genessia | So you want to be a sleuth (ACTION)

Satsuki looks back to the notes as she continues to listen, but seeing as the notes are not her property, she isn't so willing to 'destroy' it, at least not in it's entirety.

Anyone who can bolster the strategy- Satsuki furrows her brows in thought for a moment, making sense of chaos certainly brings Koishi to mind, but on the other hand she can't say with certainty that it's a good idea. Eventually she draws her desk open, and from it she draws out Morgan's card in fine condition that she flicks toward the shapeshifter. "By the way the card was never destroyed, I merely told her that it was. If this was what was stopping you from providing compensation then take it, if not then I suppose I have no choice but to provide it myself."

"And since you went through the effort of recruiting Locke in the first place, he will be working with us until I say otherwise- It is true his skills are unpolished, but I shall determine if his skillset will be of use in the task I have been given or not. That said, tell me what I should provide to allow you to execute your plan of mastery undisturbed."

Another pause, then the book is pushed back to her assistant, then gestures to the kettle stove. "The first seven pages will need to be destroyed. And.. This is true, I have seen only two particular abilities." Besides, Mamizou has great codename. Marion has her own tanuki suit and everything.

Ah, so he was deceived even about their ultimately meaningless token. Anything else Mr. Spirit should know about?

"Earning money is difficult; please do it in my stead."

So they insisted on Luke's staying. He'd sigh if he were able. "As you wish."

"For my own abilities, I would merely like a private room. Then, if things are still safe, we should test them in the field while on patrol. I do not know of Marion's, and thus do not know what she might require in addition."

He addressed the matter of Mamizou's commentary on the chaos spirit. "The methods of chaos are many and varied. Either the ones people saw were, in reality, really there under some compulsion, or else they were illusory. The relationship between us is one of negation; whatever he can do, I can undo. Doing that through the medium of flesh, however, will require practice."

To be fair, Mamizou herself had also been deceived. She'd no idea she wasn't carrying the real deal, her excuse had been made up on the spot, counting on the spirit's lack of practical knowledge to know if it made sense to burn a card to test its make-up or not.

"A secure one, if you may. I don't know what exactly I've gotten myself into, only that it seemed preferable to not let our phantom friend run into someone that might try and take advantage of them. Besides, whats life without the unexpected, right? If everything was predictable, everything would also be boring. But back on topic, I have my doubts that your spirit was able to control them all with them having no memory of it. Why would he stop at such small acts if he could? No, I recognize trickery when I see it, and this is an effort to trick. Also there is the fact that some people seem to have claimed to know the whereabouts of the Guardians during the time their 'crimes' were supposedly taking place. The enemy spirit would claim this was because they were covering up the crimes, but obviously we know better. So I think we can safely rule out mind control."

There is one last thing... Satsuki is the spirit's father.

"Very well, then you may use my meditation room." Satsuki hands over another card, this one made of some sort of clear plastic with data lines going through them and the word 'TEMP' on the front, then gestures to a set of doors to her left that would would assume just goes to another hallway. "This will give you access to the next room it goes straight to it. There is an emergency communicator should you need it for any reason."

"However it is nearly two in the morning. Exactly what kind of timeframe are we even working with?" a glance is given to Mamizou, "Speaking of which, I appreciate your willingness to see this plot to the end." She honestly has no idea how she can reward the tanuki, but something tells her just alcohol won't cut it. That will have to be addressed later. And from there she watches, somewhat in awe, at Marion talking 'to herself'.

It's pretty surreal.

"It's hard to say; the situation is unusual." Then again, they always were. "Based on the ease of our previous transaction, I guess that acclimation will take no less than several hours, and no more than a week. How Marion's own abilities might complicate that, I have no idea. As for how much time the chaos spirit will give us...impossible to say. If we cannot predict where he'll strike next, then we'll simply have to react."

"Your offer is appreciated." Truthfully the ghost wanted to get started right away, and found sleep distasteful. However..."Your note of the time is understood. Perhaps it would be optimal to rest for now. Marion?"

There was a difference between a ghost and a living person though, and that was that the living person needed to sleep. She had no intention of ending up some bag eyed trench coat clad totally unattractive lady. She would help this spirit, but she'd do it in style! She takes the card into her hand, twirling it about as she speaks.

"I do have one question before I answer that. When I sleep, do you also sleep? If not, it would be best for me to actually demonstrate for you what I am capable of before taking my rest, so you can begin to think of ways it can be used. If my resting puts you to sleep, then wisdom dictates we wait until the morning.

As for a reward, Mami hadn't even thought about that yet. It can't be said it was an act of sheer kindness and a willingness to sacrifice for the good of the world that convinced her to do this, though. The adventure was a bit of a reward in itself, provided it didn't kill her!

"I do not." Hanging out in the ether meant that this spirit, at least, had to grow accustomed to boredom. No off switch for ghosts. He'd explain the soul shiver once they were alone; it was a delicate matter.

"Very well, we shall meet again at 815 hours and see where we go from there. You 'two' are dismissed." the Guardian suggests. It will not be easy for her to rest with the task she's been given, but it will be better than nothing.

Following that, her gaze then shifts to Luke. The way she exhales is almost reminiscent of a sigh before she speaks, but her expression looks anything but sympathetic. "As for you, Locke, I have no use for subordinates that disobey direct orders. It would appear I have expected too much of you, therefore you are relieved of your service to me. I will have a ride arranged to take you home."

Edited 2014-11-17 02:51 (UTC)

Luke was getting to his feet and planning to say goodnight, but freezes in place at Satsuki's words

Is she firing him?

"M...Miss Amaterasu?"

At least he has the presence of mind to not use her real name, though the boy looks like he might be sick. Fear is settling deep in the pit of his stomach and his gaze, though desperate, falls to the floor.

"I know I..." Her tone offered no room for argument, but that doesn't mean he won't try. "But..."

"Ah, that settles that then. In order to maximize efficiency, I shall explain a few things to you before retiring for the evening. There is no way to keep them secret, they are rather essential abilities that will be of great use to this cause. And I suppose I should explain why I am able to so freely shift my form. Perhaps that understanding might help you in getting used to being in a body that isn't always the same shape."

And then, when Satsuki declares the meeting done, she nods. "Right. I shall be here then." That seems to be the end of it, but then the woman goes and does it. Poor 'Locke', dismissed like that? A frown touches Mamizou's face. It would be have been easy to conceal his presence there. She had actually encouraged him to own up to it and admit to being there, and had talked about how useful his notes were going to be. And in the end, it seemed Satsuki didn't agree with her.

That frown doesn't fade as a hand comes to her hip, and she glares at Satsuki from behind her glasses. "Oh, sun goddess, am I hearing what I think I am hearing?" The whole tone of her voice seems different, but it is clearly not the spirit speaking. She is talking in a less energetic, less playful tone of voice. Its the same voice, technically, but she sounds so much like a different person it makes it hard to believe.

"Let this old lady tell you a story, young goddess. My age is measured in more digits then your own, and in my years I have spent a large amount of time among humanity. When I myself was young, when I had not yet learned to control my urges, when I had not yet learned to look to the future, I might have done something similar to this if one of my subordinates on Sado had deigned to disobey me. Chances are I did, and simply can't remember anymore. The question you should ask it not if young Locke disobeyed you, but why. That is a question I believe I know the answer to."

She steps towards the crestfallen boy, leaning over and placing her face next to his. This was not the time to be talking of spirits and battle anymore. This evening had seen Mami being more serious then she had ever been in her time here, and it seemed she was getting more serious by the moment. "There was something that he said when I discovered him out there with your spirit friend. I cannot remember the exact words, but it amounted to something about wanting to be able to prove you innocent with his own hands. It might seem as if it was merely the act of a child disobeying authority, and in a way I suppose it was, but you cannot look at only the what and not see the why! Such was his loyalty to you that he willing went out there at potential risk to his own life, and he did it solely in the hopes he could find a way to help you."

Luke is offered a smile as Mami draws away before it gets too awkward. "I cannot deny that what he did was reckless. While I spoke of his loyalty, it is an undeniable fact that he DID put himself at risk. It would be best if he were to stay out of this business as much as he can. But to dismiss him entirely? I must confess, I am a little disappointed. He is still young, an untempered blade. And while it might be easier to discard a broken blade, the sign of an exceptional blacksmith is reforging it into a masterpiece."

There is a moment of silence, before the intense look on the tanuki's face fades, and when she speaks again, its in her normal tone of voice. "Besides, look at those cheeks. How can you be mad at that, I just want to squeeze them!"

Edited 2014-11-17 04:00 (UTC)

Satsuki is disappointed, but he's a bright boy. As far as she's concerned he's capable of finding a way to gain her favor again, though it may not be by this years end. And hopefully won't involve severing a body part and that is fine; she can wait. 'But', he says? The Guardian parts her lips, ready to cut him off when Mamizou speaks up.

Her gaze shifts toward her elder with, to no one's surprise, a neutral expression. One thing about Genessia, it certainly doesn't have it's shortage of elder beings, does it? But this one is a lot less disorienting than getting into an argument with the Grim Reaper. If Mamizou were talking to the Satsuki of three months ago, the Guardian likely would have shot back with an angry speech of her own.

But she's learned quite a bit here and while she's clearly unhappy with receiving yet another lecture.. "I do not see Locke as a 'child'. I told him he would have his chance, and he chose not to wait."

"You appear to be confused and believe that I run an ice cream parlor and not a defensive squadron of a City. I fail to see what manner of 'why' is appropriate under my employ. My decision is not of some 'whim'; I calculate my situations as carefully as I possibly can, and I refuse to take disobedience into account of my plans."

Satsuki furrows her brows, "I will concede that I am in your debt as you are going far beyond what I have originally asked of you, Marion. I will also concede that your wisdom should not be completely ignored. Therefore, I will grant this offer: His re-employment in exchange for that debt being erased."

Edited 2014-11-17 05:35 (UTC)

Luke glances between the two, from Mamizou to Satsuki, though he doesn't meet either's eyes.

"Miss Marion?" His voice is quiet, wavering. Working with Satsuki, though his job is primarily of the rank and file sort, had been his one stabilizing factor in Genessia. Nothing else that he is familiar with, that reminds him of home, is here. That's taken its toll--he is just unused to living alone, without his mentor.

Mami was being kind and he appreciated that more than he could express for now. But... "Thank you but...she's right and..."

He wants to explain that he hasn't slept because of the discussion of how he'd 'failed' as her assistant by the explanation of the trench coat wearing man that he encountered behind the school, and that he just had to be there himself. He trusted the Guardian greatly but had been told not to place his trust and then look for proof--and if he didn't see tonight's exchange with his own eyes could he ever be completely certain? He needed to know that his ability to choose whow to trust was good: he's the only resource he has and if he can't make those decisions right then he has far bigger problems than just being homesick.

Luke wants to say all of this but instead he sniffs quietly. "I'll d-do something, Miss Amaterasu, to...prove I c-can come back."

The boy wipes his eyes on his sieeve, but doesn't look up. There's another little sniff. "Miss M-Marion? Please don't give up what you might need for m-my mistake."

Edited 2014-11-17 22:24 (UTC)

The woman is not entirely sure why she feels compelled to defend the young boy. Perhaps it is because she can feel how important his current status was. Or perhaps it wasn't that deep and she really did think he was cute. But regardless, she had said the first thing that came to mind. It was her hope that she could help both of them.

Considering this evening had been her first meeting with the boy, the tanuki does not know all of his reasons for the actions he took tonight. She was unaware of all that had transpired before she had become embroiled in the middle of everything. The videos put out over the public channels had been a source of mild amusement, so obviously fake that they seemed almost comical. She had no idea how sinister the intent behind them was, thus she had paid them no heed.

She was, however, more familiar with Satsuki. In the time since the two had come to know each other, this had been the first time she had ever said anything that might come across as disagreeing with her. This was not to say she always felt the woman was in the right, but had never felt compelled to speak up before.

She was perfectly fine with sacrificing a 'reward' she hadn't even thought of for the sake of Luke. When the boy addresses her, she nods. "What she said is not wrong. I am glad you can see that. I spoke of your trust in her, but you must also give your own trust. She selected me for this mission because I can defend myself, should the situation have turned dire. In the end, it was probably best I went. There is no doubt fighting to come, and unless there is more to you then I can see, I am simply more capable."

She offers a smile. "There is nothing that I need from our dear sun goddess, I am not doing this out of some desire for a reward. I lose nothing in accepting her offer. However, I shall leave that choice to you. If you truly wish to prove yourself in some manner, I will not deny you the chance.

Welp she's finally done it. The Guardian has made a boy cry. She's not exactly proud of this, but following his words, she didn't completely snuff his flame and thank goodness for that.

For now she remains silent as the two converse, curious to know what Luke's decision will be. The situation the Guardian presented is a bit of a trick; the 'right' answer isn't as certain as it might suggest, even with Luke's presented oath.

Mamizou kind of spoiled that by suggesting she had nothing to lose from the offer, but as far at Satsuki is concerned, it's the principle of the matter.

Ah, Satsuki. You've only mostly snuffed his flame.

The boy sniffs again and pointedly does not look up from the floor, little fingers balled into fists. More than anything he wants to take the offer Mami is making--he's afraid of what it would be like, not working with Satsuki. But he can't shake the idea that he shouldn't take advantage of her kindness, that this was his mistake and not hers.

"I..."

That doesn't make it easy to turn her down.

"N-no, but thank you Miss M-Marion. I have to show I c-can be trusted again. Right?"

By the time he finishes, his voice is trembling such that his words may not be clear. Luke tilts his face more to the floor and pulls his hat lower to ensure his face is covered.

All day Koishi had been having trouble being noticed. Not that this was anything overly unusual, this was still the first time where she was completely unseen. Even by Satuski. What was more unusual is that she was managing to retain her sense of self while in this state. She could normally only do something like that at home. She suspected Satsuki's mental focus was helping to ground her, making sure to stay near the woman all day, having left her hat hanging on one of her bedposts. There was no way Satsuki didn't know she was at least around. Besides, if something came up she could probably force herself into the perception of others, but it wouldn't be easy. Fortunately she had been feeling progressively better as the day wore on.

As such, she had naturally heard the entire conversation up to this point, sitting cross-legged in the air, quietly munching on some pilfered crackers, and stealing a sip or two of Satsuki's tea (since she didn't really seem to be drinking much of it). Most of the details as to what was being talked about were currently going over her head. Once she grounded herself more then she would be able to make sense of this mess. And maybe figure out why Mamizou's mind was so strange. Still, as long as there was no pain or panic in the present minds she felt no need to assert herself.

At least until she felt the growing distress begin to fill the room. Opening her eyes, she forced her mind down from its lofty pedistal, trying to focus... It was a mind she remembered. One she liked a lot. And it was upset!

***

"... M... iss... Whi... Miss ite...? Miss White!" She was shouting some now, trying to make herself known. Besides, if Satsuki aknowledged her presence then she could more easily assert herself in the minds of others.

The Guardian glances from Luke to Mamizou. Her lips part as if to say something, though there is a moment of faultering as a familiar sensation strikes her.

Or rather a familiar voice that she promptly ignores in favor of addressing Luke once more, "Very well. Since it appears there is nothing else to discuss, then you are dismissed."

Following that, she takes her seat with a gentle sigh.

He was tired and, frankly, relieved to be dismissed. There was too much happening at the moment for him to process and all he wanted was to go home and pretend none of this had happened. Maybe stare at the kitchen lightbulb that he still can't reach, think about a puzzle...essentially, not be here.

He's about to leave when he thinks he hears a familiar voice. Nobody else was here though, right? Satsuki had put down the sound-proof barrier, after all. Luke turns back, still sniffling, and glances towards where he thought he heard the familiar voice. He didn't see Koishi--he must have just imagined it. Right?

The poor little kid. Mami will squeeze his cheeks before this all over with, and leave them...well, more red then normal. In a way, she's glad he didn't just accept. It might have been easy to take her offer, but if he worked for what he wanted, it would mean more. Still, a part of her also wished he'd just taken it. She really hadn't done anything nice for anyone since arriving after all, there had to be a first time for everything.

And just when it seemed that the matter was settled, a familiar voice perks her ears. Without bothering to hide it, she places her palm over her face. She had probably heard everything. This was, perhaps, one of the worst possible outcomes. Koishi was unpredictable, and while she was not even remotely malicious, if she cheerfully chatted up the wrong person, everything could be ruined.

"...Good evening, dear girl. Have you been here all along? Someone your age should be asleep right now, you know."

It was an odd choice of words, considering there was a good chance Koishi was even older then she herself was. But it was mental age she was referring to here.

Koishi perked up as the mental tone in the room shifted toward her, the little satori grasping onto that with her powers and using it to pull herself into the minds of all those present, the little youkai seeming to appear. Had she always been there.

"Sorry for shouting. I've been breezy, tilted and upside-down. Then the cherry blossoms got all cold and melted in the rain!" She REALLY wasn't making sense, but she was clearly ruffled about something.

She drifted over to Satsuki, taking a deep breath as if to speak, pausing, taking a moment to look, to think... And finaly. "You're being mean!" Well at least she said something clearly. "All the little stems are bent and zig zagging and drooping and oozing." She turned, fading from the senses as she drifted from Satsuki, appearing right in front of Lucas, her hands on his cheeks, kneading them again and distorting his face in strange ways.

"Sweet little human Please don't cry. Cracking in sheets and scattering in the sand." Though her words weren't making much sense she seemed to be trying to cheer Lucas up in her own strange way.

A small pause, the little satori looking up at Mamizou, still squeezing Lucas's cheeks. "Miss Raccoon!" She let go. "Hello! Yes I've been here the whole time! I didn't want to be left out." She turned fully toward the tanuki. "And I'm awake because Miss White is awake. She's nice." A pause. "You have an extra head wrapped all around and tied with a bow. Is it bothering you?" No doubt the spirit could feel the satori's icy mental void settle gently in Mamizou's mind, probing gently at the corner's of the spirit's presence.

Edited 2014-11-19 06:36 (UTC)

The Guardian was hoping ignoring Koishi would save her some embarrassment; unfortunately she was unaware that Mamizou would be able to pick up on the satori youkai. Almost the same time as the tanuki does the young lady raise her hand to rest against the left side of her face.

The rather 'ruffled' nature of Koishi doesn't go unnoticed, but the words directed her way are responded with little more than a tapered glare; her patience continues to decrease as the bubbly youkai continues with her unique chatter. She'll figure out how to clean this up soon. "We are done here, Locke is going home."

"Now."

Edited 2014-11-19 06:42 (UTC)

Luke has only truly conversed with Koishi once and that is absolutely not enough for him to process what exactly she's doing right now. Though even on the best of days who knows if he could make sense of that.

He's rubbing his cheek where Koishi's little hand had been, still trying to hide the fact that he's been crying--not that it mastered since she had pointed it out.

"Um..." Without a doubt Koishi would be able to sense Luke's hesitation and distress. "Miss White is right. I....it's late. B-but maybe we'll talk again soon. Okay?"

He'd like to ask her to just keep him company--though Koishi didn't always make sense to him she was pleasant and genuine and he was feeling very lonely overall. The idea of enduring her cheerful chattering actually sat well with him. But he wouldn't date ask. He's gotten himself in trouble Ajay... no reason to get her in trouble too.

Anyone could sense that much hesitation and distress. But it'd been a long night already, filled with the unexpected, and it was best if everyone involved rested.

"I think that is a good idea. Considering the hour, we all need the rest." She gives both 'Locke' and Koishi her best smiles. "You aren't mistaken, dear girl, but it would be best to not dwell on it too much. It is nothing you need to worry about, I am just offering a helping hand to someone." If everyone involved didn't already have at least a hint of what she was, the insistence of the girl on calling her 'Miss Raccoon' might be a little annoying. But even Luke had been given a glance of her real form, so he might understand why she had that nickname. And of course it'd be obvious the unusual girl knew about 'Marion's' other form as well.

"I think, perhaps, it might be best to wait until tomorrow to worry about anything more after all. I find myself rather tired all of the sudden. If there is nothing more, I'll be leaving for now."

"When the ball bounces back Miss Raccoon. Let's play danmaku soon. You're good at it!" She seemed to dismiss the tanuki, struggling a bit to focus still.

Koishi looked back at Satsuki, frowning a little, but she didn't seem really MAD per sey. More irritated. Knowing the little satori she was probably more upset over the negative psychic energy than anything else... Probably.

She turned to Luke, reaching up to ruffle his hat, pursing her lips some. "Cracks and gaps and chills and ash. You're so unhappy." She didn't seem keen on leaving him alone until he was at least a bit cheered up. Already her aura was growing more potent, the little youkai trying to soothe him and give hims some confidence. "Sleep is good. Drifting and bobbing in stillness."

It's a new response, Koishi's irritation, but Satsuki just.. Does not have the patience or time to deal with that right now. Perhaps she can clear things up later, not to mention the Guardian has zero problem should Koishi decide to take the offered ride home alongside Luke.

There isn't really anything else she needs to add, she feels, so she takes her seat with her hand raised to her forehead. "That will be all." Actually, wait. "And it should go without saying, everyone, that everything discussed in this office does not leave this office."

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Only Bill Cosby can be Ghost Dad

Suddenly, post!

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I am as speechless as Luke so this is what you get

DON'T CRY MAMA MAMI IS HERE

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DIDN'T DIE

You're not dead! :D

Yay for not deadness. I'm a good nurse but reviving via comp is out of my scope of practice!

YOU THOUGHT YOU WERE ALONE, BUT IT WAS ME, KOISHI!

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Uuugh sorry. orz