June ADA Meeting/Open Mingle/Rumor Discussion

[bluemackerel]

June had been an active month for everyone in Starsand. The fake tradition at the Shrine of Love, the three ghost stories, and still no way home. Knowing this, Osamu Dazai decided the only thing to do was to organize a meeting for the Fallen Stars and citizens alike...🗈

[Dazai had set up a gathering at the park with a small podium. This would do until they'd gotten an official meeting hall. Atsushi, Fauna, and Akutagawa had probably all been tasked with putting up flyers earlier advertising the meeting. He approached the podium, clearing his throat.]

Good afternoon, ladies, gentlemen, Fallen Stars and citizens of all shapes, sizes, and gender persuasions. This is the first meeting held by the Armed Detective Agency to discuss recent events and to set up plans for the future ahead. Let's go ahead and go over what we already know, shall we?

[He shuffled his cards at the podium, flicking one aside. Tellingly, if anyone picked it up...it was blank. Showoff.]

First off. The 'protection charm' so-called tradition. This, as some of you may know, is not an official tradition sanctioned by the Kami of Love. We're not certain who started it, but my guess is that it's for nebulous purposes. If you've tried to 'protect' someone, you had better let them know. And if you've been 'protected', prepare for whatever may come. We'll be doing what we can to decipher the intent behind this and the perpetrator.

[Fwip. Another cue card to the side. This one, if picked up, has 'Chuuya Nakahara has a stinky butt' written on it in red crayon with a chibi drawing of Dazai's face winking with his tongue out next to it.]

Now, let's get into the meatier situations. I believe we've had three curious spirits haunting our dear city as of late, and I'd like to go over each. If anyone has any relevant information pertaining to any of them - encounters, confrontations, simply details you've overheard - please do feel free to contribute to the discussion after the overview is finished.

The first of these is Bloody Mary. The Armed Detective Agency - meaning, my team - Atsushi, Fauna, Akutagawa, raise your hands. These three and myself have looked into this incident in particular. We intend to look into all of them, but this one was our first priority. We regret to inform you that she is quite real. Do not attempt this ritual. She will chase down whoever summoned her, and attempt to attack. She left us with the warnings that she 'learned so much' and that she'd be 'stronger next time' before melting into a puddle of blood. I repeat, do NOT summon Bloody Mary. We will not be discussing how to summon her in the interest of less people doing it...but you've been warned.

[Fwip. Another cue card to the side. This one, if picked up, has 'YOU CAN REACH BLOODY MARY BY SPELLING OUT ICUP AND PRAYING IN FRONT OF YOUR TOILET' written on it in blue crayon. Off to the side, it has the word 'spooky! do not attempt!' written on it. And a little drawing of a bedsheet ghost seemingly dripping blood.]


The second is the Footsteps Behind You ghost. Much like Bloody Mary, I've looked into this one on my own. It attempted much the same. An assault, a promise that it had learned, and a declaration that it'd be stronger next time. It, too, melted into blood. Do NOT summon the Footsteps Behind You ghost, either. Once more, no discussion as to how to do so will be taking place for your personal safety.

[Fwip. Another cue card to the side. This one, if picked up, has 'DON'T TELL THEM THE FOOTSTEPS BEHIND THEM IS ACTUALLY A LARGE HAMSTER WITH SELF-ESTEEM ISSUES. THEY CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH.' written on it in green crayon. The giant hamster is drawn on it looking sad.]

The third and final spirit that has been spoken of is regretfully the one I have the least amount of information on. The girl in the reflection. I made an attempt to summon her as well to no success, but the important thing about her is she made no attempt to attack. Unlike the other two spirits, the potential harm of this one is undetected. Still, you should not make an attempt to reach out until further information is given.

[Fwip. Another cue card to the side. This one, if picked up, has 'Potential Reminder: have ADA attempt another summoning. Certain issues may have gotten in my way.' Unlike the other cards, this one was written in pen in fairly elegant handwriting.]

With that, I open the floor to you, meeting participants. If you have any further information, feel free to share with the rest of us and talk amongst yourselves. The purpose of this meeting is to gather information and perhaps get to know your colleagues a bit better.

[And then, suddenly, he brightens.] Of course, after that, if anyone has any way to brighten the mood, we may all need it! So feel free to contribute that, too!

We at the Armed Detective Agency thank you for attending. We'll appreciate your cooperation in the future and know that we are looking into each and every incident with precision and care. Good night, tri-state area~

[And then he just. Drops the rest of the blank cue cards on the podium, folds his arms behind his head, and walks back.

The floor is yours, other participants.]

Comments

[goldspecktacles]

How many of us have fought them, by the way? By that logic, perhaps we should be wary of putting those people in any further danger.

[undermoonlight]

Dazai-san, what do you think we should do about the people whose names are up there..? It might be too many for us to track them all down and offer protection without seeming suspicious, but... [He's worried.]

[poetroubled]

...I understand where you're coming from. People who are trapped like that can get desperate. [She knows. She knows too, too well.] But she seems like she's stable thus far. I'd be willing to go back and ask her what she wishes to do.

[She realizes she might be being too...immediately eager, and she clears her throat.]

Unless, of course, Fauna desired to do so more, but...

[noetetaking]

I'm sorry... I should have been more careful.

[Honestly, Noe had his doubts his abilities would even work with blood that old. He looks embarrassed as he stands up, wiping at his tears and blinking at Vanitas gratefully when he just...doesn't make a big deal out of it. Vanitas doesn't treat him like something to be feared, he doesn't make a big deal of his Archiviste origins as long as Noe doesn't mention the human's blood--he doesn't pity Noe, and he appreciates that.]

I'll come with you.

[He nods, able to find his determination to help and save the spirits again in the human's selfish grin that never reaches his eyes.]

Ah-- Right. [He looks back at Inaba. Time for an explanation. He doesn't want to keep thinking about it, but it has to be said.]

I don't know exactly how it happened, but the spirit was hurt by something else. They wanted to help a girl who was sad about her friends who were hiding things from her... But the spirit's desire to help her became corrupted, and instead of helping her they stalk people and write their sins in blood, and the girl, she--

[He puts a hand over his mouth, biting back a sob. He doesn't want to keep talking about it.]

[nightwild]

... Yeah.

What can you do, anyway?

[dereban]

It's not just that. If she's tied to the rumor, someone might try to manipulate her. She's... mentioned it before. Hearing a 'voice'. That voice might be our culprit.

[ It might as well be someone else too, but she can't be for sure. It's a mixed bag. There's a lot of bad possibilities it could be. ]

I'll leave the decision up to you both. I'll be too busy working on other stuff, anyway.

[goldspecktacles]

I agree with Ms Inaba. She may be stable now, but she's still wrapped up in a Rumor. I think we should at least offer an alternative story for her, before she ends up violent like the others.

[dereban]

[ Well, about that... ]

[poetroubled]

Hm...

Well. If we cross-reference with other myths, perhaps...

[She looks thoughtful.]

A girl who was unable to reach her dreams in life now haunts this school. Although she may seem frightening, this is the result of a cruel prank played upon her before her death - she's actually quite kindhearted and caring, and wishes to be kind to others as to not have anyone else feel alone in their troubled times. She appears to those who summon her to give small gifts or advice to those who seek her guidance.

[Monika, why are you writing Carrie fix-fic.]

That's my first idea, anyway.

[aupologizes]

You mean like people were trying to create their own fake tradition in order to make money or something like that...?

[stavros]

Yes, like that! If people are convinced that it not only is fake, but won't do anything, that may prevent any more ill effects.

[nightwild]

No reason we can't both try it. But yeah, don't do anything until we've talked to her.

... Or maybe one of you who can write should go? Since you'd have the better plan... Maybe we can all go in a group.

[poetroubled]

You're right. We can both perhaps get an idea of where her thoughts are at...then go from there.

...I'd be fine going in a group, too.

[aupologizes]

I think that's a good idea! Um... if nobody else objects, I'd be happy with this.

[melancholie]

Why don't some of us take over the booth and begin charging money for the charms? That would support our new story, correct? And solidify the opinion that it is a scam and a tourist trap.

[dereban]

I got some shit happening past midnight, but it wouldn't be bad to go in a group anyway. Since we might want people on standby while someone dives in.

[nightwild]

Set up some rumors that thieves target the people trying to buy them, too. A few wallets go missing when people try to buy the charms, and bam.

[nightwild]

... One alternative plan I put out before is that, if someone smashes them all... and then, Satou defeats the person who smashed them.

We get rid of the chimes, and Satou's reputation gets out unscathed.

[nightwild]

I want to hear from Ariel myself... But I also don't think I could ask the right questions, or make the right plans.

[ofthebluemoon]

...

[Vanitas starts laughing.]



Ahh perfect! Yes, perfect. If that Domi of yours were to arrival then she'd kill me on the spot for letting this come to pass! So yes. Yes, Noe. You're not necessarily wrong. It's good for a country bumpkin such as yourself to expand his vocabulary.

[He pats Noe's shoulder, snickering the whole time.] And no. I am not going. You can go by yourself if you like him that much.

[poetroubled]

You really should have more confidence in yourself?

[Monika gently gives her input.]

All you need to do is ask her what she'd like to do concerning her rumor. Hear what she has to say. Then think from there.

I've got faith you could do it, but being in a group means we can make absolute certain we're on the right track.

...Okay, everyone! Shall we meet at the pool after dark?

[dereban]

Sounds like a plan. Since you two want to be the one to talk to her, I'll be on lookout duty. I'll bring the rope and some flashlights, just in case.

[ It was fine before, but she doesn't know if it has changed, or if it will change. ]

[prismpalette]

Admittedly I dunno who's met what. I was told not to use my magic so it didn't see more than my dodging. I was kinda hoping to just generally warn people so they don't show more, y'know? People are gonna wanna help. Doesn't seem right to make em take a backseat cause they didn't know.

[nightwild]

I'll be there. Midnight sharp.

[marshmallowpurgatory]

I like the idea of a counter-rumor. Or maybe just getting people to stop by other means?

Not sure what the right way to get people away would be, though...