Persona Flashpoint 13 - Idolatry

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Agi has connected.
Agi:
still made it before MT
Phatthrice:
same
Ci Tsukino has connected.

Danjuro:
o/

Kaori:
tyfp

Danjuro:
So. Are we raiding the grocery store today

Danjuro:
stocking up on essentials

Danjuro:
I assume we're all wearing facemasks now

Kaori:
Tabletops is an escape from reality

Kaori:
That's why we have to go to school and get jobs

Danjuro:
y'all both have your jobs still

Kaori:
God I wish I got paid to work from home tho

Danjuro:
"""work"""
Phatthrice:
yea.................................................

Danjuro:
your fkn roommate man

Kaori:
I KNOW RIGHT?

Kaori:
I'm so fucking mad.

Kaori:
And like

Kaori:
I KNOW

Kaori:
I KNOW it's petty to be mad at something like that

Kaori:
But *SERIOUSLY*?

Danjuro:
only somewhat petty

Danjuro:
I have until... April 14th until I need to start looking for work, at least. Technically we're all on "layaway" for now

Danjuro:
getting like 60% of what I was making through unemployment but there's the stimulus check and my tax return on the way so w/e I'm good

Kaori:
I get my $150 """"""""""""appreciation""""""""""""""" pay on the 3rd

Danjuro:
honestly with all this going on
Phatthrice:
I just get paid $2 more an hour atm
Phatthrice:
for hazard pay

Danjuro:
I'm tempted to take a road trip or something

Kaori:
That is infinitely more than we're getting lmao

Danjuro:
Highways are probably barren

Kaori:
My """appreciation""" pay

Kaori:
Is a one time payment

Kaori:
Of $150

Kaori:
Taxed.

Kaori:
As a bonus.

Danjuro:
you're sure you don't want anyone to burn down your store

Danjuro:
just asking for a friend
Phatthrice:
i think that maybe you'd be arrested probably if you did that agi lmao
Phatthrice:
Or given a fine
Phatthrice:
the uh road trip part.
Phatthrice:
They don't really care about arson tbh

Danjuro:
Not the part I expected objection to
Phatthrice:
You've all just finished watching the "interview" with Maeda, be it at family dinner, in the catfe, or home alone. Immediately after, you get a text from Lethe, "Did you see that?! Igor wants to talk, now!"

Kaori:
"Did you see that?! ヽ(ﾟДﾟ)ﾉ She still has those freaky shadow eyes! Wth?! We beat her shadow, why is this still going on?! This didn't change anything...! (;´Д`)"

Kaori:
"O hey, we had the same thought lol"

Danjuro:
"uhh, alright, same place? Might be a bit late."
Phatthrice:
danjuro got go-die-chan in a full nelson
Kaori: (( Like a sexy one? ))

Danjuro:
imagine needing more than a quarter nelson for her

Lethe:
"Late?! You can't be LATE! It's Igor!! Ugh, do I have to come get you..."

Kaori:
"Ummm, how do we get to that....Velvet Room place again...? ʅฺ(・ω・。)ʃฺ？？"

Danjuro:
"No, just - give me a bit, alright? What's the big deal? We did what we were supposed to do, yeah?"

Lethe:
"Er, well, yeah... but that's the problem. It does look like Maeda might have changed...kind of... but not nearly as much as she should have! And that outburst at the end..."

Lethe:
"Igor's got the details, but even I can tell that something is up..."
Phatthrice:
So what's Danjuro up to then, that he's gonna be late
Ci Tsukino is disconnected.
Danjuro: (( oh it was just gonna be family shit ))
Danjuro: (( It wasn't going to be more than 10 minutes or so ))
Ci Tsukino has connected.

Kaori:
"You're telling me, I went from feeling really good about all this to right back to where we were... ヾ(´囗｀｡)ﾉ"

Takara:
Despite Danjuro's tardiness, the last to show is Takara by another ten minutes. He never replied in the text chat. He's looking a bit worse for wear, like he ran the whole way here, "...sorry.... Dropped my phone while replying... But at least I got the message, yeah?"

Danjuro:
we never ruled out killing her

Lethe:
"You dropped your--Sheesh! At least Kaori's dependable.... Come on, we don't want to keep him waiting any LONGER!"

Danjuro:
"Shit, man, did the train carry it off? Agh, that sucks..."

Takara:
"Uh, yeah... I'll have to get a new one, I guess...So give me your number again, alright?" Lethe pushes you to hurry!! up!! again, and you file into the Velvet Room, its ornate curtains and dim light acting like a damper on your energy

Takara:
This time, though, photos adorn the walls, as well. They all look vaguely familiar, but also disturbingly off, like a person you might have met one day, but distorted. Others are blank still.

Igor:
Igor welcomes you with a smile, tapping his long fingers on his desk, "Welcome, welcome... I'm pleased with your work, I must say. But unfortunately, all is not well in the world. You know why I have called you here?"
Danjuro: (( I don't remember how snarky I'm allowed to be around Igor... ))

Igor:
you can be snarky if you wish but lethe might kick you

Igor:
igor won't yeet you outta here or anything

Kaori:
"Well...it feels like nothing's gone right..Lethe told us that defeating the shadow should make the real person have a change of heart...but the shadow didn't change at all...and now the real person is like...halfway between that and how they were in the cognitive space?"

Danjuro:
"I'm not saying anything without my lawyer."

Danjuro:
Danjuro HAS a feeling it has something to do with the monster souls that leaked out... but isn't about to let on

Danjuro:
there's obvious worry on his face though

Igor:
Igor laughs softly, "Agatha, I believe, would make a suitable lawyer." The white-haired woman curtsies, and catches her hat with an annoyed tic as it slides off. "Your observational skills are indeed astute. Your vice principal is acting quite abnormally, even for one so distorted by Shadow. Lethe was not, intentionally, obscuring information. Hanae Maeda should have been cleansed of all influence from the Shadows. While she is repentant, there is...something else. I fear we may no longer be the only involved parties."

Kaori:
"Oh, I didn't meant to say you were hiding stuff, Lethe...I just don't know why it didn't turn out like you said...I figured it was something we did wrong.."

Danjuro:
"Only involved parties? ...Like, there's someone out there causing Shadow stuff to happen?"

Igor:
"I believe that to be the case. The nature of Shadows is unlikely to change on its own."

Agatha:
"Hmm. Maeda was influenced. Some external force... controlled her. Or her Shadow. That is the best explanation for her sudden violence."

Agatha:
"Your investigation revealed she had an accomplice. Yet she claimed otherwise..."

Kaori:
"Wait, so you're saying someone in the real world besides us can get into that cognitive space? And they're doing it to empower the shadows?"

Danjuro:
"...Well, yeah, but it's kind of her call whether or not to throw Ayumu under the bus, isn't it?"

Danjuro:
"Surprised she didn't, don't get me wrong..."

Kaori:
Kaori shakes her head, "What if we were wrong about Ayumu though? What if it wasn't her helping her in the real world, but her helping her in the cognitive world?"

Danjuro:
"I... huh. You got me there. But how would we even go about proving that?"

Kaori:
"Bluhhh, there's not really a proving at that point...there's a -stopping.-"

Danjuro:
"Okay, swap out the word if you want. The portals are closed off, we can't get to that world anymore."

Agatha:
"Correct. There must be someone else. Should you have a suspect, it would do well to investigate them."

Takara:
"Yeah, Danjuro's right.... If we can't access that world, we're out of luck."

Lethe:
"Then we'll find another! Jeez, don't give up so soon. That can't be the only warped reality out there... If there really IS someone else, they'd be involved with any others that show up, too, right? Well, maybe... It's better than nothing..."

Igor:
"Perhaps.... The culprit does seem rather invested."

Kaori:
"Aughhhhh, so does that mean I have to start living my life in fear again? Great..."

Danjuro:
"Ergh, so if it WAS her - actually her - in there, she knows that we know..."

Agatha:
"Terrifying. Watch your backs. Fronts, too."

Igor:
"On the subject of terrors, there is...another matter we must discuss."

Igor:
"You have brought Shadows to pass from their realm to ours, have you not?"

Danjuro:
Well shit.

Kaori:
"Eeeeeeeeeeh?! W-...well...maybe a couple...the first time was on accident..."

Danjuro:
"The first time nothing bad even happened! It was just, y'know, Kodaira, and she was normal, yeah? We didn't really like... get what they were asking, and..."

Lethe:
"Gh..w-we didn't have a choice..."

Igor:
Igor shakes his head solemnly, "I am not chastising you. There were no rules against what you did. They have never been necessary. This is the first phenomenon of its kind..."

Igor:
"This should not be possible. The realm of Shadows is not a separate dimension, it is a reflection of our own. For Shadows to pass through and directly influence their hosts on this side is...unprecedented."

Igor:
"And yet, it happened as easily as you passing through, did it not?"

Agatha:
"No ritual? Special rites?"

Kaori:
"P-...pretty much...we just took them through...both times we were uhhhh, not exactly in the best shape. We were chased out of there the first time...second time we had a really tough fight..."

Danjuro:
"I didn't see any of em packing a passport."

Danjuro:
"Are they even supposed to be... aware? Of our world?"

Igor:
"Typically, no. These feats would require an abnormally powerful Shadow, or Persona user...or perhaps...something altogether different."

Igor:
"I implore you, as my contract holders, investigate this issue further. The Shadows themselves may not have any more information than we do, but this is not a transgression we can allow to go unsolved."

Igor:
"But it may not be a wholly bad one, either. The motives behind its possibility, perhaps are twisted, but a blending of the worlds, unprecedented as it may be, may hold unforeseen benefits as much as consequences."

Danjuro:
such as: fuck the mermaid?

Igor:
perhaps.....

Kaori:
"Well...how do you wanna go about this, guys? School's gonna be closed for at least a couple of days..especially with Maeda-senpai coming out like that.."

Igor:
maeda just out here on live TV like "i'm actually hella bi"

Lethe:
"I say we look around for anywhere suspicious! You know, places harboring awful feelings, or intentions..."

Danjuro:
"Maybe we aught to talk to the ones we already let into the world. Maybe one of em saw Ayumu entering... heck, maybe they'd be sensitive to another portal."

Takara:
"Sounds like a plan.... Do we even know where that mermaid is?"

Kaori:
Kaori snaps her fingers, "Hey wait a sec...! I have a thought!"

Lethe:
first thought of the day!!

Takara:
"Oh, great dependable one, what has crossed your mind?"

Danjuro:
that's mean Lethe

Kaori:
"So...we called out Maeda in the paper, right? What if we had Safie publish something, asking people to call out wrongdoers in their own lives, like anonymously?"

Kaori:
"That'd be a really easy way to find more people like Maeda who could have these cognitive spaces, right? Plus, if the person behind this also sees it, maybe they'd think the same thing and try to mess with their shadows and we could catch them in the act!"

Danjuro:
"Ha, that's a cute idea. An advice column to hunt out shadow stuff?"

Lethe:
"Huh...that's not a bad idea! It's a line AND the bait!"

Lethe:
"We just have to get her to agree to it..."

Kaori:
"Kinda, yeah. I mean, if they saw that we had called out Maeda and she admitted her wrongdoings, maybe they'd think the people they have problems with would think it would work with them too?"

Kaori:
She taps a finger to her chin, "The biggest thing would be....we'd have to sift through a lot of people who are just really petty and mad at their bosses or boyfriends and stuff..."

Lethe:
"Yeah, that's true... But even those might lead to something!"

Lethe:
"Hey, don't you have an interview with that idol lady? You think maybe she might have some kind of lead...? I heard she was treated pretty badly, after all. And it's with Safie, too! IT's two birds, one stone!"

Kaori:
"O-..oh right!" She laughs nervously, "That keeps sorta slipping my mind, ehehe.."

Danjuro:
it HAS been two months
Kaori: (( Remember pre-corona virus world? ))

Lethe:
nae.....
Danjuro: (( Fucking no ))

Lethe:
damn two birds one stone is kinda morbid comin from the owlady

Lethe:
didn't think of that
Danjuro: (( I thought it was intentional ))

Agatha:
"Ah. One more thing. Lethe. Do you wish to join the contract?"

Danjuro:
"Join the - doesn't she have her own thing going on with you already?" Danjuro gives the two a weird look. "Like, I thought she was FROM here, or something..."

Lethe:
"E-er...Well, kind of. I, uh...Well, it's not all that important! Right now, I'm, uh...just an advisor, I think. To join the contract, I'd need your permission... And it's not like I can help you in battle, so..."

Agatha:
"Might have a solution to that. Partial one. If that is acceptable?" She turns to the trio of Danjuro, Takara, and Kaori

Kaori:
"I mean...I don't have any objections or anything.."

Danjuro:
"I don't see why not, just thought... heh. I dunno what I thought. Do what you gotta."

Agatha:
Agatha smiles placidly, "Okay then." She holds up her book, which catches alight and falls out of her hands, spreading its covers like wings, before rocketing toward Lethe. She barely manages a yelp before the book slams into her and disappears. The owlgirl is engulfed in flame herself, and her silhouetted form among the fire begins to shrink

Agatha:
Agatha herself then speaks, in the distant, otherwordly voice you've grown accustomed to since it replaced the initial, peppy one

Agatha:
"I am thou, thou art I...  Thou hast unearthed forgotten knowledge...  It shall scribe a new page in the grimoire...  Brilliant light illuminates the way, revealing knowledge hidden down once dark paths...  With the birth of the Sun Arcana, I have obtained the water of knowledge necessary to cultivate life..."

Danjuro:
and the death of Lethe...
Kaori: (( And you never got to fuck her. ))

Danjuro:
"Hoo, god, did that happen last time?! You alright, Lethe?"

Lethe:
"I-I don't know! It doens't hurt, bu--....." "...Am I still on fire?!"

Danjuro:
she's not an owl anymore this is heresy

Kaori:
"Ehhhhhhhhh?!"

Takara:
for once in her life

Takara:
she's hot

Lethe:
After a few moments of panic, Lethe reverts back to normal, "W-what in the hell was that?! What did you DO??"

Agatha:
"Harvested power from Maeda's Shadow. Much was left over..."

Kaori:
"Huh?"

Igor:
"Agatha is... special, even among my attendants. A powerful Shadow's essence lingers, even after defeat. She has the ability to make use of that essence. I have never seen her gift it to another, hoewver."

Agatha:
"And yet her Shadow still maintains a hold on her. Curious, curious..."

Lethe:
Mechanically, you can now call on Lethe to help you out once per encounter; unfortunately the transformation doesn't last long enough to maintain a whole battle

Lethe:
She can do one of two things:  Phoenix Wing Wind Blast: Close Burst 4, 2d8+4 fire damage and knocks targets back 2 squares. If they're vulnerable to Fire, it also knocks them Prone.  Soothing Flames: Every ally in a range 5 Blast 5 can spend a healing surge and make a saving throw against one ailment or condition affecting them. Minor action.

Danjuro:
What kind of action does it take, and from where does the burst/blast originate?

Lethe:
The first is a Standard, and it originates from you

Lethe:
it's a Close Burst after all

Lethe:
Soothing Flames is a Range 5 Blast 5, so you place a Blast 5 with the origin square within 5 squares
Danjuro: (( well idk she might have idly wandered around the battlefield ))

Lethe:
reading that again close burst 4 might be too big lmao, maybe should be a close blast 3 or something

Lethe:
I think a burst 4 would just end up hitting your allies half the time
Phatthrice:
With final well wishes from Igor, you're free to go now
Kaori: (( So where are we now? ))
Phatthrice:
Somewhere in susukino, sapporo's entertainment district
Phatthrice:
When you step back into the real world, Danjuro notices something after checking his phone - he's got a text

Danjuro:
aw shit does Takara have a text
Kaori: (( it just says "Big dick is back in town." ))
Phatthrice:
no it's not from the banchou
Phatthrice:
It's from Kodaira

Danjuro:
damn...
Phatthrice:
Takara does not know if he has a text

Danjuro:
I had halfway guessed it was going to be from Takara's phone tbh
Phatthrice:
It's titled "Help?" and is asking if you will meet her at the hospital. It's very polite, however, and doesn't come off as desperate or rushed like you might expect from such a message

Danjuro:
"...Huh. Kodaira, huh?" With a bit of hesitance from old habits, he opens up the text.

Kaori:
"Nyuh? Kodaira-chan?"

Danjuro:
"...yeah, she wants me to meet her at the hospital for something...? Guess I should probably see what's going on with her. I'll see about meeting up with Mamiyo after."

Lethe:
"Wow, Kodaira and Mamiyo? Your tastes sure are varied, huh..."

Danjuro:
Danjuro shoots back a text. "I can meet you there, sure. You alright?"

Takara:
"Want me to tag along?"

Kaori:
"The hospital, huh...? Well I hope it's nothing bad..."

Danjuro:
"Aww, come off it. Tastes, nothin', I just made her a promise."
Phatthrice:
She replies that she's super sorry, she's actually fine, that's not why she's at the hospital, she's meeting someone there. She really didn't want to bother you, but there's something she and her friend really want to do and they need all the help they can get

Danjuro:
her friend, singular

Danjuro:
Dan... isn't going to respond to that, but he will show up. "...Yeah, I don't really know what she's getting at. Guess I'll find out. I'll see you folks tomorrow."

Takara:
Takara shrugs, "Okay, then. Lethe, you go on home. I've gotta run a few errands first."

Takara:
He turns to Kaori, "If you want to come over and hang out later, let me know. This shouldn't take long."
Kaori: (( What time is it? ))

Takara:
At this point it's about 3 or s

Takara:
o

Kaori:
Oh

Takara:
But obviously there's no school for a few weeks
Kaori: (( I thought it was a lot later lmao ))

Takara:
just uhhhh like real life

Kaori:
"What errands do ya need to do? I can tag along if you want the company!"

Takara:
"Oh, nothing exciting. Drop off a letter, pick up some groceries for tomorrow."

Kaori:
"I've got nothing else to do," she replies with a smile. "Well, for now at least."

Takara:
"Uh, alright, sure, then..." Lethe opts to head back home on her own still, so it'll just be YOU TWO (sinisister)

Danjuro:
"Phone shopping?"

Takara:
"Oh. Huh, that does make sense."

Takara:
"I wasn't thinking that far ahead..."

Danjuro:
"I gotchu."

Danjuro:
I'm just here out of morbid curiousity.

Takara:
So, getting a phone is the first thing Takara does, since I mean that makes the most sense

Takara:
no use getting groshares and just lugging them around all day

Takara:
"You got any suggestions, Kaori? This one has a nice camera..."
Danjuro: (( But this one has SIX cameras... ))
Phatthrice:
Danjuro makes his way to the hospital, where he meets up with uhhh...Kodaira, apparently, waiting outside. She looks a little less ragged than the last time you saw her a couple of days ago; her hair's a bit neater, and she doesn't QUITE look like she wants to die -this second-. Like, give it one or two.

Kodaira:
She still backs away from you on sight, but takes a deep breath and squeaks out, "Uhh....h-hello... Um...I'm glad you came..."

Danjuro:
"Yeah, hey. What's this all about, exactly? Strange place to meet up..."

Kodaira:
"U-uh, yeah...Sorry...I'll be more mindful next time... It's just, I'm bad with directions, so...I figured if we met here, we could lead you..."

Danjuro:
oh I'm boutta get jumped.

Danjuro:
"Eh, I guess that checks out. The place we headin' nearby?" That... ordinarily wouldn't set off a red flag, from Kodaira, but she was hanging out with the Banchou last they spoke...
Phatthrice:
Someone walks through the double doors from the hospital, slipping a heavy coat over their shoulders, and calls out in a somewhat deep, but peppy, voice, "Hey, sorry for makin' ya wait, KodairaaaaaaAAAHHH--"

Banchou:
The figure jumps, hiding their face, pulls a pack of smokes out of their jacket pocket and lights one up immediately right smack ass in front of the hospital, and takes a drag before continuing in a shaky voice, "D-Danpachi... Uh, what're you doing here, you, uh, dumbass?"

Kaori:
"So what's on the shopping list today!"

Takara:
"Phone, post office... Then I'm grabbing some ingredients to make a Chinese dish tomorrow. It's something I'd eat at home as a kid, but I've never made it."

Danjuro:
"Ha! Fancy seeing you again. Heck if I know why I'm here, the girl needed help with something or other. How're you feeling about this whole thing?"

Kaori:
"Ooooh, cooking adventure, sounds fun!"

Takara:
"You like cooking, then? I've...never been much good at it. Not terrible, but I can never get the taste just right."

Takara:
"I'm hoping this recipe will help me out..."

Kaori:
"I mean, I'm pretty alright at it. My big bro works all the time and our mom...doesn't do much in the ways of cooking, so I've sorta gotten used to cooking whenever I get home before him, ehehe."

Takara:
"Well, maybe you can help me out? I can't really tell the difference between a good pepper and a bad one..."

Kaori:
"For sure!"

Banchou:
"Wait...Kodaira called you here? What's this ab--" He's cut off by someone walking right in front of him, passing like a breeze, subtle and unseen. The tip of the banchou's cigarette falls to the ground, cleanly sliced

Young Doktorr:
The doctor keeps walking, twirling a scalpel in one hand, and crushing the banchou's pack of cigarettes in the other. "There is no smoking. Not here. Not anywhere."

Banchou:
"Ghkk...Do you know how much those cost?!"

Danjuro:
"He's a doctor, so probably. We should take this outside anyway, don't you think?"
Phatthrice:
As Kaori and Takara run around the grocery store hunting top grade ingredients, you run into a familiar face, one you've seen at this store before. She's idly perusing the aisles, lost in thought as she stares glass-eyed at Sunny D

Banchou:
"...yeah, alright. Look, did she even tell you what's goin' on?"

Danjuro:
"Not in as many words, no. You being the friend she mentioned, though... egh. Makes me wish I had Takara come along after all."

Chinatsu:
The idol brushes the hair out of her eyes as she reaches for some top-grade Not OJ with a sigh, "I just can't keep it together, can I..."

Banchou:
You step outta the hospital, and the Banchou rolls his eyes, "I didn't even know you were comin'. I'd LIKE to hit ya for what you did, and you're lucky I wasn't at school today, but it's whatever now."

Kaori:
"Oh, oharo, Serizama-sama!" She says with a start.

Banchou:
He looks around, "We're, uh... Well.."

Kodaira:
Kodaira pops up, "We're gonna be cleaning..."

Chinatsu:
"...huh? Oh. Uh, hey..." She waves to you, trying to put some idol-like pep in her step, "...sorry, I just...had an off day. A lot of those lately. Like with a car, you know? You turn the key, and the engine stirs, but in the end, it's useless, and you're as good as stranded..."

Takara:
lovely girl

Danjuro:
"Cleaning up loose ends? Weird way of putting it, but I'm on board!"

Kodaira:
"L-loose ends...? B-but my mom said my hair looked good..."

Banchou:
"...no, he mean---Look, we're gonna be cleaning up a church. Where my mom works."

Banchou:
"The place's filthy, and my mom's birthday's comin' up, so...I figured it'd be nice to spruce it up for her. She's always complainin' about it..."

Kaori:
"Oh, you're fine. That uhhh...metaphor is a little bit out there, but I think I get it!"

Chinatsu:
"If you understood me, that would make one person today.... You're the girl who was with that journalist, right? The one who's doing the interview on Saturday?"

Danjuro:
"I... huh." Danjuro scratches his head. "That's it?"

Chinatsu:
"You...still want to do that? Even with a washed-up idol like me?"

Kodaira:
"Yeah! Isn't it great? People think Hamasaki-chan is so cold-hearted, but I've known them since middle school, an--- Uh...W-well, anyway...you won't turn away now, will you...?"

Kaori:
"You're not washed up, Serizawa-sama, and of course I want to!" She turns to Takara, "Oh, new kid, this is *the* Chinatsu Serizawa." Kaori says that a bit hushed so as not to draw too much attention.

Takara:
"Wow. Well, hello there. I am THE Takara Sasaki."

Danjuro:
"Not exactly how I thought I was going to spend the afternoon, but... yeah, alright. You got me. Just as long as this doesn't get out, you hear?"

Kaori:
"You're not famous though!" she snaps.

Chinatsu:
She rolls her eyes, "Cute." Looking back down at her Sunny D, she heads toward the self checkout, grabbing a pack of cookies on the way, "I don't...really have anything to do today. Would you like to look around the idol HQ? You're going to need to be there in a couple of days anyway. You might as well know your way around."

Kaori:
"Nyuuuuh?! There's an idol HQ?" She looks at Chinatsu in amazement. She looks back at Takara, beaming, "We have to go!"

Banchou:
"Ya think -I- want it gettin' out?! Think, man. Come on, we ain't got all day."

Chinatsu:
"Yeah, well....It probably isn't as exciting as you think...":

Chinatsu:
"Still, if it'll make you happy, why not. That's one for three."

Takara:
Takara just shrugs, he's got nothing to lose by going into Hot Chick Central

Kaori:
Exactly

Danjuro:
maybe the church will have one (1) cute nun

Kaori:
Shogi girl
Takara:
Alright there's a new mapp
Phatthrice:
Danjuro steps into the chunch, an old-style Christian one, fairly uncommon in Japan. The outside is imposing, majestic even, but inside, well...It's beat up, and the caked layer of dust is the least of its problems
Phatthrice:
A receptionist greets you with a smile, and the pastor behind her eyes you with fierce scrutiny,before smiling.

Pastor Mihai:
"Hello, Kodaira-chan. And I see you've brought another friend, Hamasaki. That's wonderful! I was beginning to worry! You need more than one at your age!"

Chinatsu:
Meanwhile, Chinatsu leads Kaori through a tour of the building. It's mostly offices and restaurants, but there's also private rooms for the girls(and a couple of guydols), as well as where you are now - the practice area, which doubles as a small gym.

Chinatsu:
"Won't do to have us getting fat, of course... Wouldn't be as marketable, then."

Danjuro:
Danjuro raises up a hand in greeting, before taking a look around the place. "Hey. Whoa. We're sure this is the right place? Doesn't look like anyone's been here in months..."

Kaori:
"This place is super fancy, Serizawa-sama...!"

Chinatsu:
"Yeah, it sure is...They certainly spared no expense.

Saru:
A fellow idol steps off one of the exercise bikes. She looks slightly younger than Chinatsu, but certainly a little older than you, "Heeeey! Chinatsu!!! How's it goooin'?? You still chipper as a mouse without cheese?"

Saru:
This girl's a pretty popular idol nowadays, though she hasn't seemed to let it get to her head, at least in the public eye. A little spunkier than the average, and kinda clumsy, but people say that adds to her charm
Kaori: (( Do I recognize her ))

Pastor Mihai:
"Ahahahaha! Don't mind the mess! In the west, they have a saying: "Cleanliness is next to godliness." Well, here, we figure that God is more likely than man to look past such things."

Banchou:
"Yeah, whatever. Yer just too lazy to hire a maid or somethin'. So I guess we gotta be the maids."
Phatthrice:
You do, if you're caught up on idol happenings

Danjuro:
man

Danjuro:
This is the -shittiest- possible way to introduce maids to the world.

Danjuro:
two dudes and a Charlotte expy

Pastor Mihai:
"Now, now, Hamasaki, you would be butlers, not maids. Ah, well, Kodaira-chan would still be a maid, of course."

Chikako:
I ain't cleaning shit

Danjuro:
I noticed

Chikako:
heart hairband is cute enough to allow me to avoid any and all responsibility

Danjuro:
"There's... no way we're getting this all done in a day. The hell'd I get signed up for here?"

Banchou:
"Ah, y'ain't the only one. We got a bit more help on the way..."

Kaori:
Kaori somewhat recognizes the younger idol, but opts to stay out of the way of their business.

Chinatsu:
"Ugh... Hey, Saru. Didn't mean to interrupt you. I'm just...showing some fans around."

Saru:
"Oh, wow! Awesome, you're getting your fans back?? See! I told you the producer was right! He always knows best!"

Chinatsu:
The look of annoyance on Chinatsu's face turns to disgust, "Yeah, I bet he does. Look, I don't want to impose here, so..."

Danjuro:
"Just a shame the rest of the church isn't kept as pretty as the front desk. Hey there, how're you doing?"

Chikako:
"Oh?" She looks down; the desk looks alright, "It's been, uh...well, normal. Other than informing people about the temporary closure..."

Kaori:
"She seemed a little upset at that..." she says aside to Takara

Ayako Hamasaki:
An older woman comes prancing down the aisle, carrying some lunches. she sets them down on the table and claps happily, "Hold up! Before we start, we need to eat! Oh, I'm so glad you suggested this, Katsuro! But you have to keep your energy up, honey!"

Danjuro:
Oh my god it's the Banchou's mom

Ayako Hamasaki:
She pauses when she sees Danjuro, "Oh! That's a new face! Hello, I'm Ayako, Katsuro's mother. It's wonderful to meet you!"

Danjuro:
I definitely thought this was going to be a surprise tho

Takara:
"Yeah... Something to be wary of." He speaks up, "Hey, Chinatsu...san, do you think we could meet the producer?"

Banchou:
nah they wouldn't have been able to clear the whole place without being noticed anyway lol

Danjuro:
"Uh, hey." Danjuro gives an awkward wave, casting a look the Banchou's way. "Happy to be here, and all that..."

Ayako Hamasaki:
Ayako hands out a serving to everyone, even Danjuro. She and the Banchou seem to have extra large servings, while Kodaira asks for a smaller one since she's not that big of an eater

Banchou:
The banchou gives you a look that just DARES you to tell anyone about this

Chinatsu:
"Huh...? Why would you--"

Saru:
"Sure thing! Heck, I can call him right now if ya want!!"

Danjuro:
I didn't ASK to come here man it all just kind of happened

Danjuro:
who did you think you'd get, having Kodaira ask her friends

Banchou:
buncha nerds too terrified to ever bring it up again
Phatthrice:
Another delinquent rolls in from the entrance, followed by another pastor from behind the curtains

Father Dessin:
"My lord...what a motley crew we have today. We've sure cleaned up the streets, by virtue of removing this lot from them."
Phatthrice:
Saru sends a quick text, to Chinatsu's chagrin, and a few minutes later, the producer pops into the gym

Danjuro:
"Alright, tell me this isn't some hokey 'conversion' preaching thing... we're just here to move boxes and stuff, yeah?"

Producer-San:
"I heard tell I was needed? My, whatever for?" The producer's voice slithers through your ears like a particularly well-oiled snake. He eyes Kaori up and down, "Not bad... A new applicant, then?"

Father Dessin:
"Heavens, no. Even the Lord lacks the goodwill to take you under his wing. You're here for what you're good for, manual labor."

Kaori:
Kaori shudders as the creepy dude scans her over. She takes an uneasy step back towards Takara, "No..I'm not here for that.."

Pastor Mihai:
"Now, now, Dessin. I'm sure if we truly tried..."

Father Dessin:
Dessin brushes it off, "It's not why they're here. We ought respect that. ...but first, let us not allow Ayako's food to grow cold."

Danjuro:
o yea itedakimas and all that

Ayako Hamasaki:
Ayako is, thus far, the only one sitting at at a table, waiting...one could *call* it patiently. She has an uncomfortable smile, her eyes flitting back and forth. When everyone sits down, she absolutely starts to devour her food, along with the banchou. Everyone else, apparently, expected that

Takara:
Takara steps forward, "Yeah. Just here to look around."

Producer-San:
"....You're sure about that? You'd make a fine idol, girl. Pretty face, and it's clear you do some sport. What do you say?"

Kaori:
If it were anyone else, Kaori might have taken it as a compliment, but coming from the producer it feels incredibly gross and slimy. She glances over at Chinatsu uneasily.

Danjuro:
...Yeah, the after-school job checks out now

Producer-San:
"Oh, don't take it that way..." You feel a growing animosity in the room. You start to get lightheaded, and your vision begins to blur. The room distorts slightly...but not around the producer. Chinatsu walks toward him, and as she does, the world ripples beneath her feet. The gym's image slowly fades into another, full of strange colors and patterns, stalls of odd goods, each with a matching statue out front. It looks like a marketplace, almost. The idol glares at her producer from point blank...

Chinatsu:
"She SAID she's not interested...." The world pulls toward Chinatsu, and you can feel your spirit draining out of you... until the Producer backs away, relenting. He doesn't seem to notice anything strange, simply sighing.

Kaori:
Kaori glances back at Takara to make sure he's still behind her and also to maybe see if he's seeing what sort of weird stuff she's seeing too.

Takara:
He definitely is, his eyes on fixated on Chinatsu, and he's having to prop himself up on some gym equipment, "Damn..."

Danjuro:
"Thanks for the meal, Hamasaki-san."

Producer-San:
"Fine, fine! I get the message. Gee, it was just a suggestion. If you ever reconsider, we could always use new talent!"

Producer-San:
With a glance at Chinatsu, he heads out the way he came, mumbling something about arrogant women

Chinatsu:
As he leaves, the distortion fades, and Chinatsu returns to normal, "Creep."

Kaori:
Kaori exhales heavily, finally able to breath properly again, "Hah...thanks...Serizawa-sama..." she laughs nervously

Saru:
"Aw, he just gets that way when he sees a promising talent!"

Ayako Hamasaki:
"Oh, absolutely! Anything for dear Katsuro's friends."
Phatthrice:
After the meal, you all get to cleaning, though Ayako calls another break in the middle for some more food. It's coming along alright, and Pastor Mihair even joins in later on - though the receptionist does not

Chinatsu:
"Oh, yes, that *totally* excuses it. He's a creep, Saru. I don't know why I still work for him..."

Kodaira:
Kodaira mosies up to Danjuro, albeit, definitely afraid to get too close, "Um...I...just wanted to thank you. I-I'm sorry it wasn't what you were expecting! But it really means a lot to me...and to Hamasaki-kun, too..."

Kaori:
"Ah, well I'm sure you're very busy, Serizawa-sama..we appreciate the tour of the building, I think we learned a whole lot." She glances down at her phone, "I think Safie should be setting up a time for the interview, but I think we need to be going for the time being. Thank you for your time today..!" She bows politely and looks back at Takara.

Chinatsu:
"Yeah, I get it. That's...why I didn't want you to meet him."

Kaori:
"Ah, I didn't mean to offend...it's not your fault at all or anything..." She rubs the back of her head, feeling somewhat awkward about her abrupt exit, "It doesn't help that I dragged him away from his errands for this..." she motions back to Takara.

Danjuro:
"Hey, don't mention it. ...But, uh... Danjuro looks over his shoulder, trying to make sure he doesn't get overheard by the Banchou. "You seem to know the guy well enough..." he says, in a hushed tone. "He's... are they doing alright?"

Takara:
"Oh, it's fine, really. I'm...gladyou didn't come here alone."

Kodaira:
"H-huh? I...We just went to the same school, is all, I wouldn't say I know him that well anymore... Um, but I think they're doing okay! It's true Hamasaki-kun has to work, but...I don't tihnk he minds..."

Chinatsu:
"Well, I'll see you on Saturday, then. ...you look pretty shaken up, but, it's not AS bad as it looks. I...usually just avoid him."

Kaori:
"I'll be fine, see you Saturday, Serizawa-sama!" As she and Takara leave the building, she glances over at him, "Sooooo...I didn't expect that at all..."

Takara:
"...yeah. That was something else. Even Maeda's distortion wasn't that strong. Maybe it was jsut because we were close to her...?"

Danjuro:
"...I dunno, all I can say is that I wasn't ready for seconds there... they seemed like they were hoping for a round 3. Maybe I'm reading too much into it..."

Takara:
"But I could FEEL that."

Kodaira:
"Oh! That...they've always been big eaters. I think it runs in the family...Hamasaki-kun's siste ris the same way."

Kaori:
"Yeah, it's like we were in the cognitive space just being around her..."

Kodaira:
"But...that might have been a little more than usual, even."

Kodaira:
"It's probably just because of the occasion! R-really...I'm glad you turned out to be a good person..."

Takara:
"...how do we handle this? She's not in the wrong here. The world isn't distorted because of her twisted heart, but more like...she's just reflecting how someone else sees it."

Takara:
"It's almost the reverse of Kodaira's prison."

Kaori:
"I don't know...on one hand I don't know if anyone should have that power...on the other hand, Serizawa-sama isn't using it for anything bad...but she could...right?"

Danjuro:
"Aw, don't say that like you know me all of a sudden... what was I gonna do, tell the Banchou 'no, I'm not going to help you do a favor for your mom' right to his face? Once a man makes himself vulnerable like that, there's really only one thing you can do..."

Kodaira:
"S-still! You could have said no! I...I even thought you might... Sorry..."

Takara:
"It's possible. But it's also possible this is a situation akin to Kodaira's, and the producer is the real distortion.... Still, if that's so...I don't want to see a Shadow powerful enough to lord over her like that."

Danjuro:
y'know I haven't thought to ask and I've got her here now anyway

Danjuro:
does Kodaira have the whole orange eye thing going on

Kaori:
"Well, maybe I can get some more information out of her about it when I interview her..?" She exhales, "I think it's definitely a lead though, either way."
Phatthrice:
Her eyes seem slightly lighter than they were before, but they're still brown, and she's shown no signs of flipping out like Maeda or Chinatsu
Phatthrice:
If anything, she seems less degenerate than she was before

Danjuro:
"Heh... you worry too much. Hey, let me know in advance next time you're planning something like this. I might be able to trick the rest of the gang into helping out."

Danjuro:
"You seem to be doing a lot better lately. Happy to see it."

Kodaira:
"Oh, uh...thanks...?" She doesn't seem to know how to take compliments. Probably...not very used to them. "I do feel a little better nowadays..."
Phatthrice:
A few hours pass, and most of the others have gone home - the Banchou sent his mom to bed, the other delinquent and the receptinun left, and Pastor Mihai had to finish some paperwork. It's now just you, Kodaira, the Banchou, and Father Dessin. He's not pleased to be alone with you, but he's not shirking his duty, either

Takara:
"Yeah, we need to make sure that interview goes through. She still seems up for it, as long as you're willing..."

Father Dessin:
"It really does look better in here. How on earth did we let it get that dirty..."

Kaori:
"For sure! Now I have even more reason than before!"
Kaori: (( Should probably wrap up now, or at least I'm done with my part for tonight ))
Danjuro: (( I mean yea I'm good ))
Danjuro: (( I thought for a second that they were gonna start eating me ))

Kaori:
They still are

Delinquent-looking Girl:
You're just about finished cleaning, when the church doors SWANG open, and a girl you don't recognize swaggers in, shouting, "Hey, hey! Whoa, Kodaira, you're here?" She pats the NRD on the head, then saunters over to the Banchou, "And it's my favourite little sis--sorry, little bro! How's it hangin', Katsuro?" The Banchou looks up at his sister, then to Danjuro, horrified, and color drains from Kodaira's face. Father Dressin, confused, looks to the Banchou, then the new girl, before frowning. The world begins to distort, but the church retains its shape...

Delinquent-looking Girl:
And now we're done for the night

Delinquent-looking Girl:
as I collapse
You have disconnected.