2026-06-04: The Gang Considers Letting a Man Die
- Log: The Gang Considers Letting A Man Die
- Cast: Goro Akechi, Maria Sakurai, Umie Akabane
- Where:Yumezaki Ward, Sumaru City
- OOC Date: June 04, 2026
- IC Date: November 27, 2012
- Summary: There's no better way to summarize this than what was said here: "We got thrown out of two places, and had probably three separate police reports written about us which we'll have to have Akechi field."
(|=========== Monad - Ulala's Day of Joker: Find the Con Artist! ===========|)
-==== Round 1: Time of Joka - Challenge Level 3 =============================-
| Approach Options: Academics or Understanding |
| Conditions: Annoying - Charm Down L2, Hard - Understanding Down L1, and |
| Mindnumbing - Academics Down L2 |
-==== Challenge =============================================================-
There's a crisis going on at the GOLD Gym. One Ulala Serizawa, who
frequently makes use of the punching bags at the establishment has locked
herself into a room, and barricaded the door.
"Hurry..." Her voice rasps behind the door. "It's my time of Joka... before
I change... before... heehee- I need... I NEED-! HATE YOU- HATE YOU SO
MUCH!"
She doesn't answer to anyone who tries to reason with her to let her inside,
only demanding again and again, the one she hates the most. The employees
are standing around, discussing to themselves in hushed tones.
"She must have used the Joker Curse on Makimura-san."
"That scammer? Poor girl- she's definitely the type he targets."
Makimura. Even if you haven't met him, not only does it sound familiar. It
sounds correct. Yes, Ulala Serizawa must hate him for what he's done.
It doesn't take much to get a little more information. 'Youichi Makimura' -
a young man who's popular with the ladies, but only dates them to scam them
out of their money after a fake marriage proposal.
What's more difficult is trying to get more information out of them.
"Uh. We can't really give that out to our customers... even for a guy like
him. It's a violation of their privacy, you know?
That's a bit of a problem. Either you can be understanding of their position
and try to get /some/ details out of them, or you can figure out another way
to locate the guy.
OOC Note: The Party with Maya Amano in it instead gets a similar phone call
from Ulala, rather than starting at the gym. They already understand
Makimura is a hated figure in her life, and either need to deduce where he
is based on their understanding of him, or based on whatever facts they can
gather.
Deja Vu Note: Any instance of colored text is an opportunity for a Deja Vu
insight, if you feel your character was a part of the Innocent Sin events.
This is entirely opt in, and doesn't preclude you from deciding differently
later.
(|=========================================================== Monad 1.1 ====|)
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
Rumormongers have spread it everywhere already. There's a crisis at the GOLD Gym, with a member there barricading themselves into one of their many workout rooms.
No one has yet called the police, because, they're not certain if there's actually a crime going on here. And if there isn't, then they might just say 'This sounds like a civil matter' and leave.
However, there is someone on a scene. The famous (or infamous, depending on who you ask) Second Coming of the Detective Prince. Currently he's standing near the door, a hand upon his chin as he contemplates the desperate speech of the woman inside.
"Hurry..." Rasps a woman's voice behind the door "It's my time of Joka... before I change... before... heehee- I need... I NEED-! HATE YOU- HATE YOU SO MUCH!"
"Serizawa-san... let's talk about this. I'm certain you don't want for this to escalate. Is there any chance you might let me inside, so we can work this out between us?"
Instead of a real answer, he gets a frustrated noise inside, like a suppressed scream, "LISTEN TO ME!" She shouts, "IF YOU DON'T BRING- IF YOU DON'T BRING-" It devolves into inarticulable words, as employees looking on begin to gossip.
"She must have used the Joker Curse on Makimura-san."
"That scammer? Poor girl- she's definitely the type he targets."
"Makimura-san..." Akechi repeats as he turns around to face them, "Do you mean Youichi Makimura...? I believe I've heard of him. While technically not wanted for arrest- he reportedly scams women out of their savings with offers of marriage."
Pause.
"Do you happen to know where the individual in question might be found?"
"Uh. We can't really give that out about our customers... even for a guy like him. It's a violation of their privacy, you know?"
He may be the Second Coming of the Detective Prince, but that doesn't mean he couldn't use a hand, right? After all, it's not like he seems to have time to get a warrant for the information, or the assistance of the police...
And while one can't know what's happening to Ulala Serizawa behind those closed doors, it certainly sounds like nothing good could come of just letting this happen.
<Pose Tracker> Maria Sakurai has posed.
"Oh! What's going on? I thought I heard--"
It's after school on a Thursday. Maria, still in her school uniform, is just standing there with her bag slung over one shoulder.
"Sempai!" she calls out, waving a hand over her head before charging onwards towards Akechi. "Hi! Are you signing up for the gym, too?"
Because that's what she was doing. Signing up for the gym.
People might have to backtrack a little bit, just long enough for Maria to get the shape of things (oh, and the giggling from within the boxing gym might also paint her a picture).
She's a more serious Maria by the time things are through.
"She's kind of like me..." Maria muses, her eyes closed in thought as she thinks it over. "...but you think you can help her? If we find this Makimura guy? And bring him here? And then she won't change!"
Pause.
"Okay! I'm on it!" She makes a fist.
Pause.
"But first we have to find that guy, huh..."
A VERY, VERY LONG PAUSE.
Maria wears the blankest expression known to mankind.
"Maybe he's... ..."
NOW LOADING
"..."
"...I liked going to the zoo. There are animals there!"
thank you, maria
MONAD: Maria Sakurai has acted with Academics toward Time of Joka! Base!
<Pose Tracker> Umie Akabane has posed.
Thank goodness, someone is coming to Akechi in his time of need!
It's Maria.
Who is volunteering!
It's okay, there's also someone else coming to assist Akechi in his time of need!
"I don't know, I'd say my privacy's been pretty violated... He took me for a fool as well. My heart's never going to recover."
.... It's Umie Akabane, judging by the blonde hair, threaded through in a ponytail through the back of a baseball cap labeled with a cursive 'P' (for the Aoba Penguins, of course!), a sporty jacket, clear frame glasses, leggings, and sneakers.
Adjust your expectations as needed.
She shrugs. "But I never wanted him to get *hurt*. It'd be a real shame if someone found him and tried to hurt him in the name of this poor woman... She seems to be taking it even worse than I did. If it weren't for the Second Coming of the Detective Prince here, maybe I would have lost more than my heart..."
Pause. With a half smile and a wink, Umie tilts her head towards Maria in a quiet salute.
"Oh hey, Sakurai-kun. Long time, no see."
MONAD: That Approach doesn't match the challenge! MONAD: Umie Akabane has acted with Academics toward Time of Joka! Base! MONAD: Goro Akechi has acted with Second Coming toward Time of Joka! Focus and Patra! (|============================ Monad - Results =============================|) -==== Time of Joka - Round 1 ================================================- Goro Akechi Academics Success Second Coming Focus and Patra Fatigue: 0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Umie Akabane Academics Success Academics Base Fatigue: 0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Maria Sakurai Academics Failure Academics Base Fatigue: 1 -============================ Party Conditions: =============================- Starting Conditions: Annoying-2, Hard-2, and Mindnumbing-2 Final Conditions: Annoying-1 and Mindnumbing-1 -====================================== Party Result: Success: Reach Up! ====- -==== Reach: 1/6 |= | ===================================================- (|=========================================================== Monad 1.1 ====|)
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
A familiar voice. A familiar girl, waving, waving at him. He flashes her a ten million yen smile and- "Ah, not as such. I'm investigating the 'disturbance' within."
Maria asks if they think they can help her and he nods firmly, "I believe so. I at least wish to try."
'And then she won't change!'
"... Change into what, I wonder? What would becoming a 'Joker' look like?" Akechi asks, sounding somewhat disturbed by the thought. After all, he had a personal vendetta against Tatsuya Sudou, the Joker Killer.
Maria tries to speak to the employees and one of the young adult women makes something of a confused face, then becoming second hand embarrassment, "Haha- he never struck me as much of an animal lover..."
Then a wandering UMIE appears and speaks of how she herself got scammed! Ah, the power of L Y I N G which Akechi knows well!
"Yes, that's so." Akechi plays along. "However it seems he failed to turn his life around and has gone too far this time. Well, that settles this. Makimura-san must be found and brought to justice."
He turns to the employees, and flashes that winning smile of his, "Now, I understand you have to protect client privacy- but- is this man truly the type of client you want associated with your establishment? Why- his very presence here seems to be a disruption to your clientele. At this point I daresay the law would have no expectation of your gym protecting his privacy."
"Well-" The young woman stumbles over the thought of having another victim, and Akechi's logic. "-things are getting pretty wild around here. And it does sound like it's all his fault."
She looks to the other employees, and none of speak up to try and stop her.
"You didn't hear it from me, but he tried to ask me out for drinks to the Parabellum once-" She looks embarrassed, "He even knew I already had a boyfriend. He's utterly shameless!"
"I see. Well thank you for your cooperation, Miss. I promise we'll be discreet."
Now, would the Second Coming of the Detective Prince ask Maria Sakurai and Umie Akabane with him on a case?
Obviously, he's a consummate little shit stirrer who enjoys the entropy of the fairer sex at work.
"Shall we, ladies?"
MONAD: Maria Sakurai has drawn a new Challenge!
(|=========== Monad - Ulala's Day of Joker: Find the Con Artist! ===========|)
-==== Round 2: Hey Baby, my Spirit Animals are African Big Cats Because I'm 'Lion' to You Right Now. - Challenge Level
3 -
| Approach Options: Guts or Charm |
| Conditions: Annoying - Charm Down L2, Bothersome - Charm Down L1, Box - |
| Add 1 Item/Money/Gear., Mindnumbing - Academics Down L2, Mindnumbing - |
| Academics Down L2, and Scary - Guts Down L1 |
-==== Challenge =============================================================-
It might take a long time, or not very long at all, but you're led to the
Parabellum, the Bar/Weapon's shop where there's a man and woman at the bar.
That's him. Somehow you know immediately.
Portrait of a Terrible Man:
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/megamitensei/images/a/a6/Persona_2_IS_Maki
mura.png/revision/latest?cb=20140514131225
The man has frosted hair and a winning smile that lets him skate through
life on easy street, as he chats with the lady that looks only a few years
shy of forty.
"About the thing I asked about earlier... Were you able to collect enough?"
The Office Lady he's with downs a drink, as if to give her courage, before
turning to give him a hopeful look, "Yeah, I managed the three million you
asked for... I can count on you right?"
He rotates his drink in a slow circle, "Of course... with that I can keep my
research going. I'm guaranteed to become the Vice-President of the Academy
when it succeeds. And just think, you'll be the wife of the Vice-President."
She looks like she's still hesitating, at least until he adds, "I love you
so much..." And her expression melts, "I love you too... Maki-chan. I can't
wait to be your bride."
He's trying to scam his next victim! You can't let this stand right? You
have to interrupt this, but you also have to figure out a way to keep him
from getting so upset he doesn't cooperate- or worse yet, runs off.
Maybe the best way is to convince him that Ulala is going to kill him, and
you're here to help? But- it may be a tough sell.
How do you get him back to the GOLD Gym?
Luckily, fate is on your side, because Youichi Makimura is a consummate
coward, and knows just how scary Ulala can be when she's pissed.
(|=========================================================== Monad 1.1 ====|)
<Pose Tracker> Maria Sakurai has posed.
Akechi wants to try. That's enough for her, Maria decides. "Right!"
Maybe it will even save her, if it comes to that.
Maria stares at Umie, uncomprehending like a bird regarding its reflection in the glass for the first time. She talks about how she had a hard time with Makimura when she dated him, which gets her some sympathy from the other ladies, whereupon Maria realizes that, wait, she knows this woman in the baseball hat--
"U--"
Maria is not /completely brainless. She claps a hand over her own mouth in the nick of time.
"Really?" says Maria, tilting her head to one side. "I liked the time I went on a date at the zoo." There really is a lot of difference between the world of 16 and the world of 20...something.
Still, from the ladies here, two of them are able to get a possible answer. To Aoba!
ONE SUBWAY CONNECTION LATER
"I didn't even recognize you," Maria comments, wrapping up a conversation with Umie as they head into the bar.
Maria, like a kid who's just walked into a candy shop, looks all around herself. "Wowww, so this is what a bar is like... Oh, but you don't drink either, do you, sempai?"
/because it's against the law/, maria/
There are adults here chatting over drinks, but among the hubbub, one particular pair stands out to Maria. She freezes like an antelope on the serengeti, her dark gaze settling on the man of the pair in particular. The description those women gave. It's--
him.
Maria starts forward, her gaze wide and unblinking as she advances on Makimura. He's still talking. He's saying how he'll make her the wife of the Vice-President. The women sighs and utters her sweet sentiments. It's very much something out of a movie or a drama.
"Are you Youichi Makimura?"
She's somewhat on the taller end for a girl, which in Maria's case is 5-foot, 4-inches. He's taller than that. She stares at him unblinking. "You hurt a woman really badly, you know."
And maybe that would have been one thing, if Maria hadn't also picked up a chair from a table on her way over and is currently holding it overhead.
You know, as a threat.
MONAD: Maria Sakurai has acted with Go Loud toward Hey Baby, my Spirit Animals are African Big Cats Because I'm 'Lion' to You Right Now.! Bravery and Focus!
<Pose Tracker> Umie Akabane has posed.
'And then she won't change.' It slipped by Umie when Maria said it, being that she was busy establishing her 'identity'. Akechi's next question, though natural, leaves Umie to pause.
"... Surely it's not like that..." Umie says, grimacing. "... Surely..." Just because Chizuru said so, on TV... it's not like she's seen anything, right? Correction: in Shibuya, Umie's seen nothing.
..... Of course it's happening. When have things *ever* gone right for her?
The rancid feel of those thoughts is pushed away and smoothed over by Akechi just naturally building onto her lie and using it to further seek out the clue.
'Shall we, ladies?' Umie stifles a cackle. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were enjoying this, Akechi-kun." He is, though not in the way Umie suspects.
ONE SUBWAY CONNECTION LATER!!
Umie looks aside to Maria, trying not to preen herself too obviously at Maria's compliment. "<Nice catch> back there. Honestly, I should've worn the wig." Umie sighs. "First I dye my hair, then I wear a wig that's nearly the same color as what I've dyed it from." Such is life.
Like being in a bar, and not drinking! ..... not that Umie is a drinker.
Casting a glance towards Akechi as Maria steps out of ear shot, Umie frowns. "You don't really think finding the guy'd do anything *besides* make things worse, right...?"
Before she can really think, Maria is making her move. "...!" Whether or not this is Youichi Makimura (though Umie's gut certainly says it is), Maria is walking into a potential situation here.
..... And now, so is Umie, casting a smirk over her shoulder towards Akechi as she lifts her cap off, letting her blonde hair settle around her shoulders. "I got an idea..." A little primping, and she's off.
"I told you not to go up to him." Soon enough, Umie joins Maria at her side, giving Makimura a pointed grimace. "He probably has his reasons, for leaving me without a word..."
At 5'1", Umie is slightly shorter that Maria.
She's totally using it to her advantage here.
MONAD: That Approach doesn't match the challenge! MONAD: Umie Akabane has acted with String Theory toward Hey Baby, my Spirit Animals are African Big Cats Because I'm 'Lion' to You Right Now.! Focus and Find!
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
"Haha..." Akechi chuckles awkwardly at Maria's comment, "... well I think it's a splendid setting for a date. Which is why a man such as this can't appreciate it."
Whereas- what Umie indicates, "I certainly hope not. Still, just in case- we ought to hurry."
At Umie's accusation, he manages a small grin, "Perish the thought. After all, a lady's life is very much in danger here."
Okay yes guilty as charged.
That was one interesting subway ride now, wasn't it?
"Not as such... as I'm still underage. I am quite fond of mocktails at an establishment I frequent though. Ah- non-alcoholic versions of popular mixed drinks." He explains to Maria- and it certainly does sound like the way a straight-laced Detective Prince might prepare himself for adulthood... unlike actual teen rebels who just drink underage.
So what then is his Will of Rebellion?
From a distance, at the bar, he observes the man, his gaze becoming sharper as he hears those words- it reminds him uncomfortably much of Shido and his Mother- the idea of a woman being in love with a man, who was merely using her.
Umie asks him an important question, and he gives her a serious look, "To be frank, I think bringing him might allow us access to her without escalating things to the police deciding to take matters into their own hands. If they show up- then Serizawa-san may not make it out of this alive." He imparts grimly- and perhaps Umie can understand well why he thinks this is a distinct possibility.
When Maria stalks up with intent. He doesn't even attempt to stop her. Especially when Umie charges after.
"I do believe this man is about to have the worst day of his life." He murmurs to himself, "A consequence that's been long in coming."
In fact, he decides to let the girls handle this one- while he instead just stands between their position and the door.
If indeed he's as cowardly as he suspects he is, Makimura might just try to run. But he won't get far with him standing there.
MONAD: Goro Akechi has acted with Guts toward Hey Baby, my Spirit Animals are African Big Cats Because I'm 'Lion' to You Right Now.! Base!
(|============================ Monad - Results =============================|) -==== Hey Baby, my Spirit Animals are African Big Cats Because I'm 'Lion' to You Right Now. - Round 2 - Goro Akechi Guts Failure Guts Base Fatigue: 1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Umie Akabane Charm Failure String Theory Focus and Find Fatigue: 0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Maria Sakurai Guts Success Go Loud Bravery and Focus Fatigue: 1 -============================ Party Conditions: =============================- Starting Conditions: Annoying-1, Bothersome-2, Box-0, Mindnumbing-1, Mindnumbing-2, and Scary-2 Final Conditions: Bothersome-1, Mindnumbing-1, and Scary-1 -================================================= Party Result: Failure ====- -==== Reach: 1/6 |= | ===================================================- -==== Loot So Far: ==========================================================- Items: 1, Money: 0, Gear: 1 (|=========================================================== Monad 1.1 ====|)
<Pose Tracker> Maria Sakurai has posed.
"See?" she says, to the world at large as Akechi agrees with her.
It's just that Makimura is not that kind of guy. "Oh..." says Maria. "So he's a jerk."
Worse than her own ex, it seems!
"Ehh?? That's a wig?" Maria gasps, surprised by this latest of revelations from Umie. "Wow... I never would have guessed. I wonder if I should get a wig, then my grandma would stop asking me if I'm going to grow mine out." She pauses, thinking this one though. "Oh, wait, but it wouldn't get long enough overnight, would it..." She sighs. Getting enough wigs of steadily increasing sizes is probably really expensive, too...
"Mocktails... huh, that makes sense. I've heard of those, but I haven't had one, right? Ehehe, I guess, we're not supposed to drink..." she giggles, grinning like a cat who's been caught stealing the milk.
But there's Makimura more urgently, and he has to be corralled.
Fortunately, Maria is here. She's equipped with a bar (well, restaurant) chair. Makimura looks up at the chair, still raised overhead. "Uh," he says.
Maria continues to stare at him, intent. Her arms start to shake.
Into this moment intrudes Umie. Umie, who could easily pass as a high-schooler herself in the moment.
The woman looks at Umie. Then she looks at Maria, brandishing a chair. Then she looks back at Makimura.
"Babe, no, you've got it wrong! I haven't seen her a day in my life! She's trying to get between us," he implores his latest beau-- er, target. "And I don't think I've seen the other one, either--"
This is when Maria, with Akechi watching, hits Youichi Makimura with the chair. He goes down like a lead brick. The woman with him screams and runs for the exit. Maria meanwhile squares up to hit the downed adult man with the chair again.
"Stop!" shouts the gun-loving bartender, who of course hasn't missed this at all, "What are you, a barbarian? Put that down at once, young lady!"
Maria turns towards the gun-loving bartender, chair still overhead. She glances up at it and goes, "Oh, okay." Just like that she sets it back down.
"I'm going to have to ask you to leave, miss. There's no room for these sorts of antics in this establishment."
SOON
The three of them are outside again, plus Makimura. Victory?
MONAD: Umie Akabane has drawn a new Challenge!
(|=========== Monad - Ulala's Day of Joker: Find the Con Artist! ===========|)
-==== Round 3: You Can't Order Me not to Use the Bathroom! - Challenge Level 4 -
| Approach Options: Academics or Proficiency |
| Conditions: Bothersome - Charm Down L1, Ineptitude - Proficiency Down L2, |
| Mindnumbing - Academics Down L2, Reaper - Add 1 Fatigue., Scary - Guts |
| Down L1, and Stupor - Academics Down L1 |
-==== Challenge =============================================================-
One way or another, Makimura is in your protective custody. And he's
quickly getting on everyone's nerves by trying to chat up the guys to
convince them he's the real victim here, whereas he's trying to outright
flirt with the girls despite the situation he's in.
When you try to take him outside though.
"Ah man- nature calls! I'm not going to run away, promise. Just hold on for
a minute then I'll come with you."
Escorting him to the only tiny restroom at the bar, you wait. And wait. And
wait. Until finally someone checks and-
Yep, that window to the alley sure is open. So much for his promises.
Quick! You've gotta figure out where he went! A puddle in the back alley
gives you the advantage of a few tracks to figure out what direction he
went, or you can ask some intelligent questions of passersby about this very
distinct looking man.
(|=========================================================== Monad 1.1 ====|)
<Pose Tracker> Umie Akabane has posed.
"Oh, nono, this is dyed." Umie lifts up a few tendrils of blonde hair, frayed to perfection. "Just that my wig's the same color as my undyed hair." Umie pauses a moment, however, remembering the distorted reflections of Maria's family members in her Kingdom. Maria must really have to deal with a lot of comments like that from her own family members, huh...
"Drinking isn't really all that it's cracked out to be." This word of wisdom from the Adult of this party, the 20 year old who is calling on.... one night of experience. She shrugs. "Mocktails are better, anyway. Aside from the calories, you don't have to worry about having too many." Or worry about the possibility you'd find yourself thinking Mai-chan's prodding excellent inspiration for how to spice up an otherwise boring night.
Akechi, however, would never have to worry about unleashing another side of himself. Or Maria, for that matter, as she..
.... knocks Makimura over with a chair.
Umie has to admit, that was pretty impressive. ER, THAT IS ".... Oh no, that was such a bad idea, don't. Ah, how horrible."
ONE EXPLUSION FROM A BAR LATER
Umie's eyelashes lower, her voice hitching upwards, just so, to indicate a sort of vulnerability as she peers up towards the somewhat conscious Makimura. "I'm so sorry... I mistook you for someone else." She claps her hands in front of her. "Please, let me make it up to you! But we really should get you looked at, too..."
Makimura frowns, unconvinced, given the appearance of Maria right there. "She's... right there."
"I mean, she'll have to file a report, so..." Umie looks up. "Please, I beg you, don't try to get money out of her because she assaulted you! With so many witnesses, she'll have no case against you!"
Maybe it's the head trauma talking, but Makimura... seems to accept this. "I... guess?"
However, a man's heart (and brain) are flighty, and given to flights of indecision.
As they get in front of Wild Duck, Makimura does an impressive pee walk. "... U-uh, so. I really need to use the little boy's room?"
Umie, looking at him from over her shoulder, can't maintain whatever sort of 'identity' she has in the face of such wording. ".... really." How does he get women to fall for him if he's talking like that?!
It's not like people can be amazingly sauve and attractive in personal one to one communication. You know, like that person Umie Akabane made out with sitting on the floor of her own kitchen because he said some nice words to her. _DESPITE BEING AN NWO AGENT_.
ONE PEE BREAK LATER
"..... Nothing says we have to put ourselves in danger for his sake if he gets his ass pummeled by his ex, right?" Umie grumbles, below her breath. "No law against it. None. Absolutely *none*."
<Pose Tracker> Maria Sakurai has posed.
"Ohhh," says Maria, seeing daylight at last. So that's what's up with Umie's hair! And the wig. "Okay!" she smiles back. Question, answered!
Umie, though, does opine that drinking's not all it's cracked up to be. "Huh," says Maria. "Do you think so?"
Even Maria's not about to, er, openly reveal that she might have had a nip or two, underage. it's fiiiine
AND THEN THEY GOT KICKED OUT OF A BAR
Maria, guileless, looks over the wounded Makimura. "You're not dizzy, right?" she asks, as if she hadn't just hit him with a chair. "I think that bump should go down in a few days! Oh, but," and she glances at Akechi, as if she weren't parsing at all the fact that Umie is suggesting that Makimura might want to tag along with them all to press charges against Maria, "we need you! That lady needs you!"
That lady wants to kill him, actually.
"You'll come with us, right?"
Akechi's case may be the better argument.
In any case, they don't get far before Makimura insists that he has to use the gentlemen's room, and it's not like they can go back to the bar. Fortunately, there's a fast food joint here. Maria helps by buying a soda. She ultimately drains it most of the way by the time someone checks on Makimura and finds out he ran away.
"What? He ran away? Just like that?" She frowns. "That wasn't very nice of him. I didn't hit him that hard..."
Investigating the alleyway, she soon finds that there are footprints. "Oh! He went that way!" she points out to the others. "I bet I could be a good detective." Pause. "Oh, I bet if I start running, I can catch up!" ...It's been minutes, he could be anywhere.
Too late, Maria's already doing stretches.
MONAD: Maria Sakurai has acted with Warm-Up Stretches toward You Can't Order Me not to Use the Bathroom!! Specialty!
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
"Marvelous form." Akechi murmurs to himself as Maria hits him with the steel chair and as the gun-loving bartender calls them out, Akechi steps forward. "We'll just show ourselves out."
Umie and Maria keep pressing, trying to feed him a story- before, Akechi plays on his cowardice, using his best boy next door interview voice, "You're a popular man today. It's not every man who earns the attention of two beautiful women- haha-"
It's a small chuckle, because he's fondly remembering the steel chair, "Now I'd ask that you don't do anything foolish- you see, Ulala Serizawa is looking to take your life for your misdeeds."
It's not exactly fully a lie! It's just also not entirely the truth. They don't know that for sure.
"Now, the police don't believe a protection detail is warranted, but on my honor as a Detective, you have my word that I'll prevent her from ending your life."
Injure? Maim? Well- he never promised that! Just that he won't let her kill him.
He asks to go to the little boy's room though, and Akechi stares at him, "Mm-hm. I'll remind you to not do anything foolish-"
Cut to VERY SHORTLY after.
This is the face Akechi is making: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/638807528437980158/
"-why do I even bother saying anything." As he glances aside at Umie, "Yes, if she kills him now- I'd say it's his own fault for escaping our custody."
Maria though says he didn't even hit him that hard and Akechi sweatdrops, "Ah Sakurai-san. If I ever upset you, please let me know so I can make amends."
For no reason. No reason whatsoever.
Akechi examines the bathroom- the open window, the side street. "I'm going to go see if I can find an eye witness as to which way he was heading."
But at the alleyway! "Sakurai-san wai-" He marvels, like startled at the display before him as she just tears off, with the speed of a track star, "-well- I have her number, so I'll call her before she gets up halfway up Katatsumuri." He asides to Umie."
SHORTLY AFTER ON STREET LEVEL
"You don't say. He really said he'd be dating you a few years from now?" Akechi says, grinding his teeth, as he speaks to a twelve year old still in her school uniform. Who shrugs, and says. "Yeah, but he's way too old. Like- ew. Plus guys like that aren't my type."
"Haha... I'm glad to hear you say that. And which way was he headed?"
"Well I can tell you- but before you go... Could I have your autograph?"
"Of course- let me just get out my pen."
Should Akechi succeed with his investigative technique, he might glance Makimura trying to melt into a crowd, and lock eyes with him.
Kill Bill Ironside Siren - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOy6hqzfsAs
When of course- he runs after that, he continues at a leisurely gait, like a persistence predator slowly stalking his prey.
Of course- Makimura is very cunning prey.
MONAD: Goro Akechi has acted with Warning Shot toward You Can't Order Me not to Use the Bathroom!! Specialty! MONAD: Umie Akabane has acted with Academics toward You Can't Order Me not to Use the Bathroom!! Base! (|============================ Monad - Results =============================|) -==== You Can't Order Me not to Use the Bathroom! - Round 3 =================- Goro Akechi Proficiency Failure Warning Shot Specialty Fatigue: 3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Umie Akabane Academics Failure Academics Base Fatigue: 2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Maria Sakurai Proficiency Failure Warm-Up Stretches Specialty Fatigue: 3 -============================ Party Conditions: =============================- Starting Conditions: Bothersome-1, Ineptitude-2, Mindnumbing-1, Reaper-0, Scary-1, and Stupor-2 Final Conditions: Ineptitude-1 and Stupor-1 -================================================= Party Result: Failure ====- -==== Reach: 1/6 |= | ===================================================- -==== Loot So Far: ==========================================================- Items: 1, Money: 0, Gear: 1 (|=========================================================== Monad 1.1 ====|)
<Pose Tracker> Umie Akabane has posed.
If there is something slightly more alluring to the idea of women being interested in Makimura, it's someone who, being rather well-liked and charming to ladies himself, is acknowledging Makimura's clear advantage here. "Well, you know how it is!" Makimura says...
... as if he and Akechi were ever one and the same.
But even that won't be enough to appease the man. Akechi may be an honorable detective (after all, he plays one on TV!), again, Maria is *right* there, and she *did* hit him with a metal chair.
Umie'd never do that.
Maria is not only useful with chairs, she's also an excellent runner, as demonstrated...
SHORTLY AFTER IN THE ALLEYWAY!
"You'd think she'd stop?" Umie looks to Akechi... and ponders. "Actually. you know what... she probably would." An Akechi text is an Akechi text, after all.
SHORTLY AFTER ON STREET LEVEL
Akechi catches a glimpse of Makimura trying to blend into the crowd.
It's glimpse that the little girl is none the wiser of, and honestly? Good for her. "..... Ohoh! Could you sign this for my best friend? She watches all your TV appearances. She's your biggest fan!!" Alas, how can you say no to such a sweet smile, Akechi? Especially after she had to deal with the idea that she'll soon enough be considered prey for men like Makimura... if not already.
There really is no bottom to this pit, is there?
MONAD: Goro Akechi has drawn a new Challenge!
(|=========== Monad - Ulala's Day of Joker: Find the Con Artist! ===========|)
-==== Round 4: The Moon is Beautiful Isn't It? I'm so Happy I Could Dine and Dash - Challenge Level 4 -
| Approach Options: Proficiency or Understanding |
| Conditions: Hard - Understanding Down L1, Ineptitude - Proficiency Down |
| L2, Ineptitude - Proficiency Down L2, Reaper - Add 1 Fatigue., and Stupor |
| - Academics Down L1 |
-==== Challenge =============================================================-
It takes a while to find him, but Makimura's left quite a trail. You find
yourself ultimately outside the Clair De Lune, a fancy restaurant in Narumi
Ward, Sumaru City. A restaurant now, at a place like this?
You quickly spot him once you enter. He's at a table with another woman.
"I'm so glad you were able to get here in time for our date, even in spite
of that terrible traffic jam," the woman gushes, all lovey-dovey.
Oh no. Another one!
"As am I," Makimura says smoothly, all charm and smiles. Then he frowns,
straightens, and pats himself down. "--My wallet! Oh no, I must have left it
at home... My apologies, darling, but could you cover tonight? I'll pay you
back as soon as I get home..."
You can see his wallet on him. /It's right there/. One option clearly is to
just take it from him and show her. The other, well, surely you have enough
evidence by now to point out what sort of man he is.
Be careful! This is the upscale side of town. It'd be very easy for your
actions to be misinterpreted.
(|=========================================================== Monad 1.1 ====|)
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
Akechi looks to Umie as she asks 'You'd think she'd stop?' and raises an eyebrow. Then smiles and nods after. "Yes I suspect you're right."
-=-=-
And then Akechi gets accosted by a fan. "Of course I-"
"Wait- that guy over there? Isn't that Goro Akechi!?"
"No way! It's Akechi-kun!"
He's gonna be here for a while. This is only right and just - to punish him for his arrogance.
SEVERAL DOZEN SIGNATURES LATER
Akechi picks up his phone and calls Umie and Maria one by one. "I believe I saw Makimura-san making a break for the train station. Given which station it is- I believe he's headed to the Narumi Ward. Shall we go check it out for ourselves?"
Now if Makimura were smart, he'd keep riding- but- the Narumi ward is what is known as a 'target rich environment' for a man like him.
They find him at the Clair De Lune at of course, a table with a a rich ingenue-
"I'm so glad you were able to get here in time for our date, even in spite of that terrible traffic jam," the woman gushes, all lovey-dovey.
Oh no. Another one!
"As am I," Makimura says smoothly, all charm and smiles. Then he frowns, straightens, and pats himself down. "--My wallet! Oh no, I must have left it at home... My apologies, darling, but could you cover tonight? I'll pay you back as soon as I get home..."
Akechi looks sideways to Maria and Umie- "How unsurprising. I have an idea- but first, I have to-"
The Maitre'd, Garcon Soejima- clears his throat. "Ahem. Do you have a reservation?"
What Akechi doesn't get a chance to say is that he needed to distract the Maitre'd. "Ah beg pardon, my name is Goro Akechi, perhaps you've heard of me?" "Ah! Oui! The Boy Detective-"
Well, at least he's now distracted enough that Maria and Umie can approach- but how are they going to manage that?
<Pose Tracker> Umie Akabane has posed.
Where was Umie during Akechi's hour of need?
"*pant* *pant* *pant*..." Outside of a supernaturally enabled area, Umie is not a runner.
She's just about to haul out her phone to text Maria and Akechi when the latter beats her to the punch. Taking a moment to still her breathing, she answers, like she hadn't tried to run after a man and then get lost.
..... the streets sure look real different when there's lots of people on them...
A CLAIR DE LUNE LATER
"... He wastes no time," Umie grumbles behind the two. "His wallet's right there, even... He's really shameless. Akechi-kun--"
Ah, the curse of fame. But thankfully, this was a part of the plan.
Umie notably tries to act first, before Maria can.
If there's one thing the Badb and the blonde are incredibly skilled at, it's pointing their finger at someone and reciting their doom.
"... I can't believe you left me alone on that train platform... I confessed and everything..." She clasps a apricot nailed hand over her mouth. "... You... you should have told me you wanted the relationship to be open... I'm sure my parents will understand. They *did* like you..."
MONAD: Umie Akabane has acted with Can you do this? toward The Moon is Beautiful Isn't It? I'm so Happy I Could Dine and Dash! Specialty!
<Pose Tracker> Maria Sakurai has posed.
Maria gives chase!
Indeed, there she goes... She certainly used to be a track star.
Is sometimes one given to wonder how Maria has survived this long, living like this? It's a valid question.
At least she does eventually answer her phone. "I couldn't find him," she chirps, as if she hadn't just run a distance in her school uniform of all things.
There's a pause, as Akechi, once he's free of his fan club swarm, provides her with some useful information. "Really! Narumi? That's for rich people," she says. "I'll meet you there!"
But where would a man escaping a couple of teenagers and an Umie go in Narumi Ward? Is there somewhere safe from frightning children (and one young adult)? Apparently, the answer is 'meeting his date at a fancy restaurant'.
Even Maria takes a moment to just stare at him at the table. "Wow. Adults are strange, huh," she whispers, peering at Makimura and his date. "His wallet's right there!"
First, though, they have to lose the Maitre'd. This is where Akechi fits in! And secondly... Maria looks at Umie. Who is pointing at Makimura and continuing her act from before. Maria tilts her head to one side.
"...Picking a pocket is like picking a lock, right...?" says Maria, who is barely a level one Rogue, as these things go.
BUT NEVERTHELESS
She stretches out her hands, cracking her fingers, and rolling her shoulders. While the Maitre'd and Makimura are both distracted, then! ...Maria moves in for the kill. Which is to say, she tries to steal Makimura's wallet right out of his pants pocket.
MONAD: Maria Sakurai has acted with Warm-Up Stretches toward The Moon is Beautiful Isn't It? I'm so Happy I Could Dine and Dash! Specialty! MONAD: Goro Akechi has acted with Warning Shot toward The Moon is Beautiful Isn't It? I'm so Happy I Could Dine and Dash! Specialty! (|============================ Monad - Results =============================|) -==== The Moon is Beautiful Isn't It? I'm so Happy I Could Dine and Dash - Round 4 - Goro Akechi Proficiency Success Warning Shot Specialty Fatigue: 4 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Umie Akabane Proficiency Failure Can you do this? Specialty Fatigue: 4 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Maria Sakurai Proficiency Success Warm-Up Stretches Specialty Fatigue: 4 -============================ Party Conditions: =============================- Starting Conditions: Hard-2, Ineptitude-1, Ineptitude-2, Reaper-0, and Stupor-1 Final Conditions: Hard-1 and Ineptitude-1 -================================================= Party Result: Failure ====- -==== Reach: 1/6 |= | ===================================================- -==== Loot So Far: ==========================================================- Items: 1, Money: 0, Gear: 1 (|=========================================================== Monad 1.1 ====|)
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
"Really? I'm shocked. You took off after him so quickly." Was Akechi's response to Maria saying she couldn't find him...
NOW
Makimura freezes at Umie's entrance, while the woman with him looks confused, "Maki-chan. Who is this woman?" Makimura, used to thinking on his feet clears his throat and says, "Look- I told you about my crazy obsessive Ex right? That's her- she's been stalking me everywhere."
He looks towards Umie, and tries to say firmly, "Babe, I told you. It's over. We haven't been together for over a year now."
Meanwhile, Maria gets his wallet, and holds it up, as the woman gawks suspiciously, "Isn't that your wallet?" Makimura seems panicked for a moment, "Did you pick my pocket at the station or something!? These chicks are crazy! I'm calling the cops-!" Which is when Goro Akechi grabs a chair and hauls it up right beside him, plopping down.
"Ma'am, I'm afraid that this man is a consummate scam artist. If you'll just call this number later- I'll explain everything, you have my word."
As he holds out a business card with both hands, before turning to Makimura sliding a hand to his side. "Now then, let's have a chat." The man freezes, because there's something cold and metallic poking into his side.
It just so happens to be a spoon he purloined off the table, but he doesn't need to know that.
"A-Alright! Alright you got me! She's just- she's a demon when she's mad, man! Look you're a guy too right? Can't you give me a break-hrk!"
That's the sound he makes as the woman who's with him throws a tea saucer at his face. "I can't believe I trusted you! You- you lech!" Who then begins to storm out as he massages his cheek and calls, "Babe wait!"
Garcon Soejima clears his throat. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask all of you to leave. You're disturbing the other guests."
Akechi looks sheepish, "I'm sorry for the inconvenience, sir. Sakurai-san, why don't you see to the bill, before we go?" "That's my money!" Makimura protests. "Oui- and it was also your meal." Garcon Soejima notes, as Makimura sighs.
PLACES THEY HAVE BEEN THROWN OUT OF: 2
MONAD: Umie Akabane has drawn a new Challenge!
(|=========== Monad - Ulala's Day of Joker: Find the Con Artist! ===========|)
-==== Round 5: Panty Raids!? In MY Gym? - Challenge Level 4 =================-
| Approach Options: Guts or Understanding |
| Conditions: Boss - Add 1 Fatigue on failure., Chest - Add 2 |
| Item/Money/Gear., Hard - Understanding Down L1, Ineptitude - Proficiency |
| Down L2, Scary - Guts Down L1, and Stony - Understanding Down L2 |
-==== Challenge =============================================================-
You finally got this fraudster back to the GOLD Gym. But there's one
problem. No matter what you say to Ulala behind the door, all you hear is
laughing! This is getting really bad.
The employees mention that there's a key to the room, but they don't have
it. They think one of the female employees had it last, but she's not on
today.
To the woman's locker room you go! There's only one problem.
There's currently a panty thief digging through her locker, holding up a
pair of her unmentionables in absentia.
As he sees himself caught, he has a deer in the headlights look in his eyes,
before sputtering out. "H-Hey it's not what it looks like."
It's exactly what it looks like. The key might still be in the locker, but
do you really want to take the chance that a guy who breaks into private
places wouldn't take the opportunity to grab a key?
He's trying to make a break for it. You can already see that in his eyes.
And if he gets out of the Locker Room or manages to call for help, he can
spin it any way he wants!!
You can either deal with this by force, or you can let it slide, in exchange
for the peaceful handover of the key.
(|=========================================================== Monad 1.1 ====|)
MONAD: Goro Akechi has acted with Guts toward Panty Raids!? In MY Gym?! Base!
MONAD: Umie Akabane has acted with Bird's Eye View toward Panty Raids!? In MY Gym?! Automap!
MONAD: Maria Sakurai has acted with Go Loud toward Panty Raids!? In MY Gym?! Bravery and Focus!
(|============================ Monad - Results =============================|)
-==== Panty Raids!? In MY Gym? - Round 5 ====================================-
Goro Akechi Guts Failure
Guts Base Fatigue: 6
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Umie Akabane Guts Failure
Bird's Eye View Automap Fatigue: 6
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maria Sakurai Guts Success
Go Loud Bravery and Focus Fatigue: 4
-============================ Party Conditions: =============================-
Starting Conditions: Boss-0, Chest-0, Hard-1, Ineptitude-1, Scary-2, and
Stony-2
Final Conditions: Scary-1 and Stony-1
-================================================= Party Result: Failure ====-
-==== Reach: 1/6 |= | ===================================================-
-==== Loot So Far: ==========================================================-
Items: 1, Money: 1, Gear: 2
(|=========================================================== Monad 1.1 ====|)
(|=========== Monad - Ulala's Day of Joker: Find the Con Artist! ===========|)
-==== Round 6: Is That the Mafia or is Ulala Just Happy To See Me? - Challenge Level 1 -
| Approach Options: None |
| Conditions: Withdraw - Complication ensues. |
-==== Challenge =============================================================-
You get the key!
This day has been incredibly exhausting. Not only have things gone wrong at
every turn trying to keep this guy in check, but you're worried a police
report or two may have been filed against /you/. You're completely wiped
out, but you at least have the means to reach Ulala.
"H-Hey I'm not going in there." Makimura asks nervously as you get closer to
the door. "It's obvious you can't protect me from her! She's a real demon
when she's mad!"
Makimura tries to make a run for it. You're going to have to physically
restrain him and take him downstairs. "Help! Murder! MURDER! SOMEBODY CALL
THE COPS! Please- please I can't go in there! My face is my livelihood man!
Have mercy!"
There's a strange moment wherein you see four foreign men wearing changshans
walk in, spy this scene, before then standing by, milling about in the
lobby. Are they onlookers? Or something else? Odd... there's no time to look
into it.
The door opens to the gym Ulala has barricaded herself into unlocks, and
after some brute force- the barricaded objects part.
Which is when that horrible feeling arises. That tinnitus in your ears, the
pounding of a hideous heartbeat. The world flashes into a photonegative,
everything just feels wrong.
And there Ulala is, in her green dress, covered in spiderwebs, hunched in
the corner, facing away, trembling. Do her hands look... paler?
Whatever is going on- a sense of dread hits you. Something bad is about to
happen, and you're not sure you're prepared to face it.
TO BE CONTINUED
OOC Note: Receiving this card means you start the fight with the Critical
Down effect. If you'd like to investigate the men in the changshans that are
spying on you, please submit a request to staff.
Final Loot: 1 Item, 1 boxes of Money, and 2 Pieces of Gear!
(|=========================================================== Monad 1.1 ====|)
<Pose Tracker> Umie Akabane has posed.
'Picking a pocket is like picking a lock, right...?'
"A lock is just a barrier with a cheat called a key?" Umie says automatically, the more experienced one compared to Maria, as she glances at Akechi, who is more experienced than the two of them together.
ONE SERIES OF TERRIBLE ADVENTURES LATER
Ulala is laughing. They went all around the ward tracking this slimeball of a human being, and she's *laughing*.
".... well at least one of us seems to be having fun." Umie's given up on her glasses, shakily collapsing them down and shoving them in a pocket. ".... Akechi-kun, you'll be able to handle any reports against us, right?"
ha ha ha she's not a minor, EVERYTHING MAY GET PUT ON HER RECORD
Except.
Umie feels it, in the air. Something that burrows behind her teeth and sticks of ichorous decay. She sways slightly, placing a hand to her temple.
No, no, this isn't great at all. Maria can't be drawn into another conflict. And with those familiar men in changshans lurking about...
".... Akechi-kun. Could you escort Sakurai-san out?"
.... is what she barely gets out, before Ulala enters, and shows them all that this is no laughing matter.
<Pose Tracker> Goro Akechi has posed.
The fact that she's laughing, Akechi if anything looks disturbed, as he puts a hand upon his chin, contemplating the matter. "We may be out of time..." He says, gravely.
"Given that I caught him in the commission of several felonies-" (Yes that meal was large enough to be felonious-! The amount matters!) "-it would ordinarily be a simple matter. Unfortunately we're dealing with Sumaru City's finest." Akechi sighs, "Yes, I'll take care of it."
He's going to get chewed out by Sae later, he knows it.
However, that's when he catches a glimpse of the men in changshans. Akechi's eyes narrow. "Yes I believe that would be prudent... this way-"
ULALA'D
TO BE CONCLUDED