starsand | June ADA Meeting/Open Mingle/Rumor Discussion

June ADA Meeting/Open Mingle/Rumor Discussion

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.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Dhampir, actually. [Soma shrugs; it's not like nobody here knows he's not quite human at this point.] And sure, if you're offering to tell me something, go for it. True knowledge is never wasted.

[Exactly how 'true' Vanitas' knowledge will be remains to be seen.]

[Interesting. Vanitas returns to an overly sweet smile.]

Nope! I'm done. It was good to meet you.

[Soma sighs internally. He doesn't want to do this. He really, honestly doesn't. But this guy is going SO FAR to turn himself into the hated antihero... How can he not respond to that?]

[He approaches the guy at a sedate pace. Perfectly reasonable, no rush. Doesn't even have his fists clenched.]

[Is he planning to hit Vanitas? Or grab him by the collar and toss him out? Find out next time!]

[Siiighing.

Noe had been keeping an eye on his friend from the sidelines, with Vanitas being...Vanitas. He'd rather not start a fight, and he knows Vanitas' personality can be grating, but he has every right to be at the meeting. When Soma makes the move to approach him, that's when Noe steps in, towering in front of the vampire doctor as his shield.]

Was there something else you wanted to say?

[Of course Noe steps in. Vanitas stays silent. He'd rather not do anything that causes Noe to associate too closely with him, after all. Noe actually likes people.]

Noe. I'm going for a walk.

[Soma produces a notepad from his pocket and writes something on it quickly, offering it to the newcomer. 'We should speak later.'] Just wanted to give him the name and address of a therapist I know, is all. [Soma offers Noe a quick smile. Was that a flash of red in his eyes, or just the way the light hit them?]

[Whatever it was, he'll try to walk on by, towards a nearby street. Do Noe or Vanitas try to stop him?]

Don't you fucking dare!

[That isn't directed to Soma, but rather Vanitas. Noe looks back over his shoulder sternly at his friend. Don't try and run away now. He's certain that they can settle this if everyone just calms down for a minute.

Turning to take the notepad, Noe's frown morphs into confusion and surprise. He doesn't quite understand what Soma is implying about a therapist, but did that man's eyes--]

Wait--

Noe.

[Vanitas grabs his ~~friends'~~ sleeve to anchor him in place. Watching Soma calmly, without so much as a flinch about the comment.]

Later. We're here for the Rumors. And he has no more information to offer after them. Don't let him separate us just yet.

I think they have an open spot around an hour from now. Meet me at the cafe up the street - I'll show you the way.

[Soma waves over his shoulder - his business with the two of them can wait til later.]

Why can't we discuss it here?!

[He's still pissed, but his confusion wins over and he tries to step forward and demand answers, the tug of his sleeve stopping him in his place.

Vanitas has a point ~~as annoying as it is to admit~~. He shouldn't be running after this stranger when they have the current issue to focus on, and he doesn't want to leave him alone seeing as how he's already managed to almost start one fight. He doesn't move to go after Soma, turning around slowly to face Vanitas--

--And grabs him by the shoulders, looking alarmed and angry.]

What did you do?! You...fucking...you're so stupid sometimes!

[Look, he's worried.]

[Vanitas does frown when Noe grabs him, because he realizes that Noe is scolding him as much as asking him a question. Everyone else he can write off and not care about, but Noe is... Noe is useful. And moreso, he's...

Ugh. It's not worth thinking about.]

I said that I didn't want to talk to him anymore. Really. People here are so pushy, Noe. They can't take "no" for an answer.

Though they sure do love to answer my questions. I didn't even have to ask.

[Briefly smug, but then-]

... What was that word you used just now, Noe?

[Honestly, from what Noe saw (and he had zoned out at parts), Vanitas hadn't been on his worst behavior. Slowly, he relaxes his grip and lets go. Sure, he can be irritating, but he actually sides with him a little on this one, although he wishes he would at least make an effort to be friendlier with the other Fallen Stars. They're all in the same situation after all, it's not only unpleasant to make enemies of them, it's impractical.

...But if Vanitas were friendlier, he wouldn't be the Vanitas Noe met. He finds himself comfortable with his presence.]

At least try not to upset him so much if we meet up later.

[He sighs, sounding tired after a long day of ~~babysitting~~ participating. He sounds distracted when he speaks again.]

What word? Stupid?

Me? Meet up with him? Why? So I waste more time and breath telling him to leave me alone? Hardly. At least I'm aware that I'm arrogant.

[Once freed, Vanitas puts his hands on his hips. He can feel his eyes twitch as Noe misunderstands. He's either telling a joke (unlikely) or he really doesn't know that he has picked up a swear word.

Vanitas slides a hand down his face and groans into his palm.]

Pardon my French*, but who taught you to say 'fuck?'

(*= did you like my joke am i funny yet)

[Oh. Birds of a feather, maybe.] But I thought I saw something strange... And doesn't it seem like a lot of trouble to bother writing us a note to meet up at a cafe later rather than tell us whatever he wanted here? You don't want to find out what he might have wanted to tell us?

[Who taught...

Oh! Noe suddenly brightens, squeezing his palms together and smiling innocently as he answers Vanitas in an eager stream of words.]

My new friend taught me! His name is Kokichi, and he's very nice and smart and a sacred child of baked goods and a good leader! He told me you say fuck in pivotal moments, such as when you're excited or really angry! Fuck has nuance, Vanitas, isn't it that incredible?!

Edited 2022-06-09 01:56 (UTC)

...

[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.

...But you didn't do anything. [For once. He's so accustomed to the insults now he doesn't flinch or react, only presses his lips in a thin line, eyebrows furrowed in confusion.] Why do I feel like I'm missing something?

[His laughter, on the other hand, is starting to wear down his nerves.] Fine. I will do as I please and find out what he wants.

If she should arrive, maybe she'll explain it to you.

[But Vanitas will not.]

You do just that. It's not my fault if you end up wasting more of your time.

[...] Vanitas, may I ask you something?

If we're doing the 3am picnic, I might be tired. I should take a nap sometime in between!

So? You want to take a nap in the grass or something?

No, it's fine. [Not unless Vanitas would let Noe hug him seeing as Murr isn't around and there are no pillows.]

Vanitas...do you think I'm in love with Domi?

[Vanitas almost chokes on air.]

Why are you asking me that?! I don't care! [But he looks very interested in why Noe is bringing it up.]

Domi is very dear to me...but I don't usually feel sick around her. [He admits. He's never felt the same type of anguish he saw Vanitas display in front of their friend Roland, but it has him thinking.]

And someone very wise told me you can date more than one person, and I think Domi likes Jeanne. Do you think there's something wrong with me? Is that why I don't feel sick around her?

... First you learn the word 'fuck' and now this? Noe, just what kinds of people have you been associating with at this gathering?

[Never mind that even Vanitas can tell Domi has feelings for Noe. She had might as well wear a sign. But Vanitas isn't here to defend Domi's love life.]

They’re all very kind and intelligent, aren’t they?

[Noe was about to lie down, but he jumps up, excited to gush about his new friends.]

Vanitas… sometimes I feel sick by the things you say. Does that mean …

[Vanitas doesn't find this funny anymore. Of course he should have been more cautious..! They're in a city with a love kami, whatever that means, running the show. Noe is naive and impressionable. It was only a matter of time before he got sucked up in whatever bullshit the kami is peddling.

He draws one of his daggers in an empty threat;]

I can put you out of your misery if you like.

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