Session Start: Sat Apr 30 14:51:03 2005 Previously, on Hunters: The old rhythm of the team's duties broke down badly, as their enemies staged four separate raids against four different locations, all in the space of less than two hours. They had - with the help of the police - a relatively good rate of saving their protectees, but Lady Judo was lost when Leena tripped on the stairs in a busy teen hangout. The raids escalated in perceived seriousness, ending up on Sakura's doorstep. The Princess was able to (mostly) handle her own crisis, though she was grateful for the support as the team arrived by news chopper. Afterwards, the interrogation of their latest prisoner was mildly botched, not retrieving much useful information at all. In the ensuing discussion, Sakura obliquely let on that she might know something of who the Queen might have pissed off, and why, but could not discuss it due to Orders. This aggravated the already frayed nerves of the team, but Sakura was insistent on something else - that everyone, to keep their cover, needed to function absolutely normally on the next day. [Friday, March 5, 2004 - 800 local time] [The front steps of Takeuchi Memorial HS] [Session start.] * Leena is walking, rather calmly, bookbag slung over her shoulder, and definitely not paying attention- it's obvious to anyone watching that she's walking on autopilot, completely spaced out. * Haruko walks up to school, looking completely normal. She's very good at repressing her feelings, so today really isn't any different. It's an overcast March morning in Tokyo, with just a bit of a chilly breeze making everyone shiver. * Maya is well on her way to class as well. She's had enough time to calm down, decompress and shove the previous days' events to the back of her mind. Besides, school's tough enough without distractions. * Haruko does seem to have a few more notebooks with her than usual As Haruko approaches the front steps, someone steps in close behind her and pokes the notebooks out of her hands. * Haruko eeps and turns around to see who it is. Hey, Haruko. * MaskThug grabs one of Haruko's arms, and wrenches her into a submission hold. Ack! Help! * MaskThug leverages her captive into a blind spot to the side of the stairs. * Haruko keeps screaming for anyone to help I was wondering... wouldn't you like to join the Riding Club? I'm in the Tea Club already, you're all supposed to leave me alone. You're just saying that. And besides - YOU in the Tea Club? Those snobs wouldn't take anyone as drab as you. * Norcliff climbs out of Haruko's bag and scampers quickly up the thugs shoulders, biting at the string that holds her mask on. The mask pops off! Zzzing! Now, I can see who you are, and the Tea club will come after you if you don't let me go! * MaskThug blinks. Then I guess I'll have to do my best to make you forget. * MaskThug slings Haruko against the concrete, then lets go to free her hands for some brawling. * Haruko scrabbles in her purse for her stun gun, not sure if it will do any good, but needing to try something. Haruko isn't going to get it out in time, but... * Norcliff tries to claw at the thugs eyes * Chika appears from around the steps, and grabs the thug's arm. Now, now, violence is a bad thing. * MaskThug howls as Norcliff gets the chance for some sugar glider aggression. "AAAAAAAGH!" * Norcliff would make some sounds of triumph here, but stays silent so as not to slip into Japanese. * Chika forces the thug to her knees, as about ten of her compatriots come around the corner. Hey, girls, could some of you go dump this trash in the pool? If we're lucky, she'll get eaten by a Ningyo. Hey! Wait a second! Four of the Anime Club members grab the thug's limbs, and carry her off. (To Chika) You're not going to do anything permanent to her, are they? Dammit, Chika, you're the one who set this up in the first place! I made you all, and I'm breaking you all. Consider this your last warning. * Haruko just sits on her heals, confused and somewhat scared * Chika turns to Haruko. "Naw, she'll just get wet. Unless she doesn't know how to swim." Can I go to school now? The remaining Anime members help Haruko to her feet, and Chika puts an arm around her shoulders. Yeah! *starts walking, pulling Haruko with her* The bell's going to ring. So... what clubs are you in? * Haruko sighs. Performance Club and Tea club. and you want me to switch to anime club, I know. The other Anime girls form a phalanx around them as the group passes through the doors. Well, it would be nice. No pressure! Really! I do like anime, especially Magical Girl shows, but I really want to be a performer, and I sort of have to be in Tea Club. Huh. well, not a performer, but a script writer. What *does* Tea Club spend all its money on, anyway? Trust me, there is no tea that expensive, and the settings you use are strictly middlebrow. I honestly have no idea. You might want to check on that, sometime. Er, why? Do you know what they do with it? * Taki walks up getting to school barely on time. Life as usual. Yup. Well, I just wonder. Heya Haruko. Hi Taki. * Taki eyes her current state. "You okay?" Mostly. A couple of girls from the Anime phalanx peel off and place themselves between Taki and the rest. * Taki looks over to Chika. "Is someone bothering you again?" Oh, no, I'm not bothering her, not at all. * Taki forces her way over to Haruko's side. Well, she's being nice about it for the moment at least. You want me to walk you to class? No, really! No pressure. Just a friendly chat. * Taki is rather obviously ignoring Chika. Sorry, I'm just a bit nervous. That was the fourth time I'd be assaulted by clubs. I just don't trust any of them right now. * Haruko idly pets Norcliff Yeah, but we saved you. * Chika lets go of Haruko, and backs away, smiling. Just... think about it, okay? You know where to find us. I may come by to talk about Pretty Cure sometime, but I don't think I can officially join your club. * Taki puts an arm around Haruko, ushering her away from the group. Like your pet, Haruko. He's a mean one. Seeya in homeroom! * Haruko waves feebly Thanks for saving her, then I guess. * Taki smiles and waves off the group. * Taki lowers her voice so only the two of them can hear. "You don't have to do anything they tell you to, you understand?" "Yeah... I just wish I could do something about it myself" If you have any trouble, I want you to come to me about it, okay? Yeah. Thanks, I guess. Now, what happened earlier? Did she really save you? Well, yeah. Though Norcliff might have been able to drive her off on his own. I'm just not sure I trust her motives. I'm sure I don't. Maybe I should start walking you to school in the mornings... I would have clawed her eyes out! No one gets away with picking on Haruko! * Haruko pats Norcliff. * Taki chuckles nervously at the little rodent. If you want. Norcliff thinks he can handle things though. Well if he can't, know that I'm here to help you. If Chika pursues you at all, all you have to do is tell me about it and I'll put a stop to it. Thanks. I will. * Maya trudges on along, the remainder of a bit of morning toast hanging from her mouth. She looks vaguely tired, but doesn't seem to hint at anything else emotionally. As she walks into the school, an all-too-familiar voice calls her name. Oi, Maya! * Maya jerks up a little and blinks, turning in Oldman's direction. "Aaaaah.... oh! It's been a while! How are you?" I'm okay... hold still for a second. * Oldman takes a handkerchief and somewhat clumsily wipes the toast crumbs from her lips. Better. * Maya blinks a little. "... oh, did I have something on my mouth? Thanks..." ^^; * Oldman tucks the cloth back into one pocket, then pulls out a different piece of cloth from another. And look, next year's ties came in! The tie is slightly darker. And otherwise entirely unremarkable. ... you're really quite into the school uniform, Oldman. How've things been on the administrative end? * Maya can't help but blink a little more. Oh, all right. All sorts of weird requests for information from all different sorts of agencies. I think I got all of them filled out properly... * Oldman drapes the new tie around Maya's shoulders. "That one's yours - you earned it." ...in any case, we should keep our certification for another year. Good, good. I suppose that's alright... * Maya looks down at the tie, then at Oldman, offering a tiny little smile. "And nothing new on the club wars?" What club wars? *frowns* If everyone would just dress neatly, there'd be no problems here at all! * Maya simply chuckles. "Oh, if only it were that simple." Seriously, Maya, don't worry about it. It all sorts itself out in the end. I honestly pray it does. I could use a rest. * Oldman chuckles and pats Maya fondly on the head. "Have a good day, Maya- chan." * Leena is walking, rather calmly, bookbag slung over her shoulder, and definitely not paying attention- it's obvious to anyone watching that she's walking on autopilot, completely spaced out. And to those who were REALLY paying attention and could pierce her identity, it'd be not-so-obvious that she was transformed up till three blocks from the school. Walk. Leena passes by the last alley before the school, and hears some desperate squeaking noises from within. * Leena passes by it- then blinks two or three feet past it, and stops. "Huh?" She goes back to look. Inside the alley, two girls in TM uniforms are struggling on the pavement. One has a mask on improvised out of a paper sack, and has the other girl almost pinned down. ... * Leena ducks behind something, and quietly- if brightly- transforms while they're not paying attention. * LadyMallet announces loudly, "You know, bullies never win." * PaperbagThug turns around, still forcing the other girl's face into a shallow puddle. * LadyMallet says calmly, evenly, "Let her go, before I make you." ...the question is, are you a little girl in a cute costume, or are you real? * LadyMallet smiles thinly. "Do you want to find out?" * LadyMallet starts walking ominously forward. "Crooks, robbers, and hooligans are just as much our enemy as the Ningyo." * PaperbagThug stands up, but kicks the girl back to the ground as she tries to stand up too. You remember what I told you to do. Lucky for you we got interrupted, but we can always come back. *turns to Mallet* Well, whatever. I'll just get out of your way. Are you sure you don't want to apologize first? * LadyMallet points at the prone girl. "She might appreciate it." That would be below my dignity. Also, it's pointless, because the threat still stands. Not even my threat - it's the club's who paid me. * LadyMallet crosses her arms. "And you go along with it. Just because it's not your decision, you still act it out. That makes you just as bad." Personally, I think you should apologize. Bad, good, whatever. * PaperbagThug starts walking past Mallet out of the alley. * LadyMallet gets in her way. * PaperbagThug smiles. What'cha gonna do, little Lady? You're not going to blast me with your magic. And you're such a twerp, I can just throw you across the street if I want. This. * LadyMallet suddenly crouches down, and shoots her legs out, trying to trip the thug. * PaperbagThug is tripped! ...and gets up after a second. Oh, now you're asking for it. * LadyMallet chuckles. "You have no idea how funny that is, what you just said." * PaperbagThug kicks at Mallet's torso, hard. * LadyMallet blinks cutely, then tries to grab the leg- after it hits, of course. Mallet just stands and takes it. Not that "it" felt like much to her. * LadyMallet grabs the leg right after the impact. She puts on her best cute, bubbly voice. "C'mon, it's time for some happyfun apologizing!" * LadyMallet then starts to drag the thug back to the victim. * PaperbagThug tries to yank her leg free, and can't. ...uh-oh. ... hey? You okay? *she pokes the other girl with her free hand* * Girl is still coughing and crying. C'mon, sit up. The one who hurt you would like to say something. Leena recognizes her as the girl who built the sign she defaced a few days ago. * Girl manages to kneel up. * LadyMallet eyes soften for a moment. "Picking on Anime Club, eh?" Hey, for this money, you would too! * LadyMallet moves the thug in front of her, ignoring her quip. "This girl would like to apologize to you." ...do I have to? She would like to say that she's extremely sorry for the hurt she's caused, and that she'll never do it again, to you, or anyone else. * LadyMallet squeezes a little, and glances at the thug. "Yes." * PaperbagThug gasps in pain. * LadyMallet turns her gaze back to the anime girl. "She would also, in good faith, like to tell you who she is and show her face, so that if she tries it again, everyone will know who she is." I'msorryI'msooooorrry... * PaperbagThug tears the bag off. "Please, Lady, let go! ...I HATE THIS SCHOOL! * Girl finally stands up, and runs away. "AND I'M NEVER COMING BACK!" * LadyMallet blinks. "... well, it's good she stands up for her beliefs." ...uuugh. let go... * LadyMallet doesn't let go, though. She turns her gaze back to the thug. "As for you. You're not going to do this ever again." What's your name? *gasp* Yohko. Yohko! Okay, Yohko. I'm going to let you go. And you're never going to attack another innocent girl for something as worthless as money ever again. * LadyMallet squeezes ever-so-slightly. "Do I make myself clear?" But... but... AAAAAGH! Leena feels a bone crack under her hands. * LadyMallet roars at her face, "DO I MAKE MYSELF FUCKING CLEAR?!" Y-Y-YEEEEEEESSSS! LADY! MERCYYYY! * LadyMallet lets go- not dropping her, letting her foot ease down slowly. "Good. Get to the nurse." * LadyMallet doesn't wait a moment. She walks straight out of the alley. * PaperbagThug tries hobbling, but can't put any weight at all on that leg. She ends up crawling away from the scene. * LadyMallet de-transes once the coast is clear, and starts running to school. "I'mgonnabelate!" * Taki makes her way to the rooftop as the lunch bell rings, hoping for some peace and quiet. Really hoping, and knowing she probably won't get it as she opens the door to the roof. * Taki scans the area as she takes her lunch over to the far corner. There's a lot of whimpering and fretting going on this noon in the card club. Newspapers are in evidence again, with headlines like "HIT TEAMS STALK LADIES" and "WHO'S PROTECTING OUR HEROES?" obvious. As usual, Taki ends up next to Sanako. * Sanako is standing on the edge of the roof today. She's peering out into the distance, teeth chattering in the cold breeze. * Taki mumbles something about publicity and not really liking it. A lot. ...Taki? * Taki looks up to Sanako as she unpacks her lunch. She can't pretend she wasn't addressed now, "What happened?" ... Taki? Seriously... do you know any Ladies? ... Wh-- why would I know any Ladies? I dunno... * Sanako sniffs. I have a bad feeling, Taki. About what? I... I... Something is happening. Sounds silly. But I can't shake this feeling... * Taki looks a bit more serious now. "Do you know something?" * Sanako steps back from the edge, and looks down. I know nothing. * Taki sighs in relief a bit. "Do you get feelings like this a lot?" * Sanako looks around the roof. "This isn't fun anymore, Taki." Seeya around, I guess. What, you're quitting? * Sanako heads for the roof entrance. * Taki gets up and follows after Sanako. "Wait, Sanako..." * Sanako stops with the door half open and just looks at Taki. You-- You can't quit! Sure I can. But the Ladies, they need you. All I have to do is go to the office and sign up for anime club or something. They need the support of people like you-- like us. Don't say that, please. * Sanako snerks, and looks at her hands. "Even if I could help, I have no idea where to start." Just being on their side is enough. You know they're not fighting for themselves. They're fighting for you and everyone. They want the world to be a better place. They care about people's lives. And they need the support of the people. Did you see the news?! Just being on their side... You can't turn your back on them just cause things are getting bad... Yeah, but those girls lives were saved! I'M SCARED, TAKI! THIS IS TOKYO, TOKYO!! Hey, you don't think I'm scared? I'm terrified! I don't know what's going to happen! But I know I can't give up on-- on the Ladies! When it was monsters from the sea, it didn't seem real. But this is a war! And it's not a happy fantastical affair, it's something in the streets - OUR STREETS! I won't give up... but I just don't want to face it every day. It doesn't make the cause any different! They're still fighting to save lives! Is leaving all these girls really gonna make it not affect you anymore? * Taki gestures at the rest of the club. It isn't a game, anymore. I just can't do it. Yes you can. * Sanako scurries down the steps, slamming the door behind her. ... * Taki opens the door and tries to chase her down. Sanako! Please! There's some scattered applause behind Taki, but the club doesn't know what to think. Taki gets to the bottom of the stairs, and emerges in the midst of a Fashion Club recruitment march. * Taki looks around for Sanako. As Taki fights off fashionable scarves and stockings, Sanako escapes. * Taki grumbles and resigns herself back to the rooftop. * Taki makes her way back over to her half open lunch and pulls out her cellphone, ignoring the food for now. She's really not hungry anymore. * Taki dials in Sakura's cell number. Yeah. Hey, it's Taki. Uh-huh? Did you talk to the Queen? Can we meet with her? NO. ... ...besides, she's still not conscious. ... She's not? She couldn't have just fainted then... The doctors are saying she's only sleeping, but we can't wake her. ... Something isn't right. Did anyone get into the palace? Any unusual guests or anything? No, no... This has sort of happened once before, when there was a bad attack and she wasn't used to it. So you're sure there was no foul play? I can't be sure, Taki. But... I doubt it. Just about everyone here is under her Orders. Just about? There are a few servants and groundskeepers who aren't. But they don't get close to her. Ever. She made sure of that when she set up the Palace. Alright. I guess all we can do is wait... Let me know when she ways up, I -- we really need to speak with her. I'm much more worried that there's some attack that hasn't happened yet. But you are so NOT having THAT conversation with her. It's going to come out sooner or later. Have all the Princesses checked in with their Ladies? That's a good idea, Taki. I'll get that process started. Have them report any bad feelings or anything like that. ... * Taki suppresses a curse under her breath. Unfortunately, we don't have much useful precog in the ranks. Any little bit helps. Was there anything else? Um... Are you doing okay? I'm AT THE PALACE. Working on relocation and family protection with Squeej. A little stressed. Obviously. Heh. Well if you need to talk about stuff... I'm here. Even if you just want to get your mind off business. Or something. Right. Gotta run. Okay see you. * Taki hangs up and runs a nervous hand through her hair. * Taki decides to get up and search for Sanako a bit more. Back in the cafeteria, things are awfully riled up. The Anime Club is shouting at each other for a change. It sounds like one of their members is missing or something. There's the noise from the hallways, of course, where multiple recruitment drives are underway. There's even the faint sounds of combat in the far distance, where the unaligned and those perceived as weak are being, uh, accosted. * Maya is sitting with the Tea Club, as usual, and looks... nervous. The tie from Oldman's been stuffed in her jacket pocket. "... I'm quite tired of all this." * Leena frowns at the Anime Club as she passes by them, to buy lunch. She stops for a half-second, like she wants to say something, then prods herself into moving- silently. She takes a seat at her usual table. ... you're not the only one, Maya. I ... really want some ice cream. * Haruko is glad she brings her own bento, it means she can avoid the ruckus more. She slips to a seat at the tea club and tries not to bother anyone. Good grief. I don't think ice cream'll help much. * Leena sighs. "The ... recruitment drive has to stop. It's getting out of hand and hurting too many innocent people." * Athena plops down in the usual seat, and Chiako is right behind her. * Haruko nods at Leena, but doesn't say anything I have confirmed reports of four attacks on Tea members just this morning. ...I only got one of them. The contractors' ranks are expanding. * Leena casts a momentary glare at Athena, then looks to Chiako. And the new ones don't know the rules. ... lovely. Just lovely. Can't we get Oldman to do something about it? How do we shut it down? * Maya rolls her eyes. "Oldman almost doesn't seem to know what's going on, it looks like." * Athena had just taken a breath to say something, but choked as Haruko spoke. *splutter* *gag* Oldman is a fucking pervert. He's only here because of his fetishes, and we use him only because we have no alternatives. ... fetishes? * Maya makes a face. You should know, Maya. Why not just clue in a trusted mundane? Who's actually, ya'know, competent? I figured he was just a bit too friendly. I didn't think he was... y'know, like that. NO. It would be too... too... humiliating. * Maya looks down at the pocket where the tie's at with something close to mild dread. ... pride in and of itself is useless. I'm sorry I suggested it The problem is that the system was established by Her Majesty, and we can't break the system without her permission. The arrogant and proud fall the hardest. *she sighs* Will that be us? Here? I'd give you 3 to 2. * Chiako socks Athena in the arm. "Oi. It's not too late..." I suppose... we *could* turn Oldman into a figurehead... * Maya sighs again. "So... Athena. How've you and the others been---eh? How? Please let it not involve me." Naw, but I or Chiako could, you know, Order him to do whatever we want. ... we need a face we can control for the Queens image? And get someone actually effective behind him? The problem is, we would have to ride herd on him pretty much constantly. And we still couldn't break the club system. Why not? Just tell Oldman to break up the clubs. Or change the monetary system behind them. That's all in the school charter, though. Nobody can change that but you-know-who. And that charter is a legal document. The clubs could sue - and win. It's an order from... yeah. So until we can talk to her, we really can't go about it that way. * Chiako lowers her voice. "What really happened last night?" In the field, she means. Sakura didn't want to talk about it to anyone but Squeegee. * Maya freezes for a moment. "I'm going to refrain from talking about that until I know all the details. But... it's bad news, nonetheless." * Leena closes her eyes, sadly. "Yeah." Was here only the one casualty, then? Judo? * Leena snorts. "On -our- side." * Maya simply nods, not looking up from her half-eaten lunch. No one has been able to confirm anything about Goggles... the police are being very, very quiet about it. * Leena opens her eyes back up, and looks at Chiako. "So. What's up at the Palace?" In the background, the Anime Club is getting rowdier. Vehement rallying cries can be heard. The two Princesses glance at each other. * Maya does look up and back, obviously aggravated; the combo of having to remember the last day and the club wars is grating on her. Her Majesty is still asleep or whatever. * Leena glances back at the Anime Club, an unreadable look on her face. ... still asleep. This *has* happened before, the first time a Princess was attacked. By... men. I mean. * Haruko tries to listen to what the Anime Club is screaming about * Maya grits her teeth a little. "Feedback of some kind?" I don't know. But others have been attacked since then, and it only made her dizzy... ... excuse me. ... Leena? * Leena gets up, and heads over to the Anime Club. Before she gets there, the Anime Club is up out of their seats and heading, mob-like, for the hallway. * Taki walks into the cafeteria not having found Sanako yet, and looking rather worried as she pushes her way past all the various club crap. ... something's going on. "Give us our techie back!" "NO MORE BRUTALITY!" * Taki dodges out of the way as the herd rumbles towards her. * Leena blinks, then gives chase to them, yelling, "CHIKA!" ... The hell? "DOWN WITH RIDING CLUB!" Oh, fuck. I think that's a fair statement, Athena. * Chiako rests her head on the cafeteria table, and covers her ears. * Leena blinks at the war-cry. "Goddammit... this'll just get worse. CHIKA! TALK FOR A MINUTE!" ... I was attacked this morning, by someone who wanted me to join Riding Club. The attacker said Chika put her up to it. * Taki makes her way over to the Tea club table. ... heya, Taki. Don't mind the madness over there. I doubt that. Chika put the, uh, thug system together in the first place, but she hasn't hired anyone in this last round. * Taki isn't even paying attention to it. "Yeah. Maya, I need to talk to you about something." Oh, I guess I really should just stay quiet. .... eh? Sorry. * Haruko turns back to her bento The Anime Club moves down the hall towards the Riding Club recruitment rally, almost absentmindedly pushing other recruitment groups out of the way. * Leena keeps giving chase, trying to get ahead to talk to Chika. * Taki pulls up a chair and sits down next to Maya. No, no, I'm just saying it seems unlikely, Haruko. I didn't mean... * Taki eyes the two princesses for a second before turning back to Maya. * Athena reaches to put a hand on Haruko's shoulder. "Please, I'm sorry." I just talked to Sakura. Its ok, I'm used to it. The Fashion Club collectively takes being pushed out of the way as an attack, and the melee starts. She says the Queen is still unconscious. She was when we checked in this morning... .... ghn. Which means we're not gonna get any sort of warning if anyone is attacked. * Leena gets out of the way of the fight. "... no one but their techie's gonna stop this." * Maya shakes her head. "It only gets better. And... yeah, that worries me immensely." * Athena squeezes Haruko's shoulder once, then turns back to the others. * Haruko cheers up a bit And um... I'm not sure if I'm just being paranoid here but... * Taki looks like she isn't quite sure how to approach the subject. Say it, Taki. If anyone has any kind of hunches, I'd like to hear them. Leena finds herself on the very edge of a huge brawl in the hallway. Anime, Fashion, Riding, and Judo are all already involved, and more groups are swooping in, suicidally looking to avenge all the brutality of the last two weeks and more. * Taki turns to the Princesses. "Is there any way to know if someone is a magical girl before they first transform? Sometimes it seems obvious afterwards, but there's no sure way. ... I tried once, and was very, very wrong. Do you know Sanako from the Card Club? ...maybe? No. Teachers come out into the hallway to try to break it up, but only get sucked into the riot. * Maya nods. "You think she might be one of us?" Alright, well she quit today. She said she was getting a weird feeling she couldn't explain. Something pertaining to the attacks that were all over the newspapers today. * Leena breaks into a run back to the lunchroom. I dunno. The cafeteria begins to empty as the sounds echo back to it. But something doesn't seem right. Like the mess in the hallway. It's over. It's all over. What? *looks back at the mess in the hall. She wasn't even paying attention.* * Leena doesn't slow down so much as hit the Tea Club table with her hands out front. "Maya! Chiako! Someone!" Leena, *sit down*. Not yet! Um... It's not just today though. SIT. (It's an order.) There's a huge mess- it's going to go critical if nothing hap- NO! Leena just sit down, goddamn it. Leena, come back here. Leena, we need to sit here, and keep out of it. If they come, we will fight, but we can't afford any of us getting in jail. * Leena growls, and takes a few steps to her spot, then plants her feet still with an effort. "Listen to me." I think we can stop this. One of you get to the intercom, or get Oldman on the intercom. ... I'll get to the fuse boxes and kill all the lights. When that happens, TALK to them. Wouldn't help - it doesn't black out the hallway this time of day. Leena this is about our work. It's more important than the stupid school. People are important too! ...and what the hell could we possibly say to stop that? * Leena glares icy death at Taki. "Innocent people are being hurt because of this. It's important." * Taki arghs. ... I don't know! But the girl who started this, Anime clubs techie, ran away! Someone in the office is having similar thoughts, as the lights *do* go out. Innocent people could DIE if we don't focus. ... Leena, I hate to say this, but it's deeper than just telling people to sto---eh? * Taki looks up at the lights. Great. This all started because Anime club was going after riding club because she didn't show up! She who? The sounds of the melee slacken for a moment, but then they return, louder than before. I don't know her name! I'd recognize her if I saw her. Uh... *she spits out a quick description* I dunno. What happened to her? Should I call the police and report a riot? They might be able to break this up. I'm sure someone has, but go ahead. She was attacked by a thug trying to get her to change clubs, and when it was interrupted too late and she was already beat up, she ran away, saying she'd never comeback to the school. * Haruko pulls out a normal looking cell phone for once and dials "911" Yeah, Haruko. Go ahead... * Maya shakes her head. "Don't need this right now." * Taki sighs. * Leena pants. "Dammit, at least try to talk to them! Don't just give up and write it off as a lost cause!" Leena, were the one who interrupted it? ... yeah. It's why I was late. ... What'd you do to make her run away? ... what? ... I wrecked her sign before. The big, flashy annoying neon one for Anime Club. * Maya blinks and snaps her focus onto Leena. Leena, you have a good heart. Too good of one - or not. ... Why? * Taki tries really hard to maintain her calm. Hello, yes, There a big fight going on at Takeuchi Memorial High School. ...you added to this chaos? Leena wears her heart on her sleeve like me. Only she punches people with it. Can you send *someone* over to break it up? * Maya sighs. "Leena, please tell me you had nothing to do with all this." ... because. Back then, you all *she waves her arms at Athena and Chiako* were going nuts Ordering people into Tea Club against their will. -I- was trying to get Anime Club to shrink so you wouldn't have to do that. *softly* This was never about Anime Club, Leena. ... One, you shouldn't have gotten involved and two, there are better ways to go about things, Leena. Thanks They said they'd send a couple of cars over. ... so I messed up. Great. Now what happened when she was attacked? I got there too late. She was already beat up, but I did get the thug. ... What do you mean you "got" her? I tried to make the thug apologize, but the girl just... ran. Screaming. And said she'd never come back. I caught her by her leg and wouldn't let her get away. Did you bother trying to talk to her before you assaulted the attacker? ...you were transformed. ... ... I'm hardly ever not except for when I'm in school. You didn't hurt anyone did you? ... Leena. You were transformed? * Leena looks at the floor. "I didn't -mean- too." ... LEENA. But you did, didn't you? Oh, God, Leena... You can NOT be doing things like that. Fuck. * Maya slaps a hand to her forehead. * Leena snaps her gaze back up. "Save it! If you want to yell at me, do it later, when there's not a mob about!" Leena, its not good to hurt people, even defending others * Athena smiles gently. "Do-gooder." A mob that's effectively your doing? That's ESPECIALLY why I want to try. Maybe you shouldn't get involved anymore! * Maya sighs. "Leena, it's your matter. You can try to fix it, but I'm not helping. I'm sorry." Aw, Maya, for it to get this bad, it must have been coming anyway. Goddamn it, how badly did you hurt the other girl? * Leena freezes at Taki's words. ... so you're saying I should just give up. Leave it be. Walk away. I know, but I hate for Leena to have been a catalyst. You should at least think about what you're doing! Yes or no! You're not helping anyone with the way you react to things! * Leena jabs her finger at Taki. "Give me a fucking clear answer RIGHT NOW." * Maya just looks away from Leena and starts rubbing her temples. Since you seem to have all the answers. I'm saying you need a fucking time out! Is that a yes? Leena... ALL OF YOU! Please... let's just ride this out. * Leena ignores Athena. She's concentrating on Taki. It wasn't Leena's fault, not really. I am, Athena. I am. I'm just frazzled all over again. Jesus fuck Leena. Do you even realize that your actions might have consequences? Taki, STAND DOWN. Tell me something I don't know and give me a damned answer. * Leena glares at Athena. "Shut up, Athena. Stay out of this." Leena... how are you going to do anything about this without transforming? * Leena ignores Athena's question, and turns back to Taki. She says, more calmly, "Yes or no." * Taki closes her mouth and fumes. Leena, you're wasting time if you're supposed to be stopping that fight. * Leena looks flatly at Taki, then nods at Maya. "You're right. I'm gonna try the intercom, then." * Taki runs a hand through her hair and massages her temples. * Leena doesn't go just yet, though. "Taki. I beat myself up for my own mistakes. I don't need more preaching. If you have something to say besides that, by god, SAY IT next time." * Leena wheels about and breaks off at a run. Let her go, Athena. ... if she's going to learn a lesson, she'll have to see it through to the end. Apparently that's not enough since you keep MAKING them... *mumbled almost under her breath* If she transforms and wades into that, the Queen will have her ass. If the Queen wakes up. I know. She knows. Not sure she cares. She will wake up. She has to wake up. How many more people is she gonna hurt until she does? We have to find out what she did to that thug. Maybe she's be stricken by the queen of the sea, and we must defeat her to save the queen? * Taki rolls her eyes at Haruko. "Now isn't the time, Haruko." There was no Sea Magic there. ... I wish I knew where Sanako went... It must have been the Dragon King then! I thought they were working together Haruko! This isn't the time! * Taki sounds rather snappish. * Athena grins, and looks at Maya. "How do you deal with... you know?" Don't shout at me when you aren't offering any solutions yourself! ... Haruko, Taki! Calm down, please... it's enough that Leena's on a tear. * Taki clenches a fist but pulls herself back from doing anything more. * Haruko goes back to her bento, attempting to eat the one grain of rice that's left with a single chopstick. * Taki takes a deep breath before continuing. I talked to Sakura about having the Princesses check in with all their Ladies. Make sure they're all okay and see if anyone senses anything. That's a good idea, Taki. And that's what made me think of Sanako. In fact, we may want to do that daily from now on. Remember back when the big Ningyo was spotted at the shipyard? Mmm-hmm. That weird feeling everyone got? I didn't really think about it at the time, but Sanako had a reaction to that. * Leena 's voice is heard EVERYWHERE as she cues in the intercom. "HEY. THIS- THERE. HEY! THIS IS LEENA LEENA! TALKING TO ANIME CLUB, ALL OF YOU! YOUR TECHIE RAN AWAY, SHE WASN'T KIDNAPPED." No one else in the area did, but I saw something from her. * Taki sighs audibly as she covers her ears from the onslaught of Leena's voice. * Maya gently slams her head onto the table. I DON'T THINK I CAN GET YOU TO STOP FIGHTING NOW, BUT PLEASE, PLEASE, STOP AND REALIZE THAT IT'S NOT ANYONE'S FAULT IN PARTICULAR SHE'S GONE EXCEPT MINE. BEFORE IT GETS TOO BAD. I just can't have a serious conversation about this, can I? I'm listening, Taki. ... THAT'S ALL. PLEASE. *her voice cracks on the last word, and the intercom goes silent.* Just... get to the point. I think more than anything else, that's a sign she has at least some Magical Girl potential. And what if the feeling she's getting... What if it's some sort of attack against her she senses coming? Maybe that's why she ran away. Maybe she just ran away because she was sick of all the fighting. Lord knows I'd like to. It didn't have anything to do with that. I dunno, Taki. I just don't know... Well it's the only thing I have to go on. * Leena comes walking slowly from the direction of the kitchen, listening hopefully to the noise of the mob. We can't talk to the Queen. We know the attacks are gonna continue. I can only imagine they'll get more intense. I don't think we'll know much of anything until it happens. That's sadly how things are. I just wish I could find her. This whole club mess just isn't helping either... The pitch of the fighting changes again, becoming more desperate perhaps, but not slackening. It is almost a half hour before the police arrive, and another fifteen minutes before they get the white vans marked SWAT to the parking lot. From the cafeteria, the Tea Club and a few other small clubs who have retreated there have a good view of men in riot gear entering from the front and rear entrances. Another half hour is spent as the mob is squeezed between riot shields, plastic-handcuffed, and escorted to the school auditorium. Those of you who were not fighting are not handcuffed, but taken there anyway. * Leena breaks out in silent tears somewhere along the path. The chaos and desperateness of the situation are simply too much for her. Taki spots Sanako, handcuffed, in the front row. She looks vaguely trampled. * Taki just stays quiet and follows the herd, not wanting to draw attention or cause any trouble. * Maya is led along, looking like she really could use some headache medicine. * Taki tries to keep an eye on Sanako so she can meet up with her as soon as this mess is over. The auditorium is loud, as girls scream at each other, but someone in the sound booth cranks the microphone ALL the way up, so when Oldman steps to the microphone, everyone shuts up. I am *so* ashamed of your behavior! Do any of you know what this is going to do to your records? DO ANY OF YOU KNOW WHAT THIS WILL DO TO MY - UH, CAREER? * SWATOfficer turns his head and snickers. * Leena mutters to herself, "... what's the point? Might as well just get the school closed, for all the good it does right now." This is so completely unacc- * Maya listens in quietly, tapping her foot and waiting for it all to end. "What a day..." * SWATOfficer steps over and gently pushes the distraught principal out of the way. I'm sorry, Oldman-san, but I'm working under a deadline here. We need to go. All of you are, I should say. * Taki suddenly looks very panicked. See... I'm not really with the police. Fuck. * Leena blinks, and narrows her eyes. ... * Taki tries to push her way out. * Maya tenses as well. "... ah, hell." * Leena tries to make her way closer to the nearest team member. Goddamn it. * SWATOfficer unslings a subgun from his back, and sprays Oldman thoroughly. ...! * Maya suppresses a scream. * Oldman thuds to the stage in a pool of blood. Everybody screams. * Taki finds her phone and autodials Sakura. * Leena blinks, several times. All she can come up with is, "... I'll bet Yohko will feel lucky I caused her to miss school today." * Taki almost has tears streaming down her face. A dozen other not-SWAT men pull out their own automatic weaponry. God fucking damn it, pick up your phone Sakura. Taki's phone reports that it is out of service range. SHIT! Don't worry everyone. It *can't* end this way. * Taki puts it away. * Haruko seems slightly hysterical * Maya tries to stay as calm as possible, breathing deeply. Quiet, quiet... * Taki turns to Maya. "They're not letting me call!" Stay calm. Now... I am here for some... traitors. Above all else, don't give them any hints. I am, of course, speaking of the so-called "magical girls". * Leena glances around for Ms. Sakamura, suddenly panicked. They are traitors to the time-honored traditions of our nation, traitors to the Emperor! THEY have set up a young woman as a would-be empress, and this... can not be tolerated. * Leena blinks, and STARES at the guy. She whispers, angrily, "... that's all? Some stupid male superiority thing?" Now. In this decadent age, that may not mean anything to you. But we know better. We know that the Emperor is the soul of our nation, and an attack on him is an attack on everyone. * Taki just can't stop cursing under her breath as she looks very panicked. * SWATOfficer pulls the microphone out of its stand, and begins to pace. * Leena glances at the others. "... guys. Plan. Now." * Leena flicks her gaze back to the guy on the stage. ...we know that there are at least five so-called ladies that attend here. * Maya stays as calm as the situation permits, listening in silence. ... Leena? Sit still. * Maya hisses that out quietly. And judging from historical reports of response to Ningyo incidents, there are probably at least another six or seven. ... trying. This is only going to get worse. We need to do something. When we get an opportunity. We'll probably get that when they call us out. When they call one of us up, all of us rush them. * SWATOfficer takes a deep breath, then hisses. "And that's a higher concentration than anywhere else in the city. So... this must be the heart of the false nation!" Leena, hush. ... I don't want anyone else to die... So. We are going to find out in the next hour who in this auditorium is a Magical Girl... or everyone here is going to die. If we're not careful, we ... all will. * Maya purses her lips. * Leena narrows her eyes. This brings on more screaming, until a bright flare lights in the front row. Shit, no don't! ... the first girl to panic. No... * Maya tenses. "God, no..." It's Sanako - screaming herself as she transforms - and dies as four of the gunmen pump a clip into her and the seats around her. NOOO! ...that's one. ... * Taki falls down to her knees crying. * Maya twitches. Goddamn it. * SWATOfficer looks around the room. * Leena gulps dryly. I could've saved her. I should've saved her. Taki, hush! Now. If I were a magical girl, would I have bothered with that silliness earlier? * Taki just continues sobbing quietly. I think not. * SWATOfficer looks around randomly, then jabs a finger out at Maya. "You. Come here." You monster! You have absolutely no idea of what they go through to protect you! Are you going to shoot the police next because they answer to the Commissioner instead of directly to the emperor! * Leena blinks, and stares at Haruko. "What..." * Maya blinks, then... rises and starts towards the not-officer. She would try to calm Haruko down, but now's simply not the time. Some of the not-SWAT guys chuckle. Good girl. * Leena gulps, and watches Maya. * Taki almost tries stop Maya, realizing it won't do any good. * Maya manages to stay reasonably calm, but looks notably spooked. In the back of her mind, she's running through every prayer she knows. * Leena whispers, "Ganbatte, Maya-chan," softly. As Maya reaches the stage, the officer grabs her - not too hard, but forcefully - by her hair, and holds her at arm's length. * SWATOfficer raises his gun, then stops and turns to the crowd again. * Maya understandably yelps and looks up at him. "... what do you want with me?" There are more of us in the hall. You can't get out of the building. And there is a bomb, which will take all of us out, if I don't have what I want in reasonable time. * SWATOfficer returns his gaze to Maya, and raises the gun to point at her head. He's polite enough not to shove it in her face... yet. So. What's your name? Maya... * Maya really does have an honest-to-good look of (mild) fright in her eyes, but she's not breaking down just yet. Maya, you're going to tell me what you know about magical girls in this school, or I'm going to shoot you. ...now. [end session]