Friends in the Strangest Places

[Dracos]

Jun 21 19:46:17 <Kowork>   The sun sinks beneath the city horizon, the waves relentlessly lapping against the shore. In the shadows of dusk Clear Skies takes to things, starting to look about...OOC: Go ahead and set yourselves up/explain what you're doing here/ect real quick, since I know at least one of you is probably wondering why you're on a beach trip.
Jun 21 19:47:37 *   Noriko has developed certain expectations from nocturnal beach trips, and scans the shoreline for magical presents.
Jun 21 19:47:49 <Aisutori>   "So, I know this might seem strange, but we've been asked to keep an eye out for pearls that wash up from the ocean.  An ally who warned us about Leviathan's coming often sends magical aid this way," Aisutori explained as they wandered down the darkened beach.
Jun 21 19:49:29 *   Kowork is now known as Kotono
Jun 21 19:49:39 *   Kanae trudges along behind Aisutori, muffling a yawn as she eyes the surf.  "Don't pearls usually come from clams?"
Jun 21 19:49:46 <Kanae>   "Or was that mussels...."
Jun 21 19:50:19 <Kotono>   Looking about, Noriko doesn't immediately see a pearl or anything like that around. There is a lot more beach, though.
Jun 21 19:50:28 <Aisutori>   "Yes, but these are rather large ones..almost basketball sized usually."
Jun 21 19:51:01 <Noriko>   "Oysters," Noriko corrects the young girl.
Jun 21 19:52:04 *   Enro 'ports back and forth along the water with the sound of thick canvas tearing and flashes of blue-white light following him as he teleports mid-step, never missing a beat in his stride.
Jun 21 19:53:13 <Kanae>   "Ah, yeah...."  Kanae nods at Noriko, then tilts her head to one side, glancing over to where Enro appeared.  Huh.
Jun 21 19:53:34 <Kanae>   "Um ... should we split up and look up and down the beach, or stick together?"
Jun 21 19:53:38 <Aisutori>   "Isn't that disorienting?" Aisutori wondered at Enro's rather excessive teleporting that evening.
Jun 21 19:54:27 <Kotono>   The sun continues to slip down the horizon. Ahead...hm? Farther ahead on the beach you can see a flare of light, fiery orange-red. Smoke begins to rise, blending into the darkening sky.
Jun 21 19:54:43 *   Enro steps out of a teleport right next to Aisutori and matches her stride.
Jun 21 19:55:14 *   Noriko alters her trajectory to strike right towards that strange event.
Jun 21 19:55:37 <Enro>   "Not really. I'm already... aware, you could say, of the area around me. In all directions. It's just like shifting your point of focus with your sight."
Jun 21 19:57:50 *   Kanae adjusts her glasses and falls behind to walk next to Noriko, glancing at the older girl curiously.
Jun 21 19:59:04 *   Aisutori nods, "How much can you see?  Or Feel?"  Aisutori wondered, "Like if you had to teleport back to town, could you know if it was clear?"
Jun 21 19:59:37 <Kotono>   As the party heads along towards the light, you get a good looksie. A small beachside fire has been made, crackling with driftwood and grasses. Four huge pearls, the size of basketballs, are besides the fire.  Feeding the fire is a creature, perhaps four feet tall. It has green skin and a long, thin pipe in it's mouth. Atop it's head rests a saucer full of water. It's whistling away, stoking
Jun 21 19:59:37 <Kotono>   the flames.
Jun 21 20:00:19 *   Kanae frowns, peering around, and adjusts her glasses again.  "I think ... I need a new prescription...."
Jun 21 20:00:21 <Enro>   "As long as I can see where I'm going. In that case, I'd just teleport up into the air and then find a clear spot on the ground...""
Jun 21 20:00:32 *   Enro trails off at the sight of the thing.
Jun 21 20:00:38 <Enro>   "...Yoda?"
Jun 21 20:01:48 *   Noriko halts some fifteen feet from the fire. "Good evening," she says.
Jun 21 20:02:27 *   Kanae pulls off her glasses and peers closely again, just to be sure, readying a few ofuda in her other hand.  "Um ... Noriko-nee...."
Jun 21 20:02:38 *   Enro stares at Noriko and how.. unaffected by the situation she is, then looks to the sky.
Jun 21 20:02:45 <Enro>   "My life. What happened to it?"
Jun 21 20:04:07 *   Aisutori smiles, not seeming at all put off by it as she moved near.  "Hello sir.  Were you waiting for us," She walked forward toward it, though staying along the edge of the campfire.
Jun 21 20:04:29 *   Noriko glances at Kanae, Enro. "Yes? Is something wrong?"
Jun 21 20:04:46 *   Enro shakes his head and stares at Aisutori.
Jun 21 20:04:52 <Kanae>   "...nevermind me," Kanae mumbles.
Jun 21 20:05:00 <Enro>   "You. I blame you for my life now."
Jun 21 20:05:03 <Kotono>   The creature turns to the party, giving them a long look. "Finders keepers, but you can have some of the fried eggs I'm going to make if you want." Puffing in on it's smokeless pipe and blowing out a distinct lack of smoke, "No, I don't know who you are. I was just along and I found these lovely eggs! They're so fresh and pure they almost look like giant pearls!"
Jun 21 20:07:24 <Aisutori>   "Ah, I see, you were here first...  They're not eggs though," Aisutori wrapped herself in a bit of a cold wind.  "I'm Aisutori.  What's your name?  Maybe we can help each other out."
Jun 21 20:08:45 <Kotono>   "Minoru," The kappa answers you as he sucks in on his pipe again, "They look like eggs to me! What are they, then?"
Jun 21 20:09:55 <Aisutori>   "Gifts meant to help put the monster Leviathan back where he belongs.  They can't be eaten though.  Even if you cook them."
Jun 21 20:11:48 <Kotono>   That gets a squinty gaze up at Aisutori, the kappa licking his lips, "Well, I'm hungry! If you're so sure about it, do you have something to eat then?"
Jun 21 20:13:50 <Noriko>   "I did not bring meals with me when I set out this night," Noriko says. "Perhaps Enro could acquire a late dinner?"
Jun 21 20:14:11 *   Kanae whispers to Enro, "Get cucumbers!"
Jun 21 20:15:36 <Aisutori>   "Sure...I'll help cook and maybe we can have a snack here together," Aisutori nodded.  "Enro, could you help?"
Jun 21 20:16:19 <Enro>   "Yeah, sure. But if you're cooking, you're coming with me to pick out what you need."
Jun 21 20:17:37 <Kotono>   "Well then," The kappa starts to smile, "You're a fine young lady!"
Jun 21 20:18:16 *   Enro puts his hand on Aisutori's shoulder.
Jun 21 20:18:21 <Enro>   "You ready?"
Jun 21 20:19:30 *   Aisutori nods.  "We'll be right back."
Jun 21 20:19:45 <Kotono>   OOC: What are you two going to buy?
Jun 21 20:20:14 <Aisutori>   OOC: Aisutori just makes cold stuff.  She'll make some sushi and cucumbers and pickles.
Jun 21 20:21:00 *   Enro teleports to his apartment, being the only place he has Safe Housed with a grocery store near-by.
Jun 21 20:23:11 <Kotono>   Soon enough Aisutori and Enro return, with a bag of sushi, cucumbers and pickles.
Jun 21 20:24:35 *   Aisutori sits down, carefully folding the rice and fish together, setting up small platters to look like little fish in the sea decorated with the vegatables.  She offers the first one to Minoru.
Jun 21 20:25:30 <Kotono>   Minoru stops at the sight of the vegetables, licking his lips, "Is that...cucumber?"
Jun 21 20:29:07 <Aisutori>   "Yes," She nodded.  "Give it a try.  I have faith in my cooking," She jested, sitting back with grocery store chopsticks as she served herself last.
Jun 21 20:30:26 <Kotono>   Oh, Minoru stares. A big eyed stare, lips licked like a popsicle melting in the summer sun. "You can have the eggs," he declares, before going to tear into the cucumber laden snacks!
Jun 21 20:32:05 <Kanae>   Taken aback by how well that went, Kanae nods and looks to the others to gauge their reactions, feeling foolish for readying ofuda now.
Jun 21 20:32:59 <Aisutori>   "Thank you, Minoru-san," Aisutori smiled, "Thanks for finding them.  Could you collect any others you find?  I'll be glad to make you dinner anytime in exchange for more of them."
Jun 21 20:36:08 <Kotono>   "Bwing moah umber!" Through a mouthful of food the kappa speaks, swallowing, "I mean, sorry. I mean, bring more cucumber and sure!"
Jun 21 20:39:21 *   Aisutori nods.  "Sure, Noriko, can you carry two?" Aisutori picked two of them up herself.
Jun 21 20:40:04 *   Noriko is perfectly capable of carrying two, and does so.
Jun 21 20:40:31 *   Kanae politely nibbles at a piece of cucumber.  The cucumber rolls are pretty good, surprisingly.
Jun 21 20:50:24 <Aisutori>   "Noriko-chan, do...you think that crazy old man could take a look at these again?"
Jun 21 20:52:19 *   Noriko nods. "It would be prudent to determine their effects before consuming them, in order to ensure each goes to whoever needs it the most."
Jun 21 20:54:24 <Kanae>   "...consume?  Those look ... a little big to eat."
Jun 21 20:56:27 <Noriko>   "They are hollow," Noriko explains. "We need only drink the contents."
Jun 21 20:56:41 <Kanae>   "Ah...."
Jun 21 20:56:52 <Kotono>   A short nighttime trip takes you to the house of one Robert Sasaki. He has a large house with a well kept, if sparse, lawn. A fine wooden door is knocked on, albeit one with scorches and dents. The man who opens the door is middle aged, with short cut blonde hair. A single look gets him to smile, "Oh, you found more of those pearls!"
Jun 21 20:58:19 <Noriko>   "Yes."
Jun 21 20:59:15 *   Aisutori nods, "Just a few,  Could you take a look?" Aisutori smiled, a bit tense though still about asking him for help.
Jun 21 21:00:02 *   Enro notices Aisutori's tensing and warily watches the guy, a teleport at the ready.. Just in case.
Jun 21 21:00:05 <Kotono>   "Well, come on in and introduce me to your friends!" With a gesture he waves you into his house.
Jun 21 21:06:49 *   Aisutori nods, "This is Kanae-chan and Enro-san.  They both joined Clear Skies recently," She lead into the house.
Jun 21 21:07:28 *   Enro bows to the man.
Jun 21 21:07:34 <Enro>   "Hello, sir."
Jun 21 21:09:21 *   Kanae nods.
Jun 21 21:11:19 <Kotono>   Into the house you go. It's nice enough, but you're lead right to cellar stairs. As you go down, "Well, it's good to meet you. I study science and magic. The missing link, as you might say." Once you're down past it, a slat slides over, sealing the way you came! It's made of what looks to be solid steel, little lights shining on it! Below you can see space..loooots of space! A huge laboratory
Jun 21 21:11:19 <Kotono>   is about, riddled with strange things. Crystal balls go next to microscopes, heavy tomes back to back with computers, diagrams of other worlds next to posters of the galaxy.
Jun 21 21:12:10 *   Aisutori walks along carrying the pearls, being polite as the man introduced himself to their new friends.
Jun 21 21:13:30 *   Kanae looks unnerved by all the ... strange stuff, and sticks close to Noriko.
Jun 21 21:14:28 <Kotono>   "Now, let me show you something right here," Doctor Sasaki goes over to one table, full of scrap metal and parts. "Noriko, come over here. I conferred with Tomoko-chan and worked out something for all of you."
Jun 21 21:15:31 *   Noriko hands the pearls over to Enro rather than loading the younger Kanae down with them. What is it?" she asks, walking over to the table.
Jun 21 21:17:45 <Kotono>   It looks like a green visor that's halfway morphed into a pair of goggles. "These should allow you to analyze the pearls yourself." With a triumphant fist pump into the air, "I applied the analysis tools into a compact form using some of the magic from the experimental sacrifice pearl. Beautiful, isn't it?"
Jun 21 21:18:36 *   Noriko decides to don the device and test it out before agreeing with that verdict!
Jun 21 21:19:42 <Kotono>   Noriko's vision turns green as she stares at a pearl! Various equations and runes flash across her vision, before data is uplinked into her mind!
Jun 21 21:21:00 <Noriko>   "Wind magic," Noriko says, pointing to one of the pearls, before turning her attention to the others.
Jun 21 21:22:56 <Kotono>   "See?" Dr Sasaki's grin is huge, "I made something else, too,"  He goes to another table, coming back with a large syringe. The needle must be half a foot long! Within the tube is a greenish liquid, "This should work by stimulating your biological processes, spurring several days of healing in the blink of an eye. It's my thanks for saving me from that assassin."
Jun 21 21:22:57 <Noriko>   "Increased health...enhanced speed...fire magic," round out the rest of the group. Noriko removes the visor. "Now we need only consume the contents and test new abilities to verify this device's accuracy."
Jun 21 21:23:50 *   Kanae looks a bit lost.
Jun 21 21:23:58 <Kanae>   "...you first?
Jun 21 21:24:35 <Aisutori>   "We didn't explain this to you did we?" Aisutori wondered.  "What happens is that you drink the water inside and it fills you with a bit of magic, letting you tap into abilities you didn't have before.  A gift from the deep."
Jun 21 21:25:43 <Aisutori>   "We've all had one...so why don't you pick first and try it out."
Jun 21 21:26:21 <Aisutori>   "Can you get a bowl for us, Robert-san?"
Jun 21 21:26:37 <Kotono>   A bowl is swiftly procured and presented.
Jun 21 21:29:16 <Kanae>   "Um ... wind ... magic sounds familiar," Kanae manages.
Jun 21 21:30:25 *   Aisutori nods, picking it up and cracking it open carefully, filling the bowl with the water from the wind pearl.  "Here, take a drink...don't worry it's safe."
Jun 21 21:31:05 <Kanae>   Steeling herself, Kanae takes the bowl and drinks the liquid.
Jun 21 21:31:24 *   Enro runs a hand through his hair.
Jun 21 21:31:44 <Enro>   "I'll take the speed enhancement one, I suppose."
Jun 21 21:32:10 <Kotono>   Glowing fluid comes out of the cracked pearl, swallowed down! For a moment Kanae feels warm, her body and her ancestors tingling! (PM)
Jun 21 21:33:26 <Kanae>   "I feel dizzy," Kanae says, wobbling, though she manages a smile.  Somehow that power feels ... familiar to her.
Jun 21 21:33:53 <Aisutori>   "Take a second to take it in...Enro-san, your pick next."  Aisutori directed, steadying Kanae with her hands.
Jun 21 21:34:19 <Noriko>   "This sensation should pass," Noriko says. "None of us have had difficulties assimilating the new abilities. It works for me even though I am not a biological entity."
Jun 21 21:34:37 *   Enro brings over the 'Speed' pearl and cracks it open in the bowl, then downs it.
Jun 21 21:35:00 <Kotono>   "Magic's like that. Fascinating, really," Dr Sasaki says, as Enro takes his pearl and drinks down! H e feels warm and tingles all over, as...(PM)
Jun 21 21:36:22 <Aisutori>   "It just takes a bit really,"  Aisutori picked up the health pearl, breaking it open and drinking it.  "Magic doesn't have to worry about proving it should work."
Jun 21 21:36:24 <Kanae>   "Y...yes," Kanae agrees.  "It's vastly underrated, these days.  It used to be people had more respect to learn the ancient ways...."
Jun 21 21:37:19 <Kotono>   A third pearl is broken and drank! this time Aisutori gets the familiar sensation...(PM)
Jun 21 21:38:00 <Kotono>   "Oh yes! Science wants to pretend magic doesn't exist! Write a thesis on ley lines and they think you're a loon! Design a perfect human robot and you're a hopeless eccentric!"
Jun 21 21:39:02 *   Kanae nods in understanding.
Jun 21 21:40:30 *   Aisutori nods, "You know, we've all had two at least...Kanae, you should take the last one as well."  Aisutori hid that she would be more comfortable with Kanae being better able to defend herself.  It wasn't exactly a safe beat that they worked.
Jun 21 21:41:10 *   Noriko nods in agreement. "After all, I am designed for combat. I presume that Kanae is not."
Jun 21 21:41:57 <Kanae>   "...not especially," Kanae admits, hesitantly taking the final pearl at Aisutori's prompting, breaking it as she saw the ice maiden do before, and then drinking the liquid a bit more hesitantly.
Jun 21 21:42:24 <Kotono>   Again Kanae feels warm...warmer...hot! Wind and flame dance around the shrine maiden, bursting out around her in a halo! (PM)
Jun 21 21:45:30 <Aisutori>   "Ah...could you turn that down?" Aisutori shied back from the fire.
Jun 21 21:47:56 <Kotono>   "What's happening?" Dr. Sasaki peers at the windy, burning girl! A moment later a trill beeping is heard, sprinklers coming on! Water cascades down, soaking the party and putting out the fires around Kanae.
Jun 21 21:48:44 <Kanae>   "Um," Kanae mumbles, needing a moment to realize what just happened.  She looks down at her now sopping outfit and sighs.
Jun 21 21:49:06 *   Aisutori has somehow managed to move to the far end of the room away from the whole burning free floating flames.
Jun 21 21:49:36 <Noriko>   "This would be an experiment better performed outside," Noriko suggests.
Jun 21 21:50:11 <Kotono>   The good doctor looks up and wipes his face clean, as the deluge ceases. Shaking his head clear of water, "I've not seen that reaction before! Tell me, do you know what happened? Normally the results aren't so expressive."
Jun 21 21:51:10 <Kanae>   "Oh, I just remembered how ... those two kinds of magic work together," Kanae says, shaking her head.  "A little too well, as it happens -- Noriko-nee is right.  We shouldn't do that one inside."
Jun 21 21:51:48 <Kotono>   "Two kinds of magic...fire and wind..." Nodding to himself, "Yes, yes, go experiment in the yard! I have an idea! I'll be up soon with some good news if I'm right!"
Jun 21 21:53:20 *   Aisutori blinks, "Well...  I guess we can wait a bit."
Jun 21 21:53:33 <Aisutori>   "Mind opening the door up, Robert-san?"
Jun 21 21:53:36 <Kanae>   "Well ... I wouldn't mind going outside," Kanae allows.  She doesn't know if she's going to be practicing her new abilities right away, but fresh air would be nice.
Jun 21 21:54:58 <Kotono>   A switch allows the door to open and let the party free! OOC: Are you guys going to do anything or just wait on him here?
Jun 21 21:55:47 *   Aisutori takes a moment to shake some of the water out once they get outside.
Jun 21 21:57:34 <Noriko>   "Take care not set Dr. Sasaki's lawn alight," Noriko advises the younger girl once they're outside. "It would be unfortunate to cause more property damage here."
Jun 21 21:58:29 <Aisutori>   "Well, why don't you get a hang of it a little.  That way you know how to use it in battle," Aisutori stayed back though out of the way, if Kanae is going to practice.
Jun 21 21:59:01 *   Enro sits down and leans against the wall of the house to watch.
Jun 21 21:59:58 <Kanae>   Pursing her lips, Kanae walks a few paces away from Aisutori, and then throws an ofuda into the air, trying to get it to home in on the ice-maiden with a tiny burst of her newly-aquired wind power -- reaching back to the ancestors that understood wind spirits and wind magic best....
Jun 21 22:04:43 <Kotono>   Calling on the magic, Kanae is able to send an ofuda right at Aisutori! As this happens one can notice something - a black car, coming up and stopping at the curb.
Jun 21 22:05:11 *   Enro cracks an eye half open and watches the car..
Jun 21 22:05:26 <Noriko>   As it wouldn't be the first time unwelcome guests attacked them here, Noriko watches the strange car very carefully.
Jun 21 22:05:47 <Kanae>   Kanae gives a thin smile at that and nods.  Still ... magic is difficult -- no reason to wear herself out completely, in case something of real urgency comes up.
Jun 21 22:06:02 <Kotono>   The car comes to a stop. The windows are tinted - you can't see inside at all.
Jun 21 22:06:58 *   Kanae walks to Aisutori's side and plucks the ofuda from her shoulder.
Jun 21 22:07:27 <Aisutori>   "Noriko, hey does your new scan magic go through cars?" Aisutori wondered, totally naive of how the machine actually worked.
Jun 21 22:08:08 <Noriko>   "Dr. Sakaki did not state that it granted x-ray vision to the wear." Noriko tries this anyway, of course. How else would she know?
Jun 21 22:08:14 <Noriko>   *Sasaki
Jun 21 22:08:35 <Kotono>   It is sad to say, but the goggles do not grant X-ray vision! As you watch the car starts back up, driving off and away.
Jun 21 22:10:20 <Aisutori>   "He's sure taking a while...Let's check on him, if he's not done, we can check in the morning.  I was thinking we should celebrate Kanae-chan joining Clear Skies," Aisutori mused.
Jun 21 22:13:07 *   Noriko makes note of the license plate--if that care has one.
Jun 21 22:13:16 <Noriko>   (car
Jun 21 22:13:23 <Noriko>   *car, even. Argh!
Jun 21 22:13:40 <Kotono>   Interestingly, there's no license plate. As you reflect on that, the front door opens! The doctor comes out, "Good news, everybody!"
Jun 21 22:14:35 <Aisutori>   "Yes, Robert-san?"
Jun 21 22:15:10 *   NeremWorld has quit (Ping timeout)
Jun 21 22:17:44 <Kotono>   "I've discovered what happens! You see, certain types of similar magic seem to combine!" Going on without pause, "My theory is that if the right pearls are consumed, greater effects will be produced!"
Jun 21 22:18:57 <Aisutori>   "Like wind and fire?" Aisutori mused, not at all sure what took long given they'd just seen it.
Jun 21 22:19:54 <Kotono>   "Exactly," Nodding along to that, "
Jun 21 22:20:08 <Enro>   "Hmm.. Is it limited to elemental things, or can traits help each other too? Like the speed magic I took? If I had combined it with the health... Regeneration, maybe?"
Jun 21 22:20:27 <Kotono>   "Exactly," Nodding along to that, "Things that can possibly combine. Elemental forces are the most obvious, but perhaps others can work as well."
Jun 21 22:22:40 <Kanae>   "Hmm.  Interesting."
Jun 21 22:23:23 <Kotono>   "So think about this when you find more," The good doctor concludes, "Any questions?"
Jun 21 22:24:16 *   Aisutori nods, "I don't have any," She glanced up, checking the rising moon.  Still seemed early enough.
Jun 21 22:25:16 <Kanae>   "Is there any way to mix the contents of two pearls and split them between two people?  Would that work at all?"
Jun 21 22:25:41 <Kotono>   "I...I'm not sure," After some thought Dr. Sasaki shrugs, "One way to find out...the scientific method demands that you experiment!"
Jun 21 22:26:15 *   Noriko nods in perfect agreement with this statement.
Jun 21 22:28:23 <Kanae>   "I see...."
Jun 21 22:28:45 <Kotono>   "So,"
Jun 21 22:28:56 <Kotono>   "So," Clapping his hands together, "Let me know how that works out for all of you!"
Jun 21 22:29:05 *   Aisutori blinks, "Ah...Maybe later.  I know a fun place to celebrate at," Aisutori wasn't quite as up with mixing up pearls.
Jun 21 22:29:37 *   Merc is now known as Merc-zzz
Jun 21 22:29:40 <Enro>   "Celebrate? Celebrate what?"
Jun 21 22:31:25 <Kanae>   "Learning powerful new magic, of course!"
Jun 21 22:32:42 *   Aisutori blinks, "Kanae-chan joining the team.  Heck, we never had the time to give you a proper greeting either," Aisutori pouted.  "We're not just all about work," or so she said.
Jun 21 22:32:46 <Enro>   "..Alright.. Where do you want to go?
Jun 21 22:32:48 <Enro>   "
Jun 21 22:35:08 <Aisutori>   "I know a good place nearby," She nodded. "They're open late..."  Aisutori lead the group to a back road not too far away, pushing through the curtains of the Nine Tails Cafe, a back-doors venue that seemed to have a small jazz band playing at it that night.  Aisutori waved over to one of the waitresses.
Jun 21 22:37:51 <Kotono>   The entire place is small - lots of darker ambience, with light at a premium. The music is smooth jazz, the waitresses pretty and quite notably female. One comes over, a tall blonde with long hair. She bows, "Hello there!"
Jun 21 22:39:18 *   Kanae mutters under her breath that in her day, working girls dressed respectably....
Jun 21 22:39:43 <Aisutori>   "Minako-chan, I didn't know you were working tonight," She smiled.  "Could you get us one of the back rooms?  We're here to celebrate."
Jun 21 22:40:25 <Kotono>   "Sure," With a cute smile she turns...huh? Maybe it's just a trick of the light, but was that a tail you saw as she turned? Just for a moment...like a fox's tail.
Jun 21 22:44:15 *   Aisutori smiles, following behind Minako, "They're very friendly here.  I've played here a few times last year with my band."
Jun 21 22:45:32 *   Enro eyes where the faint image of the fox tail was and motions to the other three and mouths, 'What the hell was that?'
Jun 21 22:46:20 <Kotono>   The back rooms are all dark couches and soft chairs, a few small, curvy tables dotted about. As you go back, "Oh, by the way. Someone was looking for Clear Skies last night."
Jun 21 22:47:44 <Aisutori>   "Oh?  Do you know who, Minako-chan?" Aisutori wondered.
Jun 21 22:48:47 *   Aisutori doesn't seem to have immediately noticed Enro, chitchatting with the waitress as she was.
Jun 21 22:49:53 *   Kanae eyes Enro dubiously.  "Why are you looking at other girls than Aisutori-chan?"
Jun 21 22:50:04 <Kotono>   "I don't know, wasn't a regular," Minako says with a lithe shrug of her shoulders, a distinct fox's tail showing again for a moment, like the afterimage of a fast moving jet. "Tall, leggy raven haired girl. I got the feeling she wasn't friendly."
Jun 21 22:50:24 <Noriko>   "Enro, you continue to be amazed by every strange thing we encounter. You will need to become accustomed to all this if you're going to work with us."
Jun 21 22:50:49 *   Enro stares blankly at Kanae.
Jun 21 22:51:01 <Enro>   "Uh.. What?"
Jun 21 22:51:33 *   Kanae just makes a 'tsk' noise and shakes her head, turning her attention to Aisutori's conversation.  This girl sounds interesting.
Jun 21 22:51:51 <Enro>   "And, Noriko.. I'm still new to this, you know. Childhood stories keep.. poping up. It throws me off a bit."
Jun 21 22:52:57 <Aisutori>   "We'll be careful then...  THere was a car shadowing us earlier, but I think they gave up," She nodded.  "Thanks for the warning, Minako."
Jun 21 22:53:02 <Aisutori>   *Minako-chan
Jun 21 22:53:18 <Kotono>   Minako gives Enro a sultry glance, batting her eyelashes at him, "Something interesting, lover boy?"
Jun 21 22:53:45 *   Enro doesn't quite know how to respond to that without being rude..
Jun 21 22:54:06 <Aisutori>   "Childhood stories..." Aisutori started giggling.  "Oh my...Isn't that cute, Minako-chan?"
Jun 21 22:54:07 <Enro>   "Ahh.. forgive me if this is rude, but... Are you really a.. Kitsune?"
Jun 21 22:55:26 *   NeremWorld (Nerem@pool-71-170-224-53.dllstx.fios.verizon.net) has joined #dunes
Jun 21 22:59:04 <Kotono>   "What if I am?" The question is given with a smile as Minako slides over towards Enro. In a husky voice as she leans in, putting an arm around his shoulders, "Want to...pet my tail if I am?"
Jun 21 22:59:55 <Aisutori>   "Minako-chan," Aisutori giggled at the older girl.  "Tease Enro-san later, or over some drinks."
Jun 21 23:00:31 *   Enro blushes and teleports out of her arms, winding up sitting in the booth.
Jun 21 23:01:04 <Kotono>   Giggling along with Aisutori, "Jumpy, aren't you? You go off at just a touch." With a wink Minako is off, leaving the four to their own devices for the moment.
Jun 21 23:01:38 <Aisutori>   "So shy, Enro-san.  Minako-chan was being friendly," She smiled slipping into one of the larger booths, stretching out.
Jun 21 23:02:52 <Enro>   "Ah, well, I'm rather nervous seeing as how this place is... staffed.. with beings that I didn't know really existed a few minutes ago, and have a reputation for being tricksters."
Jun 21 23:04:30 <Kanae>   "Yeah, but ... she wouldn't really want to risk her day job for no reason, either," Kanae points out.  "So you can expect her to behave herself for the mostpart here, right?"
Jun 21 23:04:55 <Aisutori>   "Oh don't worry...they'll only play with you because you're being so shy.  You don't think I'm going to freeze you to death because I'm a Yuki-onna, do you?  It's pretty mean to expect the worst of people right off the bat."
Jun 21 23:06:14 <Kotono>   As the party chats, the door into the room opens. It isn't Minako, but instead a man. He wears a dark brimmed fedora that hides his face in shadow. A trenchcoat joins the look as well as dark slacks and shirt. He holds his hat down with one hand, "Excuse me. Are you Clear Skies?"
Jun 21 23:06:50 *   Aisutori raises an eyebrow, "We're kind of having a private party, but yes..."
Jun 21 23:08:31 <Kotono>   "It's important," he says quickly, "You're the same Clear Skies that was on the TV a few days ago?" His voice is accented, his Japanese a bit rough on account of it.
Jun 21 23:09:04 *   Aisutori nods.  "Yes...and you are?"
Jun 21 23:09:14 *   Kanae perks up and listens in more closely.
Jun 21 23:10:20 <Kotono>   "A friend. A friend of yours and a friend of humanity." His face is still lost in his hat, "A friend to anyone who stands up against what deathless things that even now refuse to die."
Jun 21 23:12:00 <Noriko>   "It would be beneficial if you could be more specific," Noriko says.
Jun 21 23:12:12 <Aisutori>   "Ah, a name is nice," Aisutori smiled, "But sit down.  We're listening."
Jun 21 23:13:24 <Kotono>   The man doesn't sit. "Aaah...I have to be sure before that. I have to be sure you're not on their side." His hidden head looks back and forth quickly, "They like to compromise people, make them serve or even taket he guise of human beings."
Jun 21 23:15:39 *   Aisutori blinks.  "I think it'd be pretty hard to pretend to be Aisu-chan."  Aisutori pouted,  "Well, you could ask Katsura-sama.  She'd know for sure...or do you have another way you want to trust us?"