<@Ardweden> [Tuesday, March 9, 2004. 3:00 pm] <@Ardweden> [In addition to all the other Arcana weirdness that has been happening lately, there's also the attempt to help one Reiji Ozora, who is apparently being helped but not in an especially Arcana sense. But that's about to change, maybe! Because back in early January, shortly after they met each other, Haruko and Wataru got together and Wataru did a reading focused on helping him.] <@Ardweden> [The reading told them that actually helping him will require some sort of ritual that involves Haruko, Wataru, and Kaede - as healer, caster, and designer, respectively.] <@Ardweden> [What does that really mean? What's the ritual? They honestly don't know. Really, this has been kind of backburnered because of all of the other stuff that's been going on... plus, getting in touch with Kyoko and Reiji, even though they have their phone numbers and where they live, has been difficult. Haruko's gotten the impression that Kyoko's working two jobs now, plus looking after her brother. That probably doesn't leave much time for chat.] <@Ardweden> [Nevertheless, time's finally been found. Kyoko's agreed to meet with Haruko and Kaede during a slow time at the Pao Pao Cafe, saying that she can at least talk during her break. The restaurant is exactly as they remembered it: sort of middle of the road in quality, nestled firmly between a bookstore and a salon, and about a fifteen minutes' walk from Shunyo High School.] <@Ardweden> [The rain from yesterday has poured itself out this morning, turning into chilly weather, clear skies, and wet roads.] <@Ardweden> [Start!] * @Haruko is wearing her sweatshirt and loose red pants. She looks a bit wan, but is toting a fairly full backpack. * @Haruko did drive here, and offered to pick up Wataru along the way if he so desired. * Kaede is wearing a thicker coat and scarf but not a business one, shocker of shockers. He is wearing a grey scarf, ear muffs and mittens, along with a fine set of blue jeans and kickers. Seems Kaede's been getting more into designer labels lately because they all match together rather well. * Kaede biked here, so he is busy stepping off about the time Haruko arrives, taking out the chain to lock things up. * Wataru has had the worst night, following the worst evening that was yesterday. He's got dark circles under red-rimmed eyes, looks farirly pale, and has a slight twitch in his jaw. He's trying to counteract how much like crap he looks (and feels) by wearing a nice button-down light blue shirt, a chocolate-brown jacket-y cardigan with green suede trim (and elbow patches! so academic!), and some very nice jeans. And a beige tartan scarf. Still looks like crap, though. * Wataru arrives on the early side, by taxi, because what he can't deal with public transit this morning. He's holding a large paper coffee cup, and has a brown leather messenger bag slung across his chest. * @Haruko looks over the other two as she leaves the helmet on the bike. "Takeuchi-san, I'd suggest that as the most clearly awake and together of the three of us, you should perhaps lead in." "Morning." Sip. * Kaede looks up, halfway through the chaining up of his bike as he raises an eyebrow. How *is* he even the most awake here? "....rough nights?" <@Ardweden> [The cafe is pleasantly warm compared to the outside! Wataru gets his coffee without any fuss, given to him by a cute guy with green eyes and dark brown hair. He's in the back now, though, having been ordered so by his supervisor.] * @Haruko gives a quick acknowledging bow. "First round of Shin-Ōkubo Story tryouts. Also I think I'm just going to be behind on sleep until the semester is over." * Wataru's jaw twitches. "I'll tell you guys later, somewhere much more private." * @Haruko frowns at that and nods in acknowledgment. * Wataru didn't even notice the cute guy. Whoops. * Kaede could respond. He looks as if he *wants* to respond for moment. But refrains. He dusts himself off, sighing. "Obligations and personal life. Of course." He runs fingers through his hair, glancing at Wataru and nodding in acknowledgement. His frown is slight but brief. "If you think it best I go in first..." * @Haruko holds out her hands. "I don't insist on it, but that is my instinct." She smiles a little. "Your appearance seems likely to inspire the most confidence." * Kaede snorts, pulling off his mittens at a slow pace as he peers specifically at Haruko, one finger at a time. "Not exactly why I wore it..." He relents. "What is even our approach? Our game plan?" <@Haruko> I think we explain what the reading said, hear out her concerns, and then hopefully go see her brother. <@Haruko> That said, we each probably need to work out our role. We may need to spend some time in Kyon's library to get this right. * Kaede raises an eyebrow to Haruko, voice dry. "That's it? Kinsha-san?" * Wataru sips coffee. <@Ardweden> [The guy who got Wataru his coffee comes out from the back and is wiping his hands on his apron as he approaches the table. "Hi, welcome to the Pao Pao Cafe!" he says with too much cheer given the situation. "What can I get for you?"] * @Haruko sighs at that response is about to say something more when the waiter arrives. She looks over. "Black tea please, most caffinated you've got." <@Ardweden> [Haruko looks over, and something about this guy is awfully familiar. "Sure thing." Wheels seem to be turning in his head, too. To Kaede. "How about you- wait, aren't you Takeuchi? Kaede Takeuchi?"] * Kaede turns to the gentleman after taking his seat expression stoic and pushes up his glasses with his index finger, statement forgotten. "Yes, I...." His voice stops at the statement of the name and he just looks at the gentleman with marked confusion. * Wataru notices him now, and tries to see if he's familiar - or otherwise threatening. Green eyes on a Japanese guy; weird. Could be contacts, or could be Arcana Weirdness. <@Ardweden> ["I remember you! You were Katie's friend! Remember me? Taro Nishizaka?" Oh yeah, now Kaede and Haruko recognizes him. He just said so. That's just great. "How's she doing? Are you still friends?! Oh, you probably want your drinks! I'll get them for you. On the house!"] * @Haruko eyes widen and her voice is fairly cool. "Good afternoon Nishizaka- san." She then does something unprecedented that would shock her roommate. "Please don't feel the need to cover our drinks, we're fine." <@Ardweden> ["Oh no, it's no problem. I get a discount. We're old friends, right?" To Kaede: "Do you want anything?"] * Wataru looks between Kaede and Haruko, discreetly, lips resting against his cup. * Kaede's whole body tenses, just for a moment, but it's not long enough before he grabs the available water and sips it, cooly. Nope. No hand shaking on this one. After it's down, he turns to Taro. "Oh, absolutely. I'll get..." He looks for the most expensive tasty drink o"n the menu. "Will this work?" <@Ardweden> [Taro blinks once, then he smiles! "Sure thing! Anything for a friend of Katie's! You have to tell me how she's doing when I get back." And he goes off to get them drinks!] "Sooooo okay, clearly, we hate him. Should I know why?" He asks this in a very low voice, still hiding his mouth with his cup. * Kaede takes the napkin, dabbing the napkin, under his breath. "So long as you don't ask for her address...." He may not have entirely heard Wataru. * Wataru makes a mental note that whatever it is is Katie-related. * @Haruko leans in. "Benign on the surface but seriously overpossessive with boundary issues. That was high school, but like Takeuchi-san says, we should be sure hears nothing significant on her." * Wataru nods. "One of us?" * @Haruko shakes her head. Thankfully not that we know of. * Wataru nods. Noted. "His being here then - coincidence?" * @Haruko shrugs. "Probably, at least as close as we come for that." * Kaede's voice is rather dry. "Yes. And no. I mean. Locals working local businesses. Not unheard of. That said, I would do to deal with him as little as possible." * @Haruko looks to Kaede and speaks quietly regularly glancing away to make sure they're alone as she speaks. "So we need to respect her pride and probably should make a proper introduction to Wataru. I suspect she's afraid we're coming in late offering false hope, so my big concern is figuring out and allaying her concerns. What am I missing?" * Kaede picks up his drink slowly. "Trying to make sure she does not try to stab him." He sips his drink. He is not making an expression to denote he's not entirely serious. "Stab me." * @Haruko again checks that they're alone. "When the others first met Kyoko, she was firmly of the opinion that the best defense was straight aggression. She's since settled down a lot." Yes. She only stabs people *part* of the time now. "Fantastic. And no one thought to mention this until now?" It's fine. Odds are she'll merely threaten at this point. * Kaede then turns to Wataru, raising an eyebrow. He's not unsettled. "Honestly, this is fairly par for course. And this is one of the *good* ones." * Wataru has an expressive twitch of his eyebrows, and takes another big two- handed swig of his coffee. * @Haruko looks to Wataru. "We both last visited their family abode, she was welcoming and gracious given the circumstance. I told her you were coming and if anything like that happens any time we're together, know that I will protect you, alright?" <@Ardweden> [Taro comes back with a tea for Haruko and some sort of giant, caffeinated drink with whipped cream and syrup for Kaede. "There you go," he says, smiling. "I hope you like it!"] * Wataru looks at her, and his expression is a bit complex - is there amusement in there? - but he nods. "Gotcha." * Kaede glances at Haruko and, again, raises a eyebrow but moves to his drink without comment. He nods in calm appreciation for Taro and pulls the drink closer casually inserting. "So Ozora-san is working today, isn't she?" <@Ardweden> ["Oh yeah, she's in back. I didn't know you knew Ozora! She's kind of..." Taro tries to come up with a good word for it. "Intense."] * Kaede *does* choose that moment to look up at Taro, expression curious. "Yeah?" <@Ardweden> ["Oh yeah, she's always been. How did you meet her? It's not like she went to Sakuragaoka."] <@Haruko> Mutual friends. <@Ardweden> ["Huh, small world!" Taro smiles. "So what've you been up to? And Katie? I'm going to college now, and working here part time really helps."] * @Haruko feels the side of her tea cup. Not time yet. * Kaede's answers are short. "Busy. Actually here to meet with Ozora-san. Mutual friends. As Kinsha-sa said." He sets down his mug, trying his best to feign interest. <@Ardweden> ["Oh yeah, that's right! I can let her know after we're done talking. I actually took my break early to talk to you guys." Smile!] * Wataru has a loud thought of ~What a dick~. Too bad Satoshi isn't around to hear it! * Kaede gives a brief nod, then turns to Taro with a humorless smile. So much tongue-biting. "So how about kendo? Are you still participating?" <@Ardweden> ["Yeah, Kurobane's got a pretty good club. How about you? You were into computers, right?"] * Kaede keeps up the good faith effort. Just smile at the asshole and wait till he goes away. "Part of it. I was into a lot of things. A lot of projects." What's your email address, Taro? IP Address? He has so many lovely DOS attacks he could send you. <@Haruko> You must be busy between the club, the job, and school. What's your major Nishizaka-san? I'm doing engineering." <@Ardweden> ["Oh," he says, rubbing at the back of his head. "Nothing as hard as engineering. I'm majoring in history." And he goes to sit in between Haruko and Kaede.] * @Haruko nods. "Staying on campus or off?" * Wataru cocks a brow at this invasion of privacy. Sitting down with them, really? On the job? <@Ardweden> ["Off! It's not that far away." Smile. "Where are you guys going to school?"] * Wataru looks around to see if he can get this Nishizaka in trouble with his boss. <@Haruko> A bunch of us from Sakuragaoka went to Tokyo Tech. It's not the biggest name out there, but I like it a lot. <@Ardweden> [There's someone at the counter - a girl a little younger than Wataru, with a high brown ponytail and an apron - who's taking some to go orders. But that seems to be it, at least right now.] <@Ardweden> ["Oh, *cool*!" He looks at Kaede. "Are you going to Tokyo Tech, too? Is Katie?"] <@Ardweden> [Wataru, on the lookout for something to distract Taro, finds that there are various drinks and other foodstuffs Wataru can knock over, especially given the other employee has her hands unusually busy for the time of day (but then, one of them's taking a break). A particularly good one is across the room, where a customer is reading a book and frequently reaching for his coffee without looking up.] * Kaede responds simply, sipping his drink. "No." Which question is he responding to? He's responding well to this drink. Just drinking this nice drink here. <@Ardweden> ["Huh! Where are you guys going, then?"] * Wataru feels across the room until he has a sense for the coffee cup, and then, while unobtrusively taking a sip of his own drink, eyes lowered, he gives the cup a nice little mental tap, just enough to knock it on its side. <@Ardweden> [The cup spills. "Shit!" says the customer, dropping his book and standing. Taro looks over.] * Kaede starts to respond but just then, in his pocket, his phone buzzes. How convenient. "I'm sorry. If you'll excuse me. This could be business." He picks up the phone, one hand jamming in his pocket, ignoring the commotion. Putting on his "busy" face. * @Haruko makes a sympathetic face after the coffee falls. <@Ardweden> ["Oh, sure," Taro says to Kaede, kind of distracted. He's still looking at the spill. Should he go help? But he's on break... "They've got this," he says, not entirely certain.] * Kaede shoos Taro as he goes "Takeuchi here." You've got this. Go be a hero, Taro. <@Ardweden> [Taro looks at Kaede, then Haruko. "We can catch up later?"] * @Haruko looks over. "Look, Takeuchi-san is taking off from work as a favor to me. He's always super-busy." Haruko draws out *super* as she speaks. "So yeah, you and I can up later." * Kaede gives a non-commital nod. Whether to Haruko or Taro, it's unclear. But if Haruko takes a Taro bullet for him, not a bad option. <@Ardweden> [Taro brightens. "Okay!" He digs into his pocket and pulls out a business card, handing it to Haruko. "Call me later." And he goes to clean up!] * @Haruko takes it with both hands and gives a quick bow. * Kaede tilts his head, as if listening to the phone then, when he's out of range, sighs and flips it closed, slipping her into his pocket. Yes the phone is a her. He sits back down, responding. "Thought he'd never leave." * Wataru has a tiny smile over the rim of his cup. * @Haruko then looks over to Wataru with a smile. "Have you been practicing more since our session? I'm impressed." * Wataru's smile broadens slightly! PRAISE :D * Kaede's response is less of a smile and more neutral. "Had the situation well in hand. Still, awfully convenient." He glances at the energy between Haruko and Wataru carefully. <@Ardweden> [Before anyone else can get a word in edgewise, Ken Hibiki comes walking into the Pao Pao Cafe, and he marches right up to the table. "Kinsha, what's the big idea?"] * Wataru cocks a brow at him. This again? <@Ardweden> [For Wataru's benefit, Ken is above average height, with brown eyes and slightly mussed brown hair. He's actually quite cute, in an athlete sort of way. He also looks kind of pissed. He's wearing jeans and a windbreaker, and he has a backpack slung over one shoulder.] * Wataru does notice this one's cuteness. Maybe he's relaxing slightly, or maybe Ken's cuteness is more potent than Taro's! * Kaede steps up at this point, excusing himself with a bow. "I think it'd be best if I see if I can catch Ozora-san's attention. If you'll excuse me." Does he see her? If so, he can wander off, right? * @Haruko eyes flit to Taro for a second. "I got to cafes with friends, you knew this going in." She stands up to lean in to whisper to him. "It's been too long, want to step outside for a second?" <@Ardweden> [He can! And Kyoko's actually at the counter, having just gotten drinks and a sandwich for someone who came in!] * Kaede gives her a little wave, a gesture to catch her attention, waiting for a green light to go ahead up to the counter. <@Ardweden> [Ken ughs. "No we can't," he says, not even acknowledging Kaede. Or Wataru, for that matter. He points out the card in Haruko's hand. "What's the deal with Nishizaka? You *know* he's bad news."] <@Ardweden> [Kyoko looks up to see Kaede, and she gives what looks like a mostly genuine, but tired, half smile. "Hey," she says to him. "I saw you guys earlier, but you were chatting it up with Taro."] * @Haruko voice is stone cold. "He's the worst news, but I need to talk to his coworker and she's trying to hold down two jobs and doesn't need a reputation as a person that has friends over to the cafe that get into fights. Not in this economy." * Kaede's voice adds a dull sigh as he glances back at the table, coming up to the counter with a thin greeting half-smile. "Not by choice, I assure you, Ozora-san. Do you have some free time so we might do some introductions?" <@Ardweden> [Ken raises an eyebrow. "That's cool," he says. "I can get rid of him for you. *I'm* not friends with her."] <@Ardweden> ["Sure, he took my break time anyway. I'll just let him end his shift early." And Kyoko goes to talk to Taro, who's finishing cleaning up.] * @Haruko kisses Ken's cheek. "I got this Hibiki, but thanks." <@Haruko> I'll text you in a half hour, just so you know everything's good. Also, we need to talk schedule for the dinner later. * Wataru's eyebrows shoot up at this PDA. Okay then! Well, no more doubt who this guy is. <@Ardweden> [Ken blushes lightly. "Yeah, well... uh..." Oh god, words. "Okay, but... seriously, if he gives you any trouble, talk to me. Okay?" He points at the card Haruko's still holding. "And burn that."] * @Haruko blanches for just a second and then thinks it through and smiles. "Believe me, it will be." No one said she had to be there when Kyon lights it up. * Wataru looks away. Good to know he's not the only guy prone to blushy times. He smiles a bit, and hides it in his cup, which he discovers is basically empty, much to his chagrin. * Kaede watches Kyoko go. Hmm. Then goes back to Wataru, sitting in the seat with a sigh. "Welcome to the Council of Mysteries indeed, right?" It's a heavy seat. * @Haruko makes a shooing gesture and sits down again sipping her tea. <@Ardweden> [Ken looks at Kaede for a second. He's about to say something about that when he sees Haruko's shooing gesture and reminds himself to be a good boyfriend. So he goes, glaring at Taro on his way out. He's *watching* you, Nishizaka.] <@Ardweden> [Taro, for his part, looked over to see Ken. He tenses up all over and is about to approach him when he's intercepted by Kyoko.] <@Ardweden> [Who starts talking quietly to him.] "So I'm starting to glean that there were a lot more people involved in shit back then than I first thought." * Kaede doesn't look back at Ken. It doesn't even look as if he really cares. He has a drink. "Good observation. But it's true. Things were rather complicated back then. It's kind of why the added complication now bothers us so much..." "Different party lines?" * Kaede looks at Wataru, no hint of amusement in his expression. "Lines? We would have *loved* if things were so straightforward. These were squiggles." At best. * @Haruko slumps and looks over to Wataru with a deeply weary look once Ken is out of sight. "Just so you know, I swear to the Kami this doesn't happen *every* time I go to a cafe." * Kaede sips calmly. "Just every *other* time?" * @Haruko glances over to Kaede and snorts. "I seem to recall back in high school you had as many admirers as I did." * Kaede doesn't react, just sipping. "Yes. Less prone to murderous rages. Psychotic ranting, yes, but far less rages." * Wataru has a small laugh, maybe not quite blushing, but I mean, he can definitely see the appeal. Especially if you didn't actually *know* Kaede. "So anyway, progress with Ozora-san?" * @Haruko isn't so sure about that one but she'll let it go. * Kaede gives a nod. "She's letting Taro home early, then will have a chance to take her break so we can at least do introductions." * Wataru takes a breath. "Good." * @Haruko speaks in a quieter voice, hopefully to not be heard by Taro. "Speaking of, as you hopefully assumed, that's my beau, Hibiki." "Hajimemashite," he snerks. * @Haruko continues in a quiet tone. "I'd have done a proper introduction, but as you may have overheard, keeping the two of them seperated was quite the priority." "So he *also* hates the guy we hate?" <@Haruko> He was a trend setter in that regard. * Kaede sets down the cup. "Ken Hibiki hates everyone. He hates certain people less." * Wataru chuckles. * @Haruko rolls her eyes. "Takeuchi-san, in terms of deeming a fair number of people not worthy of respect, pot-san, kindly meet kettle-san." * Wataru's chuckle rolls over into a full-fledged laugh! * Kaede looks at Haruko politely. "Exactly. We're kindred spirits." He does allow a small smile on that, then settles back into his chair, more relaxed. "No, quite honestly, it's very complicated. I'm grateful to Hibiki-san for his help with Katie Andrews, but overall, our relationship was not the greatest. I'm rather content for "no arguments" to be the standard." * @Haruko returns the slight smile and raises her tea cup in salute to Kaede. "That's a perfectly mature attitude and a workable standard." <@Ardweden> [Kyoko walks up. "Hey, guys." She's the young lady Wataru saw at the counter earlier: up close, it's clear she's younger than he is - high school age, he'd guess, maybe second or third year. Never mind that school's in session right now. She's still in her work clothes but without the apron, and her hair is long and done up in a high ponytail. "You still want to talk?"] * Wataru looks up at her! Yes! Action time! * Kaede glances up at Kyoko, doing one final sip and raise before standing and offering his seat with a bow. "If it isn't a bother." He glances up. "You do look rather exhausted...." * @Haruko echoes Kaede's comment. "We greatly appreciate you making the time for us." <@Ardweden> [She shrugs. "Sure. And I'm fine." And then she looks at Wataru before turning to Haruko and jerking her thumb at him. "He's the one you told me about?"] Yes. Please don't stab him. We are trying to be nice. ~I'm *right* *here*.~ Really, it's a pity Satoshi's missing all this commentary. * @Haruko nods. "Ozora Kyoko please meet Yamada Wataru." <@Ardweden> [She laughs. "Sure. Okay." She bows to Wataru. "Kyoko Ozora," she says. "Nice to meet you." She straightens, and the background music stops. All of the other people in the cafe disappear. And on the other side of the window, for that matter. There isn't even a hum from machines or the sound of traffic outside. "Also the Three of Wands." Kyoko pulls a chair - the one Taro was sitting in earlier - and the sound of its legs against the floor is surprisingly loud.] * Wataru stands, and offers a polite bow, opening his mouth to speak - when the field hits. He's startled, and it's a moment before he collects himself enough to talk again. "Hajimemashite, Yamada desu. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu." And then, since it seems to be expected: "The Hanged Man. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance at last." * @Haruko lets out a breath. "Thanks, I was afraid I'd lose my voice with all the whispering." * Kaede takes in a deep breath, then looks down at the last of the cup, finishing it off. "Better than my first introductions, to be sure. Field warnings might be good though. Especially for first timers." * Wataru clears his throat. "Late bloomer," he admits, looking at her with the shadow of a smile. <@Ardweden> [Kyoko snorts at Kaede. "If the only 'first time' problem he's getting is a field, he's getting let off easy." And then she sits heavily in the chair. She looks at Wataru. "So you're a Major and nobody found you?"] I know. Odd, isn't it? * @Haruko watches Kyoko and listens, it's her show for now. "I um. I hid pretty good." He sits down, having a bit of a sigh. "I was scared and confused and had no idea what was going on, so I hid." * Wataru seems a little abashed about this, but not ashamed. A Wataru's gotta do what a Wataru do. * Kaede sighs, voice honest. "As reactions go, that's preferred to mad with power as many went. So count yourself among the lucky ones." * Kaede turns more to Kyoko now, lips thinning. "Fill me in on exactly what Haruko told you. We can figure out the rest from there." <@Ardweden> [Kyoko shrugs. "Just that he's around and willing to help, and he's proven himself at least once. I didn't even know his name until now." She's looking a bit more relaxed.] * @Haruko reaches into her bag and pulls out a note with the reading written on it. She lays it on the table for reference but doesn't really push it in front of anyone. * Kaede nods slightly. "Apparently there is a reading that we may be able to help your brother. With time. He came up in that." He glances at Haruko now as he adds, "All of us did." * Wataru nods, but waits to see if Kyoko asks or says anything before jumping in. <@Ardweden> ["What reading? Is that it?" Kyoko reaches over to pick up the paper.] * Kaede does a quick glance at the thing and nods after he's verified it. Just giving her space to let it all sink in. * @Haruko nods. "You can keep that copy." * Wataru lets her look at it. <@Ardweden> [Kyoko looks at it for a little while, trying to figure it out, then she lowers the paper. "I'm... I'm sorry, but... my brother and Kyon were always a lot better at this card stuff..."] * @Haruko nods. "Sorry, I meant to annotate it but feel asleep to soon last night. I only had the opportunity to really study them recently and Wataru's just an innate talent for it. Could you explain it to her like you did to me?" "I'm... Yeah, yeah of course," Wataru says, trying not to flash back to memories of Reiji's tarot deck, of slipping into a trance, of cards landing face up, Ace of Pentacles, dark Osaka nights. <@Ardweden> [Kyoko looks at Wataru.] "I mean, I don't know that much. But a few things were clear. Me, Haruko-san, and Kaede-san, somehow if we work together and have faith in each other we have a chance. There was... a feeling of roles being assigned," he continues, glancing to Kyoko to make sure she's following along fine. "Haruko-san is a healer, and Kaede-san has a keen mind for planning and design - it's entirely possible that a ritual like the one we need to come up with wouldn't be entirely unlike an electrical circuit. Components, power, connections." He exhales. "As for myself.... I'm in it as the caster. Whatever Kaede comes up with, or we come up with together, it might be on me to actually conduct the ritual. Ozora-san, I won't lie to you, we're only beginning to understand the possibility that has been offered to us, or how we'll make good on it if we get the chance. The thing isn't designed or planned yet. But I think I can safely speak for all three of us when I say we're absolutely willing to try." * Kaede raises an eyebrow at Wataru. They're on a first name basis now? <@Ardweden> [Kyoko's following, a look of concentration on her face. When Wataru's done, she asks, "What kind of ritual?"] Hasn't been determined yet. Mostly because we're not entirely sure of everyone's abilities and potential yet. Makes it rather hard to plan. <@Ardweden> [Kyoko nods. "And that's it?"] "For now," he says, nodding. "We wanted to make a first approach, and give you and me a chance to meet, and see whether you would be willing to give this project your consideration." * Kaede turns to Kyoko. He wasn't exactly expecting that response. "You're uninterested? That's your right...." * @Haruko nods. "I suspect we'll need to meet with your brother at near the start of the process." She wraps the star with her knuckle. "Hard work, bravery, and faith will be required." She smiles slightly. "I've been studying Kyon's library and while the ritual isn't mine to design, I think I can point Takeuchi to a few good starting points and assist him on the mystical side." * Kaede holds a hand out to Haruko. "Let her respond." He lowers it, tilting his head to Kyoko. "We don't mean to push, Ozora-san. He's your brother. It's your decision to be made if we even go forward with this." * @Haruko nods and shuts up without even a look of protest. <@Ardweden> ["No," Kyoko says to Kaede, "I just don't get it." She looks at Haruko. "I get that you're trying to help, but why are you trying to help him now? Why *now*, when this happened two years ago? And you." She looks at Wataru. "What do you have to do with any of this? Why do you even care? I get that you can read cards. Lots of people can read cards! If you guys wanted to read cards to figure this out, you could have read cards ages ago."] * @Haruko looks like she's preparing to say something but is caught a little off guard. * Kaede takes off his glasses to clean them. Squinting. "Mostly because we didn't have the means and were tied up with our own shit, Kyoko. And for that..." His glasses go back on as he looks at her. "I'm truly sorry..." * Kaede's head lowers as he adds, "Your brother...provided a major sacrifice for us. We didn't honor it with proper respect. Without him, we would have never found the Pentacle, I'm sure...." * Wataru takes a breath. "Okay. Okay. You know how you said nobody found me?" He looks aside, but then back at her. "That I'm a Major, and no one found me. Well. That's not exactly true." He sits back, and his eyes are clear, direct, and humble, looking straight into hers. "Your brother did. Back when we were in high school together." * @Haruko watches Kaede quietly and nods she then turns her gaze to Wataru. <@Ardweden> ["Sorry doesn't cut it," Kyoko snaps at Kaede, and then to Wataru: "He did?! When! I don't remember that."] * Kaede's mouth closes at that and he snaps his attention to Wataru now. What. "We were classmates. One morning... There was this... There was a construction site I walked by every day. One morning, I was just too curious to pass it up, and didn't want to go to class and... whatever, it's not important, but the thing is, I went in, and there he was. Talking with..." He clenches his jaw. "With Sho Shinjo. The Magician. Please realize that I didn't know anything about Arcana whatsoever at the time; I just saw my c- my classmate in what seemed like a really uncomfortable situation with some bad- looking guy and... I made some shit up about my homework having blown in and that I followed it, but basically, I got Reiji out of there. Sho was not happy. But we got out without a fight or anything, except..." Wataru takes a deep breath. This is... harder than he expected, even knowing he'd have to tell this story today. "A couple blocks down, my tarot deck fell from my pocket. And he backs me into an alley. Reiji-san, I mean. And he takes out a tarot deck of his own, and believe me, I nearly lost my shit right there. I don't think I've ever been so scared." A pause. "Well. It was up there. Anyway," he resumes, "thinking back, he must have known, somehow. He clearly knew I was Arcana, and he... He was reaching out to me. But I was terrified and I had no idea what to do or what any of this meant. He asked me to pick cards. I'm not sure how I did it - I already knew back then that I picked the Hanged Man all the time when I wasn't doing something else with it - but... Somehow I managed not to. Pure desperation, I don't know. But Reiji backed off, and was like, 'Well clearly I see you want to be left alone, so I'll do that'. And he never brought it up with me again." * @Haruko listens quietly and doesn't entirely manage to hide her surprise. <@Ardweden> [Kyoko listens, and her eyes widen at points, and she frowns at others, and the mention of Sho in particular earns a scowl. But she doesn't interrupt. When Wataru finishes, she asks, voice tense and clearly filled with anger, "You done?"] * Kaede listens for a while, then snorts, folding his arms. "That site. Always more problems than it's worth." "No," he says, voice a bit distant. "There's another part. Later on." <@Ardweden> [Kyoko flexes her fingers, like she's grasping for something that isn't there. "Okay."] * @Haruko tilts her head and listens. Steeling herself for something she didn't expect. "Later on....... Your brother... I mean, of course you know this, but... So one day he... he stops coming to class. And I got worried. I mean, we weren't really friends, but he always seemed like a decent guy and I knew - I thought - he was somehow involved in some bad stuff, you know, with construction site guy," Wataru has an exasperated 'I was so dumb and innocent' look. "So I worried. And I wanted to help him." He looks down. "I... I tried. I did a reading, I... I got some weird answers... Stuff I couldn't make sense of... And there was no one, literally no one I could talk to about this, because I had so effectively cut myself off from all this Arcana stuff I didn't even know was going on." His hand clenches into a fist. "So I did nothing." He continues staring into the middle of the table. "I did nothing and he got hurt and I don't want to do nothing again." Now, he looks back at her, with a bit of fire in his eyes. "I have no idea if it'll work, but isn't trying better than nothing?" <@Ardweden> ["You knew?" Kyoko stands. "You knew and you didn't TELL ME?" Oh, shit. Is that a spear in her right hand? That's a spear in her hand. A spear that is definitely taller than her and didn't exist before and it's in her hand. "I'm his SISTER, asshole! It's not like that was a big secret!"] * Wataru reacts almost immediately, jumping to his feet with the chair between him and the table, locking eyes with her, hands extended in an arcane gesture as he begins chanting firmly in an indecipherable tongue. * Kaede is just watching the brewing tension. Off to the side, he flicks his own wrists with a small glint of long metal in his hand. Haruko might be familiar. Once he does, he notices for Wataru and then dives for Kyoko to push her head out of the way of eye contact. "Get down!" <@Ardweden> [And then Wataru starts that, and Kyoko immediately drops into a fighting stance with her spear held in both hands. "What are you-" and then Kaede dives for her!] * @Haruko jumps in between Wataru and Kyoko. Eyes on Kyoko but speaking to the person behind her. "Wataru, Satoshi told us that we could trust you and that you were ready for this. You need to be brave now and believe in us." * Wataru breaks off his chanting, hands still out, hair lifting slightly from his head, looking between them, looking at Haruko. "Believe in you? She's armed and threatening us," he pleads, confused and a little angry. A drop of sweat trickles down his forehead. "Get out of the way, Haruko-san please, I'm not going to hurt anyone and for the love of god if you move then neither will she." * Kaede growls out. "Threatening *you*. Because you just told her you knew her brother was in trouble all along and did nothing to help!" Still holding Kyoko down. <@Ardweden> [Kyoko struggles. "Get off of me! What the fuck WAS that! I gotta..." She tries to push Kaede off without stabbing him.] * Kaede is holding his wrench in his hand, slow to release but still there. "Dammit, Ozora-san, put your weapon *away*! Please. This doesn't help your brother." * @Haruko doesn't relax by any means. "I believe you Wataru, but Ozora-san doesn't know that." She looks down. "Kyoko, can you put away your spear and hear my answer as well, you have a right to demand it of me but I have a right to respond." <@Ardweden> [Kyoko locks eyes with Kaede. "No, he started screaming gibberish at me! I wasn't even going to hurt him!"] * Kaede hisses. "He's an idiot and we'll deal with it. Put your weapon *away.*" <@Ardweden> [Kyoko tenses, and Kaede gets the feeling she can throw him off of her if she really wanted to. "I don't trust him." She doesn't seem to have heard Haruko. "Let me up."] * Kaede slowly lets her up, offering a hand. "Neither do I. Not fully yet. But I get the feeling it is more ignorance than malice. Please. We were all there once" <@Ardweden> [Kyoko glares at Kaede for a second, then she accepts the help. "Yeah. I know."] * Wataru breathes, lowering his hands. "I'm sorry if I don't want to be stabbed," he says, through clenched teeth. "I saw a weapon and it certainly seemed like it was a hair's breadth from being flung at me." He forces another breath, slow. "I reacted by trying to keep you from hurting me. You don't trust me, I don't trust you, we're off to a roaring start but if you put your weapon away I am totally willing to keep working on that. I promise I wouldn't have hurt you, and I have absolutely no interest in hurting anyone." He swallows, looking between them. * @Haruko sits down on the table. She's feeling a little light headed right now. <@Haruko> My turn? <@Ardweden> [Kyoko stands, clothing rumpled and hair in some disarray. She looks at Wataru, spear still in her hand. "Whatever. I haven't stabbed anyone with this thing in two years. Mostly I was pissed. *Am* pissed, and I wanna let off some steam, so excuse me." She ignores Haruko, heading over to the table - where the guy with the book and the coffee was sitting before he disappeared - and snatches a chair with the end of her spear. She lets out a shout, whipping it around and sending it sailing through the front window with a spectacular crash.] * Wataru relaxes, tension visibly rushing out of him. His hair is back to normal, and he even sits back down in the chair. * @Haruko stays seated on the table. She takes in and lets out a breath. "Ozora-san. I'm not asking you to forgive me or to let go of your anger..." <@Ardweden> [Kyoko follows this up with another chair, then sends two more sailing through the next window over. Her form's really good! If polearm chair tossing was in the Olympics, Kyoko'd probably be a medal contender.] <@Ardweden> [She also doesn't respond to Haruko, maybe because she's too busy destroying cafe property.] * Wataru seems to be completely oblivious to the chair tossing? * Kaede looks at Wataru as Kyoko goes to let off steam. "Understandable. But next time, you might wish to defer to the people who know the people we are dealing with, rather than making aggressive gestures towards the person we are trying to help." He wanders over near Kyoko. Not *right* near her, because he doesn't want to be caught with assaultive furniture. <@Ardweden> [Yeah, that'd be bad. Don't get in range of her swing, Kaede.] * Wataru nods, with an expressive shrug of his eyebrows. "Yeah. I ... I'm not doing the best job of holding it together right now. There was a spear, and I didn't want it being in my body, and if you don't act fast enough it can really quickly become too late for preventative measures, you know?" He sighs, leaning back in the chair. "I'm sorry. She deserves an apology too, soon as she's... done with... that. Still, I hope she understands. Wasn't personal." * @Haruko lets her make a few more tosses. "Kyoko-san. You aren't the first comrade that I've failed. But you would not be the first that I helped in return. You are burning yourself out right now and you need to take Kyon's example and let your fire burn cold instead or you will collapse from exhaustion." * Kaede nods, watching Kyoko, tension deflating. "Was to her..." Was her brother after all. He glances at Haruko, giving a sigh and shaking his head. He'll step in in a moment if Haruko doesn't respond. * Wataru is just waiting things out, now. Things were probably going to get ugly one way or another. At least now no one got hurt, and no one probably will, with her letting her anger out in this much more healthy and constructive manner. He does wonder what the cafe owners will have to say, though. <@Ardweden> [When Haruko says that, Kyoko whirls on her. "What do you even *know* about burning yourself out?! I dropped out of school and work TWO JOBS and spend all the rest of my time taking care of my brother, because this is for him! Everything! All of this!" She waves. "It's all for him!"] <@Ardweden> [Kyoko advances, spear held loosely in one hand. "And don't you dare bring up Kyon. He helps, okay? He's the ONLY ONE who's helped. I'm pretty sure if HE thought I was burning out, he'd have said something. But he hasn't. I'm *fine*. It's Reiji I'm worried about."] * Wataru looks up. "Takeuchi-san. Do we need to do anything?" he says, softly, eyes on the two women. * @Haruko gulps and makes a hold back gesture to Wataru. * Kaede looks at Wataru confused. "Do anything?" He turns to Haruko now. "Kinsha-san. Allow me?" * @Haruko looks like she desperately wants to speak, but she stays in position and nods to Kaede. * Kaede takes in a deep breath, wrench winking out of his hands before both hands go into his pockets, stepping forward. "If you tell us to leave, Ozora- san, we'll leave. I know we do not know each other well. Haruko is the one that even invited me to identify that there was a *problem*..." <@Ardweden> ["Really?" Kyoko looks at Haruko. "You? Why? Because you feel guilty?" She looks at Wataru. "That's why you're here too, right?"] * Kaede's lips thin. "But I know what it's like to need to take care of a sister. I know this is important to you. We do want to help. But if you tell us to go away, we shall." He shakes his head. "We simply didn't know what to do before." <@Ardweden> ["Or you were too busy."] * @Haruko looks to Kaede. "May I?" * Kaede nods. Not taking any stings. "Taking care of my own family, yes. You realize how that is. But now I want to help you. Because I know what it's like." He looks at Haruko for a moment. "Please." * Wataru is spoken to, and responds frankly. "Not guilty. I did the best I could with what I had and knew and *was* at the time. But I never forgot Reiji. Knowing that there's a chance for me to do something for him now, hell, I can't change the past but there's something telling me that we have a chance to make a better future. Isn't that worthwhile? Not to - to wash away any guilt, but just because better is... is better. And I care about him. Why would I *not* want to do this?" * Kaede looks at Wataru's statement and snorts, then looks at the grey of the background of the cafe. Can he just leave? Because he's making motions to do just that. <@Ardweden> ["I don't know," Kyoko says. "I don't know why lots of people do what they do. Or don't." She sighs. "Fine." And she makes a motion, like she's throwing the spear to one side - as soon as it leaves her fingers, it vanishes. "Fine. It doesn't fucking matter. You want to help? You can try."] <@Ardweden> ["I don't know if I believe your story," she says to Wataru, "because *I* never heard it from Reiji, but sure, he kept plenty of shit from me. Haruko vouches for you, though, and I know she's friends with Kyon. So I'll go with it." She looks at Haruko. "But if this goes wrong, I'm taking it out on you."] * Kaede pauses before leaving and pulls out his cellphone, a couple of steps forward. There's a small spark and he starts typing away. Without looking up, he responds. "Kyoko-san. Can you toss me your cell phone for a moment? <@Ardweden> [Kyoko looks at Kaede, confused. "Why? It won't work right now."] Just trust me. * @Haruko nods. "I accept responsibility." <@Ardweden> [Kyoko pulls her phone out of her pocket and hands it to Kaede, watching curiously.] * Kaede holds both cell phones and there's another bright flicker as he gives hers enough juice to get it going then presses send on the text message he had ready. Once done, he keeps putting enough juice to keep it running long enough for her to see the message and hands it back, giving a silent glance. <@Ardweden> [Kyoko blinks, taking her phone and looking at it. "What did you do?"] [The text reads: "Too many people. Trying to say too many different things. If you'd like to talk later, one on one. I'm willing to talk." It stays for a bit before the battery power runs out again and winks out.] * Kaede, meanwhile, pockets his own phone and looks to see if this is field he can just walk out of. Because if it is, he will! <@Ardweden> [Kyoko blinks. "Huh," she says, putting her phone in her pocket. "Neat trick."] <@Ardweden> [Kaede will recall that Kyoko's fields have always been extremely strong. It's hard to say how far hers is extending right now.] * Kaede will. But either way, he'll go as far as he can. Because heck if he's going to call the Taki-mobile. * @Haruko swings her legs over so they dangle from the table. She walks over to Kyoko and waves Wataru back slightly. "A moment of girl talk please." * Wataru cocks a brow, but shrugs and moves away, if that's what they want. * @Haruko speaks softly looking at Kyoko. "You're right that I'm friends with Kyon. I pledged my loyalty to him during the war when it felt like he was the only one that respected me and could save us. I never regreted that decision." Haruko takes a deep breath. "Maybe I even love because he's the kind of man that stands behind his allies. But Kyon is not perfect. He is a student and works two * @Haruko jobs and as a result sometimes he misses things that in his own apartment, let alone in a different part of town. However this goes down, whatever you think of me, in the future, it's okay to tell him how you're doing and what you need, it actually makes him respect you all the more." <@Ardweden> [Kyoko nods. "Sure." Pause. "So, anyway... yeah. I'll..." She trails off for a second, then says, "what do you guys need? To help him, I mean. For this ritual."] * Wataru wanders over to the muffins. Are there muffins? <@Haruko> We'll need to meet with your brother I think. Maybe just call us over when it's a good time. Beyond that we're going to hit the books and tell you what we find. <@Ardweden> [There are muffins!] * Kaede pauses. Hasn't gone yet. This is his territory, isn't it? "First, to see Reiji. To come up with a plan. Second..." He sighs a little, flexing his fingers as he looks at them. "....I need to remember how the Pentacle felt...." <@Ardweden> [They are unguarded in the case.] * Wataru delights. Unguarded muffins! If the cafe is completely wrecked no one will miss a muffin. He looks for something pumpkiny or spicy or carroty! <@Ardweden> ["We don't have the Pentacle anymore and thank all the fucking kami for that, but I can try to arrange a good time for you guys to meet him." And then, to Wataru (who has JUST found a pumpkin spice muffin), "What are you doing?"] * @Haruko nods and gathers up her belongings. Wataru's on his own here. * Wataru looks at her. "Giving you guys the space Haruko-san asked for? These muffins look good." * Kaede nods, not reacting much. "I meant more recalling. Touching the thing again is definitely not something I would be up for." He then looks at Wataru confused. Muffins? <@Ardweden> [Kyoko sighs. "Don't eat those. I don't wanna have to explain why a muffin's missing."] "Can I buy one? - But - this is hardly crucial, but won't they notice all the broken ... the broken everything?" He has a wide, encompassing gesture. <@Ardweden> [Kyoko laughs, suddenly, and to Kaede and Haruko, she says, "He really *doesn't* know much." To Wataru. "Nah. Come back here. I'll show you." And back to them. "If we're done?"] * @Haruko nods with a relieved smile. "We're done." * Kaede puts his hands in his pockets, looking over Kyoko cooly and comfortably. "As I said. At your leave, Ozora-san." <@Ardweden> [Kyoko nods, smoothing out her uniform and redoing her ponytail.] * Wataru hazards a smile at this apparent release of general tension, and assuming the other two don't object, will follow Kyoko for Fields 101! <@Ardweden> [When everyone's back at the table, Kyoko says, "Okay, dropping the field." And then she does it, and everything's back to normal: windows in place, chairs upright (and actually in the cafe), background music playing, people conversing - not all the exact same people, given some time has apparently passed, but people nevertheless. Outside, a car drives by.] <@Ardweden> ["See?" Kyoko says with a little smirk. "Not a problem. But anything done to *you*... that stays."] * @Haruko yawns and gets a compact out from her purse and freshens up slightly. Not aiming to look good, just trying to avoid looking like she just came from a fight. * Wataru looks a little green, and very unstable. He puts up a finger, gesturing something along the lines of, 'excuse me a moment, I may want to respond but I need to get my insides in order first, please hold'. <@Ardweden> [Kyoko nods, and she looks at her phone. "My break's almost over, anyway. If you still want that muffin, I'll get it at the counter. I'll text you guys." And she hurries off to get her apron.] * Wataru doesn't look so sure about the muffin anymore, but he can't exactly say so at the moment. He does see a logical fallacy in muffin permanence, though, and makes a mental note to bring it up with someone sometime! * Kaede starts to wander towards the exit of the cafe, but passes Wataru along the way, speaking out of the side of his mouth. "Arcana Ettiquette 101. We will need to have classes later." And then he walks on out. * Wataru, having re-established gastric staibility, watches Kaede leave, a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. * @Haruko heads out as well. Once safely outside she waits for Wataru to leave and gives him a smile. "So, now you know what it's like." * Wataru looks to see if Kaede is still around, but seeing that he isn't, he just puts his non-muffin-wielding hand in his pocket and grins a bit at Haruko. "It? Meeting new people? Are they all stabby, or is it just me and her who are weird?" * @Haruko holds up her hand horizontally waving it one way then the other. "It being becoming the sort of person who regularly sticks their neck out to help." * Wataru snerks. "Exhausting, is what it's like." He shoves what remains of the muffin in his mouth. <@Ardweden> [Muffin status: DEVOURED] <@Ardweden> [End!]