[Ciara] (Encrypted e-mail) Date: Morning of January 15, 2004 (Japan) / Evening of January 14, 2004 (Maine) Subject: Bikes and Other Methods of Travel To: Kaede Takeuchi Kaede, I'm holding off on serious bike shopping until the weather is less cold and snowy, but I'd appreciate any advice you were willing to give. Also I'd appreciate advice on good bike locks, because bike thievery is apparently a thing. Also, regarding international travel, if you and Akemi ever do come over here, the farthest I could probably reliably get would be Boston and probably some places in southeastern Canada. Amtrak and VIA are no JR, but they're sufficient for what they need to do. As for memories, I just went ahead and answered that in the group e-mail because Haruko brought up Temperance. I can talk with you more about it some other time if you want. Satoshi --- [Rowyn] (Encrypted e-mail) Date: Late Morning of January 15, 2004 (Japan) / Late Evening of January 14, 2004 (Maine) Subject: Re: Bikes and Other Methods of Travel To: Satoshi Watanabe Watanabe-san: That's fine and probably well thought out, although sometimes you can get better bicycles for your money in colder weather, as not many people would be purchasing them at that time. Unfortunately, to the determined thief, any bike lock is breakable, but the standard u- lock is probably the best, as it is a thick piece, so it is more of a deterrent. You would want a lock that does not make you an easy target for thieves and that they would go to for the last resort. Also if you have some way to attach the frame, this is an extra deterrent as determined thieves will simply try to remove and leave the tire. A partial bike is still worthwhile to steal if they can get around the lock. Akemi will find a way. You *know* her. If it takes her prodding our driver to make a special trip, she will. But we will let you know future plans. As for memories... I apologize. That probably was not a question that should have been asked in public. I just have particular concerns with regard to Temperance's influence. If there is anything that impacts Temperance's powers, let me know... Kaede out. (Incidentally, this is the first e-mail that Kaede did hesitate on some of the wording. Especially at the end. Lots of staring down at the keyboard and wondering what to write.) --- [Ciara] (Encrypted e-mail) Date: Morning of January 16, 2004 (Japan) / Evening of January 15, 2004 (Maine) Subject: Re: Re: Bikes and Other Methods of Travel To: Kaede Takeuchi Kaede, I will try to check out the local bike store the next time I'm in town, then. It makes sense to buy in the offseason. Thanks for the advice on that and the locks. I will also get a good helmet; as a hockey player, I definitely understand the importance of a good helmet. I totally can see Akemi forcing your driver to make a detour or two. I'll look forward to hopefully seeing you guys over here at some point in the future! And... it's fine. If I did know anything, I promise you'd be the first person I'd tell. Satoshi --- [Rowyn] (Encrypted e-mail) Date: Day of January 16, 2004 (Japan) / Late Evening of January 15, 2004 (Maine) Subject: Re: Re: Re: Bikes and Other Methods of Travel To: Satoshi Watanabe Watanabe-san: Good helmets are light weight, yet durable as well as aerodynamic and do not obscure vision. It does take some time to find a right an appropriate fit. And we will, believe me. If there is anything I can do to manage Akemi getting over to the international set, I will do it, even if it means sacrificing myself to do so. It is her dream and...she deserves this Satoshi. She believes being an idol is all about her appearance and looks, but she has the persona and personality to draw in anyone that is genuine, not fake. And the opportunity to see a real American college is a dream of hers. As well to tease you mercilessly. You know this. She will do it in front of me just to spite me. I...sorry. I apologize. I know this has been rough on you. The influence of Temperance weighs more on my mind lately but...Nanami is doing as well as can be expected. Saori appears very grounding for her. I just wish I did not have to move out due to necessity. I worry about her. Please let me know if you are going to any hockey games or having any recorded. Akemi would like to watch some of your games with me and I think it would be a pleasure to enjoy. Thank you, and sorry for bothering you. ~Takeuchi Kaede --- [Ciara] (Encrypted e-mail) Date: Day of January 16, 2004 (Japan) / Late Evening of January 15, 2004 (Maine) Subject: Bikes and Other Matters To: Kaede Takeuchi Kaede, I completely understand. I'll make sure to take all the time I need to find the right one. I might be able to do an initial scout around this weekend since we'll be in town for our Friday/Saturday games. If anyone can do this, it's you and Akemi. I believe in you both. Hopefully that day is soon, and I will be completely happy to give you both a tour. Even if it does mean being teased mercilessly, I think I can make that sacrifice. I'm not entirely sure you'd want me to introduce her to some of my friends, unless you want her to be flirted at by a certain Canadian. Also if she met my roommate I think he might get an actual nosebleed. (Did I tell you that my roommate is internet dating one of Taki's friends? I think this is a complete coincidence and not related to Arcana matters at all, but the world is oddly small sometimes.) I know how much you care about Nanami and I know how hard this is on you. I'm glad she's got a friend, even if Saori tends to somewhat on the mercenary side. And I've been thinking some more lately on what we talked about before we left. It's still sometimes tempting to fully absorb myself solely in the role of an American college hockey player, but I don't want to do that. I want to make sure that I'm keeping up with you guys on current affairs (although I am behind on my reading). Speaking of, at some point I'd like to know more about this ritual thing for Reiji - have you talked with Haruko and/or Wataru yet? I'm not sure how much I can help you, but remember that Reiji did stay with me for a while, so I might be able to provide some insight. I want you all to be extremely careful about this. I know I don't have to tell *you* that, but... indulge me in my concerns? There are a few minor league teams in the area, but mostly we're just sticking to our own. The coaches have recordings for reference purposes and I'm not sure I can get a copy of those, but I know our games get broadcast locally and sometimes regionally, so I'll see about finding someone with a VCR (man, I feel like we should be technologically beyond that) and sending you guys some tapes. Unless you think you can pick up an American broadcast station. Satoshi --- [Rowyn] After getting through with class, meeting with Katie, the usual distractions, there's a new message! These things have been getting rapid fire lately. Well. Business messages first. Then...how to respond... ============================ (Encrypted e-mail) Date: Evening of January 17, 2004 (Japan) / Very Early Morning of January 17, 2004 (Maine) Subject: Bikes and Other Matters To: Satoshi Watanabe Yamaoka-san is more manageable than most gave her credit for. And Nanami is a shrewd business woman. I have no doubts that this may be part of their connection. That and she can easily mooch off my cooking. That helps. Your well-wishings are appreciated but unnecessary, Watanabe-san. Shiraishi-san is capable and I..well, I am a quick study. I will be honest, the days where I have to make and maintain connections I would rather not are sometimes draining, but it is worth purpose so I do them with no regrets. Also...you speak as if Akemi is ill-equipped to deal with such matters of flirting. I am uncertain what exactly you mean here... Remember, though. I advised you to choose. You have always been one too easily swayed by public opinion when you are more than capable yourself. I could make up some nonsense about card ties and how fate could not be changed, but then I would have to fight you three times and no one wishes that on anyone. Least of all me. Nanami....is well though. The ritual, believe me. If any held the Pentacle longest other than the Eight, it would be me and believe me, I realize what is at stake here. Communication with Kinsha-san has been strange, to say the least. She has been oddly focused and for once, I believe she might be willing to concede her own ego to perceive the best course of action rather than launching herself forward. Yamada-san.... I will be honest, I never thought I would have to face more blind optimism than Kinsha-san. I am hopeful that he is a quick learner but at this point, it is too soon to tell whether he is or is not. His naivety will be our biggest detriment and I fear that he is the type who will let spite rule him over reason if given a chance. I have not held much contact with him, I admit so others may have been able to reach him but...quite truthfully, I am not here to make friends. If he proves useful, so much the better. If he proves harmless, I am content to focus on my own life. If he proves more detrimental however... As I said, I am more than willing to work with him. I just still worry about his agenda. Even if his agenda is simply to prove himself, that can lead you into dangerous territory if untempered. I'm sure I've taken more than enough of your time though. If you wish to contact me through a more direct route, feel free. Particularly if you feel you may have insight into the Eight's deterioration. ~Takeuchi Kaede P.S. I shall keep at least *some* of my trade secrets, well, secret. You do not truly expect me to divulge all of them, do you? --- [Ciara] (Encrypted e-mail) Date: Late Evening of January 17th (Japan) / Morning of January 17th (Maine) Subject: Re: Bikes and Other Matters To: Kaede Takeuchi Kaede, I will try to wrap things up here. It's not Akemi I'm worried about. It's my friends. I'm not sure if I should try to prepare them ahead of time or not. I have a tendency not to trust my own judgement, it's true. I'm continuing to work on it. I certainly don't believe in unchangeable fate, and you're right; I wouldn't want to fight you one time, let alone three. I'm not expecting you and Wataru to become friends. I mean, I certainly don't expect you and Haruko to become friends, so. All I want is for the three of you to be able to work together. From what I've heard from all parties involved, the meeting yesterday went very well, and that makes me feel much, much better. I'll continue to emphasize the seriousness of the situation, but I think he'll listen to you. If it comes to it, I could act as an intermediary, but I don't think that's going to be necessary. Here are my class and game schedules. Let me know when a good time to call is. Satoshi P.S. Mailing VHS tapes it is, then. ;) --- [Rowyn] Kaede's response is quick and mostly scheduling information, actually linked with a spreadsheet. No surprise to Satoshi, Kaede's social calendar is *packed.* Between classes from two majors, checking up on the bike shop, interviews, social events, photo shoots, it's kind of amazing there even *are* blocks of free time here. There is also the odd "Dinner with Nanami," "Lunch with Katie," and "Dinner with Akemi" in there as well as some tentative times blocked off for organizing the book talks and meeting/collaborating about Reiji. With any luck though, the stars will align and they'll be able to communicate! [End!]