Intro: Accidents Happen

[Ebiris]

[20:00] <Kotono> So another day begins. It's a leisurely day - November the second, 2026. In this day a nice wake up can be found for the Left Hand of God. That is, until she checks her website. To her possible surprise, a message awaits her.
[20:03] * Karuma-chan smiles as she sits herself crosslegged before her computer, sucking on a carton of apple juice as she brings up the details. A return client, or has someone new been referred to her?
[20:05] <Kotono> It's entirely new. It's a very simple message, blunt and to the point. "A car waits for you outside, 'Left Hand of God.'"
[20:06] * Karuma-chan twitches, slowly getting up and pushing her curtain slightly aside as she peeks out the window and at the street below her apartment.
[20:08] <Kotono> A black four door car is waiting outside at the curb, sleek and shiny in the sunshine. At least it finally stopped raining the past few days.
[20:12] <Karuma-chan> "Interesting..." the young assassin murmurs, tapping a finger against her lips. Used to the anonyminity of the 'net, she's not at all used to face to face meetings with clients - assuming that's what this is. But someone able to track her down simply can't be ignored. Going back to her computer, she begins rapidly typing, backtracking across the source of the message - she won't go into this blind, after all.
[20:13] <Kotono> OOC - Make a check on computer.s
[20:14] <Karuma-chan> roll 2d8 (target 16 - 17 if my security/hacking specialisation comes into play)
[20:14] * Hatbot --> "Karuma-chan rolls 2d8 (target 16 - 17 if my security/hacking specialisation comes into play) and gets 10." [2d8=5, 5]
[20:25] <Kotono> Whomever did this has some passing knowledge about computers. IT's not enough to shield the user entirely, but it does make it hard to tell. The farest you can trace it is to somewhere on the outskirts of Tokyo.
[20:29] * Karuma-chan tuts slightly. Well, she can investigate more later, they won't stay hidden from her for long - it's her insurance, after all. Shutting down her computer, she goes about getting dressed at her own pace - whoever's out there can afford to wait a bit longer, after going to all this trouble.
[20:29] <Karuma-chan> Attired in a professional, if somewhat elaborate pantsuit - a white blouse with puffy sleeves beneath a dark waistjacket adorned with a bow and aquamarine broch below her neck give it a somewhat 'old world' feel - she makes her way out of her home and downstairs to the waiting limo.
[20:31] <Kotono> On the street you get no looks of note. The back passenger door of the car is open, waiting for you to enter. You can see a black suited servant at the wheel, motionless and waiting.
[20:32] * Karuma-chan pokes her head into the door. "You were waiting for me, right?" she asks brightly, a friendly smile plastered on her face.
[20:33] <Kotono> "The Mistress awaits you," he says, not turning. HIs voice is as cold as a block of copper left in Antarctica, not a trace of anything there at all. On the backseat is a newspaper, folded up and waiting.
[20:35] <Karuma-chan> "She's sure done her homework, I'll have to compliment her later," Karuma notes idly as she slides into the car and closes the door behind her, picking up the paper to give it a casual glance over.
[20:36] <Kotono> It's all about the recent murders. The Andropov affair is getting lots of ink - the police are completely baffled on this one, still no ruling on what sort of death it is. Lesser down is the annoucement that the Nakukyaku murder is being 'vigorously investigated despite lack of leads'.  Busy week in the business of dying, apparently.
[20:37] * Karuma-chan purses her lips, wondering at the significance... "It seems Neo Tokyo is getting more and more dangerous lately, don't you think?" she asks conversationally.
[20:39] <Kotono> "Perhaps." No follow up past that, the drive starting. He's making good timet hrough the streets, slowly heading out of Tokyo's heart and into the surrounding areas.
[20:40] <Karuma-chan> Oooh, strong silent type, huh? Not so easily daunted, Karuma tries to coax a bit more from her driver. "So, any idea why your Mistress sought me out?" she asks directly.
[20:41] <Kotono> No reply. He just drives, not even turning his eyes to the rear view mirror.
[20:42] * Karuma-chan sighs softly, leaning back in her seat with arms folded as she stares out the window. Well, hopefully the Mistress herself will see fit to answer a few questions when they meet...
[20:44] <Kotono> It's a fairly long drive - over an hour. Eventually the car comes to outside the city, going up a steep sea cliff. It's sunny and bright, finally coming to a grand iron gate. This opens as you approach, no one in sight to do so. Ahead of his is a little circular road leading to the front door of a grand mansion, a fountain in the middle.
[20:46] <Karuma-chan> At least the weather's nice? Smiling a bit at the proximity to the cliffs - long drops always thrilled her for some reason, Karuma gets out of the car after it stops, mentally comparing this location to the results of her trace on the sender of her earlier message. "Nice place," she remarks offhandedly.
[20:48] <Kotono> "This way," The grunt leads you inside, not commenting on the small talk. Instead his pace quickens, leading you inside! Ahead fo you is a grand foyer, twin stairscases snaking up! All four floors can be seen, the large center open roofed to the very top! A grand snaking stairway of crystal chandeliers and impossible turns, a work of art covered merely to go up tothe top floor.
[20:50] * Karuma-chan follows along, briefly looking straight up before they ascend the staircase. Well, if this is a client, she can at least be assured of her ability to foot the bill...
[20:55] <Kotono> The second floor is all private rooms, barely glanced. The third floor is a greenhouse, the entire floor set to it. Amid plants and scents nature reigns here, but the fourth floor? A great curved library, a place of tomes and leather seats. (More)
[20:57] <Kotono> Here she sits - hair a blonde waterfall reaching to the floor. Her eyes are green and intense, waiting for Karuma to approach. There's a calculating hunger there, like a tiger not fed in far too long. Wearing simple clothes, she drums her fingers on the rest of a chair. "Welcome, 'Left Hand of God." Her voice is French! A European accent, nearly forgotten these days.
[21:00] * Karuma-chan is somewhat reminded of her mother - her Japanese was likewise always tinged with an accent as well. "I compliment you on your research," Karuma bows deeply to the woman, no sense in hiding it. "This is the first time I've met a client face to face - I assume that will be the nature of our relationship, anyway, since I can't see any other reason for seeking me out." Well... she doesn't look like a reporter, anyway...
[21:04] <Kotono> Reaching down a moment, a simple manila folder is taken out. "That's right. Is 3 million yen enough?" So she gets right to the point, eyes never leaving you as she smiles. OOC - Mind check. It's even because your highly aware trait cancels out a penalty/lets you get an inkling to begin with.
[21:04] <Karuma-chan> roll 2d8
[21:04] * Hatbot --> "Karuma-chan rolls 2d8 and gets 8." [2d8=3, 5]
[21:04] <Karuma-chan> OOC: -4 pass
[21:04] <Kotono> Karuma shivers just a tiny bit - for some reason she got the strangest image of a green serpent in her mind, but it passes instantly.
[21:06] <Karuma-chan> "Please," Karuma wears her own predatory smile, waggling a finger at the blonde and masking her strange reaction just now. "What kind of a girl do you take me for? I won't take a job without details, and 3 million is far too cheap for the service I provide."
[21:08] <Kotono> "As you wish..." With a smile she passes the folder over, eyes never leaving Karuma. "4.5 million yen better?"
[21:09] * Karuma-chan tuts openly. "We can negotiate once I know what dark-hearted desire you'll have me carry out," she remonstrates, opening up the folder to take a look.
[21:11] <Kotono> A woman's picture. Dietwoman Hijo - a black haired bitch, as the papers call her. A new member of the diet, replacing her uncle. Information follows: She spends all day in the diet building, so anything from 9 AM to 7 PM isn't viable. Her schedule on those off hours follows.
[21:12] <Karuma-chan> Oooh, a politician? How activist... Eyes greedily devouring the page, Karuma reads up all the details her client has so thoughtfully provided.
[21:17] <Kotono> Wakes up at 6:30, has breakfast in house and does morning stuff until 8 AM. She lives with a few bodyguards and that's it, save for the occasional discreet tryst. 8-9 is in transit to the diet building. 7 PM - she'll either go straight home(Rare) or go out for politicking, fundraising, dinners, ect ect. Schedule varies. Can be out extremely late.
[21:19] <Karuma-chan> Does she commute? Drive? Walk?
[21:19] <Kotono> Drives. She has a chauffer.
[21:21] * Karuma-chan closes up the folder and returns it. "Seven million yen to ensure our good Dietwoman never casts another vote," she pronounces, looking expectantly at the 'Mistress'.
[21:22] <Kotono> "You have confidence in your skills," she smiles like a dark wave at Karuma, pondering. "Confident?"
[21:23] <Karuma-chan> "My methods have proven themselves, as I'm sure you would know otherwise we wouldn't be having this conversation," Karuma replies, very much oozing confidence.
[21:25] <Kotono> "Very well," she smiles at last, a nod. "I await good news."
[21:27] <Karuma-chan> "I'll contact you with bank details to wire the money after the job is done. Your butler will drive me home?" Karuma asks, since she sure doesn't plan on walking back.
[21:28] <Kotono> "We'll meet again here when you're done," Alexandria corrects Karuma, as you notice the servant coming to bow to his master, looking on at you plainly.
[21:28] * Karuma-chan raises an eyebrow. "Very well," she allows. This is why she prefers not to meet her clients - they monopolise all her time!
[21:31] <Kotono> OOC - Going to skip to the next morning and observation?
[21:32] <Karuma-chan> OOC: yep
[21:33] <Kotono> The next mornign the weather turns a little fouler. A soft drizzle falls as you find Hijo's apartment at the crack'o'dawn! It's the first floor of a modern apartment building, packed into Tokyo's vibrant life. Luxurious digs for a demanding woman, nothing happening at first. You see bodyguards - two different ones - do quick sweeps of the outside perimeter, and see an obvious camera above the main door.
[21:37] * Karuma-chan is hopefully far enough away from the house to avoid notice, loitering near the end of the street and attired in her biking leather's and helmet, standing by her heavily customised Diablo motorcycle as she waits for her target to begin her journey to work.
[21:38] <Kotono> So 8 AM comes. You get a glimpse of her as she heads out into her long red car. She has long raven black hair and a heady trot, a short skirt and suit worn, high heels clacking on the pavement. The cart starts, beginning it's treck...
[21:40] * Karuma-chan hops astride her bike and guns the engine, starting to tail the car at a decent distance. She's not chasing them, just getting an idea of their route and keeping an eye out for possible 'accident' hotspots.
[21:42] <Kotono> The first? One's a four way intersection with only minimal stop lights. Accidents happen here all the time. Cars go at good clips, racing deeper and hither in Tokyo. It's highly urban here, lots of tall buildings around.
[21:44] * Karuma-chan happens to mark the time they reach this particular spot, in case she does wind up using it, but keeps an eye out for any more as she winds her way to the heart of Japan's government.
[21:44] <Kotono> It's 8:13.
[21:44] <Kotono> OOC - Gah.
[21:45] <Kotono> It's 8:13. At 8:31 you get another interesting one. They stop at a minimart, one of the bodyguards getting out and going to get gas, then going inside of the shop to pay for it.
[21:46] <Karuma-chan> Man, Tokyo's road system sure does suck. Half an hour and she's still not at work? Poor woman... Not knowing if this is a regular occurance or not, Karuma doesn't pay the stop too much mind, although she makes sure that she herself stops at the other end of the street while she waits, far away enough to hopefully avoid notice.
[21:53] <Kotono> So the drive goes on. At 8:43 you get one more thing of note.  There's a normal straightaway here, a four lane highway that's closed off. Teh entire street is torn up, piping being worked on and only flimsy wooden barriers stopping cars. Side streets work as detours, barely twenty feet away from where the holes start.
[21:55] <Karuma-chan> That's probably her best bet to guarantee an immediately fatal crash - cleanup is messy if she doesn't get a clean kill, after all. Karuma takes note of anywhere handy she could possibly observe here from if she does take this route.
[21:55] <Kotono> Oy
[21:56] <Kotono> It's mostly shops and boutiques around here. A cafe, a clothing store, that sort of thing.
[21:58] <Karuma-chan> Taking note of the location and time, Karuma turns and heads for home, intending to do a little more homework by hacking into her target's itinerary to see if she might happen to be visiting anywhere dangerous in the next few days.
[21:59] <Kotono> OOC - Elaborate on what you wanna do, Karuma-chan?
[21:59] <Karuma-chan> OOC: basically hack into the computers at the Diet and try to find details on Hijo's plans for the week - meetings, fundraisers, speeches, that sort of thing.
[22:01] <Kotono> OOC: Computers check. I'll assume the Diet has good security, so a 3 point mod to that.
[22:01] <Karuma-chan> roll 2d8+3 target 17
[22:01] * Hatbot --> "Karuma-chan rolls 2d8+3 target 17 and gets 15." [2d8=8, 4]
[22:03] <Kotono> It takes a bit of work, the security's better than you'd expect and Karuma's just a little tired. But the basic schedule is as follows:
[22:05] <Kotono> Today: 3 PM. Speech with the Commision of Novosibursk Industries Inc at the Diet. 8 PM. Home. Tomorrow: 4 PM - At Chirstening for a new Japanese destroyer at Tokyo harbor. 7 PM - Home. More days can be pulled up on demand.
[22:06] * Karuma-chan checks the day after tomorrow. If nothing exciting after that, she'll... hmm, actually, the destroyer looks interesting. Might come back to that later.
[22:07] <Kotono> 1 PM - Keynote speech at Toudai. 4 PM - Speech at Tokyotronics Highrise Construction Site.
[22:08] * Karuma-chan smiles openly. Perfect... With date and time firmly in mind, Karuma resolves to scout out the construction site tomorrow.
[22:09] <Kotono> The construction site is massive! It's a 124 story monstrosity, steel beams reaching into the sky. You can see where the speech will be given - a grand wood podium, electronics surely to be all around her, at the base of the great skyscraper.
[22:12] * Karuma-chan mentally marks off the location of the stage and mentally marks off all the surrounding beams. Probably wouldn't be hard to tear one or two of them apart and guide them down onto her target... But where from? Any neighbouring buildings with public access she could watch from? A cafe would be perfect, since she sometimes gets thirsty after exerting herself like that.
[22:14] <Kotono> There's a nearyby highrise. Lots of offices there, one can note. Also a few small shops wedged in...all with a nie view.
[22:14] <Kotono> *nice view.
[22:15] <Karuma-chan> Well, she can certainly shop and spend the money she's about to earn. With a devilish smirk, Karuma heads home to sleep the blissful slumber of the innocent. Big day, tomorrow!
[22:23] <Kotono> Indeed! OOC - Skip ahead?
[22:25] <Karuma-chan> OOC: yep
[22:26] <Kotono> The next day is a change! Sunny again, and a speech at 4 PM! Karuma gets in the area at about 3 or so, cars already lining up and things already started! Even from the street she can see the giant platform erected, right under lots of construction steel!
[22:27] * Karuma-chan has plenty of time to kill, at least. Milling around the nearby shops, she browses for anything interesting and makes a few small purchases, including something to eat while she waits.
[22:30] <Kotono> So with a nice bento box and time killed, she can see the speech getting going! Dietwoman Hijo is there - standing with her best smile on, looking all the world like a pretty princess as her introducer speaks on the microphone.
[22:32] <Karuma-chan> It's showtime! On the outskirts of the construction site, Karuma lurks, seeming to be browsing the wares of one of the shops while she keeps an eye on the proceedings. Wait for the good Dietwoman to say a few words of her speech before misfortune befalls her, at least.
[22:34] <Kotono> Oooh, this shop has lovely dresses! They'd be perfect to wear on a summer day, floppy hat as you race through the fields of wheat and bar-oh, there she goes! With a smile she waves to the crowd, beginning to talk.
[22:37] * Karuma-chan smiles distantly, running her fingertips over the fabric of a nice blue dress. It brings out her eyes just so, doesn't it? Speaking of, one of those slate-grey eyes is discreetly looking well above the speech, focusing onto one of the steel beams as she begins to bring her mental muscle to bear. Squeezing into the metal, she works to weaken the beam and wrench a large section free of the main body...
[22:37] <Karuma-chan> roll 2d8 target 16
[22:37] * Hatbot --> "Karuma-chan rolls 2d8 target 16 and gets 13." [2d8=5, 8]
[22:38] <Kotono> As the Dietwoman begins to extoll the virtues of building? A steel beam wretches loose! Gravity does what it does, sending pure Japanese steel down onto the stage! (More)
[22:38] <Karuma-chan> OOC: hang on!
[22:38] <Kotono> OOC: Hm?
[22:38] <Karuma-chan> OOC: I need to guide it down so it hits her, not just let it fall randomly!
[22:38] <Kotono> OOC: Oh, my fault. Dur.
[22:39] <Kotono> As the Dietwoman begins to extoll the virtues of building? A steel beam wretches loose!
[22:40] * Karuma-chan seems utterly oblivious, holding the dress against her body and seeming quite distracted by her clothes shopping as her mind focuses elsewhere, taking hold of the now free-floating I-beam and angling it slightly, aiming carefully for her target before she hurls it downwards, aiming to drive the Dietwoman right through the stage she's on!
[22:40] <Karuma-chan> roll 2d8 target 16 TK check to actually hold the thing
[22:40] * Hatbot --> "Karuma-chan rolls 2d8 target 16 TK check to actually hold the thing and gets 11." [2d8=6, 5]
[22:41] <Karuma-chan> roll 2d8-2 target 13 ACV check (spending a round to aim for -2 bonus)
[22:41] * Hatbot --> "Karuma-chan rolls 2d8-2 target 13 ACV check (spending a round to aim for -2 bonus) and gets 9." [2d8=4, 7]
[22:42] <Kotono> roll 2d8 generic check for something
[22:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8 generic check for something and gets 7." [2d8=4, 3]
[22:43] <Kotono> Thrown like a spear from the heavens, the metal bar flies in the air! It plummets down in a racing arc towards the stage and Dietwoman! The crowd stops and stares, a moment of roared warnings! In shock she looks around and up, just in time to see it coming! She tries a desperate dive, an unlikely last chance to save her life!
[22:43] <Kotono> roll 2d8
[22:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8 and gets 8." [2d8=7, 1]
[22:44] <Kotono> She makes it partway! Her head and neck aren't crushed - just everything beneath, the stage collasping in a crunching of wood and bone! Screams are heard even from here, raw chaos!
[22:44] <Kotono> A few people on the stage and a few crowd people are caught in the mess, a scene of complete, messy carnage!
[22:45] <Kotono> roll 1d4-1
[22:45] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4-1 and gets 1." [1d4=2]
[22:48] <Karuma-chan> "Oh, my!" Karuma gasps in feigned shock at the carnage across the way, carefully putting the dress back onto its rack. "I don't think it's safe around here," she remarks, beating a swift retreat. With what she saw, a fatality is pretty much assured. No need to stick around and do a follow-up.
[22:57] <Kotono> So the next morning comes! On her website KAruma finds the a new message, namely, 'The car is waiting.'
[22:58] <Karuma-chan> So impatient! Karuma had been planning to ride her bike up there, but so it goes... Getting dressed, she heads downstairs to her waiting transport with a spring in her step and a smile on her lips.
[23:04] <Kotono> It's the same black suited man, waiting without a word. There's a copy of the newspaper and a boxed breakfast waiting in the backseat, too!
[23:05] <Karuma-chan> "Morning!" Karuma greets the butler, bowing with a little flourish before she settles into the car and helps herself to breakfast, having a read of the paper during the long journey to the seaside mansion.
[23:06] <Kotono> No reply from him, but the paper is ablaze! 'DEATH OF DIETWOMAN IN FREAK ACCIDENT!' It goes on about the late Hijo, about how she was dead on impact and that Tokyotronics was apologizing publically.
[23:08] <Karuma-chan> "Shocking," Karuma tuts openly, shaking her head. "Don't you think these companies should have stricter safety procedures?"
[23:10] <Kotono> As Karuma gets no response at all, she does note that the word murder never appears once...
[23:11] <Karuma-chan> And why would it? Not like there's any evidence of foul play. Really, some things you just have to write off as acts of God...
[23:15] <Kotono> So once again Karuma is taken above! To the seacliffs and to the mansion, to the twisting spiral snake stairs. To the library - where again she waits. Alexandria looks out the window, speakin gas Karuma approaches. "Acts of God, the miracles that not even modern science can explain..."
[23:16] <Karuma-chan> "Yes, well, I don't like to brag, but..." Karuma idly buffs her nails on her shirt as she approaches, "Accidents happen."
[23:18] <Kotono> "Very good." Alexandria turns and smiles warmly, "I must admit I find your techquince fascinating. Chizuru, while at a hobby close to my heart, is merely..." ODdly, for a moment Alexandria hesitates, looking completely off balance, before that smile returns. "Not as flashy and elegant as you are."
[23:19] <Karuma-chan> "Chizuru?" Karuma prods nonchalantly at the unfamiliar name.
[23:20] <Kotono> "A friend," Alexandria turns back to the window, looking out. "The money's been transferred, but...there is more work. Much more work."
[23:21] <Karuma-chan> "I don't recall giving you my bank details..." Karuma mutters, slightly put out. This woman is far too well informed for her own good. "More work already, though?"
[23:25] <Kotono> "Details are easily learned," Alexandria smiles quite smugly at that, wrapping her arms around herself. "In short...I'm recruiting. My organization is, and we've had an eye on you."
[23:27] * Karuma-chan raises an eyebrow. "You want to make that much use of my services? You are a dark-hearted one..." she observes, shaking her head slightly. "I'm more used to freelance work - a retainer will be expensive," she warns. Just because they seem well informed enough to wreck or perhaps even end her life, no reason to roll over. She's hardly without her own resources, after all.
[23:29] <Kotono> "Fine. Money is no concern for us. Magnum Deus 666 is only concerned with..." Alexandria smiles, showing white, sharp teeth as she does. "You. You and three others...you are the third, and the fourth will come shortly."
[23:31] <Karuma-chan> "And these three would be?" Karuma prods, somewhat curious in spite of herself.
[23:35] <Kotono> "Chizuru, Anastasia and...the fourth youw ill meet. A poisoner and an angelic assassin. The perfect compliments, hm?" Alexandria extends her hand out, "Come."
[23:36] <Karuma-chan> "You really have that many people you need killed?" Karuma asks, sweatdropping a little. "You're not plotting a coup or anything, are you?"
[23:39] <Kotono> "Come. Haven't you heard of Magnum Deus 666?" With that her smile grows vicious, harder, those eyes staring intently. Those cat's eyes, hunter's eyes. The eyes of a tiger - or maybe a serpent.
[23:43] * Karuma-chan cocks her head slightly, thinking... "I think I've seen it mentioned on a couple of conspiracy websites. I see I should have given them more credence..." she admits after a moment. "Ordinarily I make it a point to never question the motives of my clients, but if you're seeking my services on a more persistent basis, I feel I have to know - just what is your goal?"
[23:48] <Kotono> "My motives are my own...but we fight for what we want. In this case for you, more money than you can imagine." Alexandria is shadowed by sunlight, giving her an unearthly aura of light and dark.
[23:50] * Ana-chan appears in the doorway, no sound having betrayed the blonde's approach. Today she's clad in a full-length white dress, her quiet voice calling out to Alexandria. "You sent for me, Ms. Ouroburos - oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize you had a guest."
[23:50] <Karuma-chan> "I'm sorry," Karuma shakes her head, "Normally I wouldn't ask at all, but if you-" she cuts herself off at the new arrival, glancing behind her.
[23:52] <Kotono> "Yes, this is Karuma," Alexandria smiles, less imposing and more polite. "Anastasia, Karuma. Karuma, Anastasia."
[23:53] <Karuma-chan> "Charmed," Karuma smiles pleasantly at the new arrival, wondering just what this means.
[23:54] <Ana-chan> "A pleasure," Ana says, traces of her Russian accent evident as she gives a slight bow to the other girl.
[23:54] * Karuma-chan turns her attention back to Alexandria, her unspoken question apparent.
[23:55] * Ana-chan waits for the moment, a slightly curious expression on her face as she turns her head to face Alexandria herself.
[23:56] <Kotono> "I simply need these people to die," she goes on, quite calm sounding, quite polite. Quite non offensive, really. "Anastasia is one, and I sent call to the other to be here shortly. Tell me then, as we wait - what would you fight for?"
[23:59] <Karuma-chan> "Money will suffice," Karuma replies, folding her arms below her chest. "I'm a professional, after all. I simply don't feel comfortable aligning myself so closely with a group I know nothing about. Self preservation, to say nothing of it cutting out other business opportunities," she explains smoothly.
[00:03] <Kotono> A smile at that, "If you insist..." She turns, looking out the window, "Allow me to finish assembling the team first. The last should not be much longer. If you object so strenously when that occurs, you may leave."
[00:05] * Karuma-chan relents, not pushing any further for the moment. "Very well," she nods, turning her attention to the newcomer. "So, Anastasia... does that make you the poisoner or the angel?" she asks curiously.
[00:07] * Ana-chan smiles. "I suppose I would be the angel, then," the young lady replies with a nod. "I am known to a few as the Cruel Angel."
[00:07] <Kotono> Alexandria smiles s lightly, fading back behind a curve, into the books and away from both of them.
[00:10] * Chizuru slowly rises through the stairs, the sound of her heels roaring louder and louder as she approaches. With a confident smile and the sharp gaze of her amethysts, the Black Widow appears, with her briefcase ready and her typical work clothing - labcoat and tailleur. "I believe the midnight poisoner would be me, then. Takematsu Chizuru, my dear", she smiles while extending her hand as she nears the other girls.
[00:11] <Karuma-chan> "Cruel Angel?" Karuma repeats the name slowly, "So how did you get mixed up in this?" Then at Chizuru's arrival she accepts the hand. "Karuma Mitsurigi," she returns with a smile, "Pleased to meet you."
[00:13] * Chizuru bows and smiles gracefully, as if she acknowledged the young lady at hand. "The pleasure is all mine, dear."
[00:14] <Ana-chan> "Honestly, I'm not quite sure," she says with a slight blush. "I'm hardly an assassin by profession, but Ms. Ouroburos contacted me about a week ago with knowledge of what I could do and requested I kill someone. Afterwards she mentioned that she was assembling a team and could provide, ah, shielding? for me." She flushes a bit more. "I'm sorry if that's the wrong word, my Japanese isn't very good sometimes."
[00:15] * Karuma-chan puts the back of her hand over her mouth, masking a polite chuckle at Anastasia's expense. "You're not an assassin by profession, but you killed someone for her, anyway?" she asks, faint incredulity showing.
[00:16] <Ana-chan> "I have not been practicing the art, but I am very well trained in it," Anastasia explains. "Practicing on my own would be a bit risky for a few reasons."
[00:18] <Karuma-chan> "Interesting..." Karuma murmurs, before turning to the stacked woman in the labcoat. "And you, Miss Chizuru Takematsu? How were you brought into this sordid world of contract killings?"
[00:19] * Chizuru nods. "You'd be quite surprised, really. While we aren't truly trained killing machines, we aren't completely green in this subject, truth be told. I have my reasons to have accepted Alexandria's request, which go beyond the money and thrill. However, I can't deny it's... promising, to say the least. And a guarantee that my chemistry will always be sharp."
[00:20] <Chizuru> "I'm not sure if the world I've seen before being brought into Magnum Deus is any less sordid than contract murders, regardless..." Chizuru pauses and bites a finger, a slither of malice passing through.
[00:20] <Karuma-chan> "I take it she hasn't actually shared much of her organisation's goals with either of you, then?" Karuma asks them, disappointment showing.
[00:22] <Ana-chan> "Not with me, I'm afraid," Ana says with a slight shrug. "Considering what she's been willing to do for me, however, I haven't wanted to press too hard."
[00:23] <Chizuru> "Truthfully? No. On the other hand, I wouldn't expect a highly professional organization like that sharing their greaters goals to their employees. You seem to understand this world better than we do, you probably would know", Chizuru responds with a resignant sigh.
[00:24] <Karuma-chan> "My work is usually freelance in nature - it's good business practice to not pry into the dealings of my clients under those circumstances," Karuma admits. "I feel reluctant to make a more permanent arrangement with a client I know nothing about, however." Glancing at Ana upon her statement, "Yes, you mentioned shielding earlier, didn't you?"
[00:26] <Ana-chan> "Ah, yes," Ana replies, caught slightly off guard. "Those that trained me would likely go to some lengths to take me back, which I would certainly rather not do. Ms. Ouroburos assured me that if I worked for her organization it would be no trouble to keep them away."
[00:29] <Karuma-chan> "She certainly seems sure of herself, if nothing else," Karuma admits, thinking of the nearly unflappable woman who sought her out. "Have either of you heard of this fourth member she's looking to hire?"
[00:30] <Ana-chan> "Nothing," Ana admits. "I know that she's been 'testing' the team members before offering them a position, though - both Takematsu-san and myself were asked to complete a kill first."
[00:31] <Karuma-chan> "Likewise," Karuma nods. "Although offing a member of the Diet seems a bit excessive for a test... who did you two deal with? Anyone famous?" she asks interestedly, leaning forward a bit in her eagerness. She's never actually gotten to talk shop like this, after all!
[00:32] <Ana-chan> "No one that I had heard of," Ana says, shaking her head. "Fushio Nakukyaku - the murder case was covered in the papers for several days after it happened, but the police could apparently find no leads at all." She allows herself a small smile of pride at that.
[00:33] <Chizuru> "I had to handle a monkey", Chizuru giggles for a moment, hiding her mouth with the back of her hand. "Actually, he was just a fairly famous businessman and playboy, but the monkey namesake was appropriate. It was a painless poisoning, I'd expect."
[00:35] * Karuma-chan nods brightly. "I saw that in the paper," she smiles at Anastasia. Looks like these two know their stuff, at least. "Haven't read about any poisonings, though. What was his name?"
[00:37] <Chizuru> "Mr. Andropov, is all I remember. I've been trying to forget that I had contact with him. The police can't make heads or tails of his death, either. I'd guess their chemistry is failing."
[00:37] <Ana-chan> "Not bad for a little blind girl, I'd say," Ana says, a slight smirk on her lips. "Wait a moment... Diet... you had something to do with the accident that killed the dietwoman yesterday? I heard about that on the radio this morning."
[00:38] <Chizuru> "That would be enlightening. You're the one responsible for that freak accident?" Chizuru raises an eyebrow, suddenly leaning forward with interest.
[00:39] <Karuma-chan> "Ah, yes, I read that he just dropped dead of no apparent cause - must be some poison," Karuma bobs her head up and down, before her expression turns to a cat-like smirk at their interest. "Yes, Dietwoman Hijo. Such an unfortunate accident that was... the odds must have been astronomical. Poor woman."
[00:40] * Ana-chan giggles a bit at that. "I'll take that as a yes, then. I didn't get many details, but the announcer on the radio made it sound like it's being treated as a total accident. I can't imagine trying to kill someone like that."
[00:42] <Chizuru> "I am sure plenty of people would 'agree'. You must be quite the jewel in this business, Karuma-chan. The ability to kill like that is... astounding, to say the least." Chizuru grins as she finishes the phrase, a glint of glee and cynical satisfaction running through as her eyes shine.
[00:42] <Karuma-chan> "People just seem to have the oddest misfortune around me. It's really quite uncanny," Karuma grins, basking in the praise.
[00:44] * Ana-chan just shakes her head. "I'll stick to my training, I think. Definitely can't be called accidental, unless they're working around heavy machinery - but it's kind of a rush that way, too. They know they're going to die and that you're the one who's going to kill them - it's an amazing feeling."
[00:47] * Chizuru ponders for a moment, and lands her chin over a finger, suggestively and slowly. "I'd say I get my satisfaction from ignorance myself. Immensely satisfying to know that they would ask idiotically to themselves why if they could. The delusion they're entranced into while you move in for the kill is wonderful as well. It shows how pathetic people can be, really."
[00:49] <Karuma-chan> "To each her own," Karuma nods her head in deference to Anastasia. "It certainly must be more of a challenge to pull off." Cocking her head to the side at Chizuru's comment, she smiles, "So, we have one who likes to get into someone's confidence before killing them, one who likes to take them on openly, and one who ends them from a distance while giving no indication of involvement? I'd say Alexandria's got all her niches covered..."
[00:50] <Ana-chan> "Certainly sounds like it," Anastasia agrees. "I'm not sure what the fourth member we're supposed to have will bring, but then I didn't know anything about either of you before I met you, either."
[00:51] <Karuma-chan> "She does play her cards close to her chest, that one..." Karuma remarks, biting her lower lip softly.
[00:51] <Chizuru> "Maybe not, though. I'm certain Alexandria wouldn't waste time bringing two people with the same niches. And, truth be told, killing can be a creative business."
[00:52] <Ana-chan> "Mmm. I haven't heard much from her since I moved to the mansion, but I just assumed she was a private person that way," Ana says, shaking her head a bit. "Makes it a bit too quiet around here sometimes, but no worse than my old apartment was, I guess."
[00:54] <Karuma-chan> "Privacy is understandable, in this line of work," Karuma observes, shaking her head. "Still, if her money's good, I doubt I'll have much reason to complain."
[00:56] * Chizuru nods. "And this organization most likely values their peons as long as they work well. I don't think this should be an issue...", Chizuru pauses with a slight grin, "... at least not for us."
[00:58] <Ana-chan> "Exactly!" Ana says. "For me, it seems I'm going to have to use my abilities one way or another, sooner or later - so better for those who I choose than not, right?"
[00:59] <Karuma-chan> "Of course," Karuma smiles in reply, privately wondering if it'll be poison or the knife the does her in if she displeases Alexandria... or if she'll be asked to cause an accident for one of the others. "Still makes me curious, though," she goes on, trying not to dwell on it, "Gathering a team of four assassins of such skill, she must be planning something big."
[01:01] <Chizuru> "That's all we can hang on for a certainty, yes. But better to be on the side that strikes, no?"
[01:02] <Ana-chan> "I do have to admit, I'm curious what she has planned - assassination isn't something you usually give to a team, after all." She shakes her head. "I just have no idea what I'd DO with a partner on a job. I know what I can do and how to make my kill, but what need do I really have of a comrade for that? No offense meant," she finishes quickly.
[01:03] <Karuma-chan> "None taken," Karuma waves her hand dismissively at Ana's comment. "This is a solitary profession by nature, after all. Unless someone needs to be stabbed, poisoned, and tossed into a river, I don't see that much point in combining our efforts." She chuckles derisively, "Maybe Rasputin's back?"
[01:03] * Chizuru ponders. "I guess that's what we will find out. The larger the group, the larger the scale. And, really, we probably won't do those one-note murders that keep newspapers screaming for a day or two forever. Probably, not even for long."
[01:05] * Ana-chan giggles a bit at that. "He should be falling apart by now if he's back after a hundred years, at least," the blonde quips. "Although... actually, it would be helpful at times to have someone who can spot things for me. Not everything that I need to avoid makes a noise."
[01:10] <Karuma-chan> "I suppose for my part having someone else to do cleanup if the target survives their misfortune would be useful," Karuma admits. "But a spotter? I think we could be more useful than that," she replies to Anastasia.
[01:12] <Ana-chan> "Oh, I don't doubt you can do more than that," Anastasia answers, removing her glasses. "But many security measures these days make no noise, and unless I know they're there first I can't do anything about them. One of the few drawbacks to being blind in this line of work."
[01:13] <Karuma-chan> Karuma's eyes widen, for once totally caught off guard. "Ah, I... I'm sorry, I had no idea..." she stammers out reflexively at the sightless eyes staring at her.
[01:13] * Chizuru giggles. "I've had the same reaction. Not unexpected, really."
[01:15] * Ana-chan smiles a bit, her words familiar to Chizuru. "No need to apologize - you didn't have anything to do with the fact that I'm blind. But if we're to work together, I think it wise that you know before it becomes an issue." Slowly she replaces the reflective lenses, nodding to Karuma.
[01:16] <Karuma-chan> "Um, er... yes," Karuma nods slowly. "So, um... echolocation?" she hazards vaguely.
[01:17] <Ana-chan> "A form of it, yes, along with a few other tricks I've picked up," Ana nods, smiling a bit. "I don't plan on giving away ALL of my trade secrets, though."
[01:17] <Karuma-chan> "Understandable," Karuma allows a smile, regaining her footing. "We live on our secrets, after all."
[01:19] <Chizuru> "I'd say", Chizuru muses with a pensive face. "It's good to remember that, at least for Anastasia and I, the money isn't the only reason we're in this. Sometimes."
[01:22] <Karuma-chan> "Anastasia mentioned protection, earlier," Karuma notes, turning her attention back to Chizuru, "So what's your angle, then, if not just money?"
[01:24] <Chizuru> "I have my skeletons in the closet. I'm not quite sure if I should let it out to you girls just yet. But remain assured that they strike remarkable similarities to what we're doing right now, only in a different sense."
[19:22] <Ana-chan> "Ah, I see," Ana says quietly, nodding. Not terribly hard to figure out, then - and good to know that her employer has a bit tighter grip on some of her companions than she does on Ana herself.
[19:24] <Karuma-chan> "Hmm," Karuma drums her fingers against her elbow. "Ours is a profession built upon trust - our clients trust us to be efficient and discreet, and we trust our clients to pay up and be similarly discreet. Miss Alexandria Ourobouros has made few bones about how well informed she is, which makes me wonder how far she can be trusted..."
[19:27] * Ana-chan is quiet for a few moments following Karuma's last statement, then her voice returns, barely above a whisper. "The thought had also occurred to me, but... perhaps another time and place for that, hmm?"
[19:29] <Chizuru> "Regardless, we can assume that any mistake will cost us our throats. And our situation wouldn't be any less risky without Alexandria's shadow, anyway."
[19:29] <Karuma-chan> "Hmph," Karuma snorts, "She's surely smart enough to know exactly how her actions and words would be taken. No sense pretending I'm not bothered by it... even if she did say I'm free to walk away after she recruits the fourth."
[19:31] <Chizuru> "However, would you?", Chizuru muses somewhat condescendently. "It's obvious that you're bothered enough to want to figure this out. And, now that you know about Magnum Deus, you're in far greater problems outside it than inside. If you leave, you may well find it out the worst way. A lot earlier, at that."
[19:33] * Karuma-chan shrugs. "All true," she admits. "At least her money appears to be good, I'm just not used to being so tightly bound to a single client."
[19:33] <Ana-chan> "Such was a large part of my decision to join this 'team', yes," Ana nods. "With knowledge of her organization and at least some of her plans, I might walk away from the offer - but how far? And for how long?"
[19:36] <Karuma-chan> "It was the same for me," Karuma nods. "I suppose if I had wanted a peaceful life I should have chosen a different profession - little choice remains but to see where this takes me, it seems."
[19:37] <Ana-chan> "Regardless, it is... good, to know that others share the same concerns," Ana says quietly.
[19:38] <Chizuru> "Indeed. We're in a lose-lose situation, looking at it coldly", Chizuru sighs.
[19:39] <Karuma-chan> "I'm not sure it's all that depressing," Karuma shakes her head. "We could prove ourselves sufficiently valuable to this organisation that they'll have no reason to turn on us short of outright betrayal, and make a nice fortune along the way."
[19:42] <Chizuru> "You never know, though. What if we end up betraying them anyway? It's not smart for us, of course, but I would never rule out an hypothesis simply because it's dumb."
[19:43] <Karuma-chan> "If an injury must be done, make sure it is one they do not recover from," Karuma smiles thinly. "Anyway, it's been a pleasure meeting you both, but I believe I have a nice payday to start spending. I'm sure we'll see each other soon." Bowing pleasantly to both, she turns to leave.
[19:44] <Ana-chan> "Farewell to you then, Mitsurigi-san," Ana says, smiling a bit as she returns the bow. "Until next we meet."
[19:45] * Chizuru nods and waves goodbye to Anastasia, then turning to Karuma with a slight smile. "Well, it was a pleasure meeting with you, Karuma-chan... but I also have some business to attend to. Until our next meeting, and take care." With that, Chizuru bows and grasps her briefcase, walking away.