excited? Though she masked the feeling well, she was certainly almost looking forward to this infiltration.
In a manner that was almost like a different person.
Still... the two of them needed to get ready. Even though there was some walkng to do... soon they would be at Spade Queen.
Liana Skye & Vivienne Bianchi
Location: Spade Queen Country Club
Phase: Evening Phase
Date: 08.09.1994 (THU)
Weather: Overcast
"..........."
Sierra stared up at the cat, and for a moment, the animal's face and the girl's face were reflections of each other. Indeed, her mindset was similar to that of a precocious cat's, so it was no wonder that there was an immediate sense of recognizition as the two beings acknowledged each other. Seconds ticked, one after another, as the staring contest became longer and longer, and no quarter was given on either side. The mighty ego of a cat versus the mighty ego of a thirteen year old, locked in a battle of wills upon their first meeting.
Hawthorne, watching all this from the sidelines, chuckled and took another drag from his cigarette.
"Really? Cat? I figured you more of a dog-type person. See, you have that dog-like aura... in a completely good way, of course," he said, impish grin floating on hsi face. "The type of person who always wants to help out and please those they know, and all they expect in return is some affection and headpats in return. Well, I can supply the latter at least."
True, he had taken a few hits to his ego and stumbled, but even the black-haired man realized that if he didn't get back on the offensive, this might not end well for him.
Thus he did.
"As for romantic comedies, well... I tend to watch what's showing in the movies. Much Ado About Nothing, the Branagh one, was pretty fun. And Sleepless in Seattle, ah... that one's even more fitting over here, not so far from there. Still, right now I suppose my favorite would be the one you want to see," Hawthorne continued smugly. "And for guns, well... isn't that a bit hasty? We barely know each other, Ms. Skye. See, I'd appreciate you wining and dining me first, at least."
He might have been thinking of continuing, but before he could, Sierra started to make her move. The young girl stiffened up a little, and reached out with her hand towards the cat... only to have it end up hovering halfway there, as if she was unsure whether or not she should continue.
No, she was definitely unsure as to how to approach the animal, but was too prideful to admit it.
"... I want to pet you," Sierra said with a sullen expression, glaring at the cat. "Bring your tiny head closer."
Hawthorne chuckled at the awkward demand, shaking his head. With his free hand, he brought the cup of coffee to his lips and took a sip, enjoying the taste for a moment. However, as he drank, something down the road - over the shoulder of Liana - caught his eye. The man's eyes focused on the two figures approaching by the road, heading straight for the gates and indeed, the Spade Queen Country Club that lay beyond them. Two figures that seemed to be... a young man and a woman?
And indeed they were.
Because there, in the distance, the duo of Vivienne Bianchi and Alex Terrot had finally gotten their destination in their sights. The luxurious building and grounds of the country club they had come to investigate, hoping to find some answers to the mystery of last night's spy at the lighthouse.
However, the two of them had immediately found something else - yet that remained surprising nonetheless.
"Is... is that Mademoiselle Skye?" Alex asked quietly, frowning a bit at the sight of the three people gathered around the fountain. "And who are those with her...?"
Yes, it certainly was Liana.
And while Vivienne didn't recognize the young girl she was talking to... she certainly recognized the man sitting by the fountain.
Vividly.
Very vividly.
Like an image burned into her retinas.
A man staring down at her, along with a barrel of a gun, and cold words spoken without mercy.
It was...
--- The man who had killed her.
And the moment she realized that, she could feel something laughing. In the back of her head. Like an old vinyl record that had just revved up.
A mysterious voice that was like her own... yet unlike her at all.
And then it was gone.
Leaving only the sight of her murderer in her eyes.
Colt Davin
Location: Road's End - Streets
Phase: Evening Phase
Date: 08.09.1994 (THU)
Weather: Overcast
Tris, who was walking in a sort of dream-like state, staring vaguely at the clouds above, let out a long, satisfied sigh and nodded.
"... Verily. T'was the greatest loaf of meat I hath ever tasteth," she answered, wiping some drool off of her face. "And the pie as well, along with the coffee... t'was something truly out of this world. I hath no idea that the surface boasted such wonderful flavours unheard of in my home! Sweetness, greasiness, sourness... I art truly beyond words! Colt, thou has showeth me a world undreamt of, and for that, I can only thank thee!"
The hand of Tris slammed against Colt's shoulder, and though it was much smaller and lighter than Colt's own hand, the strike felt like something that Pyry would have given in one of his numerous good moods. Once again it went to show just how much strength was packed into that unassuming body, and how different the girl's physiology must have been.
Still, that satisfied, grateful grin she beamed at Colt was all too human - almost innocent in how it looked.
As such, it was hard to dwell too much on such thoughts.
"As for my partner, well..." Tris folded her arms across her chest, and chewed on her lip a bit. "...Hath he returned to our forth of cardboard by the beach, he wouldst have contacteth me. I can only presumeth that he art still handling something outside of it. Thus, I hath no idea as to where even begin my search. Alas, I art not well-versed in the art of hunting and stalking prey. Instead my expertise lies in the physical destruction of the Below's many opponents."
As if to make a point, Tris swung her arm up and down, mimicking crudely swinging her enormous sword.
"So... what shalt we do? Thinking back to this morning's discussioneth, there art probably many things worrisome and which should be lookedeth into..." she continued. "Dost thou have any ideas?"
Hisa Momoi
Location: Pinefall High Dormitory
Phase: Evening Phase
Date: 08.09.1994
Weather: Overcast
Ru, who was still in his disguise (and apparently had been in the middle of reading through some comic books that Pyry had lent to him) nodded, looking very serious and focused as he took the syringes and carefully cradled them in his palms.Originally Posted by Hisa
"For sure. I'll make sure they don't got a scratch on them, don't you worry," the younger boy answered. "You guys have been helping me so much it's the least I can do. If need be, heck, I'll even shield them with my own behind."
... Perhaps Ru hadn't completely understood why Hisa had handed these syringes to him, or rather, he was so eager to be useful and dependable that he didn't realize the obvious implication.
Well, at the same time, he was unlikely to get harmed in the dorms, so perhaps it was alright.
"So this one is for communication, this one is for healing, and these are for tummy... gotcha," the boy continued, glancing from one syringe to another (and sandwiches) before focusing back to Hisa. "Now all I need are those codewords. Though, that being said, anything else I should know about? How long will you guys be out? If I get into any trouble, is there anyone here I should look for to get help? Someone we can trust? Oh and does Pyry mind if I get some new comics from his shelf while waiting for you guys?"
Looks like he was really making himself at home in the room of his 'bro'. Still, they were mostly proper questions and things he would need to know if he was to stay here alone. Ru even went as far as to get Hisa some pen and paper so she could write the codes down for their communication. How he knew where those things were in Pyry's room was anyone's question, though...
And speaking of the tall, blonde athlete, Pyry had eagerly agreed to head out, most likely wanting to avoid the awkward conversation that was brewing in the common rooms. He said that he got most of what he needed, which was why he'd head out to his car in advance and get it started while waiting for Hisa and the others.
"Oh and... be safe, alright?" Ru suddenly asked, smiling somewhat awkwardly. "I know bro will probably guard you at all times, but you guys really saved my bacon when you didn't need to. The last thing I want is for anything to happen to you guys."
Prushka & John Dove
Location: Pinefall High Pool
Phase: Evening Phase
Date: 08.09.1994 (THU)
Weather: Overcast
In that moment, many things happened at once.
First, John started to move, taking a sidestep to the right in order to avoid the barreling form of coconut crabwalking Ubon skittering along the pool floor straight towards him.
Second, Ubon actually (somehow, in completely unnatural way) jumped forward from her position, as naturally as a normal athlete would go in for a tiger leap... and at the same time, she pulled her arms and legs straight against her body, becoming a cyan-colored missile that slid across the floor thanks to being wet from sweat and pool water.
Third, the door that John had opened and which had already been closing suddenly slammed open again as something pink, rumbling and automated barreled through and stopped only moments before hitting anyone - a scooter with a mind of its own, controlled by the remote of a tiny girl at the edge of the pool.
Fourth, Ubo-rpedo zoomed through John's open legs, having a great opening thanks to the boy having spread them as he side-stepped.
Fifth, the cyanhead curled her body up to a ball once she had cleared John, clearly attempting to turn herself into a spring that would launch at John's back, either going for a good scare or a piggyback ride.
Sixth, there was a very loud bonk.
Seventh, a dawning realization washed upon Prushka and John, those still caught in the slowed-down time - one about Ubon's trajectory and the pink scooter that had intercepted it by attempting to further take John by surprise.
Eighth, Ubon's head, which had collided with the scooter's front wheel, bounced upwards and forwards from the impact, taking the whole girl with her.
Nineth, there was a sound rather like a yelp of a dolphin hitting its head in the aquarium glass that echoed from Ubon's throat as she flailed while falling forward.
Tenth, Ubon's face smacked against the pool room floor, her butt pointed up towards the ceiling, with a pleasantly humming scooter still behind her.
--- And then it was over.
Time returned to normal.
And it was truly, finally, over.
.........
......
...
"------ Owwie."
Ubon murmured that against the floor, laying there utterly defeated and still behind John who had frozen mid-step.
Elise Pelltier
Location: Pinefall High Main Building - Reference Library
Phase: Evening Phase
Date: 08.09.1994 (THU)
Weather: Overcast
Souma's eye was now completely focused on her.Originally Posted by Elise
Elise could feel that amber glow take on a life of its own, almost like the rest of the room was dimming around her and only the sight of Souma's eye was kept at all. It was an intense sort of focus, one that only few people were capable of. Indeed, Souma Nubatama was a man of many mysteries, and one of them was his ability to stay distant and, in a sense, uninterested in whatever was going on around him. Not once had he really shown that much initiative or interest in anything, simply taking everything a stride and regarding everyone with an animal-like indifference.
But now he was focused.
Like the blade of a knife.
To the point that Elise could even LBJ stir from his usual slumber, and regard the boy with a hint of... amused curiosity?
".............."
Souma said nothing at first.
Instead, he rose from his seat almost like he was exerting no power into his muscle, simply flowing upwards like a single black feather in the wind, a doze of blank ink in a clear, flowing stream... or a king cobra, awakening from its slumber.
Gently, he set the chair he had been using back to its original position against the table.
Then, he turned to face Elise fully.
"--- Show me."
And expressed something he never had before.
Interest.
Anna Vandemeel
Location: Owl's Nest Hotel, Road’s End
Phase: Evening Phase
Date: 08.09.1994 (THU)
Weather: Overcast
A momentary silence more.
Then.
A lopsided, dry grin.
"Ah... one of the children that gather at the feet of the. I guess it figures. You've got the spunk that likes of Yaga and Louhi would have appreciated," Ramia spoke, hint of amusement creeping into her robotic, emotionless voice. "Guess that'd be your familiar, then, that keeps occasionally pinging my radars. At least you have enough wherewithal to properly tackle something like what you're planning then."Where Crones DineDevil's Table
Slowly, the aura of dangerous silence that had fallen over the duo was lifted. However, while the most utmost of that danger was gone, the situation itself was still a relative powder-keg that could be relit at any moment. Clearly, Ramia was as much of a mercenary as she claimed to be, and she didn't seem to have any particular beef with Anna or her backers... but she was being cautious. A life lived like hers must have been a one where she had to be sure about everything, and couldn't take any chances.
Hence, even now, Ramia was still treating the situation like Anna could have been lying through her teeth.
"I have nothing against the Glass House or the Orloj, and last I checked, neither did they have anything against me. But, that's neither here or there. From all I know, all you just said is a lie. Easiest way to be a convincing liar is to act like you're bad at lying, after all," Ramia continued while easing the grip she had of the thing inside her pocket. "Proof. That's what I'm going to need. Information only those who have visited the Glass House would know. Let's see... naming of the Crones should be enough. Those are something I know too, but non-members rarely do."
The steel-like eyes narrowed.
"But not here. Let's take this to the edge of the forest, where we can't be heard," she added. "I'd like to avoid being branded as a lunatic. Or causing an averse reaction in the world. Come."
With that, Ramia gestured Anna to follow, and started leading towards the nearby edge of the pine forest that rose all around the hotel. Of course, she didn't show her back to Anna, and didn't expect the raven-haired girl to do the same either. Thus, she naturally settled to a pace where they were walking side-by-side while having a respectable distance of five meters between them. Not too close, but not too far either, and so that both could see what the other was doing.
Still, as they would... a chuckle escaped Ramia's lips.
Something she apparently found funny.
"... I do have to ask, though. Are you, perhaps, a new, rising star, Red? High position yet not that much time spent at either place?" she asked, glancing towards the girl. "Taking threats and possibility of fighting so personally, and working yourself up to such anger you're ready to kill... that's a mindset younger students usually have. It might be refreshing, but ultimately something that gets in the way of progress. If you can't work with someone who almost killed you yesterday, you can't really call yourself a mage or a mystic, now can you?"
The grin widened a bit.
Yet it turned colder.
Like a smiling snake.
"Besides, you wouldn't be the first one to try to kill me and succeed," she said quietly as the two entered the shadows of the forest. "That way, those threats have lost a bit of their bite to me."
And then, they were alone.
Just the two of them.
Hidden in the forest.
Ready to talk.