starsand | 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

You certainly would, with all you've got in your head now. At some point, it moves from a simple pattern to a way of the world. Mine, yours, and this world, it would seem.

It kind of does, really. [He looks down and plucks at the remnants of his shirt, chuckling a bit.] This was my favorite shirt, you know. But I suppose we're even, considering I kind of soaked you. ...Speaking of which.

[He holds out a hand and conjures a fireball, letting it float in place.] That should help dry you off. Sorry I didn't think of it sooner.

[She stands up straight rather than lean on the bench, and sighs.] My apologies, then. I did say I wouldn't go easy on you, but perhaps I take things too seriously.

Nah. You're fine - I've taken worse hits than that and walked away. Got the scars to prove it.

[It's a good thing Kokoro can't see his back. A lot of those scars have mirrors on the other side.]

Related note? I hate that goddamn clock tower.

I'm well familiar with our records. I don't think anybody likes that clock tower.

It was very, very satisfying to watch the castle fade back into that eclipse. It almost looked like it was dissolving. One can only hope...

[Sadly, he knows better. But at least it won't kidnap anyone else while he's still alive.]

Such hopes never come to pass, but that only makes it more imperative to try regardless. So it is they say.

Mm... [Soma sighs and looks up at the sky. The moon is starting to move towards the horizon, and though the stars are unfamiliar, they are comforting.]

I like to think that somewhere in the vastness of space, there is sentient life that exists without conflict. Something that we as humans can aspire to. But... for now, all we have is what's right here. Each other.

[He retrieves the violin case from his coat, but doesn't open it.] We humans have a way of communicating things without words. Emotions, ideas, the secrets of the heart and soul. Music can make the heart swell with pride and joy, or bring it nigh to breaking with sorrow and despair. It is a magic so ancient and innate to all life that we don't even recognize it as such anymore.

I see... So you've had a great deal to think about, I take it. Hence the late-night practice. I'd apologize for distracting you, but we were productive.

[He gives her a small smile and a nod.] Indeed. Would you like to hear me play?

...Very well. I suppose I do owe you for ruining your clothes.

[That makes him chuckle a little, but he doesn't reply. Instead, he opens the case - on closer inspection, it looks ancient, but well-cared-for, and the instrument inside is equally so. Both probably belong in a museum somewhere. The bow, however, is more modern in construction, using synthetic fibers instead of true catgut. He stands and lifts both from the case, raising them into position. And then... he begins to play... and sing.

June ADA Meeting/Open Mingle/Rumor Discussion

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